Gangst

ersI
nlov
e

Chapt
er1

Tothi
nkwhatI
'
vebeent
hroughy
ouwi
l
lwonderhowIcompl
etedmyComput
erSci
encedegr
ee
atUKZN.

Part
yingandtogocl
ubsli
keIknewi
tallmyl
if
ebutIwasdoi
ngmyschoolwor
kver
ycar
eful
and
wil
l
ingly.I
'
m ari
skt
akerbr
aveandali
tt
leofal
oosecannont
ypeofaper
son.

Myupbr
ingi
ngwasnormalwewerenotpoorbutnotrichei
ther
.IwassohappywhenIr
ecei
ved
aSMSthatsay"
congr
atul
ati
onsMsNMazi bukograduati
onvenue.
..
."

WhenIsawt
hewor
dcongr
atul
ati
onsIknewImadei
t.
..
..
..
.

Mom :
"I'
m happyf
ory
oumyl
i
ttl
epr
incess"

Me:
"Thanksmommy
!"

Iwassohappytomakemymom proudofmeev
ent
houghshedi
dn'
ttr
ustmeatal
lokayshe
di
dn'
tsaysobutIknewi
nherdeept
hought
s.

Okaymynamei sNompendul
oMazibukoli
ghteri
ncompl
exionwi
thdarkupperli
pandali
tt
lebi
t
ofpi
nkinthel
owerli
pbutdar
konthesidesbigeyesI
'
m notsmal
lnotbigei
therandl
it
tl
ebig
nosebutmynosefi
tsper
fect
lyi
nmyf aceandI'
m 26y
ear

Iwasbor nandbredinEmakhol weniObanj

eniMtunzini
inKwaZulu-
Natal
.Mylowerandhigher
gradeIcompletedthem atObanjeni
PrimarySchoolandHlakani
phani
HighSchool
.Iwentto
enrolatUkznforComput erSci
ence(
famouslyknownasI T)
.

Ihavetwobestfri
endsokayIknowi t
sawkwar dnormalpeoplehaveonebestfri
endbutt
he
threeofusarenotnormal.Iconf
idei
nbothIlovethem.Threeofusmeanst roubl
e.Whenwe
completedathi
ghschool eachofushasdreamssodr eamscant akeyoueverywher
e.We
promisedtokeepintouchandupdateeachother.

Meandmyf
ri
endsokayme

Sponsor
ed

eachofushasdreamssodr
eamscant
akey
ouev
ery
wher
e.Wepr
omi
sedt
okeepi
ntouchand
updat
eeachother
.

Meandmyf riendsokaymeThabi
thaMthembuandNokwethembaGumede.The"No-Tha-
No"
thatmeanttroublewhenwer
eathighschool
.Ir
emembertheotherdaywehadtobeatsome
othergi
rlbecauseshewasseenspeaki
ngwithNokwe'
sboyfr
iendthatt
imewer
eatgrade9.
Thr
eeofuswasbr
ighti
nhi
ghschool
.

Il
ovedComputerSci
enceThabi
lov
edEconomicsandNokwelovedAccount
ing.Iwentt
oUKZN
Thabiwentt
oUCTandNokwewant edUJbutherpar
ent
sfor
biddenhersowewentt oUkznt
he
bothofus.

Tohavefr
iendsthatsuppor
tyouev
eni
nbadt
imesandt
ell
yout
het
rut
hev
eny
oudon'
twantt
o.
Thosear
et haty
oumustkeep.

I'
vebeenstruggli
ngtogetaj obaftersoIdecidedt ogohomef oraweekmay bejusttocl
earmy
headalit
tl
e.Somet i
mesi thurt
st oseey oupeersar oundt henei
ghbourhoodbutyonkei
nto
i
neskhathisayo.Ist
ruggl
edi nthat4y earsst
udyingandI ’
m sti
ll
str
uggli
ngtogetajob.Thi
s
countr
yhashi ghpercent
ageofy outhunempl oyment .I
t’
shardtoaskformoneywheny ousti
l
lin
schoolandstil
laskformoneywheny ouaregraduat e.Granny:Awuvukengekeulal
ekuze
kushoneil
anga(wakeupy ouwon' tsleepthewhol eday )

Thabi
:"Okayt
hej
obi
sherei
nCapeTownUr
gIf
orgotI
'
m athomeandi
fdon'
twakeupshewi
l
l
beonyourcaset
hewhol
eday.

Gr
anny
:"Yourbr
eakf
asti
sint
hemi
crowav
e"

Mygr andmotheri
sThembekileXul
uwhowasbornandbredher
eatObanj
eni.Sheismyfat
her
's
mother.MyfatherpassedawaywhenIwas5year
sold.Ihav
easist
erwhoisoldthanmeand
hernamei sNontuthukoMazi
buko.

Nont
u:"
Igotaj
ob"

Me:
"Wow!I
'
m happyf
ory
oumt
ase"

Granny
:"Pr
aiseGod!
"assheenter
edint
hekit
chen.Mygr
andmaandmom ar
eChr
ist
iansowear
butmysist
erandIdon'
tgotochurchmoreof
ten.

Nont
u:"
Igott
hej
obi
nJo'
bur
g"

Si
l
ence

Granny
:"Ihopeyouwi
llcometovi
sit
susdon'
tyouev
ert
hinky
ouwi
l
lgoandnev
erl
ookbackI
'
ll
comemy selft
odragy
out her
e"

Webur
sti
nlaughbecausesheal
way
sthi
nkst
hebadt
hingst
hatcanhappen.

Il
ovehersomuch.

Beingrai
sedbywomenmakesy oulear
nthemosti
mport
antandpowerf
ulthi
ngsinl
i
fe.My
grandmaandmymot herar
ethestr
ongwomenIknow.Theytaughtusr
espectl
ovei
mport
antof
famil
yindependent
.
MyIwasr aisedmygr andmabecausemymot herwaswor ki
ngsofarf r
om homesoIknowhow
todoal lt
hehousechor es.Mymot herisNontokozoNdl ov
ubor nandbr edher
e.Sheworksat
Jo'burgasatCl eaneratKKAni mals.KKAnimal isacompanyt hatisfocusedonAgri
cul
tural
productsandst uff.Shetookcareofuswi t
hev eryt
hingshehad.Lordknowshi m muchIlove
her.Beingthelastchildisgreatbutallt
hefocusisony oubecauseev eryonet
hinksy
outoo
spoiledtosoany thingbyy our
selfbutIwon'
tmi ndI'
llt
akecareofmy self.

Justtothi
nkIwasaprobl
em chi
l
dbackthenbutnowI
'
m awomanwhoi
sresponsi
bleandwho
i
swi l
l
ingtotakecar
eofherf
amilyandt
akecar
eofher
sel
f.

Chapt
er2

Thabi
:Mngani
(fr
iend)

Me:
“Heyf
ri
end”i
nasl
eepyv
oice

Thabi
:“I
'
m sor
ryt
owakey
ouupIcancal
lanot
hert
ime”

Me:
“It
sfi
nef
ri
end”

Thabi
:“Ihav
esomegoodnewsf
ory
ou”

Me:
“Okay
”

Thabi
:“Andi
l
egoty
ouanI
Tjob.Hesay
sitwi
l
llt
akesi
x..
..
”

Me:
“Yeeeeeeeest
hanksf
ri
end!
”Iscr
eamed.

Me:
“It
’sokayf
ri
endI
'
llt
aket
hej
ob”Iwassohappy

Thabi
:“Sendy
ourdocument
sonmyemai
lnow.Imustgof
ri
end”

Shehungupaf
ter
.Iwassmi
l
ing.

Andi
l
eDlami
nii
sThabi
tha'
sboy
fri
end.Theyhav
ebeent
oget
herf
or3y
ear
snow.Andi
l
ehasa
company

cal
ledDlamini
Att
orney
s.Hei
sal
awy
erbypr
ofessi
onandThabi
thai
sEconomi
stper
fect
combinati
on.

Weoncemethi
m atDur
bani
twasThabi
tha'
sbi
rt
hdaysot
heycel
ebr
atedherbi
rt
hdaywi
th
us(
me

andNokwe)
.Hespoi
l
sherandshei
shappywi
thhi
m.

Imustcal
lmyboy
fri
endandt
ell
himt
hegoodnews
Hi
m:“
Babe”

Me:
“Heyst
handwahowar
eyou?
”

Hi
m:“
I'
m goodbabeandhowar
eyou?
”

Me:
“I'
m goodt
oo.Imustt
ell
yousomet
hing”

Hi
m:“
Okay
”

Me:
“Igotaj
obatCapet
own;
itwi
l
lbe6mont
hsaf
tert
hatI
'
llcomeback”

Hi
m:“
Okay
.I'
m happyf
ory
ou”

That
'sabi
tcol
d

Hi
m:“
ImustgoI
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
”hungupaf
ter

Idon’
tunder
standhi
m somet
imes.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--

Ideci
dedt
ogot
oDur
bant
ogetmycl
othesi
nmyf
lat
.It
’snotmyf
latweshar
ethef
latwi
th
Nokwe.

Sheisnotst
ayi
ngt
her
ebecauseshei
sdoi
ngi
n-ser
vicei
nJo'
bur
g.Shecal
l
edmey
est
erdayand
It
old

heraboutCapeTown.

Idecidedt
ogot
othegy
mthef
ir
stf
ort
hreeweeksbef
oreIgot
oCapet
ownImi
ghtf
indmy
soulmate

theresoImustl
ookgoodwhenI'
mt her
e.At6:
00am Iwokeupandpreparet
ogot othegym
Virgi
nActi
veatt
heWorkshop.Af
ter15minut
esIwasthereandst
art
edt oworkup.WhenIwas
doneand

gotupImi
ssedt
hest
epandIhur
tmyankl
e..
.

"
Sor
rysi
si"someonesai
daf
tercaughtmet
het
imeIwasaboutt
ofal
l

I
ttheguywhocaughtme.

Guy
:“Whathappened?
”

Me:
“Imi
ssedast
epandhur
tmyankl
e”

Iexpl
ainedwhathappened
TheGuy
:“Sor
ryl
etmehel
pyout
ost
ret
chy
ourankl
e”

Me:
It'
sfi
ne

TheGuy
:“Ii
nsi
stcomeher
etosi
tont
hebench

Sponsor
ed

Imi
ssedt
hest
epandIhur
tmyankl
e..
.

"
Sor
rysi
si"someonesai
daf
tercaughtmet
het
imeIwasaboutt
ofal
l

I
ttheguywhocaughtme.

Guy
:“Whathappened?
”

Me:
“Imi
ssedast
epandhur
tmyankl
e”

Iexpl
ainedwhathappened

TheGuy
:“Sor
ryl
etmehel
pyout
ost
ret
chy
ourankl
e”

Me:
It'
sfi
ne

TheGuy
:“Ii
nsi
stcomeher
etosi
tont
hebenchI
'
llhel
pyou”

Theguyt
aki
ngmyf
ootandi
tsl
andedonhi
slap.Het
ookoft
akki
esIwaswear
ingandsock.

Me:
"Okay
"

Hemassagedmyankl
eandi
tfeel
sbet
ternow.Hi
shandsar
ewar
m andt
heyar
eper
fectf
ort
his
ki
nd

oft
hings

Me:
“Thanky
ou”

It
ookmyf
ootof
ffr
om hi
slap.

TheGuy
:“I
'
m Samkel
oandy
ouar
e?”

Me:
“I'
m Nompendul
o”

Awkwar
dmomentIdon'
tknowhi
m.

Me:“Thanky
ousomuchf
orst
ret
chi
ngmyankl
e.Isayget
ti
ngupr
eadyt
ogobutIwasl
i
mpi
ng
and

Ci
tyLi
fewasf
arawaywi
tht
hisl
i
mpi
ngandsor
eankl
ebutImustgo”
Samkel
o:“
Wher
edoy
oust
ay?
”

Me:
“Ci
tyLi
feSmi
thst
reet
”Hei
slooki
ngmewi
thoneey
ebr
owr
aised

WhyI
'
mtel
l
inghi
m wher
eIst
aywhati
fhest
eal
sme

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
takey
out
her
eyoucan'
twal
kli
ket
hi.
..
.”

Me:
Icanwal
k

Samkel
o:“
Stopbei
ngst
ubbor
nIwi
l
ltakey
out
her
e”

Me:
“Okay
..
.”

Wewalkt
othepar
kingl
otshest
andsnextt
obl
ackJaguarXF.Heopenst
hedooratpassenger
si
tisi
t

andhecl
oset
hedoorandhegett
othedr
iver
'ssi
tandst
art
sthecar
.Isayt
hequi
ckpr
ayeri
n
mymind

i
ncaset
hisSamkel
oguyki
l
lsmeandbur
ymesomewher
eIdon'
tknow.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Nompendul
owhatabeaut
if
ulname”

Iwast
hinki
nghar
dimagi
ningmy
sel
fly
ingt
her
eandmyf
ami
l
ydon'
tknowwher
eIam.
..

Me:
“Ni
cecarhey
”Iwasl
ooki
ngar
oundt
hecar

Samkel
o:“
Thanky
ou”

Si
l
ence

Samkel
o:“
Ngi
cel
aungi
phai
numbery
akho(
canIpl
easehav
eyournumber
)”

Me:
“Why
?”

Samkel
o:“
Sot
hatwecanbegy
mmat
es”

Me:
“No”

Hepar
ksi
nfr
ontofmyf
lat
'
sbui
l
dingandhel
ockst
hedoor
s.

Me:
“Whatnow?
”

Samkel
o:“
Yournumberpl
ease”hesay
swi
thasmi
l
elooki
ng*

Fat
herGod!

Me:
“Pl
easeunl
ockt
hedoor
”Isayi
nani
rr
it
atedv
oice.Thi
sguywi
l
lbedeadofme
Iwi
shIcansl
aphi
sfacer
ightnow.West
ayedt
he15mi
nut
esi
nhi
scarf
orsai
dnot
ohi
m about
me

gi
vi
nghi
m mynumber
.Af
ter30mi
nut
esIdeci
dedt
ogi
vehi
m mynumberbecauseIwant
edt
o
goto

t
akeabat
h.

Samkelo:
“Thanky
ouNkosazana(
pri
ncess)
”hesay
swi
tht
hebi
gsmi
l
eonhi
sfaceHeunl
ocked
thedoor

andIst
art
edt
owal
kwhenIsawaboutt
oent
eri
nthebui
l
dinghedr
oveof
f.Ishookmyhead.

WhenIent
eredi
nmyr
oom Ir
ecei
vedacal
ltoanunknownnumber
..
..

"
Heyi
tmeSamkel
o"

"
OkaySamkel
o"

"
Hav
eawonder
ful
daynkosazana"

"
Okay
"Ihungupaf
ter
.

Thi
sguyi
s..
..
..
Iwentt
otakeabat
h.

He'scut
ewi
thl
i
ghtcompl
exi
onandhehasmuscl
e(i
sgor
a)butnott
oomuch.He'
ssexywi
tha
deep

voi
ceandhehasbeaut
if
ult
eet
h.Hi
shandsar
ewar
m andgent
le.WhyI
'
mthi
nki
ngabouthi
m
because

Ihav
eaboy
fri
end.
..
..
..
..
.

Iwentoutt
odosomel
i
ttl
ethi
ngsbef
oreIgot
oCapeTown.Samkel
okeepcr
ossi
ngmymi
ndI
don'
t

knowwhyI
'
mthi
nki
ngabouthi
m may
behei
saser
ial
kil
l
erwhoki
l
lwomenandt
akebodypar
ts
and

makemedi
cinef
orweal
thy
.Nowonderhedr
ivesJaguarXF.

Chapt
er3

Il
astspoketomyboyfr
iendl
astweekwhenItol
dhimthegreatnewsbuthewasn' thappyatal
l
butIt
hinki
t’
sbecauseofmegoingfarawayf
rom hi
m.Letmeintroducehim.Hisnamei s
Lul
onkeMkhwanazihe'
s28yearsol
dandheisstudyi
ngthr
oughUni sabutheisworkingatMr
Pri
ceatEshowe.He’ sfrom Mt unzi
ni Emoy eniandhel i
v eswithhispar entsathome.Hel oves
mesomuchandwest ar tedt odate5y earsago.He' sspoi l
ingmewi thpresentsbir
thdayornot
Val
entine'sdayornothespoi lsme.He' st heonewhobr okemyv irgini
ty4y ear
sago.Hedeci ded
tofur
therhi sstudiesthroughUni sabecausehei swor kingsoUni sawast hebestdecision.Our
l
oveisst r
ongi ndespit
eofev eryt
hingt hathashappenedbet weenus.Hecheat edIdon' tknow
howmanyt i
mesIusedt ocr ywhenIf oundoutt hathei scheati
ng.Wedeci dedthatIhadt o
comeandv i
sithim atEmoy eni andIwi llnotgohome.Todayi t’
sFr i
dayIwentt oDur banst at
ion
andcatcht het axitoGingi ndlovu.Imethi m atGingindlovuatKFCandt henwenttocat chat axi
toEmoy eni separatel
ybecauseIdi dn'twantt oseepeopl ewhoar emynei ghboursat axi.WhenI
wasrest i
ngi nhischestmyphoner ang. .
.It
sSamkel oandIdon' twantLul onketobeupsetand
he'
sver yjealous.

Me:
“Hel
l
o”

Hi
m:“
Unj
ani
sweet
hear
t(howar
eyousweet
hear
t)?
”

Me:
“I'
m goodandy
ou?
"

Hi
m:“
I'
m goodt
oo.Ar
eyour
eadyf
orust
ohi
tagy
m"

Me:
“NoI
'
m nothi
tt
ingagy
mint
heaf
ter
noonandany
wayI
'
m notev
eni
nDur
banI
'
m athome"

Hi
m:“
Okayt
ell
mewheny
oui
nDur
ban”

Me:
“Okayby
e”

Myhear
tbeatf
astnowbecauseIt
houghthewi
l
lthr
owsi
l
lyt
ant
rums.

Lul
onke:
“Whowast
hat
?”

Me:
“Somef
ri
endwhowantust
ohi
tthegy
m butIt
oldherI
'
m notev
eni
nDur
ban”

Lulonke:"
Okay "inasleepyv oice.Nowonderhedi dn'tsaymuchbecauset hi
smancant alkuntil
thedawni fhel ike.Moy '
ngcwele!(hol
yghost).Wespokeaboutmynewj obt hatIgotinCape
Town.Heunder stoodt hesit
uation.Isawt hatthephonewasi nsilentmodeandIdon' tknow
whybutmysuspi cionsabouthi m ar eneverwr ong.Hewentoutt obuyai rti
mef orhismot her.I
quickl
yjumpedi ntohisphone.Hi spasswor donhi sphonei smyname." Heybabe"t hef i
rst
messager eads."Imi ssut oobabe.I 'l
lcomef etchy ouwhenshegoesbackt oDurban.Iknow
i
t’swrongofmet osayt hatbutIpr omiseyout hatI'
llbreakupwi thhert opr ovemyl ov etoy ou"
thesecondmessager ead.Thenumberi ssav edasNokut hula.Itookscreenshot sofmessages
andsentt hescr eenshot stomynumberanddel etedscr eenshots.WhenhecamebackIwasso
angrybutt hethingi sIwassocal m aboutit.Iconf r
ontedhi m andhedeni edandhesawt he
screenshotsonmyphoneandhesai dhewassor ryit’sjustthatI'
mt oof arfrom hi
mt hat'swhy
thisbi
tchisdat ingwi t
hhi m.Af terIconfr
ontedhi m onSat ur
dayni ghtIpackedmyt hingsandI
slepti
nasof a.Icr i
edal lt
henightandhebeggedmet ost ayandhewant edust ofixt hingsand
hesai dhe'l
lbr
eakupwi ththisNokuthul
achick.SundayIpackedmyt hi
ngsandIsl eptinasof a.I
cri
edal lt
henightandhebeggedmet ostayandhewant edust ofixthi
ngsandhesai dhe'l
l
breakupwi t
hthisNokut hul
achick.SundayItookmyt hi
ngsandwentt oDur banIwassoangr y.I
hit
chhikedtoDur banluckil
yIgotat axif
rom Eshoweandi twasnotf ul
l.WhenIwasi nat axihe
call
edandIdr oppedhi scall
s.WhenIgoti nDur banIdecidedtotakeawal kfrom YMCAr ankt o
Wor kshop.WhenIwasatPi cknPayi nWor kshop.Irecei
v edanothercallfr
om thisidiotcall
ed
LulonkeandIhat ehim somuchi namoment .Ideci
dedtost aymay beanhouratWor kshop
park.Irecei
vedacal l
andIwasi r
ri
tatedandi didntevencheckthecal l
erid.

Me:
“Yi
niuf
unani
(What
?Whatdoy
ouwant
?)”

Samkel
o:“
Sweet
hear
twhat
'swr
ong?
”Isi
ghed.

Me:
“It
’snot
hing”

Samkel
o:“I
tcan'
tbenot
hingbecausey
ou'
reangr
ywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
”Thi
sguyi
sreal
l
ypi
ssi
ng
meoffr
ightnow

Samkel
o:“
Wher
ear
eyou?
"

Me:
“Ican'
ttal
kri
ghtnow”

Ihungupi
mmedi
atel
y.

Ii
gnor
edLul
onke'
scal
lmessagesandWhat
sAppmessagesi
t’
sbeenaweeknow.Ideci
dedt
o
hi
ta

gy
mt or
eli
evest
ress.TodayI
'
llgof
orapunchi
ngbagbecauseI
'
m st
il
langr
ytot
hatmor
on.
WhenI

gott
othegy
m Ihi
tthepunchi
ngbagunt
ilIcr
iedandIhear
dsomeonepet
ti
ngmyshoul
der
..
..
..

"
Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
"

WhenIt
urnedar
oundi
t'
sSamkel
o

Me:
“I'
m notcr
ying”

Samkel
o:“
Youwer
ecr
yingNompendul
o”

Hej
ustpul
l
edmei
nhi
schestandIj
ustcr
iedi
nhi
schest
.Hewentt
otakehi
sbagandwewent
t
ohi
s

car
.Heopenedt
hedoorf
ormeandhequi
ckl
ycameandsi
tondr
iver
'ssi
t.

Hi
m:“
KaMazi
bukowhat
'sgoi
ngon?
”

Iwasshockedt
hatheknewmysur
nameandIdon'
tknowhi
ssur
name.Hej
ustwi
pedmyt
ear
s
wi
th

hi
sthumbs.Hel
ookedmei
nmyey
esandIdr
oppedmyey
es.Hehascut
ebr
owney
esandt
hey
ar
e

deepi
fIcansay
.

Si
l
ence

Me:
“Whot
oldy
oumysur
name?
”

Samkel
o:“
Whywer
eyoucr
ying?Idon'
tl
iket
oseey
oucr
ying”

Wear
est
il
li
nacarandwej
ustst
ayedt
her
e.

Me:
“It
’sper
sonal
andIdon'
tl
iket
otal
kabouti
t”

Samkel
o:“
Okayi
tsf
inewewon'
ttal
kabouti
tbutpr
omi
semet
haty
ouwon'
tcr
yagai
n”

Me:
“Ipr
omi
sey
ouIwon'
tcr
yev
eragai
n”

Hest
art
edt
hecarandwewentof
f.Hepar
kedi
nfr
ontofmyf
lat
'sbui
l
dingl
i
kel
astt
ime.

Samkel
o:“
Whydoy
oust
ayal
onei
nthatf
lat
?”

Me:
“Howdoy
ouknowt
hatI
'
m st
ayi
ngal
one?
”I'
m shockedf
ir
sti
twassur
namenowi
tthi
s.

Samkel
o:“
Ijustknowsweet
hear
t”hef
oldedhi
sar
ms

Me:
“Thanksf
ort
hel
i
ft”

Hel
ockedt
hedoor
sAGAI
N!Iwi
l
lst
rangl
ethi
sguyt
odayIswear
.

Samkel
o:“
Whenwer
eyoupl
anni
ngt
otel
lmet
haty
ou'
regoi
ngt
oCapeTown?
”

Myey
espoppedout
.

Me:
“I'
l
lst
rangl
eyounowi
fyoudon'
ttel
lmet
hatwheny
ougotal
lthi
sinf
ormat
ion”

Hel
aughedl
oudout
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
behappyt
obemur
der
edbyabeaut
if
ull
adyl
i
key
ou”

Thi
smor
onwi
l
lbedeadofme.

Samkel
o:“
Okay

Igotsomei
nfor
mat
ionabouty
oubutIwon'
ttel
lyouhow”

Me:
“Mxm”
Heunl
ockedt
he

door
saf
terhav
ingsomeawkwar
dbutf
unnyconv
ersat
ion.

Chapt
er4

If
orgav
eLul
onkebecauseIl
ovehi
m andt
hingsar
efi
nebet
weenus.Hecamet
oDur
bant
ovi
sit
me

atmypl
acef
oronedayandhel
eftaf
tert
hat
.Wear
ehappy
.

Samkel
oandIwer
egoodf
ri
endsandhe'
smygy
mmat
eift
her
eissomet
hingl
i
ket
hat
.Heof
fer
s
me

l
unchathi
spl
aceandIagr
eedIdon'
tknowwhyIagr
eedt
othi
smadness.Idon'
tknowwhyI
t
rust

hi
m somuchbutIj
ustt
rusthi
m.

Hepickedmeupatmypl
ace.Heoncement
ionedhi
m st
ayi
ngatNor
thBeachheownsan
apar
tment

t
here.Inev
ert
houghti
twast
hatbeaut
if
ulandf
urni
tur
eyoucanseet
hati
tsexpensi
ve.Atf
ir
st
when

Isawhi
scarIt
houghti
twashi
sfat
her
'scar
.OkaynowIbel
i
evehi
mthatJaguarbel
ongst
ohi
m
butI

st
il
lthi
nkt
hathe'
soneoft
hosespoi
l
edbr
atswhot
hinkev
ery
thi
ngev
olv
esar
oundt
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Lunchi
sready
!”

HeshoutedbecauseIwasgoi
ngar
oundl
ooki
ngt
hisbeaut
if
ulpl
aceandev
ery
thi
ngi
niti
s
beaut
if
ul

i
ncl
udi
ngt
heowner
.Don'
taskmewhyIsai
dthat*
smi
l
es*

Me:
“Mhm t
hatl
ooksbeaut
if
ul.Looki
ngatt
hedi
ningt
abl
e”

He'
sbusyi
ntheki
tchenIdon'
tknowwhat
'shedoi
ngt
her
e.I
'
m hungr
ynow.Hedi
shedupf
orme.

Me:
“It
houghtt
her
ewer
eot
herpeopl
ecomi
ng”l
ooki
ngathi
m

Samkel
o:“
Noi
t’
smeandy
oupanda”

What
everdude.I
'
m aboutt
oenj
oyt
hisdel
i
ciousf
oodI
'
m st
ari
ng
Samkel
o:“
I'
m Samkel
oKhumal
o31y
ear
sol
d”Hesay
sashesi
pshi
sjui
ce

Me:“I
'
mf eel
i
nggui
l
tyf
ornotaski
ngy
out
hatki
ndofi
nfor
mat
ion.Ij
ustf
orgotabouti
tandI
'
m
enj
oyi
ng

t
hisf
ood”l
aughi
ngathi
m

Samkel
o:“
You'
recr
azydoy
ouknowt
hat
?”

Me:
“Dudecomeoni
fyounotgonnaki
l
lmeandbur
ymeI
'
mfi
ne”

Samkel
o:“
Yout
rustsoeasi
l
yIcansee”

Me:
“I'
m notl
i
ket
hatatal
li
t’
sjustt
haty
ou'
ref
reeandeasyt
otal
ktoy
ou”

Samkel
o:“
You'
ret
hef
ir
stonet
osayt
hatImustsay
”

Ienj
oyedt
hel
uncht
hathepr
epar
ed.Hecancookj
eal
ousdown!

Samkel
o:“
Iboughtsomet
hingf
ory
ou”

Hehandedasmal
lboxt
ome.“
Openi
t”Thegi
fti
nsmal
lbox.
..
..
.Bur
ber
rywat
ch!
!!
!!
"*Iscr
eamed*
He

j
ustl
ookedatme

Me:
“It
’sbeaut
if
ulbutIcan'
taccepti
t”

Samkel
o:“
Pleaset
akei
t”I
napl
eadi
ngv
oice

Me:
“Ican'
tSamkel
o”

Samkel
o:“
Pleaset
akei
tNompendul
oIboughti
tfory
ouandIwon'
ttakei
tbackbecausewhenI
saw

i
tIj
ustsawy
oui
nit
.Pl
easet
akeandIwon'
ttakenof
orananswer
”

Me:
“Idon'
ttakegi
ftf
rom st
ranger
s”l
ooki
ngathi
m

Samkelo:
“HowcanIbeast
rangerwhenIt
oldy
ouwhoIam andbesi
desIboughti
tbecause
you'
re

myf
ri
endandnextMondayy
ou'
rear
est
art
ingatwor
ksoi
t’
sagi
ftf
rom met
oyou”

Me:
“Okayt
hanky
ouf
orl
unchandf
ort
hegi
ft
..
..
Thanky
ou”Ibl
ushed

WhenIwasaboutt
oleav
ehi
spl
ace

Sponsor
ed
Il
eftt
hewat
chi
nthecouchandwebot
hlef
t.Het
ookmeback

t
omypl
aceandi
twas17:
00pm whenIent
eredi
nmyf
lat
.Ij
ustl
aidi
nmybedt
hinki
ngaboutt
he

amazi
ngdayIhadwi
thSamkel
o..
..

Ipl
annedt
osl
eepear
lyt
odaysoIchangedt
omypy
jamashor
tandi
tsmat
chi
ngt
opt
henIsl
ept
.
Iwas

wokenbyaknocki
nmydoor
.Onmymi
ndIhav
etoomanyquest
ionsIhav
ebuti
ntheendI
must

opent
hatdoor
.

Aknockagai
n.Iwokeupandwentt
otakeakni
feIknowt
hati
sext
remebutI
'
venev
erbeen
woken

upat23:
23pm byaknockwhi
chIdi
dn'
tknewabout
.

Me:
“Whoi
sit
?”

"
Opent
hedoor
"

May
bei
tsur
gentIqui
ckl
yopenedt
hedoorandhecamei
n.

Me:
“Andt
hen?Whol
ety
oui
nher
e?”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m her
etogi
vey
out
hewat
chIboughtf
ory
ou”

Real
l
y?

Me:
“Cur
rent
lyoft
heni
ght
?Whol
ety
oui
nher
e”angr
ytone?

Samkel
o:“
Whyy
oul
efty
ourgi
ft
?

Me:
“Answermyquest
ion”

Samkel
o:“
Answermyquest
ionf
ir
stmay
beI
’
llanswery
our
sjustmay
be”

WhenIt
ri
edt
opushhi
m outhel
ockedt
hedoor
.

Me:
“Ify
oudar
ecomenearmeI
'
llst
aby
out
odeat
h”

Hel
aughedandshookhi
shead.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m notaper
ver
tI'
m her
etogi
vey
out
hegi
fty
oul
eft
”hesmi
l
es

Me:
“Wel
lIdon'
twanty
ourgi
ft
”

Samkel
o:“
Youdon'
tl
ikei
t?Icanbuyy
ouany
thi
ngy
oul
i
ke”
Hedoesn’
tgeti
t!

Me:
“Howcanal
awy
erbesosl
owl
i
ket
his?I
'
m sur
eyoual
way
slosey
ourcasesi
ncour
t”

Hel
aughedoutl
oudunt
ilt
ear
scame.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasegi
vemey
ourhand”

Hest
ret
chedhi
slef
thandout
.

Me:
“Isandl
asemf
ene(
lef
t-
handed)
”

Hesmi
l
ed

Samkel
o:“
Yousor
udebuti
t’
scut
e”WhatI
’
venot
icedi
shehasacut
esmi
l
e

Me:
“Pl
easegoIwantt
osl
eep”

Samkel
o:“
Giv
emey
ourhandt
henIwi
l
llety
ousl
eep”

Igav
ehi
m myhandandheputawat
cht
hatheboughtf
orme.

Samkel
o:“
Stubbor
nati
tsbest
”Hecl
appedonce.

Me:
“Okayl
eav
enow”

Samkel
o:“
Hav
eawonder
ful
sleep”

Me:
“Mxm”

Hel
aughedandl
eftmyr
oom.I
'
m soangr
yathi
mri
ghtnowwhoshowsupi
nyourpl
aceatt
his
t
ime

oft
heni
ghtandi
tconf
usi
ngbecauseIdi
dn'
ttel
lhi
m myf
latnumberandhowdi
dhegeti
nher
e

becausey
oumustsi
gnf
ort
hev
isi
tor
sint
hegr
oundf
loorf
ir
st.

Igoti
nbedl
ooki
ngatt
hisbeaut
if
ulwat
chi
nmywr
istandIt
ooki
tof
fbef
oreIsl
eep

I
nser
t7

Iwaswokenupbymymom'
scal
lwi
shi
ngmeasaf
ejour
ney
.Oht
odayi
sSundayI
'
m goi
ngt
o
Cape

Town.Myf
li
ghti
sat13:
00pm.Thabi
thasentmeSMSt
hatshewi
l
lpi
ckmeupatAi
rpor
t.

IwokeupIpr
epar
edf
ormyj
our
ney.
Aft
erget
ti
ngdr
essedIwasaboutt
ocal
lacabt
otakemet
o
Ki
ng

ShakaAi
rpor
tIr
ecei
vedacal
l
edf
rom Samkel
o..
..
Samkel
o:“
I'
minf
rontofy
ourf
latt
opi
cky
ouupt
oAi
rpor
t”

OhGodIwi
sht
hisf
lathasanot
herexi
tbutno.

Me:
“Okay
”

Ihav
eonebi
gsui
tcasewi
thmeandahandbag.

Hewasst
andi
ngi
ntheent
ranceofmyf
lat
.Het
ookmysui
tcaset
ohi
scarboot
.Heopenedt
he
door

f
ormeasusual
l
yandgoti
ndr
iver
'ssi
tandwedr
oveof
f.Whenwegott
her
ewehav
e30
minut
est
o

tal
kbef
oreIgo.Wekeptt
alki
ngaf
tert
hatt
het
imewasupf
orust
otal
k.Hehuggedmet
ight
andhe

ki
ssedmycheek.

If
rowned.Hel
aughs.

Samkel
o:“
Youwantmet
osaysor
ry?
”

Atl
eastheknows

Samkelo:
I'm notgoi
ngt
oapol
ogi
sef
ort
haty
oushoul
dbet
heonewhoapol
ogi
set
ome
becauseyou

l
efty
ourgi
fti
nmycouch

Me:
“Nev
er!If
oldedmyar
ms

Samkel
o:“
Okaywewon'
tapol
ogi
set
oeachot
herandi
tscool
.Iwi
l
lmi
ssy
ourst
ubbor
nass
yazi
”

Ihi
thi
m pl
ayf
uli
nthear
m andhel
aughed.

Me:
“Mxm!
”

Hepr
omi
sedt
ocal
lmeandIt
urnedandwal
kedaway
’

Aft
erIl
andedIcal
l
edThabi
shewast
her
eal
readysowehuggedandl
aughed.Shehel
pedmet
o
put

myluggagetoher
.Shei
sdr
ivi
ngt
her
eMer
cedesCLA200t
heonet
hepost
edl
astmont
hon
WhatsApp.

Me:
“Mngany
ourcari
sbeaut
if
ul”
Wegoti
nacart
hendr
oveof
f.

Me:
“Thanksmnganf
orev
ery
thi
ng”

Thabi
:“I
'
myourf
ri
endsost
opt
hanki
ngmebi
tch”shel
aughed

Me:
“Awushokebi
tchi
kazi
(sot
ell
mebi
tch)howmuchmoneyy
ourmanhas?
”

Shesmackedmeont
hebackofmyhead.Onet
hingIl
i
keaboutmyf
ri
endswear
esopl
ayf
ul.

Me:
“Ouch”Il
aughedwhi
l
ehol
dingmyhead.

Thabi
:“You'
rest
il
lst
upi
dIsee”

Me:“Yourmani
ssost
ri
cty
hooo.I
'
m sur
eI'
m notal
l
owedt
ogot
ocl
ubsandnott
olookany
di
rect
ion

t
hathasboy
s”

Thabi
:“Awushi
ntshi
wena(
youwi
l
lnev
erchange)
”

Shest
opsatsomemansi
on.It
akei
tsherhouse.Sheopenst
hegat
eanygot
odr
iveway
.She
par
ksand

wegotofft
hecar
.Sheshout
satsomet
woboy
swhot
akesmyl
uggageanddi
sappeari
nthi
s
gi
gant
ic

house.

Hol
yghost
!

"
Hi"av
oicesay
s.

AsIt
urnedi
twasAndi
l
e.If
rozeact
ual
l
y

Me:
“Hi
bhut
i(br
other
)Andi
l
e”

He'
snotthehuggi
ngt
ype.Icansee.Wel
aughedatThabi
thawhent
heywer
einDur
banf
or
Thabi
tha'
s

ser
iousboy
fri
end.

Andi
l
e:“
I'
m goi
ngoutbabes”Hewentt
owar
dsherki
ssedhercheek.

Thabi
:“OkaySt
handwa”

Andi
l
e:“
I'
ll
giv
eyout
imet
ocat
chup”Hesay
saswal
ksoutt
hedoor
.

Wecat
chedupwi
thmyf
ri
endandIt
oldheraboutLul
onke'
snonsenseshej
ustl
aughedat
.She
t
old

meabouthowAndi
l
eisst
ri
ctl
i
ket
hoseAuntbackathome.Shesay
sshewant
stoknowwher
e
shei
s

goi
ngwhoshei
smeet
ingupwi
th.It
oldheraboutt
hismynewl
yfoundf
ri
endSamkel
o.

Chapt
er4

If
orgav
eLul
onkebecauseIl
ovehi
m andt
hingsar
efi
nebet
weenus.Hecamet
oDur
bant
ovi
sit
me

atmypl
acef
oronedayandhel
eftaf
tert
hat
.Wear
ehappy
.

Samkel
oandIwer
egoodf
ri
endsandhe'
smygy
mmat
eift
her
eissomet
hingl
i
ket
hat
.Heof
fer
s
me

l
unchathi
spl
aceandIagr
eedIdon'
tknowwhyIagr
eedt
othi
smadness.Idon'
tknowwhyI
t
rust

hi
m somuchbutIj
ustt
rusthi
m.

Hepickedmeupatmypl
ace.Heoncement
ionedhi
m st
ayi
ngatNor
thBeachheownsan
apar
tment

t
here.Inev
ert
houghti
twast
hatbeaut
if
ulandf
urni
tur
eyoucanseet
hati
tsexpensi
ve.Atf
ir
st
when

Isawhi
scarIt
houghti
twashi
sfat
her
'scar
.OkaynowIbel
i
evehi
mthatJaguarbel
ongst
ohi
m
butI

st
il
lthi
nkt
hathe'
soneoft
hosespoi
l
edbr
atswhot
hinkev
ery
thi
ngev
olv
esar
oundt
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Lunchi
sready
!”

HeshoutedbecauseIwasgoi
ngar
oundl
ooki
ngt
hisbeaut
if
ulpl
aceandev
ery
thi
ngi
niti
s
beaut
if
ul

i
ncl
udi
ngt
heowner
.Don'
taskmewhyIsai
dthat*
smi
l
es*

Me:
“Mhm t
hatl
ooksbeaut
if
ul.Looki
ngatt
hedi
ningt
abl
e”

He'
sbusyi
ntheki
tchenIdon'
tknowwhat
'shedoi
ngt
her
e.I
'
m hungr
ynow.Hedi
shedupf
orme.

Me:
“It
houghtt
her
ewer
eot
herpeopl
ecomi
ng”l
ooki
ngathi
m

Samkel
o:“
Noi
t’
smeandy
oupanda”
What
everdude.I
'
m aboutt
oenj
oyt
hisdel
i
ciousf
oodI
'
m st
ari
ng

Samkel
o:“
I'
m Samkel
oKhumal
o31y
ear
sol
d”Hesay
sashesi
pshi
sjui
ce

Me:“I
'
mf eel
i
nggui
l
tyf
ornotaski
ngy
out
hatki
ndofi
nfor
mat
ion.Ij
ustf
orgotabouti
tandI
'
m
enj
oyi
ng

t
hisf
ood”l
aughi
ngathi
m

Samkel
o:“
You'
recr
azydoy
ouknowt
hat
?”

Me:
“Dudecomeoni
fyounotgonnaki
l
lmeandbur
ymeI
'
mfi
ne”

Samkel
o:“
Yout
rustsoeasi
l
yIcansee”

Me:
“I'
m notl
i
ket
hatatal
li
t’
sjustt
haty
ou'
ref
reeandeasyt
otal
ktoy
ou”

Samkel
o:“
You'
ret
hef
ir
stonet
osayt
hatImustsay
”

Ienj
oyedt
hel
uncht
hathepr
epar
ed.Hecancookj
eal
ousdown!

Samkel
o:“
Iboughtsomet
hingf
ory
ou”

Hehandedasmal
lboxt
ome.“
Openi
t”Thegi
fti
nsmal
lbox.
..
..
.Bur
ber
rywat
ch!
!!
!!
"*Iscr
eamed*
He

j
ustl
ookedatme

Me:
“It
’sbeaut
if
ulbutIcan'
taccepti
t”

Samkel
o:“
Pleaset
akei
t”I
napl
eadi
ngv
oice

Me:
“Ican'
tSamkel
o”

Samkel
o:“
Pleaset
akei
tNompendul
oIboughti
tfory
ouandIwon'
ttakei
tbackbecausewhenI
saw

i
tIj
ustsawy
oui
nit
.Pl
easet
akeandIwon'
ttakenof
orananswer
”

Me:
“Idon'
ttakegi
ftf
rom st
ranger
s”l
ooki
ngathi
m

Samkelo:
“HowcanIbeast
rangerwhenIt
oldy
ouwhoIam andbesi
desIboughti
tbecause
you'
re

myf
ri
endandnextMondayy
ou'
rear
est
art
ingatwor
ksoi
t’
sagi
ftf
rom met
oyou”

Me:
“Okayt
hanky
ouf
orl
unchandf
ort
hegi
ft
..
..
Thanky
ou”Ibl
ushed

WhenIwasaboutt
oleav
ehi
spl
ace
Sponsor
ed

Il
eftt
hewat
chi
nthecouchandwebot
hlef
t.Het
ookmeback

t
omypl
aceandi
twas17:
00pm whenIent
eredi
nmyf
lat
.Ij
ustl
aidi
nmybedt
hinki
ngaboutt
he

amazi
ngdayIhadwi
thSamkel
o..
..

Ipl
annedt
osl
eepear
lyt
odaysoIchangedt
omypy
jamashor
tandi
tsmat
chi
ngt
opt
henIsl
ept
.
Iwas

wokenbyaknocki
nmydoor
.Onmymi
ndIhav
etoomanyquest
ionsIhav
ebuti
ntheendI
must

opent
hatdoor
.

Aknockagai
n.Iwokeupandwentt
otakeakni
feIknowt
hati
sext
remebutI
'
venev
erbeen
woken

upat23:
23pm byaknockwhi
chIdi
dn'
tknewabout
.

Me:
“Whoi
sit
?”

"
Opent
hedoor
"

May
bei
tsur
gentIqui
ckl
yopenedt
hedoorandhecamei
n.

Me:
“Andt
hen?Whol
ety
oui
nher
e?”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m her
etogi
vey
out
hewat
chIboughtf
ory
ou”

Real
l
y?

Me:
“Cur
rent
lyoft
heni
ght
?Whol
ety
oui
nher
e”angr
ytone?

Samkel
o:“
Whyy
oul
efty
ourgi
ft
?

Me:
“Answermyquest
ion”

Samkel
o:“
Answermyquest
ionf
ir
stmay
beI
’
llanswery
our
sjustmay
be”

WhenIt
ri
edt
opushhi
m outhel
ockedt
hedoor
.

Me:
“Ify
oudar
ecomenearmeI
'
llst
aby
out
odeat
h”

Hel
aughedandshookhi
shead.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m notaper
ver
tI'
m her
etogi
vey
out
hegi
fty
oul
eft
”hesmi
l
es

Me:
“Wel
lIdon'
twanty
ourgi
ft
”
Samkel
o:“
Youdon'
tl
ikei
t?Icanbuyy
ouany
thi
ngy
oul
i
ke”

Hedoesn’
tgeti
t!

Me:
“Howcanal
awy
erbesosl
owl
i
ket
his?I
'
m sur
eyoual
way
slosey
ourcasesi
ncour
t”

Hel
aughedoutl
oudunt
ilt
ear
scame.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasegi
vemey
ourhand”

Hest
ret
chedhi
slef
thandout
.

Me:
“Isandl
asemf
ene(
lef
t-
handed)
”

Hesmi
l
ed

Samkel
o:“
Yousor
udebuti
t’
scut
e”WhatI
’
venot
icedi
shehasacut
esmi
l
e

Me:
“Pl
easegoIwantt
osl
eep”

Samkel
o:“
Giv
emey
ourhandt
henIwi
l
llety
ousl
eep”

Igav
ehi
m myhandandheputawat
cht
hatheboughtf
orme.

Samkel
o:“
Stubbor
nati
tsbest
”Hecl
appedonce.

Me:
“Okayl
eav
enow”

Samkel
o:“
Hav
eawonder
ful
sleep”

Me:
“Mxm”

Hel
aughedandl
eftmyr
oom.I
'
m soangr
yathi
mri
ghtnowwhoshowsupi
nyourpl
aceatt
his
t
ime

oft
heni
ghtandi
tconf
usi
ngbecauseIdi
dn'
ttel
lhi
m myf
latnumberandhowdi
dhegeti
nher
e

becausey
oumustsi
gnf
ort
hev
isi
tor
sint
hegr
oundf
loorf
ir
st.

Igoti
nbedl
ooki
ngatt
hisbeaut
if
ulwat
chi
nmywr
istandIt
ooki
tof
fbef
oreIsl
eep

I
nser
t7

Iwaswokenupbymymom'
scal
lwi
shi
ngmeasaf
ejour
ney
.Oht
odayi
sSundayI
'
m goi
ngt
o
Cape

Town.Myf
li
ghti
sat13:
00pm.Thabi
thasentmeSMSt
hatshewi
l
lpi
ckmeupatAi
rpor
t.

IwokeupIpr
epar
edf
ormyj
our
ney.
Aft
erget
ti
ngdr
essedIwasaboutt
ocal
lacabt
otakemet
o
Ki
ng
ShakaAi
rpor
tIr
ecei
vedacal
l
edf
rom Samkel
o..
..

Samkel
o:“
I'
minf
rontofy
ourf
latt
opi
cky
ouupt
oAi
rpor
t”

OhGodIwi
sht
hisf
lathasanot
herexi
tbutno.

Me:
“Okay
”

Ihav
eonebi
gsui
tcasewi
thmeandahandbag.

Hewasst
andi
ngi
ntheent
ranceofmyf
lat
.Het
ookmysui
tcaset
ohi
scarboot
.Heopenedt
he
door

f
ormeasusual
l
yandgoti
ndr
iver
'ssi
tandwedr
oveof
f.Whenwegott
her
ewehav
e30
minut
est
o

tal
kbef
oreIgo.Wekeptt
alki
ngaf
tert
hatt
het
imewasupf
orust
otal
k.Hehuggedmet
ight
andhe

ki
ssedmycheek.

If
rowned.Hel
aughs.

Samkel
o:“
Youwantmet
osaysor
ry?
”

Atl
eastheknows

Samkelo:
I'm notgoi
ngt
oapol
ogi
sef
ort
haty
oushoul
dbet
heonewhoapol
ogi
set
ome
becauseyou

l
efty
ourgi
fti
nmycouch

Me:
“Nev
er!If
oldedmyar
ms

Samkel
o:“
Okaywewon'
tapol
ogi
set
oeachot
herandi
tscool
.Iwi
l
lmi
ssy
ourst
ubbor
nass
yazi
”

Ihi
thi
m pl
ayf
uli
nthear
m andhel
aughed.

Me:
“Mxm!
”

Hepr
omi
sedt
ocal
lmeandIt
urnedandwal
kedaway
’

Aft
erIl
andedIcal
l
edThabi
shewast
her
eal
readysowehuggedandl
aughed.Shehel
pedmet
o
put

myluggagetoher
.Shei
sdr
ivi
ngt
her
eMer
cedesCLA200t
heonet
hepost
edl
astmont
hon
WhatsApp.
Me:
“Mngany
ourcari
sbeaut
if
ul”

Wegoti
nacart
hendr
oveof
f.

Me:
“Thanksmnganf
orev
ery
thi
ng”

Thabi
:“I
'
myourf
ri
endsost
opt
hanki
ngmebi
tch”shel
aughed

Me:
“Awushokebi
tchi
kazi
(sot
ell
mebi
tch)howmuchmoneyy
ourmanhas?
”

Shesmackedmeont
hebackofmyhead.Onet
hingIl
i
keaboutmyf
ri
endswear
esopl
ayf
ul.

Me:
“Ouch”Il
aughedwhi
l
ehol
dingmyhead.

Thabi
:“You'
rest
il
lst
upi
dIsee”

Me:“Yourmani
ssost
ri
cty
hooo.I
'
m sur
eI'
m notal
l
owedt
ogot
ocl
ubsandnott
olookany
di
rect
ion

t
hathasboy
s”

Thabi
:“Awushi
ntshi
wena(
youwi
l
lnev
erchange)
”

Shest
opsatsomemansi
on.It
akei
tsherhouse.Sheopenst
hegat
eanygot
odr
iveway
.She
par
ksand

wegotofft
hecar
.Sheshout
satsomet
woboy
swhot
akesmyl
uggageanddi
sappeari
nthi
s
gi
gant
ic

house.

Hol
yghost
!

"
Hi"av
oicesay
s.

AsIt
urnedi
twasAndi
l
e.If
rozeact
ual
l
y

Me:
“Hi
bhut
i(br
other
)Andi
l
e”

He'
snotthehuggi
ngt
ype.Icansee.Wel
aughedatThabi
thawhent
heywer
einDur
banf
or
Thabi
tha'
s

ser
iousboy
fri
end.

Andi
l
e:“
I'
m goi
ngoutbabes”Hewentt
owar
dsherki
ssedhercheek.

Thabi
:“OkaySt
handwa”

Andi
l
e:“
I'
ll
giv
eyout
imet
ocat
chup”Hesay
saswal
ksoutt
hedoor
.
Wecat
chedupwi
thmyf
ri
endandIt
oldheraboutLul
onke'
snonsenseshej
ustl
aughedat
.She
t
old

meabouthowAndi
l
eisst
ri
ctl
i
ket
hoseAuntbackathome.Shesay
sshewant
stoknowwher
e
shei
s

goi
ngwhoshei
smeet
ingupwi
th.It
oldheraboutt
hismynewl
yfoundf
ri
endSamkel
o.

Chapt
er6

Ev
ery
thi
ngwasgoi
ngwel
latwor
kandmyl
ovel
i
fei
sdoi
nggood.I
'
vebeenher
efort
hree
mont
hsnow

butst
il
lnocl
ubbi
ngbecauseofAndi
l
e.Hewentonbusi
nesst
ri
ptoDur
banf
or3day
ssoi
t’
sme
and

Thabi.Icookedsuppert
odayf
ormyf
ri
endt
othankherf
orev
ery
thi
ng.Af
tert
hatwewentt
osi
t
attv

r
oom.Shewentt
otheki
tchenandshecamewi
thawi
neandt
wogl
asses.

Me:
“Wear
efr
eef
rom Bab’
Andi
l
eisnother
e”Isaywav
ingmyhand

Thabi
:“Youcansayt
hatagai
n”

Wet
alkaboutourl
ovel
i
ves

Thabi
:“Imi
ssmymanbutt
hei
ssost
ri
ctshame”shel
aughedasshesay
sthat

Me:
“HaaahIwon'
tsur
viv
ethatsweet
hear
t”

Shesmackedmyhead.

Me:
“Ouch”

It
oldheraboutLul
onke’
srecent
lysagashej
ustl
aughedatme.Thet
hreeofusasf
ri
ends
ev
eryt
hing

i
sgoodforus.Wecat
chupwhenAndi
l
eisnotar
ound.WeuseSky
pemostoft
het
ime.Nokwe
t
oldus

abouthernewboy
fri
end.Shei
sdat
ingaXhosaguyandshel
i
kest
oimi
tat
etheguy
’sv
oiceand
accent
.

Shel
oveshi
m Icant
ell
you.

Me:
“Mngant
her
eissomeguyandhei
scut
e..
..
”Isi
ponmywi
ne
Thabi
:“Speak!
!”

Me:
“Hei
sSamkel
oandhei
sal
awy
er”

Shej
ustl
ooksatmeandIknowshesay
s“cont
inue”

Me:“
Hei
sli
ght
eri
ncompl
exi
onhasmuscl
edar
kli
psgent
lehands.
..
”Isayr
oll
i
ngmyey
esand
l
augh

atwhatI
'
m say
ingact
ual
l
y

Thabi
:“Youbi
tchy
ouche.
..
..
..
”Shesay
slooki
ngatmel
i
keherey
esar
eaboutt
opopout

Me:
“Nosi
l
ly!Imethi
m att
hegy
m andIhur
tmyankl
esocaughtmewhenIal
mostf
ell
andhe

massagemyankl
eandst
ret
chedi
tandgav
emeal
i
ftt
omyf
lat
.Hel
ockedt
hecardoor
sand
want
ed

mynumbersoi
t’
sli
ket
hat
”Ibl
ushed.

Thabi
:“Ncooahy
oul
i
kehi
m andIknowt
hat
”shecl
appedherhandsl
oudl
y.

Me:
“Ihav
eaman”

Her:“Ar
gghthatpi
gwhoal
wayscheatony ouwhenhegetsachance.Leavehim anddatewi
th
S-a-
m k-e-
l-
o”shesay
sIsmackedherhearaft
ersay
ingt
hatbutIknowt hatshei
st el
l
ingmethe
tr
uthbutI

st
il
ll
ovehi
m.

Thabi
:“I
shet
her
eonewhoboughty
ouanexpensi
veBur
ber
rywat
ch?
”

Me:
“Yesasapr
esentt
omynewj
ob”Ibl
ushed

Thabi
:“Hehasanexpensi
vet
ast
eifIcansayandy
ouwi
l
lmakeagr
eatcoupl
e”she'
ssmi
l
ing
and

shaki
ngherhead.

Me:“Iwon'
tdumpmymanf
orhi
m.Il
oveLul
onkewi
thal
lmyhear
tandIcan'
ti
magi
nemyl
i
fe
wi
thout

hi
m”Ipour
edanot
hert
hir
dgl
assofwi
ne.

Thabi
:“Mxm”

Ical
lmyf
ami
l
yal
mostev
eryday
.Il
ovet
hem somuchandIl
i
ket
ospoi
lthem sonextmont
hit
i
s
Andi
le’
sbi
rt
hdaysoI
’
m hel
pingThabi
topl
anasur
pri
separ
tyf
or33y
ear
sol
d.He’
sgoi
ngt
o
fr
eakout

whenwesay“
sur
pri
se”t
ohi
m.

Me:
“Hei
sasnob”Iwhi
spert
oThabi
poi
nti
ngt
oAndi
l
e

Thabi
:“Andt
oost
ri
ctbuti
nbedhe’
ssowi
l
d”shel
aughed

Ismackedherhead

Thabi
:“What
?”Shel
aughsandIwentt
omyr
oom

Ideci
dedt
ocal
lmyman.
..
.

Me:
“Heybabe”

“
Hi”af
emal
evoi
cesay
s..
..
..
Lor
dhel
pme!
!!
!!
!!

Me:
“Whoi
sthi
s?”Isaycal
mly

Her
:“I
'
m Nokut
hul
aandy
ouar
e?”shesay
swi
thanat
ti
tude

Me:
“I'
m Nompe.CanIspeakt
oLul
onke?
”

Her
:“Hei
satwor
ktr
yagai
nlat
er”shesay
swi
thbi
tchyat
ti
tude

Me:
“Whyhi
sphonei
swi
thy
ou?
”

Her
:“I
'
m hi
sgi
rl
fr
iendandweexchangedourcel
lphones”

I
'm goi
ngt
olosemymi
ndr
ightnow.Ij
ustcr
ied.It
ri
edt
ocal
lhi
m buthedi
dn'
tpi
ckupmycal
l
s
but

shesai
dhei
satwor
k.At20:
20pm her
etur
nedt
omycal
l

Me:
“Hel
l
o”

Si
l
ence

Me:“It
ri
edt
ocal
lyouear
li
eronbutanot
hergi
rlanswer
edandshesai
dshei
syourgi
rl
fr
iend”I
sai
d

cal
mlyandI
'
m aboutt
ocr
ynow.It
houghtmay
beI
'
m dr
eami
ngort
hatgi
rlwaspr
anki
ngme.

Hi
m:“
Shei
smygi
rl
fr
iend”

Ifel
tli
keIwasl
osi
ngmymi
ndandIf
eltmywor
ldcr
umbl
i
ngdownonme.I
'
venev
erbeenhur
t
l
ike
t
hisi
nmyl
i
fe.It
houghthewaspr
anki
ngmebuthewasnot
..
..
..

Hi
m:“
Kukhonaokuny
e(i
sther
esomet
hingel
se)
?”

Me:
“Nop”

Hi
m:"
GoodIneedt
osl
eepnowandpl
easest
opcal
l
ingf
rom nowon"Hesai
dandhungup

I
'v
enevercr
iedi
nmyl
i
fel
i
ket
hat
.Iwi
shedIl
i
stenedt
omyf
ri
endswhent
heyt
oldmet
hathe
wasnot

goodf
orme.Af
tert
hiswhatam Igoi
ngt
odoort
ryt
omov
eon.Iwassohear
tbr
oken

Sponsor
ed

hur
t

di
sappoi
ntedhat
inghi
m sohar
dfort
his5y
earofwast
e.

I
'm gl
adhet
oldmehi
msel
f.It
oldThabi
aboutt
hisbr
eakupshewascomf
ort
ingandsuppor
ti
ng
me

t
hrought
hatt
ime.Idel
etedhi
snumber
sandhi
sphot
osandourphot
os.Thatwast
hef
ir
stst
epI
t
ook

t
omyheal
i
ngpr
ocess.Lucki
l
ytheyhadagy
m ont
hisgi
gant
ichousesoIwentt
her
etopunch
t
he

punchi
ngbagunt
ilIcr
y.Thathel
psmeal
ot.

Andi
l
e'ssur
pri
separ
tydi
str
act
edmeandhel
pingThabi
hel
pedmeal
ot.

Att
heof
fi
cewhenIwascomi
ngt
owar
dsLuxol
oyest
hatguywhoi
sal
way
sser
ious.Hej
umped
and

al
mostf
ell
from t
hechai
rwhenIt
ouchedhi
sshoul
der
.

Luxol
o:"
Whati
sit
?Don’
tsneakuponmel
i
ket
hat
"hei
sfur
ious

Me:
"Bosssai
dImustt
ell
yout
ocomet
ohi
m now"

Hi
m:"
Okay
.Di
dhet
oldy
ouwhyy
oumustcal
lme?
”

Me:
“No”

Whyhewassoj
umpyandaskmesomanyquest
ionsonwhyhei
sbei
ngsummonedbyt
he
boss.I

don'
ttr
usthi
mifIcant
ell
.Noonet
oucheshi
slapt
opwhy
?IfIgetf
reet
imeImustr
esear
chand
di
g

ont
hisguy
.Heonl
yanswer
sthel
andl
i
nebuthi
scel
lphoner
ingsandhebar
elyt
ouchedi
twhen
i
t

r
ings

I
tsFr
idayandt
hel
astdayoft
hewor
kingday
sandt
omor
rowi
tsAndi
l
e’sbi
rt
hdaysoImustbuy
hi
ma

gif
tforhi
sbirthday
.Hewelcomedmeonhi shouseandhet akesmel
ikehi
syoungersi
ster
.
There'
sthisannoyi
ngfr
iendofhi
m andIdon'
twanthim nearmehe’
sbeenaski
ngmeoutandI
tol
dhimt hat

ev
enhewast
hel
astmanonear
thIwi
l
lnev
erdat
ehi
m.If
orgotaboutmyst
resswhenI
’
m
ar
ound

peoplebutwhenI
'
m al
oneIj
ustcr
y.I
t’
sbeent
woweeksaf
terwebr
okeup.I
t’
sst
il
lnewbuti
ts
feel
s

l
i
kei
thappenedy
est
erdaybutt
hesayt
imeheal
s.

Okayi
tsSat
urdaymor
ningandwewokeupf
ir
stmeandThabi
tof
inal
i
seev
ery
thi
ngf
ort
oni
ght
.
Thabi

spokewithKatwhoi
sKhet
hokuhl
eandhei
sAndi
l
e’sbestf
ri
end.Isawhi
mtwi
ce.Hewasi
n
Argent
ina

forbusi
nesst
ri
pforaweekandhecamebackonThur
sday
.Hei
sresi
dingher
einCapeTownI
don't

knowwher
ebecauseIdon'
tknowt
hispl
aceandt
hankst
oAndi
l
e

Kati
sst
ri
ctl
i
kehi
sfr
iendher
eandt
heyar
escar
yinani
ndescr
ibabl
ewaybutt
heyar
efr
iendl
y
but

ther
eissomet
hingaboutt
hem.NextweekendI
'
m goi
ngt
oDur
banIneedt
ocl
earmyheadI
can'
t

car
ryont
hisway
.Nokwei
scomi
ngt
odayf
orAndi
l
e'sbi
rt
hdaybutThabi
hasnocl
ue.Igav
eher

addr
ess.

Af
tert
heywentoutKatandbi
rt
hdayboyt
hecat
eri
ngandt
hedécorpeopl
ecamei
naf
tert
hey
dr
ove

off
.Theputawhi
test
ret
cht
entandor
gani
zedt
hemi
nibaront
hest
ret
cht
entandchai
rs.Thei
s
one
l
ongtabl
eandPhoeni
xchai
rsi
twasonPat
ioandt
hemewascl
ear.Themai
ncour
sei
sbr
east
meator

beefwi
thmushr
oom saucewi
thbr
occol
iandcaul
i
flower
.Dr
inksar
efr
om sof
ttost
rongdr
inks.
Nokwe

i
sherebubbl
yasal
way
sandguy
swer
elooki
ngather
.Af
tert
wohour
sKatsentat
extt
oThabi
t
ell
i
ng

hert
hatt
heyar
eatent
rancegat
e.Wedi
sappear
edt
othehouset
ohi
de.

Thef
rontdooropened

Andi
l
e:“HeeemyQueensai
dhappybi
rt
hdayonl
ynopr
esentki
ssorsex.It
hinkshei
s
pr
egnant.
..
.”

“
SURPRI
SE!
!!
!!
”

Si
l
ence

Andi
l
e:“
Zir
hama!
”

Thabi
:"Happybi
rt
hdaymyl
ove”

Thabi
wentt
owar
dsAndi
l
elooki
nggor
geousi
nal
ongbei
gesi
l
kdr
esswi
thbl
ackhi
ghheel
sand
gol
d

st
uds.

Andi
l
e:“
Thanky
oumyl
ove”Theyshar
edaki
ss

Ncooaht
heyar
einl
oveandt
heymakeagr
eatcoupl
e.Andi
l
eisbl
essedt
ohav
eThabi
inhi
sli
fe
and

hei
str
eat
ingherl
i
keagl
ass.Het
ri
edt
oconv
incehert
oqui
therj
obbutshesai
dno.

Theguy
sar
eher
ewi
tht
hei
rwi
ves’
other
swi
thgi
rl
fr
iendsl
ooki
nggor
geous.TheyknowThabi
butt
hey

don’tknowme.I
'
m wear
ingadustpi
nkdr
esswi
thcr
eam r
edbot
tom hi
ghheel
sandt
iedmy
thi
ck

br
aidsbutmymi
ndnott
her
ebutNokwecamet
omeandIt
oldherev
ery
thi
ng.Thabi
int
roduced
me

usasherbestf
ri
endsMeandNokwe.

Par
tywentwel
l
.Katsai
dS.
Ksai
dhemustapol
ogi
zei
nhi
sbehal
ffornotcomi
nghehassome
busi
ness

totakecar
eof.Ot
herguyhesai
dsomewor
dsl
i
keKatf
orapol
ogi
ses.NokweandIwer
e
sippi
ngwine

asKatcamet
owar
dsushegr
eet
edandi
ntr
oducedhi
msel
fandwedi
dthatt
oo.Iwassobor
ed
att
he

endbutot
her
scamet
osayt
hei
rgoodby
es.Mxm snobs.Iwentt
othebat
hroom downst
air
s.I
hear
d

t
heguy
sspeaki
ng.Icoul
dn'
theart
heot
herv
oices.
..
.

Andi
l
e:“
Ithi
nkIgott
heI
Tgur
u”

Guy
:“Wedon'
twantanamat
eurher
emj
i
ta”

Andi
l
e:“
Shei
stheonewhof
oundSabel
oKubheka

Anot
herguy
:“Wehav
etomeetupt
omor
rowt
odi
scusst
his”

I
’mtheonewhof
oundt
hatSabel
oKubheka.Theyt
hinkI
’
m anamat
eur
.WhyAndi
l
esay
s“f
orus”
who

i
sthisusr
efer
ri
ngt
o?Ihav
emanyquest
ionst
hatneedsanswer
s.Somet
imeshegoesoutat
midni
ght

andcomesbackatewehour
s.Somet
hingdoesn'
taddupher
e.

Chapt
er7

I’
mintheof
fi
ceandnowI
’
m keepi
ngacl
oseey
etoLuxol
o.Hei
snotj
umpyt
omeonl
ybutt
o
ever
yone

her
e.Whenhegoesouthet
akeshi
slapt
opwi
thhi
m.Okay
.Letmet
esthi
m..
.

Me:“
Canyoupl
easel
endmey
ourl
apt
opIneedsomef
il
eandmyl
apt
ophasat
echni
cal
pr
obl
em”

Luxolo:
“I'
m notshar
ingmyl
apt
opwi
thany
oneher
eandi
twon'
tst
artwi
thy
ou!
”Hesai
d
fur
iousl
y.

Me:
“Okaysor
ry”

Thi
sst
artt
oconf
ir
m somet
hingt
omeev
ent
houghImustmakesomedi
ggi
ngs.Thedaywas
sl
ow
todaybuti
tknocksof
fti
me.Ical
l
edat
axi
becauseAndi
l
ehasmeet
ingt
oat
tendbuti
t’
saf
ter
hours

now.

WhatIt
hinknowi
sAndi
l
ehassome“
other
”busi
nessbesi
dest
heDl
ami
niat
tor
ney
sandIt
hink
t
here

ar
esomet
hreat
shehasbutmay
beI
'
m specul
ati
ng.

WhenIcamehomeThabi
wasnotbacky
etbutshesai
dshewi
l
lor
dersomet
hingt
oeatonher
way

backsoIbet
terdomywor
k.

IgotLuxol
o’ssur
name.Hei
sLuxol
oMbangat
haf
rom East
ernCapeandhei
sver
yrude.
Hei
san
IT

gur
uthatonebutI
’
llgetbot
tom oft
hist
oni
ght
.Iwentt
ogetmyl
apt
opsoIst
artt
ofi
nd
somet
hing

ont
hisSabel
oKubhekawhost
ressAndi
l
e.

Ihav
ehi
sMACaddr
esssoIhav
esomet
hingt
owor
kon.Iknowhi
slocat
ionbutt
het
hingImust
dois

tohackhi
semai
l
s.IchangedmyVPNonmyl
apt
opsoi
twon'
tpoi
ntbackt
omeandI
'
m usi
ng
dark

Websoi
tsunt
raceabl
e.

Me:
“Readi
ngObt
aini
ngI
Paddr
essLoadi
ng.
..
.”

“
Yes”IsayI
’
mtal
ki
ngt
omy
sel
f.

Imanagedt
ohackhi
semai
l
sbuti
twashar
dtohackhi
m butIwast
aughtbyt
hebesthackerI
ever

known.If
oundl
oophol
esi
nhi
sfi
rewal
l
ssoIwasi
n.

Whoaaaaaa!

“
E-mai
lfr
om Luxol
o”mer
eadi
ngoutl
oud

Iwonderwhoi
sthi
sLuxol
o?

“
Igott
hebankst
atement
sforDl
ami
niat
tor
ney
sbutwewi
l
ldi
scusswhenI
'
m atDur
bannext

weekend”Ir
eadnotl
oud.WhyhehasDl
ami
niat
tor
ney
sbankst
atement
s.
Wait…….Theonl
yLuxol
owhoi
sinDl
ami
niat
tor
ney
sandhei
sITdepar
tment
.Whati
sthe
connect
ion

bet
weenhi
m AndFi
nancedepar
tment
?

“It
hinkhi
slaunder
ingmoneywi
tht
hiscompanyandIal
somanagedt
opl
antl
i
steni
ngdev
icesi
n
his

of
fi
ces”Ir
ead.Mysuspi
cionswer
eri
ghtabouthi
m.

Thabicamel
aterf
rom wor
kandmi
nut
esl
aterAndi
l
ecamei
n.Iwantt
otal
ktohi
m aboutt
his
butI
’l
l

t
alkabouti
tint
hemor
ning.

I
nthemor
ningIdi
dmydai
l
yrout
ineandgotr
eadyt
ogot
owor
k.

Whenhest
art
edt
odr
iveout
..
..

Me:
“Bhut
iAndi
l
e”

Andi
l
e:“
Yessi
si”

Me:“WhatI
'
m aboutt
osaymi
ghtchangeev
ery
thi
ngbutIt
hinky
ouhav
etoknowt
his”I
’
m
scar
edto

sayt
hisbut
…

Andi
l
e:“
I'
m notdy
ingr
ight
”

Af
terhesai
dthatIdi
dn'
tl
augh.

Andi
l
e:“
Okay
”

It
ookadeepsi
gh.

Me:“Luxol
oissni
tchi
ngony
out
oSabel
oKubheka.Ihav
esomeemai
l
sthatpr
ovesonwhatI
’
m
say
ing”

Si
l
ence.

I
’
mregr
ett
ingwhyIt
oldbuti
twasamust
….

Andi
le:
“Ar
eyousur
e?Wai
twewi
l
ltal
kaboutwhenwegott
otheof
fi
ce”Ihear
dpani
cinhi
s
voi
ce

Me:
“Yourof
fi
cehasl
i
steni
ngdev
icesandt
hatwasment
ionedi
noneofemai
l
s”

Andi
l
e:“
Fuck!
”hehi
tast
eer
ingwheel
outoff
rust
rat
ion
Icont
inued

Me:“Wor
stpar
tishet
hinksy
oul
aunder
ingmoneyt
hroughy
oucompany
.Hehast
heact
ual
bank

st
atement
sfort
hel
astsi
xmont
hsnott
her
evi
sedonebyt
heaudi
tor
”

Andi
le:
“Geez”Hei
sangr
yaboutt
hismat
ter
.Hegoest
osomeEst
atehouses.Hesai
dImust
cal
li
nsick

t
odayandIdi
dashesai
d.

Wegott
othi
sbeaut
if
ulhousewi
thanexpensi
vet
ast
einev
ery
thi
ngi
nit
.Hemadesomef
ew
cal
l
s.

Aft
er30mi
nut
est
heguy
swer
eher
eandwer
eatKat
'shouseInot
icedbecausehewaswear
ing
gown.

Myphoner
ingsohGodi
tsSamkel
o..
..

Me:
“Hey
”

Hi
m:“
Howar
eyou”

Me:
"I’
m goodcanIpl
easecal
lyoul
ater
.Dut
ycal
l
s"

Hi
m:“
Okay
.Hav
eani
ceday
”

Me:
“Samet
oyou"

Isayandhungup

Kat
:“Howdi
dyouf
indoutaboutSabel
o”

Me:
“Andi
l
esai
dImustt
rackhi
m soIdi
dthat
”

It
ookaseat
.It
hinkt
heydon'
ttr
ustmebutImustpr
ovemy
sel
f.

Me:“I
’
m goingt
obehonestt
oyouguy
s”I
’
m scar
edbecauset
her
eabout13guy
sher
eandI
t
hinkthey

ar
ear
medbutI
’
m goi
ngt
ell
thet
rut
hany
way
.

Me:“
Aft
erAndi
l
esai
dImustt
rackSabel
oKubhekaIsawt
hathewasst
ressedabouti
t.Luxol
o
was

behav
ingst
rangei
fIcansayIev
ent
est
edhi
mtot
ryt
obor
rowhi
slapt
opbuthesai
dnoheonl
y

answert
hel
andl
i
nebutwhenhi
scel
lphoner
ingshedon'
tansweri
tandt
hatgav
eme
suspi
cionsand

Ideci
dedt
ohackSabel
oagai
nwi
thoutAndi
l
e'sper
miss.
..
..
”

Kat
:“Whogav
eyouper
missi
ont
ohackhi
m?”Hesai
dwi
thani
rr
it
atedt
one

Me:
“Noonegav
emet
heper
missi
on”

Kat
:“Getoutofmyhouse!
”

Me:
“It
hinkAndi
l
ehasanot
herbusi
nessont
hesi
det
hatwhyt
heyhav
ehi
scompany
’sbank

st
atement
sandpl
ant
edhear
ingdev
icesi
nhi
sof
fi
ce.It
hinkt
heyar
egangi
nguponhi
mtobr
ing
hi
m

down”Isayst
il
lonmyseatIhav
en’
tmov
edanybi
t

Si
l
ence

Ot
herguy
:“Howdoy
ouknowaboutAndi
l
e'sot
herbusi
ness?
”

Kat
:“Isai
dGETOUT!
”her
oar
ed.

Andi
le:
“Katbr
ather
e'snoneedf
ort
hatshemanagedt
otr
aceSabel
oandShe’
l
lhel
pusandwe
need

hersopl
easeman”

Theyal
lwentt
ospeaki
npr
ivat
eaf
tersomewhi
l
etheycamebackwher
eIwas.

Kat
:“Okayy
oucanst
ayandhel
pusbutIneedt
otr
usty
ou”Hesay
stome.

Myski
l
lswi
l
lSpeakf
orme.

Anot
herguy
:“Weneedt
oaskhersomequest
ionsboss”

Me:
“Aski
ngmanyquest
ionswon'
thel
pAndi
l
ewi
thany
thi
ng.Ri
ghtnow

Sponsor
ed

Ineedmyl
apt
opl
apt
op’
s

chargeandcomf
ort
abl
epl
acewher
eIcanst
artt
owor
kandast
rongbl
ackcof
feewi
thno
sugar”Iwas

l
ooki
ngatKat
.

I
'
venev
erbeensobr
avei
nmyl
i
fe.Iwasof
fer
edapl
acet
owor
kinDi
ningr
oom ar
esoIst
art
ed
t
o
wor
k.I
'
m gl
adhehadn'
tseent
her
eisapar
asi
tei
nhi
ssy
stem.

Me:
“Guy
s!”

Theyal
lcomei
nonce.

Me:
“Guy
sSabel
oandLuxol
oar
ewor
kingf
orKagi
soMai
te.
..
.”

Them:
“What
!”t
heyal
lsayi
nonce

Me:
“Whoi
sKagi
soMai
te?
”

Kat
:“Noneofy
ourbusi
ness”

Si
l
ence

Iseeangeri
nal
lthemenher
eIdon'
tknowwhy
.Iwi
shoneoft
hem canspeaknow

Andi
l
e:“
Kagi
soMai
tei
sagangl
eaderf
rom ourr
ival
gang”

Me:
"Sowhyar
eyouf
reaki
ngout
?”

Kat
:“Wenotgoi
ngt
odi
scussser
iousmat
ter
swi
thy
ou”

Thi
sKatguyhat
esmeIcansayt
hat
.Hei
sfi
ght
ingwi
thmeev
eni
fI'
mtr
yingt
ohel
pthem.I
'
m
sur
e

t
heyar
escar
edt
hisKagi
so.I
'
mint
hef
our
thcupofbl
ackcof
fee.SoIcheckedAndi
l
e'sf
ir
ewal
l
i
seasy

t
ocr
ackev
enamat
eurcancr
acki
t.

Me:“
Ifoundsomanyl
oophol
esi
nyoursy
stem’
sfi
rewal
landi
t’
seasyt
ocr
ack.I
tsLuxol
o’sj
ob
wasto

makesur
ewedon'
thav
eloophol
esbutIt
hinkhemadei
tint
ent
ional
l
yfort
hatSabel
ohav
eeasy

accesst
oemai
l
sandev
ery
thi
ngt
hati
shappeni
ngatwor
kandi
nyourl
i
fe”

Kat
:“Wow!
”hesai
dwi
thasi
gh

Me:“Heknewaboutt
heDi
amonddeal
becausey
ousentanemai
ltoPhi
l
asay
ingt
hatdi
amond
deal

i
sonsot
hathet
oar
rangeameet
ingwi
tht
heguy
s"Isayl
ooki
ngatl
apt
op'
sscr
een.

Andi
l
e“That
'swhyi
twascancel
l
edonl
astmi
nut
e..
..
..
”

Ot
herGuy
:“Andt
hatRhi
nohor
n'sdeal
wasal
socancel
l
ed”
Theytal
kedaboutot
herdeal
sthatneedst
obepost
ponedf
ort
his.Theymustt
alkaboutf
ake
deal
s

usi
ngAndi
l
e'smai
l
boxsot
hatKagi
so'
sganghav
efal
sei
nfor
mat
ion.

Igotane-
mai
lthatwassentt
oKagi
sobySabel
osoIt
ri
edt
ohackKagi
so'
semai
landIgott
he

i
nfor
mat
ionaboutt
hei
rser
versoIt
hinkIknowwhatt
odonowbutImustdi
scussev
ery
thi
ng
wi
th

t
heguy
s

Me:
“Guy
sIhackedKagi
so'
semai
l
ssoIhav
eev
ery
thi
ngIneedso.
..
I.
..
..
”

Kat
:“Yhuut
hisgi
rl
”hecl
appedonce

Me:“Whatnow?Doy
out
hinky
oucandot
hisbet
tert
hanmeorar
eyouunder
mini
ngme?
”I’
m
cal
mly

buti
rr
it
atednow

Si
l
ence

Me:
“Icanj
am t
hei
rgadget
stogetal
lthei
nfor
mat
iont
heyhav
eony
ou”

I
fKatt
hinksI
'
m goi
ngt
oneedhi
sper
missi
ont
odomy“
job”hecant
hinkagai
n.Iwast
aughtby
t
he

geni
ustohack.Rambot
aughtmet
hehacki
ngski
l
lsI
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutt
heguywhohacks
anyt
hingl
i
ke

AbsaUKZNev
enhi
sgi
rl
fr
iend’
sWhat
sAppi
nfactal
lhersoci
alappsheev
enhackedhi
s
mother
's

WhatsAppbecausesher
educedhi
sal
l
owancebuthest
oppedwhenhesawhi
smot
her
'snude
pi
ctur
es

bei
ngsendt
ohi
sfat
her
.LOL.SoKatcanbackof
f

Andi
l
e:“
Dowhaty
ouhav
etodoNompe”

Aft
er30mi
nut
esIwasdone.If
ormat
tedal
lthei
nfor
mat
iont
heyhav
eonAndi
l
eandgav
ethem
a

bonusandf
ormat
tedev
ery
thi
ngont
hei
rgadget
sandImadei
tlookl
i
kef
aul
tandf
ormat
tedt
he

ev
eryt
hingonKagi
so'
scl
oudaccountsot
heyhav
enot
hingandi
tsunt
raceabl
e.Ioutdone
mysel
f
t
oday
.Ical
l
edi
nfewf
avour
sbutwi
thmyf
ri
endsev
ery
thi
ngi
spossi
ble.

-
--
--
--
--
--

Iwokeupear
lyj
ustt
ocheckt
hatev
ery
thi
ngi
sundercont
rol
aft
erwhatIdi
dyest
erday
.Iwentt
o
take

ashowerwhenIcheckedt
het
imeonmyphoneIsawSamkel
o’smi
ssedcal
l
...

Me:
whodi
ed.

Hi
m:“
Noonedi
ed”

Thi
sguyt
hough.

Hi
m:“
Mhm okayImi
ssedy
ourv
oicet
hat
'swhyIcal
l
edy
out
hisear
ly”

Hol
yghost
.

Me:“
Sor
ryf
ornotget
ti
ngbackt
oyou.Isl
eptear
lyy
est
erday
.Inf
actIsl
eptf
ull
ydr
essedIwas
so

t
ir
ed”

Him:“
Siesul
aleungagezi
l
e(y
oudi
dn'
tbat
hyest
erdaybef
orey
ousl
eep)
”hei
sjustbei
nghi
msel
f
r
ight

now

Me:
“Iwast
ir
ednj
eandt
ododgeonedaywon'
thur
tany
one”

Hi
m:“
Imi
ssy
ouespeci
all
ywheny
oul
aughy
az(
youknow)
”

That
'smycuet
ogo

Me:
“Ihav
etopr
epar
eto.
..
.go.
..
”

Hi
m:“
Okaynanahav
eawonder
ful
dayt
hen”

Me:
“Hav
eawonder
ful
dayt
oo”Ihungupaf
ter

Idon'
tknowwhySamkel
ocal
lmeal
mostev
erydayj
ustt
ocheckuponme.Real
l
y?I
t’
sni
cet
o
recei
ve

acall
from someoneeachanev
ery
daybutIf
indi
tawkwar
dwhenhecal
l
sbutIl
i
kehi
sdeep
voi
ceand

every
thi
ngabouthi
m act
ual
l
ybutIneedt
obesi
ngl
eforay
earj
ustt
ogetov
ermyexandpi
ckup
the
pi
ecesandt
henI
'
llber
eadyt
odoany
thi
ng.

Thabi:“
Weneedt
ogoorel
sey
ouwi
l
lbel
ate”Shesay
sshei
sgi
vi
ngt
hel
i
ftt
owor
ktoday
because

Andi
l
ehasan“
ear
lymeet
ing”

IguessThabi
don’
tknowaboutAndi
l
e’sshadi
nessandIguessshei
sbet
tert
hatwaybecause
shewill

l
osei
t.Shei
ssweetandcar
ingbuti
fyoumesswi
thherorputherl
i
fei
ndangershel
osesi
tbi
g
t
ime.

Me:
“OkayI
'
m comi
ngnow”

Iwentdownst
air
sandaf
tert
hatwedr
oveof
f.Ther
eisahel
perbutshecomesonMonday

WednesdayandFr
iday
.Thei
rhousei
sagi
gant
icsi
ngl
est
oreyt
hedécori
niti
sThabi
’
stast
e
f
rom t
he

ki
tchent
ocur
tai
nsanddi
ningr
oom andcut
ler
ybutt
il
esf
urni
shi
tisAndi
l
e’sexpensi
vet
ast
e.

Thei
rhousei
sinFancour
tEst
atei
nGor
gei
npr
est
igi
ousl
i
nksAv
enue

Thabi
:“OnAndi
l
e'sbi
rt
hdaypar
tyIsawKatt
alki
ngt
oyou”

Me:
“Mxm t
hatser
iousi
diot
”Ir
oll
edmyey
es

Thabi
:“It
hinkhel
i
kesy
ou”

I
fsheknewhowmucht
heguyhat
emef
orknowi
ngt
hei
r“busi
ness”wi
thoutt
hei
rper
missi
on.I
hat
e

hi
mt ooforaski
ngt
oomanyquest
ionsi
nst
eadoft
hanki
ngf
orhel
pingt
hem t
ofi
ndar
ati
nthei
r
house.

Me:
“NomnganIdon'
tthi
nksopl
ushei
snotmyt
ype”

Thabi
:“Samkel
oisy
ourt
ype?
”shewasst
eal
i
nggl
ances.

Me:
“Hawungangi
kut
shel
elani
(Idon'
tknowwhyIt
oldy
ou)
”

ShelaughsatmeandIj
oinedi
n.I
nmi
nut
esl
wasatwor
kandWednesday
sar
ethemostbor
ing
days

t
ome.Ipl
anmyt
ri
ptoDur
banont
heweekendt
opampermy
sel
faf
terear
ninganot
herR50000
f
rom

Andi
l
esoIbookedt
hef
li
ghtf
orFr
iday
.IsawLuxol
oathi
sdeskandI
'
m sur
ehedoesn’
tknow
t
hathi
s

day
sar
enumber
edi
nthi
scompany
.It
hinkIwi
l
lgetpr
omot
ionwhenhei
sgone.

Andi
l
eandKatdeci
dedt
owhent
her
eisameet
ingImustmakesur
ethatt
her
eisat
echni
cal
pr
oblem

anddel
etehi
swor
ksot
heyAndi
l
ecanf
ir
ehi
mfai
randsquar
e.Idi
dwhatIwassupposedt
odo
and

putmypl
anonmot
ion.

Luxol
o:“
Arggh”hei
sir
ri
tat
edandnothi
msel
ftoday
.

Me:
“Whati
sit
?”Iaskedhi
m.Hei
spi
ssedof
fandhi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
onsay
sthatt
oo.

Hi
m:“
Not
hing”

What
everdudeIdon'
tgi
veadamnt
oyour“
issues”
.It
sknockof
fti
mesoIwaswai
ti
ngf
orAndi
l
e
i
n

t
hepar
kingl
otIt
oldhi
m aboutangr
yLuxol
o..
..

Andi
l
e:“
YeahIcal
l
edhi
mint
hemeet
ingsay
ingt
hatI
'
m exper
ienci
ngat
echni
cal
probl
em andhe

wasn'
tabl
etof
ixi
t"

Me:
“Iknewi
t.Nowonderhewassoangr
yanI
Tgur
ubei
ngbeat
enonhi
sowngame”Il
aughed

Thankst
oRambo.

Andi
l
e:“Thanky
ouf
orgoi
ngt
hatf
art
ohel
pme”It
oldhi
m aboutmyt
ri
phesai
dhei
sgi
vi
nga
Monday

of
fbutImustcal
li
nsi
ckatt
heof
fi
ce.Whatki
ndoft
hebosst
hatt
ell
syout
ododgewor
k?

Chapt
er8

Theyt
ookmet
oai
rpor
tandmyf
li
ghtwasat20:
00pm t
oDur
ban.Ical
l
edacabaf
terl
andi
ng
andwhen

Igott
omyf
latIhadt
ocl
eanf
ir
stsoat
ethef
oodt
hatIboughti
nCape.Ical
l
edmyf
ami
l
ybutI
di
dn't

t
ell
them t
hatI
’
minDur
banIj
ustwant
edt
obeal
one.At23:
00pm Iwentt
osl
eep.
At03:
00am Iwokenupbyabeeponmyphone“
leav
emymanal
one”Ir
eadoutl
oudi
t’
saSMS.
Nxaa

whoevert
hisbi
tchi
spi
ssi
ngmeof
f.Fi
rst
lyI
'
m si
ngl
eandwhoi
sthi
s.Imustcal
lthi
snumber
now.
..
.

Me:
“Whoam It
alki
ngt
oo?
”I’
mir
ri
tat
ed.

Voi
ce:
“Nokut
hul
aLul
onke’
sgi
rl
fr
iend”

Me:“
Nxaal
i
stenher
ewenadot
i(y
our
ubbi
sh)webr
okeupwi
tht
hatusel
essmanofy
our
sso
l
eav
eme

al
one”Isayandhungup.

Idon’
thav
eti
mef
orusel
essbi
tch.Hermanl
eftmef
orhersoIwon'
tent
ert
ainher
.I’
m angr
yina

wayIwon’
tfal
lasl
eepsoIcheckmyemai
l
sandIcl
osemyl
apt
op.Imustt
hinkaboutt
hisbi
tch
andI

don'
tknowwhatt
odonext
.

I
nthemor
ningIwentt
othebankandIdeposi
tedanot
herR5000t
omymot
herR2500f
or
gr
ocer
yat

homeandR3000t
omygr
andma.Ir
ecei
veacal
lwhi
l
eIwasi
nsi
det
hebank

Lul
onke:
“Whatexact
lydoy
ouf
rom mygi
rl
fr
iend?
”hesnapped.Hemustnott
estme.Thatbi
tch
of

hi
sist
heonewhocal
l
edme

Me:“
Lal
ela(
li
sten)Lul
onkey
ourf
looz
ycal
l
edmeat03:
00am andIdon'
tl
ike.
..
”Isaycal
mlybut
i
ndeep

v
oicewi
thanger

Lul
onke:
“NompeIknowy
ou'
ret
heonet
hatcal
l
edNokut
hul
aandIwantt
oknowwhy
!”

Me:“It
oldy
out
hatIdi
dn'
tcal
lherandIwon'
texpl
ainmy
sel
ftoy
ou.I
fyoudon'
ttr
ustmeof
whatI'
m

say
ingt
oyougot
ohel
lwi
thabucketofi
ceVoet
sek!
”

Af
terIhungupIsentat
extt
oSamkel
o“Dudear
eyouav
ail
abl
efordr
inks?
”Ineededsome
gr
ocery

t
olastmef
ort
hisdaysoIwentt
oShopr
it
einWestSt
reetont
hel
eft
-handsi
de.
WhenIst
art
edt
otakesomef
ewt
hingsIr
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Samkel
o.Hesai
dhewi
l
lpi
ckme
up

whenI
'
m done.

Samkel
o:“
Youpl
annedt
ocl
eanoutShopr
it
etoday
”hesay
sinsar
cast
ict
one.

Me:
“No”Ipi
nchedhi
m ont
hear
m.“
Iwantt
ocookf
ormy
sel
fav
erydel
i
ciousmeal
forsuper
”

Samkel
o:“
Yeahsot
hev
enuei
smypl
ace.I
'
llgi
vey
ouany
thi
ngut
ensi
landhel
pyoui
fyouneed
meto

pl
ease”hei
sbeggi
ng

Me:
“Okay
.Dr
opmeof
ffi
rstt
heny
ouwi
l
lpi
ckmeupl
ater
”

Samkel
o:“
No.Dr
inksonmyhouseandpl
easedon'
tar
guewi
thme”Idi
dn’
tar
gue.Hedr
ove
st
rai
ght

t
ohi
spl
ace.

Ipour
edmy
sel
far
eawi
neandt
ri
edt
orel
axont
hel
eat
her4si
tt
ercouch.Ibor
rowhi
spush-
in
andhe

gav
emet hecomf
ort
abl
eonebutt
heyar
ebi
gonme.Wet
ookmygr
ocer
ywi
thusaf
terhe
ambushed

meanddeci
dedt
orui
nmypl
ansnott
hatIhav
eanysoIwi
l
lmakechi
ckencl
ubsandwi
chesand
j
uice

f
orbot
hofust
oeat
.

Me:
“Lunchi
sready
!”

Ithi
nkhewentt
otakeashowerbecausehechangedt
hecl
othest
ogr
eyadi
dast
racksui
tsand
navy

sl
i
pper
s.Hecamewi
thsomecut
esmi
l
e..
..

Hi
m:“
Wow!KaMazi
bukomademel
unch.
..
Mhm”her
ubbedhi
shandsl
ooki
ngathi
spl
ate.

I
'
m gl
adhei
sexci
tedIt
houghthewoul
dmakeanot
hert
hingt
oeat
.

Me:
“Si
tdownandeat
”

Hi
m:“
Ican'
twai
tforsupper
”Hei
sli
ckedhi
sfi
nger
s.Thi
sonecanbechi
l
dishIt
ell
you.

I
'm gl
adheenj
oyedi
t.Idi
dn'
texpecthi
mtobeagr
eatcookerIwasamazedwhenIhadl
unch
wit
h
hi
mforthef
ir
stt
imeher
esoi
fIwanthi
mtoeatmyf
oodImustgoanext
rami
l
e.Wewat
ched
movi
es

af
tereat
ingl
unchandweat
herchangedaf
tert
hati
nmi
ddayi
twascl
oudybutnotcol
dbutnow
i
t’
s

col
dsohewentt
otakeat
hrow.Icant
ell
thathei
sneatandev
ery
thi
ngher
eiscl
ean.

WhenIwokeupi
twas17:
15pm mxm If
ell
asl
eepwhenwewer
ewat
chi
ngamov
ie.Tobe
honestt
hat

movi
ebor
edmet
hat
'swhyIf
ell
asl
eep.If
reakoutwhenIsawhi
mlooki
ngatmel
i
keI
'
m an
al
i
en.
..
.

Me:
“Youscar
edmedude”

Hi
m:“
Sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
oscar
eyou”

Me:
“Okay
”Isi
ghed

Me:“
Ineedt
ouseabat
hroom”Igotupont
hecouchandwal
kedt
obat
hroom.Iknowt
hings
ar
ound

her
eit
’snott
hef
ir
stt
imeI
'
m her
eany
way
.

Iwentst
rai
ghtt
otheki
tchenandIst
art
edt
ochopandhecamei
ntheki
tchenandhesatont
he

ki
tchencount
er.I
'
m maki
ngchi
ckenbr
eastmeatwi
thmushr
oom sauceandgr
il
ledbut
ter
nut
and

mashandv eget
ables.Hesatt
hereandwatchedmeslav
ingint
hekit
chen.At19:
30pm t
he
supperwasservedwithr
edwine.I
t’
sthebothofusnofr
iendst
odayIfoundi
tstr
angebecause
onweekendshe

i
salwayswit
hhi
sfr
iends.OkayI
’
m oneofhi
sfr
iendst
hel
astt
imeIcheckedImustr
emi
nd
mysel
fthat
.

Hi
m:“
Thef
oodi
s..
..
..
”heupl
ookedt
ome

Iguessi
t’
snotdel
i
ciousort
hatgr
eatIt
houghtIwi
l
lbe.

Hi
m:“
Thef
oodi
sdel
i
cious.Thanky
ou”

Me:
“I'
m gl
ady
ou'
reenj
oyi
ngt
hef
ood”

Hi
m:“
Ihopey
ouwi
l
lbecooki
ngsuchgr
eatf
oodev
erydaywheny
ouar
eMr
sKhumal
o”

Iwon'
tanswert
hatoneandwhosai
dIwantt
obeMr
sKhumal
o.It
akepl
atet
oki
tchenandI
st
art
ed

tocl
eanandIwashedt
hedi
shesandhehel
pedmet
owi
pest
hedi
shesandpackedt
hem.I
pour
ed

anot
hergl
assofwi
ne.

Hi
m:“I'
m ser
iousabouti
tNompendul
o.Il
ovedy
out
hef
ir
stdayIsawy
ouIwassohear
tbr
oken
when

Isawyoucr
yingont
hatpunchi
ngbag.You'
ret
hef
ir
stper
sonIwantt
otal
ktoi
nthemor
ning
andthe

l
astper
sont
otal
ktowhenIgot
osl
eep.Iwantt
owakeupnextt
oyouf
ort
her
estofmyl
i
fe”he
was

hol
dingbot
hofmyhands.

Me:
“Idon'
tknowwhatt
osaybutIcan'
tbei
nar
elat
ionshi
pri
ghtnow.
..
.”

Il
ovehi
m butIcan'
tj
ustt
ell
himt
oday

Hi
m:“
Ilov
eyounanaasmuchasIl
ovey
oubutIcan'
tshar
e..
..
”

Me:“
No!I
'
m si
ngl
e!I
'
m noti
nar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thsomeonei
fthatwhaty
oumean”Iwasl
ooki
ng
at

hi
sey
es.Sexyey
es.

Whydi
dIsayt
hewor
d“si
ngl
e”outl
oud?

Hi
m:“
Ify
ousi
ngl
easy
ousayki
ssme”Hei
slooki
ngdeepi
nmyey
es.

Me:
“Nott
hatIdon'
tl
ovey
ou

Sponsor
ed

butIcan'
tshar
e..
..
”

Me:“
No!I
'
m si
ngl
e!I
'
m noti
nar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thsomeonei
fthatwhaty
oumean”Iwasl
ooki
ng
at

hi
sey
es.Sexyey
es.

Whydi
dIsayt
hewor
d“si
ngl
e”outl
oud?

Hi
m:“
Ify
ousi
ngl
easy
ousayki
ssme”Hei
slooki
ngdeepi
nmyey
es.

Me:
“Nott
hatIdon'
tl
ovey
oubutImustdeal
wit
hmyd.
..
..
”
Idi
dn'
tfi
nisht
hesent
encehej
ustgr
abbedmebywai
standki
ssedmeandIki
ssedhi
m backwe
shar
ed

al
ongandpassi
onat
eki
ssaf
terawhi
l
eIpul
l
edout
.

Okay
.Awkwar
d.Het
ookhi
skey
sandphonet
otakemet
omypl
ace.

Hi
m:“
Ilov
eyousweet
hear
t”

Hekissedmyf
oreheadandweshar
edahugal
soabr
iefki
ss.St
eppedoutandhel
ockedt
he
door
.

Whenwear
ri
vedatmypl
aceandwegotof
fthecarandhel
eftwhenIwasi
nsi
deanddr
oveof
f

IwaswokenupbyNokwe’
sincomi
ngcal
l
.

Nokwe:
“Mnganwhat
’sgoi
ngon?
”Herv
oicesay
sshei
swi
deawake

Me:
“It06:
00am andsomeofusar
est
il
lsl
eepi
ng”Iy
awned

Nokwe:“
Yourpi
ctur
esar
eov
erFacebooksay
ingt
hatLul
onkedumpedy
ouandy
ouar
est
il
l
beggi
ng

hi
mforl
ovebacks”

Thatbi
tchmustnott
estme.

Me:
“Mnganwhopost
edt
hosepi
ctur
es?
”Idon'
tl
ikemyr
eact
ionatt
hingsl
i
ket
his

Nokwe:
“Somegi
rlcal
l
edNokut
hul
aNokuMasi
l
ela"

Me:
“Iknewi
tthati
t’
sthatbi
tchwhocandot
his”Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hthi
sbi
tchaccor
dingl
y

Thi
sbi
tchi
sreal
l
ytest
ingme.

Aft
erthatIgotcal
l
sfr
om MyMot
herSi
sterandGr
andma.Sur
elymymot
hercal
l
edGr
andma
andtol
d

hert
hismadnessbutl
ucki
l
yit
’snotnudepi
ctur
es.Iwi
l
lst
opt
hismadnessonceandf
oral
l
.I
mustcal
l

Samkel
ookaymyman.

Idel
etemypi
ctur
esonherFacebookaccount
.YesIhackedheraccountandIgotsomeher
nude

pi
ctur
esonherphonegal
l
erybutIwi
l
llayl
owmay
beamont
hort
wot
henl
eakhernudest
o

Facebook.Iwon’
ttagherandIwi
l
lusef
akeFacebookaccountorsomet
hing.Imustcal
lmy
man.
..
.

Hi
m:“
Mor
ningmyl
ove”

Hecanr
eadmymi
ndsomet
imes.

Me:
“Iwasaboutt
ocal
lyouy
azi
”

Hi
m:“
Greatmi
ndst
hinkal
i
ke.Howar
eyousweet
hear
t?”

Me:
“I'
m good.Ihopey
oucal
l
ingaboutmypi
ctur
esbei
ngspl
ashedonFacebook”

Hi
m:“
What
?Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
”

Me:
“YeahbutIwi
l
ldeal
wit
hitdon’
twor
ry”

Hi
m:“
Ber
eadyI
’
m comi
ngt
opi
cky
ouup.Youwon'
tst
ayal
onewheny
ou’
reangr
y”

Hei
spi
ssi
ngmeof
fri
ghtnow.Ineedt
obeal
oneandpl
otr
evengef
ort
hisbi
tch.Ir
ecei
vedcal
l
f
rom

Thabi
andIt
oldhert
hatIf
ixedt
hatl
i
ttl
einci
dentandI
'
m notangr
yany
mor
e.Hecamet
opi
ck
meup

andwhenwegott
ohi
spl
acehedr
oppedmeandhesai
dther
eissomet
hingheneedst
odohe
wil
l

bebackshor
tl
y.

Aft
erprepar
ingl
unchf
ormymanwhohasr
etur
nedaf
terhedr
oppedmeof
fher
e.Iwentt
o
guest
room

andmyphoner
ings.
..
..
..
.

Me:
“Boss”i
tsAndi
l
e

Andi
l
e:“
Nompehowar
eyou”

Me:
“I'
m goodboss”

Si
l
ence

Andi
l
e:“
Doy
out
hinki
tsKagi
sopost
ingy
ourpi
ctur
es”

Me:“
Idon'
tthi
nksobossi
tssomebi
tcht
hathappenst
obet
hegi
rl
fr
iendofmyext
hatpost
ed
t
hose

pi
ctur
es”
Andi
l
e:“
Mhm okaybutIt
hinksomet
hingi
sgoi
ngon”

May
bet
her
eissomet
hingr
eal
l
ygoi
ngonbutIt
hinki
tthatbor
edbi
tchwhowant
smyat
tent
ion.

Me:
“Bossi
t’
sanamat
eurwhodi
dthati
fitwashi
m hewoul
dhav
eusedi
mpor
tantpeopl
eto
me”

Andi
l
e:“
Okay
.By
ethen”hehungup.

Iexpl
ainedt
hatFacebooki
nci
dentt
oAndi
l
eandIr
eal
l
ythi
nki
t’
sherbecausei
fitwassomeone
he

woul
dhav
epost
edt
hem anony
mousl
yandsheusedherr
eal
l
yaccount
.WhenIgetupt
ogot
v
r
oom

If
oundhi
mleani
ngont
heopeneddoort
other
oom I
'
min.

Me:
“Idi
dn'
theary
ouwheny
oucamei
n”

IwasshockedIdi
dn’
texpecthi
m atal
landIt
hinkhehear
dmet
alki
ngt
oAndi
l
e

Samkel
o:“
Whower
eyout
alki
ngt
o?”Hef
oldshi
sar
msacr
osshi
schest

Hewaseav
esdr
oppi
ng.

Me:“Iwastalkt
omybossandhesawt
hosepi
ctur
esonFacebook”Iwal
kedoutoft
he
guest
room to

t
heki
tchen.

Iwonderwher
ehewast
hewhol
etwohour
sbutIwon’
taskhi
mI’
m nott
hatt
ype.I
fhewant
sme
to

knowhewi
l
ltel
lmebutIt
hinkhei
sn’
tthatt
ypewhot
ell
shi
sabout
.Ij
ustt
akehi
sfoodandj
uice
I

ser
vedhi
m wi
that
rayandhewassoamazedbyt
hathecanbest
upi
dsomet
imes

Me:
“I'
m notgoi
ngbackt
oCapeTownt
odayIhav
eaMondayof
ftomor
row”Iswi
tchedt
von

Samkel
o:“
Whenar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
obuyf
urni
tur
efort
hatf
latofy
our
s?”

Me:
“Howdi
dyouknowaboutmyf
latbecauseIdi
dn'
ttakey
out
omyf
lat
?”

Iwi
l
lst
rangl
ehi
mifIf
indcamer
asi
nmyf
lat
.

Me:
“Di
dyoupl
ant
edcamer
asi
nmyf
lat
?”

Samkel
o:“
No.Doy
our
ememberwhenIwentt
her
etogi
vey
out
hegi
fty
oul
efther
e?”he
l
aughed

Me:
“Mxm!
”

Nxaat
hisi
dioti
slaughi
ngwhenI
'
mthi
sangr
yIf
orgott
hatheoncecameuni
nvi
tedi
nmypl
ace
andI

wassopi
ssedt
hatday
.Ist
andupt
otakedi
shesandIwentst
rai
ghtt
oki
tchenandIwashed
di
shes

whenIwi
pedt
hem.
..
Ifel
thi
m behi
ndme.
..Hemustnott
estmeI
'
m angr
ycan'
theseet
hat
;he
must

st
ayawayf
rom meorel
seoneoft
hesepl
ateswi
l
llandonhi
sface

Samkel
o:“
Babe”

I
'm nottur
ningt
oseehi
m hecanf
orget
.If
elthi
swar
m handsar
oundmywai
standhewas
br
eathing

onmyr
ightear
.Whyi
shedoi
ngt
hatbecausei
tst
urnsmeon.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
rybabeaboutwhatIsai
d”

Mxm I
'
m notev
ent
hinki
ngaboutt
hatmyf
ocusi
sont
hisgr
eatf
eel
i
ng

Samkel
o:“
Pleaset
alkt
omemyl
ove”Hest
art
edt
oki
ssmeonneck

Si
l
ence.

Ili
kewhathei
sdoi
ngbutIwon'
tgi
vei
ttohi
m nott
oni
ghthecanf
orgetaboutt
hat
.Hej
ust
tur
ned

met ofacehi
m andIcan’
tseehi
minhi
sey
esIdon'
twanthi
mtoknowmyweakness.Hej
ust
scooped

myf
acet
olookathi
m andheki
ssedmeandIki
ssedhi
m back.
..
..
..
.

Samkel
o:“
I’
m sor
rybabe”Hei
slooki
ngatme.

Me:
“Okay
”Icont
inuedt
owi
pedi
shesandhehel
pedmet
opackt
hem i
nthei
rpl
ace

WhatInoti
cedabouthi
misneat
.Hi
spl
acei
sal
way
scl
eanandf
resh.It
hinkwhi
tei
shi
s
f
avouri
te

col
ourbecausemostoft
het
hingsar
oundher
eiswhi
tef
rom t
il
est
ocur
tai
nsandt
owel
sthatI
hav
e

seen.
Chapt
er9

Samkel
o:“
Babear
eyout
her
e!”

Me:“
YesbabeI
'
m her
e”Whydi
dheaskmet
hat
?Mxm I
'
m goi
ngt
oignor
ehi
m butIt
hinkhel
eft
t
he

r
oom

WhenIcameoutoft
heshowerIgotacl
eanbl
uegownandi
tsmel
l
sni
ceandf
resh.If
oundhi
m
and

hewasi
nagownt
oo.

Me:
“Ity
ourt
urnt
otakeabat
h”It
hinkhewant
edt
ogi
vemespace

Samkel
o:“
Iwentt
otakeabat
hint
heguest
room’
sbat
hroom It
houghtIhav
etogi
vey
ouspace”
he

satbacki
nthecouch.

Me:
“You’
resuchagent
lemanbabe”Isayr
ubbi
nghi
sshoul
der

Samkel
o:“
Thi
sist
ort
uret
hough”hesay
swi
thasmi
rkonhi
sface

LOL

Ithi
nkt
ogi
vehi
m somet
hingt
ocheerhi
m upbutnoImustmai
ntai
na90-
day
s-r
ulebutIdoubt
thi
s

onecanbeart
hat
.Hei
sthet
ypet
hatdon'
tneedper
missi
ont
odosomet
hing.

If
eltaki
ssonmyf
oreheadi
twashi
m butwhyhei
swear
ingbl
ackt
racksui
tandIt
hinki
ts
midni
ght
..
..

Samkel
o:“
Babet
her
eiscr
isi
sIhav
etoat
tend”hel
eanedf
oraki
ss.

Me:
“It
’smi
dni
ghtt
hough”i
nay
awni
ngv
oice

Samkel
o:“
Gobackt
osl
eepIhav
etogonowbabe”hi
svoi
cei
sabi
tfi
rm

Whati
sitwi
thhi
m?Igetupasheget
sof
ffr
om bedIf
oll
owedhi
m ashewentt
othemai
ndoor
.
He

i
sangr
yI’
m wear
inghi
spy
jamat
op.
..
.

Me:
“Youcan’
tleav
emeher
eatmi
dni
ght
!”Iscr
eamedandI
'
m angr
ynowIdon'
tunder
standwhy
he

i
sleav
ingmeher
e.

Samkel
o:“
Nompendul
oIsai
dgobackt
osl
eep”heshout
edbackatme.Ihear
dakeyt
urni
ngi
n
the

door
.

Iwentbackt
osl
eepIcheckedt
het
imeonmyphonei
twas02:
10am andst
art
edcr
ying.I
coul
dn’
t

sl
eepaft
ert
hatsoIwentt
otvr
oom soIswi
tchedont
het
v.Iwentt
otheki
tchenandIt
ooka
boxof

Fer
rer
oRocheIwentbackt
otvr
oom.Ist
art
edt
ocr
yagai
n.

Idi
dn’
trecei
veanycal
lfr
om hi
m andmyf
li
ghti
sat15:
30pm soImustgetr
eadyt
ogoandt
ake
my

cl
othesbutIcan’
tgetoutofher
ebecausehel
ockedout
side.

If
eltsomet
hingt
ouchi
ngmeonmyheadIj
umpedf
rom t
hecouch.
..
..
..

Samkel
o:“
It
’smemyl
ove”hesay
ssocal
mly
.

Heshockedme.

Si
l
ence

Me:“Cany
oupl
easedr
opmet
omypl
aceIhav
etogobackCapeI
'
m goi
ngt
owor
ktomor
row”I
say

wal
ki
ngoutt
omai
nbedr
oom

Si
l
ence.

Ichangedandt
ookmyhandbagandwentbackt
othet
vroom.

Samkel
o:“
Youcan'
tgowheny
ouar
ethi
sangr
y”heputhi
shandst
ohi
sheadandsatback.

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
owor
ktomor
rowsoIhav
etobookanot
herf
li
ght
”I’
m st
il
lst
andi
ng

Helooksatl
i
kemel
i
keI
’
m madbutnowI
'
m goi
ngt
omypl
aceev
eni
tsmeanImustwal
ktomy
pl
ace.

Hi
m:“
NompeIsai
dyouar
enotgoi
ng!
”hesay
swi
thabi
tfi
rmt
one

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
omypl
acenow!
”Iwasshout
ingandshaki
ngoutofanger
.Iwentt
owar
dst
he
door

andhej
umpedt
othedoorhegr
abbedmewi
thmyupperar
m

Me:
“You'
rehur
ti
ngmeSamkel
o!”I
’
m shout
ingnow.Hel
eav
esmyar
m.

Idi
dn'
tsi
gnupf
ort
hisnonsense.Iwon’
ttol
erat
ethi
ski
ndofabehav
iour

Hi
m:“
I’
m sor
rymyl
ovecanwepl
easesi
tdown”hesay
spoi
nti
ngt
othecouch.

Iwentt
osi
tont
hecouchbecauseIf
ear
edt
hatl
i
ttl
einci
dentt
hathappenedmi
nut
esear
ly.Isaw

anot
hersi
deofhi
m butI
’
m cer
tai
nthatIdon'
twantsot
oseeev
eragai
ninmyl
i
fe.

Hi
m:“
I’
vepr
epar
edev
ery
thi
ngf
ory
out
ogot
oCapel
atert
oni
ght
”hei
slooki
ngatme

Whodoeshet
hinkheIwon’
tbecont
rol
byany
one?

Me:
“I’
m goi
ngnowSamkel
o”Ist
oodup

Hi
m:“
OkayIunder
standt
haty
ouar
eangr
ybutwehav
etot
alk”hest
oodupIdon'
tknowwhyI
'
m

l
ooki
ngathi
m

Damnhim sohet
hinkshecanl
ockmewhenev
erwehav
eanar
gument
.Togett
hingsst
rai
ght
i
t’
snot

anar
gumenti
tisabi
gfi
ght
.Ist
art
edt
ocr
yandwentt
otheki
tchenIt
ookt
hosechocol
ate.
Whenhe

camebackhewaswear
ingbl
ackJor
dant
racksui
tsandwhi
teJor
dansneaker
s.

Ihat
ehi
mri
ghtnowandI
’
m st
il
lcr
yingeat
ingmychocol
ates.
..
.

Hi
m:“
Babewhyar
eyoucr
ying?
”het
owar
dsmeandsatdownont
hecouch

Me:
“Whydi
dyoul
eftmeher
eint
hemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
”I’
m cr
yingnow

Ihat
etocr
yspeci
all
ytocr
yinf
rontofhi
m

Hi
m: “
BabeIhadaser
ioussi
tuat
iont
hatIhadt
oat
tendt
o”het
ri
edt
ohol
dmyhandsbutI
f
li
nched

Hepul
l
edmecl
oset
ohi
m If
ir
stdi
dn'
twantt
obutf
inal
l
yIgav
einIcr
iedt
ohi
schest
.

Him:“
I’
m sor
rybabe.Pl
easedon'
tcr
yIdon'
tl
iket
oseet
oyoucr
ying”hewast
ryi
ngt
ocal
m me
down.

Hewi
pedmyt
ear
swi
thhi
sthumbsandheki
ssedmeandIki
ssedhi
m back.Iwaswai
ti
ngf
or
ser
ious

expl
anat
ionbutnotIdi
dn'
tgetanyf
rom hi
m besi
de“
ser
ioussi
tuat
ion”
.Hei
swei
rdsomet
imes.

Iwentt
oCapeTownwi
thhi
sfr
iendPr
ivat
eJet
.Iwental
onebecausehehassomebusi
nesst
o
take

careof
fatPi
eter
mar
it
zbur
gaf
terdr
oppi
ngmei
ntheai
rpor
t.Ev
ery
thi
ngwasgr
eatmyf
ami
l
yis
fi
ne

andbest
iesar
egr
eatandwor
kingev
ery
thi
ngi
scool
butt
her
eisThabi
thai
sact
ingwei
rdI
'
m not
sur
e

why
.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--

Igotanemai
lfr
om Nokweshewast
ell
i
ngt
hatshegotj
obatOl
dMut
ual
shei
sinFi
nance
depart
ment
.

Ithinkshel
i
kesJobur
gam sohappyf
or.Ij
ustwantt
ogot oJoburgt
ov i
sithersowecanhav
e
fun.Nextmont
hitsNokwe’
sbi
rt
hdaysoThabiandIpl
annedtotakehertoZanzibar
.Andi
l
ehas
ar ent
al

houset
her
esowecant
akeot
herpeopl
easwel
l
.Itwi
l
lbeagi
ftf
orherf
rom Thabi
.Thabi
sai
d
wemust

t
akeot
her
ssoonmysi
deI
'
mtaki
ngmysi
sterandmycousi
nandt
heybot
hknowt
hem and

comf
ort
abl
ear
oundt
hem.

Ir
emembert
heot
herdaywhenwest
il
li
nvar
sit
ywewentf
oragi
rl
’sni
ghtoutsoi
twasme
Nokwe

Thabi
Nont
u(mysi
ster
)andZenel
e(mycousi
n).Wewer
ebannedt
othatcl
ubbecause

Nont
uandZenel
ebeatt
heot
herguyf
ort
ouchi
ngThabi
’
sbr
east
.Ev
ent
odaywest
il
ll
aughat
t
hat

whenweseeeachot
her
.

Thi
sTuesdaywasbusybecauseofl
oadsheddi
ngsoser
ver
sandWi
-Fi
wasgi
vi
nguspr
obl
em.
Aft
er

wor
kwegotoutwi
thcol
l
eaguesf
ordr
inks.WhenIgothomeIdeci
dedt
ocal
lmympi
ntshi
(
best
ie)

Nokwe.
..
.
Me:
“Haaahy
ouwantt
ocal
lmenow”

Nokwe:“
Youdon’
tgr
eetnow”Shei
stheonet
hathumbl
esy
ousheal
way
stel
l
ingusabout
manner
s

ov
ert
hephone

Me:
“YhuuuuMnguni
hay
i”Isaywi
thabi
tchyt
one

Imi
sshersmi
l
ethough.

Me:
“Yourbi
rt
hdaynextmont
h?”I
'
mjustt
easi
ngherIknowherbi
rt
hday
.Youwon'
tfor
gether

bi
rt
hdayev
eni
fyout
ryt
obecauseshewi
l
lbeony
ourcaseal
mostal
lyearl
ong.

Nokwe:“
Yessweet
yandIwantsomeser
iouspr
esentbecausey
ounowdat
ingal
awy
ersoy
ou
bet
ter

st
artnowt
osav
eyourf
atal
l
owance”Shecant
alkbutI
'
mtheonewhocanspeakal
lday

Sponsor
ed

soy
oubet
ter

st
artnowt
osav
eyourf
atal
l
owance”Shecant
alkbutI
'
mtheonewhocanspeakal
ldaybutshe
l
oves

t
oli
ket
olaughal
ot.

Me:
“Iwi
l
lbuyy
ouany
thi
ngy
ouwantsweet
y”

Wecanbecr
azyandwehav
eabi
tloosecannonchar
act
erscompar
etoThabi
.Weal
ltal
kli
ket
o
l
augh

andf
ri
endl
ybutdon'
tmesswi
thus.

Nokwe:
“Ibr
okeupwi
tht
hatmor
on”shel
aughed

Okaymor
oni
sthatXhosaguyandshedon'
ttol
erat
enonsenset
hisone.

Me:
“Whendi
dthi
shappen?
”

Nokwe:
“Amont
hago”Idi
dn'
tknowabouti
t

Nokwe:
“Ther
eisanewguybutwear
enotdat
ingf
ornow”wel
aughed

Me:
“OkayI
'
m al
lear
s”

Nokwe:
“Okaymnganhei
sSakhi
l
eandhei
saPi
l
ot”shegi
ggl
ed
Me:“
Haaahpl
easet
ell
himt
otakeusf
orar
idemngani
!”Iscr
eamedsomet
imesIcanbehav
e
l
ikea

ki
d.

Nokwe:
“Wear
enotdat
ing”I
'
m sur
eshei
sbl
ushi
ngal
i
ttl
e

Me:
“Hei
sloadedmnganI
'
m sur
eoft
hat
”It
easedherwi
tht
het
rut
h

Somet
imesI
'
m gr
atef
ulf
orbei
ngdumpedbyt
hati
diotandpl
easedon'
taskmewhy
..
.

Nokwe:
“Youbi
tchy
our
eal
l
ylov
emoney
"

Me:
“Moneymakeswor
ldgoar
ound“Il
aughedoutl
oud.

Nokwe:
“Mngani
Ihav
etogonow”shehungup

Il
ovehersomuchact
ual
l
ybot
h.

Thabiisal
way
sfi
ght
ingwi
thAndi
l
elat
elyov
erl
i
ttl
esomet
hing.Theot
herdayThabi
gotangr
y
because

Andi
l
eref
usedt
opasshersal
tatbr
eakf
ast
.Idon'
tunder
standi
tbutcoupl
esar
eal
way
sfi
ght
ing.

SoitsSat
urdaymor
ningAndi
l
ehasof
fer
edt
otakeust
oshoppi
ngandi
t’
sonhi
m.Af
tergoi
ngt
o
thr
ee

shopsThabi
wascompl
aini
ngaboutbei
nghungr
yandt
ir
ed.Whenwewentt
orest
aur
antaswe
were

abouttosi
tdownsomeguyspankedThabi
andAndi
l
e'sf
acet
urnedr
edi
mmedi
atel
yandhe
grabbed

t
hatguybyhi
scol
l
ari
sshi
rtandhebeatt
hecr
apoutofhi
m.Thewasbl
oodont
hef
loor
.

Themanagercal
l
edt
hepol
i
cewet
ri
edt
opul
lAndi
l
eawayf
rom t
hatguybutnohedi
dn'
thearus.

Andil
ecanbeataper
sont
odeat
hespeci
all
ywheni
tcomest
oThabi
.Hewaspi
ssedof
fso
pol
icecame

andt
ookAndi
l
ewi
tht
hem.

Wewenttot
hecarThabi
cal
l
edsomeguycal
l
edS.
Ktocomet
ofi
xthi
sbef
oremedi
abl
owt
his
up.She

alsocal
l
edKatandot
herAndi
l
e'sf
ri
endst
otel
lthem aboutt
hisi
nci
dent
.Ist
art
edt
ocookf
or
the

peopl
ewhowi
l
lbeher
ewhenAndi
l
eget
shome.
Aft
er4hourswehear
dcar
spul
l
ingupout
side.Thabi
wentt
othedoorandshecameback
l
ookingsad.

Kat:
“Don'
twor
ryThabi
Andi
l
ewi
l
lbeher
etodayokay
”hesay
sashecomesi
nwi
thacr
ew.I
know

somef
ewf
acesar
oundher
e.

Af
terser
vingdr
inkst
othem wehear
dacarpul
l
ingout
sideandThabi
wentt
othedoorandI
went

upst
airst
ochar
gemyphone.WhenIcamedownIhear
dAndi
l
e'sv
oiceandt
heot
her
sar
e
l
aughing.

Theyar
einPat
ioasImademywayt
oPat
ioIhear
daf
ami
l
iarv
oice.
..
..
..
..

“
Nompendul
o”av
oicesay
s

Il
i
ftmyheadup.
..
..
.

Me:
“Samkel
owhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”Iwasshockedt
oseehi
m her
elet
.

Ev
ery
onest
oppedt
alki
ngandl
ookedatbot
hofus.

Anot
herguy
:“Doy
ouknoweachot
her
?”

Wf
t?

Samkel
o:“
Shei
smygi
rl
fr
iendt
hatIwast
ell
i
ngy
ouabout
”hewasl
ooki
ngatKat

Kat&Andi
l
e:"
What
?”

Samkel
o:“
Yeahi
t’
sherandIr
eal
l
ylov
eherguy
s”

I
'
m st
il
lshocked.

Weateaf
tert
hatwecl
ear
edt
het
abl
e.Samkel
otookKatout
sideandt
heywer
ewhi
sper
ing
about

somethi
ng.Katwhoi
sKhet
hokuhl
eisSamkel
o'
sol
dbr
otherandknowIseet
her
esembl
ancei
n
them

i
t’
sjustt
hatKati
sdar
kert
hanSamkel
o.

MymanandIwentt
othepl
aceheusi
ngashei
sher
eforf
ewday
s.Weent
eredatSt
eenbar
g
Gol
f

EstateI'
m sur
ehef
oundi
tawkwar
dforust
oshar
ear
oom onhi
sfr
iend'
shouseandpl
ease
don'ttel
l
met
hathei
srent
ingf
ort
hisf
ewday
s.

Wepar
kedout
sidet
oabeaut
if
ulhouseandwewenti
n.Het
ookbot
husov
ert
heni
ghtbagsand
he

di
sappear
edt
othi
sgi
gant
ichouse.It
ookatust
othi
shouse.I
thasabi
gtvr
oom wi
thabl
ack
l
eather

7si
tt
ercouchandwhi
tecur
tai
ns.WhenIwentt
otheki
tchenIf
oundhi
mther
emaki
ngaf
reshl
y

squeezedor
angej
uice.

I
sitov
ert
heki
tchencount
erasI
'
mlooki
ngathi
sbusyatwhathei
sdoi
ng?

Me:
“Thehousei
sbeaut
if
ulbabe”Iam l
ooki
ngar
oundt
othi
sbeaut
if
ulhouse.

Hei
scomf
ort
abl
ear
oundher
e.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksbabe”hegav
emeaj
uice

I
'
mlooki
ngathi
m conf
usedbywhathej
ustsai
d

Samkel
o:“
Babet
hisi
smyhousewhenev
erI
’
m her
eIusei
tthatwhywecameher
einst
eadof
sl
eepi
ng

atAndi
l
e's”

HeisloadedandImeanhewor
kedhar
dforev
ery
thi
ng.Isawhi
mtal
ki
ngwi
tht
heguy
sthatI
don'
t

knowatAndi
l
e’sbutt
heyknowhi
sol
dbr
otherorI
'
m ov
ert
hinki
ngi
t.

Samkel
o:“
Imi
ssedy
ou”het
ookmygl
assandputi
tont
hesi
nk.

Hespr
eadsmyt
highsl
ucki
l
y;Iwaswear
ingaski
nnyj
eanwi
thapi
nkadi
dassweat
er.Heki
ssed
meand

Iki
ssedhi
m back.
..
.

Me:
“Imi
ssedy
out
oo”Iwhi
speronhi
sear
.Hel
ookedatmei
ntheey
es

It
hinkt
ogi
vet
ohi
mtoni
ghtandIt
hinkIhav
espi
derwebdownt
her
e.Iwant
edt
otakeashower
wi
th

him buthesai
dhemustdosomepaper
wor
kfi
rstandhewi
l
lgi
vememyt
ime.Heor
der
edf
ood
for

usatsomer
est
aur
antandi
twasdel
i
ver
edat"
our
"house.
Hewentt
otakeshowerandIpr
epar
edf
oodf
orus.Weat
eandIwentt
ochangeapy
jamat
oa
bl
ack

l
acyl
i
nger
ie.Iwant
edoutf
ir
stni
ghtt
obespeci
al.It
iedmyr
obeandwentbackt
otvr
oom andI
f
ound

hi
mlooki
ngatt
v.Hemadet
osi
tonhi
slapandheki
ssedme.

Hi
shandwentt
oundert
her
opeandIl
ookedatme.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasest
andupbabe”Idoashesay
sandhest
art
edt
ount
iemyr
ope.
..
.

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandhast
hatsmi
rkonhi
sface

Samkel
o:“
Youl
ooksobeaut
if
ulandsexy
..
..
..
.”hel
ookedamazedandIcl
i
mbedont
opofhi
m.
His

handswentt
omyassandIdi
dn’
twearapant
y.

Samkelo:
“Mhmm”hel
etsoutal
i
ttl
emoan.Heswi
tchedof
fthet
vandhegotupwi
thme
wrappi
ng

myl
egsar
oundhi
swai
st.Hegent
lyputmeont
hebed.

Iunti
edhi
sropeandi
tlandedont
hef
loorandhet
ookof
fal
i
nger
ieandi
tlandedont
hef
loor
.I
fel
t

hi
swar
m ski
ntomyski
nheki
ssesmeandhei
sbet
weenmyt
highsnow.If
eltsomet
hingwar
m
and

hei
sinsi
deme.
..
..
..

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyou.
..
..
.”hewhi
sper
edonmyear
.Hest
art
edt
omov
esl
owandhei
sdoi
ngi
t
wit
h

passi
on.

Hewasmov
ingf
ast
ernowIr
eal
l
ylov
ehi
m

Me:
“Il
ove….y
out
..
..
.”Imanagedt
omumbl
e.

Hemov
edf
ast
erandf
ast
ert
il
lwebot
hcame.Af
terourl
ovemaki
ngsessi
onIwentt
obat
hroom
t
o

cl
eanmy
sel
fandIwentbackt
obedandIl
aidmyheadonhi
schest
..
..

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokaymyl
ove?
”Hewr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundmeandhel
dmet
ight
.

Me:
“I'
m goodbabeandy
ou?
”Il
ookedathi
minhi
sey
es.Iwasl
yi
ngI
’
m sor
edownt
her
e.
Hi
m:“
I'
mver
ygoodbabe”hehasasmi
rkonhi
sface

Il
ookedathi
m.

Him:
“Ungi
phekamnandi
phel
ababe(
yougav
eitt
omeni
cel
y)”hesmi
l
ed.Het
appedmyback
andI

f
eltmyey
essl
owl
yopeni
ngandcl
osi
ng.
..

Heser
vedmebr
eakf
asti
nbedandhewasal
readydr
essedbyt
hatt
ime.Webot
hat
emy
br
eakf
ast

af
tert
hatIwentt
otakeshowerwhenIcameoutofshower
.Ichoset
owearamar
oonv
elv
et
dr
ess

wit
hlongsl
eev
ebuti
sbel
owmykneesandsi
l
verst
udsandt
hatBur
ber
rywat
chandbl
ackhi
gh
heel
s.

Samkel
o:“
Wowbabey
oul
ooksogor
geous”hei
slooki
ngatmel
i
keI
'
m anal
i
enwal
ki
ngi
nthe
pl
anet

ear
th

Me:
“Thanksbabe”Iwal
kedt
owar
dst
heki
tchenwher
ehei
sst
andi
ng

Her
ecei
vedacal
landhel
ookedatme.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Yes.
..
.Okay
..
..
..
.Bot
hofus?Sur
e”Hesmi
l
edatme.

Whowashet
alki
ngt
ooov
ert
hephone?Iwantt
oknowbutIwon'
taskhi
m.Ear
lyonhesai
dhe
wi
ll

t
akemet
owor
knowhei
sheadi
ngt
oAndi
l
e'shouse.

Me:
“I'
mlat
eforwor
k.Pl
easedr
opmeatwor
kthengot
oAndi
l
eaf
terdr
oppi
ngme”

Hekeepsqui
et.Canhesaysomet
hingnow?

Il
etoutasi
gh

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sit
?”hekepthi
sheadst
rai
ght

Me:
“Ihat
ewhaty
ou'
redoi
ngr
ightnow”I
'
m angr
ywi
thi
nasecond

Samkel
o:“
Whatam Idoi
ng?
”

Mxm!

Whenwegett
her
eThabi
hasgonet
owor
kandshel
eftear
lyt
oday
.Shei
sreal
l
ygai
ningwei
ght
but

hermanspoi
l
shert
hat
'swhyshei
sgai
ningwei
ght
.Moneyi
sev
ery
thi
ngf
orgetaboutt
hosewho
say

moneycan'
tbuyy
ouhappi
nesst
hat
'sal
i
e.

Andi
l
e:“
Thanksf
orcomi
ngatashor
tnot
ice”

Wef
indt
heal
lguy
sher
ethatIsawy
est
erdayi
ndi
ningr
oom.

“
Aswear
eal
lher
eIneedt
oint
roducet
henewmember
..
..
..
”Hesay
slooki
ngatme.Ist
oodupI

want
edt
ogi
vet
hem space

Kat
:“Pl
easesi
tsi
si”

Wt
fbr
a?

It
ookasi
tnextt
omyman.

Kat
:“Youmustj
oinus.
..
”I'
m shockedbyt
hat
.

Si
l
ence

Samkel
o:“
Ihopet
hisaj
oke”hesai
dwi
thacr
eepyv
oice

Andi
le:
“SKbr
athi
sist
hel
adywet
oldy
ouabout
.Shei
sgoi
ngt
ohandl
etheI
Tdepar
tmentf
or
our

oper
ati
ons”

Idon'
tknowwhyI
'
m her
e.Hei
sangr
yIdon'
twantt
oseet
hatsi
deofhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Takeherout
”hest
oodup

Idon'
tknowwhatt
odobutIsatst
il
lont
hechai
r.

Kat
:“Wecan'
ttakeheroutshehel
pedust
ofi
ndt
oSabel
oKubheka”

I
'
m notsur
eI'
mfol
l
owi
ngher
e.

Samkel
o:“
Youdi
dwhat
?”hef
reakedoutaboutwhathehear
d.

SowhatIl
ear
nedher
eisSamkel
oisSK.Fuckt
hatSKwhodi
dn'
tshowupatAndi
l
e'spar
tywhy
I
'm so

sl
owt
oconnectt
hedot
sher
ebutwhatIdon'
tunder
standi
sthatwhyi
shesoupset
..
..

Samkel
o:“
Takeherout
.Shei
smygi
rl
fr
iendIwon'
tl
ethert
ojoi
nthegang.Iwi
l
lpr
otectherand
make

sur
ethatshei
ssaf
e”

Idon'
twantt
ojoi
nthegang.Whyt
heydi
dn'
taskmet
hisf
ir
st

Kat
:“ShehackedKagi
soMai
te”

Samkel
o:“
Isshet
heonet
hathackedBr
aKG?
”Hest
art
edt
opaceupanddown.

Idon'
tunder
standwhyar
epani
cki
ngaboutt
hisBr
aKG.Canoneoft
hem pl
easeexpl
aint
hisK.
G
for

me.

Me:
“Whoi
sKagi
soMai
te?
”

Si
l
ence

Mxm Imustgot
owor
k.Iwon'
tsi
ther
eal
ldayl
i
steni
ngt
othem speaki
ngi
nri
ddl
es.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasessi
tNompe”

Andi
lecal
l
edatt
heof
fi
ce.Hesai
dhi
m andIhav
eur
gentmeet
ingt
oat
tendt
osoI
'
m notgoi
ng
towork

today.Iwasl
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtogoi
ngt
owor
kandIwasl
ooki
nggoodandf
eltgoodaf
tert
he
nightwe

hadwi
thmyman.

Samkelo:
“Kagi
soMai
tei
sBr
aKGwhoi
sagangl
eaderofourr
ival
gang.Heki
l
ledAndi
l
e'sl
i
ttl
e
si
ster

andki
l
ledourmember
s.Hesabot
agedourdeal
sandwest
olef
rom hi
m”Het
ookmyhandst
o
hi
s.

SoSamkel
oisagangst
er.
..
..
.May
bet
hat
’swhyhel
eftmet
hatdayandl
ockedmei
n.Ther
ear
e
many

quest
ionsIneedt
oaskher
e.

Samkel
o:“I
fhef
indsoutt
haty
ou'
rehackedhi
m..
..Idon'
twantt
oev
ent
hinkabouti
t”he
ti
ght
ened

myhands.

I
'
m st
il
lshocked.Whathav
eIgotmy
sel
fint
o?Whati
fmyf
ami
l
yisi
ndanger
?
Ical
ledmygr
andmat
ogoandv
isi
tmyauntatanot
herv
il
lagecal
l
edEndl
ovi
ni.Iwantt
oext
ent
the

house.Iwant
edt
oext
entbutImustgetmygr
andmaouti
nthev
il
lageandIwi
l
lmakesur
ethatI

t
rackhermov
es.

Chapt
er10

Myl
i
feisaboutt
otur
nupsi
dedownbutnoImustbest
ronganddoany
thi
ngt
opr
otectmy
f
ami
lyand

Imeanany
thi
ng.

Threeweekspassedandwedi
dn’
tseeany
thi
ngImadesur
ethatev
ery
thi
nggosl
owathomeon
that

ext
endi
ngsomyGr
andmaspendl
ongt
imeatmyaunt
'shouse.

Soweplannedt
oleav
eear
lyf
orZanzi
barsoi
tsf
iveofusgi
rl
s.Mymanwassul
ki
ngt
hatI
'
m
goi
ngf
or

3day
shewascompl
aini
ngaboutbor
edom andwhoi
sgoi
ngt
ocookf
orhi
m.

Nont
uZeeandNokwecameher
etoCapesot
hatwewi
l
ltr
avel
toget
her
.Nont
uandZeewentt
o

shoppi
ngt
hesebi
tchesl
i
keshoppi
ngbuti
nfactweal
ll
ikeshoppi
ng.WhenIhav
ethemi
nmy
corner

Iknowt
hatnot
hingcancomet
omet
heybeatt
hecr
apoutofy
out
heset
wo.

Whenwegott
her
eev
ery
thi
ngwasper
fectt
hewaywepl
annedi
t.Thehousei
sbeaut
if
ulThabi
'
s
snob

i
sloadedIcanseet
hatbutshedoesn’
tknowt
hatandIwast
oldnott
ell
herany
thi
ngabout
Andi
le

bei
ngaGangst
er.

Thabi
:“Wel
comeBi
tches”Shei
sdr
inki
ngnon-
alcohol
i
cchampagne.

I
’m sohappyIcal
l
edmymant
oupdat
ehi
m andhei
sst
il
lsul
ki
ng.Idon’
thav
eti
mef
ort
hatI
’
m
her
e

t
ohav
efun!
!!

Wewentt
oourdesi
gnat
edr
oomsandchanget
otopandsor
tpy
jamasandwentt
odownst
air
s.
Moët

camef
loodi
ng.Iwast
oldt
olockt
hedoor
sandnott
oopent
hedoorf
oroursaf
ety
.

Zee:
“Youmani
sloadedgi
rl
!”t
oThabi

Sheisnotdr
inki
ng.Idon'
tknowwhybutIr
emembert
heot
herdayshesai
disshedon'
tl
ike
al
cohol

any
mor
e.OkayI
'
m nother
efort
hat
.

Thabi
:“Yeahi
tshar
dwor
ksweet
hear
t”

Har
dwor
kwi
thapi
nchofGangst
eri
sm andbl
ood.I
'
mjustt
hinki
ng.

Nokwe:
“Yeahhemustbuypr
ivat
ejetf
orusj
ustf
ort
rav
ell
i
ng”

Me:
“Yourmanwi
l
lcont
rol
itf
orus”Idi
dn'
tmeant
osayi
tloud.

Nont
u:“
Youar
edat
ingaPi
l
ot!
”shescr
eamedatNokwe

Shepi
nchedmeaf
tert
hat
.

Me:
“Ouch!Howi
squi
cki
eint
hepl
ane?
”

Us:
“Tel
lus”

Nokwe:
“Poi
ntofcor
rect
ionwedon'
tdoqui
cki
eonpl
ane.Wehav
esexi
nhi
sbed!
”

Us:
“Wuuuuuuu”

Nokwe:
“Howi
sMrMuscl
einbed?
”

Mhm wher
ecanIst
artt
odescr
ibehi
m

Me:
“YummyHotHer
ockmywor
ldy
huuuuu”Icl
osedmyey
es.Imi
sshi
m

Them:
“mhmmm”

Il
astspoket
ohi
m 30mi
nut
esago

Nontu:
“Howi
syoursnobi
nbed?
”sheaskedThabi
.Shepi
nchedheront
hear
m andshe
scr
eamed.

Thatguyi
sfr
eaki
ngser
iousandhei
sscar
y

Thabi
:“Hei
sser
iousony
ounott
ome”

Me:
“Yougi
vehi
myourv
agi
naonasi
l
verpl
att
er”Shesmackedmyhead
Me:
“Ouch!
”

Thebi
tchsmackedme.

Thabi
:“Hel
i
kesi
trough”shel
i
ckedherl
i
ps

Us:
“Wuuuuu”

Sher
eal
l
ylov
eshi
myoucanseei
tonherey
es.

Wespoket
il
ll
ate.Wecel
ebr
atedNokwe’
sbi
rt
hdaywi
thst
ylet
hisy
ear
.Wear
einZanzi
barand
wegave

hert
hepr
esentont
henextmor
ning.Thehungov
erwasbad.Yest
erdaywehadmoëtt
erqul
i
e
moji
to

andwehadf
unsoThabi
madesomet
hingt
hatt
ast
edawf
ulbuti
thel
pedsomuch.

Zee:
“Youl
oveal
cohol
youbi
tch”Wehav
enet
wor
kpr
obl
em her
e

Thabi
'sphoner
ingsshewentupst
air
stot
alkt
oherman.Shecamebackandgav
emeher
phone.
..

“
Yourmanwant
stot
alkt
oyou”

Me:
“Heybabe”

Hi
m:“
I’
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyoubuty
ourphonei
sonv
oicemai
l
”hei
sangr
y.Nott
odayIwi
l
lnot

ar
guewi
thhi
m

Me:
“Sor
rybabeIf
orgott
ochar
gemyphone”Idon'
tknowwher
emyphonei
sbutI
'
m sur
either
e

somewher
e

Hi
m:“
OkaybabeImi
ssy
oupl
easecomeback”Hei
snotat
tract
ivewhenhei
ssul
ki
ng.

Me:
“I’
m hav
ingf
unher
ebabe.WhenIcomebackIwi
l
lweart
hatl
i
ttl
enumbert
haty
oul
i
k..
.”

Theyl
ookatmel
i
keI
'
m anal
i
enonpl
anetear
th.

Them:
“Getar
oom!
”

Me:
“Ihav
etogobabeIwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ateron”

Hi
m:“
Ilov
eyouBabe”

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
ooMbul
azi
”

If
oundmyphoneandIcal
l
edmymot
herandGr
andmat
ell
i
ngt
hatwear
efi
ne.
*
***
Samkel
o**
**

I
’
m si
tt
ingher
ebor
ed.Ir
eal
l
ymi
ssher
.

Myphoner
ang

Spi
kes:
“Ax
ewehav
eapr
obl
em”

Me:
“Whati
sit
?

Spi
kes:
“Ij
ustf
oundoutt
hatKG’
sboy
swer
eseeni
nthei
sland”

Me:
“Shi
t!Makef
ewcal
l
sandIwi
l
lmakecal
l
stoo”Ihungup

Idi
all
edSakhi
’
snumber

Me:
“Gett
heJetr
eadywegoi
ngt
oZanzi
barnow”

Sakhi
:“Sur
eAxe”hehungup.

Idi
all
edMachet
e’snumber
.

Machet
e:“
Ta”

Me:
“Li
stengett
hegi
rl
soutnowusi
ngbasementt
hebackupi
sont
heway
”

Machet
e:“
Sur
eTa”

Ical
l
edt
othem backandt
heysai
dther
ewer
einf
ormedandont
hewayt
her
e.

Iwasagai
nstt
hist
ri
pbutIwant
edt
ohert
obehappybutnowev
ery
thi
ngi
snotgoi
ngaccor
ding
to

t
hepl
an.

-
--
--
--
--
--

*
***
Nompe*
***

Wearest
il
lsi
ppi
ngwi
newhi
l
eeat
ingpi
zzahav
ingal
i
ghtandcr
azyconv
ersat
ionwi
thmygi
rl
sa
bel
l

r
angof
f

Me:
“Wedon’
texpectany
onet
hel
astt
imeIchecked”

Thabi
’
sphoner
angagai
nandi
twasAndi
l
eandsheputt
hecal
lonl
oudspeaker
.

Andil
e:“
Ther
ear
epeopl
eint
hedoorwhoar
ether
etot
akeal
lofy
ousoIneedy
out
oli
stent
o
them”
hedr
oppedt
hecal
laf
tert
hat
.

Men1:
“Pl
easef
oll
owme”

Wealll
ookedateachot
herconf
usedbutwedi
dast
ell
.Whenwegotout
sidewegoti
nbl
ack
SUV’
s

andwewer
etol
dourt
hingswi
l
lfol
l
owuswi
thot
herbody
guar
ds.Wear
ri
vedatt
heai
rpor
tandI
fel
t

mybl
oodboi
l
ingbutIdi
dn’
tfi
ghtany
oneIgoti
nthepr
ivat
ejetandset
tl
edown.

If
eltsomeoneshaki
ngmeandIwokeup.Thebody
guar
dwast
ell
i
ngmet
hatwei
nDur
bannow
Imust

getof
fthej
et.Ist
ret
chedmyangr
ysel
fandf
oll
owedt
heot
her
s.Thecar
swer
ewai
ti
ngf
orus.
Wegot

i
nandt
heydr
oveust
othi
sbeaut
if
ulhouse.Wef
oundt
heguy
sint
hel
ounge.

*
***
Samkel
o**
**

Me:
“Babear
eyou’
reokay
?”

Nompe:
“I’
mti
redIneedt
osl
eep”

Hef
rowned.

Me:
“Okay
.Letmeshowy
out
her
oom”het
ri
edt
otouchmeIgav
ehi
m adeat
hst
are.

Whenwegoti
nther
oom.

Me:
“BabeI
’
m sor
ryi
twasn’
touri
ntent
iont
ocuty
ourt
ri
pshor
tbutwewant
edt
okeepy
ousaf
e”

Nompe:
“Mmh”

Me:
“Babey
ouhav
etounder
stand"

Me:
“Ineedt
osl
eep”

Shegoti
nbedandf
acet
heopposi
tesi
de.Iknowshei
sangr
ybutIdon’
tcar
eaboutal
lIwanti
s
her

t
obesaf
e.Af
terawhi
l
eIhear
dhersof
tsnor
esIt
ookat
hrowandputi
tont
opofher
.

WhenIwentt
oamaj
i
tat
heywer
eal
one.

Andi
l
e:“
Shewi
l
lsul
kthewhol
eweek”
Me:
“It
hinkt
hati
sbet
ter
.Thatonecansul
kev
ent
hewhol
emont
h”hel
aughed.

Spi
ro:
“Goodl
uckguy
s.Amat
hekeni
anedr
amahay
i”heshookhi
shead.

Me:
“Idon’
twantt
ocommentmay
beshei
snotasl
eep”t
heyl
aughed.

Spi
kes:
“Youwon’
tgetanyi
nnextf
ewweeks”hel
aughed.

Me:
“Younotf
unnydude”wel
aughed.

Si
l
ence.

Andi
l
e:“
WhatwasKG’
sboy
sdoi
ngi
nthei
sland?
”

Spi
kes:
“It
hinkheknowsaboutNompe.Het
houghtmay
behi
sboy
scansnat
chheri
nisl
and”

Me:
“KGwant
swarnow”

Andi
l
e:“
I’
mti
redofhi
m weneedt
otakecar
eofhi
mforonceandf
oral
l
”

Inodded.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--

Mymotherwant
edust
ocomehomef
ort
radi
ti
onal
cer
emonyt
hatwasgoi
nghappenonmy
mot
her
’s

si
de.

I
’mlivi
ngwithSamkel
oinCapeTownbecausehesay
shewant
stopr
otectmeaf
terwhat
happened.

Sowearet
aki
ngaf
li
ghtf
rom Capet
oDur
banhehi
redaguycal
lSy
andat
ocomewi
thhi
sto
fet
chus

att
heai
rpor
t.Ineedsomet
hingt
hatIwast
oldt
obuyi
nDur
ban.

Welef
tSy
andaatt
own.Wewentt
odomyer
rands.It
houghthewi
l
lleav
emeatDur
banSt
ati
on
yo

takeataxit
ohome.WhenIcal
l
edNont
ushewasatGi
ngi
ndl
ovubyt
hatt
ime.Nont
uhas
bodyguards

nowt
hankst
oKatbuti
t’
sagoodt
oknowt
hatmysi
steri
ssaf
e.

Whywear
egoi
ngt
ohi
spl
ace.
..
.

Me:
“And?
”
Si
l
ence

Samkel
o:“
Hawubabengekenj
eusangi
phabef
oreUhambe?
”hewasl
ooki
ngatme.

Pl
easehel
pmet
ofi
ndsomet
reet
ohanghi
m.Hei
snotget
ti
ngany
thi
ngunt
ilhef
ull
yexpl
ains
whyhe

r
efusedwhent
heysai
dImustj
oint
hegang.

Me:
“Nopawut
hol
ini
x”Iwasl
ooki
ngoutt
hewi
ndow.Hel
ooksatmeandsay
snot
hing.

Si
l
ence

Samkel
o:“
Thi
sist
ort
ure”het
hinksIdi
dn'
tIhearhi
m.

Ij
ustgav
ehi
m ast
are.Ev
eni
fwear
efi
ght
ingbutIl
ovehi
m.Iwai
tedf
orhi
mint
hecarandI
di
dn'
t

wantt
ogowi
thhi
minsi
de.Ashor
twhi
l
ehecamewi
thabag.I
'
m sur
eitgunsandbul
l
ets.

Me:
“Whati
sint
hebag?
”

Hedi
dn'
tanswermehest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.

Me:
“Mymani
snotat
tract
ivewhenhei
ssul
ki
ng”Iwast
ryi
ngt
ohol
dmy
sel
ffr
om l
aughi
ng

Hepout
edhi
smout
hbecausehei
s“angr
y”i
tssui
thi
mthoughtcut
eandsexy
.

Samkel
o:“
Myl
adyi
snotat
tract
ivet
oowhenshedoesn’
twantmet
oshag”

Wt
f.Ipi
nchedhi
sar
m andscr
eamed.

Heleanedf
oraki
ssandIki
ssedhi
mtoo.Inev
ert
houghtIwi
l
llov
esomeonel
i
ket
hisaf
terwhat
I
'v
e

beent
hrough.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easedr
opmei
nsi
det
het
axi
rankatDur
banSt
ati
on”

Hegav
east
arebutIdon'
tl
ikei
t.I
twasl
i
keI
m cr
azyorsomet
hing.

Samkel
o:“
What
?”

Il
ookedathi
m at

Samkel
o:“
Nev
erI
'
mtaki
ngy
ouhome”hesay
sgoi
ngpastbyDur
banSt
ati
on.

Me:
“Butbabe.
..
..
.”

Si
l
ence
Samkel
o:“
Nompendul
oI'
myourmanandy
ouhav
etol
i
stent
ome.I
'
mtaki
ngy
ouhomeandt
hat
i
s

f
inal
!”hesay
swi
thsomeat
ti
tudeIdon'
tunder
stand.

Inodandkeptqui
et.Idon'
tknowwhyhei
sli
ket
hisori
tthatBr
aKGt
hing.

Mxm

Me:
“Idon'
tl
ikei
twheny
out
rav
elatni
ghtal
lal
one”

Samkel
o:“
Iwi
l
lsl
eepatMt
unzi
nil
odge”

Me:
“What
?”

Samkelo:
“Yeahy
ouhear
dmeandIwi
l
lgobackt
oDur
banwi
thy
ouonSundayni
ght
”hei
s
ser
ious

Iwi
l
lcommi
tmur
derandsui
cideathi
m!

Me:
“Okay
”

Hej
ustkeptqui
et.

OhLor
d

Itol
dhi
mthatIwantt
obuygr
ocer
yformymot
hert
osuppor
theratt
hiscer
emonyt
hati
sgoi
ng
to

t
akepl
ace.

Me:
“Ther
eisapar
kingspacebabe”Hepar
kedandwest
art
edatShopr
it
e.

I
'
m sur
eit
’shi
sfi
rstt
imeher
e.

Samkel
o:“
Thenameoft
hepl
aceagai
n?

Me:
“Gi
ngi
ndl
ovu”It
ookt
het
rol
l
.

Gingi
ndl
ovui
sasmal
ltowni
fcansay
.Ithasashoppi
ngcent
rewi
thnotmor
ethan15st
ores.
Youwill

nev
erbegotl
osti
nGi
ngi
ndl
ovu.I
t’
ssi
mpl
e.

Het
ookt
het
rol
l
eyandpushesi
tforme.Hei
sagent
lemanbutf
orgeti
twheni
t’
scomet
oopen
t
he

passenger
sitf
orme.NEVER!Hedoesn’
tdot
hat
.
Wewentt
othet
il
ltopay
.Iwasbusyt
aki
ngof
fthet
hingf
rom t
het
rol
l
ey.
..
..
.

Thecashi
erwasf
ri
endl
ybutIt
hinki
t’
smymant
hatmakeshersmi
l
esl
i
ket
hat
.

Voi
ce:
“SawubonaNompendul
o”

WhenIt
urnedmyhead.
..
..
.Fuck!
!Theyl
aughed.Hehel
dmyupperar
m.

Lulonke:
“Ngi
funaukukhul
umanawengi
yacel
a(Iwantt
otal
ktoy
oupl
ease)
”Samkel
owent
crazy

Samkel
o:“
Eisonnyl
eav
ethatar
m now”hesai
dcal
mlybutIknowhi
m hei
sangr
y.

Theyj
ustl
aughedathi
m

HawemahJehov
ah.
..
..
..
..
.

Lul
onke:
“Orwhat
?”

Aharshslapl
andedonhi
sfaceI
'
m sur
ehesawi
zi
nkany
ezi
.Peopl
ejustt
urnedt
olookatour
di
rect
ion.

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Don’
tyouev
ert
ouchmywomanl
i
ket
hatsonny
”Het
ookhi
sfr
iendst
oanot
hert
il
l
andl
eft

uswi
thpeace.

I
'
m sohappyt
hatIgotr
evengeaf
terbr
eaki
ngmyhear
tli
ket
hat
.Heear
nedanot
hersl
ap
t
oget
her.

Whenwef
eltt
hest
orebutIt
hinki
t’
smymant
hatmakeshersmi
l
esl
i
ket
hat
.

Voi
ce:
“SawubonaNompendul
o”

WhenIt
urnedmyhead.
..
..
.Fuck!
!Theyl
aughed.Hehel
dmyupperar
m.

Lulonke:
“Ngi
funaukukhul
umanawengi
yacel
a(Iwantt
otal
ktoy
oupl
ease)
”Samkel
owent
crazy

Samkel
o:“
Eisonnyl
eav
ethatar
m now”hesai
dcal
mlybutIknowhi
m hei
sangr
y.

Theyj
ustl
aughedathi
m

HawemahJehov
ah.
..
..
..
..
.

Lul
onke:
“Orwhat
?”
Aharshslapl
andedonhi
sfaceI
'
m sur
ehesawi
zi
nkany
ezi
.Peopl
ejustt
urnedt
olookatour
di
rect
ion.

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Don’
tyouev
ert
ouchmywomanl
i
ket
hatsonny
”Het
ookhi
sfr
iendst
oanot
hert
il
l
andl
eft

uswi
thpeace.

I
'
m sohappyt
hatIgotr
evengeaf
terbr
eaki
ngmyhear
tli
ket
hat
.Heear
nedanot
hersl
ap
t
oget
her.

Whenwef
eltt
hest
oreheaskedmei
fIknewt
hatguy
.

Samkel
o:“
Doy
ouknowhi
m?”hepackedt
hegr
ocer
yint
hebootoft
hecar
.

Iwant
edt
oli
ebutwhywoul
dIl
i
e

Me:
“Ex-
boy
fri
end”Igoti
nthef
ronti
t.

Si
l
ence.

Wedroveof
f.Thesugar
canepl
ant
ati
onher
eremi
ndsmet
hatI
'
m athomeandIf
eel
thef
reshI
know.

WhenwepassedbyEmoy
eni
Iremembert
hei
nci
dentt
hathappenedear
lyon.Wepassby

eMasundwi
nipeopl
ehi
tchhi
ki
ngandhej
ustdr
ovef
ast
.

Wetookl
eftt
oObanj
eni
Stor
eItwasast
orebutnotnow.Ishowedhi
mther
oadt
oMt
unzi
ni.He
gav
e

meast
are

Samkel
o:“
BabeYi
nhl
elendawo”

Nowonderhewasqui
etsomet
imesheact
sst
range.WewentbyEhl
athi
nikaHl
abi
sa.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Haahy
ouhav
eabot
tl
est
oreher
e?”

Me:
“It
’st
heonl
ythi
ngy
ousaw”Ir
oll
edmyey
es

Hegav
eabor
edl
ook.

It
oldhi
mtot
aker
ight
.Hest
art
edt
ocompl
ainabouthowbadt
her
oadi
sforhi
scar
.Canhe
pl
ease

shutup!
Hewantedt
obuyacarf
ormebutIsai
dno.Ther
easoni
sther
ear
ethi
ngsIneedt
ofi
xli
ke
j
oini
ng.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Hel
l
o!”heshookme

Wewer
epassi
ngEmacot
tagewhenIsawmyuncl
elucki
l
ythecarWi
ndowsar
eti
nted.Wewent
bya

shopcall
edKwaCel
ani
andIt
oldhi
mtodr
ivest
rai
ghthemustnott
aker
ight
.It
oldhi
mtost
op
thecar

atKwaMasi
ngacar
slashbusst
op.Ishowedhi
m atmyhouse.

Hel
eanedt
oki
ssmeandIknowhedon'
twantmet
ogobutImust
.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyoubabe”hehuggedme.

Ical
l
edmysi
sterandwet
ookgr
ocer
yint
heboot
.Hewai
tedf
ormeandmysi
stert
odr
opuson
my

mot
her
’shome.Mysi
stergotof
ffi
rstandIki
ssedmymanandl
eft
.

Hecal
l
edwhenhegott
oMt
unzi
nil
odgeIhat
eitbutIdon'
thav
easay
.

Mymotherwashappyt
ous.SheaskedaboutwhathappenedatZanzi
bar
.It
oldhert
hati
twas
t
hugs

whorobbedusandt
heyonl
ywant
edj
ewel
l
eryandphones.Idon'
twanthert
oknowt
hef
ull
st
ory

becauseshewi
l
lov
err
eact
.

Mom:
“Ngi
cel
ani
qal
eukuphekaManj
e”

OkayIwi
l
lbecooki
ngal
ltheweekend.Mymot
hersomet
imesshecant
ell
yout
ocl
eanandshe
wil
l

cookbef
orey
ouknowi
tyouwi
l
lcook.

Me:
“Ar
eyouf
ine?
”

Nont
u:“
YeahI
'
mfi
neandy
ou?
”

Sheact
swei
rd

Me:
“I’
mfi
net
oo”Ist
art
edchoppi
ngoni
ons

Myauntcamei
nshei
smymot
her
'sl
i
ttl
esi
ster
.Mymot
heri
stheel
destt
heauntanduncl
e.
Thei
r
par
ent
spassedwayl
ongt
imeago.Wegr
eetherandwentt
ogr
eett
heot
herel
der
swhower
ein

rondavel
.Wecamebackt
otheki
tchen.Wef
indourcousi
nbusywi
thherphoneI
'
m sur
eshe
chatt
ing

t
o“hi
m”.Shei
sst
udy
ingatUKZNIdon'
tknowwhi
chcour
sebuti
tsUKZNt
hat
'sal
lIknow.When
t
he

supperwasser
vedandcousi
nwashedt
hedi
sheswi
thot
hery
oungones.Ical
l
edmymanwho
was

st
il
lsul
ki
ngandhet
oldmet
hathewi
l
lcomet
othecer
emonyandIhopehei
sjoki
ng.Meand
my

si
sterweredr
inki
ngwi
nei
njui
cebot
tl
esandi
twasmyi
dea.IhopeIwi
l
lseeheav
en.They
al
way ssay

t
hatI
’
m abadi
nfl
uenceonot
her
s.Mxm suka!

“
I’
m sur
eyouar
edr
inki
ngsomet
hingt
her
e”t
heot
herIdon’
tknowsai
d.

Whatnowbi
tch?Youwantt
oexpensi
vewi
ne.Nev
er!

“
Wehav
eal
cohol
underLut
hando'
sbed”shewhi
sper
s

Bl
oodyt
eenager
s.Shei
sAnel
eLut
hando'
sbestf
ri
end.Shecant
alky
hooo.

Abeeponmyphone.Ihopei
t’
snotmyman.
..
..
..
..
.

“
Howi
sMt
unzi
nit
reat
ingy
ou”SMSr
eads.

Wt
f?

Ical
l
edSamkel
otocheckonhi
m andhewasokay
.Wecont
inuedt
odr
inkbutIwasnotdr
inki
ng
now

Iwassi
ppi
ng.

“
Ihopey
ouwi
l
lbr
ingmeatf
orme.Isawt
hecowear
lyon”anot
herSMS

Ij
umpeddroppedmyphonef
rom shock.Theyaskedi
fev
ery
thi
ngwasokayandIsai
dyes.I
don'
twant

toscar
ethem especi
all
yNont
ushebeent
hroughenoughbutatl
eastNont
u'sbody
guar
dswe
here

t
oo.

Idi
dn’
tcal
lhi
m becausehi
scr
ewwi
l
lbeher
einnomi
nut
e.It
ri
edt
ocal
lthi
snumberbuti
t’
snot
exi
sted.It
hinkImustbecar
eful
onwhatIdo.

Iwaswokenbyacal
lonmyphone.

I
tspr
ivat
enumber
..
.

Me:
“Hel
l
o”Iy
awned

Whoev
ert
hisi
stheyar
epl
ayi
ngsomesi
l
lygames.Thecer
emonywentwel
lbutIwassowor
ri
ed
but

ev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
l
.

Mom:
“Youar
egl
owi
ng”

Lol

Me:
“HaaMah”

Mom:
“Ihopey
ouar
enotpr
egnant
”Theyal
ll
ookedatme

Shei
sunpr
edi
ctabl
e.

Me:
“NoI
’
m notpr
egnantMah”

Nont
ulaughedatmet
hewhol
eday
.Shesai
dImustt
ell
mom t
hatI
'
m dat
ing.

Weeeeeeeh.Iwon’
t.Nev
er!

Wespoket
oherabouthert
otakeear
lypensi
on.Shecanst
il
lwor
ksoshewi
l
lcont
inue.Wet
old
her

t
hatwear
ewor
kingnowsot
her
eisnoneedf
orhert
owor
know.

Mom:
“Whati
sthepl
an?
”

Whati
sshet
alki
ngabout
?Webot
hlookedather
.

Mom:
“Ihav
etodosomet
hingher
e.Iwon'
tst
ayathomet
hewhol
eday
”

Nont
u:“
Youcandoany
thi
ngy
oul
i
keMah”

Okaywemanagedt
odot
hatbutwewi
l
lpayf
ori
t.Icandoany
thi
ngf
orherandmygr
andma.
They

t
ookcar
eofuswhenwey
oungt
il
lnowsot
heymusthav
eev
ery
thi
ngt
heyneed.Nont
uandIdo

ev
eryt
hingathome.Ev
erypay
mentgr
ocer
ytoev
ery
thi
ngt
heywantorneed.Sheear
nsar
eal
money
atTr
ansnetont
heot
hersi
deIal
soear
nmoneyf
rom myr
eal
jobandt
heot
hercasht
hatI
ear
n.
Don'
t

askme.

Wewentt
osl
eepear
lyt
odayev
ery
onewast
ir
edsomet
omor
rowI
’
m goi
ngbackt
o“Cape”
.That
i
s

Dur
bantobeexactbutweneededsomet
hingst
rongt
ogobecauset
her
ewasJazzconcer
tin
Dur
ban.

Iwaswor
ri
edaboutt
hoseSMSbutnot
hinghappenedsoev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
l
.

Iwaswokenbymom i
twasear
lyi
nthemor
ning.Iwasdr
eami
ngandIwascr
yingandf
ight
ingi
n
i
t.I

wipedt
ear
swi
thmypy
jamat
op.Icoul
dn’
tsl
eepwentt
othet
oil
ett
het
oil
eti
sout
sidet
hehouse
she

Igotoutt
het
oil
etIf
oundabi
ggi
ftboxonebody
guar
dcamet
owar
dsmet
henheopenedt
he
box.I
t

wasacow'
sheadi
twasbl
ack.I
tisawar
ningbutIdon'
tknowf
rom who.

Imadesur
ethef
ami
l
ydi
dn’
tseet
hatbecauset
heywi
l
lfi
ndsomet
hingt
osayl
i
kei
t’
sawar
ning
fr
om

ancest
orsbutIt
hinksomeoneoutt
heywant
stoj
oint
heancest
ors.Iwast
ryi
ngt
ofakeasmi
l
e
andI

di
dn'
teatt
hebr
eakf
ast
.It
oldmymot
hert
hatIneedbody
guar
dsf
orherandmygr
andmot
her
.

Mom:
“Ar
eyoui
ntr
oubl
e?”af
terIt
oldheraboutt
hisbody
guar
dsi
tuat
ion

Ei
thershel
i
kesi
tornotbutt
heywi
l
lhav
ebody
guar
ds

Me:
“NoMahI
’
m noti
ntr
oubl
ebutmyj
obi
sdanger
oussoIneedt
oknowt
haty
ouar
esaf
e”

Canshepl
easet
ryt
ounder
standt
hesi
tuat
ionher
e?

Me:
“Ify
ousayso”

Wesai
dourgoodby
est
omymot
her
'sf
ami
l
yandwentbackt
ohome.I
tawal
kabl
edi
stanceand
we

arei
nthesamev
il
lage.WhenIgothomeIf
oundmygr
andmawat
chi
ngt
vandshel
i
kesChannel
182.
It
ri
edt
oexpl
aint
hebody
guar
d’ssi
tuat
ion.

Gr
andma:
“Iwi
l
lnotst
aywi
thmenIdon'
tknow!
”

I
tSundaywewer
esupposedt
ochi
l
lbef
orewegobackt
oDur
ban.

Me:“Gogomyj
obi
ssodanger
oussoIhav
etopr
otecty
ou.Pl
easet
ryt
ounder
standt
hatt
hey
wi
ll

pr
otecty
ou”

Idi
dn’
twantt
oscar
ethem butt
her
eissomet
hingbadcomi
ngmyway
.Theybot
hunder
stood.
We

hadlunchwi
thmom andgr
andma.Ical
l
edmymanandt
oldhi
mthatI
'
mreadyf
orust
ogo.I
tol
dhim

t
hatthebody
guar
dswi
l
lst
aybehi
ndandNont
uwi
l
lgetanot
herone.Wel
eftNont
u’scarsoshe
wi
ll

geti
ttomor
row.

Igotmyl
i
cencel
astweekandhef
orcemet
odr
ivesomet
imes.Weswi
pedandIwasi
ndr
iver
’s
seat
s.

I
'm pr
epar
edt
obeshout
edatal
lthet
oEmabhawuzi
nit
ojoi
nTi
rer
oad.Wewi
l
lswi
pewhenwe
get

t
her
e.

Samkel
o:“
Nont
uhowi
sJobur
g?”

Nont
u:“
Greatbutt
hosebody
guar
dsgi
vemehar
dti
mey
oh!
”shecl
appedonce.

Ihopehewi
l
lnotbef
indi
ngi
tint
imi
dat
ing.Atl
easthei
slaughi
ngsohei
snoti
nti
midat
edbyi
t.

Samkel
o:“
Ihopet
heydon'
tgi
vey
ouatwor
k”

Me:
“Not
heydon'
ti
t’
sjustt
hatt
heyar
etooser
ious”

I
'm sur
eshecan'
tspendsomet
imewi
thhermanbecauseoft
hesebl
oodybody
guar
ds.Nokwe
al
so

complai
nedaboutherbody
guar
dsshesai
dshecan'
tev
enpar
typr
oper
ly.Whenwegott
o
Durbanwe

hadsomeshoppi
ngandIsawt
hathewasn'
thappyabouti
tbutwedi
dn'
tcar
eabouti
t.Icooked
and
i
nvit
edThabi
andAndi
l
etoj
oinusi
nSamkel
o'
sapar
tmentaf
tert
hatwewentt
oJazzconcer
t
andthey

wentwi
thus.

Snobs.

Idon'
tl
ikeJazzbutmysi
sterl
ovesi
tsoIdi
ditf
orher
.

Thabi
Andi
l
eandNont
uwentt
oCapei
nthemor
ningbecauseAndi
l
ehasur
gent"
meet
ing"
.Who
has

ur
gentmeeti
ngi
nSunday
?SoImadel
unchf
orhi
m andhecamewi
thhi
scr
ewandIwas
i
ntr
oduced

as“
KaMazi
buko”
.

Chapt
er11

Samkel
o:“
Thanksbabef
orl
unch”heki
ssedmycheek.Hewentt
omai
nbedr
oom.

I
'
mti
rednowsoIbet
tergot
ofr
eshenup.Iwentt
othem ai
nbedr
oom andt
hedoorwasl
ocked.

Me:
“Babepl
easeopenup”

Het
ooksomet
imet
oopent
hedoor
.Whyhel
ockedt
hedoor
.

Hi
m:“
Iwasdr
essi
ngupbabe”Hewasf
ixi
nghi
sshi
rt
.

Iwon'
taskhi
mfur
therbecausehewi
l
lannoymewi
thsi
l
lyanswer
s.Iwentt
obat
hroom and
whenI

gotout
.

Hi
m:“
BabeIneedt
ogot
oZi
mbal
i
”

Hewi
l
lleav
emeher
eagai
natl
eastt
hist
imehewon'
tl
ockmeup.

Me:
“Okay
"Iwal
kedaway
.

Iwant
edt
ospendt
imewi
thhi
m buthehasbet
tert
hingst
odo.

Hi
m:“
Okaybabewewi
l
lgot
oget
her
”hegr
abbedmebymywai
st.

Imisshi
m somuchIknowI
'
mtheonewhogav
ehi
m puni
shmentbutt
het
rut
hisImi
sshi
m.I
wil
lgi
ve
him somet
hingt
oendt
hissul
ki
ngofhi
s.Wel
eftear
lyt
oZi
mbal
ii
nBal
l
ito.Hewasqui
etIdon'
t
know

whybutI
'
m goi
ngt
oshutupt
oo.

Hepl
ayedmyf
avour
it
esong.Thi
scarhashi
sscentIl
i
kei
t.

Me:
“Ncooahbabehowdi
dyouknow?
”

Hej
ustgav
emeast
are.

Hi
m:“
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutbabe”

Iaskedy
ouf
ir
sty
oumor
on.Ibet
terkeept
hisst
upi
dthoughtt
omet
omymi
nd.

Me:
“Il
ovet
hissong”Il
ookedathi
m.

I
tisAdor
nbyMi
guel
.ZeeandIl
ovet
hissong.Weusedt
osi
ngi
tloudwhenwedr
unk.

Hi
m:“
It
’smyf
avour
it
esong”hewassur
pri
sed.

Me:
“Noi
t’
smyf
avour
it
esong”

Si
l
ence

Hebur
stsi
nlaught
er

Hi
m:“
I'
mreadyf
orl
awsui
tforst
eal
i
ngy
oursong”hecr
ackedi
nlaught
er

St
upi
didi
otbutIl
ovehi
m somuch.

-
--
--
--
-

Heparkedi
nfr
ontofabi
gbeaut
if
ulhouse.Wear
einZi
mbal
iCoast
alResor
tandEst
atesoI
don'
t

knowwhywear
eher
ebutIwon'
taskhi
m any
way
.Ihav
en'
ttol
dhi
m aboutwhathappenedat
home

butIwi
l
lfi
ndt
her
ightt
ime.

Hi
m:“
Wewon'
tst
ayl
ongerbabe”het
ookmyhandt
ohol
dit
.

Andnow?

Heopenedt
hedoorwi
thakeyi
nhi
shands.Ihopei
t’
snothi
spar
ent
s’house.Ionceaskedhi
m
about

t
hem hej
ustkeptqui
et.Idon'
tknowwhyhei
ssosecr
eti
ve.Ionl
yknowhi
sol
dbr
otherKat
.
“
Zir
hama!
”heshout
ed.

Okaywear
eher
etoseehi
sfr
iends.

Hi
m:“
Haahbr
aIdi
dn'
tknowt
haty
ou'
rei
ntown!
”Idon'
tknowhi
m.

Thesegangst
ershav
emoney
.Theseboy
sar
eyoungy
oucant
ell
wheny
ouar
elooki
ngatt
hem.
Ican

beatt
hecr
apoutmychi
l
dbei
ngagangst
eratt
hisy
oungage.Theyl
ookt
heyar
e18or19why
di
d

t
heyal
l
owki
dst
ojoi
ngangatay
oungage.

Samkel
o:“
Whymyhousei
ssodi
rt
y?”hel
ookedar
oundhei
sannoy
ed.

Huh?
?

Hi
m:“
I'
m sor
rybr
aIwi
l
lcl
eannow!
”

Thehousei
sbeaut
if
ulbuti
tisdi
rt
yIcant
ell
thatt
heywer
ehost
ingapar
ty.It
hinkt
hesear
ehi
s

t
enant
s.

Samkel
o:“
Goandwakeupt
heot
her
s”hest
oodl
ooki
ngt
hey
oungguyandshookhi
shead

They
oungguycamet
owar
dsme.

"
Sawubonasi
si"hesay
stome

Me:
“Yebounj
ani
?”

Heiscut
e.Hei
sar
ichki
dyoucant
ell
wit
hhi
scl
othesandt
hatRol
exwat
chonhi
swr
ist
.Hei
s
t
all
and

ski
nny.Idon'
tthi
nkt
heyeatpr
operf
oodher
e.Whenhesmi
l
est
het
hing.y
ouseeVer
sacegr
il
ls
onhis

cani
neonupperandl
owert
eet
h.

Samkel
o:“
Yey
iiy
ekal
aphoHambauy
ovusaabany
e”hesmi
l
ed

They
oungguycamewi
th3ot
herr
ichki
dsl
i
kehi
m.Theysl
eptwi
tht
hei
rcl
otheson.Theywer
e

shockedt
oseeSamkel
o

“Hel
lo”theot
hersaywi
thgr
eataccent
.Hewentt
opr
ivat
eschool
sIcansayt
hatj
udgi
ngonhi
s
accent.
Samkel
o:“
Yey
iiNi
nawhymyhousei
sli
keapi
gst
y?”heaskedf
oldi
nghi
sar
msonhi
schest

“
Sor
rybr
awewi
l
lcl
eanpl
easedon'
tki
ckusout
”theot
heronesay
s

Dr
ama!Hedi
dn'
tthr
eat
ent
oki
ckt
hem out
.

I
'
m st
il
lst
andi
ngnextt
oSamkel
o

“
Shei
syourgi
rl
..
..
”say
sthet
all
onepoi
nti
ngt
ome.

Samkel
o:“
Musaukuphaphawena”

Theyl
aughedatl
east
.Theyst
art
edt
ocl
eanandwewer
ewat
chi
ngt
hem.Samkel
oor
der
ed
Pi
zza.The

i
snofoodher
easIt
houghtnowondert
heyar
esot
hinal
loft
hem.Weal
lsatdownwhent
hey
wer
e

done.

Samkel
o:“
Guy
sthi
sismygi
rl
fr
iendNompendul
o”

Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.Whati
snow?

“
Uyaj
olabr
a?”t
het
all
guy

Thecr
ackedoutofl
aught
er.

Samkel
o:“
Uyaphaphawena”

Samkel
o:“
Babet
hisi
sLwandi
l
emyy
oungerbr
other
”hepoi
ntedt
het
all
guy
.

Theydon'
tl
ookal
i
ket
hough.Sohehast
wobr
other
sKatandLwandi
l
eatl
easthet
hem as
fami
ly.

Lwandi
le:
“It
’sgoodt
omeety
ouNompe.Nowonderwedon'
tseehi
m nowHaahbr
auy
ajol
a
kumele

ngi
xoxel
euKatl
endaba”Lwandi
l
elaughed.Idon'
tknowwhyt
heyar
esur
pri
sedwhenhehasa

gi
rl
fr
iend.

Theyal
ll
aughed.

Samkel
o:“Babet
hisi
sMbusoAndi
l
e'sl
i
ttl
ebr
otherSphel
elemycousi
nandhi
sbr
other
Zamokwakhe”

Ithoughtt
heywer
ehi
stenant
sbutokayt
heyar
ehi
sfami
l
yincl
udi
ngAndi
l
e'sl
i
ttl
ebr
other
.I
excused
mysel
ftobat
hroom.Onmywaybackt
otvr
oom t
heIsawt
hedi
ningr
oom ar
eIsawpi
ctur
esi
t
was

Samkel
o'
sgr
aduat
ionpi
ctur
esandanot
heroneol
dpi
ctur
ether
ear
efourboy
sandonebeaut
if
ul
gi
rl

butIdon'
trecogni
seany
oneoft
hem.Hecamet
omeasIsawl
ooki
ngt
hepi
ctur
es.
Katwasa
sol
dierI

sawhi
spi
ctur
eonsol
dier
'suni
for
m nowonderhei
sahar
dcor
eandscar
y.

Wher
ear
ethepar
ent
s?Iwon'
taskhi
m butIwoul
dli
ket
oknow.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Brawedon'
thav
ecosmet
icscany
oupl
easegi
veusR5000atl
east
”

Hev
oicei
ssol
oudIdon'
tknowwhy
.

Samkel
o:“
Uyany
angekeni
kubonel
okho.You'
respentmoneyonboozeandy
ouf
orgott
obuy

cosmet
ics”Theyl
ookedateachot
her

Samkel
o:“
AndIwon'
tgi
vey
oumypet
rol
car
d.I
'
mti
redofy
oual
lmi
susi
ngmoney
”

Theywer
equi
tel
ooki
ngathi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Iwi
l
lcal
lKatandt
ell
himt
ocomeher
etot
eachy
ouonhowt
ospendmoneywhen
youar
e

ast
udent
”

Them:
“Pl
easedon'
t!
”

Icansenset
hatt
heyf
earhi
m.Nowonderwhyhehasnogi
rl
fr
iendathi
sagegi
rl
sfearhi
m.He
l
aughed

outl
oud

Zamo:
“Haahbr
apl
easeKatwi
l
lki
l
luswhenhehear
sthat
”

I
tsunl
i
ket
hem.

Hegav
ethem moneyandwesai
dourgoodby
esandwel
eft
.NowIknowhehasahouseat
Zi
mbal
i

andanapar
tment
.Hehasanexpensi
vet
ast
eIcansay
.

Wewentst
rai
ghtt
ohi
shouse.Wehav
e3mont
hssi
ncewest
art
eddat
ing.Il
i
vewi
thhi
m nowi
n
hi
s
houseinCapet
own.IhopeThabi
andAndi
l
ehav
efr
eedom t
ogoar
oundnakedar
oundt
he
house

whenIl
eftt
hem.Lol
!

Il
ovehi
m somuch.Hei
smyf
ri
endandmyl
ovewear
esocl
oset
oget
her
.Heal
way
scal
l
sme
when

I
’
m atwor
kjustt
ochecki
fI’
m okay
.I’
mlay
ingmyheadonhi
schestaf
terhav
ingagoodsex.He
i
s

br
ushi
ngmyar
ms.

Me:
“Babet
her
eissomet
hingIneedt
otel
lyou”

Si
l
ence

Hemeans“
cont
inue”

Me:
“WhenIwasathomeIr
ecei
vedmessagest
hatwast
hreat
eni
ngmeandmyf
ami
l
y”

Si
l
ence

Samkel
o:“
Andy
oudeci
dedt
okeepqui
etaboutt
hisbecause?
”

Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.

Me:
“Ineedt
ojoi
ntheGangI
'
m notsaf
eandmyf
ami
l
yisnotsaf
e”

Whyhei
ssocal
m aboutt
hisandhei
snotaski
ngsomanyquest
ions

Me:
“Whot
oldy
ouaboutt
hisbecauseIt
oldt
hebody
guar
dnott
otel
lyou?
”

Idon’
tli
kemycal
mnessbecauseIr
eactsost
upi
dlywhenI
'
m cal
mlyIdon'
tknowwhy
.Ev
en
whenI

wasy
oungIwasnott
hatchi
l
dtouset
otal
kaboutmyangerorsomet
hingt
hatmademeangr
y.

Samkel
o:“
IknowbecauseIwasar
oundj
ustt
okeepaney
e..
.”Igav
ehi
m ast
are

Nowonderhedi
dn’
trespondt
omycal
lthatdayi
nmor
ning.Iwant
edt
ocheckuponhi
m.

Me:
“Whosentt
hatcow’
shead?
”

Samkel
o:“
Sleepmyl
ove”hecov
eredmewi
thaduv
et

Hewentt
oen-
sui
tebat
hroom t
oourr
oom.

Me:
“Butbabe.
..
.”
Hecomest
owar
dthebedandcl
i
mbedon.

Samkel
o:“
Sleepmyl
ove”hewr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundmybody
.

Whyhel
i
ket
ocov
ermyf
acewi
thduv
etwhenhegoest
obat
hroom.Inev
erhadshowerwi
thhi
m
ev
er

sincewest
art
edt
odat
e.Ial
way
swakeupwhenhedr
essed.Why
?May
behehasr
easonsf
or
that.I

won'
taskhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Youwon'
tj
oint
heGang”hebr
ushedmyback.

Si
l
ence

Iwaswokenbyacal
lfr
om mymot
herandhewasnoti
nbedbutt
heIhear
drunni
ngwat
er
coming

f
rom bat
hroom.

Me:
“Mom”Whyshei
scal
l
ingmeat5:
30

Her
:“Someonebr
okei
nNompe”shei
scr
ying

What
???
?

Me:
“Mom ar
eyoubot
hokay
!”

Her:
“Yeswear
ebot
hokaybutt
her
eisanot
ethatsay
sTel
lNompendul
othatIknowhowmuch
she

l
ovesherf
ami
l
y”sher
eadt
henot
ethatshef
oundont
heki
tchencount
er.

Me:
“I’
m sor
rymom aboutIwi
l
lor
gani
seaf
li
ght
sti
cket
sforbot
hofy
out
oJobur
g”myl
i
psar
e

t
rembl
i
ngandhungup

Samkel
ost
ormedoutofshowerandIt
oldhi
m whathappenedathomesoImustmov
ethem t
o

Nont
upl
ace.Iwi
l
lfi
ndt
hebestbody
guar
dst
oguar
dthem t
her
e.Ibookedt
hem af
li
ghtt
icket
s
andI

cal
l
edonei
ftheusel
essbody
guar
dtot
aket
othem t
oRi
char
dsBayai
rpor
t.

Ineedt
ofi
ndt
heper
sonwhodi
dthi
sonmyownbutIdon'
thav
eresour
ces.

Me:“Iwil
lj
oint
heGangIneedt
hei
rpr
otect
ionnowt
hanev
er.Myf
ami
l
yisi
ndangerIwi
l
ldo
any
thing
t
opr
otectt
hem”

Hi
m:“
Isai
dyouwon'
tj
oint
heGang!
”hewentt
owal
k-i
ncl
oset
.

Hemustnott
estmenott
odaypl
ease.Hecamet
other
oom dr
essed.

Me:
“Idon’
tneedy
ourper
missi
ont
ojoi
nwhat
everIneedt
ojoi
n.Myf
ami
l
yisi
ndangerdon’
tyou

under
standt
hat
.Ifmebei
ngwi
thy
ouwi
l
lcostmemyf
ami
l
y’ssaf
etyIcanpackmycl
othesnow
and

gett
hehel
loutofher
e”myv
oicei
shi
ghnow

Hesatont
heedgeoft
hebed.

Me:
“Icanpr
otecty
ourf
ami
l
ywi
thou.
”

Hecan’
tpr
otectt
hem becauseI
’
m notoneoft
hem socanhepl
easeshutup.

Me:
“Iwi
l
ldoi
tmy
sel
fev
eni
fIl
osemyl
i
fei
nthepr
ocessi
twi
l
lbef
ine”I
’
m cr
yingnow.

Si
l
ence

Samkel
o:“
Comeher
e”Ij
ustwentt
obat
hroom andcl
osedadoorbehi
ndme.

Me:
“Iwi
l
lcal
lAndi
l
etoaskhi
mtoj
oint
heGang”

Hewasqui
te

Af
terawhi
l
ehewentt
ooutoft
her
oom

Sponsor
ed

Ical
l
edAndi
l
eandheagr
eedt
oseemet
oday
.

Me:
“Cany
oupl
easel
endmey
ourcar
?”

Hegav
ea“
wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
o”l
ook

Me:
“I’
m meet
ingAndi
l
eathi
shousei
nanhour
”

Samkel
o:“
Iwi
l
ltakey
ouanddr
opy
ouof
f”

Imadehi
m somet
hingt
oeat
.Ial
way
sser
vehi
m hi
sfoodwi
that
rayev
eni
fI’
m angr
yathi
m.I
don'
t

wantt
odi
srespecthi
m becauseI
’
m angr
y.Heat
eal
lhi
sfoodandIdi
dn'
thav
eappet
it
eaf
tert
he
cal
lI

r
ecei
vedi
nthemor
ning.Ihat
etoheart
hecr
ying.
Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon’
ttal
ktomel
i
ket
hatev
eragai
nli
key
oudi
dthi
smor
ning”

Ar
gh.Ihat
ethi
stensi
onbet
weenusbutIwon’
tbackdownabouti
t.

Me:
“I’
m sor
rybabei
twon'
thappenagai
n”

Whatabul
l
ynxaabutImustneut
ral
i
set
hesi
tuat
ionher
e.

Samkel
o:“
Ihat
ethaty
ouwantt
ojoi
nthegangbutIwi
l
llety
out
obecausey
ouwantt
opr
otect
your

famil
yandthejobt
haty
ouar
edoNgi
yaphi
l
aingi
ssodanger
oussosomet
imesIwon’
tbeabl
eto
prot
ectyou”hi
s

v
oicegi
vesmeGoosebumps.

Mxm asi
fIneededy
ourper
missi
ondude.

Samkel
o:“
Ispoket
oKatandAndi
l
etheywi
l
lseeust
hisev
eni
ngat20:
00”hel
ookedt
hegl
assi
n
fr
ont

ofhi
m.

It
hinkImustbebr
avef
ort
oni
ghtbutI
’
mreadyt
ocr
ushanyl
eecht
hati
scomi
ngmyway
.

Samkel
o:“
Andi
l
esai
dyoucanwor
kathomef
ort
oday
”hest
oodup.

Hetookhi
scarkey
sandwentt
otheof
fi
ce.Hehasof
fi
cesher
eint
ownhei
swor
kingont
his
si
de.He

sai
dhei
swor
kingonabi
gcaseI
'
m notev
eni
nter
est
edont
hatcaseofhi
s.Icheckedmyemai
l
s.

Idi
dabackgr
oundcheckonLuxol
o.Hei
sLuxol
oMbangat
habor
nandbr
edi
nEast
ernCape
Matat
iel
e

hehaspar
ent
sandt
hreesi
bli
ngs.Hewentt
oUni
ver
sit
yofJohannesbur
ghehasDegr
eei
n
comput
er

sci
ence.Ineedt
ofi
ndoneofhi
sfami
l
ymember
s.

Ir
eal
l
yneedi
nfor
mat
iononhi
m.Imustdupl
i
cat
ehi
sphoneIneedsomet
hingonhi
smot
heror

someone.Iwi
l
lkeepdi
ggi
ngandIwi
l
ldoi
tmy
sel
fwi
thoutany
one'
shel
p.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m back”

If
elthi
shandsar
oundmywai
st.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
”heki
ssedmyneck.
Thatal
onemakesmewetl
etal
onehi
sscentandev
ery
thi
ng.

Me:
“I’
m okayandy
ou?
”

Hedidn’
tsayany
thi
ngbutcont
inuewhathewasdoi
ng.Hesl
owl
ytur
nedmet
olookathi
m.He
pi
cked

meupandhegent
lyputmeont
heki
tchencount
erandopenmyl
egsandIf
elthi
shandi
nsi
de
my

pant
y..
..
..
.

“
Getar
oom”

Hequi
ckl
ytookouthi
sgunandt
ookmeof
ffr
om t
heki
tchen.
..
..
..

“
NxaaVoet
sekt
aket
hataway
”hei
slaughi
ng.

Whati
shedoi
ngher
e?Howdi
dhegeti
nher
e?

Samkel
o:“
Nxaawenasr
hama”

Whatthehel
li
sgoi
ngonher
e.It
houghtwear
egoi
ngt
odi
esecondsagobutnowhei
s
l
aughi
ngto

t
hati
diot

Guy
:“Pl
easemakesomet
hingt
oeatI
’
m hungr
y”

Whoi
shet
otel
lmet
owhatt
odoIdon’
tev
enknowhi
m?

Samkel
obur
stedi
nlaught
er.Iwentt
obat
hroom andwhenIcamebackt
otheki
tchenhewas
busy

i
nmyki t
chen.Theki
tchenwast
hemessi
n2mi
nut
est
hisguyi
sannoy
ingme.Iwentt
ost
and
nextt
o

myman.

Guy
:“I
’
m Av
elaMnet
hu”hei
sfr
yingbacon.

Whoeatbr
eakf
astat15:
00pm?Hebet
tercl
eansmyki
tchenwhenhei
sdonebecauseI
’
m not
cl
eani
ng

af
terhi
m.Hedi
stur
bedusnxaabl
oodyMrmuscl
e.

Me:
“I’
m Nompendul
o”

Hei
saXhosaIcant
ell
byhi
saccent
.Whoi
nvi
tedhi
m becauseIdon’
trememberSamkel
o
t
ell
i
ngme

t
hatheisexpect
ingsomeone?If
reakedoutwhenhet
ookouthi
sgunt
hankst
othi
sidi
ott
o
f
reakus

out
.

Samkel
o:“
Howdi
dyougeti
nher
e?”

Thi
sisanEst
atef
orcr
yingoutl
oud

Av
ela:
“Hav
eyouf
orgotwhoIam?
”

Whati
sfunnyonwhathesai
d?Mymanj
oinedi
nhay
iIgi
veup

Me:
“Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouspace”

Samkel
o:“
KaMazi
bukopl
easest
aywi
thus”hegr
abbedmywai
stgent
le.Mymanhecanbea

gent
lemansomet
imes

Hel
ooksatus.

Av
ela:
“Yoursur
namei
sMazi
buko?
”

Hehear
dsowhyaski
ngagai
n

Me:
“Yeah”

Avel
a:“Mazi
bukoandMnet
hui
sonet
hing”hesatonacouch.Hebet
ternotl
eav
est
hecr
umbs
ther
e.

Cont
inuey
oumor
on.I
’
m conf
usedbyt
his

Av
ela:
“YesMnet
hui
sMazi
bukoi
t’
sjustt
hatMnet
hui
van”

Canhepl
easecont
inuewi
tht
hisconf
usi
on?

Avel
a:“
Yhuuuhay
imar
nMazi
bukoi
sthemai
nsur
nameandMnet
hui
ssubsur
namei
nXhosa”
hesai
d

i
nbet
weenhi
schewi
ng

Ineedhi
m gone.Iwon’
ttol
erat
ehi
srudeness.

Samkel
o:“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngont
hissi
de?
”

Wr
ongquest
iony
oumor
on.

Av
ela:
“Noneofy
ourbusi
ness.Andy
ouPl
easepr
epar
eaguest
room f
orme”hepoi
ntedme.
Iwil
lst
rangl
ethi
sAv
elandi
ni.Ical
l
edt
ocheckmom t
heyhadasaf
ejour
neyImustdeal
wit
h
thi
s.

AfteraweekNokweNont
uandZeewer
ecomi
ngt
ovi
situsher
einCapeTownandt
heypl
anned
that

wemustgot
othecl
ubj
ustt
ohav
efunandi
t’
sbeenl
ongwedi
dgi
rl
sni
ghtout
.Iwassohappy
when

Samkel
otol
dmet
hathei
sgoi
ngt
oDur
banbecauseofboar
dmeet
ingandIdi
dn'
tcar
eabout
that

butIwashappybecauseIwi
l
lgooutwi
thmyf
ri
endsandhewon'
tbeher
e.Todayi
tsThur
sday

t
omor
rowhei
sgoi
ngandhewi
l
lbebackonSunday
.

Samkel
o:“
Babey
oudon'
twantt
ogowi
thme?
”

Me:
“I’
m goi
ngt
owor
ktomor
rowsoIwon'
tbeav
ail
abl
etogowi
thy
ou”

Samkel
o:“
Okay
”

Iwassot
ir
edbutheki
ssedmesot
hingl
eadt
oanot
her
..
..

I
nthemor
ninghegotr
eadyandhedr
ovemet
owor
kandhewentt
oai
rpor
taf
tert
hat
.Andi
l
eis
i
n

Gaut
enginabusinessmeeti
ngsowedon’thavetowor
ryaboutboyf
ri
ends.Mydaywentsofast
andIwasexci
tedaboutourdat
e.WhenIknockedof
fIwenttothehouse.Icl
eanedt
hehouse
andI

or
der
edpi
zza.At20:
00pm myphonebeepedandIwasr
eady
.

Okay
.Iwaswear
ingaski
nnyj
eanwi
thbl
ackv
estandbl
uecoatwi
thbl
ackheel
sandr
edbagI
t
iedmy

dr
eadi
nabunanddar
kpl
um l
i
pst
ick.Iswi
tchedof
fthel
i
ght
slockedt
hedoorIwentt
othegat
e.
I

st
eppedi
nacarandwedr
oveof
ftoaf
ancycl
ubandmybi
tcheswer
eonpoi
ntl
i
keol
dti
mes.

Nokwe:
“Onl
yifmypar
ent
sal
l
owedmet
ocomeandst
udyher
e!”

Weal
ll
aughedbecauseweknowshesayt
hatbecauseguy
sar
ehoti
nher
e.

Me:
“Ei
wewoul
d'
vedest
roy
edf
ri
end”Igav
eherhi
ghf
ive

Thabi
:“Bi
tches!
”
Thewai
tercameandweor
der
edMoj
i
tosandsati
nourt
abl
e.Wet
ookf
ewsel
fi
es.

Zee:
“It
’sbeenl
ongt
imewedi
dthi
s”

Sheusr
ighti
nthatone.

Nont
u:“
Whor
emembert
hatguywhowasusedt
akeusoutandbuydr
inksf
orusbecauseshe
want
ed

Nompe?
”wel
aughed

Me:
“Ei
hewassuchapai
nonmyasst
hatonebutwedr
ankhi
smoneyguy
s”

Ot
hermoj
i
toscameandwewer
ehav
ingf
un!

Me:“Shoot
ersnow!
”Isi
gnal
l
edt
hewai
tert
ocomet
oourt
abl
e.Ourshoot
erscameandwe
count
ed

andwedr
ankt
hem t
hesamet
ime.

Nokwe:
“Keept
hem comi
ng”

Nont
u:“
Iwon'
tbeabl
etowakeupt
omor
rowbecauseofNokweandNompe”

Wewer
edr
unkbutnott
hatmuch.NokweandIgotupanddancet
othesongwhi
chwaspl
ayi
ng
and

shooter
sweref
loodi
ng.Thabi
tappedmeandgav
ememyphonewhi
chwasr
ingi
ngwhenI
checkedit

wasSamkel
oandIdi
dn’
tansweri
tbecauseIknewhewi
l
lshoutatmeandal
lthat
.Igav
eitback
t
o

Thabi
andcont
inuedt
odanceandt
heot
hert
woguy
scamet
ojoi
nmeandNokwe.
Thecl
ubnow
was

packedupbecausei
tsFr
idayv
ele!If
eltsomeonet
appi
ngmyshoul
derwhenIt
urnedt
olook.
..
.

If
roze.
..

TheguyIwasdanci
ngwi
thwasont
hef
loorandhi
snosewasbl
eedi
ng.Iwentf
rom dr
unkt
obe
sober

whenIsawhi
m st
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofme.

Hi
m:“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”hei
sangr
y.

Me:
“Ican’
theary
ou!
”Ishout
edonhi
seart
hemusi
cwasl
oud.
WhenIcheckedThabi
Andi
l
ewasher
etooangr
yashel
l
.

Hi
m: “
Let
'sgo.Now!
”hegr
abbedwi
thmyupperar
m andhi
sgr
ipwast
ight
.Hesi
gnal
l
edt
omy
f
ri
ends

tof
oll
owus.Andi
l
etookThabi
ZeeNont
uandNokwewi
thhi
m andSamkel
otookmet
ohi
scar
and

hedrov
eof
fwewer
ebot
hqui
et.Whenwegothomeheopenst
hedoorandwegoti
n.If
ear
ed
the

wayhewasangr
yatbutImustf
acehi
m.

Iwenttosi
tont
hecouchi
nthel
oungehewentt
otheki
tchenhecamebackwi
tht
wobot
tl
esof
water
.

Hesatnextt
omeandIsl
owl
yshi
ft
edf
rom hi
m.Iwantt
orunt
olockmy
sel
finaguest
room
because

hel
ooksl
i
kehewant
stobeatmeup

Samkel
o:“
Whot
oldy
out
ogot
oacl
ub?
”hei
scal
mly
.

Idi
dn’
tanswert
othat
.

Me:
“Hi
m:“
You’
l
lspeakangi
thi
?”hel
ookedatme.

Me:
“Myf
ri
endsand.Iwent
..
.t
oacl
ub.t
ohav
e”Iwasscar
edt
oanswerhi
squest
ion.

Samkel
o:“
Yey
iiwena!
”hel
ookedatme.

Me:
“BabeI
'
m sosor
ry.
..
”Iwasaboutt
ocr
y.

Samkel
o:“
Don’
tcr
ybecauseIhav
en'
tdonet
oyou”Ij
umpedofacouchandhecat
chmebef
ore
Ir
an

awayt
ohi
m.

Samkelo:“
Youdon’
twantt
omakemeangr
ythanIam.Youdi
dn’
ttel
lmet
haty
ougoi
ngout
because?

Whati
fyougothur
tther
eorgotki
dnapped?
”hi
svoi
cewasdeeperandIwasr
eal
l
yscar
ed.

Me:
“BabeI
’
m sor
ry.
..
”Iwant
edt
ogot
osl
eepandIwasf
eel
i
ngsl
eepy
.

Helookedatmeandhegotupf
rom wher
ehewassi
tt
ingandhedi
sappear
edi
nthehouseandI
sl
ept

ont
hecouch.
Samkel
o:“
Wakeup!
”heshout
edandIsatst
rai
ght
.Hewascar
ryi
ngt
wobot
tl
esofwhi
skeyand
a

t
easpoon.

Samkelo:
“Youwant
edt
odr
inkr
ight
?Dr
inkher
eanduset
hist
easpoon.Now!
”If
eltt
ear
sinmy
eyes.

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Nompendul
oIdon’
thav
eal
lni
ghtIwantt
ogot
osl
eep”

Isatst
il
l.

Heopenedt
hebot
tl
eandpour
edt
hewhi
skeyi
nthet
easpoonandf
orcedmet
odr
ink.Iopened
t
he

mouthandi
twasbur
ningi
ncl
udi
ngmyt
hroat
.Idon'
tdr
inkwhi
skeyunl
essI
’
m angr
yort
ryi
ngt
o
cal
m

down.

Samkel
o:“
Yey
iisdakwadr
inkher
e”Idi
dn’
topenmymout
h.

Hest
oodupandIst
oodupt
oot
ryi
ngt
ofol
l
owhi
m.Thehotsl
apl
andedonmyf
aceandi
tmade
me

t
ofal
lont
hecoucht
hatIwassi
tt
ingi
n.Ij
ustwai
l
ed.

Iwaswokenbysomet
hingcol
donmybackandIwasnaked.Iwai
l
edagai
nwhenIl
ooked
ar
oundhe

wassi
tt
ingont
opofaseatoft
het
oil
etl
ooki
ngatme.WhenIt
ri
edt
ogetup.

Samkel
o:“
Don’
ttestme”

Isatst
il
landt
hissocol
dandIcr
ied.

Samkel
o:“
Whyy
ouwer
en'
ttaki
ngmycal
l
slastni
ght
?”

Me:
“Idi
dn'
thearmyphone”Iwasshaki
ng

Samkel
o:“
Don’
tli
etomeIcal
l
edy
ouwhenIwasl
ooki
ngaty
ouandsawt
hatIwascal
l
ingy
ou
gave

phonebackt
oThabi
andIwantt
oknowwhy
”

Me:
“Iwasscar
edt
haty
ouwi
l
lshoutatmebecauseIwasi
nthecl
ub”Iwasl
ooki
ngdown.
Samkel
o:“
Whydi
dyougot
her
eint
hef
ir
stpl
ace?
”

Me:
“Il
i
kecl
ubbi
ngbuty
oudon'
twantmet
osoIwant
edt
ohav
eagoodt
imewi
thmyf
ri
ends”

Chapt
er12

Samkel
o:“
Hav
ingagoodt
imebydanci
ngwi
thi
diot
syoudon’
tknow?
”hi
sfacechanged.

Me:“
BabeI
’
m sosor
ryIwon'
tdoi
tagai
n”Iwasnowshaki
ngandcoughi
nghepi
ckedmeup
f
rom t
he

t
ubandpl
acedmeont
hebed.Iwasshaki
ngandmycoughswer
edr
y.

Ast
hmawaski
cki
ngi
n.

Samkel
o:“
CanImakey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
?”

Me:“Pl
easegi
vememyphone”Hedi
dn'
tbuthegotf
rom t
hebedandexi
tedt
hedoor
.I
st
ret
chedmy

ar
m butIcoul
dn'
treachmyphoneImov
edsl
owl
yandr
eachedi
tIt
ooki
tandIcal
l
edmysi
ster
.

Samkel
o:“
Yousai
dyouwanti
nsodon’
tbener
vous”hesnapped.

Whati
shi
spr
obl
em now?I
'
mtheonewhoshoul
dbegr
umpyaboutunf
ini
shedbusi
ness.

Me:
“I’
m notner
vous”

Wewer
ebehi
ndt
hewar
ehouse.Theywer
esomanycar
sandmot
orbi
kes.Theot
her
sar
esi
tt
ing
and

theot
her
sar
est
andi
ng.Atl
eastI
'
m notonl
yladyher
eIsawot
herl
adi
esbutnott
oomany
.They
are

al
ldr
essedl
i
keSamkel
obutl
adi
eshav
ehi
ghheel
pol
i
ceboot
sIt
hinki
t’
sthei
rdr
esscode.They
st
art
ed

t
olaughatSamkel
o.

Anot
herguy
:“HaaahSKuhambanecher
ry”Hel
aughedathi
m.

Ihat
eitwhenhi
sfr
iendsar
elaughi
ngathi
minmypr
esence.

Samkel
o:“
Ngi
zokukhahl
elasani
”hebr
ushedt
hatGuy
'shead.

Hegreet
edandt
heyal
lcamecl
ose.Iwasof
fer
edapl
acei
nfr
ontoft
hemal
l
.Weal
lar
esi
tt
ing
but
KatAndi
l
eandSamkel
oremai
nedst
andi
ng.

Kat
:“I
'
m gl
ady
oual
lcameher
e”

Si
l
ence

Kat
:“Thi
sisanewmemberNompendul
o”hecont
inues

Them:
“Hei
taNompendul
o”

Mhm

Idon'
tknowwhatt
osaybutIkeptqui
et.Iwasbr
ief
edonwhatt
odoornott
odo.

TaKat
:“Shei
stheonewhof
oundSabel
oKubhekaandt
hatLuxol
owasasni
tch”

Whyhei
stheonl
yonet
alki
ngher
e.It
hinkhei
sthel
eaderher
e.

Kat
:“Fr
om t
odayshei
sourI
Tlady
.Thosewhoar
edoi
ngI
Tinot
herbr
anchesIwi
l
lli
key
out
o
wor
k

wi
thher.Herski
l
lsar
egoodandshewi
l
lal
soassi
stt
heseni
orsi
nmi
ssi
onsasy
ouknowhow
wework.

Thatwi
l
lbeal
l
”

Imadev
owst
otheGangandt
oldev
ery
thi
nkImustknow.Idi
dal
lthepr
otocol
sthati
sdone
when

y
ouj
oint
hisGang.I
'
m af
ull
ymemberofTHEEAGLES.AnEAGLEmeanspowerwi
sdom and

det
ermi
nat
ion.

Thet
hreel
adi
escamet
otakemeawayt
heyt
oldmet
hatourt
att
ooar
ti
sti
sreadyf
orme.I
di
dn'
t

t
hinkaboutnott
hatI
'
m scar
edofpai
n.

Anot
herl
ady
:“Weal
lhav
ethesamet
att
oo”

TheEAGLEbi
rdi
tthesi
gnat
ureoft
heGang.Thet
att
ooi
sbl
ackbi
gEAGLEwi
thspr
eadedwi
ngs
andi
t

i
sdrawnacr
osst
heshoul
der
s.Thet
att
ooguyhasonesoIknowt
hathei
soneofus.Af
terf
ew
ourI

wasdonetheypour
edwhi
skeyf
ormeandIgul
pedi
t.Igott
hesamecl
othesast
hem Iwor
e
t
hem and
Iwasoneoft
hem now.Igott
heaccesscar
dtousei
nwhengoi
ngi
noroutt
hewar
ehouse.

Kat
:“Youar
eoneofusnow”

Si
l
ence

Samkel
o:“
Youwi
l
lbet
rai
nedonhowt
ofi
ghtandhowt
oki
l
l”

Idon'
tknowt
heper
sonhei
sri
ghtnowwhatIseei
tnotmysweetandcr
azySamkel
o.

Me:“Pl
easecomeher
e.Ineedt
o.got
o.Thedoct
or.Now.
..
”Iwascoughi
ngmychestwasso
pai
nful
.

Nont
u:“
EishokayI
’
llcomenow!
”shesai
dandhungup.

Hecamebackwi
thf
oodandhef
orcedmet
oeatbutIcoul
dn'
teatbecauseIwascoughi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
oual
ri
ght
?”

Ishookmyheady
es.Hesatandat
eHi
ssandwi
chaf
terawhi
l
eti
meNont
ucal
l
edandhewent
toopen

f
orher
.

Nontu:
“Iwentt
othedoct
orst
rai
ghtandIboughtVent
ezef
ory
ouandt
heygav
eot
herpi
l
lst
hey
sai
d

i
twi
l
lhel
pyou”Samkel
owasconf
used.

Shewentt
ogetwat
erf
orme.Idr
ankt
hepi
l
lst
hatshegav
emeandIdr
if
tedof
ftosl
eep.WhenI

wokeuphewassl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ulnextt
ome.Igotof
fthebedandIwentt
otheki
tchenI
want
ed

tomakef oodbutIsawav
eryshar
pkni
feIt
ooki
tandwentt
oourbedr
oom andIf
oundhi
m
sleepi
ng

sopeacef
ul.Ipl
acedakni
fei
nhi
sfaceandmadei
ttomov
esl
ow.Hej
umpedandt
ookhi
sgun
under

t
hepi
l
low.
..

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hef
uckar
eyoudoi
ng.Ar
eyoucr
azy
?”hei
sbr
eat
hingf
ast
.

Il
aughedoutl
oudandcausemet
ocough.

Me:
“Nxaasuka.Iwant
edy
out
opayf
orwhaty
oudi
dear
li
eron”

Heputhi
sgunawayandwentt
othebat
hroom.Hei
sangr
yandIdon'
tcar
eabouti
t.
Samkel
o:“
Don’
tyouev
erdot
hatagai
ndoy
ouhearme?
”

Me:
“Don’
ttel
lmewhatt
odoornotwhatt
odo”

Samkel
o:“
Yazi
ngi
yal
i
ngwal
a(I
’
m bei
ngt
est
edher
e)”

Me:
“It
’sov
er”Igotup.Hel
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Younotgoi
ngany
wher
e”Il
aughed.

Me:
“Wat
chme!
”Iwentt
othecl
oset
.

WhenIwast
aki
ngmycl
othes.

Samkel
o:“
Leav
ethosecl
othesNompendul
o”

Me:
“Samkel
opl
easel
eav
emeal
one”Iwasn’
tev
enl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Ifel
thi
shandgr
abbi
ngmyhandhepul
l
edmet
owar
dshi
m wi
thf
orce.Heki
ssedmebef
oreIt
ry
to

speak.Iki
ssedhi
m backhepi
ckedmeupandwentt
othebedandgent
lyputmeondowni
nthe
bed.

Het
ookof
fmypy
jamapantIt
ookhi
sboxerof
f.Hebr
oket
heki
ss.

Samkel
o:“
Isi
tst
il
lov
er?
”hesai
dwi
thasmi
rki
nhi
sface.

Me:
“Mxm”Hel
aughedatme.

Samkel
o:“
Youcan’
tresi
stt
hisbody
”

Me:
“Ki
ssmepl
ease”Hel
aughedagai
n.

Samkel
o:“
Fewmi
nut
esbacky
oubr
okeupwi
thmenowy
ouwantmet
oki
ssy
ou?
”hesai
din
bet
ween

ofhi
slaugh.

Me:
“Pl
easegetof
fme”Iwasl
i
ttl
eir
ri
tat
ed.

Heki
ssedmeandwehadagr
eatsexaf
tert
hatwewentt
otakeashower
.Wemadel
oveagai
n
i
nthe

showeraf
tershowerwewentt
obedandwesl
ept
.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
-

If
oundoutt
hatLuxol
owasi
nMt
unzi
niont
hedayoft
hecer
emonysoi
tconf
ir
msmysuspi
cions.
He

i
sabi
tt
erl
oserbecausehel
osthi
ssni
tchi
ngj
obIwi
l
ldeal
wit
hhi
m.Iwi
l
lkeepmypr
omi
set
o
hi
m.

ImadesupperAv
elai
sst
il
lher
esomuchannoy
ing.Ihear
dthathei
saCi
vi
lEngi
neerby
pr
ofessi
on

butIdon'
ttr
usthi
mthought
hisguycant
alk.Hebr
okei
nher
ebecausenoonecal
l
ed'
tocome
and

si
gnf
orhi
mint
hemai
ngat
ebuthei
sher
edemandi
ngev
ery
thi
ng.

Av
ela:
“Sodoy
oul
ovehi
m?”heaskedmet
odr
inkhi
sjui
ce.

Whatt
heki
ndofquest
ioni
sthat
.Hef
ounduski
ssi
ngorhedi
dn'
tsawt
hat
.

Me:
“YeahIl
ovehi
m somuch”Isatnextt
omyman.

Avel
a:“Pl
easel
ovemyf
ri
endt
hewayhei
s.Don'
tchangehi
mtosomet
hinghei
snot
”hei
s
ser
ious.

Wow!Hecanbeser
iousf
orasecond.

Me:
“Iwon'
tchangehi
m Il
ovehi
mthewayhei
s”Ibr
ushedmyman’
sshoul
der
.

Av
ela:
“Good”

Ichangedt
oabl
ackski
nnyj
eanandwhi
tel
ongsl
eev
et-
shi
rtwi
thbr
ownhi
ghheel
Timber
land
boots.

Ifoundhimint
heki
tchenwear
ingawear
ingabl
ackJeanwi
thbl
ackl
ongsl
eev
eandabl
ack
anklecoat

wi
thamust
ardscar
fandbl
ackpol
i
ceboot
s.

Samkel
o:“
I’
mreadyt
ogobabe”

Hej
ustt
ookhi
sphoneandcarkey
s.Hei
sact
ingwei
rdnow

Mxm Idon’
tcar
e.

Me:
“Youl
ook.
..
.”Iwast
ryi
ngt
ocompl
i
menthi
m

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon’
t”

Whyhemustspoi
lagoodmomentt
hought
.

Si
l
ence.
Wher
edi
dhet
ookt
hesecl
othesbecauseIf
oundhi
m al
readydr
essed?St
rangebecauseIwas
i
nthe

mai
nbedr
oom butIwon’
taskhi
m.Idon'
tknowt
hel
ocat
ionbuthei
staki
ngmet
her
e.It
hought
we

wer
egoingt
oAndi
l
e’shousebutt
hisl
ooksl
i
keawar
ehouse.Iwasner
vousatf
ir
stbutImust
dot
his.

I
’
m qui
et.

Andi
l
e:“
Youwi
l
lhav
etopr
ovey
our
sel
ftousandy
ouwi
l
lear
nyourownr
especther
e”

I
’
m st
il
lqui
te

Kat:
“Thepr
opert
rai
ningwi
l
lbegi
vent
oduet
othesuddenj
oini
ngi
nunderci
rcumst
ancesbut
you’
ll

i
nfor
medabout
”

Fi
nal
l
yIwi
l
lgetapr
opert
rai
ningt
ofi
ghtandbr
ingdownLuxol
o.

Iwantt
odoshoppi
ngsoThabi
ist
heonet
hatIshoul
dgowi
th.Iwentt
opi
ckherup.I
’
m dr
ivi
ng
mysel
f

nowsoIal
way
shav
emygunwi
thmebutI
'
m nothappyt
ohi
det
hist
hingoft
hem aboutme
bei
nga

Gangst
ert
omybestf
ri
endsbutImustshutup.

Me:
“Mngani
youl
ookdi
ff
erent
”

Shel
aughs

Me:
“Tal
kwhati
sgoi
ngon?If
ir
stnot
icedwhenwewentt
oZanzi
barbutIt
houghti
tmoney
”

Shel
aughs

Thabi
:“Haamngani
itnot
hingI
'
mjusthappyandev
ery
thi
ngi
sper
fect
”

Whysheact
sdumbher
e?

Me:
“Ar
eyoupr
egnant
?”

Si
l
ence

Thabi
:“What
?No!I
'
m notpr
egnantI
’
m oncont
racept
ivepi
l
lmngani
”shei
sshockedonwhatI
j
ust
asked.

Me:
“Ist
il
ldon'
tunder
standt
hesuddenchange”

May
beshei
snott
hen.Iwast
ooobser
vant
.

Si
l
ence

Shelooksl
i
keshei
sthi
nki
nghar
d.Whenwegott
othemal
lwewentt
ofewst
oresandshewas
hungry.

Idon'
tunder
standt
hisnewhabi
tofher
sshei
sadi
ett
ypeofgi
rl
.Shei
sthi
nandt
all
thanme
wit
ha

darkcompl
exi
onbutt
oodar
knowshei
stheopposi
teshegai
nedwei
ghtandshei
shav
inga
l
ight

compl
exi
on.Idon'
twanty
oust
ressherbutshehaschanged.

Sheorder
edachi
ckenbur
gerwi
thchi
psandj
uice.Cansomeonepl
easegof
indmyThabi
becauseI

don'
tknowt
hisone.Ior
der
edt
hesameasher
sI'
mthef
anofbur
ger
s.Iwi
l
lbuypr
egnancyt
est
for

hert
oday
!

Me:
“If
orgott
otel
lyouwhathappenedwhenIwasi
nShopr
it
eatGi
ngi
ndl
ovu”Il
aughed

Thabi
:“Whathappened?
”shei
scur
ious

Me:“
Iwaswi
thSamkel
owhenLul
onkegr
abbedmewi
thmyupperar
m hegav
ehi
mthebest
sl
ap

one”Iwasl
aughi
ngandshej
oinedi
n.

Thabi
:“That
’swhyIl
i
kehi
m”shel
aughed

Hemademyy
earwhenhesl
appedt
hati
diot
.Inev
ert
houghtIwi
l
lgetov
erhi
m buther
eIam I
hav
e

nev
erbeenhappyi
nar
elat
ionshi
pli
keIam now.

OnourwaybackThabi
want
edchi
ckenbur
geragai
n.Haaashecannagsomet
imes.

Me:
“Iboughtpr
egnancyt
estf
ory
ou”

Si
l
ence
Thabi
:“I
'
m notpr
egnant
”shesnapped.

Shei
sir
ri
tat
edbutIdon'
tcar
eaboutt
hat
.

Me:
“Iknowt
haty
ou'
renotpr
egnantbuty
ouhav
etobesur
e.Youar
eact
ingwei
rdmngani
I'
m

wor
ri
ed”

Thabi
:“What
ever
”wi
that
ti
tude.

Wewentt
oherhouseandwef
oundguy
sther
e.

Andi
l
e:“
Youback”Andi
l
esayt
ous.

Thabi
justl
ookedannoy
edaboutt
hat
.Whati
sitabouther
?

Mymancamet
ohugandki
ssme.Hecanbesweetsomet
imesbutIl
ovehi
m ev
erymi
nut
eof
ev
ery

day
.

Wel
eftt
heguy
sdownst
air
swewentt
othem ai
nbedr
oom upst
air
s.Themai
nbedr
oom i
sbi
g

ever
ythi
ngi
swhi
teher
ewi
that
ouchofsi
l
ver
.Thebedi
stheI
tal
i
anbedwi
thwhi
tebeddi
ngoni
t
a

chandel
i
ert
hatchangest
hecol
our
sawhi
tecouchandasi
l
vert
abl
eandawhi
tef
luf
fymat
.

Me:
“Her
etaket
hisandusei
tnow”Isaygi
vi
nghert
heBr
ownpaperf
rom phar
macy

Shewi
l
lsmackmyhead.Ipushedhert
othebat
hroom andl
ockedt
hedoorout
side.

Thabi
:“Iwon'
tdoi
t”

Me:
“Wehav
eal
lthet
imesweet
hear
t!
”

Thabi
:“Ihat
eyou!
”

Me:
“Il
ovey
oumor
e!”

Thabi
:“What
ever
”

Minut
esl
atershecr
iedoutl
oudIqui
ckl
yopenedt
hebat
hroom door
.Shecr
iedoutandIt
ri
edt
o
cal
m

herdownbutshebecamewor
se.

Theguy
scamer
unni
ngwi
tht
hei
rguns.Thesei
diot
s.

Me:
“Goaway
”
Lucki
lyshedi
dn'
tseet
hegunsbecauseherheadwasl
ooki
ngi
nthebedandmyheadwas
l
ookingin

t
hedoor
.

Theyqui
ckl
ywentoutandshecal
m down.

Thabi
:“WhatI
'
m goi
ngt
odomngani
?”

Shei
spr
egnantIconcl
udedwhenIhear
dal
oudcr
y.

Me:
“Youhav
eyourmanhewi
l
lsuppor
tthr
oughoutt
hepr
egnancy
”

Sheknowst
hatshehasmysuppor
tal
lthet
ime.

Thabi
:“WhatI
'
m goi
ngt
osayt
omypar
ent
s?”

Shegotachi
l
doutofwedl
ockshedi
dn'
tseet
hegunsbecauseherheadwasl
ooki
ngi
nthebed
andmyheadwaslooki
ngi
n

t
hedoor
.

Theyqui
ckl
ywentoutandshecal
m down.

Thabi
:“WhatI
'
m goi
ngt
odomngani
?”

Shei
spr
egnantIconcl
udedwhenIhear
dal
oudcr
y.

Me:
“Youhav
eyourmanhewi
l
lsuppor
tthr
oughoutt
hepr
egnancy
”

Sheknowst
hatshehasmysuppor
tal
lthet
ime.

Thabi
:“WhatI
'
m goi
ngt
osayt
omypar
ent
s?”

Shegotachi
l
doutofwedl
ockbutshei
sol
denought
otakecar
eofherandt
hebaby
.Iwi
l
ltal
k
toher

whenshei
scal
m.Iwentdownst
air
stocal
lAndi
l
eforher
.Ipi
tyhi
m hewi
l
lbewal
ki
ngoneggs
f
orthe

nextei
ghtmont
hs.If
oundAndi
l
epaci
ngupanddownhewasf
reakedoutt
heguy
swer
elooki
ng
at

hi
m.

Ij
ustremember
edt
hatIst
il
lhav
epi
ctur
esofNokut
hul
asoi
t’
sbeent
hreemont
hsaf
tershe
post
ed

mypi
ctur
escal
l
ingmebi
tchwhowant
sherman.Sot
odayi
therbecauseIwi
l
lposthernudes
pi
ctur
e

wi
thherownFacebookaccountIdi
dn'
tspend4y
ear
satUkznf
ornot
hing.

Me:
“Done!
”

Thi
sbi
tchmessedwi
thawr
ongwoman.

Samkel
o:“
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hat
?”

Whyar
eyoual
way
ssneaki
ngonme?

Me:
“It
’spay
backt
imesweet
hear
t”

Ipl
annedt
hisl
ongt
imeagosoIdon’
thol
dheragr
udgeany
mor
e.

Ineedtogot
oJobur
gImi
ssmyf
ami
l
y.Theyar
est
il
lther
ebutmygr
andmai
scompl
aini
ng
abouther

gar
denbutI
’
m wor
ri
edaboutherl
i
feIdon'
tgi
veadamnaboutt
hosev
eget
abl
es.

Samkel
o:“
Babeuzongi
shi
yangedwangeweekend?

Her
ewegoagai
n.Hei
sal
way
ssul
ki
ngI
’
m sur
ehewasacr
yingbabywhenhewasy
oung.

I
ncomi
ngcal
l
...
..
.

“
NompeIl
ostmyaccesscar
dtot
hewar
ehousepl
easedeact
ivat
eit
”shesai
dandhungup.

Atleasti
tnotabi
gthi
ng.ThatwasPhi
ndi
whowasi
nthephone.Shei
saf
emal
ehar
dcor
e
gangsterI

oncehear
dthatshest
abbedherhusband'
ssi
dechi
ckf
rom t
opt
obot
tom ofherbody
.

It
hinkIneedheronmysi
det
opassherbi
pol
art
omewheni
tcomest
osi
dechi
cks.Iwentt
o
main

bedr
oom buthewasnott
her
eIf
oundhi
mint
heki
tchendr
inki
ngcof
fee.Inev
ert
houghtIwi
l
l
see

t
hisdaySamkel
otheeSKdr
inki
ngcof
fee.

Me:
“Idi
dn’
tknowt
haty
oudr
inkcof
fee”

Hei
sindeept
hought
s.

Me:
“Babe”Ispankedhi
m.

Hesmi
l
ed
Me:
“Somet
hingony
ourmi
nd”Imadeacupofcof
fee

I
ncomi
ngcal
lagai
n..
..
..

Kat
:“Cashhei
stSat
urdayni
ght
”

Me:
“Sur
eTaKat
”hehungaf
terhesai
dwhathewant
edt
osay
.

Mypl
ansar
ecancel
l
edonWednesday
.Ican’
tgodur
ingweekday
sbecauseImustgot
owor
k.
Myj
ob

atDl
ami
niat
tor
ney
sisj
ustacov
ernj
eqhabutIl
i
kewhatI
’
m doi
ng.

HeisaGangl
eaderandwecal
lhi
m TaKat
.Andi
l
eisr
ighthandmanandSamkel
oisal
eaderi
n
Dur
ban.

Idi
dmyt
rai
ningbutIwast
rai
nedwi
thr
eal
peopl
e.If
oughtwi
thasni
tchandIki
l
ledanot
herone
on

t
heki
l
li
ngt
rai
ning.

Samkel
o:“
Cashhei
st?
”

Ourni
ghtconv
o.

Me:
“Yesbabecashhei
stmypl
ansar
ecancel
l
ed”

Inevert
houghtIwi
l
lhav
esuchconv
ersat
ionwi
thmymanbuther
eIam.Igav
ehi
m massage
buthe

i
stenseIdon'
tknowwhy
.

Samkel
o:“
Sat
urdayy
ouar
egoi
ngwi
thmeKatAndi
l
eandt
heot
her
s”

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Idon’
tli
kei
tbabebuty
ou'
rei
nnowt
her
eisnot
urni
ngback”

Me:
"YeahIknowbabe”

Hei
scruel
wheni
tcomest
othegy
m.Imustbef
itsoIgot
othegy
m at04:
00am bef
oreIgot
o
wor
k.

Theyt
oldmet
hathehasnomer
cyont
hegy
m butwhatIsawwast
ort
urei
nal
lfor
ms.

I
tsSat
urdaymor
ningwhenIwokeupSamkel
owasnoti
nbed.Wher
eishe?

Myphoner
ings
Samkel
o:“
BabeI
’
m atKat
'shousey
ouwi
l
lmeetmeher
eforl
unch”

Me:
“Okaybabe”Iendedt
hecal
l
.

NoGoodmor
ning.I
t’
sokaybutImi
sshi
mthough.

Ontheni
ghtIj
oined"
TheEAGLES"Isawhi
sbackf
ort
hef
ir
stt
ime.Isawhi
stat
tooourGang
t
att
oo.

WhenIaskedhi
m whyhehi
ditf
rom mehesai
ditwast
oodanger
ousf
orbot
hust
oseehi
s
t
att
ooand

t
ell
someoneabouti
t.Thatmancanhi
det
hingsj
ustt
othi
nkhehi
dtat
toomay
bet
heyar
eso
many

hiddent
hingsabouthi
m.Iknowt
hebadsi
deofhi
m Idon'
tthi
nkt
hei
swor
sesi
deofhi
mthan
that.

Iwentt
oKat
'shouset
heguy
sandt
hei
rLadi
eswer
eher
eincl
udi
ngThabi
.Hecamet
ome.

Samkel
o:“
Sthandwasam”hesai
dwi
tht
hatdeepsexyv
oice.

Hecanputmei
nanymoodf
rom nowon.
..
.butI
’
m nother
efort
hat
..
..Icamef
orl
unch.

TaKatcookedwhatar
ewecel
ebr
ati
ng?Wewentt
odi
ningr
oom andsi
tt
ert
het
abl
ewasset
al
ready

whenIgott
her
e.Ladi
esar
esi
ppi
ngwi
neandgent
sar
eonbeer
s.Mypoorf
ri
endi
sdr
inki
ng
Orange

j
uice.

Kat
:“Iwoul
dli
ket
ocongr
atul
ateAndi
l
eandThabi
”

Si
l
ence.

Wehear
ddooropeni
ngev
ery
onewassur
pri
sedbyt
hat
.Katt
ookhi
sgunoutandt
heyal
ltooki
n
t
he

door
.Theyal
lst
oodupbutusl
adi
eswewer
ewi
tt
ed.

“
Ther
eisapar
tybutnobot
her
edt
otel
lus”i
t’
sther
ichki
ds(
Lwandi
l
eMbusoSpheandZamo)
.

Theyqui
ckl
ysi
tdownandputawayt
hei
rguns.

Kat
:“Nxaai
tyou

Whyt
heyar
eher
e?Nxaai
tsSept
emberschool
hol
i
day
s.
OhFat
herGod!Theyf
oundchai
rsandcamet
othedi
ningr
oom.

Mbuso:
“Wecaneatnow”

Samkel
osmackedhi
shead.

Kat
:“Whoi
nvi
tedy
ouher
e”

Theyl
aughedhi
m andhewasl
aughi
ngt
oo.I
t’
sthef
ir
stt
imet
oseehi
mlaughi
ngsohar
d.

Kat
:“AsIwassay
ingAndi
l
eandThabi
areexpect
ing”

Ihear
dlot
sofcongr
atsar
oundt
het
abl
e.

Mbuso:
“Iwi
l
lnamehi
m Nogwaj
aozi
khundl
akhundl
a”

Si
l
ence

Weal
lbust
edoutl
aughi
ng.Iwasn’
tex
pect
ingt
hatf
rom Mbuso.

Andi
l
e:“
Uyany
ainganekabanal
eyoozoy
iqambangal
eyont
o?(
you'
recr
azy
.Whosechi
l
dwewi
l
l
be

namedbyt
hename?
)”

Thabi
isst
art
ingt
oshownow.

Kat
:“Doy
ouknowwhatt
hatmeansory
ouj
ustl
i
kesay
ingi
tnj
e”

Model
Cwasi
mpr
essedbyt
hatsay
ingnj
e.

Mbuso:
“Nobr
aIhear
dsomeonesay
ingi
tandIl
i
kei
t”

Wel
aughedathi
m ev
enThabi
isl
aughi
ng.Andi
l
ewascompl
aini
ngabouthermoodswi
ngsand

cr
avi
ngs.

Lol

I
t’
stheirfi
rstchi
l
dandAndi
l
eissoobsessedabouti
tonot
herhandThabi
don’
twantAndi
l
e
nearher.

Theyareal
way
sfi
ght
ingIl
i
ket
oseet
hem doi
ngt
hat.
Andi
l
epai
dthedamagest
oThabi
'
s
parent
sfor

t
hebaby
.

I
nZulucul
tur
ewheny
ougott
hechi
l
doutofwedl
ockt
hef
atheroft
hebabymustpayt
he
damages
buti
t’
snotgi
venhi
mther
ight
stot
hebaby
.Hecant
akecar
eofachi
l
dandseet
hechi
l
dbutt
he
chi
ld

bel
ongsoni
tsmot
her
'sf
ami
l
y.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Whenwi
l
lIgetanepheworni
ece?
”

Iwonderwhohei
stal
ki
ngt
o.Ihopei
t’
snotmymani
tshoul
dbeKathei
sol
dbutnoki
d.

Kat
:“Uzoshay
ekaboy
”

Weallcr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.Weknewt
hequest
ionwasdi
rectt
ohi
m buti
ndi
rect
ly.Iwas
l
aughi
ng

butIwast
hinki
ngaboutt
oday
'smi
ssi
on.Ihopet
hisbr
atwi
l
lspendt
hei
rhol
i
day
sher
enotatmy

“
house”
.Idon'
tknowwhyt
heydi
dn'
tspendt
hehol
i
day
sinDur
ban.

Andi
l
e:“
Idon’
twantanybr
atonmyhousemyl
adyher
ehasnot
imet
oent
ert
ainy
ou”

I
’
m notal
onewhodon'
twantt
hem nearme.

Kat:
“Youwi
l
lst
ayher
ewi
thme

Theyj
ustl
ookedwor
ri
edaf
terhesai
dthat
.

Them:
“Okay
”

Theyar
enothappyabouti
t.Thatmeansnocl
ubbi
ngnohousepar
ti
esandnoget
stoget
her
.

IheardthatLwandi
l
eandMbusogr
ewupher
einCapeTownbutSpheandZamogr
ewupi
n
Vryhei
rd

wit
hthei
rpar
ent
s.ZamoandSphe’
sfat
heri
sabr
otherofSamkel
o’smot
her
.Thei
rsur
namei
s
Ndlov
u

soLwandi
l
easkedKatt
otaket
hem f
rom Vr
yhei
rdt
oCapeTownt
ogetbet
tereducat
ionsoi
t’
s
l
ikei
t’
s

hi
ski
ds.

Hekeepst
hem i
nli
ne.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-

Wel
eftt
hem t
her
esoi
tjustt
het
woofusher
e..
..

Me:
“Babe”Ispankedhi
m.
Heisst
andi
ngi
nthedi
ningr
oom l
ooki
ngout
sidet
hewi
ndow.WhatIdon’
tunder
standi
swhati
s
he

l
ooki
ngatbecausei
tsdar
kout
side.I
’
m behi
ndhi
m myhandwentdownt
her
e..
..
..
.

Hei
squi
et.

Samkel
o:“
Babenotnow”hewal
kedaway
.

ButImi
sshi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Ihav
etof
ocus.I
’
mleadi
ngt
hecashhei
st”

Wai
thesaidhei
sleadi
ngt
hismi
ssi
on.Imustwor
kwi
thhi
mtoni
ght
.Imustphy
sical
and
emot
ional
fit

becausewhenhei
sleadi
ngami
ssi
onhei
ssexi
erandcut
er.WhenIgott
omai
nbedr
oom I
foundhim

si
tt
ingont
heedgeoft
hebed.It
ookmybl
ackski
nnyj
eanbl
ackl
ongsl
eev
emust
ardscar
fand
pol
ice

hi
ghheel
boot
sIdr
essedupandhewasl
ooki
ngatme.

Samkel
o:“
YouandIwi
l
lal
way
sbet
oget
her
”

Si
l
ence.

Hegotupanddr
essed.Iwentt
otheki
tchenpour
edmy
sel
finhi
swhi
skeyandgul
pedi
t

Samkel
o:“
Myl
ove”

It
urnedt
olooki
nhi
sdi
rect
ion.

Samkel
o:“
Inev
ert
houghtIwi
l
lseet
hisday
.I'
m ahar
dcor
egangst
erbutInev
ert
houghtIcanbe
on

ami
ssi
onwi
tht
hewomanIl
ove”

Hei
sbehi
ndmenow.Hei
sbr
eat
hingonmyear
.Okayt
hatmycue.

Me:“
Inev
ert
houghtIcanbeagangst
erl
etal
onet
olov
eonebuther
eIam l
ovi
ngy
ouandwe
ar
ein

t
hist
oget
her
”

I
t’
sli
kef
eel
sli
kegoodby
ebutwewi
l
lmakei
t.

Me:
“Let
’sdot
hismyl
ove
Reachi
ngmyhandt
ohi
m.Hegav
emehi
shandsowear
edoi
ngi
ttoget
her
.Ourmi
ssi
oni
sat
themall

butwewi
l
lint
hebush45km awayf
rom t
hemal
lsoi
taper
fectspot
.Whenwegott
her
ewe
found

KatandAndi
l
eandt
heguy
sal
readyt
her
ebutwewer
eear
ly.

Ay
anda:
“Howar
emyt
wol
ovebi
rds”Oneofourguy
s.

Ismackedhi
shead

SK:
“Goodbabe”

Tomorr
owwemustbei
nDur
bant
hei
sasi
tuat
iont
her
esof
ir
stt
hingi
nthemor
ning.Af
tert
wo
hour
s

i
nthebushwet
ookourgunsandweheadedt
othemal
l
.Wegoti
nandwedi
dthesaf
eand
cl
eanj
ob.

Weusedanot
herExi
ttol
eav
ethemal
lsot
hecar
swer
eonanot
hersi
de.Iwasner
vousbutwi
th
hi
m

nearmeIwasf
ine.

Si
gh.

Itwasmyf
ir
stt
imesonot
hingbadhappenedsoIcanr
elaxnow.Wewentt
othewar
ehouset
o
count

al
lthemoney
.Andi
l
e’scompanywi
l
llaundert
hemoneyt
hist
ime.Wehav
ebeenourown
Chart
ed

account
ant
sPol
i
ceasourspi
esdoct
orsi
nev
erydepar
tmentwehav
eourmembert
her
esowe
don'
t

hav
etobeg.

Whenwear
ri
vedi
nourhousewet
ookal
ongbat
hinashower
.Wehav
eabi
gshowerbuthe
was

behi
ndmei
nnott
ime.

Hei
sbr
eat
hingonmyeari
nadeepl
ustbr
eat
he.

Samkel
o:“
Imi
ssy
ou”

Hei
ski
ssi
ngmeonmyneck.I
’
m enj
oyi
ngi
tbutIwon'
tshowi
ttohi
m.I
'
m st
il
lbat
hingandIact
asi
f

I
’
m noti
nter
est
edi
nwhathei
sdoi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Babe”

Ikeptqui
et.Hecont
inuedwhathewasdoi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasebabe”

Heturnedmet
olookathi
m.Hescoopedmyf
aceupt
ofacehi
m.Ourey
esmet
.Heki
ssedme
andI'
m

gl
adIki
ssedhi
m back.Hi
shandswer
eonmywai
stj
ustbef
oreIknewi
t.
..
.Hegr
abbedmeupby
my

waistandmyl
egswer
ear
oundhi
swai
st.
..Hepi
nnedmeont
heshowerwal
landwat
eri
sst
il
l
dr
ipping

onus

Hei
srought
odaybutIwon’
tst
ophi
m..
..Il
i
kei
troughonot
herday
s.

“
Ahhhhbabe”hei
sgr
oani
ngl
i
keanani
mal

Inev
ersawhi
m behav
ingl
i
ket
his.Hei
sreal
l
ymov
ingf
ast
erandmyar
msar
ear
oundhi
sneck.I
l
ove

hi
m somuchbuthecanhi
m somet
imes.Webot
hcameheputmedown.West
oodona
dr
ippi
ng

wat
erhi
m huggi
ngmef
rom behi
nd.

Iknowt
hatwear
enotdoney
eti
t’
sgoi
ngt
obeal
ongni
ght
..
..
..

I
nthemorningIwokeupandIst
art
edf
rom bat
hroom t
hent
otheki
tchen.Imustmake
br
eakf
astfor

mymanI
’
m sur
ehei
ssohungr
yaf
teral
ongni
ghtwehad.
..
..
.

I’
m weari
nghi
st-
shi
rtandnopant
ywhenIwasaboutt
ofi
nishhecamet
otheki
tchenhenow
spoi
led

t
hebr
eakf
asti
nbed.

Okay
.
Chapt
er13

Hecamebehi
ndIf
elthi
swar
m handsonmybums.Nohecan'
twehadal
otofsexl
astni
ght
.

Samkel
o:“
Babe”t
hatdeepsexyv
oiceofhi
s….

Me:
“Hay
imanj
eMbul
azi
”

Iwonderwhathei
sthi
nki
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Ngi
kupheKahl
ebabe”

Ij
usttur
nedt
olookathi
m.Weki
ssedIf
eltmybodywar
m.Het
urnedof
fthest
oveandwe
shar
ed

al
ongandpassi
onat
eki
ss.Hi
shandsonmyasst
ouchi
ng.
..

Samkel
o:“
Youdon’
tneedpant
iesbabei
tsav
esmet
ime”

Hei
snaught
y..
..
..
.

Kat
:“Hay
igetar
oom!
”

Wej
ustst
opped!

Luckil
yIwasn’
tont
hecount
ert
hist
ime.Theyar
eher
e.Whoi
nvi
tedt
hem ear
lyi
nthemor
ning
rui
ning

ourmoment
?Yhooo!

Samkel
o:“
Whatdoy
ouwantv
eleekuseni
kangaka?
”hei
sir
ri
tat
edt
one.

LOL.

Whyt
heyar
est
il
lst
andi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Got
othet
vroom”

Imustgot
othemai
nbedr
oom t
ogetdr
essed.

Mbuso:
“Butwear
ehungr
y..
..
”

Samkel
o:“
Voet
sek”

Theyl
aughedathi
m.

Irantot
hemai
nbedr
oom soIcameoutmor
erepr
esent
abl
e.Imustmaket
hef
ull
breakf
ast
because

t
hehoodi
sher
e.Thabi
andAndi
l
ecamet
oobutThabi
ist
hef
ir
stt
ocomei
nfol
l
owi
ngbyAndi
l
e
wi
th

herbag.Shecamet
omet
otheki
tchenandt
heywentt
othedi
ningr
oom.

Thabi
:“Hei
sreal
l
yannoy
ingme!
”

Shei
sfi
vemont
hspr
egnantand“
Nogwaj
aozi
khundl
akhundl
a”maket
hem f
ightal
lthet
ime.

Me:
“Whathappenedmngani
?”

Shet
ookherphonet
ypedsomet
hing

Thabi
:“Done”

Iwonderwhatshei
sgoi
ng.

Thabi
:“Her
efusedt
ost
opatt
hef
il
li
ngst
ati
onbecauseIwant
edabur
ger
”Shei
sangr
y

Me:
“Sor
rymngani
”

Minut
esl
atert
hedoor
bel
lri
ngshequi
ckl
ywentt
ogeti
t.Shecameeat
ingherchi
ckenbur
ger
and

anot
herbur
gert
akeaway
.

Andi
l
e:“
Babey
oucan'
teatabur
gerear
lyi
nthemor
ning.
..
”

Shei
seat
ingt
hatbur
geri
nasl
owmot
iont
oannoyAndi
l
e.

Thabi
:“Cany
oupl
easedon'
tdi
stur
bme”

Wearelooki
ngatt
hem now.Andi
l
ecamet
owar
dsherandt
ri
edt
otaket
het
akeaway
.Shej
ust
cr
ied.

Yhooo!Pr
egnantwomenar
edr
amaQueensIt
ell
you.

Mbuso:
“Haahbr
ajustl
ethereat
sherbur
ger
s”

Andi
lehasasof
tspotf
orhi
sli
tt
lebr
otherhesmi
l
esmor
eof
teni
nhi
spr
esenceIal
sosawt
hat
toKat

andLwandi
l
e.Hegav
eherbackherbur
ger
sandLwandi
l
etr
iedt
ocal
m herdown.

Thabi
:“Mxm”

Shesatdownandweal
ll
ookedathereat
ingt
hatchi
ckenbur
ger
sthatmadehercr
yyou'
dswear
asif

shei
seat
ingsomet
hingshenev
erat
ebef
ore.
Weal
ll
aughedather
.

Kat
:“Pl
easesor
tthatpr
obl
em i
nDur
ban”het
oldt
oSamkel
o

Imustgett
opackourov
erni
ghtbagsf
orDur
ban.

Mbuso&Lwandi
l
e:“
Wewi
l
lst
ayher
e”

Bl
oodyoppor
tuni
sti
cbr
ats.

Kat
:“Noy
ouar
egoi
ngwi
thme”

Theyl
ookedateachot
hert
hant
oSamkel
o.

Samkel
o:“
Okayst
aybutIwi
l
lbebackt
omor
rowt
heny
ouwi
l
lleav
e”

Theyj
ustl
aughedandl
ookedateachot
her
.

-
--
--
--
-

Ical
lmyf
ami
l
yeachanev
ery
day
.Iwantt
hem t
ogobackhomenowbutImustsor
tthi
ngsf
ir
st.

I
nlastt
woweeksLul
onkecal
l
edmeaski
ngwhyIpost
edNokut
hul
a’
snudepi
ctur
es.Idi
dn’
t
denyIt
old

hi
mthatIwoul
dnotl
etanybi
tchdoany
thi
ngt
ome.

Myauntcal
l
edmel
astweekandaskedi
fI'
m st
il
li
ngusi
ngmyf
lat
.Shewant
edapl
acef
orher
daught
er

whoismycousi
nLut
hando.Igav
ehert
hepl
acewi
tht
hatAnel
eIdon'
tknow.Idon'
tunder
stand
t
here

asontheywant
edaf
latbecauset
heywer
eli
vi
ngi
nRes.Imustcheckt
hepl
acet
omor
row
bef
oreI

l
eav
e.

“
Babepl
easeber
eadyat19:
00wehav
eameet
ingwi
tht
hegangat20:
00”SMSf
rom hi
m

OkayIknowsomeoft
hemember
sbutnotal
loft
hem.Iwon'
tcookbecausehei
snother
e.I
n
second

thought
sIwi
l
lcooki
ncasehewant
shi
sfood.Ir
emembert
heot
herdayhewentoutwi
tht
he
guysin

Capehecamehomedr
unkandhewant
edhi
sfoodat02:
43.Hewassi
ngi
nganddoi
ngal
lthe
annoy
ing
t
hings.

Av
ela:
“Hay
imar
nuf
unant
oni
?(Whatdoy
ouwant
?)”

Hei
srudenat
ural
l
yandI
'
veaccept
edt
hat
.

Me:
“Cany
oupl
easepl
ant720PWi
FiI
Pli
ghtbul
bcamer
aIneedt
ospyonLuxol
oMbangat
ha'
s
f
amil
y”

Iendedt
hecal
laf
ter

Youmustgett
othepoi
ntwhenspeaki
ngt
ohi
m becausehehat
est
obedi
stur
bedwi
th
what
everhe

i
sdoi
ng.Ihear
dthathei
sengagedt
oaXhosagi
rl
.Iwi
sht
oseeher
.

Hei
sli
ghti
ncompl
exi
onl
i
kemymanandheal
sohav
emuscl
essmal
ley
es.

I
t’
sti
mef
orLuxol
otomeethi
sfor
efat
her
s.Hewi
l
lfeel
mywr
ath.

Hecamebackat19:
00andhewentt
otakeshower
.Whenhecamebackhewassmel
l
ingf
resh
and

cl
ean.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m hungr
y”

Godwor
ksi
nmy
ster
iousway
!

Lucki
l
yIcookedsoIwentt
odi
shedupf
orhi
m.Weat
etoget
her
.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksbabef
ort
hedel
i
ciousf
ood”

ThatwhatIl
i
keabouthi
m.Heal
way
scompl
ement
smyf
oodappr
eci
atemyef
for
ts.

Iwenttogetr
eadyf
ort
hemeet
ing.It
ookmyl
apt
opmybl
ackpi
stol
sthatar
eloadedandmy
phone

Iwasr
eadyt
ogo.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ousur
ethaty
ourpi
stol
sar
eloaded?
”

Justt
othi
nkI
'
m speaki
ngwi
thmymany
ouwi
l
lnotbel
i
evei
t.

Me:
“YesbabeI
'
m sur
eIcheckedt
hem”

Heal
way
sremi
ndsmet
hat
.Hei
sal
way
sdr
ivi
ngwhenwear
egoi
ngt
othemi
ssi
onormeet
ings.
We
wentt
othewar
ehousebutbehi
ndi
t.Wef
oundt
hem t
her
ebutIwast
oldt
hatt
heot
her
sar
eon
t
he

way
.Igr
eet
edandIf
oundachai
rtosi
tonI
'
mti
red.

At20:
00t
heywer
eal
lher
e.Iwasi
ntr
oducedt
otheGangont
hissi
debutwel
lsomeoft
heI
know

t
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Flywhathappenedwi
thdr
ugs?
”Hei
stheonewhoi
sst
andi
ngandt
alki
ng.

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Mahl
afunawhathappenedwi
tht
her
hinohor
ns?
”

Hei
ssoscar
yri
ghtnowandhi
svoi
cei
sev
endeeperwhenhei
sangr
y.

Fl
y:“
Bosswewer
ehi
j
ackedt
hat
'swhyt
heywer
edel
aysaboutt
hedr
ugdi
str
ibut
ion”

Usemasi
mbeni
lomj
i
ta!

Samkel
o:“
Whatdower
edowhenwehav
ethatpr
obl
em?
”

Us:
“Wel
ayl
owandst
ri
kel
i
keanEAGLE”

Sowhydi
dtheydi
dn'
tst
ri
ke.Hei
sjustl
i
kehi
sbr
otherhecanmakey
out
owal
koneggs.

Samkel
o:“
Someonei
saf
terussoy
ouhav
eacl
ue?
”

Mahl
afuna:
“Bosst
hei
sthenewGangi
ntownIt
hinki
tst
hem”

Anot
herpr
obl
em nowi
sthenewr
ival
gang.Wehav
en'
tdeal
twi
tht
heol
dri
val
gangandnowt
his.

Themeet
ingt
ookt
imebecausewehav
etor
icht
hedeci
sionofnewr
ival
gangmustbe
el
imi
nat
ed.

Whent
hemeet
ingwasadj
our
nedwest
ayedt
her
e..
..
..
..

It
hinkmyey
esar
edecei
vi
ngme.

Me:
“Zee!
”

Shei
snotshockedt
oseeme.

Zee:
“HeyGazi
”

I
’
m st
il
lshocked.

Me:
“Iwasn'
texpect
ingt
oseey
ouher
e”
Shel
aughedatme.Ihopei
t’
snotwhatI
'
mthi
nki
ng.
..
.

Zee:
“Ihear
dthaty
ouj
oinedus”

Wai
t.
..
.

Thi
sexpl
ainswhyshesav
edSamkel
o’snumberasSK(
boss)
.Whenwewer
ehav
ingdi
nnerwi
th
gi
rl
s

mybatt
erydi
edsoaskedhert
ouseherphonet
hat
’showIsawi
t.I
tdi
dn’
tmakesensebutnowI
see.

Me:
“YeahIj
oinedt
heGang”

Ihavemyr
easonsf
ort
hat
.Myf
ami
l
yisev
ery
thi
ng.Icandoany
thi
ngf
ort
hem Icancr
ossf
ir
ego
under

thewat
erorany
thi
ngj
ustt
osav
ethem.MyMom usedt
osayIwassupposedt
obeaboynota
gir
l.

I
'
m ahar
dcor
enat
ural
l
y.

Me:
“Wemustpl
anThabi
’
sbabyshower
”

Zee:
“Yeahsur
ecal
lmet
hen”shehuggedmeandsai
dgoodby
es.

It
hinkshehasami
ssi
onorshei
srushi
ngt
oherman.Imustcal
lherNont
uandNokwewi
l
ltake
over

I'
m sur
e.Imustpl
ani
ttoandi
tmustbeatCapebutnoti
nherhousebutwewi
l
lfi
gur
e
somethi
ng

out
.

Ourboy
swentt
oinst
all
them whent
hewhol
efami
l
ywasi
nchur
ch.Hewi
l
lnotseemecomi
ng.
They

conf
ir
medwhenPaul
fet
chedusatt
heai
rpor
t.

Samkel
o'
sphoner
angwhenPaul
fet
chedusbuthedi
dn'
tanswer
.

Ihopei
t’
snotoneofhi
sfl
oozi
es.

I
tri
ngsagai
n.

Samkel
o:“
Ehhen….
Eish.
..
.Okay
”hehungup

Hemustnott
estme.Iwi
l
lnotl
osef
ocusnowbecauseev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
ltur
nupsi
dedown.
Si
l
ence.

Whenwegothomet
hepol
i
cecar
sambul
ancewast
her
einf
rontofourhouse.Whati
sgoi
ngon
her
e?

Samkel
o:“
Fuck!
”

Pol
i
cer
aidedourhouse.Ther
eisnoi
l
legal
subst
anceorobj
ect
sint
hathouse.Wegoti
nsi
de.

May
hem!

Thef
urni
tur
eisupsi
dedown.I
tamess.

Stai
nsofbl
oodont
hef
loorwheny
ou'
reent
eri
nthemai
ndoor
.Thepassagei
smessydi
ning
chai
rs

arebrokeni
nthepassage.Theki
tcheni
sapi
gst
y.Thet
vscr
eeni
sbr
okenandSamkel
o'
s
favour
ite

whi
tef
luf
fymathasbl
oodst
ainsandcoucheshasbot
tl
es.

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hef
uckhappenedher
e!”

Hi
sexpensi
veI
tal
i
anst
ylef
urni
tur
eisbr
okenandhi
shousei
samess.

Kat
:“Cal
m do.
..
”

Samkel
o:“
Don'
ttel
lmet
ocal
m down!
”

Iwon'tev
ent
ryt
otal
ktohi
m whenhei
sthi
sangr
y.Wher
eist
he"
BigFour
"thebr
ats?Wecal
l
them

theBi
gFourbecauset
heyar
eal
way
stoget
her
.Wel
eftt
hem her
ebutwhenwecamebackt
hey
are

nother
e.

Me:
“Whathappened?
”

Si
l
ence.

Kat
:“Theyhost
edapar
tyher
ebutsomet
hingwentwr
ong.Av
elacameher
etocheckupony
ou
guy
s

buthef
oundt
hem her
epar
tyi
ng”

Me:
“Wher
ear
etheynow?
”

Kat
:“Pol
i
cest
ati
on.Theywi
l
lspendani
ghtt
her
ejust
.I'
m notget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved”
Samkel
oissomewher
eint
hehouseandhei
ssoangr
y.

Me:
“Iwi
l
lgot
othePol
i
cest
ati
on”

Katj
ustl
ookedatme.

Samkel
o:“
Youwon'
tdot
hat
”Idi
dn'
tseehi
m comi
ng.

Me:
“Iwi
l
lgoandgett
hem.Theymustf
acet
hei
rsi
ns”

Iunder
standt
hathei
sangr
yri
ghtnowbutpuni
shi
ngt
hem wi
thj
ail
isabi
twr
ong.Iwi
l
lfi
nda
good

puni
shmentf
ort
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thy
out
odaysopl
easej
ustl
i
stent
ome”hi
svoi
cei
scol
d.

Iwenttomai
nbedr
oom Ichangedadr
essandIwor
ewhi
teJor
dant
racksui
tsandJor
dan
sneaker
s

andItookmyov
erni
ghtbagandIf
il
ledi
twi
thmoney
.If
oundt
hem st
il
lst
andi
ngi
ntheki
tchenI
took

myphoneandhi
scarkey
s.

Samkel
o:“
Youdon'
tl
ist
ent
ome”hesai
dasImademywayt
othedoor
.

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Idar
eyout
owal
koutt
othatdoor
!”

Iwalkedoutt
othatdoorandIwentt
ohi
sbl
ackMer
cedesAMGCl
a200.Ist
art
edt
hecarand
drov
e

of
f.Idecl
aredawart
ohi
mleav
ingwhenhesai
dImustnotgot
othepol
i
cest
ati
on.

Me:
“Myf
ourboy
sar
ear
rest
ed.I
'
m onmywayt
her
e”

Aust
in:
“Sur
eNomps”heendedt
hecal
l

Aust
ini
sapol
i
cemanbutsomet
hingwentwr
ong.Av
elacameher
etocheckupony
ouguy
s

buthef
oundt
hem her
epar
tyi
ng”

Me:
“Wher
ear
etheynow?
”

Kat
:“Pol
i
cest
ati
on.Theywi
l
lspendani
ghtt
her
ejust
.I'
m notget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved”

Samkel
oissomewher
eint
hehouseandhei
ssoangr
y.
Me:
“Iwi
l
lgot
othePol
i
cest
ati
on”

Katj
ustl
ookedatme.

Samkel
o:“
Youwon'
tdot
hat
”Idi
dn'
tseehi
m comi
ng.

Me:
“Iwi
l
lgoandgett
hem.Theymustf
acet
hei
rsi
ns”

Iunder
standt
hathei
sangr
yri
ghtnowbutpuni
shi
ngt
hem wi
thj
ail
isabi
twr
ong.Iwi
l
lfi
nda
good

puni
shmentf
ort
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thy
out
odaysopl
easej
ustl
i
stent
ome”hi
svoi
cei
scol
d.

Iwenttomai
nbedr
oom Ichangedadr
essandIwor
ewhi
teJor
dant
racksui
tsandJor
dan
sneaker
s

andItookmyov
erni
ghtbagandIf
il
ledi
twi
thmoney
.If
oundt
hem st
il
lst
andi
ngi
ntheki
tchenI
took

myphoneandhi
scarkey
s.

Samkel
o:“
Youdon'
tl
ist
ent
ome”hesai
dasImademywayt
othedoor
.

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Idar
eyout
owal
koutt
othatdoor
!”

Iwalkedoutt
othatdoorandIwentt
ohi
sbl
ackMer
cedesAMGCl
a200.Ist
art
edt
hecarand
drov
e

of
f.Idecl
aredawart
ohi
mleav
ingwhenhesai
dImustnotgot
othepol
i
cest
ati
on.

Me:
“Myf
ourboy
sar
ear
rest
ed.I
'
m onmywayt
her
e”

Aust
in:
“Sur
eNomps”heendedt
hecal
l

Aust
ini
sapol
i
cemanbuthei
sagangst
erhei
sthespyi
nsi
det
hepol
i
cest
ati
on.

Thel
astt
imeIcheckedIwasNompenotNompsbutke.WhenIgott
othepol
i
cest
ati
onIcal
l
ed
Aust
in

andhesor
tedev
ery
thi
ngandt
heboy
swer
eoutwi
thsomesi
l
ly"
bai
l
".

Them:
“Thankssi
s’
Nompe”t
heyal
lhuggedme.

Theyt
hinkIwassentt
ogett
hem out
.Wewentt
othecarandwedr
oveof
fonourwayt
o
Samkel
o's.
Lwandi
l
e:“
Wear
esosor
rySi
s’
Nompei
twi
l
lnev
erhappenagai
n”

Hei
stheyspokesper
sonnow.

Me:
“Idon’
twanty
ouf
uckensor
ry.Ir
iskedmyr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thy
ourbr
othert
obai
lyouout
!”

Si
l
ence.

Theyr
eal
i
sedhowt
enset
hesi
tuat
ioni
s.

Zamo:
“Wear
es.
..
.”

Isi
gh.

Whenweent
eredatt
hemai
ngat
eThabi
’
scarwasf
oll
owi
ngmi
ne.TheysawKat
'scarandt
hey
f
reaked

out
.Iopenedt
hemai
ndoorandt
heywer
efol
l
owi
ngmeandThabi
camei
n.Andi
l
etookThabi
out
side.

Hedi
dn'
twanthert
owi
tnesst
hebeat
ingt
hati
sgoi
ngt
ohappennow.

Wehear
dacardr
ivi
ngoutsohet
ookherawayf
rom t
hismess.

Kat
:“Whathappenedher
e?”

Si
l
ence.

Kat
:“Iwon’
trepeat
edmy
sel
fagai
nory
ouwantt
ocr
y?”

Si
l
ence.

Kat
:“Iseey
ouhav
efor
got
tenme”hecamet
owar
dst
hem.

Theyal
lj
umpedt
ryi
ngt
orun.

Kat
:“Goodwayorbadway
?”

Them:
“Goodway
”thei
rvoi
ceswer
esol
ow.

Theycamet
ohi
m.Hef
ir
stsl
appedLwandi
l
eandhewasi
nthef
loorcr
yingt
henMbusoSphe
and

Zamo.Thosesl
apsgav
emeGoosebumps.

Kat
:“Youwant
edt
ost
ayher
etot
hrowapar
ty?
”

Hetookoutt
hesj
ambok.Theydi
dn'
tj
umpoutt
heyal
ll
aiddownont
hef
loorwi
tht
hei
r
st
omachs.
Thewayt
heydi
dthati
t’
snott
hef
ir
stt
imeKati
sbeat
ingt
hem upandt
heyknowhi
mtoowel
l.
I
won'
t

speakf
ort
hem Ipl
ayedmypar
ttogett
hem outofj
ail
.

Samkel
otookoutaci
gar
ett
eandl
i
titt
hef
ir
stt
imeIseehi
m smoki
ng.I
sitangerorwhat
?

Samkel
o:“
Whathappenedher
e?Ineedt
hewhol
est
ory
”hewaspuf
fi
ngci
gar
ett
e.

Si
l
ence.

Zamo:“Wepl
annedapar
tyandi
nvi
tedourf
ri
endsandourgi
rl
fr
iends”saybowi
ngdownhi
s
head.

Isi
gh.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Ever
ythi
ngwentwel
lunt
ilourot
hergi
rl
fr
iendscamei
nuni
nvi
ted”

Idon'
tthi
nkIneedt
oheart
his.

Mbuso:
“Theyf
oundusi
nthet
vroom wi
thourgi
rl
fr
iendswhowei
nvi
ted”

Thi
swi
l
ltakeal
lni
ght
.

Sphe:
“Theyst
art
edshout
ingandcur
singeachot
herandt
heyst
art
edt
ofi
ght
”

Thosebi
tchescanf
ightbutIcandosamet
hingi
fhei
nvi
tesanot
hergi
rli
nhi
spar
tywhenI
'
m
not

i
nvi
ted.

Myphonei
sri
ngi
ng.
..
..
..
.

Aust
in:
“Wehaveapr
obl
em her
e.Thosegi
rl
swhocamewi
thy
ourboy
soneoft
hem i
s
Commissi
oner
's

daught
er”

Austi
n:“
Hei
sher
e.Hi
sdaught
er'
sboy
fri
endi
sLwandi
l
eandheknowsev
ery
thi
ngt
hathappened
ther
e.

Bepr
epar
ed”heendedt
hecal
laf
ter
.

Isi
gh

Thisi
sbi
ggert
hanIt
hought
.Butt
othi
nkt
heot
hergi
rl
swer
eher
euni
nvi
ted?Thi
sisanEst
ate
ther
e

i
saf
oul
playher
e.HowcanLwandi
l
ebesocar
elessnowwear
eal
li
nthi
s.
Me:“Oneoft
hosegi
rl
sthatwasher
efi
ght
ingi
sCommi
ssi
oner
’sdaught
erandheknowst
hat
Lwandi
le

i
sherboy
fri
end”

Samkel
o&Kat
:“What
?”Av
elai
sal
soher
esomay
behecancomeupwi
thsol
uti
on

Me:
“Di
dyout
akedr
ugs?
”

Si
l
ence

Thi
ssi
l
encemeanst
heyt
ookt
hedr
ugs.

Me:
“Fuck!Cocai
neorPi
l
ls?
”

Them:
“Cocai
ne”

Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his.

Kat
:“Ki
ssy
ourf
utur
egoodby
eboy
s”

Commi
ssi
oneri
saf
terKatt
hewhol
egangandnowt
his.Thewor
stpar
tist
hedr
ugsbel
ongedt
o
the

boy
s.

Me:
“Si
semasi
mbeni
baf
ana”

It
oldt
heboy
stogoandt
akeshower
.Ical
l
edt
hecl
eani
ngcompanyt
ocomeandcl
eant
his
mess.

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
odonow?
”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Hehasasoni
nDur
bansot
emphi
scarbr
eaksorsomet
hing”

Them:
“What
?”

Theyl
ookatmel
i
keI
'
vegonecr
azy
.

Me:
“Weneedsomet
hingt
hathecanf
ocusonr
ightnowwhi
l
ewet
hinkwhatt
odonext
”

Av
ela:
“Orpl
anhi
j
ackandbeathi
m up”

Atl
eastsomeoneher
eist
hinki
ng.

Kat
:“Hedoesn’
thav
etodi
e”

Wow!That
’sr
ichcomi
ngf
rom hi
m buthei
sri
ghtont
hatone.Hedoesn’
thav
etodi
e.
Samkel
o:“
Iwi
l
lcal
lourboy
sinDur
bant
oor
gani
sei
tqui
ckl
y”

I
’
m st
il
lthi
nki
ngoft
hepuni
shmentI
'
m goi
ngt
ogi
vet
hosebr
ats.

Thefol
l
owi
ngmor
ningIwant
edt
ocheckonThabi
.Idr
ovet
othei
rhousef
ir
stf
oundAndi
l
ein
the

ki
tchen.

Me:
“Mor
ningBabakaNogwaj
a”

Nogwaj
aist
her
abbi
tbuti
nZul
uwecal
li
tNogwaj
a.Hebur
stedoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:
“Wher
eismadam?
”

Shecomesdownst
air
sdr
essedi
nsomeugl
ywool
dress.Myf
ri
endl
i
kescl
assycl
othesunl
i
ke
me.

Pr
egnancychangedhercompl
etel
y.

Andi
l
e:“
Youcan’
tweart
hoseshoes”

Shewal
kst
owar
dsusi
ntheki
tchen.

Me:
“MakaNogwaj
a”

Ihuggedher
.Shel
aughedandt
urnedt
ogi
veAndi
l
eascar
yst
are.

Andi
l
e:“
Thabi
pleasedon'
ttestmei
nthemor
ningt
aket
hoseshoesof
f.Youwi
l
lhur
tyour
sel
f
andmy

chi
l
d”hei
sir
ri
tat
ed.

Shedoesn’
tgi
veadamnwhathej
ustsai
dnow.

Hedri
veshert
owor
k.Hemakessur
ethatherheal
thyl
unchi
sdel
i
ver
ytoher
.Hedoesn’
twant
hert
o

wearhi
ghheel
becauseshemi
ghtgethur
t.

Me:
“Ihopey
ouhear
dthewhol
est
oryofNogwaj
a’
suncl
eandHi
sfr
iendsdi
dtomyhouse”

Hesi
ghs.

Andi
l
e:“
Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hthem t
oday
!”

Hegavemeal
ook.It
akei
tashehear
daboutt
heCommi
ssi
onerbei
ngaf
terusf
ort
hissaga.
Thabi
wentupst
air
sshesai
dshef
orgotsomet
hing.

Andi
l
e:“
Wemustcl
eanourwar
ehouse”hewhi
sper
ed.

Me:
“Sur
e”WewentoutandIdr
oveof
ftowor
k.

I
’m st
il
lanassi
stant
.Andi
l
esai
dhewon’
tpr
omot
emebecausehedoesn’
twantmet
ohav
eal
ot
of

wor
khewant
smet
ofocusont
heot
her“
busi
ness”t
hati
stheGang.

Monday
sar
esl
owandIhat
ethem.I
’
mti
redIj
ustneedmybed.I
’
m qui
etar
oundt
heof
fi
cebut
t
hey

sayI
’
mful
lofmy
sel
fandIt
hinkt
hatI
’
m bet
tert
hant
hem.

Iwi
l
llett
hatpass.

Myphonei
sri
ngi
ng.
..
..
.

Nokwe:
“Mngani
”

Me:
“Unj
ani
mngani
?”

Nokwe:
“Idi
dn'
tcal
lfort
hat
.Ipl
annedThabi
’
sbabyshowerbutIwi
l
lneedy
ourhel
paboutt
he

v
enue”

Me:
“Okaysweet
hear
tIwi
l
ltal
ktoAndi
l
efi
rstandhearwhathewi
l
lsuggest
”

Nokwe:
“Don'
taskhi
m Mngani
.Wecanbooksomel
odgeorsomet
hing”

Me:
“Andi
l
edon'
twantThabi
tobeoutt
her
eespeci
all
yinhercondi
ti
onsoIwi
l
laskhi
mfi
rst
”

Nokwe:
“Butmngani
”

Me:
“Iwi
l
lgoaskhi
m nowsoIwi
l
lgetbackt
oyoui
naf
ter10mi
nut
es”

Icont
inuedwi
thmywor
kaf
ter10mi
nut
esIcal
l
edher
.Iwi
l
lnotputt
hei
rli
vesi
ndanger
.Many
ofour

enemiesar
eaf
terus.Thabi
issev
enmont
hspr
egnantnow.Hert
ummyi
sbi
g.Shedoesn’
t
under
stand

Isee.Idon’
twantany
thi
ngbadhappent
ousespeci
all
ytoThabi
.Andi
l
ewi
l
lgi
veushi
shouse.I
wil
l

notent
ert
ainheraboutt
his.
Me:
“Hesai
dthev
enuei
sathi
shouseasIt
oldy
ou”

Nokwe:
“Mxm”shehungup.

IwenttoAndi
l
e’sof
fi
ceandIt
oldhi
m aboutbabyshowerandIt
oldhi
mthatt
hev
enuei
sathi
s
house.

Het
hanksmef
ordeal
i
ngwi
thNokwef
orhi
m.Nokwecant
alkandshewi
l
lcal
lhi
m andgi
vehi
m
a

pi
eceofhermi
nd.

ZeeandIov
erseeguar
dingt
hei
rgi
rl
fr
iendsandwi
veswhodon'
tknowaboutt
hei
rGangst
ers

boy
fri
endsandhusbands.

Onedayt
het
rut
hwi
l
lcomeout
….

-
--
--
--
--
--
-

I
tsti
menow.Samkel
oisi
nDur
bant
ohandl
eashi
pmentt
her
e.I
'
m al
onei
nthi
shousesoI
bet
terdo

whatIpromi
sed.Iwentt
ost
udyandopenedmyl
apt
op.Ihav
epi
ctur
esandv
ideosofLuxol
o'
s
f
amily.

It
oldt
heguy
stoi
nst
all
thet
racker
sont
hei
rempt
ysui
tcasesi
ncaseLuxol
otr
ytomov
ethem.

“
Yourf
ami
l
yisbeaut
if
ulbuty
ourl
i
ttl
esi
sterIcanmakemoneyoutofher
”SMSIsentt
oLuxol
oI

at
tachedt
hei
rpi
ctur
eswhent
heyweasl
eep.

Hewil
lgocr
azyandt
henumberI
'
m usi
ngi
sunt
raceabl
e.Hewi
l
lfeel
mywr
athsoon.Iknow
ev
ery
thi
ng

abouthi
sfami
l
y.Hi
smot
heri
sdi
abet
ichi
sfat
herhav
eahear
tpr
obl
emshi
sol
dbr
otherhas

depr
essionhi
sli
tt
lebr
otheri
sanal
cohol
i
candhi
sli
tt
lesi
steri
sal
l
ergi
ctor
edmeatsoev
eni
fI
wanted

hi
sat
tent
ioni
twoul
dbesoeasyt
odosomet
hingwi
tht
hem.

“Iknowt
haty
ouki
l
ledy
ourbr
other
'swi
fei
nthecashhei
stt
hathappenedi
nSandt
on3y
ear
s
ago”

SMSIsentt
ohi
m af
ter5mi
nut
es.

Heki
ll
edhi
sbr
other
’swi
fewhowasapol
i
ceof
fi
ceri
nSandt
on.Thepol
i
cewer
eti
ppedabout
t
hecash
hei
stsot
het
imet
heyst
art
edhi
sbr
other
'swi
fesawhi
m sohedeci
dedt
oki
l
lherandt
heot
her
pol
ice

whower
ether
etoav
oidgoi
ngj
ail
.Iwi
l
ltel
lhi
mthef
act
sIknowabouthi
m.

Ist
ayedupunt
il2:
00am.Imustsl
eepbecauset
omor
rowaf
terwor
kImustgot
osonkepl
aceI
don'
t

knowt
hanksNokwewhol
i
vet
oor
dermear
ound.Imustor
deracakef
orThabi
'
sbabyshower
she

ev
ensentmeapi
ctur
eofacake.

Herr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thapi
l
oti
sgr
eatandshei
ssohappyheshower
shewi
thmoney
.Imustset
an

al
arm becausehei
snother
e.About20mi
nut
esi
nbedIhear
dmyphoner
ingi
ng.
..
.

Thi
scan'
tbehappeni
ng!

"
Cany
oupl
easecomeher
einmyhouse"
-shesay
.

Imustcomeupwi
thani
deat
ogett
hatwomanoutoft
hehouse.I
ts08:
00am Imustt
akeherf
or

shoppi
ng.

Me:
“MamakaNogwaj
a!”

Thabi
:“Yi
ni!
?”

YhoooIcan’
twai
ttobenextmont
h.Shei
sduenextmont
hsoshewi
l
lgobackt
oherol
dsel
f.

Me:
“Takey
ourbagwear
egoi
ngout
!”Ishout
edgoi
ngupst
air
s.

Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?

God.

Shei
sbusyhi
dingAndi
l
e'scl
othes.

Me:
“Whatt
hehel
l
?”Shel
aughed.

Pregnancycanchangeasweetl
i
ttl
ethi
ngt
oabi
gmonst
erwi
thshar
pteet
handr
edey
esr
eady
tobit
e

y
ourheadof
f.

Thabi
:“I
'
m hi
dinghi
scl
othesIhat
ethi
scr
ap”
Shei
shi
dingherman'
st-
shi
rt
sandshor
ts.

Thabi
:“Ungi
cikakabi
Beseegqokeev
ezaamadol
oaci
j
il
e”

Shei
sir
ri
tat
edbyt
hosecl
othes.Li
ker
eal
l
y?

Andil
eist
hinandt
all
.Hei
say
ell
owbonei
fIcanputi
nthatway
.Hei
scut
ewi
thababyf
ace
wit
h

di
mpl
eswi
thbi
gear
s.That
'swhyhi
sni
cknamei
sMadl
ebeandi
tssui
tshi
m soper
fect
.

May
bet
hatwhyhi
schi
l
dwi
l
lbenamedNogwaj
aori
tsomet
hingIdon'
tknow.

Me:
“Let
'sgo!
”It
ookherbagont
hecouchi
nthemai
nbedr
oom.

Weareusi
ngmy“
car
”.Imustacceptt
hatof
ferofhi
m buy
ingmeacar
.Iwant
edt
ofi
nish
ext
endi
ng

athomet
hen“
buy
”acaraf
tert
hat
.“Onourwayt
omal
l
”IsentSMSt
oNokwe.

Shedoesn’
tknowany
thi
ngabouti
t.Shei
sbuy
inganot
herbaby
'scl
othes.Andi
l
eboughtJeep
baby

pr
am.Thebabyi
saboyandhei
stooexci
tedt
hischi
l
dwi
l
ltur
nhi
mtoasof
ti
e.

Iwonderhowhehi
desal
lthi
sgangst
eri
sthi
ngt
oThabi
.

Thabi
:“I
'
m hungr
ynow”

Sheisal
i
ve.Thi
sist
hef
ir
stsi
gnIconcl
udedt
hatshei
spr
egnant
.Weheadedt
other
est
aur
ant
.
She

orderedchi
ckenbur
gershei
sal
way
scr
avi
ngi
t.Wespendal
most2hour
sint
hemal
lbutIwas
forci
ng

her
.Shecompl
ainedt
hatshei
sti
redsoy
eahwemustgobacknowbutIneed30mi
nut
es

Thabi
:“Iwi
sht
oknowwher
ehei
s?”

Huh?

Thabi
:“Imi
sshi
m now”shesmi
l
ed.

Me:
“It
houghty
ouhat
ehi
mint
hemoment
”

Shei
stal
ki
ngaboutherman.

Thabi
:“Heannoy
smet
hatwhatIcansay
.Il
ovehi
m andImi
sshi
m somuch”
Igav
eherasi
l
lyst
are.

Thabi
:“YeahIl
ovehi
mforf
ootmassagesmhm”

Idon'
tknowwhatt
othi
nknow.

Thabi
:“Il
i
kei
tgent
lyt
heseday
s”

Lor
dgi
vemest
rengt
h.

Me:
“Unbor
nChi
l
dAbuse!
”

Menar
ebadcr
eat
uresIt
ell
you.

Me:
“Wi
tht
hisbi
gtummyofy
our
s?”

“
Onourwaybacksober
eady
”IsentSMSt
oNokwe.

Shei
sababyshower
/par
ty/
bash/
probl
em or
gani
ser
.

Thabi
:“YesHunnywi
thabi
gtummy
”

Lol
.

Thi
swomanwi
l
lamazey
ou.

I
ncomi
ngcal
l
...
.

Me:
“Boss”

Andi
l
e:“
Issheokay
?”

Me:
“Shei
sfi
ne.Weonourwayback”

Andi
l
e:“
Mhm okay
”

Itol
dthem nott
opar
kthei
rcar
sinf
rontoft
hehouse.Andi
l
e'scari
sher
ebutIknowt
hathei
s
not

t
her
eKatt
ookhi
m out
.Samkel
oisi
nDur
banf
ort
woweeks.

Wear
eher
esoIhav
eshehast
ogof
ir
st.
..
..
..
.

“
Sur
pri
se!
!”

Shei
squi
et.Shei
scr
yingnow.Whyshei
scr
yingnow?Orhor
monesar
eact
ingupnow.

Thabi
:“Thanksmyf
ri
ends”shei
scr
yingandl
aughi
ngatt
hesamet
ime.

Nont
uZeePhi
ndi
andot
herl
adi
esandherf
emal
ecol
l
oguesar
eher
esot
hepl
acei
spacked.
Shewent

tochanget
hatsackshewaswear
ingt
olongsi
l
kmust
arddr
esswi
thgr
eysl
eeper
s.Thabi
thatI
know!

Nokwe:
“Thepar
tycanst
artnow!
”

Chapt
er14

Nont
uwasMCandwehav
eacamer
awomanher
e.

Idi
dbackgr
oundcheckaboutherIdi
dn'
twantst
ranger
sher
e.Thepar
tycont
inuedunt
ilf
ive.
Phi
ndi

wasthef
ir
stt
oleav
e.Theot
herl
adi
esf
oll
owedher
.Itwasusnowwewer
edr
inki
ngwi
neImade
sur
e

nott
ohav
etoomuch.KatandAndi
l
ecamei
nat19:
00.

Isai
dmygoodby
esandI
'
mtaki
ngNont
uwi
thmei
nmyhouse.Thabi
'
sbabyshowerwasper
fect
!
So

Nokwei
sof
fmycasenow.

Ipr
epar
edaguest
room f
orNont
uwhi
l
eshet
our
edt
hehouse.

Nont
u:“
Thi
shousei
sbeaut
if
ulmt
ase!
”shescr
eamed

Me:
“Ngi
yambongel
amt
ase”

Fi
nal
l
yIr
emember
edt
hatt
hisi
snotmyhouse.

Nont
u:“
Whodesi
gnedi
t?”

OhGod!

Me:
“Idon'
tknow.Got
otheguest
room andt
akeashower
”

Shecanasky
ousomanyquest
ions.Shewassupposedt
obeaJour
nal
i
st.

Nont
u:“
Okay
”shewal
kedaway
.

Iqui
cklywentt
othest
udy
.Iwant
edt
ocheckhowf
armypl
ani
s.Thet
rackert
hatourguy
s
i
nstal
led

ofont
hel
uggagei
sonandi
tsmov
ing.
Ineedt
ofi
ndt
hel
ocat
ion.
..
.

Nont
u:“
Iwasl
ooki
ngf
ory
ou”shepeepedont
hedoor
.

HaaaIwi
l
lchecki
tlat
er.

Me:
“Let
’sgot
otheki
tchen”Icl
osedt
hel
apt
opandgotupf
rom t
hechai
rbef
oresheasksmany

quest
ions.

Wewentt
otheki
tchenandmadesomet
hingt
oeatsot
omor
rowshei
sli
vi
ngandMondayshei
s
i
n

morni
ngshi
ft
.Il
i
kewhenshei
sar
oundbutIwor
ryabouthersaf
ety
.Weat
eandcat
chup.She
went

tosl
eepsoIwentbackt
ost
udyt
ocont
inuewhatIwasdoi
ng.Thet
rackernowi
sinDur
banbutI
don'
t

knowwhet
heri
t’
shi
sorhi
ssi
sterorwhobutwhoev
ert
hisi
sIwi
l
lgetwhatIwant
.

“
Hav
eani
cehol
i
dayi
nDur
banwi
thy
ourf
ami
l
y”anot
herSMSf
rom met
ohi
m.

I
'm sur
ehei
scr
acki
nghi
sheadnowt
ryi
ngt
ofi
gur
eoutt
hatwhoi
ssendi
ngt
hismessage.He
won't

seemecomi
ng.Thi
sMondayI
'
m of
fsoIneedt
ogot
oDur
bant
oputt
hisLuxol
othi
ngi
nrest
.

Sowehadagr
eatSundaywi
thmysi
ster
.At19:
00Imustgot
oThabi
’
stopi
ckupNokweIwi
l
l
dr
ive

t
hem t
oai
rpor
t.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
-

I
'mleav
ingi
nthemor
ningt
oDur
ban.Idon'
tunder
standwhywedon'
tuseKat
'spr
ivat
ejetbutI
won'
t

askany
onebutI
'
m cur
ious.

Bl
oodySol
dier
!

I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lSamkel
obuthei
snotanswer
ingt
omycal
l
sbutIt
hinkhei
sincour
t.Iwi
l
l

surpr
isehi
mthen.Ior
gani
sedev
ery
thi
ngwi
tht
heGangont
hatsi
desot
oday
'si
tsLuxol
o'
sday
.
I'
m

l
eav
ingnow.I
'
mint
hef
ir
st-
classf
li
ghtasal
way
s.
LOL.

Ical
ledLwandi
l
ebuthei
sinCampussoIwi
l
lseet
hem t
omor
rowbef
oreIgo.Ihopet
heyar
e
behavi
ng

well
butyouwi
l
lnev
ert
rustboy
s.Ical
l
edt
hecabandi
ttookmest
rai
ghtt
oSamkel
o'
s
apar
tmenti
n

Sout
hBeachsoIwantt
orel
axbecauset
oni
ghtIsayTONI
GHT!

Itr
iedtocal
lhi
m agai
nbuthedi
dn'
tanswersoIwi
l
lgoi
nbecauseIhav
emykey
stohi
s
apart
ment.I

tookmykeyandt
ri
edt
ounl
ockt
hedoor
..
..Whati
shappeni
ngbecauseIcan'
topent
hedoor
.
Theis

akeyi
nsi
det
hati
sther
eason.

Iknocked.

Samkel
o:“
Whoi
sthat
!”

I
tsbet
terhei
sher
e.

Me:
“It
’smeopen!
”

Het
ookl
ongt
oopent
hedoor
.Hei
ssoshockedt
oseeme.

Samkel
o:“
Whatar
edoi
ngher
e?”Hel
ooksl
i
kehesawaghost
.

Me:
“Whatar
edoi
ngher
eatt
hist
ime?Ar
en'
tsupposedt
obei
ntheof
fi
ce?
”

Thi
spl
acel
ooksunusual
butIdon'
tpayat
tent
iont
oit
.

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
oputt
hist
othemai
nbedr
oom”

Samkel
o:“
Giv
emet
hatIwi
l
ldot
hatf
ory
ou”het
ookmybag

Whyhei
sact
ingwei
rd?Ineedt
oputhi
swashi
ngi
ntoawashi
ngmachi
nef
ir
stt
henpr
epar
ea
l
unch

f
orhi
m.

Ther
eisasmel
lofnewper
fume.
..
.

Het
ookl
ongt
ocomebackt
otheki
tchen.

Me:
“Babe!
”
Iwentt
otvr
oom Iwantt
oswi
tchonbef
oreI
..
..
..
..
.

Whati
sthi
s?

Womangol
dwat
ch.I
twasundert
hecof
feet
abl
e.Thecof
feet
abl
eisagl
asssoIsawi
tandI
l
ooked

ati
t.Newper
fumeandnowawomangol
dwat
chandhewentt
oputmybagt
omai
nbedr
oom
but

hehasn'
tcomeback.Iwentt
olockt
hedoorandIput
tedmykey
sandhi
skey
stomybr
east
l
ucki
ly

I
'
m wear
ingaski
nnyj
ean.What
everi
sgoi
ngonher
eIwi
l
lgett
obot
tom ofi
t.Now!

Iwentt
ocheckt
heguest
room Icheckedev
ery
thi
ngbutnot
hing.

Me:
“Babe!
”

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m comi
ng!
”

Whattookhi
m sol
ong.Themai
nbedr
oom doori
slocked.Thel
astt
imehecl
osedt
hemai
n
bedr
oom

doorwast
het
imehewashi
dingat
att
oo.

Whynow?

Me:
“Pl
easeopenup”Iknockedont
hedoor
.

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Okay
”

Het
ookt
imebuthei
nsi
det
hebedr
oom whyi
ttakeshi
m sol
ong.

Me:
“Samkel
oopenupbef
oreIst
aby
ou!
”

Si
l
ence

Thi
ssi
l
enceconf
ir
msmysuspi
cions.

Me:
“Samkel
o!Iwi
l
lki
ckt
hisdoornowi
fyoudon'
topennow!
”

Thi
smanwi
l
lmakemecr
azy
.It
ookmygunandcor
kedi
tandki
ckedt
hedoorwi
thf
orce.Today
Iwi
ll

shootorsl
aught
ersomeone.Thei
ssomeonest
andi
ngbehi
ndhi
m..
..
I
t’
sagi
rlt
heweav
eandhi
psconf
ir
medi
t.

WhyI
'
m socal
m aboutwhatI
'
m seei
ngr
ightnow?Iknowwehav
e6mont
hsbeent
ogetherbut
I

hav
ear
ightt
oreactl
i
ket
his.

Me:
“Ist
hist
her
easony
oudon'
tanswermycal
l
s?”t
heguni
sst
il
li
nmyhand.

Si
l
ence

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sosor
rybabe”

Me:
“Tel
lthatbi
tcht
osi
tont
hebedandf
aceonmydi
rect
ionnow”

Bef
oreIsai
dthatIl
ookedt
othewal
l
.Theyar
ewhi
sper
ing.

Me:
“Isai
dnow!
”

Theymustnott
estme.

Myphoner
ings.Il
ookatt
hescr
een.

Me:
“Yougotsomet
hingf
orme?
”

Spi
ro:
“YeahIpl
ant
edNer
ofl
auxGas”

Me:
“Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sinor
der
.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou”

Spi
ro:
“Sur
e”heendedt
hecal
l
.

Imustnotl
osemyt
emperf
ort
oni
ght
'ssake.

Me:
“Iwantt
oshooty
ounow”

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
eas.
..
.”

Idon’
twantt
ohearhi
svoi
ce.Igav
ehi
m adeadl
yst
areandhequi
ckl
ylookeddown.

Me:
“If
eel
sor
ryf
ory
ourpar
ent
sbecausey
ousupposedt
obeatv
arsi
ty”

“
I'
m sosor
ry.
..
.”shesay
sandshei
scr
ying.

Me:
“Ifyouwer
eatmyageIwoul
dhav
eki
l
ledy
ounowbutIwi
l
lspar
eyourl
i
febecausey
ou
r
emind

meofmycousi
n.I
fIev
erf
indami
ssedcal
lmessagesWhat
sAppemai
l
scal
lbackorf
indy
ou
agai
n

her
eIwi
l
lcuty
out
akey
ourhear
tandputi
tiny
ourmout
h”
Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Takey
ourt
hingsandgonow!
”

Samkel
oisqui
et.Iwentt
oopent
hedoor

“
Thanky
o..
..
”shewal
kedoutt
hedoorwi
thherbags.

I
tlooksl
i
keshewasst
ayi
ngher
ewi
thhi
m.Thi
smanIdon'
tknowwhatt
osayt
ohi
m.Iwentt
o
t
he

ki
tchenandIf
oundhi
m st
andi
ng.

Hi
m:“
BabeI
'
m..
.”

Me:
“Sav
eit
!”

Idon'
twantt
otal
ktohi
m Iwi
shIcoul
dst
rangl
ehi
mtodeat
horshoothi
m orsomet
hing.I
'
m so
angry
.

Iwant
edt
oki
l
lthatl
i
ttl
ebi
tchbutshewassoy
oungandIj
ustsawmycousi
nwhenIl
ookedat
her

andIf
eltsomet
hing.

Me:
“Doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
oeat
?”

Hel
i
ftshi
sey
esandhei
sconf
usedbymyquest
ion.

Hi
m:“
Not
hanksI
'
mfi
ne”

Het
hinksIwi
l
lpoi
sonhi
sfood.I
'
m nothungr
yei
ther
.Iwentt
omai
nbedr
oom andIt
ookmybag
t
o

t
heguest
room andIt
ookl
ongcol
dshower
.Ineedt
obef
ocusedr
ightnow.

Me:“Ipl
ant
edNer
ofl
auxGascy
li
nder
sinLuxol
o'
shouse”Iwentt
osi
tnextt
ohi
m.Il
eanedback
and

l
ookedatt
hecei
l
ingboar
d.

Hi
m:“
Ithoughty
ouwi
l
labor
tthemi
ssi
onaf
terwhathappened”

Me:
“Iwi
l
lnotabor
tmymi
ssi
onbecauseofy
ouandy
ourdi
ck”

Si
l
ence.

Hi
m:“
Needsomehel
p?”
Igav
ehi
m ast
are.

Hi
m:“
Iwi
l
lbet
her
e.Iknowy
ouhat
emebutIwi
l
lbet
her
etomakesur
eyouar
efi
ne”

Idon'
tneedhi
sassi
stancebutIknowhi
m sowel
lhewi
l
lgowi
thmewhet
herIl
i
keornot
.Iwent
to

takemyl
apt
opandIt
amper
edhi
smot
her
'sphoneIwi
l
lneedt
hisi
fithappenst
hathei
snotat
home.

HeisinBal
li
tohei
srent
ingahouset
her
ebutIknowhi
m sowel
lhewi
l
lgowi
thmewhet
herI
l
ikeornot
.Iwentt
o

takemyl
apt
opandIt
amper
edhi
smot
her
'sphoneIwi
l
lneedt
hisi
fithappenst
hathei
snotat
home.

Heisi
nBal
l
itohei
srent
ingahouset
her
esowemustl
eav
eear
lyher
e.Theguy
sar
elooki
ngat
hi
s

mov
es.

Iswi
tchedof
fthel
apt
opandwat
chedt
hemov
ie.Iwokeupat17:
30pm andheputat
hrowi
nmy

l
owerbody
.

Mxm?Hemustgoandf
indt
hedeepestl
aket
othr
owhi
msel
fin.

Hi
m:“
Icookedsomet
hingIcandi
shi
tupi
fyouwant
”

Me:
“I’
l
ltakeashowerf
ir
st”Il
ookedf
ormysl
eeper
s.

Hedi
dn'
tmi
ssmyf
oodorhet
hinksImi
ghtpoi
sonhi
sfood.I
'
m st
il
langr
ybutImustcal
m down.
At

19:
00pm wemustbei
nBal
l
ito.

It
ookaqui
ckshowerandIwor
eagown.Iwentt
oki
tchenIf
oundhi
mtal
ki
ng.
..
..
..
..

Hi
m:“
Iwi
l
lcomet
hisweekend”

Comewher
e.Hedi
dn'
tseemecomi
ng.

Hi
m:“
Lut
hoMnt
ungwa”hei
slaughi
ng.

Ial
mosti
nter
rupt
edhi
sconv
ersat
ion.

Hi
m:“
Sendmyl
ovet
othem”heendedt
hecal
laf
tersay
inggoodby
e.

May
bei
tsKatbutInev
erhear
dhi
m cal
l
inghi
m wi
tht
hei
rcl
annames.Whenhet
urnedatmy
di
rect
ion

hewasshocked.

Hi
m:“
Idi
dn'
tseey
oucomi
ng”hesai
dwi
thasmi
l
e.

Iwi
shIcanwi
pet
hatsmi
l
ewi
thabi
ghar
shsl
ap.

Me:
“Mmm”

Idon'
tcar
eabouthesay
sIdon'
ttr
usthi
m.It
ookmyf
oodt
omybedr
oom Iknowhowhehat
es
i
t

whenyoutakefoodt
obedr
oom especi
all
yful
lmeal
hesay
s"I
twi
l
lleav
est
ains"and
cockr
oaches.

Hi
m:“
Babepl
easedon'
ttake.
..
”

Iwi
llnotpayat
tent
iont
othatbul
l
shi
t.Iwal
kedawaywi
thmypl
atet
otheguest
room.Iwi
l
lsl
eep
her
e

t
oday
.

Hi
m:“
BabeIknowt
haty
ou'
reangr
ybutpl
easedon'
teather
e”

Hedoesn’
twantmet
oeat
.Iwentt
oputt
hepl
atei
ntheki
tchenhef
oll
owedme.

Hi
m:“
Babepl
easet
alkt
omeorshoutorscr
eam”

Me:
“Ineedt
ogetr
eadynowf
ort
oni
ght
'smi
ssi
on”

Hi
m:“
Iwi
l
lber
eadyt
ooi
n15mi
nut
es”

Af
ter15mi
nut
esIwasr
eadyt
ogosoIwentt
oki
tchent
odr
inkor
angej
uice.Hecamei
nbl
ack
cl
othes

wi
thmust
ardscar
f.Hei
ssexyandsmel
lni
ceImi
sshi
m butI
'
m angr
yathi
m.

Ihat
etof
eel
li
ket
hat
..
..Ir
eal
l
ydo.

Hi
m:“
Bul
l
etspr
oofv
estf
ull
loadedpi
stol
sbul
l
etsy
ourl
apt
opbl
ackgl
oves.
..
”

Me:
“Checked”

Hel
aughsandIsmi
l
ed.

Whenwegott
her
eourguy
sandZeei
sher
esoev
ery
thi
ngi
scool
.Lucki
l
yhewasashomehe
di
dn'
t
goal
lthi
saf
ter
noon.Ij
ammedt
henet
wor
kont
hei
rphonesandt
heguy
sinsi
dehi
shousewi
l
l
j
am t
he

door
stoo.Al
mostev
ery
thi
ngi
nthathousei
sar
emot
econt
rol
l
ed.

Thegaswil
lmaket
hem t
osl
eep.Af
ter15mi
nut
eswewi
l
lgoi
nsi
deusi
ngt
hebackdoorwi
th
ourmusks

onandtheywi
l
lundr
essLuxol
oanddr
esshi
minnewcl
othesi
ncasehehasat
rackeront
he
bootor

t
owhat
everhei
swear
ing.

Thet
imewasgoi
ngsl
ow.

Atl
ast
..
..

Myphoner
ings.
..

Av
ela:
“Weaboutt
odr
iveoutt
othewar
ehousenow”

Me:
“Takehi
mtot
hecar
”

Heist
hemast
erofbr
eaki
ngi
not
her
shousessoheov
ersawt
hat
.Wecamei
nandf
oundt
he5
oft
hem

ont
hef
loorandLuxol
oisoneoft
hem.Thequi
ckl
yundr
essedhi
m anddr
esshi
minnewcl
othes.

Me:
“Takehi
mtot
hecar
”

Idumpedhi
scl
othesont
hebi
nonmywayout
.Wewentt
othewar
ehouseandhewasst
il
l
asl
eep

whenwegott
her
e.

Me:
“Chai
nhi
m andundr
esshi
mleav
ehi
sunder
wear
”

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouser
iousnow?
”

Canhepl
easeshutup?Igav
ehi
m adeadl
yst
are.Hekeptqui
et.Hewaschai
nedi
nbot
hhands
and

f
eet
.

Me:
“Lett
hegamebegi
n!”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Wakeywakey
”Isl
appedhi
mli
ght
lyt
owakehi
m up.
Hedi
dn'
twakeup.It
ookt
hebucketofcol
dwat
er.
..
.Hewokeup.Hewasshockedwher
ehewas.
He

l
aughedwhenhesawmest
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofhi
m.

Luxol
o:“
Youbi
tch!
”

Isl
appedhi
m.

Hecont
inued.
..
.

Anot
hersl
ap

Hewasqui
etaf
tert
hesecondone.Thecr
ewj
ustl
aughedathi
m.Iwast
rai
ningbyt
hebestTa
SK.

Me:
“Youwi
l
lli
stent
omenow”Iwasl
ooki
ngathi
sface.

Hespi
tonmyf
ace.Iwi
pedmyf
aceandIwentf
orhi
sbal
l
sandsqueezedi
t.Hewasgr
oani
ngi
n

seconds.

Me:
“Doy
our
emembert
hepr
omi
seIsai
dtoy
ou?
”Isqueezedhi
m mor
e.

Luxol
o:“
What
every
oubi
tch!
”

Me:
“Gi
vemegl
ovessci
ssor
sandshar
pbl
ade”Av
elagav
emegl
oves

Si
l
ence.

Hegav
emewhatIwant
edandst
oodnextt
ome.Theyl
aughed.

Me:
“I'
m adoct
orf
ort
oday
!”Ipul
l
edoutast
rai
ghtf
ace.

Icuthi
sunder
wearwher
eisbal
l
sar
e.Hest
art
edt
oshake

Me:
“Voet
sek!
”Isl
appedhi
m.

Hest
art
edcr
yingandshaki
ng.

Me:
“Hol
dhi
mti
ght
!Ineedmyf
ir
stoper
ati
ont
obeasuccess”t
het
wohel
dhi
mti
ght
.

Me:
“Iwi
l
ltakey
ourscr
otumsoutwi
thf
orceandf
eedi
ttoy
ouy
oupi
eceofshi
t!
”

Hest
art
edt
opl
ead.

Luxol
o:“
Ndi
yakucel
a..
.”hi
svoi
cewast
rembl
i
ng.

Weal
ll
aughed.
Me:
“Ohndi
yakucel
a[Imi
mickedhi
svoi
ce]
”

Isqueezedhi
sbal
l
sandIst
art
edt
ocutt
hem sl
owl
ywi
thashar
pbl
ade.
..
.

Hewascryi
ng.Ipr
essedt
hebl
adeandt
hebl
oodoozedout
.It
ookhi
sscr
otum wi
thf
orcehe
wascr
ying

l
oudnow

Me:
“Openy
ourmout
h!”

Hecr
iedl
ouder
.

Me:
“Voet
sekopeny
ourmout
h!”

Av
elaopenedhi
smout
hwi
thf
orceIput
tedhi
sscr
otum t
oHI
Smout
h

Me:
“Chew!Don'
tchoke!Youchokey
oudi
e”

Ipoi
ntedhi
sthr
oatwi
thmygun

Heswal
l
owed

Me:
“Anot
herone”

Theyopenedhi
smout
hagai
n.Iputanot
heronei
nhi
smout
h.

Me:
“Onel
astt
ime”

Thecl
osedhi
smout
handmadehi
mtoswal
l
ow.It
ookmyt
wof
ull
loadedpi
stol
s.It
oldt
heguy
s
to

moveIshothi
mrepeat
edl
yandatl
astIwascr
ying.I
'
mfeel
i
ngl
i
ght
ernow.Theguy
swel
eft
t
hem at

t
hewar
ehousewasgoi
ngt
obur
nhi
sbodyandcl
eant
hewar
ehouse.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--

Iwasdi
stur
bedbymyphone.

Me:
"Hel
l
o”Iy
awned

Andi
l
e:“
Pleasecomet
oNet
car
ehospi
tal
now”hehungup.

At01:
00am

Wai
tThabi
!

Ichangedmypy
jamast
oNi
ket
racksui
tsandsneaker
s.Ical
l
edSamkel
otot
ell
himt
hatwe
mustgot
o

hospi
tal
.I'
m usi
ngt
heguest
room af
terwhathappenedi
nDur
ban.

Samkel
o:“
Dower
eal
l
yhav
etogo?
”

It
urnedt
olookathi
m

Real
l
ydude?

Iwentt
ost
andont
hedoor
.Het
ookhi
scarkey
sandphoneandwewent
.Whenwegott
her
ewe

cal
l
edAndi
l
ehecamet
ousandt
ookust
olabourwar
dcor
ri
dor
shewaspaci
ngupanddown.

Samkel
o:“
Youneedt
osi
tdownbr
a”

Andi
l
e:“
Shei
sinl
abour
.Hercont
ract
ionshav
ewor
senednowandshei
sinr
eal
pai
ndude”

Inev
ersawhi
mli
ket
hat
.He'
ssowor
ri
ed.

Me:
“Shewi
l
lbef
ine”

We'
vebeenher
efor2hour
snowbutshehasn'
tdel
i
ver
yyet
.Kati
sher
ewi
th“
ourf
ri
ends”Thabi

knowst
hat
.It
’sbet
terf
orhert
oknowt
hat
.Shewentt
otheat
ref
orC-
sect
ion.Hermanher
e
went

crazyhewant
edt
ogoi
nbutKatt
ookhi
m out
sidef
orf
ewmi
nut
es.At03:
03am t
hedoct
or
camet o

t
ell
ust
hatt
hemot
herandt
hebabyar
efi
ne.Wewentt
oseet
hem

Andi
l
e:“
Babe”het
ookThabi
'
shandt
ohi
shands.

Shel
ookst
ir
ed.Hewaski
ssi
ngherhandandherf
oreheadnowandagai
n.

Samkel
o:“
It
’senoughnow”

Shel
aughedf
aint
ly.Andi
l
ewasf
ocusi
ngonThabi
hedi
dn'
thear
dSamkel
o'
scomment
.

Me:
“Canweseet
hebaby
?”

Shel
ooksatThabi
.

Shenodded.

Andi
lewasst
il
lcar
essi
ngThabi
.Mi
nut
esl
atert
heNur
secamei
npushi
ngbabyi
ncubat
or.The
nur
se

gav
ethebabyt
oThabi
.Shet
ookhi
m.
Andil
elookedatThabi
thent
hebaby
..
.Thabi
thent
hebaby
.Wesawhi
stear
sdr
ippi
ngdowni
n
His

cheeks.

Si
l
ence.

Wedi
dn'
tknowwhatt
odo.AndImustsayi
tthef
ir
stt
imeI
’
m seei
nghi
m cr
yingsi
nceImethi
m.

Andi
l
e:“
He'
ssocut
e”hewashol
dingal
i
ttl
epal
efi
nger
.

Ican'
tdescr
ibet
heat
mospher
eher
ebut
..
.

Andi
l
e:“
Hel
ooksexact
lyl
i
kemyl
atel
i
ttl
esi
ster
”het
ri
edt
osmi
l
ewi
tht
ear
s.

Thabi
isqui
teandshei
slooki
ngatt
hebaby
.

Andi
l
e:“
Lwal
uhl
e”

Wel
ookedathi
m.

Andi
l
e:“
Hisnamei
sLwal
uhl
e”

It
houghthewoul
dbeAndi
l
eJuni
orDl
ami
ni.Hi
slat
eli
tt
lesi
sterwasOkuhl
esoIunder
standwhy
he

cri
edandnamedhi
m Lwal
uhl
e.Het
ookt
hebabyt
ryi
ngt
ohushhi
m buthewasn'
tcr
ying.I
t’
sthe
fi
rst

t
hinkt
hatcamet
ohi
smi
nd.

Igotachancet
ohol
dhi
m.Hei
spal
eli
keacol
our
edwi
thbabyhai
rinhi
sfor
eheadt
othesi
des.
Heis

r
ubbi
nghi
sti
nyf
inger
stohi
sli
tt
lef
orehead.

Soont
he1stofNov
embercut
eLwal
uhl
ewasbor
n..
..
..
.

I
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghtIwaswokensoundofsomeonewhowassi
ngi
ng

Samkel
o:“
Babe!
”

Wt
f?

Samkel
o:“
Babe!
”

Ikeptqui
et.Hesoundsl
i
kehei
sdr
unk.Hemustnott
estmeont
hemi
l
doft
heni
ght
.

Samkel
o:“
Ndi
bet
hwal
uval
oxaNgi
bonaandi
sakwazi
nokuzi
bambandi
ncuma.
..
.”hesi
ngs.
Il
ovet
hesongNomki
thabyMusabutnoti
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghtt
obedi
stur
bed.

Samkel
o:“
Sthandwasami
!”

Ikeptqui
teagai
n.Hehasbot
tl
eofBer
nini
onhi
shandIcan'
tbel
i
evehi
mri
ghtnowandIwi
l
lnot

ent
ert
ainhi
m at02:
20am.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
e….y
ou!
”

Iwokeupandr
emai
nsi
tedont
hebedl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Me:
“Ineedt
osl
eep”

I
'
m soannoy
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Sthandwa….sami
…I'
m so.
..
str
essed”hesatont
hebed.

Hekeptbl
ubber
ingwi
thsomet
hingsIcan'
theart
hem.

I
t’
sthef i
rstt
imeheev
erdr
unkl
i
ket
hissi
nceImethi
m.Whyhecan'
tj
ustsl
eepandst
opt
his
nonsense.

Hei
sst
il
lbl
ubber
ingi
nhi
sdr
unkannoy
ingt
one.Af
tersomet
imet
hev
oicewasl
ower
edbuthe
i
s

speaki
ngi
nri
ddl
es.

Samkel
o:“
Ican'
t…bel
i
eveshe…sheabor
tedmy…chi
l
d”hebur
ped.

Wai
t.What
?

Ij
ustgav
ehi
m ast
are.Whoabor
tedhi
schi
l
d?Ican'
tev
enwakehi
m upt
oask.
..Ican'
tbel
i
evei
t
!He

i
ssnor
ing.

Fat
herGod!

I
nthemorningIwokeupandIwentt
otakeshower
.Icant
akel
ongt
imei
ntheshower
.It
’s
Sundayso

Iwi
l
ltr
ytor
elax.
..
.

Iwantt
oaskhi
m whenhewakesupwhati
fhedeni
esi
t.Ican'
tbel
i
evewhatIhear
dal
lal
ongi
n
hi
s

t
ri
pstoDur
banhewascheat
ingonme.Idon'
tcar
ehowl
ongwe'
vebeent
oget
herbuthemust
l
ear
n
t
okeephisdi
cki
nsi
dehi
spant
s.Il
ovehi
m butIdi
dn'
tsi
gnupf
ort
hisnonsenseandIwon'
t
t
oler
ate

i
t.

WhenIwasdoneIwor
eabl
ackl
eggi
ngwi
thpowderbl
uev
estwi
thsl
eeper
s.Ineedt
osee
Lwal
uhl
e'
s

mot
her
.

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningl
ove”hecamei
ntheki
tchen.Lev
elofangeri
sri
singsecondbysecond.

Me:
“Mor
ning”I
nal
owt
one.

I
'
m busymaki
ngbr
eakf
ast
.

Me:
“Br
eakf
astwi
l
lber
eadyi
nfewmi
nut
es”If
akedasmi
l
e.

Ican'
treal
expr
essmyf
eel
i
ngsev
enwhenIwasgr
owi
ngup.Ibot
tl
ethi
ngsup.Idon'
treal
l
ysee
apoint

oftal
ki
ngaboutt
hingst
hathur
tsmeorbr
okemyhear
ttot
heper
sonwhomademeangr
y.I
'
m
open

t
omyt
wobestf
ri
ends.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
bebackIneedt
ochar
gemyphone”

Ican'
tbel
i
evewhathesai
dlastni
ghtandher
ememberwhathesai
dlastni
ght
.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksbabef
orbr
eakf
ast
”

If
akedasmi
l
e.

Samkel
o:“
Whatar
eyourpl
anst
oday
?”

Iwi
shhecanshutup!

Me:
“Iwi
l
lvi
sitThabi
”

Samkel
o:“
BigFouri
scomi
ngt
odaywe'
l
lbeaccommodat
ingt
hem her
ebecauseThabi
can'
t
deal
wit
h

t
hem”

IwishIcansl
aphi
m.Thosebr
atsar
eal
soannoy
ingbutIt
hinkIcanusewi
tht
hei
rcompany
these

day
s.
Me:
“OkayI
'
llpr
epar
ethei
rrooms”Idr
ankmyj
uice.

Samkel
o:“
Ineedt
ogosomewher
ebabe”hedr
ankHi
sjui
ce.

Tobewi
tht
hatbi
tchofhi
sofcour
se.

Me:
“Okay
”Idi
dn’
tpayat
tent
ion.

Samkel
o:“
Iwi
l
lmeety
ouatAndi
l
e'shouse”heki
ssedmycheek.

What
ever
.

Ineedt
opr
etendasi
fev
ery
thi
ngi
sokay
.Af
terbr
eakf
astIwentt
oThabi
'
s.WhenIgott
her
ethe
big

f
ourwast
her
eal
ready
.

Lwal
uhl
eist
hreeweeksol
dnow.Iwonderwhyt
heydi
dn'
tcomeaf
terhewasbor
n.

Me:
“Ei
giv
ehi
mtome”Isai
dtoMbusoasIsatdown.Hei
sanuncl
enow.

Mbuso:
“HaahSi
s’
NompeI
'
m st
il
lbondi
ngwi
thhi
m”hel
ookedathi
m.Hel
oveshi
myoucansee
i
tin

hi
sey
es.

Lwal
uhl
e'
sfat
heri
ssoobsessedwi
thhi
mthatwhathappenswheny
ouhav
eyouf
ir
stchi
l
don
themi
d

30'
s.

Mbuso:
“Gwaj
oiscut
eli
kehi
suncl
e”

Thi
sbabywi
l
lbespoi
l
tinev
eryway
.

Mbuso:
“Iboughthi
m gr
eyJor
dant
racksui
ts”

Iwonderwhi
chgi
fthewi
l
lgetf
rom Samkel
o.

Samkelofear
sinf
ant
shedi
dn'
thol
dhi
m att
hehospi
tal
andhesai
dhewi
l
lhol
dhi
m af
ter3
months.

St
ri
ctt
radi
ti
onal
i
stKhumal
o.Iwi
l
lnotgetachancet
ospeakt
oThabi
becauset
hey
'r
eher
e.

Chapt
er15

Ther
ear
evoi
cescomi
ngf
rom t
hemai
ndoor
.

KatAndi
l
eandSamkel
o.
Thet
woar
elaughi
ngsohar
dbutt
heot
heronei
snotl
aughi
ng.

Samkel
oiscar
ryi
ngabl
ackJeepcarf
ort
oddl
ers.
..
.

Si
l
ence.

Andi
l
e:“
Lwal
uhl
eUncl
eSamkel
oboughtJeepcarf
ory
oumyboy
”het
ri
edt
ohol
dal
augh.

Si
l
ence.

Weal
lbust
edoutl
aughi
ng.

Thabi:
“NcooahNgi
yabongaSamkel
okakhul
u”shegotupf
rom t
hecouchandwentt
ohi
m.She
hugged

hi
m.

Mbusot
ookLuhl
e'
scarandLwandi
l
ehol
dhi
m nextt
oitandZamot
ookpi
ctur
eswi
thhi
sphone.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Toomuchdr
amabr
a”hesai
dtoSamkel
o.

Theyar
est
il
ll
aughi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Voet
sekwenat
hatcari
sexpensi
ve”

Il
eftear
lyt
her
ejustt
opr
epar
esupperf
ort
hosebr
ats.Icamewi
thLwandi
l
eandSphesoMbuso
and

Zamowi
l
lcomewi
thSamkel
o.Theydon'
tknowt
hatt
hei
rbr
other
sar
eGangst
ersbutIdon'
t
bl
ame

t
hem t
hey
'r
ebusyspendi
ngmoney
.

I
'v
eprepar
edt
hesupperandbi
gfourandSamkel
oar
eher
e.It
ookashoweraf
terIwasdone.I
wore

abl
ackpenci
ldr
essi
tgoesundert
hekneessoandgr
eysl
eeper
s.WhenIwal
kmykneest
ouchs
t
hat

i
sknownaski
ssmadol
oorupet
ebutIl
ovemy
sel
fthewayIam.

Mbuso:
“We'
vesett
het
abl
e”

Ineedt
oknowt
hem bet
ter
.

Me:
“Thanky
ou”Iwentbackt
otheki
tchen.

Samkel
o:“
Imi
ssy
ou”hewr
apshi
shandsar
oundmywai
st.
Ineedt
okeepmycool
.

Me:
“I'
m busy
…”Icont
inuedwi
thwhatIwasdoi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Ican'
twai
ttot
ouchy
ourski
n”heki
ssedmycheek.

Hewon'
tgetany
thi
ng.Ichoset
hebuf
fetst
ylet
odayont
het
abl
ebecauset
hiski
dsher
ecaneat
.

Whenweal
lsatdownt
hedoor
bel
lrang.

Zamo:
“I’
l
lgeti
t”

Hewentt
othemai
ndoor
..
.

Zamo:
“Haabr
awhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”

Imustaddonepl
ateher
e..
.

Zamo:
“Aunt
y!”

What
?

Samkel
owentt
ocheck.
..

Samkel
o:“
Mama!
”

What
?Hehasamot
her
.

Samkel
o:“
Mnt
ungwa”

Iwaslef
tal
oneont
het
abl
e.Idon'
tknowwhatt
odonextaf
tersomemi
nut
est
heycamei
nthe
di
ning

r
oom wher
eIwas.

Samkel
owasl
ooki
ngatme.

Samkel
o:“
MamaandBabat
hisi
sNompendul
omygi
rl
fr
iend”hel
ookedathi
sfi
nger
s.

Hei
sact
ingl
i
keat
eenagernow.

Si
l
ence.

Hi
smom:
“It
’sni
cet
oseey
ou”shesai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Hewasqui
et.Iwentt
otheki
tchent
ogett
hreemor
epl
ates.Samkel
ocamei
nwi
tht
heguyI
don'
t

know.
Samkel
o:“
Babet
hisi
sSakhi
Sakhi
thi
sisNompe”

Hehuggedmesot
hisi
sthehugt
ype.

Sakhi
:“I
t’
sni
cet
omeety
ou”

Me:
“Ni
cet
omeety
out
oo”

Iwentt
othedi
ningr
oom andIl
eftt
hepl
atesont
het
abl
eandIl
eft
.Iwentt
omakeasandwi
ch
on

t
heki
tchen.Iat
eiti
ntheki
tchenandwentt
othest
udy
.Ihear
dlaught
ercomi
ngf
rom t
hedi
ning

r
oom.Ineedt
otal
ktoThabi
.

Isatonhi
schai
rlooki
ngi
nthewal
lopposi
tedi
rect
ionwi
thdoor
.

Me:
“Mngani
IhopeI
'
m di
stur
bing”

Thabi
:“Noy
ou'
renot
”

Me:
“Hi
spar
ent
sar
eher
etheyar
ri
vedj
ustnowsoIneedapl
acet
ocr
ashi
nforf
ewday
s”

Thabi
:“You'
real
way
swel
comeher
e”Si
l
ence.

Thabi
:“Ar
eyouokayf
ri
end?
”

Me:
“YeahI
'
m okay
”

Thabi
:“Tr
yagai
n”

Me:
“Hewasdr
unkl
astni
ghtandhesai
dIcan'
tbel
i
evet
hatsheabor
tedhi
schi
l
d”

Thabi
:“Ei
shhav
eyouconf
ront
edhi
m?”

Me:
“Ihav
en'
tbutIt
hinkt
odot
hat
”

Samkel
o:“
Babe”hesay
ssof
tl
y.

It
urnedt
hechai
rtof
acei
nhi
sdi
rect
ion.

Me:
“Ihav
etogof
ri
end.I
'
llcal
lyout
omor
row”Iendedt
hecal
l
.

Howl
onghehasbeenst
andi
ngher
e?

Samkel
o:“
Ubabauy
akubi
za”

Ican'
tdescr
ibehi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
onr
ightnow.Washeeav
esdr
oppi
ng?Iwentt
owar
dshi
m and
he
cl
osedt
hedoor
.Webot
hwentt
otvr
oom becauset
heywer
edoneeat
ing.

Hi
sfat
her
:“Si
yabonganganey
ami
ngokudl
aokumnandi
”

Me:
“Kubongami
nababa”

Hi
smot herMaNdl
ovudi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.Iwentt
otheki
tchenandIl
oadedt
hedi
shesi
n
di
shwasher

l
ucki
l
ythebi
gfourcl
eanedi
nthedi
ningr
oom.Iwentt
oputacl
eanl
i
nenont
hei
rdesi
gnat
ed
r
oom

andwentst
rai
ghtt
omai
nbedr
oom It
henchangedt
omydust
ypi
nkwi
thbl
ackl
acesi
l
kshor
t
pyj
amas.

Idon'
tfal
lasl
eepwhenI
'
mthi
sangr
y.WhenI
'
m angr
yorst
ressedIdon'
tfal
lasl
eepont
opof
thatI
'
m

al
i
ghtsl
eeper
.

Hecamei
nbedon23:
20pm Idon'
tev
enmi
sshi
m.OkayI
'
mfool
i
ngmy
sel
fher
e.Imi
sshi
m so
much

butIwon'
tent
ert
ainhi
m af
terwhathesai
dyest
erday
.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Hei
sbr
eat
hingonmyr
ightear
.Het
urnsmeonwhenhedoest
hatandheknowst
hat
.

Samkel
o:“
Imi
ssy
ou”hei
ski
ssi
ngmyneckandhi
shandi
ssqueezi
ngmybum.

Hedi
dn'
theart
hatconv
ersat
ion.

Me:
“Ngi
cel
aukul
ala”

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sgoi
ngonkant
iNompe?
”

Hecanf
orgetabouti
t.

Me:
“Not
hing”

Ihav
etur
nedt
oseehi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ourpr
obl
em i
sbuti
t’
ssoannoy
ing”hei
sangr
y.

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
I'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou”hi
svoi
cei
sdeeper
.
Me:
“Ngi
cel
aukul
ala”

Samkel
o:“
I'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyouandwhaty
ouwanti
stosl
eep?Real
l
y?”

Ihat
etoar
guewi
thhi
m butnowI
'
mfor
cedt
o.Het
urnedmet
olookathi
m wi
thf
orce.
..

Me:
“You'
rehur
ti
ngme”

Igotupf
rom bedandwentt
obat
hroom t
opee.WhenIgotouthewasst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofme.I
j
ust

l
ookedathi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
”

Me:
“Isai
dNot
hing!
”

Hesl
appedmei
nami
nut
eIwasi
nthef
loor
.Iwon'
tcr
ynott
oday

WhenIwokeupf
rom t
hef
loor
..
.

Anot
hersl
ap.

Ineedt
ocont
rol
myt
emperorel
sei
twi
l
lbeawarzone.Igotupandsatonbed.

Me:
“Taki
ngy
ourf
rust
rat
ionsonmewon'
thel
pyouwi
thany
thi
ng”

Samkel
o:“
Whatdi
dyousay
?”hecamet
owar
dsme.

Me:
“Yourbi
tchabor
tedy
ourchi
l
dandnowy
out
hinkIwi
l
lbey
ourpunchi
ngbag?Thi
nkagai
n”

Hewasshocked.

Samkel
o:“
Wher
edi
dyougett
hat
?”

Me:
“Youcamei
ndr
unkher
eyest
erdayy
ousai
dity
our
sel
f”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Don'
tyouev
erl
ayy
ourf
uckenhandsonme!
”

Whendi
dIbecamesobr
ave?

Samkel
o:“
Whatwi
l
lhappen?
”

Me:
“Wor
ldwarI
IIwi
l
ltakepl
aceher
e”Il
aidmyheadi
nthepi
l
low.

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m s.
..
.”hedi
dn'
tfi
nishhi
ssent
ence.
Me:
“Voet
sek!
”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Takeal
lyourgunsandki
l
lmenow”

Imusthav
esl
eptaf
tert
hat
.WhenIwokeuphewassi
tt
ingont
hebedl
ooki
ngatme.

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningbabe”

Ikeptqui
et.Iwentt
otakeacol
dshowerIknowi
twi
l
lcal
m medown.WhenIgotouthemadea
bed

andpl
acet
hatt
raywi
thbr
eakf
asthemade.

I
’m wear
ingy
ell
owf
lor
all
ongdr
esswi
thl
ongsl
eev
esbuti
tshowsmyski
nont
hear
msanda
bl
ack

f
igur
ebel
twi
thbl
ackr
ed-
bot
tom hi
ghheel
.Ti
edabun.

Yeswi
thmyki
ssmadol
o!

Lucki
l
yI'
mthef
ir
stt
obei
nki
tchenIt
ookmyapr
onandIpr
epar
edbr
eakf
ast
.Idon'
tknowwher
e
he

i
sandIdon'
tcar
e.Imadef
ull
Engl
i
shbr
eakf
astwi
tht
oastorcr
ossai
ntsandor
angej
uiceor
cof
fee.I

hav
ecof
feeonl
yher
esoaf
terwor
kImustgoandbuygr
ocer
y.

Lwandi
l
e:“
You'
rebeaut
if
ulbutwher
ear
egoi
ngi
nthemor
ning?
”

Someofusar
ewor
king.Duh!

Me:
“Towor
k”

Lwandi
l
e:“
SKwi
l
lnotal
l
owy
out
owal
koutt
hatdoorl
ooki
ngt
hisbeaut
if
ul”

I
tsear
lyi
nthemor
ningandhei
sbl
ubber
ing.Idon'
twantt
ohearhi
sname.SpheMbusoand
Zamo

camei
ntheki
tchen.

Me:
“Pl
easemet
otaket
hist
othedi
ningr
oom”

Theyhel
pedmet
odot
hat
.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Mor
ningki
ds”
Mnt
ungwai
sSamkel
o'
sfat
hert
heycal
lhi
m wi
thhi
scl
anname.

Us:
“Mor
ning”

Imustbehav
ewel
li
nfr
ontofhi
spar
ent
s.MaNdl
ovucamei
nandshegr
eet
ed.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Doy
ouhav
ecuppaci
noher
e?”

Thatwhathappenswheny
oucomeuni
nvi
ted.

Me:“Wehav
ecof
feeandt
eabutI
'
llcal
lSamkel
otobuyi
tbecausehewentout
”Idon'
tev
en
know

wher
ehei
s.

Iwentt
otheki
tchent
ocal
lhi
m

Me:
“Pl
easebuycappucci
noony
ourwayback”Ihungupf
ir
stbef
oreheev
enanswer
.

Hecal
l
simmedi
atel
y.

Samkel
o:“
Goodmor
ning”

Hei
sdr
ivi
ngIcanheari
t.Ihungup.
Hehasaner
ve.

carpul
l
edout
side.

Samkel
o&Sakhi
:“Mor
ningev
ery
one”

Me:
“Mor
ning”t
heycamei
ntheki
tchen.

I
'
m noteat
ingIdon'
thav
eappet
it
e.

Me:
“Hav
eawonder
ful
day
”

Them:
“Toy
out
oo”

Theywi
l
lhav
equal
i
tyt
imet
oget
her
.Iwentt
owor
k

I
'
m notl
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtoEndoft
hey
earst
affpar
tyatwor
kbutImustat
tendi
tany
way
.

BigFouri
sst
il
lher
eandt
heyhel
pher
eandt
her
ebutt
hepar
ent
swer
eher
eforoneweekaf
ter
that

t
heywentbackt
oWeenen(
Escour
t).

Mnt
ungwai
sfr
om Wi
neent
heyhav
eahouset
her
eandTheyhav
eanot
heronei
nAt
hlonePar
k

Amanzi
mtot
iwher
eSamkel
oandhi
ssi
bli
ngsgr
ewupbutt
heyhav
eanot
herhousei
neMhl
anga.
Mntungwai
saqual
i
fiedCi
vi
lEngi
neerandMaNdl
ovui
saqual
i
fiednur
seandshei
samat
ron
butt
hey

bothret
ir
edsot
heyhav
eev
ery
thi
ngt
heyneedandont
opoft
hatt
hei
rki
dsar
eindependent
except

t
hel
astbor
nwhoi
sabr
at.

Samkel
o:“
Babewehav
emi
ssi
oni
ntwoday
s’t
ime”

If
orgav
ehi
m ont
hatsaga.Ican'
tst
ayangr
yathi
mforal
ongt
ime.

Samkel
o:“
Wemusthandl
eshi
pment
”

Oki
tsdr
ugs.Hi
spar
ent
sandt
heBi
gFourdon'
tknowaboutt
heGang.

Samkel
o:“
Sakhi
wil
lcomet
omor
row”

Sakhi
isNokwe'
sboy
fri
endIl
ear
nedt
hatwhenshewassky
pingmeandshei
ntr
oducedhi
m.
Shedidn'
t

knowt
hatIknowhi
m buthet
oldhert
hathei
sSamkel
o'
scousi
n.

Hei
sapi
l
otandt
hememberofTHEEAGLES.

NowImusthi
det
hisGangst
eri
sm t
hingf
rom myf
ami
l
yThabi
andNokwe.WhatIhat
ethemost
i
sI

musthi
det
hatAndi
l
eandSakhi
aregangst
ersf
rom t
hei
rpar
tner
swhohappenst
obemybest
f
ri
ends.

Onthe16t
hofDecembert
hei
sanot
hert
radi
ti
onal
cer
emonyonmymot
her
'ssi
desoImustgo
home

nextweekThur
sday
.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappenedl
astf
ewweeks”hebr
ushedhi
shead.

Me:
“Idon'
twantt
obey
ourpunchi
ngbag”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
rybabei
twon'
thappenagai
n”

Hei
sorel
se.Hewast
ryi
nghar
dtoapol
ogi
sewi
thgi
ft
sheboughtper
fumewat
chf
lower
str
ying
t
o

cookformeunt
ilheapol
ogi
zespr
oper
ly.Hegav
emeagoodsexaf
terheapol
ogi
zedsoI
accept
edhi
s

gi
ft
s.
Samkel
o:“
Iwantust
ospendf
est
ivet
hisi
nDur
ban”

Me:
“Wewi
l
lbabe”

Theweekendi
sinSat
urdaysomydr
essi
sready
.Itabl
uepenci
ldr
essbel
owmykneesi
tisaV
shape

i
nfrontbuti
tcov
ersmybackandi
tsr
eveal
scl
eav
agei
twi
l
lgowel
lwi
thcr
eam hi
ghheel
wit
h
cr
eam

cl
utchbag.

-
--
--
--
--
-

TodayI
'
m dr
ivi
ngmy
sel
ftowor
kSamkel
oisgoi
ngt
oDur
bant
her
eisacasehei
swor
kingon.
I
ts

WednesdaysoIcanbesmar
tcasual
todaysoI
'
m wear
inganav
yski
nnyj
eanwi
thwhi
tev
esta
bl
ue

coatandBur
ber
rywedgepumps.I
'
m usi
ngBMW i
thi
scarofcour
seIwi
l
lbuymi
net
hismont
h.

Ical
l
edmymom andshei
satMt
unzi
nibecauseshei
sonal
eav
eandIal
sospoket
ogr
andma
shewas

aski
ngmewhenI
'
m comi
nghomeIt
oldt
hem t
hatI
'
llont
he15t
hthi
smont
h.

Me:
“BabeI
'
m goi
ngnow!
”

Imustst
artatf
il
li
ngst
ati
ont
henwor
k.

Hecameandweki
ssedandhewasr
eadyt
ogobutIl
efthi
m behi
nd.WhenIdr
oveof
ffr
om t
he
mai
n

gatether
ewasacl
eani
ngcompanycar
.Whatcat
chmyey
esi
nitwast
hepi
ctur
elogoi
fIcan
saythat

i
twasaduckwear
ingov
eral
lhol
dingabucketandmop.

Ist
il
ll
ovecart
oonsatthi
sageandi
fIhav
eti
meandhewasr
eadyt
ogobutIl
efthi
m behi
nd.
WhenIdroveofff
rom t
hemain

gatether
ewasacl
eani
ngcompanycar
.Whatcat
chmyey
esi
nitwast
hepi
ctur
elogoi
fIcan
saythat

i
twasaduckwear
ingov
eral
lhol
dingabucketandmop.

Ist
il
ll
ovecar
toonsatt
hisageandi
fIhav
eti
meIj
ustl
ovet
hem.Iconnect
edmyphoneandI
pl
ayed

ourf
avour
it
esongAdor
nbyMi
guel
.

Iwassi
ngi
ngi
tbutnotsol
oudl
y.

Myphoner
ang.
..
.

Nont
u:“
Arey
ouokay
”

Me:
“I'
m okayandy
ou?
”

Nont
u:“
Ihadast
rangedr
eam andi
twasabouty
ou”

Me:
“I'
mfi
nesweet
hear
t.I
'
m dr
ivi
ngmt
aseI
'
llcal
lyouwhenIgett
owor
k”

Herdr
eamsal
way
smeansomet
hing.Shewasonmor
ningshi
ftsoI
'
llcal
lheronl
uncht
ime.I
wentt
o

fi
l
li
ngst
ati
onandwentt
otheshopt
ogetsomesweet
s.WhenIwasi
nsi
det
heshopt
hewasa
guy

l
ooki
ngathi
m underhi
scap.

Whyheisl
ooki
ngatme?WhenIgotoutt
heshopt
hesamecl
eani
ngcompanycarwi
l
lwasi
n
t
hefi
ll
i
ng

st
ati
on.

Igott
omycarhoopi
n.It
ookmygunoutj
ustt
obesaf
e.NowIwi
l
lwat
chmybackbutI
'
m
suspi
cions

may
bei
t’
sacoi
nci
de.It
ookl
eftandt
hesamecari
tisf
oll
owi
ngme.

It
ri
edt
ocal
lmymanbuthedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.

Okay
.

Imustcal
m downmay
bei
t’
snot
hingaf
tert
her
obott
her
ewasabl
ackLandRov
eri
nfr
ontofme
and

i
thasabl
ackWi
ndows.Ther
obotwasr
edsoImustwai
t.

Myphoner
ings.
..

Samkel
o:“
Whydi
dyout
akeBMW?ThatBMW hasnot
int
edwi
ndow.
..
”

What
??Thatcan'
tbehappeni
ngwhenIt
hinkI
'
m bei
ngf
oll
owed.
Thi
srobott
ookl
ongt
oopen.

Me:
“It
hinkt
her
eissome.
..
.”

Ihear
dgunshot
s..
.

Thewi
ndowondr
iver
'ssi
twascr
ashedi
nasecondIl
aiddownacr
osst
heandIst
oppedt
hecar
.

Ihear
dgunshot
sandIt
hinkt
hei
scashhei
storsomet
hing?

Gunshotwer
ebangi
ngsocl
oseandIt
hinkI
'
m bei
nghi
j
acked.
..
..
..
.

I
'
minadeepsl
eepbutIcanhearsoundsl
i
ket
her
eapeopl
etal
ki
ngbutt
hey
'r
etoof
arf
rom me.
I
'
m

i
nadar
kpl
aceIcan'
tbr
eat
he.

Am Iki
dnappedorwhat
?

Ican'
tmov
eIcan'
tdoany
thi
ngwi
thmybody
.I'
m ki
dnappedandt
heydr
uggedme.Theyar
e
peopl
e

comingi
nIcanheart
hatbuti
t’
ssof
ar.I
t’
sbeenday
sbei
ngher
ebutwhoki
dnappedIcan'
tev
en
speak

orut
terawor
d.

Atleastmymi
ndi
swor
kingmay
beIcanf
igur
esomet
hingout
.Myf
ami
l
ydon'
tknowwher
eIam
I
'm

sur
etheyar
ewor
ri
ed

Whathappened?

Iwasi
nacar
..
.

Isawal
i
ttl
eli
ghtmyey
esl
ookedont
hel
i
ght
.Someonei
sshout
ingher
eandIcanhearcl
ear
ly
now.

Whyt
her
ear
emanypeopl
eher
e?

Iheargunshot
s..
.

If
reakedout
!

“
Nur
se!Nur
se!
”someoneshout
s.

“
Nompendul
o!”Iopenedmyey
essl
owl
y.
Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
”

Me:
“I’
m…Okay
…”It
ri
edt
omov
ebutmybodyi
sst
if
f.

Nur
secamei
nandt
ooksomemuskf
rom myf
ace.

Me:
“Wher
e…am…I
?”

Nur
se:
“Don'
twor
ryy
ou'
resaf
enow”

Me:
“Mom.
..
”

Iscannedt
her
oom I
'
m athospi
tal
andmyf
ami
l
yisher
eandmyman.

Me:
“Wat
er…”

Hewashol
dingagl
assofwat
erandst
rawf
orme.Ican'
tmov
eany
thi
ngf
rom mybody
.

Me:
“Whathap.
..
pened?
”

Gr
andma:
“Don'
twor
rymychi
l
dyou'
reokay
”

Me:
“Gogo.
..
”

Herey
esar
eful
loft
ear
s.Theyal
ll
ookl
i
ket
hat
.

Me:
“WasIshot
?”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Thegunshot
s..
..
Crashi
ngwi
ndow”

Ir
ememberbutnotcl
ear
ly.

Samkel
o:“
Yoursaf
ebabe”heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Me:
“My
..
.Par
ent
s”Theyl
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sosor
ryi
t’
sjustI
'
m exci
tedt
hatshei
sfi
ne”

Thedoct
orcamei
n.

Doc:
“It
’sgoodt
oseey
ouawake”

It
ri
edt
osmi
l
e.

Doc:
“Iwi
l
lkeepy
ouher
eunt
ilI
'
m sur
ethaty
ouar
eokay
”

Ihatehospi
tal
sbutI
'
mfor
cedt
obeher
eIspentt
hewhol
etwoweeksi
nthehospi
tal
.Iwi
l
lnot
spend
anot
herweekher
eI'
mti
redoft
hatsnobbi
shdoct
or.

Hedi
schar
gedmeonTuesdaybutIcoul
dn’
twal
kpr
oper
lybecauseIwasshoti
nri
ghtsi
deof
myri
bs

andf
ourbul
l
etsi
nther
ightt
high.

Me:
“Doy
ouknowwhoshotme?

Iwi
l
lusecr
ashest
owal
kbutnowI
'
m usi
ngwheel
chai
rtogot
othecar
.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIneedy
out
oheal
fir
stt
henwe’
l
ltal
kaboutt
hat
”

Iwoul
dli
ket
odot
hat
.

Samkel
o:“
Yourpar
ent
sar
eatmyhousebutIwi
l
lbest
ayi
ngatKat
'shouse”

Wedroveofff
rom t
hehospi
tal
tohi
shouse.I
'
minpai
nshowIwi
shi
twasmeandmyman
al
onehere.

Poorsoul
mustl
eav
ehi
shousei
naccountofmypar
ent
s.

Theyshout
edatmef
orl
i
vingwi
thhi
m butIunder
stand.

-
--
--
--
--
--

Ineedt
ogot
obeach.Dur
bani
sawar
mestpl
acet
obesoi
nsummery
ouj
ustneedSeabr
eeze

Me:
“Ineedt
ogot
othebeach”

Si
l
ence.

Lasty
ear
'sf
est
iveseasonwasdul
lbecauseIwasshoti
n09t
hofDecemberandIdi
dn'
tenj
oy
my

bi
rt
hdayont
he12t
h.

Samkel
o:“
Nobabey
oumi
ghthur
tyour
sel
f”

I
'
mlay
ingmyheadhi
schestwe'
rei
nthecouch.

Me:
“Iwon'
thur
tmy
sel
fbabe”

Si
l
ence.

I
'
m abl
etodot
hingsonmyownnowandI
'
m wal
ki
ngwi
thoutcr
ashessoI
'
m okay
.

Samkel
o:“
Babedoy
ouneedsomet
hingt
oeat
?”

Me:
“Pl
easebabe”
Hewentt
otheki
tchent
omakeussomet
hingt
oeat
.

Me:
“Thepar
ent
ssai
dImustgetaf
lat
”

Hel
aughs.

Samkel
o:“
Iunder
standt
hei
rfr
ust
rat
ionsbabe”

Ineedtogetonei
ncaset
heycomet
ovi
sitme.Zi
mbal
ii
sabeaut
if
ulpl
acesoi
sthusgi
gant
ic
house.

Me:
“Gwaj
oandhi
spar
ent
sar
ecomi
ngf
orl
unch”

Iwon'
tbeabl
etocookl
uncht
odaysoI
'
llor
deri
nev
ery
thi
ng.Hecamewi
thsandwi
chesand
j
uicehe

satdownandweat
eaf
tert
hathet
ookdi
shest
otheki
tchenaf
terawhi
l
ehewasback.Iwasi
n

bet
weenhi
slegsandIl
aidmyheadonhi
schestandhehel
dmyhands.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m gl
adt
haty
ou'
reokay
”heki
ssedt
het
opofmyhead.

Huh?

Me:
“I'
m okay
”

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
IthoughtIl
osty
ouwhenIf
oundy
oul
ayi
ngi
nthatBMW.Iwasscar
edwhenIsawt
he
bl
ood

i
ndr
iver
'sseatandpassengerseat
..
..
”

Idon'
tl
iket
otal
kabouti
tbutImustatsomest
age.

Me:
“Whathappenedexact
ly?
”

Het
ight
ensmyhand.

Samkel
o:“
Isawy
ourmi
ssedcal
landIwasst
il
li
nthehousel
ooki
ngf
orBMW M5key
swhenI
coul
dn'
t

f
indt
hem It
ookt
heJaguarXFkey
swhenIdi
dn'
tsawt
heBMW Iknewy
out
haty
ouwer
edr
ivi
ng
i
t.

Iret
urnedy
ourcal
landIt
oldy
out
hatcar
'swi
ndowsar
enott
int
edandy
ousai
dsomet
hingand
you

di
dn'
tfi
nisht
hatsent
ence.
..
”
Thatr
ingsabel
l
.

Me:
“Someonewasf
oll
owi
ngmet
hatdaybut
..
..
”

I
'
mtr
yingt
orememberwhathappenedexact
lybecausemyf
ami
l
ydi
dn'
ttel
lmet
hewhol
est
ory
.
I

t
hinkIwi
l
lsuf
ferf
rom amnesi
ainf
utur
ebecauseIcan'
treal
l
yrememberi
t.

Whoooa.
..

Me:“
Ont
hatdayIwentt
oEngenSawmi
l
lfi
l
li
ngst
ati
onaf
tert
heat
tendantwasdoneIwentt
o
t
he

par
kthecari
nfr
ontoft
heshop.Iwentt
otakeMay
nar
d'sandchi
ps.
..Isawsomeguy
slooki
ng
atme

undert
hecaphewaswear
ing.ButUhm.
..
”

Samkel
o:“
Cany
ouseehi
m?”

Underhi
scapr
eal
l
ydude?

Me:
“Hewaswear
ingacapandov
eral
llwi
thaduckhol
dingamop.
..
”

Igotof
ffr
om hi
schestandsatst
rai
ght
.

Me:
“Aduckhol
dingamopandbr
oom wear
inganov
eral
l
...
.”

What
?Howdi
dthathappenedwi
thoutmeseei
ngi
tcomi
ng?

Me:“
WhenIdr
oveof
ffr
om t
hemai
ngat
etoj
oint
hemai
nroadIsawacl
eani
ngcompanybakki
e
wi
th

t
hatduckIsawi
nthatguy
'sov
eral
li
ntheshopatt
hef
il
li
ngst
ati
on”

Ir
emembert
het
imewhenNont
ucal
l
edandt
oldmeaboutt
hatst
rangedr
eam shehadabout
me.I

wasf
ocusi
ngbecauseIwasdr
ivi
ngandspeaki
ngt
oher
.

Me:
“Ther
e'ssomeoneoutt
her
ewhowant
smedead”

I
t’
sal
lcomet
oget
hernowandIconnect
edt
hepi
ecesi
nthi
spuzzl
e.

Samkel
o:“
Ithi
nksot
oobabebecauset
hatwasn'
thi
j
acki
ngi
tswasonpur
poseandt
heyknew
the

r
out
eyou'
reusi
ngf
rom ourhouset
owor
k”
Ismel
lar
ather
e.

Me:
“Ther
e'sar
ati
nourcamp”

Webot
hletoutasi
gh.

Us:
“Wehav
etof
indi
t”

Heor
der
smeal
forl
unch.

ThabiAndi
l
eMbusoandGwaj
owi
l
lbeher
e.Theywentt
oseeAndi
l
e'spar
ent
sinUmhl
anga.
Andil
e'
s

f
atheri
sfr
om eNdwedwebutt
heyl
i
vei
nUmhl
anga.

Nont
uisathomebutshei
sgoi
ngbackt
oJobur
gnextweek.Wehadawonder
ful
daywi
thour
f
ri
ends

andt
hebi
gfourandGwaj
o.Hei
sgr
owi
ngandhei
scut
e.

Ont
hesecondweekwewentbackt
oCape.

Iheardt
hatCommi
ssi
oner
'ssoni
sinhospi
tal
soi
twaspl
annedbyus.Wehav
etomakesur
e
thatwe

ar
ecar
eful
.

That
'sar
eli
ef.

Ther
e'sabi
gcashhei
stcomi
ngupt
hisupcomi
ngFr
idaybutI
'
m excl
uded.Ihat
ebei
ngexcl
uded
butI

mustbackof
funt
ilI
'
m goodagai
n.Het
oldmet
hathi
ssi
steri
scomi
ngt
hisweek.

Okay
..
.

Hei
sthesecondchi
l
doutoff
ivechi
l
drenf
rom hi
spar
ent
s.Khet
hokuhl
eSamkel
oMt
hokozi
si

Thandol
wamant
ungwaLwandi
l
e.Ihear
dthatMt
hokozi
siandThandoar
eov
erseast
hey
'r
eli
vi
ng

t
her
e.Mt
hokowentt
her
ejustt
osav
ehi
msel
ffr
om j
oini
ngt
hegang.

Samkel
o:“
Yeahy
eahI
'
llgobankr
upt
cybutIcan'
twai
ttoseey
ou”hecamei
ntomai
nbedr
oom
he

wasont
hephone.Hesai
dgoodby
etowhoev
erhewasspeaki
ngt
oo.

Samkel
o:“
That
'smysi
ster
”hesmi
l
edandshookhi
shead.
Ihopeshewi
l
lbeni
cet
hanMaNdl
ovuwhoi
sthei
rmot
herwant
edcappucci
nowi
thanat
ti
tude
asifI

knewt
hatshel
i
kesi
t.

Me:
“Shewi
l
lbest
ayi
ngher
e?”

Ihopeshecangot
oKat
'shouse.

Samkel
o:“
Shewi
l
lbest
ayi
ngov
erher
e.Katdon’
thav
eti
meandhei
sgoi
ngt
oJobur
g”.

Mxm.

Me:
“Okay
”Iwasmaki
ngt
hebed.Thi
sbedr
oom i
sourcav
e.Thegoodt
imesandt
hebadt
imes

happenedher
e.

Iwon'
tfor
gett
hosesl
aps.

NEVER!
!

Wetakeshowert
oget
hermostoft
het
ime.I
'
m noti
nthemoodt
odaybutImustt
akeshower
wi
th

hi
m.Hi
sski
nisal
way
swar
m butwar
merwhenI
'
m angr
y.

Somet
imesi
t’
sli
kehel
i
vesj
ustt
oannoyme.

Samkel
o:“
Yourski
nisso.
..
”hei
sbehi
ndme.

Hi
shandsar
ear
oundmybody
.

Samkel
o:“
Babe.
..
”hei
ski
ssi
ngmyneck.

Whyhei
sal
way
shor
ny?Lucki
l
yI'
m onapi
l
lbuthedoesn’
tknowt
hat
.

Ican'
tnotnow.

Me:
“I'
m sor
rybabeIcan'
thel
pyou

Chapt
er16

Abi
gsi
ghcameoutaf
tert
hat
.Af
tert
heshoot
ingwehav
en'
tbeeni
nti
mat
ebutheneedst
o

under
stand.Ineedmywoundst
oheal
fir
st.Twobul
l
etswer
est
ucki
nmyr
ibcageandt
hree
bul
let
s

onmyl
eftt
highbutdoct
orsmanagedt
otaket
hem outsoIneeddoct
ort
oconf
ir
mthatmy
wounds

ar
eheal
edsoIcanpl
easur
ewi
thhi
m.

Hewasqui
tet
hroughoutandhel
eftmei
ntheshowerIunder
standhi
sfr
ust
rat
ionsnoman
shoul
d

suf
ferl
i
ket
hatIf
oundhi
m dr
essedi
nourbedr
oom.

Me:
“BabeIunder
standy
ourf
rust
rat
ionsbutIneedmywoundst
oheal
fir
st”

If
eel
sor
ryf
orhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
It
’sokayIunder
stand”

Iknowhe'
snotokaybuthepr
etendst
obeokay
.Iwentt
oki
tchent
omakehi
m abr
eakf
asthe
can'
t

best
arv
ingi
nal
lfor
ms.I
fyouknowwhatImean.

I
t’
sabeaut
if
ulThur
sdaymor
ningsoIhav
eanappoi
ntmentwi
tht
heDoct
orZi
khal
iaf
tert
hatI
must

dol
unchwi
thThabi
justt
ocat
chup.Ihav
eabody
guar
dnowcan'
tev
endr
ivemy
sel
f.Thankst
o

Samkel
o.

Ihat
epi
ll
sandi
nject
ionssmel
li
nsur
ger
y.Isatdowni
nthechai
raf
tersomewhi
l
eadoct
or
cameto

me.

Doc:
“Pl
easef
oll
owme”

If
oll
owedhi
m.Heexami
nedme.

Doc:
“Yourwoundsar
eheal
ednowt
hemedi
cat
ionwor
ked”

Real
l
y?

Me:
“Ar
eyousur
edoc?
”

Doc:
“YeahI
'
m sur
eMsMazi
bukoy
ourwoundsar
eheal
ed”

Me:
“ItmeansIcandr
inkany
thi
ngnow?
”

Doc:
“Yesy
oucansot
hiswast
hel
astappoi
ntmentwehad”

SoIcangi
vemymanwhat
'sduet
ohi
m.
Whenonmywayt
othemal
lIr
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om unknownnumber
..
..

Voi
ce:
“Unj
ani
?”

Me:
“I'
m good”wi
that
ti
tude.

Voi
ce:
“Ij
ustwant
edt
ocheckupony
ou”Whyt
hisv
oicesoundsf
ami
l
iar
..
..
..

Me:
“Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom mewenanj
andi
ni?
”it
sLul
onke.

Lul
onke:
“Ist
il
ll
ovey
ouNompe”

Me:“
List
enher
eLul
onkeIdon'
twantt
otal
kyounotnowev
eranddon'
tyouev
ercal
lthi
s
number”

Ihungupi
mmedi
atel
y.Whynow?

Whenwegott
othemal
lIwassoangr
y.Iwentt
oourf
avour
it
erest
aur
antt
omeetThabi
.

Me:
“Ineedsomet
hingst
rong”Ipul
l
edachai
randsatdown.

Shei
sal
oneGwaj
oisathomewi
thhi
snanny
.

Thabi
:“Whyar
eyousowor
kedup”

Me:
“Igotacal
lfr
om Lul
onke”

I
'
m shaki
ngnowoutofanger
.

Thabi
:“Mngani
cal
m downdr
inkt
hiswat
er”shegav
emeabot
tl
eofast
il
lwat
er.

Idon'
thav
eappet
it
enowt
hankst
othatmor
on.Af
terawhi
l
eIwascal
m andIor
der
edasal
ad
wit
h

wi
nebutI
'
m noti
nter
est
edi
nsal
adIj
ustneedwi
ne.

Af
terl
unchwewentt
ofewst
ores.

Me:
“Let
'sgot
oTempt
ati
ons”

Shel
aughsoutl
oud.

Me:
“Thedoct
orsai
dmywoundsar
eheal
ed”weent
eredatTempt
ati
ons.

Thabi
:“That
'sgr
eatf
ri
end”sher
ubbedmyar
m.

Me:
“Ineedal
i
nger
iej
ustt
ochar
m mygr
umpymanFr
idayni
ght
”

Thabi
:“Whyhei
sgr
umpy
?”
Me:
“Af
tert
heIwasshot
;wehav
en'
tbeeni
nti
mat
e”

Thabi
:“Nowonderhe'
sgr
umpy
”

Wel
aughedoutl
oud.

Thabi
:“Ihat
etodeal
wit
hagr
umpyman”

Me:
“Ishegr
umpyt
oo?
”

Ourconv
ersat
ionsar
eal
way
ssi
l
lyornaught
yorcr
azy
.

Thabi
:“He'
snotbuthewasaf
terIgav
ebi
rt
htoLuhl
e(Lwal
uhl
e)”

Hewascr
azy
.

Me:
“Thesemencanbel
ovi
ngandcar
ingbutcr
azyandcont
rol
l
ing”

Ihat
etokeepheri
nthedar
kaboutourshadydeal
i
ngsbutImust
.

Thabi
:“Iwi
l
lsur
pri
sehi
mtoni
ght
”

Me:
“I'
l
lsur
pri
sehi
mtomor
rowni
ght
”

Il
ovetohav
esexwi
thhi
m whenwewer
einami
ssi
onf
orhi
mtor
elax.Wewor
khar
dbef
ore
missi
on

andit
sst
ressf
ul.Whenwewer
edonewewentt
ooursepar
atecar
sshar
edahugandwedr
ove
off
.

WhenIgothomeIwentt
oguest
room andIl
ockedt
hedoor
.

Icheckedmynewl
i
nger
ie.I
t’
sabl
ackt
hinl
acyl
i
nger
iel
i
keabody
sui
tbuti
t’
sal
i
nger
ie.Hecan
see

ev
ery
thi
ngt
hroughi
tandIknowi
twi
l
ltakeoutt
hebeasti
nhi
m Ihav
etohi
dei
tbecausei
t’
spar
t
of

t
omor
row'
ssur
pri
se.

Imustmakesupper
.

Icookev
erydaybecausehel
oveshi
sfoodandIwon'
tl
ikei
twhenhegoest
obedwi
thanempt
y

st
omach.

Ihi
ditt
otheguest
room Iwentt
otheki
tchenaf
tert
hat
.TodayI
'
m maki
ngCr
eamyGar
li
c
Par
mesan
Mushr
oom Chi
ckenIhopehewi
l
lli
kei
tbecauseIl
i
ket
omakedi
ff
erentdi
shesf
orhi
m.You
mustt
ry

somet
hingnewf
ory
oumanespeci
all
ywheni
tcomest
ofoodandsex.Foodsexandr
espect
must

comef
ir
stt
henev
ery
thi
ngcanf
oll
ow.

Imi
sshi
mlastIsawhi
mitwasbef
oreIwentt
othedoct
or.

Samkel
o:“
Babe!
”Speakoft
hedev
ilort
hinkoft
hedev
il
.

Lol
.

Me:
“I'
mint
heki
tchenmyl
ove!
”

Hedi
dn'
ti
nvi
teany
one.

Samkel
o:“
Mhm whatar
eyoucooki
ngher
ebabe?
”heki
ssedmycheek.

Hi
smoodhaschanged.

Me:
“I'
m cooki
ngamonkey
”It
ri
edt
ohol
dal
augh.

Ihopehe'
snotcomi
ngf
rom hi
sot
hergi
rl
fr
iends.I
'
llst
rangl
ehi
m nextt
ime.

Samkel
o:“
Haahbabemonkeywon'
tsmel
lthi
sgood”hel
aughed.

Me:
“Iwi
l
lbedonei
n10mi
nut
esbabe”

Wehav
eupsanddownsbutIwon'
thol
dgr
udgeshemakesmehappy
.Hewentt
oourbedr
oom
I

t
hinkhewentt
otakeashower
.Af
ter20mi
nut
eshewasher
esmel
l
ingf
reshandcl
ean.

Samkel
o:“
Howwasy
ourappoi
ntmentwi
thy
ourdoct
or?
”

Hewasl
eani
ngont
hef
ri
dgedoorl
ooki
ngatmebusyt
aki
ngcasser
olet
odi
ningr
oom.

Me:
“Itwentwel
lbabeIwi
l
lgoseehi
m nextweek”

I
'
mly
ingIwantt
osur
pri
sehi
mtomor
row.Idi
shedupf
orhi
m andwear
edr
inki
ngj
uice.

Samkelo:
“Mhm babei
t’
ssodel
i
cious”hesai
dinbet
weenhi
schew.Hel
i
kesi
tIcanseei
tinhi
s
face.

He'
ssosi
mpl
eIj
ustr
eadhi
sfaci
alex
pressi
onst
hat
'si
t.

Me:
“I'
m gl
ady
ou'
reenj
oyi
ngi
t”
Samkel
o:“
Idobabe”

He'
sfocusi
ngonhi
spl
ateheappr
eci
atest
hat
'swhatIl
oveabouthi
m.Uswomenwe’
resi
mpl
e
j
ust

l
ovet
akecar
ecompl
i
mentandappr
eci
ateusi
nev
ery
thi
ngwedo.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksbabef
ort
hef
oodIl
ovei
t”hesai
dwhenhe'
sdoneeat
ing.

Me:
“I'
mjustgl
ady
ou'
reenj
oyedt
hef
ood”

Myworkher
eisdone.Iputt
hedi
shesi
ndi
shwasher
.Wehav
esomewhohel
psust
owi
th
l
aundr
y

i
roni
ngcl
eani
ngbutIwashourunder
wear
.Somet
imesIl
i
ket
odot
hingsmy
sel
fjustt
omake
sur
e

ev
ery
thi
ngi
sper
fect
.

Wewentt
oourbedr
oom.

Samkel
o:“
Doy
ouknowt
hatIl
ovey
ou?
”

I
'
mlay
ingmyheadonhi
schest
.

Me:
“YeahbabeIknow”

Wher
eist
hisconv
ersat
iongoi
ngt
o?

Samkelo:“
Idon'
tdeser
vey
oubabesomet
imesIbehav
ioursochi
l
dishbuti
ndespi
teof
ever
ythi
ngI

l
ovey
ou”

Me:
“O.
..
kay
”

Ofcour
sey
oudon'
t!I
tsonl
yhi
minmyl
i
fe.

Me:
“Ihopei
twon'
thappenagai
n”

He'
stenseIdon'
tknowwhy
.Isi
thi
ssi
ster
?Ort
her
e'smor
eIdon'
tknowabouthi
m hebr
ushes
my

backheknowst
hatmakesmesl
eep.

Samkel
o:“
Sleepmyl
ove”heki
ssedmyf
orehead

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
Gwajoishi
sfat
her
'scl
onebutwhenIsawt
hepi
ctur
eofhi
slat
eaunthe'
sjustl
i
keher
.How
doesthat

happen?Hei
ssocut
eli
tt
leboyIj
ustl
i
kehi
m.Hi
smot
heri
sli
keasi
stert
ohi
m.

Me:
“Howwasy
ourni
ghty
est
erdayf
ri
end?
”

Thabi
:“I
twasgr
eatmngani
”ther
e'ssomet
hingt
ohermi
nd.

Iwentt
oki
tchenandIcamewi
tht
wogl
assesofj
uices.

Me:
“What
'seat
ingy
ou?
”

Thabi
:“It
hinkhei
scheat
ing”

We'
real
oneher
e.Guy
shav
eameet
ingj
ustt
ofi
nal
i
seev
ery
thi
ngf
ort
oday
'smi
ssi
on.

Me:
“What
?”

Thabi
:“Yeahmngani
somet
imeshecomel
ateatni
ghtorhe'
sgoi
ngoutf
orboy
'sni
ghtoutand
come

backi
ntheewehour
s”

Fuck!

Me:
“AhhSamkel
odoest
hatt
oobutIwon'
tthi
nkt
hathe'
scheat
ing”

Iwon'
tl
ethert
hinkort
ryt
ofi
ndt
hingsout
.

Me:
“Heal
way
scomesbackt
oyour
ight
?”

Thabi
:“Yeshecomesback”

Me:
“Theywor
ksohar
dtomakeushappyandmakesur
ewehav
eev
ery
thi
ngweneedbeaut
if
ul

housescar
sandmakesur
ethatwear
epr
otect
ed24/
7sosomet
imest
heyneedt
imeoutj
ustt
o
rel
ax”

Si
l
ence.

Thabi
:“That
'st
ruef
ri
end”shenodded

I
'
llal
way
shav
etohi
det
hingsf
rom t
hem.

Ihat
eit
.

Il
eftear
lyt
opr
epar
eandmakesur
ehe'
sreadIknowhecant
akecar
eofhi
msel
fbutIj
ustneed
to
seet
hathe'
sokay
.Whenweont
hemi
ssi
ont
oget
herwedon'
tbehav
eli
kecoupl
ewebehav
e

gangst
it
ional
aroundeachot
her
.He'
l
lli
veat20:
00Idon'
tknowwhatt
imehe'
l
lcomebackbutI
'
ll

or
gani
sel
i
ttl
eromant
icni
ghtormi
dni
ghti
fIcansay
.

Iboughtr
osepet
alssoI
'
llmakeabi
glov
eonourbedr
oom f
loorbutonaf
luf
fybl
ueandgr
ey
mat.I'
l
l

putst
rawber
rycr
eam andchampagnej
ustt
ocel
ebr
atet
hatmywoundsheal
ed.

I
'
llwearmynewl
i
nger
iewi
thasi
l
krobesohewon'
tsuspectany
thi
ng.

Af
terhel
eftIwentt
ost
udyandt
ocheckmyemai
l
sitwaswor
k-r
elat
edaf
terr
epl
yi
ngt
othem I
went

t
owat cht
v.Imustwat
chTom &Jer
ryt
hosecar
toonsIcanwat
cht
hem t
hroughoutt
he
weekend.

Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hatIwasny
ctophobi
cbutSamkel
ooncel
ockedmet
oadar
kpl
acef
oraIwon'
t
for
get

t
hatdayIwokeupt
oadar
kpl
aceandIcr
iedal
most2andhal
fhour
sbutIr
eal
i
zedl
atert
hat
t
herei
s

noneedt
ocr
yandIst
oppedt
hatdayt
obet
hedar
kness.

Aft
er00:
00am Iwentt
oputev
ery
thi
ngi
nor
derbuthewon'
tcomenowt
heywi
l
lwai
tforaG4S
car

i
nR102nearBl
ueDownsi
t’
soutoft
ownbutI
'
llwai
tforhi
m.Heknowst
hatIwon'
tsl
eepunt
ilhe

comesi
n.

At01:
20Iwasst
il
lwat
chi
ngt
vbutIhav
etwol
oadedgunsher
ewi
thmej
usti
ncase“
that
somet
hing”

happensher
easI
'
m al
onei
nthi
sgi
gant
ichouse.

Wehav
eahi
gh-
techst
oragei
nthebasementi
tsonl
yhi
m andIwhoknowt
hat
.Iwentt
otakei
ce

cream t
ubmyfav
our
it
eisbl
ueber
rycheesecakei
cecr
eam hedoesn’
tli
kei
cecr
eam.I
remembered

thatImustdogr
ocer
ybecauset
hev
isi
tor
sar
ecomi
ngt
omor
rowsoI
'
llhav
etol
oadt
hatf
ri
dge
andto

pr
epar
ear
oom f
orher
.
I
ts02:
40Ihear
damot
orbi
kepul
l
ingout
side.

Iqui
ckl
ycor
kedmygunsandwentt
ost
andbehi
ndt
hedoor
.Icr
awl
edandIst
oodbehi
ndt
he
door
.

I
tsdar
kher
eIswi
tchedt
hel
i
ghtof
fbef
oreIwat
cht
v.

Thedoorwasl
ockedandi
ttookt
imet
oopen.
..

Me:
“St
andr
ightt
her
eorel
seIpai
ntt
hiswal
lwi
thy
ourl
i
ttl
ebr
ain”Ipoi
ntedonhi
shead.

Si
l
ence.

Hest
oodt
her
e

“
Whyar
eyoupoi
nti
ngagunonme?
”

Me:“Shutup!
”Oneguni
sonhi
sheadandanot
heri
sonhi
sspi
ne.Hecamet
ofi
nishmeof
f.I
'
ll
deal

wi
tht
oni
ght
.

Hemov
es.

Me:
“Isai
ddon'
tmov
eory
ouwantt
ofi
ghtwi
thme?
”

Hewentt
oswi
tchont
hel
i
ght
.

Hemustnott
estme.
..

Me:
“Babe!
”

Ial
mostshothi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Aren'
tyousupposedt
obesl
eepi
ng?
”I'
m shaki
ngt
hemot
orbi
kemademesuspi
cious
aft
er

whathet
oldmet
hatni
ght
.

Me:
“Iwaswai
ti
ngf
ory
ou”

Iwentt
oki
tchent
odr
inkwat
erandIcal
meddown.

Si
l
ence.

Me:“Ev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
l
.Whyar
eusi
ngmot
orbi
ke?
”Inev
ersawhi
mri
dingamot
orbi
keandI
don'
t

t
hinkheownsone.
Samkel
o:“
Ilef
tmycaratKat
’sIt
ookmymot
orbi
ke.Whyar
eyouupatt
hist
ime?
”

Wai
ti
ngf
orhi
misacr
imenow?

Me:
“Icoul
dn'
tsl
eep”

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m goi
ngt
otakeshower
”

Iknowt
hat
.

Me:
“Okay
”

Hewentt
otakeashower
.Iwentt
othr
owanempt
yicecr
eam t
ubt
oadustbi
nint
heki
tchen.I
went

backtolounget
hinki
ngofwhathappenedwhi
l
eagocan'
tbel
i
eveIal
mostshothi
m butI
thoughti
t

anenemyorsomet
hugwhowast
aki
ngchances.

Isatonacoucht
hinki
nghar
d.

Samkel
o:“
Babewhati
sgoi
ngt
oourbedr
oom?
”

Oht
hatIf
orgott
hemi
nut
eheswi
tchedont
hel
i
ght
.

Samkel
o:“
Babe!
”

He'
sinf
rontofme.

Hewrappedabl
uet
owel
aroundhi
swai
st.
..
.Hi
ssi
xpacki
sli
kechocol
atebar
sandhe'
sdamn
hoti
n

t
hatt
owel
..
.

Samkel
o:“
CanIpl
easehav
ewat
er”

Iwentt
otakeabot
tl
eofwat
eri
nthef
ri
dge.Ir
emembermypl
antt
hat
’swhyIwaswai
ti
ngf
or
hi
m.I

wentbackt
othet
vroom andIst
oodi
nfr
ontofhi
m andgav
ehi
m wat
er.Heopenedt
hebot
tl
e
and

dr
ank.

If
ast
enedmyr
obe.
..
.
Heal
mostgotchokedonwat
er.

Samkel
o:“
Babe.
..
”Isatonhi
m andf
acehi
m.

Ist
art
edt
oki
sshi
m.Af
terawhi
l
eHepul
l
edout
.

Samkel
o:“
Babey
ou'
l
lgethur
t.
..
.”Ishuthi
m upwi
thaki
ss.

Me:
“I'
m okaymydoct
orconf
ir
medy
est
erdaybabe”Iki
ssedhi
m agai
n.

Weshar
edadeepandpassi
onat
eki
ss.

Samkel
o:“
Buty
ousai
d..
..
”hedi
dn'
tfi
nishhi
ssent
encemyhandswer
erunni
ngov
erhi
supper
body
.

Me:
“Il
i
edt
oyoubecauseIwant
edt
opl
anaspeci
alni
ghtf
orus”

Ourey
esl
ocked.Hi
shandswer
eov
ermybr
eastmyback.
..

Weki
ssed.
..
.

Thi
ngsheat
edup.Hi
shandswe'
reonmyt
highs.
..
.Hest
opped.What
'snow?Hel
ookedonmy
l
eft

t
high.

Samkel
o:“
I’
ll
kil
lhi
m”Thatwascol
d.Hedoesn’
tscar
emeany
mor
e.

Me:
“Itwi
l
lnev
ergoawaybabesoy
ou'
l
lhav
etoaccepti
t”I
'
m st
il
lonhi
slaps.

Iki
ssedhi
m sl
owl
yandIpul
l
edaway
.Ourey
esl
ockedgai
n.Het
ookofmyr
obe.

Samkel
o:“
You'
resosexy
”hebi
teshi
slowerl
i
p.

Hest
oodupwi
thmei
nasecondmyl
egswer
ear
oundhi
swai
sthewentt
oourbedr
oom.Heput
me

downsogent
lyi
nsi
det
her
osepet
alsandhequi
ckl
ywentt
otaket
hecont
inent
alandcushi
ons
fr
om

ourbed.HewasnakedandIwasst
il
lonmyl
i
nger
ie.

Samkel
o:“
Nev
ert
houghtI
'
lll
ovesomeonel
i
key
ou”hepeckedmyl
i
ps.

Het
ookast
rawber
ryanddunki
tont
hecr
eam andf
edmeandIdi
dthesame.Webot
honone

cont
inent
al.

Me:
“Il
ovey
oumygangst
er”Iki
ssedhi
m.
Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyout
oomygangst
erkazi
”

Webot
hbust
edoutl
aughi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Wehav
etomakeourr
ulest
oday
”

What
'shi
sonabout
?

Samkel
o:“
Fir
stl
ywehav
etot
akeshowert
oget
hernomat
terwe'
rehappyornot
”

Il
augh.

Me:
“Wedon'
tkeepsecr
etsf
rom eachot
her
”

Hej
ustl
ooksatmehe'
snotsmi
l
ing.

Samkel
o:“
Wedon'
tgot
obedangr
yandwesol
veev
ery
thi
ngher
e.Thi
sisourcour
troom”

Il
aughbecausehe'
stheonewhousedt
omaket
hingst
hatmakesmemad.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
lov
eandpr
otectwi
thev
erydayIhav
e”

Il
ookathi
m.

Us:
“I'
l
ldi
efory
ou”

Wel
ookedateachandwebot
hlaughedout
.Igotont
opofhi
m ourey
esl
ockedagai
n.

He'
snakednow.
..
.Hi
sski
nissowar
m..
..
Hishandi
sgoi
ngup.
..
.

FuckI
'
m wet
.

Chapt
er17

Me:“
Ahh.
..
”hei
slooki
ngmei
nmyey
esashest
art
stomov
esl
owl
yandgent
ly.We'
reki
ssi
ng.
He

st
art
stomov
eal
i
ttl
efast
erI
'
m weaknowcan'
tev
enl
ookathi
m.

He'
smovi
ngf
ast
ernowhet
urnedmet
osl
eepwi
thsi
deonel
egwasupandhewasi
nagai
n..
..
Hewas

mov
ingf
ast
ergr
oani
ngsol
oudunt
ilwebot
hcame.Af
tert
hef
ir
stgl
oryhegotuponhi
swayt
o

bat
hroom het
urnedhi
sheadandsai
d"I
'
m notdonewi
thy
ou"l
ooki
ngdownatme.

WhenhecameoutIgotupandmademywayt
obat
hroom t
ofr
eshenup.If
oundhi
mlay
ingon
bed
naked.

Me:
“Sor
rypl
easemov
e”

Helaughedf
ir
standmov
edandIt
ookt
heduv
ett
othesof
abecausei
tshotandwe'
regoi
ngt
o
busy

i
nthi
sbed.

Samkel
o:“
Comeher
e”hest
ret
chedhi
sar
m.

Il
ovehi
m somuchev
ent
houghhemessest
hingsupsomet
imesbutIl
ovehi
m wi
thal
lmyhear
t.
He

t
ookmyhandandmademesl
eepi
nbet
weenofhi
slegsandmybackonhi
schest
.

Hebr
eat
hesonmyl
eftear
.

Samkel
o:“
Imi
ssedy
ousomuch”

Imissedhi
mtoo.Weshar
edabedbutwehav
en'
thadsexi
namont
hand1weekbuthewas
hol
ding

hi
mselfbecausehet
houghthe'
l
lhur
tmebutt
hatwasni
ceofhi
mjustt
otakeof
fsomet
ime
fr
om sex.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksf
ort
hisspeci
alni
ghtbabeIr
eal
l
yappr
eci
atei
t”

He'
ssor
elaxednow.

Me:
“Nothav
ingsexwasf
rust
rat
ingy
ou?
”It
ri
edt
ohol
dmy
sel
ffr
om l
aughi
ng.

Hel
aughsl
oud.

Samkel
o:“
Toomuch.Looki
ngatal
loft
hisbutnotget
ti
nganyi
sal
i
fesent
ence"
-hesayhi
shand

mov
ingf
rom mybr
eastt
omyst
omach.
..

Mhm Ial
way
sknewhi
sweakness.Hest
art
edonmynecksoheknowsmyweakestpoi
nt.
..
.

Thi
sti
meIwasont
opmaki
ngmyt
err
it
oryandwehadoursecondgl
oryi
nbed.

Ihopei
t’
snothi
mtr
yingt
owakemeupbycal
l
ingme.
..
..
..
.

Ipat
tedonbed.He'
sont
hebed.Hecanbechi
l
dishandannoy
ingsomet
imes.Ar
ghi
t’
shi
s
phoneri
ng

t
one.
Iwentt
othebat
hroom t
opee.

Samkel
o:“
Eit
a”Whocal
lmymani
nthemor
ning?Whocanaskagangst
ert
hatquest
ion?

Samkel
o:“
FuckIf
orgotpl
easegof
etchherandt
akeheroutf
orbr
eakf
ast
”

Ican'
thearwhohei
stal
ki
ngont
hephone.Iwentbackt
obed.

Samkel
o:“
Voet
sek.Sur
e”hey
awnedandhungup.

Het
urnedt
olookatmebutIwasn'
tfaci
ngonhi
sdi
rect
ion.

If
elthi
shandgr
abbi
ngmyass.

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningmyl
ove"

I
'
m pr
etendi
ngt
obeasl
eep.Hesepar
atedmyt
highswi
thonehand.

If
elthi
minsi
de.Iopenedmyey
est
olookathi
m hei
sont
opofme.

Samkel
o:“
Youdon'
tl
iket
his?
”

Ourl
i
psmetandheknowst
hatIdon'
tl
iket
obedi
stur
bedwhenI
'
m sl
eepi
ngbutIwon'
tsayno
t
o

mor
ningsex.

Nev
er!

Afterourmor
ninggl
orywewentt
otakeshowert
oget
herandcont
inuedwi
thourt
hing.Af
ter
taking

showerImadebed.

Samkel
o:“
Ifor
gott
ofet
chmysi
steronAi
rpor
tbutKatf
etchedher
”

Iassumei
tKatwhohewasspeaki
ngt
oear
lyon.

Samkel
o:“
They
'l
lbeher
einany
timef
rom now”

Me:
“Okaybabe”Imademywayt
otheki
tchent
omakebr
eakf
ast
.

I'
m sohungr
yandIknowhei
saf
tert
heni
ghtwehad.Hewentt
ost
udybutIt
hinkheneedst
o
check

hi
semai
l
s.WhenIwasaboutt
ocal
lhi
m hecamei
n.

Samkel
o:“
It
’ssmel
l
ssoni
ceandI
'
m sof
ami
shed”hesl
i
deshandsundert
hedr
essI
'
m wear
ing

If
orgott
owearapant
y.
Samkel
o:“
Yout
urnmeonbabewi
tht
hist
hingofy
our
s”hi
spat
ter
nofbr
eat
hinghaschanged.
..

Me:
“Wehav
etoeatbabe”It
ri
edt
omov
ebuthehol
dsmet
ight
.

Hepul
l
edupmydr
essandI
'
m exposedonmybackbutl
ucki
l
ywe'
rebehi
ndt
hest
oveandwe
ar
e

f
aci
ngont
hedi
rect
ionoft
hemai
ndoor
.

Hemademebendandst
ret
chmyl
egsal
i
ttl
ebi
tandhewaspl
ayi
ngwi
thmycl
i
t.Mi
nut
eshe
wasi
n

pumpi
ngsohar
dandIwast
ryi
ngnott
oletoutl
oudmoansbuthe'
sgoodi
nst
eal
i
ngheknowsi
t

bet
teri
fyouknowwhatImean.

Hecamef
ir
standhewassel
fi
sh.Mxm!

Samkel
o:“
Thatwasgr
eat
estbr
eakf
ast
”hepul
l
edoutanddi
sappear
ed.

Wt
f?

Whataboutme?

OkayI
'
llgethi
m.Imustf
reshenup.

Iwenttobat
hroom att
heendoft
hepassagewhenIcamebackhewasal
readyeat
ing.Iwas
bri
efed

abouthi
ssi
sterhewasal
readyeat
ing.Iwasbr
ief
ed

abouthi
ssi
stersoImustbeni
cet
oagl
amor
oussi
sterofhi
s.

Sheisper
fecti
nherpi
ctur
esbutI
'
llwai
ttoseef
acet
ofacemay
beshei
sphot
ogeni
cwho
knowsthe

doorbel
lrangwhi
l
ewe'
reeat
inghewentt
oat
tendt
hedooraf
tert
hatIhear
dlaughssoI
assumedi t

washi
ssi
bli
ngs.

Si
gh.

SonowImustl
aughonusel
esst
hingsj
ustt
obef
ri
endl
y.

Thando:
“Ineedt
orest
"

Whatagr
eataccent
.
Ithi
nkshe'
sgoi
ngt
otheki
tchenandIneedt
ocl
eanher
ebef
oreIgo.I
'
llgi
vet
hem spacej
ustt
o
catch

up.

Wow!

She'
ssoper
fectbeaut
if
ulandwel
l
-st
ruct
uredwi
thf
latt
ummyandcur
ves.I
'
m sogr
atef
ult
hat
she'
s

herbr
otherorel
seIwoul
d'
vel
osti
tinasecond.

Thando:
“Hi
”af
lat“
hi”f
rom her
.

Me:
“Hey
”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Ihopey
out
rav
ell
edwel
l
”

Shegi
vesmesomel
ook.

Thando:
“Yeahsur
e”

Okay
.

Imustshutup.Katcamei
ntot
heki
tchenandIgr
eet
edhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Babedoy
ouhav
epl
ansf
ort
oday
?”

Shechokedonherj
uice.

Me:
“CanIgety
ousomet
hingt
odr
ink?
”IaskedKat
.

Kat
:“Or
angej
uicepl
ease”

Hewentt
othel
ounge.

Me:
“YesbabeI
'
m doi
ngl
unchwi
thThabi
”

Hesmi
l
es.

Thando:
“She'
syourgi
rl
fr
iend?
”shel
ookedatmel
i
keI
'
m cr
azyorsomet
hing.Whatdoest
hat
mean.

Samkel
o:“
Yeahshe'
smygi
rl
fr
iendhernamei
sNompendul
o”

Het
ookmyhandandhel
dit
.

Thando:
“Mhm okay
..
.”shel
eftagl
assont
heki
tchencount
erandwentt
otheguest
room.
HetookKat
'sj
uicet
ohi
mint
hel
ounge.Shegi
vesmesomel
ookst
hatIdon'
tunder
standi
t’
s
l
ikeI
'm

crazy
.Iwentt
oourbedr
oom f
etchedmybagandIwentgav
etot
hel
oungeIbi
dthem goodby
es
to

Kathi
m aki
ssont
hecheekandIwentof
f.

I
'
llgouni
nvi
tedt
oThabi
'
sIhopeshewon'
tmi
nd.

IwentEngenf
il
li
ngst
ati
onaf
tert
hatIwentof
f.

Myphonei
sri
ngi
ng….

Spi
kes:
“NompsI
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lTaKatandSKbutIdon'
tgethol
doft
hem”

Me:
“Theyar
etoget
herIl
eftt
hem atmyhouse”

Spi
kes:
“Spi
derwasi
nvol
vedi
nacaracci
denti
nthi
smor
ning”

Me:“
What
?Wehav
en'
thear
ditt
hanksf
orl
ett
ingmeknow.I
'
m dr
ivi
ngI
'
llcal
lyouwhenIget
home”

weendedt
hecal
l
.

It
ookaU-
tur
nqui
ckl
y.Thi
sisnotcoi
nci
dencei
tcan'
tbe.Spi
deri
sAv
elawecal
lhi
mthatmost
oft
ime

becausehe'
ssogoodonj
umpi
ngi
ntoot
her
shouses.

Whenyouneedsomeonewhowi
l
lbr
eaki
nyouj
ustcal
lhi
m becausenomat
tert
hehousei
s
f
enced

wi
thel
ect
ri
cfencehegoesi
nsot
hat
'
swhywecal
lhi
m Spi
der
.

It
ri
edtocal
lSK(
Samkel
o)andKatIdi
dn'
tgethol
doft
hem al
so.It
hinkSamkel
olef
thi
sphone
i
nthe

bedr
oom Idon'
tknowKat
'sst
ory
.

WhenIgothomeIf
oundt
hem wat
chi
ngamov
iewi
tht
hei
rsi
ster
.

Me:
“Av
elawasi
nvol
vedi
nacaracci
dentt
hismor
ning”

Iknowweal
way
sar
guebutIenj
oyhi
scompany
.

Them:
“What
?”

Kat
:“Thandogot
oyourr
oom”
Shegi
veshi
m ani
rr
it
ati
ngl
ook.

Kat
:“Now!
”

Shegotupanddi
sappear
ed.

Me:
“Thi
sisnotacoi
nci
dencesomeoneoutt
her
ewant
susdead”

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Itmi
ghtbe”

Kat
:“Ur
gentmeet
ingt
odayat20:
00”

Thandowi
l
lgot
oThabi
’
shouseandi
tsunnegot
iabl
e.

He'
sbasedonJobur
gsoj
ustupdat
edKatsay
inghei
sal
i
vebuti
ncoma.Spi
derwaswor
kingon
t
hat

si
def
orf
ewmont
hs.

Kattol
dSakhi
tosendmor
eguy
stoNet
car
eSunni
nghi
l
lHospi
tal
incaset
hosepeopl
ewantt
o
fi
nish

hi
m of
f.

Sakhi
isl
eadi
ngt
hegangont
hatsi
de.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--

Ideci
dedt
ocal
lmom becauseIl
astspoket
oheraweekback.Shehasbeenbusywi
thLor
d
knows

what
.

Mom:
“Ihav
eabusi
nesspl
anandbudgett
ost
artmybusi
ness”

Me:
“Heymom”Shel
aughs.

Mom:
“Ihopey
ou'
regood”

Me:
“I'
m goodmom Ihopey
ou'
regoodt
oo”

Mom:
“Yeah.Let
'st
alkbusi
nessnow”Okaybusi
nesswoman.

Mom:
“I'
l
lopenanev
ent
scompanywhi
chwi
l
ldeal
wit
hcat
eri
ngdécor
sandpl
anni
ngev
ent
s”

Asi
fsheneedsmoneybuti
fshewant
sthati
t’
sokayshe'
l
lgeti
t.

Me:
“Okaymom howmuchmoneyy
ou'
l
lneedt
ost
art
?”
Mom:
“R100000butI
'
m notsur
eabouti
titmi
ghti
ncr
ease”That
'speanut
stome.

Me:
“Nopr
obl
em mom pl
easecal
lmewheny
ou'
redonedoi
ngcal
cul
ati
ons”

Mom:
“Justl
i
ket
hat
?”Whatshei
sonaboutnow?

Mom:
“It
houghty
ou'
l
lcompl
ainbuty
ou'
renotori
t’
sbecauseoft
hatmanofy
our
s”

Me:“I
'
m wor
kingmom andwhyIcan'
tgi
vey
out
hatmoney
.Mom Ihav
etogoI
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
”I
say

andhungup.

Wheew!

I
ts17:
40pm soIneedt
opr
epar
esomet
hingf
ori
stoeatbef
orewegot
othemeet
ing.Thando
was

fet
chedbyThabi
'
schauf
feurat16:
30pm soI
'
llr
elax.Shehasf
ewhour
sher
ebutIcandef
ineher
.
That

spoi
l
tbr
atcal
l
edThandoshecan'
tev
enwasht
hegl
assshewasusi
ng.

Iwon'tbecl
eani
ngaf
terherI
'
m nothermai
d.ShehasSamkel
o'
svoi
ceshecan'
twhi
sper
becauseher

v
oicei
sdeepandl
oud.She'
sli
keamer
mai
dshehasr
oundf
acewi
thbi
gey
esandasmal
lpi
nk
l
i
ps

wit
hsmal
lnoi
seshedon'
tneedt
ousebr
abecauseherbr
east
sar
esosmal
lwi
thaf
latt
ummy
and

hav
ehi
pswi
thbi
gassbutIcant
ell
thatshei
slazy
.

Samkel
o:“
Babe”hei
scomi
ngf
rom t
hepassaget
owar
dst
hel
ounge.

He'
syawni
ngandhi
sey
esar
esmal
l
.

Samkel
o:“
Whyy
oul
eftmeal
onei
nbed?
”hesatnextt
ome.

Me:
“Idi
dn'
twantt
oint
err
upty
oubabeIknowy
ou'
ret
ir
ed”

I
'
m eat
ingi
cecr
eam.Hi
shandbr
ushesonmyt
highs.

Me:
“Ev
enwheny
ou'
rehal
fasl
eep”Hel
aughed

Samkel
o:“
Ican'
tgetenoughofy
ou”

Iwentt
otheki
tchenj
ustt
omakehi
m somet
hingqui
ckt
oeat
.Iwon'
tj
oinhi
mint
heshower
because

he'
l
lwantsex.

Ifoundhi
m wat
chi
ngt
henews.Isi
tnextt
ohi
m.I
fhe'
snotwat
chi
ngnewsi
tsPar
li
amentor
soccer

t
hat
'sbor
emet
othecor
e.Wewentt
ogetr
eadyf
ormeet
ingaf
tert
henews

Atlef
tthehouseat19:
00j
ustt
obeear
ly.Iknewaboutourmi
ssi
onswhenIwasr
ecov
eri
ng
fr
om the

shoot
ing.

TaKatcameear
li
ert
oosowhenev
ery
onei
sher
ethemeet
ingwi
l
lst
art
.Af
ter30mi
nut
eswe'
re
al
l

her
esot
hemeet
ingst
art
ed.

Kat
:“Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngher
eatsuchshor
tnot
ice”

Si
l
ence.

Kat
:“Wi
thoutwast
ingt
imet
her
e'ssomet
hingbot
her
ingmeher
e”

I
t’
squi
teher
e.

Chapt
er18

Kat:“Nompewasshotl
astmont
handSpi
derwasi
nvol
vedi
nacaracci
dentf
eeday
sagoi
t
can'
tbea

coi
nci
dencei
t’
sapl
ansomeoneoutt
her
eisbey
ingf
orourbl
ood”

Si
l
ence.

Kat
:“Ineedsomepoi
ntsi
deasorany
thi
ngt
owor
konaboutcat
chi
ngwhoev
eri
sbehi
ndt
his”

Spi
kes:“TaIhav
en’
thear
daboutt
henewr
ival
yetbutIt
hinkt
hishast
odowi
thKGbuthei
s
st
ri
king

usi
ndi
rect
”

Hehasapoi
ntt
her
e.

Kat
:“Wewer
eal
li
nvol
vedi
nat
tacki
ngandst
eal
from t
hem butt
hisi
sper
sonal
”
Hi
sphoner
ings.Hespokeov
ert
hephonebuthi
sfacechangedwhenhewasov
ert
hephone.

Kat
:“What
?I'
l
lcomet
omor
row”hehungupaf
ter
.

Si
l
ence

Kat
:“Spi
deri
sincomaandhi
scondi
ti
oni
sdet
eri
orat
ing”

OkayI
nmyt
hought
swhyIkeept
hinki
ngt
hatSpi
derandIwewer
etar
get
ed?Butwhoandwhy
?

Me:
“TaKat
”Idi
dn'
tmeant
otel
lhi
mthi
swi
thoutconf
ir
mingmyt
hought
s.

Kat
:“YesNomps”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“It
’saper
sonal
vendet
ta”

Kat
:“Butwhobecausewehav
emanyenemi
es”

SK:
“It
’sKG”Iwoul
dn'
tsur
viv
eifi
twashi
m andi
t’
snothi
sst
ylebutwhoi
sitt
hen?

No.
..
..
..
..

Me:
“Iwasshotbyanamat
euri
fitwasapr
oIwoul
dn'
tsur
viv
e..
..
”

Fuck!

Me:
“Thi
shassomet
hingt
odowi
thLuxol
o'
sdeat
h”

Kat
:“I
tmi
ghtbebutwehav
etobesur
e”

SK:“Remembersheor
gani
segasonhi
sfami
l
yandSpi
derwashel
pinghert
obr
eaki
nthat
house”

Andi
l
e:“
Whot
oldt
hem t
hatki
ndofI
nfo?
”

Me:“WhenIwasshott
hosepeopl
eknewt
hatIwasdr
ivi
ngmy
sel
fandt
heyknewt
her
out
eI'
m
usi
ng

whenIgot
owor
k”

Kat:
“I'
l
lgettobot
tom oft
his.I
'
m goi
ngt
oJobur
gtomor
rowt
her
ear
ethi
ngst
hatIhav
eto
at
tendthat

si
de”

Aft
erthemeet
ingwewentt
oourcarbecausewemeetf
ir
stgot
oourhouset
hengot
oThabi
'
s
house
t
opi
ckupThando.Tomor
rowIwi
l
ltakeheroutt
obr
eakf
ast
.Ineedt
oknowherbet
ter
.

WhenIwokeuphewasnoti
nbed.If
orgott
hathemustt
akeKatt
oai
rpor
t.

Iwastol
dthatbi
gfouri
scomi
ngher
eandAndi
l
e'spar
ent
sar
eint
own.Ihear
dthatAndi
l
e's
mother

l
ovesLwal
uhl
etoomuchbutIt
hinki
t’
sbecausehe'
sacl
oneofOkuhl
e.

Imadebedandt
ookashowerIputaski
nnyj
eanwi
thpi
nkt
-shi
rtandsl
i
pper
s.Il
i
kemyf
eett
o
be

comf
ort
abl
eespeci
all
ywhenI
'
mindoor
s.

Me:
“Mor
ning”Igr
eet
edThandowhenIf
oundheri
ntheki
tchen.

Thando:
“Mor
ning”

Me:
“Canwepl
easegooutf
orbr
eakf
ast
”

Shej
ustl
ookedatmel
i
keI
'
m cr
azy
.

Thando:
“Al
readyhav
epl
ans”

Okay
.Shewentt
oopent
hef
ri
dge.

Me:
“Wecandol
uncht
hen”Iwentt
het
osi
nkt
ocl
eant
hatmess.

Shecamet
othesi
nkwher
eIwasst
andi
ng.

Thando:“
Sor
ryIwon'
tdobr
eakf
astl
unchorsupperwi
thy
ou.Whodoy
out
hinky
ouar
e?My
fr
iend?
”

sher
oll
edherey
es.

Si
gh.

I'
l
lmakebr
eakf
astj
usti
ncasehecomebackhungr
y.WhenIwasbusymaki
ngbr
eakf
asthe
camein

t
heki
tchen.

Samkel
o:“
Babe”

Iwasgoi
ngupanddownpr
epar
ing

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou”hegr
abbedmyar
m.

Me:
“Huh?
”
Samkel
o:“
What
'sst
ressi
ngy
ouout
”

What
?

Me:
“I'
m okaybabe”

Samkel
o:“
Theycal
l
edy
ou?
”

He'
stal
ki
ngbutIcan'
tpayat
tent
iononwhat
'shei
ssay
ing.

Samkel
o:“
Babewhati
sgoi
ng?
”

Ihear
dnoi
secomi
ng.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Sis’
Nompe”

Me:
“It
houghty
ou'
l
lbeher
eonl
uncht
ime”

They
'r
eal
lher
eint
heki
tchen.

Mbuso:
“You'
resuchadar
li
ngy
oumadeal
lthi
sforus”

What
?

Ican'
tbel
i
eveImadesomuchf
oodbutIdi
dn'
tknowt
hatt
heywer
ecomi
ng.Theyal
ldi
shedup
and

wentt
odi
ningr
oom Samkel
odi
shedupf
orme.

Whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thme.

Bi
gFour
:“YourMaj
est
y!”t
heysai
dwhent
heysawher
.

Thando:
“Voet
sek!
”

Theyl
aughedexceptme.

Iat
emybr eakf
astaf
tert
hatIwentt
othest
udybecauset
heyof
fer
edt
ocl
eanaf
tereat
ing.
Checked

myemai
l
sit
swor
krel
atedandIr
espondedt
osomeoft
hem.

Hi
schai
rher
ehel
psmet
orel
ax.Ineedt
omakesomecal
l
.

Me:
“Spi
kes”

Spi
kes:
“Nomps”

Me:
“Cany
oupl
easef
indsomei
nfor
mat
ionaboutLux
olo'
sbr
other
s?”
Spi
kes:
“Yeahsur
e.I
'
llcal
lyoui
fIhav
esomet
hingt
angi
ble”

Me:
“Okaysur
e”Ihungup.

Luxol
o'
sfami
l
yorbr
other
sar
etheonl
yonewhocant
ryt
oki
l
lbecausei
t’
snotKG'
sst
yle.

“
Yout
hinki
t’
stheMbangat
ha'
s”

WhenIt
urnt
hechai
rtof
aceonhi
sdi
rect
ionhewasst
andi
ngt
her
e.

Me:
“Mygut
scan'
tbewr
ongbabe”Ist
oodup.

Samkel
o:“
That
'swhyy
oumadet
hatbr
eakf
astandy
ouseemedst
ress”

Me:
“I'
mfi
nebabeandpl
easedon'
tst
ressaboutmeI
’
m okay
”

We'
rest
andi
ngl
ooki
ngateachot
her
'sey
es.Het
ookmyhandandwentt
othel
oungeandwe
f
ound

t
hem t
her
e.

Samkel
o:“
LunchatAndi
l
e'shouse”

Hissi
steri
sgi
vi
ngmesomest
aresIdon'
tunder
standbuti
t’
snotni
cei
tsr
udet
ost
areat
someone

maki
ngsomedi
sgustf
aci
alexpr
essi
ons.Shehasbeendoi
ngt
hatsi
nceshear
ri
vedy
est
erday
.

Me:
“FastandFur
ious7?
”

Il
ovet
hatmov
ie.Il
oveact
ionSci
-Fi
hor
rormov
iesIdon'
tl
iker
omcoms!YesI
'
m agi
rl
.

Thando:
“Ineedt
owat
chTwi
stofFat
e”shet
ookr
emot
econt
rol
andshechangedt
hechannel
.

Weal
lj
ustl
ookedher
.

Me:
“I'
l
lbei
nmyr
oom”Ist
oodup.

I
'l
lwatchthemov
iet
omyr
oom becausewehav
etvt
her
eandshewon'
tcomeher
etocause
nonsense.

Iwon'
tbebul
l
iedbyher
.

……………………….
Whyshewant
stoshootherbr
other
?I'
l
lki
l
lhermy
sel
fIwon'
tl
etany
onet
oki
l
lmy

manevenitmeansi
t’
shi
ssi
ster
.Whoi
sher
?Whyshei
spoi
nti
ngagunonKat
'shead?Thei
r
onl
ysi
ster

i
sbet
ray
ingt
hem t
othecommi
ssi
onerbuthowdi
dshef
oundoutorshewasdat
ingoneoft
he
guy
s?

o.
..
..I
'
llf
ightj
ustt
osav
emymanandhi
sbr
other
s..
..Pl
easedon'
tshoothi
m..
.Pl
easedon'
t
...
.If
one

ofusmakei
twi
l
l.
..
.Nooooooooooo!
!!
!!

“
Babe”

Someonei
sshaki
ng.
..

“
Babewakeup!
”hei
sshaki
ngme…

Ihopet
hatwasadr
eam.

Samkel
o:“
Wakeupy
ou'
rehav
ingadr
eam”

ThanksGodIwasdr
eami
ngbutIdi
dn'
tl
ikei
t.

I
'
m sweat
ing.

Samkel
o:“
Youseemedshockedandwor
ri
ed.Whatwasy
ourdr
eam about
?”

Idon'
thav
etot
ell
him butIwi
l
lany
way
.

WhenI
'
minhi
schestIt
ell
him al
lev
ery
thi
ngIdon'
tknowwhy
.

Me:“I
twasl
i
kewewer
eki
dnappedandy
oursi
sterwant
edt
oshowy
ouandsomeot
hergi
rlI
don'
t

know.Ther
ewascommi
ssi
oneri
nthatdr
eam andi
twasseemedy
oursi
sterwaswor
kingwi
th
him

andsomeonewasshotbutIdon'
tknowwhowasi
t”

Idon'
tl
iket
ohav
edr
eamsl
i
ket
hatbecausedr
eamshappensomet
imes.

Samkel
o:“
Comeher
e”hest
ret
chedhi
shand.

Iwentt
ohi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Don'
twor
ryi
twasj
ustadr
eam babe”

Iwenttobat
hroom t
ofr
eshenupandIwor
eat
ightmar
oondr
essbel
owmykneesandbl
ack
gl
adiat
ors

andIneat
lyt
iedmyDr
ead'
s.

Andi
l
e'sf
atherandMnt
ungwaar
efr
iendsandt
heywer
eoncecol
l
eagues.Theybot
hwer
eci
vi
l
engi
neer
ssot
hat
'swhyKatmadeAndi
l
ehi
sri
ght
-handman.They
'r
epr
act
ical
l
ybr
other
s.

Me:
“I'
mreadyt
ogo”If
oundt
hem i
nthel
ounge.

Nowwear
ewai
ti
ngf
orThando.

Samkel
o:“
Thandocomenoworwe'
l
lgowi
thouty
ou”

Thando:
“HaaahI
'
m her
e!”

Wow!

Shelookssobeaut
if
ul.She'
sthatgi
rlwhodr
esst
oimpr
essev
eni
fshe'
swear
ingaski
nnyj
ean
wit
h

whi
teshi
rtandhi
ghheel
s.Herweav
eisonpoi
ntandmani
cur
eandt
hatpi
nkl
i
pst
icksui
tsher
wi
th

t
hosecut
eli
psofher
s.

Thando:
“OkayI
'
m her
elet
'sgo”

I
'
lldr
ivet
hisbeaut
if
ulbl
ackBMW M5.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ousur
eyou'
l
lbef
inedr
ivi
ngt
hatcar
?”heaskedasIt
ookt
hekey
s.

Me:
“Atsomet
imeIhav
etodr
ivei
tjustt
oputpastbehi
ndme"

Theyal
ll
ookedatme.

Zamo:
“Icandr
ive”

Me:
“I'
mfi
ne”

Hecamet
ocheckonmeasIst
art
edt
hecarandIt
oldhi
mthatI
'
mfi
ne.ZamoLwandi
l
eandI
we'
re

i
nthesamecarandI
'
m dr
ivi
ng.ThandoSamkel
oSpheandMbusoar
ebehi
nduswi
tht
heot
her
car
.

Wi
ndowsar
etai
ntedi
nthi
scar
.Hemadet
hatwhenIwasi
nhospi
tal
hewhenIwasdi
schar
ged.

Memoriescomef
lashi
ngi
nmymi
nd.Imustbest
rongI
'
m agangst
erI
'
mtoughIwon'
tbe
i
nti
midated

byt
hesel
i
ttl
ethi
ngs.

Whenwegott
oThabi
'
sshewassweat
ingherbut
tont
heki
tchent
ryi
ngt
oimpr
essMot
her
-i
n-l
aw
(
Mamezal
a).Ihear
dthatshe'
sver
yfondofThabi
.Iwentt
her
etogr
eett
heel
der
sandIl
eftt
hem
went

t
otheki
tchent
ohel
pThabi
.

Thabi
:“Ei
I'
m al
mostdonenow”

MaNgemawi
l
lbei
mpr
essedher
e.MaNgemai
sAndi
l
e'smot
herandLwal
uhl
eisonherar
ms.
That

chi
l
dwi
l
lbespoi
l
edt
othecor
e.

Me:
“I'
l
lhel
ptosett
het
abl
e”Iwentt
othedi
ningr
oom.

Iwantedt
ocookf
ormymanbuthe'
sgoi
ngt
oDur
bant
hisaf
ter
noon.Hemustdoanappeal
on
cour
t

f
orhi
scl
i
ent
.

Thabi
:“Thanksmngani
”

Af
tersomemi
nut
esshewasdone

Sponsor
ed

andev
ery
onewasondi
ningt
abl
esi
tedsot
hel
unchwasser
ved.I

wasi
ntr
oducedasKaMazi
bukot
oAndi
l
e'spar
ent
sbySamkel
o.

Thedoor
bel
l
...
.

Thando:
“I'
l
lgoandgeti
t”shegotupqui
ckl
y.

May
bet
heyi
nvi
tedot
her
s.

Gi
rl
:“Hel
l
o”

Ev
eryonei
nthet
abl
ewasshockedt
oseeherexceptThabi
andme.Al
lthemar
ecommuni
cat
ing
wi
th

t
hei
rey
esbuti
t’
sdon'
tunder
standwhy
.

Shewentt
ogetachai
rforher
.Shei
sbeaut
if
ulIcansayshei
sthi
nwi
thadar
kski
nshel
ooks
l
ikea

model
.

Thabiwentt
ogetapl
atef
orherbutt
heot
her
sher
ear
oundar
enotsmi
l
ingi
ncl
udi
ngt
heBi
g
Four.
West
art
edt
odi
ginandt
hef
oodi
sdel
i
cious.She'
sagr
eatcookerandIl
oveherf
ood.

Sheistheonewhobookedcooki
ngandbaki
ngcl
assesasmybi
rt
hdaypr
esentwhenIwasi
n
ter
ti
ary
.

Thando:
“ThanksThabi
thef
oodwasdel
i
cious”

Thabi
giv
esmeaconf
usedl
ook.

Thando:“
Hernamei
sGl
endashei
smyf
ri
end”Atl
astweknowhernamebutwhyev
ery
onei
s
l
ooking

wor
ri
ed.

TheBigFourexcusedt
hemsel
vesandSamkel
oandAndi
l
ewentt
ost
udyandt
hepar
ent
swent
toput

Lwal
uhl
etobed.

Nextweekhe'
l
lbet
hreemont
hsol
d.

Gl
enda:
“Thabi
you'
rel
ooksobeaut
if
ul”

She'
snott
easi
nghermyf
ri
endi
sbeaut
if
ulandhercompl
exi
onsui
tsherandev
ery
thi
ngi
nher
body

f
itsoper
fect
ly.

Thabi
:“Thanks”

Sheisnotpl
easedbywhatThando'
sdi
d.Shedoesn’
twantst
ranger
sinherespeci
all
ynow
because

t
her
e'sLwal
uhl
eher
e.

Me:
“Whatdoy
ou.
..
.”Idi
dn'
tfi
nishasent
enceandSamkel
ocamei
nsay
ingwemustgohehas
t
o

pr
epar
eforhi
str
ip.

Iwastry
ingt
omakeaconv
ersat
ionbecauseThabi
wasqui
et.Iwentt
osaymygoodby
etot
he
el
ders

andheldLuhl
eforf
ewsecondssowel
eftMbusoathi
sbr
other
'shouseIt
hinkhewant
sto
spend

somet
imewi
thhi
spar
ent
s.

Whenwewentt
oourcar
sshewentt
oleanonSamkel
o'
scart
hathewasusi
ng.Thandoi
s
l
aughi
ng

wi
thherandherl
aughi
sannoy
ingme.

Sphe:
“Whoi
nvi
tedher
?Hecl
osedt
hedoor
.

Shechoset
hef
rontsi
tonSamkel
o'
scar
.Imustkeepcal
m her
ebecauseI
'
m aLADY!

Idroveof
fandhi
scarwasf
oll
owi
ngme.Theywer
etal
ki
ngbutIwasn'
tpay
ingat
tent
iononwhat
they

wer
esay
ing.

Af
tersomewhi
l
e.

Me:
“Whoi
sshe?
”

Si
l
ence.

Di
dn'
ttheyhear
dwhatIsai
d?

Thi
sphone.
..
..
..
..

Me:
“Sur
e”

Myphonei
sont
hespeakersoheknowst
hatI
'
m notal
one.I
fI'
m al
oneorwi
thSamkel
oIcal
l
ed
t
hem

wi
tht
hei
rni
cknamesornamest
heyar
eusi
ngi
nthegang.

Spi
kes:
“Ihav
esomet
hingf
ory
oubutI
'
llsendanemai
l
”

Me:
“Sur
e”

WhatwasIaski
ngbef
oret
hecal
l
...
.Ar
ggh.
..
.If
orgot
?

Whenwegothomeshewaswi
thusIt
houghtShe'
l
lgetof
fatf
il
li
ngst
ati
onorsomet
hingbut
shei
s

her
e.

Samkel
o:“
Babe”

HetookmyhandandIf
oll
owedhi
m asweent
eredi
nthehousesoImustpackhi
slapt
opand
some

paper
sont
hel
apt
op.

Hi
sfl
i
ghti
sat15:
15pm hest
il
lhast
imebuthe'
sbusywi
thsomet
hingIdon’
tknowbutheso
busy
.He

won'
tbeher
eforaweekbuthe'
snoti
nthemoodsoI
'
lll
eav
ehi
mli
ket
hat
.

Samkel
o:“
BabePhi
wewi
l
ldr
ivemet
otheai
rpor
t”

Hest
il
ldoesn’
twantmet
odr
iveal
onebuti
t’
sokayi
fhehasar
rangedPhi
wet
odr
ivehi
m.

Me:
“It
'sokaybabe”

Hetookaqui
ckshower
.Whenhewal
kedoutoft
hecl
osethewaswear
ingabl
ackski
nnyf
it
wi
th

whi
tewi
thgol
dandbl
ackshi
rtandbr
ownf
ormal
shoes.

He'
snoti
nthemood!

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
llcal
lyouwhenIl
and”hesatnextt
omei
nthebed.

Whyhe'
ssor
ushi
ngbecausehest
il
lhast
imebutIwon'
taskhi
m.

Me:
“Pl
easedoandIl
ovey
ou”

Ihopehei
sn'
trushi
ngt
ohi
smeethi
sot
herchi
cki
nDur
ban.Het
ookmyhandagai
nheputhi
s
armto

myshoulderandIwascar
ryi
nghi
slapt
opbagwewentt
othel
oungehet
ookhi
sar
m of
fmy
shoul
der
.

Samkelo:“
Pleasebehav
eyour
sel
vesguy
sI'
m goi
ngt
oDur
banf
orf
ewday
sI'
l
lbebacki
nfew
days”he

f
ixedhi
sshi
rt
.

Theyal
ll
aughexceptGl
enda.

Samkel
o:“
Iputheri
nchar
gef
ort
hesef
ewday
ssopl
easebehav
e”hepoi
ntedme.

Ismi
l
ebutIdon'
tknowwhy
.Wehear
dthecarhootsoIt
hinki
t’
sforhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Bye”If
oll
owedhi
m.

Whenwest
eppedout
side.Hehuggedmeandki
ssedme

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyou”

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
oo”

Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandl
eft
.I'
l
lmi
sshi
m.Theydr
oveof
f.WhenIgoti
nsi
deIhear
dthem
l
aughi
ng

butwhenIgott
her
etheywer
equi
et.

Me:
“I'
m notcooki
ngt
oday
”

Lwandi
l
e:“
I'
ll
ordersomet
hingf
oral
lus”

They'
requi
teandwat
chi
ngabor
ingr
omcom soIneedt
ocheckt
hatemai
lthatwassentear
li
er
on.I

wentt
othest
udyIt
ookmyl
apt
op.

“
SisaandDal
uxol
oMbangat
hat
heywer
eint
ownar
oundt
het
imey
ouwer
eshotandIhear
d
t
hey

j
oined“
THEDESTROYERS”bef
orey
ouwer
eshot
”emai
lcomi
ngf
rom Spi
kes.

Theyj
oinedKG'
sgangt
hati
sourr
ival
gangsot
heywantr
evenge.WhatIdon'
tunder
standi
s
who

t
oldt
hem t
hatIki
l
ledt
hei
rbr
otherunl
esst
her
e'ssomeonewhoi
sleaki
ngi
nfor
mat
ion.

Ineedtocheckt
hei
nsandout
sfr
om t
hewar
ehousehi
ddencamer
asmay
beIcanf
ind
i
nformati
on

t
hatIcanuseorIneedsomeonewhocant
ail
them f
ormej
ustt
oknowev
erymov
etheymake.

Ispentt
wohour
sher
etr
yingt
ofi
gur
eoutort
ryi
ngt
othi
nkonwhatt
odonext
.IfIf
oundouti
ts
them

I'
l
l sentt
wobodybagst
othei
rpar
ent
sfort
hem t
ost
artpr
epar
ingf
ort
wof
uner
alsf
ort
hei
r
stupid

ki
ds.

Gl
enda:
“Ni
cest
udyher
e”Whosai
dthatshemustent
er?

Manner
s?

Me:
“Thanks”

Gl
enda:
“Thesupperi
sher
e”

Ifeel
hungr
yandIneedt
oeatsoI
'
llgo.
..
.ImustgonowbecauseImi
ghtnotgetf
oodbecauseof
the

bi
gfourt
hoseki
dseati
nanot
herwaybutt
heyat
hin.
Lwandi
l
e:“
Ior
der
edpi
zzaandbur
ger
s”

Me:
“Ihopey
ouhav
echi
ckent
her
ebecauseI
'
m al
l
ergi
ctor
edmeat
”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Rel
axy
ou'
resor
ted”hesmi
l
ed.

Thi
sGl
endagi
rli
slooki
ngatmebutwhenIl
ookathershepr
etendsasi
fshewasn'
tl
ookatme.

Iat
emyjunkf
oodsupperaf
tert
hatIwentbackt
ost
udyt
ocont
inuewhatIwasdoi
ngbutI
wasn'
t

f
indi
ngany
thi
ngt
owor
konsoaf
ter22:
30pm Iwentt
ocheckont
hem t
heywer
eont
hepy
jamas
i
n

t
hel
oungei
ncl
udi
ngGl
enda.

I'
mtir
ednowi
t’
sbecauseoft
hatj
unkf
oodIat
esoI
'
llgowat
cht
vinmybedr
oom t
oav
oid
conf
li
ct

bet
weenmeandThando.

Me:
“Pl
easel
ockt
hemai
ndoorbef
orey
ousl
eep”

Theyal
ll
ookedatme.Whatnow?

Them:
“Goodni
ght
”

Iwentt
othebat
hroom andIt
ookshowerf
ir
standIchangedt
oSamkel
oT-
shi
rt
.Imi
ssandI
al
ways

dot
hiswhenhe'
snotar
oundj
ustt
osmel
landf
eel
himt
hroughhi
sT-
shi
rt
.Il
ovehi
m.

Ithel
psmet
ofal
lasl
eepbecausewhenhe'
sar
oundIdon'
tfal
lasl
eepwhenI
'
m noti
nhi
sar
ms
andin

hi
schest
.

Mxm Iwon'
tev
enswi
tcht
hist
vonbecauseI
'
llf
all
asl
eepwhi
l
eit
’son.

WhenIwokeupi
nthemor
ningi
twasqui
etbutIdi
dn’
tpayat
tent
iont
oit
.Iwentt
otheki
tchent
o

makeashakebef
oreImakebr
eakf
ast
.Theyar
eal
way
sawakebyt
hist
ime.Iwentt
ochecki
n
t
he

l
oungebutt
her
ewasnoonet
her
e.

Iwentt
obackt
omybedr
oom t
otakemyphonet
ocal
loneoft
hem may
bet
heywokeupf
ir
st
then
wentf
orbr
eakf
ast
.If
oundmyphoner
ingi
ng.

Me:
“Babe”

Samkel
o:“
Wher
eisLwandi
l
eI’
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofhi
m butnot
hing”

Me:“Iwokeupf
ewmi
nut
esagoandt
hehousei
stooqui
etandIt
houghtt
heywentoutf
or
br
eakfast
”

Samkel
o:“
Okay
.Tr
ytogethol
doft
hem i
fyoudon’
tgetbackt
ome”

Me:
“OkayIwi
l
l”hehungup.

Iwentt
othei
rroomsbutt
heywer
enowher
etobef
ound.It
ri
edt
ocal
lal
loft
hem butnot
hing.

Myphoner
ings…

Me:
“Ei
ta”

Aust
in:
“Pol
i
cear
eont
hei
rwayt
oyourhousemakesur
eev
ery
thi
ngi
sinor
dert
her
e”

Me:
“Thanksbr
aev
ery
thi
ngi
sokay
”

Aust
in:
“Sur
e”hehungup.

It
ri
edt
ocal
lthem butnot
hing.

Myphoner
ings…

Me:
“Ta”i
twasKat

Kat
:“Howcany
oucondonet
hatnonsense?
”

Me:
“Tawhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?”

Kat
:“Yougav
ethem per
missi
ont
ogopar
tyi
ng”

Me:
“Idon’
tknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
”

Thebel
lrang.

Me:
“Ihav
etogo.I
’
llcal
lyoubacknow”

WhenIopenedt
hedoori
twast
woDet
ect
ivesandSer
gent
s.

Det
ect
ive1:
“GoodMor
ning”

Me:
“HowcanIhel
pyougent
lemen?
”

Det
ect
ive1:
“I’
m Det
ect
iveGr
oot
broom andt
hisi
sDet
ect
iveSi
bisi
”
Theseconddet
ect
iveopenedt
hesear
chwar
rantandhegav
emet
hewwar
rant
.

Gr
oot
broom:
“Gent
lemengeti
n.Maket
hisupsi
dedown.Let
’sgett
owor
k”

Ij
ustgav
ethem ast
are.

Myphoner
ings…

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sgoi
ngont
her
e?”Iwentout
sidet
hehouse.

Me:“Idon’
tknowbutt
her
epol
i
ceher
ewi
thsear
chwar
rant
.Theyar
etur
ningev
ery
thi
ngupsi
de
down”

Samkel
o:“
Whydi
dyoual
l
owedt
hem t
ogopar
tyi
ng?
”

Me:
“Idi
dn’
tgi
veany
oneper
missi
ont
ogopar
tyi
ng”

Samkel
o:“
ThandoBi
gFourandGl
endaar
einhol
dingcel
l
saswespeak”

Me:
“What
?”

Samkel
o:“
YeahbutMachet
eandSpi
roar
esor
ti
ngt
hatout
.Ify
oudon’
tknowt
hatt
heyar
enot
ther
e

wher
ewer
eyoul
astni
ghtwhent
heywentout
?”

Me:
“lastni
ghtIdi
dn’
tcookt
heyor
der
edpi
zzaandweat
e.If
eltt
ir
edandsl
eepIwentt
omy
r
oom

t
ookashowerandsl
ept
.Iwokeupwheny
oucal
l
edear
li
eron”

Samkel
o:“
Fuck!It
hinkt
heydr
uggedy
out
henwentt
othepar
tywheny
ouwer
easl
eep”

Me:
“Okay
”thesebr
ats…

Heendedt
hecal
laf
terhet
oldmet
hatSpi
roandMachet
emanagedt
ogett
hem outofhol
ding
cel
l
s.

Thepol
i
cet
ookl
ongaf
tert
heywer
edone.

Chapt
er19

Gr
oot
broom:
“Wedi
dn’
tfi
ndany
thi
ngbutnextt
imey
oubet
hisl
ucky
”

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
“Thanksf
orwast
ingmyt
imeDet
ect
ivesonowpl
easego”
Gr
oot
broom gav
emeast
aref
orav
eryl
ongt
imeaf
tert
heyt
hatt
heyl
eft
.

Ical
l
edAust
inback…

Aust
in:
“Ar
etheydone?
”

Me:
“Theyj
ustl
eft
.Whathappenedex
act
ly?
”

Aust
in:
“Appar
ent
lyt
heBi
gFourThandoandt
hatGi
rlt
heywer
ewi
thwentt
othecl
uby
est
erday
.
They

wer
edr
inki
ngandusi
ngdr
ugs.Spheandot
herboygoti
naf
ightt
her
esthel
pedSphet
obeatup
t
he

boyandtheycal
l
edpol
i
ceont
hem.Lat
erwegotananony
moust
ipofsay
ingt
headdr
essof
yourhouse

sayi
ngt
hear
edr
ugst
her
e.Ispoket
othem ear
li
eronSphesai
dhet
ookt
hedr
ugsbef
oret
hel
eft
for

t
hepar
tymeani
ngwhohav
emadet
hatcal
lwast
her
etoo”

Me:
“Ei
shAust
inIdon’
tknowwhatt
odor
ightnowbutt
hanksmanf
orev
ery
thi
ng”

Aust
in:
“Don’
tthankmeIwasj
ustdoi
ngmyj
obnomps”

Af
tert
hecal
lwi
thAust
inTheBi
gfourThandoandGl
endacamei
n.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Sis’
Nompe?
”

Me:
“Don’
t!Whatt
hef
uckhappened?
”

Lwandi
l
eandSphenar
rat
edt
hest
oryasohear
dfr
om Aust
in.

Thando:
“CanIgot
osl
eepnow?
”It
urnedt
olookatherwi
thr
aisedey
ebr
ows.

Zamo:
“Thandopl
easenotnow”

Thando:
“Idon’
thav
eti
mef
orhernonsenseIneedt
osl
eep”

Me:
“Whatdi
dsay
?I’
mtal
ki
ngnonsensewheny
ourbr
other
saboutt
oski
nmeal
i
veaf
terwhat

happenedwor
seSamkel
o’shousei
samessandal
lyoucar
eabouti
stosl
eep?
”

Thando:“Li
stenher
egi
rl
ieIneedt
osl
eepI
’
lll
i
stent
oyournonsensel
ateron”whenshewas
aboutto

passme.Isl
aphersohar
dsheev
enf
orabal
ancebutshebal
ancedqui
ck.
Me:
“Sayshi
tagai
nyou’
l
lknowme”

Iwentt
othebedr
oom andf
ixedt
hebedandbr
okenl
ambs.Samkel
owi
l
lgocr
aywhenhesees
hi
s

housei
nthi
sst
ate.

WhenIwasaboutt
oent
eri
nthel
ounge.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Pleasebeni
cet
oher
”

Thando:
“Iwon'
tbeni
cet
othatbi
tchshesl
apsmel
astni
ght
.Iwon'
tfor
giv
eher
”

I
tsThandoshe'
stheoneIhi
tlastni
ght
.I'
mthebi
tchnow.

Mbuso:
“Thandopl
easedon'
taddanot
herdr
ama”Hi
svoi
cei
sscr
atchyandhest
utt
erwhenhe

speaks.

Thando:
"Iwon'
ttol
erat
eherandIhav
etocal
lPr
eci
ousj
ustt
oputanendonhernonsense”

Whoi
sPr
eci
ous?

Zamo:
“Lowery
ourv
oiceThando”

Thando:
“She'
sjustagi
rl
fr
iendandPr
eci
ousi
shi
sfi
ancé”

What
?If
eel
li
keI
'
m goi
ngt
olosemymi
ndr
ightnow.Samkel
ohasf
iancé?Howcanhemakeme
t
o

l
ovehi
m whenhepr
omi
sedsomeonemar
ri
age?

Me:
“Whoi
sPr
eci
ous?
”Icamei
nthel
ounge.

Ther
oom wentqui
tet
heywer
eshockedbymyquest
ion.Ineedt
het
rut
hnowbuthe'
l
lnowme.

Me:
“Catgoty
ourt
ongue?
”

Idon'
tthi
nkIcanpr
etendont
hisonet
oSamkel
o.Hecheat
edt
wot
imesandt
oldmet
hathi
s
chi
ld

wasabor
tedandnowt
his.Idi
dn'
tsi
gnupf
ort
hisnonsense.

Theywer
equi
teaf
tert
hatLwandi
l
ewentoutandcamewi
thPl
aySt
ati
onsot
heydon'
twantt
o
tal
k

butIwon'
ttor
tur
ethem aboutt
his.Iwentt
omydesi
gnat
edr
oom andIl
ockedmy
sel
fther
eand
cri
ed.
Ihav
en'
tcr
iedi
nmont
hsbutwhynow?Thewhol
eyearl
yi
ngt
ome.

Nxaat
hatphonei
sannoy
ingnow!

I
tshi
m.Ii
gnor
edhi
sfourcal
l
sandont
hef
if
thcal
lIdeci
dedt
oanswerbecausehewon'
tst
op.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyou”

Me:“Iwassl
eepi
ngt
il
lyoudeci
dedt
owakemeup”ButIdon'
tsoundl
i
ket
heper
sonwhowas
asl
eep.

Samkel
o:“
Iwant
edt
ocheckony
ou”Asi
fhecar
es.

Me:
“Yourhousei
scl
eanandbackt
oit
snor
mal
stat
e”Iwon'
tent
ert
ainhi
m wi
thhi
susel
ess

conv
ersat
ion.

Samkelo:
“I'
m comi
nghomet
omor
row”Idon'
tcar
ehecangot
ohel
lbutt
omor
rowI
'
m goi
ngt
o
work.

Me:
“Sur
e.By
e”Ihangup.

Mypar
ent
swer
eri
ghtwhent
heysai
dImustf
indt
hef
lat
.Ineedi
tnowbutI
'
llgeti
ttoday
!

Hecal
l
edagai
n.

Me:
“Whati
sitnow?
”

Samkelo:
“Whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
”Real
l
ydude?I
'
m goi
ngt
opul
loutmyhai
routoneby
one.
..
.

Me:
“I'
mti
redsoIneedt
osl
eep”

Samkel
o:“
Youwon'
tsl
eepunt
ily
out
ell
mewhat
'sgoi
ngon”

He'
sscar
ingmenow.Hegotner
ves!Idr
oppedhi
scal
lbef
oreanswer
inghi
m.

Bl
oodyt
hug!

Ideci
dedt
owor
kont
hatmi
ssi
on.Ical
l
edmycont
actwhoi
swor
kingatVodacom becauseI
needed

det
ail
sont
hisnumberIwasgi
venbySphe.

Spikesgav
emeanupdat
eMbangat
habr
other
sar
ewor
kingt
oget
herwi
thKG.Ial
sot
hinkt
hat
thi
s

gi
rlwhof
edSphedr
ugsi
swor
kingwi
tht
hem butI
'
llconf
ir
m whenIgetdet
ail
s.
Iwentt
otheki
tchenIneededwat
ert
heywer
eal
li
ntheki
tchent
ryi
ngt
ocook.

Me:
“Wheny
oudonet
ell
meIneedt
ocheckonhi
shouse”Il
eftt
her
oom.

Ineedt
ospeakt
oThabi
buti
t’
ssohar
dtogot
her
ebecauseofhi
spar
ent
s.

I
t’
scan'
tbehi
m agai
n.Ianswer
edwi
thoutchecki
ngt
hecal
l
eri
d.

Me:
“Yeah”

Nont
u:“
Bit
chi
kazi
”Ei
shmay
beI
'
llt
alkt
oher
.

Nont
u:“
What
'sgoi
ngon?
”

Me:
“Toomanypr
obl
emsbutIwanty
out
otel
lmeev
ery
thi
ng”

Nont
u:“
Apr
ili
t’
sthet
radi
ti
onal
cer
emonydoy
our
emember
?”

Sheal
waysr
emi
ndsmebecauseIf
orgotwhenI
'
m underpr
essur
eori
fther
e'ssomet
hing
bot
her
ing

me.

Me:
“Yeahmt
aseIr
emember
”

Thetradi
ti
onal
rit
ual
waspost
ponedbecauseIwasshoti
nDecembersoi
twi
l
ltakepl
aceon
Apri
l
.I

l
oveherIwi
shshewasher
e.

Me:
“Howi
smi
stermanager
?”

Nont
u:“
Idumpedt
hatf
ool
”shedoesn’
ttakenonsense.

Me:
“Speaknow”

Nont
u:“
I'
vebeenonadat
ewi
thsomeguycal
l
edThokozani
Dlami
ni”

Whoi
sthatI
'
llhav
etomakesomebackgr
oundcheckIsee?

Me:
“Ishecut
e?”Ev
ent
hought
heyar
eful
lofnonsensel
i
keSamkel
o.

Nont
u:“
Ofcour
sehei
sandhe'
sanar
chi
tect
ure”

Ther
e'snoi
secomi
ngf
rom t
hepassage.

Me:
“I'
l
lcal
lyouback”Ihangup.

What
'sgoi
ngont
hey
'r
ecr
ying.Whati
sSakhi
doi
ngher
e?
Me:
“What
'sgoi
ngon?
”

Hei
sbeat
ingSpheupi
nfactal
loft
hem butGl
endawenthomet
hismor
ning.Theyar
escat
ter
ed
i
n

t
heroom cr
yingi
ncl
udi
ngThando.Thandoi
sapr
obl
em chi
l
dIconcl
udedwhenherbr
other
stol
d
me

t
odeal
wit
hthem i
ncl
udi
ngThando.Whatawast
eofbeaut
yinher
.

Sheiscr
yingoutl
oudandherv
oicei
sloudnat
ural
l
y.Kati
sher
etooandhe'
slaughi
ngatt
hisl
i
ke
he'
s

wat
chi
ngsomecomedy
.

Me:
“Sakhi
wai
t”It
ri
edt
ohol
dhi
m backf
rom beat
ingSphe.

He'
scr
yingnow.

Me:
“Sakhi
pleaseman.Youmustl
i
stent
omesopl
easest
opt
his”

Kat
:“Theycanst
artcr
yingbecausewhenIt
aket
hatsj
ambokkuzoshuba”Canheshutup.

Me:
“Got
ooner
oom andl
ockt
hedoor
”They
'r
est
il
lcr
ying.

Theyqui
ckl
ywentt
oThando'
sroom.Theymustst
opcl
ubbi
ngnowbecausei
tget
sthem i
nto
tr
oubl
es.

Ihear
dthatwasspoi
l
edbecauseshewast
heonl
ygi
rlbuti
tchangedwhenKatwasf
edup
cl
eani
ng

hermesssosheget
sthepuni
shmentl
i
ket
heboy
s.She'
srudet
hatwhyt
hebeatherbutt
hei
r
parent
s

don'
tl
ikei
t.

Al
sohear
dthatShesneakedherboy
fri
endi
nherpar
ent
'shouseatuMhl
angaunf
ort
unat
elyKat
was

i
nwasi
ntownhef
oundt
hem andhebett
hebi
tchyat
ti
tudeoutofher
.

Me:
“Let
'sgot
othest
udy
”

Theyf
oll
owedmet
othest
udy
.Katcl
osedt
hedooraf
terhi
m.

Me:“
Ithi
nkSphebei
nghookedoncocai
nei
sthewayt
ogetbackonusbecauseIt
ri
edt
ocal
l
t
he

numberoft
hehi
ssuppl
i
erbuti
twasabur
nerphoneandhegav
emeanot
heronesoIt
racedi
t
and

i
tsi
nEast
ernCapesamel
ocat
ionasLuxol
o’s”

Thei
rfaceshar
den.

Kat
:“TheywantwarandI
'
llgi
vet
hem”

Sakhi
:“I
'
llmaket
hem chooseonhowt
heywantt
odi
e.Theyf
edki
dsdr
ugsj
ustt
ogett
ous”

Sakhi
isacool
andr
easoni
ngguybutwhenhe'
sangr
ythehel
lbr
eaksl
oose.

Me:
“Sopl
easedon'
tbeatt
hem”

Sakhi
:“OkayIunder
stand”

Thenoiseagai
n.What
'sgoi
ngonnow!I
tsscandal
aft
erscandal
tjoooo!Wequi
ckl
ywentt
o
Thando'
s

r
oom.

Samkel
o:“
You'
ref
ull
ofnonsenseal
lofy
ou”hewasbeat
ingt
hem.

NxaaIjustgotangr
yinasecondIwant
edt
ost
ophi
m andt
aket
hatsj
ambokandbeathi
m up
f
orlyi
ng

t
ome.

Sakhi
:“Gazi
stopnowi
t’
sokay
”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon'
tst
opmehav
eyouseent
hest
atemyhousei
sin?
”

He'
ssoangrybutIunder
standhel
ovest
hishouseormay
bei
tremi
ndshi
m ofhi
sfi
ancé.Kat
andSakhi

r
est
rai
nhi
m andt
ookhi
mtot
hemai
nbedr
oom andIt
hinkt
heyt
oldhi
m whatIt
oldt
othem.He

needst
obuyf
urni
tur
efort
hishouse.

Samkel
o:“
Makesur
ewedon'
tmeeti
nthepassage!
”

Thishousewi
l
lbemor
edamagedwhenI
'
m donewi
thhi
m.I
'
llbr
eakev
ery
thi
ngher
e.What
's
confuses

mei
sthatIdi
dn'
tfi
ndany
thi
ngst
rangeI
'
llr
atherknowt
hanbei
nthedar
k.Ev
ery
onewasmaki
ng
a

f
ool
outofme.
Iwentt
omai
nbedr
oom andIf
oundhi
mther
eshaki
ngoutofanger
.IsatonbedandIl
ookedat
hi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sit
?”hel
ookedatme.

Hebet
ternotst
art
snow.

Me:
“I'
mti
red”Igoti
nbedandl
aiddown.

Samkel
o:“
Ican'
tbel
i
evemyhousei
ssor
uinedl
i
ket
hisIwon'
tsl
eepher
etodayI
'
llsl
eep.
..
”hei
s
ty
ing

l
aceont
hesneaker
s.

Me:
“Younotgoi
ngany
wher
e”Idi
dn’
twai
tforhi
mtof
ini
sht
hesent
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Youwi
l
ltel
lmeory
ouwi
l
lbechi
l
dish?
”Hemustnott
estmenott
oday
!

Me:
“Chi
l
dish?
”

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
thav
eener
gyt
ofi
ghtwi
thy
ou”hegotupf
rom bed.

Hewentt
othecl
osetandcamewi
thhi
scl
othesandov
erni
ghtbagandhest
art
edt
oputt
hem i
n
t
he

bag.Jesuspl
easedon'
tl
eav
emenow!

It
ookhi
sov
erni
ghtbag.
..

Samkel
o:“
Whatar
eyou'
redoi
ng?NompeIdon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thy
ousost
opt
hisnonsense
now!
”

You'
ret
ool
ateWarZoneI
IIwi
l
ltakepl
acer
ighther
eri
ghtnow!

Me:
“You'
renotgoi
ngany
wher
e”It
ookhi
scl
othesoutoft
hebagandsatont
hem.

Samkel
o:“
YouknowwhatIdon'
tneedt
his”hewentt
othedoor
.Iqui
ckl
ywentt
ost
andi
nthe
door

bef
oreher
eachesi
t.

Samkel
o:“
Mov
e!”hi
svoi
cei
sfi
rm.

Me:
“Whoi
sPr
eci
ous?
”Hi
sfacehar
densandf
rowned.

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.Mov
e!”hepushedme.

Iwentt
otheGar
ageandl
ookedf
orcr
owbarorexe.If
oundacr
owbarIst
art
edi
nthel
ounge.
They
werenother
egoodIst
art
edwi
tht
vonwal
lIsmashedi
tandwentf
oragl
asscof
feet
abl
ehe
bought

i
nIt
aly
.Inasecondt
heywer
eal
lher
elooki
ngatme.

Sakhi
star
tedcomi
ngt
owar
dsme.
..

Me:
“Don'
t!
”

Ismashedt
het
vst
andbi
gwhi
tev
asei
nfewmi
nut
esi
twashel
l
.

Me:
“Whoi
sPr
eci
ous?
”

Theywer
equi
et.

Me:
“Okay
”Icont
inuedv
andal
i
singhi
sfur
nit
ure.

Ther
eabi
gpai
nti
nghangi
ngi
nthewal
landi
tisf
ramed.

Me:
“Howaboutt
his?
”Il
ookedathi
sdi
rect
ion.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon'
tpl
easebabeI
'
m beggi
ngy
ou”

Me:
“Tel
lmet
het
rut
hnoworI
'
llsmashi
tanddest
royt
hispai
nti
ng!
”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasel
et'
sgot
othedi
ningr
oom sowecanal
lsi
tdownandt
alk”

Theyent
eredf
ir
standIf
oll
owedt
hem.

Kat
:“Pl
easesi
t”Igav
ehi
m adeat
hst
are.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sosor
rywhatI
'
m aboutt
osayt
oyou.
..
.”

Me:
“Gett
othepoi
nt”I
'
m st
andi
nghol
dingt
hecr
owbar
.

Samkel
o:“
Okay
.Pr
eci
ousi
smyex-
fi
ancé.I
twasn'
tmyi
ntent
ionst
ohur
tyoubutI
'
m sor
ryf
or
yout
o

f
indt
hisoutt
hisway
”

Me: “
You'
rel
yi
ngIov
erhear
dThandosay
ingshewi
l
lcal
lhert
ocomeher
e.Howcanshecal
l
yourex

t
ocomeher
e?”

Theyal
ll
ookedather
.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easecomedowndon'
tbel
i
evewhaty
ouhear
d”I
’
m paci
ngupanddownIf
eel
l
ike
I
'
mreal
l
ylosi
ngi
t.

Me:
“She'
syoursi
sterwhywoul
dshel
i
eaboutsomet
hingl
i
ket
his”

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easecomedown”

Ihear
dThabi
'
svoi
ceshout
ingmyname.

Thabi
:“Mngani
pleaseputt
hatdownpl
ease”shecamet
ome.

Mybodyi
sit
chi
ngIf
eel
li
keant
sar
ecr
awl
i
ngundermyski
n.Ihat
etobeangr
yli
ket
his.

Thabi
:“Mngani
putt
hatdown.
..
.”shet
ookt
hecr
owbarf
rom meandshehuggedmeaf
tert
hat
.

She'
stheonl
yoneIcanl
i
stent
oher
eandcal
m medownandsheknowst
hat
.If
eltt
ear
s
dri
ppi
ng

downmycheeksIpr
omi
sedmy
sel
fthatIwon'
tcr
yagai
nespeci
all
ywheni
tinv
olv
esamanor

somet
hingt
odowi
thar
elat
ionshi
p.Icr
iedal
otwhenIwasdat
ingLul
onkesoIcan'
tdot
his
now.

Thabi
:“Pl
easecal
m downf
ory
ourownsakeorel
seAst
hmawi
l
ltakei
tst
oll
”

I
'
m cr
yingoutl
oud.

Samkel
o:“
Ast
hma?
”

Thabi
:“Yesshehasast
hma”

Thabi
tookmet
omybedr
oom.Il
i
edonbedbutIwon'
tfal
lasl
eep.

Samkel
o:“
CanIcal
lthedoct
or?
”

Thabi
:“Pl
easegi
veussomet
imet
otal
k”

Idon'
twanthi
m nearmewhenI
'
m cal
medI
'
llbookt
hehot
elIwon'
tsl
eepher
etoni
ght
.

Thabi
:“Take”shegav
emepi
l
lsandgl
assofwat
er

Shewasspeaki
ngt
omebutIwasf
eel
i
ngsl
eepy

Thabi
:“Sl
eep”shebr
ushedmyhai
r.

-
--
--
--
--
-

Imustdozeof
f.Thesi
del
ampi
sonsoi
t’
satni
ghtIassume.

WhenIt
ri
edt
owakeup.
..
Me:
“Youf
reakedmeout
”

Samkel
o:“
Sor
rybabe”

Hewant
edt
ohol
dmet
ogot
het
oil
etbutIgav
ehi
m adeat
hst
are.

WhenIcameout
.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sosor
ryaboutwhathappenedandI
'
llpr
ovei
ttoy
out
hatI
'
m nol
ongerwi
th
her
”

He'
ssi
tt
ingont
heedgeoft
hebed.

Me:
“I'
m mov
ingoutt
omor
row”Isatont
hebedont
heopposi
tedi
rect
ion.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
nev
eral
l
owy
oul
eav
eme.Il
ovey
ouNompendul
oonl
yyoubabe”Idon'
tcar
eabout
shi
t.

Me:
“Youdon'
townmesoy
ouwon'
ttel
lmewhatt
odoornotdot
o”

Samkel
o:“
Shei
smyexf
iancéeIl
ovedherIwon'
tl
iebuti
tendedwhenshewasbusyseduci
ng

Thokozani
.Het
oldmeabouti
tbecausehe'
sAndi
l
e'sbr
othersohei
sli
kemybr
othersohet
old
me

becausehedi
dn'
twantt
ocauseconf
li
ctbet
weenmeandhi
m”

I
'
m qui
et.

Samkel
o:“
OnedayIwasatAndi
l
e'sandThokozani
wast
her
ebutshedi
dn'
tknowt
hatIwasat

Andil
e'
s.Shecal
l
edThokozani
andheanswer
edt
hecal
landputonl
oudspeakersoshewas
tel
l
ing

hi
m howshef
eel
sabouthi
m andIr
ecor
dedev
ery
thi
ng”

Me:
“Wher
eisshenow?
”

Samkelo:
“Shei
sov
erseasasf
arasIknow.Pl
easebabebel
i
evemewhenIsayIbr
oket
he
engagement

wecanev
encal
lmypar
ent
sjustt
oconf
ir
m ofwhatI
'
m say
ingt
oyou”

Me:
“Wer
eyouev
ergonet
ell
me?
”Hel
ookeddown.

Samkel
o:“
Iwant
edt
otel
lyoubabebutIwasscar
ed.Canwepl
easeputt
hisbehi
ndus?
”

Me:
“Okay
”
Hecamet
osi
tnextt
ome.

Samkel
o:“
Imi
ssy
ourl
i
ps”hel
i
ftedmyheadupt
olookathi
m.

Il
ookedathi
m andourl
i
psmet
.Imi
ssedhi
m somuch.

Me:
“I'
m sor
ryt
obr
eaky
ourf
urni
tur
e”Il
ookeddownI
'
m shynow.

Samkel
o:“
It
’sokaybabeIunder
stand”

Ihat
ethatbi
tchcal
l
edThandoI
'
lldeal
wit
hherbutnotnow.Tomor
rowIgoi
ngt
owor
ksoIneed
to

sl
eepbuthewant
edust
ocuddl
e.

Samkelo:
“Il
ovey
ou.Iknowy
oudon'
ttr
ustwhatI
'
m say
ingr
ightnowbuty
ou'
l
lseebymy
act
ion”

Idon'
ttr
usthi
m butIl
ovehi
m soweneedt
oputt
hisbehi
ndus.

Me:
“Fr
om t
odayonwar
dscany
oupl
easet
ell
meev
ery
thi
ngev
eni
fyouknowi
twi
l
lhur
tme”

Samkel
o:“
Huh?
”he'
sbl
i
nkedr
epeat
edl
y.Hi
slef
tey
eisonmyear
.

Me:
“Yeahi
fyoudot
hatnot
hingcanbr
eakus”

Samkel
o:“
Mhm okay
”

It
hinkhewasn'
tsur
eifhecanornotanswert
hatquest
ionbutt
het
rut
hisIwantt
oknow
ev
erythi
ng

eveni
tmeansi
tcanbr
eakmyhear
tit
’sbet
tert
oheari
tfr
om hi
mthanheart
hingsf
rom ot
her
peopl
e.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyou”hehel
dmet
ight
.

HeknowsIl
ovehi
mtoo.

It
houghtI
'
llbeget
ti
ngbr
eakf
asti
nbedbuti
t’
scool
Ithi
nkbuthewassupposedt
obesweet
af
ter

f
indi
ngoutabouthi
sfi
ancée.

Ineedt
opr
epar
emy
sel
fforwor
k.

TodayI
'm wear
ingdust
ypi
nkt
ightl
acydr
esswi
thbl
ackr
edbot
tom andi
twi
l
lgowel
lwi
th
Dani
elKl
ein

wat
chf
ort
hechangeandGucci
handbag.Ineedt
ocutt
hesedr
eadl
ocksI
'
mti
redofi
tnowso
soonI
'
ll

bewear
ingaweav
e.

Samkel
o:“
Wow!
”hesai
dwhenhesawmecomi
ngt
otheki
tchen.

Me:
“Thanksbabe”

It
ookabowl
I'
m eat
ingcer
eal
todayIt
hinkhewi
l
lgett
hemessage.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
dri
vey
out
owor
k”

Jeal
ous!Igav
ehi
m ast
are.Hei
sinabet
termoodt
odaysohemust
n'tspoi
li
t.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m hungr
ybabe”Hedi
dn'
tgett
hemessage.

Somet
imeshecanbeIdon'
tknowwhat
!

Thando:
“I'
m maki
ngbr
eakf
ast
”

Wet
urnt
olookather
.Shemustbeki
ddi
ng.

Thando:
“I'
m ser
ious”

What?Okayt
hat
'smycue.I
'
llgr
absomet
hingonmywayt
owor
kIwon'
teatherf
ood.Food
poi
soni
ng

Iwon'
tsur
viv
eit
.

Me:
“BabeI
'
m goi
ngnow.Hav
eawonder
ful
day
”Il
eanedi
ntoki
sshi
m.

Thebi
gfourcamei
nasheki
ssedmyf
orehead.Theygr
eet
edandwegr
eet
edback.

Me:
“Andschool
?”

Ther
oom wentqui
et.Theybust
edoutl
aughi
ng.

Whati
sfunnyonwhatIsai
d?

Lwandi
l
e:“
Itwasourl
asty
earatv
arsi
tyl
asty
ear
”

It
houghtt
hiswast
hei
rlasty
earatVar
sit
y.

Me:
“What
ever
”

Itookmylapt
opbagandwentof
f.Icoul
dn’
tat
tendt
heendoft
hey
earst
affpar
tyl
asty
ear
thankst
o

t
hosedogs.Theywi
l
lfeel
mywr
ath.WhenIar
ri
vedatwor
kther
ewer
efewcol
l
eaguesbutIdon'
t
knowwhy
.

Recept
ioni
st:
“Bosscal
l
edf
ory
oui
ntheboar
droom”

Me:
“Mhm okaysi
sit
hanks”

Iwentst
rai
ghtt
oboar
droom wi
thmyl
apt
opbag.I
t’
squi
teher
esohe'
sinameet
ingImustget
i
n.

“
Sur
pri
se!
”

Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?

Andi
l
e:“
Wegl
adt
haty
ouher
ewi
thusandy
our
ecov
ered”

That
'ssweetoft
hem butt
her
ewasnoneedf
ori
t.

Me:
“Thanksguy
sIr
eal
l
yappr
eci
atei
t”

Ther
ewasmyf
avour
it
ecakef
rui
tcakeandcof
fee.Af
ter15mi
nut
esev
ery
onewentbackt
othei
r

wor
kingst
ati
ons.Imustt
alkt
oAndi
l
ethebossmay
bel
uncht
ime.

I
t’
sgreatt
obeatwor
kletmesayi
t’
sgr
eatt
owast
emyt
imeher
e.Idon'
treal
l
yneedt
hisj
obI
hav
e

somuchmoney
.WhenI
'
m goi
nghomeImustgowi
thal
otofmoneyt
obur
yitbecausey
ou
can'
t

pr
edi
ctf
utur
eespeci
all
ywheny
ouar
egangst
er.I
ncaseIdi
e.

Iwentbackt
omydeskt
owor
k.Mydaywasgr
eataf
tert
hatsur
pri
sei
nthemor
ningi
nnot
imei
t
was

knockof
fti
me.I
'
m dr
ivi
ngmy
sel
fIwon'
tbebul
l
iedbysome.Iconnect
edmyphonet
opl
ay
some

musi
cIr
eal
l
yenj
oyedt
oday
'sday
.

WhenIgothomehewasi
nthest
udyi
naconf
erencecal
lsoIcan'
tdi
stur
bhi
mI'
l
lst
artt
o
pr
epar
efor

supperl
ucki
l
yev
ery
onei
sher
e.

Theyar
est
il
lnotcomf
ort
abl
ear
oundhi
m becausewhenhest
il
langr
yatl
easthe'
snotshout
ing
at

t
hem.Sexwi
l
ltr
ytoeasehi
stensi
onbutwe'
l
lseeabouti
tbecauseI
'
minagoodmood.
Lwandi
l
e:“
Doy
ouhav
efl
uemedi
cat
ionher
e”hecamei
ntheki
tchen.

Fl
uecant
urny
oui
ntosomet
hingf
ace.Hi
sfacei
snotcut
easusual
.

Me:
“YeahIhav
eit
.I'
l
lgoandt
akei
tfory
ou”

SamkelocameoutwhenIwasaboutt
ofi
nishcooki
ng.Hewasi
naser
iousmeet
ingIcansay
thatby

l
ooki
ngathi
sface.Igav
eLwandi
l
ethemedi
cat
ionhewant
ed.

Me:
“Supperi
sready
!”Theycamet
othedi
ningr
oom.

Mbusoi
sher
ewi
thus.Ev
ersi
ncehi
spar
ent
sar
eint
ownhedoesn’
tpayat
tent
iont
othem butI
t
hink

i
t’
sbecauseoft
hei
rat
tent
ioni
sonLwal
uhl
eandIdounder
standt
hei
robsessi
onaboutt
hatki
d.

Zamo:
“Youl
ookmi
ser
abl
ebr
a”

I
nthi
nkt
hei
rgr
aduat
ioni
sonApr
ilorMayIdon'
tknow.Idoubtt
heywi
l
lev
erwor
ktheseoneI
r
eal
ly

doubti
t.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Fluei
ndl
alangami
”

Hi
sZul
uissopoorbutal
lthebi
gfourandThando.Hi
sfacechangesandheswal
l
owedf
ood.He

st
ormedoutoft
hedi
ningr
oom r
unni
ng.

Weal
lst
opeat
ing.

Me:
“I'
l
lgot
ocheckhi
m”

WhenIwascomi
ngt
owar
dthet
oil
etIhear
dnoi
secomi
ngf
rom t
het
oil
et.Hei
svomi
ti
ngIt
hink
he

mustseet
hedoct
orf
ir
stt
hingi
nthemor
ning.

Af
tersomewhi
l
ehecameout
.

Me:
“Ar
eokay
?”

Lwandi
l
e:“
YeahI
'
m okay
”

Chapt
er20
Wewentbackt
othedi
ningr
oom andwef
oundt
hem eat
ingIcan'
tbel
i
evet
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Lwandi
l
e:“
YeahI
'
mfi
ne.It
hinki
tsf
lue”

Hewentt
osi
tinhi
schai
r.Hest
art
edt
oeataf
terswal
l
owi
nghest
ormedoutagai
n.

Me:“
SitbabeI
'
llgoandmakehi
m gi
ngert
eaI
'
m sur
eitwi
l
lcomedown”Hewasgoi
ngt
ocheck
on

hi
m.

What
'swr
ongwi
thhi
m.Af
terget
ti
ngoutf
rom bat
hroom hewentst
rai
ghtt
othebat
hroom andI
t
ook

hi
steat
other
e.Hewi
l
lwakeupf
eel
i
nggood.If
oundt
hem i
ntheki
tchenl
oadi
ngt
hedi
shesi
n

di
shwashermachi
neandshecl
eanedt
hedi
ningt
abl
e“ohwow!
”Iwondershe'
l
lbedoi
ngi
tfor
how

l
ong.

Me:
“He'
l
lbef
inei
nthemor
ning”

"
I'
m goi
ngbackt
oDur
bant
omor
rowandt
ryt
hatnonsenseagai
nyouwi
l
lseewhatI
'
lldot
oal
lof

y
ou"
-hesaywi
thanger
.Het
ookmyhandi
t’
sti
mef
orust
osl
eep.

He'
sst
il
langr
yfort
hatIwonderwhenhewi
l
lbuynewf
urni
tur
efort
hishouse.NextweekFr
iday
i
t’
s

thedayhef
ir
stki
ssedme.Ist
il
lremembert
hatki
sst
hosel
i
psanddar
kbr
owney
es.It
hinkhe'
l
l
sti
ll

bei
nDur
banbyt
hatt
ime.

Me:
“CanIgi
vey
oubackmassage?
”Hel
ooksatmewi
thasmi
l
e.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasebabe”

Helai
donbedwi
thhi
sst
omachsoImustont
opofhi
m andgi
vei
ttome.He'
ssot
ensebutI
t
hinki
ts

wor
k.

Samkel
o:“
Mhm babey
ou'
resogoodi
nthi
s”he'
senj
oyi
ngi
tbutwhenIaskhi
mtogi
vemef
oot

massagehecompl
aint
sabouti
t.
Me:
“BabeIneedt
otal
ktoy
ou”

Samkel
o:“
Mmhokaybabe

Me:
“Thabi
thi
nksAndi
l
eischeat
ingonher
”

Samkel
o:“
Tjoobabe”

Me:
“Shet
hinkshei
scheat
ingbecausehel
eav
esheri
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
”

Ihat
etodot
hisbutImustpr
otectherf
rom knowi
ngt
het
rut
h.

Me:“Ihat
etobet
raymyf
ri
endbutIhav
enochoi
ceher
ebutdon'
twor
ryIt
oldhert
hatSamkel
o
does

t
hatt
oo”

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
’
llt
alkt
oAndi
l
eaboutt
hisokay
?”

Me:
“Okay
”

Yeahhemustdot
hatbecausewecan'
thav
ehersuspect
ingt
hatt
her
e'ssomet
hingi
l
legal
we'
re

doi
ng.

Iwasmassagi
nghi
m st
art
ingf
rom hi
sshoul
der
sdownhi
sspi
ne.

Hewasspeaki
ngatf
ir
stbuthi
svoi
cewasst
art
edt
olowerunt
ilhewasasl
eep.Whenev
erIsee
orI

hav
eti
meIgi
vehi
m backmassageandhequi
ckl
yfal
lasl
eep.

Iremembert
heot
herdayhehadcr
ampsonbackofhi
sri
ghtt
highf
rom t
hegy
m It
houghthe
hurt

hi
mselfbuti
ntheaf
ter
nooni
tgotwor
sesoImassaget
hebackofhi
sthi
ghhef
eltpai
natf
ir
st
af
ter

t
hathef
all
asl
eepsowhenIgi
vehi
m amassagehej
ustf
all
asl
eep.

Imisshi
m buthei
ssl
eepi
ngnowandIl
i
ket
oseehi
m whenheasl
eep.Hepout
shi
sli
pswhen
hi
sdeep

sleep.Iwentt
obat
hroom andIt
ookmycl
othespy
jamasof
f.I
t’
sourr
ule.Igetonbedand
foldedmy

l
egs.Heal
way
scompl
aint
saboutbei
ngabadsl
eeper
.

If
eltsomet
hingt
ouchi
ngmei
nmyar
ms.Ij
umped.
Samkel
o:“
Babei
t'
sme”

Ar
gghl
ucki
l
ywhenhei
sher
eIputmyguni
nthedr
aweronmysi
debutwhenI
'
m al
oneIputi
t
on

undermypi
l
low.Iwon'
tri
skmysaf
ety
.

Me:
“Youscar
edme”Iwokeupandwentt
obat
hroom t
opee.

Samkel
o:“
Youar
egai
ningwei
ghtbabe”

That
'st
heonl
ythi
nghecansayaboutmybody

Igoti
nbed.
..

Samkel
o:“
Comeher
e”

Heonear m wasonmywai
standt
heot
herwashol
dingmyhand.Hi
shandonmywai
stwas
squeezi
ng

mybuttal
i
ttl
ebi
t.Het
urnedmyf
acet
olooki
nhi
sathi
sey
es.Heki
ssedmepassi
onat
elybut
myeyes

weref
eel
i
ngsl
eepy
.Ineedt
osl
eepbutIwon'
tsl
eepwhenhe'
sbehav
ingl
i
ket
hat
.Inasecond
he

separ
atedmyt
highswi
thonehand.
..

Mhm he'
sli
tt
lebi
trought
odayandI
'
m game.I
nnot
imeIwasscr
eami
nghi
sname.I
'
llbei
na
good

moodi
nthemor
ningaf
tert
hisgr
eati
nti
macy
….

Aft
ert
aki
ngshowerIwentt
omakebr
eakf
astIf
oundThandoont
hephone.It
hinki
t’
sherman.
Her

br
other
sdon'
twanthert
odat
eany
onenowondershewant
stor
uinmyr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thher
br
other
.

Me:
“Mor
ning”Shequi
ckl
ytur
nedar
oundt
olookatmydi
rect
ion.

Shewav
esahandandcont
inueswi
thherconv
ersat
ionont
hephoneandt
ookhercof
feet
oher

bedr
oom.

ZamoandSphecamei
nyawni
ngi
ntheki
tchenaf
tert
hem Lwandi
l
ecamei
nlooki
ngwor
set
han

y
est
erdayandhel
ookssodehy
drat
ed.
Zamo:
“Br
aar
eyouokay
?”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Ihav
ear
unni
ngt
ummybr
aandIt
hinki
t’
sthatgi
ngert
ea”hel
ookssobad.

Sphei
squi
teofwhathappened.Sakhi
wentbackt
oJo'
bur
g.

Spideri
sst
il
li
ncomaandKathi
redt
hespeci
ali
sti
ntaki
ngoutt
hebul
l
etf
rom hi
sskul
l
.Wemust
fi
nd

t
hatdogwhoal
mostki
l
ledhi
m.OnweekendIneedt
ovi
sithi
mint
hehospi
tal
inJo'
bur
g.

Lwandi
l
eneedst
ogot
othedoct
orhecan'
tl
iv
eli
ket
hisal
lday
.

Imadebreakf
astandhecamei
ncompl
aini
ngaboutt
hebadsmel
lofBaconbutIdon'
t
under
stand

becausehecaneatt
heBaconal
ldaybutIt
hinki
tsf
lue.

Lwandi
l
e:“
HahahaI
'
lleatmuesl
ii
nst
ead”Hewentt
otheki
tchenandcamebackwi
tht
hebowl
.

Samkel
o:“
Got
oDrRansool
”

DrRansool
ist
hef
ami
l
ydoct
orher
einCapeTownbutt
her
e'sanot
heronei
nKZNwhoi
s
Mntungwa'
s

f
ri
end.DrRansool
isKat
'sf
ri
endbuthe'
snotagangst
erandhet
rusthi
m.

Lwandi
l
e:“
I'
ll
gobef
orel
uncht
ime”hel
ooksbad.

Wehadbr
eakf
astandIki
ssedmymanagoodby
ebecausewhenIcomebackt
owor
khe'
l
lnot
be

her
e.

Me:
“Ilov
eyou”Iki
ssedhi
m andwal
kedaway
.Hegr
abbedbymyupperar
m andIwassocl
ose
t
ohim

andheki
ssedmewhi
l
ehi
shandswer
esqueezi
ngmyassandt
heki
sswasst
art
ingt
oheatup.
..

Lwandi
l
e:“
Getar
oom!
”Ipul
l
edout
.

Samkel
o:“
You'
rer
udeev
enwheny
ousi
cky
oumor
on”

He'
swear
ingaf
lannel
pyj
amaandagowni
nsummert
hismeanshe'
ssi
ck.Hedi
sappear
edi
n
t
he

house.

Me:
“Babedon'
tfor
gett
hatwe'
regoi
ngt
oJobur
gonFr
iday
”
Samkel
o:“
OkaybabeIwon'
tfor
get
”

It
ookmyhandbagandl
apt
opbagandwentof
f.I
'
llmi
sshi
m ont
heset
woday
sbutI
'
llseehi
m
on

Fr
idayni
ght
.It
’seasybecauseKati
sont
hatsi
deheupdat
esusi
nev
ery
thi
nghappeni
ngt
her
e.

SinceSpi
deri
sinhospi
tal
Ineedsomeonewhowi
l
lgot
oEast
erncapet
ofi
ndt
hisbi
tchf
orme.I
can't

gotoEaster
nCapebecauseI
'
m baby
sit
ti
ngt
heseol
dchi
l
drenwhooneofhappenst
obea
gr
aduate

i
nInt
eri
orDesi
gnandot
her4i
sgr
aduat
ingi
nfewmont
hst
ocome.

Imustcal
lSpaghet
tiIknowhe'
l
ldot
hisf
orme.Wecal
lhi
mthatbecauseheal
way
shas
conf
usi
ng

i
deasorsol
uti
onsbuthi
sideasar
ebr
ight
.Thatguycanconf
useandmakey
oumi
ndt
hink
backwar
ds

notonwar
ds.

WhenIgott
oof
fi
ceIf
oundot
her
sspeaki
ngaboutgoi
ngoutaf
terwor
k.I
ts07:
00am f
orcr
ying
out

l
oudbutot
her
sar
ethi
nki
ngofal
cohol
butIwon'
tbeabl
etodot
hatbecauseoft
hosemor
ons.

Ical
lmyf
ami
l
yal
mostev
erydaybutIneedt
ospeakwi
thmymot
herbecauseoft
heupcomi
ng

t
radi
ti
onal
thi
ngi
ftheyneedgr
ocer
yorgoatorcow.

Myphoner
ings.WhenIcheckedt
hecal
l
eri
dit
’smom.

Mom:“
Hav
eyoucheckedy
ourWhat
sApp?
”It
’st
hef
ir
stt
hingshesay
swhensheanswer
smy
cal
l
.

Me:
“Heymommy
.Nomom Ihav
en'
t”shel
aughed.

Mom:
“Checki
tnowandgetbackt
ome”

Iqui
ckl
ycheckedmyWhat
sApp.
..
.

What
?Ical
l
edher

Me:
“Youdi
dn'
tbot
hery
our
sel
ftot
ell
me?
”it
’st
hef
ir
stt
hingIsaywhensheanswer
smycal
l
.

Nontu:
“Sor
rymt
aseIwasgoi
ngt
ocal
lyouaf
tercal
l
ingt
hepensi
oner
s”Pensi
oner
sar
ethe
par
entsI
t
hink.

Me:
“Congr
atul
ati
onsbi
gsi
ster
.I'
l
ltestdr
ivei
tint
womont
hs’
time”

Nont
u:“
Thanky
oul
i
ttl
esi
ster
.CanIpl
easecal
lyouaf
teranhourorcal
lyoul
ater
?”

Me:
“Lat
ert
hen”Ihungup.Shei
sdoi
ngmor
ningshi
ftIt
hinkshe'
saboutt
oknockof
f.

Sheboughtabr
and-
newwhi
teMer
cedesBenzeGLD250DAMGCoupeandherpr
ofi
l
epi
ctur
eis
when

themanagerwashandi
ngcarkey
stoher
.I'
l
lbuyherabot
tl
eshewor
kedhar
dtodr
ivet
hat
beast
.

I
'm sohappyf
orherandwhenI
'
m happymydayatwor
kseemsshor
tert
hanusual
innot
imei
t
was

knockof
fti
me.WhenIgothomet
heywer
eint
hest
udyl
ooki
ngatThandodoi
ngsomedr
awi
ngs
Ican

tel
lshei
sgoodati
tandZamoi
sfami
l
iarwi
thdr
awi
ngbecausehewasdoi
ngCi
vi
lengi
neer
ing
andI

hear
dthathe'
sbr
ight
.

I
'
m notcooki
ngagai
nandpi
zzaswi
l
ldowi
thonegl
assofr
edwi
newon'
thur
tany
one.Lwandi
l
e
i
s

bet
tert
hani
nthemor
ningbuthe'
snothi
msel
f.

Me:
“Zamocany
oupl
easebr
ingwhi
tewi
neandgl
ass”

Hewentt
otheki
tchen.

Thando:
“Pl
easemakei
ttwo”

Af
tert
aki
ngf
ewsi
psmyphoner
ing.Whatdoesshewantnow?

Phi
ndi
:“IneedSpaghet
ti
'snumberi
fyouhav
eonei
tsur
gent
”Howcomeshedon'
thav
ehi
s
number
.

Me:
“I'
l
lsendi
tnow”

Phi
ndi
:“Sur
e”shehungup.

IsentSpaghet
ti
'snumbert
oheraf
terasecondhercal
lagai
n.

Phi
ndi
:“Ineedhi
snewnumber
”
Me:
“Ionl
yhav
eonet
hatIj
ustsentt
oyou”

Phi
ndi
:“Ineedhi
mtot
racksomeonef
ormeandi
tsur
gent
”

Me:
“Ial
soneedhi
mfort
hatbutI
'
llf
indhi
snewnumber
”Ihungup.

I
fshecan'
treachhi
mthewhol
edayi
t'
smeansmay
behel
osthi
sphonebuti
fhedi
dhewoul
d
hav
e

donesi
m swapbynow.

It
ookmywi
net
othest
udyIneedt
omakef
ewcal
l
s.

Me:
“Spi
kesIneedSpaghet
ti
'snewnumber
”

Spi
kes:
“Ei
shIdon'
thav
eit
.Idon'
tknowwhat
'shappeni
ngwi
thhi
m ev
ery
onecan'
treachhi
m on
hi
s

phonebutI
'
llf
indoutwhati
sgoi
ngonwi
thhi
m”

Whyweal
lcan'
treachhi
m onhi
sphoneandnoonehasseenhi
minday
s.Icheckedwhendi
d
hel
ast

usedhi
saccesscar
dtot
hewar
ehousebuti
twasusedt
woweeksagoandwehav
en’
tseenhi
m
that

l
astt
woweeks.

Me:
“Whendi
dyoul
astsawhi
m?”

Spi
kes:
“Inl
astt
woweeksay
inghewasgoi
ngt
oPol
okwanef
orbusi
nessmeet
ing”

Me:
“Okay
.Sur
e”Ihungup.

Sot
hismeanshehasn'
tret
urnf
rom hi
s“busi
ness”meet
ing.

Spaghet
tii
sowni
ngaf
il
li
ngst
ati
onher
eitmi
ghthappent
hathe'
soutf
orbusi
nessmeet
ingor

somet
hing.Saddam candot
hisf
orme.

Whyi
nlastt
woweekshel
astusedhi
saccesscar
dandwentoutoft
hepr
ovi
ncef
orbusi
ness
meet
ing

andhedi
dn'
ttol
dany
onebecauseourr
ulessay
syoumustsaywheny
ougooutoft
hepr
ovi
nce
for

somer
easonsl
i
key
ou'
l
lbeassi
gnedi
nami
ssi
onori
ncasesomet
hinghappenst
oyou.

Iwentt
obedat23:
47andI
'
m goi
ngt
owor
ktomor
row.Ihat
eitwhenhei
snother
ebutI
'
m used
t
o

i
tnow.Tomor
rowI
'
llt
aket
hem outt
odi
nnerj
ustt
ocheert
hem upbecauset
heyar
escar
edt
o
goout

al
oneaf
tert
hatscandal
Iwonderhowl
ongi
twi
l
ltaket
ogetbackatt
hei
rwr
ongdoi
ngs.

I
'
m al
onei
nthi
sbi
gbedandI
'
m bor
edbutImustsl
eep.

I
nthemor
ningIpr
epar
edt
ogot
owor
kandIf
oundt
hem i
ntheki
tchent
alki
ngandl
aughi
ngbut

Lwandi
l
eisnott
her
e.

Me:
“Isheokay
?”IaskedwhenIdon'
tseehi
m.

Sphe:
“Heasl
eepIt
hinki
tsmedi
cat
ionhegotf
rom t
hedoct
or”Hei
sst
art
ingt
obehi
msel
fagai
n.

Me:“
I'
ll
gocheckhi
m”Iwentt
ohi
sbedr
oom.Iknockedandhedi
dn'
tanswersoIcamei
nhe
wasnot

i
nhi
sbed.

Me:
“Lwandi
l
e!”

There'
ssoundcomi
ngf
rom t
hebat
hroom.Ev
eryr
oom her
ehasi
tsownbat
hroom soi
ftheyar
e
here

nooneshar
eabat
hroom.

Iwentt
her
eandopenedt
hebat
hroom doorhei
svomi
ti
ng.It
houghthewasget
ti
ngbet
terbut
he'
s

not
.

Lwandi
l
e:“
I'
mfi
ne”hegotupandwashedhi
sface.

Me:
“You'
renotokay
”

DrRansool
gav
ehi
m medi
cat
ionhemustbef
eel
i
ngbet
ternowbuthe'
sget
ti
ngwor
se.

Me:
“I'
mtaki
ngt
othedoct
orpl
easegetr
eadyi
nami
nut
e”

Lwandi
l
e:“
I'
ll
bef
iner
elaxi
ng”Whyhe'
sst
art
ingt
obecool
wit
hitbecausehehat
esi
twhenhe
hasa

f
lu.

Me:
“Ist
her
esomet
hingIshoul
dknow?
”
Lwandi
l
e:“
No!No!No!Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
ne”Hei
shi
dingsomet
hingy
eshe'
ssi
ckbutt
her
e'smor
e
to

t
hat
.

Me:
“SpeakLwandi
l
e”Hel
ooksdownandl
etoutabi
gsi
gh.

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Lwandi
l
espeaknow!
”hesi
ghed.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Shei
spr
egnant
”hel
ookeddown.

What
?Butatl
easthe'
saboutt
ogr
aduat
esohecant
akecar
eofhi
schi
l
dandt
hemot
her
.Land

sur
vey
ingi
spay
ingal
otofmoneysohe'
l
laf
for
d.

Me:
“Wow!Congr
atul
ati
onsar
einor
der
”hef
akedasmi
l
e.

Me:
“Whoi
ssheandwhyy
ouhav
en'
ti
ntr
oducedher
?”

Hel
ooksatmewi
thawei
rdl
ookasi
fshewashi
dingherorsomet
hing.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Hernamei
sRachel
”hesmi
l
edal
i
ttl
e.

Me:
“Sowhyar
enothappyaboutwhaty
ouar
etel
l
ing”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Herf
atheri
stheCommi
ssi
oner
”hebr
ushedhi
sheadr
oughl
y.

Jesuspl
easedon'
tl
eav
eme!
!

Me:
“What
?”

Lwandi
l
e:“
YeahsoIdon'
tknowwhatt
odo”

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
owor
knowwe'
l
ltal
kaboutt
hiswhenIgetbackt
owor
k”Ir
ubbedhi
sshoul
der
.

Hewil
lneedsuppor
tbecausehi
sbr
other
swi
l
leathi
m al
i
ve.Hewast
oldl
ongagot
obr
eakup
wi
th

herbuthedi
dn'
tl
ist
ent
othem sonowt
her
e'schi
l
dnow.

Kusazoshubal
ana.

Imusttel
lSamkel
oaboutt
hisbutnotnowIhav
etot
alkt
oLwandi
l
efi
rstt
henI
'
llt
ell
him af
ter
knowi
ng

hi
sint
ent
ions.

WhenIgott
owor
kAndi
l
eisnoti
nhei
sinDubai
forbusi
nesst
ri
phe'
l
lbebackaf
teranweek
andThabi

i
sgoinghomeonFr
idaywi
thLwal
uhl
esoIwon'
tbeabl
etoseehert
heseday
sbecauseI
'
m so
busy

wi
thwor
kandsol
vi
ngi
ssues.

Me:
“Saddam wher
eisSpaghet
ti
?”Ideci
dedt
ocal
lhi
m may
beheknowssomet
hing.

Saddam:“
HaahNompsIdon'
tknowwher
ehei
sandI
'
vebeenl
ooki
ngf
orhi
m buthe'
snott
obe
found”

Me:
“Tel
lmei
fyouhearany
thi
ng”

Saddam:
“Sur
e”hehungup.

Ther
e'ssomet
hinggoi
ngonher
eandIneedt
ofi
ndoutwhati
sit
.Af
terwor
klwi
l
lwor
koni
t.

Mymancal
l
edmedur
ingl
uncht
imeandImustpr
etendasi
fev
ery
thi
ngi
sgr
eatbutI
'
llt
ell
him
i
n

t
hesi
deofourbusi
nessesot
hert
hant
hatI
'
m noti
nvol
vedbecauseI
'
m hi
sgi
rl
fr
iendnot
hiswi
fe.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-

Ican'
twai
ttot
estdr
ivet
hatmachi
ne.Wewer
esupposedt
oar
ri
vewi
thhercarbutHesai
dhe'
l
l
take

mehomesoweagr
eedonmeet
ingatGi
ngi
ndl
ovut
odosomegr
ocer
ytoget
her
.

Ashef
indst
hepar
kingspaceont
hepar
kingl
othewasl
i
ttl
ebi
tannoy
ed.

Me:
“Whati
sit
?”

Samkel
o:“
Thatcaral
mostscr
atchedmycar
”Dr
ama!

Af
terpar
kingt
hecarIcal
l
edNont
utoaskwher
eshei
s.

Nont
u:“
I'
m atKFC”shesay
saf
teranswer
ing.

Me:
“Okay
”Ihungup.

Me:
“She'
satKFCbabe

Wewentt
her
eandwef
oundheri
nthequeueofpl
aci
nganor
der
.Shegr
eet
edandhuggedus.
I
'
m

happytoseeher
.Thent
heot
herguycamei
nourdi
rect
ionsmi
l
ingIdon'
tunder
standwhyhe'
s
smil
ing
atusbecauseIdon'
tknowhi
m butI
'
llt
rynott
ocauseascene.

Samkel
oisshockedt
oseewhoi
scomi
ngi
nourdi
rect
ionandNont
uissmi
l
ing.I
tseemsI
'
mthe
onl
y

onewhodon'
tknowt
hisguy
.

Samkel
o:“
Aibowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”hegav
ehi
m abr
other
lyhug.

TheGuy
:“Babear
eyoust
il
li
nthequeue?
”heaskedNont
u.Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?I
'
mtheonl
y
one

whoi
sconf
usedher
e.

Nont
u:“
Nompet
hisi
sThokozani
Thokozani
thi
sisNompe”

OkayI
'
m bei
ngi
ntr
oducedt
otheguywhoi
smaki
ngheral
lgl
owi
ngandsmi
l
ingnonst
op.

Samkel
o:“
BabeThokozani
isAndi
l
e'sy
oungbr
other
”

Nont
u:“
Andi
l
e?Asi
nThabi
'
sbabydaddy
?”Shedi
dn'
tknowabouti
t.

Me:
“I'
m gl
adt
omeety
ouThokozani
”weshookhands.

Shei
sconf
usedbutIassumeshedi
dn'
tknowt
hathemi
ghtbebr
otherofsomeonesheknows.

Nont
u:“
Pleasewai
tforouror
derwegoi
ngt
oShopr
it
eandy
ouwi
l
lfi
ndust
her
e”

Samkel
o:“
That
'swon'
thappen”hesmi
l
edatNont
u.Theyl
ookedathi
m conf
used.

Samkel
o:“
Lastt
imewewer
eher
ethati
diott
ouchedher
”smi
l
evani
shed.

Thokozani
'
ssmi
l
edi
sappear
edwhenhehear
dthatsot
heydeci
dedt
owai
twi
thusaf
tersome
minutes

werecei
vedouror
derandwentt
oShopr
it
e.Wemustbuyf
oodandal
cohol
lucki
l
yShopr
it
e
l
iquor

shopi
sal
soher
eint
heshoppi
ngcent
resot
hatwi
l
lbeeasyj
obf
orus.

Af
terweboughtgr
ocer
ywewentt
oli
quorshopandboughtal
cohol
fort
her
it
ual
thatwi
l
ltake
pl
ace

onSundayaf
tert
hatwewer
egoodt
ogo.Theywentt
othei
rcaraf
terpacki
ngt
heal
cohol
tohi
s
car

andwedr
oveof
f.

Iwon'
tbuyi
tnowbecausei
twi
l
lbel
i
keI
'
mjeal
ousbutt
hisy
earI
'
llbuymi
ne.
Samkel
o:“
Rel
axbabehe'
snotoneofus”hesai
dwhenwedr
iveoutf
rom t
heshoppi
ngcent
re.
Asif

t
hatmustputmeateasewi
thhersaf
ety
.

Me:
“YeahbabeIknowbutI
'
m nothappyabouti
t”

Samkel
o:“
Youcannotchoosewhocanshedat
eornot
”

Me:
“Ifi
tmakesherhappyi
tsf
inebabebutI
'
llkeepaney
eonher
”

Iwi
shshecandumphi
m butshel
oveshi
m Icanseei
tinherey
esandsmi
l
e.

Theyparkedout
sidemymot
her
'spar
ent
'shouse.TKgetoutf
rom dr
iver
'ssi
ttoSamkel
o'
scar
because

hewi
l
ltakehi
mtoDur
banwhati
fSamkel
odi
dn'
tcomewi
thmebuti
t’
shi
sluckt
hathehasl
i
ft
to

Dur
ban.

Wewer
eal
lhappyt
oseeherf
ir
stnewcarandIt
ooki
tfort
hespi
nandi
t’
sthebeastIt
ell
you.I
'
ll
ask

hert
odr
ivei
ttomor
rowj
ustt
ogot
oMt
unzi
nit
obuyi
ceoral
oll
i
pop.

Lol
!

Af
tereat
ingsupperwewentt
oourr
oom t
hegi
rl
'
sroom andshewasher
eagai
nIonl
yli
keher

companywhenI
'
m dr
unk.

Anel
e:“
NicecarNont
u”shei
slooki
ngatNont
uwi
thsomef
unnyst
are.

Nont
u:“
Thanksanel
e”Somet
imesshecangett
omyner
vousbutIt
alkandspeakt
oher
.

Wehaveourwi
neunderLut
hando'
sbedasusual
sowhennoi
secomedownwewi
l
lst
artt
o
dr
inki
t

i
nthi
sbedr
oom.TKcal
l
edNont
uaf
tert
hecal
lshewassmi
l
ingnonst
op.

Anel
e:“
He'
scut
e”Weal
ll
ookedatherandIwasannoy
ed.

Nont
u:“
Thanksbuthei
sof
fli
mit
”

Wowsomeonei
smaki
nghert
err
it
oryandIl
i
kei
t.Wedr
ankal
ltheni
ghtandIhopet
owakei
n
t
ime

i
nthemor
ningorel
semymot
herwi
l
lbeonourcaset
hewhol
eday
.
I
nthemor
ningmymot
herwokeusupandmyheadwaski
l
li
ngme.Wewer
esupposedt
omake

br
eakf
astbutwewer
etoosl
owandAunt
yNokwazi
tookov
er.

Aunt
yNokwazi
ismymot
her
'ssi
stershecomesaf
termymot
hert
henmyuncl
eZi
pho.Shei
s

Lut
hando'
smot
herandshei
ssupercool
.

Nontu:
“Let
'sgot
oMt
unzi
niIneedl
i
ttl
ethi
ngs”Shet
ookhercar
skeyandwej
umpedandst
and
next

t
othecar
.

Mymot
hersai
dweshoul
dst
aybehi
ndt
hatIwasi
nfr
ontseatwai
ti
ngf
orNont
utodr
iveof
f.She

al
waysspeaksandst
andf
ormei
nourpar
ent
s.Shei
sst
ubbor
nandsweetbuti
fyoupi
ssher
of
fshe

canbecr
azyandgi
vey
ousomehi
ding.

Anel
e:“
Aishamey
ourcari
sni
ceandcomf
ort
abl
e”

Shecant
alkt
hatonebutLut
hando'
sisqui
teIdon'
tknowwhymay
bei
t’
sahangov
er.Whenwe
got

t
oMtunzi
niBPgar
ageaf
terwewer
eaboutt
odr
iveoutIsawacarwi
thar
egi
str
ati
onofGaut
eng
(
GP)

butt
hatcarl
ooksl
i
keIknowi
tbutt
her
ear
emanycar
soft
hatmodel
.

Shest
oppedt
hecar
.

Nont
u:“
Weneedi
ceIal
mostf
orgot
”

Anel
e:“
Let
'sal
lgo”

Thecarwentt
opar
kinadi
stance.

Me:
“GoandI
'
llst
ayher
e”

Theywentt
ooneoft
heshopsaf
tert
heywentIt
ookmyphonequi
ckl
yandIt
ookpi
ctur
esof
thatcar

andnumberpl
ate.Ineedt
ocheckt
heowneroft
hecar
.

AblackWr
angl
erwi
tht
int
edwi
ndowsl
ooksf
ami
l
iarandIt
hinki
tbel
ongst
osomeoneIknow
but

t
her
eist
hef
il
li
ngst
ati
onsot
hear
emanycar
swhi
chgoesonandout
.
Nont
u:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Iwast
hinki
ngaboutt
hatcar
.

Me:
“Yeah…YeahI
'
m okay
"

Idon'
tknowwhatt
ookt
hem sol
ong.Shedr
oveof
fandwewentt
oSparatMt
unzi
niandt
ook
few

t
hings.

-
--
--
--
--
--
-

Ther
e'ssomet
hingaboutt
hatcarbutIcan'
tputaf
ingeroni
tbutI
'
llf
indoutwhati
sit
.When
were

donewewentof
fwhenwepassbyt
heBPgar
agewher
ewewer
eatear
li
ert
hecari
sst
il
lther
e?

“
Ineedt
oknowt
heowneroft
hiscar
”IsentanSMSt
oSpi
kes.

Hecal
l
edaf
tert
hat
.

Spi
kes:
“Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?
”

Me:
“NoI
'
m not
”

Spi
kes:
“Thati
sSpaghet
ti
'scar
”

Me:
“Ar
eyousur
e?”

Spi
kes:
“I'
m sur
e”

Me:
“Okaysur
e”Ihungup.

Theywer
equi
teaf
tert
hatcarbutt
heydi
dn'
thearmyconv
ersat
ion.Iwonderwhat
'shi
scari
s
doi
ng

t
her
e.

Ther
estoft
hedaywentwel
l
.

OnSundayev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
ltooandImi
ssmyman.I
'
m goi
ngbackt
oDur
bant
hisaf
ter
noon.
At

Sundayaf
ter
noonwewenthomet
omypat
ernal
grandmot
her
'shouset
oseeandwespent
sometime

wi
thherandi
twast
ooni
cet
oseeher
.
Lor
dbl
esst
hem!

Gr
andma:
“Youhav
etogoear
lyIdon'
tl
ikey
out
otr
avel
inni
ght
”

Yeahshei
sher
sel
fnowshedoesn’
tli
keagi
rlwhot
rav
elorgoatni
ght
.Wet
ookourbagst
othe
car

wesai
dourgoodby
est
othem andI
’
mtheonewhoi
sdr
ivi
ngsot
hatmeanswe'
l
lbet
her
einno
t
ime.

I
'm amani
ac!Heal
way
scompl
aint
sabouti
t.Wel
eftt
het
roubl
emaker
sinCapesowe'
l
lbe
al
oneal
l

t
heni
ghtbecauseI
'
m notgoi
ngt
owor
ktomor
rowt
hebosshi
msel
fgav
emet
hedayof
f.

TKii
sinZi
mbal
isoshewi
l
ldr
opmet
her
eandt
akeherman.They
'l
ltakear
oadt
ri
ptoJobur
g.I
hear
d

t
hatSpi
deri
soutofcomabuthecan'
tspeakpr
oper
lyI
'
m happyt
hathei
sal
i
ve.

Whenwegott
oZi
mbal
ishet
ri
edt
ocal
lhi
m butshedi
dn'
tgethol
dofhi
m.Shedr
oppedmeof
f
and

wentt
oHil
tonhot
elwher
etheywer
est
ayi
ngat
.Shedi
dn'
twantt
obeher
ewi
thhermansoI
t
hought

t
heywant
edpr
ivacyandI
'
mfi
newi
thi
tbecauseIwantmymant
oo.

It
ookmykeyoutf
rom t
hebagandIopened.

Voi
ce:
“Iwasn'
texpect
ingy
ousosoon!
”Idon'
tknowt
hatv
oiceandIt
ookmygun.
..

Voi
ce:
“I'
l
lcomeandgety
ounow.
..
”

I
'
m st
il
lqui
et.Shecamei
nfr
om t
hepassage.

What
?

Shei
swear
ingar
edl
acyl
i
nger
ie.Ourey
esmetandwhenshet
ri
edt
orunIai
medhert
highandI

fi
red.I
nsecondsshewascr
yingoutl
oud.Igr
abbedherwi
thherhai
rsanddr
aggedhert
othe
di
ning.

Me:
“Dar
etr
ytoescapey
ou'
l
lknowme”

Iqui
ckl
yrant
otheki
tchenandIt
ookar
obandImetheront
hedi
ningr
oom door
.It
iedherup
fr
om

t
hechai
rwi
thherar
msont
heot
herchai
randImadesur
ethatshewon'
tescape.
Isl
appedher
.

Me:
“Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmyhouse?
”

Her
:“Whoar
eyou?
”

Thephoner
ingsandIassumedt
hati
t'
sherphonebecausemi
nei
sinmypocket
.Thecal
l
eri
d
was

Scefe.WhenIl
ookedar
oundt
hehousewasunt
idybutwhybecausehe'
sneathewon'
tcr
eat
e
thi
s

mess.

Me:
“Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”

Shedi
dn’
trepl
y.Isl
appedher
.

Me:
"I'
mtal
ki
ngandy
ouwon'
tbequi
tewhenI
'
m aski
ngy
ou”

I
'
m soangr
yatSamkel
ocan'
tdot
hist
ome.

Thephoneagai
nsamecal
l
eri
d.

Me:
“Opent
hist
hing”

Shel
aughed.

It
ri
edtocracki
tbutIdi
ditwr
ong.Idi
dITi
nvar
sit
ysot
hisphonei
saneasi
estt
askev
er.I
cr
ackedi
t

atl
ast
.

Me:
“Look”Iwi
nkedather
.Herf
aci
alexpr
essi
onchanged.Shet
ri
edt
ojump.

Fi
rstthi
ngt
ogoonherphonei
shermessagesbutt
hecal
lcamei
nagai
nsamecal
l
eri
d.I
wait
edfor

t
hecal
l
ert
ocutt
hecal
landIwentt
ohercont
actIwant
edt
oseet
his“
Scef
e”

Me:
“Whyman'
sphonenumberi
ssav
edas“
Scef
e”ony
ourphone?
”

I
'm shockedbyt
hisbutwhyorshei
shi
dinghi
snumber
stoherboy
fri
end.Iwentt
obendonher
and

shespi
tonmyf
ace.Igav
eheroneofahel
lsl
apsandi
tcausehert
ofal
l
.

Me:
“Don'
tdot
hatshi
tev
er!
”
Iwentt
oherpi
ctur
esonherphone.
..

Fuck!

Me:
"Whosenty
ouher
e?"

Her
:"Noonesentmeher
e"

Shetookpi
ctur
esofbankst
atementofhi
scompany
.Theywer
epi
ctur
esofourgangsi
gnat
ure.
Iwent

t
oherrecor
dings.Shehasr
ecor
dingofSamkel
oandSakhi
tal
ki
ngaboutt
hemi
ssi
ont
hati
snext
week

anotheronei
sSamkel
oont
hephonet
alki
ngaboutr
hinohor
nsSpi
kesspeaki
ngwi
thSamkel
o
about

ki
l
li
ngCommi
ssi
onerandt
heyar
ewai
ti
ngf
oranor
derf
rom Kat
.

I
tsov
erf
orus.Ishotheragai
nint
hesamet
high.Mypi
stol
hasasi
l
enceral
way
sincaseIneed
t
oact

f
ast
.

It
ookmyphoneandmadeacal
l
.

Me:
“ZeeIneedy
ouher
eASAPandpl
easecomewi
thSpi
kes”Ihungup.

It
ri
edt
ocal
lSKbuthe'
sonv
oicemai
l
.Iwaspaci
ngupanddownandIneedt
ocal
lTaKat
.

Me:
“Tawher
ear
eyou?
”

Kat
:“Dur
ban”hei
sannoy
ed.

Me:
“Goodpl
easecomeony
ourbr
other
'shousenowi
tsur
gent
”Iwasr
eli
eved

Kat
:“Zi
mbal
ior
?”

Me:
“Zi
mbal
i
”Hehungup.HowcanheaskZi
mbal
ior
?Mxm If
orgotabouthi
sapar
tment
.

Af
ter45mi
nut
esZeeandSpi
kescamei
nandIwentt
othem.

Spi
kes:
“And?
”heaskedwhenheseesbl
ood.

Me:
“Comeov
erher
e”Theywer
esur
pri
sedt
oseet
hisbi
tchandIdon'
tknowhername.

Spi
kes:
“Whatt
hef
uckhappenedher
e?”

Me:
“It
sSamkel
o'
sgi
rl
fr
iendandsheknowsev
ery
thi
ngaboutus”
Zee&Spi
kes:
“What
!”t
heybot
hsai
dlooki
ngshocked.

Me:
“Yeah”

I'
m soshockedaboutt
hisl
etal
oneIf
oundheronal
i
nger
iei
nmyman'
shouse.Hei
sdoi
ngi
t
again.Ta

Katcamei
naf
terawhi
l
eandIdi
rect
edhi
mtot
hedi
ningr
oom.

Kat
:“And?Ican'
tbel
i
evey
oucal
l
edmef
ort
his”

Me:
“Sheknowsev
ery
thi
ngaboutus”

Kat
:“What
?Whot
oldher
?”hechar
gedt
oher
.

Hegav
eherasl
ap.

Kat
:“Whosenty
ouher
e?”

Shespitonhisf
ace.Shedi
dn'
tdot
hatIpr
ayshedi
dn'
t!Shesi
gnedherdeat
hwar
rant
.He
grabbedher

wi
thherhai
randshecr
ied.

Kat
:“Unt
ieherr
ightnow!
”Ihopeshewon'
tdi
e.

Me:
“Zeepl
easet
aket
hedev
icet
her
eandt
akeoutal
lthel
i
steni
ngdev
icesher
e”Ipoi
ntedatt
he

dr
aweri
nher
e.Shedi
dasIaskedher
.

Hebeatherupandhet
hrowheront
hebi
gmi
rr
orandbl
oodwasont
hef
loori
nnot
ime.He
wentt
o

herandpi
ckedherwi
thherhai
r.

Kat
:“You'
l
ltel
lmet
het
rut
horel
se.
..
”

Her
:“Youcanf
orgetabouti
t”Shei
sst
il
lonherl
i
nger
ie.

Katt
ookherl
i
nger
ieof
fandt
oldzeet
obur
niti
ncasei
tal
sohasl
i
steni
ngdev
ices.

Kat
:“Cal
lSamkel
oandt
ell
himt
ocomeher
enow!
”It
ookmyphoneandt
ri
edt
ocal
lbutst
il
lon

v
oicemai
l
.

Me:
“Ican'
treachhi
m butI
'
llt
rackhi
m wi
thhi
sphone"

Zeet
ookal
lthel
i
steni
ngdev
ices.Spi
keswentputi
tint
hesi
nk.It
ookmyl
apt
opandIt
raced
hi
m.He'
s
atHi
l
tonhot
elandIcan'
tbel
i
evei
t.

I
fhewaswi
thmysi
sterandTKshewoul
d'
vet
oldhi
mthatI
'
m her
eorhei
sfucki
nganot
her
bi
tch.

Me:
“He'
satHi
l
tonhot
el”

Spi
kescal
l
edsomeoneandZeet
oo.TaKatgav
emehi
sphoneandIcal
l
edhi
mitwasr
ingi
ng.

Igav
eitt
ohi
m.

Kat
:“Beher
ein15mi
nut
es”hesai
dcal
mly
.

I
shecrazyIsai
dhei
sinHi
l
tonhot
elandi
t’
sinDur
banhowcanhegether
ein15mi
nut
es?I
hear
da

carpul
l
ingout
sideandi
twasnothi
mitwasourguy
sSpi
kescal
l
edt
hem.

ItookherphoneandIdi
all
edmynumbert
ocal
lmyphone.WhenIt
ri
edt
ocal
lhernumberi
t’
s
the

samenumberSphegav
eme.

Kat
:“Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”

Theywer
elooki
ngatme.

Me:“
Herphonenumberi
sthesamenumbert
hatSphegav
emeandshei
stheonewhowas
gi
vi
ng

hi
m dr
ugs”

Shewast
ryi
ngt
olaughbutshecoul
dn’
t.
..

It
ookmyl
apt
opandIwant
edt
ocheckt
henumber
sthatIhav
ethatbel
ongst
otheoneoft
he

Mbangat
ha.

WhenIcheckedheremai
l
sther
ewasnot
hing.OkayI
'
llr
etr
iev
ethem i
nmyl
apt
op.

Me:
“Boom!
”

It
ri
edt
olaugh.Samkel
ocamei
nsweat
ingasi
fhewasr
unni
ngf
rom someone.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIcanexp.
..
.”

Katsl
appedhi
m bef
orehef
ini
shedhi
ssent
ence.

Good!
!
Kat
:“Cont
inueNompe”

Me:
“Shei
swor
kingwi
thMbangat
habr
other
swhoshotSpi
derandmeandshehasr
ecor
dings
t
hat

i
ncr
imi
nat
eus”

Katput
shi
shandsi
nhi
shead.Isi
ghed.

Me:“
Worseherphonei
sont
imerbecauseshei
sdoi
ngunder
cov
erf
ort
hem.I
fshedoesn’
t
t
ouchher

phonei
n24hour
sev
ery
thi
ngi
sont
hepol
i
ce”

Kat
:“Cany
oudosomet
hingabouti
t?”

Hesai
daf
tersomewhi
l
e.

Samkel
o:“
Babe”

Katwentst
rai
ghtt
oherandpi
ckedherupandhest
rangl
edherandherey
eswer
epoppi
ngout
.

Spi
kes:
“WeneedherTaKat
”het
appedKat
’sshoul
der
.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easeIcanexpl
ain”hewasi
nfr
ontofme.

Me:“
Ineedt
owor
kri
ghtnowourl
i
vesdependoni
tsof
uckof
f!
!”I
'
m angr
ybutIneedt
ocal
m
down

bef
oreIl
osei
t.Hewentbackwher
ehewas.

Aft
ert
wohour
str
yingt
oget
herpasswor
dbutIr
eal
i
sedt
hati
fIhav
ethenameoft
heWi
Fishei
s
usi
ng.

Shel
astusest
he“
Mbangat
hahousehol
d”goodi
t’
seasyt
othi
s.

Thei
rWi
Fipasswor
dist
hesamepasswor
dIneededt
ost
opt
hatt
imeronher
.

Iwasdr
inki
ngmy4t
hcupofbl
ackcof
feewi
thnosugar
.

Me:
“Done!
”

Idel
etedev
ery
thi
ngi
nawayt
heycant
ryt
oret
ri
evei
twon'
tcomebacksowear
esaf
e.

Me:“
Youcant
hist
akeherphonet
oherpl
acebecauset
hey
'l
ltr
ackherphonedownsoi
fyou
t
akeit

backt
hey
'l
lthi
nkshei
sfi
ne”
Kat
:“Gr
eati
dea”

Me:“
Byt
hewaySpaghet
tii
sthesni
tcht
hatwhyMbangat
habr
other
sknewev
eryaboutmov
es
f
rom

worktohome.Yest
erdayIsuspect
edt
hatIsawhi
scari
nBPgar
agei
nMt
unzi
nisot
hatwhyI
sent

t
hosepi
ctur
est
oyouSpi
kes”

Si
l
ence.

Me:“
Spaghet
tidi
sappear
edi
ntwoweeksandhi
saccesscar
dwasal
sol
astusedi
ntwoweeks
af
ter

Spi
derwasshotandhewasn'
treachabl
einl
astt
woweekssohewaswor
kingwi
thMbangat
ha

br
other
swhor
ecent
lyj
oinedourr
ival
gang”

Katsi
ghed.

Me:“Sot
hismeanst
hisbi
tchwassentt
ogeti
nfor
mat
iont
hroughSamkel
obecauseSpaghet
ti
knew

t
hatSamkel
oisapl
ayerandIt
hinkcommi
ssi
oneri
sKG'
sfr
iendorsomet
hing”

Kat
:“Ti
eherupandputheri
nmybootam comi
ng”

Kat
:“Sor
ryt
oseeSamkel
o'
sshi
tbutI
'
m gl
ady
ousav
edusagai
n”

Me:
“Iwasdoi
ngmyj
ob”

Inev
ert
houghtIwi
l
lseet
hisdayhi
m say
ingt
hosewor
ds.I
thar
dtopl
easehi
m.

Kat
:“Samkel
ocomewi
thme”hesai
donhi
swayout
.

Idon'
tcr
yany
mor
e.Whati
stheuseofcr
yingov
ersomeonewhowi
l
lapol
ogi
zeanddot
hesame
thi
ng

r
epeat
edl
y?

Theycamebackaf
ter2hour
slooki
ngdi
rt
yandmyhousewascl
ean.Theyal
lwentaf
terhi
s
housewas

cl
ean.I
'
mfeel
i
ngsl
eepybutIsuspectont
hatwat
erZeegav
eme

WhenIwokeupi
nthemor
ningt
hesmel
lwascomi
ngf
rom t
heki
tchenbutI
'
m nothungr
yandI
want
t
ogobackt
oCapeandI
'
llmov
eoutt
otheapar
tmentIbought
.

Samkel
o:“
Goodmor
ning”hef
lashedasmi
l
e.

Me:“Fucky
oudude”If
akedasmi
l
eandwentst
rai
ghtt
othef
ri
dgepour
edmy
sel
fanor
ange
j
uice

andwentbackt
omyr
oom.

Thabi
cal
l
edmeIhopeshehear
ditf
rom Andi
l
ebutnott
hewhol
est
oryofcour
sebutIassur
ed
her

t
hatI
'
m okay
.Nont
ucal
l
edt
ooandIt
oldhert
hatI
'
m okay
.

Samkel
o:“
Breakf
asti
sreadybabe”hepeepedi
nthedoor
.

Me:
“I'
m nothungr
y”Ican'
tev
enl
ookathi
m.

Imusthav
edozeof
fandt
hef
leecet
hrowwasonmyhal
fbodyandi
tsonl
yhi
m whocandot
his

becausewe'
real
onei
nthehouse.Ihat
etobeher
esamehousewi
thhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m goi
ngoutbabeI
'
llbeback”hecamei
ntheguest
room.

Me:
“Yeahwhat
ever
”Idon'
tl
iket
odi
srespecthi
m ev
eni
fI'
m angr
ythat
'swhyIneedt
ogoback
t
o

CapeTown.

Samkel
o:“
Babel
ookI
’
m sor
ry”

Me:
“Sav
eitdude!
”

Helef
tmyr oom.Ihear
dhi
scardr
ivi
ngout
.Ipackedmybagandcal
l
edt
obookt
hepl
anet
o
Capealso

cal
l
edt
hecab.WhenIgett
her
eIneedt
opackmycl
othest
omov
etomynewpl
aceIboughti
n
l
ast

f
ewmont
hs.

Igotanear
lyf
li
ghtsoi
nnot
imeI
'
llandi
nCape.Ical
l
edacabt
otakemet
ohi
shouseaf
tert
hat
he

cal
l
edandIdi
dn'
tanswert
ohi
scal
l
.

WhenIgott
her
eIf
oundt
hem i
nthel
oungeandIgr
eet
edt
hem wentt
othemai
nbedr
oom
packed
mycl
othest
ohecal
l
edagai
nandagai
nandagai
nIdi
dn'
tanswerorr
espondt
ohi
scal
l
.

Ical
l
edacabaf
tert
hatandIsai
dmygoodby
est
othem andexchangedf
ewhugs.

Mynewplaceiscool
butIneedut
ensi
landanewcarIcan'
tl
eav
eli
ket
hist
otakecabs
wher
everIgo.

Aft
erworkIneedt
ogot
oadeal
ershi
pIneedsomet
hingqui
ckl
yIdon'
tcar
ehowmuchi
tis
because

Ineedi
tASAP!

I
nmysl
eepIhear
dasi
fther
e'ssomeoneher
einsi
de.Iwokeup.

Cl
i
veChr
ist
ianNo.
1LondonEngl
and.

Fuck!Hewasher
e!Iwi
l
lki
ckhi
sassi
fhei
sher
e.

I
ts05:
00am Iwokeupear
lywi
thanhour
.Ideci
dedt
ogot
oswi
tchont
hegey
serIhav
etoputon

al
way
sIcan'
tbewaki
ngupi
nthemor
ningt
oswi
tcht
hef
uckengey
ser
!

I
'minmypi
nkpy
jamashor
tsandi
tsmat
chi
ngv
est
.I'
myawni
ngandIf
eel
sleepybutIwon'
tgo
back

t
osleepbecauseI
'
llbel
atet
owor
k.I
nthepassagehi
sscenti
sther
esoi
tmeanshewas
wal
kingar
ound

asi
fheownst
hepl
ace.

Bast
ard!

Whoi
sthat
?

It
ookt
hev
asenearmej
usti
ncasei
t’
snothi
m may
bei
t’
ssomeonewhot
ri
est
ofool
meandki
l
l
me

butI
'
llf
ighthi
m wi
thany
thi
ngIf
indar
oundme.

Nxaa

Icheckedcar
eful
andguessi
twhoi
t’
sSamkel
oandIwentst
rai
ghtt
othedoorandIopenedt
he
door.

Me:
“Getoutofmyhouse!
”Hest
oodst
il
l.

Chapt
er21
Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningsweet
hear
t”Hel
i
vest
oannoymeIknewt
hatl
ongt
ime.

Me:
“I'
m beggi
ngy
oupl
easegetoutofmyhouse”

Hekeptqui
et.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
eunt
ilwesi
tdownandspeak”hesatdownont
hecouch.

Ihat
ehi
m!Hecamet
owar
dsmeandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

Hepi
nnedmei
nthedoorandhi
sli
pswer
eonmyneck.Hepi
ckedmeupandIwr
appedmyl
egs

aroundhiswai
st.Ourl
i
psmetandImi
ssedhi
sli
psandhi
ssof
tandwar
m ski
n.Hewentt
omy
bedroom

andhegentl
yputmei
nthebedandhet
ookmypy
jamav
estandcuppedmybr
east
.Hi
s
breat
hing

changedandIt
ookof
fhi
sgol
fT-
shi
rtandIbuckl
edhi
sbel
t.Hei
sli
tt
lebi
troughbutIl
i
kei
t.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
ry”hemumbl
edwi
thamoan.

Heisbr
eat
hingi
nmyearandheknowsi
ttur
nsmeonandheont
opofmel
ooki
ngmei
nmy
ey
esand

myarmswerecar
esseshi
sback.
..Thosemuscl
e..
.Hewasmov
ingf
astandIwasscr
eami
ng
hi
sname.
..
.

Hewasgr
oani
ngl
i
keanani
mal
wecl
i
maxedatt
hesamet
ime.
..Il
i
ket
hatgr
oani
ng.Mybeast
.

Hegotof
fmeandl
aidont
hesi
dewhi
l
ewewer
ecat
chi
ngbr
eat
h.Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
m Il
aidmy
head

onhi
schestandIhear
dhi
shear
tbeat
.

Samkel
o:“
Doy
our
eal
l
yli
ket
odot
hat
?”

Me:
“Todowhat
?”

Samkel
o:“
List
eni
ngt
omyhear
tbeat
“hebr
ushedmyshoul
der
.

Me:
“Yeah”Il
ovehi
m can'
tsaynot
ohi
m.

It
ri
edt
ogetup.

Samkel
o:“
Please.
..
”

Me:“Okay
”Il
aidmyheadonhi
schest
.Ican'
tbel
i
evemy
sel
fIcamebackt
oCapebecauseIwas
angr
y
athi
m butnowI
'
minhi
schest
.

Samkel
o:“
Nowor
dsorexpl
anat
ionorexpensi
vegi
ftIcanbuyf
ory
out
ofor
giv
eme.I
'
m not
per
fect

myloveandI
'
vedonesomanybadt
hingsi
nmyl
i
febutwhatwebot
hshar
eit
'ssopur
eand
i
nnocent
.

Fr
om nowoni
tsy
ouandonl
yyoui
nmyl
i
feIpr
omi
sey
ou”hesay
sbr
ushi
ngmyback.

Me:“Youal
way
sbr
eakmyhear
tSK.Iknowt
hatI
'
myourgi
rl
fr
iendnot
hingmor
ethant
hatbutI
need

yout
orespectmeast
hewomani
nyourl
i
fe.Youputy
ourl
i
fei
ndangerandmi
net
oo”It
ri
edt
o
be

cal
m Idon'
twantt
olosei
twi
tht
ear
s.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
beamant
haty
ouwantandt
haty
oudeser
ve”

Ineedt
owakeupandpr
epar
emy
sel
ftowor
k.Igotupbuthewant
edust
ospendawhol
edayi
n
bed

butIcan'
tIhav
etoshowmy
sel
fther
e.

Hemademybedandor
der
edbr
eakf
astf
orusandwesatandat
ebr
eakf
ast
.Inhi
sey
esIsaw
si
ncer
it
y

l
oveandhappi
nessbutamor
ningsexcandot
hatt
oaman.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyoubabe”

Heknowst
hatandhecanseei
tinmyey
es.

Me:“
Ineedgogetgoi
ng”Ist
oodupandwentt
omybagandl
apt
opbagandhemustdr
opme
of
fto

wor
k.

Ir
eal
l
yneedmycarsoIcan'
tmov
eeasi
l
y.

TodayIchoset
owearabl
ackl
eat
herchi
ff
onski
rtl
i
ttl
ebel
owmykneesandaf
lor
alof
fshoul
der
shi
rt

anddust
ypi
nkheel
sandear
ri
ngst
hatt
ouchesmyneck.

Hespanksme.It
urnedt
olookathi
m

Samkel
o:“
Yout
oohotsoIcan'
tspendami
nut
ewi
thoutt
ouchi
ngy
ou”
Mydayhasami
xedemot
ionbutt
hatmor
ningsexmademet
obecl
osert
obehi
m butI
'
m st
il
l
angr
y

athi
m orI
'
m notangr
y?Idon'
tknow.

WhenIr
etur
nedt
omypl
aceIwant
edt
otakeal
ongshowerj
ustt
orel
axnj
e.

MeandMr
sJonesbyMar
vinGaywaspl
ayi
ngatal
owerv
olumebutt
hesoundi
scomi
ngf
rom
my

r
oom.WhenIopenedadoorr
osepet
alswer
eont
hef
loor
.

Whati
sthi
s?Iwaswal
ki
ngsl
owl
yandi
tledmet
odi
ningr
oom.

Samkel
o:“
Babe”hegav
emear
ose.

IwasshockedandIt
hought
.Hei
swear
ingonl
yhi
sboxer
.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasegot
oourr
oom andt
akeabat
h”

WhenIcameaf
tert
aki
ngabat
hIf
oundal
i
nger
ie(
lacybr
aandi
tsmat
chi
ngpant
y)t
hepant
yis
sexy

i
thaspear
lsonmybut
tgi
vi
nghi
m agr
eatchancet
oseet
hroughev
ery
thi
ng.

Iwor
eitandhecame.Isawhi
m butIdi
dn'
tseeorhearhi
m comi
ngi
n.It
urnedt
oseehi
m and
hi
s

f
acewasl
i
ke“
wow”
.

Samkel
o:“
You'
resosexybabe”hepul
l
edmet
ohi
m andhel
edmet
othedi
ningt
abl
eandi
twas
a

di
nnerf
ort
woandhe'
ssor
omant
ic.

Aft
erthatwemadel
oveagai
nandagai
n.Ij
ustl
ovehi
m her
eal
l
yconv
incedmet
ogobackt
ohi
s
house

andIwentback.

Af
teraweekImov
edbackt
ohi
shouseandLwandi
l
ewassneaki
nghi
sgi
rl
fr
iendi
nher
e.

Samkel
o:“
Babeur
gentmeet
ingt
odayat20:
30”hei
sbusywi
thhi
sphone

Me:
“Okaybabe”

Ineedtotel
lthem aboutLwandi
l
e'st
hati
mpr
egnat
edNy
athi
kazi
'
sdaught
er.Commi
ssi
oner
Nyathi
kazi
It
hinkhewantt
oputusi
njai
lbutev
erydoghasi
tday
.

Me:
“Ineedt
ospeakt
oyouandTaKatbef
oret
hemeet
ing”

It
hinkwegoi
ngt
odi
scusst
hewayf
orwar
daboutCommi
ssi
onerbutt
heymustknowt
hatt
hei
r

br
otherhascr
eat
edpr
obl
em.At18:
00Katwasher
esoImustbr
eakt
hisnowornev
er.

Ipr
epar
edj
uiceandacake.

Me:“Iwoul
dn'
thav
ewast
epr
eci
oust
imeofy
our
sforusel
esst
hingsbutt
hisi
ssoi
mpor
tant
.I
know

i
t'
snotmypl
acebutwhatcomesi
nourwayIt
hinky
ouguy
shav
etoknow…”Idi
dn'
tfi
nisht
he

sent
encebecauseofKat

Kat
:“Don'
tbeatar
oundt
hebushj
ustgett
othepoi
nt”

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sit
?”

Me:
“Lwandi
l
eimpr
egnat
edt
hegi
r.
..
”Idi
dn'
tfi
nish.

Them:
“What
!?”

Kat
:“Wher
eist
hatspoi
l
tbr
atsoIcangi
vehi
m ahi
ding”

Lwandi
l
eisagr
ownupsoIdon'
tseet
heneedofbei
ngangr
y.Dr
ama!

Me:
“Pl
easesi
tdownsoIcan.
..
”Idi
dn'
tfi
nish.

Samkel
o:“
Het
oldy
out
otel
lust
hisr
ubbi
sh”

Me:
“Pl
easecomedown”

Me:“Thepr
obl
em i
sthemot
heroft
hechi
l
discommi
ssi
oner
'sdaug.
..
.t
her
”Il
ookeddownaf
ter
say
ing

t
his.

Them:
“What
?”

Kati
spaci
ngupanddownl
ucki
l
yLwandi
l
eisnother
e.

Me:
“YeahsoIdon'
tthi
nkki
l
li
ngNy
athi
kazi
woul
dbecr
eat
emor
epr
obl
ems”

Kat
:“Fuck!It
oldhi
m somanyt
imest
obr
eakupwi
thherbuthedi
dn'
tl
ist
ent
omel
ooknowwe
ar
e

st
uckedwi
thhi
mforl
i
ve”Kati
sst
il
lpaci
ngupanddown.
“
uLwandi
l
ewenzent
oni
?”

Samkel
o:“
Fucky
ouwena!
”

I
t’
sSpi
der
.

WegotupandIwentt
ohi
m andgav
ehi
m ahug.

Spi
der
:“Ouch!
”

Me:
“Sor
ry!Ar
eyouokay
?”

Samkel
o:“
Youbackatj
umpi
ngf
ence”hesmi
l
edandshookhi
shead.

Spi
der
:“Voet
sekwena.Ni
thi
wenzent
oni
uLwandi
l
e?"

Spi
der
:“Tawehav
etoel
i
minat
ethatdog”

Kat:
“There'
ssomemuchatst
akenowbecauset
heLwandi
l
e'schi
l
disi
nvol
vedwecan'
ttake
el
iminat
e

hi
m butwehav
etoputhi
m undersur
vei
l
lancewat
ch”

Qui
et.

Spi
der
:“Sonit
shookokubanani
dlul
wanguLwandi
l
engokusebenzi
sal
ent
oephakat
hi
kwemi
lenze

y
enu”

Si
l
ence.

I
'
mtr
yingt
ohol
dal
augh.I
'
mreal
l
ytr
ying.
..

Kat
:“Nxaasut
het
haukuny
akengoku

Weall
bur
stoutl
aughi
ngbecauset
heyt
easehi
m aboutnothav
ingachi
l
dinhi
sage.Ihear
d
t
hathe

wasmar
ri
edandhi
smar
ri
agedi
dn'
twor
koutbutheal
way
shasdi
ff
erentgi
rl
fr
iendsIwonder
why

hedon'
tset
tl
edownwi
thoneoft
hem.

Iwentt
oki
tchent
otakegl
assf
orhi
m butIguessIwasl
atebecauseIf
oundhi
m dr
inki
ng
scot
ch.

Me:
“Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
oheal
yourwoundsf
ir
st”
Spi
der
:“Hhay
imar
n”

Af
ter19:00pm wewentof
ftot
hemeet
ingbutwewant
edt
obeear
ly.Whenwegott
he
warehouse

wewer
etheonl
yonewhocamei
nfi
rst
.

I'
m mi
nut
est
oei
ghto'
cl
ockwewer
ether
ewai
ti
ngf
ormeet
ingt
ost
art
.Hegr
eet
edi
nourway
and

t
hemeet
ingst
art
edandhe'
stheonewhoi
stal
ki
ngasal
way
s.

Kat
:“Thi
smeet
ingwassupposedt
obei
npastf
ewday
sbutbecausewear
eal
lher
e”

Kat
:“Spi
derwe'
regl
adt
haty
ou'
ref
ine”

Spi
der
:“Andi
ngomf
eceTaKat
”hesmi
l
ed.

Wej
ustl
aughedoutl
oud.

Kat:
“Si
nceSpi
derandNompear
efi
nenowsowehav
etof
indSpaghet
tit
ogethi
sgooni
es.I
needyou

t
ofi
ndhi
m Iwanthi
m al
i
ve”

Kat:
“Ial
mostf
orgott
osaysomet
hingi
mpor
tantLwandi
l
eimpr
egnat
edNy
athi
kazi
'
sdaught
er.I
know

i
tdoesn’
tconcer
nyoubutknowi
ngNy
athi
kazi
hewi
l
lusehi
sdaught
ert
osni
ffar
ound.Ineed
y
outo

beawar
e”Ny
athi
kazi
isaCommi
ssi
oner
.

Theywer
erumbl
i
ngandspeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
es.

Kat:
“Wewon'
tki
l
lhi
m butwehav
etowat
chhi
m andpl
easeIneedy
out
otai
lhi
m weneedt
o
know

ev
erymov
ehemakes”

Us:
“Sur
eTaKat
”

ItoldKatt
hatIsawhi
scaratMt
unzi
niBPgar
agesohef
oundoutt
hathe'
sst
ayi
ngt
her
eandhe
told

metobeefupt
hesecur
it
yincasehet
ri
essomet
hingf
unny
.Af
tert
hemeet
ingwehadabr
aai
and

dr
inks.Ihadmyf
avour
it
ewi
ne
Whenwegothomemyt
ummywasupsetbutIt
houghti
twasmeatorwi
neIhopei
nthe
morni
ngI
'
ll

bebet
ter
.Int
hemor
ningmyt
ummywasf
inebuthi
scol
ognesmel
li
ssoni
ceandIl
ovei
tso
much.

Af
terIgotdr
essedIt
ookhi
scol
ogneandputi
tonmybag.It
hinkI
'
llneedi
tthewhol
eday
.

ImadeFr
encht
oastf
orbr
eakf
astandhecamei
n.

Samkelo:
“Babehav
eyouseenmycol
ogne?
”Hehasmanycol
ognesbutwhyhehasn'
tusedt
he
other
.

Me:
“NoIhav
en'
t”Icont
inuedwi
thwhatI
'
m busywi
th.I
'
mly
ingIt
ooki
tandi
t’
sinmybag.

Samkel
o:“
Iusedt
heot
herone”

Hewassupposedt
odot
hati
nthef
ir
stpl
acewhenhecoul
dn'
tfi
ndi
t.

I
ntheof
fi
ceIwassohungr
ywai
ti
ngf
ort
hel
uncht
imesourgent
ly.Iat
easi
fitwast
hef
ir
stIat
e
f
ood

i
nthel
ast5y
ear
sbutI
'
m gl
adIhav
eanappet
it
ebecausesomeot
hert
imeIj
ustdon'
twantt
o
eat
.

Af
terwor
kIwant
edt
omakedel
i
ciousf
oodf
ormyl
ove.

Mbuso:
“Nompewhydi
dyout
ell
them?
”Ideci
dednott
oanswert
hat
.

Thi
swasthequest
ionIgotwhenIcamebackf
rom wor
k.I
'
m bei
ngambushedi
nmyman'
s
housebut

Imustkeepmycool
.Iwentt
omybedr
oom t
ochangeheel
stogetmycomf
ysl
i
pper
s.

It
ookmyphoneandmadeacal
l
.

Me:
“Babecany
oupl
easebuyChel
seabunf
ormeatPi
cknPay
.Pl
ease”i
napol
i
tev
oice

Samkel
o:“
Okay
”Af
tersomel
ongt
imehehungupbutIt
hinkhei
sir
ri
tat
edbyt
his.Chel
seabun
smel
l

wasl
i
kei
t’
sinher
eandIcani
magi
nemy
sel
feat
ingi
t.

Atl
uncht
imeIt
ookoutmybagandt
hesmel
lofacol
ogneI
'
minl
ovewi
thi
t.Ispr
ayedi
tar
ound
my

neck.

Imadebeeff
il
letwi
thbakedpot
atoesandcaul
i
flowerandi
twi
l
lgowel
lwi
thr
edwi
nesoI
'
llsee
what

Iwi
l
leatbecauseImadebeefandI
'
m al
l
ergi
c.

Wentt
obat
hroom andwhenIcameouthewasi
ntheki
tchenchecki
ngonmypot
s

Me:
“Yi
niManj
ebabe”Igav
ehi
m ast
are.HeknowsIhat
ewhathe'
sdoi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Sor
rybabeIwaschecki
ngI
'
m hungr
y”

Hei
sbehi
ndmeandhei
sbr
eat
hingi
nmyearheki
ssedmyneck.

Samkel
o:“
Youf
oundmyCol
ogne?
”hest
oppedt
oki
ssmyneck.

Me:“Ihav
en'
tfoundi
tyet
”mer
oll
i
ngmyey
esandhecan'
tseemedoi
ngi
tbecauseher
eal
l
y
hat
es

i
t.

Samkel
o:“
Babemycol
ognedi
sappear
edandIj
ustsmel
li
tiny
ournecky
ety
oudon'
tknow
wher
eit

i
s”

Hemustnoti
rr
it
ateme.

Me:
“Mycheal
sebunpl
ease”

Hegav
emeapl
ast
icandher
eal
l
yboughti
t.Ipeckedhi
sli
ps.

Af
tert
heyhaddi
nnerIwaseat
ingbananawi
thwhi
tebr
ead.Hecamei
nandgav
emeast
areI
di
dn'
t

gavehi
mtheat
tent
ion.Af
terput
ti
ngt
hedi
shesi
nthedi
shwasherIwentt
obedwi
thmycheal
se
bun.

Samkel
o:“
Haahbabey
ou'
l
lnoteather
e”

Iwentst
rai
ghtt
obedandIpl
acedi
tint
hesi
det
abl
eIgoti
nbedandIt
ooki
taf
tert
aki
ngone
bi
tehe

t
ooki
t.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sit
?”Whyhe'
ssowor
kedout
?

Me:“CanIpl
easeeat
?”It
ookmyBunhi
shandandwhenIt
ri
edt
otakeabi
tehet
ooki
twi
th
f
orce.I

f
eltt
ear
sdr
ippi
ngdownonmychecksandIl
etoutasobaf
tert
hat
.
Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sor
rypl
easedon'
tcr
ytakei
t”het
ri
edt
ohushmebutIcr
iedoutl
oudandhe
gave

backmybunt
ome.

Aft
ereat
ingmybunIf
eltsomet
hingl
i
kei
twashushi
ngme.
..Iwokeupi
nthemor
ningf
eel
i
ng
not

hungr
yandIdeci
dednott
omakebr
eakf
ast
.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m hungr
y”I
'
m bei
ngt
est
edher
eIcansee.

Me:
“I'
m notby
ebabe”Iki
ssedhi
sri
ghtcheek.

Idon'
tcar
ehemustl
ear
ntomakehi
sbr
eakf
astI
'
mti
redofmaki
ngbr
eakf
astf
orhi
m.

Hedidn'
tcal
lorsentamessagebutIdon'
tcar
ehecanf
indt
hedeepestl
akeanddr
ownsi
nit
.
Bef
ore

t
heknocki
ngt
imeIcal
l
edhi
mtobuyal
otofbananasandChel
seabunandhesai
dyesbuthe
was

angr
y.

Zamo:
“Imi
ssedy
oui
nthemor
ning”

Mbusoi
ssl
eepi
ngher
etodaybecauset
omor
rowi
nthemor
ningt
heyhav
eanappoi
ntmentwi
th
t
he

f
ashi
ondesi
gnerwhowi
l
ldesi
gnt
hei
rsui
tsf
ort
hei
rgr
aduat
ion.

Me:
“Sor
ryIhadanear
lymeet
ing”

Lwandi
l
eisl
i
ttl
egr
umpyonmef
ort
ell
i
nghi
sbr
other
sbuti
twast
hesaf
estwaybecausei
fhe
was

t
her
ehewoul
d'
vei
napr
obl
em bynow.He'
l
lunder
standoneday
.

Samkelo:
“CanIpl
easehav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou”If
oll
owedhi
mtoourbedr
oom andIwassmi
l
ing
al
lthe

way

Samkel
o:“
Idi
dn'
tl
iket
hewayy
ouspoket
omei
nthemor
ningandwhyar
ebehav
ingl
i
ket
his?
”

Af
terasi
l
lyl
i
ttl
elect
ure.

Me:
“I'
m sor
rybabe.Wher
eismybun?
”
Samkel
o:“
It
’st
her
einaPi
cknPaypl
ast
ic.Idi
dn'
tknowy
oul
i
kedi
tsomuch”He'
scal
m now

Yeahwhat
ever
.

Iwentt
otheki
tchenandIt
ookmyChel
seabunandbananaswentt
oourbedr
oom.Hej
ustgav
e
me

astar
ebutIdi
dn'
tpayat
tent
iont
ohi
ssi
l
lyst
areIsatont
hebedandat
e.Hewasl
ooki
ngatme
l
ike

I
'
m cr
azyorwhat
.

Sincei
tsFr
idayt
odayI
'
llgocheckonThabi
tomor
rowsi
nceI
'
m notwor
kingt
omor
row.I
'
m so
ti
redI

don'
tknowwhybutIt
hinkI
'
m comi
ngdownwi
thf
lue.

Iwentt
obat
hroom anddi
dthemor
ningr
it
ual
asusual
theseday
sIdon'
tl
iket
otakeshower
wit
hhim.

WhenIcameoutofbat
hroom Iwaswear
ingasi
l
kfl
oral
jumpsui
twi
thr
edwedgepumpst
hat
's
match

t
hecol
ouri
nmyout
fi
twi
thgol
dear
ri
ngs.Ineedt
ocutt
hesesi
l
lydr
eadsI
’
mti
redofi
tnow.

I
ntheof
fi
ceIwasf
eel
i
ngsl
eepyandt
ir
edIt
hinkonl
uncht
imeI
'
llgot
othedeal
ershi
pandf
etch
i
t

t
oday
.

Timei
ssl
owt
odayIneedabedt
osl
eepbuti
t'
sluncht
imenow.It
ookmyhandbagandIcal
l
ed
the

cabt
otakemet
othedeal
ershi
pIknowhe'
l
lbeangr
yabouti
tbutIdon'
tcar
ehecangot
ohel
l
.

WhenIgott
othedeal
ershi
pIwentst
rai
ghtt
othemanagerandIwant
edt
obuyacarcashi
nthe
spot

her
efusedbuti
t’
sokayI
'
llpayhal
fthenanot
herone.Ican'
tuseSamkel
o'
snamebecausehe’
l
l
beher
e

i
nsecondsandgi
vemeahar
dti
mesoweagr
eedonhi
ster
ms.

Iwentbackt
owor
kIwasf
eel
i
ngbet
tert
hani
nthemor
ning.Idi
dn'
teatany
thi
ngsot
het
ime
wasfast

af
terIboughtBl
ackMer
cedes-
AMGGT634MATI
C+4-
doorCoupé.
Mybaby!I
'
m soexci
ted.
Aft
erwor
kIf
oundmycol
l
eaguesar
oundmycari
nthepar
kingl
otcompl
i
ment
ingi
tandst
uff
and

Andi
lewast
her
eal
so.Hei
ski
ndbossy
oucanf
indhi
mtal
ki
ngwi
thhi
sempl
oyeescr
acki
ng
j
okesand

gi
vi
ngt
hem adv
ices.

It
ookmycarkeyi
nadi
stanceandIunl
ockedi
t.Theywer
eli
kewhat
!!
?

Andi
l
e:“
Wow!Ni
ceoneNompe”heshookedmyhand

Me:
“Thanksboss”
Ihear
dal
otofcongr
atul
ati
onsar
oundmeandf
ewhugsandhandshakes.

Andi
l
e:“
Key
spl
easeIwantt
otestdr
ivei
t”Igav
ehi
m key
sandhewentout
.

Afterminut
esl
aterhecamebackandIwant
edt
ogoandIt
oldt
heot
hercol
l
eaguest
hatI
'
m
rushing

somewher
eact
ual
l
yIwasr
ushi
ngt
othesal
on.

WhenIgott
osal
onIcutmydr
eadl
ocksandI
'
mtaki
ngt
hem wi
thmeI
'
llusei
tinf
utur
e.Af
terI
was

donei
nthesal
onIwentt
oPi
cknPayandIbought4Chel
seabunsandt
wobunchofbananas.

WhenIgothomeIr
evv
edmycarandhoot
ingt
heyal
lgotout
.Theywer
esmi
l
ingandcl
appi
ng
and

whenIwasdoneIpar
kedi
t.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Canwepl
easet
akei
tforaspi
n”Igav
ehi
mthekey
s.

Samkel
owassof
uri
ouswi
thi
tandIknewhewoul
dbehav
eli
kehei
snow.Whent
heycame
backI

t
ookmypl
ast
icandl
ockedi
tandIwenti
nsi
de.If
oundhi
m paci
ngupanddownandIcoul
dsee
t
hat

hei
sangr
ybutasIsai
dIDON'
TCARE!

Samkel
o:“
Comeher
e”hegr
abbedmewi
thupperar
m.

Me:
“You'
rehur
ti
ngme!
”

Hei
slef
t-
handedsohe'
shur
ti
ngme.If
oll
owedhi
mtoourbedr
oom hepushedmewi
thf
orced
t
osi
t

ont
hebed.
Samkel
o:“
Ist
hatasi
ckj
oke?
”

Ibental
i
ttl
eandt
ookapl
ast
icandIt
ookChel
seabunandt
ookabi
te.

Samkel
o:“
Real
l
y?I
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyouandy
ou'
rebusyeat
ing?
”hel
osti
t.Hecamet
owar
dsmeand
took

mybunandt
hrewi
tint
hedoor
.

Ij
ustcr
ied.

Samkel
o:“
Don'
t!Iwon'
tfeel
sor
ryf
ory
ou.Youboughtacarwi
thoutl
ett
ingmeknowandy
oucut

y
ourdr
eadl
ockswi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ngt
ome”

Icri
edloudert
hanbef
ore.Hesatnex
ttomeandIt
ookmyot
herbunandIat
eitandIwasst
il
l
cry
ing.

Samkel
o:“
OkayI
'
m sor
ryIshoul
dn'
thav
eshout
edaty
ou.I
'
m sor
rybutt
heseday
sit
’sl
i
key
ou
l
ivi
ng

t
oannoyme”Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
sshoul
der
.

Ihav
en'
tsai
dany
thi
ngI
'
m eat
ingandcr
yingathi
sshoul
der
.

Aft
ert
hatIwentt
othebat
hroom.Hecamei
naf
terIst
art
edt
otakeashowerIwassoannoy
ed
but

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.Hest
art
edt
oki
ssmeandIcont
inuedt
aki
ngashower
.Het
urnedmet
o
l
ookat

hi
m ourl
ipsmetwhent
hingsheat
eduphepi
ckedmeupandwehav
eourf
ir
stgl
oryi
nthe
bat
hroom

andt
hesecondwasi
nourbed.

Idol
ovesexbutt
heseday
sit
’swor
se.Isl
epti
nhi
schest
.

Samkel
o:“
Goodmor
ningsl
eepyhead”hesai
dint
hatv
oiceandheki
ssedme.

Me: “
Morni
ngbabe”Iwant
edt
owakeupbutHegr
abbedmebymywai
standIl
andedi
nhi
s
chest.

Me:
“Ineedt
opee”Iki
ssedhi
scheek.

Iwentt
othebat
hroom andhecamei
nandwet
ookshowert
ogetherandwehadamor
ning
sex.He

hel
pedmet
omakeourbedt
oday
.
I
nthepassagewehadanar
omacomi
ngf
rom t
heki
tchenwhenwegott
her
eThandowasbusy
maki
ng

br
eakfast
.Theot
her
scameaf
terus.Wehadabr
eakf
astaf
terIwentt
owor
k.Samkel
owas
worki
ng

homet
odaynoti
ntheof
fi
ce.Hehasof
fi
cesher
eandi
nJobur
gandKati
sashar
ehol
der
.

Atworkmybodywasi
tchi
ngbuti
twasnott
hatbadbutaf
terl
unchi
tgotwor
sei
tal
l
ergi
c.
Samkelo

wascal
l
edt
opi
ckmeupbecausemybodywasswel
l
ingandIcoul
dn'
tseepr
oper
ly.

WhenwegothomeIdr
ankmyal
l
ergi
cpi
l
lsandhecal
l
edt
hedoct
oraf
tert
hatIpassedout
.

WhenIwokeupi
twas17:
20pm butIr
emai
nedi
nbedIhear
dadooropeni
ngIcl
osedmyey
es

pr
etendi
ngIwasasl
eepandhear
dfoot
stepscomi
ngt
owar
dsmeandsatonbed.

Thando:
“Ncooahsweet
hear
tlookaty
ou.Youl
ookbady
out
houghty
oucanbeatmeupandget
away

wi
thi
tnononodar
li
ng”Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hhernotnowandshewi
l
lgett
hebestpuni
shment
.

Ihear
dadooropeni
ngagai
nandIhear
dhi
mtal
ki
ngandt
heywentout
.Iopenedmyey
esIdon'
t

bel
i
eveonwhatI
'
vej
usthear
dnowImustpr
etendasi
fIdi
dn'
thearany
thi
ngandkeepmycool
.

Aft
er30mi
nut
esIwokeupandmademywayt
othel
i
vingr
oom andt
her
e'sThabi
Andi
l
eMbuso
and

Gwaj
o.Samkel
ocamet
ohel
pmet
osi
tdown.

Thabi
:“Fr
iendhowar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
”

Me:
“I'
mfeel
i
ngl
i
ttl
ebet
teri
tchi
nghascal
m downbutheadachei
ski
l
li
ngme”

Andi
l
e:“
Sor
ryNompe.Di
dyoueatsomet
hingt
haty
oual
l
ergi
cto?
”

It
ri
edt
otakeGwaj
obutmywhol
e-bodyachet
heyt
ookhi
m of
fme.

Me“
Iat
ebr
eakf
asti
nthemor
ningbutIt
hinki
t’
sjustoccur
red”

Andi
le:
“Don'
tcomet
owor
kunt
ily
ou'
rear
eper
fect
lyf
ine.Samkel
odon'
tl
etheroutunt
ilshe'
s
fi
ne”

Samkel
o:“
Thanky
ouIwi
l
lmakesur
eofi
t”

Ihat
eAndi
l
eforsay
ingt
hatt
ohi
m.Il
eftt
hem i
nthel
i
vingr
oom af
terIf
eltsl
eepyandIpassed
out

af
terIgoti
nbed.

Af
tert
woday
sIwasf
eel
i
ngbet
terandswel
l
inghasgonedownbuti
nmyf
acei
twasst
il
lther
e.

Samkel
owentt
otheof
fi
cet
osi
gnsomedocument
sandIt
ookmycarandIwentt
obuymy
fav
ouri
te

r
ecent
ly.

WhenIgott
othecaronmywaybackmyphone.

Samkel
o:“
Wher
ear
eyou!
?”hei
sbr
eat
hingf
ast
.

Me:
“I'
m onmywaybacknowI
'
llbet
her
ejustnow”Ihungupbef
orehest
art
stoshout
.

Dr
ama!WhenIgothomehewasi
nthedr
iveway
.

Samkel
o:“
Don'
tgowi
thoutt
ell
i
ngmeokay
”

Real
ly
?Ishemyf
athernow?Iknowhowt
opr
otectmy
sel
fany
wayI
'
m agangst
ersohecan
cal
m

down.Iwentst
rai
ghtt
oourbedr
oom.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sgoi
ngwi
thy
oubabe”

Me:
“Whatdoy
oumeanaboutt
hat
?”

Samkel
o:“
You'
renoty
our
sel
flat
elyy
ouar
eact
ingst
range”

Me:
“I'
mfi
ne!
”Isnapped.

Hej
ustgav
emeaconf
usedl
ook.Whatnow?

Hesl
eptear
lyt
odayhewascompl
aini
ngofbei
ngt
ir
edsoIt
ri
edt
oreadabookbutt
hesmel
lof
t
he

Chel
seabunmademet
ogot
otheki
tchent
ookmybunandmademywaybackt
obed.WhenI
st
art
ed

t
oeatmybunhewokeup.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
oueat
ingatt
hist
ime?
”hey
awned.

Me:
“YesI
'
m eat
ingbecauseI
'
m hungr
yandy
ourpr
obl
em i
s?”Isnapped.

Samkel
o:“
Eat
ingat00:
20am?
”
Me:“
I'
m supposedt
odi
eofhungerbecausei
t'
s00:
20am?Pl
easel
eav
emeal
one!
”I'
myel
l
ing
now.

Hewokeupandsatup.

Samkel
o:“
I'
mti
redofy
ournonsense.I
'
m goi
ngt
osl
eepi
ntheoneoft
her
oomsi
nthi
shouse”
hegot

upwentt
othecl
osett
otakeabl
anketwhenhewant
edt
otakeapi
l
lowIt
ooki
tfi
rst
.

Samkel
o:“
Giv
ememypi
l
loworI
'
llsl
apt
hatst
inkyat
ti
tudeoutofy
ounow”hi
mtookapi
l
low
fr
om

me.

Mxm hecangoandsl
eepi
ngt
her
oofi
fhewant
sIdon'
tcar
e.Hewentoutoft
hemai
nbedr
oom
I

wentt
othecl
osetandt
ookhi
sfav
our
it
egol
fT-
shi
rtandIwor
eit
.

Ihear
dahandt
ouchi
ngmyt
highwhenIwokeupi
tshi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Mygol
fT-
shi
rt
?”

Mor
on.

Me:
“Imi
ssedy
ousoIdeci
dedt
oweari
t”

Herol
l
edhi
sey
esandwentt
obat
hroom.If
oll
owedhi
mtot
heshowerIwasbehi
ndandIt
ouch
hi
s

manhoodhedi
dn'
trespond.Myot
herhandwentupf
rom hi
swai
stt
osi
xpackt
ohi
schestwhi
l
e
Iwas

pl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
smanhood.

Samkel
o:“
CanIpl
easet
akeashowerwi
thpeace”

Me:
“Okay
”Iwentt
otheot
hershowert
apt
otakeashoweronmyown.

Iwor
eapi
nkNi
ket
racksui
twhenIgotoutoft
hecl
oset
hemadebedandwentout
.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--

Kat
:“Spaghet
tii
sint
ownt
racehi
smov
esorcel
lphoneorany
thi
ng”

Me:
“I'
m oni
t”hehungup.

Iwentt
ost
udyandIst
art
edt
owor
k.Spaghet
tii
sreal
l
yint
ownandhe'
snotusi
nghi
shousehe
i
s

usi
ngaguest
house.

Myphone.
..

Spi
kes:
“We'
ref
oll
owi
ngSpaghet
tiandhe'
sinoneoft
heguest
housesar
oundher
ecal
lev
ery
one
towe

wi
l
lmeetonourspoti
ntheev
eni
ng”

Me: “
Tell
mewheny
ougett
her
eI'
l
ljam hi
smobi
l
enet
wor
kandi
nmi
nut
eyou'
l
lgeti
nfew
seconds”

hehungup.

Ihear
dthatZeei
sint
ownsoI
'
llseehert
oni
ght
.

HecameinandIt
oldhi
m aboutt
oni
ght
'smi
ssi
onbutnotexact
lyami
ssi
onbutagame.He
nodded

anddi
dn'
tsai
dany
thi
ng.

I
fthebigf
ourandThandoi
sher
eweuset
hebackexi
tint
hehouset
ogoourdar
kand
danger
ous

way
s.

Ical
ledhi
m whenImanagedt
ojam Spaghet
ti
'smobi
l
eincasehewant
stomakeonephonecal
l
that

coul
dlandusi
njai
l
.Af
tert
heygothi
mtheyt
ookhi
mtot
hewar
ehouseandt
heyi
nfor
medme
and

Spi
deraswel
l
.

At21:
00pm wemadeanexcusedofbei
ngt
ir
edwentt
oourbedr
oom andwegotdr
essedt
oour

si
gnatur
eclot
hesandwewentoutusi
ngt
heback-
emer
gencyexi
tint
hehouse.Spi
derwas
wait
ingfor

usi
nthebackst
reetofourhouse.

Spi
der
:“Atl
asty
out
womor
ons”hei
srudeasusual
.

Hedr
oveof
fandhewasspeaki
ngt
oSpi
derandnotme.Mxm Idon'
tcar
e.

Whenwegott
othewar
ehousehewaschai
nedhi
sheaddownandl
egsup.I
nami
nut
ewewer
e
al
l
t
oget
heri
nsi
det
hewar
ehouse.Kati
sangr
yAndi
l
ewast
hel
astonet
owhocamei
n.

Spaghet
ti
:“HadeTaKat
..
..
”hewhenhesawTaKat
.

Hewaswast
inghi
sti
mei
fhe'
str
yingt
opl
eadt
ospar
ehi
m hi
sli
fe.

Kat
:“Spi
derandNompet
hehonouri
syour
s”

Us:
“ThaaTaKat
”wesayl
i
ftedourhandsupwi
thgunsi
nit
.

Whenhesay
s“Thehonouri
syour
s”hemeansi
tupt
oyouandy
ou'
l
ldeci
deonwhi
chwayt
oki
l
l
hi
m.

Me:
“Jut
as”Il
aughedandSpi
derj
oinedi
n.

Ther
ear
emanyweaponst
oki
l
lhi
m sobecausehesol
dthebot
hofuswe'
l
lteam uporki
l
li
ng
hi
m

separ
atel
y.

Me:
“TodayIwantt
oseey
ourl
i
ttl
eusel
essbr
ainofy
our
s”

Spi
der
:“Ndi
funaukukwal
uki
saFour
-Fi
veYal
ekhenkwe”Weal
lbust
edi
nlaught
er.

Me:
“St
artI
'
llf
eedhi
m hi
sli
tt
lebr
ain”Hewascur
singandswear
ingandshaki
ng.

Spi
der
:“Spaghet
tiSpaghet
tiSpaghet
ti
!”heashei
sinv
est
igat
edt
hegi
venweapons.

Me:
“St
artt
ospeaknow!
”It
ookt
heRoby
igr
inderswi
tchi
ngi
ton.

Spaghet
ti
:“Okay
!Okay
!Okay
!”

Spaghett
i:“
BraKGi
stheonewhoof
fer
edmemoneybecauseIwasi
ntoomuchdebti
n
exchangeof

gi
vi
nghi
minf
ormat
ionabouty
oual
l
”

Spi
der
:“Nxaauy
axokakwedi
ni"

camet
owar
dshi
m wi
thgr
inderonIl
eanedi
tonhi
searhest
art
edt
omoan.

Me:“
Youcandobet
tert
hant
hatSpaghet
ti
”Il
aughed.Hi
sri
ghteari
sbl
eedi
ngsohebet
tert
alks
now.

Kat
:“Br
ingboi
l
ingwat
erher
enow!
”We'
real
lhav
ebadwayofget
ti
ngt
het
rut
hbutKati
sthebi
g

bast
ard.

Spaghet
ti
:“I
'
llt
alkTaKat
”
Theybr
ingt
heboi
l
ingwat
ert
ous.

Hei
scr
yingnow.

Spaghet
ti
:“Hef
oundmei
nthef
latofhi
sni
eceandwewer
ebusyhav
ingsexandhesai
dhewi
l
l
spar
e

myl
if
eifIgi
vehi
m asol
i
dpr
oofony
ouguy
s.Luxol
o'
sbr
other
sfor
cedmet
ogi
vet
henameof
t
he

per
sonwhoki
l
ledt
hei
rbr
otherandwhowasassi
sti
ngt
hatper
sonsoIgav
ethem Nompeand
Spi
der

Itoldt
hem t
her
out
esNompeuseswhenshegoest
owor
kandt
oldt
hem wher
eSpi
deri
s”hi
s
voice

t
rembl
i
ng.

Spaghet
ti
:“HadeeTaKatt
heysai
dtheywi
l
lki
l
lmyf
ami
l
yifIdon'
tgi
vet
hem NompeandSpi
der
”
he

i
scr
yingnow.

Si
l
ence.

Spi
der
:“YhuuuJut
as”hecl
appedhi
s.Weal
ll
aughedout
.

Itookashar
pscr
ewdr
iverandIputi
tinhi
sri
ghtey
eandi
tgotdamaged.Hewascr
yingl
i
kea
baby.

Spaghet
ti
:“TaKatIwasf
orcedpl
easehearmeout
”cr
ying.

TaKatt
ookf
ewst
epsbacksoi
tmeanshei
sour
snow.

Spider
:“Spaghet
tiOne-
eyeAl
mosthal
feari
t'
sti
met
oci
rcumci
set
hatusel
essFourFi
veof
yours”

IseewhatSKt
oldmeaboutSpi
der
.Thi
sguyi
sal
oosecannonIseei
tnowmay
behe'
sbi
pol
ar.

Hedidcuthi
spr
ivat
epar
tbuthedi
dn’
tfi
nisht
ocuti
thel
efti
thangi
ng.Icuthi
sskul
lusi
ngaxe
and

hi
sbledanddi
edaf
tert
hat
.Theguy
scl
eanedt
hewar
ehouseandwhenIwentt
othet
oil
etI
over
head

hi
m andhi
sol
dbr
other
.

Samkel
o:“
Wear
enoti
nspeaki
ngt
ermsandsheannoy
smesomuch”
Kat
:“Tal
ktohermay
bet
her
e'ssomet
hingy
oudi
dthatmadeherangr
y”

Samkel
o:“
Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng.Shei
seat
ingi
nmi
dni
ght
;st
olemyCol
ogneandwe'
real
way
s
fi
ght
ing

t
hisday
”

Katl
aughedoutl
oud.

Kat
:“May
beshei
snotal
one”Katl
aughedagai
n.

Samkel
o:“
Yout
hinkshei
spr
eg?Ai
itcan'
tbeshe’
sonapi
l
l”

Hol
yGhoshi
nter
venes!HeknowsIt
houghtIhi
ditsowel
lmay
behesawt
hem somewher
ein
my

t
hings.Ihear
dSki
pessot
heyt
ookot
hernewsandt
heykeptl
aughi
ng.

Katt
hinksI
'
m pr
egnantnoi
tcan'
tbeI
'
m notpr
egnantI
'
mfi
nebecausel
astweekIsawmyon
my

per
iodbuti
twasnotheav
ysot
hat
'smeanI
'
m notpr
egnant
.

Whenwegothomewef
oundi
twasdar
ksot
hat
'smeant
heywentt
osl
eep.Wegoti
nwentt
o
our

bedroom It
ookof
fmycl
othesIf
oundhi
mint
heshowersousedt
heot
hershowert
apt
otake
bath.

Wewer
equi
tedur
ingt
heshower
.

Iwor
ear
obemademywayt
otheki
tchent
omakesomet
hingt
oeatImadeabi
gsandwi
chand
went

backt
oourbedr
oom andhest
art
edagai
n.

Samkel
o:“
Eat
ingi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghtagai
n”

Nott
hisnonsenseagai
n.

Me:
“You'
rear
etal
ki
ngaboutt
hisagai
n”Isatup.

Hegotupfr
om bedandwentt
othecl
osetandhecamewear
inggr
eyNi
ket
racksui
tsandnav
y
sl
i
ppers.

Me:
“Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
?”Iaskedi
nbet
weenofchewi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Tophar
macy
”
Me:
“Ar
eyousi
ck?
”

Samkel
o:“
Noneofy
ourbusi
ness”hi
mtookhi
swal
l
etandwentout
.

Hestor
medoutoft
her
oom Idi
dn'
tpayat
tent
iont
oit
.If
ell
asl
eepaf
tereat
ingmydel
i
cious
sandwi
ch.

WhenIwokeupat02:
04am hewasnoti
nbedsoIt
houghthecamebackandsl
epti
noneoft
he

guest
roomsorwi
thhi
syoungerbr
other
.

If
ell
asl
eepagai
n.Ihear
daknocki
nmysl
eepandIhear
dsomeoneshaki
ngme.

Thando:
“WakeupNompe”

Me:
“Whati
sit
”Iy
awned.

Thando:
“Bi
gbr
otheri
sint
hel
oungeheneedsy
ounow!
”

Iwor
ear
obeandqui
ckl
ywentt
her
eIf
oundKatandSpi
kest
her
e.Katwaspaci
ngupanddown.

Me:
“What
'si
sgoi
ngon?
”

Kat
:“Samkel
oishur
..
..
”hi
shandswer
eont
opofhi
shead.

Me:
“Speak!
”I'
m ner
vousnow.

Heey
esar
etear
y.Myhear
tisbeat
ingf
astnow.

Me:
“Spea.
..
.”Idi
dn'
tfi
nisht
hesent
ence.

Kat
:“Samkel
owasi
nvol
vedi
ncaracci
dent
”hi
stear
swasdr
ippi
ngi
nhi
scheeks.

Me:
“No!No!No!
”Isai
dinat
rembl
i
ngv
oice.

Kat
:“He'
sal
i
vebuthi
scondi
ti
oni
scr
it
ical
”

I
twasthef
ir
stt
imeIsawhi
m cr
ying.If
eltasi
fmywor
ldi
scr
umbl
i
ngdown.WhyGodcando
t
hist
o

me?Whyhi
m Il
ovehi
m somuch.IknowIdi
dbadt
hingsi
nmyl
i
febuthecan'
ttakehi
m away
f
rom

me.

Me:“Hestor
medoutsay
inghei
sgoi
ngt
othePhar
macy
.It
'smyf
aul
thewasangr
yIwasn'
t
supposed

t
ogooutatt
hatt
ime”cr
ying.
Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evei
t.Ipushedhi
m ov
ert
heedge.

Spi
kes:
“Don'
tbl
amey
our
sel
f”het
ri
edt
ohugme.

Iwassi
tt
ingont
hef
loorcr
yingIneedhi
mtol
i
keIcan'
tl
osehi
m Il
ovehi
m somuch.

Kat
:“Weneedt
ogot
ohospi
tal
fory
out
oseehi
m.Iwentt
her
eear
lyaf
terr
ecei
vi
ngt
hecal
lfr
om

par
amedi
csi
nthepl
aceofacci
dentl
ucki
l
ymynumberwasi
nhi
sspeeddi
al”

Ihear
dhim speaki
nghewasspeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
es.Iwentt
ochangedwewer
eal
lcr
yingi
nroom
Samkelo

wasf
inef
ewhour
sagobutnowhei
shospi
tal
fight
ingf
orhi
sli
fe.

Whenwegott
othehospi
tal
Nur
sest
oldust
hati
t’
snotv
isi
ti
nghour
sKatr
eact
edbadl
yhej
ust
t
ook

outhi
sgunandpoi
ntedi
ttot
henur
seSpi
keswentt
othem andt
heyal
l
owedt
ogot
ohi
swar
d.

Hiswasly
ingi
nbedwi
thsomanybeepi
ngmachi
nes.Hehasbr
uisesi
nhi
sface.Thedoct
or
camein

af
terf
ewmi
nut
es.

Spi
kes:
“Howdoeshedoct
or?
”

Doc:
“Weneedt
ooper
atehi
m”

Icr
iedoutl
oudagai
n.Whatar
etheywai
ti
ngf
or?

Doc:
“Wear
ewai
ti
ngswel
l
ingt
ocal
m down”

Kat:
“Weneedsol
uti
onsf
rom y
ounott
hatnonsense.You'
redoct
orr
ight
?Somakehi
sswel
l
ing
to

cal
m downanddoy
ourdamnj
oborel
seI
'
lll
osei
t”

Thandoandt
hebi
gfouri
sher
esowecan'
tspeakort
hinkoutoft
hebox.Thedoct
ort
oldust
ry
not

tocr
yinhi
swar
dbecausehedoesn’
tneednegat
iveat
mospher
e.Hei
sacomaIcan'
tthi
nkr
ight
now.

Me:
“CanIpl
easet
alkt
ohi
minpr
ivat
e?”t
ear
swer
ecomi
nguncont
rol
l
abl
e.

Kat
:“Yeahsur
e”t
heyal
lwentoutoft
hewar
d.

Me:
“Myl
oveI
'
m sor
ryf
orupset
ti
ngy
ouIwi
shIcoul
dtur
nbackt
hewat
chIwasn'
tmyi
ntent
ions
t
o

upsety
ou.Il
ovey
ousomuchpl
easewakeupmyl
oveIneedy
ou”Ican’
tst
opcr
ying.

Iputmyhandov
erhi
shand.Hi
sfacei
sswol
l
en.Theycamebackaf
tersomemi
nut
es.

Kat
:“YoucangoI
'
llsl
eepher
eandnoonecant
ell
menott
o”Iwi
pedt
ear
sinmycheeks.

Kat
:“Okayy
oucanbutI
'
llcomebackaf
tersomef
ewhour
s”

Hiswar
dwasont
ightsecur
it
yandt
hoseguy
swer
eourboy
sinourgangsohei
spr
otect
edno
onecan

ent
eri
nthi
sroom.

“
Mor
ningNompe”

Iwokeupf
astt
hinki
ngi
thi
m..
.It
’sKat

Ithi
nkIf
ell
asl
eepaf
tersi
ngi
ngoursongf
orhi
m.Thedoct
ort
oldust
otal
ktohi
m ev
ent
hough
he'l
l

notr
espondbutwemust
.

Me:
“Mor
ning”i
nadi
sappoi
ntedt
one.

Kat
:“Iboughtcof
fee”hegav
emeacupofcof
fee.

Idr
anki
tbutIdi
dn'
tfi
nishi
tIr
ant
othebat
hroom Iwasv
omi
ti
ng.It
hinki
t’
sbecauseIdi
dn'
teat

any
thi
ng.Iwentbackt
ohi
swar
d.

Kat
:“Ar
eyouokay
?”

Chapt
er22

Me:
“I'
m okay
”

Kat
:“Mypar
ent
sar
eont
hei
rwayher
e”

Me:
“Okay
”Ist
art
edt
ocr
yagai
n.

Kat
:“Hei
ssost
ronghe'
l
lrecov
er”

Idon'
tthi
nksoandt
hisbeepi
ngmachi
nei
swor
ryi
ngme.Af
tersome10mi
nut
eshi
spar
ent
s
camein.

Hi
smot
her
'sey
eswer
eredandswol
l
enl
i
kemi
nesoIassumedshecr
iedal
lthewayt
oher
e.
MaNdl
ovu:
“Pl
easegetoutIwantt
otal
kwi
thmyf
ami
l
y”Shewassay
ingt
omebecauseshe
was

l
ooki
ngatme.

Iwentoutf
orhal
fanhouraf
terIwenti
n.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Idon'
tneedy
ouher
eyoul
i
ttl
egi
rlmychi
l
disher
ebecauseofy
ou!
”

Kat
:“Mom t
her
e's.
..
.”
Katdi
dn'
tfi
nishhi
ssent
ence.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Khet
hokuhl
eshutup!
”shei
syel
l
ingnow.

Me:
“It
’sokayKatI
'
llgoout
”Iwentt
otakemyphonet
othecouchi
nthecor
ner
.

WhenIwasaboutt
oopent
hedoor
.

MaNdl
ovu:
“I'
l
ltel
lthesecur
it
ynott
oletheri
nher
e”

Mnt
ungwa:
“MaNdl
ovut
her
e'snoneedf
ort
hat
”

Ist
art
edt
ocr
yagai
n.Iwentt
osi
tont
hechai
rint
hehospi
tal
cor
ri
dor
s.Icr
iedmy
sel
ftosl
eep.

“
Wakeup”If
eltsomeoneshaki
ng.

Me:“Thabi
!I'
m gl
ady
oucame”Ihuggedherandmyv
oicewast
rembl
i
ng.Icr
iedonhershoul
der
and

shemanagedt
ocal
m medown.I
'
mfeel
i
nghungr
y.

Thabi
:“Wegoi
ngt
oyourhousenowandi
t'
sunnegot
iabl
e”

Iwon'
tfi
ghtherIneedcol
dwat
erandf
oodI
'
m hungr
y.WhenwegothomeIf
oundt
hem i
ntv
room.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Li
stenher
egi
rl
ieIneedy
ououtofmyson'
shouseasi
nyest
erday
”

Iknewt
hatshedoesn’
tli
kemebuti
nthi
sdi
ff
icul
tsi
tuat
ionshewant
stot
ort
ureme.Inodded
and

wentt
ohi
sbedr
oom andpackedal
lmycl
othes.It
ookhi
sfav
our
it
edust
ypi
nkf
ormal
shi
rtand
Thabi

camei
ntohel
pmet
otakemyl
uggage.

Kat
:“And?
”hesawmyl
uggageandIwasi
ntvr
oom t
oleav
ehi
shousekey
s.

Loui
sVui
tt
onl
uggageheboughtmewhenhewasov
erseasf
orbusi
nessmeet
ing.
MaNdl
ovu:
“It
oldhert
oleav
ethi
shouseIdon'
tneedherher
e”

Kat
:“Butmom t
her
ewasnoneedf
ort
hat
”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Pleasedon'
tl
eav
eSi
s’
Nompe”

Thando:
“Pl
easego”Shei
ssi
dingwi
thhermot
herofcour
se.

Me:“I
’m goi
ngt
omyapar
tment
.I'
m doi
ngt
hisf
orSamkel
ohedoesn’
tneedust
ofi
ghtbuthe
needs

ust
obest
rongsuppor
tandbet
her
eforhi
m”Iwi
pedt
ear
swi
tht
hebackofmyhand.

Itookmyl
uggageThabi
tookmyot
herbagandwentt
omycarandwentof
f.Whenwegott
her
e
she

cl
eanedther
eandwhi
l
eIwast
aki
ngashowerandshemadesomet
hingt
oeat
.Iat
ebuti
t’
s
st
range

t
hatIhav
eanappet
it
ewhi
l
eI'
m sost
ressed.Mi
racl
es!

Thabi
:“Taket
hisandgot
othebat
hroom”shet
hrewabr
ownphar
macypapert
ome.

Me:
“And?
”Isai
dchecki
ngwhati
sinsi
det
hebr
ownpaper
.

Me:
“Ar
eyoucr
azy
?”

Thabi
:“NoI
'
m not
.Iwassuspect
ingbutwhenIwentt
othehospi
tal
Iov
erheadAndi
l
eandKat
tal
ki
ng

abouty
ouKatsay
ingsuspect
ingy
out
haty
ou'
repr
egnantandheal
sosai
dyoudr
ankcof
feei
n
the

mor
ningy
oudi
dn'
tfi
nishedi
tyouwentr
unni
ngi
nthebat
hroom t
ovomi
t”

Thi
sannoy
smebutcomet
othi
nkI
'
m behav
ingst
rangebutwomenar
eunpr
edi
ctabl
e.

Me:
“I'
l
ltaket
hissi
l
lyandcr
azyt
estofy
our
sIknowI
'
m notpr
egnantbutI
'
m doi
ngi
ttopr
ovei
t
t
o

y
out
haty
ou'
rear
eal
lwr
ong”

Iwentt
othebat
hroom.

Thabi
:“Uset
hebot
hoft
hem!
”Shei
sinmybedr
oom.

Me:
“Getl
ost
”Ihear
dherl
aughi
ng.

Iwasnotpaci
ngupanddownbecauseIknowI
'
m notpr
egnant
.Af
ter15mi
nut
eIt
ookt
hef
ir
st
t
est
..
..

Twol
i
nes!

Thesecondone.
..

Ihi
tthemi
rr
orwi
thmyr
ightf
ist
.

Thabi
:“Openup!Open!
”

Thi
scan'
tbehappeni
ngt
ome.Whati
fhedi
esandhi
schi
l
dwi
l
lnotseehi
m?Iki
ckedt
hegl
ass
i
nthe

shower
.

Thabi
:“Pl
easeopenup!
”

Iwascr
yingt
hinkoft
hewor
st.

Atl
astIopenedt
hedoorandshewentt
otaket
het
estt
hatwasont
hef
loor
.Shecamet
ohug
me

andIl
etoutasob.

Thabi
:“Don'
twor
ryf
ri
endI
'
m her
efory
ou”

Idon'
tbel
i
evewhati
shappeni
ngi
nmyl
i
fer
ightnow.I
'
m boy
fri
endort
hef
atherofmyunbor
n
chi
ld

i
sinthehospi
tal
fight
ingf
orhi
sli
feandIf
oundt
hatI
'
m pr
egnantwi
thhi
sbaby
.Itmakessense
now

t
hisChel
seabunandbananacr
avi
ngsandal
way
sfi
ght
ingwi
thhi
m.

Shetookmeoutoft
hebat
hroom andshecl
eanedt
hemessandhermancal
l
edandshewentt
o
the

ki
tchenIt
hinksheneedspr
ivacy
.Shel
eftherchi
l
dwi
tht
henannyt
ocar
eofme.

Shecamebackandf
oundmel
ooki
ngati
tagai
n.

Me:“Iwast
heonewhosawy
out
haty
ouwer
epr
egnantbutIcoul
dn'
tseemy
sel
f”Ishookmy
head.

Shel
aughed.

Thabi
:“I
'
llt
akey
out
othedoct
ort
hisaf
ter
noon”

Me:
“Okay
”Idon'
tneedanot
heronebutI
'
llgoj
ustf
orher
.IknowI
'
m pr
egnantnow.
Thegr
aduat
ioni
snextweekWednesdayandt
hesi
tuat
ionher
eisnotcool
butt
hey
'r
efor
cedt
o

att
end.Wewentbackt
othehospi
tal
andt
heydi
dn’
tal
l
owmet
oent
eri
nhi
swar
d.Iknowt
he
but

t
heygotanor
derf
rom t
hatol
dhagcal
l
edMaNdl
ovu.Ihat
eher
!

Me:“
Katpl
easeIneedt
oseey
oubr
othernowIhav
esomei
mpor
tantt
hingt
osayt
ohi
m”my
ey
es

wer
etear
y.

Kat
:“I
'
llf
etchy
ouwhenIsor
tedev
ery
thi
ng”hewenti
nhi
swar
d.

Af
terhal
fanhourhecamebackt
ofet
chme.WhenIent
eredi
nthewar
d.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Makei
tfast
!”

Me:“
BabeImi
ssy
ouandIneedy
oumor
ethanev
er.Youpr
omi
sedmet
haty
ou'
l
lnev
erl
eav
e
me

pl
easecomebackt
ome.Iwant
edt
otel
lyouI
'
m pr
egnantsopl
easewakeupf
ory
ourchi
l
dto
hol
d

hi
m orherbet
her
ewhenhest
art
stospeakst
art
ingt
owal
kandt
akehi
m orhert
oschool
.
Pl
ease

babyI
'
m beggi
ngy
oupl
ease!
"-
Isaypi
cki
nghi
shandupt
omyl
owerst
omachandIwascr
ying.

Thebeepi
ngmachi
newasbeepi
ngf
ast
..
.

Me:
“Nur
se!Nur
se!
”Iscr
eamed

Thenur
seandt
hedoct
orcamer
ushi
ngi
nandt
heyescor
tedmeouti
nthewar
d.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Ishoul
dn'
tl
etheri
nmyson'
swar
d”

Ther
e'ssomeguycamer
unni
ngt
owar
dsus.

Hi
m:“
Whathappened?
”Idon'
tknowhi
m.

Wewer
eal
lcr
yingnoonepl
ayedat
tent
iont
ohi
m.Whenshewentt
owar
dshi
swar
d..
.

Thando:
“Mt
hoko”sher
ushedt
ohi
m.

Idon'
tknowhi
m andIdon'
tcar
ewhot
hef
uckhei
s.Oneoft
hesecur
it
iest
oldhi
m nott
oent
er.
Kat

camei
nandr
ushedt
othedoorandt
henoi
set
hathappenedt
her
ebecamequi
et.
Katandt
hatunknownmanwentt
ohi
swar
d.Af
ter30mi
nut
est
hedoct
orscamet
ous.

Doc:
“Wehav
ethegoodnews”

Si
l
ence.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Speak!
”

Doc:
“Samkel
ohaswokeup”

Icl
osedmyey
est
opr
ay.Iwasr
aisedbyChr
ist
ians.I
'
m happyt
hathewokeup.

Hi
m:“
Butt
heswel
l
inghasn'
tgonedownbutl
et'
sthankt
hathewokeup”t
heunknownman.

Doc:
“Thi
sisr
aresi
tuat
ion.I
twi
l
lbeeasyt
ocal
m downt
heswel
l
ingwhenhei
sawake”

Thistwodaywashel
lbutI
'
m happyt
hatheawakes.Thedoct
orsai
dhi
sri
bsandr
ightar
m ar
e
broken.

Lucki
l
yhi
sheadwasn'
thur
t.Thedoct
orwentt
oat
tendanot
herpat
ient
.Samkel
odon'
tshar
ehi
s
ward

wi
thany
one.

Hi
m:“
Let
'spr
ayt
hathei
sfi
neandoutofdanger
.Let
'sgot
ohi
swar
d"-
unknownmansai
d.

WhenIwasaboutt
oent
erhecl
osedt
hedoor
.Ist
art
edt
ocr
y.

Thabi
:“Pl
easedon'
tcr
yfr
iend”

Wewentt
osi
tonchai
rsi
nthecor
ri
dor
s.Af
teral
mostanhourt
heyal
lcameout
.

Kat:“
Pleasecomewi
thme”het
ouchedmyshoul
der
.Iwassi
tt
ingwi
thmyheadbet
weenmy
thi
ghs.

Igotupf
rom chai
randf
oll
owedhi
m.WhenIent
eredt
her
oom myey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
sto
see

hi
m dr
inki
ngwat
erwi
tht
hehel
pofunknownman.

Iwentt
othel
eftsi
deoft
hebedt
hesamesi
deIwentt
owhenIt
oldhi
mthenews.

Me:
“Babe!
”It
ri
edt
osmi
l
ewhi
l
ecr
ying.

Samkel
o:“
Don’
t….
cry
”hewasst
ruggl
i
ngt
ospeakpr
oper
ly.

Het
ri
edt
oli
fthi
shandbuthecoul
dn'
tbecauseofpai
ns.

Hi
m:“
Het
oldust
haty
ou'
ret
heonewhomadehi
mtowakeup”Unknownman.
Iwasconf
used.

Kat
:“Sor
ryIf
orgott
oint
roducehi
m.Mt
hokot
hisi
sNompeSamkel
o'
sgi
rl
fr
iend.Nompet
hisi
s

Mt
hokoourbr
otherwhocomesaf
terSamkel
o.Hei
sadoct
or”

NowIseet
her
esembl
ancebet
weent
hem buthel
ooksl
i
keKati
tjustt
hathei
sli
tt
lebi
tdar
ker
t
han

Kat
.

Mt
hoko:
“Ni
cet
omeety
ou”

Me:
“Ni
cet
omeety
out
oo”

Samkel
o:“
Come….
her
e”

Ismi
l
eandl
eanedt
ohi
m butIwascar
eful
nott
ohur
thi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Giv
emea.
..
ki.
ss”Il
eanedov
ert
oki
sshi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Plea.
..
seal
l
owhert
ost
a..
y”

Mt
hoko:
“OkayI
'
llt
ell
them t
otel
lherst
ayher
e”hewentout
.

Ihear
dthathedoesn’
ttakenonsenseespeci
all
ytot
hei
rmot
her
.Samkel
oandKatar
esof
twhen
i
t

comest
othei
rmot
her
.

Hi
sdoct
orwi
l
lkeephi
m her
eunt
ilhei
sreadyt
ogohome.

-
--
--
--
-

I
nser
t29

Iwenttot
hegy
naecol
ogi
standhet
oldmet
hatI
'
mtwomont
hsandoneweekpr
egnant
.Iwas
happy

andsadont
hesamet
ime.

Ihav
en'
ttol
dhi
mthatI
'
m pr
egnantsi
ncehi
sdoct
ort
oldusnott
ost
resshi
m out
.I'
m st
il
ll
iv
ing
i
nmy

apar
tmental
one.Somet
imesIcr
ymy
sel
ftosl
eept
hinki
ngoft
hatI
'
m supposedt
obewi
thhi
m

cel
ebr
ati
ngt
hatI
'
m pr
egnant
.

Whatt
ocel
ebr
atev
ele?Hav
ingachi
l
doutofwedl
ocki
sabadt
hingbutatl
eastI
'
mfi
nanci
al
st
abl
eso

i
tmustnotwor
ryt
hem t
oomuch.

I
'
m adeepsl
eepernowt
hankst
othel
i
ttl
eper
soni
nsi
deme.

Nxaat
hisdamnphone.

Me:
“Hel
l
o”

Samkel
o:“
You'
rest
il
lsl
eepi
ng.Pl
easecomet
othehospi
tal
tof
etchme”WowI
'
m happyt
hathe
us

di
schar
gedi
nthehospi
tal
.

Amont
handoneweekt
ookf
orev
ersi
ncehewasi
nthehospi
tal
foral
ongt
ime.

Katt
oldhi
mthathewi
l
lbedi
schar
gedwhent
hedoct
orsay
ssoi
fnothe'
l
lnotcomehome.I
wokeup

wentt
otheshowerandIt
ookaqui
ckshowerandhi
tther
oad.

Me:
“I'
m her
eforSamkel
oKhumal
o”Isai
dtot
her
ecept
ioni
st.

Recept
ioni
st:
“Youcangot
hroughma'
am”

Iwentupst
air
stohi
swar
dandI
’
m wear
ingt
racksui
ts.

Samkel
o:“
Her
eshecomesmybeaut
if
ulQueen”Ibl
ushed.

Samkel
o:“
Myki
sspl
ease”Hei
sspeaki
ngpr
oper
lynow.

Weshar
edaki
ss.I
'
m scar
edt
ojustt
ouchhi
mI'
m scar
edofhur
ti
nghi
m.

Samkel
o:“
You'
regl
owi
ngorIhav
en'
tseeny
oui
naday
”

Tomorr
owIwasswampedwi
thwor
ksi
ncel
otoft
imeIwaswor
kinghomebuthet
oldmet
oget
back

t
owor
k.

Samkel
o:“
Let
'sgobaby
”Hehasanal
ongonhi
sri
ghtar
m.

Iwascar
ryi
nghi
sbag.WhenwegotmycarIopenedhi
m adoorf
orhi
m andhegav
eawei
rd
st
are.

Samkel
o:“
Her
eismyCol
ogne”het
ooki
t.

FuckIf
orgott
oputi
tinmybag.Ij
ustl
aughed.
Idr
oveof
ftohi
shousewhenwegott
her
ehi
spar
ent
swer
ehome.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Mychi
l
d!”

If
akedasmi
l
e.

Hewentt
osi
ttot
hel
i
vingr
oom andIwentt
oputhi
sbagt
ohi
sbedr
oom.WhenIopenedt
he
door

Ij
ustr
emember
edt
hegoodol
dti
meswehadi
nthi
sroom butImustgetgoi
ng.

WhenIent
eredi
nli
vi
ngr
oom t
heywer
elaughi
ngbecausehewascr
acki
ngsi
l
lyj
okes.Isatnext
t
o

hi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksy
ousav
emef
rom deat
h”hi
m puthi
shandov
ermi
ne.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Itwasl
i
key
ouwer
ecr
yingbeggi
ngmenott
oleav
eyouandIt
urnedmybackony
ou
andI

wasgoi
ngaway
.Atf
ewst
epsIt
ookt
hewassomet
hingt
hatat
tachedbet
weenus.Thatcor
d
pul
l
ed

mewi
thf
orcedandIf
ell
.WhenIopenedmyey
esdoct
orwast
aki
ngchecki
ngme”

Si
l
ence.

Ei
sht
hatcor
dIt
hinki
t’
smybaby
.

Me:
“Ineedt
ogetgoi
ng"

Samkel
o:“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Pl
easespentt
her
estofy
ourdaywi
thme.I
’
llt
alkt
oAndi
l
e
don’
t

wor
ry”

Hi
smot
hergav
emeapl
eadi
ngl
ook.Hedoesn’
tknowt
hatI
'
m notl
i
vingher
eany
mor
e.

Me:
“OkayIwi
l
l”Iputanex
tracushi
onf
orhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m okay
.Pl
easecookmyf
avour
it
edi
sh”hesmi
l
ed.That
'ssmi
l
eimi
ssedso
much.

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
omakeashoppi
ngf
ort
hedi
nner
”

Samkel
o:“
Takemyi
Padt
oor
deri
ttheywi
l
ldel
i
veri
t”
Imi
ssedt
hest
ubbor
nSamkel
o.

Iorderthegr
ocer
yIneededashesai
daf
teranhouri
twasdel
i
ver
edi
nourhouse.Ist
art
edt
o
prepare

t
oaCr
eamyGar
li
cPar
mesanMushr
oom Chi
ckenwi
thboi
l
edv
eget
abl
esandi
twi
l
lgowel
lwi
th
r
ed

wi
nebuthewi
l
lhav
ejui
ce.

Hecal
l
edmeonhi
swayt
oourbedr
oom andIwentt
ohi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Iwantt
olookaty
ouImi
ssy
ou”hi
m pul
l
edmecl
osert
ohi
m.

Real
l
y?

Me:
“BabeI
'
m busycooki
ngi
ntheki
tchen”

Ourl
i
psmetandweshar
edal
ongpassi
onat
eki
ss.

Samkel
o:“
Ngi
yakut
handay
ezwa”heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Ismi
l
ed.WhenIwasaboutt
owal
kawayhespankedme.

Myl
ovei
sheal
thynowI
'
m sur
e!

Iwentoutt
hebedr
oom mademywayt
otheki
tchen.If
oundMnt
ungwast
andi
ngi
ntheki
tchenI

di
dn'
tknowonwhatt
odobecauseI
'
m scar
edofhi
m.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Comei
nmychi
l
dIneedt
ohav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou”

Idon’
tknowi
fImustspeakorImustsi
tshutupbutIwentt
othest
oveandIbowedmyhead
for

showi
ngr
espect
.

Mntungwa:
“Mychi
l
dIneedt
odi
scusssomet
hingi
mpor
tantwi
thy
ou.Iknowt
haty
ou'
re
pr
egnant

Khet
hokuhl
etol
dmeandweneedt
o..
.”hedi
dn'
tfi
nishhi
ssent
encewehear
dSamkel
oshout
ing
fr
om

downt
hepassagecomi
ngt
owar
dsi
nthel
i
vingr
oom andhewi
l
lpasst
heki
tchenf
ir
st.

Samkel
o:“
Nompendul
o!Nompendul
o!Wher
ear
eyou?
”

Hesawmei
ntheki
tchenandhecamei
n.
Samkelo:
“Wher
ear
eyourcl
othes?Wer
eyout
ryi
ngt
oleav
emewhenIwasi
nthehospi
tal
?
Huh?”he

i
sshout
ing.

Theywer
eal
lher
eint
heki
tchen.

Me:
“NoIdi
dn'
ttr
ytol
eav
e..
..
”Iwast
ryi
ngt
oexpl
ain.

Samkelo:
“Yout
ookal
lofy
ourcl
otheswhenIwasf
ight
ingf
ormyl
i
fei
nhospi
tal
.Yout
houghtI
wil
ldi
e

r
ight
?”hi
svoi
cei
str
embl
i
ngnow.

Me:
“Pl
easecal
m down"

Samkel
o:“
Don'
ttel
lmet
ocal
m down!
”hei
spaci
ngupanddown.

Hecamet
owar
dsme.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasel
eav
emyhousenow!
”

It
ookof
ftheapr
onandIl
ower
edt
hest
ove.WhenIt
ookt
wost
eps.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Samkel
omybabyt
her
e'snoneedf
ort
hat
”

Samkel
o:“
Mom!Pl
easedon'
tst
artnotnow!
”hei
sshout
ing.

Myey
eswer
etear
ythi
scan'
thappent
omehi
smot
heri
stheonewhoki
ckedmeoutbutnowhe
i
s

t
heonewhoi
ski
cki
ngmeout
.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Samkel
oletsi
tdownandt
alk!
”

Samkel
o:“
Mnt
ungwano.
..
”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Iwon’
trepeatmy
sel
fboy
!Letussi
tdownandt
alk”

Weal
lwentt
othel
i
vingr
oom t
osi
tdown.

Mnt
ungwa:
“MaNdl
ovust
artt
oexpl
ainwhathappenedwhenSamkel
owasi
nhospi
tal
”

Ther
oom wentqui
et.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Speak!
”hei
sshout
ing.

Wi
shIcandi
sappeart
othi
smoment
!

MaNdl
ovu:
“Samkel
omychi
l
dI'
m sosor
ryaboutwhathappenedI
'
mtheonewhoki
ckedherout
”
Ther
oom wentqui
teagai
nandhi
sfacechangedi
nani
nst
ance.

Samkel
o:“
Youdi
dwhat
?Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ou”Hecl
appedhi
shands.

Samkel
o:“
Youki
ckedherouti
nmyhouse!Youwer
ebusyki
cki
ngheroutwhi
l
eIwasf
ight
ingf
or
my

l
i
fe.Iknewy
oudi
dn'
tl
ikeherbutIdi
dn'
tknowy
ouwi
l
ldot
hist
oher
”

Si
l
ence

Samkel
o:“
Ican'
tev
enl
ook.
..
”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Shutup!
”

Samkel
o:“
ButdadI
'
m..
.”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Youwon'
tbackchatmeI
'
llsl
apy
ouboy
!”

Af
tert
hatIwentt
otheki
tchent
oswi
tchof
fthest
ove.Hecamet
omet
otheki
tchen.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
rybabeIdi
dn'
tknowt
hati
twasher
”

Me:
“It
’sokay
”

Ican'
tst
andt
hesmel
loft
hegar
li
csoIwasf
orcedt
ocooki
tforhi
m.Iwon'
teatt
hisf
oodorel
se
Iwil
l

v
omi
tal
lthef
oodIat
e.

Samkel
o:“
Am Idi
sgust
ingy
ou?
”

Heneedst
oknowIcan'
tdeal
wit
hthi
ski
ndofquest
ionsf
rom hi
m.Af
terhav
ingsupperanddi
d
put

t
hedi
rt
ydi
shesi
nthedi
shwasherIcan'
tst
andonmyf
eetandwasht
hedi
shesaf
ter
.

WhenIsai
dmygoodby
esSamkel
ocamet
othel
i
vingr
oom car
ryi
nghi
sov
erni
ghtbag.

Thando:
“And?
”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m ol
dert
hany
ousosayt
hatnonsenset
omeagai
n”

Shewasdi
sappoi
nted.I
tser
vesherr
ight
.Hest
oodnextt
omewi
thhi
sbag.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
row”hei
ndi
cat
edwi
thhi
sheadsoIcanopent
hedoor
.

Wewenttot
hecaranddr
oveof
f.Mt
hokozi
sibi
dgoodby
esandhesai
dhei
sfl
yi
ngbackt
o
Spai
nin
t
hemor ni
ng.I
t'
str
uewhatIhear
dabouthi
m onl
ycomesi
ndi
ff
icul
tsi
tuat
ionsorr
it
ual
athi
s
f
ather
's

housei
nWeenenEzi
tendeni
.Ican'
texact
lysaywhatki
ndofaper
sonhei
sbecausehewasher
e
for

onedaybecausehehat
est
hathi
stwobr
other
sar
egangst
ert
hat
'swhyhedoesn’
tspendsome
much

t
imewi
tht
hem.

I
twill
behar
dtohi
det
hisf
rom hi
m becausehei
ssoobser
vant
.IfheasksI
'
llt
ell
him hehasa
r
ightto

knowandi
fIhi
det
hisf
rom hi
m he'
l
lbemadatme.

Iwentt
omybedr
oom t
oputext
racushi
onst
othebedt
osuppor
thi
sar
m andhi
sri
bs.

Samkel
o:“
Babedon'
tdot
hatI
'
mfi
ne”Iknowhehat
esi
tbutImust
.

Me:
“Youknowt
hatIwon'
tst
op”

Hel
aughedandl
ookedatmecl
osel
ywhi
l
eIwasbusyf
ixi
ngcushi
onsar
oundhi
m andheki
ssed
me.

I
’
mfeel
i
nghungr
ybutI
'
llwai
tforhi
mtosl
eept
heneataf
tert
hat
.

Iwentt
obat
hroom It
ookof
fcl
othesi
nsi
det
hebat
hroom t
ookabat
hIcamef
rom bat
hroom t
o
my

bedr
oom wear
ingar
obe.

Samkel
o:“
Babey
ou'
regl
owi
ng”hi
mispl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
sli
tt
lebear
dinhi
schi
n.Il
i
kei
twhenhe
doesi
t.

Ij
ustl
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Canwesl
eepnakedt
oni
ght
”

Wediscussedi
tthatwe'
l
lst
opt
ohav
esexunt
ilhi
sar
m hasf
ull
recov
eredbutIdon'
tknowwhat
Iwi
l
l

dot
hatbecausehei
sdamnhoti
nthatsl
i
ngbutImustcont
rol
mysel
f.

It
ookofmyr
obeandqui
ckl
ygeti
nbedwi
thouthi
m not
ici
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Imi
ssedy
oursof
tski
n”hei
sbr
eat
hingi
nmyear
.

Ohmywor
d!Nompepl
easecomebackonpl
anetear
th!Hi
shandwasal
lov
ermybody
.Mhm I
mi
ssed

i
tandhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Pleaset
urnt
olookatme”It
urnedt
olookathi
m.Ey
econt
actasi
fheseest
hrough
mysoul
.

Samkel
o:“
Yourey
es”heki
ssedmyl
i
psandIki
ssedhi
m back.Hi
slef
thandi
sinmyt
ummy
..
.

Iqui
ckl
ygotupandwentt
othebat
hroom I
'
m shockedt
hathet
ouchedmyt
ummy
.WhenIcame
back

t
othebedhewasl
ooki
ngatme.

Samkel
o:“
You'
reneedagy
m nowbabey
ou'
reget
ti
ngf
atnow”

Iwentbackt
obedandIdi
dn'
trespondt
othatsi
l
lyj
okeofhi
s.If
elthi
shandt
ouchi
ngmyass.

If
eltahandsepar
ati
ngmyl
egswi
de.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasel
ookatme”hi
m say
ingi
nal
i
ttl
ebi
tdeepv
oice.

WhenIt
urnedourl
i
psmetandIj
ustmi
ssedhi
m sweat
ingont
opofme.

Hisf
ingerwasi
nsi
demebr
eat
hingchangedandi
nnomi
nut
ehewasi
nsi
dememov
ingso
gent
lyhe

i
smoani
ngi
nmyear
.Ihopehewon'
thur
thi
sar
m.

Samkel
o:“
Ooohh.
..
..
..shi
t.
..
..
.”hest
art
edt
omov
eabi
tfast
.

Ourmoani
ngwasget
ti
ngl
oudashepumpsf
astandf
ast
er.
..
..
..Wecl
i
maxedsamet
ime.

Hegotof
ffr
om mewewer
elay
ingt
her
etr
yingt
ocat
chourbr
eat
h.Af
tercat
chi
ngourbr
eat
hs
he

t
ookmet
ohi
schestandIl
aidt
her
epeacef
ul.

Samkel
o:“
Babey
ou'
resohother
e”hi
mtouchedmedownt
her
e.

Me:
“Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?”I
'
m get
ti
ngangr
y.

Samkel
o:“
Idi
dn'
tmeant
osayi
tinabadway
”hebr
ushedmyshoul
der
.

Hemustnotbeatar
oundt
hebushhemustt
ell
mest
rai
ghti
nmyf
ace.

Me:
“What
ever
!”Igotupmademywayt
othebat
hroom andI
'
m angr
yI’
mfumi
ng.

Hesatupandl
ookatme.
NxaaI
ooknowI
'
m cr
avi
ngf
ori
cecr
eam peanut
schi
ckenandt
heot
herIcan'
trememberbutI
can

t
ast
ethem i
nmyt
ongue.Ideci
dedt
oputadr
essonandheel
sandwhenIcamebackhegav
ea
wei
rd

st
are.
..

Samkel
o:“
Andt
hen?
”hewasamazed.

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
ogar
agej
ustt
ogetf
ewt
hingsandI
'
m goi
ngal
one!
”I'
m shout
ing.

Hel
etoutabi
gsi
gh.

Samkel
o:“
Wit
hheel
s?”

Hol
yghostpl
easei
nter
venest
othi
ssi
ckman.Ikeptqui
etandIt
ookmybagandkey
.

Samkel
o:“
Att
hisni
ght
?”

Iwentt
othedoorandwentst
rai
ghtt
omycaranddr
oveof
f.Whoi
she?Myf
athernow?He
must

f
uckof
fmaan!

WhenIgott
othegar
ageIknewIwi
l
lbutt
hehal
foft
hest
ockandt
hankst
omybabyi
nsi
deme.
Igot

i
nsi
deIst
art
edwi
tht
wot
ubsofi
cecr
eam 4packsofDor
it
osdi
ff
erentf
lav
our
s8Si
mbapeanut
s
6

chocol
atesl
apsdi
ff
erentf
lav
our
s4Ki
t-
Kat3packsofj
ell
ytot
sandIwentt
othet
il
landt
hel
ady
ther
e

waslooki
ngatmel
i
keI
'
m cr
azy
..
.Nxaaaar
gaahshemustnott
estme.Igr
eet
edherpai
dformy
t
hings

andgav
eherat
ipandwentof
f.

Iwentt
oMacDonal
d24-
hourandIor
der
edaf
tercol
l
ect
ingmyor
derIdr
ovet
omypl
ace.WhenI
got

therei
twasqui
et.Iputmypl
ast
icsov
ert
hecount
erandIwentt
ochangewhenIwasaboutt
o
enter

i
nmyr
oom.
..
.Ihear
dacr
yingv
oicef
rom t
hebedr
oom.
..

I
twasasof
tcr
yingv
oiceandi
twasl
owerbuti
tscr
yingsohar
d..
..
WhenIent
eredIf
oundhi
minhi
ssi
deoft
hebedsi
tt
ingdownhi
sheadbet
weenhi
sthi
ghsand
he

wascr
ying.Whyhei
scr
ying?

Me:
“Babe”It
ouchedhi
sshoul
der
.Hei
scr
yingl
i
ttl
ebi
tloudernow.
..

Me:
“Babewhathappened?
”I'
m conf
usedwhatt
hehel
li
sgoi
ngon?

Hei
sst
il
lcr
ying.

Me:
“Ar
eyouokay
?”Iaskedhi
m agai
n.

Hest
oodupandmademet
ost
andupandhehuggedmesot
ight
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sosor
rybabeIdi
dn'
tknow.Iwassupposedt
osuppor
tyoui
nthehar
dti
mey
ou
went

t
hrough”hi
m cr
yingoutl
oud.

I
t'
sthef
ir
stt
imeIwashi
m cr
yingandIdon'
tl
iket
oseehi
m cr
yingi
tsohear
tbr
eaki
ng.

Samkel
o:“
We'
l
lgot
hroughi
ttoget
her
”hewi
pedhi
stear
s.

Hel
ookedatmewi
thr
edey
es.

Het
ookt
hepi
ctur
efr
om t
hef
loorandhegav
eitt
ome.
..

Fuck!

I
t'
sthepi
ctur
ethegy
naecol
ogi
stgav
emet
hef
ir
stt
imeIwentt
her
e.Isawmyl
i
ttl
eMbul
azi
i
nsi
demy

wombr
ightt
her
eIknewt
hatIl
ovemybaby
.

Samkel
o:“
Iknowbabewe'
l
ldot
hecounsel
l
ingt
oget
herIpr
omi
seI
'
lldoany
thi
ngt
ofi
xusand
our

r
elat
ionshi
p”hi
mvoi
cei
str
embl
i
ng.

Whati
shet
alki
ngabout
?Counsel
l
ing?

Me:“
Whatarey
out
alki
ngabout
?”I
'
mreal
l
yconf
usednowbecauseIwentoutt
ogetmy
cr
avi
ngsand

nowhei
stal
ki
ngaboutcounsel
l
ing.

Samkel
o:“
Iknowy
oul
ostt
hebabyt
hatwhyy
oual
way
smoody
”hi
sey
esar
etear
y.
What
?Hesawt
hatpi
ctur
eandheassumedt
hewor
st.

Me:
“Weneedt
osi
tdownandt
alk”Isatont
heandt
appednextt
omef
orhi
mtosi
t.

HesatdownandImustexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
omeImustknowt
hatf
rom I
'
llbeof
fi
cial
l
ysi
ngl
e
andi
t’
s

t
hebabyt
hatwi
l
lmakeuscommuni
cat
e.

Me:
“Iknowy
ou'
l
lhat
emeaf
tert
ell
i
ngy
out
hisbutIdi
ditbecauseIl
ovey
ouandcar
edf
ory
our

heal
thy
”Ipl
ayedwi
thmyf
inger
s.

Samkel
o:“
Mhm okay
”hel
ookedatmei
ntheey
es.

Isi
gh.

Me:
“Bef
orey
ouhadacci
dentIwas.
..
”

Samkel
o:“
Gett
othepoi
nt”hi
sfacei
shar
d.

Me:
“I'
mtwomont
hspr
egnant
”

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Whendi
dthathappened?
”

Jesus!I
'
m of
fi
cial
l
ysi
ngl
easIsai
d.

Me:
“Remembert
het
imeIf
oundt
hatbi
tchofy
our
sinDur
banwheny
oucameher
etobegmei
t

happened”Her
ubbedhi
shead.

Samkel
o:“
Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmebecause?
”

Me:
“If
oundoutwheny
ouwer
eint
hehospi
tal
soI
..
.”Atl
eastI
'
m notcr
ying.

Samkel
o:“
Mhm okay
..
.”hekeptqui
et.

Idon'
tknowwhet
hercr
yorbehappyoreat
.

Samkel
o:“
Wai
tthebabyi
sther
easonI
'
m al
i
ve?
”hi
m qui
ckl
ylookedatmebecausehi
sfacewas

l
ooki
ngathi
sfeet
.

Me:“Ithi
nkso”t
ear
sfel
l
.Iwentt
othebat
hroom andIl
ockedmy
sel
fint
her
eandIcr
ied.I
'
m
supposed

t
obehappybutI
'
m cr
ying.
..
Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easeopenup”hesai
dcal
mly
.

Iknowi
thar
dforhi
m butIwashar
dformet
ooIj
ustwi
shheunder
standt
his.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s
andI

wentt
oopent
hedoorhecamet
owar
dsmeandhehuggedmet
ight
.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon'
tcr
y”hecal
medmedown.

Ical
meddownhewi
pedmyt
ear
sandmadeourwayt
obed.

Me:“I
twast
hehar
destt
hingIhav
efacedi
nmyl
i
fecr
yingf
ory
ouwheny
ouwer
eint
hehospi
tal
and

whenIf
indoutt
hatIwaspr
egnantIcr
iedbecauseIwasscar
edt
olosey
ouwhi
l
eyourbabyi
s
gr
owing

i
nsi
deme”Icr
iedagai
n.

Theemot
ionscamef
loodi
ngandIwascr
yinghar
dnowt
hinki
ngaboutIwentt
hrough.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m her
enowandI
'
m her
etost
ayandt
orai
seourdaught
ert
oget
her
”I'
m st
il
li
n
hi
s

chest
.

Me:
“Whosai
diti
sadaught
er”Iqui
ckl
ylookathi
m asmi
l
e.

Samkel
o:“
Iwantt
hepr
incessbabe”hebr
ushedmyt
ummy
.

May
beatt
hreemont
hsI
'
llbeshowi
ngbyt
hen.

Samkel
o:“I
fit
'st
heboyIwi
l
lnamehi
m Samkel
oJuni
ori
fit
'sagi
rlIwi
l
lnameher
El
amantungwa”hi
s

sai
swi
thabi
gsmi
l
eonhi
sfaceandIcoul
dseet
hathewast
hinki
ng.

Me:
“El
amant
ungwa?
”

Samkel
o:“
YeahbabeI
'
llwanthernamet
ohav
eourcl
annamebecausewhenshei
sol
dershe'
l
l
take

anot
hersur
name”

Mxm I
'
mti
redofbei
nghuggednowIwantf
ood.

Me:
“Iwi
l
lbebacknow”Iwentoutoft
hebedr
oom.

Iwentt
otakeoneoft
hef
ourpl
ast
ics.WhenIgotbackt
oourr
oom hewaspaci
ngupanddown.
Me:
“Andnow?
”

Samkel
o:“
Yourpar
ent
sbabeI
'
m scar
edofy
ourpar
ent
s”

Iwi
ll
deal
wit
hthatwhenI
'
mreal
l
yshowi
ng.Iwentoutf
rom bedr
oom t
otheki
tchenIt
ookmy
pl
ast
ic

wi
thchocol
ateImadebackt
othebedr
oom andIf
oundhi
m si
tt
ingont
heedgeoft
hebed.

Iputmypl
ast
icont
hebedt
hrewmy
sel
finbed.

Samkel
o:“
And?
”hel
ookedatmel
i
keI
'
vegonecr
azy
.

Real
l
y?

Me:
“Pl
easedon'
tst
arti
twi
thme”It
ookabi
gbi
teofchocol
atei
nmymout
h.

Hekeptqui
etandl
ookedatme.Af
tersomet
imehebust
edoutl
aughi
ngoutl
oud.

Samkel
o:“
From st
eal
i
ngmyCol
ogneeat
ingi
nthebedr
oom al
way
spi
cki
ngf
ight
swi
thmeon
usel
ess

thi
nggl
owi
ngandgoi
ngt
othegar
ageonheel
sjustt
obuysweeti
t’
sbecausey
ou'
repr
egnant
”
he

l
aughedouthar
d.

Igav
ehi
m ast
areandhecont
inuedt
olaughunt
ilIwascr
ying.
..

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sor
rybuty
ouar
edoi
ngwei
rdt
hings”het
ri
edt
ocal
m medownbutIwas
real
l
y

cr
yingwhi
l
eeat
ingmychocol
ate.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyou”heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Hewi
pedmyt
ear
sandki
ssedmyf
orehead.Het
ri
edt
otouchmeandIsai
dI'
mti
redandIneed
t
o

sl
eep.Hecan'
tgetenoughofi
t.

Wecuddl
eal
lther
estoft
hehour
slef
thewasbr
ushi
ngmypumpandwef
ell
asl
eepi
neach
ot
her
's

ar
m.WhenIwokeuphewasnoti
nbedandIqui
ckl
ywentt
othebat
hroom t
ovomi
t.

Fuckthemor
ningsi
cknessIj
usthat
eitwi
thal
lmyhear
t.Ibr
ushedmyt
eet
handwhenIcame
back
f
rom t
hebat
hroom If
oundhi
mtal
ki
ngt
othephone.
..

Samkel
o:“
A'chuz”

Icoul
dn'
thearwhohewast
alki
ngt
obutIknewt
hati
t’
sagangst
er.

Samkel
o:“
Ineedy
out
oherf
ir
emj
i
ta”hesai
dinal
owerv
oice.

Whoi
shet
alki
ngt
o?

Samkel
o:“
Danki
ent
wana”hehungup.

Hewasshockedt
oseemest
andi
ngbehi
nd.Ij
ustknewt
hati
twassomeaboutmebutIdi
dn'
t

under
stand.

Samkel
o:“
Yourbr
eakf
asti
saboutt
ober
eady
”

Af
tereat
ingbr
eakf
astIr
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Andi
l
e.

Andi
l
e:“
Nompsy
ou'
rear
einagoodspace?
”Nogoodmor
ningandhowar
eyoui
nthemor
ning.

Me:
“Yes”

Andi
l
e:“
Youcan’
twor
kformeany
mor
e”Whatt
hef
uck?

Me:
“Onwhatgr
ounds!
?”Isnapped.

Andi
le:
“LookIwasaskedbyy
ourmant
ofi
rey
oui
nmycompanysoIdi
dwhatIwasaskedt
o
do”

Me:
“Youknowwhat
.Fucky
oual
l
”Ihungup.

Hewi
l
lknowmet
oday
.

Me:“
Nxaay
ewenanj
andi
niwhogav
eyout
heper
missi
ont
ocal
lmybossandaskhi
mtof
ir
eme
when

Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngwr
ong!
”Isnapped.

Hi
sf acedchangedf
rom cool
tobei
ngv
eryangr
y.Hegr
abbedmewi
thmyupperar
m andl
i
fted
hi
sleft

handup.
..

Me:
“Idar
eyou”Hequi
ckl
yputdownhi
slef
thand

Samkel
o:“
Don'
tyouf
uckent
alkt
omel
i
ket
hatagai
nor
..
.”hel
ookedatmel
i
ker
eadyt
oki
l
lme.

Me:
“Orwhat
?”
Iqui
ckl
ytookmygunundermypi
l
lowandi
nami
nut
ewewer
epoi
nti
ngateachot
herwi
thf
ull
l
oaded

gun.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
shooty
ou!
”

Me:“Li
keIcanspar
eyou.I
'
llki
l
lyoucheat
ingasschopy
ouandf
eeddogsl
i
key
ou”I
’
m st
il
l
poi
nti
nga

gunathi
m.

Wel
ookateachot
her
'sey
esandwebot
hputdownt
hegunsandsati
nbed.

Samkel
o:“
Comeher
e”hepul
l
edmet
ohi
m.

Ishookmyheadandhepul
l
edmet
ohi
m any
way
.Hesmashedhi
sli
psonmi
neandweshar
eda
l
ong

passi
onat
eki
ssandf
ewmi
nut
esl
aterIwasscr
eami
nghi
snamebecausehewasf
ucki
ngmeso
great

andImissedi
t.Af
terhav
ingourf
ir
str
eal
breakf
astwewentandt
ookshowerandwentt
othe
ki
tchen

andat
ethef
oodheor
der
ed.

Si
nceI
'
mfi
redIgav
etof
indsomet
hingt
odoonmyownt
ime.
..

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
cuty
ouof
ffr
om t
heGangt
il
lyougi
vebi
rt
handI
'
llmakesur
eyouhav
ear
myt
o
prot
ect

t
hebot
hofy
ou”

Imustkeepmycool
orI
'
llgocr
azy
.Ihat
ebei
ngcont
rol
l
edIdoasIpl
eases.

Me:“
For
geti
t!Fi
rstI
'
m noty
ourwi
fedoy
ouwon'
ttel
lmewhatt
odoornotwhatt
odo”Isai
dout
of

anger
.Whot
hehel
ldi
edandmadehi
m myf
ather
?

Hi
sphonebeeped.

"
Mypar
ent
sinv
itedust
othedi
nneri
nmyhouseat19:
30pm"
-hesay
s.

Ij
usthatet
ogot
othathouset
oseet
hatwi
tchcal
l
edMaNdl
ovubutIdon'
thav
eachoi
ce
becausehe

wi
l
ldr
agmet
her
ehi
msel
f.
At19:
00Iwasal
readydr
essedi
nal
ongbl
ackchi
ff
onski
rtandpi
tchshi
rtandbl
ueheel
s.Ihav
e
ashor
t

hai
rsinceIcutmydr
eadl
ocksandIputmydar
kpl
um l
i
pst
ick.Andhewaswear
ingabl
ack
guesstorn

j
eanwi
thwhi
teT-
shi
rtwi
thwhi
teal
l
-st
archuckl
etai
l
.Ij
ustf
all
inl
ovewi
thhi
minev
erysecond
I
'
m

wi
thhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
I'
mreadyt
ogo!
”

Icameoutoft
hebedr
oom l
ooki
ngbeaut
if
ulandhej
ustst
oodt
her
eandl
ookedatmecomi
ng
towar
ds

hi
m.

Samkel
o:“
You'
resobeaut
if
ulmyl
ove”hepul
l
edmei
ntof
oraki
ss.

Me:
“Youwi
l
lrui
nmyl
i
pst
ick”It
ri
edt
ogetof
fhi
sgr
ip.

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
tcar
eabouty
ourl
i
pst
ickj
ustki
ssme”heki
ssedme.

Samkel
oandImi
ssedt
hecel
ebr
ati
onoft
heBi
gFour
'sgr
aduat
ioni
nDur
banbecausehewas
st
il
li
n

hospi
tal
hisdoct
ordeni
edhi
mtot
rav
elsoi
twasj
ustt
het
woofusi
nthehospi
tal
.Bi
gfourwent
to

Zanzi
bart
ocel
ebr
atei
twasont
hei
rbr
other
s.

Whenwear
ri
vedt
her
ewef
oundt
hem i
nthel
oungeandKatwast
her
eandhecamet
ousand
t
old

usaboutt
heemer
gencymeet
ingt
oni
ghtat22:
00.Samkel
o'
sfacechangedbuthedi
dn'
tsay
any
thi
ng

abouti
tmxm I
'
llbet
her
e.

Whenwegat
her
edatt
hedi
ningt
abl
eandst
art
edt
oeataf
tert
hedi
nnerwewentt
othel
i
ving
r
oom

andMnt
ungwacl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatl
oudl
yther
oom wentqui
te.
..

Mnt
ungwa:
“Iwoul
dlov
etosaysomet
hing”

Ther
oom i
sst
il
lqui
et.
Mntungwa:
“Samkel
oandNompendul
oI'
m happyf
ort
hegr
andchi
l
dbutI
'
m al
sonothappyf
or
hav
ing

achi
l
doutofwedl
ock”hesai
drubbi
nghi
sbear
d.

Iwasl
ooki
ngdownt
omyt
oe.
..

Lwandi
l
e:“
Butdady
oudi
dn'
tcongr
atul
ateme”

I
shef
orr
eal
l
y?

Mnt
ungwa:
“Voet
sekwenanj
ayouwantmet
ocongr
atul
atey
ouwhenIwi
l
lbet
heonewhowi
l
l
t
ake

car
eofy
ourchi
l
d”

WhenIwasaski
ngmy
sel
fKatwasbeat
ingt
hecr
apoutofhi
m.Samkel
owasi
nst
it
ches.

Me:“
Real
l
ySamkel
o?”Igav
ehi
m ast
areandwentt
othem It
ouchedhi
sshoul
derandhegotof
f
f
rom

hi
m.

Kat
:“Ev
ert
ryt
ospeakt
odadi
nthatwayIwi
l
lki
l
lyouboy
”

Lwandi
l
ewentoutbecausehewasbl
eedi
ngonhi
smout
h.Hi
schi
l
dwi
l
lbebor
nanydayf
rom
now

butheisst
il
lbehav
ingl
i
keachi
l
d.Hi
sfat
herandUncl
eswentt
oCommi
ssi
oner
'shouset
otal
k
about

damageswhatIhear
dist
hathewasst
ubbor
natf
ir
stbuthecal
msdownandt
hei
rpai
dthe
damages.

Iwentt
ooutt
hedi
shesont
hewashi
ngmachi
neasusual
aft
ert
hatwewentt
omypl
ace.When
we

goti
nhewant
edsexbutIwasf
eel
i
ngnauseousandhebackeddown.

Iwenttot
hebedr
oom j
ustt
otakeanap.IwokeupwhenIhear
dahandt
ouchi
ngmyf
acei
ts
hi
m his

scenthi
stouchandhi
spr
esence.

Samkel
o:“
Wakeupweneedt
ogetdr
essed”

Iwant
edt
ofuckhi
m butt
het
imewasnotonmysi
debutwhenwecomebackI
'
llf
uckhi
mti
l
l
the
suncomesout
.Iwentt
othebat
hroom t
ofr
eshenupandcamebackwear
ingoursi
gnat
ure
cl
othes.

Het
hrewabul
l
etpr
oofv
est

Samkel
o:“
Pleaseputt
hisonf
orme”hegav
eitt
ome.

Real
l
y?

Me:“Whatam Isupposedt
odowi
tht
his?
”Il
ookedathi
m.Hei
ssi
tt
ingont
heedgeoft
hebed
t
ir
ing

l
acesonhi
sboot
.

Samkel
o:“
Puti
nonbabe”hegotupandf
indsmel
ooki
ngathi
m.

Me:
“I'
m notwear
ingi
t”It
hrowedi
tont
hebed.

Samkel
o:“
Nompendul
odon'
tfuckupwi
thmet
her
e'smychi
l
dinsi
dey
ousoIneedy
out
oput
that

f
uckent
hing!
”hei
sshout
ing.

Chapt
er23

Samkel
otookachai
randi
tlandedonSpi
der
'sr
ibshef
ell
andSpi
dert
ookmyv
aseandhet
hrew
i
ton

Samkel
o'
sbackandhef
ell
.

Me:
“Thi
sischi
l
dishnj
e”

Theywebot
hbl
eedi
ngcur
singandswear
ingateachot
her
.Theybot
hwokel
eani
ngov
ert
he
wall
they

st
art
edagai
nandIwentt
omakesomet
hingt
oeatf
ormy
sel
fmi
ndy
ouI
'
m eat
ingf
ort
woso
af
ter

somet
imeSpi
derwentt
otakehi
sgunandt
heycor
kedt
hem andpoi
ntedt
oeachot
her
.

Katqui
ckl
ywentt
othem.
..

Kat
:“Nxaaai
Voet
sekVoet
sek”hepoi
ntedhi
sgunatt
hei
rguns.

Hesl
appedSKandsl
appedSpi
der
.

Kat
:“Youcanf
ightal
lyouwantbuty
ouwon'
tki
l
leachot
hery
ourbr
other
s”
SK&Spi
der
:“Ouch!
”

Wel
aughedatt
hem.Wewentt
othet
vroom sosi
t.

Kat
:“Nompepl
easedon'
tmi
ndt
heset
womor
ons.Theyst
art
edf
ight
ingi
nthei
rresbacki
n
var
sit
y

theywer
ebot
hki
ckedoutofv
arsi
ty.Spi
dercamet
oli
veusatUmhl
angai
nwi
thourpar
ent
s’
house

theyst
olemyFat
her
'sFer
rar
iandhebett
heshi
toutoft
hem andt
heyal
sof
oughti
nnmy
parent
s’

houseandmyf
atherki
ckedt
hem outsopl
easemi
ndt
hem”heshookhi
sheadl
ooki
ngatt
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Youhur
tmybackwenashl
ama”hebr
ushedSpi
der
'shead.Thi
sispsy
chot
icr
eal
l
y.

Spi
der
:"Nxaaar
gghmyr
ibshur
twenanj
a"-
hesai
dpi
nchi
nghi
m ont
hear
m.

Theybot
hlaughedhol
dingt
hei
rst
omachsIt
hinksi
thur
ts.

Me:
“Ican'
treal
l
ybel
i
evebot
hofy
ou”Ishookmyhead.

Twogr
ownupmenf
ight
ingbecauseSamkel
odi
dn'
trespondt
ohi
scal
l
.Samkel
owassupposed
to

handl
etheshi
pmenti
nDur
bansoSpi
derwentt
her
etohandl
eev
ery
thi
ngsot
hat
'swhyt
heyar
e

f
ight
ing.Nxaat
hat
'ssi
l
lyf
orgr
ownupmen.

Theybi
dgoodby
esaf
tereat
ingbr
eakf
astImadeandSamkel
owentt
otakeashowerandhe
worehi
s

t
racksui
tsandgotonbedandIgav
ehi
m pai
nki
l
ler
sIwat
chedhi
mfal
l
ingasl
eepIj
ustf
all
inl
ove
wit
h

hi
minev
erymi
nut
ewespendt
oget
her
.

Myphoner
ang.
..
.

Mom:“Nompendul
oify
ouknowwhat
'sgoodf
ory
out
omor
rowIwanty
ouher
e”shei
sangr
y
when

shesay
sthat
.

Me:
“Heymommy
I..
.”

Mom: “
Don'
tmommyme.Yout
houghtI
'
llnev
erf
indoutt
haty
ou'
repr
egnant
”Shei
sfumi
ngi
ts
bet
ter
becauseI
'
mfarf
rom herorel
seshewoul
d'
vesl
appedmebynow.

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
.

Me:
“Mom I
'
m sor
ryi
twasami
stake”i
nal
owermyv
oice.

Mom:
“Sl
eepi
ngwi
thamanwi
thoutapr
otect
ioni
sami
stake?Don'
tmakemeaf
ool
.Beher
e

t
omor
rowandIwon'
trepeatmy
sel
f”shehungup.

Icr
iedaft
erthatIwentt
otakemybagandmycarkey
s;Ineedsomef
reshai
rIf
oundhi
m
sl
eepingso

peacef
ulsoIdi
dn'
twakehi
m up.

Igott
omycaranddr
oveof
fandIf
oundmy
sel
finBl
ueRout
eMal
l
.Iwenti
nIsawabeaut
if
ul
ti
ght

dressi
nsomebout
iqueIwenti
ntookadr
essandf
it
tedbutIwast
oot
ightbecauseofmy
tummy.I

t
ookanot
heroneIf
it
tedi
tandi
tfi
tt
edsoper
fect
lyIneedt
opay
..
..
..
.

“
Darescr
eam I
'
llshoott
hatl
i
ttl
edogi
nyourst
omach”Ihear
dav
oiceofamanandf
eltaguni
n
my

t
ummy
.

Ineedt
ocal
m downandnotcauseascenef
ort
hesakeofmybaby
.Ineedt
opl
an.

Guy
1:“
Pret
endasi
fweknoweachot
herdar
ecauseascene”

Itookmyhandbagandwegoti
nabl
ackcarandal
lthemenher
eint
hiscarIdon'
tknowany
oneof

t
hem.Thecardr
oveof
f.

Guy
2:“
Giv
emey
ourphone”Hei
sinf
rontseatIt
hinkhei
sthebossher
e.

Iwasqui
teandIwast
hinki
ngoft
hepl
ant
ogetoutbutt
hepr
obl
em i
sI'
m pr
egnantIwon'
tbe
abl
e

t
ogetof
foutoft
hiscar
.

Guy
2:“
Isai
dgi
vemet
hephonebi
tch”

Ij
ustl
aughedoutl
oud.

Me:
“Nxaadon'
tfuckent
ell
met
hatwena”
I
’m wor
ri
edaboutmybabyandSamkel
obecauseIdi
dn'
ttel
lhi
m bef
oregoi
ngouthe'
l
lgocr
azy
when

hewakesup.Wegott
osomepl
acei
t'
sthei
rsaf
epl
aceIt
hink.

Me:
“Whatt
hehel
ldoy
ouwantf
rom me?
”Isnapped.

Theyal
ll
aughed.

Guy
1:“
Yourmanl
ostt
hecaseofmyy
oungerbr
otheri
ntent
ional
l
y”hei
sangr
y.

Me:
“How'
sthatmypr
obl
em?
”

Guy1:
“Ti
ethi
sbi
tchupbecauseshet
alkst
oomuch”hegav
eani
nst
ruct
iont
osomeboy
s.They
t
ied

meup.

Me:
“Ineedwat
er”I
'
mthi
rst
y.

Lucki
l
yI'
m notcr
yingIt
hinkI
'
m ov
erwhel
med.

Guy
1:“
We'
l
lcal
lthatsnobofy
our
stomaket
hingshappenIneedmybr
otherout
”hel
ookedat
me.

Theot
heronegav
emewat
erwi
thandIwasdr
inki
ngwi
thast
rawbecauseI
'
mti
redup.

Guy
2:“
Bossweneedt
oinj
ectt
hisbi
tch”

Guy1:“
Nodon'
tthi
sIneedt
hisbi
tchal
i
veandt
hatl
i
ttl
esnobal
i
vet
ogetwhatIwantf
rom t
hat
st
upid

snob”Hei
sthebossasIassumed.

TheywentoutIcan'
tev
engoar
oundt
olookwher
eIcanescape.It
hinkIf
ell
asl
eepbecauseI
hear
d

ahandt
ouchi
ngme.

Me:
“Nxaagett
hosef
il
thyhandsof
fme”Isnapped.Theyal
ll
aughedout
.

Guy
1:“
Howf
arar
eyou?
”hei
ssi
tt
ingi
nfr
ontofme.

Me:
“Doy
ouknowwhoIam?
”Hej
ustl
aughedIj
ustl
ookedathi
m.

Guy
1:“
Iknowy
ouandt
hatsnobofy
ourf
ool
i
shman”

Me:
“Youcal
lmymanasnob?
”Il
aughedt
il
lmyt
ear
scame.
Me:“
Sol
etmet
ell
youaboutme.I
'
m Nompendul
oMazi
bukoI
'
mthel
astwomany
ouwantt
o
mess

upwi
th”

Guy
1:“
Idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hatandy
oudon'
tscar
eme”

Me:
“IfIwasy
ouIwoul
dbescar
ed.I
'
m sweat
ingIneedt
otakemyj
acketout
”

Guy
1:“
NxaawhatIy
ouar
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
oumor
ons”hesai
dtot
heboy
sbehi
ndhi
m.

Heunt
iedmeandhehel
dmyhandsandt
heot
heronet
ookofmyj
acketandI
'
m wear
ingaG-
st
ri
ng

l
i
kev
est
..
..

Guy
3:“
Boss!
”hescr
eamedathi
sboss.

Guy
1:“
Tieherup!
”t
hei
rbossshout
edt
othem.

Guy
3:“
Bosspl
easecheckhert
att
ooshei
sdanger
..
..
”het
ri
edt
oexpl
ain.

Thebosswentbehi
ndmeandhecheckedmyt
att
oo.
..

Guy
1:“
Fuck!
”hest
art
edt
oswearpaci
ngupanddown.Ij
ustl
aughedoutl
oud.

Me:
“Yeaht
het
att
oo.
..y
esI
'
m oneoft
hem.
..
..
.Boom!
”Il
aughedsohar
d.

Guy
1:“
Shutt
hehel
lup”hesai
droughl
yscr
atchedhi
shead.

Me:
“Theonet
haty
oucal
lsnobi
sar
eal
har
dcor
eG-
A-N-
G-S-
T-E-
R!”

Theywer
econf
usedbywhatIsai
d.

Me:“Yeshei
sahar
dcor
egangst
erandheki
l
lyoual
lwhenhef
indsoutt
hatIwaski
dnappedby
you.

Amat
eur
s”

Hesl
appedme.

Me:
“Youj
ustsi
gnedy
ourdeat
hwar
rant
”Ispatonhi
m.

Theywer
epl
anni
ngal
ltheni
ghtIt
hinkIf
ell
asl
eepIhear
dahandshaki
ngme.Nxaat
hispi
g.

Guy
1:“
Dri
nkher
e!”hegav
emewat
er.

Idranki
tbecauseIwassot
hir
sty
.Ineedmymant
orescuemeher
eI'
mti
redandhungr
yIwant
to
sl
eep.Thebosswasnother
eal
lmor
ningt
hissot
hisf
ool
sher
ewer
eguar
dingmeandt
heyhad
guns

wi
tht
hem soImustkeepmycool
.

I
t'
stheseconddayI
'
m her
eandI
'
mti
redbei
ngf
ourmont
hspr
egnanti
sti
ri
ngi
tswor
sewhen
y
ou'r
e

t
ir
edup.

I
nthemi
ddayIhear
dthev
oicescomi
ngt
owar
dst
her
oom Iwasi
nitwast
hismor
on.

Guy
1:“
QueenEl
i
zabet
hisawakenow”t
heyal
lcr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:
“Fucky
ou!
”hecamet
owar
dsmeandgav
emeanot
hersl
ap.

Me:
“Amat
eur
!”

Anot
hersl
apl
andedonmyf
ace.

Me:
“IfImakei
toutal
i
veher
eIpr
omi
sey
ouy
ouwi
l
lfeel
mywr
athal
lofy
ou”

About30mi
nut
esaf
terIhear
dgunshot
sbangi
ngout
sidet
heyf
reakedout
..
.

Isawmust
ardscar
ffl
yi
ngandi
tlandedont
hef
loorandt
heysawi
ttheyal
lfr
eakedoutand
ther
e

wer
est
atues.

Me:“Heee!Ny
on'
enamandl
abat
hat
hengamazi
phoubacaphune!
!”Iscr
eamedwhenIsawt
he
scar
f.

Weal
lsayt
hatwhenwepr
aiseeachot
her
.

Si
l
ence

Thebossofamat
eur
squi
ckl
ycamet
owar
dsmehepoi
ntedt
heguni
nmyt
ummy
.

Guy
1:“
I'
ll
takeouty
ourhear
tandf
eedi
ttot
hedogs”

Ij
ustsmi
l
edwhenIhear
dhi
svoi
cehewasst
andi
ngi
nthedoorcar
ryi
ngAK-
47.Hewassosexy
Ij
ust

want
edt
ojumpt
ogot
ohi
m andki
sshi
m dear
ly.

Guy
1:“
Iwon'
ttel
lyout
wicey
ourf
ool
i
shsnob”heputhi
sar
m oni
nmyneckasasi
gnt
hathewi
l
l

st
rangl
emewhenSamkel
ocomest
owar
dus.
Hej
ustl
aughedoutandt
ookouthi
sphoneouthi
spocketanddai
l
...
.

Samkel
o:“
Makehercr
yA'
chuz”hei
sspeaki
ngt
othephoneandhi
sphonewasonl
oudspeaker
.

Av
oiceov
ert
hephonewai
lsay
ingt
hatshewi
l
ldoany
thi
ngbutt
heymustnotki
l
lherson

Guy
1:“
Pleasedon'
tki
l
lmymot
herpl
ease”hi
svoi
cewasbr
eaki
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Unt
ieher
”hi
svoi
cecr
eepy
.

Guy
1:“
Pleasemybr
otherI
'
m beg.
..
.”hewast
ryi
ngt
opl
eadwi
thhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Now!
”her
oar
ed.

Hequi
ckl
yunt
iesmeImademywayt
ohi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Taket
hem t
ooursecr
etpl
acewe'
l
lmeett
oni
ghtf
orabr
aai
”hesai
dtot
heguy
s.

Samkelo:
“Babear
eyouokay
?”heaskedaswewal
kedoutoft
hehouseandpul
l
edmet
ohi
s
chest

wentt
ohi
scaranddr
oveof
fther
ewascor
psesal
lov
ert
hey
ardt
hel
i
vingi
stheonewhowas
i
nsi
de

t
hehouse.

Iwascr
yingt
ohi
schest
..
.

Me:
“Howdi
dyouf
oundme?
”IaskedmeIwasst
il
li
nhi
schest
.

I
ttookus1hourand30mi
nut
eswewer
einhi
shousei
ntheEst
ate.Thedoct
orwaswai
ti
ngf
or
usI

thinkshei
sher
etocheckt
hatwear
eokayl
ucki
l
ytheydi
dn'
tbeatmeupexceptoft
hosef
ew
slaps.

Thedoct
orwentwi
thust
ohi
sbedr
oom andcheckedmet
her
eandshet
oldhi
mthatI
'
mfi
nei
t’
s
j
ust

t
hatIneedt
odr
inkal
otofwat
erandr
est
.

Af
tert
hedoct
orwasf
inehewal
kedheroutbef
orehewentout
.

Samkel
o:“
Goandt
akeashower
”Whenhei
squi
tel
i
ket
hisi
tmeanshei
sangr
ybutt
her
e's
doct
or

her
eandshewasr
ecommendedbyDrRansool
.

Hef
oundmest
andi
ngwher
ehel
eftmi
nebef
orehewentout
.Hej
ustgav
emeawei
rdl
ookandI
know

heisangr
y.Ineedt
oexpl
ainwhathappenedbutnotnow.It
ookofmycl
othesandIwasl
eft
wit
hbra

andpant
yhewassi
tt
ingont
heedgeoft
hebedl
ooki
ngdownandIknowt
hathei
sthi
nki
nghar
d.

Me:“Cany
oupl
easet
akewi
thshowerwi
thme”Iwasi
nfr
ontofhi
m myt
ummyt
ouchi
nghi
s
headas

hebowedhi
shead.

If
elthi
shandsonmyhi
psImi
ssedhi
stouchsomuch.Hel
ookedupt
ome.Het
ookof
fhi
s
cl
othesand

Iwentt
othebat
hroom ast
hehotwat
erf
all
enonmeIf
elthi
spr
esencebehi
ndme.
..Mhmm.
..I
l
ove

hi
spr
esence.
..

Me:
“I'
m sor
rybabe.
..
.”
Itr
iedt
oexpl
ain.

Samkel
o:“
Shhhh”heki
ssedmyneckl
eav
ingt
races.

That
'smyweakestpoi
ntandheknowt
hatandIl
i
kei
tsomuch.Het
urnedmet
ofacehi
m and
he

ki
ssedmesensel
ess.
..
Hishandwascar
essesmybackandanot
heronewasr
unni
ngt
omy
br
eastand

myt
highshebr
oket
heki
sst
ookat
owel
anddr
iedt
hebot
hofushepi
ckedmeupandwentt
o

bedr
oom andputmegent
lyont
hebed.Hewentbackt
othebat
hroom andhecamebackso
qui
ckl
y.
..
.

Me:
“Babeweneedt
ota.
..
.”hej
ustcl
i
mbedont
opandki
ssedme.

Weki
ssedwhent
hingsheat
edupIf
elthi
sfi
ngeri
nsi
demehewaspl
ayi
ngwi
thmycl
i
tina
mi
nut
ehe

wasi
nsi
demef
ucki
ngmehar
d..
.

Samkel
o:“
Hav
en'
tIt
oldy
out
otel
lmewheny
ougosomewher
e”

Me:“Ahhhhbabe.
..
”Icoul
dn'
ttal
kbecausehewasf
ucki
ngmesohar
d.WhenIwassoneart
o
come.

Hegotof
fmeandmademesl
eepwi
thmysi
dehel
i
ftedmyonel
egwi
thhi
sar
m andhewas
i
nsi
de

meagai
n.

Samkel
o:“
Hav
en'
tI?
”hebr
eat
hinmyearasmybackf
aceshi
m.

Me:“Babe.
..I
'
m sor
ry.
..Ahhhh”It
ri
edt
oexpl
ain.Hewasf
ucki
ngmesosl
ownowbutwhenhe
makes

hi
swayi
nhepumpssohar
dinawayt
hatgi
vemeGoosebumps.

Samkel
o:“
Promi
semey
ouwon'
tdot
hatagai
n”hesai
dfucki
ngmesohar
d.

Hest
opped.

Iknel
tont
hebedandt
urnedhi
m sof
tl
yhesmi
l
edal
i
ttl
e.Igotont
opofhi
m Iki
ssedt
heshi
tout
of

hi
m Il
eftat
racebehi
ndhi
sri
ghtearhej
umpedoutIal
mostf
ell
hequi
ckl
ycaughtme.
..

Samkel
o:“
Sor
rybabei
t'
sjustt
hatbengal
i
ndel
eukut
hiuzongi
bekal
ovebi
te”hesai
dtr
iedt
ohol
d

hi
msel
ffr
om l
aughi
ng.

Me:
“It
'sokay
”Il
aidonot
hersi
deoft
hebed.

Ididn'
tfi
nishwhatIst
art
edbuti
t’
sokaywewi
l
ltoni
ghtbecausehecan'
ttakehi
shandsof
fme.
I'
m

get
ti
ngf
atduet
opr
egnancyandhel
ovesmypr
egnantbody
.

Hei
ssocar
ingmor
eespeci
all
ybecauseI
'
m pr
egnanthemakessur
ethatIat
tendmydoct
or'
s

appoi
ntmenthemassagesmyf
eetandheenj
oysdoi
ngt
hat
.Ir
ememberonedaywhenIf
ir
st
went

wi
thhimt
odoct
or'
sappoi
ntmentIwaswear
ingadr
essIf
orgott
oleggi
ngbecausei
knewhe
woul
d

over
reactwhenwegott
her
ehewant
edt
oseeont
hescansoIpul
l
edt
hedr
essupf
ordoct
ort
o
appl
y

thegelhesai
d"Babepul
lthatdr
essdown"t
hedoct
orl
aughedIwasqui
tandhesai
d"Babet
his
doctor

can'
tseemypr
oper
ty"hepul
l
edmydr
essdownwhent
hedoct
oral
readyappl
i
edt
hegel
sohe
asked

t
hedoct
ort
ogett
heaf
emal
egy
naecol
ogi
stbecausehewi
l
llosehi
stoknowt
hatmyv
elv
eti
s
seenbyanothermansoIhav
eaf
emal
egy
naecol
ogi
standi
twasnotnegot
iabl
ethatmal
e
gynecol
ogi
stwas

socool
sonowIhav
etol
ookatt
hisbi
tch.

Samkel
o:“
Let
'scont
inuewher
ewel
eftof
f”hespankedmei
ntheshower
.

Me:
“BabeI
'
m goi
ngwi
thy
ouf
ort
oni
ght
'smi
ssi
oni
nthewar
ehouse”

I
t’
sbeent
imeIsawhi
minact
ion.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m notgoi
ngwi
thy
ou”

Me:“Ev
eni
fyoul
eav
emeher
eIwi
l
lcomeonmyownsoi
tbet
tert
ogowi
thmet
opr
otecty
our
chi
l
d”

Iscr
ubbedmybodysohar
d.

Samkel
o:“
Eingobaokwami
akuf
ani
nokwabany
e”Il
aughedout
.

Samkel
o:“
Okayf
ort
oni
ghtonl
y”

Asi
fIcar
eI'
m goi
ngt
her
eIwantt
olookatt
hem bl
oodyamat
eur
s.

Samkel
oisanot
herl
evel
ofhear
tl
esshehasasetofAxe'
sfr
om t
hesmal
lonet
othebi
ggerone
and

theyar
eal
lengr
avedwi
thSKwhenheki
l
lssomeonei
tsheusesanaxeorf
ir
ebutf
ir
eisf
or
normal

punishmentandt
ouseanaxei
sabi
gpuni
shmentev
ersi
nceIj
oinedI
'
venev
erseenhi
m ki
l
li
ng
anyone

Ionlyseehi
m oncashhei
storot
hermi
ssi
onIwast
oldbyhi
m andIsawt
hev
ideosofhi
m
ki
ll
ing

peopl
esoheadl
essi
nthebasement
.Thebasementhasal
lty
pesofgunsbul
l
etsandbul
l
etpr
oof
vest
s

bigscr
eensandal
otofmoneyandt
hehousei
nZi
mbal
ii
nDur
banhast
hebasementhav
ethe
same

ast
hisbasementher
e.Hepl
ayedav
ideoofhi
m ki
l
li
ngpeopl
ewhocr
ossedhi
m andt
hegang.

Myphonei
sri
ngbutIdon'
tknowwher
ebuthowdi
dhegeti
tbecause.
..

Me:
“Mom I
'
m sor
ryf
ornotcomi
ngt
oday
..
..
”Sheheav
edasi
gh.

Mom:
“Ar
eyouokay
?Thabi
cal
l
edmeshet
oldmet
haty
ouwer
emi
ssi
ngandsheal
soupdat
ed
me

whenyougotf
ound”herv
oicewassol
ow.Shei
swor
ri
edIcant
ell
byt
heway
sshespeaksr
ight
now.

Me:
“I'
m okaymom t
her
e'snoneedt
owor
ryaboutme”

Mom:“Thet
houghtofl
osi
ngy
ouandy
ourbab.
..
.”shewasbr
eaki
ng.That
'sbr
okemyhear
tI
hat
eit

whenshecr
iesort
ohearoneofmyf
ami
l
ymembercr
ying.

Me:
“Pl
easedon'
tcr
ymom I
'
m okayev
ent
hedoct
orconf
ir
medt
hatI
'
m okay
”

Whenwegoti
nwef
oundherher
esoIknowt
hatI
'
m okayl
ucki
l
yIdi
dn'
tcr
yther
eIt
hinkIwas

ov
erwhel
medandIwaswor
ri
edaboutmybaby
.

Me:
“I'
l
lcomehomet
omor
rowMom”Idon'
tknowwhatnowbecauseshei
sst
il
langr
yatme.

Mom:“
Not
omor
rowj
ustmakessur
ethaty
ou'
reokayandcomehomeaf
tert
hat
”shesai
dshe
has

sof
tenedal
i
ttl
ebi
t.

Thet
houghtofl
osi
ngmewor
kedbecausewhenmymot
heri
sangr
yandt
ell
yout
ocomehome
i
ts

meansy
ou'
rei
naj
i
vebi
gti
meshewoul
dbeatt
hebi
tchyat
ti
tudeoutofy
oubutshewoul
d'
ve
beat

mebecauseI
'
m pr
egnantbutI
'
m sur
eshewi
l
lshoutatmeal
lther
eami
ngmont
hsoft
hey
ear
.

Lucki
l
yI'
m gi
vi
ngbi
rt
honDecembersof
ivemont
hst
ogobutcomeJanuar
yIwi
l
lbehol
dingmy
baby

andIwi
l
ldr
inkal
cohol
asIl
i
ke.Wheew!

Thabical
l
edmet ocheckuponmebutIhear
dav oi
cel
ikeNokwe'
svoi
ceI'
m gi
vi
ngbi
rt
hon
Decembersof
ivemont hst
ogobutcomeJanuar
yIwil
lbehol
dingmybaby

andIwi
l
ldr
inkal
cohol
asIl
i
ke.Wheew!

Thabical
l
edmet
ocheckuponmebutIhear
dav
oicel
i
keNokwe'
svoi
cebutshesai
dit
'snot
hershe

i
swi
thacol
l
eaguesmxm okay
.Shewassupposedt
ocomeandseebutshedi
dn'
tIt
hinkshei
s

swampedwi
thwor
kbuti
t’
sokay
.8
At21:
30wegotr
eadyt
ogot
othe"
braai
"int
hewar
ehouse.Weal
luset
hewor
d"br
aai
"whenwe

t
akesomet
othewar
ehousej
ustt
oneut
ral
i
set
hesi
tuat
ioni
ncaset
heyar
ecamer
asorl
i
steni
ng

dev
ices.

Hef
orcedmet
oweart
hatst
upi
dbul
l
etpr
oofv
estIhat
ewi
thal
lmyhear
t.Weusedt
hebackexi
t

becausehi
spar
ent
sar
eher
e.Idi
dn'
tseeMnt
ungwaev
ersi
nceIcamebackandt
hatwi
tch
cal
led

MaNdl
ovu.

AKwaswai
ti
ngf
orusi
nthebackst
reetonourhouse.HehadmyFer
roRocherchocol
atewi
th
hi
m

becausehewi
l
lnotdoany
thi
ngt
her
ewi
thoutgi
vet
hem t
ome.Hemakessur
ethatIget
ever
ythi
ng

I
'
m cr
avi
ngi
nthatt
imewhenhei
sar
ound.

Whenwegott
hewef
oundKatPhi
ndi
andt
heot
herguy
sbutt
heywer
est
il
lcomi
ng.Wef
ound
t
he

out
sidebehi
ndt
hewar
ehouse.

Kat:
“Whyi
ssheher
e?Di
dn'
tIcutof
ffr
om t
heoper
ati
ons?
”Hemustnotspoi
lmymoodr
ight
now.

Samkel
o:“
HadeGr
oot
manshewasy
ell
i
ngathersay
ingt
hatshewi
l
lcomewi
thorwi
thoutmy

per
missi
onsoIwant
edt
her
mtobesaf
esot
hat
'swhyshei
sher
e.I
twi
l
lnev
erhappenagai
n”

Asi
fIcar
eIwant
edt
oseewhathewi
l
ldot
othem soIwon'
tbet
oldbyhi
m.

Kat
:“Sur
ent
wanabutnextt
imeIdon'
tneedherher
eIneedal
i
ttl
eKhumal
otobesaf
e”he
smi
led.

I
t'
sthef
ir
stt
imeIseehi
ssmi
l
ehecanl
aughbutt
osmi
l
eit
'snothi
sthi
ng.Hei
scut
ebuti
t’
sjust
t
hat

i
t’
shar
dtoseet
hatbecausehei
sscar
y.

At21:
58wewer
eal
lher
esowegoti
nsi
deandhewasn'
ti
nmysi
dehewast
hel
astonet
ocome
i
n

andt
heSpi
derandAKcl
osedt
hedoor
.Itwasal
lei
ghtoft
hem hangi
ngwi
tht
hei
rheadspoi
nti
ng
down
andt
hei
rfeetupshedi
sappear
edandwhenhecamebackcar
ryi
ngabi
glongbl
ackbagandi
t
was

heav
yIseet
hewayheuscar
ryi
ngi
t.
..

Theguysst
oodupf
rom t
hechai
rsandwhi
stl
etohi
m hehasanot
hersmi
l
eInev
ersawt
hat
smil
ein

hi
m andhi
sey
eswer
ered.

Hewaswal
ki
ngi
nasl
owmot
ionandweal
lwhi
stl
etohi
m whenhewasi
nhi
sbl
ackPol
oneck
hel
eft

hi
sbl
ackankl
ecoatsomewher
eher
e.

Axe:
“Uml
i
lo!
!.
..
.Imbazo!
!.
..
.Uml
i
lo!
!!
..
..I
mbazo!
!!
”theyal
lscr
eamedoutj
umpi
ngupanddowni
n

t
hesamet
unewhi
stl
i
ng.
..Samkel
oSKandAxei
soneper
sonbutdi
ff
erentnamesar
eusedat

di
ff
erentscenar
ios.

Theymadeabi
gci
rcl
esoIwentt
her
etoot
otheci
rcl
etowat
cht
heshow.

Them:
“Bagencemgenci
bakonekakhul
u!!
”theyal
lscr
eamedot
her
swhi
stl
i
ngandhewasonhi
s

kneesshaki
nghi
sheadr
api
dly
.

Iwasst
andi
ngwher
eIcanseehi
sface.

Itwasasi
fhewaspossessedwi
thbi
gfearf
uldem ont
hatcanki
l
lyoubyj
ustl
ooki
ngaty
ou.Hi
s
eyes

wer
eangr
yandhungr
yforbl
ood.
..
..
.Hei
sdamnsexyi
nthatmomentofhi
sownwor
ldIj
ust
wi
shI

canj
umpi
nandki
sshi
m.

I
nthatmomentofpr
aisi
nghi
m het
ookoutt
wobi
gshar
pestAxe'
sI'
veev
erseeni
nmyl
i
fe.
Thosebi
g

bl
adesont
heAxesar
esoshi
nyy
oucanusei
ttoasami
rr
or.

Them:
“Mgenci
wezoni
maqedeubagoni
seamakhandaabo!
!”
theywer
epr
aisi
nghi
m andhewas

hol
dingt
het
woaxes’
upi
ntheai
r.

Theguysunchai
nedt
hoseguy
sandt
heyf
ir
stchai
nedt
hebossoft
heamet
uer
sint
abl
ethathas
chai
ns
f
orhandsandf
eeti
nthemi
ddl
eshewasabi
gchai
nthati
schai
nedacr
osshi
sst
omach.

Axecamet
owar
dshi
m andhi
swasi
ntear
sbuthecan'
tcr
youtl
oudbecauset
her
e'sacl
othi
n
hi
s

mout
h.

Axe:
“Youkeptmywomanandputmyunbor
nchi
l
dindangerandpoi
ntedaguni
nherst
omach”
he

wasbr
ushi
nghi
sheadandhewascr
ying.Het
ookoutt
hecl
othi
nhi
smout
h.

Heki
ssedhi
sfor
eheadt
heyal
ll
aughedouthet
ookt
wost
epsbackhet
ookoneofhi
saxesand
ki
ss

t
heshi
ningbl
ade.

Axe:
“Ar
eyour
eadyt
omeety
ourmaker
?!”hei
slaughi
ngoutl
oud.

Thebossoft
heamat
eur
swaswai
l
ingl
i
keabi
tchSKt
ookhi
saxeupandi
tlandedi
nbet
ween
theneck

andt
heshoul
der
..
.Het
ookaonel
oudscr
eam.
..Theaxegotst
ucki
nbet
weent
heneckandt
he

shoul
derhewasshaki
ngt
heaxet
hatgotst
uckandhewascr
yinghi
slungsoutandy
oucan
heart
hat

hewasi
ndeeppai
n.Het
ri
edt
ogeti
toutbuti
twasst
uckont
heboneheusedhi
sri
ghtf
ootand
he

t
ooki
twi
thaf
orceandhewascr
yinghar
dernow.

I
nami
nut
eanaxel
andedont
heneckandhej
ustkeptqui
tei
nasecond.
..Myey
eswer
eal
lout
..
.
I

coul
dn'tbel
i
evet
hatt
hemanIshar
eabedwi
tht
hishear
tl
essbutwhyhei
ssosexyi
nat
hat
scar
iest

deadl
yper
sonhei
snow.Theguy
squi
ckl
yunchai
nedhi
m andSKt
ookt
hecor
pse'
sheadand
madeit

t
ohol
dit
shead.Hedi
dthesamet
hingt
otheot
her7ment
hatwer
echai
ned.

Af
terdoi
ngi
thewascov
eredi
nbl
oodbuty
ouwoul
dn'
tnot
icebecausehewaswear
ingbl
ack
af
ter

t
hatAKdr
oveusbacki
nhi
shousei
nourwayt
her
eIwashi
m chesti
nev
ent
houghhi
scl
othes
was
cover
edi
nbl
oodbutIdi
dn'
tmi
ndt
hathi
shear
tbeatwasbeat
ingl
i
kei
twassi
ngi
ngal
ull
abyf
or
when

wegott
her
eheshookmet
owakewet
ogeti
nsi
de.

Wetookashowerandhav
eagr
eatsexaf
tert
hat
.Iknewt
hatsexwoul
dtakehi
stensi
onandhe
sl
ept

l
i
keababy
.

At04:
00am Ihear
daknocki
nadoorIdeci
dedt
oignor
eitbuti
tkeptbangi
ngsoIt
ookhi
sshi
rt
and

wentt
othedoor
..
.It
sLwandi
l
e.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Canwepl
easegot
ohospi
tal
now?
”hewasbr
eat
hingf
astasi
fhewasr
unni
ng.

Me:
“Whosei
sathospi
tal
?”Iy
awned.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Mygi
rl
fr
iendi
sint
hehospi
tal
soIneedt
obet
her
enow!
”heshookmyhands.

Ei
yazi
iscef
enj
elesi
.

Me:
“OkayIwi
l
lwakey
oubr
otherup”Icl
osedt
hedoor
.

Hewassl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ulbuthemustwakeup.

Me:
“BabewakeupLwandi
l
ewantust
otakehi
mtohospi
tal
”Ishookhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Hemustgoandf
uckhi
msel
f”hey
awned.

Hehatesi
twheny
ouwakehi
m upunl
essIwantt
odot
hingst
ohi
m ot
hert
hant
hathej
ust
swear
s.

Me:“Babewakeup!
”Iwentt
othecl
osett
otakeadr
ess.Mnt
ungwai
sher
esoIcan'
twear
t
rousersI

respecthi
m soImustwearadr
essoraski
rtwhenhei
sar
oundhei
sagr
andf
atherofmychi
l
d
soI

needt
orespecthi
m.

Hewokeupandmadehi
swayt
othebat
hroom andhecamewear
ingoutwear
ingr
edaddi
das

t
racksui
tsandhei
shoti
nitt
hatsl
eepyf
ace.

Samkelo:
“Let
'sgo”het
ookhi
swal
l
etandwef
oundLwandi
l
epaci
ngupanddownhol
dinghi
s
phone.
Me:
“Let
'sgonow”

Wewentoutandwentt
othedoort
hei
rpar
ent
swi
l
lfol
l
owuswi
thanot
hercar
.Iwassl
eepyal
l
t
he

wayhi
sfr
iendsar
einKZNt
hey
'l
lcomewhent
hebabyi
sbor
n.IoncemetRachel
shei
scut
eand
t
hey

ar
eper
fectf
oreachot
herandsheal
sogr
aduat
edi
nMayatl
easthav
ehasbr
ains.

Whenwegott
her
ewef
oundCommi
ssi
onerandhi
swi
fepaci
ngupanddownshewaswor
ri
ed
about

herdaught
er.Theyt
oldLwandi
l
ethatRachel
sai
dshewant
edhi
m onl
yinherl
abourwar
d.She
had

herownwar
dbecauseherf
atherwant
edsoshegotwantshewant
ed.

At06:
12am i
nthemor
ningt
hedoct
orcamei
nandt
oldust
hegoodnewsandt
hebabyi
sagi
rl
.

Mnt
ungwawassohappyt
ogetanot
hergi
rlsi
ncehehasonegi
rli
nhi
schi
l
dren.

Wegott
imet
oseehershei
ssobeaut
if
ulandshei
sti
ny.Herpar
ent
swer
ethef
ir
stt
oseeand
her

gr
andpar
ent
sfol
l
owedandwheni
twasSamkel
o'
stur
n..
.

Samkel
o:“
Aingi
yay
isabai
nganeencane”heshookhi
sbi
ghead.

Weal
llaughedathi
m.Hei
saboutt
obeaf
athersohemustknowhowt
ofeedbat
handal
l
t
hose

stuf
fs.It
ookhert
omyar
msshei
ssobeaut
if
ulIhopet
hatshewi
l
lnotbeapr
obl
em chi
l
dli
ke
her

f
ather
.

Me:
“What
'shername?
”It
ouchedhert
inypal
efi
nger
s.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Hernamei
sAmahl
eAngel
Khumal
o”Hi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
oni
ssowar
m andhappyI
real
l
y

prayf
orhi
mtogr
owupi
hopeshewi
l
lchangehi
m.Samkel
ocamet
omeandt
ri
edt
ohol
dher
ti
ny

f
inger
sbuthewassoscar
ed.

Me:
“Don'
tbescar
edt
ouchherf
inger
satl
east
”It
ookhi
shandandImadehi
mtohert
iny
f
inger
she

smi
l
edandl
ookedherwi
thunusual
smi
l
ebuti
twascut
ethough.

Wel
eftt
hem i
nthehospi
tal
andwhenwewer
eathomewet
ookabat
htoget
herandwentt
othe

bedIwant
edt
otakeanapbecauseIwokeupear
lyi
nthemor
ning.Hemademet
osl
eeponhi
s
chest

If
eltsomet
hingmov
ingi
nmyst
omach.

Me:
“Touchher
e”It
ookhi
shandandpl
acedi
tont
hesi
deofmyt
ummy
.

Samkel
o:“
Babe!Hei
ski
cki
ng!
”hesatupandhewassmi
l
inghi
sfacewasf
il
ledwi
thl
ovet
hatal
l
Ican

say
.

Thedoct
ort
oldust
hatourbabyi
saboywhenwewentt
otheappoi
ntmentsohewasl
i
ttl
esai
d

becausehewant
edagi
rl
.It
sunusual
amanwant
sababygi
rlbuthewat
ersi
tbuthewashappy
that

i
t’
saboyhewi
l
lteachhowt
ori
deabi
cycl
eandal
lthoseboy
s’st
uff
.

Mebei
ngpr
egnanthasmadehi
stoshowhi
ssol
ovi
ngandsocar
ingsi
de.Hemakessur
ethat
whenI

wakeupmychi
ckenbur
gerf
rom Chi
ckenLi
ckeni
sher
ewi
thf
ri
esbutwef
ightwhenIwantt
o
eati
ce

butIst
ealt
hem andl
ockmy
sel
finbat
hroom eatt
hem al
lheoncesai
d"whenmychi
l
dis
di
agnosed

wi
thpneumoni
aIwi
l
lnev
erf
orgi
vey
ou"t
hati
semot
ional
blackmai
lbutIdon'
tcar
ewhenIwant
i
ce

Iwantt
hem andIeati
t.

Hei
sful
lofdr
amabutIcan'
ti
magi
nemyl
i
fewi
thouthi
m somet
imesshei
ssoannoy
ingand

cont
rol
l
ingbuti
nal
lthathi
simper
fect
ionsIst
il
ll
ovehi
m andmor
eespeci
all
ybecausehei
sa

GANGSTER.

Chapt
er24
Iwenthomeasmymom sai
dandhet
ookmehomeandt
hingswer
eli
tt
lebi
ttensebecausemy
par
ents

wer
eangr
ythatI
'
m pr
egnant
.Theywer
ebot
htensebutmysi
sterasonl
eav
esatwor
ksoshe
was

theonewhowast
alki
ngt
omel
i
keanadul
tmypar
ent
swer
etr
eat
ingmel
i
kea7-
year
-ol
d.I
'
ma
grown

upIknowthatImesseduphav
ingachi
l
doutofwedl
ockbutnowIcant
akecar
eofmy
sel
f
fi
nanci
al

andIdi
dn'
ttel
lthem t
hatI
'
m notwor
kingbutIsai
dIwasnowwor
kingi
nDur
bannoti
nCape
Town.

Wemov
edf
rom CapeTownnowI
'
mli
vi
ngi
nDur
banwi
thhi
minZi
mbal
iandI
'
m sev
enmont
hs

pr
egnanthei
str
eat
ingmel
i
keachi
l
dandIhat
e.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easewakeorel
sewe'
l
lbel
ate”heshookme

Ihatei
twhenhewakesmeupandIr
eal
l
ylov
etosl
eepnowaday
s.Wear
einv
itedi
nThabi
'
s
housei
s

fourst
reet
sawayf
rom ourhousesowear
einv
itedf
orl
unch.Hei
sreadyt
ogetIwast
aki
nga
nap

whenhecameandwokemeup.

It
ookmybodyl
oti
ont
othebedr
oom t
oappl
yitonmybodyhel
i
kest
owat
chmewhenIdot
hat

especi
all
ynowbecauseI
'
m pr
egnantandhei
sobsessedwi
thmyt
ummyandmyass.

If
oundal
ongf
lor
aldr
essandbl
ackgl
adi
ator
s.Idon'
tunder
standwhyhechosei
tbutI
'
llpi
ckmy
own

dr
essIwantt
owearnott
hisone.

Iwentt
othecl
osetandcamewi
thpi
tcht
ightdr
ess.

Samkel
o:“
Babei
twi
l
lti
ghty
ouso.
..
.”Igav
ehi
m adeadst
are.

Samkel
o:“
Okay
”hi
shandswer
eupasasi
gnhesur
render
s.

Iwor
emypi
tcht
ightdr
essandmyt
ummyi
sbi
gnowsoIaskedhi
mtohel
pmewi
thgl
adi
ator
s
hedi
d

andhehadsmi
l
einhi
sfaceandI
'
m sur
ethathewast
hinki
ngt
hatI
'
m st
upi
dorcr
azybecause
i
na

mi
nut
eIr
efusedt
owearadr
esst
hathepi
ckedf
orme.

Samkel
o:“
We'
l
lwal
kbabe”hel
ookedaway
.

Me:
“Youmustbeki
ddi
ngme”

Samkel
o:“
Iknew!
”hel
aughed.

Whenwewer
edonehet
ookmyhandbagandf
il
ledi
twi
thFer
roRocherheknowsIl
i
kei
tso
much.

Heoncef
orgott
obuyi
tIcr
iedmyl
ungsoutandhewentt
obuyi
tatni
ght
.Het
akescar
eofme
andI

r
eal
l
yappr
eci
atet
ohav
emanl
i
kehi
m.

Whoknewahear
tl
esscol
dbl
oodmur
der
er/
gangst
ercanbesol
ovi
ngcar
ingandsosweetbut
hei
sI

l
ovehi
m somuch?

Wewentoutanddr
ovei
tsSev
enmi
nut
esawaybuthet
ookawr
ongr
oadi
ntent
ional
l
yIdon'
t
know

whybutIwi
l
lremai
ncool
het
ookanot
herwr
ongr
oadagai
n.

Me:
“Samkel
o!”Il
ookedathi
m sof
uri
ousl
y.

Samkel
o:“
Ahmyl
oveukut
hiangi
j
way
eleukuy
akul
owamuzi
”het
ri
edt
oconf
usehi
msel
f.

Me:
“Takeanot
herwr
ongr
oadagai
nIwi
l
lwal
kmy
sel
ftot
hei
rhouse”

Heisreal
l
ytest
ingmypat
iencenow.Het
ookanot
herwr
ongr
oadIj
ustcr
iedbecausehewas
busy

l
aughi
ngatmewhenhewast
hatI
'
m angr
y.

Samkel
o:“
Awubabesor
ry”het
ookt
her
ightr
oadnowandwhenwegott
her
eIdi
dn'
thav
eany

appet
it
ebecausehemademeangr
y.

Wepar
kedout
sidebecausei
tdoesn’
thav
eagat
e.

Me:
“Ar
eyousur
ewear
eatt
her
ightpl
ace?
”Isai
dlookedathi
m annoy
edIwasl
ooki
ngar
ound

becausei
tsl
ooksl
i
ket
her
e'snooneher
e.
Wegoti
n.

Samkel
o:“
Yeahi
t’
sther
ighthousebutIl
ookl
i
ket
her
e'snooneher
e”

Thedoorwasopenandwegoti
nthi
shousei
sadoubl
est
orey
.West
oodi
nther
einsi
de.

Me:
“Wear
eatt
hewr
onghousei
fIgethur
ther
eI'
l
lshoty
ourassbabe”

“
SURPRI
SE!
!”Theyal
lscr
eamedout
.

Wej
ustl
ookedateachot
hersur
pri
sed.

Thabi
:“Wel
comemngani
”sheabi
gsmi
l
eonherf
ace.

Nont
u:“
Lit
tl
esi
ster
”

Ij
ustcr
iedIcoul
dn'
tbel
i
evet
heywoul
ddosomet
hingf
orme.Theycov
eredwi
thwhi
tebi
g
boar
ds.

WhenIcamei
nint
hishouseIt
houghtt
hishousebel
ongst
othepai
nterorsomet
hingj
udgi
ng
byt
he

boar
dssoIt
houghthegott
hewr
ongaddr
ess.

Thabi
:“Thanksf
orcomi
ngSamkel
o”sheshookSamkel
o’shand.

Andi
l
ecamei
nhegav
ehi
m abr
other
lyhug.

Samkel
o:“
Eveny
ouy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmet
his?
”hesmi
l
ed.

Whyhei
sher
ebecauset
hisi
sababyshowerandmenar
enotal
l
owedi
nher
e.

Thabi
:“Wemadesomet
hingspeci
alf
ory
ou.Pl
easecomet
othi
ssi
de”shepoi
ntedanot
her
room.

Nokwe:
“Phot
oshootandaf
tert
haty
ougent
lemencanl
eav
eus”

Me:
“Ncooahbangan!
”myey
eswer
eful
loft
ear
s.Damnpr
egnant
!

Thet
eam her
ewhowi
l
ltakepi
ctur
esofusgav
emeashor
twhi
teski
rtmadeofl
aceandt
oldme
to

takeof
fmydr
essandwor
ethatski
rtoft
hei
rsandmybr
a.Theyt
oldhi
mtot
akeof
fhi
sgol
fT-
shir
the

wasl
eftwi
thhi
sski
nnyj
eansowet
ooksohotandsexypi
ctur
e.Myf
avour
it
eist
heonewhen
hewas

hol
dingmyt
ummyandIputmyhandsonhi
sshoul
der
sfaci
nghi
m andwhol
eoft
hemar
emy
f
avour
it
e.

Whenwewer
edoneatt
aki
ngpi
ctur
es.

Nokwe:
“Thanky
ougent
lemensonowy
oucanl
eav
eus”shepushedt
hem out
.Hecamet
ome
and

gav
eaki
ss.Af
tert
hatt
heywentof
f.

Nokwe:
“Thepar
tycanst
art
!”shet
ookherdr
inkIwi
shIwasherdr
inki
nghotbev
eragesbuther
e
Iam

wi
tht
hisbi
gtummy
.

Thabi
tookmet
otheot
herr
oom andIf
ounday
ell
owl
acyl
ongdr
essIwor
eitwi
thbl
ackpushi
n
I

coul
dn'
twearheel
sbecausemyf
eetar
eswol
l
en.WhenIcamebackt
heydi
rect
edmet
omy
chai
r.

Thedécorher
ehasat
ouchofbl
ueandt
hecakei
sabi
gtummywi
thboobsIl
i
kei
tandi
t'
sal
so
bl
ue.I

wascr
yingbecauseIwasov
erwhel
medIdi
dn'
texpectt
hatt
heywoul
ddot
hisj
ustf
orme.

Nont
u:“
Don'
tcr
ybabe”shewi
pedmyt
ear
sinmycheeks.

Thi
sconf
ir
mthati
twasNokwe'
svoi
cet
hatIhear
dwhenIcal
l
edThabi
theot
herdayandNont
u
wasn'
t

t
aki
ngmycal
l
slat
elyIt
hinkt
heywer
etogetherpl
anni
ngt
hispar
tyf
orme.

TheM.
CIknowhert
hroughThabi
butshei
sbor
ingmesosomet
imesIdon'
tent
ert
ainherbut
nowI

mustbecauseshei
stheM.
Cinmybabyshower
.Thel
adi
esherwer
ewear
ingy
ell
owt
opsand
whi
te

ski
nnyj
eansandI
'
m al
sowear
ingay
ell
owdr
ess.

Thepart
ywentwel
landIwasenj
oyi
ngmy
sel
ftheymadesur
ethatmygl
assi
sful
lofor
ange
j
uiceand

Fer
rerRocheront
hesi
desoi
twasgr
eatunt
ilwehear
d..
..

Si
l
ence.

Thabi
:“Whoi
sthat
?”
It
ookmyhandbag.
..

Nokwewentt
othewi
ndowandshe.
..

Nokwe:
“Idon'
tknowwhosecari
sthatIt
hinkt
heyar
elost
”shewasl
ooki
ngout
sidet
hrought
he

wi
ndow.

Thecarout
sidewashoot
ingoutl
oudl
yandi
swassoannoy
ingnowbecausewest
oppedwhen
we

hear
dthi
sannoy
ingcarhootcomi
ngi
nher
e.Andnowi
thasr
avi
ngsoundsandscr
atchi
ngt
yres
asif

t
heyar
egangst
ers.

Me:
“Fol
l
owme”It
ookmygunwi
thmet
ogoout
sideandseewhoi
sthatbi
tchwhoi
sst
art
ing

unnecessar
ydr
ama.

Theywer
eal
lshockedt
oseemehol
dingagunbutt
heyf
oll
owedme.Iwasr
ushi
ngout
sideand
Iwas

bar
efoot
.

WhenIopenedt
hedoorIsawt
her
edFer
rar
ihoot
ingoutl
oudasIwasaboutt
ogot
oitand
poi
nta

gunt
othati
diotwhoi
sdr
ivi
ngi
t.
..
.Samkel
ocameoutoft
her
edFer
rar
i.
..

Iwassoannoy
edandconf
used.Hecamet
owar
dsmehewassmi
l
ingatme.

Me:
“It
'sy
oukant
iyou'
redi
stur
binguswi
tht
hisnoi
se”

Hewasst
il
lsmi
l
ingheannoy
smer
ightnowsoIt
urnedt
owal
kbackt
othehousehequi
ckl
y
t
urned

met
ofacehi
m.Hepeckedmyl
i
ps.

Samkel
o:“
Doy
oul
i
kei
t?”

Me:
“Li
kewhat
?”I
'
m conf
used.

Samkel
o:“
Thecarbabe?
”Thel
adi
esar
elooki
ngatusconf
used.

Me:
“Whatcar
?”Idon'
tknowwhathei
stal
ki
ngabout
.

Samkel
o:“
Thatcarbabe”hepoi
ntedataFer
rar
imyey
eswer
eal
lout
.
Me:
“YesbabeIl
i
ke”Ismi
l
ed.

Samkel
o:“
It
'sy
our
s”hef
lashedt
hecarkey
sinmyf
ace.It
ookt
hecarkey
sonhi
shandj
umpi
ng
up

anddown.

Samkel
o:“
It
'sagi
ft
.Thanksbabef
orcar
ryi
ngmyseed”

Gi
rl
s:“
Ncooah”

Me:
“Thanksbabe!You'
ret
hebestIl
ove”

WhenIwant
edt
ogoandt
estdr
ivei
ther
efusedwhenIwant
edt
odr
ivehet
ookmef
oraspi
nI
can'
t

wai
ttogi
vebi
rt
handdr
ivemybeast
.Ther
edFer
rar
i!

Theyal
lwant
edt
otakeaspi
nsot
hepar
tyof
fi
cial
endedwhenmycarcamei
n.Af
terwhenhe
took

mef
orasiphim andAndi
l
ewentof
f.Wewenti
nsi
deandt
heywer
eal
lsay
ingt
hathei
s
r
omant
icand

y
eshei
s.

Wear
eshar
ingamont
hourbi
rt
hday
sar
eint
hesamemont
handIwi
l
lgi
vebi
rt
hinDecemberon
my

bir
thmont
hsohewant
shi
mtobebor
nonhi
sbi
rt
hdayf
ort
hem t
oshar
eabi
rt
hdaybutIdoubt
that
.

Theladi
esher
ear
ehav
ingdr
inksnowandt
heyar
est
ari
ngt
odot
hewei
rdt
hings.Thepr
esent
s
were

notopenedwhenhecamet
odel
i
vermycarsoIwi
l
lopent
hem l
aterathome.Nokwe'
sfr
iends
were

t
hefi
rsttogobecauset
heoneoft
hem i
sont
heni
ghtshi
ftsoshemustl
eav
eear
ly.It
hank
t
hem for

att
endingi
nper
son.Theot
herf
oll
owedandThabi
wasf
orcedt
ocal
lacabf
orhercol
l
eague
because

shewassodr
unkshecoul
dn'
tev
enst
andonherown.IhopeAndi
l
ewon'
tfi
ghtwi
thThabi
about
hi
s

expensi
vewhi
skey
.
Me:“
Thanksbangani
fordoi
ngt
hisf
ormet
hanky
ousomuch”IhuggedThabi
Nokweand
Nont
u.

Nontuwasqui
teIdon'
tknowwhybutImustt
alkt
oherbef
oreIgo.Shei
ssl
eepi
ngher
eIdon'
t
know

whybutIt
hinkTKi
sar
ound.Ev
ersi
ncet
heyst
art
edt
oshedoesn’
tsl
eepi
nmyhouseori
nmy
pl
ace

shei
sal
way
swi
thTKwhenshei
sinDur
ban.

Me:
“Whyar
eyouqui
te?
”Ipathershoul
derf
rom behi
nd.

Nont
u:“
It
’snot
hing”herf
acewassad.

Me:
“Tr
yli
tt
lehar
der
”Sheknowst
hatImeanst
artt
alki
ng.

Nontu:
“Ihadawei
rddr
eam t
oday
;Iwaswal
ki
ngonbl
oodi
nyour
..
..
"shest
oppedasshesaw
Thabi

comi
ngt
owar
dsus.

Thabi
:“I
t’
sonl
yusl
eftnow”shesatnextt
oNont
u.

Somet
imesIf
orgott
hatt
heyboy
fri
endsar
ebr
other
s.Ihav
en'
tseenTKar
oundbutIknowhei
s

arounddr
inki
ngal
cohol
wit
hhi
sbr
otherandmyman.Ei
shNont
udi
dn'
tfi
nishwhatshewas
saying

butIwi
l
ltal
kwi
thher
.Shei
sst
ayi
ngi
nTK’
stownhousei
nDur
banandi
ts45km awayf
rom her
e.

Mbusocamei
ntof
etchNont
uIt
hinkTKsenthi
mtof
etchhersoIdi
dn'
tgett
imet
ospeakt
oher
and

I
'
mti
redIneedt
ogoIwantt
osl
eepIhadal
ongwonder
ful
dayt
odaysoIneedt
othankmyman

may
bei
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghtnotnowr
ightnowI
'
mti
redIneedt
osl
eep.

Gwajoiswal
ki
ngnowbutnotpr
oper
lyhef
all
ssomet
imesbuthei
sget
ti
ngt
her
e.Hei
shi
s
fat
herand

hi
sauntycl
ones.Hei
ssonoi
syast
heki
donhi
sagei
ssupposedt
omakenoi
se.Ipi
ckedhi
m
upand

heli
kest
olaughal
otatl
easthehashi
smot
her
'sl
i
ps.Idon'
tunder
standwhyachi
l
dcanbea
cl
one

ofsomeonewhoy
oudon'
tknowIneedt
odosomer
esear
chabouti
titconcer
nsme.
I
'vebeenwai
ti
ngf
orSamkel
otopi
ckmeupI
t’
sonl
ymeandmybestf
ri
endsher
e.Nokwei
sst
il
l
here

butSakhi
wil
lpi
ckherupt
heyar
est
ayi
ngi
nUmhl
angaSakhi
ownsahouset
her
eandKatal
so
hasa

houset
her
e.They
'r
epr
oper
tybuy
ersIcanseet
hati
nthem.

Ihear
dKathasagi
rl
fr
iendIdon'
tunder
standhi
m andIdon'
tev
enwantt
ounder
standhi
m.

Me:
“Mngani
I'
m goi
ngnow”It
ookmyFer
rar
ikey
s.

Thabi
:“Ai
boNgi
cel
aul
i
ndeuSamkel
oazokul
anda”shesi
ppedf
rom hergl
ass.

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngI
'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
orhi
mforanhournowandI
'
mti
red”Ist
art
edt
owal
kaway
.

Ist
op.

Me:“
Thanksagai
nbangani
fort
hisbeaut
if
ulwehadher
eear
lyonIl
ovey
ousomuch”myey
es
wer
e

f
il
ledwi
tht
ear
s.

Nokwe:
“Pl
easegoandsl
eep.Wel
ovey
ousomuch”shesl
i
ght
lypushedme.

Sheknowst
hati
fIst
artt
omakesi
gnst
hatI
'
mleav
ingi
t’
sasi
gnt
hatI
'
m notl
i
vingt
hatpl
acei
n
anyt
ime

soon.

Me:“By
es”Il
eftt
hehouse.Iwentt
omyFer
rar
iandt
heywer
efol
l
owi
ngIgoti
nandr
evv
edi
ta
l
it
tl
e

bi
tandwentof
f.

Atl
eastI
'
m dr
ivi
ngar
oundt
heEst
atesoIt
hinkI
'
m saf
e.

Af
terf
ourmi
nut
esIwasathomeIwasnotdr
ivi
ngf
astbecauseIwi
l
lreal
l
ydr
ivei
twhenaf
terI
gi
ve

bir
th.WhenIgothomehi
scarwasnott
her
eandI
'
m al
oneher
eint
hisbi
ghouset
oI'
mtaki
nga
shower

andsleepaf
tert
hat
.Iwant
edt
ocal
lhi
m butIt
houghthei
sli
vi
ngal
i
ttl
esol
etmegi
vehi
m so
space

t
oenj
oyhi
msel
f.

It
ookashowerandgoti
nbednakedandhel
i
kesi
tsomuchbutsomet
imeshecancause
unnecessar
y

dramahi
m say
ing“
howam Isupposedt
osl
eepwheny
ourassi
sonMbul
azi
”Ij
ustl
aughathi
m
and

shi
ftmyassast
het
imeIshi
fthegr
absmemywai
standputmei
ntheposi
ti
onIwasi
n.

I
ts21:40pm onSat
urdayIt
hinkhe'
l
lcomei
naf
ter02:
00am hi
m want
shi
sfoodandmet
olook
athi
m

whil
eheiseat
ingbuthemustnott
odayI
'
mti
redunl
esshewant
stot
ast
etheHoneypoti
t’
s
okaybut

ot
hert
hant
hathemustnotwakemeup.

Cof
feeI
nthemor
ning.
..
.ByMi
guel
.

Don'
ttel
lmet
hathei
spl
ayi
ngt
hissongi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
.

Nxaaar
gghi
t’
smyphone.
..

At02:
13whoi
scal
l
ingmecur
rent
ly.

Thabi
:“Mngani
ther
e'ssomeoneher
einmyhouseandI
'
m scar
edAndi
l
eisnother
e..
.”

Isatupquickl
y.Samkel
ohasn'
tcomebackandi
ts02:
15am andi
tmeansheuswi
thAndi
l
e
wherever

hei
s.

Me:
“Gi
veGwaj
oapanadoandl
ockt
hedoori
nyourr
oom I
'
m comi
ngnow”Ihungup.

Iqui
ckl
ywokeupandt
ookmybl
ackj
eanbl
ackv
estbl
ackankl
ecoatandt
ookmybl
ackhi
gh
heel

bootl
ucki
l
ymyf
eetar
enotswol
l
en.Iqui
ckl
yputt
hem onandt
ookmygunsandIputon
mustar
ds

scar
fandIwentof
fI'
m usi
ngmycar
.

Itr
iedt
ocal
lhi
m buti
twasonv
oicemai
landIt
ri
edAndi
l
eitwasi
nvoi
cemai
ltooal
sot
hesame
thi
ng

t
oThokozani
.Iwor
emybul
l
etpr
oofv
estbuti
twassi
tt
ingonmepr
oper
lybecauseofmy
t
ummy.

It
ri
edTaKathewasonv
oicemai
ltoo.

Ipar
kedt
wohousesawayf
rom Thabi
'
shouseandi
ttookmet
hreemi
nut
est
ogether
e.I
'
m
sev
en

monthsandt
woweeksbutImanagedt
ojumpaf
encef
rom t
heot
herhouset
ogoi
nThabi
housefor

t
hem nott
onot
icemesoIopenedt
hewi
ndowwi
tht
hecr
owbarsoIwasi
nthest
orer
oom Igot
i
n

andIcl
osedt
hewi
ndow.Ihadasi
l
ence.
..

“Don'tcomeoutofy
ourr
oom I
'
mtr
yingt
ogethel
ppl
easegoandhi
dei
nthecl
oset
inyour
bedroom

now!
”IsentSMSt
oThabi
.

Isl
i
ght
lyopenedt
hedoorandi
tsl
eadi
ngt
othepassageandt
her
ear
etwomenher
e..
.

Imanagedt
oshootwomenandIwentt
otheot
herbutt
hedoorwasl
ockedIhear
dvoi
ces
comi
ng

t
owar
dswher
eIwasst
andi
ngIqui
ckl
ywentt
oopent
hedoorl
ucki
l
yitwasnotl
ocked.
..

Igoti
nsof
astbutt
hev
oicewer
eont
hedooront
her
oom I
'
minandIcoul
dn'
trecogni
zedt
he
voi
ces

whenIcheckedt
hrought
hekey
hol
eIdon'
tknowt
hesecol
ourofcl
othessoI
'
m al
l
owedt
o
shoot
..
..
I

managedt
oai
mtheoneoft
hem andIf
ir
ed.
..
..

Guy
1:“
Ther
e'ssomeoneher
e!”shout
ed.
..

Ihear
dlot
soff
oot
stepscomi
ngnearwher
eIam.

Ineedt
othi
nkmywayouther
eandIhadt
omakei
toutal
i
veIneedt
opr
otectmyf
ri
endandher
baby

andmybaby
..
..

Ther
oom I
'
mini
sdar
klucki
l
yI'
m notny
ctophobi
aany
mor
ebutt
hepassagei
shav
ingt
hel
i
ght
onso

Ineedt
othi
nkf
ast
..
.It
ookmymust
ardscar
foutandIt
hrewi
toutoft
hedoorandi
tcamef
lyi
ng
on

t
hei
rfaces.

Guy
2:“
Ther
e'ssomeonedanger
ousher
eIt
hinkweneed”
Ifi
redIdi
dn'
thav
eti
met
othi
nk.Thef
ouroft
hem whowasneart
hedoor
.Theot
herf
ew
footst
eps

wentawaysonowIknowt
her
ear
esomel
eft
.

It
ookof
fmyt
imber
landbootbecauseIdon'
twantt
hem t
otr
acemyst
epssonowI
'
mlef
twi
th
my

socksonly.Thel
ight
saresti
l
lonsoIneedtopl
aymycar
dsr
ighther
esoIneedt
opl
aymy
cardsr
ightheresoItookasmal
lboar
dthatwas

maki
ngal
i
ttl
enoi
sebehi
ndsoI
'
llusei
twhenIgetoutoft
hisr
oom.
..

Ther
ewasnoonei
nthepassageIt
ookmyscar
fonmywayout
..
.

Iwasbehi
ndt
heboar
d.Ihear
dvoi
cest
alki
ngbutt
heywer
ewhi
sper
ing.
..

Myphoner
ings.
..

Fuck!

Ijustshott
hel
i
ghtt
hatwasoni
ntheki
tchenandIqui
ckl
yai
medt
hechandel
i
eri
nthel
i
ving
room the

br
eaki
nggl
asssoundgav
emeat
imet
okeepmov
ingwi
thmyboar
d..
..
..

Gunshot
sbangi
ng.
..
.

Theywer
eshoot
ingt
heboar
d.

If
ell
wit
hmyst
omach.
..
.

Lucki
l
ytheyshotbehi
ndmyback.Icr
awl
edt
ohi
debehi
ndt
hesof
a.Ij
ustknel
tandImanaged
tosee

assofonei
diot
..
.

If
ir
ed.
..
.

Al
oudscr
eam cameaf
tert
hat
.Ij
ustshott
heassofsomei
diot
.Yes!It
hrewascar
fagai
n..
.

Guy
:“Fuck!
”theot
hersai
dbehi
ndt
heot
her
sofaIt
hinki
tfel
lonhi
sfaceornextt
ohi
m.

If
ir
ed.Ihear
dmor
efoot
stepscomi
ngi
nIknewI
'
minaj
i
vesoal
lIneedi
somet
hingt
hatwi
l
lfor
.
I

cr
awl
edImadeI
'
m wayt
otheki
tchenl
ucki
l
yitwasonmysi
de.
..
..
.

OnwhatI
'
mthi
nki
ngcanputmyl
i
fei
ndangerandmychi
l
d'sl
i
febutIdon'
thav
eachoi
ceIhav
e
t
o

doi
t.Al
lIknowi
sthatThabi
lov
esgasst
oveandal
lwi
ndowsar
eti
ntedi
nthi
shouse.

Iswi
tchedont
hest
oveonhi
ghsoaf
tersomemi
nut
est
hegaswasspr
eadi
ngal
lov
ert
hehouse.
The

st
ovewasmaki
ngasoundast
hegasgushout
..
..
..

Al
lofusher
ear
eequal
..
..

Me:
“Onewr
ongmov
eweal
ldi
eher
e”Ist
oodup.

Theyswi
tchedont
hel
i
ght
.Ther
e'sonel
i
ghther
eint
heki
tchen.I
nasecondt
heyal
lroseup.
..
.

I
t’
sabout10menher
ewear
ingr
edcl
othes.

Me:“
Damnf
ool
swhatwer
eyout
ryi
ngt
odo?
”Iam l
aughi
ngbutIwasst
art
ingt
ocoughbecause
of

t
hegasI
'
minhal
i
ng.

Guy
:“Thebi
tchi
s..
.Pr
egnant
”

IhopeThabi
isst
il
li
nghi
dingt
her
ebecauseIwoul
dn'
tl
ikei
twhensheseesmewear
ingl
i
ket
his.
I'
m

coughi
ngnowbutI
'
m dr
inki
ngwat
erasI
'
mtheonl
yonewhoi
sst
andi
ngnextt
othesi
nki
nthe
ki
tchen

her
e.

Ther
e'ssomet
hingcol
dinmyar
m..
.

Fuck!Iwasshoti
nthear
m andI
'
m bl
eedi
ng.

NowI
'
mfeel
i
ngt
heshar
ppai
nsi
nthechestandast
hmai
saboutt
oki
cki
nbutIcan'
tev
engoor
do

any
thi
ngar
oundher
e..
..

Thef
oot
steps.
..
.

Iknowt
hesef
oot
stepsandt
heyar
efami
l
iar
.Isawt
womust
ardscar
fsf
lyi
ng.
..
.Shi
tisaboutt
o
go

down

Me:
“Ny
oni
enamandl
a!”I
'
m br
eaki
ng.
Thepower
ful
bir
disher
e..
..

Spi
kes:
“Yey
iiNi
namasendeenu”

Spi
der
:“Ni
zony
a!”Zeecamei
nrunni
ngt
oswi
tchof
fthest
ove.

Zee:
“Ar
eyouokay
?”

Theguysi
nredar
eti
edi
nami
nut
e.Spi
derqui
ckl
ywentt
oThabi
'
sroom t
ochecki
fther
e'sno
onethe

whocant
hreat
enherorGwaj
o.

Spi
der
:“Nompey
ou'
rebl
eedi
ng?
”

Iwasshoti
nthear
m ont
hel
eftandr
ightt
highsoIneedt
otaket
hesebul
l
etsofmybody
.

Me:
“Spi
kespl
easet
akeof
fmyj
ean”Hej
ustl
ookedatme.

DamnI
'
m notwear
ingapant
ybutIdon'
tcar
ewi
tht
hat
.

Spi
kes:
“SKwi
l
lnotappr
ec…”

Me:
“Voet
sekdoy
ouseehi
m her
e?Justt
aket
hef
uckenj
eanout
!”Ishout
ed.

Het
ooki
tof
fandSpi
derwasi
nbehi
ndSpi
kes.

Whyi
t’
staki
ngl
ongnow.

Spi
der
:“Nxaamov
eandcl
osey
ourmout
h”

Zeecameandbut
tonedmyankl
ecoat
.It
oldZeet
otakemyj
eanboot
sandscar
fandputi
ton
my

car.Shequi
ckl
ydoesasIsai
d.Spi
dert
ookachai
rformeandIsaton.It
oldSpi
dert
ogoand
getThabi

outoft
hecl
oset
.

Thabi:
“Mngani
Iwi
l
lcal
ladoct
ornow”shegav
eGwaj
otoZee.Herey
esandr
edandpuf
fyand
tear
s

ar
est
il
lfal
l
ing.

Me:
“Wai
tst
opi
twi
tht
ear
s!IneedPer
fumewat
erv
odkasugarandcobwebs”

Theyqui
ckl
ywentt
ogetwhatIneednowandThabi
wasst
andi
ngnextt
omecr
ying.

Thabi
:“I
'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
o..
..
”shecr
iedoutl
oud.
Me:“
Shutt
hef
uckup!Goandt
akef
ir
stai
dki
t”Shedi
sappear
edandcamebackwi
tht
heki
tI
want
ed.

Sheisacr
iernat
ural
l
y.I
'
m happyshedi
dn'
tsawt
hesesev
encor
psesorel
seshewasgonnacr
y
fort
he

enti
rey
ear
.Theycamebackwi
tht
het
hingsIwant
edt
oI'
m her
eneededt
otaket
hesebul
l
ets
outof

mybody
.

Me:“Cal
lPhi
ndi
tocomewi
thhermannow.Tel
lhert
hatI
'
llmeetheronmyhouse(
Samkel
o'
s
house)
”

Icl
i
nchedmyt
eet
h.

Ineedav
odkat
ocomedownmyner
ves.Iapol
ogi
zedt
omyunbor
nchi
l
dfordr
inkal
cohol
butI
need

t
opr
otectussoIhadt
odr
inkv
odka.

Ist
art
edtohearwher
ethebul
l
eti
sonmyl
eftar
m usi
ngt
hef
ingerl
ucki
l
yitmi
ssedt
hebone.I
spr
ayed

t
heper
fumeont
heopenwound.
..
.Iputt
hebul
l
etr
emov
ingsci
ssor
..
..

Me:
“One.
..
.Two.
..
.Thr
eee!
”It
ookt
hebul
l
etout
.SonowImustr
emov
etheoneonmyr
ightt
ight
.

Idi
dthesamet
hing.It
ooki
toutt
oo.

Iputasugarandcobwebsont
hewoundsf
ort
hebooknott
ocl
ot.SonowIneedadoct
ort
o
checki
f

mybabyi
sokayandIhopehei
sokay
.

Zeeputbandagesonmywounds.Iwascoughi
ngbuti
thast
onedownnow.

Me:
“Wher
eisSamkel
o?”Ipoi
ntedmyheadt
oSpi
der
.

Spi
der
:“Andi
mazi
.I'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lhi
m andAndi
l
ebutIcoul
dn'
treacht
hem”

Me:“
Thabi
takey
ourt
hingswear
egoi
ngt
omyhouse”Ineedt
omakesur
ethatshei
ssaf
ewi
th
my

Gwaj
othatki
dissoador
abl
e.

Whenshecamebackwi
thabagZeehel
pedmet
ost
andupwewentoutt
omycar
.Spi
kes
l
ockedand
Zeedrov
eof
ftomyhouseSpi
derSpi
kesAKSni
perwer
efol
l
owi
ngus.Whenwegothomewe
found

Phi
ndi
andherhusbandwai
ti
ng.

Me:
“Iwasshoti
nthear
m andt
ightIal
soi
nhal
edt
hegas”Idi
dn'
tgr
eett
hem.

“Youneedt
olaydownf
orme”Hei
sPhi
ndi
'
shusbandMbuy
isel
oBukhosi
nihei
sgy
naecol
ogi
st
sohe

knowst
hist
hing.Idi
dast
ell
.Hecheckedmef
orsomet
ime.

Mbuyi
sel
o:“
You'
resol
uckyt
haty
ou'
rei
nhal
edt
hesmal
lamountofgast
hebabyi
sfi
neandy
ou
soI

needy
out
ogot
othedoct
ort
hef
ir
stt
hingi
nthemor
ning”

I
'
mr el
i
evedmybabyi
sokayPhi
ndi
sai
difI
'
m goi
ngt
obef
ineandt
hewoundsar
egoi
ngt
oheal
f
ast

becauseIputv
odkaoni
t.Mbuy
isel
ogav
emeant
ibi
oti
cssot
heybot
hsai
dI'
m onasaf
esi
de
andI'
m

okay
.

Zeeshowedt
hem out
.

Me:
“Thesecondr
oom f
rom t
hepassagemngani
pleaseusei
t”Herey
esar
etear
y.

Thabi
:“Thanksf
ri
end”shewi
pedt
ear
s.Shet
ookGwaj
ofr
om t
hecouchandwentaway
.

Spidert
oldt
heguy
stoguar
dus24/
7.I
'
m angr
yathi
m Ineedher
e.Iwentt
omybedr
oom goti
n
the

cov
ers.

WhenIopenedmyey
esIwashopi
ngt
oseehi
m buthei
sst
il
lnother
e.I
t'
s06:
13am hi
ssi
deof
t
he

bedi
scl
ean.

Theknock?

Thabi
:“I
t'
sme!
”It
'sThabi
Ifor
gotIt
ookheri
nbecauseIcoul
dn'
tl
ethert
osl
eepi
nthathouse
al
one.

Me:
“Ngena!
”Isai
doutl
oud.

Shei
shol
dingat
rey
.Ncooahshei
ssuchadar
li
ngshemadebr
eakf
asti
n.
Thabi
:“Howdi
dyouknowt
hatI
'
m st
arv
ing?
”Iy
awned.

I
'
m star
vingasi
fIhadhadsomet
hingt
oeatf
ormont
hs.Iat
emybr
eakf
astwi
thoutwashi
ngmy
f
ace

orhands.Af
tereat
ingmyphonebeeped.Ihopei
tshi
m becausei
fitnotIwi
l
llosei
t.Amessage
wit
h

al
i
nk.Ipr
essedont
hel
i
nki
ttookami
nut
eto.
..
.

Me:
“Whatt
hef
uck!
?”Isai
doutl
oud.

Thabi
:“Whati
sit
?”

Igav
eheraphonet
olookf
orher
sel
f.

“
FROM RI
CHKI
DSTORI
CHLAYWERS”Theheadl
i
nesonat
abl
oid.

Thabi
:“Wow!
”shemanagedt
osayt
hat
.

SamkeloandAndi
l
emadet
heheadl
i
nesi
noneoft
hewel
l
-knownt
abl
oids.Theyar
ebot
h
hol
ding

somefl
oozi
esandt
hat
'swhyt
heydi
dn'
tcamet
ohel
p.NokweandNont
ucal
l
edbuti
twast
oo
ear
lyI

di
dn'
tanswert
heycal
l
sIneedhi
m her
enowt
oexpl
ainhi
msel
f.

Myphonewasr
ingi
ngnonst
opal
lthenumber
sthatar
ecal
l
ingIdon'
tknowt
hem andot
her
sar
e

l
andl
i
nessoI
'
m notgoi
ngt
oanswerany
oneoft
hem.Justt
othi
nkIdon'
tknowwher
eisr
ight
nowi
s

maki
ngmecr
azyandLor
dhel
pmenott
oshoothi
sasst
oday
.

Myphoner
ings…

Kat:“
Coul
dyoupl
easet
rackt
hoset
wol
i
ttl
esbast
ardsf
ormeandsendt
hel
ocat
ionwheny
ou
done”

Iknowhewi
l
lbeatt
heshi
toutoft
hem.

Me:“Sure”Igotupf
rom bedandmademywayt
othest
udyandIneedt
otr
acet
heset
wo
bast
ards.

I
n10mi nut
esIwasdoneIsentt
headdr
esst
heyar
eatHi
l
tonhot
eli
nDur
banandI
'
m sur
ethey
Fucked

t
hosebi
tchesal
lni
ghtt
heydi
sappear
edy
est
erdayat18:
30pm t
il
lnow.
Me:
“Si
ncewecan'
tgoout
sideoft
hishousewehav
emov
iest
owat
ch”If
oundheri
nthel
ounge.

WehaveaCi
nemai
nthi
shousesosheputGwaj
oonsl
eepandwef
ocusedonamov
ie.Today
I
'
m not

cooki
ngf
ort
hatbi
tchofamanI
'
mti
redofhi
sbi
tchway
s.Iknowt
hatI
'
llhav
etowat
chr
omcom
i
fI'
m

wat
chi
ngt
vwi
thher
.

I
t'
sDair
yofMadBl
ackWomansoI
'
mfor
cedt
owat
chi
twi
thher
.Whent
hemov
iewasst
art
ingI
hear
d

adooropen.

I
t’
squi
tebutIhear
dfoot
steps.I
ttwocheat
ingbast
ardsIcan'
tev
enLol
att
hem.

Kat
:“Nxaawhatt
hef
uckhashappened?
”

Katdon’
ttakenonsensehebeatt
hem upf
ir
stbef
oret
aki
ngt
hem her
ejudgi
ngbySamkel
o'
s
facehas

ablueey
eonhi
sri
ghtey
eandAndi
l
eisbl
eedi
ngont
hemout
h.If
ir
sthugmybestf
ri
endi
ncase
Idon'
t

seeherwhent
heygot
henIwentt
omybedr
oom Ij
ustr
emember
edt
hatmygunsneedt
obe
cl
eaned

andIwi
l
ldoi
tmy
sel
f.

Iwon'
tent
ert
ainhi
mtodayIhadpai
nsbutI
'
m st
rongt
hisi
snot
hing.Iputmywi
rel
essear
phone.

Hecamei
nther
oom hewast
alki
ngj
udgi
ngbyhi
sli
pswer
emov
ingbutIdi
dn'
tpayat
tent
iont
o
i
t.I
f

Idar
etal
ktohi
mI'
l
llosei
t.Idon'
ttal
kaboutmyf
eel
i
ngsi
fIhav
epai
nIwantt
odeal
wit
hiti
nmy

ownwaybutr
ightnowIcan'
tev
endr
ink.It
ookof
fmycl
othest
otakeashoweri
tshotIneeda
col
d

wat
er.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
t”

Iwasqui
teandwentt
othebat
hroom openedt
heshowert
apt
hememor
iescamebackf
lashi
ng
i
nmy

mi
ndt
hinki
ngt
hatwhati
fIwasshotori
fmybabywasshot
..
..Iwascr
yingsi
l
ent
ly.
..
If
elthi
spr
esenceandIknowhei
sbehi
ndme.
..
Hishandst
ouchedmybi
gtummy
.Whyhe
br
eaksmy

hear
tli
ket
hisandt
hev
erysamehear
tlov
ehi
m somuch.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIknowmanysor
rywon'
tamendwhatIdonet
oyou.Iwasmeantt
obeher
ewi
th
you

andpr
otecty
ouandourbaby
.Whathappenedwi
l
lnev
erhappenIpr
omi
sebabe”hei
sbr
eat
hing
i
n

myear
sbehi
ndme.

Iwasst
il
lcr
ying.

West
oodt
her
eabout10mi
nut
esnotsay
ingany
thi
ngt
oeachot
herbutIwasst
il
lcr
yingf
aci
ng
t
he

wal
lmybackf
aci
nghi
m.Iknowhei
ssi
ncer
eIcant
ell
inhi
svoi
ce.

Hetouchedt
hebandagei
nmyar
m andhel
etabi
gsi
ghIknowhei
sangr
ytoseet
hatIt
hinkTa
Kat

t
oldhi
m whathappenedl
astni
ghtwhenhewasnother
e.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sosor
rybabeIknowy
ou'
rehur
ti
ngbutpl
easet
alkt
ome”It
urnedar
oundt
oface
hi
m

andgav
ehi
m ast
are.

Samkel
o:“
Myi
nsur
ancei
sreadyandIt
oldKatt
opr
epar
eformyf
uner
al”

Il
aughedal
i
ttl
elooki
ngdeepi
nhi
sey
esandhedr
oppedhi
sey
es.

Me:“Iwantt
oki
l
lyounowf
ornotbei
ngher
eyest
erdayandcutof
fyourdi
ckbecausei
tcauses
t
rouble

butIcan'
tdot
hatbecauseIwanty
out
ohol
dmybabyandl
ovehi
m andgi
vey
ouachanceof
bei
nga

f
athert
ohi
m”Il
ookeddeepi
nhi
sey
esandIwascr
ying.

Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
schestIcr
iedhar
derheswi
tchedof
ftheshowert
aphewasr
ocki
ngmet
o
cal
m

downandhemanagedt
ocal
m medown.Iwasst
il
li
nhi
schest
.

Me:
“I'
m hungr
y”
Samkel
o:“
Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
oeat
?”

Me:“Iwant
..
.Mhm.
..
Gri
l
ledchi
ckenf
ri
edchi
pschakal
akami
l
dMi
l
kshakest
rawber
ryf
lav
our
chi
cken

bur
gerf
rom MacDonal
ddunkedchi
ckenbur
gerf
rom KFCl
i
qui
dfr
uitj
uicemangoandor
ange.
..
.”
I

wascount
ingandIcoul
dhearhi
schestt
hathei
shol
dingal
augh.

Samkel
o:“
Iwi
l
lgeti
tal
lmysweet
hear
t”hel
aughed.

Igotof
ffr
om hi
schestandswi
tchedont
heshowert
apheknowst
hatIhat
eitwhenhel
aughs
atme

whenIcountal
lmycr
avi
ngst
ohi
m whenhegoesout
.

Samkel
o:“
Haumyt
eddybearIdi
dn'
tmeant
omakey
ouangr
y”hebr
ushedmyt
ummyf
rom
behi
nd.

Heisbr
eat
hingi
nmyeart
hat
'sonl
ytur
nsmeonbutIwon'
tgi
vei
ttohi
m wheny
est
erdaywas
busy

f
ucki
nganot
herbi
tch.

Me:
“Di
dyouusepr
otect
ion?
”

Hewasqui
et.

Me:
“Samkel
o!”Iscr
eamed.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIusedt
hepr
otect
ion”

I
tbr
okemyhear
twhenhesai
dbutatl
eastIwon'
thav
eanSTIorSTD.Wedon'
tusepr
otect
ion

especi
all
ynowbecauseI
'
m pr
egnanthesay
shel
i
kesmyv
elv
etskoon.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
rynj
unj
uwami
”hepl
ant
edwetki
ssonmyshoul
der
.Toi
magi
nehi
m ont
opof

anot
herwomanf
ucki
nghert
il
lherv
agi
nagi
vesuponherashedoest
oMDbr
eaksmyhear
tbut
I

can'
tst
ayangr
yfor
everbecausehewi
l
lrunt
othatbi
tch.

Samkel
o:“
Weneedt
ogetoutoft
heshowernowbabey
ouwi
l
lcat
chcol
d”heswi
tchedof
fthe
shower

t
apandt
urnedmet
ofacehi
m.Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
Me:
“It
’ssohotoutt
her
esoIneedsomet
hingcol
dtocal
m medown”If
rownedf
ace.

Hesmi
l
edl
ooki
ngatme.

Samkel
o:“
Okay5mi
nut
est
heny
ou'
reout
”hesqueezedmybut
t.

Me:
“Ouch!
”

Samkel
o:“
Drama!
”hegotoutoft
heshower
.

Icl
osedt
heshowerdoorIwi
l
lst
ayher
eandcomeoutwhenIl
i
keIwon'
tgetor
der
sfr
om hi
m
l
ikeI'
m

hi
sempl
oyee.Fuckwi
thhi
m.

Ist
ayedt
her
eforanot
her30mi
nut
esIwast
hinki
ngt
ogi
vehi
m apuni
shmentbutIdon'
tknow
what

butIneedt
odosomet
hingt
hatwi
l
lmakehi
mfeel
li
kehei
slosi
nghi
smi
nd.

WhenIgotouthewasn'
ti
nthebedr
oom Iputat
owel
ont
ocheckuponwhathei
sdoi
ng.

Me:
“Babe!
”

I
t’
squi
et.Iwentdownt
hepassage.

Me:
“Babe!
!”

I
tst
il
lqui
et.

Me:
“Samkel
o!

I
tst
il
lqui
et.

Icheckedhi
m ev
ery
wher
etot
hehousebuthewasnott
her
e.Iwentt
othebedr
oom andIt
ook
my

phonet
ocal
lhi
m andheanswer
edont
hef
ir
str
ing.

Me:
“Wher
ear
eyou?
”

Samkelo:
“I'
m onmywayt
oGat
ewayt
ogety
ourcr
avi
ngs”I
'
m sur
ehei
ssmi
l
ingt
hewayhe
speaksI

cant
ell
.

Me:
“Mhm okayt
hanksbabeIcan'
twai
t”

Samkel
o:“
OkaybabeIwi
l
lseey
ouandIl
ovey
ousomuch”
Iqui
ckl
ywentt
othecl
osetandIt
ookmydr
essIputi
tonandsl
i
pper
s.It
ookt
hecamer
asi
nthe
safe

Ipl
atedi
tont
hel
i
vingr
oom st
udypassageourbedr
oom Iwi
l
lgi
vehi
mthebestpuni
shment
.

Il
eftanot
eforhi
mint
hecof
feet
abl
e.Youwi
l
lnev
erf
indus~Nompe

Ipackedal
lmysui
tcaseandhi
sthem i
not
herhi
scari
nthegar
age.Isett
hecamer
asi
nmy
l
aptopand

It
ookmyhandbagIqui
ckl
ywentt
oThabi
'
shousewi
thmycar
.WhenIgott
her
eIf
oundAndi
l
e
i
nthe

l
i
vingr
oom l
ooki
ngmi
ser
abl
eandIknowThabi
isshowi
nghi
mfl
ames.

Me:“Hey
.IfSamkel
ocal
l
syouaski
ngmet
ell
himt
haty
oudon'
tknowwher
eIam”Isati
n
anot
her

couch.Andi
l
ejustl
ookedatme.

Thabi
camei
nwear
ingl
eggi
ngswi
thv
estandsl
i
pper
s.

Thabi
:“Mngani
unj
ani
?”shewentt
otheki
tchen.

Me:“
Ngi
yaphi
l
ababeunj
ani
?WhenSamkel
ocal
l
syouaski
ngwher
eIam y
oudon'
tknowwher
eI
am

okay
?”

Thabi
:“Goodmngani
!Peopl
ewi
thabadbehav
iorneedt
otast
ethei
rownmedi
cine”Iknowshe
i
s

t
ell
i
ngAndi
l
e.

Hest
oodupanddi
sappear
edi
nthepassage.Hewi
l
lwor
kti
l
lthatewehour
soft
hemor
ning.I
t
ook

myl
apt
opandmyphoner
ang.

I
t'
shi
m andIwon'
tansweri
t.
..
.

Aft
erasecondhecal
l
edcount
lesst
ime.I
'
m sur
ehei
snearoraboutt
oent
eri
nthemai
ngat
e.
Andil
e

cameandwentt
otheki
tchent
omakehi
m somet
hingt
oeatThabi
hasnochi
l
lonhi
mitsui
ts
him.

Hedi
sappear
edi
nthepassageagai
n.NowIf
ocusonmyl
apt
op.
Thabi
isnextt
omel
ooki
ngi
nthel
apt
op.

Heopenedt
hedoorcar
ingpl
ast
ics.
..

Samkel
o:“
Mypanda!
”heshout
s.Hecal
l
smepandabecauseI
'
mfatandhel
i
kest
orest
hishand
i
nmy

t
highsorhecal
l
smet
eddybearorev
ery
thi
nghel
i
kes.

Samkel
o:“
Babe!
”heputt
hepl
ast
icbagsi
ntheki
tchencount
erandgoesi
nev
eryr
oom t
ocheck
me

buthedoesn’
tfi
ndmei
nthehouse.Het
ookouthi
sphonet
ocal
lme.Myphonei
sri
ngandI
won't

answeri
theneedst
olear
nal
essonf
rom hi
sbadway
s.Hewentt
osi
tint
hecouchandhef
inds
the

not
eint
hecof
feet
abl
e..
.Hewentcr
azy
.

Hewasshout
ingandcur
singhewentt
otakeagol
fst
ickhesmashedt
het
vthecof
feet
abl
e.He
was

sweat
ingal
ott
hisi
sni
cet
owat
chandIenj
oyi
t.Hesatdownanddi
al.
..
.

Chapt
er25

Samkel
o:“
Shei
sgoneIdon'
tknowwher
efi
ndher
”hesai
dont
hephonehi
svoi
cewasdeepand
has

angr
ytone.

Het
ypedonhi
sphoneaf
ter20mi
nut
esSpi
kescamei
nwi
thZee.

Samkel
o:“
Hercl
othesar
eal
lgoneandIneedhernow!
”hei
sshout
ing.

Zee:
“SKy
ouneedt
ocal
m..
.”

Samkel
o:“
Don'
ttel
lmet
ocal
m downwhent
hemot
herofmyunbor
nchi
l
disgone.Ineedher
now!
”

her
oar
ed.

Hi
sphoner
ang.
..
Samkel
o:“
Ineedy
ourhel
p”

Thabii
samusedbywhatwear
ewat
chi
ngi
nlapt
op.Wecan'
thearwhathei
ssay
inghedi
dn'
t
putthe

l
oudspeaker
.

Samkelo:
“Shei
swher
e?!
”hescr
atchedhi
shead.Het
ookhi
scarkey
sandst
ormedoutoft
he
house.

I
ntwomi
nut
eswehear
dacarpul
l
ingout
sideandIknowhei
sher
e..
..

Samkel
o:“
Wher
eisshe!
?”hecamesi
nandhi
sey
eswer
eal
loutl
i
keamadman.

Hef
oundmesi
tt
ingi
nthecouchl
ooki
ngandIqui
ckl
ycl
osedt
hel
apt
op.

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hef
uckar
eyout
ryi
ngt
odo!
”Andi
l
ecamer
unni
ngi
nthel
i
vingr
oom.

Me:
“Howdoesi
tfeel
?Thet
ast
eofy
ourownmedi
cine!
?”Ishout
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Nompendul
oMazi
bukodon'
ttestme!
”hecamewher
eIwassi
tt
ing.

Me:“Ai
awukameSamkel
onedr
ama.Goi
ngoutwi
thoutt
ell
i
ngy
ouy
ougocr
azyl
i
ket
his?
”He
pi
cked

upwi
thmyupperwi
that
ightgr
ipandf
orce.

Thabi
:“Don'
tyouev
ert
ouchmysi
sterl
i
ket
haty
oudog”Ncooahhowsweetofhersay
ingt
hat
but

shewon'
tunder
standourr
elat
ionshi
p.

Andi
l
e:“
Thabi
stayoutofi
t.Let
'susgi
vet
hem spacet
otal
k”

Thabi:
“ShutupAndi
l
e!I
'
mti
redofy
ourbi
tchybehav
ioury
ouar
ebusyf
ucki
ngar
oundwhi
l
eI'
m
here

l
ovi
ngcooki
ngandf
uckmeev
eryday
!I'
mti
redofy
ou!
”sher
oar
ed.

Shet
urnst
olookatSamkel
o.

Thabi
:“Andy
out
ryt
ohol
dherl
i
ket
hatagai
nIwi
l
lcutt
hatdi
ckofy
our
s”shewentoutoft
he
room.

Shel
eftt
het
hreeofusi
nther
oom andIt
hinkshewentt
otal
kawal
kar
oundt
heEst
ate.

It
ookoutmygun.

Me:
“Yout
ryt
hisnonsenseagai
nIwi
l
lfor
cey
out
owr
it
eheri
nal
lofy
ourmoneyandpr
oper
ti
es
af
ter

thatcutt
hatdi
ckofy
our
sandf
eedi
ttot
hedogs”It
oldAndi
l
eandhej
ustst
oodt
her
eandl
ook
at

me.

It
urnedt
oSamkel
o.

Me:“
Tryt
odot
hisshi
tagai
nIwi
l
lcutt
hatdi
cky
ouputi
nev
erypussyy
ouf
indwi
thpangaand
f
rame

i
tandputi
tinmybedr
oom”

Theyst
oodt
her
eaf
tersomemi
nut
est
heycr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.

Andi
l
e:“
Doy
out
hinkIwi
l
lwai
tandseey
oucut
ti
ngmydi
ck?
”hesai
dinbet
weenhi
slaughs.

Me:“Nxaav
oet
sekgoandgety
ourwomanoutt
her
ebef
oresheget
samant
hatr
eal
l
ylov
es
her
”

Andil
e:“
Iwi
l
lki
l
lev
ery
thi
ngt
hatbr
eat
hs”het
ookhi
scar
skey
sandwentoutl
i
vingusi
nthei
r
house.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easedon'
tyouev
erpul
lthatst
untagai
nmyhear
tnear
lyst
opswhenIf
ound
that

not
e”hesatdowni
nthecouchandmademet
osi
tinhi
slap.

Me:“
Iwanty
out
othi
nkt
hatwhenev
ery
ou'
reaboutt
ofucksomeone'
spussy
”Il
ookeddownt
o
hi
s

ey
es.

Samkel
o:“
Itwi
l
lnev
erhappenbabeIpr
omi
sey
ou”

Andi
lecamebackwi
thThabi
.Shel
ookedl
i
keshewascr
yingherey
eswer
eredandswol
l
en.
Theycame

t
osi
ttousandAndi
l
emadeThabi
tosi
tonhi
slapandIwasal
sosi
tt
ingonhi
slap.

Sam &Andi
:“Wear
esor
ryf
ort
hatdr
amat
hathappenedandwepr
omi
sei
twi
l
lnev
erhappen
agai
n”

Wej
ustl
aughed.

Me&Thabi
:“Doubl
edat
eiti
sthen!
”

Them:
“Okay
”
Samkel
ocal
l
edSpi
kest
hathef
oundme.Katl
aughedathi
m whenhesawt
hev
ideoofSamkel
o
goi
ng

crazyandsmashi
ngt
v.Hel
eftear
lybecausewehav
eadat
ewi
thThabi
andAndi
l
eint
he
restaur
ant
.I

waswear
ingar
eddr
essandbl
ackpushi
nIcoul
dn'
twearheel
sbecausemyf
eetar
eswol
l
en.

Wehadagr
eatni
ghtwi
tht
hem andIenj
oyed.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--

IhateSamkel
ofori
mpr
egnat
emeandIcan'
tev
enenj
oyt
hef
est
ivel
i
keor
dinar
ypeopl
eIcan'
t
dri
nk

al
cohol
andIcangi
vebi
rt
hatanyt
imef
rom nowon.Samkel
oisnaggi
ngandf
ussal
lov
erme.
He

doesn’
twantmet
ogoneart
heswi
mmi
ngbecauseImi
ghtf
all
inswi
mmi
ngpool
hei
sal
way
s
runni
ng

ar
oundme.

Theot
herdayhewasshout
ingatmebecauseIwasdanci
ngi
nthel
i
vingr
oom heshout
edatme

aski
ngmewhati
fIf
all
orhur
tmy
sel
fandIhat
eit
!

Hewishesandhol
dinghandshewant
sourbabyt
obebor
nwi
tht
hesamedayashi
sbi
rt
hday
.
Last

y
earIwasi
nthehospi
tal
onhi
sbi
rt
hday
.Hedoesn’
tsl
eept
hisdayguar
dingandwai
ti
ngf
orme
t
osay

hemustt
akemet
othehospi
tal
.

Todayi
tmybi
rt
hdayandhi
sbi
rt
hdayar
eonupcomi
ngMondaysoIpl
annedhi
sbi
rt
hdaypar
tyI

want
edt
odosomet
hingf
orhi
m andIknowhepl
annedsomet
hingf
orme.

Mymot
herandmygr
andmacal
l
edmet
owi
shmeahappybi
rt
hday
.Nont
uThabi
Nokweand
Zee

cal
l
edt
owi
shmeahappybi
rt
hday
.

WhenIopenedmyey
eshewasnoti
nbed.Wher
eishe?

Iwokeupandmadebedaf
tert
hatIhi
ttheshowerhei
snother
esoIwi
l
luseanddoev
ery
thi
ngI
l
ike
andeatev
ery
thi
ngIl
i
ke.Hedoesn’
twantmet
oeatchocol
atebecausehedi
dsome"
resear
ch"
he

foundt
hatapr
egnantwomaneat
ingl
otsofsugarorsweetachi
l
dwi
l
lhav
eexcessi
vesal
i
va.
Drama!

SoIeati
tont
hecl
osetori
nthebag.

Iwentt
otheki
tchenhewasnott
her
eIwentt
othest
udyandhewasnott
her
eei
ther
.Mxm Iwi
l
l
go

andeatl
unchonmyownIdon'
tcar
e.Nomessageorany
onewhowant
stot
akemeout
.Ihat
e
the

mal
l
!

Mybabywaski
cki
nghar
d.Youcant
ell
byt
heki
ckoft
hebabyt
hatheorshewi
l
lber
udeorni
ce
and

thisoneonmyt
ummywi
l
lbesor
udel
i
kehi
sfat
her
.Samkel
oisni
ceandagent
lebutwheny
ou
step

onhi
stoeshei
sver
yrudeandal
oosecannononl
yhi
sol
dbr
othercancal
m hi
m down.

WhenIwasaboutt
ogooutt
hehouseAKcamei
n.

AK:
“Nomps”

Me:
“Youdon'
tknocknow?
”Hej
ustl
ookedatmel
i
keI
'
m cr
azy
.

AK:
“IsTaSKhome?
”

Me:
“Idon'
tknowwher
ehei
sandIdon'
tcar
e!”It
ookmybag.

AK:
“Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”

Me:
“I'
mtaki
ngmy
sel
foutf
orl
unch”

Helookedatme.Hedoesn’
tspeakt
oomuchev
enhi
svoi
cei
ssol
owbutwhenhei
saboutt
o
ki
l
l

someonehet
urnsi
ntosomeal
i
ent
hati
nvadedt
hepl
anetear
th.

AK:
“Letmedr
ivey
out
owher
every
ou'
regoi
ng”

Me:
“Whati
fIdon'
twantt
o?”

Het
ookmyhandbagi
nmyhandandwentt
othedoorsoIdon'
thav
eachoi
cebuthi
mtodr
ive
me
ar
ound.

Ashedr
oveof
ffr
om t
hemai
ngat
e..
.

Me:
“Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngmet
o?”

Hewasqui
et.

Me:
“Iaskedy
ouaquest
ion!
”thatcameoutl
oud.

It
ookmyphoneoutoft
hebagandIdi
all
ed.

Me:
“IfIdi
etodayi
twi
l
lbeAK!
”It
oldhi
m andIwasf
ast
.

Samkel
o:“
What
?”hesai
dinal
owerv
oice.

Me:
“Het
ookmet
othehouseandhei
staki
n..
..
”

Hetookmyphoneanddr
oppedmycal
lwi
thSamkel
owhat
'swr
ongwi
thhi
m.It
ookmygunout
when

It
ri
edt
ofi
reouti
twasempt
ybutt
hel
astt
imeIcheckedmygunwasl
oaded.
..

Hej
ustl
aughedout
.

Thecardoor
swer
elockedev
enwhenIt
ri
edt
ogetof
ffr
om t
hiscarsoi
nnomi
nut
eshepar
ked
i
nat

Si
baya.Heunl
ockedt
hedoorandIqui
ckl
yst
ormedoutoft
hecarandIv
omi
tedaf
terwhenI
was

donehecamewi
thabot
tl
eofwat
erandmyhandbag.Iwashedmymout
handt
ookmybag
fr
om

hi
m.

AK:“
There'
sani
cer
est
aur
anther
esoIwant
edt
otakey
ououtf
orl
unchbecausei
t’
syour
bi
rt
hday”

hesai
dcal
mly
.Whyhedi
dn'
tsaysoear
li
er.

Ij
ustgav
ehi
m adeadl
yst
areandhedr
oppedhi
sey
es.

AK:
“Let
'sgo”hepushedmeal
i
ttl
e.

Iwi
llnoteatt
hatf
oodwhati
fhepoi
sonedt
hatf
oodandhewant
stoki
l
lmei
nasl
owand
pai
nful

deat
h.Iwentt
her
eandweent
eredatsomef
ancyr
est
aur
antt
her
ebutIwasempt
ynoonewas
t
her
e.

TheWai
tercamet
oushi
sphoner
angandhewentt
oansweri
tandIwasl
eftwi
tht
hewai
ter
.

Me:“Pl
easehel
pmehewant
stoki
l
lmeandpl
easehel
pmet
oescape”Isai
dtot
hewai
terand
she

l
ookedy
oung.

Hecamet
owar
dsusandIkeptqui
tandt
hewai
terwassmi
l
ingatme.

AK:
“Ourt
abl
eisont
heot
hersi
de”hepoi
ntedsomewher
eIdi
dn'
tpayanyat
tent
iononwhathe
was

say
ingIwant
edt
ogooutandr
unf
ormyl
i
fe.

AK:
“Let
'sgo”hesai
dpushi
ngme.
..

Me:
“Hel
pme!Hel
pme!
”

“
Surpr
ise!
!!
”theyal
lsai
dwhenwecamei
ntheandIwasscr
eami
ngf
ormyl
i
fe.Theywer
eal
l
l
aughi
ng

t
il
lthet
ear
scameoutandIf
eltl
i
ttl
eembar
rassed.

Samkel
o:“
Happy27t
hbi
rt
hdaymynunuber
ry”heki
ssedmycheek.

Katwasst
il
ll
aughi
ngatme.

AK:
“I'
m sor
ryIsentawr
ongper
sont
ofet
chy
ou”

Kat
:“It
old.y
ou.
..
”hewasst
il
ll
aughi
ng.

Whent
heywer
edonet
olaughatmemysi
sterandmyf
ri
endswer
eher
eandt
heGangofcour
se
but

t
heywer
einnor
mal
clot
hesi
fyouknowwhatImean.

Me:
“Thanksmyl
oveIr
eal
l
yappr
eci
atei
t”Ipeckedhi
sli
ps.

Hej
ustki
ssedmesopassi
onat
elyandIwant
edt
oundr
esshi
mri
ghther
e.

Kat
:“Ai
enough!Sodi
dyout
hinkhewant
stoki
l
lyou?Thewor
standf
unnypar
tiswheny
ou
scr
eamed

f
orhel
p..
.Youmademyday
!”Kat
.

Ihi
tAKwi
thmybagi
nthehead.
Ak:
“Ouch!
”hesai
dloud.

Katwasi
nst
it
chesagai
nitt
hef
ir
stt
imeIseehi
mlaughi
ngoutl
oudl
i
keanor
mal
per
son.

Samkel
o:“
Sor
rybr
ait
shor
mones”AKwasr
ubbi
nghi
shead.

Mysisterandf
ri
endscamet
omel
aughi
ngatt
heyt
ookmet
othebat
hroom andmademe
changemy

dr
esst
oabeaut
if
ull
ongf
lor
aldr
essandpumpsandIl
ovei
t.

Me:
“Whochosei
tforme?
”

Nokwe:
“Yourman”shedi
dmymakeup.Idon'
tthi
nki
twi
l
lhel
pbecauseI
'
m sougl
yandmyf
ace
i
s

oi
l
y.

Me:
“Il
ovei
t!
”

Thepar
tywentwel
landt
hemember
soft
hegangwhowast
her
ewentonebyonesay
ingt
hey
have

somet
hingt
odoqui
ckl
y.

Kat
:“NompeIneedy
out
obet
hewar
ehouset
oni
ghtat19:
00pm ur
gentmeet
ing.Wear
eon
l
eat
hers

t
odayandmot
orbi
kes”

Me:“
Sur
eTaKat
”hel
eftwi
tht
hatmor
oncal
l
edAK-
47.Ihat
ehi
mformaki
ngmet
hinkt
hatmy
l
if
eis

i
ndanger
.Bef
orehewentouthecamebackt
ousandgav
ememybul
l
ets.

Me:“Nextt
imeIwi
l
lshooty
ouass”Iwhi
sper
edt
ohi
m.Katwasl
ooki
ngatusSamkel
owasi
n
st
it
ches

andTaKat
.

Samkel
omadepar
tyt
obeshor
tandt
hepeopl
ewentandi
twasonl
ythosef
ewwasdr
inki
ngbut
most

oft
hepeopl
efr
om t
hegangwentof
f.

Samkel
omademet
obi
dgoodby
est
omyf
ri
endsandhet
oldt
hem I
'
mti
redIneedt
orestand
they

under
stoodandwewentof
fwhenIgothomewet
ookanapandIwant
edhi
mtomakel
ovet
o
me

butheref
usedsay
ingt
hebabyhast
urnedandhewi
l
lhur
ttheheadoft
hebabysoIt
ookmy
horny

assandt
ookanap.

WhenIwokeupi
twasal
ready18:
43pm Iwasn'
tdr
essedup.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
?Youcanski
pify
ounotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
”hei
sconcer
ned.

Me:
“I'
mfi
nebaby
”It
ookofhi
sT-
shi
rtandhi
sey
eswer
eonme.

Hetookhi
sphone.Iwentt
othebat
hroom hi
sey
eswer
emov
ingwi
thmeandI
'
m sur
ehi
sshaf
t
hi
s

har
dnow.Hedoesn'
tgetenoughofmybodyandIdon'
ttoo.

Iwentt
osoakmybodyandwhenIcameoutIf
oundhi
m nakedbutf
aci
ngont
hedoorsohe
wasn'
t

awar
eIwasbehi
ndhi
m..
.

Hi
sbodyi
ssoy
ummyt
hatt
att
ooont
opofhi
sback.
..Hi
sassi
sfi
rm andt
ight
..
.Hi
smuscl
esi
t’
s
j
ust

t
urnmeon.
..

Icl
earmyt
hroatandhet
urned.

Samkel
o:“
Mynunuber
rymysweet
hear
tmyhear
tbeat
”hecamet
ome.Hepul
l
edmecl
osedt
o
me

andki
ssedmesosl
owl
yandpassi
onat
ely
.

Me:
“Don'
ttur
nmeonwheny
ouwon’
tsat
isf
ymyneeds”af
terpul
l
edout
.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyou”

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
oo”

Wegotdr
essandhegav
emeanot
herj
acketbecausemi
nedon'
tfi
tmesi
nceI
'
mfathel
anded
meon

ofhi
s.HeusedacarbecauseIcan'
tri
deamot
orbi
kei
nthi
scondi
ti
onandhewoul
dn'
tl
etmet
o
do

t
hat
.
Whenwegott
her
ethewasnoonet
her
eandi
twassodar
k.

Me:
“It
s19:
29nowandt
her
e'snosi
gnoft
heot
her
sher
e!”

Wear
eatt
hebackoft
hehouse.

Samkel
o:“
Theywi
l
lcomebabe”hehel
dmyhandt
ight
.

Me:
“Wher
eismygun?
”

Hei
squi
teandwear
egoi
ngsosl
ow.

Me:
“Samkel
opl
easedon'
ttel
lmey
ouf
orgott
otakemygun”wi
thasnappi
ngt
one.

Me:
“Whyar
ewewal
ki
ngsosl
ow?
”I'
m behi
ndhi
m.

Hei
squi
et.

Me:
“IfIgotshotandImakei
tal
i
veher
eIwi
l
lshooty
ourassf
orl
eav
ingmygunsi
nthehouse”

West
andst
il
l.

Me:“Whati
sgoi
ng.
..
.”Iwasi
nter
rupt
edbyasoundofr
evv
ingmot
orbi
kes.Themot
orbi
kes
f
lasheda

l
i
ghtonusandwear
est
andi
ngi
nthemi
ddl
e.

Me:
“IfIdi
eher
eIwi
l
lmakey
ourl
i
feal
i
vinghel
l
”Ourbacksar
efaci
ngeachot
her
..
.

Thet
womot or
bikescamet
owar
dswi
thaboar
dwr
it
tenonournamesoni
t.
..Samkel
o&
Nompendul
o

Iwasconf
usedonwhatwasgoi
ngonher
e.

Whatamazedmei
sthatourmot
orbi
keswer
ebr
oughti
nfr
ontofus.Onbot
hmot
orbi
kest
he
wastwo

chai
nsandwhenmyey
esf
oll
owedt
hoset
wochai
nst
her
ewasabi
gbl
ackst
eel
ringi
tlooked
so

heav
y..
.

WhenIwasl
ooki
ngar
ound.
..
.

If
oundhi
m kneel
i
ngi
nfr
ontofme.
..

What
??

Samkel
o:“
Thef
ir
stt
imeImety
oumyl
i
fewasamessandy
ougav
emepur
poset
olov
eagai
n
andy
ou

l
ovedmeev
enwhenIf
loppedbi
gti
mebuty
ouf
orgav
emegav
emeuncondi
ti
onal
l
ylov
e..
.”he
was

kneel
i
ngwi
thoneknee.

I
sthi
swhatIt
hinki
tis?

Mymanl ookedsosexyi
nthatposi
ti
onandIwant
edt
oki
sshi
m.Myey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
th
t
ear
s..
..

Themot
orbi
keswer
erev
vingoutl
oudl
ynow!

Samkel
o:“
Wil
lyoumar
ryme.
..
.”Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evemyear
sri
ghtnowwhati
fI'
m dr
eami
ng?

Me:
“Am Idr
eami
ng?
”tear
sfel
lout
..
.Bl
oodyhor
mones.

Samkel
o:“
Noy
ou'
renotdr
eami
ngbabei
tishappeni
ng”hesmi
l
edandhi
sey
eswer
etear
y..
.

Me:
“Yes!
!Iwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou”Iwasscr
eami
ngoutl
oudj
umpi
ngupanddown.

Heputaspar
kli
ngr
ingonmyhand.Hegotupandki
ssedmesodear
lyIwasst
il
lj
umpi
ngup
anddown.

Hehel
dmyhandt
oourmot
orbi
keshet
oldt
hatIhadt
ogeti
nthemot
orbi
keweneedt
odoi
twe
wi
ll

r
aveourmot
orbi
kest
ryi
ngt
ogowi
tht
hisheav
ymet
alr
ingchai
nedonourmot
orbi
kes.

Aft
erthatwesatt
her
eforanhourandt
heyhadcongr
atul
atedusonourengagementandi
twas
done

i
nagangst
erwayaswear
etheGANGSTERSI
NLOVE!

Lat
ewewenthomepi
tyher
efusedt
hesexyagai
nandwewer
ecuddl
i
ngi
nourbed.

Me:
“Thanksf
orpl
anni
ngt
hisf
ormi
nebabe”I
'
minhi
schest
.

Samkelo:
“WhenIsai
dIl
ovey
ouImeanti
tandI
'
mlooki
ngf
orwar
dtomeetmysonandy
oumy
fi
ancée

soont
obemywi
fe”hesai
dwi
thsel
f-
sat
isf
act
ion.

Weagreedt
hatwewi
l
ltel
lmyf
ri
endst
hegoodnewsondi
nnerbecauset
heywer
enott
her
e.I
cr
eat
ed

ast
oryoft
ell
i
ngt
hathepr
oposedonadi
nnerf
ort
wo.
Asi
tSat
urdayI
'
m pl
anni
ngasur
pri
separ
tyf
orhi
m Iwantt
oappr
eci
atehi
m andIl
ovehi
m so
much

butI’
m exper
ienci
ngpai
nswhi
chcomesandgoesbutIwon'
ttel
lhi
m becausehewi
l
l
exaggerat
es

t
aki
ngt
othehospi
tal
.

Thabi
:“Ar
eyouokaymngani
?”Shei
sinDur
banwi
thSakhi
l
ehewast
her
einourengagementas
heis

oneofus.

Me:
“YeahI
'
mfi
nesweet
hear
t”

Theyhel
pedmet
ohel
pmewi
thhi
spar
ty.Sakhi
sai
dhewi
l
lki
dnaphi
mtogeti
nthePar
tyweal
l

r
efusedhi
spl
an.Wepl
annedt
hatKatwi
l
ltakehi
mtot
heoneoft
her
est
aur
ant
sinnearhome.

IspentmySat
urdaywi
thmyf
ri
endsandSakhi
planni
ngmyman'
ssur
pri
separ
ty.Nont
uwent
backto

Jobur
gaf
termysur
pri
separ
tyy
est
erdayshewasonni
ghtshi
ftbutshewi
l
lcomet
omor
rowat
ni
ght

f
orSamkel
o'
ssur
pri
se.Mybi
rt
hdat
ewasont
he14t
handhi
sisont
he17t
hwear
e2day
sapar
t.

Pai
nswerecomi
ngandgobutIsl
eptal
onebecausehewaswat
chi
ngcr
icketwi
thSakhi
and
Andi
leso

I
'
m noti
nter
est
edi
nspor
tsoIwentt
osl
eep.

WhenIwokei
nthemor
ningpai
nswer
eshar
pbutnott
hatbadIal
lgot
othehospi
tal
whenpai
ns
ar
e

worsenotnow.Hewassl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ulnextt
omehi
mfaci
ngonmydi
rect
ion.Hei
sso
cut
eeven

whenhei
ssl
eepi
nghepout
sal
i
ttl
ewhenhei
sasl
eep.

Imoveal
i
ttl
etr
yingt
ogetoft
hebedt
otakeabat
horshower
.Imanagedt
ogetof
ffr
om t
he
bed

wi
thoutwaki
nghi
m up.WhenIt
urnedt
omakemywayont
hebat
hroom.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Goodmor
ningbabe.
..
”wi
tht
hatdeepsexyv
oice.

It
houghtIwi
l
lgetof
fbuthecaughtme.
Me:
“Mor
ningbabe”

Samkel
o:“
SitIwi
l
lrunabat
hfory
ou”hey
awnedandgotup.Hewentt
othebat
hroom.

NxaaIwant
edt
otakeabat
hinshowerbutwhenhei
sawakeImi
ghtf
orgetaboutshower
.He
came

i
naf
terawhi
l
e.

Samkel
o:“
Goandbat
hmyl
oveIwi
l
lmakebed”Iwentt
obat
hroom whenhest
art
edt
omakea
bed.

Hefoundanannyf
orbutImadei
tcl
eart
hatIwantsomeonewhoi
srel
atedt
ohi
m sohef
ound
hi
s

cousinonhi
smot
her
'ssi
de.Nokul
ungai
shi
scousi
nshei
sst
udy
ingatUni
sasoshewant
eda
j
obf or

t
aki
ngcar
eofher
sel
f.Sot
odayshei
scomi
ngandImustf
aceMaNdl
ovuandy
esshei
scomi
ng
t
o

dr
opherof
f.

Iwentt
otakeabat
hsowhenIwentoutIwasnakedI
'
m notpl
anni
ngt
ogetdr
essi
tsohotand
thi
s

bl
oodyai
r-
condi
ti
oni
ngi
snotwor
king.

Samkel
o:“
Andt
hen?
”

Me:“
It’
shotsoIcan'
tgetdr
ess”Isnapped.Hel
i
ftedhi
shandsupashesur
render
s;heknows
what
's

bestf
orhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Breakf
asti
sreadybabe”hel
ookedatmehesatont
heedgeoft
hebedl
ooki
ngatme
pai
ns

ar
est
art
ingt
obecomewor
sebuti
tst
il
lcomesandgoes.

Me:
“I'
m nothungr
ybabe”Hef
rowned.

Samkel
o:“
Gogetdr
essedwear
egoi
ngt
othedoct
or”hewentt
othecl
oset
.

Me:
“I'
mfi
nei
t’
sjust
..
.”Ist
oppedwhenIsawhi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
on.

Samkel
o:“
Isai
dnow!
”heshout
ed.

Il
ookathi
m andf
rownedhecamebackwi
thmypi
tchl
ongl
acydr
essandsl
i
pper
s.Het
hrewi
t
ont
he

bedandhewentoutoft
her
oom.

Igotdr
esswhenIwasdoneImademywayt
oli
vi
ngandIf
oundhi
m paci
ngupanddown.

Samkel
o:“
Giv
emet
hat
”hest
ret
chedhi
shandt
otakemybagIhadnochoi
ceIgav
eitt
ohi
m
andwe

wentof
f.

Whenwegott
othedoct
orl
ucki
l
yitwasempt
ywef
oundot
hert
wopr
egnantwoment
her
e.

I
'm dueont
he23r
dbuthewasher
eex
agger
ati
ngt
hewhol
esi
tuat
ionsoImustf
oll
owhi
sor
der
s
or

el
sewewi
l
lfi
ghtabouti
t.Wheni
twasourt
imet
ogeti
t.

Samkel
o:“
Heydoct
or.Shei
sexper
ienci
ngpai
nsandshedon'
twantt
oeat
”het
oldt
hedoct
or
andI

hav
ehi
m adeat
hst
are.

Doc:
“Iwoul
dli
ket
oasky
ousomequest
ionMi
ssMazi
buko”shel
ookedatmyf
il
e.

Me:
“OkayDoc.
..
”

Doc:
“Whendi
dyouexper
iencedt
hepai
nsi
nyourabdomen?
”

Me:
“Ist
art
edt
ofeel
pai
nsonFr
idayni
ghtbutIt
houghti
twascausedbyshock”WhenI
r
emember

sowel
lIf
eltpai
ninAK’
scari
nFr
idayIwasshockedt
hinki
ngt
hathewant
stoki
l
lme.

Samkel
o:“
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmebecause?
”

Doc:
“Si
rIwoul
dli
ket
otal
ktomypat
ient
”

Hegav
edocadeadl
yst
arebutshedi
dn'
tcar
eabouti
tIhopeshei
susedt
ocr
azyf
ather
s.

Doc:
“Iwoul
dli
key
out
olayi
nbedIneedt
ochecky
ou”

Iwentt
othebadandhehel
pedmet
olayi
nbedt
hedoct
ort
oldhi
mtot
akemypant
yof
fandhe
di
d.

Thedoct
orImustl
i
ftmyupsheneedst
ochecksomet
hing.

Thedoct
orputt
wof
inger
sinmyv
elv
et.
..
Samkel
o:“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
ohery
ou'
rehur
ti
ngher
”

Doc:
“Iwoul
dappr
eci
atet
odomyj
obi
npeace”Hekeptqui
etbuthi
sfacewassay
ingot
her
wise.

Doc:“
It
’st
hecont
ract
ionsy
ourcer
vixei
sst
art
ingt
odai
l
atest
hat
'swhyy
ou'
reexper
ienci
ng
pai
ns

i
nyourabdomen”

Samkel
o:“
Thebabyi
scomi
ng?
”hi
sey
eswer
eal
lout
.

Dr
ama!

Doc:
“Noty
eti
tmi
ghtt
akehour
sorday
swomenar
edi
ff
erentast
hei
rbodi
es”

Samkel
o:“
Whyshei
sexper
ienci
ngpai
nsi
fthebabyi
snotcomi
ngasi
nnow?
”

Doc:
“Hercont
ract
ionsar
est
art
ingas.
..
”shewasi
nter
rupt
edbyanot
herquest
ions.
..

Samkel
o:“
DoIneedt
otakehert
ohospi
tal
?”

Doc:
“Nonotnowbutwheni
t’
sgot
tenwor
sepl
easedoso”

Ihav
en'
tsai
dany
thi
ngoraskany
thi
ngt
othedoct
orashewasaski
ngsomanyquest
ionsi
none
ti
me

andnowIneedt
ogo.

Samkelo:
“ThanksDoc!
”It
ri
edt
ogetuphest
oodupandhel
pmet
ogetupf
rom t
hechai
rand
thank

t
hedoct
orandwewentof
f.

Whenwegothomeat08:
50am soIwentt
oourr
oom t
ookof
fthatdr
essIwaswear
ingIl
aidon
bed

nakedandhecamei
n.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ousur
eyou'
reokay
?”

Me:
“YeahI
'
m okay
”hel
ookedatmeIdon'
tknowwhat
'st
osaynow.

It
hinkIf
ell
asl
eepwhenIwokeuphewassl
eepi
ngnextt
omeonhi
svestandboxerncooahmy
man

t
ookoffhi
scl
othesandgoti
nbedbecauseIwasnakedandf
ell
asl
eeponmysi
de.It
ooka
t
oweland

wr
appedi
tandhewasasl
eepIwentt
otheki
tchent
omakesomet
hingt
oeatbutt
het
vwason
and

t
her
ewer ev
oicest
alki
ngandl
aughi
ng.Iwant
edt
ogoandt
akemygunbutIhear
dav
oice
f
amil
iart
o

Mnt
ungwa'
svoi
ce.
..

Iwentbackqui
ckl
ytot
hebedr
oom andhewassl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ulbutIhadt
owakehi
m up.
..

Me:
“Babe”Ishookhi
m.Hewokeupandsatqui
ckl
y.

Samkel
o:“
Youneedt
ogot
ohospi
tal
?”hi
sey
eswer
eout
.

Me:
“NoI
'
mfi
neIt
hinkMnt
ungwai
sint
hel
i
vingr
oom”

Samkel
o:“
Okay
.Iwasdr
eami
ngabouty
ougi
vi
ngbi
rt
hinourbed”

Me:
“Sor
rybabey
ouwer
edr
eami
ngI
'
mfi
ne”Ibr
ushedhi
sshoul
der
.

Hewentt
othecouchandt
ookhi
sshor
twor
eitandhepeckedmyl
i
psandhewentout
.

Havi
ngachi
l
dwheny
ourf
ir
stchi
l
dol
dwi
l
ltur
nyoui
nsomet
hingel
se.Hei
sobsessedand
t
ell
i
nghow

todothi
ngsI
'
m sur
ehewant
stot
ell
mehowt
owal
k.I
'
m af
astwal
kernat
ural
l
ybuthehasa
probl
em

wi
thi
thesay
sIhadt
osl
owdownev
ersi
nceIgotpr
egnant
.

Iwor
ethedr
essIwaswear
ingandmademywayt
otheki
tchenbutIf
oundhi
smot
herchoppi
ng
I

thi
nkshei
spr
epar
ingl
unch.Igr
eet
edherandIdi
dn'
tev
enof
ferhel
pandsheknowwhatI
'
m
goi
ng

t
hroughhasawomanandwor
seshei
saqual
i
fiedmi
dwi
fenur
sesoshemustgi
vemeabr
eak.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Ar
eyouokay
?”

Me:
“YebomahI
'
m okay
”Idr
ankj
uice.

MaNdl
ovu:
“You'
resweat
ing.Labourcont
ract
ions?
”

Me:“I
t’
ssohotmahI
'
m sweat
ingbecauseofheat
”Il
eftt
her
oom.Sheannoy
smer
ightnowI
wi
ll
go

t
omyroom.Thepai
nsar
ecomi
ngnowIwentt
otakeashowery
esi
ntheshowerIneedcol
d
wat
er
t
ocool
thi
sdown.Iski
ppedt
hel
unchIwasn'
thungr
yaf
terhi
tt
ingshowerIwentt
othebedIwas

t
urni
ngandt
ossi
ng.
..

Ithi
nkIf
ell
asl
eepandi
tisdar
kint
hebedr
oom It
hinki
tsdar
kout
sideandI
'
m wetofsweat
.I
took

myrobeandmademywayt
othel
i
vingr
oom If
oundNokut
hul
aandMaNdl
ovuwat
chi
ngt
vI
gr
eeted

andsatdown.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Howar
ethel
abourcont
ract
ionsnow?
”

Me:
“Theycomeandgo”

Chapt
er26

MaNdl
ovu:
“Howf
arapar
t?”

Me:
“Idi
dn'
tcheck.
..
”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Tel
lmei
ftheyar
ewor
se”

Nokut
hul
aisqui
et.

Me:“
Nokut
hul
asi
siunj
ani
?”Ineedt
ohav
ear
elat
ionshi
pwi
thherbecauseshewi
l
lbet
henanny
of

mybaby
.

Nokut
hul
a:“
I'
m goodsi
siunj
ani
?”

Me:
“I'
m okayIt
hink”

Me:
“Wher
eisSamkel
o?”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Theywentoutwi
tht
hei
rfat
her
”

Iwentt
otheki
tchenandpourmy
sel
fanor
angej
uicewentbackt
othel
i
vingr
oom af
tersome
whil
eI

wast
ir
edofsi
tt
ingIwant
edt
olaydownj
ustt
orest
.

I
ts22:
30pm nowhei
sst
il
lnother
eandt
hispai
nar
edr
ivi
ngmecr
azyal
onei
nthi
sbedr
oom.
When
I
'
m paci
ngupanddowni
tsf
eel
sli
tt
lebet
terbuti
fIl
ayi
tbecomeswor
se.Iwentt
othecl
oset
t
ookall

ourcl
othesdownf
rom t
hei
rhanger
sandIwi
l
lpaceupanddownt
il
lIf
eel
bet
ter
.

Ideci
dedt
hatIwi
l
lgot
ohospi
tal
whenmywat
erhasbr
okenThabi
oncet
oldmet
hatnur
ses
made

hert
ogoupanddownf
orhercer
vixt
odi
l
atessoIwon'
tdot
hatshi
tsoIwi
l
lpaceupanddown
i
nmy

houseandI
'
llgot
her
ewhent
hebabyi
soni
tsway
.

At23:
20pm Ihear
dfoot
stepsIt
hinki
tsLwandi
l
eori
tssomeoneandIdi
dn'
tcar
eabouti
t.

Iwasr
eal
l
ysweat
ingandpai
nswer
ewor
se.
..

Nompe.br
eat
hin.
..
.br
eat
h..
..
out
..
.

Hecameinl
aughi
ngt
hatr
eal
l
yannoy
smet
hinkofwhatt
hepai
nI'
minIwi
l
lnev
erhav
esexi
n
any
time

soon.

Samkel
o:“
Yini
?”hest
oppedl
aughi
ngwhenheseesal
lthecl
othesi
nourbedr
oom f
loor
.

Iwil
lnotanswert
hatst
upi
dquest
ion.Iwaspaci
ngupanddownhangi
nghi
scl
othesandt
ake
them

backi
nthecl
osetbr
eat
hingi
nandout
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
?”hest
oodi
nfr
ontofme.

Me:
“I'
mfi
ne!
”Ishout
ed.

If
eltasi
fIwasi
nhel
lthewayIwassweat
ingandI
'
m nakedbutI
'
m st
il
lsweat
ing.

Samkel
o:“
Whyar
eyousweat
ingt
hen?
”Ifhedoesn’
tmov
einf
rontofmeIwi
l
lsl
aphi
m sohar
d.

Me:
“Mov
e!”Ipushedhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Iwast
ryi
ngt
ohel
p..
.”
hesai
dthati
nal
owerv
oiceandIhear
dhi
m.

Hewentt
otakeashowerandhewentt
obednaked.I
t’
sourr
ulei
nthi
sbedr
oom butIdon'
thav
e

t
imefort
hatheswi
tchedont
heai
r-
condi
ti
oni
ngaf
tersomet
imet
heheatwassl
owi
ngdownI
went

t
osi
tont
hef
loori
twascol
dandIsl
eptont
hef
loornakedi
tfel
tsoni
ce.
..
Iwokeupi
nbedIt
hinkIwentt
her
emy
sel
forhehel
pedmet
ogeti
nbed.
..
.

Onmysi
dei
twascol
dasi
fIpeedonmy
sel
f.It
ouchedmyt
highsandi
twaswet
..
..

Iswi
tchedont
hesi
del
amponmysi
dehewassl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ulIwant
edt
ost
rangl
ehi
mfor

i
mpr
egnat
emei
t'
shi
sfaul
tI'
minpai
ns.

Me:
“Aaaaawh”

Ishookhi
m hewasi
ndeepsl
eepIshookhi
m agai
nbuthewasst
il
lsl
eepi
ng.

Me:
“Samkel
o!”Ishookhi
m buti
thi
nkhei
snotsl
eepi
nghewaspr
etendi
ngasi
fhei
sasl
eep.

Me:
“Aaaawh”

Isl
appedhi
m har
dandhej
umpof
fthebedandt
ookhi
sgunout
..
.

Me:“Voet
sekputt
hataway
.Mywat
erj
ustbr
okeIneedy
out
otakemet
othehospi
tal
”It
ri
edt
o
get

upf
rom bed.

Hequi
ckl
ycamet
omysi
deandaskedmesomanyquest
ions.
..

Me:
“Samkel
ogetmesomet
hingt
oweart
hebabyi
sont
heway
!!
”Iscr
eamed.

Thepai
nshav
ewor
senednow.
..

Samkel
o:“
Mom!
!”hescr
eamed.

Aft
ersomewhi
l
ehi
smot
herandMnt
ungwacamer
ushi
ngbutMnt
ungwamadeaqui
ckl
ytur
n
because

Iwasnaked.

Me:
“Mywat
erbr
okeIt
hink10mi
nut
esagoIneedt
ogot
ohospi
tal
!”Ishout
ed.

Mnt
ungwai
sout
sideaski
ngquest
ionsher
eal
l
yget
sinmyner
venow.
..

MaNdl
ovu:
“Sl
eepi
nthebedIneedt
ocheckhowy
ourcer
vixhasdi
l
ated”

Ir
emember
edt
hatshei
saqual
i
fiedmi
dwi
fenur
sesoIdi
dasshesai
d.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Wewon'
tmakei
tinhospi
tal
Icanf
eel
theheadoft
hebaby
”

Iwai
l
ed.
..

MaNdl
ovu:
“Samkel
oIneedwar
m wat
ert
owel
andgot
akemymedi
cal
kiti
nthecl
osetonmy
bedr
oom andcal
lNokut
hul
aforme.Hur
ry!
”

I
'
veneverexper
iencedt
hispai
nev
ent
hebul
l
etst
otakeoutt
hebul
l
etony
ourbodyi
seasyt
han
t
his.

If
eltsomet
hingonmyv
agi
na.Shesl
appedmyt
highsf
ormet
oopent
hem.

MaNdl
ovu:
“It
’st
imeIneedy
out
opushf
orme”

Idon'
tknowwhenSamkel
ocamebackbuthewashol
dingmyhand.
..

MaNdl
ovu:
“Push!
”

Iwaspushi
ngandIwascr
yingatt
hesamet
imes.Nextt
imeIwi
l
lusei
nject
ion.
..
.

Sheslappedmyt
highsagai
nIwi
shIcangetupandsl
apt
hatwi
tchsohar
dinawayt
hatshe
canfeel

myhandsi
nhercheek.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Yey
iiwenaPush!
”

Ipushedsohar
d..
.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Good!Takeadeepbr
eat
handpushf
ort
hel
astt
ime”

Samkel
owaswi
pingmysweatIwi
sht
osl
aphi
m sohar
d.

Samkel
o:“
Pushbabyf
ort
hel
astt
ime”

Ipushed.
..
..
.If
eltsomet
hingget
ti
ngout
sidef
rom me.
..
.It
ookal
ongbr
eat
haf
tert
hat
..
..

MaNdl
ovu:
“It
’saboy
!”

04:
30i
nthemor
ningIwasof
fi
cial
l
ysomeone'
smot
her
..
.

Ihear
dacr
y..
..
Ijustcr
iedt
oo.Af
tersomemi
nut
essheputhi
m onmychest
..
..

I'
venev
ersawbeaut
if
ulandcut
ecr
eat
ureonear
thl
i
kewhoi
sonmychestr
ightnow.Hei
sso
cute

andI
'
vej
ustf
ell
inl
ovewi
thhi
m.Ican'
tbel
i
evemywombcar
ri
edsuchacut
eboyl
i
ket
his.
..If
elt

somet
hingf
all
i
ngonmyshoul
der
.Iti
sSamkel
ohei
scr
yinghei
slooki
ngatus.
..

Samkel
o:“
Hei
sbeaut
if
ul”het
ouchedhi
m onhi
sli
tt
leback.

Hekissedmyfor
eheadandki
ssedhi
m onhi
shead.Hi
smot
herwasbusyonmydoi
ng
somethingI
don'
tknowi
nmyv
agi
na.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Theambul
ancei
sher
e!”heshout
ed.

Shecleanedmeandhel
pedmet
ogetdr
essed.
..Samkel
owashol
dinghi
m andI
'
vej
ustsawt
he
other

si
deofhi
m..
..

Samkel
o:“
Samkel
oKhumal
oJr
.Anot
heri
sAmkel
wa”heki
ssedhi
sli
tt
lef
orehead.

Lwandi
l
ecamei
ntohel
pmegoi
ngt
otheambul
anceal
ongwi
thNokut
hul
a.Hegoti
nst
il
l

Hol
dinghi
m andIsl
eptonst
ret
chaf
tersomet
imehet
ookmyhandandki
ssedi
t.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyou”Theambul
ancewentof
faf
tert
hepar
amedi
csat
tendedme.Samkel
o'
s
mother

t
oldpar
amedi
cssomet
hingIdi
dn'
tunder
stoodbecauset
heywer
etal
ki
ngi
nmedi
cal
language
t
hatI

don'
tknowandIdon'
tunder
stand.

Whenwegott
othehospi
tal
thenur
sest
ookmybabyawayandt
hedoct
orcamei
ntoexami
ne
me.

Shet
oldmet
hatI
'
m okayi
t’
sjustt
hatshewi
l
lputdr
ipaf
terl
osi
ngwat
erbuti
t’
snotser
ious.

Samkel
o:“
Hei
sbeaut
if
ulbaby
”heki
ssedmyhand.

Ij
ustsmi
l
edathi
m.

Me:
“Weneedt
onamehi
m”

Samkel
o:“
Hei
sSamkel
oJuni
orandanot
hernameofhi
misAmkel
wa”hehadsmi
l
eonhi
sface.

Me:
“AndSbongokuhl
e”

Idon'
tseeany
oneacceptusi
nthi
sroom.
..
.Am It
heonl
ywhohadsexi
nthewor
ldor
..
..
..
Thi
s
wardis

desi
gnat
edf
orme?
?

Hesmi
l
edandl
eanedov
erf
oraki
ss.Weki
ssedbutwewer
eint
err
upt
edbyt
wonur
sesandt
he

Wheel
i
ngacotbehi
ndt
hem i
twast
hedoct
or.

Doc:
“I'
m happyt
otel
lyout
haty
ourbabyi
sper
fect
lyf
ineandheal
thy
”
Samkel
o:“
ThanksDoct
or”Hi
spar
ent
sandsi
bli
ngscamei
nincl
udi
ngKat
.

MaNdl
ovu:
“DrZwanei
tgoodt
oseey
ou”

Doc:
“Mat
ronKhumal
oit
’sgoodt
oseey
out
oo”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Howi
smygr
andsondoct
or?
”

Doc:
“Hei
syourgr
andson?Hei
sper
fect
lyf
ine”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Yeahhei
smygr
andsonI
'
m ol
d”

Doc:
“Mt
hokozi
siorSamkel
o”shel
ookedmyman.

Mandl
ovu:
“Samkel
o”

Doc:“
I'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
trecogni
sey
oui
t’
sjustt
hatI
'
m busy
”shest
ret
chedherhandt
omyman
and

t
heyshookhands.

Kat
:“Canweseet
hebabypl
ease”Iknowhewant
stogosomewher
eort
osomeoneIt
hinkhe
has

someoneorhei
sbusy
.

Hisgr
andf
atherwast
hef
ir
stt
otakehi
mthenhi
sgr
andmot
hert
hent
heyf
oll
owed.Af
tert
hatt
he
baby

wentt
othechi
l
drenwar
dandhewasi
nmybedhol
dingme.

"
MrKhumal
o!"someonesay
s.

Iwoket
ri
edt
otakemygun.
..NxaaI
'
minhospi
tal
I'
m notathomesoIneed.
..

Nur
se:
“Ineedhert
orestbutshecan'
twheny
ou'
reher
esl
eepi
ngi
nherbed”hef
rownedandhe
got

of
ffr
om t
hebed.

Samkel
o:“
Thedoct
orwi
l
lbeher
einami
nut
e”Shei
sthenur
seandshel
ookl
i
kesshei
shermi
d
40'
s

shei
snononsenset
akerIcant
ell
byl
ooki
ngatherf
aceandv
oice.Hewentoutt
hewar
dandI
went

t
otakeabat
haf
tert
hatmybabycamei
nandIbr
east
fedhi
mthenur
sewast
her
etogui
deand
t
each
mehowt
obr
east
feed.

Hei
ssocut
eIl
ookathi
m ashei
ssucki
ngIj
ustl
ovehi
mI'
venev
erf
eltl
i
ket
hesebef
orehei
s
my

ev
ery
thi
ngandIl
oveandIwi
l
ldi
ebef
oret
heyhur
thi
m..
..

Samkel
o:“
Thi
sist
hebestgi
ftIev
ergoti
nmyl
i
fe”hei
ssucki
ng.I
'
venev
erseenhi
mli
ket
hisI
know

hi
ssof
tsi
debutnott
hissof
t.

Ihear
dwhathesai
dbutIwasst
il
ll
ooki
ngatt
hisbeaut
if
ull
i
ttl
ecr
eat
ureI
'
m hol
dingi
nmyar
ms.
My

si
sterandf
ri
endscamei
n..
.

Thabi
:“NcooahcanIhol
dhi
m”

Igav
eher
.

Nont
uwasqui
tel
ooki
ngathi
m wi
thsof
tface.I
nfactscar
esherof
fIr
ememberwhenshesaw
Gwaj
o

f
ort
hef
ir
stt
imeshewassoscar
edt
ohol
dhi
m..
.

Thabi
:“Got
oyourAunt
”shegav
ehi
mtoNont
u.Shef
reakedoutandf
rozel
i
keast
atueIdon'
t
know

whybutweaspeopl
efearsomet
hingbi
gorusel
esst
hings.Atl
astshet
ookhi
mtoherar
ms
andshe

wasqui
teaf
tert
hathol
dinghi
mtoherar
ms.
..
.

Thedoct
orcamei
n..
..
.

Doc:
“Howi
smypat
ient
?”

Me:
“I'
m gooddoct
or”

Idon'
tknowwhyt
heydon'
tvi
sithour
sher
ebecausei
t’
sst
il
lear
lyf
ort
hem bei
ngher
ebut
Samkelo

won'
targuewi
thsomesi
l
lydoct
orsornur
sest
oseehi
sson.Juni
orwi
l
lbespoi
l
ttot
hecor
eI
j
usthope

hewi
l
lnotber
udel
i
kehi
sfat
her
.

Doc:
“Ihav
egr
eatnewsf
ory
ou.Iwi
l
ldi
schar
gey
ouaf
ter
noon”
Me:“
Uhm thanksdoct
or”Thi
siswr
it
tenSamkel
oal
lov
erI
'
mjusthopehedi
dn'
tscar
ethe
Doct
orof
f

todi
schar
gemeorsomet
hingl
i
ket
hat
.Thedoct
orwentoutaf
tershewasdonet
henur
set
ook
Juni
or

away
.

Nont
u:“
Wehav
etogonow"
-Nont
usay
saf
tersomel
ongt
ime.

Thei
ssomet
hingwr
ongwi
thherandIneedt
ofi
ndoutwhat
'swr
ongwhenIgetoutofher
e.

Somet
hingdoesn'
tdel
rightaboutherqui
etness.

Theybi
dgoodby
esandt
heywentof
f.

Samkel
o:“
MakaJuni
or”hebr
ushedmyhand.

Ibl
ushed

Samkel
o:“
Thanksf
orgi
vi
ngmeasonandt
hanksf
orl
ovi
ngme.
..
”

Me:“
Thanksf
orl
ovi
ngmet
ooandt
aki
ngcar
eofmet
hrought
hesepasthect
icmont
hs”Isay
l
ooki
ng

athi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Hei
swor
thi
tbabe”hesmi
l
ed.

Hel
eanedov
erandpeckedmyl
i
ps.

Samkel
o:“
Babe”

Me:
“Yeahl
ove”

Samkel
o:“
It
'smybi
rt
hdayt
oday
..
.”hel
ookeddown.

Fl
i
p!

Me:
“I'
m sosor
ryMbul
azi
Ifor
got
”Ibr
ushedhi
sli
tt
lebear
d.

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
tbl
amey
oubabyi
twashect
icl
astf
ewhour
s”

Il
ookdeepi
nhi
sey
esIt
ight
enmygr
ipi
nhi
shand.

Me:
“Happybi
rt
hdayt
oyoumyl
ove!
”

Hi
swi
shcamet
ruef
orhi
mtoshar
eabi
rt
hdat
ewi
thhi
sson.

Me:
“I'
m happyy
ourwi
shcamet
ruef
ory
out
oshar
eabi
rt
hdaywi
thhi
m”
Samkel
o:“
WhenIl
ookathi
m Ij
ustl
ovehi
m andIt
hankGodf
orhi
mtobei
nyourwombbef
ore
my

acci
dentt
hei
sther
easonI
'
m al
i
ve.
..
.Mysoul
isconnect
edt
ohi
s..
.”t
hatwasdeepandhewas
thi
nki
ng

har
d.Hi
stear
sfel
li
nbot
hofourhandsaswewer
ehol
dinghands.
..
.Thatwast
ense.

Forthef
ir
stt
imeIhear
dawor
dGodcomi
ngf
rom hi
smout
h.Hav
ingachi
l
dcanbr
ingsof
tness
i
ny ou

nev
eri
nmi
l
li
ony
ear
sIt
houghtahar
dcor
ehear
tl
essgangst
erl
i
keSamkel
o“TaSK”or“
Axe”

Cansayawor
dGod.

Me: “
Comeher
ebabe”Het
ookof
fhi
ssneaker
stoj
oinmei
nhospi
tal
bed.Il
aidmyheadi
nhi
s
chest.
..

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sohappyt
haty
ouwi
l
lgobackt
onor
mal
sel
f”

IseeHei
sst
art
ingnow.

Me:
“It
hinkIwasnott
hatbad”

Samkel
o:“
Haaatsomet
imesIwasev
enscar
etof
all
asl
eept
hinki
ngt
haty
ouwantt
oki
l
lme”he
tr
ied

t
ohol
dal
augh.

Me:
“Haababei
twasy
ourbabyandhor
monesdon'
tbl
ameme”

Hewasqui
te.
..

Samkel
o:“
Thebestandf
avour
it
ewasl
astweekony
oursur
pri
sebi
rt
hdaypar
tywheny
ouwer
e

shout
ing"Hel
pme!Hel
pme!
”hesay
smi
micki
ngmyv
oice.Wecr
ackedoutofl
aught
er.

Samkel
o:“
SoMr
sKhumal
osoon-
to-
beweneedt
otal
kaboutmaki
ngy
oumywi
fel
awf
ull
yand

t
radi
ti
onal
l
y”

Wowbei
ngaf
atherhasbr
oughtsomebr
ainst
ooandIl
ovet
his.Usourl
i
ttl
efami
l
y.

Samkel
o:“
Ispoket
omyf
atherandhesai
dhewi
l
lwr
it
eal
ett
ert
oyourf
ami
l
y.Iwi
l
lfi
rstpay
i
hlawul
o

f
ormybabyt
henpayf
orl
obol
asameday
”

I
'
m bl
ushi
ngandf
eel
i
ngl
ovedi
nanycor
nerandi
nev
eryway
.
Me:
“Ihav
etogohomeaf
tert
woweekst
oinf
orm mypar
ent
sandt
heyneedt
oseet
hebaby
”

I
’vejustr
emember
edt
hatIpl
annedsur
pri
separ
tyf
orhi
mtodaybutt
hingst
ookspi
nandI
'
m
here

t
rappedint
hehospi
tal
andIcoul
dn'
tev
enspeakt
omyf
ri
endsandsi
stert
ocancel
the
r
estaur
ant

v
enueandt
hepar
tyt
obehel
datourhouseandmyphone.

At15:
13pm t
hedoct
orcamei
nandv
iol
aI'
m goi
nghomewi
thmybabybutIt
hinki
tst
il
lear
lyt
o
go

homebutwhent
hedoct
orsay
sI'
mfr
eet
ogoI
'
m goi
ng.

Katcamei
nal
oneandhei
sher
etof
etchust
ogohome.Iwaswal
ki
ngbymy
sel
fbuti
twas
pai
nful

butIcandoi
tI'
vet
ookbul
l
etsoutofmybodysot
hisi
snot
hing.Hewashol
dingmyJuni
orand
Kat

wascar
ryi
ngourbags.Wegoti
nthecarandwedr
oveof
f.

Me:
“I'
m sur
eIwi
l
lbeassi
gnedsoont
otheoper
ati
ons”

Si
l
ence.

Samkelomustnotdot
hat
..
.Ei
therhel
i
kesi
tornotIwi
l
lbebacki
nthegangbei
ngamot
her
doesn'
t

meanIwi
l
lqui
tI'
m notqui
tt
ing!

Samkel
o:“
Atl
eastwhenhei
s3mont
hsol
dormor
e”

Never
!Ihav
eaf
ull
-t
imenannysoIwi
l
ldoany
thi
ngIl
i
keandImusthav
east
rongbondwi
thher
and

mor
ethanshei
sfami
l
ytoSamkel
obutshebet
terr
espect
smeasIwi
l
ltoher
.

Me:
“Mhm.
..
”Il
ookedoutt
hewi
ndow.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Mhm okaypar
ent
s”Hemustt
hankhi
sbr
other
'spr
esencebutI
'
lll
eti
tsl
i
de.

Hesai
dhemov
edt
hebabycott
oourbedr
oom hewon'
tl
ethi
sbabyt
osl
eepal
onei
nthatbi
g
nur
ser
y.

Hesai
dIdon'
thav
emot
her
lyi
nst
inct
s.

Hedi
dal
lthewor
kinnur
ser
ybyhi
msel
fIwassev
enmont
hspr
egnantsoIdi
dn'
thav
eti
meI
wasso

annoy
edandmaki
ngal
lcr
azyt
hings.

Kat
:“Letmehol
dhi
mfory
ouandhewi
l
ltakey
ourbags”heopenedt
hedoorf
ormet
otakehi
m
i
n

myar
m.

Igav
ehi
m MySamkel
oJuni
orandIgotoutoft
hecar
.Whyhei
sst
oppi
ngnow.

Kat
:“Hambaphambi
l
iungazi
ungi
wisengi
phet
hei
ngane”hepushedSamkel
oandhewai
tedf
or
me

t
ofol
l
owSamkel
oandhewasbehi
ndmesowekeptwal
ki
ng.

Heopeneddoor
..
..

“
Sur
pri
se!
!”

Hewassoshockedt
oseeal
lthosepeopl
eI'
m gl
adt
heydi
dit
.

Samkel
o:“
Ial
mostf
aint
ed”hel
ookedar
ound.

Thi
swasahappybi
rt
hdaySamkel
oandwel
comehomeJuni
or.I
tsobeaut
if
ul!

Me:
“Happybi
rt
hdaySt
handwasami
”Ihel
dhi
shand.

Sakhi
:“Iwant
edt
oki
dnapy
ouf
rom t
hehospi
tal
togety
ouher
efory
ourbi
rt
hday
”

Ever
ybodyl
aughsher
ethi
nki
nghei
sbei
ngcr
azybutweunder
standwhathemeans.Hewoul
d
have

donet
hati
fhewasnotathospi
tal
.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--

Ei
shthel
astt
hispastf
ourmont
hshav
ebeenhect
icmyl
obol
anegot
iat
ionswer
eont
hef
ir
st
weekof

Febr
uar
yandheal
sopai
diHl
awul
oforJuni
or.Hei
sacl
oneofhi
sfat
her
.Hi
ssmi
l
emakesmy
hear
t

mel
t.Hi
sfat
heri
staki
ngev
erymi
nut
esofhi
sli
fe.

Ir
ememberont
hel
asty
ear
'sChr
ist
maswhenhewasei
ghtday
sol
dheboughtnewcl
othesf
or
hi
m

i
nthesemanycl
otheshehashewaswear
ingal
i
ttl
eredT-
shi
rtandal
i
ttl
ebl
ackj
eanandal
l
-st
ar
f
or

ki
dli
kehi
sfat
her
.Ispentt
heChr
ist
maswi
thmyf
ami
l
yhewasst
ayi
ngi
nMt
unzi
nihesai
dhe
won'
tgo

any
wher
ehewant
stobear
oundhi
sson.Hei
sobsessedwi
thourboyandAmahl
e.

Gwajoi
sa1y
earand5mont
hsol
dhei
swal
ki
ngnowandt
roubl
eshasescal
atedi
nthatAndi
l
e
don'
t

wanthi
ssont
obepuni
shorbeat
enIr
emembert
hisonedayIwasatt
hei
rhouseher
ehecame
wi
th

Thabi
'
sBrazi
l
ianhai
rswi
thasci
ssorwhenwenot
icedhi
m heal
readyt
hatt
ocuti
t.Thabi
was
madjust

tot
hinka28i
nchBr
azi
l
ianhai
rst
ocutbyhersonwhenshewant
edt
obeatt
heshi
tofhi
m Andi
l
e
came

i
nhesaid“Don'
twantmychi
l
dtobebeat
ennextt
imei
fhehasdonesomet
hingwr
ongor
damaged

yourthi
ngsj
ustt
ell
me”whensheexpl
ainedwhathappenedhesai
d“Iwi
l
lbuyt
hatf
ucken
Brazi
l
ian

shi
tofy
our
s”

NokubongaandIhadagr
eatr
elat
ionshi
pIhav
en'
tbeenassi
gnedi
noneoft
hemi
ssi
ons.Asi
tis
Fr
iday

t
odaywe'
regoi
ngt
oWeeneni
nEscor
titwi
l
lbet
hesecondt
imeIwentt
her
e.Thef
ir
stt
imeI
went

t
herei
twaswhenJuni
orwas1mont
handhewascr
yingnonst
op.Samkel
owassowor
ri
edhe
t
old

hi
sfat
hert
hatJuni
ori
scr
yingnonst
opsoMnt
ungwat
oldust
ocomei
nWeenen.Thewayhe
was

cry
ingi
twasunbear
abl
eandmypar
ent
stol
dmet
hatmay
beheneedt
ogot
oKhumal
o
homest
eadin

Wi
neensowewentt
her
easweent
eredt
hegat
ehest
oppedcr
yingandIf
eedhi
m andhesl
ept

wi
thoutr
ocki
nghi
m upanddown.

Samkel
o:“
SJnt
wanay
ami
”hecamei
nthel
i
vingr
oom.
Idon'
twanthi
mtobecal
l
edSJbecausehemi
ghtt
urnt
obeagangst
erj
ustl
i
kehi
sfat
her
.

Me:
“Hi
snamei
sJuni
or”

Hesi
tsnextt
omei
nthecouchandpecksmyl
i
ps.Het
ookhi
ssonandt
ickl
ehi
m al
i
ttl
eandI
l
ovehi
s

l
aughs.Her
unshi
shandi
nmyt
highs.
..

Me:
“Ai
babei
nfr
ontofhi
m?”Ipushedhi
shand.

Hel
aughsandcont
inuedt
oti
ckl
ehi
m.Het
ookhi
sbot
tl
eandf
edhi
m.Idon'
tknowhowhedoes
t
hat

whenIf
eedhi
mitt
akest
imef
orhi
mtof
ell
asl
eepbuthi
sfat
heri
tsoeasyi
twast
ruewhathe
sai
d

aboutt
hei
rspi
ri
tbei
ngconnect
ed.

Hewenttoputhi
m onhi
scotandNokubongawasonherr
oom It
hinkshei
spacki
ngher
cl
othesf
or

t
hisweekendaswear
eal
lgoi
ngt
hisaf
ter
noon.Hecamebackt
osi
tnextt
omehest
art
edt
obe

hi
msel
f.
..Hi
shandwasbr
ushi
ngmyt
high.
..

Me:
“Babe”Il
ookedathi
m andi
twasonmyv
elv
et.
..

Lucki
l
yIwaswear
ingpant
y.

Samkel
o:“
Iwant
edt
ochecki
fyoushav
edornot
”heki
ssedme.

Ibr
oket
heki
ss.
..

Me:
“Weneedt
opr
epar
ebabe.
..
”

Samkel
o:“
West
il
lhav
eti
me”hepi
ckedmeup.
..

Wewer
eki
ssi
ngwhenhet
ookf
ewst
epst
ogot
oourbedr
oom.
..

*
Cleart
hroat
*

Whenhet
urnedhi
sheadhegent
lyputmedown.
..I
twasNokubonga.
..Idon'
twanthert
osee
our

pri
vat
eli
fe.Hequi
ckl
ydi
sappear
edi
nthepassagenowImustapol
ogi
zet
oheraboutwhatshe
saw.

Me:
“I'
m sor
rysi
siaboutwhaty
ou'
vej
ustsaw”Shel
aughsal
i
ttl
eandl
ooksdownwhenshesees
t
hat

I
'
mlooki
ngather
.

Nokubonga:
“Ther
e'snopr
obl
em si
siIunder
stand”shesmi
l
ed.

Me:“Event
houghsi
siIdon'
twanty
out
oseet
hatweshoul
dn'
tbehav
eli
ket
hatar
oundt
he
house”I

wantt
orespectherev
enwear
epay
ingherbutsheshoul
dn'
tseeourpr
ivat
eli
fe.

Samkel
oisnaught
yandal
way
shor
nyIr
ememberf
ewmont
hsbackwebot
hagr
eedt
owai
tfor
si
x

monthst
ohav
esexbutaf
tert
hreemont
hst
hingschanged.I
twasatni
ghtwewer
esl
eepi
ngon
our

bedroom andJuni
oronhi
scother
einourbedr
oom.Heputpi
l
lowsbet
weenusf
orusnott
o
touch

eachot
herwhenwe'
resl
eepi
ng.
..
.Iwassl
eepi
ngwhenIf
elthi
shandonmywai
standhewas

br
eat
hingi
nmyear
..
..

Samkel
o:“
Babe.
..
”

Ikeptqui
et.Het
urnedmet
ofacehi
m whenIopenedmyey
eshewasl
ooki
ngatmewi
they
es
ful
lof

l
i
standhunger
.

Samkel
o:“
Ican'
tcar
ryonl
i
ket
his”

Iwasn'
tsmi
l
ingIj
ustl
ookedathi
m.

Samkel
o:“
BabeImi
ssy
ousomuchIcan'
thol
dmy
sel
f.
..I
t'
sat
ort
uret
oseey
ounaked”

Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evehi
m webot
hagr
eedont
his.

Samkel
o:“
PleasebabeI
'
m beggi
ngy
ouj
ustoner
oundIpr
omi
seIwon'
tasky
ouany
thi
ngaf
ter
thi
s”

hei
ssexi
erwhenhei
sbeggi
ngandI
'
mfeel
i
ngsor
ryf
orhi
m now.

Me:
“We'
l
lhav
esexaf
tersi
xmont
hst
hatweagr
eedon”It
urnt
osl
eepmybackf
aci
nghi
m.

Hekeptqui
teIdon'
tl
iket
otor
tur
ehi
m butwemustwai
t.Het
ookadeepsi
ghandsl
eptaf
ter
t
hat.I
wai
tedf
ort
wohour
s

WhenIt
urnedt
olookathi
m hewassl
eepi
ng.
..
.Ir
unmyhandt
ohi
smanhoodandIgr
abbedi
t
and

Igent
lyr
ubbedi
t.
..
.Ipeckedhi
sli
psandhesl
owl
yopenedhi
sey
esIcont
inuedt
heki
ssandhe
smil
ed

al
i
ttl
e..
.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ousur
ebabe?
”heaskedwhenhebr
oket
heki
ss.

Inodded.

Hewokeupt
ookandwor
emyr
obehewentt
oJuni
or'
scothegent
lyt
ookhi
m andhewentout
our

bedr
oom.Af
termi
nut
eshecamet
ookof
fthegownandcamei
nbed.

Me:
“Wher
eismybaby
?”

Hesmi
l
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Iwentt
oputhi
m onhi
snur
ser
yhecan'
tseehi
spar
ent
smaki
ngl
ovei
nfr
ontofhi
m”
he

smil
edandhepul
l
edsocl
oset
ohi
m andheki
ssedal
i
ttl
eat
ti
tudeoutofme.
..
.I'
m wetnow.Hi
s
hand

i
sonmyv
elv
et.
..

Samkel
o:“
Youhav
en'
tshav
ed”hest
rokedmypubi
chai
rs.Hedoesn’
tli
kei
tsoIknewi
fIdi
dn'
t
shav
e

i
twoul
ddecr
easet
hechanceofust
ohav
esexbef
oret
ime.
..

Hegotont
opofmeandhewaski
ssi
ngmesopassi
onat
elywhent
hingsheat
edupIbr
oket
he
ki
sshe

gotoffl
ooki
ngatwhatwasIdoi
ng.Iopeneddr
awont
hesi
det
abl
eonourbedandt
ook
condoms..
.

Samkel
o:“
Haahbabe”wedon'
tusei
tbutnowI
'
vej
ustgav
ebi
rt
hnotsowhi
l
esoweneedt
ouse
i
t.

Ij
ustgav
ehi
m ast
are.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
dot
hewi
thdr
awal
babeIpr
omi
se”hecr
ossedhi
sfi
nger
s.
Me:“
Okay
..
.Makesur
eyou'
redot
hewi
thdr
awal
orel
seIwi
l
lshooty
ourass”ourf
acesar
eso
cl
ose

t
oeachot
her
.

Wekissedagai
nandt
hingsheat
edupagai
nhi
shandswer
eal
lov
ermeIf
elthi
sfi
ngeronmy
vel
vet

hewasf i
ngerf
ucki
ngme.I
nnomi
nut
ehewasont
opofmef
ucki
ngmehar
dert
hanbef
ore.
..
.I
missed

hi
m somuchwecan'
tresi
steachot
her
..
..

Ther
e'snodeci
siony
oucanmakewi
thhi
m whensexi
sincl
udedsoy
ouhav
etocal
m downand
chi
ll

hecanmakey
oul
ateorconv
incey
ouev
ennott
ogohei
ssonaught
yandal
way
shav
epl
an
whenit

comest
osex.Hemademet
osni
ckoutofmypar
ent
s’houseatni
ghtaf
teruMkhehl
oandt
ook
meto

Mtunzi
niLodgewhenhepl
annedar
omant
icni
ghtf
oruswhenIcamebacki
ntheewehour
sI
f
ound

mygr
andmai
ntheki
tchenIwassoashamedIwasav
oidi
nghert
hoseday
s.

Wel
aughedabouti
t.Shehasaboy
fri
endIhav
en'
tmethi
myetbutSamkel
odoesn'
tknowhewi
l
l

exagger
ateabouti
tsooncei
nawhi
l
eshegoest
oschool
todoherwor
kanddoi
ng
assi
gnmentsIlove

howshededi
cat
edt
oherschool
wor
kandshemanagessowel
l
.

We'
vedoneal
ltr
adi
ti
onal
stepst
otheweddi
ngi
nthi
spastf
ewmont
hsonl
ythi
ngl
eftnowi
s
Whi
te

weddingandt
radi
ti
onal
weddi
ngwhi
chi
sonOct
obersoI
'
m pl
anni
ngi
tandSamkel
oisn'
t
hel
ping

muchbuthesai dhewanthim andjuni

ortowearmatchi
ngsuit
s.Juni
ori
sbigbabywit
hcut
e
chubbycheeksheishi
sfatheryoungerver
sionandheli
kest
olaughatal
l.Samkel
olov
esto
tuckhi
mi nhiscot

r
eadhi
m st
ori
esandr
eci
tehi
scl
annameshol
dinghi
sli
tt
lehandt
il
lhef
all
sasl
eep.

At14:
20pm wewer
ereadyt
ogoLwandi
l
ecamei
nlucki
l
yLwandi
l
e'sbabymamai
sgoi
ngwi
th
ussoI
won'
tbeal
onet
her
e..
.

Ther
e'st
hisAunt
yZet
huwhoi
sSamkel
o'
saunt
y.Mnt
ungwahas5si
bli
ngst
hat
'smakes6wi
th
hi
m.

Hehast
hreesi
ster
sWhoar
eZet
huFi
ki
leandSmangel
eandbr
other
sar
eZi
phezi
nhl
eSi
mphi
we
and

Mnt
ungwawhor
eal
namei
sMel
usi
Zachar
iahKhumal
obutt
heycal
lhi
m wi
thhi
scl
anname

Mntungwaev
enhi
schi
l
drencal
lhi
m Mnt
ungwaorDadorTy
ma.Hi
sol
derAunt
yZet
hui
sa
pr
oblem

tal
kingt
oomuchmaki
ngr
ulesf
orev
ery
onesoIwon'
tfaceheral
one.Shet
oldmet
hatIhav
e
cover

myheadandshoul
der
sbecauseSamkel
ohaspai
dlobol
aIdon'
tl
ikeheratal
l
...

Me:
“Heyguy
s!”

Lwandi
l
eist
her
esponsi
blef
athert
ohi
sdaught
erandl
ovi
ngboy
fri
endandbabysassyt
oRachel
and

t
hemakeaper
fectcoupl
e.

Rachel
:“Heyhowar
eyou?
”Sheoncesai
dSamkel
oscar
esherof
fandaskedhowImakehi
m
l
augh

becausehei
ssot
ense.

Me:“
I'
m goodandIcanseet
haty
ougood”Ismi
l
ed.Theyar
elooki
ngatus.Samkel
otook
Amahl
e

f
rom hermot
herandhef
oll
owedmet
otheki
tchenIwantt
omaket
hem somet
hingt
oeat
.

Rachel
issobeaut
if
ulandsl
i
mli
kehi
sman.Theyar
ebot
hthi
nandt
all
butt
hei
rdaught
eri
sa
bi
g

babyl
i
kemyJuni
or.Amahl
eiscut
eli
keherpar
ent
s..
.

Rachel
:“Ihopedr
agonl
adywon'
tbet
her
ethi
sweekend”shewhi
sper
edandcheckedi
f
someonei s

comi
ng.

Me:
“Shewon'
tmi
ssi
t”Iwasbusymaki
ngsandwi
chf
oral
lofus.

Shei
smar
ri
edbutshei
sal
way
sther
eI'
m sur
eshebeat
sherhusbandshei
sal
way
scausi
ng
pr
obl
em

andshel
i
kest
oswearnowonderheri
n-l
awsdon'
twantherneart
hem.

Samkel
oandhi
sbr
other
shast
hei
rsepar
atedbedr
oom out
sidet
hebi
ghouse.Samkel
o'
s
bedr
oom i
s

bi
genought
obeaf
our
-r
oom housei
nthel
ocat
ionsi
thasaj
acuzzi
mini
barabi
gbedev
ersi
nce
we

hav
eababyhehasacr
ibi
nhi
sbedr
oom.

AKbumbedi
ntousonourwayoutandSamkel
osai
dhewi
l
ldr
ivet
oWeeneni
nEscour
tsoIwas
si
tt
ing

wi
thhi
mint
hebacksi
tandNokubongawasi
nfr
ontseatwi
thAKandhewassweat
ingIdi
dn'
t

under
standwhybutSamkel
owasenj
oyi
ngt
oseehi
m sweat
ingwhenNokubongagoti
nfr
ont
.

Nokubongai
sher
ebutont
hebi
ghousesoIwi
l
lbemyJuni
ort
odayact
ual
l
yal
lweekendwe
needto

spendsomet
imewi
thhi
m.Hi
sfat
herwentoutwi
thhi
sbr
other
stoSt
radi
nil
oungesoI
'
m her
e
wit
h

myboyIneedt
otal
ktomysi
ster
..
..

Me:
“Mt
akamoo”

Nont
u:“
Unj
ani
?”

Me:
“Ngi
yaphi
l
aunj
ani
?”

Nont
u:“
Ngi
yaphi
l
a..
.”sheheav
edasi
gh.

Me:
“Weneedt
otal
k”Shei
squi
et.

Nont
u:“
Yeah.
..
”af
tersomet
ime.

Me:“
Ther
e'ssomet
hingeat
ingy
ouupIwon'
trestt
il
lIf
indi
tsoy
oubet
terspeakabouti
t”I
al
ways

hav
eani
nfl
uencet
omakehert
alk.

Nont
u:“
Don'
tdot
hat
..
.”

Me:
“Iwi
l
ldot
il
lyouspeakout
”Juni
ori
smaki
ngf
unnynoi
sepl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
sfeet
.

Nont
u:“
Don’
tdot
hat
..
..
”herv
oicei
sbr
eaki
ng.
..
.
Me:
“Cr
ysweet
hear
tify
ouhav
etoaf
tert
hatwewi
l
ltal
kabouti
t”Shej
ustl
etoutasob.
..
..
.Itj
ust

br
eaksmyhear
ttohearhercr
yingoutl
i
ket
hat
..
..

Nont
u:“
Alothashappened”shesni
ff
ed.

Me:
“Whathashappened?
”I'
m conf
usedbywhatshei
ssay
ing.

Nont
u:“
Hei
s..
..
..
”shest
art
edt
ocr
yagai
n.Af
termi
nut
esshecal
msdown.

Nont
u:“
Ilostt
hebaby
..
..
”Ican'
tbel
i
evei
twhyshedi
dn'
ttel
lmeabouti
twhathappened?

Tear
sjustcameuncont
rol
l
abl
e.

Me:“
I'
m sosor
ryt
oheart
hatMt
akamahIcan'
ti
magi
newhaty
ou'
regoi
ngt
hroughbutIwi
l
l
make

sur
ethatwe'
l
ldeal
wit
hitasaf
ami
l
y”

Nont
u:“
Pleasedon'
ttel
lpar
ent
s”

Me:“Iwon'
ttel
lthem f
ornowbutev
ent
ual
l
ytheywi
l
lneedt
oknow.Pl
easet
akeasi
ckl
eav
eI
need

y
ouher
ewi
thmesot
hatIcant
akecar
eofy
our
sel
f”

Me:
“Howi
shet
aki
ngi
t?”

Nont
u:“
Sobadhei
sdr
inki
nghi
ssor
rowsaway
”

Me:“Youneedt
oseeapr
ofessi
onal
.Iwi
l
lfi
ndoneandpayf
ori
t”Ineedhert
obebet
terand
deal

wi
thi
tinar
ightway
.

Wespokeaf
terandhungupIt
ucki
nmybabyhel
dhi
mti
ghtIwon'
tl
eav
ewi
thouthi
m hei
smy

ev
ery
thi
ngt
hat
'swhyIneedt
oinst
all
tracki
nhi
sbodyi
ncaseourenemi
eski
dnaphi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Babe!
”WhenIopenedmyey
eshewasn'
ti
nbed.
..
.

Samkelo:“
Babe!
”It
hinki
tshi
m whoi
sknocki
ngi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
.Iwokeupand
openedthe

doorf
orhi
m.

Samkelo:
“I'
m sor
ryt
owakey
ouupmyl
ove”Hei
sti
psy
..
.Icant
ell
thewayhespeaksandhi
s
eyes.
Me:
“Nopr
obl
em babe”Iwentt
obed.

Samkel
o:“
Doy
ouknowt
hatIl
o..
.”

Me:
“Shhhh!
”He'
l
lwakehi
m up.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
rybabe”hi
shandsar
eup.Heknowsmet
oowel
l
.

Hedisappear
edt
othebat
hroom af
tersomemi
nut
eshecamebackwear
ingaboxermaki
ngsi
l
ly
poses.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
mtr
yingt
ochar
myou”hemadeanot
hersi
l
lyposeandheal
mostf
all
.

Iwaslaughi
ngathi
m somet
imeshecanbesomet
hingel
se.Hecamet
omysi
deoft
hebedand
pul
led

t
heduv
etof
fandi
tsf
reezi
ngher
e..
..

Samkel
o:“
Iwantt
okeepy
ourwar
m babe”hebr
ushedmyshoul
der
.

Me:
“Geti
nbedt
obewar
m”I
'
mli
tt
leannoy
ed.

Hegoti
nbedandhenot
icedt
hatJuni
ori
sinourbed.
..

Samkel
o:“
Boyboy
”hegent
lyt
ouchedhi
schubbycheeks.

Me:
“Ifhewakesupy
ouwi
l
lputhi
m backt
osl
eep”Isai
dsof
tl
yIdon'
twanthi
mtowakeup.

Hegent
lyt
akeshi
mtohi
scr
ibandputhi
sbl
anketandhi
spaci
fi
eri
nhi
smout
h.Hecameback
t
obed

andf
oundmepr
etendi
ngasI
'
m asl
eep.
..

Samkel
o:“
Iwantt
okeepy
ouwar
m myl
ove”het
urnedmet
ofacehi
m.

Me:
“Whyar
eyoual
way
shor
ny?
”

Samkel
o:“
Doy
oubl
ameme?Wi
tht
hatt
ightpussyofy
our
sIcan'
tl
iv
ewi
thouti
t”hesmi
rked.

Heki
ssedmesodeepl
yandpassi
onat
elywhent
hingsheat
edupIgotont
opandIf
elthi
m
i
nsi
deme

al
lofhi
m Ist
art
edt
omov
egent
lyupanddown.
..
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Mhmm i
t'
sfeel
ssogood”hegr
oaned.Hei
shol
dingt
ightonmywai
st.
..
.

Me:
“Ahhh”

Ist
oppedwhenIhear
dsomet
hingont
hedoor
..
..
I
t’
saknock.
..

Samkel
o:“
EishIhat
ebei
ngdi
stur
bed”Igotof
fhi
m.

Thando:
“Bhut
i!
”sheknockedhar
der
.

Hewor
ehi
spant
squi
ckl
ywentt
othedoor
..
.

Thando:
“Pl
easehel
pme”shecr
iedandst
oodnextt
othebed.

Samkl
o:“
Thandowhati
sgoi
ngon?
”hecamet
owar
dst
hebed.Hi
sshaf
tisst
il
ler
ect
edhemust
tot
he

bat
hroom.

Thando:
“Nompepl
easehel
pme”shei
scr
yingandhert
ear
sdon'
tscar
emeatal
l
.

Samkel
o:“
Thandospeak!Whati
swr
ong?
”

Thando:
“Igotal
i
nkandi
t'
scont
aineda.
..
”shecr
iedl
oudert
hanbef
ore.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
slapy
ounow.Speak!
”thatcameoutl
oudandheri
sangr
ynow.

Shesi
tst
othebednextt
omeandshehasherphoneont
hehand.Shest
ret
chedherhandt
o
gi
veme

herphonet
olookati
t.Herbr
othert
ookonest
ept
oherhegr
abbedhi
m wi
thupperar
m..
..I
qui
ckly

gotup.
..

Me:
“Babecal
m down”It
ri
edt
omov
eSamkel
o'
shandt
oherar
m

Shei
scr
yingandl
ookscar
edofherbr
other
.Icl
i
ckedt
othel
i
nkont
hephone.
..
..
.

Thi
xowami
!.
..

Me:
“Sowhatdoy
ouwant
?”af
terl
ooki
ngatt
hatcl
i
p.

Thando:
“Pl
easehel
pmet
oer
asei
tanddel
etei
tfr
om t
hesender
”shei
scr
ying.
..

Chapt
er27

Samkel
oqui
ckl
ytookaThando'
sphoneonmyhand.Webot
hlooki
ngathi
m now.

Het
hrewt
hephoneont
hewal
l
.

Samkel
o:“
Yey
iiwenawhatt
hef
ucki
sthat
”hegav
eadeadl
ylookandey
esf
ull
ofanger
..
.
Thando:
“I'
m..
.Sor
ry”

Me:
“BabeIneedmyl
apt
opnow”

WhenIst
art
edt
owor
k..
..

Kat
:“Wher
eisshe?
”hebudgedi
nourr
oom.Hewi
l
lmaket
hingswor
set
hani
tisnow.

Shei
swai
l
ingnow.

Kat
:“Sext
ape?Thandosext
ape?Youar
esl
eepi
ngar
oundnow?
”wi
thadeepv
oicet
hatsends
shi
vers

onmyspi
ne.

Shei
sn'
tanswer
ingshei
scr
ying.
..
.

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
owor
kinanot
herr
oom her
e”It
ookmyt
hingsandIl
eftt
her
oom.

WhenIwasout
sidet
her
oom t
her
e'st
her
oom f
aci
ngt
hebi
ghouseandt
hel
i
ght
sar
eon.Iwent
t
here

Ineedt
owor
kinpeaceIdon'
twantnoi
seandIdi
dn'
twantt
ogeti
nvol
vedIl
eftt
hem when

Katcamei
nandIknowi
twon'
tendwel
l
.WhenIopenedt
hedoori
twasl
ocked.Iknocked.I
t
means

ther
e'ssomeonei
nsi
deIcan'
tgot
oLwandi
l
e'sr
oom Ij
ustneedanempt
yroom Icandot
hisi
n
peace.

Af
terknocki
ngt
wicet
hedooropened.
..

AK:
“Andt
hen?
”

Me:
“Ai
awukamemaar
nIneedt
odosomewor
kinher
e”AKcanbesomet
hingel
se.

Iwentt
osi
tdownont
het
abl
e..
.

Nokul
unga:
“Babe.
..
”shecamef
rom t
hebat
hroom.
..

Theshockofmyl
i
fe.

Me:
“Nokubonga!
”Whati
sshedoi
ngi
nhi
sroom onat
owel
comi
ngf
rom bat
hroom.
..
?

Me:
“Yourcousi
nwi
l
lbeher
einnomi
nut
essomakesur
eyougetoutofher
e”

AK:
“Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”

Aknock.
..
.
Shequi
ckl
ywentt
ohi
dei
nthecl
oset
.Hewentt
oopent
hedoor
..
.

Samkel
o&Kat
:“I
sitst
il
lther
e?”t
heybot
hbudgei
n.

AK:
“Gi
vemef
ewmi
nut
est
henI
'
llbedone”AK-
47wentt
othebat
hroom.

Hecamebacksmi
l
ing.
..

Me:
“Idel
etedi
tnowIneedt
ofi
ndwhopost
edi
t”Thandocamei
nsobbi
ng.
..
.

Kat
:“Nowwear
en'
tsl
eepi
ngbecauseofy
ou”hepoi
ntedt
oher
.Shest
oodneart
hedoor
.

Thando:
“Thanky
ouNompef
orhel
pingmeout
”

Il
aughedandal
ley
eswer
eonme.
..

Me:
“Idi
dn'
tdoi
tfory
ouThandobutIdi
ditf
ory
ourbr
other
”If
ocusedont
hescr
eeni
nfr
ontof
me.

Qui
et.

Me:
“Doy
out
hinkIcandot
hisf
ort
heper
sonwhoputsomet
hingonmyf
oodf
ormet
ohav
ean

al
l
ergy
?”

WhenIl
ookathershedr
opsherey
es.

Samkel
o:“
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?”hef
rowned.

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Doy
ourememberwhenIhadanal
l
ergi
creact
ion?
”

Samkel
o:“
Yeah”

Me:
“Shei
stheonewhoputsomet
hingonmybr
eakf
ast
”

Samkel
o:“
Shedi
dwhat
?”hegotupf
rom t
hechai
r.
..

Me:
“Fuck!
”Ibangedmyl
apt
op.

Me:
“Whoi
syourboy
fri
end?
”

Thando:
“Senzo…”shel
ookeddownonherf
eet
.

Me:
“Hi
ssur
name?
”I'
m st
andi
ngnow.

Thando:
“Fakude”

Me:
“Got
oyourr
oom now!
”
Shewasst
il
lsi
tt
ingwhenIt
urnedmyheadonherdi
rect
ion.

Me:
“Now!
”thatcameoutl
oud.Shi
tisaboutt
ogodown

Kat
:“AKgetheroutofher
e”

Me:
“Don'
tbebi
tchwenat
akeherout
”Ipoi
ntedt
hebat
hroom.

Hewenttot
hebat
hroom sl
owl
yandwhenhecamebackNokubongawasbehi
ndhi
m ona
t
owel
..
..

Samkel
o&Kat
:“Whatt
hef
ucki
sgoi
ngonher
e?”whent
hei
rsawi
twasNokubongat
hei
rcousi
n.

Me:
“Nokubongagoy
ourr
oom now!
”Ipushedherout
.

Samkel
otookachai
rwant
edt
oat
tackAKf
orsl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
scousi
n.

Me:
“SKnotnow.Wehav
ebi
ggerpr
obl
emst
hant
hatsocal
m down”

Kat
:“Whati
sitNompe?
”

Me:“Thi
sisRambo'
sst
yle.Ther
e'snewenemyi
ntownandhi
m ususi
ngy
oursi
stert
ogeti
nto
you”I

br
ushedmyheadr
oughl
y.

AK:
“Whoi
sRambo?
”

Me:
“ITgeekwhot
aughtmet
ohacki
nvar
sit
y”

Samkel
o:“
Theonewhohacksbanksandhi
smot
her
'sWhat
sApp?
”

Me:
“Yeah”

Ineedt
omakesomecal
l
.

Hi
m:“
Shl
ama”

Me:
“Nt
wanaNgi
grandnaweugr
and.IneedRambo'
s10'
s”t
hephonei
sont
hel
oudspeaker
.

Hi
m:“
Shl
amay
oudi
dn'
ti
nvi
temei
nuMkhehl
o”

Me:
“Youri
nvi
tef
ort
heweddi
ngi
sready
”

Hi
m:“
Okay
.I'
l
lsendi
tnownow”hehungup.Heal
way
sdoesn’
thav
eti
met
otal
k.

Me:
“Wemustpr
epar
efort
hewor
st;
shi
tisaboutt
ohappen”Isatdown.

Iopenedmyl
apt
opIneedt
otr
ackwher
ehei
satl
eastt
oknowhi
slocat
ionwi
l
lbeeasyt
okeep
an
ey
eonhi
m.

At03:
45am Imanagedt
otr
acehi
m downhei
sinDur
bannowonderwehav
en'
tseeThandoi
na
l
ong

t
imeshewasbusywi
thhi
m.

Me:
“Hei
sinDur
bansoweneedt
okeepacl
oseey
eonhi
m”

Kat
:“Ineedt
omakesomef
ewcal
l
s”

SKandAKwer
eont
hephonet
ooweneedt
obeupdat
ed.

Theweekendwasgr
eatatWeenenbecauseAunt
yZet
huwasnott
her
ebutt
hisRambot
hingi
s
not

r
ightsoonorl
aterhehast
obeel
i
minat
ed.

Myphone.
..
.

Me:
“Heymom”

Mom:
“Voet
sekwenawher
eisshe?
”It
'
sthef
ir
stt
imehear
ingmymot
herswear
ingatme.

Me:
“Mom.
..
”I'
m di
sappoi
nted.

Mom:
“Whenwast
hel
astt
imey
ouspoket
oher
?”shesnapped.

Me:
“Fr
idayni
ght
”

Mom:
“Fuck!
”

Me:
“Whati
sgoi
ngon?
”

Mom:
“Ther
e'sani
ncomi
ngcal
lI'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
”

I
t'
ssoundsasi
fshei
sdr
ivi
ng.
.

Anot
herphonecal
lI'
mfamoust
hismor
ning.
..

Andi
l
e:“
Nompswehav
eapr
obl
em”

Me:
“Whatpr
obl
em Ta?
”

Andi
l
e:“
Weneedt
omeeti
nthewar
ehousei
nthenext30mi
nut
es”

Me:
“Sur
eTa”Ihungup.

Whatpr
obl
em.
Iwentt
otheki
tchenf
oundSamkel
ofeedi
ngJuni
or.

Me:
“Weneedt
ogot
othewar
ehouse”Iki
ssedmyboy
.

Ical
l
edNokubongat
ocomeshei
staki
nghi
mtot
hedoct
orf
orhi
svacci
nat
ionhewasr
eadyt
o
goand

thei
rbody
guar
dswer
ereadyt
otaket
hem t
othedoct
or.Juni
orhas2body
guar
dst
heyar
eone
ofus

andt
heot
herf
ourwi
l
lst
ayher
e.

Wegotr
eadyandwentt
othegar
agegoi
nthecarandwedr
oveof
f.

Me:
“BabeIsuggestt
hatweneedt
oputat
rackerJuni
or”

Onesar
cast
ical
l
ylaughs.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
You'
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?”hei
sn'
tev
enl
ooki
ngatme.

Me:“I
'm notj
oki
ngbabe.We'
repl
ayi
ngadanger
ousgameourbabywi
l
lbet
hei
rfi
rstt
argetsoI
don'
t

wantorunl
i
keaheadl
esschi
ckent
ryi
ngt
ofi
ndwhent
heyki
dnaphi
m”

Samkel
o:“
Overmydeadbody
”

Thi
sfi
ghtwi
l
ltakey
ear
sbutIwi
l
ldoi
tev
ent
ual
l
yIwon'
tputmychi
l
datr
iskbecauseofhi
ssi
l
ly

r
easons.Whenwegott
othewar
ehousewef
oundt
heot
her
sinsi
det
hesi
tuat
ioni
stenseIcan
t
ell
by

l
ooki
ngatt
hei
rface.

Andi
l
e:“
Thanksf
orcomi
ngatashor
tnot
ice”wesatdown.

Whyhehasn'
tfl
ewt
oCape?

Andil
e:“Iwon'
tbeatar
oundt
hebusht
her
e'swaycomi
ngi
nourway
”hebr
ushedhi
shead
roughl
y.

SK:
“Whatwar
”

Andi
l
e:“
Thokozani
andhi
sfr
iendsst
olet
hemer
chandi
set
hatbel
ongedt
otheTheScav
enger
s”

Ihear
dal
otoff
uckar
oundme.

Andi
l
e:“
Thokozani
!”heshout
ed.
..
Hehasbr
uisesonhi
sfaceandhei
swal
ki
ngsosl
ow.Wai
thewasi
nJo'
bur
ginFr
iday
.

Me:
“Wher
eismysi
ster
?”I
twon'
tbecoi
nci
dence.

Andi
le:
“NompeI
'
m doi
ngal
lmybestt
oget
herandbr
ingherhomesaf
e”Iqui
ckl
ygotupwi
thmy
gun

onmyhandmaki
ngmywayt
oTK

SK:
“Babecal
m down”

Me:
“Don'
ttel
lmet
ocal
m down!Don'
t
!”Iscr
eamed.

I
'
m paci
ngupanddown.For
tunat
elyIhadmyl
apt
opIneedt
otr
ackher
..
.

TK:
“Sakhi
gav
eanor
dert
oourmember
sont
hatsi
det
ofi
ndher
”

S.
Kgav
emev
odkat
ocal
m myner
vousdown.

Me:
“Justpr
ayt
heydon'
thur
therorel
seI
'
llr
ipy
ourhear
t”

THEEAGLESandTHESCAVENGERSswor
ethatwewon'
tst
eponeachot
her
’st
oebecause
whenwe

doi
nnocentpeopl
edi
esoweswor
etr
uce.

Andi
l
e:“
Wegoi
ngt
oJobur
gnow”

Pr
ivat
eJeti
tisi
nthenmysi
steral
i
veI
'
m shaki
ngoutofangerandshock.Herphonel
ocat
ioni
s
i
nher

pl
acebutshei
sn'
tther
eSakhi
wentt
ocheck.

Whenwegott
oJobur
gcar
swer
eal
readyt
her
ewai
ti
ngf
orus.Wehav
ethei
rst
ufft
hati
diotand
hi
s

f
ri
endsst
olef
rom t
hem.

TaAndi
l
e'sphoner
angheanswer
edandputi
tonl
oudspeaker
..
.

“
Ihopey
ouhav
emyst
uff
”hesay
s.Thati
sRocket
.Thatmansohear
tl
ess.
..

Andi
l
e:“
Ido.Igi
vey
ouy
ourst
uffandgi
vehert
ome”

Rocket
:“You'
rei
nnoposi
ti
ont
omakedemands.Howi
sLwal
uhl
e?”

Andi
l
e:“
Mandon'
tdot
hatwe'
ret
alki
ngher
eandl
i
vemyboyoutoft
his”

Rocket
:“I
'
llsendy
ouaddr
essf
ordr
opof
f”hehungup.
Ical
ledourbody
guar
dsandt
heysai
dtheyar
eathome.Ial
socal
l
edYaboj
ustt
ochecki
fthey
are

al
ri
ght
.TKi
sher
ewi
thushemustf
acet
heheat
.

Af
teranhourRocketsendt
hel
ocat
ion.Wequi
ckl
ywentt
her
ewhenwewer
eabout20km t
he
bl
ack

SUVwer
efol
l
owi
ngust
othel
ocat
ion.

Andil
e:“
Let
'sdot
his”weopenedt
hecardoor
s.About20mencamet
ousandl
edt
hewayt
o
thei
r

war
ehouse.

Andi
l
e:“
Wehav
eyourmer
chandi
sesoi
nor
dert
ogeti
tweneedt
oseeher
”

Rocket
:“Sl
i
cerdon'
trusht
hings”

Sl
i
ceri
sAndi
l
e'snamehecant
akeoutev
erypi
eceofy
ourf
leshandl
eav
etheboneswi
thanAxe.

Theyt
ookt
imenegot
iat
ingwi
theachot
her
.Rocketwantust
ogi
vehi
m Reser
veBank.Ev
ery
one
knows

t
hatReser
veBanki
soursohewant
sit
.

Rocket
'sphoner
ang.
..
.

Rocket
:“Ei
shsor
ryM.
..
.”hel
ookeddown.Wecan'
theart
heot
herper
sonhei
stal
ki
ngt
othe
phone

i
sn'
tonl
oudspeaker
.

Rocket
:“I
'
lldot
hatnow”heendedt
hecal
l
.

We'
rel
ooki
ngathi
m.

Rocket
:“Takehert
oWat
erf
all
cit
y”het
oldhi
sboy
s

Me:
“I'
mtaki
ngherwi
thme”

Hesmi
l
esandl
ookatSK

Me:
“I'
mtaki
ngherwi
thme”

Theycamewi
thherourt
woguy
stookherandwentt
othecar
.Shewi
l
lbet
akent
oourot
her
house

i
nCent
uri
onPr
etor
ia.
Wegav
ethem t
hei
rst
uffandweapol
ogi
zedonbehal
fofTKf
ort
aki
ngt
hei
rmer
chandi
sel
ucki
l
y
he

hasn'
ttouchedi
tot
hert
hanwel
lbescr
ewedup.

Wegoti
nourcar
sanddr
oveof
f

Me:
“Iwon'
tber
unni
ngl
i
keaheadl
esschi
ckent
ryi
ngt
otr
ackt
heki
dsdown”

Kat
:“Yeahi
tsoundsi
nappr
opr
iat
ebutIt
hinkshehaspoi
nt”

Andi
l
e:“
AiIdon'
twantt
oheari
t”Sl
i
cerandAxear
eagr
eei
ngt
oget
herbuti
twon'
thel
pany
one.

Kat:“
Lookherewehav
emanyenemi
esandourki
dsar
ethei
rtar
get
ssopl
easet
ryt
o
underst
and”

Andi
l
e:“
Inwhi
chpar
toft
hebody
?”scr
atchedhi
shead.

Me:
“Head”

SK:
“For
geti
t!
”hesay
sloud.

Kat
:“Nompehasapoi
ntandIsecondi
tsoy
out
womustst
opbei
ngapussyj
ustgowi
tht
he
i
dea”

Andi
l
e:“
Sowhatwi
l
lIt
ell
Thabi
aboutt
hismadness?
”

Me:
“I'
l
lor
gani
set
hel
i
ttl
ehol
i
dayt
oJobur
gforshoppi
ngofmygownandt
hebr
aidmai
d'
sdr
ess
t
hen

you'
l
lof
fert
otakecar
eoft
heki
dsandpl
easemakesur
ethatLwandi
l
eisawayt
oobecause
Juni
or

Amahl
eandLwal
uhl
e”

SK:
“Soy
ouf
igur
edi
toutal
lal
ong?
”

Me:
“YeahI
'
vef
igur
edi
tal
lout
”

Kat
:“Okaynextweeki
tist
hen”

We'
reatKat
'
shousei
nUmhl
angasonoonecanhearus.

-
--
--
--
-

Iwokeupat05:
30am andhewasnoti
nbedImadeabedt
henIwentt
otakeashower
.Today
on

goi
ngt
oJobur
ggi
rl
sout
ingandIneedust
otal
kaboutmyweddi
ng.WhenIwasdonet
aki
nga
bat
hI

wentt
oJuni
or'
sroom t
ocheckuponhi
m andhewasawakebuthewasnotcr
ying.

Me:
“Mor
ningmyboy
”It
ickl
edhi
m.

Hi
ssmi
l
eissoador
abl
e.

Me:
“Wher
eisdaddy
?”Iaskedhi
m hewassmi
l
ingnonst
op.

Iwentt
otheki
tchent
omakehi
sbot
tl
e.Hi
scarkey
sar
eont
heki
tchencount
eraf
termaki
nghi
s
bot
tl
e

Iwentt
ochecki
nhi
sst
udy
..
..

Samkel
o:“
Yeah.Idon'
tunder
standwhybutI
'
llsendi
ttoy
ou”hei
sont
hephone

Whoi
shet
alki
ngt
ooear
lyi
nthemor
ning?Juni
ormadenoi
sesoIwasf
orcedt
ogeti
nthest
udy
.

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningbabe”Hel
ooksal
i
ttl
eshocked.

Me:“Morni
ngl
ove”Juni
orwasmaki
ngnoi
sehi
sfat
hert
ookhi
mtome.Hel
ooksmor
ethan
happyt
o

seehi
sfat
her
.

Samkel
o:“
Ntwanay
ami
”het
ickl
edhi
m.I
t'
sni
cescenet
olookatbutwhowashet
alki
ngt
o?

Me:
“Ineedt
opr
epar
eformyt
ri
pbabet
hat
'swhyIwokeupear
ly.Ihav
eanear
lyf
li
ght
”

Me:
“Okaybabe”

Iwenttoourbedr
oom t
opackmycl
otheswhenuwasdoneIwentt
otheki
tchent
omake
breakf
ast

f
oral
lofus.Nokut
hul
aiseat
ingwi
thusandshei
smor
erel
axednowt
hanshewasnewher
e.

Nokut
hul
a:“
Mor
ningsi
si”shecamei
ntheki
tchen.

Me:
“Mor
ningsi
siunj
ani
?

Nokut
hul
a:“
I'
m good”

Samkel
ocamei
nwi
thJuni
or.

Me:
“Assi
gnment
s?”

Nokut
hul
a:“
I'
m swamped”shemadeacupcof
fee.

Samkel
o:“
Takeadayof
fNokubongaIwi
l
ltakecar
eofJuni
or”
Nokut
hul
a:“
AuMzal
a”

Samkel
o:“
Bef
reebesi
dest
heguy
sar
ecomi
ngsowewi
l
lchi
l
lher
etoday
”

Nokubonga:
“Thanksmzal
a”

Hegavehermoneyt
omakesomeshoppi
nghewasmaki
ngsur
ehedel
aysherbecauset
he
i
nst
all
ati
on

oft
racker
sont
hei
rheadsi
stodayAK-
47wast
oldt
otakeheroutj
ustt
omakesur
eshedon'
t
come

backear
lyt
ofi
ndJuni
orcr
yingnonst
opbecauseshewi
l
lpani
ckandwedon'
tneedt
hat
.

BigFoural
sogott
heget
away
.Thabi
wil
lmeetRachel
int
heai
rpor
tsot
heywi
l
ltaket
hesame
fl
i
ght

f
rom CapeTownt
oJobur
gandZeei
sonJobur
gtheseday
s.

Ibat
hmysonandf
edhi
m andIspentsomet
imewi
thhi
m.Hi
sfat
heri
sact
ingwei
rdt
hisday
andI

won'
tev
enaskhi
m af
terawhi
l
eJuni
orf
ell
asl
eepIwentt
oputhi
m onhi
scotIki
ssedhi
m on
t
he

f
oreheadandwentt
omybedr
oom.

If
oundhi
m onhi
sphone.

Samkel
o:“
Readyt
ogo?
”

Me:
“Inf
ewmi
nut
esI
'
llber
eady
”

Samkel
o:“
Mhm okay
”

WhenIcameoutoft
hecl
osetIwashol
dingmybag.

Me:
“I'
mreadyt
ogobutI
'
llst
arti
nhi
sroom t
oki
sshi
m goodby
e”Iputmybagont
hebed.

If
elthi
sey
esonmeasI
'
m wal
ki
ngoutoft
her
oom.If
oundmyboysl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ulandI
ki
ssed

hi
m ont
hef
orehead.

If
elthi
spr
esence.
..

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
takehi
m becauseNokubongai
snother
e”

Hewokeup.Juni
orl
oveshi
spr
esencesomuchhedoesn’
ttakesomucht
imet
osl
eepwheni
t’
s
hi
s

f
atherbutt
omehet
akeshi
sti
me.

Me:
“Okay
”

Hewentoutthedoor.It
ookmybagsbecausehewasbusypl
ayi
ngwit
hhissonIlockedt
he
dooraf
terme.Wewentt ot
heJeepWrangl
erandhebuckl
edhi
mi nhi
scarseat.WhenIwas
aboutt
ogoof fIki
ssedmyboywhowasawakenowandIpeckedhisl
ips.

Me:
“Il
ovey
ou”Hesmi
l
eswi
tht
hatsmi
l
ethatmakesmyhear
ttomel
t.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
etomyl
ove”hesmi
l
ed.

Me:
“Pl
easedon'
tbur
nmyhouse”Ihuggedhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Hawubabe”hel
aughed.

Iwentof
fandI
’
llmi
sst
hem.

WhenIl
andedIf
oundt
hem wai
ti
ngf
orme?

Nokwe:
“You'
rel
ate”

Me:
“Ai
suka!
”wel
aughed.

Wegotint
hecaranddr
oveof
f.Wewentt
oNokwe'
shouse(
Sakhi
'
shouse)andi
tabeaut
if
ul
house

andi
tsost
yli
sh.

Me:
“Ni
cehousemngani
”

Nokwe:
“Thanksbabe”

Thabi
:“"
IsMrPi
l
other
e?”

Nokwe:
“Wear
eal
onehe'
sinDur
ban”

ZeeandNont
uisr
unni
ngl
ate.Ical
l
edhi
mtocheckuponhi
m andhewasnotr
ightbutwe
ngabet
o

doitwedon'
thav
eachoi
ce.It
hinkt
her
e'smor
ethanwhati
shappeni
ngt
oday
.I'
l
lspentt
hree
day
s

her
esoWednesdayI
'
m goi
ngbackt
oDur
ban.

Nokwe:
“Wi
ne?
”
Me:
“Yespl
ease!
”Iscr
eamed.Theyl
aughed.

Shecamebackwi
thwi
neandgl
asses.

Me:
“Rachel
gir
lloosenupgi
rl
”Shej
ustsmi
l
ed.

Nokwepour
edwi
nef
orusherphonebeeped.
..

Nokwe:
“Nont
uisher
e”shegotupf
rom t
hechai
randwentt
othedoort
oopenf
ort
hem.

Thabi
:“Heygi
rl
!”

Nont
u:“
Yhuui
sitki
cki
ngi
nal
ready
”

Wel
aughed.Usandwi
nesameWhat
sAppgr
oup.Shesatdownnextt
ome.

Me:“
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngNono?
”Isai
dtoNont
u.Mymot
herandgr
andmacal
lherNonowhen
ar
e

t
easi
ngher
.

Nont
u:“
I'
mfeel
i
ngbet
ternowt
hanksf
ort
her
api
st”

Me:
“I'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
”

Zeesentt
extsay
ingshei
sbusyf
ort
hewhol
eday
sshei
sbef
reesowewon'
tdoshoppi
ngf
or
my

weddi
ngsoweneedt
ogetdr
unk!Twobot
tl
esdownal
ready
.Nont
uwasal
sodr
inki
ngwi
thus.

Rachel
:“Whatki
ndoft
hedr
essy
ouwant
?”

Me:
“Mer
mai
ddr
esst
hatcov
erst
hebackofmyback"

Me:
“You'
l
lwearal
ongmaxwi
thcut
esandal
sandpl
easey
ourweav
esneedt
obeonpoi
nt”

Nont
u:“
Asl
ongaswewi
l
llookcut
e”

Nokwe:
“Budget
?”

Me:
“Noneasl
ongasIgetwhatIwant
”Isi
ppedonmygl
asswhi
l
egi
vi
ngt
hem af
unnyey
e.

Them:
“Mhm”

Thabi
:“Mngani
Ineedt
oasky
ousomet
hingbutdon'
tbeof
fended”

Me:
“O-
kay
”

Thabi
:“Don'
tyout
hinkt
hisi
stoomuch”
Me:
“Hewi
l
lgi
vememydr
eam weddi
ng”

Thabi
:“I
'
m nott
alki
ngaboutt
heweddi
ng”Idon'
tl
ikewher
ethi
sisgoi
ng.
..

Me:
“Ifi
t'
snott
heweddi
ngwhati
sthen?
”

Thabi
:“Al
loft
hesebi
ghousesexpensi
vehousesexpensi
vegi
ft
s..
.”

Nokwe"
Itbot
her
smeal
sot
hisi
stoomuch.
..
"-
Nokwe

Me:
“Idon'
tunder
standwhaty
ouar
etr
yingt
osay
”Iact
eddumb.

Thabi
:“It
hinkt
her
e'smor
etoi
tsomet
hingi
l
legal
may
be”

Il
aughedoutl
oud.Thei
rfaceswer
eser
ious.

Me:“
Thosemenwor
khar
dtogi
veuswhatwewantandwhatweneed”Ihat
etol
i
eont
hem but
I
'm

f
orcedt
othem can'
tfi
ndout
.

Nont
u:“
Soi
tdoesn’
tbot
hery
ou?
”

Ineedt
okeepcal
m her
ebecausei
fIl
osemyt
empert
hey
'l
lthi
nkIknowsomet
hing.

Thabi
:“Yazi
Andi
l
eisshadysomet
imesIf
oundhi
mtal
ki
ngwi
tht
hephonei
ntheewehour
s
come

backl
ateori
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
”

Nokwe:
“Mi
nakenj
eSakhi
mostoft
het
imeheal
way
swi
thboy
sdr
inki
ngorwat
chi
ngsoccer
and

comesbacki
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
”

Yer
rrr
rr.

Nont
u:“
TKi
sact
ingst
ranget
heseday
scomi
ngi
nandoutwi
tht
heboy
sdr
inki
ng”

Me:“Samkel
oal
sodot
hatwat
chi
ngsoccerwi
tht
heboy
scomi
ngbacki
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
but

Ican'
tj
ustassumehei
sdoi
ngsomet
hingi
sshady
”

Rachel
:“May
bet
hey
'r
echeat
ing”

Si
l
ence.

It
ri
edt
ohol
dal
augh.Shei
sal
way
sindeni
alherf
atheri
scommi
ssi
onerandagangst
ert
hat
's
whyhe

i
saft
eruswef
oundoutt
hathei
soneofTHETI
GERSourr
ival
gangandweneedt
oteachhi
m
some

l
esson.

Me:
“Youcansayt
hatagai
nbabe”Il
aughed.

Theyl
ookateachot
her
.

Thabi
:“I
'
llki
l
lhi
mifIf
indhi
m cheat
ingagai
n”herf
acechangedi
nami
nut
e.

Nont
u:“
I'
ll
hel
pyout
oki
l
lAndi
l
ethenhel
pmet
oki
l
lTK”

Nokwe:
“I'
l
ltempersomet
hingont
heengi
nesoft
hosepr
ivat
ejetandsenthi
m messagesay
ing
t
hat

we'
l
lmeetonheav
en”shei
swor
kedout
.

RachelandIwer
elaughi
ngt
il
lourt
ear
scameandIwasal
sor
eli
evedt
hatt
heywi
l
lthi
nk
something

el
se.

Me:
“Sobacki
nmyweddi
ngpr
epar
ati
ons”af
terl
aughi
ngsohar
d.

Nokwe:
“Décor
?”

Me:“IwantWi
mbl
edonchai
ront
hegar
denweddi
ngandy
ou'
l
lseei
nther
ecept
ionwhi
chone
wi
ll

beper
fect
”

Thabi
:“Okay
.Col
our
?”

Me:
“Cr
yst
alscl
earwi
thRoy
alBl
uewi
tht
ouchofsi
l
ver
”

Nont
u:“
Mhm y
eahgr
eat
”

Rachel
:“Sui
ts?
”Shei
stal
ki
ngwi
newor
kwonder
s.

Me:“
Ithi
nkofdar
knav
ysui
tsski
nnyt
rouser
s;coat
swi
l
lal
sobeal
i
ttl
eski
nnyandr
eveal
i
ngwi
th
no

shi
rtandsi
l
verchai
nsandbr
ownshoes”

Thabi
:“Mhm canseemymanshowi
ngt
hosemuscl
esi
nrev
eal
i
ngcoat
s”
Nokwewasbi
ti
ngherl
i
psal
soNont
u..
..

Abel
lrang.

Nokwewentt
oat
tendt
hedoor
.Shecamebackwi
thsomel
adyIdon'
tknow.

Her
:“Heygi
rl
s”shesatdown.

Iqui
ckl
ytookmybagj
usti
ncaset
hingsar
eaboutt
ogoof
f.

Her
:“Howar
eyouNompe?
”

Me:
“I'
m good.
..
.”
smi
l
eandf
rownatt
hesamet
ime.

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“DoIknowy
ou?
”

Her
:“I
'
m Nomxol
i
siGwal
aKat
'sf
iancée”

Weal
ll
ookedateachot
her
.

Me:
“Ineedt
omakeaqui
ckl
ycal
l
”Imov
edf
rom t
hem.

Ineedt
ocal
lmyman.

Me:
“Babe”

Samkel
o:“
What
'swr
ong?
”

Me:
“Ther
e'ssomel
adywhoj
ustcamei
nsay
inghei
sKat
'sf
iancée”

Samkel
o:“
Whati
shername?
”

Me:
“Shesay
sshei
sNomxol
i
siGwal
a”

Samkel
o:“
MaGwal
aist
her
e?Ei
TaKaty
ouwon'
tbel
i
evewhatI
'
m hear
ingr
ightnow”

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
facet
imey
ounow”hehungup.Af
terami
nut
ethef
acet
imeme.

Samkel
o:“
Groot
manMaGwal
aist
her
e!”

Kat
:“Gi
vemet
hephone”Samkel
ogav
ehi
mthephone

Kat
:“Pl
easegi
vehert
hephone”

Iwentt
ogi
vehert
hephonet
otal
kwi
thKat
.Wewer
elooki
ngateachot
her
.

Kat
:“UmhMaGwal
a”
Her
:“Yeahi
t'
sme”

Her
:“Ineedt
otal
ktoy
oui
nper
sont
omor
rowi
fit
'spossi
ble”

Kat
:“Okayseey
out
omor
row”Theysai
dgoodby
esandIt
ookmyphoneandhungup.

Me:
“Sor
ryt
odot
hatbutIneededt
oconf
ir
m wi
tht
hem f
ir
st”

Her
:“Ther
e'snoneedt
oapol
ogi
zef
ort
hatIunder
stand”

Nokwewentt
otheki
tchent
ogetagl
assf
orher
.Wedr
ankunt
ilat23:
00af
tert
hatwewentt
o
sl
eep.

I
nthemor
ningIwokeupf
ir
standcal
l
edSamkel
o.

Me:
“Babehowar
eyou?
”

Samkel
o:“
Fineandy
ou?
”

Me:
“I'
m goodhowar
ethey
?”

Samkel
o:“
Theycr
iedy
est
erdaybutPhi
ndi
washer
etomoni
tort
hem It
hinkt
hey
'r
efi
net
oday
”

Me:
“Good.Weneedt
opl
anourweddi
ng”

Samkel
o:“Ev
ery
thi
ngy
ouwantasl
ongasIwearNav
ysui
twi
thnoshi
rti
t’
sokay
.Mhm okay
you'
l
lget

whaty
ouneed”

Me:
“I'
l
lact
ivat
eitonmyl
apt
opaf
tert
alki
ngt
oyou”

Samkel
o:“
Mhm okay
.Il
ovey
ou”

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
oo”Iendedt
hecal
l
.

Iwentt
ogetmyl
apt
opact
ivat
edt
heki
d’st
racker
saf
tert
hatIwentt
omakebr
eakf
astf
ort
hem.
When

Iwasaboutt
ofi
nisht
heycameonebyonei
ntheki
tchen.

Iwaswear
ingmyT-
shi
rtandpant
yandt
heot
her
swer
eont
heT-
shi
rtwi
tht
hei
rpar
ti
est
oo.

Me:“Onmybr
idal
showerIneedy
out
owearVer
saceGr
ecabor
dert
ri
angl
ebr
asandGr
eca
bor
der

t
hongsandcol
ourt
hough”

Nokwe:
“Whosai
dyou'
l
lhav
eone?
”
Me:
“Knowi
ngy
ouIknowi
twi
l
lhappen”Ismi
l
ed.

Nont
u:“
Aiuhl
ulemakot
i”

Thebel
lrang.

Nokwe:
“Whoi
sitear
lyso.GoawayI
'
m hal
fnaked!
”shescr
eamed.

Nont
u:“
Hay
ibo!
”shesawKatwal
ki
ngt
owar
dsourdi
rect
ion.

Hegavet
hem somescar
ylookandt
heykeptqui
et.Nomxowentt
ohi
m andgav
ehi
m awar
m
hug.

Kat
:“I
'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappenedagai
n”

Nomxo:
“It
'sokay
”theywer
elooki
ngateachot
her
’sey
e.

Nont
ugav
emear
obet
owearsi
ncehei
sher
e.Theyst
oodi
nthatposi
ti
onqui
tesomemi
nut
es
l
ooki
ng

ateachot
her
.

Nomxo:
“You'
rehur
tmei
nindescr
ibabl
ewaybutIcan'
tl
iv
ewi
thouty
ou”

Hewi
pedhert
ear
swi
thhert
humbs.Samkel
ooncet
oldmeaboutKat
'sf
iancéebuthedi
dn'
ttel
l
me

t
her
easonofcal
l
ingof
fthei
rengagement
.

Kat
:“I
'
m sor
rymyl
ove”hehuggedheragai
n.

Theyshar
edal
ongpassi
onat
eki
ss.
..What
evermadet
hem t
obr
eakupi
sbi
g.

Rachel
:“Bol
dandabeaut
if
ul”

Ij
ustwant
edt
odi
ether
eandt
hen.Katj
ustl
aughedsoasNomxol
i
si.

Kat
'sphoner
angandhewentt
otakei
taf
tersomet
imehecameback.

Nomxo:
“Ev
ennow?
”Hel
aughed.I
'
venev
ersawt
hatsmi
l
eonhi
m.

Kat
:“Ineedt
ofi
xsomef
ewt
hingsMaGwal
aI'
l
ltakey
ououtf
orl
unchIpr
omi
se”

Theykissedagai
nandshepul
l
edoutt
heybust
edouti
nlaughaf
tert
hatIt
hinkt
heywer
e
l
aughingat

usf
orl
ooki
ngatt
hem.Hewentoutaf
tert
hatshewal
kedhi
m outandcameback.
..

Nokwe:
“It
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
ogi
vei
ttohi
mint
hecar
”
Me:
“NokweHay
iwehl
ulemngani
nam”

Wewentt
othedi
ningr
oom t
oeatbr
eakf
ast
.Wewentt
otakef
ixour
sel
vesf
orgoi
ngout
.We
came

putl
ooki
ngbeaut
if
ulanduset
wocar
sfort
rav
ell
i
ng.

WefoundZeewai
ti
ngf
orusi
nthebout
iqueshet
oldusabout
.Iwantamer
mai
ddr
esswi
thl
ong
l
acy

sl
eev
esbutIwanti
ttocov
ermybackt
ohi
demyt
att
oo.

Wegoti
tandcheckedonf
ewcl
othesmaki
ngj
okesandi
twasf
unny
.AsIwaschecki
ngoutso
many

dressesbutIst
oppedwhenIsawamer
mai
ddr
esswi
thl
ongl
acysl
eev
esi
twi
l
lshowofmy
curves

andass.

Me:
“Thi
sist
heone”Il
ookedati
tsocl
osel
y.

Theywentt
osi
tdownandIwentwi
thZeet
ohel
pmet
oputi
tonandav
eil
.WhenIcameout
and

t
heywer
elooki
ngatmel
i
ket
heynev
ersawmewear
ingany
thi
ng.

Nont
u:“
You'
resobeaut
if
ul”shewasont
ear
s.

Theywer
eal
lemot
ional
.

Chapt
er28

Me:
“Hay
ibet
hunanaakuf
angamunt
u!”

Theyl
aughedwi
tht
hei
rtear
s.

Aft
erthatwewentoutf
orl
unchbutNomxowasn'
twi
thusf
orl
unch.Af
tereat
ingl
unchKat
cal
ledme

becausehemustgot
oDur
bant
her
e'sboar
dmeet
ingatMbul
azi
att
orney
shei
sa“
shar
ehol
der
”
we

usei
tasacov
er.

Shemetusont
heot
hersi
deoft
hemal
l
.
Me:“Ineedt
obuyasexyl
i
ttl
enumber
”whenIsawTempt
ati
onsst
ore.Theyal
ll
aughedand
f
oll
owed

met
ogoi
nsi
de.

Me:
“Nomxoy
ouneedt
obuyonet
hatmanneedsaspeci
alr
omant
icni
ghtt
oloosenup”

Theyl
aughedout
.Kati
shar
dnutt
ocr
ackbutIhopeshewi
l
lsof
tenhi
m up.Womandowonder
s
toa

man.Shepi
ckedabl
ackl
i
nger
iet
hatcov
ersbr
eastv
elv
etandassi
thasst
rapst
hathasl
i
ttl
e
bowt
ies

comi
ngf
rom behi
nd.

Nomxo:
“Il
ovet
his”

Al
lofuschoseoneandwewentof
ftoNokwe'
s.

Thabi
:“Zeey
ouboughtal
i
ttl
ewhoy
ou'
l
lweari
tfor
?”

Zee:
“Yhuuy
ou'
l
lnev
erknow”shesi
ppedonherj
uice.

Me:
“Tal
k!”Shesi
ppedagai
n.

Us:
“Speak!
!”

Zee:
“Okay
!Ihav
eaman!
”sher
oll
edherey
esr
omant
ical
l
y

Us:
“Mhhm”

Nont
u:“
You'
reev
engl
owi
ng”

Me:
“Shei
shav
ingt
oomuchofsex”Isi
ppedonmywi
ne.

Nokwe:
“Whoi
she?
”

Shekeptqui
et.

Nokwe:
“Thabi
goandt
akekni
fef
ormebecauseshedoesn’
twantt
ospeakup”

Zee:
“Okay
!It
'sSpi
kes”shesmi
l
ed.

Weal
lscr
eamed.Rachel
andNomxoknowSpi
kes.

Nont
u:“
Howi
shei
nbed?
”

Zee:
“Mhm hei
ssoooper
fect
!”

Us:
“Mhm”
Nomxol
i
si'
sphoner
angandshemov
edf
rom uswedi
dn'
thearofwhatshewassay
ingandshe
came

backsmi
l
ing.

Me:
“Smi
l
ing?
”

Nomxo:
“I'
m goi
ngt
oDur
bant
hisaf
ter
noon”

Me:
“Someonewi
l
lgetsomet
oni
ght
!”Ishout
ed.

Thabi
smackedmyhead.

Me:
“Ouch!
”

Me:
“Pl
easebookt
het
icketf
ormet
ooIwon'
tsl
eepher
eIneedt
otr
ythatl
i
nger
ief
ormyman

t
oni
ght
!”

Nomxo:
“Okay
”

Nont
u:“
SinceTKi
sinDur
bant
oosoI
'
m goi
ngt
oo”

Thabi
:“Met
oo”

Rachel
:“Justcountal
lofus”

Me:
“IsLwandi
l
eback?
”

Rachel
:“He'
l
lbebackt
hisev
eni
ng”

We'
real
lcr
azyher
ewegoi
ngt
oDur
banj
ustt
oshowourmenourl
i
nger
ie.Idon'
tbel
i
evei
t!

Me:“
Zeewhyar
eyoudr
inki
ngj
uice?
”Shei
smypar
tneri
nwi
nebutt
odayshei
snotdr
inki
ng
t
oday.

Zee:
“Il
i
kei
t”

Thabi
:“Si
ncewhen?
”

Nont
u:“
That
'snew”

Shekeptqui
et.

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Babyshower
!”Ij
umpedf
rom t
hecouch.

Nokwe:
“You'
repr
egnant
?”Shej
ustgav
easmi
l
ethatconf
ir
msoursuspect
ions.
Me:
“Ncooahcongr
atsCousi
n”

Theyal
lsai
dandwehuggedhi
m.Ourf
li
ghtwason15:
30pm.Whenwegott
hei
rZeecal
l
edAK-
47to

comeandf
etchusandhet
oldust
hei
ral
latmyhouse.

Whenwegothomemyhousewasdi
rt
yandwef
oundt
hem wat
chi
ngasoccermat
ch.

Me:
“Hay
i!Hay
i!
”Ishout
ed.

Tvwasl
oud.

Wewentt
othel
ounge.

Them:
“Hay
ibo!
”

Me:
“Yeahsur
pri
se!
”

Iwenttoputmybagsi
nthebedr
oom putonmysl
eeper
sandIwentt
ocl
eanmyhouse.I
under
stand

t
hatNokubongacl
eanedt
hehousei
nthemor
ningandt
heymademess.

Aft
eranhourIwasdoneIpr
epar
ethedi
nneraOne-
panSal
monwi
thpot
atoesandaspar
agus.
The

l
adi
eshel
pedmet
opr
epar
ethedi
nner
.

Kat
:“Haay
oual
lback?
”whenheseesusi
ntheki
tchen.

Wel aughedandheki
ssedhi
sfi
ancéeandwentt
otheguy
s.Af
teranhourt
heguy
scamet
othe
ki
tchen.

Samkel
o:“
Myl
oveIt
houghty
ou'
l
lcomebackt
omor
row”af
terpecki
ngmyl
i
ps.

Me:
“Imi
ssy
ouandmyboy
”

AK:
“Yey
iiwena!
”hesai
dtoAK-
47whowast
alki
ngt
oNokubonga.

Weal
ll
aughed.

Katwasannoy
edatf
ir
stwhenhef
oundoutt
hatt
hey
'r
edat
ingandIwasshockedwhenshet
old
me

thatshewast
alki
ngaboutAK-
47al
lal
ongbutt
heyl
oveeachot
hery
oucanseei
tint
hei
rey
es.
They

metatUni
saAKi
sst
udy
ingf
orexpl
osi
veorsomet
hingl
i
ket
hatwhi
l
eNokubongai
sdoi
ng
t
eachi
ng.

Me:
“Di
nneri
sready
!”Theyal
lcamet
othedi
ningt
abl
ewher
eev
ery
thi
ngwassetandweat
e.

Spi
kes:
“Thanksf
ort
hedi
nnerNompe”

Me:
“Mypl
easur
e”

Thewentbackt
othel
oungeanddr
ankf
ewbeer
sandt
heyl
eftaf
tert
hat
.Ladi
eshel
pedmewi
th
the

di
shessoIwentt
ocheckuponmysonwhowasf
astasl
eept
henwentt
otakeashower
.

Iwentt
othecl
osetandwor
emynewsexynumberupi
tal
acyr
obef
oundhi
m si
tt
ingont
he
edgeof

t
hebedhewasl
ooki
ngonhi
sfeethewasdeepi
nthought
s.

Iwal
ksl
owl
ytowar
dshi
m.

Me:
“Ar
eyouokay
?”It
ouchedhi
shead.

Samkel
o:“
YeahI
'
m cool
”hel
i
ftedhi
sheadup.

Me:
“Wantt
otal
kabouti
t?”

Isatonhi
slap.Iki
ssedhi
m sopassi
onat
elyhebr
oket
heki
ss.

Samkel
o:“
Nott
odaybabe”hemov
eduncomf
ort
abl
esoIgotupf
rom hi
slap.

Me:
“Mhm O-
kay
”I'
m conf
used.

Si
ncewhenhesay
snot
osex?Thi
sisnew!

I’
m sopi
ssedr
ightnowj
ustt
othi
nkIcamebackf
rom Jobur
gtobedeni
edsex.Iwentt
othe
cl
oset

t
ooki
tof
fthenIwentt
obed.

Hewasnoti
nthebedwhenIcameoutoft
hecl
oset
.Igoti
nthebedIt
ri
edt
osl
eepbutIdi
dn'
t
f
ell

asl
eep.At03:
00am hecamet
othebedIt
hinkhewasi
nthest
udyassumi
nghe'
swear
ing
pyj
amasand

Idi
dn'
thearhi
scardr
ivi
ngaway
.

At03:
25myphonebeeped.It
ooki
t.
..
I
t'
sthenot
if
icat
ionsomeonecl
onedMaRazor
'saccesscar
dtot
hewar
ehouseher
einDur
ban.I
woke

upt
ookmyr
obeandwentt
ohi
sst
udyt
osor
tthi
sthi
ngout
.

Imanagedt
ofi
ndt
hel
ocat
iont
oldMaRazort
ofi
ndt
hatper
sonaf
tert
hatIwentt
othebedr
oom
to

sl
eep.IwokeupwhenIhear
dhi
mtal
ki
ngt
othephone.

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ning”

Me:
“Mor
ning"

Iwenttotakeashowerhemadet
hebedsoIwentt
otheki
tchent
omakebr
eakf
ast
.Imade
but
ternut

f
orJuni
orhehat
esi
tbuthemusteati
t.

Hecamewear
ingj
eanwi
thwhi
teT-
shi
rtshowi
nghi
smuscl
esandbl
ackJor
dansneaker
s.

Samkel
o:“
Ntwanay
am!
”

Juni
orl
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
CanIf
eedhi
m?”

Me:
“Yespl
ease”IpassedJuni
or'
sli
tt
lepl
ast
icbowl
tohi
m.

Hewaspl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
m whi
l
ehewasf
eedi
nghi
m.

Me:
“Juj
u”hewaspl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
m.

Hewasn'
tcr
yingwhenhef
edhi
m but
ter
nutbutt
omehecr
iesspi
titoutbutt
ohi
sfat
herhei
s

l
aughi
ngandhef
ini
shedi
t.

Nokubonga:
“Mzal
ayoushoul
dal
way
sfeedi
ttohi
m hei
sni
cet
oyou”

Hel
aughed

Sheisonl
ythenannyt
hecl
eani
ngandl
aundr
yisdonet
hreet
imesaweekbyanol
dladybutI
thi
nk

ofhi
ri
ngherf
ull
timeaf
tert
heweddi
ng.

Af
terf
eedi
ngJuj
u(Juni
or)heat
ehi
sbr
eakf
astandJuj
uandIwentt
othel
ounget
owat
cht
v.

Samkel
o:“
Anypl
ansf
ort
oday
?”
Me:
“I'
m meet
ingl
adi
est
hisaf
ter
noon”

Iwasn'
tpay
ingat
tent
iont
ohi
m Iwaspl
ayi
ngwi
thJuj
uwhoi
sst
art
ingt
obehandf
ulnowsi
nce
heis

cr
awl
i
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Mhm okayI
'
m goi
ngoutI
'
llbebacksoon”

Me:
“Mhm okay
”Iwasn'
tev
enl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Helef
tandi
twasmot
herandsonday
.Ineedt
odosomet
hingwhenhei
sOneorTwobutIcan'
t
be

ahousewi
fe.

Idon'
tknowwhenIf
ell
asl
eepwhenIwokeupmysonwasnoti
nther
oom Iqui
ckl
ygotupt
ogo
to

f
indhi
m..
.

Samkel
o:“
Ntwanay
am”

Ial
mostwentcr
azyIf
oundt
hem i
ntheki
tchenJuj
uwaseat
ingandl
aughi
ng.Hef
eedshi
m
whi
lehe

i
splayi
ngwi
thhi
m maki
ngsoundsofat
rai
norcarormot
orbi
keandJuj
uli
kest
hathel
aughs
nonst
op.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
ryt
otakehi
m whi
l
eyou'
rewer
easl
eepandhewaswi
deawake”

Me:
“Thanksf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofhi
m whi
l
eIwasasl
eep”

Iwentt
otheki
tchent
otakehi
m andchangehi
sdi
aperandi
twashi
snapt
imesoIwentt
oput
hi
m

i
nhi
scotaf
ter20mi
nut
eshewasasl
eept
henIwentt
opr
epar
emy
sel
ffort
hemeet
ingwi
th
l
adi
es

bef
oret
heygo.

Hewasi
ntheki
tchenpour
ingj
uiceandhewasdr
ool
i
ng.
..
.

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Samkel
o:“
You'
rehot
..
..
”

Me:
“ThanksI
'
m goi
ngnowI
'
llbebacksoon”
Iwasweari
ngaski
nnyj
eanwi
thbl
ackandwhi
tedeepv
-shi
rtandbl
ackheel
swi
thmyr
ed
channel

bag.Theshi
rtwast
oor
eveal
i
ng.
..

Samkel
o:“
AiI
'
llgowi
thy
oubabe”

Me:
“Not
hanksI
'
llgoal
onei
tsgi
rlonl
y”

Hecamet
oki
ssmyf
oreheadandIwentof
f.

Nokwe:
“Hotbabymama”Il
aughedandsatdown.

Me:
“Thanksmngani
you'
rehott
oo”

Igr
eet
edt
heot
her
s.They
'r
eal
lher
easwewer
einJobur
g.

Thabi
:“Howwasy
ourni
ght
?”t
oNomxo.

Nomxo:
“Bey
ondper
fect
”

Ineedt
ohearherst
orybutIwon'
tpushi
tev
ent
oSamkel
o.

Weorderedourwi
nef
ir
stt
henf
oodZeewast
heonl
yonet
ohav
ejui
ce.Nont
uwasor
der
ed
Chi
cken

withmashandmushr
oom saucebuti
twasmaki
ngheruncomf
ort
abl
ejudgi
ngbyt
he
expressi
onson

herf
ace.

Thabi
:“What
'swr
ongbabe?
”toNont
u.

Nont
u:“
Itsmel
l
ssohor
ri
ble.
..
.”shegotupqui
ckl
ytot
hel
adi
es.

Wel
ookedateachot
heronZeegotupqui
ckl
ytot
hel
adi
es.

Si
l
ence.

Rachel
:“Doy
out
hinkofwhatI
'
mthi
nki
ng?
”

Nokwecl
apherhandsandt
ookt
ohergl
assofwi
ne.Theycamebackt
oget
hersatdown.

Thabi
:“Nont
udoy
ouwantt
otel
lussomet
hing?
”

Me:
“Yesspeak!Yourf
oodi
sdel
i
ciousandf
reshsowhati
sit
?”t
oNont
u

Nont
u:“
Idon'
tknowwhati
sgoi
ngonI
'
m notf
eel
i
ngwel
ltheseday
s”

Rachel
:“Pr
egnancyt
estsweet
hear
t"
”
Nontuwasqui
teaf
tert
hatIt
hinkshei
sthi
nki
ngaboutherbabybutherbei
ngpr
egnantnowi
t
wi
lldo

goodt
oher
.

Weateanddr
ankourwi
net
het
wowasonj
uiceaf
tert
hatwehuggedandwentof
f.WhenIgot
home

If
oundSamkel
oandJuj
usl
eepi
ngi
nourbedr
oom It
ookat
hrowandputi
tov
erIt
ookapi
ctur
e
of

t
hem sl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ulIl
ovet
hem somuch.

Iwentt
opr
epar
edi
nnerf
oruswhenIwasaboutt
ofi
nishcooki
nghecamet
otheki
tchen.

Me:
“Heybabe”

Hewasy
awni
ng.

Me:
“Foodwi
l
lber
eadyi
nfew”

Hewenttoourbedr
oom whenwehear
dhi
scr
y.Hecamebackwi
thhi
m.It
ookhi
mfr
om hi
s
f
atherI

t
ickl
edhi
m hewasl
aughi
ngshowi
nghi
stoot
hlesssmi
l
e.

Ical
l
edNokubongat
ocomeandeataf
terdi
nnerSamkel
ohel
pedmewi
tht
hedi
shesIneeded.

Samkel
o:“
Ineedt
oapol
ogi
sebabe.Iwasunderpr
essur
efr
om wor
kandt
hist
hingkaJuj
u”

Me:
“OkayIunder
stand”

Samkel
o:“
Soy
ouf
orgi
veme?
”hesmi
l
ed.

Me:
“I'
l
lpayf
ory
ouri
t”

Samkel
o:“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”

Me:
“Iwantt
orenov
atet
hishouset
oadoubl
est
oreyaf
tert
heweddi
ng”

Samkel
o:“
Soy
oumi
ssi
oni
stof
ini
shmymoneymadam?
”

Me:
“Wi
thpl
easur
eSi
r”

Webot
hwentt
oJuj
u'
sbedr
oom t
oki
sshi
m goodni
ghtt
henwentt
oourbedr
oom.Iwentt
otake
a

showerwhenIcamef
rom t
hecl
oset
..
.
Me:
“Ni
cet
att
oo”

Hehasnewt
att
ooonhi
schestwr
it
ten“
Samkel
oJuni
or”I
'
mjeal
ousf
ornothav
ingi
tbutI
'
llget
one

soon.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksbabe”

Iwentt
obedhet
ri
edt
otouchmeIwasn'
ti
nthemoodf
orsexsoIt
urnedmybackonhi
m andI

sl
ept
.

WhenIwokeupi
nthemor
ningIwast
ir
edJuj
uisnotwel
lIt
hinkhei
scomi
ngdownwi
thf
lueI
woke

upt
wicehewascr
ying.

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningbabe”

Me:
“Mor
ninghoney
”

Samkel
o:“
Hei
snotf
eel
i
ngwel
lhi
stemper
atur
eisl
i
ttl
ebi
thi
gh”

Me:
“I'
l
ltakehi
mtot
hedoct
ornow”

Samkel
o:“
Okaybabe.Mom andThandoar
ecomi
ngt
odayf
orweddi
ngpr
epar
ati
ons”Ihat
eto
deal

wi
tht
hoset
wo.

Me:
“Mhm okay
.Tal
ki
ngaboutweddi
ngpr
epar
ati
onshav
eyoudeci
dedaboutt
hesui
tandshoes
f
or

y
ourgr
oomsmen?
”

Me:
“They
'l
lwearnav
yski
nnysui
tsnoshi
rtandbr
ownshoesl
i
keme”

Il
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sit
?”

Me:“That
'swhatIsai
dtot
hel
adi
eswhent
heywer
easki
ngabouty
oursui
tsbutIwasn'
tsur
e
about

t
hecol
ourIj
ustsai
dwhatcamef
ir
sti
nmymi
nd”

Hel
ookedatme.
Samkel
o:“
Real
l
y?”

Me:“Yeah.Iknowy
oul
ovenav
ysui
tsandIal
soknewy
ou'
l
lwantt
omi
xfor
mal
and
gangst
eri
sm”

Hej
ustst
oodandl
ookatme.
..
Wecr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Youknowmet
oowel
lbabe”

Iwentoutoft
hebedr
oom af
tert
aki
ngabat
hmademywayt
otheki
tchent
omakebr
eakf
ast
.I
made

BaconandBananaFr
encht
oastf
ort
hem andImadeeggsf
ormeandcer
eal
formyJuj
u.He
cr
iedwhen

If
edhi
m Igav
ehi
m hi
sbot
tl
e.Iwentt
ocl
eanhi
m upandwewentt
othedoct
or.

Phi
ndi
:“Howi
she?
”

Phi
ndi
isadoct
orandgangst
er.

Me:“It
hinkhei
scomi
ngdownwi
thf
lue”Shecheckedhi
m outshegav
ehi
m medi
cat
ionf
ort
he
f
lue.

Phi
ndi
:“I
siton?
”

Me:
“Yeahi
tonandhei
sgoodi
tdi
dn'
tcauseanypr
obl
em f
orhi
m”

Phi
ndi
:“I
t'
sgoodt
oheart
hat
.TaSKwassost
resst
hatdayhedr
ank2bot
tl
eofwhi
skey
"-she
say
s

smi
l
ing.

Me:
“Hei
sst
il
lsul
ki
ngev
ennow”

Phi
ndi
:“That
'swasagr
eati
deanextweeki
t’
smygi
rl
s”

Me:
“Gr
eati
deanoonehast
obest
ressedi
ncasesomet
hinghappens”

WehuggedandIwentof
f.Ical
l
edSamkel
otot
ell
himt
hatI
'
m goi
ngt
ocheckuponLut
hando
my

cousi
nint
ownandIneedt
ocheckmyf
lat
.

WhenJuj
uandIgott
her
eIf
oundherbusyl
ooki
ngasi
fshei
sgoi
ngy
oumeetsomeone
i
mport
ant
.

Me:
“Dat
e?”
Lut
hando:
“Yeah”

Shet
ookJuj
utot
ickl
ehi
m.Shegav
emeJuj
uandpour
edanor
angej
uicef
orme.

Aknocki
nthedoor
.Shewentt
oat
tendi
t.

Lut
hando:
“Heyf
ri
end”I
tsAnel
eIr
oll
edmyey
es.

Anel
e:“
Heygi
rl
!”Sheannoy
smesomet
imes.

Me:
“Heygi
rl
”Igr
eet
edback.

Shet
ookJuj
uhe'
ssoador
abl
eev
ery
onewant
stohol
dhi
m andhe'
sal
way
slaughi
ng.

Aknockagai
n.Lut
handowentt
oat
tendt
hedoor
.Ay
oungmanent
eredhel
ooksl
i
kehei
sear
ly
20'
s.

Hegr
eet
edwegr
eet
edbackLut
handowassmi
l
ingnonst
op.

It
hinki
t'
sherdat
e.Ther
oom wentqui
et.

Ineedt
obr
eakt
hei
ceher
e..
.

Me:
“I'
m Nompendul
oMazi
bukoLut
hando'
scousi
n”

Hi
m:“
I'
m Kut
lanoMai
te”hesmi
l
ed.

What
?I’
m bei
ngt
est
edr
ightnow!Di
dhej
ustMai
te?

Mymi
ndi
srunni
ngl
i
keacomput
erwhor
eadscodes.

Hi
m:“
Nicet
omeety
ou”

Il
ookedathi
m Iseet
hel
i
ttl
eresembl
anceofhi
sbr
otherev
ent
houghhedi
dn'
ttel
lmeso.

Me:
“Ni
cet
omeety
out
oo”

Af
tert
hatIgotupIf
oundherbusyl
ooki
ngasi
fshei
sgoi
ngy
oumeetsomeonei
mpor
tant
.

Me:
“Dat
e?”

Lut
hando:
“Yeah”

Shet
ookJuj
utot
ickl
ehi
m.Shegav
emeJuj
uandpour
edanor
angej
uicef
orme.

Aknocki
nthedoor
.Shewentt
oat
tendi
t.

Lut
hando:
“Heyf
ri
end”I
tsAnel
eIr
oll
edmyey
es.

Anel
e:“
Heygi
rl
!”Sheannoy
smesomet
imes.
Me:
“Heygi
rl
”Igr
eet
edback.

Shet
ookJuj
uhe'
ssoador
abl
eev
ery
onewant
stohol
dhi
m andhe'
sal
way
slaughi
ng.

Aknockagai
n.Lut
handowentt
oat
tendt
hedoor
.Ay
oungmanent
eredhel
ooksl
i
kehei
sear
ly
20'
s.

Hegr
eet
edwegr
eet
edbackLut
handowassmi
l
ingnonst
op.

It
hinki
t'
sherdat
e.Ther
oom wentqui
et.

Ineedt
obr
eakt
hei
ceher
e..
.

Me:
“I'
m Nompendul
oMazi
bukoLut
hando'
scousi
n”

Hi
m:“
I'
m Kut
lanoMai
te”hesmi
l
ed.

What
?I’
m bei
ngt
est
edr
ightnow!Di
dhej
ustMai
te?

Mymi
ndi
srunni
ngl
i
keacomput
erwhor
eadscodes.

Hi
m:“
Nicet
omeety
ou”

Il
ookedathi
m Iseet
hel
i
ttl
eresembl
anceofhi
sbr
otherev
ent
houghhedi
dn'
ttel
lmeso.

Me:
“Ni
cet
omeety
out
oo”

Af
tert
hatIgotupt
ookmybabyandsai
dmygoodby
est
othem t
henIwentof
ftomyhouse.On
my

wayIcal
l
edSpi
kes.
..

Spi
kes:
“Hei
ta”

Me:
“Hei
ta.Ineedy
out
ocheckKut
lanoMai
tef
orme”

Spi
kes:
“OkayI
'
m oni
t”heendedt
hecal
l
.

Spikeswasanunder
cov
erPol
i
cebuther
esi
gnedaf
terj
oini
ngTHEEAGLESsohe'
stheonewho
fi
nds

peopl
eandal
lthoset
hingswor
kingwi
thMaRazorwhoaPr
ivat
eInv
est
igat
ori
swhoi
sa
memberin

t
heGang.

WhenIgohomei
tIsawMaNdl
ovu'
scarout
sideIhat
eher
.WhenIwenti
nsi
det
hehouset
her
e's
ni
ce
ar
omacomi
ngf
rom t
heki
tchen.

Me:
“SawubonaMah”

Shewasi
nmyki
tchen.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Hi
”shel
ookedatmeasi
fI'
m smel
l
ingsomet
hinghor
ri
ble.

Iwentt
oputJuj
uont
hesof
aint
hel
oungeIf
oundThandoandNokubongawat
chi
ngt
v.

Thando:
“Ncooahmycut
estnephewonear
th!
”

Shet
ookhi
m myar
ms.Igr
eet
edt
henwentt
otheki
tchent
opourmy
sel
faj
uice.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Ist
hist
hewayy
oudr
ess?
”

Iwaswear
ingaRedbatshor
tdeni
m ski
rtwi
thabl
ackT-
shi
rtandal
l
-st
ar.

Me:
“Yesmah”I
'
m notev
enl
ooki
ngather
.

MaNdl
ovu:
“You'
resomeone'
swi
fesoy
oucan'
twearl
i
ket
his”

Me:
“Samkel
odon'
tmi
ndt
hewayIdr
ess”Iwentbackt
othel
ounge.

Shei
sir
ri
tat
ingmer
ightnowIhopeshewon'
tsl
eepher
eshe'
l
lsl
eepi
nUmhl
anga.Shecamet
o
si
t

wi
thusi
nthel
ounge.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Whatt
imet
odocookf
ormyson?
”

Bef
oreIanswer
.

Nokubonga:
“Mamkhul
u”Hermot
herandMaNdl
ovuar
esi
ster
s.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Iwasn'
ttal
ki
ngt
oyou.Juni
ori
sthi
nwhatar
eyouf
eedi
nghi
m?”

Iwon'
tanswert
hosest
upi
dquest
ions.

Thando:
“Wear
eher
efort
heweddi
ngpr
epar
ati
ons”wi
that
ti
tude.Shei
sbackati
t.

Me:
“Whatabouti
t?”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Ar
eyounotget
ti
ngmar
ri
edi
nthenextt
womont
hs?
”

Me:
“Iam”

MaNdl
ovu:
“It
hinkbal
l
room dr
esswi
l
lsui
tyou”

Thando:
“Li
l
acandWhi
tef
ort
hedécorwi
l
lbef
ine”
NokubongaandIwer
equi
etl
ooki
ngatt
hem.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Thev
enuewi
l
lbeatEscour
ttownhal
landi
tsbeaut
if
ul”

Thando:
“I'
l
lal
sodeal
wit
htr
adi
ti
onal
weddi
ngpr
epar
ati
ons”They
'r
eget
ti
ngi
nmyner
vesnow.

Me:
“Ev
ery
thi
ngi
ssor
tedsodon'
twor
ry”

MaNdl
ovuandThandol
ookedateachot
her
.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Yourweddi
ngwi
l
lbebymesot
ell
them t
ocancel
ever
ythi
ng”

Thando:
“Mom i
sri
ghtwe'
l
ltakeov
er”

Me:“
Fir
stofal
lthi
sisMyweddi
ngmyf
ri
endsar
etaki
ngcar
eofev
ery
thi
ngwhenIsay
ev
ery
thi
ngI

meanMyweddi
nggownhi
ssui
tbr
idesmai
dsdr
essesandgr
oomsmensui
tcakev
enuedécor
and

t
ranspor
t”Isi
ppedonmyj
uice.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Whyy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmeabouti
t?”

Me:
“Sor
rybutasIsai
dthi
sismyweddi
ngsoev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lgoaccor
dingofwhatIwant
”

Myweddinggownwentf
oral
ter
ati
onsIwantl
acyr
osest
ocov
ermybackbecausei
thasl
acy
t
hatwi
ll

showofmybackandIdon'
twanti
t.Whenwewentt
her
etochoosei
tmymot
herandgr
andma
wasn'
t

pr
esentbutwesky
pedt
hem t
hatdayandt
heysai
diti
sbeaut
if
ul.

Thando:
“Soy
oudon'
tneedourhel
p?”

Me:
“Idon’
tandIwon'
tneedi
t”

Samkel
oandIpai
dthev
enueaf
teruMkhehl
obecausewewant
edourweddi
ngt
obeher
ein
Zi
mbali

andwebookedt
hewhol
eFai
rmountZi
mbal
iResor
tsoourr
ecept
ionwi
l
ltakepl
acei
noneoft
he

r
est
aur
ant
s.

It
oldmypar
ent
saboutourpl
ansf
ort
heweddi
ngi
fhi
sfami
l
ydon'
tknowany
thi
ngi
t'
snotmy
pl
ace

t
otel
lthem.Samkel
oandIar
ethel
ast
-mi
nut
ety
papeopl
ebutt
heweddi
ngst
ressi
sget
ti
ngt
o
me

butIknowt
hatmyt
eam wi
l
ldoev
ery
thi
ngIwant
ednott
hiswi
tch.

Me:
“It
houghtSamkel
otol
dyouaboutev
ery
thi
ng”

Mandl
ovu:
“Samkel
otal
kst
ohi
sfat
hermostoft
het
ime”I
t’
sbecauseshet
alkst
oomuch
i
ncl
udi
nghis

Aunt
s.

I
nvit
ati
onsar
ereadynextweekendI
'
m goi
nghomet
ogi
vet
hem andt
her
estoft
hef
ami
l
y.Our
r
ings

andwat
chsweboughtt
hem onl
i
net
hey
'l
lbeher
eSat
urday
.Mybr
idesmai
dswhoar
eNont
u
Nokwe

ZeeNomxol
i
siandNami
sawhoi
sSpi
der
'sf
iancée.I
'
mfor
cedt
otakeherbecausehermani
s
the

best
man.Spi
derandS.
Kar
esocl
osei
fyouwantSamkel
o'
ssecr
etsgot
oSpi
der
.

Ihear
dadooropeni
ngi
tsSamkel
o.

Samkel
o:“
Heyl
adi
es”

Theygreet
edhi
m backandIwassoannoy
ed.It
ookJuj
utobat
hhi
m si
nceI
'
m notcooki
ngaf
ter
bathi
ng

hi
m If
edhi
m af
tersomemi
nut
eshewasasl
eepi
nmyar
mswentt
oputhi
mtohi
scot
.Mot
her
i
n-l
aw

andherdaught
erwentt
oki
ssJuj
uonhi
scott
henwentof
f.I
'
m happyt
heyl
eftt
hey
'r
esucha
pai
n.

Iwentt
obedr
oom t
ookabat
hhewasnoti
nthebedr
oom.Il
ookedf
orhi
mtoJuj
u'
sroom he
wasn'
t

t
her
eIf
oundhi
minhi
sst
udy
.

Samkel
o:“
You'
l
lnotdot
hat
”he'
sov
ert
hephone.He'
sspeaki
ngsosof
tl
y.

Samkel
o:“
Idar
eyou”

Whoi
shet
alki
ngt
oo?

Samkel
o:“
We'
l
lmeetupt
otal
kaboutt
hisanddon'
tcal
lmeI
'
llcal
lyou”hehungup.

Iqui
ckl
ytookof
fmysl
i
pper
sandr
ant
othebedr
oom t
ipt
oe.Af
terf
ewmi
nut
eshecameback
he

f
oundmesi
tt
ingont
hebed.

Me:
“Yourmot
heri
sgi
vi
nghar
dti
mes”

Samkel
o:“
Shewant
stodi
ctat
eev
ery
thi
ng?
”

Me:
“Yeahshesay
sshewant
stopl
anmyweddi
ng”

Samkel
o:“
Don'
tl
etherbul
l
yyoubabe"

Hewenttot
akeashowerIt
ookhi
sphoneIwant
edt
oseeonhi
sdi
all
oghechangedhi
s
passwor
dI

puti
tdown.Whati
shehi
dingmay
behe'
sbackonhi
smi
schi
evousway
sormay
behei
s
pl
anni
ng

somethi
ngspeci
alf
orus?WhenhecamebackIwaspr
etendi
ngasi
fI'
m asl
eepandhedi
dn'
t
touch

meatal
l
.

I
nthemor
ninghewasn'
ti
nbedImadebedt
ookashowert
henwentt
otheki
tchen.If
oundJuj
u
i
n

t
hel
oungepl
ayi
ngandmaki
ngnoi
se.Iwentt
ohi
m.

Me:
“Heymyboy
”Ipi
ckedhi
m up.

Heissti
l
lachubbybabyhei
seat
ingsomuch.Hest
art
edt
oeatbef
oret
imebecausehewas
cr
ying

whenIgav
ehi
m hi
sbot
tl
eorbr
east
fedIgav
ehi
m pur
it
yandhewasn'
tcr
yingaf
terf
eedi
nghi
m
t
o

eat
.He'
s8mont
hsol
dheusl
eani
ngwi
thev
ery
thi
ngt
ryi
ngt
ost
andhei
sreal
l
yhandf
ulnow.

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ning”hei
sbehi
ndme.

Me:
“Hey
.Howar
eyou?
”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m good”

Iwentt
otheki
tchent
omakebr
eakf
ast
.It
ookJuj
u'
sbot
tl
eandf
edhi
m whenhe'
s1y
earol
dI'
l
l
st
op

br
east
feedi
ngIneedt
odosomet
hingandhemustgot
ocr
èchesi
ncei
tsFr
idayIneedt
oget
dr
unk
t
odayIcan'
tst
ressl
i
ket
his.

Myphonebeeped.

“I
'
mi nt
ownweneedt
omeetal
lofgr
oomsmenandbr
idesmai
dswehav
etodi
scusssomet
hing
at1

9:
00pm i
nyourhouse”Nokwe.

Hi
sphonebeepedt
oo.

Samkel
o:“
Nokwewant
stomeetusher
e”

Me:
“Igoti
ttoo”

Nokwei
ssuchabul
l
ysomet
imesbutsheknowst
hebest
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m goi
ngt
oGat
ewayIneedt
odogr
ocer
yfort
oni
ght
'sdi
nner
”

Myphoner
ang.

Me:
“Hei
ta”

Spi
kes:
“Hei
ta.Ihav
esomet
hingf
ory
ou”

Me:
“Okay
”

Spi
kes:
“Kut
lanoMai
tei
sKagi
soMai
te'
syoungbr
other
”

Me:
“Ei
shIt
hinksomet
hingi
sloomi
ngher
eitcan'
tbecoi
nci
dence”

Spi
kes:
“It
hinksot
oowhyhewentf
ory
ourcousi
nmay
behe'
sdoi
ngt
hingsunder
cov
er”

Me:
“OkayThamf
ethu”

Spi
kes:
“Sur
e”heendedt
hecal
l
.

Hewasl
ooki
ngatmel
i
kehe'
saboutt
oki
l
lmewi
thhi
sbar
ehand.

Me:
“If
orgott
otel
lyousomet
hingt
hathappenedy
est
erday
”

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sit
”

Me:
“Kut
lanoMai
tei
smycousi
n'
sboy
fri
end”Hechokedonhi
sjui
ce.

Samkel
o:“
What
?”

Me:
“I'
mtel
l
ingy
ouhef
oundmei
nmyf
latwhenIwentt
ocheckuponLut
hando”

Samkel
o:“
Youmustt
ell
Lut
handonott
obr
inghi
minourweddi
ngorel
se.
..Weneedt
owat
ch
l
i
kea

hawk”

Me:
“Mhm okay
.Goi
ngt
oof
fi
ce?
"

Samkel
o:“
NopI
'
m goi
ngt
owor
kher
etoday
”

Me:
“Okay
”

Theseday
swe'
renotki
ssi
ngorhav
ingsexIt
hinkhe'
scheat
ingorst
ressofget
ti
ngweddi
ngbut
heso

r
elaxesabouti
t.Iwentt
oGat
ewayt
obuysomet
hingf
ordi
nnert
oni
ght
.

At16:
00pm Ist
art
edt
opr
epar
efordi
ner
.I'
l
lmakebeeff
il
letwi
thbakedpot
atoesandv
eget
abl
e
si
t

wi
l
lgowel
lwi
thr
edwi
neandt
hosewhoar
epr
egnantI
'
llser
vet
hem or
angej
uice.

KatandNomxol
i
siwer
efi
rstt
ocomet
henNokweandSakhi
thenSpi
derandNami
sacameaf
ter
them.

Iwonderwhatshesai
dorwhatbl
ackmai
lsheusest
ogett
henher
e.Andi
l
eandThabi
came
af
tert
hem

i
twasSpikesandZeeandt
hel
astonewasTKandNont
u.Ideci
dedt
otaket
hem wi
tht
hei
r
par
tner
s

t
hanhav
ethoseIdon'
tknowt
hesemenwi
l
lbehav
eoppor
tuni
ti
est
ocheat
.

Samkel
owasl
atehewast
hel
astt
ocomeIt
hinkhewasmeet
ingt
hatsomeonewhohewas
tal
ktoi
n

y
est
erday
.

Nokwe:
“Thanksf
orcomi
ngatsuchashor
tnot
ice”

Spi
der
:“Thi
sisbet
terbegoodNokwe”

Nokwe:“Ai
awukamewena.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sinor
dersoIhopey
ou'
vedeci
dedony
oursui
ts
gent
lemen”

Samkel
o:“
They
'l
lwearwhatIchosef
ort
hem”

Nokwe:
“Let
'shearwhaty
ou’
vedeci
ded”

Samkel
o:“
Dar
kNav
yski
nnysui
tswi
thnoshi
rtandwi
thbr
ownshoes”
Andi
l
e:“
That
'sgr
eatbaf
oIt
rusty
ourj
udgementIwoul
dn'
thav
etr
ust
edSpi
der
'sj
udgement
”

Kat
:“Hewoul
d'
vef
orcedust
owearl
eat
heronhi
sday
”Theyal
ll
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Juj
u'
ssui
twi
l
lbedel
i
ver
ywi
thoursui
ts”

Nami
sai
squi
etper
sonandshe'
sbeaut
if
ul.

Nokwe:
“Okayi
twi
l
lnotmessupt
hecol
ouroft
heday
”

Nokwe:
“St
ep?
”

Kat
:“Hay
iHay
iNokwe”

Sakhi
:“St
epwi
l
ldel
ayev
ery
thi
ng”

Me:“
Ithi
nky
ou'
l
lgoi
nascoupl
eineachot
her
'shandt
hensepar
atei
nfr
ontt
hengot
oyour
si
de”

Samkel
o:“
Isecondt
hatbabe”Atl
eastweagr
eedonsomet
hing.

Nokwe:
“Inv
itat
ionsar
ereadysoev
ery
thi
ngi
sinor
dernow”

Samkel
o:“
Bri
desmai
dsdr
esses?
”

Nokwe:
“Wechoseourdr
essi
twi
l
lbeLi
ghtbl
uel
ongsexydr
esswi
thspl
i
tandi
t'
l
lhav
eDar
k
navy

st
rapsj
ustt
obl
endwi
thy
oursui
tcol
our
s”

Nont
u:“
Tradi
ti
onal
out
fi
ts?
”

Nokwe:
“It
'l
lbei
sidwabaandi
bheshuf
ir
stesi
gcawi
nit
henchanget
owhi
tedr
esswi
that
ouchof
bl
ue.

Hi
sshi
rtwi
l
lal
sobewhi
teandhav
etouchofbl
ueal
sowi
thJuj
u'
sshi
rtwi
l
lbel
i
kehi
sfat
her
”

Iknewshe'
l
ldosomet
hingt
hatI
'
lll
ove.

Samkel
o:“
OkayI
'
m happywhenev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ngwel
landspeci
all
ywhenMyQueeni
shappy
”

Hesmi
l
edt
ome.

Thenever
ythi
ngwasdi
scussedandweagr
eedonev
ery
thi
ngwi
thoutMaNdl
ovu'
shel
p.She
doesn’
t

wantmeandIdon'
twanthert
oo.
Chapt
er29

Weddi
ngj
i
tter
swaspl
ayi
ngwi
thmeandhewassor
elaxed.IwenthomeonMondaywi
thJuj
u
and

Nokubongawenthome.Ispokewi
thmypar
ent
sthatIwantt
osl
eepatDur
banonFr
iday
becausethe

weddi
ngwi
l
lst
artsoear
lyi
nSat
urdaysoIdi
dn'
twantanypr
obl
ems.

SoToday
'si
tsFr
idayt
omor
rowI
'
m mar
ryi
ngt
hel
oveofmyl
i
fe.Mybr
idal
showerwi
l
lbeat
Thabi
'
s

housemypar
ent
sknowabouti
tsoIwon'
tbeadv
isedort
oldonhowt
otr
eatmyman.Iwonder
why

mypar
ent
sdi
dn'
tdouMhl
ony
aneanduMemul
obecauseNont
uthukogoti
tbutIwasn'
tgone
ask

t
hem becausemygr
andmawoul
d'
vegi
venmeapr
iceofhermi
nd.

Myf
ami
l
yisi
nthel
odgeher
einZi
mbal
isoi
ntomor
rowi
newehour
swe'
l
lgot
oWennenf
ort
he

t
radi
ti
onal
.Idi
dn'
tseet
hegr
oomsmen

Thabicamet
ofet
chmet
oherhouse.Iknewt
hey
'l
lthr
owi
tsoI
'
llnotbesur
pri
sedt
hist
ime
around.

Theguysar
egoi
ngt
oHi
l
tonhot
elf
orhi
sbachel
or'
spar
tyIspoket
ohi
mtwi
cet
odayandImi
ss
hi
m so

much.Ev
ery
thi
ngwentbackt
onor
mal
butIdi
dn'
tfi
ndany
thi
ngt
oconf
ir
m mysuspi
cionsbutI
'
m
f
ine.

Tomor
rowI
'
llgett
her
ightt
obeatanybi
tchhehasorcomi
nghi
swayordi
rect
ion.Idi
dn'
tfi
ght
for

hi
m becausewewer
en'
tmar
ri
edsoIcoul
dn'
tfi
ghtf
orsomeonewhoI
'
m notsur
eabouthi
m.

Whenwegott
her
ethecar
sout
side.Idi
dn'
twearmyout
fi
tfort
oni
ghti
nfr
ontofmypar
ent
s
because

t
heywoul
dn'
tl
etmegoout
.

Me:
“It
’ssopackedher
e”Shel
aughed.

Wegotof
ffr
om t
hehouse.
Them:
“Sur
pri
se!
”

Me:
“Mxm y
ou'
real
lbor
ingshame”Ir
oll
edmyey
esont
hem.

Iwentt
oThabi
'
sbedr
oom t
ochanget
omyVer
sacegr
icet
rai
ngl
ebr
awi
thi
tsmat
chi
ngt
hong
wit
h

Var
sacel
ongl
acyr
obe.WhenIcameoutIf
oundt
hem wear
ingt
hei
rout
fi
ts.

Me:
“Youbi
tches!
!”

Theyal
ll
aughed.Nokut
hul
awasher
ewi
thusal
soRachel
wit
hthr
eef
ri
endswhoIhear
ditwas
Zamo

MbusoandShe'
sgi
rl
fr
iendssowest
art
edt
ogetdr
unk.

Wedrunkt
il
l02:
00am t
heywer
easki
ngal
lsi
l
lyquest
ions.Thenat02:
12am wel
ockedt
he
door
sand

sl
ept.At03:
34Thabi
wokemeupt
ogi
vemesomet
hingf
ornothav
ingabadhangov
eror
headache

andIwentbackt
osl
eep.

Shewokemeupat04:
24andt
ookmebackt
othel
odgeIwasasl
eepal
lthewaysoshet
ook
meinsi
de

andIsl
ept
.

At06:
00am Iwaswokenbymymot
her
.

Mom:
“Heysweet
hear
t”

Me:
“Heymom.Howar
eyou?
”Iy
awned.

Ihadal
i
ttl
eheadachebutt
hankst
oThabi
'
shor
ri
blesmoot
h.

Mom:
“It
’sy
ourdayt
odaymybaby
”

Me:
“Yesi
tismom.Ican'
tbel
i
evei
t”

Shesatont
hebedIwassl
eepi
ngi
nandt
ookmyhand

Mom:“
Todayi
t’
syourbi
gdaywhi
chwi
l
lchangeev
ery
thi
ngi
nyourl
i
fe.Todayy
ouandSamkel
o
wi
ll

behusbandandwi
fewhi
chcomeswi
thdi
ff
erentandbi
gresponsi
bil
i
ty.Fr
om t
odayonwar
ds
means
y
ou'
l
lhav
etot
oler
ateev
ery
thi
nghedoesi
tsei
thergoodorbad.Bei
ngSamkel
o'
swi
femeans
y
ou'
l
l

respecthi
m gi
vehi
m hi
spl
aceasy
ourhusband.Makesur
ehehasf
oodev
erydaycl
eancl
othes
and

gi
vehi
m al
otofsex”shebr
ushedmyhand.

Iwasl
aughi
ngoft
hel
astwor
dsIcan'
tbel
i
eveher
.

Me:“
I'
ll
dot
hatmom Iwon'
tdi
sappoi
nty
ouorgr
andma”Iputmyhandont
opofherhand.She
was

emot
ional
butshedi
dn'
tcr
y.I
t’
ssor
aret
oseemymot
hercr
ying.

Mygr
andmaent
eredt
her
oom sheal
sosetont
hebed.

Grandma:
“Mzukul
ukagogot
odayi
t’
syourbi
gday
.Mar
ri
agei
sabi
gst
epI
'
m gl
ady
out
ooki
t
you

needtorespecty
ourmanandl
ovehi
m uncondi
ti
onal
hisi
mper
fect
ionsandhi
sfl
aws.
Appreci
ate

ev
ery
thi
nghedoesf
ory
ouandy
ourbabydon'
tbeanaggi
ngwi
fei
fther
e'ssomet
hingy
oudon'
t

ar
guingwi
thgof
orawal
korgetsomef
reshai
rdon'
ttakedeci
sionswheny
ou'
reangr
yand
Pl
ease

communi
cat
ewi
thhi
m”

Myey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
sIonl
ywi
shi
fmyf
atherwasher
ewi
thmet
odaybuti
t'
sGod'
swi
l
l.
My

mat
ronofhonourThabi
hasourr
ingsandwat
ches.

Nont
ucamei
nther
oom t
omygr
andmamadeust
opr
ayaf
tert
hatIj
ustcr
iedt
hinki
ngofal
l
good

t
imesandbadt
imeswehadasf
ami
l
ybutev
ery
thi
ngt
urnedoutt
obegr
eat
.Nont
uispr
egnant
t
he

doct
orconf
ir
medi
t.Ourki
dswi
l
lbeay
earandt
womont
hsapar
t.

Myphoner
angandt
heywentoutoft
her
oom.

Samkel
o:“
Howar
eyouMr
sKhumal
o?”

Me:
“I'
m goodMrKhumal
oandhowar
eyou?
”I'
m bl
ushi
ng.
Samkel
o:“
I'
m good.Ican'
twai
ttoputar
ingony
ourf
inger
”

Me:
“Ican'
twai
ttobeMr
sSamkel
oKhumal
o”Hel
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
seey
oui
nfewhour
smyl
ove”

Me:
“Okaybabe”

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyou”

Me:
“Il
ovey
oumor
e”

Iwentt
otakeashowerwhenIcameoutmybr
idesmai
dswer
eher
ewi
thamake-
upl
adyandmy

hai
rst
yli
st.Myweddi
nggownwaswhatIwant
edandi
tfi
tmesoper
fect
ly.Ican'
twai
ttoseemy
man

andmyson.

Hol
ymat
ri
moni
alwi
l
lst
artat09:
00am soat08:
45am Iwasdone.Mymom andgr
andmacame
i
nto

seemeandIwassobeaut
if
ulmakeuponpoi
ntweav
eonpoi
ntmani
cur
eandpedi
cur
ewason
poi
nt

t
osoIwasr
eadyt
omar
rymyman.

Thabidrov
emet
othev
enueandal
lmybr
idesmai
dswer
eonr
edFer
rar
isandI
'
m onmyr
ed
Ferr
ari

whi
chSamkel
oboughti
tformeonmybabyshower
.Ihear
dmyhousei
sbei
ngext
endedbutI
di
dn'
t

askhi
m.

Mymom i
stheonewhowi
l
lwal
kmedownt
heai
sleandI
'
m sohappy
.I'
vepr
epar
edmyown
vowsI

don'
tknowabouthi
m.Mybr
idesmai
dsandgr
oomsmenwer
ethef
ir
stt
owal
kint
her
e.

Mom:
“It
'st
imemysweet
hear
t”shet
ookmyar
mtoher
s.

Icl
osedmyey
est
henIwal
kedwi
thher
..
.

Thepi
anost
art
edf
ormet
owal
kdownt
heai
sle.
..

Iwascr
yingal
lthewayt
otheal
ter
..
..

Hewassocut
eandsupersexyi
nthatski
nnysui
tandhewashol
dingmyJuj
uhewasonhi
s
l
i
ttl
esui
t

andbr
ownsneaker
s.Theywer
esocut
e..
.WhenIl
ookedar
oundmyf
ri
endoutdoneher
sel
f.

Wewal
kedandhemetushal
fway
.Mom t
ookmyhandandgav
eitt
ohi
m.

Whenwewer
est
andi
ngl
ooki
ngateachot
herIsawourgangmember
sinmot
orbi
kest
heywer
e
i
n

number
sIt
hinkt
hey
'r
eher
etocheckt
hecoasti
ncaseany
onet
ri
est
osomet
hingf
unny
.

Pri
est
:“I
'
m her
ejoi
nSamkel
oJonat
hanKhumal
oandNompendul
oInnocent
iaMazi
bukoi
nthe
hol
y

mat
ri
moni
al”

Hesmi
l
edandIsmi
l
edback.

Pr
iest
:“Di
dyouhav
eyourownv
ows?
”

Us:
“Yeswehav
e”

Myhandswer
eshaki
ngandhesmi
l
edandwi
nkatme.

Pr
iest
:“Youcanst
artSamkel
o”

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
beev
ergr
atef
ulf
orhur
ti
ngy
ourankl
eint
hegy
m.I
'
llwoul
dn'
thav
emety
oui
fyou
di
dn'
t.

I
'
venev
ermetsomeonewhoi
sbeaut
if
uli
nsi
deoutl
i
key
ou.You'
regav
emyl
i
feameani
ngand

pur
poset
owor
khar
dandgi
vey
ouev
ery
thi
ngy
ou'
l
lneedt
hanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ngmewi
thmy

i
mper
fect
ions.Wor
dswi
l
lnev
erexpr
esshowy
oumakemehappy
.I'
venev
ermetsomeoneso

stubbor
nli
key
oubuti
tist
heot
herofmanyr
easonswe'
rest
il
ltoget
her
.Thanksf
orgi
vi
ngme
the

cut
estsonandI
'
llbef
orev
ergr
atef
ulandappr
eci
atey
ou”

Iwasi
ntear
s.Peopl
elaughedwhenhement
ionedt
hatI
'
m st
ubbor
n.

Thabi
wipedt
ear
sinmyf
acemaki
ngsur
eshedoesn’
tmessmymake-
up.

Pr
iest
:“I
t’
syourt
urnNompendul
o”

Si
l
enceagai
n.
Me:“I
fthi
sadr
eam pl
easedon'
twakemeupi
t’
sabeaut
if
ulni
ght
mar
e*heshookhi
sheadno*
.
Nev
er

i
nmyl i
feIt
houghtI
'
llbemar
ri
edt
othecut
ehandsomeandl
ovi
ngmanl
i
key
ou.Somet
imesy
ou
dr
ive

mecrazyandangr
yinal
lfor
msbutIst
il
lfoundar
easont
olov
eyoumor
ethanbef
ore.Myl
ove
f
ori
s

deepert
hany
ou'
l
lev
ert
hinkandknowy
ourpr
esencemakesmef
eel
lov
edandpr
otect
edy
ou'
l
l
never

knowhowhappyIam ev
ersi
nceI
'
vemet
.You'
l
lseemyl
ovebymyact
ionst
owar
dsy
oubecause
i
fI

canst
artexpl
aini
ngi
tinwor
dsnowi
tcant
akef
orev
er.You'
remyheav
enanduni
ver
se.Il
ove
you

Mbul
azi
”

Hi
sey
eswer
etear
y.

WhenIl
ookedatmymot
herJuj
uwasst
il
lawakeandhewassocut
eIhopet
heyt
ookpi
ctur
es
ofhi
m

wear
inghi
sfi
rstsui
tinhi
sli
fe.

Thepri
estaskedf
ort
her
ingsandhepr
ayedandbl
essedourr
ings.Ihav
en'
tseenhi
sandhe
hasn'
t

seenhi
sweor
der
edt
hem onl
i
nesepar
atel
ywe'
l
lseei
ttoday
.

Pr
iest
:“Wi
tht
his.
..
.”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
ryt
odi
stur
byourpast
orbutcanIpl
easesaymyownwor
ds?
”

Pr
iest
:“Ther
e'snopr
obl
em”

Si
l
ence.

Idi
dn'
tknowwhathewasdoi
ngbutIf
ear
edwhathewasdoi
ng.Hecl
i
ckedhi
mthumbonce.

Thepi
anost
art
edt
o..
..
..
..“
Thesel
i
pscan'
twai
ttot
ast
eyourski
nandt
heseey
escan'
twai
tto
seet
o

seey
ourgr
inoohoohbabyJustl
etmyl
ovej
ustl
etmyl
oveador
nyoupl
easebaby
..
..
.”
hewas
si
ngi
ng
ourfav
ouri
tesongAdor
nbyMi
guel
asheputt
her
ingsosl
owl
y.I
t’
sabl
ackdi
amondpear
shapedri
ng

i
twassobeaut
if
ul.Hesangt
hewhol
esongj
ustf
ormeandIwasi
ntear
s.Iwassosur
pri
sehe’
s
such

agreatsi
ngerwi
thhi
sdeepv
oicehewassosexy
.Hesangt
hesongsosl
owl
y.Whenhewas
donehe

wipedtear
sinmycheekswi
thhi
sthumbs.Wheni
twasmyt
imet
oputhi
sri
ngonhi
sfi
ngerI
saidt
he

wor
dsaf
tert
hepr
iestandhewasamazedt
hatIal
sochoset
hebl
ackr
ingwi
thbl
ackandwhi
te

diamonds.Af
terput
ti
ngt
her
ingswheni
twast
imeof“
kissi
ngy
ourbr
ide”Iki
ssedhi
scheekI
'
m
scared

ofmypar
ent
s.

Samkel
o:“
Hawubabe!
”hesai
dthatoutl
oud.Theguest
slaughedsoIwasf
orcedt
oki
sshi
m.I
ki
ssed

hi
m whenIt
ri
edt
opul
louthet
ight
ensmywai
standki
ssedmedeepl
y.Wewentt
otakepi
ctur
es

wi
thf
ami
l
yfr
iendsandoursonhewasl
aughi
ngt
hroughout
.Wewentt
other
ecept
ioni
twasso

per
fect
!Il
ovei
t!IknewNokweknowst
hebest
.Juj
ufel
lasl
eepi
nther
ecept
ion.I
twasr
ound
cl
ear

t
abl
ewithghostchai
rthecent
repi
eceswer
efr
eshf
lower
smyey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
s.
"
Thanks

babe"-
Isaywhenwesi
tint
hemai
ntabl
e."
Any
thi
ngf
ory
oumyl
ove"
-hesay
sandki
ssmy
cheeks.Our

parent
sspokef
ri
endst
heywer
ecr
acki
ngj
okesi
twassogr
eat
.Wewentt
othedancef
loorwe
dance

andIwasi
nchestt
hinki
ngaboutusandourf
utur
e.Coupl
escamet
ojoi
nusi
nthedancef
loor
.
We

wer
edanci
ngt
hedanci
ngf
loorandguestwer
elooki
ngatt
hedancef
loor.MyGr
andmasl
ept
me

wi
thi
nmyr
oom i
nthel
odgeandIwassoannoy
ed.Samkel
oboughtl
i
nger
ief
ormebutIcan'
t
ev
en

gobecauseshei
sher
e.Wel
eftDur
bani
neweorWeneen.Tr
adi
ti
onal
weddi
ngwasgr
eathe
ev
ery
one

l
aughedathi
m whenhet
ri
edukugi
ya

Sponsor
ed

buti
twassocut
etoseet
hat
.Af
tert
het
radi
ti
onal
weddi
ngmy

f
ami
l
ywentbackhome.Aunt
yZet
huwhowe

MaKhumal
omademet
ogowi
thot
hergi
rl
stot
hebushf
orwoodt
aki
ngSamkel
owasf
uri
ous
butI

tol
dhimI
'
lldoandIwentt
othenear
estbushSamkel
owi
thdr
amasentbody
guar
dswi
thusi
n
case

somet
hinghappen.Iamazedheral
loft
hem shedi
dn'
tknewt
hatIknowhowt
odoi
t.Thenext

morni
ngshet
aughtmehowt
omaket
radi
ti
onal
beercooki
ngf
oodmeal
i
esandf
orcedmet
o
wear

pheni
for
eli
ket
hoseAunt
yar
oundt
hev
il
lage.

NowIam Nompendul
oKhumal
o!

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-

Juj
u:“
Mom!
”

Hedoesn’
tspeakl
i
kenor
mal
peopl
eheshout
sev
eryday
.

Juj
u:“
Mom!
”

Me:
“Juni
or!Whati
sit
?”Ishout
ed.

Juj
u:“
I'
m hungr
y!”heshout
ed.

Me:
“Okay
!”Ishout
edt
oo.

Hei
s3y
ear
sol
dnowandhe'
ssohandf
ult
hat
'swhyhegoest
ocr
èche.Nokubongai
snotl
i
ving
wi
th

usshegr
aduat
edandshei
saqual
i
fiedt
eacherbutwemeetoccasi
onal
l
y.Wehav
eMam'
Sal
amine

whoisal
sor
elat
edt
oSamkel
oshei
sgr
eatt
oJuni
orandIl
oveherwor
kar
oundt
hehouse.She
cl
eans

andwashandkeepaney
etoJuni
or.
Iwentdownst
air
stomakesandwi
chf
orhi
m.Myhousei
sadoubl
est
oreynowandIl
i
kei
t.He
came

downst
air
srunni
ngt
otheki
tchenIgav
ehi
m hi
ssandwi
ch.

Juj
u:“
Whenar
ewegoi
ngt
ovi
sitAunt
yNont
u?”

I
fhe'
snotr
unni
nghe'
sshout
ingorbr
eaki
ngdoorhandl
eshe'
shy
per
act
ive.

Me:
“Idon'
tknowt
oyourf
ather
”

Hedr
inkshi
sjui
cef
ir
st.

Me:
“St
artwi
thsandwi
chf
ir
stt
hendr
inkj
uice”

Heat
e.Hecan'
tst
opt
alki
ngev
eni
fhei
seat
ing.

Juj
u:“
Wher
eismynt
wana?
”

Me:
“Onhi
sway
”Henods.

Thedooropened.
..

Samkel
o:“
Ntwanay
ami
!”

Juj
u:“
Ngi
grand”Hi
sfat
herl
aughedhecamet
otheki
tchenki
ssmycheek.

Samkel
o:"
Howar
eyoumyl
ove?
”

Me:
“I'
m goodbabeandy
ou?
”Juni
orwentbackt
oeathi
ssandwi
ch.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m goodt
oo”

Me:
“Howwasy
ourday
?”

Samkel
o:“
Backt
obackmeet
ing.Yourday
?”

Me:
“Good”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m goi
ngt
otakeacol
dshower
”hewentupst
air
s.

At16:
50pm Ist
art
edt
ocook.

Imissmysi
sterandf
ri
endsev
ersi
nceIbecamet
he“
housewi
fe”i
tsobor
ingIwon'
tl
ie.Al
lI'
m
doi
ng

i
stobat
hJuj
uandt
akehi
mtoschool
.Thabi
andAndi
l
ear
est
il
li
nCapeTownNont
uandTKar
e
st
il
l

i
nJobur
gli
keNokweandSakhi
ZeeandSpi
kesar
eher
einDur
bant
hey
'r
eli
vi
ngi
nUmhl
anga
can'
tsay

muchf
orNomxol
i
siandKatt
hey
'r
eal
lov
ert
hepl
acebutIunder
standhei
sourl
eadersohehas
t
obe

ev
erywherebutmostoft
het
imet
heyspendi
tonCapeandher
einDur
ban.Nomxol
i
sii
s
pr
egnantand

Katl
astsat
urdaywascompl
aini
ngt
oSamkel
oabouthowshei
s.

Myphoner
ings

Me:
“Mt
akama”

Nont
u:“
Unj
ani
sthandwa?
”Ther
e'sl
i
ttl
evoi
ceshout
ingonherbackgr
ound.

Me:
“Ist
hatI
yazi
?”

Nont
u:“
Yesandhei
sshout
ing”

Herson'
snameI
yazi
nkosi
Ithi
nkshenamedhi
mtot
hatdeepbeaut
if
ulnamebecausesheonce
l
ost

herbaby2y
ear
sback.

Nont
u:“
We'
recomi
ngt
oDur
bant
hisweekend”

Me:
“Mhm okay
.It
hinkwecanal
ltakeki
dsoutt
oUshakaMar
ineWor
ld”

Nont
u:“
Greatpl
an.I
'
llcal
lot
her
s

Me:
“Mhm okay
”

Nont
u:“
Iyazi
putt
hatdown!Ihav
etogowe'
l
lspeakl
ater
”sheendedt
hecal
l
.

Whenthef
oodwasr
eadyIwi
shedupf
ort
hem Mam'
Swentt
oeatathercot
taget
odayIt
hink
shei
s

ti
redorsomet
hing.Weat
ethenIwasheddi
shest
henwentt
othest
udyt
ocheckf
ewt
hings
befor
eI

got
obed.

Icl
osedmyl
apt
opt
henwentt
othebedr
oom.If
oundhi
m speaki
ngov
ert
hephonebuthewas

whi
sper
ingIdon'
tknowwhy
.Hedi
dn'
tdr
opt
hecal
lwhenher
eal
i
sesIwasi
nthedoor
.

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
otakeabat
h”
Samkel
o:“
Okaybabe”

WhenIcamebackf
rom t
hebat
hroom If
oundhi
mreadi
ngatsomebook.Igoti
nbed.

Me:
“Goodni
ghtbabe”Iputmyheadi
nthepi
l
low.Iswi
tchedof
fthel
amponmysi
de.

Samkel
o:“
Hawubabe”

If
elthi
shandsonmywai
stheki
ssedmyneckonl
yhi
sbr
eat
hingt
urnedmeon.

Me:
“It
houghty
ouwer
ereadi
ng”

Samkel
o:“
NoIwasn'
t.
..
”heki
ssedmeonmyshoul
der
.

Hegent
lyt
urnedmet
ofacehi
m heki
ssedmesodeepl
yIcoul
dn'
tresi
sthi
m Iwant
edhi
mtobe
i
nsi
de

me.Hemademet
osl
eepwi
thmybackt
hencameont
ophet
ookbot
hofmyhandsandput
t
hem

ov
ermyheadhel
dthem wi
thhi
sonehand.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m obsessedwi
thy
ourbodyandpus.
..
.”hewaski
ssi
ngme.

If
elthi
minsi
demeandhewassogent
lyhewascomi
ngi
nandoutofmewhenhewentt
othe

bat
hroom Iwentt
oot
henwebot
hcamebackt
osl
eep.I
nmor
ningIwokeupf
ir
stwentt
othe

bat
hroom Ibat
hwhenIwasaboutt
ocl
oset
heshowert
ap.If
elthi
swar
m bodyandhi
sshaf
ton
my

ass.
..

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningmyl
ove”i
nadeepsl
eepyv
oiceofhi
s.

Me:
“Mor
ningbabe”

If
eltsomet
hinghar
donmyass.
..Real
l
y?Het
urnedmet
oseehi
m..
.

Me:
“Bab.
..
”

Hepi
ckedmeupmyar
mswer
ear
oundhi
sneckmyl
egsar
oundhi
swai
st.
..

Ican'
tgetenoughofhi
sli
psbodyandev
ery
thi
ngonhi
m wehadourmor
ninggl
oryi
ntheshower

af
terthatwet
ookashowert
oget
her
.Iwentt
owakeJuj
uandbat
hhi
m.WhenIwentt
othe
ki
tchen

t
omakebr
eakf
astmyphonebeeped."
Heymommy
!"
It
'sf
rom t
heunknownnumberwhocoul
ditbebecausemyki
disher
eandnephewsandni
eces
can'
t

uset
hephoney
ett
osendat
exti
sanot
hert
hing.

Imadebr
eakf
astf
orev
ery
one.

Hecamedownst
air
sal
readywear
ingj
eanwi
thwhi
teshi
rtandAi
rJor
danXLev
i'
sIXwi
thhi
s
l
apt
op

bagonl
y.HesatdownandIgav
ehi
m hi
sbr
eakf
asthi
ssonwasn'
tdownher
e..
..

Me:
“Juj
u!”Ishout
ed.

Qui
et.

Noti
nthemor
ning.

Me:
“Juj
u!Comeher
enow!
”Iscr
eamed.

Af
tersomewhi
l
ehecamedownt
hest
air
swi
thhi
sski
nnyj
eanwi
thwhi
teshi
rtandhi
sfat
her
's
whi
te

Jor
dansneaker
s.Samkel
owashol
dinghi
msel
ffr
om l
aughi
ng.

Juj
u:“
NtwanahowdoIl
ook?
”heaskedhi
sfat
her
.Ij
ustl
ookathi
m Idi
dn'
tknowonwhatt
osay
.

Samkel
o:“
Unswempunt
wana”hest
eal
edgl
ances.

Me:
“Juj
u!”I
'
m annoy
ed.

Juj
u:“
Mom I
'
m hungr
y!”

Me:
“Goandchanget
hosecl
othesnow!
”Ishout
ed.

Juj
u:“
Mom y
ou'
reki
l
li
ngmyv
ibe”

It
ookadeepbr
eat
hSamkel
owasonst
it
ches.

Me:
“Juj
uI'
l
lbeatt
hatassofy
ourunt
ilt
hey
’rer
ed.Gonow!
”Ishout
ed.

Hewentupst
air
s.

Me:
“Yoursonwi
l
ldr
ivemecr
azy
”

Samkel
o:“
You'
real
way
sfi
ghtwi
theachot
her
”

Me:
“Ial
mostf
orgott
her
e'smessageIr
ecei
vedl
astni
ghti
t'
sunknownnumber
”

Samkel
o:“
Whatdi
ditsay
?”heseemsshocked
Me:
“It
’ssay
sHeymommy
”

It
urnedt
oputt
hedi
shesi
nthesi
nk.

Me:
“Juj
ucomenow!
”Ishout
ed.

Me:
“I'
l
ltr
ytof
indwhoi
tis”t
ohi
m.

Me:
“Juj
u!Thi
schi
l
d”Iwonderwhati
shol
dinghi
m upt
her
e.

Juj
u:“
I'
m comi
ng!
”heshout
ed.

Aft
ersomewhi
l
ehecamewear
inghi
sSpi
der
manunder
wearcar
ryi
ngdi
ff
erentcl
othest
hanI
chose

f
orhi
m.

Me:
“I'
l
lbeaty
ouupnow”

Iwant
edhi
mtoeatf
ir
storel
sehewoul
d'
vemessedhi
scl
otheswi
tht
omat
oessaucebutnow
he

deci
dedt
otakehi
scl
othesi
ntheki
tchen.Hegav
ehi
sfat
hercl
otheshi
sfat
herdr
essedt
ohi
m
upand

heref
usedt
oeateggst
odayhewant
edJungl
eoat
s.If
orcedhi
mtoeathi
seggsorel
sewi
l
lbe
l
ate.

Idr
oppedhi
m atcr
èchet
henwentt
othenwentbackhomeIbecauseIwant
edt
orel
axand
enj
oy

qui
etness.

Samkel
ofet
chedJuj
u.Hi
scousi
niscomi
ngt
hisaf
ter
noonandIknowhe'
l
lsl
eepi
nNont
uhouse
i
n

Umhl
anga.Juj
uIy
azi
andGwaj
oar
ehandf
ul.Mi
l
isut
hando(
Zee'
sdaught
er)andAmahl
ear
eal
so

handf
ulbutnotl
i
ket
heset
hree.

Hecamebackshout
ingf
rom t
hedr
iveway
.Hedi
dn'
tgr
eetmehewentst
rai
ghtupst
air
s.He
cameback

demandi
ngsandwi
chandIkeptqui
et

Juj
u:“
Mom I
'
m hungr
y”

Ikeptqui
etagai
n.
Juj
u:“
Heymom”hesai
dpol
i
tel
y.Hei
samendi
ngt
hings

Me:
“Heymyboy
.Howar
eyou?
”Ipl
ayedwi
thhi
scheeks.

Juj
u:“
I'
mfi
net
hanksmom”

Samkel
ocamet
osi
tnextt
omeheki
ssedmycheeks.

Juj
u:“
Ntwanawhyy
ouki
ssheronmyf
avour
it
echeek?
”Juj
usay
slooki
ngathi
sfat
her
.

Hel
aughed.

Int
ercom r
anghequi
ckl
yrant
oansweri
t.Hecan'
treachi
tsohepul
l
sdownacor
dtheni
t
comesto

r
eachhi
m.He'
ssocl
everandi
twor
ri
esme.

Juj
u:“
Mommy
!Aunt
yisher
eopent
hegat
e!”heshout
ed.

Iopenedt
hegat
e.Heopenedt
hedoorf
ort
hem.

Juj
u:“
A'chuz”whenhesawI
yazi
.

I
yazi
:“Juj
u!”hescr
eamedj
umpi
ngupanddown.Myeardr
umswi
l
lbedamagedt
oday
.

Me:
“Heymt
ase!
”wehugged.

Nont
u:“
Heymt
ase.Samkel
o”

Wegr
eet
edback.Juj
uandI
yazi
wentupst
air
srunni
ng.

Me:
“Got
opl
ayr
oom!
”Ishout
ed.

You'
dswearI
'
m cr
azybutheunder
standswheny
ou'
reshout
ingandheshout
stoo.

Theywentt
othel
oungeIwentt
otheki
tchent
omakesomet
hingf
orherandSamkel
otoeat
andthe

ki
ds.It
ooki
ttot
hel
oungeandIcal
l
edt
heki
dsandt
heycamedownt
oeat
.

Samkel
opr
essedhi
sgat
eremot
econt
rol
.

Gwaj
o:“
A'chuz!
”hescr
eamed.

Juj
ucamer
unni
ngf
oll
owedbyI
yazi
.

Gwaj
o:“
Haahnt
wana”hebr
ushedJuj
u'
sheadt
henI
yazi
’
s.

Gwaj
ois4Juj
uandAmahl
ear
e3I
yazi
andMi
l
isut
handoar
e2.Nokwehasn'
tgotoneand
Nomxol
isi
i
s5mont
hspr
egnant
.

Theywentr
unni
nggoi
ngupst
air
sandwer
elef
tal
oneasel
der
s.

Me:
“Howar
eyouguy
s?”t
oThabi
andAndi
l
e.

Thabi
:“WegoodandIhopey
ou'
regoodt
oo”

Igavej
uiceAndi
l
eandSamkel
osatf
orawhi
l
ethent
heywentt
omeett
heguy
sint
hei
rfav
our
it
e
bar.

Rachel
ZeeNokwecameaf
tert
heyl
eft
.Nomxol
i
siwast
hel
astt
ocomei
nKatcamei
ntomake
sur
e

shei
sfi
ne.

Nomxol
i
siknowsev
ery
thi
ngandshei
sthememberi
nTHEEAGLES.

Nomxo:
“Youcanl
eav
enow”shesnapped.

Kat
:“Heyl
adi
esandby
e”Hequi
ckl
ywentoutbef
oreki
dsseehi
m becauset
heywoul
d'
ve
wantedhi
m

totakethem out
.Theseki
dshav
eski
l
lst
omakeoneoft
hem t
otaket
heoutf
ori
cecr
eam or
pizzas.

Iwant
edt
ocheckt
hatnumberbutIwasbusyt
odayandmygi
rl
sar
eher
esoIcan'
tdoi
tIhav
e
to

dri
nkwi
tht
hem.Weor
der
edPi
zzaf
orki
dsandf
orus.Nami
saandSpi
dercoul
dn'
tj
oinust
hey
'r
e
out

oft
hecount
ry.

Weweredri
nki
ngourwi
neIf
eltsor
ryf
orNomxof
ornotdr
inki
ngIal
sohat
eitwhenIwas
pr
egnant
.

Theyhel
pmet
opr
epar
eaf
eastbecauset
heguy
swi
l
lcomebackhungr
y.Iwentt
ocheckt
he
ki
ssthey

wer
est
il
lpl
ayi
ng.

At18:
50t
heguy
scameback.Sakhi
wasn'
twi
tht
hem Nokwesai
dhewentt
otheai
rpor
tbuthe'
l
l

comeback.Whent
hef
oodwasr
eadyt
het
abl
ewasal
readysetandki
dwi
l
leati
nthel
ounge
andwe'
ll

wat
cht
hem.
Idi
shedforMam'
S(mam'
Sal
ami
na)wentt
ogi
veheri
nhercot
tage.Shehast
heki
tcheni
nher
cot
tage

butwhenwehav
egat
her
ingsIdi
shupf
orher
.

Whenwewer
edoneeat
ingIhear
dahootbuti
twon'
tbeSakhi
hewoul
dcal
li
fit
shi
m.Wewent
t
o

washdi
shesandcl
eanedt
heki
tchent
heki
dswentupst
air
swhent
heywer
edone.

Nokwe'
sphoner
angandshewentt
oopent
hegat
efort
hehusband.

Nokwe:
“Heybabe.Whatt
hehel
li
sthi
sSakhi
?”shei
sshout
ing.

Sakhicamecar
ryi
ngal
i
ttl
eboywhoi
sabout2y
ear
sbutwhatIdon'
tunder
standi
swhyhei
s
carr
ying

achi
l
dwedon'
tknowbecausehedoesn’
thav
eone.

Sakhi
:“Babecal
m down”We'
real
lst
andi
ngnowl
ooki
ngatNokwe.

Nokwe:“Don'
ttel
lmet
ocal
m down!
”Theki
dscamet
odownst
air
srunni
ng.Rachel
tookt
hem
upst
air
s

andl
ockedt
hedoor
.

Sakhi
:“If
oundhi
minsi
det
hegat
ewi
tht
hisbackpack”

Nokwe:
“Don'
tl
iet
ome”

Thabiwentt
oNokwet
ocal
m herdownbecauseshewascr
ying.Katt
ookt
hebackpacki
n
Sakhi
'
shand

heopenedi
t.Iwassoshockedaboutwhati
shappeni
ngnow.

Kat
:“Ther
e'sabi
rt
hcer
ti
fi
cat
eher
e”

Spi
kes:
“Atl
eastt
her
e’ssomet
hing.Whati
tsay
s?”

Hekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e.

Kat
:“Smamukel
eAkhonaKhu.
..
.”
hedi
dn'
tfi
nisht
oreadi
t.

Samkel
osatdownont
hef
loor
.

Si
l
ence.
Chapt
er30

WhenIl
ookedatSamkel
ohi
sey
eswer
ered.Hi
shands-
ont
opofhi
shead.

Kat
:“Samkel
o!”hegav
ehi
m ast
are.

Hei
squi
et.Ev
ery
onewasl
ooki
ngatSamkel
o..
.

Whythi
sboywasi
nsi
demygat
e?Whyhehasn'
tsai
dany
thi
ngsi
nceSakhi
camewi
tht
heboy
?
Hegot

upandmadehi
swayt
owar
dsmeandhewaswal
ki
ngsl
owl
y.
..

Me:
“Samkel
o”

Hei
squi
et.

Me:
“Samkel
o!”

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
“No!No!Samkel
o”Iwasshaki
ngmyheadmyey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
s.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sosor
rybabe”hi
svoi
cei
str
embl
i
ng.

Isl
owl
ysatdownont
hef
loorIbr
okedownheknel
tinf
rontofme.Iwassobbi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
ease.
..
.”

Me:
“Don'
ttouchme!
”

May
beaf
teranhourImanagedt
ogoupst
air
swentt
omybedr
oom andl
ockedmy
sel
finsi
de.I
t
ook

hi
ssui
tcaseandputhi
scl
othesi
nIwascr
yingIcoul
dn'
tbel
i
evei
tbuti
tmakessensenowal
l
my

suspi
cionswer
eri
ghtbutIdi
dn'
tknowt
her
ewasababyi
nvol
ved.

Af
terIputhi
scl
othesIt
ookmygunandputi
tatt
hebackonmywai
stt
henmademywayt
o

downst
air
s.Theywer
eal
ll
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
“Takey
ourshi
tandl
eav
emyhouse”

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Babecanwet
al.
..
”Hi
svoi
cewasbeggi
ngandpl
eadi
ng.

Me:
“Youwantt
otal
know?OkayIasky
ouaquest
iony
ouanswer
!”I
'
m notcr
yingnow.
Me:
“Howol
dishe?
”

Samkel
o:“
2year
s..
.”hewasl
ooki
ngdownathi
sfeet
.

Me:
“2y
ear
sol
dSamkel
o?Soy
ouar
etel
l
ingmet
haty
ouhadi
mpr
egnat
edy
ourf
loozi
eint
hree

mont
hsonourmar
ri
age!
!?
”I'
myel
l
ing.

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
“What
'shermot
her
'snameandsur
name?
”We'
rest
andi
ngandt
alki
ngi
nfr
ontoft
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easecal
m down”sof
lt
y

Me:
“Don'
ttel
lmet
ocal
m down.Si
ncey
ou'
renott
ell
i
ngmehernamepl
easel
eav
emyhouse!
!”I

shout
ed.

Iwentt
owar
dsSakhi
tol
ookatt
hisboywhocamet
ocausehav
oci
nmyhouse.Hei
scut
eli
ke
hi
s

f
atherhei
sacl
oneofJuni
or.

Me:
“Ahhhhh!
”Iscr
eamedIt
ookmyweav
eoutandr
oughl
yshakemyhai
rwi
thmybot
hhands.

If
eltl
i
keI
'
mlosi
ngmymi
nd.

Spi
kes:
“Dr
inkher
e”hegav
emeagl
assofwat
er.

Af
terf
ewmi
nut
esIwasdr
owsy
.

I
nt hemorni
ngIwaswokeupt
ovomi
tthencamebackhewasn'
ti
nbed.
..Ist
art
edt
ocr
yagai
n
t
hinking

i
fwhathappenedy
est
erdayIt
hinkoft
aki
ngJuj
utoMt
unzi
niIcan'
tdeal
wit
hhi
mI'
m so
st
ressed.

IwenttotakeashowerIdi
dn'
tmadebedbecauseI
'
llsl
eepal
lday
.Whathappenedt
omy
per
fectl
if
e?

It
ookmyphoneandwentdownst
air
sitwasqui
etl
i
ket
her
e'snoone.

Mam'
S:“
Nompehowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
”

Me:
“I'
m good”Shet
ookmybr
eakf
asti
ntheov
en.Iwasn'
thungerhowcanIeati
fmyl
i
fei
ssuch
a

mess.
Mam'S:
“Yourmot
herandMot
her
in-
lawcal
l
edmechecki
ngony
ou”Thel
adi
esandchi
l
drenar
e
not

her
e.

Me:
“Myphonei
sof
fI'
m sor
ryMam'
S”

Myv oicei
sscr
atchyIcr
iedt
hewhol
eni
ghtt
hinki
ngaboutev
ery
thi
ngwehadbet
weenme
t
hinking

t
hathel
ovesmebutnoIwaswr
ong.

Iswi
tchedonmyphone.
..

Iqui
ckl
ywentt
obat
hroom her
eindownst
air
stov
omi
t.It
hinki
t’
sthepi
l
lSpi
kesputi
nthewat
er
I

l
astdrankl
astni
ght
.Ican'
tev
enr
ememberhowIwentupst
air
sbutIwasSamkel
o'
sfacet
henI
doze

of
f.

WhenIcamebackt
otheki
tchenmyphonewasr
ingi
ng.I
twashi
m Iwant
edt
opuke.Ther
ewer
e

about50mi
ssedcal
l
sfr
om hi
m 4f
rom Mom 3f
rom Gr
andma.It
akei
ttheyknowabouti
tand
they

wi
l
lgi
vemel
ect
ureespeci
all
ymygr
andma.

Myphoner
angi
tsMaNdl
ovuIcan'
tdeal
wit
hherr
ightnow.

Juj
u:“
Ntwanay
ami
!”

Hecamer
unni
ngandIhear
dnoi
secomi
ngt
owar
dst
heki
tchen.

Juj
u:“
Mom wher
eisNt
wana?
”

Me:
“Hei
satwor
kbaby
”It
urnedt
olookathi
m.

Juj
u:“
Wer
eyoucr
ying”hef
rowned.

Iknel
ttohi
slev
elhei
ght

Me:
“NobabyIwasn'
t”

Juj
u:“
Youl
ooksougl
ymom”

Thi
schildwi
l
lamazey
ouwi
thhi
squest
ion.Hei
ssoobser
vantl
i
kehi
sfat
her
.Hesawt
hatIwas
cr
ying.
WhenIt
urnedhewasl
eani
ngont
hechai
rlooki
ngsol
osthei
sst
il
lwear
ingt
hesamecl
otheshe
came

wi
thy
est
erday
.

Zee:
“Goandpr
epar
eyour
sel
fwegoi
ngt
oUshaka”

Me:
“Ican'
tIneedt
osl
eep"

Zee:
“Sl
eepi
ngf
ort
hewhol
edaywi
l
lmaket
hingswor
senowgoandchangemakesur
eyoul
ook

beaut
if
ulwheny
oucomeher
e”

Nont
u:“
Iagr
eego”

WhenIgott
omybedr
oom myphoner
ang.

Me:
“HeyMot
her
”

Mom:
“I'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyousi
ncey
est
erday
”

Me:
“Sor
rymahmyphonewasof
f”

Mom:
“NanaIneedt
otal
ktoy
ou”

Me:
“I'
m notr
eadyt
otal
kabouti
tsmom”

Mom: “
I'
ll
tal
kandy
ou'
l
lli
stent
omeokay
?Iknowy
ourmanf
loppedbi
gti
meIknowy
ou'
re
hur
ti
ng

ri
ghtnowbutI
'
llt
ell
yout
het
rut
hasi
t.Yeahy
ourmanmadeabi
gmi
stakeandy
ou'
rechased
hi
m out

ar
eyouf
eel
i
ngbet
terf
orki
cki
nghi
m out
?”

Me:
“No”

Mom:
“Thi
smi
stakehehasdonecanmakemessy
ourmar
ri
ageormakei
tst
rong”

Me:
“Whatdoest
hatmeanmom?
”

Mom:“I
fyourkeeponf
ight
ingwi
thhi
mitwi
l
lmesst
hingsupbet
weeny
out
wobuti
fyout
ake
hi
schi
l
d

i
nyourhouseandnur
tur
ehi
m hewi
l
lseeanot
hersi
deofy
out
hatwi
l
lmakehi
m appr
eci
atey
ou
mor
e

t
hanhei
sri
ghtnow”
Me:“Mom I
'
m supposedt
otakehi
schi
l
dinmyhouset
oli
vewi
thus?
”If
eltt
hatbr
eaki
ngmy
hear
t.

Mom: “Thatchi
l
dhast
hesamebl
oodasy
ourJuj
uei
thery
oul
i
kei
tornotandi
twon'
tchange
because

you'
reangr
y.Youhav
eev
eryr
ightt
obeangr
ybuti
fyoul
etangercont
rol
youwheny
oucal
m
down

y
ourmanwi
l
lbel
onggoneandhappywi
thsomeonewho'
l
laccepthi
m andhi
sbaggage”

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Mom:“I
fyou'
reki
ckt
hatchi
l
doutLuci
a(MaNdl
ovu)wi
l
ltakehi
minandpoi
sonhi
m agai
nsty
ou
when

shedi
esy
ou'
l
lbef
orcedt
oli
vewi
thhi
myou'
l
lbehi
sfi
rstenemy
.Yourhusbandi
sboundt
o
make

mi
stakesbuty
ouhav
etocal
m downandt
hinkabouty
ourchi
l
dandy
ourf
utur
e”

Me:
“Thanksmom f
ory
ouradv
ice'
s”

Wesai
dourgoodby
esandIwasf
eel
i
ngal
i
ttl
ebet
teraf
tert
alki
ngt
oher
.WhenIwentbackJuj
u
was

hol
dingSmamukel
e'
shandt
hatamaz
edme.

Nont
u:“
Heamazesmesomet
imes”shewasl
ooki
ngatt
hem.

Theytookev
ery
thi
ngwe'
l
lneedweuseddi
ff
erentcar
ssowentof
ftoUshaka.Hewasst
il
l
cal
li
ng

nonst
op.Whenwegott
her
ewet
ookki
dst
otheAquar
ium t
oseet
hef
ishes.Juj
uwasn'
thi
msel
f
he

washappybutnott
hat“
happy
”Iexpect
ed.

Juj
u:“
Wil
ldadf
etchus?
”

Me:
“Nobabehewi
l
lnotf
etchus”Hewasdi
sappoi
ntedt
oheart
hatIt
hinkhemi
sshi
m.

Wehadagr
eatdaywi
newasact
ingst
ranget
odayaf
terdr
inki
ngi
tIwentt
ovomi
ttwot
imes
may
be

i
tI'
m angr
y.Whenhegothomet
hel
adi
espr
epar
eddi
nnerIwasn'
ti
nthemood.Iwentt
othe
l
ounge
andIt
hrewmy
sel
fint
hecouch.
..

If
eltsomet
hingt
inyt
ouchi
ngmyf
ace.WhenIsl
owl
yopenedmyey
es.Hewast
ouchi
ngmyf
ace

l
ooki
ngatmesocl
osel
y.It
ri
edt
osmi
l
e.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Hi
sgi
ggl
eissameashi
sfat
her
.WhenIwokeuphebot
hli
tt
lear
mswer
etr
yingt
oti
ght
enmy
ar
m.I

gi
ggl
edal
i
ttl
e.

Juj
ucamet
otakehi
m andt
heywentupst
air
sladi
escamet
othel
ounge.
..

Zee:
“Toni
ghtwegoi
ngt
oourhouseswi
l
lyoumanaget
obeal
one?
”

Me:
“YeahIt
hink”l
ooki
ngi
nthespace.

Nont
u:“
Sowhatwi
l
lhappenf
rom now?
”

Me:
“Ispoket
omom i
nthemor
ningshemadet
othi
nkhar
daboutwhatt
hiscandot
omy
mar
ri
age”

Nokwe:
“Meani
ng?
”

Me:
“Thi
scanmakemessuporst
rengt
hourmar
ri
age”

Nomxo:
“I'
m notf
oll
owi
ng”

Me:
“Tohat
eani
nnocentchi
l
dorhat
ehi
m won'
tchanget
hef
actt
hatt
hatchi
l
dishi
s”

Rachel
:“You'
l
ltakehi
min?
”

Me:“I
'
mfor
cedt
o.Iwon'
tal
l
owMaNdl
ovut
otakehi
m andpoi
sonhi
m agai
nstme.I
tbet
tert
o
st
art

tol
iv
ewi
thhi
m ay
oungeragehedi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngwr
ongt
omehi
spar
ent
sthatwr
ongedme
andI

woul
dli
kehi
mtohav
ethesamepr
ivi
l
egest
hatJuj
uhas”

Nomxo:
“That
'smakesense”

Nokwe:
“Ican'
tbel
i
evey
out
hinki
ngt
otakehi
schi
l
dinher
e”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Nokwemyangercanmakemel
oset
hemanIl
ovebecauseofhi
schi
l
d.Samkel
olov
es
Juj
uand

I
'
m sur
ehel
oveshi
mtoosomehat
ingt
hechi
l
dcanmakehi
mtol
ookatasanev
ilwoman”

Nokwe:
“Ev
ilwoman?Whenhei
stheonewhocheat
edony
ou?
”

Zee:
“You'
l
lnev
ersepar
ateamanwi
thhi
schi
l
d”

Nomxo:
“You'
resomat
uredNompendul
ofort
hinki
ngofconsi
der
ingi
t”

Nont
u:“
Thi
sisat
ri
ckysi
tuat
ionbutt
hinkabouty
ourf
utur
eandy
ourson”

“
Whot
hehel
ldoesshet
hinkshei
s!”shewasscr
eami
ng.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Whogav
eyouper
missi
ont
oki
ckmysonoutofhi
sownhouse?
”

MaKhumal
o:“
You'
resor
udewenamakot
i”Il
aughedoutl
oud.

Me:
“Soy
oucameal
lthewayt
otel
lmet
hat
?Real
l
y?”

MaNdl
ovu:
“I'
l
lcal
lmysont
ocomebackt
ohi
shouseandki
cky
ouout
”

Me:“Heknowst
hathei
swr
ongsot
hatwhyhewentoutofhi
shousej
ustt
ogi
vemespacet
o
t
hink

t
hingst
hrough”

Mandl
ovu:
“What
ever
!Ineedt
oseemygr
andson”shewaspaci
ngupanddown.

Iwentupst
air
stof
etchSmamukel
e.If
ir
stwentt
omybedr
oom t
ogetmygunt
henwentt
othe

pl
ayr
oom Ipi
ckedhi
m up.Hei
sst
il
lconf
usedandl
ostbutatl
easthei
spl
ayi
ngwi
tht
heot
her
s.

Iwentbackdownst
air
scar
ryi
nghi
minmyar
m.Shet
ookhi
m wi
thf
orceandki
ssedhi
m.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Howar
eyoumyboy
?”

Hei
squi
et.

Myf
ri
endsandsi
sterwer
elooki
ngatt
hisdr
amat
hatwasgoi
ngon.

MaKhumal
o:“
Hei
saKhumal
o”shet
ouchedhi
sli
tt
lef
inger
.

Mam'Scamei
nandgr
eet
edt
hem sheof
fer
edt
hem somet
hingt
odr
ink.Theywentt
osi
tinmy
l
ounge

t
oeatmyf
ood.Wef
oll
owedt
hem t
othel
ounge.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Sal
ami
napl
easegethi
scl
othesI
'
m goi
ngwi
thhi
m.Hecan'
tl
iv
eher
e”
MaKhumal
o:“
Thi
spl
acei
snotgoodf
orhi
m”

Me:“
Iwil
lsayt
hisonceIneedy
out
oli
stent
omecar
eful
l
ybecauseIwon'
trepeatmy
sel
f.
Smamukel
e

i
sSamkel
o'
schi
l
dandIam Samkel
o'
swi
fesohewi
l
lst
ayher
ewi
thmeandhi
sbr
other
”cal
mly
.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Youmustwat
chy
ourmout
hwheny
ou'
ret
alkt
omel
i
ttl
egi
rl
”

Iwentt
otakemyphoneov
ert
heki
tchencount
erIneedt
omakeaqui
ckcal
l
...

I
trangonce.

Samkel
o:“
Babet
hanksf
orcal
l
ing”

Me:
“Pl
easecomeher
ebef
oreIki
l
lsomeone.Now!
”Ihungup.

Iwaspaci
ngupanddown.If
eltl
i
ket
her
e'ssomet
hingcr
awl
i
ngundermyski
nnyf
rom headt
o
toe.

I
n10mi
nut
eshecamei
n..
..

Me:
“Ican'
tdeal
wit
hyourmot
her
”

Samkel
o:“
Whathasshedonenow?
”

Me:
“She'
sher
etot
akeSmamukel
ewi
thhert
oWeneen”

Samkel
o:“
Ithoughty
ou'
l
lwantt
hesamet
hing.
..
”Igav
ehi
m adeadl
yst
arehel
ookeddown.

Me:
“Tel
lhert
oleav
eSmamukel
eher
eorel
se”i
nacol
dcr
eepyv
oice.

I
nthati
nst
anceshecamet
otheki
tchent
ospeakt
ohi
m.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Samkel
o..
.”

Samkel
o:“
Mahwhoaskedy
out
omeddl
einmymar
ri
age?
”

MaKhumal
o:“
Yey
iwenaSamkel
odon'
ttal
ktoy
ourmot
herl
i
ket
hat
”

Samkel
o:“
Aunt
ypl
easenotnow.Mahl
eav
eSmamukel
eher
e”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Shewi
l
lpoi
sonhi
m!”

Samkel
o:“
Youknowwhatpl
easel
eav
enow!
”heshout
edwi
tht
hatdeepscar
yvoi
ce.

HetookSmamukel
efr
om hi
smot
hert
heyt
ookt
hei
rbagsgav
emeadi
rt
ylookt
hent
heywent
of
f.

Smamukel
e:“
Twana”t
ohi
sfat
her
.Thi
smeansheknowshi
m.
Nomxo:
“Ineedt
orest
”Theyal
lwentoutwewer
elef
tal
one.

Me:
“Weneedt
otal
kSamkel
o”

Samkel
o:“
Wecant
alkbabe”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“IneedSmamukel
etobei
nawar
m homeandhav
eev
ery
thi
ngt
hatJuj
uhas.Youwor
khar
d
t
o

gi
veJuj
uany
thi
nghewant
ssoIneedhi
mtohav
eal
lthoseexpensi
vet
oysandcl
othes”

Hei
squi
etandl
ookdownathi
ssonwhoi
spl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
sfat
her
'sf
inger
s.

Me:“
Juj
umi
ssy
ousomuchIdon'
twantt
hem t
osuf
ferbecausewear
enott
oget
herany
mor
e”
Hi
s

ey
eswer
eal
lout
.

Me:“Cany
oupl
easebuySmamukel
eabedt
hey
'l
lshar
ear
oom andbuycl
othesf
orhi
m.You
cancome

MondayWednesdayandSat
urdayt
ospendt
imewi
tht
hem t
heyneedy
ou”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sosor
ryf
orhur
ti
ngy
ouIdi
dn’
tmeant
obutt
hanky
ousomuchbabe.
..Fort
aki
ng
hi
m

i
t'
smeansal
otbabef
orme”

Me:
“Okay
”

Juj
ucamer
unni
ngt
ohi
sfat
her
.Smamukel
efel
lasl
eepi
nhi
sfat
her
'sar
ms.

Juj
u:“
Youdon'
tl
ovemeany
mor
e”

HeputSma(
Smamukel
e)i
nthecouchandt
ookJuj
uandouthi
minhi
slapIwasl
ooki
ngat
t
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Ngi
gcwel
engawent
wanay
ami
”hebr
ushedhi
sson'
shead.

Juj
u:“
Youl
eftmeher
eal
one”

Samkel
o:“
Idi
dn'
tl
eav
eyoumyboy
.Daddyi
sbusywi
thwor
ktheseday
s”

Juj
u:“
Okay
.Buymet
hosesneaker
sli
key
our
s”It
houghthe'
l
lcr
y.

Samkel
o:“
OkayI
'
llbuyi
tfory
ouonl
yify
oupr
omi
sey
ou'
l
lbeagoodboy
”
Juj
u:“
OkayIpr
omi
se”

It
ookSmat
omybedr
oom t
osl
eep.Hewaspeacef
ulandcut
eli
kehi
sfat
herIputat
hrowon
hi
m

spend5mi
nut
esl
ooki
ngathi
m.

WhenIt
urnedIf
oundhi
m st
andi
ngi
nthedoorl
ooki
ngatme.

Iwentoutoft
her
oom t
othel
adi
est
heyof
fer
edhi
m di
nner
.Int
woday
s

Sponsor
ed

If
oundhi
m st
andi
ngi
nthedoorl
ooki
ngatme.

Iwentoutoft
her
oom t
othel
adi
est
heyof
fer
edhi
m di
nner
.Int
woday
shel
ookssohor
ri
bleand
I

don'tcar
eaf
terwashi
ngt
hedi
shesIhuggedt
hem andki
ssedt
heki
dsandt
heyl
eft
.Samkel
o
tookJuju

whof
ell
asl
eepont
hecoucht
ohi
sroom andi
ttookawhi
l
ethenhecamebackt
othel
ounge.

Samkel
o:“
Ihav
etol
eav
enow”

Me:
“Okay
”

HegotupandIgotupt
olockt
hedooraf
terhi
m.

Whenhewasaboutt
oopent
hedoor
.

Samkel
o:“
Takecar
eofy
our
sel
f”Asi
fhecar
es.

Me:
“Okayby
e”

Hegotoutt
henIl
ockedt
hedoor
.Iswi
tchedof
fthel
i
ght
sdownst
air
sthenwentt
ocheckJuj
u.I
f
ound

them sl
eepi
ngi
nthesamebedIt
hinkSamkel
odi
dthatIki
ssedJuj
u'
sfor
eheadIpul
l
edt
he
duvetup

whenIwasaboutt
ocl
oset
hedoorIwentbacki
nto.
..

Il
ookedatSmahewassl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ull
yhi
sli
pswer
eli
tt
lepout
edoutl
i
keJuj
u'
swhenhe
i
s

asl
eept
heygoti
tfr
om t
hei
rfat
herhedoest
hatt
oowhenhei
sasl
eep.I
twasni
cet
olookathi
m

sl
eepi
ngIbr
ushedhi
sheadsof
tl
y.
Iwentt
omybedr
oom t
ookashowert
hengoti
nbed.

Myphonebeeped.

“
Youmustwat
chy
ourev
erymov
ebecauseI
'
m ev
ery
wher
e”SMScamet
hroughmyphone.

Iqui
ckl
ygotupwentt
othei
rroom Ipi
ckedt
hem bot
htomybedr
oom wher
eIcan'
tseet
hem.
These

bodyguar
dscanbeusel
esssomet
imes.Ineedt
ofi
ndhi
smot
herandf
indoutwhyshegav
eher
baby

awayImeant
her
e'snoonewhocangi
veawayherbaby
.

Itookmyl
apt
opIwant
stof
indwhosenumberi
sthi
s.Mi
nut
esl
aterIf
oundt
hati
t’
sabur
ner
phone

sot
her
e'snot
hingIcanf
ind.Ineedt
ohackSamkel
o'
sphonemay
beI
'
llgetsomet
hingusef
ul.

Inami nut
eIhackedi
t.Iwentt
ohi
scal
ll
ogst
heywer
elotofunsav
ednumber
sinhi
slogsI
checked

hi
smessagesIf
oundamessage.
..

“
Hef
oundout
”

ItookthepaperandpenIwr
otet
henumberdown.Anot
hermessage“
Hei
sdanger
ousI
'
m
scared”

Iwentt
ohi
sWhat
sAppIdi
dn'
tfi
ndany
thi
ngsoIdeci
dedt
olookathi
spi
ctur
esmay
beI
'
llget

somet
hing.Ther
ewer
epi
ctur
esofusJuj
u'
spi
ctur
eswhenhewasani
nfant
.Ir
emember
edt
he
old

goodt
imeswehadbef
oreandImi
ssedourl
i
febackt
henbutIwasi
nthedar
kbackt
hen.

Il
ookedal
lthepi
ctur
esofJuj
uhewasachubbybabybutnowhei
sski
nnyandr
ude.Icame
acr
ossa

pi
ctur
eofJuj
uthatInev
ersawi
nmyphoneandi
nhi
sal
bum andI
'
venev
ersawi
tbef
ore.
..
.

Izoomedi
tsJuj
u..
..
..

Samebl
anketSamebi
nni
eandev
ery
thi
ngbutwhyI
'
venev
ersawi
tbef
ore?

Ther
e's.
..
.

Wai
t.
Izoomedt
hepi
ctur
eIsawt
hehospi
tal
li
nenwr
it
ten.
..
Izoomedi
tagai
n..
.

I
tswri
tt
enMel
omedbuthowbecauseIwentt
oNet
car
eaf
tergi
vi
ngbi
rt
htoJuni
ori
nthi
shouse
and

wentt
otothehospi
tal
aft
ersot
hismeanst
hebabyont
hispi
ctur
eisnotJuj
u..
..I
ts
Smamukel
e..
.

Samkel
oiscl
evert
hatIt
houghtI
'
llhav
enot
iceev
eni
fIcameacr
ossi
t.

Ihav
en'
tsl
eptat06:
30am Iwentdownst
air
stocl
eant
hehousebecauseMam'
Sisnotwor
king
on

weekendsbutshebaby
sit
swhenIneedt
ogosomewher
e.

Iwentbackt
obat
hroom t
heywer
est
il
lasl
eep.It
ookashowerwhenIcamebackt
her
ewer
e
awake

j
umpi
ngi
nmybed.

Me:
“Hey
!St
opi
t”

Juj
u:“
Mor
ningmom!
”

Someti
mesIt
hinkt
otakehi
mtot
hedoct
ort
ocheckhi
sear
smay
bet
hey
'r
edamaged.Iwentt
o
back

t
othebat
hroom t
orunabat
hforbot
hIbat
hthem andt
ookt
hem t
othei
rbedr
oom t
ogett
hem

dr
essed.Imadet
hem br
eakf
astt
heycamet
oeataf
tereat
ingt
heyr
anbackt
othepl
ayr
oom.

Eggshav
eaf
unnysmel
lIcoul
dn'
teatt
hem soImadeJungl
eoat
satl
easti
tImanagedt
oeat
few

spoons.Thedooropenedhecamei
nwi
thpl
ast
icsputt
hem downandwentbackt
ogett
oget
other

t
hingsi
nthecar
.

Iwentt
othel
oungeIcal
l
edSpi
kes.

Spi
kes:
“Ar
eyouokay
?”

Me:
“YeahI
'
m goodIneedy
out
ofi
ndSma'
smot
herf
orme”

Spi
kes:
“Ei
sh!Youneedt
otal
ktoSKf
ir
storel
seI
'
llbei
ntr
oubl
e”

Me:
“Okay
”Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Samkel
o:“
SawubonaMaMwel
ase”

Mxm!

Me:
“Yebounj
ani
?”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m good”

Hecamet
osi
tthecouchacr
osswher
eIwassi
tt
ing.Hegav
emeaFer
rer
oRochechocol
ate.

Samkel
o:“
Hav
eyousl
epti
nthepastf
ewday
s?”It
ookt
hechocol
ateandputi
tonov
ert
he
cof
fee

t
abl
e.

Me:
“Not
hankst
oyou”Hel
ookeddown.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
rybabe”

Igotupf
rom t
hecouchIf
eltdi
zzyhecaughtmeaf
terIal
mostf
ell
.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Me:
“YeahI
'
mfi
negety
ourf
il
thyhandsof
fme”Isnapped.

Hemov
edf
rom me.Thenoi
sewascomi
ngt
owar
dst
hel
ounge.

Juj
u:“
Ntwana!
”

Sma:
“Twana”

Theycamer
unni
ngi
ntheywentt
othei
rfat
her
.Theymadet
hishandshaki
ngt
hingbutSmawas

confusedbuthi
sfat
hert
aughthi
m howt
odoi
t.Theywer
elaughi
ng.Iwentt
otheki
tchent
oget
j
uice.

Ihear
dti
nyhandt
ouchi
ngmeatt
hebackofmyt
highwhenIt
urnedi
twasSmamukel
e..
.

Sma:
“Iwant
”hewasspeaki
ngatal
owerv
oiceIcoul
dn'
thearwhathewast
ryi
ngt
osay
.

Iwentdownt
ohi
slev
elIwant
edt
ohearwhathewassay
ing.
..

Sma:
“Iwantphood”

Me:
“Okay
.ButIneedy
out
osaycanIpl
easehav
efood”

Hest
oodst
il
l.

Sma:
“CanIpeasehadphood”
He'
sst
il
lpr
onounci
ngwor
dsi
nhi
sownway
.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Helookedsocut
eIwantt
olov
ehi
mli
kemyownbuthowbecauseIwasbet
ray
edandhecame
but

hei
sinnocent
..
.

Me:
“OkayI
'
llmakesomet
hingt
oeat
”

WhenIgotuphewaswat
chi
ngatus.It
hinkhedon'
ttr
ustmear
oundSmai
fIwer
ehi
m Iwoul
d
be

car
eful
aroundme.
..

Me:
“Needsomet
hingt
oeat
?”

Samkel
o:“
Yespl
ease”

Heisugl
yI'
venev
ersawwi
thal
ongbear
dandhai
rs.Hecut
shi
shai
rinacut
ebr
ushandi
tsui
ts
hi
m

wi
thasmal
lbear
dbutnowhel
ooksl
i
kea50-
year
-ol
d.

Me:
“Okay
”

Imadesandwi
cheswi
thj
uiceaf
tereat
inghet
henhewentt
opr
epar
eSma'
sbedi
nJuj
u'
sroom
and

hewashappyf
ort
hem t
oshar
ethesamer
oom.

Ican'
teatany
thi
ngI
'
m nothungr
ybutor
angej
uicecando.Ist
art
edt
opr
epar
elunchf
orusi
t
was

readyIdi
shedupf
orMam'
Stooki
ttoher
.WhenIcamebackt
othehousei
twasqui
etIwent
upstai
rs

t
ocheckupont
hem.
..
.

Ifoundt
het
hreeoft
hem sl
eepi
ngont
hef
loort
hei
rheadswer
eonhi
schestIwentt
otakemy
phone

t
otakeapi
ctur
eoft
hem t
henIwentbackt
othel
ounge.
..It
hinkmusthav
edozeof
f.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Shhhdon'
twakeherup”hewhi
sper
ed

Juj
u:“
ButI
'
m hungr
y”hewhi
sper
edback
Isl
owl
yopenmyey
esSmawasst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofmeasIwassl
eepi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
ryt
owakey
ouup”

"
Ineedt
odi
shup"
-me.

Igotupandwentt
othebat
hroom t
owashmyf
aceandhandst
henwentt
otheki
tchent
odi
sh
upfor

t
hem.Theysatdownandat
eImadet
hedi
sheswhent
heywer
edoneeat
ing.Boy
sfel
lasl
eepon
t
he

couchhet
ookt
hem t
othei
rbedr
oom.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m wor
ri
edabouty
ou”Hecamet
osi
tont
hecouchacr
ossmi
ne.

Mee:
“I'
mfi
nedon'
twor
ryaboutme”

Samkel
o:“
Youdi
dn'
teatt
oday
”

Me:
“Iat
eint
hemor
ningandI
'
mfi
ne!
”Isnapped.

Samkel
o:“
Iknowy
ou'
reangr
yandy
ouhav
eev
eryr
ightt
obebuty
ouneedt
oeat
”thatcameout

l
oudf
rom hi
m.

Me:
“Don'
tyoudar
e!Tel
lmewhatt
odoornott
o”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m nott
ryi
ngt
otel
lyouwhatt
odobutIcar
efory
ou.
..
”

Me:
“What
ever
!”

Qui
et.

Hewentt
oki
sshi
ski
ds’
goodni
ghtt
henwentof
fIdon'
tknowwher
ehei
sst
ayi
ngandIdon'
t
car
e..
.

Myphoner
ang.

Voi
ce:
“Yourl
i
fei
saboutt
otakeanot
herspi
n”t
hescr
atchyv
oice.

Me:
“Whoar
eyou?
”

Thecal
lwasdr
opped.

Samkel
o:“
Whowast
hat
?”

Me:
“Real
l
y?”Iwaspi
ssed.

Iwentt
otakeboy
stosl
eepi
nmybedr
oom.
Thi
sisget
ti
ngonmyner
vesnow.Thi
smeanswhoev
ert
hisi
siti
srel
atedt
oSmamukel
ebuthe
i
s

Samkel
o'
syoungerv
ersi
on.Ther
e'smor
etot
his.Idon'
tknowwhenIf
ell
asl
eepbutIneedt
o
meet

Spi
kest
oday
.

Samkel
oisdoi
ngav
erygr
eatj
obt
orui
nmyl
i
feIneedt
oseet
hecr
ècheownert
odaybecause
Sma

needstogot
osamecr
ècheasJuj
u.Ibat
hthem andgav
ethem f
oodandt
heywentt
othe
pl
ayroom.

Soi
tisMondayIt
hinkt
hey
'l
lacceptSmaIhadmeet
ingwi
tht
hecr
ècheowneri
naf
ter
noon.I
met

Spi
kesf
orl
unch.

Iwashappyt
oseet
hataf
tert
hatIwentt
odol
unchwi
thSpi
kes.

Me:
“Ineedy
ouhel
pmf
ethu”

Spi
kes:
“Hay
ispeakt
ohi
mfi
rstt
henwe'
l
ltal
k”

Me:
“Mxm y
ou'
renothel
pingher
e”

Her
efusedt
ohel
pmewi
tht
hiswi
thoutSamkel
o'
sappr
oval
.Iwentbackhomet
hingsandl
eft
f
ort
he

meet
ingatcr
èche.IneedSmat
oat
tendt
hesamecr
èchewi
thJuj
uitwi
l
lbeeasyt
odr
opt
hem
of
fand

f
etcht
hem i
nthesamespotsi
nceI
'
llbeasi
ngl
epar
ent
.

Themeet
ingwentwel
lsonextweekMondayhe'
l
lbest
art
ing.

Myphonebeeped.

It
ooki
ttot
her
ewasanat
tachment
..
..

I
twast hepi
ctur
eofmyhousemybedr
oom meandboy
ssl
eepi
ngboy
spl
ayi
ngi
nthel
ounge.
Lucki
l
y

Iwas5mi
nut
esawaybutImadei
ttwo.If
oundt
hem i
nthel
oungepl
ayi
ngsamecl
othesIsaw
i
nthat

pi
ctur
e..
.
Theygreet
edme.Smai
sst
art
ingt
obef
ami
l
iarwi
tht
hepl
ace.It
oldt
heboy
stogot
othe
pl
ayroom I

t
ookal
lthecamer
asi
nmyhousewi
tht
hedev
icet
hatsensesl
i
steni
ngdev
icesandcamer
as.

Iwentbackt
othehouseIneedt
omakeanur
gentcal
l
.

Me:“Spi
kest
her
e'ssomeonewhowasi
nmyhousel
astni
ghtt
her
ewer
ecamer
asandl
i
steni
ng
dev
ices

al
lov
ermyhouse”angr
ytone.

Chapt
er31

Spi
kes:
“OkayI
'
m oni
t”hehungup.

Ical
l
edourguyinsi
deSAPSf
oradv
iceoft
aki
ngSmai
nhesai
dImustkeephi
m because
Samkel
oisthe

f
atheroft
hebabyandhewasdr
oppedof
finsi
deourhouse.Imadeanot
hercal
l
...

Me:
“Phi
ndi
IneedSmamukel
etohav
eat
rackert
oni
ght
”

Phi
ndi
:“OkayI
'
llcomet
oyourhouseat19:
00pm”

Ihear
dvoi
cesandt
hedooropened.Andi
l
eSakhi
KatandSamkel
ocamet
othel
ounge.

Sakhi
:“Nompe”

Me:
“I'
m good”

Andi
l
e:“
Arey
ouf
ine?
”

Me:
“Yeah”

Myphoner
ang.

Me:
“Gotsomet
hingf
orme?
”Theyl
ookedatme.

Spi
kes:
“Youwon'
tbel
i
evei
t”

Me:
“Whatdoy
ouhav
e?”

Spi
kes:
“ItZakesMogal
e”

Me:
“What
!Theoneandonl
y?”Al
ley
eswer
eonme.

Spi
kes:
“I'
m notal
l
owedt
osayt
hisbuthi
swi
fei
sSma'
smot
her
.Hi
swi
fegotpr
egnantwi
thSma
she

thenwentt
ohi
dingaf
tergi
vi
ngbi
rt
hshegav
eSmat
oherf
ri
endf
rom Mahl
athi
nit
henhef
ound
out

t
hatshewasoncepr
egnantandt
hechi
l
dwasSamkel
o’ssohei
soutf
ort
her
evenge”

Me:
“It
hinkI
'
llcont
inuef
rom nowonbutcal
lmei
fyouf
indsomet
hing”Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

Kat
:“Whati
sgoi
ngon?
”

Myphonebeepedagai
n.

I
twasaLogoofTheDest
roy
er'
slogowi
thamessage.
..Ber
eadyf
orwar
!

Me:
“Weneedt
obepr
epar
edf
orwar
!Theshi
tisaboutt
ohappen”

Theyl
ookedsoconf
used.

Me:“
Samkel
oI'
m goi
ngt
oasky
ouonequest
ioni
fyoudon'
tanswermet
hismar
ri
agei
sov
er”
He

qui
ckl
ysatup.

Me:
“Whoi
sSmamukel
e'
smot
her
?”Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Happi
ness”

Me:
“Sur
name?
”

Samkel
o:“
Mogal
e”

Me:
“Wow!Hav
ingachi
l
dwi
thHappi
nessMogal
eyou'
vej
ustdecl
aredwar
”

Samkel
o:“
What
?”

Kat
:“War
?Nompedon'
tbeatar
oundt
hebush”

Me:“I
t’
sbeenweeksnowhewassendi
ngst
rangemessagesandt
odayhesentpi
ctur
esoft
his
house

andboy
spl
ayi
ngandmesl
eepi
ngwi
tht
heboy
sinmybedr
oom”

Andi
l
e:“
He?
”

Me:
“ZakesMogal
e”Isi
ghed.

Sakhi
:“What
?”
Kat
:“ZakesMogal
easi
nTheeZi
g-Mazaka?
”Samkel
oey
eswer
eal
lout
!

Me:
“Theoneandonl
y!
”

Them:
“Samkel
o!”

Samkel
o:“
Idi
dn'
tknow”

Me:
“Wheny
ouseef
lozzi
esy
oudon'
tusey
ourbr
ain”

Si
l
ence.

“
Ifhewant
swarhewi
l
lgetone”Whenwet
urnedi
twasSpi
der
?

Me:
“Nxaa!wenay
oual
way
ssneaki
ngar
ound”Hel
aughed.

Spi
der:
“Atl
easti
tTheDest
roy
ersIwoul
d'
vef
aint
edi
fitwasTheScav
enger
ssoev
ery
onemust
chi
l
l”

Weplannedourwayf
orwar
dont
hisTaKati
nfor
medt
hemember
s.Samkel
oandIar
eleadi
ng
t
his

menti
onaf
terdi
scussi
ngt
heki
dscamer
unni
ngi
nIwasi
ntheki
tchent
ogetj
uicet
hencame
backt
o

t
hel
ounge.

Juj
u:“
A'chuz”t
oAndi
l
eandhepi
ckedhi
m up.

Andi
l
e:“
Fede?
”

Juj
u:“
Ngi
grand”

Spi
der
:“Hay
imaar
nSamkel
othi
sisy
oury
oungerv
ersi
onmj
i
ta”hepi
ckedSmaupandt
ickl
ed
hi
m.

Me:“Phi
ndi
andhert
eam ar
ecomi
ngf
ort
hey
oungerone”Hi
sfacechangedbutIdi
dn'
tcar
e
about

i
t.

Kat
:“Okay
”

Juj
uwentt
ohi
sfat
hersoasSmasot
heywer
epl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
m.Sakhi
tookSmaandt
ickl
ed
hi
m.To

knowt
hei
rbadanddar
kestsi
debutwhent
hey
’rear
oundt
hei
rchi
l
dreny
ouseet
hemostcut
e
and
sof
tsi
deev
er.

Het
ookoutaf
oldedpaperi
nhi
spockethandedi
ttohi
sfat
her
.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sthi
snt
wana”heunf
oldedt
hepaper
.

Juj
u:“
It
'sy
ourcar
”Hel
i
kest
odr
awev
ent
houghi
t’
snotcl
earbuthei
sli
kesi
t.

Samkel
o:“
It
'sni
cent
wana”

Juj
u:“
Noi
t’
snot
”Hedr
ewi
tnowhesay
sit
’snotbeaut
if
ul.

Juj
u:“
Ther
e'sbl
ackj
uice”hepoi
ntedt
othedr
awi
ng.

Sakhi
lookedati
thewasconf
used.

Sakhi
:“Bl
ackj
uice?
”

KatandAndi
l
ewer
edr
inki
ng.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m conf
used”

Juj
ust
art
edcr
ying.

Whatiswr
ongwi
thhi
m?Hei
scr
yingbecausehi
sfat
hersai
dhedon'
tunder
standnowhei
s
cr
ying.

Real
l
y?Het
ri
edt
ocal
m hi
m downbuthecr
iedhar
derandSmacr
iedwhenhesawhi
m cr
ying.

Wewer
econf
usedbyal
loft
his.Ical
mthem downt
heybot
hsl
epti
nthecouch.

Spi
der
:“Whatt
hehel
l
?”

Samkel
o:“
Conf
usedasy
ouar
e”

Itookthepi
ctur
etol
ookati
t.I
tisSamkel
ocarcol
our
edi
nbl
acki
thasabl
ackspotunderi
t.I
don't

under
standwhat
'smadehi
mtocr
ythough.Dr
ama!

Kat
:“Ther
e'ssomet
hingaboutt
hisdr
awi
ng”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Bl
ackj
uice?
”

Theyl
ookedatme.

Me:
“Whi
chcarwer
eyoudr
ivi
ngt
oday
?”t
oSamkel
o.Iwant
edcl
ues.
Samkel
o:“
Mer
cedesAMGCLA200”hef
rowned.

Me:
“Bl
ackcar
?Bl
ackj
uice?Damni
t”

Them:
“Whati
sit
?”

Me:“Samkel
o'
sbl
ackcarwi
thbl
ackj
uiceunderi
tthi
smeansbl
ackj
uicei
soi
lcomi
ngf
rom t
he
car
”

Samkel
o:“
What
?Doy
ouhet
emper
edmycar
”

Iqui
ckl
ygotupandwentout
sidet
hehouset
heywer
efol
l
owi
ngwentst
rai
ghtt
ohi
scarIt
ook
my

phoneoutt
hepocketswi
tchedt
het
orchont
henIknel
ttol
ookunderi
t.
..
.

Theoi
lwasl
eaki
ngf
rom t
hecarIusedmyi
ndexf
ingert
otoucht
heoi
l
...

Me:
“Fuck!
”

Iwentbackqui
ckl
yint
hehouseandt
heycameaf
terme.

Me:
“Lookatt
his”Ishowedt
hem myi
ndexf
inger
.

Samkel
o:“
What
?Hej
ustsi
gnedhi
sdeat
hwar
rant
”wi
tht
hatdeepcol
dvoi
ce.

Sakhi
:“I
'
m st
il
lconf
usedhowdi
dheknew?
”

Kat
:“Doy
out
hinksomeonedr
awi
t’
snotJuj
u?”

Me:
“Thatcan'
tbet
ruebuthel
i
kesdr
awi
ngt
oo”

Sakhi
:“Howdi
ditmakesenset
oyou?
"

Me:
“I'
m hi
smot
hery
ou'
l
lnev
erunder
stand”

Theyl
aughed.Wentbackt
othel
ounget
heyal
lfol
l
owed.

Juj
uwasdr
eami
nghewassweat
ingandmov
ingl
i
kehei
sfi
ght
ingorsomet
hing.
..

Samkel
o:“
Wakehi
m upbabe”Whosai
dI'
m hi
sbabehemustnotannoymeatt
hist
ime?

Me:
“Wai
t.
..
”

Juj
ust
art
edt
ocr
yhewasf
ighti
nhi
sdr
eam andshaki
nghi
shead.Weal
ll
ookedatwhatwas

happeni
ng.

Juj
u:“
Ntwana!
!”hewokeupandsatup.
Me:
“Babyar
eyouokay
?”It
ookhi
mtomyar
mshej
ustcr
ied.

Mybabywashav
ingani
ght
mar
e.

Phi
ndicall
edandhewentt
oopenf
orher
.Shecamewi
thhert
eam.Theycamet
ogr
eett
hen
Samkelo

wenttoopenf
ort
hem i
nthebackgr
oundwher
ehe'
l
lbeoper
atedt
oinst
all
thet
rackeri
nhi
s
head.

Af
ter3hour
stheywer
edone.

Phi
ndi
:“Heneedst
osl
eep”

Me:
“Thanks”

Phi
ndi
:“Pl
easedon'
ti
tmywor
k”

Theydi
dn'
tst
ayt
heywentof
f.Al
lki
dshav
etr
ackeri
nthei
rheadsbutMyf
ri
endsandsi
ster
doesn'
t

knowabouti
t.I
tmustst
ayt
hatway
!

Samkel
otookboy
stot
hei
rroom.Theguy
swentof
faf
terPhi
ndi
.

Samkelo:
“I'
m sosor
ryf
ort
hepai
nI'
vecausedy
ouIdi
dn'
tmeantt
omyl
ove.Canwepl
easet
alk
about

i
t?”hewasbehi
ndme.

Me:
“Ineedt
obeal
one”

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
ease”

Me:
“Samkel
odon'
t”

Hewentupst
air
shecamebackwi
that
hrowandpi
l
low.

Me:
“Andt
hen?
”

Samkel
o:“
Youexpectmet
oleav
eyouandt
heboy
sher
eal
one?
”

Me:
“Pl
easel
eav
e”I
'
m get
ti
ngannoy
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Takey
ourgunandshootmei
fyouhav
etobutI
'
m notl
eav
ing”

It
ookmyl
apt
opandwentt
omyr
oom cl
osedt
hedoorIwentt
otakeabat
hthenwentt
obed.I
was
wokenupbySmat
appi
nggent
lyonmycheeks.

Me:
“Heybaby
”HewasdownIt
hinki
t’
sthemeds.

Sma:
“Heymommy
”hi
svoi
cewasscr
atchy
.

Fort
hef
ir
stt
imehecal
l
edmemommyev
ersi
nceandi
t’
sbeenweekhe'
sbeenher
e.

I
t07:
30am.

Sma:
“I'
m ungr
y”

Me:
“Okaybabel
et'
sgot
omakey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
”

Igotupfr
om t
hebedl
ucki
l
yIwasi
nmypy
jamaspi
ckedhi
m upt
henmadeourwayt
othe
ki
tchen

whenIwasi
nthest
air
sIhear
dthei
rvoi
cesIwentbackt
ooutmyr
obeont
henwentt
othe
ki
tchen.

Samkel
o:“
Idi
dn'
tknowwhathewant
ed”

Kat
:“Met
oo”

Theysawmei
ntheki
tchenandt
heycamet
otheki
tchen.
..

Kat
:“Het
oldy
ouwhathewant
edt
oeat
?”

Samkel
o:“
Igav
ehi
m ev
ery
thi
ngbuthecr
ied”

Me:
“Ist
hatwhyhe'
svoi
cei
sscr
atchy
?”

Theyl
ookedatme.Sakhi
andSpi
dercamet
otheki
tchent
o.

Iputhi
m ont
heki
tchencount
erandt
oldhi
m nott
omov
etheywer
elooki
ngatme.It
ookhi
s
bowl

outandweet
bexmi
l
kandsugar
.Hel
i
kesweet
bexnotcor
nfl
akes.Imadei
tforwi
thl
otsofmi
l
k.

Theywer
eal
ll
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
“Let
'seatbaby
”Heopenedhi
smout
hspoonaf
terspoon.

Sakhi
:“He'
l
lchoke”

Me:“Hel
i
kest
hatwayi
fyoudon'
tdot
hathedoesn’
tfi
nishhi
sfood”Katcl
appedhi
shands
f
oll
owed

bySpi
der
.
Samkel
o:“
Wet
ri
edev
ery
thi
ngbuthecr
ied”

Imanagedt
olaugh.

Me:
“Hecamet
omeandt
oldmet
hathe'
s“ungr
y””Theyl
aughed.

Kat
:“Idon'
tunder
standhowwomenunder
standchi
l
dren”hewasconf
used.

Me:“Mot
her
lyi
nst
inct
syou'
l
lnev
erunder
stand.Youmustknowt
heset
hingsbecauseshe'
l
lgi
ve
bi
rt
h

i
nfewmont
hs”

Kat
:“Youcansayi
tagai
n”

Kidsbri
ngst
hesof
tsi
deonhi
m Iwonderhowhe'
l
lbel
i
kewhenhi
sbabyi
sbor
n.I
t’
sthei
r
secondbaby

butt
hefi
rstchi
l
dNomxowasshotwhenshewas5mont
hsbecauseofKat
'sbi
tchsoshebr
oke
offt
he

engagementandwentt
oli
vei
nAr
gent
inabutI
'
m gl
adt
hei
rgotbackt
oget
heraf
ter7y
ear
s.

Iwenttocl
eanmybedr
oom af
terf
eedi
ngSmat
hent
ookashower
.WhenIwentbackt
othe
ki
tchen

heoff
eredmebr
eakf
astIsatdownandat
e..
.Juj
ucamer
unni
ngi
nhi
spy
jamasandSmawas
behi
nd

hi
m buthewasn'
trunni
ng.Iwonderwher
eJuj
uget
sal
lthi
sener
gyi
nthemor
ning.Theyar
en'
t
goi
ng

t
ocr
èchei
ttoodanger
ous.

Iwentt
obat
hthem andIhadf
unwi
tht
hem.WhatInot
icedaboutSmai
sthathel
i
keswat
er
than

Juj
u.Af
terdr
essi
ngt
hem wewentt
otheki
tchenmadesandwi
chesf
orusandj
uice.

Theywer
egonewhenwecamedown.

Smawasst
ruggl
i
ngt
ohol
dagl
asswi
thsoIt
ookst
rawf
orhi
m..
.

Fi
rstsi
p..
..

Helaughed.
..Hewasenj
oyi
ngdr
inki
ngwi
th.
..Hewasn'
teat
ingany
mor
ehewasdr
inki
nghi
s
j
uiceand

l
aughi
ngi
nbet
ween.Icl
eanedupwewer
edonet
heywentt
othei
rpl
ayr
oom t
henIwentt
othe
l
ounge

Iwat
chedmov
iesal
ldayIwentt
ocheckt
hem i
nthei
rpl
ayr
oom If
oundt
hem sl
eepi
ngIt
ook
oneby

onet
othei
rbedr
oom.At12:
45Iwentt
opr
epar
efordi
nert
heboy
scamei
ntheki
tchen.
..

Juj
u:“
Iwantf
ood!
”

Sma:
“Phood!
”

Me:
“Youwant
?”Igav
ethem ast
are.Theyj
ustl
ookedatme.

Me:
“Sayaf
terme.
..
.CanIpl
easehav
efood”

Tham:“CanIpl
easehav
efood”t
heybot
hsai
dbutSmasai
d"phood"
.Il
i
ket
hey
'r
eener
gyi
t
takesmy

mi
ndf
rom t
hinki
ngl
otsoft
hings.

Imadet
hem sandwi
chesbecauseIwasst
il
lcooki
ng.IcookedSampandt
ri
peSamkel
olov
esi
t.
Aft
er

eat
ingt
heywentt
owat
chcar
toonsi
nthel
ounge.Juj
uknowshowt
ouser
emot
econt
rol
soI
don'
t

hav
etodot
hatf
orhi
m.

Thedooropenedi
twast
heguy
stheycamet
otheki
tchent
heygr
eet
ed.Hewasn'
twear
ingl
i
ke
thi
sin

t
hemor
ningandal
loft
hem i
nthatmat
ter
.

Me:
“CanIof
fery
ousomet
hingt
odr
ink?
”

Kat
:“Whi
skeypl
easey
ou'
l
lfi
ndusi
nthel
ounge”

Itookgl
assandwentt
otakewhi
skeyt
hent
othel
ounge.Katpour
edt
hem andt
heyal
ldr
ank
once.

Ther
e'ssomet
hingwr
ongher
e.

Me:
“I'
mli
steni
ng”Isatdown.Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Samkel
o:“
Uhm y
ouandboy
scanr
elaxnowZakeswon'
tbot
hery
ouany
mor
e”

Me:
“Whatdoest
hatmean?
”

Samkel
o:“
Hewon'
tbeapr
obl
em f
rom nowl
andf
orev
er”
Iwant
edt
obea.
..

Me:
“Andy
oudi
dn'
ti
ncl
udemebecause?
”myv
oicewasr
aisi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Idi
dn'
twanty
out
obei
nvol
vedi
nthi
sthatwarwasdecl
aredf
ormenoty
ou”hesai
d

cal
mly
.Ot
her
swer
equi
et.

Me:
“Soy
out
hinkwhat
'sbestf
ormenow?I
'
m noty
ourchi
l
dImakemydeci
sion”

Samkel
o:“
It
’sdoneal
readysoIneedy
out
ocal
m down”

Hedr
ivesmecr
azywhenI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
ohi
m andhi
m bei
ngcal
mlyi
tgett
omyl
astner
ve.

Me:
“Okayt
hengi
vemeHappi
ness”

Theyl
ookedatmel
i
keIsai
dabadt
hing.
..

Samkel
o:“
Iwon'
tgi
veHappi
nessshei
sSmamukel
e'
smot
hersoIcan'
t”
hisv
oicewasf
ir
m and
deep

Sponsor
ed

soIhav
etol
eav
eit
.

Me:
“OkayIwantt
oseet
hev
ideo”Ser
iouski
l
li
ngshav
evi
deosoIneedt
oit
.

Samkel
o:“
Okaybutnotnow”

WhenIwasaboutt
odi
shboy
scamer
unni
ngi
ntheki
tchenSmawant
edj
uiceonl
ybutIt
oldhi
m
he'
l
l

getjui
ceaf
tereat
inghi
sfoodandJuj
uwant
edmyphonebutIdi
dn'
tgi
vehi
m It
oldt
hem t
ogo
tothei
r

f
atheri
nthel
ounge.
..Ihear
dacarpul
l
ingout
side.
..

Thef
looropened.
..
.

I
yazi
:“Aunt
yNompe!
”

Ncooahi
twasmynephewI
yazi
wit
hhi
spar
ent
sIdi
dn'
tknewt
hatt
heywer
evi
sit
ingi
nthe
middl
eof

t
heweek.

Me:“
Heymyboy
”Ipi
ckedhi
m upandki
ssedhi
scheek.Hegr
eet
edmebecausehewasn'
t
wel
comed
byJuj
u.

Me:
“Heyguy
s”t
oIy
azi
'
spar
ent
s.

Nont
u:“
Heyhowar
eyou?
”

Me:
“I'
m goodMt
akamahandy
ou?
”WhenIwasaboutt
ogr
eetThokozani
..
.

Juj
u:“
A'chuz!
”hecamer
unni
ngf
oll
owedbySma.

Fi
stbumpi
ngf
ir
stt
henI
yazi
fistbumpedSma.I
twasgoodseei
nghi
m smi
l
ing.Theguy
scame
fr
om t
he

l
ounget
otheki
tchen

Samkel
o:“
Haahni
njani
?”

Nont
u:“
Siy
aphi
l
ani
njani
?”

Theint
ercom r
ang.
..
.Smar
ant
oitpul
l
edt
hecor
dtobr
ingi
ttohi
sJuj
uhast
aughthi
mtobe
naught
y

Isee.
..
.

Sma:
“Hel
l
ow”

Wealll
aughedathi
m.Samkel
owentt
oopeni
twasNokweal
onebecauseSakhi
washer
ewi
th
us.
..
.

Nokwe:
“Hel
l
oev
ery
one”

Thi
sisani
cesur
pri
seIl
ovei
t.

Af
terherZeeSpi
kesandt
hei
rdaught
erMi
l
isut
handocamei
n.Shei
saf
unnyki
dtobear
ound
wi
th

speaki
ngl
i
keadul
t.Af
tert
hem Thabi
andGwaj
ocamei
n.

Theki
dswentt
othepl
ayr
oom Ican'
tdeal
wit
hthem whent
hey
'r
eal
lher
e.Noi
sef
ight
ingbei
ng

wr
est
ler
sandgi
rl
sbul
l
yingboy
s.

Wewentt
othel
oungewi
thdr
inks.

I
nter
com agai
n..
.

Samkel
owentt
oopen.
..

Nomxo:
“Yey
iiI
'
llki
l
lyounextt
imei
fyou'
redr
ivi
ngl
i
ket
hat
!”
AK-
47camef
ir
stt
othel
ounge.
..

Nomxo:
“I'
m hungr
y!”

I
twasNomx owhowasshout
ingshesetnextt
oherman.Shedi
dn'
tgr
eetsomet
imes
pr
egnancycan

t
urny
ouamadwoman.

Kat
:“Babewhyar
eyoushout
ing?
”

Nomxo:
“AK-
47al
mostki
l
ledme.Tj
o!”

Kat
:“AKwhati
sitwi
thy
ouwi
thpi
ssi
ngpr
egnantwomen?
”

AK:
“Haashewascompl
aini
ngaboutt
hef
ani
nmycarwhenIt
urnedi
tof
fmi
nut
esl
atershe

compl
ainedt
hatshei
sfeel
i
ngheatsoIdr
ovef
ast
ersoIcanget
her
equi
ckl
y”

Weal
ll
aughed.

Kat
:“Doy
our
ememberwheny
out
ookNompet
othesur
pri
sebabyshower
?”

Theywer
eal
li
nst
it
ches.Ihat
etowat
cht
hatv
ideoSamkel
oteasemeabout
.

Me:“Haaah!Ladi
escany
oupl
easehel
pmet
odi
shup”Igotupf
rom t
hecouchandt
hey
f
oll
owedme

t
her
e.

Me:
“Ni
yaphi
l
akodwa?
”Theyr
epl
i
ed.

Me:“
Itwon'
tbeenoughf
oral
lofuswe'
l
ldi
shupf
ort
heguy
sthenwe'
l
lor
der
edf
oodf
orusand
ki
ds”

Thabi
:“Goodi
dea”

Nokwewasqui
et.

Me:
“Ar
eyouf
ine?
”toNokwe

Nokwe:
“I'
mfi
nemngani
”

Me:
“Noy
ou'
renot
.Outwi
thi
t”

Nokwe:
“Okay
!”shesnapped.

Whoaa!

Nokwe:
“I'
m pr
egnant
”sher
oll
edherey
es.Weal
lscr
eamed
Me:
“Wow!Congr
atsmngani
”Iwentt
ohugher
.

Nomxo:
“Howmanyweeks?
”

Nokwe:
“Ei
ghtweeks”

Us:
“Ncooah!
”Weal
lcongr
atul
atedherbutshel
ookedl
i
keshewasn'
thappyabouti
t.

Me:
“Buty
oudon'
tl
ookhappy
”

Nokwe:
“Iam butI
'
m wor
ri
edaboutmywi
ne”Wel
aughedoutl
oud.

Nont
u:“
You'
recr
azywena”

Zee:
“Whyy
ou'
redi
dn'
tgr
eetSakhi
?”

Nont
u:“
Idon'
twanthi
mtobenearme”

Thabi
:“Hor
mones!
”

Nomxo:
“Igotmypar
tner
"

Shef
rowned.I
'
m sur
eshei
sfr
ust
rat
edbynotdr
inki
ngwi
ne.

Me:
“I'
l
lser
vemyHus.
..Samkel
oonl
y”

Zee:
“Yaphapha”

Wet ookt
hei
rfoodt
othem i
nthel
ounge.Theyl
aughedwhent
hesaweachofusgi
vi
ngher
husband

hi
sfood.

Weorder
edf
oodwi
tht
heki
dst
henIshowedt
hem t
hei
rroomsev
ent
heguy
sar
espendi
ngt
he
ni
ght

hereandki
dshav
ethei
rroomst
oo.Mi
l
iwashappyt
ohav
eherownr
oom.Af
tercl
eani
ngt
he
ki
tchen

Iwast i
redt
henusl
adi
eswentt
ooursepar
atedbedr
oom.Iwentt
otakeashower
..
.If
elthi
s
presence

whenIt
urnedIbumpedt
ohi
sbar
ebr
oadchest
..
.

Me:
“Andt
hen?
”

Samkel
o:“
Iwant
edt
otakeashowerwi
thmywi
fe”Myangerl
evel
wasr
aisi
ng.

Me:
“Wel
lIdon'
twantt
otakeshowerwi
thy
ousopl
easel
eav
emeal
one”
Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
rat
herbeher
ewi
thy
out
akeal
lresent
mentsi
l
entt
reat
mentandal
lofi
tthant
obe
out

t
her
eroami
ngar
oundt
empt
ati
onst
hatwi
l
ldest
roymymar
ri
agemor
ethani
tis”

Thosewor
ds.Het
ookmyhand.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIknowIbr
okey
ourhear
tandy
ourt
rusti
nmebutI
'
m wi
l
li
ngt
odoany
thi
ngt
o
fi
x

thi
ngsbet
weenus.Usl
i
vingsepar
atel
yit
sbr
eaksmyhear
tespeci
all
ywheny
ou'
renotl
aughi
ng
or

t
alki
ngt
ome”

If
eltt
ear
sinmyey
es.Il
ookedupt
otr
ytohol
dmyt
ear
s.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon'
thol
dthem”

Tear
scamef
loodi
ng.Het
ookmet
ohi
schest
..
.If
eltpr
otect
edandsaf
einhi
schest
..
.Isobi
n
hi
schest
.

Hestr
etchedhi
shandt
oswi
tchof
ftheshowert
ap.Hedi
dn'
tcal
m medownhel
etmecr
ywhen
Iwas

cal
m..

Me:
“I'
venev
erf
eltl
i
ket
hisi
nmyl
i
fe.You'
rebr
okemyhear
tSamkel
o..
.”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
rybabe.
..
”

Me:“It
oldy
out
obehonestmei
nthef
ir
stpl
acebuty
oudi
dn'
tdot
hat
.Youhi
dhi
mfor2y
ear
s
and

y
ouhav
en'
texpl
ainedt
hewhol
est
oryIhadt
ofi
ndoutmy
sel
fbuti
tsi
ncompl
etest
ory
”

Samkel
o:“
Canwepl
easet
akeshowerf
ir
st?
”

Helookssi
ncer
eIcanseei
tinhi
sey
es.Hebr
okemyhear
tbysl
eepi
ngwi
thanot
herwomanand
made

herpr
egnantbutmyf
eel
i
ngf
orhi
m hav
en'
tchangedIst
il
ll
ovehi
m andIcan'
tfi
ghtt
hef
actt
hat
I

l
ovehi
m.

Wetookashoweri
nsi
l
encebuti
twasl
i
keoursoul
swasspeaki
ngwi
theachot
her
.Hewashed
my
backandIr
emember
edt
heol
dgoodt
imes.
..
.Af
tert
aki
ngshowerhet
ookat
owel
formeI
wiped

mysel
fandhedi
d.Il
oti
onedwor
emypy
jamasandIf
oundhi
m si
tt
ingonedgeoft
hebed.I
mademy

wayt
othebedandputmyheadont
hepi
l
low.
..Hel
aynextt
omer
oom myheadt
ohi
schest
..
.

Me:
“Ineedy
out
otel
lmeev
ery
thi
ngwhenIsayev
ery
thi
ngdon'
tl
eav
easi
ngl
ewi
th.Sayi
tal
l
”

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Samkel
o:“
Aft
ert
hel
eav
eIt
ookf
rom wor
kforpr
epar
ingourweddi
ngIwentbackt
owor
ksoI
gota

bi
gcaset
owor
koni
nJobur
g(Ir
emembert
hatt
ime)
.Iwast
hedef
encel
awy
erandIwasl
i
ving
i
nthe

hot
elbecamePr
etor
iawasf
arsoHappi
nessi
sint
hesamef
ir
m wi
tht
hedef
endantl
awy
ersoI
met

hertwi
cewhenwewentt
oherf
ir
m.Af
teradayshecal
l
edmet
ohav
edr
inkst
henwewentout
for

dr
inksaf
tert
hatIwentbackt
omyhot
eli
nthenextmor
ningsheknockedi
nmydoorshegoti
n
when

Iaskedherwhatshewant
edi
nmyhot
eli
nnomi
nut
eshewasnakedi
nmyr
oom.Iwast
empt
ed
babe

I
'
m sosor
ry”

Myt
ear
sfel
lonhi
schest
.Iwascr
yingsi
l
ent
ly.

Samkel
o:“
Sowhenev
erIwast
her
eshecamei
nmyhot
elr
oom whent
heIwont
hecaseshe
sai
dwe

hadtocel
ebr
atesowecel
ebr
atedi
nmyhot
elr
oom t
henaf
terf
ewweekswhenIwasbackshe
tol
d

methatshei
spr
egnant
.Idi
dthebackgr
oundcheckt
henIf
oundoutt
hatshei
sZakesMogal
e'
s
wi
feI

didn'
tbel
i
evei
tatf
ir
stbutknowi
ngt
hati
tmi
ghthappent
obemybabyIt
ookhert
ookhert
oour
safe

houseinLi
mpopot
henaf
tergi
vi
ngbi
rt
hthebabycameoutl
ooki
ngexact
lyl
i
kesoIweagr
eed
totake
hi
mtoeMahl
abat
hini
toherf
ri
endt
orai
sehi
m Zakesdi
dser
iousi
nvest
igat
ionabouthert
henhe

f
oundoutt
hewhol
etr
uth.Forkeepi
nghi
m saf
ehi
smot
hert
ookhi
m her
e”

Thi
nki
ngt
hathewasdoi
ngal
lthatundermynosebutIdi
dn'
tcat
chany
thi
ngbutIsuspect
edhi
s

behav
iourbutIdi
dn'
tpai
dat
tent
iont
oit
.

Me:
“Thi
sexpl
ainst
hecal
l
syou'
rewer
edoi
ngi
neweorl
atei
ntheni
ght
?”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sosor
rybabei
twi
l
lnev
erhappenIpr
omi
sey
ou”

Me:
“Ist
il
lneedt
imet
odeal
wit
hev
ery
thi
ngt
hathashappen”

Samkel
o:“
BabeIcan'
tl
iv
ewi
thouty
ou.Waki
ngupi
nthemor
ningy
ounoti
nmysi
dei
tbr
eaks
my

hear
tandf
orseei
ngmyki
dsi
nschedul
eitf
rust
rat
emeIknowI
’
vewr
ongedy
oubutbabepl
ease
can

Imov
einI
'
llsl
eepi
naguest
room i
fIhav
eto”

Me:
“Howmanyar
ethey
?”

Si
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Twobef
oreSmacamehomebutIbr
okeupwi
thbot
h.Ican'
tl
osey
ouandmyki
ds”

Me:
“You'
rebet
terbeorel
se.
..
”

Hechuckl
ed.

Me:
“Ineedt
osl
eepnowy
oucangot
oyourr
oom”

Samkel
o:“
Babeourguest
roomsar
eful
landIdon'
thav
eapl
acet
osl
eepi
n.Cany
ouIpl
ease
sl
eep

her
e?”

Me:
“Int
hef
loor
?”

Samkel
o:“
HaahbabeIpr
omi
seI
'
llbehav
iour
”

Me:
“Okay
.Ify
out
ryanyf
unnybusi
nessy
ou'
l
lsl
eepi
nthef
loor
”

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Samkel
o:“
OkayIpr
omi
se”

Wegoti
nbed.Hemademet
osl
eepi
nhi
schestImi
ssedhi
m somuchj
ustt
oli
stenonhi
s
hear
tbeat
..
..

Chapt
er32

Samkel
o:“
I'
m notpr
oudofwhatI
'
vedonebabebutt
hanksf
ort
aki
ngSmamukel
etol
i
veher
e
wit
hus.

I
'l
lal
way
sappr
eci
atewhaty
ou'
vedonef
ormeIpr
omi
sey
ouI
'
llbeagr
eathusbandt
oyouand
gr
eat

f
athert
omyki
ds”

Me:
“Iwashur
tatf
ir
stbutIcoul
dn'
tchanget
hef
actt
hatheshar
est
hesamebl
oodasJuj
u.He
i
s

i
nnocentandy
oungheneedshi
sfat
hersoIcoul
dn'
tdenyhi
mthatoppor
tuni
tywheny
ou'
rest
il
l
al
iv
e”

Hewasqui
etIt
hinkhewast
hinki
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Ourpar
ent
swant
edt
oint
erv
enebutIt
oldt
hem t
ogi
veust
imebecauseIknewmy
mother

woul
d'
vebeenapai
nsoIt
oldt
hem t
ogi
veust
ime”

Me:“Okayt
hanksf
ort
hat
.Iwoul
d'
vef
acedmyGr
andmaMaKhumal
oandMaNdl
ovuhaai
none
day

Haaa”Hel
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Whyy
ourboobsar
ethi
sbi
g?”

Imi
ssedhi
sobser
vantsel
f.

Me:
“Doy
out
hinkI
'
m get
ti
ngf
at?
”

Samkel
o:“
YeahIcanf
eel
yourbodyt
haty
ou'
reget
ti
ngf
at”

Ipi
nchhi
minhi
sar
m.

Samkel
o:“
Ouch!
”

Me:
“Beni
cet
omybedr
oom”

Hekissedmyf
orehead.Imi
ssedt
hisev
eryni
ghtIcan'
tl
iv
ewi
thouthi
m.Idon'
tknowwhenIf
ell
asl
eep
butwhenIwokeuphewasl
ooki
ngatme.
..

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningmyl
ove”

Me:
“Mor
ning.Howar
eyou?
”Iwasy
awni
ng.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m goodandy
ou?
”

Me:
“I'
m good”

Inot
icedt
hathewasf
ull
ydr
esshi
sot
hercl
otheswer
eher
einourcl
oset
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m goi
ngt
otheof
fi
ceI
'
llbebacksoonmyl
ove”

Me:
“Mhm okay
.Hav
eani
ceday
”

Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandl
eft
.Iwokeupmadebedandt
ookashoweraf
tert
heIgotdr
essed
when

It
ookmyphone.Thewasabl
ackcar
dwi
thanot
enextt
oit
..
.

Hav
efun-Yourl
ovi
nghusband.

Ical
l
edhi
m.

Me:
“ThanksIgott
hecar
d”

Samkel
o:“
Mypl
easur
ebabe.Youknowt
hepi
n”

Me:
“Hav
eal
ovel
ydayt
hen”

Samkel
o:“
Yout
oo.Il
ovey
ou”

Me:
“Mhm okay
"

Ihungupaf
tert
hat
.Ican'
tsayt
hatf
ornowbutI
'
m goi
ngt
ochowhi
smoney
.I'
m goi
ngf
or
shoppi
ng

af
tert
hisandI
'
mtaki
ngmyboy
swi
th.I
'
llspendhi
smoneysohar
dandIt
hinkamassageonor

somet
hing.
..

Ihear
dvoi
cesl
aughi
ngi
nmyki
tchenIr
emember
edt
hatwehav
eguest
s.

Me:
“I'
m hungr
y.What
'sf
orbr
eakf
ast
?”I
twasl
adi
esonl
ytheguy
swer
enott
her
e.

Nokwe:
“IsawSamkel
oli
vi
ngy
ourr
oom mi
nut
esago”Noi
sy.

Nont
u:“
I'
m gl
ady
ou'
ret
ryi
ngt
owor
kthi
ngsout
”
Me:
“I'
m gl
adt
ooIcan'
tl
iv
ewi
thouthi
m”

Them:
“Ncooah”

Me:
“OkayI
'
m hungr
y.Ihav
etot
hrowawayt
hoseeggst
heyhav
eaf
unnysmel
l
”

Thabi
laughed.

Thabi
:“Theeggsar
efi
nemay
bei
t’
syouwhoi
sbehav
ingf
unny
”

Me:
“Hay
iI'
m not
”

Iset
tl
edf
orsandwi
chandj
uice.Theymadebr
eakf
astf
orki
dscal
l
edt
hem t
ocomeandeat
..
.

Sma:
“MommycanIpeasehav
ethatt
hingt
odi
nkj
uice”

Hewasi
mit
ati
ngdr
inkwi
thst
raw.

Me:
“Eaty
ourf
oodf
ir
stt
henI
'
llgi
vey
ouast
raw”Iwassmi
l
ingathi
m.

Thabi
:“You'
ret
woar
eget
ti
ngal
ong”

Me:
“He'
sador
abl
e”Iwassmi
l
ingl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Nokwe:
“Iador
eyouf
ort
aki
nghi
minmngani
”

Iwasamazedt
oher
ethatf
rom heratf
ir
stshewasagai
nsti
tbutIt
hinkherpr
egnancychanged
her

mindaboutSma.Hequi
ckl
yfi
nishedhi
sfoodt
henIgav
ehi
m ast
rawt
henhewasl
aughi
ngat
t
hat

soundmadebyast
raw.

Me:
“Ihav
ethebl
ackcar
donmesot
odayI
'
m goi
ngf
orshoppi
ng!
”

Theyl
aughed.

Them:
“Sodous!
”

Weal
ll
aughed

Wewentt
obat
hki
dsanddr
essedt
hem.Smawashappyt
ogoouthewasj
umpi
ngupanddown
I

t
hinkheneedt
hatev
ersi
ncehecameher
eIdi
dn'
tal
l
owt
hem t
opl
ayout
sideIwasnotsaf
efor
t
hem.

Sma'
sexi
stencebr
okemyhear
tsoul
andt
rustIhadf
ormyhusbandbutI
'
lldi
efi
rsti
fther
e's
someone

whowant
stohur
thi
minany
way
.

Whenwear
ri
vedatGat
ewaywewentf
ort
heki
dsshoppi
ngf
ir
st.
..
.

Juj
uandGwaj
otookpai
rofski
nnyj
eanswhi
l
eSmat
ookpoi
ntedani
cebl
ackj
acket
.It
ooki
tfor
hi
m

hesmil
ed.Hepoi
ntedgr
eyskinnyj
eanandbl
ackboot
sandIt
ookhi
ssizeandablueSpi
derman
Tshir
theisgoodonchoosi
ngcolour
.Juj
uhadmanyugl
ycol
our
sshir
ts.Imadehi
mt ochoose
whathe

l
i
kes.

Smawasnowst
andi
ngst
il
l.Iwentt
ohi
m.

Me:
“Goandt
akeev
ery
thi
ngy
oul
i
kemyboy
”

Henodded.Ihel
pedJuj
utochoosehi
sshoes.

Thabi
:“Hehasagoodt
ast
e”

Me:
“Nohe'
snotl
ooksatt
hisugl
yshi
rt
”

Thabi
:“I
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutSmaj
ustl
ookathi
sbasketi
tsunl
i
keJuj
u'
sandGwaj
o'
s”

Me:
“Inot
icedwhenhepi
ckedt
hef
ir
stt
hree”

Gwaj
ocal
l
edhi
smommy
.

Mil
iwantedal
lthepi
nkdr
essesandshoesandev
ery
thi
ngIwonderhowZeemanagesher
.
Nontuand

I
yaziwe'
ref
ight
ingasal
way
sIy
azi
want
edsneaker
sonl
y.Nomxoboughtsomenewcl
othes
agai
nfor

herunbor
nbaby
.Iboughtt
hem under
wearsocksscar
fsbenni
esandgl
oves.Wi
nteri
sint
wo
months

soIneedt
obuyi
tnow.Wewentt
ohav
elunchaf
tereat
inghav
ingl
unchwi
thourki
dst
henwe
went

backhome.Wef
oundguy
sint
hel
oungewat
chi
ngsoccer
..
.

Theki
dswentt
othei
rfat
her
sint
hel
oungemyki
tchenwasmessyIdon'
tknowwhatt
heywer
e
doi
ng

her
e.I
'
mti
redIt
hinkwi
necandoei
shIwon'
tdr
inki
tmakesmet
ovot
im soI
'
llt
rywhi
skeywi
th
i
ce.

Wewentt
ogr
eett
hem l
ucki
l
y;t
heywer
eeat
ingMam'
Sisonl
eav
eIwant
edt
obondwi
thSma
f
ir
st

t
hent
oshecancomebacksoIdot
hecl
eani
ngandal
lthatst
aff
.Iwentt
omybedr
oom wi
thour

shoppi
ngbags.I
'
llar
ranget
hem l
ater
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Ihopey
ouhadf
un”WhenIt
urnedi
twashi
m?

Me:
“ThanksIhel
pedal
ot”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m gl
adt
oseey
ousmi
l
ing”

Heist
ryi
ngt
ogetcl
oset
omebutIdon'
tthi
nkIf
eel
li
ket
hat
.Hesatdowni
nthebedandt
ook
one

shoppi
ngbaghet
ookoutt
hebl
ackj
ackett
henboot
s..
.

Me:
“Guesswhochosei
tforhi
m?”

Samkel
o:“
Juj
u?”

Me:
“NopSma.Hechoset
hosecl
otheshi
msel
f”

Samkel
o:“
Real
l
y”hewasconf
used.

Me:
“I'
m ser
iousy
oumustt
aket
hem t
oshoppi
ngi
nboy
souty
ou'
l
lseewhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
”

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
tbel
i
evehechoseni
cecl
othescompar
edt
oJuj
u”

Juj
uoncecr
iedf
oraf
lor
albeachshi
rtIdi
dn'
tbel
i
evehi
m wel
ethi
mtot
akei
twhenhewear
sit
he

l
ooksl
i
keshei
sgoi
ngt
othebeach.

Weor
der
edf
oodf
ordi
nnerIwassot
ir
edt
ocookweat
ethenki
dswentt
osl
eepf
ir
stt
henIwent
t
o

checkont
hem af
tert
hatIheadedt
omybedr
oom It
ookabat
hthenIwor
emysl
eepweart
hen
got

i
nbed.
..

Iwaswokenupbysomet
hingwhi
chwasmov
ingi
nmybed.
..Iqui
ckl
ytookmygunundert
he
pi
ll
ow.

Hegi
ggl
ed.
Iputi
tdown.

Me:
“Nxaa!Whatt
odoy
ouwant
?”I
'
m annoy
ed.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sl
eepi
ngher
eremember
?”

Me:
“What
?”Isatup.

Samkel
o:“
Yeah.Guest
s?”

Me:
“It
houghti
twasf
ory
est
erdayonl
y”Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hisnow.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
gowhent
heygot
oo”hei
sti
psysoIwon'
tar
guewi
thhi
m.

Iwentbackt
osl
eepmybackonhi
m.If
elthi
shandi
nmyt
high.

Me:
“Hay
i”

Hetookhi
shandof
f.Af
terami
nut
ehi
shandwasi
nmyass.It
urnedt
ogi
vehi
m api
eceofmy
mind

buthewasn'
tsl
eepi
nghi
sheadwasonhi
shandonapi
l
low.

Me:
“Don'
tmakemer
egr
etf
orl
ett
ingy
ousl
eepher
esopl
easedon.
..
.”Isnapped

Heki
ssedme.Icoul
dsmel
lwhi
skeyi
nhi
sbr
eat
h.WhenIt
ri
edt
opul
loutbuthepul
l
smecl
ose
t
ohim

andt
henki
ssedmesodeepl
y.
..

Iqui
ckl
ygotof
fhi
sgr
ipr
ushi
ngt
othebat
hroom t
ovomi
t.WhenIwasdoneIwashedmymout
h
I

f
oundhi
m st
andi
ngi
nbat
hroom door
.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Me:
“YeahI
'
m okay
”

Samkel
o:“
Whyar
eyouv
omi
ti
ngt
heni
fyou'
ref
ine?
”

Me:
“I'
mfi
ne!
”Iwasl
i
ttl
eannoy
ed.

WhenIwal kbackt
othebedhepul
l
edmecl
oseagai
nandheki
ssedmeIqui
ckl
ypul
loutIf
ell
nauseas.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ousur
eyou'
ref
ine?
”

Ir
ant
othebat
hroom agai
naf
terIwasdoneIr
insedmymout
hthenIf
oundhi
m si
tt
ingont
he
edge

i
fthebedl
ooki
ngdownathi
sfeet
.

Samkel
o:“
Icant
akey
out
ohospi
tal
ify
ou'
renotwel
l
”

Me:
“NoI
'
mfi
neIt
hinki
t’
sthesmel
lofwhi
skeyy
oudr
ank”Isatnextt
ohi
m.

Hel
ookedatmel
i
keI
'
m cr
azy
.

Samkel
o:“
Letmeki
ssy
out
otesti
fit
swhi
skeyorwhat
”

Me:
“You'
recr
azyI
'
m goi
ngbackt
osl
eep”Igoti
nbed.

Hewentoutoft
hem r
oom f
inal
I'
m goi
ngt
osl
eepi
npeace!Theseday
sI'
m sl
eepi
ngal
otbut
what

I
'
vebeent
hroughIneedt
orest
..
.

Isl
eptaf
termi
nut
es.Iwaswokenbyaki
ss.Iopenedmyey
es.

Me:
“Whatar
e..
.”

Samkel
o:“
Shhhh.Justki
ssme”

Heki
ssedmesopassi
onat
elyandIdi
dn'
tknowImi
ssedhi
ski
ss.Theki
ssheat
eduphet
ook
mypyj
ama

t
opof
f.
..
.

Me:
“Wai
t.
..
”Isai
daf
terIbr
oket
heki
ss.

Samkel
o:“
Shhh”

Heki
ssedmeagai
nIknowI
'
m st
il
langr
yathi
m butImi
sshi
m somuch.
..
.It
ookof
fhi
svesthe
t
ook

ofmypyj
amapantt
hisdayIdon'
tl
iket
owearpant
yhehel
pedmet
ounbut
tonhi
sjean.He
ki
ssedme

agai
nsoIt
ookof
fhi
sboxert
henwewer
ebot
hnaked.
..Hest
art
edt
oki
dmedownmyneckt
o
my

st
omachdownt
omyv
elv
et.
..Het
easedmycl
otwi
thhi
sloungehewassogent
ly

Sponsor
ed

soIt
ookof
fhi
sboxert
henwewer
ebot
hnaked.
..Hest
art
edt
oki
dmedownmyneckt
omy
st
omachdownt
omyv
elv
et.
..Het
easedmycl
otwi
thhi
sloungehewassogent
lyandIwant
ed
hi
m

i
nsi
deme.
..I
nsecondhewasi
nsi
demet
hrust
ingi
nandoutsogent
lyhewasont
opwhenour

moani
ngl
ouderandl
ouder
..
..
..Wecamet
hesamet
ime.
..

Her
oll
edov
erwhenwear
ecat
chi
ngbr
eat
hs.
..

It
ri
edt
ogetupf
rom bedt
obat
hroom myl
egswer
efeel
i
ngf
un.Hegi
ggl
ed.

Me:
“Mxm!
”

Iwentt
obat
hroom t
otakeaqui
ckshower
..
..Hi
shandsonmywai
st.

Me:
“Hay
iSamkel
o”

Samkel
o:“
Imi
ssedy
ou”

Me:
“I'
mtr
yingt
otakeashowerher
e”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m notdonewi
thy
ou”

Me:
“Hay
ikeaf
tert
aki
ng.
..
”

Het
urnedmet
oseehi
m Iwashi
ser
ect
ion.Hecan'
tbeser
ious.
..

Hekissedme.
..Ican'
tresi
sthi
ski
ssandhi
sbodyandhi
sev
ery
thi
ngt
obeexact
.Hepi
ckedme
upand

wehadoursecondgl
oryi
nthebat
hroom i
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghtaf
tert
hatwet
ookashower

t
oget
hert
henwentt
obed.

Myphoner
ang.
..

Voi
ce:
“Pl
easet
akecar
eofhi
m Igi
vey
ouaper
missi
ont
oadopthi
mlegal
.Pl
easet
ell
himt
hatI
l
ove

hi
m somuch”

It
hinki
t’
sSmamukel
e'
smot
herandshei
scr
ying.

Me:
“O-
kay
..
..
”Iwassosur
pri
seorl
etmesayIwasshocked.

Ihear
dgun.
..Idr
oppedt
hecal
landkeptqui
et.

Samkel
o:“
Whowascal
l
ingmywi
feat01:
30am?
”Jeal
ousi
nhi
ghl
evel
s!

Me:
“It
hinkI
twasHappi
ness”Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evei
t.
Samkel
o:“
Ohwhatdi
dshewant
?”

Me:“Shegav
emeaper
missi
ont
oadopthi
mlegal
”Iwant
edt
odoi
tincaseshest
art
sfunny
busi
ness.

Samkel
o:“
Ist
hatwhaty
ouwantbabe?
”hewasl
ooki
ngatme.

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:
“Iwoul
dlov
etodot
hati
fyou'
rear
eokaywi
thi
t”

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m okaywi
thi
tandIcanseet
haty
oul
ovehi
m sowhynot
”

SonowIcanr
aisehi
mli
kemyownl
egal
l
y.Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
schestandhecr
adl
emet
il
lIf
ell
asl
eep.

WhenIwokeuphewasl
ooki
ngatmewhi
l
eIwasasl
eep.
..

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningsweet
hear
t”t
hatdeepsexyv
oiceofhi
s…

Me:
“Mor
ning”

Samkel
o:“
Imadey
oubr
eakf
ast
”

Ir
ant
othebat
hroom t
ovomi
t.Thi
sthi
ngofv
omi
ti
ngi
sget
ti
ngt
omyner
vesnow.

WhenIwentbackt
obedr
oom hewasont
hephone.Hesai
dhehasemer
gencyi
ntheof
fi
ceso
he

tookaqui
ckshowert
hengotdr
essedt
henwentof
f.Imadeabedt
ookashowert
oowentt
o
bathmy

boysanddr
esst
hem.Mygi
rl
smadebr
eakf
astf
ort
hem andki
dst
hei
rhusbandswel
onggone
whenI

camedown.

Imadef
rui
tsal
ad.Thedooropened.
..

Juj
u:“
Yeeey
!Lwandi
l
e!”

Lwandi
l
e:“
HaaahJuj
u!”

I
twast
heBi
gFourRachel
andAmahl
eIgr
eet
edt
hem Thabi
madebr
eakf
astf
ort
hem.

Me:
“St
il
ll
ooki
nggoodne?
”Theyl
aughed.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Wear
etr
ying”
Zamo:
“Ar
eyouokay
?”

Me:
“I'
m okay
”Iknowwhathe'
stal
ki
ngabout
.

Lwandi
l
e:“
CanIpl
easeseehi
m?”

Me:
“Yeahsur
e.Letmecal
lhi
mfory
ou”

Theki
dswer
eont
hepl
ayr
oom.

Me:
“Sma!
”

Sma:
“Comi
ng!
”heshout
ed.Juj
utaughthi
mtoshout
s!Hecamei
nrunni
ng.I
tsJuj
u'
sdoi
ng!

Whenhecamei
nthei
rlookedathi
mthenhecameandsatnextt
omei
nthecouch.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Comeher
eboy
”

Hegotof
ffr
om t
hecouchandwentt
oLwandi
l
ebuthewasgoi
ngsosl
owl
y.Lwandi
l
etookhi
m
and

sathi
mtohi
slap.

Sphe:
“Thi
sishi
syoungerv
ersi
on”

Mbuso:
“Exact
ly!
”

Hewaslookingatt
hem andhewasconf
used.Theyi
ntr
oducedt
hemsel
vest
ohi
m andhe
wasn'
tpayi
ng

anyat
tent
iont
othem af
tersomet
imet
heyl
ethi
m go.

They
'r
eal
lov
ert
hepl
aceIdon'
tunder
standwhyt
hei
rbr
other
sdon'
tfor
cet
hem t
owor
kbutt
hey

hav
emoney
.Thabi
ledt
hem t
othedi
ningr
oom t
odayt
hei
rbr
eakf
ast
.

Me:
“Ladi
esI
'
mtaki
ngy
ououtf
orl
uncht
odayandi
t’
sonme"

Theyl
aughed.

Me:
“Don'
tmakemet
oregr
eti
tthough”

Nokwel
aughedoutl
oud!She'
stheonewhocandot
hat
!

Tomorrowi
tsSat
urdayTaKatsummonedal
lofusher
einDur
banwhenIaskedSamkel
owhati
t
about

t
heinsdi
dn'
tknewei
thersoI
'
llhav
eagoodt
imewi
thmygi
rl
stodaybecauset
omor
rowi
t'
l
lbe
t
ense.
Befor
ewewentoutwi
thmyl
adi
esIt
ookt
hei
rjer
seyandIt
oldt
heBi
gFourt
otakeki
dsj
ersey
s
wit
h

t
hem i
ncaset
heweat
herchanges.Thabi
sai
dwegoi
ngt
oGat
ewaysoGat
ewayi
tis.Weused
t
wo

car
s.Samkel
o'
scr
ewbuswentf
orser
vicet
odayi
twi
l
lbebacki
ntheaf
ter
noon.

Wewentt
oourf
avour
it
erest
aur
antwepi
ckedt
henwewentt
oit
.

Rachel
:“Imi
ssourconv
ersat
ionssi
ppi
ngourwi
ne!
”Shel
oveswi
nel
i
keIdo.

Nokwe:
“Mxm!Uy
aphaphashame”Wel
aughedatherbecauseSakhi
gav
eheranul
ti
mat
um!

Me:
“I'
m notdr
inki
ngwi
net
odayt
oo”

Zee:
“Itst
il
lmakesy
ounaeousus?
”

Me:
“YeahsoI
'
m dr
inki
ngor
angej
uice”Thewai
tercameandt
heyor
der
edt
heywi
neandt
hree

or
angej
uice.

Nont
u:“
Secondni
eceornephew?
”

Me:
“Haahnev
er!
”

Shecall
edwai
terandhet
ookouror
der
saf
terawhi
l
ehecamebackwi
thourf
ood;
Iwasso
hungr
y.

Theseday
sI'
m al
way
shungr
yJuj
usai
dI'
mfatt
hatki
disr
ude.

Nokwe:
“I'
m qui
tt
ingatwor
k!”

Me:
“Ar
eyouser
ious?
”Iwasshocked.

Nokwe:
“YesI
'
m sur
esweet
hear
t.I
'
m car
ryi
ngaspeci
alcar
goandIhav
emoneyt
owast
esoI
can’
t

wast
emoneyi
fI'
m al
way
satwor
k”

Ot
her
slaughedbutIcoul
dn'
tl
aughIwasl
ooki
ngather
.

Nont
u:“
Ithi
nkt
odot
hatt
oo”

Nomxo:
“Ir
esi
gnedbef
oreIcamebackher
esoIwon'
twor
kany
mor
e”Thesebi
tches!

Me:“Ineedsomet
hingt
odot
oformysani
tybecausehav
ingscr
eami
ngki
dsi
snochi
l
d'spl
ay”
They
l
aughed.

Isawt
hreel
adi
esappr
oachi
ngourt
abl
e.Theoneoft
hem camet
ost
andnearme.WhenIl
i
fted
my

headupIoncesawheri
na.
..
.

Her
:“Youst
olemyman”

Ohi
tsPr
eci
ousIhav
en'
tmetherbutIsawheronpi
ctur
esonFacebook.

Me:
“Sor
ry?
”

Gi
rl
2:“
You'
reugl
ypi
g”

Nont
u:“
Yey
iiy
oubi
tchdon'
tcal
lmysi
sterl
i
ket
hat
”

Thatpi
ssedmebutIneedt
okeepmycool
orel
se.
..
.

Me:
“DoIknowy
ou?
”

Pr
eci
ous:
“YeahIknowy
oubecausey
oust
olemymany
oubi
tch!
”Shei
sangr
y.

Nokwe:
“Li
stenher
egi
rlI
'
llwi
pewi
thy
ouher
eri
ghtnow!
”

ZeeandNont
ugotupf
rom t
hei
rchai
rsIknewt
hingsi
saboutt
ogetmessy
!

Me:“Ladi
espl
easecal
m down.Wehav
ereput
ati
onswehav
etot
hinkaboutsol
etusnotwast
e
our

ener
gyonusel
esst
rampsbecausewe'
l
lbeal
lov
ert
henewspaper
sifwebeatt
hei
rassr
ight
now”

Theybot
hsatdown.It
ryi
ngt
ocal
m my
sel
fandt
rustmeIwast
ryi
ng.

Me:“
List
ent
omecar
eful
l
ybecauseIwon'
trepeatt
hisI
'
m Nompendul
oKhumal
oSamkel
o'
s
wi
feso

I
'm al
adyandIr
espectmy
sel
fIwon'
tbef
ight
ingwi
thhi
sexandbi
tchessobi
tchespl
easel
eav
e
us

al
onewi
thpeace”

Gi
rl
3:“
Shutupy
ourasshol
e”Zeet
ri
edt
ogetup.

Me:
“ZeeIt
hinky
ouknowbet
ter
”Igav
eheradeadl
yst
are.Shesatdown.

Nomxo:
“Leav
ebi
tches”
Gi
rl
3:“
Shutup!Lookhowugl
yyou'
re”

Gi
rl
2:“
Let
'sl
eav
etheseasshol
es”

Wewer
elooki
ngatt
hem.

Pr
eci
ous:
“Ial
mostf
orgotsomet
hing”

Somet
hingdr
ippi
ngdowni
nmyf
oreheadt
hat
’swhenIr
eal
i
sedshepour
edj
uicei
nmyhead.

Nont
uandNokwegotupt
ryi
ngt
ofi
ghtt
hem.

Me:
“Si
tdown”

Nont
u:“
Iwon'
tsi
tIwantt
oki
ckt
hem now”Pr
eci
ousandherf
ri
endsl
aughedandwentof
f.

Me:
“Isai
dsi
tdown!Now!
”Iscr
eamed.

Themanangercamet
owar
dsust
ryi
ngt
oapol
ogi
seaboutwhathappened.

Shet
ookmyf
oodandpour
edi
tonmyhead.Myweav
ewasamessyandmycr
eam chi
ff
onshi
rt
was

di
rtyonmyshoul
der
sandi
nmychest
.I'
venev
erbeensoangr
yinmyl
i
feI
'
lldeal
wit
hthose
bi
tches

onebyone!

Me:
“Let
'sgo”Isai
dget
ti
ngupt
ookandIwentof
fev
ery
onewasl
ooki
ngatmewhenIwentof
f.

Whenwegott
othecar
sandIwasqui
et.Iwaswi
thNont
uandNokwei
nthecar
.

Nont
u:“
Whyy
oudi
dn'
twantust
oki
ckt
hem?
”shei
sangr
y.

Me:
“Tol
ety
our
uiny
ourr
eput
ati
on?
”

Nokwe:
“Hay
iNompedon'
ttel
luscr
ap!
”

Me:
“Fi
ght
ingi
npubl
i
cisnotf
orussoIwon'
tl
ety
out
arni
shy
ournameswi
tht
hoset
ramps”

Onl
yZeeandNomxounder
stoodbutNont
uNokweandRachel
don'
tknowany
thi
ngt
hatImust
not

tr
ytodosomet
hingt
hatwi
l
linv
olv
ecopssoIhadt
okeepmycool
.Copsar
eaf
terussoIwon'
t
bea

dumbt
ocauseascenet
hatwi
l
lputmei
naspot
li
ght
.

Iwassopi
ssed.
WhenwegothomeIsawMaNdl
ovui
nmyki
tchenIgotangr
yev
enmor
eIgr
eet
edherandIwent

upst
air
stomybedr
oom whenIt
ookof
fmycl
otheshecamei
n..
.

Samkel
o:“
Whathappened?
”

Me:
“Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t”Iwassopi
ssed.

Samkel
o:“
Nont
utol
dmewhathappenedi
nrest
aur
antI
'
llt
alkt
oher
”Hemustnott
estme.

Me:
“Leav
ehert
ome”myv
oicewasdeep.Hel
ookedatmeandhef
rowned.

Me:
“Ngi
cel
aungenzel
aamasi
”

Samkel
o:“
What
?Wedon'
thav
eamasi
int
hishouse”Hel
ookedatmewi
thaconf
usedf
ace.

Me:
“Pl
easegoandbuyi
tIwantt
oeatamasi
”

Samkel
o:“
Okay
.Yourpar
ent
sar
eher
e”

Me:
“What
?Idi
dn'
tknowt
heywer
ecomi
ng”Iwasshocked.

Samkel
o:“
Mymot
hercal
l
edt
hem”her
oll
edhi
sey
es.Iwant
edt
olaughbutIdi
dn'
t.

Me:
“Ar
etheki
dsbacky
et?
”

Samkel
o:“
No!Pl
easechangeandcomedownst
air
s”Whenhewasaboutt
ocl
oset
hedooron
hi
sway

out
.

Samkel
o:“
Mnt
ungwai
sher
etoo”hesmi
rked.

Itookoft
hePer
uvi
anweav
ethenputmyBr
azi
l
ianweav
eon.Iwaswear
ingal
ongpi
nkdr
ess
anda

bl
ackdoekonmyheadandscar
facr
ossmyshoul
der
stor
espectmyf
atheri
n-l
aw.Iwent
downst
air
s

whenIwasdone.

Me:
“Sani
bonani
”Igr
eet
edt
heel
der
swhenIsatont
hecouchi
nthel
ounge.

Mom:
“Howar
eyoumybaby
?”

Me:
“I'
m goodmom andhowar
eyou?
”It
ouchedherhandandmygr
andma'
shand.Il
astsaw
t
hem

i
nJanuar
y.
I
'm scaredofMnt
ungwaandIr
especthi
m.Thatol
dmanmakesy
our
especthi
m wi
thoutsay
ing
awor d

Ipr
eferhi
mthanhi
swi
feIhat
eheronl
ybecauseshehat
esme.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Ki
dscany
ouexcuseusweneedt
otal
ktoMakot
iandSamkel
o”pol
i
tel
y.

Myangr
yfr
iendsandsi
sterwentoutt
her
oom.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Thanksi
n-l
awsf
orcomi
ngher
e”

I
twasqui
et.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Wewer
esupposedt
ogether
ewhent
heki
dcamei
nher
ebutheaskedust
ogi
ve
t
hem

ti
met ofi
xthings.Samkelowhaty
oudidtoyourwi
feisbeyondbadandIdon'
tknowwherey ou
gothatbecauseIdon'thaveachi
ldoutofmymarr
iage.Youmustspeakfory
oursel
finf
rontof
ouri
nl aws”

Samkel
ocl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
ryt
obeunf
ait
hful
tomywi
feandont
opoft
hatt
hechi
l
dcameoutoft
hat
.I'
m
so

sor
rymyl
oveIcandoany
thi
ngt
ofi
xev
ery
thi
ngbet
weenusandourf
ami
l
y”hewassi
ncer
e.

MyGrandmawasangr
ybutIknewi
fshest
art
stot
alhawuj
ehov
ashewon'
tfi
nish.Mnt
ungwa
gav
e

hert
imet
ospeak.

Grandma:
“Iwasangr
ytohearwhathappenedbuti
t’
shermar
ri
agesowe'
l
lsuppor
therasour
chil
d

andwe'
l
lal
sor
espectherdeci
sions”

Shewasshor
ttodayandt
hanksGod!

Mnt
ungwa:
“Makot
ihowar
eyouf
eel
i
ngaboutt
hiswhol
esi
tuat
ion”

Ibowmyheadasasi
gnofr
espectt
omypar
ent
sandmypar
ent
’si
n-l
aw.

Me: “
Atf
ir
stIwasangr
yhur
tandhear
tbr
okenandIki
ckedhi
m outofmyhousebutIdi
dn'
t
chase

Smamukel
eoutbecauseIknewhowt
ogr
owupwi
thoutaf
athersoIcoul
dn'
tdeni
edhi
mthi
s
gol
den
oppor
tuni
tyt
ogr
owupwi
thhi
sfat
heri
nhi
sli
fe.Al
lofwhathappenedr
emi
ndedmeofgr
owi
ng
up

wit
houtmyf
atheral
lIwi
shedi
stospendmybi
rt
hday
sandt
hosespeci
alday
swi
thhi
m butI
coul
dn'
t

becausehewasn'
tnomor
esohowcoul
dIdot
hatt
oSmawhi
l
ehi
sfat
heri
sal
i
ve”

MaNdl
ovuwasl
ooki
ngatme.

Mntungwa:
“ThanksMakot
iforaccept
ingmygr
andsont
oli
veher
ewi
thy
ou.I
tmeansal
ott
o
us”

Samkel
owasl
ooki
ngdown.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Whati
shappeni
ngr
ightnowbet
weeny
out
wo”

Samkel
o:“
Wear
etr
yingt
ofi
xthi
ngsbet
weenusandSmai
sadapt
ingwel
ltonewenv
ironment
”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Wehappyt
oheart
hatandwher
ear
eyoust
ayi
ngnow?
”Shewasl
i
ttl
eannoy
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Imov
edbackher
einl
astf
ewday
s”TheBi
gfourhasn'
tcomebacky
et.

Mnt
ungwa:
“OkayIt
hinkev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoodnow”

Igotupandwentt
otheki
tchenl
adi
eshel
pedmet
opr
epar
eteaandsconeandThabi
tookov
er

cooki
ngandIwashappyaboutI
'
mlazyl
atel
ylucki
l
yI'
m notwor
king.Iwentbackt
ogi
vet
hem

r
efr
eshment
s.

Isatnextt
oSamkel
otodr
unkcof
feeandmuf
fi
n.Al
lIcansayi
sthatIl
ovemyhusbandso
muchi n

despit
eofhear
tbr
eakandal
lthatbutIst
il
ll
ovehi
m andl
astni
ghtt
heygav
emeagood
ther
apeut
ic

sex.
..

Hi
sphoner
ang.

Samkel
o:“
What
!.
..Wher
ear
eyour
ightnow….
.Wear
ecomi
ngr
ightnow!
”hi
sey
eswer
etear
y.
His

j
awst
ight
ened

Wewer
eal
ll
ooki
ngathi
m.

Me:
“Whati
sgoi
ngon?
”Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Samkel
o:“
Juj
uhasbeenshot
..
.”onet
earcamedown.

Chapt
er33

If
eltl
i
kemywor
ldwascr
umbl
i
ngdown.
..

Me:
“Nooooooo!
”Iwai
l
edoutl
oud.

Het
ookmet
ohi
sar
ms.I
'
venev
ercr
iedl
i
ket
hat
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Hei
sinhospi
tal
weneedt
ogot
her
e”If
elthi
stear
sinmyf
orehead.

Hehelpedmet
ogetuphet
ookhi
scarkey
swhenwegott
othecarAKt
ookcarkey
sfr
om
Samkelo

andhehel
pedmet
ogeti
nthecar
.Iwascr
yingal
lthewayt
ohospi
tal
thi
nki
ngaboutmyboy
..
.

Whenwegott
her
eLwandi
l
ewaspaci
ngupanddownhewaswai
ti
ngf
orusi
nther
ecept
ion.
..

Lwandi
l
e:“
I'
m sosor
rybr
aaboutwhathappened”hewascr
ying.

Samkel
o:“
Lwandi
l
eitwasnoty
ourf
aul
t”Het
ookust
othewai
ti
ngr
oom.

Lwandi
l
e'swhi
tegol
fT-
shi
rtwasr
edIt
hinki
t’
smyJuj
u'
sbl
oodt
ear
scameuncont
rol
l
abl
e.Ki
ds
were

i
nwai
ti
ngr
oom t
ool
ooki
ngi
nthespace.

Mypar
ent
shi
spar
ent
sandt
hel
adi
escamei
n.

Samkel
o:“
WhathappenedLwandi
l
e?”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Wewer
eonpar
kingl
ott
oourcarJuj
uwaswal
ki
ngi
nfr
ontasal
way
sjumpi
ngupand
down

andwesawJuj
udowni
nfr
ontofusIsawhi
mtouchi
nghi
sshoul
deront
hel
eftandhi
shand
came

backwi
thbl
ood”hewascr
yinghet
olduswhathappened.

Ij
ustwai
l
ed.
..

Samkel
o:“
BabeIneedy
out
obest
rongf
orourboy
”hehel
dme.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Wher
eisher
ightnow?
”

MyMom Gr
andmaMaNdl
ovuandt
hel
adi
eswer
ecr
ying.
Lwandi
l
e:“
Hei
sint
heat
rer
ightnow”

Toheart
hatMyJuj
uisi
nther
eandnotknowi
ngi
sdr
ivi
ngmecr
azy
..
.Igotupf
rom t
hechai
rand
Iwas

paci
ngupanddown.
..
.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Samkel
oshei
sbl
eedi
ng”

Samkel
o:“
Whoi
sbl
eedi
ng?
”

MaNdl
ovu:
"Makot
iisbl
eedi
ng"
-shesai
dandwhenIcheckedmy
sel
fIwasr
eal
l
ybl
eedi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
oui
nper
iods?
”

Me:
“NoI
'
m not
”

MaNdl
ovu:
"Samkel
ogoandcal
lthedoct
or”

Samkel
o:“
Forwha.
..
”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Now!
”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Comeandsi
t.Doy
ouhav
epai
nsi
nyourabdomen?
”

Whati
ssheonaboutnow?Myey
eswer
esl
owl
ycl
osi
ngandev
ery
thi
ngwasbl
ur.
..

-
--
--
--
--
--
--

MyJuj
uwasl
aughi
ngandshout
ingasal
way
s..
.

WhenIsl
owl
yopenedmyey
est
hisi
shospi
tal
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Babey
ou'
rei
nhospi
tal
”hi
sey
eswer
ered.Hepr
essedt
hebut
tononmybed.

Mymom andgr
andmawer
eont
hesi
de.
..

Me:
“Wher
eismybaby
?”Iqui
ckl
ysatup.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easet
akei
teasy
.Juj
uisi
ngoodhandsandKatar
ewi
thhi
m”

Thedoct
orcamei
ntheyst
oodup.

Doc:
“Ihav
ewonder
ful
newsf
ory
ou”

Me:
“Mybabyi
sawake?
”Thedoct
orwasconf
used.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasecont
inuedoc”

Doc:
“Mr
sKhumal
ocongr
atul
ati
onsy
ou8weekspr
egnant
”
Me:
“What
!”Ishout
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Ist
hebabyokay
?”

Doc:“
Thebabyi
sokayl
ucki
l
yshewasher
esowewer
eabl
etohel
pherf
astsot
hebabyi
sfi
ne.
She'
s

underal
otofst
ressandt
hati
snotgoodf
ort
hebaby
”

Samkel
o:“
Thanksdoct
or”

Thedoct
orwentof
f.Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
eveIwaspr
egnant
.Me?Pr
egnant
?Whatt
hef
uck!
?

Mom &Gr
andma:
“Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
”

Me:
“I'
mfi
nebutIneedt
oseemybaby
”

Gr
andma:
“Okay
.Mkhweny
anawi
l
lsor
tthatsopl
easet
ryt
orel
ax”

Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hey
'r
etel
l
ingmi
net
orel
axwher
emybabyi
sinhospi
tal
andnowI
'
m pr
egnantI
don'
t

knowwhatt
osay
.

Samkel
o:“
Cany
oupl
easegi
veussomespace”Thepar
ent
sgotupIt
hinkt
hey
'r
egoi
ngt
othe
wai
ti
ng

r
oom.

Me:
“Ineedt
ogetoutofher
eandf
indt
hosedogswhohur
tmychi
l
d”t
ear
sfel
luncont
rol
l
abl
e.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easecal
m down.Spi
kesi
noni
taswespeaksoIneedy
out
obest
rongf
or
ourboy

andt
hel
i
ttl
eone”het
ight
enedmyhand.

Katwal
ksi
nmywar
d.

Samkel
o:“
Groot
manhowi
she?
”Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Kat:“
Doctorsmanagedt
oremov
ethebul
l
etonhi
sshoul
der
.He'
sinI
CU”Tear
scame
uncontr
oll
able

myv
oicecoul
dn'
tcomeout
..
..

Me:
“Samkel
oIneedy
out
ogoandf
indt
hem Iwantt
oki
l
lthem onebyone”wi
tht
rembl
i
ngv
oice.

Kat
:“Nompecany
oupl
easer
elax”
Me:“Don'
ttel
lmet
orel
axmychi
l
disi
nICUf
ight
ingf
orhi
sli
feandal
lyouar
etel
l
ingmei
scal
m
down.

Cal
m down?Real
l
y?”wi
thascr
atchyv
oice.

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Ineedt
ogoandseemychi
l
d”

Katwentoutoft
her
oom andhecamebackwi
thwheel
chai
r.Samkel
owheel
edmeoutoft
he
wardto

I
CU.

Nur
se:
“Thedoct
orsai
dhehast
orest
”

Me:
“Idon'
tcar
ewi
tht
hatbul
lI'
m goi
ngi
ntoseemychi
l
d”

Nur
se:
“I'
mfol
l
owi
ngdoct
ors’
order
s..
.”

WhenIt
ri
edt
otakemygunont
hebackofmywai
stIr
emember
edt
hatI
'
minhospi
tal
wear
ing
t
hat

si
l
lysheet
..
.

It
ouchedSamkel
o'
sthi
ghandhebentov
ert
ome

Me:
“Samkel
oIneedmygunr
ightnow”Iwhi
sper
edi
nhi
sear
.

Samkel
o:“
Hay
ibabepl
easenotnow”

Me:
“Don'
tfuckwi
thmet
hatnur
sedon'
twantmet
oent
ert
hrought
hatdoorsoIneedmygunt
o

r
edt
hingsup”

Hi
sphoner
ang.

Thel
adi
eswer
enoti
nthewai
ti
ngr
oom It
hinkt
heywenthomewi
thki
dst
heywer
esot
err
ibl
e
when

wear
ri
vedher
e.

Doct
orcameandal
l
owedmeanyhi
mtoent
erf
or5mi
nut
es.Myhear
tbr
okewhenIwasmy
Juj
u

l
ayi
ngt
her
ehel
plesswi
thmanypi
pesi
nhi
m.Tear
scameuncont
rol
l
abl
eagai
n..
..

It
ookhi
sli
tt
lehandSamkel
oputhi
shandt
omyshoul
der
..
..
Me:
“MyJuj
u..
..
I'
m sosor
ryt
oIwasn'
tar
oundt
opr
otecty
ou.BabeIneedy
out
ofi
ghtt
ofi
ghtf
or

mommy.Ineedy
out
owakeupbabeImi
ssy
ournoi
seshout
inganddemandi
ngandl
oveme
when

y
ouwantsomet
hingt
ome.Il
ovey
oumybabe”Samkel
ohel
pedmet
ogetupandIki
ssedhi
s
f
orehead.

Hebr
ushedJuj
u'
sheadgent
ly.
..
.

Samkelo:
“Nt
wanay
ami
.I'
m goi
ngt
ofi
ndt
hem nt
wanaev
eni
fit
’st
hel
astt
hingIdo”t
ear
sfel
l
buthe

qui
ckl
ywi
pedt
hem.Hest
ormedout
!

Lwandi
l
ecamei
nandwheel
edmeout
.Het
ookmebackt
othet
omywar
dthenhecamei
n..
.

Samkel
o:“
Youwon'
tbel
i
evewhodi
dthi
s”

KatandSpi
kescamei
n.Theybot
hsatdownnextt
omybed.

Samkel
o:“
Nyat
hikazi
himsel
f”

Me:
“What
?Why
?”Isatupqui
ckl
y.

Spi
kes:
“Samkel
oki
l
ledZi
g-Mazakasot
hat
'swhy
”

Me:
“You'
renotmaki
ngsenseher
e"

Kat
:“Zi
g-MazakaandNy
athi
kazi
bel
ongst
oTHEDI
STROYERS”

Me:
“Ny
athi
kazi
hasassi
gnedhi
sdeat
hwar
rant
”

Kat
:“Youcan'
t.
..
”

Spi
kes:
“Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sinor
dernowbutwear
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
out
obedi
schar
gedher
e”

Me:
“Sur
e”

Nont
ucamei
nwi
thSmaonhershoul
der
.Hecr
iedwhenhesawme.

Sma:
“Mommy
”hi
svoi
cewast
rembl
i
nghewasaboutt
ocr
y.

Me:
“Myboyhowar
eyou?
”It
ookhi
mfr
om Nont
u.

Nont
u:“
Hewascr
yingsoIt
houghtbei
ngher
ehe'
l
lcomedown”

Sma:
“IwantJuj
u..
.”hecr
ied.

It
ri
edt
ocal
m hi
m downbuthecr
iedhar
derIwascr
yingt
oo.
..
Me:
“We'
l
lgoandseeJuj
uokay
?”Iwi
pedt
ear
sinhi
scheeks.

It
hinkhemi
sshi
spar
tneri
nshout
ingandpl
aygamesandal
lthoset
hings.Hel
ookedi
nmy
ey
esand

thenresthi
sheadonmyshoul
der
.Samkel
owasawf
ulqui
etIdon'
tl
ikehi
scal
mnessbecause
he'sso

danger
ousi
fhei
squi
et.I
'
m sur
ehei
schoppi
ngNy
athi
kazi
inpi
ecesi
nhi
smi
nd.

Atv
isi
ti
nghour
sSamkel
oSmaandIwentt
oseeJuj
uaswewentt
hrough.
..

Sma:
“Juj
u!”heshout
ed.

Juj
uwasn'
tawakeandI
'
m st
resst
hedoct
orssai
dhe'
l
lwakebutbuti
t’
stheseconddaybutst
il
l.

Me:
“Don'
tshoutSma”Iwhi
sper
edi
nhi
sear
.

Seei
nghi
mli
ket
hatbr
okemyhear
tandi
twasf
il
ledwi
thangerandbi
tt
erness.Iwaswal
ki
ngon
my

ownsoIsatdownwi
thSmaonmyl
apandSamkel
owasnextt
ome.

Sma:
“Juj
uwakeup”

Wi
shIcoul
dexpl
aint
hesi
tuat
ionher
ebutathi
sagehedoesn’
tunder
stand.

Sma:
“Juj
uwakeup!
”Hesai
dagai
nandhi
svoi
cewast
rembl
i
ng.
..

Myey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
sandIcoul
dn'
thol
dthem back.

Sma:
“WakeupJuj
uJuj
u!”hecr
iedwhenhesawJuj
udi
dn'
twakeup.

Samkel
ogotupki
ssedJuj
uonhi
sfor
eheadandhi
stear
slandedonJuj
u'
sfor
ehead.Het
ook
Smaon

mylapthenhewentoutwi
thhi
m.Myhear
twassobr
okenwhenmyboyi
sfi
ght
ingf
orhi
sli
fe
andthe

ot
heroneonmywombdon'
tneedst
ress.

Thel
astt
hreeweekswer
ehar
donusbutI
'
m gl
adJuj
uisawakeandt
odaydoct
orsdi
schar
ged
hi
m.I

wasdi
schar
gedaf
ter3day
swhenIpassedout
..
.

Doc:
“Hemustcomeher
e3day
saweekofhi
swounds”

Me:
“Thanksf
orev
ery
thi
ngy
ou'
vedonef
orusDoc"
Af
tert
aki
nghi
smedi
cat
ionwewenthome.I
'
m scar
edbecauseal
ltheki
dsar
ether
esoIhope
he

won'
thur
thi
msel
f.Wel
eftSmahome.Sma'
sar
ri
val
brokemyhear
tJuj
u'
sbei
ngshotIwas
br
oken

butt
hel
i
ttl
eonei
nsi
demegi
vesmehopet
hatev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbei
nmyhouse.

Whenwegothomeki
dswer
ehappyt
oseehi
m andev
ery
onewashappyt
hathei
sfi
nenow.
..
.

Sma:
“Juj
u!!
”heshout
ed.Hecamer
unni
ngt
oJuj
uandt
ri
edt
ohughi
m butJuj
ubl
ockedhi
m.

Juj
u:“
You'
l
lhur
tmeSma”

Hewasshotonhi
sshoul
derf
ort
unat
elyt
hebul
l
etdi
dn'
ttoucht
hehear
tvei
nsandspi
nal
cor
d
buthe

hasbandagei
nthewound.

Weagr
eedonwai
ti
ngf
orJuj
utowakeupandgetbet
tert
hatwecanki
l
lNy
athi
kazi
Iwanthi
mto

suf
ferli
kemychi
l
dwhenhewasi
npai
nsaf
terbei
ngshotj
ustt
othi
nkhewasshotmybody
sweatsall

t
hosehi
ddenpl
aces!
..
..

Smawashappyt
oseehi
m backhome.Mnt
ungwasummonedal
lofusf
orSmawel
comi
ng
cer
emony

andbei
ngi
ntr
oducedt
ohi
sancest
orsmyf
ami
l
ywi
l
lbet
her
eandmyf
ri
endst
oo.

Iwentt
oupst
air
stookaydownabi
tIneedt
orestt
hel
astf
ewweekswer
eti
ri
ngemot
ional
and

phy
sical
soIneedt
orestIgoti
nbed.
..
.

If
elthi
shandonmyass.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
?”hewhi
sper
edonmyear
.

Me:
“YeahbabeI
'
mfi
nebutI
'
m hungr
y”Iwasn’
tlooki
ngathi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
oeat
?”

Me:
“Amasi
”

Samkel
o:“
Haaaamasi
?Hay
iHay
i”hewascompl
aini
ng.

Me:
“I'
m pr
egnantbecauseofy
ousoIwoul
dli
ket
oeatamasi
”Ipout
edmymout
h.
Samkel
o:“
Haaat
hisi
stor
tur
e”

Heki
ssedmycheekgetof
ffr
om t
hebedandwentof
f.Idozeof
faf
tert
hat
.

WhenIwokeupi
twas15:
20pm Igotupwentt
othebat
hroom t
owashmyf
aceandwentt
othe

ki
tchenwhenIwant
edt
ochecki
fhei
sint
hel
oungeornot
.WhenIwasaboutt
oent
er.
..

Nokwe:
“Whowoul
dwantt
ohur
tachi
l
d?”

Ist
oodIneededt
ohearwhatt
heywer
etal
ki
ngabout
.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Idon'
tknowbutt
hewayi
thappenedi
tlooksl
i
ket
heywant
edhi
m onl
ybecausehe
was

t
heonl
yonewhowashur
t”

Iwonderwhatt
hey
'r
etal
ki
ngabout
.

Sphe:
“Copshasn'
tsai
dany
thi
ngaboutJuj
u'
scase?
”

Nont
u:“
Thi
sthi
ngofnoti
nvol
vi
ngcopsi
nsi
tuat
ionl
i
ket
hisdon'
tsi
twel
lonme”

Thabi
:“RememberwhenNompewaski
dnappedhecopswer
en'
ti
nvol
ved.Iwonderwhy
”

Nokwe:
“ThedayJuj
uwasShotSakhi
wasn'
tathospi
tal
eit
heratwor
k”

Mbuso"
Somet
hingdoesn'
taddupher
e"

Theycan'
tbeanal
ysi
ngus.

Mbuso:
“Thewasoncet
hist
imeIwasi
nCapeTowni
nAndi
l
e'shouseIov
erhear
dhi
mtal
ki
ngt
o
t
he

ot
herguyIdon'
tknowaboutshi
pmentbutIdi
dn'
tunder
standwhatt
heywer
etal
ki
ngabout
”

What
!

Thabi
:“Iagr
eet
hathei
sdodge.Somet
imeshecomeshomesot
ir
edorcomesi
nthemi
ddl
eof
the

ni
ghtIaskedhi
m abouti
tandhesai
dit
'swor
k”

Nont
u:“
Andal
lthi
sbody
guar
ds?
”

Zamo:
“Somet
hingi
sfi
shyher
e”

Nont
u:“
Thokozani
doest
hatt
ooandIst
oppedwhi
ningabouti
tlongt
imeago”

Nokwe:
“Pr
ivat
eInv
est
igat
orcanf
indanswer
sforus.Wecan'
tbei
nthedar
kweneedt
o..
.”she
was

i
nter
rupt
edbyt
hel
aughi
ngv
oicescomi
ngi
nthehouse.

Ir
anbackt
oupst
air
stomybedr
oom Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evei
tbutev
ent
ual
l
ythey
'l
lfi
ndoutaboutus
so

t
hingswi
l
lbet
ense.WhenIwentbackandhesai
dit
'swor
k”

Nont
u:“
Andal
lthi
sbody
guar
ds?
”

Zamo:
“Somet
hingi
sfi
shyher
e”

Nont
u:“
Thokozani
doest
hatt
ooandIst
oppedwhi
ningabouti
tlongt
imeago”

Nokwe:
“Pr
ivat
eInv
est
igat
orcanf
indanswer
sforus.Wecan'
tbei
nthedar
kweneedt
o..
.”she
was

i
nter
rupt
edbyt
hel
aughi
ngv
oicescomi
ngi
nthehouse.

Ir
anbackt
oupst
air
stomybedr
oom Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evei
tbutev
ent
ual
l
ythey
'l
lfi
ndoutaboutus
so

t
hingswi
l
lbet
ense.WhenIwentbackIf
oundmymot
herandZeet
heywentt
odogr
ocer
iesand

Samkel
owasn'
tther
e..
..

Ladi
eswentt
ohel
pmom t
opackt
hegr
ocer
y.Gr
andmaf
oundaf
ri
endi
nMam’
Ssoshewas
wit
hher

andki
dswer
esoIt
ookmycarkey
scr
eat
edast
oryt
henIwentout
.It
ri
edt
ocal
lhi
m buti
twent

st
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.

WhenIgott
omycarmyphonebeeped.
..

I
twasnot
if
icat
ionf
rom ourj
ointaccountsay
ingR25000waswi
thdr
awn.
..
.

Thi
sbett
erbeagoodr
easonf
orhi
m wi
thdr
awal
ofathi
sbi
gamountt
hewayIwasf
uri
ousI
wentt
o

ther
est
aurantt
oeatsomet
hingj
ustt
ocool
offbecauseheIcanseehi
mint
hisst
atei
twon'
t
endwel
l.

Igott
omyf
avour
it
erest
aur
antt
henIor
der
edabur
gerwi
thf
ri
edchi
psandor
angej
uice.It
ri
ed
tocal
l

hi
m whi
l
eIwaswai
ti
ngf
ormymeal
.
At
all
mansatont
hechai
rint
het
abl
eIwassi
tt
ingat
.

Hi
m:“
Howsuchabeaut
if
ull
adyst
aysal
one?
”

Ikeptqui
et.

Mymeal
came.

Hi
m:“
Ihopey
oudon'
tmi
ndmesi
tt
ingwi
thy
ou”

Hewassur
pri
sedbymybi
gjunkmeal
.

Me:
“Yeahbutdon'
tmakemet
oregr
eti
t”

Hi
m:“
Promi
seIwon'
t”

He'sgoodl
ooki
ngbuthei
snot
hingt
omyman!Damnt
hatmani
shotandgi
ft
eddownt
her
eand
sex!

Yho!

Hecal
l
sawai
terandor
der
ed

Hi
m:“
I'
m Mar
kBhuy
eni
andy
ouar
e?”hesai
dst
ret
chi
nghi
shandf
orhandshake.

He'
shasagr
eataccent
.

Me:
“Nompendul
oKhumal
o”

If
akedasmi
l
e.

Istar
tedt
oeatbecauseIwashungr
y.Iwonderwhyhe'
ssi
tt
ingwi
thmebecauseIdon'
tknow
him

butI'
l
llethi
mtohav
ehi
smeal
ri
ghther
e.Hi
smeal
cameandheat
eri
ghtaway
.Af
tereat
inghe
order
ed

achampagne.
..

Hepour
edmeagl
ass.

Me:
“ThanksbutIdon'
ttouchal
cohol
”Thi
siswei
rd.

Hi
m:“
Buty
ouseem l
i
key
oudr
inkt
ome”hel
aughed.

Me:
“Ir
eal
l
ydon'
t”Isatbackonmychai
r.

Hedr
ankhi
schampagne.

Me:
“Itwasni
cet
omeety
oubutIneedt
ogetgoi
ngnow”Igotupf
rom t
hechai
r.
Hi
m:“
It
'sst
il
lear
ly”

Me:
“YeahIhav
eal
ott
odosoIneedt
ogetgoi
ng”Iwasst
andi
ng.

Hegotupt
oandaskedf
orahugandIgav
ehi
m hugt
henhet
ookmeout
.Iwentt
omycar
.
WhenI

gott
omycarIst
art
edt
hecart
henwentt
oUmhl
angat
oZee'
shousel
ucki
l
yIf
oundherhome.

Zee:
“Mzal
a”sheopenedt
hedoorf
orme.

Me:
“Howar
eyou?
”

Zee:
“I'
m goodcuz”

Iwentt
othel
oungeandshewentt
otheki
tchen.It
ookof
fthesweat
erIwaswear
ingwhenand
Iput

i
tonmyl
ap.Iwaspl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhandwi
thpi
nknai
l
sandi
tgotst
uckedi
nmysweat
er.
..
.

Fuck!

Thatbast
ardwasbei
ngni
cebuthewast
ryi
ngt
oscr
ewme.

Zeecamet
othel
oungeandIwentt
otheki
tchent
otakeanot
epadandpen.Ican'
tri
skt
alki
ng
now

becauset
hey
'r
etr
yingt
obesmar
twi
thme.Iwentbackt
othel
oungeandIwr
oteev
ery
thi
ngand
she

r
eadandwentupst
air
stomakeacal
ltot
heguy
stogether
eassoonaspossi
ble.

Whenshecamebackwi
thadev
icet
hatdet
ect
sthel
i
steni
ngdev
icesandi
twasonmysweat
er
andon

myweav
eIwentt
otakeashowert
henshegav
emehershi
rtandsl
eeper
s.Noneofhercl
othes
can

f
itmeshei
sbi
g-bonegi
rlsohershi
rtmadeat
ri
ck.

Shet
ookmycl
othesIdon'
tknowwher
ebutIdon'
tcar
eaboutt
hem.Shecl
eanedmyweav
e.
WhenI

camebackt
othel
oungeIf
oundt
heguy
sint
hel
oungebuthewasn'
tther
e.

Spi
kes:
“Zeet
oldusaboutwhathappened”

Me:“
YeahImethi
mint
her
est
aur
antt
henhewasf
ri
endl
ybuti
twassuspi
ciousbutIdi
dn'
t
mi
nd”
AK:
“Somanypr
obl
ems”

Spi
kes:
“Hi
sname?
”

Me:
“Mar
kBhuy
eni
”

Spi
kes:
“I'
l
lcheckandgetbackt
oyou”

Me:“Tomorrowni
ghtIneedt
oputNy
athi
kazi
inhi
spl
acef
oronceandf
oral
lI'
mti
redofhi
s
nonsense”

Kat
:“Okayt
omor
rowi
tis.Wher
eisAxe?
”

Me:
“Idon'
tknowwher
ehei
sbutwher
everhei
scr
eat
ingmess”

Andi
l
e:“
Sayi
tagai
n”

Me:“
Someoneoutt
her
ewantt
odest
roymymar
ri
ageIcanf
eel
itandSamkel
owi
thdr
ewR25k
i
nthe

af
ter
noonbutwhenIcal
l
edhi
mitwentst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
”Ipl
ayedwi
thmyf
eet
.

Zee:
“Thi
sisbadbutNy
athi
kazi
mustbeel
i
minat
edt
omor
row”

Me:
“AKIneedFl
amet
hrowert
ober
eadyf
ort
omor
row”Henodded.

Me:“WhatIneedt
odoi
stof
reezeourj
ointaccountandhi
saccount
ssot
hathewon'
tspend
our

moneywi
thf
loozi
essopl
easecor
por
atewi
thmeher
e”

Myphonebeeped.

Thebanknot
if
icat
ionagai
n.Heswi
pedR20000atZar
a.

Me:
“HespentR45kt
oday
”Igav
eTaKatmyphonet
oseet
hismessagef
orhi
msel
f.

Kat
:“Dowhaty
ouhav
etodoNompe”Inodded.

Thel
astt
hingIneedi
sst
resssoImustmakesur
eI'
m cal
medAFwhenI
'
m deal
i
ngwi
tht
his.We

pl
annedourmi
ssi
onf
ort
omor
rowandhe'
sher
etomor
rowni
ghtt
hey
'l
lbei
nthewar
ehousebutI

needsomet
hingt
hatwi
l
lmakehi
m suf
fer
.

Me:
“TaKatIneedSt
rychni
nef
orNy
athi
kazi
”wi
thaf
rownyf
ace.

Theyal
ll
aughedout
.

Kat
:“Okay
”
Me:
“Ial
mostf
orgotBi
gFourandl
adi
esar
est
art
ingt
osuspect
.Nokwesuggest
edt
hePr
ivat
e

I
nvest
igat
ort
ofol
l
owy
ouar
ound”

Andi
l
e:“
Eisht
hiscan'
tbehappeni
ngnow”

Me:
“Ihav
eal
ott
odeal
wit
hinamomentsot
heycan'
tfi
ndoutnow”

Spi
kes:
“I'
l
lgetboy
stof
oll
owt
hem ar
oundwi
thoutt
hem not
ici
ng”

Me:“
OkayI
'
llhackt
hei
rcel
lphonecal
lmessagesandemai
l
sift
heyf
indt
hebestPIi
twi
l
lbe
ov
erfor

us”

Kat
:“Goodwehav
etodowhatwehav
eto.I
'
llkeepy
ouupdat
edNompeaboutNy
athi
kazi
'
s

wher
eabout
stomor
row”

Rachel
isher
esoImustj
am t
henet
wor
kar
oundhi
sfat
her
'shouseandwemustkeepheraway
fr
om

hi
sfat
her
'shouse.

At23:
00Idr
ovebackt
omyhouseIf
oundev
ery
onesl
eepi
ngsoIwentt
omybedr
oom andhe
wasn'
t

ther
e.May
behe'
sinhi
sapar
tmenti
ntownandIwon'
tdoany
thi
ngst
upi
d.Iwentt
otakea
shower

t
henwentt
obedandIsl
eptl
atebecauseIwast
urni
ngandt
ossi
ng.

WhenIwokeupmyf
acewasl
i
ttl
ebi
tswol
l
enIwentt
otakeashowerandImademybedaf
ter
t
hat

whenIwasaboutt
ost
epouthecamei
n.

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningbabe”

Me:
“Mor
ning”

Hesatont
hebed.

Me:
“Weneedt
otal
k”

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easenotnow”hel
aidandspr
eadhi
sar
msi
nthebed.

Me:
“Iwantt
otal
kaboutourki
d'
sfut
ure”
Hesatupandl
ookedatme.

Me:“Iaskedy
ouni
cel
ytoputSmai
ntr
ustf
undbuty
oudi
dn'
tandaboutmeadopt
ionSmabut
you

di
dn'
tdoi
t”

I
'
m angr
ybutIwon'
tsayany
thi
ngabouti
tsoIneedt
osaysomet
hingposi
ti
ve.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
rysoaboutt
hatbutpl
easecomet
omyof
fi
cear
oundl
unch”

Me:
“Okay
”Iwal
kedouti
fther
oom.

Iwentt
otheki
tchenIf
oundl
adi
eswi
tht
hei
rbags.

Me:
“Andt
hen?
”IaskedwhenIsawt
hebags.

Nont
u:“
Aft
ert
hebr
eakf
astwegoi
ngt
oourhouses”

Me:
“Okay
”

Mom:
“We'
regoi
ngt
oo”shecamedownt
hest
air
swi
thbags.

Me:
“Okay
..
..
”

Mom:
“Imi
ssmyhousenowandev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
nenow”

Weat
ebr
eakf
astandSamkel
ocamedownwear
ingamar
oonsui
twi
thwhi
tepol
oshi
rtwi
th
br
own

shoes.

Hecameandsatdown.Abel
lrangandhewentt
oopenandhewentbackt
oeatmay
behei
s

expect
ingsomeone.

“
Mor
ningpeeps!
”

Nxaa!

Me:
“Andt
hen?
”IaskedwhenIsawPr
eci
ouswal
ki
ngbehi
ndThando.

Thando:
“She'
smyf
ri
end”

Ther
oom wentqui
et.

Me:
“Getheroutofmyhouse”

Thando:
“Dr
ama!
”shecl
appedonce.
SheandPr
eci
ouswentt
otheki
tchen.
..

Me:
“Thandodon'
ttestmeIsai
dgetheroutofher
e”myv
oicewasf
ir
m now.

Pr
eci
ous:
“Thi
sisSamkel
o'
shousesoI
'
llgetoutwhenhesay
ssochi
l
lagi
rl
”wi
that
ti
tude.

Chapt
er34

Thel
evel
ofangerr
aisedupandIwentt
oheri
nnomi
nut
eIwaspunchi
ngherl
i
ket
her
e'sno

t
omor
row.Samkel
opul
l
edmef
rom her
.Shegat
her
edst
rengt
htogetupwhenIwasspeaki
ngt
o

Samkel
oshehi
tmeandIf
ell
onSamkel
olucki
l
yhecaughtmequi
ckl
y.WhenIgotupIt
ookf
ew
st
eps

andIgott
oherIt
hrewt
wopunchesi
nherf
aceandshewasbl
eedi
ngIdr
aggedheroutofMy
house

wi
thherbr
aids.
..

Thando:
“Ther
ewasnoneedf
ort
hat
..
..
”shedi
dn'
tfi
nishhersent
ence.

Isl
appedhersohar
d.

Me:“
Taket
hatt
hingt
oyourf
ri
endandgetoutofmyhouse!
”Ishout
ed.Shet
ookherandher
f
ri
end'
s

bagf
uri
ousl
yandIhear
dhercardr
ivi
ngout
.

Mom:
“Yho!
”andcl
appedherbot
hhands.

Gr
andma:
“Nompewhathappenedher
e?”

Ei
sh!

Me:
“Gogoshe'
stheonewhost
art
edsoIbeatherup”

Iwassoangr
ymyl
i
pswer
etr
embl
i
ng.
..

Gr
andma:
“Okayy
ouneedt
ocal
m downmychi
l
d”

Thabi
:“Hay
i!
”

Iwentt
omyr
oom.
..

Samkel
o:“
DoIneedt
oremi
ndy
out
haty
ou'
repr
egnant
?”

Me:
“Samkel
onotnow”myhandwasupt
ost
ophi
mfr
om t
alki
ng.
Samkel
o:“
Whati
fyougothur
t”

Me:
“Hay
iSamkel
oshutt
hehel
lup!
”Ishout
ed.

Het
ookf
ewst
epst
owar
dsme.

Samkel
o:“
Notmat
terhowangr
yyouar
edon'
tspeakt
omel
i
ket
hat
”

Me:
“Nxaav
oet
sek!
”Hegr
abbedwi
thmyupperar
m andpul
l
edmecl
oset
ohi
m.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
fucky
ouup”hi
svoi
cewasscr
atchy
.

Me:
“She'
sni
cehey
”Il
ookedi
nHusey
es.

Hel
etgoofmyar
m.

Samkel
o:“
Ineedt
ogetgoi
ng”

Me:
“IfIf
indherkodansaamapopay
i”hepul
l
edt
hedoorhandl
e.Heexi
tedt
her
oom.

Iwentt
ofr
eshenupaf
tert
hatIwentt
othel
oungeIspentt
imewi
tht
hem t
henat11:
30am t
hey
al
l

l
eftandIwasbor
edaf
tert
hatbutnextweekFr
idayI
'
llseet
hem i
nWi
neen.Myboy
swer
ebor
ed

whent
hel
eftsoImadesomet
hingf
ort
hem t
oeat
.

Juj
u:“
Idon'
twantt
oeatt
hat
”hedon'
twantmet
odaywhi
l
eSmai
sfondofme.

Sma:
“EatJuj
u"

Theyat
eIcl
eanedupaf
tert
heywer
edoneaf
tert
hatIwentt
opr
epar
emy
sel
ftogot
oSamkel
o'
s

off
icethenIwor
eacr
eam t
ightdr
esswi
thbl
ueheel
sandIcur
ledmyweav
esoIwasl
ooki
ng
good..
.

Sma:
“But
if
ul”hesai
dwhenhecamet
omybedr
oom.

Me:
“Thanksmybaby
”Icuppedhi
scheeks.

Juj
u:“
Notbut
if
ulwenaSmai
tsbeaut
if
ul”

"
Hay
iJuj
u"-
Smasai
d.

Juj
ulaughed.

Me:
“St
opbei
ngmeanJuj
u”Hesmi
l
ed.

Me:
“Okayki
dsgot
oMam'
Smom i
sgoi
ngnow”Ipushedt
hem out
.
It
ookmyBur
ber
rybl
ackbagt
henwentt
omycarandIdr
ovet
ohi
sof
fi
ce.

Me:
“HeyCl
audi
a”Igr
eet
edr
ecept
ioni
st.

Cl
audi
a:“
HeyMr
sKhumal
o”wi
thsmi
l
e.

Me:
“Ishei
n?”

Cl
audi
a:“
YesMa'
am y
oucangot
hrough”

Ismi
l
edt
henIwentt
ohi
sof
fi
cewhenIwasaboutt
oent
er.
..
.

Voi
ce:
“Thatbi
tchbeat
enmeup”

Samkel
o:“
Don'
tcal
lmywi
fenameswena”

Igoti
n..
..

Me:
“You'
reher
enow?
”

Thi
sPr
eci
ousgi
rli
stest
ingmypat
ience.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIcanexpl
ain”hegotupqui
ckl
y.

Me:
“Leav
enoworI
'
lldr
agy
ouwi
tht
hoser
agsoutoft
hisbui
l
ding”

Shet
ookherbagandl
eft
.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIdi
dn'
tcal
lherher
eshecameher
sel
f”hecl
osedt
hedoor
.

Me:
“I'
m nother
efort
hat
.Ineedt
hosepaper
s”

Samkel
o:“
Pleaseseatdown”hesatdown.

Me:
“Idon'
twantt
osi
tIneedt
hosepaper
ssoIcanl
eav
eyouwi
thpeace”

Hesi
ghed.

Samkel
o:“
Let
'sgoandgr
abl
unch”

Me:
“I'
m hungr
yvel
e”

Hegavemeal
ookandhet
ookhi
scar
skey
sandwal
l
etat
henwewentt
other
est
aur
ant
.The
wai
ter

cameandt
ookouror
der
s.

Samkel
o:“
Mam'
Khumal
oyouneedt
osl
owdownonbur
ger
sandf
ri
edchi
ps"

Me:
“You'
l
lst
artt
ousecondomsf
ir
stt
henIcanst
opt
oeatt
ojunkf
ood”
Hegi
ggl
ed.

Ourmeal
camet
henweat
e..
..

“
Nompendul
o”

WhenIl
i
ftedmyheadi
twasMar
kBhuy
eni
.

Samkel
o'
sface.
..
.

Me:
“Hey
”If
akedasmi
l
e.

Hest
ret
chedhi
shandt
o..
..

Samkel
o:“
Manj
e?”

Mar
k:“
Sor
rymj
i
taI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
ohernott
oyou.
..
”

OhGodhemust
n'tt
ryt
hatshi
t.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
List
enher
eyouf
ool
..
..
”hei
sst
andi
ngnow.

Iqui
ckl
ygotup.

Me:
“Babepl
easecal
m down.Andy
ouMar
kpl
easego”

Me:
“Go!
”It
oldMar
k.

Hewal
kedaway
.Wesatdown.

Samkel
o:“
Whoi
she?
”

Me:
“Ify
ouwer
ether
eyest
erdayy
ouwoul
d'
veknown”

Samkel
o:“
Nompendul
odon'
tfuck.
..
”jeal
ous….

It
ookmyphoneanddi
all
ed.

Me:
“Hei
sfol
l
owi
ngme”

Spi
kes:
“How?
”

Me:
“I'
minar
est
aur
antandhecamei
nit
snotj
ustacoi
nci
dence”

Spi
kes:
“OkayI
'
llcal
lyounow”hehungup.

We'
l
lgett
othebot
tom oft
his.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
”
Me:
“Let
’sgo”Igotupandwel
eftt
her
est
aur
ant
.

Whenwewentt
owar
dshi
scarmyphoner
ang.
..

AK:
“Hei
ta”

Me:
“Hei
ta.Zi
thi
ni?
”

AK:
“Don'
tusehi
scar
.I'
l
lbet
her
enow!
”Iendedt
hecal
l
.

Me:
“Wewon'
tusey
ourcar
”

Samkel
o:“
Hahahay
ou'
ref
unny
”

It
ookhi
scarkey
s.

Samkel
o:“
Nompe.
..
”

Aft
erf
ewmi
nut
esAKcamewi
thacarIgav
eSpi
rot
hecarkey
s.Hewentt
oitopeni
ntheboot
and

t
ookasomet
hingt
hatwascov
eredbr
ownt
ape.
..

AK:
“Let
'sgo”

Wegoti
nhi
sandSpi
rowasdr
ivi
ngSamkel
o'
scar
.

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hehel
li
sgoi
ngon?
”

Spi
kes:
“I'
vej
ustr
ecei
vedt
hecal
lthatsay
sthepol
i
cewer
eti
ppedt
haty
ourcarhasdr
ugs”

Me:
“Thi
sisget
ti
ngmor
eint
erest
ing”

Spi
kes:
“Mar
kBhuy
eni
isnothi
snamehi
snamei
sBukhosi
Sambohi
sbr
otherl
ostt
hecaseso
nowhe

t
hinkst
hatSamkel
oisr
esponsi
blef
ori
tnowhewant
stogett
ohi
m wi
thy
ou”

Il
aughed.

Me:“Nowonderhecamet
omyt
abl
eyest
erdaybutIsuspectedi
tbutl
i
steni
ngdev
ices
conf
ir
med

t
hathe'
saf
termeorus”

Samkel
o:“
Issomeonegoi
ngt
otel
lmeher
eornot
”

Me:
“Yest
erdayIwentt
other
est
aur
antandt
hatguycamet
omyt
abl
eandat
ehi
smeal
onmy
t
abl
e.
WhenIwasl
eav
inghegotupandgav
emehug.Heputl
i
steni
ngdev
icesy
omyweav
eand
sweat
er”

Spi
kes:
“Di
dyouhav
eacl
i
entbef
orewi
thanameZi
phat
heSambo?
”

Samkel
o:“
Yeaht
hatwast
het
hir
dcaseIl
osti
nmycar
eer
”hesmi
l
ed.

AK:
“Hi
sbr
othert
oldhi
mthaty
ou'
rer
esponsi
blef
ori
t”

Whenwegott
omyhouset
hepol
i
cecameaf
terf
ewmi
nut
es.
..

Pol
i
ceOf
fi
cer
:“MrKhumal
oIneedt
osear
chy
ourcarnow!
”

Thepol
i
ceof
fi
cerhandedasear
chwar
rantt
ohi
m.Theywentt
ohi
scart
osear
chandt
heydi
dn'
t
fi
nd

any
thi
ngoni
t.

Pol
i
ceOf
fi
cer
:“MrKhumal
owe.
..
”

Samkel
o:“
Sav
eit
!”hewenti
nsi
det
hehouse.

Thepol
i
cev
ansdr
oveof
f.

Me:
“Thatwas.
..
.Idon'
tknow”myhandswer
eup.

Samkel
o:“
Iowey
ouguy
s”

Spi
ro:
“Hay
iTaAxewewer
edoi
ngourj
obs”

Me:
“Danki
egent
s”

Katcamei
nIt
hinkMam'
Sopenedf
orhi
m orsomet
hing.
..
.

Kat
:“Ihear
dwhathappened"

Samkel
o:“
EishGr
oot
manngi
bhay
izi
l
ebi
gti
me”

Kat
:“You'
repussy
”

Ther
oom wentqui
et.Someoneneedst
obr
eakt
hesi
l
ence.
..

Me:
“CanIgi
vey
ousomet
hingt
odr
inkTaKat
?”

Kat
:“Yespl
easebef
oreIbeathi
m up”

Ifeel
li
ket
her
e'smor
ethanIknow.Theywentt
othel
ounge.Iwentt
otakeabot
tl
eofwhi
skey
and

onegl
ass.Iputt
het
rayi
nthecof
feet
abl
e.
Samkel
o:“
Andt
hen?
”Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.

Spi
kes:
“Ourgl
asses?
”

Me:
“Youknowwher
etheki
tcheni
sri
ght
?”

Hel
aughed.Spi
rowentt
otaket
hei
rgl
asses.

Kat
:“Mnt
ungwai
sonhi
swayher
etot
akeki
dswi
thhi
mtoWeenen”

What
?

Samkel
o:“
Umhgr
oot
manIt
hought
..
.”hest
oppedwhenhi
sbr
othergav
ehi
m adeadl
yst
are.

Kat
:“Nompear
eyouokaywi
thi
t?”

Me:
“Asl
ongast
hey
'r
esaf
e”

Kat
:“Good.Theybagsar
epackedsoy
oucangoandsaygoodby
etot
hem”

IgotupandSamkel
ofol
l
owedme.

Juj
u:“
Mkhul
uist
aki
nguswi
thhi
mtohi
shouse”hewassot
hri
l
ledabouti
t.

Sma:
“Idon'
twantt
ogo”hewassad.Ipi
ckedhi
m up.

Me:
“I'
l
lcomemyboyt
oseet
oandbr
ingy
oual
lthegoodi
esokay
?”Isai
dandki
ssedhi
scheek.

Il
ovehi
m.

Sma:
“Whi
teey
ecl
eam (
Vani
l
lai
cecr
eam)
?”

Me:
“Yesmyboy
”Hesmi
l
ed.Hel
ovesv
ani
l
lai
cecr
eam whi
l
eJuj
uhat
esi
t.

Sma:
“Pi
sa(
Pizza)
?”

Me:
“Al
lthegoodi
esmyboy
”

Hi
sfat
hert
ookhi
m.Ipi
ckedJuj
uup.

Juj
u:“
Ist
hatt
alki
ngGr
annyt
her
e?”Hei
stal
ki
ngaboutMaKhumal
o.

Me:
“Idon'
tknowmay
beshe'
l
lbet
her
e”

Juj
u:“
Okayputmedownnow”

Me:
“Why
?”

Juj
u:“
BecauseIwantt
o”
Hehat
esmel
atel
yIt
hinki
t’
sbecauseofpr
egnancyorwhatIdon'
tknow.

Iki
ssedhim andputhi
m downashesai
dandSmacamet
omeandIki
ssedhi
scheeks.
Samkelopi
cked

Juj
uwewentt
othel
oungeandMnt
ungwawast
her
ebef
orehesawmeIr
ant
omybedr
oom t
o
put

somet
hingonmyheadandcov
ermyshoul
der
s.

WhenIcameback.
..
.

Juj
u:“
Whydoy
oucov
ery
ourshoul
der
swhenMkhul
uisher
e?”

Theyal
ll
aughedatwhatJuj
ujustasked.Iwentt
otheki
tchent
omakesomet
hingf
ormyf
ather
i
n-l
aw

Mam'
Scamei
nlooki
nggood.Iser
vedt
hem af
tert
heyat
eMnt
ungwaIr
ant
omybedr
oom t
oput

somet
hingonmyheadandcov
ermyshoul
der
s.

WhenIcameback.
..
.

Juj
u:“
Whydoy
oucov
ery
ourshoul
der
swhenMkhul
uisher
e?”

Theyal
ll
aughedatwhatJuj
ujustasked.Iwentt
otheki
tchent
omakesomet
hingf
ormyf
ather
i
n-l
aw

Mam'Scamei
nlooki
nggood.Iser
vedt
hem af
tert
heyat
eMnt
ungwaMam'
Sandboy
slef
t.The
house

wasqui
etaf
tert
hat
.

Iwasti
redt
ocooksoIor
der
edpi
zzat
hegent
swentt
othepl
ayr
oom t
opl
ayPl
aySt
ati
on.
Samkel
ohas

Pl
aySt
ati
onandi
tannoy
smesomet
imesbuti
thel
pshi
mtor
elax.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Me:
“I'
m okaybutIneedt
orest
”Isai
dandt
urnedt
olookont
hewal
li
nourbedr
oom.

Het
urnedmet
ofacehi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouangr
yatme?
”

Me:
“NoI
'
m not
”

Samekl
o:“
Babecanwepl
easet
alkaboutt
hingst
hatmakesy
ouangr
y?”He'
ssochar
mingbuti
t
won'
t

wor
know.

Me:
“Idon'
twantt
otal
kIwantt
osl
eep”

Samkel
o:“
Okaysl
eept
hen”

Icl
osedmyey
esandIf
all
asl
eepat16:
30pm Iwokeupt
henIwentt
othebat
hroom.Iwant
ed
hot

wat
ermybodyi
scov
eredwi
thaf
oam.
..
.

Hecamei
n..
..

Samkel
o:“
Doy
ouneedmassageaf
tershower
?”hi
shandswer
eonmywai
st.

Me:
“NoIneedt
otakeashoweri
npeace”Iopenedt
hehotwat
er.

Het
urnedmet
obet
hef
oam i
nmyback.

Samekel
o:“
Iknowt
haty
ou'
reangr
yatmebecauseoft
hatmoneyIwi
thdr
awn”wewer
elooki
ng
at

eachot
her
.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIcanexpl
ain”

Me:
“Youwantt
oexpl
aint
haty
out
ookourmoneyandspenti
twi
thsomebi
tch!
?”Isnapped.

Hesmi
l
ed.If
eltl
i
keIcoul
dtakemyhai
rsoutonebyone!

Samkel
o:“
Babei
t'
snotwhaty
out
hink”

Me:“Youwi
thdr
awR45kaday
?You'
venev
erdonet
hatandwor
sey
oudi
dn'
tsl
eepher
einy
our
bed”

Myey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
s.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easel
etmeexpl
ain”

Me:
“Tospeakmor
eli
es?
”

Samkel
o:“
NobabeI
'
m notl
yi
ng”

Tear
scamegushi
ngout
.

Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
schest
.

Samkel
o:“
ThatmoneyIwi
thdr
ewi
twasadeposi
tforapl
acet
hatwasunusedi
ntown”
Ipul
l
edof
fandIl
ookedathi
m.

Samkelo:
“Iknowy
oudon'
ttr
ustmeonwhatI
'
m say
ingbutIboughti
tfory
oubecauseI
over
heard

y
ouwheny
ouwer
etal
ki
ngt
oyoursi
stert
alki
ngabouty
ouowni
ngaPuborbout
iquesoIwant
ed
t
o

buyi
tfory
oubutwhenIsawi
tthatcar
dwast
heonl
ycar
dinmywal
l
etsot
hathowIusedt
hat
money

Iwasn'
twast
ingi
t”

Ihi
thi
m pl
ayf
uli
nhi
schest
.

Me:
“Thanksbabe”

Samkel
o:“
Don'
tnowIneedt
opayf
ori
tonThur
sday
”

Me:
“I'
m sor
ryt
oaccusey
ouofsomet
hingy
oudi
dn'
tdo”If
eltsost
upi
d.

Hechuckl
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
tbl
amey
oubabeandt
hel
i
ttl
eoneher
eismaki
ngi
tX5”het
ouchedmyt
ummy
.

Me:
“I'
m hungr
y”

Samkel
o:“
OhLor
d!”

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
“Bl
amey
ousol
dier
sforbei
ngf
orwar
d”

Hel
aughed.Wet
ookashowert
oget
herandwentbackt
oourr
oom.

Aknock.
..

“
Hay
imaar
nSamkel
o!”

Hel
aughedandwentt
othedoor
.

Spi
der
:“Uy
alut
handi
ucansi
maar
n”

Samkel
o:“
Aiv
oet
sekwena”hest
eppedoutoft
her
oom.

Iputmyr
obeon.

At20:
00pm Iwentdownst
air
stogetsomet
hingt
oeat
.Imadesandwi
chesandt
heycamedown
to
t
heki
tchen.

Me:
“CanIgety
ousandwi
ches?
”

Kat
:“Yespl
ease”

It
ookt
hepl
ateandgav
eitt
ohi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Me?
”

Me:
“You?
”

Samkel
o:“
Mysandwi
ches?
”

Me:
“Comeandt
aket
hem”

Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.Spi
kesandSpi
rol
aughed.

Kat
'sphoner
ang.
..

Hedi
sappear
edi
nthehouset
otakehi
scal
l
.

Af
terawhi
l
e..
.

Kat
:“Hei
ngest
edSt
rychni
nesoweneedt
ogetmov
ing”hecamebackt
otheki
tchen.

Weat
ethengetdr
essedandwewentof
f.Spi
rodr
ovet
othei
rwar
ehouse.Ourot
hermember
s

f
oll
owedussot
hei
rwar
ehousewassur
roundedbyTHEEAGLES.
..

Wegoti
nandt
heywer
edi
scussi
ngar
obber
ysi
l
lyamat
eur
!

Guy
1:“
Bossar
eyouokay
?”

Theot
heroneasked.TheFl
amet
hrowerwasonmybackandt
heot
her
shav
ethem t
oo.

Ny
athi
kazi
:“I
'
m okay
”hewassweat
ing.

Wewer
eont
opsoSamkel
otookof
fhi
smust
ardscar
fandt
hrewi
tinsi
dewher
etheywer
e.

Ny
athi
kazi
:“Whatt
hef
uck?
”theyt
ookoutt
hei
rguns.

Wej
umpedof
fandwegoti
nthegr
oundatt
hesamet
ime.Gr
andent
rance!Mhm sosexy
!

Samkel
o:“
Putt
hosegunsdown!
”

Ny
athi
kazi
laughed.

Theycor
kedt
heygunbutt
heywer
eempt
y!
Kat
:“YouseeUsEAGLESwemaket
hingshappen”

Theyt
urnedt
olookathi
sdi
rect
ion.Hecamet
owar
dst
hem t
heyst
art
edt
omov
eandf
earwas

wr
it
teni
nthei
rey
es.

Me:
“Ny
athi
kazi
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
”sar
cast
ical
l
y.

Ny
athi
kazi
:“I
'
mfi
ne”hef
rowned.

Me:
“I'
m sadt
oheart
haty
ou'
reokay
”

Hef
rowned.

Me:
“Mhm t
hej
uicet
haty
oudr
ankanhouragowasgoodorbad?
”

Ny
athi
kazi
:“Nxaast
opaski
ngmesi
l
lyquest
ionsy
oubi
tch”

Me:
“Thej
uicet
haty
oudr
ankanhouragohadSt
rychni
ne”Iwascal
mly
.

Ny
athi
kazi
:“You'
rel
yi
ng!
”

Me:“St
rychni
newor
ksbyat
tacki
ngt
hecent
ral
ner
voussy
stem causi
ngal
lthemuscl
esi
nthe
bodyto

vi
olentl
ycont
ractatt
hesamet
ime.Deat
hoccur
swi
thi
n2t
o3hour
sofi
ngest
ionandwhi
l
st
usuall
y

t
her
esul
tofasphy
xiat
ionduet
opar
aly
sisoft
her
espi
rat
orypat
hway
s.Ri
ghtPhi
ndi
?”

Phi
ndi
:“Cor
rect
!”

Ny
athi
kazi
:“Yoursonofabi
tch”

Me:
“Ial
mostl
ostmysonbecauseofy
ousoy
ourf
ami
l
ywi
l
llosey
ouf
orev
er”

Thi
swi
l
lheal
me!

“
Babe!
”

Si
l
ence!
!

Whenweal
ltur
nedt
othedi
rect
ionwher
ethev
oicecame.
..
.

Nomxo:
“Babeber
omant
icpl
easecomeher
etogetme”Iwascr
azywhenIwaspr
egnantwi
th
Juj
u

butnotl
i
ket
his!

Kat
:“Nomxol
i
siwhatt
hef
uckar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”
Nomxo:
“Getmehawu!
”

Weal
lcr
ackedoutl
aughi
ngandTaKatwasf
uri
ous.Hewentt
ogether
.

Me:
“Hangi
nther
efewmi
nut
esy
ou'
reaboutt
odi
e”

Hest
art
edt
obr
eat
hsoheav
il
y.

MyFlamet
hrowerwasr
eadyhi
scl
othest
ookt
hef
lamesandhewascr
yingbecauseoff
ir
eand
pai
ns.

Thatmomentmademyhear
ttodancei
njoy
.Ify
ou'
rehur
tmyf
ami
l
yyou'
l
lpaywi
thy
ourl
i
fe.

Samkel
odi
dthatt
oNy
athi
kazi
'
sguy
s.Idi
dn'
tsendabody
bagandwr
athbecauseofRachel
and

Amahl
eIl
ovet
hem t
obi
tsbutherf
atherwr
ongedmet
oshootmychi
l
dsohehadt
odi
e.

Af
tert
hef
lamescamedownwel
eftandt
hegent
ssett
hei
rwar
ehouseonf
ir
e.I
'
m donewi
th

Ny
athi
kazi
soIneedt
orel
axal
i
ttl
ebi
tthendeal
wit
hnewenemy
!

Af
ter2day
swehear
d“sad”newsf
rom Rachel
thatherf
atheri
snomor
e..
..Poorsoul
.

I
twasal
lov
ert
henewst
hathe'
snomor
e.

Thefuneral
wil
lbehel
dinDur
banaf
tert
hecer
emonyf
ori
ntr
oduci
ngSmamukel
etohi
s
ancest
ors.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-

MaNdl
ovu:
“Makot
itheseki
dswi
l
ldr
ivemecr
azy
”

Me:
“Whatt
heyhav
edone?
”wi
thasmi
l
e.

MaNdlovu:“
Ift
heyar
en'
tst
eal
i
ngmyphonet
opl
aygamest
hey
'r
efi
ght
ingf
ort
vremot
e
cont
rol
ler
”

It
sFri
dayt
odayandt
omor
rowi
sthecer
emonyday
.I'
m happybecauseJuj
u'
swoundi
sheal
i
ng
sohe'
ll

gobackt
ocr
èchet
henhei
sfi
ne.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Mom wher
eismyPl
aySt
ati
on?
”What
'swi
tht
hem andPl
aySt
ati
on?

MaNdl
ovu:
“I'
m sor
rymyboyJuj
uandSmaar
epl
ayi
ngwi
thi
t”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Youhav
etobuyi
tfort
hem”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Youhav
etobuymyl
i
pst
icksbecauseAmahl
edr
ewmywal
lwi
thi
t”
Hel
aughedandhewentt
otheboy
s.

MygrandmaandMaNdl
ovugetal
ongbutmymot
herdon'
tl
ikeMaNdl
ovubutIunder
standt
hat
she

al
way
swant
stomakemyl
i
feal
i
vinghel
l
.

Thando:
“Heypeeps!
”shecamei
ntheki
tchen.

Hermot
herhuggedher
.WhenIt
urnedt
olookather
..
.

Me:
“Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?”

Thando:
“Shecameher
easmyf
ri
end”

Me:
“Thandoy
oul
i
vet
otestmypat
ienceneh?
”

Pr
eci
ous:
“Ohpl
ease!
”

Theotherwomanwhoi
sinageofMaNdl
ovucamei
nlaughi
ngf
oll
owedbyMaNgemaAndi
l
e's
mother.

Shegr
eet
edandIwentt
ohugherIonl
ywi
shshewasmymot
heri
n-l
aw.Nont
uandThabi
arei
n

st
okv
elbecauseofhershel
ovest
hem l
i
keherowndaught
ers.

Her
:“Ar
eyouSamkel
o'
swi
fe?
”theol
daskedwi
thaf
rownonherf
ace.

Me:
“YesIam”Isai
donal
owerv
oice.

Her
:“You'
renothi
sty
pe.MaNdl
ovumyf
ri
endl
ongt
imehey
”

Isi
ghed.

Shet ookMaNdl
ovuandl
edhert
oout
side.ThandoandPr
eci
ousf
oll
owedt
hem.MaNgema
brushed

myshoul
derandIcal
m down.

MaNgema:
“Shei
sbi
tt
erbecauseherdaught
erl
ostdon'
twor
ryabouther
”

Mbusocamei
ntot
akehi
smot
herbecausehi
sfat
herwant
edt
otal
ktoher
.

Hi
shandwasonmyt
ummy
.

Samkel
o:“
Iknowy
ouhat
eitbabebutI
'
llt
alkt
oMnt
ungwat
hatPr
eci
ousandhermot
herhast
o
go

t
hey
'r
enotwel
comedher
e”hebr
ushedmyt
ummy
.
Me:
“Okay
”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon'
tsl
avey
our
sel
fint
heki
tchenIwantt
oust
odosomet
hingni
cet
oni
ght
”
he

whi
sper
ed.

Me:
“Hay
iMbul
azi
”Il
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Thatt
urnsmeon.
..
”hesai
dki
ssi
ngmyneck.

Kat
:“Getar
oom”

Hel
aughedandgotof
fme.

Samkel
o:“
Isshegi
vi
ngy
ouahar
dti
me?
”

Hel
ookedsopi
ssed.

Kat
:“Shemustgi
vebi
rt
hal
ready
!Shewokemeupt
ocomeandgetamay
onnai
set
omat
oesand

ar
omatf
orher
.Yho!
”heopenedaf
ri
dge.

Samkel
o:“
Atl
easti
tal
mostov
erf
ory
ou2mont
hst
ogowhataboutmest
il
lhav
e6mont
hst
o
go”

Me:
“Sor
ryI
'
m st
il
lher
e”Iwav
edmyhand.

Theywant
edt
olaughedKatwentoutwi
thwhathecamef
or.Spi
kesandZeecamei
nar
gui
ng
they

keptqui
etwhent
heysawusi
ntheki
tchen.

Chapt
er35

Mi
l
isut
handocr
iedi
nthepassageandZeewentt
oat
tendher
.

Spi
kes:
“May
beshei
spr
egnant
”

Samkel
o:“
Whathappened?
”

Spi
kes:
“She'
sbei
ngst
ubbor
nnj
e”hewassopi
ssed.

Samkel
o:“
Eimj
i
taj
i
vey
odwakeLe”

Il
eftt
heki
tchen.Iwant
edt
oseemyboy
s.Ther
oom downi
nthepassagewassl
i
ght
lyopened
and
t
heywer
epeopl
ether
e..
.

Voi
ce:
“She'
l
lki
l
lmei
fIdon'
tl
eav
esoI
'
mtaki
ngmychi
l
dwi
thme”

Whoi
stal
ki
ngi
nsi
deher
e?

Voi
ce:
“Shei
saSca.
..
.”

Mi
l
isut
handoandSmacamet
owar
dsmesoIwentt
othem.
..

Sma:
“I'
m hungr
ymommy
”

Mi
l
iaddedt
o.

Mi
l
i:“
Canwepl
easehav
ebur
gerandchi
ps?
”

Theygotal
ongbutt
heyar
ecompl
etel
ydi
ff
erentbutMi
l
ili
kest
ohol
dhi
shand.Iwonderwher
e
Juj
u

i
sandwhathei
sbr
eaki
ngwi
thhi
spar
tneri
ncr
imeGwaj
o.

Iwentt
otheki
tchenf
oundmygi
rl
sint
heki
tchenmaki
ngsandwi
chesi
ntheki
tchen.Ihav
en'
t
seen

Nomxoandshe'
slazy
.

Me:
“Weneedt
opl
anNomxo'
sbabyshower
”

Nokwe:
“I'
m oni
t”

Nont
u:“
Whoi
spl
anni
ngy
our
s?”

Nokwe:
“Mxm!
”

Wel
aughed.

MaNdl
ovucamei
n.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Pl
easehel
pmeweneedt
oser
vet
hel
unchnow”

Weal
lhel
pedherandt
heel
der
swentt
othedi
ningr
oom t
oeat
.

Thishousei
sgi
gant
icandbeaut
if
ulMnt
ungwa'
sexpensi
vet
ast
epasti
ttohi
schi
l
drenIcansee
that
.

Thi
shousef
urni
tur
eisi
nIt
ali
anst
yleandi
t’
ssoexqui
sit
e.

Ev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
lonSundayandSmamukel
ehasI
sphandl
a(Zul
ubr
acel
et)onhi
swr
ist
.The
ot
her
s
wer
easki
ngquest
ionsabouti
t.

AtSundayni
ghtIcoul
dn’
tsl
eepandSamkel
owasdr
unksoIwentout
sidet
ogetsomef
reshai
r
and

hei
ssnor
ing.If
oundSpi
roout
sidesmoki
ng.
..
.

Me:
“Sky
f”

Spi
ro:
“Nxaahay
iwenamaar
nyounotal
l
owedt
osmoke”

Me:
“Nxaa”Icl
i
ckedmyl
oungeandt
ooki
tonhi
shand.

Itookt
hreepuf
sandi
tfel
tgood.Idosmokeonl
yifI
'
mtoost
ressedordr
unkandSamkel
otoo
buthe

doesn’
twantmet
obecauseI
'
m pr
egnant
!!Af
tert
hatSpi
rowenti
nsi
dehi
sroom t
henIwent
behi
nd

t
oourr
oom.
..
.

Voi
ce1:
“Whyhei
sat
tract
edt
ohi
ski
ds?
”

Voi
cw2:
“Ei
shi
nki
ngay
odwaLena”

Voi
ce1:
“Weneedt
ohi
det
hisbecausei
fshef
oundsoutkonukaamasi
mba”

Igotcl
oseri
twasMnt
ungwaandDl
ami
ni(
Andi
l
e'sf
ather
)whyar
etheywhi
sper
ingat01:
30am?
In

t
hey
ard?

Mnt
ungwa:
“YousawPat
ronel
l
aont
hatt
ightdr
ess?
”Whoi
sPat
ronel
l
a?

Dl
ami
ni:
“Thatbi
tchi
sst
il
lhot
”

Theseol
dmen!

Dl
ami
ni:
“Whendi
dyoul
astf
uckedher
?”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Aboutt
woweeks”Nowondert
hei
rsonsar
echeat
ingt
heygoti
tfr
om t
hei
rfat
her
s!

Dl
ami
ni:
“Luci
awi
l
lshooty
oui
fshef
indsoutt
haty
ouar
efucki
ngherf
ri
end”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Ei
shdon'
tremi
ndme”

Theyl
aughed.

Imustst
opsneaki
ngar
oundI
'
llheart
heshockofmyl
i
fe.
There'
ssomet
hingwor
ryi
ngmePr
eci
ous'
smom l
eftonSat
urdaywi
thPr
eci
ousbecauseshe
fear
ed

“
her
”Iwonderwhoi
sthatmxm Ihadt
ogoback.

WhenIent
eredt
her
oom hewasst
il
lsl
eepi
ngspr
eadi
nghi
slegsont
hebedasi
fhei
swai
ti
ng
f
or

someonet
osl
aught
erhi
m.He'
ssoannoy
ingt
hisdayandov
ercar
ing.Weal
way
sar
gueabout

somethi
ngespeci
all
ybecauseI
'
m pr
egnant
.Ipi
nchedhi
m buthedi
dn'
tmov
eIwassof
uri
ousI
went

t
osl
eepont
hecouch.

Idon'
tknowwhenIpassedoutbutIwaswokenbyhi
m andmyneckwasst
if
f.

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningbabe”

Me:
“I'
m hungr
y”Iy
awnedandIgotupf
rom t
hecouch.

Samkel
o:“
At06:
30am?
”

Igav
ehi
m adeadst
are.Het
owar
dsmet
oki
ssme.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Didy
ousmoke?
”

Ohl
ord!

Me:
“No”Iwentt
othebat
hroom.

Samkel
o:“
I'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou”hei
sangr
y.

Itookaqui
ckshowerandhekeptqui
et.WhenIcameoutnakedhewassi
tt
ingont
heedgeof
the

bed.
..

Samkel
o:“
DoIhav
etor
emi
ndy
out
haty
ou'
repr
egnant
?”

Me:
“I'
m sor
rybabe”Iwentt
owar
dshi
m.

"
Don'
tst
artwi
tht
hatsor
ryofy
our
s"-
hegotupandher
oughl
ypul
l
edmecl
oset
ohi
m.

Heki
ssedmer
oughl
y.
..

Samkel
o:“
Whydon'
tyoul
i
stent
ome?
”

Hesmel
l
sfr
eshIknewhet
ookashowerbef
oreme.
Hegent
lypushedmet
olayont
hebackwi
thmyback.Het
ookawhi
l
eandhecr
awl
edont
opof
he

andhewasnakednow.
..
.Hewi
densmyl
egsandIf
elthi
sfi
ngeronmypussy
..
.FuckI
'
m wet
!

Whenheent
eredhepumpedl
i
ttl
ehar
d..
.?Myr
ightl
egwasupandIwashol
dingwi
thhi
sar
m..
.

Me:
“Ahhh”Hewasl
ooki
ngatmewi
thhi
sredey
es.

Samkel
o:“
Whydon'
tyoul
i
sten?
”

Hepumpedhar
dthi
sti
me.

Me:
“Ahhh”

Hewaspumpi
nghar
dwhenheent
ersj
ustt
opuni
shme.
..Hepumpedhar
derwhenIwasn'
t
answer
ing

hi
squest
ion.

Me:
“I'
m sor
ry”Iwasnowcr
ying.

Samkel
o:“
Tear
swon'
thel
pyou”

Hepumpedhar
dandhar
derandhar
derandwecamet
hesamet
ime.Af
terhegotof
fmeIt
ri
ed
t
o

getupmyl
egswer
esor
e.WhenIt
ookf
ewst
epsmyl
egsf
ail
edmeandIwasdown.
..

Hecamet
ohel
pmet
ogetupandIwasangr
ybecausehewassmi
l
ing.Iwentt
otakeashower
andI

l
ockedt
hedoorwhenIcameouthewenti
ntot
akeashowermyphoner
ang.
..

Cr
aig:
“Don'
twor
ryI
'
m oni
t”

Me:
“Cr
aigwhati
sit
?”Cr
aigi
sdoi
ngourPR.Whathei
sonabout
?

Cr
aig:
“Youhav
en'
ttoday
'snewspaper
?”

Me:
“Nopandy
ouHannat
ell
mer
ight
?”

Cr
aig:
“I'
l
lsendal
i
nkr
ightnow”hehungup.

Myphonebeepedandhecameoutoft
heshower
.

Me:
“What
!?”Isai
doutl
oud.“
Samkel
oKhumal
o'
sbast
ardchi
l
d”i
twast
heheadl
i
nes.

It
hrewmyphoneont
hewal
l
.
Samkel
o:“
Andt
hen?
”

Me:
“Smamukel
eisbei
ngl
abel
l
edasabast
ardchi
l
dal
lov
ert
henewspaper
s”

I
'
venev
erbeent
hisangr
yandbei
ngangr
yisanunder
stat
ement
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
findwhoev
erdi
dthi
s”

Igotdr
essqui
ckl
yandwewentt
oKat
'sr
oom.

Kat
:“Hay
imaar
n!”

Theywer
ehav
ingsex.Nomxol
aughed.

Me:
“Sor
rybutSmai
sal
lov
ert
henewspaper
s”

Samkel
o:“
IneedagoaheadGr
oot
man”

Kat
:“Sur
edowhaty
ouhav
etodo.Youneedt
oleav
enow”

Wel
aughedandwegotoutoft
hei
rroom.

Samkelocal
l
edt
heedi
toroft
henewspaper
sandgav
ehi
m anul
ti
mat
um buthesai
dwewon'
t
ext
ract

i
tbecausei
tthebi
g..
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
suet
hem”

Me:
“For
getaboutt
hatbabet
hest
oryi
soutandwehav
etot
eacht
hem al
essonbyhacki
ngt
o
t
hei
r

bankandt
akeal
lthei
rmoneyandwe'
l
lcl
eani
tthr
ought
hepub”

Hewentout
sideIdon'
tknowwhy
.Iwenti
nsi
det
hemai
nhouset
omakebr
eakf
astbut

MaNdlov
uandMnt
ungwawer
eki
ssi
ngi
ntheki
tchen.Whent
ookmyst
epsbackwar
dsandI
bumped

t
oSamkel
o.

Samkel
o:“
Yini
?”

Me:
“If
oundt
hem ki
ssi
ngeachot
her
”

Hel
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Youl
uckbecauset
heywer
enothav
ingsex”

Me:
“What
?”outofshock.
Hewenti
nfi
rsti
ntheki
tchen.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Wher
eisy
ourmanner
sboy
?”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasegetar
oom”

Theyl
aughedandIgoti
nIwasl
i
ttl
eashamed.

Ihel
pedMaNdl
ovuwi
thbr
eakf
astweal
lsatdownandat
e.Todaywe'
regoi
ngbackt
oDur
ban
andthi
s

Sma'
smat
terbei
ngal
lov
ert
hepaperwor
ri
esme.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Samkel
oIt
hinky
ouhandl
i
ngt
hismat
ter
”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m handl
i
ngi
ttai
ma”Henodded.

Iwentbackt
omyr
oom t
opackourst
uffandki
ds’
stuf
f.

MaNgemacamei
nmyr
oom.

MaNgema:
“Sor
rymychi
l
daboutt
hismat
terbei
ngspl
ashedi
nthenewspaper
s”

Me:
“Thanksmah”

Shesatdownont
hecouchandIwentt
osi
tnextt
oher
.

Me:
“MahIwoul
dli
ket
oasksomet
hing”

MaNgema:
“Okay
"

Me:
“Whoi
sPat
ronel
l
a?”

MaNgema:
“Pat
ronel
l
aisPr
eci
ous'
smot
her
”

Me:
“Idon'
tknowher
”

Shegi
ggl
ed.

MaNgema:
“Remembert
heonewhosai
dnast
ythi
ngsabouty
oui
ntheki
tchen?
”

Me:
“YesIr
ememberher
”

MaNgema:
“Thati
sPat
ronel
l
awhoi
sPr
eci
ousandPet
uni
a'
smot
her
”

Fuck!Mnt
ungwai
sfucki
ngMaNdl
ovu'
sbestf
ri
end.

Me:
“Thanksmah”

WhydoIt
hinkPr
eci
ousi
sbehi
ndt
hismat
ter
?Andi
tcanbehershewant
edr
evengeaf
terIbeat
t
hecr
apoutofhi
m.

Wehadaconv
ersat
ionwi
tht
henshegotupandwehuggedandwewentoutoft
her
oom t
ofi
nd

Samkeloandshar
emyt
hought
swi
thhi
m..
.Hewasn'
ti
nthey
ardsoIwentt
ochecki
nsi
det
he
house.

Smat
oldmet
hathe'
swi
thmkhul
u(Mnt
ungwa)
.Iwentt
othest
udy
..
.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Pl
easet
akey
ourbr
atswi
thy
ou”

Samkel
o:“
Whatdi
dtheydonow?
”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Theysai
dinf
rontofy
ourmot
hert
hatIhi
tanot
herl
ady
’sass”

Theyal
ll
aughed.He'
stal
ki
ngwi
thhi
ssons!

Kat
:“Youst
il
ldoi
ngt
hatt
aima?
”hel
aughed.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Thankst
oJuj
uwi
thhi
sbi
gmout
hheev
eni
mit
atedonSma'
sli
tt
lev
oice”

Theyal
ll
aughed.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Sot
hat
'swhyshewasangr
y?”

Mnt
ungwa:
“YeahbutIgav
eherami
nd-
blowi
ngsex”

Them:
“Hay
itai
ma!
”

Iknocked.

Samkel
o'
sey
eswer
eout
.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Comei
nmychi
l
d”

Icamei
nandIwentt
osi
tont
hechai
rnextt
oSamkel
o.

Me:
“It
hinkIknowwhol
eakedt
hatst
ory
”

Samkel
o:“
Whoi
sit
?”

Me:
“It
'sPr
eci
ous”Al
ley
eswer
eonme.

Samkel
o:“
What
?”

Me:“
Whodi
dIbeatl
astf
ewweeksanddi
dn'
topenacaseonme?Whowasher
ewhowasn'
ta
cl
ose

r
elat
ive?
"
Kat
:“I
t’
str
ue”

Me:
“Ineedt
otal
ktoher
”

Samkel
o:“
Ther
e'snoneedf
ort
hatbabe”

Me:
“Okay
”

We'
llt
alkaboutt
hiswhenwear
eal
one.Iwasangr
yathi
mint
hemor
ningaf
tert
hesexwehad
but

nowIt
hinkI
'
m cool
event
houghmyv
elv
etst
il
lhur
ts.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Whatdi
dyoudot
oThando'
ssext
ape?
”hewasl
ooki
ngatme.

Iwast
hir
stwi
thabl
i
nkofaney
eIgotupandt
ri
edt
owal
kaway
.KatandSamkel
oey
eswer
eal
l
out
.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Si
tdown”

Thi
sol
dmanscar
esmeof
fbutnowI
'
m ev
enshaki
ng.
..Iwentbackt
osi
t.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Yout
houghtIdon'
tknowabouti
t?”

Samkel
o:“
Hay
itai
ma”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Ineedy
out
omakesur
ethatv
ideowon'
tresur
faceanddon'
tl
etsomet
hingl
i
ket
hat

happenagai
n”

Icouldn'
tswal
l
owsal
i
vaIwassoshocked.Icoul
dn'
tsayt
heyf
oranot
hermi
nut
esoIexcused
my sel
f.

Iwentt
otheki
tchenIf
oundNomxot
her
emaki
ngf
oodf
orher
sel
f.
..

Me:
“Ar
eyouokay
?”

Nomxo:
“YeahI
'
m okayi
t’
sjustt
hatIneedt
oeat
”shet
ookherf
oodt
othel
ounge.

MaNdlovudon'
ttr
eatNomxoandRachel
thewayshedoest
omebutIdon'
tcar
eany
mor
e
because

I
'
m mar
ri
edt
ohersonnothersoshecangoandf
uckher
sel
f.

At12:30middaywel
eftt
heWi
neenf
orDur
banImi
ssmyhouseal
ot.Mypar
ent
swentt
o
Mtunzini
I

t
houghtmay
bet
hey
'l
lsl
eepi
nmyhouset
hengohomet
omor
rowbutt
heywentst
rai
ghthome.
Mom
wasn'
ther
sel
fIdon'
tknowwhybutshewasbi
tt
eral
ltheweekend.

Idi
dn'
tcookbecauseIwast
ir
edIor
der
edpi
zzaandIbat
hthem af
tert
hatweal
lat
eSamkel
o
went

t
otuckt
hem i
nhecamet
oourr
oom t
ookashowert
oget
hert
henwewentt
osl
eep.

I
nthemor
ningIwentt
owaket
hem becauset
hey
'r
egoi
ngbackt
ocr
ècheandnextt
womont
hs
i
tis

Sma'
sbi
rt
hdaysoNokwewi
l
lpl
anSma'
sbi
rt
hdaypar
ty.Iwanthi
mtohav
efunonhi
sbi
rt
hday
.
Hei
s

t
urni
ng3on15Augustwhi
l
eJuj
uist
urni
ng4on17December
.

Ibat
hthem gott
hem dr
essedandSmachoosesonwhathewant
stowearandJuj
ual
sosoi
t’
s
butI

madet
hem weart
hei
rcr
èche'
st-
shi
rt
sandbl
ackt
racksui
tpant
sandj
acket
sbeani
eandgl
oves.
I
tso

har
dtor
aiset
woboy
swhi
l
eI'
m pr
egnantbecauset
heydr
ivemecr
azy
..
.

Juj
u:“
NoIwantt
odr
essl
i
key
ount
wana”

Samkel
o:“
Noy
oucan'
tdr
essl
i
keme”

Samkeloi
swear
ingabl
acksui
twi
thbl
ackshi
rtandamust
ardt
iewi
thbl
ackf
ormal
sweat
shoes

hol
dingl
awy
ers’
gownonhi
sar
m andt
hosel
awy
er’
sbr
ief
case

He'
ssosexy
!

Igavet
hem br
eakf
astandSamkel
odi
dn'
teathedon'
teati
fhe'
sint
hatsui
tandIknowhe'
l
lwi
n
that

case.Af
tert
heyat
eIt
ookt
hei
rbackpackspackt
hei
rlunchboxes.

Samkel
o:“
Wishmel
uckbabe”

Me:
“Goodl
uckbabe”hepul
l
edmecl
osef
oraki
ssweki
ssed.

Juj
u:“
Pleasegetar
oom”Ipul
l
edoutandl
ookedathi
m Samkel
owasi
nst
it
ches.

Samkel
o:“
Hegott
hatathomei
nWi
neenI
'
m sur
e”

Juj
udon'
twantt
obei
nacarsi
tbutIputhi
m Iwon'
tbet
oldbyhi
m.
"
Asongmommy
"-Sma.

Hel
ovesmusi
c.HedamagedLwandi
l
e'sear
phonesandhi
sfat
hergav
ehi
m anot
heroneandhi
s
i
Pod

hewasn'
teat
ingorpl
ayi
nghewant
edt
osl
eepwi
tht
hem i
nhi
searsoIwasf
orcedt
owai
tfor
hi
mto

f
all
asl
eept
hent
ookear
phones.

Iconnect
edmyphonet
otheBl
uet
oot
h.

Sma:
“Iwantt
hatoneNt
wanay
am Nt
wanay
am”

Juj
u:“
Hay
iwenapl
easepl
ayLal
i
ga”

Howcoul
dSamkel
odot
hat
?Hepl
ayst
hatsongwhenheki
l
lssomeonei
fhe'
sint
hemood.
..

Juj
u:“
Mom!
”heshout
ed.

Ipl
ayt
hesong.

Theywer
etr
yingt
osayt
hel
yri
csbutt
heydon'
tknowt
hem wel
lbutSmascr
eamedont
hepar
t
he

hear
ditwel
li
twassocut
etoseet
hem onar
earv
iewmi
rr
orwhenwegott
othei
rcr
ècheIwent
i
n

wi
tht
hem I
'
m happyt
hatt
heywer
eunder
standi
ng.Juj
u'
swoundi
scompl
etel
yheal
ed.

Afterdr
oppi
ngt
hem Iwentbackhome.Thehousewascl
eansoIwant
edt
obakei
t’
sbeenl
ong
ti
me

Ibakedchocol
atemuf
fi
nsandv
ani
l
lamuf
fi
nsbecauseIdon'
twantt
hem t
ofi
ght
.WhenIwas
doneI

cl
eanedt
henIt
oldMam'
Stot
akesomewi
thcof
feeandIdi
dtooaf
tert
hatIwat
chedt
het
v..
..

Idoseof
fandIwaswokenbymyphone.

Voi
ce:
“Hey
”Il
ookedatmyphonei
t’
sanunknownnumber
.

Me:
“Hey
.Whoam It
alki
ngt
o?”i
nasl
eepyv
oice.

Voi
ce:“
It
’sMar
kher
e.I
'
m sor
ryt
hatIwokey
ouupbutIwaswonder
ingi
fyouav
ail
abl
etodo
l
unch

wi
thme”
Me:
“Ei
shI
'
llconf
ir
m wi
thy
ounow”Ihungup.

I
t’
ssti
ll
earlyf
orf
etchi
ngki
dsatcr
èchesoIneedt
ocal
lmyhusband.Hi
sphonewason
v
oicemail
.

Ideci
dedt
ocal
lKatIneedt
otel
lsomeone.

Kat
:“Nompe”

Me:“Tat
hatMar
kguywant
stomeetmef
orl
unchandIt
ri
edt
ocal
lSamkel
oandIt
hinkhe'
s
st
il
li
n

cour
t”

Kat
:“Okaygoweneedt
oknowhi
smov
esandIwi
l
lcal
lSpi
rot
ofol
l
owy
ou”

Me:
“Sur
eTa”Ihungup.

Ical
l
edMar
ktot
ell
himi
t’
sokay
.Hesai
dwe’
l
lmeeti
nanhouri
nthesamer
est
aur
ant
.

ThisMark(
Bukhosi
)guyt
hinksI
'
m af
ool
I'
ll
showhi
mfl
amesi
fhet
hinksshe'
l
lmesswi
thmy
famil
y.I

wentt
otel
lMam'
SthatI
'
m goi
ngout
.Shedoesherwor
kandI
'
m notcompl
aini
ngwi
thany
thi
ng
and

myki
dsl
i
keher
.

Iwor
eadust
ypi
nkt
ightdr
esst
hatr
eveal
smypumpandbl
ackwi
thabl
ackcoatandbl
ackankl
e
boot
s.

Itookmycarkey
sandbagt
henIwentof
f.It
ookt
hreegunswi
thme.IsentSpi
rot
henameof
the

r
est
aur
antsot
hathecamef
oll
ow.

If
oundhi
mther
einanot
hert
abl
eIwentt
her
eandIsatdown.

Mar
k:“
Thanksf
orcomi
ng”

Ther
e'ssomet
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hisdude.Hesmi
l
edaf
teral
ongt
ime.I
fhe'
snotondr
ugs
somethi
ng

i
swrong.Al
lthesuddenhewasi
nahappymoody
.Af
terl
ooki
ngatt
hemenut
hewai
tercame
wi
th

f
oodt
hatIdi
dn'
tor
derIwascal
m.

Me:
“Thanks”I
twasSal
monandbakedpot
atoesandbut
ter
nutwi
tht
hewi
ne.
Mar
k:“
Ior
der
edf
orus”

I
t’
sat
rap!

Iwon'
teatt
hisf
oodmay
bei
thaspoi
sonorsomet
hingbutI
'
m hungr
y..
.Ineedanexcusef
ornot
eat
ing

t
his“
order
ed”f
ood.

Iqui
ckl
ygotupandr
ant
othebat
hroom Igoti
nat
oil
etandl
ockIpr
etendedasi
fI'
mvomi
ti
ngi
f
he'
s

f
oll
owi
ngme.Iwentt
o“wash”mymout
hthenIwentback.Myphonewasshi
ft
edi
twasn'
tl
ike
t
hat

whenIl
eftt
hebat
hroom Isatdown.

Mar
k:“
Ior
der
edj
uicef
ory
ou”

Me:
“Okayt
hanks”If
akedasmi
l
e.

Hestart
edt
oeatIwentr
unni
ngagai
ntot
hel
adi
esagai
nIwon'
teatt
hatf
oodi
nthatmoment
I
'm so

hungr
yandt
hatf
oodsmel
l
sdi
vi
neandi
tsdel
i
ciousIcanseei
t.
..
.Iwentbackagai
nwhenIwas
done.

Mar
k:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Me:
“NoandIsatdown.

Mar
k:“
Thanksf
orcomi
ng”

Ther
e'ssomet
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hisdude.Hesmi
l
edaf
teral
ongt
ime.I
fhe'
snotondr
ugs
somethi
ng

i
swrong.Al
lthesuddenhewasi
nahappymoody
.Af
terl
ooki
ngatt
hemenut
hewai
tercame
wi
th

f
oodt
hatIdi
dn'
tor
derIwascal
m.

Me:
“Thanks”I
twasSal
monandbakedpot
atoesandbut
ter
nutwi
tht
hewi
ne.

Mar
k:“
Ior
der
edf
orus”

I
t’
sat
rap!

Iwon'
teatt
hisf
oodmay
bei
thaspoi
sonorsomet
hingbutI
'
m hungr
y..
.Ineedanexcusef
ornot
eat
ing
t
his“
order
ed”f
ood.

Iqui
ckl
ygotupandr
ant
othebat
hroom Igoti
nat
oil
etandl
ockIpr
etendedasi
fI'
mvomi
ti
ngi
f
he'
s

f
oll
owi
ngme.Iwentt
o“wash”mymout
hthenIwentback.Myphonewasshi
ft
edi
twasn'
tl
ike
t
hat

whenIl
eftt
hebat
hroom Isatdown.

Mar
k:“
Ior
der
edj
uicef
ory
ou”

Me:
“Okayt
hanks”If
akedasmi
l
e.

Hestart
edt
oeatIwentr
unni
ngagai
ntot
hel
adi
esagai
nIwon'
teatt
hatf
oodi
nthatmoment
I
'm so

hungr
yandt
hatf
oodsmel
l
sdi
vi
neandi
tsdel
i
ciousIcanseei
t.
..
.Iwentbackagai
nwhenIwas
done.

Mar
k:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Me:
“NoI
'
m notokay
”myf
aceexpr
essi
onconf
ir
medonwhatIwassay
ing.

Il
ookedatt
hewat
ch.

Mar
k:“
I'
m sor
ryt
haty
ouf
ell
sickbutIwant
edt
oknowy
oubet
ter
”

Me:
“It
’shar
dtobeawoman”

Mar
k:“
Yeahi
sitf
ood?
”

Me:
“YeahandI
'
m sor
ryIwon'
tbeabl
etoeatordr
inkany
thi
ng”

Me:
“It
’sokaydear
”hecal
l
edawai
tert
ocl
earourt
abl
e.

Mar
k:“
Soy
oumar
ri
ed?
”Thequest
ionIwaswai
ti
ngf
or.

Me:
“YesI
'
m mar
ri
edandy
ou?
”

Hi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
onwast
ell
i
nganot
herst
ory
.

Mar
k:“
Idi
vor
cedandt
woki
dsont
hatmar
ri
age"

Me:
“Ihav
etwoboy
s”

Mar
k:“
Iwoul
dli
ket
omeett
hem oneday
”hesmi
l
ed.Myki
dsar
eindanger
.

Me:
“Whatwast
her
easonoft
hedi
vor
cei
fImayask”
Mar
k:“
Shewascheat
ingsoIcaughtherr
edhanded”

Me:
“I'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
”

Mar
k:“
Soy
ouhappyi
nyourmar
ri
age?
”

Me:“
I'
m notsupposedt
osayt
hisbutmyhusbandi
sacheat
ingbast
ardsoI
'
m doi
ngt
hisf
ormy
ki
ds

andmyf
utur
e”

Myeyeswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
s..
..Thi
spr
egnancycant
akemei
npl
acesi
fIgof
oraudi
ti
onsIcan
bet
he

best
.

Mar
k:“
Sor
rydearIknowwhaty
ou'
regoi
ngt
hrough”

IsawSamkel
otal
ki
ngt
oot
hermenandt
heysatonat
abl
eov
ert
her
e.WhenIcheckedSpi
ro
withmy

eyeshesmi
l
edandl
ookedaway
.Mar
k'sey
essawSamkel
oandheputhi
shands-
ont
opofmi
ne
andI

di
dn'
tfi
ghti
t.

Samkel
osawmeandhi
sfacechangedt
oaf
aceofamonst
erl
i
kewhenhedoest
heki
l
li
ngs.
..

Fuck!Isai
dtomy
sel
f.

Hecamet
othet
abl
eIwassi
tt
ingonwi
thMar
kand.
..
..

Samkel
o:“
Andt
hen?
”

Mar
k:“
Sor
rymj
i
tay
ou'
redi
stur
bing”

Yer
rrr
rrr
r.

Samkel
o:“
List
enher
eyouf
ool
..
..
”

Me: “
Whyy
oual
way
swantt
orui
nanddi
ctat
esmyl
i
feSamkel
o?Can'
tIbehappy
?Huh?
”Iwas
cr
ying

sohar
d.

Hewasl
i
ke“
Arey
oucr
azy
?”

Me:“Pl
easegobackt
oyourt
abl
eandcont
inuet
owhat
every
ouwer
ebusywi
thandl
eav
eme
al
one!”
Icont
inuedwi
thmyt
ear
s.

Mar
k:“
Pleasel
eav
emj
i
ta”

Samkel
o:“
EiI
'
m notl
i
vingher
ewi
thoutmywi
fe”

I
fIwasn'tpr
egnanthewoul
d'
vesl
appedmebynow.Theyst
art
edt
oar
guenowl
i
ket
hey
'r
e
f
ight
ing

f
orme.IgotupandIt
ri
edt
owal
kbutIcoul
dn'
t.
..
.Ipassedout
..
..
..

WhenIopenedmyey
esIwasi
nSamkel
o'
scarandhewasdr
ivi
ng.
..
.

Il
aughedout
!Hel
ookedatme.
..

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hef
uck?
”

Me:“
Ideser
veaGr
ammyawar
dfort
hatper
for
mancebabe”Iwasl
ayi
ngi
nthebackofhi
scar
.
He

dr
ovet
othehospi
tal
.

Me:
“Ineedt
omakei
treal
butIwon'
tseeadoct
orI
'
mfi
ne.I
'
llexpl
ainl
ater
”

Hestoppedatt
hehospi
tal
andhet
ookmei
nsi
de.Wewentt
otheot
hersi
desatt
her
efor2
hour
s.He

call
edSpi
rot
ogoandt
aket
heki
dsandhecal
l
edt
hecr
èchet
otel
lthem t
hatZaneMasukuny
e
(Spi
ro)

i
sgoi
ngt
ofet
cht
heki
ds.

After2hour
swewentt
othecar
sonourwayhewasqui
etandwef
oundKatSpi
kesandSpi
ro
there

eat
ingt
hechi
ckenIwascr
avi
ngf
or.
..

Whenwegoti
nSpi
rocl
appedhi
shands.

Spi
ro:
“Hay
iyou'
resuchanact
ressshame”

Me:
“NxaaHay
isukagoandgetmyl
apt
opi
nthest
udy
”

Hewentt
ogeti
tandSamkel
ohasn'
tsai
dawor
dhewentupst
air
s.

Kat
:“Ihear
dthaty
oudi
danunt
hinkabl
ether
e”hel
aughedsohar
d.

Me:
“Iwasf
orcedt
odot
hatt
oav
oidf
ightbet
weenhi
m andMar
k”
Kat
:“Gr
eatmov
e”

Me:
“Ther
e'ssomet
hingof
fabouthi
m”

Spi
kes:
“Whati
sit
?”

Me:
“Ifhe'
snoti
ndr
ugsorsomet
hingi
swr
ongupst
air
s”Ipoi
ntedmyhead.Spi
kesl
aughed.

Spi
kes:
“He'
sbi
pol
ar.Iwant
edt
ochecky
ourski
l
ls”Il
aughed.

Kat
:“He'
sdanger
ousNompebecar
eful
”

Imanagedt
ohacki
ntheCCTVf
oot
ageoft
her
est
aur
ant
..
.

Me:
“Wow!
”Iwasl
ooki
ngi
nthescr
een.

Me:“Hepour
edsomet
hingonmydr
inkt
hisconf
ir
msmysuspi
cionsaboutwhatIt
houghtwhen
Icame

backt
othet
oil
et”

Ishowedt
hem t
heCCTVf
oot
age.

Kat
:“Your
eadyt
odeal
wit
habi
pol
arIcanseet
hat
”

Spi
kes:
“Yeahshei
sready
”

Me:
“I'
l
lhav
etoki
l
lhi
m bef
orehedoessomet
hingst
upi
d”

Samkel
o:“
You'
l
lki
l
lwhoManj
e?”

Spi
kes'
sphoner
angandhegotupt
ospeakt
owi
tht
hephone.
..
.

Me: “
Thatguyy
oual
mostbeathi
m upi
sbi
pol
arandhe'
saf
terusasy
ouknow.It
oldhi
mthat
I
'm not

“happy
”inmymar
ri
agef
orhi
m nott
ryt
obr
eakusapar
tsoheknowsev
ery
thi
ngaboutussoI
have

t
oki
l
lhi
mfi
rst
”

Spi
kescamei
n.

Spi
kes:
“Youwon'
tbel
i
evet
hatMbangat
habr
other
sar
etheonet
hatt
oldabouthi
m aboutS.
K
bei
ng

t
hebestlawy
erunf
ort
unat
elyS.
Klostt
hecasesohej
oinedf
orceswi
thMbat
hanga'
stoget
r
evenge”
Kat:“
Ineedy
out
ogetMbangat
habr
other
sandIhear
dthey
'r
eint
ownsoIwantal
li
nMar
k's
house

t
omorrowat20:
00pm al
i
veandt
hatpsy
chocal
l
edMar
kwhoi
sBukhosi
.Spi
romakesur
enext
week

you'
rer
eadyt
obei
nWest
vil
l
epr
isonIneedt
hatSamboboydeadbynextweekIneedt
oputan
end

i
nthi
smadness”

Us:
“Sur
eTa”

Spi
rodon'
theki
l
li
ngi
nPr
ison.

Kat
:“AxeSpi
kesAndi
l
eSakhi
andIar
egoi
ngt
oEastAf
ri
cai
nthr
eeweeksf
rom nowt
oacash
hei
st

soNompey
ou'
l
lhandl
etheshi
pmenti
nCapeTownandSpi
rowi
l
lbebackbyt
hatt
imesoIneed
you

t
omakei
thappen”

Me:
“Howmanyf
igur
esTa?
”

Hel
aughed.

Kat:
“Letmesaywe'
l
lbef
il
thyr
ichaf
tert
hishei
stbecausewe'
ret
aki
ngaboutUSdol
l
arsandwe
need

mor
ebusi
nessest
ocl
eant
hiscash”

Us:
“What
?”

Spi
kes:
“USdol
l
arsHay
imaar
nandwhyI
'
mincl
uded?
”

Spi
ro:
“Nxaav
oet
sekwena”hel
i
kest
osneakar
ound.

Kat
:“It
houghty
ou'
l
lbebusy
”

Spi
der
:“TaI
'
m notbusyI
'
llbeav
ail
abl
e”hewaspl
eadi
ngwi
thTaKat
.

Kat
:“Okaysur
evel
eIneedy
ourski
l
ls”

Igotupf
rom t
hecouchandIwentt
otakesconesandj
uicef
ormeandKat
.Iputhi
sfoodi
n
fr
ontof

hi
m andSpi
kesl
aughed.
Samkel
o:“
Thi
sisst
art
ingt
obeapr
obl
em now”

Kat
:“Whati
sthepr
obl
em?
”

Samkel
o:“
Lat
elyy
out
heonl
yonebei
ngser
ved”

Spi
kes:
“Tai
sthef
avour
it
ethi
sday
s’”Katwasconf
used.

Kat
:“Whatdoest
hatmean?
”

Samkel
o:“
uNompeut
handi
swawenaGr
oot
man”

Katf
rownedwi
thconf
usi
on.Spi
derl
aughedt
heyal
lj
oinedaf
tert
hat
.Ihav
en'
tnot
icedt
hatbut
what

hesai
dist
rueIonl
yser
vehi
m andIhav
eenj
oyedhi
spr
esence.

Kat
:“Ishoul
dli
mitmy
sel
fint
hishouse?
”Tear
sfi
l
ledmyey
es.

Samkel
o:“
Yesy
oushoul
dmay
beIcanbeser
ved”hewasl
aughi
ng.

Ij
ustcr
iedoutl
oud.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sor
ryIwasj
oki
ng”

Het
ri
edt
ocomf
ortmebutIcr
iedev
enhar
der
.

Spi
ro:
“That
'swhyIdon'
thav
egi
rl
fr
iend"

Katcal
medmedownandIwassohappyaf
tert
hat
.

Spi
kes:
“Pl
easel
ordhel
pmeZeecan'
tbepr
egnanti
nany
timesoon”

Katwentt
otakeMay
onnai
seandt
omat
oesandAr
omatf
ormei
ntheki
tchen.

Me:
“Howdi
dyouknow?
”Iwassohappy
.

Kat
:“Isawy
oueat
ingt
hiswi
thNomx
o”Samkel
oshookhi
shead.

Spi
der
:“Youneedpr
ayer
swena”

Me:
“Voet
sekwena”

Iat
etomat
oeswhatwasdunkedi
nMay
onnai
set
heywer
elooki
ngatmel
i
keI
'
m cr
azy
.

Aft
erthatIwentt
ocheckonmyboy
stheywer
easl
eepandIwentt
othebedr
oom It
ooka
shower

andt
heyl
eftandhecamet
oourbedr
oom andIwasl
oti
oni
ngmybody
..
.
Samkel
o:“
Weneedt
otal
kbabe”

Iwentt
osi
tont
hebednextt
ohi
m.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
ryf
orov
err
eact
ing”

Me:
“Ineedt
oapol
ogi
set
oo”

Hel
i
ckedhi
slowerl
i
p.

Me:“
Itr
iedt
ocal
lyoubuty
ourphonewasof
fsoIcal
l
edKatt
otel
lhi
mthatMar
k(Bukhosi
)
want
sto

dolunchwi
thmet
heonl
yreasonmademet
ogot
her
eIwant
edt
ost
udyhi
mthr
oughhi
sey
es
and

faci
alexpr
essi
on.Hi
snextmov
eist
ofal
li
nlov
ewi
thmeandgethi
swi
fet
obei
nlov
ewi
thy
ou
he

wantst
odest
royussot
hat
'swhyIpr
etendedasi
fyou'
remaki
ngmyl
i
feal
i
vinghel
lforhi
mto
geta

messaget
hatourr
elat
ionshi
pisamesssot
her
ewi
l
lbenoneedt
osendhi
swi
fet
oseducehi
m
and

nowhei
saf
terourki
ds”

Hewasconf
used.

Me:“
Yeahhet
oldmet
hathei
sdi
vor
cedbuti
t’
snott
rueandhespi
kedmyj
uicet
hat
'swhyI
di
dn'
t

eatIknewhi
smot
ivessot
hat
'swhyTasai
dheneedst
oel
i
minat
ethem f
ir
st”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
ryf
orcausi
ngt
hatdr
amaandnott
otr
usty
oubabe”

Me:
“It
'sokaybabebutIneedy
out
otr
ustme”Iputmyhands-
ont
opofhi
s.

Samkel
o:“
It
’sj
ustt
hatIdon'
twantanymanneary
ou”

Me:
“I'
myour
sal
onesor
elaxbabe”Ipeckedhi
sli
ps.

Hesmi
l
ed.SoI
'
mfor
giv
eni
fthatsmi
l
eappear
sinhi
sface.

Tobemar
ri
edt
oaf
amousanddanger
ousGangst
eri
sgr
eatbutsomet
imesi
t’
sdanger
oust
oo

especi
all
yifhe'
sgoonsactoutofj
eal
ousbutIl
ovemycut
eandsexyGangst
ermyhusbandt
he
fat
her
ofmychi
l
dren.

Samkel
o:“
Giv
emey
ourf
eet
”Idi
dputmyf
eetonhi
slap.

Me:
“You'
resosweetbabe”

Samkel
o:“
Event
houghy
ouhat
eme”

Me:
“Idon'
that
eyoubabei
t’
sjustt
haty
ou'
redr
ivemecr
azysomet
imel
i
key
ourki
ds”

Samkel
o:“
Juj
uandSmagotMnt
ungwai
ntr
oubl
ewi
thMah”

Me:
“Whatdi
dtheydo?
”Iknewi
tbutIneedt
oheari
tfr
om hi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Dadt
ookJuj
uandSmawi
thhi
mtot
heshoppi
ngcent
reandhespankedanot
herl
ady
ther
e

soJuj
usai
dthati
nman'
spr
esenceandshegotangr
y”hel
aughed.

Il
aughedt
oo.

Me:
“Ihopet
heydi
dn'
tcausemor
epr
obl
ems”

Samkel
o:“
Hay
itheydi
dn'
t.Tai
mai
sst
il
li
nhotgi
rl
s”

Me:
“Andy
oudon'
thav
epr
obl
em wi
thi
t?”
Hel
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
NoIdon'
tMnt
ungwal
i
keswomensomahhav
etomakepeacewi
thi
t”

Me:
“Ev
eni
fhe'
ssl
eepi
ngwi
thherf
ri
end?
”

FuckIwasn’
tsupposedt
osayt
hat
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Whot
oldy
ou?
”

Me:
“Youknew?
”myey
eswer
eal
lout
.

Hel
aughedoutl
oud.

Samkel
o:“
Ioncecaughtt
hem hav
ingsexwhenIwasi
nvar
sit
y”

Me:
“You'
rel
yi
ng!
”Isai
doutofshock.

Samkel
o:“
Yeahbutmahdon'
tknowabouti
tandshe'
sbet
ternotknowi
ngbecauseshe'
l
lcause
drama

abouti
t”

Me:
“Ican'
tbel
i
evewhatI
'
m hear
ingr
ightnowbutIdar
eyout
eachmyboy
sthatnonsensey
ou'
l
l
knowme”

Hel
aughed.

Me:
“Ial
mostf
orgotwhosai
dyoumustt
eacht
hem Lal
i
gabyOkmal
umkool
kat
?”

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
ethesongsoIhav
etot
eacht
hem besi
dest
hey
'r
eAxe'
sboy
ssot
heybet
ter
knowit

i
near
lyst
age”

Me:
“Youwantt
oteachmyki
dst
obeGangst
ers?
”

Samkel
o:“Nobabebutwhent
hey
'r
eol
dIhav
etot
eacht
hem howt
ofi
ghti
ncaset
heyget
ki
dnapor”

Me:
“Nev
erev
er!
”It
ookmyf
eetof
fhi
slaphe'
sful
lofnonsensenowIcan'
tbel
i
evehi
m.

Samkel
o:“
You'
recar
ingaboyagai
n”hewant
smet
osof
tenup.

Me:
“Whot
oldy
ouso?
”

Samkel
o:“
You'
real
way
sfi
ght
ingwi
thme”

Me:
“Iwi
shi
tcanbeagi
rlbecauseI
'
m al
way
ssur
roundedbyboy
s”

SK:
“Boyorgi
rlIwi
l
llov
emychi
l
d”

Me:
“Let
'shopehewon'
tbenoi
syl
i
ket
hoset
wo”

Samkel
o:“
EiIpr
omi
sedt
hem ashoppi
ng

Chapt
er36

Me:
“They
'l
lcl
eany
ourcar
d”

Samkel
o:“
Youcansayt
hatagai
n”

Me:
“SoI
'
m noti
nvi
ted?
”

Samkel
o:“
It
'sboy
soutandl
et'
ssl
eepbabe”

Hesnuggl
edmehewasbr
ushi
ngmypumpandIf
ell
asl
eepi
nhi
sar
ms.

I
nthemor
ningIwokeupt
ookabat
hIwor
emybl
ackAdi
dast
racksui
tswi
thAdi
dassneaker
s
l
ucki
l
y

Mam'
Sbat
hthem soIt
ookt
hei
rtr
acksui
tsmat
chi
ngt
omi
neandsneaker
sIdr
essedt
hem I
wentt
o

t
heki
tchent
omakebr
eakf
ast
.

Hecamedownwear
ingt
racksui
tsandsneaker
swi
thme.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Ohwow!Ineedapi
ctur
eofal
lofusi
nmat
chi
ngout
fi
ts”

Juj
u&Sma:
“Nt
wana!
”t
heyshout
ed!

Hepi
ckedbot
handIaskedMam'
Stot
akepi
ctur
esandwel
ookgood.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m notgoi
ngt
otheof
fi
cet
oday
.Wegoi
ngt
ocheckt
hatpl
aceIboughtf
ory
ouaf
ter

dr
oppi
ngt
heki
ds”

Me:
“Mhm okayI
'
m dr
ivi
ng”

Henodded.It
ookt
heki
dsbackpackst
henIf
oundt
hem st
rappedi
nthei
rcarseat
sthenIdr
ove
out

t
hegat
e.

Sma:
“Oursongmom”

OhGod.

Daddyconnect
edt
hephone.Weal
lsangt
hesong.
..

Me:
“Bl
ackcarbehi
ndus”Hecheckedont
hemi
rr
or.

Samkel
o:“
Dri
vef
ast
er”hewhi
sper
ed.

Whenwegott
othei
rgat
eoft
hei
rcr
èchet
hebl
ackcarst
oppedandMar
koutwi
thanot
her
beaut
if
ul

babygi
rlwhoi
sabout3t
o4y
ear
sjumpi
ngupanddown.Thi
sbast
ardi
spl
ayi
ngadanger
ous
gameby

get
ti
ngnearmyki
ds.

Me:
“Thi
sisat
rap”Mar
kgoti
nsi
dewi
thhi
sgi
rl
.

Samkel
o:“
Whatnow?
”

Me:
“Idon’
tknowbabe”

Het
ookouthi
sphoneandmadef
ewcal
l
s.

Samkel
o:“
Spi
roi
sonhi
swaywi
thcast
oroi
l
.We’
l
lgoaf
terdr
oppi
ngt
hem of
f”
Igotoutoft
hecarandt
ookt
hem i
nsi
de.

Mar
k:“
Nompe”smi
l
ing.

Me:
“Mar
kwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”

Mar
k:“
Todr
opof
fmygi
rl
.Icanseey
ouher
efort
hatt
oo”

Me:
“Yeahofcour
se”

Mar
k:“
Heyboy
s”

Them:
“Hi
”

Mar
k:“
I'
ll
seey
ouar
ound”

Me:
“Okay
”Iwenti
nwi
tht
hem.

WhenIgotbackt
othecar
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Thatsi
l
ver
-gr
eycarov
ert
her
epar
kedaf
terhedr
oveof
f”

Me:
“Tot
akeki
dnapt
hem?
”

Samkel
o:“
NopIt
hinkt
hey
'r
ebei
ngmoni
tor
ed”Ist
art
edt
heengi
net
henwedr
ovet
ocheckt
he
pl
ace.

Wegott
othepl
acei
tsbi
gandopenandIdon'
tknowwhenheset
tl
edt
hebal
ancebutI
'
m happy
t
hat

Iwi
l
lhav
esomet
hingt
odot
hatt
obeahousewi
feandast
ay-
homemom.

Me:
“I'
m happyt
hanksbabe”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m gl
ady
oul
i
kei
tsowhydoy
out
hinkabouti
tsbout
iqueorpub?
”

Me:
“Pubweneedt
ocl
eant
hecomi
ngdol
l
arssobout
iquewi
l
lrai
semanyquest
ions”

Samkel
o:“
You'
recl
ever
”

Myphoner
ang.

Me:
“Hel
l
o”

Her
:“HeyMa’
am wehav
eapr
obl
em her
e”Theboy
'st
eacher
.

Me:
“Whati
sit
?”

Her
:“Juni
orandSmamukel
ehav
erunni
ngt
ummy
”
Me:
“OkayI
'
llbet
her
enownow.Yourpl
anwor
kedweneedt
ogett
hem f
rom cr
èche”

Hel
ockst
hedoorandwedr
ovet
othecr
ècheandt
heywer
enotcool
especi
all
ySmahewas
wor
se

thatJuj
u.WhenwegothomeImadet
hem t
eawi
thmi
l
kandt
heyat
eanddr
ankt
het
ea.We
spent

alldayi
ndoor
sandhef
orcedmet
opl
ayPl
aySt
ati
onwi
thhi
m andIr
eal
l
yenj
oyedi
t.Icookaf
ter
that

andboy
swentt
osl
eepear
lyandwet
ookt
hem t
oMam'
Scot
tageandwet
oldhert
hatwear
e
goi
ng

out
.

Itookmylapt
opwi
thmeIwantt
ocl
eant
hei
rbankaccount
sjustf
orf
un.Spi
kessentGPS
coordi
nat
es

t
oSamkel
o'
sphonet
henwentdr
ovet
othepl
ace.Wehav
ebl
ackSUVt
hatwear
eusi
ngwhen
we

goi
ngt
oami
ssi
onandourbi
keshav
eanEmbl
em oft
heEAGLEt
oo.

IwonderhowSakhi
andThokozani
hidet
hist
othei
rwi
ves.Thokozani
isal
sogoi
ngt
othe
missi
onin

EastAfr
icat
heyneedhi
sski
l
lst
oohei
sanAr
chi
tect
uresohehasconnect
ionst
othei
rhouse
theyar
e

goi
ngt
o.

Thokozani
bri
efedusonent
rancepoi
ntsandexi
ti
ngpoi
ntssoheshowedust
hepl
anoft
he
houseso

i
teasy
.

Kat
:“Sot
hey
'r
ear
eint
her
e?”

Spi
kes:
“YesImadesur
eofi
t”

Kat
:“Howi
sitgoi
ng?
”

Me:
“Pl
easegi
vemeami
nut
e”

Af
tert
womi
nut
esImanagedt
ojam t
henet
wor
kar
oundMar
kshouse.

Kat
:“Let
'sgoi
n”
Heisl
eadi
ngt
oday
.It
ookmygunswi
thmeandl
ucki
l
yZeewaswi
thusher
ebutwedon'
ttal
k
when

we'
reonami
ssi
onwedon'
twantt
olosef
ocus.

FourMont
hpr
egnantI
'
mjumpi
ngf
enceswhatcanIsayI
'
m aGangst
ermar
ri
edt
oone!

Thehousei
sbeaut
if
ul.

Spi
kesandSpi
rowentt
otheki
ds’
room t
otaket
hem.Theydr
uggedt
hem f
ir
st.AKandZor
ro
wentt
o

t
hesafeoft
hehouset
otakewhat
everi
nther
e.Wewer
escat
ter
edt
hehousei
sbi
glesst
han9
minut
es

AKandZor
rocameback.Iwaswi
thAxe.

Wegott
otheupl
evel
oft
hehouseandt
hey
'r
ewer
ewat
chi
ngasoccermat
chf
ool
!TaKatt
hrew
t
he

Must
ardscar
ffr
om upst
air
stot
hel
oungei
ndownst
air
sandi
tlandedi
nthecof
feet
abl
e..
..

Thegunscl
i
ckedi
nasexyway
..
..

Kat
:“Boy
s!Boy
s!Boy
s!”hecl
appedhi
shands.

Theyey
eswer
eal
lout
.Ourmember
sar
eout
sidet
hehouseandot
herar
eint
hey
ard.

Kat
:“Mbangat
haboy
sandBukhosi
”Bukhosi
'
sey
eswer
eal
lout
.

Kat
:“Putt
hegunsdown!
!”i
nloudscar
yvoi
ce.

Spi
rot
ookt
hei
rguns.Thef
earwaswr
it
teni
nhi
sface.

Kat
:“Puthi
swi
feandki
dsi
nsepar
atechai
rs”Boy
sdi
dast
heywer
etol
d.

Kat
:“Gi
veBukhosi
aloadedgun”

Bukhosi
star
tedt
ocr
y.

Kat
:“You'
l
lst
artwi
thy
ourki
dswi
feandt
heny
ou.Ihav
etoomuchsi
nssoIdon'
twanty
our
bl
oodin

myhands”

Spi
kesgav
ehi
mthegun.Thi
smor
onwi
l
lshootus.

Kat
:“Don'
ttr
ytobesmar
tmyboy
.Iknowwhaty
ouar
ethi
nki
ngr
ightnowi
fyoudowhaty
ouar
e
t
hinki
ngr
ightnowI
'
llbeaty
out
odeat
h”

Bukhosi
isnowshaki
ng.

Kat
:“Shoot
!Now!
”

Bukhosi
isr
eal
shaki
ng!Katwentt
ohi
m andhest
oodbehi
ndhi
m.

Kat
:“Theydi
dn'
ttr
ainy
ou.NcooahI
'
llt
eachy
ouwi
thy
ourownf
ami
l
y”Bukhosi
washol
dinga
gunand

Kat
'shandswasont
opofhi
s..
.

Kat
:“Shoott
oki
l
lnotf
orI
CU”Weal
ll
aughed.

Us:
“TaKat
!TheeKi
ng!Shoott
othel
i
feoutnotI
CU!
”

Theki
dswokeupandt
hewi
fe.Bukhosi
cri
ed.

Gi
rl
s:“
Daddyno!
”

Wi
fe:
“Bukhosi
don'
tdot
hat
!”

TaKatl
aughedoutl
oud!

Us:
“Ther
eal
hor
rorbegi
ns!
”

Theki
dswer
ecr
yingandt
hewi
fet
oo.

Kat
:“Ai
m now”Hef
ir
edst
rai
ghtt
othef
oreheadofhi
syoungerdaught
er.

Thewi
fej
ustcr
ied.
..
.

Kat
:“Ai
m agai
n”Hef
ir
edt
ohi
sol
ddaught
er.

Kat
:“Don'
twor
ryt
heyar
edeady
ou'
rebei
ngt
aughtbyt
hebest
”hel
aughed.

Bukhosi
waswai
l
ing.

Guy
1:“
It
’saboutt
ost
art
”Oneoft
heguy
swef
oundher
e.

Bukhosi
:“Idon'
tcar
e!”heshout
ed.

Kat
:“Nowgot
oyourwi
feandt
akeherbot
hey
esout
”

What
?

Bukhosi
stoodst
il
l.Ahotsl
apl
andedonhi
sfaceandi
tscausehi
mtof
all
.

Kat
:“Idon'
trepeatmy
sel
f”
Hedr
aggedhi
m andpl
acedhi
m wher
ehi
swi
fewas.TaKatpoi
ntedagunonhi
m..
.

Kat
:“I
'
llcountt
othr
eet
heny
oudot
hej
ob”

Kat
:“AxeandSl
i
cerdowhaty
oudobest
”

Iwentt
otakeoneoft
hei
rphonesandIconnect
edi
ttomyl
apt
opIwentt
othei
remai
l
sandI
managed

togett
hei
rbanki
ngdet
ail
ssoIhav
eev
ery
thi
ngIneedf
rom nowont
hei
rser
verbanki
ngdet
ail
s
and

upcomi
ngmi
ssi
onst
hroughemai
l
s.

Inaminut
esAxeandSl
i
cert
heywer
edoneandBukhosi
wasst
ruggl
i
ngt
otakehi
swi
fe'
s
eyebal
l
sout.

Kat
:“Letmet
eachy
ousomet
hing”

Spi
roandSpi
kescl
eanedt
hef
loorwher
eAxeandSl
i
cerwer
edoi
ngt
hei
rjobs.Thewi
fewas
wai
li
ng

pl
eadi
ngwi
thherhusbandf
ordoi
ngi
t.Katt
ookBukhosi
'
shandandf
orcedi
tthr
oughhi
swi
fe'
s
ey
e

andshewai
l
ed.

Katl
aughedandi
tcausedust
olaught
oo.

Kat
:“Let
'st
akeanot
herone”Hedi
ditt
ooaf
tersomemi
nut
eshi
swi
fepassedout
.Katshother

count
lessi
nherhead.

Kat
:“Nowi
t’
sti
met
oki
l
lyour
sel
f.
..
”

Bukhosi
jumpedandsl
appedTaKat
..
..

Bukhosi
..
..
..

Katl
aughedoutsol
oudi
nadar
kscar
ydeepestv
oicel
i
kehei
spossessed.
..

Kat
:“I
t'
spi
tyt
haty
ou'
l
ldi
einf
ewsecondsi
fitwasn'
ti
tIwoul
d'
vesmashedt
hatusel
essheadof

y
our
sbutIneedt
omakei
tli
key
ouki
l
ledy
ourf
ami
l
ythenki
l
ledy
our
sel
f”

Hetookf
ewst
epst
owar
dshi
mthenhest
art
edt
omov
ebackwar
ds.Katgr
abbedhi
m and
f
orcedhi
m

t
okneel
inf
rontofhi
sfami
l
yhet
henshothi
mint
hehead.
Iwenttot
hecamer
aroom wi
thSpi
kesIt
hendel
etedt
hef
oot
agef
rom whenwegoti
nthe
houseand

l
eftt
hepar
twher
ehewaski
l
li
nghi
sfami
l
yandhi
msel
fbutnoonewasv
isi
bleImadei
tlooked
l
i
kehe

kil
l
edhi
sfami
l
yknowi
nghi
scondi
ti
oni
twasadonedeal
nowonderTaKatdon'
tki
l
linmostof
the

t
ime.

Mbangat
habr
other
s’deadbodi
eswer
edumpedi
nthebusht
henwewentt
oourhousewet
ook
a

showerandsl
ept
.

Wewon'
tat
tendNy
athi
kazi
'
sfunur
elbecauseRachel
isnotal
l
owedsoi
nthef
uner
al.Her
st
epmot
her

didn'
twanthert
oherf
ather
'sf
uner
alandIf
eel
sor
ryf
orbutherf
atherwasabast
ard.Shedr
ank
the

whol
eweekendf
ornotf
eel
i
ngt
hepai
n.Hermot
herdi
edaf
tershegav
ebi
rt
htohersoherf
ather

gav
eherev
ery
thi
ngsheev
erwant
edbutt
hatwasannoy
ancet
othest
epmot
her
.

-
--
--
--
-

Aft
eraweekwehadNomxo'
sbabyshowershecr
iedal
mostanhourbutherhusbandcal
msher
down

It
hinkshet
houghtofherf
ir
stbabywhodi
ed.

Todayi
tsTuesdayI
'
m goi
ngt
odoct
orf
ormyappoi
ntmentandhe'
sgoi
ngwi
thme.Theboy
sar
e
at

cr
ècheIwon'
tdeal
wit
hthosehy
per
act
iveki
ds.Smai
sacr
yingbabyl
atel
yandhei
scl
i
ngyt
o
me.

Iwi
l
lrestt
odaybecauseMaNdl
ovuwi
l
lpi
ckboy
satcr
èchesoIneedt
ospendt
imewi
thmyman.

Me:
“Youar
espeedi
ngnow”What
'swr
ongwi
thhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
I'
mthi
nki
ngaboutt
hepubbabe”

Therenovat
ionsar
edoneal
readynex
tweekFr
idaywe'
reopeni
ngandIcan'
twai
ttodo
somethi
ng
aboutmyl
i
fe.

Me:
“Soy
oumustki
l
lus?
”

Samkel
o:“
Sor
rybabe”

Wegott
othedoct
or.Shet
oldmet
oli
eint
hebedt
henappl
i
edt
hecol
dgel
.

Doc:
“Thehear
tbeatoft
hebabyi
sfi
neandev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
ne”shewasf
ocusi
ngi
nthescr
een.

Samkel
owashol
dingmyhandandhewassmi
l
ing.

Samkel
o:“
Isi
ttooear
lyt
oknowt
hegender
?”

Thedoct
orf
ocusont
hescr
een.

Me:
“Ihopei
t’
sagi
rl
”

Doc:
“Unf
ort
unat
elyf
ory
oui
t'
saboy
”Hesmi
l
ed.

Me:
“Asl
ongashei
sheal
thy
”

Heki
ssedmyhand.Whent
hedoct
orwasdonehegav
emev
itami
nsandwewentof
f.Wewent
t
o

hav
elunchaf
terourappoi
ntment
.

Whenwegott
other
est
aur
antheopenst
hechai
rformeandwesat
.

Me:
“I'
m outnumber
edv
ele”

Samkel
o:“
Hawubabedon'
tbesadwe'
l
lmakeagi
rlaf
terhi
m”

Me:
“Hay
ihei
sthel
astone”

Samkel
o:“
HawuMam'
Khumal
o”

Me:“
Yout
hinkpushi
ngababy
'sheadoutt
hroughmyv
agi
nai
seasyl
i
kegoi
ngi
nthepar
k”I
dr
ank

wat
er.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Thewai
tercameandt
ookouror
der
.

Samkel
o:“
Sor
rybabebutt
hanksf
orgi
vi
ngmeacut
ebaby
”wi
thasmi
l
e.

Me:
“Cut
eli
ket
hei
rmot
her
”
Samkel
o:“
Younotcut
e”hei
sser
ious.

If
eltt
ear
sinmyey
esandt
heyf
ell
onmycheeks.
..

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
mjoki
ng”hewast
ryi
ngt
ocomf
ort
.

Iwasst
il
lcr
ying.Het
ouchedmyhandt
hatwasi
nthet
abl
e.

Samkel
o:“
Ngi
yaxol
i
samama”sexyandsi
ncer
e.

Ismiledwi
thmyt
ear
s.Hesmi
l
edt
oo.hewi
pedt
hem wi
thhi
sthumbs.Ourmeal
cameandwe
ate.

Wegav
ethem at
ipandwel
eft
.

Wewenthomeaf
tert
hat
..
.Inourwayhomehewasdr
ivi
ng.
..

Samkel
o:“
Doy
ouknowt
hatIwasonceawai
ter
?”

Me:
“Real
l
y?”

Samkel
o:“
Yeah.Spi
derandIwer
efor
cedt
obewai
ter
sbecausewegotki
ckedi
nResaf
tert
hat
we

smashedmydad'
scarsohewant
edust
opayhi
smoneyaf
terhef
ixedt
hecar
”

Il
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Wewer
efor
cedt
ogoandst
aywi
thmypar
ent
satUmhl
angaaf
terbei
ngki
ckedoutat
Res

sothi
soneFr
idaymypar
ent
swentt
oWi
neenf
oraweekend.Spi
derandIpl
annedt
hepar
tywi
th
the

cashIfoundi
nthei
rcl
osett
hepar
tywasl
i
tsi
ncewewer
ewel
l
-knowni
ncampust
hepar
tywas
going

fi
neuntil
MeandSpi
derf
oughti
nthemi
ddl
eoft
hepar
tyandt
hef
urni
tur
eint
hehousewas
broken

andal
lthatsoourguest
swentwhenwewer
efi
ght
ing.
..
”hewasl
aughi
ng.
.

Me:
“And?
”

Samkel
o:“
Wepassedouti
nthef
loorandwewer
ewokenbyMnt
ungwa'
ssj
ambok”Il
aughed
out

l
oud.
Me:
“Youwer
etr
oubl
emaker
s”

Samkel
o:“
Youseet
hedar
kthi
nmar
konmyl
eftar
m?”

Me:
“Yeah?
”

Samkel
o:“
Igott
hatscr
atcht
hatday
”hechuckl
edandshookhi
shead.

Webot
hlaughedout
.Whenwegott
omyhousewef
oundAndi
l
e'scari
nthey
ard.
..

Whenwegoti
n.Ij
ustcr
ied.
..
.

Andi
l
e:“
Andnow?
”

Me:
“You'
reeat
ingmyMagnum”Iwascr
avi
ngi
tsoIpr
omi
sedmy
sel
fthatIwoul
deati
t.
..

Samkel
o:“
Cal
m downI
'
llbuyy
ouanot
herone”

Hecal
medmedown.Iwentt
omybedr
oom t
oputmycomf
ort
abl
esl
eeper
s.

WhenIcamedownKatcamei
nwi
thmyMagnum.

Me:
“Yousuchadar
li
ngunl
i
ket
hatpi
g”It
ookMagnum t
ohi
shandsandIwentt
oloungeandhe

f
oll
owed.

Kat
:“CanIpl
easehav
eone?
”It
ookoneandgav
ehi
m.

Theyal
ll
aughed.

Sakhi
:“Yousav
edusf
rom l
i
on”Igav
ehi
m adeadst
are.

Me:
”Bhanoy
i”

Theyl
aughed.

Kat
:“I
twasmi
ne.
..
.(
Igav
ehi
m ast
are)
..
..Andher
”Andi
l
elaughedoutandt
heot
her
sfol
l
owed.

Andi
l
e:“
Haaht
hanksGodThabi
isnotpr
egnant
”

Katl
etoutabi
gsi
gh.
..
.

Sakhot
oo.

AndSamkel
o..
.Di
dtoo.

Spi
kesandAndi
l
elaughed.Sakhi
'
sphoner
angandhewentt
otheki
tchen.

Ihear
dvoi
cesl
aughi
ngandt
hosear
emygi
rl
s.TheBi
gfourandThokozani
camei
nfi
rst
..
.
Thi
sisani
cesur
pri
se

Nomxowasher
etoo.Theyar
eal
way
sfi
ght
ing.
..

Thecamewi
thPi
zzasanddr
inksoNokwe'
spumpi
svi
sibl
eli
kemi
ne.I
'
mfourmont
hspr
egnant
now

andNomxoi
sduenextweekandIenv
ytobeher
.Thi
sbabyi
sdr
ivi
ngmecr
azybuti
tsunl
i
ke
Juj
u.We

at
epi
zzasandNokwewasangr
yatSakhi
becausehedeni
edhert
odr
inkonegl
assofwi
ne.

Nokwe:
“Hay
isuka”

Sakhi
:“Beangr
ybuty
ouwon'
tdr
inki
tandI
'
mti
redofr
emi
ndi
ngy
out
haty
ou'
repr
egnant
”

Nokwegotupandwentupst
air
s.

Ontheot
hersi
deKatwasar
gui
ngwi
thNomxo.Katwant
edt
her
oom her
edownst
air
sbecause
he

doesn’
twantNomxot
obeonst
air
s.Onanot
hersi
deZeeandSpi
kesar
esmi
l
ingateachot
her
and

Lwandi
l
eandRachel
wer
ear
gui
ng.
..
.

Me:
“Wecan'
tbel
i
ket
hisweneedt
odosomet
hingf
unny
”

Thokozani
andNont
ucamel
aterandMam'
Sopenedf
ort
hem becauseshewentt
oher“
fri
ends”
and

Ithi
nkshehasamanbecauseshewi
l
lsl
eepov
ert
her
etoher“
fri
end”butshedeser
vest
obe
happy.

Wesatdownwi
thherbecauseweneedt
oknowi
fshe'
sfi
neorwhatsoshet
ell
smei
fsheus
goi
ng

t
oher“
fri
ends”

Nont
u:“
Ior
der
edf
oodonmywayher
eandI
'
m hungr
y”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasecountmei
n”Thi
smaneat
sandboy
sar
eli
kehi
m buti
t’
sjustt
hatt
heyhat
e

v
eget
abl
es.

Andi
l
e:“
Countusal
l
”

Wewentt
odi
shupf
ort
hem andwel
eftt
hem i
nthel
oungewewentt
oNomxo'
sroom.
..
Me:
“Ar
eyouokay
?”Iatont
hebed.

Nomxo:
“I'
mfi
nei
t'
sjustt
hatI
'
m downt
oday
”

Thabi
:“Wecant
akey
out
ohospi
tal
ify
ou'
renotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
”

Nomxo:
“I'
mfi
ne”

Wesatt
heyandThabi
wentt
ost
artcooki
ngandI
'
m noti
nthemoodbutI
'
mfor
cedt
owi
thmy
man

andboy
swi
thal
lthatcr
ewi
nthel
oungesoIwentt
ohel
pherandNokwewasl
azysoNont
u
cameto

hel
pusi
ntheki
tchen.

Bi
gFourwentoutt
ogetdr
inksf
orgent
sandt
heycamebackaf
terawhi
l
e.

At19:
00pm weat
e.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Ineedt
oseesomedancemov
est
oday
”

Mbuso:
“I'
m gamemf
ethu”

Me:
“Let
'smakei
tachal
l
enge”

Iwentt
oconnectmyphoneont
heHi
Fisy
stem Il
ovegqom sot
heyneedt
odanceIdon'
t
remember

t
hel
astt
imeIr
eal
l
ydanced.
..
.

Thef
ir
stsongwasBanomoy
abyBusi
swa.
..

Lwandi
l
e:“
Ntwana!
”toMbuso.They
'r
ewer
ethef
ir
stt
odancei
nthedancef
loor
..
.Spheand
Zamo

j
oinedi
n..
.

Fuck!Theseboy
scandance.

Thabi
:“Nxaat
hisboyt
hinkt
heycandance”

Shetookof
fherheel
s.Nokwej
oinedher
.Yhoo!Voshoandal
lthosedancemov
esandi
t
remi
ndedme

ourol
dgoodt
imes.ZeeandNont
ujoi
nedt
osoIdeci
dedt
ojoi
ntooIcoul
dn'
tbel
i
eveIwast
his

f
lexi
ble.
..
Whenwewer
edoneNomxowassi
tt
ingont
hecouchwat
chi
ngus.
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Spi
dernt
wanaasi
bangene”

Hedoesn’
twantust
olaughatt
hem.Thesongwasonr
epeat
.Theygoti
nandst
art
eddanci
ng.
..

Iwassoamazedhecandancel
i
ket
hisbuti
tunl
i
kehi
m.Thepeopl
ewhower
elef
twasSpi
kes

Thokozani
KatandAndi
l
e..
.I'
m sur
etheygav
etwol
eftf
oot
.

ThokozaniandSpi
kesgoti
n..
..Iwon'
tfor
gett
hisdayLwandi
l
emadeust
oseet
hehi
dden
tal
entsher
e

Iwassoamazedt
olookatt
hem danci
ng.

Kat
:“Thi
sremi
ndsmeofourcl
ubbi
ngni
ght
sAndi
l
e”

Theywer
ecl
ubbi
ng.Snobs?Real
l
y?I
'
m sur
etheydanceI
sipanshul
atheset
wo.
..
.

Theybot
htookof
fthei
rshoes.
..
.

Dr
ama!

Theboysst
art
edt
ocheerupf
ort
hem.I
t’
susl
adi
eswhodon'
tknowt
hem danci
ng.Al
cohol
has
taken

pl
aceher
e!

Theyst
art
edt
odance.
..
.Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evei
t!Icl
appedbot
hofmyhands.They
'r
ebestdancer
sI
can'
t

bel
i
evei
twhent
heywer
edonewecl
appedf
ort
hem.
..

Iwentt
olowert
hev
olume.

Me:
“Al
lIcansayi
saf
tergi
vi
ngbi
rt
hyou'
l
lopent
hedanci
ngcl
assesr
ight
?”Theybot
hlaughed.

Nokwe:
“Snobscandance.Ican'
tbel
i
evei
t!
”shesai
dthatl
oud.

Weal
ll
aughed.

Iwentt
opl
aynextsongagai
nbuti
trangt
omymi
ndt
hatSmawoul
dfor
cehi
sGr
annyt
ocal
lme
that

boyhasasof
tspotf
ormeIdon'
tknowwher
eit
spr
egnancyorhel
i
kesmev
ele.Myphonehas
no

net
wor
katal
l
.
Lwandi
l
e:“
Playt
hesongphel
a”

Me:
“Ineedt
omakeacal
l
”It
ookmyphoneof
fandheconnect
edhi
sphone.

Iwentt
otheki
tchenbutt
her
ewasnonet
wor
k.Iwentbackt
olounge.

Me:
“Babepl
easel
endmey
ourphoneIneedt
ocal
lmahIwantt
ospeakt
omyboy
s”

Spi
keshandedmeSamkel
o'
sphone.I
thasnonet
wor
ktoo.Si
ncewhenwehav
eapr
obl
em of
net
work

cov
eragei
nthi
shouse.

Me:
“Samepr
obl
em asmi
neSpi
kesgi
vemey
ourphone”

Hegav
emehi
sphone.Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?

Thegunshot
swentof
f.

Me:
“Fuck!
!!
”

Someonei
nsi
deshott
hel
i
ght
sher
eint
hel
ounge.It
ookmygunundert
hecof
feet
abl
eandI
st
art
ed

shoot
ing.
..

Me:
“Laydown!
”Ishout
ed.

Thegunswentof
fmay
be15mi
nut
esandwehear
dEst
atesecur
it
ysi
rensdr
awi
ngnearsot
he

gunshot
sfaded.
..

Voi
ce:
“Isev
ery
oneokayher
e!”

It
hinki
t’
sthesecur
it
yguar
d.

Kat
:“Yeahwef
ine!
”

Samkel
o:“
Isev
ery
oneokayher
e?”

Sphe:
“It
hinkwe'
ref
ine”

Ever
yonegotupandNomxowasshaki
ngoutofshockbutshei
sfi
neKatwentt
ohert
ochecki
f
she

al
right
.Shei
sfi
ne.Ladi
esl
ookeachot
herandSpi
keswasshoti
nthear
m butt
heot
herwer
e
fi
ne.

Me:
“Lwandi
l
epl
easegot
othest
udyandt
akemyl
apt
op”Her
unupt
hest
air
s.
Zee:
“Wher
eisMbuso?
”

Andi
l
ewentt
othel
ounget
ocheckf
orhi
m wher
ehewasbef
oret
heshoot
ing.

Andi
l
e:“
Shi
t!
”heshout
ed.

Wewenttot
hel
oungebecausewewer
eal
lst
andi
ngi
ntheki
tchenandSamkel
owasout
side
speaki
ng

wi
tht
hesecur
it
yguar
ds.

Andi
l
e:“
Cal
ltheambul
ance!
”

Iranout
sidet
otel
lthesecur
it
yguar
dst
ocal
ltheambul
anceasIwasout
sideAndi
l
ewas
holdi
ng

Mbusot
othecr
ewbusThokozani
goti
ntheandKatgoti
ndr
iver
’sseatandt
heydr
oveof
fdr
ove
of
f.

Iwentbackt
othehouseandNomxowasl
ooki
ngi
nthespaceandt
hel
adi
es.

Iwentt
osi
tont
hechai
randIst
art
edt
ocheckwhathappenwi
tht
henet
wor
k.

Nomxo:
“Auuu!
”

Ohl
ordnotheragai
n.

Thabi
:“Let
'sgethert
othehospi
tal
now!
”

Icl
osedmyl
apt
opandIwonderwhathappenedher
e.Iwentt
otakeaj
acketandwedr
ovet
othe

hospi
tal
.Nomxowascr
yingnowandIdr
oveasmani
acandwhenwegott
othehospi
tal
her
water

br
oke.

Thenur
sest
ookhert
othel
abourwar
dlucki
l
ysheopt
edf
orC-
sect
ionsoIt
hinkev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
l
go

wel
landIcal
l
edKatt
ofi
ndi
nwhi
chf
loort
heywer
ein.Samkel
oandIwentt
othewar
dthey
wer
ein

andwef
oundMnt
ungwat
her
eAndi
l
ewaspaci
ngupanddown.

Samkel
o:“
Howi
she?
”

Kat
:“Hei
sst
il
li
nther
e”

TheBi
gFourcamei
nandt
hei
rey
eswer
eredt
heywer
ecr
ying.Andi
l
esatdownandonet
ear
came

outandpeopl
ear
egoi
ngt
oDI
E!

Kat
'sphoner
ang.Hehungupi
mmedi
atel
y.

Kat
:“Nomxoneedsme”hel
eft
.

Thi
sistaughtsi
tuat
ionbutatl
eastwedi
vi
dedi
ntot
woot
her
sar
ewi
thNomxoandwewi
th
Mbuso

her
e.

Thabicameandwentt
oherhusbandandcom f
ort
him.Hi
spar
ent
scamei
nandMaNgemawas
cr
ying

anditbr
okemyhear
ttoseehercr
yingl
i
ket
hatAndi
l
egotupandwentt
oherandshesobt
oher
son'
s

chestandhi
sfat
her
satt
her
eandhehasn'
tsai
dany
thi
ng.

I
ttookl
i
feawhol
eyearandt
hedoct
orcame.

Doc:
“Wemanagedt
oremov
ethebul
l
etsandhewasl
uckyt
hati
tmi
ssedhi
slef
tki
dney
”

Mnt
ungwa:
“He'
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine?
”

Doc:“
Yeshewi
l
lbeokaybutf
ornowhei
sheav
il
ysedat
edandIwi
l
lonl
yal
l
owhi
spar
ent
sonl
y
for

now”

Andi
l
e:“
ThanksGod!
”

Ev
ent
hegangst
ersay
sthati
nrought
imes!

Dl
aminiandMaNgemawentt
oseeMbusoandour4f
ell
owscamei
ntheywer
eher
etoguar
d
Mbuso

24/
7becauser
ightnowwedon'
tknowwhoi
tis.

Nont
ucal
l
edmet
ell
i
ngmet
hatwemustcomet
oNomxo'
swar
d.It
ookLwandi
l
ewi
thme.

Me:
“He'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Hehast
oo”hi
sey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
s.Whenwegott
her
eIf
oundNokwecr
ying.

Me:
“Andt
hen?
”
Zee:
“Hor
mones”

I
'm sadt
hatMbusogothur
tbutatl
eastki
dswer
enott
her
etheywer
ewi
tht
hei
rgr
anni
es.Sohe
must

f
ocusonwhati
sgoi
ng.

Zee'
sphoner
angshewentt
otakei
t.
..

Lwandi
l
e:“
IsKati
nsi
de?
”

Nont
u:“
Yeah”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Ithoughthewaski
ddi
ngwhenhesai
dhe'
l
lper
for
m c-
sect
ionhi
msel
f”It
ri
ednot
l
augh.

Us:
“What
?”Hel
ookedatusl
i
kewecr
azy
.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Hei
saqual
i
fieddoct
or”He'
sly
ing.

Nont
u:“
Real
l
y?”

Zeecamebackandshesai
dnot
hing.Af
teranhourKatcamet
ouswear
ingscar
bs.

Kat
:“Shegav
ebi
rt
htoaheal
thybabyboy
”

Us:
“Congr
atul
ati
ons!
”

Thesmi
l
ecame.I
'
venev
ersawt
hatsmi
l
ebef
ore.Zeewasst
il
lqui
et.Katwentbacki
nsi
de.

Me:
“Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?”Iwhi
sper
edt
oZee.

Shenodded.

Okay
..
.

Iwast
ir
edandmyf
eetwer
eswol
l
en.

Samkel
ocamei
nwi
thhi
spar
ent
ssot
hedr
amat
icMaNdl
ovudemandedt
oseet
hebabybutIdo

under
standhershegotgr
andki
dsl
atersoshespoi
l
sthem t
oomuchandshet
oldmet
hatJuj
u
and

Smawi
l
lspendt
hewhol
eweekwi
tht
hem.

Wecoul
dseet
hebabyandt
henameoft
hebabyi
sUy
izwi
l
eLi
am Khumal
o.It
hinkshenamed
hi
m

Uy
izwi
l
ebecauseshel
ostt
hef
ir
stoneandt
hisonei
swi
thhersoherpr
ayer
sar
eanswer
ed.We
saw

hi
m hei
scut
eandt
inyandhewassucki
nghi
smi
ddl
efi
nger
s.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Li
kef
atherl
i
keson”

Samkel
owant
edt
olaugh.

Kat
:“Mah”i
nlowv
oice.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Ev
ennowy
ousucky
ourmi
ddl
efi
nger
swheny
ou'
resl
eepi
ng”

Weal
ll
aughed.

Kat
:“Youar
eki
l
li
ngmyv
ibe”

Aft
erthatIwant
edt
osl
eepbutmyhousei
samessr
ightnowbutIneedt
osl
eep.Wedr
ovet
o
Sakhi
'
s

housei
nUmhl
angasoIwentt
otakeashowert
otakeashowerandIwentt
osl
eepandhe
wasn'
t

her
eandi
tsgoodbecauseIneedt
orest
.

I
nthemorni
ngIwentt
otakeashowerandIsawmyov
erni
ghtbagi
nthecoucht
hat
'sso
t
houghtf
ull

ofhi
m andIt
ookhi
tandi
thav
emyt
oil
etr
ybagal
ongdr
essandt
woscar
fsheknowst
he
st
ruggl
e.

Heal
l
owedmet
ocont
inuet
owearmyj
eansbutIdon'
tweart
hem whenI
'
m goi
ngt
ohi
sfat
her
’s

housesandIal
way
shav
eascar
fandal
ongski
rti
nmycari
ncasewhenIcomehomeandf
ind

Mnt
ungwa'
scari
nmyhouse.Lucki
l
yhet
ookt
heNav
yandwhi
tedr
esssoI
'
llr
elaxi
nit
.

WhenIwasdoneIwentt
otheki
tchenandIf
oundSakhi
andNokweki
ssi
ngsopassi
onat
elyi
n
t
he

ki
tchen.
..

Me:
“Hay
imaar
ngetof
fyourassi
nthecount
er"
-me.

Theybot
hlaughed.

Me:
“I'
m hungr
y!”

Iwascr
avi
nghotwi
ngsbutI
'
llgett
hem onmywayt
ohospi
tal
butIset
tl
edf
orj
ungl
eoat
sandI
went
off
.Lucki
l
ywegother
ewi
thmycarandhewasn'
ther
eandIt
hinksomeonecamet
opi
ckhi
m
up.

WhenIsawMacDonal
dIcr
avedspi
cybur
gerandf
ri
esandIwentt
othedr
iver
-t
hru

Af
terget
ti
ngmycr
avi
ngswedr
ovet
ohospi
tal
.Isatdownt
her
eandat
emybur
gerandev
ery
one
was

l
ooki
ngatmel
i
keI
'
m cr
azy
.

Samkel
o:“
Bur
geri
nthemor
ning?
”

Iwon'
tent
ert
ainhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
I'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou”

Me:
“I'
m pr
egnantIeatwhatIl
i
kesopl
easeIneedt
oeati
npeace”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Samkel
olethereatpl
ease”

Samkel
ogav
emeawei
rdst
are.Mxm Idon'
tcar
eandIwantanot
herone.

Thedoct
orcamei
n.

Doc:“
Ihav
egoodnewshei
srespondi
ngwel
ltot
het
reat
mentandhei
sawake.Vi
sit
orswi
l
lbe
al
lowed

butt
wopert
ime”

Andi
l
e:“
ThanksDoc”

Hi
sfr
iendswenti
nfi
rstandAndi
l
eandTKwer
est
il
lwear
ingcl
otheswi
thbl
oodst
ains.Katgot
i
nand

t
oldSpi
kest
odr
ivet
hem homet
ofr
eshenupandeat
.Bef
oret
heywentwewentt
oseeMbuso.

Andi
l
e:“
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnt
wana?
”

TKwasbr
ushi
ngMbuso'
shead.
..

Mbuso:
“Iwi
l
lheal
ifIgetJaguarP-
Race”Weal
ll
aughed.

TK:
“You'
l
lgeti
t”

Andi
l
e:“
I'
m gl
ady
ouokaynt
wana”

Mbuso:
“I'
m okaybutIst
il
lfeel
pai
nbutt
her
e'ssomet
hingIwoul
dli
ket
oask”

TK:
“Any
thi
ngnt
wana”
Mbuso:
“Whyt
her
e'sal
way
ssomeoneoutt
her
etr
yingt
ohur
tyouguy
s?”

Andi
l
e:“
Ntwanay
oukn.
..
”

Thedooropenedsowi
deandweal
ltookoutt
heguns.
..
.

Thami
camei
nrunni
ng.

Andi
l
e:“
Nxaa!Shl
ama!
”hewaspi
ssed.

Thami
:“Andi
l
enotnow”

Wet
ookawayourguns.

Mbuso:
“Ev
eny
ou?
”hel
ookedatme.

Me:
“Mbusoaf
terwhathappenedl
astni
ghtIneedt
opr
otectmy
sel
f”

Whenhewasaboutt
oanswer
.

Thami
:“Nt
wanay
ami
!”hebr
ushedhi
shead.

Theot
herguycamei
nandIdon'
tknowhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Zidakwandi
ni”

Theunknownguyi
sSpi
ro'
syoungbr
otherandhe'
sgoi
ngwi
thhi
sfr
iendThami
.Thami
issowi
l
d
Idon'
t

knowwhyhei
sli
ket
hat
.

Kat
:“Yey
iiwenawhathappenedaboutt
ooursuppl
i
er?
”toThami
.

Thami
:“HaahGr
oot
manI
'
vesor
tedt
hat
”

Al
lIknowi
sThami
isnoti
nagangsoI
'
m her
econf
usedonwhatt
heyar
etal
ki
ngabout
.

Thami
:“Nt
wanaI
'
llcr
eat
eapi
l
lwi
thcocai
nesot
haty
ouwi
l
lrecov
ersoon”TKsmackedhi
m on
the

head.

Thami
:“Voet
sekwena!
”

Samkel
o:“
You'
rest
il
lrudenamanj
e?”

Thami
:“Ihear
dthaty
ourwi
fei
spr
egnantagai
n.Hay
i!SKy
ounotwast
inganyt
imenehy
ou
al
wayson

t
opofher
”
Samkel
o:“
Voet
sekwena”

Theyal
ll
aughedexceptme.

Chapt
er37

Mbuso"
Pleasedon'
tmi
ndhi
m"

TK:
“Hesai
dhewant
sJaguarP-
Race”t
oThami
.

Thami
:“Uy
any
agoandt
ell
Dlami
nit
hatnonsense”

Theyall
laughed.I
'
venev
erspentt
imewi
tht
hisThami
butal
lIcansayi
shei
srudewi
thcapi
tal
l
etter

R!Hei
sannoy
ing.

Thami
:“IsawPr
eci
ousandshei
sst
il
lhotandIwantt
ofuckhery
azi
”

Andi
l
e:“
Theonl
ythi
ngt
haty
oual
way
sthi
nki
ng”

Thami
frowned.Yhuut
hisThami
guycant
alk.

Nont
ucamei
nrunni
ngandcr
ying

TK:
“Babewhati
swr
ong”

Weal
lst
oodup.

Nont
u:“
Thebaby
”

Kat
:“Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hebaby
?”

Nont
u:“
Thebabyi
smi
ssi
ng.
..
”shewascr
ying.
..

Us:
“What
??”

Kat
'sf
acechangedandhest
ormedout
sideMbuso'
swar
d..
.

Someonei
sbay
ingf
orourbl
ood.Iwentoutt
ooweneedt
ocal
lsomef
ewcal
l
s.Af
ter5mi
nut
es
we

meti
nthecr
ewbus.
..

Kat
:“Thenur
segav
emegr
eybandanasot
hismeansKGwant
smeandonl
yme”

Nomxopassedoutaf
terhear
ingt
hatherchi
l
dismi
ssi
ng.
Samkel
o:“
Whatwegoi
ngt
odonow?
”

Kat
:“Sendamust
ardbandanaandpr
inti
t“I
'
m game”andsenti
ttohi
shouse”

Spi
kes:
“Gr
oot
many
ou'
l
lneedt
hebackupt
her
e”

Kat
:“Fi
stf
ightandIt
hinki
t’
sti
met
ofi
nishhi
m of
fnow”

I
'
venev
ersawhi
mfi
stf
ight
ingbutal
lIhear
dishei
sgr
eatandhei
sgr
eati
nev
ery
thi
ngf
ight
ing

shoot
ingr
aci
ngi
ncar
sandmot
orbi
kesandhe'
sagr
eatnegot
iat
orandhemor
ethancl
everbut
heis

ser
iousandasnob.

Samkel
o:“
I’
ll
setupabackupGr
oot
man”

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
oo”

Kat
:“Nompecal
lPhi
ndi
andt
ell
hert
hatwhenIcomebackwi
thUy
izwi
l
ehehast
ohav
etr
acker
”

Me:
“Consi
deri
tdone”Henodded.

I
'
venev
ersawhi
mli
ket
hat
.

Hi
sphonebeeped.
..

Kat
:“Igotl
ocat
ionsoat12:
00am we'
regoi
ngber
eadybutI
'
mtaki
ngmybi
ke”

TK:
“Sur
eTa”

Kat
:“OhNompeandAndi
l
eyou'
rest
ayi
ngbehi
nd”

Andi
l
eandIj
ustkeptqui
et.

Wewentbackt
othehospi
tal
andIwentt
ocheckNomxoandshewasasl
eepandKatgoti
n.

Kat
:“MaGwal
awam Ipr
omi
sey
out
hatI
'
llgoandgetoursonev
eni
fit
’st
hel
astt
hingIhav
eto
do

j
ustknowt
hatIl
ove”hewashol
dingherhandandheki
ssedherf
orehead.Igotupandl
eftt
hem
and

Iwentt
ocheckonMbusoandhe'
sdoi
nggr
eat
.

Iwenthomet
orestl
ucki
l
yMam'
Sandboy
sar
est
il
latAt
hlonePar
ksowhenIgothomeIt
ooka
qui
ck

showerandIf
oundhi
m naked.Hewasl
ooki
ngout
sidet
hewi
ndowIf
oundmy
sel
flosti
nhi
s
body
.Hi
s

sof
tski
nandt
hosebr
oadshoul
der
s..
.

Samkel
o:“
Comeher
e”hewasst
il
ll
ooki
ngout
sidet
hewi
ndow.Her
eadsmymi
nd.Iwentt
ohi
m
and

Ihuggedhi
mfr
om behi
ndandmypumpwasonhi
sasshet
urnedt
olookatme.

Samkel
o:“
Ifal
li
nlov
ewi
thy
ourbodyeachandev
erydaybabe”hewasdr
ool
i
ng.

Webot
hnaked.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Il
i
ftedmyey
est
olookathi
m andIgotl
osti
nhi
sey
esandhi
sli
psf
oundmi
neandt
heki
sswas
sl
ow

andpassionat
ely
.Wehav
en'
thadsexf
orl
astf
ewday
sIknowhei
sfr
ust
rat
edbyt
hatmy
husband

l
ovessex.Hecuppedmybr
eastandhe.
..

Me:
“Babey
ouneedt
ogetgoi
ng”Iknowi
tIl
ethi
m nowhe'
l
lbel
ateandhemust
n'tbe.

Samkel
o:“
Ist
il
lhadt
ime”heki
ssedmeagai
n.

Ipul
l
edout
.

Me:
“Babey
ouneedt
ofocusIneedUy
izwi
l
eback”

Samkel
o:“
Toni
ghti
t'
smeandy
ou.
..
Thewhol
eni
ght
..
.”hespankedmesohar
d..
.

Iknowhei
sfi
ght
ingsohar
dnott
otouchmer
ightnowIwentt
othecl
osetandIt
ookal
ong
yel
low

dr
esshecamei
nbef
oreIwor
ethedr
ess.

Samkel
o:“
Youst
il
lhat
epant
ies?
”

Me:
“Youdon'
tunder
standbabe”

Idon'
tweart
hem ev
enwhenIwaspr
egnantwi
thJuj
uIhat
ethesomuchsohemadepeace
wit
h

t
hattheti
meIwaspr
egnantwi
thJuj
u.Hewentt
oourbasementandt
ookgunsandbombs.I
wentto

ki
tchent
omakeusf
oodandhecamei
n.
Me:
“BabeIneedt
oasky
ousomet
hing”Hef
rowned.

Samkel
o:“
Okay
”

Me:
“Isi
ttr
uet
hatKati
saqual
i
fieddoct
or?
”Hel
aughedoutl
oud.

Samkel
o:“
Yeahi
tst
ruey
oudi
dn'
tknow?
”

Me:
“It
houghthewasi
nSAAr
my”

Samkel
o:“
Yeshewasasadoct
ort
hismeansy
oudon'
tknowhi
mthatmuch”

Igav
ehi
m al
ook.

Hetookhi
ssandwi
chesandj
uiceandIt
ookmi
neandwewentt
osi
tint
hel
oungeIdi
dn'
tknew
orI

di
dn'
tchecki
fitf
ixedorwhatbutI
'
m happyt
oseemyhousei
nonepi
ece.

Samkel
o:“
Katl
ovesmedi
cinesi
ncewewer
egr
owi
ngandhest
udi
edi
tandhadhi
sownsur
ger
y
and

hisf
riendf
rom medi
cal
school
deci
dedhi
mtoj
oint
hear
mybutasdoct
ors.Hespent5y
ear
s
ther
e

andcamebackandIt
hinkhewasbor
edsohecamebackt
ost
arthi
sGangt
hat
'swhyi
nour
Gangwe

hav
epr
ofessi
onal
sinev
erydepar
tment
”

Me:
“Ohwow!
”

Samkel
o:“
Hei
sashar
ehol
deri
nsomecompanyIf
orgeti
tsnamebuti
tdeal
swi
tht
hingst
hat
hav
eto

dowi
thmedi
cineandThami
isal
soashar
ehol
der
”

Il
aughedoutl
oud.

Samkel
o:“
Yeahpeopl
ereactl
i
ket
hatbutThami
isaPhar
maci
st”

Me:
“What
?”t
hiscan'
tbet
rue

Samkel
o:“
Yeahhei
s.Thami
str
ikesasdr
unkar
dbutheknowshi
sst
oryi
nmaki
ngpi
l
lsandal
l
that
”

HayikeIcan'
tbel
i
evet
hisIt
hinkmyear
sar
edecei
vi
ngmebutIknowhewon'
tl
iet
ome.At
11:
00am
hewasreadyt
ogoandweshar
edal
ongdeepki
ssandIf
elthi
sshaf
tget
ti
nghar
dIpul
l
edout
andhe

t
ookBl
ackSUVandhedr
oveout
.

Icl
eanedt
hehouseaf
tert
hatIchi
l
ledabi
tandIt
ookmyl
apt
opt
ocheckf
ewt
hingsIupdat
ed
the

soft
wareandmadesur
eourf
ir
ewal
l
sar
est
il
lst
rongsonoamet
uercangett
hrought
hisbut
ther
e's

noneedt
ocheckt
hingsoutbecausewenowt
hatK.
Gist
heonewhot
ookUy
izwi
l
esohi
sfat
her
i
s

goi
ngt
obr
inghi
m homeal
i
veandIwi
l
lcheckt
hev
ideol
ateratni
ght
.Ourki
l
li
ngsar
erecor
ded
sowe

hav
evi
deos.Ideci
dedt
ocal
lMam'
SImi
ssmybabi
es.

Mam’
S:“
Howar
eyouNompe?
”

Me:
“I'
m goodMahunj
ani
?”

Mam’
s:“
I'
m goodsi
s”

Ihear
dnoi
sei
nthebackgr
ound.

Me:
“CanIpl
easet
alkt
othem Mah”

Shegavet
hem Smat
hephonebutIhear
dthem f
ight
ingov
ert
hephoneandMam'
Stookt
he
phone

andputi
nonl
oudspeaker
.

Me:
“Heybabi
es”

Them:
“Heymommy
”

Me:
“Imi
ssy
ou”

Juj
u:“
Wedon'
tmi
ssy
ou”Kodwal
engane.

Sma:
“Imi
ssy
ou”Suchacool
kid.

Me:
“I'
l
lcomeandf
etchy
out
omor
rowokay
?”

Smascr
eamedandJuj
udi
dn'
t.

It
oldt
hem t
hatIl
ovet
hem andSmar
epl
i
edwi
thhi
sownl
anguageandey
egav
ethephoneback
t
o

Mam'SandIt
oldhert
hatI
'
m goi
ngt
ofet
cht
hem t
omor
row.Idr
ovet
othehospi
tal
Nomxowas
cr
ying

andIaskedt
oot
her
stogi
veusamoment
.

Me:“
Iknowi
t'
shar
dbuty
ouknowwhoy
ou'
remar
ri
edt
ohi
m pr
omi
sedy
oui
nfr
ontofmet
hat
he

wi
l
lgoandgety
ousonsopl
easet
rusthi
m”

Shel
ookedatme.

Nomxo:
“Whati
fhei
sdead?Ican'
tdeal
wit
hanot
herl
ossNompe”shewassobbi
ng.Iwentt
o
hug

herandshesobbedIknowt
hisr
emi
ndsherofherf
ir
stl
ossbutIknowhei
sal
i
veandKatwi
l
l
bri
ng

Hi
m homeal
i
ve.

Me:
“Wedon'
tcal
lhi
m TheeKi
ngf
ornot
hingsopl
easehav
efai
th”

Shewascal
medandIt
oldhert
hatKGt
ookUy
izwi
l
ebecausehewant
stof
ightwi
thTaKatandI
hope

hewi
l
lki
l
lhi
mtoday
.Ladi
escamei
nwi
thf
oodandIf
orcedhert
oeatandherpar
ent
scamei
n
sowe

l
eftt
hem andwhenIwentt
ocheckonMbusoIf
oundt
heCol
our
edgi
rlandt
heywer
eki
ssi
ng.

(
Cleart
hroat
)

Theypul
l
edout
.

Me:“Icamet
ocheckupony
ourbutIcanseet
haty
oudoi
ngwel
lsoIwon'
tdi
stur
byoubut
pl
ease

don'
thav
esexy
oumi
ghthur
tyour
sel
f”Isai
donmywayoutandIhear
dthem l
aughi
ng.

IfoundSpi
roi
nthewai
ti
ngr
oom andIt
hinkhe'
sher
etomakesur
eev
ery
oneoneofusher
eus
okay

si
ncet
heot
her
swentwi
thTaKat
.Hecamebackf
rom pr
isonf
orhi
smi
ssi
ont
woday
sback.

Spi
ro:
“Pl
easegohomeandr
est
”

Me:
“Ei
ngat
hiuy
azi
howt
ir
edIam”
Idr
ovet
othemal
lfi
rstandt
othegr
ocer
iesandmyf
avour
it
esandbl
ackf
oresti
soneoft
hem
and

Magnum andf
ull
chi
ckenandIdeci
dedt
obutst
rawber
ri
escr
eam andnon-
alcohol
i
c
champagneI

wantt
ogi
veaspeci
alni
ghtwi
thmyhusbandbef
oreboy
scomesback.Iwenthomeaf
tert
hat
andI

pr
epar
edmacar
oni
andcheesebecausei
t’
seasyandIcan'
tsl
avear
oundt
heki
tchen.WhenI
was

doneIwentt
owat
chmyf
avour
it
eshow90Day
stoWed.

Imusthav
edozeof
fIwasi
nter
rupt
edbyZee'
scal
l
.

Me:
“Mzal
a”i
nasl
eepyv
oice.

Zee:
“I'
m sor
ryt
odi
stur
byoucuz”

Me:
“Ihadt
owakeupv
ele.Whati
sit
?"

Zee:
“Canwecomet
oyourhouset
oni
ght
?”

Me:
“Ei
shI
'
m pl
anni
ngt
hisr
omant
icni
ghtf
orSamkel
otoni
ght
”

Zee:
“Mhm okay
”

Me:
“Ar
eyouokayMzal
a?”

Zee:
“It
hinkhei
scheat
ingonme”

Me:
“Doy
ouhav
epr
oof
?Ify
ouhav
eonewe'
l
lbeatherass”shel
aughed

Zee:
“Cont
inuewi
thpl
ansandhav
efun”shehungupaf
tersay
inggoodby
e.

At18:
45pm Iwentt
otakeabat
hIsoakedmy
sel
ftoar
m wat
erandi
thel
pedmet
orel
axIwi
sh
my

ski
nwasn'
tsensi
ti
vet
ofoam bat
hsandsal
tbutwar
m wat
erhel
ped.Af
tert
aki
ngt
hel
ongbat
hI

deci
dedt
ocal
lhi
m buthi
sphonewasr
ingi
ngandgost
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
lIcal
l
edhi
mfi
vet
imes
but

Idi
dn'
treachhi
m Isenthi
m at
extt
ell
i
nghi
mthathemustnotbr
ingv
isi
tor
stoday
.

At20:
00pm Iwor
esexybl
ackl
acemat
chi
ngpant
ywi
thwhi
tepear
lsonmyassandputabl
ack
l
ong
l
acyseet
hroughr
obet
hiscombi
nat
ionmakesmecomf
ort
abl
ebutIdon'
tthi
nkIwi
l
llastwi
th
t
his

panty
.Rosepet
alsf
rom t
hedoort
oourl
oungewher
ewe'
l
leatourdi
nnerandr
osepet
alsand
petal
s

goupthest
air
sleadi
ngt
othemast
erbedr
oom.Iswi
tchedont
hechandel
i
erandi
twas
changi
ng

col
oursandourchampagnei
nabucketofi
ce.Thet
imewentbyst
il
lwai
ti
ngf
orhi
m andat
21:
15pm I

call
edhi
m agai
nIcoul
dn'
tgethol
dofhi
m andIsenthi
mtextchecki
ngi
fhe'
sokaybuthedi
dn'
t
repl
y

t
omycal
l
sort
ext
.

Iwentt
ogetmy
sel
fasl
i
ceofcakeandKr
ushmi
xedber
ri
esj
uiceandIat
e..
.

Iwaswokenbyv
oicest
alki
ngl
oudl
ywhenIcheckedt
het
imei
twasmi
dni
ghtandIt
houghti
t
wasthe

nei
ghbour
swhower
emaki
ngnoi
se.

“
Eish!
!.
..
”

It
ookmygunont
hecof
feet
abl
eandImademywayt
otheki
tchen.
..
.

Samkel
o:"
Myl
ovel
ywi
fe!
”heshout
edandhei
sdr
unk.

Samkel
o:“
Yhuuuuy
ashi
samt
wana!
”

FuckIf
orgott
hatI
’
m hal
fnakedIr
anupt
hest
air
sandIswi
tchedof
fthechandel
i
eri
nour
bedr
oom

andIcr
iedj
ustt
othi
nkal
lmyef
for
tandhecamedr
unkwi
thhi
sfr
iends.
..
Nxaa!
Idon'
twantt
o
see

hi
m.Iwentt
olockt
hedoorandIwentt
othebat
hroom t
otaket
issuesandIcr
ied.
..

Bl
oodyHor
mones!

Idon'
tknowwhenIsl
eptbutat07:
20am Iwokeup.

Me:
“Fuck!
”

Ist
art
edtocr
yagai
nwhenIsawr
osepet
alsont
hebedandi
nthef
loor
.Iwentt
odot
he
morni
ng
r
it
ual
andIwor
emar
oonmaxi
dressl
ucki
l
y;Ihav
eshor
thai
rtheseday
sIdon'
twantany
thi
ngi
n
my

headt
heseday
s.

Andi
l
e:“
Eish!IhopeSKhasapl
acet
ost
ayaf
tert
hisandshe'
spr
egnant
”

Kat
:“Justl
ookatt
hem”

Idon'
tknowwhol
ett
hem i
nbutIwon'
taskt
hem.

Me:
“Mor
ning”Isai
dfl
atl
y.

Iwentt
otheki
tchenI
'
m hungr
yandIneedt
ofeedmybabywhoi
sinsi
deme.I
fI'
m st
andi
ngt
o
the

ki
tchenIseeev
ery
thi
ngt
hati
shappeni
ngt
othel
ounge.Myki
tcheni
sanopenpl
an.

Andi
l
e:“
Nxa!Wakeupmaar
n”hewassl
appi
ngt
hem l
i
ght
ly.

Theydidn'
twakeup.I
tisS.
KSpi
derThokozani
Spi
kesandSpi
rowhower
esl
eepi
ngi
nthe
couches

andot
her
swer
esl
eepi
ngont
hef
loor
.

Ist
art
edt
omakebr
eakf
astf
orKatandAndi
l
e.

Kat
:“Ineedt
osl
apt
hem sohar
d”

Hest
art
edwi
thhi
sbr
other
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Hay
ii
ii
yi
ni”af
tert
hehar
shsl
ap.Katcont
inuedsl
appi
ngt
hem andSpi
keswast
hel
ast
onet
o

besl
apped.

Hej
umpedandt
ooksear
chedf
orhi
sgun.

Andi
l
e:“
Iyashoi
bhabhi
?”

Katwentt
oconnecthi
sphoneandpl
ayedt
heKennyGl
oudl
yandt
heywer
ehol
dingt
hei
rear
s
Andi
le

wasi
nstit
chesandKatswi
tchedof
fthedi
sconnect
edhi
sphonet
otheHi
Fi.Samkel
ogotup
andl
ooked

ar
oundhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Shi
t!Imessedup”hei
sloudandaf
terhesai
d“ouch!
”hol
dingHushead.
Me:
“Andi
l
eandKaty
oubr
eakf
asti
sready
"

Kat
:“Si
yabongaKaMazi
buko”

Iwassosur
pri
sedf
ort
hef
ir
stt
imeandIseehei
str
yingt
osof
tenmeup.Isett
othechai
rsi
n
the

ki
tchenandIat
eandKatj
oinedmeAndi
l
ewasbusymaki
ngasmoot
hief
ort
hem f
orhangov
er.

Samkel
o:“
Babewam”

Igavehi
m ast
areandhel
ookeddown.Af
tereat
ingIwentt
othebedr
oom t
oputadoekonand
scar
f

Iwasgoingt
othehospi
tal
andIt
ookmybagandphone.WhenIcamedownIf
oundt
hem
sweepi
ng

t
her
osepet
als.

Me:
“I'
m sor
ryf
ornotaski
ngTahowi
sthel
i
ttl
eone?
”Hesmi
l
ed.

Kat
:“Hei
sfi
neandheal
thy
”

Me:
“Si
yabongaI
'
m sur
eNomxoi
shappy
”

Kat
:“Yeahshei
shappybutshedoesn’
twantt
oseeme”

Me:“Pl
easegivehert
imeshe'
l
lcomear
oundshewassoscar
edt
olosehi
m andi
t'
s
under
standabl
e”

Ihadt
ear
sinmyey
esandpl
easedon'
tbl
ameme.

Kat
:“I
'
lldo”

Samkel
o:“
Sthandwasam”

Me:
“You'
l
lfi
ndmei
nthehospi
tal
guy
s”Iwentoutoft
hehouseandIdr
ovet
othehospi
tal
.

Nomxowasf
eedi
nghersonandherey
eswer
eredIknowshewascr
yingt
ear
sofj
oys.

Me:
“Heyl
i
ttl
eone”Isatont
hechai
rnextt
othebed.

Nomxo:
“Ican'
texpl
aint
hewayI
'
mfeel
i
ngr
ightnow”shewascr
ying.

Me:
“Pl
easedon'
tcr
ynowhei
sher
eandheneedsy
ou.CanIhol
dhi
m?”

Shegavehi
mtomeandhei
scut
ethef
ir
stbor
noft
hemostwel
l
-knowndanger
ousgangst
er
andI
'm
pr
ayi
ngt
hatourki
dswon'
tj
oint
hegangbutwhowi
l
ltakeaf
terusbutIhat
etot
hinkabouti
t.

Nomxo:
“Hecameher
eyest
erdaybar
efootwi
thbr
uisedknuckl
eshol
dinghi
m andIknewt
hathe
l
oves

hi
m butIhat
etot
hinkabouti
t.

Nomxo:
“Hecameher
eyest
erdaybar
efootwi
thbr
uisedknuckl
eshol
dinghi
m andIknewt
hathe
l
oves

hi
m andhewi
l
ldi
efi
rstt
hanl
ett
hebadt
hinghappenshi
m”

Me:
“Pl
easeal
l
owhi
mtocomeandseey
ou”Il
ookedather
.

Nomxo:
“He'
l
lcomeher
ewi
thorwi
thoutmyper
missi
onandwe'
l
ltal
kaboutwhathappened”

Me:
“It
oldhi
mtogi
vey
out
imeandhesai
dhe'
l
ldot
hat
”

Shet
ri
edt
olaugh.Thel
adi
escamei
n.

Nomxo:
“Hei
sabul
l
y”

Il
aughed.

Nont
u:“
Howi
sthebabyboy
”

Nomxo:
“Hei
sfi
neandheal
thy
”

Thabi
:“I
'
m gl
adhecamebackt
oyousaf
e”

Nokwe:
“Ncooahubuy
il
eul
i
ttl
esnob”

Wel
aughed.

Rachelcamel
aterandshei
slooki
ngbet
tert
hanf
ewweeksl
ucki
l
yshehashert
ownhouseand
ajob.

Shei
swor
kingwi
thThami
int
hosemedi
cal
thi
ngst
hatIdon'
tunder
stand.

Rachel
:“Weshoul
dcel
ebr
atel
adi
es”

Me:“
Thati
sgr
eati
deanextt
omor
rowI
'
m openi
ngt
hepub/
clubbutwe'
l
lcel
ebr
atebecause
Sma'
s

bi
rt
hdayi
sappr
oachi
ng”

Nokwe:
“Mxm Iwi
shSakhi
wil
lbeoutoft
hecount
ryt
omor
rowIneedt
wogl
assesofwi
ne”

Wel
aughed.
Herparent
scamei
nandweal
lwentoutandgav
ethem t
imeandMbusowi
l
lbedi
schar
ged
t
omor r
ow

af
tert
hatmeandl
adi
eswentt
ocheckatmypubwhi
chInamedQueenOfAxesi
mpl
ybecause
I
'm

Samkel
o'
sQueenSamkel
owhoi
sAxet
othosewhoknowhi
mtoowel
l
.

Mnt
ungwa'
sconst
ruct
ioncompanywer
edoi
ngr
enov
ati
onsandThandodesi
gnedi
tformeand
me

payedforherser
vices.Samkel
ohasbeencal
l
ingmeandIdon'
twantt
otal
ktohi
m.Wewent
outfor

l
unchandIwenthomeaf
tert
hat
.

If
oundt
heguy
spl
ayi
ngt
vgameswhenIwentup.
..

Spi
kes:
“Nompecanwepl
easet
alk?
”

TK:
“Wewoul
dli
ket
oapol
ogi
sef
ori
nvadi
ngy
ourspacey
est
erday
”

Spi
der
:“Pl
easef
orgi
veus”

Spi
ro:
“Pl
easecomet
othi
ssi
de”

Hel
edmet
olounge.

Spi
kes:
“Wehav
eal
lyourcr
avi
ngsj
ustt
osaywe'
resor
ryandwemeani
t”

Theyhav
eal
lmycr
avi
ngsf
ull
Nando’
schi
ckenMacDonal
dbur
gerandf
ri
esKr
ushmi
xedber
ri
es
and

bl
ackf
orest
.

Ismi
l
ed.

Isatdownandt
heyputext
racushi
onsf
ormeandt
heysatacr
osst
hecouchf
rom mi
ne.The
main

dooropened.
..

HecameandIst
art
edf
umi
ngagai
n.

Itookmyphoneandsentamessaget
oourLadi
esWhat
sAppgr
oupt
ell
i
ngt
hem t
ocomet
omy
house

ASAP.
Samkelo:
“Babewam nunuber
ryt
eddybearnt
oyami
yokuhl
ekat
hemostbeaut
if
ulwomanon
ear
th”

hewasgiv
ingf
lower
sandchocol
ate.Myhear
twasdanci
ngbutIwon'
tl
eti
tgowi
thout
puni
shi
ng

t
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Sor
rybabemyphonewasonsi
l
enceandIsawt
hemi
ssedcal
l
sandy
ourmessages
thi
s

mor
ningbabe.I
'
m sor
rybabe”hehaspuppyey
esandhewassosexy
.

Spi
der
:“Soy
ouf
orgi
veus?
”

Me:
“YesIf
orgi
vey
oubutononecondi
ti
on”

Them:
“Any
thi
ng”

Me:
“Youwi
l
lbakechocol
ateandv
ani
l
lamuf
fi
nsandcookmyf
avour
it
efood”wi
thasmi
l
e.

Spi
der&TK:
“Haaa!
”

Spi
kes:
“Consi
deri
tdone”hegav
eSpi
derandTKadeadst
are.

Mee:
“SKi
sal
soi
ncl
uded”put
ti
ngabi
gchunki
nmymout
h.

Awhi
l
eaf
terl
adi
escamei
nwi
thKatandAndi
l
e.

Andi
l
e:“
Andt
hen?
”heaskedwhent
heysawt
hem busyi
ntheki
tchen.

Me:“That'
swhathappenwheny
ougat
ecr
asht
her
omant
icpl
ansi
ncl
udedwi
tht
hemai
n
par
tner”

Theyal
ll
aughed.Andi
l
ecal
l
edt
heBi
gFourandt
her
ewer
etaki
ngv
ideosandKatwasi
nst
it
ches.

Spi
kes:
“HaahI
'
llnev
ermesswi
thapr
egnantwoman”

Spi
ro:
“That
'swhyIdon'
thav
eagi
rl
fr
iend”

Wewer
eal
ll
aughi
ngaf
tert
heywer
edoneMaNdl
ovucamei
nwi
thmyboy
sIwashappyt
osee
t
hem

andSmar
ant
omet
oki
ssmycheeksandJuj
uhuggedmebecauseIknel
ttot
hei
rlev
els.

Iof
fer
edhersomet
hingt
oeatbutshesai
dshei
snotst
ayi
ngbecauseNomxo'
spar
ent
sar
eat
her

houset
hanksGodIwoul
d'
veknowhowt
odowi
tht
hatst
ubbor
nal
lman.Shei
satUmhl
angaso
Nomxo'
spar
ent
s.

Weal
lat
eandKatwasst
il
ll
aughi
ngatt
hem.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-

Theopeningofmypub/
clubwasgr
eatandt
hatpl
acei
scl
assyandmyf
ell
owmat
ear
e
“suppor
ti
ng”

meandother
swhohav
emoneybecauset
heal
cohol
thatI
’
m sel
l
ingi
sexpensi
ve.Samkel
o
apol
ogi
sed

f
orwhathedi
dandIpuni
shedf
ornotgi
vi
nghi
m sex.

SotodayI
'
m packi
nghi
ssui
tcasebecausehei
sgoi
ngt
omor
rowt
oEastAf
ri
caf
ort
hecash
hei
st.I
'
m

Sixmont
hspr
egnantnowsoi
sNokwe.Juj
uisdr
ivi
ngmecr
azywhi
l
eSmawant
stobr
ushmy
tummy

whenI
'
m wat
chi
ngt
vwi
thhi
m.

Juj
uonceaskedmet
hat“
Whyi
syourt
ummysobi
g?”

Me:
“I'
mful
lmyJuj
u”

Andhegav
emeawei
rdl
ookandhi
sjawwasdr
oppedandIdi
dn'
tknowwhatwasgoi
ngoni
n
hi
s

head.

Myt
ummyi
ssobi
gandot
her
sthi
nkI
'
m expect
ingt
winsbutI
'
m not
.Thabi
NokweandNont
u

you'
dsweart
hatt
heyar
eresi
dingher
einDur
banbutnot
hem spendweekendsmost
lyher
e.
Nontu

gotal
odgeasapr
esentNokwegotar
est
aur
antandThabi
tooandZeewant
edaf
il
li
ngst
ati
on
wit
h

chesany
ama.

Kator
der
edt
heBi
gFourt
ofi
ndj
obsandt
heyar
eal
latMpumal
angaandsomet
imesIdon'
t

under
standt
hei
rrel
ati
onshi
pandKatmadesur
etheyf
indj
obskudel
ebecauset
heywer
e
aski
ngtoo

manyquest
ions.Rachel
spendsweekendsatMpumal
angawi
thLwandi
l
eandAmahl
ebut
MaNdl
ovu
don'
tl
ikei
t.

Nont
u:“
Nompe!
”sheshout
ed.

Me:
“Mt
asewhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”I
'
m happyt
oseeher

Nont
u:“
I'
mtaki
ngJuj
uandSmaandt
hey
'r
esl
eepi
ngov
er.Wher
ear
ethey
?”

Me:
“Int
hepl
ayr
oom”

Iwenttothem andt
heywer
ehappyt
ogoandsl
eepov
eratNont
u'sandJuj
utaughtSmat
o
shoutand

t
obenaught
y.Ioncef
oundhi
m chewi
ngmyl
i
pst
ick.

Nont
uwentpackt
hei
rbackpacksandt
heywer
echoosi
ngwhatt
heywantt
owearandal
lthat
.

Samkel
owasi
nthewar
ehousei
nameet
ingsot
odayIgotacal
li
nthemor
ningt
hatsay
sIneed
tosi
gn

paper
wor
k.Af
terNont
uwentwi
thboy
sIt
oldMam'
Sthatshecangot
oseeher"
fri
ends"andshe
was

happyIdon'
twantt
ost
ressher
.

Itookmykey
sandwentt
ocl
ubandIf
oundZanemymanagerbusywi
thst
ockt
aki
ngandI
helped

hi
m andIwentt
osi
gnf
orpur
chaseandI
'
m happywi
thmyst
aff
.Somet
imesIcal
lSpi
roj
ustt
o
check

t
hatmybooksar
ebal
anced.Spi
roi
sanaccount
antsoIneedt
oconf
ir
m wi
thhi
m becauset
his
i
sa

f
rontIdon'
twantaut
hor
it
ytobesni
ff
ingar
ound.

Iorder
edmeatf
ormeandmymanIknowhel
ovet
osi
t.Weal
sosel
lmebecausewheny
ou
drunk

uy
ahashukasoIwant
edt
omakemoneyont
opofwhatIhav
e.Whenmyor
derwasr
eadyIwent

HomeandwhenIgoti
nIwaswel
comedwi
thLov
ingy
oubyKennyGpl
ayi
ngsosl
owl
y.Ihope
hei
s

notdrunkIj
ustwi
shwhenIl
i
ftedmyey
esIf
oundhi
m onhi
swhi
teCal
vi
nKl
einboxerhol
dinga
rose

onhi
smout
h.
Samkel
o:“
MrsKhumal
opl
easecomei
n”

Mhm I
'
m bei
ngspoi
l
edt
oday
.

Samkel
o:“
Beaut
if
ulr
osef
orabeaut
if
ulwoman”hegav
emear
ose.

Hel
edmet
othel
ounge.
..

Me:
“Ncooahbabey
oudi
dforme?
”

Henodded.Hecanbeanasssomet
imesbutIl
ovehi
m.Het
ookmybagandhel
pedmet
osi
t
down

het
ookourt
akeaway
stot
heki
tchenandhecamebackandIwasal
readyeat
ingasl
i
ceofcake.

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Me:“You'
reoutdoney
our
sel
fMrKhumal
o”Ihadt
ear
sinmyey
est
hinki
ngt
hatIdi
dn'
tthi
nkI
can

dat
eaguyli
kehi
m butnowI
'
m hi
swi
feandpr
egnantwi
thhi
sthi
rdson.I
'
mlegal
par
entt
o
Smamukel
e

andIwashappy
.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon'
tcr
ybabeIknowsomet
imesIcanbeanassbutt
hanksl
ovi
nghi
spoor
ass(
I

smil
edwi
tht
ear
sandhewi
pedt
hem)t
hanksf
orev
ery
thi
ngy
ouhav
edonef
ormeandmyboy
s
andI

l
ovey
ousomuchNompendul
o”hewasst
art
ingt
obeemot
ional
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
foev
erbegr
atef
ulf
ory
ourl
oveandaccept
ingandmybaggage.IknowI
'
m not
per
fect

butt
hanksf
orbei
ngagoodwi
fet
omeandagoodmot
hert
omyki
ds.Il
ovey
oubabey
ou'
remy
l
if
e

myev
ery
thi
ng”hi
scheekswer
ewet
.Iwi
pedhi
stear
sandIpeckedhi
sli
ps.

Me:“I
'
m al
sonotper
fectbabebutt
hanksf
orpr
otect
ingusandpr
ovi
dingf
orusandf
orl
ovi
ng
us”

Heki
ssedmeaf
tersomet
imeIpul
l
edout
.

Me:
“I'
m hungr
ybabe”It
ookachocol
atemuf
fi
n.

Samkel
o:“
CanIpl
easet
aket
hisoutf
ir
st?
”hepoi
ntedt
omydr
ess.Ismi
l
edandhet
ookof
fmy
dr
ess

hel
aughedwhenhesawt
hatIwaswear
ingabr
aandt
hepant
ywasn'
tther
e.

Ist
art
edt
oeatbutIwast
oopr
essedandIwentt
othebat
hroom her
edownst
air
sandIr
insed
my

mout
handwi
pedmyv
elv
etbecauseIknowhi
m.WhenIcamebackhewaseat
inggr
apesand
he

al
mostchockont
hegr
apeshewaseat
ingIknowwhathei
sthi
nki
ng.

Me:
“Takei
teasybabe”Il
aughed.

Hedownwi
thj
uice.
..

Hecameneart
oki
ssmeandIwashi
sguyi
sreadyt
owor
k.Heki
ssedmesohungr
il
yandl
i
st
andI

mi
ssedhi
m somuch.Hegotupandhehel
pedmet
ogetupt
ooandhegr
abbedmyassandI
moanon

hi
smouth.Heundoesmybr
aandmybr
eastar
eget
ti
ngbi
ggerandbi
ggerandhel
ovest
hem.
Hi
sboy

her
ewaspl
ayi
ngandhehear
dhi
ski
cksandhesmi
l
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Haahnt
wana!
”hewasbr
ushi
ngmyt
ummy
.

Il
aughed.

Ourey
esmetandhewasdy
ingt
obei
nsi
demeandIcoul
dn'
twai
t.Hepi
ckedmeupandwe
wentt
o

ourbedr
oom hegent
lypl
acedmeont
hebed.
..

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
begent
ly.
..
.”

Iwasmoani
nghi
smout
hhepl
ant
edt
heki
ssesf
rom myl
i
psdownt
omybr
eastdownt
omy
st
omach

andhest
oppedwhenhef
oundmycl
i
twi
thhi
sfi
nger
.Iwasmoani
ngandhest
art
edi
nser
tedhi
s
fi
nger

t
henhi
stoungemhm Iwant
edhi
minsi
deme.
..
.Hemademet
osl
eepwi
thasi
deandheent
ered
me

whi
l
ehei
ski
ssi
ng.
..
Hechangedhi
space.
Samkel
o:“
Ahhhhf
uck”hewasgr
oani
ng.

Me:
“Ahhhh”

Hepumpedal
i
ttl
ehar
dbutgent
ly.

Samkel
o:“Hol
ditbabe.
..
Ahhhf
uck.
..
”hi
sey
eswer
eti
nyandhewasr
eal
l
ymov
ingi
nev
ery
cor
nerof

me

Hi
sbodygett
enseandmi
net
oo

Samkeo:
“Ahhhh”
..
..Webot
hcameandourbodywer
etr
embl
i
ngandmypussyhasi
thear
tofi
ts
own

andIf
elthi
sdi
ckpul
sei
nsi
deme.
..Wel
aidt
her
etr
yingt
ocat
chourbr
eat
h.

Hegotupandwentt
otakeawar
ntowel
andhecl
eanedbot
hofus.

Samkelo:“Youwer
eluckybecausey
oupr
egnanti
fitwasn’
tsoy
ouwoul
d'
vef
ewmi
nut
es
pregnant

Mam'
Khumal
o”wi
thconf
identandpr
ide

Ichuckl
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Iknewy
ouwoul
dn'
tsur
viv
eawhol
eweekwi
thoutsex”hewasmaki
ngci
rcl
esonmy

shoul
der
.

Me:
“Youpl
annedt
hisr
ight
?Thankmyr
omant
icnunuber
ry”It
ickl
edhi
m.

Il
oveourconv
ersat
ionaf
tersexandt
oli
stent
ohi
shear
tbeati
tsmel
tsmyhear
t.

Samkel
o:“
BabeKatsai
dImustt
ell
yout
haty
ou'
l
lnotl
eadt
heshi
pmentbutSpi
roandDi
amond
wil
l

andi
t’
snotupf
ordi
scussi
on”

Me:
“Idon'
tcar
ebutatl
easty
ougav
eagoodsex”hel
aughed.

Hi
sfl
i
ghti
sleav
ingat18:
00pm sowest
il
lhav
eti
me.Hewentt
otakemyf
oodi
nthel
oungeand
we

bothat
eandwehadf
ourr
oundsandhedi
dhedon'
twantt
ohur
thi
sbaby
.At16:
00pm wewent
to

t
akeashowerandhepr
epar
edhi
msel
ftogoandat17:
00pm t
heSakhi
'
scr
ewbuscamet
opi
ck
hi
m

up.Bef
orehegoesweshar
edal
ongdeepki
ssedandhi
sshaf
tedhar
denedandIpul
l
edoutand
ki
ssed

hi
scheek.

Hecal
l
edmewhenhegott
othehot
elandIhopehewon'
tgetupt
onogoodbecauseI
'
llki
l
lhi
m
t
his

t
ime.Iwasi
nvi
tedatNont
u'sf
orl
unchandNomxowi
l
ljoi
nuswi
thUy
izwi
l
elucki
l
yNont
uhas

pl
ayr
oom t
oosowe'
l
lbeabl
etot
alkasl
adi
es.

Me:
“Howi
sthel
i
ttl
eone?
”Iaskedherwhenshecamebackt
oputhi
mtosl
eep.

Nomxo:
“Hei
sfi
neandI
'
m gl
adhi
sfat
heri
snother
eIl
ovemyhusbandbutIhat
eitwhenhe
t
ell
sme

howt
otakecar
eofmyson”

Me:
“Ei
Minanj
eI'
m gl
adI
'
m notusi
ngbat
htubf
oraweek”Theyl
aughed.

Nont
u:“
Thesemenar
esocont
rol
l
ing”

Thabi
:“Hepi
ssesmeof
fwhenhet
ell
smehowt
otr
eatGwaj
obecausehe“
read”i
nint
ernet
”

Weal
ll
aughed.

Nontur
ecei
vedacal
landshewentt
othedoorandRachel
isher
ewewer
ehappyt
obewi
thher
.
She

i
sdoi
ngwel
lforher
sel
f.Amahl
eknowst
hispl
acesoshewentt
otheot
her
s.

Rachel
:“Pr
eggi
es”

Me:
“Mxm!Iwi
shLwandi
l
ecangi
vey
out
hesecondone”

Shel
aughedoutl
oud.

Me:
“Af
tert
hisoneIt
hinkt
ogetmyt
ubest
ied”

Al
ley
eswer
eonme.

Nomxo:
“Hewon'
tal
l
owt
hat
”

Me:
“I'
l
ltr
ytosof
tenhi
m up”

Nomxo:
“Howdi
dyoudat
esuchsnobkodwa?
”
Weal
ll
aughedoutl
oudhercal
l
ingmymanasnobandherhusbandi
sawhatt
hen.

Rachel
:“Hedemandr
espectwi
thoutsay
ingi
t”

Nont
u:“
He'
sst
ri
ct”

Me:
“I'
m hi
swi
feIknowwhi
chbut
tont
opr
ess”

Them:
“Wheeeee”

Samkel
oisahar
dout
sideandsof
tinsi
deandv
icev
ersaoft
hat
.Hel
ovest
olaughandhe'
s
sweeti
t’
s

j
ustthatot
her
sher
edon'
tknowhi
m wel
lbecausei
t’
shar
dtohi
mtoopent
oa“
str
anger
”ashe
used

t
osay
.

Nomxo:
“Ast
ori
dehi
m?”

Me:
“Yey
ii
”Shaki
ngmyi
ndexf
ingert
ono.

Nokwe:
“Weneedgi
rl
sweekendgat
eawayl
i
ket
hem ast
heyt
ookboy
sweekendgat
eaway
”

Theyt
oldt
hem t
hat
.

Nont
u:“
Andki
ds?
”

Nokwe:
“Nanni
essweet
hear
t”

Iwi
sht
oseeherasamot
her
!

Nokwe:
“SoMi
ssMpumal
angahowi
sMrMpumal
anga?
”

SoRachel
isMi
ssMpumal
anganow?Ai
uNokweuzokumangaza.

Rachel
:“Mpumal
angai
sfi
ne”wi
thasmi
l
e.

Me:
“Yougoal
lthi
swayf
oradi
ckgi
rl
?”

Theyl
aughed.

Rachel
:“Yeahandhi
sdi
cki
smyobsessi
onandIt
hinkofhi
ri
ngSakhi
asmypr
ivat
epi
l
ot”Nokwe

l
aughedoutl
oud.

Nokwe:
“Nev
er!
”shewasst
il
ll
aughi
ngandshecl
appedonce.

Thabi
wasqui
et.
Thabi
:“It
hinkI
'
m mar
ri
edt
oat
hug”

Me:
“Thug?Ai
fri
endar
eyouhi
ghort
hewi
net
hatki
cki
n?”

Thabi
:“HowcanIexpl
ainhi
sbehav
iour
?”shei
sconcer
ned.

Zee:
“Youal
way
sassumet
hewor
st”

Nomxo:
“Myhusbanddoest
hatt
oobuthei
sal
egi
ti
mat
ebusi
nessman”

Nont
u:“
Howdoesi
thappent
hatpeopl
ecanhav
esuchmi
l
li
ons?
”

Rachel
:“Yougi
rl
sar
eal
way
scompl
aini
ngabouty
ourhusbandsbehav
ingst
rangeal
lIseei
sthat
you

don'
tappr
eci
atewhaty
ouhav
eImeanI
'
lll
i
ket
ohav
esuchmansi
oncar
sandexpensi
vecl
othes
fr
om

myLwandi l
ebuthei
snott
her
eyetandi
tsuckst
oheary
ouwhi
ningabouty
ourhusband
success”she

i
sbei
ngemot
ional
.

Me:
“Ladi
espl
easel
etuscal
m”

Chapt
er38

Rachel
wentt
othebat
hroom It
hinkt
hismakesheremot
ional
becausesi
nceherf
atherdi
edshe
i
s

worki
ngherbut
tof
fwhi
l
etheset
hreear
ewhi
ning.I
'
m gl
adsheputt
hem i
nthei
rpl
ace.Rachel
came

backandshewassmi
l
ing.

Rachel
:“Mymani
sint
ownsoIbet
tergoandpr
epar
esomer
omant
ict
hingandcanIpl
ease
l
eave

Amahl
ewi
thy
ouNompei
fyoudon'
tmi
nd”

Me:
“You'
l
lbedi
ck-
nif
iedt
oni
ght
!”Ev
ery
onel
aughed.

Nomxo:
“Mxm Ij
usthat
ethatwai
ti
ngf
orsi
xmont
hst
hingy
azi
”

Me:
“Idon'
tmi
ndsweet
hear
t”t
oRachel
.Shenodded.

Rachel
:“Thanks”
Nokwe:
“Guy
syoumeanaf
tergi
vi
ngbi
rt
hI'
l
lhav
etowai
tforsi
xmont
hst
ohav
esex?
”shewas

conf
used.

Zee:
“Yesdar
li
ng!
”

Weal
ll
aughed.

Nokwe:
“Iwon'
tbeabl
etor
esi
stt
hathotbodyoft
hatmanf
orsi
xmont
hsIwi
l
lwai
tforheal
i
ng
down

t
her
eaf
tert
hatzi
yasha!
”

Kodwankosi
yami
!

Me:
“Butt
obehonestnooneher
ewai
tedf
orsi
xmont
hs”

Thabi
:“Haaast
arv
ingmy
sel
fforwhat
?I'
m mar
ri
edf
orcr
yingoutl
oud!
”

Nont
u:“
Aft
ermont
hnj
ewewer
ehav
ingsex”That
'swhyIl
i
ket
ospendt
imewi
thmygi
rl
s!

Zee:
“Hewasgr
umpyf
oramont
h”

Me:
“It
hinkmi
nei
sthewor
stscenar
iohewai
tedf
ort
womont
hs.Hewasbusyput
ti
ngpi
l
lows

bet
weenusbecausehedi
dn'
twantourbodi
est
otouchbutt
hedayher
emov
edt
hosepi
l
lows.Ei

kwashubamaar
n!”

Theyl
aughedatmeandNokwesai
dshewoul
dtr
ybutt
hatshedoesn’
tpr
omi
seany
thi
ng.At
17:
00

pm It
ookmyboy
sandAmahl
eandwewenthomeIwast
oldt
hatAmahl
e'
sbagwi
l
lbedel
i
ver
ed
to

myhouse.

Itookt
hef
oodt
hatSamkel
ocookedf
orusandmi
crowav
edi
tthenIf
edt
hem andIwentt
otuck
them

i
nat19:
30pm t
henIwentt
olounget
owat
cht
vbecauseI
'
m bor
edandmymani
snother
eandI
miss

somuch.It
ookmyl
apt
opt
henIwat
chedhowTaKatbeatK.
Gwhenhewentt
ogetUy
izwi
l
e.I
was

l
aughi
ngal
oneknowi
ngKGbr
aggi
ngaboutbei
ngt
hebestbuthej
ustabi
tchnj
eKatbeatt
he
cr
apout
ofhi
m andwhenhest
art
edt
ouseweaponsSpi
derbei
ngSpi
dersnat
chedUy
izwi
l
ethenbul
l
ets
st
art
ed

f
lyi
ngand.
..

Myphoner
angandi
tsunknownnumberIcl
osedmyl
apt
op

Voi
ce:
“Hey
”

Me:
“Hey
”

Voi
ce:
“Nompey
out
alki
ngt
oLul
onke”

Me:
“Nxaa!Nj
andi
niwhatdoy
ouwant
?”

Voi
ce:
“Iwoul
dli
ket
otal
k..
.”

Me:“
List
enher
eandl
i
stencar
eful
l
yyoupeaceofshi
tbecauseIwon'
trepeati
tyoul
eftmeandI
f
ound

aver
ylov
ingmanwhoi
smyhusbandnowsol
eav
emeal
oneanddon'
tev
ercal
lthi
snumber
”I
hung

upaf
tert
hat
.

Ner
veoft
hatman!NxaaIdon'
twantt
ospeakt
ohi
m ort
otal
ktohi
m hei
sannoy
ingme.

Iwenttomakehotchocol
atef
ormeandabi
gsl
i
ceofcake.WhenIwentbackt
othel
oungemy
phone

r
angagai
n.

Zamo:
“Pl
easeopenupf
orus”

Iwentt
oopenf
ort
hem.It
hinkI
'
llf
orcet
hem t
ocook.Igr
eet
edt
hem andt
heygr
eet
edback.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Ncooahshame”

Me:
“Hay
isukauy
aphapha”Theyl
aughed.

Mbuso:
“SoSKl
efty
oual
onet
obei
nahol
i
day
?”

Me:
“YeahbecauseIl
ovehi
m andheneedst
orel
ax.Hewor
kshar
dforus”

Sphe:
“Hehasner
ves!
”

Me:
“BeagoodUncl
epl
easegoandt
akegr
apesf
ormei
nthef
ri
dge”

Zamowentt
otakei
t.Theyal
way
sbul
l
yhi
m.
Zamo:
“I'
m agr
eatUncl
eyabonaShanas”hebr
ushedmyt
ummy
.

Ihi
thi
shandpl
ayf
ull
y.

Mbuso:
“WeneedaGazebonowsi
sNompe”

Me:
“Gr
eati
deaandSma'
sbi
rt
hdayi
scomi
ngupbuti
twi
l
lbesuchashor
tnot
ice”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Mnt
ungwacanspeedt
hingsf
orMakot
iIhope”

Me:
“I'
l
lspeakt
oyourbr
other
”

Theyr
oll
edt
hei
rey
es.

Zamo:
“Hei
ssoupt
ightt
hatone”

Mbuso:
“Hei
sbet
tert
hanGr
oot
man”

Il
aughed.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Sakhi
isanot
herst
orynj
e”

Mbuso:“HaahSakhi
'
spunchy
err
rry
ou'
dswearhewentt
ost
udyhowt
opunchi
nav
iat
ion
school
”

Zamo:
“HaaahGr
oot
man'
ssj
ambok”Theyl
aughed.

Sphe:
“HaahS.
Kist
heki
ngofsl
apt
hatone!
”

Her
eI'
mlaughi
ngatt
hem.

Mbuso:
“Your
ememberwhenwet
hrewapar
tyatAndi
l
e'shousei
nJobur
g?”

Zamo:
“Ei
shnt
wanat
hatpar
tywasl
i
t..
.”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Unt
ilAndi
l
ecameandr
uint
hingsf
orus”

Me:
“Yousucht
roubl
emaker
s”

Sphe:
“Hewasbeat
ingf
ourofussamet
ime”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Andwest
oodst
il
l.Whywest
oodt
her
eandl
ethi
m beatus?
”Wel
aughed.

Smacamet
omey
awni
ng.

Mbuso:
“MshanakaMal
ume”

I
'm happyhei
slaughi
ngatwhathappenedher
eandl
andedhi
mint
hehospi
tal
.Ther
api
sthel
ped
hi
m
al
ot.

Heputhi
sheadi
nmyt
ummyandhewasqui
et.Hi
stemper
atur
eisl
i
ttl
ehi
ghandIt
hinkhei
s
comi
ng

downwithf
lue.Samkel
ogenesar
est
rongandI
'
m sur
etheoneI
'
m car
ryi
ngr
ightnowi
shi
s
phot
ocopy

l
i
ket
heot
hert
wo.

Sma:
“Juj
uissnor
ing”hepout
ed.

Hecanbeser
iousandqui
et.

Me:“
Arey
ouhungr
ybaby
?”Heshookhi
sheadno.It
ookhi
mtomyar
msandr
ockedhi
m when
he

suckedhi
sthumbs.Iwentt
otakePanadohedr
ankaf
ter30mi
nut
eshef
ell
asl
eepandIwentt
o
put

hi
minhi
sbed.WhenIcamebackt
heywer
ewat
chi
ngt
vandor
der
edpi
zza.At19:
40t
heyl
eft
andI

wentt
otakeashowerandIsl
ept
.

IwaswokenupbySmai
satuphehuggedmehel
ovest
owr
aphi
sli
tt
lear
msar
oundmyneck
heis

ador
abl
eandIl
ovehi
m.Juj
uandAmahl
ecamei
nmaki
ngnoi
seandt
heywer
ejumpi
ngi
nmy
bedand

Il
ett
hem dot
hatandSmaj
oinedt
hem Iwentt
owashmyf
aceandIbr
ushedmyt
eet
h.Wewent
to

t
hebathr
oom andIbat
hthem af
tert
hatIwentt
omakecer
eal
fort
hem.Il
eftt
hem i
nfr
ontof
t
hetv

andt
her
ewer
ewat
chi
ngTom andJer
ryi
tmadet
hem l
aughnonst
op.Iwentt
otakeashower
andI

wentt
ojoi
nthem.I
t’
sni
cet
obat
hAmahl
eorI
'
m usedt
obat
hboy
sherpi
nkdr
essesandl
eggi
ng
si
t

soni
cet
odoi
tbutIt
hinkI
'
m bl
essedwi
thboy
sonl
y.

I
t’
sbeenf
iveday
ssi
ncet
heywer
egoneandhel
astcal
l
edmet
hatday
.TodayIwentf
ordoct
or'
s

appoi
ntmentandhesai
dthel
i
ttl
echampi
sokaysoI
'
m happyt
osoI
'
m dr
ivi
ngt
othecl
uband
l
ater

I
'
m meet
ingNokwet
opl
anmyson'
sbi
rt
hday
.Bi
gFourar
ebaby
sit
ti
ngf
orme.

Zane:
“Bossl
adyI
'
m happyt
oseey
ou”

Me:
“It
’sgoodt
oseey
out
oo.I
tpackedt
odayher
e”

Zane:“I
tisBossLadybutt
heVI
Par
eai
scool
.Ther
e’sanot
herguyt
her
ewhoi
sgi
vi
ng
wait
ressesa

har
dti
me”

Me:
“Mhm okayl
et'
sgot
her
e”

Iwasfol
l
owi
nghi
m andhest
oppedandspot
tedt
heguywhowasgi
vi
ngmyst
affpr
obl
em onl
y
tof
ind

outi
ts.
..
.

Iwentt
her
eint
hei
rtabl
e.

Cr
aig:
“Nompet
hispl
acei
sgr
eat
”

Me:
“Cr
aigwhyar
eyouhar
assi
ngmyst
afft
hough?
”Hegotupandhuggedme.

Zanewasconf
usedandqui
tenextt
ome.

Cr
aig:
“I'
mtr
aini
ngt
hem”hel
aughed.

Me:
“Zanepl
easegoandt
aket
heexpensi
vebot
tl
efort
hem andI
'
llpayf
ori
t”Henodded.

Crai
gisafel
l
owmat
eorGangst
erhei
sacool
whi
teguywhospeaksi
Sizul
uandSi
Swat
iso
fl
uentl
yI

wasamazedwhenIhear
dhi
m speaki
Sizul
uinmyengagementpar
ty.Iwentt
osi
twi
thhi
m and
hi
s

f
ri
ends.

Cr
aig:
“Themeati
sper
fectandev
ery
thi
ngi
sper
fectar
oundher
e”

Me:
“ThanksI
'
mtr
ying”

Theotherguywasl
ooki
ngatme.Zanecamewi
thabot
tl
eIaskedf
orhegav
eitt
omeandhe
went

on.
Me:
“Thi
sisf
ory
oumyf
ri
end”Igav
eitt
ohi
m.

Hi
sfr
iendsgav
emeawei
rdl
ook.

Crai
g:“
Thanksmyf
ri
endIr
eal
l
yappr
eci
ate”hewassmi
l
ing.Youknowwhent
hewebl
uff
ing
ri
ght
?

Isetwi
tht
hem af
terawhi
l
eIwast
ir
edandIexcusedmy
sel
fandIbi
dhi
mfar
ewel
lthenIwent
back

totheoff
iceandIcal
l
edmysuppl
i
erst
oconf
ir
mtheor
der
sthenIl
eftt
heof
fi
cet
oNokwe'
s
housein

Umhl
anga.

Me:
“Youar
esul
ki
ngt
heseday
s”Sher
oll
edherey
es.

Nokwe:
“I'
m pr
egnantphel
a”

Me:
“Soam I
”Icl
appedonce.

If
oundheri
ntheki
tchenandshet
ookchocol
atemuf
fi
nsandj
uiceandIhel
pedherandwe
wentt
o

seei
nlounge.

Me:
“Ar
eyouokay
?”Iaskedbecauseherf
acewasswol
l
en.

Nokwe:
“I'
m okayf
ri
endukt
hnj
eangi
saf
uni
ai”shepoi
ntedhert
ummy
.

Il
aughed.

Me:
“Oct
oberl
eftandNov
emberwer
egoi
ngt
opushout
”

Nokwe:
“I'
m scar
edf
ri
endandIopt
edf
orc-
sect
ion.Andy
ou?
”

Me:
“Nat
ural
bir
thandi
fIencount
erpr
obl
emst
henc-
sect
ion”

Shedi
dn'
trepl
y.It
ookmuf
fi
nandt
heyar
emyf
avour
it
eandhert
oo.Shel
ookedatmewhenI
tooka

bi
gchunki
nmymout
h.Shel
aughed.

Nokwe:
“Sakhi
shout
satmewhenIeatl
i
ket
hat
”shesai
dinbet
weenl
augh.

Me:
“Soi
sSamkel
oandIhat
eit
”

Weplanmyson'
sbi
rt
hdayandwepl
annedt
wocakebecauseJuj
uwi
l
lcr
yhi
sey
ebal
l
soutsohi
s
par
ty
andthevenuear
eatmyhousei
nthegar
den.Bl
ueandr
edi
sthecol
our
sbecausehel
oves
Spi
derman

sohi
scakewi
l
lhav
eSpi
der
man’
spi
ctur
eandmaskssoIt
hinkhewi
l
llov
eit
.Hecr
ieswhenhe
i
snot

wear
ingSpi
der
manunder
wearev
enhi
sbeddi
ngi
sSpi
der
man.Iwenthomeaf
tert
hat
.

Sma:
“Mommy
!Mommy
!”hecamer
unni
ngt
omeandI
'
m happyt
hathei
sfi
ne.

Me:
“Ican'
tpi
cky
ouupmyboy
”hef
oll
owedmet
otheki
tchen.

Other
swer
eint
hegar
denpl
ayi
ngandBi
gFourwaswat
chi
ngt
hem.Igr
eet
edt
hem andIwentt
o
t
he

bedr
oom t
otakeanapI
'
mti
red.Ichangedt
hedr
essIwaswear
ingt
oSamkel
o'
sredNi
keGol
fT-
shi
rt

andIwentt
obedIsl
epti
mmedi
atel
y….

Samkel
o:“
Nompendul
oI'
m goi
ngt
otheshopsandI
'
llbebacknow”

Me:“
Shhh”Iwast
ryi
ngt
ocal
m Juj
uwhoi
scr
yingandhi
svoi
cescr
atchynowandIcan'
tkeep
hi
m

cal
m andNont
uisst
andi
ngst
il
lsay
ingnot
hingmyv
oicei
sscr
atchynow.

Me:
“Pl
easedon'
tgo!Pl
ease!
”iscr
yingt
oosoIpul
lhi
mtomychest
.

Thecarst
art
edanddr
oveof
f.
..

Me:“
Pleaseeeeeeeeeeee!Don'
tgoooo!
”Iscr
eamedt
othehi
ghestpi
tchmyv
oicecan
t
ake.
..
..
..
..
..
..

Someonei
sshaki
ngme.
..
.

“
Nompe!
”

I
t’
sli
keI
'
mtoof
arandIcan'
theart
hat
.

“
Nompendul
o!!
”

IwokeupandIwassweat
ing.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sit
?Ar
eyouokay
?Ist
hebabyokay
?”

Thatwasbaddr
eam.

Samkel
o:“
Hel
l
o.Ar
eyouokay
”hewav
edhi
shandi
nmyf
ace.
Me:
“YeahI
'
m okay
”

Hi
sCol
ognei
sso.
..

Me:
“Babe!
”

Samkel
o:“
Heybabe.I
twasabaddr
eam?
”

Me:
“Yesi
twasabaddr
eam”

Hewaswear
ingar
ippedj
eanandmar
oonT-
shi
rtandJor
dancapandsmel
l
ingsoni
cef
resh
and

expensi
ve.Heki
ssedmybi
gtummyandki
ssedmeaf
terImi
ssedhi
sli
pst
ouchandev
ery
thi
ng
but

t
hatdr
eam i
swor
ryi
ngmebutIhopet
her
e'snot
hingt
hatwi
l
lhur
tmeormyf
ami
l
y.Hespr
inkl
ed

bl
ackdi
amondsi
nmybed.
..

Me:
“Ohwow!Thesear
ebeaut
if
ul”Hewasl
aughi
ng.Iki
ssedhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Yeaht
hosewhowentt
her
ehav
ethem”hesai
dlaughi
ng.

If
rowned.

Samkel
o:“
I'
mjoki
ngmyl
ove.I
'
llgi
vey
ouoneasapr
esent
”

Mxm Iknowhewi
l
lsel
lthem becausehav
ingadi
amondwi
thouti
tscer
ti
fi
cat
eisi
l
legal
asl
ong
t
hey

wi
l
lmakeusmoneyI
'
m notcompl
aini
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Wher
ear
emyboy
s?”

Me:
“It
hinkt
hey
'r
est
il
li
nthegar
denwi
tht
heBi
gFour
”

Samkel
o:“
Okayl
etmegety
ousomet
hingt
odr
essandIwantt
ofeedy
ou”hegotupandwentt
o
the

cl
oset
.

Me:
“Babewhyar
eyoul
i
mpi
ng?
”I'
m concer
ned.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon'
tshoutwhenIt
ell
you”

I
'
mfumi
ngnowi
nst
eadofbei
ngangr
y.

Samkel
o:“
Itdi
dn'
tgoaspl
annedbutwemanagedt
ogetawaywi
thcashanddi
amondssoIwas
shot

i
nthet
highandIsawi
twhenIwasi
nthecar
”hel
ookedaway
.

Me:
“Iwantt
osee.Howbadi
tis”I
'
m wor
ri
ednow.

Samkel
o:“
I'
mfi
nemyl
oveIpr
omi
sey
ou.Let
'sgot
otheki
tchenandIwantt
ofeedy
ou”hesai
d

smi
l
ing.

Wefoundki
dsandLwandi
l
eint
hel
oungeandt
heot
her
sint
heki
tchenandIknowi
tthei
r
Fav
ouri
te

pl
aceespeci
all
ythef
ri
dge.Juj
uwasnott
her
eandIt
hinkhei
sinhi
sroom.Hef
orcedmet
osi
t
i
nthe

couchandbecomf
ort
abl
esoIl
ethi
m beandhewentt
otheki
tchent
ooandwhenhei
sther
eI
know

t
hatIneedt
omakegr
ocer
yASAPbecause.
..
.

SmaandAmahl
ewentt
oandHecamewi
that
rayf
ull
ofgoodi
esonl
ymyf
avour
it
etobeex
act
and

theNando’
sful
lchi
cken.Iwasdr
ool
i
ngandIqui
ckl
yat
eit
.SmaandAmahl
ecamer
unni
ngand
cryi
ng.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
”

Amahl
e:“
Juj
uis.
..
”shewascr
ying.

Samkel
ogotupandJuj
ucamei
nrunni
ng.

Me:
“Juj
umaar
ndr
opi
tdown!
”Iscr
eamed.Hewasl
aughi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Juj
udr
opi
t”

Amahlewascry
ingandshaki
ngsoi
sSma.Lwandi
l
eey
eswer
eout
.Theot
hert
hreecame
runni
ngher
e.

Me:
“Juj
udr
opt
hatsnakedown!Now!
”Iscr
eamedandIwasst
andi
ng.

Hewentt
osi
tont
hecouchandt
hesnakei
sal
i
vebecausei
tismov
ingandhei
sbr
ushi
ngi
tyazi
t
his

chil
d!Weall
nowl
ooki
ngathi
m.I
t’
sagr
eensnakewi
thbl
ackspotandwecal
li
tiny
oka
yasekhay
ait

wasnotsmal
landi
twasnotbi
gei
ther
.
Idon'
tknowwhenKatcamei
nJuj
uist
heonl
yonewhoi
ssi
tt
ingdownandweal
lar
est
andi
ng
l
ooking

athi
m.WhenSamkel
owant
edt
ogot
ohi
m.

Andi
l
e:“
Don'
tbecausehemov
esandi
twi
l
lst
ri
ke”Hei
sher
etoo.Whatwor
ri
edmei
sthathe
was

smi
l
ingwhi
l
ebr
ushi
ngi
tsheadt
ear
scameuncont
rol
l
abl
e.

Af
terwhatt
ookl
i
keadecadehegotupf
rom t
hecouchandweal
lmov
edbackwar
dsandhe
wentt
o

thedoort
otheki
tchent
hatexi
tst
oout
sideandwef
oll
owedhi
m andhewentonhi
skneesand
he

puthi
shanddownont
hegr
oundandt
hesnakegotof
fonhi
sar
m andhewentpastusandhe
went

t
ohi
sroom wi
thoutt
alki
ngt
oany
one.

Samkel
oheav
edasi
gh.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Athr
ee-
year
-ol
dwhoi
stur
ningf
ouri
nnextf
ewmont
hsi
snotscar
edofsnakes?
”

Ther
oom wentqui
et.Whati
sthemeani
ngofwhatj
usthappenedher
e?WhenIgotupt
ryi
ngt
o
go

andcheckuponhi
m.

Me:
“Aaaaw”t
hatescapedt
hroughmymout
h.If
eltshar
ppai
nsonmyabdomen.

Andi
l
e:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Samkel
o:“
Lwandi
l
egoandt
akeherbagi
nthebedr
oom andmycarkey
s”Hehel
pedmet
ogot
o
the

carIhadcr
ampsandhewasdr
ivi
ngl
i
keamani
acandwegott
her
ehet
ookmeoutandcar
ri
ed
mein.

Thedoct
orat
tendedmequi
ckl
y.

Doc:
“YourBl
oodPr
essur
eishi
ghbutnowi
t'
sundercont
rol
.WhathappenedMr
sKhumal
o?”

Samkel
o:“
Docwer
ecei
vedsomebadnewssoshecr
ied”doct
orgav
ehi
m anast
ylook.

Doc:“
MrsKhumal
opl
easedon'
tbest
ressi
t’
snotgoodf
ort
hebabe”Hegav
emeot
herv
itami
ns
and
wewenthome.Onourwayhomewewer
ebot
hqui
etwhenwedr
ovei
nwesawMnt
ungwa'
scar
i
n

t
hedr
ivewayl
ucki
l
yI’
m wear
ingadr
ess.

Me:
“Sani
bonani
”

Juj
uwasonMnt
ungwa'
slappl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
shand.

MaNdl
ovu:
“Wecamesoonaspossi
bleasIcanMakot
i”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m st
il
lconf
usedmahJuj
uwasl
aughi
ngandbr
ushi
ngi
tasi
fitwasat
oy.Howcana
chi
l
d

athi
sagenotscar
edofsnakes?
”hi
shandswer
eonhi
sheadashewasl
eani
ngont
hecouch.

Mnt
ungwashookhi
sheadandl
aughed.Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Mygr
andf
atherMzi
l
ikazi
alsohadspeci
alconnect
ionwi
thsnakessoIt
hinkhehas
t
hat

gi
ftt
oo”

Samkel
o:“
Real
l
y?Juj
uisdoi
ngst
ranget
hingt
heot
herdayhedr
ewt
hebl
ackcarwi
thabl
ack
spot

underi
tlucki
l
yNompef
igur
edi
toutandwef
oundoutt
hatt
heoi
lwasl
eaki
ngi
nmycar
”

Mntungwa:
“Tomor
rowI
'
llt
akehi
mtoMadl
andunamay
behewi
l
ltel
lmewhati
sgoi
ngonwi
th
hi
m”

Samkel
o:“
Thanksdad”

Mam'
Scookedf
orusandt
heyal
lat
ebutIdi
dn'
thav
eappet
it
ebuthef
orcedmet
oeatandIl
eft

them i
nthedi
ningr
oom It
ookashowerandIt
ri
edt
osl
eep.Iwast
hinki
ngaboutwhathappened
earl
y

Idon'
tunder
standandwhenIcamebackt
othedoct
orhedi
dn'
twantt
ocomet
omeort
otouch
hi
m

andi
tbr
okemyhear
t.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easedon'
twor
ryabouti
tMnt
ungwawi
l
lsor
tthi
sout
”heki
ssedmyshoul
der
.

Me:
“Whati
fthatsnakebi
teshi
m?Whati
f.
..
”Iwascr
ying.

Samkel
o:“
Comeher
e.Doy
our
ememberwheny
ouwer
epr
egnantwi
thhi
m andIwasl
ayi
ngi
n
hospit
alandIal
mostdi
edt
hei
rbabeandhei
sther
easonIcamebackt
oli
fe.Thi
sisshocki
ng
butlet
's

waitandher
efr
om Mnt
ungwa.Pl
easedon'
tcr
ybabeJuj
uisokayIwentt
ocheckonhi
m bef
ore
Icame

her
eisf
ineev
enKatcheckedhi
m

Sponsor
ed

hei
sokay
”

Hecal
medmedownaf
terawhi
l
eIt
oldhi
m Iwantt
oseeJuj
ubef
oreIsl
eep.Wewentt
othei
r
r
oom

andhewassl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ulIwentt
oki
sshi
sfor
eheadandIki
ssedSmat
oot
henwewent
to

sl
eep.

Lastweekwasst
ressi
ngmeoutbutSamkel
owast
her
eformeandt
odayi
sSma'
sbi
rt
hdayand
Ithi
nk

ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lgosmoot
h.Mnt
ungwamanagedt
obui
l
dGazebof
orus.

Me:
“Babewakeup”Iwasshaki
nghi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Yini
babe?
”hehat
est
obewokenup.

Me:
“Wehav
etogoandsi
ngf
orSmababe”

Hegotupandcamet
ohel
pmet
ogetupandwewentt
othei
rroom andwef
oundhi
m sl
eepi
ng.
We

bothsi
ngf
orhi
m andheopenedhi
sey
eswhenhehear
dussi
ngi
ng.Hesatupandr
ubbedhi
s
eyes.

Me:
“Happy3r
dbi
rt
hdaymyboy
”Iopenedmyar
mshecameandhuggedhi
m.Hewasy
awni
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Happybi
rt
hdaynt
wanay
ami
!”

Me:
“Youhav
est
ronggenesnaweai
”Ipi
nchedhi
m onhi
sar
m.

Samkel
o:“
Ouch!I
t’
snotmyf
aul
tthatI
'
m cut
e”hel
aughed.Hepi
ckedt
hem upandwewentt
o
the

ki
tchen.

Sakhi
:“Ei
sht
hedr
agonl
adywi
l
lbeher
eor
der
ingusar
ound”Sakhi
cal
l
sNokwedr
agonl
ady
because

shei
sal
way
sshout
ing.

Il
aughed.

Samkel
owentt
obat
hthem becauseI
'
m notdoi
ngi
tI'
m al
way
sti
redt
heseday
sandIcan'
twai
t
to

beNov
emberal
readymybodyachesnowandt
hensohei
shel
pingmeout
.Hebat
hst
hem i
n
the

morni
ngwhent
heygot
ocr
ècheorMam'
Sdoest
hat
.Iwentt
otakeshowerandhecamewhenI
was

dr
essi
nghespankedmeandt
urnmet
ofacehi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Imi
ssy
ou”hewhi
sper
edi
nmyearhi
shandswer
erunni
ngi
nmybody
.

Imisshi
mtoo.It
ookhi
shandandl
eadhi
mtot
hebedIki
ssedhi
m andwhenki
ssheat
eduphe
pul
l
ed

out
.

Samkel
o:“
Babear
eyousur
e?”Iknowhei
shor
nybecausehedoesn’
tlastaweekwi
thouthav
ing
sex.

Hemademet
osl
eepbutImi
ssar
ever
secowboybutIcan'
tbecauseofmyt
ummyandhe
won'
t

al
l
owi
t.

Heki
ssedmeagai
nandhi
sfi
ngerwasdownt
her
ebusypl
ayi
ngwi
thmycl
i
tinnot
imehewas
i
nsi
de

memhm.
..
.Hest
art
edt
ogr
oanandIwasmoani
ngwi
thhi
m.Hest
art
edt
omov
e..
..

Thedooropened.
..
.

Sma:
“Mommy
”hecamei
nrunni
ng.Samkel
opul
loutqui
ckl
yandt
ookat
hrowt
ocov
erus.
..

Me:“
Yesmyboy
”Ismi
l
edwhi
l
eSamkel
owaspi
ssednextt
ome.Heki
ssedmycheekand
Amahl
e

camei
ntooJuj
ucamer
unni
ngt
otaket
hem wi
thhi
mtot
hepl
ayr
oom.

Hewasst
il
lsi
tt
ingnextt
ome.

Me:
“Pi
ssed?
”
Samkel
o:“
Eish!Fr
om nowonIhav
etol
ockt
hedoor
”hegotupIf
oll
owedhi
mtot
hebat
hroom
and

Icl
eanedmy
sel
fandwentt
othecl
osett
otaker
eddr
essandhewasgonewhenIcamebackhe
i
s

r
eal
l
ypi
ssed.

I
ndownst
air
sIf
oundNokweshout
ingatt
hosemenwhoar
eher
etoputast
ret
cht
entl
ucki
l
y
Nont
u

andThabiar
eheart
oo.Thecat
eri
ngi
sher
eandmypar
ent
sar
ri
vedt
hismor
ningatNont
u's
house.I

i
nvi
tedt
heki
dsf
rom t
hei
rcr
èchebutnotal
loft
hem onl
yfr
om hi
scl
ass.At09:
30am Sakhi
was

annoy
edbyhi
swi
feshout
ingandSamkel
owasgr
umpyhewasannoy
ingme.Theki
dswer
e
heret
oo

t
omaket
hingswor
seandt
hei
rfat
her
'swentt
ochi
l
lint
hest
udynant
heyl
ockt
hedoor
.

At11:00am mypar
ent
scamei
nwi
thSpi
roandt
heyhadpr
esent
sformyboy
.I'
m gl
adt
hey
accepted

hi
m becausei
twoul
dbeabadt
hingt
otr
eathi
m badl
yandt
hengi
veJuj
ulov
eandspoi
lhi
m.

Me:
“Thanksf
orcomi
ngGogonoMah”Ihuggedt
hem bot
h.

Grandma:
“Letmehopeuy
asi
phuzai
sihl
ambezo”Ir
eal
l
yappr
eci
atehercar
ebuti
sihl
ambez
ois
t
oo

muchandI
'
m al
way
sbusyt
ogetsomeonewhocandot
hatf
orme.

Mom l
aughedaf
tert
hem Mnt
ungwaandMaNdl
ovucamei
nIgr
eet
edandt
heywentt
olounge
and

Iwentt
otakemuf
fi
nsandcof
feef
ort
hem.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Ihopey
ouhadaboutwhatJuj
udi
daboutt
hesnakeandIwoul
dli
ket
otal
kwi
thy
ou

bef
orey
ougobackt
oMt
unzi
ni”

Gr
andma:
“Wewi
l
lseey
ou”

Iputat
rayi
nfr
ontofMnt
ungwaandt
heot
her
scamewi
tht
ray
stoot
oser
vet
heel
der
sfi
rst
thenwe

cont
inuedwhatwewer
edoi
ngandat12:
00mi
ddayIwentt
odr
essMrpar
tyandSamkel
ocame
i
nas

Iwasdr
essi
nghi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Hei
sgr
owi
ng”hewasl
ooki
ngatus.

Hewaswear
ingaj
eanandBl
ueT-
shi
rtandr
edJor
dansneaker
sandI
'
llwearaBl
uel
ongchi
ff
on
dr
ess

andr
edheel
s.SmaandJuj
uwi
l
lmat
cht
hei
rfat
her
.

Me:
“Hei
sgr
owi
ngsoonhewi
l
lbeat
eenager
”

Hesmi
l
edandhecameneart
ome.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksf
orkeepi
ngmyki
dst
oget
hermyl
ove”hesay
sandki
ssmyf
orehead.

Iwaslooki
ngatSmasmi
l
ingandi
tmel
tsmyhear
tandI
'
venev
ert
houghtIcanbei
nthi
s
si
tuat
ionand

al
lowmyhusband'
schi
l
dout
sideourmar
ri
aget
oaccepthi
m andl
ovehi
mli
kemyownI
'
ve
neverev
er

thoughtbuther
eIam l
ovi
ngt
hisbeaut
if
ulsoul
.Thi
ngshappeni
nourl
i
vesandt
urnt
hem upsi
de
down

butintheendwear
elef
twi
tht
hatf
actt
hatcamet
odest
royussot
her
e'snouset
ohat
e
because

eveni
fyouhat
eorcr
yorscr
eam ev
ery
daybutt
het
rut
hwon'
tchangesoy
oubet
teraccept
thi
ngsas

i
tisbecausey
oucanl
oseal
lofwhaty
ouhadf
orasmal
lthi
ng.

Myt
ear
scamedownwhenIt
houghtabouti
thewi
pedt
hem andhuggedhi
m.

Sma:
“Mom Iwantt
ogot
oJuj
uandAmahl
e”

If
ini
shedt
odr
esshi
m andher
unoutoft
heandIwentoutt
omyr
oom andThabi
knockedandI
l
et

hi
mrun.

Thabi
:“Fr
iendwe'
redoneandki
dshav
ear
ri
ved”l
qui
ckl
ytookmydr
essandputi
tinshehel
ped
me

t
owi
thmymakeupSamkel
ocamei
nandThabi
excusedher
sel
f.

Me:
“Ihopet
her
ear
est
il
lcl
eant
hoset
wo”hel
aughed.
Samkel
o:“
Let
'sgonowbabey
ou'
rebeaut
if
ul.Pl
easedon'
ttel
lmey
ou'
rewear
inghi
ghheel
s”he

hel
pedmet
ogetupf
rom t
hechai
r.Ii
gnor
edhi
m aboutt
heshoes.

Aswewentdownt
hest
air
sal
ley
eswer
eonushewashol
dingmyhand.Thecamer
amencame
to

takeapict
ureofusbutJuj
uandSmawer
eout
sidewi
thot
herki
ds.Af
terweal
lwentt
othe
garden

andI'
m happywi
tht
hedécorandev
ery
thi
ng.Thabi
tookSmaandputhi
mint
hemi
ddl
echai
rin
thei
r

l
it
tl
etabl
e.Rachel
ist
heMCsowewer
etol
dtosi
nghi
m ahappybi
rt
hdayandweal
lsi
ngi
tfor
hi
m.

Juj
u:“
Aunt
yThabi
wher
eismycake?
”

Weal
ll
aughedandLwandi
l
ewentt
otakei
tinsi
det
hehouse.Hewassot
hri
l
ledt
oseehi
scake
t
ooI

knewthi
swoul
dhappenandIwaspr
epar
edf
ori
t.Thabi
andLwandi
l
eputanot
hercakei
nthe
tabl
e.

Everyt
hingwentwel
landwecuthi
scakewi
thhi
m meandSamkel
ohel
pedhi
mtodoi
taf
ter
thatwe

at
eIwassot
ir
edbyt
hatt
imemyf
eetwer
eki
l
li
ngmeandIwaswear
ingmysl
eeper
sandhe
l
aughed

atme.

Whent
heki
dlef
tcat
eri
ngpeopl
eandt
het
entpeopl
ecamet
otaket
hei
rthi
ngsandmypar
ent
s
l
eft

ear
lyandMnt
ungwaandMaNdl
ovuf
oll
owedt
hem.At22:
00wewer
elef
tal
one.

I
'
m happymyf
ami
l
yist
oget
herandhappy
!

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-

Zane:
“Bossl
adyy
ourpanti
swet
”

Me:
“Fuck!Cal
ltheambul
ancenow!
”Ishout
ed.

It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edhi
m.

Me:
“Mywat
erj
ustbr
okeandI
'
m wai
ti
ngf
oranambul
ance”
Samkel
o:“
I'
m comi
ngnow!Wher
ear
eyou?
”

Me:
“I'
m att
hecl
ub”

Samkel
o:“
Nompewhyy
oucan'
tl
ist
ent
omeIt
oldy
ounott
ogot
othecl
ub.
..
”

Me:
“Samkel
opl
easecomeher
e!”Ihungup.

Hear
ri
vedf
ir
standhet
ookmet
othehospi
tal
.Thecont
ract
ionsar
ewor
senowwhenwear
ri
ved
t
her
e

i
nwentt
othel
abourwar
dandt
henur
secheckedmeandshet
oldmet
hatt
hebabyi
sfarsoI
must

paceupanddownandi
tmi
ghthel
p.Hewashol
dingmyhandt
alki
ngandIwi
shedIcoul
dsl
ap
hi
m so

har
d.Iwasnakedpaci
ngupanddownandIwassweat
ingduet
otheheatIwasf
eel
i
ng.

At03:
45am Igav
ebi
rt
htomycut
eboyandwenamedhi
m Si
hlel
elweAv
umi
l
eKhumal
ohei
s
wort
hy

8hoursofl
abourcont
ract
ionsandt
hisexpl
ainswhyhei
ssost
ubbor
n.Hei
s4y
ear
sol
dnow
Juj
uis8

y
ear
sol
dandSmai
s7y
ear
sol
d.Nowi
t’
sev
enwor
set
hey
'r
eal
way
sfi
ght
inghi
dingeachot
her
’s

under
wear
’sorshoel
acesandal
lthatdr
ama.Mycl
ubi
sdoi
ngsowel
l
.Iwonderwhymymot
her
put

herbusi
nesspl
anonhol
dbecauseshet
oldmet
hatshewant
stosi
tandIev
enof
fer
edher
moneyto

st
artbutshedi
dn'
t.Recent
lysheboughtJaguarandwhenweaskedhershesai
dshebought
wi
ththe

moneyf
rom t
hei
nvest
ment
s.

Thecr
azi
estt
imei
nthi
shousei
sthemor
ning!

Samkel
o:“
Babe!
”

Me:
“Yes!
”I'
m shout
ingbecauseI
'
mint
heki
tchenmaki
ngbr
eakf
astandhei
supst
air
s.

Ihear
dSi
hlecr
ying.

Me:
“Babepl
easeat
tendSi
hleIdon'
tknowwhyhei
scr
ying”

Samkel
o:“
Wher
eismynav
yti
ebabe?
”
Me:
“Pl
easecheckwher
eIkeepy
out
ies!
”Hecanbel
i
kehi
sboy
ssomet
imes.

Juj
u:“
Mom!
”hei
sshout
ing.

Me:
“Juj
uyourunder
weari
siny
ourdr
awer
!”

Sma:
“Mom!Ican'
tfi
ndmybook”

I'
mt hesuperwomanoft
hishousei
nthemor
ning.Iswi
tchedof
fthest
oveandwentupst
air
sto
solv
e

t
hatmess.Iwentst
rai
ghtt
oSi
hle'
sbedt
ocheckf
ir
stbecauseIknowhei
sresponsi
blef
orof
t
hismess.

Ifoundmyman'
sti
eunderhi
sbed;
Juj
ufav
our
it
eunder
wearwasi
nthewat
eri
nthei
rbat
hroom
and

Sma'
sbookwasi
ntheguest
room.Yazi
thi
schi
l
dmakesmecr
azy
.

Juj
u:“
Thanksmom”t
heygav
eSi
hleadeadst
are.Iwentt
othei
rfat
hert
ogi
vehi
m hi
sti
e.

Samkel
o:“
ThanksMkami
(wi
fe)wher
edi
dyouf
indi
t?”hei
ssmi
l
edandt
hatcausemet
osmi
l
e
too.

Me:
“ItwasunderSi
hle'
sbed”If
ixedhi
sti
e.

Samkel
o:“
Iwonderhowheal
way
shi
deourf
avour
it
ethi
ngsar
oundt
hehouse”

Me:“Hei
sobser
vantl
i
key
ouandy
ouwon'
tseehi
mtaki
ngi
tbuty
ou'
l
lseei
tmi
ssi
ng”He
l
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Ourl
i
ttl
esnat
cher
”hegi
ggl
ed.

Me:
“Mxm!
”Il
efthi
m wentbackt
otheki
tchen.

Wef
ightl
i
keot
hercoupl
esbutweal
way
ssor
tourdi
ff
erencesandourshoweri
sthecour
troom

becausewer
esol
vet
hingst
her
e.Hi
sfi
rmi
ssuccessf
ulandheempl
oyst
hey
ounggr
aduat
es
andoffer

t
hem t
rai
ningr
ecent
lyheopenedanot
herbr
anchi
nLi
mpopo.

Samkel
o:“
Hay
iJuj
uyoual
way
steasehi
m”hecamecar
ryi
ngSi
hleonhi
sar
m.

Juj
u:“
Haahhei
srude”

Samkel
o:“
You'
reabi
gbr
othert
othem soy
ousupposedt
osol
vequar
rel
bet
weent
hem noty
ou
are
pr
ovoki
ngt
hem andmaki
ngt
hem cr
yokay
?”

Juj
u:“
OkayNt
wana”

Me:
“Whyhei
scr
ying?
”

Samkel
o:“
Theyar
eteasi
nghi
m babe”

I
'mtir
edoft
heset
easi
ngbecauset
hey
'r
eal
way
sdoi
ngi
tev
ent
hei
rfat
herdoest
hatsoIwon'
t
get

i
nvol
ved.

Me:
“Sma!Let
'sgo!
”

Hecamecar
ryi
nghi
sschool
baghi
sshi
rtt
uckedi
nandhi
sti
e-onposi
ti
onhei
sneatandIl
i
ke
t
hat

abouthi
m ev
ent
houghSi
hlet
ri
est
omesshi
sthi
ngsup.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easegi
vemear
ide”

Me:
“Okayl
et'
sgo”Ipushedt
hem out
.

Samkel
o:“
Readyt
ogo?
”

Si
hle:
“Yeeey
!”

Heissoener
get
icchi
l
dandhei
sal
way
stal
ki
ngandaski
ngsomanyquest
ionsi
nonce.
Tomorr
owI'm

goingt
ohi
scr
èchebecausehedoesn’
twantt
obet
oldonwhatt
odoornott
odoandathomeI
beat

hi
m..
.

Juj
u:“
Shutup!Chubbycheeks”

Hescr
eamedev
enmor
e.

Sma:
“Chubbycheeks”

Si
hle:
“Juj
uandSmal
eav
emeal
oneandI
'
m notChubbycheeksI
'
m Si
hle”

Samkel
owashol
dinghi
msel
ffr
om l
aughi
ngbecausei
fhemakest
hatmi
stakehewi
l
lcr
yand
i
t’
snot

easyt
ocal
m hi
m downwhenhei
scr
ying.
Me:
“Cany
oupl
easebeni
cebr
other
s?”

Si
hle:
“Tel
lthem mommy
!Tel
lthem”heshout
ed.

Si
hlegott
hatnamebecausehewasachubbybabyandhi
scheekswer
ebi
gbuti
nacut
eway
so

Lwandi
lecal
l
edhi
m Chubbycheeksbuthedoesn’
thav
ethosecheeksnowsot
heyt
easehi
m
wit
hit

andwhenhi
sdadl
aughsathi
m hecr
y.

Jujui
sdoi
nggr
ade3andSmagr
ade2i
nthesameschool
Ist
artbydr
oppi
ngSi
hlet
hendr
opt
he
other
s

i
nthei
rschool
becausei
t’
sint
own.Wedeci
dedonput
ti
ngt
hem i
noner
oom becauset
heyar
e
st
il
l

y
oung.

Af
terdr
oppi
ngSmaandJuj
uIwentt
odr
ophi
m of
f.

Me:“By
ebabe.Hav
eawonder
ful
day
”Heki
ssedmeandsmi
l
edsoIknowt
hatI
'
llhav
ea
wonder
ful

day
.Idr
oveof
ftot
hecl
ub.I
'
m pl
anni
ngapar
tyf
oral
ocal
soccerst
arsoI
'
m busyt
heseday
s.

Zane:
“Mor
ningBossLady
”

Me:
“Mor
ningZaneI
'
m sur
eyouf
ineIcanseesmi
l
einy
ourf
ace”

Zane:
“Li
fei
sgoodbossl
ady
”hewassmi
l
ing.

Me:“Outwi
th-
itZanebecauseI
'
m sur
eit
sshewhocanmakey
ousmi
l
enonst
op”hei
shappyI
cansee

i
tinhi
sey
es.

Zane:
“Letmegoandpackt
hosebot
tl
esBossLady
”hewhi
stl
esandwentoutwi
thoutt
ell
i
ngme

any
thi
ng.

There'
sanewbar
tenderIhi
redf
ourday
saweekagobecauset
heoneIst
art
edwi
thst
olemy
bott
les

Zanesawt
hem i
nhi
sbagandhet
oldmeandIwasCCTVf
oot
agesoIf
ir
edhi
m whatIhat
eis
Smiso

t
heol
dbar
tenderknewhi
sst
oryandt
henewonei
snotgoodl
i
keSmi
so.Idi
dn'
tev
enbeathi
m
up

becausehewasani
ceboybutIdon'
tknowwhatgoti
ntohi
m.

Iwentt
othest
orer
oom t
ocheckIl
i
ket
odot
hingsmy
sel
f.

Guy
1:“
Shei
sni
cebutdon'
tmesswi
thher
”

Guy
2:“
Haaaherhusbandi
sthemostf
ear
edmant
haty
oudon’
twantt
omesswi
th”

Guy
3:“
Shei
sbeaut
if
ulandIl
oveherbutI
'
m scar
edofher
”

Me:“
I'
m gl
adt
oseey
ouwor
kingwi
thy
ourhandsmadodanotwi
thy
ourmout
hs”t
heyt
urnedt
o
l
ook

atmeandt
heywer
eshockedt
oseemest
andi
ng.

Theykeptqui
et.

Iwentbackt
otheof
fi
ceonl
ytof
indt
henewbar
tenderi
nmyof
fi
cest
andi
ngandmychai
rwas
shaki
ng

asi
fther
ewasaper
sonwhowassi
tt
ingati
t.

Ist
andbesi
det
het
abl
eandl
ookathi
m.

Bartender
:“Bossyl
adyI
'
m her
etot
hanky
ouf
orgi
vi
ngmet
hisj
obIr
eal
l
yappr
eci
atei
t”hewas
rubbing

hi
shandst
oget
her
.

Me:
“OkayIhopey
ouwi
l
ldoy
ourj
obpr
oper
lyandy
ouwi
l
lnotst
eal
from me”

Zanecamei
n.

Zane:
“Bosscust
omer
sar
easki
ngaboutSmi
so”Thenewbar
tenderf
rowned.

Me:
“I'
m sor
ryf
ort
hem butt
heyhav
etounder
standt
hesi
tuat
ion”If
akedsmi
l
e.

Me:
“Pl
easeexcuseus”t
othebar
tender
.

Hel
eftt
heof
fi
ceandcl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m.

Me:
“Whati
shi
snameagai
n?”

Zane:
“Zaba”

Me:
“I'
m okaycany
oupl
easeexcuseme”Zanel
eftt
heof
fi
cet
oo.

WhatwasZabaupt
o?It
ookt
hebugsensort
ochecki
fIdon'
thav
eanybugsi
nmyof
fi
ceandI
checked

ev
erywher
ebutIdi
dn'
tfi
ndany
thi
ngorhewast
ryi
ngt
odosomet
hingi
nmyl
apt
op?Ior
der
ed
gr
il
led

chi
ckenwi
thr
iceandsal
adonhi
sfav
our
it
erest
aur
antandIwentt
opi
ckmyor
dert
her
eIwantn
to

sur
pri
sehi
m wi
thl
unch.

Me:
“Hey
.IsMrKhumal
oinhi
sof
fi
ce?
”

Recept
ioni
st:
“Hey
.Hei
sther
ebuthesai
dhedon'
twantt
obedi
stur
bed”Thenewr
ecept
ioni
st
has

at
ti
tudeandshei
sal
way
srudet
omeIt
hinkshewant
smyman.Dar
ehergot
hatf
ar.Cl
audi
ais
i
n

mat
erni
tyl
eav
e.

Me:“Pl
easecal
lhi
m andt
ell
himt
hathi
swi
fei
sher
e”Sher
oll
edherey
esandpi
ckt
hephone
andcal
l

hi
m.

Recept
ioni
st:
“Youcangot
hrough”shef
rowned.

Iwentt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.

Me:
“Yourl
unchi
sher
eSi
r”Iwasl
eani
ngont
hedoor
.

Samkel
o:“
Comei
nbabeandpl
easet
akeasi
t”

Wesatdownandat
eourl
unchandI
'
mluckyt
ohav
eahandsomemanl
i
kehi
m.Hei
swor
king
har
d

andhust
leont
hesi
deandhei
smyev
ery
thi
ng.Af
terhav
ingl
unchhehadmeet
ingsoIhadt
ogo
back

t
othecl
ubt
otakemyt
hingsandgot
ofet
chJuj
uandSmaatschool
thent
akeSi
hle.

WhenIgott
othecl
ubZanecamet
omet
otel
lmeaboutt
her
udeguy
sint
heVI
Psect
ionandl
et
me

hopeit
’snotCr
aig.Iwentt
otheVI
Psect
ionandIsawt
hem si
tt
ingandIt
hinkt
hey
'r
eaboutt
o
cause

t
roubl
esher
e.
Rocket
:“QueenofAxei
sher
e!”

Me:
“Gent
lemenIhopey
ouhav
ingagoodt
ime”

Guy
1:“
Ofcour
sewear
e!”

Rocket
:“Thi
spl
aceher
eisgr
eatandi
thasv
ibe”

Me:
“Letmel
eav
eyougent
lement
ohav
eagoodt
ime”

Chapt
er39

Iwenttomyof
fi
ceandt
ookmyt
hingsbecauseIhav
eameet
ingwi
thSi
hle'
steacher
.Idr
ove
thei
rfi
rst

t
henI
'
llbef
orcedt
ocomebacki
ntownbutmay
besomeonecanpi
ckt
hem upf
ormewhi
l
eI'
m
i
na

meet
ingf
orSi
hle'
sbehav
iour
.

Ineedt
ocal
lhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Missmeal
ready
?”

Me:
“Ofcour
senotIneedsomeonewhocanhel
pmet
opi
ckt
heboy
supbecausenowI
'
m goi
ng
t
o

t
hemeet
ing”

Samkel
o:“
OkaybabeI
'
llcheckandgetbackt
oyou”hehungup.

Af
ter5mi
nut
eshecal
l
smeback.

Samkel
o:“
BabeSpi
keswi
l
lpi
ckt
hem upandI
'
veal
readycal
l
edatt
hei
rschool
”

Me:
“Thanksmyl
oveI
'
llt
hanky
oul
ater
”

Samkel
o:“
Mhm Il
i
ket
hesoundoft
hat
”I'
m sur
ehasasmi
rkonhi
sface.

Me:
“Mbul
azi
letmedr
iveI
'
llcal
lyoul
ate”

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyoumyv
ani
l
lamuf
fi
n”Il
aughed.

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
oomyi
cecr
eam”Ihungup.

WhenIgott
her
eIaskedf
orhi
steacheratt
her
ecept
ionandt
hei
rtol
dmet
ogot
ohi
scl
assand
hi
s
t
eacherwasexpect
ingme.

Teacher
:“Mr
sKhumal
oI'
m gl
ady
oucame”sheext
endedherhandandweshakeourhandsand

of
fer
edmeasi
t.

Me:
“Mi
ssv
anMer
weI
'
m sosor
ryaboutmyson'
sbehav
iour
"

Teacher:“
Kidscanbeki
dsy
oubutt
hedayhei
ssost
ubbor
nhedoesn’
twantt
oli
stent
ohi
s
teacher
s”

Me:
“Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m anddi
sci
pli
nehi
mfornotobey
inghi
steacher
s’i
nst
ruct
ions”

Teacher
:“I
'
m happyt
hatwewi
l
lwor
ktoget
heraspar
entandt
eacherf
orhi
m.I
nthatcasewe
wil
l

communi
cat
eifweencount
erpr
obl
emswi
thhi
m agai
n”shegotupf
rom herchai
randi
ngetup
too

andbi
dfar
ewel
l
.Si
hlewasst
andi
ngwi
thhi
sbackpacknextt
othedoor
.Wewentt
othecar
.

Si
hle:
“Mom pl
ayoursong”

Me:
“NoIwi
l
lnotpl
ayanysongf
ory
ou”

Hef
rowned.

Me:
“Don'
tdot
hatwhenI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou”Ist
art
edt
hecar
.

Hewasqui
etpl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
sfeetandIknowhehasmanyr
udequest
ions.

Me:
“Expl
ainy
our
sel
fwhyy
oudon'
tl
ist
ent
oyourt
eacher
?”

Hepout
edhi
sli
ps.

Me:“Dot
hatonceagai
nI'
l
lst
opt
hiscarandbeaty
ourl
i
ttl
eassunt
ili
t'
sred.Doy
ouhear
?”I
'
m
angr
y

j
ustt
othi
nkhehasabadbehav
iourathi
sagewor
ri
esme

Si
hle:
“Okay
”

Me:
“Okaywhat
?”

Si
hle:
“Okaymom”I
'
m happyt
hatwear
eal
oneher
ebecausehi
sfat
herwoul
d'
vei
nter
fer
ed.

Hewasqui
etandIdeci
dedt
opassatMacDonal
dtogetbur
ger
sIdr
ovet
othedr
ivet
hruand
or
der
ed
bur
ger
sandMcFl
urr
yforuswhenIwant
edt
ogi
vehi
m hi
sMcFl
urr
yhedi
dn'
ttakei
t.Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
h

hi
m athome.

WhenIpul
li
nthey
ardIhel
phi
mtounbuckl
etheseatbel
tandhet
ookhi
sbackpackandhe
opened

f
orhimsel
fandr
uni
nthehouse.It
ookmycarandwentt
othehouseandIwentst
rai
ghtt
othe
l
ounge

andHeeemy
sel
fint
hecouch.

Juj
u&Sma:
“Heymommy
”

Me:
“Heyboy
s”

Si
hlecamet
osi
tint
hecouchacr
osst
ome.Igav
eJuj
uandSmat
heybur
ger
sandMcFl
urr
y.

Me:
“Si
hlecomet
omenow!Whyar
eyousor
ude?
”Hecamet
omeandst
andi
nfr
ontofme.

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
“Becausey
oudon'
twantt
otal
ktakey
ourbur
gerandMcFl
urr
yandeat
.You'
regr
ounded”

Hi
sfacechangedandIsawhi
sfat
herIknowhei
sangr
y.

Si
hle:
“But
..
.”

Me:“Yougr
oundedt
hatmeansnot
vnot
vgamesandal
lthatunt
ily
our
especty
ourpar
ent
sand
your

t
eacher
sandgi
vemet
hati
Pad”myv
oicewasf
ir
merandhehandedt
het
abl
ett
ome.

Me:“
Wheny
oudoneeat
ingSi
hley
ouwi
l
lgot
oyourr
oom.Juj
uandSmawheny
oudoneeat
ing
go

andt
akey
ouschool
bagsandIwi
l
lhel
pyouwi
thy
ourhomewor
k”

Sihl
ewassadandIdi
dn'
tcar
eaf
tereat
inghewentt
othei
rbedr
oom andt
heset
woIhel
ped
them

wi
tht
hei
rhomewor
k.Iwentt
ost
artcooki
ngandmyphoner
ang.

Spi
kes:
“NompeIneedy
out
otr
acet
henumbert
hatI
'
llsendi
ttoy
ounow”

Me:
“Mhm okay
”Hehungup.

If
oundJuj
uandSmai
nthel
ounge.
Me:“BoysI
'
m notangr
yaty
ouokay
?It
’sj
ustt
hatIneedt
oputSi
hleonhi
spl
aceandpl
ease
don'
ttel
l

hi
mtocomeandapol
ogi
set
omeokay
?”.

Juj
u&Sma:
“Okaywewon'
t”

Iwenttot
hest
udyandt
racet
henumbert
hatSpi
kessentt
omef
ewmi
nut
esago.Ipi
ckupmy
phone

andcal
lhi
m

Me:
“Thi
snumberi
slocat
edi
nJobur
gbutIal
readysentamapwi
thl
ocat
ionony
ouremai
l
”

Spi
kes:
“Sur
e”hehungup.

WhenIwentbackt
otheki
tchenIf
oundmymani
ntheki
tchendr
inkwat
er.Ispankedhi
sti
ght
ass.

Me:
“Heybabe”

Samkel
o:“
Hey
”

Me:
"Badday
?”

Samkel
o:“
Nop”

OkayIt
akei
thehear
dthatSi
hlei
sgr
ounded.

Samkel
o:“
Canwet
alki
nthest
udy
?”hewal
kedaway
.Il
ower
edt
hest
oveandf
oll
owedhi
m.I
cl
osed

t
hedoorbehi
ndmeandwentt
osi
tint
hechai
r.

Samkel
o:“
Youar
ebei
nghar
donSi
hlenow”

Me:
“I'
m nothar
datSi
hlei
t’
sjustt
hathei
srudesoIgr
oundedhi
m”

Samkel
o:“
Groundedhi
m?”

Me: “
Sihl
eisrudeatcr
ècheandt
omesoIgr
oundedhi
m Iwanthi
mtol
ear
nhowt
o
acknowledgehis

wr
ongs”

Samkel
o:“
Sihl
eis….
”hedi
dn'
tfi
nishhi
ssent
ence.

Me:“Iknowy
oul
ovey
ourki
dst
oomuchandy
oucar
efort
hem butwhent
heyar
ewr
ongt
hey
hav
e
toknowt
hatwhatt
heydi
dwaswr
ong.Theymustknowt
her
ulesandSi
hlewi
l
lst
aygr
ounded
unti
l

heseeshi
sfaul
tandapol
ogi
se”cal
mly
.

Samkel
o:“
Buthei
sst
il
lyoung”

Me:
“Wehav
etosetr
uleswhi
l
etheyar
est
il
lyoungf
ort
hem t
obebet
termeni
nfut
urenotspoi
l
t

br
atsnj
e”

Samkel
o:“
OkayIheary
oubutIst
il
ldon'
tl
iket
oseehi
m sady
ouknow”hei
ssul
ki
ngnow.

Me:
“Whenhei
sal
onenotpl
ayi
nggameshewi
l
lseehi
sfaul
tandf
ixi
tunt
ilt
henhewi
l
lremai
n

gr
oundedandpl
easedon'
ttel
lhi
mtocomeandapol
ogi
set
ome”Il
ookedathi
m.

Samkel
o:“
O-kay
”hef
akedasmi
l
e.

Iwentbackt
otheki
tchenandwhenIwasdoneIsetat
abl
eandSmawashel
pingme.

Sma:
“Mom Idon'
tl
iket
oseehi
mli
ket
hat
”

Me:
“Iknowmyboybuthei
srudeandheneedsdi
sci
pli
ne”

Sma:
“Okaymom”

Me:
“Pl
easegoandwashy
ourhandsandt
ell
yourbr
other
stoo”

Hewentt
ocal
lhi
sbr
other
sandSamkel
ocamet
ome.

Samkel
o:“
Doy
our
ememberBi
kesr
idi
ngt
hisweekend”

Me:
“Ei
shIal
mostf
orgotbutIcan'
twai
tbabe”

Westoppedt
alki
ngwhenwesawt
hem comi
ngt
ous.Weal
lsatdown.Si
hlecl
osedhi
sey
esand
put

hi
shandst
oget
her
.

Si
hle:
“Godbl
essourf
oodi
nthenameofJesusamen”hewasbl
essi
ngourf
ood.

Us:
“Amen”

Idishedupf
orhi
m.Ther
e'snot
hinghehat
esl
i
kemi
xedv
eget
abl
esImustf
orcehi
m butIwon'
t
today

becausehewi
l
lthr
owupwhenIf
orcehi
mtoeati
t.Hehasashor
ttemperandhecr
iesand
thr
owup
i
fyoufor
cehi
mtodosomet
hinghedon'
tl
ikeorhedon'
tl
iket
oeat
.MaNdl
ovusai
dSamkel
o
wasli
ke

Si
hlewhenhewasgr
owi
ngupwi
thshor
ttemperandt
hrowi
ngupsoeasi
l
y.

Samkel
owast
ryi
ngt
ohol
dal
aughandwest
art
edt
oeataf
tereat
ingIcl
ear
edt
het
abl
eand
l
oaded

di
shesi
ndi
shwashermachi
neandwewentt
owat
cht
vint
hel
ounge.

Si
hlecamewi
thgl
assofj
uiceandhecamet
ome.

Si
hle:“
MommyI
'
m sor
ry”hegav
emet
hegl
ass.Idon'
tknowwhenhowhet
ookt
hatj
uicei
nthe
fr
idge

andhewasal
onei
ntheki
tchenIwonder
.

Me:
“Yousor
ryf
or?
”

Si
hle:
“I'
m sor
ryf
ornotl
i
steni
ng”hewasst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofmel
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
“And?
”

Si
hle:
“Forbei
ngnotl
i
steni
ngt
omyt
eacher
”

Me:
“OkaymyboyIf
orgi
vey
ouandt
omor
rowmor
ningIwi
l
laccompanyy
out
oMi
sst
osaysor
ry

okay
?”

Si
hle:
“Okay
”

Me: “
Comeandhugy
ourmommy
”Iopenedmyar
m andhehuggedmeandki
ssedmycheek.
I
'm gl
ad

i
thappenedsoqui
ckIdi
dn'
texpecti
t.

Samkel
owasl
ooki
ngatus.

Me:“I
t’
sti
met
osl
eep!
”Theygotupandwentt
othei
rroom.Wegotupt
ooSamkel
owentt
o
swi
tch

of
fthel
i
ght
sint
heki
tchenandIwentt
otuckt
hemi
naf
tert
hatIwentt
omybedr
oom.

Hewasl
ayi
ngonbedf
aci
ngup.

Samkel
o:“
Idi
dn'
texpecthi
mtoapol
ogi
sel
i
ket
oday
”

Me:
“Met
oobutI
'
m gl
adhedi
dandi
twassosweetwhenhebl
essedt
hef
oodandhi
m gi
vi
ng
mea
gl
assofj
uiceaspeaceof
fer
ing”

Hegi
ggl
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Youdi
dwel
lbabeandnowIf
eel
badabouthav
ingt
hatt
alkear
ly”

Me:“Don'
tfeel
badbabej
ustbegl
adt
hatheapol
ogi
sed”Iwentt
otakeshower
.Andhedi
dn'
t
j
oin

meaf
terIwasdonehewenti
ntooandwhenhecamebacknakedIwasst
andi
ngneart
hebed
i
na

r
edsexynumber
.Hef
rozeandhi
sguydownt
her
eisr
eady
.Imakemywayt
ohi
m andhei
sst
il
l

st
andi
ngIt
akehi
shandandl
eadhi
mtot
hebed.Igent
lypushhi
m andhel
aidonhi
sbackandI

cl
i
mbedonhi
m andIst
art
edt
oki
sshi
m sl
owl
yhi
shandsar
einmyassnow.Het
ri
edt
orol
lme
over
.

Me:
“I'
minchar
ge.
..
”

Henodded.Vel
eIpl
annedt
ofuckhi
smi
ndoutt
oday
.

Ipull
edoutonaki
ssandIpl
ant
edki
ssesf
rom hi
sneckt
ohi
ssi
xpackdownhi
sabdomenandI
stopped

athi
smanhood.Igent
lyr
ubi
tandIki
ssedi
t.
..Hi
sshaf
tfi
l
ledmymout
hIst
artt
obl
owj
obhi
m;
hi
s

moani
ngandgr
oani
ngbecamel
oudandl
ouderIf
eel
hisbodyget
ti
ngt
enseandhecamei
nmy
mouth

andIswal
l
owed.WhenIl
ookedathi
m hewasbr
eat
hingt
ryi
ngt
ocat
chhi
sbr
eat
h.Iwentt
othe

bat
hroom andIcamewi
thwar
mtowel
tocl
eanhi
m andwentbackt
obat
hroom.

Isl
eepnextt
ohi
m hei
sst
il
ll
ayi
ngwi
thhi
sbackf
aci
ngup.Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
schest
.

Samkel
o:“
Yout
heonl
yonewhomakesmeweak”

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
“Real
l
y?”Il
ookedathi
m.Hi
sey
es.
..Ipeckedhi
sli
ps.

Igotont
opofhi
m Ican'
tgetenoughofhi
sli
psbodyanddi
ck.
..

Samkel
o:“Letmehel
pyouwi
tht
his”hewast
aki
ngof
fmyl
i
nger
ie.Hecuppedmybr
eastI
ki
ssedhi
m
sopassi
onat
elyandsl
ow.Igent
lypushhi
mtol
aywi
thhi
sbacksoIcandoasIpl
easeswi
th
hi
m.Igri
nd

mypussyagai
nsthi
sdi
ckandhi
sbr
eat
hingchangedhi
sgr
ipbecamet
ightIwanthi
mtof
eel
my

wet
nessdownt
her
e.

Samkel
o:“
Ineed….
”

Me:
“Youneedwhatbabe?
”gr
indi
ngmor
e.

Wordsf
ail
tocomeoutofhi
smout
h.Het
urnedmet
olayonmybackandheent
ered
me….Mhm…

Me:
“Ahhhhh.
..
.Fuck….
”hei
smov
ingsl
owl
y.

Hepi
ckeduphi
spacehei
spoundi
nghar
dernow

Me:
“Ahhhh…….
”

Hepoundshar
derandf
ast
erIam moani
ngandhewasgr
oani
ngl
i
keanani
mal
int
opofme.
..
We

bot
hcamei
nthesamet
ime.Her
oll
edov
erwhi
l
ewer
ecat
chi
ngourbr
eat
he.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyouMr
sKhumal
o”heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
ooMrKhumal
o”

Hewentt
otakeat
owel
andcl
eanedbot
hofusandhel
aidnextt
omewhenhecamebackf
rom
t
he

bat
hroom.Il
i
ket
olayi
nhi
schestandhel
i
ket
orubmyni
ppl
es.

Samkel
o:“
Youdr
ivemecr
azyy
azi
”

Igi
ggl
ed.Aknockont
hedoor
.

Sma:
“Mom Si
hlei
scr
ying!
”

Me:
“Okayi
m comi
ngmyboy
”Iwentt
oputar
obandhef
oll
owedmet
othei
rroom.

Ifoundhi
m cr
yingSamkel
oswi
tchont
hel
i
ght
.Si
hlei
shav
inganal
l
ergi
creact
ionhei
s
scrat
chi
nghis

f
aceandar
ms.

Me:
“Babepl
easegoandst
artt
hecarI
'
m comi
ngwi
thhi
m”Iwentt
ogetdr
essedi
nourr
oom.I
n
a
secondIwasdone.

It
ookhi
m andwear
egoi
ngwi
tht
heboy
stot
hehospi
tal
ati
tsl
atenow.Samkel
odr
ovel
i
kea
mani
ac

andwegott
her
esoqui
ckl
yandl
ucki
l
ythedoct
orat
tendedhi
m soqui
ckl
ybecause.

Samkel
owasshout
ingatt
hem t
ell
i
ngt
hem i
ftheydon'
tat
tendhi
mtheywi
l
lknowhi
m bet
ter
.

Doc:
“Hei
shav
inganal
l
ergi
creact
ion”

Samkel
o:“
Weknowt
hat
.What
'scausi
ngi
t?”Hei
spi
ssed.

Doc:
“Idon'
tknowy
etbutMa'
am whati
sthel
astt
hingheat
e?”

Me:
“Ri
ceChi
ckenandsal
ads”

Doc:
“It
'scanbeChi
cken”

Me:
“Buthewaseat
ingt
hechi
ckenal
lal
ongwhynow?
”

Doc:
“ I
thappensma'
am.I
'
llgi
vey
oumedi
cat
ionwhi
chwi
l
lhel
phi
mtot
heswel
l
ing”hei
s
swol
len

especi
all
yint
hef
aceandhi
sar
ms.

Me:“
Thanksdoc”Igotup.Samkel
otookhi
m andhewasasl
eep.Wedr
ovehome.Juj
uandSma
wer
e

sl
eepi
ngtoosoIt
ookSi
hleandSamkel
otookt
heot
hert
wo.Wet
uckedt
hem i
nthei
rbeds.I
ts
01:
20am

i
nthemor
ningandwewentbackt
othebedr
oom.

Samkel
o:“
Babehewi
l
lbef
ine.It
hinkhegoti
tfr
om y
ou”

Me:
“Gotwhatf
rom me?
”I'
m conf
used.

Samkel
o:“
Youal
soal
l
ergi
ctoBeefandIt
hinkhei
sal
l
ergi
ctoChi
cken”

Me:
“ItmakessensebutIdon'
tthi
nkhewi
l
lunder
standt
hathei
snoteat
ingchi
cken.I
twi
l
lbea

st
ruggl
etr
ustme.Hewon'
tst
opeat
ingchi
ckenunt
ilheunder
standst
hathei
sal
l
ergi
ctoi
t”

Hel
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Stubbor
njustl
i
kehi
smot
her
”hei
snotl
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
“Excuseme!Andy
ounotst
ubbor
n?”
Samkel
o:“
Let
'ssl
eepbabe”hesnuggl
edme.

I
nthemor
ningwebot
htookani
nnocentshowert
oget
herandgotdr
essedi
nmat
chi
ngAdi
das

t
racksui
tsaf
terwet
ocheckhi
m andwenotgoi
ngt
owor
ktoday
.Hewasst
il
lasl
eepandIwoke
t
he

t
woandbat
hthem.Iwentt
otheki
tchent
omakebr
eakf
ast
.

SmaandJuj
ucamet
osi
tint
hebarst
ool
sint
heki
tchent
oeatt
hei
rbr
eakf
astandmyhusband
came

af
tert
hem andIgav
ehi
sbr
eakf
ast
.

Si
hle:
“Mommy
”hewascr
ying.Ipi
ckedhi
m upandwi
pedhi
stear
s.

Me:“
Sor
ryboy
.Doesi
thur
t?”Henodded.Iwentt
obat
hhi
m anddr
essedhi
mint
racksui
tst
oo.
We

ar
etaki
nghi
mtot
hedoct
or.Wewentbacki
nandhewant
edeggs.

Samkel
o:“
Mommyhav
eyouseent
hisl
ett
er?
”

Me:
“Let
ter
?”

Samkel
o:“
Yeahal
ett
erf
rom t
hei
rschool
aboutt
ri
pStLuci
a?”

Me:
“NoIhav
en’
tIhav
en’
tandt
heyar
enotgoi
ng”

Sma&Juj
u:“
Hawumom!
”

Samkel
o:“
Why
?”f
rowned.

Me:
“BecauseI
'
mtheonewhor
emi
ndst
hem t
odot
hei
rhomewor
k”

Si
hle:
“Younotgoi
ng!
”hest
ickedhi
stongueout
.

Juj
u:“
Uyaphaphawena”

Me:
“Weneedt
ogonowboy
s”Iwentupst
air
stot
akemybagandphone.

Samkel
o:“
Whi
chcarboy
s?”

Real
l
y?

Sma&Juj
u:“
JeepGr
andCher
okee”

Si
hle:
“Gusheshe”

Wel
aughedathi
m.Samkel
otookcarkey
sandwewentoutt
hehouse.
Samkel
o:“
Sihl
eyououtv
otedsowear
etaki
ngJeepGr
andCher
okee”Hei
sdr
ivi
ngt
oday
.

Juj
u:“
OursongNt
wana”

Hedr
ivesoutt
hegat
e.

Ngi
chom'
kakhul
ngemal
iencanengi
gqokai
desi
gnawume'
kancane

Itookhi
sphonet
otakev
ideoofussi
ngi
ngandhav
ingagr
eatt
ime.Il
oveOkmal
umkool
kat
songshi
s

rapli
nesar
edi
ff
erentandSamkel
olov
ethi
ssongt
oo.Sowear
esi
ngi
ngLal
i
gaSamkel
omade
Juju

andSmatol
i
kei
tandSi
hlej
oinedt
hecr
ewbutt
heot
herl
i
nesar
edi
ff
icul
tforhi
m.Wear
e
danci
ng

i
nourseat
sanddoi
ngal
lthosef
unnyf
aceswhi
l
esi
ngi
ngorr
appi
ng.Whenwegott
oGl
enwood

Pri
mar
yJuj
uandSmagetof
fandwet
ookSmat
othedoct
orandhegav
ehi
m someant
ibi
oti
cs
andwe

wentbackhome.

Myphoner
angasIent
eredi
nsi
det
hehousehet
ookSi
hleupst
air
s.

Me:
“Heymom”

Mom:
“Youdon'
twantusany
mor
e”

Me:
“HawuMah”

Mom:
“Wher
ear
eyou?
”

Me:
“I'
minmyhouseMah"

Mom:
“OkayI
'
m comi
ng”shehungup.

Me:
“Babe!
”Ishout
ed.

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Babe!
”Ishout
edagai
n.

Iwentupst
air
stocheckont
hem.If
oundt
hem sl
eepi
ngi
nSi
hle'
sbed.Si
hlei
sinhi
sfat
her
's
chestt
hey

ar
esocut
eIt
ookapi
ctur
eoft
hem andheadedbackt
otheki
tchen.Iwant
edt
otel
lhi
mthatmy
mom
i
scomi
ng.

Ican'
tunder
standhert
heseday
sshesuddenl
yhasmoney
.Ist
art
edt
ocookbecauseIknow
shewil
l

gi
vemel
ect
uref
ornotcooki
ngf
ormyhusbandandal
lthatsoaf
teranhourandt
hir
tymi
nut
es

i
nter
com.
..

Iwentt
oopent
hegat
e.Shecamei
nsi
det
hehouseandshedi
dn'
tknock.

Mom:
“It
aughty
ouwel
lri
ght
?”shewassmi
l
ing.

Shei
scar
ryi
ngshoppi
ngbags.Iwentt
ohel
pherwi
tht
hem.

Mom:
“Pl
easegoandgett
heot
heri
nmycar
”

Real
l
y?Iwentt
othecar
..
..Fuck!Shei
sdr
ivi
ngabeast
!Iopent
hebootandt
aket
hemal
landI
went

backi
nsi
det
hehouse.

Me:
“Mahy
ouar
edr
ivi
ngabeastt
her
eImustsayi
tmor
ethanbeaut
if
ul”I
tsbl
acki
ncol
ourwi
th
a

per
sonal
i
sednumberpl
ateMr
sM-
ZNIl
ovei
t.

Iwentt
otakeaj
uiceandsconesbecausef
oodwi
l
lber
eadyi
nfewmi
nut
es.

Mom:
“Thankschi
l
d.Uphi
umkheny
ana?
”

Me:
“Hei
ssl
eepi
ngi
nSi
hle'
sbedwi
thSi
hle”

Mom:
“WhySi
hlei
sn'
tatcr
èche?
”shesi
ppedherj
uice.

Me:“
Lastni
ghthehadal
l
ergi
creact
ionandwet
ookhi
mtot
hehospi
tal
andt
odaywet
ookhi
m
t
othe

doct
orbuthei
sfi
nenowandt
heswel
l
ingi
sbet
tert
hanl
astni
ght
”

Mom: “
Ifeel
sor
ryf
orhi
m shamebuthe'
l
lbeokayandgetusedt
othef
actt
hatchi
ckeni
snot
good

f
orhi
m”

Me:
“Howi
smyGr
andmot
her
?”

Mom:
“Shei
sfi
nesweet
hear
tshei
snotathomeshewentt
ovi
sity
ourAunt
y”
I
'
m wor
ri
edabouther
.

Me:
“Mom canwepl
easet
alk”cal
mly
.

Mom:
“About
?”shesatbacki
nthecouch.

IsawSamkel
ocomi
ngcar
ryi
ngSi
hlei
nhi
sar
m.Hewasr
ubbi
nghi
sey
esandy
awni
ng.

Samkel
o:“
It
’ssmel
l
sni
ceher
eandI
'
m st
arv
ing”i
nthatdeepv
oiceofhi
s.Hewasshockedt
o
seemy

mot
her
.

Si
hle:
“Gr
anny
!!
”hescr
eamed.Hi
sfat
herputhi
m downhecamer
unni
ngt
ohi
sgr
anny
.

Samkel
o:“
SawubonaMah”

Mom:
“Howar
emkhweny
ana?
”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m goodmahandhowar
eyou?
”

Mom:
“I'
m goodt
oo”shef
lashesasmi
l
e.

Iwentt
othel
oungeandt
ookt
heshoppi
ngbagst
otheguest
room her
eindownst
air
sbecauseI
know

hewi
l
lcr
yandwantt
oseewhat
'si
nsi
deandIdon'
twantt
hat
.

Si
hle:
“Gr
annydi
dyoubr
ingmypr
esent
?”

Me:“
Lunchi
sready
”Theycamet
otabl
eandweal
lat
eandSi
hlewasaski
ngsomanyquest
ions.
Af
ter

weat
eIwentt
oloaddi
shesi
nthedi
shwasherandIj
oinedt
hem i
nthel
ounge.

Mom:
“Ineedt
otal
ktobot
hofy
ou”shesai
dwhenIsi
tnextt
oSamkel
o.

Icoul
dn'
treadherf
ace.

Me:
“Si
hlegot
othepl
ayr
oom myboy
”hegotupandhedi
sappear
edi
nthest
air
s.

Mom:
“Ipl
annedt
hev
acat
iont
oPar
isi
nJunebuti
fI'
m al
oneIwi
l
lbebor
edsoIt
hinkoft
aki
ng
t
he

ki
dswi
thme.We'
l
lst
artt
oDi
sney
landandt
hengot
othedest
inat
ion”

Mom:
“AndI
'
mtaki
ngy
ourGr
andmot
herwi
thme”

Webot
hqui
et.
Samkel
o:“
Ithi
nk.
..
Whataboutschool
?”

Mom:“
Wewi
l
lgodur
ingt
heschool
hol
i
day
sandwewi
l
lcomebackbef
oret
heschool
sopens”
She

pl
annedt
hisr
ight
?

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
thav
epr
obl
em wi
thi
t”

I
'
m st
il
lqui
et.

Mom:
“Nompe?
”

Me:
“Theydon'
thav
epasspor
tsMah”

Mom:
“Pl
easeor
gani
set
hatf
orme”

Real
l
y?

Me:
“Okay
”

Mom:
“Ar
eyouokaywi
thi
t?”

Me:
“Ifhei
sokaywi
thi
tI'
m okayt
oomom”I
'
m conf
usedaboutwhatshesai
d.

Wher
eist
hismoneycomi
ngf
rom?Iwonder
.

Samkel
olooksathi
swr
ist“
Ineedt
ofet
cht
hem f
rom school
”

Me:“Okaybabe”het
ouchedmyhand.Hedoesn’
tki
ssmei
nfr
ontofmymot
herandnowI
'
m
usedto

i
t.Ican'
tsayt
heygetal
ongwi
theachot
herbutI
'
m gl
adt
heysi
tint
hesamer
oom.Thewast
his
t
ime

whenwewer
est
il
lICapeTownwhenIwasi
nthehospi
tal
aft
erIwasdi
schar
gedIf
oundmy
mother

wi
thaseri
ousf
acewhenIent
eredi
ntheki
tchenandi
twast
ensedandwhenIcamei
nhe
st
ormed

outoft
her
oom.Idon'
tknowwhatwashappeni
ngev
enwhenIaskedhi
m hedi
smi
ssedme.

Hewentt
otakehi
scarkey
sint
hecount
erandl
eft
.Si
hlecamer
unni
ngIt
hinkhehear
dacar
dr
ivi
ng

out
.

Me:
“Mom wher
edi
dyougetmoneyf
rom?
”
Mom:
“IwonaLot
ter
y”shet
ickl
edSi
hle.

Me:
“Mom I
'
m ser
ious”If
rowned.

Mom:“
I'
m ser
ioust
ooandIcan'
twai
ttot
akemygr
andki
dswi
thmi
nei
nav
acat
ion.Ionl
ywi
sh
t
hat

y
ourf
atherwasher
etoseehowgr
owny
ouar
eri
ghtnow”shest
art
edt
obeemot
ional
.

Me:
“Iknowy
oumi
sshi
m Mahandweal
ldo”Herey
eshav
etear
s

Me:
“Soy
ouwon'
ttakey
oubeaut
if
uldaught
erswi
thy
oui
nav
acat
ion?
”Idon'
twanthert
ocr
y.

Mom:
“NopI
'
m not
.Youhav
emoneyandy
ourhusband’
stoosoI
'
mtaki
ngmynunusnj
e”

Me:
“Wewon'
theart
heendofi
t”

Shel
aughs.

Aft
eranhourt
heboy
swer
ebackandhappyt
oseet
hei
rGr
anny
.Theyat
eandcomet
ojoi
nusi
n
the

l
ounge.

Sma:
“Gr
annywhenar
ewev
isi
ti
ngy
ou?
”

Mom:
“May
beDecember
”

Sheal
way
sdr
agsf
ort
het
ovi
sitbecauset
heyar
etoonaught
.Appar
ent
lySi
hlebur
ntt
hecur
tai
n
i
nthe

l
ounge

Them:
“December
?”

Mom:
“Yeahbecausei
nJunewe'
regoi
ngt
oDi
sney
land”wi
thwar
m smi
l
e.

Theyscream andst
artt
ojumpupanddownIknowt
heyar
ehappyIt
houghtshewi
l
ltel
lthem
around

Maybutnoshedeci
dedt
otel
lthem nowandi
tsFebr
uar
ysot
heywi
l
ltal
kaboutev
eryday
.Mah
t
old

met
ogett
hoseshoppi
ngbagIhi
dfr
om Si
hle.Shegav
eboy
sshoppi
ngbag.

Sma:
“MyJor
dansneaker
s!”Jumpi
ngupanddown.

Juj
u:“
Met
oo”
Si
hle:
“Yeey
!”

Sheisspoi
l
ingt
hem wayt
oomuch.Thei
rfat
herhassneaker
scol
l
ect
ionofJor
dansonowt
hey
are

f
oll
owi
ngi
nhi
sst
eps.

Me:
“Thanksmom”

Sheboughtt
hem expensi
vecl
othesandsneaker
sandIt
hankherf
ort
hatbutIst
il
lthi
nki
t’
stoo
much.

Me:
“Ki
dsIhav
etogonow”

Them:
“Al
ready
?”

Mom: “
YeahI
'
m goi
ngbackhome”shegotup.I
'
m sadt
hatshei
sli
vi
ngal
ready
.Webi
dher
f
arewel
l

whenweal
lwal
kherout
.Shehuggedust
hengoti
nhercarandki
dswer
esadt
hatshei
s
l
eavi
ngand

dr
iveout
.Wewentbackt
othehouse.

Ist
artedt
ocookandt
heyhel
pedmet
opr
epar
esupperandSi
hlewaspl
ayi
nggamesi
nmy
phone.

Thi
ski
dissomet
hingel
seheknowsmyphonet
hanme.

Sma:
“Hei
staki
ngav
ideo”

Si
hlel
aughs.

Juj
u:“
Chubbychubby
”

Si
hle:
“Uy
aphapha”

Me:
“Si
hlepl
easeputmyphonedownIwantust
otal
k”It
ookmyphonei
nhi
shandshewas
r
eal
l
y

t
aki
ngav
ideoIsav
edt
hev
ideoandputmyphonedown.Samkel
oispeel
i
ngpot
atoes.

Sma:
“Mom DadcanIpl
easeent
eri
ntheSpel
l
ingBeecompet
it
ion?
”I'
m amazed.

Me:
“Youl
i
ket
obeapar
tofi
t?”

Sma:
“Yesmom.Pl
ease”

Me:
“Ofcour
sey
oucandomyboy
.Yourf
atherandIwewi
l
lsuppor
tyouokay
?”
Hi
sfat
herhadasmi
l
eonhi
sface.Smawashappyt
hathei
sgoi
ngt
oent
er.

Me:
“Juj
uhowi
sswi
mmi
ng?
”

Juj
u:“
It
sgr
eatmom butchessi
sdi
ff
icul
tbutNt
wanasai
dhewi
l
lteachmechessbuthedi
dn'
t”

Me:
“Daddy
?”Il
ookedathi
m.

Hei
snothi
msel
flat
ely
.

Samkel
o:“
Sor
rynt
wanawe'
l
lst
artt
omor
rowokay
?”Henodded.

Me:
“Smahowi
sswi
mmi
ng?
”

Sma:
“It
’sokaymom butIl
i
keTenni
s”

Me:
“OkayIwi
l
ltal
kwi
thy
ourt
eacher
”

Idon'
tknowi
fhecanpl
ayTenni
sbutI
'
llseewhatIcando.

Si
hle:
“Il
i
ket
ospi
niGushesheMi
na”

Weal
ll
aughedout
.

Me:
“Youwi
l
lnotdot
hat
”

Sihl
ehast
hist
hugt
endenci
eshel
i
kesdanger
oust
hingl
i
kecl
i
mbi
ngi
nthi
ngsst
eal
smyphone
toplay

gamesandi
twor
ri
esmeandSamkel
olaughsati
tandsayhei
sjustaki
d.

Af
tercooki
ngweat
eandwentt
osl
eep.

WhenIwokeupat03:
15am hewasn'
ti
nbedIgotupandIwentt
othecheckhi
mint
hest
udy
went

totheboy
’sbedr
oom t
heywer
esl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ul.Iwentbackt
othebedr
oom t
ochecki
fhi
s
phone

wast
her
ebuti
twasn'
tther
e.It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edhi
m buti
trangt
wiceandst
rai
ghtt
o

voi
cemail
.ThekeyofJeepCher
okeei
snoti
nthekey
hol
derandhei
susi
ngi
ttheseday
ssoI
wentback

t
obedt
hinki
ngwher
ehewoul
dbeatt
hist
ime.Hel
eftmei
nbedandwentt
ooneofhi
shoes.

At06:30am t
heal
arm wentof
f.Ihav
en'
tcr
iedsi
nceIwokeup.Iwassadaboutwhati
s
happeningI
gotupandwentt
otheki
dsupandpr
epar
edt
hem f
orschool
.I’
m madebr
eakf
astf
ort
hem and
I
'm

get
ti
ngwor
ri
ednowabouthi
swher
eabout
sbuthi
sphonei
sst
il
lgoi
ngt
ovoi
cemai
l
.

Si
hle:
“Mom wher
eisNt
wana?
”

Me:
“Hewentear
lyt
oday
”

Si
hle:
“ButwhenIwasher
eIdi
dn'
tseehi
mleav
ing”Hei
sfi
nehencehei
saski
ngsomany
quest
ions.

Me:
“Whatar
eyouonaboutSi
hle?
”

Si
hle:
“WhenIwaseat
en.
..
.”

Hewaseat
ing.Eat
ingwhat
?

Me:
“Eat
ingwhat
?”

Si
hle:
“Iwaseat
ingi
cecr
eam”hecl
osedhi
smout
hwi
thhi
sli
tt
lehand.

Me:
“Youwer
est
eal
i
ngi
cecr
eam?
”

Si
hle:
"Uhm Mom st
eal
i
ngi
sabi
gwor
d.Iwaseat
ingi
cecr
eam”

Thischi
ldi
sanot
hert
hingIt
ell
youhei
sst
eal
i
ngi
cecr
eam andwhatamazemei
showdi
dhe
reachin

thefr
idgebutmay
behewasusi
ngachai
rorsomet
hingt
oreachi
nthef
ri
dgebecausei
ce
cream t
ub

wasi
nthemi
ddl
e.Thef
ri
dgei
sadoubl
edoorf
ri
dge.

Af
tereat
ingIpackedt
hei
rlunchboxesi
nthei
rschool
bags.TodayI
'
m wear
ingaski
nnyj
eanwi
th
whi
te

T-shi
rtandwhi
teal
l
-st
archuckl
etai
l
.Wewentt
othecaranddr
ovet
hem t
oschool
andwentt
o
the

cl
ubt
ochecki
nfewt
hingsandgot
othehomeaf
fai
rsIknewt
omaket
hem.

Passpor
tsnowbecauseIhav
eti
me.

Iwenttot
heof
fi
ceandZanecamet
ogr
eetmeandI
'
m pr
ofessi
onal
asusual
l
yIwon'
tbr
ingmy
fami
ly

mat
ter
stowor
k.Ical
l
edi
nforZababutIneedt
osmokef
ir
st.IdosmokewhenI
'
m st
ressedj
ust
t
o
rel
easest
ressandcal
m down.WhenIwentbackt
otheof
fi
ceIf
oundZabast
andi
ngi
nmy
off
iceand

agai
nmychairwasmov
ingasi
fhewasseat
ingoni
tofi
tmov
edwhenhewasl
ooki
ngf
or
somethi
ng.

Me:
“Ineedy
out
oupy
ourgamei
ncr
eat
ingnewcockt
ail
s”

Zaba:“Iwi
l
lBossl
ady
.It
houghtIl
ostmyj
ob”WhenIl
ooki
nhi
sey
eshedr
opst
hem It
hinki
ts
respect

orwhat
.

Me:
“NoIneedy
ouher
esopl
easemakesur
eaboutcr
eat
ingnewcockt
ail
.Thatwi
l
lbeal
l
”

Hetur
nsandgohecl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m.Il
ockedt
hedoorandsear
chf
orbugsbuti
didn'
t
f
ind

any
.Ther
e'si
ssomet
hinggoi
ngonwi
thhi
m andmyof
fi
ce.Idon'
twantt
obesuspi
ciousnowI
want

f
act
.It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edSpi
kes.

Spi
kes:
“Hei
ta”

Me:
“Hei
ta”

Spi
kes:
“Iwant
edt
ocal
lyouIneedt
ogethol
dofSK”

Me:
“Idon'
tknowwher
ehei
shewasgonewhenIwokeup”

Spi
kes:
“Ei
shokay
.Youneedmet
ofi
ndhi
m?”

Me:“Nop.Pl
easef
indSmi
soZi
qubuandIneedt
oknowaboutZabaZi
khal
i
”Iwasl
ooki
ngat
Zaba'
sCV.

Spi
kes:
“OkayI
'
llcomeby
”

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
ohomeaf
fai
rsnowaf
tert
hatI
'
m goi
ngt
omeetZee”

Spi
kes:
“Okay
.I'
l
lseey
oul
atert
han”

Me:
“Sur
e”Ihungup.

Itookmybagandphoneandcarkey
swhenIwast
alki
ngt
oZaneIf
eltsomeonepat
ti
ngmy
shoulder
.

Hi
m:“
Nompendul
o”
Me:
“Yes.
..
”whenIt
urnedt
olookathi
m.Idon'
tknowhi
m.

Hi
m:“
Ili
key
ouser
viceher
e”hegotsocl
oseandIshi
ft
ed.

Me:
“Thanksf
orcompl
i
ment
sIr
eal
l
yappr
eci
atei
t”If
akedasmi
l
e.

Hi
m:“
Canwegr
abf
ewdr
inkswi
thy
ou?
”hesmi
l
ed.

Idon'
tknowhi
m andhei
sinf
rontofmet
alki
ngandI
'
m sopi
ssedaboutt
hisl
ousyconv
ersat
ion.

Me:
“I'
m sor
ryt
odi
sappoi
ntbutI
'
mrushi
ngsomewher
e”

“
Ist
her
eapr
obl
em her
e?”t
hatwasTaKat
.

Zabadr
oppedt
hegl
assandhei
sbehi
ndt
hecount
er.Hi
sey
eswer
eal
lout
.

Kat
:“Sor
rybr
apl
easemov
efr
om her
”

Hi
m:“
Sor
rybr
aI'
m nott
alki
ngt
oyouI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
ohersopl
ease”

Zabawasst
andi
ngl
i
keast
atue.Katl
aughedandsuddenl
yhi
ssmi
l
edi
sappear
edsoqui
ck.

Kat:“
List
ent
omesocar
eful
l
ybecauseIwon'
trepeatmy
sel
ftoy
oudon'
tyouev
ert
alkt
omel
i
ke
that

becausenextt
imeI
'
llf
ucky
ouup”hesai
dwi
thacr
eepyv
oiceandi
flookscanki
l
lhewoul
dbe
dead

bynow.

Thi
sguyl
aughed.Jesus!

Hi
m:“
Isshey
ourwi
fe?I
fnotsopl
ease!
”

Katmov
edcl
osel
ytohi
m andnowt
heyar
elooki
ngateachot
herl
i
ket
hey
'r
eaboutt
ost
arta
fi
ght
.

Thi
sguymustbookabedi
nhospi
tal
becausemi
dni
ghthewi
l
lneedi
t!

Me:“¡
Nol
epar
esbol
a!(
Ignor
ehi
m!"
)”t
oKat
.Hei
sfumi
ngbuthel
ethi
m goandl
ucki
l
ythi
sguy
l
eft
.

Me:
“Gi
vemet
woScot
chwi
thnoi
ce”t
oZaba.

Hei
sst
il
lfr
ozen.

Me:
“Hey
!”Ibangedt
het
abl
e.

Wesi
tonbarst
ool
inf
rontofhi
m.
Zaba:
“Yes.Boss.Bossl
ady
”hest
utt
ered.Hei
ssweat
ing

Me:
“Gi
vemet
woScot
ch”

Hei
scl
umsysuddenl
y.

Katl
ookathi
m.

Kat
:“I
sitcomi
ngornot
?”heaskedZaba.

Thegl
asssl
i
pinhi
shands.

Zane:
“Comi
ngr
ightupBossl
ady
”

Hegav
eusandwegul
pedi
tthet
imehegav
eitt
ous.Zabast
ormsout
.

Kat
:“I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
oreachSamkel
obuthi
sphonei
sonv
oicemai
l
”

Me:
“Idon'
tknowwher
ehei
s”

Kat
:“Whendi
dyoul
astsawhi
m?”

Me:
“Lastni
ghtwhenIwokeupat03:
15am hewasn'
tther
eandIt
ri
edt
ocal
lhi
m butIdi
dn'
tget

hol
dofhi
m”

Kat
:“Tr
acehi
m now”

Igotupf
rom t
hechai
randwewentt
omyof
fi
ceandhesati
nthecouch.Af
ter10mi
nut
esf
ound
hi
s

l
ocat
ion.

Me:
“Hi
sphonel
ocat
ioni
sinUmhl
angaatEl
ementCaf
éBar
”

Kat
:“Hewassupposedt
ohandl
etheshi
pment
.Spi
rohandl
edev
ery
thi
ng”

Me:
“Idon'
tknowwhati
swr
ongwi
thhi
m andIwon'
tent
ert
ainhi
m”

Het
ookhi
sphoneandmakeacal
l
.

Kat:“
Hei
satEl
ementCaf
éBar
soi
nanhourIwanthi
minhi
shouse”hehungupaf
tersay
ing
that
.

Chapt
er40

Hest
oodupandwentt
othedoor
.
Kat
:“I
nanhourIneedy
out
oyourhouse”hel
eftaf
tersay
ingt
hosewor
ds.

There'
snoneedt
ogot
ohomeaf
fai
rsnowbecauseIwon'
tbedonei
nanhour
.Ical
l
edZeet
o
cancel

ourl
unchandshewasf
inewi
thi
t.IwenthomeKatandSpi
keswer
eal
readyt
her
e.

Me:
“It
'sl
ookl
i
kehei
snotcom.
..
”

OhthePr
incei
sher
e!Hegr
eet
edhi
sbr
othergotupandmadehi
swayt
ohi
m.Ahotsl
apl
anded
on

Samkel
o'
sface.Ourey
eswer
eal
lout
.Thet
hingaboutKati
sthaty
ouwon'
tseeev
enwhenhei
s
angr
y.

I
t’
sthef
ir
stt
imeIseet
his.
..
.

Si
l
ence.

Kat
:“Iwon'
tcal
lfory
ouandcomeaty
ourownt
imewheny
ouknowy
oumessedup.Don'
tmake
me

r
emi
ndy
ouwhoIam.Okay
?”hewasl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Samkel
o:“
HadeGr
oot
man”

Iwentt
otaket
her
efr
eshment
sint
heki
tchen.

Kat
:“ThanksNompe”Inodded.

Kat
:“Youwer
esupposedt
ohandl
etheshi
pmentbuty
ouwer
en'
tther
e.Why
?”

Samkel
o:“
HadeGr
oot
mani
twon'
thappenedagai
n”

Kat
:“Wat
erundert
hebr
idgebutr
epeatt
hatshi
tagai
nIwi
l
lfucky
ouup”

Samkel
olookdown.

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Spi
kesdoy
ouhav
eany
thi
ngf
orme?
”

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m so.
..
”hewasl
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
“Spi
kes”Ii
ndi
cat
edt
hathecant
alk.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
easecanwet
alk?Pl
easepl
ease”hei
spl
eadi
ng.

Me:
“Youwantt
otal
know?I
'
m aski
ngy
ouquest
ionsandy
ouanswerme”
Hei
squi
et.

Kat
:“Let
'sgi
vet
hem space”

Me:
“Pl
easedon'
t”Theyr
emai
nedi
nthei
rseat
s.

Me:
“Whoi
sshe?
”cal
mly
.

Samkel
o:“
Babet
her
e's.
..
.”

Me:“
Idon'
twantanyexpl
anat
ionSamkel
ojustanswerme”Hel
ooksdownonhi
sfeetandhi
s
j
aw

t
ight
ens.

Samkel
o:“
Buhl
e”hesai
daf
teral
ongt
ime.

Me:
“Forhowl
ong?
”Thi
scan'
tbehappeni
ngagai
n.

I
t’
sli
ket
her
e'sbot
hofusher
ebutwenotot
her
sar
equi
et.

Samkel
o:“
It
’sbeenaweekandcoupl
eofday
s”Hei
snotl
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
“Di
dyouusepr
otect
ion?
”Ihat
etoaskt
hisquest
ionbutIhadt
o.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIpr
omi
sey
ouIdi
dn'
tsl
eepwi
thher
”

Hesay
sit
'sbeenaweekseei
ngt
hathoe.
..
Aweek?Weekandcoupl
eofday
s?

Me:
“Wai
tit
’sbeenaweek?
”Thi
scan'
tbeacoi
nci
dence.

Henods.

Me:
“Spi
keswhatdoy
ouhav
eforme?
”Ineedt
oconf
ir
m mysuspi
cionsher
e.

Spi
kes:“If
oundSmi
sohei
sinUml
azi
andIknowhi
shouse.ZabaZi
khal
ii
saf
akenamehei
s
Vukani

Khumbuzahei
swor
kingf
orNy
athi
kazi
'
swi
fet
ospyony
ou”

Us:
“What
?”

Me:
“Fr
om t
hef
ir
stdayIsawhi
m hewas.
..
Icoul
dn'
treadhi
m.Sot
hisexpl
ainswhymychai
rwas

mov
ingwhenIf
oundhi
mtwi
cei
nmyof
fi
ce”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“TaKatdi
dyounot
icedear
lyoni
nthecl
ubwhenhesawy
ou?
”
Hegav
emeaf
rown.

Me:“Hedr
oppedt
hegl
asst
hatwasi
nhi
shandsandhef
rozeaf
tert
hathedr
oppedanot
her
gl
ass”

Kat
:“Isawt
hatbuti
t’
sjustt
hatIwasangr
y”

Me:“Ihav
eanewenemyi
ntownwhoistry
ingt
orui
nmymar
ri
age.Axeswi
l
lcomef
lyi
ng”Isay
get
ti
ngupt ot
akemyl
apt
opfr
om t
hestudy.

Tal
kingaboutenemiesIhear
dthatK.
Gi sov
erseasIt
hinkwewasr
unni
ngaf
terhesawt
hatTa
Katcanmakehi mtomeethisancest
ors.

Me: “
Samkel
oIneedtotr
acethi
sBuhl
e”I'
mf umingbutIneedtokeepmycool.Hegaveme
numberonl
ytofi
ndthatnumberi
saburnerphoneit
suntraceabl
e.Spi
rowentt
ofetchki
dsf
rom
school.

Kat
:“OhIalmostf
orgott
hebestsoni
sint
ownandMahwant
sust
ohav
edi
nnert
oni
ghtat
Umhlanga”

Wecallhi
mthe“
best
”sonbecauseMaNdl
ovual
way
spr
aisehi
m.Hei
ssuchasnobbutt
obe
honest

thefi
rstt
hreel
ookli
kesnobsbutwhenyougettoknowthem t
hey'
refi
ne.Myfri
endssay
Samkeloisnotf
ri
endlybutt
omehei ssosmil
ingandtal
ki
ngallmadnessIt
hinkit
spowerof
thepussy!

Kat:“
Ineedy
outokeepaney
eonev
erymov
eshemakesandNompepl
easef
indwhat
happenedwi
th

t
hisSmi
soguyandt
henwe'
l
lpl
anourwayf
orwar
d”

Ihear
dnoi
seappr
oachi
ngIknowmyboy
sar
eher
etoeatev
ery
thi
ngt
heyf
ind.

Si
hle:
“HaaahIki
ssedhert
oday
”

Spi
ro:
“HaahNt
wanashay
ala”

Gent
sher
eint
hel
oungebr
okei
ntol
aught
er.

Me:“Si
hlel
elweAvumi
leKhumal
ocomeher
enow! ”Iscr
eamed.A4-y
ear-
oldtalki
ngabout
ki
ssi
ngagi r
l.Thi
ski
d!Hecametost
andi
nfrontofmeinthecouchIwassit
tingon.Katwasi
n
st
it
ches.

Me:
“Youar
eki
ssi
nggi
rl
snow?
”Ican'
tbel
i
eveI
'
m hav
ingt
hisconv
ersat
ionwi
thhi
m.

Si
hle:
“Nt
wanaki
ssy
ounj
e”
Kodwakumel
engi
yenzeni
?

Me:
“Yourdadi
swayol
dert
hany
ouandwear
emar
ri
edsowear
eal
l
owedt
oki
sseachot
her
”

Si
hle:
“Ihav
etomar
ryhert
hen”hef
rowned.

Theyal
lbr
okei
ntol
aught
er.

Me:
“Don'
tyouev
erki
ssheragai
nokay
?”

Si
hle:
“Nt
wanawi
l
lst
opki
ssi
ngy
ou?
”hegav
emeasmi
l
e-f
rown.

Me:
“Samkel
opl
easet
alkt
ohi
m”

Spi
kes:
“Nompey
ouhav
eanot
hersonher
e”af
tercat
chi
nghi
sbr
eat
hfr
om l
aughi
ng.

Spi
ro:
“Ei
hewast
ell
i
ngmeaboutt
hisgi
rlf
rom hi
sschool
all
thewayher
e”

Kat
:“Isawt
hev
ideoofy
ourguy
sint
hecarsi
ngi
ngLal
i
gaf
rom Nomxo”

Spi
kes:
“Isawi
ttooandi
tni
ceImustsay
”

Kat
:“Let
'smakeachal
l
enget
hen”

Samkel
o:“
Agai
nstourf
ami
l
ies?
”

Kat
:“Yeahj
ustf
orf
unmay
benextweekSat
urday
”

Me:
“Br
ingi
ton!
”Icl
appedone.

Af
terawhi
l
etheyl
eftandIt
oldboy
saboutt
hedi
nneratt
hei
rGr
anny
'shousei
nUmhl
angat
hey
were

happyandt
heyhav
epackedt
hei
rcl
othesbecauset
her
ear
espendi
ngweekendt
her
eandi
tcool

becausewegoi
ngt
oJo'
bur
gonSat
urdaysoi
twor
kingf
orus.At18:
00pm wel
eftf
orUmhl
anga.
My

headandshoul
der
scov
erasusual
whenI
'
m her
e.I
'
m wear
ingacr
eam

Blouseandnav
yfl
oral
ski
rtwi
thBur
ber
rywedgepumps.Samkel
owaswear
ingJeanandwhi
te
shir
t

andbl
ackal
l
-st
arChuckt
ail
.Wear
enotonspeaki
ngt
ermsbutwemustspeakt
oeachbecause
ofhi
s

par
ent
snotaski
ngt
oomanyquest
ions.

Juj
utouchedt
hebuzzeri
nthedoor
.
Mt
hokozi
sicamet
oopenf
orus.

Mt
hoko:
“Goodev
eni
ng”

Si
hle:
“Whoar
eyou?
”Wecamei
n.

Mt
hokosmi
l
es.

Mt
hoko:
“I'
myouruncl
e”hesmi
l
ed.

Si
hle:
“Youar
emyuncl
e?WhyIdon'
tknowy
ou?
”

Me:
“Si
hledon'
tber
udet
oyourel
der
s”

Wemadeourwayt
othel
oungeandt
heywentt
oputt
heyschool
bagsandt
hei
rbagsi
nthei
r
r
ooms.

Me:
“Sawubonababa”Igr
eet
edwhenweent
eri
nthel
ounge.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Howar
eyoumnt
anani
?”

Me:“Ngi
yaphi
l
ababangi
ngezwakubaba”Ibowedmyheadt
oshowr
espect
.Thi
sol
dmanst
il
l
has

st
ylej
ustl
i
kehi
ssonsl
ooki
ngatwhathei
swear
ing.Hi
ssonsal
sogothi
sdeepv
oice.

MaNdl
ovucameandIgr
eet
edhert
oo.
..

Juj
uSma&Si
hle:
“Mkhul
u!!
”scr
eamed.Theyr
ant
ohi
m andhuggedhi
m att
hesamet
ime.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Haahboy
showar
eyou?
”

Juj
uSma&Si
hle:
“I'
m goodmkhul
u”

Katcameinwi
thNomxoandUy
i(Uy
izwi
l
e)andhewashappyt
oseehi
scousi
nbuthappi
ert
o
seeSihl
e

hi
spart
neri
ncr
imeeat
ingev
ery
thi
ngt
heyf
indandcl
i
mbi
ngi
nev
ery
thi
ngt
heyf
ind.Thel
ast
ti
methey

wer
eher
etheypai
ntedawhi
tecar
peti
nthel
oungewi
thr
edpai
ntandci
hadt
oapol
ogi
sef
or
t
hat
.

Si
hle:
“You'
reugl
yli
keMaKhumal
o”t
oMt
hoko.Theyal
ll
aughed.

Me:
“Si
hlel
elweI
'
llbeaty
ourassnow”Idon'
tl
ikehi
sbehav
iour
.

Samkel
o:“
Lethi
m dot
hatt
ohi
m.Theydon'
tknowhi
m.Hei
sli
keast
rangert
othem”
Kat
:“Hedeser
vesi
t”

Si
hle:
“Ify
ouar
emyuncl
ewher
eismygi
ftt
hen?
”

Hawukodwal
engane!Hechuckl
ed

Mt
hoko:
“Idi
dn'
tknowy
ou”

Si
hle:
“OkayIwantXboxf
ornow”

Sma:
“Tenni
ski
t”

Juj
u:“
Mhm l
etmet
hink.
..
Uhm aLapt
oport
akemet
osnakepar
k”

Uy
i:“
Lot
sofcandyandsoccerboot
sIsawi
nthemal
l
”

Mnt
ungwawasl
aughi
ngandKatj
oinedi
n.Theseki
dsar
esomet
hingel
se!

Amahl
e:“
Iwantl
i
pst
ickandhi
ghheel
s”

Ohl
ord!Thedi
vai
sher
eTheepr
incess!Mt
hokowasl
aughi
ngandIt
houghthewi
l
lbeangr
ybut
hei
s

not
.Lwandi
l
eandRachel
cameaf
tert
hedi
vaoft
hishouse.Weal
lmov
edt
othedi
ningar
ea.

Si
hle:
“Mkhul
uyoudi
dn'
ttel
lmet
haty
ouhav
eaki
dandIhopehei
snotsl
eepi
ngi
nmyr
oom”

KatSamkel
oandLwandi
l
eenj
oyedt
hisandIwasn'
t.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Ihav
egi
ft
sfory
ouboy
s”

Hewassupposedt
osayt
hisaf
tereat
ingsot
heywon'
teatl
ooki
ngatwhathei
saboutt
ogi
ve
t
hem.

Hegav
eeachoft
hem agi
ftbag.

Juj
u:“
Yeey
!”

I
tablackl
eat
herj
acketwi
thhi
snameont
hebackandt
heot
her
sdi
dthatdoi
tswasl
eat
her
j
acket

t
oowi
tht
hei
rnamesont
hem.Theywentt
ohi
m andf
istbumbhi
m.Theyt
hankandIal
sodi
d.

Uy
i:“
Youseewhatuncl
esdot
hei
rShanas”Hi
sdadl
aughed.

Thef
oodcameandweat
elucki
l
yMaNdl
ovuhasmai
dsher
esoIwi
l
lnotdot
hedi
shes.

Juj
u:“
Mkhul
uther
e'sasnakeher
e”

Mt
hoko:
“What
??”Mt
hokowasst
andi
ngi
nthechai
rhewassi
tt
ingat
.Hi
sey
eswer
eal
lout
.
Mnt
ungwa:
“Goandt
akei
tmyboy
”Juj
ugotupandhewentt
owar
dthebi
gmi
rr
orandhemov
ed
i
t

andt
aket
hesnake.I
tagr
eensnakewi
thbl
ackspot
soni
tsback.

Mntungwat
oldust
hatsnakewon'thar
m Jujuhehasaspecialconnect
ionwi
ththem eventhe
Sangomaconf
ir
medthatbutst
il
lIcan'
tacceptt
hatbecausesnakeisasnakeandhei sjusta
chi
ldand

I
'm concer
nasamother
.WhenIwantedtogotoconsul
tIsangomamyparent
stol
dmet hat
ther
e'snoneedf
ort
hatbecauseMnt
ungwaalr
eadywentthereandper
for
medalit
tl
eri
tualf
ori
t
andIended

upnotgoi
ngt
oIsangoma.

Hecametositbr
ushi
ngit
shead.SmaUyiandSihleusedtocrywhent
heysawhi
m wi
th
car
ryi
ngasnakebutt
heydon'
tcrynowbutIseefeari
ntheirey
es.

Mnt
ungwa&Juj
u:“
Mzi
l
ikazi
kaMashobane”Wear
elooki
ngatt
hem now.

Juj
u:“Letmefreehi
m mkhul
u”hegotupexi
tthehouset
hroughasl
i
dingdoorandhecame
backaloneIt
hinkhel
eti
tgo.

Uy
i:“
Whyar
eyoust
andi
ngi
nthechai
r?”

Mt
hokogotdownt
othechai
randt
akeasi
tisbr
eat
hingf
ast
.

Mntungwa:
“Ify
oual
way
sher
eyouwoul
d'
veknownt
hatJuj
uhasaspeci
alconnect
ionwi
th
snakes

l
i
keMzi
l
ikazi
andwear
eget
ti
ngusedt
oitbecausei
twon'
thar
m hi
m”hewasl
ooki
ngatMt
hoko.

Si
l
ence.

Si
hle:
“Mkhul
uIhopehei
snotsl
eepi
ngi
nmybedr
oom because.
..
”her
aisedhi
shand.

Mt
hoko:
“Because?
”

Si
hle:
“Kuz
osi
mbakal
a”hewasmaki
ngsi
l
lyf
rownonhi
sfacet
oMt
hoko.

Si
l
ence.

Weall
crackedoutl
aughi
ngevenMt hokowasl
aughi
ngatwhatSi
hlej
ustsai
dtohi
m.Iwonder
whyheint
imidat
edbyMthokobecauseheiswaytoool
dtohi
m.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Hewon'
tsl
eepi
nyourr
oom myboy
”Mnt
ungwasayaf
terl
aughi
ngsohar
d.

Me:
“Si
hler
especty
ouruncl
edon'
tber
ude”
Si
hle:
“Orwhat
?”Jehov
aungi
shi
yel
ani
na?
?

Me:
“Kuzosi
mbakal
a”Theyl
aughed.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Samkel
oI'
m gl
ady
ougoty
oury
oungerv
ersi
oni
nSi
hle”

Mntungwat
oldust
hatwhenSamkel
owasgr
owi
ngupandwewer
elaughi
ngandI
'
m not
sur
pri
sed

thatSihl
ejustt
urnedoutl
i
kehi
sfat
her
.At22:
00pm wel
eftaf
tert
ucki
ngt
hem i
nthei
rbedsand
kissed

t
hem goodni
ght
.Wewentt
oourhouse.

Iwentt
otakeof
fmycl
othesandIwasl
eftwi
thpant
yandbr
aIwentt
otakemyci
gar
ett
esi
nmy

drawerandwentt
othebal
conyandIst
art
edt
osmoke.I
thel
psmet
ocal
m downandt
hink
thi
ngs

t
hrough.

Samkel
o:“
CanIj
oiny
ou?
”

Ididn'
ttal
kbutIr
aisedmyhandf
orhi
mtost
opt
alki
ngandhemustnotj
oinme.Ihear
dhi
s
footst
eps

f
adi
ngaway
.Goodboy
.IwentbackwhenIwasdone.

Me:
“Ihopeourbi
kesar
ereadyf
ort
omor
row”whenIseehi
m si
tt
ingont
hebed.

Samkel
o:“
Theyar
ereadyandt
heyar
eatCopper
leafaswespeak”

Me:
“Thanks”Iwentt
othebat
hroom t
otakeashower
.

Hei
sher
eIf
eel
hispr
esence.Icont
inuet
ofi
l
lmybodywi
thaf
oam ofasoapi
nsi
l
ence.

Samkel
o:“
Pleaseshootmeorki
l
lmei
fitwi
l
lhel
pyout
otakeawayy
ourangert
owar
dsme”

Icont
inuewi
thwhatI
'
m doi
ngbutmyhandsar
eshaki
ngoutofanger
.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIknowsomet
imesIbehav
iourl
i
keaj
erkbutIl
oveonl
yyouandI
'
m sor
ryf
or
l
eavi
ng

y
oui
nbedi
ntheewehour
sforsomebi
tch”

Hei
sst
andingbehi
ndsocl
osetome.Ibentt
owashmyf
eetmyasswasonhi
smanhood.I
t
ookmyti
met owashmyfeet
's.

Hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
.
Me:
“Pl
easemov
e”Iwasst
il
lbendi
ng.

Heopenst
heshowert
apwat
erf
all
onme.

Me:
“Yi
ni?You'
redi
stur
bingme”outofanger
.Hekeptqui
et.Het
urnedmet
ofacehi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
tl
iket
oseey
ouangr
y”

Me:“Youdon'
twantt
oseemeangry
?Reall
y?Youl
eftmeat03:
15i
nthemorni
ngtogotoone
ofy
ourhoessoyoutel
lmeyoudon'
twantt
oseemeangry.Ar
eyoubei
ngr
ealnow?”Ishout
ed.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
ryf
ordoi
ngt
hatt
oyou.
..
”

Me:
“Yousor
ry?Sor
ryf
orwhatexact
ly?Whati
fitwasapl
ant
ogety
ououtoft
hehousef
or
t
hem t
o

ki
l
lmeandt
heki
dsi
noursl
eep?
”Myey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
s.

Hedoesn’
thav
eananswer
!

Me:“Youpromi
sedtotakecar
eofmeandofcourseourchi
ldr
enbutwhenyouhaveabit
chyou
t
endt ofor
getusandImusttakey
ourr
esponsi
bil
i
tytoprot
ectmysel
fandmykidswhi
leIhave
ahusband

af
atherofmychi
l
dren”myv
oicewasbr
eaki
ng.Tear
scameuncont
rol
l
abl
e.

Hehuggedmesot
ight
lyandIdi
dn'
tfi
ghthi
m.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sosor
ry.
..
”

Me:“Doy
ouknowhowwor
ri
edIwasnotknowi
ngwher
eyouar
ear
esaf
eorwhat
”Ibr
okedown
and

webot
hsatdown.

Heopenedt
hewar
m wat
eronus.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sor
ryt
owor
ryi
t'
l
lwi
l
lnev
erhappenbabe”

Myheadi
sinhi
schestandhi
sheadov
ermi
neandhewasr
ocki
ngmet
ocal
m down.

Me:“
Itol
dyout
ospeakt
omenomat
terhowbadt
hatt
hingi
sbuty
oudon'
tyoudeci
deon
t
aki
ng

deci
sionswi
thoutt
hinki
ngaboutusandoursaf
ety
”I'
m cal
m now.

Heclosedt
heshowert
apandwentoutoft
heshowerandIst
oodup.Hecameandpi
ckedme
upand
pl
acedmet
othebedt
her
ewasabi
gtowel
hedr
iedbot
hofus.Hesi
tsnextt
omeandhei
s
qui
etI

knowhi
mther
eissomet
hingbot
her
inghi
m.

Me:
“Ist
her
esomet
hingy
ouneedt
otel
lme?
”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon'
tbemad”hewasl
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
“Sayi
t”

Samkel
o:“
Ibought
.her
..
.anapar
tment
..
.”hewasst
il
ll
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
“Youdi
dwhat
?Wi
thourmoney
?Ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousnow?
”If
eltl
i
keI
'
mlosi
ngmymi
nd.

Ist
ret
chmyhandt
ogetmygunIneedt
oteachhi
m al
essonIcan'
thav
eki
dst
henhav
eabi
gki
d
l
ike

hi
m.If
oundandt
henIcor
kedi
t.
..

Samkel
o:“
Itookt
hebul
l
etsout
”hesai
dcal
mly
.

Me:
“Because?Samkel
o!”

Samkel
o:“
Ican'
tdi
enowandl
eav
emyki
ds”

Iroughl
yscrat
chmyheadandIwassoangr
yathi
mthatheusedourmoneyt
obuyhi
sbi
tchan
apartment
.Apart
ment
!?

Samkel
o:“
Pleasel
etmeexpl
ain”het
ri
edt
otouchmyhands.

Me:
“Don'
ttouchme.Expl
ain!
”Ishout
ed.

Samkelo:“Iboughti
tforherbuti
t'
sonmyname.Igav
eherf
akepaper
ssay
ingt
hati
tbel
ongst
o
herbutit
’sdon't
”

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osayonhim.It
ri
edtosl
eepbutIkeptt
ossi
ngandtur
ningal
lni
ght
.Inthe
morni
ngIwokeupandhewasn'
tonbedIwentt
othebathr
oom tomakemydail
yrout
ineand
mademyway

t
otheki
tchenIf
oundhi
m wear
ingapr
onmaki
ngbr
eakf
ast
.

Samkel
o:“
Mor
ningmyl
ove.Imadey
oubr
eakf
ast
”hesmi
l
ed.

Me:
“Mor
ning”Isatont
hehi
ghchai
r.

Hefini
shedandweat
einsi
l
ence.Wepr
epar
edour
sel
vesf
orourt
ri
pandweusepr
ivat
ejet
.I
cal
l
ed
Zanet
ocheckhowar
ethet
hingst
her
eandhesai
dev
ery
thi
ngIundercont
rol
.Thepl
ani
sto
make

my
sel
fscar
cei
nthecl
ubf
orZabat
omakehi
snextmov
e.

At07:
45am wewer
ereadyt
ogoandKatandNomxopi
ckedusupandwef
lewt
oJobur
g.Ineed
to

seemyf
ri
endsandThabi
isi
nJobur
gshecamewi
thAndi
l
eyest
erday
.Ical
l
edherandshesai
d
they

ar
eatNont
u'shouse.

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
oseemysi
sterandf
ri
ends”

Samkel
o:“
Okaybabecanwepl
easet
alkf
ir
st?
”hel
ookedatme.

Wewentt ot
hemast
erbedr
oom.Wear
eusi
ngourhousei
nPr
etor
iaCent
uri
onCopper
leaf
Est
ate.I

l
ovet
hishousebuti
tsgl
assyandhav
ingt
roubl
esomeboy
sit
sri
sky
.

Hecl
osedt
hedoorandgr
abmebymywai
standwear
ebr
eat
hingt
hesameai
rnow.

Me:
“Yousai
dyou.
..
”

Hesmashedhi
sli
psagai
nstmi
neandt
heki
ssi
sdeep.Ourcl
othescamef
lyi
ngacr
osst
her
oom
he

pi
ckedmeupandmyl
egswer
ewr
appedar
oundhi
swai
st.Iwant
edhi
m sobadi
nsi
det
heki
ss
was

t
enseandl
i
ttl
ebi
troughhet
hrewmei
nthebedandgott
opofmeandt
her
esthi
stor
y.

Samkel
o:“
Thatwassooutoft
hiswor
ld”hel
aidnextt
ome.

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:“Ineedt
otakeashower
”Iwast
ryi
ngt
ogetupandhewr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundmeso
t
ight
ly.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyou”heki
ssedt
het
opofmyhead.

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
ooev
ent
houghsomet
imesy
oudr
ivemecr
azyl
i
key
ouki
ds”Ismi
l
ed.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
ry”hehaspuppyey
esandhei
scut
e.

Me:
“Whoar
ewechoppi
ngt
oday
?”Hel
aughs.
Samkel
o:“
Whodoy
ouwantust
ochop?
”

Me:
“Yoursi
dechi
ck”

Samkel
o:“
We'
l
lchopherwhenwegobackt
oDur
ban”Webot
hlaughedout
!

Iwentt
ot hebat
hroom t
ookaquickshower.It
ookmaroonbandageshor
tdresswi
thcream
hi
ghheelsandLouisVui
ttonbag.Ihadaweaveon.WhenIwasabouttoexi
tmybedroom my
phoner
ang.

Nokwe:
“Fr
iendwher
ear
eyou?
”

Me:
“I'
mleav
ingmyhousenow”

Nokwe:
“Okay
.Pl
easecomeal
onet
oNont
u'shouse”Whyshesay
sImustcomeal
one?Ar
ethey
bei
ng

hel
dhost
age?

Me:
“Okay
..
..
..I
'
m comi
ng”Myt
hought
swer
erunni
ngi
nmyhead.

Iwentt
otakef
ivef
ull
loadedgunsonmycl
osetandIwentt
othel
ounge.TKandSakhi
areher
e

pl
ayi
nggames.

Me:
“By
ebabe”Ipeckedhi
sli
ps.Iwentt
omycarst
art
edt
heengi
neandIdr
oveof
f.

Idrov
etoNont
u'shousewhenIgott
her
eIr
emai
nedi
nthecarandcor
kedmygunsi
ncase
thi
ngs

don'
tgowel
li
nsi
det
hisbi
gandbeaut
if
ulhouse.Ist
eppedoutoft
hecarandmademywayt
o
the

doorandIpr
essedt
hebuzzer
.Nont
ucamet
oopenf
orme.

Nont
u:“
Mtase”shehuggedmesot
ight
ly.

Me:
“Hey
”

Wemadeourwayt
othel
oungeandIf
oundThabi
andNokwedr
inki
ngwi
ne.

Me:
“Youbi
tch!
”Ishout
edandsatont
hecouch.

Nokwe:
“We'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
ouwhi
l
eyouwer
ebusyf
ucki
ngy
ouman”

Me:
“NxaasukaI
'
m her
enow.Ar
en'
tI?
”

Nokwe:
“Whatar
eyoudoi
ngont
hissi
def
ri
end?
”
Me:
“Todof
ewt
hingsbabe”Nont
ugav
emeagl
assandIpour
edf
ormy
sel
f.

Me:
“Speakupwhyy
ousai
dImustcomeal
one?
”

"
Ineedy
out
odomeahugef
avour
"-
Nokwe

"
Okay
..
."
-I
'm notsur
eaboutt
his.
..
.

Nokwe:
"Ineedy
out
ohacki
nSakhi
'
sper
sonal
account
"

Myey
eswer
eal
lout
!

Me:
"Why
?"

Nokwe:
"Becausey
oust
udi
edI
Tfr
iend"
-shesay
.

Me:
"Nont
uwhyy
ourIcan'
taccessWi
Fiher
e?"

Nontu:"
Wechangedt
hepi
n.Passy
ourphonesoIcanpuncht
hepasswor
d"-
shesayt
aki
ngmy
phone.Igot

upfrom t
hecouchandIwenttot
hebathr
oom.WhenIcamebackf
rom thebat
hroom Ihear
d
foot
stepsandIf
oundthem t
hewaytheywer
ewhenIwentt
othebathr
oom.

Nont
u:"
Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
nenow"shehandsmyphonebackt
ome.Sheor
der
edf
ood.

Nont
u:“
SoIhear
dfoot
stepsandIf
oundt
hem t
hewayt
heywer
ewhenIwentt
othebat
hroom.

Nont
u:"
Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
nenow"shehandsmyphonebackt
ome.Sheor
der
edf
ood.

Nont
u:“
SoIspoket
omom t
otakeMi
l
iwi
thheronherv
acat
ion”

Me:
“Ei
shIf
orgotaboutMi
l
ibutI
'
m gl
adt
hatshei
sgoi
ngwi
tht
hem”

Thabi
:“Weneedt
opl
anahol
i
dayascoupl
essi
ncet
heki
dswi
l
lbeawayf
or3weeks”

Nokwe:
“That
'st
rueact
ual
l
yIst
artt
opl
ani
tri
ghtaway
”

Me:
“I'
l
lhav
etobuysomanymor
ningsaf
terpi
l
ls”

Weal
ll
aughedout
.

Nont
u:“
Wher
eisZee?
”

Nont
u:“
Shei
sn'
tcomi
ng”

Thabi
:“MaNgemai
sal
soj
oini
ngt
hem”

Thabi
:“MaNdl
ovut
oo”
Af
tereat
ingIhel
pherf
ordi
shesat19:
00am Il
eft
.InmyhouseIf
oundt
heguy
seat
ing.

TK:
“Howi
smywi
fe?
”

Me:“Sheisf
ine.Letmecal
lher
”It
ookmyphoneanddi
all
edhernumberandputaphoneon
l
oudspeaker
.

Nont
u:“
Mtakamah”

Me: “
Heymt aseI
'
m athomenow”Ther
ear
esomet
hingst
hatsoundsofahi
ccupasI
'
m
speakingt
oher.

Nont
u:“
I'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
”Ihearv
oicesi
nthebackgr
ound.

Me:
“Hav
eagoodni
ghtkemt
ase”shesai
dthesamet
omeandhungup.

Whymyphonehashi
ccups?Ori
twasl
oudspeaker
?Idon'
tknow.

Myphoner
ang.

Me:
“Nomxo”

Nomxo:
“Ij
ustwant
edt
ocheckupony
ouandaskt
hatwi
l
lyouputony
ourweav
e?”

Me:
“Si
bangenango24i
ncht
odaysweet
hear
t”Il
aughed.Wespokef
orawhi
l
ethenhungup.

Me:
“BabeIt
hinkIneedanot
herphonet
hisonei
sst
art
ingt
ogi
vemepr
obl
ems”

Samkel
o:“
Haahbabei
tcan'
tbeIboughtt
hatphonet
womont
hsagoandnowi
tisgi
vi
ngy
ou

pr
obl
ems.May
beSi
hledunkedi
tinwat
ernj
e”hi
sfacewasser
ious.Thokozani
laughedathi
m.

Thatchi
l
d!

Me:“
Butbabei
twasf
inewhenwegother
e.I
nfacti
tst
art
edt
hist
hingnow”MySi
hledi
dn'
tdoi
t.
He

gav
emeaconf
usedl
ookandThokoz
ani
too.

Sakhi
:“HaahGazi
justbuyanot
herphone”

Samkel
o:“
Haaah!
”

Cl
ear
lyi
twasn'
tSi
hlesowhati
sbecausei
twasboughtl
astt
womont
hssoi
tcan'
tbegi
vi
ngme

pr
obl
ems.
..
Or.
..

Thokozani
wasqui
et.

Me:
“Doy
out
hinkwhatI
'
mthi
nki
ngr
ightnow?
”Samkel
oandSakhi
lookedateachot
her
.
TK:
“Idon'
tknowbutI
'
m suspi
cious”hei
sthi
nki
nghar
d.

Iwentandt
ookmyl
apt
op.

Samkel
o:“
Sweet
hear
tThabi
cal
l
edy
ouandIt
oldhert
haty
ou'
l
lcal
lherback.Yourspeakerhasa

pr
obl
em r
eal
l
y”

Me:
“It
hinkt
her
e'sabugpl
ant
edi
nmyphonei
tcan'
tj
ustgi
vemepr
obl
emswi
thi
nasecond”

Thokozani
wasawf
ull
yqui
et.

TK:
“TheWi
Fipasswor
dwaschangedl
astweekandshebeengoi
ngoutt
omeetwi
thNokwe”

Me:“Thesamepasswor
dpunchbyy
ourwi
fei
nmyphoneandaf
tert
hatIst
art
edt
oexper
ience
t
his

uncomf
ort
abl
esoundi
nmyphone'
sspeaker
?”

Samkel
o:“
Wai
tsoy
out
hinkNont
upl
ant
edabugi
nyourphonebecauseshewant
edt
oknow
who

y
ou'
ret
alki
ngt
oandwhaty
ouar
esay
ing?
”

TK:
“Shecan'
tbedoi
ngt
hisal
one.Shehast
heI
Tguyorl
adywhoi
swor
kingf
orher
”

Me:
“Shei
snotal
onei
nthi
s.WhenIwasaboutt
oleav
etomeett
hem Nokwecal
l
edandt
oldme
t
hat

Imustcomeal
oneandt
her
e'swasnot
hingsuspi
cioust
her
eandIbr
ushedi
tof
f.Nokweasked
meto

hacki
ntoherhusbandaccount
sbutIr
efused”

Sakhi
:“They
'r
eupt
osomet
hingandi
tisser
ious.She'
sbeenact
ingwei
rdt
hisday
s’”

Iopenedmyl
apt
opIwant
edt
ocheckandev
ery
thi
ngwasf
ineandIf
oundt
hebugi
nmyphone.

Spi
keswasnot
icedwi
tht
hat
.It
ookt
hatbugof
fmyphoneandIdi
dn'
taskt
hem abouti
t.At
21:
49pm

weal
lwentwi
thourbi
keswhenwegott
her
ewef
indot
her
spl
ayi
ng.

Me:
“It
hinkI
'
mreadyt
otwer
kformyhusbandnow”Theguy
slaughed.

Kat
:“It
hinkt
hatwi
l
lhappenbecauseot
hergangswi
l
lbeher
e”

Us:
“What
?”Hel
aughedsohar
d.
Kat
:“Youcoul
d'
veseeny
ouf
aceguy
s”

Sakhi
:“HaaahTa”

Machet
e:“
Aft
ert
hisI
'
llor
gani
sef
ewpussi
esf
oral
lguy
sher
e”

Me:“I'
m sur
eyoucov
ered”Al
lguy
slaughedoutl
oud.Nev
ert
rustamanwheni
t'
scomet
osi
l
ly
t
hings.

Nor
ingcanhol
dhi
m backorl
oveorni
cef
oodorsexhewi
l
lst
il
ldo.

At22:
00pm t
her
acest
art
edt
hel
adyv
sladyguyv
sguyl
adyv
sguycoupl
evscoupl
e.Igott
he
1st

pl
acedonladyv
sguyandSamkel
ogott
hef
ir
st-
placeguyv
sguyoncoupl
eswegott
he2nd
pl
ace.Kat

andNomxogott
hef
ir
stpl
ace.Af
tert
her
acesweat
eandhadf
ewdr
inkst
henwewentback
home.I

wentt
otakeashowerqui
ckl
yIl
ockedt
hedoorIdi
dn'
twanthi
mtoj
oinmehewi
l
lrui
nmypl
ans
when

Igotouthef
rownedandIdi
dn'
tpayat
tent
iont
othat
.Iwor
emysi
l
kgownandhewenti
nthe
shower

andIqui
ckl
ytookmybl
acksexyl
acepat
chwor
kbr
aandmat
chi
ngunder
wearandIexi
tedour
room.

Iwentt
otakehi
swhi
skeymywi
neci
gar
siceandgl
asses.Iwentt
oputi
nloungewher
ewe'
l
l
have

ourdat
e.Ihear
dhi
sfoot
stepscomi
ngt
owar
dst
hel
oungeIst
oodup.

Hi
m:“
Mam'
Khumal
owhatar
eyouupt
oher
e?”hesmi
rked.Hewaswear
ingawhi
teboxer
.

Me:
“Pl
easecomet
othi
ssi
de”Ist
ret
chedmyhandf
orhi
mtocome.

Me:
“Iwantust
ogetwast
edher
etoni
ght
!”

Hi
m:“
Whi
l
eyou'
rewear
ingl
i
ket
his?Thatwi
l
lbet
ort
urebabe”hel
ookedatme.

Me:“MrKhumal
opl
easehol
dyourhor
ses.We'
l
ldr
inkt
oget
herI
'
llt
wer
kfory
ouany
thi
ngcan
happen

butIwantust
obewast
edj
ustt
woofus”

Hi
m:“
I'
m gamebabe!
”hepour
edwhi
skeyf
orbot
hofus.Af
tert
hathewentt
otheki
tchenIt
hink
he

camebackwi
thshoot
ersandl
emons.

Me:
“NcooahIf
orgoti
tbabe”

Hi
m:“
That
'swhyy
ouhav
eal
ovi
nghusband”hesmi
l
ed.Wedr
ankshoot
ersl
i
tmyci
gar
ett
eswe

smoked.WhenIwast
ipsyIconnect
edmyphonet
othesy
stem andpl
ayed.Si
mpl
ethi
ngsby
Miguel

Fut
ureandChr
isBr
own.Thev
olumewasl
owIwant
edt
ohearhi
mlaughi
ngandhi
ssexydi
rt
y

comment
s.

Hi
m: “
Mhm babeI
'
m hav
efun!
”Ismi
l
edandmademywayt
ohi
m.Wet
ookwashdownwhi
ch
was

Dent
yne.Hewassi
tt
ingont
hecouchImademywayonhi
m Ist
oodi
nfr
ontofhi
m andst
art
ed
to

movemyassi
nfr
ontofhi
sface.Hegi
ggl
ed.WhenIt
urnedt
olookathi
m hewassi
ppi
nghi
s
dr
ink.I

wentt
ochanget
hesongandIputWeFoundLov
ebyRi
hannaf
tCal
vi
nHar
ri
s.Iwentbackon
t
he

posi
ti
onIwasi
nst
art
edt
wer
kingi
nfr
ontofhi
m af
terhegent
lygr
abbedmehemademet
osi
t
onhis

l
apsmyassonhi
smanhoodandhesatback.Imov
edmyasst
other
hyt
hm oft
hesongandi
t
made

hi
sshaf
ttohar
denpoki
ngmyass.

Hi
m:“
Ungenzani
kodwa(
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
ome)
?”hewhi
sper
edonmyear
s.Hi
svoi
cet
urned
me

onev
enmor
e.

Igi
ggl
ed.It
urnedt
olookathi
m andIki
ssedhi
m.Hi
sbr
eat
hmi
xedwi
thwhi
skeyt
urnsmeon.

Me:
“I'
myour
sal
lofme”

Hi
m:“
I'
myour
stoo”It
ookhi
sgl
assi
nhi
shandandputt
hem i
nthecof
feet
abl
e.Iwentbackt
o
hi
s

mout
handIki
ssedhi
mfordearl
i
feaf
tert
hatwet
ookof
fourunder
wear
sandwehadagr
eat
sessi
on

andwepassedouti
nthecouch.

Iwaswokenbyaki
ss.

Hi
m: “You'
reawake”Myheadwaski
l
li
ngme.Hegav
emewat
erandsomesmoot
hieandi
t
t
astedso

bad.Iwasi
nourbedr
oom Iwentt
othebat
hroom t
owashmyt
eet
handr
insedi
twi
thmout
h
wash.

WhenIwasdonehecamei
nandwebot
htookashowerwehadast
eamysexi
ntheshower
andwe

f
ini
shedt
obat
handwewantbackt
othebedr
oom wehadanot
hercount
lessr
oundi
nourr
oom.

Iwaswokenbyasoundofl
aughi
ngv
oicesIt
ookmyphonet
ocheckt
het
imei
twas10:
01am I
hi
srobe

andwentt
otheki
tchen.Hewaswi
thhi
sbr
otherandf
ri
ends.

Me:
“Hei
tagent
s”Iwasy
awni
nggoi
ngt
otheki
tchen.

Myhusbanddi
dn'
twakemeupandhei
seat
ingwi
thhi
sfr
iends.Hei
swear
ingaski
nnyj
eanand

vi
ntageshor
tsl
eev
eshi
rtandi
twashal
fbut
tonedshowi
nghi
sboy
sname'
satt
ooonhi
schest
wit
ha

gol
dchai
nwi
thdi
amonds.Iboughti
tforhi
m onoursecondanni
ver
sar
y.

Spi
der
:“Nowondery
out
ir
edj
ustl
ookaty
ourweav
e”Gent
slaughedatme.

Me:“Voet
sek!
”Theyl
aughedagai
n.Myhusbandcamet
omei
ntheki
tchen.Heki
ssedmeandI
hear
d

hi
sbr
eat
hingchangedIpul
l
edout
.

Hi
m:“
Imi
sst
het
hingsy
oudi
dtomel
astni
ght
”hepul
l
edmecl
oset
ohi
m.Hi
shandssqueezi
ng
my

ass.

Me:
“Youhadenoughbabe”

Hi
m:“
Ican'
tgetenoughofy
ou.Icanchaset
hem awaybabe.Pl
ease”hesmi
rked.

Spi
der&Spi
kes:
“Chaseus?Ay
isi
ndawo!
”
Webot
hlaughed.Theyt
ookgl
assesandwentbackt
othel
ounge.

Gent
s:“
Asi
yi
ndawo!
”

Iwentt
otakeashower
.Iwor
eabl
ackl
eggi
ngandnav
yt-
shi
rtcombedmyshor
tai
rand
Samkel
o's

sl
eeper
s.Iwentt
ojoi
nthem ourbagsar
epackedal
ready
.

Sakhi
:“Hav
eyoucheckedt
hev
ideoLwandi
l
epost
edonWhat
sApp?
”

Me:“NopIhav
en'
t”Hegav
emehi
sphone.Thev
ideowasshowi
ngJuj
upl
ayi
ngwi
thabi
gsnake
but

notbi
gli
keapy
thon.Iwassadaf
terseei
ngt
hatv
ideo.It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edLwandi
l
e.

Lwandi
l
e:“
SisNompe”

Me:
“Howar
eyou?
”

Lwandi
l
e:“
I'
m goodandJuj
uisal
sof
ine”

Me:
“I'
m wor
ri
edLwandi
l
e”

Lwandi
l
e:“
He'
sfi
neMaNdl
ovucheckedhi
m”

Me:
“Okayt
hanks.Wher
eist
het
roubl
emaker
?”Lwandi
l
elaughed.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Hei
sor
der
ingMt
hokoar
oundanddadi
samusedbyt
hat
”

Me:
“I'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
”Iendedt
hecal
l
.

At11:
30am wef
lewt
oDur
ban.West
art
edatUmhl
angat
ofet
chki
dswhenwegott
her
e.

Uy
i:“
Giv
emei
cecr
eam f
ir
stt
henI
'
lleatsandwi
chl
ater
”

Si
hle:
“Nogi
vemesandwi
chandi
cecr
eam”

Amahl
e:“
Iwantj
uice!
”

Me:
“Ki
ds”Iwasbehi
ndt
hem.

Smacamet
ohugme.Juj
ucameaf
tert
hatwhi
l
eSi
hlewasaski
ngmi
l
li
onquest
ions.

Me:
“Si
hlehowar
eyoumyboy
?”

Si
hle:
“I'
m goodt
hanksandhowar
eyou?
”I'
m notmom now.

Me:
“I'
m goodt
oo”
Si
hle:
“Iwantt
obeadoct
ornow”Il
ookedatMt
hoko.

Me:
“Okaymyboy
.Goandt
akey
ourbags”Theyal
lexi
tki
tchen.

Me:
“I'
m sor
ryf
orSi
hle'
sbadbehav
iour
”

Mt
hoko:
“Don'
tapol
ogi
seIunder
stand”

Me:
“Thanksf
orwhat
every
oudi
dtohi
m want
ingt
obeadoct
or”Mt
hokol
aughed.

Mt
hoko:
“He'
ssosmar
tit
’sj
ustt
hathehassomuchener
gy”Samkel
oent
eredi
ntheki
tchenhe

gr
eet
edhi
sbr
otherandpour
edj
uicef
orhi
msel
f.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksf
orpr
esent
syouboughtf
ort
hem”

Mt
hoko:
“I'
l
lnev
ert
akeSi
hlef
orshoppi
ngany
mor
e”

Kat
:“Haaaht
hatonecanwantal
lthemal
lI’
mtel
l
ingy
ou”

Samkel
o:“
HaahkodwaUy
ihasski
l
lst
osmoot
htal
kyout
ogetwhat
'shewant
s”

Kat
:“Theseki
ds”hel
aughed.

Si
hlecamewear
ingnewNi
kesneaker
swi
thhi
sleat
herj
ackett
hatLwandi
l
eboughtf
orhi
m.

Si
hle:
“Mom whati
smi
ssi
ngher
eist
hemot
orbi
kehel
met
”Ishookmyhead.

Me:“
Let
'sgoandsaygoodby
etoGogoandMkhul
u”It
ookhi
shandandwentt
othel
ounge.We
t
hank

them forandwebi
dgoodby
eandwenthome.Ior
der
edpi
zzawhi
l
etheywer
epl
ayi
ngt
vgames.
After

t
hepizzawasdel
i
ver
edIt
ookt
hem t
othel
oungeandj
uices.Weat
eandpl
ayt
hePl
aySt
ati
on
wi
th

t
hem andIbett
hem.Icookedsuperandmyhusbandhel
pedmeweSamkel
oandt
heboy
sput

ever
ythi
ngi
nthet
abl
e.Weal
lsatdowni
nthet
abl
eSi
hlebl
essedt
hef
oodandweat
e.Af
ter
eati
ng

t
heywentt
otakeashowerandwewentt
otuckt
hem i
nthei
rbedsandswi
tchedof
fthel
i
ght
.
We

t
ookani
nnocentshowerandwentst
rai
ghtt
obedIpl
acedmyheadonhi
schest
.Hebr
ushedmy

shoul
der
.
Him:“
IknowIdon'
tsayt
hisusual
l
ybutt
obegangst
erwi
thy
ourwi
fei
sgr
eat
.Doi
ngmi
ssi
ons
and

ki
l
li
ngst
oget
heri
sli
keweownt
hewor
ld”

Me:
“Andy
ousosupersexyonourmi
ssi
ons”Hel
aughed.WespokeandIwasf
eel
i
ngsl
eepy
.
Webot
h

dozeof
f.

I
nthemor
ningIwentt
owaket
heboy
supt
opr
epar
eforschool
.TodayI
'
m st
art
ingt
opr
epar
e
Sma

f
orSpel
li
ngbee.NextweekFr
idayi
nmycl
ubFel
i
ciaNy
athi
kazi
'
swi
feandherf
ool
spl
anneda
r
obber
y

i
nmyclubsot
hiswhi
l
eweekI
'
llbei
nthecl
ubandt
hemoneyImaket
her
eI'
l
lnott
akei
ttot
he
bank

t
hati
spar
tofourpl
an.

Iwentbackt
obedr
oom t
owakehi
m up.

Chapt
er41

Hi
m:"
MhMhI
'
m notgoi
ngt
owor
ktoday
”het
urnedhi
sheadt
otheopposi
tedi
rect
ion.

Me:
“Pl
easewakeup”Ishookhi
m.Hesnor
ed.Il
aughed.

Me:
“Pr
etendi
ngasi
fyouasl
eepwon'
thel
pyouwi
thany
thi
ngpl
easewakeupandpr
epar
etogo
t
o

wor
k”It
ookaduv
et.

Hi
m:“
Hay
iHay
i!
”hegotupandwentt
obat
hroom.

Iwentt
oassi
stboy
swi
tht
hei
runi
for
m.Thet
roubl
emakerwasj
umpi
ngi
nhi
sbednaked.

Me:
“Whatar
eyouchewi
ngSi
hle?
”

Si
hle:
“Not
hing!
”

Sma:
“Hei
schewi
ngcandy
”

Me:
“Juj
ugoandt
akey
ourf
ather
'sbel
tinmyr
oom”Si
hlel
aughed.

Me:
“Yey
iiwenagetof
ffr
om t
hebednow!
”Hegotof
f.Iwentt
othebat
hroom wi
thhi
m bat
hhi
m
aft
erthatIdr
essedhi
m.Iwentt
oki
tchent
omakebr
eakf
astboy
sar
eher
eandSamkel
ois
supposed

t
ocomedownbuthehasn'
t.WhenIwasdonemaki
ngbr
eakf
astIwentt
ocheckuponhi
m.He
was

sl
eepi
ngi
nthebat
hroom.

Me:
“Babe”Ishookhi
m hej
umped.

Me:
“Yousupposedt
obeeat
ingy
ourbr
eakf
astnowbuty
ouher
esl
eepi
ngi
nthebat
hroom”

Hi
m:“
I'
mti
redbabeIj
ustwannasl
eept
hewhol
eday
”hecl
osedhi
sey
es.

Iwentt
ocheckuponboy
sandt
hey
'r
edoneeat
ing.WhenIwentbackt
othebedr
oom t
otake
bag

andphoneIf
oundhi
m sl
eepi
ng.It
ookJeepCher
okeekey
sIpackedt
hei
rlunchboxesandwe
went

off.WhenIdr
oveof
fthemai
ngat
esi
ntheEst
ateIsawt
hebl
ackcarpackedont
heot
hersi
de
ofcar.

Myphoner
ang.

Spi
kes:
“Ther
e'sbl
ackcarf
oll
owi
ngy
ouandI
'
m wat
chi
ngy
ourback”

Me:
“Thanksdude”hehungupandIdr
ovef
ast

Juj
u:“
Mom!You'
respeedi
ng”

Me:
“Rel
axboy
sMom i
sinahur
ryt
oday
”

Theyt
hinkt
hey
'r
efol
l
owi
ngmyhusband.Idr
ovest
rai
ghtt
oGl
enwoodPr
imar
ytodaySi
hlei
snot
goi
ng

t
ocr
ècheI
'
mtaki
nghi
m wi
thme.Iqui
ckl
ytookmyphoneandcal
l
edSamkel
o.

Me:
“Khumal
oIt
ooky
ourJeepCher
okeeandt
her
e'ssomeonef
oll
owi
ngmet
heyt
hinki
tyou”

WhenIwast
aki
ngacor
nerIhear
dgunshot
sandIdr
ovef
astunf
ort
unat
elyt
her
obotwasr
edI
hear
d

scr
atchi
ngt
yres.
..
..
.

-
--
--
--
--
--
-

Khul
umadl
ozi
eli
ngubabakhul
umadl
ozi
Wheream I
?Izangoma?Whyam Iher
eandwhyI
'
mthi
sdi
rt
y?WhenIt
urnedmyheadSi
hlewas
l
ayi
ng

t
her
eli
kehei
sli
fel
ess.Iwentt
ohi
mtookhi
mint
omyar
ms.
..
..
..
..
..
..

“
Babe!Nur
se!
”WhenIscannedt
her
oom I
'
minhospi
tal
.Thenur
secamet
ocheckuponme.

Me:
“WhyI
'
m her
e?Samkel
omybaby
..
..
Wher
eismybaby
?Si
hle!
Si.
..
hle.
..
.”t
hemachi
nebeeped.

WhenIwokeuphi
sheadbowi
ngheadont
hebedIwasi
n.

Me:
“Babe”It
ouchedhi
sheadsof
tl
y.

Him:“
Arey
ouokay
?Letmecal
lthenur
sef
ory
oubabe”hegotupandt
henur
secameaf
terhi
m.
The

nursecheckedmeandt
hedoct
orcamei
nfewmi
nut
esl
atert
ocheckme.Myl
egwascov
eredi
n
that

t
hingandIdon'
tknowi
tname.

Doct
or:
“Mr
sKhumal
opl
easedon'
tst
ressy
our
sel
fit
’snotgoodf
ory
ouand.
..
.”

Samkel
o:“
Thanksdoc”Thedoct
orandnur
sewentout
.

Me:
“Samkel
owher
eismybaby
”

Hi
m:“
Babepl
easecal
m down.Si
hlei
sdoi
ngokay
”

Me:
“Doi
ngokay
?Wher
eishi
m?”It
ri
edt
osi
tupbutpai
nshel
dmeback.

"
Sweet
hear
tpl
easedon'
tst
ressy
our
sel
f.Thet
imey
ouhadanacci
denty
ouwer
ewi
thSi
hleHe
was

hurtar
m andl
eghadt
hatl
i
keonmyl
egbutnowhei
sawakeanddoi
ngf
ine"
-hi
sjawt
ight
ened.
Tears

camestreami
ngi
nmycheeks.Hegotupandcamenearmehewi
pedmyt
ear
sandki
ssedmy
for
ehead.

Me:
“Howl
ongI
'
vebeenher
e?Ineedt
oseemyki
ds”

Him:“
7day
smyl
ove.OkaybabeI
'
llcal
lthem now”hewentout
.Mypar
ent
sgoti
nwi
thmysi
ster
and

myboy
s.Juj
uandSmar
ant
ome.Theyki
ssedmycheeks.Iwashappyt
oseet
hem.

Juj
u:“
Mom ar
eyouokay
?”
Sma:
“Iwaswor
ri
edabouty
oumom.Ar
eyouokay
?Doesi
thur
t?”

Samkel
o:“
Boy
spl
easedon'
taskt
oomanyquest
ions”

Mymom andGr
andmaki
ssedmycheekandmysi
sterdi
dthatt
oo.Wespokeandt
heywer
e
cr
acki
ng

j
okesbutmyr
ibshur
twhenIt
ri
edt
olaugh.Juj
utol
dmeaboutschool
andSmat
oldmet
hat
Lwandi
l
e

i
shel
pinghi
m aboutspel
l
ingwor
ds.

Me:“Ther
e'sast
rangedr
eam Idr
eamt
”Thedoorswungopenandmyf
ri
endscamei
nwi
thf
rui
ts
and

f
lower
s.

Ispentt
hev
isi
ti
nghour
swi
tht
hem af
teranhourt
heyal
lwentoutSamkel
ocamet
osi
tint
he
chai
r

hewassi
tt
ingi
n.

Hi
m:“
BabeI
'
m gl
ady
ou'
reawakenow”hebr
ushedmyhand.

Me:
“Whoi
sbehi
ndt
heacci
dent
?”

Hi
m:“
Babedon'
tst
ressaboutt
hat
.Youneedt
orest
”

Me:
“Ineedt
oknowwhohur
tmeandmyboy
?”myv
oicei
sli
tt
lebi
tupnow.

Hi
m:“We'
l
lfocusonget
ti
ngy
ouandSi
hlef
inet
henwe'
l
ldeal
wit
hthi
stoget
her
.Ipr
omi
sey
ou
t
hat

Axeswi
l
lbef
lyi
ngt
hatday
”

Me:
“Okay
.Ineedt
oseemybabyIneedt
oseehi
m”

Him: “
He'l
lbehappytoseeyoubabeI'l
lgoandgetthenurse”hewentandcamebackwit
hthe
nurse.Iwastakentohisward.Hewaswatchi
ngcartoons.I'
m hear
tbrokewhenIsawmy
energeti
cbabysleepi
ngbecauseheisfor
cedtoorhe'l
lhurthimsel
f.

Me:
“Myboy
”myv
oicewast
rembl
i
ng.

Si
hle:
“Mommy
!”hescr
eamed.

Me:
“Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
”

Si
hle:
“Youdon'
tl
ovemeany
mor
e”hef
rowned.Tear
scamef
loodi
ng.Hear
inghi
m say
ingt
hose
words
br
okemyhear
t.

Me: “
Sihl
elel
wemommyl
ovesy
ouokay
?(henodded)
.I'
m her
eint
hehospi
tal
li
key
oubabyI
asked

thenurset
otakemeher
etoseey
oubecauseIl
oveandmi
ssy
ou”Iwi
pedmyt
ear
squi
ckl
y
befor
ehe

seest
hem.

Si
hle:
“Il
ovey
out
oomommy
”hesmi
l
ed.I
'
m happyt
oseehi
m smi
l
ing.Ibr
ushedhi
sheadand
he

gi
ggl
ed.Af
terIwentbackt
omywar
d.Webot
hhav
ebody
guar
dsi
nourwar
ds.

Aft
er4dayswewer
edi
schar
gedf
rom t
hehospi
tal
.Si
hlewasusi
ngt
heguest
room i
n
downst
air
sand

metoosoSamkel
omov
edmewi
th.MaNdl
ovut
ookSi
hleaf
tert
hreeday
swewer
edi
schar
ged
f
rom

hospi
tal
andmypar
ent
swentbackhome.Si
hlewaswor
ri
edaboutt
hei
rtr
ipbutIt
hinkhe'
l
lbe
fi
neby

t
hatt
ime.I
'
mint
hel
oungewi
thgent
s.

Me:“
I'
m onandnoonecanf
orbi
dmeev
enmyhusband”Idon'
tunder
standwhyt
heywantt
ocut
me

out
.

Kat
:“Okaybuty
ou'
l
lbei
nthecar
”

Me:
“Tha”

Theyl
aughed.

Kat
:“Thepl
ani
stol
ett
hem t
ost
eal
moneywhi
l
etheyar
ebusywi
tht
hatSpi
derandTKwi
l
lpl
ant

t
racker
sint
hegat
ewaycar
ssoNompewi
l
llocat
ethem sowegot
otheexactl
ocat
ionandgot
o
t
ake

ourmoney
”

Samkel
owentt
ofet
cht
heki
dsf
rom school
Ior
der
edpi
zzaf
orus.Weat
ewhent
heygothome
and

wear
eint
hel
oungewi
thsomeoft
hegent
sandSmai
spr
act
isi
ng.
Me:
“Excr
uci
ati
ng”

Sma:
“E-
X-C-
R-U-
C-I
-A-
T-I
-N-
G”hespel
l
edi
tcor
rect
.Wecl
appedhandsf
orhi
m.

Me:
“Goodboy
”

Sma:
“Mom Uncl
eLwandi
l
emademecopi
esofbombast
icwor
dsoIcanpr
epar
emy
sel
f”

Me:“Ihav
etot
hankLwandi
l
e.Goandt
aket
hepapermybabysot
hatIcancheckhowf
arar
e
you”

Her
ant
oupst
air
s.

Samkel
o:“
Hei
sdet
ermi
ningandhel
i
kest
hisspel
l
ingt
hing”

Sakhi
:“He'
sgoi
ngt
obeasnobl
i
keMt
hoko”Theyl
aughed.

Me:
“Don'
tcal
lhi
m asnob”

Kat
:“Andt
hen?
”

Us:
“Whati
sit
?”

Kat
:“Si
hlepost
edav
ideoonmymom'
sWhat
sApp”

Wet
ookt
hephoneandl
ookedt
hev
ideo.Hewasspeaki
ngabouthi
slov
ingpar
ent
sandhowi
s

gr
andmot
heri
sspoi
l
inghi
m.Weal
ll
aughedout
.

Spi
kes:
“Guy
sdoy
oubel
i
evet
hatSi
hlei
s4y
ear
sol
d?”Wel
aughedagai
n.

Kat
:“Iwonderhowhegott
hatphone”

Me:
“Whenhet
akessomet
hingy
oudon'
tnot
iceunl
essy
ouwantt
ousei
t”

Kat
:“Het
oosmar
tforhi
sageandI
'
m st
art
ingt
obewor
ri
ed.Ther
elastt
imet
heycamet
ovi
sit
i
nmy

houseIf
oundhi
m eat
ingi
cecr
eam i
nthef
ri
dgei
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
”Thegent
slaughed
agai
n.

Samkelo:
“Thatonei
ssomet
hingel
se.Het
oldhi
smot
hert
hathewant
stospi
niGusheshewhen
he'
sold”

Spi
kes:
“It
houghtJuj
uwasl
i
key
oubutIknowIwaswr
ongbecauseSi
hlel
i
kesdangerl
i
key
ou”

At17:
00pm theyal
lwent.Samkel
ocookedf
oruswehadsupperandki
dswentt
osleepin
Mam'Scott
age.22:00pm wewentandweparkedf
arbutwhenwecanseet
hem.Itwas
fumi
gati
onsoIt ol
d
thestaf
fnott
ocomet
owor
k.West
ayedt
her
efor3hour
sat01:
30am wesawt
het
wobl
ack
crew

busesandt hr
eemot orbikes.SpikesSpi
derTKandS. Kwer ecl
ose.IwaswithSpiroandKat
.
After45minutestheygotof fthecarandtheydisappearedin5minutesourguysweredone
theycamebackandaf tersomet imetheygotoutoftheclubrunni
ng.Thetrackerswer
eonand
everyt
hingwasgoingaccor dingt opl
an.Theywentoffthealar
msdi dn'
tgooffthatmeanst
hey
tamperedthem butit

doesn'
tmatt
erbecauseI
'l
lgetourmoneyback.WhenIwast
raci
ngeacht
rackert
heyused
di
ffer
entr
outesbuti
ntheendthey'
ll
beinoneplace.

Af
ter45mi nutesall
thet
racker
swerei
nthesamel
ocati
onwedrov
et ot
helocati
on.Iti
sold
warehouse.Ourcrewsur
roundedt
heareaandwewentt
her
e.I
'
m usingonecrushforsuppor
t.

Guy
1:“
Wehi
tthej
ackpott
hatbi
tchdi
dn'
tseet
hiscomi
ng”

Guy
2:“
Shei
shott
hough”

Zaba:
“St
opt
alki
ngandcont
inuet
odoy
ourwor
k”

Me:
“Ncncnc”

Theyt
ri
edt
otaket
hei
rguns.
..
.

Kat
:“Voet
sek!
”Theyal
ldr
oppedt
hegunsdown.

Me:“TheQueenofAxei
sint
hehouse.Imustcongr
atul
atey
ouZabaofwhaty
oudi
d.Imustsay
you

mademet
ohi
rey
ouf
ory
out
ost
eal
formebutt
hef
ir
stdayIsawy
out
her
ewassomet
hingof
f
wi
th

you.WhenIgott
omyof
fi
ceandf
oundmychai
rmov
ingf
ort
hef
ir
stt
imeIt
houghti
twas
coinci
dence

butt
hesecondt
imei
thappenedIknewy
ouwer
eupt
osomet
hingandIf
oundwhoy
ouar
e”I
l
aughed

sar
cast
ical
l
y.

Samkel
o:“
Whoi
syourboss?
”

Zaba:
“TaS.
K..
.”het
ri
edt
otal
kbutSamkel
osl
appedhi
m andhewasdownasecond.

SK:
“Isai
dwhoi
syourboss?
”SK(
Samkel
o)

Me:
“Leav
eitbabe.Spi
keswer
eadyt
orol
l
”
SKpassedmyaxet
omeandhet
ookhi
s.TaKatshi
ft
edf
rom uswechoppedt
hem i
npi
eces
roughl
y

whi
leSpikeswasrecor
dingwhenweweredoneSpi
keandSpi
rotookourmoneyandwewentt
o
t
hecarsgotinthenwedr ov
eoff
.WhenIgothomeIsentt
hev
ideotoFel
ici
aforhert
osee
whoevermess

wi
thmewi
l
lendupdeadbecauseI
'
m QueenofAxe!

Wet
ookashowert
oget
herandwentst
rai
ghtt
obed.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIdon'
tl
ikewhathappenedt
oday
”

Me:
“Iknowbabet
haty
oudon'
tl
ikei
t

Sponsor
ed

butIhav
etodobecauseIknowt
hatt
heacci
denti
sli
nkedt
o

Fel
i
cia.I
'
m sor
ryMbul
azi
omny
ama”Ismi
l
ed.Hesmi
l
edt
oo.

Samkel
o:“
Okaybabe”Il
i
ftedmyf
aceupt
olookathi
m Ir
eachedf
orhi
smout
handki
ssedhi
m.
He

pul
l
edoutwhent
heki
ssheat
edup.

Samkel
o:“
Babel
etussl
eep”

Me:
“CanI
?”It
ouchedhi
sshaf
t.

Samkel
o:“
Sthandwasami
noIdon'
twantt
ohur
tyou”hepeckedmyl
i
psandki
ssmyf
orehead.I
rol
l
ed

myey
esandhel
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Sleepy
ouwon'
tgetanyunt
ily
ouf
ull
yheal
ed”

Me:
“Haaah!Nev
er”Iwasshockedbyt
hat
.Hel
aughedhar
d.

Samkel
o:“
KaMazi
bukosl
eeppl
ease”hewant
edt
olaugh.

Me:
“Hay
ibabe!
”Igent
lyhi
thi
sshoul
der
.Hesnuggl
edmeandwedr
if
teddr
eaml
and.

Inthemor
ningIcal
l
edZaneandhesai
dev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
nei
nthecl
ub.Spi
roandot
her
swentt
o
clean

atthecl
ubandchangedt
hel
ocksandal
lthat
.Spi
rowentt
oopenatt
hecl
ub.Ical
l
edSpi
roand
thank
hi
m.Ial
socal
l
edLwandi
l
etot
hankhi
mfort
eachi
ngSma.

Samkel
o:“
Breakf
asti
nbedMadame”

Me:
“Ncooahst
handwasam”Ibl
ushed.Hei
staki
ngcar
eofhi
m.

Heat
ebr
eakf
astwi
thme.Mam'
Sishel
pingt
heki
dst
opr
epar
etogot
oschool
todayI
'
m goi
ng

ToseeSi
hleathi
sgr
andpar
ent
s’housei
nUmhl
anga.Iwentt
otheki
tchenaf
tereat
ingt
ocheck
upon

myboy
s.

Sma&Juj
u:“
Mor
ningmom”

Me:
“Mor
ningbabi
es”Iki
ssedt
hei
rfor
eheads.

Juj
u:“
Ithi
nkI
'
m ol
dfort
hatnow”

Sma:
“Andmet
oo”Il
aughed.

Me:
“Ev
eni
fyou45y
ear
sol
dI'
l
lcont
inuet
oki
ssy
ourf
oreheads”Samkel
olaughedbehi
ndme.

Sma&Juj
u:“
Haahnev
er”Ishookmyhead.

Samkel
o:“
Hav
eyouseeny
ourbr
other
'sv
ideo?
”Juj
uandSmal
aughed.

Juj
u:“
WesawonWhat
sAppy
es.
..
”hi
sey
eswer
eal
lout
.Hi
sfat
hercl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.

Me:
“OnwhoseWhat
sApp?
”

Sma:
“Letmewashmybowl
..
.”

Me:
“Comebackher
e.Youhav
eWhat
sApp?
”Theyl
ookeddown.

Me:
“Samkel
oJuni
or!Smamukel
e!Whendi
dthi
shappened?
”myv
oicei
supnow.

Juj
u:“
Thet
imey
ouwer
einhospi
tal
dadwasal
way
sinhospi
tal
soweaskedUncl
eLwandi
l
eto
hav
e

What
sAppt
otal
ktohi
m oraskhi
m any
thi
ngany
time”

Sma:“
Wesor
rymom f
orhi
dingt
hist
hingf
rom y
oubuti
twaseasyt
ocommuni
cat
ethr
ough
What
sApp

Uncl
eLwandi
l
eorGogoorMkhul
u”If
eel
badaboutshout
ingatt
hem.

Me:“I
'
m sor
ryf
orshout
ingaty
oumyboy
sbef
oreget
ti
ngf
act
saboutt
hisWhat
sAppbuty
our
f
ather
andIwi
l
lhav
eaccesst
oyourt
abl
etsj
ustt
ocheckev
ery
thi
ngt
hroughokay
?”

Sma&Juj
u:"
Okaymom”

Me:
“Goodby
eboy
sandhav
eawonder
ful
day
”

Sma&Juj
u:“
Thanksmom y
out
oo”

Samkel
otookt
hem t
oschool
.Hecamebackwi
thpi
zza.

Me:
“Thanksbabengat
hiubuwazi
”Hecamet
osi
tnextt
ome.Hepeckedmyl
i
ps.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m suchagoodhusbandy
abo”hesmi
l
edIsmi
l
edback.

Me:
“I'
m agoodwi
fet
oo”

Weat
eourpi
zzaandt
ookmymedi
cat
ion.Wewat
chact
ionmov
ieourandwedozeof
fint
he

Couchwedi
stur
bbyhi
sphone.

Samkel
o:“
Babeweneedt
ohav
easer
ioust
alknow”hesai
daf
tert
alki
ngt
othephone.Isatup
st
rai
ght
.

Me:
“Okay
.Let
'st
alk”

Samkel
o:“
Iwast
alki
ngt
oNobuhl
eont
hephone.Shewant
sust
o"f
ix"t
hingsbecauseIhav
en'
t
tal
k

t
osi
ncewecamebacksoIneedt
opl
ant
otakeherout
”

Me:
“Okay
.Weneedt
opl
ant
hingsf
astt
oel
i
minat
eher
”

Si
hle:
“Mommy
!”

That
'smySi
hle!IgotupbutIal
mosthur
tmy
sel
ftr
yingt
ogetup.Iwentt
ohi
m andhuggedhi
m.

Si
hle:
“You'
resuf
focat
ingmemom”Ipul
l
edhi
m of
ffr
om mychestandki
ssedhi
scheek.

Me:
“Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnowboy
?”

Si
hle:
“Mom pl
easest
opki
ssi
ngmyf
aceI
'
mtoool
dfort
hatnow”

Me:“You'
l
lal
way
sbemybabyev
eni
fyou'
re50butt
omey
ou'
l
lal
way
sbeababy
”Heshookhi
s
head

atme.Hef
ist
spumphi
sFat
herandheki
ssedhi
scheek.

Si
hle:
“Hay
iti
amay
ou'
recr
ampi
ngmyst
yle”Webot
hlaughedathi
m whi
l
ehewasl
ooki
ngatus.
I
wentt
omaket
hef
ood.Andwentbackt
othel
ounge.

Samkel
o:“
Ithoughtev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ngwel
lbet
weeny
ouandher
”

Si
hle:
“Haat
iamashedoesn’
tlov
emet
hatone”

Hehasagi
rl
fr
iend.Howol
dishe?

Samkel
o:“
Youhav
etot
alkt
ohernt
wana”Whatki
ndoft
hef
atherhei
s?

Si
hle:
“Iwi
l
lfi
ndt
heanot
heronent
wana”Icamei
nandt
heybot
hkeptqui
et.

Me:
“Real
l
ySamkel
oyout
alkaboutgi
rl
swi
thhi
m?”

Samkelo:
“Babecal
m downhe'
sjustaboyandboy
swi
l
lbeal
way
sbeboy
s.Theyal
lhav
e
gi
rl
fr
iends

andIli
ket
otal
ktot
hem aboutt
hei
rgi
rl
fr
iendsj
ustt
ofi
ndoutwhat
'sgoi
ngonandkeept
hem i
n
l
ine”

Si
hlet
ookhi
sfood.

Me:
“Iguessy
ouhav
eapoi
ntbutwhyy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmeaboutt
hatbabe?
”

Si
hleal
mostchokedonhi
sfood.Samkel
ochokedonhi
ssal
i
va.

Me:
“Am It
hatbad?
”

Si
hle:
“HaahDr
agonl
ady
”Samkel
olaughedsohar
d.

Me:
“Babe!
”Hecont
inuedl
aughi
ng.

Me:
“Boyboy
?”

Sihl
e:“
Haahmom y
oul
i
ket
oshoutsot
hat
'swhywedi
dn'
ttel
lyouandpl
easedon'
tshoutatus
for

hav
ingagi
rl
fr
iend”

Me:
“OkayIwon'
tshoutaty
oubutI
'
myourmot
herandI
'
m supposedt
oknowt
heset
hings”

Samkel
o:“
Sor
rybabef
ornott
ell
i
ngy
oubutt
heyaskedmenott
otel
lyoubecausey
ou'
l
lshoutat

t
hem”

Si
hle:
“Sma'
sgi
rl
fr
iendi
swhi
teandcut
eandJuj
u'
sgi
rl
fr
iendi
scut
etoo”

Me:
“Andy
our
s?”

Si
hle:
“Shei
sbeaut
if
ulbutIdon'
tl
ovehernowbecausewhenIgothur
tIdi
dn'
tgot
oschool
I
t
hink

shehasanewboy
fri
end”

Samkel
o:“
Youhav
etot
alkt
ohernt
wanaandf
indoutwhat
'sgoi
ngon”

Me:
“Whoy
oucamewi
th?
”

Si
hle:
“Mybody
guar
ds”Webot
hlookedateachot
her
.

Samkel
o:“
Body
guar
ds?
”

Sihl
e:“Haaat
iamai
ngr
andpa'
shouseev
ery
onehasabody
guar
dsandgr
andpasai
ditwi
l
lbe
safefor

us”Idon'
tunder
standwhyt
heyhav
ebody
guar
ds.

Me:
“Sowhenar
eyoucomi
ngbackmysweet
hear
t?”

Si
hle:
“Idon'
tknowmom buti
treal
l
yni
cet
ost
ayt
her
ewi
thpensi
oner
stheyspoi
lmet
oomuch.

Yest
erdaygr
andmot
hery
ourmot
hercamet
oseemeshebr
oughtcandyf
orme”Mymot
heri
n

Khumal
o'
sresi
dence?May
beshewasar
ound.

Me:
“I'
l
lcal
lhert
othankhermybaby
”Samkel
oisqui
etandIdon'
tknowwhy
.

Wehear
dadooropeni
ng.

Sma:
“Hay
iUncl
eLwandi
l
eusi
bambangepani
Manj
e”

Lwandil
e:“I
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.Okayi
fyoudon'
ttr
ustmeasky
ourf
ather
”Theycamet
othel
ounge
l
aughing.

Me:
“Thanksf
orf
etchi
ngt
hem Lwandi
l
e”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Thesear
emynephewssoy
oudon'
thav
etot
hankme”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Sur
ent
wana”hef
ist
sbumpSi
hle.Theygr
eeteachot
herl
i
ket
hatal
way
s.

Me:
“I'
m hungr
ynow.Pl
easepassmyphoneIneedt
oor
derpi
zzaf
oral
lofus”I
nter
com wentof
f

Lwandi
l
ewentt
oopent
hegat
e.

MbusoSpheandZamocamei
nwi
thpi
zza.

Me:
“Ncooahy
ou'
resuchdar
li
ngy
ouknowt
hatr
ight
?”

It
ookaboxofchi
ckenandmushr
oom.
Me:
“I'
m notshar
ingwi
thany
oneher
eev
enmyl
ovel
yhusband”Theyl
aughedatme.

Sma:
“Mommyy
ouar
eeat
ingal
ott
heseday
s”

Juj
u:“
That
'
str
uedude”Samkel
oandLwandi
l
elookedateachot
her
.

Me:
“I'
m hungr
y”

Si
hle:
“You'
l
lbef
atsooni
fyouar
eeat
ingatt
hispace”Theyl
aughatmeandIf
eltt
ear
sinmy
ey
es.

Theykeptqui
tt
ewhent
heyr
eal
i
sedt
hatI
’
m cr
ying.

Samkelo:
“Hay
imaj
i
tadon'
tmakemywi
fecr
yIdon'
tl
iket
oseehercr
ying”hepul
l
edmet
ohi
s
chest

andt
ri
edt
ocal
m medownbecauseIwasr
eal
l
ycr
ying.

Them:“
Sor
rywedi
dn'
tmeant
omakey
ousad”Theyal
lst
oodupandwentt
otheki
tchen.They
came

backwi
thf
rui
tsandj
uiceandgav
eitt
omeasPeaceof
fer
ing.

Samkel
oor
der
edsupperf
oral
lofusweat
eandhav
eagr
eatt
imewi
tht
hem.Whymymot
her
wasat

t
heKhumal
o'
s?Body
guar
ds?

Thr
eeweeksaf
terSi
hlewasmaki
ngagr
eatpr
ogr
essheev
enr
emov
edt
hatt
hingi
nhi
sar
m and
hi
s

l
egwasdoi
ngf
ineandIwasdoi
ngf
inet
oo.Hi
sdoct
orsai
dinaweekhe'
l
lbef
ineandhecanf
ly.
Si
hle

ci
tedwhent
heyt
easedhi
m aboutt
het
ri
pthathei
sn'
tgoi
ngany
mor
ebecauseofhi
slegbutt
he

doct
orsai
dhei
sdoi
ngf
ineandImustkeepacl
oseey
eonhi
mfornothur
ti
nghi
msel
fwhenhe
i
s

pl
ayi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Hav
eIev
eradmi
redy
ourbeaut
ymyl
ove?
”

Me:
“No”

Samkel
o:“
You'
rebeaut
if
ulmyl
ove”

Me:
“ThanksbabebutI
'
m get
ti
ngf
atandIdon'
tl
ikei
t”
Samkel
o:“
Sor
rybabebutIl
i
ket
hewayy
ouar
e”heputhi
sheadonhi
sshoul
der
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
dri
vey
out
othecl
ubbabeandf
etchy
ou”

Me:
“NoI
'
llt
akemycar
”

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
dri
vey
out
her
eandmywor
disf
inal
”hi
svoi
cei
sfi
rm andIknowhemeansi
tbutI
don'
t

l
i
kei
thetr
eat
smel
i
keachi
l
d.It
ookmybagsandwentdownst
air
sbyt
hewayIwentbackt
o
t
hemai
n

bedr
oom whenmyl
egwasf
eel
i
ngbet
ter
.

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Me:“
Cany
oupl
easehel
pmet
ozi
pup?
”Hecamet
ohel
ptozi
pupmydr
essandi
t’
stoot
ight
now.

Me:
“Hay
iIneedagy
m Icanbet
hisf
att
y”

Samkel
o:“
It
'ssui
tyout
houghbabeandIl
i
key
ourext
raassand…”smi
rkonhi
sface.

Me:
“Mxm!
”Hel
aughed.

WhenIwentt
otheki
tchent
omakebr
eakf
astIf
oundmyboy
sint
hel
oungeont
hei
rpy
jamas.

Me:
“Whyar
en'
tyour
eadyf
orschool
?”

Juj
u:“
Teacher
stol
dusnott
ocomet
oschool
todayandt
hei
rgav
eusl
ett
erst
oconf
ir
mthat
”

Si
hle:
“I'
m onahol
i
day
”

Samkel
o:“
Yeahmyl
oveIf
orgott
otel
lyouaboutt
hel
ett
erst
heygav
emey
est
erday
”

Me:
“Idi
dn’
tseet
hatl
ett
erbecause?
”

Samkel
o:“
Youwer
esl
eepi
ngbabeandIdi
dn'
twantt
odi
stur
byou”I
'
m sadnow.I
fI'
m not
sl
eepi
ng

I
'
m eat
ingal
otandI
'
m ev
engai
ningwei
ghtont
opoft
hat
.

Sma:
“Mom Ihav
ear
unni
ngt
ummy
”

Me:
“ComemyboyI
'
llgi
vey
ousomet
hingf
ory
ourt
ummy
”

HecametomeandIwentt
omybedr
oom andgav
ehi
mthepi
l
lsf
orr
unni
ngt
ummy
.Iwent
makehi
m
apor
ridgef
orhi
m andImadebr
eakf
astf
orot
herwhower
edemandi
ngespeci
all
ySi
hlewho
want
ed

baconeggsandal
lthat
.Whenwewer
edoneeat
ingIcl
eanedupandwentt
otel
lMam'
Sthat
they

ar
en'
tgoi
ngt
oschool
andSmai
ssi
cksot
hatshecankeepaney
etohi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Babey
ouwer
ethoseshoes?Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hem?
”

Me:
“Samkel
oIal
way
sweart
heseshoesandwhat
'st
hepr
obl
em now?
”

Samkel
o:“
OkayhoneyIwasl
ooki
ngoutf
ory
out
her
e'snoneedt
obi
temyhead”

Me:“
Pleasel
eav
emeal
oneSamkel
o”I
’
m angr
yathi
m.Heopenedt
hedoorf
ormeIgoti
nand
he

wentt
ohi
ssi
deandgoti
nandhedr
oveoutt
hegat
e.

Samkel
o:“
Babedoy
ouknowt
hatIl
ovey
ou?
”

Me:
“Youar
etaki
ngcar
eofmeandourki
dst
hatshowshowmuchy
oul
ovemeandourki
dsi
n
f
act

y
ourf
ami
l
y.Il
ovey
ouf
ort
hatMbul
azi
wami
”

Samkel
o:“
Mhm I
'
m gl
adt
oheart
hatbabe”

Me:
“Butpl
easest
opt
reat
ingmel
i
keachi
l
dIcant
akeofmy
sel
f”

Samkel
o:“
Okaybabei
t’
sjustt
hat
..
..
”

Me:
“Hay
iSamkel
o”

Hejustl
aughed.Whenwegott
othepar
kingl
otatcl
ubheopenedt
hedoorf
ormel
ockedt
he
car

andwebot
hwenti
n.

Zane:
“MrandMr
sKhumal
o”

Us:
“Mor
ningZane”

Smisowasbackandhewascl
eani
ngt
hegl
assbehi
ndt
hecount
er.Hegr
eet
edaf
tert
hatwe
wentto

myof
fi
ce.

Me:
“BabeIneedpai
nki
l
ler
sIhav
eaheadache”Iwashol
dingmyhead.Hi
sey
eswer
eal
lout
.
Samkel
o:“
Dri
nkher
efi
rst
”hegav
emeabot
tl
eofwat
er.It
ookbot
tl
eanddr
ankwat
er.Isaton
my

chai
randhesatdownt
oo.

Me:
“BabeI
'
m hungr
y”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m notgoi
ngt
otheof
fi
cet
odayl
etmecal
li
nfi
rstt
henI
'
llbuyy
ousomet
hingt
oeat
”
He

t
ookhi
sphoneandcal
l
edhi
sPAhet
oldhert
hathei
sn'
tcomi
ngt
owor
ktoday
.

Samkel
o:“
Whaty
oul
i
ket
oeatmynunuber
ry?
”

Me:“Chi
ckenwi
ngsf
rom Chi
ckenLi
ckenKr
ushmi
xedber
ryj
uicewhi
tebr
eadandcar
bur
ynut
and

r
aisi
nchocol
atesl
ab”Icl
osedmyey
esasIwascount
ingwhatIwant
edt
oeat
.WhenIopened
my

ey
eshewasl
ooki
ngatmeamused.

Me:
“Whati
sit
?”

Samkel
o:“
Not
hingbabeI
'
m enj
oyi
ngl
ooki
ngaty
ou”hesmi
l
ed.

Myphoner
ang.

Me:
“Spi
kes”Iputonal
oudspeaker
.

Spi
kes:
“Iwant
edt
ospeakt
oyourhusband”

Me:
“Icanpasst
hemessagef
ory
out
ohi
m”

Spi
kes:
“Pl
easet
ell
himt
hatt
hegi
rl
shav
ear
ri
vedandboozesowe'
rewai
ti
ngf
orhi
m”

Me:
“Uy
any
akant
i”Hel
aughedoutl
oudandSamkel
olaughedt
oo.

Spi
kes:
“I'
mjoki
ng.Iwant
edt
ocheckofy
ouokayandt
hel
i
ttl
eone”

Me:
“I'
mfi
ne.Li
tt
leone?
”Iwasconf
usedbyt
hat
.

Spi
kes:
“Er
hh.
..
I.
..
meanSi
hle”wespokef
orawhi
l
eaf
tert
hatheendedt
hecal
l
.

Me:
“BabeI
'
m hungr
y”Il
ookedathi
m.Hesnappedoutofi
t.

Samkel
o:“
Okayl
etmegobabe”het
ookhi
scarkey
sandwentout
.

Hewentout
.It
ookt
hepaper
wor
kthatIneededt
osi
gn.Icheckedt
heor
der
sandsi
gnedt
hem.
Ther
e

wasaknocki
nadoor
.“Comei
n”

Thel
adycamei
n.Shei
swear
ingar
edt
ightdr
essbl
ackheel
sandGi
venchybl
ackhandbag.
Weaveon

poi
ntandmakeup.Shel
ookedar
oundl
i
keshewasannoy
edbysomet
hing.

Me:
“CanIhel
pyou?
”

Shel
ookedatmel
i
keIwascr
azyorsomet
hing.Shesatonachai
rlooki
ngatme.

Her
:“I
'
m sur
eyou'
reSamkel
o'
swi
fe”

Me:
“Theoneandonl
yhoney
”Ismi
l
ed.

Her
:“Thatwi
l
lchangesoonsweet
hear
tbecauseI
'
m goi
ngt
obeSamkel
o'
ssecondwi
fe”

Am bei
ngt
est
edorwhat
?

Me:
“OkaySamkel
o'
ssecondwi
fewhatIcandof
ory
ou?
”Iwaspi
ssed.

Her
:“Icamet
ocheckonsoont
obesi
sterwi
fe”Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
“Wheny
ouar
edonepl
easecl
oset
hedooraf
tery
ouIdon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
hisnonsense”my

v
oicewast
rembl
i
ngi
nanger
.

Her
:“Oohbi
tchpl
easeshutup!
”

Me:“
List
enher
eli
tt
legi
rlIdon'
tknowwhoy
ouar
ebutI
'
m sur
eyou'
remyhusband'
sbi
tchand
I
'm

hi
swif
esopl
easeknowt
hedi
ff
erencebet
weent
het
wobef
oreIwi
pet
hisof
fi
cewi
tht
hatempt
y
and

usel
essheadofy
our
s”Igav
eherasi
desmi
l
eandIdot
hatwhenI
'
mreal
l
ypi
ssedof
f.

Her
:“Youdon'
tscar
emebi
tch”shel
ookedmei
ntheey
e.Il
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Me:“Youshoul
dbesweet
hear
t.Am aboutt
obey
ourwor
stni
ght
mar
e.Nowy
oumadey
our
poi
ntso

getout”Igotupf
rom mychai
randshedi
dthatt
oo.Wewer
efaci
ngeachot
herl
i
kewe'
rei
na
star
ing

consent
.
Her
:“Pl
easet
ell
myhusbandt
obet
hatIwasher
etoseeourcl
ub”Il
aughedoutl
oud.

Me:“
Ohusel
essbi
tchpl
easeshutup.
..
.”Idi
dn’
tfi
nisht
hatsent
enceshesl
appedmeandIt
it
led
my

headfoll
owinghersl
apandmyBr
azi
l
ianhai
rcov
eredmyf
ace.Icamebackwi
thabacksl
ap
thatcaused

hert
ofal
li
nachai
rthatshewassi
tt
ingonandshef
all
wit
hachai
r.I
nwentt
oherIpunchedher
i
n

t
hef
ace.WhenIst
art
edt
ost
rangl
eherIf
eltast
ronggr
ippul
l
ingmef
rom her
.

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ng?
”

Me:“Don'
taskmet
hatbul
l
shi
tSamkel
owheny
ourbi
tchcamet
omeandi
ntr
oducedher
sel
f
say
ing

t
hatshe.
..
.”Idi
dn'
tfi
nishupt
hesent
enceIhear
dacl
i
cki
nggunwhenwel
ookedati
t.

Her
:“Don'
tmov
e”shewaspoi
nti
ngagunatus.Wel
ookedateachot
herandwecr
ackedout
l
aughi
ng

unt
ilt
ear
scameout
.

Me:“Ncooahgi
rly
ouwer
esupposedt
ododr
amai
nVar
sit
yyougoodi
nthi
s”Icl
appedmy
handsfor

t
hegr
andper
for
manceshedi
d.

Me:“Youknowwhatagundon'
tscar
emesopoi
nti
ngagunatmedon'
tscar
eal
l
”Iqui
ckl
y
opened

thedr
aweri
nmyt
abl
eIt
ookmysmal
lshar
paxeIt
hrewi
therdi
rect
ionandi
tpassedi
nfr
ontof
her

f
aceandi
tgotst
ucki
nawal
l
.

Me:“
Youseet
hatgi
rlIdi
diti
ntent
ional
l
ybutnextt
imeI
'
lldoi
t”Iwasl
ooki
ngherf
aceandshe
was

shockedshej
ustf
roze.

Samkel
o:“
HahaQueenkaAxe”hel
aughedoutl
oudaf
tersay
ingt
hosewor
ds.

Samkel
o:“
Nobuhl
ear
eyoust
il
lher
e?I
fIwer
eyouIwoul
d..
..
”hedi
dn'
tfi
nisht
hesent
ence.She

st
ormedoutandwebot
hlaughedaf
terl
ooki
ngatt
hat
.
Samkel
o:“
Don'
tyouev
erf
ightwi
thbi
tches”

Me:
“Keepy
ourbi
tchesi
nli
neorel
seI
'
llchopt
hei
rpussi
esdr
ythem f
ramet
hem andsenti
tto
t
hei
r

f
ami
l
ies”

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hatbabebutIdon'
tl
ikey
ou.
..
.”hewast
ryi
ngt
oexpl
ain.

Me:
“CanIhav
emyf
ood?
”

Het
ookoutal
lthef
oodIwant
edandot
hergoodi
esIdi
dn'
tment
ionbutheboughtt
hem f
orme.

Chapt
er42

Me:
“Ncooahbabey
ou'
resuchadar
li
nghowdi
dyouknowt
hatIwant
edYoghur
tandal
lthese

goodi
es?
”Iwassmi
l
ingl
ooki
ngatt
hef
oodi
nmyt
abl
e.

Samkel
o:“
You'
remywi
feandIknowwhaty
oul
i
keordon'
t.Ri
ghtnowy
ouwantDebonai
res
chi
cken

andmushr
oom pi
zza”hewassmi
l
ingatme.

Me:
“Babe.
..
”

Samkel
o:“
Ior
der
edi
tfory
ouonmywayher
einf
ewmi
nut
esi
t'
l
lbeher
e”

Me:“
You'
resuchal
ovi
ngandcar
inghusbandwhoknowshi
swi
fe”Isai
dwi
thabi
gchunki
nmy
mout
h.

Samkel
o:“
CanIhav
eapei
cei
nyourwi
ngs?
”hewant
edt
olaughbuthehel
dhi
slaugh.

Me:“Hay
ibabe”It
ookmywi
ngsandt
ri
edt
ohi
det
hem f
ornothi
mtoseet
hem l
i
keaki
d.He
l
aughed

out
.

Me:“I
t’
snotf
unnybabeuy
ahahanj
e”Igav
ehi
m at
inypi
ecet
hatwasi
nabox.Het
ooki
t
l
aughi
ng

andIgav
ehi
m adar
est
are.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
getot
herwi
ngsf
ory
oumyl
ove”hewasl
aughi
ng.

Me:“Pl
easedot
hatmyl
ovebecauset
heseoneher
ear
enot
hing"
-Icl
osedmyey
esasIwas
eat
ing.
Aftereat
inghewentt
oor
dert
hechi
ckenher
einourcl
ub.Heat
ether
enoti
nmyof
fi
cet
he
reasonis

het
hinksIwi
l
leathi
sfoodbecauset
heseday
sI'
m eat
ingl
i
keIhav
ewor
ms.Icont
inuedwi
thmy
wor
k

andIknockedof
fear
lybecauseSmai
snotf
eel
i
ngwel
lsoImustcheckhi
m my
sel
f.Onourway
home

Iwant
edanot
herwi
ngsandpi
zza.Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngbutwewentt
othemal
landboughtmy

wi
ngsandpi
zzaandf
ort
heki
dst
henwewenthome.

Me:
“Heybabi
es”

Them:
“Heymommy
”Theydi
dn'
tpayat
tent
ionbecauset
heywer
epl
ayi
nggames.

Me:
“Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngmyboy
?”It
ouchedhi
scheek.

Si
hle:
“I'
mfeel
i
ngbet
ternowmom.Mam'
Sgav
emesomet
hingt
odr
inkf
orar
unni
ngt
ummyand
i
ts

stopandnowI
'
mfeel
i
ngbet
ter
”hesai
dwi
thasmi
l
e.Samkel
o'
sgenesi
nhi
ski
dsar
ehay
i
shame.

Me:
“I'
m gl
adt
oheart
hatson”

"
Mom int
woweeks’
timewegoi
ngov
erseassoIneedwar
m andsummercl
othesbecause
Uncl
e

Mt
hokosai
dthatpl
acei
scol
dIdon'
twantt
ocat
chcol
dther
e”Ihopehe'
l
lchangeashegr
ows

becauseIwon'
tbeabl
etodeal
wit
hhi
m.Hi
sfat
herl
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Okayboy
slet
'sgot
oforshoppi
ng”

Them:
“Yeeeey
!”Theyj
umpedupanddown.

Si
hle:
“Andwear
eli
vi
ngmom behi
nd”

Me:
“Thatwon'
thappenI
'
m goi
ngwi
thy
ou”

Si
hle:
“We'
l
lbuyev
ery
thi
ngwewantwi
thourf
ather
'smoney
”

Me:
“I’
l
lbuyt
oowi
thmyhusband'
smoney
”Hef
rowned.

Si
hle:
“Youcan'
tdot
hatbecausey
ouhav
eyourowncar
d”Theywer
elooki
ngatusl
i
kewe'
re
cr
azy.
Samkel
o:“
Okay
!Okay
!Ev
ery
onewi
l
lbuywhat
evert
heywant
.Daddyi
susi
ngabl
ackcar
dtoday
!”

Me:“Yeey
!Letmegoandchange”Iqui
ckl
ywentupst
air
shef
oll
owedupst
air
s.It
ookmyj
ean
and

wor
eitbuti
tgotst
ucki
nmyt
highs.

Me:
“Fuck!
”Ishout
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sitbabe?
”

Me:“
Ineedt
obuynewpai
rsofj
eansbecauset
heoneIhav
eher
ear
esmal
lnow”Iwasangr
y
andI

f
eltt
ear
sinmyey
es.It
ookmypi
tchshi
rtdr
essandbl
ackf
loppi
es.Hewaswear
ingaski
nny
j
eanand

whi
tegol
fT-
shi
rtandbl
ackAi
rJor
danXOv
o8hewashandsome.Iwentt
ohi
m..
.

Samkel
o:“
You'
rel
ooksohotbabe”

Hegotupashewasf
ixi
ngsomet
hingi
nhi
ssneaker
s.

Me:“You'
rehott
oobabe”hesmi
l
ed.Igotcl
osert
ohi
m andIki
ssedhi
m sohungr
il
y.Hepul
l
ed
out
.

Samkel
o:“
Babe.
..
”

Iunbuckl
edhi
sbel
t.

Samkel
o:“
Babel
et'
sgobef
oret
heyhat
eus”t
aki
ngof
fmyhandsf
rom hi
m.

Me:
“Imi
ssy
ou.
..
”

Samkel
o:“
Let
'sgobabe.We'
l
lcont
inuewi
thatni
ght
”hewhi
sper
edi
nmyear
.Il
i
ket
hatwhi
sper
i
t

sendsmessaget
ospeci
alpl
aces.

Me:“Mhhm”Ispankedhi
sti
ghtass.Het
urnedt
olookatmewi
thasmi
rkonhi
sface.Hecame
cl
oser

t
omeandki
ssedme.Wehear
daknock.

Si
hle:
“Mom Dadcomeoutnow”Webot
hlaughed.

Samkel
o:“Okaywear
ecomi
ng”het
ookhi
swal
l
ett
ookmyhandt
ohi
shandandwewent
downst
air
s.
Si
hlewasf
uri
ousandI
'
m sur
ehet
hinksI
'
mtheonewhocancel
thet
ri
p.

Samkel
o:“
Let
'sgoboy
s”Si
hlej
umpedf
rom wher
ehewassi
tt
ing.

Si
hle:
“Let
'sgobef
oreshechangeshermi
nd”SmaandJuj
ulaughed.

Sma:
“Audi
Q5t
aima”“
Audi
Q5i
tist
hen”Samkel
o.He'
stheonewhot
eacht
hem t
hatandIdon'
t
do

i
tunlessIwantt
oorIwantt
ouseanot
hercarbutot
hert
hant
hatIdon'
taskt
hem whi
chcart
o
use.

Samkel
obr
ingt
hecarwehoopedi
nanddr
ovet
oGat
eway
.

Si
hle:
“Dad”Weal
ll
aughedweal
lknowt
hatt
her
e'ssomet
hinghewant
swhenhesay
s“Dad”i
na

pol
i
teway
.

Samkel
o:“
Whatdoy
ouwantmyboy
?”hewassmi
l
ing.

Si
hle:
“HawuMnt
ungwa”

Us:“
Hawu!”ev
enSamkel
owassur
pri
sed.Wewer
eal
lshockedt
ohearhi
m say
ingt
hatI
remember

notsol
ongagohewant
edt
oteachhi
m hi
scl
annamesbutSi
hlesai
dhedon'
tneedt
oknow
them

nowbecausehei
sst
il
lyoungt
her
e'snoneedf
orhi
mtoknowt
hem.

Si
hle:
“Ineedsomef
ewbucksIwantt
otakeSi
phesandet
othemov
ies”Ichokedonmysal
i
va.
They

al
ll
aughedatme.

Me:
“What
?”Isai
daf
terdr
inki
ngwat
erSamkel
ogav
eme.

Si
hle:
“Dad?
”

Samkel
o:“
Yout
ooy
oungf
ort
hatSi
hle”

Me:
“Tooy
oung”

Si
hle:
“Imi
ghtl
ethergoi
fmom i
sgoi
ngt
obeapar
tofi
t”

Me:
“Wat
chy
ourmout
hyoungman”

Samkel
o:“
Babecal
m downandy
ouSi
hlecal
m down”Wemadei
ttot
hem al
landIwashungr
y
l
ikeI
hav
en'
teat
eni
nami
l
li
ony
ear
s.

Me:
“BabeI
'
m hungr
yandIcan'
tdoshoppi
ngt
hishungr
y”

Samkel
o:“
Okayl
et'
sgot
oandeatqui
ckl
y”Weal
lwentt
other
est
aur
antandweat
e.

Si
hle:
“Mom y
ou'
reeatal
otnowl
ookhowf
aty
ouar
e”hewasl
ooki
ngatmel
i
keIwascr
azy
.

Me:“
Sihl
epl
easegetof
fmycase”Samkel
oSmaandJuj
ulookedateachot
herandgav
eSi
hlea
wei
rd

st
are.

Me:
“Andt
hen?Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngathi
mli
ket
hat
?”

Sma:
“Not
hingmom i
t’
sjustt
hatSi
hlei
srude”

Me:
“Okay
.Fi
nishupSi
hlesot
hatwecango”Hef
ini
shedupandweal
lwentoutt
her
est
aur
ant
.

Boyssai
dwemustst
artwi
tht
hei
rcl
othesbecausewhenwest
artwi
thmi
net
heor
ymi
ghtnot
get

anyt
hing.Samkel
olaughedatt
hatandIwaspi
ssed.Hegav
emewat
ert
odr
ink.Idr
ankwat
er
andthe

boy
swe'
rechoosi
ngwhatt
heyl
i
ke.

Samkel
o:“
Ili
ket
hei
rsenseofst
yle”

Me:
“Thankst
oyouf
orspoi
l
ingt
hem t
oli
keexpensi
vecl
othes”Hel
aughed.

Samkelo:
“HaahIhav
etobabet
hemoneyneedst
obespentsoIdon'
thav
eachoi
ce”hesai
d
proudl
y

andheshookhi
shead.

Boyscamewi
tht
hei
rbasketandwewentt
oti
l
lst
opayandexi
ted.Wentt
omenbout
iqueshop
he

boughtshi
rt
sandIhel
pedhi
m wi
thot
her
s.Ichoosehi
sunder
wearsocksandv
est
s.Si
hle
l
aughed.I

wonderwhathewasl
aughi
ngat
.Wewentt
opayf
orhi
sit
emsandweexi
tedt
hebout
ique.

Voi
ce:
“Mr
sKhumal
o”Whenwet
urnedt
olookwhoi
tis.
..
..
..

Ser
gent
:“Mr
sNompendul
oKhumal
oyou'
reunderar
restf
orassaul
tofMi
ssNobuhl
e
Zi
ngel
wayo.
..
”
Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hef
uck?
!”

Sergentcuf
fedmeandmyki
dswe'
rewai
l
ingandt
hecr
owdwasar
oundt
heshopwi
thi
nabl
i
nk
ofan

ey
e.

Samkel
o:“
Babedon'
tsayany
thi
ngI
'
mfol
l
owi
ngy
our
ightnow!
”thewasar
agei
nhi
svoi
ce.They
took

meawayandmyki
dscr
yingbr
okemyhear
tIf
eltt
ear
sinmyey
esbutIdi
dn'
twantt
ocr
y
becauseI
'
ll

l
osei
tanddot
hewor
st.

Whenwear
ri
vedatst
ati
onIwast
akent
othei
nter
rogat
ionr
oom.

Si
bisi
:“Mr
sKhumal
oI'
m Det
ect
iveSi
bisi
andmycol
l
ogueDet
ect
iveGr
oot
boom”

Me:
“Whatam Idoi
ngher
eDet
ect
ive?
”

Si
bisi
:“Assaul
tofMi
ssZi
ngel
way
o”Ikeptqui
etasmyhusbandsai
dIshoul
d.

Gr
oot
boom:
“Wedon'
thav
eal
lday
”

Me:
“I'
m hungr
ycanIgetsomet
hingt
oeat
?”

Af
terf
ewmi
nut
esmyhusbandcamei
nfol
l
owedbyAndi
l
e.

Andi
l
e:“
Sibi
siandGr
oot
boom Ihopey
oudi
dn'
thar
assmycl
i
ent
”Hesatdown.

Si
bisi
:“Nowedi
dn'
t”

Andi
l
e:“
Didy
ougetenoughev
idencebef
orear
rest
ingmycl
i
ent
?”

Si
bisi
:“Ur
m..
.I.
..We”

Andil
e:“
Takeal
ookatt
hisandy
ou'
l
lseewhathappenedandt
hewhol
est
ory
”Het
urnedt
he
l
aptop

t
othem.Thev
ideowast
akenbyt
hehi
ddencar
emasi
nmyof
fi
ceshowi
ngNobuhl
ewhenshe
f
ir
st

sl
appedmet
henIbeatt
hecr
apoutofher
.Si
bisi
shookhi
shead.

Andi
l
e:“
Asy
ougent
lemenIdon'
twanty
oiut
owast
emyt
imedowhaty
ouhav
eto”

Samkel
o:“
Byt
hewayI
'
m usui
ngt
hewhol
est
ati
on”Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatf
rom hi
m.Youcoul
dhav
e
seen
t
hei
rfaceswhenhesai
dthat
.

Gr
oot
boom:
“MrKhumal
owecant
alkaboutt
his”pl
eadi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Rel
easeast
atementcl
ear
ingmywi
fe'
snameorel
set
hisusel
essst
ati
onandi
tsst
uff
won'
t

seet
hedayt
omor
row”hewasl
i
vid.

Si
bisi
:“Mr
sKhumal
oyouf
reet
ogo.Wesor
ryf
ornotgat
her
ingenoughev
idencebef
ore
ar
rest
ingyou”

ThedoorswangopenMnt
ungwacamei
n..
.Si
bisi
'
sfacewentf
rom pl
eadi
ngt
oscar
edhewas
even

shaki
ng.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Det
ect
ives?
”Andi
l
e'sf
athercamei
naf
terMnt
ungwa.Si
bisi
andGr
oot
boom wasat
f
ar

endoft
het
abl
elooki
ngscar
ed.

Groot
boom:
“MrKhumal
oev
ery
thi
ngi
sokayt
hest
atementwi
l
lber
eal
i
sedt
oday
.Wesor
ry
about

happened”

Dl
ami
ni:
“You'
rebet
terbe”Theykeptt
hrowi
ngt
hreat
satt
hem.

Me:
“Canwepl
easegoI
'
m hungr
y”

Samkel
o:“
Let
'sgobabe”Igotupweexi
tedt
hei
nter
rogat
ionr
oom t
hest
ati
ont
heot
her
swer
e

f
oll
owi
ngus.Heopenedt
hedoorf
ormegoti
nandhegoti
nandhedr
oveushome.

Whenwegothomemyki
dswer
esl
eepi
ng.

Spi
ro:
“Youal
mostspentani
ghti
nhol
dingcel
lyoursourass”

Me:
“Hay
ivoet
sekwena”Isatdownnextt
omyhusband.

Lwandi
l
e:“
I'
m gl
ady
oubackhomeSi
s'
Nompet
heywer
ecr
yingsobadSi
hlesai
dhei
sn'
tgoi
ng
goto

Di
sney
landwheny
ou'
rear
rest
ed”

Me:
“I'
m gl
adt
obehomet
oo.Ihat
edt
oseemyki
dscr
yingl
i
ket
hati
tbr
okemyhear
t.
..
”

Si
hle:
“Sma!Juj
u!Mommyi
sher
e!Juj
u!Sma!Mommyi
sher
e”hescr
eamedf
orhi
sbr
other
s
whenhe

sawme.

Si
hle:
“Mommy
!Mommy
!”her
ant
omeIgotupandt
ookhi
mtomyar
msandspunhi
m ar
ound.

Sihl
e:“
MommyIl
ovey
ou.Ipr
omi
sey
ouI
'
llnev
erbeabadboyagai
nI'
l
lbeagoodboyl
i
steni
ng
toyou

pl
easedon'
tev
erl
eav
eus”hewascr
yingagai
n.Hi
swor
dsbr
okemyhear
tbecauseheal
way
s
wants

t
odowhat
everhewant
sbutwhathappenedear
li
eronchangedhi
smi
ndset
.

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
oomyboy
.Mommywi
l
lnev
erev
erl
eav
eyouokay
”Iwasbr
ushi
nghi
sbackand

r
ocki
nghi
m.

Sma:
“Mommy
”Theyey
eswer
ered.Idon'
tl
iket
oseet
hem l
i
ket
heseandt
hishappenedi
nfr
ont
of

them.Samkel
otookSi
hlei
nmyar
msandIhuggedbot
h.Iwentt
osi
tont
hecouchwi
tht
hem
and

Si
hle'
sheadwasi
nmychest
.Myphoner
ang.

Me:
“Nompendul
ohel
l
o”

Voi
ce:
“Mr
sKhumal
oist
ruet
haty
ouwer
ear
rest
edt
odayi
nthemal
l
?”Okayi
t’
stheJour
nal
i
st.

Me:
“Nocomment
”Idr
oppedmyphoneaf
tert
hat
.

Kat
:“Pl
easeswi
tchof
fyourphone”Iswi
tchedi
tof
f.

Me:
“BabeI
'
m hungr
y”

Samkel
o:“
Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
oeat
?”

Me:“Iwantf
ull
chi
ckenf
rom Nandoswhi
tebr
eadKr
ushmi
xedber
ri
esj
uicewi
ngsf
rom KFC
car
burry

r
aisi
nandnutchocol
atesl
apy
oghur
tandf
rui
ts”It
ast
edt
hem asIwascount
ingi
tal
l
.Theyal
l
l
ooked

atmewei
rd.

Me:
“Whyar
eyoual
ll
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?”Iwasconf
used.

Them:
“Not
hing”
Me:“
Pleasehel
pmet
otaket
hem t
othei
rbeds”KatLwandi
l
eandSpi
rot
ookboy
sfr
om meand
went

upst
air
s.If
oll
owedt
hem t
othei
rroom Iki
ssedt
hei
rfor
eheadsandwentt
odownst
air
s.

Samkel
o:“
Haaashe'
l
lki
l
lmemf
ethu”Theyl
aughedathi
m.

Kat
:“Buthernotknowi
ngwi
l
lmakeherangr
ier
”

Samkelo:
“I'
l
ltr
ytobutIdon'
tpr
omi
seany
thi
ng”Iwentt
otheki
tchen.Spi
rowasl
ooki
ngmy
chi
cken.

Me:“Voet
sekSpi
rogetof
fthosedi
rt
yhandsf
rom chi
cken”Iqui
ckl
ywentt
otheki
tchenand
smacked

hi
shead.

Spi
ro:
“Ouch!I
'
m sor
ry”Theyl
aughedsathi
m.

Me:
“Whatar
eyouhi
dingf
rom meSamkel
o”Iwaseat
ingt
hedr
umst
ick.

Samkel
o:“
Letmet
akey
ourf
oodt
othel
oungewher
eyou'
l
lsi
tcomf
ort
abl
eandeat
”Lwandi
l
e
hel
ped

hi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Ourf
oodmj
i
tai
sont
heway
”Theysai
dOk.

Me:“You'
rewoul
d'
vest
arv
edbecauseIwasn'
tgi
vi
ngany
onemyf
ood”Katl
aughedoutl
oud.
Theyall

l
aughedaf
terhi
m.IputmymeatdownIf
eltt
ear
sinmyey
es.

Samkel
o:“
Babesor
rypl
easedon'
tcr
y”hepul
l
edmet
ohi
schestandIsobi
nhi
schest
.Het
ri
ed
to

cal
m medownbuti
tgotwor
se.

Kat
:“Sor
ryNompewedi
dn'
tmeant
o..
.”Ipul
l
edoutf
rom Samkel
o'
schestandIgav
eKatadead
st
are.

Icont
inuedeat
ingmyf
ood.

Me:“
BabeIdon'
tl
iket
ofeel
li
ket
his.Theseday
sI'
m acr
yingbabyandI
'
m al
way
shungr
yand
I
'm

get
ti
ngf
atandSi
hlei
smaki
ngj
okesabout
.Idon'
tl
ikei
t”Iwascr
yingagai
n.

Samkel
o:“
Babei
t’
sjustt
haty
ou'
rest
ressednot
hingmor
ebutt
omor
rowwegoi
ngt
oseey
our
doct
or

j
ustt
omakesur
eyou'
real
ri
ght
”Inodded.

Me:
“Andi
l
ethanksf
orget
ti
ngmeoutt
her
e”

Andi
l
e:“
Iwasdoi
ngmyj
obNompet
her
e'snoneedt
othankme”

Me:“
Haahpl
easet
eachmet
hosel
awy
erl
i
neI
'
llt
hrowt
hem whenf
ucker
sar
etr
yingt
ofuckup
wi
th

me”Theyal
lwant
edt
olaughbutt
heyqui
ckl
ygav
emeaney
eandt
heykeptqui
etespeci
all
yKat
.

Samkel
o:“
Babedon'
tchokeony
ourf
ood”Igav
ehi
m ast
areandhel
i
kedaway
.Thei
rfoodwas

del
i
ver
edanIwasdonewi
thmychi
cken.Theyor
der
edbeef
.

Me:
“CanIgetsome?
”Iwasl
ooki
ngatt
hei
rmeatandi
tsmel
lwasgr
eat
.

Spi
ro:
“Youdon'
teatbeef
”Ismackedhi
shead.

Spi
ro:
“Ouch!What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou”hewasgent
lybr
ushi
ngatt
hebackofhi
shead.

Me:
“Shutup!
”Katsmi
l
edandl
ookedaway
.

Samkel
o:“
Youwon'
teatbeefy
ou'
real
l
ergi
candmywor
disf
inal
Nompendul
o!”He'
ssuchan
ass

somet
imes.Theyat
ethei
rfoodandIwassadf
ornotget
ti
ngt
hatmeatandt
heyf
ini
shedi
t.My
mom

cal
ledmeandshewant
edt
ocheckuponmeandIt
oldhert
hatI
'
mfi
neshegav
egr
andmot
her
the

phoneandIt
oldhert
oot
hatI
'
m okay
.Theysoundedwor
ri
edbutIassur
edt
hem t
hatI
'
m okay
.
Aft
er

Spi
rocl
eanedwhenwewer
eeat
ingt
heywent
.Wecoul
dn'
ttal
kaboutt
hismat
terbecause
Lwandi
l
e

waswi
thussowe'
l
ltal
ktomor
row.

Wewentt
oourbedr
oom t
ookashowert
oget
herandwentt
obedaf
tert
aki
ngashower
.

Me:
“Thanksf
orget
ti
ngmeoutoft
her
ebabe”

Samkel
o:“
I'
myourhusbandbabet
her
e'snoneedt
othankmeIwasdoi
ngwhatIwassupposed
to
do”

Myheadwasi
nhi
schest
.

Me:
“Ist
her
esomet
hingy
ouwantt
ell
mehoney
?”

Samkel
o:“
Ever
ythi
ngi
sokaybabeandI
'
m gl
ady
ouher
ewi
thme”

He'
ssosweet
.

Samkel
o:“
Letmecont
inuewhatIpr
omi
sedy
ouear
li
eron”hesai
dget
ti
ngont
opofmeand
ki
ssed

mesosensel
ess.

Samkel
o:“
Ili
kei
twheny
ou'
renaked.
..
”hewhi
sper
edi
nmyearashewaski
ssi
ngmyneck.We
made

l
ovet
il
lIpassedout
.

I
nthemor
ningIwasext
remel
yti
redmywhol
e-bodyache.

Me:
“Mbul
azi
!”Iwasshout
ingIwassot
ir
ed.Heent
eredwi
that
ray
.

Samkelo:
“MaMwel
ase”hewasi
nagoodmood.Iwentt
othebat
hroom qui
ckl
yIt
hrewupi
na
toi
l
et.

Af
terIwasdoneIbr
ushedmyt
eet
handr
insedmymout
hwi
thmout
hwash.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokaybabe”

Me:
“YesbabeI
'
m okay
.It
hinkImi
xedf
oody
est
erday
”

Samkelo:
“Comel
et'
seat
”het
ookmyhandt
ohi
shand.Thet
raywasi
nmysi
det
abl
eful
lof
del
ici
ous

t
hings.

Me:
“You'
respoi
l
ingmet
oomuchnowbabe”

Samkel
o:“
I'
mfor
cet
oit
smydut
ytospoi
lyouandt
akecar
eofy
ou”heki
ssedme.Hedeepened
the

ki
ssandIf
elthi
m har
d.

Me:
“Younotget
ti
nganybabeHay
ivagi
nat
oomuch”Ipout
edmyl
i
ps.Hel
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Letmeki
ssi
tbet
ter
”Ihi
thi
sshoul
derpl
ayf
ull
y.Weat
ebr
eakf
asti
nbed.Het
ookt
ry
tot
he
ki
tchenandcameback.Heki
ssedmesosl
owl
ywhenIt
ri
edt
opul
louthehel
dmeand

Cont
inuedt
heki
ss.Whenhewasont
opofmehi
shandswer
eal
lov
ermybody
.Hei
nser
tedhi
s

manhood.I
tfel
tsopai
nful
l
ygood.

Samkel
o:“
Isi
tst
il
lpai
nful
?”hewhi
sper
edi
nmyearwhi
l
emov
ingsl
owl
y.

Me:
“Pai
nful
l
ygr
eat
”Ther
ewasaknocki
nourdoor
.

Samkel
o:“
Jeez!
”hegr
oanedi
nanger
.

Si
hle:
“Mommy
!Pl
easeopenf
orus”

Samkel
o:“
EishEi
shEi
sh!
”hegotof
fme.Il
aughed.Hecl
eanedusqui
ckl
y.

Me:
“Comei
nboy
s!”

Thr
eeoft
hem camei
nhol
dingt
heybowl
sofcer
eal
s.SmaandJuj
uoni
nbedwi
tht
hei
rbowl
s
and

Si
hleputhi
sbowl
downandgoti
nbed.

Si
hle:
“Dadpl
easepassmybowl
forme”Hi
sfat
hert
ooki
tforhi
m.

Me:
“I'
m backboy
sandIneedy
out
obehappy
”

Wespentt
hewhol
edayi
ndoor
swi
thourki
dsandSi
hlewast
aki
ngpi
ctur
esofuswi
thhi
s
f
ather
's

phone.Si
hlei
ssomet
hingel
sehel
i
kesol
dert
hingst
hanhi
m.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-

Me:
“Jacketboot
svest
sunder
wear
ssocksj
eanssneaker
ssweat
erspy
jamas”

Samkel
o:“
Checkf
orf
if
tyt
imesbabe”

I
nter
com r
ang.
..
.

Sma:
“Yeeeygr
annyi
sher
e!”Her
ant
oopent
hegat
e.

Si
hle:
“Mom pl
easecl
osemysui
tcaseI
'
mreadyt
ogo”

Smacamewithmom gi
ggl
i
ng.Shei
sinbl
ackl
ongdr
essanddust
ypi
nkcoatandVer
sace
wedgepumps.

Gr
andma&Mom:
“Mkhweny
anani
njani
?”

Samkel
o:“
Siy
aphi
l
ani
njani
?”
Gr
andma:
“Si
yaphi
l
anat
hi”

Mom:
“Howar
eyoumybaby
”

Me:"
I'
m goodmom ev
ent
houghI
'
m get
ti
ngf
atnj
ebutI
'
mfi
ne”Si
hleandJuj
ugr
eet
edt
hem
gr
andmother
.

Si
hle:
“Mom pl
easedon'
tkeepuswai
ti
ngcl
oseoursui
tcasessot
hatwecango”

Myboysar
eweari
nggr eyski
nnyj
eansbl
ackjacket
sandblackandmar
oonAirJor
dan
JumpmanTeam I
I.Si
hlewasweari
ngablackone.Looki
nghandsomel
i
kethei
rfat
her
.

Me:“
Mom pleasetakeaphot oasafami l
y”Shetookmyphone.Sihl
ewaspissednow.Grandma
wasl
ooki
ngatmel ikether
e'ssomethingshewant stosayorshepi
tymeIdon'tknowwhybutI
f
eell
i
kethat
.Aftertaki
ngpictur
esIkissedthei
rforeheads.

I
ntercom wentoffwhenIshowedthem t
otheloungeandSihl
ewassay
ingt
heymustgot
hey
wi
lldrinkt
heircof
feeontheway.Samkelocamewi t
hSpikes.

Spi
kes:
“Sani
bonani
ekhay
a”

Gr
andma:
“Yeboni
njani
mnt
anam?
”

Spi
kes:
“Si
yaphi
l
amahsi
ngezwaki
ni”

Mom:
“Si
yaphi
l
anat
hi”

Spi
kessi
gnal
l
edmet
ocomet
ohi
m.Iwentt
othesi
deSamkel
owentt
otheki
tchen.

Spi
kes:
“Zeewant
edt
oknowaboutt
het
ri
p”

Me:
“It
hinkwear
egoi
ngt
omor
rowwear
etaki
ngr
oadt
ri
p”

Spi
kes:
“I'
m sur
eit
’sNokwe'
sidea”

Me:
“Youknowhert
oowel
l
”

Spi
kes:
“I'
l
lcomebackl
ater
”

Me:
“Okay
.Tel
lZeet
hatwenotswi
mmi
ngt
hist
ime”

Hel
aughed.HewentandSamkel
oshowedhi
m out
.Iwentbackt
othel
oungegr
andmagav
eme
awei
rdlook.

Grandma:“Masimbamani
lawaowenzay
o?Usi
nekanamadodaEmzi
niwendoday
akho
phambikwayo.Si
es!”

Whatonear
th?
Me:
“Gogoangi
ka.
..
.”

Gr
andma:
“Shutup!Nompendul
o”herv
oicewasl
i
ttl
ebi
thi
ghki
dswer
elooki
ngatus.

Grandma: “
Uzothi
niumkhweny
anakuf
ikaamadodaezekuweusinekenawo(Whatwil
lyour
husbandthinkwhenther
earemengoi
nginandouthishouseandy oubusygi
ggli
ngwi t
h
them)?”sheisangry
.

Me:
“Gogongi
yaxol
i
sabekumayel
ananomsebenzi
(Gr
andmaI'm sor
ryitwasaboutwork)
”Ihat
e
t
oapol
ogi
seespeci
all
ywhenIdi
dn'
tdoanyt
hingbutr
ightnowit
’sonlytheopt
ionIhav
e.

Gr
andma:
“Mxm”

Igotupandwentt
otheki
tchenIf
oundSamkel
olaughi
nghi
slungsout
.

Samkel
o:“
YhooMagr
izadon'
ttakeshi
t”hesai
dinbet
weenhi
slaugh.

Me:“Eingit
hethi
sel
waint
oengekhonj
e”Imadesandwichesqui
cklyandser
vedt
hem wit
hjui
ce
andcoffeeformygranny
.Af
terwetookt
hem t
oairpor
tI'
veneverseenmykidst
hesehappy.
Thehyper

onewasjumpi
ngupanddowninjoy
.Ihuggedmygrannyandmymother.Ki
ssedmyboysand
huggedt
hem.Igav
emymot hert
hei
rpasspor
ts.Wewait
edti
ll
theywenttot
heter
minal
.

Samkel
o:“
Babedon'
tbesadt
hey
'l
lcomeback”

Iwassadt
hinki
ngt
hatI
'
venev
erdonesomet
hingt
omaket
hem happyt
hismuchast
heyar
e
now.

Me:
“I'
m notsadbabe”If
eltt
ear
sinmyey
es.Hehuggedme.Wewentt
othecarandwenthome.
WefoundSpikesi
nourhouse.

Samkel
o:“
Masi
mbamani
l
awaowenzay
o”hewasi
mit
ati
ngGr
andma'
svoi
ce.Wel
aughed.

Spi
kes:
“Shesai
dthat
?”

Samkelo:
“Shewasl
i
vidbr
asay
ingt
hatNompedon'
trespectmyhouseandal
lthat
”Spi
kes
l
aughed.

Spikes:
“I’
l
lbuy150cansofcof
feejustt
osaysor
ry”Wel
aughedagai
n.Heknowshowmuchmy
grandmalovescof
feeli
kehi
smot her
.

"
Ximat
sat
sa"v
oicesai
d.WhenIt
urnedar
oundi
t'
sFr
ank.Iwentt
ohughi
m.

Fr
ank:
“Ouch!
”Il
ethi
m go.Hei
sourf
ell
owf
rom Mpumal
angabr
anch.

Kat
:“That
'sst
reetf
ight
sfory
ou”
Fr
ank:
“Atl
eastIwont
hebat
tl
eIdon'
tcar
ewi
thpai
ns”

Iaddedsandwi
chesandtheyaskedforwhiskeyinsteadofj
uice.Imademy sel
fabigfatt
yand
del
ici
oussandwi
chwithjui
ce.Igavet
ocleant hismesswhenI 'm donebecauseIgaveMam' S
l
eavebecauseki
dsarenotherewhocausedi rtyandmessint hehouse.Iwantedthi
st i
meto
meandmyhusbandj ustuswalki
ngnakedar oundthehousehav ingsexeverywher
ewewant .

Fr
ank:
“Whatwi
l
lyoudowi
tht
hisf
reet
imeal
one?
”

Kat
:“Ineedanot
herni
eceornephew”

Me:
“Wuuuuh!nev
ershameI
'
mfi
newi
thmyt
hreer
ascal
s”

Kat
:“Hay
iwepai
dtoomuchf
orl
obol
a”

Me:
“Weeel
utho!Idon'
tneedanot
herbabynow.Wef
iner
ightbabe?
”

Me:
“Samkel
o”Ishookhi
m.Hi
smi
ndwasf
araway
.

Samkel
o:“
Mhhm?
”Hi
smi
ndwasmi
l
esaway
.

Me:
“Ineedt
ouset
oil
et”Igotupandmademywayt
othebat
hroom.

Samkel
o:“
Babe!
”heshout
edatme.Ev
ery
onei
nther
oom wasst
andi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Bragoandgett
hecar
!”t
oKat
.

Me:“
What
'sgoi
ngon?
”Hehast
ear
sinhi
sey
es.Hepi
ckedmeupi
nabr
idal
sty
leandwentt
o
cr
ew

buswit
hmetheguyscameinandKatdr
ovet
ohospi
tal
.Int
hecarev
ery
onewasqui
teIdon'
t
what
'sgoi
ngonwit
hthem.

Me:
“What
'sgoi
ngon?
”Nooneanswer
edme.

Whenwegotinthehospi
tal
Samkel
opickedmeup.Thenur
sesatt
endedmequi
ckl
y.Aft
erthe
nurseswer
edonetheguy
scameinandIcriedsol
oudmyhusbandpul
ledmet
ohischestandI
sobbed.

Mnt
ungwacamei
nal
ongwi
thDl
ami
ni.Thei
rfaceswer
esadev
ent
heguy
sher
e.

Thedoct
orcamei
n.

Samkel
o:“
Doct
or”

Doc:
“MrKhumal
o”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Doct
orpl
easet
ell
uswhati
swr
ong?
”
Doc:
“Ihav
ebadnew.
..
”

Samkel
o:“
Doct
orcanwet
alki
npr
ivat
e?”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Samkel
oIt
hinki
t'
sti
menow”

Dl
ami
ni:
“Hei
sri
ghtson”

Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hesepeopl
e?Whatt
heyar
etal
ki
ngabout
.

Samkel
o:“
Dadpl
ease”

Kat
:“Att
heendshehast
oknowabouti
t”

Samkel
o:“
Okay
.Youcancont
inuedoct
or”hesai
dthatwi
thasi
gh.Hecamet
omysi
deandt
ook
me

hand.

Me:“Whatiswr
ongwi
thme?Am Isi
ck?Pl
easet
ell
them t
ohel
pmeSamkel
oIpr
omi
sedmy
boy
st hat

Iwon'
tev
erl
eav
ethem al
onepl
easet
ell
thedoct
orst
ohel
pme”t
ear
swer
efal
l
ing.

Samkel
o:“
Shhh”hegotupandpul
l
edmet
ohi
schest
.Hemanagedt
ocal
m medown.

Doc:
“AsI
'
vesai
dIhav
ebadnewsandgoodnews”Il
ookedatt
hedoct
or.

Doc:
“I'
m sor
ryMr
sKhumal
ofory
ourl
oss”

Ther
oom wentqui
et.

Me:“Myloss?Whatl
oss?”Iwasconf
usedashell
.Thedoct
orl
ookedatSamkel
o.Mnt
ungwa
l
ookedatDlamini
toKat.Samkel
oeyesweref
il
ledwit
htear
s.

Me:
“Speak!
”myv
oicewi
thl
i
ttl
ebi
thi
gh.

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Speakdammi
t!
”Iwasshout
ed.

Doc:
“Youl
ostonebabyandt
heot
hert
hreei
sdoi
ngf
ine”

Me:“Whatthehellar
ey outalki
ngabout
?Baby?I
'm notpr
egnant
.Samkel
opl
easet
ell
thi
ssick
doct
orthatI'
m notpregnant”Samkel
owaslooki
ngdownandwhenhel i
ft
edhi
sheaduptears
werest
reamingdownhi scheeks.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sor
ry”
Il
ookedatMntungwaandhel
ookedaway
.Katwasst
andi
ngneart
hewi
ndowl
ooki
ngout
side.
Spi
keswaslooki
ngdown.

Me:
“Tel
lmei
t’
snott
rue.
..
”myv
oicei
str
embl
i
ngnow.

Samkelo:“BabeIwasscar
edtotel
lyoubecauset
hedoct
orsai
dyoudon'
tneedst
ressor
somethingthatwi
ll
shockyou”hecr
ied.

Iwai
l
ed.Hecamet
omeandIshookmyheadr
epeat
edl
y.

Me:
“Al
lofy
oupl
easel
eav
e”i
nal
owv
oice.

Samkel
o:“
Babepl
ease”

Me:
“Now!
”Iscr
eamed.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Let
'sgi
vet
hem t
ime”Theyal
lwentoutl
eav
inghi
m behi
nd.

Samkel
o:“
Iknowy
ouhat
eandy
oudon'
twantt
oseemebutIwaspr
otect
ingy
ouandour
babi
es”

Me:
“Samkel
oal
lthi
sti
mey
ouknewt
hatI
'
m pr
egnant
?”

Henodded.

Samkelo:
“BabeIfoundoutthatyouwerepr
egnantaf
tert
heacci
dent
.Theymadeal
lnecessar
y
testandt
heyfoundoutthatyou'
repr
egnant
”

Me:“
Thatwasf
ewmont hsagosoyoutr
yingt
otel
lmethatyouwer
ehi
dingt
hatIwaspr
egnant
f
rom meandIf
oundoutnowbecauseIl
ostoneofmybabies”

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sor
ry.
..
”

Me:
“Whoel
seknewabouti
t?”

Hedidn'
tsai
danyt
hingsothatmeanev
ery
oneknewandIwast heonlywhodidn'
tknewabouti
t
buti
tmakessensenowexplaini
ngmeget
ti
ngfatcr
avi
ngsandeati
ngal otandhi
m don'
twant
tol
eavemysideandhedidn'
twantmetodri
ve.Whyidi
dn'
tfi
gurethesethi
ngsout?

Samkelo:“
Babepl
easecal
m downit
’snotgoodforyouandt
hebabi
es”hesai
dbecauseIwas
breat
hingf
astt
hannormal
.Igavehi
m adeadlystar
e.

Me:
“Pl
easel
eav
e”

Samkelo:
“Ican'
tl
eaveyouhereal
onewhi
lewelostoneofourchi
l
dren.Weneedeachandi
fyou
don'
twantmey oubett
ergett
hegunandshootmebecauseI'
m notgoingany
wher
e”hepul
leda
chai
randsatdown.
Me:
“It
houghty
oucar
eaboutmeSamkel
o”

Samkelo:
“NompendulowhatwasIsupposedtodowhent hedoctort
oldmethaty oudon'tneed
st
ressorsomet
hingthatwi
llshocky
oubecausey oubloodpressurei
shighandy ourbl
oodi s
weak.Idi
dwhatIhadtodotosav ef
iveofyoubutunfort
unatel
yGodhadanot herplanforone
ofthem.

Pleasetel
lmewhatIwassupposedt
odo”heputhi
sheadont
hebedI
'
m sl
eepi
ngandhecr
ied.
Iclosedmyeyeshear
inghi
m cr
yingl
i
kethat
.

Me:
“Comeher
e”

Hegotuptookhissneakersoffandjoi
nedmeint
hebed.Hepl
acedhi
sheadonmychestand
webothcr
iedtoget
herholdingeach.Weunti
lwecoul
dn'
t.I
'
m gl
adhecri
edbecausei
nnocent
soul
swoul
dhav e

l
ostt
heysoul
sbecausehei
shur
ti
ng.

Samkel
o:“
May
behewoul
dbeourqui
etbaby
”hesmi
l
ed.

Thel
ovehehasf
orhi
ski
dsi
ssowonder
ful
event
houghhei
sspoi
l
ingt
hem t
oomuch.

Me:
“Orbecr
azyl
i
keSi
hle”webot
hchuckl
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Haaahbabepl
easedon'
tment
iont
hatone”hesmi
l
ed.

Si
l
ence.

Het
ookbot
hofmyhandsandl
ookedi
nmei
ntheey
es.

Samkelo:“
Idi
dn'
tmeant
ohi
desuchabi
gandwonder
ful
thi
ngf
rom y
ou.I
twast
hehar
dest
deci
sion

I
'
veev
ermadeandi
fwedi
dn'
tl
oseoneoft
hem y
ouwoul
d'
vef
indouty
our
sel
f”

Me:
“Wear
eexpect
ingt
hreebabi
es?
”

Samkel
o:“
Theywould'
vebeenfourbut
..
.”hecl
osedhi
sey esandbl
i
nkedr
epeat
edl
y.Ibr
oke
downagai
n.Thedooropenedi
tMntungwaandDl ami
ni.

Dl
ami
ni:
"Ki
dsI
'
m sor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss"

Mnt
ungwa:
“I'
m sor
ryt
oobutsi
yabongakoMbul
azi
forsav
ingot
her
s”

Samkel
o:“
Siy
abonga”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Weneedt
otel
lyourmot
her
s”

Me:
“BabaIwoul
dli
kenott
otel
lthem nowespeci
all
ytheki
ds.Weneedsomet
imewi
thoutt
he
ki
ds”

Samkel
o:“
That
'st
ruedad”Mnt
ungwanodded.

Aft
ersomet
imet
heywentoutandt
heguy
scamei
nandThami
washer
e.Iwasqui
etwhen
Thami

wascr
acki
ngj
okest
ryi
ngt
oneut
ral
i
set
hesi
tuat
ion.

Me:
“Katdoest
hishappent
oloseonechi
l
dwhi
l
etheot
her
sar
edoi
ngokay
?”

Ther
oom wentsi
l
ence.

Kat
:“I
tdoeshappenbuti
tnotusual
scenar
iobuti
tdoeshappen”

Me:
“Iwi
l
lnotl
oset
her
emai
ningbabi
es?
”

Kat
:“Noi
twon'
thappen.Thedoct
orsar
ewor
kingt
heybestt
omakesur
ethatt
heyar
eokay
”

Inodded.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIknowt
her
e'sl
i
ttl
eli
fewel
ostandIwon'
tl
ieandsayev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lgobackt
o
nor
mal

butwewil
ltr
ytomoveonandfant
asi
zeori
magi
nehowheorshewoul
dhav
ebeenl
i
kewe'
l
lgo
thr
ought
histoget
her
”If
eltt
ear
sagai
n.

Nont
uThabi
NokweZeeandNomxocamei
n.Theyeachgav
emeat
ighthug.

Nont
u:“
We'
resor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss”

Me:
“Thanks”If
akedasmi
l
e.

Me:
“You'
real
ll
ooki
ngf
atanddi
ff
erentori
tme”Iwasl
ooki
ngatt
hem.Nont
usmi
l
ed.

Me:
“Youal
sopr
egnant
?”t
oNont
u.Shenodded.

Thami
:“I
nfactal
lofy
ouar
epr
egnant
.Itwasabet
”

Me:
“Samkel
o”

Nomxo:
“Khet
hokuhl
e”

Thabi
:“Andi
l
e”

Them:
“We'
resor
ry”Thami
laughedoutl
oud.TKandSakhi
camer
ushi
ngi
n.

Nokwe:
“Tel
lmei
t’
snott
ruebecauseI
'
llki
l
lyounow”t
oherhusband.

Nont
u:“
You'
rebet
tert
ell
thet
rut
horel
se”t
oherhusband.
Sakhi
andThokozani
lookedateach.

Thami
:“Rel
axt
heyal
lknowaboutt
hebet
”

Nokwe:
“Sol
ovi
ngandbet
ti
nghusbandspl
easegoandgetusourcr
avi
ngsnow!
”

Theyal
lgotupki
ssedt
hei
rwi
ves’
foreheadsSamkel
oki
ssedmyf
oreheadandf
oll
owedot
her
s.
Thamiwastheonl
yonewhowaslef
tbehind.

Thami
:“Aft
erSamkel
ofoundouty
ouwer
epr
egnant
.Hewasbr
aggi
ngabouti
tsot
heyt
urned
i
ntoabet”

Thabi
:“Wehav
etomaket
hem payy
azi
”

Nont
u:“
Whatwedon'
thav
eisaYacht
”Theyl
aughedandhi
ghf
iveeachot
her
.

Thabi
:“Whent
heygeti
nher
ewewantt
hem t
obuyusYacht
”

Nomxo:
“Theyar
ebehav
ingl
i
keki
dsnow”

Nont
u:“
Ihav
ethebestpsy
chol
ogi
sti
ntownandshewi
l
lhel
pyou”

Me:
“Thanksmt
aseI
'
m okay
”If
akedasmi
l
e.

Nomxo:
“It
'snotupf
ordi
scussi
ony
ouandSamkel
oar
egoi
ngt
oseeher
”shesai
dwi
thaut
hor
it
y.

Me:
“Okaywe'
l
lgo”

Thami
:“I
fI'
m notmi
stakeny
ouf
arapar
twi
thweeksormont
hs”

Me:
“Ican'
tbel
i
evet
haty
ouAndi
l
eandThokozani
aref
rom samemot
herandf
ather
”Thel
adi
es

l
aughed.Mt
hokocamei
n.

Thami
:“You'
rest
il
lher
ewhoi
sfucki
ngbi
tchesont
hatsi
de?
”Thi
sguyt
hough.

Mt
hoko"
You'
rest
il
lcr
azydude.Wher
ear
etheot
her
s?”Mt
hokol
aughi
ng.

Thami:“
Thosemoronswentt
obuycr
avi
ngsf
ort
hei
rwi
vest
hatwhyIwon'
tgetmar
ri
edt
obe
order
edaroundnev
er”

Me:“Ther
e'snol
adyi
nherr
ightst
ateofmi
ndwhowi
l
lwantt
omar
ryy
ourcr
azyass”Weal
l
l
aughedhim.

Thami
:“I
'
llt
aket
wobeaut
if
ulwi
vest
opr
oveapoi
nt”

Nomxo:
“Mxm.Uy
ahl
any
awena”

Thehusbandscamei
ncar
ryi
ngbr
ownpaper
bagsf
rom Wool
wor
ths.Theyt
ooki
toutandgav
e
usourf
ood.

Thami
:“Youwon'
teatli
keapr
egnantwoman.Nev
er!Yhooo”Thami
clappedhi
shands.I
atea
l
it
tl
ebutSamkel
oforcedmetoeatsoIendedupf
ini
shmyf ood.

Nokwe:
“Wewantay
achtandi
t’
snotupf
ordi
scussi
on”

Tk:
“Haahwhatabul
l
y”

Nomxo:
“Iwanti
ttoo”

Thabi
:“Husbandsar
ebuy
ingy
achtf
ort
hei
rwi
ves”Andi
l
egav
eheral
ook.

Zee:
“We'
l
lheari
tfr
om y
ou”Spi
kesj
ustl
aughed.

Sakhi
:“Maj
i
tawebet
terpayuporel
set
hei
rgoonast
ri
ke”Thami
crackedoutl
aughi
ng.

At23:30pm t heylef
tandI '
m wit
hmyhusband.Thedoct orsaidhe'
lldischargemeaf t
erhegets
myr esultsback.Myhusbandst ayedwithmeinthehospitalf
orthreeday suntilt
hedoctor
dischargedme.Myki dsfaceti
memeaf t
ert
hreedaysandt heywer ehappy .Si
hlewastell
i
ng
abouthowbeaut if
ultheplacei
swhileSmawast el
li
ngmet hehist
or yoftheplaceandJujuwas
tell
i
ngmewhatt heplaceisfamousof.ImanagedtolaughwhenIt alktothem.

Thel
astt
woweekswer
ehar
dformeandmyhusbandbutwear
ether
eforeachot
herandwe
went

t
oseet
hepsy
chol
ogi
standshei
shel
ping.Ourf
ri
endsar
eal
way
swi
thus.

Nokwe:
“Icancel
l
edourt
ri
pbecausewecan'
tl
eav
eyoubehi
nd”

Kat
:“It
hinkwhent
heygoi
twi
l
lhel
pthem j
ustt
ogetsomef
reshai
r”

Me:
“Idon'
tthi
nki
t’
sagoodi
dea”

Nomxo:
“You'
l
lgett
hesepar
ater
oom.Youneedt
ogetoutoft
hishouseorel
sey
ou'
l
lgocr
azy
”

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
tal
ktoMnt
ungwaf
ir
stt
hengetbackt
oyou”

Nokwe:
“Okaypl
easedo”

Iwasstr
ugglingt
oeatbuthavingSamkeloonmycaseitbett
ert
oeatthanhav
ehim shouti
ngat
meforstar
vinghi
sbabies.Ial
waysthinkofhowheorshewouldhav
ebeenbutthedoctortol
d
methatsoonorlateri
twould'
vehappened.Whenourmother
scomebackwe'l
lmakeal i
tt
le
tr
adi
ti
onal.

Me:
“BabeIneedt
ogot
othecl
ubIneedt
ocheckf
ewt
hingst
her
e”Al
ley
eswer
eonme.

Samkel
o:“
Nompepl
easedon'
ttestme”Ikeptqui
eti
nfr
ontofourf
ri
endsj
ustt
ogi
vehi
m hi
s
pl
aceasmyhusbandbutt
omor
rowI
'
m goi
ngt
her
ewi
thorwi
thouthi
m.

Thi
spregnancyhasmadehim somet
hingel
se.Helovesmetoomuch.Lastni
ghtIt
ookhi
s
Empor
iaArmani shi
rtandsl
eptwi
thi
tandhedidn'
tsayany
thing.Hei
smorelovi
ngIli
kei
t
somet
imesIt hi
nk

i
ttoomuch.

Nokwe:
“Samkel
ocanIhav
eabi
te?
”Hei
seat
inganAppl
e.

Samkel
o:“
Sur
e”hepassedi
ttoher
.

Sakhi
:“Umf
azi
wami
bru”Weal
ll
aughedatt
hem.NokweaskedanAppl
efr
om Samkel
otot
ake
aone

smal
lbi
teandgav
eitbackt
ohi
m.

Spi
kes:
“Ut
handi
swaSamkel
o”Katl
aughedoutl
oud.

Spi
ro:
“Doy
our
ememberhowNompewasl
i
kewhenshewaspr
egnantwi
thSi
hleonTaKat
?”

Spi
kes:
“Thatwasf
unny
.Ser
vinghi
m onl
y”

Chapt
er43

Samkel
o:“
Ial
mostcr
iedatf
ir
st”Webur
stedout
.

Sakhi
:“Ther
e'snodaywedon'
tspeakabouty
ouGazi
.Itonl
ymakessensenowwhyshei
s

compl
ement
ingy
oursmi
l
espr
ayandl
aughs.HawuJehov
athi
sei
ghtmont
hswi
l
lbeahel
l
”

Samkel
o:“
You'
l
lbest
rongbr
a”hewasl
aughi
ngout
.

Lat
ert
heyl
efthecal
l
edhi
sfat
hert
otel
lhi
m aboutt
het
ri
pandhesai
dit
sfi
newecangoj
ustt
o
get

fr
eshai
r.Hecal
l
edNokwet
oconf
ir
mthatwear
egoi
ngandshemustgetusasepar
ater
oom
andshe

sai
dwear
eli
vi
ngi
nthemor
ning.Wear
egoi
ngt
oMagal
i
esbur
gusi
ngt
wocr
ewbuses.

Nokwe:
“Ican'
twai
tforust
ogett
othef
inal
dest
inat
ion”

Me:
“Myf
eetar
eki
l
li
ngme”

Sakhi
:“Atl
easty
ougoi
ngt
ogetf
ootmassaget
her
e”
TK:
“Pl
easesayt
hatagai
nmyhandsar
eti
redoft
hatdude”Nont
ulaughed.

Nont
u:“
Ncooaht
oobadf
ory
oubecausey
ouhav
eei
ghtmont
hst
odot
hat
”

Kat
:“Imi
ssmydude”

Samkel
o:“
Eishdon'
tsayt
hatbr
aImi
ssedt
hem t
oobutSi
hlesai
dhedon'
tmi
ssus”

Kat
:“Si
hlei
ssomet
hingel
se.Samkel
owasl
i
kehi
m buthei
swor
set
hanhi
m now”SakhI
l
aughedat

t
hat
.

Sakhi
:“Heoncesawmespanki
ngNokwe'
sassandhesai
d“t
ightass”Sakhi
bur
stedout
l
aughi
ngafter

i
mit
ati
nghi
svoi
ce.Ij
ustcl
osedmyey
es.

Samkel
o:“
Gui
l
tyaschar
ged”

Kat
:“Thel
astt
imet
heyv
isi
tedUy
izwi
l
eNomxoki
ssedt
hem i
nthei
rmout
hsbecauseshewas
goi
ng

outandwhenitwasSi
hle'
stur
nedhesai
d“Pl
easeki
ssmyf
oreheadt
hel
i
psar
eformy
gi
rl
fri
end”he

wasi
mit
ati
nghi
svoi
ce.

Nomxo:
“Ihav
en'
tbeenshockedby4y
ear
sol
dli
ket
hat
”sheshookhi
shead.

Weenteredatabeaut
if
ulpl
ace.Nat
ureher
eisbr
eat
htaki
ngandt
hesur
roundi
ngsar
eal
so
beaut
if
ul.

Nokwet
oldust
her
ear
egamest
hatwe'
l
lpl
ayj
ustt
hebot
hofust
heot
her
swe'
l
lbewi
tht
hem.
I
'm

gl
adtohav
eahusbandl
i
keSamkel
owhomakessur
ethatI
'
m okayandhedon'
twantmet
o
qui
et.

Thehost
esscamet
oandshowedusourr
oom andt
heyal
sowentt
othei
rrooms.Whenwegot
toour

r
oom Iputmyphonei
nthebedandwentt
othebat
hroom.

WhenIcamebackhet
hrewmyphoneonmydi
rect
ionl
ucki
l
yIducked.

Me:
“Whati
sitnow?
”Iwasconf
used.

Samkel
o:“
Whyhei
scal
l
ingy
ou?
”
Me:
“Whocal
l
edme?
”

Samkel
o:“
Thatst
upi
dexofy
our
s.Ar
eyoust
il
ltal
ki
ngt
ohi
m?”

Me:“
Yout
heonewhoanswer
edmyphonebecauseIdon'
thav
eany
thi
ngt
ohi
de.Youanswer
my

cal
lsandy
ouusemyphonewhenev
ery
ouwantt
obecauset
her
e'snot
hingI
'
m hi
dingsopl
ease
don'
t

accuseofsomet
hingIdi
dn'
tdoandt
hatI
'
llnev
erdo”Isai
dcal
mlybutwi
thanger
.Idi
dn'
twant
tolose

anot
herchi
l
dbecauseofmyhi
ghbl
oodpr
essur
e.

Het
ookadeepsi
gh.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m sor
ry”

Me:
“I'
mtaki
ngawal
k”

Thenat
ureandi
tssur
roundi
ngsar
ebeaut
if
ul.Iwasl
ooki
ngar
oundandIbumpedi
ntosomeguy
.

Hi
m:“
Sor
rysi
si”

Il
ookedathi
m andIcont
inuewal
ki
ngbecausehei
stheonewhobumpedi
ntome.

Me:
“Isai
dsor
ry”hesai
dagai
n.Inodded.

Hi
m:“
I'
m Thanduxol
oandy
ouar
e?”

Me:
“Nompe”

Hi
m:“
Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
odr
inkIwantt
oknowy
oubet
ter
”

Me:“
Icanaf
for
dtobuymyowndr
inkandIdon'
twantt
oknowy
oubet
ter
.I'
m mar
ri
ed”Ishowed
hi
m ari
ngonmyfi
nger
.

Hi
m:“
Fei
styIseebutI
'
dli
keust
otal
k”hewassmi
l
ing.

Me:
“Nxaav
oet
sek!
”Iwaspi
ssed.

Hi
m:“
Hawu!Iwasbei
ngni
cenj
e”

Me:
“Lal
elawenamasende.
..
”

Samkel
o:“
BabeIwasl
ooki
ngf
ory
oual
lov
ert
hispl
ace”

Hel
ookedatt
hisguy
.
Samkel
o:“
Andt
hen?
”her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ow.Theguybecamescar
ed.

Hi
m:“
Iwant
edt
obuydr
inksf
orhernot
hingmor
e”

Samkel
o:“
Yey
iisonnyHay
ikumf
azi
wami
”wi
thanger
.

Hi
m:“
Hade”her
aisedhi
shandsanddi
sappear
ed.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIdon'
tl
ikey
out
oleav
emysi
ght
.LookIboughty
ouchi
ckenandmay
o
sandwi
ch”

Igav
ehi
m abl
ankst
are.

Samkelo:“OkaybabeI'
m sosorr
yaboutaccusingyoumyloveIwasoutofl i
ne.Younevergave
met hereasontodoubtyouyou'
refait
hfull
ovi
ngandcar
ing.Mybeaut i
fulwi
fepleasef
orgi
ve
thi
sassi nfr
ontofyounow”Ismiled.Ireal
l
yhatebei
ngpregnantbecausehi
skidsalwaystur
n
mei nt
oaf ool.

Me:
“Okayl
etmeeatt
hatsandwi
cht
henI
'
m st
arv
ing”

Samkel
o:“
Iknewi
t”hegi
ggl
ed.

Me:“HeyPapadon'
tbl
amemebl
amey
ourki
ds”Ipoi
ntedmyst
omach.Hel
aughedshaki
nghi
s
head.

Me:
“Whowast
hatguyv
ele?
”Hegav
emeaconf
usedl
ook.

Samkel
o:“
Youdon'
tthi
nki
t’
sacoi
nci
dence?
”

Me:
“Idon'
tthi
nksobutmay
bei
twas”Iwaseat
ingt
hesandwi
chhegav
eme.

Aft
ereati
ngwewenttojoi
ntheothers.Laterwewentforgamesbutwedidn'
tdot
hemall
becausealll
adi
esher
earepr
egnant.Wet ookabathtogetherl
atert
henwewentt
osl
eepear
ly
becauseI'
m

“
pregnant
”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedeal
wit
hthatbi
tchorel
seI
'
llki
l
lher
”hewasont
hephone.

Igotupandwentt
othebat
hroom becauseIwast
her
eal
readyIt
ookt
hegownof
fandwentt
o
theshower
.

Samkel
o:“
Nompendul
owhyy
oudon'
twantt
oli
sten?
”

Me:
“Mxm!
”Icont
inuet
aki
ngashower
.Heswi
tchedof
fwat
ert
ookhi
sgownof
fandj
oinedme.

Samkel
o:“
Itol
dyout
hatIdon'
twanty
out
ouseshowerwheny
oupr
egnant
”

I
fIdoev
ery
thi
nghesay
sI'
l
lgocr
azy
.Whenwewer
edonet
aki
ngshowerwewentt
ojoi
not
her
s
f
ordinner
.Wechoset
hey
achtt
hatwewant
edandt
heyagr
eedoni
t.Ourweekendwasgr
eati
t
was

ref
reshi
ngandI
'
m gladt
obeoutofthehouseandbesur
roundedbypeopl
ewhocar
esaboutme.
BythewayI'
mthreemonthsandt
woweekspregnant
.

-
--
--
--
--
--
-

Thewholethr
eeweekswi t
houtseei
ngt
hem wastor
tur
ebuttheyneededsomefr
eshI'
m gl
ad
theyar
ecomingbacktoday.Iwokeupt
ir
edbutImustcleant
hishousebef
oret
heycomeback
andcookthei
rfav
ouri
tefood.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIt
hinkwehav
etot
ell
them”

Me:
“OkaybabebutSi
hlewi
l
lhat
eusf
orhav
ingbabi
esaf
terhi
m.Somet
imesheusest
hat"
I'
m
t
hei
r

l
ast
bor
n"t
hingonhi
sbr
otherwhenhewant
ssomet
hing”Hel
aughs.

Samkel
o:“
We'
l
ldeal
wit
hitandwel
lexpl
aini
ttohi
mifwehav
eto”

Hecamet
oki
ssme.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
bebackbabe.I
'
m meet
ingt
hegent
sify
ouwantany
thi
ngormi
ssmepl
easecal
l
me”

Me:
“Okaybabe.Il
ovey
ou”

Hetookhiscarkey
sandwent.Icont
inuewi
thwhatIwasbusywithaf
tert
hatIcooked.WhenI
wasdonecookingIwentt
otakeashowerIworehi
st-shi
rtandhi
schi
noshortandjordan
sneaker
s.

Looki
ngatt
hetimeIdeci
dedt
ogoandcheckt
hecl
ubsi
ncehei
sn'
ther
e.It
ookmyhandbag
andJeepCher
okeekeys.

Ican'
tsi
tar
oundalldayanddonot
hing.WhenIar
ri
vedt
her
eev
ery
thi
ngwasl
ooki
nggoodandi
t
anormalWednesday.

Zane:
“Bossl
adyi
tgoodt
ohav
eyouback”Ismi
l
ed.

Me:
“ThanksZanebutI
'
m her
etochecki
fev
ery
thi
ngi
sokay
”

Iwenttomyof fi
ceandhefol
lowedme.Hegav
emet hebooksIcheckedthi
ngsaregoi
ng
accordi
ngl
yandI '
m happywi
thhi
sjobandt
hewhol
estaffi
nfactIgavetothankt
hem f
ood
doingthei
rbestwhen

Iwasn'ther
e.I'
m sur
eSamkel
odidn'ttel
lthem t
hatImi
scar
ri
edoneofquadsbecauseZane
di
dn'tsympathi
zewithmesoIwon'ttell
him ei
ther
.
Me:
“Pl
easeor
dert
hel
unchf
ort
hewhol
est
affi
t’
sonme”

Zane:
“ThanksBossl
ady
”hegotupandhel
eftt
heof
fi
ce.

Aft
erdoi
ngwhatIwasbusywi
thItookmyhandbagandItol
dZaneonmywayoutthatI'
m
goi
nghomeifheneedssomet
hinghewil
lgi
vemeacall.WhenIr
eachf
ormycarIunlockedi
t
goti
nandIhear
dadooropeni
ngonapassengerseat
..
.

Voi
ce:
“Gi
vemet
hatr
ing”i
tay
oungmanpoi
nti
ngagunatme.

Il
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y!

Me:
“Li
stenher
eyoungmanI
'
vebeent
hroughenoughi
fyoushootmenowy
ou'
l
lbedoi
ngmea

f
avourbutAxewi
l
lnotr
estunt
ilhef
indsy
ouandki
l
lyoul
i
keadog”

Theshocki
nhi
sfaceal
lhi
sey
eswer
eout
!

Me:“Youwantmet
ogi
vet
her
ingt
hatwasboughtbyAxef
ormeandgi
vei
ttoy
ou.
..
”It
ookhi
s
gun

qui
ckl
yfr
om hi
shand.
..

Me:
“WhataboutIbl
owy
oubal
l
soutnow?Huh?
”I'
mlooki
ngathi
m.

Hi
m:“
I'
m..
..
sor
ryI
..
..
..
.want
edt
o..
..
”hewast
ryi
ngt
oexpl
ain.

Me:
“Nxaav
oet
sekgety
ourassoutofmycarnow!
”

Aknockonmysideoft hewindow.
..
.Shi
t!Befor
eIcouldst
rol
lthewi
ndowdownt
otal
ktohi
m.
Hewasinthepassengerdoorbeat
ingthecrapofthi
samateur.

Me:
“Babe!Samkel
o!”hedi
dn'
tst
op.

Me:
“Axe!
!”hest
opped.

Lucki
l
ythi
samat
euri
sst
il
lal
i
ve.

Samkelo:
“Noonecomesnearmywi
fe”hi
svoi
cewasdeepmi
xedwi
thanger
.Andi
l
ecamet
o
myside.

Andi
l
e:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Me:
“I'
m okay
.Hewant
edt
omyweddi
ngr
ingbuthedi
dn'
thur
tme”

Samkel
otookt
hatboyandt
hrewhi
mint
hegr
oundher
eint
hepar
kingl
ot.Hecamet
omysi
de.

Samkel
o:“
Mov
etot
heot
hersi
de”
Imov
edt
othepassengerseat
.

Samkel
o:“
Sur
ebr
aI'
l
lseey
oul
ater
”toAndi
l
e.

Hedr ov
eout.ThewayonourwayhomewewerebothquietIknowheisangryangr
yis
underst
atementhe'
sli
vi
d.Whenwegothomehedi
dn'topenthedoorformeandthatexpl
ains
hedon'twanttospeakt
ome.Ifol
l
owedhimint
hehouse.Hewentstraightt
othecabi
nand
poured

whi
skeyhegul
pedi
tandpour
edt
hesecondoneandgul
pedi
ttoo.

Thi
xoonof
efe!

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hef
uckwer
eyoudoi
ngi
nthecl
ub?
”

Me:
“BabeI
'
m sor
ry….
”

Samkel
o:“Nompendul
odon'tbabemeandIdon'
twanty
oursor
ryIsai
dwhatt
hef
uckwer
eyou
doi
nginthecl
ub!
”I'
m st
art
ingtogetscar
ednow.

Me:
“Not
hing”Idi
dn'
twantt
oangerhi
m mor
ethanhei
snow.Hemadehi
swayt
ome.

Samkelo:“Nompendulodon'tf
uckwi thme!
*heshouted*
.Youputyourselfandmybabiesi
n
dangerbecauseofyourstubbornness.Whydon'
tyouwanttoli
sten?”hisvoice.
..
Iwi
shIcoul
d
runaway.

Me: “
Iwasbor
ed.
..
her
eal
oneandIt
houghtImustgo.
..
..
.andcheckt
hingsi
nthecl
ub.
..
”Iwas
shaki
ng.

Nowhei
sst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofmeandIl
ookeddown.

Samekl o:
“ Yazir
ightnowIf
eell
i
kebeati
ngthecrapoutofy
oubutIcan’
tandIwon'
tdoit
”He
roughlygrabbedmewi t
hmyupperar
m andpul
ledmet ohi
schest
.Hehuggedmetight
ly.He
kissedthet op

ofmyhead.

Samkelo:“Il
ovey
ouevent
houghyoumakemeangrysomet
imes”Ikeptqui
etbecauseIwas
st
il
lscared.Hemovedmefr
om hi
schest
.Heki
ssedme.

Samkelo:
“BabeI'
m sor
ryi
fIscar
edy oubutIwasangr
yandIwoul
dnev
erbeaty
ou.Ipr
omi
se
you”hewasbrushi
ngmyhand.Ijustcr
ied.

Samkel o:“
Shhhh.Comeher e”hepull
edmet ohischestagainandcalmedmedown.Westood
ther
ef orgood20mi nutesandwewer edi
sturbedbyint
ercom.Hewentt oopenthegat
eIwent
upstair
stof i
xmy sel
f.Ihear
dnoisedownst
airsandtheirvoi
ces.Iwentt
herefoundt
hem
huggingtheirfat
her.
Me:
“Boy
s?”

Theyt
urnedt
olookatmeandt
heyscr
eamedandr
ant
ome.
..

Them:
“Mommy
!!
”theyar
escr
eami
ng.

Ihuggedthem al
li
nonceandIcr
ied.Imissednt hem somuchandI
'v
ebeengoingt
hroughand
them notbei
ngherewast
ort
urebutI'
m gladtheyareherewi
thme.Il
ett
hem goandheadtomy
room I

t
hrewmy
sel
fint
hebedandcr
ied.

Samkel
o:“
Babear
eyouokay
?”hegent
lyhi
tmyshoul
der
.

Me:
“I'
m okay
”

Samkel
o:“
Iknowhowy
ouar
efeel
i
ngr
ightnowbutwehav
etoacceptandl
etourangel
’
ssoul
to
rest

i
npeace”Ibr
okedownaf
terhesai
dthosewor
ds.Hehel
dmet
ightandwebot
hcr
ied.

WhenIwascal
m Iwentt
obathroom t
ofixmysel
fagai
n.Hedi
dthatt
oo.Wewentdownst
air
sI
f
oundmom andgrandmataki
nggif
tsbagsout.

Gr
andma:
“Mkhweny
anat
hisi
sfory
ou.Andy
ouNompe”shegav
eusgi
ftbags.Wet
hankher
mom

di
dthatt
oowet
hankt
hem.

Sma:
“Mom DadIgoty
ousomet
hing”Hegav
eusl
i
ttl
eboxes.

Juj
u:“
Met
ooIgoty
ousomet
hing”Heal
sogav
eusboxes.

Si
hle:
“I'
m sorr
yguysIdi
dn'
tbuyy
ouanythi
ng.I
'mli
tel
arybr
oke”heempt
iedhi
shandsshowi
ng
ushedoesn’thav
enothi
ng.Webothcr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.

Sihl
e:“
I'
m ki
ddingIgotyousomet
hing”hegav
eussomet
hingni
cel
ywr
apped.I
tfeel
sabi
t
heavyIwonderwhatiti
s.

Me:
“Thanksf
ort
hegi
ft
smysweet
hear
ts”

Samkel
o:“
Thanksf
ami
l
y”

Ioff
eredmom andgr
andmasomet hingtoeatbutwemusttalksoItol
dboy stogotothei
r
room.Theyt
ookthei
rsui
tcasesbutSihl
elef
thisatt
hebeggingofthestai
rsbecausehecan'
t
carr
ythem.

Mom:
“MybabyI
'
m sosor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss”If
eltt
ear
sinmyey
esagai
nbutIdon'
twantt
ocr
y
now.

Grandma:
“Sor
ryNanaf
ornott
ell
i
ngy
ouabouty
ourownpr
egnancybutwedi
dn'
twantt
ost
ress
you”

Me:“
Iwassadanddi
sappoi
ntedi
nyoubutmyhusbandexpl
ainedi
ttomenowIunder
stand
t
hati
t

wasnotgoodf
ormeandmybabi
es.Youwer
eal
lfor
cedt
otakeahar
shdeci
sion”Iwashol
ding
t
ears.

Gr
andma:
“Don'
thol
dthem Nana”shewasbr
ushi
ngmyshoul
der
.Ibl
i
nkedr
epeat
edl
yhol
ding
my

tear
sbuttheycameuncont
rol
labl
eIsawmyhusbandgetti
ngupandhedisappear
edaroundt
he
house.Icr
iedi
nmygrandma'sshoul
derandweweredi
sturbedbyMnt
ungwa'svoi
ce.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Sani
bonani
bakhwekazi
”

Gr
andma:
“Ni
njani
Mnt
ungwa?
”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Si
phi
l
il
esi
ngezwaki
ni”

Gr
andma:
“Si
khonay
izonj
eLezi
esi
zi
zway
o”

Ilef
ttheroom t
ocov
ermyheadandwearsomethi
ngr
epr
esent
abl
e.If
oundSamkel
oinour
room hi
smi ndwasf
arawayandhi
sjawst
ight
en.

Me:
“ Mnt
ungwaMbul
azi
omnyamaMzil
i
kazi
kaMashobane”Het
urnedandgav
emeasof
tlook.
Hel
ikesi
twhenIr
eci
tehi
scl
annames.

Samkel
o:“
Mhhm i
tmakesmef
eel
li
keaki
ng”Thatsmi
l
e..
.

Me:“Hay
iKhumal
odon'
tgi
vemet
hatl
ook”Iwentt
ocl
oset
.If
oundanav
ylongdr
essandpi
nk
doek

Iwor
eiti
nthecl
osetIdi
dn'
twantt
ogi
vehi
m somet
hingt
oexci
tehi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Thi
sist
ort
urebutIl
ett
hisgoj
ustonce”hebi
teshi
slowerl
i
p.

Il
efthi
ml i
kethatIwenttomaketeaf
ort
heelder
s.IfoundedMaNdlov
uint
heki
tchenIgreet
ed
andstar
tedtomakecof f
eeandshemadeitf
orherhusband.Af
tert
heywer
edonetheycall
ed
ustotel
l

ust
hatnextweekendwear
egoi
ngf
orcl
eansi
ngandnami
ngcer
emonyf
orourbaby
.

Theyl
eftforMtunzi
niaf
terMntungwaandhi
swi
fewental
so.Webat
hourboy
sweat
e.Af
terwe
wentt
ot helounget
owat cht
vasaf ami
ly
.
Samkel
o:“
Babel
et'
sopenourgi
ft
s”Theyl
aughedatus.Hei
sexci
tedasIam t
oopenourgi
ft
s.

Istar
tedwitht
heoneIgotf rom gr
anny.I
twasagoldnecklace.Samkel ogotamengol d
neckl
acefrom gr
annyIlaughedathim.Mom boughtusLouisVi t
tonov er
nightbagsforbothof
us.Smaboughtusneckl aceorl
etmesaypendentswiththeirphotojustthreeofthem Il
i
keit.
Jujuboughtusneckl
acet oowit
hournamesengravedoni tIli
keitt
oo.Sihlegaveusonegi ft
whenweopenedi tourphotoas

afamil
ywewereall
wearingtracksui
tsandJor
dansneaker
s.Il
i
kei
ttoo.Iki
ssedt
hei
r
f
oreheadsandt
hankthem again.

Them:
“Mom pl
easehangourphot
oint
hewal
l
”

Me:
“Okaymybabi
esdaddywi
l
ldoi
ttomor
rowmor
ning”

Samkelocl
ear
edhisthr
oat.Weall
lookedathim.Smal ower
edthev
olumeonthet
vbecausehe
knowswhenhisf
athercl
earshi
sthroatl
iket
histher
e'ssomethi
ngi
mport
anthewant
stosayor
speak.

Samkel
o:“
Boy
syourmot
herandIhav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou”

Theynodded.Hel
ookedatmeandIshookmyhead.

Samkel
o:“
Wegoi
ngt
ohav
eot
herbabi
esi
nthehouse”Theynodded.

Si
hlegotupangr
il
y.

Samkel
o:“
Sihl
elel
wecomebackher
eandsi
tdown”hi
svoi
cewascal
m butcommandi
ng.He
came

backsatdownwi
tht
ear
s.

Samkel
o:“
Hav
ingot
herbabi
esdon'
tmeanwedon'
tl
ovey
ouorwewi
l
lnegl
ecty
ou.West
il
ll
ove
you

andy
ouboy
sar
eourl
i
ttl
echampsokay
?”

Juj
u&Sma:
“Okay
”Si
hledi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Wel
ostonebabyoutofourbabi
esi
nyourmot
her
’swomb”hecont
inues.Hecl
osed
hi
s

ey
esandopent
hem agai
n.Si
hlej
ustcr
iedoutl
oud.

Juj
u&Sma:
“Sor
rymom”

Me:
“Thanksboy
s”Idon'
twantt
ocr
yinf
rontoft
hem.
Si
hlecamet
ost
andi
nfr
ontofme.

Sihl
e:“
I'
m sor
rymom Idi
dn'
tmeant
obeabadboysor
ry”hewascr
ying.Ipul
l
edhi
mint
omy
chest

andhushhi
m unt
ilhecal
msdown.Si
hlei
scr
azyr
udeandal
lbuthei
stoosensi
ti
ve.

Me:
“Itokay
smyboy
”

Lat
ert
heywentt
othei
rbedr
oom.Wet
alkaboutt
hecer
emonyt
hati
scomi
ngaf
terwewentt
o
our

bedr
oom.Wet
ookabat
handwentt
obed.Heki
ssedmedeepl
y.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyou”af
terpul
l
ingout
.

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
oo”

Wehear
daknock.

Si
hle:
“Mom r
udeandal
lbuthei
stoosensi
ti
ve.

Me:
“Itokay
smyboy
”

Lat
ert
heywentt
othei
rbedr
oom.Wet
alkaboutt
hecer
emonyt
hati
scomi
ngaf
terwewentt
o
our

bedr
oom.Wet
ookabat
handwentt
obed.Heki
ssedmedeepl
y.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyou”af
terpul
l
ingout
.

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
oo”

Wehear
daknock.

Si
hle:
“Mom Dadpl
easeopenup”Hel
aughedwhi
l
eget
ti
ngupt
oopenf
orhi
m.

Theycamei
ncar
ryi
ngf
ood.

Them:
“Wecamewi
thf
oodweknowi
twi
l
lmakey
ouf
eel
bet
ter
”

Me:
“Ncooah.Thanksbabi
es”Samkel
owasamused.Theyputal
lthef
oodt
heycamewi
thon
t
opof

ourbed.Weal
lat
eIcl
eanedupaf
terandweal
lsl
epti
nourbed.

I
nthemor
ningIwokeupal
onei
nthebed.Iwentt
otakeabat
hwhenIcamebackt
hebedwas
made
andIknowhemadei
t.Imor
easki
nnyj
eanandwhi
teshi
rtandsl
i
pper
s.Iwentdownst
air
sI
found

t
hem i
ntheki
tchenandi
twasamess.Theyal
lhadf
louri
nthei
rfacesi
tookmyphoneandt
ake
a

pi
ctur
eoft
hem.Theywer
emaki
ngpancakeswi
tht
hei
rfat
her
.Ihel
pedonset
ti
ngt
het
abl
e.

Me:
“Thanksf
ort
hebr
eakf
ast
”

Si
hle:
“Itourpl
easur
e”myhy
perSi
hle.

Weat
eandIhav
eal
unchwi
thZeet
odayi
ntown.Iputdi
shest
othedi
shwasherputl
aundr
yin

washing.Mam'Si
scomi
ngbackt
odayshewon'
tst
artf
rom scr
atcht
omor
row.Wewat
ch
moviesafter

Iwenttochangemyshi
rtandt
oadust
ypi
nkV-
shi
rtandbl
ackr
edbot
tom heel
sandGucci
handbag

andmyweav
eofcour
se.

Samkel
o:“
Mhm whatahotandsexywi
feIhav
e”hewasbehi
ndme.

Me:“Mhm Bab'
Khumal
opl
easedon'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hatbecauset
hatl
ookcanmakeme
undr
essi
n

asecond”Iwasappl
yi
ngadar
kpl
um mat
tel
i
pst
ick.Hel
aughedhar
d.Hecamecl
oseandspank
my

ass.

Samkel
o:“
Mhm t
ightass”Ihear
dhi
m br
eat
hingi
nmyear
.

Me:“I
'
mrunni
ngl
ateal
readybabe.WhenIcomebackI
'
llbeal
lyour
s”It
urnedt
ohi
m peckedhi
s
l
ips

andwentoutqui
ckl
ybef
orehechangesmymi
nd.

WhatIhat
eisbei
ngdr
ivear
oundl
i
keIdon'
tknowhowt
odr
ive!Bl
oodybody
guar
ds!ThatwhatI
hat
e

wit
hmyhusbandsomet
imes.Hav
ingmef
oll
owedorhav
ingbody
guar
dswher
everIgoj
usthat
e
i
t.I

goti
nandhedr
oveout
.Iar
ri
vedear
ly.Ior
der
edj
uicewhi
l
eIwaswai
ti
ngf
orZee.

Voi
ce:
“Nompendul
o”wi
thf
unnyaccent
.WhenIl
i
ftedmyheadi
tawhi
teguybuthi
saccent
sounds

l
i
keRussi
anaccent
..
.Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
owsbecauseI
'
venev
erseent
hisguy
.

Mybody
guar
dsweonmysi
dewi
thi
nabl
i
nkofaney
e.

Hi
m:“
Daught
erofPaul
Mazi
buko”

Me:
“Sor
rywhoy
ouar
ebecauseIdon'
tknowy
ou”Iwasr
eal
l
yconf
used.

Hi
m:“
Yourf
atherwasagr
eatf
ri
endofmi
ne.Iknowy
ousi
ncey
ouwer
eyoungwi
thy
oursi
ster
”
he

wasst
il
lst
andi
ng.

Me:
“Yourname?
”

Hi
m: “SergèVer
mezov
ic”hest
ret
chedhi
shandf
orhandshaki
ng.Wel
lIdon'
tdot
hatt
o
st
rangers.

Hi
m:“
Itwasni
cet
oseey
ou”hel
eft
.

I
'
m st
il
lconf
usedbyt
hismanwhowasher
e.Zeecameandsati
nthatmoment
.

Zee:
“Andt
hen?Thatf
ace?
”shecal
l
edt
hewai
ter
.Thewai
tert
ookouror
der
.

Me:“
Ther
ewasamanher
ewhosai
dhe.
..
.Hewasmyf
ather
'sf
ri
endandhi
saccent
..
.Mxm any
way

howy
ouar
e?”I
'
m st
il
lconf
usedbyt
hatmanbutI
'
m nother
efort
hat
.

Zee:“
I'
mfi
necuzi
tjustt
hatt
hisoneher
e*poi
nti
ngt
ohert
ummy
*makesmel
azyhungr
ysad
happy

andal
lthat
.Andy
ouhowar
eyouhol
dingup?
”

Me:“I
'
m doi
ngokay
.Wi
thmyf
ami
l
yandf
ri
end'
ssuppor
tisev
ery
thi
ngt
hatIneedandI
'
m gl
adI
hav
e

y
ouguy
sinmyl
i
fe”

Zee:
“We'
ref
ami
l
yfr
iendsandev
ery
thi
ngsoi
fyouneedorwantsomet
hingpl
easedon'
thesi
tat
e
to

cal
lmeany
timeoft
heni
ght
”Ouror
dercameandweat
eandourconv
ersat
ionwassi
l
ly.When
we

wer
edoneIor
der
edf
oodf
ormyf
ami
l
yandshedi
dthatt
oo.
Webothgotupmybody
guar
dscameandwewentt
othepar
kingl
otgoti
nthecaranddr
ove
home.

WhenIar
ri
vedt
heywer
eal
lsl
eepi
ngi
ncl
udi
ngt
hei
rfat
heri
nthel
ounge.It
ookt
hepi
ctur
es
agai
nI

needt
omakeal
bum wi
tht
hesephot
os.Iwentt
oputf
oodont
hewar
mer
.

Samkel
o:“
Youback”i
nthatdeepsex
ysl
eepyv
oiceofhi
s.

Me:
“YesbabeI
'
m backandIbr
oughtf
ood”

Samkel
o:“
Youknewt
hatI
'
llbehungr
ywheny
oucomeback?
”Hi
sbei
nghi
msel
fnow.

Me:“
It
'sj
ustt
hatIknowmyhusbandandt
hat
'scal
l
edacar
ingandl
ovi
ngwi
fe”Ipout
edmyl
i
ps.
Hesmil
edandshookhishead.

Me:“
Yazibabesomet
hingst
rangehappenedear
li
eron.Ther
e'samanwhogr
eet
edmehe
r
est
aurant

wi
thf
unnyaccentIcansayi
tRussi
anhesai
dhewasaf
ri
endofmyf
ather
”Her
aisedhi
sone
ey
ebr
ow

Samkel
o:“
Hedi
dn'
ttel
lyouhi
sname”

Me:
“Ser
géVer
..
..
.WhatwhatIdon'
tremember
”

Samkel
o:“
Ser
géVer
mezov
ic?
”hi
sey
eswer
eal
lout
.

Me:
“Yeshesai
dthat
.Doy
ouknowhi
m?”

Samkel
l
o:“
Pleasecal
lyourmot
hert
oconf
ir
mthati
fnot
..
..
”hei
sthi
nki
nghar
d.Hi
sjawt
ight
ens.

Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hismanher
e?

Me:
“Ifnot
?”Iwantt
oknowaboutt
hatman.

Hegav
emehi
sphonet
ocal
lmymom.

Me:
“Mom”

Mom:
“Nompe.Ar
eyouokay
?”

Me:“
Yesmom I
'
m okay
.Ear
li
ert
odayImetamanwi
thanameofSer
geVer
mezov
icandhesai
d
he

wasagoodf
ri
endofdad”

Mom:
“What
?Fuck!
”Shebecameangr
ysuddenl
y.
Me:
“Mom y
ou'
reswear
ing”

Mom:
“Don'
tspeakt
othatmanev
eragai
nokay
?”

Me:
“Why
?”

Mom: “
Nompemaar
ndon'
taskmewhyIsai
ddon'
tev
erspeakt
ohi
m.I
fheev
ercont
act
syou
agai
n

t
ell
meASAPokay
?”shei
syel
l
ingnow.

Me:
“OkayokayI
'
llt
ell
you”Shehangsupi
mmedi
atel
y.

Whoi
sthi
smant
hatmakesherangr
ythi
smuch?Mymom i
sswear
ing.Shei
sangr
y.

Me:
“Babeshet
oldmet
hatImust
n'tspeakt
othatmanev
eragai
n”Hei
sn'
tl
ist
eni
ngt
ome.

Het
ookhi
sphoneandcal
l
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Groot
mant
hingsar
eaboutt
ogetmessy
”

Ican'
thearwhatKatsay
sbecausehei
sn'
tonl
oudspeaker
.

Samkel
o:“
Sur
e”hehung.

Hetookt
hef
oodandcal
l
edt
heboy
stocomeandt
aket
hei
rfood.Theycamesatont
hebar
st
ools

andat
ethei
rfood.Theseki
dseatj
ustl
i
ket
hei
rfat
her
.Theydon'
twantt
oeatpi
zzaf
orsupper
now.

AfteranhourKatcamewi
thAndi
l
eIdi
dn'
tknewt
hathewasi
ntown.Ipr
epar
edaqui
ckmeal
for
them

knowi
ngthatSamkel
owouldbehungr
ybecauseheatethef
oodthatwasn'
tpr
epar
edbyhi
s
wif
e.It
ookthetr
aytothest
udyr
oom.TheylaughedwhenIcamein.

Andi
l
e:“
QueenkaAxe”Igi
ggl
edmor
eli
kebl
ushi
ng.

Me:
“Ihopey
ougoodgent
lemen"

Kat
:“Wegood”

Aft
ergreet
ingIl
eftt
her
oom t
ost
artcooki
ng.I
'
m goi
ngt
ocookr
oast
edchi
ckenwi
thr
oast
ed
pot
atoes

andbutt
ernutandgr
eensal
ad.It
oldboy
stogoandpl
ayupst
air
sbecausewhent
heyst
artt
o
sound
l
i
ker
evv
ingcar
syouwon'
tst
andi
t.WhenIwasdoneIwentt
othel
ounget
orest
..
.

Vumadl
ozi
elungubaba

Vumadl
ozi
elungubaba

Me:“Juj
u?Comeher
e”whyhei
sst
andi
ngwi
thSangomas?Idon'
tunder
stand.I
zangoma
zi
yagida

l
ana.

Me:“Juj
u!Juj
u!”I
'
m shout
ingnow.Hei
sst
andi
ngf
arawayf
rom wi
thpeopl
eIdon'
tknowhei
s
st
art
ing

t
opi
ssmeof
fnow.

Heisstandi
ngt
osomewomanwhol
ooksexact
lyl
i
kemebutIdon'
tunder
standwhy
.Shei
s
weari
ng

i
zi
ntozezangomaandJuj
utoo.

Me:“
Juj
u!Juj
u!Juj
u!Comeher
enow!
”I'
m shout
ingagai
n.Hecan'
thearmebecausehe’
sfar
f
rom

me.

Voi
ce:
“Nompendul
o!”WhenIt
urnedi
twasanol
dwoman.

Ol
dwoman:
"Komel
eumsi
ndi
seumt
wana.Yabonal
ent
oiy
omsi
ndi
sa.(
Youmustsav
ehi
m .See
t
his

wi
l
lsav
e"-
her
.

Me:
“Ngi
zoy
ithat
hakephi
lembal
iMi
nagogo?(
Wher
ewi
l
lIf
indt
hisf
lowergr
anny
?)”

Ol
dwoman:
“Uzoy
ithol
aphezukoMt
hav
una.
..
.”shesai
dthosewor
dsanddi
seappear
ed.

Me:
“Juj
u!Juj
u!Juj
umaar
ncomeher
ebef
oreIbeaty
ounow!
”I'
m cr
yingnow.Hej
ustst
ood
t
her
e

l
ooki
ngatme.Het
urnedhi
sbackonme.Icr
iedoutl
oud!
..
..
..
..

“
Babe!Nompe!Vuka”WhenIopenedmyey
esi
twasSamkel
oandJuj
uwasst
andi
ngnextt
ohi
s
f
ather

cr
ying.

Me:
“Iwasdr
eami
ng”af
tercat
chi
ngmybr
eat
h.Andi
l
egav
emewat
ert
odr
ink.
Samkel
o:“
BabeJuj
uisscar
edbecausey
ouwer
eshout
inghi
snamewhenhecameher
eyou
di
dn'
tsay

any
thi
ngandy
ouwer
ecr
ying”

Me:“
Comeher
ebaby
.Mommywasdr
eami
ngandy
ouwer
ether
eIwasscar
ed.
..
.”Iwashushi
ng
hi
m.

Whenhewascal
m It
ookhi
mtohi
sbr
other
sIbat
hthem.Af
terweal
lwentt
oeatj
oinedby
Andi
l
e

andKat
.Myki
dsl
oveKati
nfactal
lthei
runcl
es.

Si
hle:
“Wher
eisMt
hoko?
”

Me:
“Si
hlel
elwei
sUncl
eMt
hokoy
ourf
ri
end?
”Heshookhi
sheadno.

Me:
“You'
l
lanswermewhenI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou.I
shey
ourf
ri
end?
”

Si
hle:
“No”

Me:
“Whyar
eyoucal
lhi
m byhi
sname?
”

Si
l
e:“
I'
m sor
rymom”

Me:
“Youbet
terbesor
ry.Nextt
imeI
'
llbeaty
ourf
latass”Theyal
ll
aughedathi
m ar
oundt
he
t
abl
e.

Idi
sci
pli
nemyki
dsIdon'
twantt
hem t
ober
ude.Whent
heyar
ewr
ongIgi
vet
hem ahi
dingwhen

Samkel
oisnotar
oundt
hough.Samkel
o'
sphoner
ings.

Samkel
o:“
Pleaseexcuseme.Ihav
etot
akei
t”hegotup.

Si
he:
“Mom whydon'
tyoushoutatdadbecauseheanswer
ed.
..
”

Sma:
“Pl
easeshutup.Dadi
sol
dandhesai
d“excuseme”

Me:
“ThanksSma”

Si
hle:
“Butmom”

Me:
“Pl
easeshutupandeaty
ourf
ood”

Whenwewer
edoneeat
ingIcl
ear
edt
het
abl
e.Theywentt
oloungeSamkel
owasst
il
lont
he
phone

It
hink.It
ookhi
sfoodputi
tonawar
mer
.Ij
oinedt
heot
her
stot
hel
ounge.If
oundKatand
Andil
e
dri
nki
ngI'
m gl
adIdon'
thav
etoser
vet
hem ev
endr
inksbecauset
heyknowev
ery
thi
ngi
nthi
s
house.

It
oldt
heki
dst
ogot
osl
eep.

Me:
“Ther
e'ssomet
hingbot
her
ingmeher
e”

Kat
:“Ser
geVer
mezov
icIguess”

Me:
“Yeshi
m.Whoi
she?
”

Andi
l
e:“
Adanger
ousnot
ori
ousgangst
erf
rom ov
erseas”

Whatconf
usemeher
eist
hatmani
sgangst
eragoodf
ri
endofmyf
atherorhei
sjustsay
ingnj
e.

Me:
“Ineedt
oknowmor
eaboutt
hisguy
”

Samkel
o:“
Ther
e'snot
hingmor
eyouneedt
oknow”

Me:
“Why
?”

Samkelo:
“Tomor
rowear
lyi
nthemor
ningIhav
etogot
oLi
mpopot
her
e'sbi
gcaseIhav
eto
att
end

t
her
e.Thecl
i
entwant
smeper
sonal
tobehi
srepr
esent
ati
vesoIhav
etogo"
-hi
m.

Me:
“Itwasgoodt
oseey
ou.Ihav
etopr
epar
ehi
sthi
ngsbef
oreIsl
eep”

Kat
:“Thanksf
ort
hedi
nnerMakot
i”Weal
ll
aughed.

Me:
“Yousoundmor
eli
keMnt
ungwanow”Igotup.

Iwenttoourbedr
oom.Tookhi
sfi
vesui
tspackedt
hem i
nal
uggageandev
ery
thi
ngt
hathewi
l
l
need.

Aswifey
out
omakesur
eyourhusbandl
ooksgoodal
lthet
imebecausewhenev
erhel
ooksbad
peopl
e

l
ookaty
ousoImakesur
ethatmyhusbandi
scl
eanal
lthet
imes.Af
terIt
ookashowerhecame
i
n

t
her
oom whenIwasaboutt
ogeti
nbed.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokaybabe?
”

Me:
“I'
m okaybabe”

Samkel
o:“
Ithoughty
ou'
l
lbeangr
y”
Me:“Knowingy
ourwi
fesur
elyy
ouknowt hatIwi
l
l f
indwhat
everIwantt
oknoworneedsobabe
r
elax.Pl
easegoandt
akeashowerIneedyouhere”

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
twantt
obat
htoday
”het
hrewhi
msel
fonbed.

Me:“
OhGodanot
herSi
hle”Hel
aughedhar
d.Heget
supt
akehi
scl
othesof
fandhi
ttheshowerI
must

pi
ckupaf
terhi
m.Jeez!

Hej
umpedi
ntobed.
..

Me:
“Hay
ibabemaar
n!”I
'
mli
tt
lebi
tpi
ssed.

Hecrawl
edt
omeandki
ssedmesensel
ess.Hi
shandswer
eal
lov
ermybody
.Hi
sscentt
ouch
and

ev
ery
thi
ngdoeswonder
stome.
..
.Wemadel
oveal
ltheni
ght
..
..

At04:
30am hewasr
eadyt
ogo.Hewentt
oki
ssboy
’sgoodby
eIki
ssedhi
m unt
ilmybl
ood
warmed

upagai
n!

Samkel
o:“
Nkosi
kazi
Khumal
oyou'
l
lmakemet
ocancel
thi
str
ip”af
terhepul
l
edout
.

Me:
“Youknowt
hatIcan'
tgetenoughofy
ou”

Samkel
o:“
WhenIcomebackI
'
llt
akeki
dst
othepensi
oner
ssot
hatwecanhav
eourt
ime”he
hasa

smi
rkonhi
sface.

Me:
“Okay
.Il
ovey
ou.Saf
etr
avel
sbabe”Ihuggedhi
m andki
ssedhi
scheek.Hespanksme.I
smi
l
e.He

openst
hedoorandIwentbackt
othebedr
oom.Ihear
dhi
scargoi
ngout
.

Isl
epti
mmedi
atel
ybecauseIwassot
ir
ed.

“
Mom!Mom!Wakeup”WhenIopenedmyey
esi
tSma.Iy
awnr
ubbi
ngmyey
es.

Sma:
“Hedoesn’
twantt
owakeup”hei
sinav
ergeoft
ear
s.

Me:
“Whodon'
twantt
owakeup?
”Isatupi
mmedi
atel
y.

Sma:
“Juj
uhedoesn’
twantt
owakeup”Si
hlecamei
ncr
ying.It
ookmygownwor
eitandheaded
to
t
hei
rroom.

Me:
“Juj
uwakeup”I
'
m gent
lyshaki
nghi
m.

Hei
squi
et.

Me:
“Juj
uI'
m notpl
ayi
nggameswi
thy
ouwakeup”I
'
m st
art
ingt
oshakehi
mli
tt
lebi
trough.

Sma:
“Mom.
..
Itr
iedmay
be.
..
5ti
mes.
..
buthedi
dn'
t"
..
.wakeup.Ev
enSi
hle.
..
.tr
iedbuthedi
dn'
t”he

wascr
ying.

Idon'
tknowwhat
'swr
ongwi
thmysonbutImustt
akehi
mtot
hehospi
tal
.

Me:
“Goandt
akemyphonei
nmybedr
oom Sma”myv
oicei
shi
gh.

Me:
“Si
hlet
akey
ourgownandSma'
sgown”Iwentt
othei
rcl
osett
ookabl
anketgav
eitt
oSma.I
t
ook

anot
hercov
erJuj
uIpi
ckedhi
m up.Wentdownt
hest
air
swi
thhi
m andt
hem f
oll
owi
ngme.

Me:
“Si
hleopent
hedoor
”

Heopenedt
hedoor
.Ir
emember
edt
hatIdi
dn'
ttaket
hecarkey
s.Ir
ushedt
otheki
tchent
otake
a

crewbuskey swewentout si
degotinacarbuckl
ethem andIdr
oveout.Idrov
eli
keami nai
cto
thehospit
al.Theyat
tendedhim.FuckImustcall
myhusband.“Fuck!Heisonthepl
ane”Isai
d
tomy sel
f

Idi
all
edKat
'snumber
..
.

Me:
“Hedoesn’
t.
..
.Don'
twakeupand.
..I
'
m scar
ed”

Kat
:“Woahsl
owdownandcal
m down”It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:“
Hedoesn’
twakeupandwet
ri
edt
owakehi
m upbuthedoesn’
twake.I
'
m att
hehospi
tal
now”

Kat
:“OkayI
'
m comi
ngr
ightnow”hehungup.Ical
l
edmom Mnt
ungwaAndi
l
eandZee.

WhenIt
ri
edt
ocal
lSamkel
oagai
nitwentst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.Katar
ri
ves.

Kat
:“Wher
eisJuj
u?”

Me:
“Hei
sint
hewar
ddoct
orsar
ebusywi
thhi
m”Ibr
okedown.Hehuggedme.

Kat
:“It
houghti
twasSamkel
owhodon'
twantt
owakeup”
Me:“Hewentear
lyi
nthemor
ningwhent
heywer
esl
eepi
ng.
..Theycamet
omyr
oom andt
hey
t
old

met
hatdon'
twantt
owakeupwhenIwentt
her
eIt
ri
edt
owakehi
m upbuthedi
dn'
t”I
'
m cr
ying.

Kat
:“Pl
easecomedown.I
t'
snotgoodf
ory
ouandt
hebabi
es”

Mnt
ungwaMaNdl
ovuandMam'
Scamei
nwai
ti
ngr
oom.It
oldt
hem whathappened.Af
tersome

hour
sthedoct
orcame.

Doc:
“Samkel
oKhumal
oJrf
ami
l
y”Weal
lgetup.

Me:
“Yesdoct
or.What
'swr
ongwi
thhi
m?I
'
m hi
smot
her
”

Doc:
“ Wear
erunni
ngt
est
sMa’
am butt
hebadnewsi
shei
sinl
i
fesuppor
tbecausehecan'
t
br
eathe

onhi
sown”

WhenIwokeupIwasi
nbed.Hospi
tal
bedmymot
herwasont
hesi
deoft
hebedI
'
m sl
eepi
ngon.

Mom:
“Nanahowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
”shewasbr
ushi
ngmyhai
r.

Me:
“Howi
smybaby
?”

Mom:
“Doct
orsar
etaki
ngcar
eofhi
m”

Me:
“Howdi
dIendedupher
e?”I
'
m conf
usedandmyheadi
ski
l
li
ngme.

Mom:
“Youf
aint
edear
li
eron.Nanapl
easet
aket
hingseasy
”

Katent
eredhei
sov
ert
hephone.

Kat
:“Don'
tfuckwi
thmewena.It
oldy
out
ofi
ndhi
mtwohour
sagobutst
il
lhei
sn'
ther
e”

Hei
sangr
y.

Kat
:“Nxaaf
indhi
m andt
ell
himt
ocomebackher
eASAP”
hehungupaf
tert
hat
.

I
'
m sur
ehewant
sSamkel
otocomeback.

Kat
:“Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
”

Me:
“I'
mfeel
i
ngokaybutmyheadi
ngi
ski
l
li
ngme”

Kat
:“Samkel
o'
sphonei
sst
il
lof
fbutIf
oundsomeoneont
hatsi
det
otel
lhi
mtocomebackher
e
as

soonaspossi
ble”
Me:
“Thanksf
ordoi
ngt
hisf
orme.Ir
eal
l
yappr
eci
ate”

Kat
:“Noneedt
othankmewe'
ref
ami
l
y.Ladi
esar
eher
etoseey
ou”

Me:
“Pl
easel
ett
hem i
n"

Chapt
er44

Mom:
“KatIwoul
dli
ket
ospeakt
oyou”Iwonderwhatt
heyar
egoi
ngt
otal
kabout
.

Mygi
rl
scamei
nlooki
ngbeaut
if
ulasal
way
s.

Nont
u:“
Mtase”

Thabi
&Nokwe:
“Fr
iend”

Zee:
“Mzal
a”

I
tli
ket
heyar
esi
ngi
ng.

Me:
“Yazi
Ifeel
li
kel
aughi
ng.Nompewoul
dbebet
ter
”

Them:
“Mxm!
”

Nont
u:“
Webr
oughtf
rui
tsf
ory
ouandbookst
oread”

Me:
“Thanksdar
li
ngsbutIneedmyl
apt
op”

Nomxo:
“Iknewi
t”whensheget
sinwi
thmyl
apt
opbag.

Nont
u:“
Becauset
hehourcan'
tpasswi
thouty
out
ouchi
ngy
ourl
apt
op”

Me:“Tel
lmebi
tcheswhyy
ourhusbandsl
ety
ougoal
onewheny
out
hishot
”changi
ngt
he
subj
ect.

Theyl
aughedhar
d.

Nokwe:
“Shutupy
ourpr
egnantbi
tch”

Nomxo:
“Weal
lpr
egnantNokwe”

Me:
“Mxm!
”

Isawgrandmal
ast
ly.Theywentatni
ght
.Myki
dsar
eatUmhl
angaatpensi
oner
'shouse.Ev
en
ourki
ds

cal
lthem pensi
oner
stheyt
akei
tfr
om Lwandi
l
ethemost
.
Iaskedthenur
set
ogoandcheckonJuj
ushesai
dI'
m notal
l
owedt
oleav
ethebedunl
essI
'
m
goingto

thetoi
l
et.It
ookmyl
apt
opcheckonoursy
stem andev
ery
thi
ngi
sokay
.Whenev
erbadt
hings
happen

ourenemi
esst
ri
kesoIneedt
obesur
ebecauseIcan'
taf
for
dtor
eckl
ess.Icl
osedmyl
apt
opput
i
t

asi
deandcl
osedmyey
es.
..

Ther
e'ssomet
hinghappeni
ngi
tli
keI
'
m dr
eami
ng.If
eel
li
keI
'
mfl
oat
ingi
nthi
sbed.If
eel
col
d
ai
r.
..
.

“
Don'
ttel
lmewhatt
odoshei
smywi
fesov
oet
sek!
”

Icanhearpeopl
etal
ki
ngbutIcan'
topenmyey
es.

“
Babe!
”

Ihear
dsomet
hingl
i
keel
ect
ri
cit
yacr
ossmyf
ace.

“
Nompendul
omaar
n!”

Imanagedt
oopenmyey
essl
owl
y.
..

Samkel
o:“
Babe!
”heshout
ed.

Myhusbandi
sher
ewi
thme.

Me:
“Samkel
o?”myv
oicei
sshaky
.

Samkel
o:“
Yesmyl
ovei
tmeSamkel
o”hepul
l
edabl
anket
.

Samkel
o:“
Don'
tev
erdot
hatshi
tagai
n”hehel
dmyhand.

Whatt
hef
uckhappened?

Me:
“Di
dyousl
apme?
”

Samkel
o:“
WhatIwassupposedt
odowheny
ouwer
eli
ket
hat
?Huh?
”

Idi
dn'
tanswert
othatst
upi
dquest
ion.

Samkel
o:“
Whathappenedt
oJuj
u?”

Me:“
Smat
ri
edt
owakehi
m upbuthedi
dn'
tev
enSi
hlet
ri
edt
obuthedi
dn'
t.Theycamet
owake
me
uptot
ell
met
hathedoesn’
twantt
owake.Iwentt
othei
rroom shookhi
m mor
ethant
wicebut
he

di
dn'
twakeupsoIr
ushedhi
m her
e”

Samkel
o:“
Andy
ouBPwenthi
ghandy
ouf
aint
ed?
”Inodded.

Me:
“Pl
easet
alkt
othesenur
sest
oal
l
owmet
ogoandseeJuj
u”changi
ngt
hesubj
ect
.

Samkel
o:“
Don'
tfuckendar
edot
hatwhenI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou.Don'
t!
”her
oar
ed.

Idi
dn'
tanswerhi
m Ibowedmyhead.

Me:
“Nompendul
o”Hewant
smet
oex
plai
nmy
sel
f.
..

Me:“
Mbul
az’
omny
amawhatIwassupposedt
oreactwhent
hedoct
ort
oldmet
hatJuj
uison
l
if
e

supportbecausehecan'
tbr
eat
heonhi
sownandy
ouwer
enott
her
ewi
thmewhent
hat
happened”

I
'
mtr
yingt
ocal
m hi
m down.

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Samkel
o:“
Thatwon'
twor
k”cal
mly
.Itwor
ked.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sthecause?
”onal
owerdeepv
oice.

Me:
“Thedoct
orsai
dtheyar
erunni
ngt
est
”Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ows.

Me:“
Khumal
ocal
m down.Ihopei
nthemor
ningt
heywi
l
ltel
lussomet
hingbet
ter
”Ican'
thav
e
hi
m

angr
yri
ghtnow.

Hewentoutaf
tersomet
imeIt
hinkhewentt
osmokej
ustt
ocl
earhi
shead.Hedoest
hatwhen
hei
s

st
ressed.

I
nthemor
ningt
hedoct
orsdi
schar
gedmeandIwentt
oseemyboy
.Somanypi
pesonhi
m.

Me:“Babyi
tmey
ourmot
her
.Pl
easewakeupmyl
ovey
ourdadandIneedy
ousomuchand
your

brot
her
s.Iknowy
oucanhearmebabypl
easewakeupf
ormeandy
ourunbor
nsi
bli
ngst
omeet
thei
r
ol
dbr
other
.Pl
easemybabyboy
”tear
swer
est
reami
ngdownmycheeks.

Iki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead.

Samkel
o:“
Ntwanay
ami
.Ineedy
out
ocomebackt
ousy
ourf
ami
l
yweneedy
oury
ounggeni
us.
Come

backsot
haty
oucancl
eanmysneaker
stheyar
edi
rt
ynt
wanay
ami
”hebr
ushedJuj
u'
sfor
ehead.
We

bot
hki
ssedhi
sfor
eheadandhandst
henweexi
tedt
hewar
d.

Aweekpassedst
il
lnot
hingt
hedoct
orssayt
her
e'si
snot
hingwr
ongwi
thhi
m.Samkel
opul
l
eda
gun

onDoctorPhi
ll
ipswhenhetoldusthatl
ucki
lyhi
sbr
otherwast
her
e.Iwentt
ohi
sschool
to
expl
ainhi
ssit
uationt
heysenthi
m cardsandfl
ower
s.

Smacri
esev
erydaysi
nceschool
hasr
eopenedsay
ingt
hathewant
shi
sbr
othersot
hatt
hey
cangot
o

school
toget
her
.Myhy
perSi
hlei
snothi
msel
fev
ersi
ncehi
sbr
otherwasadmi
tt
edhedon'
twant
to

eat
.

I'
m athomepr
epar
ingt
ogot
ohospi
tal
.Samkel
osl
eepst
her
eandcomesi
nthemor
ningt
o
change

andtaketohospi
tal
.Si
hledon'
tgot
ohi
scr
èchebecausehei
sst
resshecan'
tev
enf
ocusand
welethim be.

Ourdri
vei
ssi
l
ence.Whenwegett
her
ewef
oundBi
gfourr
eadi
nghi
m st
ori
es.I
'
m gl
adt
ohav
e
such

suppor
ti
vel
i
ket
hem.

Me:
“Thanksguy
s”whenweent
eri
nhi
swar
d.

Mbuso:
“Wear
ehi
suncl
essot
her
e'snoneedt
othankus”

Isatonchai
rnextt
ohi
sbed.Igr
eethi
m andki
sshi
shand.I
'
mfeel
i
ngsot
ir
edbutImustbe
here.Bi
g

f
ourwentt
obuyusf
ood.

Samkel
o:“
Thi
sbet
terbehappeni
ngnat
ural
l
ybecausei
fitsomet
hugIswearIwi
l
lki
l
lthewhol
e
Dur
ban”i
nthecr
eepi
estv
oice.

Me:
“Wehav
etobesur
e..
..
”

Isuddenl
yfel
tsl
eepyandi
twasf
orci
ngmet
ocl
osemyey
es.
..
.

Voi
ce:
“Nompendul
oyi
niungaf
uni
ukul
alel
a?”

Me:
“Ngani
gogo?
”

Voi
ce:
“Ngakut
shel
angat
hisi
ndi
saumnt
wana.BukaManj
eumnt
wanaunj
ani
!”shewasshout
ing
at

Khul
umadl
ozi
elungubaba

Khul
umadl
ozi
elungubaba(ohhkhul
umadl
ozi
)

Khul
umadl
ozi
elungubaba(
ohhkhul
umadl
ozi
).
..
..
..
..

Me:
“Juj
u!Juj
u!”Ishout
edhi
mtr
yingt
owakehi
m up.

Voi
ce:“
Imbal
iuzoy
ithol
aphezukoMt
hav
una!
..
..
..
”shesai
dthatl
oudandi
tcausedmet
owake
up.
..

Whyev
ery
oneher
eisl
ooki
ngatmel
i
keI
'
m cr
azy
?

Igotupandsomet
hingcamet
omeandt
oldmet
osi
ngt
hatsong.
..

Khul
umadl
ozi
elungubaba

Khul
umadl
ozi
elungubaba(ohhkhul
umadl
ozi
)

Ikeptsi
ngingt
hesongt
heunt
ilIwasi
nmykneesandmyv
oicechanged.IsawJuj
ufi
ght
ing
vi
olent
ly.

Ihear
dthem shout
ingf
ordoct
ors.Samkel
otookmeoutasIst
eppedout
sidehi
swar
dIf
eltl
i
ke
i
t

wasn'
tmewhowast
her
eint
hatwar
d.Wef
oundot
her
sint
hewai
ti
ngr
oom.

Me:
“Ihav
etogouMt
hav
unar
ivernow”

Si
l
ence.

Al
ley
esonme.

Samkel
o:“
Hay
iuy
ahl
any
awena”

Me:
“Samkel
onow!Takemet
ouMt
hav
unar
iverIneedt
osav
emychi
l
dnowwedon'
thav
eti
me”
Samkel
o:“
I'
m notgoi
ngt
her
e”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Let
'sgoMakot
i”Samkel
olookathi
sfat
her
.

Samkel
o:“
Let
'sgo.Isweari
fyoudosomet
hingst
upi
dI'
l
lki
l
lyou”Iknowhemeani
t.

Them:
“Hay
ibo!
”

Itookmyhandbagandf
oll
owedhi
m.Bi
gfoursai
dtheywi
l
lfol
l
owussot
hatt
heel
der
swi
l
lst
ay
behind.

Me:
“Pl
easedr
ivef
astSamkel
owedon'
thav
eti
me”asIsi
tont
hepassengersi
t.

Samkel
o:“
Ify
ouwantt
odi
epl
easet
akeoutmyki
dsony
ourwombandt
hendi
eal
one”Idon'
t
want

t
oent
ert
ainhi
m.Hecal
l
edKatont
hewayt
otel
lhi
m aboutt
his.Knowi
ngmyhusbandIknowhe

t
hinkst
hisi
sri
dicul
ousandusel
ess.Atl
eastheknowst
her
ivert
hatwegoi
ngt
o.

Af
tersomehour
swer
eacht
other
iverIsawt
hef
lowert
hatIsawi
nmydr
eam.

Me:
“Ther
e'saf
lowert
hatI
'
mlooki
ngf
or”Ipoi
ntedi
tbuti
tfarf
rom us.I
tsur
roundst
her
iver
.I
t
ook

apaperbagt
hatwasi
nacart
ookof
fmyshoesgetof
ffr
om t
hecar
.Hef
oll
owedmeandhei
s
smoking.

WhenIwasneart
othefl
ower
sIt
hrewhi
scigar
etteawayIcar
eful
l
ypickedthef
lowerputt
hem
ont
hepaper
bagandtakemywaybackt
othecar.Igoti
tandhegoti
nBi gf
ourdidt
hattooand
wedrov
e

backt
oDur
ban.

Whenwegoti
nDur
banhi
sphoner
ang.

Samkel
o:“
Yes”

Ican'
thearwhatt
heot
herper
sonsay
sont
hephone.

Samkel
o:“
What
?Okay
.Thanksf
ormeknow”hehungup.

Me:
“Ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ong?
”

Samkel
o:“
No.No.I
twor
kbabe”hef
ocusedont
her
oad.

Mxm!

Whenwear
ri
vedatt
hehospi
tal
wewentst
rai
ghtt
ohi
swar
d.
Ir
epeat
edt
hesamesongagai
nasIent
eredi
nthewar
d.

Nur
se:
“Mr
sKhumal
opl
easest
epout
side.
..
.”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasel
etherdoany
thi
ngshet
hinkst
hatwi
l
lhel
phi
m”

Nur
se:
“Ify
oudon'
tst
epout
sideI
'
llbef
orcedt
o”

Samkel
otookhi
sgunout
.

Andi
l
e:“
SKbr
ather
e'snoneedf
ort
hat
”hecameoutofnowher
e.

Samkel
o:“
Youcoul
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngt
ohel
phi
m buty
ouher
etal
ki
ngnonsense”

Andi
l
e:“
Nur
sepl
easeexcuseus.Pl
easel
et'
sgeti
n”Thenur
sewal
kedawayasf
astasshecan.

Samkel
ohast
urnedi
ntosomet
hingel
se.

Somespi
ri
ttookov
ermybodyandmi
nd.Icont
inuedsi
ngi
ngt
hesongIwassi
ngi
ngbef
oreI
was

dist
urbi
ngbyanur
se.It
ookoutt
hef
lowerImadeJujutohol
dsomeofthefl
ower
sandotherI
putitonmypal
mrubbedmyhandst
ogetheraf
terIr
ubbedi
ttoJuj
u'
sfacear
mslegsandfeet
.I
tooka

chai
rwhenIwasdonesatoni
t.If
eltsl
eepyal
lasuddenl
yagai
n..
..

WhenIwokeupmyhusbandwassi
tt
ingnextt
ome.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokaybabe?
”

Me:
“I'
mfi
ne”

Samkel
o:“
Itwor
kedbabet
hanksf
orev
ery
thi
nghewokeupbuthei
ssl
eepi
ngf
ornow”

Me:
“Real
l
y!?
”Ican'
tbel
i
eve.Adr
eam hel
pedmet
ohel
pmybabyt
owakeup.

Samkel
o:“
Shhhhei
sst
il
lsl
eepi
ngsweet
hear
t2

Igotupandhewasbr
eat
hingonhi
sownbuthei
ssl
eepi
ngf
ornow.

Me:“
Ineedsomef
reshai
r”Igotupf
rom t
hechai
rIwassi
tt
ingi
n.Iwentt
othewai
ti
ngr
oom I
f
ound

Mnt
ungwaandmom t
alki
ngmor
eli
kewhi
sper
ing.
..

Mom:
“Hei
str
yingt
omesswi
thmyki
dsnow”

Mnt
ungwa:
“I'
l
ltal
ktohi
m”
Mom:
“Pl
easedobecauseI
'
llhav
eto.
..
”shewasdi
stur
bedbyherphone.Icamei
ngr
eet
edt
hem.

Shewentoutspeaki
ngwi
thphone.Shei
sbusyt
heseday
sev
ersi
nceIt
oldhi
m aboutt
hat
Ser
geshe

i
stoobusy
.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Thankst
oyouandt
heancest
orst
ohel
pmygr
andsonMakot
i”

Me:
“Yebobaba”Isatont
hechai
r.

Samkel
o:“
Ithoughti
twasmadnessandusel
essbutnowIseei
treal
l
yhel
phi
m al
ot”

Idi
dn'
thearhi
m comi
ngi
n.Hel
i
kest
osneaki
n.

TheBi
gfourcamei
nlaughi
ng.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Pops”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Sur
eboy
s”Hay
imyki
dshav
eagr
andf
athershame!

Lwandi
l
e:“
PopscanIusey
ourpet
rol
car
d?”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Why
?”hepul
l
edast
rai
ghtf
ace.

Lwandi
l
e:“
I'
ver
eachedmyl
i
mit
”hewasscr
atchi
nghi
shead.

Mntungwa:
“Yazi
!”hegav
ehi
m ast
aref
orav
eryl
ongt
imeunt
ilhet
ookt
hecar
dandgav
eitt
o
hi
m.

Samkel
o:“
CanIpl
easeusei
tdad?
”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Uy
any
a!”hesai
dthatl
oudandi
tcausedust
olaugh.

Samkel
o:“
Haaht
iamabutLwandi
l
eisgoi
ngt
ousei
tandhei
swor
kingj
ustl
i
keme”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Hay
iSamkel
o.Youhav
eyourownt
hingsnow.Lwandi
l
eisst
il
lyoung”

Samkel
o:“
Mhm.
..
ThandoandLwandi
l
eIsee”

Mntungwa:
“HeeeyIsti
ll
thankGodforhavingmoneywhi
l
eIhav
eaf
ight
erl
i
keThando.That
chi
l
dknowshowt ocleanyourbankaccount.Yhooo!
”

Hei
scr
acki
ngj
okest
oday
.

Mntungwa:
“WenaLwandi
l
eyoubet
terwor
khar
dboybecauseAmahl
eisay
oungv
ersi
onof
Thando”

Samkel
o:“
HaaahAmahl
efor
cedmet
opayR1500j
ustf
oral
i
pst
ick”HaahIdon'
tknowt
hisone.
Mbuso:
“Haaht
hatonei
ssoper
suasi
veandbossyj
ustl
i
keherAunt
”

Kat
:“Ti
amabepr
epar
edshei
stown”asheent
ers.

Mnt
ungwa:
“HawukodwaThi
xo.You'
l
lswearshei
sst
il
lst
udy
ing”

Kat:“
SheisatmyhousebutIdon'
twanthert
her
emywi
fei
spr
egnantIdon'
twanthert
obe
st
ressed

byThando”

Samkel
o:“
Idon'
twanthert
oo!
”

Mbuso:
“Shehast
obuyherownhouse”

Mnt
ungwa:
“I’
m notpay
ingf
ori
t”Hawushamepoorol
dman.

Thedoct
orsai
dhei
sdoi
ngj
ustf
ine.Myphoner
ings.
..

Voi
ce:
“Mr
sKhumal
o”

Me:
“Yesi
tsMr
sKhumal
o”

Voi
ce:
“Uhm Smamukel
eKhumal
ohasbeeni
njur
edandwear
erushi
nghi
mtohospi
tal
”

Me:
“Whathappened?
”

Voi
ce:
“Hewasi
nvol
vedi
naf
ight
”

Me:
“Pl
easebr
inghi
mtoNet
car
enearZi
mbal
i
”

Voi
ce:
“Okayma'
am I
'
lldot
hat
”shehungup.

Samkel
o:“
What
'swr
ongnow?
”

Me:
“Smamukel
eisi
njur
edt
heyar
erushi
nghi
m her
easwespeak”wi
thasi
gh.

Sphe:
“Ther
e'ssomet
hingwr
ongher
e.Smai
sadi
sci
pli
nedboyhedoesn’
tli
ket
ofi
ght
”

Mbuso:
“That
'st
rueIwoul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fitwasSi
hlebutSma”

Samkel
o:“
Ineedt
odot
hiscer
emonyassoonaspossi
ble.Dadt
hiscomi
ngThur
sdayI
'
m doi
ng
i
t.My

ki
dskeeponget
ti
ngsi
ck”hewasbr
eat
hingf
ast
.

Kat
:“Samkel
ocal
m down”

Samkel
oisr
ightourki
dskeeponget
ti
ngsi
ckori
njur
ed.Iwonderwhatt
hehy
peronei
sdoi
ngat
home.
Mam’S:“
Sani
bonani
”Shei
swi
thSpi
kes.It
hinkshecal
l
edhi
mtocomeandf
etchher
.Si
hlei
son
Spi
kes

ar
m sl
eepi
ng.

Me:
“Pl
easepasshi
m her
e”HewokeupwhenIt
ookhi
m.

Si
hle:
“Mom”

Me:
“Yesmyboy
”

Si
hle:“
Youdidn'
tcal
ltoday
.Isentat
extt
oUncl
eSpi
kesonWhat
sAppt
ocomeandf
etchus”He
doesn’
tamazemeany more.

Samkel
o:“
Ishet
alki
ngt
het
rut
hSpi
kes?
”Spi
kesnodded.

Samkel
o:“
Thankst
oMt
hokoandLwandi
l
e”

Lwandi
le:
“HeonceopenedMt
hoko'
slapt
op.Whatamazedmei
sMt
hokohaspasswor
donhi
s
l
aptop

howSi
hlemanagedt
oopeni
t?”Si
hlehi
dhi
sfacewi
thhi
sli
tt
lehands.Hei
ssomet
hingel
se.

Kat
:“He'
l
lbeacomput
ergur
uli
kehi
smot
her
”

Mbuso:
“Youcansayt
hatagai
n”

Me:
“Juj
uisawakebuthei
ssl
eepi
ngf
ornow”Iwhi
sper
edt
ohi
m.

Sihl
e:“Yeeeeeeeey
!Juj
uisal
i
ve!
!Yeeeeeey
!Mom t
akemet
ohi
m nowi
wantt
oseehi
m”he
screamed

pl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
slegs.Myki
dsf
ightev
erysi
ngl
edaybutt
heyl
oveeachot
her
.

Me:
“OkayI
'
llt
akey
out
ohi
m butpr
omi
semey
ouwon'
tmakenoi
set
her
e”

Si
hle:
“Ipr
omi
seIpr
omi
se!
”hei
sst
andi
ngonhi
sfeetnowj
umpi
ngupanddown.

Si
hle:
“Uncl
eZi
phoI
'
mfeel
i
nghungr
ynow.Il
i
ket
oeatpi
zza”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Thando'
sgenes”Wel
aughed.

It
ookhi
mtoJuj
u'
swar
dandIt
oldbody
guar
dst
okeepaney
eonhi
m becausehei
shandf
ul.I
went

toseeSmawhenhear
ri
ved.Hei
scr
yingandIdon'
tl
ikei
twhenmyki
dsar
ecr
yingIf
eel
li
keI
cando

somet
hingbadt
owhoev
erhur
tthem.Theyat
tendedhi
mlucki
l
ySi
hledi
dn'
tseet
hisorel
sehe
woul
d'
vecr
iedunt
ilhef
all
sasl
eep.

Af
ter2hour
sthedoct
orcame.

Doc:
“Theboneonhi
sar
misbr
okenbutweputaconcr
eteoni
t”

Me:
“He'
l
lbef
iner
ight
?”

Doc:
“He'
l
lbef
ineMa’
am butI
'
vesedat
edhi
mfornow”

Kat
:“Cani
nithappenedt
omov
ehi
m onhi
swar
dandputhi
mtoget
herwi
thSamkel
oJuni
or

Khumal
o?”

Doc:
“Yesi
tcanar
rangei
t”

Kat
:“Pl
easedo”

Doc:
“Wai
t.
..Ar
eyouDoct
orKhumal
o?”

Kat
:“I
tdependswhoi
saski
ng”

Doc:
“Il
ovey
ourwor
konmedi
cal
product
sitamazi
ngandwonder
ful
”

Kat
:“Thanksf
ort
hecompl
ement
s”

Thedoct
oraskedKatt
ospeaki
npr
ivat
ewi
thhi
m.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Iwantt
obeadoct
ort
oo”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Cl
ubswi
l
lshutdownf
orgood”Thi
sol
dmani
nonanot
herl
evel
today
.

Aft
eranhourSmawasmov
edt
oJuj
u'
swar
dandi
tbet
terf
ort
her
mtobei
nonewar
dfort
hei
r
saf
ety.

Me:
“Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngboy
?

Sma:
“It
spai
nful
mommy
”wi
tht
ear
s.Iwi
pedt
hem wi
thmyt
humbs.

Me:
“Whathappenedmyboy
?”

Sma:“Ther
e'ssomeol
dboyatschool
sai
dmybr
otherJuj
uisdy
ingIgotangr
yandwef
ought
.
Hetook

ast
eel
andhi
tmei
nthear
m”

Me:
“Doy
ouknowhi
m?”

Sma:
“Idon’
tknowhi
m mom”
Me:
“I'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hatmyboybuty
ourbr
otheri
sawakenow”

Juj
u:“
Ntwanawhathappenedt
oyourar
m?”Hi
svoi
cei
sshakybutdeepandhoar
sel
i
kehi
s
fat
her
.

Smatol
dhi
mthesamest
oryhet
oldmebutwhenhedescr
ibedt
heboyt
oJuj
uhesai
dhedon'
t
know

thatboyokeSmasai
d.Myquest
ionher
eiswhot
hisboyi
swhohi
tmysonwi
thast
eel
ont
he
arm.

Me:“
Babi
esmom hast
ogoIwi
l
lseey
oui
nthemor
ning”Iki
ssedt
hei
rcheeks.Exi
tedt
hewar
d
when

st
rai
ghtt
othewai
ti
ngIt
oldLwandi
l
etot
akemehome.Tomor
rowmor
ningI
'
m goi
ngt
o
Gl
enwood

pr
imar
yschool
Ineedanexpl
ainat
ionandt
henameoft
heboyi
fnot
..
.

If
oundmyhusbandhomedr
inki
nghi
sbr
ainsout
.

Mbuso:
“Yhooowhatt
hef
uck?
”

Me:
“Ihav
efourki
dsact
ual
l
y”Iwhi
sper
ed.

Theydi
dn'
tst
ayaf
terdr
oppi
ngme.Iwentt
ocookf
orhi
mincasehewakesupi
nthemi
ddl
eof
the

ni
ghtandsayhewant
sfood.Imadesandwi
chandat
ethatwhenIr
eal
i
sedI
'
mthi
shungr
yI
or
dered

t
wodoubl
epi
zza.Thest
ressIhav
eri
ghtnowy
oubutIt
hankGodf
orpr
otect
ingt
hel
i
ttl
eli
ves
i
nsi
de

me.

Iswi
tchedont
het
vjustt
obuyt
imebef
oreIsl
eep.
..
.

Pictur
esofusasagangonourbl
ackandmust
ardscar
vescl
othes.Samkel
oandIcar
ryi
ngaxes
ri
ding

bikesTaKatAndi
l
eSpi
kesbutmai
nlyt
heDur
banbr
anch.Iqui
ckl
ygotupandl
ookbehi
ndt
het
v
there

i
sbl
ackUSBi
nser
ted.

Me:
“Ther
ewasabast
ardi
nmyhouse!
”Ishout
ed.
Whichmakesmet
hinkt
her
ecoul
dbebugsandhi
ddencamer
as.It
ookSamkel
o'
sphoneont
he
cof
fee

t
abl
eandcal
l
edhi
sbr
other
.

Kat
:“Nt
wana”

Me:
“Sor
ryi
tme”

Kat
:“Okay
”

Me:“Ther
ewasabast
ardi
nmyhousewhoi
nser
tedaUSBi
nthet
vpl
easecal
ltheot
her
sandI
wi
ll
do

onmysi
de”Ispeakqui
ckl
y.

Kat
:“Fuck!Let
'spr
epar
eforwar
!Thanksf
orwar
ningme”hehungup.

Ical
ledSpi
roThokozani
andot
her
s.Katdot
hatt
ool
ucki
l
ythosewhot
hei
rwi
vesdon'
tknow
about

t
hei
rgangst
erl
i
vesgotof
fthehook.Lucki
l
y!

Hal
fanhourAndi
l
ewasi
nmyhousesear
chi
ngf
orbugandcamer
asandhegotpl
ent
yoft
hem.

Andi
l
e:“
Whoev
eri
sdoi
ngt
hiswi
l
lbesl
i
ceswhenwef
indhi
m orher
”

Me:
“Doy
out
hinkt
hisper
sonwhodi
dcanbet
heonewhohur
tmychi
l
dinschool
?”

Andi
l
e:“
Itcanbe.
..
Butt
hequest
ioni
swho”

Me:“Idon'
tknow.It
houghtoft
raci
ngt
hosepi
ctur
esi
ntheUSBbutIt
hinkt
her
e'sv
irusi
nthat
USB

whi
chcandel
eteev
ery
thi
ngi
nmyl
apt
opsot
hatt
heywi
l
lgai
ninf
ormat
ionf
rom us”

Andi
l
e:“
Mhm.Whi
chi
str
uebecausey
ouwer
ethef
ir
stonet
oseei
t”t
hinki
ng.

Si
l
ence.

Andi
l
e&I
:“Ser
ge”

Andi
l
e:“
Fuck!
”

Me:
“It
hinkFel
i
ciaNy
athi
kazi
ist
eami
ngupwi
thhi
mtof
eedi
nfor
mat
ionaboutus”

Samkel
o:“
Thatbi
tch!
”

Lat
erhewentbackt
ohi
shouseIsl
eptal
oneSamkel
osl
epti
nst
udyr
oom Idon'
tcar
eabouti
t
my

mai
nconcer
nist
hisSer
gesoi
sher
etocausehav
oc.

WhenIwokeupi
nthemor
ningIf
oundr
edr
osesonhi
ssi
deoft
hebedwi
thacar
dwr
it
ten:

Mor
ningmybeaut
if
ulwi
fe

Wheny
ouwakeupy
ou'
l
lfi
ndi
ntheki
tchen

Il
ovey
ou

YourHusband

IknowAndi
l
ecameher
eint
heweehour
stot
ell
him aboutwhathappenedy
est
erday
.Whathe
i
s

doi
ngrightnowhewant
stomakemef
eel
bet
tersot
hathecanr
emov
efr
om t
hismat
ter
.Ifhe
thi
nks

hewil
lremovemehemustt
hinkt
wicebecauseIwon'
t.Wi
thorwi
thouthi
sappr
oval
or
per
mission

I
'
m goi
ngt
ofi
ndt
heper
sonwhohur
tmyboyatschool
.

It
ookthegownandwor
eit
.WhenIopenedt
hedoori
nourbedr
oom exi
ti
ngt
othepassage.
Rose

petal
swer
eont
hepassagemaki
ngt
hei
rwaydownt
hest
air
sandIf
oll
owedt
hem.I
ntheki
tchen
fl
oor

t
her
e'samatcushi
onsandr
edr
osepet
alsanddel
i
ciousf
ood.
..

Samkel
o:“
Mysweet
hear
tmyr
osemybearmyst
rawber
rymysweetl
i
ttl
ethi
ngmysof
tand
warm

beart
hemostbeaut
if
ulwomanonear
th!Gangst
erwi
feQueenkaAxe”ThewayI
'
m bl
ushi
ngi
fI
were

t
omel
tIwoul
d'
vebeenwat
eral
ready
.Thi
smanknowsme.

Hemadet
hewayt
omeandst
oodi
nfr
ontofmet
ookmybot
hhandst
ohi
s.

Samkel
o:“
Mot
herofchi
l
dren!Hawubant
u.Youmademeamanamongstmanf
oragr
eei
ngt
o
marr
y

t
hisi
dioti
nfr
ontofy
ou”Icoul
dn'
thol
dmyl
aughany
mor
eIcr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:
“Hawubant
u?Youf
ull
ofj
okesmy
eni
wami
”Isayaf
tercat
chi
ngmybr
eat
h.
Samkel
o:“
Let
'ssi
tmyl
ove”Hehel
pedmet
osi
tcomf
ort
abl
y.

Me:
“Mhm al
lmyf
avour
it
e..
.Mout
h-wat
eri
ng”

Samkelo:
“NowIunder
standwhyal
lmyki
dsar
eeat
ingt
hismuch”hewasnotl
ooki
ngatt
ryi
ng
tohol
d

hi
slaugh.

Me:
“Theygoti
tfr
om t
hei
rfat
her
”

Hef
edmef
rui
tsal
ad.

Me:
“Iwonderhowmyki
dsar
e”

Samkel
o:“
Theyar
efi
nebabeIcamet
hem ear
li
eron”

Me:
“Thanksbabe.I
'
m goi
ngt
oGl
enwoodpr
imar
ytodayIneedanswer
s.Pl
easedon'
tst
opme”

Samkel
o:“
Iwon'
tst
opy
oubecauseev
eni
fIt
ryy
ouwon'
tst
op”I
'
m gl
adam speaki
ngt
othe
per
son

whoknowsmet
oowel
l
.Iki
ssedhi
snose.Hesai
dsomet
hingIcoul
dn'
thear
.

Weat
eourbr
eakf
astl
aughi
ng.Af
terIpr
epar
edmy
sel
fforGl
enwoodpr
imar
y.Hedr
ovemet
her
e.

MrsWhol e:
“Mr
sKhumal
oIwoul
dli
ket
oapol
ogi
seonbehal
foft
heschool
aboutwhat
happenedto

Smamukel
e”

Me:
“ThanksbutwhatIwoul
dlov
etomeett
hepar
ent
soft
heboywhohur
tmychi
l
d”

MrsWhol
e:“
Ther
epr
obl
em i
sthatboywhohur
tSmamukel
ewedon'
tknowhi
m.Hedoesn’
t
enr
oli
n

t
hisschool
”Il
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Me:“
You'
ret
ryi
ngt
otel
lmet
hatast
rangergoti
nyourpr
emi
sesandhur
tmychi
l
dnotj
usthur
t
he

brokemyson'
sar
m.Andher
eyout
ell
met
hathedoesn’
tenr
oll
int
hisschool
.Doesi
tmake
senseto

y
ou?
”myv
oicei
sli
tt
lebi
thi
gh.

Samkel
o:“
Babecal
m down”

Mr
sWhol
e:“
MrsKhumal
oI'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappenedt
oyoursonbutI
'
m doi
ngany
thi
ngt
o
my

powert
ogett
othebot
tom oft
hese”

Me:“Wheny
ouhav
esomet
hingconcr
etepl
easecal
lme.Babel
et'
sgo”Igotupf
rom t
hechai
r.
Took

myhusband'
shandandexi
tedt
hepr
inci
pal
'
sof
fi
ce.

Wegoti
nacarhest
art
edt
heengi
neanddr
oveof
f.

Samkel
o:“
Ift
heboywhohur
tSmadon'
tschool
ther
ethi
smeant
heboywassentt
her
eto
prov
oke

Smaunfor
tunat
elySmaf
oughthi
m andhet
ookast
eel
andhi
tSmaont
hear
m.That
'st
he
theor
y”

Me:“
YeahandIswearonmyf
ather
'sgr
avei
fIf
indt
hatboyI
'
llsqueezehi
sthr
oatunt
ilhet
akes
hi
s

l
astbr
eat
h”

Samkel
o:“
That
'st
hespi
ri
tmyl
ove”

Youcanjudgeourr
elat
ionshi
pbutIl
i
kei
tasi
t.Wepr
otectourf
ami
l
yandourt
hingswi
th
ever
ythi
ng

wedo.

Me:
“Pl
easet
ell
Spi
kest
ofol
l
owSer
ge”

Samkel
o:“
Done!
”

WestoppedatMacDonal
ddr
ive-
thr
utogetbur
ger
sformeandboy
s.Thi
sthi
ngofSi
hleknowi
ng
how

tosendtex
tonWhat
sAppwor
ri
esme.Idon'
twanthi
mtobeusedont
hoset
hingsatt
hisage
andhim

bei
nghi
m.

Me:
“BabeSi
hlewor
ri
esme”

Samkel
o:“It
oldy
out
hatSi
hlei
ssomet
hingel
se.Hei
stheBi
t(cut
ti
ngedgeofanAxe)
.Hei
s
ver
yshar
p

t
hanot
her
sbuti
nuni
mpor
tantt
hings.Idoughtt
hathewi
l
lli
keschool
thatone”

Me:
“Samkel
o!”Idon'
tl
ikei
twhenhet
alksl
i
ket
hat
.
Samkel
o:“
Iknowmyki
dst
oowel
l
.Iobser
vet
hem i
nev
erygameort
hingswedot
oget
her
.Juj
u
i
s

goodinwor
dsandhei
sper
suasi
vebuti
nagoodmanner
.Smai
saqui
etchi
l
dhedoesn’
t
expr
esshi
s

f
eel
i
ngsoremot
ionseasi
l
yandhehasagoodt
ast
ewheni
tcomest
ocl
othes.Andt
henSi
hlei
s
a

hy
per
act
iver
udeandt
alkat
ivebuthei
ssensi
ti
veandaf
astl
ear
ner
”

Me:
“Yest
hat
'st
ruebutI
'
llhav
etobehar
donSi
hlef
rom nowon”Hewasl
aughi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksf
orgi
vi
ngbeaut
if
ulki
dsbabeandwhoar
eont
heway
”cal
mlyandpol
i
te.

Me:
“I’
l
lal
way
scher
ishi
tbabe”

Whenwear
ri
vedatt
hehospi
tal
wef
oundPr
eci
ousandhermot
heri
nthewai
ti
ngr
oom wi
th
Lwandi
l
e

andMnt
ungwa.

Pr
eci
ous:
“OhhSamkel
o”shewasr
unni
ngt
oSamkel
o'
sar
ms.

Me:
“Br
ii
ikabi
tch”Ist
oppedherwi
thmyonehandi
tcausesSamkel
oMnt
ungwaandLwandi
l
eto

l
augh.

Me:“Hemayhugy
ouwhenI
'
m notar
oundbutr
ightnowI
'
m her
esopl
easer
espectmy
exi
stence

her
e”Samkel
ocl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandshookhi
sheadal
i
ttl
ewi
thasmi
l
eonhi
sface.

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyouMr
sKhumal
o.Let
'sgot
ocheckonourboy
s.Tai
mant
wanaseey
ounow”

Me:
“By
e”t
oPr
eci
ous.

Ont
hecor
ri
dor
sIr
ecei
vedacal
l
.

Me:
“Spi
kesdoy
ouhav
esomet
hingf
orme?
”

Spi
kes:
“Youwon'
tbel
i
evewhatI
’
m aboutt
otel
lyou”

Me:
“Okay
..
.”

Samkel
owentt
oboy
'swar
d.

Spikes:“
Preci
ous'
smot
heri
ssl
eepi
ngwi
thSer
geandshei
sint
hiswi
thhi
m.If
oundoutt
hat
theyhir
ed
astr
eetki
dtogoonGl
enwoodpr
imar
yschool
tof
ightwi
thSmaandbr
eakhi
sar
m.Ri
ghtnowI
need

t
ofi
ndt
heboybutSpi
roi
sont
hest
reet
”Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:
“Youwon'
tbel
i
evet
hatPr
eci
ousandhermot
herar
eher
eint
hehospi
tal
”

Spi
kes:
“Theyar
ether
etocheckt
hecoastbutpl
easekeepi
tcool
”

Me:
“Ihav
etokeepi
tcool
formyboy
”Wespokeal
i
ttl
eaf
terhehungup.

Iwentt
othewar
dIf
oundt
hem pl
ayi
ngwat
chi
ngcar
toons.Si
hleaskedt
osl
eepher
eyest
erday
when

Iexpl
ainedi
ttohi
m whyhi
sbr
other
sar
eher
ehecr
iedIt
oldhi
mthati
fhewant
stosl
eepher
e
he

wi
l
lhav
etogeti
nject
ionwhenev
ert
hedoct
orcomest
othewar
d.Hesai
dhewi
l
lgowi
thhi
s

gr
andf
athert
oUmhl
anga.Hehat
esneedl
eswi
thhi
sal
lhear
t.

Ispentt
hewhol
edaywi
thmyboy
sthei
rfat
herdi
dn'
tst
ayl
onghehast
hingst
oat
tendt
oIt
hink
i
st o

payavisi
ttoSer
georsomet
hing.Toni
ghtIwanthi
mtot
ell
meaboutt
hisdanger
ousand
nut
orous

gangst
erhedoesn’
twantt
otel
lmeabout
.Whenhedoesn’
thewi
l
lsl
eepi
nguest
room ourl
i
ves
can'
t

bei
ndangerandhi
m nott
ell
i
ngmeev
ery
thi
ng.

Si
hlei
sgoingt
oUmhlangaagai
nImisshi
senergyar
oundt
hehousebuthelikestospendti
me
wi
ththePensi
oner
ssothatt
heywi
ll
spoil
him.HeknowsIdon'
ttakeshi
tfr
om him orany
one.

WhenIgothomeat19:
45pm hewasn'
thome.Imadel
asagnef
orhi
m.Iat
elef
tov
ers.Myman
hat
es

l
eft
over
swi
thal
lhi
shear
tIdon'
tknowwhybuthehat
esi
t.Af
tereat
ingIwentt
omybedr
oom
t
ook

ashowerIwor
epy
jamasbecausei
tmi
ghthappent
hatIsl
eepal
onei
nthi
sbedwhenhedoesn’
t
want

t
otel
lmet
het
rut
h.

Igotinbedandmyey
eswer
eit
chsoImustsl
eepnow.Isl
ept
.Iwaswokenbyhi
shand
brushi
ngmy
t
ummy
.

Me:
“Youbackbabe”y
awni
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Gobacksl
eepbabe”Hi
sscent
..
..

It
urnedt
olookathi
m.

Me:
“Iwant
edt
owai
tfory
oubutIcoul
dn'
tkeepmyey
esopen”

Samkel
o:“
Yout
ir
edbabeIunder
stand.Youar
ewear
ingpy
jamasImi
ghtnotsl
eepher
etoday
"-
hewas

gi
vi
ngawei
rdl
ook.

Me:“
Ilov
eyoubecausey
ouknowmet
oowel
l
.Pl
easet
ell
meaboutt
hisSer
gewhot
hreat
ens
my

f
ami
l
ysaf
ety
”

Samkel
o:“
SoIhav
etospeakt
het
rut
h?”

Me:“Youdon'
thav
eachoi
cebutwheny
ouf
eel
li
kenot
.Theguest
room i
sreadyf
orunt
ilIgi
ve
bi
rt
h”

Hi
sey
eswer
eal
lout
.

Samkel
o:“
Guest
room nosex?
”

Me:
“Samkel
ost
opt
hatpl
easeandt
alkt
ome”

Samkel
o:“
Okay
.Ser
gei
sadanger
ousandnut
orousgangst
er.Wenotongoodt
ermsaswebot
h

gangst
ersbutwhatI
'
vef
oundouti
shewasagoodf
ri
endofy
ourl
atef
ather
.Yourf
atherowed
hi
m

nowhei
sbackt
ocl
aim whati
shi
s..
..
”

Wehear
dgunshot
s.Hepi
ckedmeupqui
ckl
ywentt
othecl
osetwi
thme.

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hehel
li
sthat
?”

Me:
“Idon'
tknow”

West
ayedi
nthecl
osetunt
ilt
hegunshot
ssl
oweddown.

Samkel
o:“
Wenotsl
eepi
ngher
e.Wegoi
ngt
osl
eepi
nmypent
housei
ntownpacky
ourbags
now”He
st
ormedoutoft
her
oom.

Ipackedmycl
othesandhi
mindi
ff
erentov
erni
ghtbags.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
prot
ecty
ouwi
thev
ery
thi
ngIhav
e”hegav
eabul
l
etpr
ooft
owear
.

West
oodt
her
eandl
ookateach.

Samkel
o:“
SincewhenIbecameacowar
dwhowant
srunandl
eav
ehi
shousebecauseofsi
l
ly

gunshot
s?Wenotgoi
ngany
wher
e.Let
'sgot
othebasementandpl
anournextmov
esi
ncewe
know

whowear
edeal
i
ngwi
thher
e”

Me:
“Axe!Uml
i
lonomai
mbazo?
”

Hegav
easi
desmi
l
e.

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
chopmyenemi
esandf
ryt
hem”hel
aughedt
hatev
ill
aughofhi
s.Ij
oinedhi
m.I
l
ovethi
s

manher
e.

Wewentt
othebasementt
opl
anourmov
e.Wev
ideocal
ltheot
heraboutourst
rat
egy
.Kati
s
outof

townhei
sinMpumal
angawi
thThokozani
.Ther
e'sahei
stt
hatwi
l
lhappent
omor
rowni
ght
.On
Fri
day

hewi
l
lgost
rai
ghtt
oWi
neenf
ort
hecl
eansi
ngcer
emony
.

WhenIwokeupi
nthemor
ningIwasi
nourbedandhewasn'
tther
e.Iqui
ckl
ywentt
othe
bat
hroom

t
ovot
im.Mor
ningsi
cknessi
sbackandIhat
eit
.

Samkel
o:“
Sor
rybabe.Ipr
omi
sey
out
hatt
hisi
sourl
astbor
norbor
nsi
fther
e'ssomet
hingl
i
ke
that
”

Me:
“Youdon'
thav
etopr
omi
semet
hatbecauseaf
tergi
vi
ngbi
rt
hI'
m doi
ngt
ubal
-l
igat
ionI
'
m not

hav
inganot
herki
daf
tert
hem”

Ir
insedmymout
hwi
thmout
hwash.

Me:
“Iny
ourf
ami
l
ydoy
ouhav
etwi
nsort
ri
plethi
stor
y?”

Samkel
o:“
Nowt
hatIknowof
f”Webot
hwentbackt
obed.
Me:
“It
houghti
twasony
oursi
debecausewedon'
thav
ethet
winsort
ri
plet
’shi
stor
y”

Samkel
o:“
Ifi
t'
sthatsowear
etr
ulybl
essedbabe”heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Wewentt
otakeabat
htoget
her
.Hi
siswear
ingabl
ackr
ippedj
eanandwhi
tegol
fT-
shi
rtwi
th
bl
ue

Ai
rJor
dan18Ret
rosneaker
s.Ihav
elear
nedt
oknowt
hem wi
tht
hei
rnames.Hehasar
oom f
or

sneaker
s.Whenhi
ssonSi
hlet
akeonepai
rheasksmei
nst
eadofaski
ngt
hem.

Whenwear
ri
vedatt
hehospi
tal
thedoct
ordi
schar
gedbot
handI
'
m happybecausewear
e
l
eavi
ng

t
oni
ght
.Ial
readypackedt
hei
rcl
othesont
hei
rbackpacks.Ihat
etopackt
hei
rcl
othesi
nonebag

becauseJuj
uandSi
hlear
edi
sor
gani
sedwhi
l
eSmai
ssoor
gani
sedsoIpackedt
hem di
ff
erent
ly.

At20:
00pm wepackedev
ery
thi
ngi
nthecr
ewbusanddaddyi
sdr
ivi
ng.Thedr
ivewast
ool
ong
and

ti
ri
ngall
Ineedi
stoosl
eep.Lucki
l
yweent
eredi
nmi
dni
ghtsoIdon'
thav
etof
acet
hatmonst
er
cal
led

MaKhumal
o.

Lwandi
l
eMbusoandSamkel
otot
heboy
sinsi
det
hebi
ghouseandIwentst
rai
ghtt
omyr
oom
and

sl
ept.Idi
dn'
tev
enhearhi
m whenhecamebackf
rom hi
sbr
other
s.Isawhi
mint
hemor
ning
sl
eeping

sopeacef
ull
y.Iwokeupcar
eful
notwaki
nghi
m up.Iwentt
othebat
hroom t
ookashowerand
wore

apinkl
ongdr
essandbl
ackdoekonmyhead.I
'
mthankf
ult
othoseYouTubet
utor
ial
sonhowt
o
wrap

adoekniceandper
fect
.Samkel
ousedt
olaughatmewhenhesawmepr
act
isi
ngunt
ilIwas
per
fect
.

WhenIcameoutofcl
osethewasont
hephone.Af
terhehungup.

Samkel
o:“
Beaut
if
ulasal
way
s”

Me:
“Thanksbaby
”inl
owv
oice.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ouokay
?”
Me:
“I'
m okay
..
..
”If
eltt
ear
sinmyey
es.Il
ookedt
othecei
l
ingIbl
i
nkedr
epeat
edl
y.
..

Samkel
o:“
Iwon'
tl
iebabeandsayt
hingswi
l
lbef
ine.Wewi
l
lli
veonf
ant
asi
zi
ngt
hel
i
ttl
eli
fewe
l
ost

buthi
sorhersi
bli
ngswi
l
lbeourgoodr
emi
nderandcomf
ortus”hehuggedmet
ight
lyand
ki
ssedthe

t
opofmyhead.

Me:“Iwill
for
everl
ovehim orherev
enthoughIwasn'
tgiv
ent
hechancet
ohol
dhi
minmyar
ms
andkissedhi
sforeheadandseehim gr
owing”I
'
m cry
ing.

Samkel
o:“
Ourangel
ourcr
eat
ion”Hi
svoi
cewasdeepandt
rembl
i
ng.Iknowhewant
stocr
ybut
he

won'
tbecausehewant
stobest
rongf
orme.

Me:
“Don'
thol
dthem babe.Leti
tal
lout
”

Samkel
o:“
Letwhatour
?”hepi
nchesme.Igav
ehi
m ast
areaf
terpul
l
ingoutonhi
sti
ghthug.

Hewentt
otaket
issueshewi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Thecer
emonywassohear
tbr
eaki
ngwhenwehadt
onamehi
m.Thesangomat
oldusi
twasa
boy.

Hi
snamei
sHl
elol
wenkosi
Simphi
weKhumal
o.

I
'
minmyr
oom wi
thmysi
sterandf
ri
ends.Rachel
coul
dn'
tcomeduet
owhat
everr
eason.

Nomxo:
“I'
m gl
adev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
l
”

Me:
“Youcansayt
hatagai
n”

Nokwe:
“Ineedv
odka”Wel
augh.

Thabi:
“You'
repr
egnanty
oucan'
tdr
inkv
odkaoranyal
cohol
”shei
mit
atedSakhi
'
svoi
ce.I
t
causedus

t
olaugh.

Nokwe:
“Mxm.Yout
oof
orwar
dwenamunt
uomi
thi
”

I
'
m enj
oyi
ngt
hei
rcompany
.

“
Wher
eisshe!
”ashout
ingv
oiceout
side.

“
Nompe!Wher
ear
eyou?
”
Thedoorswungopenandweal
lst
oodup.I
tRachel
.

Rachel
:“You'
rebi
tch!Whydi
dyouki
l
lhi
m?Why
!?”sheshout
ed.

Me:
“Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?”cal
mly
.

Rachel
:“Don'
tactdumbher
e!Youki
l
ledmyf
atherNompe!Why
?Why
?”shescr
eamed.

Al
ley
esher
ear
elooki
ngatme.Shecomet
owar
dsmeandst
andi
nfr
ontofme.

Me:
“Fi
rst
lyIdon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngaboutandsecondl
yI'
m gr
iev
ingf
rom mychi
l
dand
I

won'
tst
andy
our
..
..
”Idi
dn'
tfi
nishshesl
appedme.If
oll
owedhersl
ap.

Rachel
:“Idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hatdeadt
hingofy
our
s.Youdeser
vei
tyoudeser
vet
hepai
nyou’
re
goi
ng

t
hroughf
orki
l
li
ngmyf
ather
!”shei
sshout
ing.

Tear
scamest
reami
ngdownmycheeks.Herwor
dsbr
okemyhear
tinmi
l
li
onpi
eces.

Me:“Li
stenherel
i
ttl
egi
rly
ouwi
l
lnotcal
lmychi
l
da“
thi
ng”i
fyouev
ersayi
tagai
nIswearonmy
f
ather'
sgraveIwi
ll
…”

Rachel
:“Youwi
l
lwhat
?Ki
l
lmej
ustl
i
key
ouki
l
ledmyf
ather
!?”shewasl
i
vid.

Mntungwacameint
heroom t
hatwher
eIr
eal
i
sedt
hatmyr
oom i
sful
lofwhower
eint
hey
ard
ot
hersarest
andi
ngi
nthedoor.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Makot
iwhati
shappeni
ngher
e?”

Me:
“Babashest
art
edal
lthi
snoi
se"

Chapt
er45

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hehel
li
shappeni
ngi
nmyr
oom?Nompe?
”hi
sey
eswer
eal
loutandhewas

br
eat
hingf
astl
i
kehewasr
unni
ng.

Mntungwa:
“Al
lIknowt
her
ewasal
otofnoi
seher
ewhenIcameher
eIdon'
tknowwhatcaused
i
t”

Samkel
o:“
Thabi
?”

Thabi
:“Rachel
cameher
eshout
ingsay
ingwhyNompeki
l
ledherf
ather
”inal
owv
oice.
Samkel
o:“
What
?Rachel
youdr
oveal
lthewayf
rom Dur
bant
oaccusemywi
fef
orki
l
li
ngy
our
fat
her
.

Doyouhav
eapr ooft
hatsheki
l
ledyourf
ather
?Youher
etocauseherstr
essmoreshehasnow?
Youknowwhatgetoutoft
hisy
ardnow!Befor
eIdosomet
hingI'
l
lregr
et”hepoi
ntedhi
sfi
nger
onher.

Her
ushedt
omeandhuggedme.

Samkel
o:“
Cany
oupl
easegi
veusamoment
”

Theyal
lwentoutandl
eftusal
onei
nourr
oom.

Samkel
o:“
Howdi
dshef
indout
?”

Me:“Idon'tknowbuti
thi
nkFel
i
ciai
sbehi
ndi
t.IswearwhenI
'
m goi
ngbackt
oDur
banI
'
llbea
ki
l
li
ngspr ee”

Samkelo:“
Comedownbabe.Theprobl
em issheknowandyoursi
sterandf
ri
endsknowbut
theydon'
tknowt
hefact
sbutIhopeyou'
ll
dot hedamagecont
rol
”

Me:“
RelaxbabeIgotthi
s.I
'
llcr
ymybal
l
soutsay
ingshei
saccusi
ngofsomet
hingIdon'
tknow
andt
hatI'
ll
neverdo”

Samkel
o:“
Ial
mostsai
dgoodgi
rlbutl
etmesaygoodwi
fe”wi
thasmi
l
e.

Zi
phocamet
ocal
lusaf
tersay
ingMnt
ungwasummonedus.

Samkel
o:“
Let
'sdot
hismyl
ove”whenhecl
osedt
hedooronourwayout
.

Rachel
isst
il
lher
e.

Samkel
o:“
Whati
sshest
il
ldoi
ngher
e!”her
oar
ed.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Samkel
ocal
m downandsi
tdown”

Al
lthef
ami
l
yisher
eev
enmyf
ri
endsar
eher
etot
ell
thesi
deoft
hest
oryIt
hink.

Mntungwa:
“MakaAmahl
ewhatcausedy
out
ocomeher
eshout
ingi
nthey
ardwhi
l
eyouknowI
hat
e

noi
seandmor
eespeci
all
yther
ewasacer
emonyt
oday
?”

Shel
ookeddown.

Rachel
:“BabaI
'
m sor
ryt
omakenoi
sebutI
'
vej
ustf
oundoutt
hatshe(
poi
nti
ngherf
ingeratme)
ki
ll
ed

myf
ather
”shei
sst
il
langr
y.
Mntungwa:
“Don'
tpoi
nt.Di
dyouseet
hev
ideoorsomet
hingshowi
ngKaMazi
bukoki
l
li
ngy
our
f
ather?

I
'm nott
ryi
ngt
omakeheri
nnocenti
nal
loft
hisIdon'
tknowei
therbutIwantt
oknowt
hecause
of

y
oushout
ingi
nthey
ard”

Shel
ookeddownagai
n.

Rachel
:“Idi
dn'
tseeany
thi
ngi
ncr
imi
nat
ingherbutmyst
epmot
hert
oldmet
hismor
ning”

Samkel
o:“
May
bey
ouhi
ghonsomet
hing"

Mnt
ungwa:
“Samkel
o!"heshout
ed.

Mnt
ungwa:
“KaMazi
bukowhati
sthesi
deofy
ourst
ory
?”

Me:“Baba.I
'
mfal
sel
yaccusedofsomet
hingIdon'
tknowandt
hatIwi
l
lnev
erduet
ohuman
bei
ng.

Whatwor
ri
esmei
sthatI
'
mfal
sel
yaccusedatt
hemostpai
nful
timei
nmy
..
.”Iwai
l
edaf
ter
say
ing

t
hosewor
d.Samkel
ocamet
omet
ocal
m medown.

Samkelo:“
Youseewhaty
ouar
edoi
ngt
oher
.Ifherhi
ghbl
oodpr
essur
eri
seandsomet
hing
happens

t
omybabi
esIswearIwon'
tbecapabl
eofwhatI
'
lldo”hewascal
mingmedown.

I
fRachelknewt
hatbast
ardofhi
sfat
herwasnot
hingbutadog.Andy
esIki
l
ledNy
athi
kaz
i
because

hespi
ltmyson'
sbl
oodsheheshothi
m ont
heshoul
der
.Wheni
tcomesmyki
dsIdon'
thav
e
mercy

Iki
l
lfort
hespl
i
toft
hei
rbl
ood.

I
'
mtheQueenofAxeIf
ixmycr
ownwi
thanaxe!

Af
terRachel
sai
dsor
ryt
oMnt
ungwaf
ormaki
ngnoi
sebutshedi
dn'
tapol
ogi
set
ome.

Samkel
o:“
Mnt
ungwacanIpl
easet
akemywi
fet
orest
?”

Mntungwa:
“Yesson.MaNdl
ovupl
easemakeCamomi
l
eteaf
orherj
ustt
ocal
m downher
ner
ves"

MaNdl
ovu:
“Yebobaba”shegotup.
Samkel
otookmet
oourr
oom t
o“r
est
”hecl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m sur
etheyar
econv
incedt
haty
oudi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng”

Aknockont
hedoor
..
.

Samkel
o:“
Comei
n”

Lwandi
l
ecamei
n.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Sis'
NompeI
'
m sor
ryf
orwhatRachel
done.Shecausedmor
epai
nthany
ouhav
eand
i
t

pai
nmet
oseey
ouhur
t”

Me:“Youdi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngt
omeLwandi
l
e.Iwi
l
lnothat
eyouf
orRachel
'
sst
upi
dit
yandIwi
l
l
not

hateAmahl
eforhermot
herst
upi
dit
y.Iwon'
tl
ieshehur
tmewi
tht
hemostpai
nful
thi
ngt
hathas
ever

happenedi
nmyl
i
fe”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Sor
ryaboutt
hat
”

MaNdl
ovucamei
nwi
that
ray
.

Me:“Thanksmom f
ort
het
ea”Shesmi
l
ed.Ihopeshewon'
tfeedmepoi
sont
hisone.Idon'
t
t
rust

herbutSamkel
owoul
dki
l
lherbef
orehebur
iesme.Shel
eftaf
terSamkel
owentout
sidef
ora
smoke.

Lwandi
l
elef
ttoo.

-
--
--
--
--
-

I
nser
t44

Samkel
oist
ooat
tachedt
omenow.I
'
mfi
vemont
hsandt
woweeks.WhenIf
eltaki
ckwewer
e

wat
chi
ngt
vwi
thhi
m andt
heboy
s.Hi
sey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
sbutboy
sdi
dn'
tseei
t.Boy
s
wer
e

happyt
ofeel
them ki
cki
ng.Mygy
naecol
ogi
stsai
dI'
m doi
ngf
ineandt
hebabi
est
oo.

Ihav
eseenRachel
aft
ert
hescandal
thathappenedi
nWi
neen.Ihav
en'
tseenmyf
ri
endst
oo.
Nomxo
saidshewi
l
ltel
lmei
ftheyar
emeet
ingher
.Mysi
stercal
l
edoncel
astweekbutI
'
m meet
ing
them on

l
uncht
imet
oseet
hey
achtourhusbandsboughtf
orus.

Me:“
Givei
ttomeSmi
so”Hegav
emeTheMacal
l
anEast
erEl
chi
es13y
ear
sol
dsi
ngl
emal
t
whi
skey

t
heor
deroft
heguy
sinVI
Psect
ion.

Imademywayt
otheVI
Psect
ionwi
tht
hebot
tl
eandgl
assesont
het
ray
.Theywhi
stl
ewhen
theysaw

I
'
m comi
ngt
othem.

Guy
1:“
Ser
vedbyaQueenher
sel
f”

Guy
2:“
ThanksQueen”

Me:
“Gent
lemenpl
easeenj
oy”af
tersay
ingt
hatIl
eftt
hei
rtabl
e.

Iwentt
othebar
.

Smi
so:
“smel
ltr
oubl
etheBossLady
”hewaswi
ppi
nggl
asses.

Zane:
“Met
oo.Seet
heonei
nthemi
ddl
ehei
sleaderoft
hem”

Me:
“Leader
?”

Zane:
“Ihear
dthathei
sst
eal
i
ngcar
sandsel
lthem f
orpeopl
efr
om Ni
ger
iaandMozambi
que”

Smi
so:
“Ihopehewon'
tdot
hather
e”

Il
aughed.

Me:
“Hewi
l
lnev
er”

Il
eftt
hem andwentt
omyof
fi
ce.Icheckt
heCCTVont
heVI
Psect
ionj
ustt
ocheckt
hings.My
ki
dsare

backatschool
.Spi
rohav
en'
tfoundt
hatboyandwesuspectt
hathei
sn'
ther
emay
behei
sin

Mozambi
queorsomewher
efart
hanusbecausewhenwer
eachoutf
orhi
m.Whi
chcomesi
n
mymind

i
stof
indcl
osef
ri
endsofSer
gef
rom nei
ghbour
ingcount
ri
esmay
bet
hisboyi
sther
e.

Theybehav
ewel
laf
terdr
inki
ngt
heyl
eft
.Ical
l
edmyhusbandt
opi
ckmet
ogot
otheHar
bour
.
Aft
er
30minut
eshewasher
etopi
ckmeup.Hei
swear
ingabr
ownsl
i
mfi
tpantwi
thwhi
tepol
oshi
rt
and

br
ownshoes.Hei
ssi
mpl
ebuthei
shandsomeandhot
.I’
m wear
inggr
eyT-
shi
rt
dressandbl
ack
wedge

pumps.

Samkel
o:“
Youl
ookt
ir
edmyl
ove”

Me:
“I'
mti
redbabebutnott
hatmuch”

Samkel
o:“
Yousost
ubbor
nNompeIt
oldy
out
osi
tathomebuty
oudon'
twantt
o”

Me:
“Bei
ngpr
egnantdoesn'
tmeanI
'
m si
ck”

Samkel
o:“
Okay
!”

Hedr
ovet
othehar
bour
.Wef
oundKatandNomxoi
nthepar
kingl
ot.

Me:
“Heyguy
s”

Nomxo:
“Hey
”shehuggedme.

Me:“
Wecan'
tev
enhugproper
lybecauseoft
hesebi
gtummi
esofour
s”Katl
ookedawaywhi
l
e
Samkel
opul
l
edupast
rai
ght.

Nomxo:“Justl
aughbecausey
ouguy
sjoyseei
nguswal
ki
ngl
i
keducksandugl
y"-
Nomxol
i
ttl
e
bi
tupset
.

Samkel
o'
sphoner
ing.Heanswer
edIt
hinki
tAndi
l
eorSakhi
becausehesai
dwher
ewear
e.

Thokozani
andNont
ucomet
oourwayl
ooki
ngbeaut
if
ul.ZeeandSpi
kesf
oll
owed.Sakhi
and
Nokwe

wer
ethel
astt
ocome.

Someguycameanddi
rect
edust
ofol
l
owhi
m.Wef
oll
owedhi
m andhest
op.Someguy
sopen
the

t
hingofwhi
chIdon'
tknowi
tsname.Heusher
edusi
n..
..
.

Me:
“Woooooow!
”

Nokwe:
“Thi
sis.
..
..
.Letmesay
..
..
”

Theyst
oodt
her
elooki
ngatuswhenwewer
elooki
ngar
ound.
..
.

Me:
“Ahhhh!
”Iscr
eamedwhenIsawadoorwr
it
ten“
Nompe&Samkel
o”.Ihear
dot
her
s
scr
eami
ng

I
'
m sur
etheyseewhatI
'
mlooki
ngat
.Iopenedt
hedoor
..
.

I
tint
eri
ori
ssoooobeaut
if
ulhechoseshi
nybr
ownont
hewal
l
sandf
loor
.Thi
sroom i
swhi
teand
bl
ue

ourfav
our
it
ecol
our
s.Iwantt
osl
eepher
etoni
ght
!WhenIwasdonechecki
ngmyr
oom wi
th
hereI

wentbackt
othel
oungeher
e.

Me:
“Thi
sissooooper
fectThanky
oubabe”Ihuggedmyhusband.

Wehadl
unchi
nthey
achtandi
twassodel
i
cious.

Guy
:“Si
rI'
m done”t
oKat
.Aguywhoshowedusar
ound.

Kat
:“Ladi
esIt
hinkwehav
etogo.Thel
unchhouri
saboutt
oend”

Me:
“Iwantt
osl
eepher
etoni
ght
”Samkel
olaughed.

Kat
:“Let
'sgetgoi
ng”

WestoodupIt
ookmyhandbag.Wemadeourwayt
othepar
kingl
ot.Theywer
ebehi
ndus.
WhenI

r
eachedf
orourcarhewasnowher
etobeseen.It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edhi
m.

Me:
“BabeI
'
m wai
ti
ngf
ory
ou”

Samkelo:
“Youl
eftmeher
e.Pl
easecomebackandgetmeher
esot
hatwecanmakeourway
toget
her

t
othecar
”Ihat
eitwhenhei
sthi
schi
l
dish.

Me:
“Samkel
o!”Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
.

Iwentbackt
owher
eIl
efthi
m..
..

Thef
iveoft
hem wer
est
andi
ngnextbl
ackcar
swr
appedi
nri
bbons.Must
angt
obespeci
fi
c..
.

Nont
u:“
Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?”

Theycamet
ous.Hegav
emeakey
.Igav
ehi
m aconf
usedl
ook.

Samkel
o:“
It
'sy
our
s!”

Myear
swer
edecei
vi
ngme.Orhei
sjoki
ng.
Me:
“Par
don?
”

Samkel
o:“
Thatcari
syour
s.Iboughti
tfory
ou”any
mor
e

Iscr
eamedinhappi
ness.Icoul
dn'
tl
ovehi
m anybet
ter
.Ij
umpedi
nhi
sar
msatt
imehei
s
l
aughingat

me.

Me:
“Thanksbabe.Thanky
ou!
!”I
'
m scr
eami
ngl
i
keat
eenager
.

Itookhi
shandwentt
othecar
.Igoti
nandher
emov
edt
her
ibbonandgoti
n.It
ookhi
mfora
spin

wit
hmynewMust
ang!Thosear
eper
ksofbei
ngmar
ri
edt
oal
awy
erwhoi
sagangst
ermoneyi
s
nota

pr
obl
em butI
'
m gl
adheboughtmeanewcar
.

Usast
hei
rwi
vesar
ebl
essedt
ohusbandsl
i
ket
hem.

Gangst
er'
swi
ves!
!

Samkel
o:“
Babewher
eisMySpeedofSound!
?”shout
ing.

I
fitnothi
sJor
dan.
..
.

Me:
“Idon'
tknowbabe!Pl
easecheckunderSi
hle'
sbed!
”shout
ing.

Si
hle:
“Idi
dn'
ttaket
hem!
”

Ihat
emor
ningespeci
all
ywhent
heyar
easki
ngt
hei
rthi
ngsonme.

Me:
“Ofcour
sey
out
ookt
hem”

Sma:
“Mom i
fIdon'
tki
l
lSi
hlet
heseday
s”

Me:
“Whatdi
dhedo?
”

Sma:
“Hedr
awshi
ssi
l
lycar
toonsonmyschool
books”hewasmaki
ngscar
ylookst
oSi
hle.

Samkel
o:“
BabeIcan'
tbef
indi
ngt
hem”

OhhLor
d!Ibet
terhel
phi
mtof
indhi
ssneaker
sorel
seI
'
llt
aket
heseki
dst
oschool
mysel
f.
Whenhe

want
stowearat
hinghewear
sitwhenhedoesn’
tfi
ndi
t.Hebecomesgr
umpyal
ldayt
omeas
i
fI
t
ooki
tandbeni
cet
ohi
ski
dst
owhohi
dehi
sthi
ngs.

Si
hle:
“Mom pl
easehel
pmet
owearmyshoes”

Samkel
ocamedownt
hest
air
srunni
ngI
'
m gl
adheknowshei
smaki
ngusl
ate.

Samkel
o:“
Ifoundt
hem”

Me:
“Good”

Si
hle:
“Mom!
”

Me:“
Babepl
easepi
ckhi
m upandpl
acehi
m ont
hecount
er”Hepi
ckedhi
m upandIhel
phi
mto
t
ie

hi
slaces.

Si
hle:
“Mom whyy
oucan'
tbend?I
syourt
ummypai
nful
?”Juj
ugi
ggl
ed.

Si
hle:
“ Whatar
eyoul
aughi
ngatwenaJuj
uyoumonkey
?May
bemom i
sinpai
nbuty
oubusy
l
aughing

atsi
l
lyt
hings”Ist
oppedpacki
ngt
hei
rlunchboxandIl
ookedathi
m.Juj
udi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Me:
“Ncooahmycar
ingson.Mommy
'st
ummyi
sn'
tpai
nful
.Thanksf
oraski
ngmyl
ove”Igent
ly

squeezi
nghi
scheeks.Hi
sfat
hersmi
l
ed.

Whent
hei
rfat
herwasdoneeat
ingwedr
ovet
hem t
oschool
andSi
hlet
othecr
èche.Idi
dn'
tget

any
thingaboutt
heboywhohurtmychil
datschool
andIl
efti
thangi
ngbecausewhenIf
indhi
m
Iwi
llcrackhi
sheadopenwi
thafour
-poundhammer.

I
'mtoolazynowIdon'
tgot
othecl
ubev
ery
daynowI
'
m al
way
sti
red.Het
ookmeoutf
or
br
eakf
astat

MuggnBean.Weor
der
edaf
terouror
dercame.

Samkel
o:“
Ei.
..
”

WhenIl
ookedupi
tsSer
ge.

Ser
ge:
“Khumal
o’ssonandMazi
buko’
sdaught
ermhm.Whatagr
eatcombi
nat
ion”hi
sat
ti
tude.

Samkel
owant
edt
oanswerhi
m butIgav
ehi
m al
ookandshookmyheadno.

Samkel
o:“
CanIpl
easehav
eapeacef
ulbr
eakf
astwi
thmywi
fe?
”hewaspi
ssed.

Ser
gel
eft
.Wecont
inuewi
theat
ing.
Me:
“Remembert
hel
asty
ouwant
edt
otel
lmeabouthi
m?”

Samkel
o:“
Eatbabebef
oreweseet
heot
herbugs”

Icont
inuedwi
theat
ing.Af
terwewenthomet
ochi
l
l.Hedi
dn’
tgot
owor
kli
kemebutt
henIj
oy
his

company
.

Wearel
ayi
ngonourbedmybi
gtummyonhi
slowerbodyandmyl
egont
opofhi
s.Iwokeupt
o
t
hat

posi
ti
onandIsatont
opofhi
m andst
art
edt
oki
sshi
m.

Af
tersomet
imehepul
l
edout
.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
'
m scar
ed.
..
.”

Me:
“Scar
edofwhat
?”bi
tannoy
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Babey
ouhav
ethr
eebabi
esi
nsi
deofy
ou.Whati
fIhur
toneoft
hem?
”

Me:
“Samkel
oli
ker
eal
l
y?Youcan'
tbeser
ious”I
'
m pi
ssedashel
l
.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m nothav
ingsex.Wewi
l
laf
tert
heybor
nar
ebutnowI
'
m sor
ryIcan'
t”

Me:
“Mxm y
oudon'
tfi
ndmeat
tract
iveany
mor
e”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon'
tst
art
”

Me:
“St
artwhat
?”

Samkel
o:“
Wenotgonnaar
guebecauseIsai
dwecan'
thav
esex”

Me:
“Wewi
l
lbecauseIwantsexasi
nnow!
”I'
myel
l
ingnow.

Samkel
o:“
Don'
tyel
latmeNompe”

Me:
“Orwhat
?Orwhat
!?”I
'
mreal
l
ypi
ssedguy
syoudon'
tunder
stand.

Heroughl
ypul
l
edmet
ohi
m andki
ssedmesensel
ess.Whent
heki
ssgotheat
edhepul
l
edout
when

Iwant
edt
ounbut
tonhi
sshi
rt
.

Samkel
o:“
Babe”hehel
dmyhand.

Me:
“Babepl
easej
ustoner
ound.
..
Please.
..
”Imadepuppyey
es.
..

Samkel
o:“
Ei.
..
.”hescr
atchedhi
shead.
Me:“
Youmadeav
owt
otakecar
eofmei
nev
ery
thi
ng”Hebust
edoutl
aughi
ngwi
tht
hatv
oiceof
hi
s.

Ikeptqui
et.

Samkel
o:“
Okay
!Okay
!Oner
oundaf
tert
hiswe'
l
lhav
esexaf
tergi
vi
ngbi
rt
handIM-
E-A-
Nit
”I
smil
ed.

Hestar
tedki
ssi
ngmesosl
owl
y.Af
terourst
eamyandi
ntensesessi
onwewentt
otakeal
ong
war
m

bat
hhewasbehi
ndmebr
ushi
ngmyt
ummy
.

Af
terwewentt
oeati
ntheki
tchen.Thenwewentt
ofet
cht
heki
dsatschool
wewentt
o
MacDonal
d

t
oeat
.

Si
he:
“HeyRoxanne”hewav
edt
oagi
rlwhoi
swi
thhermot
herIt
hink.Themot
hert
urned.

Mot
her
:“HeySi
hle”sher
esponds.Shei
swhi
tewi
thbl
ondehai
r.

Si
hle:
“Come”

Mot
her
:“I
'
m sor
ryt
oint
rude”

Me:“
Noy
ounotpl
ease”Juj
uandSmawentt
otakeext
rachai
rsf
ort
hem.Theycamebackand
t
he

mot
heranddaught
ersatdown.

Me:
“Mr
sKhumal
o”Iext
endedmyhandf
orahandshake.Weshakehands.

Mot
her
:“Mr
sSpencerher
e”shesmi
l
ed.Shehasabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.

Smawassmi
l
ingatt
hegi
rlnon-
stophewasev
enbl
ushi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
I'
m MrKhumal
o”heext
endedhi
shandandshedi
dtoo.Theyshookhands.

Mr
sSpencer
:"I
'
m happyt
ofi
nal
meety
ou.Il
i
ket
hewayy
ouboyi
sandhowdi
sci
pli
nedhei
s”

Me:
“ThanksMr
sSpencer
.Icanseey
oudoi
ngav
erygoodj
obonhert
oo”

MrsSpencer
:"It
hinkouror
deri
sready
.Itwasni
cet
omeety
ouguy
s.Mr
sKhumal
opl
easet
ake
her
e

t
hisi
thasmynumber
.By
eguy
s"-
shegav
emeherbusi
nesscar
dandshel
eft
.

Samkel
o:“
Shei
scut
ent
wana”t
oSma.Theydi
dthatf
istbumpt
hingoft
hei
rs.
Si
hle:
“Il
i
kehercheeks”

Sma:
“Ohhshutup!
”

Si
hle:
“Youshutupt
ooorel
seI
'
llsnat
chherf
rom y
ouandy
ou'
l
lcr
yaf
tert
hat
”

Wel
aughed.

Me:
“Shei
sreal
l
ycut
e”Hebl
ushed.

Sma:
“Iwoul
dli
ket
otakehert
omov
iesi
fitokaywi
thy
oupar
ent
s”

OhGod.Peopl
ear
egr
owi
nghest
art
stol
i
keorl
oveorhav
easpeci
alf
ri
end.

Me:
“Itokaybutmeory
ourf
atherorhermot
herwi
l
ltakey
out
her
eandf
etchy
ou”

Samkel
o:“
Greati
deamyl
ove”

Aft
erwewenthome.Ihel
pedSmaandJuj
uwi
tht
hei
rhomewor
kwhi
l
ecooki
ng.Si
hlewant
edt
o
pai
nt.

Nextyearheisgoi
ngt
oSchool
.Ismel
ltr
oubl
esal
lthewayf
rom Gl
enwoodt
oher
e.Any
wayand
you'
l
lcryaft
erthat
”

Wel
aughed.

Me:
“Shei
sreal
l
ycut
e”Hebl
ushed.

Sma:
“Iwoul
dli
ket
otakehert
omov
iesi
fitokaywi
thy
oupar
ent
s”

OhGod.Peopl
ear
egr
owi
nghest
art
stol
i
keorl
oveorhav
easpeci
alf
ri
end.

Me:
“Itokaybutmeory
ourf
atherorhermot
herwi
l
ltakey
out
her
eandf
etchy
ou”

Samkel
o:“
Greati
deamyl
ove”

Aft
erwewenthome.Ihel
pedSmaandJuj
uwi
tht
hei
rhomewor
kwhi
l
ecooki
ng.Si
hlewant
edt
o
pai
nt.

Nexty
earhei
sgoi
ngt
oSchool
.Ismel
ltr
oubl
esal
lthewayf
rom Gl
enwoodt
oher
e.Any
waywe
at
e

andt
henwentt
osl
eep.

Atmi
dni
ghtIwasdi
stur
bedbymyphoner
ing.I
tispr
ivat
enumber
.

Me:
“Hel
l
o”

Theper
sonwhocal
l
edwasqui
et.
Me:
“Youcal
lmei
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ghtj
ustt
obequi
et?Fucky
ou!
”Ihungup.

Samkel
o:“
Whowast
hat
?het
urnedt
olookatme.

Me:
“Idon'
tknowwhoi
tis.
..
.”

Myphoner
ingagai
n.

Me:
“Whati
sit
?”I
'
m pi
ssed.Ianswer
edwi
thoutchecki
ngt
hecal
l
eri
d.

TK:
“ItmeTK.Theyt
ookt
hem Nompe”Hi
sisv
oicei
sdi
ff
erentandhei
saboutt
ocr
y.

Me:
“Wooahsl
owdown.Whot
ookwho?
”

TK:
“Nont
uandI
yazi
aregonet
heyar
enother
eNompe.Mywi
fei
snother
e!”hei
syel
l
ing.

Me:
“What
?Ar
eyousur
e?”I
’
m shocked.

TK:
“I'
mfuckensur
e.Theyl
eftanot
e.Fuck!
!”

Me:“TKpl
easecomedown.Wher
evert
heyar
eI'
l
lfi
ndt
hem.I
yazi
hasat
rackersopl
easecal
m
down”

Youseet
hatwhyIsai
dki
dsshoul
dhav
etr
acker
s.

Me:
“Ical
lyouwhenIhav
eGPScoor
dinat
esokay
?”

TK:
“Pl
easehur
ry!
”

Me:
“Sur
e”Ihungup.

Iwentt
othest
udyandIt
rackeddownI
yazi
'
str
acker
.It
'sonN3comi
ngt
owar
dsher
e.Samkel
o
came

i
nwi
thaj
uice.

Me:
“Thet
rackeri
sont
heN3babeandi
tiscomi
ngher
e”

Hecal
l
edourmember
stober
eady
.TKcal
l
ed.

Me:“TKt
heyar
eonN3comi
ngt
hisway
.Theot
her
sar
eready
.I'
m goi
ngt
opr
epar
eri
ghtnow”I
hung

upaf
ter
.

Samkel
o:“
Thi
siswr
it
tenSer
geal
lov
er.Ihopet
heywon'
thur
tNont
ubecauseshei
spr
egnant
but

t
heywi
l
lnotl
i
vet
otel
lthet
ale”
Wewentt
opr
epar
edour
sel
vest
ogot
orescuemysi
sterandmynephew.Hemadesur
eIwear

bul
l
etpr
oof
.It
ookmyl
apt
opandwentt
othet
wopl
ant
hisr
escuet
hatwegoi
ngt
odo.

Spi
kes:
“Guy
sIknowt
heywar
ehouseIt
hinkt
heyar
egoi
ngt
her
e”

I
'
m busyonmyl
apt
op.

Samkel
o'
sphoner
ings.

Samkel
o:“
Yes.
..What
?..
.Okaywest
il
li
nthewar
ehousehur
ryupsot
hatwecangot
oget
her
.
Sur
e”he

hungup.

Samkel
o:“
ThatwasTKhei
swi
thSakhi
ont
hei
rwayher
e”

Me:
“Guy
sIy
azi
'
str
ackeri
snotmov
ing.
..I
t'
sinJacobs”

Spikes:
“Letmemakef
ewcal
l
s”Spi
ro'
sphoner
ings.Ev
ery
oneher
eisbusywemustgoandf
ind
them.

Spi
kes:
“Okay.GuysIgott
headdressandIsentf
ewguy
sthereandt
heysayf
ivemi
nut
esagoa
bl
ackMercedesBenzcrewbusenter
edfol
lowedbyaMini
Cupper
"

Spi
ro:
“Thepi
ctur
ehasbeensentt
ome.I
tPr
eci
ouswi
thanot
hergi
rlIdon'
tknow”

Mi
nut
esl
aterTKandSakhoent
ered.TKi
samessi
tli
kehel
astt
ookabat
hint
hel
astt
woy
ear
s.

SK:
“Gi
vehi
m whi
skeyt
ocal
m hi
sner
ves”

TK:“
Iwil
lgeti
tmy
sel
fIdon'
twantt
ofeel
sleepyi
nthenextt
womi
nut
es”hewentt
opour
hi
mselfa

whi
skey
.Wel
aughedathi
m.HeknowsSKt
oowel
l
.

SK:
“Haahnt
wanay
oudon'
ttr
ustmeManj
e?”hewasl
aughi
ng.

TK:
“IdobutIneedt
ogether
eandf
etchmyf
ami
l
y”hegul
pedanot
hergl
ass.

Whenwewer
eaboutt
oleav
e..
..

“
Yey
iiNi
namsunu!
”

SK:
“Nxaaf
uckwena!
”hel
i
ftedi
smi
ddl
efi
nger
.It
'sSpi
der
.

Theydi
dbr
other
lyhugandt
heybr
ushedeachot
her
'sheadr
oughl
y.

Spi
der
:“Mf
azi
you'
repr
egnantagai
n?Hay
iSamkel
oyakwazi
ukusebenzi
sai
ntoy
akhont
wana!
”
The

gangl
aughedathi
m.

Icor
kedmygunandpoi
ntedathi
m.

Spi
der
:“Nxaav
oet
sekmaar
n!Ar
ggggh!
”hemov
edmygunf
rom hi
sface.

SKwasinst
it
ches.Wef
ri
endswi
thSpi
derbutmostoft
het
imewef
ight
.Wewentt
othecar
s.
Spi
der

i
susinghi
smot
orbi
ke.Imi
ssmybi
kebutI
'
m heav
il
ypr
egnantIcanr
ide.Whenwegott
hei
r
Spi
derdi
d

whathei
sgoodat
.SKi
sleadi
ng.

Thewarehousewassur
roundedsot
hatnoonecangetaway
.Isneakedi
nIst
oodbyt
he
car
dboard.

Ther
ear
esoundher
e..
..

Voi
ce:
“Ahhhhhf
uck.
..
.Babey
ourpussyi
sgood.
..
Ahh”

If
oll
owedt
henoi
seIf
oundt
hem naked.
..

Me:
“Ify
oumov
eI'
l
lbl
owy
ourl
i
ttl
emi
nd”

Hedi
dn'
tmov
e.

Me:
“Yout
womov
e..
.”t
heymadet
hei
rwayt
othewher
eot
her
swer
e..
.

Spider:
“Yhuuy
ini
nat
hixowami
?”hehi
dhi
sey
eswhenheseest
het
woI
'
m poi
nti
nggunsat
.I
couldn'
t

hol
dal
augh.Icr
ackedout
.

Me:
“Wher
ear
ethey
?”

TKi
scr
yinghol
dingmysi
sterwhoi
sasl
eepIwentt
othem andI
yazi
wasasl
eept
oo.

Phi
ndi
:“Bossweneedt
otaket
hem t
othehospi
tal
wor
seshei
spr
egnant
”

SK:
“Pl
easedoPhi
ndi
.TakeTKwi
thy
ou”

TK:
“I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
ewi
thoutki
l
li
ngt
hisbast
ard”

Me:“TodayIdoagr
eewhatt
heysayaboutpr
egnantwomant
hatt
heyf
orgetev
ery
thi
ng.I
hav
en't
seenourbi
gfi
shher
e”Il
ookedatSer
ge.Hei
sti
edonachai
r.

TK:
“I'
l
lmi
ncey
ou"

Nont
uandI
yazi
wer
etakenout
.

TK:
“Passt
heaxet
ome”

Spi
rogav
ehi
m.Het
ooki
tandmadehi
swayt
oSer
gesl
owl
y.
..
.

Wearewhi
stl
i
ngf
orhi
m.I
fthei
rwi
vescanseet
hem onmi
ssi
onhowsexyt
heyar
ethey
'l
lj
oini
n
j
ust

t
owi
tnesst
hat
.

“
Laqhumai
zembe!
!.
..
.”t
hegangcheer
edf
orhi
m.Wewant
edt
oar
iset
hebeasti
nhi
m.

Thebeasti
nhi
m choppedSer
gei
ntopei
cesl
esst
han10mi
nut
es.Spi
rochoppedSer
ge'
shi
t
menwith

t
hehelpofot
hermember
s.Thev
ideowast
aken.Pr
eci
ousandhermot
herwer
eluckybecause
when

wegott
her
etheywer
enott
her
e.

Laterwewentt
ocheckmysi
sterandI
yazi
theywer
efi
neandawake.Af
terIwentt
othehouse
checked

onmyboy
sandsl
ept
.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--

I
nser
t46

Smat
ookof
ftheconcr
eteonhi
sar
m.Thespel
l
ingcompet
it
iont
ookpl
acel
astweekFr
idayand
my

boygott
hesecondpl
aceandIwashappy
.Wet
ookhi
mtot
heshoppi
ngbutSi
hle

Bl
ackmai
l
edusweendedupt
aki
ngt
hemal
loutf
orshoppi
ng.I
'
m sev
enmont
hspr
egnant
.Si
hle
i
sli
ke

agl
uet
ome.Hi
sfat
hersai
dmay
bei
t’
sbecauseI
'
m expect
ingagi
rli
noneoft
het
ri
plet
swhi
ch
was

Qaudr
apl
etsbuti
t’
sGod'
swi
l
l.

Si
hle:
“Mom pl
easescr
atchmeont
heback”Idi
d.
Sma:
“Si
hley
oucanbeapai
nsomet
imes”

Si
hle:
“Pl
easeshutup!
”

Juj
u:“
Whent
hebabi
esar
ebor
nmom won'
thav
eyourt
ime”

Si
hle:
“Juj
u!”shout
ed.

Me:
“Boy
s!”

Boy
s:“
Mkhul
u!”t
heyr
unupt
ohi
m.Si
hledi
dn'
thesatnextt
omebr
ushi
ngmyt
ummy
.

Mntungwa:
“Si
hlel
elwemyboy
”hesatonSamkel
o'
scouch.Yesmyhusbandhashi
scouchand
boy
s

nowt
hatev
ent
hecr
azyonedoesn’
tjumpt
oit
.

Me:
“Sawubonababa”Igr
eethi
m.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Mnt
anami
Ninj
ani
?”

Me:“
Siyaphi
l
ababa”Ibowedmyheadandbusypl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands.Thi
sol
dmanher
e
al
ways

i
nti
midat
esme.

Si
hle:
“Mkhul
u”Hei
sact
ingst
ranget
heseday
sbuty
ounev
erknowwi
thhi
m.

Iwenttodi
shupf
orhim.WhenIwasdoneItookt
hef
oodtohi
m.Iknel
tandser
vehi
m hi
sfood.
Iadmir
ehim.Hel
ovesusaswiv
esofhissonsunl
i
ket
hatol
dbi
tchhi
swife.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Ngi
yabongamakot
i”

Hei
sal
way
sonpoi
nt.Ev
eni
fhei
swear
ingasi
mpl
eshi
rtandj
eanhel
ookshandsome.Iseemy

husbandgotgenest
ohi
sfat
her
.Mnt
ungwadon'
thav
eabi
gtummyl
i
keot
her
sofhi
sage.

Af
terhewasdoneeat
ingIt
ookt
hedi
shest
otheki
tchen.

Mntungwa:
“Noboy
syouhav
etot
alkt
oyourmot
herf
ir
sti
fsheagr
eessi
tokayi
fshedon'
tthen
you

won'
tcomewi
thme”
Theyl
ovet
hei
rgr
andf
ather
.

Icamei
n.

Sma&Juj
u:“
Mom pl
ease!
”

Me:
“Okaybutdon'
tfor
goty
ourr
ubyki
tSmaandJuj
uyourt
enni
srat
chet
s”Si
hlei
sawf
ulqui
et.
Juj
ucl
oseshi
sey
esf
orav
eryl
ongt
ime.

Sma:
“Ist
hesnakeher
eJuj
u?”

Juj
u:“
YesSma.Let
'sgo”het
ookSma'
shand.I
'
m hear
tsanki
n.Ishoul
dgetusedt
oitbutIdon’
t
and

Idon'
tl
ikei
t.

Samkel
ocamei
n.

Samkel
o:“
Myboy
sar
egoi
ngi
fMnt
ungwai
sher
e”hesatnextt
ome.

Mnt
ungwal
aughed.

Mnt
ungwa:
“You'
l
lbel
i
kemesonny
”

Samkel
o:“
AndI
'
mjeal
ousyt
aima”

Si
hledi
dn'
tgr
eethi
sfat
herhewentupst
air
s.

Samkel
o:“
Andt
henwhatdi
dtheydot
ohi
m?”

Me:
“Hei
ssul
ki
ngbecauset
heyt
oldhi
mthatoncet
hebabi
esar
ebor
nIwon'
thav
ehi
sti
me”

Juj
uandSmacamedownwi
tht
hei
rschool
backpacksandspor
tski
ts.Si
hlei
scar
ryi
nghi
s
backpack

onl
y.

Me:
“Myboyt
heywer
ejoki
ngy
ouknowt
hatIl
ovey
oual
lequal
l
yri
ght
?”

Si
hle:
“Gr
andpapl
easel
et’
sgo”

Mnt
ungwa:
“By
ebant
wana”

Theyl
eftwi
tht
hei
rgr
andf
ather
.Si
hlemakesmesadatt
imesIdon'
twantt
hem t
ofeel
li
kedon'
t
car
e

aboutt
hem.

Me:
“BabeSmahasbeencompl
aini
ngaboutSi
hlehi
dinghi
sthi
ngssoIt
hinki
t’
sbet
terwhenwe

separ
atet
hem wi
thr
ooms”

Samkel
o:“
Okaybabe”

Hewant
edt
opai
ntt
henur
ser
ybutIt
oldhi
m nott
oI'
m scar
edwhati
ftheydon'
tmakei
t.Hewi
l
l
f
ix
i
tonthel
astweekbeforet
heduedat
e.Ican'twai
ttomeetthem.Any
wayI'
m expect
ingt
wo
boy
sandonegirl
.IhopeandIpr
aynott
ot akeaft
erSi
hlehawuJehova!

Hedoesn’
tli
kei
twhenIgoupthestai
rsnothol
dthest
air
cases.Ican'
tdoanythi
ngnowmy
t
ummyi sbi
g.Heall
owedmetotakeashowerunderhi
ssupervi
sionbecauseImightf
all
hur
t
mysel
fandtheki
ds.

NontuThabi
NomxoZeeandNokwear
epr
egnantt
oo.MeandThabi
areduei
nthesamemont
h
but

di
ff
erentdat
es.Nokwe'
spr
egnancyi
sbet
tert
hist
imeHaaht
hef
ir
stt
imeIt
houghtSakhi
wil
l
never

seet
hebabybecausehewoul
dbedead.

Iwenttot
heboy
’sr
oom t
oseewher
ewecanst
art
.OnSi
hle'
ssi
det
abl
ehehasourphot
oasa
fami
ly.

Smahashi
sbooksmygeni
us.Juj
uhasaLambor
ghi
nit
oycar
.Theyar
esodi
ff
erentandI
'
m
sur
eon

Sma'
sroom i
twoul
dbeal
i
brar
ybutacl
eanone.WhenIr
est
edmyheadonJuj
upi
l
low
somet
hing

wasunder
neat
hhi
spi
l
lowIgotupqui
ckl
ythi
nki
ngi
tmi
ghtbeasnake.Nxaai
ta2Qui
rebook
does

notcov
er.I
'
m sur
eit
’snotf
orschool
.

Iopened.
..
.

Ther
ear
edr
awi
ngi
nthi
sbook.Somedr
awi
ngsar
ebeaut
if
ull
i
ket
heonehedr
ewhi
sbr
other
s.I
di
dn'
t

knowhecoul
ddr
awl
i
ket
his.Ot
herdr
awi
ngsar
escar
yli
kei
tdemoni
c.Ot
her
sar
e..
..

Samkel
o:“
Whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngat
?”ashesatont
hebednextt
ome.

Samkel
o:“
Whatt
hef
uckwhodr
awt
his?
”

Me:
“It
hinki
tJuj
u”

Samkel
o:“
Ifi
t’
smehowdoesheknowst
heembl
em oft
heScav
anger
s?”

Me:
“Idon'
tknowI
'
m shockedasy
ouar
e”

Ther
e'sanot
herphot
oofasmal
lfouet
usbutIcan'
tmaket
hef
ull
senseoft
hispi
ctur
eandmany
ofI
don'
tunder
standt
hem.

Samkelo:
“Thi
sist
oodeepbabe.Il
i
ket
hisone”Juj
udr
ewhi
sfat
hercar
ryi
nghi
sthatbi
gbr
ief
caseand

hi
sblackgownwear
ingasui
t.Hewasgoi
ngt
ocour
t.Hedr
ewi
tashewascomi
ngdownt
he
st
air
s.I

l
i
kei
ttoo.

Samkel
o:“
Wehav
etot
akei
tifi
tbel
ongst
ohi
m hewi
l
lwanti
tbuti
fhedoesn'
ti
twi
l
lmean
some

ar
sehol
eisupt
osomet
hing”

Thewhol
eweekendwast
opr
epar
ethei
rroomsbef
oret
heycomeback.SundayIwokeupsuper

t
ir
edIdi
dmymor
ningr
it
ual
sandt
henwentdownst
air
stomakemy
sel
fsomet
hingt
oeat
.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Pleasedont
!Si
tdownandot
herpr
egnantmommi
esar
ecomi
ng!
”

Hei
scar
ryi
ngpi
zza.Myf
ri
endsent
ered.Wal
ki
ngl
i
kepengui
ns.

Thami
:“Heypengui
n”

Me:
“Whoi
sapengui
nyouar
sehol
e?”Idon'
twantt
omi
ndhi
m butmyhor
monesar
epl
ayi
ng
t
hei
r

r
ole.

Thami
:“Vel
e!”hewasl
eani
ngont
hedoor
.Myhusbandent
eredwi
thAndi
l
eKatTKSakhi
Spi
der

Spi
kesandSpi
derandhi
swi
fe.

Thami
:“Thi
swi
nei
sfory
oul
adynott
hesepengui
ns”

Spi
kes:
“Nowondery
oudon'
tev
enhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend”

Nami
sa:
“ThanksbutI
'
llpr
efar
ejui
cet
oo”

Shecan'
tbepr
egnantt
oo.Theguy
scr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.

Nami
sa:
“Andt
hen?
"

Nokwe:
“Wel
comet
othebetgi
rl
!”

Nami
sa:
“What
?Av
elai
sitt
rue?
”shesnapped.Spi
derdi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Nami
sa:
“Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ou!Ij
ustcan'
t”shegotupanddi
sappear
edi
nthehouse.
Spi
kes:
“Yhooont
wanausemasi
mbeni
yhooo”

Weorder
edf
oodIcoul
dn'
tcookf
ort
hisar
myher
eI'
mti
redandmyf
acei
sabi
tswol
l
en.Weat
e
and

spentt
imet
oget
her.
Ial
way
senj
oyt
hei
rcompany
.Thami
wasanui
sancet
odaybutIdi
denj
oy
my

day
.

Lat
erwewentt
osl
eepboy
sar
ecomi
ngbackt
omor
rowaf
terschool
.

Samkel
o:“
Babedoy
ouknowt
hatIl
ovey
ou?
”hewasbr
ushi
ngmyt
ummy
.

Me:
“Yesmyl
oveIknow”

Samkel
o:“
Icandoany
thi
ngImeanany
thi
ngt
opr
otecty
ouandmyki
ds”hei
sser
ious.

Me:
“IknowMbul
azi
”

Samkel
o:“
I'
venev
erev
eri
nmyl
i
feIt
houghtIwi
l
llov
esomeonel
i
key
ou.TodayI
'
m ahusband
anda

f
athert
othr
eehandsomeboy
sandot
her
sar
eont
hei
rway
.Iknowwear
guesomet
imesbutI
l
ove

y
ouandwanty
ou.Ev
ent
empt
ati
onscomeal
ongt
hewaybutIl
ovey
oumama”

Il
i
ftedmyupt
olookathi
m.

Me:“Inev
ert
houghtIwi
l
llov
esomeonel
i
key
ouandbeawi
fet
oahandsomeandsexymanon
ear
th

andt
obeamot
hert
ocut
eboy
s”Hesmi
l
esmor
eli
kebl
ushi
ng.

Wehadaconv
ersat
ionandIsl
epti
nhi
sar
ms.I
nthemor
ningIwokeupt
opr
epar
ehi
ma
br
eakf
ast

heisgoi
ngtocour
t.Il
i
ket
ofi
xhi
sti
eifhei
swear
ingone.
Damnmymanl
ookssosexi
erand
handsome

i
nasui
t.

Me:
“Mnt
ungwaMbul
azi
Mzi
l
ikazi
kaMashobane”ashecomesdown.

Heissmil
i
ngal
lthewayt
ome.It
ookhi
shandandpl
acedi
tonmyt
ummy
.Thebabi
eswer
e
ki
cki
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Ncooahbabet
heyl
i
kei
twheny
ousaymycl
annames”Il
aughed.
Me:
“Iwascompl
ement
ingmyhusband.I
ftheywantt
hatt
hei
rfat
hermustr
eci
tehi
scl
annames
f
or

t
hem”Hesmi
l
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Alway
shav
eanswer
s”heki
ssedmynose.

Idi
shedhisbreakfast.Aft
erheateandhel eft.I
'
m bor
edIateandwenttowatcht
v.Ical
l
edmy
si
sterj
usttocheckuponher. Idon'tunderst
andmymot hereversi
nceSer
gewasintownshe
changed.Shehardlycall
sevenifyoucallheryoudon'
tgethol
dofherandIwon'
tgotoMtunzi
ni
i
nanyt i
mesoon.

I
'
mti
red!

Iwenttothestudytookmylapt
op.Ihavenewemail
s.Checkedt
hem mxm bor
ingst
uff
.Iwent
backtolounge.Ispentmydaywat
chingmovies.

At15:
30pm t
hedooropened.
..

Juj
u:“
Oh!Pl
easeshutup!
”

Si
hle:
“Don'
ttel
lmet
oshut
!Thi
sismymout
hnoty
our
s”

Sma:
“Hay
imj
i
tat
akey
ourr
ubyki
ttoourr
oom”Hei
sspeaki
ngt
oJuj
u.

Chapt
er46

Iwentt
otheki
tchen.

Si
hle:
“Heymommy
”

Me:
“Heyboy
s”Theygr
eet
edback.

Samkel
o:“
Myl
ove”heki
ssedme.

Si
hle:
“Euuuuw.Don'
tyouguy
sgett
ir
edofdoi
ngt
hat
?”Hei
ssi
tt
ingont
heki
tchencount
er.

Samkel
o:“
Yey
iicl
osey
ourey
es”af
terhepul
l
edout
.Hecl
osedhi
sey
esandgi
ggl
edaf
ter
.

Hepeckedmyl
i
ps.

Samkel
o:“
Thi
ski
d”Si
hlei
slooki
ngatusbet
weenhi
sli
tt
lef
inger
s.

Si
hle:
“Mom Igott
hisf
ory
ou”hegav
emeabur
gerf
rom MacDonal
d.

Me:
“Thanky
oumysweet
hear
t”It
ooki
tfr
om hi
m.Hi
sfat
hert
ookhi
m of
ftheki
tchencount
er
t
ook
hi
sbackpacksandt
heywentupst
air
s.

Me:
“Heboughti
tmef
orr
eal
?”

Samkel
o:“
Heboughti
twi
thhi
sR100t
hatMnt
ungwagav
ehi
m”

Me:
“Ncooah”

Wehear
dscr
eamsofj
oyupst
air
sI'
m sur
eit
’saboutt
hei
rrooms.Af
terami
nut
etheycame
down

r
unni
ng.Theyhuggedus.

Them:
“Thanksmom anddad”

Me“
Doy
oul
i
kei
t?”

Them:
“Yes”

Samkel
o:“
Happyki
dshappypar
ent
s”Theywentbackt
othei
rrooms.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasegoandr
elaxI
'
m cooki
ngf
ory
out
oday
”

Me:
“Youwont
hecase”

Samkel
o:“
Ofcour
sebabe!
”

Iwentbackt
olounge.Boy
scamewi
thhomewor
kIhel
pedt
hem wi
thi
t.Igav
eSi
hleapaperand
pen

t
owr
it
ehi
sname.

Juj
u:“
Yournamei
sSi
hlel
elwenotSi
hlel
we”

Me:
“Juj
uHay
i.Youar
edi
scour
agi
nghi
m”

Si
hle:
“Ohpl
ease!
”Smasayt
hatasSi
hlesay
.

Me:“Juj
uyousuchabadbr
other
.It
oldy
oudonotdi
scour
aget
hem.Encour
agenur
tur
eand
pr
otect

t
hem notwhaty
ouar
edoi
ng”

Juj
u:“
Sor
rymom”

Si
hle:
“Youbet
terbeorel
se”

Sma:
“Ohpl
easeshutup!
”Samkel
olaughedi
ntheki
tchen.

Af
terdoi
nghomewor
kIt
oldt
ogoandbat
h.Iwentt
obat
hSi
hle.
Ther
eisf
eel
i
ngIhav
eIdon'
tunder
standIbuti
tdoesn'
tfeel
good.Wewentt
oeat
.20:
00pm t
hey

wentt
osl
eepaf
ter15mi
nut
esIwentt
ocheckupont
hem especi
all
ySi
hle.Thatr
ascal
theot
her
ni
ght

Icaughthi
m pl
ayi
nggamesi
nhi
siPadwhenhewassupposedt
osl
eep.

Iwenttomyr
oom af
ter
.If
oundhi
scl
othesont
hef
loor
.Iwantt
opi
ckt
hem butIcan'
tbend.I
saton

t
hebed.

Samkel
o:“
Sor
ryt
oleav
ecl
othesont
hef
loorbabe”

Me:
“Iwant
edt
opi
ckt
hem f
ory
oubutIcoul
dn'
t”

Samkel
o:“
Iunder
standbabe”

Igotupt
ookofmycl
otheswentt
otakeashowerI
'
mfeel
i
nghot.Af
terIf
oundhi
mreadi
ng
somebig

book.

Me:
“Ar
eyoust
udy
ing?
”

Samkel
o:“
NobabeI
'
mref
err
ing”

"
Mhm okay
"

Igoti
nthebedandcl
osedmyey
es.

Ifel
thi
sli
psonmyneck.
Hishandsonmyasssqueezi
ngt
hem.Hi
sbr
eat
hingchanged.Nowhi
s
hands

ar
ecar
essi
ngmybr
east
.

Samkel
o:“
Babe.
..
”

Me:
“Mhhm”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasewakeandt
urnt
olookatme”

It
urnedandl
ookathi
m.Weki
ssedsosl
owl
y.Wehadsexunt
ilIpassedout
.

I
nthemorni
ngIwokeupanddi
dmymor
ningr
it
ual
s.Iwentt
owaket
heki
dsupIf
oundhi
m
bat
hing

t
hem.Si
hlewasl
i
ttl
ebi
tangr
yIdon'
tknowwhyandIdon'
twantt
oknowbecauset
her
eason
t
hat
madehi
m angr
yisusel
ess.Hei
saki
ngofmoodst
hatone.Iwentt
omakebr
eakf
astf
ort
hem.

Theycamewhent
heywer
edr
essedi
nschool
uni
for
m.Theyat
etheybr
eakf
astt
hei
rdadt
ook
them

t
oschool
.

Thei
nter
com r
angIwentt
oopeni
twasMt
hoko.

Mt
hoko:
“Hey
.Howar
eyou?
”

Me:
“I'
m goodandy
ou?
”

Mt
hoko:
“I'
m goodt
oo”

Si
l
ence.

Mt
hoko:
“Icamet
oseeSK”

Me:
“Het
ookki
dst
oschool
”

Mt
hoko:
“Mhm”Hei
srel
axedi
nthecouchnow.

Me:
“CanIof
fery
ousomet
hingt
oeat
?”

Mt
hoko:
“Yespl
ease”Igotup.
..

Mt
hoko:
“Whatdi
dmybr
otherdot
odeser
veabeaut
if
ulandsexywi
fel
i
key
ou?
”

Me:
“Excuseme?
”myear
sar
edecei
vi
ngme.

Hedidn'
tsayany
thi
ng.Nxaa!Iwentt
otheki
tchent
omakeasandwi
chandj
uiceorcof
feeI
don'
t

knowI
'
m angr
yatwhathesai
dtome.

Mt
hoko:
“Lookatt
hatass”It
urnedhewasst
andi
ngbehi
ndbutt
hei
sadi
stance.

Me:
“Yourbr
otheri
snother
epl
easel
eav
emyhouse”

Hemadehi
swayt
omewhenhewasnearIsl
appedhi
m sohar
d.Whenhet
ri
edt
ospeakI
sl
apped

hi
m agai
n.Ihear
dsomeonel
aughi
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Don'
tmesswi
thmygangst
erwi
fesonny
”hewasl
aughi
ng.

Iwentt
ohi
m andhehuggedhi
mti
ght
ly.

Samkel
o:“
Nextt
imey
ou'
l
ldi
eboy
.Nomxobeaty
oubuty
oudi
dn'
tl
ear
nal
esson"
-hi
m.
Me:
“Isn'
ti
tthef
ir
stt
ime?
”

Samkelo:
“Noi
t’
snott
hef
ir
st-
ti
mebabebutusknowi
nghowst
rongourwi
vesar
ether
e's
not
hingto

wor
ryabout
”

Me:
“Leav
eyouper
vet
!”

Samkel
o:“
I'
ll
makehi
m somet
hingt
oeat
”Il
eftt
hem Iwentt
omyr
oom.

Af
terhecamet
ome.

Samkel
o:“
Don'
tst
ressaboutwhathappenedbabe.Hei
saper
vetbutdon'
tmi
ndhi
m.Whenhe
st
art
s

t
hist
hingofhi
sbeatt
hecr
apoutofhi
m”

Me:
“Okay
.Hehasapr
obl
em ment
all
y?”

Samkel
o:“
No.Hel
i
keswhatnotbel
ongt
ohi
m.Ev
enwhenwewer
egr
owi
ngupheusedt
ogo
aft
er

ourgi
rl
fr
iends”

Me:
“Mhm okaybabe”

If
indi
twei
rdt
houghbutIwi
l
ldoashet
ell
sme.

Astheday
swentbymyhusbandbecamewei
rd.Hedi
dn'
thav
eti
mef
ormeandt
heki
ds.He
wentto

workear
lyandcomebackwhenI
'
m asl
eepIev
ent
houghhei
scheat
ingIdi
dmyr
esear
chbutI
di
dn't

fi
ndanyt
hing.Ki
dsspendmostoft
het
imewi
tht
hei
rgr
andpar
ent
sbecauset
hei
rfat
heri
stoo
busyf
or

us.

Yester
dayhecamehomeear
lyandIwasi
nbedbor
edbecauseI
'
m al
one.Hef
uckedmet
il
lI
passed

outhewasgent
le.I
tthoughti
nthemor
ningIwi
l
lwakeupnextt
ohi
m buthewasn'
tther
e.Thi
s
i
s

st
ressi
ngmeoutnowIdon'
tknowwhyt
odo.

TodayI
'
m pl
anni
ngaspeci
aldi
nnert
oni
ght
.I'
l
lwearmysexymat
chi
ngbr
aandpant
ywi
thasi
l
k
gown

ontop.Ineedt
ospi
cyt
hingsupbet
weenusorel
seI
'
m goonsl
osehi
mtosomewhor
eIdon'
t
know.

At19:
00pm I
'm donewit
hev er
ythi
ng.Isetourdi
nnerint
helounge.Whi
tecandl
esst
rawber
ri
es
andcr
eam non-al
cohol
icchampagnehi sfav
ouri
tefoodandgoodmusiconthelowvol
ume.Isat
downwait
ingforhim.

Imusthav
efal
l
enasl
eepwhenIt
ookt
hephonet
ocheckt
het
imei
tis22:
49pm hei
sn'
tbacky
et.
Ihad

missedcal
l
s.Iunl
ockedmyphonemi
ssedcal
l
sar
efr
om TaKat
.WhenIwant
edt
ocal
lhi
m back
t
he

i
nter
com r
ang.
..

“
Pleaseopeni
t'
sKat
”

Iopenedt
hegat
e.Iqui
ckl
ywentupst
air
stowearagown.Idon'
thi
mtoseemehal
fnaked.I
found

hi
m si
tt
ingont
hef
loor
.

Me:
“TaKatar
eyouokay
?”

Andi
l
eSpi
derSpi
kescamei
n..
.

Me:
“Whati
sgoi
ngon?
”

Andi
l
elookedatt
hel
oungeandt
ear
scamei
nst
reami
ngi
nhi
scheeks.

Me:
“Cansomeonet
ell
whati
sgoi
ngon!
?”

Si
l
ence.

Katgotupandcamet
ome.Hehel
dbot
hofmyhands.Thi
sisf
ir
st.
..

Me:
“Wher
eismyhusband?I
'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
orhi
m?”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Wher
eishe?
”

Kat
:“Hewas.
..
inv
olv
edi
n..
acaracci
dent
..
..
”tear
sfel
l
.

If
eltmybodyget
ti
ngcol
d.Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngf
orawhi
l
e.

Me:
“Whi
chhospi
tal
hei
sin?
”Ir
ant
otakemycarkey
sIf
oundAndi
l
escr
atchi
nghi
shead.
Me:
“Let
'sgo.Myhusbandneedsmenow”t
ear
sfi
l
ledmyey
es.

Spi
kes:
“Pl
easecomeher
etosi
t”

Me:
“Idon'
twantt
osi
tIneedt
oseemyhusband!Now!
”Iy
ell
ed.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Makot
ipl
ease”wasbehi
ndus.

Me:
“Babapl
easet
akemet
othehospi
tal
myhusbandneedsme”myv
oicei
sbr
eaki
ng.
..

Mnt
ungwa:
“Makot
i.Hedi
dn'
tmake.
..
Hei
sgone.
..
.”
hisv
oicewast
rembl
i
ng.

Me:
“No!NotMySamkel
o!No!
”Ishookmyheadr
epeat
edl
y.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Hei
sgone”

Icr
iedl
oud.Katcamet
ohol
dme.Icr
ied.If
eltmyey
eshar
dandt
heyshutdown.
..
.

-
--
--
--
--

WhenIopenedmyey
esIwasi
nahospi
tal
.If
elthar
dshar
ppai
ninmyabdomen.WhenIt
ri
edt
o

mov
emymom wasi
nmysi
deal
ongwi
thmygr
andmot
her
.

Me:
“WhyI
'
mfeel
i
ngt
hesepai
ns?
”whenIl
ookedatmyt
ummyi
twassmal
lnotbi
g.

Me:
“Wher
ear
emyki
ds?Wher
ear
ethey
!”I
'
m scr
eami
ng.

Mom:
“Nompendul
ocal
m down”Ibr
okedown.Isawmyf
ri
endscomi
ngi
nthewar
d.

Me:
“Ar
ethey
..
..
dead?Hei
s..
.r
eal
l
y…dead?
”Iwasst
il
lcr
ying.

Gr
andma:
“Ohbaki
thi
mnt
anomnt
anam Bant
u”shehuggedmet
ight
ly

Mom:
“Theki
dsar
efi
ne.Doct
orsar
ewi
tht
hem”shewasbr
ushi
ngmyhand.

Me:
“Iwantt
oseet
hem now!
”Katent
eredhi
sey
esar
ered.

Kat
:“Theyar
ecomi
ngher
enow”

Thenur
sescamewheel
i
ngi
nthr
eei
ncubat
ors.Icr
ied.Theyt
ookbabynumberwhoi
saboy
.

Ihel
dhi
minmyar
ms.Tear
scamest
reami
ngi
nmycheeks.

Me:“
Nkany
ezi
yokusaOkuhl
eKhumal
o”Iki
ssedhi
sli
tt
lef
orehead.Hi
sispal
e.Ipassedhi
mto
my

gr
andma.

Nur
segav
emebabynumber2.I
t’
sagi
rl
.
Me:
“El
amant
ungwaOwet
huKhumal
o”Icoul
dn'
thol
dmyt
ear
sIcr
ied.Ki
ssedherf
oreheadand

passedhert
oo.

Nur
segav
ethebabynumber
3.I
t’
saboy
.Thel
astbor
n.

Me:
“Let
hukukhany
aOl
uhl
eKhumal
o”Iki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead.

Thedoctorcamei
naf
ter
.Hesai
dki
dsneedst
obeher
eforf
ewday
sandmeal
so.Kat
request
edto

t
alkwi
thadoct
ori
npr
ivat
e.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Thosewer
ebeaut
if
ulnamesmnt
anami
”

Me:
“Isher
eal
l
ydeadorhef
aint
ed?Whathappened?
”Thenur
seswheel
edmybabi
esout
.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Youneedt
orestmakot
i.Let
'sgi
vemet
imet
orest
”

Me:
“Babapl
easeIneedt
oknow”

Mntungwa:
“Hewasi
nvol
vedi
ncaracci
dentandhebur
nt.
..
Ineedt
ogo”hegotupqui
ckl
yand
l
eft

t
hewar
d.

Mom:
“Nanapl
easegetsomesl
eep.Seey
oui
nthemor
ning”sheki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Theyl
eftonebyonesay
ingt
hei
rcondol
ences.Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hatmyhusbandi
sgonemay
be
i
t’
sthe

samecar
sandal
lthatbuti
tcan'
tbehi
mitcan'
tIneedhi
m nowmor
ethanev
er.

Katcamei
nfol
l
owedbyAndi
l
e.

Kat
:“Ispoket
oyourdoct
orhesai
dhecanl
ety
ougobutundercar
e.It
oldhi
mthatIwi
l
ltake
car
eof

y
ou.Thebabi
esst
il
lneedt
obeher
e.Pr
emat
urebabi
esneedext
racar
e.Ial
readyr
equest
ed
t
hei
rown

speci
alr
oom sot
hatt
heycanbeguar
ded24/
7”

Me:
“Thanky
ou”

Ibl
i
nkedr
epeat
edl
yhol
dingmyt
ear
s.

Me:
“Isher
eal
l
ydeadorhei
sbl
uff
ing?“
Kat
:“Mnt
ungwawentt
oident
if
yhi
sbodyi
nthemor
tuar
y”Andi
l
ecamet
ohugme.

Andi
l
e:“
Ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbef
ine”

Me:
“Noi
t’
snot
.Myhusbandt
hel
oveofmyl
i
femysoul
mat
emypar
tneri
ncr
imef
orr
eal
the

f
atherofchi
l
drenmyr
ideordi
eisgone!Not
hingwi
l
lbeokaydoy
ouhearme”Ibr
okedown.The

r
eal
i
tyhi
tin.

Kat
:“Dr
inkher
e”hegav
emeabot
tl
eofwat
er.Af
terf
ewmi
nut
esIsuddenl
yfel
tsl
eepy
.

“
Sleep”
..
..
..
..
..

Af
tert
woday
sIwasdi
schar
gedLwandi
l
ecamet
opi
ckmeup.

Me:
“Whenar
ewer
egoi
ngt
oWeneen?
”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Wenotgoi
ngt
her
e.Hewi
l
lbebur
iedher
einDur
ban”

Me:
“Okay
”

Whenwearr
ivedi
nmyhouse.Ther
ewer
elotofcar
smymot
herwaswai
ti
ngf
ori
nmet
he
dr
iveway
.

Sheembr
acedme.I
'
m wal
ki
ngsl
owl
ybecauseIgav
ebi
rt
hthr
oughc-
sect
ion.

WhenIent
eredi
nmyhousepeopl
ewer
egoi
ngupanddown.Mom t
ookmet
omybedr
oom t
hat

wher
eIr
eal
i
sedt
hatSamkel
oisr
eal
l
ygone.
Iwai
l
ed.Mymot
hert
ookmet
othemat
tress.Iwas
gi
ven

abl
ankett
ocov
ermy
sel
f.

Me:
“Ineedt
oseemyki
ds”Shegotupandl
eft
.

Them:
“Mommy
!”t
heyr
ant
ome.

Sma:
“Mom wher
ear
ethebabi
es?
”

Juj
u:“
Mom wher
eisdad?Hepr
omi
sedt
otr
aint
obet
termyswi
mmi
ngski
l
ls”

Si
hle:
“Mom doesdaddon’
tlov
eusany
mor
e?”

IpokedMaNdl
ovuwhoi
snextt
ome.

Me:
“Youdi
dn'
ttel
lthem?
”Iwhi
sper
ed.Sheshookherheadno.Shecr
iedi
nsi
l
ence.

Me:
“Boy
smom needt
otal
ktoy
ou”
Them:
“Okay
..
.”

Me:
“Youknowt
hatwel
ovey
ousomuchr
ight
?”

Theynodded.

Me:
“Iwanty
out
oknowt
hatwhat
everhappenIwi
l
lal
way
slov
eyou”

Theynoddedagai
n.It
ookadeepbr
eat
h…

Me:
“Dadi
sgone.Wewi
l
lnev
erseehi
m agai
n”Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Juj
u:“
Hegonet
owher
e.Iwanthi
m her
enow!Gi
vemet
hephonet
ocal
lhi
m”

Sma:
“Hecan'
tl
iv
eus.Hecan'
t.Hei
ssel
fi
sh!
”

Si
hlei
squi
et.

Me:
“Hel
eftus.Hei
sanangel
nowhewi
l
llookaf
terus”Ihuggedt
hem.

Juj
ugotupSmaj oi
nedhi
m af
terSi
hlef
oll
owed.Ihat
etoseemyki
dscr
yingandhur
tbutt
her
e’s
not
hingIcando.

Thepr
epar
ati
onsoft
hef
uner
alsIwashel
pedbymyf
ri
endsandsi
ster
.Todayi
twashi
s
memori
al

serv
icei
ntheci
tyhal
li
nDur
ban.I
twaspecked.Hi
scol
l
eaguesf
ri
endsandf
ami
l
ywer
etal
ki
ng
about

him.Hewasagr
eatper
soni
ndeedv
eryi
nti
mdat
ingev
eni
fhedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngbuthehas
that

t
hing.Hel
i
kedt
olaughal
ot.

Wewenthomeaf
ter
.Toni
ghti
tishi
smemor
ial
ser
vicei
nthewar
ehouseasagangst
er.I
'
m
goi
ng

t
her
e.It
oldt
hef
ami
l
ythatt
her
ear
ethi
ngsImustdoKati
sgoi
ngwi
thme.

[
INTHEWAREHOUSE]

I
'm wear
ingmybl
ackandmust
ard.I
'
m wear
ingSamkel
o'
sbl
ackankl
ecoatandhi
sbl
ackhat
wit
hmy

hi
ghheel
blackt
imberl
and.

WhenIgotoutoft
hecarNomxoZeePhi
ndi
andFai
thwer
ewai
ti
ngf
orme.Igoti
nthemi
ddl
eof

t
hem.Thev
enuewasout
sidet
hewar
ehousebehi
ndwher
ewedoourr
acesasagang.
Whenwewer
eappr
oachi
ng.Theyal
lknel
twi
thoneknee.Ibowedmyheadandwentt
otakemy
si
t

i
nthef
ront
.

Kat
:“Thankst
oyoual
lforcomi
ng.
I'
m sadandhear
tbr
okent
hatIl
ostmyy
oungbr
othermy
par
tner

i
nalli
l
legal
thi
ngs*
thegangcheer
ed*Samkel
oTheeAxewasev
ery
thi
ng.I
'
mtaki
ngaboutt
he
guy

whodi
dn'
tcomf
orty
ouwi
thl
i
esheal
way
stol
dyouwhaty
oudon'
twantt
ohear
.Ir
emembert
he
day

It
oldhi
mI’
m st
art
ingt
hegangandhesai
d“HaahGr
oot
manl
ami
count
.Sowhatwi
l
lIspeci
ali
se
i
n?”

Iwassodef
eatbecauseIexpect
edt
hel
ect
uref
rom hi
m si
ncehewasal
awy
erwhost
udi
ed

Cr
iminol
ogy.WhenIr
emi
ndedhi
mthathesai
d“Al
mostal
lmycl
i
ent
sar
epay
ingmel
otof
money

areri
chbecauset
hey
'r
egangst
erssowhosay
snot
ofr
eemoneyGr
oot
man?
”Heal
way
shas
answers

t
oev
ery
thi
ng.Hewashappi
erwhenIt
oldhi
mthatIal
soneedl
adi
esi
nthegang*
thegang

l
aughed*
Hewasal
ady
’smanbutt
hankst
ohi
sbeaut
if
ulwi
fet
otai
ntedhi
m.Tot
hemostwel
l
l
i
ved

andmostenj
oyedl
i
feofSamkel
oJonat
han"
Axe"
Khumal
o.Cheer
!”

Af
terhi
m.Spi
derwentt
othest
age.

Spider
:“Uhm wher
edoIst
art
?Nxaa!ImetAxei
nvar
sit
yasmyr
oommat
eIdi
dn’
tgeta
roommat e

butIf
oundabr
otheri
nhi
m whowasmor
eli
keaf
athert
ome.Het
ookcar
eofme.Hewasso
wil
dwe

cl
ickedandwebecamef
ri
ends.Hecamef
rom ar
ichbackgr
oundwhi
l
eIcamef
rom anor
mal
normal

ImeanIdi
dn'
thav
emanyt
hingsandhehadev
ery
thi
ngev
enacar
.Hewasaper
sonwhowoul
d
thi
nk

andactsamet
ime.Thi
sonedayhet
oldmeaboutt
hepar
tyi
ntown.Het
ookmef
orshoppi
ng
andhe
t
oldmet
obuyany
thi
ngIl
i
keokay
.Atni
ghtwepr
epar
edf
orpar
ty.
Wemadeagr
andent
rance
t
here

okayt
hepar
tywasgr
eataf
terwemadeourwayt
oourRes.Wehadourf
ir
stf
ightt
hatni
ght
.Axe
and

If
oughtev
eryweekendatResandt
hatcauseust
obannedi
nresi
denceandhesai
dto“
Rel
ax
nt
wana

wegoi
ngt
oli
vewi
thmypar
ent
swon'
tmi
nd”okayIwasabi
trel
i
evedwhenhesai
dthat
.The
f
ir
st

weekendwespentt
her
ewast
heweekendt
hepar
ent
swer
egonef
oraweekendaway
.Wewer
e

homeal
onewepl
annedapar
tyev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
lthatni
ghtunt
ilAndi
l
e'sf
athercamehebeat

t
hecrapoutofusandMnt
ungwacamei
nMondayandbeatusagai
nthatdi
dn'
ttai
ntedAxehe
went

f
arasi
nst
eal
i
nghi
sfat
her
'scarandhehi
tapol
ewewer
edr
unkMnt
ungwacameagai
nbeatus
t
o

pul
pinsuchawaywecoul
dn'
tsi
tforaweekwi
thourass*
thegangl
aughedagai
n*Webot
h
worked

att
her
est
aur
antbecauseMnt
ungwawast
ir
edofusandhecutoural
l
owancessohecamet
old
us

thathegotuspi
ecej
obsatr
est
aur
antandwewer
ebot
hhappyt
hinki
ngwe’
l
lbewai
ter
s.Li
tt
le
didwe

knowwewer
ewashi
ngdi
shesal
mostt
hreemont
hsl
aterwepr
omot
edt
obewai
ter
s.Haah
mpint
shi

yamiy
ouwi
l
lal
way
sli
vei
nmyhear
tandIwi
l
lal
way
sbegr
atef
ulf
oral
lthet
hingsy
oudi
dfor
”
his

speechwasf
unny
.Hemadehi
smar
k.

Andi
l
etookt
hest
age.

Andi
le:
“OhAxe.Axe!Themostwi
l
dsmar
tdanger
ousambi
ti
ousi
nti
midat
ingf
ocusedper
sonI
ever

met
.Axewasf
reespi
ri
ttheper
sonwhowi
l
llect
urey
ouandwi
shy
oucoul
dsl
aphi
smout
h.
Wor
sehis

v
oicewasser
iousev
eni
fhet
alki
ngr
ubbi
shy
ouwi
l
lli
stent
ohi
mthenl
atery
our
eal
i
sedt
hat
nxaal
e

ntwanaUy
abhedaManj
e*t
hegangcheer
ed*aswewer
eint
hesamef
iel
dandIwoul
dcal
lhi
m
to

l
endoneofhi
slawbookwhenIhav
eacaseher
einDur
banhewoul
dbel
i
ke“
HaahGr
oot
man
Dl
amini

hastogoandwanthi
schangei
nUKZNbecauset
heydi
dn'
tgi
vey
oubookst
oref
ert
o”hewas
ful
lof

j
okes.Ir
ememberwhenhet
oldmeandKatt
hathemett
hisbeaut
if
uly
oungl
adyhewascr
azyI
even

thoughtmay
beudl
i
siwe.AndwhenhemetNompehi
swi
fei
nmyhouseandwet
oldhi
mthat
sheis

ourITladyhewentcr
azyandhet
oldust
oremov
eherf
rom t
hegangandwhenweaskedt
he
reason

whywemustr
emov
eherhesai
d“shei
smygi
rl
fr
iendt
heoneIwast
ell
i
ngy
ouaboutguy
s”we
l
aughed

athi
m andt
oldhi
mthatwecan'
tremov
eher
.Hedi
dn'
tspeakorseeusf
ort
hewhol
emont
h.
Mxm!

Zembe!Zembe!Zembe!Iwi
l
lal
way
smi
ssandt
reasur
ethemoment
swehadnt
wanay
ami
.
Cheer
sto

hi
sli
fe.Cheer
s”Al
lofusher
ehasagl
assi
nthehand.

Andi
l
e:“
Iwoul
dli
ket
owel
comeQueenofAxe”NomxoandZeehel
pedmet
ogetupandwent
on

st
agewi
thme.Ist
oodt
her
eforgood10mi
nut
esqui
etwhenIl
i
ftedmyheadupev
ery
onewas
on

kneel
i
ngwi
thonekneel
ooki
ngdown.

Me:
“Uml
i
lo!
”

“
Izembe!
”thegangchant
ed.

Theygotupandsatont
hei
rchai
rs.

Nt
wanay
ami

Nt
wanay
ami
Kul
erapnguhul
umeni
Irappedt
hreel
i
nesf
rom oursong.

Me:
“TodayIwi
shl
i
keIcoul
dnotcr
y.Myr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thmyhusbandwasev
ery
thi
nggoodbad

wor
seatt
imeswepoi
ntedgunateachot
herbutwedi
dn'
tki
l
leachot
her
.Ir
emembert
het
imeI

foundoutt
hatIwaspr
egnantwi
thourf
ir
stchi
l
dhewasi
nvol
vedi
nacaracci
dentandwenti
nto
coma

Iwasdev
ast
atedwhenhewokeuphesawt
hesonarpi
ctur
ebef
oreIcoul
dtel
lhi
m aboutme
bei
ng

pr
egnant
.If
oundhi
m wi
tht
hepi
ctur
ecr
yinghet
houghtwel
ostt
hebabyandIwasscar
edt
otel
l
hi
m.

WhenIt
oldhi
mthatt
hebabyi
sfi
nehewassohappy
.Samkel
olov
ehi
ski
dswi
thev
ery
thi
nghe
hadI

wasn'
tal
l
owedt
olaymyhandsonhi
ski
ds.Il
ostmyhusbandmypar
tneri
nreal
cri
met
hef
ather
of

mychi
l
dren.Whenhemessedupf
orr
eal
hewoul
dwakeupbef
oreImakebr
eakf
astf
ormeand
he

woul
dsay“
themostbeaut
if
ulwomanonear
thwhowasspeci
all
ymadef
ormemysof
tbearmy

cupcakemynunuber
rymyj
uicymyst
rawber
ry”ev
eni
fIwasmadathi
m Iwoul
djustl
aughand

f
orgi
vehi
m.Orwhenhebr
ingshi
sfr
iendsi
nthespeci
alni
ghthewoul
dsay“
babepl
easef
orgi
ve
t
his

ugl
yandsor
ryass.Pl
ease”Khumal
oMnt
ungwaMbul
azi
omny
amaMzi
l
ikazi
kaMashobane.

St
handwasenhl
i
ziy
oyami
Iwi
l
lal
way
slov
eyouandcher
ishourmemor
iest
oget
herandt
hanks

f
orgi
vi
ngmet
hesebeaut
if
ulchi
l
drenIhad.Iwi
l
lal
way
slookatt
hem andseey
oui
neachof
t
hem

becausey
oudi
dn'
tgi
vet
hem y
ourgenesy
oual
sogav
ethem st
ubbor
nnesspr
idebr
ainsand
that

deephoar
sev
oiceofy
our
s.Lal
akahl
eSt
handwasami
lal
auphumul
e”Il
eftt
hest
age.Iwentt
o
mysit
.

Thespeaker
sspokeabouthi
m.Af
tert
hespeaker
sshewasapr
oject
orwhi
chdi
spl
ayedhi
s
phot
os

whenhewasachi
l
datschool
graduat
ionpi
ctur
egr
aduat
ionpi
ctur
eathi
sfi
rstj
obhi
m wi
thme
wit
hJujuwi
thSmawi
thSi
hleandusasaf
ami
l
y.Hi
m wi
thhi
spar
ent
ssi
bli
ngsourweddi
ng
photos.

THEBESTLI
FEOFSAMKELOJONATHAN“
AXE”KHUMALO.

[
Funer
alDay
]

ThedayIwasn'
tl
ookf
orwar
dtoi
thascome.Thet
ri
plet
sar
eher
etoo.Iwokeupt
ookabat
h.
Mom

batht
ri
pletwi
tht
hehel
pofMam'
S.Myboy
sar
ewear
ingbl
acksui
tswi
thwhi
teshi
rt
sandBl
ack
Air

Jor
danandt
hati
deacamewi
thbi
gbr
otherJuj
u.

Whenev
ery
onewasget
ti
ngr
eadymyf
ri
endscamei
nmyr
oom l
ooki
nggood.

Me:
“NomxoandZeepl
easehel
pmet
ogetdr
essed”t
heygotupandot
her
slef
tther
oom.

TodayI
'
m wear
ingabl
ackl
ongGi
venchydr
ess.Under
neat
hI'
m wear
ingabl
ackski
nnyj
eanwi
th
l
ong

sl
eevebl
ackT-
shi
rtandbl
ackhi
ghheel
timber
land.Ont
opIputmyhusband'
sbl
ackcoatwi
th
EAGLES

embl
em andhisbl
ackhatwi
thembl
em t
oo.Youseeal
lourgangcl
othesoruni
for
m has
embl
em even

t
hecar
sbi
ker
sandbi
ker
s’uni
for
m.

WhenIwasdoneIwentt
oki
ssmybabi
esandImademywayt
othel
ounge.Thepast
or'
spr
ayer
was

shor
tIdon'
tknowwhyandpl
easedon'
taskme.KatAndi
l
eSpi
kesSpi
roSpi
derTKSakhi
and
Crai
g

camei
ntocar
ryt
hecasket
.Hi
smot
herwai
l
edandIwascr
yingsi
l
ent
ly.

Wewentt
othechur
ch.Themedi
aisher
etaki
ngphot
os.Al
ley
eswer
eonus.Hi
sfat
herspoke
Kat

Spi
derandi
t’
sti
mef
orJuj
utospeaki
nbehal
fofhi
schi
l
dren.

Juj
u:“
Myf
atherwasev
ery
thi
ngt
ome.Heusedt
ocal
lusNt
wanaandwecal
l
edhi
m nt
wanat
oo.
My

fat
herwaseasyt
ospeakt
othanmymot
her
.Hewasal
way
slaughi
ngt
ell
i
ngusr
ightandwr
ong
but
hewasst
ri
ctt
houghy
hooo.Teachi
ngust
owashhi
scar
sonl
ytogi
vey
ouR20.Het
aughtme
that

ever
ythi
ngi
nli
feyouwor
khar
dtogeti
t.Iwi
l
lal
way
srememberhi
m wi
thLaLi
gaby
Okmalumkool
kat

whenhet
akesust
oschool
.Iwi
l
lal
way
slov
eyount
wana”hewascr
ying.

Smawant
edt
otal
ktoo.

Sma:“Uhm I
'
m Smamukel
e.Ourf
atherhadl
ovedusdear
lybutmor
eespeci
all
ymymom.
Ntwana

taughtmet
opl
aychessandmostoft
het
hingsaboymustdo.Het
aughtmehowt
ori
dea
bicycl
e.

Ntwanal
ovedmom somuch.Hewoul
dbesadi
fshei
snotathomewhenhecomesf
rom wor
k
but

whenshecomesi
nhewoul
dsmi
l
e.Dadsai
dwemustl
oveourmot
herbecauseshei
sthef
ir
st
woman

wesawinourl
i
vessot
hatwecanl
oveot
her
s.Nt
wanaIwi
l
lal
way
sbei
nmyhear
t.Il
ovey
ou”
hecr
ied

af
ter
.

“
Giv
e..
.Me.
..Ami
crophone.
..
”Iwonderwhat
'shappeni
ngt
her
e.

Si
hle:
“Ohpl
ease!
”i
nami
crophone.I
tcausedpeopl
etol
augh.

Sihl
e:“Mynamei
sSi
hlel
elwe.Myf
atherl
ovedus.Hewasmypar
tneri
nst
eal
i
ngmom'
s
favour
it
eice

cream atni
ght*
thecr
owdl
aughedagai
n*Dadusedt
osayIl
ovemydr
agonwhenmom i
s
shouti
ngat

us*t
hecrowdl
aughed*
ntwanamommyt
oldust
hatnowy
ou'
reanangel
pleasel
ookaf
terus
especi
all
y

whenshest
artt
obeadr
agonspi
tt
ingf
ir
e.By
e”hewav
edhi
shand.

Ismil
edwhent
heydel
i
ver
edt
hei
rspeeches.Idi
dn'
tknowmyki
dssawt
hei
rfat
her
'sl
ovef
orme.
Ial
so

di
dn'
tknowt
hathewasst
eal
i
ngmyi
cecr
eam wi
thSi
hleandt
hatIwasadr
agon.Samkel
oand
hi
s
cr
ew!Hay
i!

Aftertheser
monwewentt
othegr
avesi
te.Isatt
her
ewi
thmyki
dsandf
ami
l
yint
hosesmal
l
family

tent
s.Iwentt
oputast
onei
nandki
dst
oo.Whent
heputsoi
li
nsi
det
hegr
aveKatwasst
andi
ng
next

t
othepast
orwheni
twashal
fhesi
gnal
edatme.Idi
sappear
edont
het
entIwentwher
ethe
whol
e

gangwasIt
ookoft
hedr
essandputont
hecoatagai
n.Igoti
nmyhusband'
sHar
leyDav
idson
I
'm

l
eadingthem wi
ththei
rmotor
bikes.Iwenttowherehisgrav
ewaswespinnedandrav
edthe
motorbi
kesmakingaloudnoi
se.Af t
erItookhi
sfavouri
tegunAKshoti
ntheai
rcountl
essaf
ter
t
heputal lt
hesoi
lback.

Losi
ngapar
tneri
sdi
ff
icul
t.

Samkel
oKhumal
owoul
dbef
orev
eri
nourhear
tandmi
nd.Wel
ovey
ou!

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--

Li
fewi
thoutmyhusbandhasnev
erbeeneasybutIhav
emychi
l
drent
oli
vef
or.Af
terhi
sfuner
al
we

madei
ttonewspaper
sandMagazi
nesagai
n.Wewer
eexposedasgangst
ersst
atewant
edt
o
t
ake

ever
ythi
ngmyhusbandhasbutl
ucki
l
yhewasacl
everman.Heboughthi
spr
oper
ti
escar
sand
fi
rm

wi
thmoneyheear
nedasal
awy
er.

Thef
ir
stChr
ist
masnewy
earourbi
rt
hday
sourweddi
nganni
ver
sar
ywi
thouthi
mitwashar
dbut
as

amotherIhadt
obest
rongf
ormyki
ds.Iwasdi
agnosedCl
i
nical
Depr
essi
on.Idr
ankmy
sor
rowsaway

becausemysi
sterandf
ri
endswer
eangr
yatmewear
enotcl
oseev
enmyownsi
sterbutIdon'
t
care.

Theonlyfr
iendsIhav
enowi
sNomxoandZee.Mygr
andmawasangr
yatf
ir
stbutshecame
around.

Katt
ookt
hef
atherr
olei
nmyki
ds.Het
akest
hem outonweekendsandbuyt
hem expensi
ve
gi
ft
s.But

al
lthegangi
ssosuppor
ti
vemyki
dshasmostexpensi
vet
oysbecauset
heydon'
twantt
hem t
o
suf
fer

ordon'
thav
eexpensi
vet
hingsl
i
ket
hei
rki
ds.I
'
mthemaj
ori
tyshar
ehol
deri
nMbul
azi
att
orney
s
al
lhis

housesmoneycar
sar
eonmyname.Hi
smot
herdi
dn'
tl
ikei
tatf
ir
stbutnowshei
scool
wit
hthe
fact

t
hatIownev
ery
thi
ngt
hatwasmyhusband'
s.

Juj
ushar
inghi
sbi
rt
hdaywi
thhi
sfat
heri
shar
dforhi
m andal
lofusbutt
het
ri
plet
'sbi
rt
hdayi
s
the

hardestonebecauseIgav
ebi
rt
hthedayhepassedaway
.Mymot
hermov
edi
nwi
thmei
nwhen
the

tr
ipl
etswerey
oung.El
am wast
hecr
yingone.Thedoct
orst
oldmet
hatLet
hukukhany
ais
di
abeticI

wassodev
ast
atedt
hatdaymybl
oodpr
essur
ewashi
gh.Hei
staki
ngmedi
cat
ion.

[
Aft
ersev
eny
ear
s]

Wear
ethef
ami
l
yofsev
en.Myki
dshav
egr
own.Juj
uist
urni
ng17t
hisy
earSma16Si
hle12and

tr
ipl
etsar
etur
ning7t
hisy
ear
.Nexty
earJuj
uisgoi
ngt
odomat
ri
c.Hei
sdoi
ngbesti
nschool
andmy

geni
usSmai
sget
ti
ngt
rophi
esf
orex
cel
l
ingi
ngr
ade10butev
ersi
ncehewasi
npr
imar
y.Si
hlei
s
bri
ght

t
oobuthei
sincomput
erst
hatwhatwor
ri
esmet
oomuch.

Wehadourbr
eakf
asti
npeaceatl
eastt
odaybecausei
tsweekend.OhIf
orgott
osayt
hatI
'
m
t
he

l
eaderi
nDur
ban.Myki
dsknownowexcl
udi
ngt
hey
oungerones.TheBi
gfourj
oinedusbecause

Lwandil
ewasdat
ingagangst
er'
swi
feandt
heot
hert
hewasal
sodoi
ngt
hatsui
twhent
he
husband'
s

f
oundoutt
heywer
ebay
ingf
ort
hei
rbl
oodsot
heyj
oinedf
orpr
otect
ion.Thef
ir
stt
imet
heysaw

v
ideosofusdoi
ngt
heki
l
li
ngsLwandi
l
evommi
tedwhi
l
etheot
her
swer
ecr
yingbeggi
ngf
ort
he
v
ideo
t
ost
op.

NowI
'
m pr
epar
ingki
dst
ogot
oschool
itsJanuar
ytheyar
est
art
ingnewgr
ades.

Me:
“Si
hlear
eyouokay
?”

Si
hle:
“Yesmom I
'
m okay
”inl
owv
oice.Hechangedal
i
ttl
ebuthei
sst
il
lmycr
azyboy
.Hav
inga

gi
rl
fr
iendchangedhi
m.

Juj
u:“
Haabaf
ost
ressi
sgonnaki
l
lyou”

Me:
“Whati
sst
ressi
nghi
m out
?”

Si
hle:
“Not
hingmom”

Me: “
Elam getdownherenow!OrelseI'
m gonnagetyout
her
eandbeatt
hatl
i
ttl
eassofy
our
s!”
I
'm shouti
ngstandi
ngintheki
tchen.Sheisthedi
va!

Me:
“Let
hunotsweet
sfory
oumyboy
.Youhav
eMay
nar
d'swi
negumsher
eokay
?”

Let
hu:
“Okay
..
.”hef
rowned.

Me:“Babysugari
snotgoodf
ory
ou”i
tbr
eaksmyhear
twhenImustr
emi
ndhi
m becausehe
doesn’
t

l
i
kei
tbutImustdoi
t.

Me:
“Nkany
ezi
putdownt
hati
Padandeat
”

Me:
“El
amant
ungwa!Comeher
enow!
”Ishout
edagai
n.

El
am:
“I'
m her
e!”It
urnedt
olookather
..
.

Wealll
aughedather
.Shei
slooki
ngl
i
keaghost
.Sheappl
i
edmymakeup.Iknewwhati
staki
ng
herso

l
ong.Mycompl
exi
onandhercompl
exi
onar
ewayt
oodi
ff
erent
.Shei
sdar
kincompl
exi
onand
I
'
m not.

Me:
“Goandwashy
ourf
aceandcomeeaty
ourbr
eakf
ast
”

El
am:
“Itsui
tsmesoIwon'
twashmyf
ace”

Si
hlel
aughedoutl
oud.

Si
hle:
“Youugl
ynj
e.Ki
dswi
l
llaughaty
ou.I
tli
key
ougoi
ngt
oHal
l
oween”Thatcausedust
o
l
augh.
Jujugotuppi
ckedherupandwentwi
thherupst
air
s.I
'
m sur
ehei
sgoi
ngt
ofi
xthatmessi
nher
face.

Shewascr
yingal
lthewayt
oupst
air
s.

Aft
erfewmi
nut
est
heybot
hcamebackandEl
am wasangr
yathi
sbr
other
.Heputheront
he
chai
r.I

wentwi
thherbr
eakf
astt
oher
.If
edherangr
yli
ket
hat
.Af
terIwi
pedt
hei
rfacet
henwet
ooka
cr
ew

busandIt
ookt
hem t
oschool
.

Af
terdr
oppi
ngt
hem of
fIwentt
othewar
ehouse.Ther
e'sahi
esti
nnextt
woday
s.

Me:
“Maj
i
ta”If
oundt
hem cl
eani
ngguns.

Spi
ro:
“HaahQueeny
ouher
eal
ready
”

Me:
“Ofcour
seIam.Ar
eyouguy
sreadyf
ormi
ssi
on?
”

Theycal
lmeQueennow.

Me:
“IneedBi
gfouri
nthi
smi
ssi
on.Spi
rocal
loneoft
hem”

Hegav
emehi
sphone.

Me:
“Lwandi
l
eMbusoSpheandZamoy
out
hinkwe’
repl
ayi
nggamesr
ight
?”

Mbuso:
“NoQueen.I
t'
sjustt
hatI
..
.”

Me:
“Mbusot
ell
them t
hatIneedt
hef
ourofy
oui
nthewar
ehouset
oni
ght
!”Ihungup.

Me:
“Theseki
dst
hinkI
'
mrunni
ngaspazaher
e”

Af
terIwasdi
agnosedwi
thcl
i
nical
depr
essi
onIj
oinedt
hegy
mful
lti
meandj
oinedAAmeet
ings

becauseIwantdr
inki
ngl
i
ket
her
e’snot
omor
row.WhenIaccept
edSamkel
o’spassi
ngIwor
ked
on

my
sel
f.I
’
m st
il
ldr
inki
ngt
hewayIwasbef
oreSamkel
o’spassi
ng.

Acal
lcamei
n.

Me:
“TaKat
”

Kat:“
NompeDest
roy
ersar
ebacki
nthegame.Theywantt
ohav
epowermor
ethanEAGLESso
that
can'
thappen.Weneedmor
emember
sandont
hatIwantThabi
Nont
uNokweRachel
Siwe
Evenl
y

andMamphoont
het
eam”

Me:
“Theydon'
twantt
ojoi
nTa”

Kat
:“I
'
m assi
gni
ngy
out
otr
aint
hem.Themi
ssi
ont
hati
sint
woday
sSpi
rowi
l
ltakei
t”

Me:
“ButTa…”

Kat
:“Mywor
disf
inal
!”

Me:
“Sur
eTa”hehungup.

It
hrewmyphoneont
het
abl
e.

Spi
ro:
“Andt
hen?
”

Me:“
Ihavetotr
aint
hosebi
tcheswhohat
emebecauseTaKatwantt
hem i
nthet
eam.The
mi
ssionwil
lbel
edbyyou”

Spi
ro:
“I'
m honour
ed”

Me:
“Nxaa!Uy
aphapha”

TheBi
gfouri
smar
ri
ednow.Lwandi
l
eandRachel
MbusoandEv
enl
ySpheandMaMphoZamo
and

Si
we.Theyar ebasedinDurban.Iwentbackt
omyhousebat
handchangedtoaski
nnyjeanand
whi
tev-shapeshi
rtandcream Ji
mmyChoeeheels.TookmyBur
ber
rybag.It
ookmyblack
Mustang.

I
'
m goi
ngt
oNont
u'shouse.

WhenIgott her
eIrangthebel
lsheanswer
edandopenedthegate.I
nmybagIhavetheel
oaded
gunsjusti
ncase.Igotoutofmycarandwentt
othefrontdoor
.Idon'
tseet
hei
rcar
smay beshe
i
salone.

Nokwe:
“OhGod!
”shewassi
ppi
ngchampagne.

Me:
“Heyl
adi
es”

Thabi
:“Yeahbi
tchwhat
ever
!”

Nont
u:“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmyhouse?
”

Me:
“CanIgetchampagne?
”
Nont
u:“
Idon'
thav
ehav
eit
”

Igotupwithmybagwentt
otheki
tchen.Theycheer
edt
heyt
houghtI
'
m goi
ng.Icamebackwi
th
awhiskeyonther
ocks.

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
otal
kandy
oual
lofy
ouar
egoi
ngt
oli
sten”

Theyl
aughedoutl
oud.

Nokwe:
“Youcanbeagangst
erbuty
oudon'
townme”Thef
ouri
squi
et.

Me:“Thereasony
oual
lher
eyouwer
ewai
ti
ngf
ormet
ogether
esoshutup!
”I'
m get
ti
ng
annoyed.

Nont
u:“
Pleasel
eav
emyhouse”

Me:
“Nxaav
oet
sek!
”It
ookoutmyf
ull
loadedgun.

Me:“
Iknewy
ou'
l
lwantust
odot
hismeet
ingi
nahar
dway
.Ifoneofy
ouopenshermout
hwhi
l
e
I
'm

tal
ki
ngI
'
llshoother
.Sol
i
stenandl
i
stenv
erycar
eful
l
y.Fr
om Tomor
rowI
'
llbeher
etot
aket
oal
l
of

y
ouI
'
m goi
ngt
otr
ainy
out
ofi
ghtt
oshootandt
oki
l
l.Under
stood?
”

Si
l
ence.

Me:“
Iknewi
t!Tomor
row04:
30am shar
pI'
l
lbeher
e.I
'
m noty
ourf
ri
enddon'
ttr
ytobesmar
t.
By
e

bi
tches!
”It
hrewt
hegl
assont
hef
loor
.Il
eft
.

Iwenttocheckont
hecl
ub.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sokay
.Iwenthome.Tookof
fmycl
othesIt
ookmy
husband'
s

Versaceshi
rtandIwor
eitIwentt
othest
udyt
owor
k.At
14:
30Iwasout
sideJuj
u'
sschool
to
fet
ch

t
hem t
henwentt
othel
i
ttl
eones.

Juj
uwasonf
rontsi
t.Heconnect
edhi
sphone.
..

“
I'
m backi
nthegamebat
hisecondMl
azi
Mil
anobashay
athr
upassngal
'
fakaenet
ti
ni.
..
"

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.Hel
ower
edt
hev
olume.

Juj
u:“
Mom wehav
etopl
ayt
hissong.Dadl
ovedi
tandi
nthr
eeweekst
imest
hecompet
it
ion
r
emember
s?Sot
ri
plet
shav
etoknowourdancef
orust
owi
n”

Me:
“Okay
!Onweekendwegoi
ngt
ost
artpr
act
isi
ng”

Sma:
“Wemustnoti
ncl
udeEl
am”Thoset
wodon'
tgetal
ong.

El
am:
“Pl
easel
eav
emynameal
one!
”

Si
hle:
“OhGod!
”her
oll
edhi
sey
es.

El
am:
“Don'
tdot
hatSi
hlel
elwe!Youl
ookl
i
keal
i
zar
d”

Nka:
“Shutup!El
am”

Let
hu:
“Tel
lherdude”

El
am:
“Ihav
esuchi
diot
sandugl
ybr
other
s!Mxm!
”Ij
ustl
aughed.

Me:
“Mybl
ackdi
amondy
ou’
resosav
age?
”

El
am:
“Youhear
dthat
?I'
m abl
ackdi
amond”i
twi
thpr
ide.

Sma:
“Mxm!Don'
tbepr
oudaboutbei
ngbl
ack.
..
”

El
am:
“Bl
ackdi
amondi
sar
arest
onewhi
chi
sexpensi
veandI
'
mtheonl
ygi
rl
.SoI
'
mrar
e!”

Me:
“That
'smygi
rl
!”

Dr
amaQueen!

Wegothome.Theyt
ookt
hei
rbagsandwenti
nIf
oll
owedt
hem.Yazi
thosebi
tchesdon'
tknow
me.I

textthei
rhusband'
sthatIneedt
hem i
nthewar
ehouseat22:
00pm.Igoti
nsi
deor
der
edpi
zzaf
or
allofus.

Si
hlecamedown.

Me:
“Si
hley
ounotokay
.Canwet
alk?
”

Si
hle:
“I'
m okaymom”hef
akedasmi
l
e.

Me:
“Si
hlel
elweIknowy
ouI
'
myourmot
herpl
easet
alkt
ome”

Chapt
er47

Si
hle:
“Okay
.Ther
eist
hisboyi
nmycl
asswhoi
ssmar
tandgi
rl
sli
kehi
m.NowEnhl
eisbusy
gi
ggli
ng
wi
thhi
m”hescr
atchedhi
sheadr
oughl
yjustl
i
kehi
sfat
her
.Igi
ggl
ed.

Si
hle:
“What
?”

Me:“Thi
sisr
eal
l
yst
ressi
ngy
ouout
.Li
stenmyboyy
ousosmar
ttoo.Fi
ndoutwhatEnhl
eis
subj
ect

sheli
kesmay
bei
fshei
sgi
ggl
i
ngwi
thhi
mitj
ustt
hatt
heyar
etal
ki
ngaboutt
hesubj
ectt
hey
bothl
ike”

Hecl
i
ckedhi
sfi
nger
sli
kehewast
hinki
ng.

Si
hle:
“Enhl
elov
esNat
ural
Sci
encesbutshei
sbi
tst
ruggl
i
ngwi
thMat
hs”

Me:
“Of
ferhert
ohel
pherwi
thMat
hst
henshewi
l
lgi
ggl
ewi
thy
ou”

Si
hle:
“Haaht
hanksmom”hehuggedme.Iki
ssedt
het
opofhi
shead.

Let
hucamewear
ingov
ersi
zedsneaker
s.

Si
hle:
“Andt
hen?
”

Let
hu:
“Il
ovet
hem It
ookt
hem f
rom t
hesneakerr
oom”

Si
hle:
“Takei
tof
f”

Let
hu:
“Why
?”

Si
hle:
“ItDad’
ssneaker
s”

Let
hu:
“So?
”

Si
hle:
“Itdoesn’
tbel
ongt
oyou”

Me:“Si
hle.Al
lofy
ouher
eint
hishousear
eSamkel
o'
schi
l
drensohehasar
ightt
otouchhi
s
f
ather'
s

t
hingl
i
key
ou”

Iwentt
oLet
huIt
ookof
fsneaker
sbecausei
twi
l
ltr
ipandhur
thi
m.It
ooki
tbackwher
ehet
ook
them.

Bei
ngi
nthesneakerr
oom r
emi
ndsmeofmyhusbandwhenSi
hlet
akesonepai
randhi
dei
tand
he

woul
dbegr
umpyal
ldayi
fhedi
dn'
tfi
ndi
t.

All
hiski
dsl
oveAi
rJor
dansneaker
sev
ent
hey
oungerone.It
hinki
tcul
tur
enow.Thepi
zza
cameI
cal
ledt
hem butJuj
udi
dn'
tcome.It
ookhi
sandwentt
ogi
vehi
minhi
sroom.WhenIwasabout
to

ent
er.
..

Juj
u:“
Youcan'
ttel
lmet
hat
….Wai
t.
..
Lastt
imeweusedpr
otect
ionandi
tbr
oke.
..Di
dyout
aket
he

mor
ningaf
terpi
l
l?What
!?.
..Jeez.Myl
i
fecoul
dn'
tgetanybet
ter
..
..
”het
urnedandhesawme

becauseIwasi
nsi
det
her
oom.Hehungupi
mmedi
atel
y.

Me:
“Tal
k”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Samkel
oKhumal
oJrIsai
dtal
kbef
oreIr
ear
ranget
hatf
aceofy
our
s”I
'
m angr
y.

Juj
u:“
Mom I
'
m sor
ry.
..
”

Me:
“Don'
tbesor
ryIwantt
hewhol
est
orybecausebef
oreIbeaty
ouup!
”I'
m shout
ing.

Juj
u:“
Nosi
hei
slat
e”hei
sst
andi
ngnextt
ohi
sbed.

Me:“Yousexual
l
yactivenow?Okay.Whendi
dthi
shappen?
”Isatont
hecouchbef
oreIdon'
t
wanttotouchhi
m becauseI'
l
lhur
thim.

Juj
u:“
SecondweekofDecember
”

Isi
gh.

Me:
“Whatdoest
hehomepr
egnancyt
estsay
?”

Juj
u:“
Shei
sscar
edt
otakei
t”

Me:“
Shewasn'
tscar
edwhensheopensherl
egsf
ory
ounowshei
sscar
edt
otakeapr
egnancy
t
est
?”I

snapped.

Hel
ookeddown.

Me:
“Tell
hert
ousepr
egnancyt
est
.Byt
oni
ghtIneedt
oknowt
her
esul
tsorel
seI
'
llt
ell
her
mot
her”I

gotup.

Juj
u:“
Haaamah”

Me:
“Don'
tsayt
hat
.Itwasni
cef
ucki
ngherr
ight
?Herpar
ent
swi
l
lknowev
ent
ual
l
y.Doesshe
hav
e

anysy
mpt
oms?
”

Juj
u:“
Shei
smoodandshei
svomi
ti
ngal
ot.Nowaday
sshei
ssoobsessedwi
thl
unchbar
”

Me:
“Shei
spr
egnant
.Jesusmoy
ongcwel
e!”Ir
oughl
yscr
atchedmyhead.

Juj
u:“
Mom I
'
m sor
ry.
..
”

Il
efthi
sroom andwentt
omyr
oom.Igott
opofmybedandIcr
ied.I
fSamkel
owasher
ehe
would'
ve

knownwhatt
odobutIguessImustf
acei
theadson.Nosi
hei
sal
ovel
ygi
rlIknowherasJuj
u'
s

gi
rl
fr
iendf
rom gr
ade8unt
ilnow.Shei
stheonl
ygi
rlIknow.Nowshei
spr
egnantdoi
nggr
ade11.

Af
terIcal
l
edKatandt
oldhi
m hemustcomet
her
e'ssomet
hingIneedt
ospeakwi
thhi
m.The
ki
dsate

Icoul
dn'
tthewayI
'
m angr
yIcan'
tev
eneat
.Af
tert
heywentt
obat
h.

I
nter
com r
angIwentt
oopenf
orhi
m.Hei
swi
thAndi
l
e.It
ookt
hewhi
skeyandi
cet
othel
ounge.

Me:
“I'
m sor
ryt
osummony
oul
i
ket
hat
”

Kat
:“I
t’
sokay
”

Me:
“Ihav
eapr
obl
em her
eandi
tbi
g”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Juj
uimpr
egnat
edNosi
he”wi
thasi
gh.

Kat
:“What
?”

Andi
l
e:“
Juj
uissexual
l
yact
ive?
”

Me:
“Ican'
tev
ent
hink”

Kat
:“Juj
u!Comeher
enow!
”

Hecamer
unni
ng.

Me:
“Whatdi
dshesai
d?”

Juj
u:“
Shei
spr
egnant
”

Katt
ookfewstepsandr
eachedhi
m.Hesl
appedhi
m.Whenhewasaboutt
opunchhi
m Andi
l
e
st
oppedhim.
Kat
:“Getoutofmysi
ghtnow!
”Katr
oar
ed.Juj
uranupst
air
scr
ying.

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngt
obeagr
andmot
her
”Isatonacouch.

Kat
:“Mkhul
uKat
.Ei
lent
wanamaar
n”Andi
l
eandIcr
ackedoutl
aughi
ngatwhathesai
d.

Me:
“Whatnow?
”

Kat
:“It
hinkMnt
ungwaandDl
ami
nimustgoandpayt
hedamagessoonaspossi
ble”

Me:
“Ihav
etobuydai
per
smi
l
kandal
lbabyst
uffagai
n!”

Andi
l
e:“
EiwhyIsuspectGwaj
oisi
nthesameshi
tasJuj
u?”

Kat
:“What
?”

Andi
le:
“Zamal
ovesGwaj
obutt
heseday
sshehat
eshi
m.Shehi
tshi
m bi
tespi
tmom sai
d
maybe

Thabi
ispr
egnant
”

Katgi
ggl
ed.

Andi
l
etookouthi
sphoneanddai
l
edheputi
tonl
oudspeaker
.

Andi
l
e:“
Tel
lmenowt
haty
oudi
dn'
ti
mpr
egnat
eany
one”Yhooo!

Si
l
ence.

Andi
l
e:“
Gwaj
o!”

Gwaj
o:“
I'
m her
e!”

Andi
l
e:“
Sil
encei
stheanswer
.I'
l
lbeatt
hecr
apoutofy
ouwhenIgett
her
e”hehungup.He
sl
ammed

hi
sphoneacr
osst
her
oom.

Kat
:“Wel
comet
ogr
andf
ather
scl
ubnt
wana!
”hel
aughedathi
m.

Hedi
dn'
tl
augh.Hegav
ehi
m adeadst
are.

Me:
“Hay
i!Hay
i!Ist
il
ll
ovemyf
urni
tur
e”Theyl
i
ket
ofi
ghtov
erst
upi
dtheset
wo.

Andi
l
elaughed.

Andi
l
e:“
May
beUy
iisont
opofgi
rlmaki
nghert
ost
udyy
ourcei
l
ingboar
d”

Thesmi
l
eonKat
'sf
acedi
sappear
ed.
Me:
“Doy
our
emembermaki
nguspr
egnantal
mostt
hesamet
ime.Ki
dsgott
hatpat
ter
nfr
om
t
hei
r

f
ather
s”

Si
l
ence.

Andi
l
e:“
Arey
our
eadyt
ogo?
”

Me:“
Letmegetr
eady
”Iwentt
ochecki
fmyki
dsar
eokayt
uckt
hem i
nthenIwentt
ocheckt
he
ot
her

t
woandl
ast
lywi
thJuj
u.If
oundhi
m cr
yinghol
dinghi
sfat
her
'spi
ctur
e.

Me:“
Every
thi
ngwi
llbeal
ri
ghtson.I
'
m goi
ngoutpl
easecheckot
her
sformebef
orey
ousl
eep”I
br
ushedhi
sshoul
der.

Juj
u:“
Okaymom.I
'
mthebi
gbr
other
”hewast
ryi
ngwi
pingt
ear
saway
.

Iwentt
owearmycl
othest
henwedr
ovet
othewar
ehouse.At22:
00pm shar
pthebi
gfour
wasn'
t

herewi
ththei
rwi
ves.Themeet
ingcont
inueswi
thoutt
hem.22:
20pm t
heycamei
nhol
ding
handswit
h

t
hei
rpar
tner
s.

Kat
:“Nompei
sthi
swhathappeni
ngher
e?”hepoi
ntedatt
hem.Theycameandsatdown.

Me:
“Lwandi
l
ewhatt
imei
sit
?”cal
mly
.

Lwandi
l
e:“
I'
m sor
ry.
..
”

Me:
“Iaskedy
ouaquest
ionIwon'
trepeati
t”

Si
l
ence.

Me:“Mhm y
ouwer
ebusyni
muncananamasendewhi
l
eIsai
dthemeet
ingi
sat22:
00shar
p?I
wantto

makei
tcl
eart
oyouguy
sthaty
ourwi
vesasy
ouknowt
heyar
ejoi
ningus.Idon'
thav
eti
mef
or
games

Imeanbusi
ness.I
'
llt
akey
ouwi
vesf
ort
rai
ningki
cki
ngandscr
eami
ngi
fIhav
etobeatt
hem
shoot

t
hem t
ogett
hingsdoneIwi
l
lsodon'
tbesur
pri
sed”

TK:
“OkayQueen”
Nont
u:“
Tel
lmey
ouar
ejoki
ng”

Me:“Yout
hinkIhav
eti
mef
orgameswena.Asy
ousai
dI'
m noty
ourf
ri
endsodon'
ttakeme
l
ight
ly

becauset
hisdur
ingt
hist
rai
ningwegoi
ngt
obeenemi
esev
enmor
e”

Nokwegotupasshewasappr
oachi
ngt
heexi
t.Ishotwher
ethebul
l
etpassedherf
ace
i
ntent
ional
l
y.

Nokwe:
“Fuck!Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Youal
mostki
l
ledme!
”shey
ell
edatme.

Me:
“Thatwasi
ntent
ional
nextt
imeIwon'
tmi
sssogetbacky
ourassnowbef
oreIshoty
ou”

Shecamequi
ckl
yasshecoul
dandshesatdown.Tomor
rowmor
ningber
eadybef
ore04:
30am
Ihat
e

t
owait.TaKatcont
inuewi
tht
hemeet
ing.Ishoul
dremi
ndbi
gfourwhoIam It
hinkt
heyt
endt
o
f
orget

menow.

Theydr
ovemebackt
omyhouse.It
ookabat
handwentt
osl
eep.I
nthemor
ningIwokeupdi
d
my

mor
ningr
it
ual
sandIwentt
owakeupt
heki
ds.Ibat
hNkany
ezi
Elam andLet
hu.Let
huhashi
s
own

dietplanev
enhi
slunchboxi
sdi
ff
erentf
rom t
heot
her
s.Hei
seat
ingl
owGIi
nbr
eadal
lthose
things.

At03:
00am Iwasupal
readydoi
ngl
unchboxesf
ormyki
ds.Af
terIwentt
obat
h.Iwor
emy
gymming

clot
hesandJor
dant
rai
ningshoes.At04:
15Iwasout
sideNont
u'shouse.I
'
m usi
ngmycar
.Il
eft
the

cr
ewbusLwandi
l
ewi
l
ltakeki
dst
oschool
wit
hit
.Igoti
nsi
deIf
oundt
hem i
nthel
ounge.

Me:
“Goodmor
ning”i
nahappyt
one

“
Mor
ning.
..
”Ihear
dfewoft
hem.

Me:“
Okay
.Let
'skeepi
tmov
ing.Wear
eusi
ngt
hecr
ewbus”I
'
m dr
ivi
ng.Iwasspeedi
ngal
lthe
wayt
o

t
hewar
ehouse.
Nont
u:“
Someofushav
eki
dswedon'
twantt
odi
eandl
i
vet
hem al
one”

Me:
“What
ever
!”

Wegott
othewar
ehouse.

Me:“I
nthist
rai
ningy
oudoasIsay
.I'
m wor
dgoes.IhopeIdon'
thav
etousegunonsomeone
her
e”Itookmygunout.

Me:
“Roundt
hisspaceher
efor10t
imes!Let
'sgo!
”I'
minf
rontIev
enhav
ethewhi
stl
e.

Theydi
dit
.

Me:
“Okay
!50pushups.Let
'sgo!
”Ishout
.

Thab:
“What
?”

Me:
“DoasIsay
”

At07:
30am west
opwewi
l
lcont
inuei
ntheev
eni
ng.Idr
ovebackt
omysi
ster
'shouset
otake
mycar.

Me:
“Seey
out
hisaf
ter
noon”

Nokwe:
“Mxm!
”

Il
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Me:“Whatamazesmei
syoubusyhat
ingf
ornott
ell
i
ngabouty
ourhusbandbei
nggangst
ersbut
you

don'
that
ethem.Youshoul
dbehat
ingt
hosemenwhof
ucky
oual
lni
ghtev
ery
daybutno!You
hate

mebecauseIdon'
tfucky
our
ight
?Nont
uIt
houghty
ouwer
emysi
sternowIseeIwaswr
ong.
Si
ster
s

don'
tbehav
eli
key
oudo!Il
ostmyhusbandIf
oundoutt
hatIhav
edepr
essi
onandmysoni
s
di
abeti
c

butt
hatdi
dn'
tmat
tert
oyoubecausey
out
hinkI
'
mthebaddestper
sononear
th”If
eltt
ear
sin
my

ey
es.It
ookmycarkey
sandl
eftt
hem t
her
e.

WhenIgott
omyhouseIt
ookabat
h.I
'
m wear
ingamar
oonbodysui
tandl
ongbl
ackski
rtwi
th
bl
ack

sandal
swi
thwhi
tedoekonmyhead.
Me:
“Aumadodamf
azi
kaSamkel
o”I
ooki
ngmy
sel
fint
hemi
rr
or.It
ookmycarscar
sandwent
t
o

Umhl
anga.

Me:
“Sani
bonani
mah”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Unj
ani
makot
i?”

Me:
“Ngi
yaphi
l
amahni
njani
?”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Si
yaphi
l
anat
hi”

It
ookasi
t.Amai
dcamewi
tht
eaandj
uice.Ipourmy
sel
faj
uice.

MaNdl
ovu:
“uBabakaKhet
hokuhl
euzokwehl
aManj
e”

Me:
“Yebomah”

Mandl
ovu:
“Howar
etheki
ds?
”

Me:
“Theyar
edoi
ngwel
lmah”

That
'sourconv
ersat
ionandi
tendst
her
enot
hingmor
e.

Si
l
ence.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Makot
ihowar
eyou?
”satonhi
scouch.

Me:
“Ican'
tsayI
'
m goodbabai
fthi
ngsar
ethi
smessy
”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Whathappened?
”hesatst
rai
ght
.

Me:
“Juj
uimpr
egnat
edNosi
he”wi
thal
mostasi
gh.

MaNdl
ovu:
“What
?”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Hawukodwa!Ley
angane.Whatwedoaf
tert
his?
”

Ikeepqui
etwai
ti
ngt
hesol
uti
onf
rom hi
m.

Mnt
ungwa:
“I'
m goi
ngt
opaydamagesonbehal
fofhi
sfat
her
.Ineedt
ohav
eat
alkwi
thhi
m”

Me:
“Ngi
yabongaMbul
azi
.Iwi
l
lbr
ingt
hem af
terschool
”

Mnt
ungwa:
“El
am woul
dbet
her
etoo?
”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Il
oveherdear
lybutsomet
imesshei
stoomuch”Il
aughed.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Ifshewi
l
lbeher
etooMaNdl
ovupl
easef
indt
hatcar
dIcr
eat
edf
orherandThando”
I

l
aughed.El
am i
saphot
ocopyofThando.Phy
sical
appear
ancebodyst
ruct
urebei
ngr
udeand

shoppi
ng.

Me:
“Iwi
l
lbr
ingt
hem onweekendbecauseEl
am t
oldmet
hatheraunt
yiscomi
ngonFr
iday
”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Yeahshei
scomi
ng.Thandoi
steachi
ngEl
am onhowt
odemandmoneyandt
oli
ke
f
ancy

t
hings”

Wehadaf
unnyconv
ersat
ionaf
terIwentt
othehome.Lwandi
l
eof
fer
edt
ofet
cht
hem soIwent
home

t
orel
ax.

Elam:
“Uncl
eLwandi
l
epl
easet
ell
Amahl
ethatAunt
yiscomi
nghomesowepl
annedgi
rl
soutso
she

hast
ogowi
thus”

Lwandi
l
e:“
OkayPr
incessIwi
l
ltel
lhert
ocal
lyou”

El
am:
“ThanksUncl
e”sher
anaway
.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Pri
ncessy
ouf
orgotsomet
hing!
”hepoi
ntedhi
scheek.

Sher
anbackt
oherUncl
e.Sheki
ssedhi
scheekt
heybot
hgi
ggl
edandsher
ant
oherr
oom.

Me:
“Thanksf
orhel
pingmewi
tht
hem.Wi
thouty
ourhel
p..
.”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Youdon'
thav
etot
hankmeSi
si.Theyar
emybr
other
'schi
l
drensot
heyar
emi
net
oo”

Me:“Lookhowgr
owny
ouar
e.Bei
ngamar
ri
edmanchangedy
oual
ot”Hesmi
l
edandl
ook
down.

Lwandi
l
e:“
HaahI
'
m agr
ownupnowahusbandandaf
atheroft
wo”

Si
l
ence.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Juj
utol
dmewhathappened”

Me:
“EishLwandi
l
emf
ethu.Iwentt
oseeMnt
ungwat
odayandhesai
dhewi
l
lgot
oNosi
he'
s
f
amil
yto

payt
hedamages.Iwonderhowt
heywi
l
ltaket
hismat
terbecauseNosi
hei
s17y
ear
sol
dme”
Lwandi
l
e:“
We'
l
lacceptanddeal
wit
hwhat
evert
heywi
l
lsayaboutt
hissi
tuat
ion”

Me:
“Lucki
l
ymoneyi
snotapr
obl
em butI
'
m wor
ri
edaboutNosi
he”

Juj
ucamedownhol
dinghi
sphonecr
ying.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Whati
sgoi
ngonnow?
”

Juj
u:“
Nosi
he'
spar
ent
sfoundoutaboutherbei
ngpr
egnant
.Theychasedherawayf
rom home.
Now

shei
sint
hest
reet
s”hecr
iedl
ouder
.

Me:
“Sma!
”

Hecamequi
ckl
y.

Me:“
Pleasel
ookaf
tert
hem wear
egoi
ngoutf
orawhi
l
e”It
ookt
hecarkey
s.Lwandi
l
eJuj
uandI
we

dr
ovet
oAt
hlonepar
ktoNosi
he'
shousest
reetwef
oundherwi
thhercl
othescr
ying.

Juj
u:“
ShhhhbabeI
'
m her
e.Pl
easecal
m down”hewast
ryi
ngt
ocal
m herdown.

Lwandil
e:“
Nosi
hegetupsot
hatwecangohome”It
ookhercl
othesopenedt
hebootputher
cl
othes.

Igotint
hecarandIdr
ovehome.Iwant
edhermot
her
'snumberf
rom her
.Ical
l
edhert
otel
lher
that

Nosi
hei
sinmyhouse.Shedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Me:
“Juj
ugoandmakewat
erwi
thsugarf
orhert
ocal
m down”

Juj
uwentt
odowhatIt
oldhi
mto.Shedr
ankt
hewat
er.Af
ter30mi
nut
esshewascal
m.

Si
he:
“ThanksMr
sKhumal
oforl
ett
ingt
osl
eepi
nyourhouse”

Me:
“Pl
easecal
lmeMom”Shenodded.

Lwandi
l
e'sphoner
ang.Hewentt
oansweri
tthenhecamebackt
ous.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Fami
l
yIhav
etogo.Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row”

Me:
“Okay
.ThanksLwandi
l
e”

Hel
eft
.

Me:
“Okayki
ds.I
t’
sti
mef
orr
ules.Youwi
l
lsl
eepi
nsepar
atedr
ooms.Nosi
hewheny
oucome
back

f
rom school
puty
ourwashi
ngi
nthewashi
ngbasketsot
hatMam'
Sourhel
percanwashy
our
washi
ng

okay
?”

Si
he:
“YesMr
s..
.Mom”

Me:“
Ther
eisaki
tchen.Ther
e'sev
ery
thi
ngt
haty
ouwi
l
lneed.Pl
easeeati
fyouwantIdon'
twant
my

f
ir
stgr
andchi
l
dtobeunheal
thy
”Shegi
ggl
ed.

Shei
spr
egnant
.Nosi
hei
snotl
i
ghti
ncompl
exi
onbutnowshei
say
ell
owbone!Ican'
tbel
i
eve
I
'm

goi
ngt
obeagr
andmot
herbutkewhatcanIsay
.Il
eftt
hem i
ntheki
tchenwentt
otheNkany
ezi
and

Let
hu'
sroom.Theysl
eept
oget
heri
ndi
ff
erentbedsbutsomet
imesIf
oundt
hem sl
eepi
ngi
nthe
same

bed.

Nka:
“Mom Let
hui
snotf
eel
i
ngokay
”

Me:
“Whydoy
ousayt
hat
?”

Nka:
“Hei
ssl
eepi
ngbyt
hist
ime”hei
ssad.Iwentt
oLet
hu'
sbedandshookhi
m.

Me:
“Ar
eyouokaymyboy
?”

Let
hu:
“Yesmom I
'
m okay
”hey
awns.Icheckedhi
sbodyt
emper
atur
eit
'snor
mal
.

Me:“
Nkanyezi
Let
hui
sfi
neIt
hinkhewast
ir
ed”Hegi
ggl
edandcamet
oLet
hu'
sbedcl
i
mbedi
n
andj
umped.

Let
hu:
“Nkany
ezi
goaway
!”

Nka:
“Idon'
twantt
o”

Let
hu:
“Why
?”

Nka:
“Meandy
ouar
etwi
ns”Il
aughedathi
m whenhesai
dthat
.

Whentheyf
ightwi
thEl
am t
heyt
ell
hert
hatshei
snott
hei
rpai
rbecauseshei
srude.Theyl
oved
each
ot
herbutnotEl
am.El
am don'
tgetal
ongwi
thany
onei
nhersi
bli
ngs.Ihopeshewi
l
lchange
whenshe

i
solder.Nkany
ezi
andLet
hul
ookexact
lyl
i
ket
heJuj
uandot
her
stheyal
ll
ookl
i
ket
hei
rfat
her
.
El
am is

t
heonl
yonewhoi
sdi
ff
erentbutherv
oicei
shoar
seand.

Iwentbackt
otheki
tchent
ost
artcooki
ng.If
oundSi
he(
Nosi
he)i
ntheki
tchenchoppi
ngan
appl
ein

smal
lpi
eces.

Me:
“Cr
avi
ngs?
”Shenoddedshl
y.

Me:“
WhenIwaspr
egnantwi
thJuj
uIwassocr
azy
.Ist
olehi
sfat
herCol
ognebecauseIl
ovedi
t
smel
l

andhi
ssmel
lbutheannoy
edandIhat
edhi
mthr
oughoutt
hepr
egnancy
”Shewasi
nst
it
ches.

Si
he:
“Il
i
kel
unchbar
..
.”

Me:“Youdon'
thav
etobeshySi
he.I
'
m notpr
oudofwhaty
oubot
hdi
dbei
ngsexual
l
yact
iveat
t
his

agebutt
her
e'snot
hingIcandoabouti
t”

Si
he:
“I'
mreal
l
ysor
ryMr
s..
Mom”

Me:“Mhm okay
.You'
l
lgetusedt
omeIshoutwhenIhav
etobutI
'
m sweetandwecant
alk
about

ev
ery
thi
ng”

El
am: “
Ohdar
li
ng!Youher
ebutnoonet
oldmeabouty
ourv
isi
t”whenshesawSi
he.Juj
uwas
behi
nd

hi
m.

Me:
“Youknoweachot
her
?”

El
am: “
Yesweknoweachot
her
.I'
m gl
adt
her
eissomeoneIcant
alkt
oandwhoi
snotj
eal
ousy
about

meher
e”Si
hel
aughed.

Me:
“Juj
uaf
tereat
ingI
'
m goi
ngt
oAunt
yNomxo”

Juj
u:“
Okaymom.Wewi
l
llookaf
tert
hem”
Me:
“Especi
all
yLet
hudon'
tal
l
owhi
mtoeatev
ery
thi
ng.Youknowhi
sthi
ngsar
e.Nkany
ezi
li
kes
t
oeat

Let
hu'
swi
negum don'
tgi
vehi
m”

Si
he:
“Let
huhasapr
obl
em?
”

Me:“Hei
sdi
abet
icsohehashi
sowndi
et.Hedoesn’
tunder
standhi
scondi
ti
onf
ornowbuthe
wi
ll

under
standwhenhei
sol
dert
hant
his”

If
ini
shedupcooki
ng.Idi
shedf
orev
ery
one.Weat
eandt
heywentt
otakeabat
h.Let
hudon'
tl
i
ke

wat
erl
i
keNkany
ez.Let
hual
way
saskwhyi
tisi
mpor
tantf
orhi
mtobat
hli
ker
eal
l
y?

Iwentt
othewar
ehouseIf
oundt
hem t
her
ewai
ti
ng.

Me:
“Sor
ryt
okeepy
ouwai
ti
ng”

Nont
u:“
Nopr
obl
em”

Thabi
:“Wewer
eear
ly”wi
thasmi
l
e.

Nokwe:
“Canwet
alkNompe?
”

Me:
“Ifi
taboutt
rai
ningy
eahwecant
alkbuti
fnotIdon'
thav
eti
me”

Nont
u:“
Nompepl
ease”

Thabi
:“Pl
ease”

Me:
“Okay5mi
nut
es”

Nont
u:“
I'
m sor
ryf
ornotbei
ngt
her
ewheny
ouneededmet
hemost
.Iwasangr
ysel
fi
shand
st
upi
d.

I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry”Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Thabi:
“You'
vebeent
hroughal
otf
ri
endIwassupposedt
obet
her
efory
ouandt
heki
ds.I
'
m
sorr
y”

Nokwe:
“Mngani
I'
m sor
ryf
ornegl
ect
ingy
ouwhi
l
eyouneededme”

Idi
dn'
thav
eanyemot
ionIdon'
tknowwhet
herI
'
m angr
yorsad.

Me:
“I'
vebeent
hroughal
ot.Il
ostmyhusbandi
nthemostt
ragi
cwayi
nthatni
ghtIf
oundout
t
hat
myhusbandi
nnomor
eIgav
ebi
rt
htot
het
ri
plet
s.Doy
ouhowhar
diti
stoknowt
haty
ourki
ds
f
eel

negl
ect
edbecausey
ouhav
ethr
eenew-
bor
ns?Mymot
herwast
her
eformewhenmyki
dswer
e
too

y
oung.Iwashar
dIwon'
tl
ie.Imustdoev
ery
thi
ngf
ormy
sel
f.Inev
ert
houghty
ouwi
l
ldr
opme
l
i
ke

t
hat
.It
houghtwewer
esi
ster
sbutIwaswr
ong.Imustt
akemyki
dst
oJobur
gforChr
ist
masf
or
t
he

fi
rstti
metheydi
dn'
tspentChr
ist
maswi
tht
hei
rcousi
nsbecausey
ouhat
edmeandki
ds.Af
ter
al
l t
hese

year
sImadesur
eyouguy
sandy
ourki
dswer
epr
otect
edal
lthet
imebecauseIl
ovey
ou.Wena
Nontu

Iwentt
orescuey
ouandI
yazi
whenIwaspr
egnantwi
tht
ri
plet
sIr
iskedmyl
i
feandmyki
ds’
li
fe
to

makesur
ethaty
ouandI
yazi
areokaybutnowI
'
m noti
mpor
tant
.Onemor
ethi
ngIst
il
ll
ovey
ou
and

y
ourki
dsbutnowIdon'
thav
eti
mel
et'
sgett
oit
”Icl
appedmyhands.

Nont
uandThabi
wipedt
ear
sint
hei
rey
es.Wet
rai
ned.Af
terIwenthome

-
--
--
--
--
--
-

I
nser
t49

OnSatur
dayMnt
ungwaandDl
ami
niwentt
opayt
hedamagesatNosi
he'
spar
ent
shouseat
i
ll
ovu

t
ownshi
pwher
etheycoul
dsl
aught
ert
hecow.Herf
athersai
dhewant
slobol
aforherchi
l
d.
Mnt
ungwa

di
dn'
tal
l
owthatbecauset
heyar
est
il
lyoungandst
il
latschool
soherf
athersai
dshei
sn'
t
al
l
owedto

comeback.Asaf
ami
l
yIdeci
dedt
otakei
nNosi
heper
manent
.Shei
spr
egnantwi
thmy
grandchi
l
dI

can'
tchaseherawaywhenmysonr
uinedherl
i
fef
ori
mpr
egnat
ingheratay
oungagesoIt
ook
a

r
esponsi
bil
i
ty.
Me:
“Ki
ds!Comeher
eal
lofy
ou!
”I'
m shout
ingst
andi
ngneart
hest
air
s.

Iwentbackt
otheki
tchent
otakepi
zza.If
oundt
hem si
tt
ingi
nthel
ounge.Iwentt
osi
tonmy

husband'
scouch.I
'
m amot
herandaf
athert
othem now.

Me:“Ineedt
otal
ktoal
lofy
ouaboutsomet
hingser
ious.Bl
ackdi
amondI
'
m ser
ioust
odayI
'
m
not

j
oki
ng*Shenodded*Wehav
eanewf
ami
l
ymemberNosi
he.Shewi
l
lst
aywi
thusf
rom nowon
war
ds.

Sheispr
egnantwi
thJuj
u'
schi
l
dsoIwanty
out
otakecar
eofher
.Shet
ouchesev
ery
thi
ngl
i
ke
ever
y

oneofy
ou.Am Icl
ear
?”

Them:
“Yesmom”

Me:
“Let
'seatpi
zzaki
ds”

Weat
epi
zza.Af
terIwentt
otheki
tchent
ost
artcooki
ng.

Si
he:
“CanIhel
pyoumom?
”

Me:
“Don'
tyouhav
ehomewor
k?”

Si
he:
“Idi
d!myhomewor
konFr
iday
”

Me:
“Ohl
ordbl
esst
hiscl
everchi
l
dher
e!”Isai
dthatl
oud.Shel
aughed.

Me:
“Whatdoy
ouwantt
odoaf
termat
ri
c?”

Si
he:
“Il
ovet
ost
udyMedi
cine”

Me:
“Mhm.Il
i
keont
hatone.YouandJuj
uli
ket
hesamet
hing”

Si
he:
“Ahht
hatoneannoy
sme.Hef
ail
edMat
hscl
asst
est
”

Me:
“Hef
ail
ed?
”

Si
he:
“Hegot69%andhesayhewasst
ressed.Idon'
tdat
efai
l
ures”Il
aughed.

Me:
“Il
i
kewhaty
ouar
edoi
ngkeepi
tgoi
ng.Don'
tl
etbei
ngpr
egnantmakey
ouf
ail
.Keept
hat

compet
it
ionbet
weenoft
het
woofy
ougoi
ngsot
haty
oucanexcel
iny
ourschool
wor
k”

Si
he:“Thanksmom.Tomor
rowi
tTopt
enf
ort
hel
asty
ear
.I'
m expect
ingt
rof
fi
es”shewas
smil
i
ng.
Juj
u:“
I'
mtaki
ngt
hef
ir
stposi
ti
on”Shel
aughed.

Si
he:
“Youwi
sh!I
'
mthegeni
usonesochi
l
l!
”Shesai
dwi
thpr
ide.

Me:
“Okayki
ds.Whoev
erget
sanyposi
ti
onwi
l
ldoshoppi
ngt
hisweekend”

Theybot
hscr
eamed.

Juj
u:“
Lett
hebestmanwi
n”

Si
he:
“Mxm!
”

Af
tercooki
ngweat
e.Theysl
eptear
lybecauset
heyhav
eschool
tomor
row.Idi
dn'
tdomuchI
wentto

myr
oom.Ineedsomet
hingt
oupourgamei
nITsomet
hingbi
gbutIdon'
tknowwhatorhowbut
I

mustt
hinkofsomet
hing.

I
nthemorni
ngIwentt
othewar
ehouse.Todayt
heyar
efi
ght
ingwi
thpr
ofessi
onal
ssoImust
wi
tness

t
his.Ineedmor
eladi
esi
nmyt
eam.

Me:“
Todayy
ouar
efi
ght
ingwi
thpr
ofessi
onal
seachofy
ouhasherpar
tnersopl
easebe
f
ocused”

Lwandi
l
ecamei
n.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Yhooo”

Me:
“Theywon'
tfeel
thei
rbodi
esaf
tert
hat
”

Hel
aughed.Spi
rocamei
n.

Spi
ro:
“Thatwast
hebesthei
stev
er!
”

Me:
“Mxm!Wewi
l
lnev
erheart
heendofi
t”Hel
aughed.

Me: “
Guesswhat
?Ihav
eanot
heronebutI
'
m st
il
lwai
ti
ngf
orconf
ir
mat
ionofr
out
ethatwi
l
lbe
used”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Moneyor
?”

Me:
“Jewel
l
erymchanat
hati
swor
th25mi
l
li
on”

Spi
ro:
“Fuck!
”
Me:
“St
ickwi
thmeboy
s!”It
appedmyshoul
der
s.

Spi
ro:
“Pl
anAPl
anBPl
anCandPl
anD”

Me:
“Ohdon'
tremi
ndmet
hat
”Axeusedt
osayt
hatwhent
her
ewasabi
ghei
stcomi
ng.

Me:
“Idon'
twantanymi
stakesbecauseI
'
llshooty
oual
l
”Ii
mit
atedhi
svoi
ce.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Wasi
tni
cet
obet
oget
heronhei
sts?
”

Me:“
Wewer
ebot
hpr
ofessi
onal
sont
hehi
est
sbuti
twasni
cet
oseeanot
hersi
deofhi
m.And
hewas

sodamnsexywhenhewasdoi
ngki
l
li
ngsorser
iousont
hescene”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Youhadanot
hersor
tofr
elat
ionshi
p”Spi
rol
aughed.

Spi
ro:
“Itwascr
azysol
ovi
ngsohat
ingki
l
li
ngt
hei
renemi
est
oget
herhi
m buyherAxesandal
l
cr
azy

st
uff
”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Yhooo.Ihear
daboutMbangat
habr
other
s”

Spi
ro:
“Youwer
eyoungbyt
hatt
imeboy
!”hebr
ushedLwandi
l
e’shead.

Me:
“Ar
eyoudone?Pl
easegoandsoakt
hem f
oranhour
”

Afteranhourt
heycamebackl
ooki
ngl
i
kehel
l
.Iwenthome.Ical
l
edTaKatandAndi
l
elucki
l
y
they'
re

i
ntown.Theyar
ecomi
ngher
eforl
unch.Icookedf
ort
hem.

Me:
“Haahgr
andf
ather
syouher
e”

Andi
l
e:“
Yes.Gr
andmot
herwear
eher
e”Wel
aughed.

Thetabl
ewassetal
readywewentt
othedi
ningandwef
east
ed.Af
terwewentt
othest
udy
because

weneedt
ohav
easer
ioust
alk.

Me:
“I'
mthi
nki
ngaboutt
hisbi
gthi
ngori
deabutIneedi
nputi
nit
”

Kat
:“Okay
”

Me:“
Ther
eist
hishei
stt
hati
saboutt
ohappen.I
'
mthi
nki
ngofi
deasbutt
her
eist
hisgoodi
dea
I
'm
t
hinki
ng”

Andi
l
e:“
Car
ryon”

Me:“
Ineedt
ocr
eat
eanaut
omat
ici
nthet
ruckwear
eai
mingandt
hosecar
sthatwi
l
lbear
ound
i
t.

Turnt
hem aut
omat
ical
l
ytof
acet
hedi
rect
iont
heyar
ecomi
ngf
rom sot
hatev
ent
hepol
i
cecan
tr
yto

cat
chupt
het
ruckt
heywon'
tgeti
ntoi
t.Al
lthet
racker
sint
het
ruckwi
l
lbedi
sconnect
edi
nthat
way

t
het
ruckwi
l
lgowher
ethegangwoul
dbet
henki
l
lthedr
iver
sandt
akeev
ery
thi
ngwewantt
hen
t
o

t
urnt
het
ruckt
owher
eitwas”

Theybot
hcl
appedt
hei
rhands.

Kat
:“Excel
l
ent
!”

Me:
“Iwi
l
lneedequi
pmentt
opul
lthi
stoget
her
”

Andi
l
e:“
Hay
iIneedcamer
ast
othi
smassi
vecol
l
isi
ont
hatwi
l
lhappen”

Kat
:“CanIbet
her
e?”

Il
aughed.Af
tert
hemeet
ingt
heyl
eft
.Iwentt
opi
ckt
heki
dsf
rom school
.

Juj
u:“
Itol
dyou!
”

Si
he:
“Mxm!Younotf
unny
”

Sma:
“Buty
oubot
hdi
dwel
l
”

Me:
“Heyki
ds”

Them:
“Heymom”

Si
he:
“Webot
hgott
hesameposi
ti
on”

Me:
“Whi
chposi
ti
on?
”

Si
he:
“Fi
rstposi
ti
on”

Sma:
“Shemustbehappy
”

Juj
uisal
lsmi
l
ing.Wewentt
opi
ckt
het
hreer
ascal
s.Tomor
rowwegoi
ngt
oSPCAt
obuy
puppi
esand

arabbi
t.Wewentt
othemal
ltocel
ebr
ate.Iwentt
obuyi
Padf
orher
.Shei
stheonl
yonewho
don'
t

hav
eit
.

Ior
der
edf
oodt
obedel
i
ver
edonmyhousef
rom myf
avour
it
erest
aur
ant
.I'
m notcooki
ngt
oday
.

Me:
“Homewor
kti
meki
ds!
”

Ihear
dthem t
alki
ngbutIdi
dn'
thearwhatt
heywer
esay
ing.Af
ter30mi
nut
esIsawSi
hleonhi
s
phone

t
ypi
ngsomet
hing.

Me:
“DoIhav
etoswi
tchofy
ournet
wor
kony
ourphonest
omakesy
ourschool
wor
k?”

Si
hle:
“Nomom pl
ease!
”

Me:“
Putthatphoneont
het
abl
enowbef
oreIl
osei
t”cal
mly
.Hedi
dwhatIsai
d.Smai
snot
hi
mselfI

don'
tknowwhy
.Hedoesn’
tdot
hingsIsayhemustdo.Thi
sthi
ngofhi
sst
art
ed-
onSunday
.The
food

came.Af
terdoi
ngt
hei
rhomewor
kwewentt
othet
abl
etof
east
.

Me:
“Smapl
easepasst
hesal
ttomemyboy
”Hegav
emesomeannoy
edl
ook.It
ookt
hesal
t.

Iat
emyf
ood.

Me:
“Onweekendwear
epr
act
isi
ngourdance”Smasai
dsomet
hingIdi
dn'
thear
.

Nka:
“Whatdancemom?
”

Me:
“Youdon'
tknowi
tNkany
ezi
.Weusedt
odancewi
thJuj
uSmaSi
hleandy
ourf
ather
”

Nka:
“Mhm okay
”Let
huwaspl
ayi
nggamesonhi
siPad.

Me:
“Let
hukukhany
aI'
mtal
ki
ng”

Let
hu:
“Sor
rymom”hequi
ckl
yputhi
siPadaway
.

Sma:
“Iwon'
tbeabl
etopr
act
iceont
heweekend”

Me:
“Why
?”

Sma:
“Justbecause”
Me:
“Smamukel
eKhumal
oI'
m st
il
lyourmot
herdon'
ttal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
!”Isnapped.

Sma:
“Mxm!
”hegotupandwentt
ohi
sdoor
.Hebangedt
hedoorhear
dit
.

Let
hu:
“What
'swr
ongwi
thhi
m?”

Me:
“Not
hingmyboy
”

Si
hle:
“Hei
sgr
umpyt
heseday
sIdon'
tunder
standhi
m”

Theyhadfunnyconv
ersat
ionbutIdi
dn'
tpayat
tent
iont
oit
.Iwast
hinki
ngaboutSma'
s
behav
iourand

i
tpissmeof
fIwon'
tl
ie.Iwentt
ohi
sroom If
oundhi
m hi
m hol
dinghi
sfat
herpi
ctur
ethatst
ayi
n
hi
s

si
det
abl
eofhi
sbedcr
ying.

Me:
“Whatgoi
ngonmyboy
?”

Hel
ookedupandwi
pedhi
stear
s.

Sma:
“Not
hing”

Hesatupst
rai
ght
.Iwentt
osi
tnextt
ohi
m.

Sma:
“Whoar
eyou?
”

Me:
“Whoam I
?Whatki
ndofaquest
ioni
sthat
?”I
'
m conf
usedbyt
hisquest
ion.

Sma:
“Ar
eyoumymot
her
?”

Me:
“What
?”

Sma:
“Ar
eyoumymot
hery
esorno?
”hewascr
ying.

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Sma:
“SoUncl
eMt
hokowasr
ight
”

Me:
“What
?Hedi
dwhat
?”I
'
venev
erbeensopi
ssed.

Me:“
Weneedt
ohav
easer
ioust
alkmeandy
ou.Pl
easecal
m downsot
hatwecant
alk”He
dr
ankthe

wat
ernextt
ohi
m.

Me:“
Let
'sgot
omyr
oom sot
hatwecant
alk”It
ookhi
shandandwentt
omyr
oom.Imadesi
t
ont
he
couchont
hecor
ner
.Iwentt
othesaf
etot
akehi
sphot
oal
bum whenhewasy
oungandpaper
s
that

sayI
'
m hi
slegal
adopt
ionmot
her
.Iwentbackt
ohi
m.

Me:
“14y
ear
sagoSakhi
founda2y
ear
sol
dboyi
nsi
det
hisy
ardcar
ryi
nghi
sli
tt
lebackpackhe
t
ook

hi
min.Wewer
eal
lshockedt
oseet
hisl
i
ttl
eboybutwhatamazedmewashel
ookedexact
lyl
i
ke
my

husbandandJuj
u.WhenIaskedSamkel
oaboutt
hisboyhesai
d“I
’
m sor
ry”
.Thatwast
he
di
ffi
cult

ti
metofi
ndoutt
hatmyhusbandhasanot
herchi
l
dwhoi
s2y
ear
sol
dandIdi
dn'
tknowany
thi
ng
about

hi
m.Itol
dyourf
athert
oleav
emyhousebecauseIwasangr
yhewentt
otakehi
scl
othesand
when

hewasaboutt
otakey
ouIt
oldhi
mtol
eav
eyouhewasn'
tsur
eabouti
tbuthel
efty
ou.
Ever
ybody

l
eftaf
terhi
m.Iwasl
eftwi
thJuj
uandy
ou.Ibat
hyouandchangedy
out
owar
m py
jamas.Isat
onthe

chai
ral
lni
ghtl
ooki
ngaty
ouar
esl
eepi
ngandIt
houghtImust
n'tt
akey
out
oyourgr
andpar
ent
sI

wantedt
ogi
vey
out
heoppor
tuni
tyt
oknowy
ourf
atherl
i
keJuj
u.Myf
atherdi
edwhenIwas5
year
s

oldsoIdi
dn'
twantt
obet
hebadper
sont
odenyy
out
heoppor
tuni
tyt
oknowy
ourf
ather
.Your
father

andIdeci
dedt
hatImustadopty
ouandbet
hel
egal
mot
herf
ory
ou.Imaynotbet
hebi
ologi
cal
mother

t
oyoubutIl
ovey
ouwi
thal
lIhav
eIwoul
dnev
erl
etany
onehur
tyouIwi
l
ldi
efi
rstbef
oreIl
et
t
hem

hur
tyou.Youhav
enev
erseenmemi
str
eat
ing.I
'
venev
erpr
etendedt
olov
eyou.Il
ovedy
ousi
nce
day

oneandIwoul
dnev
erev
erst
opt
olov
eyou”hebr
okedown.Ipul
l
edhi
mtomychesthesobbed
so

pai
nful
l
y.Ir
ockedhi
m unt
ilhecal
meddown.
Sma:
“Uncl
eMt
hokodi
dn'
ttel
lmet
hat
”hesai
daf
teral
ongt
ime.

Me:
“Whatdi
dhesai
d?”

Sma:
“Het
oldmet
haty
ouwer
emi
str
eat
ingmewhenmyf
atherwasn'
tther
ebeat
ingmeev
eni
f
I

di
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngwr
ong.Hesai
dal
lthebadt
hingsabouty
ou”

Me:
“I'
m notsur
pri
sedmyboy
.Askany
onel
i
keUncl
eKatandAndi
l
eorUncl
eSpi
kesorGr
andpa
t
hey

wi
l
ltel
l
”

Ihear
daknockont
hedoor
.

Me:
“Comei
n”

Nkany
ezi
andLet
hucamei
nfol
l
owi
ngeachot
herasal
way
s.

Nka:
“Uncl
eMt
hokoi
sher
etoseey
ouSma”

Me:
“Okay
.Goandt
ell
himI
'
m comi
ng”It
oldt
hem.Theyl
eft
.

It
ookmyguncor
kedi
tandputi
tint
heback.

Sma:
“Ibel
i
evei
tnow”

Me:
“Bel
i
evewhatsonny
?”

Sma:
“Thaty
ou'
reagangst
er.I
fyoudi
dn'
tl
ovemey
ouwoul
d'
veki
l
ledmel
ongt
imeago”

Me:
“Haaki
l
lyou?Whowoul
dbeki
l
li
ngMat
hemat
icsnow?
”hel
aughed.

Me:
“Il
ovey
oumyboy
.Youar
emychi
l
dchi
l
dbl
oodornot
.Justt
othi
nkofi
tIf
orgott
hatl
ong
t
ime

ago”Hest
andsupandweexi
tedt
her
oom andwewentdownst
air
s.

Sma:
“Uncl
ehowar
eyou?
”

Mt
hoko:
“I'
m goodandy
ou?
”

Sma:
“I'
m good”

Isatt
othecouchacr
ossMt
hoko.Smasatnextt
ome.

Me:
“Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
odoMt
hokozi
si?
”

Mt
hoko:
“It
oldhi
mthet
rut
habouty
ouandI
'
m gl
adheknowsnow”
Me:
“Youhappyt
omakehi
m cr
y.Ar
eyoust
il
lbi
tt
eraboutt
hewi
l
lev
ennow?
”

Mt
hoko:
“What
?I'
m notbi
tt
eraboutt
hat
.Iwant
edhi
mtoknowt
het
rut
h”hewasl
ooki
ngatSma.

Me:“Whatdi
dyouachi
evedbyt
ell
i
nghi
mthat
?Youknowt
hathei
s16nowi
nnextt
woy
earshe
wi
ll

getsomeofhi
spor
ti
onsoy
ousawt
heoppor
tuni
tynow”

Sma:
“Whoooa.Uncl
eyouwant
edt
ousemet
ogetsomeofmyf
ather
'smoney
?”

Si
l
ence.

Mt
hoko:
“No.
..
I.I
tdoesnotl
i
ket
hatSonny
.Pl
easedon'
tl
ethert
ogeti
nbet
weenus”

Sma:“
Youmadehert
hebadper
sont
omewhi
l
eyouknewt
hatshewasandst
il
ltr
eat
ingmel
i
ke
her

ownchi
ld.Pl
easel
eav
emymot
her
'shousenow!Bef
oreImakesomet
hingIwi
l
lregr
et”he
roar
edl
i
ke

hi
sfat
her
.

Mt
hokost
oodup.

Mt
hoko:
“I'
m sor
ryboybutpl
easel
etmeexpl
ain.
..
”hewast
ryi
ngt
oexpl
ain.

Smat ur
nedandsl
appedhi
m sohar
d.Ev
ery
thi
nghappenedsof
astIsawJuj
uandSi
hlet
ryi
ng
takeoff

Smaont
opofMt
hoko.It
ookmygunandshoti
ntheai
randsomeonest
oodst
il
l.

Chapt
er48

Af
tersomet
ime.

Si
hle:
“Leav
ethehouse!
”tohi
sUncl
e.Mt
hokol
eft
.

Smabr
okedownandhi
sbr
other
shuggedhi
m.Theyal
lcamet
ohughi
m.Weal
lsatdown.Let
hu
i
s

awf
ulqui
et.

Si
he:
“Ar
eyouokayboy
?”

Weal ll
ookedathi
m.Hi
sisshaki
ng.Ipi
ckedhi
m uphei
sshaki
ng.It
hinkt
heshotoft
hebul
l
et
shocked
hi
m.Hist
emper
atur
ewashi
gh.Ical
l
edhi
sdoct
orandhecamequi
ckl
y.Hegav
ehi
m somepi
l
l
andhe

sl
ept
.

Sma:
“I'
m sor
ryf
ort
hatmom”

Si
hle:
“Itnoty
ourf
aul
tnt
wana.I
tthatmor
onofanUncl
ewhocausedt
his.

Si
he:
“Iwonderhowhepassedi
nMedi
cal
school
whenhei
sthi
sst
upi
d”

Weal
ll
aughed.

Nka:
“Mom i
sLet
hugonnabef
ine?
”

Me:
“Yesmyboyhewi
l
lbef
ine.Ev
enhi
sdoct
orsai
dhewi
l
lbef
ine”

Nka:
“CanIsl
eepwi
thhi
mtoni
ghtsot
hati
fhei
snotokayatni
ghtIcancomeandcal
lyou?
”He
l
oves

hi
sbr
other
.

Me:
“Whydon'
tyoucomet
osl
eepwi
thmet
het
woofy
ou?
”It
ouchedhi
snose.

Nka:
“Okaymom.Shoul
dIbr
ingourbl
anket
s?”

Me:
“Nodon'
tbr
ingt
hem”

Henodded.

Myki
dsarether
easont
hatkeptmegoi
ngal
lthesey
ear
saf
termyhusbanddi
ed.Bei
nga
mot
herof6

i
sn'
tajoke.Ihav
en'
tdat
edaf
terhedi
ednott
hatIdi
dn'
thav
eat
imeIt
houghtofbei
ngnakedi
n
f
ront

ofanot
hermanwoul
dbet
arni
shi
nghi
smemor
yinmyl
i
fe.Myl
i
fei
ssobusy
.I'
m al
eaderi
nthe
gang

i
nDur
banbr
anchamot
herof6soI
'
m busyandnowmyf
ir
stgr
andchi
l
disont
hewaysoIwon'
t
be

abl
etohav
eaman.ImeanIhav
eki
dsandIwon'
tl
eav
emyhousesot
hatmanwoul
dcomei
n
my

houseandsl
eepi
nmybedwher
eIsl
eptwi
thmyl
atehusband.Nev
er!Nev
er!

Aft
erIwentt
otakeLet
hut
omybedr
oom andNkany
ezi
tookt
hei
rpi
l
lows.Heal
way
scompl
ains
about
myhighpi
l
lowssowhenev
ert
heycomet
osl
eepi
nmybedr
oom hecomeswi
thhi
spi
l
low.I
wentto

t
akeabat
handIsl
eptwi
thmyr
ascal
s.

I
nthemor
ningIwokeupt
ookabat
hputonmysi
l
kropesheIwoket
hem upandIwentt
owake
up

t
heot
her
s.Si
hel
ovest
osl
eepbutIt
hinki
tspr
egnancy
.Theyal
lwokeup.Af
tert
heymetmei
n
t
he

ki
tchenmaki
ngbr
eakf
ast
.

Si
he:
“Howdoy
oudoi
tmom?
”yawni
ng.

Me:
“Soony
ouwi
l
lunder
standbaby
”

Idi
shedupf
ort
hem.Asusual
l
ypr
incessEl
am i
slat
e.

Me:
“Bl
ackdi
amond!
”

El
am:
“I'
m comi
ng!
”

Nka:
“Mom I
'
m wear
ingt
hatugl
yunder
wearandIdon'
tl
ikei
t”

Me:
“Wher
ear
eyourunder
wear
?”Iaskedwhi
l
eI'
mtaki
ngLet
hu'
smedi
cat
ionont
hecount
er.

Nka:
“Idon'
tknow”

Si
hle:
“Theonet
hathei
swear
ingi
sLet
hu'
sunder
wear
”

Let
hu:
“Ohpl
ease!Shutup”Il
aughed.

Me:
“Si
hebabypl
easepr
ayf
ort
hebabynott
ogett
hesehy
per
act
iveandcr
azygenesher
e”Isay

cl
appi
ngmyhands.Iwentt
otakeanewunder
wearf
orNkany
ezi
onmycl
oset
.Ify
ouhav
eso
many

kidsy
oumusthav
enewpai
rsoft
hingsl
i
keunder
wearbecausey
ou'
l
lnev
erknow.Iwentbackt
o
the

ki
tchenIt
ookhi
sschool
pantof
f.

Nka:“
Sihecl
osey
ourey
es”Ev
ery
onecr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.It
ookof
fLet
hu'
sunder
weart
hat
Nkanyezi

waswear
ingandputanewunder
wearonhi
m andputhi
spanton.

Juj
u:“
WhySi
hewassupposedt
ocl
osehi
sey
es?
”
Nka:
“Idi
dn'
twanthert
oseemyMbul
azi
”hecl
osedhi
sey
eswi
thhi
shands.Wel
aughedagai
n.

Sma:
“Don'
tbesi
l
ly.Shebat
hyounj
efewday
sago”

Nka:
“Idi
dn'
tl
ethert
otouchi
t”

“
Youar
ereal
Samkel
o'
sson”av
oice.I
t’
sMnt
ungwa.

Let
hu:
“HaaahMkhul
u”heandEl
am r
ant
ohi
m.

Igr
eetedhi
m.Iwentt
owearsomet
hingr
epr
esent
abl
e.Iwentbackagai
ntot
heki
tchen.I
off
eredhi
m

br
eakfasthesai
dhecamet
ocheckaf
tery
est
erday
'ssaga.Hesai
dImustcomet
oUmhl
anga
af
ter

dr
oppi
ngt
heki
dst
oschool
.Iwentt
odr
opt
hem of
fthenIwentt
oUmhl
anga.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Whathappenedexact
lyMakot
i?”

Me:“
BabaInot
icedSma'
srudebehav
iourSundayni
ght
.Henev
erbeenr
udet
owar
dsy
est
erday
we

wer
eeat
ingsupperIt
oldhi
mtopasssal
t.
..
”It
oldhi
mthewhol
e.

Mntungwa:
“Ei
!Ngi
yaxol
i
sangokwenzakel
eMakot
i.I
'
m gl
adSmamukel
eunder
stoody
ourpoi
nt
of

v
iewandum happyhebeathi
m al
i
ttl
e”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Mbul
azi
!”

Mntungwa:
“WhatMt
hokodi
dwaswayoutofl
i
ne.Hedoest
hisshi
tbecauseSamkel
oisnot
her
eif

hewashewoul
dhav
ebeenatt
hel
i
vingshi
toutofhi
m”

Thedoorswungopen.

Kat
:“Wher
eishe?
”hewasl
i
vid.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Inhi
sroom”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Mnt
ungwahowcany
ousayt
hat
?”

Katr
anupstair
sweheardt
hingsbr
eaki
ngupst
air
ssur
elyhei
spanel
beat
inghi
m.MaNdl
ovu
wentupst
air
sandwejustl
ookedather
.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Int
imesl
i
ket
hisKhet
hokuhl
efol
l
owshi
sname”Thi
sol
dmanher
eisSav
age.He
pl
ayedwi
thhi
sfi
nger
s.

Af
tersomet
imeKatcame.

Kat
:“Howcanhesayt
hatt
ohi
m?How”Hesatdown.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Mt
hokoi
ssost
upi
d”

Kat
:“It
ookt
hiswi
thme”hegav
emeaCD.Igav
ehi
m aconf
usedl
ook.

Kat
:“Samkel
opl
ant
edhi
ddencamer
asaf
terSmamukel
ear
ri
val
.Hewant
edt
oseehowy
out
reat
hi
m

whenhei
sn'
tar
ound”

Il
aughedoutl
oud.

Kat
:“Hesai
dther
e'snowayy
oul
oveSmal
i
ket
hat
”

Me:
“Soundsexact
lyl
i
kehi
m”

Mntungwa:
“Makot
iI'
m gl
admyl
atesonf
oundsomeonel
i
key
ouwhol
ovedhi
m ev
eni
fev
enhe
made

t
hel
astmi
stakei
nmar
ri
aget
obr
eaky
ourt
rustandhav
eachi
l
donhi
ssheni
gans”

Ismi
l
edandbowedmyhead.

Mthokocamewant
ingt
ocompl
ainathi
sfat
herbuthef
oundussi
tt
ingt
oget
herl
aughi
ng.He
went

backt
ohisr
oom.Ispentmydayt
her
eaf
terIwentt
ofet
cht
heki
dswewentSPCAt
obuyt
wo
puppi
es

andar
abbi
t.

Iaskedthem i
ftheyhav
epi
tbul
lpuppi
esl
ucki
l
ywef
oundt
hem andagr
eyandwhi
ter
abbi
t.I
paidas

usual
l
ytheyt
ookt
hei
rpuppi
esandr
abbi
tthenwewentt
othecar
.Nkany
ezi
'
spuppyi
sbl
ackand

whi
teandLet
hu'
spuppyi
sbr
ownandwhi
te.

Me:
“Anynamesf
ory
ourpet
s?”

Nka:
“I'
m st
il
lthi
nki
ngmom”

Let
hu:
“Met
oo”
El
am:
“Met
hree”

Si
hle:
“Ohsomeoner
emember
edt
hatshehasherpai
rs”

Si
he:
“Ncooah”

Smai
squi
et.

Let
hu:
“Ihav
ethenamemom”

Me:
“Let
'sheari
t”Iwasl
ooki
ngathi
m onami
rr
or.

Let
hu:
“El
am”wi
thabi
gsmi
l
e.

Nka:
“Mi
nei
sEl
a”

Icoul
dn'
thol
dmyl
augh.Weal
ll
aughed.El
am cr
iedandIst
opped.

Me:“Noboysy
ouwon'tnamey
ourpuppi
esaf
tery
oursi
ster
'sname.No!Fi
ndanot
hernamef
or
puppi
eswit
hafir
mtone.

Si
l
ence.

El
am:
“If
oundt
heper
fectnamef
ormyr
abbi
t”

Si
he:
“Whati
sit
?”

El
am:
“Nkal
e”shewasl
ooki
ngatt
hem.

WegohomeIpar
ked.Theyt
ookt
hei
rbagsandol
dbr
other
shel
pedt
hem car
ryi
ngt
hepet
'
s
car
ri
ages

i
nsi
det
hehouse.

Si
hle:
“Nkal
e?meanswhatEl
am?
”

El
am:
“Nkaf
orNkany
ezi
andLef
orLet
hu”shewaspoi
nti
ngatt
hem.Theyl
aughed.

Me:
“El
amant
ungwaIsai
dnoonei
snami
ngt
hei
rpetaf
tersomeone'
sname.Am Icl
ear
?”

"Okaymom"
-shesay
.Iputmyhandbagont
heki
tchencount
erwhenIt
urnedIsawNont
uThabi
and

Nokwesi
tt
ingi
nthel
oungedr
inki
ngj
uice.

Nont
u:“
Heyki
ds”

Ki
ds:
“Hi
”theygav
ehert
hel
ow“
hi”

Al
l7oft
hem wentupst
air
stot
hei
rrooms.
Me:
“Nopet
sony
ourbeds!
”Ishout
ed.

Me:
“Youst
il
lknowmyaddr
ess?
”mebei
ngme.

Nokwe:
“HawuNompe”

Me:
“Okaywhyar
eyouher
e?”

Thabi
:“Weher
etov
isi
tyou”Il
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Pr
incessEl
am camet
ome.

El
am:
“Mom Juj
udon'
twantust
oor
derpi
zza”

Me:
“Why
?”

El
am:
“Idon'
tknow”

Me:
“Okay
.Tel
lhi
mtoor
derpi
zzaIdi
dn'
tcook”Iwasbr
ushi
ngherback.Shel
eft
.

Nokwe:
“Iheart
hatshei
ssuchadi
val
i
keheraunt
y”

Me:
“Youhear
?Youhear
dri
ghtshei
sadi
va”Shel
ookedatme.

Nont
u:“
Yougoi
ngt
obeagr
andmot
her
”

Thabi
:“Ei
!Don'
tremi
ndmet
hat
”Gwaj
oal
soi
mpr
egnat
edhi
sgi
rl
fr
iend.

Nokwe:
“Itl
i
keapat
ter
n”

Nont
u'sphoner
ings.

Nont
u:“
Hel
l
o..
..
What
?Whathappened?When?Ei
sh”shehungupaf
ter
.

Thabi
:“Whathappened?
”

Nontu:
“Esi
hlei
snowher
etobef
ound”shewascr
ying.Esi
hlei
sherdaught
ert
hatcomesaf
ter
Jaden.

Nont
u:“
Ihav
etogo”shet
ookherhandbag.

Me:
“Si
tdown”It
ookmyphoneandi
trang.

Me:
“TKI
'
m wi
thhernow.Il
ety
ouknowaf
terf
ewmi
nut
es”Ihungup.

Me:
“Comewi
thme”Igotupandt
heyf
oll
owedme.

IsawSi
hei
ntheki
tchenIt
hinkshei
scooki
ng.I
tthef
ir
stt
imeIseehercooki
ngbutshehel
ps
mewith
choppi
ngandI
'
m enj
oyi
nghercompany
.

Whenwegott
othest
udyIopenedmyl
apt
opandt
heywer
est
andi
ngbehi
ndme.It
rackedher
down

If
oundGPScoor
dinat
est
henv
oil
à!

It
ookmyphoneandmadeacal
l
.

Me:
“Thet
rackeri
smov
ingbuti
t’
sonN2.TheypassedTongaatTol
lPl
aza”

TK:
“Ei
sh.Whatnow?
”

Me:
“Let
'smeeti
nthewar
ehousei
n45mi
nut
es”Ihungup.

Nokwe:
“Howdi
dyout
rackherdown?
”

Me:
“Duh?Al
ltheki
dshav
etr
acker
sont
hehead”

Them:
“What
?”

Me:
“Yesy
ouhear
dme.Idar
eyout
otaket
hem out
.I'
l
lki
l
lyouandf
eedy
out
odog"Thei
rey
es

poppedout
.

Me:
“Ihav
etogo.I
'
lluseanot
herexi
tsoby
e”

Iwentt
oJuj
u'
sroom wi
thmyl
apt
opIf
oundhi
m wi
thSi
heshout
ingateachot
her
.

Me:
“Andt
heny
out
wo?
”

Si
he:
“Hei
sannoy
ingsomet
imes”shel
eftt
her
oom.

Me:
“Ther
e'ssomewher
eIneedt
obe.Pl
easel
ookaf
tert
hem”

Juj
u:“
WhatIwi
l
lget
?”

Me:
“I'
l
lbuyy
ourbabyJor
dan'
sinf
antcl
othes”Hel
aughedandshookhi
shead.

Juj
u:“
Okay
”Iki
ssedhi
scheek.Hequi
ckl
ywi
pedi
t.

Juj
u:“
I'
mtoool
dfort
hatmom!
”

Me:
“Ev
eni
fyou'
reagr
andpay
ou'
l
lst
il
lbemybabyboy
”Il
efthi
m wi
pingl
i
pst
ickonhi
s.Iwent
t
omy

r
oom wor
emycl
othest
henIwentt
othewar
ehouse.If
oundt
hem wai
ti
ng.

Me:
“Sor
ryt
okeepy
ouwai
ti
ngguy
s”
It
ookmyl
apt
opout
.Icheckedt
heGPScoor
dinat
es.Il
aughed.

Me:
“They
'r
eatMt
unzi
ni.Theyhav
ener
ves!
”

Me:“Let
'sgoguy
s!”wegott
othecar
’sot
her
sar
eusi
ngmot
orbi
kes.Iwoul
dhav
eusedi
tbutI
hav
e

t
okeeponcheckonmyl
apt
opsotheadwast
hebestopt
ion”

Ir
ecei
vedacal
l
.

Me:
“Spi
kes”

Spi
kes:
“Ihadpeopl
ewhoar
elooki
ngatt
hatpl
acesoev
ery
thi
nggoi
ngaccor
dingt
othepl
an”

Me:“Ial
waysenj
oywor
kingwi
thy
oubecausey
out
hebestnt
wana!Spi
kesl
ana
ahl
abangampel
a

nt
wana”Ipr
aisehi
m.

Hel
aughedandhungup.

Me:
“Spi
rowher
eisLwandi
l
eandhi
sfr
iends?
”

Spi
ro:
“Idon'
tknowbutsomewher
epar
tyi
ng”

Me:
“Ihav
etobeatt
hem upt
okeept
hem ont
hel
i
ne”

Ical
l
edAK-
47.

AK:
“Queen”

Me:“Pl
easef
indTheBi
gfourf
orme.WhenIcomebackf
rom t
heMt
unzi
niIwantt
hem t
her
e.
Thei
r

l
egsupandt
hei
rheadsl
ooki
ngdown”

AK:
“Done!
”hehungup.

Youmustbet
oughi
nthi
sgamewheny
ouwantt
osur
viv
e.Ispoi
l
edt
hem t
oomuchnowt
hey
must

knowme.Iwi
l
lteacht
hem al
esson.

Whenwegot
oMt
unzi
nisubur
bsSpi
keswasonsetwi
thasni
per
.Mycr
ewandIspl
i
tint
oof
our
s.TK

havet
hepl
anoft
hehouseal
ready
.Wear
eusi
ngsi
l
encer
sgunswedon'
twantnoi
se.Dest
roy
ers
are
hol
dingTK'
schi
l
d.

It
hrewmyscar
font
hef
loor
..
.

Voi
ce:
“Fuck!Theyar
eher
e!”t
heygotupshout
ingandIst
art
edshoot
ing.

Voi
ce:
“QueenofAxeher
sel
f!
”

WhenIt
urnedheshotmei
nmyl
eft
-handar
m.

Me:
“Kut
lwano”Igr
oaned.

Kut
lwano:
“Longt
imenosee”

Hewasshoti
nat
ightIki
ckedhi
m andl
eft
.

TK:
“Let
'sgo!
”It
akei
tthatwehav
eEsi
hlewi
thus.Igoti
nthecar
.Spi
rodr
oveoutf
ast
.Wegot
onN2

f
astt
henwedr
oveaway
.

Me:
“Thatdi
ckheadshotme”

Spikest
ookt
hef
ir
stai
dki
t.Heopenedt
hewhi
skeypouredi
tont
hewound.Af
terhet
ookout
the

bul
l
et.Idr
ankt
hewhi
skeyaf
ter
.

IwokeupwhenIwasatmyhousei
nthecouch.

Nont
u:“
Thanksf
orsav
ingmydaught
er'
sli
fe”shehuggedme.

Igr
oanedi
npai
n.

Me:“
Nott
oohar
dyouar
ehur
ti
ngme”Iwentt
omyr
oom t
ochanget
hecl
otheswi
thbl
oodand
wor
e

mynor
mal
clot
hes.WhenIcamebackEsi
hlewasonhermot
her
’sar
m.

Me:
“Iwantt
ofi
ndoutwhyt
heyaf
terus.I
tanewt
hingoranol
dgr
udge”Isatdown.

Machet
e:“
OkayQueen”

Me:
“Goandr
estguy
s.Leav
ethebi
gfourt
her
eIwi
l
lat
tendt
hem i
nthemor
ning”

Me:“Nont
utomor
rowy
oust
art
ingt
otr
ainonhowt
oshoot
.Ear
lyi
nthemor
ning”Theygotup
and

l
eft
.
At03:
00am Iwasup.Myar
m hur
tsbutnott
hatmuch.I
'
vebeent
hroughal
otofphy
sical
pai
nso
thi
s

i
snot
hingcompar
edt
owhatI
'
veendur
ed.Imadel
unchboxesf
ort
heal
loft
hem.Nosi
hehav
e
t
wo

l
unchboxesbecauseshemur
der
sfoodshedoesn’
teat
.Igi
vehermoneyont
opoft
hat
.Iput
t
hem on

t
hef
ri
dgeIl
eftanot
eont
hef
ri
dge.If
oundmyf
oodi
nthef
ri
dge.I
tismacar
oni
andcheesewi
th

roast
edchi
cken.I
ttast
essogood.Iat
eital
lbecausewhenIl
eav
eitt
hel
i
onsI
'
mli
vi
ngwi
th
herewil
l

eati
t.Myki
dseatt
heydon'
tpl
aywi
thf
oodt
heyeati
tjustl
i
ket
hei
rfat
herev
ent
hepr
incesss
eats

l
i
keaboy
.El
am eat
s4sl
i
cesofbr
eadwhi
l
eAmahl
eLwandi
l
e'sdaught
ereat
stwo.

At04:
15am Il
eftIf
oundt
hebi
gfourhangi
ng.Yeaht
hatwhatIwant
ed.

Si
we:
“Haaah!
”shescr
eamed.

Ot
her
sfol
l
owed.

Me:
“Nxaav
oet
sek!Noi
sei
snotal
l
owedher
e”

Si
we:
“Pl
easel
ett
hem f
ree”shewascr
ying.Ij
usty
awnedandIwi
pedmyt
ear
s.

It
ookopenedt
hewat
erputahoar
sepi
peandhi
tthewi
thwat
er.Theywokeup.Spi
rocamewi
th

machet
e.

Me:
“Unchai
nthem andmaket
hem si
t”

Theyunchai
nedt
hem andt
heysat
.

Me:“Howmanyt
imesmustIr
epeatmy
sel
ftoy
ouguy
s?I
'
mti
redofsay
ingoneandt
hesame
t
hing”

I
'
m annoy
ed.

Si
we:
“Pl
easel
ett
hem go.
..
”It
urnedi
ntoherandIsl
appedhersohar
d.

Me:“Youknowwhatt
odoSpi
ro.Assi
gnt
hem t
othewar
ehousedut
iesf
ort
henextt
womont
hs
and

y
oul
et'
sgo”Iwal
kedf
ast
.
Wegoti
nourshoot
ingr
ange.

Me:“
Youher
etoshootnott
omi
ss.Takei
tasi
fyouar
eshoot
ingy
ourwor
stenemy
”Iwal
ked
ar
ound

t
hem.

Me:
“BynextweekIwantt
obedoneal
ready
”

Theykeptshoot
ingt
hewr
ongspot
s.

Me:
“Shoul
dIshootoneofy
ousot
haty
oucandoi
tcor
rect
?”

Si
we:
“No!
”

Me:
“Good!Shoott
her
ightspot
sthen”

Aft
ert
heywer
edone.Theydi
dgoodwi
thont
hei
rfi
rstday
.Iwenthomet
orestal
i
ttl
e.Isent
Spi
rot
o

f
etchmycr
ewf
rom t
heschool
.I'
mti
red.Iwentt
omakesandwi
chesf
ort
hem af
terIwasdone
t
hey

camei
n.Si
hewentst
rai
ghtt
othef
ri
dge.Igav
ehersandwi
chesandj
uices.

Juj
u:“
Youhav
etost
opeat
ingl
i
ket
hat
”

Si
he:
“Ohpl
ease!Shutup”

Let
hu:
“Yougoti
tri
ghtSi
he”

Juj
u:“
Mom whathappenedi
nyourar
m?”Al
ley
eswer
eonme.

Me:“
Iwasscr
atchedbyaf
ence.I
nthegar
age.I
tnot
hingbi
gitami
nort
hing”Isaybr
ushi
ngmy
ar
m.

Theymadet
hei
rhomeandIcooked.Whent
heywentt
osl
eepIcal
l
edSmat
othest
udy
.Iputt
he
di
sk

i
nanot
herl
apt
op.Hewast
hev
ideohi
sfat
hert
ookandIdi
dn'
tknowany
thi
ngabouti
t.

Iwentt
osl
eepaf
ter
.

-
--
--
--
--
--
-

I
nser
t50

Machet
e:“
Queenwher
ear
eyou?
”
Me:
“I'
m athome.Why
?”I
'
m conf
used.

Machet
e:“
Ithoughti
t’
syouIseeher
e”

Me:
“NoI
'
m athome”

Hehungupaf
ter
.

TaKatcal
l
edaf
ter
.

Kat
:“Ourenemyi
sbacki
ntown”

Me:
“Whi
choneTa?
”

Kat
:“Kagi
soMai
te”

Me:
“Ohl
ord!Pl
easeber
eadywhenIr
equestt
heon-
poi
ntmi
ssi
l
e”

Kat
:“Pl
easedon'
tmakemel
augh”

Me:“
Hisy
oungbr
otherKut
lwanowast
heonewhot
ookEsi
hleandheshotmei
nthear
m.Hewi
l
r
ue

t
hedayheev
ert
houghtt
husmadness”

Kat
:“We'
l
lmeetsoont
opl
anhi
sdownf
all
”

Me:
“I'
l
lbehappyt
oseet
hatday
.Heki
l
ledmyhusband”

Kat
:“We'
l
lmakehi
m paydear
ly”

Af
terhehungup.

Ideci
dedt
osl
eepal
ldaybutIwasdi
stur
bedbyacal
l
.

Me:
“Yeahsur
e

Nont
u:“
Wecanmeeti
nourf
avour
it
erest
aur
anti
nanhour
?”

Me:
“Iwantt
osl
eep”i
nal
owv
oice.

Nont
u:“
Please!
”Ihear
dpeopl
esay
ingpl
easeont
hebackgr
ound.

Me:
“Okay
!I'
m comi
ng!
”Ishout
ed.Ihungup.

Ihoppedi
nashowerqui
ckl
y.TodayI
'
m wear
ingadar
kbot
tl
egr
eent
uxedodr
esswi
thbl
ack
heel
sand

bl
ackBurberr
y.Myweavei
sonpointMtakamah.I
fI'
m meeti
ngthosebi
tchesIhaveTobe
beaut
if
ulbecauset
heywearsoni
cel
yjustt
ohavelunchnj
e.It
ookmyblackMust angt
henI
drovet
orest
aur
ant
.Iwast
hef
ir
stt
obet
her
eokayIunder
standbecauseI
'
m ear
ly.Iwentt
othe
tabl
es

hebooked.Shesentt
hemessageear
li
eron.Isatdown.

Voi
ce:
“Sor
ryma'
am”whenIl
i
ftedmyheadi
twassomeguy
.

Me:
“Yes”

Hi
m:“
CanIsi
tify
oudon'
tmi
nd”

Me:
“Okay
2

Hei
slooki
nggoodandsmel
lni
ce.

Hi
m:“
Whyabeaut
if
ull
adyl
i
key
ousi
tt
ingal
one?
”het
ookmyhand.

Iy
ankedmyhandf
rom hi
s.

Hi
m:“
OkayI
'
m sor
ryf
ort
hat
.I'
m Li
ndel
ani
andy
ou”

Me:
“Nompe”

Hi
m:“
Mhm okay
.Wai
ti
ngf
orhubby
?”hepoi
ntedmyweddi
ngr
ing.

Me:
“NoIwi
sh.I
'
m wai
ti
ngf
ormyf
ri
ends”

Hi
m:“
I'
m al
sowai
ti
ngf
ormyf
ri
ends”

Hi
m:“
Whatdoy
oumeanwheny
ousayy
ouwi
sh?
”-hehasasof
tvoi
ce.

Me:
“MyhusbandpassedawayandIdon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t”If
ixedmyr
ing.

Hi
m:“
Okay
.Anyki
ds?
”

Me:
“I'
m amot
herof6”

Hechokedonhi
ssal
i
va.

Me:
“What
?Tomanyki
ds?
”

Hi
m:“
NoI
'
m sor
ry.It
houghty
ou'
l
lsayt
wo”
-hedr
ankwat
er”

Hi
m:“
CanIhav
eyournumber
ssot
hatwecandol
unchsomet
imeswheny
ouar
efr
ee”Il
aughed.

Me:
“Nowy
ouar
epushi
ngi
tyoungman”cal
mly
.

Isawmysi
sterandNokwe.

Me:
“Myf
ri
endsar
eher
enow”
Hi
m:“
Okayl
etmegoandwai
tformyf
ri
endst
her
e”hepoi
ntedat
abl
e.

Hi
m:“
Seey
ouar
oundokay
?”hesay
sget
ti
ngup.

Theycameandsat
.

Nokwe:
“Mhhm hei
syummy
!”

Nont
u:“
Sayt
hatagai
noe”

Me:
“Ar
en'
tyoumar
ri
ed?
”

Nokwe:
“Wear
ebutwecancompl
ementGod’
sgoodcr
eat
ion”Nokwe.

Me:
“Iwashmyhands”

ThabiandRachel
arr
ived.Rachel
andIar
enotongoodt
ermssoIdon'
ttal
ktoherunl
essi
t
necessar
y.

Idon'
tdohugst
othem l
i
keol
dti
mes.

Thet
hreewi
vescameaf
ter
.NomxoandZeecameaf
tert
hem.

Nomxo:
“Thankst
oyoual
lforcomi
ng”

Si
l
ence

Nomxo:“Ladi
esi
tbr
okemyhear
twhenwesepar
atedokayImeanwheny
ousepar
ated
your
sel
ves

fr
om Nompe.Shewashear
tbr
okenandal
lshewant
edwasherl
ovi
ngf
ri
ends.ZeeandIhav
e
been

t
her
eforherhel
pingwher
ewecoul
d”

Thabi
:“We'
resor
ryf
ri
endandwear
ewi
l
li
ngt
odoany
thi
ngt
oamendourr
elat
ionshi
pbet
ween
us”

Me:
“Any
thi
ng?
..
..
..
”-
Isawl
adyl
i
keIknowherIev
ent
urnedt
olookather
.

Si
l
ence.

Myphoner
ings.
..

Kat
:“Ar
en'
tsupposedt
obewi
thNomxoandot
herl
adi
es”

Me:
“I'
m wi
tht
hem Ta”

Kat
:“Lookt
her
eis.
..
Ihav
etogo”hehungup.
Me:
“Okaybi
tches!I
’
m hungr
y”Nont
ucal
l
edt
hewai
ter
.Wehadani
cel
unch.Imi
ssedt
hem al
ot.
I

mi
ssedt
heol
dti
meswhenwewer
eusedt
odot
hisal
mostev
eryday
.

Af
terwewentt
ooursepar
atedway
s.Iwentt
ofet
chmycr
ewf
rom school
aft
erwedr
ovehome.
We

foundKatandAndi
l
eint
hehouseeat
ing.Theki
dswer
ehappyt
oseet
hem.It
hinkt
hisi
snota
social

v
isi
t.

Me:
“Ki
dsgoandchanget
heschool
uni
for
m”

Theywentt
othei
rrooms.Imadesandwi
chesandj
uicef
ort
hem.Si
hlel
ovescof
fee.Ishout
edat
hi
m

butnowIdon'
t.It
oldhi
mthatki
dsdon'
tdr
inkcof
feebuthecont
inuedwi
thi
tsoIdi
dn'
ttal
kany

f
urt
her
.

Andi
l
e:“
Youhav
epuppi
esnow?
”Il
aughed.

Me:
“Ei
sh.Idon'
tl
ovet
hem butLet
huandNkany
ezi
want
edt
hem”

Andi
l
e:“
Bei
ngapar
enti
stoughy
hooo”

Me:
“Andar
abbi
tfort
hepr
incess”

Andi
l
e:“
Arabbi
t?NxaaI
'
m scar
edoft
hatt
hing”Il
aughedhar
d.

Me:
“Don'
tsayt
hati
nfr
ontofEl
am becauseshewi
l
lthr
owi
tony
ou”

Andi
l
e:“
Isi
tar
ound?
”hewasl
ooki
ngar
ound.

Me:
“Not
her
e.Theyst
ayi
nthebackr
oom”Il
aughed

WhenIwasdoneIcal
ledt
hem.Iputt
hedi
shesont
hesi
nkt
hatKatandAndi
l
ewer
eusi
ngand
wewentt
othestudy.

Andi
l
e:“
Wesawsomet
hingdi
stur
bingt
oday
”

Me:
“Iwashmyhands”

ThabiandRachel
arr
ived.Rachel
andIar
enotongoodt
ermssoIdon'
ttal
ktoherunl
essi
t
necessar
y.

Idon'
tdohugst
othem l
i
keol
dti
mes.
Thet
hreewi
vescameaf
ter
.NomxoandZeecameaf
tert
hem.

Nomxo:
“Thankst
oyoual
lforcomi
ng”

Si
l
ence

Nomxo:“Ladi
esi
tbr
okemyhear
twhenwesepar
atedokayImeanwheny
ousepar
ated
your
sel
ves

fr
om Nompe.Shewashear
tbr
okenandal
lshewant
edwasherl
ovi
ngf
ri
ends.ZeeandIhav
e
been

t
her
eforherhel
pingwher
ewecoul
d”

Thabi
:“We'
resor
ryf
ri
endandwear
ewi
l
li
ngt
odoany
thi
ngt
oamendourr
elat
ionshi
pbet
ween
us”

Me:
“Any
thi
ng?
..
..
..
”Isawl
adyl
i
keIknowherIev
ent
urnedt
olookather
.

Si
l
ence.

Myphoner
ings.
..

Kat
:“Ar
en'
tsupposedt
obewi
thNomxoandot
herl
adi
es”

Me:
“I'
m wi
tht
hem Ta”

Kat
:“Lookt
her
eis.
..
Ihav
etogo”hehungup.

Me:
“Okaybi
tches!I
’
m hungr
y”Nont
ucal
l
edt
hewai
ter
.Wehadani
cel
unch.Imi
ssedt
hem al
ot.
I

mi
ssedt
heol
dti
meswhenwewer
eusedt
odot
hisal
mostev
eryday
.

Af
terwewenttooursepar
atedways.Iwenttofet
chmycrewfrom school
aft
erwedrovehome.
WefoundKatandAndil
einthehouseeat
ing.Thekidswer
ehappytoseethem.It
hinkt
hisi
snot
asoci
al

v
isi
t.

Me:
“Ki
dsgoandchanget
heschool
uni
for
m”

Theywenttot
hei
rrooms.Imadesandwi
chesandj
uicefort
hem.Si
hlelov
escof
fee.Ishoutedat
hi
m butnowIdon'
t.It
oldhi
mthatki
dsdon'
tdri
nkcoff
eebuthecont
inuedwi
thi
tsoIdi dn'
ttal
k
anyfur
ther
.

Andi
l
e:“
Youhav
epuppi
esnow?
”Il
aughed.

Me:
“Ei
sh.Idon'
tl
ovet
hem butLet
huandNkany
ezi
want
edt
hem”
Andi
l
e:“
Bei
ngapar
enti
stoughy
hooo”

Me:
“Andar
abbi
tfort
hepr
incess”

Andi
l
e:“
Arabbi
t?NxaaI
'
m scar
edoft
hatt
hing”Il
aughedhar
d.

Me:
“Don'
tsayt
hati
nfr
ontofEl
am becauseshewi
l
lthr
owi
tony
ou”

Andi
l
e:“
Isi
tar
ound?
”hewasl
ooki
ngar
ound.

Me:
“Not
her
e.Theyst
ayi
nthebackr
oom”

WhenIwasdone

Sponsor
ed

soIdi
dn'
ttal
kanyf
urt
her
.

Andi
l
e:“
Youhav
epuppi
esnow?
”Il
aughed.

Me:
“Ei
sh.Idon'
tl
ovet
hem butLet
huandNkany
ezi
want
edt
hem”

Andi
l
e:“
Bei
ngapar
enti
stoughy
hooo”

Me:
“Andar
abbi
tfort
hepr
incess”

Andi
l
e:“
Arabbi
t?NxaaI
'
m scar
edoft
hatt
hing”Il
aughedhar
d.

Me:
“Don'
tsayt
hati
nfr
ontofEl
am becauseshewi
l
lthr
owi
tony
ou”

Andi
l
e:“
Isi
tar
ound?
”hewasl
ooki
ngar
ound.

Me:
“Not
her
e.Theyst
ayi
nthebackr
oom”

WhenIwasdoneIcal
l
edt
hem.Iputt
hedi
shesont
hesi
nkt
hatKatandAndi
l
ewer
eusi
ngand
we

wentt
othest
udy
.

Andi
l
e:“
Wesawsomet
hingdi
stur
bingt
oday
”

Kat
:“Nompeshoul
dhav
eseenher
”

Me:
“Whatar
eyouonabout
?”I
'
m conf
used.

Kat“
Wesawal
adywhol
ooksexact
lyl
i
key
ou.Exact
ly"

Me:
“Yhooot
hat
'sr
eal
l
ydi
stur
bing”

Kat
:“Iev
encal
l
edy
out
ochecki
fit
’snoty
ou”
Me:
“Oht
het
imey
oucal
l
edme?
”

Hi
m:"
YeahIwant
edt
oseei
fyouornot
"

Me:
“Yazi
Machet
ecal
l
edmet
hismor
ningaski
ngwher
eam I
?”

It
ookmyphoneanddai
l
ledhi
snumber
.

Me:
“Machet
ewhydi
dyoucal
lmet
hismor
ning?
"-Isayasheanswert
othecal
l
.

Machet
e:“
QueenIsawsomeonel
ooki
ngexact
lyl
i
key
out
hatwhyIcal
l
edy
ou”

Me:
“OkayIneedt
oseeher
”

Machet
e:“
You'
l
lseeher
”Af
terIhungup.

Me:
“Ineedt
oseeherphot
oorsomet
hing”

Andi
l
e:“
Youwi
l
l”

Myphoner
ingagai
n.

Spi
kes:
“Queenwher
ear
eyou?
”

Me:
“I'
m athomewi
thTaKatandTaAndi
l
e.Whyar
eyouaski
ng?
”

Spi
kes:
“It
houghti
tyouIj
ustsawi
nZee'
srest
aur
antnow”

Me:
“Pl
easet
aket
hepi
ctur
eofheri
fpossi
ble”

Spi
kes:
“Okay
.Iwi
l
l”hehungup.

Me:
“Anot
hercal
lSpi
kesaski
ngmywher
eabout
sbeausehesawsomeLadyl
ookexact
lyl
i
ke
me”

Andi
l
e:“
Ify
ouwer
eatwi
nIwoul
dsayi
t'
syourt
winsi
sterManj
eyounot
”

Me:
“Ei
sh.Let
'shopeshei
snotagangst
erbecauseIwi
l
ldi
eforhersi
ns”

Theyl
aughed.

Me:
“Ser
ious”

It
ookmyphoneandcal
lmymom.

Me:
“Mom howar
eyou?
”

Mom:
“I'
m goodandy
ou?
”

Me:
“I'
m good.Ther
e'ssomet
hingdi
stur
bingmeher
e.Ikeeponr
ecei
vi
ngcal
l
saski
ngwher
eI
am

becauset
heyseet
hisot
herl
adywhol
ooksexact
lyl
i
keme”

Shekeptqui
etf
orev
eryl
ongt
ime.

Me:
“Mom ar
eyout
her
e?”

Mom:
“YesI
'
m her
e.Theset
hingshappenNana.Ihav
etogo”shehungup.

Andi
l
e:“
Whatdi
dshesay
?”

Me:
“Shesai
dtheset
hingshappens”

Myphonebeepedi
tanMMSIopenedr
ightaway
..
..
..
.

Me:
“Wooooah!
.”af
terl
ooki
ngatt
hepi
ctur
eSpi
kesj
ustsentnow.

Andi
l
etookmyphone.

Kat
:“Yousee?
Wewer
eshockedt
ooj
ustl
i
key
ou”

Me:
“Canpl
easel
ookl
i
ket
hiswhent
heyar
enotr
elat
ed?
”

Kat
:“Idon'
tknow”

Me:
“HaaTa.Youar
ethedoct
orher
e”

Kat
:“Idon'
tknow”heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.

Ineedt
oknowwhot
hisl
adyi
s.Ican'
thav
esomeonewhol
ooksexact
lyl
i
kemewhati
fshe
commit
s

acri
met
henI
'
llpayf
orhersi
nst
hatIdon'
tknow.Any
wayIor
der
edt
heequi
pmentIneedt
opul
l
t
his

upcomi
nghei
st.I
nthenextf
ewday
sitwi
l
lbedel
i
ver
edi
nthewar
ehouse.

Icookeddi
nnerwi
thJuj
uandNosi
hehel
pingme.

Me:
“Ki
ds!Comeher
e”

Theycamet
otheki
tchen.

Me:
“Bef
oret
hef
oodget
sready
.Ther
eisasongIwanty
oual
ltoknow”

Juj
u:“
Bachomakakhul
ungemal
incane.
..
”

Smacamewi
thabeatoft
hesong
Si
hle:
“I'
m backi
nthegamebat
hii
secondhal
fMl
azi
Mil
ano!
”

Me:
“Nt
wanay
am nt
wanay
am”

Juj
u:“
Letmeconnectmyphonet
oauxsot
hatwecanal
ll
ist
ent
osong”hewentt
othel
ounge.I

l
ower
edt
heheati
nthest
ove.

Si
hle:
“Pl
ayi
t”

Juj
uranbackt
ous.Juj
uSmaandSi
hlewhoknowt
hisdance.Thesongst
art
edandwedanced
aft
er

t
heycl
appedhandsf
orus.

Si
he:
“Haahweal
lhav
etoknowi
t?”

Me:
“Yesbabygi
rly
ouhav
etoknowi
t”

Let
hu:
“YhooIdon'
thowt
odancemom”

Me: “
Youhavetotrymyboy.Wewill
watchthevi
deowhereweweredoingthi
sdanceokay?”
Lethucandoanythi
ngi
tjustt
hatheissoshyIdon'
tknowwhyori
tisbecauseheisapairof
othertwopeopl
eIdon'
tknow.

Nka:
“Mom dadknewhowt
odance?
”

Me:
“Yesmyboyt
oomuch.Yourf
atherwast
hebestdancer
”

Iwishhewasher
ewi
thust
oseehi
ski
dsgr
owi
ngupandt
hepr
incesshewant
ed.Ist
il
ldon'
t
know

whoki
l
ledmyhusbandIi
nvest
igat
edbutIdi
dn'
tfi
ndany
thi
ng.Spi
keshel
pedal
ongwi
thot
her
s
but

wedi
dn'
tfi
ndany
thi
ng.

Weateaf
terIputt
hedi
shesi
nthedi
shwasher
.Iwentt
othest
udyt
otaket
hedi
skIbackandu
f
ound

t
hem si
tt
ingi
nthel
oungewai
ti
ng.Igav
eJuj
uthedi
sct
henhedi
dthet
hingandhi
tpl
ay.

Let
hu:
“Wow!
”

El
am:
“Icoul
ddancel
i
ket
hatt
oo”

Juj
u:“
Yhooo!
”whenhi
sfat
herst
art
stodancei
nthev
ideo.

Sma:
“Haamchana!
”theydi
dtheyhandshaket
hingt
hey
oket
odo.
El
am:
“Mom whyIdon'
thav
ethoset
racksui
ts?
”

Nka:
“Shutup!
”

Wewat
chedal
lthev
ideo.

Me:
“Sowhatar
eyousay
ing?
”

Nka:
“Letdot
his”

Si
hle:
“Yesbaf
o!Si
hey
ouwi
l
ljoi
nusr
ight
?”

Si
he:
“If
itokaywi
thy
ouguy
s”shl
y.

Sma:
“Wewanty
oui
n”

Si
he:
“Okay
”

Juj
u:“
Let
'sdot
his!
”

Us:
“Yeah!
”

Wewentt
osl
eep.

Myphoner
ings.

Me:
“Yes”

Spi
kes:
“Shei
smar
ri
edt
oBr
aKG”

Me:
“What
?Wher
e?When?
”Isatupst
rai
ght
.

Spi
kes:
“Ov
erseas.Theymett
her
easf
arasIknow”

Me:
“Ei
sht
hanksmj
i
ta”

I
nthemor
ningIdi
dmymor
ningr
it
ual
saf
terIwentt
odomakebr
eakf
astandf
edmycr
ewaf
terI
t
ook

t
hem t
oschool
toschool
.

Me:
“Si
hebaby
.TodayI
'
mtaki
ngy
out
othedoct
or”

Si
he:
“Thanksmom”

Si
hle:
“Weal
lwantt
ogo”

Me:
“Real
l
y?”Il
ookedhi
mint
hemi
rr
orasI
'
m dr
ivi
ng.

Them:
“Yes”
Me:
“Okay
..
.”

Let
hu:
“Mom y
ousai
dwemustt
akecar
eofher
.Smat
oldmet
hatI
'
m goi
ngbeanUncl
esoon”

Me:
“YesIdi
dmyboy
.Yougoi
ngt
obeUncl
eLet
hu”

Let
hu:
“Ihav
etov
isi
tMnt
ungwaev
eryweekendnow”

Me:
“Why
?”

Lethu:“
Mntungwagi
vesmeR100whenIpol
i
shhi
sshoes.Iwi
l
lneedt
hemoneynowabest
unclebuys

hi
snephewsweet
s”

Me:
“Ncooahmyboy
.Yougav
eagoodandbi
ghear
t”

Juj
u:“
Baf
owher
eisy
ourmoney
?”

Let
hu:
“Haaah.Mkhul
uismybank”

Nka:
“Mkhul
uiseat
ingy
ourmoney
”

Lethu:“
Hewon’
teatmymoneybecauset
her
eisabookwher
ewer
ecor
dmyear
ningsi
son
grandma”

Juj
ulaughed.

Sma:
“Ar
eyouser
ious?
”

Let
hu:
“YeahI
'
m ser
ious”

Idroppedt
heol
donesf
ir
standl
ast
lyt
hey
oungones.Iwentt
othewar
ehouset
odayt
he
equipment

i
sar
ri
vi
ngsoImustbet
her
e.If
oundKatSpi
roLwandi
l
eandZamoeat
ingusu.Igr
eet
edt
hem.

Me:
“Lwandi
l
ether
eisf
unnyst
oryLet
hut
oldust
hismor
ning”

Lwandi
l
e:“
Yeah”

Me:
“Ist
ruet
hathepol
i
shesMnt
ungwa'
sshoesandgetR100f
ori
t?”Katl
aughed.

Kat
:“Iknowt
hatst
ory
”

Me:
“Okay
..
.”

Kat
:“Tai
mawasgoi
ngt
othemeet
ingi
nSat
urdaymor
ningsohef
oundLet
huandmei
ssi
tt
ing

wat
chi
ngcar
toonssoheaskedLet
hut
oPol
i
shhi
sshoessoLet
huaskedwhathewi
l
lgeti
n
r
etur
n

Mntungwasai
dR50.Heagr
eedt
oR50.Mnt
ungwawentt
otakehi
sshoeandgav
eitt
oLet
hu.
Af
ter

hewasdonet
aimagav
ehi
m R50not
e.Hecutadeal
wit
hhi
mifhepol
i
sheshi
sshoeshewi
l
l
getR100

t
henhemustkeepi
t.Let
huwi
l
ltakei
twheni
thasbabi
esar
ri
ve”Hel
aughed.

Ishookmyhead.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Tai
macameupwi
thani
deaofr
ecor
dingsdownhi
sear
nsandt
hebookwi
l
lst
ayt
o
mom”

Spi
ro:
“That
'scl
every
azi
”

Zamo:
“Toomuch”

Kat
:“Hesai
dtomeImustnott
ell
you.Whathappenedt
hatmadehi
mtot
ell
you?
”

Me:
“TodaySi
hehasappoi
ntmentwi
thgy
naecol
ogi
st.Theyar
eal
lgoi
ngsohesai
dhemustv
isi
t

Mntungwaev
eryweekendnowbecauseSmat
oldhi
mthathewi
l
lbeanUncl
esoon.Hewant
sto
buy

t
hesweetf
orhi
snephewwhenhecomes”

Theguy
slaughed.

Lwandi
l
e:“
Hei
ssocl
evert
hatnow”

Me:
“I'
m gl
adhet
eacheshi
msel
fhi
stosav
emoneyatt
hisst
age”

Kat
:“Al
lIknowi
shehasR1000ormor
e”

Me:
“What
?”

Kat
:“Hedoesn’
twai
tforMnt
ungwa.Het
akest
heshoespol
i
sht
hem andwai
tforhi
mtoget
pai
d”

Me:
“Hay
ikeangi
sazi
ke”Icl
appedonce.

Theguy
sint
hegat
ecal
l
edt
osayt
het
rucki
sher
e.It
oldt
hem t
osi
gnf
ori
t.Theof
floadedt
he

equipmentandev
ery
thi
ngi
sher
e.Isetev
ery
thi
ngwi
tht
het
echni
ciani
nourt
ruck.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
s
ready

sowecandoany
thi
ngnow.
Iwentt
ofet
cht
heki
dst
henwewentt
othedoct
or.Shei
sfourweeksandt
hreeday
spr
egnant
.
We

wenthomeaf
ter
.WhenIpar
kedt
hecarIhear
dnoi
sebutIt
houghti
tnextdoorbutst
il
lnoi
se
her
e

i
snotal
l
owed.Whenweappr
oachedt
henoi
sei
sinsi
de.
..

Me:
“Al
lofy
ougot
othecarnow!
”Ishout
edatt
hem.

Theyr
ant
othecarandgoti
n.It
ookmyt
wogunsoutputmybagont
hest
eps.Igoti
nsl
owl
yI
went

tothel
ounget
her
ewasnoone.Checkedal
lther
oomsdownst
air
sandupst
air
sther
ewasno
one.I

wentt
oswi
tchof
fthemusi
candt
vwhi
chi
twaspl
ayi
ngsol
oud.It
hinkMam'
Sisn'
ther
etoo.I
f
ound

t
her
edbandanai
nthecof
feet
abl
ewr
it
ten“
QUEENSTAYI
NYOURLANE”Redbandanabel
ongs
t
o

Dest
roy
ers.Idi
dn'
tst
eponany
one'
stoes.

Spi
rocamei
n.

Spi
ro:
“Igott
hecal
lfr
om Juj
usay
ingt
her
ewasabr
eaki
nher
e”

Me:
“Theydi
dn'
ttakeany
thi
ngbutIf
oundt
his”Igav
ehi
mthebandana.

“
QUEENSTAYI
NYOURLANE”Thi
sbandanabel
ongst
otheDest
roy
ers-
Her
eadsoutl
oud.

Me:
“Thi
sisawar
ningofsomet
hingIdon'
tknow”

Me:
“Pl
easet
aket
heki
dst
oUmhl
angaatTaKat
'sI
'
llpackt
hei
rcl
othesnow”Iwentt
opackt
hei
r

clot
hes.Ican'
tl
ett
hem sl
eepher
e.It
ookt
hei
rbagsandpackedi
tint
hecr
ewbusandSpi
rot
o
them

t
oUmhl
anga.

Ical
l
edt
heot
hermember
stomeeti
nthewar
ehouseASAP.I
nanhourt
heywer
ether
e.

Me:
“Thanksf
orcomi
ngi
ntheshor
tnot
ice.Ihav
eapr
obl
em her
eIf
oundt
her
edbandanai
nmy

house.I
tawar
ningandIdon'
thav
eacl
ue.Any
onewhocar
etoexpl
ain?
”I'
m paci
ngupand
down.

Mbuso:
“Wer
obbedt
heAbsa”i
nal
owt
one
Me:
“Youdi
dwhat
?Whendi
dthi
shappen?Whogav
eyout
hator
der
?”mybl
oodi
sboi
l
ing.

Spi
ro:
“Howmuchdi
dyouget
?”

Mbuso:
“R20mi
l
li
on”

Gang:
“Yhooo!
”

Myphoner
ings.Ianswer
edi
tandputi
tonl
oudspeaker
.

Voi
ce:“QueenIhopey
ougott
hewar
ning.Youknowt
her
ules.Ineedmymoneyt
omor
row
ni
ght”

Me:
“Youwon'
tgeti
t”

Voi
ce:“
QueenIr
especty
ousomuch.Don'
tfor
cemet
odobadt
hingst
oyou.Yourpr
eci
ous
di
abet
ic

Let
huhisdi
abet
escanbehi
ghi
nami
nut
eandi
tcanl
eadt
odeat
h.Howaboutt
hatcut
egi
rl
car
ryi
ng

y
ourf
ir
stgr
andchi
l
dcoul
dsl
eepandl
osst
hebabyi
nhersl
eepsopl
easemakeawi
sedeci
sion.

Tomor
rowni
ghtIwantmymoney
”2hehungupaf
ter
.

Me:
“Wher
eist
hemoneyLwandi
l
e?”

Lwandi
l
e:“
It
'sher
eint
hebackgr
ound”

Me:
“Tomor
rowni
ghtwear
etaki
ngt
hemoneybackt
otheDest
roy
ers”cal
mly
.

Spi
ro:
“20mi
l
li
onQueen?Ar
eyousur
e?”

Me:
“YeahI
'
m sur
e.Tomor
rowni
ghtwear
etaki
ngbackt
hemoney
”

Lwandi
l
e:“
But
…”

Me:
“Lwandi
l
e!Rememberguy
sDest
roy
ersbuycocai
net
ousbecauseourst
uffi
sthebestev
en

Scavenger
sbuyt
oussoI
'
m goi
ngt
ogett
hatmoneyback.Dest
roy
ersar
ebacki
nthegamet
hei
r
zer
oes

ar
est
il
li
nnotgoodcondi
ti
onbecauseoft
hei
rbosssor
elax!
”

Spi
ro:
“Okay
.Tomor
rowni
ghti
tist
hen”

Me:
“I'
l
lsenty
out
het
imeandpl
acebutwe'
l
lcomeher
efi
rst
”

Me:
“Okay
.Thanksguy
s”t
heyl
eft
.Iwasl
eftwi
thSpi
roandSpi
kes.Ical
l
edKut
lwanoback.
Kul
twano:
“ItQueenher
e.Tomor
rowni
ghty
ou'
l
lgett
hemoneyback.R20mi
l
li
oni
ncash.Send
me

t
hel
ocat
ion”Ihungup.

Youseei
ngangst
eri
sm y
oudon'
thav
etobef
ri
endst
owor
ktoget
her
.Wear
eenemi
esbutwhen

moneyorbusi
nessi
sinv
olv
edy
ouputt
hatbeefasi
det
henwor
k.

Iwentbackt
omyhouset
ookabat
hthenwentt
odr
eam l
and.I
nthemor
ningi
twasqui
et
ar
oundthe

house.I
'
m al
lal
onei
nthi
sgi
gant
ichouse.Mam'
Swentwi
tht
heki
dssoI
'
m al
one.Iat
eweet
bex
for

breakf
ast
.I'
m eat
ingcr
ewi
sn'
tar
oundsot
her
e'snoneed.Al
lmydaywasqui
etIcookedwhen
they

gethomeeatmyf
ood.Idon'
tl
ikei
twhenLet
hui
seat
ingj
unkf
oodbutbei
ngt
her
ewi
thNomxo'
s

sweet
nessonLet
humaket
hingswor
se.Shehasasof
tspotf
orhi
m.

MyLethuhasbeeni
nandoutofhospi
tal
especi
all
ywhenhewasy
oungatl
eastnowIcal
lhi
s
doct
or

i
fheisnotokay
.Machet
ebr
oughtt
hem homeaf
terschool
theywer
ehappysoseemewhi
l
e
Si
he

seemedsoangr
y.

Me:
“Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?”

Juj
u:“
Iteasedheraboutbei
ngf
atdur
ingl
uncht
imeatschool
evennowshei
sn'
ttal
ki
ngt
ome”I
hi
t

hi
m att
hebackofhi
shead.

Juj
u:“
Ouch!
”

Me:
“Don'
tev
ersayt
hatagai
n.Womandon'
tl
ikei
twhensomeonesayt
heyar
eget
ti
ngf
at”

Juj
u:“
Idi
dn'
tknowbutIwon'
tsayi
tagai
n”

Me:“WhenIwaspr
egnantwi
thSi
hley
ourf
athersai
dI'
m get
ti
ngf
atIcr
iedal
lday
”Ishookmy
head.

Thatpr
egnancywassomet
hingel
se.

Juj
u:“
Nowondery
ougav
ebi
rt
htoacr
azychi
l
d”hewasl
aughi
ng.
Me:
“Yey
iiwenawat
chi
t.WhenIwaspr
egnantwi
thy
ouIst
oley
ouf
ather
'sCol
ogneandIused
t
o

dr
esssmar
tjustt
ogoandbuymygoodi
es”

Hel
aughedoutl
oudhi
ssi
bli
ngscamei
nandaskedhi
m whyhei
slaughi
ng.
..

Juj
u:“
Okay
..
..Mom t
oldmewhatshewasdoi
ngwhenhewaspr
egnantwi
thme.
..
Shest
olemy
fat
her
’s

Col
ogne.
..
.Dr
essedsmar
tjustt
ogot
otheGar
aget
obuy
..
.Goodi
es”hest
art
edt
olaughagai
n
andhi
s

si
bli
ngsj
oinedi
n.

Sma:
“Mom”

Me:
“Yesmyboy
”

Sma:
“Iwoul
dli
ket
oknowmymot
heri
fyoudon'
tmi
nd”hel
ookeddown.

Ther
oom wentqui
et.

Me:
“Canwet
alki
npr
ivat
emyboy
?”

Sma:
“Ther
e'snot
hingt
ohi
demom y
oucansayany
thi
ngi
nfr
ontoft
hem”

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:“Doy
out
hatIl
ovey
oual
lwi
thal
lmyhear
t.Iwi
l
ldoany
thi
ngIsayany
thi
ngt
okeepy
ousaf
e
and

unharmed.I
fsomeonecomest
oyouandhur
tyouguy
sal
lher
eIwi
l
lav
engef
ory
ou.Asy
ou
heard

t
hefightbet
weenMt
hokoandIandJuj
uIknowy
ouhear
dthewhol
est
ory
.Smacameher
e
whenhe

was2year
sol
d.Iv
owedt
olov
ehi
mli
kemyownandhei
smysonbl
oodornot
.Ifany
oneofy
ou
t
reat
s

Smainabadwayorst
inkyat
ti
tudeI
'
llchophi
sorherf
inger
sandf
ryt
hem.Am i
ncl
ear
?”Iwas
l
ooki
ng

atme

Them:
“Cl
ear
”

Me:
“Ev
ersi
ncey
ouf
atherpassedawayIwantt
okeepourf
ami
l
yuni
tedandst
rong.Iwor
khar
d
t
o

takecar
eofy
ouandmakesur
ethaty
ouhav
eev
ery
thi
ngy
ouneedsoIdon'
twantany
onei
nany
of

y
ouher
etobr
eakt
hebondwehav
eher
e”

Sma:
“That
'st
ruemom”Ishookmyheady
es.

Sihl
e:“
SoMom whatar
eyoudoi
ngf
oral
i
vingbecauseIhear
dki
dsatschool
say
ingbadt
hings
about

y
ou”Ismi
l
ed.

Me:“Myboymommyi
sabusi
nesswoman.Iownacl
ubshar
esi
nMbul
azi
Att
orney
sshar
esi
n
Uncl
e

Spi
ke'
slogi
sti
ccompanyandot
herbusi
nessy
ourf
atherownedar
emi
ne”

Juj
uandSmasmi
l
ed.TheyknowwhoIam.Si
hei
sawf
ulqui
et.

Me:
“Si
hewhyar
eyout
hisqui
et?Ar
eyouokay
?”

Si
he:
“I'
m okaymom.I
tjustt
hat
..
.”shel
ookeddown.

Me:
“What
'swr
ongbaby
?”

Me:“Mi
ssSangweni
atschool
insul
tedi
nthePhy
sicscl
assf
orbei
ngpr
egnantatt
hisage”she
l
ooked

down.

Juj
u:“
Shedi
dwhat
?Whyy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lthi
s?”Juj
uwi
thahi
ghv
oice.

Me:
“Juj
ucal
m down.Iwi
l
lhandl
ethi
sokay
?”cal
mly
.

Juj
u:“
Thatbi
tch!Shewant
edmeandIt
oldhert
hatIhav
emygi
rl
fr
iendandshei
spr
egnantwi
th
my

chi
l
dnowsheusest
hatt
ohur
tSi
he!Shewi
l
lknowmet
omor
row”Hei
sreal
l
ySamkel
o'
sson.

Me:
“Juj
uIdon'
twanty
out
ober
udet
owar
dsy
ourt
eacher
s.Iwi
l
lfi
xthi
stomor
row”

Juj
u:“
Pleasedomom becausei
fyoudon'
tIwi
l
l.Idon'
twantSi
hlet
obest
ressed”

Si
hle:
“Gi
veheronehel
lofasl
apbaf
o”

Me:
“Si
hlel
elwe!
”
Si
hle:
“Mom!Shehur
tSi
heIdon'
twantmynepheworni
ecegetst
ress”

Me:
“Yousoundj
ustl
i
key
ourf
athernow”Icl
osedmyey
es.Ineedt
ofi
xtomor
row.

Theyat
etheyf
oodanddonet
heyhomewor
kaf
terIcookedsupperwhi
l
eEl
am wasmodel
l
ing
forme.

I
twasacut
escenet
olookat
.Int
ercom r
ang.El
am andNkany
ezi
rant
oit
.

El
am:
“Iwi
l
lIopenf
ory
ousweet
hear
t!
”

Af
terf
ewmi
nut
esThandocamei
n.

Thando:
“Ther
areandpr
eci
ousst
oneonear
th!
”

El
am: “
Yourbl
ackdi
amond!
”shef
ixedherdr
ess.Shehuggedheraunt
y.Hav
eyouev
erhear
dof
genes?

Elam i
sthey
oungerv
ersi
onofThando.Ev
enEl
am'
stoesandhandsar
eThando'
s.El
am got
his
father
s

v
oicewhi
l
etheot
hert
wol
ooksexact
lyl
i
ket
hei
rfat
her
.

Si
hle:
“HeyAunt
y”Smawentt
ohughert
oo.

Me:
“HeyAunt
y”

Thando:
“Heyhowar
eyou?
”

Me:
“I'
m goodandy
ou?
”

Thando:
“I'
m good”

El
am:
“Whaty
ougotf
orme?
”

Thando:
“Not
hingsweet
hear
tbutwegoi
ngt
oeatdi
nnerout
.Al
lofy
ou”El
am j
umpupanddown
i
n

j
oy.Shelov
esherAuntt
odeat
hbecauseshei
stheonl
yper
sonwhoi
snotj
eal
ousofher
“
beauty”
.Me

andot
her
sar
ejeal
ousofher
.It
houghtSi
hlewast
oomuchwhenhewasay
oungbutnot
his
onei
s

wayt
oomuch.Dr
amaQueen!

Iwentwi
thNkaandLet
hut
othei
rroom t
odr
esst
hem f
ort
hei
rdi
nnerout
.El
am waswi
thher
Aunt
shehel
pswi
l
ldr
essherup.

Me:
“NkaandLet
huIt
oldy
out
hatIdon'
twanty
ourpuppi
esi
nyourr
oom.Taket
hem t
otheback

r
oom”Si
hleent
eredt
her
oom.

Me:
“Si
hlepl
easet
aket
hesepuppi
est
othebackr
oom”

Si
hle:
“Whydon'
ttheygoandputt
hem i
nthebackr
oom?
”

Me:
“Isai
dpl
ease”

Hesul
kedbutt
ookt
hem any
way
.If
ixmyboy
sandt
henaf
terwemet
other
slooki
ngcut
eand

handsome.Si
hei
sgoi
ngwi
tht
hem.Atl
eastThandol
i
kesher
.Theywer
ehappyt
ogosoIl
et
them be.

Iwentbacktotheki
tchent
odi
shf
ormy
sel
fandwentt
owor
konmypl
ant
obeper
fectandt
o
besurecasethi
ng.

Chapt
er49

I
nser
t51

Todayi
sthebi
gday
.Toni
ghtourhi
esti
sgoi
ngdown.TheGent
sar
emaki
ngmener
vousandI
know

t
heydon'
ttr
ustmet
hatIcoul
dpul
lthi
sof
f.It
ookt
heki
dst
oschool
asusual
aft
erIwentt
othe

war
ehouset
ochecki
fev
ery
thi
ngi
sokay
.If
oundt
hebi
gdogseat
ing.

Cr
aig:
“QueenkaAxe”Hepul
l
edt
hechai
rforme.

Me:
“AhhamaGr
oot
man”

TK:
“Thest
rongwomanIknow”

Spi
kes:
“Ei
shmf
ethu.Shei
stheQueen”

Me:
“Iam t
heQueenIf
ixmycr
ownwi
thanAxet
hatmyhusbandl
eftf
orme”Ismi
l
ed.

Thecl
appedt
hei
rhandsf
orme.TaKatl
aughi
ng.

TK:
“Isev
ery
thi
ngundercont
rol
?”

Me:
“Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ngaspl
anned”

Kat
:“Good”
Iwasof
fer
edaj
uiceIchi
l
ledwi
tht
hem af
terIwentt
ofet
chki
dswhoar
eal
way
sbubbl
e.El
am
l
oves

herrabbi
twhi
chshenamedmunchi
e.Idon'
tknowt
hemeani
ngbutwecal
li
tli
ket
hat
.Nkaand
Lethu

namedt
hei
rpuppi
esBobandBobby
.Whenwear
ri
vedathomeImadesandwi
ches.

Machetei
scomi
ngher
ewi
thSenzot
oguar
dmyki
ds.Si
hei
sget
ti
ngf
atr
eal
l
ybutshei
s
beaut
if
ulwit
h

ki
l
lerbodynowonderJuj
udi
dn'
twai
thebr
okeherv
irgi
nit
ytooear
ly.Ihopeandpr
ayJuj
unott
o

br
eakSi
he'
shear
t.

Iwentt
omybedr
oom t
ookmydr
essof
fandwor
eSamkel
o'
sVer
saceshi
rt
.Imi
ssmyhusband
ever
y

dayofmyli
fe.I
'
venev
erl
ovedsomeonel
i
kehi
minmyl
i
fe.Imi
ssourmoment
swecr
eat
ed
toget
her
.

Hi
svoicewasmusi
ctomyear
sIl
ovedhi
m dear
lyandwhol
ehear
tedl
ybutGodhasdi
ff
erent
pl
ans

f
orus.

Let
hu:
“Mom whyar
eyoucr
ying?
”hi
svoi
cet
rembl
i
ngbr
oughtmebacki
ntor
eal
i
ty.

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
squi
ckl
yandIsmi
l
edathi
m.

Me:
“I'
m notcr
yingbaby
”Icuppedhi
sfacet
omyhands.

Let
hu:
“Ist
her
esomet
hingt
roubl
i
ngy
oumommy
?”hi
svoi
cei
sbr
eaki
ng.Hebr
okedown.It
ook
hi
m

t
omychestandhushhi
m.

Me:“Don'
tcr
ymyboy
.Not
hingi
str
oubl
i
ngy
ourmommy
.Mom mi
ssy
ourf
athersobadl
ybut
don'
t

wor
ryy
our
sel
fabouti
tokay
?”henodded.

Let
hu:
“Youl
ovedmyf
ather
?”Ismi
l
edathi
m.

Me:“
Ilov
edy
ourf
athersomuch.Hewasmyev
ery
thi
ng.Hemademesmi
l
elaughhappy
.He
al
so

l
ovedy
ouguy
swi
thev
ery
thi
nghehad”
Let
hu:
“Whyhel
eftus?
”

Me:
“Hepassedawaymyboy
.Hei
sanangel
whol
ooksaf
terandgui
deus”

Henodded.

Igotupwi
thhi
m wewentt
otheki
tchenf
orhi
mtodr
inkwat
ersot
hathecanbecal
m.WhenI
got

downt hest
air
smyki
dswear
elooki
ngatus.Theyl
eftwhatt
heywer
edoi
ngt
heycamet
othe
ki
tchen.

Si
hle:
“Mom ar
eyouokay
?”

Isawsadnessi
nthei
rey
es.

Me:
“I'
m okaybaby
”If
lashedasmi
l
e.

Juj
u:“
Younotokaymom.Youdon'
tj
ustweardad'
scl
othesj
ustnj
e”

Ismi
l
ed.Myki
dsknowmet
oowel
l
.

Let
hu:
“Shemi
ssesdad”

Juj
ugav
emeaconf
usedl
ook.

Let
hu:
“Iwentt
oherbedr
oom If
oundhercr
yingandshet
oldmewhyshei
scr
ying”

Sma:
“Mom”

Me:“Iwasf
orcedt
obecausehej
ustcr
ied”IknowIwasn'
tsupposedt
otel
lhi
mthewhol
etr
uth
but

Idi
dn'
thav
eachoi
ce.

Sma:
“Weal
lmi
sshi
m mom”

Juj
u:“
Yeahweal
ldo”

Si
hle:
“HaaahAxemadoda”

Iwasshockedt
othecor
e.Myj
awdr
opped.

"
Wher
edi
dyougott
hatname?
"-Isayoutofshock.

Theyal
ll
aughedatmel
i
keI
'
m cr
azyorsomet
hing.

Si
hle:
“Real
l
ymom?Myf
atherwasawel
l
-knowngangst
erandhi
sunder
groundnamewasAxe.
He
wasf
ear
edbecausehewasacol
dbl
oodki
l
lerandhewasr
uthl
ess”

Juj
u:“
Haah.Youngcomput
ergeek!
”

Me:“Si
hleIt
oldy
oudonotgoogl
eusel
esst
hingswi
thy
ourPConl
yschool
wor
kbuty
ouchoose
not

t
oli
stent
ome”

Sma:
“Hei
slear
ninghowt
ohackt
hisone”

Si
hle:
“Sma!
”heshout
ed.

Juj
u:“
Andhi
scodesar
ecool
”

Me:
“Si
hlel
elweAmukel
waKhumal
o!”Iscr
eamed.

Si
hle:
“Mom Il
ovecodi
ngandIwi
l
lpur
suemycar
eeri
nITl
i
kei
tornot
”

Me:
“Whydi
dyouhav
etost
ubbor
nli
key
ourf
ather
?”

Si
hle:
“BecauseIam myf
ather
'sson”hewi
nked.

Huh?

Me:
“Idon'
tknowwhatt
odoany
mor
e”def
eat
.

Sma:
“He'
sgoodmom hei
stheonewhounl
ockt
henet
wor
kinourphoneswheny
oul
ockt
hem”

Theyey
eswer
epoppedout
..
.

Sma:
“Shi
t.
..
”

Me:
“Si
hlel
elweKhumal
o!”Ishout
ed.

Juj
u:“
Mom pl
easecal
m”

Me:
“Don'
ttel
lmet
ocal
m down”

Me:
“Si
hley
ou'
regr
oundedal
lyourgadget
sinmybedr
oom now!
”

Si
hle:
“Butmom.
..
”

Me:“Don'
tbackchatmeI
'
llsl
apt
heshi
toutofy
ounow”myv
oicef
il
ledt
her
oom andt
heyal
l
kept

qui
et.

Lethudr
ankwat
erandhecal
meddown.It
ookhi
m wi
thmet
othel
ounge.Isatwi
thhi
mint
he
couch.
Lethu:
“Lov
ebi
rds”hewhi
sper
edi
nmyearaswesatdown.Juj
uandSi
hewear
esi
tt
ingi
none
couch.

It
ri
ednott
olaugh.

SmaNkaandEl
am ent
ered.

Let
hu:“
Justl
ookatt
hem”hewhi
sper
edagai
n.Icoul
dn'
thol
ditany
mor
eIj
ustbur
stedout
l
aughi
ng

andhej
oinedaf
terme.Si
hleent
ered.

Sma:
“Pl
easeshar
ethej
okeguy
s”

Let
hubur
iedhi
sfacei
nmychest
.

Me:“
Iwonderwheny
oual
lgr
ewup.Let
hucal
l
edJuj
uandSi
hel
ovebi
rdsandIt
ri
edt
ohol
da
l
augh

andhesai
d“j
ustl
ookatt
hem”hesai
dwi
thsomef
unnyv
oicewi
thsomeexpr
essi
on”Il
aughed
agai
n.

Theyal
ll
aughedandSi
hebl
ushed.

Juj
u:“
Wheny
out
alkaboutl
ovebi
rdsy
our
emi
ndmeofmom anddad”

Igav
ehi
m al
ook.

Juj
u:“
Iwasy
oungmom butwesawhowhewasar
oundy
ou”

Nkanyezi(
Nka)camet
osi
tont
opofmel
i
kehi
sbr
otherandEl
am wassi
tt
ingwi
thSi
hewhi
l
e
herhead

i
sinSi
he'
slapandshewasbr
ushi
ngherhead.

Sma:
“That
'st
ruebaf
o.Dadl
ovedmom”

Nka:
“Hel
ovedherl
i
keJuj
ulov
esSi
he?
”Ij
ustsmi
l
edwonder
ingwhenmyt
hreer
ascal
shav
e
gr
own

whent
heyt
alkl
i
ket
his.

Si
hle:
“Yesnt
wana”OkayIt
houghtIgr
oundedt
hatone.

Me:
“Si
hleonaser
iousnot
eIdon'
twanty
out
obei
nthi
sfi
eldknowi
nghowy
ouandy
ou’
l
lar
ebe
i
n

deepshi
tsoon”outofconcer
n.
Si
hle:
“Mom Il
ovei
tonedayIwoul
dli
ket
obesof
twar
edev
eloperorsomet
hingpl
easedon'
tcut
me

of
f”

Iexhal
edl
oudl
y.

Me:
“Idon'
tknowwhatt
osayany
mor
eIj
ustdon'
tknow”Ir
aisedmyhandsupi
ndef
eat
.

Aft
erweateandt
heywentt
osl
eepIwentt
omyr
oom wor
emycl
othesandputmyl
ate
husbandcoat

ontop.Ical
l
edourboy
stocomeandguar
dmychi
l
drenIdon'
twantanymi
staket
oni
ghtIneed
to

f
ocusev ent
hought
hist
hingofSi
hlewor
ri
esmeandhi
mtobest
ubbor
nli
kehi
sfat
herwor
sen
t
hings.

Somet
imesIwi
shhecoul
dbeher
etodeal
wit
hboy
sbuthei
sn'
ther
esoImustbet
oughand
woman

up.

Af
tert
hesecur
it
ywasher
eIt
ookmybi
kesandr
odt
othewar
ehouseIf
oundmyt
eam t
her
eand
Ta

Kat.Somet
imesshemakesmener
vousIwonderhowt
heydot
hisbutIt
hinkt
heygoti
tfr
om
thei
r

f
ather
.Fuckt
hatol
dmani
sdi
ff
erentIdon'
tknowhowbuthei
s.

Kat
:“It
hinky
our
eady
”

Iexhal
edl
oudl
y.

Me:“
I'
mreadyf
ort
his.Let
'sdoi
tguy
s”Theycl
appedf
orme.Myt
eam andIgoti
nthet
ruckand
ot
her

i
nthecar
s.Wedr
ovet
othel
ocat
ionwher
ethi
shei
stshoul
dhappen.Isetmyeart
omout
h

mi
crophone.

Me:
“Spi
rocany
ouhearme?

Spi
ro:
“YesQueenIcanheary
ou”

Me:
“Good”

Icheckt
heot
her
sandwewer
eal
lcommuni
cat
ingwel
l
.
At02:
13am.

Me:
“Guy
sonposi
ti
on.Let
'sshowt
hem whatwear
emadeof
”

Theycheer
ed.

Me:“
Thet
rucki
s45mi
nut
esawayf
rom her
esoIneedy
out
ober
eadyandf
astanddoacl
ean
j
ob

nof
lops”

Them:
“Sur
eQueen”

Whenthet
ruckwast
ruckwas10mi
nut
esawayIdeact
ivat
edal
ltr
acker
sinj
ewel
l
eryandt
he
t
ruck

t
racker
.

Me:
“Guy
sber
eadyt
het
racker
sal
lof
f”

Spi
kes:
“Thet
rackeri
sst
il
li
nthet
own”

Me:
“Good”

Me:“
Theautodri
veisact
ivat
edonal
lthecar
sher
einN3sot
het
rucki
saboutt
otaket
her
out
e
wher
eourboysare”

Spi
ro:
“Gr
eat
!”

Att
hatmomentj
ammedt
hemobi
l
enet
wor
kinar
oundt
hisar
eaIhackedi
ntot
henear
est
sat
ell
i
teso

thet
ruckdr
iver
scancal
lthebossesaaboutwhati
saboutt
ohappen.It
hencont
rol
thet
ruckt
o
our

l
ocat
ion.It
urnedal
lthecar
stot
heopposi
tedi
rect
ionsandt
heycoul
dn'
tfol
l
owt
het
ruck.

Me:
“Machet
edoy
out
het
ruck?
”

Si
l
ence!Myhear
tal
mostst
opped.

Machet
e:“
Queen.
..
..
.Iseet
het
rucknow.Boy
sonposi
ti
on.
..
..
..
..
Pressst
op!I
thasar
ri
ved”hewas

shout
ing.

Me:
“Tel
lmewhent
heyar
edoneokay
?”

Machet
e:“
Giv
eus10mi
nut
est
henwe'
l
lbedone”
Ipl
ayedwi
thmynai
l
s.

Spi
kes:
“Thecar
sar
est
il
lgoi
ngt
otheopposi
tedi
rect
ions?
”

Me:
“Rel
axIgott
his”

Spi
ro:
“Andt
hecamer
asar
est
il
lont
hebei
ng“
on”

Ismi
l
edwhi
l
eIt
appedmyf
oot
.

Machet
e:“
Queenwear
edone.Doy
ourt
hings”

Me:
“Good”

It
urnedt
het
ruckbackIt
urnedal
lthecar
stot
hei
rdi
rect
ionandt
het
ruckoni
nther
oadagai
nas
i
t

wasandt
hedr
iver
swer
edeadi
nsi
det
het
ruckr
ememberi
twascont
rol
.Ihackedi
ntot
he
camer
asI

gotaccessf
astIwi
pedt
hef
oot
aget
hatshowedt
hecar
stur
ningi
ntoopposi
tedi
rect
ionand
whenthe

t
ruckt
ookanot
herr
out
e.Theboy
swentt
othewar
ehouseaf
tert
aki
ngt
hej
ewel
l
eryaf
terwe
f
oll
owed

t
hem t
othewar
ehouse.

Spi
ro:
“Queent
hecl
i
enti
sout
side”

Me:
“Good.Pl
easest
ayal
armedIdon'
ttr
ustt
hisf
ool
sobepr
epar
edf
orany
thi
ng”

Idon'
tWi
zar
dhei
stheonewhot
hecl
i
ent
.He'
sbeenourcl
i
entf
orsol
ongbutdon'
ttr
ustany
one.

Spi
kesshowedhi
m andhecamewi
thhi
sbody
guar
ds.

Wi
zar
d:“
QueenofAxeImustsay
..
..
”hewasdi
stur
bedt
oseeTaKat
.

Wi
zar
d:“
Ithoughtwewer
eingoodt
ermsQueen”

Me:“Yeswear
eandpl
easel
et'
sgetdownt
obusi
ness”Isawhewasuncomf
ort
abl
ewi
thTa
Kat
's

pr
esence.

Wi
zar
d:“
Iwoul
dli
ket
oseemypar
cel
”

Me:“
Wizar
dyoucant
rustme.
..
Spi
kesandSpi
ro”Ii
ndi
cat
edwi
thmyheadf
ort
hem t
ocome
wi
ththe
j
ewel
l
eryandt
heydi
dandhi
sbody
guar
dscheckedev
ery
thi
ngandt
heot
heronewhi
sper
edt
o
hi
m

somet
hingandt
heot
herputt
het
wobl
ackbi
gbagsont
opoft
het
abl
e.

Machet
eopenedt
hebagsandgav
eoner
oll
toTaKatandme.

Kat
:“Yeah.
..
..
.”henoddedwi
thasmi
rkonhi
sface.

Me:
“Ihopet
heonei
sexact
lywhatweagr
eedonbecausei
fit
’snoty
ouknowwhatI
'
lldot
oyou”
I

r
aisedmyey
ebr
owwi
thasmi
l
e.

Wi
zar
d:“
Iwon'
tri
skmygoodr
elat
ionshi
pwi
tht
hemostf
ear
edwomanonear
th”

Me:
“Good”

Aft
erweshookhandsandhi
sbody
guar
dst
ookt
hej
ewel
l
eryandt
heywent
.Iexhal
edl
oudl
yand
I

cl
osedmyey
esIwasdi
stur
bedbycl
apsofhands.

Me:
“Huhguy
sreal
l
y?”i
nal
owv
oice.

Andi
l
e:“
Imustsayt
hatUy
ibozza!
”

Kat
:“Wheni
tcomest
oITonl
y”addedwi
thabi
gsmi
l
e.

Wel
aughed.

Kat
:“HaaahIdi
dn'
ttr
ustt
hesei
deasbutIt
ookar
iskt
osuppor
tit
”

Me:“
I'
m gl
adi
twassuccessf
ulandIdon'
tcar
eaboutt
hemoneyI
'
m gl
adt
haty
ousuppor
tedmy
i
dea

andi
tcost
edal
otofmoneybuti
twasasuccessf
ort
hef
ir
stIcr
eat
edt
hatcodeandI
'
m pr
oud
of

my
sel
f”

Theycl
apped.

Spi
eks:
“Hay
ingi
yakuv
uma!
”her
aisedhi
shands.

Machet
e:“
Youal
lmusthai
ltot
heQueen”ashehai
l
ed.Wel
aughedathi
m andt
heyal
ldi
d.

Andil
e:“
Thi
scal
l
sforcel
ebr
ati
on!
”Het
ookhi
sphoneandmadef
ewcal
l
s.Mi
nut
esl
ayer
sthe
food
meatanddr
inkscamef
loodi
ng.

Theboy
swentt
ocountt
hemoneyandSpi
rot
ookmehomeaf
tert
hecel
ebr
ati
onIl
eftmybi
ke
i
nthe

war
ehouse.WhenIwasi
nsi
det
hehouseIhear
dacardr
ivi
ngandi
twasSpi
ro.Iwentt
oheckon
my

r
ascal
sIf
oundJuj
uonSi
he'
sroom sl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ulandi
twasi
nnocentIl
eftt
hem be.I
wentt
o

checkontheot
her
sandt
heywer
eokay
.Iwentt
otakeashoweraf
terIwentt
omywal
k-i
n
cl
osettook

myl
atehusbandT-
shi
rtandwor
eitandIwentt
obed.

If
eltpr
oudofmy
sel
f.
..
.

Thabi
:“Lunchatourf
avour
it
erest
aur
antandi
t'
sonme”

Me:
“Ei
shokay
!Okay
”I’
mli
tt
lebi
tannoy
ed.

Thabi
:“Okayat13:
00pm”

Af
terIdr
oppedt
hecal
lannoy
edt
othecor
e.Iwantt
osl
eepI
'
mti
red.

Iwentt
otakeacol
dshower
.TodayI
'
m wear
ingmyhusband'
sLuoi
sVi
tt
onshi
rtandbl
ack
ri
ppedj
ean

andIt
uckedt
heshi
rti
nfr
ontandl
efti
tov
erl
appi
ngbehi
ndandIputmycr
eam Ji
m Choeeand
my

Chanelbag.TodayIchosemybl
ackMaser
att
iandIdr
ovet
other
est
aur
ant
.Iwenti
nsi
deand
saton

t
het
abl
ebecauseshesentmeal
lthedet
ail
sasusual
.

Aft
erf
ewmi
nut
eswai
ti
ngf
orThabi
Isawt
heguyappr
oachi
ngbutIt
houghthei
sgoi
ngt
osi
tto
the

nextt
abl
etomi
neasI
'
m wai
ti
ngf
ormyf
ri
end.Nxaawher
eisshekant
i?It
ookmyphoneouti
n
the

bag.
..
.

“
Sor
ry”hepul
l
edachai
randsatdown.

Andt
hen?Hesi
tscomf
ort
abl
y.
..
.Whatt
hef
uck?
Me:
“Ify
oudon'
tmi
ndI
'
m wai
ti
ngf
ormyf
ri
endsot
heseati
sreser
ved”cal
mlybutI
'
m pi
ssed.

Hi
m:“
I'
m al
someet
ingmyf
ri
endher
e”

Me:
“What
?Goandf
indt
heot
hert
abl
ethen”Isnapped.

Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
owsonme!
!!
!!
!!
!

Hi
m:“
Yourt
abl
enumber
s?”

Me:
“Tabl
enumber10”I
’
m annoy
ed.

Hi
m:“
Met
oo.
..
.Wai
t.
..
”heputhi
shandonhi
sfacel
ooki
ngshy
..
.

Hi
m:“
Bli
nddat
e?OhGod!
”wi
thasi
gh.

NoThabi
can'
t.
..
.Noshecan'
t.
..
.No.
.No.
..
.

Icl
osedmyey
esandl
ookedup.If
eltangr
yandmyf
aci
alexpr
essi
onchangedandIcl
enchedon
my

j
aws.

Hi
m:“
Woooah!Pl
easecal
m downIal
sodi
dn'
tknowl
i
key
ou.
..
”

It
ri
edt
ogetupandhehel
dmyhand.

Me:
“Don'
ttouchme!
”Isai
dwi
thcal
m butaggr
essi
vel
y.

Hi
m:“
Sor
ry.
..
Canweeatl
unchatl
eastbecausewear
eher
eal
readyandI
'
m hungr
y”

Ikeptqui
etf
orsomet
imet
hinki
ngaboutl
otoft
hings.Fi
rstI
'
m wear
ingmyl
atehusband'
sshi
rt
and

I
'
m onast
upi
dbl
i
nddat
ewear
inghi
sshi
rt
..
..
Ifel
ttear
sinmyey
es.
..

Hi
m:“
Arey
ouokay
?”

Me:
“Yeah…”Isai
dfai
ntl
y.
..

Thewai
tr
esscamet
otakeouror
derandIwasev
enhungr
yal
lIwant
edi
stobeatThabi
forher
st
upi
d

pl
an.Ior
der
edt
hechi
ckensal
adandor
angej
uice.

Hi
m:“
I'
m Ml
ondi
Masi
l
ela”

Me:
“I'
m NompeKhumal
o”wi
thoutasmi
l
einmyf
ace.

Hi
m:“
I'
m achar
ter
edaccount
antbypr
ofessi
on”war
m smi
l
e.
Me:
“I'
m anI
Tspeci
ali
stbypr
ofessi
on”If
akedal
i
ttl
ebi
tofsmi
l
e.

Ourf
oodcameandwest
art
edt
oeatandIcansayhewashungr
ybecauseheeat
shi
sfoodand
I
'm

t
ossi
ngt
hissal
adi
nfr
ontofme.
..
.

Hi
m:“
Anyki
ds?
”

Me:
“I'
m amot
herof7”wi
thsmi
l
e.

Hechokedonhi
sfood.

Me:
“Youdi
dn'
texpectmet
ohav
esomanyki
dsr
ight
?”wi
thaf
rown.

Hedr
ankhi
sjui
ce.

Hi
m:“
NoIdi
dn'
texpectt
hatIt
houghty
ou'
l
lsaymay
be”hel
ookedabi
tunset
tl
ed.

Me:
“Mhhm”Iwaspi
ssedashel
l
.

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandhi
sey
espoppedout
.

Hi
m:“
Whoi
sthel
uckyguy
?”hel
ookedatmyhands.

If
eltt
ear
sinmyey
es.
..
Ilookedup.
..
.

Me:
“Myl
atehusband.
..
.”Isai
dwi
thf
ir
mtonet
ryi
ngt
obest
rong.

Hi
m:“
I'
m sor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss”hebr
ushedmyhand.Iy
ankedmyhandf
rom hi
m.

Ikeptqui
et.

Hi
m:“
Hei
sthef
atherofy
ourchi
l
dren?
”

Me:
“Yeshei
s..
.”

Hi
m:“
Yourf
acel
ooksf
ami
l
iar
”hel
ookedi
ntomyey
es.

Ichuckl
ed.
..

Hi
m:“
Whoy
ouwer
emar
ri
edt
o?”

Me:
“Whywi
thsomanyquest
ionsdude?
”Iat
emysal
ad.

Hi
m“Answermepl
ease”wi
thaf
ir
mtone.
..
..
.

Okay
..
.

Me:
“Samkel
oKhumal
o”
Hi
m:“
Samkel
oKhumal
owhowasownedMbul
azi
Att
orney
s?”

Hi
sey
espoppedout
..
.

Hi
m:“
Ithi
nkt
hat
'smycuet
oleav
e”hegotupqui
ckl
y.

Me:
“Okay
..
.”Il
ookedathi
m.

Het
ookhi
scarkey
sandphoneandhel
eftr
ushi
ngout
.

Idrankmyj
uicet
ookmybagandwentt
omycar
.WhenIwasi
nsi
deIt
ookofmyheel
sandI
droveto

Thabi
'
shouse.Ipr
essedt
hebel
laf
tert
hegat
eopenedIt
ookofmyheel
sandIdr
ovet
o

Thabi
'
shouse.Ipr
essedt
hebel
laf
tert
hegat
eopenedIgoti
nandpar
kedmycar
.Idi
dn'
twear
my

shoeIwal
kedbar
efoott
othemai
ndoorNokweopened.

Nokwe:
“Heyf
ri
end”shef
akedasmi
l
e.

Me:
“Hey
.IsThabi
her
e?”

Shepoi
ntedt
othel
ounge.Iwentt
her
eIf
oundt
hewi
vesdr
inki
ngwi
ne.

Me:
“Mhhm y
ouar
ehav
ingani
cet
imeneh?
”

Thabi
:“Fr
iend.
..
”

Nont
ulookedatmeandshel
ookeddown.

Me:
“Expl
ainThabi
nowbef
oreIl
osemyt
emper
”Igav
east
are.

Thabi
:“Fr
iendi
tbeent
olongbesi
ngl
eaf
terSamkel
opassedaway
”

Me:“
Don'
tyouf
uckenar
ement
ionmyl
atehusband'
sname.Doy
ouhearme?
”myv
oicei
shi
gh
now.

Rachel
:“Nompepl
easecal
m down”

Me:
“Voet
sek!
”Ishout
edandshekeptqui
et.

Thabi
gotupandf
ixedt
hedr
essshei
swear
ing.

Thabi
:“LookIwasl
ooki
ngupf
ory
ouasaf
ri
end.Iknowy
oul
onel
yandy
ouneedsomeonet
o
comf.
..
”

shedi
dn'
tfi
nisht
hesent
ence.Isl
appedhersohar
dandi
tcausehert
ofal
l
.Wi
thabl
i
nkofan
ey
eI

wasont
opofherbeat
ingshi
toutofher
.

Ihear
dvoi
cesbutIdi
dn'
thearwhatt
heywer
esay
ingIf
ocusedonThabi
.Nont
utr
iedt
orest
rai
n
me

f
rom Thabi
Itur
nedwi
thahar
d-backsl
apandi
tlandedonherf
ace.

Si
we:
“Pl
easecal
m down.
..
”

Me:
“Youal
lher
elaughi
ngandmaki
ngmeaf
ool
..
.”

TK:
“What
'swi
thnoi
sei
nmyhouse!
?”weal
ltur
nedt
olookathi
m.

Rachel
wentt
ohel
pThabi
togetup.Andi
l
egotf
oll
owedbyot
her
s..
..

Andi
l
e:“
And.
..
Then.
..
?”heaskedwhenhest
atesawt
hemesshi
swi
fewasi
n.

TK:
“Tal
k!”r
aisedhi
svoi
ce.

Me:“Askal
loft
hismot
her
fuckert
heyar
eher
etr
yingt
opl
ayGodi
nmyl
i
fe”Myv
oicei
sful
lof
anger
.

TK&Andi
l
e:“
Don'
tspeakt
omywi
fel
i
ket
hat
”

Me:
“Hehehehe!
”Icl
appedonce.Whi
l
eIgav
ethem adi
sappoi
ntmentl
ook.

Igr
abbedmykey
sandt
urnedt
oleav
e..
..

Me:“Maybei
fmyhusbandwasst
il
lal
i
vehewoul
ddef
endmeunf
ort
unat
elyhe'
snot
.I'
m
wonder
ing

howy
oucoul
ddef
endt
hem whent
heysetupabl
i
nddat
eformewi
thot
herf
ool
.Whatbr
eaks
my

hear
tisIwaswear
ingmyl
atehusband'
sshi
rtwhenIwentt
omeett
hatf
ool
.Youdon'
tknow
howI

f
eelr
ightnowbutwhoam t
oI'
m wi
dowt
oyoual
l
”Idi
dn'
tnot
icet
hatIwascr
yingIf
eltt
heshi
rt
wet

onmychest
.

AsIt
urnedt
oleav
e..
.

TK:
“NompeI
'
m sor
…”

Me:
“Sav
eit
!”Iexi
tedIr
ant
omycargoti
ncr
ying.Iputmyheadonast
eer
ingwheel
thenIcr
ied.
Aftersomet
imeIhear
daknockonmywi
ndowwhenIl
i
ftedmyheadupi
twasTK.Iwi
pedmy
face

bef
oret
henaf
terIr
oll
eddownt
hewi
ndow.

TK:
“Nompel
ookI
'
m sor
ryf
ornothear
ingt
he.
..
”

Me:
“Pl
easeopent
hegat
eforIneedt
ofet
chmyki
ds”t
ear
sst
reameddownmycheeks.

Hedi
dn'
trepl
yhewenti
nthehouseandt
hegat
eopenIdr
oveoutandImadei
tsaf
elyathome.

Lucki
l
ySpi
ropi
ckedt
hem up.

WhenIgoti
nsi
det
heywer
efi
ne.Bl
ackdi
amondbubbl
yasal
way
s!

El
am:
“Mom pl
easecomeseet
hedr
essImadef
ormydol
l
”shepul
l
edmyhand.

Me:“Nanacanwepl
easedoi
tanot
hert
imemommyi
snotf
eel
i
ngwel
lsheneedst
osl
eep”I
ki
ssed

herf
orehead.Shef
rownedandIdi
dn'
thav
eener
gyt
odeal
wit
hher
.Juj
ugav
emeawei
rdl
ook.

Me:“Juj
uSiheSmaandSi hl
epleasemakesur
ethi
srascal
isi
ndoor
sandsaf
eokay
?Ineedt
o
sl
eepforanhourorso”Iwentupthest
air
stomyroom.

Iwenttot
akeal
ongshowerandIwascr
ying.Af
tert
aki
ngashowerIt
ookhi
sshi
rtandwor
eit
thenI

wentt
omybedgoti
nthecov
ersandIcr
ied.Iwasdi
stur
bedbyadooropeni
ng.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s

qui
ckl
yandt
urnedt
olookwhoopenedt
hedoor
.It
'smysquad.

Let
hu:
“Mommyar
eyouokay
?”

Isni
ff
ed.

Me:
“I'
m goodmyboy
”

Theyal
lcamei
nandsatont
opoft
hebed.

Si
hle:
“Mom wear
eol
dnowweknowwheny
ounotokay
.Whoi
str
oubl
i
ngy
ou?
”Hi
svoi
cei
s
fi
rm.

If
akedasmi
l
e.

Me:
“I'
m okaymyboy
”Ibr
ushedhi
sshoul
der
.

Nka:
“Wear
esl
eepi
ngwi
thy
out
odaymom”
If
akedasmi
l
e.

Me:
“It
'sokay
.Goandchanget
oyourpy
jamasandcomej
oinmom me”

Sma:
“I'
m notcomi
ngback”

Juj
u:“
Met
oo”

Si
hle:
“Mxm!
”

Theywal
kedoutaf
tersomemi
nut
est
heycameback.WespokeandI
aughed.Mychi
l
drenar
e

ev
ery
thi
ngt
heyputasmi
l
eonmyf
ace.Mybundl
esofj
oy.

I
nthemor
ningIdi
dmymor
ningr
out
ineswentt
owakeupt
heki
dsandIbat
hthem.Pr
epar
ed
t
hem

f
orschool
andIt
ookt
hem t
oschool
.Onmywayhomeaf
terdr
oppi
ngt
hem.Ir
ecei
vedacal
l
f
rom

Andil
e.Il
efti
trangandi
twentt
ovoi
cemai
l
.Theyknowt
hathowIf
eel
aboutdat
ingaf
termy
husband

passedaway
.WhenIgothomeIwentt
othest
udyandwor
konsomecode.I
fIdon'
tkeepmy
busyI

wi
l
lgocr
azybecauseI
'
m st
il
langr
y.

At13:
00pm Ir
ecei
vedacal
lagai
n.It
ookawi
thoutchecki
ngt
hecal
l
erI
d..
..

Me:
“Whati
sit
!?”Isnapped.

Voi
ce:
“Uhm Mr
sKhumal
o”

Me:
“Yes”cal
mly
.

Voi
ce:“
Uhm I
'
m cal
l
ingf
rom Gl
enwoodpr
imar
yschool
it’
saboutLet
hukhany
a”Ist
oodup
qui
ckl
y.

Me:
“What
'swr
ongwi
thhi
m?I
sheokay
?”

Voi
ce:
“Uhmm.
..
”

Me:
“Speak!
”Isnapped.

Voi
ce:
“He.
..
Hewent
.tot
het
oil
etnowIcan'
tfi
ndhi
m..
.”

Me:
“What
?Atwhatt
ime?
”
Voi
ce:
“At12:
30Ithink”It
ookmyphonecar
skey
sandl
apt
opIwentt
othecargoti
nandIputi
n
ont
hepassengerseat.

Me: “
Youtr
yingt
otel
lmet
hatmyki
dhasgonef
ort
hewhol
e30mi
nut
esa7-
year
-ol
dwi
thout
checki
ng

whathei
sdoi
ng?
”I'
m shout
ingnow.

Voi
ce:
“I'
m sor
ryma'
am”shesai
dcal
mly
.

Me:
“Nxaav
oet
sekmaar
n!”Ishoutandhungupaf
tert
hat
.

Idi
all
edandputmyphoneonl
ouderspeaker
.

Me:
“Theyt
ookhi
m.Whoev
erdoi
ngt
hisI
'
m goi
ngt
opai
ntDur
banr
edwi
thbl
oodIswear
”

Kat
:“Wooahcal
m down!Theyt
ookwho?
”

Me:
“Theyt
ookLet
huf
rom school
nowI
'
m onmywayt
oGl
enwoodpr
imar
y”

Kat
:“Ei
sh!Fuckuhm goandy
ou'
l
lmeetusatt
hewar
ehouse”hesai
dandhungup.

Idrov
eli
keami
nai
c.WhenIgott
her
eIf
oundpol
i
ceal
lov
ert
heschool
premi
ses.Iwentst
rai
ght
to

t
heof
fi
ce.If
oundSi
hlesi
tt
ingdownont
hef
loornotcr
yingbuthi
sey
esr
edwer
eredshot
.

Me:
“Wher
eismyki
d?”Ibangedt
het
abl
e.

Mr
sWhol
e:“
MrsKhumal
oIwoul
dli
ket
osp…”

Me:“
Shutt
hef
uckup.Youbet
terpr
ayt
hatIf
indmysoni
nonepi
eceorel
se.
..
”myv
oicei
sful
l
of

anger
.

Mr
sWhol
e:“
Ist
hatat
hre.
..
?”

Me:
“Voet
sek!
”Ii
ntur
ptedher
.

Me:
“Wher
eist
heot
hert
wo?
”It
urnedt
osomebi
tch.

Her
:“Thi
swaypl
ease”sheusher
edme.

Me:
“Si
hlecomewi
thme”Hedi
dn'
trespondbuthegotupt
ookhi
sschool
bagandhef
oll
owed
me.

Me:
“Hehehedon'
ttel
lmet
hatt
heysl
eptont
hei
rowni
nthosef
uckenr
ooms.I
fIdon'
tfi
ndt
hem
I
swear
!”I
'
m shout
ing.

Wegoti
nthesi
ckr
oom andIsawEl
am sl
eepi
ngi
nbed.

Me:
“Wher
eisNkany
ezi
?”Iaskedt
hebi
tcht
hatIwasf
oll
owi
ng.

Her
:“Uhm hewasher
e..
.”
Ibr
ushedmyheadr
oughl
y.Tookagunoutandcor
kedi
t.

Her
:“Ahhhhh!
!!Il
eft
..
..
Him her
e”shescr
eamed.

Nka:
“Mommy
!”comi
ngf
rom anot
herr
oom.

Si
hle:
“Nt
wana.Ar
eyouokay
?”hehuggedhi
mti
ght
ly.

Henodded.Il
etoutabi
gsi
gh.Thedooropenedandf
our
steacher
sandPr
inci
pal
camei
n
r
unni
ng.

Mr
sWhol
e:“
What
'sgoi
ngonher
e?”

Me:“
Goandt
ell
thosef
uckenusel
esspol
i
cet
ogoandf
indmychi
l
d”Isaypi
cki
ngupEl
am who
was

asl
eepandhel
dNka'
shandandweexi
tedt
her
oom.

Wewentt
othecar
.Iputi
ntheback.El
am wokeupwhenwewer
eint
hecar
.

El
am:
“Ishenotback?
”Thatquest
ionbr
okemyhear
t.

Me:
“Mom wi
l
lfi
ndhi
m okay
”

Shenodded.Ist
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveoutoft
heschool
.

Nka:
“Whati
fhei
shungr
ymom?
”It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:
“Let
'shopei
sful
lwher
everhei
s.Mommyi
sgonnaf
indLet
huandbr
inghi
m homeokay
?”
t
ear
s

wer
est
reami
ngdownt
hecheeks.Let
humustnotbet
oohungr
yheshakes.

Whatwor
ri
esmei
sthatSi
hlei
smor
eli
keofhi
sfat
her
.It
houghthewi
l
lcr
ywhenhehear
dthat
hi
s

l
i
ttl
ebr
otheri
ski
dnapped.

Myphoner
ang.

Sakhi
:“Wher
ear
eyou?
”

Me:
“I'
m onmywayt
ofet
chot
her
sthanI
'
llt
aket
hem t
oUmhl
anga”
Sakhi
:“You'
l
lfi
ndmewai
ti
ngi
nthegat
e.I
'
llt
aket
hem t
oUmhl
anga”

Me:
“Okay
”Ihungup.

Idr
ovet
her
eandIf
oundhi
m wai
ti
ngashesai
d.El
am andNkar
ant
ohi
m wentdownt
othei
r
l
evel

hehuggedt
hem bot
handt
heybr
okedown.Af
tersomet
imet
heycal
meddown.Si
hledi
dn'
tsay
a

wor
dheusawf
ulqui
et.

Si
hle:
“Ar
eyouokaybaby
?”Hegav
eabl
ankst
areandhedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Sma:
“Mom di
dyouf
indhi
m?”whenhesawme.

Me:“
Iwaswai
ti
ngf
ory
oual
l
.You'
l
lgot
oUmhl
angaI
'
llcomeper
sonal
tof
etchy
ouwhenIf
ound
hi
m

okay
?”

Si
l
ence.

Si
hebrokedown.It
ri
edt
ocal
m herbuti
tdi
dn'
thel
pandhermanmanagedt
ocal
m herdown.
Af
ter

weal
lwentt
oSakhi
'
scr
ewbusandt
heyal
lgoti
n.

Me:
“Iwi
l
lsendMachet
etocomeandbr
ingy
ourcl
otheswi
thMam'
Sokay
?”

Juj
u:“
Okay
”

Si
l
ence.

Si
hle:
“Mom Idon'
twanty
out
obemom r
ight
.Iwanty
out
obeAxe'
swi
feQueenkaAxeandgo
fi
nd

ourbrot
her
.Don'
tcomebackwheny
oudon'
thav
ehi
miny
ourar
ms”wi
thst
rai
ghtf
aceSakhi
gave

mea“
whatt
hef
uckl
ook”

Me:“
List
enher
ebabi
es.Iwi
l
lpr
otectal
lofy
ouwi
thev
ery
thi
ngIhav
e.Iwi
l
lbr
ingLet
huhome
al
i
ve

ev
eni
fit
’st
hel
astt
hingIwi
l
lokay
”Sakhi
wasl
ooki
ngatme.

Me:
“Agr
oupf
istbump?
”
Wemadeourgr
oupf
istbumpaf
terIl
eftf
ort
hewar
ehouse.

It
ookmyphoneandt
racedLet
hu'
str
acker
..
.

Me:
“It
'sonN2butsout
h.I
thaspassedPor
tShepst
one”

Spi
ro:
“Whodoy
out
hinki
tis?
”

Spi
kes:
“Letmemakef
ewcal
l
s”

TaKatandt
heot
her
swer
ebusyonmaki
ngscal
l
s.

Me:
“Cal
lBr
aKGnowandouthi
m onl
oudspeaker
”

KG:
“Hel
l
o”

Me:
“Doy
ouwantwar
?”

KG:
“What
?”

Me:“BraKGl
etmehopey
ounott
heonewhot
ookmysonbecausei
fit
’sl
i
ket
hatmakesur
e
youhide

y
ourf
ami
l
yunder
groundwher
eIwi
l
lnotr
eacht
hem”cal
mly
.

KG:“
QueenIt
houghty
ouknowmebynow.That
'snotmyst
yleandi
tforamet
uer
sandI
woul
dn'
tdo

t
hatbecausei
twi
l
lcausewarbet
weent
hegangs”

Me:
“Okay
.Sur
e..
.”Isi
gnal
l
edt
oSpi
rot
ocutt
hecal
l
.

Spi
kes:
“Queenf
orwar
dtheGPScoor
dinat
est
omenow”

Anot
if
icat
ional
ertbeepi
nmyl
apt
opIi
nvest
igat
edi
t.

Me:
“Fuck!
!”Ibangedat
abl
esohar
d.

Kat
:“Whati
sit
?”

Me:
“I'
m goi
ngonaki
l
lspr
eeandnoonewi
l
lst
opme!
”Ir
oar
ed.

I
tshi
ft
edal
apt
opt
ohi
mitwaspi
ctur
esofLet
husl
eepi
ngi
nthef
loor
.Mi
nut
esaf
teranot
her

not
if
icat
ion.Iopenedi
t.
..

Itav
ideonowofmychi
l
dcr
ying.I
'
m sur
ehei
sscar
edandal
one.Hei
sn'
tsupposedt
ocr
yandni
know

f
orsur
ethathei
shungr
y.Onet
earescapedmyey
e..
.
Me:
“Let
'sgo!
”Ishout
ed.

Wewentt
ocar
sanddr
oveout
.Spi
rowasamani
acandwhenwear
ri
vedwher
ehewaswe
f
oundour

member
sscout
ingt
hepl
aceandot
her
swer
epl
anni
nghowgeti
nsi
det
hathouseLet
huwasi
n.

Aswewer
est
andi
ngt
her
ewehear
dgunshot
scomi
ngi
nsi
det
hehouse.Al
ltookourgunsout
and

wejumpedt
hef
encet
ogeti
nsi
det
hey
ard.Aswewer
eappr
oachi
ngwehear
dscr
eams.Spi
ro
ki
cked

t
hedoorandwesawaheadf
lyi
ngout
.Suddenl
yal
ll
ight
swentof
f.Wet
ookphonesSpi
rof
ound
a

l
i
ghtandheswi
tchedi
ton.

Therewer
eli
fel
essbodi
esl
yi
ngar
ound.Iwentt
otheot
herr
oomsandIf
oundLet
husl
eepi
ngi
n
the

bedsopeacef
ul.Ther
ewasat
hrowont
opofhi
m.Iqui
ckl
ywentt
ohi
m andki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead.
I
n

thetabl
eIf
oundusedsy
ringeandl
i
ttl
ebot
tl
eofi
nsul
i
nthatLet
huuses.IwassoshockedbutI
picked

upmyLet
hu.

WhenIf
oundt
heguy
slooki
ngatt
hel
i
fel
essbodi
es.Igav
eLet
hut
oMachet
etot
akehi
stot
he
car
.

Spi
kes:
“IfAxewasal
i
veIwoul
dsayhewasher
ebuthei
sn'
t.
..
”

Spi
ro:
“Thi
sishi
sst
yle”

Si
l
ence.

Kat
:“Ther
eisaf
uckenusel
essdogoutt
her
ewhoi
str
yingt
ofakeAxe”heent
eredi
nar
oom.

Me:
“Spi
robur
nthi
shouse”Iwal
kedout
.

Iwentt
othecarmybabywasst
il
lsl
eepi
ng.Spi
kesdr
ovet
othehospi
tal
justf
orcont
rol
because
Ta

Katgaveamedi
cal
att
ent
ion.I
nthehospi
tal
thedoct
orcheckhi
m andhesai
dev
ery
thi
ngi
s
under
cont
rol
andhewon'
tbeadmi
tt
ed.Lat
erwedr
ovebackt
oDur
ban.

Wedr
oveUmhl
angat
o.Spi
kespar
kedt
hecarIgotoutandt
ookLet
hut
omyar
m andwewent
t
o

i
nsi
det
hehouseot
her
swer
efol
l
owi
ngus.

WhenIent
eredi
nthel
ounget
heywer
ewat
chi
ngt
vNkat
urnedf
ir
stt
olookatmydi
rect
ion.He

j
umpedandscr
eamed.

Nka:
“Let
hu!Let
hui
sback!
”theyal
ltur
nedt
olookatus.Theyst
oodupandcamet
ous.
..

El
am:
“Let
hu!Let
hu!
”shescr
eamed.

Lethumov
edandr
ubbedhi
sey
es.El
am cr
iedt
hatshockedmebecauseal
lIknowhi
s;t
heyar
e
catand

mouse.Iwentt
osi
tdownwhi
l
ehewasi
nmyar
ms.Shecamet
osi
tnextt
ohi
m.

El
am: “
I'
vemi
ssedy
ouLet
hu.Don'
tyouev
erdi
sappearl
i
ket
hatokay
?”shewasbr
ushi
ngher
br
other'
s

back.

Let
huwasqui
etandhest
art
edt
ocr
y.It
ri
edt
ocal
m hi
m downbuthecr
iedhar
d.Juj
uandhi
s

gr
andmot
hercamewi
thmedi
cat
ion.

Me:
“It
hinkheneedst
oeatf
ir
st”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Okay
”

Si
hecamewi
thbowl
andgav
eitt
ome.

Me:
“Thanksmybaby
”

Let
hui
scal
m now.Ist
art
edt
ofeedhi
m.

Nka:
“I'
m hungr
ytoomommy
”

El
am:
“Met
hree”

Ij
ustsmi
l
ed.

Let
hu:
“Hahai
t’
smyf
ood”

Nka:
“We'
l
lshar
e”

El
am:
“Yeahwe'
l
lshar
ejustt
het
hreeofus”
Il
aughedandf
eedt
hem i
nonebowl
.

Myphoner
ang.Ipi
ckedi
tup.

Me:
“Yeah”

Machet
e:“
QueenIf
oundoutwhot
ookt
heLet
hu”

Me:
“Uhm.
Letmecal
lyouaf
terhal
fanhour
”

Machet
e:“
Okay
.Sur
e”hehungupaf
ter
.

MaNdl
ovui
nject
edLet
huandhedozedof
fimmedi
atel
y.

Mnt
ungwacamei
n.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Makot
i”hesai
dashesi
tsi
nhi
scouch.

Me:
“Yebobabani
njani
?”

Mnt
ungwa:
“I'
m good.Cany
oupl
easepassmygr
andsont
ome?
”

HeIgotupJuj
ucamet
omef
astandt
ookLet
huonar
m.Igav
ehi
m aquest
ioni
ngl
ook.

Juju:“Lookatwhaty
ouar
ewear
ing”hewhi
sper
edt
omyear
.Icl
osedmyey
esemmi
det
ial
yand
Ifelt

ashamed.Isatshy
ly.

Me:
“I'
m sosor
ryt
odi
srespecty
ourhouseMnt
ungwa”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Itokaymnt
anam i
t'
sunder
standabl
e”

Juj
urushedout
.

Me:
“It
hinkweshoul
dgetgoi
ng”

Mnt
ungwa:
“OkayMakot
iIwi
l
lcomeandseet
hem ont
hisweekend”

Sihecr
iedoutl
oud!Comet
owar
dst
hel
i
vingr
oom wei
n.Af
tershegoti
n.Juj
ucamewi
tha
snakeon

hi
shand.

Me:
“Hay
iJuj
umaar
nSi
hei
spr
egnant
!”Ishout
edathi
m.Hesmi
l
ed.

Si
hle:
“Haaabaf
o”

Sihei
sn'
tusedi
nthi
sJuj
u'
sst
rangeconnect
ionwi
thsnakes.Hel
eftwi
ththesnakes.Si
hlewent
toget
wat
erf
orSi
he.

Me:
“Ki
dsi
t'
sti
met
ogo”

Theywentt
ogett
hei
rbacks.Wewentt
othecar
.

Kat
:“Nompeweneedt
otal
k”hewal
kedt
owar
dst
hecar
.

Me:
“Ineedt
otaket
hem homeaf
terwe'
l
lmeet
”Isi
gnal
i
nghi
m wi
thmyey
es.

Kat
:“Okay
.Af
teranhourt
hen”

Mam'
Scamewi
thherbagandt
incake.

Me:“Mam'
SI'
m sor
ryf
ornott
ell
i
ngt
owheni
t’
sjustt
hatmymi
ndwasal
lov
ert
hepl
ace.I
'
m
sor
ry”

Mam‘
S:“
It
'sokaymychi
l
d.Iunder
stand”

Me:
“Thanksal
otMam'
S”

Weal
lgoti
nthecarandIdr
oveof
f.

Whenwear
ri
vedIdeci
dedt
omakemacar
oni
andmeatbal
l
s.

Si
he:
“Ei
myf
eet
”whensheent
ersi
ntheki
tchen.

Me:
“Sor
ryNana”

Shewentt
ocar
dboar
dandt
ookmar
shmal
l
owschi
psandhoney
.

Me:
“Juj
u!Comeher
e”Ishout
ed.

Juj
u:“
Comi
ng!
”heshout
ed.

Me:
“Si
heneedsf
ootmassage”

Hegav
emeawei
rdl
ook.

Me:
“What
?”

Juj
u:“
Not
hing”

Me:
“Good.Nowgoandr
ubSi
he'
sfeet
”

Theywentt
othel
ounge.

Sma:
“Mommyphonedon'
thav
enet
wor
k”hesati
nthehi
ghchai
rint
heki
tchen.

Me:
“Real
l
y?Goandt
akemyl
apt
opi
nthest
udy
.Thi
sisst
range.Ineedt
ogett
othebot
tom of
what

i
shappeni
ngher
e”It
ookmyphonei
tal
sodi
dn'
thav
enet
wor
k.Mi
nut
esl
aterhecamebackwi
th
i
t.

Me:
“Someonej
ammedt
henet
wor
k”

Juj
u:“
Mommyphonedon'
thav
enet
wor
k!”

Me:
“I'
mtr
yingt
ofi
xit
!”Ishout
edback.

Me:
“Ki
ds!Comeher
enow!
”Ishout
edoutl
oud.

Theygat
her
edi
nthel
oungel
ooki
ngt
err
if
ied.

Me:
“Wher
eisSi
hle?
”

El
am:
“Hei
sinhi
sroom”

Me:
“Doi
ngwhat
?”

El
am:
"Hei
sbusyonhi
slapt
op”Shef
lappedherey
elashesr
epeat
edl
y.

What
'si
fit
..
.

Iwentt
othest
air
stookf
ewst
ep

Me:
“Si
hlel
elweKhumal
o!Comeher
enowwi
tht
hatl
apt
op”Ishout
ed.

Fi
vemi
nut
esl
aterhecamedown.

Me:
“Si
hlel
elwewhymustIal
way
srepeatmy
sel
ftoy
ou?Huh?
”

Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.

Me:
“Isai
dcomewi
thy
ourl
apt
opandwhatdi
dyoudo?
”

Her
aisesaney
ebr
owonme.

Me:
“Ar
eyoudoi
ngt
hatt
hingonme?
”Iwentst
rai
ghtt
ohi
m.

Hekeptqui
etst
il
l.

Me:
"I'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyoudammi
t!
"-
Ishout
ed.

Het
urnedandwentupst
air
s.Hecamebackwi
thhi
slapt
op.

Me: “
Hereist
helaptopy
ouwanted.Wheny ouspeakgent
leIhearyouI'
m notdeafsodon'
t
shoutatme”hepull
edanannoy
edf ace.It
ookthelapt
opandgav ehi
m onehellofsl
apandit
causedhimtofal
l.
Chapt
er50

Me:
“Don'
tyouev
erf
uckent
alkt
omel
i
ket
hatwena”Iwentupst
air
stomyr
oom t
ocal
m my
sel
f

down.Idon'
tknowwhyhei
sthatr
ude.Hei
swor
set
hanhi
sfat
her
.

Af
terIwentt
otheki
tchen.Let
huwassl
eepi
ngi
nSi
he'
slap.Idi
shedf
orev
ery
one.It
ookt
he
pl
atest
o

t
hedi
ningt
abl
e.

Me:
“Ki
dsf
oodi
sready
”

Theycamewal
ki
ngsl
owl
y.Si
hlewasn'
ther
e.Sur
elyhei
sinhi
sroom.

Me:
“Wher
eisSi
hle?
”

Si
l
ence.

Me:“
Okay
.Iknowy
ouar
eter
ri
fi
ednowofwhatIdi
dtoSi
hle.Onet
hingy
oual
lmustknowi
sI
l
ove

y
ouuncondi
ti
onal
l
yandIwon'
tl
etany
thi
ngorany
onet
ohar
myoubutIwon'
ttol
erat
edi
srespect
i
n

myhousef
rom mychi
l
dren”

Si
l
ence.

Let
hu:
“MommySi
hlewascr
yingi
nhi
sroom”

Me:
“Okaymyboy
.Letmecal
lhi
m her
e”Ibr
ushedhi
shead.

Igotupf
rom t
hechai
r.Ist
oodnextt
othest
air
s.

Me:
“Si
hlel
elwecomeher
enow!Bef
oreIcomet
odr
agy
ououtoft
hatr
oom!
”Ishout
ed.

Hetookhi
sti
met
ocomedown.Af
ter
10mi
nut
eshecamewal
ki
ngsl
owl
y.Iwentbackt
othe
di
ning

areaandhef
oll
owedme.Isatdownandst
art
edt
oeat
.Ihear
dachai
rbei
ngpul
l
edi
twashi
m
gett
ing

upf
rom i
t.

Me:
“Si
hlesi
tthatski
nnyassofy
our
snow!
”cal
mly
.
Hest
oodst
il
l.

Me:
“Si
hle!
”Iputt
hef
orkdownandcl
osedmyey
es.

Me:
“Ihat
etor
epeatmy
sel
fSi
hleIsai
dsi
tdown!
”myv
oicei
sst
art
ingt
orai
seup.

Juj
u:“
Sihl
esi
tdownnow!
”hepr
emandedhi
m.

Hest
oodst
il
l.

Me:
“Don'
ttestmechi
l
d”Iwasl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Si
hle:
“Orwhat
?”

Il
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.Igotupandwentt
ohi
swher
ehewassi
tt
ingi
n.

Me:
“Isy
oumanenought
odi
srespectmenow?Huh?
”

Isl
appedhi
m andhecat
chmyhand.

Me:“Okay
.I'
l
lgi
vey
ouwhaty
ouwant
.Fi
stf
ighti
tis”Ipushedmysl
eeper
sandt
ookof
fmy
j
acket.

Juj
u:“
Mom pl
easedon'
tdot
hat
!”

Me:
“NoJuj
u.Hei
smanenought
ofacemer
ight
?”

Me:
“Comeboyl
et'
sdot
his”

El
am:
“Mom!
”Ii
gnor
edher
.

Isl
appedSi
hleacr
osst
hatcausedhi
mtof
all
.

Me:
“Iwon'
tbedi
srespect
edi
nmyhouse”

Hegotup.Isl
appedhi
m agai
nbutt
hist
imehemanagedt
obal
ance.

Si
he:
“Mom pl
easest
op!
”shewascr
ying.

Sma:
“Si
hlemaar
nst
opi
t!
”

Isl
appedhi
m agai
n.

Me:
“IfIhav
etobeaty
ouupev
erydayIwi
l
lIdon'
tmi
ndf
ulf
il
li
ngwhaty
ouwi
shf
or”

Juj
u:“
Mom!Lookwhaty
ouhav
edonenow”hepani
cked.

WhenIl
ookedathi
m.Let
huwasl
ayi
ngdown.

Me:
“Fuck!
”Iqui
ckl
ywentt
ohi
m.
Me:“Takecarkey
sJuj
uweal
lgoi
ngt
othehospi
tal
!”Ipi
ckedLet
huupandIr
anout
side.Juj
u
unl
ocked

thecarweal
lgoti
nandIdr
oveof
f.It
oldJuj
utocal
lMam'
Stoi
nfor
m hert
hatwegoi
ngt
othe
hospi
tal
.

Whenwear
ri
vedt
her
ehewasat
tendedf
astandt
hedoct
orsai
dhi
sdi
abet
esr
isedupbuthedi
d.
I

askedtoseehi
m andhesai
dImustgoi
n.It
ookt
heki
dst
ogoi
nLet
hu'
swar
d.Wesatt
her
e
l
ooking

atme.Hewokeupandcr
iedImanagedt
ocal
m hi
m down.Af
tert
wohour
shewasdi
schar
ged.
Weall

wenthome.

AsIdr
ovei
nthey
ardIsawt
hreecr
ewbusesandIknewt
heguy
swer
eher
e.Igotoutt
hecar
and

pi
ckedLet
huupandwenti
nsi
de.

Me:
“Youneedt
ost
artbuy
ingf
oodi
nyourcr
ibsguy
s”Isawt
hem eat
ing.

Kat
:“Whati
swr
ongwi
thhi
m?”

Me:
“Di
abet
esr
isedupbuthei
sbet
ternow”

Andi
l
e:“
Whathappened?
”hepoi
ntedatSi
hle'
scheeks.

Me:
“Whatar
eyougoi
ngi
nmyhouse?
”

TK:
“Nompeweher
etoapol
ogi
se”

Me:
“Ki
dsgoandsl
eep”

Theywentupst
air
s.Iwentt
otuckLet
hui
nmybed.If
oundEl
am andNkamybedal
ready
.Iwent
back

t
othegent
s.Wespoket
hingst
hroughandt
heyapol
ogi
sedaboutwhathappenedandweat
e.

Kat:“
Ther
e'ssomedi
ckoutt
her
etr
yingt
obeAxe.Ki
l
li
ngst
yleandal
lthat
.Thei
nject
ionwe
found

t
her
eisexpensi
veandt
hequest
ioni
swhoi
she?Butt
heboy
sar
eoni
taswespeak”

Me:
“Wheny
ouf
indt
hatmot
her
fuckerpl
easedon'
tdoany
thi
ngwi
thoutme”

Spi
kes:
“HahahaQueenwhatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd?
”
Il
aughed.

Me:
“LetmesayIhav
esomet
hingi
nst
oref
orhi
m”

Lat
ert
heywentandIwentt
omyr
oom andsl
ept
.

I
nser
t52

Wef
oundoutt
hatSi
hei
scar
ryi
ngt
wins.Shecr
iedal
lthewayunt
ilwear
ri
vedathome.Ki
dsar
e

exci
tedwhi
l
eJuj
uandSi
hear
est
ressedbutIt
oldt
hem t
hatI
'
llbet
her
eforki
ds.

TodayI'
m goi
ngt
ohav
eal
unchwi
thsi
sterandf
ri
ends.Af
tert
aki
ngki
dst
othei
rgr
andpar
ent
's
house

atUmhl
angaIdr
ovet
oourf
avor
it
erest
aur
ant
.If
oundt
hem al
readysi
tt
ing.

Nomxo:
“Yougogi
rl
!”

I
'
m wear
inganol
i
ve-
greenbandagedr
esswi
thbl
ackheel
.

Nont
u:“
You'
rehot
”

Me:
“Thanky
ou”

Thewai
tercamet
oourt
abl
eandt
ookouror
der
.Theyapol
ogi
sedandwespoket
hingst
hrough.
Our

ordercameandwedi
gint
alki
ngaboutol
dti
mesl
aughi
ng.Af
terwewer
edonegi
rl
sor
der
champagne.

Me:
“ExcusemeIneedt
ogot
othel
adi
es”Igotupf
rom t
hechai
r.

AsItur
nedIbumpedt
osomel
ady
.Herf
il
efel
landt
hepaper
swer
eal
lov
erIwentdownt
ohel
p
her
.

Me:“Sor
ryIdi
dn’
ttoandl
ookhowy
ourpaper
sar
emessedup.I
’
m sor
ry…Il
i
ftedmyheadupa
l
it
tl
e

t
olookatherwhyshehasn’
tsai
dany
thi
ngbecauseI
’
m apol
ogi
singher
e…”

Whatt
hef
uck!
!

Il
i
ter
all
yfr
ozeIl
ookedatherasshewasl
ooki
ngatmei
nthatposi
ti
on.Ihav
enev
ersawany
one
who

l
ooksexact
lyl
i
keme.

Her
:“Ineedt
ogo”Shet
ookherpaper
sthatwer
einmyhandandwal
kedout
.
Nont
u:“
Whatt
hef
uckhappenedher
e?I
fIdi
dn’
tknowIwoul
dhav
esai
dthati
syourt
winbutno

y
ou’
renot
”

Ihear
dhert
alki
ngbutIdi
dn’
tmakehear
dofwhatshewassay
ing.

“
Nompe!
”sheshookmebackt
oear
th.

Nokwe:
“comeandsi
tfr
iendIcanseey
oubi
tunset
tl
ed”

Iwentbackt
omychai
randsatdown.Ineedt
oknowwhoshei
sbef
oreI
’
mindeepshi
tbecause
we

l
ookt
hesame.I
fshecommi
tsf
raudorsomet
hingt
heycoul
dbemi
stakenl
yar
restme.

Af
terl
unchIwentt
othecl
ubt
ochecki
fev
ery
thi
ngi
sokayandIf
oundev
ery
thi
ngi
nor
der
.I
went

home.Icookedsupperandweal
lat
eandsl
ept
.

If
orgav
eAndi
l
eandt
heguy
sbecauseofwhathappenedbet
weenus.Wear
est
il
ltr
yingt
ofi
nd
who

i
str
yingt
oimi
tat
emyhusbandbutwehav
en’
tfoundany
thi
ng.If
oundoutt
hatt
hel
adyIsawat
t
he

r
estaur
anti
sKagi
soMai
te’
swi
fe.Ist
il
lfi
ndi
tst
rangebecausewef
oundherbackgr
ound
i
nformat
ion

abouther
.Shewasbor
nandbr
edi
nAmer
icaandheraccentconf
ir
mst
hatbuti
t’
sokay
.

Ihaven’
thear
dfr
om mymot
herbutshesai
dshei
sinJobur
gdoi
ngherper
sonal
stuf
fther
eof
which

shedidn’
tmenti
on.I’
m al
oneinthi
shouseki
dsatUmhl
angav
isi
ti
ngpensi
oner
sbutt
heyar
e
comingbacktodaybecauseLet
huorder
edthem t
o.

Int
ercom wentof
fIwentt
oocheckwhoi
tis.I
twasTaKatandAndi
l
e.Iopenedf
ort
hem andI
cl
osed

t
hegat
e.

Andi
l
e:“
Whent
hishousei
tqui
teIgetbor
ed”

Kat
:“Haaat
ooqui
etf
ormyl
i
king”

Il
aughedatt
hat
.

Me:
“Somet
imesIgetpeaceandbeabl
etot
hinkbutIcan’
tleav
ewi
thoutt
heynoi
sei
tkeepsme
happyandl
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtot
hef
utur
e”

Wel
aughed.

Iwentt
ogett
hem asusual
l
y.Whi
skeyandi
ce.Wedi
scussedbusi
nesswhi
chIhav
eshar
esi
n.I
went

t
ostar
ttocookdi
nnerwhenIwasaboutt
ofi
nisht
hedooropenedatIhear
dnoi
set
hatwar
ms
my

hear
t.Andi
l
eandKatcamet
otheki
tchen.

El
am:
“Uncl
eAndi
l
ecanIhav
emyBr
azi
l
ianhai
r?”Weal
ll
ookedatAndi
l
e.

Andi
l
esi
ghed.

Andi
l
e:“
Nompecany
ouhel
pme?
”

Me:
“Youmustbej
oki
ng.Ican’
t”

Hesi
ghed.

Andi
l
e:“
BlackDi
amondy
ouseeUncl
efor
goti
tathomenow…”

El
am:
“Pl
easegi
vemecashsot
hatIcancal
lAunt
yThandot
obuyi
tformet
henI
’
llpayher
”

Idi
dn’
tseet
hatcomi
ng.

Andi
lehav
eherR200not
eatl
eastshedi
dn’
tknowt
heBr
azi
l
ianhai
rspr
ices.Shei
sjumpedup
and

down.Af
tershewentt
oherr
oom t
ohi
dehermoneybecauseImi
ght
ytakei
t.Weal
ll
aughedat
her

whenshel
eftt
oherr
oom becauseshet
hinksshei
stoocl
everwhenshedoesn’
tknowany
thi
ng.

Weat
edi
nneraf
tert
hatIser
vedi
ce-
cream andcr
ushedor
oesasdesser
t.Weal
lsati
nfr
ontof
t
v.

NkaandLet
hupl
ayedwi
tht
hei
rspoonsasi
ftheywer
egunsandmaki
nggunsounds.

Nka:
“Li
stenher
eIam t
heGhostandIl
eadt
hisCi
tyandal
lov
er!
”

Let
hul
aughedandsai
d“Pl
ease!Pl
ease!
”

AfterLet
husai
dthatt
heybot
hlaughedandIwasl
ooki
ngatt
hem t
ryi
ngt
omakesenseofwhat
they

sai
d.
Let
hu:
“haaaht
hatGr
andpa”

Icar
ri
edoneat
ingmyi
ce-
cream.

Nka&Let
hu:
“TheGhostdon’
tdi
eTheGhostl
i
vef
oev
er”t
hatcaughtmyat
tent
ion.

Kat:
“Ki
dspl
easegot
oyourr
oom now.NkaandLet
hupl
easest
aybehi
nd”Hesai
dwi
thasmi
l
e.
Isee

hedon’
twantt
oscar
ebuthehear
dwhatIhear
d.Andi
l
ewentt
otakemar
shmal
l
owsandpl
aced
i
tin

f
rontoft
hem.Nkasmi
l
edandLet
hul
ookedatme.

Me:
“Youcaneatmar
shmal
l
owsbaby
”Ismi
l
edathi
m andhel
aughed.

Kat
:“Whoi
sGhostboy
s?”Heasks.

Nka:
“Mkhul
u”

Wel
ookedateachwi
thquest
ioni
ngey
es.

Kat
:“Ar
eyousur
e?”

Let
hu:“
Yes.NkaandIwentt
omkhul
u’
sst
udy
.Thedoorwascl
osedbutnotal
lofi
t.Wehear
d
mkhul
u

say
ingt
hathei
stheGhost
.Andwesawt
hatGr
andpacr
ying”

Theybot
hlookateachot
herandl
aughedunt
ilt
ear
scame.Katl
ookedatmeandAndi
l
eal
so.

Kat
:“Whati
sfunny
?”

Let
hu:
“HaaahUncl
eKati
fyousawt
hatGr
andpa”

Nkagotupandi
mit
ated“
Grandpa”
.Hesai
d“Pl
ease!Pl
ease!Hewascr
yingandMkhul
usai
dhe
must

l
eav
ebecausehepeedhi
msel
f.

Theyl
aughedagai
n.Katt
oldt
hem t
ogot
osl
eep.

Me:
“Let
’sgot
othest
udy
”

Weal
lgotupandwent
.Imadesur
ethatIl
ockt
hedoor
.

Kat
:“Thi
smeanMnt
ungwai
stheGhost
?Idon’
tbel
i
evet
his”

Andi
l
e:“
Thi
sonl
ymeanst
hathei
sthel
eaderofScav
enger
s”
Me:
“Wai
t.TheGhostasi
stheonl
yGhostwehearaboutbutwedon’
tknowhi
m”

Andi
l
e:“
Yeah”

Kat
:“Thi
sisal
lfuckedup!
”

Si
l
ence.

Kat
:“That
’swhyScav
enger
smadepeacewi
thTheEagl
es”

Me:
“Soy
ouwantt
otel
lmet
haty
oudi
dn’
tknowt
haty
ourf
atheri
sTheeGhost
”

Heshookhi
sheadno.

Me:
“Thi
smeansi
fMnt
ungwai
sTheGhostDl
ami
nii
sal
soamemberofScav
enger
s”

Andi
l
ewasdeadqui
et.

Kat
:“Ineedadr
ink”Hegotupandt
ookt
hebot
tl
eandt
wogl
asses.Theydr
anki
tatonce.

Me:
“Weneedt
ogetourf
act
sst
rai
ght
”

Andi
l
e:“
True”

Kat
:“Ihopemom i
snoti
sint
hist
oo”Hei
ssadanddi
sappoi
nted

Atmidni
ghtt
heyl
eft
.Tomor
rowweaemeet
ingupt
ofi
ndi
nfor
mat
ionaboutt
his.Spi
keshav
e
been

br
ief
edup.

Ikepttur
ningandt
ossi
ng.Thi
nki
ngaboutMnt
ungwabei
ngTheGhostgi
vesmeGoosebumps
because

thatmani
shear
tl
essr
uthl
essandmostf
ear
edmani
nunder
groundwor
ld.Ihear
dthatmeet
ings
or

deal
syouf
indhi
mint
hespotl
ooki
ngont
hewal
landy
oul
eav
ehi
mli
ket
hat
.

“
Nompendul
ovukausi
zeumnt
wana…”

wokeupbr
eat
hingf
astandIwaswetf
rom sweat
.Af
teri
wokeup…

Sma:
“Mom!Mom!
”

Igotupf
rom t
hebed.Heopenedt
hedoor
.

Me:
“Whati
sit
?”

Sma:
“It
’sJuj
u”
Ir
antohi
sroom If
oundSi
hecr
ying.Juj
uwasasl
eep.Myhear
tst
oppedf
orami
nut
e.Isaton
hi
sbed

al
ltheki
dsar
einJuj
u’
sbedr
oom nowcr
ying.Icheckedhi
shear
tbeati
twasst
il
lther
e.

Me:
“Nott
hisagai
n.Smahel
pmet
otakehi
mtot
hecar
.Ki
dsl
etsgo”

Si
hlewentt
otakemyphobeandcarkey
sinmyhandbag.Wegoti
nacr
ewbusandIdr
ovet
o
hospi
tal
.

Hegott
heat
tent
ionear
ly.Ical
l
edMypar
ent
sandMnt
ungwa.Smacal
l
edLwandi
l
eandIal
so
cal
l
ed

Katandot
her
s.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Makot
iwhati
swr
ongwi
thhi
m?”

Me:
“Idon’
twhati
swr
ongwi
thhi
m buti
thashappenedbef
ore”

Kat
:“Shedi
dn’
tshowy
out
hecur
ethi
sti
me?
”

Me:
“No.shesai
dImustwakeupandhel
pthechi
l
daf
tert
hathedi
sappear
ed”

Isatt
her
elooki
ngatmyboywi
thal
lthosemachi
nesandi
tsbr
okemyhear
ttoseehi
mly
ingi
n
the

hospit
albed.Af
tersomet
imeNont
ubr
oughtuscl
eancl
othesandIcal
l
edt
heschool
inf
ormi
ng
them

t
hatJuj
uishospi
tal
i
sed.

Twoweekspassedt
her
ewasnochangei
nJuj
u’
scondi
ti
on.Ki
dsdon’
twantt
oeatIhav
eto
for
cet
hem

t
oeat
.Si
he’
sBPwenthi
ghbutherdoct
orsai
dhegotev
ery
thi
ngundercont
rol
.

Wearesi
tt
ingi
nthecor
ri
dor
swi
thmom i
sthei
mpor
tantbusi
nessmeet
ing.She’
l
lbr
ingl
unch
wi
th

heronherwayback.IsawKatappr
oachi
ngandhei
sont
hephone.

Hel
etoutabi
gsi
ghandsi
tsnextt
ome.

Me:
“Ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ong?
”

Si
l
ence.

Kat
:“Yourmot
hercol
l
apsedaf
terhermeet
ing”
Isi
ghed.

Me:
“Issheokay
?”

Kat
:“Yesshei
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine”

Aft
eranhourIwentt
ocheckhershewasasl
eep.Iaskedt
hedoct
orandhesai
dshei
sgoi
ngt
o
befi
ne

andherdi
abet
esi
sundercont
rol
.Iwenti
nsi
deherwar
dadIsatont
hechai
r.

Mom:
“I’
m sor
rymybabyIdi
dn’
tmeant
oscar
eyouof
f”

Me:
“Don’
twor
ryaboutt
hatmom.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
”

Mom:
“I’
mfeel
i
ngbet
ternow”

Iwonderwhathappenedt
her
eori
t’
sherdi
abet
es.

Ispentt
imeonherwar
dandIl
eftwhenmysi
sterandTKcamei
n.Iwentt
ocheckuponmy
baby.I

f
oundmyki
dsi
nsi
det
hewar
d.Si
hlewasr
eadi
ngast
oryf
orhi
sbr
otherandot
her
swer
equi
te
l
i
steni
ng

t
ohi
m.Ist
oodbyt
hedoorl
i
steni
ng.Hei
sagoodst
ory
tel
l
erl
i
kehi
sfat
her
.

El
am:
“Si
hel
ookJuj
uiscr
ying”Shepoi
ntedJuj
u.

Me:“What
?”Iqui
ckl
ywentt
her
e.Tear
swer
erunni
ngdownbuthi
sey
eswer
est
il
lcl
osed.I
pr
essed

t
hebut
ton.

Me:
“Juj
upl
easeopeny
ourey
esmyboy
”

Hedidn’
topent
hem.Thenur
sesanddoct
orcamei
nandescor
tedusout
.Ist
oodt
her
eint
he
door

l
ookingt
hroughagl
assi
nther
e.Themaskwast
akenof
fandot
hermachi
neswer
etakenof
f.I
cr
ied.

Thedoct
orcameoutoft
hewar
dandt
oldust
hathecanbr
eat
heonhi
sownbuti
t’
sli
kehei
s
tal
ki
ng

butnotsol
oudl
y.Iwasbi
tst
art
ledbyt
hatbuthet
oldmet
hatIcangoandseehi
m butal
one.

Hewasst
il
lcr
ying.Ihat
etoseemychi
l
dsuf
fer
ingl
i
ket
his.Ihel
dhi
shandandci
tedhi
scl
an
names
andmyot
herhandbr
ushedhi
sheadsof
tl
y.Het
ight
enedmyhandl
i
ker
eal
l
y.Her
oar
edl
i
kean
ani
mal

andi
tcausedhi
mtosi
tupst
rai
ghtandheopenedhi
sey
es.

Iwasst
il
lshockedwhenIsawwhatj
usthappened.Hecl
osedhi
sey
esandcr
iedhar
d.Igotup
and

comf
ort
edhi
m.Ihushedhi
mti
l
lhef
ell
asl
eep.Ineedt
oknowwhati
swr
ongwi
thmychi
l
d.
Whenhe

wasasl
eepIwentt
ocheckonot
hert
ri
plet
swer
easl
eepandIwoket
hem upandIt
oldt
hem t
he

goodnews.Si
hej
umpedandr
ant
oJuj
u’
swar
dtocheckhi
m shef
oundhersl
eepi
ng.Weal
lgot
i
n.Nka

andEl
am scr
eamedt
hatcausedJuj
utowakeup.

El
am di
dn’
twast
eanyt
imeshegotont
opoft
hebedandki
ssedhi
sbr
other
’sf
ace.Smahel
ped
hi
mto

si
tandheputapi
l
lowunderhi
m.Wear
est
andi
ngl
ooki
ngathi
m andhej
ustcr
ied.

Me:
“Don’
tcr
ymyboyy
ouher
ewi
thus”

Wewai
tedf
orhi
mtocal
m down.

Si
hle:
“Nt
wanay
ouscar
edus”

Juj
u:“
I’
m sor
ryIdi
dn’
tmeant
o”

Hest
ret
chedhi
shandt
ohi
slef
tandt
ouchedSi
he’
sst
omachandhesmi
l
ed.At
earescapedhi
s
ey
es.

Si
he:
“Theyar
ebot
hfi
ne”

Hesmi
l
edather
.

Ataf
ter
noont
heki
dswentandMnt
ungwandot
her
scamet
oseeJuj
uandhewaseat
ing.

Nont
u:“
Ican’
tjustbel
i
evehery
azi
”Shewast
alki
ngt
oherhusbandl
ooki
ngf
uri
ous.

Iwentt
othem.

Nont
u:“
Mom di
schar
gedher
sel
fandshei
sonherwayt
oJobur
gaswespeak”

Me:
“What
?”

Nont
u:“
Ican’
tbel
i
eveherr
ightnow”
Thi
ngsar
efal
l
ingapar
tifi
t’
snott
hisi
sthathay
iI’
mti
red.

Af
tert
woday
sJuj
uwasdi
schar
gedandIt
ookhi
m home.Mam’
Scookedhi
sfav
our
it
emeal
.He
was

happyt
obehomebutt
her
esi
ssomet
hingbot
her
inghi
m.Icanseet
hroughhi
mI’
m hi
smot
her
.

Me:
“Ther
esi
ssomet
hingbot
her
ingy
ou.Canwet
alkabouti
t?”

Juj
u:“
I’
m okaymom.Hef
akedasmi
l
e”

Duri
ngt
heweekSi
hehel
pedhi
mtocat
chuponschool
wor
k.Tr
ail
sar
ear
oundt
hecor
nerand
next

mont
hSi
hei
sdueIst
il
lhav
epr
epar
edanur
seyf
ort
hebabi
es.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--

El
am:
“Mybagsar
epackedal
readyIcan’
twai
ttol
eav
e”

Sihl
erol
l
edhi
sey
esl
ucki
l
yshedi
dn’
tseet
hatbecausei
twoul
dhav
ebeenabi
gfi
ght
.Idon’
t
know

whyt
heyal
way
sfi
ght
.Juj
uisnothi
msel
fbuthesay
shei
sokayandI
’
m wor
ri
edabouthi
m.I
ev
en

suggest
edat
her
apybuthesai
dhei
snotgoi
ngt
her
e.

Juj
u:“
Mtunzi
niwi
l
lhel
pmet
orel
ax”

Jujuwasnotgoi
ngt
oat
tendathi
sschool
andSi
he.Juj
uwassocl
i
ngyt
oSi
he.Spi
rowast
aki
ng
them

t
oMt
unzi
ni.Af
teranhourSpi
rocamet
otaket
hem.Wheew!NowIcandeal
wit
hmyshi
t.Igav
e

Mam’
Saoneweekl
eav
esoI
’
m al
one.

Myphoner
ang

Spi
kes:
“Ar
eyouathome?
”

Me:
“Yes”

Hehungup.

Weir
d!Iwentt
owearsomet
hingpr
operbecauseIwasv
estandsocks.Hecal
l
edmet
oopena
gat
e

f
orhi
m andIdi
d.
Hegoti
nfol
l
owedbyaKatAndi
l
eandot
her
s.Theyal
lsatdown.

Me:
“Outwi
thi
t”

Spi
kes:
“Pl
easesi
tdown”

What
everi
tisi
tisbi
g.

Me:
“NoI
’
m notsayi
t”

Spi
kes:
“Nompe”Hesai
dwi
thawar
ningt
one

Me:
“Hay
isayi
t”

Theywer
eal
ll
ooki
ngatme.Icoul
dn’
treadt
heymi
nd.

Kat
:“Nompendul
o!Si
tmaar
nnow!
”Hi
svoi
cewasdeepandscar
y.Iqui
ckl
ysatdown.

Spikes:
“Ihav
esomef
il
eher
eandi
tisbi
gbutIhopei
twi
l
lanswert
osomeofy
ouranswer
s
about

y
ourl
i
fe”

Me:
“Speakpl
ease”

Hesi
ghed.

Spi
kes:
“WhenIf
ir
stsawt
hatwomanIt
oldy
ouaboutt
haty
oul
ookal
i
ke.Ihadpeopl
efol
l
owi
ng
her

ever
ywher
eshegoest
hatwhyIf
oundoutt
hatshei
smar
ri
edt
oBr
aKG.Idi
dsomedi
ggi
ngon
her

buti
twasn’tsomethi
ngsoli
d.Theti
meyourmothercoll
apsedIwasatt
hatrest
aur
antthatday
.
Thereasonthatmadehercoll
apsewast
hatshesawt hatwomanlooki
syourphot
ocopy"

Me:
“Huh?But
…”

Kat
:“Lethi
mfi
nish”

Ikeptqui
et.

Spikes:“
Idi
dsomer
eal
l
ydi
ggi
ng.Af
terIhear
dthaty
ourmot
herdi
schar
gedher
sel
ffr
om
hospital
and

l
eftt
oJobur
gIf
oll
owedherandIkepti
ntouchwi
thmycont
actt
ofi
ndoutwhoshei
smeet
ing
and

when.If
oundoutt
hatt
hewomani
syour
..
.”
Me:
“Mywhat
?”

Hesi
ghedandcl
osedhi
sey
esandopenedt
hem agai
n.

Spi
kes:
“Shei
syourt
win…”

Ist
oodupqui
ckl
y.Ishookmyheadr
epeat
edl
y.If
eltl
i
keev
ery
thi
ngst
oppedf
orami
nut
e.Isat
agai
n.

Spi
kes:
“Herr
eal
namei
sNomf
anel
oMazi
buko.Shewasst
olenatbi
rt
hbyPr
eci
ous’
smot
hert
o
get

backatt
oyourf
atherl
eftherwhi
l
eshewaspr
egnantwi
thPr
eci
ousandwentbackt
ohi
swi
fe
your

mot
her
”

Me:
“Wait
!Wai
t!You’
ret
ryi
ngt
otel
lmet
hatIhav
eat
winsi
sterwhowassol
dbyPr
eci
ous’
s
mot
her

andPr
eci
ousi
smyhal
f-
sist
er?
”

Spi
kes:
“YesandIhav
eal
lpr
oof
”

Ishookmyheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.

Spi
kes:
“Thatwasn’
tal
l
”

Me:
“Ther
e’smor
ethanwhatIhear
d?”

Spikes:
“Yourmot
heri
saqual
i
fiednur
seandy
ourf
atherwasaqual
i
fiedl
awy
erav
erygood
fr
iendof

Mnt
ungwa”

Me:
“Hay
i!Nomymot
herwasadomest
icwor
kernotaqual
i
fiednur
se”

Kat
:“Pl
easel
i
sten.You’
l
laskquest
ionsl
ater
”

Ij
ustnodded.

Spi
kes:
“Yourmot
heri
samemberofTHESCAVENGERandy
ourl
atef
ather
”

Me:
“Thi
sist
oomuch.Ineedashot
”

Andi
l
ewentt
otakeawhi
skey
.Pour
edashotf
ormeandIgul
pedi
t.

Me:“Al
lal
ongmyl
i
fewasl
i
e.Nowonderev
ery
thi
ngi
sfal
l
ingapar
tforme.Somet
radi
ti
onsasa
gi
rl
weren’
tper
for
medf
ormeev
enwhent
heywentt
oconsul
ttoi
SangomaIwasn’
tapar
toft
hat
because

t
heywer
escar
edt
hatI
’
llf
indt
het
rut
h”

Spi
kesnodded.

Me:
“Wher
eismyphone?
”

Kat
:“Rel
ax.Youmustt
alkt
oherwheny
ouhav
ecal
m downbutnotnow”

Me:“
YouknowwhatIneedt
odr
inkmy
sel
ftosl
eep.Iwentt
otakeabot
tl
eofwi
neandv
odka.I
dr
ankmysel
ftosl
eep”

Iwaswokenupbyasunr
isewheni
thi
tinmyey
es.Andi
l
est
oodt
her
elooki
ngatme.Iassume
heis

theonewhoopenedt
hecur
tai
n.Idr
aggedmy
sel
ftot
heshower
.Iv
omi
tedwhi
l
eIwast
ryi
ngt
o
bath.

Imanagedt
ocl
eant
hemessandIbat
he.If
oundbr
eakf
astont
opoft
hebedandi
twasmade.

Kat
:“Eat
”Idon’
twantt
oyazi
.

Il
ookedathi
m.Katsomet
imesi
ssomet
hingel
se.

Me:
“Ican’
ttakeany
thi
ngi
n”

Hetookhi
sgunoutandcor
ked.“
Eat
”hesai
d.Ij
ustwant
edt
olaughl
i
ker
eal
l
y.Scar
ingwi
tha
gunli
ke

r
eal
l
y.

Irespect
edhi
m Iat
etwosl
i
cesoft
oastandeggsanddr
ankj
uiceaf
terIwasdonehet
ookt
he
tr
ay

downst
air
s.Ican’
tbel
i
evewhati
shappeni
ngwi
thmyl
i
fenow.Tosi
ther
eandf
eel
sor
ryf
or
mysel
f

won’thel
pmewi
thany
thi
ngorel
seIwi
l
lgost
rai
ghtt
odepr
essi
on.Iwentt
othest
udyand
opened

myl
apt
opIneedt
owor
kjustt
okeepbusy
.

Andi
l
e:“
Pleasedon’
tcr
eat
edeadl
yappst
her
e”

Ismi
l
edatt
hat
.Hecamei
nandsatdown.Ir
emembert
ocheckmyemai
l
s.

Me:
“Mydaycoul
dn’
tgetanybet
ter
”
Hi
m:“
What
’snow?
”

Hecamet
oseewhatIwasl
ooki
ngat
.Itwast
hepi
ctur
esofTheSCAVENGERSmember
s
i
ncl
udi
ngmy

mot
hermot
heri
n-l
awandAndi
l
e’smot
heri
nthei
rinami
ssi
on.

Andi
l
e:“
Soi
ttur
nsoutweal
ldon’
tknowourpar
ent
saswecl
aimedt
hatwedi
d”

Katcamei
ntoo.

Kat
:“Pl
easef
indt
hisper
sonwhosentt
hosepi
ctur
es”

Iworkedoni
tforal
mostt
wohour
sbuti
tkeptchangi
ngl
ocat
ion.Theper
sonwhoi
sdoi
ngt
his
know

hi
sorherst
ory
.If
oundt
hel
ocat
ionandwei
nst
ruct
edot
hermember
stogoandcheckt
he
l
ocat
ion

butt
heydi
dn’
tfi
ndany
thi
ng.

Me:
“Howev
ert
hisi
skodansaamapopay
i”.

Ev
enwhenIkeepmy
sel
fbusywi
thwor
kbutmyhear
tisheav
ylucki
l
yLet
hui
sn’
ther
e.Hei
sso

sensi
ti
ve.Hei
sthecal
mthant
het
wo.Mygr
andmot
hercal
l
edandshei
shappyt
ohav
emyki
ds
at

home.It
ransf
err
edt
hemoneyonheraccountev
ent
houghshedoesn’
tneedi
tbutIdi
dany
way
.

Imusthav
efal
l
enasl
eepi
nthecouchaf
tert
heguy
shav
elef
t.Ihadast
rangedr
eam Idr
eamt
about

myhusband.Ismi
l
ed.Ineedhi
mint
imel
i
ket
hesehi
stouchandev
ery
thi
ngbuthel
eftme
al
one…I

wentt
otheki
tchent
omakesomet
hingt
oeataf
terIwasdonei
tookagl
assandmyf
avour
it
e
r
ed

wi
ne.It
ookal
ongbat
hinat
ubwhi
l
edr
inki
ngmywi
ne.

-
--
--
--
--
--

Iwaswokenbyt
her
ingi
ngphone….Ur
gh!Ianswer
edi
nmysl
eepandIhav
eaheadache.

Me:
“Thi
sbet
terbegoodbecausei
fit
’snot
”

Zane:
“Bossy
oumustcomet
ocl
ubASAP”
Iqui
ckl
ysatup.I
t’
samanagerf
rom t
hecl
ub.

Me:
“Whathappened?I
’
m onmywayr
ightnow”

Iwentt
otakepi
nkadi
daspi
nkt
racksui
tandadi
dassneaker
s.Tookcarkey
sandIl
ocked.On
mywayI

r
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Spi
kest
ell
i
ngmet
hatt
hecl
ubwasonf
ir
eint
heki
tchenar
eabutnoonegot

i
njur
ed.WhenIgott
her
ewer
epol
i
ceandf
ir
efi
ght
ersandcust
omer
swai
ti
ngout
side.

Me:
“Whathappened?
”

Pol
i
ceman:
“Wedon’
tknowt
hecauseoff
ir
emem butwear
einv
est
igat
ing”

Me:
“Mxm!
”

Wewer
enotal
l
owedt
ogeti
nsi
debecausei
tdanger
ousandpol
i
cear
ebusyi
nsi
de.Nxaasi
f
t
heywi
l
l

f
indt
hecour
sebutmebei
ngmeIcal
l
edoneoft
hemember
stocomeandhel
ptomeher
e.He
i
sa

For
ensi
cSpeci
ali
st.

Spikes:“Ihav
ewhatweneedsol
etgot
othewar
ehouse.Ther
ear
esomanyunanswer
ed
questions

her
e”Idr
oveoutf
ir
standhewasf
oll
owi
ngmet
othewar
ehouse.

Wewat
chedt
heCCTVf
oot
agebuti
twasusel
ess.It
oret
ri
evet
hef
oot
agebutIcoul
dn’
t.t
her
eis

someoneispl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
e.ImustupmygameIwentt
ochecki
fev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
newheni
t
concer
ns

OurI
Tdepar
tmentasaGangandev
ery
thi
ngi
sundercont
rol
.

Me:
“Idon’
tknowwher
etost
artl
ooki
ngf
ort
hismot
her
fuckerbutal
lIknowi
sifi
twasanenemy

wewouldhavemadef
rontpagesi
nnewspaperbutt
hisper
soni
sout
smar
ti
ngmei
nfi
nd
l
ocat
ionand

t
oretr
ievet
hef
oot
age.Ihat
eitwhensomeonei
sout
smar
ti
ngme!
”Ihi
tthet
abl
eoutof
f
rust
rati
on.

Aweekaf
terst
il
lIcan’
tfi
ndany
thi
ngt
oti
smot
her
fuckerwhopl
ayi
ngsomesi
ckj
okesandI
must

answert
oKat
.Thi
sweeki
sdr
aini
ng.Kati
soutoft
ownbuthei
sonmyneck.Idon’
tgetenough
sl
eep

t
ryi
ngtocr
ackt
hisf
uckent
hisout
.WhenIgethi
s/herl
ocat
ioni
tsei
theradungeonori
nthe
middl
e

ofnowher
e.Iwentt
hroughmybookt
otr
yandf
indanewt
ruckt
ocr
ackt
his.

Myphoner
ings.Thecal
l
eri
dsay
sMnt
ungwa.

Me:
“Mnt
ungwa”

Him:“
Makot
ihowar
eyou?Ourmeet
ingwassupposedt
ost
art20mi
nut
esago”Ei
sh…Fuck!I
say

undermybr
eat
h.

Me:
“I’
m sor
ryaboutt
hatbababutI
’
m onmyway
”

Hi
m:“
Okay
“

Ei
shIknowhehat
est
owai
tandIwon’
tbesur
pri
sedi
fIdon’
tfi
ndhi
mther
e.Idr
ovel
i
kea
mani
acto

town.Icompl
etel
yfor
gotaboutmymeet
ingwi
thhi
m.Hi
sconst
ruct
ioncompanywi
l
lfi
xthe
kit
chen

ar
eat
hatgotbur
ntwher
ether
ewasf
ir
e.Mycl
ub/
loungehasbeencl
osedf
oraweekoneIneed
i
t

oper
ati
ngIhav
ecasht
hatIhav
etocl
eansonj
e.

Igr
eetedhi
m andsatdown.Wedi
scussedandIshowedhi
m phot
oshowdamagedi
tis.Hesai
d
i
twil
l

bef
ixedont
hiscomi
ngweek.Hei
sgoi
ngov
erseasf
orabusi
nessmeet
ing.Ist
il
lcan’
tbel
i
eve
hei
sa

hear
tl
essr
uthl
essandf
ear
edgangst
er.Af
terIwentt
oeatl
unchal
one.

Spi
kesMachet
eTKSpi
rocal
l
edmet
ocomeandeatmeatwi
tht
hem i
nsomeot
hercarwashat

KwaMashu.Iwant
edt
oref
useatf
ir
stbutt
heyi
nsi
sted.TKsendt
hel
ocat
ionandIdr
ove.

Me:
“Nont
uwi
l
lgocr
azyf
indi
ngy
ouher
eeat
ingmeatandpap”

Weal
ll
aughathi
m.Mysi
sterl
ovest
ocookl
i
keme.Hedoesn’
twantTKt
oeatj
unkf
ood.TK
gr
owi
ng

uphadhear
tpr
obl
em buti
shekeepi
ngi
tundercont
rol
andhi
swi
fei
smaki
ngt
wohundr
ed
per
cent

sur
ethatheeat
sheal
thy
.

TK:“Idon’
twantt
oseeoi
l
yfoodnextt
oyou”hemi
mickedhi
swi
fe’
svoi
ce.Wel
aughed.My
si
ster

canbecont
rol
l
ingsomet
imesbutshemeanswel
lespeci
all
ywheni
tcomest
oone’
sheal
th.

West
ayedt
her
ethewhol
eday
.TKcal
l
edot
hermember
stocomeandchi
l
lwi
thus.

Machet
e:“
Iwanty
ourt
winphel
aQueen”

Me:
“Voet
sekmsunuIdon’
thav
eat
win”

TK:
“Machet
ewi
thdr
awt
hat
”

Machet
eli
ft
edhi
shandsupashesur
render
s.

Me:
“Wi
thf
ewcansnj
eyouar
ebl
abbi
ngal
ready
…ahhhmxm”
.Wel
aughedathi
m.

WhatI
’
venot
icedi
sSpi
roi
sawf
ulqui
etandi
tsunl
i
kehi
mtobet
hisqui
et.

Me:
“Spi
ror
oushar
p?”

Spi
ro:
“yeahI
’
m cool
”

Machet
e:“
Troubl
einpar
adi
se”

AsIwasaboutt
oanswerMachet
emyphoner
ing.Cal
l
eri
d…Isi
ghed.

Kat
:“Ihopey
ouhav
efoundsomet
hingf
orme”Ei
sh!
!

Me:
“Notr
eal
l
y.OnceIf
indi
tIwi
l
lgetbackt
oyou”

Hi
m:“
I’
m sur
pri
sedaboutwhatIhearont
hebackgr
ound”

Ei
cha!Katcanbei
nti
midat
ingsomet
imes.

Me:
“I’
m wi
thgent
sher
ebutI
’
m goi
nghomenow”

Hesai
dokayandhehungup

Me:
“Gent
sthanksf
ort
hei
nvi
tebutnowIhav
etogo”

WhenIcheckedt
imei
twas21:
45pm It
ookmycarkey
sandphonegoti
nmycaranddr
ove
home.

I
’
mt i
psywhenIgethomei
l
lsmokeweedorsomet
hing.Iopenedt
hegat
edr
oveandcl
osedi
tas
t
he
carasi
n.Tookmyhandbagandwentt
owar
dst
hehouse.

Whatcaughtmyat
tent
ionwasmusi
cpl
ayi
ngsof
tasi
fiti
scomi
ngf
rom i
nsi
debutIt
hought
maybe

i
t’
sthenei
ghbour
s.Mxm!Iopenedt
hedoorandl
i
ght
sar
eof
f.Nowai
tthi
ssof
tmusi
cispl
ayi
ng
i
nsi
de

myhouse…Iqui
ckl
ytookmygunbehi
ndmywai
stcheckedatt
heki
tchenar
eanot
hing.Ther
eis

someonewhowant
stodi
eIsee.

Isawashadowi
nthel
oungeandy
est
hesy
stem i
son.I
m sobernow.Imustki
l
lsomeone.
WhenI

t
ookf
ewst
epsy
esIwasr
ightt
her
eissomeonei
nmyhousesi
tt
ingi
nmysof
as.

Me:
“Don’
tfuckenmov
e.I
fyoudoI
’
llpai
ntt
hiswal
lwi
thy
ourusel
essandempt
ybr
ain”

Si
l
ence

“
Sti
l
lfei
styMr
sKhumal
o”av
oicesai
dst
il
lsi
tt
ingnotmov
ing.

Mymi
ndf
rozeabi
t.Thi
svoi
cesoundsl
i
kemyl
atehusband’
svoi
cebutIknowIbur
iedhi
m.

Me:
“Youbust
ard…….
”

Hegotupandswi
tchedont
hel
i
ght
s………

Ifr
ozewhenIseesomeonewhol
ooksexact
lyl
i
kemyl
atehusband.Thi
sper
sonst
oodt
her
e
andlooked

atme.

Me:
“Youbast
ardt
akeof
fthemuskbef
oreIshoty
ourbal
l
snow!
”Iy
ell
ed.

Hest
oodt
her
eandsmi
l
edf
aint
ly.Am Idr
eami
ngorwhat
?Ismymi
ndwor
king?

Hi
m:“
Babei
t’
sme.Youdon’
trecogni
zeme?”

Me:
“Voet
sek!Ibur
iedmyhusbandsev
eny
ear
sagodon’
ttel
lmet
hatcr
ap!
”

Hi
m:“
Idi
dn’
tdi
e.I
twasacov
er”

Me:
“Shutup!
”Iscr
eamed.

Itookoffmyj
acketbecausei
twaswar
m.Hequi
ckl
ycamet
omeandt
ookmygunandputi
t
behind
hi
swai
st.Ineedsomeonewhocanexpl
aint
hisshi
thappeni
ngher
eIdon’
tunder
stand;
Ican’
t

under
standshi
tgoi
ngonher
e.

Hetookof
fhi
sshi
rt
.Heshowedmehi
sback…….Ev
ery
thi
ngst
oppedf
orami
nut
eIf
eltl
i
kewor
ld
has

stoppedmymi
ndandmybodyhasst
oppedt
ofunct
ion.If
eltt
ear
sbur
ningi
nmyey
es….He
turned

ar
oundandIsawat
att
ooonhi
sst
omachhi
sitwasmyki
ds’
heads.

I
tcameal
lbackt
hei
rpai
nsIhadaf
terIhear
dhehaspassedonbei
ngr
esponsi
blef
orhi
s6ki
ds
whi
le

t
hetr
ipl
etswer
ebonepr
emat
uredhowhi
sboy
sneededhi
m andmi
ssedhi
m……Ij
ustwai
l
edout
.
He

t
ri
edt
ocomet
ome…

Me:
“Don’
tyoudar
etouchme!
”

Hi
m:“
I’
m sor
ryIknowt
hepai
nIputy
out
hroughbuti
twasf
ort
hebestNompendul
o”

Me:
“Idon’
twantt
ohearany
thi
ngcomi
ngf
rom y
ourf
il
thymout
h.”

Ical
meddownandhedi
sappear
edandhecamebackandgav
emewat
er.Idr
ankwat
erand
cal
med

down.Iwasnowsi
tt
ingont
hef
loorwi
thhi
ccupsandhi
m st
andi
ngl
ooki
ngatme……

“
Sur
pri
se!
!…”whenIl
i
ftedmyey
esf
ucki
tmyki
ds…

Sma:
“Dad”hewhi
sper
ed

Hej
ustkeptqui
et.

Kat
:“Ibr
oughtt
hem hom…”hest
oppedwhenhesawhi
sbr
otherst
andi
ngi
nthel
ounge.

Kat
:“Whatt
hef
ucki
shappeni
ngher
e?”her
oar
ed.

Si
hle:
“Howcoul
dyoudot
hist
ousDad?
”hi
svoi
cewasbr
eaki
ng.Juj
ujustst
oodt
her
eandSi
he
wasa

st
atue.Tr
ipl
etswer
est
andi
ngnextt
oeachot
herl
ooki
ngl
ost
.

Thet
ensi
oni
nthehousei
sreal
l
yki
l
li
ngme.IsawJuj
utaki
ngSi
heupst
air
s.Let
hucamet
ome.

Let
hu:
“Mommywhyar
eyoucr
ying?
”hewi
pedmyt
ear
swi
thhi
ssmal
lhands.Isi
ghed.
Me:
“Itnot
hingmyboy
”.NkaandEl
am camet
osi
tonmyl
ap.Thi
sisbadEl
am i
squi
et.

Nka:
“Whoi
sthi
smommy
?”

Ihatet
oanswert
hisquest
ionbutIhadt
o….Tear
sfal
lonmycheeks.Icl
osedmyey
esand
opened

t
hem agai
n.

Me:
“Hei
syourf
ather
”Itcameasawhi
sperbecauseIst
il
ldon’
tbel
i
evei
t.

Let
hu:
“Hei
snot
.Mom y
ousai
dourf
atherdi
ed”

Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obehar
despeci
all
ytot
hem.

Me:
“Iknowmyboyt
hatal
lIknew”

Nkagotupandwentt
ohi
sfat
her
.Samkel
owentdownt
ohi
slev
elLet
huandEl
am wentt
ohi
m
t
oo.I

st
oodupandl
ookedatt
hem.

El
am:
“Whoar
eyou?
”

Samkel
owi
pedonet
earwhi
chescapedhi
sey
equi
ckl
y.

Samkel
o:“
Iam Samkel
oKhumal
oyourf
ather
”

El
am:
“ButIdon’
tlookl
i
key
ou”

Let
huandNkal
ookedateachot
herandbackt
oSamkel
o.

Let
hu&Nka:
“Youl
ookl
i
keus”

El
am:
“Countmeout
!”

Nka:
“Youdon’
tlookl
i
keus”
.Hest
ickedhi
stongueoutt
oEl
am.Let
hudi
dthatt
oo.

El
am:
“Mom l
ookatt
hem”
.IshookmyheadIdon’
thav
eanyst
rengt
hinmet
opr
imandt
hem.

Si
l
ence.

El
am:
“Sowhenar
eyougi
vi
ngmey
ourbl
ackcar
dformet
ogoshoppi
ng”

Juj
ucamer
unni
ng.

Juj
u:“
Mom weneedt
otakeSi
het
ohospi
tal
.Shei
spai
n”.Ir
ushedupst
air
slucki
l
ySmacal
l
edan

ambul
ance.
Me:
“Uhm Juj
utakeherbagsandcal
lSi
hlef
orme”

Hewentt
oSi
he’
scl
oset

Me:“Si
hebr
eat
hei
nandbr
eat
heout
”Shel
ookedatmel
i
keIwascr
azyatf
ir
stbutshedi
das
t
old.

Si
hle:
“I’
m her
emom”hewasi
nthedoor
.

Me: “
Pleasegoandpackt
hei
rjacketandabi
gbl
ackt
hrowi
nEl
am’
sroom andpackt
hei
r
snacks”

Sma:
“Mom t
heambul
ancei
sont
hewayher
e”

Samkel
o:“
CanIhel
p?”

Me:
“Nowedon’
tneedy
ourhel
p”Iwasn’
tev
enl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Sma:
“Mom t
heambul
ancei
staki
ngl
ong”

Samkel
olef
tther
oom.

Me:“Si
hebabyI
’
mtaki
ngy
out
ohospi
tal
okay
?*shenodded*uhm Juj
uhel
pmet
otakeher
downst
air
s”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasemov
e”

Me:
“Don’
tst
art
.Pl
ease!
”

Samkel
o:“
Thi
sisnotabouty
ousopl
easemov
esoIcancar
ryherdownst
air
s?”

Me:
“I’
l
lcar
ryhermy
sel
fsodon’
ttel
lmet
omov
e”

Juj
u:“
Mom Si
hei
sheav
yyoucan’
tcar
ryher
.Lethi
m car
ryher
”

Me:
“Juj
udon’
t!
”

Si
hle:
“Mom pl
ease!
”

Si
he:
“Al
lofy
oushutt
hef
uckup!Can’
tyouseeI
’
minpai
nIneedt
ohospi
tal
.Sopl
ease!
”

Ther
oom wentqui
et.

Samkel
omov
edmegent
lyasi
deandpi
ckedSi
heupi
nabr
idal
sty
le.

Me:
“Ican’
treal
l
ybel
i
evet
his”Icl
appedoncei
ndi
sappoi
ntment
.Ki
dswentaf
tert
hem.

Iwentdownst
air
stookmyhandbagl
ockedt
hedoorandwentt
othecar
.

Samkel
o:“
Dri
vesaf
ely
.You’
l
lfi
ndmeher
e”Il
ookedathi
m shocked.
Me:
“Idon’
tneedy
oui
nmyhouse”goti
nthedr
iver
’sseatanddr
oveof
fint
otal
l
yspeedt
othe

hospi
tal
.

Sma:
“I’
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lUncl
eKatbuthedoesn’
tpi
ckupmycal
l
s”

MysensescamebackwhenIr
ecal
lwhathappenedear
lyon.Hej
ustdi
sappear
ednj
e.Myphone
was

connect
edi
nthespeaker
ssoIcal
l
edPhi
ndi
andt
oldhert
hatshemustmetusi
nthehospi
tal
.

Whenwear
ri
vedJuj
urani
nsi
deandcamebackwi
tht
wonur
ses.Ihel
pedhert
ogetof
fthecar
and

weputheri
nthest
ret
chandt
heywheel
edheri
nwi
thJuj
uandSi
hle.

Let
hu:
“Isshegoi
ngt
obeokay
?”

Me:
“Yeahshei
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
”

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Let
’sgoi
nsi
debabi
est
osi
gnsomef
ewdocument
s”

Tr
ipl
etsgotof
fthecart
ookmybagandl
ockedt
hencar
.Mymi
ndi
ssl
owI
‘
mthi
nki
ngbut
ev
eryt
hing

i
smov
ingsl
ow.

Phi
ndi
:“Nompewear
eper
for
mingaC-
sect
iononSi
he.HerBPi
stoohi
ghandshecan’
tspend
many

hour
sonl
abourt
hatwi
l
lri
skherl
i
feandt
hebabi
es’
li
fe”

Me:
“Okay
”

Shedi
sappear
ed.Juj
uthr
ewhi
msel
finmyar
msandhesobbed.

Me:“Theywi
l
lbeokaymybaby
.Thi
sisnott
imef
orcr
yingy
ouhav
etobest
rongf
ort
hem”he
pul
l
ed

outf
rom t
hehugandIwi
pedhi
stear
s.

Juj
u:“
Okaymom”

El
am gav
ehi
m wat
er.Shei
squi
eti
nfactt
het
hreeoft
hem andIdon’
tli
kei
t.

Me:
“Gobabysheneedsy
ou.Wewi
l
lbeher
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou”henodded.
Hewentaway
.Iwentt
osi
tnextwi
thmyki
ds.

Si
hle:
“Mom ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbeokay
”Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m.Unl
i
kehi
m.

Ismi
l
edathi
m wonder
ingwhenhegr
ewupbecausewemostoft
het
imewef
ight
.

Sma:
“Yeahmom.Ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbeokay
.Weneedt
ofocusont
hebabi
es”

Me:
“Ncooaht
hanksmymunchi
es*
Theysmi
l
ed*

Let
hu:
“Wewi
l
lseehi
m agai
nmom?
”

Iheavedasi
gh.Thi
sisahar
dsi
tuat
ionbecauset
heboy
sknowhi
m andast
het
imegoesby
theywil
l

f
orgi
vehi
m butI
’
m al
sowor
ri
edaboutt
het
ri
plet
stheyneedhi
m.

Me:
“Yeahmyboyy
ouwi
l
lseehi
m”

Af
teranhourNkaLet
huandEl
am wasasl
eep.Thei
rgr
andpar
ent
scamei
n.Iwentt
othem.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Makot
i”

Me:
“Baba.Shei
sst
il
lthr
eat
ebutIhopet
heywi
l
lbeokay
”

Wesatther
eforanot
herhourandwesawJuj
ucomi
ngt
owar
dsuswi
thabi
gsmi
l
eonhi
ssmi
l
e.
Ist
ood

upandmethi
m hal
fway
.

Me:
“Howar
ethey
?”

Juj
u:“
Theyar
efi
nemom butSi
hei
sti
redandasl
eep”

MaNdl
ovu:
“Si
yabongaNkosi
”shel
ookedup.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Usebenzi
l
e”hegent
lysqueezedhi
sshoul
der
.Juj
usmi
l
ed.

Phindi
organi
sedapr
ivat
ewar
dforSi
heandt
hebabi
es.Lucki
l
yitwashermont
htheywon’
t
needto

bei
ncubat
orl
i
kemyt
ri
plet
s.

Whenwear
ri
vedi
nherwar
dthebody
guar
dswer
ether
etoguar
dherandmygr
andki
ds.Thanks
t
o

Phi
ndi
becausesheor
gani
sedev
ery
thi
ng.Shegav
emeal
ookandIt
hinkshehear
dthenews.
Si
hewas
nowawake

MaNdl
ovu:
“Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnowmybaby
?”

Si
he:
“I’
m goodgogobutt
ir
ed”herv
oicewassof
tl
y

I
’
m happyt
hatt
heyhav
egoodr
elat
ionshi
p.Si
hewoul
dn’
thav
esur
viv
eherhat
red

Me:
“Good.Anynamespar
ent
s?”

MaNdlov
upi
ckedupachubbyboyandt
heot
herhandedhi
mtoJuj
uwhowasnowsi
tt
ingont
he
bed.

Any
wayt
heyar
ebot
hboy
s.

Juj
u:“
Sqal
esi
hleKhumal
o”Isawt
ear
sinhi
sey
es.Si
hesmi
l
ed.Hegav
eSqal
otohi
smot
her
.He
was

gi
vent
het
inyone.

Juj
u:“
Sukol
uhl
eKhumal
o”hi
stear
sfal
lonhi
scheeks.

Mnt
ungwawasl
ooki
ngdownal
lthi
sti
meandMaNdl
ovuwascr
ying.

Af
terspendi
ngt
imewi
tht
hem It
ookmyki
dsandwewenthome.Whenwear
ri
vedt
hel
i
ght
s
were

offandt
heboy
shel
pedt
aki
ngt
hey
oungonest
othei
rbedr
ooms.i
drankwat
erandwentt
o
check

t
hem i
nthei
rrooms.Theywer
efastasl
eep.Ncooahshamemynunuswer
eti
redIwasal
sot
ir
ed
t
hen

Iwentt
omybedr
oom t
hel
i
ght
swer
eof
f.Il
i
ghtt
hem on………Boom!

Me:
“I’
mreal
l
ybei
ngt
est
edher
e”hedi
dn’
tmov
e.

Hewassl
eepi
ngonhi
ssi
deoft
hebed.Ist
oodt
her
eforawhi
l
elooki
ngathi
m.Hewassl
eepi
ng

peacef
ull
ywi
thhi
sli
pspout
edal
i
ttl
ebutheneedst
ogetupandf
indar
oom t
osl
eepi
nnott
his
one.

Iwentt
ohi
m.

Me:
“Wakeup!
”Ishookhi
m.

Si
l
ence.

Me:
“Hay
iSamkel
omaar
n”Ir
oughl
yshookhi
m.
Hi
m:“
Mmmm.Goaway
”

Me:
“Nxaav
oet
sek!Getupanddi
sappearnow!
”

Hesetupandr
ubbedhi
sey
es.

Hi
m:“
Thi
sismybedr
oom t
oosopl
ease”

Me:
“LookI
’
mti
redandi
don’
thav
eener
gyt
ofi
ghtwi
thy
ou.Gety
ourt
hingsandf
uckof
f”

Hi
m:“
I’
m notdoi
ngt
hat
.It
sei
thery
ouj
oinmeorwhat
everbutI
’
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e”

Si
gh.

Idon’thav
eener
gyt
ofi
ghtatt
heewehour
ssoIwentt
ocl
osett
ookt
hebl
anketandwentt
o
take

mypi
l
lowbuthi
sheadwasonmypi
l
low.

It
ookmyguncr
ockedi
t.

Me:
“Lal
elawenamsunu”Iwaspoi
nti
ngathi
m.

Hi
m:“
Mxm!
”het
urnedt
otheot
hersi
de.

It
ookanot
herpi
l
lowandwentt
otheguest
room.Ther
e’snowayI
’
m shar
ingbedwi
thhi
m.It
ook
of
f

mycl
othes.

“
Yourbodyhasn’
tchanged”t
hev
oicesai
dwhenIt
urnedi
twashi
m.

Me:
“Whatt
hef
uckar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Huh?
”Iqui
ckl
ytookt
heshi
rtandcov
eredmybr
east
s.

Hi
m: “
Youdon’
thav
etohi
dey
ourbodyf
rom me.Iknowy
oueachdeepcor
nerofy
ou”he
smi
rked.

Me:
“Gett
hehel
loutofmyr
oom!
”Iscr
eamed.

Hi
m: “
Weneedt
otal
kNompendul
oandt
her
ear
ethi
ngst
hatwehav
etodi
scussbef
orey
ou
sl
eep”

Me:
“You’
rei
nconsi
der
atesel
fi
shbast
ard….
”

Hi
m: “
Swearal
lyoul
i
kebutI
’
m notl
i
vingwi
thoutt
alki
ngt
oyou.Ohandpl
easemi
ndy
ourwor
ds
whenyouar
espeaki
ngt
ome”

Ishowedhi
m ami
ddl
efi
nger
.Hesmi
rked.Hest
il
lknowshowt
oannoyt
hehel
loutme.
Si
l
ence.

Chapt
er51

Hi
m:“
Bef
orewesayany
thi
ngl
i
ke.Thanky
ousomuchf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofmyki
ds”If
eltt
ear
sin
my

ey
es.Hi
sfacehar
densandhecl
enchedhi
sjaws.

Hegotupandwentoutt
hedoorandhecl
osedi
taf
terhi
m.Isatont
hebedst
il
ltr
yingt
o
pr
ocesst
he

shi
tthati
shappeni
ngi
nmyl
i
femyki
ds’
li
feandev
ery
thi
ngt
hati
sgoi
ngt
ogodown.

If
elthi
shandonmyf
aceandIj
umped.Hecl
osedhi
sey
es.Idi
dn’
thearhi
m get
ti
ngi
n.

Si
l
ence.

Hi
m:“
I’
m sor
ry”i
tcameasawhi
sper
.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Her
ubbedhi
shandst
oget
her
.

Hi
m:“I
’
vemademi
stakesi
nmyl
i
fe.Someoft
hem Idon’
tcar
eaboutt
hem butl
eav
ingy
oual
one
wi
th

si
xki
dswast
het
err
ibl
emi
stakeI
’
veev
erdoneandIwi
l
lfor
everr
egr
eti
t”

Hewasl
ooki
ngdown.
..

He:
“Iv
owedt
opr
otecty
ouandourki
ds.Asamani
tismyr
esponsi
bil
i
tyt
otakecar
eofy
ouand

pr
otecty
ou”

Me:
“Makei
tfastIwantt
osl
eep”

Her
aisedhi
sheadandgav
emeast
are.

Him:“Nextf
ewhour
sKatwi
l
lbeher
ebeat
ingmeupandt
her
e’sal
soourf
ami
l
iest
odeal
wit
h
gang

pr
essandal
lthatsoIneedt
otel
lyout
her
easont
hatmademef
akemydeat
h.Pl
easel
i
stent
o
me”

hi
svoi
cewascal
m anddeepasusual
.

Ikeptqui
et.
Him:“i
twast
her
elastweekbef
orey
oumar
ked7mont
hsf
ull
pregnantwi
tht
ri
plet
swhenI
hear
d

t
hatmyenemi
eswant
edt
oki
dnapy
ouandt
akemyki
dsoutoft
hecount
ry.It
houghtofmany
i
deas

tocomeupwi
thbuti
twasn’
tconcr
etesot
heonl
yopt
ionIwasl
eftwi
thwast
ofakemydeat
hto
save

y
ouandmyunbor
nbabi
es”

TearsgushedoutandIcoul
dn’
thol
dasob.I
tcamef
loodi
ngbackwhenIf
oundoutt
hathewas
“di
ed”.

Hegav emewat
erIdr
anki
tbuthewashol
dingt
hebot
tl
ebecausemyhandswer
eshaki
ng
because

ofwhatI
’
vej
usthear
d.

Me:
“Ther
ewer
emanyopt
ionsSamkel
o.I
fyout
oldmewewoul
d’v
ecomeupwi
thmanyi
deas”

Hi
m:“Ifi
twast
hateasyIwoul
dhav
etakent
hebestopt
ionf
oral
lofusbuti
twasnoteasy
.I
want
ed

myki
dst
obebor
nont
imeandbet
her
ewi
thmyboy
sandf
ory
ou…”

Me:
“Yout
ookt
hebestdeci
sionf
ory
our
sel
fnotf
orus”

Hi
m:“Nompendul
oIsawhowy
ousur
fer
edwhenwel
ostt
heot
hert
wini
nthequadsoIknew
t
hat

y
ouwoul
dn’
thav
esur
viv
edi
t”

Me:
“Inev
erknewt
haty
ouwer
ethi
ssel
fi
sh”

Hi
m:“
HowwasIsupposedt
odoNompendul
ohuh?Bef
oreIl
eftev
ery
thi
ngwasIor
derbecause
I

knewy
ou’
l
lhav
ecompl
i
cat
ionsaf
terr
ecei
vi
ngt
henews.Imadesur
ethaty
oudon’
tlosemyki
ds

becauset
hatwoul
dhav
eki
l
ledy
ousopl
easeunder
standwher
eI’
m comi
ngf
rom”hi
svoi
cei
sa
bi
tup

now.

Me:
“Doy
ouknowwhatIwentt
hroughaf
tert
hat
?”t
ear
scamef
loodi
ng.

Heshookhi
sheadandhei
sint
hev
agueofcr
ying.
Me:
“Ial
mostl
ostmyki
dsbecausemybl
oodpr
essur
ewast
oohi
gh.Ihadt
hreeboy
stocar
eof
t
oo

becauseIdi
dn’
twantt
hem t
ofeel
negl
ect
ed.Myf
ri
endsdeser
tedmei
nthemostdi
ff
icul
tti
me.
My

parent
sweret
her
etohel
pmebutt
heymustgobackbecauseIwant
edt
oadapti
nthenew
si
tuati
on.

Iwasdiagnosedwi
thcl
i
nical
depr
essi
onbecauseIwasn’
tcopi
ng.I
magi
net
aki
ngupi
nthe
morni
ng

tr
yingtodeslwi
tht
hef
actt
hatIwoul
dnev
erev
erseey
ouagai
nandt
oal
way
sseey
our
photocopyi
n

ki
dieswashar
d”

Hei
scr
yingsi
l
ent
ly.

Me:
“Sodon’
tcomeher
eandt
ell
met
hati
twasal
sohar
dfory
ou”

Him:“
Doyout
hinki
tni
cet
oseey
ourki
dseachandev
erydayoft
hepast7y
ear
sinaf
ucken
camer
as”

Myey
espoppedout
.

Me:
“What
?”

Hi
m:“
Ihav
emyboy
sher
ewhower
ewat
chi
ngy
ouandmyki
dsf
orpr
otect
ion”

Me:
“Iwantal
lthenamesoft
hosef
ucker
swhohadmef
oll
owedr
ightnow!
”

Thecor
nerofhi
smout
hcur
vedasmi
l
e.

Hi
m:“
Youdon’
tknowt
hem butsoony
ou’
l
lmeett
hem”

Hesi
ghed.

Hi
m:“Yourl
ong-
lostt
winsi
steri
sal
eaderofaMexi
canCar
tel
whi
chi
swhyKGmar
ri
edher
.KG
want
s

tobebacki
nthegameusi
nghi
swi
fe’
snamebutwhathedoesn’
tknowi
sIam t
hel
eaderoft
he
Cuban

Car
tel
li
keany
bodyel
se.Theyonl
yknowagoodf
ri
endofmi
neasal
eaderbecauseIdi
dn’
twant
my

cov
ert
obeexposed”
Hegavemeabi
gbr
ownenv
elopt
hathadpi
ctur
esofKGandhi
swi
fe.Ot
herpi
ctur
est
heywer
e
onan

i
slandhav
ingagoodt
ime.Af
terIwasdonel
ooki
ngatt
hepi
ctur
esIhandedt
heenv
elopt
ohi
m.

Hi
m:“
Aft
eral
lthati
saboutt
ohappenIneedt
imet
ospendwi
thmyki
ds”hewasl
ooki
ngatme.

I
’m scar
edaboutt
hedr
amat
hatwi
l
lhappeni
nfewhour
sbecauset
heki
dswi
l
lwantt
hei
rfat
her
who

ev
ery
onei
sagai
nstandpi
ssedati
ncl
udi
ngmy
sel
fbutaf
teral
lhei
sthei
rfat
her
.

Hi
m:“
Iwoul
dnev
erhur
torl
etany
thi
nghur
tmyki
ds”

Me:“Boy
sar
eangr
yaty
ouandIdon’
tbl
amet
hem t
heyhav
eev
eryr
ightt
obeangr
ybutpl
ease
don’
t

forcethem.Andt
hent
her
e’st
hreey
oungr
ascal
stheyar
eexci
tedbutconf
usedt
oseey
oubut
please

don’tmaket
hem t
urnagai
nsteachot
her
.Boy
swi
l
lbeov
erpr
otect
ivet
othey
oungert
hree
especial
l
y

Si
hlesopl
easeunder
standwher
etheyar
ecomi
ngf
rom”

Henodded.

Hi
m:“
Iknowt
heychar
act
ersbutcany
oupl
easeexpl
ainf
urt
her
”

IknowwhatI
’
m aboutt
odoi
swr
ongbutheneedt
ounder
standt
hem andt
ryt
oamendt
he

r
elat
ionshi
pbet
weenhi
m andhi
ski
ds.

Me:
“YouknowwhatIneedabot
tl
eofwi
nesoIcanbeabl
etot
alk”

Hegav
emeast
are.

Me:
“Ei
don’
tgi
vet
hatl
ook.Wi
nesoot
hesme”

Hegotupandl
eftt
her
oom.Awhi
l
ehecamebackwi
that
raycar
ryi
ngmywi
neandgl
assand
hi
s

whi
skeyandagl
asst
oo.

Hi
m:“
Ithi
nkwebot
hneedadr
ink”

Me:
“Cheer
stot
hat
”It
ookmywi
neandt
hegl
ass.Ipour
edi
tanddr
ank.

Hi
m:“
Youdr
inkl
i
keaf
ishbab…”
Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
owsandgav
ehi
m adeat
hst
are.

Hi
m:“
I’
m sor
ryNompe”hescr
atchedhi
sheadandgul
peddownhi
sdr
inki
naonego.

Me:
“We’
reher
espeaki
ngbecausewehav
echi
l
drent
oget
herandIwi
l
ltr
ytoci
vi
lbyal
lmeans

becauseIknowthatwedon’
tchoosef
ami
l
ybutdon’
tthi
nkt
hatIwi
l
ltakey
oubackor
somethingl
ike

t
hat
”

Hi
m:“
You’
rest
il
lmywi
fewedi
dn’
tdi
vor
cer
emember
”her
aisedoneey
ebr
ow.

Me:“Don’
tbesmar
twi
thmewenaandIhav
eaman”Ipul
l
edupast
rai
ghtf
ace.Hel
ookedatme
put

downhi
sgl
assandl
aughed.

NxaaIwonderwhathei
slaughi
ngat
.Hel
aughedunt
ilt
ear
sfal
l
.Hest
ret
chedhi
shandandt
ook
hi
s

l
apt
op.

Hi
m:“
Wat
chher
e”

Il
ookedatt
hescr
een.Fuckt
hisi
smybedr
oom…

Me:
“Yousonofabi
tch.Howcoul
dyou!
”myv
oicei
shi
ghr
ightnow.

Hi
m:“
Cal
m down!
”

Heopenedanot
herf
oot
age.Iwasi
nthei
rbat
hroom t
aki
ngshower
.Iknewt
hathei
scr
azybutI
di
dn’
t

knowt
hati
twast
hisbad.

Me:
“IfIev
erf
indt
hisf
uckenf
oot
ageonl
i
neorsomet
hinghel
lbr
akeswi
l
llose”

Hi
m:“
Rel
axi
twon’
t.Ist
udi
edI
Twhi
l
eIwasawaysoIknowev
ery
thi
ngabouti
t”

Li
kereal
l
y?Thi
smanher
eissomet
hingel
seI
’
mtel
l
ingy
ou.He“
died”andaf
ter7y
ear
shecame
back

beingI
Tgeekwhowasspy
ingonmef
ort
hewhol
efucken7y
ear
sinf
actheknewev
ery
thi
ng
that

happeni
nthi
shousef
ort
hepasty
ear
s.

Me:
“Whatel
seIneedt
oknow?
”
Hi
m:“
Thanksf
orbei
ngl
oyal
tomewhi
l
eIwasaway
”

Me:
“Don’
tfool
your
sel
fSamkel
o.Ihav
eamanandI
’
m meet
inghi
mtoni
ghtf
ordi
nner
”

Hi
m:“
Iwoul
dhav
eki
l
ledt
hatdi
ckheadl
ongt
imeago”

Me:
“What
?Why
?”

Hi
m:“
Ihady
ouf
oll
owedev
ery
wher
esoi
fyouhadaboy
fri
endIwoul
dbet
hef
ir
stonet
oknow”

Me:
“Youknowwhatf
ucky
ou”Isi
ppedagai
n

Hi
m:“
Alotbutr
ightnowIneedt
osl
eepher
ewi
thy
oupl
ease”

Me:
“wheny
ouwer
eawayy
oul
osty
ourmi
ndt
ooIsee.Nothappeni
ng”

Hi
m:“
Iwant
edt
osl
eepi
nthecouchsoIdon’
tknowwhaty
ournaught
ymi
ndwast
hinki
ng”he

smi
rked.

Ishowedhi
m ami
ddl
efi
ngerandhel
aughed.It
hrewapi
l
lowathi
m.I
’
m notsupposedt
obe
react
ing

l
ikethist
owar
dsbutIcan’
tcont
rol
thewayIf
eel
.Wai
tdoIst
il
lhav
efeel
i
ngsf
orhi
m?I
fIam
please

hi
tmyheadsobadbecauseI
’
m nott
hinki
ngst
rai
ghtbutIt
hinkIhadal
otofwi
ne.

Imusthav
edozeof
fbecauseIwakeupathi
m st
ari
ngathi
m.

Me:
“Nxaadon’
tdot
hatshi
tdude”

Hi
m:“
Iwasl
ongi
ngf
ort
hismoment
”asmi
l
ecr
eepedi
nhi
sface.

Me:
“Mxm”Igotupandwentt
otheen-
sui
tebat
hroom her
eIbr
ushedmyt
eet
h.

WhenIwentbackt
other
oom hewasl
ooki
ngathi
slapt
op.

Me:
“Imustgoandpr
epar
ebr
eakf
astf
orki
dsbef
oret
heywakeup”

Hi
m:“
YeahIwi
l
lhel
pyou”

Iwasaboutt
otakemyphonewhenIhear
dnoi
seout
sidet
her
oom I
’
min.Ther
eisaknockIa
door
.

Samkel
owentt
oopeni
twasLet
hu.

Let
hu:
“MommyI
’
vebeenl
ooki
ngf
ory
ou”hei
ssad

Me:
“Mommychangedt
her
oom nana.Sor
ryokay
”henodded.Hecamet
omeandgav
emea
hug

andki
ssedmycheek.Hepul
l
edoutandwentt
ost
andi
nbet
weenSamkel
o’sl
egsashewas
si
tt
edin

bed

Lethu:
“Idot
hisev
erydayt
omom andIwoul
dli
ket
ohugandki
ssy
ourcheeki
fyoudon’
tmi
nd
dad”

hesmi
l
edaf
tersay
ingt
hat
.

Samkeloopenedhi
sar
msf
orl
ethuandt
heyshar
edal
onghug.Theyst
oodi
nthatposi
ti
onunt
il
Ihear
d

Samkel
osni
ff
ing.

Let
hu:
“DadIcan’
tbr
eat
he”hewant
edt
olaughbutSamkel
odi
dn’
tev
enhearwhatLet
husai
d.

Isawhimjumpi
ngandl
ethubur
stedoutl
aughi
ng.Samkel
oqui
ckl
ywi
pedhi
stear
sandshook
hishead

atLet
hu.

Me:
“Let
’sgoandmakebr
eakf
ast
”

Igotupandl
eftt
her
oom.Theywer
efol
l
owi
ngmeandLet
huwasonSamkel
o’sshoul
derandhe
was

t
ickl
i
ngLet
huwasbusyl
aughi
ng.

Whenwegott
otheki
tchenheputhi
m ont
hecount
er.

El
am:
“Dadpl
easet
ickl
emet
oo”

Nka:
“Andmet
oo”

Samkel
odi
dn’
tknowhowt
ohandl
ethi
smat
ter
.

Samkel
o:“
Okay
”hepi
ckedt
heNkaandEl
am andpl
acedt
hem nextt
oLet
hu.Het
ickl
edt
hem at
the

samet
ime.

Partofmeissti
l
l angryathim butt
heotherpartishappyt
hathedi
dn’
tdi
e.Okaydon’
tov
ert
hink
thi
nkheishereforhiskids.Ohandforhisgrandkids.

Let
hu:
“Mommycany
oupl
easecal
lMkhul
uforme”Samkel
o’sey
espoppedout
.
Me:
“Doy
oumi
ssMkhul
u?”

Let
hu:
“Yesmom butmor
eimpor
tantIneedhi
mtot
akemef
orshoppi
ng”

Igav
ehi
m al
ook.Hesmi
l
ed.

Let
hu:
“Mom I
’
m anuncl
enowIneedt
obuycl
othesf
ormynephews”peopl
eI’
m apr
oudmom.

Samkel
owasconf
used.

Me:
“Ncooahmyboy
.Iwi
l
lcal
lhi
m af
terbr
eakf
ast
”

Samkel
o:“
Goandwakey
ourbr
other
sandt
ell
them br
eakf
asti
sal
mostr
eady
”heputt
hem
downand

t
heyr
ant
oupst
air
s.

Hi
m:“
Youcan’
tcal
lMnt
ungwanow”

Me:
“I’
m sur
eKati
swai
ti
ngf
orust
oeatbr
eakf
astaf
tert
hatt
heyar
ecomi
ngher
e”

Her
oughl
ybr
ushedhi
shead.Hesi
ghed.

Hi
m:“
Whydon’
tyout
akeLet
huf
orshoppi
ng?
”

Me:
“Hi
smoneyi
swi
thMnt
ungwanotme”

Hi
m:“
Hismoney
?”

Me:“
Hewas“
wor
king”f
orMnt
ungwaasi
npol
i
shi
nghi
sshoesandhewi
l
lear
nmoneysot
hat
money

i
swi
thMnt
ungwa”

He:
“Wow!Hei
ssmar
t”

Me:
“Yeah.Katsai
dit
’sov
eraR1000r
andbecausehewasear
ningR100aday
”

Hi
m:“
Hei
sagoodnegot
iat
orneh”

Me:
“Yeshei
s”

Iheardnoi
secomi
ngdownt
hest
air
sandI
’
m happyt
hatt
heyar
eal
i
ve.I
nthi
shouseexpectno
noise

whent
heyar
easl
eeporatschool
butot
hert
hant
hatf
orgeti
t.

Juj
u:“
Mor
ningmom”het
ookanappl
ewi
pedi
twi
thhi
st-
shi
rtandt
ookabi
te.Igav
ehi
m al
ook.

Hel
aughed.
Juj
u:“
HaaaIwi
l
lwashi
tnextt
ime”

Me:
“Soony
ouwi
l
lseewhatIal
way
spr
each”hel
aughed.

El
am camei
nrunni
ngf
oll
owedbyherpai
r.

Si
hle:
“El
am Iwantmymoneynow!
”

Smacamei
nanggr
eet
edmeonl
ymi
ndy
ouSamkel
oisal
soher
ebutt
heypr
etendasi
fhei
snot
her
e.

Me:
“Manj
e?”

Si
hle:
“El
am want
stobet
hebestaunti
nthewor
ldwi
thmymoney
”

Weal
ll
aughedi
ncl
udi
ngSamkel
o.

Let
hu:
“Mom I
’
m hungr
y”

Me:
“Ei
shsor
rymyboy
.Let
’sgot
othedi
ningr
oom andeat
”

Let
husai
dthegr
aceasusual
l
ywhi
l
eSamkel
owasal
readyeat
ing.Hest
oppedashewas
bl
essi
ngt
he

foodandcont
inuedwi
thhi
sfood.Hehasn’
tchangedabi
t.Hest
il
ll
oveshi
sfoodl
i
kehi
ski
ds
around

t
het
abl
e.

Af
tereat
ingki
dst
ookpl
atest
otheki
tchen.

Samkel
o:“
Ineedt
o…”hewasi
nter
rupt
edbymyr
ingi
ngphone.

Me:
“Ta.
..
”

Kat
:“Whatt
hef
uckwi
thf
uckenguar
dsal
lov
er?
”

Me:
“Whatar
eyout
alki
..
.”

Kat
:“Don’
tfuckwi
thmej
ustopent
hef
uckengat
ebef
oreIl
osemycool
”

Hehungup.Il
ookedatSamkel
o.

Me:
“Whatt
hef
uckwi
tht
heguar
dsi
nmyhousewi
thoutmyper
missi
on!
”

Igotupandwentt
othemai
ndoor
.Ther
ear
esomanymeni
nmyy
ardwear
ingal
lbl
ackcar
ri
ng
guns.

Me:
“Samkel
owhatt
hef
ucki
sgoi
ngonher
e!?
”
Hecamet
ome.

“
Bosst
her
ear
epeopl
eint
hegat
e”t
heot
hermansai
dtoSamkel
o.

Samkel
o:“
Lett
hem i
n”

Themanl
ookedatSsamkel
onotsur
eatwhatt
odo.

Samkelo:“
Giv
ethem cl
ear
ance.Whi
l
eont
hatbr
iefal
lthesecur
it
ynott
ofi
re.Nomat
terwhat
happens

DONOTFI
RE!
”

Theman:
“Yesboss”

Themanl
eftandwegoti
nsi
de.Ki
dswer
eint
hel
oungewat
chi
ngt
v.

Kat
:“Juj
u!Sma!
”hi
svoi
cei
smor
ebr
oadt
hanusual
.

Theboy
scamei
nrunni
ng.Theyknowhi
mtoowel
l
.

Kat
:“Got
akey
ourgadget
sandLet
hu’
smedi
cat
ionSpi
rowi
l
ltakey
oual
ltoUmhl
anga”

Theboy
snodded.

Hisey
esshi
ft
edt
oSamkel
oandhei
sbr
eat
hingf
ir
eitj
ustt
hathewaswai
ti
ngf
orki
dst
obeout
ofher
e

t
henWor
ldWarI
IIcant
akepl
ace.

El
am:
“Uncl
eKat
”herhandswer
eonherwai
st.Het
urnedt
olookatherdi
rect
ion.Ev
ent
hough
he

wasangr
ybutasmi
l
eescapedhi
smout
h.

Kat
:“Mybl
ackPear
l”

El
am:
“Isi
tthedayal
readyorIf
orgot
?”

Katj
ustl
ookedconf
used.Tr
ustEl
am t
obeani
cebr
eakeri
ntoughsi
tuat
ion.

El
am:
“Uncl
eKatpl
easedon’
ttel
lmey
ouf
orgotaboutaf
atheranddaught
erday
?”

Kat
:“LookPr
incessUncl
eKather
eiski
ndabusybutt
omor
rowIpr
omi
seI
’
mtaki
ngy
ouout
”she

smi
l
ed.

Kat
:“Ri
ghtnowsweet
hear
tyougoi
ngt
oGr
andpar
ent
’shousewi
thy
oursi
bli
ngs”

Shef
rowned.
Kat
:“Ineedt
otal
kwi
thmom anddadher
eokay
”

El
am:
“Okay
”

Boyscamebackwi
thbagsandLet
hudi
dn’
twantt
ogobutKatpi
ckedhi
m upandt
oldhi
m he’
l
l
come

t
oseehi
m bef
orehesl
eep.Henodded.Myki
dswer
eescor
tedwi
thourbody
guar
ds.

Katcamebackandhef
oundusi
nthesameposi
ti
onashel
eftus.

Kat
:“Wel
lwel
lwel
lwehav
etheGhostAxeher
e”her
ubbedhi
shandst
oget
her
.

Al
ltheguy
sinsi
det
hehousechuckl
edandSamkel
owasabi
tshakenbuthedi
dn’
twantt
oshow
i
t.

Samkel
o:“
Groot
man”hebowedhi
sheadal
i
ttl
e.

Katt
ookofhi
str
acksui
tjacketandhandedi
ttoSpi
kes.Hewentst
rai
ghtt
oSamkel
owhowas
st
andi
ng

nextt
othecouch.Ipunchedhi
m har
dandhef
ell
onf
loor
.Samkel
o’sbody
guar
dscor
kedt
hei
r
guns

poi
nti
ngatKat
.

Samkel
o:“
DON’
TSHOOT!IREPEATDON’
TSHOOT!
”

Kat
:“Don’
tbeapussyAxewi
thonepunchy
oul
i
ket
his”hepoi
ntedhi
m.

Samkel
ogotupandanot
herpunchf
oll
owedandt
henki
cksandpunchesonhi
sface.Thef
ight
went

onnol
etmesayt
hebeat
ingwentonandonunt
ilwehear
dashoot
.

“
Whatt
hef
ucki
sgoi
ngonher
e!”whenwet
urnedourey
esi
twasMnt
ungwa.

Kat
:“Mnt
ungwapl
easel
etmedeal
wit
h..
.”

Mntungwa:
“Fuckof
fKhet
hokuhl
e!”hi
svoi
cehassomuchaut
hor
it
ythatmadeKatt
oshuti
t.I
can’
t

bel
i
evemyf
atheri
nlawj
ustswor
e.

Samkel
owasst
il
li
nthef
loor
.Whenhi
sfat
hersawhi
m hef
rozeandbl
i
nkedt
wice.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Samkel
o”

Samkel
o:“
Dad”
Mntugwawentt
ohi
m andcr
ouchedt
olookhi
m.Hehuggedhi
mfort
hel
ongt
imeaf
tert
he
br
okethe

hugMnt
ungwapunchedSamkel
ohar
dinhi
sfaceandhegr
oaned.

Mntungwa:
“Howcanf
uckendowhaty
oudi
d?”hi
sisl
i
vidandr
eadyt
ofi
nishof
fwhatKathas
st
arted.

Mnt
ungwagotupandt
urnedt
olookatme.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Pr
epar
eahotbat
hforhi
m andputy
ourbat
hingsal
tst
her
e”

Me:“Yebobaba”Iwentupst
air
sandpr
epar
edbat
hasIwast
old.Tookacl
eangownandhi
s
sl
eepers.

WhenIwasaboutt
ogoopent
hedoorhi
sbody
guar
dswer
ehol
dinghi
m.

Me:
“Fol
l
owme”

Iwentt
obat
hroom wi
tht
hem f
oll
owi
ngme.

Samkel
o:“
Youcangonow”t
heynodded.

Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m wi
thhi
sbadl
ybr
uisedf
aceandhi
slef
tey
ewasswol
l
en.

Me:
“Letmehel
pyout
otakey
ourcl
othesout
”

Hej
ustl
ookedatme.

Me:
“Letmej
ustt
akeasci
ssorandt
eart
hesecl
othesbecauseIwi
l
lthr
owt
hem any
way
”

Henodded.Iwentt
otakeasci
ssor
sint
hedr
awerandwhenIcamebackhewasl
eani
ngont
he
wal
l.

Icuthi
scl
othesandhegoti
nsi
det
hebat
htubandhecl
osedhi
sey
es.

Me:
“Letmel
eav
eyouandenj
oyy
ourbat
hI’
l
lbeback”

Samkel
o:“
Pleasedon’
tleav
e”

Iwashesi
tantatf
ir
stbutIchoset
oli
stent
ohi
m.Isatont
heseatoft
het
oil
etandl
ookedathi
m.

Eveni
fhei
sbr
uisedhei
sst
il
lthatSamkel
oIknewbackt
hen.Hi
sbodyi
sst
il
lfl
amespeopl
eit
shows

hest
il
lwor
kout
.Hehasnewt
att
oosanduhm i
sst
il
lther
edon’
taskmewhat
….

Samkel
o:“
Youar
edr
ool
i
ngev
eni
fI’
m badl
ybr
uised”Icamebackf
rom myt
hought
s
Me:
“Don’
tfool
your
sel
f”

Samkel
o:“
IknowI
’
m hotandy
out
aki
ngmycl
othesof
fdi
dn’
tmakey
ouanyj
ust
ice”

Me:
“Idon’
thav
eti
mef
ort
his”Igotupandwentt
othedoor
.

Samkel
o:“
I’
m doneany
way
.Pl
easehel
pmeout
”Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Iwentt
ohi
m hel
pedhi
m outasheasked.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasehel
pmet
owi
pemedr
y”Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m andnowI
’
m get
ti
ngpi
ssed.

Isi
ghed.Tookat
owel
andwi
pedhi
m dr
y.Iwr
appedadr
ytowel
onhi
swai
standhel
pedhi
mto
go

backt
othebedr
oom.

Hi
m:“
ThankYoukaMazi
buko”Ir
oll
edmyey
esandl
efthi
mint
hebedr
oom.

Iwentbackt
othel
ounget
heguy
swer
est
il
landMnt
ungwat
oo.af
terawhi
l
eSpi
rocamei
n
car
ryi
ng

Kat
’sMedi
cal
case.

Kat
:“Iwi
l
ltel
lPhi
ndi
tocomeandhandl
ethi
s”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Idon’
twantPhi
ndi
.Iwanty
out
otakecar
eofhi
m”

Kat
:“ButDad…”

Mntungwa:
“Iwon’
trepeatmy
sel
ftoy
ouKhet
hokuhl
e.Mywor
disf
inal
.Takey
ourcaseand
f
oll
ow

meandy
ouMakot
i”

Aswewer
egoi
ngupSamkel
o’sbody
guar
dsbumpedi
ntoKat
.

Kat
:“Wat
chwher
eyougo.Youasshol
e”t
heguydi
dn’
trespondt
othat
.

Theguy
:“Mr
sKhumal
obosssai
dImustt
ell
yout
omakemazi
forhi
m”Idon’
tunder
standhi
m
and

hi
saccenti
smaki
ngt
hingswor
se.Inodded.

Whenwegott
othebedr
oom hi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
onchangedt
ofearwhenhesawhi
sfat
her
.

Mnt
ungwa:
“WenamsunuI
’
llwai
ti
ngf
ory
out
oheal
andbeatt
heshi
tout
”hedi
dn’
trespond.

Katj
ustst
oodt
her
elooki
ngathi
sbr
otherwi
thnot
hingbutangerand
hi
saccenti
smaki
ngt
hingswor
se.Inodded.

Whenwegott
othebedr
oom hi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
onchangedt
ofearwhenhesawhi
sfat
her
.

Mnt
ungwa:
“WenamsunuI
’
llwai
ti
ngf
ory
out
oheal
andbeatt
heshi
tout
”hedi
dn’
trespond.

Katj
ustst
oodt
her
elooki
ngathi
sbr
otherwi
thnot
hingbutangerpai
nandhar
ted.

Mntungwa:
“Khet
hadoy
ourt
hingbutdon’
thur
tmebecauseI
’
m her
eandy
ouknowwhatI
’
m
capabl
e

ofsodon’
tpi
ssmeof
f”Katnoddedandl
ookedatmef
orsomet
imeaf
tert
hathewentt
othe
beddi
d

hi
sthi
ngt
henhewentout
.

Mntungwa:
“Wenay
oudon’
tleav
etownbecauseI
’
llki
l
lyoumy
sel
fandbur
yyour
eal
thi
sti
me.
Nxa!
”

wi
tht
hathewentout
.

Me:
“yoursi
l
lybody
guar
dsai
dyouwant
edwhat
?”

Samkel
o:“
Isai
dcanIpl
easehav
eamasi
”

Ichuckl
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Whatdi
dhesai
d?”

Me:
“Hesai
dmazi
”het
ri
edt
olaugh.

Hel
ookedatmewi
thhi
soneey
e.

Me:
“What
?”

Samkel
o:“
Mor
eguy
sar
ecomi
ngher
eincl
udi
ngt
hedoct
orwhocanhel
pmet
oheal
fast
”

Me:
“Idon’
tcar
ewi
thy
ourguy
scomi
ngbutnoti
nmyhouse”

Samkel
o:“
But
…”

Me:
“Isai
dnoti
nmyHOUSE”

Hedi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ngbuthet
ookhi
sphoneanddi
all
ed.

Hi
m: “
Ial
readysentt
hel
ocat
iont
oyou.Youmustcomeal
oneandt
heguy
sar
esor
ted.Thecar
wi
ll

t
aket
hem somewher
eel
sewher
etheycanwor
kfort
hisf
ewunt
ilI
’
m done”wi
tht
hathe
dr
oppedt
he

cal
l
.

Samkel
o:“
I’
m hungr
y”

Igav
ehi
m adeat
hst
areandwal
kedoutoft
her
oom.Ther
easonIwi
l
lmakef
oodf
ori
sbecause
he

mustt
akemedi
cat
ion.Lucki
l
yther
ewasuphut
hui
nthef
ri
dgeIdef
rozei
tandmi
nut
esl
atea

body
guar
dcamewi
thamasi
.Iputev
ery
thi
ngi
nat
rayandt
ooki
ttohi
m upst
air
s.

Samkel
o:“
Ngi
yabongakakhul
uMaMwel
ase”

Hetri
edtomi
xitbuti
twasast
ruggl
eIt
ookabowl
from hi
m andmi
xedi
tforhi
m.Isi
ghed
becauseI

mustfeedhi
m orel
sehewi
l
lmakemessher
einmyexpensi
vebeddi
ng.Hemov
edabi
tsoIcan
si
t.I

sati
nposi
ti
onIcanbeabl
etof
eedl
i
ke.

Thef
ir
stspoont
hatwentt
ohi
smout
hwasn’
tthatf
ull
.

Samkel
o:“
Youbeaut
if
ul”hesai
dinbet
weenhi
schew.

Me:
“Swal
l
ow”

Samkel
o:“
Yout
oof
astNompe”Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Me:
“I’
m usedt
ofeedt
ri
pleatt
hesamet
imet
hat
’swhyI
’
mfast
”

Heswal
l
owedt
heopenhi
smout
h.Wedi
dthatunt
ilhef
ini
shedhi
sfood.

Samkel
o:“
Thanksf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofme.Idon’
tdeser
vei
tIknowbutt
hanky
ousomuch”

Me:
“Okay
”

WhenIwasaboutt
ogetupmyphoner
angandi
twasJuj
u.

Me:
“Mybaby
”

Juj
u:“
Mom pl
easeI
’
m ol
dfort
hat
”

Me:
“Ev
eni
fyou50y
ou’
l
lbemybabyboy
”

Juj
u:“
Okaymom.I
sDa….Dadwi
thy
ou?
”

Me:
“Yesbabywhati
sit
?”Hel
aughed.
Juj
u:“
Pleaseputt
hephoneonl
oudspeakery
ouhav
etoheart
his”Idi
dashesai
d.

Juj
u:“
IwasonI
nst
agr
am andi
thappenedt
oseeAuntandEl
am’
sphot
ooft
hem t
oget
herand
she

cametosi
tnextt
omeandshesawt
hephot
onowshewant
stohav
eInst
agr
am t
oseeher
phot
os”t
he

boy
slaughedont
hebackgr
ound.

Si
hle:
“Shei
sthr
owi
ngt
ant
rumsher
ebecausewedon’
twantt
odownl
oadi
tforher
”Ij
ust
l
aughedand

Samkel
odi
dtoobuthecoughedandt
hatmadehi
mtost
opl
aughi
ng.

Me:
“Shei
stooy
oungt
ohav
eInst
agr
am”

Sma: “Sheal
sosai
dshewant
stohav
eherchannel
onYouTubeshowi
ngot
hergi
rl
showt
odo
faci
als”

Ibust
edoutl
aughi
ngunt
ilt
ear
scame.

Juj
u:“
Weal
ll
aughedatherbutshesai
dsheknowst
hatwear
ejeal
ousyofher
”

Nka:
“Shecal
l
edusHat
ers”Il
aughed

Me:
“Wher
eisLet
hu?
”

Juj
u:“
Hei
swi
thEl
am t
ryi
ngt
ocal
m herdown”

Me:
“Theyar
ecl
oset
heseday
s”

Sma:
“Appar
ent
lyLet
huwi
l
lbet
heonewhowi
l
ltakesel
fi
eswi
thherwhenshei
sfamous”

Me:
“IguessI
’
mjoi
ninghat
ersl
i
stbecauseIwon’
tletherdot
hat
”

Juj
u:“
Yeaht
hatt
ruemom”

Si
hle:
“Don’
tfor
gett
hatt
her
eisAuntThandowhocandot
hingshappenf
orhery
oungerv
ersi
on”

Me:
“OhGodgi
vemest
rengt
hbecauseIcan’
tdeal
”Boy
slaughedatme.

Juj
u:“
Goodni
ghtmom”t
heyal
lsai
dtoo.

Me:
“Goodni
ghtboy
sIl
ovey
oual
l
”

Them:
“Wel
ovey
out
oomommy
”

Theydr
oppedt
hecal
lwi
thoutsay
inggoodni
ghtt
ohi
m.Hehadasmi
l
eonhi
sbr
uisedf
ace.
Me:“
Itwi
l
ltaket
hem t
imet
oacceptt
haty
oul
eftt
hem sogi
vet
hem t
imeanddoubl
ethatt
ime
when

i
tcomest oSi
hle.Hei
syourr
epl
i
caandhei
swor
set
hany
ousopl
easebegent
leonhi
m
becausehe

behav
esl
i
key
ouwheny
oumad”

Hesi
ghed.Samkel
o:“
Juj
uandSmaar
ehur
tangr
yandsadwhi
l
eSi
hlehashat
redandangr
yso
hei
saticki
ng

bombwhi
l
ethet
ri
pletdoesn’
thav
eacl
ue”

Hesi
ghedagai
n.

Samkel
o:“
Iknownoamountofsor
ryorgi
ftIcanbuyt
oer
aset
hepai
nIhav
ecausedi
nyouand
my

kidsandf
ami
l
ybuti
twar
msmyhear
twhenIseehowmyt
ri
pletourbabi
eshasgr
own.Iagr
ee
thatI

t
ookt
hebaddeci
siont
hatcausepai
nandhear
tbr
eaki
nmyl
ovedonesbutIcandoi
tagai
njust
t
o

protecty
ouandmyki
ds.I
twasn’
teasyt
oseemyki
dsoncamer
aev
erysi
ngl
edayandt
he
hardestday

wasthedayy
ouf
oundoutt
hatLet
hui
sdi
abet
icIwant
edt
ocomebackbutIcoul
dn’
tri
sky
our
saf
ety

becauseIknewy
ouwi
l
lseekhel
pwi
thev
ery
thi
ngy
ouhav
e”

Tear
sfi
l
ledmyey
es.

Me: “Rai
singsi
xkidsalonewashar
dbutt hankstomyparentsyourpar
ent
sKatandNomxo
SpikesSpiroandotherwhohel
pedindi
rectl
y.Ihaveev
ery
thinghousescar
smoneybusi
nessal
l
overbutI

hadfi
vekidswholooksexact
lyli
key
ousoi
twashar
datf
ir
stbecauseIwasdi
agnosedwi
th
cl
ini
caldepr
essi
onbutIgothelp”

If
elthi
sthumbonmycheekandIknewhewaswi
pingmyt
ear
s.

Samkel
o:“
Comeher
e”

Igotcl
osert
ohi
m andhehuggedme.Sobsescapedmymout
h.Icr
iedunt
ilIcoul
dn’
t.Hebr
oke
the
hugandwi
pedt
het
ear
sinmyf
ace.

He:
“Idon’
tli
ket
oseey
oucr
yingba…”Hewasi
nter
rupt
edbymyr
ingi
ngphone.I
twasJuj
u.

Me:
“Myboy
”myv
oicewashoar
sef
rom al
lthecr
ying.

Let
hu:
“Mommyar
eyouokay
?Wer
eyoucr
ying?
”

Ei
sh!Fuck

Me:
“Nomyboy
.Mommyi
scomi
ngdownwi
thf
lueokay
”

Let
hu:
“Sor
rymommy
.Pl
easet
ell
Dadt
otakecar
eofy
oubecausey
ousi
ck”

Me:
“OkayIwi
l
ltel
lhi
m myboy
”

Let
hu:
“Ishenextt
oyou?
”

Me:
“Yes”

Lethu:
“Pl
easegi
vehi
mthephonemom.Ineedt
otal
ktohi
m mant
oman”Ichuckl
edIputt
he
phone

onl
oudspeakersoIcanheart
hismant
omant
alk.

Lethu:
“DadIhopey
ou’
reokay
.Pl
easet
akecar
eofmom becauseI
’
m nott
her
eIcanmakeher
fav
ourit
e

cupofcof
fee”Samkel
ochuckl
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Iwi
l
ldomyboy
”

Let
hu:“
Hidechocol
atemuf
fi
nsbecauseherv
oicewi
l
lbewor
sewhensheeat
ssweetf
ood”
Samkel
o

l
aughedandt
ri
ednott
olaught
oomuch.

Samkel
o:“
I’
m ont
opofi
t”

Let
hu:
“Okay
….”

Juj
u:“
Hay
i!Let
huy
ou’
rewast
ingmyai
rt
ime”ont
hebackgr
ound.

Let
hu:
“By
epar
ent
s”

Juj
u:“
Hay
isuka.Par
ent
spl
easel
oadmyai
rt
ime”

Me:
“Mxm gi
veLet
hut
hephoneI
’
llf
il
lyourai
rt
imeasal
way
s”hel
aughed.

Let
hu:
“Sor
ryIwascaught
.Goodni
ghtMom andDad”
Us:
“Goodni
ghtbaby
”

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

Me:
“hei
sanangel
”

Samkel
o:“
Hei
ssweet
”

Me:“
Alway
s.I
tinhi
snat
urebecauseIt
houghthi
m bei
ngEl
am’
sot
hert
winwi
l
lchangehi
m but
noi
t

di
dn’
t”

Hesi
ghed.

Samkel
o:“
Thent
her
eisEl
amant
ungwat
hedi
va”

Me:
“Mhm.Shehasownbl
ackcar
dthankst
oThando”

Samkel
o:“
NowonderEl
am i
sli
ket
his”heshookhi
shead.

Me:
“Shei
steachi
nghert
obeadr
amaqueenandt
hrowi
ngunnecessar
ytant
rum”

Samkel
o:“
Ihav
etodeposi
tanot
hermoneyi
nthatcar
d.Asear
lyaspossi
ble”

Me:
“Shedi
dn’
tsaygoodni
ghtbecauseshewant
stomani
pul
atemef
acet
ofacewhenIr
efusei
t

becauseI
’
mjeal
ousyofherbecauseshei
sbeaut
if
ult
hatmeandshei
suni
que”hel
augheda
l
it
tle.

Samkel
o:“
YazuThandounescef
e”

Me:
“Youdon’
tknowt
hedr
amai
fyouhav
eseenhersear
chi
ngf
orout
fi
tifwear
egoi
ngout
”

Samkel
o:“
OhNkosi
yami
kazi
Thandouy
enzeni
inganey
ami
”Ij
ustbust
edoutl
aughi
ngbecause
he

knowshowThandoi
sandwemustl
i
vewi
thhery
oungerv
ersi
onwhi
chshei
steachi
ngher
drama.

Ther
ewasaknock.

Samkel
o:Comei
n

Theol
dwhi
temanwasst
andi
ngwi
thabag.

Ol
dman:
“Axemyman”t
heyshookhands.

Samkel
o:“
Mar
ti
nezmyman.I
’
m gl
adt
oseey
ou”
Theoldguycamecl
oserandt
heyshookhands.Heexami
nedhi
m af
tert
hathewentt
othe
bat
hroom

wit
hsomebot
tl
e.Hecamebackandhel
pedSamkel
otogetupandt
heydi
sappear
edt
her
e
doi
nglor
d

knowswhat.Theol
dmancamebackal
oneandhet
oldmet
ogoandmakef
oodf
orhi
m.I
groaned.

I
’
mti
redIneedt
osl
eep.

Iwenttoki
tchenandt ooktheleftov
erputt
heonthemicr
owav
ethenv
oila!Haaanginaso
i
skhathsokuqalaphansingipheke.WhenIwasdonedi
shi
ngupIt
ookthefoodupstair
sandI
foundi
ndressinginpyjamas.

Oldman:“Taket
hepi
l
lsIgav
eyou.Theywi
l
lknocky
ouupbef
orey
out
ouchher
”Samkel
o
chuckl
ed.

Samkel
o:“
ThanksmanIf
eel
bet
ternow”

Ol
dman:
“Youknowme”

Samkel
o:“
Goodni
ghtman.Seey
out
omor
row”

Ol
dman: “Ev
eni
fyouar
echasi
ngmeout
.Tapt
hatass”Igav
ehi
m adi
sgust
ingl
ook.He
l
aughed.

Oldman:“Youmanwi
l
lsl
eepaf
terf
ewmi
nut
essopl
easecuddl
ehi
m becausey
out
wocan’
t
havesex

f
ort
woweeks”

Theybot
hlaughedandt
heol
dmanl
eft
.Idon’
tknowwhyhewasf
ool
i
ngt
hatol
dtel
l
inghi
mthat
he

mightgetanyhewon’t
.Iwon’
tbeint
imat
ewithhi
m.Iwenttotakeashoweraf
tert
hatIworehi
s
tshir
tandandpanty.whenIcameoutfr
om t
heclosethewasn’
tont
heroom soIassumedhe
went

t
osleepi
naguest
room atl
easthi
smi
ndi
sst
il
lwor
king.Iwentt
omysi
deoft
hebedopened
t
he

cov
ers.

Ihear
dsomeonecl
ear
ingat
hroatwhenIt
urnedi
twashi
m.Iqui
ckl
ytookapi
l
lowandIcov
ered

my
sel
f.
Me:
“What
?”

Samkel
o:“
Not
hing”

Me:
“Okay
”Igoti
nsi
det
hecov
ersandswi
tchedof
fthel
amp.

Ihear
dthebedmov
ing.Hemustnott
estmei
nthemi
ddl
eint
heni
ght
.

Me:
“Samkel
oyi
ni?
”

samkel
o:“
CanIhol
dyou”

Me:“
Youar
enotsupposedt
osl
eepi
nthi
sbedsohol
dingmei
stot
all
ywr
ongandIdon’
twantt
o
be

hol
dbyy
ousopl
easet
akey
ourpi
l
lowandbl
anketanduset
heguest
room”

Samkel
o:“
Angi
kwenzi
lokho(
I’
m notdoi
ngt
hat
)”

Me:
“Sor
ry?
”

Hi
m:“
Youhear
dme”

Me:
“Idon’
twantt
oar
guewi
thy
ouSamkel
osopl
easej
ustgo”

Hesi
ghed.

Him:“
Nompendul
otomor
rowIwi
l
lhav
eal
ongestdayofmyl
i
fewi
thmyf
ami
l
yandf
ri
ends.I
knowI

don’
tdeser
vet
obei
nthi
sroom wi
thy
ou.CanIpl
easehav
epeacewi
thy
oui
nthesf
ewhour
s
l
eft

bef
oreIf
acemyf
ami
l
yandmedi
a.Pl
ease”

Me:
“Okay
”Isl
eptandf
acedonmysi
denothi
s.

Hesi
ghed.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasel
ookatmeNompe”

Igr
oaned.

Me:
“Yousai
dyouwantpeaceSamkel
obutIseey
oucl
ear
lydon’
twanti
tbecausey
oukeepon

pr
ovoki
ngmeev
erychancey
ouget
”

Samkel
o:“
Please”

Me:
“Angi
kwenzi
lokho”Iwasst
il
lnotl
ooki
ngathi
m andIf
elthi
shandi
nmywai
st.
Me:
“Samkel
opl
easel
eav
e…”het
urnedmef
astandnowwear
ebr
eat
hingt
hesameoxy
gen.

Samkelo:
“I’
mfi
ght
ingi
tsohar
dnott
ofuckt
hest
ubbor
nnessoutofy
ounow.Lor
dknowsI
’
m
tr
ying

andyouwear
ingmyt
-shi
rti
sn’
tdoi
nganyj
ust
icet
omeandmhm t
hatt
hongIwantt
ori
pitapar
t
and

fuckyouunt
ilt
hesunr
isesbutIwon’
tdoi
ttodaybutIpr
omi
sey
ouIwi
l
landIwanty
out
o
scream

mynamet
hatni
ghtwhi
l
eI’
m goi
ngi
nandouty
ourpussy
.Okay
?”

Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Iknowy
ouwantmeasmuchasIwanty
ouandy
ourt
hongi
swet
.I’
m gl
adt
oseet
hat
Ist
il
l

hav
ethatef
fectony
ouKaMazi
buko”

OhMy !Whati
sthi
smandoi
ngt
ome?IknowIsai
dIwon’
tbei
nti
mat
ewi
thhi
m nowbuthey
peopl
e

thi
smani
sfl
ameshi
sbodyt
ouchv
oicest
il
ldot
het
hingsi
nmeandf
uckI
’
m wet
.Nxa!Hesl
ept
on

hi
sbackandpul
lmet
oputmyheadi
nhi
schest
.Feel
i
nghi
sski
nwar
mthandl
i
steni
ngt
ohi
s
hear
tbeat

gotmet
hinki
ngaboutourol
dti
me.

Samkel
o:“
Don’
tcr
ybabe.I
’
m her
enowandI
’
m notgoi
ngany
wher
eokay
?”

Inodded

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-

Idon’
tknowwhenIf
ell
asl
eepbutIwaswokenbysomeoneki
ssi
ngmyf
oreheadIqui
ckl
ygotup
and

sear
chedf
ormygun.

Samkel
o:“
Itooki
toutbecauseIknewy
ouwi
l
lreactl
i
ket
his”

Me:
“Mxm”

Samkelo:“Goandwashy
ourhandssoy
oucaneaty
ourbr
eakf
ast
”Il
ookedathi
mfi
rst
.I
thoughtt
his
wasall
adr
eam butnoi
t’
snot
.Igotupandwentt
othebat
hroom andIwashedmyf
aceand
br
ushed

myt
eet
h.IwentbackandIf
oundabedneat
lymadeandat
raywi
thar
oseont
opofi
t.

IsatdownandIst
art
edeat
ingIdon’
tknowwher
ehei
s.Hecameoutoft
hecl
osetl
ooki
ngal
l
ki
ndsof

sexy
.Heisi
nhi
sbl
ackJor
dant
racksui
tsandJor
dan23andJor
dancapwi
th.Hi
sfacei
snot
swoll
en

andbr
uisesar
est
art
ingt
ofadeaway
.Hewentbackt
othecl
osetandcameback.

Heli
ckedhi
sli
ps.Ohmygod!Het
ookouthi
sphonei
nthepocketandt
ypedsomet
hingand
l
ocked

andputi
tback.

Samkel
o:“
MakaJuj
uIwasl
ooki
ngf
orcarkey
sbutIcan’
tfi
ndt
hem”hewast
alki
ngbutIwasn’
t
payi
ng

at
tent
ioni
twasl
i
kehecameoutofmagazi
nephot
oshootandt
hewayhewasposi
ngand
st
andi
ng

washot
.

Samkel
o:“
MaKaJuj
ust
opundr
essi
ngmehawu”Il
ookedathi
m andhewasi
nst
it
ches.

Me:
“Whatar
eyoul
aughi
ngat
?”

Samkel
o:“
Stopdr
ool
i
ng”

Me:
“NoI
’
m not
”

Samkel
o:“
Okaykeept
ell
i
ngy
our
sel
fthat
”

Igav
ehi
m al
ook.

Me:
“Whaty
ouwer
esay
ing?
”hel
aughed

Samkel
o:“
Andy
ousai
dyouwasn’
tdr
ool
i
ng.Isai
dIwasl
ooki
ngf
orcarkey
sbutIcan’
tfi
nd
t
hem”

Me:
“Letmet
aket
hem f
ory
ou.Ihi
det
hem becausewehav
eteenager
sint
hishouseandt
hem

knowi
nghowt
odr
ivei
ssomet
hingel
se”

Iwentpasthi
m andwentt
othecl
osetIt
ookoutt
wonewunder
wearboxandgav
ethem t
ohi
m.
Samkel
o:“
Andt
hen?
”

Me:“Thekey
sar
ether
e.Yourboy
shat
epent
iessot
hat
’swhyIhi
dthosekey
sther
eandpl
ease
don’
t

t
ell
them mysecr
et”hel
aughed

Hi
m:“
Youknowwhaty
ousomet
hingel
seIt
ell
you”het
ookt
hekey
shewant
edandwentback
t
oput

under
wearboxback.

Hecamet
omeandwebot
hat
emybr
eakf
ast
.Hel
ookedatmeandl
aughed.

Me:
“Whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng”

Hi
m:“
Ther
eissomet
hingi
nyourf
acebutIdon’
twantt
owi
pei
tbecausey
oul
ookcut
ewi
thi
t”

Iwi
pedmyf
acedandi
tcausehi
mtol
aughev
enmor
e.

Me:
“Mxm!
”It
ri
edt
oreachf
ormyphonebuther
eachedi
tfi
rst
.

Hi
m:“
Askmet
owi
pei
tof
ffory
ou”

Me:
“Soy
oucanl
aughatme.No”

Hi
m:“
Don’
tmov
e”

Hecamecl
oset
omeasi
ncl
ose.Icl
osedmyey
esbecauseIdi
dn’
ttol
ookathi
mthi
scl
osel
y.I
f
elthi
s

t
oungeatt
hecor
nerofmymout
h.Iwasi
mpant
ient
lywai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtof
ini
shsoIcanbr
eat
he.

Hi
m:“
Stopmoani
ng”

Iopenedmyey
esandhewasst
il
ltoocl
oseandIcl
osedt
hem qui
ckl
yandhel
aughed.He
ki
ssedmy

f
oreheadandhel
ookedatme.

Him:“Iknowy
oudy
ingbutIneedf
ewday
stobecl
eanseandal
lthatsoIcanbewi
thy
ouf
ull
y
okay
”

Ifoundmy
sel
fnoddi
ng.Idon’
tknowwhet
hert
hecor
rectnamei
sfool
ori
diotbutbet
weent
hose
two

Ideser
vet
obecal
l
edbyt
hem.

Hi
m:“
I’
m st
il
lyourhandsomehusbandt
hef
atherofy
ourki
ds”i
sher
eadi
ngmi
ndsnoorwhat
?
Ihal
fsmi
l
ed.Hegotupandbendheki
ssedmyf
oreheadandcheekt
henhel
eft
.If
ini
shedeat
ing
my

breakf
ast
.Iwentt
otakeashowerIneedt
ogoandseemygr
andki
ds.Thi
ngshav
ebeenhect
ic
andI

don’
twantSi
het
ofeel
alone.

Iwor
emypi
nkchi
ff
onski
rtandbl
ackt
-shi
rtwhi
chwast
uckedi
nIwr
appedmyheadandwor
e
my

fl
oppi
es.I
’
m usi
ngMer
cedesGLDt
odayIf
eel
li
kehappy
.I’
minhi
ghspi
ri
t.Idr
ovet
oUmhl
anga
andto

myannoy
ancet
hesei
diot
swer
efol
l
owi
ngme.Nxa!

Igoti
nsi
det
hehousel
i
kel
ytheywer
ebackf
rom school
.If
oundJuj
ucar
ryi
ngoneoft
het
wins.

Me:
“Ncaaponanj
eemunt
ukaGogowakhenzeena”

Hesmi
l
ed.Hegav
ehi
mtome.

Hi
m:“
Don’
tdr
ophi
m”

Chapt
er52

Me:
“Mxm!Don’
texcer
sicey
ourpar
ent
ingski
l
lsonmemyboy
.County
oursi
bli
ngsandi
ncl
ude

y
our
sel
f.Ihav
eal
otofexper
iencet
hany
ou”

Ist
ickedmyt
oungeoutathi
m.Hel
aughed.

Hi
m:“
Youl
ookdi
ff
erentori
t’
smyey
es?
”

Isatdownwi
thmygr
andchi
l
d.Samkel
owi
thhi
sgenes.

Juj
u:“
Dadhasst
ronggenes”

Me:
“I’
mjustt
hinki
ngt
hat
.You’
l
lthatt
hinkmybaby
”

Juj
u:“
Let
’shopey
ounotpl
anni
ngonhav
ingababyno.
7”

Sma:
“Ihopesot
oobr
a”hesai
djoi
ninguswi
thSi
hle

Sihl
e:“
Shei
stoool
dfort
hat
.Heragei
snotgoodt
ohav
eanewbor
npl
uswear
etoomanywe
have
t
hreebi
gheadsmaki
ngnoi
set
hatcanl
astusal
i
fet
imesonj
emom pl
easedon’
t”

Il
aughed

Me:
“I’
m nothav
ingababy
.Thet
ri
plet
swer
ethel
astones”

Theynodded.

Me:
“isSi
hesl
eepi
ng?
”

Juj
u:“
Shewi
l
lbeher
enow”

Sma:
“Oht
her
eshei
s”shei
shol
dingt
heot
hert
win.

Me:“Heybabe.I
’
m sor
ryf
ornotbei
ngher
e.I
tjustt
hatt
hingsar
eupsi
dedownbutI
’
m not
negl
ecti
ng

y
ouandmygr
andki
dsokay
?”

Sihe:“
Iunder
standmom.Ihav
etwonanni
eswhoar
ehel
pingmewi
thev
ery
thi
ngandI
’
m
catchi
ngup

onmyschool
wor
k”

Me:
“Ihav
etot
hankMaNdl
ovu”

Sihe:“Shei
sal
sohel
pingwi
tht
wins”Ismi
l
edatshel
oveshergr
andchi
l
drenandgr
eat
-gr
eat
chil
dren.

Ispentthewhol
edaywi
thmyki
dsandIbondedwi
thmygr
andki
ds.Theyar
eandador
abl
e.
Sukoluhl
e

i
sacr
yingbabywhi
l
eSqal
oisanangel
.It
hinkwehav
eanot
herSi
hlei
nSukol
uhl
e.

Iwenthomeaf
terl
eav
ingt
hem atMnt
ungwa’
shouse.Ican’
ttaket
hem wi
thme.Thathousei
sa
war

zonesoIcan’
tandIdon’
twantt
hem t
oseet
hei
rfat
hert
hatbr
uised.WhenIgothouseIf
ound
Kat

andt
heguy
sdr
inki
ng.

Me:
“CanIhav
eagl
asspl
ease?
”

Spi
ro:
“Comi
ngr
ightup”

Andi
l
e:“
Ineedt
oasky
ouaquest
ionbef
oreIseet
hatmot
her
fucker
”

Me:
“Okay
..
.”
Andi
l
e:“
Didy
ouknewt
hathewasal
i
ve?
”

Me:“
Ithoughty
ouknowmebet
tert
oanswery
ourquest
ionNOIdi
dn’
tknewandheknewt
hatI
was

goi
ngt
osaynot
hismadness.Myki
dsar
ehur
tconf
usedandangr
ysoIdi
dn’
tknowabouti
t”

Kat
:“Icoul
dst
il
lheary
ourpai
nful
cri
eswhenwecamet
otel
lyout
hebadnewssoIknewy
ou
di
dn’
t”

Spi
kes:
“Sowhatnow?
”

Me:“Idon’
tknowbutt
hisshi
tist
oodeepandcompl
i
cat
ednowbecausehei
sal
eaderofCuban
Car
tel

t
hati
swhyt
hesef
ool
sar
eher
e”Isai
dpoi
nti
nghi
sbody
guar
ds.

Spi
kes:
“Fuck!
”

KatSi
ghed.

Kat
:“Ican’
tthi
nk.Idr
ankal
otandf
uckedmywi
fet
ryi
ngt
oreal
i
sesomest
ressbutnot
hingI
j
ustcan’t
.

i
fhewasn’
tmyf
ather
’ssonIwoul
dhav
eki
l
lednowandf
eedhi
sfl
eshonmydogs”

Andi
l
e:“
Ineedt
oki
ckhi
sbal
l
s”

Spi
kes:
“Onebul
l
etnj
eonhi
sthi
ghwi
l
lbeenoughf
orme”

TK:
“NxaIwantt
obeathi
m up”

Ipour
edanot
herwhi
skeyandgul
pedi
tononego.

Me:
“Li
feneh.Onemi
nut
eyou’
reawi
dowt
henextmi
nut
ethehusbandi
sal
i
ve”

Kat
:“Ican’
tbel
i
eveI
’
m shar
ingpar
ent
swi
thhi
m nxa”

Samkel
o:“
Bei
ngaf
atherandahusbandi
sthemostwonder
ful
thi
ngt
hatIhav
eexper
iencedi
n
myli
fe

ev
enthoughi
tcomeswi
thchal
l
engesbuti
tev
eryman’
sdr
eam t
ohav
eaf
ami
l
y.Asamany
ou
must

l
oveandpr
otect
.Mywi
fel
ostoneofquadr
upl
etsshewasbr
okensoIcoul
dn’
tlett
hem t
akemy
wi
fe

andoper
ateherandl
ett
hem t
akemyki
dsoutoft
hecount
ryj
ustl
i
ket
hat
.Idi
dtheonl
ythi
ng
thatI
wassupposedt
odo.WhatIdi
dwaswr
ongy
esIagr
eebutIcoul
dn’
tlethur
tmyf
ami
l
yli
ket
hat
”

Wear
enowl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Samkel
o:“Iknowev
ery
onei
sangr
yatmeandy
ouhav
eev
eryr
ightt
obeangr
ybutIwi
sh
someone

canunder
standwher
eI’
m comi
ngf
rom”

TK:“Whaty
oudi
dmanwaswr
ongIwon’
tli
etoy
ouandIhat
eyouf
ori
tbutIunder
standt
hat
you

want
edy
ourki
dst
oli
ve”henodded.

Weal
ltur
nedt
olookatTK.Hewant
edt
obeatt
hehel
loutofhi
m butnowheunder
stands.Okay
.

Kat
:“ShutupTKy
oudon’
tknowwhatt
osay
”

TK:“
Weal
lvowedt
otakecar
elov
eandpr
otectourf
ami
l
ies.Samkel
ojustdi
dthatsev
eny
ear
s
ago.

Eventhoughhechosebadchoi
ceofdoi
ngi
tbutt
het
ri
plet
sar
eal
i
vesowemustbegr
atef
ulf
or
that
”

Katj
ustgav
ehi
m adeadl
yst
are.

Samkelo:
“Ther
eisawarcomi
ngup.KG’
swi
fei
scomi
ngf
orhert
winbei
ngNompe.KGi
s
pushi
ngher

t
ocauseconf
li
ctandhehav
eagr
udgewi
thmywi
fe”

Kat
:“TheGangwi
l
ltakeofi
tsor
elax”

Samkel
o:“
Iknowt
hatGr
oot
manbutKG’
swi
fei
sal
eaderofacar
tel
soweneedt
oupt
heGangs
ski
l
l

sot
hatt
heycanbeabl
etopul
lthi
sof
f”

Kat
:“Whatar
eyoui
mpl
yi
ng?
”

Andi
l
e:“
Katweneedev
eryski
l
ltodeal
wit
hKGf
oronceandf
oral
l
”

Katsi
ghed.

Kat
:“Yeahwhat
ever
”

Myphoner
angandMom f
lashedonmyphone.I
’
m noti
nthemoodt
oanswerhercal
l
s.Il
efti
t
r
ingi
ng.
Kat
’sphoner
angandhewentt
oansweri
t.

Andi
l
e:“
SoMrGhostwhatar
eyoursuggest
ionsont
hisupcomi
ngwar
?”

Spi
kesl
aughedandSpi
roj
oinedi
n.Samkel
ochuckl
ed.Katcameback.

Kat
:“Thef
ami
l
yiscomi
ngher
efort
heobv
iousr
eason”

Me:
“Ei
shI
’
m noti
nthemoodoft
hem”

Kat
:“Unf
ort
unat
elyf
ory
out
heKhumal
os’
areont
hei
rwayher
eincl
udi
ngMaKhumal
o”OhGod.
She

mustnotpi
ssmet
oday
.

Me:
“Letmeor
dert
hef
oodf
ort
hem”

Iwentt
oki
tchenandIor
der
edf
ood.

Spi
ro:
“Iknowt
hisi
shar
dfory
oubutt
hingswi
l
lwor
kout
.Youl
ookdi
ff
erent
”Il
i
ftedmyey
est
o
l
ook

athi
m.

Spi
kes:
“Ihopey
ounotpr
egnant
”hehadawei
rdl
ookonhi
sface.It
ookacl
othandIt
hrewi
tat
hi
m.

Hel
aughedandIj
oinedhi
m.

Spi
ro:
“IcanseeAxest
il
lhasef
fectony
ouev
enaf
terspendi
ng7y
ear
sapar
t”

Me:
“Ohshutup!
”

Hel
aughed.

Andil
ewenttoopent
hegat
e.Myki
tcheni
sanopenpl
anki
tchensoIcanseeev
ery
thi
ng
happeni
ng.

Hecamebackwi
thThami
.

Thami
:“Mr
sKhumal
o”

Me:
“Whyar
eyout
hisni
ce?Whatdoy
ouwant
?”

Thami
:“Am It
hatbad?
”

Me:
“Justsayi
tal
ready
”

Thami
:“Fi
rst
lyI
’
m hungr
ythent
heot
hercanf
oll
ow”
Me:
“Goandpayl
obol
awear
eti
redofy
oual
way
swant
ingf
ood”

Thami
:“Mxm”

Samkel
ocamet
otheki
tchen.

Thami
:“Axe.Haahwenay
oudeser
veamedal
.I’
m sur
eyouwer
ebusyf
ucki
ngev
ery
thi
ngt
hat
hasa

whol
ebet
weeni
tsl
egwher
every
ouwer
e.I
fyouar
ecomi
ngbackwi
thanot
herchi
l
dI’
l
lhel
pyour

wi
fet
oki
l
lyou”

Samkel
oshookhi
sheadandopenedt
hef
ri
dgeandt
ookabot
tl
ewat
er.

Thami:
“Sohowar
etheCubanpussi
escompar
edt
otheAf
ri
canpussi
es?
”heev
ensqui
ntedhi
s
eyes

TK:
“Youwi
l
lnev
erbeokayher
e”hesai
dtoThami
poi
ntathi
shead.

Andi
l
eandKatcamet
ojoi
nusi
ntheki
tchen.

Kat
:“Youal
way
stal
ki
ngaboutpussy
?Youdon’
tgetbor
ed?
”hesai
dlooki
ngatThami
.

Thami
:“That
’swhyI
’
m notget
ti
ngmar
ri
edbecauseIwi
l
lbet
iedwi
thonepussyf
ort
her
estof
my

f
uckenl
i
fe”

Andi
l
ehi
thi
m atbackofhi
shead.

Thami
:“Ouch!
”

Andi
l
e:“
Atl
easty
oucanf
eel
pai
n”

Wel
aughed.Mi
nut
esl
aterIwast
oldmyf
ami
l
yisher
e.Iwentt
omybedr
oom andchangeshoes
t
o

somet
hingcomf
ort
abl
e.Iwentbackt
otheki
tchen.Ihear
dMaNdl
ovupai
nful
sobsand.

MaKhumal
o:“
Kodwamt
akabhut
imany
alamani
lawa”

Tomysur
pri
semypar
ent
sar
eher
etoo.Ihav
eseent
hem af
terdi
scov
eri
ngt
het
rut
hkaboutmy
twi
n

si
ster
.Thet
imeIsawt
hem t
heangr
yrai
sedup.Howcomet
heycoul
dli
etomei
nsuchaway
.

Mom:
“Mybaby
”shegav
emeaf
aintsmi
l
eIr
etur
nedt
hesame.
Grandmacamet
omeandhuggedmet
ight
lyandt
hatal
onemademet
ocr
y.Iwascr
ying
becauseI
’
m

angryatdi
scov
eri
ngt
het
rut
hseei
ngt
hatmyhusbandi
sbackandev
ery
thi
ngt
hati
sgoi
ngi
nmy
l
ife.

WhenIwascal
m weal
lwentt
othedi
ningr
oom.

Mntungwa:“Thanksf
orev
ery
onewhocamei
nsuchashor
tnot
ice.Asapar
entI
’
ma
di
sappoint
edin

mysonf orshamehecausesoff
aki
nghi
sowndeat
hleav
inghi
sfami
l
ybehi
nd.Tot
he
Mazubukofamily

I’
m apol
ogi
singi
nbehal
foft
heKhumal
ofami
l
yandast
hef
athert
oSamkel
ofort
hepai
nedhe
caused

f
ory
ourdaught
erandf
orl
i
vingherandt
heki
dst
olor
dknowswher
e”

MaNdl
ovu:
“AsMnt
ungwahassai
dwear
ever
ysor
ry.Wedi
dn’
taboutt
hisst
upi
dpl
anofhi
s.We
ar
e

deepl
ysor
ry”

MaKhumal
o:“
Makot
ilet
’shopey
ounotbehi
ndt
his”

Mom:
“Whymydaught
eri
sal
way
swr
ongi
nyourey
es?
”

Mnt
ungwa:
“MaKhumal
oI’
m noti
nthemoodsopl
easeapol
ogi
sef
orwhaty
ou’
vej
ustsai
dnow”

Si
l
ence

Mnt
ungwa:
“MaKhumal
o!”her
oar
ed.

MaKhumal
o:“
I’
m sor
ry”

Mnt
ungwa:
“Toev
eryoneofy
ouher
eIwanty
out
oli
stent
omeandl
i
stent
omecar
eful
l
y.

KaMazi
bukohasbeent
hroughal
otsoi
fsomeoneher
ewant
stopi
ckupwi
thherhe/
shemust
face

meorel
seconsequenceswi
l
lbev
eryhar
shandImeani
t”

Si
l
ence

Mnt
ungwa:
“Samkel
o?”

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
Samkelo:“
Iwouldl
iketoapologi
set
othef
amil
yforf
aki
ngmyowndeathbutIwasforcedt
odo
thatt
oprotectmykids.Iwoul
dli
ket
oapol
ogi
seagai
ntomywif
efort
hepainI’
vecausedher”

Inodded.

Mnt
ungwa:
“Tomor
rowwegoi
ngt
oWeenent
oSamkel
oandMakot
i’
scl
eansi
ng”
.

Af
tert
hemeet
ingIwentt
otheki
tchenl
ucki
l
ytheguy
sher
ehel
ped.Wi
tht
hehel
pweser
vedt
he

el
der
sandIwentt
otheki
tchent
oeat
.

Mom:
“Weneedt
otal
kNompe”

Me:
“Mom canwepl
easet
alksomeot
hert
ime?
”

Mom:
“It
’si
mpor
tantt
hatwet
alknow”

Me:“Iknowt
hatIhav
eal
ong-
lostt
winandIwasn’
ttol
dabouti
t.Iknowshewasst
olenbudon’
t
you

t
hinkIdeser
vedt
oknow?I
’
m sur
eyouhappyt
hatshei
sback”shewascr
ying.

Mom:
“Mybabyi
t’
snotl
i
ket
hat
.Ineedt
otel
lyouwhathappened”

Me:“
Mom wi
thal
lduer
espect
.Ther
eisal
otgoi
ngoni
nmyl
i
fe.I
’
mrecov
eri
ngf
rom shockIhad
when

IsawSamkel
o.I
’
m pr
ocessi
ngt
het
rut
hIj
ustf
oundoutabouty
ourot
herdaught
erandhowI
wasfool

al
lthesey
ear
s.SoMom pl
easeIneedt
orestandgetr
eadyf
ort
omor
row’
str
ip.Canwedot
his
ot
her

t
ime?
”

Shenoddedandwi
pedhert
ear
s.Shel
eftmei
ntheki
tchen.It
ookf
ewspoonsandIwentt
omy

bedroom l
ucki
l
yIl
eftSamkel
owi
tht
hef
ami
l
ydownst
air
s.Ikeptt
hinki
ngaboutt
hedr
amai
nmy
l
ife.

Iwaswokenbysomeonewhoshookmegent
le.I
twasSamkel
owi
tht
het
rayi
nnextt
ohi
m.I
have

headache.Igotupf
rom bedandIwentt
othebat
hroom t
owashmyhandsandf
ace.

Hi
m:“
Comeandeat
”

Iwentt
obedandhepat
tedaspacenextt
ohi
m.Isatnextt
otr
ayandi
twasbet
weenus.Ihear
d
my
st
omachgr
umbl
i
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Pleaseeat
”hegav
ememypl
ate.

Me:
“Ihopet
her
e’snopoi
soni
nthi
sfood”hel
aughed

Samkel
o:“
Iwoul
dnev
erdot
hat
.IfIdowhowi
l
lgi
vebi
rt
htomyl
astbor
n”myey
espoppedout
andI

ev
enchokedonmyf
ood.Hepour
edt
hej
uicet
hatwasi
nthet
rayandgav
eitt
ohi
m.

WhenIwasokay
.Hel
aughedatme.

Samkel
o:“
Iwasj
oki
ng”

Me:“Vel
eyouar
ejoki
ng.Idon’
tneedababyIhav
eenoughandwhosai
dIwi
l
lbei
nti
mat
ewi
th
you?
”

Hel
aughedagai
n.

Samkel
o:“
Iknowt
haty
ou’
redr
ool
i
ngov
ermeandt
haty
ouwantme”

Me:
“Don’
tfl
i
rty
our
sel
f”hesmi
rked.

Samkel
o:“
Pleaseeat
”

Aft
erIwasdoneeat
inghet
ookt
hedi
shest
otheki
tchenandIwentt
otakeashower
.WhenI
gotout

Iloti
onedandwenttot heclosetbut
tnakedlucki
l
yhewasn’tintheroom.It
ookhist-
shi
rtand
blacklacethongIworeandwentbackt obedgotinthecovers.It
ookmyphoneont hesi
de
tableanditwasoffIchargedit.Awhil
elat
erthedooropenedandhecamei nt
alki
ngoverthe
phone.

Hesatonthebedandwr
appedhi
sconv
ersat
ionaf
terhedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.Hebr
ushedhi
sface
outofconf
usi
on.

Me:
“Whati
sit
?”

Samkel
o:“
it
’sbusi
ness”

Me:
“Mhm okay
”

Hegotupandwel
ookedateachot
her
.Heunzi
ppedhi
str
acksui
tjacketandt
ooki
tof
f.I
twas
f
oll
owed

bythepantIgasped.Hechuckl
edandshookhi
shead.Het
ookof
fhi
svestandwasnowl
eft
wit
hCalvi
n
Kl
ienboxer
.Hi
sbul
gepeopl
ecansomeonegetmewat
ert
hismani
stoohot
.Iwantt
ojumpon
hi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Stopper
ving”hewasgr
inni
ngl
i
kef
ool
.Nxa!

Me:
“MEper
vingony
ou?
”I’
mtr
yingt
obest
rongbutt
het
rut
hisIwanthi
m asi
nnow.

Hebentt
omeandhecamecl
oseasi
nli
kebr
eat
hingt
hesamet
hesameai
r.Ourf
oreheads
t
ouched.

Icl
osedmyey
es.Andhi
scol
ognei
snotdoi
nganyj
ust
icebecausei
t’
sst
il
lmyf
avour
it
e.

Samkel
o:“
Tel
lmet
hatI
’
m nothotandy
ounotwetr
ightnow”Ibi
tmyl
owerl
i
ptr
yingt
omoan.

Si
l
ence

Samkelo:
“Canwepl
easehol
dour
sel
vesatl
eastf
ort
omor
row’
scl
eansi
ngt
henaf
tert
hatal
lof
thi
sis

y
our
s”

Inoddedwhi
l
emyey
esst
il
lcl
osed.

Samkel
o:“Letmehi
tshowersot
hatwecansl
eep.Wehav
etobeupear
lyt
ogetr
eadyf
or
Weenen”

Me:
“Shi
t.It
otal
l
yfor
got
”Igotupandwentt
ost
artpacki
ng.

Hewentt
otakeashowerandwhenhewasdoneIwasaboutt
ofi
nish.

Samkel
o:“
IthoughtI
’
llpackf
ormy
sel
f”hesatont
hechai
r.

Me:
“You’
l
lneedt
racksui
tssost
opt
hedr
ama.Youcant
akesneaker
s”

Samkel
o:“
Ithi
nkJor
danwi
l
lbecomf
ort
abl
e”

Me:
“I’
vepackedy
ourJor
dant
racksui
tandt
-shi
rt
.Youandy
ourchi
l
drenshoul
dbeJor
dan

ambassoder
s.Yho!
”

Hel
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
Mxm.If
indi
tcomf
ort
abl
eandcut
e”

Me:
“Andexpensi
ve”

Samkel
o:“
It
’snotexpensi
ve.Yekai
drama”

Me:
“Iti
sandl
et’
sgoandsl
eep”
Wegoti
nsi
det
hecov
ers.Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
schestandIsl
eptal
mostemedi
atel
y.Iwaswoken
by

hi
m.

Me:
“Mhh”

Samkel
o:“
Comeongetupwehav
etol
eav
einanhour
”

Igroanedandwokeup.Theseday
sI’
m adeepsl
eeperIdon’
tknowwhy
.Mxm Ibat
heandwor
e
along

r
eddressandIwr
appedbl
ackdoekandsl
eeper
s.Ineedt
obecomf
ort
abl
e.Idi
dn’
tappl
yany
make

upIwasn’
tint
hemoodandi
t’
stooear
lyf
oramakeup.

Samkel
o:“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul”

Me:
“Thanks”

Iassumedhet
ookt
hebagst
othecarbecauseIdon’
tseet
hem her
e.It
ookmyhandbag;
phone
and

achar
gert
henwentt
othecarandt
henwel
eft
.

Me:
“Soy
ouhav
eachauf
feurnow?
”

Samkel
o:“
No”

Mxm.

Whenwegott
oWeenenacl
eansi
ngwasdone.El
der
swer
eangr
yathi
m buthedi
dn’
tcar
e
about

t
hem becausehewassmi
l
ingandl
aughi
ngbutdeepdownIknowhewant
stor
oll
hisey
es.Now
we’
re

onourwayt
oDur
ban.Hi
sphoner
ings.

Samkel
o:“
Mnt
ungwa”

Hel
aughed

Samkel
o:“
Pleasekeept
hem f
orf
ewday
sunt
ilwef
etcht
hem”

Hel
aughed

Samkel
o:“
Euuw!
”
Helaughedagai
nandt
hankedhi
m af
terhedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.Hel
ookedathi
sphoneand
chuckl
ed.

Samkel
o:“
Arey
ougood?
”

Me:
“I’
m good”

Thecardr
ovei
nsi
det
hegat
eofourhouse.

Samkel
o:“
Ihopey
ou’
rehungr
y”

Me:
“Andt
ir
edIneedal
ongshowerandeatt
hensl
eep”

Samkel
o:“
WasAunt
yMaKhumal
oor
der
ingy
ouar
ound?
”

Wewal
kedt
othehouse.

Me:
“Asal
way
s”

Samkel
o:“
I’
m get
ti
ngt
ir
edoft
hatone”

Me:
“Haahmxm I
’
m usedt
oherknow.Butsheknowswher
etogetof
f”

Helookedatmesur
pri
sed.Il
efthi
mther
eandIwentt
otakeal
ongshower
.WhenIwasdoneI
went

t
otheki
tchenI
’
m hungr
y.Thel
i
ghti
ndownst
air
swasdi
mmed…okaywhenIwas.

Samkel
o:“
I’
m her
e”

Itur
nedt
olookathi
m.Thedi
nnerwassetup.Ther
ewer
ecandl
esar
oundt
het
abl
esr
oseson
theon

t
hefl
oor
.Hewascomingtowardsme.I
tal
lcamebackt
hel
astr
omant
icni
ghtIpl
annedf
orus
wast
heti
meIfoundoutabout
…

If
eltalumponmyt hr
oatandasobescapedmymouth.Herushedtomeandhepickedmeup
i
nabr i
dalst
yleandwewenttoourr
oom andhegent
lyl
aidmeont hebedwi
thhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Shhbabe.I
’
m sor
ry”hekepthushi
ngmeunt
ilIwascal
mrosesont
heon

t
hefl
oor
.Hewascomingtowardsme.I
tal
lcamebackt
hel
astr
omant
icni
ghtIpl
annedf
orus
wast
heti
meIfoundoutabout
…

If
eltalumponmyt hr
oatandasobescapedmymouth.Herushedtomeandhepickedmeup
i
nabr i
dalst
yleandwewenttoourr
oom andhegent
lyl
aidmeont hebedwi
thhi
m.

Samkel
o:“
Shhbabe.I
’
m sor
ry”hekepthushi
ngmeunt
ilIwascal
m andIwasl
eftwi
thhi
ccups.
Hewi
pedmyf
ace.

Samkel
o:“
I’
m sor
rymyl
ovei
twon’
thappenagai
nI’
m sor
ry”

Me:
“It
…Al
lcame.back”

Samkel
o:“
Shhh.I
t’
sokaybabe.I
tokay
”

WhenIwascal
medIwentt
othebat
hroom andIwasmyf
aceandwentbackt
obed.

Samkel
o:“
Pleasechangey
ourpj
top”hehandedmehi
st-
shi
rt
.Igav
ehi
m al
ook.Ichangedt
he
pjt
op

andsatonbedandhecameandsatnextt
ome.

Me:“
I’
m sor
ryaboutwhathappened.I
tjustt
hati
tfl
ashedbackt
hel
astr
omant
icIpl
annedf
or
us

wheny
ouwer
e.”

Her
oughl
yrubbedhi
shead.Hecl
osedhi
sey
esandexhal
edoutl
oud.

Samkel
o:“
I’
m sosor
rybabe.I
twon’
thappenagai
nokay
?”

Inodded.Hepul
l
edmei
nhi
schest
.Wesatont
hatposi
ti
onandwewer
ebot
hqui
temay
be
about20

mi
nut
es.

Samkel
o:“
Letmegoandt
aket
hef
oodatl
east
”Ipul
l
edouti
nhi
schestandhegotupandwent
to

f
etchusf
ood

Hecamebackandweat
e.Hekeptst
il
li
nggl
ancesatmebutIdi
dn’
tpayat
tent
iont
oit
.Whenwe

weredonehet
ookt
hedi
shesoutandIgoti
nsi
det
hecov
ers.It
houghthewascomi
ngbackbut
he

t
ookl
ongandIf
ell
asl
eep.

Samkel
o

Seeinghercr
yingl
i
ket
hatbr
okemyhear
t.Whenwer
edoneeat
ingIt
ookt
hedi
shest
othe
ki
tchen.I

l
ookedaround.Iwentt
othecel
l
arandt
ookoutawhi
skeyandagl
ass.Ipour
edagl
assand
dr
ankiti
n
aonegoesandpour
edanot
hergl
assanddr
anki
tal
soi
naonego.

Lopez:
“Sor
rybossi
tdi
dn’
tgoaspl
anned”

Me:
“It
’sokayman.I
twi
l
ltaket
imeandI
’
m wi
l
li
ngt
owai
tforher
.Comeandsi
t”

Het
ookagl
assandpour
edhi
msel
fadr
ink.Wesatsomet
ime.Il
ookedatt
ime.

Me:
“Ei
sh.It
hinkshei
sasl
eepnow.Letmel
eav
eyouman”

WhenIgott
othebedr
oom shewassl
eepi
ng.It
ookashowerandIl
oti
onedandaf
tert
hatt
hatI
put

aboxeron.Igoti
nsi
det
hecov
ersandsnuggl
edher
.Shet
urnedandf
acedanot
herdi
rect
ion.
Herass

wasonmydi
ck.Shei
swar
m andIgothar
d.Iki
ssedheront
heneckwhi
l
emyhandwasonher
ass

br
ushi
ngandsqueezi
ng.Il
eftherassandwentt
oherboobssqueezedt
hem andIhear
dasof
ty
moan.

Myhanddownunderherpant
y.Ipul
l
edmyhandoutandt
urnedhert
ofaceme.Herey
eswer
e
st
il
l

cl
osed.

Me:
“Pl
easeopeny
ourey
es”sheopenedt
hem sl
owl
y.Igotont
opofher
.

Theki
ssst
art
edsl
owl
yandi
tgott
ense.Bot
hofusdi
dn’
twantt
ost
op.Fi
nal
l
yIbr
oket
heki
ss
andwe

st
aredateachot
her
.Myhandbr
ushedhert
high.

Me:
“Af
teral
lthesey
ear
syourst
il
lbeaut
if
ulandsexyasf
uck”

Shebl
ushed.Ipeckedherl
i
ps.

coul
dn’
tst
opt
oadmi
reherbeaut
y.It
ookof
fmyt
-shi
rtonherbodyandIt
ookof
fhert
hong.
Thi
s

womanher
eisdoi
ngt
higsonme.Shehel
pedmet
otakeof
fmyboxer
.Igotont
opofheragai
n.
The

warmthofherski
nagai
nstmewasl
i
keadr
eam t
ome.Iki
ssedheragai
nmyhandswer
eal
l
overand

her
swer
ecar
essi
ngmyback.I
’
m al
readyhar
dasf
uck.Ir
ubbedt
het
ipofmydi
cki
nhercl
i
tand
Iwas

l
ooki
ngatheral
lthi
sti
me.Ikeptt
easi
ngherandwhenshecoul
dn’
thol
ditany
mor
einser
ted
mysel
f

att
hef
ir
stt
ryshef
li
nchedi
npai
nandIki
ssedher
.Ipushedandf
inal
l
ymydi
ckwasbur
ied
i
nsi
deof

her
.Thepl
acewher
eitbel
ongs.

Me:
“Mhhhbabey
ou’
resot
ight
.Thanky
ou”

Ist
art
edmov
ingsl
owl
yandIpi
ckedupt
hepace.Shewasscr
eami
ngmyname.If
uckedt
hrough
her

mult
ipl
eor
gasm.Icol
l
apsedont
opofherandwewer
esweat
y.Af
tercat
chi
ngourbr
eat
hsI
wentto

t
hepr
epar
ebat
hofus.

Me:
“Comel
et’
sgo”

Si
l
ence.Don’
ttel
lmeshei
ssl
eepi
ng.Ishookher
.

Her
:“Mhhh”shegr
oaned.

Ipi
ckedherupbecauseIknewwewoul
dar
gueunt
ilt
hesunset
.Wehadast
eamysessi
oni
na
shower

andwecont
inuedt
othebat
hroom.Wesl
epti
ntheear
lyhour
soft
hemor
ning.

-
--
--
--
--
--
-

I
nthemor
ningIwentt
omakebr
eakf
astf
orusandwhenIwasdoneIt
ookbr
eakf
astt
oher
.
Aft
er

br
eakf
astwehav
eanot
herr
ound.Herheadi
sonmychestaswear
ecat
chi
ngourbr
eat
h.

Her
:“I
’
m nothav
ingsexi
nthenextt
woweeks”

Me:
“Haaahwhy
?”

Her
:“BecauseI
’
m sor
edownt
her
e”

Me:
“HaababeIwi
l
lki
ssi
tbet
terdon’
twor
ry”

Her
:“Nope”

Ichuckl
ed.Idon’
tbl
amehert
houghwehadsomanyr
oughsoI
’
lll
etherr
est
.
Her
:“Ineedt
ogetmor
ningaf
terpi
l
l”

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
“Okaybbe.You’
l
lgeti
ttoday
.”

Her
:“Ican’
thav
eanot
herchi
l
d.I
’
m agr
andmot
hernowsohav
ingaki
dthati
ssameageasmy

gr
andchi
l
dandt
heygi
vemeenoughheadacheasi
tissonj
e”

Ismi
l
ed.

Whatshedoesn’
tknowitIdi
dvasect
omyi nCuba.Ihavesixki
dsasiti
sIcouldn’
thaveanother
ki
doutmymar ri
ageanditwoul
dhavebrokenherthatIhaveanot
herchi
ldorchil
drenoutsi
de.I
woul
dtel
lMarti
neztohookmeupwi thMorningaft
erjustt
omakeherhappy.Iwilldi
scussthi
s
matt
erwhenthetimeisr
ight
.

Wetookanot
hershowerandshewor
emyGucci
shi
rtwi
thnopant
y.I
’
minmyboxer
.Wear
e
wat
chingamovi
e.

Me:
“I’
m hungr
y.Let
’sgoandf
ixsomet
hingt
oeat
”

Wewentt
oki
tchen.Shewasst
andi
ngl
ooki
ngatme.Ikeptst
il
li
ngki
ssesher
eandt
her
e.Imi
ss
t
his

usbei
ngt
oget
herdoi
ngourt
hing.WhenIwasdoneshehel
pedmet
odi
shup.Ihel
dheronher
wai
st

andpul
l
edhercl
oset
ome.

Me:
“Il
ovey
ousomuch”

Her
:“Il
ovey
out
oo”

Weki
ssed.Shewasst
art
ingt
omoansof
tl
ywhenwehear
d

“
Euwww!
”wequi
ckl
ybr
oket
heki
ssandwel
ookedatt
hedi
rect
ionwher
ethev
oicecamef
rom.
I
twas

Nkawi
thadi
sgust
edl
ookonhi
sface.

Nompe:
“Ncoooahmybaby
”

Theyal
lcamet
otheki
tchen.WhenJuj
uSmaandSi
hlesawt
hei
rfat
herhal
fnakedi
ntheki
tchen

maki
ngf
oodandt
hei
rey
esshi
ft
edt
omet
hent
heyl
ookedateacht
hent
heyl
aughed.

El
am:
“Whati
sfunnywhent
hepr
incessi
sn’
ther
e?”
Sma:
“Itcal
l
edNoneofy
ourbusi
nessPr
incess”

El
am:
“Mom di
dyouhearhi
m whathesai
dtome?
”

Isi
ghed.Imi
ssedmybabi
es.Thi
shousei
sbor
ingwi
thoutt
hem.

Samkel
o:“
Kidsbr
eakf
astwi
l
lber
eadyi
nfewmi
nut
es”

Juj
uSmaandSi
hlel
aughedandl
eftf
oll
owedbyt
heot
hert
hree.

Me:
“Let
’sgoandwearsomet
hingappr
opr
iat
eandt
hencomeback”

Heswi
tchedof
fthest
oveandhet
ookmyhandandwewentupst
air
s.Wechanged.

Hi
m:“
Myboy
shav
egr
own”

Il
ookedathi
m.

Hi
m:“
Doy
out
hinkt
heyknowt
hatwehadsex?
”Il
aughed.

Me:
“Ofcour
seJuj
uhaski
dsnowt
heyknowwhati
sgoi
ngon”

Heshookhi
shead.Af
terwewer
edonewewentdownst
air
sandweat
easaf
ami
l
y.Hehel
ped
meto

cl
eart
het
abl
e.

Samkelo:“
KidsI
’
m sor
ryaboutbei
nghal
fnakedi
ntheki
tchen”t
heol
derboy
slaughedand
nodded.

Juj
u:“
NoPr
obl
em.Atl
easty
ouwer
enotnaked”Si
hlel
aughed

Me:
“Okayki
ds.We’
resor
ryandl
etsuspl
easef
orgetabouti
t”

Si
hle’
sphonev
ibr
atedandhel
ookedati
t.

Si
hle:
“Excusemef
ami
l
y”hewentupst
air
s.

Me:
“Whati
sheupt
oo?
”

Juj
u:“
Idon’
tknowmommy
”

Me:
“Okay
”

Theywentt
othei
rroomsandot
herwentt
otheci
nemar
oom.

Samkel
o:“
BabeI
’
m goi
ngupst
air
sI’
l
lbeback”

SinceIwaschil
l
ingIt
houghtImustgoandl
ookar
oundSi
hle’
sbedr
oom.Thatchi
l
dis
somethingel
se
heisnaught
ysot
hat
’swhyIneedt
ocheckuphi
m ev
erynowandt
hen.WhenIpassedEl
am’
s
room

wasopenedshewasl
aughi
ngIpeepedi
nshewasonv
ideocal
lIt
hinkshewast
alki
ngt
oher
AuntI

l
efther
.WhenIwasappr
oachi
ngSi
hle’
sbedr
oom t
hedoorwassl
i
ght
lyopened…

Sma:
“Dadwhaty
oudi
dbr
okeusasy
ourki
dsandt
hef
ami
l
yespeci
all
ymom”

Juj
u:“
Shewasbr
okenbutshewant
edt
obest
rongf
orus”

Samkel
o:“
Boy
sI’
m sor
ryandI
’
llal
way
sbesor
ryf
orgoi
ngawayf
orsuchal
ongt
ime”

Si
hle:
“Idi
dn’
tunder
standatf
ir
standIwasangr
yaty
ouaf
tery
oucamebackbutaf
tert
hebi
rt
h
ofmy

nephewsIknewt
hatI
’
llal
way
slov
ethem andpr
otectt
hem atanycost
”

Samkel
o:“
Ilov
eyoual
lasmyki
ds.Ev
ery
thi
ngt
hatI
’
vedoneaf
tery
ouwer
ebor
nwast
olov
eand

pr
otecti
ncl
udi
ngy
ourmot
her
”

Juj
u:“
SoDadI
’
lll
i
ket
ogetsomet
hingaf
termymat
ri
c”

Si
hle:
“Mom won’
tagr
eet
othat
”

Samkel
o:“
Towhat
?”

Sma:
“Hewant
sPor
scheasagi
ftaf
termat
ri
c”

Si
hle:
“Whatdoy
ousayDad?
”

Samkel
o:“
Eisht
hatwoul
dli
ket
obeabi
tpr
obl
em butIwi
l
ltr
ytoconv
inceherbutIdon’
t
promi
se

y
ouany
thi
ng”

Si
hle:
“Yourwi
fei
sst
ubbor
n”

Theyl
aughed.

Sma:
“Wher
edi
dyougether
?”

Samkel
o:“*
Laughi
ng*Pl
easel
eav
emywi
feal
one”

Juj
u:“
Shei
ssost
ingyasi
fshedoesn’
taf
for
d”

Sma:
“Iwon’
tlety
oumi
susemyhusband’
smoney
”hemi
mickedmyv
oice.Ishookmyhead
Juj
u:“
Dadpl
easemakeherunder
standt
hatIneedt
hatcar
.Ev
eni
fyouneedt
obel
eftj
ustt
he
twoof

y
ouI
’
llt
aket
hem t
oUmhl
anga”

SmaandSi
hlel
aughed.

Juj
u:“
Ouchh!
”

Samkel
o:“
Thatwhat
’shappenwheny
ouar
espeaki
ngdi
rt
ythi
ngswi
thy
ourmout
h”

Theyl
aughed.

Samkelo:“SmaSihleIam Gr
andf
atheral
readyIdon’
tneedot
hergr
andchi
l
drenf
ornowunt
ily
ou
fi
nishschoolokay
?”

Theyl
aughed.

Samkel
o:“
WenaJuj
uI’
l
lbuyy
oucondomsbecauseIseebyt
het
imey
ouf
ini
shv
arsi
ty;
we’
l
l
hav
emany

ki
dsr
unni
ngar
ound”t
heyl
aughedagai
n.

Juj
u:“
Inf
ewday
syou’
l
lmeett
hem becauset
heyar
ecomi
nghome”

Samkel
o:“
Thatwoul
dbeni
ce”

Iwast
ir
edt
ost
andatt
hedoor
.Ideci
dedt
oopent
hedoor
.

Si
hle:
“Whoopenst
hedoorwi
thoutknocki
ng”

Me:
“It
’st
heowneroft
hehousebaby
”

Theyl
ookedateachandt
heywer
etal
ki
ngwi
they
es.

Me:
“Canwegooutf
orl
unch?
”

Juj
u:“
EishOl
edySi
hei
scomi
ngbackt
oday
”

Me:
“It
houghtshewi
l
lst
ayatUmhl
angaf
orf
ewday
s”

Juj
u:“
itwassupposedt
obel
i
kebutIneedt
hem her
ewi
thmemom”

Me:
“Okaybaby
.Weneedt
ofet
cht
hem ort
heywi
l
lbr
ingt
hem her
e”

Juj
u:“
Theywi
l
lbr
ingt
hem her
e”

Samkel
o:“
let
’sgoandf
ixt
hei
rbeds”

Juj
u:“
Ever
ythi
ngi
sinor
derDad”
Me:
“Okay
.Letmegoandor
deri
nlunch”

Il
eftt
hem t
her
e.Juj
uisf
ool
i
nghi
msel
fther
eisnoPor
schehewi
l
lgether
e.Iwon’
tdot
hathe
must

f
orgett
hat
.Ihav
emanycar
sher
eandhe’
l
lbedr
ivet
oandf
rom school
sot
her
e’snoPor
schehe
wi
ll

get
.Somet
imesIneedt
oputmyf
ootdownf
ort
hem t
olear
nthatt
heyneedt
owor
khar
dtoget

somet
hingnott
hatwehav
emoneyt
heymustgetany
thi
ngt
heyl
i
keev
eni
fther
e’snoneedf
ori
t.
As

apar
entt
her
ear
ethi
ngst
hatImustdof
ort
hem l
i
keeducat
ionandot
hert
hingsbutbuy
ingacar
i
s

notnecessar
ysoNocar
.

Ior
deri
nthel
unchasI
’
vesai
dandaf
teranhourl
aterSi
hewasher
ewi
thherboy
s.Mymot
heri
n
l
aw

di
dn’
tst
ayshewasi
nar
ushandwel
etherbe.Samkel
ocoul
dn’
tputt
hem down.

El
am:
“Dadl
etmecar
ryt
heot
herone”

Juj
u:“
Dadpl
easedon’
tgi
veher
”

El
am:
“Whyam Inotsupposedt
ocar
ryt
hem?Mom pl
easet
alkt
oJuj
u”

Samkel
olaughed.

Me:“Pr
incessbabi
esar
est
il
lyoungandf
ragi
l
eandy
oumustknowhowt
ocar
ryt
hem orel
se
you’
l
l

t
hei
rnecks”

Shel
ookedconf
used.Iwentt
otakeanot
herbabyt
oSamkel
o

Si
he:
“Yeahi
t’
sli
ket
hatsweet
hear
tbutast
het
imegoesoni
tyou’
l
lbeabl
etocar
ryt
hem”

Toseemyf
ami
l
ytoget
heri
sabl
essi
ngt
ome.I
’
venev
erbeenhappyi
nmyl
i
fet
ohav
emanwho
l
oves

meandmyki
dsandbl
essedwi
thgr
andki
ds.Ther
etur
nofmyhusbandi
sabl
essi
ngt
omeev
en.

Ihear
dsomet
hingf
all
i
nghar
d.WhenIt
urnedt
olookati
t…

Voi
ce:
“LaFami
l
ia”
Igotupcar
ryi
ngmygr
andki
dwi
thme.Thi
sper
sonher
eismydupl
i
cat
e.Ki
dsgotconf
used.

Juj
u:“
Mom…whati
sgoi
ngon?
”hi
svoi
cewasbr
eaki
ng.

Samkel
o:“
Putt
hegundownnow!
”

Ihear
dthr
eebul
l
etsgoi
ngof
fandl
wasst
il
lst
andi
ng.Isawbl
oodi
nthebl
anketoft
he…

*
***
***
***
*THEEND*
***
***
*