¤CHURCHREBEL¤

.
PROLOGUE
.
.
It
's3am andi '
vej
ustgothome.Myheadi s
spinningandmyl egscan'
tst
opstagger
ing.I
feebletomyr oom andthr
owmy sel
fonmybed
notbot her
ingtochangemyclot
hesthatreekof
alcohol.
Li
feisqui
teanunexpectedadvent
ure.You'
d
expectmetobeagoodgi rl
butnah.I'
ma
ChurchRebel
andwor semyf at
heri
saPast or
.
Iam ZoeKani
.Iam 24year
sandi am an
att
orney
.MyParent
sar eamult
i-
raci
alcoupl
e
wit
hmom beingwhiteanddadXhosa.
Ihavehadquit
eatoughchil
dhoodwithchi
l
dren
teasi
ngmebecausetheyweretaughtt
hati
tis
anabominat
ionfordi
ff
erentr
acestocome
t
oget
herr
omant
ical
l
y.
Evenchurchpeopl
e,el
der
sandseni orpastors
havejudgedmeandmypar entshencei have
becomeachur chr
ebel
.Ifailtounderstandwhy
churchpeopl
einsi
stonbeinghy pocri
testhatis
whyi l
ivemyownlif
eonmyownr ules.
.
.
Doyoulikei
t?Pl
easecommentandtellmeyour
opi
nionsaboutt
hisstor
yify
oudon'
tfeeli
tican
comeupwi t
hsomet hi
ngnew.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
.
01
.
ANDI
LE
Thebuzzofmyal ar
m snat
chesmeawayf
rom
mydr eamlandandfor
cesmebackt
oaharsh
real
i
ty.Ihavetowakeup.
Iscribbl
emywayt ot
hekit
chenwher
eipour
my selfagl
assofwat
er.
Tobr
ushmyt
eet
h.
Iam AndileRhonqo.Iam t hef i
rstbornof3ki ds.
Iam 25y earsandi am cur rentlydoingmy
resi
dencyatt hehospital.Istaywi thmypar ents
i
na5r oom house.Si ncei '
v ejuststart
edmy
resi
dencyi'm hopingthingst urnoutf i
ne.I'
d
l
ov etobuymyf amilyanewbi ghouseandf ulf
il
l
boththeirneedsandwant s.Iquicklybrushmy
teeththenboilwatersoi canbat h.Ibathinmy
room thenloti
onandwearmybl ackformal
pants,mywhi teshir
tandagr eymal ecardigan.
Wi t
hformal shoes.
It
iemydr
eadl
ockneat
lydownt
hendi
sposemy
water
.
Myfamil
yisvi
sit
ingr
elat
ivesint
hevil
l
ageso
i
'
m homealoneandsinceit'
sasundayi'
m goi
ng
t
ochurch.
Ijustsayal i
ttl
eprayerhopingthatPastor's
daughterdoesnotmakei ttochurcht oday.Ifai
l
tounder st
andwhyshecomest ochur chifshe
doesn'twantt o.She'
sachur chrebel,adefiant
oneatt hat.Sheliv
esbyherownr ulesand
fr
anklyi don'tl
ikeheratal
l.Sheisjusttoo
muchofapar t
yanimalformyl i
king.
Ideci
deonjusthav
ingcer
eal
theni
dri
veourol
d
Yari
stochurch.
Uponmyar ri
v alispothercarapur pleAudi Q3
andi shakemyheadasi seeherst epoutofher
carwear i
ngav eryshortblackdr esswithheel s
andawhi tecoat .Youcanseehowexhaust ed
shei sandi tisqui t
eevidentt hatshedidn't
reall
yhav esl eepbutasusual sheislookingas
beaut i
fulasDel il
ah.Idismi sst hatevi
lthough
andwal kintochur chwher eabeaut i
fulmelody
echoesar oundt hehouseashery oungersi st
er
wor shi
ps.Thescentoft hehol yspiri
tisfeltand
ifeelatpeace.If i
ndaseatr i
ghtatt hefront
wherei singalongli
ketherestofthe
congregat i
on.Thechurchpackedupr eal
lyfast
andthereshewas.I twasallquietandev er
yone
wasseat ed.CLICK!CLICK!CLICK!Herheels
cl
ickedandf i
l
ledthewholeplace.Al
leyeswer e
onherbutshedi dn'
tseem t
obebot heredshe
str
uttot hefrontandsatnexttohermot her.
Geezi disli
kethisgi
rl
!
.
..
.
ZOE
Wheni gotinever
yonelookedatmeespeci al
l
y
thatarr
ogantRhonqoboy.Hethinksheisbetter
thanevery
one.Het hi
nksheissoholy.Idespi
se
peoplewhot hi
nksohighl
yofhimself
.
Isatdownasdadstar tedpreachi
ng.The
sermondraggedbutfinall
ywewer eoutof
churchanditwasgreetingti
me.Twol adi
es
camet ome.
Mr
sMazi
buko:
Oht
hankt
heLor
dyoudeci
ded
t
ocomet
ochur
ch.
Herfakesmil
eannoyedmesomuchi f
ound
myselfr
oll
i
ngmyey esinexasper
ati
on.
Me:
Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
MrsLouw:
No,
it'
sjustt
haty
ouar
enotusual
l
y
her
e.
Me:Okay
.Butthenther
e'snobi
gdeal.Idon'
t
seewhyyouguysaremooningovermeov er
suchast
upidmatter
.
Them:
Youar
esor
ude!Yeyuy
adel
elangani
!
Il
aughedandwal
kedawayleav
ingthem t
here.
Thenther
eiwasbumpi
ngintoThatRhonqoboy
causi
nghimtodr
opever
ythi
nghewascar r
ying.
Hi
m:JeezAr
eyoubl
i
nd?
Me:Sor
ry.Butar
eyoubl
i
ndt
oo?Imeany
ou
coul
d'
vemov ed.
Hi
m:Justmov
eoutofmyway
.
Me:
Wit
hPl
easur
eDoct
orRhonqo.
Iwalkedt
omycarpissed.Myphoner
angi
twas
Eri
cmyboy f
ri
end.
Me:
Ricky
.
Eri
c:Wher
ear
eyou?Yousai
dyou'
dbeher
e
earl
y?
Me:
Iknow.Mom f
orcedmet
ogot
ochur
ch.
Er
ic:
Enoughwi
tht
heExcusesj
ustcomenow!
Me:
Fine!
Isai
dthatr
oll
i
ngmyey
es.
Er
ic:
Ihopeyounotrol
l
ingyourey
esatmeor
el
sei'
ll
kicky
ourcol
ouredass!
Ij
usthungupandt ookadeepbreat
hbefor
e
dri
vi
ngtohishouse.Myheartwaspoundi
ngas
idr
ovetohishouse.
.
.
Commenti
wantt
oknowwhaty
out
hinkabout
i
t.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
.
02
.
ANDI
LE
Thener
vemar
athi
sgi
rl
!
Igoti nmycarandwenthomewher ei war
med
upl astni
ghtsdinnerthatil
eftandate.Aft
er
thati t
ookabat handwor emycl ot
hes.Ihada
shiftin30mi nut
essincealotofdoctorswere
attendingtheconfer
encecall.We'dbeshortof
staffsoi wasneeded.
Idrovetothehospital wheni gotthereiwentt
o
therecept
ionwher ei checkedinandt he
recepti
oni
stcouldn'tstopmooni ngoverme.
Jeezsweet hear
tit
'sjustapr ettyface.
Bri
efdescri
pti
onofmy sel
f.Iam tall
anddar k
butnottoodark.I
'
m AngaMakhubal odark.I
havedreadl
ockswithsmalleyes.Ihave
medium li
psandabuiltbodyiwor kout.Iam
LungaShabalal
ali
kebuilt
.
Ihav
ebr
acket
s.
.
..
.
ZOE
Asi parkedmycaronEri
c'sdr
ivewayi t
ooka
deepbr eat
h.Er
ici
ssoinsecur
ehei s30y ear
s
andf earsimi
ghtl
eavehimforay oungerguyso
heloseshistemperqui
teeasi
lyandisv er
y
abusive.
Ilovehimthat'
swhyistay.Despi
tehi
s
aggressi
vesidehei
sv erysweetandl
ovi
ng.I
steppedoutandopenedf ormysel
fsi
nceiknow
theaccesscode.
Igoti
nandtur
nedt
ocloset
hedoorwheni
tur
nedagai
niwasmetbyahotsl
ap.
Me:
Eri
cplease,
nott
oday
.Iwentt
ochur
ch
mom f
orcedme.
Iwasal
readycr
yingandmov
ingbackwar
ds.
Hehel
dmyar
msandsqueezedt
hem.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry,
please.
Er
ic:
FuckyouZoe!Arey
ouf ucki
ngwi
thsome
Ni
gga?Ist
hatwhat'
shappening?
Me:
No.Ipr
omi
se.
Hepunchedmeandifel
ltot
hegroundthenhe
dr
aggedmetothel
iv
ingroom andst
art
ed
ki
cki
ngme.
Eri
c:Il
ovey
oubuty
oui
nsi
stonmaki
ngme
angry.
Hepunchedmeandki ckedmecont
inuousl
y.I
coul
dfeelmysel
fshutdown.Mywholebody
wasnowf ai
l
ingme.
It
ri
edget
ti
ngupbuti
gotpusheddownagai
n.
Me:
Eri
cyouar
eki
l
li
ngme.St
oppl
ease.
Thatcameoutasawhi
sperandi
blackedout
.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
.
02CONTI
NUES.
.
ERI
C
OHmyGod!Di dijustkil
lher
?I'
vegonetoofar
thi
sti
me!Icheckedherpul seanditwasweak.
Herhear t
beatwasev enweaker
.Ical
ledan
ambulanceasi quickl
ytookashowerandwor e
for
mal clothes.Sooncopsandt heambulance
washer e.
Theyputherinastr
etcherandlef
twi
thheri
n
theambulanceandiwast ofol
l
ow.
Pol
i
ce:
Whathappened?
Me:
Idon'
tknowwheni
camef
rom mymeet
ing
i
foundherl
yi
ngont
hef
loor
.
Poli
ce:
Doy
ouper
hapshav
eanyi
deawhodi
d
thi
s?
Me:She'
sanatt
orneyandrecent
lywonacase
agai
nstaKi
ngpi
ndr ugl
ord.Hemust'
vesenthi
s
peopl
e.
Pol
i
ce:Okayt
hankssi
r.Wewi
l
lcomebackf
or
morei
nfor
mati
on.
Me:
Pleasef
indwhoev
erdi
dthi
stoher
.
Pol
i
ce:
Wewi
l
lipr
omi
se.
Theylef
tanditookadeepsi
gh.Ihopesheis
Okay.Letmejustgot
othehospi
tal
.Irushed
ther
ewhilecal
li
ngmyfri
endandtel
li
nghim.
.
..
.
MZOLI
SI
Mynamei sMzoli
siKani.Iam apastoranda
pr
ophet.Ial
waysprayformydaught ersheisa
si
nnerandarebel
.Butasanypar entiloveher
.
Latelyi'
vebeenhav i
ngvisi
onsabouther,
she
willbeinvol
vedinsomedangerandt odayi'
ve
beenhav ingafeel
ingthatican'
tshakeoff
.I
call
edmywi f
eandwepr ayedandaswewer e
prayingmyphoner ang.ItwasAndil
eoneoft he
youthatmychur ch.
Me:
Myboy
.
Hewasbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.
Him:Tatu'
mfundisi(
Pastor
)Pleaser
ushtot
he
hospi
tal
.Zoejustarr
ivedwit
hanambulance
sheishorr
ibl
yinj
ured.
Me:
Bawo!(
Fat
her
!)ut
heni
?(whathappened?
)
Hi
m:Justhur
ryi
'
llexpl
ainl
ater
.
Me:
Okay
.Thanksf
ori
nfor
ming.
Me:Katewehavet
orusht
othehospi
tal
Zoe
hasbeenadmi
tt
edther
e.
Kat
e:What
!Whathappenedt
omybaby
?
Me:
Wewi
l
lknowwhenwegett
her
e.Let
'shur
ry.
Wehurr
iedandonthewayiwasdri
vingli
kea
mani
ac!Ikeptonpr
ayi
ngthatmybabyisfi
ne.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
OhMyGoodness!Zoewhathappenedt
oyou?
Weattendedt
oherr
eal
l
yf ast
.Herr
ibswere
br
oken,herey
ewasswoll
enandsheneeded
bl
ood.
Wedidn'thaveherbl
oodt
ypei
nourbl
ood
st
orage.WhichisAB+.
Me:
Doct
orMckenzi
e,i
candonat
ebl
oodf
orher
.
Dr
:Youar
eal
soAB+?
Me:
I'
m bl
oodt
ypeO.
Hi
m:Okaygetreadyf
ortheprocedur
eweneed
t
ocar
ryitoutassoonaspossibl
e.
Me:
Okay
.
Igotr
eadyf
ort
hewhol
epr
ocedur
eandwet
he
bl
oodwasdonatedtoZoe.Aft
ert
hewhol
e
pr
ocedur
ei wentt
oherparent
swhowere
i
mpati
entl
ywaiti
ng.
MrsKani
:Howi
sshe?Whathappenedt
omy
baby
?
Me:Shewasbeat enupbutwedon'
tknowt he
wholest
ory.She'
sfinei
donat
edbloodforher
assheneededit.
MrKani
:Thanky
ouson.Wear
etr
ulyi
ndebt
ed
t
oyou.
Me:
Itwasnot
hingr
eal
l
ysi
r.
Mr
sKani
:Whencanweseeher
?
Me:
Sheneedst
orestsoy
oucanonl
yseeher
t
omorr
ow.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
.
03
ZOE
Igainconsci ousnessandhearbeepi ngsounds
aroundme.Ismel l medicinesandi t
's
i
ntoxicating.Icanhearmyf ather'
sv oice
prayi
ngandi ntercedingonmybehal f.Ihearmy
mom cr yingandpr ay i
ngandi tryhardopeni ng
myey esbuti can't.Itfeel
slikeaheav yl
idhas
beenpl acedonme.Ist r
ugglesohar dand
resorttogr abbingmymom' shand.It i
ghtenmy
gripandshej umpsupandt el
l
sdadwhopl aces
hishandonmyf oreheadandpr aysunt i
lmy
eyesopen.
Me:
Wat
erpl
ease.
Thatcomesoutasawhi
spherandmom j
umps
uptogetmewaterwhi
l
edadcallst
hedoct
or.
Minut
esl
aterAndi
l
eemer gesandcomesnear
me.Hedoesthenecessar
ychecki
ngst
hen
l
ooksatme.
Andi
l
e:Youhav
e4br
okenr
ibs,
yourj
awbr
oke
abi
tbutyouwil
lrecov
er.Youal
sol
osty
our
babyi
'm sosor
ry.
Me:
Baby
?
Mypar
ent
s:Youwer
epr
egnant
?
Me:
Ilostababy
?Myf
ir
stbaby
?
Tearsstr
eameddownmyf aceandi cri
ed.Ifelt
deadintheinside,howcanEricdothist ome?
Healwaysclaimshel ovesmebuthi t
sme.I s
thatwhatyoucal l
love?No!Loveiskind,Loveis
pati
ent.Wheny oulovesomeoney oupr otect
andcherishthem youdon'tki
l
lthem.
Andi
le:
Doy
ouhav
eanyi
deawhathappenedt
o
you?
Inodst
il
lshockedandst unnedbythesenews.I
can'
tev
enstopmy sel
ffr
om cryi
ng.Iguess
feel
i
ngthephysicalpai
nmakesi teasi
er.
Asicr
yalit
tl
eloudermychestst
if
fensandmy
ri
bscr
eek.Andi
leinj
ect
smewi t
hsomethingof
whichipraynumbsthepainbothemotionaland
physi
calbutbett
eri
tsendsmet odreamland.A
fant
asyutopiaworl
d.Isof
tl
yletgoofthepain
andgiveintosl
eep.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Thisgi rl hasbeenl ongbr oken.Ev eryonehas
treatedherl i
ketrashandr efusedt oseeher
pain.Fort he4pasty earsihav eseenbr uiseson
herthatnomat terhowmuchshel i
edor
attempt edtohidet hem i coul dseet hatthey
wer ef rom beatings.Idon' tjudgeher .Iguess
l
ikeev eryabusedwomanshewasmadet ofeel
l
ikeshewasatf aultorshesomehowl edt hi
s
disgust ingment odot hi
st oher .Ihav eseen
howt hesewomenf earleavingt heirpar tners.
Theyt hinkthatmay be, j
ustmay bet heydeser ve
thisandi tisforust osuppor tthem andassur e
them t hatwewi ll
bet herefort hem.
Wehav efail
edherasachur ch.Peoplehave
alwayshadnegati
vethingstosayabouther
evenlaughi
ngatherthatshel ostal
lfai
thin
havingasupport
ivef
ami l
y.Shemi ght'
ve
thoughtshewasworthlesshenceshet oler
ated
thi
sabuse.
Itookonelastgl
anceathert
henl
eft
.Her
parent
salsoleft
.
.
..
.
ZOE
Iwokeupt oashar ppainandast ronglight.I
reali
zedthati
twasmor ni
ngandt hatyesi t
wasn'tadream iam reall
yhere.Iheldmy
tummyandst ar
tedcryi
ng.Erickil
l
edmybaby .
Heki l
ledus!Despit
eknowi nghowbr okenand
fragi
leiam hestil
lwentoutofhiswayt of i
nish
meof f.
Asiwast
hinki
ngofhim hereal
l
ywalkedinand
tr
ustmeiwasfur
ious.Icoul
dn'
tst
andhisface,
t
hosestupi
dli
l
li
esheboughtformewhere
i
nfur
iat
ingmeevenf
urt
her.Il
ookedawayashe
t
ri
edkissi
ngme.
Me:
Don'
tYoudar
elayt
hosef
il
thyl
i
psonme.
Er
ic:
Babyi
under
standt
haty
ou.
..
Idi
dn'tl
ethi
mfi
nishhi
ssent
encebutbar
kedat
hi
mi nst
ead.
Me:Jyverst
aannixMnrDeBoer
!(Youdon't
under
standanyt
hingMrDeBoer
!)
.Youf ucken
beatmet oapul
pcanyouevenimaginewhat
youki
ll
ed?
Eri
c:Ekisj
ammerZoe,
assebl
i
eft
og.(
I'
m sor
ry
Zoe,pl
ease)
Me: OnsKind!Ja, onsbabaEr ic!(OurChild!Yes,
ourbabyEr i
c!)Youdon' tl
ov emeatal l.Ihada
miscarr
iagebecauseofy ou.Andf rom today
onwardsi'm standingupf ormy self
.It
'sOv er
!
I
'm donewi t
hy ourinsecuresor r
yass!Yout r
eat
mel i
ketrash!Busyact i
ngal lt
oughwi thme!
NeverAgainwil
ligi
veyouthepowerov
erme.
I
'm notyourobj
ect,
youdon'
tpossesme!Fuck
outofhereandnevercomebackint
omylife.
Het
ri
edapol
ogi
zi
ngbuti
wasn'
tbudgi
ng.
Me:
Sav
eit
!I'
vehear
denoughoft
hatbul
l
shi
t.
Hedi dn'
twanttol
eavet
il
licall
edanurset
hat
tookhim outandir
emai
nedt herewi
thmyeyes
closed.
Me:I'
ll
getyouthej
ust
icey ouneedbaby.Andi
toowil
lgetj
usti
cef
ormy self.Thanksf
or
openi
ngmyey esev
ent houghi coul
dn'
thol
d
youinmyarmsnorbondwi t
hy ou.
Wi
tht
hatsai
dideci
dedt
osl
eep.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
Cont
inuat
ion.
04
.
ZOE
Every
onewasseat
edatt
hel
ounge.If
eltl
i
ke
thr
owingt
hem out
.
Treyhelpedmesi tdown.MeandTr eyareclose
moret hani am wi thChloe.Treyistheonlyone
whoget smeandqui t
elikemehei sar ebel.But
i
'm muchwor se, Chloeismor eli
keasai nt,
she'
st heper f
ectone.Mr sRhonqoandher
familywalkedi n.Okayt hatladyisthekindest.
Herandherf ami l
yar ealivi
ngexampl eofwhat
Chri
stwant si nchr i
sti
ansev enthoughherson
i
sabi tarr
ogantbuthesav edmyl if
eandi 'd
real
lylovetor epayhi m.
AnywayChloest ar
tedasongandhonestlyshe
canworshi
pi givehert
hat.Mom ledusin
pray
erthenwesatassomeoft heelder
sstood
uptotal
ki guess.
I
twasMrsRadebewhotookthest
andfir
stand
i
knewshewasaboutt
ot al
kaloadofshi
t.
MrsRadebe: ZoeSweet y.Wearedearlysor
ry,
butyouwer ealsowil
dandr ebel
ious.Yourway
ofdressingmust'v
eattract
edsuchat hugin
yourli
fe.Andwhywer ey ouqui
etaboutthe
abuse?Youmust '
vel
ikedit.
Tr
ey:
MrsRadebeThat
'senough!
MrsLouw: NoTremai n!She'sri
ght
.Yoursi
ster
's
behav
iouratt
ractedthisthuginherli
fenowshe
hasputourchurchingr eatshameAgain!
Icoul
dn'thol
dthetearsi
nanymore.Thatiswhy
idon'
trespectt
hem.Theyarej
udgement alasi
f
thei
rfamil
iesar
eperfect
.
Iatt
emptedget
tingupbutChl
oeheldmeandi
coul
dfeelmyragespir
ali
ngoutofcont
rol
.
Mr sLouw:Ithi
nkyoubeinghitmight
'v
ebeen
God'spunishmenttoyou.Whatdidyoudo
repeatedl
ytothatboythatanger
edhim?You
probablydi
dsomet hi
ngtohim.
Dadwasaboutt
osaysomet
hingbutAndi
l
e
st
oodupfrom wher
ehewasseatedandwent
st
rai
ghtt
oMr sLouwandRadebe.
Andile:Noi t
otal
lydisagreewi thy ou.The
reasonwhyabusedwomenkeepqui etabouti
s
becausepeopl eli
key oujudget hem andmake
them feelmorewor thless.Whathappenedt o
Lethewhohasnosi ncastt hef i
rststone?Are
weGod?Doweev enhav ether i
ghtt ojudgeher
wayofl iv
ingjustbecausewedon' tli
keit?I
s
thatevenbeingachr isti
an?Br otherensletus
stopjudgingpeoplef orwhatt heydowi t
hthei
r
l
ives.I'
m notperfectbutst i
l
l Godl ovesme.Why
areyoudoi ngtheopposi teofwhatGodwant s
from us?
MrsLouw: Awuhlal
ephansi
Andi
le!Yini
usuy
amf unanawe?(SitdownAndile!Doy
ou
wanthertoo?)Sheisdamagedgoods.
Isweart
hathur
tal
ot.Mydadst
oodupand
shout
edatherasi
justwal
kedt
omyroom.
.
Tobecont
inued.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
Shor
t
.
04
ZOE
Theweeksi nhospi taldragged.Iwasforcedt
o
stayhereinordertor ecover.Myfacewasnow
backt onormal.Isti
ll f
eltsomepainbuti was
fi
nenow.Er icgotar restedsinceil
odgedacase
againsthi
m.Andl uckilytheCCTVf oot
ageat
hi
shouseshowsal lthet i
mesheabusedme.
Iwasgett
ingdischargedt
odayandmydad,
Chl
oemyl it
tl
esisterandTremai
nmybrot
her
werecomingtofetchme.
Iwasdr
essedupi
nmyaddi
daswhi
tet
racksui
ts.
Andi
l
ecamei
n.
Me:Mymom tol
dmey oudonatedbl
oodf
orme.
Thanky
ouRhonqo.Ioweyou.
Andi
l
e:I
twasnot
hingr
eal
l
y.
Me:
Ohst
opbei
ngsomor
dest
.
Andil
e:Doest
hismeany
ouwon'
tbear
ebel
anymore?
Me: Ihavealway
s,andwil
lal
way sbeachur
ch
rebelnothi
ngwil
lchanget
hat.Iam t
hisway
Andile.
Tr
emai
nwal
kedi
nwi
thChl
oe.
Me:
Heyguy
s.
Theycoul
dn'
tst
opst
ari
ngatmei
twascr
eepy
.
Chl
oe:
Arey
ouOkayZoe?
Me: Of
cour
seChl
oe.Tr
eyi
didn'
tknowy
ouwer
e
back.
Tr
ey:
I'
m gl
ady
ouf
inal
l
ylef
thi
m.Iwast
ir
edof
wat
chi
ngy
ousuf
fer
ing.
Icl
osedmyey
esandt
ear
smadet
hei
rway
down.
Me:
Canwenott
alkabouthi
m?
Chl
oe:
Soy
ouknewTr
ey?
Tr
ey:Shedi
dn'
thav
etot
ell
mei
coul
dseef
or
mysel
f.
Me:
Isai
dst
opt
alki
ngabouthi
m!
Ishout
edandj
ustl
eftli
mpi
ng.Dadmetme
half
wayandj
ustat
tackedmewit
hahug.
Me:
Tat
a!I
'
m sor
ry.I
'
m adi
sappoi
ntment
.
Dad:
Aha!St
opbaby
.Don'
tdot
hist
oyour
sel
f.
Me: I
'm adisapointmentdad.I
'm ar
ebel,ont
op
ofthatijustaddedascandal.Ndini
phoxil
enino
mama. (Idisappointedyouandmom) .I'
m
supposedt obeanexampl et
omysi bl
ings.
Dadhuggedmeandhel
pedmet
othecar
.
Whenigothomet hechurchpeoplewerether
e
goshij
ustgotannoyed.Iknowtheyarehereto
gett
hefull
stor
yandt orubiti
nmyf ace.Buti
hadtoat
leastt
ryplayi
ngniceformydad'ssake.
.
Tobecont
inued.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
.
05
.
ANDI
LE
Ihadnev erseenPastorKani t
hisangr
y.Hewas
breathi
ngdownf ir
e.Thepeopl ehadtoleav
e
nowandi twasunderstandabl
eMr sLouwand
Mr sRadebewer eri
diculousandwhattheysai
d
wasunr easonabl
e.
Whentheyl
eftMrsKaniaskedustoremai
n
behi
ndshehadinvi
tedusforl
unch.
Mr sKani:
Hey .Thanky ouf orcomingoverand
actual
lystandingupformydaught ert
heyare
sojudgement alofher.Eversinceshewasa
teenyouguy sknowt hest ory.
Mom: Chri
sti
ansforgett
hati
tisnotuptoust o
passj
udgementbutt oGod.I
'm sor
ryabout
whathappenedtoyourdaughter
.Asamot heri
under
standthepainyoumustbegoingthrough.
Chloeandmybr otherSisekokeptonl ooki
ngat
eachot her.Isuspectthatsomet hingis
happeni ngbetweent hem buti quickl
ydismiss
thethoughtandsi tdownar oundt hetabl
efull
delecteblefood.Thear omaf il
l
st hewholeroom
andi am suddenl yhungry.
Tremai nandZoecomedownandj oinusandi
don'
tknowbutt here'
sasuddenj umpofmy
heart.Isuddenlyseeherthroughdif
fer
enteyes
andt hatscaresme.No!Andi l
egetagripof
yourselfmysub- consci
ousscowlsatmewi t
h
narr
owedey esandi shi
ftuncomfort
ablyi
nmy
chai
r.
MrKani
:SoAndi
l
ehowl
ongi
syourr
esi
dency
?
Me:Ihav
eay
earl
eftact
ual
l
ythi
sismyl
ast
year
.
Chl
oe:Doyouspeci
ali
sei
nany
thi
ngi
n
par
ti
cul
ar?
Me: I
'
m aCardi
ologi
stt
obeexactbuti
nmedi
cal
schoolt
hethi
ngsarevast
.
Zoe:
ThankYouf
orsav
ingmyl
i
fe.
Il
ookedatherandourey
esgotent
angl
edi
na
gaze.
Me:
I'
m adoct
orZoei
t'
smyj
obt
osav
epeopl
e.
Zoe:Youdi
dmuchmor
ethanadoct
orwoul
d.
I
'mindebt
edtoy
ou.
Ourgazegoti
ntensenott
hatany
onewas
payi
ngatt
enti
on.
Me:
Sincey
oui
nsi
stt
her
eisawayy
oucan
r
epayme.I
t'
sforagoodcour
se.
Her
:O.
kayandwhatwoul
dthatbe?
Me:Iam partofacharit
yorgani
sati
on.Now
t
omor r
owwegoi ngtoanor
phanaget ocookfor
t
hekids,donateclot
hesandplaywit
ht hem.We
wil
lbetherefort
hewholedaysoi'dloveiti
f
youcamet ohelpus.
Zoe:
Okayi
'
dlov
etohel
p.
Weatel
unchasali
ghtconv
ersat
ionr
otat
ed
ar
oundt
hetabl
e.
Chl
oeandSisekoweremooningovereach
ot
hercl
ear
lytheyl
ikeeachot
her.
Aconversat
ionaboutMathsstar
tedand
ev
eryonewassharingthei
rexper
ience.
Me:Iwasqui
tegoodi
nmat
hs,
Sisekot
akes
af
terme.
Tremain:Real
ly
.Maybeheshoul
dtut
orChl
oe
then.Sheneedsthehel
p.
Dad:I
'm sur
eSi
sekowoul
dn'
tmind.As
chr
ist
ianswheoughtt
ohel
poneanother
.
MrKani
:That
'st
rueRhonqoweneedeachot
her
.
I
twasthenset
tl
edt
hatSi
sekowi
l
ltut
orChl
oe
dai
l
y.
.
..
.
CHLOE
Iam Chl
oeKani .I
'
m doingmymat ri
candi 'm
thel
astbornathomenotf orlongthough.I
haveahugecr ushonSi seko,hi
m andhi s
brot
herar
et hehottestdudesatchurch.Ithink
heli
kesmet ooandnowwe' l
lbetogetherallt
he
ti
me.
MeandTreypackthedi
shesandgot
othe
ki
tchenwher
ehelaught
satme.
Me:
Whatar
eyoul
aughi
ngat
?
Tr
ey:
Ihel
pedy
ourass.Icanseey
oul
i
kehi
m.
Me:
Ial
way
ssav
eyourassf
rom dad.
Tr
ey:
That
'smer
etur
ningt
hef
avourl
i
lsi
s.
Zoe:Whatar
eyoutwogossi
pingabout
?Thina
si
funai
desser
tkal
oku.
(Wewantdessert.
)
Me:
Goandsi
twe'
l
lbr
ingdesser
t.
Zoe:
I'
m nothandi
cappedy
ouknow.
Tr
ey:
Justgety
ourasst
otheDi
nni
ngr
oom.
Wel
aughedassher
oll
edherey
esandl
eft
.
Weserveddesser
tandj
oinedi
nthe
conv
ersat
ion.
.
..
.
ZOE
Iwasenjoyi
ngmydaytheyact
uall
ycheer
edme
up.Andi
l
ecouldn'
tst
opstar
ingatmeand
fr
ankl
yididn'
twantt
olookati
tinanywrong
way.
Af
teral
ongl
unchi
twast
imef
ort
hem t
ogo.
Andi
l
e:Don'
tfor
get
.We'
l
lleav
ear
ound7am.
Me:Youcancomeher
ethenwe'
l
ltakemycar
.
You'
l
ldri
ve.
Andi
l
e:OkayTomor
rowt
hen.
Theyl
eftandmypar
ent
scoul
dn'
tst
opsmi
l
ing.
Mom: Heissuchagoodboy.Iwoul
dn'tmi
nd
him mar
ryi
ngyou.Maybehe'
dputaleashon
you.
Me:
Mom noonecanchanget
hisr
ebel
.
Isai
dthatpoi
nti
ngatmy
sel
f.
Theylaughedatme.Buti
coul
dseet
hei
r
concern.
Dad:
AndIl
ovey
ouj
ustt
hewayy
ouar
e.
Ihuggedhi
m andwentupt
omyr
oom.
.
..
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
.
06CONTI
NUED
ANDI
LE
Ihadj
ustf
ini
shedeat
ingsoitookmyt
hings
andbi
dfar
ewellt
othefamil
y.
It
ookanubertotheKanir
esi
dencesi
nceZoe
i
nsist
edwetakehercar
.Imustagr
eeit
'sf
ast
.
Uponmyarr
ival
ibuzzt
hei
nter
com andshe
answer
s.
Zoe:
Andi
l
eist
haty
ou?
Me.
:YesZoei
t'
sme.
Zoe:
Okayl
etmebuzzy
oui
n.
Thegatesl
idesopenandiwal
kinandf
indt
he
fr
ontdooralr
eadyopen.
Chloel
etsmeinasshei
salreadyonherway
outwit
hherbrot
her
.He'
sprobablytaki
ngherto
school
.Igr
eetandt
heybot
hgr eetbackeager
ly.
I
'
mi nmyblackj
eansandtheBlueor
gani
zat
ion
t
-shi
rt
.Ial
sohav
eonef orher
.
Shemakesherwaydownl aughingasshe' s
tal
kingt othephone, iwatchhercar efull
ythe
wayshemov esherl i
ps,thewayherey eswi den
whenshesmi lesorlaugh.Thewayherwai st
swiftl
ymov ewhenshe' swalking.She'sav ery
att
ractivewoman.Wi t
hhersmal lwaist,actuall
y
hertinybody .Shelookl i
keasize30.Inot i
ce
herey esarer edandherey esdon' tshowwhat
herfacei stryingt
opor tr
ay.Shef i
nallyendst he
cal
landf oramomentt here'
ssilencebet ween
ustil
l idecidet ot
alk.
.
Me:
Uhm i
hav
eyourt
-shi
rtwi
thme.
Zoe:
Oh,
Thanks.Cani
gety
ouany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
Shesay
sthattaki
ngt
het
-shi
rtandsl
i
ppi
ngi
t
ont
opofhervest.
Me:
Wat
erwi
l
lbef
ine.
Zoe:
Arey
oual
way
sthi
supt
ight
?
Me:
I'
m notsur
eif
oll
ow.
Shelaughst
henleadsmet
otheki
tchenwher
e
shegetsmeaglassofwat
er.
Zoe:Justli
vealit
tl
eAndile.Stopbeingupt
ight
,
andi cer
tai
nlydon'
tbit
e.Iknowwehav eal
ways
arguedbutnowwef inesoj ustl
oosenupAndile.
Ismil
easi r
epeat
edl
yhearhercall
i
ngmyname.
Iti
ssweetcomingfr
om herandthewayshe
rol
lshert
onguewhenshesaysit
.
Me:
I'
m notsur
eifi
candot
hatZoebuti
'
llt
ry.
Zoe:Okayf
inenobi
ggi
e!Youaredri
vi
ngthough.
Let
sseehowy oudomi
nateovert
hisbeast
.
Me:
Okay
.
.
Whenwegett otheorphanagewest ar
thel
ping
outandmeet ingthekids.She'
squiteanatur
al
whenitcomest ochildrenri
ghtthereiseea
sidei
'
v eneverseen.Herv ul
ner
abityshowsand
iseethati
nr eal
it
yshe'sagoodper sonbut
peopl
emi sunder
standher.Whoa!Coul
ditbe
possi
blethati
'mfall
ingf
orher?Forbot
hour
sakesihopenot.
.
..
.
ZOE
Spendingti
mewi ththekidsreall
ygavemenew
meaning.Ifel
tsofreeandv ulner
ablewi
tht
hem.
Iwishmyl i
fewouldstartagainbutbemorefai
r
tome.Letmel iv
emyl if
ewi thoutbei
ngj
udged.
Wei hadboughtsomecandy,toysand
educati
onalbooksi
nthemorning.Ial
sohad
cl
otheswithme.Andil
eandtherestofthecr
ew
hel
pedmedi stri
but
eever
ythi
ng.
Thewholestaffandv
olunt
eerswerenowgoi
ng
uptotheref
reshmentroom.MeandAndil
ehad
remai
nedbecausewewer epacki
ngup.
Me:
ThankYou.
Andi
l
e:For
?
Me:Bringi
ngmeher
e.Ineededt
his.I
tissoul
soot
hing.
Andil
e:I
'
m gl
adyoufeel
thatwayman.Younot
real
l
yabadpersony
azi.
Me:
Ofcour
sei
'
m not
.Younott
obady
our
sel
f.
Andi
le:
Mmm r eal
lynow?Ishoul
dbri
ngyou
her
emor eof
tenjustt
ogetthesecompl
i
ments.
Me:OrmaybetakemetolunchDrRhonqoj
ust
hookagi
rlupwithsomegoodfood.
Iwi
nkathi
m andl
eav
ehi
mther
espeechl
ess.
Het hentagsal
ongandwegeti ntheelav
ator
whichtakesustothe5thfl
oorandjustaswe
abouttoreachtheel
ect
rici
tygoesoffandBAM!
ItJams!!Leavi
ngusstucktogether
.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
.
06
ZOE
"NOOOOOOOO! "iwakeupwetf
rom sweat.I
'
m
breathi
ngheav
il
yandsoonmyroom isunder
i
nv asi
on.Mywholefami
lyi
sher
e.
Ij
ustst
artcr
yingwheni
recal
ltheni
ght
mar
e.
Mom:
Zoe!Zoe!What
'st
hemat
terbaby
?
Me:
He...Hewasher
e.I
nmydr
eams.Chas.
.i
ng
mewit
hanaxe.
Dad:Bekul
iphuphonjentombami.
Masit
handaze.(Itwasjustadr
eam mygi
rl
.
Let
'spray.
)
Iam sti
l
lcry
ingandbr eathi
ngheav il
yast hey
bothhugmef rom thesidesandst artprayi
ng.
TreyandChloèarebothhol dingmyhands.I
canseethefearinthem.Chl oèisterri
fi
edev en
sheisshaki
ng.Afterawhi l
ei cal
m down.
Tr
ey:
I'
ll
sleepher
ewi
thy
ouf
ort
heni
ght
.
Mom:
Okaymyboypl
easet
akecar
eofher
.Cal
l
usi
fther
e'sany
thi
ngwr
ong.
Tr
ey:
Wil
ldomom.
Theyl
eav
eandTr
eyr
emai
nsher
ewi
thme.
.
..
.
TREY
Ibrushherbacksoftl
yunt
ilsheiscompl et
ely
hypnoti
sed.Iwatchherbi
gey esstruggl
i
ngt o
shutdownunt i
ltheyar
ecompl et
elyshut.
Ical
lMi
keandheanswer
sont
hef
ir
str
ing.
Mi
ke:
Tiger
!
Me:Scarf
ace.Ineedt
hatdogt
opayf
orwhat
hedi
dt omysist
er.
Mi
ke:
He'
sinpr
ison.
Me: Iknowthatbutiwantsomet hingt
hatwil
l
makehi m suff
erandli
vewithfearandanxiet
y
hi
swhol elif
e.Iwantt
olivehim brokenasmy
si
steris.
Mi
ke:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
I'
ll
comet
othewar
ehouseandbr
iefy
ou
t
omorr
ow.
Mi
ke:
Okayby
e.
Ihangupandlookatmysist
er.Herli
fewi
ll
neverbet
hesameagain.ThatWhiteboywi
ll
pay.
Iknowwhatyoumustbethinki
ng.Yesiam a
gangst
er.Myli
fewasboundtoturnoutt
hisway
butnooneisaware.
Iam Tremai
nKaniandiam 22yearsol
d.Iam a
Civ
ilEngi
neerandi
'
m al
sointoshadydoings.
Myheartisice-
col
dandmysoul i
sdarkerthan
t
henights.Iam acol
dbloodmurder
er.Youfuck
meormyf amil
yupitakecar
eofyoupersonal
ly.
Itakealastgl
i
mpseofherandtrysl
eepi
ngwit
h
herholdi
ngontomyar m.Iwat
chhersnore
softl
yti
llit
oosleep.
.
..
I
'
llcont
inuet
omor
rowi
'
m sl
eepy
.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
.
07
ZOE
I
twassohoti
ntheel
evat
or.MeandAndi
l
e
wer
enowtopl
ess.
Andi
l
e:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Yesi am Fi
ne.Si
ncewehav esomuchti
me
t
ooursel
veswecantalk.Don'
tyouthi
nk?
Andi
l
e:Yes.
Webot
hsatdownandl
ookedateachot
her
.
Me:
Whydi
dyouhat
eme?
Andil
e:Ihav
eneverhatedyou.Ij
ustdi
sli
ked
youratt
it
udeandli
fest
yle.
Me:igeti
t.Imeani
am wi
l
dtoowi
l
d
someti
mes.
Andi
l
e:Tel
lmeabouty
our
sel
fAdv
ocat
eKani
.
Il
aughedandhej
oinedme.
Me: Welliam wildthat'
snotasecret.I'ma
l
awl essrebel.Atruesavage.Iam selfl
ess
thoughandi lovehav i
ngtimetomy self.Iam a
verysharpthinkerandi am goodatdebat i
ng
anything.Iam av eryfr
eespiri
tperson.Iam
notsoopenaboutmyper sonalaf
fairs.Andone
thi
ngnooneknowsi sthatiam mor eofa
daddy '
sgirl
.
Andi
l
e:Whydi
dyoul
eav
eoutt
her
est
?
Me:
Ther
est
?
Andil
e:Zoe, t
rustmeicanseey ouforwhoyou
tr
ulyare.Iseebeneat
hy ourbeaut
if
ulsmil
e.
Stophiding.
Heshi
ft
edsl
i
ght
lynextt
omeandr
emov
eda
st
randofmyhai
rthathadmanagedt
oinv
ade
myface.
Me:
Andi
l
e..
.
Thatcameoutasawhi
sper
.
Andil
e:Youarefragil
e,brokenandy ourhear ti
s
fi
ll
eduncertai
nti
es.Hehasmadey ouf eel
worthl
ess.Despi
teofbei ngaself-
madewoman
hehaschangedal lofthat.Hemadey ouf eel
l
ikeyoudeservedev er
ything.Am iri
ght ?
Inoddedandtear
swel
l
edup.Hepul
l
edmei
nto
hi
sembr ace.
Andil
e:Youdon'
thavetogot hr
ought
hisal
one
Zoe.Don'tdot
histoyour
self
.Thesamefir
ei
haveseeninyouinacourtr
oom hast
oprevai
l
.
Iheldonhim asi
fmylif
edependedonit
.Asi
heldhimifel
tmyhearteaseup.Ashekepton
encouragi
ngmei coul
dfeelmysel
fsl
owlygai
n
thatsamefir
e.
Momentsl
atert
hel
if
thur
dledandopened.
Ther
ewasnoonethesowewor eourt
-shi
rt
s
andl
eft
.
Whenwegott
othatroom sickki
dswerebei
ng
f
ed.Wehel
pedoutandplayedalong.
.
..
.
ERI
C
IMessedupbigt
ime.Nownol awy erwant
sto
takeupmycase.Butl
uckil
ymysi sterMaggi
e
gotmeonef r
om t
heU.S.Heisanol dfamil
y
fri
endandhasneverl
ostanycase.
Thewardencametofet
chmebecausei
twas
ourf
ir
stmeetingt
oday.
Benson:
Mani '
l
ltrygett
ingyououtofher
ebut
al
ltheevi
denceispoint
ingatyou.
Me:Pleasetr
yman!Shei
soneofthebest
l
awyershereinS.
Aandshehasonl
ylostj
ust
onecase.
Benson:
Ihav
emor
ebadnews.
Me:
Andwhati
sthat
?
Benson:TheJudgehasal
l
owedhert
ohandl
e
thecaseonherown.
Me:
WHAT!I
sthatev
enpossi
ble?
Benson:
Yesi
tis.
Me:
I'
m dead!
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
07Cont
inues
ERI
C
IKnowhowhardcoreZoeisinthecour
t.She
doesn'
tl
eaveanystonesuntur
nedandright
nowsheknowsmor ethanistoknowaboutme.
Shemight'
vepr
etendednottoseebutshe
knows.
Headi
ngbacktomycel li
'm morethansad.I'
d
l
ovetoweepbuti can'
tihavetoeli
minateher.I
l
oveherbutnotmor et
hanmyf reedom asi'
m
busycont
emplat
ingonwhatt odonexti getan
i
dea.Ihavetostageahij
ackorki
dnap.Shewil
l
havetodi
e.Istr
ategi
seandthenconcl
udethati
wil
lcal
lSkhumbaatnight.
.
..
.
TREMAI
N
ME:
Youknowt
hepl
anr
ight
?
Guy
s:YesTr
eywedo.
Me:WardenNtl
aphowi
l
lassi
styouguy
sjust
makesureyougett
hej
obdone.
Guy
s:Okay
.
Ilef
tthepr
isonanddrov
estrai
ghthomei
hav
e
tomakesuremyt r
acksarecover
ed.
.
..
.
CHLOE
Si
sekoandIwer
eatt
hebal
conygoi
ngov
ermy
maths.
Si
seko:
SoChl
oebef
orewest
arti
'
dli
keust
o
gett
oknoweachot her.Sowe'
ll
knowhowt o
i
nter
actwitheachotherandwe'
llknowhowto
worktoget
her.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
oknow?
Si
seko:
Yourli
kesanddisl
i
kes.It
hinkt
hat
'st
he
onl
ythi
ngihavetoknow.
Me: I
'
m simplereal
ly.Il
ikebeinginmyown
space,il
ikeexpl
ori
ng.Idisl
ikedishonest
yand
j
udgement alhumans.Idisl
ikelazi
nessasiam
averyfastandeffi
cientper
son.
Siseko:Well
ourdisl
ikesarethesame.Butone
thingidet
estisnotbeinginone'sli
mit
s.It
hink
weal lhav
etostaywi t
hinourli
mits.
Hesaidt hatwithpier
cingeyes.Thatmademe
bel
ievethati don'
thaveanychancewi t
hhim
whatsoev er
.It'
sli
kehei swarni
ngmeor
something.
Iwonderi
fhe'
l
lev
erseemebey
ondwhathe
seesnow.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Weweredriv
ingbackhomewithJames
Ar
thur
'sNakedoozingi
nthecar
.
Zoe:I
'
m Real
l
yHungr
ycanwef
indsomewher
e
toeat
.
Me:
Wher
edoy
ouwantt
ogo?
Zoe:
Any
wher
e.Youknowt
hispl
acebet
tert
han
me.
Wewer
eatmytownshi
pnowshewasgoi
ngt
o
dr
opmeof
fbutiwasdri
vi
ng.
Me:There'
saChisanyanari
ghtaroundt
he
cor
ner.Theyhav
et hebestbr
aaidmeat.
Il
ookatherf
aceandshesmi
l
ed.
Zoe:
Okaylet
'sgot
her
e.Ihopei
t'
sasgoodas
youi
tis.
Iwi
nkedatherandshel
aughed.Wewentt
othe
Chisany
amaandpeoplewer
estar
ingather
.I
meanev er
yoneknowswhoshei
s.The
renownedAdvocat
eKani
.
Wef oundat ableandset tleddownt hereasthe
waitr
esst ookourorder .Asusual shewas
moomi ngov erme.Isawani r
rit
atedlookfr
om
Zoewhi chmademel augh.Tìswasr eall
y
unusual andfunny.Justt oteaseheri st
art
ed
fl
ir
ti
ngwi t
hthewai t
ress.
Me:BongiYoulookmor
epr
ett
ytoday
.Am i
mi
ssingsomething?
Bongiflushedasi hadexpectedandZoeroll
ed
hereyesi nexasperat
ion.Icoul
dseehow
aggi
tatedshewasandt hatsur
pri
singl
ymade
mehappy .
Zoe:Excuseme.Iam f
ami
shedcany
oupl
ease
hurr
ywiththeor
ders.
Shegav
eBongi
ast
ernl
ook.
Ismi
l
edandsher
oll
edherey
est
henl
ooked
away
.
Coul
ditbethatshehasal
way
sli
kedmeandi
wastoobl
indtosee?
.
..
.
ERI
C
Itwasnowsl eepi
ngti
meandi hadjustset
tl
ed
i
nmybedwhent woguysandawar denwalked
i
n.Theyrushedt omeandasi wasaboutt oask
whytheywer ehereoneofthem stabbedtwice
andslowl
yi gotsweatyanditwasl i
ghtsoutfor
me.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
08
ZOE
IWasbusyi nmyst udy.pr
epari
ngformy
courtcase.Iam certai
ni'
ll
winthi
sone.Istar
ted
preparingmywi tnessli
st,
myev i
dencesbuti
wasdi stur
bedbyacal landitwasEric'
smom.
Me:
Kat
eHey
!
Kat
e:Er
ic,
he.
..He.
.
Shewascr
yingandnotmaki
nganysense.I
wasnowgrowingi
mpati
entandaggi
tat
ed.
Me:
Cal
m downandt
ell
mewhat
'swr
ong.
Kate:
Eri
cisi
nhospi
tal
hewasst
abbedi
n
Pri
son.
Idi
dn'
tknowhowtoreactt
othi
sapar tofme
wasachi
ngbutt
herewasdefi
nit
elynothi
ngi
coul
ddoabouti
t.
Me:
Oh!I
'
m sur
ehe'
l
lbef
ine.
Kat
e:I
sthatal
lyouhav
eyouhav
etosay?
Me:
Excuseme?
Kat
e:Af
ter4y
ear
sthat
'sal
lyoucansay
.
Herwor
dscutdeepandopenedupol
dwounds.
Me:4year
sofbull
shitandpunches.Bei
ng
abusedbot
hphysicall
yandemotional
ly
.You
knewiwasinhospitalbuty
ounevercame.Your
sondest
roy
edmeandki
l
ledme.
Kat
e:Buthel
o..
.
Me:Love?Yousayhel ov
edme?That 'sabigli
e.
Hewant edt
ocontrolme.Doy ouknowthathe
ki
ll
edourbaby ?Heal
mostkilledmeandy ou
havethenervetot
ell
met hat.Iknowmywor t
h
andi'
m worthmuchmor ethanbeing
someone'spunchi
ngbag.
Kat
e:I
..
.
Iendedthecallandconti
nuedworki
ngont
he
case.Ihadsheerdeter
minati
onnow.Myonl
y
ai
m wast obri
nghim down.
.
Latertherewasabi bl
est udyathomeandi
couldn'tatt
enditsoilockedmy selfi
nmyr oom
andbur iedmyselfi
nmywor kwheni got
exhaust edist
oodatmybal conyandpopped
outaci gar
ett
eandl i
titandstartedsmoking.
EverythingKatesai
dr egi
steredinmymi nd.
Taki
ngadeepsighicont
inuesmokingandjust
asi'
m aboutt
ogobacktomyr oom wit
ht he
ci
garet
teinmyhandiseesomeonewav ingat
me.
Mysmil
ebroadensf
orsomest
ranger
eason
wheni
real
i
zeit'
sAndil
e.
Igr
inl
i
keast
upi
dandt
hatmakeshi
mlaugh.
Hesignal
si comet ohim soiputonmyhoodie
andgodownt hebalconystai
rs.Whenigett
o
hi
m hesmilest hatpull
smei nforahug.
Me:
Sor
ryf
ort
hef
ragr
ancei
justhadasmoke.
Andi
l
e:Noneedt oexpl
3ßßè3e3e aint
ome.
Me:
Aren'
tyougoi
ngt
ojoi
nthebi
blest
udy
?
Andi
l
e:Actuall
yicamet
odropmymom andi
washopi
ngi '
dbumpint
oyou.
Me:
Wel
lyouar
esol
uckyl
ooky
ousawme.
Andi
l
e:Yes.Canwegoout
?Foradr
iveper
haps?
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Wegot
ohi
scarandgo.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Wedrivetomytownshipandtalk.Shebr
ief
s
meabouthercaseandaddst hatEri
cisi
n
hospi
talofwhi
chial
readyknew.
Weparkthecaratt
heChisay
any
amaand
deci
detotakeawalkar
ound.
Me:
Zoe.
Shetur
nsandl
ooksatmeandherey es
l
uminousasal
way s.Theypi
ercethr
oughme
andifi
ndmyselfcaughtinherspel
l
.
Zoe:
Yes.
Me:Youaresobeaut
if
ul.Youar
eawor
kofar
t.
Tr
ueart.
Shesmi
l
esandi
not
iceasst
randofherhai
r
fal
li
ngonherface.Igent
lymoveitandshe
walkst
owardsmeandwi thi
nminut
eswearei
n
eachother
sarms.
Zoe:
KissMe!
Shesaysthatweherey esalr
eadyshutcl
osed.I
cupherfaceandletthemomentengulfmeasi
ki
ssherwithpassionholdi
ngtightt
oherwaist
.
.
Tobecont
inued.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
10
ANDI
LE
Thi
sist
hemosttr
agi
cthi
ngi'
veeverwit
nessed.
Chl
oèwasj
ustpal
eandherhear
tbeatwaslow.
Wer ushedhertoEmer gencyroom andst
arted
att
endingtoher.Tonightwouldbethehardest
ti
meofherl i
fe.Shelaythereunconsci
ousas
wedi dall
wecoul d.
Fi
nal
l
ywepl
acedherunderi
ntensi
vecar
esi
nce
shewasunconsci ousandunabl etobr eat
heon
herown.Andt hewor stpartwasinformingthe
fami l
y.Theyjustl
osti tbutZoecaughtmy
attenti
onshewasj ustquietst
ari
ngi ntospace.I
j
ustknewshewast r
yinghardtosupr essher
feeli
ngs,shewant edt oappearstr
ongandThat
wasbadf orher.
Tr
emai nar
ri
vedwi
thagi
rlwhoi
assumei
shi
s
gi
rl
fr
iend.
Tr
ey:
AnynewsonChl
oè?Orwhohur
ther
?
Me:She'sunderi
ntensi
vecar
e.Thefami
l
yhas
toprepar
efortheworst
.Thenextf
ewhourswi
ll
bethehardest
.
Tr
ey:
Mom.Dad!
Thiswasmyf ir
sttimeeverseeingTr
ey
breakdown.Heisnormallyt
heironmanbut
nowIguesst hethoughtofl
osingheri
sjust
ki
lli
nghim.
Il
ookt
omyf
ami
l
yandev
ent
heyar
esheddi
ng
tear
sbutSisekoist
hewor st
.Hisshir
tis
coveredi
nbloodbecausehecar r
iedChl
oet o
theEmergenyroom asthenurseswereslow.
Iorganiseforwar m wat
erwit
hsugarfor
everyoneandsedat ebothMrsKaniand
Tremai n.Watchingever
yonel
ooki
ngsoawful
breaksmyhear tandseei
ngZoebreaksme
evenf urt
her.
.
..
.
ZOE
IcannotevenbegintodescribehowIfeel.The
moreItryreasoni
ngorev enaskingmyselfasto
whythishappensIfail
.SoIjuststandupand
l
eavethehospital
.Wheni reachhomet he
houseisswampedwi ththepol i
ceandIam
askedtosleepoversomewher eelsebecause
thewholehouseisacr i
mescene.
SoIgotomyroom andpackmybagandmy
gadget
saswel
lasmycour tbag.
Igetint
omycaranddri
vear
oundbutacal
l
dist
urbsmeandianswer
.
Me:
ZoeSpeaki
ng.
Andil
e:Zoeyourdadaskedmet otakeyouto
ourhouse.Mypar entsandyourdadwil
lsleep
atthehospi
talwehav eorgani
sed
accomodati
onf orthem.
Me:
Shal
lIdr
ivet
oyourhouset
hen?
Andi
l
e:Yes.I
'
m al
readyt
her
e,i
tookani
ghtof
f.
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Idriv
etohishousewithsomeTupacechoei
ng
i
nt hecar.Il
etoutadeepsighasir
emember
thatiwil
lbeappeari
ngincourtt
omorr
owsince
Erichasrecover
ed.
Arri
vi
ngatt
hehouseAndi
lei
sal
readywai
ti
ng
formesohehelpsmewit
hmybelongi
ngsand
weputthem i
nhisr
oom.
Hegi
vesmepr
ivacyt
ochangei
ntomycl
ean
py
jamasandhecomesback.
Andi
l
e:I
'
llsl
eepont
hef
loor
.
Me:Thebedisbi
genoughf
ort
hebot
hofuswe
canshar
eit
.
Andi
l
e:Yousur
e?
Me:Yep.Any
way
swear
eadul
tsandcanhandl
e
our
sel
ves.
Helooksatmeasifscanni
ngmyf acet
hen
nodsandwegetundercovers.Tearsst
ream
downmycheeksasi r
ecall
thisentir
eday.I
hopethi
ngsgetbet
ter
.
.
..
.
ERI
C
FUCK!Wemi ssedourt ar
get
!Skhumbast abbed
thewrongper son.Andnowt hewarwi l
lgoon
tomorrow.Zoewi ll
ripthewholecourti
nto
piecesIknowhert hatmuch.Iusuall
ywatched
hercourtcasesandt heywer
ebad.
Ihatemyli
fe.IhopeChloemakesi
tori
'
llnev
er
for
givemysorryblackass.
..
Tobecont
inued.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
09
ZOE
Thekisslastedlongerthani hadexpected.I
t
hadsomuchpassi onandemot ionini
t.We
fi
nall
ypulledoutoft hekissandwewer eboth
breat
hingheav i
l
y .Ihadnev erfeltt
hisway
befor
e.Evenwheni waswit hEricineverfel
t
thi
sway .Eri
cwasr omanticandpassi onatebut
helackedemot i
onandf eel
ing.
Me:
I'
m suchabadi
nfl
uenceony
ou.
Isai
dthatpeer
ingupathi
m andi
sawagl
owi
n
hisey
es.He'sl
ipscur
vedi
ntoasmil
e.
Andi
l
e:AndWhydoy
ousayt
hat
?
Hesai
dthatnotbreaki
ngt
heey econt
actand
hi
sarmssti
llar
oundmywai st
.
Me:Younev
ermi
ssbi
blest
udyunl
essy
ouar
e
wor
king.
Andi
le:Yesyouar
equi
tesomet
hing.Al
i
ttl
e
devi
lperhaps!
Me:
Hah!Andi
l
e.
Il
aughedandhedi
dtoo.
Andil
e:Il
ovet
hewaymynamer
oll
soutofy
our
tongue.
Me:
Ohi
sit
?
Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedme.
Me:Youseem f
ondofmyli
ps.Comel
etsgo
bef
oretheyr
eal
izey
ounott
here.
Wewalkedtothecaranddr ovehome.Assoon
aswegotther
ei ent
eredt hr
oughmybal cony
andassoonasi r
eachedmyr oom ij
umpedon
mybed.Wow!Icouldst i
l
l smellhi
m onme.I
qui
ckl
ywashedmyf acet henwentwor emy
gownandwentdownst air
s.
Iwenttothekit
chenanddishedupformy
sel
f
thensatdownont hebarst
oelandhadmy
dinnerwhi
lel
ist
eningtomusic.
AsKendr i
ckLamar 'sFor
biddenFr
uitechoed
ar
oundt hekitchen.MrsLouwenteredandi
pr
etendedasi ficouldnotseeherandcarri
ed
onwitheating.
MrsLouw:Ay!Shamef
ulgi
rl
!Ther
e'saser
vice
andyoubusyplay
ingt
hedevi
l'
smusicand
eat
ingher
e.
Ipeer
edatheroncet
hencont
inuedeat
ing.
Mr
sLouw:
Heyy
ou!Yousor
ude.Your
ebel
!
Il
aughedandgotof
fthechai
rpushi
ngi
tasi
de.
Me:
Woman!Whatexact
lydoy
ouwantf
rom me?
Mr
sLouw:
Hebannah!Ngwanao!
Me:Li
stenhere!Iam ol
denought omakemy
ownchoices.Pl
uswhoar eyoutocri
ti
ciseme
ormychoices.Iam i
ndependantanddon'tev
en
needanyt
hingfrom anyone.Thisismyhomeso
iwon'
tbeorderedbyy ouwher easyoucan'
t
evencont
rolyourdaughters!
MrsLouw:At
leastmydaught
ersl
i
sten.Youar
e
j
ustr
ebell
i
ous!
Me: Real
l
y?At
leastihavemyownmoneyand
don'
thavemulti
plechi
ldr
enican'
tev
enl
ook
aft
er.
Mr
sLouw:
Zoe!Ngi
zokushay
a!(
i'
l
lhi
tyou!
)
Me:Heh!Thet
rut
hhurtsri
ght
?Beforeyoumake
demandsinot
herpeopl
e'
shouses.Checky
our
l
ifef
ir
st,
gotme?
Befor
esheev
enrepl
i
edi
tookmypl
ateandI
pod
andwentt
omyroom.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Icoul
dn'
tconcentr
ate.Idon'
tknowwhatt
ook
overmebutilovei
t.Ifsomeonehadt
oldme
t
hati
'dkissheronedayorevenlov
eheri
woul
d'v
et ol
dthem t
ogetcheckedout
.
Herbigeyeshauntedme.Hert i
nywai
standher
softsmall
butplumpl i
psi
nvadedmythought
s
sendinganimpulsetomygroin.
I
twast i
metogohomeaft
ert
hepr
ayer
sand
honest
lyiwant
edt
oseeagai
n.
MrKani:Rhonqondiyabul
elaubukhobakho
nosapholwakho.(
Rhonqot hankyouforyour
famil
yandyourpresencetonight
)
Hesaysthatst
ari
ngatdadandi seeZoeinhim.
Theyar
eidenti
calandj
ustaswear eaboutt
o
l
eaveZoecomesr ushi
ngtoherdad.
Zoe:
Daddy
!Daddy
!
She'
scr
yingandsuddenl
yif
eel
li
kehol
dingher
butr
est
rainmysel
f.
MrKani
:What
'swr
ongbaby
.Zoet
alk!
Zoe:
It'
sChl
oe.She'
sly
ingt
her
einapool
of
bl
oodi
nherr
oom.
Si
seko:
What
!?That
'si
mpossi
ble!
Me:
Takemetoherandgett
hefir
stai
dki
t.
We'
l
lhav
etogethert
ohospi
tal
.
Zoegr
absmyhandandwer
unt
oChl
oe'
sroom
wit
hever
yonef
oll
owi
ng.
Whenwegett her
et ear
sjustf
loodf
rom my
eyesasiseeherly
ingmot i
onl
esswithj
usta
poolofbl
oodaroundher.Suchachir
pysoul
.
Igotoherandcheckherpul
se.I
t'
sst
il
lther
e
buti
t'
sweakl i
keherhear
tbeat
.
Itryr
evivi
nghert hencarr
yhertothecarwith
thehelpofSisekowhoi sweepingli
keababyby
theway .Af
terwear einthecarZoespeedsof
l
ikeamani actothehospi t
alpassi
ngevery
robotandov er
takingeverycar
.
.
..
.
SI
SEKO
Pushi
ngt
hestr
etcherini
gapeatherl
yi
ngt
her
e
col
dandmoti
onless.
Whodi dthistoy ouChl
oè?Iwonderwhatdi d
theywantf r
om y ou.Weeventual
l
yreachthe
Emergencyr oom andi'
m askedtostayback.I
roam aroundlikeamadper onthi
nki
ngoflast
conversati
o
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
11
ZOE
Sleepi
ngnextt oAndi
lewassomet hingelse.We
bothwer eavoidi
nganyclosecontact.Iwas
scared.Idi
dn'twantustodoany t
hingwe' dlat
er
regret
.
Ihear
dhi
m clearhi
sthroatt
henminuteslat
er
hepatmyshoulderandmybodyjuststi
ll
ed.
Andil
e:Rel
axZoe.Iwouldnev
ertakeadvant
age
ofyou.Youar
eaty ourmostvul
nerabl
e
moment
.
Itur
nedtofacehi
m andeventhoughi
twas
darkIcoul
dseethesi
ncer
ityi
nhiseyes.
Me:
I..I
'
mjust
..
.Idon'
tknow.
Ij
ustbrokedown.Thinki
ngaboutChl
oebroke
medown.Ihadr epr
essedmyt r
uefeel
ingsf
ora
l
ongtimenow.AndChl oe'
ssit
uati
ontr
igger
edit
al
l.
If
elthi
sfi
nger
swi
pingmyt
ear
s.
Andil
e:Ever
ythi
ngwill
befine.Godi sher
ewi
th
you.Thi
sisjustaphase.I
twillpass.
Me:Butwhati
don'tunder
standi
swhyany
one
woul
dtryt
oharm her.
Andi
le:
PerhapsShewasassumedt obe
someoneelse.Theset
hingshappen.
Me:Youar
eri
ght!Shel
ooksmoreli
keme.
Someonemust
'v
ebeenafterme.
Isatupandt
houghtf
orawhi
l
e.
Me:
Eri
c!Hehasamot
ive.
Andi
l
esatupt
ooandl
ookedatme.
Me:
IWon'
tSpar
eHi
m!
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Zoe:
Iwon'
tspar
ehi
m!
Hewor dswit
hsheartenaci
tytellmeshe's
ser
iousandforamomentIseeherchange!I
haveneverseent
hissideofherbefore.Andi
don'
tsaymuchbutjustcomf orthert
henwe
sl
eep.
.
I
nthemor
ningwheni
wakeupshe'
snotnex
tto
me.
Me:
Zoe!Zoe!
Ical
loutt
oherandshedoesnotr
espondt
ome.
Igetoutofbedandwandert
othei
nvi
ti
ng
aromai
nthekitchen.Iseerweari
ngasuit
.
She'
sweari
ngtightformalpant
s,awhit
eblouse
andabl
ackblazorwi t
hblackheel
s.
Hernat
ural
curl
slooki
ngratherf
ull
andlush.
Thi
ckwithabeaut
if
ulglow.Abeauti
ful
brunet
te.
Me:
Whatar
eyoucooki
ng?
Zoe:
Justt
houghtIshoul
dmakey
oubr
eakf
ast
.
Me:
Aren'
tyoueat
ing?
Zoe:
Ial
readyat
e.I
'
mrunni
ngl
ate.Ihav
etobe
i
ncourt
.
Me:
Soar
eyoul
eav
ingnow?
Zoe:Yesi'
ll
bebackl
atert
ofet
chmy
bel
ongings.
Me:
Okay
.Goodl
ucki
ncour
t.
Shet
urnsandf
lashesabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.
.
..
..
ERI
C
Mymom camewi t
hmyclothestochangeint
o.
Todayi
sthebigday.Myfir
stappearancei
n
cour
tandifeel
soanxious.Iknowthatshewil
l
notl
eaveanystoneunt
urnedinthi
scase.
Iclosemyeyesafterdr
essi
ngupanddropsof
tearsst
ream downmycheeksandIcanfeel
my
l
egsweakening.
Ajailwardencomestofetchmeandwemake
ourwayt othecour
t.Assoonasisi
tiheart
he
cli
cki
ngsoundofheelsandi canmakeoutf
rom
therhyt
hm whoexactlyi
tis.
WhenIturnoureyesmeetandtheyare
dif
fer
ent
.Theyarefil
l
edwit
hhateandIlook
awaywhenIturnsheisst
il
ll
ookingatme.But
thi
sti
meshehasasmugonherf ace.
Shet henseat
sandt hecourtprotocolisdone.
Thel awyer
sstartt
heirarguments.Her
argumentisfil
l
edwi t
hsheerdet erminati
onand
coldness.Youcanseet hatsheisacting
prof
essi
onalandt herearenofeelingsatt
ached.
Looki
ngatheri real
izethati
'
vel ostoutona
woman.Shecr ucifi
esusandt hensi t
sdown.I
canli
ter
all
yfeelthepainandremor sei
shoul
d'v
efelt
.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
12
SI
SEKO
I
twasaf t
erschoolandiwasvisi
ti
ngChlöeat
thehospi
tal
.Ifi
ndhersti
ll
unconsci
ous.Ipul
l
upachairandsitnextt
oher.
Me: Chlöe,it'
smeSi seko.Thedoctorsaidy ou
canhearmesoi cameheretoapologisef or
howt hingst urnedout .Thetr
uthisi l
i
key oual ot
andwheni sawy oushowingint
erestmei didn't
real
lyfeel worthyofy ou.Imeani comef rom an
averagef ami l
y.Mybr otheri
sthef i
rstdoctorat
homeandhopef ull
ytheonetogiveusabet ter
l
ife.
..
Ipauseandholdherhandwit
ht ear
sfl
owi
ng
downmycheeks.Ihopeandpr ayshemakesi
t.
Becauseifnoti
'
llnev
erbeatpeace.
Me:Justpl
easewakeup!Sowecant
alkabout
t
his.
Iki
ssherhandthenl
ookatherf
ort
hel
astt
ime
bef
orel
eaving.
.
..
.
ZOE
2WEEKShav epassedandtheyhavebeenhell
.
Likether
ebel iam i
'
vebeenoutpart
yingj
ust
tr
y i
ngtoforgetaboutmyprobl
ems.Thecourt
casehasbeengoodonmysi deandwear eonl
y
toappeartomor r
owwhenEr i
ctakesthest
and.I
plantogri
llhi
m andhavenomer cyonhim.
Ihav
espokent oAndil
eafterourf
ight.Yesthe
dayisl
eptoverathishousewheni cameback
wehadal i
tt
leargumentandwehav en'tspoken
si
ncethen.
I
t'
s7pm andiam si
tt
ingimt heVI
PSectionat
t
heclubhavi
ngmywhi skey.Aminutel
atermy
f
ri
endscomeandwest ar
tourpart
y.
Kayl
a:Sowher
eist
hedoct
ory
ou'
vebeen
hangi
ngar
ound?
Me:
Canwej
ustnott
alkabouthi
mri
ghtnow.
Car
la:
Why
?
Me:
Canwej
ustnotspoi
lmyni
ght
.
Isayt
hatt
aki
ngashot
.
Westartdri
nki
ngandt
aki
ngpict
ures.Jessi
ca
andEthancomewitht
heweedandciggarsand
westartsmoki
ngwhenwearehighenoughi
takemyphoneandcal
lAndi
l
e.
Heanswer
sont
hesecondr
ing.
Me:Andi
l
e!Whatdoy outhi
nkofy our
self
?I
meanyoujustshoutedatmet hatdayand
mademef eelst
upid.Am ist
upid?Doi l
ook
st
upi
d!Hahahaha!Stupid!
Andi
l
e:Wher
ear
eyou?Ar
eyoudr
unk?
Me:Dr
unk?Me?I
'
m atacl
ubwher
eyouwon'
t
f
indme.
Andi
l
e:Justst
ayt
her
e.
Me:
Don'
tcomeher
e.
Isaythathangingup.Morepeoplecomeand
thi
sguyirri
tatesme.Heisconstantl
ytoucì
ng
meandt ryi
ngt oki
ssme.Allmyf r
iendsare
wastedsot heycan'
tseewhatshappening.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Aftert
hatcal
ligetdressedandgetthecarkey
s
andspeedtodiff
erentclubsi
nsearchofherti
l
l
ifoundheratt
heBlueMooncl ub.
Thebounceratt hedoortol
dmeshehasbeen
ther
ef orhourssoiheadstrai
ghtint
her
eand
searchtil
liseeherst
ruggli
ngwithaguy.Ir
un
tothem andpunchhim.
Me:
Gety
ourf
il
thyhandsof
fher
!
Ipul
lhertowar
dsmeandgrabherpur
setheni
putheri
nmycarwhil
easki
ngoneoftheguys
tobri
nghers.
Wedri
vet
omyhouseandassoonasweget
t
her
eshevomi
tsandmesseshercl
othes.
Aft
erthatshepassesoutleav
ingmet ocar
ry
her.It
hentakecl
othesoffandtuckheri
nmy
bed.
Il
ookather.Shesmel
lsni
ce.Hert
hick
beaut
if
ulhairi
sal
lmessedupbutshesti
l
llooks
beaut
if
ul.
Iki
ssherf
oreheadt
hensl
eepbesi
desher
.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
¤CHURCHREBEL¤
13
ZOE
Myheadwasbust
ingandthesungnashedmy
ey
es.Yeahi
thi
nkihadtoomuchtodrinkl
ast
ni
ght
.Assoonasiopenedmyey
esi
wasmet
byahotsl
apfr
om mydad
Dad:Ididn'
trai
seyoutobehaveli
keahobo!Ye
Ayanda!Ungakeuli
ngeundiqhel
eDad:Idi
dn'
t
rai
seyout obehavel
ikeahobo!YeAyanda!
Ungakeulingeundi
qhelemna!
AyandaismyXhosanamethatmydadgav eme.
Ihaveneverseenhi
mthi
sfur
iousbef
ore.
Me:
Dad,
i'
m..Icanexpl
ain.
Dad:Hheyi
!Justgetdressedwe'
llwai
tfory
ou
out
side!I
'
lldeal
withyouwheni gethome.
Het
hrewmyov
erni
ghtbagatmeandl
eft
.
Igotdressedandwheniwasabouttoleav
ethe
room Andil
egotinwi
thablackpacket
.
Andil
e:Hereareyourclothes.Lucki
lyi
waited
formyparentstoleav
ebef orecalli
ngyourdad.
Theywould'v
ebeendi sappointedli
keiam.
Hehadaf
rownonhi
sface.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Andil
e:Stopit
.Itdoesn'
tsui
tyou.Hadinot
reachtherei
ntimey ouwoul
d'vebeenr
aped.
Hesai
dthatcl
osi
nghi
sey
es.If
eltso
embar
assed.
Me:
I'
m..
Andi
l
e:Youshoul
dgoy
ourdadi
swai
ti
ngf
or
you.
Heopenedt
hedoorf
ormeandi
lef
t.
Treyhadalreadyfetchedmycarsoihadt
ogo
withdad.Thedr i
vewassilentwi
thus
exchangi
nggl ances.
Assoonaswegothomei rushedtot
hehouse
butididn'tknowwhatihadinstor
e.My
grandparentswer
ehere.
Me:
Mol
weni
(Goodmor
ning)
.
Theybot
hlookedatmethennodded.Icar
ri
ed
onwalki
ngbutmyGrandpa'
svoicest
oppedme.
Grandpa:ubuyephii
zolo?Kwayeulal
ephi
?
(Wherewer eyouyesterday?Andwheredi
dy ou
sl
eep?Grandpa:ubuyephiiz
olo?Kwayeul
alephi
?
(Wherewer eyouyesterday?Andwheredi
dy ou
sl
eep?)
Me:Idon'
tremember.Canibeexcused?Ionl
y
hav
eanhourt opr
epareforcour
t.
Ishouldn'
thavesai
dthatbecausehebeatme
upwithhiscanebutwhatsurpri
sedhi
m was
thatinevercr
iedorf
li
nched.
Thingi
sIhav ebeenbeatenupf or4y ear
sthati
havebecomenumb.Themor ehehi tmewas
themorethebi t
ter
nessandhat r
edinbui l
tup.I
heardmymot herscream andmydadhol dback
thecane.That'
swheni r
ealizediwasbl eedi
ng.
Somehowher emindedmeaboutEr icandi t
gavememor edetermi
nati
ont ocrucifyhi
mi n
courtt
oday.
Mom:
Zoe!Youar
ebl
eedi
ng!
Ijustlookatherandwentt omyr oom.Seein
these4y earsi '
velearntt
omai ntainmywalk
evenaf terbei ngwounded.I '
velearnthowto
behav eandf eel.I
'
v elear
nttoignorethepai
n
andt opr etendnot hingeverhappened.
WhenIgottomyroom it
ookashowerandno
matt
erhowharditr
iedt
het ear
sjustdi
dn'
t
comeout.Thewat
erwaslikeaddingsal
ttomy
ownwoundsbutiwastoousedt oitt
oevenbe
bot
hered.
Af
terbat
hingi
lot
ionedt
hendi
dmymake-
up.
Ihadtolookext
rabeauti
ful
soicoul
dgai
nthe
conf
idencetowhipEri
c'
sassincour
t.
Af
tert
haticur
ledmyhai
rthant
iedi
tint
oa
messybun.
Ibandagedmywoundsandwor
est
alki
ngst
hen
Iwor
emybl ackf
ormalnudef
ormal
pants,
my
whi
teshi
rtandanudecoatwi
thmybrown
bl
ockheel
s.
It
ookmybagsandmadeal
i
ttl
epr
ayer
.Yesi
do
pr
ay!
Iwentdownst
air
sandev
ery
onel
ookedatme
asifiwascr
azy.
Me:
Tremai
n.MayIhav
emycarkey
spl
ease.
Tr
ey:
Sur
e!
Hegavememykeysandi
lef
twi
thal
loft
hem
st
il
last
oni
shed.
.
..
.
ERI
C
Todayisthemosthardestdayofmyli
fe.Ihave
totakethest
andincourtandiknowZoewi l
lki
ll
me.Shewon'tletmegetoffeasi
ly.
Sheisvi
ndi
ctiv
eandcanbar eagrudgethati
s
oneofherstr
engths.Shecanbar
eanythingand
sheneverf
orgetseasil
y.
Il
etoutadeepsi
ghandgetr
eadyt
obegr
il
led.
Iwatchherwalki
n.Sheisl
ookingbeaut
iful
i
haveneverseenhert
hatbeaut
iful
befor
e.
Iseefi
reinherey
esasshestaresatme.Sheis
fur
iousandicanseeshecan'
twaittov
entital
l
outatme.
.
..
.
CHLÖE
Myey esareshutandican'tevenopent hem
buticanhearthepeopletalkaroundme.Ican
recogni
zethi
sv oi
ce.I
t'
smymot her.Iwoul
d
l
ov etocal
louttoherbutican't.Iwanttoopen
myey esbuttheyareshutandi justcan'
t!
I
t'
sfrust
rat
ing.It
rymov
ingbuti
can'
t!OhLor
d
pl
easehelpme.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
»CHURCHREBEL«
14
ZOE
Af
terwhi
ppi
ngEr
ic'
sadsi
ncour
tIl
eav
e.Ican'
t
barethesightofmygrandpar
entsri
ghtnowsoI
decidetogot omyfr
iendsatClub101.
Nancy:Gi
rlweneedtocel
ebr
atey
ourv
ict
orydi
d
youseehowdevastat
edhewas?
Me:I
tisenoughnow!Ihav
ebeenbeari
nghis
st
uckupassfor4year
snow.Ideser
vebet
ter!
Amahl
e:Ofcour
sey
oudosweet
y.
Westartdr
inki
ngandsmoki
ngandIf
eel
at
ease.
"Tomorrowi
sSundayIhopeyouremember
that
"Ilookupandfi
ndTremainsmil
i
ngatme
asItakeashot
.
Me:OhPlease!ThatCHURCHi sful
lof
hy
pocri
sysoIdon'tcareaboutthem.
Hesi
tsdownnextt
omeandl
ooksatme.
Trey:
Howar eyouholdingupthough?You'
ve
beenstrongf
orever
yonet oseebutIknowyou
arebreaki
ngi
ntheinsideespeci
all
yaft
erwhat
t
hatol
dmandi
dtoy
out
oday
.
Me:If eelbrokenTreyandhonest l
ypeople
l
ookatmeasi fI'
m somerebel.Theyjudgeme
butnoneoft hem hadtakentheirti
met ofeel
mypai n.i
ncludingmom anddad.Theyj ust
thi
nkwewi l
lprayandeveryt
hingWi ll
bef i
ne
we'l
lthat'
snott rue.
IcryandTr
eypul l
smei ngentl
yforahugand
suddenl
yIbreakdown.Ihavebeenholdi
ngthi
s
all
inandri
ghtnowIwantt oletitout
.
Trey:I
'm heref ory
ousi s.Wedon' thaveto
explai
nour selvestoany body.Wechoseour
l
ifesty
leandwehav eourr easonssojustcr
yit
outwhi l
eIor derusdrinks.
Me:
Thanky
ouLi
tt
lebug.
Tr
ey:
Real
l
ynow?
Me:Youwerealwaysmyl
i
ttl
ebugandf
orev
er
wi
ll
bey ouknowsthat
.
Ipul
lhi
scheeksandhebl
ushesmaki
ngme
thi
nkofChl
oè.
Iwai
tdoorourdr
inksbef
oret
aki
ngt
oTr
ey.
Me:Aft
erthiscanwegot
othehospi
tal
sowe
canseeChloè?
Tr
ey:
Ofcour
seSi
swecan.
Wehav eourdrinksshotaf
tershotandwhen
we'vedrankenoughwepayt hendri
vetothe
hospit
al.
Wewal
kinandf
indChl
oènott
her
e.
Me:
Wher
ethehe'
l
lissheTr
ey?
anur
seent
ersandl
ooksatus.
Nurse:Shehasbeenshif
tedtoanotherward.
MissKani haswokenuptodaysocur r
ent
ly
doctorsareatt
endi
ngtoher.Coul
dy oupl
ease
waitinthewait
ingroom.
Tr
ey:
Okayt
hanky
ou.
Webothstumblet
othewai t
ingroom andsi
t
downbusymimmicking"Shhh"andAndil
e
comesandstandr
ightbeforeus.
Andi
l
e:Youcancomeandseehernow.
Webot
hst
ruggl
eupourf
eetandst
artl
aughi
ng.
Andi
l
e:Your
eekofal
cohol
!
Whathesaysinfuri
atesmeandev
enbef
oreI
knowItIst
artt
elli
nghim of
f.
Me:List
enAndil
eweareadul
tsandcandr
ink
wheneverwewant.Youar
eneit
hermydador
boyf
ri
endsoplease!
HelooksatmeandIwalki
ntoChl
oè'swar
d
whereshesmi
lesassoonassheseesus.
Me:
But
ter
fl
y.Howar
eyou?
Igetcl
osert
oherbedandsoontear
srundown
mycheeksandIki
ssherti
nyhand.
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Chloe:Iam muchbett
ersi
s.Act
uall
yIthi
nki
tis
becauseofyourpray
ertheot
herday.
Me:
-Pr
ayer
?
Chl
oe:
YesIcoul
dheareachandev
ery
onewho
cametoseeme.
Me:Sohavetheyt
oldy
ouwheny
ouwi
l
lbe
di
schar
ged?
Chloe:Thedayaf
tert
omorrow.Theysai
dI'
m
recover
ingqui
ckl
yandtheybel
ieveI
'l
lbeso
muchbet t
er.
Me: Comebackalr
eady.Imissyouathome.No
onesingssol
oudandbeaut i
ful
l
yanymor eand
thi
ngshavebeentense.Yourgr
anddadgave
meabeat i
ngearl
i
er.
Chl
oe:
What
?Gr
andpa?Why
?
Me:Longst
orybutei
therwayi
'
m gl
ady
ouar
e
okay
.
Chl
oe:
-Somet
hingi
sbot
her
ingy
ouwhat
's
wr
ong?
Me:
-I
..
.
Andil
e:Youhav
etoleavenowMissKani
.The
pat
ienthastor
estsoshecanr
ecover
.
Hesay
sthatl
ooki
ngatme.
Me:
Okay
.
Iki
ssChl
oeandsaymygoodby
ethenpul
lTr
ey
onmywayandwebothstumbl
eourwaytot
he
car.
WeplaysomeKendri
ckLamarl
oudti
ll
weget
homeandGrandpacomesoutt
ocheck.
Grandpa:
Niv
elaphi
?(Wher
edoy
out
wocome
fr
om? )
Me: OhGetaLif
edude!I
'
m sot
ir
edofy
ouand
yourdict
ati
ngnat
ure.
Wel aughaswemakeourwaytohouseheruns
aft
ermeandagainslapsmehard.SOhardt
hat
Ist
umbl eonthef
loorandf
ort
hef i
rstt
imei
n
agesi
thur
tssobad.
Me:
ENOUGH!
!!
Iscr
eam andi
tst
art
ledev
ery
one.
Me: Ihavehadenoughofy oumeNbeat ingme
l
ikeI'my ourpunchi
ngbag.Ndi dikiwe
Nguwe( I
'mt ir
edofyou)andy ourtaunts.You
hatemeasmuchasy ouhat emymot herfor
mar r
yingyourson.Ifyoutouchmeagai nIwil
l
presschar ges.
WiththatsaidImarchedtomyr oom andt
hrew
my sel
finbed.Iwasexhaustedofpeoplewho
tookadvantageofme.Ilovestayi
ngherewit
h
mypar ent
sandIdon' twanttomoveoutbut
somehowIf eell
iketheywantmet ogo.
Ichangei
ntomypy j
amasandIfall
int
o
complet
eslumberassoonasIhitmybed.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
ZoeKani !Soshespoketomesor udelyt
oday.I
don'tthi
nkIwantt obewithsomeonewho
drinksalcoholt
heninsul
tsmeEveryti
me.Iwil
l
stayawayf rom hershei
snotgoodforme.Yes
IHav eto.
Aft
erconv
inci
ngmy
sel
fIswi
tchof
fthel
i
ght
s
andsl
eep.
.
Earl
yint hemorni
ngIwakeupt oabeauti
fulday
whereIdr agmyselft
otheki
tchenalr
eady
brushingmeteeth.IFi
ndmymot herandSist
er
cookingSundaylunchaswear egoi
ngto
churchtoday.
Me:
Mol
weni
Mama(Mor
ningmom)
Shegr
eet
sbackandIgr
eetmysi
steraswel
l
.
Igobackt omyr oom andstar
tchoosingan
outf
itf
orchurch.Isett
leonaBl ackJEANwitha
brownt-shi
rtandarippedjeanjacket
.
.
..
.
ZOE
Ihearmybedroom doorshutandIopenmy
eyesjustt
obemetbymypar ent
s'gaze.
SoIstandupanddi
sappeartomybathr
oom
whereIwashmyfaceandbrushmyteetht
hen
dr
inksomeaspir
int
henretur
n.
Me:
Goodmor
ning,
Mom andDad.
Dad:
Mol
omnt
anam.(Mor
ningmychi
l
d)
Mom:
GoodMor
ningbaby
.
Theybot
hlookatmeandIknowt
heyhav
e
somethi
ngtosay.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Mom: Wearejustheretoapol
ogizef
orcall
i
ng
yourgr
andf
atherhere.Wedidn'
tknowhe'dgo
t
hatfar
.
Dad:
Yesandwear
esor
ryf
orhur
ti
ngy
ou.We
j
ustwantwhati
sbestf
ory
ouZoemar
n!
Me:I'
m sorr
yt ooformybehav i
our.Iknowyou
guyshaveratheracceptedmef orwhatIam
andthankyou.YesterdayIeventhoughtyou
guysjustwantedmet omov eout.
Dad:
Notatal
l
.
Mom:Nowgetupandgetr
eadyf
orchur
chof
youwantt
o.
Inodandtheyleave.Isi
tonmybedforawhi
l
e
thi
nki
ngifIshouldgotochur
chornot
.
.
..
..
CHLOÈ
It
'sSundayandI'
ml ayi
nghere.HowmuchI 'd
l
ov etogotochurchandfeeltheholyspiri
t
again.Icl
osemyey esandstartsi
nging."Your
namei saboveal
lnames.LordJesus, youare
worthytobeprai
sed"andasIr epeatthi
ssong
suddenlyafamil
i
arv oi
cej
oinsintosing..When
Iopenmyey
esIal
mostscr
eam whenIseehi
m.
Hei
sher
ebut,
how?
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
16
ZOE
I
twasnowt helastdayincourt.I
twasgoingt
o
bethel
astargumentthenwel eaveitupt
othe
j
uryandj
udget omakeadeci sion.
Aft
ermymor
ningj
ogIcamebackandhada
bat
h.
Ideci
dedonasimplebl
ackl
adysuitwi
thheel
s.
Icurl
edmyal
readycurl
yhai
randkeptmymake
upsimpl
e.
Igathermythi
ngsandgodownst
air
sfor
breakfast
.
Me:
Goodmor
ningMom.
Shesmi
l
esatmeandi
hugher
.
Mom:
Zoe,
howdoy
ouf
eel
today
.
Me:IfeelgoodMot her
,ir
eall
yfeel
rel
i
eved.I
j
usthopeaf t
erthi
sIwon'thaveanydr
amai n
myli
fei havehadenough.
Mom:Don'tworr
yever
ythi
ngwill
beokay
.Si
t
downandhaveyourbr
eakfast
.Mommyhas
madeyourfav
ori
te.
ISi
tdownandsav
ourt
hescr
umpt
iousf
ood.
.
..
ERI
C
I
tisnowi
ncour
tandmyLawy
ersay
shi
sbi
t.
Bil
l:Mycli
enthasbeenpr ovent
obeav er
y
unstabl
emanandt hereforemyLordirequest
thathebegivenasuspendedsentenceandbe
all
owedtoseeat her
apistorpsychi
atr
ist.
Zoest
epsf
orwar
dasi
tishert
urn.
Zoe:Yourhonour,i
am awomanandmyfel
low
Learnédcol
leagueisamal
esoiseewhyhe
fai
lstoseehowmuchdangerthi
smanposes
t
osoci
etyandwoment
obeexact
.
MrDeBoeri samal echauvi
nistwhobeats
womenanddeser vestobebel ockedaway.
Thiswil
lserveasanexampl etoal lmenout
ther
eandwi llser
vejusti
cetoallwomenout
ther
e.Soi r
equesttheJuryandMyLor dtogi
ve
MrDeBoerasui t
ablepuni
shment .
Aft
ershesayst
hatigulpdownagl
assofwat
er
andsi
gh.Iknowiam damned!
Judge:Thiscour
twill
resumeand15h00wher
e
thefi
nalverdi
ctwil
lbeannounced.
"
All
Rise!
"
Iwatchthej
udgesl
owl
yexi
tandIseeherwal
k
towardsme.
Zoe:
Eri
c!
ME:
Zoe.I
'
m sor
ry.
Zoe:Don'
tyouthi
nki
tist
oolat
ef ort
hat
?
Anywayij
ustcametowishy
oul uck.
Aft
erthatshewal
kedawaywi
tht
hatbeaut
if
ul
smil
eofher s.
.
..
.
LI
THA
Wefi
nal
lyr
eachCapeTownandwer
estabi
tin
mypent
house.
Butideci
det odosomer esearchaboutthi
sgirl
.
Sheisaverybeautif
ullady,sheissuccessful
andseemst obethebestatwhatshedoesbut
whenwegetmar r
iedshewi llhavetoqui
t
ever
ythi
ngbecausei don'twantanywi f
eof
mineworking.
.
..
..
MARTHA
Thehei
rwasnowher
eandZoe'
sgr
andpaandI
weret
heret
oseet
hem.
Wewer
eal
l
owedi
n.
Pr
inceLi
tha:
Sowhendowest
artwi
thf
ormi
ng
t
hisal
l
iance.
Me:
MyLor
d,Youcancomet
omor
row.
Heaskedaf
ewquest
ionsandweanswer
ed
hi
m.
Wehavefoundthebestmat
chf
ort
hatr
atchet
gi
rl
.Sheshoul
dthankus.
.
..
ANDI
LE
"TheCour
therebyfi
ndsyouguil
ty,Youwil
l
serve15y
earswit
houtthepossi
bil
i
tyofpar
ole.
"
Wow!Tobehonesti washappyt
hatZoef
ound
j
usti
ce.Iwaswatchi
ngthecaseatwor
kwhen
oneoftheSeni
ordoctor
sjoi
nedme.
DrSingh:
MrRhonqoy ouhav
ebeenpr ovent
o
bethebestint
ernwehaveeverhad.Andnow
wewantt omakeyouapermanentdoctorat
thi
shospit
al.
ME:
Wow!Thanky
ou.Andi
accepty
ourof
fer
,
t
hanky
ouDoct
or.
Dr:Youcancomet oHRt
omor
rowandwecan
getthepaper
sready.
Me:
Thanky
ousi
r.
Ipi
ckedupmyphoneandstoppedmy sel
fasi
wasaboutt
ocal
ltoZoe.SHIT!Ican'
tdothat
!
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
15
CHLOÈ

Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evemyey
es.
Me:
Youar
eher
e?
Si
seko:Ihadtoseeyou.Andi
l
etol
dmey ou
werefi
nall
yawakenowsoIwantedtoseeyou.
Idi
dn'
tknowwhet
herIwast
osmi
l
eorwhat
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Ther
ewassil
encei
nther
oom unt
ilhecl
ear
ed
hi
sthroat
.
Si
seko:
Iam sor
ryf
orourl
astconv
ersat
ion.
Me:
Iti
scompl
etel
yfi
ne.Noneedt
obr
ingi
tup.
Siseko: Iwantt o.ImeanIhavealwaysl i
kedyou
Ijustdon' tf
eel wort
hyofdati
ngy ou.Iam from
amedi ocrefami l
yandyouaref r
om aweal t
hy
family.Iwon'tbeabl etot
akey ououtlikewhat
normal boyf
riendsdoorbutyougi ft
s.
Me: Whoa!Iknowwhoy ouareandyour
backgr
oundandstil
lthatdoesnotworr
yme,I
l
ikeyoubecauseofwhoy ouarenotwhaty
ou
have.
andyesIcomefrom awealthyf
ami l
ybutthe
moneyisnotmines,i
tismyparents'moneyand
si
bli
ngsIam j
ustdependantonthem.
Si
seko:
Soy
ouwon'
tmi
nd.
..
Me:I'
dlov
etobey
ourgi
rl
fr
iendSi
seko.of
cour
se!
I
mmedi
atel
yheki
ssesmycheeksandsmi
l
es.
.
..
.
ZOE
Ideci
deonmybl ackshortpenci
lski
rtwi
th
stal
ki
ngswit
habr ownblouseandmynewpair
ofheel
s.Isi
mplytiemyhairdownandmakemy
makeupsimpleaswel l
.
Af
terpacki
ngmyst
uffIj
oinev
ery
onef
or
br
eakfast.
Gr
andpa:
Wil
lyougot
ochur
chl
ooki
ngl
i
ket
hat
?
Ii
gnor
ehim andfocusonmyf ood,
heshakes
hi
sheadandIgiv
ehi m anast
ystar
e.
Grandma:Well
Mzolisiy
oursi
sterhaspr
obl
ems
againwi
thherhusband.
Tr
ey&I
:Don'
ttel
lusshei
scomi
ngher
e!
Webot
hshouti
nuni
sonandt
heyl
ookatus.
Grandma:Kakadeuyeza.kukokwabolal
oku
apha.(
Sheisdefi
nit
elycominghere.Thi
sisher
home).
Trey
:Notreal
l
y.Thi
sisourhome,
herhomei
sin
thevi
ll
agewhereyoutwocomefr
om.
Webot
hlaughandmydadr
epr
imandus.
Mom:
Forhowl
ongwi
l
lshest
ay?
Grandma:
Tshi
Loml
ungu!(
Jeez!
-Thi
swhi
te
l
ady)
Dad:Ngumkam kelowomama!Uzot het
hanay
e
ngentl
oniphoemzi
niwethu!(That
'smywi f
e
mom, andy ouwi
ll
tal
ktoherwithrespecti
nour
house).
Me:Canwej
usteat,
Dady
ou'
l
lbel
atef
or
chur
ch.
Withthatsai
dweeatandaft
erthatNancyour
helpclear
sthedi
shesandweal
l l
eavefor
churchbutwhenwegetther
eIsiti
nmycaras
everyoneent
erschur
ch.
Isi
tther
eforaboutanhour
,thi
nkingand
eval
uati
ngmylif
eandchoices.It
hinkabout
Eri
candt het
hingswe'vebeenthr
ough, Yeswe
havehadourhappymoment s,pl
entytobe
exactbuthesti
llbeatmeupandf orthatI
cannotbeweak.Ifnotformethenformychi l
d.
Theonehekill
ed.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Cl
ick!
Cli
ck!Heel
smakethei
rwayinsideanhour
l
ate!Whydoesshebot
herifshedoesn'
treal
l
y
want.
Theusherl
eadshert
oherseatwhi chhappens
tobenextt
ome!Whati sthisgi
rldoi
ng!Why
nextt
ome!Theushersmi leswhenshenotices
wearematchi
ngbutinsteadwebot hrol
lour
eyesanddon'
tevenmakeey econtact
.
Me:
Iwonderwhyshesatnextt
ome.
ZOE:Don'
tflat
tery
our
sel
fIdon'
tl
ikesi
tt
ingnext
toyouei
ther!
Shescowlsatmewi t
hhereyesr
oll
i
ngand
somethi
ngaboutthatal
mostmakesmesmil
es
butIf
rowninst
ead.
Thewholeser
monpr
oceedsandsoonwear
e
outofchur
ch.
.
..
.
ZOE
Idon'
tbel
iev
eIwassitti
ngnextt othategoi
sti
c
man.Heisamalechauv i
nistpig.Irol
lmyeyes
andasthechur
chendsIspr ingoutofchurch
notwanti
ngtogreett
hesehy pocrit
es.
Nol
thando:
Pleasewai
tsi
sterZOE.
Me:Pl
easeaddr
essmeasZoenoneedf
or
f
ormal
it
ies.
Nolt
hando:Wel
lIneedy
ourhel
p.Iam i
nmy
2ndyearst
udyi
nglawandIwoul
dlov
efory
ou
tohel
pme.
Me:
Oh!Takemycar
dandwecan
communicat
elat
er.Ihav
etogetr
eadyf
ormy
cour
tcase.
Nol
thando:
Okayt
hanky
ou.
Asshel
eav
esAndi
l
eappr
oaches.
Andi
l
e:-
Sot
her
ebel
deci
dedt
ovi
situs.
Me:
What
everMrSai
nt.
Ir
oll
myey
esandhesnor
tsatme.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
otal
ktoy
ou.
Aft
ersayingthatIt
urnar
oundandst
artwal
ki
ng
butgetpull
edback.
Andil
e:Don'
tfl
att
ery
our
sel
f.Idon'
twannat
alk
toyoueit
her.
Hesmi
rksandIwi
denmygaze.
Me:
Arey
ouper
hapsl
aughi
ngatme?
Andil
e:Whuu!Iwoul
dn'
tdar
eAdv
ocat
eKani
.I'
m
notatal
lgui
lt
y.
Ipul
lmyar
mfr
om hi
mthenwal
kaway
.
Ma'Reader
:Youarel
uri
ngt
hatgoodboyt
oyour
di
rt
yway smanje?
Me: Idon'
thav
eti
mef oryou.Don'ty
ouhavea
pregnant,
unmarr
ieddaught ert
oatt
endt
o?
BecauseIhaveworkt
oat tendto.
Aftersay
ingt
hatIswayedmywaistt
omycar
thendroveof
flaughi
ngatal
lofAndi
l
e's
nonsenseheannoysme.
.
..
.
LI
THA
Iam Lithaand28ofage.Iam t
heKingsson
from Easter
ncape.Andmyfamilyi
splanningt
o
fi
xanal li
ancef
orme.Theyhaveapotenti
al
wi f
eformeandt odayweareonourwayt oher
fami l
y.
Iam anarchi
tectandIhav
eabeaut
if
ulbeach
houseinCapet own.
Iam av
eryt
radi
ti
onal
manandbel
i
evei
ndoi
ng
t
hingst
heol
d,t
radi
ti
onal
way
.
.
..
.
MARTHA
Theonlywaytotamet hi
sgi r
listogether
marr
iedoff
.Sheisv er
ydisrespectf
ulandthati
s
whywehav edecidedtogethermar ri
edtoa
tr
adi
ti
onalfamil
y.Theywill
cont r
olherandput
heri
nherplace!

Whodoy
out
hinki
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
17
ZOE
I
t'
saSat
urdayandi
am notwor
kingsoi
deci
de
t
ogoouttoday
.
Iwakeupandr
efr
eshenupt
hendeci
det
ogo
foraj
og.
Whi
l
eiam j
oggi
ngi
bumpi
ntoast
rongchest
.
"Sorry
"webot hsayatthesametime.I
Recognizethevoiceandasipeerupathi
m,i
t
i
sr eall
yhi
m.
Me:
DrRhonqo.
Andi
l
e:Adv
ocat
eKani
.
Weateachot
herf
orawhi
l
eti
l
lhebr
eakst
he
si
l
ence.
Andi
l
e: Congr
agulati
onsony
ourcase.I
'
m gl
ad
youf
inall
ygotjust
ice.
Me:Thanky ou.Congr
agulat
ionstoyoutoo.
Yourhospi
talhasseekedlegaladvi
cefr
om me
todrawupy ourpermanentcontr
act.
Iext
endmyhandandhet
akesi
tandweshake
hands.
Andi
l
e:Thanky
ou.
Me:
Ihav
etogo.
Ist
artj
oggi
ngbackhomeandtomysur pr
ise
wehaveguest
sandtheyseem v
eryr
ich
becausei
t'
saconv
oyofcar
s.
Ientert
hel
i
vingr
oom andt
her
ear
epeopl
e
ther
e.
Me:
Goodmor
ning.
Ilookatthem andawomanl ooksatmewi
th
total
disappr
ov al
andishakemyhead.
Me:
Dad,
what
'shappeni
ng?
Grandma:Yourdaddoesn'
tknowy
et.Isuggest
youtakeashowerandcomedownstai
rstojoin
us..
Ihesi
tat
ebutdadl
ooksatmeandi
go.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Atthehospi
tal
aft
ergoi
ngt
hrought
hecont
ract
isi
gnit.
DrSi
ngh:Youcango.I'
m gi
vi
ngy
outhedayoff.
Andyouweren'
tsupposedt
obewor
kingtoday
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Igobackhomewher
eisharet
hegoodnews
wit
hevery
onewhoseem t
obeext
remel
yhappy
.
Siseko:
CanwegoandseeChloe,i
thoughti
'
d
takeafewbookssoshecancat
chup.
Me:
Ofcour
se.I
'
llcheckuponher
.
Iseemoreexci
tementi
nhi
sfaceandi
knowhe
hasitf
orher
.
.
..
.
ZOE
Iwearmyorangeshortdr
esswithmywhit
e
sandal
sandIstr
aight
enmyhearwhi ch
happenst
obelongerthanihadexpect
ed.
It
akemyphoneandmakemywaydownst
air
s.I
si
tinbet
weenmypar
ent
sandamanspeaks.
Man:
Well
wehav
ebeensentbyt
heKi
ngt
othi
s
f
amil
y.
Dad:
King?
Man:Iam Mf ezekoRadebeandwecomefrom
theEaster
ncape, Weareheret
oseekyour
daughterAyanda'shandi
nmarri
age.
Me:
Mywhat
?
Ispr
intupandlookatmyGr andparent
swho
seemedpleased.Thedoorbellr
ingsandI
marchtothedoor.Asiopensqui nt
edeyes
meetmygazeandourey eslock.
Me:
Andi
l
e,Si
seko?
..
.Pl
easecomei
n.
Andi
l
e:Wear
eher
etoseeChl
oé.
Me:
Ofcour
se.I
'
llshowy
out
oherr
oom.
Idi
rectt
hem andr
etur
ntot
heel
der
s.
Me:Idon'
tacceptt
hismar
ri
agei
'
m notsome
gi
rly
oucant ame.
Gr
andma:Sheisshockedbutshewi
l
lcer
tai
nly
marr
yyourson.
Asshesay st
hatAndil
elooksatmefr
om t
he
stai
rs.Whendidhecomedown?Didhehear
anyt
hing?Act
uall
ywhyshouldicar
e.
Thesepeopl
eleav
eandi
gett
hechancet
o
scr
eam.
Me:Whyar
eyoupeopl
eget
ti
ngmemar
ri
ed?
Huh?
Gr
andma:I
tisbestf
oryou.Youwi
l
lgetar
ich
manandhewil
ltameyou.
Il
ookatherandjustst
ompt omyr
oom passi
ng
anangr
yAndileonthestai
rs.
.
..
ANDI
LE
Theyaregett
inghermar r
ied,
butwhy?Anyway
whyam i mad?It
'sherli
feandshecandowhat
ever.Andmaybeiti
sagoodt hi
ngshewon'
t
bothermeeveragain.Yesshecangoidon'
t
care.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
.19
ZOE
Tr
eyr
unst
omeandst
aresatme.
Trey:Areyouokay?ZOEwhatiswrongwi
thyou.
Youractionshur
tmom.Mom ZOE!Youknow
howt hatwomansuffer
edforussowhyarey
ou
hurt
inghersomuch.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
IwatchZOEandseeat r
aceofhurtandpai
non
herface.ThenIobserveTreywhoseemst obe
toohur tandnextthi
nghelayshi
sheadon
Zoe'slapandst ar
tscry
ing.Iwat
chthebothof
them,Zoer ubshisbackandTreycri
esheavi
ly
.
Zoe:I
'
m sorryBabybr
other
,Ipr
omi
seIwon'
tdo
i
tagain.Pl
easecal
m down.
ShehushesTreyandIseeadi
ff
erentsi
deof
them bot
h.Theyl
ookli
ke2vul
nerabl
eand
i
nnocentki
dswhoar
elost
.
Trey:Doy oupromiseZoe?Promi
semey ouwi
l
l
atleastcontr
olyourangeranddr
inki
ng.
Zoe:
Ipr
omi
sebabybr
otherdon'
twor
ry.
Iturntol
ookout si
det hewindowwhereIfi
nd
my sel
fsheddingtearsatsightofbot
hZoeand
Trey.Isl
owlymov et othedooranddeci
detol
et
them havetheirpr
ivacy.
IgobacktoChl
oèandSi
sekowhoar
ever
y
gluedt
othei
rbooks.
Chl
oè:
Howi
sZoe?
Me:
Zoei
sal
ri
ghtshej
ustneedsr
estt
hat
'sal
l
.
Chl
oè:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
For
?
Chl
oè:Helpi
ngmysist
erout.Iknowsheisthe
mostdi
ffi
cultandr
udeper
sonev erbutshei
sa
ni
ceperson.
Me:Itwasmydut ynoneedtothankme.Il
ove
doi
ngmyj obespecial
l
yifi
tisf
orthosewhom
I
..
..
Si
seko:
Whom y
ou?
Me:Uhh.f
ort
hosewhom Iknow.y
eahknow.I'
l
l
l
eav
ey ouguy
sIhavet
ogetaf ewmedsforZoe.
Chl
oè:
Okay
.
Iwal
koutandgot
oZoe'
sroom.
Me:Treypleaset
akecareofherIam goi
ngto
gethersomemedi cat
ionsoshecangetbet
ter
soon.
Tr
ey:
OkayIwi
l
l.
Igostraightt
ot hephar
macywhereIgetthe
medicationandasIam standi
nginli
newait
ing
formyt urnIhearamanar gui
ngwit
hthe
femalecashier.
Man:
DoyouevenknowwhoIam ?Thati
swhy
womenar
erequi
redatt
heki
tchennot
anywher
enearjobsbecausetheyaret
oodamn
sl
ow!Ihaveameet i
ngandIneedmay
medicat
ionbutyouaret
akingyoursweett
ime.
Cashi
er:Sorr
yMrRadebe,
thi
ngisOur
computersareabi
tdownt
oday.
Man:
So?i
sthatmypr
obl
em.Bl
oodyi
diot
!
Hecont
inuesi
nsul
ti
ngherunt
ilIcannotst
and
i
t!
.
Me:
MrRadebe,
ist
hatawayt
ospeakt
oal
ady
?
Hetur
nsandcockshi
shearont
hesi
dej
ustt
o
l
ookatme.
MrRadebe:
Andwhoar
eyou?Doy
ouev
en
knowwhoIam.
Me:Itwouldn'tmakeadiff
erenceevenify ou
werethePrinceorpresi
dent'
sson.Thati sno
waytospeakt oawoman.Whi chcenturydo
youcomef rom.Youseemedt obey oungand
educatedandsuchbehav i
ourdoesn'tsuityou,
it
makesyoulooki
nfer
iort
owomenandscar
ed
oft
hei
rsuccess.
Hecomesnearmeandpunchesmeont
he
f
aceandIhol
dhisar
m andt
wisti
t.
Me:Iam notv
iol
entmanMrRadebebutIwil
l
notst
andbybyandwatchy
oudishonorwomen.
Il
ethi
shandgoandhel
ooksatme.
MrRadebe:
Youwi
l
lregr
ett
his.
Il
aughandhegoes.
Cashi
er:
Thanky
ousi
r.
Me:
Noneedt
othankme.
.
..
..
LI
THA
Whatdoeshethinkofhi
msel
f,Iwi
ncei
npai
n
asmyarm aches.
Thatboymessedwi
thThewr
ongper
sonIwi
l
l
notspar
ehi
m.
Ihavetofi
ndoutmor
eaboutt
hatscumbagI
wil
lnotsparehi
m!
.
..
..
ZOE
Andi
lewal
ksi
nwithaswol
l
eney
esandISpr
int
tohi
m, wi
nci
ngi
npain.
Me:WhatHappenedt
oyou?Ar
eyouOkay?
Justsi
t.
Andi
l
e:I
'
m okayZoedon'
twor
ry.
Me:
NoANDI
LE.
Isprintoutandret
urnwit
hapacketofice.He
watchesmeasIputonhi m,andIfeel
pain
ever
yt i
mehewi ncedinpai
n,maki
ngmewi nce
aswel l
.
Me:
Whathappenedt
oyou?
Henar
rat
est
hewhol
est
oryandIl
ookathi
m.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ordef
endi
ngawoman.
Iacci
dental
l
ykisshi
sswoll
eney
eandhelooks
atmewi t
hlustandconf
usi
onal
lov
erhi
seyes.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
18
ANDI
LE
Ideci
det
ogot
otheadul
tst
ogr
eet
.
Me:
Tat
uRhonqo
Hi
m:Andi
l
e,Iassumey
ouar
eher
eforCHLOÈ?
Me:Yes,Ij
ustcametocheckonherandSi
seko
camealongtohelphercat
chupwit
hherschool
work.
Kate:Thati
sniceofyouboys.Thankyoumy
babies.I
'
llmakeyousomethingtoeatj
ustgot
o
Chloè.
Inodandgobackt oChl oè'
sroom butIam
dist
urbedbySniff
scomi ngfrom Zoe'
sroom.I
knowi ti
sherroom becausehernamei s
engravedonthedoor.
Ipeept
hrought
hedoorsi
ncet
hedoorwasl
eft
aj
arandIr
eal
izeshei
stal
ki
ngont
hephone
wi
thsomeone.
Zoe:
-StaceyIdon'twanttogetmarri
edtosome
Pri
nce, Idon'
twanttobetamed.Iwant
someonewhol ovesmeasIam andIknowi t
's
tooearl
yt osaybutIam i
nLovewithsomeone.
Hejustdoesn'tknowthatandIdoubthel
oves
measmuchasIl ovehi
m.
Herf
ri
endr
epl
i
esandshecr
iesagai
n.
Zoe:Idon'tknowwhatt osayStaceysooneror
l
atermyf amilywil
lbeconvincedandIam real
ly
ti
redoffi
ght i
ngwithevery
oneIdon'thavethe
energybutIwon'tmarryhim.
Shehangsupandcr i
essomemor eandIfeela
cert
ainf
eel
ing.myheartfeel
spainfulal
lofa
suddenandIfeell
i
keIam suffocati
ngsoI
deci
detogetawayf r
om Herdoorandr et
urnto
asteamyscenethatIpr
obablyshouldn'
thave
seen.
Iwalki
nonChloèandmybr otherkissi
ng
passi
onat
elyandIsuddenl
yfeeltheurgeto
l
aughoutloud.
TheylookatmeandIl
aughl
oudl
yast
hey
fr
eezeup.
Me:Wow!thi
sist
hereasonwhyy
ouwer
eso
eagert
ocomehere?
Si
seko:
uhm I
..
.
Me:
Noneedt
oexpl
ain.
Il
aughasIgetneart
hem andst
artwi
thmy
work.
.
..
.
LI
THA
Myuncleandauntcomebackwi t
hbadnews.
Theytel
lmehowr udethegi
rli
sandhow
ever
ythi
nghappened.
Me:DoessheknowwhoIam?thatarrogant
br
at.Ihav
ereadupont
heint
ernetabouther
andIwi l
lneedtotamehert obear ealXhosa
wif
e.Any waysheisdamagedgoods.Shehas
beenwi t
haguyf or4-year
ssleptwithhim and
beatenaswell.Andlendodaibimbethakancinci
bendizomqhekezaman(Andt hi
smandi dn'thi
t
herproperl
yIwasgoi ngtobreakher).
Ta'
mnci:uy
adelelal
ant
anaayysuka,
bendi
ngaziukubashei
smixed.
Me: Wellt
hatdoesn'
tmatt
erIhav etomeether
my sel
fandmakemy sel
fclear.becauseshe
seemst ounderst
andonelanguage.
IMarchtomyr oom wher
eIpunchmypunchi ng
bagandsi tonthebedwhenIam done.What
thehe'
lldoesshethinkofhersel
f.Iam t
he
Pri
ncehereandshei sawomanshei s
supposedt obesubmissiv
enotresist
antand
fei
stybutIwill
dealwithher.
.
..
ZOE
Iam inl
ove,YesIam i nlovewit
hsomeoneelse
andforthatreasonIcannotmar r
ythisman.
AndIam tooi ndependenttobedict
atedon
whattodo.Theycan' tforcemetomar r
y
anyonewithoutmyconsent .
Isitdownwi thagl assofwineinmyhand
wher eIrepeatedl
ydr i
nkwinetil
lIam dr
unkand
cannol ongert hi
nk.Aftert
hatIstandupand
startwalki
ng..
Mom:Yougoingt
ofal
lofff
rom t
her
e,ZOEar e
youdr
unk?Someonedosomethi
ngplease!
.
Ist
umbl
eandr
oll
downt
hest
eps.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Whatwast heneedt
odrinkandwalkdownthe
st
air
s!Shecould'
vehur
thersel
fint
heprocess.
whatastupidgi
rl
.
Ir
usht
oherandcheckherpul
sewhi
chi
sst
il
l
there.Ili
ftherupthenr ushhertoherr
oom
sinceshei sbleedi
ng.It akethef
ir
stai
dki
tthen
startworkingonher .Luckil
yIhadmyown
emer gencykit,Icl
eanedt hewoundshehas
i
ncur redthensatnextt oher.
Me:YoucangoI'
l
lstayher
eandlookaf
terher
.I
knowyouhaveaseminart
ogoto.
Kat
e:I
fany
thi
nghappenscal
lus.Ey
yZoewi
l
l
bet
hedeat
hofme.
Me:
Don'
twor
ryIwi
l
ltakecar
eofher
.
Theyl
eav
eandIam l
eftwi
thher
.
Isi
tnextt
ohert
il
lshewakesup.
Zoe:
I..
.L.
.ov
eh.
I.
.m hehast
oknow.Aaaa.
Ishakeherandsheopensherey
es,
shewi
dens
them whenshereal
i
zesit
'sme.
Me:Areyouinsanehuh?y oucoul
d'v
ehurt
your
sel
f.sometimesIfeelli
kestr
angli
ngyou.
Youknowf orasmartpersonli
keyou,youare
v
erycar
eless.
Zoe:
Whatdi
ff
erencedoesi
tmaket
oyou.
Me:
Itmakesadi
ff
erenceDAMMI
T!
Shesuddenl
yget
sst
art
ledasIgetupandgot
o
thewi
ndow.
Me:
Ineedsomef
reshai
r.
Zoe:
Don'
tl
eav
eme.
Iturntol
ookatherandsuddenl yshel ooks
vulner
ableandourey eslockforthel ongestof
ti
me.Istateatt hosebigbeautif
uleyesandI
seeherl ooksidewaysmeani ngIhav eanef fect
onherori t
'sj
ustmyi magination.ButstillI
'
d
l
ov etogetlostinherforawhi l
ejustt otouch
herskin,
orbiteherneckorev encar essy ou.
Wel
ookateachot
hert
il
lTr
eyDi
stur
bsi
s.
[
9/23,
9:38AM]Ron2:
20
ZOE
Icont
inuet
ostar
eathi
m andhesqui
ntedhis
eyesevenf
urt
heraswest
arei
ntoeachother
s
eyes.
Andil
e:Zoestopwhatyouar
edoing.you
shouldn'
tbeogl
ingatmeli
kethatyouar
e
gett
ingmarri
edtosomeone.
Ir
emov
emyhandsandf
rown.
Me:Youarestar
ingatmeandf
ort
her
ecor
dit
's
notasur
ething.
Andi
le:I
tmightbegoodf
ory
out
oset
tl
edown.
don'
tyouthi
nk?
Me:
Pleasel
eavemyr
oom andt
hanky
ouf
or
t
hemeds.Ineedt
obeal
one.
Iwatchhim ashegetsupwithabitof
hesi
tat
ionbuthefinal
lymakesi
tthrought
he
doorandstAndthere.
Andi
l
e:St
ayoutoft
roubl
eMi
ssKani
.
Ir
oll
myey
esandassoonast
hedoorcl
osesI
headstrai
ghtt
othef
loorcr
yingandr
ocki
ng
my sel
f.
Seehedoesn'
tfeel
thesamewayIdoabout
hi
m.Imightaswellmarr
yThi
sPri
nce.
Ichangei
ntomyt
racksui
tandgeti
ntoomycar
dri
vi
ngofftot
hemall
.
WhenIgetther
eIdecidetotreatmysel
ftoa
ni
celunchasIam eat
ingamanpassedand
nextt
hingamil
kshakeisall
ov erme.
Me:
WhatThe!
It
urnandgiv
ethemanahotsl
apandgl
areat
hi
m wit
hrage.
Man:
Howdar
eyouMi
ssZoeKani
?
Me:-Ohyouevenknowme?Lookhere,how
dareyouspi
ll
y ourmil
kshakeonme.Ar
eyou
bl
indMrWhat ever!
Hegr
absmyar
m andt
ight
enshi
sgr
ip.
Youhav
enoi
deaofwhoIam anddon'
tyou
ev
er,
eveni
nyourwi
l
destdr
eamssl
apme.
Iglar
eathi
m oncemor
ethanpul
lmyar
m wi
th
rage.
Me:-Youli
stenhereMr .Don'teverl
ayy
ourfil
thy
handsonme.Ir eal
lydon'tcarewhoyouare,
butdon'teverr
epeatthisorelseIwon'
tspare
younexttime.BloodyPig!
Ispi
tonhi
mt henquickl
ypaymybi
l
landMar
ch
outoft
herest
aurant
.
.
..
..
LI
THA
Howdareshe!Iwi
l
lnotspareher
!Thatbl
oody
br
at!Iwi
l
lnotSpar
eyouMi ssKani
.
Iwi
peherspi
tandwal
kout
.WhenIgethomeI
cal
lmydad.
Me:
Kumkani
(Ki
ng)
Dad:YesMySon..ndi
ngakwenzel
ant
oni
?(What
canIdofory
ou)
Me:Ineedyoutocomethi
ssi
demay beyoucan
hel
pusputpressur
eonthegi
rlandherf
amil
y.
Ndi
yamfuna.(
Iwanther
)
Dad:
-Anyt
hingforyou.j
ustbookusaf
li
ghtand
weWi l
lbether
e.t
he
Wet
alkf
orawhi
l
ethenhangup.
Nowthatmydadiscomingt
her
eisnowayt
hey
canr
unawayfrom t
his.
Ichuckl
etomy
sel
fthenpr
oceedwi
thchangi
ng.
.
..
..
ZOE
WhenIgethomemygr andparentsarewai
ti
ng
formeimpatient
lyaswellasmypar ent
sthey
arenowvbackandAndi l
ei ssti
ll
here.Hi
m and
hisbr
otherhavebeenhelpingChloèout.
Iwal
kpastt
hem butGr
amsst
opsme.
Gr
andma:TheKi
nghimselfi
scomi
ngtomorrow
ev
eni
ng.Thi
sisgoodfory
ouYayasi
sit
hink
abouti
t.
Grandpa:Mzoli
sithethanentombi yakho
(Mzoli
sispeaktoy ourdaughter)Sheshoul
d
underst
andthatthisisgoodf orher.
Zoe:
Under
standwhat
?
Grams:Kat
etel
lyourdaught
ert
hatt
hishast
o
bedone.
Mom aut
omati
cal
l
ylooksawayandmy
Gr
anddadcomestome.
Grandpa:Listenmygi r
l.Iknowwehav en'
tbeen
thebestgrandparentsbutwewantwhati sbest
foryouandI tisourtr
aditi
onIagreeyourdad
didn'
tfol
l
owi tbutyoucandoi t
.ThisPri
nceis
total
l
ywhaty ouneed.
Andwi t
hthatsai
dAndile,
SisekoandChl
oè
walkdownt hest
aresandIrememberwhat
Andil
esaid.
Me:
Okayf
ine.Iwantt
omeett
hatPr
incet
hen
wecantalkaboutmar
riagebutdon'
texpectme
tol
ovehim,becauset
heoneIlovedearl
y
doesn'
tfeel
thesameway .
Isaythatlooki
ngatAndi
leandIseehi
sface
frownandhet i
ght
enshisgri
ponthepil
l
arof
thestai
rcase.
Soyoucansett
hedi
nnerf
ort
omor
rowni
ght
,I
wi
ll
cook.
Mom:
Arey
ousur
eZoe?
Me:
Iti
sthebestt
hingf
ormeMom.
Isaythatr
unni
ngtomyroom wher
eIl
ockmy
doorandstar
tcry
ing.
.
..
.
CHLOÈ
BothSisekoandIl
ookatAndi
l
ewhoi
sfi
ght
ing
backtears.
i
tisev
identt
hathel
ovesZoe.
Ist
ateatmymom whocanal
soseet
his.
Mom:
Boy
scomel
etmewal
kyouout
.
Andi
ler
eluct
ant
lywal
kst
omymom andf
akesa
smil
e.
Me:
Thanky ousomuchbrot
herAndi
leandy
ou
t
ooSiseko.Pl
easedocomebyagai
n.
Theybot
hnodandsmi
l
eandIwat
cht
hem wal
k
out.
Ideci
det
ogot oZoe'sr
oom wher
eIf
indher
worki
ngonherlapt
op.
Me:
CanIcomeon?
Zoe:
Yes,
ofcour
secomei
n.
ILi
mpt
oherbedandsi
tdown.
Zoe:
CanIhel
pyouLi
lsi
s.
Me:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
Zoe:
What
?
Me:
Mar
ryi
ngt
hisPr
ince.Webot
hknowy
ou
l
oveAndi
l
e.
Isaythatl
ooki
ngawayandshesqui
ntsher
eyesatmeandIseeafrown.
Zoe:Canwenottal
kaboutt
his.
.Iknowwhat
youaretr
yingt
odobutIj
ustdon'twantt
otal
k
abouti
t.
Shesaysthatandcont
inueswor
kingandIdon'
t
wanttoangerhermoresoIexi
therroom .
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
WhenIgethomeIheadst r
aighttomyr oom
whereIcr
ymyheartout .Sheisgetti
ngmar ri
ed.
butwhyshoul
dIcare?itisherlif
eafterall
andI
havenori
ghttocl
aim herorev enhave
fant
asi
esaboutget
.
ISi
tdownandthi
nkofher
.Thev er
yfi
rstti
me
wemetwhenshecamebackf r
om TheUSA
si
nceshehadbeenst
udyi
ngthereandstayi
ng
wit
hhermom' ssist
ersi
ncet
heki
dswer
e
bul
lyi
ngherhere.
Shewas16whenshecamebackandIwas19
doi
ngmyfi
rsty
ear.Wefoughtont
hever
yfi
rst
day.
Zoe!NoAndi
l
estopthinki
ngabouther
!Whati
s
yourpr
obl
em!Justst
op!
.
..
Si
phokazi
AsIgetr
eadyf
ormytr
ipIcheckmyl
ookonce
agai
nandappr
ove.
It
akemybabyf
rom t
hecotandherbagaswel
l
.
i
t'
sti
met
omeety
ourdaddysweet
ly
hear
t.Let
'sgomybaby
.
Ourcanar
ri
vesandwegost rai
ghtt
othecar
wherewegotoourdest
inat
ion.
Chur
chr
ebel

21
ZOE
I
twaseveni
ngandIhadal
readycooked.Iwas
i
nmyroom wai
ti
ngtobecall
ed.
Ichangedthelongdr essIwasor der
edtowear
andwor emybl ackJeanswi thanavyblueTop
andfli
pflops.Iam certai
nlynotaboutt
o
advert
iseafalsefront.
Andhourlat
erIwascalledandtoldtocome
downstai
rs,
Iletmyhairlooseandwal keddown
butwhenIwasabouttot akethelaststepIwas
stoppedbythefami
l
iarfaceacrossMe
Thatbl
oodybr
ute!Howcomehei
sher
e,wai
ta
minw
22
ZOE
Iwakeupwi t
haheadachesoIdeci detogetup
andgetr eadyf orwor k.Afterbathingand
l
otioningIwearmyRedf ormal dressthatis
sl
ightlyabov ethekneewi t
hanav ycoatandmy
Redbl ockheel s.Istr
aightenmyhai randt i
eit
l
oosel y.Isett
lef orali
ghtlipblushandt akemy
bagsandheaddownst air
s. .If
indMyf amily
havingbr eakfastandmygr andpar ent
sno
wher etobeseen.
Me:
Goodmor
ningf
ami
l
y.
Dad:Morni
ngbaby
.Yourey
esar
eredwhat
's
wrong.
Me:
Ihavebeenhavi
ngaheadachef
ort
hepast
f
ewweeksit
'sj
ustgett
ingweak.
Dad:
Youshoul
dseet
hedoct
or.
Me:
Iwi
l
l,wher
ear
eGr
amsandGr
andpa?
Mom:Theyl
eftt
hismor
ning.y
ouknowhow
t
heyar
e.
Isi
tdownandeatbr eakfastwit
hthem aswe
tal
kaboutthenex tf
ami lyouti
ng,IsmileasI
watcheveryonesmiling.it
'smorepleasi
ngto
seethatChl
oèi sgettingbett
er.
WeeatandIbidfar
ewellaf
tert
hebreakf
ast
.
WhenIgettotheof
ficeIHaveacl
ientwai
ti
ng
f
ormealready
.
Me:
MrsRadebe?
Lady:
Noshecouldn'
tmakei
tsoIcameonher
behal
fshewil
lmeetyouony
ournext
appoi
ntment
.
Me:Okay,Shal
lwepr oceed.Ineedmore
i
nfor
mationandev i
dencet obuil
dast
rongcase
agai
nstherhusband.
Shenodsandwestar
ttal
ki
ngandshet
ell
sme
whatsheknows.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Ihavebeendistr
act i
ngmy selfwit
hwor kbutI
wishIcoul
dexpl ai
ni ttoZoethatSiphokazii
s
onlyj
ustmycousi n,butwhatdiffer
encewoul d
i
tmakeshei sget t
ingmar ri
ed.Ioverheard
ChloèandSisekotalkingabouttheGr ooms
famil
ycomingt otheirhouselastnight.
Iworkandworkt
il
lIcan'
tanymore.Itakea
breakandr
esti
nmyof fi
ce.Si
phokazi enter
s
mycabinasIam r
esti
ngandshesi t
sacr oss
me.
Si
phokazi
:Youl
ookt
ir
ed.
Me:Iam t
ir
edbabe,
andwor
seofal
lIam i
na
di
l
emma.
Si
phokazi
:Whatdi
l
emmanow?
Me:Il
i
kethisgi
rlsomuch,
act
ual
lyIam i
nlov
e
wi
thherbutshei
sgett
ingmar
ri
edand
y
esterdayshesawustoget
her
,It
hinkshe
t
hinksyouaremygir
lf
ri
end.
She.l
aughsandmov
est
omysi
deandpat
smy
back.
Siphokazi
:Everyt
hingwi
l
lbeOkaybaby.Don'
t
worrybigbrother
,youwi
llbeOkay
.Ihavetot
ell
yousomet hi
ng.
Me:
Whati
sthat
?
Si
phokazi
:Inam mar
ri
ed.
..
Me:
What
!?when?
Siphokazi:
Imarr
iedhim whenIwasinVarsi
ty
andIhav ebeenstay
ingwithmyin-l
awsbut
theykickedmeoutrecentl
ysi
ncetheywant
thei
rsont omarr
ysomeoneel se.
Me:Howdi
dthi
shappen.Iam st
il
lshocked
Sposh.
Si
phokazi
:Hewasasmoot ht
alkerandIfel
lfor
hi
m,butlat
elyhehasbeenamonster.He
wantedtokil
lmychil
d.Ihaveopenedacase
agai
nsthim.Leragotmealawyerthi
ssi
deI
haveneverseenher,
butt
heysaysheist
he
best
.
ShesobsandIstandupandpullheri
ntomy
armsandaswear est
il
ltangl
edupinan
embracesomeoneopensthedoorandasIl
ook
Iseelonghai
randsmoothskin.
Zoe!ohshi
tshewi
l
lmi
sunder
standt
hisaswel
l
.
Zoe:
Sorr
ytodist
urbyouIwasjustsenther
ebut
Iwil
lgotosomeotherdoct
or.
ShehangsthedoorandIr
unaf
terhercal
l
ing
outhername.
Me:
Zoe!Zoe!
Igett
oheri
nacor
ri
dor
.
Me:
Wai
t,l
i
stenar
eyouokay
?Ar
eyousi
ck.
?
Zoe:Gobackt
oyourgir
lf
ri
end,
Idi
stur
bedy
ou
two.Iwi
l
lbefi
nej
ustleaveme.
Me:
List
eni
t'
snotwhaty
out
hink.
Zoe:
Justl
eav
emeAndi
l
egot
oher
.
Sheisal
readycr
yingandthatconfusesme
evenmore.Shetanksherarmf r
om meand
runst
othedoorandexit
st hehospit
al.
Whatt hehe'l
ljusthappened!AgainIcouldnot
explai
nthingst oher.Ifeel
sosuffocatedr i
ght
now.ZoeKani WhatAr eyoudoingtome.Iam
alwaysatal ostofwordswhenev erIseey ou.
.
..
.
LI
THA
Thatt
ramp!Howdar
eshe!Sheinsul
tedme
andmyfamil
ymembersj
ustl
ikethat
.nowIwil
l
havet
odosomethi
ngtoshowherwhoIreal
l
y
am.
ZoeKanigetr
eadyforyourdest
ruct
ion,
Iwil
lgo
toanyext
entj
usttogetmyREVENGEony ou.
Mydadhasbeenupsetev
ersi
ncewegotback
From theKani resi
dent
.Eachandeveryoneof
them will
payf orwhattheydidt
omeandmy
dad.Theyi nsult
edourtradi
ti
onandchal
lenged
ourRoy alblood.
Iwil
lrui
nthatgi
rlandaf
terr
uinhernomanwi
l
l
everl
oveherordesir
eher.
Igulpdownmywhi
skeyandl
ookoutmy
window.
.
..
..
ZOE
WhenIgett oSoni
amyf ri
endIcanhar
dly
breath,Ihavebeencr
yingandIfeel
sohurtand
helplesstheonl
ymanIl ovei
swithsomeoneI
can'tbearit
.
Me:
Soni
a!So.
..
.So.
.
Istar
tbreat
hingheav
il
yandnextt
hingIam on
thefl
oorwithmywholebrai
nshut
.
.
..
.
Iwi
l
lcont
inuel
ater
23
ANDI
LE
AsIgotoutofmyof fi
ceIsawnur sesr
ushi
ngin
withastret
cherandwhenIrushedt ot
hem I
sawZoel ooki
ngpaleandmotionl
ess.Herl
ips
dryandhereyesswoll
en.Iranalongwitht
he
nursesandwegotHert ot
heER.
.
..
..
TREMAI
N
Ihavebeenf eel
ingsoanxiousev ersi
nceIgot
here.Ihadwentt oRussi
af ormyshady
dealings.Yes,andit'
snosecr ett
hatIhavealot
ofenemi esandwhenIwasi nRussiaIfel
tmore
anxious,Ifel
tast houghthetimeI '
mliv
ingini
s
borrowedl i
keIwi l
llosemyl i
fesomehow.
Mybi
ggestRi
val
Car
li
tohasbeenbai
ti
ngf
ormy
bl
oodev
ersi
nce.
AsIwasget
ti
ngreadyf
ormymeet i
ng,my
phoner
angandi
twasFrom Zoe'
sphone.
Me:
Zoe,
canIhel
pyou.
?
Ihearsni
ffsandSoni
a'
sv oi
cerat
tl
esthr
ough
thephone.Ican'
tmakesenseofwhatshei
s
sayi
ngbutIhearhospi
tal
.
Me:
Hoospi
tal
?Whi
chHospi
tal
?
ShecriesandIhangupandgetmycarkeys.I
fi
rstphonethehospi
tal
wher
eAndil
eWor ksand
theyconfi
rm shei
sther
e.
Irusht
othehospi
tal
whi
l
eIcal
lmom andDad
tocome.
Whenwegetther
ewearet
oldt
owai
tast
hey
ar
esti
l
lworki
ngonher
.
SoniaandIl
ookateachother.Sheismyex-
gir
lf
ri
endandIwon'tl
ieIsti
l
lloveherbutwe
separat
edbecauseIcheat
edonher .
Iwalkt
oherandpul
lheri
nforahugwhi
chshe
sobsheav
il
y.
Me:
Sshh.whathappenedSoni
a?
Soni
a:She,
She,
She.
..
.
Ihushherasshecannotspeakatt
hemoment
.
Iembr
acehert
il
lAndi
l
ecomesoutanhourl
ater
.
Mom:
Howi
sZoe?
Andile:Zoeisstablenow,wehav esenther
bloodsampl etothelabsot heycananalyseit
butinmyopi nionitprovest
hatshehadbeen
poisonedaf ewweeksbackwi thadeadly
poison,itt
akestimet ohaveaneffectandThis
poisonhasdamagedaf ewofherintest
inesbut
canf i
xthat.Shehadt hesymptoms, Headache,
constantshortofbreath.
Iadv
iseyoutopr
ayf
orherbecauseany
thi
ng
canhappen.
Me:
-Tel
lmewhatki
ndofpoi
soni
sthi
s?
Andil
e:Thetestsfr
om thel
abor
ator
ywi
ll
deter
minethat.FornowIhavet
ogobackand
checkonher..
Heleav
esandIknowwhomight
'v
epoisoned
her
.Istandupandmat
cht
othebathr
oom .
WhenIgett
her
eIcal
lCat
li
to.
Me:Youshouldn'
thaveplayedsuchadi
rt
y
game.Myfami l
yisoffl
i
mi t
sandwhatIwil
ldo
toyouwil
lser
v easanexampl et
oever
yoneel
se.
Iam comi
ngfory ouCarl
it
o..
.
..
.
LI
THA
Wow!Whoeverhaspoi
sonedthatgi
rlhasdone
agr
eatj
ob.Theyhavemadethingseasierf
or
me.soMicheasier
.
AsIam watchi
ngthenewswi
thcont
ent
ment
thedoorbel
lri
ngs.
Whohasgotpassmysecur
it
y?Iwonderwho
t
hati
s.
Imakemywayt
othedoorandasIopenmy
eyeswi
den.
Me:
You?Whatt
hehel
lAr
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Icannotbar
eseeingZoeli
kethi
s.Thenurses
exitt
heroom andIremai
nwithher.It
akeher
ti
nyhandint
omi nesandtear
srundownmy
face.
Me:Zoe,
y ouhavet owakeup.Forme,forUS.I
l
oveyouZoej ustwakeup.Ipromisewheny ou
wakeupIwi l
lconfessmylovetoyouandy our
f
amily
.Please,j
ustwakeupf orme.
Ipl
acemyheadonherchestandcr y.Iholdher
ti
ghtl
ikemyli
fedependsonitandcry.afew
minut
eslat
erIwipemytearsandstandup. .
Me:
Ilov
eYouZoe.ILov
eyou.
AssoonasIsaythathergr
ipt
ight
ensonmy
handandIknowshecanhearmebutcannot
wakeup.
.
..
.
ZOE
IcouldhearAndil
eandhisconf
essi
onbutI
couldn'
topenmyey es,
nomat t
erhowmuchI
tr
iedIjustcoul
dn'
t.
"Zoeyouhavetowakeup"Itel
lmyself.Ican
feelmyeveryt
hingf
ight
ingt
owakeupbutst il
lI
can'
t.Iam i
ndeepslumberandcannotwakeup.
Ihol
dont oAndil
esohar dbutsti
llmyeyes
cannotopen.Ifi
nal
lyresignandstopfi
ght
ing
toopenmyey esbutinsteadfi
ghthardt
ohold
ontoAndile.
24
ANDI
LE
ISpendmostoft
hedaychecki
nguponZoe.
Shehasimpr
oved,sheisst
ableandherblood
i
sregul
ati
ngonceagainbutsheisunconsci
ous.
Me: Zoeyouhav etowakeupnow.Youhav eto
comebackt ome, yourtrueLove.Wehave
foughtwi
theachev ersincewewer eki
dswe
j
ustdidn'
treal
izeitovertheyearst
hatweare
notenemiesratherwewer emadet obelov
ers.
Iwipetheteart
hathasmanagedtoescapeemy
eye.Chloèandherpar
entswalki
nandI
i
mmedi atel
ytur
ntolookint
othei
reyes.ey
es
thatar
esearchi
ngforanswers.
Mr
sKat
e:Howi
sshe?
Me:
Shei
sst
abl
e,shehasi
mpr
ovedact
ual
l
y.
MrKani
: Andi
l
eIam sti
ll
confused,ni
thi
kutheni
kul
omntana?.
.(
Whatreal
lyhappenedtothi
s
chi
l
d?)
Me:IRepor
tszisasixel
elakakuhl
eukuba
kwenzekentoniTatumfundisi
.(Ther
eport
swi
l
l
det
erminewhatr eall
yhappenedPastor
)
Chl
oè:
Wil
lsheev
erwakeup?
Me:Hey
!beposi
ti
ve.Yoursist
eri
sav er
yst
rong
womanandshewil
ldefi
nit
elywakeup.
Shenoddedherheadhesi
tant
lysoIdeci
dedto
l
eavethem wi
thZoesotheycanhavepri
vacy
.
.
..
..
TREMAI
N
Carl
it
omessedwi t
hthewr ongman!Hei seven
boasti
ngthathemanagedt ogetri
dofmy
si
sterandthathei
scomi ngaft
ermebuthe
doesn'
tknowhowr uthl
essIcanget.Nowi t
's
ti
mehesawwhatar uthl
essexecuti
onerIcan
be.
Me: Max!Getmet hosebombsandplantthem
aroundCarl
it
o'shouse,buthi
sdaught
er.Bury
herali
ve.
Max:
ButTr
ey,
let
'sl
eav
etheki
dsoutoft
his.
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngheownshast
odi
eal
ongwi
th
hi
m Max!Mysi steri
swor t
hal
lofthoseli
ves.I
don'
tcarewhoeveristher
eonthatdayjustbur
n
ever
ythi
ng!
Max:
OkaayBoss.
Ihangupandcal
lChl
oè.
Chl
oè:
Brot
her
.
Me:Yeah,
Chl
oèhowi
sZoe?Howi
sMom and
Dad?
Chloè:Thedoctorsai
dthatshei sstabl
ebut
sheisstil
lunconsci
ous.andtheyhav e
managedt ostopthepoisonfrom spreadi
ng
fur
ther.Mom isn'
tcopi
ngatall t
heyjust
i
njectedherwithasedati
ve.
Me:Ar
eyouokay?Shoul
dIsendsomeonet
o
f
etchy
ou?Iwil
ltakey
ououtforl
unch.
Chl
oè:Yesbr
other
.Ican'
twat
chSi
sZoei
nthi
s
st
ate.
Me:
OkayIwi
l
laskCandi
cet
ofet
chy
out
henwe
wil
lgoforl
unchandwher
eev
ery
ouwantt
ogo,
okay?
Chl
oè:
Okay
.By
e.
Wehangupandical
lCandi
cemyassi
stantt
o
f
etchChl
oèatt
hehospi
tal
.
.
..
.
LI
THA
Whatthehel
lisshedoi
ngher
e?Idon'
twantt
o
deal
withheratthemal
lmoment.
Me:Uf
unant
oniaphaMaRhonqo?
(Whatar
eyou
doi
ngher
eMissRhonqo?
)
Si
phokazi:Ndi
zekwam kendikuxel
ele,
ndi
nelungel
okalokuLi
tha.(
Icameher etomy
house,Ihaveari
ghtLi
tha)
Shepushesherwaythr
oughandmakesher
waytotheloungewher
eshesit
s.
Siphokazi
:Don'
tyourfl
oozi
escl
eanmyhouse?
kumdakaapha(It
'sdir
tyher
e)
Shegivesmet hatsternlookandforamoment
Imissbeinglostinher.ILoveher
,yesIst
il
ldo
butmypar ent
sinfluencedmet ol
eaveherin
pursui
tofabet t
erwoman.
Me:
Sti
l
lfei
styIseedearWi
fe!
Siphokazi
:Thati
sbecauseunli
kesomepeople,
Iam notfondofchangingorev
enbr eaki
ngmy
promisesandforf
eit
ingmyduties.
Me:MaRhonqondi
yacel
aungaqal
i
(Pl
easedon'
t
st
artMi
ssRhonqo)
Si
phokazi
:Di
dyouf
indher
?Myr
epl
acement
?
Me:Noonecouldeverr
epl
acey
ouSi phokazi
,
naweuy
ayazil
onto.
(Youknowthataswell)
Siphokazi:
Any wYIam notheretotalkabout
thatLit
ha,Icamet otaketherestofmycl othes
andLiza'sclot
hes.Andy ourl
awy er
swi l
l
probablyserveyouwithDivor
cepaper slater.
Me:
Div
orcePaper
s!Howcany
ou.
..
Siphokazi
:WhatwasIsupposedt odo?You
oustedYoursonandIputofy ourhouseli
ke
dogs.Youdisgr
acedmeandhumi li
atedme
i
nf r
ontofthewholev
ill
agejustbecauseyoudid
notpayLobolaformeandbecausey ouknew
thatnoneofmyf ami
lyknowsaboutt hi
s.
It
ri
edspeakingbutshewasn'
tbother
ed.She
j
uststoodupandmadeherwayt oourbedroom
If
oll
owedher.
Me:
Don'
tl
eav
e.
Ihel
dherhandbutshepushedmeandwe
engagedinafi
ghtonceagai
nbutt
histi
meit
wasmor eofourhor
monesdoingt
heirwor
k.
Iki
ssedherwhi
l
eli
ft
ingherup.
Shewrappedherlegsar
oundmywai
standwe
ki
ssedaggressi
vely
.
Ipul
l
edherdressupandt
oreherpanti
esand
shewaspushingmypant
sdownwi t
hherfeet
.
Ipushedmysel
finherandi
tfel
tli
keourold
fi
ghti
ngday
swer ewemadeupwi throughsex.
Shescr
eamedi
nresponse.
Ipoundedint
oherwi t
hfullfor
ceandshehel
d
ontightt
omyshoul derwithhernai
lsandwe
madei tt
othebedwher eIfuckedherwit
hno
mercyandheari
ngherscr eam outmyname
gavememor epleasureandcontent.
Aft
ert
hecomi
ngfort
he3rdt
imeIr
est
edonher
andut
ter
edafewwords.
Me:Siphokazi
,Imi
ssedbei
ngbur
iedi
nyoul
i
ke
t
his.
Iki
ssedherf
oreheadandhel
dhert
ight
.
.
..
.
ZOE
Zoe!
-Zoe!Zoe-
!
Ihear
dAndi
le'
svoi
ceonceagai
n.Whycan'
tI
j
ustwakeupandembracehi
m.Iwantt
ohold
hi
m,kisshi
m onceagai
n,car
esshi
m andmake
l
ovetohim.
Andil
e:Zoe!Iam gi
vi
ngy ou3hourstowakeup.
i
fyoudon'twakeupwi thinthese3hour
sthenI
wil
lknowthatyoudon'tl
ov eme.
Your3hour
sbeginsnow.Fight
!fi
ghtf
orme,
ForUsandfory
oursel
f.Idarey
ounow!
Iheardhim sniffi
ngandnomat t
erhowhardI
foughtIcouldn'twakeup.ThemoreItr
ied
openingmyey esseemedlikei
twasthemore
theygotshutcompl etel
y.
Iti
ghtenedmygr i
ponhi
shandashewas
holdi
ngmi nes.
Andil
e:Zoe!Iknowy oucanhearme,
keepon
fi
ghti
ng.Iwil
lbewai t
ingfory
outowakeupMy
Love.pl
ease!Fight
!
Ifoughtandf
oughtbutIst
il
lcouldn'
topenmy
eyesbuthear
inghisvoi
ceeverynowandt hen
gavememot i
v at
iont
okeeponf i
ghti
ng.
.
..
.
TREMAI
N
AsIwasoutwi
thChl
oèMaxcal
l
edme.
Me:
YeahMax
!
Max:
It'
sDone.I
n10,
9,
8,
7,
6,
5,
4,
3,
2,
1..
BOOOOOOOOM!Ihear
dtheexpl
osi
vebl
owi
ng
up.
Max:
It'
sDoneTr
ey!
Me:Qui
ckl
ycomebackt
ome.Ar
eyouokay
?
Hasany
oneseeny
ou?
Max:No,TheJeti
sher
e.Iam comingbackwe
wi
llt
alkl
ater
.AndYesIam Okay.
Ihangupandl
ookatChl
oèwhoseemsl
ost
.
Me:
Zoisgoingt
obeOkay .Youknowspeci
es
t
heLadyZor
ro!j
ustdon'
tworrybabysi
s.
Isoft
lypatherandusherf
orhert
ofi
nishher
foodsowecango.
Zoe!Don'twor
ryIwi
ll
taker
evengeonwhoev
er
di
dthis!Onebyone!
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Ther
ewasonl
y2mi
nut
esl
eftf
ort
he3hour
sto
end.
Me:
Soy
ounotgoi
ngt
owakeup?
Ishoul
d'
veknown.
Il
ookatmyt
imeandt
he3hourhasended.
It
akeonel
ookatherandwalktothedoor
..AsI
opent
hedoorIhearahoar
sevoice.
"
ANDI
LE!Don'
tgi
vemeup!
"
It
urnandshei
slooki
ngatmedr
yly
.
Me:
Zoe!
Ir
unt
oherandembr
aceher
.
25
ZOE
WhenIsai
dhisnameIknewIwasup.Itj
ust
r
oll
edoutofmytongueandIknewIwasali
ve.
Me:
Don'
tl
eav
e..
.
HelooksatmeandIcanseehei saboutt
ocry
butherunst
ot hesi
detabl
eandpourswater
formeandhelpsmesitanddri
nkthewater.
Andi
l
e:Ial
mostgav
euponyou.Iknowyoul
ove
meandIlovey
ouasmuchasyouloveme.
Me:Whydidn'
tyoufi
ghtf
ormet
henwhenIwas
aboutt
ogetmarri
ed?
Andi
l
e:Howcoul
dIcompetewi
tht
hatPr
ince?I
wasafr
aidy
ouwoul
drej
ectme.
AsIwasabouttoanswernur
sescamer
unni
ng
i
nandMypar ent
saswell.
Mom:
Zo.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:Iam OkayMom,noneedt
oworr
y.AndI
woul
dlovetoknowwhenIwoul
dget
di
schargedIneedt
ocommencewi
thmy
pendi
ngcases.
Andil
egavemet
hat"
Don'
tyoudar
elook!
"butI
st
aredback.
Me:
Pleaseunder
standpeopl
eIhav
etogoback
t
owork.
Il
ookedatt
hem wi
thpl
eadi
ngey
esandmy
par
entsl
ookedaway.
..
Dad:Zoe,
sinceyouar
eawakewehav
etot
ell
yousomething.
Iwi
denmygazeandmom l
ookedatme.
Mom: Wel l
wewi l
ltel
lyoutherestofthenews
someot herti
me.FornowChl oè,YourdadandI
wil
lbeleavingforAmer icai
naf ewday sti
me.
MysisterAmberi sextremelysickandwedi dn'
t
wanttoleaveChl oèsincesheisstil
lrecov
ering
andmightbel eftalonefrom t
imetot i
mesowe
wil
ll
eav ewithher.
Me:I
t'sOkayMom Icant
akecar
eofmy sel
fand
Andi
lecancheckuponmeanyti
me.Butyouare
nott
ell
ingmethewholet
rut
h.
Dad:
Wewi
l
ltel
lyouwhenwer
etur
n.
Ismi
l
edandt
heyl
aughed.
Wespokef
orawhileandtheyall
lef
t.Iwas
onl
ylef
twi
thAndi
l
eandi tal
lseemedawkward
now.
Andil
e:Youaresobeauti
fult
houghyouhave
themostCattyey
es,thei
rhazelcol
ourbut
greeninthesun.
.
Me:
ThankYou.
Andi
l
e:Zoeweneedtotal
kbutnotatt
he
momentyouneedt
orecover
.
Inoddedandheheadedout
.
.
..
.
TREMAI
N
Ihadgott
heRepor
tthatCar
li
toandhi
sent
ir
e
fami
lydi
edint
hatexpl
osi
on.
Me:Goodj
obMaxy
oudeser
veahugepar
tyand
anewcar.
HesmiledandIt
appedmysecr
etcodeandwe
ent
eredtheComput
erroom.
Max:
Nowwehav
etocheckonourLl
oyd.
Me:Yes,Idon'
ttr
ustPi
cassoSanti
anasowe
havetokeepaneyeonLloydbecauset
hey
mightmurderLl
oydbecauseoftheRed
di
amonds.
Justaswewerechecki
ngOurI
.TBeastcamei
n
wit
hheelscl
utt
eri
ng.
Me:
Sexyasal
way
s.
Br
ee:
Andy
oust
il
laf
li
rtBl
ueEy
es.
Shewi
nksatmeandIl
augh.
Yessheismygirlf
ri
endbutNooneknows
becausei
tisnecessar
ythatwekeepour
r
elat
ionshi
punderwr
aps.
Me: Breej
usttr
ackLl
oyd'
schi
p.Wedon'tt
rust
Picasso.HeknowswehavetheReddi
amonds
andLloydhasthem.
Bree:OkayLet '
sdoonet hi
ngIwil
ljusthackinto
thisPicasso'
ssystem andwecangett ousemy
newappwhi chall
owust ohearandaudioor
betteranythi
ngtheysaywithouti
nstal
li
ngear
bugsi nhishouse.youhavet oal
ertDenzeland
Lloydtogettheguy st
ogetherandtheyhavet o
hidetheReddi amondsintheDen.it'
sthe
safestplace.
Me:Okay
,andthecokei
scomi
ngintodayyou
hav
etobewithmesowecantesti
t.i
t'
s100%
pur
enocuts.
Br
ee:
Sur
e.
Shegav
etheseducinglookandIknewt
he
out
fi
twasdel
iber
ate.Shesurel
ywantst
omake
mewanther
.
.
..
.
CHLOÈ
Iwaswi t
hSisekoatt
heparkt
ell
i
nghim about
myj our
neywithmyparent
sandthati
twil
lonl
y
takea2weeks.
Si
seko:
Ihopey
ouwi
l
lSky
peev
ery
day
.
Me:
Ofcour
sebutIneedaf
avourf
rom y
ou.
Si
seko:
Any
thi
ngf
ory
ou.
Me: Conv
inceBrot
herAndytokeepseeingmy
si
sterwhenwenothere.Shewillbelef
ther
e
al
onecauseTr emai
nisalsooutoftownfor
somebusiness.
Siseko:Don'
tworr
yIwil
lmakesur
ehegoes
thereandmay bet
heycoul
dgetcl
osert
oeach
other.
Me:
Ihopeso.
Si
seko:
Ilov
eYou.
Ibl
ushedandlookawaybutsoonhepulledme
andkissedmeslowl
ywit
hheav yi
ntensi
tyand
passi
on.
.
..
..
KATE
Wehav en'
ttol
dAnyofourki dsaboutthegood
news.Idon'
tknowhowt heywil
ltakeitbutwe
arehavi
ngababy .Iam amont hpregnantand
wejustgottoknowi t
.
Kani:
Baby,Weneedtofindthem assoonas
possi
bleaboutt
hisbuty
eswehav et
otell
them
whenwegetbackf r
om theU.S.
Me:Iwonderhowthey
'l
ltakei
t.Especi
all
y
Chl
oè.YouknowSheissensit
iveandsti
llaki
d.
Sheisl
it
eral
l
yacrybaby.
Kani
:She'
sagrownupandIt
hinkshehas
st
art
eddati
ng.
Me:
Youal
sof
eel
thesame?
Kani:
Yes.Shehaschangedal ot
,shei
smor e
pri
vateandreser
vednowandhav eyouseenthe
waysheharboursoverherphone.
Me:Youar
eri
ght
.Ij
usthopeshei
sn'
tdat
ing
any
one.
Kani
:Iwon'
tspar
eheri
fshei
s.
Ilookedathim andIrememberthewayhe
thrashedZoewhenhef oundoutshehad
starteddati
ngwhenshewas16.Andi fChl
oèi
s
thenshei si
ntroubl
ewithherdad.
.
..
.
SI
PHOKAZI
Af
tert
heducki
ngLit
hawashol
dingont
ome
wi
thhi
sheavybodyonme.
Li
tha:
Ist
il
ll
ovey
ou.Canwest
artov
er?
Me:Idon'
tknowLitha!Whati
fyouhaveto
chooseTheKing'
sposit
ionov
ermet henwhat
?
Li
tha:
Idon'
tknowbutIcan'
tl
osey
ou.
Me:Youonl
ysayi
ngthatj
ustsoi
candr
opt
his
whol
edivor
cet
hing.
Li
tha:
Damni
t!Whydon'
tyouunder
stand.
Me:See?Thistemperandyourarr
oganceare
ThereasonwhyIam divor
cingyouLi
tha.You
don'
tunderst
andneit
herwil
l y
ouever
under
stand.
Igotof
fthebedandwor
emyclot
hesbuthe
pul
ledmeinandti
ght
enedhi
sgri
ponme.
Me:Iam di
vor
cingyouLi
tha.Youar
eadev i
l
andyoudon'
tdeserv
emeormybody .nordoes
mysondeservesuchabeastasafather.
AssoonasIsai
dthataSlapl
andedonmyface
andLi
thal
ostcont
rol
.Heconti
nuedhi
tt
ingme
ti
l
lhecoul
dn'
tanymore.
Li
tha:
Shi
t!Iam sor
rySi
phokazi
.Il
ovey
ou.
Iwasbl
eedi
ngt
hen.
.
..
.
ZOE
i
t'
sbeenaweekev ersi
nceIcameoutof
Hospi
talandmyparent
slef
tyest
erdayal
ong
wi
thChloè.
AsIwaswor
kingoutIgotacal
lfr
om mycl
i
ent
.
Me:
ZoeKani
Speaki
ngHel
l
o.
Cli
ent
:MissKani
Ical
l
edt
oconf
ir
m ourmeet
ing
tomor
row.
Me:Ofcoursethanky
ou.AndIassur
eyouwe
wi
ll
winthiscase.
Her
:Iam cer
tai
noft
hatt
oo.
Hervoicesoundedf
ami
l
iar
,buti
thadsomuch
sadnessinit
.
WehungupandIwentt
otheshower
.
Soni
ahadpr omi
sedtoseemesoIheard
someoneentermyroom whil
eIwasint
he
bat
hroom andIf
igur
edoutitwasSoni
a.And
si
nceIwasdoneIwr appedatowel
andwalked
outwithmyhairst
il
ldampanddrippi
ngwith
waterbutst
oppedinmytrackswhenIreal
i
sed
i
twasAndi l
e.
Me:
You!
Mykneeswer
eweaknow.Hesl
owl
ymakehi
s
wayt
ome.
Whenher
eachedmehest
oodbehi
ndmeand
hel
dmyarmsasIwasnowbr
eathi
ngheav
il
y.
Andi
le:
Icannotcont
ainmy
sel
fany
mor
e.Iwant
you.
Ishi
ver
edashi
sbr
eat
hhi
tmyback.i
twascol
d
andchi
ll
y.
Andile:
Icannotresistyou.Nomat t
erhowmuch
Itri
edav oi
dingyoubuty outor
turemeinmy
thoughtsaswel l
.Hepul l
edtohischestandmy
asstouchedhi serect
ionandIjustfr
eezed.
Andi
l
e:Zoewhatt
heHel
lar
eyoudoi
ngt
ome!
Ist
art
edbr
eat
hingheav
il
ywi
thhi
m br
eat
hing
onmyneckandnearmyear
.
26
ZOE
Ashei
sstandi
ngbehi
ndmeIf
eel
hishandon
mywai
st.
Me:
OhAndi
l
e!Seewhaty
ouar
edoi
ngt
ome.
Andil
e:Iwanttol
oveyour
ight
,doevery
thi
ng
ri
ghtbecausetomeyouarespeci
alandver
y
rar
e.Ilov
ey oumoret
hanyoucaneverimagi
ne.
Me:Il
oveYou.Idon'
tknowhowandwhenI
st
art
edfal
l
ingforyoubutIam i
ntoodeep.
Hesoft
lypl
antedakissonmyneckandI
squi
rmedinanti
cipat
ion.
Andi
le:
Iam notgoi
ngt
ot ouchy
ouasmuchas
Iwant,unt
ilwear
emarr
ied.
It
urnedandf
acedhi
m.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Hesmi
l
edcoy
lyandpul
l
edmet
ohi
m hol
ding
mywai
st.
Andil
e:Yes,Iwanttodot hi
ngstheri
ghtway
andIwantt oshowy ouIam notwithyoufor
yourbody,buttol
ovey ouwithall
yourscars.
Hesai
dthatt
raci
ngascar
eonmyar
m.
Andil
e:OnourweddingnightwhenImakelove
toyou,Iwi
llmakesuretokisseachandever
y
scaronyourbody,
eachandev eryfl
aw.Cher
ish
yourbodyandmakel ov
et oyouli
kewegoingto
die.
Me:Soi
sthaty
ourwayofaski
ngmet
omar
ry
you?
Andil
e:No,Iwi
l
lproposet
oy ouwhenthet
ime
i
srightandwhenIknowIcantakecar
eofyou.
ForNowIwanty outobemine.
Me:Iam al
readyy
our
sAndi
le,
myhear t
,my
soul,mybody,mymi
ndandever
ythi
ngbel
ongs
toyou.
Andi
l
e:Iwantt
oki
ssy
ou.
Me:
Aref
orbi
ddenf
rom doi
ngt
hataswel
l
?
Welaughedandhei mmedi atel
ygotser
ious,hi
s
small
squintedeyeslookedintomybigeyes
andhet r
ail
edhisfi
ngeronmyl i
pssl
owlyfi
rst
bef
oreIknewi thi
sli
pswer eonmymov i
ng
sl
owly,sucki
ngslowlyandhishandonmywai st
sof
tl
ytaili
ngandexplori
ngmyback.
Astheki
ssdeepenedandi
ntensi
fi
edhe
st
opped.
Andi
l
e:Il
ovey
ouZoe!
Hef
lashedasmil
eandIbl
ushed,
Icoul
dfeel
mycheeksbur
n.
Me:
Andi
l
e.
Hekissedmeagainandthi
sti
mei
twas
passi
onate.Hest
oppedagai
n.
Andil
e:Letmegetgoi
ngorel
seIwon'
tbeabl
e
tocontr
olmysel
f.
Il
aughedandheki
ssesmycheekandl
eft.
Ijumpedontopofmybedwhenhel
eftand
threwmysel
f.
Me:
Andi
l
eRhonqo!
Igr
innedl
i
keaf
ool
andIj
ustknewbIwasi
n
l
ove.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
WhenIgoti
nsi
demycarIgr
innedl
i
keast
upi
d
school
boy.
Me:
ZoeKani
!MyZoeKani
.
Ismi
l
edanddr
oveof
f.
WhenIgott
omyhousemypar
ent
swer
ebot
h
wat
chi
ngt.v
.
Ithi
nkthi
sisthebestt
imet ot
ell
them because
Idon'
twanttosneakaround.
Me:
Tat
a,Mama.khonai
ntoendi
funa
ukuni
xelel
ayona.(Dad,
Mom.Ihav
esomet
hing
totel
lyou)
.
Dad:
Ewet
het
haRhonqo.(
SpeakRhonqo)
Me:Kukhoumnt uendi
thandananaye,andI
wanttomarryher.i
nthenearfutur
eofcourseI
needtoset
tl
edownandbef i
nanci
all
ystabl
e.
Andtakecar
eofy ouguysbutIwanthert obe
mine.
Mom:
Andwhoi
sthat
?
Me:
ZoeKani
.
Theybot
hlookedatmeandsmi
l
ed.
Dad:Kudal
asay
ibonakel
ena!(
Wef
oresawt
his
one)
Me:
Soy
ouguy
shav
enopr
obl
em?
Mom: Notatal
l.Shei
squi
tearebelbutshehad
al
waysrespect
edusmorethananyoneelseat
chur
ch.Il
oveher.
ISmi
l
edandt
heyl
aughedatme.
Fi
nal
l
yZoewi
l
lbeMi
neFor
ever
!
.
..
..
Tobecont
inuedMybat
ter
yisl
ow.
26Cont
inues
ANDI
LE
Mom:
Sohowl
onghav
eyout
wobeent
oget
her
?
Il
aughandt
heybot
hlookatme.
Me:
Justaf
ewhour
snow.
Mydadbur
stsouti
nlaught
erf
oll
owedbymy
Mom.
Dad:
Yoh!Ihopey
ouknow.Nosexbef
ore
marr
iage.
Me:EweTata,
wehav
espokenaboutt
hisand
weagreedaswel
l
.
Mom: Sowhendoyouwanttomakeheryour
wi
fe.Becausewehavet
oknowyourint
enti
ons
wewon'tall
owyoutopl
ayar
ound.Especi
all
y
nomntanakaMf
undi
si.(
,Wi
tht
hepast
or'
s
daught
er)
ISmi
l
eandshakemyhead.
Me:Hopefull
ybynextyearmidyear.Iwil
lbe
f
inanci
all
ystabl
ethenandIwould'vebought
youguysthehouseyoudeserve.Ihav elIads
t
odobef oreImarr
yher.Sheisalr
eady
f
inanci
all
ystabl
esoIhav et
obest ablenam
t
henwecangetmar r
ied.
Dad:
Ohndi
yev
aaRhonqo!
!
Heshakesmyhandandmom hugsme.
.
..
.
ZOE
Iam att
heoff
icewai
ti
ngforMrsRadebeand
thel
adyIsawwithAndi
lewal
ksinwit
hherbaby
.
What!i
ssheher
etoper
hapst
ell
met
ost
ay
awayfr
om Andi
l
e?
Me:
Aft
ernoon.
Webot
hscaneachot
herandshesmi
l
es.
Her:
Iam MrsRadebeorr
atherMissRhonqo.
Youaret
hesamewomanwhomi sunderst
ood
mewheny ousawmewi t
hAndil
e..
Me: What!Soyounott
oget
hernori
sAndi
l
e
yourbabydaddy?
Sheshakesherheadi
namusement
.
Mr
sRadebe:
No,
Andi
l
eismyCousi
nthat
'sal
l
.
Me:
Buty
oucal
l
edhi
m babe.
Shel
aughed.
Mr
sRadebe:
Yeswecal
leachot
herbabe.
Il
aughedatmy
sel
f.Iseemedsost
upi
dandf
elt
st
upidtoo.
Me:
Iam sor
ry.
Shesmi
l
edandnoddedherheadt
hensatdown.
Me:Ihav
eallt
heinf
ormat
ionaboutyourcase
Mi
ssLeratof
il
ledmeup.Butyouseem tohave
beat
ings.
Shel
ookedatmethenIsawtearsst
reaming
downherf
acesoIhandedhertheti
ssuebox.
MrsRadebe:Ihadwenttoseehimtotakemy
belongi
ngsandwespokeleadi
ngtoushavi
ng
sex,Aft
ersexwearguedandhebeatmeup.
i
t'
shisnatur
e,heisver
yarrogant
,abusiv
eand
l
ovesbeingobeyed.Helov
esdomi nat
ing
peopl
e.
Ifel
tanger
edt
owar
dst
hismanandIl
ookedat
her.
Me: Soundsli
kesomear
rogantPri
ncemy
Grandparent
swantedmetomar r
y.Hei
salsoa
Radebe.
Hergazewi
denedandshel
ookedatme.
Mr
sRadebe:
Thati
smyhusband!
.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Mr
sRadebe:
Yes,
Lit
haRadebe.
Me: Iam wi l
l
ingtohel
py ouwinthi
scase.Iwant
yout ogetev er
ythi
ngyoudeserv
e.Asy ouknow
Ihaver ecentl
ycomeoutofav eryabusiv
e
rel
ationshipandf r
om t
henIworkon
empower i
ngwomen.
Siphokazi:ThankYou.Sonowwhendowesend
thedivorcepapers?
Me: Iwil
lhavethem del
iveredtoni
ght,
Wehav e
tomaket hedivorcefav
our abl
eforyousoIwil
l
personal
lygothroughthingsaddandt henhav
e
them del
iver
ed.
Si
phokazi
:ThankYou.
Wecont
inueoursessi
ont
henaf
tert
hatshe
l
eav
esandIremainworki
ng.
.
..
..
TREMAI
N
Shit
!Pi
cassoisont
otous,heknowswestol
e
theReddiamondsandhewantsashar
etoo.I
wi
l
lnev
erGov
ehi
m mydi
amonds.
AsIam tryi
ngtofindawaytodealwit
hthisA
womanwal ksin.Shehasbl
ondhairandvery
beaut
iful
IifImaysay.Shei
stinyandver
y
l
ovely
.
Her:
Goodmor ni
ngsir
,Ihav
ecomeherefort
he
i
nter
viewofy
ourP.A.Theysentmet
oyou.
Me:Yessi
rdown.Tel
lmey
ournameand
sur
name.
Her:MynameisLei
laAl
dri
ch.Iam 20y
earsol
d
ofageandIj
ustcametoSouthAfr
icaf
rom
Austr
ali
a.
Me:-
OhSot
ell
meabouty
our
sel
f,qual
i
ficat
ions
andall
.
Shetell
smeabouther selfandthatsheisan
orphanherpar entsdiedi nafi
reandshet el
ls
meal otabouther selfandqualifi
cati
ons.Iam
veryimpressedandpl easedwithherthatIgi
ve
hertheJobi nstantl
yandgi veheracont r
act
andt
ell
hershest
art
stomor
row.
Imustsayshei
satt
ract
iveandIam notsur
eifI
wil
lbeabl
etocont
ainmyself
.
.
..
..
LEI
LA
Thi
sbastar
d!Looki
ngathi
m makesmewantt
o
st
rangl
ehiminst
antl
y.
Iam m Lei
l
aSai
nt'Mari
noCar l
i
to'
slastbor
n
andIhavecometoavengemyf at
her'
sdeath
act
uall
ymywholefamil
y'ssuddendemise.
Fir
stst
epwasget t
ingajobhere.Nowthe
secondstepwi
llgett
ingcl
osertohi
m becauseI
canseetheeff
ectIhaveonhim.
TREMAI
NKANIYouwi
l
lpayDear
lyForKi
l
li
ng
myFamil
y.
.
Comment
,Iwantt
oknowy
ouropi
nions.
27
ZOE
I
twasl
ateatni
ghtandIwashavi
ngdi
nnerwi
th
Tr
emai
nwhowasext r
emelyqui
et.
Me:
Treywhat
'sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Tr
ey:
Not
hing.
Me:
Icanseesomet
hingi
sbot
her
ingy
ousot
ell
me.
Tr
ey:
Zoe,
Thi
ngswer
efal
l
ingapar
t.
Hel
ookeddownandIl
ookedathi
m.
Me:
Yourshadydeal
i
ngs?
Hel
ookedatmeasi
fIsai
dsomet
hingwr
ong.
Me:
Iam awar
eofy
ourshadydeal
i
ngsTr
ey!
..
Why?
Tr
ey:Il
ovet
hel
i
fest
yle,
Ilov
ethedar
ksi
deof
me.
Me:
Nowwhat
'shappeni
ng?
Trey:Ihavet
hereddi
amondsandmyarch
enemyknowsandhewant sashar
e.ontopof
thatIkil
l
edCarl
i
toandhi
sfamil
y.
Me:Reddiamonds?Car
lt
onSai
nt'
Mar
ino!
?Tr
ey
whathav
ey oudone!
Trey
:Hepoi
sonedy
ou!Youal
mostdi
ed!Iwas
scar
ed!
Me: Hedi
dwhat
!?Butst
il
lyoushoul
dn'
thav
e
r
iskedyourl
i
fel
i
kethatTrey
.
Tr
ey:
Iam sor
rySi
s.
Hemov edf
rom wher
ehewasandcrouchedi
n
f
rontofmeandhecriedonmyl
ap.
SeeTreyisaveryf
ragil
eman, hepret
endstobe
sost
rong,hehasbuil
tthisst
rongwalltoshi
eld
hi
m butinreal
i
tyIsti
l
lseetheinnocenceinhi
m.
Thel
ostboywhoi stryi
ngtofi
ndhiswayback
home.
Ihushedhi
mtosl
eepandhadt
opul
l
edhi
mto
hi
sroom.
Ihel
pedhim set
tl
einanddeci
dedt
osleepnex
t
tohi
m,justi
ncasehewakesupatnight
.
.
..
..
LEI
LA
Iwassit
ti
nginmyapartmentworki
ngonmy
pl
ansanddoingbackgr
oundchecksonhi
s
bel
ovedsist
erZOE!
SheisarenownedBil
l
ionair
ewhoisaLaw
ty
coon.Sheli
ter
all
ybreat
heslawandhasot
her
i
nter
ests.
Shef
ight
sforwomen!Yes!
Icanpl
aytheabusedwomanwhoneedshel
p
soshecanfeelpi
tyonme.
Ineedsomeonet
oroughmeupabitbutnot
now,Ineedt
ogai
nTremai
n'
strust
.
Isi
ponmy
.cof
feeanduncl
eRonal
docal
l
edme.
Me:
Uncl
e.
Ron:
Didy
ougethi
m.
Me:Yes,
don'twor
ryIwi
ll
takemyr
evengeandI
won'
thaveanymercyonhim.
Ron:OkayGoodGi
rl
.YourPapawoul
dsopr
oud
ofyou.
Me:
IknowandIwi
l
lmakehi
m pr
oud.
Ihangupandcry.ImissmyFami l
yandt
hat
avatar
ssnat
chedever
y t
hingf
rom me.
.
..
..
.
ANDI
LE
i
t'
smorni
ngandt
hef
ir
stt
hingonmymi
ndi
s
pr
ayer
.
Ikneel
downandpr ay,IPr
ayforZoeandher
enti
ref
amily
.IPrayforusandIjumpbackin
bedbecausetodayIam notworki
ng.
It
akemyphoneandcal
lZoe.
ZOE:
MrRhonqo.Goodmor
ning.
Me:
MissKani
.Howar
eyou?
ZOE:Iam Good.AndIknowy
ouar
egoodas
wel
l.
Il
aughandshakemyheadi
namusement
.
Me:Coul
dy oupl
easeGracemewithyour
pr
esenceforl
unchtoday
.Iwoul
dlovetodi
ne
wi
thyou.
ZOE:
Ofcour
se,
Justt
ell
mewher
eandwhat
ti
me.
Me:
Okay
.ILov
eYou.
Icanf
eel
hersmi
l
eandl
i
ttl
esqueal
sfr
om her
si
de.
ZOE:
Ilov
eYou.
Webothl
aughandwi
thoutsay
ingmuchwe
bot
hhangup.
ISmi
l
eatmyphoneandgetupt
ogetr
eady
.
.
..
..
Tobecont
inued
27CONTI
NUES
ZOE
Iam atwor
kandbusywit
hSi
phokazi
'scase
andthemostunex
pect
edper
sonentersmy
off
ice.
Li
tha:
MissKani
.
Me:
Radebe!
Ist
andupandf
oldmyar
msi
ncont
est
.
Lit
ha:
Youar
ever
ydar
ingMi
ssKani
.Youact
l
ikeaman.
Me: ThatisbecauseIbel
ievethatIam equal
ly
tomen, Imightnotpossessthephy si
cal
str
engthbutIdopossesst hement alstr
engt
h
aswel lasthecapabi
li
tytodowhatmencando.
Hel
aughsandshakeshi
shead.
Li
tha:
OhReal
l
y?sucht
all
clai
msMi
ssKani
.
Me: Theyar
en'
tclai
msRadebe!Thosewho
knowmeknowt hatIam farmor
ethancapabl
e.
AndIdon'tj
ustbragIletmyworkdothestor
y
tel
l
ing.
Li
tha:
Whoa!Soy our
eckony
oucant
akemeon
andprobabl
ydef
eatme.
Me:Wear eabouttofi
ndoutbecauseIam
t
aki
ngy ouonatcourt.AndIassumey ougot
t
hedivorcepaper
sIdraftedf
orSiphokazi
thati
s
whyyouarehere,r
ight?
Li
tha:
YesIam her
etot
alkaboutt
hat
.
Me:Wherei
sThompson!BecauseIhav
e
not
hingt
osayt
oy ou.
Li
tha:
Wil
dar
en'
twe?
Me:
Ican'
thel
pitIam al
i
oness!
Isayt
hatsquar
ingmyshoul
der
s.
Me:
Gety
ourl
awy
erher
eandIwi
l
lcal
lmycl
i
ent
,
other
wisel
eavemyof
ficebecauseIhav
e
nothi
ngtosaytoy
ou.
Lit
ha:Iwanttosett
let
hisoutsi
deofcourt
.Can
wejustsitandtal
kaboutt
hiscalmly
!AndI
wanty outodropt
hiswholecaseyouopened
forassaul
t.
Me: Whyshoul
dIbeleni
enttoyou?Imeany ou
hitt
hepoorwomanupandact uall
ydon'
tseem
remorsef
ulabouty
ouracti
ons.SowhyshouldI
havemercyonsuchanarrogantbrut
e!
Iwi
denedmygazeandgl
areathi
m.
Helooksatmeandshakeshi
sheadwhile
exi
tingmyoff
icebutIst
opi
nhist
racksbefor
e
heleaves.
Me:
Lit
ha!
Li
tha:
huh?
Me:Iwi
l
l whi
pyouradsi
ncourt
!-
AndIwil
l
r
educeyoutowhatyour
eal
lyar
e!Awhimpofa
cowar
d!
Helooksatmewi
thangerandIseehi
m cl
ench
hi
sfist
s.
Me:
GetOut
!
Hel
eav
esandbangsmydoorasISmi
l
e.
Thatwasf
ori
nsul
ti
ngmydadatmyownhouse!
.
..
..
.
TREMAI
N
Attheof
ficeIbri
efLei
l
aaboutherj
obandwe
st
artworking.
Shekeepsst
ari
nggl
ancesofmeandIl
ookat
her
.
Me:
Doy
ouwantt
osaysomet
hing?
Lei
l
a:Youhav
ecr
eam ony
our
..
.
Shepoi
ntsandIstar
twipi
ngthesi
desofmy
l
ipsandsheshakesherhead.
Lei
l
a:No,
Her
e.
Shepoi
ntsandIst
il
lcan'
tgeti
tof
f.
Shecomesnearmeandbendt hensl
owlywipes
i
foffwit
hhert humbandforamomentwest ar
e
ateachotherandIgett
oseethecol
ourofher
eyes.
Theyaregr
een,theyar
ewildandr
ough.Iwoul
d
act
uall
ysaytheylookl
ikeawil
dcat
'seyes.
Shemovesandsi
tsacr
ossmenot
ingdownmy
i
nstr
uct
ions.
Iscanherfeat
ures,shehasalongbutnotso
l
ongnose,Herwi l
dey es,
andherlongst
rai
ght
blondehai
r.Herplumpl i
psthatar
enudein
colour
.
Sheseemsdi
stantf
rom herownsel
f.
.
Whocoul
dshebe?
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
I
tisal
ready13:
30SoIdeci
det
ocal
lZoe.
Sheanswer
sont
he3r
dri
ng.
ZOE:
MrRhonqo.
Me:
MissKani
.Iam onmywayt
ofet
chy
ou.
ZOE:
Ican'
twai
t!Sowher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
Me:TheShisany
amaIknowyouli
kei
t.Isaw
howfreeandhappyy
ouaret
here.
ZOE:JustwhatIneed.
Somekasi
vibe.Thank
you.
Me:
For
?
ZOE:Foract
ual
l
yseei
ngt
hegoodi
nmeand
bei
ngrealwi
thme.
Me:ThatisbecauseILov eYou.Andwheny ou
l
ovesomeoney ouseebey ondthei
rfl
aws,
you
seebeyondthei
rpast,Iknowy ounotasnob
norar
ey oureal
lyrude.
Ihearherl
aughi
ngbutal
sosobbi
ng.
Me:
Ilov
eYou.
Wi
tht
hatsai
dIhangupanddr
ivet
oherf
ir
m.
If
etchherandwedr
ivet
otheShi
sany
ama.
Whenwegett
her
ewesi
tdownandor
dersome
f
ood.
Me:Sotellme,
whatareyourexpectat
ionsf
rom
me.BecauseIdon'
twanttooverst
epany
boundar
ies.
ZOE: Youhavealr
eadyexceededal
lmy
expectat
ionsAndil
ether
eisnothi
ngmoreI
couldeveraskfor
..
Il
ookatherandIseehersi
ncer
it
y.
Shesmi
l
edandmyhear
tmel
tst
henandt
her
e.
Me:
Youar
ebeaut
if
ul.Yourbeaut
yisj
ustr
are.
Shel
aughsandcov
ersherf
ace.
Ourordercomesandweeataswet
alkabout
herday.
ZOE:
Lit
haRadebey
ourcousi
n'
shusbandwas
atmyof
fi
cet
oday
.
Me: Shet ol
dmehertragi
cst
ory
,Iwasn'
tawar
e
thatLit
hawast hesamemanwhowasgoi ngt
o
mar r
yy ou.Andhowdidyoumanagetot
urnhi
m
down.
Me:Iwasj
ustmysel
f.Thef actt
hatIam not
submi
ssi
veandobedientscaredhi
m off
.
Ilaughedassheexplai
nedherfur
ther
.Her
nat uref
ascinat
edmeevenfur
therasIli
stened
talkingabouthowshedi
spl
ayedhercharacter
andper sonali
ty.
Me:
Soy
ounott
hesubmi
ssi
vet
ype?
ZOE:
YesIam not
.
Me:
Real
l
y?Ar
eyousur
e?
Icockmyheadt
othesi
deandr
aisemy
eyebr
owsasISmil
ecoy
ly.
Shest
andsupandbendst
owar
dsme.
ZOE:
Idomi
nat
einev
ery
thi
ngMrRhonqo.
EVERYTHI
NG!
Shesmil
edt
hensi
tsdown.Iwat
chherl
i
ckher
fi
nger.
Me:
Wewi
l
lfi
ndoutsoonenoughMi
ssKani
.
ISmi
l
eandshel
ooks.atmeamused.
ZOE:
Wewi
l
lsee.
.
..
.
ERI
C
Ihavebeeni
npri
sonandi
thasbeenhehar
dest
.
Imissmyhouse,
mycarsImissmyli
fe.
Jai
l
er:
Youhav
eav
isi
tor
.
Idr
agmyf eett
othev
isi
ti
ngr
oom andmyey
es
meetLei
l
a's.
Shestandsupandt
hrowsher
sel
fasmeasI
watchhercry
.
Lei
l
aismyl i
tt
lesi
sterweshar
eadad.Iusemy
mother
'ssur
name.
Lei
l
a:Dad!Hewasmur
der
ed.
Il
ookatheri
nshock!
Me:
WhoDi
dit
?
Lei
l
a:Tr
emai
n'
sKani
.
ThatBast
ard!Hewi
l
lpaywi
thhi
sownbl
ood!
Iwil
lnotspar
ehi
m,Thesamehi
ssi
sterdi
dn'
t
spar
eme!
28
ZOE
Aft
erweweredonewi
thlunchheinsi
stedto
payfort
hebi
ll
andweleft
.Onourwayt othe
carwebumpedint
oSkhumbaEric'
sfr
iend.
Skhumba:
Iseey
ouhav
emov
edonsoeasi
l
y.
Me:Hadi
tbeenERI
Chewoul
d'
vedonet
he
same.
Skhumba:
Zoe,
whaty
oududt
oERI
Cwasn'
t
ri
ght.
Me:Wow!Andbeatingmewasri
ght
.Li
stenI
don'
tseewhyIshouldj
ust
if
ymyper
sonall
if
eto
you.
Andi
l
e: Soyouapprovet
hebeat
ingofwomen?
HaditbeenSisandawoul
dyouapprov
e?
Wow!Theyknoweachot
her
.
Skhumbal
ookedawayandAndi
l
eshookhi
s
head.
Andi
l
e:Thoughtsoasmuch.Let
'sgoZOE.
Hehel
dmyhandandwel
eft.
OnthewayIlookedathi
m.Goodnessthi
sman
i
sjustsobeaut
iful
,hei
snotj
usthandsomehe
i
sbeauti
ful
.
Andi
l
e:St
ari
ngi
srudeMi
ssKani
.
Me:I
t'
snot,
especi
all
yifIam st
ari
ngat
somet
hingt
hatbel
ongst ome.
Hesmil
esbroadlyandhol
dsmyhandnott
aki
ng
hi
seyesoft
her oom.
Andil
e:-
Noit'
snotMissKani
.Howdoy
ouf
eel
thoughaft
erSam'scomments.
Me:
Sam?
Andil
e:Yeshisreal
nameisSam.Wegr ewup
toget
herbuthechosethewrongpat
h,Icoul
dn'
t
beacquaint
anceswithsomeonewhowas
i
nv ol
vedincr
ime.
Me:Soy ouwoul
dactual
lyl
eaveyourfri
endhad
youfoundouthei
sintoshadydeal
ings.
Andile:
Thet ruthisfarmoreimport
anttome
thananyrelation.I
fIwouldchoosebetween
LoveandTr uthIwoul dchooseTrut
h.Because
i
fsomeonel ov esyoutheyar
ehonestwithyou.I
havebrokent ieswithsomanypeoplebecause
ofdishonesty.
Me:Wow!Youhavestr
ongvaluesand
pr
inci
ples,
Iadmi
ret
hataboutyou.
Andil
e:ThankYou.Thati
swhyIdon'
twantus
keepi
nganysecretsfr
om eachot
her
.
HeeyesmeandInod.Notknowi
ngwhet
herI
shoul
dtel
lhi
m aboutTr
ey.
Andi
le:
Doy ouknowt
hatChl
oèandSi
sekoar
e
seei
ngeachother
.
Me:
Chl
oè?Youl
yi
ng!
Il
aughoutl
oudnotbel
i
evi
ngourl
i
ttl
esai
nthas
gr
ownup.
Andil
e:Iam seri
ousIf
oundoutr
ecent
ly.And
theyseem ser
ious.
Me:Ihopet heykeepitasecretot
her
wisedad
wil
lkil
lhersheisjust16,andIrememberhow
hehitmewhenIst ar
teddati
ngat16.
Andi
l
elaughs.
Andi
l
e:Whatdi
dhedo?
Me:
Hebeatmeandt
hatboyup.
Andil
elookedatmeandlaughedashepar
ked
thecaratthepar
kingl
ot.
Me:
Don'
tl
aughBabe.
Andi
l
e:Sodoyoureckonhewoul
dhi
tusi
fhe
hadt
oknowaboutus.
Me: No,Iam anadultnowandIam thinki
ngof
mov i
ngoutofhomenow.Ineedmyspaceand
giv
et hem chancetohavetheirownspace,l
i
ke
havesexagai nwit
houtthi
nkingofus,Chl
oèwil
l
survi
ve.
Andil
e:Toomuchinfo.Idon'
twantt
oimagi
ne
yourparent
shav
ingsexasmuchasIdon'twant
toimagine.
emyparentsshaggi
ng.
Il
aughandhi
demyf
acewi
thmyhands.
Hepull
smetohi
m andIqui
ckl
yhol
dont
ohi
s
st
rongarms.
Me:
ILov
eYouAndi
l
e.
Andi
l
e:ILov
eYouZoe.
Heki
ssedmesl
owl
ywi
thhi
shandsonmybut
t.
Andi
l
e:Iknowy
ouwantmor
ethant
hisbutI
can'
tgi
vey
out
hatatt
hemoment
.
Me: Idon'tcar
eaboutthatAndil
e,IknowIwant
i
tbutbei ngwithyouismuchbet t
er.Tal
ki
ngto
you,laughingandembracingyouisthegreat
est
i
ntimacy ,morethananyotherIhavehad.
Hesmi
l
esandki
ssesmyf
orehead.
AndIhol
dhi
mtightl
ywhi
l
ethet
ear
smaket
hei
r
waydowno.myface.
.
..
.
LEI
LA
Iam wokenupbyTr
emainhebr
ushesmesof
tl
y
andIri
seuptomyfeet
.
Tr
emai
n:Youseem f
ati
gued.
Me:
Ihar
dlysl
eepSi
r.
Tr
emai
n:AndWhyi
sthat
?
Me:Ican'
thelpbutt
hinkofmyf ami
l
y.Imiss
t
hem, soi
nsteadofsl
eepingIendupcry
ing.
Il
ookawayandhecar
essesmycheekwit
hso
muchcareandf
orasecondIf
orgethe
murder
edmyFamil
y.
Tremai
n:Gi
vei
tti
me.Youwi
l
lheal
,tr
ustmeI
know.
Me:
Hav
eyoual
sol
ostf
ami
l
ybef
ore?
Tr
emain:YesIl
ostt
hetwomostdearpeopl
ein
myli
fe.AnywaydoIhaveanymeet
ingst
his
af
ter
noon?
Il
ookathi
slostf
ace.Hi
sey
essayal
ot.
Me:Yes,
Youhaveameet
ingwi
thMr
sDani
ela
LeRouxat15:
30.
Tr
emai
n:ThankYou.
Hesaysthatandavoi
dseyecontacti
nst
eadhe
l
ooksoverathisgl
asswindow.
Whathappenedt
ohi
m,hel
ooksandseems
vul
ner
able.
No!Lei
l
adon'
tfeel
sor
ryf
ort
hisexecut
ioner
!
Hedidn'
thavemercyony
ouwhenheki
l
ledy
our
f
atherandfami
ly
.
.
..
..
ERI
C
Skhumbasi
tsacr
ossmeandIgr
eethi
m.
Me:
Theymur
der
edPapa.
Skhumba:
What
?Who?
Me:
Tremai
nKani
!
Myv
einspopoutandIcl
enchmyf
ist
s.
Skhumba:
Zoe'
sli
tt
lebr
other
!
Me:
Yeshi
m!-
ThatBast
ard!
Skhumba:
AndZoei
sdat
ingAndi
l
eRhonqo.
Me:
TheDoct
or?
Skhumba:
Yeshi
m.
Ipuncht
het
abl
einanger.
Me:
No!Zoei
smi
neandwi
l
lnev
erbeany
one
el
se'
s.WhenIgetoutofher
eIwi
l
lKi
l
l
whomevert
ouchesher
.
WiththatIst
andupi
nrageandpuncht
het
abl
e
again.
.
..
.
SI
PHOKAZI
Tell
ingmyparent
sandt hewholefami
lyabout
Lit
hawast hehar
destandheart
breaki
ng.Ihad
toexplai
nandapologi
zeforsel
l
ingmy sel
fso
short.
Andworseofal
lIam evendivorci
nghim now.I
canseethel
ookint
heirfaces.Theylook
scar
ed,angr
ysomeareev endisgust
ed.
Uncl
e(Andi
l
e'sdad)
:Faneleahl
awulel
oLi
tha
wakhoabhatal
eneLobol
a.(Thi
sLit
hashoul
d
paydamagedanddowr y
).
Me:
Ndi
zomxel
elaMal
ume.(Iwi
l
ltel
lhi
m uncl
e)
Dad:
Youwon'
ttal
ktohi
m,f
rom nowonwewi
l
l
handl
ethi
sSiphokazi
.Undi
phoxi
l
ekekodwa
ntombam.(Youdisappoi
ntedmemybaby)
Il
ookdownandIfeel
them st
ream downmy
cheekswi
thr
ageandextr
emesadness.
Me:
Uxol
oRhonqo.(
Iam sor
ryRhonqo)
Ifeel
mymom'sar
msar
oundmeandIr
estmy
headandcr
y.
29
ZOE
IthadbeenaweekandAndi l
ehasbeen
awesome.Hei spr
obablyt
hemostrealguyI
havebeenwith.Hedoesn'
tpret
endnordoeshe
makemel iv
eunderaill
usi
on.
I
twas9pm andIwashomeal one.Treywas
goi
ngtosleepov
erhisgirl
fr
iend'
shouseandI
washonestl
ybor
ed.Ijusthadnothingtodo.
It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edAndi
l
e.
Heanswer
edont
he4t
hri
ng.
Me:
Hey
,Ar
eyoubusy
?
Andi
l
eIam act
ual
lydri
vi
ngIj
ustknockedof
f
myshif
tatt
hehospi
tal
.
Me:Canyoucomeov er
,forasl
eepover?Iam
homealoneandIam bor
ed.Wewill
talkanddo
what
everyouwantustodo.
Andi
l
e:OkayIhopewedon'
tregr
ett
his.
Me:
Wewon'
t.
Il
aughandhedoest
oo.
Andi
l
e:Iwi
l
lseey
oui
naf
ewmi
nut
es.Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eYout
oo.
Webot
hhangupandIdi
shupf
orhi
m and
war
m.thef
oodup.
Inafewmi
nutesheemergedf
rom t
hedoorand
Irusht
ohi
m andIhughi
m.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
Hesmi
l
esandIusherhi
mtoT.
vroom.
Andi
l
e:Wasy
ourout
fi
tdel
i
ber
ate?
HescansmyfaceandIreal
i
zeIhav
ewor
nmy
t
ooreveal
i
ngpyjamas.
Me:
Iam sor
ryIf
orgott
ochange.
Andil
e:Youdon'
thaveto.Iguesswehavet
o
wit
hstandthet
emptati
onandr esi
sti
t.
ISmileembar
rassedbuthequi
ckl
ychangest
he
topi
c.
Andi
l
e:Don'
ttheneighbor
scompl
ain,
wheny
ou
pl
aymusict
hisloud?
Il
aughandshakemyhead.
Me:
Thi
shousei
ssoundpr
oof.
Andi
l
e:That
'sgr
eat
.
Ihandhi
m overhi
spl
ateandIsi
tbesi
deshi
m
andwatchhi
m.
Iwat
chhowhechews,Howheslowl
yopenshis
mouthandpopsi
naspoonf
ulandchews.Hi
s
eyessl
owlydr
if
ttomyey
esandhecont
inues
eati
ngnotbr
eaki
ngey
econt
actwi
thme.
Andi
lecr
eat
esthist
hicksceneryofl
ustand
i
nti
macyever
ytimehestaresintomyeyes.
It
'slikeweconnectbysi mplylookingateach
otherwi t
houtevensayingawor d.Heempt i
es
hispl ateandstil
ll
ooksatmeaf terawhilehe
smi r
ksandget supandsl owlywal kstot
he
Kitchensomehowl i
keastupidIf oll
owhimt o
theKi tchenandst andbehindhim asIwat ch
him washhi spl
ace.Hisstrongar msmov eandI
feelmy sel
fgett
ingwet.
Iwat
chhim asheput
sitawayandhet
urnsj
ust
tol
ookatme.
It
racemyfi
ngeronmyl
i
pnott
aki
ngmyey
esof
hi
seyes.
Icanfeelmywet
nessalr
eady.Hewalks
towardsmeandforasecondIthi
nkIam
probabl
ygoi
ngtofai
ntassoonashet ouches
me.
Whenhegetstomeheshocksmebyscoopi ng
meupandIwr apmylegsar oundhi
m.Heput s
meonthecounterandkissesmepassionat
ely
andImoaninbetweenthekiss.Hi
shands
movearoundmywholebodyandl andsupon
myvagi
na.
Me:
MmmhAndi
l
e.
Thatcomesoutasawhi
sper.
Andi
l
e:Zoe,
lookwhaty
ouar
edoi
ngt
ome.
Hepul
l
soutandwal kst
othet
.vr
oom butI
f
oll
owhim andIhol
dhisar
m.
Hi
sresponseshocksme.
Heturnsandpinsmeagainstt
hewall.Ist
art
br
eathingheav
ilyandext
remel
yfast
.
Heki
ssedMeandIr
etur
ntheki
ssandst
art
moani
ng.
Me:
Andi
l
e..Iwanty
ou.Notf
orsexbutIwant
y
out
opl
easur
emet
oni
ght
.
Hel
ooksatmeandscansmyf
ace.
Andi
l
e:Pr
omi
sey
ouwon'
twantsex?
Me:
Ipr
omi
se.
HescoopsmeupandIqui ckl
ywrapmylegs
ar
oundhiswaistandar
msar oundhi
sneckas
hetakesmetomyr oom.
Hepl
acesmeont
hebedandheslowlyki
sses
mewit
hsomuchwantandpassi
on.
Ihol
dont
ohi
mri
ghtandhet
akesof
fmyv
est
.
l
eavi
ngmecompl
etel
ytopl
essandmyboobs
r
eveal
ed.
Andil
e:Youhavebeaut i
fulbr
east
s.Theyar
eful
l
butamazingl
ytinyinSize.Heki
ssedbothof
them andIsquealunderhim.
Andi
l
e:Best
il
lBaby
.
Het
raceshi
sfi
ngerar
oundmyscar
sandst
art
s
ki
ssi
ngt
hem wi
thsomuchsof
tness.
Hegoesdowntot
heonesonmyst
omachand
soonr
eachesmybel
l
ybutt
on.
Hishandsgetahol
dofmypy
jamaandpul
l
sit
down.
Leav
ingmei
nmywhi
tet
hong.
Andi
le:
Whitesui
tsy
ou.Youl
ooksexy
,youl
ook
l
ikeagoddess.
Hebi
teshi
sli
psandImoan.
Hekissedmescaresallov
ermybodyt
henwi
th
hi
steethtakesmythongoff.
Andi
l
e:Yousmel
lver
ylov
ely
.
Hesaysthatki
ssingmyv agina.Hest
retches
mylegsfarapar
tandIf eel
hisheadenterme
andIfeelhi
ssoftbutcoldl
ipsonmyv agina.
Iscream andmoan.myt hi
ghsandl
egsshi
ver
all
togetherandIcan'tdescr
ibet
hefeel
i
ng.I
savourthefeeloft
his.
Imoanandhegoesonf asterandsuckseven
harder.Hei
nsertstwof i
ngersinmeandagai n
sucksatonce.Igocr azy,If
eelmywhol ebody
shi
v er
,astr
angef eel
i
ngwashesov erandI
rel
easemyor gasm.Hel icksitandl
ooksatme.
Andi
le:
Yout
ast
ever
ygood.Wannat
ast
e
your
sel
f?
Inodandhekissesmemaki ngmymoanashe
restshewei
ghtonMrandIcanf eelhi
s
manhoodonbet weenmet hi
ghsandIam
temptedtof
li
phim overandri
dehim butIst
op
my sel
f.
Andi
le:Yourski
nissof
tassil
k.Iwantyou,
I
needyou.Ican'
tst
oplongi
ngforyou.
Hewhisper
sthatinmyearandIshi
verwi
th
wantasIam aboutt
orepl
yhegoesdownagai
n
andIscr
eam out.
.
..
..
.
ANDI
LE
AsmuchasIwantherIwi l
lnotmakelov
eto
her
.Iconti
nuetomuffherandseei
nghow
pl
easurabl
esheisf
indi
ngthis,
Ital
sosat
isf
ies
me.
Bef
oreIknowi
tshekneel
i
ngi
nfr
ontofme.
AndasIam aboutt otalksheslamsmei nside
hermout hcausingmet ogroansoloud.If eel
mor ethanpleasur
e,Icannotexpl
ainthisfeeli
ng.
Islowlyclosemyandal l
owmy selft
of eelthis
pleasure.
Whensheisdoneweresti
nherbedwi
tht
he
cov
eroverusandIl
ookather
.
Me:Youaresolov
ely.Ev
ery
thi
ngabouty
oui
s
beaut
if
ulandIl
oveit
.
Isaythatki
ssingabi
gscaronherbackandhe
shif
tsherli
tt
leasst
omymanhoodandIgr oan.
Me:
Don'
ttemptmepl
ease.
Shel
aughsandIf
li
pherov
erandi
mmedi
atel
y
openherl
egsandmuf
fheragai
n.
Me:
Iwi
l
lent
ery
oui
fyoucont
inuewi
tht
his.
Shegaspsf
orai
rasshesmi
l
es.
IkissherforandasIdot hatshegrabsmy
manhoodwi t
hherhandandpl acesitonher
fussyjustattheent
ranceandIshakemyhead
andIjustmov etoherside.
Me:
Ilov
eYou.
.
..
.
Tobecont
inued
30
ZOE
Iwakeuptoasmil
ingfacebuti
t'
sst
il
ldar
k
out
sidesoIl
ookatAndil
e.
Me:
Whatt
imei
sit
?
Andi
l
e:i
t'
s2am.
Me:
Whyar
en'
tyousl
eepi
ng?
Andi
le:
Iwant
edt
owat
chy
ou.Andt
ouchy
our
ski
n.
Me:
Mmmh.
.HowIwoul
dlov
etodot
hat
.
Andi
l
e:Touchmyski
n?
Inodandhel
aysf
latdownandl
ooksatme.
Andi
l
e:Touchme.
Il
ookathi
m andgr
in.
Isl
owlytr
acemyf ingersal
onghisj awandI
watchhi
sey esdarkenwithl
ust.Ilowermyface
andli
ckhisjawandhi smusclestense.ISmil
e
andcarr
yonwi thtraci
ngmyfingersdownhi s
necktohischestandIpinchbothhi sni
ppl
es
andhegroans.
Andi
l
e:Zoe!
Hi
sv oi
ceisnowhoarseanddeep.Icar
ryon
wi
thitti
ll
Igettot
henavelwhereIki
ssitandI
f
eelhisbodytr
embli
ng.
Ir
eachhi
smanhoodandhol
dhi
sdi
cki
ntomy
handsandst
artr
ubbi
ngi
t.
Andi
l
e:Zoe!Ahh!
It
akeiti
ntomymouthandwhilesucki
ngIhol
d
hi
sball
sandpresst
hem sof
tl
yasifIwere
pl
ayi
ngapiano.
Heli
ter
all
yscreamsandIhisupperbodycomes
upasifheisdoingsi
tupsandImakeey e
cont
act.
Andi
le:
Zoe,Yoh!Baby
..Baby
..
.Whuu!
-
ZOEEEEEE!
ISmi
l
eabi
tadmi
ri
ngmyski
l
ls.
WhenIstopIgetfl
i
ppedoverandassoonasI
knowi
thei sdownkissi
ngmylegsandbit
ing
Mesoft
ly.Il
etoutamoanandholdhishead.
Justaashei
saboutt
omuffmehiscel
l
phone
ri
ngandhegr
oansmakingmel
augh.
Me:
Answery
ourphoneMrRhonqoi
tmi
ghtbe
i
mport
ant
.
Heanswershi
sphoneandIwat
chIhi
s
expr
essi
onchange.
Andi
l
e:What
!
Isi
tupAndwat
chhi
m.
Andi
l
e:Ndi
yez
amama,
ndi
yezangoku!
Hedressesupwhil
eexpl
aini
ngt
hathi
sdadhas
suf
fer
edf r
om ahear
tatt
ack.
Idr
essupi
nmyt
racksui
taswel
landhel
ooks
atme.
Me:Iam coming.Iwantt
obether
eforyouli
ke
youhaveformeandwecant akemycarit
's
f
aster
.
HenodsandIt
aket
hekeyandwer
unt
othe
door
.
Andi
l
e:Ar
eyoudr
ivi
ng?
Me:
Ofcour
se,
Idr
ivef
ast
ert
hany
ou.
Henodsasi
fhedoesn'
tbel
i
evemet
hough.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
ZOEget stothehospi
tal
injust10minutesand
trustmeithasbeenthescari
estri
deever.Had
therebeenanycopswewoul dbeinjai
latthe
moment .
Whenwereachwebothr
uninsi
deandi
nthe
wai
ti
ngroom If
indMymom si
tt
ingt
her
ewit
h
mysibl
i
ngs.
Me:Mama, Kwenzekent
oni
?(-
Mom,
what
happened?
)
Mom: OhhAndile!Yourdadhejustcol
lapsed
andhewashol dinghisheart
,hecomplained
abouthavi
ngchestpai nsandhi
sheartwas
berat
ingext
remel ysl
owsower ushedhim off
tothehospi
tal
.
Me:
Letmej
ustgoandcheckwhat
'shappeni
ng.
ShenodsandIl
eav
e.
.
..
..
ZOE
AssoonasAndi
lel
eavesIgr
eethi
smom and
hugherasshei
scr
ying.
Me:Ma,canIgetyoucof
feeort
ea?Havey
ou
eat
enyouneedthestr
engtht
ostayup.
Sheshakesherheadandl
ooksatme.
MrsRhonqo:Ihaven'
tHaasthe.ti
metoeator
ev
endrinkcoff
ee.Iam ext
remelyscar
edZoe.
Whati
f.
...
Me: Sshh!Mama, li
stennothingisgoingto
happent oAndil
e'sdad.Youshoul dputallf
ait
h
i
nGod, i
tisj
ustaphaseandat estandhe
wantstoseei fyouwi l
lpassit.Sopleasedon'
t
l
osehope.Yoursoni soneoft hebestdoctor'
s
i
nt hi
scountryandGodwi ll
showhi m awayt o
tr
eatshisdad.
Iembr
aceherasshesof
tl
ysobsi
nmyar
ms.
AndItakemyphoneandcallourhel
ptodel
i
ver
muff
insandcof
feetothehospit
al.
Andi
l
ecomesandl
ooksatme.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Andi
l
e: Hesuf
fer
edfrom amil
dhear
tat
tack,
he
i
safighter
.Hewil
lbeOkay.
ISmi
l
eandIseeasl
i
ghtr
eli
efi
nhi
smom'
sface.
Me:
See.It
oldy
ouev
ery
thi
ngwoul
dbef
ine.
Mr
sRhonqo:
YesSweet
y.
Aunt
'Li
hlecamewit
ht hedr
iverwi
thMuf
fi
ns
andcoff
eetakeaways.
AndIser
vedev
ery
oneaswewer
e
i
nAndi
l
e'sof
fi
cenow.
Andi
l
eandIwat
chedt
hem eatashesmi
l
edat
me.
Me:
Iwasr
eal
l
ywor
ri
edabouty
ourdad.
Andi
l
e:Iwast
oo,
buthei
sast
rongmanl
i
keme.
Andthanky
ouf orcomforti
ngmyf ami
lyand
or
ganisi
ngfoodforthem aswell.Youhave
pr
oventobeagooddaught er
-inlawandwife.
Il
aughandheki
ssesmycheek.
.
..
..
TREMAI
N
It
'sthenextmorni
ngandIam int
heoffi
ceas
Leil
acomeswi t
hmyl unchandsi
tsacr
ossme.
Me:
DoIhav
eanymeet
ingst
hisaf
ter
noon?
Lei
l
a:Nosi
r.Andy
oursi
sterhassentt
hisl
unch.
Me:
ThankgoodnessIwasf
ami
shed.
Shesmi
l
edf
aint
lyandIl
ookather
.
Me:
Whati
sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Lei
l
a:Imissmyf
ami
l
y,mysi
bli
ngs.Ij
ustmi
ss
myfamil
y.
Me:
Iam sorr
yift
hisr
emindedyouofyour
f
amil
y.Sodon'
tyouhaveanyfami
lyl
eft
?
Me:
Idohav
eanuncl
ebutt
heyar
einMexi
co.
Me:
Soy
oual
lal
one.
?
ShenodsandIf
eel
sor
ryf
orher
.
Me:Youcancomeandhangoutwi t
hmeand
mysist
ertoni
ghtf
ordi
nner
.it
'sourmov
ieni
ght
t
oni
ght.
Lei
l
a:Tr
emai
nIdon'
twantt
oint
rude.
ISmil
easIhearhowsweet
lymynamer
oll
sout
ofhert
ongue.
Me;
Don'tworr
y.YoumyguestandIdon'
tl
ike
t
heideaofy
oubeingal
one.
Shelooksatmewit
hhesi
tat
ionbutagr
eesat
l
astandISmile.
Me:
Iwi
l
lpi
cky
ouupon7pm
Lei
l
a:Ok,
Thanky
ouMrKani
.
Chur
chr
ebel
31
LEI
LA
I
tis6pm andIam get
ti
ngready
.Ibathandaf
ter
thewhol
eprocessIwearmyredlackey
under
wear.
Iwearablackminiski
rtandabl ackl
ackeycr
op
topthathasfl
ower
scov eri
ngmyboobs..I
brai
dmyhai ri
ntot
opony tail
sthenputonabit
ofmakeupandwearmyki cks.
.
Itakeoutmyphonefrom t
hechar
gerandhead
downstair
swhereIpackafewsnacksand
beforeIknowI
tis7pm andmydoorbellr
ings.
"
Suchpunct
ual
i
ty!Gent
leman"
Iopent
hedoorandhest
andst
her
egawki
ngat
me.
Me:
MrKani
.
Tr
emai
n:Pl
easej
ustcal
lmeTr
emai
n.
Me:
Ok.
Ial
l
owhi
minandl
eadhi
mtoachai
r.
Me:
Ijustneedt
ogetmybagsi
r.
Hel
ooksatmewi
tht
hat"
Don'
tcal
lmesi
rlook"
Me:Icannothel
pit
.it
'si
nmynat
uret
obe
submissi
ve.
ISmil
eandruntomyroom wher
eIt
akeone
fi
nal
lookatmysel
fandIt
akemybag.
Ihavedonequi
teal
otofresearchaboutZoeso
Iknowwhatandwhatnotsay,Howt oact.
IgetbacktoTr
eyandwedri
vetoahuge
mansion.i
t'
sanicev
int
agebutmoder
nhouse
aswell.
Wewal
kinandheopenst
hedoor
.
Asweent
erIhearsoundscomi
ngf
rom i
nsi
de.
Il
ookatTr
emai
nwhosmi
l
esatme.
Tr
ey:
Iti
spr
obabl
yZOEandherf
ri
endBr
ianhe
i
sgay.
Me:
Ihadbr
oughtaf
ewsnacks.
Trey:
Okayhandthem overIwi
l
lputt
hem i
na
bowlthenwecanjoi
nthem.
Hedoest hatandIseehi
sfaceli
ght
enupfor
thefi
rstt
imeHei sinhi
sblackj
eansandanavy
bluesweater.
Heleadsmetoahugedar kroom andhetell
s
mei ti
sani
nhousecinemar oom andtheyal
l
usuall
ywat
chmoviestogethert
here.
Wewal
kinandbot
hZoeandherf
ri
endl
ookat
me.
Shei
smuchmor ebeaut
if
ult
hanIt
hought.He
l
ongcur
lyhai
randbiggr
een/
browneyes.
Shelooksnothi
ngli
keTremai
n,theyonl
yhave
thesameeyes.butTremai
nlooksmorewhit
e
thanshedoes.
Igreetandshest
andupwear
ingaShor
tand
braonly.
ZOE:
Hey
.YoumustbeTr
ey'
sP.
Ari
ght
?Lei
l
a.
Inodandshesmi
l
es.
ZOE:Chil
lhet
oldmeev er
ything.Youcanjust
consi
dermeasy ourOl
dersister.Comehere.
Shel eadsmet oacouchwher ewebot hsi
tand
themov i
estart
s.iti
sahorrormov i
esoWeal l
startscreamingespeci
all
yBrian,hekeepson
holdingont oTreyandwe'veallbeenlaughi
ng
athim.
Af
tert
hemov
ieendswesi
tandal
lofust
alk.
Br
ian:
Lei
l
atel
lusabouty
our
sel
f.
Iswal
lowandchunkofsali
vaandlookat
Tremainwhohasn'
ttakenhi
seyesoffme.
Me:Wel lIwasborninGermanybutIam
ori
ginal
l
yf r
om Mexico..Iam Lei
l
aAldri
chandI
havebeenst udy
ingLit
erat
ureinEngl
andmy
f
atherhadgotmethebestschoolt
her
e.Iam
t
helastbor
nbutIanowanor phan.
If
eel
myt
ear
spour
ingdownf
rom mycheeks.
Me:Ihaveal
waysbeenawayf rom homesoI'
d
consi
dermysel
fasthewildone.Si
nceIhave
al
wayshadtostayalone.
ZOE:OhSorryLeil
awedidn'tmeantoupsetyou.
Okayli
stenf
orgetaboutal
l t
hatl
et'
stal
kabout
somethi
ngelse.Anyboyfr
iend?Cr
ush?
Il
ookatTremai
nwhohassuddenl
ylookedat
mewithsomuchcur
iosi
ty.
Me:
Idohav
eaboy
fri
end.
Il
iet
othem becausei
twi
l
lcomei
nhandywi
th
Zoe.
Me:Heisabitol
dert
hanIam,hei
sanI .
TGeek
whoisworki
ngasaComputerSci
ent
istatt
he
moment.
Il
ookatt
hem andf
akeanupsetf
ace.
Br
ian:
Youdon'
tseem happyt
hough,
why
?
Me: Heisoldersohetendst obemor e
protect
iveandaggressi
ve.Hel i
kesbeingin
controli
nallt
hingsandfranklyt
hatscaresme
.Hei soutoftownsoImanagedt obehere
today.Imeanhadheseenmewi ththese
clot
hesthen..
..
ZOElookatmewi
thdi
sgustandIsl
owl
ysmi
l
e
onthesi
de.
ZOE:
Then?Whathappens?
ISmil
eint
hei
nsi
de."
Yesy
ouhav
etouched
her
!"
Me:
Not
hing.I
t'
spr
ett
ylat
eIshoul
dgetgoi
ng.
Tr
ey:
Iwi
l
ltakey
ouhomecome.
Isaymygoodbyesast
heyhugmeandwal
k
behi
ndTremai
nwi t
hmyheadhanged.
"
Nicemov
eLei
l
a"Isayt
omy
sel
f.
.
.
..
..
.
ZOE
Leil
aseemedt obescaredofherboyfri
endand
honestl
ythatalarmedme.Herey est
hought hey
hadsomet hingoffaboutthem andIcouldn'
t
fi
gureoutwhati twas.Ihopeshedoesn'tdrag
Treyinherthingsorcauseanyhar mtoher .
Af
tert
heyl
eav
eBr
ianandIl
ookateachot
her
.
Me:
Arey
out
hinki
ngwhatIam t
hinki
ng.
Br
ian:
Idon'
tgett
hisgi
rlshei
scol
d.Whoi
sthi
s
gi
rl
?
Me:Iwon'
tall
owhert ohurtordragTr
eyi
nto
herper
sonal
issues.ButIcert
ainl
ywantt
o
knowmoreaboutthisBoyfri
end.
Bri
an:Shewasl
yi
ngtousZoewear elawy
ers
andyoucoul
dseeherbodyl
anguage.
Me:Yesshewassi ncer
ewhenshewast al
ki
ng
aboutherfami
ly.butassoonasshespoke
aboutherboyf
ri
endshechanged,shewas
cry
ingbuttherewasnoemot i
on.Herey
es
weren'
tconsist
entandshewasplayi
ngwit
hher
fi
ngersavoi
dingeyecontact
.
Bri
an:
Didyouseet
hesl
i
ghtsmi
l
esandsmi
rks.
Shewassmug.
Me: Youareri
ght
.Weneedt oi
nvest
igat
ethis
girl
andtheeyesIcan'
thel
pbutsaythey
resembleEri
c'
seyesbutEr
icandhisfamil
yare
ali
ve.
Br
ian:
Soy
out
hinkt
her
emi
ghtbeaconnect
ion?
Me:
Iti
spossi
ble.Weneedt
oinv
est
igat
e.
Isitt
hereandthi
nkoft
hisgi
rl
.Ihopeshei
snot
l
yingtousforherowngoodbecauseIwi
ll
not
spareher.
.
..
..
.
LI
THA
Myl
awyerandIgoovert
helastbr
ief
ingf
or
t
omorr
ow'scaseandhel
ooksatme.
MrThompson: ZoeKani i
samachi neandshe
doesn'
ttakeabuseli
ghtl
ysojustknowshewill
giv
eusahar dti
me.Af ewhoursagoshe
postedapostsayi
ngshewaswat chingamovi
e
meaningshedoesnotmeananybr iefi
ng,
I
knowhowcr azysheisincour
t.
Me:Ihav
ewat chedhercourtcasesjustt
osee
herandyouareri
ghtbutwehav etotryatleast
.
Orwecouldjustgi
veintotheirdemands.
Thompson:Evenso,
shewill
giveusahar
dtime
ZOEKANIisinsaneMrRadebeandyouwil
lsee
thatoncey
ouincourtwi
thher.
Welookateachot
herandIgul
peddownmy
whi
skey.
.
..
...
ANDI
LE
Iwassobusyatworkt
hatIdi
dn'
tgett
imet
o
eatasIhadani
ghtshi
ft
.
Ifi
rstcheckedonmydadandhehadalready
regai
nedconsciousnessandwasnoweati
ng
andimpr ovi
ng.
Af
terhesl
eptIwentt
omyof fi
cewher
eIf
ound
al
unchti
nwithanoteat
tachedoni
t.
"Iknowyougett
oobusyandf orgetfoodsoI
broughtt
hisf
oryou.Icookedforyouwithso
muchl ov
eandIhopeev er
ybit
et ast
esli
keme.
-
YourMi
ssKani
"
Il
aughandopenthelunchti
nandthearoma
cat
chesmyat t
ent
ion.Isi
tdownandeat.Wow!
-
Shecanreal
l
ycook.Herfoodisdel
ici
ous.
Ieatandf
ini
shi
t.
Ri
ghtaf
tert
hatIcal
lher
.
Sheanswer
sinasl
eepyv
oice.
ZOE:
H..
ey.
Me:Sleepi
ngal
ready
?Ithoughty
ouwoul
dbe
upprepari
ngf
oryourcase.
ZOE:MrRhonqoIdon'tdol
astminut
e
pr
eparat
ionst
hati
sfrom amateur
s.
Il
aughathowshei
sarr
ogantandconf
ident
whenitcomest
oherj
ob.
Me:-
Well
letmenotdist
urbyourbeaut
ysl
eep.I
j
ustwant
edtothankyouforthel
unchandYou
ar
eagreatcook.Thankyou.
Zer
o:Pl
easur
e.Goodni
ghtbaby
.
Me:
Goodni
ghtBaby
.Il
oveYOU.
Ihangupandcommencewi
thmywor
katt
he
hospi
tal
.
.
..
..
..
.
ERI
C
Iam l
yi
nginmybedi nthatpri
soncel
lasmy
phoneri
ngs.YesIgotmyselfaphoneher
e
si
nceIhavestar
tedmakingconnecti
onsher
e.I
cal
lLei
laandsheanswers.
Me:
Howdi
ditgo?
Lei
la:Isoldt
hem t
heabusestor
yandt
hey
boughtit.WeinBr
otherwei
n.
Il
aughandIhearhercr
ying.
Me:
Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
Lei
la:
Imi
ssevery
one.NowIam al
lal
one.You
al
soonpr
ison.
Me:Every
thi
ngwil
lbeOkaydon'
twor
ry.Iwi
l
lbe
outsoonandyouwil
lst
aywit
hme.
Wecont
inuet
alki
ngt
il
lshehangsus.
.
..
..
..
TREMAI
N
Il
iedowninbedtossingandturni
ng.Iknow
howlosi
ngyourparentsf
eelsli
ke.
Iam notKat
eandMrKani
'
sbi
ologi
cal
son.
Katei
smymom' ssi
sterandtheyf
eel
inl
ove
wit
hblackguy
swhower efr
iends.
MyMom el
opedwi
thmydadj
ustLi
keKat
e,
Zoe'
smom di
d.
WhenIwasbor nwewer eall
li
vingt ogether
.But
myparentsdi
edinacaracci dent .AndZoe's
par
entsbecamemi neasy ouall cansee.No
onespeaksaboutt
hatbutIst il
lthinkaboutit
andIknowtheyall
st i
l
l dobuttheydon' twantto
hur
tmesot heydon'ttalkaboutit.
Eversi
ncet
heydiedIhaveneverbeent
hesame,
Thecri
meli
febecamemysol aceasIgrew
ol
derandIi
sol
atedmy sel
falot.
ZOEhasalwaysbeentheonetof
ull
y
underst
andmeandshehasalwaysbeen
prot
ecti
veaboutme.Sheact
edandstil
ldoes
actl
ikeamothertomewhenwear etoget
her.
Tomorrowisthei
rdeathanniv
ersar
yandusual
ly
youseethesadnessinmyf amil
ybutt
heynever
speakabouti
texceptZoe.
Ist
ayupal
lni
ghtandon12am Mom(
Kat
e)cal
l
s
me.
AndIknowshehasbeecr
ying.
Me:
Mom Hey
.
Shebr
eaksdownandIt
oo.
Me:Iknowwhyyoucal
led.Mom Imissyou.
TodayIknowIwoul
d'
vesleptonyourl
apand
haveyouatt
endt
omet hewholeday.
Mom: Imi ssyouTr ey
.Weonl yhaveaweekl eft
thenIwil
l bebackandwecangot othe
cemetery.List
enmyboy .Todayy ouhav etobe
thestr
ongestokay .Don'
tall
owy ourselftof
all
apartMiawoul dn'
twantthat.Iwil
lgivethe
phonetoy ourdad.
Dad:
Tremai
n.
Hecr
iesandIdot
oo.
Dad:Luzukoaskedmet orai
sey ouupasmy
ownandy esIdidThatandyouhav etrul
y
becomemyson.Iknowy oumisst hem andwe
wil
lneverrepl
acethem butj
ustknowt hatyour
par
entsaresti
l
lali
veandthatisus.Wear
eyour
par
ents,
Wedon' tevenconsi
deryouas
someoneelse'
schil
d.WeLov eyou.
Icr
yandtheyspeaksomemoreandmom does
whatshedoesever
yyearwhi
chi
ssingi
ngme
l
ull
abi
es.
ZOEent
ersmyroom andsl
eepsr i
ghtnextto
me.Shehushesmetil
lIam peacef
ull
ysleepi
ng.
32
ZOE
Ithasbeenamont hofal ongbutv i
ctori
ous
courtcase.IwonSiphokazi'
scaseandshegot
Herjusti
ce.Mom anddadwer enowbackand
apparentl
yIam goi
ngt obeanol dersist
er
again.
Treyhasbeenr
ecover
ingfr
om hi
ssadnesshe
decidedt
ogofort
herapynow.
Iam si
tt
ingatmybal
conyandmyphoner
ings.
Me:
Bri
andi
dyouf
indany
thi
ng?
Bri
an:
Shedoesn'thav eaboy f
riendbabehas
beenl
yingaboutthat.Butt
her estisamyster
y
myguysarestil
li
nv est
igat
ing.
Me:Thisgir
lhaswarmedherwaywit
hTr ey.
Theyhavebeenspendingmoret
imetogether
.
MyBabybr ot
herhasbeenthr
oughsomuchhe
doesn'
tneedallt
his.
Br
ian:
IknowandIdon'
ttr
ustt
hisgi
rl
.
Me:
Wewi
l
ltal
klat
erIneedt
ogo.
AssoonasIhangupAndi
l
ecal
l
sme.
Andi
l
e:HeyAdv
ocat
eKani
.
Me:
Doct
orRhonqo.
Andi
l
e:MayIt
akey
ououtt
oni
ghtf
ordi
nner
?
Me:Ofcourse.Wehaven'
tbeenoutforawhi
le
now.Icoul
ddowithsomef r
eshairandgood
company.
Andi
l
e:Iwi
l
lpi
cky
ouupat7:
30pm.
Me:
OkayIwi
l
lbewai
ti
ng.
Andi
l
e:Il
oveYou.
Me:
Ilov
eYou.
Webot hhangupandIgot omymom whoi s
rest
ingherfeetondadandrest
ingherheadon
Tremain.
Me:Mom Ithi
nky
ouar
eexpl
oit
ingt
hemenof
t
hishouse.
Theyal
ll
aughandMom shakesherhead.
Mom: Theyof
fer
edandany
wayIt
akecar
eof
t
hem allt
heti
meit'
smytur
n.
Isi
tdownandl
ookatbot
hoft
hem.
Me:
Iwoul
dli
ket
otal
kwi
thal
lofy
ou.
Chl
oè:
Soundsser
ious.
Me:
Iti
s.
Theyal
ll
ookatme.
Me: Ididn'
twanttotel
lyouatfi
rstbecauseI
want edtobesure.Andi
leRhonqoandIar e
off
icial
lyseeingeachot
herandGodwi l
l
ingby
thenexty earwewouldli
ketogetmar r
ied
becausewedon' twanttodateforl
ongandend
upsinning.Andwear eabst
aini
ngtil
lmar r
iage
Dad.
IScant
hei
rfacesandt
heyal
ll
aughatme.
Dad:
YouknowIhaveal
waysknownt
haty
ou
twowoul
denduptoget
her
.
Me:
Hehasbecomemyr
edempt
iondad.
Mom:Itol
dy out
haty
ouwouldfi
ndsomeone
whowouldbecomeyourr
edempti
on.Someone
whowil
ldri
veall
thef
earandpai
naway.
Chl
oè:
-Wow!I
twasexpect
ed.
Trey
:Iknewt heywouldendupt ogether
.They
al
way susedtofightdel
i
berat
elyjusttotal
kto
eachother.
.
Theyl
augh.
Me:Chl
oècomewit
hmeweneedt
ochoosean
out
fi
twearegoi
ngoutt
oni
ght
.
Chl
oè:
Cool
.
Il
ookatMom andDadwhonodandwehead
upst
air
s.
Assoonaswei
nmyr
oom Il
ookatChl
oè.
Me:
Sohowar
ethi
ngswi
thSi
seko?
Shest
utt
ersandl
ooksdown.
Me: Iknowy ouguy
saredat
ing.Justbecar
eful
.
Chloè,ifDadfi
ndsouthewi
llbreakyout
iny
body.
Shenodsandwepr
oceed.
IShoweranddomymakeup, thoughtiti
s
natural
andwepickadarkbrowndr ess.I
tis
shortandopennott
ight
.Ithasanopenbackas
wellasanopeni
nginbetweenmybr east
s.
Ist
rai
ghtenmyhairandl
eti
tfal
ltotheot
her
si
de.Iputonsomeduskybr
ownl i
psti
ckand
wearmyduskybrownpenci
lheel
s.
Iputonmyaccessor
iest
henpackmyback.
Chl
oè:
Youl
ookbey
ondbeaut
if
ul.Wow!
-Zoe.
WehugandwehearAbdil
e'
svoi
cedownst
air
s
andIhearmymom cal
l
ingmedown.
Bot
hChloèandImakeitdownst
air
sandbot
h
DadandTremai
nstar
twhist
li
ng.
Andi
l
edoesn'
ttakehi
sey
esof
fmet
il
lIgett
o
hi
m.
Andi
l
e:Youl
ookl
ovel
y.
ISmi
l
eandDadl
aughs.
Dad:
Khani
hambeni
naTshi
!(JUSTGOj
eez)
HEl
aughsaf
tersay
ingsoandweGO.
.
Wedr
ivet
oar
est
aur
ant.Andwhenweget
therewesett
ledowni nourtabl
eandthecor
ner
sinceiti
sabi
tdarkerandithasaromanti
c
setti
ng.
Wesi
tdownandor
der.
Andil
e:Youl
ooksosexyr
ightnowIf
eel
li
ke
taki
ngyouatthi
smoment.
ISmi
l
eandhehol
dsmyhand.
Andi
le:Zoe,Ifeel
thatiti
sfai
rthatyougett
o
knowmenow.Ihav edarkdesir
es,mydesir
es
andtasteissi
ngularandverypecul
i
ar.The
BDSM li
festy
leint
erestsme.
Iwi
denmygazeandhi
sey
esdar
kenashe
l
aughsatme.
Andil
e:Yes, Thewhole50shadesofpl easur
e.I
havealway sbeenint
erest
edi nthatwaybefore
thatmov i
epoppedout .Asaper sonwhowas
alwaysinterest
edi
nmedi cine.Iusedtodoal ot
ofresearchaboutthesekindsofthingsandthe
psychologicali
mpact.
Me:
Sowhatar
eyousay
ing?
Andill
e:Ify
oudon'tmindIwoul dlov
etohave
thatwithyou.Iwanttoenjoyal
l ofy
ouand
explorebeyondthi
s.Star
ti
ngf r
om now.
Me:
Now?
Andi
l
e:Takey
ourpant
iesof
f.
Il
aughoutl
oudbutIr
eal
i
zehei
sser
ious.
Me:
Arey
ouf
orr
eal
?Her
e?
HEnodsandIl ookathim andhegivesmean
assuringsmileasIslowlytakemypantiesoff
.
Aftertheyareoffhestret
cheshishandf or
ward
andt akesthem andheslipsthem i
ntohis
pocket .
Me:
Thi
sissouncomf
ort
abl
e.
Andi
l
e:Youwi
l
lgetusedt
oit
.
Weconti
nuewit
hourdinnerandaft
ert
hatwe
t
aketheel
evat
orthet
hedowngr oundpar
king
l
ot.
HEpull
smebackandt
hesepeopl
est
andi
n
f
rontofus.
HEslowlytr
aceshi
sfingerupmythighsandI
suddenl
ypushedmyt hi
ghsopenabitasIam
whimperi
ngandshiv
er i
ngheinser
tstwofi
nger
s
andIjumpupnotwant i
ngtomoan.Hesmi l
es
andwinksatme.
Ireal
l
ywasn'tawareAndi
lehadi
nt erestsin
suchthi
ngs.Buti
tfel
tgood,t
hethr i
l
l ofthose
peopler
eali
zi
ngwhatwewer edoing.
Whenwegett hecarwedr
iveofashebrushes
mycl
itandli
stenstomemoanandhei nsert
s
hi
sfi
ngersagain.

Thisbyfarasbeenthemostexcitingdayand
thefi
rstexper
ienceofsuchthr
il
li
ngf un.Andi
le
i
samy ster
ymanwhopopsupsur pr
isesandhe
knowswhatt oJUSTt odri
vemei nsanelynut
s
andmakesmewanthi m more.
33
ANDI
LE
Ibroughtherbackhomeandshesmi
l
edaswe
stoodatthedoor.
Zoe:Ihadagr
eatni
ght
.ThankyouAndi
l
efor
al
lowingmetobeapar
tofyourli
fe.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ngmeZoe.Thanky
ou.
Isawthegl
owandspar
kinherey
esasshe
smil
ed.
Wekissedandsai
dourgoodby
esaspar
ted
way
s.
Idrovetomyhousebutont
hewayIwas
stoppedbySkhumbaandhi
scr
ewstandi
ngon
theroadbl
ockingme.
Iknewtheywantedt
ost ar
tawarandIdon't
wanttokil
lany
onesoIt ur
nedandtookthe
otherwaytomyhouse.Iavoi
dfight
sbecauseI
knowmynat ur
e.Iam capabl
eofkil
l
inga
per
soni
nagr
uesomeway
.
WhenIgothomeIheadedt omyr oom andslept
butIcoul
dn'tsl
eepIfeltanxiousanduneasyso
IwOkeupandpr ayed,Iprayedalott i
llIf
elta
str
angeforcewashdownmybody .Ibeganto
speakintonguesandvividl
yIcouldseeabeast
comingmyway .
Iconti
nuedtoprayandwhenIcouldn'tcontai
n
my sel
fIgotoutofmyroom andenteredeach
room pray
ing.Iwentout
sideandrotatedthe
houseandIcameback.
Igoti
ntomybedandsatup.
Me: Lor
d,what
everhappensprotectmepl ease.
Iam myf ami
ly
'sst
rength.Ihav
ebr oughtZoe
redempti
onandsohasshe.
Isti
ll
haveal
ottodoforyou.Justgi
vemet
he
str
engtht
owit
hstandthetest.Amen.
Thatwasmyf
inal
pray
er.
Af
tert
hatIsl
eptsoundl
y..
.
..
..
ZOE
I
twasaSundaymorni
ngandIwasact
ual
l
y
happyt
ogotochur
ch.
IwOkeupandwashedmyfaceandbr
ushedmy
teet
hthenwentj
oggi
ng.
Ikeptmypacesteadyt
oday.Ir
anf
oraslongas
Icoul
d.Ist
oppedandheldontomykneesasI
breat
hedheavi
l
y.
"Havesomewat erMissKani.
"Hisvoiced
echoed.Il
ookedupandhel ookedeffort
lessl
y
beauti
ful
,yesbeaut
if
ul!Hi
sdreadlockswer e
ti
edbackandhi sey
eswer esquint
ed.Hisbig
bodydippedinsweat.
Me:
You'
vest
art
edst
alki
ngmeMrRhonqo.
ANDI
LE:WhatcanIsay,
yourscentmakesi
t
i
mpossi
blef
ormet oJUSTsitback.
Ilaughandsplashhim wi
thwat
erandIst
art
running,her
unsbehindmeandbecauseheis
veryfasthecatchesmeandswingsmearound.
Me:Wehavet
ogotochurch,
let
'sgoback
homeI
'l
lseey
ouatchur
ch.
ANDILE:Thi
sismyf i
rsttimeseei
ngy
out
his
ent
husiast
icaboutchurch.
Me:
Aft
eral
lIhav
echanged.
Webothlaughaswerunbackandhel
eav
esme
atmyhouseandIruni
nsi
de.
Igost
rai
ghtt
omyr
oom andt
akeashower
.
Iwearmykneelengthor
anget
ightdr
esswi
th
brownbl
ockheels.
Ist
rai
ght
enedmyhai
randt
iedi
tupi
ntoa
messybunny
.
Ideci
det
obenat
ural
andpackmyt
hingsi
nmy
bagandmakemydownst
air
s.
Imakebr
eakf
astf
orev
ery
oneandt
hey
gr
adual
l
ycomeasIpr
epar
ethedi
ningt
abl
e.
Idi
shupf
orev
ery
oneandweeat
.
Dad:
Zoey
oupr
eachi
ngf
ort
heof
fer
ing.
Iwi
denmygazeandIr
eal
i
zehei
sser
ious.
Me:
Whyme?
Dad:Iwasinst
ruct
edbyt
hehol
yspi
ri
t
yest
erday
.
Me:
Whoa!Whatwi
l
lusay
?Whati
fIbl
ackout
?
Dad:Youwon'
t,j
ustt
api
ntoyourspi
ri
tual
i
ty
andall
owyour
sel
ftobev
ulner
abletoGod.
Iswall
owt hefoodandsuddenl yl
osemy
appeti
te.Idr
inkwaterthent akemyphoneand
headtomyr oom whereIcl osemyey esand
stut
terbefor
eIpray..Iprayandgot omybible
appwher eIfi
ndaverset henr eadi
t.Imedit
ate
onit.
Weal
ldr
ivet
ochur
chandt
heser
vicest
art
s.
Chloèsi
ngsmyf av
or i
tesong."Fil
lmeup"by
TashaCobbs.Thewhol echurchfi
ll
supand
somethingunusualhappenst omy .If
eela
forcet
hatIhavenev erexperi
encedwashdown
mybody .If
eelbrand-newandsuddenl yIam
prayi
ngintongues.
Ikneeldownsuddenl
yfeel
heati
nmybel
l
yandI
cryoutloudl
y.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Thanky
ouLor
dforwor
kingi
nher
.
Shei
ssl
owl
ybei
ngr
epai
redandr
est
ored.
Whenwehav eall
calmeddownt heyannounce
sheispreachi
ngfortheoff
eringandISmi le.
Shewalkstothepulpit
.Iwatchhowhert iny
bodymov estothefr
ont.Shet ur
nsaroundandI
seeglor
yonherhead.
Shei
sanoi
nted.Shesmi
l
esandgr
eet
s.
Zoe:
Iwoul
dli
keust
oopenJohn3:
16.
Andwhatshedoesaft
ert
hatshocksmet
othe
poi
ntwher
eIstandup.
Zoe:Isurrenderal
ltoy
ou.Ev
ery
thi
ngIgi
vet
o
you.Withholdi
ngnothi
ng.
Hersweetvoi
ceechoes,sheact
ual
l
ysi
ngs
muchbettert
hanChloè.
Il
ookatherandshepr
eaches.
Weof
fert
hent
heser
moncont
inues.
34
ERI
C
Lei
l
acameal
ongwi
thSkhumba.
Me:Howar
eyouLeil
a?Doy
ouev
eneat
?You
l
ooksopal
eri
ghtnow.
I
'
llaskMom t
odr
opbyandseey
ou.
Lei
la:Whati
ftheyseehercomi
ngt
omy
apart
ment.
Me:
You'll
makeanexcuseandIknowthem Zoe
i
sprobabl
yconv
incedy
ouareLeil
aAldr
ich.
Isi
ghandnod.
Skhumba:ThatANDILEhastotal
lytakenov er
yourwoman.Theyarealwaystogether.Their
parent
sknownowandsagehasst artedgoing
tochurchof
ten.Shehaschanged.
Me:Zoe?Andil
ecan'thaveherbecausesheis
mine.Iwon'
tal
lowthat.AndbecauseIhave
beenbehavi
ngImightbeoutsooneronpar ol
e.
Lei
l
a:-
Real
l
yBr
other
?
Me:Yessi
s,andwhenIdoIwi
l
lper
sonal
l
ytake
car
eofyou.
ShesmilesbutIseeherchangeinher.That
for
cethathadbeendrivi
nghertoti
llnow
seemstohav evani
shed.
Wetal
kfurt
herandIi
nst
ructSkhumbat
odo
somet
hingforme.
Af
tert
hatt
heyl
eav
e
.
..
..
.
ZOE
Mydadi nv
itedt
heRhonqo'
sov
erf
orl
unchat
ourhouse.
AndnowChloè,
Mom andIwerepr
epar
ingt
he
di
ningt
abl
eandset
ti
ngitup.
Af
ter10Minut
eswewer
eseat
edandANDI
LE
wassit
ti
ngacr
ossme
Mom:ThankyouAndil
efort
aki
ngcar
eofour
Zoei
nourabsence.
ANDI
LE:
Noneedt
othankmeMa'
am.
MrsRhonqo:
AndhowwasAmer
ica?Howi
s
Amber?
Mom: AmericawasgoodIlovedit.AndAmber
hasrecoveredshehadali
ttleHeartoper
ati
on
butwhenwel ef
tshewasrecoveri
ngandsince
thatIhear
dshehasbeenr ecoveri
ng.
DAD:Rhonqo,uy
ivi
lei
ntoyaZoenoAndi
l
e.(Mr
RhonqodidyouhearaboutZoeandANDILE"
Everyonearoundthetabl
estar
tedl
aughi
ngand
tal
ki
ngf unnysoundsandAndil
eandIwere
feel
ingalit
tl
eembarrassed.
MrRhonqo: Ihear
d,uAndi
l
etol
dmehi
s
i
ntent
ions.Andevery
thi
ng.
Andi
le:EweTata,withyourblessi
ngsofcour
se
Iwouldlovetomarryherbynexty ear
.My
car
eerhasbeenset t
ledandbynexty earIwi
ll
bemor ethancapabl
etot akecareofherand
myfami l
y.Iwanttogiv
ehert hestabi
li
ty.
Tr
emai
n:Ihearweddi
ngbel
l
sal
ready
.
Dad:Idon'
thaveapr oblem Andi
l
e.Ift
hebot h
ofyouloveeachotherandy ouknowyouwant
tospendtherestofyourli
vestoget
herthen
whoam Itostandiny ourwaybutyouwi l
lhav
e
toprayabouti
t.
Webot
hnod.
AndAndi
l
e'sl
i
ttl
esi
sterLooksatme.
Li
hle:
Howdoy
ougetsuchl
onghai
r
ISmi
l
eatherandwel
augh.
Me: ThereasonwhyIhavesuchlonghairi
s
becauseIam color
ed.Youcanseemymom i s
awhi t
epersonandmydaddyi sablackperson.
SothatiswhyIam color
ed.
ShenodsandISmi
l
e.
Il
ookatAndil
easIslowl
ytr
acemydooronhis
l
egupt ohi
sdickandheshi
ft
sonhischai
rand
Tremainl
aughsabi
twhenhereal
i
zeswhatIam
doing.
Aft
erlunchtheybi
dfar
ewel
landTr
emai
nandI
dothedishes.
Trey:
Youreal
lyinl
ove.Ihav
enev
erseeny
ou
thi
shappyinages.
Me:HemakesmehappyTr
ey.If
eel
compl
ete
wi
thhi
m.
Tr
ey:
Iam happyf
ory
ouBi
gSi
s.
Il
ookathi
m andsmi
l
e.
Me:
Howi
sther
apy
?
Trey
: Verygood.Ihavereali
sedal otofthings.I
am fort
unatethatIdi
dn'tl
osemypar ents.I
meanMom andDadar emypar entsnotmy
uncl
eandaunt .Andtheyhav enevertreatedme
l
iketheirNephewsoIam f or
tunate.
Me:Thatisbecauseyoumostt hei
rNephew
anymore.Thedayofyourparents'
demiseisthe
daytheyadopt
edy ouandthatwill
neverchange
Baby.Sogethelpsoyoucangetov ert
hisand
behappy.
Wehugandcont
inuet
alki
ngwhi
l
edoi
ngt
he
di
shes.
.
..
..
.
BRI
AN
SoIam si
tt
ingatt
her
est
aur
antwai
ti
ngf
ortme
orderandLei
laent
ersaccompaniedby
Skhumba!What!?WhyisshewithHim?Coul
d
therebeaconnect
iontoEri
caft
erall
.
Iqui
ckl
ytakepi
ctur
esandaskthewai
tert
o
packmyfoodas.Atakeaway.
Whatthehellist
hisgi
rldoi
ng?Whatar
eher
i
ntent
ions.IneedtospeaktoZoe.
.
Igetmyf
oodandl
eav
e.
.
..
..
.
BREE
Tremainhasbeencol
deversi
nce,
Idon'tknow
whatiswrongwit
hhim.HEdoesn'
ttal
kt ome
anymorenordoeshecometome.
I
sheper
hapscheat
ingonme.
Ineedtofi
ndoutbecauseIcan'
taffor
dtohave
hi
ml eavemeespeci
all
ynowt hatIam pr
egnant
.
.
..
..
.
LEI
LA
Whati swrongwit
hme?WhydoIsuddenl y
careaboutwhathappenstoTreyinhi
sli
fe.HE
kil
ledmyf amil
ybutIcar
esomuch!Ihavebeen
reasoningandmakingexcusesf
orwhathedid
andwhyhedi dit.
Il
ookatmy sel
finthemir
rorIhaven'tbeen
eat
ingbecauseIhavebeenstressed.
Spendingti
mewi thhim hasmademer eali
ze
thatheisnotwhatIthoughthewas.HEi snota
monster!NO!Hei salostboywhohaslosthis
parent
satat enderage.HEcaresaboutpeopl
e,
hisemployeesareli
kefamilyt
ohim.
HEloveshi
sfamil
yandwoul
ddoanyt
hingf
or
them,andme.HEhasbeent
aki
ngcar
eofme
andhasbeenmyfriend.
Ican'
ttel
lEri
coruncl
eRonaldothatIam havi
ng
secondthought
s.Ir
eal
lycan'
t.Theywil
lkil
lme
andcallmeweak.
Inev
erintendedt
ofal
lfort
hesamemanwho
hascausedmesomuchpai nbytaki
ngmy
fami
ly.
Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo.
35
ZOE
It
'sMondayandIam inmyoff
icebusywi
thmy
cl
ientasIhearaknockont
hedoor.
Me:
Comei
n.
BRI
ANwal
ksi
nwi
thf
oll
owedbyBr
ee.
Me:Guyspl
easewai
tinmyrest
ingroom Iwill
j
oinyounowIhav
etofini
sht
hiswit
hmycl ient.
TheynodandIcont
inuewi
thMrSt
evenson.
Aft
erourmeet i
ngisadjour
nedIcheckmydiar
y
andt her
eisnomor emeeti
ngti
lll
atersoIgot
o
myr esti
ngroom andf
indBRIANandBr ee
snackingonmysnacks.
Me:BRIANyounevereatthi
smuchunless
somethi
ngi
sbotheri
ngy ou.Sowhat
'swrong?
BRI
AN:
Lei
l
aismypr
obl
em.
Me:
Didy
ouf
indany
thi
ng?
HEhandsmeov
eranenv
elopeandIopeni
t.
Therearepict
uresofLeil
aandSkhumbaatt
he
rest
aurant
,thengoingtothepr
ison.
Thentherear
epict
uresofEr
ic'
smom goi
ngt
o
herapart
ment.
Me:
WhatThe.
.!
SoIwasright
!Ther
eisaconnect
ionbet
ween
Er
icandt
hisLeil
agi
rl
.
Br
ee:
Ihav
etheanswer
stoal
lyourquest
ions.
Bot
hBRI
ANandILookatherandshet
alkedout
afi
l
e.
Br
ee:
Isuspectedt
hatTreywascheat
ingonme
wi
tht
hisgi
rlbutwhatIf
oundwasbeyond.
Me:
Whatdi
dyouf
indBr
ee?
Bree:Thisgirl
'sr
ealnamei sLeil
aBlanco
Saint'
Mar i
no,sheisCarli
toSaint
'Mari
no'
s
daught er
.Andknowi ngthatsheisCarl
it
o's
offspr
ingt el
l
susev eryt
hingabouther
i
ntentions.
Igaspi
nshock
Br
ee:
Ther
eismor
e.Si
tdownZoe.
BRI
AN:
Ther
eismor
e!
Bree:
Shei
sEr
ic'
ssi
ster
.Theyshar
ethesame
fat
her.
Il
ookatBr
eeandst
artbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.
Me:Theywantt
oharm mybabybr
otherBr
ian.I
won'
tall
owthat
!NEVER!
Bree:Weneedtodeviseaplanonhowwewi l
l
exposeherwi
thoutTreygett
inghur
tbecause
wecan'tl
osehim andhisbabywil
lneedhim
too.
Iwi
denmygazeandgasp.
Br
ee:
YesIj
ustf
oundoutIwaspr
egnant
.
Il
ookatherandsmileasIhugher.Wow!We
wil
lhav
eababyTr ey
.Itwi
llf
eelt
hev oi
dinhi
s
l
if
eandhewi l
lhav
esomet hi
ngtoliv
efor.
.
..
.
LEI
LA
IwasinmyhouseasIwasn'
tfeeli
ngokay
.I
hear
dthedoorbel
lri
ngsoIhurr
iedtot
hedoor
whil
ezippi
ngmyjacket
.
Iwasmetbyabr oadsmi
l
e.Hewashere.Hi
s
bl
ueeyeslooki
ngatmeasIst
oodther
e
bewi
lder
ed.
Me:
Tremai
n!
Trey
:Ihear
dy ouweren'
tfeel
i
ngwellsoItooka
dayofft
otreatyouasyoudon'thav
eanyone.
Imovedasi
desohecouldenter.Il
edhimtothe
l
oungeaswebothsat.Isneezedrepeat
edl
y
andIwasnowl
ooki
ngpal
ewi
thar
ednoseand
puf
fyeyes.
Tremaincheckedmytemperatur
eandhewas
shockedabouthowhotmyt emperat
urewas.
Heledmet omyr oom andt
uckedmei n.
Tr
ey:
I'
ll
makey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
.
Hesay
st hatdi
sappeari
ngtotheKit
chenaftera
f
ewminut esheresur
facesf
rom t
heKitchen
wi
thatreyinhi
shands.
Hesit
snexttomeandhelpsmedr inkt
hesoon.
Ther
eandthenIlooki
ntohiseyesashefeeds
me.Howcant hi
smankill
anyone?Why ?Idon'
t
wanttobel
i
eveit.
Me:Whyarey
outaki
ngsomuchcar
eofme?I
am j
ustamer
eemployee.
Trey:Itreatmyempl oyeesli
kemyf amil
y.And
formyf ami lyIcandoanythi
ng.Icangot oany
extenttopr otectt
hem.Icanlaymyl i
fefor
them, Icanev enbaret
heirpainofpossi
ble.
Il
ookathimt r
yingtosearchfort
heevil
inhi
m
butIdon'
tfi
ndit.I
nsteadIseepuri
tyand
i
nnocence.
Me:
Iam sor
ryTr
ey.
Hel
ooksatmeast
oni
shed.
Tr
ey:
IknowLEI
LA.
Me:
Youknow?
Trey:
Iknowy ouareCarl
i
t o'
sdaughter
.AndI
underst
andt hatyouwantt otaker
evengeon
me.Iwillacceptanypunishmentbutdon'thur
t
anyofmyf ami l
ymember s.
Iwi
denmygazeandmov
ebackwar
ds.
Me;Whydidy oukillal
lofthem Tr
emai n?You
knowwhenIcameher eIwasdet erminedtoki
ll
youbutIcan't
.Yourkindnesshashinderedme
fr
om doi
ngt hat.Iwanttoknowwhyy oudi di
t.
Hepl
acest
het
rayasi
deandl
ooksatme.
Tr
ey:
Yourf
atherpoi
sonedmysi
sterandshe
almostlostherl i
fe.Thatenr agedmeandt rust
meIdi dn'twanttodoi tbutwhenev erIget
enragedIcangot oanyext entespeci
all
ywhen
i
tconcer nsmyf ami l
y .Especial
lyZoe!Icanki l
l
anyoneifr equi
red.Shehasbeenl i
keamot her
tomei nmostcases.Shehaspl ayedahuge
rol
einmyl if
ethatev enifshet ri
psandf all
sI
wouldcrackopenwhatev ercauseshert otri
p.
Il
ookathi
m al
readyi
ntear
s.
Me:Howdi
dyouknowIwasnotwhoIsai
dI
was.
Trey:BecauseIhaveseeny ouwithyourf amil
y
i
nmanyoccasi onsyoujustnev ersawmeI
guess.IalsoknowEr i
cisy ourbrother.The
sameguywhocausedmysi st
er'
smi scarri
age
andthesamemanwhobr okeherandl ef
ther
withsomanyscar s.
Hewipedhi
stearsandIcoul
dseehi
m get
ti
ng
enr
agedal
ready.
Trey
:Ididn'
tki
llhi
mf ormysist
er'
ssake.Iknow
shesti
llwoul
dfeelhurti
fsheheardhediedor
anyt
hinghappenedtohim.
Me: Iam sor ryf orl
y i
ngt oyouTrey .Likey ouI
am abeast .Acagedl ioness.AndwhenIf ound
outaboutmyf ami lyIwant edtokil
l yout her
e
andt henbutIwant edt otort
ureyouf irst
throughy ourf ami l
y,butaf t
erspendingt ime
withy ouIcoul dn'tgot hroughwithi t
.
Somet hi
ngi nsidemest oppedme.Myhear t
stoppedme.My ..Myf eeli
ngsstoppedmef or
thev eryfi
rsttime.Usual l
yIdon'tthinkt wice
beforekill
ingany onebutwi t
hyouIbat tl
edand
foughtwi thmy self
.
Hegotnearme.
Trey:Iknowy oul ovemeasmuchasIloveYou.
Ididn'
tplantof allf
ormyenemyespeci
all
yaf
ter
knowingy ourintenti
onsbutI
..
.
"
Buty
ouwhat
?"
Ashar
pvoi
cescr
eamedt
hrought
her
oom.
Tr
ey:
Bree.
.ZOE?
Me:
I..can.
.
ZOE:
Shutup!
Trey:
Zoe!Iknowever
ythi
ngandIwast
alki
ngt
o
herIknowwhyy ouar
ehere.
Br
ee:
Yousai
dyoul
ovedher.I
sitt
rue?
AssoonasTreynoddedshepul
l
edoutagun
andshothi
m..
ZOE:
What
!BREE!
Sher
anasfastasshecoul
dandZoer
anto
wher
eTreywaswhil
eIcall
edt
heambul
ance.
Af
tercal
l
ingt
heambul
anceIcal
l
edSkhu.
Me:
FindmeBr
ee.
.theTechgeek.
ZOEl
ookedatmeandatTr
ey.
Me:Weneedtost
optheblood.Ir
ant
omy
dr
awerandcamebackwit
hahugebandage.I
wr
appedi
tar
oundhi
m andt
iedi
tti
ght
ly.
Me:hol
dhi swoundandhel
pmegethi m
downstai
rstheambul
ancemightbehere
anyt
ime.
Shewascry
ingandpr
ayi
ngal
lthewayt
othe
hospi
tal
.
Whenwegott her
ewer anal
ongwiththe
paramedi
csastheypushedt
hestret
cherti
l
l we
reachedi
nsi
deandwewer etol
dtowaitoutsi
de.
Herfami
lycamer
ushi
ngi
nandt
heywer
eal
li
n
di
str
aught.
Ili
stenedt
othem pr
ayandcr
yaswewai
tedf
or
thedoctor
.
Twohour
slaterZoe'
sboy
fri
endemer
gedand
Zoer
antohim.
"
OhAndil
e!"Shecr
iedt
ohi
m andhehel
dher
i
ntohi
sbi
gar ms.
Mr
sKani
:Howi
she?Howi
smyson?
Andi
le:Wemanagedt oremov
edthebull
etit
wasrightnearhi
shear
tsowewerecareful
.
Nowev eryt
hingi
suptoGod.Hei
ssti
llcr
iti
cal
soanythi
ngcanhappennow.
I
nsteadofcr y
ingt heyallj
ointhandsandst ar
ted
prayi
ng.IDon' tknowwhyt hi
shappenedbutf or
theveryfi
rstti
meIpr ay
edwhi lstcr
ying
uncontrol
labl
y.Ihav eneverinmyl i
fefel
tthe
needtopr ayforsomeonebutbecauseIl ove
himthisismynov el
ty.
Ifeel
ahandonmyshoul derandasIsl
owly
openmywetey esImeetambereyesstar
ing
i
ntomywildhazeleyes.
"Hei
smysonandhei saf
ight
er.Hewil
lbe
Okaydon'
tworr
y."Shesmi
lesatmeandhugs
meandmywhol ebodyshakeswithpai
nasI
sobinherembr
ace.
ZOE:Stopcr
yingLeil
a,Tr
eywi
l
lbeOkay
.Ineed
tospeakwit
hy ou.
Shelooksatmeandhergreeneyessuddenl
y
sof
tensandhaveyel
l
owr i
ngsaroundthem.
Wemov
etot
hesi
de.
ZOE: Iam sorr
y,Iam r
eall
ysorry.Ihaver
eal
izes
thatTreylovesyou.Becauseifhedidn'
the
would'vekil
l
edy ouaft
erlear
ningthetrut
h
especial
lybecauseofyourint
entionsandhe
ri
skedhi sownlife.
Il
ookatherandsheopensherar
msandIhug
herasIcr
yinherar
ms.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
ZOEisbeingstrongforev eryoneandIam ev
en
af
rai
dtot el
lherthatanythingcanhappento
Tr
ey.Hislif
eistoocrit
ical butITr
ustGodwill
gi
vehim anotherchance.Iknowhewi ll
.
.
..
.
BREE
Ishothim!IShotTr
emain!Maxi
sgoingt
oki
l
l
mei fhelear
nsaboutt
his.Hewi
l
lki
ll
meand
mybaby .
Icl
osemyey
esasIr
esti
nmycar
'sst
eer
ing
wheel
.
ERI
C
Skhumbacametoseemeandheseemed
di
sappoi
nted.
Me:
what
'sup?
Skhumba:Leil
a.Shehaschangedhermi
ndshe
suddenl
ylovesTremai
n.
Me:Iknewthi
swoul
dhappened.Ronal
d
shoul
d'
vecometodeal
withthi
sguy.
Skhumba:Sheal
sot
oldZoethatyouher
brot
her
.Sherui
nedt
heenti
replan.
Me:Iwil
ldealwi
thher.Sheknewtherewoul
d
bereper
cussi
onsifshehadtodishonormy
dad'
smemor y.
Skhumba:
Sowhatshoul
dIdo?
Me: Iam bei
ngreleasedonpar ol
ethisFri
dayso
getmyhouseandcar sready.Gotot heweapon
room andcleanthegunst her
e.LeilaandZoe
will
havet opay.
Skhumba:
Okayboss.AndIt
hinkwehav
e
someonewhocanhelpuswi
ththi
s.
Me:
Who?
Skhumba:ThatTechGeekBREE.Shei
sa
fur
iousgi
rl
fr
iendatthemomentandcando
anythi
ngt
oset t
lescor
es.
Me: cont
actherandof
ferherapri
ze.Wewi
l
l
executethi
splanonFr
idayit
sel
f.
Skhumba:
ShoBoss.
36
ZOE
I
twasWednesdaymorni
ngandIwasgoi
ngto
bei
ncour
tforacoupl
eofhour
sthenI
'dbef
ree.
Inthemor ningasIwasget ti
ngr eadyIdeci ded
onabl acksui t
.Blackpants,whitev estandr ed
poloneckwi thablackcoatsincei twascol d.I
wor emybl ackHighheel bootsandpackedmy
case..It
iedmyhai rinaneatpony tail andmade
mymake- upasnat uralaspossible.It ookmy
courtcoatandmademywaydownst airswhere
everyonewasgat heredforbreakfast.Bot hmy
parentswer ereadyf orworkaswel l andChl oè
wasgoneal readysinceshehadmor ni ng
classes.
Me:
Goodmor
ningPar
ent
s.
Ismi
l
edasIpourmy
sel
fcof
fee.
Theygr
eet
edbackandIl
ookedatt
hem.
Mom:
What
tdoy
ouwantt
otel
lusZoe.
Me: Wel
lIhav
ethi
nki
ngaboutt
hisforqui
tea
whil
enowandIwouldlov
etomov eoutofthe
houseandgetmyownapart
mentnow.Iam a
grownwomanandIneedmyownspace.And
y
ouguy
sneedy
ourspaceaswel
l
.
Dad:Wecanneverneedspacef
rom ourki
ds
Zoeandyoust
il
ltooyoungtobemov i
ngout.
Il
aughedandl
ookedathi
m.
Me: Reall
yDad?Iam 25y ear
snowandIam
i
ndependentnow.Ir eall
ywoul dl
ovetohav
emy
ownpl ace.Iwill
visi
tyouguy sallt
heti
meand
youcanv isi
taswel l
.Wehav i
nganewmember
andTr ey,Chl
oèandt hebabywi l
lneedmor
eof
yourattenti
onthanme.
Mom: OkayZoe,ifthat'
swhatyoureal
l
ywant
thenIam Okaywithit.ITr
ustyoucomplet
ely
andyouareresponsiblesoIdon'
tseeanyissue.
Me:
Dad?
Dad:Okayokay
.Butpr
omi
sey
ouwi
l
lvi
sitand
i
t'
ll
becloseby.
Me:
Ipr
omi
sedad.
WeeatandIbr
ieft
hem aboutt
heapar
tment
sI
hav
eseen.
.
..
.
AsIam dri
vi
ngtoworkIr
eal
izet
hatmycari
s
bei
ngfol
lowedsoIcal
lSoni
a.
Me:SonyIneedy
outot
rackmycarAtal
lti
mes
andtr
ackmyphoneaswell
.
Ineedadeviceaswel
lthatwi
l
lalway
str
ackmy
whereabout
s.Someonehasbeenfol
l
owi
ngme
andIwanttobeonthesafesi
de.
Sonia:Okaywheny ougetoffworkcomebyt o
takeaduplicat
eofthetracki
ngdevise.Iwi
l
l
i
nstall
itinyoubymeansofsur geryli
keinyour
armsorwher ever
.
Me:
Thanks.
Ical
lAndi
leaswellandi
nfor
m him aboutwhat
hasbeenhappeni
ngandheassur esmethatI
wil
lbeokayandthathewon'
tletanyonehurt
me.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Ihav
eanideaast
owhoisf
oll
owi
ngZoe.I
won'
tal
l
owSkhumbaandhi
screwtohur
tmy
Zoe.
Idosomethi
ngIhav en'
tdonei
nagesandcal
l
myoldacquai
ntance.
Me;
Zor
roIneedf
avour
.
Zor
ro:
Any
thi
ngf
ory
ouRock.
Me:
Pl easef
oll
owSkhumbaandt
rackhi
sever
y
move.Hehasbeenfol
lowi
ngmygir
lf
ri
end.
Zor
ro:
Don'
twor
ryRockIwi
l
ldoi
t.
Ihangupandcl
osemyey
es.
IhopeSkhumbaandEri
carenotaft
erZoefor
thei
rowngoodbecauseidon'
twanttot
urnint
o
thatper
sonagai
n.
Ideci
det
ooccupymy
sel
fwi
thwor
kasIwi
l
l
knockof
faf
tert
hisl
astr
ound.
.
..
..
LEI
LA
Ihav ebeenatt hehospitalmostoft heti
me
waiting.ZOEinsistedthatImov einwi t
hthem
todaybecauseshef earsformyl i
feandher
mot herwillf
etchmet hi
saf ter
noon.Ipacked
mycl othesinthemor ningt hentookanubert o
thehospi t
altoseeTr ey.Ifeelguil
ty.IfIhadn'
t
comei nt
ohislifenoneoft hiswoul d'v
e
happened.
Me: Iam sor r
yTremai n.I
fIhadn'tcomei nto
yourlifeyouwoul dn'thavegonet hr
ought hi
s
andIdi dn'ti
ntendonf all
i
ngfory ou.Ireal
ly
didn'
t.Iam inlovewi thyouandr i
ghtnowIdon' t
knowhowy ouwillreactwheny ouwakeup.You
saidy oulovedmeandIdon' tknowi fyouwill
stil
lfeelt
hesamewayori fyourfami l
ywill
acceptmeornot .
"I
fyouar esi
ncereandseri
ousaboutTremain
theywil
l
.Youj ustneedt
oconfrontal
lyour
fear
sanddemonsbef or
eyoupursue
somethingwithhim."
It
urnandf
indAndi
l
est
andi
ngt
her
e.
Me:Idon'tknowwhetherornotIam strong
enoughtofaceeveryt
hing.Ir
eal
l
yknowmyl if
e
i
satrisk.ERICwil
lfor
getIam hi
ssisterandhe
wil
lki
llmef orsur
e.
Andi
le:
DoyouknowGod?Doy
oubel
i
eveand
tr
usthi
m?
Me:
Iam notr
eal
l
yabel
i
eved.
Andil
e: Tonightwheny ouatZoe'shouset hey
holdi
ngahomecel l
topray
ForTr ey
.Askabout
Godandev erythingandifyougetachancet o
besav edtakei t.OnceyouknowGody ouwon't
everhav etowor r
yaboutEricordeathforthat
mat t
er.
Me:
OkayIwi
l
ltakey
ouradv
ice.Ar
eyoucomi
ng
t
othathomecel
l
?
Andil
e:YesIdon'
tmissanyt
hingthatconcer
ns
GodbecauseIhaveseenhiminmyl if
eLEILA.I
f
Godcouldchangemet hent
rustmehecan
changeanyone.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?
Andi
le:Not
hing.Butasy
ouknowev
ery
onehas
apast.
Inodandki
ssTr
ey'
scheekt
henl
eav
ether
oom.
Icallanubert hatt
akesmehome.WhenIget
thereitisalr
eady1:30pm soIwaitforMrsKani.
Injustaf ewmi nut
esIgetaknockonmydoor
andIopenupbutt herei
snoonet here.AsIam
aboutt oclosethedoorInot
iceaboxont he
doorst ep.
Itakei
tandgeti
n.Isi
tont
hecouchandopeni
t
up.
Whati
seef
reaksmeout
.Ther
eisahuman
handdrenchedinbloodandaney e.Iscr
eam as
Iseethatandthr
owi tonthefloor.That'
swhen
MrsKani ent
ersandrushestomebutsheget s
shockedwhensheseet hebox'scontent
s
scatt
eredonthefloor.
Mr
sKani
:Whati
sthi
s?Whosentt
his?
Me:Uncl
eRon.Thi
sishi
sst
yle.Meani
nghei
s
ar
oundhere.
It
aket
henot
eandopeni
tup.
"Thosewhobetr
aypaywit
hthei
rblood.
Becausewit
hthugsbl
oodisnot
hing!Watchout
Blanco.
"
If
eelmysel
fboi
lonr
age.I
fheshowsupher
eI
wi
llki
l
lhi
m wit
hmyownhands.
Thethi
ngisIhavealwaysbeenawayfrom
homesot heyknownothi
ngaboutme,they
thi
nkIam aweaklit
tl
egirl
looki
ngfor
prot
ect
ion.
Me:Idon'tt
hinkmovi
ngi
nwithyouwoul
dbea
goodidea.Thatwi
l
lputy
ourf
ami l
yondanger
andtr
ustmeIknowmyf amil
y.
MrsKani
:WehaveGodatoursideLEI
LA.Wi
th
Godatoursi
denot
hingcandef
eatus.
Il
ookatherandshr
ugmyshoulder
sin
hesi
tati
onbutt
akemybagsandfol
lowhert
o
hercarany
way.
Thedr i
vetoherhousei sfi
ll
edwi thspirit
ual
musi c.Il
istent oherasshesingsandwor ships.
Shedoesn' treall
ycareifIam li
steningor
may befeelingannoy ed.Shejustcar r
iesonand
what ev
ershei sdoi
ngmecat chesmyat tenti
on
asAndi l
e'
swor dsre-pl
ayinmymi nd."Youwon' t
fearEri
cordeat h.I
fGodcouldchangemet hen
hecanchangeany one."Il
ookatt hisLadynext
tomeandIcanseehowatpeaceshei s.Her
smileisgenui neandshei scarefr
ee.
Weent
ert
hegat
eanddr
ivei
n.Assoonaswe
j
umpoutChl oècomesandhel psmewi thmy
bags.Shet akesmet otheguestr
oom .It'
sisa
bigroom.I t
'sbabyblueincol
our.I
tishugeand
hasacouchatt hecorner,
ahugebed.Ithasa
balconyandi t
'sbathr
oom.Iseeapictureof
Zoe,TreyandChl oèonthewall
.Theywer est
il
l
teens.Thistoosmel l
sofTreyasIi
nhale.
"I
twashi
sr oom.Heuseditt
il
lhewas19.But
hemovedintoabiggerr
oom"
Itur
nandfindMr sKani.Sheclosest hedoor
andsit
sont hebed.Imustadmi tt
hiswomani s
beyondbeauti
ful
.Herlongsi l
klushhai r
.Her
l
ongsmoot hlegs.Herperfectwaist.Sheisa
ti
nywomanpr obablyasize32i fnot30.Shei s
ti
nyli
keZoeandr eal
lyZoei satotal r
epli
caof
her.
Heramberey
es.Il
ookatasshesi
gnal
smet
o
si
tnextt
oher.
Mr
sKani
:Icanseet
hel
ooki
nyourey
es.You
l
ovemybaby
.Youl
ovehi
m somucht
hati
t
scar
esy
ou.
Me:
Honest
lyMr
sKani
I..
MrsKani:
CallmeMom sweethear
t.Youapar
t
ofourf
amilynow.
Inod.
Me:Thei sthi
sist hef
ir
stt
imethatIhave
rebel
ledagainstmyownf amil
yforlove.Ihave
neverreall
ylovedanyoneandIdon'
tknow.
Whati feelscaresmesomuch, Iam confused.
Mr
sKani
:Whatexact
lydoy
ouf
eel
?
Me:Ifeelextremel yhappywhenIanar ound
Tremain.Ifeel atpeacefandwhenev erIsee
hi
m downi thurt sme.Whenhei sangryor
str
essedIf eelliketaki
nghisstr
essandanger
andreplacei twi t
hasmi l
e.If
eelworried
whenev erIdon' tseehim.Il
oveeverythi
ng
abouthim.Hi sbi gblueeyes,
thewayhebi t
es
hi
slipswhi lesmi li
ng.Thewayheblinkshis
eyeswhenheisabouttolaugh.Thewayhe
touchesmewheneverassuri
ngmeabout
somet hi
ng.
Histouchhasahugeimpactonme.Myheart
beataccel
erat
eswheneverhecomesnearme.I
getl
ostinhim al
lthet
ime.
Isi
ghasatearescapesmyey
es.Ilookaway
andIf
eel
softhandsonmyshoulders.
MrsKani:
Iunder
standr
eal
ly.Butareyour
eady
tobewit
hhim?Doy ouwanttopursue
somet
hingwit
hhim?
Me:
Yes.Il
ovehi
m.
MrsKani:
Thenwhenher
egai
nsconsci
ousness
youhav
et ot
ell
him.
Herphoner
ingsandsheanswer
s.
Mr
sKani
:Wear
ecomi
ng.Thanky
ouAndi
l
e.
MrsKani
:Getreadymybabyhaswokenupwe
ar
egoingtot
hehospit
al.
Ismi
l
eandnod.
Itakeashowerandwearmyl onggreendress
andtiemyhairup.Iwearsandal
sandtakemy
coat.
Iheaddownst
air
sandweGOt
othehospi
tal
.
Whenwegettohiswar
dZoei
sal
readyt
here
feedi
nghi
m.
Chloèrunstohim andhugshi
mt her
estoft
he
famil
ygoestohi m andt
heyal
ltal
kand
suddenlyIam scar
ed.
ISt
andt
her
enotknowi
ngwhatt
osayordo.
"
Lei
l
acomeher
e."
Hi
svoi
cest
art
lesme.
Iner v
ouslywal
ktohisbedandl
ooksatme
thenathisfami
lywholeavet
her
oom wit
hhuge
smilesonthei
rfaces.
Me:
Hi.
Wi
thoutwar
ninghepul
l
smet
ohi
m and
smasheshi
sli
psonme.
Af
terhepul
l
soutoft
heki
sshel
ooksatme.
Trey
:Imeantev
erywor
d.Il
oveyou.Ihear
dyou.
Youcameherequi
teof
tenhuh!
Icr
youtandhepul
l
smet
ohi
m.
Me:
Iam sor
ryTr
emai
n.
Tr
ey:Don'
twor
ry.Il
ovey
ou.AndIam sor
ryt
oo.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Mydoorswi
ngsopenandMadam comeson
andcl
osest
hedoor.Shesway
sherti
nywai
st
towar
dsmeandsmi l
es.
ZOE:Ihav
emissedy
ou.Wehav
ebeenqui
te
busyl
atel
y.
Iwal
ktoherandhol
dher.
Me:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Ir
ubsmynoseagai
nstherneckandshest
il
ls.
.
Me:
Yousmel
lgoodaswel
l
.
ShemoansasIsof
tl
ybi
teherneck.
ZOE:
Andi
l
e!
Me:Youwil
lseemetonightatt
hehomecell
andfr
om tomorr
owtil
lMondayIam off
.Ihave
beenwor
kingext
rashi
ft
ssoIam free.
Iwat
chashersmi
l
ewi
dens.
ZOE:Youwil
ldef
ini
tel
yhel
pmemov
eint
omy
newapart
mentthen.
Me:
Okay
.AndwhatdoIgeti
nret
urn.
Webot
hlaughandshewhi
sper
sinmyear
.
"
Me"shesay
st hatwhi
l
eki
ssi
ngmyearandI
f
eel
mybodyr eact.
Me:
Okay.Il
ovey
ou.
ZOE:
Ilov
eYou.
Westar
eateachothert
henshesway
sher
wai
stwhil
ewalki
ngout.
Damn!Il
oveher
!
.
..
.
ZOE
Idri
vehomebutt her
eisst
il
lacarfol
lowingme.
Holycrap!Ispeedhomeandgettherejusti
n
ti
me.Ihav eanhourtogetr
eadybeforethe
prayer
.
It
akealongbubblebatht
henaft
erthatIIappl
y
l
oti
onthenwearabodyhuggingknewlength
bl
uedr
essandslippers.
Il
etmyhairl
ooset
henputascar
fonmy
shoul
der
.
Wegetdownst ai
rsandev ery
oneisal
ready
there.ThenIsuddenlyfeelwindbl
owi
ngmyhai
r,
Ifeelastrongpresence.Itur
nandYesheis
here.
MyAndil
eisher
e.Helooksatmeandwal
ks
st
rai
ghtt
othechai
rbehindme.
Mom:
Zoecoul
dyoul
eadusi
nwOr
shi
p.
Iwi
denmygazeandl
ookatherl
i
ker
eal
l
y!
Iwal
kupt
othef
rontandIcl
osemyey
es.
IsingTakemet otheki
ngbyMr sMann.AndI
l
osemy sel
fint
hesong.Iam r
eall
ybadwit
h
pronunciat
ionwi
thXhosawordssoeveryt
imeI
si
ngi ti
salwaysanEngli
shsong.
Ilosemyselfi
nthesongthatIdon'
tev enreal
i
ze
whenIstartedpr
ayingandcryi
ng.Iprayin
tonguesonceagainandfeelt
hisheatinmy
wombagai n.
Theser
mongoesonandi
tcomest
oanend.
Andil
eandISt
andneart
hecouchandst
art
tal
ki
ng.
MrLouw:Heh!Ay
ythi
srebel
hasnowent
iced
t
hisgoodboy.
MrsRadebe: Ey
yThisrebel
isjustf
ull
of
nonsense!Sheisuptohergimmicksagai
n.
Il
ookatAndil
eandatearescapesf
rom myey
e.
If
eelt
hem comingsl
owly.
Andi
l
e:Don'
tmi
ndt
hem Baby
.
Me:
ButI
..
Andi
le:
Ilov
eYouandt
hat
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s,
Okay
?
Inodandhesmi
l
esatme.
Me:
Andi
l
e.
Andi
l
e:Baby
?
Me:
ILov
eYou.
Andi
l
e:Il
oveYout
oo.Mor
eact
ual
l
y.
Webot
hhugandIki
sshi
scheek.
37
ANDI
LE
Whatt
hechurchpeopl
esaidaboutZoewas
i
nappr
opr
iat
eandsincethatshehasbeendown.
Shej
ustl
eftandwentt
oherr
oom.
Il
eftwit
hmyparents.WhenwegothomeI
wenttomyroom asmymot herdi
shedupf
or
ev
eryoneandIwascalledt
ocome.
Aswewereseat
edIlookedatt
hem and
real
i
zedt
heywantedtosaysomet
hing.
Me: Youreall
yshouldn'
tbescar
edt
ospeakt
o
yourson.It
'sfunny
.
Mom: HowisZoeaft
erMr
sLouwandMr
s
Radebe'
scomments?
Me:Sheisquit
edownMama.Imeanpeopl
e
don'
tseem tor
eali
zehowmucht
heabuset
hing
hasaff
ectedher.
Dad:Ewekekona,thatchil
dhaswentt hr
ough
theworstandweshoul dsupportheri
nst
eadof
cruci
fyi
ngher.Weallhavepastssomewor se
thanhers.
Si
seko:
Iam j
ustgl
ady
ouguy
sar
eopen
mi
ndedandDon'
tthi
nkl
i
ket
her
estoft
hem.
Dad:Li
feteachesyout
obeunder
standi
ng
Si
seko.Anythi
ngcanhappensoy
ouneverknow
whenyouwi l
lneedsomeone.
Weal
lnod.
Me:
Tat
aIhav
enewsf
ory
ouguy
s.
Li
hle:
Int
oni
bhut
i(
What
'supbr
other
?)
Me:Iboughtanewhousef
oryouguy
s.I
t'
s
hugeandwhatyouhaveal
way
swanted.
Mom l
i
ter
all
ycr
ieswhenshehear
dthat
.
Me: Weareami ddleclassfamil
yandIam
grat
efult
ohav ehadsuchsuppor ti
veparents
l
ikeyou.Younevergav euponmeandt hisis
meshowi ngmygr ati
tude.Iam fi
nall
ya
successf
ulDoctorandi wil
lbeaneur ol
ogisti
n
afewmont hs.Iwanttogivey outhebestli
fe
ever.
Dad:
Andi
l
eNy
ana!Enkosi
Rhonqof
orbei
ngso
sensi
ble.Thanky
ouson.
Mymom hugsmeandweal lcel
ebrat
e.AsI
wat
chthem Iam v
eryhappyIhavemanagedt o
r
epayt
hem foral
lthei
rsacr
if
icesandhardshi
ps.
.
..
.
ZOE
Aft
erwhatthosel
adiessai
daboutmeIreal
ly
gotdown.Thefami
lyhasgonetothehospi
tal
toseeTrey
.
Iwipethet
earsthatkeepfl
oggingmeey esasI
packmyclothesandt hi
ngsi
ntoboxes.Tears
conti
nueti
l
lIcan'tseeanymore.
"WhyLor d?Whenwi lly
ouf or
giveme?Whenwi l
l
thesepeopl eforgetmypast ?
-Howl ongshouldI
sufferthisexcruci
ati
ngpain?Iam thev i
cti
m
butstil
l peopletr
eatmel i
ketrash.I
si tbecause
Iam awoman?I sitbecauseIam achi l
dt hat
result
edf rom acouplethateloped?Al ove
chil
d?"Iscr eam asIcry
Igetdownont
hef
loorandcont
inuecr
ying.
"Tear
sdon'tsui
tyourpr
ett
yface.
"It
enseasI
hearthatf
amili
arvoi
ce.
RONALDO!TFi
shedoi
ngher
e!
It
urnandf
eel
mybodyshi
verwi
thf
ear
.
Ronal
do:
Iam her
etof
ini
shwhatEr
iccoul
dn'
t!
Ir
untothedoorbuthegetst
omeandhegrabs
me.Hepunchesmeont hest
omacht
wiceandI
dr
oponmyknees.
Ronaldo:
Yourbr
otherki
l
ledmybr
otherf
ory
ou
ri
ght?
Me:
Car
..
.li
to.
.washe.
.washey
ourbr
other
?
Ronal
do:
ofcour
se!
IAtt
emptgett
ingupbutIgetkickedandhe
scoopsmeupandasIst ruggleheti
ght
enshi
s
gri
ponmeandst ar
tsrunning.Wegettoamini
busandhethrowsmeint here.
AndasIscr
eam theycovermyf
acewithaclot
h
wit
hchl
orof
orm andIlosemyconsci
ousness.
.
..
..
TREMAI
N
Me:Iam notateaseIf
eel
asthoughsomet
hing
hashappened.Wherei
sZoe?
:Chloè:
Sheis
Okay.
Me:
NoIhav eaweir
df eel
i
nggopleasego.I
f
eelr
est
lessandIam anxi
ousaswell.Pl
ease.
Dadcomesi
nasi
fbei
ngchased.
Dad:Ihav
ejusthadabadvi
sionaboutZoe.I
feel
asthoughsheisi
ntr
oubl
e.
Mom scr
eamsasshehol
dsont
oherwomb.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Mom:
Ihav
eashar
ppai
nonmywomb.
Me:
Iam di
schar
gingmy
sel
flet
'sgo.
Theydon'
tar
guei
nst
eadwer
usht
othehouse.
.
..
..
.
RONALDO
Iam backi
ntownandal
loft
hesepeopl
ewi
l
l
pay!
Zoeusedt odateEri
c,shehadt urnedmedown
whenIaskedheroutbutdat edmynephew.
OkayIdidn'
tmindthat.Sheisthecausef ormy
brot
her'
sdeath.Sheisalsother easonwhyEri
c
i
sbehindbars,butIam gladhecameupwi th
suchaplan.
Wereachthehouseandwecar
ryheri
nand
st
raphert
oabed.
Fri
daythefunwil
lbegi
nbutbeforet hatIwil
l
havemyownf unandsati
sfymy selfwiththi
s
one.FornowIneedtogetthatstupidLeil
a!
BecausesheismynieceIwil
lonlybeatherupa
bi
t.Iwi
llt
ort
ureTremai
nbyhur t
ingthisZoeof
hi
s.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Iam i
nmyroom aboutt
ocal
lZoeasmyphone
ri
ngsandi
t'
sMrKani.
Me:
Tat
uMf
undi
si.
MrKani:Zoeismissi
ng.Ther
eisbl
oodi
nher
room andherthi
ngsarescat
ter
edpr
ovi
ngt
hat
shewasstruggli
ngwit
hsomeone.
Me:
Int
oni
!(WHAT?
)
Ir
oarandf
eel
mywhol
ebodyt
enseup.
It
akemykey
sandr
unt
othecar.
Idri
vet
oherhouseandwhenIgett
her
ethe
copsar
ether
ealready
.
Ient
erandf
indev
ery
onei
stot
aldi
smay
.
Me;
Whathappened?
Lei
l
a:Iknowwhodi
dthi
s?
Me:
Who?
Lei
l
a:Uncl
eRonal
do!
ICal
lZor
roandi
nfor
m hi
m Iam comi
ng.
Me:Iwil
ltr
ymybestt
ofi
ndZoe!Iwi
l
lfi
ndherI
pr
omise!
Ir
unoutandIknowthel
i
feImaygobackt
ois
wrongbutf
orNowIcandoany
thi
ngtosav
emy
Zoe.
.
..
..
ZOE
Iwakeupinacol
droom wi
thRonal
dost
andi
ng
i
nfrontofme.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
Ronal
do:
Iwanty
ou.
Me:
PleaseRonal
do,
Don'
thur
tme.
Heshakeshisheadthent
earsoffthedressI
waswearingl
eavingmeexposed.Ican'
teven
covermysel
fbecausemyhandsandf eetare
ti
edup.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tdot
hist
ome.
Icrysohardbuthegoesonwi t
hr i
ppi
ngmy
undergarmentsandIscream sol oudbutnoone
comest omyr escueIscream andscr eam.He
slamshimselfinmeandIcr yashegoeson
fastermaki
ngi tsopai
nful.Seei
ngt hepleasure
i
nhi sfacedi
sgustsmeandIscr eam andcr y.
OhLordwhyhav eyoudeser
tedme.Rightf
rom
thenapartofmedies.Thewhol
eworldshuts
downformeandIf eelmybodyshaki
ngwith
angerandpainaswell
.
Helaughsaf t
erdoi
ngthi
stomeandcov er
sme
wit
habl anketandIcr
ysobit
terl
yasIt
hinkof
Andil
e.DoesheknowIam mi ssi
ng?
Wil
lhef i
nd
meint i
me?
Iremainther
ecryi
ngasmybodyreeksof
RonaldoandIcansti
l
lfeel
theef
fect
sofhis
throbbi
ngthr
usts.
38
ANDI
LE
Ir
eachZorr
o'spl
aceandhei
sbusyonhi
s
l
aptopandheiswit
hSoni
a
Zor
ro:
Ronal
doremovedt
het
rackerZoehad
i
nst
all
edi
nhersel
f.
Sonia:Andi
fheremov editHEmust '
velefther
bl
eeding.Becausethetrackerwasinst
all
edi n
herarm.Weneedt ofi
ndherbef or
eitistoolate.
Isi
tdownandpul
lthelapt
optomydirect
ion
whereIseet
hel
aststoptheymade.
Thepl
acei
soutoft
own.
Sowher
evert
heyt
ookheri
soutoft
own.
Myphoner
ingsandi
t'
sTr
ey.
Me:
Hav
eyouhear
dany
thi
ng?
Trey:No.Wherearey
ou?Ineedyout ocometo
mybui l
dingIhav
ealabl
ikeroom andmybest
I.
Tgeeksi sonhi
swaytoSouthAfricaaswe
speak.
Me:
Iwi
l
lcomewi
thSoni
aandZor
ro.
Tr
ey:
YouknowZor
ro?
Me:
Longst
ory
.Wear
ecomi
ng.
Ihangup.
Me:
Zor
ropacky
ourst
affwegoi
ngt
oTr
emai
n.
Weal lpackandr ushtohisbuildi
ngandhe
ushersustohi ssecretroom.Andi tl
ooksl
i
ke
someI ntel
l
igenceFor ceLab.Ithascomput
ers
al
laroundandi thasal lt
hetechstuff
.
Wesitandweall
watchLei
l
athumpi
ngt
he
Lapt
oplikeamadwoman.
Me:Sowhatisthepl
an?Weneedasol
i
dplan,
wehav et
ohaveweaponsi
fwegoi
ngtobr
ing
herback.
Trey
:Doyouthi
nkit
'sagoodideathaty
ougo.
Youhavenev
erdonethi
sbefore.
Zor
rol
ooksatTreywi
tht
hat"
Youhavenoi
dea"
l
ookandTreyl
ooksatmedumbst
ruck.
Me:Ihav
edonei
tmanytimes,may bemore
t
hananyofyoui
nthi
sroom have.AndIhave
t
heweapons.
Zor
ro:
Youst
il
lhav
ethewar
ehouse?
Me:It
'sapartofme,Imaynotuseitanymor
e
butIwil
lal
wayscheri
shthatplay
.AndIknow
whereweshouldstar
toffwit
hZoe.
Tr
ey:
Wher
e?
Lei
la: Eri
c&Skhumba.Er i
ciscomi ngoutthis
Fri
dayonpar ole,
andknowi ngmyBr otherand
unclet heyhaveahugepl andevised,andIam
next.Theywi ll
eithert
akemeordosomet hi
ng
tohur tme.Skhumbai spr obabl
yawar eof
wher eZoei sandhei stheonlywaywecanf i
nd
her.
Me:Iwasaboutt
osayt hat
.AndIwil
lgoand
fi
ndhi
m.Youjustcont
inuetracki
ngRonal
do
down.
Tr
eyl
ooksatmeasi
fhei
sunsur
eofwhatIam
sayingbutnods.It
akemygunfr
om mybagand
l
oadi tandIseethedi
sbel
i
efi
nTrey
'sey
esand
thatamusesme.
Me:
Ever
yonehasapastKani
.
Iwal
koutandt
iemydr
eadl
ocksasIent
ert
he
car
.
Idr
ivel
ikeamaniactoSkhumba'
scri
bIpar
k
andgetinwi
thoutknocki
ngsi
ncei
t'
sopen.
Me:
Wher
eisZoe?
Hechuckl
esashewal
kst
ome.
Skhumba:Idon'
tknowsost
opaski
ngme
stupi
dquesti
ons.
Me:Iwon'
taskTwicejustt
ell
meory
ouwi
l
l
suf
fert
heconsequences.
Skhumba:Idon'
tthi
nkyousti
llhav
eiti
nyouMr
Sai
nt.Whatcoul
dy oupossi
blydo?
Iscr
atchmyheadandsl
aphim sohar
dthatI
evenfeel
thepai
ninmyhand.
Me:-
Tel
lmenow!Andi
zokuncenga.(
Iwon'
tbeg
you.
)
Skhumba:
Ihav
enot
hingt
osay
.
Afterhesayst hatIlosemymindandstart
beatinghim up.Ihithim wi
thmygunonhis
headt henIdraghimt othecaranddr
iveback
toTremai n'
sbuildi
ng.NotbadImanagedtodo
thatin15mi nutes.
Idr
iveint
hendraghi
mtot
hebui
l
dingandt
hey
al
lwidenthei
rgaz
e.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
tbel
i
evemeIsee.
Ist
raphi
m ont
oachai
rthenIsi
tdown.
Me:Whathav
eyouguy
smanagedt
ocomeup
wi
th?
TREY:Wellwehavebeent
raci
ngRonal
doand
heisheadi
ngtoLeil
a'
sbui
ldi
ng.
Lei
l
a:Iwi
l
lser
veasabai
t.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?Causei
tisdanger
ous.It
hink
y
oucanbebai
tbutonl
ytolurethem t
osome
l
ocat
iont
henwecantakeover.
Trey
:Thati
sabet
teri
dea.Wecanputy
ourl
i
fe
atri
sk.
.
..
..
ZOE
Whyisn'tany
oneher
ey et
.IfIst
ayher
eIwil
ldi
e.
Iam al
readydeadaf
terwhatRonal
dohasbeen
doi
ngtome.
I
thasnowbeen3day sandtodayi
sFr i
day
.
Ronaldohasbeenhavi
nghiswaywi t
hmef or
thepastfewdaysandtodayIwastoldtot
akea
bathbecauseSomeoneiscoming.
Therei
snowayIcanescapehere.Ther
eis
ti
ghtsecur
it
yal
lar
oundthi
splaceandIdon'
t
evenknowwhereIam .
Iat
temptedtostandupbutIfai
l
.Mybodyis
tot
all
yfat
iguedandIam sor
eallov
erandweak.
Il
imptothebat hr
oom andtur
nthemeshower
on.Asthewateragonizedmeandaddsmor e
pai
ntomybr uisesIwinceI
npain.Ibreakdown
asIsi
tdownandcr y
.Theyhavebrokenme
downcompletely.
WheneverIcl
osedmyey esIcoul
dseeandf eel
Ronal
doonme.Hi sdi
sgusti
ngsmi r
kwhenev er
hehashiswaywi thme.Thepainhei nf
li
ctson
me.ThepainIfeelandthesaltherunsonmy
woundswhenev erheabusesme.
Iclosemyey esandcr y."Ohheav
enl
yfat
her.
Howmuchmor epainshouldIbar
ebefor
eyou
respondtomypr ayers.Howmuchagony
shouldIendure.
"
IStandupandbathmy sel
fthengetoutofthe
showerandlot
ionthenwearthetracksui
tIwas
giv
en.
Iwal
koutandasIt
urnIal
mostf
aintwhenIsee
Er
icst
andi
ngbef
oreme.
Me:
-Er
ic.
.What.
.What
..
Eri
cWalkstowardsmeandsqueezesmeina
ti
ghthugandIcryevenmor
easIst r
uggl
eout
ofhisembrace.
Me:
Youar
ehur
ti
ngme!
Er
ic:
Zoey oucannev
err
unawayf
rom me.You
Ar
emi ne!
Il
ookawayasIcr
yandhet
ight
enshi
sgr
ipon
myarm.
Me:
Pleasest
op!Youar
ehur
ti
ngme!
Er
ic:
Whydidyoul
eav
emef ort
hatGangst
er.
Huh?Yout
ookmetocour
tfort
hatGangst
er?
Me:
Gangst
er!
?
Er
ic:
Ohshame!Youhadnoi
deay
ourboy
fri
end
wasonceagangst
er?
Me:
Buthei
s10t
imesbet
tert
hany
ou!Youar
e
notevenhalft
hemant hathei
s.Youcannever
l
ov eany
onebecause.Youaresel
f i
shandy
ou
aren'
tevencapabl
eoflovi
ngyourself.
Hebangsmyheadont
hewal
landIf
eel
my
headpoundi
ng.
Me:Youwillneverforcelov
eEr i
c.Iusedtol
ove
youalotbutnowIdon' tbecausewheny oul
ove
someoney oudon'thurtt
hem.
Bef
oreIevenknowi
thesl
apsmev
eryhar
dand
If
all
tothefl
oor.
Me:That'
sally
ou'veeverdonetomeEri
cit
doesn'
tsur
pri
seme.Youmayki l
lmephysi
cal
l
y
butyouwil
lneverki
llmyspir
it
.
IloveAndi
l
eandthatwil
lneverchange.Hehas
taughtmehowtoloveandhowi ti
stolove
someonetrul
ywi
thapur eheart
.
Hel
ooksawayandl
aughs.
Er
ic:
Pit
yyouwon'
tseehi
m agai
n.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Er
ic:
YesIam sur
e!
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Wef oundZoe'sl
ocat
ionandweareheaded
t
here.Iswearift
heyhavehur
theri
nanywayI
wi
ll
ki l
lal
lofthem wi
thmyownhands.
39
ERI
C
Ist
rappedheri
nachairandl
ookedatheras
shecri
ed,shewasnownobleedi
ng.
Me:
Whydi
dyouchooseher
?
ZOE:Helovesme,hewoul
dnev erhur
tme
i
ntent
ional
l
y.Heputsmefi
rstinevery
thi
ng.He
i
salwaystheref
orme.Helovesme.
It
urnedandslappedher
!Howcoul
dshel
ove
hi
m!Nev erIwon'
tall
owit
!
Me:
Ilov
edy
out
oo,
Ist
il
ldo.
ZOE:Youdon'thur
tsomeonewhenyoul
ove
them,youdon'
tbeatt
hem upal
lthet
imej
ust
ful
fi
ll
yourego.
Me: Iam sor
rybutIwil
lnev
eral
lowyout
obe
withthatguy.Il
oveyouandIwantt
obewit
h
you.
ZOE:HadyoulovedmeEri
cyouwoul
dn'
thav
e
al
lowedyouruncl
etohav
ehiswaywi
thme.
Shest
artcr
yingl
ooki
ngdown.
Me:
Hav
ehi
sway
?
ZOE:Didn'
thetell
yout hathehasbeen
sati
sfyi
nghisdesi
reswi t
hmyownbodyhuh?
Yourfamil
yisCrazy.Youruncl
erapesandy
ou
beatpeopl
eandr apethem aswell.
Me:
Irapepeopl
eZoe?
ILaughandshecont
inuescr
ying.
Zoe:
Youusedt
osl
eepwi
thmeev
enaf
ter
tel
l
ingy out
hatIdon'twantto,youwouldsti
l
l
conti
nue.Beati
ngmeup.Er icIusedtoputup
wit
hal l
ofthatbecauseIlov
edy ou.Il
ove
Andil
lenow.
Me:
Noy
oul
oveme.
ZOE:
NoEr
ic!Enoughnow!
Il
ookawayandt ur
nwithahotsl
ap.Ihi
therso
har
dt hathercheektur
nsredandswell
sup
i
nstantl
y.
Ronal
docomesi
nandIl
ookathi
m.
Me:
Whydi
dyout
ouchher
?
Ronal
do:
SheowedmesoIhadt
oset
tl
escor
es.
Me:
Uncl
eRonwhydi
dyout
ouchher
?
Ronal
do:
-Idi
dn'
tgi
vey
ouanyr
ightt
oquest
ion
me.
.
..
..
.
ZOE
Il
ist
enastheyar
gueandsuddenl
yEr
icpushes
Ronaldot
othefl
oor
.
Eri
c:Wheny ourui
nedmyMot herandsi
ster'
s
l
if
eInev ersai
danythi
ng.ButnowIwon'tkeep
qui
et.Yourapedbothmymot herandsi
ster.
Youmadei tseem l
ikeMyMom hadanaf fai
r
wit
hy ouandyourbrotherf
orgaveyouand
oustedmymom out.
What!Ronal
dorapedbot
hEric'
sMotherand
si
ster
?Whatthehelli
shappeni
nghere!
Iwat
chthem asIslowl
yfal
lweaker
,Er
icstar
ts
fi
ght
ingwit
hRonaldoandwehearloudbangs!
Ronal
do:
Whot
hef
ucki
sthat
?
Il
ookatthedoorant
ici
pat
ingt
oseemyman
andsur
prisi
ngl
yIseehim.
Iclosemyeyesandopent heagai
nandIfi
nd
Trey,Max,
Andil
e,Lei
l
a,SoniaandKer
n(Zor
ro)!
WhatSoniaandKernaretheyGangst
ers.
?
Ronal
do:
Rhonqowemeetagai
n.
Er
ic:
RhonqoIseey
ourf
aceonceagai
n!
Trey
:Rel
easemysist
erandf
aceme.Iam t
he
oneyouwantr
ight
?
Ronal
dolaughsandl
ooksatAndi
l
ethenatme
whil
stSoni
aandLeil
arunt
ome.
Ronal do:
Eri
cmight'
vekeptZOEcaptiveforthat
reasonbutIhaveotherr
easonshesay sthatas
hegr absmyarm andIscream butAndil
edoes
themostunexpectedandslit
shisarm offand
Ronal doscr
eams.
ANDI LE:
Ihaven'
tgiv
eny outheri
ghttotouch
herletal
onehurther.Thehandsthathurther
deservetobecutoff!
Iseeadi f
fer
entAndile.Hisfeatur
esaren'
tas
softastheyalwaysappear .Hiseyeshavetaken
amor edarkgraycolour.Hisjawhast i
ghtened.
Me:
Hel
pmepl
easeAndi
l
e.
Eri
c:Hewon'
thel
py oubecauseIwon'tal
l
ow
hi
mt odoso.I
t'
seit
herHim orIwi
llcomeout
hereal
i
ve.
Ronal
do:I
t'
s..apit
ythaty
ouhav
etobepayf
or
yourman'
ssins.
Me:
Whatt
hehel
lar
eyout
alki
ngabout
.
ANDI
LE:Iwil
ltel
lyouevery
thi
ngl
aterbutr
ight
nowIhaveafi
ghttofi
nish.
BothEr
icandRonal docomeforwar
dandas
Tremai
nstepsf orwar
dtohelpAndi
leheshakes
hi
sheadandst andst
hereal
one.Hetear
shis
shir
tof
fandt akesoutasword.What!Heowns
asword!Idon'tknowthi
smanatall!
Tr
eypul
l
smet
ohi
m andt
heyhol
dme.
IwatchAndi l
ef i
ghtwi
ththenwit
hcompl et
e
rut
hlessness.Thewayhesl i
cesthei
rli
mbs
makesmebel ievehehasdonethisbef
ore.
Hest
art
scr
yingwhenher
eal
i
zesRonal
doi
s
deadbutcar
ri
esonfi
ghti
ngti
llEr
ici
sonthe
fl
oorandashetur
nsherunsoutagai
nandI
hearscr
eamsandhissword.
Whati
shappeni
ngher
e?Whoi
sAndi
l
e!
Il
ookTreywal
kswit
hmet i
l
lwemeetdead
bodi
esandAndi
lewi
pinghi
sswor
d.
Me:
Andi
l
leeeee!
Someoneattemptstoshootathim butthey
managetoshoothisarm onl
y.Hescr eamshe
rui
nsdi
rect
lytotheguyandsliceshisneckoff
andwealll
ookaway .
Zorr
oseemst obeusedt
osuchkil
l
ingbecause
heistheonl
yonewhoislooki
ngdi
rect
lyat
Andil
e.
Hechecksi
fev
ery
onei
sdeadt
hencomest
o
me.
ANDI
LE:ZoeIwi
l
lneverl
etanyoneharmy ou.I
woul
drat
herl
aymyli
febefor
et hathappens.
Tr
emai
n:Andi
e..uhm wow!
Me: It
oldyounott
ounderest
imat
eme.I
t'
snot
somethingIam pr
oudofbutIwoul
ddoi
tagai
n
forZOE.
Il
it
eral
lyt
hrowmy selfi
nhi
sarmsandaswe
hugIfal
lweakerandhecarr
iesmetot
hecar
andwealldri
veoff.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Ireal
l
ydi dn'
twantZOEtoseethatsi
deofme.I
havedoneev er
ythi
ngtopr
otectherbuthadI
notkil
ledthem t
heywoul
d'veki
ll
edus.
Shekeepsonst
eali
ngglancesatmeandIknow
shetryi
ngt
ofi
guremeputAndnotbeingable
toreadmymindi
sfrust
rati
ngher.
Me:
JustAskmedon'
tcr
acky
ourbr
ainst
ryi
ng
t
ounder
standme.
Soni
a:Whoar
eyouAndi
l
e?
ILaughgent
lyandshakemyhead.
Me: Iwasagangst er
'sri
ghthandman.I
handledev erythingtodowi thfightingandstuff
andIhadt olearnMar shalArtsandFenci ngfor
thatbecauset hemanIwor kedf oruseda
swor d.LaterIgott oinher
itquiteanumberof
thi
ngsf rom thatmanandt hatlifehasal ways
beenandwi llalwaysbeapar tofme.Fornow
canwej ustrushZOEt ohospital sheisreal
lyin
abadcondi t
ion.

WegetthereandIcarr
yherinrunni
ng.Weget
t
otheERandt heystar
tworki
ngonherast hey
i
nsi
stIshouldal
sogetmedicalassi
stance.
.
..
..
.
TREMAI
N
WhatAndil
edidtodayHasr
eall
ylef
tme
shockedandsIdon'
twantt
oli
eIwasn't
expecti
ngi
t.Lei
l
ahaswentinaswellasshei
s
onshockandIunderstandsheisl
i
ter
all
ylef
t
withnofamil
yandal
l andIreal
l
ywannabe
theref
orheratt
hist
ime.
ANDILEhastol
dustomeeti nZoe'
swar
dlat
er
sohecouldexpl
aint
hings.
.
..
..
ZOE
"Shewassexual
l
yassaul
ted"
Thedoct
orsaysthatasIcl
osemyey
esand
rememberev
eryt
hing.
"
WHAT!
"Andi
l
e'sv
oicer
oar
sandIst
art
le.
Hemar
chest
owar
dsme.
ANDI
LE:
Babywhodi
edt
hatt
oyou.
Me;
-
R..Ronal
do.
Andi
l
e:ThatBast
ard.
Hest
ormsoutandIcl
osemyey
es.
Tr
emai
n:I
sitt
rueSi
s?
Il
ookathim ashecri
esandhol
dsont
oachai
r
asifhewerefal
l
ing.
Me:
Wher
eisAndi
l
e?
TREY:
Hest
ormedouti
nangeraf
tert
ell
i
ngus.
Me:Fol
lowhim Tr
eypl
ease.Hewi
l
lhur
t
someoneandshimsel
faswell
.
Henodsandr
unsout
.
Lei
l
aandSoniasi
tbesi
desmeandIseet
hat
Lei
l
aisscar
ed.
Me:Don'
tbl
ameyoursel
fLeil
a,pl
ease.Iknew
t
hatsuchathi
ngwouldhappen.
Lei
l
a:Noi
t'
snotokay
.
AsIam aboutt
oreplymywhol
efami
l
ygashes
thr
oughthedoorandtheyr
unt
ome.
Dad:
Ayanda.
Iknowheist
otal
l
ydi
stur
bedher
arel
ycal
l
sme
Ayanda.
Mom:Zoe.MyBabyhowareyou?Thedoct
or
t
oldusever
ythi
ng.Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I..
..I
..
.
Myv oicest
artsshaki
ngandIburstouti
na
BITTERcry.Icrysohardt
hatIendupbeing
sedated.
.
..
..
.
ANDI
LE
Ireachthei
rwarehousewi
thmyswordandt
he
onlythi
ngIint
endtodoiskil
lal
loft
hem.
Istepi
nandf indtwooftheirguy
sst andingat
thedoor.Isl
aythem andpasttheirbodies.I
sli
ceeveryonewhogetsinmyway .WhenI
reacht
her oom onthefarendIfi
ndSkhumba
andEri
c.
Me:
Soy
ouescapedandy
ousur
viv
edmyanger
.
Skhumba:Andi
l
e!Doy
ouhav
eanyi
deaofwhat
youaredoi
ng?
Me:Yes,
andnowyoutwowil
lhav
etopayf
or
Ronal
do'
ssi
ns.Howdarehet
ouchZOE!
Er
ic:
Iwasn'
tev
ent
her
e!GUARDS!
Me:Idi
dn'tknowy
ouwer
efondoft
alki
ngt
o
deadpeople.
Theybot
hopent
hei
rmout
hsi
nast
oni
shment
.
Me: -
Youwon'tsur
vivemywr at
h!Iam l
i
kewas
blackcat,i
fyouevercr
osspathswit
hmey our
fatechangesfort
hewor st
.
Isayt
hatasIfightthem.IbeheadSkhumba
andIam l
eftwiththealr
eadybleedi
ngERIC.I
pushmyswor dthroughhisbodyandtakeitout
agai
n.
Me:It
'sapi
tyy
ouwi
l
lnev
erbeabl
etot
ell
the
t
ale.
It
urnonl
ytof
indTr
emai
n.
Me:
Let
'sgo.
Hedoesn'
tar
guebutf
oll
owmei
nst
ead.
DearLordIknowthatIhaveki
ll
edqui
teal
otof
soulsbutIwoul
dfightwi
ththewhol
eworl
dfor
ZOE!IknowIneedmor eti
mewi t
hyouandalot
ofrepent
ancetodo.
.
..
..
.
TREMAI
N
Ishetheguyev er
yLordwantsbythei
rsi
de.I
haveneverseensomuchwr athwithi
naperson.
Andil
ehaspr ovedhelov
esmysi st
ermorethan
anyt
hinginthisworl
dandIrespecthi
m.
Andi
l
e:Br
ee.
Me:
Whatabouther
?
Andil
e:Breewasincahootswit
hthem.Sheled
them t
oZoeandIam sor r
yTremainbutIwon'
t
beabletospareher
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgowi
thy
ou.
Henodsandhi
sdar
key
escompl
etel
yli
ghtup
asweenterthehospi
tal
war
d.HEhadal
ready
changedhi
sclot
hes.
HElooksatZoeandsmilesandIseeachange
i
nhim,hedoesn'tl
ookli
kethatvi
ciouski
l
lerbut
nowlooksli
kepassi
onatel
over.
Thi
smanissomethi
ngelse.Iwatchhim hold
Zoe'
shandandshei
nstant
lyjumpsupand
l
ooksathi
m.Sherel
axesassher eal
i
zesi t
's
hi
m.
Andi
l
e:Howar
eyou?
Atearf
all
sdownfr
om hi
sfaceandIget
emoti
onaltoo.
Howcansomeonecar rysomanypersonal
i
ties
i
nhi m,butonethi
ngIlovehemostabouthimis
thathelovesZoeuncondit
ional
l
yand
passionat
ely.
Iwat
cht
hem t
alkandIgetsomer
eli
ef.
40
ANDI
LE
Afewdayspassedandshewasst i
llt
hesame.
Shehasbeenquietandcri
esal
ltheti
me.Ihad
beengi
venaleavesinceIwasal
soinjur
ed.
I
twasnowmorni
ngandIwashav
ingbr
eakf
ast
wi
thmymom f
eedingme.
Me:Icandoi tbymy
sel
fyouj
ustdoi
ngt
his
unnecessar
il
y.
Mom:
Justkeepqui
etandeatAndi
l
e.
Idi
dasIwast
old.
Dad:HowisZoe??Ithi
nkweshoul
dal
lgot
o
theKani
resi
dentandseeher
.
Me:
-YesmeandSi
sekower
eheadi
ngt
her
e.
Mom:
Wecanal
sogo.
Si
phokazi
wal
kedi
nandr
ant
ome.
Si
phokazi
:Howarey
ouBaby
??Howar
eyou?
Aunt
yisheOkay?
Me:Si
phokazi
noneedt
owor r
yaboutmeIam
adoct
orandcant
akecareofmysel
f.
Si
phokazi
:Hel
lyeahy
oucan.Howi
syour
Gi
rl
fr
iend?
Me:
She'
snotokay
.Shei
s..
.She
If
eltat
earandqui
ckl
ywi
pedi
tof
f.
Me:
-Sor
ryIneedt
ogot
omyr
oom.
Ist
oodupandr
ushedt
omyr
oom.
WhenIgottomyroom IsatDownonmybed
andhel
dont ot
hebed.Ifeltabi
glumpi
nmy
thr
oat
.Ifel
tmytear
srushingout.
ZOEhasgonet hr
oughsomuchLor d.Just
makeheralr
ightforme.IknowIdon'
tdeserve
suchmercyfrom youbutpl
easeLor
df orher
.
Ist
oodupandwi
pedmyt
ear
sthenheadedout
.
Me:
Maywego?
Theyal
lnoddedandSi
phokazi
drov
etot
heKani
house.
Whenwegott hereafewchurchmemberswer
e
gather
edt hereandofcour seMrsLouwand
Mr sRadebewer ether
e.I
ftheyut
terr
ubbi
sh
todayIwil
l notspar et
hem.
Wewal kinandtheylookatmewi t
hsomuch
pityandIfeel
disgusted.If
eelmywr at
h
resurf
aci
ngandSi sekonoticesandhol
dsmy
arm.
Si
seko:
Nother
eBhut
i.
Inodandwegr eetandIl ookatZoewhoisjust
l
y i
ngtherei
nherbedl ookingaway.Assoonas
oureyesmeetIf eeltearsrunni
ngdownmyf ace
.Shewi pesoffhertearsandIwi peoffmy
tearsaswell
.
Herbodyi
salldecorat
edwi t
hwoundsandIf
eel
r
agetowardsmy sel
ffornotget
ti
ngther
eear
ly.
MrKani:Thankyouforcomi
ngandshowi
ng
yoursuppor
ttowardsmydaught
eri
nthi
s
di
ff
icul
tti
me.
Ihearhi
svoiceshaki
ngaswell
andIj
ustknow
whathappenedhasbrokent
hem.
Chloèseemst
obestrongbecauseShest
art
sa
songandever
yonesi
ngsalong.
Il
ookatMrsLouwandRadebebot
hlooki
ngat
Zoeandt
alki
ng.
Asweareal
lseat
edZoesuddenl
ycal
l
smy
nameandIl
ookather
.
ZOE:
Andi
l
e.I
..
.I'
m sor
ry.
Il
ookatherconf
used,
whyshei
sapol
ogi
zi
ng?
Me:
YesZoe,
What
'
swr
ong?
ZOE:-
Andi
leIam notr
ightforyou.Iam t
otal
ly
damagednow,Iam notgoodenoughf oryou.
Youdeser
vebett
erAndileIjustcan'
tl
etyouruin
yourl
if
e.
MrsLouw:Yesyouarerightmydearheshoul
d
j
ustl
ookforabett
ergir
l.Someonewhohasn't
beendamaged.Someonel
i
keMydaught
er.
Idon'
treal
i
zei
tbutsoonIam st
andi
ngnextt
o
MrsLouwandmyey eshavet
urnedr
ed.
Me: MrsLouwt hismatterisbetweenmeand
Zoe.Justbecauseshespokei nf rontofal
lof
youdoesn'tgiv
ey outherighttocomment .And
Idon'twanttoinsul
tyoubyt el
lingyouallabout
yourdaughtersoIwillshutup.
Mom:
Andi
l
e!That
'snowayt
ospeakt
oanadul
t.
Me: Sheshoul
dactl ikeone.AndZoe,iti
s
possibl
ethatIam br okenmorethanyouare.
Scarsaren'
teasyt oidenti
fyi
nsomeoneand
thei
rwoundsar en'talwaysvi
sibl
e.Il
oveyou
regardl
essofwhat everhappenedanddoy ou
knowwhyIl ovey ousomuch.
Il
ookatherandshei
mmedi
atel
ylooksatme.
Me:Youlovemef orwhoIam notwhatIhave.
Unknowi
nglyyouhavelov
edmebey ondmy
fl
aws,mi
stakes,scar
sandint
ensedesir
es.You
havemademel ookatmyselfdi
ff
erent
lyand
youhaveaccept
edmef orwhoIam and
honest
lyZoeI'
dbeafoolifIwoul
dletthatgo.
Il
ookedawayandthet
ear
sst
art
edr
unni
ng
downmycheeks.
"
ANDI
LE"
Shecal
ledoutf
ormeandther
eissomethi
ngi
n
thewaymynamerol
lsoutofhert
ongue.
If
eltf
oot
stepsbehi
ndme.
Zoe:
Iam notwor
thyofy
ourLov
e.
Mom: Zoe,youarewr ong!Justbecausey ou
wereassault
edandat tackedbythosei di
ots
doesn'
tmakey oudamaged.Yesy ouar ea
vi
cti
m butmysonLov esy ouandasmuchasI
knowAndile,hedoesn'tletgoofthethingshe
l
ovesunlesstheyleavehi m.Wear ebroad
mindedandweknowast owhattoobjectand
whattoacceptandf ormemyAndi le'
s
happi
nesscomesf i
rst.
Welookateachot
herandIhol
dherhandand
shecr
ies.
Me:
Ilov
eYou.
ZOE:
Ilov
eYout
oo.
.
..
.
ZOE
Andi
l
ecl
ear
edmydoubt
sandr
eal
l
yIwashappy
.
Mr sRadebe: Thisisnonsenset hough.Infront
ofthechur chyouguy sar econf essingyour
Lov e.Andthepast orisalsopr omot i
ng
fornicati
onjustbecausei t'
shisdaught er.The
biggestsinnerandr ebel.Justbecausei t'
sy our
daught ersheisallowedt ofornicate.Thi
s
chur chhaslostitspurposeandy ouhav e
all
owedungodl yactiv
iti
esher e.
Mom:
EnoughRadebe!
Foroncei
nmyl
i
feIseemymom t
hisf
uri
ous.
Mom:
Leav
emyhusbandoutoft
his.Hei
sa
past
orandaf at
heraswellandletmetelly
ou
something.Wehav eneveri
mposedr el
i
gionto
ourchi
ldrenbecauseweunder st
andthat
whatevertheydecidet
odoi sgoodforthem we
canonlyadv i
sethem.
Dad:Secondly,mydaughteri sn'
tfornicat
ing.
Andil
ecamet omewi t
hthei ntenti
onst omar r
y
mydaught er.AndIhavenev erjudgedanyof
yourchi
ldrenforanyoftheirmi st
akesnorhav e
Ifor
cedy oupeopletojoi
nmychur ch.Ify
ou
wishtoleavethischur
chy oucan, noonewi l
l
stopyou.
Me: Andasf orquestioni
ngmydad, hehas
alwaysputt hechurchandhispri
ncipl
esfir
st.
Hehasal way srepri
mandedmewhenhesaw
theneedt o.Heisagoodman.Andhehas
neverforcedmeoranyofmysi bli
ngsinto
anythi
ngj ustbecauseheisapastor.Mydad
doesn'tdeservethi
sespecial
lyf
rom you.Thisi
s
hishouset heref
oreyoucannotdisr
especthim
her
e.
Il
ookatt
hem andt
henatAndi
l
e.
Andi
le:AndLastl
y.Lethewhohasnosi
nthr
ow
thef
irstst
one.
Thewholechur
chwasstunnedandIwas
honest
lyt
ir
edofli
vi
ngunderthei
rexpect
ati
ons.
Il
impedbackt omybedandsatther
equiet
lyas
MrsRadebeandMr sLouwwalkedoutandthe
servi
cecar
riedon.Theypr
ayedandmyMom
askedthem togodownst
air
stohavesomet ea
andcafe.
Dad:
Iwi
l
lleav
eyouandAndi
l
eal
onet
otal
k.
Chl
oè:CanSi
sekoandIgot
oy ourst
udyIneed
hi
mt ohel
pmewi t
hamathproblem.
Dad:
Okayy
oucangoPr
incess.
Theyal
lwal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Ij
ustknewAndi
lewasscar
edtoeventouchme
becausehewasnotsur
ewhet
herornotIwoul
d
l
i
kei
torhav
eadi
ff
erentr
eact
ion.
Me: Il
oveYouAndi
l
e.Thankyouforsavi
ngme.
Iknewy ou'
dcomebutIr
eal
lyneedtoknow
aboutyou.
Andi
l
e:Iknewy
ouwoul
daskme.
Me:
Wil
lyout
ell
me?
Andile:Iwasagangst erZoe.Iam t heSl ayMan
peopleuset otalkabout.Iwast herighthand
manofoneoft henot oriousgangster s.Ev ery
Lordwant edmebecauseofmyski ll
sandhowI
nevermi ssedmyt arget .Thishappenedi nmy
l
asty eari nHi ghschool .Iwasv er
yhotheaded
andar r
ogantpl usIneededt hemoneyf ormy
varsi
tyf ees.Thej obdescr i
pti
onwasaper fect
fi
tmydar kper sonal i
ty .Ihonestlygotusedt oi
t
andt het hingsIsawanddi dtraumatizedme.
GraduallyIl earnttoki l
l withoutmercy ,I
developedat hickski n.Iki ll
edpeopleZoe.I
slaughter edt hem likeani mals.
Iwat
chedhi
m getdownonhi
skneesandt
her
e
andt
henhebrokedown.
Me: Shhh!Andi
le,cal
m downbaby.Youwi
l
lbe
Okay .I
t'
sOkay.It
'syourpast
.Youhave
changednowandy ouagoodman.
Andi
le:
ZoeIam notwor
thyofyou.ButIl
ove
Youandyoul
ovemesoIwon' tl
etyougo.
Welookintoeachother'
seyesandIsmil
eashe
smi
lestoo.Icat
chaf ri
ghtwhenheholdmy
wai
standheseest hat.
Andi
l
e:Iam sor
ry.
Me:NoIam sor ry.Idon'
tknowhowt oreact
whenany onetouchesmeIst i
l
lgetnight
mares
andIcan'tsl
eepatni ght
.IfeelasthoughIhave
l
ostmy self
.
Hedoesn'
tsayany
thi
nginst
eadheki
ssesal
lof
mywoundsonmyf ace.
Andi
l
e:Il
oveYou.
Ismil
eandhet akeaouthisphoneandshows
meabeaut i
fuldoubl
estor
eyhouse.I
t'
sa
vi
ntagehousewi t
habeauti
fulv
iewanda
beauti
ful
yard.Withahugepoolar
ea.
Me:
Soy
ouf
inal
l
yfoundi
t?
Andi
l
e:Yes.Theygoi
ngt
ovi
ewi
ttomor
row
thenift
heylikei
ttheycanmov ei
nbynextweek.
Theyjustneedthei
rluggageandafewofthei
r
possessi
ons.
Me:
Aren'
tyougoi
ngt
omov
einwi
tht
hem?
Andi
l
e:NoIneedmyspacesoIgotmy
sel
fa
smal
lapar
tment
.
Me:I'
llshi
ftt
omyapart
mentnextmont
h.Af
ter
ever
ythingmypar
ent
sdon'
twanttohear
anyt
hing.
Andi
l
e:Theyar
eri
ght
.Ifi
twaspossi
bley
ou'd
moveinwit
hmebuti
twouldn'
tbeagoodidea.
Me:
Yeahy
our
ight
.I'
dlov
eYout
oaccompany
methoughpr
obabl
ynextweekIwantt
omov
e
someofmystuf
fther
e.
Andil
e:I
'dl
ovet
odot
hatbutf
ornowy
ouneed
torest
.
Me:
I'
ll
wal
kyououtMrRhonqo.
Andi
l
e:HowcanIr
efuset
hatMr
sRhonqo.
Igi
gglewhenwepassChl oè'
sroom wehear
soundsandontheotherhandwehearsounds
walki
ngupthestai
rs.
Me:Weneedtot
ell
theseSt
upi
dki
ds.I
tsounds
l
ikemydadi
scoming.
Andi
lepushest
hedooropenandIdon'
treal
l
y
knowhowt odi
gestwhatIsee.
Theyarehavi
ngOr als.Theyl
i
ter
all
ynaked.
Andil
eshutsthedoorandwebot hl
ookateach
otherandst
artlaughing.
Andi
l
e:Thatwasr
eal
l
yembar
rassi
ng.
Me:
Imustsayt
heRhonqomenai
rgi
ft
edhey
!
Hegaspsonshockanddadappr
oaches.
Dad:
Icamet
ocal
lChl
oèandSi
seko.
Me:Ij
ustcal
l
edt hem t
heyarewrappi
ngup.
Seemsli
keSisekoisagreatt
utor
.
Dad:
Oht hat
'sgood,
andChl
oèseemst
obe
i
mprovi
ngaLot .
Me:
Yes,
hermar
ksar
eexcept
ional
.
Ismi
l
eanddadnodst
henheadsdownst
air
s.
Andi
l
e:Lawy
ersar
egoodatl
yi
nghuh?
Me:
Lawy
ersdon'
tl
ie.Atl
eastIdon'
tl
ie.
ILaughandheremov
esast randofhai
ronmy
facethenki
ssesmyf
orehead.
.
..
..
CHLOÈ
Siseko:Shi
t!Theyl
it
eral
l
ysawusnaked.It
old
youitwasabadi deaandsi
ll
yuswedidn'
teven
l
ockt hedoor.
Igiggl
eandaf t
erwearebot hdressedwe
strandbythedoorandwhenweopennei ther
ZoenorAndi l
elookatusinsteadtheyar
e
stari
ngineachother
'seyes.
Weclearourt
hroat
sandt
heybot
htur
nwi
th
ser
iousl
ook.
"
WeNeedt otal
k"theybot
hsayandIknowZOE
whenasheisseri
ous.
Si
sekoandIl
ookateachot
herandsl
owl
ynod.
.
..
..
BREE
Iam st
randed.TreyknowsIhelpedEr
icandRon.
AndafterwhatIwitnessedwhenIsawthe
foot
ageofAndileslayi
ngevery
oneIam scar
ed.
WorseofallTremainhascometoknowt hatI
am notpregnantwi
thhischil
l
sbutBen'
schild.
MyLifeisamessbutt hatLei
lai
sthecause.
Shesnatchedevery
thi
ngf r
om meInnotime.
Ineedt
odeal
wit
hherper
sonal
l
y.
.
..
..
LEI
LA
IwaswithTremaininmyapart
ment.Hesai
dwe
neededti
met ooursel
vest
otal
kabout
ever
ythi
ng.
Tremai
n:ILoveYouLei
laandIwanty
out obe
bymyside.Youhavehadsomucheffectonme.
You'
vei
nspiredmetobecomeagoodman.
Il
ookathi m andhesmi les.Thismanis
beauti
ful.Hehasr oughfeatur
es.Hishairi
snot
atal
lneat ,hehasroughhazel eyesandhisface
eachandev er
yfeatureonhisfaceisreal
perf
ection.
Me:
WhataboutBREE?
Tr
emai
n:Doy
oul
oveme?
Iopenmyey
esandnod.
Tr
emai
n:Sayi
t,Iwantt
oheari
tfr
om y
ou.Tel
l
meLei
l
a.
Me:IloveYoutooTr emai
n.Iwentagainstmy
famil
yforyou.Becausespendi
ngti
mewi t
hy ou
mademeawar eofsomuchandIr eali
zedy ou
wereagoodman.Bet t
ert
hanmyf athercould
betome.
Tr
emai
n:Whydoy
ousayt
hat
?
Me: Forsur
ehelov edmebuthedi dn'
tl
oveme
moret hanhi
mself.Heneverhadtimeforme
nei
therdidheconsidermyfeeli
ngs.Healway
s
sentmeawaysi ncebothhim andmymom
neverhadtheti
met obe"
Parents"
.
Ifel
tmyselfbr
eaki
ngouti
ntoacr
y.Ihav
enev
er
sharedt
hiswit
hanyone.
Tremain:Li
sten,Idon'tknowwhaty ouwent
throughbecausealthoughmypar entsdied
whenIwasababymyuncl eandauntadopt ed
meandmademet hei
rson.Peopledon'treall
y
knowt hatt
heynotmypar entsbecauseofthe
l
ovetheyhav egiv enme.Mypoi ntist
haty ou
don'
tnecessar i
l
yhav et oexper
ienceparentl
ove
fr
om yourbiologicalparent
s.Andi nt
hiscase
myparentsareher eforyou.
Me:Yourf
amil
yhasbeent
ookindt
omeIdon'
t
wantt
otakeundueadv
ant
age.
AndasIgotupheheldmyar m andpul l
edmet
o
hi
m andIsatonhislapandfrom thenthe
chemist
rybetweenustookover.Iranmy
fi
ngerssl
owlyonhisfaceandhet racedhi
s
fi
ngeronmybar eback.
West aredintoeachother'
seyesandIf el
thi
s
br
eathhi tmyf aceandIfel
tli
keurinat
ingon
myself.Thecol dai
rcomingfrom him,weboth
st
artedbr eathi
ngheavi
lyashegotnearand
ki
ssedmyl ip.
Hekissedmesopassionatelyandintensel
y
thatIwasamazed.Hi
saphr odi
siacpresence
andmassdidn'
tmaket hi
ngseasi er
.Idon't
wanttoli
eIhav eneverbeenki
ssedli
kethatin
mylif
e.Thisguyissomet hi
ngel
se.Hecan
makey ouwetbyj ustshowi
nghist
rueemot i
on
andactual
lyexpressingi
tbyhi
stouchesand
ki
sses.
Me:
MmmhTr
ey.I
..wanty
ou.
Trey
:Idon'twantt
otakeadv
ant
ageLei
l
aar
e
yousure?
Inoddedwi
thsomuchl
ongi
nganddesi
re.
Me:
Butpl
easebegent
le,
Iam av
irgi
n.
Hewidenedhi
sgazeandIcoul
dseeasmi
rkon
hi
sfaceandhi
sli
pscurvei
ntoasmugsmi
le.
Hetakesmeandwal kstomyr oom wherehe
pl
acesmedown, soIstandandf acehi
m.He
pushesthepant
sdownl eavi
ngmewi thmy
undi
esonlyandheremov esmyshoesaswel l
.
Hecomesupandki ssesmewhil
esof
tl
y
hol
dingandst
roki
ngmywai st
.
Heki
ssesmyneckandIl
etal
i
ttl
emoanescape
f
rom mymout
h.
Hepushesmytopupandsmileswhenhesees
mysmallper
kyti
tsf
reeandpoint
ingr
ightatme.
Hebit
eshisl
owerl
ipnottaki
nghiseyesof
fme.
AndIfeel
andunf
athomablefeel
i
nginmybody.
Hekissesmybooksandsucksont hem and
theyharden.Hegoesdownandkneelsi
nf r
ont
ofme.
Hesoft
lybi
tesmyski
nonmypelvi
s.Imoan
andIf
eelmybodysuccumbi
ngt
othisdesi
re.
Hepushesmypant
ydownwithhi
steet
hand
comeupslowl
ywhi
lebr
ushi
nghisli
psonmy
l
egs.
Hef i
nallyi
nsert
s1f ingerinmeandIf eel
pleasuremixedwi t
hpai n.AgainImoanandhe
continuestheprocessthisIfeelawet
substancecomeoutofmyv agi
na.
Hestr
ipshistshirtandpants.Hel aysmedown
andpushesmyl egswi derapartwithhi
sknees
andhepositi
onshi mselfandrestshiswei
ght
onhi
selbows.
Heslowlybutpai
nful
lyent
ersmeaftergr
eat
di
ff
icul
tyandIam alr
eadyscreami
ngmyl ungs
out
."Oh!OOOH!TREMAI N!AhhH!"
Heslowlymov esinmeandIf eelmysel
fwi
den
downt hereandherestshi
sbodyonmeandI
holdont ohisbackandsavourthepai
nand
pl
easure.Screamingli
kealunati
candmoaning
Ifeel
newsomehow.Li keacompletewoman.

41
LEI
LA
WakingupnexttoTreyr
emi ndedofl
astni
ght
's
acti
vit
ies.Ismi
l
edandwithoutwarni
nghe
tossesmeandgetsontopofme.
Tr
ey:
Goodmor
ningMi
ssLei
l
a.
Me:
Goodmor
ningMrTr
emai
n.
Tr
ey:
Sohowwasl
astni
ght
?
Me:Idon'treal
l
yhaveexper
iencesoIcan'
t
commentmuch.ButIhav etosayitwas
i
ncredi
ble.Ienj
oyedi
t.
Tr
ey:
Andy
oumustbef
ami
shed.
Me:
Yes,
Iam f
ami
shed.
Heget
supandIr
eal
i
zej
usthowbi
ghei
s.
Tr
ey:
Youcanst
arei
t'
sal
lyour
s.
Hehandsmehi
sshi
rtashewear
shi
spant
s.
Af
terthathescoopsmeupandweheadt
othe
ki
tchen.
Me:
SowhatAr
eYoumaki
ng?
Tr
ey:
Pancakesandomel
ett
es.
Me:I
'l
lmakemymom'sf
amousMexicansoup.
Ev
eryONEwantedt
ohav
eiti
nherr
estaur
ant.
Tr
ey:
I'
dlov
etot
ast
eit
.
Hewi
nksandIst
artl
aughi
ngasImakei
t.
Me:Youreal
l
ydi
dn'
ttel
lmet hewayfor
ward
wi
thMeandYou.AndBreeaswell
.Thelast
t
imeIhear
dshewaspregnantwi
thyourbaby.
Trey:
Ilov
eYouandIwantt obewithyou.Asf
or
Breeshewentmi ssi
ngassoonasIfoundout
shewaspr egnantwi
thBen'
schi
ld.
Me:
What
?
Henodsandcomesnearme.
Trey:Idon'
twanty outothi
nkt
hatyouaremy
rebound.Ireall
ylovey
ouandIknowy outhat
youknowi ttoo.Iwanttobewi
thyou.Iwil
l
mar r
yy ouactuall
y.
Hewentdownonhi
skneeandt
ookouta
pl
ast
icr
ing.
Trey
:-
I'
l
lgetyouabet
teronebutj
ustsayyes.
YouhavechangedmeLeil
aSaint
'Mari
no.Iwant
t
oshar
emyent
ir
eli
fewi
thy
ou.
Iwasoverwhelmed.Ofcour
se,al
thoughwe'v
e
knowneachot herf
orsuchashor
twhi l
ebuthe
hashadagr eatimpacti
nmyli
feandhowIsee
l
ifeandIdon'twanttowast
eti
me.
Me:
Ofcour
seIwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou.
Tr
ey:
Ilov
eYou.
Hestandsupandki
ssesmepassi
onat
elyt
henI
hughim ast
ear
sfi
ll
myey es.
Me:
Ilov
eYouTremainKani
.Youhav
echanged
mywhol
eli
fei
njustafewweeks.
Trey:
YouhavechangedmeLeil
a.Ican'
t
possi
blyl
etsuchadiamondgo.
.
..
..
ZOE
IwasInBed.Icouldn'
tsl
eept
hewholenight
causeEv
eryti
meIcl osedmyeyesIsawRonon
topofme.Hisdisgust
ingsmi
rk.Hi
sfil
thyhands
al
lovermybody
.Icoul
dhi
sfi
l
thybodyon
mines.
Icoul
dalsost
il
lfeel
Eri
c'sbeati
ngs,
seehi
sface
faceashebeatmetil
lIbled.
Mom:Ibookedyouanappoi
ntmentwitha
t
her
apist
.Youneedtoseeherandthati
sfi
nal
.
Me:Okayf
ine.Howar
eyout
hough?I
sthebaby
Okay
?
Mom: YesandIam Okay.ButIam wor
ri
ed
aboutmybigbabyr
ighthereinfr
ontofme.
Me:Iam Fi
nemom.Iwi
llf
orgetthi
s,andIwi
l
l
seethedoct
orf
ory
oursake.Okay?
Mom:
That
'smygi
rl
.
Ismil
easshehandsmeov
ermybr
eakf
astand
Ieat
.
.
Lat
erIam dr
essedi
nmyblackhi
ghwaist
sweat
pant
swi t
hawhit
etopandablackhoodi
e.
Wi
thmyNi
keki
cks.
Ibr
ushmyhairandleav
eitl
i
kethat
,Igo
downst
air
sandtakemycarkey
s.
Me:Ineedfixafewt
hingsi
nmynewapar
tment
andtheoff
ice.
Dad:
Zoe,
but
.
Me;pl
easedad.Ineedt
obepr
eoccupi
edorwi
l
l
l
osemymi nd.
HenodsandIwal
koutanddr
ivet
omy
apar
tment
.
Myapart
mentisqui
tebi
gandhasalreadybeen
f
urni
shed.Ior
der5Pi
zza'
sandbooze.
Isitt
hereandmyor dergetsdel
iver
ed.Isi
ton
thefl
oorandplaysomeol dschoolrapmusic
andeat.Idri
nkti
ll
Ican'tanymore.
Myphoner ingsnon-
stopandIignor
eit.Ican'
t
ev
enf eel
myl i
mbsanymore.Thepainismuch
st
rongerthanIhadthought.It
rytogetupbut
myat
tempt
sar
einv
ainasIf
all
down.
Icryoutl
oudandf orthef
ir
stti
meev eryevent
thathadeveroccurr
edinmylif
ecomes
fl
ashingbefor
eme.Iopent he4thbott
lethatI
fi
ndinmyboozecupboar d.
Idr
inkhalfofi
t.Myphonecont
inuest
ori
ngbut
Ii
gnoreit
.
108mi ssedcal
ls.Ipushmyphoneawayand
cont
inuedrinki
ng.Iopenmybagandtakea
j
oint
.AsIam aboutt otakeapul
lahandgrabs
myhand.
"Whyar eyouki
ll
ingyoursel
f?Zoewhyareyou
doingthis?Iwi
l
lnotallowyoutodothis!
"He
shoutsandhisvoiceroarsacr
ossthehouse.
Me: ThenwhatshouldIdoAndile?Ithurt
sme,I
can'tl
ookatmy sel
finthemirr
or.Ifeel
disgust
edIcan'
teventouchmy selfbecause
everyti
meIdoIam r emindedofthatBastar
d!I
t
hurtsANDILE!
Icryandhesi
tnextt
omeandpul
l
smet
ohi
s
chestwher
eIcry.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Zoe:MakeitstopAndile,
thepain!Makeitst
op
i
thurtsme.It'
shurti
ngmesobadIcan' t
tol
erat
eitanymore.Ican'
ttakeit.Mychest
feel
sli
keitwill
burst
.ANDI LEIam dyi
ngIcan't
feelmysel
f.Iam l
osingmymi nd.I.
..I
..
.J.
.
Shecriessobi t
terl
yandIcrytooholdingher .
Neverinmyl if
ehav eIseenherinsomuch
dist
raught.Thedesperati
oninherey es,thepain
i
nherey es.Shei sdesper
ateforredempt ion
andIdon'tknowwhatt osaytoher.Theway
shebeggedmet ostopherpai
nhasbr okenme
evenfurt
her.Idon'tknowwhatt osayt oher.
Me:Zoeal
lowmet obeherefory
ou.All
owme
topi
ckpupthepi
eces.Al
lowmet ohel
py ou,I
candoanyt
hingf
oryou.Ripmyhearti
npieces
i
fneedsbebutIcan'
tseey
oucr
ying.Ican'
t!
Ihol
dherandshecr i
esandminut
eslaterIhear
hersnori
ngsoftl
yonmychestsoItakeherto
herroom upst
air
s.
Iwatchhersl
eep.Suchbeautyandpai
nonher
face.ICl
osemyey esandkneeldown.
Me: Pleaser epairherLor d.Sheneedsy oumost
atthistimeandIknowy ouhav egr eaterplans
forher.Beherst rengthanddon' tlethergo
backt oherr ebel l
if
ebecausei twillki
llher.Iam
probablyt helastper sontoasky ousomet hi
ng
butIhav epr ayedsomuch, confessedmysi ns
toyouandIam r epent i
ngonceagai n.Please
givehert hesamel ov eYougav et omewhenI
didn'tdeserveitthemost .Pleaseshowher
mer cyandbeherst rength.Amen.
IopenmyeyesandIheaddownst
air
swher
eI
takemykeysanddr
iveoutt
obuySomethi
ng
forhert
oeatwhenshewakesup.
Shor
tl
yIretur
ntothehouseandcook
somethi
ngforhert
henIboil
watertomakeher
somecoffee.
Ihearfootstepsont
hestai
rsandsheappear
s
holdi
ngherheadandstil
lstagger
ingf
ri
endsm
thealcohol.
Irushtoherandhel
phersi
tonthecouch.Igi
ve
herthefoodandcoff
eeandshelooksatme
andshakesherhead.
Me:
Youhav
etoeat
.
Itakethepl
atefr
om herandf
eedher
.If
eedher
ti
l
l sheisf
ull
thenIl
ookather
.
Zoe:
Thanky
ou.Iwasf
ami
shed.
Wemakeey econt actandasterribleasIsound
Isi
ngf orher
."Somepeopl ewanti tal
lbutI
don'twantnothi
ngatal li
fitai
n'ty oubaby.
Somepeopl ewantdi amondr i
ngsandsome
j
ustwantev eryt
hingbutev er
ythingmeans
nothingi
fIain'
tgoty ou."
Shel
aughsandIsmi
l
e.
Me:OhIam t
ryi
ngt
ober
omant
icandy
ouf
ind
i
tamusi
ng.
Zoe:
NoIam notl
aughi
ngsee.
Shetri
estopullonastr
aightf
acebutl
aughs
i
nstead.Igetupandputthepl
ateaway.It
hen
gi
veheraspiri
nandwaterandshedri
nksitup.
Zoe:
Per
ksofhav
ingadoct
orasy
ourboy
fri
end.
ILaughandshesmi
l
es.
Shehesit
atesabi
tbutsi
tsnextt
omethenl
ays
herheadonmychestandIholdher
.
Me:
Ilov
eYou.
Zoe:
Ilov
eYou.
ShesnugglesupnexttomeandIsmil
easI
admir
ethis.Iwanttomarr
yhersoon.
Iwant
thi
stobeourev er
ydayrout
ine.
.
..
..
KATE
Idon'
tknowwhatishappeni
ngt
omydaught
er
butLor
dpleasehel
pher.
Thedoorbel
lri
ngsandsheent
ersf
oll
owedby
Andi
le.
Me:
Youf
oundher
,thankgoodness.
Hesmil
esandIusherhi
mtosi
tasIt
akeZoet
o
herr
oom.
Me:
Baby ,
stopdoi
ngthis.Tal
ktomeIam Your
mom andifnotmethenwhocanyoutal
kto.
Zoe:
Mom al
otoft
hingshur
tmeandwor
ryme.
Me:
Like?
Zoe:Andil
ehasbeent
hinki
ngaboutthefut
ure
butIdon'
tknowwhatwill
happen.YouknowI
can'
thavebabiesmywombwasscar redaf
ter
themiscarr
iage.
Me:Li
stennot
hingisimpossi
blewi
thGod.You
si
mplyneedtohavefait
h.Thedoct
orssai
dyou
can'
thav
ebabi
esbutdi
dGodsayt
hat
?
Zoe:
Nomom.
Me:Sowhydoyouwor
rysomuch?Youj
ust
needf
ait
hZoet
hat'
sal
l
.
Shel
ooksatmeandIseehowi
nsecur
eshei
s.
Me:Shal
lwedosomet
hingt
omor
row?Justme
andyou?
ShenodsandIt
uckheri
n.
Me:
Ilov
eYoubaby
.
Zoe:
Ilov
eYout
oomom.
Shesaysthati
nashakyv
oiceandIki
ssher
for
ehead.
42
ZOE

2-
Mont
hsLat
er
Iwasdoi nggood,att
endingtherapyandbackat
work.ItwasnowDecemberandwewer e
ar
rangingf orTr
emain'
sweddi ngwhichwould
beonChr i
stmas.ImustsayLeil
ahaschanged
mybr otherfort
hebetterandIam glad.They
ar
eal soexpecti
ngababy .
Andi
lehasbeent
hemostsupport
iveboy
fri
end
ever
.Hehasbeenther
eformeandhasdoneall
hecoul
dtomakesureIgetbet
ter
.
Wewer ehav
inglunchinmyapartmentatt
he
pat
io.Ihadi
nvit
edChloè,
Siseko,
Tremainand
Lei
l
aaswel lasAndil
e.
Tremain:Ican'
tbel
iev
ethesai
nthasa
boyfr
iendthough.
Weal
ll
aughandChl
oèandSi
sekol
ookatus.
"
WEhav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyouguy
s"
Weal
lfr
ownandl
ookatt
hem.
Si
seko:
Wedeci
dedt
oendt
hings.
Us:
Why
?
Weal
lsayt
hatadt
heyl
augh.
Chloè:Thatisbecausewereal
i
zedthatt
hings
weren'tworki
ngoutandwebot hagr
eedtobe
fr
iends.West i
ll
hangoutandstudyt
ogether.
Leil
a:Asl
ongasyouguy
sar
ehappyt
henwe
arehappy
.Okay
?
Me:
Okaysohowar
eyouLei
l
a,i
sthebabyokay
?
Lei
l
a:Yest
hebabyi
sgr
owi
ng.Wear
ehappy
.
Shesay
sthatholdi
ngTr
ey'
shandandt
heybot
h
smil
eateachother
.
Iam gl
adthathehasf oundtruehappinessand
acompanion.Hehasal waysbeenmybaby
morethanabr ot
her,Ihavealwaysseenthe
needtomot herhim andtodayIam proudof
themanhehasbecome.
Tr
ey:
Thanky
ouMyLov
e.
Hesay
sthatl
ooki
ngatmeandIsmi
l
e.
Chl
oè:MorelikeMotherZoe.Shewi
l
lbeagreat
motheronedayIam sure,t
hewayshehas
al
waysmot heredus.
IlookatherandIf eelli
kecryingandt el
li
ngher
that.Unf
ort
unatelyyoursi st
erwi l
lneverhavea
chil
d.Shedoesn'tknowandIdon' twantto
breakherheartsoIf akeasmi l
eandAndi l
e
holdsmyhandandbr ushesit.
Tr
eyl
ooksatmeaswel
landIShawmyhead.
Me: Comelet
'smakeatoast
.Tonew
beginni
ngsandnewrel
ati
onshi
ps.Il
ovey
ou
guys.
Weal
lcl
i
ckgl
assesAndcont
inuet
alki
ng.
.
..
..
BREE
NoWay !
-ThatLei
l
aisl
ivi
ngali
feIshoul
dbe
l
iv
ingandhereIam Pr
egnantwi
thBen'schi
l
d.
Iwi
l
lhav
etost
opt
hatweddi
ng.Tr
emai
nis
mineandIwill
nev
erall
owanyonetosnatch
himfrom menott
hatLei
laorany
oneelsefor
thatmatt
er.
TREMAI
NKANIi
smi
ne!
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Icouldseethatthemat terofchildrenwas
botheri
ngZoe.Icanseet herestlessnessi
nher
eyesandt hefear.Sheistryi
ngtohi deitfr
om
me.Shepr obablythinksIwill
laterwantkids
fr
om her.Butonet hingIknowi st hatwewill
havekids.Ihavecompl etefai
tht hatGodwi l
l
Goveusachancet obePar entst hatiswhatI
prayfor.
Assoonasev
ery
oneleav
esIhel
phercl
eanup
andweenduppl
ayi
ngaroundt
hehouseand
run.
Me:Stopworr
yingaboutmeandhowIf
eel
aboutki
dsZoe.
Shest
opsandl
ooksatme.
Zoe:Andi
l
eIknowyouwantki
dsnoman
doesn'
twantki
ds.
Me:YesIwouldlov
etohavekidsbutIdon'
t
wanttotor
tur
eyoubecauseofkids.Wewil
l
haveki
ds.Nothi
ngisi
mpossibl
ewi t
hGod.
Shel
ooksatmeandsi
tsdown.
Zoe:Yourfamilywill
wantababyAndi le.WillI
evenbeabl etostandthetauntsIwillbegi v
en.
Iusedtowi t
nessmymot herbeingtaunt edby
myDad'sf amily
.Couldyoupr omisemet hatI
won'tgothroughthat.
Me: Fami
lywi
llbefamily.ButIwil
l standbyy ou
.Whyshouldyoucar eaboutextendedf amil
y
whenmyownpar entshavenoprobl em wit
h
you.LookZoeIam YourManandt her ef
oreItis
mydut yt
oprot
ecty ouandIwillprotectyou
Zoe.
Zoe:
Ilov
eYouandi
fIhav
etogot
hrough
t
aunt
sIwil
lbaby
.ThankyouAndi
l
eforbei
ng
wi
thmethr
oughall
ofthi
s.
Me:
Ilov
eYouandy
ourar
emyFor
ever
.
WelookateachotherandIkisshercheek.I
havebeenl
esstouchysoshedoesn't
rememberhert
erri
bleexper
ienceandshe
seemstobegetti
ngbetter.
.
..
..
SI
PHOKAZI
Lit
hahasbeenanui sance.Hehasbeen
communi cat
ingwithmyfamilytell
ingthem t
hat
hewantsasecondchance.Il ovehim nodoubt
buthowdoIj ustfor
getevery
thing.Thetaunt
s,
humil
iat
ion,abuseandeveryt
hingheandhi s
famil
yhav edonetome.
Iagreet
hathel ovesmebuthedoesn'
tloveme
enoughtostandupf orme.Ican'
tbewit
h
someoneli
ket hat.Someonewhocan'tstand
upformeandmybaby .
Iwalktotheloungeaf
terbat
hingmybabyI
almostcursewhenIseetherestoft
heRadebe
famil
y.
Me:Mama,baf
unant
oni
apha?
(Mom,
whatdo
t
heywanther
e?)
Dad:
Theyar
eher
etoapol
ogi
zet
oyou.
Iti
ghtenmygr i
par oundmybabyasmemor i
es
ofthatfamil
yflashedback.Thehumi
l
iat
ion,
the
constantbeat
ings.
Mom:
Takeaseatpl
easebaby
.
Isitdowninbetweenmypar ent
sandIlookat
Lit
ha'smom thenatmyrightfoott
hatsti
l
lhas
theburntmark.Thehott
eashehadspi l
tonme.
Ilookathi
sdadandt
hewor
dsheusedt
osay
tomeechoedagaini
nmymind.
Il
ookatLi
thaandev er
ythi
ngheputmet
hrough
mademebr eakdown.
Ki
ng:
Siphokazi
.Wear
esor
ryweknowt
hatwe
hav
eputyout
hroughal
otofpai
nandy
ouhav
e
ari
ghtt
obemadatus.
QueenMot her
:EweSisi
,weactual
lyverysorr
y.
Li
thahasmadeusr eali
zeourdeeds.Things
haven'
tbeenthesame.Aft
eryouleftthehouse.
Wear ehonest
lysor
ry.
Andt heunexpectedhappensLi t
hahimself
goesdownonhi skneesandbegsf ormy
forgi
veness..Hecriesandcr i
esandpar tofme
dieswithhi
m ashecr ies.Ican'
tseehim crysoI
givethebabytomom andhel phim getup.
Me:Li
stenLi
thaIdon'
tfancyhumi
l
iat
ingy
ou.
St
andupplease.
Li
tha:
Iwi
l
lnotst
andupt
il
lyouf
orgi
veme.
Hehol
dsontomylegsti
llIkneel
downalong
wi
thhi
m.Ihol
dhi
sf aceandwebot hcr
y.
Me:Iforgiv
eyouandy ourf
amil
y.Alt
houghyou
al
ltr
eatedmel iket
rashandmademel i
veli
kea
dog.Iforgi
veyou.Youpeopl
ebrokemedown,
oust
edmeoutofy ourhouseandbani
shedme
fr
om yourv
il
lagebutIf
orgi
veyouformypeace
ofmind.
Aft
erIsaidt
hatIst
oodup,
tookmybabyt
hen
headedtomyroom.
Wher
eIcr
iedandhel
dmybaby
.
43
ZOE
I
twashect i
casweonl yhadaweekbefor
ethe
wedding.Iwasswampedwi t
hallt
he
preparat
ions.We'dhaveawhiteweddi
ngfi
rst
thenthetradit
ional
one.
Me:Mom taker
estIwi
llt
akecar
eofev
ery
thi
ng.
Youshoul
dberest
ing.
Mom:Don'
tfor
gettofet
chAmberandher
f
amil
yfr
om theai
rpor
ton12o'
clockshar
p.
Me:Mom rel
ax.Yout
ell
i
ngmet
hisf
ort
he
hundr
edt
ht i
me.
Dad:Youknowhowpar
ti
cul
ary
ourmom i
s
aboutt
hings.
Tr
emain:Iwi
ll
fet
cht
herestoft
hef
ami
l
y
members.Howhasal
ottodo.
Me: Thankyou.FornowIhav etogotothe
venueandmakesur eev er
ythi
ngisrunni
ng
smoot hl
yIwil
lmeetwiththeweddingorgani
zer
ther
eandspeakt ohim aboutever
ythi
ngthati
s
pending.
Chloè:Si
s,canIgowit
hyou?Ineedt
odot
he
fi
nalfi
tti
ngsofmydress?
Me:
Sur
e.Let
'sgo.Fami
l
ywewi
l
lseey
oul
ater
.
Welef
tforthev
enuef
ir
standchecked
ev
eryt
hing.
Me: Okayl
ist
enChr i
sever
ythi
nghast obe
perf
ectespecial
lyt
hechandel
ierIdon'
twanti
t
fal
l
ingonany one.
Chr
is:
Sur
eZoe.
ZOE:Butthi
sisgr
eatwor
kmyf
ri
endi
tist
otal
l
y
per
fectt
hankyou.
Weleftforthebout
iquewher
ewemetupwi th
Lei
laandsomeofhercousins,Iwashermaid
ofhonorsincewe'v
egrowncloseri
nthesepast
fewmont hs.
Chloèwouldbet
hepl
1di
rect
oratt
he
recept
ion.
Me:OkayLet'
sgetstar
tedwit
hthef
it
ti
ngs.I
s
mydressfort
hechurchready
?Andmy
j
umpsuitf
ortherecept
ion?
Clair
e:Yescomethi
sside,
Ialsodi
dsome
al
terati
onsfr
om l
astti
mesinceyouar
ethe
ti
niestoft
hem al
l
.
Il
aughedandshewastel
li
ngt
hetruthIam
probabl
yasize28/
30andmostofthem ar
e
abitbi
ggert
hanIam.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgetgoi
ng.
Weal
lfi
tout
fi
tst
hengooutf
orl
unch.
Me:
SoLei
l
aar
eyour
eadyt
omeett
hewhol
e
f
amil
y?
Lei
l
a:YesImeanwhatcoul
dpossi
blyhappen?
Chloè:MyMom' ssideofthef amilyiscoolbut
Dad'ssideofthefamil
yisdr amaticand
annoyingyouwillhav
et opreparey our
selff
or
theextraanal
ysisofyourrel
ationshipand
i
rrel
evantquesti
onsabouty ourbackgroundand
stuff
.
Me: Andyouwil
lrat
hergettaunt
sor
disappr
ovi
ngcomment ssojustprepar
e
yoursel
femoti
onall
yandlearntoi
gnoreit
.
Leil
a:Wow!Ihadnoideaoft
hedr
amabut
thankyouf
ortheheadsup
Me:Atleastt
heyknowyoucanhavekidsso
ther
ewon'tbeafussaboutwhet
herornoty
ou
arefer
ti
le.
Lei
l
a: ThankyouZoe,andIam verysureyouwil
l
makeagr eatmother
.Youhavegi venme
motherloveandIam cer
tai
ny ourchil
drenwi
l
l
beluckytohaveyouasamot her.
Icouldn'
tst
opt hetear
sfr
om comi
ng.HowdoI
tel
lyouthatIcan'thav
eki
ds.HowdoIbreak
thesenewstot hem.
Me:Thati
simpossi
bleLei
l
a.Iwi
l
lnev
erhav
e
ki
ds.
Al
loft
hem l
ookedatmeasi
fIwascr
azy
.
Chloè:
Youwi l
l
,that'
swhatpeopl
edoaft
erthey
getmarri
edsoaf t
ermarr
iageyouandAndi
l
e
wil
lhavekids.
Me:NoChloè.Ican'
thav
ekids.Mywombi
s
scar
redaf
terwhatEri
cdidt
ome.
Theyl
ookatmewit
hpi
tyandIshakemyhead
asIwi
pemytear
s.
Me:
Don'
tpi
tymeguy
sdon'
tpl
ease.
Isayt
hatandIseet
hem cr
yingespeci
all
y
CHLOÈ.
Ist
andupandt
akemybag.
Me:
Coul
dyoupl
easedr
opChl
oèhomeIneed
t
obeal
one.
Lei
la:
OkayIwil
ldr
opher
.Becar
eful
wher
ever
youaregoi
ng.
InodandMarcht
omycarwhereIsi
tandrest
myheadonthest
eer
ingwheel
andIfeel
them.
Idr
ivet
othehospitalsi
nceIneedtodomy
monthl
ycheckupandwhenIgett hereIwash
myfacebeforeANDILEseesmet henIent
er.I
gotomydoct or
,DrSaxenabutunfor
tunat
elyhe
i
sbusywithaconferencecall
andmyMan
comesinwithasweetsmi l
e.
ANDI
LE:
MissKani
.
Me:
Doct
orRhonqo.
Hi
sP.
Asmi
l
esatusandhecl
osest
hedoor
af
tergi
vi
nghi
mthef
il
e.
Me:
Sodoct
orwher
edowest
art
?
ANDI
LE:
Wecanst
artwi
thaki
ssper
haps.
Igi
ggle.OhGod!Thi
sguyismyheav
en.Iam
tr
ulyhappywhenIam wi
thhi
m.
Me:
Comeandgeti
tbaby
.
Hewal
kstomeandIar
chupwar
dst
owar
dshi
s
bi
gmassofabody
.
Me:
Andi
l
ewhatonear
thar
eyoudoi
ngt
ome?
Andi
l
e:Ishoul
dbeaski
ngy
out
hatquest
ion.
Hekissesmesoi ntenselyt
hatf ort
hef i
rstt
ime
i
nmont hsIfeel
acer tainway.Ifeelmyself
get
ti
ngwet .Hestopst heki
sst henlooksatme.
Andi
l
e:Ti
mef
ory
ourcheckupMi
ssKani
.
Inodandwegetonwi tht
his.Andaft
erthe
checkupIam onlyl
eftwi
thonewhichiswith
mygy necol
ogi
st.
Andi
l
e:Ar
eyouokay
?
Hesaysthathel
pingmewearmyt-
shir
tsinceI
wasdoinganx-r
ayagai
ntochecki
fIhaveany
f
ract
ureorswell
ing.
Me:
No,
not
hing.
Andi
l
e: Iknowsomethingiswr ongbuti
t'
sokay
i
fyoudon'tfeel
li
ketalki
ngabouti t
.Anyway
Mom invit
edusoverfordinnertoni
ght.
Me:
I'
dlov
etocome.Whatt
ime?
Andi
l
e:7pm I
'
llf
etchy
oubaby
.
Me: Okay
.Iactual
lyneedy
ourhel
p.Butwecan
discussi
tlat
erfornowIwil
lbel
ateformynext
checkup.
Andi
l
e:ZOE!
Ist
opatt
hedoorandl
ookathi
m.
Me:
Huh?
Andi
l
e:Il
oveYou.
Ismi
l
eandbl
owhi
m aki
ss.
Iwal
ktoDrSi
ngh'
scabi
nandwediscussmy
wombindet
ail
andopti
onsImi
ghthave.
DrSingh:
Youcanbeamot herMi
ssKani
.We
haveopti
ons.Youcannotcarr
yababyf
ull
ter
m
butyoucangetasurrogat
e.
Me:
Wewi l
lcrosst
hatbr
idgewhenMyIget
mar
ri
ed.Thankyoudoct
or.
Wedi scussmor eaboutmywombandIl eav
e
thehospi t
al.Iheadtothemal
lwhereIbuy
grocer iesforbothmeandmypar ent
s.Ibuy
frui
ts, andjunkf orMonwhoseemst obe
cravingev erythi
ng.
Ifi
rstgotomyparent
'shouset
henaft
erseei
ng
thenIheadtomyapartmentwher
eIpackmy
groceri
esthenIt
akeashower.
Iwearmylonggreydresswi
thwhitesandal
s
andadeni
mj acket
.Iti
emyhairinamessybun.
Igodownstai
rswhereIeatafr
uitsal
adwhil
e
wor
kingsi
ncei
t'
sonl
y5pm.
Iworkonmynewcase.IneedAndi le'
shelpon
thi
scase.Mycl ient'
shusbandhasbeen
recentlymurder
ed.Hehasbeenshott hensent
tohospi t
alwheresomeonei nj
ectedthewr ong
medi cati
ondeli
beratel
y.Soit
'samur dercase.
NowIneedt hepostmor tem r
eport
.AndIneed
agooddoct ortoanal y
seitbecauseitdoesn't
addup.
Iworkt i
l
l 5:
50.It
henwashmybowl andfi
x
myselfonceagainand6pm sharpANDILE
showsupwi thabouquetofl
i
li
esandaboxof
chocolate.
Me:
Alway
spunct
ual
Isee.
Andi
l
e:Af
teral
lIam agent
leman.
Me:
Ishoul
dbet
ell
i
ngy
out
hat
.
Hetakesmybagandhol
dsouthi
shandf
orme
t
otake.
Wedrivetohisparent
'shouse.It
'sahuge
doubl
estoreyhouse.I
t'sabeautif
ulhousewit
h
ahugepool andfl
owersallaround.Wedriv
eit
thenr
ingthedoorbellandSisekoopensforus.
Weent
ert
hehouseandIgr
eetandwear
etold
t
obeseat
edbutIi
nsi
stonhel
pingMr
sRhonqo.
Mr
sRhonqo:
Howar
eyouhol
dingupmydear
?
Me:Iam goodMa'
am.Iam r
ecov
eri
ngv
erywel
l
andGodhasbeengoodtome.
Shesmi
l
esandhol
dsmyhand.
MrsRhonqo:ThankGoodness.Andhowisy
our
Mom andthebaby?IsAndi
letreat
ingy
ouwell
?
Me:Mom i sgoodandthebabyisgrowingvery
well
.Heisaheal t
hybabyboy.AndYesAndile
hasbeenagr eatmantome.Thanky ouMa'am
fori
nfusi
ngsuchgoodqualit
iesinyourson.
NeverinmylifehaveIev
erthoughtI'
dbeloved
l
ikethi
s.HeiswhatIhavealwaysprayedforIfI
maysay .
Shel
aughsandl
ooksatme.
Mr sRhonqo:Iam reall
ygr atefult
hathehas
foundsomeonehet rulyl
ov es.Wehav ealways
witnessedyourf
ightsbutweknewt hatyoutoo
wer emadeforeachot her.Tobehonesty ou
havechangedmysonf orthebet t
er.Andcal l
meMamaorMawhat every oufeelcomf ort
abl
e
withnotMa'am.
ILaughandshebr ushesmyar ml ovi
ngl
yandb
staswear etal
ki
ngt hedoorbellri
ngsagai
n
andIhearlaught
erasi falotofpeoplewer
e
enteri
ngthehouse.Ilookedatherandshe
smiles.
Mr sRhonqo:Wellwehav einvi
tedourf amil
yI
wantedittobeasur pri
seforyouandAndi le.I
wantedy outomeett hem t
oday .Imustwar n
youthattheRhonqof amil
yisv eryout
spoken
andy ouwill
havetoignoremostoft het hi
ngs
theysay.Ihavel
earnttodot hatovertheyears.
Isuddenl
yfeelanx
iousandscar
ed.Theywi
l
l
gri
llmewithquest
ionsandj
udgemeaswell.
Wesett hehugedinnert
abl
ethenstartdi
shi
ng
up.Afewoft hem gi
vemethose"Whot hehel
l
areyou"star
esandIkeepquietandIsmil
e
whenIgett oser
veAndil
e.
Andi
le:
You'l
lmakeagr
eatwi
feIcant
ell
Mrs
Rhonqotobe.
Ibl
ushandav
oicest
art
ledme.
"ANDILEkukhoabant uabadal abonisa
i
mbeko( Andil
ethereareadul t
sheresoshow
somer espect
)"anolderl adyshoutsandIlook
athereyes.Shelookslikeshedoesn' tl
ikeme
atall
.Ikeepquietandsi tnexttoSi
phokaziwho
holdsmyhandandbr ushesi t
.
"You'l
lbefi
ne"shewhi
sper
sandIf
eel
mor
e
anxious.
MrRhonqosay
sGr
aceandev
ery
onest
art
s
eat
ing.
"Ungubani
?Uyandivakonalomntanangoba
oAndil
eandazikuthenibengasi
zel
inama
Xhosa"Theoldladystart
sagain
Me:
Ndi
nguZoeAy
andaKani
.
Ev
eryonel
ooksatmeasi
fIam cr
azyand
Si
phokazi
smil
esal
ongwi
thAndil
e.
Andi
l
e:MakaziungumXhosauZoe.Act
ual
l
yshe
i
smulti
raci
al.
Theyal
ll
ookatmeandmylonghai
rthatj
ust
deci
destof
all
onmyshoul
der.
Makazi
:KodwaakangomXhosaophel
eley
o.(
But
shei
snotenti
rel
yXhosa)
Il
ookather,
I'
dlovet
ogi
veheraf
it
ti
ngrepl
y
butIdon'
twantt
oembar
rassmyparent
sand
Andil
e.
MrRhonqo:
Letmei
ntr
oducey
ouZoe.
Het
ell
smeabouteachmemberandsof
ort
h.
Ma'
Tshabal
ala:
Ihav
eseeny
oubef
ore.
Il
ookatherconf
usedbuthersonChumat
ell
s
herwhoIam.
Chuma: Sheist
hemostreput
edAdvocat
ein
thecountr
y.Sheist
heeZOEKANI,t
heycall
her
RobinHood.
Makazi
: Oh.NgokuZoeUzimi
selengokut
shat
a
noAndi
le?(SoZoeareyoudet
erminedtomarr
y
Andi
le)
Me:
YesIam Makazi
.
MyXhosaishorr
ibl
ebecauseDadhasal
way
s
spokeni
nEngl
ishwithus.
Ma'
Shange:
Ngokuuy
int
ombi
?(Ar
eyouav
irgi
n?)
Whoa!Ididn'
texpectthatoneandIhonest l
y
wantedtolaughbutinsteadikeptqui
et.Iam
notabouttodiscussthatinfr
ontofeveryone.
AndIam ani ndependentadul
thowdar eshe!
Makazi
:Sheisnotuyambonanawe(Youcan
seef
oryoursel
f)AndIhaver
eadalotabouther
i
nthenewspaperIj
ustdon'
tknowwhati
s
wrongwi
thyouNonzwakazi.
Shesaysthatl
ookingatAndil
e'
smom andIget
toseethatt
heydon'tl
ikeherei
therbutshei
s
herepr
obablybecauseAndil
e'
sdadf oughtf
or
her.
MrRhonqo:usenzent
oni
uMama
KaAndi
l
e?(WhathasAndil
e'
smom cbenow?
)
Makazi :Thi
sgirli
sdamagedgoodsandshe
hasallowedt hi
srelationshi
ptocontinue
becauseshewant st oshowhergoodnessto
characterl
esspeopl e.Thisgi
rli
sthesamegirl
whohadt hatdramawi t
hherboy f
ri
endof4-
yearssheev enmi scarri
editwasont he
newspaper .Onceagai nshewasr apedbyher
ex-boyfr
iend'
suncl eandagai nyouwantAndi
le
tomar ryher.
Ever
yonesuddenl
ylookedatmeandIstoodup
butAndi
lehel
dmyhandandst oodr
ightnextt
o
me.
Andil
e:Sheisnotdamagedgoodsshei sgoi ng
tobemywi f
esoon.Iam notr eall
yaskingfor
yourapprovalbutIam war ni
ngyoual l
.IfIhear
anyoneutteranywor dagainstherthenIwi l
l
l
oseitandwi l
l notberesponsibl
eforwhat
happensnext.Nt si
kel
elotalktoyourMom and
makeherunder st
and.
Makazi:
AkanambekouAndi
l
e.Idon'
tbl
amey
ou,
youareNonzwakwazi
'
ssonaft
erall
.
Me: Iam sorr
yi fIhappenedt oi nterruptor
i
ntrudebutIwoul dl i
ketosaysomet hi
ng.Iam
notatalldamagedgoodsy esev eryonehasa
pastandnoneoft hethi
ngst hathappenedt o
mewer emyf ault.Iwasbeat enupf or4y ear
s
notbecauseIdi dany thi
ngwr ongbutIwaswi th
amanwhowasal waysinsecureandf elt
threat
enedbymycar eer.Thent her apeIwasn't
atfaultaswell.Thepr oblem withy ouMakazi is
thatyouthinky ouarealway sright ,
y esIwas
raped, butitwasn'tmyf aultIwasabduct edand
hadnopowerov erthat.Butmosti mportant ly
NEVER!Ev eriny ourlif
ement i
onmybabyev er!I
l
ostababybuti tseemsast houghdespite
beingamom y ouhav enoi deahowonef eels
whent heylosetheirbaby .Andletmeaddt oal l
youri nfor
mat i
onaboutme.Icannothav eki ds
becauseoft heincidentt hathappenedwi thme.
Youmaycur seandt auntmef orbeingbar renI
won' tstopy oubutIwon' tall
owy outo
disrespectAndi l
e'smom i nherownhouse.She
i
sav erygoodper sonanddespi tebei
ngAndi l
e's
mom shehasbeenamot hert
omeaswel l
.I
am sor ryifIspoker udelybutIwi ll
nottolerate
taunts.
Il
ookatherandIam al
readycr
yingand
shaki
ngi
nanger.
Makazi:Ni
y ambonake!Shehasnorespectand
sheisbarr
enaswel l
!Sheisnotwor
thyofbeing
ourdaughterinl
aw!Hamba!
Itookmybagandat
tempt
edt
owal
kbutAndi
l
e
heldmyhand.
Andi
le:
Iwi
ll
mar r
yherandnoneofyouwil
lst
op
me.Mama,tat
aIwil
ldropherof
fherof
fthen
gohome.
Theybi
dmef ar
ewel
landSi
phokazi
hugsme
thenweleav
e.
Assoonaswestepoutal
lherwor
dscomeme
backandIhol
dontoAndi
leandhehugsme.
Andi
l
e:Il
oveYouZoe.
Heki
ssesmyf
oreheadandIsmi
l
e.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orf
ight
ingf
ormei
nther
e.
Andi
l
e:Noneedt
othankmebaby
.
Me:
Iwantt
osl
eepov
eraty
ourapar
tment
.
Hel
ooksatmef
orawhi
l
ethennods.
Whenwegetther
eIgotohisroom whereI
changei
ntomypyj
amasthatIlef
tther
e.Then
j
oinhi
m.
Me:Youhardl
yateatyourhouseshoul
dI
pr
eparesomethi
ngforyou?
Andil
e:NobabyIam Okay
.Soy
ousai
dyou
neededmyhelp.
Inodt
hent
ell
himt
hewhol
est
ory
.
Andil
e:Sur
eIcananal
yset
her
epor
tsandseei
f
ther
ewasf oul
play
.
Me:
Ithi
nki
t'
sacaseofassassi
nat
ion.
Andi
l
e:Your
eckon?
Me:Yes,t
hemanwasamul t
i-
mil
li
onai
rehe
ownedalotofcompani esandhadquitealotof
i
nvestments.SoIneedtoinvesti
gat
eitbecause
att
hispointIdon'
teventrusthi
swife.
Andi
l
e:Iti
spossibl
ethatshehadsomethi
ngto
dowit
hitespeci
all
yifshei
sthebenef
ici
ary
.
Me:
Yesi
tispossi
ble.
Wediscussmycaseasheexpl
ainsafew
medi
calthi
ngst
omet hatcomeinhandy
.
.
..
..
.
MAKAZI
(Nomat
hemba)
Thatgirlhonestlydi
srespectedmetodayi n
frontofeveryoneandt hatAndil
ewas
supporti
ngher .Ithi
nkit'
stimeIchangedt hi
ngs
forthi
sgi r
lforawhi l
e.IneedtocallAziweto
comeher eandwewi l
lseewhatshewi lldo
whenshei shere.ThatBarrengi
rli
sy ettofi
nd
outwhoIam andwhatIam capabl eofdoi ng.
It
akemyphoneanddi
alAzi
we'
snumber
.
Me:
Azi
weUnj
ani
Sisi
.(Howar
eyou?
)
Azi
we:Ndi
yaphi
l
aMakazindi
ngev
akuwe.
(Iam
goodAunt
,Howabouty
ou?)
Me:Iam gooddear.Ineedy
out
ocomeher
e.I
needyourhel
purgentl
y.
Azi
we:
Whati
sdoour
gentMakazi
.
Me:uAndi
l
euf unaukut
shat
a
ndi
kmuxel
ele.
(Andil
ewantstogetmar
ri
ed)
Azi
we:
Mar
ri
ed?Towhom?
Me:SomeColour
edgir
l.Iwon'
tal
l
owt
hatt
o
happent
hatgi
rli
str
ouble.
Aziwe:Ndiy
ezaMakazi(Iam comi ngAunt)
Andil
ewillmostdefi
nit
elychangehismi nd
becausethi
stimeIwillt
hrowsuchat or
nado,
thatnoonewillbeabl
et orecoverfr
om.
Me:That
'smygi
rl
.Booky
ourt
icketandcomeI
wi
ll
waitfory
ou.
Webi dfarewell
andIhangup.ZoeKani be
r
eadyt olosethisone.Iwon'
tal
lowsucha
j
inxedwomant omar r
ymybr ot
her
'sson.Nev
er!
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Alt
houghshewasproject
ingher
selfasastrong
personIcoul
dseeherweaknessandpain.After
today'sf amil
ymeeti
ngshemustbedevastated
afterev ery
thi
ngmyauntsai
d.WellAunt
Nomat hembai sani
mpossi
blewoman.Shei s
mydad' ssist
eraswell
asmyMom' sbrot
her's
wife.Soshei sbothmymaternal
andpaternal
ain't
.
Sheisf
ussyandl
i
keschoosi
ngwi
vesf
oral
lof
us.
ZoeandIarenowinbedandsheisquietand
thatt
ort
uresme.Il
ovehear
ingherv
oiceand
l
aughaswel l
.
Me:
Someonei
squi
ett
oday
.
Iraisemyey ebr
owsandshef akesasmilet
hen
shrugsthequestionof
fbyjustsayi
ngsheis
"t
ired"'
butIknowWhati sbother
ingher
.
Me:Iam sor
ryaboutearl
ieron,
myf ami
l
yisjust
l
iket
hatandyouhaven'tseenanyt
hingy
et.
Shewi
denshergazeandIseeanxi
etyandf
ear
i
nhereyesasherl
i
psbegintotr
embleasshe
st
ruggl
est
otal
k.
Zoe:
Ther
eisst
il
lmor
eli
keher
?
Me:
Wor
se.
Shecl
oseshereyest
henopensthem agai
nas
i
fshewashavingani
ghtmare.
ZOE:Whoa!Thiswill
bemor eofachal
lenge.
ButIam r
eadyIjustdon'
tli
kehowtheyjust
scat
termypersonalli
fe.
Andi
le:
I'
ll
tal
ktot
hem don'
twor
rycomel
et'
s
sl
eepyouwil
lbeokay
.
Il
ethersl
eeponmychestandwesl
eep.
44
ZOE

IwakeupaloneandIknowHehadl eftal
ready
becausehehasanimport
antoper
ationtoday.I
dartt
othebathr
oom wher
eItakeashower
thenwearmyblacksui
t.Ti
metogetthem Zoe!
Itiemyhai
rupinaneatponyt
ail
thenwearmy
blackbl
ockheel
s.
Igathermycasefil
esi
nmybagthent
akemy
coatandcal
lVincentt
obr
ingmycarf
orme.
AsIwai
tforhi
m Ieatmybr
eakf
astAndi
l
elef
t
br
eakf
astforme.
Aft
ert hatIgetmycart hendrivetocourt.I
n
courttheargument sbetweenmeandmy
col
leaguebegi n.Ihadalreadystart
edstri
king
al
readyas.Isawal adywal ki
nwi thAndil
e'
s
aunt.Ididn'
tmi ndthatastheysatont he
benches.Shei sprobablyherejusttokeepan
eyeonme.CheapWoman!Thedayendsand
asIwal koutthisladyandAndi l
e'saunt
approachme.
Makazi
:Hi
.
Shesay
sdr
ylyandIr
etur
nmydr
y"Hi
"aswel
l
.
Thi
sladyl
ooksatme.Shei
sdar
kincompl
exi
on
wit
hbigblackey
esandhugeAfr
ohai
rthati
s
t
iedint
ointoamessybun.Shei
sawholel
ot
t
hick.
Sheey
esmef
rom t
oet
ohead.
Lady
:ZOEKani
.
Me:
Andy
ouar
e?
Lady
:Azi
weNgxanga.
Il
ookatthi
sladywhohassomuchat
ti
tudebut
deci
detobecalm.
Me:
Nicet
omeetyou.I
fyoudon'tmi
ndIhav
e
t
ogoIhav
eanot
herameeting.
Azi
we:
Iwi
l
lseey
ouar
ound.
Shesayst
hatwi
tht
hreat
eningey esandIgl
are
i
ntoherey
eswit
hshearr
uthlessness.
Me:
Iwi
l
lSEEYOU!
Iemphasi
zeont
hoselastwordsandtheaunt
giv
esmeanastyst
arebutFuckit
!Ireal
l
ydon't
car
e.
.
Ir
eachtherest
aur
antjusti
nti
measLei
l
a;Mom,
AuntAmberandChloèarewai
ti
ngf
orme.
Me:
Am Il
ate?
AuntAmber
:Ver
ylat
e.
Me:
Okayor
derwhatev
ery
ouwantLunchi
son
me.
Mom:Sot
heKani '
sarecomi ngovert
omorrow
Lei
l
ayouwil
lhavetofacethensweetheartand
bebol
dot
herwisetheywil
ltakeyouforgr
anted.
Me: May betheKani'
sarebet t
ert hanthe
Rhonqo's.Yester
dayAndile'smom i nvitedme,
l
itt
ledidIknowt hatthewhol efami l
y,extended
familyactual
lywouldbepr esent.Theygr il
l
ed
me, humi l
i
atedmeandcr ucifiedme.
Chl
oè:
Andwhatdi
dAndi
l
esay
?
Me:
Mymanst
oodbyme.Het
oldt
hatol
dhag
hehasasanauntof
fandst
oodbyme.
Mom: Helovesyouandheissuchagoodboy
.I
real
lylov
et hewayhehastamedy ourwi
l
d
persona.
Weal
ll
aughandIl
ookatt
hem.
Me: ButIam veryworri
ed.Theauntwas
taunti
ngmef orbeingbarr
enitwasjustbadand
soonerorlat
erthiswil
lworryAndi
le.Thefact
thatIcan'
thavekids.
AuntAmber :It
akeitheal
readyknows
everyt
hingaboutyoubutheissti
ll
wi thy
oualso
thatshowsjusthowmuchhel ovesy ou,
he
l
ov esyouregar
dlessofal
lyourmistakesand
past.
Inodandmom pat
smyshoul
der
.
Mom:
Ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbeOkayZoedon'
twor
ry.
.
..
..
AZI
WE
Whoa!ZoeKani
!Sot
hisi
sAndi
l
e'sgi
rl
fr
iend.
Makazi
:Mntanam st
opthem.Idon'
twantthat
gir
ltomar
rymybr ot
her
'sson.NEVER!You
knowAndi
lewasonlymeantforyou.Workyour
wayandwarmy ourwaytoAndil
e'
sheart
.
Me:Don'tworr
yIhaveasurpri
sethatwi
ll
shock
youmorethaneveryonej
usthavefai
thi
nmeI
won'
tdisappoi
ntyou.
Makazi
:Thati
smygi
rl
.
Me:Justt
ell
mewhent
henextf
ami
l
ygat
her
ing
ordi
nneri
sandIwi
l
ldother
est
.
Makazi
:OkayIwi
l
llety
ouknow.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Ihavebeenthinki
ngaboutthebabyi
ssueforfar
toolongnowandIknowt hatZoewantsababy
real
l
ybadandIknowwewi l
lhaveababyofour
own.Itrusti
nGodmor ethanIdidi
nscience
andIknowGodwi l
lGov eusababyt hrough
Zoe'swomb.Ij usthatethefactthateveryone
keepsonbl amingherf orbeingbarr
enandt hat
sheblamesher selft
oof orbeingbarr
en.Ijust
can'
tstandi t
.Nomat terhowmuchIassur eher
butIcanalway ssenset hefeari
nherandher
i
nsecurit
ies.
Iwalkint
othejewell
erybouti
quewher eIpick
outabluediamondring.I
twillsui
ther.Shewill
defi
nit
elyl
ovetheri
ng.Iwanttoof f
ici
all
ymake
herminenow.Ihadpr omisedherandnowIwi l
l
ful
fi
llmypromise.
.
..
..
..

Justasneakpeak.
.
St
ayt
uned
44Cont
inues
ZOE
Todaywast heKanigather
ing.Leil
awouldbe
formall
yint
roducedtoeveryone.Wehadamor e
tradi
ti
onalt
hingyli
keapre-weddingcel
ebr
ati
on
wheret het
wof amil
ieswouldmeetup.And
from hersi
deshehadaf ewf amil
ymembers.
Chl
oè,mom andIwer
ebusywi
tht
hefood.
Whi
leever
yonewasseat
edatt
hedi
ninghal
l.
Me:
Ihopetheydon'
ti
nsul
therMom.Sheneeds
t
oberel
axed.
Mom:Ihopesot oobaby.Iknowhowr
udet
hey
canbeespeci
all
yifyouwhite.
Me: Ithi
nkal
ltheXhosaf amili
eshav ethesame
problem.Mom y oushouldber est
ing.Takea
seatwewi l
lhandleevery
thing.Sonia,Amanda,
Niki
taandStaceyarecomi ngov erIaskedthem
tobutmor efr
uitandchocolatesfordessert
.
Wehelphersitthencont
inueworki
ngtil
lDad
ent
erst
hekitchenandkisseshercheek.
Me:
Takeherwi
thy
ou,
sheshoul
dn'
tbewor
king
t
hishar
d.
Dad:Icamet otakeher
.Iwanthel
pwi t
h
somethingIcan'tf
indmythi
ngsintheroom.
Chl
oèandIl
ookateachot
hert
henl
augh
Chloè:
MmmhIcoul
dalwayshel
pyousear
ch
forwhatev
ery
ouwantDad.
Dad:
Noy
ouj
ustr
elaxy
ourMom wi
l
lhel
pme.
Me:
Mom youarer
equi
redforsomespeci
al
wor
k.Youcangowewill
conti
nueher
e.
Iwi
nkatherandshegaspst
henl
aughsast
hey
got
othei
rroom.
Chl
oèandIl
augh.
Me:Iwi
shweal sohavesuchagoodmarr
iedl
i
fe
24year
slatert
heyaresti
lli
nlov
ewit
heach
ot
herastheywereyearsago.
Chl
oè:
-Theywer
emadef
oreachot
her
.
Inodandt
hinkOfhowAndi
l
ewasmadef
orme
andmyphoner
ings.
Me:DrRhonqo,Iwasj
ustt
hinki
ngabouty
ou
andhereyoucall
edme.
ANDILE:Adv
ocat
eKaniwhatcanIsay
,wearea
matchmadeinheav
en.Yousimpl
ywishandI
del
i
v er
.
Me:Imissy
ou.Youhavet
ochange4met
omy
apar
tmentt
omorrow.
Andile:That'
swhyIcalledyou,
Iwantedtoi
nvi
te
youf ordinneract
uall
yit'
smyDad's50th
birt
hdaysowehav ingalit
tl
edi
nnerthi
ngat
night.I
'dloveforyoutocome.
Me:
Wow!I
'
dlov
etocome.
Andil
e:Ther
estoft
hef
ami
l
ywi
l
lbepr
esent
though.
Me:Whatcoul
dpossi
blybeworset
hant
hel
ast
t
ime.Don'
tworr
yIam abiggi
rl
.
Andi
l
e:Don'
twor
ryIwi
l
lbet
her
ewi
thy
ou.And
t
het
hemei
sthe60'
s
Me:
DoIneedt
obuyacost
ume.
Andi
le:
YesBaby.AndYeswewi l
lgotoyour
apar
tmentaf
tert
hepartyandspendsome
qual
i
tyti
metogether.
Me:
Okaycool
.Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row.
Andi
l
e:Zoe.
Me:
YesBabe.
Andi
l
e:Ndi
yakut
handav
ah.(
ILOVEYOU)
Igr
inl
i
keani
diot.
Me:
Eki
sbai
eli
efv
irj
y.
Hel
aughsandIhangup.
Chl
oè:
Someonei
ssmi
tt
enhuh?
Ibl
ushandshel
aughs.
Me: Hi
slovei
sref
reshi
ngChl
oè.Her
idsmeof
al
lthestr
essandagony.
Chloè:Youdeser
vealloft
hisSi
s.Iam happy
foryou.Andwil
lprayt
hatyoutworemainthi
s
way .
Me:
Thanky
ouBabysi
s..
.
..
..
TREMAI
N
Iwasinmyroom get
ti
ngreadyforthedinner.
Lei
lawoul
dbeherewithherauntsoon.Iclosed
myeyesandfel
ttear
srol
li
ngdownmycheeks.
Me: ThankYouGod.IknowIhav enev erbeena
saint,Ihavebeenmor eofasi nnerbutst i
llyou
hav ealway sshowedmey ourmer cy.IknowI
cursedy oual otwhenmypar entsdiedandI
foundf ault
si nyouandl i
tt
ledidIknowt haty ou
hadamuchmor egreaterplanformyl ifeand
future.Thanky ouforThepar entsyouhav eme,
theSi st
ersy ouhaveblessedmewi th,thewi fe
youhav egi venme.Ipr omiseIwi l
lqui
tal lthe
shadyt hingsbecauseIdon' twanttobui ldmy
l
i
feonall
ofthatandputmyf
ami
l
yatr
isk.Il
ove
y
ouLordJesus.Amen.
WhenIopenedmyey
esbot
hZoeandChl
oè
wer
esmili
ngbehi
ndme.
ZOE:Iam happyformybabybrot
her
.Heis
fi
nal
l
ygettingtr
uehappi
ness.Il
oveyouTr
ey.
Chloè:
Iam goi
ngt
omi
ssy
oubr
other
.Iwi
l
l
missyousomuch.
Me: Youcanvisi
tonweekendsandsl
eepover
.
Butwewi l
lmov eoutwhenthebabyi
sbornI
thi
nkit'
sbett
ertostayheret
il
lwehaveour
babythenwewi ll
mov eoutt
oournewhouse.
Chloè:Cool!Iam j
ustgl
adyoufoundlov
e
Brother.Bot
hy ouandSi
ster
.Iwishyouall
the
happiness.
Theybot
hki
ssmycheeksandwehug.
Me:
Ilov
eYouguy
s.
.
..
.
BREE
Iwasget
ti
ngthegunsreadywhenIsuddenl
y
hear
dthedooropen.
Me:
Whot
hef
ucki
sthat
?
Max:It
'sMe.Iam awareofyourpl
anst
o
dest
royTreyandLeil
a.Iwon'
tlety
oudothat
.
Me;
Andhowwi
l
lyoust
opme?
Max:
LikeThi
s.
Twogirl
swalki
nandgrabmeandtheyt
akeme
wit
hthem t
osomeplace.
Ihav
enev
erseen
bef
ore.
Whenwegetther
ehechainsmewit
hsome
gadgetwhi
chmustbehi
snewinv
enti
on.
Max:Youcantr
yallyourI.Tski
ll
sbuty ouwon't
beabl
etogetawayher e.Ihaveinvent
eda
moremaximum securi
tygadget.Youwi l
lwatch
Tr
ey'
sweddingbutwon' tbeabletodoany t
hing.
Me:
Maxpl
easedon'
tdot
his.
Max:Youshoul
dn'
thavemessedwi t
hmyf r
iend.
Treyi
smybestfri
end.Moreofabrother.He
hasdonesomuchf ormeIwil
lnev
eral l
owy ou
tohur
thim.
Theyl
eav
emet
her
eandIsi
ghi
nresi
gnat
ion.
Fucky
ou!
.
..
.
AZI
WE
Sotomor r
owi sMrRhonqo' sbirthday.Iti
st he
perf
ectdayt oexecutemymast erplan.IWi ll
shattertheirhopeandendt hatlov estory
becausewhatIwi lldowil
ll
eav eZoef eeli
ng
betr
ay edandIknowt heRhonqo' sandhowt hey
operate.Mostoft hem wil
lsidewi thme.Zoe
Kanijustwai tformybomb.Iwi ll makesuchan
expl
osi ony ouwillbur
nthemost .Youwi l
lyear n
forAndi l
ebuty ouregowillst
opy ou.Andilewi l
l
cravefory ourtouchbuthewon' tgetany thing.
Iwi
l
lcer
tai
nlyendt
hisl
ovest
ory
.
45
ANDI
LE
LEI
LA
Thewhol edinnerwast hehar destbecauseof
thequestionsbuttheyev entuall
ytooki teasy
onme.Zoesuppor tedmeal otaswel l
asTr ey.I
don'tSantoli
ethisfamilyisbeaut i
fulandf ul
lof
war mth.YesIagreethatt heextendedf ami l
yis
abittooharshandal l
thatbutt heot hersreall
y
l
ikedme.
Af
teraweekI
'
dbemar r
yingtheMay
anofmy
dr
eamsandIcoul
dn'
twait.
Iwasnowonmyapart
menteat
ingagai
n.Ihav
e
becomesof
atnowIcan'
tev
ennowt i
emyown
shoes.
"Bar
efeetandpregnanti
ntheki
tchen.Whata
beauti
ful
sight
"
ITur
ntoopenar
msandr
unt
ohi
m.
Me:
Whendi
dyoucomeback?
Br
uno:Howcoul
dImi
ssmydearl
i
ttl
ecousi
n'
s
weddi
ng?
Me:
Wher
eisLut
handoandt
heki
ds?
Bruno:Theywi
l
lcometomor
row.Lut
handohad
tofi
nishsomework.
Me:Ihav
emi ssedyousomuch.Ihav
en'
tseen
yousi
ncethefuner
als.
Br
uno:
YouknowIhavebeenbusyt
rav
ell
i
ng.
Ar
eyouokay
?Areyouhappy?
Me:
Comel
et'
ssi
tdownIwi
l
ltel
lyou.
WesitdownonthecouchandIhandhi
m ov
era
gl
assandabott
leofwine.
Me:Iam ext
remelyhappy.Hemakesmehappy
real
l
y.Il
ovehim andhisparent
sandsibl
ings
havebeensonicetome.I'mjusthappyBruno.
Bruno:Icanseeiti
nyoureyes.Iam happyf
or
you.Youdeserveeitaf
terever
ythi
ng.
Mydoorbel
lri
ngsandIrushtot
hedoort
ofi
nd
Tr
emainstandi
ngther
esmi l
i
ng.
Me:
Baby
,Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
ecomi
ng.
Tr
ey:
Icoul
dn'
twai
tti
l
ltheweddi
ngt
oseey
ou.
Il
ethim ent
erandBr
unocomest
owar
dsusand
LaughswhenheseesTrey
.
Br
uno:
Kani
!
Tr
ey:
Piamònt
è!
Me:
Youguy
sknoweachot
her
.
Trey:
Hei smybusinessassoci
ate.Weusual
l
y
pl
ayGol fwhenI'
minJoburg.Wear e
acquaint
ances.
Ismi
l
easweal
lwal
ktot
hel
ounge.
Me:Sohowl
onghav
eyouguy
sknowneach
ot
her?
Br
uno:About2y
ear
snow.Heusual
l
ystay
sat
myhousewhenhei
sJobur
g.Ial
waysi
nsi
sthe
does.
Tr
ey:
Sohow'
sthewi
feandki
ds.
IwatchBr uno'sfaceli
ghtupashetalksabout
hisli
ttl
efami l
y.Luthandoandhi
m hav ebeen
mar r
iedformor ethan5Yearsnowbutt heysti
l
l
l
ov eeachot hersomuch.Theystil
lactli
ke
teenagers.
Bruno:That'
showamar riageshoul dbe.You
shouldalwayskeept helovepopping.Livi
ng
withsomeonecompl et
elydiff
erentfrom youi
s
alwaysachallenge.Youregocl ashesattimes
butthemosti mportantaspectinany
rel
ati
onshipisLove.Wheny oulovesomeone
youseebey ondallthei
rimperfections.
Tr
eysmi
l
esashel
ooksatme.
Bruno:Ineedt
ocal
lmywi
fesoIwi
l
lcat
chy
ou
guyslater
.
Hestandsupandheadstothebal
conyasTr
ey
andIkissaf
terhel
eaves.
Me:Ihav
emi ssedy
ou.Idon'
tknowhow I
'
ll
sur
viv
ethisweekwit
houtseei
ngyou.
Trey:Don'twor
ryaft
erthi
sweekyouwon'tever
hav etogoawayfrom me.Wewil
lbetogether
forever.
Me:
Yes,
Ilov
eYouTr
emai
n.
Tr
ey:
Ilov
eYouLei
l
a.
Ir
ubmynoseagai
nsthi
sandIki
sshi
m andwe
ki
ss.
.
..
..
HOW
I
t'sthefol
l
owingdaylat
erandIam get
ti
ng
readytogotoMrRhonqo'sbi
rt
hday.Aft
er
dressi
ngupIkneeldownandpray.
"DearLordIknowIam asi nnerthati
stryi
ngto
fi
ndherwaybackt oyou.Remembert hatyoung
gir
lwhousedt olovechurch,that
.Young
devotedsoulthatusedtosingatchurchwhen
noonewast here.YesIam t ryi
ngt of i
ndheri n
meagai n.Lor dpl easehelpmedeal wit
h
everyt
hingt hatiscomi ngmyway .Helpme
understandt hingsandgi vemet hesame
wisdom y ougav et oSamuel .Gi vemet hesame
courageandst rengt hthatyougav etoRut h
whent r
agedi esbef ell
her.Givemet hesame
pati
enceasy ougav etoAbraham andbest owin
met hejoyofbei ngamot herlikey oudi dto
Hannah.Iwi l
lcont i
nuet ocryt oyout i
l
ly ougive
meababy .Ipromi sewi l
lforsakeal lmybad
habit
sLor df rom nowonandIwi llfocuson
servi
ngy ouwi t
hal lIhave.Thanky ouForgi v
ing
meev erythingIhav eLord"
Iwi
pemyt
ear
sandl
etoutasi
gh."
AMEN"
Aft
erprayi
ngIheadtothekitchenwhereIt
ake
MrRhonqo'sgi
ftandmybagandpl acei
tonthe
couchasIgothroughmycasef i
l
es.Somet
hing
doesn'
taddupinthiscase.
Thi
sismur
derbutIdon'
tthi
nkt
hewi
fedi
dit
.
BecauseIhavejustf
oundoutt hataf ew
mont hsbef
orethi
smandi edhet ookan
i
nsurancepoli
cysecret
lyandmadesomeone
el
set hebenef
ici
aryt
othataswel l.Didhe
perhapshaveanextr
amar it
alaffair
?Ineedt
o
fi
ndt hi
sout.
ANDI
LEar
ri
vesandwel
eav
efort
hepar
ty.
Uponourarri
val
wear eusheredtot
hethe
houseandthepart
ybegins.Evenmyfamil
yis
here.I
t'
sasimpl
edinner.
I
nbet
weenthepartyAndi
lest
andsupandasks
f
orev
ery
one'
sattenti
on.
Andi
le:I
'dlovetot
hankal
lofyouforcoming
her
et ocelebr
atemyDad'
sbir
thday.Ihav
e
somethingimport
antt
odoaswel l
.
Hetakesmyhandandhegoesdownonhi
s
kneeandIgaspi
nshock!Tear
smaket
hei
rway
downmycheeks.
ANDI
LE:
Ipr
omi
sedy
out
hisdaywoul
dcome.
Thedaywher eIgodownonkneesandl ooki nt
o
thosebeaut ifuley es.Ihav ey earnedf ort his
momentf orav erylongt ime.Tomakey ouand
tobet heoney oucal lYourMan.Zoewehav e
beent hr oughgr eatdeal ofthi ngsandInow
knowt hatt rulyy ouar etheonef orme.Myr ib,
myf orev er .Icar ryy oui nmeandIhav enev er
feltthiswaybef ore.Ihav enev erlov
ed
someonesomuch.Il ovey oubey ondt hest ars,
IloveYour egar dlessofwhatpeopl esayabout
you.Il ov ey oubey ondy ourf lawsand
i
mper fect ions.AndIwantt ot reasurey ouf or
eternity .Iwantt ocher i
shy ourmi nd,soul and
bodyasmyownt reasur e.ZoeYouar e
every thingIwantandneedi nawoman.Youar e
myownr edempt i
on, myLov e.Godcr eatedy ou
speci allyf orme.Youwi llmot herourmi r
acle
kidsev eni fwehav etoAbr aham andSar ahi t
doesn' tmat ter.Ilov ey ouandIwanty out obe
mi ne.Wi lly ou?Wi llyoumar rymeandbemi ne?
Inodandhesl
idesthebeaut
if
uldi
amondonmy
fi
ngerandmykneeshitt
hefl
oorandIhughi
m
ti
ghtl
y.
Me:
Thanky
ouAndi
l
eforLov
ingme.
Icr
yandourpar
ent
shugusaswel
l
.
"
WOW!Pl
ayi
ngHappyFami
l
ies!
"
Weal
ltur
ntocl
i
cki
ngheel
s.
TheladyIsawtheot
herday.Azi
wewal
ksi
n
wit
hasmal lboy.
Azi
we:Sor
rytoint
erruptall
ofthi
sbutit
'st
ime
mysonknewhisfatherit
'sonl
yfairt
hatheget
s
hi
sfat
her'
slov
e.
Me:
Fat
her
'sl
ove?
Azi
we:Didn'
tAndil
etel
lyouaboutme?Weused
todat
einHigschoolt
il
lvar
sit
y.Andwhatal
lof
youdon'
tknowisthatIfel
lpr
egnant
.
ANDI
LE:
Pregnant
?When?
Aziwe:Whenwebr okeupIfoundoutIwas
pregnantbutIdi
dn'
twanttobothery
ouandr ui
n
yourfutur
e.Youweresti
l
linmedicalschool
Andil
e.
Ifel
tov
erwhel
medbutwhenIl ookedatherI
sawasmugonherf ace.Thi
sgirl
isly
ingbutI
needevi
dencet
obackmyar gumentort hey
'l
l
sayIam j
eal
ousbecauseIcan'
thavekids.
ANDI
LE:I
'v
ebeenadoct
orf oroverayearnow
whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?Infacty oushoul
d'v
etold
mealongti
meago.Whydidn'tyou?
Makazi:
Andilet
hisi
syourson.Helooksli
ke
youandAziwejustt
oldyouthereasonwhyshe
hidev
erythi
ngfr
om you.St
opquest i
oni
ngher.
Ohsot hi
si sthebigconspi
racy .Isawthem
together!ButIshouldactdev astatedand
shocked.Makazi '
sey estel
lthatshei sst
il
l
shockedt oosot hiswasjustahugeconspi racy
thatcoincidental
l
yhappenedj ustaf t
ermy
engagementwi
thAndi
l
e!
Il
ookatAndi
l
ewhoseemsupsetandIr
ubhi
s
ar
m.
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbeOkay
.Justactal
ong.
Iwhi
spert
ohi
m andIst
artmydr
amat
icact.
Me:What
!Youdi
dn'tt
ell
meaboutherAndi
l
e!
Whatt
hehel
li
sgoingonher
e!
Iwi
nkathi
spar
ent
s'di
rect
ionandt
heynod.
ANDI
LE:BabyIam sorr
y.Ir
eal
l
ydi
dn'
tseei
t
i
mport
anttotel
lyouthi
s.
Me:
Ther
eisachi
l
dinv
olv
edher
e.
Mr
sRhonqo:
Zoecal
m downSi
si.
Me:HowcanI ?Shehasachi
ldIhavenot
hing.I
am bar
ren!It
hinky
oushoul
dmar r
yher.
Iat
tempttaki
ngofft
heri
ngbutunf
ort
unat
ely
i
t'
sstuckonmyfinger
.
ANDI
LE:
Noonecansepar
ateusbaby
.Thi
sri
ng
i
sonl
yfory
ourf
inger
.
Me:Noitwi
l
lcomeof
fev
entual
ly.ANDI
LEI
won'
tbeabl
etogi
vey
oukidsbutshewil
l.
Iwat
chthenwinki
ngateachother
.SoIt
akemy
bagandwalkt
owardsAziwe.
"
GOODLUCK!
"
Shesmi l
esAndIstor
m out
.WhenIgettothe
gateIf
eel mykneesgoweak.If
eelaburni
ng
sensat
iononmyt ummyandIblackout.
.
..
..
.
ANDI
LE
Ifol
lowheroutwi t
hev er
yonefol
lowingusand
wef i
ndherl y
ingatthegate.Whathappened
here!ItakeherandIfeelhert
ummymov easif
i
tisv i
brati
ng.
Irushhert
otheguest
room andcheckherand
sheisfi
nebutj
ustunconsci
ous.
Mr
sKani
:Whati
swr
ongwi
thher
?
MRKani
:It
hinkGodhasst
art
edwor
king.
HesmilesandIsmi
l
easwell
.Ilovet
hiswoman
Lor
d.Justmakesur
eev
ery
thingisokay.
ITur
ntoAzi
weandsheknowsbet
tert
hant
o
messwit
hme.
Me: List
enher e,Irespectyoubecauseweonce
shar edarel
ationshipBUTIwi llnotst
andfor
this.Thekidismi ne?Wecanhav eapater
nit
y
testdoner i
ght?AndIwi l
lchoosethedoct
or.
Fory oursakeIhopey ouaren'
tlyi
ngtome.
Azi
we:
Fine.
Me:Canev
ery
onel
eav
ethi
sroom .Ineedt
o
wor
k.
Theyal
ll
eav
e.
Isi
tnextt
oZoeandadmi r
esuchabeauty
.I
shutmyeyesonceagai
nandIfeel
mylips
tr
emble.
Me:
Thanky
ouLor
dForgi
vi
ngmet
hisbeaut
if
ul
gi
ft
.Youkeptmewaiti
ngf orher.Youfi
xedt he
bot
hofus,i
t'
snowclearthatEverythi
ngwas
j
ustfory
ourgl
oryandall
par tofthepurpose.
Zoe:Lor
dStr
engt
henusasweonceagai
nface
anot
herobst
acl
e.Thanky
ouLor
dForthi
sman.
Iwidenmygazeandsheisstar
ingatmeand
suddenl
ywehearthesoundoftherai
n.
Me:
Ilov
eYouMr
sRhonqo.
Zoe:
Ilov
eYou.It
hankt
heAlmi
ghtyf
orsucha
man.Youar
eoneinamil
li
onAndi
l
e.
Asweareaboutt
oki
ssTr
eyr
unsi
nandst
ands
ther
e.
Trey:
I'vejusthadav isi
onordream Idon'
t
understanditbutsomet hi
ngisabouttogo
down.Noti ny ourr
elati
onshi
pbutIcanseea
grav
el oss.
Webot
hlookathi
m speechl
ess.
Me:
Icanseet
hataswel
l
.
46
ZOE
Somet hi
ngwashappeni ngtomeandIfelti
t.
Myt ummywoul djustburnoutoft
heblue.I
coul
dn'tfat
hom whatwashappeningbutitwas
seri
ouslygreat
.Iwokeupt oasmil
ingAndil
ehe
wasr i
ghtnexttomecheckingme.
Me:
Hey
.
Hesmi
l
esandki
ssesmycheek.
ANDILE:
Youhav
eapl
anonhowt
odeal
wit
h
Azi
we?
Me: NotyetbutIwi
lldoresearchonher .Ithi
nk
Ihaveseenhersomewher e.Shewi l
lprobably
bri
besomeonet ofakethepat er
nit
yresultsso
rel
yi
ngont hem isf
util
e.Isawherconf i
dence
shehasthiswholethingplannedout.Icould
seethat.
Andi
l
e:Howso?
Me: Andi l
eIam al awyer
.Onet hi
ngIwas
trai
nedt odoi stoobservepeopleandt hey
faci
al expressions.Iwastr
ainedtomani pulate
peopleandconf usethem t
il
ltheytel
lthetruth.
AndIwasal sotrai
nedtobecunningandt rust
myi nstincts.
Hesmi
l
esandIgr
abbot
hhi
shands.
Me:Ar
eyousur et
hisi
sn'
tyourchil
dAndil
e.You
t
woprobablyshar
edasexualrel
ati
onshi
psoit
i
spossi
ble.
Andil
e:Yest
hereisapossibi
li
tythatImi
ghtbe
theboy'
sfat
herbutIdoubtit
.Ireal
lydo.
Me:
Andi
fyouar
e?
HeeyesmeandIcan'thelpbutfeeli
nsecure.I
f
eelmylipst
rembl
eatt hethoughtofAndil
e
r
eki
ndli
nghisol
drel
ationshipwit
hthatgir
l.
Andi
l
e:Zoehowmanyt
imesmustIr
eassur
e
youthatyouar etheoneIwant .Youaretheone
Iwanttospendt her estofmylif
ewith.Iwant
togrowoldwi thyou.Iloveyou.YesIusedt o
l
ov eAzi
wev erymuchbutnott hewayIlov eYou.
Youarethef i
rstpersonIhav eact
ual
lywai t
ed
forwit
houtanyi mpat i
ence.Iwasarecklessguy
butbeli
eveitornoty outamedme.
Il
ookathi
m andsomehowIf eel
sorel
i
ev ed.
Somet
hingabouthi
mt odaymakesmewant
hi
minasexualway.Howev erIholdmyself
.We
madeapromisetoeachother.
.
2WeeksLat erahugebr ownenvelopel
andsin
myapar t
mentj ustasIenterf
rom t
hegym.I
scanitandthisistheti
ckettomyhappiness.
ThishereholdsOurfuture.
Iam alawyeranddoi
ngr esear
chonpeopleis
myst r
engt
h.Ihavecol
lectedsomuchevidence
forbothmycaseandper sonalcr
isi
s.
Thi
scasehasbeent hebi
ggestcoi
ncidencein
mylif
eandtrustmewhenIsayweser v
ea
l
ivi
ngGod.Tur nsoutnotonl
ydidAziwebr i
nga
twi
stinmylif
ebutshegav emycaseahuge
twi
standVictoryformeaswell.
Itaketheenvel
opet omyr oom andr
eadits
contentst
henputi ti
nmycaset henIproceed
tothebathroom whereItakeashowerthen
wearmybl ackformalpantswit
hawhi t
eshi r
t
andmybl ackblazer.
Iwearmywhi t
eblockheel
sandputonmy
brownli
psti
ckandIbrushmyhai
rneatl
y
backwards.
Ical
lAndi
l
eandtel
lhi
mtocomewi
thhi
swhol
e
fami
lytot
hecour
t.
Me:Youwil
lfi
ndouttherebuti
tisi
mpor
tant
t
hattheyar
eallpr
esent.
Andi
l
e:OkayIwi
l
lmakesur
etheycome.
It
akemycaset
hent
heCDi
nmysaf
eandmake
mywayt
othedoorwher
eIdr
ivet
othecour
t.
.
..
.
AZI
WE
TodayIhavebeensummonedt othecourtI
honest
lydon'
twanttogotherebuthaveno
choi
ce.Ihavet
otesti
fyaboutPatr
ick.
.
..
.
KATE
Mychil
dren!Iam happythatalloft hem have
managedt ofi
ndtheirhappiness.Irubmybel l
y
asthel
itt
leonekicks.Iam 5mont hspregnant
nowandit'sbeenadi f
fi
cultpregnancybecause
Iam ol
dandi t
'snotaseasyasi twaswhenI
hadZoeandChl oè.
Iam saddenedbyZoe'scondi
ti
on.ThatEri
c
reall
yhur
tmydaught er
.Helef
therdamaged
withi
nandheleftherwithsomanyscars.My
ZOE!Shehasalway sbeenmoreofasmot her
thanasi
stertohersi
bli
ngs.Shedef
ini
tel
y
deser
vestobeamot herandIprayt
oGodt hat
shefi
ndsthat.IhopeshehasherownChi l
d
oneday.
Iwi
pemyt
ear
saswel
eav
eforcour
t.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Wear
ri
veatthecourtandher
esheis.Iheart
he
cl
i
ckofheel
sandIjustknowit
'sher
.MYZoe!
Shewalkstoherpl
aceandt
akesaseataswe
awai
tthejudge.
Shet
urnsbackandlooksatmeandIbl
owhera
ki
ssandshesmiles.
Thejudgeent
ersandweallst
and.Thecase
begi
nshercoll
eaguest
art
sandbeforeIknowi
t
Zoeisonherfeet
.

Zoe:
Par
donmeYourHonourbutIhav
enew
evidenceandawitnessaswel
lasasuspect
thatIbeli
eveust
her eal
cul
pri
t.
Judge:
Iwi
l
lal
l
owi
t.Youmaypr
oceed.
Zoe:
Ift
hecour
twil
lal
l
owitIwoul
dli
ket
o
summonMissAzi
wetothest
and.
Iwat
chmywhol
efami
l
yhappenshock.
.
..
.
ZOE
TheRhonqo'
swereal
lher
eandIt
houghti
twas
fai
renought
oexposeAzi
we.
Il
ookatherandshelooksatmecompl
etel
y
awar
eofwhyIcalledhertotest
if
y.
Me:-
MissAziweifImayask,
whatwast he
r
elat
ionshi
pbetweenyouandthedeceased?
Shelooksatt
henwidenshergazewhenshe
real
i
zesthatt
heRhonqo'sar
ehere.
Me:
Shoul
dIr
eappearmyquest
ionsMa'
am?I
shoul
dwar
nyouf
orwast
ingt
hecour
t'
sti
me.
Azi
we:
Paat
ri
ckwasacl
osef
ri
end.
Me: Oh,
Closefriend?I
nYourOwnwor dshow
wouldyoudescribeaclosefr
iend?Perhaps
someoney ousleepwith?Someonewhosl eeps
overatyourhousei ny
ourbedroom despi
te
havi
nghisownhouseandwi fe?
Advocat
eLut
hul
i:
Object
iony
ourhonourmy
col
l
eagueher
eIsonl
yspecul
ati
ng.
Judge:Object
ionSustai
ned.Mi
ssKanicoul
d
youpleaserephrasey
ourquesti
onunl
essyou
haveevidencetobackyourcl
aims.
Me:Iapol
ogi
zeYourHonour.Idohav
e
ev
idencet
obackmyallegat
ions.
Ist
ruttomydeskandcomebackwi
tht
he
envel
opeandthet
hefoot
age.
Ihandt
hem t
othej
udge.
Me:
YourHonourt
hisi
stheev
idenceofhow
ruthlessthiswomani sandIt hi
nksheshoul d
bel ockedawayf oral i
fetime.MissAziwenot
onlysnat chedsomeone' shusbandbutshe
mur deredhi mt oo.Sheassumedt hatshewoul d
getal lhi
sasset saf t
erhedi edbecausethey
hav easont ogether.MissAzi weorchestr
ated
MrPat ri
ck'
sdeat handt houghtshewouldn'tget
caught .Shequi cklyprov i
dedhersel
fanAl i
biso
thatnoonewoul dsuspectherandshewoul d
hav eaper fectexplanationtowher eshewas.
MissAzi wedoy oumi ndt el
l
ingiswhereyou
wer eont heni ghtofthedeceasedmur der?
Aziwe:IwaswithMissRhonqo,myex
boyfr
iend'
saunt.Shehadcal
ledmetocome
overtoherhouse.Wedomeetupev er
yoncei
n
awhile.
Me:
Shecal
l
edy
ouory
oucal
l
edher
?
Azi
we:
Shecal
l
ed.
Ismi
l
eandt
aket
hephoner
ecor
dst
othej
udge.
Me:
Whoi
sthef
atherofy
ourson?
Shel
ooksatmeandIf
rown.
Aziwe:DrAndi
l
eRhonqoi
sthef
atherofmy
baby.
Me:
Doy
ouhav
ePr
oof
?
Shenods.
Me:AyesorNoMi ssAziwe.Thisisacour
tof
l
awandy ouneedtorespectthatandmy
aut
hor
it
yhere.OrshouldIremindy ou?
Ir
aisemyey
ebr
owandsher
oll
sherey
esatme.
Me: Iwouldli
ket oaskYouMyLor dtoplease
considertheevidenceIhav
ejustpresent
edyou.
Andwi thyourpermissi
onIwouldlovetoshow
thi
sent i
recourttheevi
dencethatIhave
obtained.
Judge:
Iwi
l
lal
l
owi
t.
Myassist
antset
suptheproj
ect
orandIfi
rst
showthedif
fer
ente-
mail
conver
sati
onsshehas
beenhav i
ngplot
ti
ngtokil
lPatri
ck.Gi
vi
ngthem
hisschedulef
oreachday.Plot
ti
ngonhowt o
makei tl
ookli
keanaccidentandhowt omakeit
seem li
kehiswif
e.
Iwatchev
ery
one'
sreact
ionsgof
rom Shockt
o
ter
ror.
Me: YourHonourt hiswomani sav erycunni
ng
woman.Asy oucanseei nt heseemai l
sshe
hascl earlyorchest ratedt hiswhol eplan
perfectlysoi tseemsl i
keanacci dent.But
unfortunat el
ytheyl ef talittleclueforusbehind.
Fingerprintsandt heopenwi r
esthatshowhow
theytamper edwi t
ht hecar .Sheforgotthat
cyberspacenev erreal l
yget sridofsomet hi
ng.
Andwhatpr ovedhergui ltwashowshef r
eaked
outaf tershef oundoutt hatev erypennythat
wasl efttohersonwast obemanagedbyhi s
wifenotherbecausePat rickwasawar eofher
extravagantl i
festyle.Shet henpl ott
ed
somet hingel se.Butbef oreIshowy outhatI
woul
dli
ket
opl
ayacl
i
p.
Ipl
aythecl
ipwheresheisbri
efi
nghermen
abouthowthemurdershoul
dbe.Iwatchher
cry
ingandIshakemyhead.
Me:
Youmadei
tper
sonal
Azi
we.
Iwhi
spert
oher
.
Ithenpl
ayanotherr
ecor
dingofher
conver
sati
onwithMakaziwhentheywant
edme
outofAndi
le'
slif
e.
Me: YourHonourt hiswoman' smi ssi
oninlif
eis
toruinmen' sl
ivesaswel lasgetmoneyf r
om
them.Sher ecentl
yframedMrANDI LERhonqo
forbeingthefatherofherson.Meani ngshe
couldpossiblywaitforhimt oincl
udeheri nhis
i
nsur ancethenmur derhim.Thiswomani s
ruthl
essandnotf ittobeamot her.Sheis
selfi
shandcanhar m anyonetogetwhatshe
want s.Sheshouldbegi venasev ere
punishmentandsepar at
edfrom society
becauseshecanhar m anyone.Aziweisa
psychopat hwhohasnomer cynordoesshe
hav eanyemot i
ontowar dsany onenotevenher
sonwasspar edint
hisgr uesomepl anbecause
hesnat chedhisfat
herawayandt hefatherof3
kids.Iaskthatyougivef ul
lcustodyofherson
toPat r
ick'
sspousewhoi smor ethanwill
ingto
careforhim.AndIaskt hatyoupunishthislady
YourHonour .Thankyou.
It
akemyseatandl
eav
emycol
l
eaguest
unned.
Judge:I
fyourcoll
eaguehasnothingtosaywe
mayadjournthi
scourt.ButMi
ssAzi wewil
lbe
i
npolicecust
odyforthetimebeing.
.
Ismi
l
eandt
hecour
tget
sadj
our
ned.
47

ZOE
i
t'
sthenewy
earandTr
eyandLei
l
ast
aywi
th
Mom anddadnow.Theydeci
dedt
ost
ayat
homeinst
eadofmovingout
.
Andi
leandIHav
ebeengoodandar
epl
anni
ng
ourweddi
ng.
Azi
wewassent encedt
oaLi
fesent
ence
wit
houtpar
ole.
IpeerupatAndi
l
easIam lay
ingonhi
schestas
wearewatchi
ngamovie.
Me:
Ilov
eYou.
Hesmil
esandi i
nst
ant
lymelt.Hesqui
ntshi
s
ey
esandkissesmyfor
ehead.
Andil
e:Youar
esobeaut i
ful
.Youact
ual
l
ylook
16.Il
ookli
keyourcouger.
IlaughoutloudandHeisact
ual
lyri
ght
.Il
ook
youngerthanIam andt
hefactt
hatIam t
iny
addstoit.
Me:
Yeahyoulook27Il
ook16.Ihav
enev
er
r
eal
l
ypai
dattenti
ontot
hat
.
Hegr absmybut tamicistil
lwithfeelingsof
strongdesirerunningthroughmybody .I
suddenlywanthi mr i
ghtnowbutIknowt hatwe
promisedt owaituntilwewer emar ri
edbut
Andileisjustt
oohar dtor esist.Hisbigbroad
shouldersandhi ssexyjawt hatIf eelli
kebit
ing.
Hisbroadchestt hatIfeel l
i
keki ssing.
Hel ooksatmeandIbi temylipsandHel eans
forwardtokissme.Iholdhimt i
ghtandIfeel
safeInhisarms.Istil
lcan'
tbeli
evethatsucha
manI smi ne.Helovesmebey ondanythi
ngand
coulddoany thi
nginhispowertohelpme.He
takestimeoutfrom worktoaccompanymet o
myt herapysessi
onsandHehashel pedme
deal wi
thallmytrauma.
Whatoneart
hdi
dIdot odeser
vesuchamani
n
myli
fe?Onewhoisgentl
eandlov
ing.
Iki
sshi
m morepassionatel
yandwebot hkiss
eachot
herhungr
il
y.Ifeel
hishandslowlycreep
i
ntomypantsdownt omycl i
tor
isandIstar
tto
feelmysel
fbuil
dupbutsomehowasenseof
panicandfearoverwhel
msmecausingmet o
j
umpupwhi chshockshim andhi
sti
nyeyes
widenastheypiercethr
oughmybigconf
used
greeneyes.
Andi
l
e:Iam sor
ry.
Me:NoIam sorry.Idi
dn'
tmeantoscar
eyou.I
j
ust.Ij
ustfr
eakedoutIdon'
tknowwhy.A
feel
i
ngjustover
whelmedmeandIcouldn'
t
contr
oli
t.
Hepul
l
smetohi
m andhol
dsmeasIf
eel
my
ey
eswell
up.
Andi
le:
It'
snormaltof
eelthewayy oufeelZoe,
youj
usthavetotakei
teasyony ourself
.Iknow
andunderst
andthaty
ouhav ebeent hr
oughA
l
otandwecangett hr
oughittoget
her .
InodandHef
lashesmehisbeaut
if
ulsmil
eand
Igi
ggl
easheplantsasof
tki
ssonmyf or
ehead.
Me:
Socanwedeci
deont
heweddi
ngdat
e?
Andil
e:Yesbutbef oret
hatwehavetofastfora
weekandpr ayforourunion.Weneedtopray
aboutourmar r
iageandmakesurewei nvol
ve
God.Thatistheonl ywaywehavetohavea
successf
ulmar ri
age.
Me:Yeswecandothat
.Andtomorr
owYouar
e
pr
eachi
ngatchur
ch.Haveyoupr
epared?
Henodsandl
ooksi
ntomyey
es.
Andil
e:Youar
eenoughf
ormeZoest
op
doubti
ngit
.
Iwidenmygaze,Howdoeshedoi
t?Hej
ust
readsmymind.
Andil
e:Idon'
tknowbutIcanseewhaty
ouar
e
thi
nki
ng.
Iwi
denmygazeandHel
aughsatme.
Me:
Stopi
tAndi
l
e.
Il
aughandHeki
ssesmycheek.
Andi
l
e:Iwantt
oseey
ouhappyal
lthet
ime.I
don'
tpromi
seyouar
oseyj
our
neybutIpr
omi
se
towalkont
hor
nssoyouwon'
thav
eto.
Hestandsupandwal
kstohi
sstudywhi
chI
gat
herheisgoi
ngtor
eadthebi
ble.
IdecidetotakeabathandasIr
eacht
heroom
thatburni
ngsensat
ioninmytummystar
ts
again!Whatthehel
liswrongwi
thme?
Andsuddenl
ymytongueisfi
l
ledwi
thpr
ayer
.I
pr
ayti
llIf
eelmykneesget
ti
ngweak.
"
Beholdamuchgr
eaterbl
essi
ngiscomingyour
way.Yourt
ear
swi
llsoonbetur
nedint
ogreat
l
aughter
."
Astrongbol
dvoi
ceechoesl
eav
ingmei
ntot
al
shock.
Ist
andandwashmyfacethenchangei
ntomy
pyj
amasandfal
li
ntodeepsl
umber.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
IWalki
ntot
heroom andf
indhercurl
edupl
i
ke
ababyi
nmybedwi t
hherthumbr i
ghtin
bet
weenherli
ps.
Iwatchhowhercur l
ywav esf
all
onherface.
Hercurlyhai
rissothickandl
ushandfal
ls
beauti
full
yonherface.
Il
istentohersnoresoft
ly.Ilovethistiny
creatureonmybed.Icanal readyimagi ne
wakingupnextt ohereverymor ning.Making
Lovet oherti
l
lthesunri
ses.Wat chi
ngher
beautif
uleyesli
ghtenupev ermor ning.
Hav
ingherbymysi
deal
lthet
ime.
Ismil
etomy sel
fasIsli
deri
ghtnextt
oherand
shei
mmedi atel
ywrapsher
selfar
oundmeandI
smil
e.Icoul
dgetusedtothi
s.
Wesl
eepsoundl
yti
l
lthemor
ning.

WhenIwakeupshei
snotbymysi
desoIhead
t
othebathr
oom andt
akeashowerandbrush
myteet
h.Aft
ert
hatIt
iemydreadl
ocksneatl
y
t
henlot
ionmybody.
Iwr apatowelaroundmywai standheadback
totheroom andIam stoppedi nmyt r
acksby
Zoe.Shei sweari
ngakneel engthti
ghtbody
huggingreddressthatisofftheshoul
derand
blackheels.Herwaisti
stinyandattr
acti
veand
thoseli
tt
lecurves.
Shehasi
ronedherhai
rst
rai
ght
.
Shet
urnswi
thmycl
othesi
nherhands.
Zoe:Breakfasti
sr eadydownst ai
rsbabyand
herearey ourcl
othes.Ihaveironedthem soyou
cangetreadywhi leIwarm upy ourfood.She
hangsthem ont hewal l
andIpul lherint
omy
arms.Ikissherandsher epl
yhungr i
l
y.
Me:
Zoewhatar
eyoudoi
ngt
ome?
Igroanandshel
aughswhi
l
est
rai
ght
eni
ngher
dress.
Zoe:-
GetreadyMrRhonqoyouarepr
eachi
ng
today.Youshoul
dn'
tbesi
nning.
Il
aughoutloudasIwat chhert i
nywai st
swayingi
tswayt othedoorandIgetr eady.I
wearmyblacktightf ormalpantswithawhi t
e
Shir
tandaredt i
e.Wi thablackblazor.Imake
mywayt othekitchenwher eIinhalethesweet
aromaofaf ul
lEnglishbreakfast.
Iset
t l
edownwher eshedishesupmybr eakf
ast
andweeati nsil
ence.Af
terthatwedriveto
churchindi
ffer
entcarscausewedon' twant
peoplequesti
oni
ngourchar act
ersespecial
ly
nowt hatweareengaged.

WhenIWal ki
nt hechurchIfeel
theholyspir
it
movingal
ready.Chloèisal
readyworshi
pping
andIfeel
theholyspiri
ttal
ktome.
"Youshallrecei
veablessi
ngi
twi
l
lbet
he
biggestshockofyourli
fe"
Ihearawhi sperandIknowit'
stheholyspi
ri
t
tal
king.Igettomyseatandstartpray
ing.And
whenIopenmyey esIseeZoestandi
ngpulpi
t
holdingontoaMi c.
ShesingsTamelaMann_Icanonlyimagine.I
seetheimprovementi
nher.Shehaschanged
fr
om therebel
shewast oacomplet
elydiff
erent
person.
Iseet
heanoi
nti
ngofGoduponher
.
Theser
vicepr
oceedsandi
tisnowt
imef
orme
topr
each.
.
..
.
ZOE
Andilemakeshi swayt othepulpitandstar
ts
preaching.HetalksaboutBeingr edeemedand
bornagai n.Heemphasizesthef actthatweare
newcr eaturesandthatwehav ebeenf orgi
ven.
If
eel
li
kecr
yingwhenhespeaksaboutt
his.I
t
hinkofthepastandhowr ebell
iousIwas.I
t
hinkofmyl if
estyleandthefactthatall
oweda
mantowal kov erme.Iall
owedamant otake
mylif
eawayf rom meanddi ctatehowIshoul d
l
ivei
t.Ial
lowedmy sel
ftogetlostfrom the
val
uesandt eachingsthatwereinstal
l
edi nme.
Iseehim cr
yandHespeaksaboutrepent
ance
andsin.Iwi
shicoul
dhol
dhim becauseIknow
howhispastmakeshimfeel
.
Hepreachesaf
terheisfi
nished.Wepr
ayand
peopl
egetpray
edf orandthesermonends.
OutsideIwatchpeopl ecomeupt ohim and
tal
ktohim.Howev er
,Aphiwe,MrsSikhosana'
s
daughterapproachesAndil
le.Weari
ngoneof
thoseshortdressessheusuall
ywear sto
church.
Sheswaysherhugecurv
esatmymanandI
l
augh.Shecl
earl
ydoesn'
tknowme.
Il
ett
hem speakandassheget
scl
oserI
cat
walkmywaytomymanandsoonasIgett
o
hi
m smil
esandt
akesmyhandi
ntohi
s.
Aphiwe:Zoe,
congr
atul
ati
onsony
our
engagement.
Sher
oll
sherey
esandIl
augh.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Andi
l
e:Shal
lwe?
Me:
Ofcour
se.
Andil
e:PleaseexcuseusAphi
wewehavean
appoi
ntmentt hatweneedtot
endt
o.Iwi
ll
see
youaround.
Shenodswit
hanir
ri
tat
edexpr
essi
onandI
l
aughwhil
ewavi
ng.
Wewal
ktoourcar
sandl
eav
e.
.
..
..
LEI
LA
Bei
ngMr
sKani
hasbeent
hebestdeci
sionof
mylife.Tr
emainhasbeenthebesthusbandand
fat
heraswelltoourbaby.Idon'
twanttoli
eI
am thehappi
estwomanev er.Il
ovemy
husbandandourli
ttl
ebabyAsante.
Me:Baby,di
dyouenj oyt
oday'
ssermon?It
hink
i
twasincredi
ble.ThewaytheHolySpi
ri
tmoved
amongstever
yone.
Trey:
Icert
ainl
yenj
oyedi
t.Idi
dn'
tthi
nkIwould
changethi
swayandIoweI tt
oGodandy ou.
WehugandIam honest
lycont
entwi
thhowour
Li
fehast
urnedout
.
48
ZOE
Thereareonly2day sleftt
il
lourweddi
ngandi
t
hasbeenhect i
c.Ihavebeenst ayi
ngatmy
parent
s'house.Andt odayAndi l
eandIwer
e
breaki
ngourfast.
Mom:
Zoegoandt
akey
ourl
i
ttl
ebr
otheri
nhi
s
nur
ser
yhemustbeawakenow.
InodandwalktoJai
dev'
sroom andf
indhi
m
ther
ecradl
edinhi
scradl
e.
Itakehim andhelight
sup.Bi
gbrowney
es
exactl
yli
kemydad' seyes.Ti
nyl
i
psli
keMom'
s.
Smallcutefinger
s.
It
'ssadhowIcanneverholdmyownchil
dinmy
ownarms.HowI'l
lnevercarr
ymybabyinmy
womb.HowI '
l
lneverknowhowitfeel
stobe
call
edMom.
I
'
llnev
erfeel
ababy
'ski
ckorknowt
hepai
nof
l
abour.
Iwi
pemytearandhol
dmybabybr
otherand
wal
kdownst
air
s.
Me:
ThePr
incei
sawakeMom.
Ismil
eandIknowshecanseebey
ondmyf
ake
smil
e.
Lei
l
acomeswi
thAsant
eandIcanseet
hatshe
toof
eelsformebutIi
gnor
ethatandt
alkabout
somethi
ngelse.
Me:Mydressi
scomi
ngi
ntoday
.Andy
our
out
fi
tsaswell
.
Andwehav etopract
icefort
her
ecepti
onfor
thelastt
ime.Andthi
stimeweneedtogetthe
step.
Il
aughasIrecal
lhowLei
laandmymom wer
e
fi
ndi
ngithar
dtodance.
Mom: Don'
tworr
ybaby.Ihav
ebeenpr
act
ici
ng.
Yourdadhasbeent
eachingme.
Lei
l
aandIgi
vehert
hat"
Ohr
eal
l
y"l
ook.
Leil
a:YouandDadhavebeendoi
ngal
otof
pract
ici
ngtheseday
s.
Mom: Uhm Yeah.Weonl
ygett
imet
opr
act
ice
onceJaidevsl
eeps.
Shescr
atchesherheadandwel
augh.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgot
othemal
l
.Weneedt
odo
t
hatf
aci
alandgetmynail
sfi
xed.Ineedt
ogot
o
t
hesal
onandtreatmyhai
r.
Theynodandwet
akeourbagsandl
eav
e.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Iam athomewelcomi
ngev er
yonef
rom
East
erncape.AndSi
phokaziwal
ksi
nwithher
baby.
Me:
Cuzzy
.
Sher
unst
omeandwehug.
Me:Ihaven'
tseeny
oui
nawhi
l
e.Howhav
e
t
hingsbeen?
Si
phokazi:
Ver
yGood.Ifoundastablej
oband
meandmybabyar esett
li
ng.Al
thoughLit
hai
s
st
il
lgi
vingmetroubl
e.
Me:Youwil
lfi
ndt
heonef
ory
ouSi
s.Ipr
omi
se
yout
hat.
Shenodsandj
oinst
heot
her
sladi
es.
MyDadcomest
omewi
thmyuncl
es.
Me:
Tat
a.BoTamnci
.Ndi
ngani
nceda?
Dad: Si
funaukut
hethanawe.Youar egoingto
embar konanewj ourneyandIwantt omake
sure.Youknowoft heresponsi
bil
i
tiesyouhave
towardsy ourwi
fe.
Wesi
tandt
heyl
ookatme.
Dad:Andil
eumf aziuyat
handwa.Youhaveto
l
ov eherwit
hallyourheartandshowherthat
youloveher.Theyarecompl exhumanbeings
thatneedtobenurtur
edandl oved.
TamnciMzo:Andumfaziakabethwa.Don'
tever
rai
seyouhandagai
nstyourwife.Youonl
ydeal
wit
hherinbed.
Weal
ll
aughoutl
oud.
Dad:Andy ouhavetofeel
yourwif
e.Don'
tl
et
herst
arve.Giv
eittoherallt
het
ime.
Il
aughandt
heycar
ryonwi
tht
hei
rlect
ures.
.
..
Chl
oè
Iam att
hemallwait
ingf
orZoe,Mom andLeila.
Ideci
detogoandgrababurgerwhil
eIwaitand
whenIgetther
eImeetatal
lhandsomeguyj ust
si
tti
ngonthetabl
eandit
'st
heonlytabl
eleft
.
SoIheadt
her
eandst
andIf
rontofhi
m.
Me:
Doy
oumi
ndi
fIj
oiny
ou?
Hi
m:Notatal
l
.
Isi
tandHeext
endshi
shand.
Hi
m:Josèandy
ouar
e?
Me:
Chl
oè.
Josè:
Thati
sani
cename.
Goodness!Thisboyissomethi
ngel
se.Hei
sso
GoodlookingIcan'
tresi
sthi
m.
Me:
Sodoy
oust
ayar
oundher
e?
Josè:
Yes,Iam act
ual
l
ydoingmymat
ri
c.ButI
am or
igi
nal
lyf
rom Mexico.
Me:
Wow!Idohav
easi
steri
nlawf
rom Mexi
co.
Josè:
Andar
eyouf
rom her
e?
Me: Yes,wel
lIam coloured.MyDadisf
rom
EasternCapeandMymom i sawhi
tewoman
whichmakesmecol oured.
Josè:
Icoul
dalsocal
lmy
sel
famixt
ure.MyDad
i
sMexicanandmymom isAf
ri
canAmerican.
Ourorder
scomeandwecontinuet
alki
ngand
bef
oreIknowitIam dr
awnt
oJosè.
.
..
.
TREMAI
N
Me:
Iwantt
oqui
tthi
sli
feMax.
Max:
Youknowi
t'
snotaseasyasy
out
hink.
Me:Iknowthatbutwi
thAsanteandLei
lainmy
l
if
e.Idon'
treal
l
yneedthatany
mor eandIdon'
t
wantt
ojeopar
dizet
hei
rli
ves.
Max:If
eelli
keyouneedtothi
nkcaref
ull
yon
howtoleavethegamebecauseyouknowthat
al
otofpeoplewon'tl
i
kei
t.

Me: Iam will

i
ngt
opayany t
hingj
usttol
eave
thi
sgame.Iwantt oli
veacleanl
if
ewithmy
newf amily
.Andthi
scrimealmostal
mostcost
memysi ster
.
Max:
Youar
eri
ghtandIsuppor
tyou.
.
..
..
49
ZOE
Babybluepairofheel
s.Thenoiseofthel
adi
es
cookingdownstai
rs.Myfri
endsalr
eadywear
ing
thei
rbabybluejumpsuit
sandsomewear i
ng
dresses.
Chl
oèi
swear
ingababybl
ueCi
nder
ell
adr
ess
buti
t'
sshor
tandsui
tsher
.
Fi
nall
ythedayhascome!Iam ty
ingt
heknot.
Theymov ef
rom t
hemir
rorandIexhal
ebef
ore
l
ookingatmysel
fint
hemirror
.
Igetemotionalbyseei
ngmy sel
f.Iam i
nmy
l
ongwhi t
eCi nder
ell
adress.Wit
hdiamond
cry
stal
s.Myhai ri
stiedupinamessybunand
curl
ytoo.
Myl
ooki
snat
ural
.
Ihol
dmyy
ell
owandBabybl
uebouqueti
nmy
hand.
Me:
Ilookl
i
keapr
incess.
Mom:Youareapr
incess.Youwi
l
llookmuch
mor
ebeauti
ful
iny
oursecondanddress.
Ismi
l
eandshehol
dsmei
nherar
ms.
Mom: Justyester
dayIwaschangingy
our
nappi
es,thenhadt owatchy
ouleavef
orvar
sit
y.
Nowy ouarefinal
lyget
ti
ngmarri
ed.
Me:Thankyouforal
way
sbei
ngt
her
eforme.
Younevergav
euponme.
Mom: Icoul
dnev
ergi
veupony
ou.Youar
emy
baby
.
Tani
a:Enoughwi
tht
heemot
ional
par
ty.Today
i
sahappydayguys.
Soni
a:That
'st
rue!Comeony
ou'
l
lbel
ate.
It
akeonef
inal
lookatmy
sel
fandst
artmov
ing.
AssoonasIent erthecarIi
nhal
ethenexhale
shar
ply.Iam anxi
ousandexcit
edaswell.Iwil
l
fi
nal
lybecomeMr sRhonqo.
.
..
ANDI
LE
Wearealreadyappr
oachingthev
enueandmy
hear
tisbeati
ngfast
er.Ican'
twai
ttoseeher
.I
can'
twaittohol
dherinmyar ms.
Iexhal
east
hecarst
opatt
hev
enueandIj
ump
out.
MyGuy sandIwal
kinther
eandf
indpeopl
e
al
readygather
edi
nsi
de.
MyDadhol
dsmyhandandwhi
sper
stome.
Dad: Youarenowaman.Andrememberyour
responsibi
l
iti
est
owar
dsyourwif
e.Bl
essy
ou.
Iexhal
eandsmi
l
easwepr
oceed.
Wegett
othef
rontwher
ewewai
tforher
.
5Minut
espassandIhearthemusicplayi
ng.
"
WhyIloveyou"byMajorandherbri
desmaids
wal
kinholdi
ngbasket
swi t
hfl
owers.

Aft
ert
heystandopposi
tet
omyGuy sever
yone
ri
sest
othei
rfeetandIf
eelmyhear
tpounding
wit
hexci
tement.
Shewal
ksi
nwit
hherdadandmyey
eswel
lup.
Shel
ooksl
i
keanangel
.
Herey
esbi
gandl
umi
nous.IWal
kfor
war
dto
meett
hem.
Sheslowl
ymakesherwayt
ome.Ti
nyandv
ery
del
icat
e.Il
ovet
hiswoman!
Shebegui
l
esme.Shet
akesmybr
eat
haway
.
Whentheygettomeherdadshakesmyhand
andhandsherovert
ome.
Sheisnotwear
ingavei
lsoIcanseeherbi
g
greeney
esperf
ectl
y.
"Youl
ookl
ovel
y"Iwhi
spert
oherandshe
smil
es.
Wewal kt
othearchandstandasPastorJones,
herdad'
sassi
stantst
andsinfr
ontofus.
Hestar
tst
heser
monandsooni
t'
sti
mef
ort
he
vows.
Istar
tandIf
eel myvoicebr
eakasIopenmy
mouth.Andsheextendsherhandandwipesa
tearf
rom myface.
Me:ZoeKani
!TheEpi
tomeOfPerfect
ion.I
f
oundlov
einyou.AndIhav
elear
nedtol ov
eme
too.Nev erhav
eIf el
tthatIcoul
dbeallyousee.
I
t'sli
keourhear t
shav eint
ertwi
nedint
othe
perfectharmony.Iloveyoubecauseyoulove
me.
Ifoundl
oveinyouandnoot herl
ovewil
ldo.
Everymomentt hatyousmilechasesal
lthe
painaway.For
ev erandeverinmyhearti
s
whereyou'l
lst
ay .
TheStar
shav
eall
ali
gnedandri
ghtnowi
sthe
per
fectt
imet
osayIl
oveyou.
ZOEIcannoti maginemyl ifewi thoutyou.I
thankGodf orblessingmewi thsuchaper f
ect
soulmat e.Despi t
eal l
theobst acleswemadei t
andtherei snoot herpersonf ormer atherthan
you.YouknowI 'dfightami ll
ionmenf oryou.I
l
ov eyouandIpr ayt oGodt hatIdon'tlosey ou.I
Promiset obewi t
hy outhroughsi cknessand
healt
h.Badandgood.Ipr omi set ocarrythe
weightwi t
hy ouasl ongaswel i
ve.Forsaking
them al
l.TilldeathdousApar t
.
Iwat
chheral
readyi
ntear
sasIam sheddi
ng
myfai
rshar
eoftear
saswell
.
.
..
.
ZOE
Hi
sv owswer
eamazi
ngandf
oramomentshed
t
ears.
Me:WellAndi
l
e,Wehavebeenthr
oughalot.I
rememberhowmuchweusedt ofi
ghtaskids.
Wecouldn'
tst
andeachot
herthenbutnowwe
can'
tev
enimaginel
if
ewit
houteachother
.
TheDayIr eali
zedIloveyouwast hedaywhen
quitealotopenedupt ome.Ibegant oseelif
e
dif
ferentl
y.Ibegant oseemy selfdi
fferentl
yand
youaswel l
.Iwon' tl
ieandsayi thasbeenan
easyr i
debutwhatIl ovethemosti st hatyou
boreallthepai nsoIwoul dn't
.Youl i
teral
ly
foughtwi t
hal otofpeoplejustt oprotectme.
Youhav egi venmemor ethanl i
fe.Youhav e
givenmemeani ng.ICarr
yy ouinmyspi ri
tandI
wantt
ospendt
her
estofmyl
i
fewi
thy
ou.
Iwanttobey ourstr
ength,Iwanttobe
every
thi
ngy ouwantandneed.I fy
ouneeda
fr
iendIwanttobet her
e.Ifyouneedashoulder
tocryonIwantt obethere.I
fyouneedawi f
eI
wanttobethere.Ifyouneedanadv i
sorIwant
tobethere.
Iwantt
obey
ourev
ery
thi
ng.
Thr
oughsi
ckness&healt
h.Goodorbad.
For
saki
ngt
hem all
aslongasweliv
e.
Ti
l
lDeat
hDoUsApar
t.
Il
ovey
ou.DrRhonqo.
.MrHot
shot
.
Ismi
l
eandHel
aughsatme.
Weputr
ingsoneachot
her
.
Past
or:
Inowpronouncey
ouHusband&Wi
fe.
Youmaykissy
ourbri
deMrRhonqo.
Hesmilesandr
aiseshi
seyebr
owandwe
sur
pri
sethewholechur
chbydoingour
handshakefi
rstt
henwel
aughandr
ubour
nosestoget
herandweki
ss.
Itf
eel
sli
kethef
irsttimewekissed.The
emoti
onsIwentthrough.Thechil
l
shegaveme.
Heholdsmywaisttight
er.
Wekissf
ort
helastt
imeandt
hewhol
echur
ch
cl
apsandul
l
ulat
es.

RECEPTI
ON.
.Anhourl
ater
ThenChloèpl
aysmyf
avor
it
esong.Chr
is
Brown'
sUndeci
ded
MeandAndi
l
edancet
othemyJam.
Wehav echanged.Hei
swearingatight
desi
gnersweatersi
ncei
tiscold.Wit
hhi sj
eans.
Iam weari
ngababybluemurmai ddress.
TheSongchangest
oourfi
rstdancesong.Ni
na
Si
mone-Thelookoflov
e.
I
t'
sacl
assi
cthatAndi
l
elov
es.
WedanceandHehol
dsmywai
standl
ooksi
nto
myeyes.
ANDI
LE:
Ilov
eYouMr
sRhonqo.
Me:
Final
l
y!Icancal
lyoumyhusband.MI
NE!
Hesmi
l
esandsqui
ntshi
sey
es.
Andil
e:Andyoucangettofeelhowitfeel
s
whenIam buri
eddeepinsi
deofy ou.Iknowy
ou
havebeenwonderi
nghowitf eel
s.
Ismi
l
ecoy
lyandHebr
ingsmecl
osert
ohi
msel
f.
Me:That
'st
rue.I
t'
sbeenhar
dtor
esi
styoui
n
t
hesepastmonthsbuti
twaswor
thi
t.
Andil
e:Ican'twaittomakel ovet oy ou.Iwantto
hearyouscream outmyname, hav ey ou
scrat
chmyback.Iwantt oseey out highs
shaki
ngwi thwant .Youbr eastsgr owinghar der
wit
hgr eedandl ust.Iwantt oseey oupanting.I
wanttof eelyourwet ness.Tastey ou.
Ashesay
sthatIt
ight
enmygr
iponhi
sar
m and
Hel
aughs.
Me: Ican'
twaittoseey ouweakandt ot
all
y
ensnaredinmyspel l
.Iwantt oseeyourey es
whenIgi veyouhead.Iwantt oseey ourface
whenIr i
dey ou.Iwantt ofeelyourgriponmy
waist.Iwantt ofeelthetasteofyourskinwhen
myt onguetravel
sar oundy ourbody.Iwantt o
seey oushiv
erwi thwant .Iwanttofeelyour
warm bodyonmi ne.Iwantt ohearyourbr eat
h
hit
chedony ourthr oat.Iwantyoutocum I nmy
mout h,t
it
s,assandev erywhere.Iwanty ou.
Hegr
oansandwebot
hlaugh.
Andi
le:
Seri
ousl
ythough.Iam gl
adt
haty
ouar
e
minenow.Il
oveyou.
Wesett
ledownonchair
swhereourf
ri
ends,
f
amil
yandchurchpeopl
etal
k.
Wearegi
vengi
fts,
Wecutt
hecakeandi
t'
sti
me
t
odanceonceagai
n.
Inot
icet
hatChl
oèhasadat
e.Somewhi
teguy
s
withbeaut i
fuleyesandacut esmil
e.Theyare
dancingandi tseemsl i
ketheyknoweachot her
.
Isuspectit'sherboyfr
iend.Andont heot
her
handSi sekoiswi t
hsomegi rlt
hatIdon'
tknow.
Iam gladt heybothmov edon.
Theweddingmov esfasterandwehav eto
changeagaintoourtr
aditi
onalatt
ir
esinceI
havetobetakentomyi n-l
awsHouset owalk
onthegroundandtobehandedov ermyduti
es
asawifebeforeAndil
eandIl eav
ef orour
Honeymoonwhi chisaSur pr
isef
orme.
IdressupinmylongXhosaSkir
twhichisBl
ue
wit
hBl ackpat
ter
ns.Andabrali
ketopwitha
doekandacov er
ingformyshoul
ders.
Iappl
ymybl ackl
ipst
ickandputont
he
tr
adit
ional
accesori
es.
Il
ookupt
omymypar
ent
sandmyDadsmi
l
es.
Dad:
Iam happyf
ory
ouZozo.
.
Il
augh!Goodness!Whendi
dthi
sname
r
esur
face.
Me:Ican'
tbel
i
evey
oust
il
lcal
lmet
hatDad.
Ser
iousl
y?
Mom: Youwil
lnevergr
owt
oool
dforusZoe.Or
shal
lIcal
lyouAyanda.
.
Dad:
YesYay
a,Ipr
efery
ourXhosaname.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:Thankyouf orevery
thi
ng.Youhav
ebeen
mybiggestsupport.Il
oveyou.
Thanky
ouf
ornev
ergi
vi
nguponme.
Dad:
Iam pr
oudofy
oumyl
i
ttl
eRebel
.
Theybot
hhugmeandweshar
eamoment
toget
her
.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Iam i
nmyXhosaat
ti
re.
Mom:
Justaf
ewhour
sandy
ouwi
l
lhav
eheri
n
y
ourar
ms.
Me:Ican'
twai
ttospendt
her
estofmyl
i
fewi
th
her
.
Dad:
Youwi ll
surelyl
ast.Especi
all
yaftert
he
deci
sionyouguy smadet owaitunti
lmarri
age.
Youwon'tregreti
tIpromiseyou.
Inodandmymom get
sal
lemot
ional
onme.
Mom: Mnt anam, t
hankyou.Foract
uall
ybei
ng
soresponsibleandforalwaysmakingther
ight
deci
sion.Iam gladthatyoumarri
edthatgi
rl
sheistheonef oryou.Iseehowshemakesy ou
happy.
Dad:Andyoumakeherhappyt oo.It'
sevi
dent.
Todayyouareacompleteman.Youneedt o
prot
ectandl
oveHeralways.Hersaf et
yand
happi
nessshoul
dbeey ourpr
iori
ty.Ihavekept
yourmom andyouguyssafefrom thedayImet
herandTheDayy ouguyscamei ntoourli
ves.
Me:
Iwi
l
lcer
tai
nlyr
emembert
hatTat
a.
Mom:Wehav etogonow.Wehav
etof
etchour
newdaught
ernow.
Webot
hsmi
l
eandl
eav
e.
Theceremonygoesonwell
.ZOEisf
inal
ly
broughttomyhomeandwet akeaf
ewpictur
es
beforeshei
sdressedasaXhosawi
fe.
Sheislect
ured,Webothar el
ectur
edactual
l
y
thenweshei sgi
venthefamily
'sswor
dtohold
uphighwhichisasignthatshewil
lpr
otectme
asherhusbandandIdot hesame.
Wecompleteourcer
emonyt
heni
t'
sti
mef
or
ourHoney
moon.
Mom:Besafeandcalluswheny
ouget
wher
every
ouaregoing.
Me:
Wewi
l
lMamadon'
twor
ry.
Weheadt oournewhousef i
rstwherewe
change.Shewear saoff
-theshoulderwhi
telace
dressthathugsherbody.Sheletsherhai
rfall
beaut
if
ull
y.Shewear
swhi
tebl
ockheel
saswel
l
.
IwearaGr
eysweat
erandbl
ackj
eans.
It
ir
emydr
eadl
ocksneat
ly.
Wet
akeourbagsandl
eav
efort
heai
rpor
t.
Weboar
daplanet
oAmst
erdam.Yest
hati
s
wher
eIam t
aki
ngher
.
ZOE:
MrRhonqo.
It
urnt
oherandshesmi
l
es.
Me:
Yes,
MrsRhonqo.
Shebl
ushesandhercheeksl
i
ter
all
ytur
npi
nk.
ZOE:
Baby,Il
oveYou.Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
evet
hatwe
ar
emarr
ied.
Shel
ooksatheramberr
ockandsmi
l
es.
Me: Beli
evei
t.Wearemar r
ied.WearenowOne
andwenowshar east r
ongerbondthanwedi
d.
Youar enowmywhol eli
fe.MyLif
eli
ter
all
y
rev
olvesaroundyou.
ZOE:
Iwil
lfi
nal
l
ywakeupnextt
oyouev
ery
si
ngl
eday.
Shekissesmycheekandr
est
sherheadonmy
chest
.
.
..
..
CHLOÈ
Myfamil
ywastiredaft
ertheweddingso
ever
yonewentt
obedear lyandIcoul
dn'tsl
eep
soIwenttot
hefamilyroom andwatchedsome
t.
v.myphoneri
ngsdistur
bingme.
Icheckt
hecal
l
erI
Dandi
t'
sJosè
Me:
Hey
.
Josè:
Hey
.Howar
eyou?
Me: Iam Okay,
Iam j
ustaexhaust
ed.Ar
en'ty
ou
exhausted?Imeanyouwerehotonthedance
fl
oortoday.
Josè:Iam Exhaustedbuthowcoul
dIhav
e
sl
eptwithoutt
alki
ngtomybestfri
end.
Me:Yeahthat
'sri
ght.SoWhenar
ewemeeting
up.Yousai
dyou'dtakemetoatourofy
our
houseandDad'scompany.
Josè:
Arey
ouf
reet
omor
row?
Il
augh.
Me:TomorrowisaSundayandIwi
ll
beat
chur
chJo.Perhapsy
oucouldcometochur
ch.
Takeitasadate.
Hel
aughs
Josè:Okay.Justt
extmetheaddressofy
our
Dad'schur
chandIwi l
lbether
e.
Me:Okay
.Goodni
ghtIam f
eel
i
ngsl
eepi
ng.Iwi
l
l
seeyout
omorr
ow.
Josè:
Goodni
ghtCeeI
'
llseey
out
omor
row.Get
somerest
.
Webot
hkeepqui
etf
oramomentt
henwehang
up.
Gosh!Il
i
kehi
m.Il
i
kehi
m somuchbutIdon'
t
wantt
odat
ehi
m.Idon'
twantt
ogethur
tagai
n.
Iswi
tchoffthet
.vandheadt
omyroom wher
eI
getr
estl
ess.IWalkt
omybalconyt
heni
nsi
de
agai
n.
Ican'
tkeephi
m of
fmymi
nd.Shi
t!Thi
scan'
tbe
happeni
ngagai
n.
Icallhi
m andasIreal
i
zewhatIam doi
ngand
actuall
ywanttohangupheanswer
s.
Josè:
Cee,
what
'sup?
Me:
Ican'
tsl
eep.Real
l
yIam r
est
less.
Josè:
Thatishappeni
ngt
omeandt
hati
swhyI
am dr
ivi
ng.
Me:
Att
hist
imeoft
heni
ght
?
Josè:
Comeoutandchecky
ourgat
e.
Igaspashesaysthat
.Ir
untothebal
cony
whereIseehi
scarandhim wav
ingatme.
Me:
Arey
ouact
ual
l
ycr
azyorwhat
?
Josè:
Iwant
edt
oseey
ou.Icoul
dn'
tsl
eep.
Me:MyDadisgoingt
okill
youJosè.He'
l
lki
l
l
usbothi
fhef
indsustoget
heratt
hist
imeof
theni
ght
.
Josè:Icamealltheway.Pl
easeatleastt
ryt
o
sneakout.IneedtoseeyouChloè.
Iexhal
ethenwearmysl
i
pper
s.
Me:
Iam comi
ng.
Irushdownstai
rsandasIam abouttoopenthe
doorIam st
oppedonmyt racksbyfoot
steps.
Isl
owl
ytur
ntof
ind
Lei
l
astandi
ngbehi
ndmewi
thherbaby
'smi
l
k
bot
tl
e.
Lei
l
a:wher
eAr
eyougoi
ng?
Shewhi
sper
sandIwi
denmygaze.
Me:I
'l
lexpl
ainever
ythi
ngtoyoui
nt hemorni
ng.
Pl
easecoverforme.Don'
ttel
lBr
otherTr
ey
pl
ease.
Shenodsandhel
psmesneakout
.
Iruntot
hesmallgateandIunl
ockit.IWalkto
JosèandassoonasIgett ohi
m heat t
acksme
withapassi
onat
ekisswhichIfai
ltoresist
.
Whenherel
easesmeIcat
chmybr
eat
hand
l
ookathi
m.
Me:
Whydi
dyou.
..
Josè:
Kissy
ou?
Me:
Yes.
Josè:
Iwant
edt
odoi
t.Ij
ustf
eltl
i
kedoi
ngi
t.
InodandIsi
tont
heCar
'sbonnet
.
Me:
So.
..uhm.
.Youcomi
ngt
ochur
cht
omor
row?
Josè:
Ofcour
se.
Wet al
kforawhi
l
eandi
t'
sti
mef
ormet
ogo
back.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
rowJosè.10am shar
p.
Henodsandwehugt
henIsneakbackt
othe
house.
Igett
omyroom andexhal
e!Wow!Thi
shas
beenanov
erwhel
mingday.
.
..
.
ZOE
Wegett oAmst er
dam andar
edr i
ventoahuge
Guesthouse.I
t'
sactual
lyt
hesizeofournew
house.
Andi
l
e:Sur
pri
se!
Hesay sthatasweent ert
hisbeauti
fulhouse.
Withcandlesli
t.Androsepetal
s.Iti
sextremely
beauti
ful
.Thev iewi
sincredi
ble.Thehouse
keepershowsusar oundandaf t
erheleaves
Andil
elooksatme.
Andil
e:Thi
shousei
syourgi
ftf
orourweddi
ng.I
boughtitf
ory
ou.
Iwi
denmygazeandHenods.
Ij
umponhi
m andki
sshi
m.
Me: ThankyouBaby.Thi
sist
hebestgi
ftev
er!
YouknowhowmuchIl oveAmst
erdam.Butmy
greatestgi
fti
syou.
Webothstarei
neachother
'sey
esandIfeel
comf
ortabl
e.Thi
sisourmoment.Themoment
webothwait
edfor.
Hedr
opswhat
everhei
scar
ryi
ngandscoops
meupinhi
sar
ms.
Hetakesmet
oahuger
oom.Andpl
acesme
downonmyfeet
.
Andi
le:Doyouwantt
oconsummat
eour
weddingorar
eyouti
red?
Me:
Iwantt
oconsummat
eourweddi
ng.
Hi
sli
pscurvei
ntoasmil
eandHewal
ksar
ound
meandstandsbehi
ndme.
HeblowscoldaironmybackandIf
li
nch.Iam
suddenl
ypanti
ngforhi
m.
Hisf
ingerstwi
rli
nmyhairandHeis
appr
eciat
ingmyhairbysmell
i
ngitandcur
li
ngi
t
onhisfi
nger.
Andil
e:Youhavebeaut
if
ulhai
rZoe.I
t'
sjust
beauti
ful
Ilov
eit.
If
eel
thezi
pofmydr
essunzi
pandIshi
ver
.
Il
etoutasi
ghandmydr
esssl
owl
ymakesi
ts
waydown.
Iam l
efti
nmywhi
tel
acet
hong.
Heki
ssesmyback.AndIt
urnt
hef
acehi
m.
Itakeof
fhi
ssweaterandhispantst
oo.He
ki
ssesmeandwewal kt
othebedwhileki
ssing.
Heplacemeonthebedandgoesdownonme.
Heslowlyt
akeamyt hongoffandIam l
eft
naked.
Heeat sonmypussyli
kecrazy
!Hemakesme
shiverwi
thwantandasIam aboutt
ocomehe
stopsandki
ssesmylips.
Itakehisunderwearof
fusingmyfeetandwhen
hi
ser ect
ionfr
eesfrom hi
sunder
wearIam lef
t
bewilder
ed.
Hei
ssohuge!Ev
enEr
icwasn'
tthi
sbi
g.
Heki
ssesmyl
i
psandposi
ti
onshi
msel
fonme.
Andi
l
e:Il
oveYou.
AsIam aboutt
oreplyhei
nser
tshi
mselfi
nto
meandIscream outhi
snameinst
ead.
If
eel
myt
highs,
legsandf
eetv
ibr
ateandshake.
Andi
l
e:Youar
emi
neZoe.Yourbodybel
ongst
o
me.
Hesay
sthatashepoundsi
ntome.
Me:
Yes!Iam y
our
s.
Iscr
eam andwemakel
oveal
lni
ghtl
ong
50
ZOE
Iwakeupi
nhi
sar
mswi
thhi
m hol
dingme
t
ight
ly.Iwat
chhi
m sl
eep.
Hisey
escompl et
elyshut
,thi
ckey
ebrows,hi
s
l
ipssl
ightl
yopen.Asoftsnor
ecomingoutof
hismouth.
Ikisshi
swholeface.Ij
ustcan'tr
esisthi
m.I
kisshi
seyes,
cheeks, l
i
ps,foreheadandasIgo
tohischi
nhegrabsmyhandsandf lipsmeover
.
If
eelhi
sweightonmeandhi
scol
dbr
eat
hhi
ts
myfaceandIshiv
er.
Andi
l
e:Goodmor
ningMr
sRhonqo!
Me:GoodmorningMrRhonqo.Iam act
ual
l
yso
sor
edownthere.
Hel
aughsandr
aisesaney
ebr
ow.
Andi
l
e:I
sit
?Ihav
easol
uti
on.
Hekissesmyneckt hengoesdowntomy
boobs,thenst
rai
ghttomybell
ybutt
onandt
o
mycooki e.
Il
aughasheopensmyl
egs.Hebl
owsi
ncol
d
ai
randIst
il
l.
Andi
l
e:Rel
axbaby
.
HeeatsmypussythatIf
indmy
sel
fonmyt
ip
t
oes.Ihol
dthesheet
s.
Me:
A..NDI
LE!
Hesmil
esandcomesbackt
omeandki
sses
myli
ps.
AndasIam aboutt otalkheent ersmeand
star
tsmov i
ng.Itf
eel ssogooooood!It aket hi
s
momentt or el
ishthismoment .Havey ouev er
experi
encedsomet hingbutf ail
edt oexplainit
.
Youknowwheny ourkneest rembleandy our
mout histonguetied.Wheny ourey escan' t
evenopenup.Wheny ourinsi
desf eelli
ket hey
areturni
ngi nyourst omach.Wheny ourhead
feel
slikeit'
sspinning.
Ihol
dontohim .If
eel
safe,
Ifeel
lov
ed,
prot
ect
ed.Thi
sfeel
sgood.
Heholdsmetightashemakeslov
etomeandI
hol
dont ohi
m aswell
.Hewhisper
stomyear"
I
l
oveyou"
Imoanandourf eetrubeachot her
.Hepounds
i
nmeunt i
lIcannotthink.Iscream outhisname
asIfeelmybodyexpl odewithahugeseaof
orgasm.Andhecomesi nmeaswel l hethen
coll
apsesonmysi deandhol dsmet ightandI
dothesame.
Andi
le:Thatwasoutoft
hisworl
d.Idon'
tregr
et
wait
ingthi
slong.i
tpr
ovedtobeworthit
.itwas
wort
ht hewait
.
Me:Il
ovedit.YouknowIact
uallywi
shIhad
wai
tedall
along.Li
keformar
riage.
Andi
le:
Itdoesn'
tmat
ter
.Youwer
eti
ghtasa
vi
rgi
n.
Webot
hlaughandHepul
l
smet
ohi
m.
Me:IwonderwhatIdi
dtodeserveyou.You
l
ovemesomuch.Ir eal
lydon'
tdeser
vethiski
nd
ofLov
e.
Andi
le:
Zoe,Wearest
il
lgoi
ngtobesohappy.
WeWi l
lhaveahugef
amilyyouwi
llsee.Wewi
ll
gett
heredempti
onwebothneed.
Ilookathi
m withuncer
tai
ntyi
nmyandHe
readsmyinsecuri
ti
es.
Andil
e:Youwi
l
lbecomeamot
her
.Iser
vea
l
ivi
ngGod.
Ikeepqui
etandHeki
ssesmef
orehead.
Andi
l
e:Youwi
l
lbeamot
her
.
Hesay
sthatasr
est
shi
sheadonmyboobs.
.
..
..
CHLOÈ
Redpenci lheel.BlackFlowydressmorelikea
Cinderel
ladresst hatisabovemykneesi tis
l
ongsl eeved.Iappl yredli
pst
ickthenIcurlmy
hairforthefir
sttimeIact ual
l
ydosomet hing
ni
cewi thmyhai r
.
Ipackmyhandbagandmakemyway
downstai
rswher
eever
yoneisal
readyeat
ing.I
j
oininandmymom looksatmeforawhilethen
smil
es.
Ij
ustknowwhatshei
sthi
nki
ng.
Weeatandt
henl
eav
eforchur
ch.
WhenIj umpoffthecarabl
ueJeeppullsup
anditisawhitebeaut
if
ulwomanandJosè!He
came!Hi m,hi
smom andDadgetofffrom t
he
car
.Hermom i sweari
nganoli
vedresswith
yel
lowheels.Wit
hherbrownhai
rti
edinaneat
ponytai
l.
Hisdadweari
ngawhi
teshi
rtwit
hayell
owt
ie
andblackf
ormal
pant
s.Sohisdadi
sthe
Blondi
e.
Il
aymyeyesonJosèwhoisweari
ngawhi
te
shi
rtwi
thar
edti
eandblackpant
s.
Hei
swear
ingasl
i
mfi
tbl
azer
.
Helookshot
!Josè!Hi
spar
ent
sandhi
m wal
kto
usandgreet
.
Weallwal
ktothechurch.Igotothestage
si
nceIam aworshi
pper.Istar
tworshi
pping.
"Jehovahi
sy ourname.Might
ywar
ri
orgr
eaton
battl
eJehovahisyourname"
Andt
hewhol
echur
chsi
ngsal
ong.
Josècan'
tev
ent
akehi
sey
esof
fme.
Ismil
e.Godist
hisy
out
ryi
ngt
otel
lmet
hatI
shoul
dgofori
t?
Theser
moncont
inues.
Zoe&Andile,
thatt
heyprayedandfast
ed
bef
oregett
ingmarri
edbecausetheywant
edt
o
besure.
Theser
vicegoesonandi
t'
sal
readyaf
ter
chur
ch.
Josècomest
omeandgi
vesmeaChr
ist
ian
hug.
Me:
Iseey
oul
ear
nsof
ast
.
Josè:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:Thankyou.Youlookhandsomey
our
self
.I
mustsaythankyouforact
uall
ycomi
ngt
hrough.
It
houghtyouwouldn'
tcome.
Josè:Iact
ual
lyt
oldmymom aboutyourDad'
s
churchandshel
ikesit
,shei
salway
swatchi
ng
yoursermonsont.vsosheagr
eed.
Ismi
l
eandHet
akesapi
ctur
eofmei
nst
ant
ly.
Me:
Whatwast
hatf
or?
Josè:
Youar
etoobeaut
if
ulIcoul
dn'
tst
op
mysel
f.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Josè:
Sowest
il
lgoi
ngoutt
omor
row?
Me:
ofcour
se.
Mom andJosè'
smom comet
ousandIsee
t
heyhavebecomef
ri
ends.
Mom:
Sot
hisi
sthey
oungman?
Al
essi
a(Jay
'smom):Yesthi
sisJosèmyson.
Hewasactual
l
yinv
itedbyyourdaught
er.
Mom r
aisesherey
ebr
owandsmi
l
es.
Mom: Wow!Thatisgood.Iam gl
adsheinvi
ted
you.Andfr
om nowonwar dsyoucanat
tend.We
evenhaveweekl
yservi
ces.
Alessi
a:Wow!Ishoul
dtel
lmyhusbandabouti
t.
Iadoreyourchur
chandIwoul
dlovetobecome
amember .
Josèsmi
l
esatmeandIwi
nkathi
m.
Weal
ltal
kandmymom goesonandi
nvi
tes
t
hem f
orl
unch.What
!?Lunch!
Jhav
ier
(Josè'
sdad):
Ofcour
sewe'
dlov
eto
comeoverforl
unch.
Al
essi
a:we'
l
lber
ightbehi
ndy
ou.
Weal
ldri
vet
oourhouseandwhenwegett
her
e
Mom,Lei
l
a&Iwarm upthef
ood.
Igoupst
air
sandchangei nt
omyJean- miniski
rt
andaredofftheshoul
dertopthatZoebought
me.Theyusuall
ysayredsuit
smeandmyski n
col
our
Andbl
ackf
li
pfl
ops.
Iti
emyhai ri
ntoamessybunthenhead
downstair
sandJosèandhisf
ami l
ycomethis
ti
mewi thagir
landanol
derguythatl
ooksl
ike
Josè.Shehasamodelbody.
Sheisalsowear
ingabl
ackmi
niski
rtwi
tha
yel
l
owt op.
Ij
oinLei
laint
heki
tchenwhi
l
eMom andDad
welcomethem.
Lei
la:Hei
sthesameguyy
ouwentt
olastni
ght
ri
ght?
Inodandshel
aughs.
Lei
la:Heisgoodlooki
ng.Butyouknowwhat
wil
lhappenifev
eryonefi
ndsoutri
ght?
Me:YesDadwil
lki
l
lus.Andwear
enotdat
ing
butIl
i
kehim.
Lei
l
a:Wantsomeadv
ice?
Me:Yes.WhatshouldIdo?Becausewel
i
ke
eachother
.Hekissedmelastnight
.
Lei
la: Hekissedy ou!?List
enChl oèify
oulike
hi
m andhel ikesy outooy oushouldgoahead.
Buty ouneedt obecar ef
ul.Don'tr
ushint
o
anythingyouar enotreadyfor.Imeanmyf ir
st
wasy ourbrother.
Iwi
denmygazeandshenods.
Leil
a:Mypointi
sdon'tdoanyt
hingunl
essy
ou
aresureabouti
t.Andthi
nkaboutMom &Dad.
Inodandwet
aket
hebowl
stot
hedi
ningt
abl
e.
Wejoi
ninandTreycomest
ooaf
terput
ti
ng
Azani
atosl
eep.
Ev
ery
onesi
ts.
Jhav
ier
:Thi
sisBal
boamysonandRei
namy
y
oungestdaught
er.
Il
ookatt
hem t
henatJosè.Buti
sn'
thet
heonl
y
chi
ld?
Alessi
a:Theyar
eactual
l
yJose'scousi
n'
sbut
weadopt edt
hem si
ncetheyar
eparent
sare
deceased.
Dad:Thatwassonobleofyou.Thi
sismyson
Tremainandhiswi
feLei
la.Heisal
somy
nephewbutweadoptedhim si
ncehispar
ent
s
aredeceased.
Thi
sisChloèmyy oungestdaught
erandthei
r
ol
dersi
sterjustgotmar r
iedshe'
son
Honeymoonaswespeaki nAmsterdam.And
ourl
astbornisjust3mont hsold.
Al
essi
a:Wai
tZoeKani
isy
ourdaught
er?
Mom:
Yesshei
sourel
destdaught
er.
Bal
boa:Ioncewentupagainsther.I
twas
act
ual
lymyf i
rstcase.Iadmi
reherwork.Iwas
act
ual
l
ylooki
ngt
oappl
yinherf
ir
m.
Dad:Ithi
nkyoushoul
dtal
ktoherwhenshe
ret
urns.Shei
scomingbackaf
ter2Weeks.
Bal
boa:
Iwi
l
l.
Everyonedishesupandweeat.The
conversat
ionrotat
esaroundt
hetabl
eabout
whetherornotChildr
enshoul
dbeall
owedto
date.
Alessi
a:Ithinkther ei
snothingwr ongwithkids
whodat easl ongast heyaresuper vi
sedand
moni t
ored.Ther elati
onshi
pshoul dn'
tescalat
e
tootherlevelswithoutthepar ent
s'knowledge.
I
'mt hatwaywecanpr eventteenagepregnancy.
Dad: YesIgett
hatpointbutyouknowhowki ds
are.Theactaccor
dingtotheirhormonesanda
l
otcanhappenwi thoutourknowledge.Ki
dsare
tooimpulsiv
e.
Jhav
ier
:Iagr
eewi
thy
ouMrKani
.Kidsar
etoo
i
mpulsi
vetobeal
l
owedt
odoanyt
hing.
Trey
:Ki
dsarever
ymatureDad.Imeanyesthey
docommitmist
akesbutt
heyknowbett
erand
havi
ngt
hesextalkwi
thmythem hel
ps.
Ihol
dmyt
onguebutRei
naanswer
s.
Reina: Wemayseem i mpul si
veandreckless
butIdoubtt hereisateenoutt her
ewhowant s
acr yi
ngbaby .Idoubtanyonewant stowast e
theirf
ut ur
ebutbecauset eenagersarenot
educat edandar enotall
owedt odatetheydo
everythingwithoutthi
nki
ngbecauset hereisa
rushinact ual
lydoingsomet hi
ngyouwer e
objectedf r
om doing.
Theconversat
ioncont
inuesandi
t'
sti
mef
or
them t
oleave.
Jhav
ier
:Thankyouforthel
unch.Nextweek
ti
mewewi l
lhav
eitatourhouse.
Mom:
Ther
eisnoneedt
orepayt
hel
unch.
Shesay
sthatsmi
l
ing.
Al
essi
a:Wei
nsi
stMr
sKani
don'
tref
use.
Mom:Justcal
lmeKat e,Al
essi
a,noneedt
obe
f
ormal
.Wear efr
iendsnow.
Dad:Wewil
lseey
ousoon.Hopef
ull
yitwi
l
lbe
tomor
row.Wehavea5hoursser
mon.
Al
essi
a:Wewi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ycomedon'
twor
ry.
WesayourGoodby
esandt
heyl
eav
e.
Mom:
Theyar
ever
yni
cepeopl
e.
Dad:
Yes.Wear
esosi
mil
ari
t'
sshocki
ng.
Me:Yes.Dadtomor
rowcanIsl
eepov
erat
Candi
ce'
splace?
Mom:
Why
?
Me:Candi
ceisanengineermeani
ngshedi
d
Phy
sicssoIneedherhelpwit
hmyschoolwor
k.
Dad:Wel
lyourmom shoul
dcal
lCandi
ceand
conf
ir
m wit
hher.
Me:
SocanIgo?
Dad: Ofcourse.Yourcousini
sav er
y
responsibl
egirlshewil
ltakecar
eofy ou.
Me:
Thanky
ouDad.
Ihughim andhelaughs.Irunupst
air
sbutIam
dist
urbedbyTreywhoent ersmyroom j
ustaf
ter
Ihaveenter
ed.
Me:
Brot
her
.
Il
ookathi
m andhesi
tsnearme.
Tr
ey :
Wehav en'
tspokeni
naver
ylongt
ime.I
am sorr
yIhavebeenbusy.
Iknowexact
lyer
ect
usi
sgoi
ng.
Me:Iunderst
and.Youhavebeenbusywit
hyour
ownli
ttl
efamily
.Adjust
ingandwi
thwork.
Tr
ey:Isawhowyouandthatboyexchanged
l
ooks.I
sheyourboy
fri
end?
Me:
No,meandhi m ar
ejustf
ri
ends.Wemetat
t
hemallbef
oreZoe'
swedding.SoIinv
itedhi
m
t
ochur
ch.
Tr
ey:
Isawy
oul
astni
ghtChl
oè.
Me:
Lastni
ght
?
Ohshi
t!Di
dLei
l
atel
lhi
m.
Trey
:YesAf t
erLei
lawentdownst
airstomake
Azania'
sbott
leIwentoutt
othebalconyf
ora
smoke, andguesswhoIsawnearacarkissi
ng
aboy?
Me:Iam notdatinghi
mt hough.Wear ejust
f
ri
ends.Wej ustgotcar
ri
edawayl astnight.
Trey
:Chloèt
hereIsnot
hingwr
ongwit
hdati
ng
youknowthatbutIj
ustwanty
outobecar
eful
whenitcomestoboys.
InodandHepul
l
smei
nforahug.
Trey
:Il
oveYoul
it
tl
esi
ster
.Andyouknow
somehowweoweZoe.SheTreatsusl
ikeher
ki
dsandweshoul
dmakeherproud.
Me:Iknowbr
otherandIwon'
tdi
sappoi
ntt
he
par
ents,y
ouorZoe.
Heki
ssesmyf
oreheadandexi
tsmyr
oom.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
I
tlat
eri
nthedayandwear
ehi
ki
ngamount
ain.
Zoe:Nat
ureisr
eal
lycal
ming.Somet
hingt
o
rel
i
sheverynowandthen.
Me:
Yesitj
ustshowshowGodi
s.I
'
dsaynat
ure
i
sasacr
edli
tt
leheaven.
Zoe:
Sotellmewhatnow?Wear emar r
iedand
youmusthaveevenbi
ggerexpect
ati
onsfrom
meAsy ourwif
e.
Me:Wel lZoewebot hhav egreater
r
esponsi bi
li
tiest
owar dseachot herbutforme
I
'dsaydon' tconf
or m orchangebecauseIf el
lin
l
ovewitht hispersonbef oreme.Ifelli
nlove
wit
har ebel andbackt henitseemedso
i
mpossi blebutnowIeasi l
yseeaf utur
e.Ijust
wantyout obepr oudt obeaXhosawi fe.And
j
ustbey
our
sel
f.
Shesmi
l
es.
Zoe:I'
dhavetolear
nal otf
rom yourmom
causemymom nev ergott
heoppor t
uni
tyt
obe
recogni
zedasawi f
ebymyDad' speopl
esowe
grewupinav erymodernwaynei t
herdi
dshe
getanyonetoteachheranythi
ngaboutour
cult
ure.
Me: Youwon'tdomuchei t
herbecauseyou
knowwear eChr i
sti
ansanddon'tdoalotof
tradi
ti
onalt
hingsnordowebel i
eveinfoll
owi
ng
thecustoms.
Zoe:
Soi
t'
sjustusnow.
Me:Yes.Youar
est
uckwi
tht
hisbi
gmanr
ight
her
e.
Zoe:Sexyi
fImayadd.Myhusbandisthe
sexi
estmanint
hewholeuni
verse.Especi
all
y
hisbi
gbroadar
ms.
Shehol
dsmyar
msandIsmi
l
e.
Me:Mmhandwhatel
se.
?
Zoe:Hi
ssexyti
nyeyes.Hisbeaut
if
ult
eet
h.Hi
s
st
rongj
aw.Hishugestrongchest
.
Shesay
sthatr
est
ingherheadoni
t.
Me:
Youar er
eal
l
yobser
vantMr
sRhonqo.
I
mpressi
ve!
Shel
aughsandkissesmeandIki
ssherback.
Webothpul
lbackwhenitget
sint
ense.
Zoe:Ineedsomeser
viceMrRhonqo.It
hinky
ou
shoul
dgetmehome.Don'tyouthi
nk?
Me:
Ithi
nksot
oo.
Iwi
nkatherandweheadhome.
.
..
..
LEI
LA
I
t'
salready10pm andwear
eget
ti
ngr
eadyf
or
bed.
Trey:Hav
eItol
dyouhowbeaut
if
uly
ouar
e
thoughMrsKani
?
Ismi
l
eandnod.
Me:Amil
l
iont
imesbabybuty
oucansayi
t
agai
n.
Tr
ey:
Youar
ebeaut
if
ulandIl
ovey
ouLei
l
a.
Me:IloveYouTr
emai
n.Youhav
egi
venmet
he
bestgif
tever
.
Trey
:It
hinki
t'
sti
mewemov edi
ntoournew
home.Weneedthepr
ivacy
.
Hewi
nksandIl
aughandIwal
kst
rai
ghtt
ohi
m.
Iwr
apmyar
msar
oundhi
sneck.
Me:
Howmuchpr
ivacydoy
our
eckon?
Andunexpect
edlyhei
nsert
stwofi
nger
sinme
andImoanaloudgrat
eful
forthef
actt
hatwe
havesound-
proofwal
l
s.
Me:
MmhMrKani
.Hungr
yIsee!
Henodsandt akesoffmyni
ghtdr
essal
ong
wi
thhisboxershort
s.
HekissesmyneckandIam notwear
ingany
pant
iessobef
oreIknowitheisi
nmemov i
ng.
Imoanholdi
ngontohi
m asIam pi
nned
agai
nstt
hewallwi
thmylegswr
appedaround
hi
m.
wi
thoutourknowl
edge.Ki
dsar
etooi
mpul
siv
e.
Jhav
ier
:Iagr
eewi
thy
ouMrKani
.Kidsar
etoo
i
mpulsi
vetobeal
l
owedt
odoanyt
hing.
Trey
:Ki
dsarever
ymatureDad.Imeanyesthey
docommitmist
akesbutt
heyknowbett
erand
havi
ngt
hesextalkwi
thmythem hel
ps.
Ihol
dmyt
onguebutRei
naanswer
s.
Reina:Wemayseem i mpul si
veandreckl
ess
butIdoubtthereisateenoutt her
ewhowants
acryingbaby.Idoubtanyonewant st
owaste
thei
rfutur
ebutbecauset eenagersar
enot
educatedandarenotall
owedtodatetheydo
everyt
hingwit
houtthi
nki
ngbecausetherei
sa
rushinactual
l
ydoingsomethi
ngyouwer e
object
edf r
om doi
ng.
Theconversat
ioncont
inuesandi
t'
sti
mef
or
them t
oleave.
Jhav
ier
:Thankyouforthel
unch.Nextweek
ti
mewewi l
lhav
eitatourhouse.
Mom:
Ther
eisnoneedt
orepayt
hel
unch.
Shesay
sthatsmi
l
ing.
Al
essi
a:Wei
nsi
stMr
sKani
don'
tref
use.
Mom:Justcal
lmeKat e,Al
essi
a,noneedt
obe
f
ormal
.Wear efr
iendsnow.
Dad:Wewil
lseey
ousoon.Hopef
ull
yitwi
l
lbe
tomor
row.Wehavea5hoursser
mon.
Al
essi
a:Wewi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ycomedon'
twor
ry.
WesayourGoodby
esandt
heyl
eav
e.
Mom:
Theyar
ever
yni
cepeopl
e.
Dad:
Yes.Wear
esosi
mil
ari
t'
sshocki
ng.
Me:Yes.Dadtomor
rowcanIsl
eepov
erat
Candi
ce'
splace?
Mom:
Why
?
Me:Candi
ceisanengineermeani
ngshedi
d
Phy
sicssoIneedherhelpwit
hmyschoolwor
k.
Dad:Wel
lyourmom shoul
dcal
lCandi
ceand
conf
ir
m wit
hher.
Me:
SocanIgo?
Dad: Ofcourse.Yourcousini
sav er
y
responsibl
egirlshewil
ltakecar
eofy ou.
Me:
Thanky
ouDad.
Ihughim andhelaughs.Irunupst
air
sbutIam
dist
urbedbyTreywhoent ersmyroom j
ustaf
ter
Ihaveenter
ed.
Me:
Brot
her
.
Il
ookathi
m andhesi
tsnearme.
Tr
ey :
Wehav en'
tspokeni
naver
ylongt
ime.I
am sorr
yIhavebeenbusy.
Iknowexact
lyer
ect
usi
sgoi
ng.
Me:Iunderst
and.Youhavebeenbusywit
hyour
ownli
ttl
efamily
.Adjust
ingandwi
thwork.
Tr
ey:Isawhowyouandthatboyexchanged
l
ooks.I
sheyourboy
fri
end?
Me:
No,meandhi m ar
ejustf
ri
ends.Wemetat
t
hemallbef
oreZoe'
swedding.SoIinv
itedhi
m
t
ochur
ch.
Tr
ey:
Isawy
oul
astni
ghtChl
oè.
Me:
Lastni
ght
?
Ohshi
t!Di
dLei
l
atel
lhi
m.
Trey
:YesAf t
erLei
lawentdownst
airstomake
Azania'
sbott
leIwentoutt
othebalconyf
ora
smoke, andguesswhoIsawnearacarkissi
ng
aboy?
Me:Iam notdatinghi
mt hough.Wear ejust
f
ri
ends.Wej ustgotcar
ri
edawayl astnight.
Trey
:Chloèt
hereIsnot
hingwr
ongwit
hdati
ng
youknowthatbutIj
ustwanty
outobecar
eful
whenitcomestoboys.
InodandHepul
l
smei
nforahug.
Trey
:Il
oveYoul
it
tl
esi
ster
.Andyouknow
somehowweoweZoe.SheTreatsusl
ikeher
ki
dsandweshoul
dmakeherproud.
Me:Iknowbr
otherandIwon'
tdi
sappoi
ntt
he
par
ents,y
ouorZoe.
Heki
ssesmyf
oreheadandexi
tsmyr
oom.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
I
tlat
eri
nthedayandwear
ehi
ki
ngamount
ain.
Zoe:Nat
ureisr
eal
lycal
ming.Somet
hingt
o
rel
i
sheverynowandthen.
Me:
Yesitj
ustshowshowGodi
s.I
'
dsaynat
ure
i
sasacr
edli
tt
leheaven.
Zoe:
Sotellmewhatnow?Wear emar r
iedand
youmusthaveevenbi
ggerexpect
ati
onsfrom
meAsy ourwif
e.
Me:Wel lZoewebot hhav egreater
r
esponsi bi
li
tiestowardseachot herbutforme
I
'dsaydon' tconform orchangebecauseIf el
lin
l
ovewitht hispersonbef oreme.Ifelli
nlove
wit
har ebel andbackt henitseemedso
i
mpossi blebutnowIeasi l
yseeaf utur
e.Ijust
wantyout obepr oudtobeaXhosawi fe.And
j
ustbey ourself.
Shesmi
l
es.
Zoe:I'
dhavetolear
nal otf
rom yourmom
causemymom nev ergott
heoppor t
uni
tyt
obe
recogni
zedasawi f
ebymyDad' speopl
esowe
grewupinav erymodernwaynei t
herdi
dshe
getanyonetoteachheranythi
ngaboutour
cul
tur
e.
Me: Youwon'tdomuchei t
herbecauseyou
knowwear eChr i
sti
ansanddon'tdoalotof
tradi
ti
onalt
hingsnordowebel i
eveinfoll
owi
ng
thecustoms.
Zoe:
Soi
t'
sjustusnow.
Me:Yes.Youar
est
uckwi
tht
hisbi
gmanr
ight
her
e.
Zoe:Sexyi
fImayadd.Myhusbandisthe
sexi
estmanint
hewholeuni
verse.Especi
all
y
hisbi
gbroadar
ms.
Shehol
dsmyar
msandIsmi
l
e.
Me:Mmhandwhatel
se.
?
Zoe:Hi
ssexyti
nyeyes.Hisbeaut
if
ult
eet
h.Hi
s
st
rongj
aw.Hishugestrongchest
.
Shesay
sthatr
est
ingherheadoni
t.
Me:
Youar er
eal
l
yobser
vantMr
sRhonqo.
I
mpressi
ve!
Shel
aughsandkissesmeandIki
ssherback.
Webothpul
lbackwhenitget
sint
ense.
Zoe:Ineedsomeser
viceMrRhonqo.It
hinky
ou
shoul
dgetmehome.Don'tyouthi
nk?
Me:
Ithi
nksot
oo.
Iwi
nkatherandweheadhome.
.
..
..
LEI
LA
I
t'
salready10pm andwear
eget
ti
ngr
eadyf
or
bed.
Trey:Hav
eItol
dyouhowbeaut
if
uly
ouar
e
thoughMrsKani
?
Ismi
l
eandnod.
Me:Amil
l
iont
imesbabybuty
oucansayi
t
agai
n.
Tr
ey:
Youar
ebeaut
if
ulandIl
ovey
ouLei
l
a.
Me:
Ilov
eYouTr
emai
n.Youhav
egi
venmet
he
bestgi
ftev
er.
Trey
:It
hinki
t'
sti
mewemov edi
ntoournew
home.Weneedthepr
ivacy
.
Hewi
nksandIl
aughandIwal
kst
rai
ghtt
ohi
m.
Iwr
apmyar
msar
oundhi
sneck.
Me:
Howmuchpr
ivacydoy
our
eckon?
Andunexpect
edlyhei
nsert
stwofi
nger
sinme
andImoanaloudgrat
eful
forthef
actt
hatwe
havesound-
proofwal
l
s.
Me:
MmhMrKani
.Hungr
yIsee!
Henodsandt akesoffmyni
ghtdr
essal
ong
wi
thhisboxershort
s.
HekissesmyneckandIam notwear
ingany
pant
iessobef
oreIknowitheisi
nmemov i
ng.
Imoanholdi
ngontohi
m asIam pi
nned
agai
nstt
hewallwi
thmylegswr
appedaround
hi
m.
Isavourt
hemoment.Il
ovethi
smanandIdon'
t
real
l
ycareaboutany
thi
ngbesi
desmyfami
ly.
.
.
..
.
SI
PHOKAZI
Irecent
lymetanewguyatmynewj ob.If
ound
ajobasaj uni
oredi
toratanadv
erti
sing
companyAndIhav eseenhim afewt i
mesher
e.
"Si
yandaKhuzwayo"Isti
ll
rememberhisdeep
voi
ce.Ashet ookmyhandi nt
ohis.Wi
ththeout
mostcareneverhav
eIseensuchagent l
eman
i
nmyl if
e.Il
i
kehim alr
eadybutIdon'
twantto
beinanyrel
ati
onshi
p.

Chur
chr
ebel

51
50
ZOE

Hegav emeasenseoft ranqui

li
tyIdidn'
tknow.
Thewayhet ouchedmemademef eelsecure.
Thewayhecher ishedmybodywasoutoft his
wor l
d.Icoul
dnotfathom howamer ehuman
beingcouldmakemef eelli
kethi
s.Howone
touchcouldli
ter
all
ydrivemecr azy.Thesortof
obediencemybodyhadt owardshim and
especial
lyhi
shands.

Iwaswai t
ingt oexhal
eallalong.Fi
nall
y!Icoul
d
exhalewi thnowor rybecauseIKnewhowmuch
helov es.Thismani nvadesmyt houghts.He
compl etel
ycapt ur
esmymi ndandHeget sme
onot herlevel.If
eelsoclosetohim alt
houghhe
i
sf arawayf rom me.It'sadiff
erentt
ypeof
i
nti
macyt
hatnoonewi
l
lev
erf
athom.
Isuccumbt ohisspell
onceagai nasheki sses
myneckagai n.Hegoesdownt omyt orsothen
downt omypel vi
s.Asmyl egsarealready
wearyandshakyf rom t
hewant .Ican'
thelpbut
keeppanting.Hetort
uresmypussybyki ssingit
.
Eati
ngit.Iwatchhimreli
shitandHecl oseshi s
eyesandopenst hem .
Thismani smyhav en.Thi
smani smy
redempti
on.Justliket wol
ostangel
swear e
helpi
ngeachot herfindourwaytoredempti
on.
Onceagainheent er smeandImoanasIr el
ish
him.Iexhaleonceagai nandwegoonandon
ti
llwebothcum.
Hel
aysnextt
omeandIl
ookathi
m.
Me:
Wai
ti
ngwaswor
thi
t.
Andi
l
e:Il
oveYouZoe.
Me:
Ilov
eYout
ooAndi
l
e.
Her
ubshi
snoseonmi
neandIl
augh.
Me:Sotel
lmeabouty
ourchi
l
dhoody
ouhav
e
nev
erreal
l
ytol
dme.
Andil
e:Wel
lIgrewupjustl
i
keanykid.Ndandi
se
Lokshi
nwethebigO'sandall
that
.Iwasa
mother'
sboyandver
ysnobbyatti
mes.
Il
aughandHel
ooksatme.
Me:
Youdon'
tl
ookl
i
keaMomma'
sboy
.
Andile: Iwasandsti
l
lam butIhav
egr
ownup
sincet hen.Iam agr
ownmanbutMymom
remai nsnumber1.
Me: I
'dsaythesameaboutmymot her
.That
Ladyhasbeenmyev er
ythi
ng.From whenI
start
edsmoki ng.TowhenIdr ank,
start
ed
partyi
ng.Ir
ememberwhenIwas18Isneaked
outtogot otheFresherspart
ycauseIwas
doingmyf i
rstyear.
WhenIcamebackmydadwasal
readyi
nthe
l
ivingroom withastickwaiti
ngf orme.He
thrashedmet hatdayandy ouknowIwasn' t
madathi m becauseIunder stoodthatIwas
wrongbysneaki ngout.Shet ookmet omy
room.Lecturedmeandt hent endedtome.She
sangmel ull
abiesti
llIsl
ept.Sheact uall
ygave
met hestr
engt htofacemyl ife.
Andil
e:Whywe'reyousorebel
li
on.I
underst
andthati
nSomest ageasateenager
youwanttodoallthecoolst
uff
.Butwere
completel
ydif
fer
entfr
om whatyoutur
nedint
o.
Me: Peoplealway ssegr egat edus.Wewer ethe
multi-
rat
ionalkids.Thepast or'
skids.Al ways
underpressure.Iwasal way stryi
ngt oprotect
myl i
ttl
esibli
ngsf rom act uallyfeeli
ng
segregated.Ialway swant edt hem tobef ree
andnotf eelwhatIf el
t.Ther ej
ecti
onf rom our
parents'f
ami l
i
es, from soci ety,especiall
ythe
church.Peoplealway ssaidwewer eill
egiti
mate
chi
ldrenbecauseourpar ent selopedandgot
mar
ri
ed.
TheySaudev erythi
ngandI '
ll
-tr
eatedusandi n
themostoft r
y i
ngtopr ot
ectmysi bl
i
ngsIl ost
my sel
f.Ineededsomet hi
ngt hatwoul dsupport
meandmyf ri
ends, t
hepar t
ies,drugsand
alcoholweresomehowmyescape.Imanaged
tokeepmy selfoccupiedandawayf rom real
it
y.
Iwassor ebelliousbecausesoci etyforcedme
tobe.
Imaginest
ayi
nginaplacewhereever
yone
l
ookedatyouandyourfamil
yandtreat
edy ou
asifyouweresi
ckbecauseyouaremulti
-
rat
ional
.
Andil
e:Idi
dn'tknowy ouhadsuchatough
chi
ldhood.Havingtoendureever
ythi
ngpeopl
e
sai
dabouty ouandy ourf
amilywasprobabl
y
bad.Andmadey ouangry.
Me:Ioncegotintoafi
ghtwi
thaboywhocal
l
ed
Tr
eyanor phan.Theyf
oundoutabouthi
s
par
ent
sandmadef
unofhi
m.
IwassoenragedbecauseIt
reat
edhi
mlikemy
ownbaby.Ifoughtwi
tht
heguyandHegaveme
oneugl
yscar.
Iturnandshowhi
mthescaront
hebaseofmy
spinalcor
d.
Me: hescrat
chedmewithamathsetcompass
andt hecutwaspr
ett
ydeep.Butthatdr
ove
TreycrazyandHepunchedhi
mr i
ghtthr
ough
hi
sf aceandHebecameunconsci
ous.

Andi
le:
Soy ouwerepr
ett
ymuchtherough
chi
ckatschoolt
hegangst
erchi
ck.
Il
aughandnod.
TMe: Ihav
en'
theardf
rom yourcousi
nSiphokazi
forquit
eawhil
e,howisshe?Isshefindi
ngher
feet
?
Andi
l
e:Shei
s.Shef
oundanewj
obasaj
uni
or
edi
tor
.
Me:Wow!Ishoul
dcallherupsheneedsal
otof
posi
ti
veener
gyaroundher.
ANDILE:Butf
ornowcoul
dyoul
i
ket
endt
oyour
husband'
sneed.
Me:
Andwhatdoesmyhusbandneed?
Andi
le:Food.Let'
stakeashowerandgoout .
Ther
eist hi
snicerestaurantIwantust
otr
yout.
I
t'
sveryinti
mateIlovei t
.
Igr
inandwer
usht
otheshowerwher
ewet
ake
ashower.
.
..
.
CHLOE
Iti
sMondaymor
ningandIam r
unni
ngl
atef
or
school
.
Trey:
Chloèy
ouar
elat
e!Hur
ryIam t
aki
ngy
ou
toschool
.
Me:
Iam comi
ng!
Irusht
otheloungeandfi
ndmyl
unchand
moneyont het
ablemeani
ngmom anddadar
e
gonealr
eady.
Ir
unt
oTr
ey'
scarandwel
eav
e.
Tr
ey:
Doy
ouhav
eev
ery
thi
ngy
ouneedwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Yesbr
other
.
Hespeedsofft
omyschool
aswel
i
stent
ohi
s
j
azzoozingi
nthecar
.
WegettomyschoolandHewalksi
nwithmeto
apol
ogi
zet
otheheadmasterf
ormylat
ecoming.
Igett
omyBi
ologyCl
assandsi
tnextToNel
l
y.
Me:Ithi
nkIam f
all
i
ngf
ort
henewguyIt
oldy
ou
about
.
Nel
l
y:Josè?
Me:
Absol
utel
y.Il
ovehi
m.OkayIl
i
kehi
m al
ot.
Nel
l
y:Wel
comet
othedat
ingcl
ub.
ShelaughsandMr sHar wickst
rut
stouslikea
cruelarmyoff
icerandtell
susthatweare
punished.We'
llbepackingallt
heskel
eton
bonesdur i
ngbreak.
Iswitchonmyphonewhensheexi tsthelab
j
ustt ofi
ndalongmor ni
ngtext"Goodmor ning.I
am looki
ngforwardtoseei
ngy ou.Iwantust o
tal
kaboutsomet hi
ngimportanttoday
.Hav ea
greatday.AndIwil
lseeyoulaterbaby."
Ismi
leli
keanidi
otandNel
lyt
akesmyphone
andshesmil
esri
ghtaft
err
eadi
ngit
.
Nel
l
y:Someonei
sinl
ove.
Me:
Noi
'
m not
!
Nel
l
y:Youar
e!
Shet
ell
sLucasherboyfr
iendwhohappenst
o
beanacquai
ntanceofmineandtheybot
h
makefunofmebei ngi
nlove.
.
..
.
SI
PHOKAZI
Iwalktomydesk.If eel morecomfor
tabl
e
today.Iam weari
ngar edbodyhuggingdress
thati
sofftheshoulder.Iti
emybr ai
dsintoa
hugenearbunandIam nat ural.
It
akeasi
tandgetst
rai
ghtt
omywor
k.
Myboss,nott
hebi
gbossbutt
heseni
oredi
tor
wal
kstomewithahugef
il
e.
Ll
oyd:Youhav
etoedi
tall
oft
hesepages.A
newbi
ehaswroteabooksoi
tneedi
ntensi
ve
edi
ti
ng.
Inod.
Lloy
d:Andwheny oudoney ouhav
et ot
akei
tto
theboss.Youknowhisoff
iceri
ght?
Me:
MissLei
ghr
a?
Ll
oyd:
NoImeant
her
eal
boss.Theowner
.
Me:
Ihav
enev
erseenhi
m.
Ll
oyd:
Wel l
hisoffi
cei
sri
ghtabov
eMi
ss
Lei
ghr
a'soff
ice.
Me:
Okay
.
Ifeel
myhear
tbeat
ingfast
er.Thi
sboss
soundsl
i
keamonster.
Icont
inuewit
hmywor k.Idoitsodi
li
gentl
y
thati
tgetst
oolat
ethatIdon'
tevennoti
ce.
Il
ookaroundtheof
fi
ceandIam t
heonl
yone
l
eft
.It
'sal
ready6pm .
Ire-
checkt
helastpageandt
akeadeepbr
eat
h
befor
eIgetint
oelevat
or.
Theelevat
orseemsbrieft
hannormal
befor
eI
evenknowitIam att
hedoorwithmyheart
raci
ng.
Iknockandadeepv
oiceusher
smei
n.
Hei
slooki
ngatt
hebeaut
if
ulv
iew.
Bi
gbroadshoul
der
scov
eredi
nat
ail
oredmade
bl
acksui
t.
Abol
dhead.Isl
owl
yswal
l
owachunkofsal
i
va.
Me:
uhmm.Si
r.I.
HeturnsandIfeel
overwhelmedbythisman.
Helooksli
keanangel.Heisint
imi
dati
ngbut
ver
ybeautif
uli
fImaysay .HeissoGood
l
ookingIcan'
tsayhandsome.Heisjust
beauti
ful
.
Iscanthr
ought
her
oom andmyey
esl
andon
hisdesk.
"
MrNkosi
"
Ir
eadt
het
agonhi
sdeskandIl
ookathi
m.
Me:
MrNkosi
,Iwast
oldy
ouwant
edt
oseeme.
MrNkosi
:Yes.Iwasawaywheny oujoi
nedus
soIwant
edtohaveabriefdi
scussi
onwithyou.
Youmaybeseatedandputthefi
leonmydesk.
Iqui
ckl
yobl
i
gewi
thhi
sinst
ruct
ions.
Heplaceshi
sfinger
sonhi
sjawandr
unssof
tl
y.
Ibr
eathheavi
ly
.
Ithi
nkheisawareofhi
seffectonme.If
eel
a
burni
ngsensat
ioni
nmyt ummy .
Me:
Iam l
i
steni
ngsi
r.
Thatcomesoutasamerewhi
sperandHet
il
ts
hi
sheadandswingsonhi
schai
r.
MrNkosi :NothingmuchMi ssRhonqoIjust
want edt owelcomey ou.Youwill
bewor king
closelywi t
hme.Wehav eabooklaunchto
attendt hi
sSat urday.TheSamewr it
erhas
anot herbookr eadytobeedi t
edsoweneedt o
editit.Sof ormi ngl
ingpurposesandfory outo
bei ntr
oducedt ot hesepeopleyouneedt ogo
there.
Youmaybr i
ngalongy
ourdat
e.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ou
di
rect
ions.Ory
oucangowithmeandmydat
e
i
nmycar .
Me:
OkaySi
r.
MrNkosi:
Iwill
inf
ormyoui
fther
eisanyt
hing
youneedtoknow.Youmayl
eave.And
t
omor
rowmor
ningcomest
rai
ghtt
omyof
fi
ce.
Me:
OkaySi
r.MayIgo?
MrNkosi
:Ofcour
se.
InodandstandupandasIst
ruttothedoorI
feel
hisey
esonmebutIcontinue.
AssoonasIl
eav
eIexhal
e.
Thismanisoverwhel
ming.Hi
spr
esencei
sjust
overwhel
ming.
.
..
.
CHLOÈ
IexhaleonceIam outoft
hehouse.It
oldmy
parentsIwasgoi
ngt omyfri
endshousefora
project
.
Ir
unt
oJosè'
scarandwedr
iveaway.
Josè:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Iblush.Ihav
ecurl
edmycur
ls,weari
ngablue
vestandawhi t
eshor
twi
thbluesl
ipper
s.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Josè:Chl
oè,Ireal
l
yl i
keyouandIwant
edt
otal
k
toyouaboutthattoday.
Il
ookathi
mthenaway
.Wedr
ivet
ohi
sdad'
s
company.
Thesecuri
tyl
et'
suspassandwewalkt
othe
rooft
op.Theviewi
sbeauti
ful
andbr
eat
htaki
ng.
Het
akesmyhandi
ntohi
sandwewal
kfor
war
d.
Josè:Ili
keyouChl oè.Idon'tthinkitwasa
coinci
dencethatwemet .Irememberseei ng
youatthemal l.Youwer eamazi nglybeaut
if
ul
andIhonest l
ylikedy ouinstantly.ThenwhenI
gottoknowy oubet terIdiscoveredyouwerea
greatpersonandIwantt opursuesomet hi
ng
withyou.Iwoul dlovef oryout obemygi rl
fr
iend
Chloè.
Myl
ipsgodr
yandbef
oreIknowi
thei
ski
ssi
ng
me.
Ikisshi
m backandwhenwebot
hpul
louthe
rubshisnoseonmine.
Josè:
Ili
key
ouChl
oè.
Me: It
hinkIli
keyoutooJosèandIwantt
obe
yourgir
lfr
iendsoIguesswecantr
yitout
.
Hesmil
esandwehugasthecol
dwindhit
sour
bodi
esbutIf
eel
warm wi
thhi
m ar
ound.
52
ZOE
It
'sbeenalongmonthinourhoney
moonphase
butnowi twasti
metoret
urntoourli
vesand
famil
y.Iam cont
ent
.Andi
lehasbeenamazing
andwegott oknoweachotherqui
tewell
.
Wear
eattheair
por
tandwai
ti
ngf
orSi
phokazi
t
ocomefetchus.
Iseeherf
rom adist
anceandshowANDI
LEand
Hetakesourbagsandwewalktowar
dsher
.
Me:
Sposh!
Ihugherandshei
sexci
tedt
oseeus.
Andi
le:
Cuzzy,Imissedy
ou.Youlookgood.I
canseethenewjobistr
eat
ingyouwell
.
Me:Yeahshei
sgl
owi
ng.Ican'
twai
tforust
o
cat
chup.
Siphokazi
:Youguy sl
ookbeauti
fultoo.You
guysareglowing.ZOE,y
ou'
vegai nedweightI
seey ouwereeati
ngverywell
huh?
Shear
chesherey
ebr
owandweal
ll
augh.
Me:WhatcanIsay,y
ourcousi
nfedmev
ery
wel
l
.Iam l
iter
all
yful
laswespeak.
Shelaughsandwegot othecarandshedri
ves
ustoourhouse.Andaswewal ki
nweare
wel
comedbyabeaut i
ful
aroma.Asmellof
homecookedf oodandIjustknowourf
amil
yis
her
e.
Si
phokazi
:Theyar
eher
e.
Theyal
lcomer
ushi
ngt
ousandgi
veushugs
andal
l
.
Mom:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulandy
ouhav
egai
ned
wei
ght
.
IlookatAndil
ewhosmi l
es.Hesai
dhel oved
thefactt
hatIwasgaini
ngweightbecauseI
l
ookbeaut i
fulandr
ound.
Mother
-i
nlaw:Sher
eal
l
ygainedwei
ght
.Butshe
l
ooksbeauti
ful
.Howwast
hehoneymoon?
Me:I
twasAmazi
ngMama, i
twasj ustsoGood.
Andi
l
eboughtmeahugePenthousein
Amster
dam.
Lei
l
a:What
tt
!That
'
sawesome!
Tr
eywalkstowar
dsmeandf orawhileIfeel
li
ke
amothert
hathasbeenawayfrom herki
d.
Ihughi
m andIf
eel
myt
ear
smaket
hei
rway
.
Me:
Ihav
emi
ssedy
ou.Howhav
eyoubeen?
Trey:
Ihav
ebeengood.Iam happytoseeyou
thi
shappy.IseeChl
oèst
andingneart
hedoorI
r
unt
oher
.
Me:
Comeher
e.
Wehugandshegi
ggl
eswhenIt
ickl
eher
.
Chl
oe:
Iam agr
ownupf
ort
hatSi
ster
.
Ev er
yonelaughsatandwepr oceedt
othe
dinninghallwherewesettl
edownandpray.I
sincerelyt
hanktheLordforsuchahuge
blessing.Aft
erthatwesi
tdownandeataswe
tellt
hem aboutourtri
pandwhatwedi d.
Weallchatandal
landt
heyl
eav
eaf
ter
ev
ery
thing.
Me:
It'
sonl
ymeandy
ou.
Andi
l
e:Exact
ly.Whatdoy
ouwantust
odo?
Me:Ij
ustwantt
ot akeawal
kar
oundt
he
nei
ghbor
hoodwithyou.
Andil
e:Okayl
et'
schangei
ntocomf
ort
abl
e
cl
othesthenwewil
lgo.
Wegot oourr
oom andwear
est
art
ledbyt
he
decor
ati
on.
Thi
smust
'v
ebeenmyMom'
sidea.
Theydecor
atedt
hebedwit
hrosepet
alsand
ther
oom hasaromant
icf
eel.
Me:Iseeourhoney
mooni
stobecont
inued
huh!
?
Andi
l
e:Wecanmessupt
hesedecor
ati
onsl
ater
.
Hewi
nksatmeandIgi
ggl
e.
Me:
OhGodAndi
l
e!Let
'schange.
Ipushhim sli
ght
lyandweheadtoourcl
oset
room Iheadtohiscl
osetandt
akeoutablack
trackpantandhi
ssweater.
Igi
vehim andhestartschangi
ng.Iheadtomy
cl
osetandtakeoutmybl acktr
ackpantwith
whit
elinesonthesideandawhi t
esweaterwit
h
hi
sinit
ial
s.Ichangeandtiemyhairinamessy
bun.
Me:
MrRhonqoar
eyour
eady
?
Andi
l
e:YesMr
sRhonqowecango.
Wewalkhandi nhandandpeoplecongr
atul
ate
us.Wear enewinthis.Nei
ghbor
hoodso
peopl
erecentl
yheardaboutourweddi
ng.
MrsJonasourneighbourstopsusassheis
t
akingastr
ollwi
thherdog.Shei sanol
dlady
wholooksbeaut
if
ul shehasrichl
ushgol
dhair
wi
thabeautif
ulwarm smile.
Me:
Arey
ouOkayMa'
am?
MrsJonas:Yesbaby.Yout
wojustremi
ndme
ofmyandmewhenwehadj ustgotmarr
ied.
Wewereinsepar
able.Yout
woshouldkeepitup.
Andi
l
e:ThankyouMa'am.Whyarey
ou
br
eathi
ngheav
ily?Ar
ey ouokay
?
Hestepsfor
wardandtakeshersmal
lwr
inkl
ed
handint
ohisandfeel
sherpul
se.
Andi
l
e:Yourpul
sei
ssosl
ow.Doy
ousuf
fer
f
rom anycar
diov
ascul
ardi
seases.
Mr sJonas:Yes,butr
ecentlymydaughter
stoppedpayingformyt r
eatmentbecauseI
di
sapprovedhernewBoy fr
iendwhoisathug.I
j
ustwantt hebestforher.TheManabusesher
andsquander shermoney .
Me:Myhusbandisadoct
orhecant
reaty
ouf
or
f
ree.Ri
ghtAndi
le?
Andi
le:Ofcour
se.Comel et
'st
akeyouhome.
youneedtorest
.Iwi
llcome.Seeyoulat
erand
Goveyousomemedi ci
nes.
Mr
sJonas:
Godbl
essy
oumyChi
l
dren.
Me:
Actual
l
yI'
dlov
etoi
nvi
tey
out
odi
nner
t
oni
ght
.
Mr
sJonas:
Idon'
twantt
oimpose.
Andi
l
e:Wei
nsi
stMa'
am.
Me:
Justsayy
es.
Mr
sJonas:
OkayIwi
l
lcome.
Ihugherandwet
akehert
oherhouse.
Me:
Wewi
l
lfet
chy
oul
ater.
Shesmi l
esandnods.Wet
akeourl
eav
eand
proceedwit
hourwalk.
Me:Ifeel
forher.Shei
ssool
dandherdaught
er
i
sbeingself
ish.
Andi
le:
Iam gl
adwemanagedt
otal
ktoherand
hel
pher.
Me:If
eelli
ket
her
eisagr
eat
erpur
posebehi
nd
t
hiswalk.
.
Andi
l
e:Doy
our
eckon?
Me:
Yes.
Andil
e:YouknowZoe,Iam pr
oudofy
ouand
thepersony
ouhavebecome.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Andi
le:Yes.Myrebel
hasbecomer
esponsi
ble.
Shedeserv
esareward.
Me:
Oh!Andwhatr
ewar
dist
hat
?
Andi
le:
Comecl
oser
,Iwantt
owhi
speri
nyour
ear
.
Icomecl
oser
.
Andil
e:YouDeser
vemanymanyor
gasms
toni
ght.
Igaspandwebot
hlaugh.
Me:
ThenI
'
llber
eadyt
ogett
hem .
Weconti
nuewalkingbutwear estoppedinour
tr
acksbyati
nyobject
,itactuallylooksl
ikea
baby.Whoiswrappedinbl ankets.Shei
s
movingvi
gor
ouslyandcrying.
Andi
l
e:Ababy
.Uhm l
et'
sgoandt
akeal
ook.
Wewal ktowardsthebodyandassoonasIsee
hercr
yingIcan'thel
pitIt
akeheri
ntomyarms
andcalm herdown.
Me:
Weshoul
dtakehert
othecops.
Wewal
ktothecopsandwhenwegett
her
ewe
ar
egi
venat
tent
ion.
Me:
Wef
oundher
.Shewasabandoned.
Of
fi
cerBoer
t:
Youdi
dther
ightt
hingAdv
o.
Youneedtof
il
li
nthi
spaperwor
kandwewi
l
l
takehert
oahome.
Me:
Okay
.
Andil
ef i
ll
supt hepaperwor kandIpeeratthi
s
baby.Shei ssobeaut if
ul.Shehasbi gbl
ack
eyes.Sheisdar k.Iwonderwhodeci dedt
o
abandonsuchabeaut if
ulbaby.Somewomen
areblessedbutcannotseet hat.Theydon'
t
knowhowpai nfuliti
stoyearnforababybut
youknowy oucannev erhaveone.
Icl
osemyey
esandIf
eel
Andi
l
e'shandonmy
shoul
der
.
Andil
e:cheerup.Iunder
standhowy
ouar
e
feel
i
ng.
Me:
Iam f
ine.
Aladyoff
icercomesandtakesthechi
ldandI
f
eelsad.Holdi
ngherwassohear t
warmingIf
elt
l
ikeIhadachildatsomepoint
.
.
..
..
CHLOÈ
Iam atJosè'
shousesi
ncehisparent
shav
e
goneabroadandhissi
bli
ngsareout.
Josè:
Sowhatdoy
ouwanty
odo?PLayv
ideo
gamesorwat
chmovi
es?
Me: Movi
es.Ihavebeendyingtowat
chAFTER
eversi
ncetheyshowedit.Ij
ustdi
dn'
tgett
he
chancetogotothecinema.
Josè:
Wel
ll
et'
sdownl
oadi
tandwat
chi
t.
Inodexci
tedl
yandHedownl oadsi
tasImake
uspopcor
natt heki
tchen.
Josè:Ther
earesnacksint
hel
eftcupboar
d
ri
ghtnextt
othepantry
.
Me:
Okay.
It
akeev
ery
thi
ngandpourt
hepopcor
ninabowl
.
Josè:Readytowatch.Letsgot
heroom wecan
connecttheUSBtomyt .vandwat
chit
.
Inodandf
oll
owhi
mtohi
sroom.
I
tisbl
ueandv eryexqui
sit
e.Iti
sahugeroom
wi
thhispictur
esonthewall.Hi
shugebedand
abeauti
fulbal
cony.
Isett
ledownont hebedasheconnectsthe
USB.Igetuptopourmy sel
fjui
ceandjustasI
tur
nhei sri
ghtbehi
ndmeandIacci dent
all
y
spil
l
sjuiceonhim.
Me:
Shi
t!
-Sor
ry!Iam sor
ry.
Hesmi
l
esandnods.
Josè:
It'
sokay
.
Hetakesof
fhist-
shi
rtandIf
eelmyli
pstrembl
e
asIl
ookathisphysi
que.Myl
ipsgodry.He
thr
owsi tont
hecouchatthecor
nerandHe
sett
lesonthebedr
ightnextt
ome.
Josè:
Hav
eyounev
erbeenwi
thaguyi
nthi
s?
Me:TobehonestIhaveonlyhadoneboyf
ri
end
andItwasnothi
ngseri
ous.Wenevergott
ime
tobealonel
iket
his.
Josè:
Am Imaki
ngy
ouf
eel
uncomf
ort
abl
e.
Me:
No,
let
'swat
cht
hemov
ie.
Hesmi
l
esandsi
tsi
nbet
weenmyl
egs.
Andl
ayshisheadonmybar et
highs.Iam
wear
ingashortbodyhuggi
ngdress.
Wewat chAFTERandIdon' twantt olieaswe
arewatchi
ngt hemov i
ewebot hacknowl edge
eachother
'spresence.IcanFeel t
he
atmosphereisthi
ckwi t
hlust.Almostl ikewe
arebothhungryforeachot her.Ourstor yis
muchsimilartothei
rstory.It
'sjustthatIdoubt
Josèhasadar kside.
Mi dwayt hemov ieIfeelmybodyshakewi t
h
want .AndIf eelsoftti
cklyfi
ngersonmyl eg
maki ngtheirwayupandmybodyst if
fens.He
turnsandf acesmeandIi mmedi atelymel t
.I
feelhotsuddenl y.Ifeeldesi
regrowi nginme.I
wantt hisboy .Helooksst r
aightintomyey es
andIl osemysenses.If indmy selflongingfor
him.Thewomani nmei ssuddenl ybreaking
freefrom herchai ns.
Hecomesnearmeandourl ipstouch.He
i
nvademymout hpleasantl
yandIf ol
lowhis
l
ead.Herunshi
sfingeralongmywai stupt
omy
abdomenandIrespondwi t
hmoansashepul l
s
mylowerli
pwit
hhist eet
hgent l
y.
Josè:Let
sstopChl
oèbecausewe'l
lendup
doi
ngt hi
ngswenotsupposedt
o.Irespecty
ou
andyourfamil
y.
Ilooki
ntohisey
esandsmil
e.Theguyi
swi
l
li
ng
towaitwit
houtmeaski
ng.
Me:
ThankYou.
Josè:
For
?
Me:Bei
ngpati
entwit
hme.Iknowi
tsounds
wei
rdbutThankyou.
Welookateachot
herf
orthelongestti
meandI
ki
sshim .Weki
ssandconti
nuewat chi
ngt
he
movi
e.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
WearebackatourhouseandIam hel
pingZoe
cook.
Icanseethatseei
ngthatchil
dwhol esalerof
emotionsi
nher.Shehasbeensi l
entev ersince
wecamebackandIunder standhowhar dthat
mighthavebeenforher
.Seeingotherwomen
abandonbabieswhensheisy ear
ningf orher
own.Iseethepaini
nherey es.
Me:
Baby
.
ZOE:
Huh?
Me:
AreYouOkay
?
Shefakesasmileandsayssheisokayalit
tl
e
l
ouderthanshewouldusual
lydo.Makingit
cl
earthatshewantsmetothinksheisokay.
Me:Don'tshutmeoutZoe.Icanseethaty
ou
arehur
ti
ng.Whydoy ouhurtyour
sel
fwhenI
don'
tcareaboutwhet
herornotweendup
havi
ngachi l
d.
Shet
urnsandlooksatmewi
tht
ear
srunni
ng
downhercheeks.
TREY
Me:Youhav echangedtherut
hlessmant
hat
onceexi
sted.Iam happy.
Justaswear
eaboutt
oki
ssIhearmydad
shouti
ng.
"
KATE!
!"
Webot
hlookateachot
herandwedr
essupi
n
ourrobesandrushtotheirroom onlyt
ofind
Mom lyingmoti
onlessinbednextt odad.She
sti
l
lhashereyesslight
lyopenbuty oucansee
shecanhardl
yholdherbr eath.
Me:
Mom!What
'swr
ong?
Mom:
Iam dy
ingTr
ey.
Chl
oè:NoyouarenotMom.Wecantakeyouto
Hospi
tal
orcal
lbrot
herAndi
l
e.Wecanpray.
Mom j
ustdon'
tsaythi
s.
Lei
l
a:Mom!Nodon'
tdot
his.
Mom:Ihaveknownthi
sfrom l
astyear.
RememberwhenIwenttoAmer i
ca?Iwentfor
mytr
eatmentbutI
twasjustt
oolate.MyT.B
hasmanagedtopenet
rat
etomybr ain.
Todayismyl astdayTakecar eofyour
selves.
Takecareofy ourdadandl i
ttl
ebrot
her.Tel
l Zoe
Iloveher.Shehasal waysbeenmybabyand
willf
oreverbe.KANI.Ihavelovedyoufrom our
teenagey ear
s..
..Is.
.t
il
lLov
ey outhesameway .
.
I
..l
..I
.o.
.v.
eyou.
Shet
akesherl
astbr
eat
handcl
osesherey
es.
Weal lscream.Ican'
tbeli
evewhatj
ust
happened.Iholdmywi fewhoalmosthi
tst
he
fl
oor.Chloèthrowshersel
fatDadwhois
weepinglikeababynexttomom.
Wecryforwhatseemsl
i
keanhourunt
ilDad
l
ooksatus.
Me:Weneedtocal
lthemor
tuar
ytocomeand
col
l
ectt
hebodyandweneedtotel
lZoe.
Chl
oè:
Thi
swi
l
lki
l
lher
.
Me:
Arey
ouOkay
?
Chloè:
No.Mywhol
ewor
ldhasst
opped.If
eel
deadonthei
nsi
de.
Lei
l
a:Whowi
l
ltel
lZoe.
Me:I
'l
lcal
lAndi
l
eandhert
ocomeher eatt
his
i
nst
ancefornowweneedtocal
lthemort
uary
.
Wehearmybabybrot
herscr
eami
nghi
slungs
outi
nhi
snur
sery.
Dad: OhBawo!Hegoesst r
aightonhi
sknees
andIl ookatLei
l
awhonodsandheadst ot he
nursery.Icr
awltomydadandIhughi m.Our
worldsuddenlyfeel
sdar
kanddul l
.Not
hingcan
everbet hesame.
Ical
lthemor
tuar
yandIcal
lAndi
l
ebutIdon'
t
tel
lhi
m whyt
heyshoul
drush.
Iknowt
hiswi
l
lki
l
lZoe.Shewi
l
llosei
t.
Ir
emai
nseat
ednextt
oDadandChl
oè.
53
ANDI
LE
Iam wokenupbyashar
ppai
n.AsIam aboutt
o
kneeldownandpr
aymyphoneri
ngs.
"
TREMAI
N"
Tr
ey?Iwonderwhat
'swr
ong.
Ianswerhi
scal
landhi
svoi
cei
sdown.
Trey:Andil
e,sorr
yforwaki
ngy ouupsolateat
night.Pl
easecomewi thZoe,i
t'
surgentIcan'
t
tell
youov erthephone.Pl
easerushhere.
Me:
OkayIam comi
ng.
Isof
tl
ywakeZOEupandshel
ooksatme.
Me:Tr
eyjustcal
led.Hesaidweshouldrush
ov
ertoyourhouse.It
'sur
gent.Let
'sgo.
Shej
umpsupandwearshert
racksui
t.SodoI
andwer
untothecar
.
Shei
ssuddenl
yanx
ious.
Zoe:If
eelasthoughmywholewor
ldi
saboutt
o
beshatt
ered.Ifeel
soanxi
ous.
Ihol
dherhandandIf
eel
itshake.
Me: TheLor
dhasaplanforev
eryone.Hewi l
l
nevergiv
eussomethingt
hati
sabov eour
str
ength.What
everi
tiswewil
lgetthrough.
Zoe:
Mom.Shewasverypal
ethel
astt
imeI
sawher
.Shedi
dn'
tl
ookOkay.
Whenwegettoherhouset
her
eisahear
seand
nei
ghbour
s.
Ialr
eadyseethatsomeonehasdiedher e.Zoe
spri
ngsoutofthecarandrunsinsi
dethehouse.
Irunaft
erherasweopent hedoorwear emet
bythemortuarypeopl
ewit
habodycov ered.
Zoeunv
eil
sitandassoonassheunv
eil
sitshe
st
epsbackwards.
Ist
andbehi
ndher
.MrsKanii
spal
ert
hant
he
l
astti
mewesaw.Hereyesar
edar
kandherl
i
ps
pur
ple.
Zoescreamsherl
ungsoutandIhol
dher
.Tear
s
spr
ingoutfr
om myeyestoo.
Zoe:
MOMMY!MOM!MOM wakeup!
Ipull
hertowardsmeandshecr
iesasIam
holdi
ngher.Themort
uar
ypeopl
etakeMy
Mot herinlawt othehear seandIscoopmywi f
e
asshei scr y
ingbi t
terl
ytothel i
vingroom where
herdadi ssitti
ngwi thhisheadf aceddown.
Chloèwhoi ssitti
ngont hefloorholdingher
babybr other.Treywhoi scryingwithhi ssonon
hi
sl apandLei lawhoi scr y
ingonTr ey '
s
shoulder.
Theli
ghtofthi
sfamilyhasbeenli
tof
f.Thei
r
l
iveswil
lchangefor
everIpl
aceZoedownand
sherunstoherdadwhoembr acesherassoon
asshegetstohim.
Zoe:Dad!OhDad!MOM!MOM!HIwdi
dshe?
She.
..
Wor
dsfai
lsmywi f
e.IheadtoChloeandcr
ouch
i
nfr
om ofher
.Sheisstari
ngint
ospace.It
ake
t
hebabyfr
om herandIcallmyparent
sandtel
l
t
hem t
ocomeandhel p.
Weall
siti
nsi
l
enceti
l
laladyt
hatr
esembl
esmy
mot
herinl
awwalkst
hrought
hedoor
.
"
IhopeIam nott
ool
ateMzo"
Sheshakesherheadassher
eal
i
zest
hewor
st
hashappened.
Chl
oèr
unst
oher
.
"
AuntAmber
!"
Shehugsherandt
heybot
hcr
y.
AuntAmber
:Kate!Shecouldn'
twaitt
il
lIgot
her
e..Mysi
ster!Howcouldshejustl
eave.
Iwal
ktot
hem andembr
acet
hem.
Myparent
swalkinandZoer
unst
omymom as
soonassheseesher.
Myhear
tbr
eakswhenIseeherl
i
ket
hat
.
.
..
.
ZOE
Mywhol el
if
ehasbeenshatt
ered!
-myhappy
worl
dhasturnedi
ntoashes,
darknesshas
sur
roundedme.MyMom!Kat e!HowcouldInot
not
icethatshewasunwel l.Myrock!-
theonl
y
per
sonwhowast hest
rongest.Ihugmy
motherinlawwhor emindsmeofher .Her
warm embr aceandthewayshebr ushesmy
hai
randback.
Weset
tl
edown.
MyFat
heri
nlawst
andsi
nfr
ontofmydad.
Fat
heri
nlaw:
Kani,uxol
oNdoda.Phephi
sa.
Ndi
yazi
ubakunzi
makodwaqi nandoda.
If
inal
lywipemyt ear
s.Ineedtobest
rongfor
ever
yone.Il
ookatAndilewhocall
smet ohim.
Hehandsov ermybabybr ot
hert
oMyMot heri
n
l
awandHehol dsme.
Me:
Andi
l
e,MyMot
her
.She'
sgone.
ANDILE:Wewi l
lgett
hroughthist
ogetherbaby .
TheLordknowsexactlyWhatHei sdoing.You
shoul
dn'
tcrythi
smuch.Shei sinabetterplace.
OnAbrahamsbosom bei ngcomfort
ed.Shei s
wit
hthesaint
sinParadise.Don'
tcry
.Your
heal
thwi
l
ldet
eri
orat
e.
Me:
Itwil
ltaket
imebutIhav
etobest
rongf
or
t
heli
tt
leones.
ANDI LEwipesmyt earsandIheadtothe
kit
chenandHef oll
owsmeaswemaket eafor
everyone.Igetajarofwateraswell
.Imakemy
brother'
sbottl
easIkeepwi pi
ngoffmyown
tear
s.Idrinkwater.
Me:
Godhel
pme!
It
akeadeepbreat
hasItal
kedt
het
hingst
o
ev
eryonewi
thAndil
e'
shel
p.
Ikneel
inf
ronti
fmydad.
Me:
Tat
a,t
hat
ha.Youneedi
t
Justhav
esome.
Hel ooksatmeandseeingtear
sinhiseyes
breaksmyheartbutIf
ightminesfr
om coming
out.
Het
akesi
tandIki
sshi
scheek.It
henhandi
t
overtoTrey
,Chl
oèandLeil
a.ANDI
LEser
veshi
s
parent
s.Igi
veAuntAmbercoff
ee.
Me: WeneedtobeStr
ongauntIneedy
ourhel
p.
Everyonei
sshat
ter
edweneedtobestrongf
or
them.
Iwhi
spert
oherandshesmi
l
espr
obabl
y
amazedbythi
s.
It
akemybabybrotherandfeedhim mi
l
k.Af
ter
heisf
ull
Isi
ngforhimtil
lhesleeps.
Iplacehi
mi nhi
snur
seryandItsmell
sofmom.
Isi
tonherrocki
ngchairandIf
eelherpr
esence.
Icansmellheri
nthi
sroom.
Iwipet
het
ear
sthatmanaget
oescapemyey
es.
Ihavet
obest
rong!
Iwalkoutofthenur
seryandheadbacktot
he
l
ivi
ngroom andthechurchhasar
ri
ved.
Isi
tnexttomyhusband,
afami
l
ywalksinandI
seethesameboywhowasdancingwi
thChloè
atMyweddi ngwit
hthatf
ami
ly.Theyhug
ever
yoneandt hel
adyhol
dsChloèwhoseems
di
sturbed.
Sheneedst
imet
opr
ocesst
his.
Isi
ngandev er
yonelooksatme.Youknow
wheny ouhaveahusbandli
keAndi l
ewho
makesy ouunderst
andthi
ngs, andt
hef
actthat
Ihavebuil
taverystr
ongrel
ationshi
pwi
thGod
overthemonthsisthemainreasonIam at
ease.
"I
tiswell
wit
hmysoul "Isi
ngt hatsongandI
watchpeopl
ecr yhowev er
, t
earsstopcoming
outfr
om myey es.Ismileinstead.MyMother
wouldhavebeenpr oud.Sheal wayssai
dIwas
herstr
onggir
l.Iam now!
Isi
ngandwepr ay.ANDILEhol
dsmeaswepr ay
andIfeelatease.Thefactt
hatshei
sina
bett
erplaceforsuregiv
esmepeace.Although
thi
shurtsmebutst il
lIf
eelt
heneedtothank
Godi nst
eadofquestioni
nghim.The
congregati
onsaysomewor dsofcomfortand
theyleavehowever,
Myi n-l
awsandt he
Rodr i
guezfami
lyremainbehind.Theboy
foll
owsChloèasshest epsoutside.Wearelef
t
theresit
ti
ngwitheveryoneunti
lIhearmyDad
utteraword.
Dad:
Thanky
ouf
ort
hesuppor
t.
Helooksatev
ery
oneandIseet
ear
srundown
hi
scheeks.
TreylooksatmeandIcanseet hesenseof
l
osshef eel
s.Hehasexperi
encedthisbef
ore
andthisti
meitseemsworse.Ismileathi
m and
Leil
a.Sheishol
dinghi
mtight.
Il
ookatMyhusbandandItakehishandi
nto
mines."
ThankYou"Iwhi
sperandhesmil
esat
me.
Me:
Weneedtostartpl
anni
ngthefuner
al.Fr
om
t
omorr
ow.It
hinki
t'
sappropr
iat
ethatAunt
Ambercontactsmom'sfamil
ysi
ncewedon't
knowthem butfornowweneedtoresti
thas
beenalongnightandaver
yhardone.
Istandupandheadt omydadandt akehis
handintomine.Itakehimtotheirr
oom and
whenwegett herewebot hlookateachother
becauseMom' sscentissostrongthati
tmakes
uscry.Ihughim andlethi
m cryonmyshoul der
.
Me:"
ForIhavepl
ansforyou,
decl
arest
heLor
d.
Pl
ansnottohar
my ouinst
eadtopr
ospery
ou.
"
Ir
eci
tet
hatv
erseandHel
ooksatme.
Dad: Yourmom wouldhavebeenpr oudofyou.
Shekeptont al
kingaboutyoubeforeshelef
t.
SheLov edyouv er
ymuchbecausesheal ways
sawher sel
finyou.Youwereourlovechil
d,t
he
babysheal wayswanted.Amiraclegag
actuall
ybecausesomehowwhenshewas
youngershethoughtshe'
dneverconceive
becauseofsomecondi ti
onshehad.Zoe,Iam
weakatthemomentandwhaty
ouaredoingi
s
exact
lywhaty
ourmom woul
dhavedone.
ThankyouMybaby.
Ismileandkisshischeek.Igethi m sett
ledin
hisbedthenIleave.IheadtoTr ey'
sr oom
whereIfindthebothoft hem holdi
ngeach
othercr
ying.Iwipemyt earsthenIgot ot hem.
Me:
Guy
s.Tr
ey.
.Lei
l
a.
Lei
l
a:YouknowZoe, Ihadfoundamot
heri
n
her
.Idi
dn'tfeelthi
shurtev
enwhenmyown
mother
.I...J..
just
.
Shecr
iesandTr
eyhol
dsher
.
Me: Guy s,Mom woul dn'
twantt his.Youknew
howshewas.Sheusedt ot akethenegatives
andtur nthem int
oposi t
ives.Shehat edfeeli
ng
downandt ears.Iknowt hatthissoundscr azy
andt hatyouwon' tunderstandbuti nst
eadof
cry
ingweshoul dbegr atefulforthegif
tGod
oncegav eus.Whichi smom.
Tr
ey:ZOEhowcany oujustacceptthatsheis
Gone.Youjustsochil
l
ed.Doesn'tthishurtyou?
Mom isgoneandy oujustcal
m.Younotev en
gr
ievi
ngherloss.Youarejustokaywi t
hit.She
wasYourmot her.
Il
ookathimforawhi
le,Iunderst
andt
hathei
s
gr
iev
ingthati
swhyheislikethi
s.
Me: Treydeat hi sinevitable.Mom wasaf i
rm
bel
ieverinGodandhi m doi ngever
ythingi nour
bestinterest.YouknowIam bur ni
ngi nside,t
he
hurtisjusttoomuchbutIknowt hatIcannot
changet hisnei theram Ii nanypositiont o
questionGod.Idowantt ocryandIhav ecri
ed
butcryingwon' tbringbackMom.Tr ey, ILoved
her.Istil
ldoshewasmyMom, ofcour seIam
hurt,i
t'
spai nful Iwasl ookingforwardt oso
muchbutGoddeci dedt otakeher.Iam at
peacebecauseIknowwher esheisgoi ngt o
spendheret ernal l
ife.
Lei
l
a:ZOE,
I.
..Dad.
.
Me: Don'
twor r
yBaby,Godwill
makeawayout
ofthisone.Justbest
rongformyTrey.Heis
confusedatthemomentandi sgoi
ngthrough
muchmor ethanweallar
e.Justt
akecareof
hi
m .Ineedt ocheckonChloè.
.
..
..
CHLOÈ
Iam atthebal
conywi
thJosè.Iam st
ari
ngat
space.Hetouchesmyshoul
ders.
Josè:
Chl
oè,
Iam r
eal
l
ySor
ryabouty
ourMom.
Ir
emai
nqui
et.
Josè:Chl
oè.
..Chl
oèj
ustknowt
hatIam her
efor
you.
Me: Iwishtheclockswouldcomet oast and
sti
l
l becausemywor l
dhasstoppedt oo.Isee
darknessonly.Howcanpeopl erej
oicewhi l
emy
mom i sgone.Cany ouhearpeopletalki
ngand
l
aughi ngwhil
emyhear ti
sinpi
eces.Whyme?
Didn'tIdeservetogr owupwi t
hamot her?Isti
ll
neededher ,
Ineedheract ual
ly
.Istil
lhav eaLot
thatIneedt ot al
ktoheraboutButIwi l
lnever
gett hechancet odot hat.Shewi l
lneverattend
myweddi nglikeshedi dwi t
htheot hers.She
willneverholdmybaby .Shewi ll
nev erseeme
graduate.Shewi llneverseemyf i
rstcar.She
willneverwishmegoodl uckonmyf irstdayat
workorev enseemeonmyPr om Ni ght.
It
akeaPausesi
nceIam scr
eami
ngandcr
ying.
Me: Iwil
lneverseemyMom Josè.Nev er!Iwi
ll
nevertouchher .I
'l
lnevergetherscoldi
ng.
"CheerupLittl
eChl oè.Mommywi l
ldealwith
them"she'l
lnev ersaythatwhenev erIcome
backfrom school cryi
ngbecauseoft herude
kids."
Chloè!Youbet tercomehereandcl ean
yourroom!"I'
llneverhearthatfr
om heragain.
"Il
oveyoubaby
.Youaremypr
ett
ydol
l
.The
pret
ti
estoft
hem al
l
."
Josèt
urnsmearoundandembr acesme.Icry
i
nhisarmsasloudasIcan.Ihol
dhimtightas
i
fmylif
edependsonit.
Josè:Chloèweal ll
osepeopl einourl i
v esand
weal waysf eelasthoughourl i
v eshav eended
butitisn'
ttheendoft hewor ld.Iknowexact l
y
howy ouf eel.Ir
eallydoknowwhaty ouf eel
alt
houghi twasn' tmymom t hatIl ostbutIl ost
ahugepar tofmebuther eIam sur v i
ving.Chl oè
youar eaChr ist
ianandy ouknowy ourmot heris
i
namuchbet t
erplace.Iknowi thur tsandy ou
shouldall
owy ourselftofeelthepai n.Cr yas
muchasy ouwantChl oè.Iam her ef ory ou.
Yourfami l
yi sherefory ou.Don' tshutany one
out.
Heki
ssesmyf
oreheadandcont
inueshuggi
ng
me.
West
andt
her
eti
l
lIf
eel
addi
ti
onal
handsbehi
nd
me.Thescentt
ell
smei
t'
sZoe.
Zoe:Wewi l
lsurvi
vethisoneLi t
tl
eChloè.Mom
wouldn'twantust obelikethisyouknowshe
hatedthis.Iam here,
Dad, Trey.Andyourfr
iend
hereisheret osupportyou.AuntAmberi shere
forus.
Me:ZOE,Iwantmom.IMi
ssher
.Howwi
l
lIget
ov
erthi
s?
Zoe:Pr
ayer
.Thi
sti
merequi
resal
lofust
obe
st
ronginpr
ayer
.Onl
yGodCanhealus.
Sheki
ssesmycheek.
Zoe:Ir
any
ouabat
h.Youshoul
dgobat
hand
rest
.
Inodandshel
eav
esus.
Josè:
Yoursist
eri
str
yingbyal
lmeanstobe
str
ongfory
ouguys.I
tmustbehardforher
.
Inod.I
tprobabl
yishardf
orZoet
obethis
str
ongforus.WeallknowhowMom andher
gotal
ong.Theywer
emor
eli
kef
ri
ends.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
ZoeandIfixtheguest
roomsforever
yonewho
i
ssleepi
ngov er
.Thenafterwear
edonewe
headtoherroom.
Af
terIlockt
hedoorshesi
tsont
hef
loorand
cr
ies.
Isi
tnextt
oherandsher
est
sherheadon
Mychest.
Me:Youar
edoi
ngagr
eatJobZeebaby
.Come
her
e.
Ihugherandshecr
ies.
Me:ZOE.Ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbeOkay
.Iam her
efor
you.
Shecr
iesforawhil
ethenkeepsquiet
.Ihear
sof
tsnores.WhenIpeepatherIseethatshei
s
fastasl
eep.Iscoopherupandplaceheronthe
bedthenIsleeprightnextt
oher
.Sheholdsme
andwesl eep.
.
..
.
MZOLI
SI
Isi
tupandl ookathersi
deofthebed.The
housesuddenlyfeel
sempty.MyLif
eisint
otal
darkness.Ev
eryt
hingisj
ustdul
l.
Ikneel
downandpr
ay.
Me: BawoThixoSomandl a.Ndizakuwe
nentli
zi
yoephukil
e.Idon'tknowwher etostart
Lord.Katehasbeenthehugestpar tofmylife
andhersuddendepar t
urehasl eftmebr oken.
Howshoul dIpickupthepi eces.Whataboutmy
kids?HowdoIbegi ntomov eonandbest r
ong
forthem?GodZoei stryingsohar dtobest rong
forusbutsoonerorlatershewi l
lbreak.Lord
givemet hestr
engthanddi rectmeonhowy ou
wantmet odealwi
ththis.Iwantt obest rong
f
ormyki ds.Hel
pmeLor dJesus.Strengt
hen
meandhel pmewi t
ht heprepar
ationsofKate'
s
f
uneral
.Leadusf at
her.Iaskallofthisi
nthe
Might
ynameofChr istJesus.
Iwi
pemytearst
hengetbackinbed.IseeKat
e
i
nmysleepti
l
lIf
inal
l
yfal
lasleep.
.
..
..
ZOE
It
'sal
ready6am andIam bat
hingi
ntheshower
.
Ishowerthendr
yup.ANDILEenter
stheroom
witht
heourbags.
Ismi
l
eathi
m.
Me: IwassoshockedwhenIdi
dn'
tfi
ndy
ou
nexttomethismorning.
ANDILE:
Ifi
guredoutwewouldneedclothes
andyouweresleepi
ngpeacef
ull
yIdi
dn'twant
towakeyouup.
Me:
Okay
.Hav
eyoubat
hed?
ANDILE:
YeahItookashoweratourhouse.
Her
eIbroughty
oudresses.
Il
aughwhenhesay
sthat
.
Me:Ifeel
li
keyoul
ikeseei
ngmei nti
ght
dr
essesbecausey
ouonlybroughtt
ightf
it
ti
ng
Dr
esses.
Hewalkst
owar
dsmeandst andsbehi
ndme
andhugsmefr
om behi
nd.
Andil
e:Guil
tyascharged.Youhavegained
weightandlookingatyourcurv
esthathav
e
widenedandy ourasspleasesme..
Il
aughandHewhisper
sinmyear"I
ttur
nsme
onBaby.
"IgaspandHespanksmyassandwe
bot
hlaugh.
HeIt
urnt
olookathi
m andhesmi
l
es.
ANDILE:Iwant
edtoseethissmileonyourf
ace.
Keepsmili
ng.Wewil
lgetthroughthi
stoget
her
.
Iam her
eforyou.
Me: ThankyouANDILE.Youhavebeentry
ing
yourbesttoseemesmi l
ingandithashel
ped
me.Ijustneedstr
engthtofacet
oday.Imean
neverinmylif
edidIthi
nkI'
dbeplanningmy
Mom' sfuner
al.
ANDILE:Godwil
lgiv
eyouthestrengt
h.Ithi
nk
youshouldgoCheckonChloè.Iwil
lgotoyour
dad.
Me:
Thanky
ou.ILov
eYou.
ANDI
LE:
ILov
eYou.
WekissandHeleavestheroom whil
eIdress
upinmynavy-
bluebodyhuggingstr
aightcut
dr
ess.I
tisl
ongsleeved.Iwearankl
eboots
si
nceit
sabitchil
l
edout si
de.It
iemyhairupin
aneatbunandwearadoek. .
If
ixt
hebedt
henIgot
oChl
oè'
sroom.
Ifi
ndhersi
tt
ingonthebedwit
hMom'spict
ures
andsheiscr
y i
ngsoIgeti
nandsi
tnextt
oher.
Me:
Chl
oè.
Shej
ustl
ooksatmeandhugsme.
Chl
oè:
Sist
er,Iwon'tbeabl
etosur
viv
ethi
s.
HowcanIli
vewi t
houtMom?HowdoIev en
pi
ckupthepieces?
Ihugherandbr
ushherback.
Icryaswell
.Memori
esofMom comeback
fl
ashingi
nmymi nd.
Me: Chl
oè,wewi l
lAl
waysberemindedof
mom' spassingbutwhatisimport
antisthatwe
pickupthepiecesandmov eon.Youknow
Mom wi l
lAlway sbeourmother
,shemaynotbe
herephysi
callybutwehavehermemor ieswit
h
us.Weneedt oholdontothegoodonesand
mov eonwitht hem.Iwantyoutodosomet hi
ng
forme.
Chl
oè:
Whi
chi
s?
Shesni
ff
sandIwi
pehert
ear
s.
Me:Lett hi
sgo.Iam y ouroldersi
sterandIwi l
l
beamot hertoyouwheny ouneedone.Iwi l
ldo
ever
ythingamot herdoesf orherbaby.Just
promisemey ouwi l
l st
opcr yi
ng.Smileandbe
happybecauseMommyi sinabetterpl
aceas
wespeak.Justt rymov ingonandknowt hatwe
areal
l hereforyou.Iam her eforyou.Trey,Lei
la
andDad.Wear eal lhere.AuntAmberi shereas
well
.Youar enotal onebabysi s.
Shehugsmeandcr
iesandaf
terawhi
l
eshe
wipeshert
ear
s.
Chl
oè:
Iwon'
tcr
ySi
s.
Me: Goodgi
rl.Nowt akeashowerandcome
helpmedownst ai
rsweneedt omakebr eakf
ast
forever
yonethati
sher e.Yourfri
endisalso
herewithhi
sf ami
ly.Theyslepthere.
Shebl
ushesandIl
augh.Bat
hqui
ckl
yIwi
l
lbe
wai
ti
ng.
ShenodsandIl
eav
eherr
oom andgo
downst
air
stost
artwi
thBr
eakf
ast
.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Igett
oMyFat
heri
n-l
aw'
sRoom andknock.
MrKani
:Comei
n.
IcomeinandHeusher
smet
osi
tont
hecouch
atthecor
ner
.
Me:
Mol
weni
Tat
a.
MrKani
:Mol
oNy
ana.
Me:
Tat
a,Uzi
vanj
ani
?(Howdoy
ouf
eel
?)
MrKani
:Ndi
yazamaNdoda.(
Iam t
ryi
ng.
)
Me:YouKnowTat ayoucantalkt
ome.Ican
seehowthi
sistaki
ngast r
ainonyou.UMama
wastheLoveofyourli
feandIunder
standt
hat
i
twil
ltakeawhil
efor
Youtomov eonbuty
ouhav etoacceptt
his.I
knowthatIknownot
hingaboutthepai
nyouar e
goi
ngt
hroughbutIunder
standonet
hingwhi
ch
i
sGod'
spurpose.
MrKani :Youareri
ghtSon.AndIpr ayedabout
thi
sy esterdayandIaskedf orst
rengthbecause
Ishouldbet heonest r
ongf ormykids
especiallyChloèandTrey.Zoehasf ound
herselfacompani onandIseey ouar e
suppor ti
ngher.Herreactiontothi
sshocked
me.It houghtshe'dbethemostbr okenoneI n
all
oft his.ThankyouRhonqof orbeingmy
daught er'
sstrengt
h.Eversinceshemety oushe
haschangedandhasmat ured.
Me: Youdon' tneedtothankmeTat a.Itismy
duty.Youdon' thavetoworryaboutZOEIwi l
l
takecar eofher.YoujusthavetofocusonTr ey
andChl oèespeciall
yTreywhoi sexperienci
ng
thisforthesecondt i
meheseemsmor e
disturbedthantheothers.Chl
oèwi l
ll
istento
ZoebutTr ey'ssit
uati
onisharder.Heneedsy ou
.
MrKani
:IhearyouAndi
le.Icer
tai
nlywi
l
ldot
hat
.
Iwi
l
ltal
ktoTreyri
ghtnow.
WehandshakeandIl
eav
ether
oom.
Ij
usthopetheyal
lcomet
oter
mswi
thwhathas
happened.Godi
t'
sall
upt
oyou.
54
ZOE
DaysPassAndtheprepar
ati
onsseem t
obe
comingonqui
tewell
.
Mymom' sfami
lywi
ll
bearri
vingtoday.They
don'
tknowmuchaboutus.Idoubtthey'
veeven
seenuscauset
heydi
sownedmom.
Aftercl
eaningthehouseChloèandIcooklunch.
Meanwhi l
eAndi l
e,DadandTreyhavegoneto
themortuarytofixafewthi
ngs.Lei
l
ahasgone
outforthegroceri
eswithAuntAmber.
I
t'
sonl
yChl
oèandI
.
Me:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
today
?
Chl
oè:Iam copi
ng.Ihav
eaccept
edthatmom
i
sgoneandi t
'sr
eall
yhardknowi
ngt
hatwewill
nev
erseeher.
Me: Iknow.Ifeelthesameway .Butwecan't
changeany thi
ng.Allofthefamilyfr
om both
Mom anddad' ssi
dear earr
ivi
ngt ohepout.The
churchladieswill
beher esoont ohelpoutso
webet terstar
tbakingaswel l
.
Ineedtogoupst ai
rstoDad'sroom andcol
lect
al
ltheblankets,Dadsaidtheyshouldbe
washedaf t
erthefuner
al.Ineedtocheckeach
andeveryroom inthi
smansi on.Ihopei
t
accommodat eseveryt
hingifnotsomeofthem
wil
lhavetocomet omyhouse.
Chloè:
IwonderwhatMom'sfami
lywi
l
lsay
aboutusandhowthey'
l
lbehavet
owar
dsus.
Me:Ihopetheyareci
vi
l becauseIwill
show
t
hem thedoorift
heydisrespectdadorMom's
memor y
.Idon'
twanttohar bourpeopl
ewhowill
hur
tmyf
ather
.
Sot
ell
me,
thatJosèboyi
syourboy
fri
endr
ight
?
Shegi
ggl
esandhercheekst
urnpi
nk.
Chl
oè:
Yes.Wer
ecent
lyst
art
eddat
ing.
Me: Heseemsl i
keaniceguyandv er
yhotas
well.Heresemblesmyhighschoolboyf
ri
end
Jhav i
er.HewasBr azi
l
ian.God!Theboywas
hot.Idon'
tknowwher eisisnow.
Chl
oè:Butl
ookyougotamuchbet
terhusband
andHeishot.
Il
aughoutl
oud
Me:HisBodyi
stodi
eforChl
oè.I
tfeel
sli
keI
am l
ooki
ngatsomeHoll
ywoodorBoll
ywood
Her
o.Damn!
Chl
oe:
Josèaswel
l
.
Il
ookather
.
Me:
Hav
eyouguy
s..uhm.
.
Chloè:
Nonotatal
l
.Iam avir
gindon'
tworry.I
hadwentovert
ohi
scri
bsincehewasal one
andwewatchedamoviei
nhi sr
oom.Ispilt
j
uiceonhi
m andhehadtotakehisshi
rtoff
.
Me:Ohh.Butwheny outhinky ouarereadyt o
engagei nanysex ualacti
vit
yt al
ktomef i
rst.I
am yourol dersisterandI '
vealway sbeenlikea
mom t oy ousoy oucant al
kt omeandIwi ll
advi
sey ouonwhatt odo.Becauset el
li
ngy ou
nottodoi twil
lbewast ingtimebecausey ou
wil
ldoi tany way.Soi t
'sbetterifIadvi
sey ouon
howt opr eventthewor st.Comedi r
ectl
ytome.
Okay?
Ir
unherar
m andshenods.
Weshareamomentandhugandweher
ethe
i
nter
com buzz.
Iwi
pemyt
ear
sandr
usht
othei
nter
com.
Me:
Yes,
whoi
sit
.
Johnoursecur
it
yanswer
s.
John:
It'
smeZoe,
TheFoer
sterf
ami
l
yisher
e.
Me:
Pleasebuzzt
hem i
nandshowt
hem i
n.
John:OkayZoe.
It
urnt
olookatChl
oè.
Me:
Theyar
eher
e.
Webothexhal
eandbef
oret
heyenterDad,
Trey
andAndi
l
eEnterfol
l
owedbydad'
sfamil
yas
well
asmyin-l
aws.
Me:
Dad,
Mom'
sfami
l
yisher
e.
Tr
ey:Weenter
edt
hrought
heot
hergat
e.We
di
dn'
tseet
hem.
Iseet
heanxi
etyondad'
sface.
Me:Iwil
ldeal
wit
hthem.Rel
ax.Justgo
upst
air
sandrest
.
Andil
e:Yes,
hisheal
thi
sdet
eri
orat
ing.Heneeds
rest
.
Me:
Chl
oèt
akedadupst
air
s.Andcheckont
he
chi
l
drent
heymustbeawake.
Chl
oèdoesassheist
oldandIwal
ktot
hedoor
ast
hedoorbel
lri
ngs.
IopeninandIam metbyat ot
alrepli
caofmy
mom r i
ghtbeforeme.Isupposethisismy
grandmother.Becausesheisol
dandwr inkl
ed
butlooksli
kemymom.
Me:
GoodAf
ter
noon.Pl
easecomei
n.
Thewomanl
ooksatmeandIseet
ear
sinher
eyes.
TheManwhom Iassumei
smygrandf
ather
ent
ersf
ir
standafewmorememberscomein.
TheManlooksl
i
keAuntAmber
,soIknowt
hey
aremygr
andpar
ent
s.
Ileadthem tot
hel
iv
ingr
oom wheret
heyt
ake
theirseatandt
hewomanspeaks.
"YoumustbeZoe,thef
ir
stchildKat
ewas
pregnantwi
thwhensheeloped."
Inodandherey
est
urnt
oTr
ey.
"
Youar
eMaggi
e'
sson.MyMaggi
e."
TreynodsandIsuddenl
yfeel
sorr
yforher
.Bot
h
herdaught
er'
shavepassedaway.
"
WhereisMzol
i
si?
"Themai
nenqui
resandI
l
ookathim.
Me: Dadi
sresti
ng.HeisnotinGoodhealt
h.
Thenewsaboutmom hast akenatol
lonhim.
I
'dli
ketoint
roduceyoutoevery
onethoughand
tal
ktoyou.
IstandupandasIam aboutt
otal
kChl
oè
ret
urnssoIst
artwi
thher.
Me:
Thi
sismyl
i
ttl
esi
sterChl
oè.
Ipoi
ntatherandtheybot
hst and.Andi
t'
s
under
standabl
e.Chl
oèisidenti
caltomom.
Theyhaveastri
ki
ngresemblance.
Thewomanhol dsChl
oèandIseet
ear
srun
downhercheeks.
Me:Thesear
emyin-
laws.Ishowt
hem Andi
l
e's
par
entsandt
heyl
ookatthem.
Me:Thisismyhusband.Iholdhim byt
heHand.
Tr
ey'swifei
soutwithAuntAmber .MyLit
tl
e
br
otherisupstai
rsi
nhisnurser
y.Thesearemy
gr
andparentsIshowthem myFather'
sparent
s.
"Iam St
eff
anyandt hi
sismyhusbandThomas.
Wear eYourgrandpar
ents.Kat
her
inei
smy
baby.Mychil
d."Sheweepsonmygr andf
ather
's
armsandtheysitdown.
Me: Iam sorr
y,Idon'
twanttoseem rudebut
whyhav en'ty
oukeptcontactwit
hmom al l
theseyears.Sheusedtotal
kabouty ou.She'
d
crywhenshespokeabouty ouguys.Shereal
ly
missedy ou.
GranddadThomas: Wewer eangr
yather .She
el
oped, andbackt henIwon'tl
i
ewewer eraci
st.
Wehat edblackpeoplehencewef orbadeher
fr
om seeingy ourdad.Butsheconti
nuedt i
lly
ou
wer
econceiv
ed.Wetol
dhert
oabor
tandmov
e
onbutsheel
oped.
Oury oungerdaughterfol
lowedherbydat i
ng
Mzo'sbr ot
herandTr eywasconcei ved.Welost
t
wodaught er
s.Ididn'twanttomaket hesame
mistakeImadewi thMaggi e.Ididn'
tgotoher
funeral
.MyDaught er.Icoul
dn'tstaybackwhen
youcalledus.
Weal
lexhal
eandIl
ookatt
hem.
Me:Soar eyoujusther
ef ort
hefuneralorar
e
youreadytoacceptus.Causemydad' sfamil
y
endedupaccept i
ngusalthoughtheysti
ll
uncomfortabl
ewiththeIdea.
Gr
anSteff
: Wearer
eadyt
oaccepty
ou.Youar
e
mydaughter'
sfami
l
y.Myown.
AuntAmberent
erst
hehouseandsher
unst
o
hermom whensheseesher
.
AuntAmber
:Mot
her
!
Theyhugandit
'ssad.Seei
ngMom'
sfami
l
y.Her
parent
sar
ejusttakenaback.
Il
eanonAndi
l
eandHewhi
sper
stomyear
.
Andi
l
e:Youaredoi
ngagr
eatJobbaby
.Iam
pr
oudofyou.
Ismi
l
eathi
m andhepecksmyf
orehead.
Me:It
hinkweshoul
dal
lset
tl
edown.Lunchi
s
al
mostready
.
Lei
lagoestoTreyandIsignal
hert
otakehi
m
upstai
rscauseever
ythi
ngseemstobe
over
whelmingforhi
m.
Ileadever
yonetot
heDini
nghal
landWesetup
thetabl
eanddishup.
Thechur
chladi
eshel
pthemselvesandst
art
peel
i
ngup.TheMemor i
alser
vicei
stomorr
ow
soweneedtocookfortomorr
ow.
Andi
l
e, Tr
eyAndIgetbusywit
hthe
pr
eparati
ons,
theguest
s,f
inal
touchupsoft
he
progr
ammeanditf
inal
lyhi
tshomet
hatShei
s
gonewhenIr
ecei
vetheprogr
amme.
"
GONEBUTNOTFORGOTTEN.
"
Isuddenl
yfr
eezel
ooki
ngatherpi
ctur
e.
Thefi
nali
tyofdeathknocksi
n.Ifeel
myhear
t
beatf
aster.If
eelmychestcont
ractandmy
for
eheadsweat .
If
eel
thel
umponmyt
hroat
.
She'
sgone!Mymom..MyMother
!Thewoman
whogavebirt
htome.MyownMother
!Hei
s
gone!How!God,MyMot
her
!

Andil
easksTreytocheckonevery
oneandas
soonasheleavesAndil
lel
ocksthedoorand
runstome.
Ifeel
mykneesgetweakandj
ustbef
oreIhi
t
thefl
oorhehol
dsme.
Andi
l
e:Youcan'
tfal
lweaknowbaby
.Notnow.
Hehol
dsmyandwesitonthebed.Hechecks
mypul
se,
hear
tbeat
.Hetakesabagandgives
mepil
l
s.
Andi
l
e:Dr
inkt
his.
It
aket
hem andHehugsme.
Me:Andil
e,MyMother
.Kat
e!Sheisgone.I
don'
tknowwhatIwil
ldowit
houther
.
Il
ookathi
m andheshakeshi
shead.
Andil
e:YourMotherisinabet t
erplace.BabyI
knowit'
shardbuty ouwil
lhavet oacceptthe
sit
uati
on.Justdon'
tall
owy ourselft
oshutdown.
Alotofpeopledependony ou.Yourjobisto
l
eanonmeandI 'l
lsuppor
ty ou.Iwon'tal
low
youtobreakdown.Okay ?
InodandIrestmyheadonhi
schestandHe
si
ngsti
ll
Ifallasl
eep.
.
..
..
.
ANDI
LE
Iwatchher.Iwi
shicouldt
akeawayt
hepai
n.I
wishicoul
dfeel
iti
nsteadofher
.
Icov
erherwit
habl
anketandkneel
right
besi
desher
.
Me: FatherGod, Al
phaandOmega.Lor dJesus
Chri
stpl easegi vemywi festr
engthto
overcomet his.Sheneedsy ouandIam glad
shehasl earnttoputhert rustonyou.Lord,
makei teasyf orher.Bewi thher
.Giveher
courage.Youar efaithf
ulandIknowy ouwi l
ldo
i
t.Iaskt hisint heMi ghtynameofChr i
stJesus.
Iopenmyey
esandki
ssherf
orehead.
Igetupandhelpoutwher
eIcan.Thechurch
hasbeensetoutsobeaut
if
ull
y.Ther
eisahuge
pict
ureofMotherI
nlawandthethemeisgood.
Everyt
hingi
sokay.
Icheckt
hesoundandevery
thi
ngandit
'sal
l
goodsoIgotoourhousetogetheraf
ew
thi
ngsandmyoutf
itfort
omorrow.
WhenIgett
her
eIf
indMr
sJonasknocki
ngon
t
hedoor.
Me:
MrsJonas,
CanIhel
pyou?
MrsJonas:
Ihear
daboutZoe'
smot
her
.Howi
s
Zoe?
Me:Sheistr
ying.Wecurr
entl
yst
ayi
ngather
Par
entshousetohelpoutandal
l
.Areyouokay
?
Youlookmorepale.Whati
sthematt
er?
MrsJonas:
Myhearthasbeenbeat
ingsl
ower
t
hannormal.If
eel
let
har
gical
lthet
ime.
Me:Letmet akeyout
othehospi
tal
.Wecan'
t
r
iskyourhealt
h.Hopi
nthecar.
ShenodsandItakehertothehospital
whereI
askDrMoodleyoutbestcardi
ologi
sttocheck
uponher.
Me:
MrsJonasy
ouwi
l
lbeOkay
.
Mr
sJonas:
Iwantt
oseeZoe.TakeMeToZoe.
Me:
Fir
stgety
ourcheckupdonet
henIwi
l
ltake
ToZoe.
Sheobl i
gesandaft
erthet
est
saredonewe
l
eav e.Assoonaswereach.Wef i
ndZoeinthe
ki
tchen.WhenZoeSeesMr sJonassherunsto
her.Theyhavepret
tymuchbecomesoclose.
Sheweepsinherar
msandIcan'
thel
pbutf
eel
myownt ear
srundown.
Mr
sJonas:
Baby
,ar
eyouOkay
?
ZOE:Yes,
nowthatIhav
eseenyou.Comei
n.
Pl
easehaveaseatI
'l
lmaketeaf
oryou.
Shesit
sandt
heyt
alk.IseeZoesmi
l
ingagai
n.
Laughi
ng.
.
ZOE:Ma,
Iinsi
stthatyousl
eepover.Pl
usAndil
e
tol
dmeyouwer eunwell
.Youcansleepheret
il
l
myMomm' sfuneral
soIcantakecareofyou.
MrsJonas:Youaresokindmychil
d.Ipr
aythat
Godblessesyouwit
hthatonethi
ngyoudesi
re
t
hemost .Bl
essyoumychi l
d.
Me:
Wer
ecei
ve.
Ismi
l
eather
.
.
..
..
TREMAI
N
Iam wi
thLei
l
aandourdaught
erAsant
è.
Me:
Baby
.
Lei
l
a:huh?
Me:
Whent
hosepeopl
e.
Lei
l
a:Youmeany
ourgr
andpar
ent
s?
Me: Yes, Whent heyspokeaboutmymom.If elt
l
ikecr yingatt hatinst
ance.Imeanmot herIam
referri
ngt oKate.Shetoldmet hatwhenmy
parent sdi edmymom wasy earni
ngforher
Par ents.Shewant edtoseethem foronelast
ti
mebef oreshedi edbuttheydidn'
tcome.She
thoughtt hey'
dtakemeandr aisemebutt hey
didn'tcomeal ong.
Lei
la:Baby.Letgooft hepast.Therear
eso
manyt hi
ngsI'dl
ov etochangeaboutmyown
pastbutwecan't.Wear eChri
sti
ansnowand
weneedt oforgi
v e.Youhavetoforgi
vethef
or
notbeingthereforyourmom andy ouaswell
.
Begrat
efulthatyougotasecondchanceat
havi
ngbothpar ents.Andsibli
ngs.Alotof
peopl
edon'tgetthat .Asantei
sgrowingupand
shewil
lhavet oknowal lherfamil
y.Shehasto
growupinaheal thyenv i
ronment.
Il
ookatherandshesmi
l
esatme.
Me:
Whendi
dyoubecomesowi
se?
Leil
a:I
t'
sallMotheri
n-l
awsteachi
ngs.Fr
om
nowonl et
'snotcryweshouldrat
hercel
ebrate
themoment swehadwi thher
.Jaidevwi
llneed
usandDadt oo.
Tr
ey:
Youar
eri
ght
Weki
ssandAsant
ègi
ggl
es.
Chr
ist
!Thi
schi
l
d!
.
..
..
..
CHLOÈ
I
t'
s5am andIhavet
ogetreadycausethe
memor
ialser
vicewi
l
lbegi
nat8o'clock.
Ibat
handgetready
.Iwearadr
essZoebought
me.It
'sbl
ackwit
hmyredpenci
lheel
andIti
e
myhairup.
Il
ookatmy
sel
fint
hemi
rr
or.
"
LORDpl
easegi
vemest
rengt
htoday
.Ineedi
t.
"
Iexhal
edaf
tersay
ingt
hosewor
dsandr
echeck
myspeech.
.
..
..
.
ZOE
IAm al
readydressedinmyblackKneelengt
h
penci
lski
rt.Awhitebodysui
tandablackcoat.
Iwearmywhi
tebl
ockheel
sandl
etmycur
lsf
all
.
Andi
l
eent
erst
her
oom andIbl
ush.
Me:
Youar
elooki
nggoodbaby
.
Andi
l
e:Ev
ent
houghIl
ookl
i
key
ourbl
esser
.
Webot
hlaugh.
Me:
Ican'
thel
pit
.Iam t
iny
.
Hesqui
ntshi
sey
es.
Andi
l
e:Reall
y?It
hinky
ouhavegai
nedwei
ght.A
l
otmoreweightt
hanyouhadact
ual
ly
.Butyou
l
ookamazing.
Me:
Real
l
y?Hav
eIgai
ned?
Iwi
denmygazeandHenodshi
shead.
Andi
le:Youl
ookamazi
ngt
hough.Ar
eyour
eady
fort
oday?
Me:Yes,asl
ongasyouar
ewit
hme.Iam ready
f
oranythi
ng.Thanky
ouMagay
a.Soni
ni.
Andi
l
elaughsandki
ssesmyf
orehead.
Andi
le:
Wow!Uy andi
thakazel
isa.Idi
dn'
tknow
youweresuchafastlear
ner.Youalr
eadyknow
myclannamesandcanpr onouncethem real
l
y
well
.
Me:
Ndi
ngumXhosaAndi
l
eremember
?
Hesmi
l
es.
Andi
le:
Okay.Let'
sgo.Ev
ery
onemustbe
downstai
rsnow.
It
akemybagandweheaddownst
air
s.
Weallhavebr
eakf
astandIl
ookatMyDadwho
i
ssi
lent.Godj
usthel
phim.
Me:
SoPops.
Ismi
l
eandHesmi
l
esatme.
Dad:
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
oust
il
lcal
lmet
hat
.
Me:
WellDad,t
hisi
sMrsJonasournei
ghbour
t
heoneItol
dyouandmom about
.
Dad:
Iam pl
easedt
omi
ssy
ouMa'
am.t
hank
y
ouf
orbei
ngapar
entt
obot
hmyki
ds.
Hesay
sthatpoi
nti
ngatAndi
l
eandI
.
MrsJonas:
Ishoul
dbet
hanki
ngt
hem f
ort
aki
ng
car
eofmeandmyhealt
h.
Shesayst
hatandIseeat
earescapi
ngf
rom
herey
e.
Me:
Wher
eisTr
ey?
IaskLei
l
aandshepoi
ntsupst
air
s.
Lei
l
a:Hewant
edt
otal
ktohi
sgr
andpar
ent
s.
Il
ookupandnod.
Iwonderwhathehast
osay
.
Wealleatandaf
tert
hatwedriv
etoothechur
ch
.AssoonAssoonaswegett hereweall
sett
le
andIdon'
tknowbutIsmil
einst
eadofcryi
ng.
Theservi
cegoeson.Wi thevery
onesayinga
pieceoft
hei
rporti
onaboutmymot her.Dadis
tooemoti
onalthathecan'tev
enTalk.
However
,Andi
lespeaksonDad'
sbehal
fby
r
eadi
nghislet
ter
.
I
t'
semot
ional
andmostpeopl
ecr
y.
Chl
oèst
andsupandt
akest
hepodi
um.
Ilookathowmuchshehasgr
ownandthef
act
thatshelooksl
i
kemymom somuch.
Iam hol
dingJaidev.It
'sgoi
ngtobehar
d
havi
ngtoexplainwheremom iswhenJaidev
star
tsaskingabouther.
Chloè:ILif eThereisat i
met ol
aughandat i
me
tocry.At imet obebor nandat i
met odie.
Simil
arlyt histimecameaswel l,alt
houghitwas
ashockbuti tcame.KateFoersterKaniwas
andst i
l
l isaMot hertome.Iwasal waysher
l
itt
ledoll.Theone, asthey'
dcall
meathome
"Thepur se" .
Shegi
ggl
essof
tl
yandIsmi
l
e.
Chl
oè:
Mom wast
hemostcal
m per
sonev
er.
Shewassohumbl eitact uallyamazedme.We
l
ivedi namansi on, andgotev erythingwe
want ed.Bot hmypar ent swer ewel loffbutmy
mom nev eract edasi fshehadev er ything.
She' dadj usttoanysi t
uat i
onandr elatet o
peopl e.Shet aughtust obehumbl eatal lt
imes,
sheusedt osay"Godi stheonl yper sonwho
canexhal eaper son.Sonev ermaket he
mi stakeofbei ngt oopr oud, becauser emember
thatPr idegotLuci feroust edoutf rom heav en.
"
MyMot herwasj ustf r
iendl y
.AndIr emembera
weekbef oreshepassedawayIwaswi thher.I
askedherdai lywhyshewasget ti
ngpal eand
wasal way sf ati
gued, weakandl osingwei ght
andwhatshesai ddi dn'tmakesenset henbut
nowIseei t.Shesai d"Chloè, Iam sot ired.I
wishi couldt akey ouandJai devwi thbecause
theot her sarest rongenough.Youst il
lneedme.
Ijustpr ayt hatGodgi vesy oucour age. "She
car essedmycheeksl ikenev erbef or e.Ifelt
somet hingIhadnev erfelt.Idi dn'tknowshe
wasprepar
ingmeforthis.Iwon'
tsaymuchbut
Ij
ustwanttosayIam contentwi
ththet
imeI
spentwi
thher.
Shest
epsdownandLei
l
ahugsherassoonas
shesi
tsdown.
Iwon'
tbespeaki
ng.I
'l
lonl
yspeakatt
hef
uner
al.
Theser
vicepr
oceedsanditends.
Peoplegetfoodandwealleat
.Aftert
hatAndile
andIdecidetogotoourhouseforawhi l
e.Just
tocheckont hi
ngsandsoIcancleanthenwe
gobackhome.
Assoonaswegett
her
eIt
akeof
fmyheel
s.
Me:
Iam exhaust
edbaby
.
Andi
le:
Comel
etmegi
vey
ouaf
ull
body
massage.
Me:
Okayl
etmef
ir
stcl
eant
heny
oucandot
hat
.
Andi
l
e:Iwi
l
lhel
pyouout
.
Wequi
ckl
ycl
eant
henaf
tert
hatIt
akeashower
aft
ert
hatIent
erourr
oom andHei
sreadywi
th
theoi
l
.
Il
i
eont
hebedandHedoeshi
sthi
ng.
Assoonasheget sthethebaseofmyspi nal
cordIyearnforhim.Myhusband.Ihav ebeen
sobusyt hatIhaven'
ttendedtohisneeds.The
wayhet ouchesmesendsshi ver
sdownmy
spi
ne.Ithinkisawayoft heeff
ecthehasonmy
becausehei nser
tshisfingeri
nmeandImoan.
Gosh!It
hinkIneedt
his.
Igetupandki
sshi
m.Weki
ssasIam
undressi
nghi
m.
WhenheisnakedIpushhi
mtot
hebedsot
hat
hesi
tsup.
Ir
idethehell
outofhi
m.Iridehi
ml i
kether
eis
notomorrow.Ineedt
hisIcanFeel
it.Hefl
i
ps
meoverandf ucksme.
Wehav
east
eamyencount
erf
orwhatseems
l
i
kehour
sandaf
tert
hatIl
ayonhi
schest
.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
ou.
Andil
e:Imi
ssedy
out
oo.It
hinkwebot
hneeded
thi
s.
Me:YeahIagr
eewit
hy ou.Ij
ustwantt
oremain
i
nyourarmsli
ket
hisforever
.Il
oveyouRhonqo.
Andi
l
e:Il
oveYout
ooDearWi
fe.
.
..
..
55
ZOE
Thebigdayi
shere.Thedaywehaven'
tbeen
ant
ici
pati
ngatal
l
.Mymom' sfuner
al.
Ilookatmy sel
finthemir
ror.Wear
ingmyti
ght
fi
tti
ngblackdress.Andablackandwhit
ecoat
thati
salsokneel engt
h.
Iwearmybl
ackandwhi
test
il
ett
osandputon
somemakeupon.Il
eav
emynat ur
alcur
ls.
Andi
l
ecomesi
nwear
inghi
sbl
acksui
t.
Andi
l
e:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.Nowsmi
l
eal
i
ttl
e.
Ismil
edandHehugsmef rom behi
ndandas
soonashepl
aceshishandsonmybellyIf
eel
somethi
ngi
nmov e.
Iwi
denmygazeandHel
ookatmeont
he
mir
ror
.
Andi
l
e;What
'swr
ong?
Me:
Ijustf
eltsomet
hingi
nmybel
l
ymov
ing.
Hewi
denshi
sgaze.
Andi
l
e:Real
l
y?Howdi
ditf
eel
.
Me:Wheny oupl
acedy
ourhandsonmybel
lyi
t
wasasifsomethi
ngwasj
umpinginsi
demy
bel
l
y.ButItwaswarm.
Andil
e:Weneedtoprayaboutt
his.I
thas.Been
happeni
ngforqui
tesometime.
Me:
Yes,
Iagr
eewi
thy
ou.
Me:
Shal
lWe?
Ithi
nkthepeopl
efrom t
hemor gueareher
e
nowt otaket
hebodytothechapel.
Henodsandbefor
ewemakei
ttot
hedoorhe
hol
dsmetight
.
Andi
le:
Today
,youwi
l
lneedt
obest
rong.Il
ove
you.
Me:
Ilov
eYou.
WegoandChloèstar
tsswingi
ngasthepeopl
e
fr
om themor
guetakeherbodyandwefol
low
out.
Wedri
vet
othechur
chandwhenwegett
here
wet
akeourseat
sandt
heprogr
ammebegins.
Fi
rst
lythefri
endsspeakandsi nceMom di dn'
t
haavemuchf r
iendsherclosestf
ri
endwasMr s
Rodr
iguez.Alessia.Jose'
smom.Theyf orgeda
pr
ett
ycl oser
elationshi
pbeforeshepassed
away.
Shespeakssobeaut
if
ull
yaboutmymot
hert
hat
i
tmakesmecr y.
.Peoplet
alkabouthertheni
t'
stimeforthe
famil
y.Trey,
Leil
a,Chloè,Jadev,Andi
leAndI
goupt ot
hestage.
TheyTal
kAndi
t'
smyt
urn.
IGetcl
osert
othepodi
um wi
thAndi
l
enextt
o
me.
Me:Befor
eIspeakI
'
dlov
etosi
ngMyMot
her
's
f
avori
tesong.
"Iknowofapl ace.Aplacewher eallmyt ears
andwor r
ieswi l
lbewipedaway .Iknowofa
home, soper fectandf ulloflove.Onet hatIwil
l
Alway shave.Heav en.Heav enmyr est
ingplace.
Wher eIwi l
lmeetmyf atherandembr acehim.
Wher ehewi l
lholdmei nhi sarmsandt el
lme
thatitisallover.Thetri
alsandt ri
bulati
ons.The
pain.
"
Ist
opasIf
eel
ahugel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
.Icr
y
outloud.Icouldn'
tstopmyself
.Seei
ngthe
coff
in.Thefinali
tyofdeat
hkicki
ngin.
Andi
lerubsmyarm andIwipemyy ear
sand
hol
dont oAndi
l
e'shandasIlookatevery
one
andbackatmymom' spict
ure.
Me:Katheri
neFoerst
erKani.MyMot her
.The
womanwhochosemeov erherfamil
y.Mymom
andIsharedaverydeepbond.Sincechi
ldhood
shewasmor eli
keafriendtome.Shewoul d
makesurethatwespendt i
met oget
herallt
he
ti
me.
IrememberasIgr ewupIbecamev ery
rebell
ious.Awholelotofy ouknowhow
rebell
iousandsavageIwas, however
,My
Mot herneverev
erut t
eredanynegat i
vewor ds
towardsme.Shesawper f
ectionwhenev eryone
elsesawademonofachi ld.Shewouldlaynext
tomebef or
eIsleptandwhi speri
ntomyear s
andsay" YouAret hechosenone.Don' tmind
them becausetheyaret hebrokenones.They
don'
tunderst
andthatt
her
eissomet
hing
speci
alaboutyou.
"
Icr
yonceagai
n.ThehurtIf
eel
cannotbe
compar
edtoanythi
ng.
Me: Motherwasani ncredibl
ewoman.She
Lovedmyf at
hersomucht hatshechosehi m
overeveryt
hingandIguessshet aughtust hat
wheny oulovesomet hingorsomeoneal ot,you
shouldneverletgoinst eady oushouldlovey our
l
ifewiththem tothef ullest
.Takerisks,ev
eni fit
doesn'tl
astyouwoul d'
v efal
leni
nlov eatleast
once.AsIam aboutt ost epdownIj ustwantt o
saythatIam grateful t
ot heAlmightyforgivi
ng
mesuchanamazi ngmot herandTi l
lwemeet
again.
Iexhal
eandAndil
ewalksdownwi
thme.Aswe
sett
ledownmyDadshocksusall
bygoi
ngup
andhestar
tst
alki
ng.
Ev
ery
onei
sint
ear
swhenhet
alks.Ican'
tst
op
cr
yingi
nmyhusband'
schest
.Thi
sissosad.
..
.
CHLOÈ
Af
tert
hefuner
alpeopl
ewer
eser
vedf
oodand
wewentbackhome.
Whenwegothomei
twassocol
d,sol
onel
y.
Wedi
shupandeatar
oundt
hedi
nnert
abl
easa
f
amil
y.
Jai
devshocksal
lofuswhenhesay
shi
sfi
rst
word.
"
Mama"
Weal lexchangelooksandever
yone
congratul
ateshim butIknowdeepi
nsi
deweal
l
hurt
ing.
Howwil
lwet
ell
himt
hathi
smot
herpassed
away
?
Zoet
akeshi
m andhugshi
m.
Zoe:Dad,It
hinkIshouldtakehimf orawhi
let
il
l
yourecover
.Youcant akehim wheny ouar
e
okay
.Ijustdon'
twantt oi
nconvenienceChl
oè.
Dad: That'sf
inewit
hme.Ineedsomet imeto
my self.AndIthi
nkIwanttogotoEasterncape
foraf ewmont hsandgathermysel
f.Tr
ey,you
willhav et
otakecareofChloè.
Tr
ey:
Ofcour
se.
Dad:Rhonqo,
ndi
yabul
elaf
orsuppor
ti
ngus,
especi
all
ymybabygir
l.
Andi
l
e:Noneedt
othankmeTat
a.Wear
e
fami
l
y.
Wesitinsi
lenceandeat.Myphonebeepsand
i
tisJosè.
"
Baby
,Icoul
dn'
ttalktoyouatthefuner
al.ButI
'
d
l
ovet
oseeyoulater.Il
oveyou.Josè.
"
Ismi
l
eabi
tandr
epl
y.
"
Iwoul
dlov
etoseey
oul
ater
.Ineedt
ocl
earmy
mi
nd.Soy
ou'
l
lfet
chmel
ater
.Il
ovey
ou.Chl
oè.
"
It
hinki
t'
sti
met
ost ar
toverandtr
yliv
ing
wi
thoutmymom andgetusedtotaki
ngcar
eof
mydadandmyself
.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
WegettoourhouseandIcanseeZoe'
s
happi
ness.Shehasherl
i
ttl
ebr
otheri
ngetar
ms.
Icoul
dt el
lthatshefeelsli
keamotheratthe
moment .Lordpleasejustgiv
eherababy.She
needsitandshewi ll
beagoodmot herthatI
canseeclearly.
Me:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dpr
epar
ear
oom f
orhi
m.
Zoe:Yesbutbef oret
hatIwanttospendt i
me
wit
hy ou.Jaidevissl
eepingandIjustwantto
bondwi t
hy ou.Wehav en'
thadti
met o
oursel
ves.
If
oll
owherasshegoest
other
oom nextt
o
our
sandplacesJai
devonthebedand
act
ivat
est
hebabymobile.
Wewat
chhi
mforawhi
l
e.
Me:
Youwi
l
lmakeagoodmot
heroneday
.
Shel
aughsandl
ooksatme.
Zoe:
Let
sgot
oourr
oom.
Wegett
hereandshechangesi
ntohershor
ts
andv
estandIchanget
oo.
Me:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
aft
ert
oday
?
Zoe:Ifeel bet
ter.Iknowit'
ssti
ll
goi
ngtohar
d
butIthinkIam ov ertheshocknowandas
muchasi thurtsbutIam bett
er.
Me:Iam j
ustgl
adt
haty
ouf
eel
bet
ter
.Come
her
e.
Shel
aysherheadonmychestandwet
alk.
Zoe:toni
ghtIwanttodosomet
hingspeci
alf
or
you.Justathankyou.
Me:
Youdon'
thav
etoZoe.
Zoe:II
nsi
stbaby
.Any
waywhenar
eyougoi
ng
backtowork?
Me:
Monday
.Iam needed.Andwhatabouty
ou?
Zoe:
Ineedtof
indhi
m anannyf
ir
stt
henIwi
l
l
gobacktowor
k.
Me:OkayIwi
ll
helpyoul
ookf
orone.FornowI
t
hinkwehavetocov
ersomescor
e.
Shel
aughsandshesi
tsonme.
Zoe:Yes,
Ithi
nkmyhusbandhasbeenso
hungry
.Iam suchabadwi
fe.
Me:
Mmh,
buty
oucanmakeupf
ort
hat
.
Shel
aughsandweki
ss.
Sheholdsontomyar msasIt akeoffhervest.
Shetakesoffmytoptoo.Thekissdeepensand
weundress.Shepushesmet othebedand
cl
imbsont opofme.Shestart
sr i
dingme.She
goesonfaster
.If
eelmywhol ebodyr el
ax.Ifeel
chi
l
ls.
Ihol
dont
oherwai
standf
li
pherov
er.
Zoe:
ILov
eYouAndi
l
e.
Shesay
sthatasshemoansoutl
oud.
Me:Il
oveYou.And.
..AndIwantt
ospendt
he
r
estofmyli
fewithy
ou.
Ipoundint
oher.Wemakel
oveandaf
tert
hat
shelay
snexttome.
Me:
Remembermyfri
endKhaya?Thepr
ince,
t
hedoct
orwhowasatourweddi
ng?
Me:
Ohy
esBi
anca'
shusband?
Me:Yes.Theyarecomingt hi
ssideandI
wantedtotal
ktoyoufi
rst.I
sitokayift
heystay
her
e.Ihaven'
tseenhi
mi nawhi l
e.Andhe'l
lbe
i
ntownsoi nst
eadofbookingint
oahot el
Ithink
i
twouldbebetteri
fhestayedhere.
Me:
Ofcour
se.I
t'
sokaywi
thme.
Justt
henJai
devst
art
scryi
ngsoIgetupand
wearmygownandgot ot
heroom.Ichangehi
s
nappyt
hent
akehi
mtoourr
oom.
Me:It
hinkhisbott
lei
sfini
shedIneedt
odoi
t.
Coul
dpleaseholdhimforawhil
e.
ANDI
LE:
Youdon'
tneedt
oaskbaby
.
Ihandhi
m ov
ert
oAndi
l
eandgoout
.
Ir
eacht
heki
tchenandmakehi
sbot
tl
e.
WhenIgobackIst
andatthedoorwhenI
real
i
zehowmuchfunAndi
leishavi
ng.It
'scl
ear
hewantshi
sown.Imeanalmostever
yone
wantst
ohaveachil
dLi
kethei
rownchild.
Ientertheroom andsitnextt
othem andaswe
waitforhismil
kt ocooloff
.
Wepl
aywi
thhi
m andhel
ooksatmeandsay
s
Mama.
Il
ookatAndi
l
ewhosmi
l
es.
ANDILE:tohi
my ouaremorel
ikeamother.He
seesyou.Taki
ngcareofhi
m,prot
ect
inghi
m
andall
.Thatmakeshimthi
nkyouarehismom.
Me:
Itj
ustf
eel
sgoodt
obecal
l
edt
hat
.
Wecontinuepl
ayi
ngt
oget
herunt
ilhest
art
s
cr
yingsoIfeedhi
m.
.
..
..
SI
PHOKAZI
I
t'sThebookl aunchtonightandIam atHome
preparing.Iwearay ell
ow anklelengthdr ess
thatistightf
itti
ngandof ftheshoulder.Iwear
greenpenci lheel
s.Wi t
ht i
emybr aidsintoa
neatbun.Iputonsomesubt lel
ipgl osslookat
my selfonthemi rror
.
"
Youar
ebeaut
if
ul.
"Iwhi
spert
omy
sel
f.
Ideci
dedt
ogowi
tht
hebossandhi
spar
tner
.
Hecall
smeasIt
akemygr
eenenv
elopecl
utch
bag.
Me:
MrNkosi
.
MrNkosi
:Pl
easesendmey
ouraddr
ess.
Me:
Iwi
l
lsendi
tjustnowSi
r.
Isendhi
m myaddr essaf
tert
hatItakeonef
inal
l
ookatmy sel
fthenIgodownstai
rs.
Mom:
Wazewamhl
esanal
wam.
Me:
Enkosi
Mama.
Itakemybabyandl ookathim.Al
thoughhe
resemblesthatbr
utebutheismyson.Hewill
beabet termanthanhisf
atherev
erwas.He
willbecomethegreat
est.
Ihughi
m andpl
acehi
m onhi
scr
ib.
Minutesl
aterourdoorbell
ringsandmymom
tel
lsmet ogoandputmysont osleepi
nhis
room andShewillopen,
soIdoasIam t ol
dand
hurrytomyson'sroom whereIplacehi
m down.
.
..
.
KHETHELO
Iam Khet
hel
oNkosiandIam theownerofa
mult
ipl
epubl
icat
ioncompani
es.
SiphokaziRhonqoRadebe,
Iknewherbef
ore
sheev enappli
edforaj
ob.
Imether,actual
l
ysawheratabookstor
eback
i
nUK, Ibel
i
eveshewasSti
llmar
ri
edbecause
sheworear i
ngandwaswit
hherhusband,Mr
Radebe.
Ili
kedherf
rom t
henal t
houghshewasmer ely
obeyi
ngherhusbandbuttherewassomet hing
abouthert
hatcaughtmyat t
enti
on.Perhaps,
thewayshesmiles,thewayhereyeswi dened
whenshesmilesandherdimplesstruckout.
Thewayshewal ked.Hercur
ves,j
usthowIl ike
mywomen.
Ishakemyheadandr
ingt
hedoorbel
l
.
Awomanopenst hedoor,
andIassumei
t'
sher
mom becauset
heylookali
ke.
Me:
Mol
weni
Mama.
Mr
sRhonqo:
Mol
omnt
anam.
Sheusher
smei nandassur
esmethat
Si
phokazi
willbedowninamoment.Sheoff
ers
mesomethingtodri
nksoIdri
nkwateri
nst
ead.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Imur
murasshehandsmeagl
assofwat
er.
"CLICK""CLICK"!Ihearthecl
icki
ngsoundof
heelsandIlookup.MyEy esdon'tbeli
evewhat
theysee.Siphokazi!I
nAy ell
owdr ess.Sheis
enchanti
ng, f
ascinati
ng.Herbeautifuley
es
meetmi neandIam f ul
l
yawar eoftheef f
ectI
haveonher .
Shewalkstowardsmeandhav i
ngmynat ur
eof
notbacki
ngdownonanychal l
engeIst
areat
heraswell
.Shebreakst
heey econt
actbutI
star
eatherunti
lsheisr
ightbef
oreme.
Me:YouAreexqui
sit
eMi
ssRhonqo.Youj
ust
l
ookSubl
ime.
Si
phokazi
:ThankYouSi
r.
'
Sir
'?Itsoundssexyandar
ousi
ngcomi
ngf
rom
herbeauti
fulmout
h.
It
akeherhandi
ntomi
nes.
Me:
Shal
lwe?
Si
phokazi
:Ofcour
se.By
eMama.
Ial
sopassonmygoodby
etohermom.
Wel
eav
eandmydr
iverdr
ivesust
otheev
ent
.
Iwat
chherassheconst
ant
lyshi
ft
sbesi
desme.
Me:
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngwr
ongMi
ssRhonqo?
Si
phokazi
:Not
hingSi
r.
Thatcomesoutasamer
ewhi
sper
.
Me:RelaxMi ssRhonqo.Idon'
tbi
te.Andi
fIdo,
I
makeitpleasantonmyv ict
im.
WelookateachotherandIbi
temyl
i
psandI
seehershi
ftagai
n.
Ineedt
otr
ainher
.
.
..
..
Amanda
Ithasbeen3l
ongyear
sandIhav
en'
tseenhi
m.
Ineedtogotohi
m.
Ipackmyl
astbagi
ntomycarandcl
osei
t.
Idon'tcarewhoisinhisl
i
fenow.Ineedmy
boyfri
endbackandwhoev ertri
estost
opme
wil
l f
acethefir
e.Iwil
lmakeithardonThat
person..
.
Icl
osemydoorandbegi
nmydr
ivet
oCape
Town.
ZOE
Iwakeupi
nhi
sar
ms.WhenIl
ookatt
hecl
ock
i
t'
s6am .
SoIheadtothebathr
oom andrunAndil
eabath
thengodownstai
rswhereIMakebreakf
astf
or
usandmilkf
orJaidev.
Ir
etur
nanhourl
ater
.
IshakeAndi
l
esof
tl
y.
Me:BabyYougoi
ngtobel
atef
orwor k.Your
shi
ftst
art
sat9youneedt
ogetready
.
Hi
sEy
esopenandheget
sup.
Me:Iranyouabat h,t
akeashowerandcome
downstai
rs.Ineedtogety
ourclot
hesr
eady.
Heget
sof
fbedandcomest
ome.
Andi
l
e:GoodMor
ningbeaut
if
ul.
Ourl
i
pst
ouchandweki
ss.
Me:
GoodMor
ningMrRhonqo.
Hesmi lesandthenheadstothebathr
oom.I
takeoutsomecl ot
hesforhi
m andhangt hem.I
fi
xt hebedandthebabymoni t
orbeeps.Then
foll
owedbyt hesoundofmybabybr other
.I
rushtohisroom.Ichangehisnappythentake
himt omyr oom.
Ipl
acehi
m downandcl
eanar
oundf
ir
st.
Andil
eemergesf
rom t
hebathr
oom mi
nut
es
l
aterandpl
ayswit
hJaidev
.
Andil
e:Youareanatur
al.Lookathowyouar
e
j
uggli
ngy ourwor
k,meandJai devandt
he
housetoo.Youareagoodmot her.
Ismi
l
efai
ntl
yandcont
inue.
Igodownst
air
sandwar
m upt
hebr
eakf
astand
hi
smilkt
oo.
Adoorbel
lst
opsmeandIheadt
othedoor
.I
smi
lewhenIopent
hedoor
.
Me:MrsJonas.Comein.Youj
usti
nti
mewe
aboutt
ohavebreakf
ast.
Shesmi
l
esandent
ers.
MrsJonas:Ijustcamet
ocheckupony
ou.How
ar
eyouholdingup?
Me: Pl
easesi
t.Iam good,Iam copi
ng.Andi
l
e
hasbeenagoodhusbandandhasbeen
suppor
ti
ngmesoy eahi t
'sbeeneasy.Mybaby
brot
heri
sher
e.It
ookhi
m sot
hatdadget
sti
me
tohi
mself
.
Andi
l
ecomesdownwi
thJai
dev
.
Me:
Ther
etheyar
e.Myboy
s.
Mr
sJonasSmi
l
esandt
akesJai
dev
.
Mr
sJonas:
Hei
sbeaut
if
ul.Hel
ooksl
i
key
ou.
Me:
Yeaht
hati
sbecausehel
ooksl
i
kemydad.
Idishupforever
yoneandwesitandhav
e
breakf
astoverali
ghtconv
ersat
ion.
Me:
IneedaNanny
,doy
ouknowany
oneMa'
am?
MrsJonas:
Icanlookafterhi
mf ory
ou.Isiti
dle
t
hewholeday.Imightaswelll
ookafterhi
m.
Me:OhnoMa'am Idon'twantt
otake
adv
antageofy
ourkindnessandyouareunwel
l
.
MrsJonas:II
nsi
stZoe.Iam Okay
.AndIwoul
d
l
ovetohelpyouout
.Youcanshowerandgoto
workIwil
ll
ookaft
erhim.
Me:Okayi fyouinsi
stbutIwil
lfi
rstcooky
ou
somethingtoeatduringthedayandmake
ever
ythi
ngav ail
ablef
oryou.Soitismuch
easi
er.Iwill
bathhim aswell
.
MrsJonas:
OkayMydear
.Nowgoandget
r
eady.
Iheadupstai
rsandt
akeashower.Iwearmy
blackpant
s,anudebl
ouseandt
iemyhai rup.
Iwearmynudeheel
s.
Iputonanapronandquickl
ymakesomethi
ng
forMrsJonasandIbat
hJaidevaswel
l.
IshowMrsJonasev
ery
thi
ngandAndi
l
leandI
Leavej
usti
nti
me.
Me:MrsJonashasbecomefamil
y.I
tfeel
sli
ke
shei
sthegrandmot
herInev
erhad.
Andil
e:Yessheisfondofusandtakescar
eof
us.Areyousureyouarereadyt
ogobackto
workthough?
Me:
Yes,
li
femustgoonandIknowt
hat
'swhat
Mymom woul
d'
vewant
ed.
Andi
le:
Okaybutdon'
tbet
oohar
dony
our
sel
f.
Okay
?
Me:
Yesdearhusband.
Hedr
ivesmet
omyof
fi
ce.
Andi
le:
Iwi
l
ltel
lRosst
obr
ingy
ourcar
.Il
ove
you.
Hel
eansf
orwar
dandki
ssesme.
Me:
Ilov
eYout
oo.I
'
llseey
oul
ater
.
Ij
umpof
fandheadt
omyof
fi
ce.
WhenIwalkinmystaf
fscream "
SURPRISE!
"I
l
ookatthem andt
heyhaveball
oonsandahuge
cake.
Mel
i
ssa:
Wear
egl
ady
oubackMa'
am!
Me:
Thanky
ouguy
s.
Wehav
eabr
iefpar
tyandi
t'
sbackt
owor
kfor
us.
MyCl
i
entMrNkosi
cal
l
sme.
Me:
Nkosi
.It
'sbeenal
ongt
ime.
MrNkosi:YeahIthasbeenalongt ime.List
en
KaniIneedyoutogoov eracontractforme.I
scor
edadeal nowIneedt oproofreadthe
cont
ractandlookforanythi
ngthatmi ghtaff
ect
me.
Me:IWil
lCometoyourof
fi
ce.Yousti
l
loweme
agi
ftyounev
eratt
endedmywedding.
MrNkosi
:Iwasoutoft
hecount
ry.Youmar
ri
ed
adoct
orri
ght
?
Me:
Yes,
DrAndi
l
eRhonqo.
MrNkosi:
Rhonqo?Ishebychancer
elat
edt
oa
Si
phokaziRhonqo?
Me:
Shei
shi
scousi
n.Whydoy
ouask?
MrNkosi
:Shei
sthenewJuni
orEdi
tor
.
Me:Wow!Thatamazing.Shej
ustrecov
ered
f
rom anabusi
ver
elat
ionshi
p.Sheneededthi
s
j
ob.
MrNkosi
:Real
l
y?Iwasn'
tawar
e.Whowasshe
mar
ri
edto?
Me:
Pri
nceLi
thaRadebe.
MrNkosi:Radebe,TheHotshotbusinessguru.
ButheyIam gladshefoughttheabuse.Kani
,I'
l
l
needyoutocomebyt hisaft
ernoon.
Me:Okay.I
'
llt
exty
outheti
meaft
erl
ookingat
myschedul
eIhavebeenawayf
orwaytoolong.
MrNkosi
:Okay
.
Wehangupandi
sitandgot
hroughM di
ary
wi
thmyP.A.
Ihav
ebackt
obackmeet
ingswi
thmycl
i
ent
sti
l
l
3pm .
Iworkandwor
k.Att
endi
ngmymeet
ings.Iev
en
havetopr
epar
eforcour
t.Mymom'
sWI LLwil
l
ber
eadoutToni
ght
.
Iam t
ir
ed!Ihav
ebeenworki
ng,
taki
ngcar
eof
peopl
e.It
'sr
eal
lyt
ir
ing.
Ipackmythi
ngssincei
t'
s3pm andIneedt
ogo
toNkosi
'
soffi
ce.
.
..
..
.
SI
PHOKAZI
ThebookLaunchwasamazi ng.Il
earntso
much,mingledwi
thAlotofpeopleanditwas
over
whel
mi ngatt
hesamet ime.Beingcloset
o
MrNkosiwasbewilder
ing.
Il
ookatMyr
evi
ewonceagai
nandf
inal
l
yIam
done.
Iheadt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.
Me:
Sir
.
MrNkosi
:Mi
ssRhonqo.Youmaycomei
n.
Ient
erandhandov
ert
hef
il
es.
Me: Iwr
otearev
iewaboutt
hebookand
checkedit
.Ev
eryt
hingy
ouneededi
sinthi
sfi
l
e.
MrNkosi:Thanky
ou.PleasesitMrsRhonqo,
Mylawyerwill
behereshort
lysowecango
thr
oughthenewcontractwi
ththenew
company.Theywantyoutobei nv
olv
ed.
Me:
OkaySi
r.
Isi
tther
eandhelooksatme,
mor
eli
kepi
erces
thr
oughmyskin.
MrNkosi
:Thatmar
k.
Il
ookathi
m ashepoi
ntsatmyneck.
Me:
Mar
k?
MrNkosi
:thescar
.Whoi
nfl
i
ctedi
t?
Ibl
i
nkqui
teal
otbef
oreanswer
ing.
Me:
Myexhusband.
Il
ookawayandHegr
owl
smor
eli
ker
oar
ing.
MrNkosi
:Mi
ssRhonqo,
Iam gl
ady
oust
art
ed
working.Bei
ngindependentwi
llt
eachyouto
punishamannomat terhowri
chheis.Youcan
tot
allydest
royand.Leavehim.
AsIam aboutt
oanswerZoecomesI
n.
Zoe:
Nkosi
.
Shenodsandt
urnst
olookatme.
Zoe:Skwiza,ni
cetoseey
ouagain.Ar
eyou
set
tli
ngin?IsNkosini
cet
oyouorbeinghi
s
normalgrumpyscarymonst
er?
Weal
ll
aughandIshakemyhead.
Me:MrNkosii
sav er
ygoodman,andagood
boss.Sonohehasn'
tbeenamonst
er.
Il
ookathi
m andhest
aresbackatme.
Zoe:Ohwel
l,
shal
lwebegi
n.Ineedt
ogoi
nan
hour
'sti
me.
MrNkosi
nodsandwest
art
.
.
..
..
CHLOÈ
I
t'
s3:
30andIam wi
thJosèatt
hemal
l
.
Me:Imi
ssmymom.It
'squi
etwi
thouther
.Pl
us
mydadi
sleav
ingt
omorr
ow.He
Sai
dheneededsometimeawayfr
om t
he
housecausei
tremi
ndshi
m ofMom.
Josè:Youshouldgi
vehimtime.Heneedsto
recov
er.YourMotherwashiswhol
eli
fe.Idoubt
heevenimaginedalif
ewit
houther
.
Me:Yest hatistrue.YouknowwhenIt hi
nk
aboutitIreall
yadmi remymot her'
sstr
ength.
Shewasabl etoconceiveandnur t
urel
itt
le
Jai
devwhi lefight
ingoffcancer.Sheneverfel
l
apartnordidsheal l
owust oseeherweak.She
wasf i
ghti
ngt oliveforJai
devit'
sapityshe
coul
dn'tholdonf orlonger
.
If
eel
myt
ear
smaket
hei
rwaydown.
Josè:
Chl
oèIdon'
tunder
standhowy
ouf
eel
but
Iknowhowi tf
eelstol
osesomeoney oul
ove.
Thepainitl
eavesyouwit
h,theunanswer
ed
quest
ions,y
ouf eel
bet
rayed.
HelooksawayandIcat
chafeel
ing.Hehas
gonethr
oughsomethi
ngoft
hissort.
Ilookathi
seyesandtheyarer
ed.Youcansee
thatheisf
ight
ingbackhi
stear
s.
Me:However,
lov
eandf
ait
hal
way
sget
sus
t
hroughi
tall
.
Ihol
dhi
shandandhesmi
l
es.
Josè:
Letsgotomyhouse.Wewillhel
pmy
mom outwit
hbaking.Shei
sbaki
ngmuf f
ins,
thenI
'
llt
akeyouhome.
Me:
Okay
.
Wedri
vetohi
scri
bandwhenwegett
her
e.I
gr
eetMissAl
essi
a.
MrsAl
essi
a:Chl
oè!Whatapleasantsur
pri
se.
Howareyouandever
yoneathome.
Me:
Iam copi
ngandev
ery
onei
stoo.
Josè:
Ithoughtwecoul
dhel
py oubakeI
twi
l
l
hel
phergethermindof
fthi
ngs.
MrsAlessi
a:Yesthat'
sri
ght
.Canyoubake?I
knowyourmom wasgoodi ntheki
tchenshe
musthavetaughtyou.
Me:
YesIcanbakej
ustaboutev
ery
thi
ng.
Ismi
l
eandgetanapr
onandweal
lSt
artbaki
ng
I
treal
l
yfeel
sli
kemymom i
sar
ound.
IMakeachocol
atecakeandt
heyt
ast
eit
.
MrsAlessi
a:Wow!Thi
sist
hebest
.Iwanty
ou
t
oteachmehowt omakeit
.
Ismil
eandshehugsmeandIdon'twantt
oli
eit
fel
tsowarm .Exact
lyl
i
ket
hehugsMom and
Zoegive.
Me:
Thanky
ouMr
sAl
essi
a.
Mr
sAl
essi
a:Cal
lmeMom orMa.Justst
op
bei
ngf
ormal
.
Il
aughandshepul
l
susi
nforahug.
.
..
..
ALWANDE
IreachCapeTownandIpar katagarage.
Wher eIgetafewr ef
reshmentsandhitt
heroad.
Mymom beggedmenotcomeher ebuthow
canIl ethi
m behappy?Hel ef
tmej ustl
iket
hat.
Het ookeveryt
hingandleftme.Hetookmy
heart.Heleftme.Ineedtoseehim.
Icl
osemyey
esandbr
eat
hei
n.
Ipasshishouse,ever
ythi
ngi
sst
il
lthesame.He
wil
lneverchange.
Ineedt ogetreadyfortoni
ght
.Isawhispost.
Hehasapar t
yinwhi chheinv
itedev
eryonehe
knows.Ineedt oscanandseei fhehasa
gir
lf
riend.SoIwillbeinfor
medwhenIMakemy
mov e.
Igett
omyhouseandI tst
il
lhast
hesame
atmospher
easIl
efti
t.Col
d.
Icl
osemyeyesasIinhal
ehi
sscent
.Itst
il
l
l
inger
sint
hishouse.
Icansti
lleasi
lysmellhi
m.Iam crazyand
obsessed.However,Iam pr
egnantaswel l
and
heneedst obether
ei nhi
schil
d'sli
fe.Idon't
wantthechildtogr
owupwi thoutafatherli
keI
did.
Youwi
l
lknowaboutmesoon.
.
.
..
..
.
ANDI
LE
Aft
erWor
kIbuyaf
ewt
hingsanddr
ivest
rai
ght
home.
WhenIgett
hereIam welcomedbya
hear
twar
mingsightt
hatIwon'
teverf
orget.
Zoeint
heki
tchen,
bar
efeetwi
thJai
devonher
backcl
i
ngi
ngontoher
.
Ist
andt
her
eandadmi
ret
hisbeaut
if
ulv
iew.
Me:
Honey
,Iam home!
Shet
urnsandsmi
l
esatme.
Icl
oset
hedoorandwal
ktot
hem.
Me:
Youl
ooksocut
e.Heyt
her
eJai
dev
.
Zoe:Thankyou.Thereadi
ngofthewillhasbeen
postponedsinceherdadlef
tal
ready.Idon'
t
thi
nkhei sokay.Heneedsmotherl
yaffecti
on
andIknowhowmuchmygr andmalov eshim.
Shewi l
lcer
tainl
ytakecar
eofhim.
Me:
Ofcour
se.HasMr
sJonasl
eft
?
Zoe:Noshewasf eel
ingunwellsoIsuggested
shesleepover.It
hinkweshoul daskherto
movei nwi
thus.Shei stoooldandtooillt
obe
al
one.Iwil
lgetapr of
essionalnur
sewhocan
al
solookafterJai
dev .Sowhatdoy outhink?
Me:Iagr
eewit
hy ou.Shei
stoool
dtost
ay
al
one.Andhercondi
ti
onneedst
obemonit
ored.
Iwill
getanursethenwecani
nter
viewher
together
.FornowcanIki
ssmydarlingwi
fe?
Shegr
insandnods.
Iki
ssherandaf
tertheki
ssshet
ell
smet o
fr
eshenupupst
air
ssowecanhav edi
nner.
Itakeashoweraf
tert
hatIwearmypyj
amas
andgownandheaddownstair
swhereIhel
pher
setthedi
nnert
abl
eandItakeJai
devwhenwe
aredone.
Me:Youmustbetir
ed.GoandwakeMr
sJonas
upIwil
lputJai
devt
osleep.
Zoe:
OkayThanky
ou.
Wedoj
ustt
hatandsher
etur
nswi
thMr
sJonas.
Me:
Howar
eyou?Doy
oust
il
lfeel
il
l?
MrsJonas:Iam Okay.IFel
tabi
tli
ghtheaded
ear
li
erbutIam Okay.
Wesi
tatthedi
nnert
abl
eandweli
stentoher
pl
i
ght
.Forthef
ir
stti
meshecr
iest
alki
ngabout
herdaught
erandhowmuchshemi
ssesher
.
Zoe:
Giv
emehercont
actdet
ail
sIwi
l
lcal
lher
.
MrsJonas:
AndsayWhatZoe?Shedoesn'
t
Car
eaboutme.
Zoe:
Trustme.Justgi
vemehercont
actdet
ail
s.
Sheisrel
uct
antbutendsupgi
vi
nghert
he
det
ail
s.
Wecontinueeat
ingandIfeelsor
ryForMrs
Jonassheshoul
dn'tbegoingthr
oughthi
sat
thi
sage.
Aft
erdi
nnerweallwatcht.
vandIf
inal
lyseeher
andZoelaughgenui
nely
.Wearewatchinga
comedyshow.
ThankyouLord.Thankyouforbr
ingi
ngfort
h
thi
sli
tt
lehappi
nessbackintomywi f
e'sl
i
feand
giv
inghermaturi
tyaswell
.
Me:Hav
eyouspokent
oChl
oèt
oday
?Howi
s
she?
Zoe:
OhMyGod!If
orgotl
etmecal
lher
.
Shegrabsherphoneandcal
l
sChl
oèsheput
sit
onSpeaker.
Zoe:Heybabysi
s.
Chl
oè:
HeySi
s.Howar
eyou?
Zoe:Ishoul
dbeaski
ngyout
hat.Iam f
ine.Ar
e
youOkay?Youknowyoucancomeherer i
ght
?
Chl
oè:
Don'
tworr
ySis.Tr
eyandLei
l
aar
etaki
ng
car
eofme.Weare
act
ual
lygoi
ngoutt
oar
est
aur
ant.Iam Okay
.
Weall
coping.
Zoe:Iam gladyouguysar
e.Takecar
eof
your
selves.Andgreett
hem f
orme.Il
oveyou
babysis.
Chl
oè:
Ilov
eYout
oo.
ShehangsupandIcanreadherexpr
essi
on.
Shei
swor r
iedaboutt
hem.
.
..
..
ZOE
AsIhangupIsi
tforawhi
l
eandmyphoner
ings
i
t'
smydad.
Dad:
Ayanda.
Me:
Dad,
Howar
eyou?Ar
eyouOkay
?
Dad:
Iam OkayMybaby
.Howar
eyou?
Me:
Iam t
aki
ngi
tonedayatat
ime.Ev
ery
onei
s.
Dad:Wel
lbabyIwast
hinki
ngoftaki
ngJaidev
.I
wanthi
mt ocomeher
e.Heistherecent
memoryofyourmom Ihav
e.Ourcreati
on.
Me:
Arey
ousur
edad?
Dad:Yesbaby.Youneedtoli
veyourli
fe.You
areanewlywe'dandneedtogiv
eall y
our
att
enti
ontoAndil
e.SoI'
l
lbetherefi
rstthi
ngin
themorni
ng.
Me:
OkayDad.
If
eelmyhear
tbr
eak.Hav
ingJai
devher
emade
mefeel
li
keamother.
Ihangupandl
ookathi
mthenatAndi
l
easI
breakt
henewstohi
m.
ANDI
LE:
Arey
ouOkay
?
Me:Yes,
Imeanitwast
empor
ary.Iknewt
his
woul
dhappen.
Mr
sJonas:ZOE,
youwi
l
lhav
eyourown.God
wi
l
lsur
pri
seyou.
Inodf
aki
ngasmi
l
e.
Wewatcht
.vandIf
orgetaboutmywor
ri
esas
wel
augh.
.
..
..
SI
PHOKAZI
Iam i
nbedbusywi
thmywor
kasmyphone
ri
ngsit
'sLi
tha.
Me:
Radebe.
Li
tha:Si
phokazi
,Iheardyou'
vebeenbusy
gal
lopi
ngwithNkosi,wherei
smyson?
Me: MrNkosi i
smyboss,Ibetyoudidn'
tknowI
foundaj ob.Wewenttoabooklaunchtogether.
Idon'thavetoexpl
ainmysel
ftoyou.Mysoni s
herewithme.Hei sMine!
Li
tha:
Ma'
Rhonqo!
Me:Radebe!
Idon'toweyouat hi
ng.Eveni
fI
weretodatethatdoesn'
tconcer
ny ou.We
di
vorcedeachother.YouNeverchange!I
t'
s
di
sgusti
ng!
Ihangupandcont
inuewi
thmywor
k.
Ifeelsoindependentatt
hemomentandI
regretbei
ngtrappedbyLitha!
Igetupandcheckonmysonwhoi ssl
eeping.
Thanky ouLord!Heist
heonlyt
hingt
hatkeeps
megoi ng.Ikisshi
sfor
eheadandheadtomy
room again.
Myphoneri
ngsandnowi
t'
sKhuzway
oThenew
guyImet
.
Me:
Khuzway
o.
Iknowit
'sweir
dbutIl
ikeaddr
essi
ngpeopl
e
witht
hei
rsurnames.
Khuzway
o:Si
phokazi
.Howar
eyou?
Me:
Iam wel
landhowar
eyou?
Khuzwayo:Iam good.Iwoul
dli
ketoi
nvi
tey
ou
overtomybusinesspartyt
omorr
ow.YouWil
l
probabl
ymeetpeoplewhoy ouwil
lmi
ngl
ewith
andtalkbookswit
h.
Il
augh.Heisright
!Ineedtheexposur
e
al
thoughIdon'
twanttoleaveMrNkosi'
s
companybutIwouldli
kesomeexposure.
Me:
Thatwoul
dbegr
eat
.Thanksf
ori
nvi
ti
ngme.
Khuzwayo:AndI'
ll
getachancetolookatyou.
Youarebeauti
ful
.Idon'
twantt
or ushyouIjust
wanttoknowy oubett
er.
Igr
inl
ikeaHighschoolt
eenagerwhohasj
ust
bumpedint
ohercrush.
Me:
That
'ssweetofy
ou.Thanky
ou.
Khuzway
o:seey
out
omor
rowbeaut
if
ul.
HehangsupandIsmil
e.May
bet
hisi
smy
chancet
obehappyagai
n.
Icl
osemyl
apt
opandsl
eep.
ZOE
Iam atwor
kandIrememberIhadpr
omi
sed
MrsJonastocal
lherdaught
er.
It
akemyphoneanddialhernumberandtomy
gr
eatestsur
pri
sei
tdi
rect
smet oBree'
sphone,
Tr
ey'
sex.
Me:
Bree,
Ist
haty
ou?
Br
ee:
Yesandwhoar
eyou?
Me:
Zoe,Iam cal
l
ingy
ouconcer
ningy
our
mot
her
.
Bree:MyMot
her
?Howonear
thdoy
ouknow
her?
Me:Shest
ayswit
hmenow,
weareneighbor
s.
I
'dl
ovetomeetupwi
thy
ouandt
alk.
Br
ee:
Idon'
twantt
o.
Me:
Please,
itwon'
ttakeupy
ourt
ime.I
t'
s
i
mport
ant.
Br
ee:
Fine,
tex
tmet
headdr
essandI
'
llcome.
Me:
Thanky
ou.Iwi
l
l.
Br
ee:
Whatev
er!
ShehangsupandIputmyphonedown.Whyi s
shedoingthistohermom.Sheusedt otel
l
Tremainthathermom ist
heonl
yper sonwho
keepshergoing,bef
orehecamealongof
course.
Icont
inueworki
ngbutIam dy
ingt
otalkt
oher.
Ij
ustwanttoknowwhatherprobl
em i
s.
.
..
.
ANDI
LE
Iam atwor
kwhenmybr
othercal
l
sme.
Me:
Siseko.
Siseko:
Bhut'
Andi
le.Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ou.I
n
personit
'sur
gent
.
Me:
Arey
ouOkay
?Isev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
?
Siseko:Iwil
ltel
lyouwhenImeety
ou.Youar
e
atwor kri
ght?
Me:
Yes.
Si
seko:
Iam comi
ngt
her
e.
HehangsupandIam l
eftcur
ious.Whatis
happeni
ng?OhMygoodnessIjusthope
ever
ythi
ngisokay
.
.
..
..
SI
PHOKAZI
Iam i
nmyof
ficer
eadi
ngamanuscr
iptasIam
summonedt
oMrNkosi'sof
fi
ce.
Iwal
ktohi
soff
iceandwhenIgett
her
eIam
i
nstr
uct
edtosi
t.
Me:
MayIhel
pyousi
r?
MrNkosi:Yes,
wehav
eyetanot
herl
auncht
o
at
tendnextweek.
Me:OhYesyouhadment i
oneditt
omewhen
wespokeaboutSandyJones'
book.
MrNkosi:AndImustwar
nyout
haty
ourex
husbandwil
lbet
here.
Me:
Butwhysi
r?
MrNkosi:Hei
sappar
ent
lyoneoft
heaut
hor
's
sponsor
s.
Me:
He'
spr
obabl
yjustsl
eepi
ngwi
tht
hewoman.
IsnortandwidenmygazewhenIr
eal
i
zeI
blur
tedthatout.
Me:Iam sosor
rysir
.Ididn'
tmeantobesor
ude.
Idon'
thaveapr
oblem Icanhandl
ehim.
MrNkosi:
Okay.Youmayresumewithyour
wor
kIjustwantedt
obri
efyouaboutthat
.
Inodandwalkout
.WhenIreachmydeskmy
phoneri
ngssoIansweri
tandit
'sSi
ya.
Me:
Khuzway
o.
Siya:Iam throwi
ngapart
ythi
sSaturdayand
everyimpor t
antper
sonwil
lbether
e.I'
dlovet
o
hav eyouthere.
Me:
I'
dlov
etobutIdon'
thav
eababy
sit
ter
.
Si
ya:Youmaycomewit
hyousoni
t'
sreal
l
y
Okay
.Itwon'
tbeawi
l
dparty
.
Me:
Ift
hat
'st
hecaset
henIam comi
ng.
Si
ya:
Iwi
l
lseey
out
her
ebeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Okayby
e.
WebothhangupandIsmi l
e.Si
yaandIhav e
deci
dedtot
akethingsslowlybecauseIdon'
t
wanttor
ushanythingt
histi
me.
Iexhal
eandcont
inuewor
king.
.
..
..
TREY
Iam att
heof
fi
cewhenIgetaphonecal
lfr
om
Max.
Me:
Max,
buddy
.Anynews?
Max:Dude,Del
shar
oGuadèzè,
doest
hatname
r
ingabell
?
Me:
Del
shar
o?
Max:Yes.Amerchant
,heisi
ntogun
assembl
ingandsmuggli
ng.
Me:
Yes,
theManf
rom Br
azi
l
.
Max:Well
hehappenstobeseei
ngBr
ee.AndI
t
hinkshei
sindanger
.
Me:
whydoy
out
hinkso?
Max:YouknowhowmuchBr eeloveshermom.
Butsher
ecent
lydi
tchedher
,sheleftand
abandonedheri
ll
motherforthi
smanandher
mom stayswit
hyoursi
ster.
Me:
Canwemeetupl
aterandt
alkaboutt
his?
Max:
Ofcour
seman.
Ihangup.Del
shar
oGuadèzè.It
hinkIknowt
he
guy,Ihav
ehadanencount
erwit
hhi m.
Ij
usthopeBreei
ssaf
e.Iknowthi
ngsdidn'
t
workoutbet
weenusbutIcar
eforher
.
.
..
..
CHLOÈ
Iam wi
thJosèi
nhi
sroom andwear
edoi
ngour
assi
gnment.
Wehav ebeengoi ngoutmor eoften,
gett
ingto
knoweachot herandthemor eIgett
oknow
himisthemor eIsensesomet hi
ngabouthi
m
thatIcan'
tputmyf i
ngeron.Heissweetandall
butthereissomet hi
nghehidesf r
om me,more
l
ikehidinghisrealsel
ffrom me.Ihavenoti
ced
howthoseeyesturneddarkyethi
sfacewoul
d
haveasmileonhisface.Josèisj
ust
myster
iousandIwouldlovetoknowthereal
hi
m.
Weread"Apairofbl
ueeyes"byThomasHardy
si
nceouressayhastobebasedonthebook.
Thei
rschooli
sdoingi
ttoofort
heexam.
Me:
Iam exhaust
ednow.
Isayr
ubbi
ngMyEy
esv
igor
ousl
yandhey
awns
aswell
.
Josè:Iam t
ir
edtoo.Thisbooki
sjustt
ool
ong,
it
i
smi ndblowingbuti
t'
sjustt
oolong.
Me: Yesi
t'
stoolong.Iam l
azy
.Sohowwas
yourfoot
bal
lpracti
ce?
IaskasIcl
i
mbont
ohi
sbed.
Josè:
Itwasawesome, wehadaf ri
endl
ymatch
andourteam won.Iam t
ir
edthough.Mylegs
wereoverworkedtodayt
heyaresoreashell
.
Me:
Comel
etmegi
vey
ouamassage.
Isuggestandhenods.
Ist
artmassagi
nghi
m andwetal
kbutIaskJim
abouthi
sdadandwhyheisal
waysnothere
whenIcomeandIfeelhi
smuscl
escontr
act
andsti
ff
en.
Hetakesal
aughandj
ustsi
mpl
ysay
s"hei
s
wor
king.
"
Me: Wow!I
tmustbecoolwhenheisaround.
YouGuysmustprobabl
yhavecat
chingup
sessi
ons.
Josè:
Nah,wedon'thav
ethat
.Any
wayHowi
s
yourf
amil
y?Ar
ey ouOkay?
Hei
sav
oidi
ngt
het
opi
c.Ideci
det
oleti
tsl
i
de.
Me:Ever
yonei
sokay
.AndI
,wel
lIam t
aki
ngi
t
onedayatati
me.
Josè:
Iam pr
oudofyou.Youar
estrongerthan
wmanypeopleoutt
here.Somepeoplearejust
sl
avest
othei
rci
rcumst
ancesandt
hei
ril
lfat
e.
Me:WellIt
hinkthebestmedi
cineI
.dprescr
ibe
i
sGod.It'
seasiert
odealwit
hsomethingwhen
youhav
eGod.
Josè:
Yeah.
Hesaysthatdr
ylyandi
tmakesmewonderwhy
hei
sthiswaytowardshi
sdad.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
Iam atmyof f
icehav
ingl
unchandchat
ti
ngt
o
Zoeasshet el
lsmeaboutBreebei
ngMrs
Jonas'daught
er.
Sisekoenter
smyof f
iceandi mmediat
elysi
tson
thechair
.Helooksstresses.Hei
sjustuneasy
.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Si
seko:
ImessedupAndi
l
e.
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudo?
Isqui
ntmyey
esev
enmor
e,wai
ti
ngf
orhi
mto
repl
y.
Si
seko:
Ndi
mit
hisi
l
e!(
Iimpr
egnat
edagi
rl
)
Thewordscomeoutf astandabr
uptfrom hi
s
mouthhowever,t
heyareslowanddraggingi
n
myhead.Icannotbel
i
ev ethi
s.
Me:HaaSiseko,
whydidyounotusepr
otect
ion
i
fyouweretoimpat
ientt
owait.
Siseko:
thecondom bur
stAndil
e.Ijustdon't
knowhowt otel
luTatal
ento.Ineedy ourhel
p.
Me:
Wher
eist
hegi
rl
?Hasshet
oldherf
ami
l
y?
Si
seko:Shehasn'
ttol
danyoneany t
hing.It
's
onl
ythebothofusthatknow.Ineedy ourhelp
Andi
le.Hel
pmet al
ktouTata.Uzondibetha
l
amfo.
Il
aughandst
opwhenIr
eal
i
zehei
sfr
owni
ng.
Me:Sorryaboutt
hat.I
t'
sjustt
hatIdon'
tbel
i
eve
t
his.Li
keit'
sshocki
ng.Anywaywhendoy ou
wantt otal
ktoDad,causeyouknowwehav eto
mov equickly
,youneedtopaydamagesforthe
gir
l.JustprayMom doesn'
tdemandy oumarry
thegirl
.Kodwawenzei nt
oyobubhanxaSi
seko.
Siseko:NdiyazibutIwantyobether
efor
Aluncedo,sheneedsmeatt hemoment.Shei
s
scaredherFat hermightki
ckherout
.
Me:Yesi
t'
spossibl
e.Wellweshouldtal
kto
Rhonqot
onight
.NdizozaaphoeKhayalat
er.
Si
seko:
Enkosi
Andi
l
e..
Weshar eabriefhugasIwalkhim outandI
retur
ntomyof fi
ce.Thiswil
lcer
tai
nlybet he
biggestthi
ngever!Consi
deri
ngthefactthathe
i
sonl yinMatr
ic.
.
..
..
ZOE
I
t'
s3pm andIam ataCaf
èwaiti
ngforBree.
Shecomesinweari
ngoddcl
othes,
giventhe
weather.Sheusedtowearshortst
uffbutnow
i
t'
shotandshei swear
ingpants,al
ongsleeved
sweaterandjacket
.
Shesi
tsopposi
temeandlooksatme.Thi
sis
nott
heBreeIonceknew.
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Bree:
Iam goodZoe.Yousai
dyouwant
edt
o
tal
kaboutsomet
hing.
Me: YourMotherBr
ee.Sheisver
yill
.Shest
ays
withAndil
eandI.Shewantsyou.Shehasbeen
yearni
ngforyou.Whydidyouabandonher?
Iseeat
raceofpai
nandwor
ryi
nherf
ace.
Me:
Icanhel pyou.Arey
oui
ntr
oubl
e?Tal
kto
meBree.Icanhelpyou.
Shel
ooksatmet
hent
akesadeepbr
eat
h.
Bree:
Iam fi
ne.Motherdi
dn'
twantt
oputmy
happi
nessfi
rst
.Shedidn'
twantt
oacceptt
he
ManIlove.
Me:
That
'swhyy
ouabandonedher
?
Br
ee:
Yes,
thi
ngi
sZoeI
...
Me: Stoplyi
ngtome!Youareintroubl
e.Max,
call
edmeandt ol
dmet haty
ouwer einsome
sortoftroubl
e.Iwantt
ohelpyou.Iwantto
reunit
e.Youdon'twanttowakeupsomeday
andshei sgone.
Shel
ooksatme,
ner
vousandv
ulner
abl
e.
Bree:Hethreatenedmeandsai dIfIwentback
tomymot her'shousebecauseshedi dn'
tli
ke
him.Hethreatenedt oki
llherIcouldn'
tli
vewit
h
thatsoIl
eftheri nst
ead.ZOE, mymom means
theworl
dt omeIhadt opr ot
ecther.
Me:
Howdi
dyougetmi
xedupwi
tht
hatcr
ook?
Bree:Wemetashoot i
ngr ange.Heaskedmet o
gooutwi t
hhimforlunch.Tol dmehehad
unfi
nishedbusi
nessher einSouthAfri
casot hat
i
swhyhei sst
ayi
ng.Wewentoutf orawhilet i
l
l
Itookhimt omymot her.Shedidn'
tli
kehim at
fi
rstsightsoshejustt
oldhim heshoul
dst ay
away .Thenaft
erhelefthestart
edthr
eatening
me.
Me:It
hinkhechoseyoutobehistarget
del
i
beratel
y.Youar
ealinkt
osomet hinghehas
unr
esolv
edissuewit
h.TREY,per
haps.
Isayt
hatwideni
ngmygazeandshel
ooksat
meinshockaswell
.
Br
ee:YouknowIt hi
nksotoo.It
hinkhekill
ed
mybaby '
sfather
.Wewereoutattheparkanda
mantargetedusandshotatus.Iunfor
tunatel
y
l
ostmychi l
dandmybabydaddyt hatday.
Shesayswit
htear
sonhercheeksandIbr
ush
herhand.
Me:Iwi
ll
gety
ououtoft
his.Tr
eyowest
hat
much.
Bree:IoweTreyandi ft
heManisaf
terTrey
thenIwil
lmakesur ewedealwit
hit
.Idon't
wantinnocentpeopletobehar
med.Howi s
mot
her
?
Iknowwhosheisrefer
ri
ngtoandi
tsuddenl
y
dawnsonmethatIrecent
lyl
ostmyown
mother
.
Me:
Shepassedon.
Sheopenshermout
hinshockt
henl
ooksatme
sur
pri
sed.
Br
ee:
WHAT?Whathappenedt
oher
?
Me:
Shehascancer
.It
houghty
ouknew.
Bree:Iam sor
ryt
oheart
hat
.Howi
sTr
ey?
Chloè?
Me:
Theyar
edoi
ngf
ine.Weal
ldoi
ngourbest
.
Br
ee:
Iam sor
ryt
oheart
hatZoe.Thatwoman
di
dsomuchforme.
Me:Yourmom hasdonesomuchf ormet hat'
s
whyIwantedtofi
ndy ou.Shehasbeena
motherfi
gur
etomeandIj ustwanttoreunit
e
herwit
hherdaughter
.Wewi l
ltal
klat
erandI '
l
l
tel
lyouwheret
omeetusandhowsowecan
star
tplanni
ngt
his.Wesayourgoodby
est
henI
l
eave.
WhenIgethomeAndi
l
eisbackal
ready.
Me:
Honey
,Howar
eyou?
ANDILE:
Iam goodbaby
.Howwaswor k?Di
d
youmanagetocal
lMrsJonas'
daught
er?
Itellhi
m all
aboutMrsJonas'
daughterthati
tis
Breeandt hatherboy
fri
endi
sthr
eateningher.I
nar r
ateever
ythi
ngandwhenIam donehei s
al
r eadyshocked.
ANDILE:Whoa!Idi
dn'tseethatonecoming.
Wellweneedtohelpher.Howev er
,youwon'
t
bel
i
ev ewhatIdi
scoveredtodaywhichiswhy
wehav et
ogot omypar ent
s'house.
Me:
Whathappened?I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Hechuckl
esabi
tbef
oret
ell
i
ngme.
ANDI
LE:
Sisekoi
mpr
egnat
edagi
rl
.
Ichokeonmydr
inkandhel
aughsasIj
oinhi
m
too.
Me:What?Okayonaseriousnotehei ssucha
small
chil
dIcoul
dneverhaveimaginedhewas
hav
ingsexal
ready.Heisjustsoinnocent.
ANDILE:Well
hei saboyaf t
eral
l.Soheasked
metocomeov erandhelphimtellDad.Iknow
myfatherhewilldef
ini
tel
yriphi
mi ntopieces.
Me:Yeah,
giventhathei
sstil
li
nHi ghschool
andhi
sreput
ation,butl
et'
shopey ouwil
l
managetocalm hi
m downforSiseko'
ssake.
ANDILE:
Ihopesotoo.HowisChloè.Shemust
comeoverforav
isi
t.Ihav
en'
tseenherfora
whil
enow.
Me: Imissher
.Iwil
li
nvi
teher.Weneedtost
art
planni
ngherprom ni
ght
.It
'ssoonert
hanI
thought.
ANDILE:Yes,she'
l
lpr
obabl
ygowi
tht
heBl
ondi
e
she'
sseeing.
Hesay
slaughi
ngandIsmi
l
e.
Me:Theyarejustsocut
e.IneedtogetChloèi
n
cont
racept
ives.Chi
l
drenthesedaysare
unpr
edict
able.Dadwouldli
ter
all
ykil
lher
.
ANDILE:Yeah.Weshouldleavesoon.Youcan
fr
eshenup.Itol
dMom andshesai dwe'dhave
di
nnertogether
.Sojustf
reshenupwewi ll
go
wit
hMr sJonassheisgetti
ngready.Idon'
t
wanttoleaveheral
one.
Inodandheadupstair
stochangeintoaaknee
l
engthbluebodyhuggingdressafter
showeri
ng.Iwearsandal
s.Ibrushmyhair
backwardsandputonawhi t
ewhi t
edoek.
Iputonmylipgl
ossthenheadt
oMrJonaswho
i
sjustweari
nghershoessoIof
fert
ohel
pher
andIsmil
eonceIam done.
Me:
Ifoundyourdaughter
.Shewil
lcomehome
t
oyousoon.ShejustneedsI
fIwentbacktomy
mot
her'
shousebecauseshedidn'
tli
kehi
m.He
t
hreatenedtokil
lherIcouldn'
tl
iv
ewi
ththatsoI
l
eftherinst
ead.ZOE,mymom meanst heworld
t
omeIhadt oprotecther.
Me:
Howdi
dyougetmi
xedupwi
tht
hatcr
ook?
Bree:Wemetashoot i
ngr ange.Heaskedmet o
gooutwi thhi
mf orlunch.Tol dmehehad
unfi
nishedbusinessher einSout hAfri
casot hat
i
swhyhei sstaying.Wewentoutf orawhi l
et i
l
l
Itookhimt omymot her.Shedi dn'
tl
ikehim at
fi
rstsightsoshej usttoldhi m heshouldstay
away .Thenafterhel efthest art
edthreat
ening
me.
Me:It
hinkhechoseyoutobehistarget
del
i
beratel
y.Youar
ealinkt
osomet hinghehas
unr
esolv
edissuewit
h.TREY,per
haps.
Isayt
hatwideni
ngmygazeandshel
ooksat
meinshockaswell
.
Br
ee:YouknowIthi
nksotoo.It
hinkheki
ll
ed
mybaby'
sfather
.Wewereoutatthepar
kanda
mantar
get
edusandshotatus.Iunfor
tunat
ely
l
ostmychi
ldandmybabydaddythatday.
Shesayswit
htear
sonhercheeksandIbr
ush
herhand.
Me:Iwi
ll
gety
ououtoft
his.Tr
eyowest
hat
much.
Bree:IoweTr eyandi ft
heManisaf
terTrey
thenIwi l
lmakesur ewedealwit
hit
.Idon't
wanti nnocentpeopletobehar
med.Howi s
mot her?
Iknowwhosheisrefer
ri
ngtoandi
tsuddenl
y
dawnsonmethatIrecent
lyl
ostmyown
mother
.
Me:
Shepassedon.
Sheopenshermout
hinshockt
henl
ooksatme
sur
pri
sed.
Br
ee:
WHAT?Whathappenedt
oher
?
Me:
Shehascancer
.It
houghty
ouknew.
Bree:Iam sor
ryt
oheart
hat
.Howi
sTr
ey?
Chloè?
Me:
Theyar
edoi
ngf
ine.Weal
ldoi
ngourbest
.
Br
ee:
Iam sor
ryt
oheart
hatZoe.Thatwoman
di
dsomuchforme.
Me: Yourmom hasdonesomuchf ormet hat'
s
whyIwant edtofindyou.Shehasbeena
motherfiguret
omeandIj ustwanttoreunit
e
herwithherdaughter
.Wewi l
ltal
klat
erandI '
l
l
tel
lyouwher et
omeetusandhowsowecan
star
tplanningt
his.Wesayourgoodby esthenI
l
eave.
WhenIgethomeAndi
l
eisbackal
ready.
Me:
Honey
,Howar
eyou?
ANDILE:
Iam goodbaby
.Howwaswor k?Di
d
youmanagetocal
lMrsJonas'
daught
er?
It
ell
him all
aboutMrsJonas'
daughterthati
tis
Br
eeandt hatherboy
fri
endi
sthr
eateningher.I
narr
ateever
ythi
ngandwhenIam donehei
s
al
readyshocked.
ANDILE:Whoa!Idi
dn'tseethatonecoming.
Wellweneedtohelpher.Howev er
,youwon'
t
bel
i
ev ewhatIdi
scoveredtodaywhichiswhy
wehav et
ogot omypar ent
s'house.
Me:
Whathappened?I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Hechuckl
esabi
tbef
oret
ell
i
ngme.
ANDI
LE:
Sisekoi
mpr
egnat
edagi
rl
.
Ichokeonmydr
inkandhel
aughsasIj
oinhi
m
too.
Me:What?Okayonaseriousnotehei ssucha
small
chil
dIcoul
dneverhaveimaginedhewas
hav
ingsexal
ready.Heisjustsoinnocent.
ANDILE:Well
hei saboyaf t
eral
l.Soheasked
metocomeov erandhelphimtellDad.Iknow
myfatherhewilldef
ini
tel
yriphi
mi ntopieces.
Me:
Yeah,
giv
ent
hathei
sst
il
li
nHi
ghschool
andhi
sreput
ati
on,butl
et'
shopeyouwil
l
managetocal
m hi
m downforSi
seko'
ssake.
ANDILE:
Ihopesotoo.HowisChloè.Shemust
comeoverforav
isi
t.Ihav
en'
tseenherfora
whil
enow.
Me: Imissher
.Iwil
li
nvi
teher.Weneedtost
art
planni
ngherprom ni
ght
.It
'ssoonert
hanI
thought.
ANDILE:Yes,she'
l
lpr
obabl
ygowi
tht
heBl
ondi
e
she'
sseeing.
Hesay
slaughi
ngandIsmi
l
e.
Me:Theyarejustsocut
e.IneedtogetChloèi
n
cont
racept
ives.Chi
l
drenthesedaysare
unpr
edict
able.Dadwouldli
ter
all
ykil
lher
.
ANDILE:Yeah.Weshouldleavesoon.Youcan
fr
eshenup.Itol
dMom andshesai dwe'dhave
di
nnertogether
.Sojustf
reshenupwewi ll
go
wit
hMr sJonassheisgetti
ngready.Idon'
t
wanttoleaveheral
one.
Inodandheadupstair
stochangeintoaaknee
l
engthbluebodyhuggingdressafter
showeri
ng.Iwearsandal
s.Ibrushmyhair
backwardsandputonawhi t
ewhi t
edoek.
Iputonmylipgl
ossthenheadt
oMrJonaswho
i
sjustweari
nghershoessoIof
fert
ohel
pher
andIsmil
eonceIam done.
Me:
Ifoundyourdaughter
.Shewil
lcomehome
t
oyousoon.Shejustneedstof
ixafewthi
ngs.
Mr
sJonas:
Real
l
y?
Sheexcl
aimsnotabl
etocont
rol
herhappi
ness.
Me:Yes,
Itol
dyoutotrusti
nGod.Seenow,
you
wi
ll
getyourdaught
erback.
Mr
sJonas:
Thanky
ouZoe.Thanky
ousomuch.
Me:
Don'
tthankmeMa,
am Inoty
ourdaught
er?
Iaskheryearni
ngt ohearsomeonet
ell
methat
Iam t
heirdaughterandshepull
smeinfora
hug.
MrsJonas:Youar
emydaught
er.Mysecond
daught
er.Wearef
ami
l
ynowIsmi l
easwehug.
"
Wear
erunni
ngl
ate.
"
Andil
eshoutsf
rom downst
air
sandwet
ell
him
thatwearecomingandgo.
Wedr i
vet
omyi n-
lawshouseandwhenweget
ther
eIam honest
lydel
i
ghted.Andi
l
e'smom has
beenamothertomeandIam happyIhaveher.
Wewal kinandIhol
dMrsJonas'handandwe
str
uttoThelounget
ogreetmyfatheri
n-l
aws
hehugsmeandshar esahandshakewit
hMrs
Jonas.Weheadt ot
heki
tchenwheremy
motherinlawis.
Me:
Mama.
Ishoutandshet
urnswi
thabr
ightsmi
l
e.
Mama:
OhZoemyl
ove.Howar
eyou?
Me:
Iam goodMama.Thi
sisMr
sJonasy
ou
r
ememberherr
ight
?
Mama:Howcoul
dIf
orgether
.Suchaki
nd
woman.
Shesayshuggi
ngMrsJonasandIaskMr s
Jonastosi
tontheki
tchenchai
rasIhel
pmy
motheri
nlawout.
Me: WhenisLihl
ecomi ngbackf
rom boar
ding
school
?Iwantt otakeherandChloèoutf
ora
l
itt
letr
ip.Justust
hegirls.
Mama: Theyar
ewr i
ti
ngthei
rexamssoshewi
l
l
comehomeaf tert
hatthenyoucangowi
th
them.Shewil
lbewillbesohappy.
Me:Iwi
ll
besohappytoseeher
.Ir
emember
howshewasobsessedwit
hmyhair.
Weal
ll
aughandMamal
ooksatme.
Mama: Iknowwhyy ouguysar ehere.Siseko
toldme, Iam gladAndil
eisher ebecauseonce
theirdadfindsoutaboutthi
s, Sisekowillbein
trouble.Heissoy oung.Andespeci al
lybecause
Andi l
edidn'tgi
veussuchpr oblems.
Me:Ij
usthopeitwi
llbesort
edinti
me.Weal
so
needt
ogoov ertot
hegirl
'shouse.
Mama: Ey
yBaby ,Thi
sisgoi
ngt obeahar
done
onyourFatheri
n-l
aw.Youknowhowt hechur
ch
peopl
etal
k.Theywi l
lfi
ndareasontomockus.
Me: ButweshouldsupportthekidsMama
becauseit
'sal
readydone.Ifwesupportt
hem
whattheother
ssaywon' tmattertot
hem.
Mama:Youareri
ght
.Hey
!-l
et'
sdi
shupt
heyar
e
pr
obabl
yhungry
.
Inodt henwef i
xthetableandev er
yonesi t
s
aroundt hedinnertabl
eandwehav edi nner.We
eatandt alkaboutWhenAndi l
eandIar e
thi
nkingofpl anningafami l
yli
keadopt i
onand
i
t'snotaspai nfulasIthoughtitwouldbe.Iget
toknowt hatAndilei
sreall
ymeanonSur r
ogacy
thanadopt ion.Theyadviseusandaf tereating
Mama, Mr sJonasandIgot othekit
chent oput
thedishesi nthedishwasherthenAndi l
easks
ustocomebecausehewant
stot
ell
us
somethi
ng.
.
..
..
..
ANDI
LE
Weallsi
tandIl
ookatDadwhoi sr
atherl
ooki
ng
happy
.Ij
usthopehedoesn'
tfr
eakout.
Me:Tata,kukhoint
oendi
funaukuk'
xel
elay
ona.
(Dad,Iwanttotell
yousomethi
ng.)
Dad:Ewe,
ndi
mamel
eNy
ana.(Iam l
i
steni
ng
son.
)
Me:Tata,uSiseko,Yohandazinobanditsho
nj
ani.USisekouy ewezaphakum ezondi xel
ela
ubaumi t
hiseintwazana.(Dad,Si
seko,Idon't
evenknowhowt oputit,butSi
sekocamet ome
andtoldmet hatheimpr egnat
edagirl
.)
Dad'
sey
eswi
denandhesi
tsupandIl
ookaway
.
Dad:
Int
oni
?Yekwedi
ni!(
What
!Heyy
ouBoy
!)
Hey
ell
satSi
sekowhoi
ssi
tt
ingnextt
oMom.
Siseko:Tata,
Iam v
erysor
ry.Ididn'
tmeant
odo
this.I.
.Iknowyouaredi
sappointedi
nme.
Dad:Yekwedini
!kutheniundi
qhel
anje!Uze
undi
thethel
aneslungukwami ?Ndi
zakubetha
kwedini
.YeAndilemkhuze!(HeyyouBoy !Why
areyousodisrespectf
ul?Youevenspeakingi
n
Engl
ishinmyhouse.Andi l
e,r
ebukeyour
brot
her!
)
Weal
lkeepqui
etandSi
sekol
ooksatMom .
Dad:Ungakeuzi
melengoMamakho!(
Don'
thi
de
behi
ndyourmom. )
Dadr oarsandweal l
keepquiet.Heissti
ll
in
shockandpr obabl
ycan'tbel
iev
et hathi
schild
didthis.Consideri
ngthatIwasalway st
he
perf
ectsonbecauseIcoul dneverdoanything
wrongf orthem toseeIdidallmyshadyst uff
undercov er
.
Me:
Rhonqo,
ndi
cel
auhl
i
seuMoy
a.
Ndi
yacel
auxol
e.Phephi
saRhonqo.Ndi
zat
het
ha
nayelomnt ana.Kodwanj endiyacelaumxol ele
usasemnci nciuyewenzai mistakeqha.
Ndizamhl awulelakul
ontombazanekodwa
uzoyisebenzelalomaliukuzeay i
batal
e.
Ndizonikezelakuwe.(Pleaseforgivehim
Rhonqo.Iwi llt
alktohim buthei ssti
l
ly ounghe
madeami st
ake.Iwillpayforthedamagesbut
hewi l
lhav etorepaythemoneybywor kingfor
i
t.Andy ouwi llgi
vehimt hetask.)
IsaysoftlyandIslowl
yseethecreasesonhi
s
facesoften.MyDadi sareasonabl
emanbuta
dif
fi
cultbuttocrack.
Dad:Andil
e,ndidi
niwe.Ndizathet
hanal e
nkwenkwengomso.( Andi
l
e, Iam ti
red.Iwi
l
ltal
k
tothi
sboytomor row.)Hestandsupandgoes
tohisroom andwear elef
tthere.
.
..
..
Chl
oè
Iam athomewi
thTr
eyandLei
l
aandwej
ust
haddi
nner
.
Tr
ey:
Howi
sschool
?
Me:Ihavealongassignment.I
t'
son" Apai
rof
bl
ueeyes"byThomasHar dy.Weneedt owri
te
anessayaboutit
,moreli
kear evi
ew.Buta
l
ongeressayexpl
aini
ngthecharacter
sandall
.
Lei
la:
Wow!Il
oveThomasHardy.Ihav
eall
of
hi
sbooks,
poems,shor
tst
ori
es.Icanhel
py ou.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Lei
l
a:Ofcourse!Iwouldl
ovetohel
pyou.Iwas
anA+studentinEngl
ishl
it
erar
y.
Me:Ineedt
heA+.Mom wasnormal
l
ygood
wi
ththeset
hings.SonowIwi
l
lcometoy
ou.
Lei
l
a:Sowheni
sitdue?
Me:
Thur
sday
.
Lei
l
a:Wewi l
lfi
nishi
twi
thi
nafewhour
s.Doy
ou
haveanyknowl
edgeoft
hebook?
Me:Ihavest
artedr
eadi
ngitbutit
'sj
ustsol
ong
anddoesn'
tgettot
hepointver
yquickl
y.
Tr
eyandLei
l
alaughat
.
Trey:Youaresoimpatient.Your
emi ndmeof
my sel
f.ZOEwouldlit
erall
ybeforcedtoread
thi
sbooksal oudtomeIwassol azyandshe
summar iseeachchaptersoitwaseasyforme.
Il
aughandr
eal
i
zehowmuchImi
ssZOE.
Me:
Let
svi
deocal
lher
.Imi
ssher
.
Lei
l
a:Imi
sshert
oo.Weshoul
dvi
sither
.
Inodandtakemyphoneandv i
deocal
lherand
sheanswersassheentersherhousewi
th
Andi
leandMr sJonasbehindher.
Us:
Hey
.
Shesmi
l
esandmyhear
twar
msup.Imi
ssher
.
ZOE:
Hey.Iwasthi
nki
ngabouty
ouguy
s?How
ar
eyou?Imissy
ouall
.
Me:
Wemi
ssy
out
oo.Wear
eokay
.
Lei
l
a:Wewantt
ov i
sity
ou.Orbet
terwecoul
d
gooutont
heweekend.
Tr
ey:
Yest
hatwoul
dbeawesome.
ANDI
LEappearandgr
eet
sus.
ZOE:
Sure,
weshoul
dgoout .Imissy
ouguy
s.
Wher
eisAsant
e?Imisshercutesmil
e.
Lei
la:
Youknowhowinlovesheiswi
thher
beaut
ysl
eep.Shei
sfastasl
eep.
Wel aughandtalkforalongtimewithZoeand
Andileandtheytel
lusthattheywi
llbookus
i
ntoahot elsothatwecanhav esomet i
me
together
.
ZOE:Whichremindsm e,weshouldstar
t
pl
anningyourprom.Wecant al
ktoadesigner
andyoucant el
lthedesi
gnerwhatyouwant.
Me:
Inearl
yfor
gotaboutt
hat
.Okawecanpl
an
i
tonSatur
daythen.
ZOE: Byeguy s,
Ihavecourtt
omorr
owIneedto
prepare.Il
ovey oual
l.Sl
eepti
ght
.Don'
tl
ett
he
bedbugsbi te.
Shel
aughsandshebl
owski
sses.
Us:WeLovey
out
oo.Goodni
ght
.Mot
her
Ther
esa.
Wel
aughandhangup.
Wecal
ldadaf t
erwardsandtal
ktohim.Heis
muchbet
terthanhewaswhenhel ef
t.Wetal
k
t
ohimforalongt i
met henweall
got obed.
Ical
lJosè.
Jose:
Baby
,ar
eyougood?
Me:Yes.Ij
ustwant
edt
oheary
ourv
oicebef
ore
sl
eepi
ng.
Hechuckl
esandmemesouta"
Ahhhowcut
e"
andwelaugh.
Jose:
can'
tl
iv
ewi
thoutmeal
ready
?
Me:
Don'
tfl
att
ery
our
sel
fMr
.Iam per
fect
lyf
ine.
Isayl
aughi
ngandhej
oinsi
ntoo.
Me:
Imi
ssy
ou.
Jose:Imissyoumor e,
Itoldmymom aboutus
andsheist hr
il
ledshel
ikesyoul
i
keyouwere
herdaughter.
Me:Real
l
y?Wow!-
it
'sgoi
ngtobeext
raawkwar
d
t
houghwhenIcomeIovert
oyourhouse.
Jose:I
tdoesn'
thav
etobe.Youj
usthav
etoact
normal
.
Me:Wow!OkayIwi
l
lcr
osst
hatbr
idgewhenI
gett
her
e.
Jose:
Ilov
eYouChl
oè.
Me:
Ilov
eYout
ooJosè.
Isayandwehav eamomentofsi
l
encebet
ween
usbeforet
alki
ngforsomemor
eandsayi
ngour
goodbyesaft
er.
Iam sodeepi
nlov
ewi
thhi
m Ihopei
tdoesn'
t
backfi
re.
ZOE
West ar
tplanningonhowt ofreeBree.Wefind
outaboutDelsharo.Tr eyandhim oncehada
dealandIhav ealwayswant edtotakeDelshar
o
down.Hisreal nameisHumber t
oSant i
ana.
Theycallhi
m" TheDev il
".Tr
eydroppedouton
hi
m becausehedi dn'
twantt odothisanymore
nowhei stargeti
ngTr ey.
Me: ThisMani sdanger
ouswehavetotr
ead
careful
ly.Lei
la,
AsanteandChl
oèmustbe
secured.Thismanmi ghtcomeaf
tert
hem.
Max: OrYou.Ev
eryoneinthedar
kwell
knows
youareTrey'
sweakestli
nk.Abov
eever
yone
else,
TREYwoul dki
l
lforyou.
Andi
l
eLooksatme.
Andil
e:Iknowthisguytook,Sev
eral
year
sago
whenIwasst i
l
l i
ntothesethi
ngsmyboss
workedwithhi
m.
Heassembledgunsforus,
howeverhegotint
o
asquabbl
ewithmybossandIkil
ledoneofhis
bestmen.Hehadalwayspromi
sedtoavenge
hi
sbestman'sdeat
h.
Iwi
denmygaze.
Me:
meani
ngIam possi
blyhi
sfi
rstt
arget.
Andil
e:Iwi
l
lprot
ectyou.ItSeemsl i
kei
t'
sti
meI
facedmypastanddealtwithmydemons
becausemypastkeepsonr evi
sit
ingme.
Il
ookathi m andIknowhowmessyt hismight
get.Idon'twanthi
mt ogobacktowhathewas
aft
erher escuedmef r
om Er
icandhisuncl
e.He
ki
ll
edsomanymenandhecoul dn'
tl
ivewit
h
hi
msel f.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e.
Andi
l
e:Ihav
etoZoe.
.
..
.
JOSÈ
Iam si
tt
inginmybed.Ican'tgetChl
oèoffmy
mind.Il
oveher.Ihav
ef al
leni
nloveonceagai
n
andIwouldn'
tbaretoloseher.
"JosèComedownstai
rs."Mymom' svoi
ce
snatchesmef
rom myt r
ailoft
hought
sandIgo
toher.
Me:
Ma.
Mom:Pl
easehelpmewit
hdi
nneri
fyoudon'
t
mi
ndIwanttotal
ktoy
ou.
Me:
Okaysur
e.
Weheadtotheki
tchenandIst
artpeel
i
ngand
shedef
rost
sthemeat.
Mom: Yourt
herapi
stsai
dyoumi ssedy
ou
sessi
ons.WhatiswrongJosè?
Me:Iwasswampedwithmyassi
gnmentandI
f
orgotIhadasessi
on.
Mom: Youneedt hesessionsnowmor ethan
ever
.Don'tyouwantt obetterf
orChloè?ListenI
knowy ouhatebeingtoldwhattodobutpl ease
baby.Gotoy oursessi
ons.Theyhelpyou.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgot
omor
row.Wher
eisFat
her
?
Mom:
Wor
king.
Me:
Whyam Isosur
pri
sed.
Isayr
oll
ingmyey
esandsher
emai
nssi
l
ent
thenl
ooksatme.
Mom: Hewor kshardtoprov
ideforus.Youwil
l
under
standwheny ouhaveaf amil
yofyourown.
Youwillwanttoprovi
dethebestfort
hem.Ido
worktoo.
Me: Buty
oumaketimeforus.Theothersdon'
t
evenwanttocomebackfrom Seat
tl
ebecause
theyknowthatt
heywi
ll
comebackt ot hi
s
l
oneliness.Mother
,Dadisalwaysaway.Hethen
SentmySi bli
ngstoaforeigncount
ryandIam
al
lalonehere.Heisjusttoobusytoevental
kto
me.
Mom: Iunder
standyourar
gumentbaby.You
havet
ocompr omisesometimes.Tal
ktoyour
dadandlethi
m knowhowy oufeel.
Me: Hedoesn' tcareei
t herway.Het hinksIwant
totakeov ert
hebusi nessbutIdon' twanti t.I
am notev enintoBusiness.Iwantt obean
Archit
ect.Everyoneelsei sal
lowedt ochoose
besidesmewhy ?Theot her
swer en'tstrai
ned
withallt
hisbusi nessthingbutheisf orcingme
todoi twhy?
Mom: Youar ehisonlyson.Whenhestart
ed
bui
ldi
nghisempi rehehady ouinmi
nd.You
havenevert ol
dusaboutwhaty oureal
ly
wanted.Youalway sseemedtobeexcited
aboutbusiness.
Me: Thatwasuntil
ImetTheKani '
s.Thef i
rst
l
unchwehadt ogether,
showedmehow
di
fferentt
heyweref rom eachother.Theywere
fr
eet odowhatevertheywant ed.ForThefirst
ti
meIgott oknowwhatar eal
familywas.
Ipauseandf
eel
mychestcont
ract
.
Mom:
Takei
teasy
.Ar
eyouOkay
?
Me:
Iam f
ine.If
eel
abi
tli
ghtheaded.
Mom:
Got
obed,
Iwi
l
lfi
nishof
fher
e.
Igoupst
air
sandl
i
einmybed.
MyDaddoesn' tunder standt hatwedon'twant
extr
amoneyorf lashycar s.Wewanthi m.He
hasn'tbeent her eforusev ersincewewer ekids.
Wehav ealway shadt opr etendt hatwewere
onebi ghappyf ami l
y.Iknowt hatmyMom
pret
endst obehappyf oroursakebutshei snot .
Myf atherandherl ostt hatspar kwhenIwas
l
ike10y ears.Theyj ustpr etendnow, andalways
fi
ghtwhent heyt hinkwear easl eep.
Ihavealwaysbeenknownforbeingtheangry
chi
ld.Ievenl
ostsomeonespecialbecauseof
myanger .
Idon'twantt ol
oseChloèt oo.Iclosemyey es
andIseeherbeaut if
ulface.Hersmi le,i
tgives
mehope.Shel ooksatmedi fferentl
y.Sheist he
onlypersonwhohasev erlookedatmeas
thoughIam herwhol eli
fe.Shehasbr ought
backt heurgetobebet t
eragai n.Shehasgiv en
mesomet hingtoli
veforagain.
"Josè!Josè!Nooooo!Don't.
.I..I.
.noooooo!"I
wakeupsweat ing.Mynightmaresaremyl if
e.I
havehadt hem si
nceBlancodied.Iwakeupand
takemyanxi et
ypil
ls.Thengobackt osleep.
.
..
..
ANDI
LE
It
's10pm andIam restl
ess.Igot
othestudy
andreadthebi
ble.Iprayandmyheartget
s
heavi
er.
"Lordpleasedon'tletmypastt r
ansgressions
affectmywi f
eorf amily
.Lor dpl
easedeal wit
h
this.Idon'
twanttogetmyhandsst ained.I
hav ecomeal ongwayt oj ustgobacktot hat
l
ife.PleaseLord.Ineedy outostepinrightnow.
"
If
eel
asof
thandonmyshoul
der
.
"Hewil
lgetusthr
ought
his.
"Sheassur
esme
andIhugher.
Me: Iam j
ustsoscaredZoe.Idon'twanttogo
backt ot
hatli
fe.I
ttookmeal ottoactual
l
y
change.Idon'
twantanymor ebloodonmy
hands.
ZOE:Youwon'
thav
etoki
l
l.TheLor
dwi
l
lfi
ght
forust
hist
ime.
Me:Yes,
Ijusthav
etogi
veev
ery
thi
ngal
lupt
o
God.
ZOE:
Stopwor
ryi
ng.
Shel
ooksatmeandki
ssesme.
Irepl
yhungri
ly.Il
i
ftherupandshewrapsher
l
egsar oundmywaist.Weheadbackt
oour
room.
ZOE:
MakeLov
eToMe.
Shewhispersinmyear s.AndIkissherneck.
Slowl
yundressingher.Iburymysel
finher.It
feel
sdif
fer
ent.Wehav emadelovemanyt i
mes
befor
ebutthisrighthere,
Thisf
eelsdi
ffer
ent.
I
tfeel
sli
kewear
efl
oat
ingoncl
ouds.
Wearebothhi
ghoneachot
her
.Wemakel
ove
t
il
lwebothti
reout
.
Sher
est
sherheadonmychest
.
ZOE:Il
oveYou.Thanky
ouf
ormar
ryi
ngme.
Thankyouf
orlovi
ngme.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ngme.Il
ovey
ou.
Iki
ssherf
oreheadandwet
alkt
il
lwef
all
asl
eep.
.
..
..
SI
PHOKAZI
It
's12am int hemor ningandIcan' tsleep.I
checkonmybabyandhei ssleepi
ngpeacef ull
y.
IsitonmybedandIt hinkofLi t
ha.Whaton
earthdoeshewantf rom me?Hecoul dn'
thav e
j
ustsponsor edtheaut hor.Hedi ditdeli
beratel
y
becauseheknewIwoul dcomef acet oface
withhim.Thismannev erstopsthisabuse.He
hadapologizedbuthedi dn'tmeani t.Andnow
thatIam outofhislifehest i
l
lwant stomake
myl i
fealiv
inghell
.Ihat ehim.Hewi l
lneverget
mysonormef orthatmat ter.
Myphoner
ingsandi
tishi
m.
Me:Dar
nitLi
tha!Whatt
hehel
ldoy
ouwant
f
rom me!?
Li
tha:
Wat
chy
ourt
oneorI
..
Me:Orwhat
?Youwi l
lbeatmeup?Iam not
your
s.Iwi
ll
neverbe!Youdon'
thav
eanyr i
ght
onmeany
mor
e.
Li
tha:
Siphokazi
!
Me:NoLi
tha!List
entome.Iwi
l
lnothav
eyou
bossmearound.Fuckof
f!
Ihangupandhecal
l
sagai
n.
Me:
What
?
Li
tha:
Iwantt
oseemysont
omor
row.
Me:Youcancomeandseehi
m mymom wi
l
lbe
ar
ound.
Li
tha:
Iwantt
otakehi
m out
.
Me:
Okay
.Ihav
enoi
ssue.Whatt
ime?
Li
tha:
10am Iwi
l
lbr
inghi
m backar
ound2-
3pm .
Me:
Okayf
ine.
Li
tha:
Okay
.
Ihangupandlieonmybackandlookatthe
cei
li
ng.Idon'
tknowwhenIfal
lasl
eepbutIdo.
.
..
..
ZOE
Iam wokenupbynausea.Ir
unt
othet
oil
etand
vomit
.
Ivomi
tunti
lIf
eelAndi
l
e'shandonmyshoul
der
andanot
herhol
dingmyhairback.
Andi
l
e:Ar
eyouOkay
?
Me:Ithi
nkImusthaveatesomethi
ngwit
h
mushroomsyest
erday.Pr
obabl
ythepi
zzaAndy
or
deredforme.
Andi
l
e:Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ousomepi
l
ls.
Me:NoIam Okay.Iwil
ltaket
hosepil
lsi
f
any
thi
ngworsens.Ihavecour
ttodaysoIdon'
t
wantt
odri
nkpill
s.
Isayt
ohi
m ashehandsmeagl
assofwat
er.
Andi
le:
Okay,buti
fyoudon'
tfeelokay.Don'
tbe
st
ubbornj
ustcometothehospit
al.Okay?
Inodwit
hasmi
l
easIf
lushoutandbr
ushmy
teet
h.
Hej
oinsmeandwebr
ushourt
eet
h.
Webrushourteet
handmakethosef
unny
noi
sesjustt
oannoyeachot
her
.
Me:
Ilov
eYouMuscl
eman.
Isayki
ssi
nghi
smuscul
arar
m.
Andi
le:Whenarewehit
ti
ngt
hegy
m?Ihav
en'
t
beenther
eforages.
Me:Ithi
nkweshoul
dfi
titi
ntoourschedul
e.I
needtoconti
nuewi
thmysquat
smyboot yis
gett
ingbi
gger.
Il
aughandhespanksi
tmaki
ngmegaspand
l
aughatthesameti
me.
Andi
le:
Wecanhaveourpr
ivat
esquat
ti
ngwor
k
out
.Icant
eachy
ouaf ewt
hings.
Me:
Real
l
yMrRhonqo?
Andil
e:YesMr sRhonqo.Iam thebestpri
vat
e
tr
ainerever.Wewi l
ldosomesquat s,t
henwe'
ll
str
etchtoincreaseyourfl
exi
bil
i
ty.Thendo
somepl anksjustt
ot esty
ourendurance.
Me:It hi
nkIneedthi
str
aini
ngl
ateraf
terwor
k.
Don'tyouthi
nk.Wecanalsoworkonmy
bendingoverski
ll
s.
Andi
l
e:Iam upf
ori
t.
Wel
ookateachot
herwi
thhungerandwant
.
Me:
Qui
cki
e?
Isaysmi
rki
ngandhenodsl
ift
ingmeupand
holdi
ngmeagai
nstt
hewall
.
Andi
l
e:OhLor
dthet
hingsIwantt
odot
oyou.
Me:
Lat
ery
oucandoev
ery
thi
ngy
ouwant
.
Andi
l
e:Yes,
fornowy
ouwi
l
lbel
atef
orcour
t.
Me:Ishoul
dheadtotheshower.I
'
llbehome
ear
lyIwanttocooky
oudinner
.
Andi
le:Iwil
lbehomeabitlat
ecauseI
'
llbe
per
forminganoperat
ion.
Me:
Okay
.Iwi
l
lpr
obabl
ybeher
ebyt
hent
hough.
Iheadtot
heshowerandtakeashower.Icome
outandheget
sintheshoweraf
tershavi
ng.
Idecidet
owearmyBl ackpenci
lski
rt
,ar
ed
shir
tandIappl
ysomemi ni
mum makeup.I
brushmyhairbackwards.
Iwearr
edst
il
ett
os.
Imakethebedandf
indMr
sJonasdonewi
th
br
eakf
ast.
Me:
Ma,
youshoul
dn'
thav
e.Thanky
ou.
MrsJonas:I
t'
sreal
l
ynothi
ng.Yout
woar
emy
chi
l
dren.Iwant
edtospoil
you.
IsitdownandIdishupforherandmy sel
f.We
eatandAndill
ejoi
nsusminuteslat
er.Idi
shup
forhim andwealleat
.Af
terthatIl
ookathim
beforeweleave.
Me:
Let
'spr
ay.
Weal
lhol
dhandsandpr
ayt
henwel
eav
e.
Me:Iwil
lseeyoul
ater
.Becaref
ul.Il
ovey
ou.
Goodluckwit
hyouroper
ati
on.
Andi
l
e:Il
oveYou.Goodl
uckony
ourcase.
Wedri
veoursepar at
eway sandIreachcourt
.
I
t'
samur dercase.Iam f
orthedeceased.His
wi
feal
legedlyki
ll
edhim andit
'st
hef i
rsthear
ing.
AssoonasIstepoutIf
eelheav
iness.I
nmy
heart
.Whatisgoi
ngon?If
eelextr
emelysad
today.Li
kesomet
hingi
sgoingt
ohappen.
Iwal
kint
othecour
tandt
het
ri
alst
art
s.
.
..
..
.
ANDI
LE
IAm int
hehospit
al.Theoperat
ionsbeginsand
i
ttakesushour
st i
l
l wearedonewi t
hi t
.Bythe
ti
meIam doneitsabout6pm atnight.Irunmy
roundsi
nthehospital
andIdecidetov i
deocall
Zoe.
ZOE:
Missmeal
ready
?Yousuchacr
ybaby
.
Me:Real
ly
?Ibetyoumi ssmeevenmore.I
knowyouprobabl
ywear i
ngmysli
pper
s,about
towearmysweatshi
rtandrobet
oo.
Isaysmir
kingandshel
aughs.Jeez!Shei
s
beaut
if
ul.
ZOE:
Howdi
dyouknow?
Me:Youalwaysdoit.I
thasprobabl
ybecomea
habi
t.Youdon'
tevenreal
izei
tanymore.
ZOE:Justcomebacksoon.Imissyou.Di
nner
i
salmostreadyImadeyourfavor
it
e.Socome
home.Don'tkeepmewait
ing.
Me:Ionl
yhav eImor
epati
entt
ocheckbef
ore
comingback.I'
l
lbet
her
ebefor
eyouevenknow
i
t.
ZOE:Okay
.Pl
easebuymorecookiesony
our
wayhome,we'
verunoutofcooki
esandyou
knowMr
sJonasl
ovest
hem.
Me:
Okay
,I'
l
lbuyt
hem.Il
ovey
ou.
ZOE:
Ilov
eYou.
Shebl
owsmeaki
sswhi
chIr
etur
nandt
hen
hangup.
Icheckonmypat ientthenaf tert
hatIpackup
andgetintomycarandst artdriv
ing.WhenIam
al
most10mi nut
esawayf rom thehospi
talIsee
astrangeblackSUVf oll
owi ngme.
Itov ert
akesmeandt henextthi
ngIheari
sthe
soundofmywi ndowbr eakingandagunshot
.I
freezeandt hebulletentersthr
oughmyneck.I
i
mmedi atel
yf eelweak,Ifeelmybodyfai
lme
andmyheaddr opst omyst eeri
ngwheel
.
"Jesus"istheonl ynameImanaget osayandI
fallunconscious.
.
..
.
ZOE
Ifeelashockonmybody.Suddenl
yIf
eel
anxiousandext
remel
yscared.
Ir
untotheli
vi
ngr
oom andf
indMr
sJonas
si
tt
ingt
here.
Me:Canwepl easepray.Somet
hinghas
happenedIcanfeeli
t.
Shedoesn'
taskmuchbutshejustt
urnst
het.
v
offandwepray.Ipr
aysohar
dIfeelmybody
shake.
Assoonaswef i
nishpray
ingmyphoneri
ngs.
I
t'
sdetect
iveBer
nard.Agoodfr
iendofmi
ne.
Me:
Ber
nie,
HowmayIhel
pyou?
Bernar
d:ZOE, Idon'tknowhowt otelly
out hi
s,
butIam atascene.Amanhasbeenshoton
theneck.Wef ort
unat el
yreachedhim aliv
ebut
heisnotlookinggood.It hi
nki twasacaseof
att
emptedhi j
acking.Heisbei ngrushedoffto
thehospit
al.Thatmani sy ourhusband.Dr
Andil
eRhonqo.
AssoonasIhearAndi
l
e'snamemywhol ebody
vi
brat
esandIfeel
myweighthi
tthecouch.
Me:No!NO!Berni
e,I
.My.
.Itcan'
tbemy
husband.Hei
sonhiswaytome.He..
Bernar
d: Pleasecometothehospit
al.Heisnot
doinggood.Ihangupandt el
lMr sJonaswhil
e
cry
ing.Igrabmykey sandwer ushtothe
hospit
al asIcall
hispar
entsandmyf amil
yto
i
nformt hem.
Whenwegetther
eIr
unt
otheemer
gencyr
oom
wher
eHeis.
Me:
Andi
l
e.
Hi
sEy
esopensl
i
ght
lyandIhol
dhi
shand.
Me:Youwi l
lbeOkay.Iwil
lpr
ayforyou.Just
haveyouroperat
ionandIwil
lseeyouwheny ou
comefrom thetheat
reroom.Iki
sshisnowdr y
l
ips.
Theyt
akehi
mtot
het
heat
rewhi
l
eIf
il
li
nthe
f
orms.
Icl
osemyeyesasIexi
ttheemer
gencyr
oom
andIsi
tdown.NotmyAndil
e!
Thewholefami
l
ycomesi
nandDadt
ext
smet
o
tel
lmethathei
sal
soonhi
sway.
Tr
ey:
Sis.
Hesay
sandIcl
osemyey
esasmyt
ear
smake
t
hei
rwaydown.
Mot
her
-i
n-l
aw:
OohBawo!Ay
yuAndi
l
e.
ShesaysandIfeel
myhear tbeat
sfast
erasIl
et
outacry
.Icr
yloudlyshocki
ngevery
oneand
theyr
ushtomebef or
eIhitthegr
ound.
No!NO!GodnotmyAndi
l
e.Youhav
etomake
hi
m pul
lthr
ough.
Assoonast
heygetmeupIf
aint
.
.
..
TREMAI
N
ZOEf
aint
sandt
henur
sest
akehert
oawar
d.
It
'sall
messedupandIknowDelshar
odi
dthi
s.
HeshotatAndil
eandmadeitseem l
i
kean
attemptt
ohij
ackhi
m.
Isi
tdownandbr
eat
hei
n.Ihav
etodo
somethi
ng.
Ical
lMaxandtel
lhi
m ever
ythi
ngandhet
ell
s
menottoworr
yandthathewillwor
kont
hings.
Doctorscomeinandoutoft
hetheat
reroom
andnoonet el
l
susanythi
ngaboutAndi
l
e's
condit
ion.
Anhourl
ateranur
setel
l
sustocomeandsee
Zoeandt
hatSheisawake.
Weal l
goinandthedoctorsmil
es,
ZOEseems
takenabackbywhatthedoct
orhasjustt
oldher
.
Sheisshockedandcanbarel
ycontai
nher
astoni
shment.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?Whydoesshel
ookshocked?
Doct
or:
Shei
s2-
weekspr
egnant
.
Weal
lwi
denourgazesi
nshock.What
!
Me:
Real
l
y??
ZOE:How?Idon'
tunder
standhow?3doctors
hadconf
ir
medthatIwouldneverhaveababy
ever
.Mywombwassai dtobescarred.
Doctor:
WellIDon'tknowaboutthat,yourwomb
showssignsofhealing.I
treal
l
ywasscar redbut
miracul
ousl
yithealed.Youarepregnant.
Me:Wow!Thisi
sthemir
acl
eyouandAndi
l
e
hav
ebeenprayi
ngfor
.
ZOE:Andi
l
ehastocomebacktousnow.We
hav
eachildont
heway.Heneedst
ocomeback.
Me:HaveFai
th.Hei
sast
rongman.Hewi
l
l
comebacktoyou.
.
..
ZOE
Thenewsofmypr egnancyshockmeandIcry
evenmor e.Formybaby .He/shecan'
tgr
owup
withoutafat
her.Ist
il
lneedAndile.
Thedoctorgivesmemeds: vi
taminsandIam
tol
dtorestandhav efood.IAm toldt
onot
str
ainmyselforthebabymaynotmakei t
becauseit
'ssti
llt
heearlystages.
Treyget
smefoodandIeatbutIcan'
tst
op
thi
nki
ngofmyHusband.
Me:
Mama,
coul
dwepl
easepr
ay.
Shenodswi
tht
ear
sinherey
es.
Wepray,
andpr ay.Iconti
nuepray
ingand
pr
ayi
ng.Til
lIhearcli
ckingshoesappr
oach.
Ist
opandl
ookatt
heper
soncomi
ng.
Me:
Howi
she?
Iaskt
hedoct
orandher
emai
nssi
l
entf
oraf
ew
minut
es.
Doct
or:
MrsRhonqo?
Me:
Yes.
Doct or
:Wemanagedt or emov ethebul
leton
yourHusbands' neck,heisoutofdangerf or
now.Hei scri
ti
calbutstable.Thenext48hours
willbecrucialt
ohissurv i
val.Youneedtopray
harderforhim.Hei sav erystrongmanandi s
real
lyfighti
ngforhisli
fe.
Me:
MayIseehi
m?
Doctor:Onl
yyoucanseehi
m andonl
yfor5
minutes.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Iam l
eadt
ohi
m andIl
ookathi
m.
Hei
ssl
eepi
ngpeacef
ull
y,st
il
ltheManIknow.
Ihol
dhandandIi
mmedi
atel
ycr
yasIl
ookat
hi
m.
Me:Andil
e,Iknowyoucanhearme.Please
Andi
le,
pleasecomeback.Fi
ght!Fi
ghtfory
our
l
if
e!Guesswhat ?
Isaysl
i
ght
lychuckl
i
ng.
Me:Thedoctortol
dmeIwas2weekspr egnant
.
Didyouhearthat
?Wear
egoingtobepar ent
s
soon.Wehaveourownbabycoming.Youneed
towakeup.
Il
aymyf
oreheadonhi
shandandIcr
y.
Me: Pl
easeAndil
e.Comebackt omeandy our
chi
ld.Weneedy ou.Remembery ourv
ows.You
sai
dy ou'
dneverleaveme.Yousaidyou'
dlove
andcheri
shmef orever.Bef
orewegotmarri
ed
youpromisesyou'dalwaysbether
ewhenI
neededyou.Ineedyounow.
Iki
sshi
shandandt
hedoct
orcomesi
n.
Doctor
:MrsRhonqo,
youhav
etol
eav
ethe
pat
ientnow.
Il
ookatAndi l
eforonelastti
met henleave.I
wipemyt earsasIleaveandIfeelsoalone.I
knowmyf amil
yisaroundbutIfeelal
one
withoutAndil
e.
Hecan'
tl
eaveme,
Ijustl
ostmymot
her
.Ican'
t
l
osehimtoo.
Mama: ZOEsweethear
t,It
hinkyouandMrs
Jonasshouldcomeovertoourhouse.Yout
wo
can'
tbealoneatthi
smoment .
Me:OkayMama.Wej
ustneedt
ogr
abaf
ew
cl
othes.
Trey:
Iwil
lgety
ourclothes.Lei
laandIwillgo
overtoy
ourhouse.Justgowi t
hy ouri
n-l
aws
Zoe.
Me: Pl
easegetmeAndi l
e'sRobeandsl
ipper
s.
Andhissweatshi
rt.Theyareonmybed.Anda
fewwarm cl
othes.Andpleasegetwarm
clot
hesforMrsJonas.
Lei
la:
Don'tworr
yZOE,
justgetsomer
est
.The
babyneedsrest
.
MyMotherinlawholdsmyhandandweall
l
eav
e,IgiveSisekothekeyt
odri
vemycar
whi
l
eIgoal ongwithMrsJonasandmyi
n-l
aws.
Iam quiett
hewholewayt othehouse.Ilook
outtheweatherandthi
nkofAndi l
e.Ihol
dmy
tummyasIt hinkofAndi
le.Ifel
tit
,hedidtoo.
Webot hfel
tsomethingwasgoi ngtohappenin
ourbodiesalt
houghwecoul dn'
thaveguessed
i
t.
Ithi
nkoft
hel
astt
imewi
thspokebef
orehewas
shot.
Yesterdayhewassoheavyhear
tedbutIknow
hewi l
lmakeit
.Godisgi
vi
ngusawayoutf r
om
Delsharo.
Tat
a:ZOEmydearAr
eyouOkay
?
Heasksmeasweent
ert
hehouseandIsi
t
down.
Me:YesTat
a,Iam Okay
.It
'sj
ustsohar
d.I
mi
sshim.
Isayandhepat
smyshoul
derbef
oresi
tt
ingon
hiscouch.
Mama:Andi
leisav er
yst
rongman.Somethi
ng
si
mil
artot
hisoncehappenedt
ohim whenhe
wasl
ike10years.
Me:
Whathappenedt
ohi
m.
Mama: Hej
ustfai
ntedandhithi
shead,the
doctorswer
econv i
ncedhewouldn'
tsurvive.
Theyhadsaidhewasdeadbutbecauset he
Godweser veisal
ive.Mysonwokeupf rom
thatcomma.Hewi llr
egai
nhisconsci
ousness
nowandbeOkayf oryouandthebaby.
Me:I
tsti
l
lfeelswei
rdtal
ki
ngaboutt
hebaby.I
meanIdi
dn'tevent
hinkI
'dev
erbepregnant
.
Tata:Itshoul
dbekeepasasecr et
.Therear
e
secretworksagainsty
outhatmightwantto
destroyandkil
lyouorthebaby
.
Me:Yes,Ijustwantt
opraythr
oughoutt
his
pr
egnancy.Thisi
sami r
acl
e.
MrsJonas:Andi
l
ewil
lbeOkaybaby
.Wejust
needt
opr ayt
oGod.Youal
wayshavef
ait
h.I
t'
s
t
imey
oupasst
het
estoff
ait
hnow.
Mama:Yes,youhavetopasst hi
stest
.Iwi
ll
makeyousomethingtoeat.Thenyouwil
lgo
andhavesomerest.Okay
?
Me:
OkayMama.
Weeati nsi l
enceandSi sekocomesinand
handsmeov ermykeyandhei nf
ormshis
mot herthathei snothungrysohewil
lgoto
bed.HisEy esar eredandhemakesmewantt o
cry.Ifi
nishof feati
ngthenasIam aboutto
excusemy selfTrey,Chl
oè,Lei
l
aandAsante.
Theyhandust
hebags.
Mama: OhThanky oumykids.ChloeandLei
l
a
takeyoursist
erupst
air
stosleepandmakesure
sheissett
led.
Tata:
SitdownTr
emai
n,hav
esomet
hingt
o
dri
nk.
Hedoesashei
stol
dbutIknowhei
sdy
ingt
o
hol
dmei
nanembr
ace.
Chl
oeandLei l
atakemeupstai
rsandassoon
asIgetther
eIchangeint
oAndil
e.scl
othes.I
j
umpi nt
obedandl ookatChl
oe.
Chloè:HewillbeOkay.Youtwoar eincredibl
y
str
ongpeople, whenmom passedawayIsaw
howstrongy out wowereespecial
lyAndil
ef or
you.That
'swher eyougotyourst r
engthfrom.
Youneedt obehi sst
rengt
ht oo.Remember
whatDadal way ssay
s.
Lei
l
a: "
Prayandneverceaset
opray.Youar
ea
warr
iorinpr
ayerandcanchangeanysit
uat
ion.
Fai
th&Pr ay
erandyou'l
lbegoodtogo."
Sher
ecitesdad'
swordsandIf
eelmyt
ear
s
maketheirwaydownmycheeks.
Me:Ican'
tevenbehappyaboutthebaby .The
onethi
ngIhavealwaysyear
nedf orbecausethe
per
sonIwanttosharethenewswi thisnothere,
i
nsteadheisly
inginahospi
tal
fighti
ngf orhi
s
l
i
fe.Iwanthi
m now.Ij
ustmi
sshi
m.
"
You'l
lgett
hrought
heni
ghtandt
heonest
o
f
oll
ow."
Tr
ey'
svoi
cet
akesmebysur
pri
seandIl
ookat
hi
m.
Tr
ey:
MayIspeakt
oher
.
Hesay
sandt
heyl
eav
e.
Hesi
tsr
ightnextt
omeandf
acesme.
Tr
ey:
ZOE.
Assoonashesay
smynameIf
eel
myt
ear
s.
Trey:
Don' tdothis.Youhaveababyontheway
andAndi l
eisgoi ngtobeOkay.Youhav
etobe
str
ongf orAndile.Hewil
lneedyouwhenhe
getsdischarged.
Me:
Youar
eri
ghtIj
ustneedt
obest
rong.
IsayandTr
eypul
l
smei
nforahug.
Tr
ey:
Ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbeOkay
.Godwi
l
lint
erv
ene
t
hist
imet
rustme.
Hesay
sandIhughi
m.
Trey:Ihav
etogonow,buti
fyouneedany
thi
ng
call
me.Youhaveyourfami
lyar
ounddon'
t
worry.
Inodandhel
eav
es.
IsleepandwhenIwakeupi nthemorni
ngit
's5
am soIdecidetotakeashowerandwearmy
redbodyhuggingdressi
tsanklel
engt
h.I
t'
s
l
ongsl eev
edsinceit
scold.
Ibr
ushmyhai
randl
ookatmy
sel
fint
hemi
rr
or.
Iholdmytummyandsmi le.Iremembertheday
Iworethi
sdr ess.Wewer est andingi
nfr
ontof
themir
rorwithAndi l
estandingbehindme.He
heldmytummyi nthiswayandt oldmethatI
wasbeautif
ul andhehadnev erseenawoman
asbeauti
fulasIam.
Iputonadoekandwearmysl
i
pper
s.
Igodownst air
swher eIcleanandmake
breakfastf
orev er
yone.Ithencall
thehospit
al
andaskt hem howhei sandt hedoctort
ell
sme
heisshowi ngsignsofrecoveryal
thoughhe
hasn'twokenup.
Mama:Youdi
dn'thavetowakeupsoear
lybaby
,
ony
ourcondi
ti
ony ouneedtorest
.
Me:Don'twor
ryaboutmeMama,
Iam f
ine.And
Idi
dn'
ttakest
rai
n.
Br
eakf
asti
sready
.
Mama: Okayl
etmewaket
heot
her
sthen.You
shoul
dsitdown.
Iwar
mt heteaandtheyal
lcomedownstai
rs
andIst
artser
vingandmymot heri
n-l
awhel
ps
me.
Tat
a:Howdoy
ouf
eel
?
Me:
Ifeel
somuchbet t
er.Ihadti
metotal
kto
Godl
astnightandher
emi ndedmeofhis
promiseandhowst
rongIam.Ihav
etopass
thi
stestoff
ait
h.
Mama:Iam gl
adyoumarr
iedAndi
l
e,y
ouar
eso
mat
ureandstr
ongfory
ourage.
Me:
Andi
l
etaughtmet
obet
hisst
rong.
MrsJonas:Iam gl
adyouarefeeli
ngbet
ter
.
Haveyoucall
edthehospi
talt
of i
ndoutwhati
s
goi
ngon?
Me:Yes,theysai
dheisshowi
ngsignsof
r
ecoveryhoweverhehasn'
twokenup.
Mama:Hewil
lwakeup.Iknow.Ar
eyougoi
ng
t
oworktoday
?
Me:Ihav
eto,
Ihav
eacour
tcasegoi
ngonsoI
hav
etogo.
Tat
a:YesIthi
nky oushoul
dgot
owor
k,i
twi
l
l
hel
pyouclearyourmind.
Si
seko:CanIcomewi
thy
ouaf
tercour
ttosee
Bhut
'Andi
le.
Me: Ofcour
se.Iwi
l
lcomef
etchy
ouf
rom
school.
Mama:
Eatupandgot
owor
kory
ou'
l
lbel
ate.
Tat
a:YourFat
hercall
edmeandhet ol
dmehe
wil
lbeher
elat
er.Hisfl
ightgotdel
ayed.
Me:
OkayTat
a.
WeeatupandIgoupst ai
rst
owearmybl ock
heel
s,Iti
emyhairupandgetmyfil
esreadyand
Il
eaveforcour
t.AssoonasIgett
herethetr
ial
cont
inues.
.
..
..
.
ANDI
LE
IknowIam inhospital
byt hesmell
andthe
beepingmachinesIhear.MyEyesareshutand
Icannotopenthem.Ifeelthepai
ninmyneck
wherethebull
ethitme.Ifl
inchsl
owly.
ZOE,mywi
fe,
Ihear
dhercry
ingyest
erday
tel
l
ingmet
hatwhatwe'
vebeenpray
ingforhas
fi
nall
yhappenedbutIcoul dn'
tscr
eam i
n
excit
ement,Icouldn'
tli
ftherupandspi
nher
around.Icoul
dn'tevenhughertocongr
atul
ate
her.
Ifi
ghttoopenmyey esbutIcan'
t.Ishoul
d've
openedmyey esbynow.Lordplease.Justhelp
me,Ineedt owakeup.
Iknowwhodi dthi
sandI
knowthatsomehowy ouhaveapl anofyour
ownbutatt hemomentIwanttoseemywi fe.
Justonce,Iwantt
oseeherface.
Iwantt
oseehersmi
l
e.
Ihearheel
scl
i
cki
ngandnodoubtit
'sher
.I
knowhowherfoot
stepssoundl
i
ke.
"Andi
le"mynamer oll
soutofhert
ongueso
sweetlyIwanttoembraceherorr
ewardher
withasimplelookbutIcan'
t.
ZOE:Andi
le,
Iam herewit
hSiseko.Thedoct
or
sai
dyouwererecoveri
ngandthatyouwil
lbe
abl
etoregai
nyourconsci
ousnessanyti
me
soon.
Siseko:
Bhut
'Andi
l
ewear
ebot
hhav
ingki
ds,
it'
s
funny.
Hesay
sast
heybot
hgi
ggl
e.Mor
epeopl
eent
er.
ZOE:
Chl
oè.Lei
l
a.Howar
eyouguy
s?
Ifi
ghtt
ot ouchherhandbutshemakest
hings
easybytakingmyhandintoher
sandIti
ghten
mygripashar dasIcan.
ZOE:Ohh,Andi
l
e.Someonecal
ltheract
orhe
j
ustgri
ppedmyhand.
Ihearpeopl
erunni
ngandIfi
ghttocallher
namebecausemyey esar
etightshut
.
"
Zzz"Iwhi
sper
"Zzzooe"Isayagai
nandshesof
tl
ycupsmy
cheeks.
ZOE:Andil
ebaby,ar
eyouawake.Pl
easej
ust
hopeyoureyes.
Shesay sandIfi
ghtev
enmor eandbef oreI
knowi tt
heyareopenandthefi
rstfaceIseeis
hers.LordknowsIhavebeenyearni
ngt osee
herface.
ZOE:
Thanky
ouGod!Thanky
ouJesus!
Sher
ejoi
cesandki
ssesmyl
i
ps.
Doct
orMarklechecksuponmeandhehands
meoveraglassofwater.
Doct
or:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
today
?
Me:
I..If
eel
pai
n.
Ir
emai
nsi
l
entt
ryi
ngt
omakesense.
Me:
Myneck,
it'
spai
nful
.
ZOE:
Butei
thert
hant
haty
ouar
eokay
?
Me:
Yes.
Doctor:
Dry ouknowt hatwewil
lkeepyouher
e
unti
lyourecoverbutlooki
ngatyourmedi
cal
repor
tyouar erecov
eringver
yfast
.Godwas
wi
thy
ou.
Hesay
sandIsmi
l
e.
Doct
or:Iwi
ll
leaveyouwi
thyourfamil
y.Pl
ease
don'
tst
aytoolong,
heneedstorest.
HeexitsandZoet ell
sSisekoandChl oetocall
ever
yoneandi nformthem thatIhavewokenup
andast heyexi
ttheroom sheat t
acksmewi t
ha
ki
ss,verypassionat
ey ett
enderandintimate.
Aft
ertheki
ssshel
ooksatmeandIpl
acemy
handonherwomb.
ZOE:
Wear
egoi
ngt
obepar
ent
s.
Shesayswi
thabr
oadsmi
l
eandt
ear
sonher
face.
Me:Iam sohappy.Ican'
tbel
i
evei
t.BabyGod
hasansweredourprayer
s.Wow!
Zoe:YouknowwhenIhear dthatyougotshotI
wassoscaredIthoughtIwouldloseyou.I
real
l
ythoughtIwouldl
osey ou.
Me:Godisst
art
ingt
oansweral
lourpray
ers
now,hewoul
dn'
thavel
etmedieIknow.
ZOE:Yes,nowIneedy
outogetbettersowe
cangobacktoourhome.Ihat
esleeping
wit
houtyou.
Me:Iwil
lbebacksoonert
hanyout
hink.Inow
knowthatGodisonoursi
de.
Zoe:Yes,
Ihavebeenstayingaty
ourparents'
house.Ev
ery
oneisfussingovermeit
'sactual
ly
sofunny.
Me:
Iwoul
dfussov
ery
out
oo.Il
ovey
ouZoe.
'
.
..
.
ZOE
Myphoner
ingsandIansweri
t.
Me:
Ber
nar
d.Anyl
eadsonmyhusband'
scase?
Iputt
hephoneonSpeaker
.
Ber
nar
d:Yes,
wef
oundt
heSUVandt
hepeopl
e
t
hatweredr
ivi
ngit.Theyar
est
il
linquest
ioni
ng.
Nodoubtwewill
findthemast
ermind.
Me:OhThankGoodness,
I'
ll
behandl
i
ngmy
husband'
scase.
Bernar d:
Thejudgewill
definit
elyapprove,given
thaty ouareal
way spr
ofessionalandIthinky ou
gainedmor ecredi
tony ourcase,becausey ou
didn'tbecomeemot i
onalyouwer ethehar dcore
Adv ocateweallknow.
Me:Sopleasej
uste-
mailmeall
thei
nfor
mati
on
ont
hiscasesoIcanstar
tbui
l
dingmycase.
Ber
nar
d:Okay
.Howi
syourhusbandbyt
heway
?
Me: Heisrecover
ing.Hejustregai
ned
consciousnessandhisoperat
ionwas
successful
.
Bernar
d:Thati
sni
cet
ohear
.Shar
onsendsher
regar
ds.
Me:
OhMy
!Pl
easesendmyr
egar
dst
ell
herI
mi
ssher
.
Ber
nar
d:Wi
l
ldo.By
eIwi
l
lkeepy
oupost
ed.
Me:
OkayThanks.
WehangupandIl
ookatAndi
l
e.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgety
ouy
ourj
ust
icebaby
.
Andi
l
e:ITr
ustYou.
Ismileandkisshischeek,t
hefamilyar
riv
es
i
ncludingmydadandweal lhaveourti
mewith
him unti
lthevi
sit
inghoursareover
.
WegobackhomeandIwor
konmycasewhi
l
e
cooki
ng.
MyDadaskedmyin-
lawstotakemesi
ncehe
want
edtospendt
imewithmesoIam athome
wi
thMrsJonaspl
ayi
ngwithAsant
e.
Iam i
nmyr
oom wor
kingonmyl
apt
op.
Me;
Chl
oèpl
easecheckt
hepot
sfor
Igett
her
eandshei
stal
ki
ngt
osomeoneov
er
thephonesoIdeci
detogi
veherpr
ivacyby
exit
ingt
heroom t
ofet
chmyphoneandAndi l
e'
s
robe.
Icomebackandshei
sdone.
Me:
MayIsl
eepnex
ttoy
out
oni
ght
?
Chl
oè:
I'
dlov
ethat
.
Igeti
ntobedandIpul
lhert
owar
dsme.
Me:
Soar
eyoucopi
ngwi
thMom'
spassi
ng?
Chloè: Yes, i
t'
sbeenhar dli
vingwithoutherbutI
havel earnttodot hat.Ihav
eal otofpeoplein
myl if
e, Alessi
a,Josè'smom hasbeenamot her
tome.YouandLei la.IhaveTrey.Iam
surroundedbypeopl ewhol ovemesoy esIam
coping.
Me:Iam gl
ady
ouar
e.Howar
ethi
ngseIt
h
Josè?
Chloè:
Thi
ngsaregood,butIf
eel
asthough
Josèishi
dingsomet
hingfr
om me.Li
kehe
hasn'tbeencompl
etel
yhonestaboutwhohe
real
lyis.
Me:Whatmakesyout
hinkhei
shi
ding
somet
hingf
rom y
ou.
Chl
oè:
Icanseeit
.Hebehavesdi
ff
erent
lyl
i
ke
hei
stwodif
fer
entpeopl
e.
Me: Well
itmightbebecausehehasaf ew
thi
ngshehasn'ttol
dy oubecausehemaynot
feelcomfort
ableenoughtosharethem wi
thyou
butyoujustneedtobepatientwit
hhim .Okay
?
Chl
oè:
Okay
.Imi
ssedy
ou.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
Iki
ssherf
oreheadandwesl
eep.
ZOE
I
t'
sbeen2weeksandIhav ebeenv i
sit
ingAndil
e
i
nhospi
talandcomingbacktoal onelyhouse.
Del
shar
o'screwwasfoundandi t
'sactual
lyso
wei
rdhowf astev
eryt
hingishappeninginsuch
ar
ush.

Godisreal
lyworki
ng.Iam i
nmyof fi
ceget
ti
ng
readyt
oleaveasmyphoner ings.
Me:
MrsRhonqospeaki
ng.
"
Zoe.Aren'
tyouscar
edf
ory
ourhusband?
"A
v
oicesaysandIsti
ll
.
Me:
Whot
hehel
lar
eYou?
"I
tdoesn'
tmatterbutIam anol
dfri
endofhi
s
andIthi
nkhemi ghtj
ustneedmyhelp.Iowe
hi
m."Thev oi
cesaysandIf r
own.
Me:
Whoar
eyou?
"
Askhi
m aboutMusahewi
l
lknow."
Me:
Okay
.Butwhatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
"
Idon'
twantanythi
ngIj
ustwantt
ohelpAndi
l
e."
HesaysandIfeelmor
ethanconf
used.
Me:
CanIgetbackt
oyou.Iam abi
toccupi
edat
t
hemoment
.
Isayandhangup.
Ipackmythi
ngsandheadt othehospi
talwher
e
Irusht
oAndil
e'
swar dbutwhenIgettherehei
s
nowheret
obef ound.Hi
sbedi sj
ustclean.
Iheadtothebat
hroom buthei
snowher
etobe
found.Whatt
hehell
!
Il
ookforanurseandshetel
l
smet hatAndi
l
e
di
schar
gedhimselfandhewasduetobe
di
schar
gedtomorrowanyway.
Ical
lhi
m butnor
esponse.
Ical
lMr
sJonast
oaskwher
ehei
sbuthei
snot
home.
IAm t
otal
l
yfr
eaki
ngoutnow.Wher
ethehel
ldi
d
hego?
Iexitt
hehospital
andcall
Treybuthi
sphoneis
off
.IsitthatAndi
leandTr
eywenttodealwi
th
Delsharo.
Idri
vehomeandIopenthedoor
.It
'sdar
ksoI
l
ight"SURPRI
SE!
"Ial
mostfal
l.
Andi
l
e:Baby
.
Ismi
l
eandr
unt
ohi
m.Ihughi
m andki
ss.
Heisonawheel
chai
rsoImakesur
etonot
squeezehi
m.
It
urnandev
ery
oneappear
s.
Mama:Congr
atulat
ionsBabyonyourpregnancy
.
Wefi
nal
lyhav
et hechancetocel
ebrat
eit.
Theyal
lhugmeandIsmi
l
e.
Andi
l
eLooksatmeandIsmi
l
e.
Andi
l
e:Youdeser
vei
tbaby
.
Me:Sot
hephonecal
lIgotatt
heof
fi
cewas
f
ake?
Amanappear
sandext
endshi
shand.
"
Itwasn'
tfake.Icall
edy oubutwewil
ldi
scuss
t
hatwithAndil
elater."HesaysandInod.
Weall
gotothel
i
v i
ngr
oom whereIam sat
downandwehaveasmal
lpart
y.
Igetgi
ftswhi
chIthi
nkisabi
ttoounnecessar
y
butbecauset
heyboughti
twi
thlov
eIaccept
them.
Weeatandtal
kforawhi
l
ethent
heyhel
pme
cl
eanupandleav
e.
Iam l
eftwi
thAndi
l
e,Tr
ey,
MaxandMusa.
Isi
tnextt
oAndi
l
eandweal
ll
ookateachot
her
.

Andil
e:Babythi
sisMusa,heisthesonofmyex
boss.TheoneIusedtoworkf or
.Hisfat
her
senthimtohelpwit
hDelsharosinceheputme
i
nt hi
stri
ckyposi
ti
onwit
hhi m.
Inodandl
ookatt
hem.
Me:
Ijustdon'
twantbl
oodi
nanyone'
shands.
Wehaveworkedhardt
ogobackther
e.
Must
:Don'
twor
rywewi
l
lnotki
l
lhi
m.Idon'
t
workinthedar
kwor l
dIam anFBIagentandI
haveworkedhardi
nmaki ngsuremydadst ops
ki
ll
ingpeopl
e.Ij
ustwanttonabt hi
smanf or
onceandforall
.HeiswantedinAmer i
ca,he
escapedpri
sonaft
errecei
vi
ngadeat hpenalt
y.
Me:YesIhav
eal
sowantedt
otakehi
m down
buthowdowedothat
?
Trey :
Wef oundhislocati
on,wehav eevi
dence
againsthim andtheSout hAfr
icanagent
sar e
wor ki
ngwi t
ht heAmericanfor
ce.Sothe
Amer icanstatecoul
dconsidercounti
ngallhis
offensesandgi vi
nghim adeathpenalt
yifwe
bri
nghi mt othem.
Andil
e:Ihaveaplan.Ihavesomet hingli
kea
bombt hati
sfil
ledwit
hheav ychloroform gas.
Wecanpossi bl
ythrowt woinhishouseandi t
wil
lnotburstbutwil
lslowlyr
eleaset hetoxin
andhewi l
lfal
lunconsciouswithi
namat terof
20seconds.
Thenhecanbet
aken.Apl
ainwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngt
o
takehi
m.
Musa: Thismightworkout.Weneedt of ol
l
ow
hismov esandseewhathappens.Meanwhi le
youguy sareunderprotect
ion.Al
lyourfamily
actual
ly.Ther
earepeopl ewhoarelooki
ngout
foryoubutindisgui
se.Het akesoutphotosof
thesepeopleandbriefsus.
Andi
l
e:Thanky
ouMan!
Musa:
Thanky
ouAndi
l
e.Iowey
oumyl
i
fe.
TheyhandshakeandTreyleav
esalongwit
hhi
m
andit
'sonl
ymeandAndi le.MrsJonashas
gonetoherroom al
ready
.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
ou.
Isaysi
tt
ingonhi
slapandIsof
tl
y
St
rokehi
m.
Andi
le:
Imi
ssedy
out
ooZoe.Youneedt
orest
l
et'
sgo.
Iwheelhi
m up,Iam grat
eful
whenIr
eali
zehi
s
wheel
chairi
sadvancedandcanbepul
ledup
thest
air
s.
Wegett otheroom andIf i
rstchangeintomy
warm pyjamast hent akeouthispyjamas.He
standsupalthoughy oucanseehi sweakbutI
thi
nkhehat esthef actthatheisjustsit
ting
around.Heisqui t
east r
ongmanandi snot
usedtobeinghel pedwi ththesmallestthing.
Ihel
phi
m wearhi
spant
sthensi
thi
m ont
he
bed.
Isi
tonhi
slap.
Andi
le:
Iam sorryy
ouhavet
owit
nessthi
s.Iam
weakandcan'tdoany
thi
ngf
ormysel
f.
Me: "i
ngoodandinbad.Insicknessandin
healt
h."Rememberourvows?Theywer en'tj
ust
forshow.Imeantthem.Iknowy ouwi
ll
beokay
butyoujusthav
etohangi nthere.Wewill
be
alr
ightbabyasl
ongaswehav eeachother.
Andi
l
e:Thankyou.ZoeIwantustohaveagood
l
if
eespeci
all
ywhenourbabyarri
ves.Iwantt
o
fi
xever
ythi
ngsothatyoutwoaresafe.
Me:
Itr
usty
ouAndi
l
e.
Iki
sshim andIf
eel
ateasef
ort
hef
ir
stt
imei
n
weeks.
Itakemyphoneandcal lmyP.
At otellhert
hatI
am onleavesincemyhusbandisbackandt he
casesshouldbehandledbymyattorneysand
thatIwi
llaskanadvocatef
rom t
hechamber s
tohelpthem.
Iopent
hecov
ersandheget
sin.
Ipoursomewat
erf
orhi
m andgi
vehi
m hi
spi
l
ls.
Idr
inkmypi
l
lsaswel
landIcuddl
eupnextt
o
hi
m.
Zoe:Howdoyoufeel
nowt
hatwear
efi
nal
l
y
havi
ngourownbaby.
Andi
l
e:Iam sohappybaby
.Iam st
il
lsoamazed,
GodhasbeenSoGoodTousZoeandwhat '
s
evenbet
teri
sthatIwi
l
lgett
ohav eapieceof
you.Wewill
shareapi
eceofeachother.Iam
overt
hemoon.
Me:Iam sohappytoo.Ihavewantedt
hisforso
l
ong.Imeanitdidhurtever
ydaywhenIwokeup
andreal
i
zedIwouldn'tbeabletogi
veyouyour
ownbaby,butnowGodhasgi v
enusareason
tosmil
eagain.
Ilookathim andhesmi
l
esasheki
ssesmy
forehead.
Andi
le:Youaremyblessing.Nothi
nginthi
sli
fe
coul
dev ercompar
etoy ou.Ist
il
lcan'
tbeli
eve
youaremi ne.
Ilaughashesmi
l
esbr
oadl
y.Damn!Imi
ssed
thisman.

Wesl
eepineachot
her
'sar
msandIdon'
twant
t
ochangethi
smoment.
.
..
..
CHLOÈ
Somet hi
ngi supwi thJosè.Heisjustbeing
weirdlat
ely.Iwearmyschool unif
orm andtake
mybagandheaddownst ai
rs.Wehav estart
ed
writ
ingourf i
nal examssowehav en'
tbeen
seei
ngeachot her.Todaywewer esupposedto
meetupwi thSi sekoandhisgirlbuthejust
canceledonme.Hehasbeendi stanci
ng
himselfl
ately.
Isi
tdownandeatmybr
eakf
astandDadj
oins
me.
Dad:
Goodmor
ningbaby
.
Me:Goodmor
ningDaddy
.Whenar
eyou
comi
ngbackf
orgood.
Iasklooki
ngathim.Ir
eal
lymisshavi
ngmydad
around.I
t'
sreal
l
yhardandIneedhim.
Dad:
Ithoughthar
daboutcomi
ngbackandt
his
weekendIam goi
ngtofetchy ourl
it
tl
ebrot
her
andIwil
lcomeback.Iknowi thasbeenunfai
r
onyouandIam sosorry.Iknowy ouneedme.
Me: Noneedt
oapologi
zedad.Iknowmom was
yourli
feandt
haty
ouneededtimealone.
Dad:
Howar
etheexams?Ar
eyoucopi
ng?
Me: Theyarereal
lygood.Sisekoreal
lyprepar
ed
mef ortheexamsIam r eal
l
ygoi ngtoget
str
aightA'spl
usJosèi shel
pi ngmewi t
h
Engli
sh.Thelit
eratur
eandst uff.
Dad:I
fyougetst
rai
ghtA'
sthenIpr
omi
set
hat
youwil
lgety
ourMother
'smerc.
Me:
Thenewone?
Ij
umpupandhel
aughs.
Dad:Yes.ZoeandTremai
ngotnewcarsaft
er
matr
icandy ouwi
llneedi
tnexty
earsoyes.
Ij
umpandhughi
m.
Me:
Ilov
eYoudaddy
.
Dad:
Ilov
eyouBaby
.
Hedr
ivesmetoschool
andIheadst
rai
ghtt
o
t
heexam hal
l
.
Aft
erschoolImeetupwit
hSisekoandhi
sgi
rl
andwehav elunchaswecat
chup.
Si
seko:
IsJosèokay
?Wher
eishe?
Me:Idon'
tknow.Heseemsdi
ffer
entt
hese
day
sbutallIknowi
sthathei
snotokay.
Si
seko:
Ithi
nkyoushoul
dgoandseehi
m
maybegett
oreadtheat
mospher
e.
Me:Ithi
nkyouareright
.GuysIwi
llhav
etol
ove
andleaveyou.Ineedtobehomenow.Imight
seeJosèlater
.Mat hst
omorrow?
Si
seko:
Okay
.I'
l
ldr
opbyy
ourHouset
omor
row.
Il
eavef
orhomewher eIchangei
ntomyj
eans,
a
whit
esweatshi
rtaswellasmyki
cks.
Igodownst
air
sandmakemy
sel
flunch.
Ist
udyforawhil
ebutIcan'
t.Ican'
thel
pbut
thi
nkofJosè.

It
akemyphoneandcal
lacabtoJose'
shouse.
WhenIgett
her
eIfi
ndAlessi
aint
hekit
chen.
Me:
Mot
her
.
Shetur
nswi
thabr
oadsmi
l
easIhugherf
rom
behi
nd.
Alessi
a:Wow!Ihav
en'
tseeny
oui
nawhi
l
e.You
good?
Me:
Iam good.Howar
eyou?
Shesmi
l
esbutIseef
eari
nherey
es.
Alessi
a:Iam good.Howar
etheexamscomi
ng
up?
Me:Iam doinggood.Iam f
eel
ingreal
ly
confi
dentaboutmyexams.Wher eisJosè?He
hasbeenav oi
dingme,moreli
keshutti
ngme
out.
Isayexhal
i
ngandsher
ubsmyar
m sof
ty.
Alessi
a:BabyJosèisdeal
i
ngwithquit
eal otof
stuff
.All
Icansayisheisaver
ytroubl
edsoul
butIhaveseenhimimproveaf
termeetingyou.
Il
ookatherandIcantell
thati
tisextremel
y
ser
iousbecauseherey
esareful
l ofconcer
n.
Me:Ireal
l
ywantt
obether
eforhi
m buthei
s
pushi
ngmeaway.Wherei
she?
Alessi
a:I
nHisroom.Pleasej
ustgi
vehimti
me
baby,hewil
lcomearoundandfi
nal
lyopenup.
Inodandheadupst
air
stohi
sroom.
Iopent
hedoorandf
indhi
mreadi
ngabook.
ME:St
il
lwrappedupin"
Theromant
ic
adv
ent
uresofami l
kmai
d?"
Ismi
l
easIcl
oset
hedoor
.
Hel
ooksatmeandsmi
l
es,
weakl
ythough.
Josè:
"Iam al
mostdonet
hough.
"
Ismi
leasIl
ist
ent ohi
sBr
azi
l
ian-
Mexi
canor
what
everi
tisaccent.
Isi
tnextt
ohi
m andIputmyhandonhi
s.
Me:
You'
vebeendi
stant
,what
'sup?
Iaskandhest
il
ls.
Josè:
Ihav
ebeenbusy
.Iam sor
ry.
Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ouJosè?
Iaskandhej
ustl
ashesoutonme.
Josè:Isai
dIam fine!Ihav
ejustbeenbusy
.
Don'tyouunder
stand!?
Heyel
l
satmeandIgetupandl
ookathi
m.
Whatt
hehel
li
supwit
hhim?
Me:What
swrongwit
hyou?Iwasj
ustaski
ng?
Whatt
hehel
li
swrongwit
hyou?
Josè:Ij
ustdon'twantany
onetreat
ingmel
i
keI
am somebaby !Justst
optel
l
ingmewhattodo
Blanco!
Hescreamst
hist
ime,
cal
l
ingmebysome
Bl
anco.
Iwi
denmygazeact
uall
ygl
are.Idon'
tknowhow
tof
eelatt
hemoment.
Me: Bl
anco?Youknowwhat ?Iwil
lleav
eyouI
canseey ouwantt
obel ef
talonetothi
nkabout
thi
sBlancoofyour
s.Idon'
twanttobeanag.
Sorr
yforcari
ng.
Isayt
hatwi
tht
ear
spour
ingdownmyey
es.
Hemov
est
owar
dsmeandIpushhi
m away
.
Me:St
opi t
!Idon'
tevenknowwhoy ouare
any
mor e.Thi
sistot
all
ynottheguyIfel
lfor
.
WhoisBlanco?Yourgir
lf
ri
end.
NoOnecoul dhavewarnedmeaboutwhat
wouldhappennext.Josèl
it
eral
lychar
geson
meandpushesmeandIgof l
yi
ngtothefl
oor
.I
can'
tbel
ievethi
s.
Hegr
absmyar
m andIl
ooki
ntohi
sey
es.Thi
s
i
snott
heJosèIknow.Hel
ooksl
i
keamonst
er.
Hesqueezesmyar
m andIf
li
nch.
Me:
Youar
ehur
ti
ngme.
Iscr
eam andminut
eslat
erBal
boaandhi
smom
arei
ntheroom pul
l
inghi
m awayf
rom me.
Josè:
Don'
tevert
alkaboutBlanco.Tel
lher
mom.Tell
hernevert
odot hat!
Hescr
eamscr
ying.
Whatt
hehel
li
swr
ongwi
thhi
m.
Iam al
readycr
ying.
Me:
Iam donewi
tht
his.Iam sor
ryIcan'
t.
Igetoutr
unni
ngandBalboatr
iesr
unningaf
ter
mebutIam toof
ast.Iqui
ckl
yrunoutandcal
la
cab.

I
nsi
dethecarIam cr
yingandshaking.Ican'
t
bel
i
eveJosèhurtmeliket
hat.Heisinsane.He
def
ini
tel
yneedshel
p.
Iwipemyt
ear
sasIgethomeandj
ustgot
omy
room.
AssoonasIhi
tmybedIclosemyeyesand
ev
erythi
ngt
hathappenedcomesbackt
ome.
WhathappenedtoJosèal
lofasudden?Bl
anco?
WhoisBlanco?
If
eel
myt
ear
scomi
ng.
Lor
d,hel
pme!
.
..
.
SI
PHOKAZI
Iam att
heof
fi
ceandWr
appi
ngup.
Isubmi tal
lmyr epor
tstoMrNkosithenhead
home.Mysoni satmymom' shouse,yesIgot
my sel
fanapar t
mentandsheinsi
stedhestays
withthem fornowsoIcouldgetmyf eetof
fthe
groundandgett owor konmycareer.
Igethomeandchangeint
oacasual par
tydress.
Siy
abongahasinvi
tedmeagainandtherewil
l
beinfl
uent
ial
peopl
esoImi ghtgett
omingle.
Il
ookatmy
sel
fint
hemi
rr
oraf
terf
ixi
ngmy
sel
f
up.
Iam wear
ingagr
eenkneelengthbodyhuggi
ng
dresswi
thgol
dsti
let
tos.Ihaveletmybr
aids
l
oose.
Ihav
eanat
ural
lookf
ormymakeup.
Igr
abmycl
utchandheaddownst
air
s.
Ioptf
orafrui
tsal
adcauseIam st
arv
ingt
henI
dri
vetoSi
yabonga'
spl
ace.
WhenIgetthere,
ther
earecar
salr
eady.Ient
er
andf
indpeopleevenMrNkosii
shere.
Si
yabonga:
Siphokazi
,youmadei
t.
Hesay
ski
ssi
ngmycheekandIsmi
l
e.
Siy
abonga:
Youl
ookamazi
ng.Pl
easehav
e
somewine.
Hecal
l
sawai
tert
ogi
vemewi
ne.
Me:
Idon'
treal
l
ydr
ink.I
'
llhav
ejui
cepl
ease.
Iseeasl
i
ghtf
rownbuthesmi
l
es.
Thewait
err
etur
nswi
thj
uiceandIt
aket
hej
uice
fr
om hi
m.
Siy
abongai sact
ingwei
rdlybuthismai
dis
acti
ngev enmoreweir
dly.Sheisappar
ent
ly
Muslim andhascover
edherf ace.
Somet
hingi
sjustnotr
ightwi
thherIcanf
eel
it.
MrNkosi
joi
nsus.
MrNkosi
:WowMi
ssRhonqoy
oucl
eanupwel
l
.
HesaysandIlaugh.Wehavebecomev ery
acquai
ntedwit
heachotherbecausewell
we
worktoget
heri
nmostcases.
Si
yabonga:
Boss,
youcl
eanupwel
ltoo.
Hesmi
l
esandIf
eel
mysel
fqui
ver
ing.
Si
yabongahasnoef
fectonmewhat
soev
erbut
MrNkosi,
hehasast
rongi
mpactonme.Ican'
t
descr
ibei
t.
Me:
Sowheni
stheev
entst
art
ing.
Siy
abonga:
Inaminut
efrom now.INeedtogo
andbegi
nthewhol
eevent.I
'l
lbebackhesays
handi
ngmeoveranot
herglassofj
uice.
Wesi
tandt
heev
entbegi
ns.
Themaidhoover
saroundmeofferi
ngmef ood
andal
lbutIdon'
tdar
etoeati
t.Idon'
ttr
usther
.
TheeventgoesonandIfeel
ali
ttl
erowdy
peopl
estartl
eavi
ngandsomeonesuddenl
y
pul
lsmeandIam t ooweaktof
ighti
t.
.
.
..
.
ZOE
Itf
eelsgoodbeingwit
hAndil
eagain.MrsJonas,
Andil
eandIareseatedint
heloungeplay
ing
cardsashisphoneri
ngssoheexcuseshimself
.
Andi
l
e:Musa?
.
..
.
Andi
l
e:Ev
eryt
hingi
ssetout
?
.
..
.
Andi
l
e:Okaykeepmepost
ed.Ther
eisal
i
feat
st
akeher
e,okay?
.
.
Andi
l
e:Okay
.By
e.
Hehangsupt
henl
ooksatme.
Andi
le:MrsJonasy ouhavetoreal
l
yprayhard.
Yourdaughter
'sfr
eedom dependsonever
ything
goi
ngwel l
tonight
.
Mr sJonas:Real
ly
?Wow!Al lIwanttosayi s
thatthankyouguys.Ir
eall
yappreci
atey outwo.
Youhav emadeanol dwomanhappy ,y
ouhav e
givenherhopeagainsonomat terwhat
happensIpraythatyoutwostayblessed.Ipray
thatyoutwobecomebl essedwithmoreki ds
afterthi
sone.Ipr
aythatyouareblessedwi t
h
mor
elov
eandpr
osper
it
y.
Us:
Amen!Wer
ecei
ve.
Wesmi
l
easshehol
dsbot
hourhands.
Wecont i
nueplayi
ngandst optopr ay.Wepray
foraverylongti
me.Pr ay
ingfortonight'
s
operat
iontobesuccessful.Aft
erpr ayi
ngIhead
tothekit
chenandmakeust eaandcooki es.I
canseeMr si
snervous.
Ibri
ngt
heteaandwesi
tanddi
str
actherby
tal
ki
ngaboutbaby
.
Me:
Ithinkyoushoul
dactual
l
yhelpussetup
t
henurseryonceweknowthebaby'
sgender
.
MrsJonas:I'
dbehonor ed.WhenBri
anna(Bree)
waspregnantIhadhelpedhersetupthe
nur
seryroom butunf
ortunatel
yherbabydidn'
t
makeit.
Me:Don'
tworry
.Shewill
meettheperf
ect
per
son.Theonethatwasmadeforherandwi
l
l
behappyagai
n.Justwai
tandwat
ch.
Andi
l
e'sphoner
ingsagai
n.
Heanswersi
tandaf
tert
alki
ngforawhil
ehe
hangsupandl
ooksatusthensmil
es.
Andil
e:Br
eeisfree.Sheisonherwayhere.I
thi
nkyoushouldrunherabathshewassai dto
beinshock,Igathersomethi
nghappened.
MrsJonasj
umpsupanddownl
i
keachi
l
dand
hugsmeaswell
asAndi
le.
Mr
sJonas:
Thanky
ouLor
d.
Shekneelsdownandcr i
es.Wejoinheri
n
prayerandaft
erIrunupstair
sandr unBr
eea
hotrelaxi
ngbath.It
akeoutoneofmysweat
pants;asweatshirt
,socks,abeani
eand
sl
ippers.
Igodownst
air
sandwar
m upf
oodf
orher
.
Me:It
hinkt
heyarehereIhear
dcardoor
s
sl
amming.Minut
eslat
erMusaasksustoopen.
WhenIopenthedoorBreehugsmeasshei
s
cr
ying.Af
tert
hatsher
unstohermom.
Andi
l
e:Thanky
ouMusa.
Heext
endshi
shandbutMusahugshi
m
i
nst
ead.
Musa:NothankyouAndile.Onceagainyou
havehel
pedmenabacr i
mi nal
.Youhave
al
waysbeenthebigbrotherIneverhad.Iwi
ll
l
ookoutformorepeoplewhomi ghtr
esurf
ace
anddealwi
ththem.
Andi
l
e:Thanky
ouManI
'
dappr
eci
atet
hat
.
HeleavesandItakeBreeupstai
rstothe
guest
room andleadhertothebathr
oom.Igiv
e
hercl
othesandaskhertocomedownst air
sto
eataft
erbathi
ng.
Igodownst
air
sandMr
sJonast
ell
smet
osi
t
andrest
.
Mr
sJonas:
Youar
est
rai
ningy
our
sel
fbaby
.Si
t.
Relaxokay ?Shewillcomedownstairsandtake
herfoody oudon'tneedtodoev er
ythi
ng.You
twohav edonemor et hanenoughforusandI
wil
l f
oreverbeindebtedtoyou.
Me: Nopleasedon'tsaythat
.Youhav ebeen
hereforusthroughthetoughestti
mes.We
real
lylov
edhel pi
ngyouespecial
lyfi
ndingyour
daughter.
Afewmi nut
eslat
erBreecomesdownstai
rsand
It
ell
hertogetfoodinthewarmeri
ntheki
tchen.
Sheret
urnsandsit
snexttohermother
.
Bree:Mom Iam sosor
ryforevery
thi
ngIhav
e
putyouthr
oughandallthatIsai
d.Iwasj
ust
..
.
Shepausesandcr
ies.
MrsJonas:Noneedtoapologi
ze,Iknowy
ou
andt
hegirl
Ihadbeenseei
ngf ort
hepastf
ew
monthswasnotmydaughter.
Br
ee: Iam j
ustsor
ryMom.Ar
eyouOkay
?I
missedyou.
MrsJonas:
ZoeandAndi
lehavebeent aki
ng
goodcar
eofmeIam good.Iam heal
thier
.
Shesmi
l
esandBr
eeLooksatus.
Bree:GuysIdon'tknowhowIcoul deverr
epay
you.Especial
lyaft
erev er
ythingIdidt
oyou.Iam
sosor r
y.Thankyouf ortaki
ngcar eofmy
mot her
.YouGuy shav enoi deahowmuchshe
meanst ome.
Andil
e:Breey ourmot herhasbeenabl essi
ngto
us.Wewer egl adtolookaf t
erherandf i
ndi
ng
youhavegi venhersomuchj oyshehad
year
nedf ory ouallt
heseday s.Ijusthopeyou
l
earntyourlessonandt hatyouwi l
lworkon
gett
ingyourcar eerbackandf ocusony our
famil
y.Ther estwill
foll
ow.
Shenodsandeat
s.
Me:
Ithi
nkwel
eav
eyout
wot
ocat
chup.
Iki
ssMr
sJonas'
cheekaswel
lasBr
ee.
Wegot
oourr
oom.
Me:
Iam happyt
heyf
inal
l
yfoundeachot
her
.
Isayt
aki
ngoutt
hecl
othesf
rom t
hecl
oset
.
Andi
l
e:YesIam gl
adt
oo.
Hesay
sandIf
eelhandsonmywai
st.It
urnand
hei
sbehi
ndme.
Me:
Andi
l
e,y
ou.
..
Andil
e:Ij
ustwanty
out oni
ght.Iam recov
eri
ng
real
l
yquickl
yandIthi
nkIwill
onl yneedacrutch
now.
Ismil
easIki
sshi
m.Iqui
ckl
ytakehi
ssweat
shi
rtof
f.
Wegotowardsthebed.It
akehi
spant
sof
fand
wecont
inueki
ssing.
Heundressesmeandsuddenl
ythewAntand
desi
ret
akesovermybody.
Me:
Ilov
eYou.
Andi
l
e:Il
oveYou.
Welooki
ntoeachot
her
'sey
esandhesl
owl
y
ki
ssesme.
Wearebothnakedkissi
ng.Heslowlyenters
meandIfeelmybodyshakeandpant .We
makelov
eandit'
sbeautif
ul.I
t'
smorelikeheis
get
ti
ngundermyskin.Crawli
ngint
omymi nd.
Thi
smomentisj
ustbeaut
if
ul.Wemakel
oveal
l
ni
ghtl
ongt
il
lwebothti
reout.
Ir
estmyheadi
nnhi
schest
.
Andil
e:Youar
esobeaut
if
ul.Isomet
imest
hinkI
am dreami
ng.
Me:Isomet i
mest hi
nkIam dreaming.
Consideri
ngmypast ,Inev
erthoughtI '
dmeet
someonewhowoul dlovemer egardlessof
ever
ythingthathashappened.IfeelasthoughI
don'
tdeservey ou.
Andi
l
e:Iknowy
oudeser
vemeandIdeser
ve
y
ou.Wewer
emadef
oreachot
her
.
Ismi
l
eandki
sshi
m.
Me:
Sohav
eYout
houghofaname?
Andi
le:Yes,
butIam j
ustgoi
ngt
owai
tti
l
lI
knowthegenderoft
hebaby.
Me:
Ohwow.Ihopei
t'
saboy
.Ar
epl
i
caofy
ou.
Il
aughandhesof
tl
yrubsmyt
ummyandIf
eel
atease.
Andi
l
e:Iwantababygi
rl
.Whowi
l
llookl
i
key
ou.
Me:Eit
herwayIj
ustwantourbabytobe
beaut
if
ul.I
t'
sourmir
acl
ebabyaf t
eral
l.
Isayr
ubbi
ngmynoseonhi
sandweki
ss.
.
..
.
SI
PHOKAZI
Iwakeupinabedr
oom t
iedup.Whatt
hehel
l
happened.
Ihearf
oot
stepsbutIcan'
tmakesenseof
anythinghappeningar
oundme.Ihearv
oices
arguinganditsuddenl
ybecomessil
ent
.What
thehel l
ishappeningt
ome?Wheream I?My
son?Wher eismyson?
Thedoorknobtwist
sandfoot
stepsapproach.I
al
mostgodr ywhenIreal
i
zewhot hi
sis.What!I
don'
tbel
ievethi
s.
.
..
.
CHLOÈ

Iwakeuptothebeepi
ngalar
m.It'
s6am soI
swi
tchitof
fIam notwri
ti
ngtoday
.
Il
ookupandthi
nkofJosè.Whatt
hehel
li
s
happeni
ngt
ohim.
ItakemyphoneandwhenIopenitIhav
eclose
to200missedcal
lsf
rom Al
essi
a,Bal
boaand
Josè.MyFri
endsaswel
l.
Iswi
tchi
tof
fagai
nandj
ustl
i
einbed.
Il
ookatmymot
her
'spi
ctur
eandIf
eel
tear
s.
Myl
andl
i
ner
ings.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Zoe:
Ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyou.Whyi
syour
phoneof
f?
Me:OhIthi
nkthebatt
erydi
edIwi
l
lswi
tchi
t.Do
youneedanyt
hing?
Zoe:Comeovert
omyhouse.Yourdesi
gneri
s
comingtomyhousewi
tht
hetail
orfory
ourfi
rst
fi
tt
ings.
Me:
OhIal
mostf
orgotaboutt
hat
.Whatt
ime?
Zoe:10am.Doy
ouneedmet
osendsomeone
tofet
chyou?
Me:
NoI
'
llt
akeacab.
Zoe:
Okay
.I'
l
lseey
oul
ater
.
Me:
Bye.
Iwakeupandchar
gemyphonet
henheadt
o
t
hebat
hroom.
It
akeal
ongr
elaxi
ngshower
.
Af
tert
aki
ngashowerIwearmybl
ackt
racksui
t.
It
iemyhai
rupi
ntoaneatpony
tai
l.
If
ixmybedandt idymyr oom t
henheadtot
he
ki
tchen.Ieatmybreakf
ast,i
t'
sonl
yLeil
a,
AsanteandI.
Lei
l
a:Whati
swr
ong?I
sitJosè?
Me:
Yes.Hehaschanged.
Lei
l
a:Changed?I
nwhatway
?
Me: Wellheisunst
able.Iwenttoseehim
yest
erdayandwegoti ntoanar gumentandhe
fr
eakedoutandcal l
edmeBl anco.WhenIasked
him hechargedonmeandat tackedme.Ir
an
awayf r
om him.Idon'
twantt oseehim.
Lei
l
a:What
?Whathashappenedt
ohi
m?He
cal
l
edyouBlanco?Whoi
sshe?
Me:
Ihav
enoi
deawhoshei
sort
hei
r
r
elat
ionshi
pbuti
t'
ssomet
hingcompl
i
cat
ed.
Leil
a:Listen,
justgiv
ehi mti
me.Hemaybe
goingthroughaf ewt hi
ngsandyouneedt
obe
thereforhim.Ofcour seyouhav
etobecaref
ul
butbet hereforhim.
Me:
Iwi
l
ltr
y.Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
obel
atef
orwor
k?
Lei
l
a:Iam wai
ti
ngf
orhernewnanny
.
Me: YouknowwhatIwi l
ll
ookafterhert
il
lthe
nannycomesandi fshedoesn'
tshowupIwi ll
takeheral
ongwithmeIam goingt oZoe'
s
houseformyfi
rstfit
ti
ng.
Lei
l
a:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:
YesIam sur
e.Gobef
orey
our
unl
ate.
Shegrabaherbagandleav
esasIcl
eart
he
tabl
eandputthedi
shesint
hedi
shwasher.
Aft
erthatIbat
hAsanteandwewai
tfort
he
nannybutshedoesn'
tshowupsoIl
eavewi
th
hertoZoe'
shouse.
Whenwegett
her
eZoegoescr
azyi
nlov
eov
er
Asant
e.
Zoe:
Aahmyf
avor
it
eni
ece.Comeher
eAsant
e.
Hey.
Asant
esmi
l
esandIgr
eet
.
Me:HeyBhut
'Andi
l
e.Iseey
ouar
erecov
eri
ngI
am gl
ad.
Andi
l
e:Yeah.Howar
etheexamsgoi
ng?
Me:Good.Iam r
eal
l
yconf
identaboutmy
r
esul
ts.Rewar
d?
Isayl
aughi
ngandhel
aughsal
ongwi
thme.
Andi
l
e:Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Andi
le:Wellify
ougetst r
aightA'sI
'l
lbuyyou
anyt
hingyouwant .Takey ouanywhereorgi
ve
youmoney .IpromisedSisekothesame.
Me:
Wow!Cool
.YouknowDadpr
omi
sedI
'
dget
Mom'
snewMer
cifIgotst
rai
ghtA'
s.
.
Zoe:
Wow!That
'scool
.Howi
she?
Me:
Hei
scopi
ng.Muchbet
teract
ual
l
y.
Zoe:
Okaythedesi
gnerwil
lbeher
ejustnow.
Youcanmakeyoursel
fanyt
hingi
nthekit
chen.

Si
phokazi,
mysi st
eri
nlawhasbeenkidnapped.
Coul
dy oupleasegowit
hAndi
le.YouorMax.
Trey:
RelaxIwil
lgowit
hAndileandaskMaxto
helptr
ackherdown.Wejustneedtoknow
whereshelastwentt
henwecanf i
gureout
whattodo.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgo.
.
.
ZOE
Andil
eisrecov
eri
ngquit
ewellandthepastf
ew
dayshavebeenamazingheal
thwisebutweare
adisast
erbecauseSi
phokazihasbeenmissi
ng
forafewdaysnow.Wehav ebeentryi
ngour
besttofi
ndherbutst
il
lnoluck.
MrsJonasandBr eedeci
dedtomovebackint
o
t
heirhousenextdoorbutt
heyvi
sitmostoft
he
t
ime.
Me:
Anyl
ucky
et?
Andi
le:No,itseemsl i
kewhoeverhastakenher
i
sapr o.Ineedtof i
ndmysi st
erZoebeforet
hey
har
m her.Thepol i
ceareprett
ymuchnotdoing
much,Ineedt olookforhermy sel
f.
Me:Wewilldefi
nit
elyfi
ndherBaby .Wej ust
needt
otryharder,hackharderandtrackharder
.
Theki
dnappermusthav eleftaclueoutthere
astowhom iti
sorwher eshei s.
Andi
le:
IhopesoZOEbutIpr
omi
seIwil
lnot
spar
etheper
sonwhohasdonet
his.
.
Hesayst
hatwi
thfull
det
erminat
ionandIknow
t
hatl
ook,t
hatv
oice!I
tmeanshelli
saboutto
br
eakl
oose.
Ij
usthopewef i
ndheri
nti
me.DearLor
d,we
needyourhel
p.
.
..
..
SI
PHOKAZI
Thisdoghaskeptmel ockedi nthi
sroom,he
hasnowt i
edmeupsi nceIt r
iedtoescape
throughthewindow.Howcoul dtheybeworki
ng
together?Howdot heyevenknoweachot her.I
understandLit
ha'sanger,act
uallyi
t'
snot
j
ust i
fi
edbuthei sabit
terex!Ijustdon'
t
understandthi
sMai d'
sproblem withme.
Me:Lithamysonneedsme,pl
easej
ustl
etme
go.Ineedtogobacktomyson.Hei
sjusta
chi
ldheneedsme.
Li
t ha:
Heisactuall
yv er
yhappywit
houtyou.
Siphokazi
Iwarnedy oubutyouwereso
adamantlookaty ounow.Ourfi
nalmemberis
j
oininguslat
er.Youwi l
lseewhatbet
ray
alfeel
s
l
ike.I
t'
ssofunact
ual
lyl
ooki
ngaty ourf
amil
ygo
thr
oughthepai
n.Ahhshame,dearAndi
lef
eels
helpl
ess.
Me:Youwi
llnev
ergetawaywi
tht
his.Tr
ustme
ont
hisone
Hel
aughsatmeandIj
ustst
areathi
m.
.
..
..
MRNKOSI
Iam inmyhouset ryi
ngt ofigureouthowon
eart
hI'l
lfindSi phokazi.YesIwantt ofi
ndher.I
hadstartedl i
kingheraf terIdiscoveredwhata
wonderful personshei s.Siphokazi hassl
owly
changedmef rom thegrumpyper sonIwasto
thehappyper sonIam.
Me:Doyout
hinkshenev
erl
eftt
hehouset
hat
ni
ght?
IaskMar
cel
myPr
ivat
einv
est
igat
or.
Mar
cel
:No,
Ihackedi
ntoSi
ya'
scamer
asy
stem
andthef
ootagecl
earl
yshowsthatshenever
l
eftt
hehouse.Shehasn'
tl
eftsi
ncethen.
Me:
What
!Soi
t'
spossi
blet
hathei
skeepi
ngher
t
her
e?
Marcel
:Verypossi
blebutwedon'
tknow.
What'
sgoingonsowehav etofi
ndout.
Ist
andupandstandneart
hebalconydoor
.
Thi
sisst
art
ingt
ogetmor ei
nter
esti
ngnow.
Ican'
tinfor
m anyonebecausetheywi
llactout
ofanger.Iwil
lhavet
ogot her
ebymy self
.
Me:
I'
ll
got
her
e.Iwi
l
lconf
rontSi
ya.
Mar
cel
:Iam comingwit
hyouNkosi
andIwon'
t
t
akenoforananswer
.
Hesay
sgi
vi
ngmeast
ernl
ookandInod.
Me:
Toni
ghtt
hen!Ineedt
opr
epar
e.
Marcel
:Ohboy!Icer
tai
nlyam acquai
ntedwi
th
t
hosewords.
Hesay
schuckl
i
ngandIl
augh.
Whoev
erabduct
edheri
saboutt
ofeel
thewr
ath
ofamenace!
.
..
.
CHLOE
Ihav
ebeenstayi
ngawayfrom Josèeversi
nce
hi
soutbur
standhonest
lyImisshim.
Theexamsar eov erandeveryoneisstr
essed
aboutSiphokazi
.Ihavebeengoi ngoutwithmy
fri
endsandDadhasof f
eredmeaj obatmy
mom' sBnBandIt hinkImightjustworkther
e
fortheholi
daysi
tmi ghthel
pmecl earmymind
andbeadi str
acti
on.
Istepoutoftheshowerandbl owdrymyhair.
Aftert
hatIgetready.Idecideonashortpi
nk
bubbledresswithti
nystrapsandwhit
e
gladi
ator
s.Iti
emyhai rupintoamessybun.
Iheaddownst
air
sandf
indNi
naandKr
isi
wai
ti
ngf
orme.
Me:Okaywecangonowguy
s.Sor
ryf
ort
aki
ng
l
ong.
Ni
na:
It'
sFi
ne,wejustgother
e.Let
'sgoJason
i
swait
ingf
orusoutsi
de.
InodasIgrabmybagont hetabl
e.Wejump
i
ntoJason'
scarandtakeoff.Wearegoingt
o
hangoutatthegamepark.
Jason:Ar
eyouOkayChl
oè,
youhav
ebeenSo
quiet
.
Me;
Iam f
ine.
Ted:Youar
en'
tokay,
arey
oust
il
lthi
nki
ngabout
Josè?
Me:Idon'
treal
l
ywanttotalkabouthi
m.Jose
haschangedalotandIdon'
tKnowwhattodo.
Nina:Maybei
t'
sbett
eri
fyouj
ustl
eft
.He
doesn'
tdeser
veyou.
Jason:
Ory
oucoul
dtal
ktohi
m.Li
stent
owhat
hehast
osay
.
Theyalltal
kbutIremainsi
lent
.Whenwegett o
theparkwesettleonourusualspotandthey
takeoutthei
rbooze,wetakeoutthingsf
orthe
barbecueandjusthangout.
Ishockt
hem bysuddenl
ypour
ingmy
sel
fBooze.
Ted:
Youdon'
tdr
ink.Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:Ineedsomet
hingstrongTed.Somethi
ng
t
hatwill
hel
pmef eelany
t hi
ngbecauseatt
he
momentIam numb.Iwantt of
eelsomethi
ng.
Isaygul
pingthest
rongv
odkathat
automat
ical
lybur
nsinmythr
oat.
Ir
epeatt
hisunt
ilIam t
otal
l
yti
psy
.
Kr
isti
:It
hinkyoushoul
dstopnow.Stop
dr
inki
ngorslowlydr
inki
t,don'
tj
ustgul
pitdown.
Shesaysandwesi tt
her
eandtal
k.ToMy
bi
ggestsurpr
iseIseebl
ondhai
rint
ri
cat
e:
st
andingoutandacowli
ck.
I
t'
sJosè!Whatthehel
li
shedoi
ngher
e.Hei
s
wear
ingjeanswi
thawhit
et-
shi
rt
"
CHLOÈ!"HeuttersmynameandIf eelmy
i
nsi
deburn.Iam notsur
eIfi
t'
spassionbur
ning
i
nmeoranger .
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eJosè.
Jose:
Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ouChl
oè.Pl
ease.
Ir
oll
myey
esandl
etoutanawf
ull
augh.
Me:
Real
l
y?Nowy
ouar
ereadyt
otal
ktome.
Isayt
hatpoi
nti
ngatmy
sel
ffool
i
shl
y.
Ist
andupandst
aggerar
ound.
Me:Sofinal
l
y,Iam wort
hyoftal
ki
ngtoyou?
Josèwhathappenedtoyou?Whoareyou?You
arenott
heJosèIknow: MyJosè!
Isayt
hatandi
mmedi
atel
yst
artcr
ying.
Hehol
dsmyar
m andl
ooksi
ntomyey
es.
Josè:
Please,
Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ou.Pl
ease!
Jason:
Justt
alkt
ohi
m Chl
oè.
Josè:i
fyouguysdon'
tmi
ndpl
easecoul
dIt
ake
hersomewhere.
Me:
Why
?Whycan'
twet
alkher
e?
Kr
isi
:
Wher
ear
eyout
alki
ngher
?
Jose:
Iwantt
oshowhersomet
hing.Pl
ease.
Il
ookathi
mthennod.
Wegotohiscaranddr
iveof
ftoaplaceIdon'
t
know.I
t'
smoreofafor
est.I
t'
sjustsosi
lent
.
Josè:Ineedtotel
lyouaboutmy
sel
fChl
oèand
thereasonsIam t
hisway.
Hesaysandtr
ustmebyt
hist
imeIhav
e
sober
edup.
Wewal kt
oar ockandwebot hsi
tashelooks
atthi
spar
ticul
artr
eethathasatr
unkthat
seemspeeledoff
.
Josè:
YouonceaskedwhyIat
tendedt
her
apy
.
Il
ookathi
m andnod.
Josè:I.
..Iam bat
tl
ingwi
thaf
ewpr
obl
ems.I
am haunted.
Me:
Haunt
ed?
bywhat
?
Josè:
Mypast
:Bl
anco.
Hesay
sandIseet
ear
sinhi
sey
es.
Me:WhathappenedJosèt
alkt
ome.Icanonl
y
hel
pyouonlyi
fyoutal
ktome.
Josè:BlancoandIwerefr
iendssincechil
dhood.
Webot hmov edher
etoSout hAfri
cawithour
parent
swhenwewer ever
yy oung.Wefelli
n
l
ove.
Hecl
oseshi
sey
esandIseet
ear
s.
Josè:Westar
teddati
ngandat16Ihadi ssues
wit
hmyf amil
y.Ial
wayshadi ssuestheywere
j
ustmoreprominentat16.Iwasgr umpyand
angry
.Il
ostcontr
olandmyt emperv eryeasi
ly
.
Bl
ancost
il
ldi
dn'
tl
eav
e.Shel
ovedme.
Hecr
iest
hist
imeandIf
indmy
sel
fsheddi
ng
t
ear
stoo.
Isof
tl
ybr
ushhi
shand.
Josè:Ididn'
tmeantodoitChloè.Itwasjusta
mistake.Thi
swasourusual spotwe'dcome
heretogetawayfrom ev
eryone.Thatnight.
Hesay
sandcri
esandIf
eel
myhear
tache
al
ongwit
hhi
s.
Josè:Iwasv eryupsetthatnight .Myfatherhad
missedmymosti mportantmat chandwasn' t
homef ordinner .Shetookmeher e.I
tshouldn'
t
havehappened.I. .Wef oughtthatnightandout
ofangerIst artedchasingher .Shekepton
beggingmet ost opbutCHLOEIwast ooangry
toli
sten.Ivent edmyangeronherand
acci
dent al
lypushedher ,shehitherhead
againstthattreeandf ellunconscious.Lit
tl
edid
Iknowt hatshewoul dlaterdie.
Igaspandwi
denmygaze.
Me:
Youki
l
ledher
?
Iaskandhesl
owl
ynods.
Lor
d!Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
osay
.
Ist
andupandl
ookathi
m.
Me:
then?
Iputherinthecarandt ookhert ot
hehospi t
al
andcal l
edbothourpar ents.Itoldt
hem
everythi
ngthathappenedandshel aterpassed
awaybecauseshehadahear tcondi
tionand
thatdayherhear tbeatwasext remelyhigh
causingitt
ost op.
Me:
Whatdi
dherpar
ent
ssay
?
Josè:
Theycur
sedme,
theydi
dn'
tev
enal
l
ow
me
att
endherfuneral
.Isti
ll
haven'
tfoundpeace
becausetheyneverfor
gaveme.CHLOÈIam a
mess.Ihavealotofissuesandthetruthi
syou
di
dn'tdeser
vewhathappenedtheot herdayI
j
usthavebeenof
ftheedgebecauset
hatday
wasthesamedayIkil
l
edhersoIwasalit
tleof
f.
Iam sosor
ryChl
oè.
Hesay
skneel
i
ngi
nfr
ontofme,
cry
ingl
oudl
y.
Idon'tknowhowIshouldreactbuti
nst
eadI
kneeldownandhughim.Heneedsme, Iam
scaredyesthat
'dt
ruebutheneedsmeIcan' t
l
eavehi m.
Me:
Comel
et'
sgohomeJosè.
Henodsandweheadt
othecar
.
Me:
Iwi
l
ldr
ive.
Henodsandwedri
vequi
etl
ywi
thj
ustmusi
c
pl
ayi
ngsweet
ly.
Wearri
veathi
shouseandenter
.Igr
eet
ev
ery
oneandwegoupst ai
rs.
Me:
Youhav
etof
orgi
vey
our
sel
fJosè.
Isayaswebothset
tl
eont
hebedwi
thabl
anket
cover
ingus.
Josè:
HowsoIdoitChl
oè?Iki
l
ledher
,itwi
l
l
al
wayshauntme.
Me: Li
stenI fyoudon'tf or
givey oursel
fyouwi l
l
al
way shav ethishangingov eryourhead.You
wil
lneverbeabl etoloveorbewi t
hpeople
becausey ouwi llal
lway sfear.Thef ir
ststepi s
accepti
ngandf orgi
v i
ngy ourself.Youtri
gger ed
herdeathbuty oudidn'tki
llher.Shewasi ll.You
havetof orgiv
ey oursel
fJosè.
Isaylooki
ngathi
m andhet
akesmyhandi
nto
his.
Josè:
Ican'
tdot
hisal
one.Ineedy
ouChl
oè.
Me: Iam wit
hy ouJosèbutyouneedtobe
wil
l
ingtohel ped.Youneedt
ocalm downand
nevereverrepeatwhatyoudidt
omebecauseI
won'tstandforit.
Josè:
Iam wil
lingto.Ij
ustf
eel
sobadabout
whatIdi
dt oyouandIwouldneverf
orgi
ve
mysel
fifIhadhurtyou.
Iki
sshisli
pshesi
tant
lybutherepl
i
eshungr i
ly
andIfeelmyski
nheatup.Ifeelmyheartbeat
accel
erat
eandIfeelt
hefir
eofpassionburn
withi
nme.
Webot
hbr eakoutfrom t
heki
ssandourgaz
eis
aut
omat
icall
ylocked.
Me:
Ilov
eYou.
Josè:
Ilov
eYou.
.
..
.
MRNKOSI
Ipackupthestuf
fIwi
l
lneedf
ort
oni
ghtt
hensi
t
onthecouch.
"Daddy
!Iam back!
"It
urnj
ustt
oseemy
daught
er.
Shehasgr
ownsomuchi
t'
sov
erwhel
ming.
Me:
Siphoset
hu!
Ist
andupandsher
unst
ome.
Set
hu:
Imi
ssedy
ou.Gr
amsi
sjustt
oomuch.
Shesay
sthatdr
amat
ical
l
yandIl
augh.
Me:Imissedyout
oo.Nowwewi l
lhav
efun
t
ogetherIhav
esomuchtotel
lyou.
Set
hu:
OhDad!Ihav
eloadst
otel
lyout
oo.
Shesaysthatdramat
ical
l
yagainmaki
ngme
l
augh.Idi
dn'tknowmy11y earol
ddaught
er
hadbecomesuchadr amaqueen.
Me:Okaybuttoni
ghtIwon'
tbehome.Afri
end
ofkbehasbeenkidnappednowIam t
ryi
ngto
fi
ndher.Shei
sondanger.
Set
h:That
'sokaydad.Youshoul
dsaveherand
byt
hewayar eYousureit
'sj
ustyourf
ri
end?
Shesay
swi
ggl
i
ngherey
ebr
ows.
Me:Yessheisj
ustafr
iend.Icall
edupy our
aunttocomest
aythenightwithyouandwhenI
am backwewil
lgoshoppingforChri
stmas
ri
ght?
Set
hu:
Ofcour
se.Thi
shouseneedsmyt
ouch
any
way.
Shesay
slooki
ngar
oundandIsmi
l
e.
Me: YesPrincessi
tdoes.Okayl
et'
stakeyour
bagst oyourroom t
henwecangof oranhour
beforeIgo?
Set
hu:
OkayDad.
Wet akeherthingstoherbedroomsgooutt
o
grabburgersaftert
hatwereturnhomeandwai
t
formysister.
Phi
ndi
:Si
phoset
ju,
YourAunti
sher
e!
Shegoesr
unni
ngt
oherai
n'
t.
Me:
I'
ll
bebackl
ater
.Thanksf
orbaby
sit
ti
ngsi
s.
Isayandshesmi
l
es.
Phi
ndi
:Noneedt
othankmedar
li
ng.
It
akemyt
hingsandpackt
hem i
nthecar
.
Mar
cel
:IhopeIam notl
ate.
Me:
Notatal
l
.Let
'sgo.
Wegeti
nthecaranddr
ive.
.
..
..
SI
PHOKAZI
Li
thaandt
hatmaident
erbutt
hist
imeat
hir
d
memberenter
s.
Si
yabonga!What
!Hei
sint
hist
oo?
Si
yabonga:
Howi
sourguestdoi
ng?
Li
tha:
Ver
yfei
stybutheal
thy
.
Hesay
schuckl
i
ng.
Siyabonga:OhIam sosorr
yforleadi
ngyouon
SiphokazibutLi
thai
smyol dfr
iendandhehad
askedmet ohel
phim,whatwouldIhavedone.I
hav eawifeandkid.
Me: Youfi
lt
hyman!Aren'
tyouashamedof
yoursel
f?Despi
teabusi
ngmeallthi
stimeyou
sti
ll
didthi
stome.Lithayouar
edisgusti
ng!
Li
tha:Saveyouropi
nionsaboutmet oyour
self
.I
don'
tcare!NoOnewi l
lsaveyoutodaybecause
Iwil
lkil
lyou.
Me:
I'
dli
ket
oseey
out
ryt
hatLi
thaRadebe!
Iscowl
athi
m andhesmi
l
es.
Li
tha:
Wewi
l
lsee!
.
..
.
ZOE
Wear
eint
hehouseandIam cooki
ngdi
nner
.
Me:
Wewi
l
lfi
ndherAndi
l
e.Don'
tyouwor
ry.
ANDI
LE:
Ifai
l
edherasabr
otherZoe.
Me:
Stopbl
ami
ngy
our
sel
fAndi
l
e.
Andil
e:ButNkosical
ledmeupear l
ierandtol
d
mehehadal eadandthatIshouldn'ti
nfor
m
anyonebecausewecan'ttrustanyoneatthe
moment .
Me:
Thenhewi
l
ldef
ini
tel
yfi
ndher
.It
hinkhei
s
i
nter
est
edi
nher
.
Andi
l
e:Whydoy
ousayso?
Me:Healwaysasksabouther
,hei
sov
er
i
nqui
sit
iveabouther
.
Andi
le:Yeahit
'spossibl
e.Ij
usthopeshef
inds
herr
ightli
fepart
ner.Shedeserv
esit.
Me:Youareri
ght
.AnywayIam worr
iedabout
Chl
oè.ShehasbeenSodist
antl
atel
y.
Andil
e:Ihavenoticedthattoo.Ithinkwe
haven'
tbeengivinghermuchat tenti
on.She'
s
youngandjustlosthermom.Shei smost
vul
nerabl
etoany thingandwehav ebeenSo
wrappedupinourl ivesandhav en'thadthe
ti
met ocheckuponher .
Hesay
sandt
obehonesti
t'
str
ue.
Me:Youar
eri
ght.Aft
erwefindSiphokazi
Iwi
l
l
f
ocusonmyli
ttl
esist
er.Sheneedsus.
Andi
l
e:Yesshedoes.
Me:Ihopewef i
ndSiphokazithough,
Chri
stmas
i
saroundthecornerandweneedt omake
pr
eparat
ions.It
hinkwehav esomucht obe
gr
atef
ulforthi
syear.
Andil
e:YesandIdon'
tknowwhyIf
eel
socal
m
abouttheki
dnappi
ngthi
sti
me.
Me:I
t'
sprobabl
ybecauseGodhasamot
iveand
somet
hinggoodwil
lcomeoutofit
.
Isaysi
tt
ingonhi
slapandhesmi
l
es.
Andil
e:Goodness!Justl
ookatus.Whowould
havethought?Wehav ecomealongway.Our
l
ifeseemslikeamov i
e.
Hesay
sthatl
aughi
ngandIj
oinhi
m.
Me: Yes,
from enemi es,
tofri
endst
oalmost
l
osingeachot herthentohusbandandwif
e.I
t'
s
beenquiteajourneybutit'
sbeenwort
hit
.
Andi
le:
Andnowwehav
ingourj
uni
or,
Icannot
wait
.
Ismi
l
easher
ubsmyt
ummyandki
ssesi
t.
Me:Wegoingt
obepar ent
s.I
tst
il
lseemswei
rd
t
hatsomeonewil
lcal
lusMom andDad.
Andi
le:Iknowr
ight
?Buthey
!It
'sal
lGod'
s
bl
essing.
Inodandki
sshi
sli
ps.
.
..
.
SI
PHOKAZI
Ican'
tbeher eanyl onger.Iam t ir
edandIwant
togobackt omyson.Ihav er eali
zedqui tealot.
Ihavereal
izedt hatli
feisshor tandt hatIshould
bewiththeimpor t
antpeopl einmyl i
fe.IknowI
havenfall
enf orMrNkosi andf ranklyifIgetan
opport
unitytol eavethisplaceIwantt otellhi
m.
Whetherornother ejectsmedoesn' tmat ter
.I
needtotelhim.Ineedt ost ar
tappr eciati
ngmy
famil
yespeci al
lymysonandpar ents.IknowI
havebeendi stancingmy selffrom them
becauseIfeltast houghIdi sappointedt hem
butnomor e.Iam readytobetheirlit
tl
e
Siphokazi
andIam mor ethanreadytobecome
agoodmot hertomyson.Ihav eletsomany
peopledownIt hinki
t'
stimeIrectif
iedmy
mi st
akes.

Iheargunshot
sandIt otal
lyfreeze.Lor
difIam
todietodaypl
easejustprotectmysonf orme
andforgiv
emef oreverythi
ng.
Isitsi
lentl
yandmi nut eslaterLit
ha,TheMai d
andSiy abongaar edr aggedi nbysomeguy.He
hasblackhai rcurly.Heent ersandafterheis
i
nsideIhearf amil
iarfoot steps.Myhear tskips
abeatandIl ookatt hedoorandt herehei s.Mr
Nkosi!Hel ooksmydi recti
onandqui ckl
ycomes
tome.Heuni tesmeandcupsmyf aceasIam
alr
eadycr yi
ng.
MrNkosi
:Ar
eyouOkay
?Di
dtheyhur
tyou?
Me:
Myson.Iwantt
oseemychi
l
d.I
..
MrNkosi
:Havey
ouev
enbeeneat
ingSi
phokazi
youl
ookpal
e.
IshakemyheadandIseeaf
lashofangeron
hisface.
"ThecopsareontheirwayNkosi
.These
scoundr
elswil
lbecaught.
"Thecurl
yhair
edguy
saysandMrNkosi nods.
Li
tha:
Thi
sisnott
heendSi
phokazi
.
MrNkosi
:OhShutupRadebe!Andasf
ory
ou
Khuzway
o!Youwil
lpayf
orthi
s!
Hesay
st hr
oughgrit
tedandIl
ookathi
m.Ist
his
asi
gnthatIshoul
dconfessmylov
etohim?
Thecopsarri
veandtheyaretakenbutasMr
Nkosihel
psmewal koutIhearagunshotand
asItur
nLithahasf
iredagunatmebutMr
Nkosiwastheonetoshiel
dmegotshotonhi s
arm.
MrNkosi
:RADEBE!
Heroarsathim andbefor
eIev
enknowi
t
PuncheslandonLitha.
Me:St
opMrNkosi
heonlywantst
ogety
oui
nto
t
roubl
ewi
tht
hecops.Pl
ease.
Hestopsandthecopscuf
fLi
thaandt
heyar
e
al
ltakent
othepoli
cevan.
MrNkosi andMarceli
nsi
stIgotothehospi
tal
.I
getcheckedoutwhil
ehedresseshiswound
andmywhol eFamilycomes.
Andi
l
e:Ar
eyouOkaycuz?
Me:
YesIam Okay
.Li
thai
sjustasi
cko!
IsayasIwearmyshoes.
Zoe:Wemustbegr atefultoVusi
,i
fitwer
en'
t
forhi
m honest
lyIdon'tknowwhatwould'
ve
happened.
Me:Youar
eri
ght
.Ineedt
othankhi
m.Heev
en
t
ookabull
etf
orme.
Whi
chi
sst
range,
whywoul
dhet
akeabul
l
etf
or
me?Whydidheoutofal
l peopl
ecomeanyway
.
Don'
tgetmewrongIam gratef
ulbuti
t'
s
somehowconf
using.

Ican'
texplainhowIf el
twhenIsawhi m walk
thr
ought hatdoor.Iwasex ci
tedandhappy .He
hasastrangeef fectonmeIr eal
lycannot
expl
aini
t .Iam yettofi
ndoutal otandmay be
getanotherchanceatl ov
e.
Fi
nal

ZOE
Iam si
tt
ingont
hehospi
tal
bedandMrNkosi
wal
ksin.
MrNkosi
:Ar
eyouOkay
?
Me:Ishoul
dbeaskingyouthatsi
r.Youreal
l
y
sav
edmyl i
feIdon'
tevenknowhowt othank
y
ou.
MrNkosi
:Youcangetbett
ersoonsoyou'l
l
comebacktotheof
fi
ce.Theotherj
uni
orsmake
amessofthi
ngs.
Il
aughandIl
ookathi
m.
Me: Iwi
ll
bebettersoon.Justgetwel
l.Thank
youMrNkosi Ihonest
lydon'tknowknowhow
t
ot hankyou.
MrNkosi
:Youcanst
artof
fbycal
l
ingmebymy
f
ir
stnameVusi
.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
Vusi
,thanky
ou.
Isaysheddi
ngt
ear
sandIf
eel
hishandonmy
shoul
der.
MrNkosi
: Si
phokazi
noneedtokeept
hanking
me.AreyouOkay?Ithi
nkyouneedat
herapist
orsomet
hing.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbeokayVusi
.
Achi
l
dandal
adyr
ushi
nandt
hechi
l
dhugs
hi
m.
"Daddy!Ar
eyouOkay?Whydidyouneedt obea
hero?"Hel
aughsatherasIseeherangergr
ow.
MrNkosi:Iam Okayprincess.Afriendofmi
ne
neededsaving.Shoul
dIhav eletherdie?
Hesay srai
singhi
sbrowandmygazewidens.
Hecalledmehi sf
ri
end?Whatt
hehel
li
s
happening?
Il
ookatthelady.Thi
smightbehi
swi
feI
shoul
dexcusemy sel
f.
Me: Iam sorryIt
hinkI'
ll
leaveyouwit
hyour
family.Thankyouagainforhelpi
ngmeoutor
elseIwoul d'
vedi
edt oni
ght.Thanky
ou.
"Soyouar
etheonewhoputhisli
feondanger
?"
Shesaysl
ooki
ngintomyeyesandIsuddenl
y
feel
weak.Idon'
thavet
imefort
his.
Me:
Iam sor
ryIdi
dn'
tknowhewascomi
ng.I
hadbeenki
dnappedsoIwoul
dn'
tknow.
MrNkosi
:That
'senoughSiphoset
hu!Idi
dn'
t
t
eachyoutoberude.Apol
ogizetoher
.
Me:Noi t
'sf
ineVusi.Shehasari
ghtt
obeangry
shercoul
d'v
elostyou.Theycoul
dhavel
osty
ou.
Isayl
ooki
ngatt
hewomanandHi
sdaught
er.
MrNkosi
:Sti
ll
thatdoesn'
tmeansheshoul
dbe
r
ude.Si
phoset
huifyouknowwhat'
sgoodfor
you,
youwil
lapol
ogize.
Si
phoset
hu:
Sor
ry!
Shesaysthatnottaki
ngherburni
ngey
esf
rom
mines.She'
sfumingwithanger
.
MrNkosi
:Si
phoset
hu!
Heshout
sstar
tl
ingthebot
hofusbuttheot
her
l
adyremai
nsimpassiv
easifshei
susedtohis
anger
.
Si
phosethu:Iam sor
ryf
orbei
ngr
udet
oyou.I
won'
trepeatit
.
Shesay
sthatf
astandIhearherv
oiceshaki
ng.
Me:
Apol
ogyaccept
ed.Ihav
etogonow.
It
urnandwalkoutoft
hewar
d.Thi
schi
l
d
pr
obablyhat
esmenow.
Iwal
ktomywar
dwher
eIf
indZoepacki
ngmy
st
uff
.
Me:
Am Ibei
ngdi
schar
tged?
ZOE:YesSposh,Auntcal
l
edandaskedusto
takey
oudirect
lyhomenottoyourapar
tment
.
Me:Mom andherfussi
ng.Iam f
ineshei
s
wor
ryi
ngfornot
hing.
Zoe:Sheisri
ght.Youneedtobearoundyour
famil
y.Ial
sowant edy
out ocomestaywit
hus
foracoupleofdaysbutsheaskedthatwebr
ing
youtoher.
Me:Yeahmaybeyouarer
ight
.Ij
ustdon'
twant
al
lofyouwor
ryi
ngaboutmeunnecessar
il
yZoe.
Zoe:
Justdon'
tshutany
oneout
,itwi
l
lhur
tyou
ev
enmor
e.
Inodandwel
eav
e.
.
..
..
ZOE
LATERwear eathomedoingphysi
cal
exerci
ses,
thedoct
orsaidi
twil
lbegoodforAndi
le'
s
recov
eryaswellasmybaby'
shealt
h.
Andi
l
e:Iam sot
ir
ednowBabycanwest
op.
Me:Iagr
ee,
wehavedoneenoughfortheday
.
Any
wayHowdoy oufeel
?Gett
ingbet
ter?
Andi
le:YesIam r
ecover
ing.Whydoy
out
hink
NkosisavedSi
phokazi
.
Me: Vusii
sanoldfriendofmineandknowing
him It
hinkheisInlovewit
hher.He.Doesn'
tdo
thi
ngswi t
houtanyreason.Helov
essaving
thosewhoar edeartohim.
Andi
le:
Ijustdon'
twanthertogethur
tany
mor
e.
Shehasbeent hr
oughalot
.
Me:Iknow.I
'
llf
indoutNkosi
'
smot
ivedon'
t
wor
ry.
Andi
l
e:Okay
.
Hecomest
omeandpl
aceshi
sheadonmy
t
ummy .
Andil
e:Howismybabydoing?Arey
ouOkay
ther
ebaby?Daddycannotwai
ttomeety
ou.
Ismi
l
easIwat
chhi
m pl
aywi
thmyt
ummy
.
Iam gl
adI'
ll
beablet
ogi
vehimthi
sgi
ft
.God
youhaveanswer
edmypray
ers.
.
..
..
CHLOE
Iam inbed,Ikeepthinki
ngaboutJosèandt he
factthathehaskill
edsomeonebef ore.Ilove
him andIwantt obewi t
hhim butisitt
her i
ght
thi
ngt odo?Iam scaredofhim andt hefact
thathehashur tmephy si
cal
lybeforeandI
knowThat, thatishowabusest ar
ts.Idon't
wantt
oendupdeadi
nsomedi
tch.
It
urnonmyt .
vbutIcan'
tseem t
oconcent
rat
e
onthesoapi
e.
Myphoner
ingsandi
t'
sJosè.
Me:
Hey
!
Jose:
HeyChl
oè.Ican'
tsl
eep,
wannahangout
?
Me:Att
hist
imeoft
heni
ght
?Dadwoul
dnev
er
al
l
owit.
Jose:Youcansl
eepov
eratmyhouse,
mom wi
l
l
cal
lyourdad.
Me:Ithi
nkweshouldhangouttomorr
ow.Dad
won'
tall
owitIknow.Let
'smeetuptomor
row
andhangoutthewholeday
,okay?
Jose:
OkayFi
ne.Ar
eyouOkay
?Yousound
j
umpy .
Me:Iam Okaydon'
tworr
yaboutme.Iam j
ust
hav
ingoneofthoseni
ghts,
youknow.
Jose:
Okay,
letmenotdi
stur
byou.Goodni
ght.I
l
oveyou.
Me:
Ilov
eYout
oo.
Ihangup.
Iam scar
edofhi
m It
hinkIshoul
dtal
ktohi
s
mom andgetmorecl
arit
yonhiscondi
ti
on.
.
..
.
LEI
LA
Iam i
nbedr
est
ingmyheadonGr
ey'
schest
.
Me:
Iam wor
ri
edaboutChl
oè.
Tr
ey:
Why
?
Me:She'sbeenact
ingst
rangel
ythesedays.I
havetri
edtal
ki
ngtoherbutshejustsay
sshe's
okay.It
hinki
thastodowithJosè.
Trey:It
hinkev
ersinceshenett
hatboyshehas
changedIdon'tknowbutImusthaveatalkwi
th
her.Idon'
twanthertogothr
oughshital
one.
Me: Iagreewit
hyou.Somethi
ngi
sclear
ly
tr
oublingherandshehastoknowthatwear
e
hereforher.
Trey:Yeah.AreyouOkayt hough?Imean
tomorrowi syourdad'sdeathanni
ver
saryandI
mustconf essIfeelbad.Ifeel
soguil
tybecause
Ikil
l
edhi m.
Me: Iknowandhonestl
yTreyIhaven'tgot t
en
overThatbutIam t
ryi
ngtomov epasti t.Idon't
evenknowhowmydadwoul dl
ookatme
knowingIfell
inl
ovewithhi
smur dererbutI
can'
thelpitIl
oveyouThatiswhyIfor gavey ou.
Trey
:I'
dlov
eust odosomethi
ngspecial
tomorr
ow.JustYou,meandAsante.
Me:
Thatwoul
dbel
ovel
ybaby
.
Heki
ssesmyf
oreheadandwecuddl
e.
.
..
.
MRNKOSI
Iam soembar rassedbyt hewaySiphoset
hu
actedt owardsSi phokazi.Shewasbeingabeat
asusual .Isthi
swhathermom t aughther?To
disrespectelders.Isthatwhatshelearntather
mat ernalhomebecauseIknowt hatIrai
sedher
thesamewaymypar ent
sr ai
sedme.Ineedt o
talktoherassoonasIgetachance.
Istar
eatthehospi
tal
ceili
ng.It
's7pm andIam
boredtodeat
h.Thedoctorsinsi
stedt
hatIstay
thenightf
orobser
vat
ions.
Icanonl
ythinkaboutSiphokazi att
hispoint.I
thi
nkIhavefal
leninlov
eagai n.Ithi
nkIhav e
foundwhatIhadbeenlookingf orinSiphokaziI
j
usthopeshef eel
sthesamewaywi t
ht i
me.
.
..
.

6YEARSLATER
ZOE

ANDILE!BANDI
LE!BAYANDA!Wher
eareyou
guy
s?Lunchisreadycomet
othepati
o.
Youmustbewonder ingwhoBandi l
eand
Bayandaare.Theyar
eourboy s.Bandil
eis5
yearsol
dandwasnamedusi ngAndile'
sname
andasforBay anda(
3y ear
sold)heisour
secondsonandwasnamedusi ngmyi siXhosa
nameAy anda.

It
'sBeengood6y earsandAndi
leandIwent
throughsomuchasacoupl eIalmostdi
ed
givingbi
rt
htoourdaughterNamikobunk.Who
i
sj ust3monthsold.Godhasblesseduswit
h3
kidssomethi
ngIthoughtwasimpossibl
e.
Andi
l
ewal
ksi
nwi
tht
heboy
s.
Me:
Babyl
unchi
sser
vedpl
easet
akeaseatI
wi
l
lser
vey
ou.
Andi
le:
OhhBabyIhavebeenwai
ti
ngtobe
ser
vedthewhol
eday.What'
sonourmenus?
Me: Wehav eyourfavor
it
ebeefst ewhowever,
you'l
ll
ovedessertevenmor e.There'
scake,
I
personal
lybakeditandtheicing.ImadesureI
madei tj
ustthewayy ouli
keit.
Isaysmi
l
ingandhel
aughs.
Bandi
l
e:Comeonguy
sgetar
oom!
IgaspasIl
ookathi
m.
Me:You'
vebecomewayt
oosmar
tfory
ourown
good.
Hel
aughsasIser
veal
loft
hem.
Isi
topposi
teAndi
l
eandcheckonNami
ko.
Me:
Nami
isgr
owi
ngsomuchIcan'
tbel
i
evei
t.
Andi
le:
Hadany
onetolduswewoul
dhavesuch
ahugefami
l
yallt
hoseyear
sagowewoul
d
hav
epunchedt
hem.
Me:Buty
oualway
shadf
ait
hthatwewoul
d
hav
ebabies.
Andi
le:
isChl
oèbackfr
om Americayet
?Fat
her
-
i
n-l
awsaidshe'
dbecomingbacktoday.
Me:Shecal
ledmeear
li
ert
ell
i
ngmet hatshe
wasgoingt
oboardaf
li
ght
.Treywi
l
lpickherup
f
rom t
heair
port.
Bandi
l
e:Ij
usthopeshehasmygi
ft
.
Me:She'l
lnev
erforgoty
ourgi
ftbabydon't
worr
y.Shetoldmeshewascomi ngbackwi t
h
herf
ianceandthatshehadasurpri
seforus.
Andi
l
e:Sur
pri
se?
Me: Ithi
nkthefi
anceisasurpri
se.Youknow
afterwhathappenedwit
hJosèandherIdi dn'
t
thi
nkshe'dwanttobewi t
hsomeoneev eragain.
Heal mostkil
l
edher.HadSisekonotnoti
ced
thatshewasmi ssi
ngatthatti
mewewoul dbe
t
alki
ngaboutadeceasedper
sonnow.
Andi
le:Joseneededhelp.Iwonderwhywe
coul
dn'
tseet hat
.Tomor r
owaf t
erChurchwe
needtogoandseeSi phokaziandherhusband
shehasinvi
tedusoverforlunch.
Me:
Ohy
esIr
emember
.
Weallhav
el unchwit
hAndi l
efeedi
ngBayanda
andaf
terthatwestayindoorsfort
heday
pl
ayi
nginthehousewi ththeki
ds.
MyLi f
ehasbeenAmazi ng.Igotmycalli
ngt
o
beaPast orandIhavebeenpursui
ngit.MyLaw
careerhasbeengreat
.Howev er
,myfir
stpri
ori
ty
i
smyf amil
y.Bei
ngawi f
eandmot hercomes
fi
rstnow.
Iwatchmyfami
lyast
heyallpl
aywrest
li
ngwi
th
thei
rdad.Ismi
l
easIcradl
eNamiko.
MyBoy
s.Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hisi
smi
ne.
.
..
..
SI
PHOKAZI
Me:Baby,Uy
athandwahasst
art
edt
eet
hingno
wondershehasbeenSomoodyand
t
roubl
esome.
Vusi
:She'
sgrowi
ng.Soonwewi
l
lhav
eanot
her
over
smartSi
phoset
husoon.
Il
aughasIki sshercheek.Yes!6y ear
sago
afterthati
ncidentt hathappenedMrNkosi
proclaimedhisl ov eformeandwegotmar ri
ed
shortlyaft
erthat .ImustsayIhav ehadthebest
5y earsofmar ri
age.Wear esohappyt oget
her.
Mysongotaper fectfatherf
igureandIguess
Siphosethugott hemot hersheneeded.She
grewf ondofmeal thoughinit
ial
l
yshehat edme
becauseshet houghIwasher etosnatchher
dadawayf r
om her .
Wehav e2additi
onalki
dstogetherwhi
char
e
LubabalooursonandUy at
handwaour
youngestdaught
er.It
hinkVusisavedmefr
om
dest
royi
ngmy sel
f.Hadhenotbecomeapartof
mylif
eIwouldhav erui
nedi
t.Herest
oredme
onceagai
nandawakenedsomet hinginmet
hat
hadbeendeadallalong.
Siphoset
hu:
Iam donewit
hthecakey
oucan
comeandseenow.Pr omi
seyouwon'
tlaugh!
Shesay
sandwebot hl
aughaswemakeour
waytotheki
tchen.
Me:Wow!Itl
ooksawesome.Iam eagert
o
t
ast
eit.CanIhav
eapiece.
Siphosethu:ofcourse,
Iwanttoknowhowit
tastes.Mom youknowhowbadl yIwantt
ogo
toculinar
yschool andthati
swhyIwantt
o
l
earnt hebestreci
pes.
Me:Don'tworryyouwil
ldogoodony our
upcomingbakingcompeti
tionandbythetime
youreachmatricyou'
l
lbethebestalr
eady.Your
dadwilldef
ini
tel
ygetyouthebestcheft
ot each
you,whatsay?
Isayt
oherwhi
l
ewi
nki
ngandshel
aughs.
Siphoset
hu:Thanksmom.Gr
eati
dea!Okayl
et'
s
cutyouthepiece.
.
..
..
CHLOE

IstareatJose'sphoto.Ihaven'tbeenabl et o
mov eonf rom him.Aft
erwhathappenedt hat
night!GoodnessIjustcan'
tbel i
eveal lofthat
happenedt hatnight
.Icamef acet of acewith
death.Isawmyl i
fefl
ashri
ghtbef oreme.
Tomor rowwi l
lbehisdeathanni versary.I
twill
mar k4y earseversi
ncehekilledhi mself.
Thisiswhathappenedt hatnight: Wellwewer e
aloneatnightdriv
ingaroundwhensuddenl yhe
becameagi tat
ed.Hewast hi
rstyforaf i
ght.He
j
ustspoker udelyandlaterIdiscoveredhe
hadn'tt
akenhispi l
lsnordidhev isithi
sshrink
thatweek.Hewascompl et
elyoutofi tcal
l
ing
meBl anco.That'
swhenIreal
i
zedIwasi n
danger.Whenhecal l
edmeBlancoIknewhe
hadlostitandthatIshoul
dst
artr
unningformy
l
ife.
Hechasedmear oundwi thagun.Hecoul d
haveshotatmebuthechosenott o.Siseko
cameandJosegotr eal
lyviol
entheaccusedus
ofhavinganaff
airandtriedshooti
ngatSi seko
butheducked.Josewasbey ondrepairthat
night
,Idon'
tthi
nkIwi l
lhavegetthatsightof
hi
m outofmymi nd.Hewasn' tt
heJoseIknew
hewasar uthl
essanimal waiti
ngtopounceon
someone.
Hetoldmet hathel ov
edmeandhewassor ry
hecouldn'tcont i
nueli
vingsuchal i
fe.Hewas
nowpointingagunathi m self.Ibeggedhi m,I
tol
dhimt hatt hi
ngsWoul dbenor mal andthat
wewoul df i
ghthisment al di
sordertogetherbut
hewaswayt oobroken,from ady sfuncti
onal
famil
ythatpr etendedtobeper f
ectIthinkthat
i
swhatdr ov ehim evenmorenuts.Themoment
hepulledt het r
iggerIr
ememberf al
li
ngonthe
ground.Icr ied,screamedandkickedar
ound
l
ikeaf ool.Icr i
edsomucht hatIfel
tmyv oi
ce
gohoar se.Ir antohim andhewasdead!My
worldshat teredandIstoppedfuncti
oni
ngright
there.
Sisekocall
edthecopsandIdi
edthatsameday .
Isti
llseehiminmydreams.Ihav
enightmares
ofthatnight
.Iwonderedhowacaref
reeJose
switchedint
oanevilmansosuddenl
y.Hejust
switchedonme.
Iwipeat earfrom myf aceandhuggedhi s
photograph.IglancedatReinaourdaught er
andsmi led.YesIhadn'treal
izedthatIwas
pregnantatthattimeunt i
lamont hafterhi
s
death.Iwassosad, knowingIwashav i
nghis
babyandhewasnott heretoraisethechil
d
withme.
Thati
swhyIj
ustaskedt
ogot
oAmer
icaand
staywit
hauntAmber .Myfami l
ydoesn'tknow
aboutmybabythiswillbeaMaj orsur
prisefor
them.MyLifegotrui
nedbutIal waystr
yt o
rememberthegoodmemor iesIhadwithJosè.
Helovedmesomuch, heshowedmehow
muchhedidandhonest lyspeakinghewasand
sti
lli
sthel
oveofmyl if
e.
Wef i
nall
yl andandItakemybabyaswewal k
totheairportandsi
taswewai tf
orTrey.He
approachesandIcanseehei sover
lyshocked
bytheAbby .
Me:
BigBr
other
.
Tr
ey:
You'vegrownIcoul
dbarel
yrecogni
zey
ou.
Whoist
hisli
tt
lebeaut
if
ulgi
rl
?
Me:
MyDaught
er,
Rei
na.
Tr
ey:
daught
er?
Me:
Iwi
l
lexpl
ainl
ater,
coul
dwepl
easego?
Henodsandt
akest
hel
uggageaswegot
othe
car
.
ImustsayIhav egr ownsomuch.WhenIl ef
t
from her eIwasj ustat eennowIam ay oung
adul t
.TallerthanIwasbackt hen.Iam bi gger
andIhav echanged.Wedr iv
eandassoonas
wegethomeIr ealizet hehousehaschanged
abit,Dadmov edbackt oEast er nCapeaf t
erI
l
ef tbecausehesai dheneededt obeawayf rom
her eandIunder standt hathemusthav ebeen
hur t
.HeaskedTr eyt ost ayint hehouseand
franklytheyhav emai ntainedt hehouse.I tsti
ll
feelst hesamewayi tfeltwhenwewer e
growi ngup.I tstil
lhast hatwar mthandl ove.It'
s
changedabi tbutnot hingmaj or.Whenweent er
Asant eandMeghant heiryoungestdaught er
whowasnamedaf terAuntMaggi eTr ey'
s
mot hercomet owel comeuswi ththeirmom
smi li
ngsoexci t
edl y.Ican' thelpbutt hrowmy
armsar oundher .Weshar eawar m hugandI
l
ookather .
Lei
l
a:Youlookbeaut
if
ul.Ihav
emi ssedyouKi
d.
Andwhoisthi
sbeauti
fulbabyri
ghthere.
Tr
ey:
Herdaught
er.
Hesay
sscanni
ngmyf
ace.
Me:
Yes,
thi
sisRei
na,
mydaught
er.
Hergazewidenswi
thwhatseemstobeshock
andIunder
standwhyt
heyareall
shocked.
Me:
Asant
eIhavegift
sf orYouandy oursi
ster
.
Wecanopenthem l
aterthough.Ineedsome
r
esti
t'
sbeenalongfl
ight.
Tr
ey:
I'
ll
inf
orm Zoet
haty
ouhav
ereached.
Inod.
Ihav
echanged.If
eeldi
ff
erenti
nfact
.Iam not
thel
it
tl
egi
rlt
heyusedtoknow.
.
..
.
ZOE
Tr
eycal
l
stot
ell
met
hatChl
oèhasr
eachedand
t
hathersur
pri
sewasn'
treal
l
yaf
iancei
nst
ead
i
t'
sababy.
Me:
Ababy
?What
!
Andi
l
elooksatmewi
thquest
ioni
ngey
es.
Iputt
hephoneonspeaker
.
Mr
:whosebabyi
sit
?
Trey
: I
t'
sherchil
d.I
t'
sa3y earoldgi
rl.Rei
na.
Thebabyr eal
l
yresemblesJosè.It
hinkwhen
sheleftshewaspregnant
.
Igaspi
nshock.
Me:Butwhydidn'
tshetel
lus?Wewoul
dn'
t
hav
ejudgedheratall
sheknowst
hat
.
Trey
: Idon'
tknow.Justcomeovershesai
d
she'
llexpl
ainl
aterwhenshewakesup.Iam
confused.
Me:Justdon'
tst
ressANDI
LEandIwi
l
lcome
ov
erlater.By
e.
Hesay
shi
sgoodby
eandIhangup.
Andi
l
e:CHLOEhasgotababy
?
Me:Appar
entl
y.Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay.Why
di
dn'
tshetel
lus?
Andil
e:Shepr
obabl
yhasherr
easonsdon'
tbe
toohardonher.
Me:Yeahmay beyouri
ght.Fornowt hough
whi
letheki
dsareinthei
rplayroom andNami ko
i
sasleepmaybewecoul dhaveourownf un.I
'l
l
ser
vey out
hatcake,t
heoneIWast alki
ngabout.
Itel
lhi
m whil
ewi
nkingathim andhegr i
nsl i
ke
achil
dwhohasjustbeenofferedcandy.Ilove
thewayAndil
est
il
l l
ooksatme.Hel ooksatme
thewayhedidal
lthoseyear
sago, hest i
l
lget s,
j
ustbyseeingmeandhecher i
shesmybodyas
i
fitwerefort
hef
irstti
me.
Hehaskeptmehappyal lt
heseyearsandI
honestl
ythankGodforgi
vi
ngmeAndi le.Iam
content
.Wear el
abel
ledasJobur
g'spower
couple.Andil
ewentont ospecializein
cardi
ologyandi snowaspeci alistandIam t he
evercunningadv ocate.Iwasof feredto
becomeamagi st
rate,Ihadgot tena
scholarshi
ptof urt
heroutmyst udi esbutI
ref
usedt heofferbecausemypassi onis
fi
ghti
ngcases.If eelcontentonlyaf terf
ight
ing
abattleincourtnotjustbysitt
ingand
observing.
Wehav ereall
ywor kedhar df orourselves.
Howev er,Wehav eal sosuf f
er edintheprocess.
Wel ostAndi l
e'sdad2y earsagoandwasr eal
ly
hardonAndi l
ebecausehehasahi ghrecordof
savingallhishear tpat ientsbuthecoul dn'tsave
hisdad.Iremembert hatdayf atherinlaw
passedawayhel ookedi ntomyey esandcr i
ed.
Hesai d"Zoe, Ifeelsowor thl
essandusel ess.
Thismansentmet omedi cal schooltobecome
acar di
ologistbutev enaf t
ersav ingsomany
people'
sl i
vesIcoul dn'tsav et hemanwho
madei
tpossi
blef
ormet
oact
ual
l
ybeadoct
or.
"
Whenhesai dt
hatIcoul
dn'
tstopmy selffr
om
cryi
ng.Ididn'
tknowwhattosayt ohim butI
remember edhowstronghewasf ormewhen
mymom passedsoIhadt obest rongf orthe
bothofus.Ihadt ot
akecareofhim, hisfamily
aswellast heki
dswhichwast hehar destbutI
diditf
orlove.

AnywayI
twasti
mef
orust
ogot
oTr
ey'
shouse
andseeCHLOÈ.
.
..
..
CHLOE
Lat
eraround6pm Ihadjustfi
nishedbat
hing
andbathi
ngmydaught er
.Idressesherupand
l
ookedather.Rei
naisacompl etecopyofJosè.
Sheisherfat
her'
sdaughterandhencethatis
whyIcannotfor
getaboutJosè.Hehasgi ven
mesomuchtoremember,
hehasactual
l
y
madei
timpossi
blef
ormetodoso.
Iwi
pemyt
ear
sandsmi
l
e.
Me: Baby,wearegoi
ngtobeOkay.Al t
hough
yourfatheri
snotherebutIwi
llmakesurethat
youknowabouthi m asyougr
ow.Hewasa
goodman.Yeshedi daf ewbadthi
ngsbuthe
l
ovedMeandwoul dlaydownhisli
fedownf or
me.
IscoopReinaupandheadt othel
oungewher
eI
fi
ndZoe,Andil
eandtheirki
ds.Thetwoboys
arebothAndil
e'
slookal
ike.Il
ookatZoeandI
canseethatever
yoneisshocked.
Me:
Sist
er.Br
otherAndy
.
Igetemot
ional
andt
heybot
hhugme.
Andi
l
e:l
ookaty
ou,
youal
lgr
ownup.
Hesay
slooki
ngatmeandIsmi
l
e.
ZOE:
Baby
,you'
vegr
own.Youl
ookdi
ff
erent
.
Comeher
e.
Shesqueezesmei
nat
ighthug.
Il
ookatheraswebr
eakt
hehug.
Me: Iam sosorryf
ornottel
li
ngyouaboutRei
na.
Iknowt hateversi
nceIl
eftIhav
ekeptto
my sel
fbutwhatcouldIhavedone.Icoul
dn'
t
faceanyofy ou.
Andi
l
e:Buti
twasn'
tyourf
aul
tChl
oè.
Me: YesIknowbutmychi ldwouldhav enever
beenaccept edi ntot hi
ssociet
ythatiswhyI
havedeci dedtomov etoAmer i
caforgood.No
Oneknowsust her e.Heremychi l
dwillalways
belabelledast hedaught erofthecrazyman
whohadat tempt edt okil
lhisgi
rl
fri
endwhi l
e
shewaspr egnant .Themanwhoki ll
edhisex
gir
lf
riend.Themanwhoki l
ledhimself
!Nev er!I
cannev erallowmydaught ert
ogot hroughthat.
ZOE:CHLOE,
pleasenothi
ngoft
hatsor
twi
l
l
happenwear
eallherewit
hyou.
Me: Sister,Iknowy ouwoul devenfightthe
enti
rewor ldformebuti twouldbef uti
le.Ihave
decidedt ogobackt hereforgood.Ijustneeded
tocomeandi ntr
oduceRei naheretoy ouguy s.I
don'twantt obeinSout hAfri
ca.Ihavenot hi
ng
toli
vef orher e,t
hisplaceonl ybr
ingsme
sadnessandpai n.Ionlyhav eter
ri
blememor ies
ofthispl aceandIdon' twishtobeher e
especiallywi t
hReina.
Trey:
WhyCHLOE?Wear eyourf
ami
l
ywewi
l
l
helpyougett
hrought
his.
Me:
IknowTr
eybutIhav
emadeupmymi
nd.
ZOE:
CHLOE.
..
.
Me:NoSis,l
etmedot hispl
ease.Iwi
ll
suff
ocat
ehere.Iwon'
tbeabletostayher
e.I
needtogoawayfrom here.
Andil
e:It
hinkyouguy
sshouldall
owhertodo
whatshefeelsi
sri
ghthowever
,CHLOEy ou
havetotr
ybyallmeanstofaceyourpast
becausey
ou'
l
lrunawayy
ourwhol
eli
fe.
Tr
ey:Andi
leisri
ght
.Youhavetodealwi
tht
his
Oryouwil
lrunawayyourwhol
eli
fe.
Me:IknowbutIneedt
odot hi
s.May
bewhenI
am st
rongerIwi
l
lcomeback.
Lei
l
a:You'
ll
neverbereadytodealwit
hthi
s
Chl
oè.YouneedtothinkaboutRei
nanow.You
hav
etodealwit
hthis.DoesAlessi
aknowabout
her
?
Me:NoOneknewaboutherexceptf
ormeand
AuntAmber
.
ZOE:Youwi l
l hav
et ointroducethem toRei
na.
Sheneedst oknowherf ami l
y.Theyneedto
knowt hatt
heyhav esomet hi
ngt oholdont
o
thememor i
esoft heirson.Whi chisthei
r
Granddaughter.
Me:Okay.Iwi
l
lthi
nkaboutever
ythi
nggbutI
don'
tthi
nkmydecisi
onwil
lchangethough
ZOE: Okay.Let'
shavedi
nner.Ihopey ou
broughtthegift
syoupromisedt heki
ds.Bandi
l
e
hasbeent alki
ngaboutt
hem ev ersi
nceyou
promisedthem.
WelaughandIlookatmynephewsandni eces.
GoodnessGodhadbeengr eatt
oourfamil
y.
Whowoul dhavet
houghZoewoul dhaveher
ownkids.Aft
eral
lthei
nsul
tsandhardshi
ps
fi
nal
lyshehasherownmi r
acles
Me: Don'
twor
ryBandil
eIhaveall
yourgi
ft
s
baby.Wherei
sli
ttl
eNami.Iam dyi
ngtohol
d
her.She'
ssobeauti
ful
.
Ihol
dthi
sli
tt
leZoeinmyar
msandIf
eel
my
eyeswel
lupwit
htears.
Me: Iam sohappyfory
ousis.Ist
il
lcan't
bel
ieveIam looki
ngatyourki
dsespecial
lyt
his.
Li
tt
lemi r
acle.
Andi
le:It
'sbeenwonderf
ul,
Ifeel
ast
houghGod
hadplannedalloft
hisf
orhisownGl
ory
.Thi
s
str
engthenedusmoreonfai
th.Wewer
e
astoni
shedanditmadeusreal
l
ybel
i
evein
God'smiracl
e.
Weall
moonov ert
hebabyandhavedinneras
t
heygettoknowREINAandItheki
ds.Ifi
ll
them
i
nonwhathasbeenhappeni
ngwi t
hmeand
t
heydothesame.
.
..
..
.
SI
SEKO
Iwatcht.vinmyapar t
ment .Li
fehasbeengr eat
Ihaveast ablecareerasanELETRI CAL
ENGINEERunf ort
unatrl
ythingsdi
dnotwor kout
betweenmyBabymamaandIsowehav eaco-
parent
ingsy stem.Ihaven'tbeenwithany one
eversi
nce.Dad' sdeathaffectedmegr eatlyand
Ihaven'
tbeenabl etobewi t
hanyoneel se.
Il
aybackonthecouchandmyphoner
ings.I
checkt
hecal
l
erandi t
'sZoe.
Me:
Sist
eri
nLaw.
ZOE:Siseko,Iknowyouprobablysul
kinginyour
apart
ment ,Iwantyout
ocomeov eratTrey'
s
house.Wehav ingabi
tof.AreunionCHLOEi s
back.
Myhear ti
mmedi at
elyski
psabeat.ChloeandI
hadalwaysl ovedeachotherbutwejust
couldn'
tmakei twork.ThenightJosèalmost
kil
l
edherIf elti
tinmybonesandatt he
momentIdi dn'tcarewhetherornotIwasface
tofacewithdeath.
Me:
Now?
ZOE:YesandIknowyoumightwantto.
seeher
plusIam wor
ri
edabouty
ou.I
'l
lbeateaseonce
Iseeyou.
Me:
Ohsi
s!Si
ncey
ouar
einsi
sti
ngIwi
l
lcome.
Il
aughandshedoest oo.Iam gladAndi le
marr
iedher.Shehasbeenourst rength,aft
er
dadpassedawayweal lf
ellapartespeciall
ymy
mom butZoeheldthewholef amilytogether.
Shehidherowngriefj
usttosuppor
tus.And
shehad2litt
leki
dstotakecareofatt
hatti
me
butshenevercomplai
ned.
Ifreshenupt hendrivetoTr ey'scr i
b.WhenIget
thereIf eelmyf oreheadsweat ,Ihav e
anticipatedthisdayev ersinceChl oèlef
t.The
dayshewoul dreturn.Iri
ngt hedoorbel landin
minut esZoeappear sinfrontofme.Shehugs
met henal l
owsmet ocomei n.If eelmyknees
goweakwhenIl aymyey esonher .Shelooks
different,morebeaut if
ulandshehasgai ned
somewei ght,hercheekshav ebecomef ull
howev ersheisst i
llti
ny.Herhai risshorterthan
thel astti
meIsawher .Ourey esmeetandt here
i
sanawkwar dsil
encei nther oom wi thonly
ChloèandIl ookingintoeachot her'seyes.
Me:
Chl
oè
Chl
oè:
Siseko!
Shesmi
l
esandwebot
hwal
ktowar
dseach
ot
herandexchangeahug.Ev
ery
onel
ooksatus
awkwardl
y.
Me:
Howhav
eyoubeen?
CHLOE:Ihavebeenokay.ZOEtol
dmethat
weresi
ckforawhil
e,that
'swhyIcamebackas
well
Iwantedtoseeyou.Yousavedmyli
feI
hadtocomeandsorryforyourl
oss.
Me:
Iam Okaynow.Wher
eisl
i
ttl
eRei
na.
Isayandev
ery
onel
ooksatmeshocked.
ZOE:
YouknewaboutRei
na?
CHLOEl
ooksatmet
henatt
hem.
Chl
o:Hewastheonl
yper
sonwhoknewUnt
ilI
wentabr
oadt
henItol
dauntAmber
.
Andi
l
e:Wow!Andy
oudi
dn'
tev
ent
ell
us.
Me:Shemademepromisenott
otel
lanyone.
Weskypedafewt
imesandIsawReinaonceor
t
wice.
CHLOE:
any
waycomeonl
et'
schi
l
l.
Weall
sitar
oundandeatLei
l
a'sf
amous
muf
fi
ns.

CHLOE

Itfeel
sgoodtoactual
l
ybehomewit
hmy
sibli
ngsandgett
osharet
hei
rhappi
nessal
ong
withthem.
Reinacri
esandIpickherupbutIal mostdr
op
herassheisrestl
essbutSisekoholdsusboth
i
npl aceandIfeel
somethingstrangeinmy
tummy .
Me:Thanky ou.Ithinki
t'
swaypastRei na'
s
bedt
imenowweneedt ogoplustomor rowis
chur
chIhav emi ssedbeingaChur ch.Igotto
seepict
uresofDad' snewchur chbuil
dingin
East
ernCape.Hei sstr
ong,st
rongert hanI
couldev erImagine.Ifi
nallyknowhowhef el
t
whenmom passed, i
tnev ergoesaway .The
Painitengulfsyouandi sol at
esyou.Itt
akes
awayy ourwi l
ltoli
veandt heonl
ythingthat
keepsy ougoingar ethememor i
esand
whatevert hepersonleftbehindforyouto
cheri
sh.
Il
ookatRei nawholooksl
ikeJosè.Tot al
photocopy.Herbl
ondcurl
yhair.Powderblue
eyesthatarehugeandbeauti
ful.Ishakemy
headasIf eelat
earthr
eat
ening.
Me:
Goodni
ght
,I'
l
lseey
out
omor
row.
Ihugal
loft
hem thenlookatSi
sekof
oronel
ast
ti
methenIgoupstai
rs.
.
..
..
BREE
IWAKEupt
oaf
reshsmel
lofcof
fee.Ij
umpup
andsmi
l
e.
Me:Mom y
oushoul
dn'
thave,
Iwould'
vewoken
upandmadebr
eakf
astyouneed.Tor
est.
Mom: ComeonBreeIam Okay.I
fIhadrelied
onyouthoughwewouldbelat
eforchurch.
Qui
ckl
ygetreadysowecanleaveforchurch.
Ismi
l
eandnod.
6y earshasgonebypr et
tyfastandIhav ebeen
focusingonmy selfandmymom.Ihav ebeen
withNi ckforay earnowandt hi
ngsseem t obe
goodbutIdon' twantt orushthingsl i
keIdi d
before.ZOEandAndi l
ereall
ydidsomuchf or
meandmymom, t
heyconsiderusf amil
yand
mymom ast heirown.Lifehasbr oughtAl otof
challengesfort
hbutIhav etakenupal lt
hose
challengeswithsomuchcour age.Igetr eady
forchur chandWel eaveforchur ch.
.
..
..
ZOE
ILooki
ntot
hemi
rr
orasIst
rai
ght
enmyst
rai
ght
cutbodyhuggi
ngr
eddresswi
thwhi
teheel
s.My
hai
rishel
dinabeatbun.
Andi
le:Youstil
ll
ooksexyevenaf
ter3kids.You
l
ookjustthewayy oudid8agowhenIfelli
n
l
ovewithy ouandredreal
l
ydoessuity
ouMr s
Rhonqo.
Hesaysthatsmi
l
ingandhuggi
ngmef
rom
behi
nd.
Me:Andyourt
ouchsti
llf
eel
sthesamewayit
di
d8y ear
sago.I
tsendschi
ll
sdownmyspine.
Andil
e:Ilov
eYouMr sRhonqo.Ever
ydaywhenI
l
ookatt hekidsIj
ustf
eelli
ket
hanki
ngy oufor
bei
ngsost rongandgi
vingmesuchbeautif
ul
gi
fts.
Me: Il
oveYoutoomydarl
inghusbandbuti
fwe
keeponf i
nanci
ngeachot
herl
ikethi
swewill
nevergettochur
ch.Wewil
lbelat
ebaby.
Andil
e:Youar
eri
ght.Let
'sgett
oChur
chthen
l
aterwecancont
inuewithourr
omance.
Hesay
sspanki
ngmybut
tandIl
augh.
Whenwegett ochur chweal l
worshipandthe
holyspi
ri
tdescendsonus.TodayIam
preachi
ng.IpreachaboutDiscipl
eshipandthat
Godwant sustogooutt hereandwinsouls.We
prayandpeoplearedeli
vered.Aft
erChurch
Alessi
acomest ogreetusandIknowshe
wantstoseeCHLOÈ.
ThemomentAl essi
alay
sherey
esonRei
nashe
widenshergaze.
CHLOE:
Yesi
tisJose'
sdaught
er.
Al
essi
a:What
?Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lus?
CHLOE:Idi
dn'tt
ell
anyone,
ever
yonehadjust
got
tentoknowaboutit,
Iwasgoingto
i
ntr
oduceReinatoyouguysbef
oreret
urni
ngto
Ameri
ca.
Alessi
a:Ev
eryonewil
lbesoshockedandhappy
too.Pl
easecleansemeoverf
orluncht
oday,al
l
ofyoumayj oi
nus.
Me:Wewoul dhavel
ovedtobutwearegoi
ngto
mysist
erinl
aw'shouseforl
unchbutCHLOE
wi
ll
surelyj
oinyouguys.
Isaysmi
l
ingandshenods.
Wedr
ivest
rai
ghtt
oSi
phokazi
'
shouse.
Me: Wow!Lookatthi
sone,
Iam sur
eyou
cheati
ngonthediet
.
IsayasIhugSi
phokazi
.
Si
phokazi
:Igav
eupont
hedi
etl
astweekngeke!
Me:metoo!It
hinkI'
l
ljustt
onedownont
he
st
archbutnodi
etforme.
Theyl
aughatus.
Andile:Idon'
tknowwhyyouguysbotherwit
h
thi
sdi etthi
ng.Il
i
keyouevenmorenowt hat
yougai nedafewkil
os.Youar
eaf ul
lmain
coursemeal .
Hesay
swi
nki
ngandVusi
laughs.
Vusi
:Iagr
eewi
thy
ou.Il
i
ket
hemor
ethi
cker
Si
phokazi
.
Me:Howhav
eyouguy
sbeen?Ihav
emi
ssed
yout
wo.
Isayasweset
tl
edownont
hechai
rs.
Siphokazi:Wehavebeenokay
.Whydidn'
tyou
bringChloè?Idi
dn'
tevengetachancet
otalkt
o
her .
Me:Alessi
ainvit
edheroverforlunch.Shehas
t
ointr
oducet hem t
oReina,Jose'sdaughter
.
Vusi
:CHLOEhasababy
?
Me:
Wewer
eal
lshockedbuty
esshedoes.
Si
phokazi:
Howi sSisekoafterseei
ngChloè?
Weallknowthatthoset wohaditforeachother
.
Theymighthavebeeni nlovewit
hotherpeople
butt
heyalsohadsomet hi
ngforeachother
.
Andi
le:Wewit
nessedthei
rchemi
str
yleastni
ght
.
Theycoul
dn'
tcontai
nit
.ImeanIhaven'
tseen
SI
SEKOsoexci
tedI
nages.
Me: And.ThecolourIsawinChloe'scheeksas
soonasSi sekowalkedin.I
t'
ssadhowt heory
separatedandquitealotchanged.Youcansee
thattheyaredif
fer
entpeoplenow.
Si
phoset
hu:
AuntZo!UncleAndy!Whendi
dyou
guy
sgether
e?IthoughtIwoul
dsurpr
isey
ou.
Shesay
shuggi
ngusandIsmi
l
e.
Me:Aahhadweknownyouhadasur
pri
sewe
woul
dhavegot
tenher
eabitl
ater
.
Bandi
l
e:AuntSposhIam r
eal
l
yst
arv
ing.
Hesay
sandwel
augh.
Me:Sorr
ybaby
,YourAuntwi
l
ldi
shupf
ory
ou
cal
m down.
Wehav eluncht ogetherandIam f
inall
yat
peace.Mybi ggestwi shwastomakesur ethat
Siphokazisett
leddownandf oundherperfect
mat chandthatt oohasbeengranted.God!
Real
l
yyouar
eamazi
ng.
.
..
..
CHLOÈ
IgettoAlessia'shouseandmyhear tpounds
fast
er.Ihaven'tbeenhereinyear
s.IholdRei
na
ti
ghtl
yassher estsherheadonmyshoul der
.
Icansti
llsmel
lJosè,hisscentst
il
ll
inger
s.I
cansti
ll
hearhisvoi
ceinmyhead.Icanst i
ll
feel
hispr
esencearoundthewholehouse.The
househasbecomecol dandgloomy.
Iam metbyBal
boaandJhav
ier
.
MrJhavi
ercannothi
dehi
sjoy.HetakesRei
na
fr
om meandassoonashel ooksatherhe
cri
es.
Me:
Greet
ings.
Theygr
eetbackandIam l
edt
othel
ounge.
Jhav
ier
:whati
shername?
Me:
Rei
na.
Balboa:
DeCor
azon,
Josèl
ovedherIsuppose
that'
swhyy
ounamedherRei
nari
ght.
Me:
Yeah.
Alessi
acomest otheloungeandl ooksatReina
thenataphot oont hewal l
.It
'saphotoofJosè.
IMisshim.Imi sshowcar ef
reehewasatt i
mes.
He'ddriv
ehisopenj eepandl ethishairr
uff
leup
asthewi ndblewitalongwi t
hmi nes.Hehada
greatsmile,
thebeaut i
fulsmileIseeonmy
daughter'
sfaceever yt
imeshesmi l
es.
Me: Iam sor ryfornottel
lingyou.abouther
sooner .AfterthefuneralIbreakzedIwas
pregnantandwi theverythingthatwasgoingon
Idecidedt hatIwoul dl
eav eforAmer i
caand
staywi thmymom' ssi
ster.Ineededamot heri
n
myl i
feandIneededaf reshst ar
t.Somewhere
wher enooneknewaboutmeorwhatIhad
beent hrough.Iwant edpeace!
Ilovedyourson.Evenafterhet oldmeabout
BlancoIstayedwithhi
m andl ovedhim.It r
ied
savinghim,Itr
iedhel
pinghim buthewas
depressed.Hecouldn'
ttakeanyoft hethings
thatwerehappeningaroundhi m whichIf eel
youareawar eofnoneedt ot alkaboutit,
but
thatnightsomethi
nghappenedt ohim.Isaw
somet hi
ngdiff
erenti
nhisey es.Theywer en't
warm andbr i
ghtbutcoldanddar ki
nstead.
Istopandl
ookatthem t
henIst
andandheart
o
thebal
conydoorwher
eIstand.
Me: Iwant edt oprotectmydaught erfrom
society'
st aunts.Iwouldn'tbeabl etolivewith
my selfifIletthathappent oher ."
Mur derer
's
daught er,daughterofapsy chopath,thesuici
dal
boy'sdaught erorwhatever!"Idon'twanthert o
growupwi ththatki
ndofi mpr essionabouther
dadIwanthert oknowhowwonder fulhewas
andt hathewoul dhav el
ov edhersomuchl i
ke
helov edme.
Ibr
eat
heandIf
eel
ahandonmyshoul
der
.
Alessi a:CHLOEweunder standwhyy oudi dall
oft hisbutIj ustwantt ot hankyou.Thatdespi t
e
mysonwant ingtomur dery ouThatnightyou
sti
ll keptthischild.Youst i
ll
considerhim good.
Thanky ouf orthisgift.Reinaisagi f
t.Jose's
gifttous, thegi f
thel eftbeforedy i
ng.Iknow
thatwewer en'tcompl etelyhonestaboutthe
whol esit
uationandy ouhadt ohearsomuch
butIadmi rey ourstrengt hyounglady.Trulyyou
arebr av
e.
Me: MissAlessi
aIam justgl
adthatRei
namet
herpaternalf
amilyandthatshewil
lhav
ea
rel
ati
onshipwithherfat
her'
sfamil
yalways.
Bal
boa:Let
'seat
,Iam st
arvingwecant al
kover
l
unch.Comehereli
tt
leReina,Iam uncl
eBalboa.
Me:Yespleasei
ntroducey
oursel
ves,shei
sol
d
enought
ounderstandandgraspstuf
fnow.
Weheadt
othet
abl
ewher
eweeatt
hent
hey
askquest
ionsaboutRei
naandal
lthenIaskt
o
gotoJose'sr
oom.
WhenIgetthereever
ythi
ngissti
ll
thesame.
Theyhavenotchangedanythi
nghere.Il
ook
aroundatt
hebluewallsandourpict
uresar
e
st
illt
her
e.It
akethem andputthem i
nmybag.
Me:
Thi
sisf
ory
ouRei
na.
Il
ookar
oundandmyt
ear
sjustpourdown.
Rei
na:
Mommy
,w.
..
whyar
eyoucr
ying?
Shesay
ssof
tl
yandIwi
pemyt
ear
s.
Me:Ij
ustt
houghtofy
ourdaybabynot
hing
much.
Rei
na:
Daddy
!
Shepoi
ntsatJosè'
spi
ctur
eandInod.
Me:Yest
hat'
sDaddy.Comeonsweet
hear
tlet
's
l
eav
eIcan'tst
ayher
elonger
.
It
akeherhomeandassoonasshesl
eepsI
changei
ntomysweat
pant
sandsweat
ert
hen
headtoLei
la.
Me:pl
easewatchherf
ormej
ustf
oranhour.I
needt
oclearmymind.
Leil
a:Noneedtoaskbaby
.Iwil
l
.Gooutand
cleary
ourmind.Youcant
akeasmuchti
meas
youwant.
Me:
Thanky
ouSi
s.
Iwal
koutandst
artwal
king.I
t'
smor el
ikeIdon'
t
knowthi
spl
aceanymore.I
t'
sdiff
erent
.
Myphoner
ingsandi
t'
sSi
seko.
Me:
Hey
.
Si
seko:
Hey
,Howar
eyout
oday
?
Me:
Iam doi
nggood,
howar
eyou?
Si
seko:Iam br
eathi
ng.Areyoubusy?Thought
we'
dtakeawal kandtal
k.Ir
eall
yneedit
.
Me:
Sur
e,whynot
?Iam al
readyt
aki
ngoney
ou
canj
oinme,
let
'smeetatt
hepar
k.
Si
seko:
Okaycool
.I'
l
lseey
ouj
ustnow.
Hesaysthenhangsup.Iwal
ktothepar
kasI
t
akeinthefr
eshairthati
sar
oundme.Imissed
t
hispl
ace,Ir
eall
ydid.
Icl
osemyey
esasIl
ett
hewi
ndhi
tmyf
ace.
Si
seko:
Youcanopent
hem nowIam her
e.
Hesay
slaughi
ngandIj
oini
n.
Me:
Howcomey
ouar
eher
esosoon.
Si
seko:
Myapar
tmenti
sri
ghtar
oundt
hecor
ner
.
Me:OhIsee.Let
'ssi
tdownandt
alk.Wehav
en'
t
spokenf
oralongti
menow.
Si
seko:
Yeah.Sohowhav
eyoubeenhonest
ly?
Me: Ihavebeenbreathingbutnotl i
vingSiseko.
Ihavejustbeenli
vingf orReina,butIdiedalong
withherdad.Iam scar edtoliveagain.I'
m
scaredofbeinghappy .Itscaresme.
Si
seko:Thatmakesthebothofus.Il
iveFor
Nkazi
muloother
wiseIdiedal
ongwi t
hmydad.I
don'
tknowwhathappenedtome, suddenl
yI
l
ostthewil
ltol
ive.
Me: YoushouldfinditagainSiseko.Ishoul
dtoo.
Wet ooyoungt obemi serableandlif
egoeson
thatiswhatIhav ereal
ized.Youhav etobe
braveenoughtopi ckupt hepiecesandactual
ly
maket hefi
rststept oyourhappiness.
Helooksi
ntomyey esandIthi
nkhesees
exact
lywhatIseei
nhiseyesinminest
oo.Fear
!
Wearebothscaredofstar
ti
ngover.
Siseko:Ithi
nkwebothknowwhereour
happinessisChloèwejustt
ooscar
edt
ore-
opent hatchapt
eragai
n.
Me:IknowthatmyDest i
nyprobablyl
iesinyou.
Thati
swhyaf terallt
heseyearsourfatehas
onceagai
nbr oughtusintoapositi
onwher ewe
needeachother.Ithasbroughtbackint
oeach
other'
slives.YouknowSi sekomyanxi etyis
kil
li
ngme, Ican'
tpretendasi fIam compl acent
anymor e.Iwantt oli
veagai n.Idon'twantto
spendthewhol enightcryinginsteadIwantt o
spendmywhol enightlookingintosomeone' s
eyes,maki nglove,cuddli
ngandsl eepi
ng
warmlynextt osomeonewhol ovesme.Iwant
toli
ve!
Siseko:Iwanttoli
vet ooChloèandIknowt hat
Godpr obablyhadapl anforusbutwewer e
togetheratthewrongt i
me, maybet hatiswhy
afterallt
heseyearswef i
ndoursel vesata
crossroad.Ihaveneverstoppedcar ingabout
youorLov ingyou.Iwantust otr
y .Letustry
againthistimedon'twalkawayf r
om meChl oè.
Don'tleaveme.Let'smakei twork.
Hesaysashewipesmytear
s.Welookinto
eachot
her
'sey
esandIsuddenl
yfeelatease.
Hel
ooksatdeepi
ntomyeyesandfort
hefi
rst
t
imei
nyearssmil
esthesamewayhedidal
l
thosey ear
sagoasourforeheadsmeetand
soonourl i
psmeet.Wekissandassoonaswe
pullapartf
rom t
heki
dswebot hexhal
e.
May bethisi
swhatIneed.Iwil
lst
ayandpur sue
thi
sr el
ati
onshipthi
smightbet
helightatt
he
endoft hedarktunnel
.
Ismil
eashewalkswehomeholdingmyhand.
MaybeIam r
eadytocl
oseJose'
schapt
er!

TheEnd