I

SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

Pr
ologue

Me:(
Chuckl
ed)"
Youar
eCr
azyMpi
lo"

Isai
dthatasItookagl
areonher,
whowouldhaveknownthatIwoul
dbesomuchhappywi t
h
awomani nst
eadofAdvocat
e.Advocat
ewasmyf i
rstl
ovedespi
teofal
ltheOneni
ghtst
andsI
usedtohave.

Herdeat
hreal
lyt
ookatr
ollonmet
hatIEvenendedupindepressi
onbutmywif
ewasalways
t
herefor
eme.Nomett
erhowhardi
twas,shewasalwayst
hereuMpi l
owit
hal
lmyChi
ldr
en's
Mpi
lo:
"Il
oveyouMyeniwam"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo,
nowgetupf
rom t
her
e"

Mpi
lo:
"Thi
siscal
ledabusekesana,
youar
eabusi
ngme"

Me:(Chuckles)"
WhateverMpi
lo,
butallIwantf
rom youi
stogetupandgetUThandor
eadyf
or
schoolbecauseI'
m goi
ngtobelateandIhaveanimport
antmeeti
ng"

Mpi
lo:(
Sighed)"
Fine,
I
'l
ldot
hatt
hen"

IbetIdi
dnthavei
tal
linl
if
e.YesIdi
dloveMpi
lobutt
haticantcompar
ewi
thhowmuchidi
d
wit
hAdvocate

Ever
ythi
ngt
ooktur
nwheniCompletl
yletgo.
..Ifoundlove,Ifel
tinl
oveagainbutwi
thsomeone
ol
denoughtobemydaught
er.Butagedoesn'tcountr
ight.
..?BecauseIfel
tit
,i
twasl
ove

I
'm Nkazi
mul
oSi
li
loaged34,
takemyhandaswet
hroughourJour
ney.
..I
sit
hembu:
TheSecond
Wif
e

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

I'
vealwaysbeendif
ferentf
rom al
ltheotherki
dsbecauseIwasn' trai
sedlikethem.Theywer e
allrai
sedbythei
rMothersandStuffswhil
eIwasonl yraisedbymyGr andmot her.Shehad
alwaystol
dmeSt ori
esabouthowt heyusedtolivei
nt hi
sVi l
lageandunf ort
unatelymymot her
l
ef tmeaft
ergivi
ngbir
thtome.YesIcoul dn'
tbeli
eveitbutIdef i
nit
elydi
daf teralongli
fe.I
'
ma
veryhumbledsoulbutI'
m muchoft heOpposit
ewhenI m Angry

Me:
"GogoIcan'
twai
tforUni
ver
sit
y"

Isai
dlooki
ngupt
ohert
aki
ngasi
t

Gogo:
"MyDaughter
..
.Iwantyout
olookbackwher
eyoucomef
rom.Don'
tgett
her
eandSl
eep
ar
ound,
boysaredanger
ous"

Me:
"Ipr
omi
seyouGogoIwon'
t,
Iwi
llbeagoodgi
rlandIwon'
tdi
sappoi
ntyou"

Gogo:
"OhkMyChi
ld,
iwantt
ogoandcook"

Me:
"I
'l
lCookGogodon'
twor
ry,
j
ustr
est
"

Gogo:
"Whatwoul
dIbewi
thoutyou"

Me:
"Not
hingatal
lGogo,
Ihavet
ogoandf
etchsomewat
erf
ir
st"

Gogo:
"Youar
ewor
kingsohar
dNandi
,
youal
soneedsomer
est
"
Me:(
Smi
le)"
Don'
twor
ryaboutmeGogoIwi
llbef
ine"

Gogo:
"I
'mj
ustwor
ri
edaboutyou"

Me:
"Your
aisedMet
obei
ndependentGogosoIGI
"

Gogo:(
Sighed)"
OhkChi
ld"

Ist
oodupasIt
ookabucketandwal
kedovert
otheRi
versi
ngi
ngmyf
avor
it
esong.
..
.-
Alede
Remedy

*
***
**

Me:
"Gogo.
.!
!!GogoImadei
t.
.!
!!
"

Isai
dexcit
edjumpi
ngupanddown.Imadei
tinmyMat
ri
c,
thi
sist
hebestt
hingt
hathasever
happenedtome

Gogo:
"Ndodal
azi
youmadei
t.
..
?"

Me:
"YeboGogoI
'
m goi
ngt
oSt
udyMedi
cine,
j
ustl
ikeIal
wayswant
ed"

Gogo:
"I
'm pr
oundofyouNt
ombazana,
youar
eshowi
ngukut
hiuzi
misel
e"

Me:
"YebowMa,
ngi
zimi
sel
e"

Gogo:
"Letmegoandcookyourf
avor
it
eDi
sh,
youder
sevei
t"

Shewalkedoutasst
ooduplooki
nghappy.I
'
m goi
ngt
obeaDoct
orandChanget
his
worl
d,f
ir
stymysit
uat
ionathome

Me:
"I
'm goi
ngt
oJo'
bur
gGogo"

Gogo:(
Sighed)"
I'
m notwor
ri
edNandi
becauseit
aughtyouwel
l"

Me:
"YeboGogo"

Gogo:
"NuBecar
eful
,
manybadt
hingsar
ehappeni
ngeDol
obheni
,
don'
tloseyour
sel
f"

Me:
"YoboGogoNgi
yakuzwa"

Gogo:
"Good"

*
***
***

Gogo:
"Uhambekahl
eNandi
pha"

Ihuggedherver
yti
ght
.Ican'
tbel
ieveI
'
mleavi
ngherbehi
nd

Me:
"Usal
ekahl
eGogoI
'
llvi
sityouIpr
omi
se"
Gogo:
"Anddon'
tent
ert
aint
hisBoysMnt
anam,
Iwantyout
ohavet
hatdegr
ee"

Me:
"Ipr
omi
seyouGogo,
I
'm goi
ngt
obeagoodGi
rl
"

Gogo:
"NandiTakeagoodcar
eofyour
sel
fMnt
anam"

Me:
"GoodbyeGogo"

ThiswastheStartofthenewJour ney.Ipr
omisedmyGr andmat hatIwil
lSt
ayawayfrom Boys
andIreal
lyt
ri
edmybest .YesIt
ried,t
rustmeIdidUnt
ilIfel
tinl
ovewi t
haMar r
iedManas
youngasIam...Ifel
tit,
i
twaslove.

Iam Nandi
phaDl
ami
ni,
aged18Letmet
akeyout
hroughmyJour
neyofhowIbecamet
he
secondWif
e

.
.

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
1]

{
Un-
Edi
ted}

NANDI
PHA

Iwal
kedsl
owlyt
omyr oom.IsighedasIpushedt
hedooropenandIgl
aredt
oseet
her
oom
cl
ear
lyasIcameacr
osswit
ht hisbeaut
if
ulgi
rl
.
Me:
"Uhhnm Hel
lo"

Shel
ookedupt
omeasshesmi
led

Gi
rl
:"
Hy,
I
'm Snegugubutyoucancal
lmeSne"

Me:
"Wel
lI'
m Nandi
phaandyoucancal
lmeNandi
,
Isupposeyouar
emyr
oommat
e"

Snegugu:
"YesI
'
m yourr
oomat
eandI
'
m newher
e"

Me:
"Sameher
e"

Isl
owl
ywal
kedOvert
othel
oungeasIl
ookedacr
osst
her
oom

Me:
"I
t'
sbeaut
if
ulher
e,Sobeaut
if
ul"

Snegugu:
"Yesi
t'
sbeaut
if
ul,
nowcomeIwantyout
otel
lmeal
laboutyour
sel
f"

Me:
"Letmegoandt
akeanapGugu,
I
'm dot
ir
edr
ightnowandIdon'
tneedi
zindaba"

Snegugu:
"Youar
esoupt
ightyoohbutIwi
llshowyouar
oundandyouwi
llevenmeetmyt
win
Brot
her"

Me:
"YouhaveaTwi
nBr
other
..
.?"

Snegugu:
"OhYes,
Alwandehe'
ssoover
prot
ect
ivebutIl
ovehi
m..
.He'
sthebestbr
other
"

Me:
"MmmhIcanr
elat
e"

Snegugu:
"What
'syourSt
ory.
..
?Fami
ly.
.?Par
ent
s..
.?Si
bli
ngs.
..
?"

Me:(
Sighed)"
Idon'
thaveanyoneexceptmygrandmot
her
,wel
lmypar
endnevercar
edabout
mesoIgrewupwi t
hGrandma...Al
lbyoursel
ves"

Snegugu:"
Icanr
elat
e,MyMom diedwhenIwas13,
itwassohar
dtomovef
rom herdeat
hbut
shetaughtmealotyouknow.
..ShewasaStrongWoman"

Me:"
Ifeelsofr
eewhenItal
ktoyou,
Ifeel
li
keIhaveknownyoul
ike.
..Idon'
tknowbutIal
ready
knowsthatyouar
eagreatper
son"

Snegugu:
"Thankyou,
youar
eagr
eatper
sont
ooNandi
"

Me:(
Smi
le)"
LetmegoandTakeanap.
..I
'
llwakeupl
ater
"

Snegugu:
"Ohksur
e"

Il
ookedupasIgl
aredovert
other
oom.
..Ican'
tbel
ieveI
'
minaUni
ver
sit
y.IhopeIwi
llnot
di
sappoi
ntuGogobecauseIwoul
dhat
etodot
hat
.Thatwomanhasbeent
hroughal
otwi
th
meandIreal
lyappr
eciat
eit
.

Iwal
kedsl
owl
ytot
heKi
tchenf
indi
ngTwoguyswi
thSnegugu

Me:
"Eveni
ng"

Ilookedatt
hisguywhowasr
eal
lyhandsomebuthel
ookedal
otl
ikeSnegugusoIguessi
ts
theeAlwande

Al
wande:
"Hel
lobeaut
if
ul"

Me:(
Smi
li
ng)"
Uhhmmm howar
eyoudoi
ng.
.?"

Snegugu:
"Theyar
egood,
Nandi
thi
sismyt
winAl
wandeLwandef
orshor
tandt
hisher
eisGi
ft
"

Me:
"I
t'
sni
cet
omeetyou"

Al
wande:
"I
t'
sal
waysni
cet
omeetbeaut
if
ulgi
rl
s"

Gi
ft
:"
Don'
tmi
ndhi
m..
.He'
sment
all
yDi
stur
bed"

Al
wande:
"Youdon'
thaveanyr
ightt
osayt
hatGi
ft
"

Gi
ft
:"
What
ever
,youar
emaki
ngt
hepoorgi
rlt
obeuncomf
ort
abl
e"

Al
wande:
"I
fshe'
snotComf
ort
abl
eshecant
ellmebyher
sel
fhow'
sthat
"

Snegugu:
"Youguysar
esoannoyi
ng,
whyar
eyoual
waysar
gui
ng"

Al
wande:
"I
tsnotmeDupl
icat
eit
sGi
ftanddon'
ttakehi
ssi
de,
he'
snotyourot
herhal
f"

Snegugu:(
Chuckl
es)"
Jesus"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NKAZI
MULO

Me:
"BabyaboSnegugubayeza"

Mpi
lo:
"Ishoul
dcookf
ort
hem,
Iknowhowmucht
heyl
ovef
ood"

Me:
"Justl
iket
hei
rMot
her
"

Mpi
lol
ookeddown

Me:
"I
'm sor
ryMyl
ovei
ts.
..I
tsj
ustt
hati
t'
shar
dnott
osayhername"

Mpi
lo:
"I
t'
sfi
neIunder
standNkazi
,
shewasyourf
ir
stl
ove"
Me:
"Notsayi
nghernamesmakesmef
eel
sogui
lt
y..
.Li
keI
'
m For
get
ti
ngabouther
"

Mpi
lo:
"Babakheyouhavet
oletgo,
Iunder
standandI
'
m al
sohur
tbutyouhavet
oletgo"

Me:
"Iwi
llt
ry.
..Uhmm l
etmegoandseeKumkani
"

Mpi
lo:
"Il
oveyou"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo"

*
***
***
***
***
*

Kumkani
:"
Ican'
tbel
ievei
tNkazi
mul
oGeez"

Me:
"Mnx,
Iwantt
oletAdvocat
ego"

Kumkani
:"
Byr
eboundi
nguMpi
lo.
..
?"

Me:
"I
'm notr
eboundi
ngher
,I
'm not
..
.!
!!
"

Kumkani:
"Yes,
youf
eelsomet
hingf
orMpi
loandIcanseet
hatbutyoudon'
thavet
opush
t
hings"

Me:
"I.
..Il
oveuMpi
lo"

Kumkani
:(Si
ghed)"
Fine,
bel
ievewhat
everyouwantt
obel
ieve"

Me:
"Let
'st
alkaboutyourWoman"

Kumkani
:"
Taki
eist
hebest
,Ican'
tbel
i
evewegotmar
ri
edwi
thoutyou'
l
l"

Me:(
Chuckl
ed)"
Love"

Kumkani
:"
It
'sr
eal
lyLove"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NANDI
PHA

Wewerewalki
ngf r
om t
heCr
it
eri
aaswekeptont
alki
ng.I
twasonl
ymeandSnegugubecause
t
heboyshaveplacest
obeastheysai
d

Me:
"You'
vebeenagoodf
ri
end,
Ienj
oyedmyweekbecauseofyou"

Snegugu:
"I
twasnot
hingWet
hu,
Il
oveyourCompany"

Me:(
Sighed)"
Wel
lIcansayt
hatt
oyou"

Snegugu:
"MyAunt
ieandDadar
einvi
ti
ngyouf
orDi
nner
"
Me:
"What
..
.?"

Snegugu:
"Theyar
egoodpeopl
eifIcansaysot
her
e'snoneedt
obeaf
rai
doft
hem"

Me:
"ButGuguI
'
m notr
eadyt
omeetyourpar
ent
s"

Snegugu:(
Laughs)"
Gir
lyouar
etal
kingl
ikewear
eGi
rl
fr
iendandBoyf
ri
end.
..Comeon"

Me:
"Howi
syouDad.
..
?Isn'
thescar
y..
.?"

Snegugu:(
Chuckl
es)"
Comeondon'
tbener
vous,
Ther
e'sr
eal
lynot
hingt
owor
ryabout
"

Me:
"Fi
ne"

Snegugu:
"Fi
newhat
..
?"

Me:
"Iwi
llcomef
orDi
nnerSneguguMabasoGeez"

Snegugu:
"Shar
pdon'
tki
llmehaw"

Me:
"What
ever
"

MrMabaso:
"SoUhmm Nandiwher
ear
eyouf
rom.
.?"

Me:
"I
'mf
rom Nt
hlazat
jeSi
r"

MrMabaso:
"Cal
lmeNqabaorbet
teryetBaba"

Me:
"OhIwi
llst
ickt
oBaba"

Al
wande:
"Youar
etr
oubl
ingt
hepoorgi
rlBaba"

MrMabaso:
"ButIdi
dn'
tdoanyt
hing"

Mr
sMabaso:
"Uhmm Nandidon'
tmi
ndt
hem,
theyar
eli
ket
his"

Me:(
Chuckl
es)
"Iunder
standMa"

Snegugu:
"Ohwear
eleavi
ngwi
thuBabauNkazi
mul
o"

MrMabaso:
"Yeshecal
ledme,
hewi
llbeher
esoonbynow"

Snegugu:
"Ohk"

Me:
"Uhmm canIgot
oabat
hroom"

Snegugu:
"Iwi
llshowyou,
Come"
Wewalkedupst
air
s.Ir
eal
lydon'
tknowwhyt
hisgi
rli
sst
ayi
ngatRessmeanwhi
leshehasr
ish
par
ent
s

Snegugu:
"I
'l
lbedownst
air
sOhk"

Me:
"Ohk"

ShewalkedawayasImademywayi
n.Af
terpeei
ngIwashedmyhandsasIwal
kedover
downst
airs.

"
Iwi
llbr
ingt
hem back"

"
DaddyNcanyoupl
easedr
opmyf
ri
endeRess"

"
Wher
e'st
hatf
ri
end.
..
?"

Iwal
kedi
nast
heyal
llookedatme

Snegugu:
"Her
e'smyf
ri
endTat
a"

Igl
aredatt
hisGreekGodi
nfr
ontofme.
..
.I'
m sol
osi
ngmybr
eat
hal
it
tl
ebyl
it
tl
e.Di
dhehave
tobethi
sHot..
.?

.
.

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
2]

.
NANDI
PHA

'
ComeonNandihe' syourf
ri
end'sfather'mymindInst
antl
ybetr
aymebutagai nIbrushedt
hat
thoughtofhi
m asaGreekGod.MyGr andmawouldbesomuchdi sappoi
ntedathim and
besideshe'
swayoldert
han..
.Idon'tknowbutyethelooksli
kehe'
sinhisearl
ytwenties

Me:
"Uhmm Goodeveni
ngsi
r"

Hel
ookedatmeal
it
tl
ethenshi
ft
edhi
seyest
oSnegugu

Hi
m:"
Eveni
ng,
Uhmm i
t'
sOhkmybabyI
'
lldr
opherof
f.Goandgetyourt
hings"

Snegugu:
"ThankyouDaddyN,
ioweyouone"

Iwonderwhati
sthest
orybehi
ndt
hisf
ami
lybecauseIt
hinkt
her
eisal
otofDr
ama

MrMabaso:
"Nkazi
mul
o..
"

Zi
mul
o:"
NoNqaba,
ist
il
ldon'
tli
keyousopl
ease"

MrMabaso:
"Youwer
en'
tther
ewhenal
lthi
sthi
ngshappened,
Idon'
tknowwhyyouar
est
il
l
mad"

Zi
mul
o:"
Youcan'
ttal
kaboutt
hather
e,somepeopl
eshoul
dnothearsuchnews"

Hesai
dthatshi
ft
inghi
seyest
omeasheobser
vedme

MrMabaso:
"Fi
neb-
"

Zimulo:
"I
'm bei
ngci
vilt
oyouf
ort
hesakeofmyki
dsNqabaIcan'
tfi
ghtwi
thyouespeci
all
y
here"

Mr
sMabaso:
"Nkazi
mul
oisr
ightNqaba,
youcan'
tfi
ghther
e"

MrMabaso:(
Sighed)"
Ohkt
hen"

Zi
mul
o:(
Shout
ing)"
SneI
'
mleavi
ngyoubehi
nd,
Iswear
"

"
I'
m canyngDaddyNgeez,
wher
eisMt
hobi
si.
.?"
sheaskedwal
kingi
n

Zi
mul
o:"
He'
sathomedon'
twor
ry,
Uhmm l
et'
sgo"

Snegugu:
"OhkNandil
et'
sgo"

Me:
"OhUhmm ThankyouMrandMr
sMabaso,
you'
vebeensogr
eatt
ome"

Mr
sMabaso:
(Smi
les)"
It
'sOhkDear
,youar
eagoodchi
ld"

MrMabaso:
"Yesi
t'
sOhkyouar
eWel
come"
Zi
mul
o:"
Let
'
sgo"

Hesaidthatwalki
ngout
.EhWher
e'st
hesmi
le.
..
?Thi
smani
sgr
umpyandhasnor
espect
,he
needstobetaughtmnx

Wewal
kedovert
ohi
scarcl
imbi
ngi
nashedr
iveof
f.

Al
wande:
"Idon'
tknowwhyihavet
ogoandpl
aynaboThando,
I
'm Sevent
een"

Snegugu:
"Sayi
tsnotal
waysl
iket
hatwenaLwande,
youar
ejustsost
upi
d"

Al
wande:
"Li
keyou"

Zi
mul
o:"
Yout
woar
emaki
ngsomuchnoi
se"

Iwasatt
hebackseatashef
ixedt
hemi
rr
orandgl
aredatmef
rom t
hemi
rr
or

Snegugu:
"I
tsAl
wandeDaddyN"

Zi
mul
o:"
Idon'
tcar
ewhoi
tis,
j
ustyouar
emaki
ngnoi
se"

Snegugu:
"I
'm sor
ry"

Al
wande:
"Sor
ryMr
"

Zi
mul
o:(
Chuckl
es)"
Wear
eher
e"

Hesai
dst
oppi
ngt
hecar

Me:
"Thankyou"

Icl
imbedoutasSnegugucameoutt
ohugme

Snegugu:
"Iwi
llseeyouOhk"

Me:
"OhkGoodbye"

Shecl
imbedi
nthecarasi
tdr
ivesof
f

_
_

Myphoner
angasIt
ri
edt
osl
eepbutIcoul
dn'
t.

Me:
"Gogo"

Gogo:
"Sanal
wam Lwam howar
eyou.
.?"

Me:
"I
'mf
ineGogoandyou.
.?"

Gogo:
"I
'mf
ineSi
sI,
Imi
ssyou"
Me:
"I
'l
lcomehomeGogodon'
twor
ry"

Gogo:
"Ohk,
areyoubehavi
ng.
.?Noboysangi
thi
..
.?"

Me:(
Giggl
es)"
YeboGogo,
noboys"

Gogo:
"Good,
I
'l
lcal
lyoui
nthemor
ning.
.sl
eep"

Me:
"Goodni
ght"

*
***
***
***
***
***

Iwokeupsoearl
y.Iwantt
ogototheshoppi
ngCompl
exforgr
ocer
y.Iknowt
hatGugudoesn'
t
mindwhenIeatherf
oodKoreaImusthavemyownFood.

Af
terf
ixi
ngmysel
f,iwal
kedupt
othet
axir
ank.

"
Sor
rysisI,
youdr
oppedyourpur
se"Il
ookeduptofindt
hisguy.Hewasr
eall
yhandsomebut
t
hem he'
snotaGreekGod.
Iadmir
ethei
rmother
's.Howcouldonegi
vebi
rtht
osuchacharmer

Me:
"Thankyou"

Hi
m:"
It
'sokaybutyouoweme"

Me:
"Mmmh"

Hi
m:"
Adi
nnerdat
e,j
ustf
orsayi
ngt
hanks"

Me:
"OhOhkt
hen,
i
m Nandibyt
heway"

Hi
m:"
ThaboI
'
m Thabo"

Me:
"Ibet
tergetgoi
ng"

Thabo:
"Idi
dn'
tgetyournumber
"

Hehandedmehi
sphoneasIpunchedmynumber
s

Thabo:
"Thankyou"

*
***
***
***
***

Snegugu:
"Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hisNandi
..
?"

Me:
"I
t'
sjustadi
nnerGugu,
don'
twor
ryaboutme"

Wewerewalki
ngfrom Spurasikeptont
ell
ingheraboutThabo,
we'
vebeent
alki
ngf
oramont
h
andt
omorr
owni ghtwearegoingforadi
nnerdate.
Snegugu:(
Sighed)"
Thaboi
saf
uckboyNandi
,idon'
twantyout
ofi
ndyour
sel
fhear
tbr
oken"

Me:(
Sighed)"
Iknowt
hatyouar
econcer
nedbutdon'
twor
ryI
'
mjusthavi
ngf
un"

Snegugu:
"Ohkf
inebutpr
omi
semesomet
hing"

Me:
"Ohk.
..
"

Snegugu:
"Don'
tgi
vehi
m yourvi
rgi
nit
yatanycost
s"

Me:
"Iwon'
t,
Ipr
omi
se"

Snegugu:
"Fai
renough"

Me:
"Tel
lmewhyyouar
eSevent
eenandyouar
einUni
ver
sit
y..
?Phel
ayouar
eyoung"

Snegugu:
"That
'sast
oryf
oranot
herday"

Me:
"Oh"

Snegugu:
"Yes"

IwasasleepwhenIhear
daknock,
Iwentovert
othedoorasIcameacr
osswi
thGugu'
s
DaddyN

Me:
"Uhmm Goodeveni
ngsi
r"

Zi
mul
o:"
Eveni
ng,
Wher
eisSnegugu.
..
?"

Me:
"Ohshewentoutt
obuysomet
hingt
oeatbutshemi
ghtbeonherwayback"

Zi
mul
o:"
OhUhmm Iwi
llwai
tthen"

Ishi
ft
edashegoti
nsi
deandsatonGugu'
sbed

Me:
"CanIgetyouanyt
hingt
odr
ink.
.?"

Zi
mul
o:"
Uhmm noI
'
mfi
ne,
"

Me:
"Ohk"

Thi
sguyi
sreall
yaGreekGod.He'
ssocl
eanandver
yUni
que.Ikeptonst
eal
inggl
aresonhi
m
ashewast
ypingonhisphone

ThedooropenedasGugu'
swal
ledi
n

Snegugu:
"DaddyN"
Zi
mul
o:"
Mybaby,
howar
eyou.
.?"

Snegugu:
"I
'mf
ine,
what
'swr
ong.
.?"

Zi
mul
o:"
Icamet
oseeyoubuti
tseemsl
ikeyouar
ebusy"

Snegugu:
"Iwoul
dneverbebusyf
oryou"

Zi
mul
o:"
OhkUhmm l
et'
sgo"

Snegugu:
"Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng.
.?"

Zi
mul
o:"
Comeyouwi
llsee"

Snegugu:
"Ohk,
Nandiwi
llyoubeOhk.
.?"

Me:
"Uhmm Yeahsur
eyoucango"

Snegugu:
"Ohkt
hen"

Theywal
kedoutasIl
aydownont
opofmybed

*
***
***
***
***

Me:
"Goodmor
ningGugu"

Snegugu:
"Goodmor
ning"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
thearyouwhenyougoti
n"

Snegugu:
"Yes,
DaddyNt
ookmeoutandIl
ostt
het
rackoft
ime"

Me:
"Ohi
t'
sOhk,
Wedon'
thavecl
assest
oday"

Snegugu:
"OhYeah,
W-"

Shewasdi
stur
bedbymyr
ingi
ngphone

Me:
"Uhmm Thabo"

Snegugur
oll
edhereyeswal
kingout

Thabo:
"MyHear
t,
Howar
eyou.
.?"

Me:(
Blushi
ng)"
I'
mfi
ne,
you.
..
?"

Thabo:
"I
'm good,
Ican'
twai
ttoseeyou"

Me:
"Met
oo,
Ican'
twai
t"
Thabo:
"Lookmyhear
tI'
m dr
ivi
ng.
.I'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
"

Me:
"Ohkt
hen"

IhungedupasGugumadeherwayi
n

Snegugu:
"MmmhNandi
,
don'
tdost
upi
dthi
ngswi
thThabo"

Me:
"Iwon'
t"

Snegugu:
"Cool
"

Me:
"Sneguguam IOhk.
.?"

Snegugu:
"Youar
efi
ne,
youar
enotgoi
ngsomewher
efancyi
t'
sjustadi
nner
"

Me:(
Sighed)"
Don'
tbegr
umpy"

Snegugu:
"I
m not"

Me:
"Wel
lI'
m sur
eThaboi
sonhi
sway"

Snegugu:
"What
everNandi
"

Justaswehear
daknock

Me:
"I
'mf
iner
ight
..
?"

Snegugu:
"Yes"

Iwal
kedovert
othedoorassoonasIopenedt
her
ehewasi
nhi
sCl
assyCl
othes

Me:
"Thabo.
."

Thabo:
"MyHear
t.
..Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"

Me:
"Thankyou"

Thabo:
"CanweUhmm l
eave.
.?"

Me:
"Yes"

Thabo:
"Ladi
esf
ir
st"

Me:
"Thankyou"

*
***
***
***
***
***
Me:
"Wowt
hatwasgood"

Itwasnowaft
erdi
nner
..
..
Wewer
enowdr
ivi
ngathi
spl
aceasher
equest
ed.Wear
ri
vedt
othi
s
penthouse

Me:
"Il
ikeyourpl
ace"

Isai
dthatTaki
ngasi
t

Thabo:
"Uhmm t
hanks,
CanigetyouSomet
hingt
odr
ink"

Me:
"Wel
lI'
m Ohk"

Thabo:
"Ohk"

Hewal
kedovert
omeasheki
ssedme,
Irespondedwel
lhe'
snotmyf
ir
stki
sser

Hi
shandwentdownundermydr
essasIt
ri
edt
opushhi
m

Me:
"T.
.Thabono.
.no"

Thabo:
"Rel
axMyHear
t"

Me:
"I
'm notr
eadyThabono.
!!
!"

Tear
sst
reameddownmycheeks,
Ishoul
dn'
thaveagr
eedt
othi
s

Thabo:
"Don'
tdot
hat
,gi
vemewhat
'
smi
ne"

Me:
"NO.
.THABONO.
.!
!!
"

Thabo:
"Iwantt
otast
eyou,
youcan'
tjustspendmymoneyf
ornot
hing"

Iwassti
llt
ryi
ngt
opushhi
m buthewassost
rong.Het
ear
edupmydressl
eavi
ngmewi
thmy
pant
iesashequi
ckl
yUnzi
phisJeanwhi
lepr
essuri
ngmewit
hhi
sKnee

Thabo:
"Icoul
dn'
twai
tfort
hisday,
youar
esobeaut
if
ul.
.MyAf
ri
canQueen"

Hef
orcef
ull
yki
ssedmeast
heDoorwaspushedopenandapunchl
andedonThabo'
sface

Ii
mmedi atel
yjumpedtothi
spersonhugginghi
m.Int
hismomentIdi
dntevencar
ei fIwas
naked.Isnif
fedasIcoul
dsmellmyHero'sperf
umewhil
esobbi
nganditwashim,thisper
fume
i
ssof amili
ar.
..
.AndIknewthati
t'
sdefi
nit
elyhi
m..
.MyGreekGod

.
.

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
3]

.
.

{
Un-
Edi
ted}

NANDI
PHA

IwokeupasIl ookedaroundandIwasi nafancyhotel

.Ipani
ckedasithoughtaboutwhat
happenedYersteday,
whatwoul dhavei
fmyGr eekGoddidn'
tarr
ive.
.?Snegugut
oldmeabout
ThabobutIcouldn'tbel
ievei
t.Isi
ghedast
hedoorwasopenedandmyGr eekGodwalkedby

Zi
mul
o:"
AreyouOhk.
.?"

Me:(
ClearThr
oat
)"Uhmm I
..
.I
'mf
ine"

Zi
mul
o:"
Her
e..
.Goandf
reshenupI
'
llbebackwi
thyourbr
eakf
ast
"

Hesai
dthathandi
ngoutapl
ast
icandIt
ooki
tfr
om hi
m

Me:
"Uhmm Thankyou"

Zi
mul
o:"
Yout
rustsoeasi
ly,
don'
teverdot
hatagai
n"hesai
dthatwal
kingout
.

IsighedasIwal
kedovertot
hebathr
oom.It
ookabaththenwal
kedovert
othebedr
oom.I
glaredatmyphoneontopofthet
abl
eandItooki
tasIdial
edmyGrandma'
snumber
Me:
"Gogo"

Gogo:
"Mydaught
er,
I
'vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyoul
astni
ghtar
eyouOhk"

Me:(
Sighed)"
YeboGogoI
'
m Ohkwhataboutyou.
.?"

Gogo:
"I
'mf
ineNganeyam don'
twor
ryaboutme"

Me:
"OhOhkGogo"

Gogo:
"YeboIhopeuzi
phet
heKayl
e,
Idon'
twantt
obedi
sappoi
ntedNandi
"

Me:
"I
'm.
.YeboGogo"

Gogo:
"I
t'
sohk,
I
'l
lcal
lyouOhk"

Me:
"YeboGogobye"

IhungedupasIdr
essedupandl
aydownont
hebed

"
Nandiwakeup"imumbl
edopeni
ngmyeyes

Zi
mul
o:"
Uhm.
..I
'
m sor
ryt
owakeyouupbutyouhavet
oeat
"

Me:
"I
'm nothungr
y"

Zi
mul
o:"
AndI
'
m notaski
ngyou,
eatupyou'
vebeenst
arvi
ngyour
sel
f"

Me:
"I
t'
sOhkwhydoyoucar
eanyway"

Zi
mul
o:"
Nandieat
,I
'
m notr
epeat
ingmysel
fbecauseyouwon'
tli
kewhatIwi
lldo"

Hegavemet
hatdeat
hst
areandIt
ookt
hef
oodf
rom hi
m asIst
art
edeat
ingwi
thhi
mlooki
ng
atme

Me:
"What
..
?"

Zi
mul
o:"
What
"

Me:"
You'vebeenst
ari
ngatme,
saywhat
everyouwantt
osaybef
oreyouki
llmewi
thyour
st
ares"

Zi
mul
o:"
Whyar
eyousost
ubbor
nhuh.
..
?"

Me:
"I
-I
'm St
ubbor
n..
?"

Zi
mulo:"
Youdon'tj
ustgooutwi
thaper
sonwi
thoutdoi
ngr
esear
chabouthi
m..
.Al
lweknowhe
mightbeaser
ialki
ll
er"
Me:(
Ilookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands)"
Thatdi
dn'
tcr
ossmymi
nd"

Zi
mul
o:(
Sar
cast
ic)"
Yeahr
ight
"

Me:
"Howdi
dyouf
indmeanyway.
..
?"

Zi
mul
o:"
That
'snoti
mpor
tant
,eatupwehavet
ogo"

Me:
"Uhmm Thankyou"

Zi
mul
o:"
What
..
?"

Me:
"Thankyouf
orsavi
ngmei
fitwasn'
tforyouIwoul
dh-
"

Zimul
o:(
Sighed)"Noit'
sOhk,asl
ongasyouar
efi
net
her
e'snot
hingt
owor
ryaboutbutnext
ti
medon'teverdothatagai
n"

Me:
"Ipr
omi
se"

*
***
***
***
***
***
*

Snegugu:
"OhmyGod,
youdi
dn'
tcomebackYer
steday.
..Doyouhaveanyi
deahowwor
ri
edI
was"

Me:
"I
'm backGugut
her
e'snot
hingt
owor
ryabout
"

Snegugu:
"Don'tt
ellmet
hatNandipha,
Iwasdamnwor
ri
ed.
.!
!!Idi
dn'
tevenhaveenoughsl
eep
whil
eyouwer ebusywhori
ngaround..
.!
!!
"

Me:
"G.
.Guguhowcoul
dyousayt
hat
..
?"

Snegugu:
"Whatam Isupposedt
othi
nkhuh.
..
?What
..
!!
"

Me:
"Iwasal
mostr
apedGugu,
yetyoudon'
tCar
e..
.!
!!I
'
m notawhor
e..
.!
!!
"

Snegugu:
"Youwer
eal
mostw.
.What
..
?Raped.
.?"

Me:
"Leavemeal
oneGugugetoutofmyr
oom"

Snegugu:
"Nandii
-"

Me:
"Getout
..
!!
!Cl
oset
hedoorbehi
ndyou"

Snegugu:
"I
'm sor
ry"

Shesai
dthatasshewal
kedout

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

MPI
LO
Iwasbusydoi
ngthel
aundr
ywhi
leNkazi
mul
o'sAunt
..
.Advocat
e'smot
herMr
sJohnsonwas
dri
nki
ngTeanextt
ome

Mr
sJ:
"Youar
eagoodwomanMpi
lo,
I
'm gl
adt
hatNkazi
mul
ohasyoui
nhi
sli
fe"

Me:
"YeboMangyazama"

MrsJ:
"Youknow,WhenBonolodi
ed.
..Ipr
omi
sedhert
hatIwi
llt
akeCar
eofherki
dst
hough
t
heywereablet
olookaft
erthemsel
ves"

Me:
"Mmmh"

MrsJ:
"Theygr
ewupsowiseandindependent
..
.I'
m sogl
adt
hatt
hei
rFat
her
swer
eabl
eto
r
aiset
hem uptobet
hementheyaretoday"

Me:(Sighed)"
Zimuloi
sagoodf
ather
,I
'm gl
adImar
ri
edhi
m andAdvocat
egavemeher
bl
essingsbeforeshedi
ed"

MrsJ:"
Shewasagoodwoman,Iwasfoundwithhert
hemomentIsawherandIsawaQueen
butshehadbeent
hroughal
otbef
oresucceedi
ng,
Ihopeyoul
eantal
otf
rom her
"

Me:
"Idi
d,shewasagoodt
eacherandanAdvi
ser
"

Mr
sJ:(
Sighed)"
Yeahey,
Kant
iwher
eisNkazi
mul
o..
.?"

Isi
ghedasIwal
kedovert
ohersi
tt
ingdown

Me:
"He'
satwor
kMa,
hesai
dther
e'sanemer
gencyt
her
e"

Mr
sJ:
"Youknowt
hatyoucan'
tli
eki
miMpi
losot
ellmet
het
rut
h"

Me:(
Sighed)"
Hedi
dn'
tconehomeYer
stedayandI
..
.I'
m af
rai
d"

Mr
sJ:
"Ofwhat
..
.?"

Me:"
Hemi
ghtt
akeanot
herwi
fe,
MaZi
mul
oisf
rom Royal
tyandi
tsOhkf
orhi
mtot
akeanot
her
wi
fe"

Mr
sJ:
"He'
snotaKi
ngyet
,her
eject
edt
het
hronebecausehewasst
il
lgr
ievi
ngmuc"

Me:"
Yesbutt
her
emi
ghtbeapossi
bil
it
yofhi
mtot
akeanot
herwi
fe,
BabaandMkhul
utol
dme
so"

Mr
sJ:
"Fi
ghtMt
wanam,
Fightf
orwhat
'
syour
s..
."

Me:
"MaNkazi
mul
owasnotmi
net
obegi
nwi
th"

Mr
sJ:
"Yesbutnowhe'
syour
s,Pr
aymydaught
erandf
ightf
oryourf
ami
ly"
Me:
"I
t'
seasyt
osayMa"

Mr
sJ:
"Just
..
.Bel
ievei
nyour
sel
fOhk"

Me:
"YeboMa"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NANDI
PHA

Iwal
keddownst
air
sfi
ndi
ngGugumaki
ngBr
eakf
ast

Me:
"Gugu"

Snegugu:
"Nandi
..
.LookNa-
"

Me:
"I
t'
sOhkGugu,
I
'm sor
ryaboutt
hewayir
eact
edi
twasi
nappr
opr
iat
e"

Snegugu:
"I
m sor
ryt
ooFr
iend,
Il
oveyou"

Ipul
ledhert
oahug

Me;
"Il
oveyout
oo"

Ipul
ledoutasIsmi
ledandl
ookedovert
hef
oodshewasmaki
ng

Me:
"Thi
slooksGood"

Snegugu:
"Letmef
ini
sht
hisupsowecaneat
"

*
***
***
***
***
*

Me:
"Uhmm Nkaz.
.Zi
mul
o"

Zi
mul
o:"
Uhmm hy"

Me:
"HowcanIhel
pyou.
..
?"

Zi
mul
o:"
UphiuSne.
..
?"

Me:
"ShewentoutUhmm comeI
nyoucanwai
tforher
"

Hemadehiswayin,
i
mmedi
atel
yasIcl
osedt
hedoor
.Iwasspi
nnedagai
nstt
hewal
lasIf
elt
war
mlipsonmine.

.
.

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
4]

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Ipushedhim asIquickl
yrantomyroom.Ii
nhaledasIt
houghtaboutt
heki
ss.
..He'
smy
fr
iend'
sfat
her.Icannotbeinl
ovewi
thhim.IheadadoorknockasIgotmovedawayfr
om t
he
doorwalki
ngf ur
thertomybed.

Zi
mul
o:"
Canwet
alkpl
ease"

Me:
"Goaway,
Idon'
twantt
otal
k"

Zi
mul
o:"
I.
..
I'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappenedi
twasat
otalmi
stake"

Me:
"Yeahi
twasami
stakenowgo,
l
eavemeal
one"

Zi
mul
o:"
Notunt
ilwet
alkpl
easeNandi
pha,
j
ust
..
.Fewmi
nut
es"

Isi
ghedasIwal
kedovert
othedoor
.Iopenedi
tashemadehi
swayi
n,cl
osi
ngi
tbehi
nd

Zi
mul
o:"
Look,
IknowwhatIdi
dwaswr
ongandI
'
m sor
ry"

Me:
"I
t'
sOhkbutp.
.pl
easedon'
trepeatt
hat
"

Zi
mul
o:(
Smi
les)"
Iwon'
tpr
omi
seyout
hatbecauseUhmm.
..Y.
..Il
ikeyou"

Me:
"Uhmm It
hinkyoushoul
dgor
ightnowbef
oreGugucomesback"

Zi
mul
o:"
Wear
est
il
ltal
king"

Me:
"Noyouhavet
oleave.
..
!!
!AndIt
hinkyoushoul
dletmebebecauseIdon'
tw-
"

Iwasshuttedupbyhi
m ki
ssi
ngme.Hesqueezedmybr eastashi
sot
herhandmadei
t'
swayt
o
mywaist.ImoanedasImovedmyhandst
ohi sneck.
Zi
mul
o:"
Weshoul
dSt
op"

Me:
"NoNoNopl
ease.
..Pl
ease"

Zi
mul
o:"
Areyousur
e..
.?"

Me:
"YesI
'
m sur
e"

Heki
ssedmeashel
eftwetki
ssesmovi
ngt
omyneck

Movingforwar
d,hi
sfi
ngerspull
ingbackmyhai
rli
ketor
nsi
lk,heej
acul
ated,
disappear
ingi
nto
me.Icrookedmyfi
nger,
motioning,
andhebentdownandputhismout
honmi ne

Icouldn’
tgetenoughofhi m.Iwastir
edandsor ebutIdidn’tcare.Idi
dn’
twanttosleep.I
wantedtheache.Iwant edhiminme, al
ltheti
me.Hiswei ghtont opofme.Iwantedt o
squeezehiminfurtherandfurt
her.Iwantedtowatchhisf ace.Iwantedhi
ssweatt odroponto
me.Iwant edtodropmineonhi m.Igotont opofhi
m.I’dneverdonei tbefor
e.Icouldn’
treal
ly
bel
ieveit

Iwasinventingsomethi
ng.Iheldhim andputhimin.Hef el
tdeeperinme.I ’
llneverforgeti
t.I
heldhi
shandsdown.Hepr et
endedhewast ryi
ngt
obr eakfree.Il
etmyt it
stouchhi sface.He
wentmad; hebucked.Hesplitmeintwo.Ipusheddown.Icoul dn’tbel
ieveit
.Oneofhi s
fi
ngersfl
ickedovermybum.Hel i
ft
edandheaved.Ther ewasnoendt oit,noendt othenew
thi
ngs.Hedi dsomethi
ng.Icopiedhim.Het ookmefrom behind.Ipushedback, forcedmore
ofhimintome.Hel i
ckedme.Imadehi m comeonmyst omach.Hesuckedmyt oesasI
moanedsol oud

Me:
"MmmhZ.
.Zi
mul
o"

Zi
mul
o:"
Ohbabyyouar
esot
ight
"

*
***
***
***
***
**

IwokeupasIl ookedonmybedsi de.

..
.Ther
ehewaslooki
ngsohandsome.Icoul
dnotbel
ieve
Idi
dallthat.Tell
ingthetr
uthIdon'
tknowwherei
tcomesfrom.Ij
ustbecamefr
eeasmybody
di
dallthejob.YesIwat chedpornvi
deoswit
hSneguguandIalmostdi
dallt
hethi
ngst
hey
weredoingt houghI'
m notsurei
fIwasgood.

Zi
mul
o:"
StopSt
ari
ngatme"

Iwasboughtbackf
rom myt
hought
sbyhi
m..
.Hi
ssweetCommandi
ngvoi
ce
Me:
"Uhmm I
..
.I.
..It
hinkyoushoul
dgo"

Zi
mul
o:"
Ishoul
dgo.
..
?"

Thi
swasal
lwrong.Whati
fSneguguwalkedinonus.
..
?Whatifsomeonehear
dme.
..
?Havi
ng
sexHer
ewasagainstt
heUni
versi
typol
icyandIbr
okethedamnlaw

Me:
"Yeah,
Snegugui
snotyetbackmaybeshe'
satMrMabaso'
shousesogo"

Zi
mul
o:(
ClearThr
oat
)"I
'
lll
eave"

Hesai
dthatst
andi
ngupwal
kingovert
othebat
hroom.Isi
gnedasIl
aydownont
hebed
cl
osi
ngmyeyessoslowl
y

*
***
***
***
**

Snegugu:
"Nandi
..
.Ar
eyouOhk"

Me:(
Sighed)"
Idi
dsomet
hingsot
err
ibl
eGuguandyetIdon'
tregr
etever
ymi
nut
eofi
t"

Snegugu:
"Whatdi
dyoudo.
..
?"

Me:
"I
ts.
..I
tsnot
hingsser
ioust
hough"

Snegugu:
"whathappenedt
oyourl
egs,
youar
ewal
kingsodi
ff
erent
"

Me:
"Isl
ippedl
astni
ghtandgotmyl
eghur
t"

Snegugu:
"OhOhkl
etmegetr
eady"

Shesai
dthatwal
kingaway

Wewer
ehavi
ngdi
nnerwhent
hedooropenedasZi
mul
ocamei
nwi
thhi
sunusualcl
othes.

Zi
mul
o:"
Uhmm Hel
lows"

Us:
"Hel
lo"

Snegugu:
"Daddywher
ewer
eyou.
..Iwassowor
ri
ed"

Zi
mul
o;'
"I
m her
enowsol
et'
sfocusont
hat
..
."

Snegugu:
"Youdi
dn'
tc-
"

Zi
mul
o:"
Ohbabyi
t'
sOhk.
..I
'
mfi
ne"

Snegugu:(
Sighed)"
Wher
eisAunt
ieMpi
lo.
..
?"
Zi
mul
o'sshi
ft
edhi
sat
tent
iont
oMrbutIavoi
dedeyecont
act

Zi
mul
o:"
She'
s.
..She'
sathomedon'
twor
ryabouther
"

Snegugu:
"MmmhCoollhavet
otakeaqui
ckshowerI
'
llbeback"

Zi
mul
o:"
It
'sOhkyoucango"

Snegugu:
"Nandii
sitf
ine.
..
?"

Me:
"Yeahuhmm i
t'
scool
"

Snegugu:
"Ohkt
hen"

Shewal
kedoutasZi
mul
opul
ledmet
omyr
oom

Me:
"Zi
mul
ost
opi
tmar
n"

Hesmashedhi
swarml i
psonminet
ast
ingabi
tifawhi
skeyonhi
stongue,
Weki
ssedso
passi
onat
easIf
inal
lypul
ledout

Zi
mul
o:"
Godyoumakemesoweak"

Me:
"Weshoul
dnotbedoi
ngt
hisNkazi
mul
o..
.Ent
lekhowdi
dwegether
e..
.?"

Zi
mul
o:"
It
'sl
ove,
MyChocol
atemuf
fi
n"

Il
ookeddownbl
ushi
ng.Ist
oppedasIt
houghtaboutmyf
ri
endshi
pwi
thGugu

Me:
"Wehavet
oendal
lthi
s,
it
's.
..I
t'
swr
ongi
thast
oend"

Zi
mul
o:"
Thenwhydoesi
tfeel
sor
ight
"

Me:"
It
'ssowrong.
.i
nsomanywaysIdon'
tevenknowhowwegother
eNkazi
mul
othi
sisso
f
rust
rati
ng"

Zi
mul
o:"
Iknowbutbaby.
..Li
stent
-"

Me:
"NO.
..
!!
!Thi
swi
llhur
tmanypeopl
esoI
..
.It
hinkyoushoul
dleave"

Zi
mul
o:"
Butbaby"

Me:
"Idon'
twantyourgi
rl
fr
iendt
oski
nmeal
ive,
whati
fyouhaveone"

Hel
ookeddown.Myeyest
ravel
edt
otheweddi
ngbandonhi
slef
twr
ist
.NoGodNO

Me:
"Nk.
.Nkazi
mul
oyou'
remar
ri
ed.
..
?"

Iknowwear
enotdat
ingoranyt
hingbutt
hisguysl
eptwi
thme.
..He'
smyVi
rgi
nBr
eaker
Zi
mul
o:"
I'
m sor
ry"

Me:(
Tear
sst
reami
ngdownmycheeks)"
N..
Nkazi
mul
oyouar
emar
ri
ed"

Zi
mul
o:"
MyChocol
atecanIexpl
ain"

Me:
"There'
snot
hingt
oexpl
ainher
eNkazi
mul
o..
.I'
m sost
upi
dwhatdi
dit
hink,
youar
einyour
Thi
rt
ies"

Zi
mul
o:"
I-
"

Me:
"Getout
"

Zi
mul
o:"
B-"

Me:
"GETOUT.
..
!!
!"

Hel
ookedatmeashemadehi
swayout
.Icr
iedsohar
d..
.Isl
eptwi
thaMARRI
EDMAN

Iwaswokenupbymyr
ingi
ngphone.It
ooki
toutasIanswer
ed

Me:
"Mhm Gogo"

Gogo:
"Mydaught
er.
..Howar
eyou.
.?"

Me:
"I
'mf
ineGogo"

Gogo:
"Yousoundl
ikeyou'
vebeencr
ying"

Me:
"NoI
'
mfi
ne"

Gogo:
"Whenar
eyoucomi
nghome.
.?"

Me:
"Thi
sweekendGogoImi
ssyout
henI
'
llcomebackSunday"

Gogo:
"OhkMydaught
ert
ravelsaf
elyOhk"

Me:
"YeboGogo"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

MPI
LO

Iwascooki
ngwhenNkazi
mul
omadehi
swayi
nlooki
ngf
rust
rat
ed.

Isi
ghedasIcl
osedt
hepotwal
kingovert
ohi
m

Me:
"N.
..
Nkazi
mul
oWhat
'swr
ong.
..
?"
Zi
mul
o:(
Sni
ff
s)"
Imessedup"

Tel
li
ngt
hetr
uthitwast
hefirstt
imeseei
ngNkazimul
ocr
yingaf
terAdvocat
e'sdeat
h.Whi
ch
meanst
hatwhatmadehim cryi
ssomethingbi
g

Me:
"Tel
lmewhati
sit
..
.?"

Zi
mul
o:"
I.
..Ishoul
dgoandsl
eep"

Hesai
dthatwi
pinghi
stear
s

Me:
"Tel
lmeNkazi
mul
o"

Zi
mul
o:"
Youwi
llnotunder
standMyl
ove.
..
.Il
oveyouOhk"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA

Snegugu:
"Ar
eyour
eal
lygoi
ngt
otheVi
ll
ages.
..
?"

Me:
"Yebo.
.Manyt
hingshappenedi
nashor
tper
iodoft
imesoI
..
Iwantt
ofeelmyhome"

Snegugu:
"Ther
e'smor
epeacet
her
e,Iknow"

Me:
"I
'm Gl
adyouunder
stand,
goodbyeMngani
"

Ipul
ledheri
nforahug

Me:
"Il
oveyou"

Snegugu:
"Il
oveyout
oo"

Ithoughtsohar
daboutwhatIwant.
..AndIwanttofur
thermyst
udi
es.WhenIgobackt
o
JohannesburgI
'
llnotl
ookatanyboy.I
'l
lnotl
ookatanyNkazi
mulo.

I
'
m donewi
thal
lthatbecauseIbr
okeapr
omi
set
hatImadet
oGr
andma.

I
'
m donewi
thhi
m.

Gogo:
"Unj
aniMnt
wanam"

Me:
"I
'm goodGogo,
Ican'
treal
lycompl
ain"

Gogo:
"Ohkgoandeat
,ihavesomeamazi
ngnewst
oshar
ewi
thyou"
Me:
"Gogoyoucant
ellme,
whati
sit
..
?"

Gogo:
"TheyoungPri
nceoft
heVi
ll
agewasaskedt
ochooseawi
fe,
sohewi
llchooseawi
fet
his
upcomingweekend"

Me:
"Ohgoodf
orhi
m"

Gogo:
"Iwantyout
ojoi
nthegi
rl
s,
youar
eamazi
ngandyouar
eavi
rgi
nmnt
anam.
..Soj
oint
he
gi
rl
s"

Me:
"NoGogoI
'
mfi
ne"

Gogo:
"Iwasnotaski
ngyouNj
alo,
MySi
steri
sComi
ng.
..Yourot
hergr
andmot
her"

Me:
"Oh"

Gogo:
"Yes,
she'
sgoi
ngt
ocheckyourVi
rgi
nit
ybef
oret
hecer
emonysoIhopeyouar
est
il
la
vi
rgi
n"

Me:
"Uhmm.
..
.I.
..
YeboGogo"

Gogo:
"Thendon'
tbener
vous,
l
etmegoandcookyourFavor
it
edi
sh"

Me:
"OhkGogo"

Shewalkedovert
othekit
chen.Isi
ghedatt
hethoughtofgrandma'
svi
sit
..
.Ical
lherOuma
thought
.I'
m nol
ongeravi
rgi
n..
!!
!Howam Igoi
ngt oexpl
ainthat

.
.

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
5]

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Iwokeupsot ir
ed.I'
vebeenst ressedbecauset
odayOumai scoming.Whatam igoi
ngtot
ell
them aboutmyvirgi
nit
yGr andmai sgoingt
obesodi
ssapoint
ed.Igotupfr
om t
hebedasi
walkedovertothebathroom.Af terdoingmyHygi
eneprocessiwalkedt
otheki
tchenfi
ndi
ng
Grandmamaki ngsomeBr eakf
ast .

Me:
"Mor
ninggr
andma"

Isai
dthatt
aki
ngasi
tlooki
ngatherasshewassi
ngi
ngherf
avor
it
esong

Gr
andma:
"Mor
ningMydaught
er,
howar
eyou.
.?"

Me:
"I
m goodGr
andmayoul
ookhappywhat
'
swr
ongam imi
ssi
ngsomet
hing?
"

Gr
andma:
"Noi
tsnot
hingNandi
pha,
i
mjustHappyt
hatyouar
egr
owi
ngup"

Me:
"Ther
e'snot
hingt
obehappyaboutngal
okhoGogo,
Isowi
sht
obemor
eyoung"

Gr
andma:
"Mmmh"

Me:
"Yebo,
Growi
ngupi
t'
sful
lofdi
ff
icul
ti
es"

Isai
dthatasIsighedt
hinki
ngaboutNkazi
mul
o.I
t'
sreal
lyhar
dtogr
owup,
l
ookatmeI
'
m so
fr
ustr
atedri
ghtnow

Gr
andma:
"Oumai
scomi
ng,
Ican'
twai
tdef
ini
tel
yyouar
eat
tendi
ngt
hecer
emonyI
'
veal
ways
want
edyout
ogetmar
ri
edt
oar
oyal
fami
ly"

Me:"Uhmm YesGr
andmaI
'
lldef
ini
tel
yat
tendt
hecer
emony,
l
etmegoandt
akeabat
hI'
l
lbe
back"

Isai
dthatt
ryi
ngt
osi
tup

Gr
andma:
"No,
Eatbef
oreOumaget
sher
e"

Me:
"NoGogoi
-"

Gr
andma:
"Si
tdownsi
siandeathaw"

Isi
ghedt
aki
ngasi
tandGr
andmahandedmemybr
eakf
ast

Gr
andma:
"Nowt
ellme,
howi
sJohannesbur
g..
.?"

Il
ookedupt
oherasIl
ookeddownagai
npl
ayi
ngwi
thmyf
ood

Me:
"I
tsUhmm.
..I
tsOhk"

Gr
andma:
"JustOhk.
..
?ComeonNandi
phat
ellmeal
labouti
t"

Me:
"I
tsGr
eat
,Thoughyouknowhowci
ti
esar
e..
.Ful
lofdanger
"

Gr
andma:
"That
'swhyIdon'
twantyoukul
abaf
anabakhona,
theyar
edanger
oust
oo"

Me:
"YeboGogoI
'
m noti
ntoanyboys"

Gr
andma:
"I
'm pr
oudofyouMt
wanam"

Me:
"NgyabongaGogo"

*
***
***
***
***
***

Me:
"Ouma"

Isai
dthathuggi
ngher

Ouma:
"Mydaught
er,
youar
egr
owi
ngupsof
astbutyouar
est
il
lmyl
it
tl
ebaby"

Ipul
ledoutoft
hehugaswewal
kedovert
othesi
tt
ingr
oom

Me:(
Giggl
ing)"
OhImi
ssyouOuma"

Ouma:
"Youdon'
tvi
sitmeanymor
eYourCousi
nsar
enaught
ybackhome"

Me:
"I
'l
lvi
sitt
hem,
Imi
sst
hem al
ot"

Ouma:
"Wher
eisYourGr
andma.
..
?"
Me:
"She'
sinherr
oom,
shoul
dIgogether
..
?"

Ouma:
"Noj
ustgoandmakemyf
avor
it
etea"

Me:
"Her
balt
ea"

Ouma:
"Youknowmet
oowel
lNana,
nowgoandboi
lwat
er"

Ist
oodupwal
kingovert
otheki
tchenasIst
art
edmaki
ngt
eaf
orOuma

Me:
"Her
e'syourt
eaOuma"

Shet
ooki
tasshet
hankedmesi
ppi
ngi
t

Ouma:
"Youshoul
dteachyourcousi
ns,
youmakesuchagr
eatcupoft
ea"

Me:
"I
'm sur
etheyar
enott
hatbad"

Ouma:
"Oht
rustmet
heyar
e"

Me:
"Ohr
ight
"

Shest
oppeddr
inki
ngt
het
eaasshel
ookedst
rai
ghtuponmyeyes

Ouma:
"Tel
lmewhati
sit
"

Me:
"WhatOuma"

Isai
dthatavoi
dingeyecont
act

Ouma:
"Youar
ereckl
ess,
Whoi
she.
.?"

Il
ookedupt
ohi
m soqui
ckl
y

Me:
"Whoi
swhoOuma?
"

Ouma:
"Theguyt
hatbr
okeyourvi
rgi
nit
y,Iknowyouar
enol
ongeravi
rgi
nNana"

Ilookeddownsoembar
rassed,
thi
nki
ngt
hatI
'
m nol
ongeravi
rgi
nbecauseofamar
ri
edmani
s
reall
yembarr
assi
ng

Ouma:"Don'
tbeembar
rassedNanaweal
lhavebeent
her
ebutyoushoul
dhavet
oldyour
Grandma"

Me:
"OumaI
'
m scar
ed,
Ihavedi
sappoi
ntedher
"

Ouma:
"Don'
tbescar
edmygr
anddaught
er,
tel
lherbef
orei
t'
stool
ate"
Me:
"I
-"

"
OhOuma,
youar
eher
e"sai
dgr
andmamaki
ngherwayt
ous

Ouma:
"YesI
'
m her
e,Idi
dn'
twantt
owal
eyouup"

Gr
andma:
"I
t'
sOhkuhmm Nandi
phagoandmakesomet
eaf
orme"

Me:
"OhkGr
andma"

Istoodupmaki
ngmywayt othekit
chenthi
nkingabouthowI'm goi
ngtobreakthenewst
o
Grandmasur
elyIhavedi
sappoi
ntedher
.Iwalkedovertothem handi
ngoverhertea

Gr
andma:
"Nandi
pha,
SinceOumai
sher
eIt
hinkyoushoul
dgoandcheck"

Me:
"Uhmm I
..
.I-
"

Ouma:
"I
'm sot
ir
edr
ightnow,
Ithi
nkweshoul
ddot
hist
omor
rowt
her
e'sst
il
lti
me"

Gr
andma:"
It
'sf
ineeveni
fwedoi tt
omorrowbutIknowt
hatNandi
phawoul
dneverdi
sappoi
nt
meIdon'
twanthertobel
ikehermother
"

Ouma:
"Don'
ttal
kli
ket
hatMar
ia,
Youshoul
dnotcompar
euNanaandhermot
her
"

Gr
andma:(
Sighed)"
IknowIshoul
dn'
tit
.I
t'
s.I
ts.
..l
et'
sleavei
t"

Ouma:
"Ohk.
..I
t'
saf
ter
noon,
Ishoul
dber
est
ingI
'
m sot
ir
ed"

Me:
"I
nthemeant
imeI
'
llcookdi
nner
,Iwantt
ocookadel
ici
ousdi
shsoi
twi
llt
akesomet
ime"

Ouma:
"I
t'
sOhkNana"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

MPI
LO

Iwasbusymaki
ngl
unchasGugumadeherwayi
n.Sheki
ssedmycheekandsatdown

Snegugu:
"Aunt
iehowar
eyou.
.?"

Ismil
edl
ooki
ngather
.Advocat
eisr
eal
lypr
oudwher
eevershei
s.Shehasagr
eatdaught
er
her
e

Me:
"I
'mf
ineAnd,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e..
.?"

Snegugu:
"I
sitacr
imet
ovi
sitmyf
ami
ly"

Il
aughedl
ight
lyasIf
ixedmyeyesonmypot
s

Me:
"YouknowwhatImean.
..Youdon'
tal
wayscomeher
esowhati
sit
..
?"
Snegugu:
"Pl
easedon'
ttel
lDaddyN"

Me:
"I
twi
lldepend"

Snegugu:
"Hewi
llki
llmeAunt
iepl
easedon'
ttel
lhi
m"

Isi
ghedasIcl
osedmypot
smaki
ngmywayt
oher

Me:
"Iwon'
t,
nowt
ellmewhati
sit
..
?"

Shel
ookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thherhandssni
ff
ing

Snegugu:
"I
..
.I.
..I
'
m pr
egnantAunt
ie"

Me:
"What
..
?"

Snegugu:
"I
twasanacci
dentbel
ievemeAunt
ieIdi
dn'
tgetpr
egnantb-
"

Me:
"Yourf
atheri
sgoi
ngt
oshowyouhel
lSne,
howf
arar
eyou"

Shel
ookedupast
ear
sst
reameddownhercheeks

Snegugu:
"If
oundoutt
odayIpr
omi
sei
t'
s.
.It
'sFourMont
hs"

Me:
"Whyai
n'tyoushowi
ng"

Snegugu:
"Thedoct
orsai
dithappens"

Me:(
Sighed)"
Wehavet
otel
lthewhol
efami
ly"

Snegugu:
"ButAunt
iey-
"

Me:
"No!
SneIcan'
tkeepsi
l
enceaboutt
hisHenceyouar
efr
om Royal
ty"

Shel
ookeddownwi
pinghert
ear
s

Snegugu:
"Iknow,
Ireal
lydo"

Me:
"Whoi
sthef
ather
..
.?"

Snegugu:
"Aunt
iei
-"

Me:
"WhoSneWhoi
she.
.?"

Snegugu:
"I
t'
s.
.It
sMant
ézRobbi
n"

Me:
"OhGodt
hisi
snothappeni
ng"

Snegugu:
"I
..
.I
'm sor
ryAunt
ie"
Me:
"Sne-
"

Snegugu:
"OhkOhkIknowyouar
edi
sappoi
ntedandyoucant
ellDaddyNbutpl
easedoi
tfor
me"

Me:
"NoSneIt
hinkyoushoul
dtel
lhi
m byyour
sel
f"

Sne:
"I
'm scar
edAunt
iepl
ease"

Me:
"Snegugu.
..
"

She:
"Pl
ease"

Isi
ghedcl
osi
ngmyeyesl
ooki
ngupdef
eat
ed.Ir
eal
lyf
ail
edAdvocat
e

Me:
"Fi
ne,
howdi
dyout
womeetup.
.?"

Shesmi
ledandIcoul
dseet
hatshe'
sreal
lyi
nlove

Snegugu:
"Whenwewentt
oaschool
tri
p,wemetupandwebecamef
ri
endst
henwest
art
ed
Communicati
nga-
"

Me:
"Andyouf
elti
nlove"

Snegugu:
"Yes,
he'
sfr
om Russi
a,
GodIl
ovehi
m Aunt
ie"

Me:
"I
'm gl
adyoudo,
Wher
eishest
ayi
ng.
.?"

Snegugu:
"I
nDur
bant
houghweal
waysmeetup"

Me:
"Mmmhwhoar
ehi
spar
ent
s"

Snegugu:
"Ionl
yknowhi
smot
her
,hedi
dntwantt
otel
lmeabouthi
sfat
herbecausehesai
dit
's
compli
cat
ed"

Me:
"Oh"

Snegugu:
"Yes,
hermot
heri
t'
sMont
anaRobbi
n"

Me:
"What
..
?"

Snegugu:
"Yes,
Mont
anaRobbi
n"

Me:
"OhGodi
tcan'
tbe"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NKAZI
MULO

Ir
eal
lydon'
tknowhowIgother
e.Ihaveneveri
magi
nedmysel
ffal
li
ngi
nlovewi
thsomeone
t
hisyoung.
..She'
sevenmydaughter
'sf
ri
endHenceI'
m sodeep.
..Deepl
yinl
ovewi
thher
.
Kumkanimadehiswayinashelookedatmeandtookasit

Kumkani
:"
Whati
sit
..
?"

Il
ookedupt
ohi
m asIt
ookadeepsi
ghbef
orer
epl
ying

Me:
"I
'mi
nlove"

Kumkani
:"
Wowmant
hati
sgood,
fi
nal
lyyouar
einl
ove"

Ist
oodupwal
kingovert
othewi
ndowasIl
ookedout
side

Me:
"I
tsnotl
iket
hat
..
.I.
.I'
minl
ovewi
thaki
d"

Kumkani
:"
AKi
d..
?"

Ir
unmyhandsonmyhai
rcl
osi
ngmyeyesal
it
tl
e

Me:
"Yeahaki
d,she'
saboutEi
ght
eenyear
s"

Kumkani
:"
WHAT.
..
?"

Me:
"Yes,
Ican'
tbel
ievei
ttooandI
'
m sodeepman"

Kumkani
:"
God,
Mpi
loi
sgoi
ngt
oki
llyou"

Me:
"Whowi
llt
ellher
..
?Besi
dest
hatgi
rlwal
kedoutonmebecauseofmymar
ri
age"

Kumkani
:"
Whydi
dyout
ellhert
hatyouar
emar
ri
ed"

Me:
"Icoul
dn'
tli
eonherwhenshesawmyweddi
ngband"

Kumkani
:"
Youar
ewi
ped"

Me:
"MaybeIshoul
dfor
getabouthert
houghi
twi
llbesohar
d"

Kumkani
:"
Ithi
nkyoushoul
d,she'
sol
denought
obeyourdaught
er"

Me:
"Yeah,
tel
lmehowi
sTakal
ani
..
?"

Kumkani
:"
YouknowmywomanNkazi
mul
o,she'
sal
waysf
ine"

Me:
"I
'm gl
ad,
Idon'
twantyout
orepeatwhatyoudi
dyear
sagowi
tht
hatRussi
angi
rl
"

Kumkani
:"
Mont
anaRobbi
nwasami
stakePl
usi
t'
snotl
ikeIcheat
ed"

Thingshappenedsofast
,YearsbackKumkani i
mpregnatedaRussi
angirlcall
edMont ana
Robbinandwhenhef oundout.
..Hedidn'
ttel
lhi
swifeandwhenTakalanifoundout.She
thr
eatenedthei
rmarr
iagethatt
heyalmostdivor
cedbuttheyar
esoinlovet heydi
dn'tgo
t
hroughwi
tht
hedovor
ce

Me:
"Yeahbutyoushoul
dhavet
oldyourwi
feaboutt
hatt
hemomentyouf
oundout
"

Kumkani
:"
Mnxl
et'
sleavet
hepastt
othepast
"

Me:
"Fi
ne,
youshoul
dint
roduceyoursont
othewhol
efami
ly"

Kumkani
:"
Mant
ézdoesn'
twantanyt
hingt
odowi
thme"

Me:
"St
il
lyouar
ehi
sfat
her
,andIal
sowantt
omeetmyNephewi
napr
operway"

Kumkani
:(Si
ghed)"
Iwi
llt
alkwi
thTaki
eandMont
ana"

Me:
"Ohk"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA

Me:
"Gogo.
..
..Ouma.
..Foodi
sready"

Ouma:
"Fi
nal
ly,
Ithoughtwewon'
teatt
oni
ght
"

Me:
"Imadeaspeci
aldi
shOumasoi
ttookt
ime"

Ouma:
"Iunder
standNana,
Youout
didyour
sel
f"

Me:
"It
ri
ed"

Weset
tl
edar
oundt
het
abl
e

Gr
andma:
"Let
'sbl
esst
hef
ood"

Ibl
essedt
hef
oodaswest
art
edeat
ing

Gr
andma:
"It
aughtyouwel
lMyBaby,
youar
egoi
ngt
omakesgr
eatwi
fe,
Itel
lyou"

Me:
"ThankyouGogoUhmm your
eal
lyt
aughtmewel
l"

Ouma:
"Andshe'
sgoi
ngt
omakeagr
eatwi
fe,
that
'
swhyil
ovehersomuch.
..
she'
srespect
ful
"

IchuckedasIt
ookabi
teonmydel
ici
ousDumpl
ing

Me:
"ThoughIdon'
twantt
ogetmar
ri
ed,
ifeel
li
kei
t'
sal
otofwor
k"

Gr
andma:
"No,
youshoul
drespectyourhusbandandbui
ldawar
m homef
oryourf
ami
lyt
hat
s
al
l"

Me:
"Yeahr
ight
"
Ouma:
"I
t'
snotbadNana,
i
t'
snot
..
.Ir
ememberbacki
nthedayswher
eImetyourOupa"

Gr
andma:
"Yout
oower
esoi
nlove"

Ouma:"Yes,
hewr
oteal
ett
eraski
ngmet
obehi
sgi
rl
fr
iendandIagr
eedbecausewewer
eso
i
nlove"

Me:(
Giggl
ing)"
OhOuma,
alet
ter
"

Ouma:
"Yes,
i
technol
ogybeyi
ngekhobackt
hen.
..Wewer
esendi
ngt
heyoungonesf
orl
ett
ers"

Me:
"YoohIcoul
dn'
tsur
vive"

Grandma:
"Abant
wanaBeDemocracy,t
heyar
enowQueenSlay..
.IseemanyQueenSl ayher
ein
t
hevill
agephel
athat
'swhatt
heycallt
hemselveswhent
heycomebackfrom eGol
i"

Il
aughedst
andi
ngup

Me:
"I
t'
sSl
ayQueenGogo"

Gogo:
"Yeahwhat
ever
"

It
ookt
hedi
shest
otheki
tchen,
aft
erwashi
ngt
hem Iwentovert
othesi
tt
ingr
oom

Me:
"I
'm goi
ngt
osl
eep"

Ouma:
"Goodni
ghtNana"

Iwokeupear
lyi
nthemor
ningt
ost
artwi
tht
hebr
eakf
ast
.Af
termaki
ngt
hebr
eakf
astIcal
led
bot
hGogoandOuma.

Ouma:
"I
tsmel
lsni
cei
nher
e"

Me:
"Mhm Imadeyourf
avor
it
e"

Gr
andma:
"I
t'
sni
cet
obeavi
sit
orhuh"

Ichuckledwalki
ngovert
otheki
tchent
otaket
heplat
esset
ti
ngthem upont
het
abl
e.Af
ter
doingthat.
..Weset
tl
edaroundt
hetabl
easweprayedandst
art
edeating

Ouma:
"Your
eal
lyknowyourwayar
oundt
heki
tchen"

Me:
"Ist
il
lgotmyt
ouchOuma"

Gr
andma:
"Yeahyoust
il
lgotyourt
ouchNandi
pha,
Ial
waysmi
ssyourcooki
ng"

Me:(
Chuckl
ed)
"Iwoul
dtooGogo"
Gr
andma;
"YeahYoushoul
dgoandcheckaf
tert
his"

Me:
"Checkwhat
..
.?"

Gr
andma:
"YourVi
rgi
nit
y"

Me:
"Gogo.
..Ther
e'ssomet
hingIhavet
otel
lyoui
t'
sUhmm i
mpor
tant
"

Gr
andma:
"Whati
sit
"

Me:
"Uhmm GogoI
..
.Uhmm.
..
"

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e
Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
6]

.
NANDI
PHA

Isighedplayi
ngwithmyhandsont
opoft
het
abl
ebef
orel
ooki
ngupt
oherasshewaswai
ti
ng
formet ostar
ttal
king

Me:
"GogoI
..
.I'
m nol
ongeravi
rgi
n"

Sil
encetookPlaceassoonasImutt
eredthatsentence.Shecl
osedhereyesl
ooki
ngso
defeat
ed.Aft
ersometimesheopenedthem fi
xingthem tome

Gr
andma:
"Whathappened.
..
.?"

Il
ookeddownagai
npl
ayi
ngwi
thmyf
oodt
hist
imear
ound

Me:
"I
t'
sal
lbecauseofl
ove.
..Wi
thawr
ongper
sonI
'
m sosor
ryGogo"

Gr
andma:"Whydi dn'
tyout
ellmet
houghNandipha,
I
..Ithoughtyouar
eavi
rgi
nandt
hatyou
wi
llat
tendthatceremonyHencei
twasjustonmymi ndthat'
sall
"

Me:
"Thi
ngshappenedt
oof
astGogo,
I
'mr
eal
lysor
ryt
odi
sappoi
ntyou"

Gr
andma:
"I
..Ihavet
hingst
odoupst
air
s"

Shesaidt
hatmakingherwayupstai
rs.She'
sreal
lyDi
sappoi
ntedt
haticanseeevent
hough
shet
riest
ohideherdi
sappoi
ntment.

Me:
"Shecan'
tevenl
ookatmeOuma,
She'
sdi
sappoi
ntedi
nme"

Ouma:
"Eveni
fshei
s..
.she'
sst
il
lyourgr
andmaandshel
ovesyousogi
vehert
ime"

Me:
"Idi
dntwantt
odi
sappoi
ntherOuma,
Iwant
edhert
obepr
oudofmebutnow.
..I
..
.I'
m such
adi
sgrace"

Ouma:
"Don'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
,Youai
n'tadi
sgr
ace"

Me:
"Shehat
esmeOuma,
shehat
esmesomuch"

Ouma:"
I.
..Hat
eisabi
gwor
dNanasodon'
tuset
hatt
odescr
ibehowyourGr
andmaf
eel
sabout
you"

Me:
"WhatcanIsay.
..
?It
'sr
eal
lydi
sappoi
nti
ngt
alki
ngaboutmyvi
rgi
nit
yIwi
shIwass-
"

Oumast
oodupf
rom herseatcomi
ngt
owar
dsme

Ouma:
"Don'
tregr
etsucht
hingsbecauset
heyhappenf
orar
eason"

Me:
"Youdon'
tunder
standOumayoudon'
t"

Ouma:
"Makemeunder
standNana,
we'
vebeenher
eandweknowhowt
heset
hingshappen"
Me:
"YesIbetyoudo"

Shechuckl
edtakingtheplat
esasshemadeherwayt
otheki
tchen.Af
terf
ewmi
nut
esshe
cameinthesi
tti
ngr oom andlookedatme

Ouma:
"Iknowt
hatyoual
wayssl
eepwi
thaboyt
hinki
nghe'
stheonewhi
lehe'
snot
"

Me:
"I
'm mycaseOumai
twasdi
ff
erent
"

Ouma:
"Howso.
..
?"

Me:
"ThoughIdon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t"

Ouma:
"Iunder
stand"

Me:
"Thankyousomuchf
oryoursuppor
tOuma"

Ouma:
"I
'm notupt
ightNana,
youcant
ellmeanyt
hing"

Me:
"Yeahr
ight
"

Iwasbusypl
ayi
ngwi
thmyphoneasIr
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Gugu

Me:
"Fr
iendshi
phowar
eyoudoi
ng.
.?"

Iaskedmaki
ngsur
ethatI
'
m socomf
ort
abl
eont
hecouch

Snegugu:
"Fr
iendhowar
eyoudoi
ng.
.?"

Me:
"I
'm goodt
hought
hingsdi
dn'
tgoasIexpect
edher
e"

Snegugu:
"Ther
e'ssomet
hingIhavet
otel
lyoumnganibutIwi
llt
ellyoumawubuya"

Me:
"OhIcan'
twai
tfort
hej
uicyNews,
whati
sitt
hist
ime.
.?"

Shegi
ggl
edasIcoul
dheart
hatshe'
seat
ing

Snegugu:
"Ut
handaIi
ndaba,
Iwi
llexpl
ainever
ythi
ngdon'
twor
ry"

Me:
"Ohkf
inet
henI
'
llseeyouwhenIcomeback"

Snegugu:
"Yes,
GoodbyeBaby"

Me:
"ByeMyLove"

*
***
***
***
***
***
*

Gr
andma:
"Iwantyout
ounder
standt
hatIdon'
that
eyouNandi
pha"
Il
ookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands

Gr
andma:
"KodwaI
'
m di
sappoi
ntedMnt
wanam,
Ithoughtyouknewbet
tert
hant
his"

Il
ookedupt
ohersi
ghi
ngbef
oret
alki
ng

Me:
"I
'm sor
ryGogo"

Gr
andma:
"I
t'
sOhkMnt
wanam nowt
ellme,
whobr
okeyourvi
rgi
nit
y'

Iqui
ckl
ylookeddownthi
nki
ngaboutt
hatmoment
..
.ThatmomentIdi
dn'
twantt
oletgo,
that
momentIdidn'
twanti
ttoend

Me:
"Uhhmmm Gogo"

Grandma:
"Hehast
opayt
hedamages,
thathet
ookyourPur
it
ySi
sisot
ellmehi
snameand
surname"

Me:
"Gogot
hat
'snoti
mpor
tant
"

Gr
andma:
"i
t'
simpor
tantki
miNandi
pha"

Me:
"Gogo.
..
"

Tear
sstreameddownmycheeksthi
nki
ngabouti
t.
..She'
sgoingt
obemuchdi
sappoi
nted
morethansheisnowaf
terl
ear
ningt
hatIsl
eptwi
thamar ri
edman

Me:
"Let
'sUhmm Leavei
t"

Gr
andma:
"Whati
sitNandi
pha?
"

Sheaskedl
ooki
ngconcer
nedsoIsmi
ledassumi
ngt
hatI
'
mfi
neaf
terst
andi
ngup

Me:
"I
'l
lbei
nmyr
oom Gogo"

Gr
andma:
"O.
..Uhmm Ohkmydaught
er"

Me:
"Uhmm Gogo,
Ihavet
ogobackt
oJohannesbur
g"

Gr
andma:
"Ohk"

Isi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngasi
tnextt
oher

Me:
"IknowGogot
hatIhavedi
sappoi
ntedyoubutIpr
omi
set
hatIwi
llmakeyoupr
oud"

Gr
andma:
"IhopesoNana,
l
eavet
heseboysal
onebef
oreyouf
indyour
sel
fasasi
ngl
emot
her
"

Me:
"Iwi
llGogo"
Gr
andma:
"Ohkl
etmegoandcook"

Me:
"Iwi
llgoandCheckOuma"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

MPI
LO

Isi
ghedbef
oreki
ssi
nghi
m asIl
ookeddownbef
oret
alki
ng

Me:
"Myeni
Wam"

Zi
mul
o:"
Babywhat
'swr
ong"

Me:
"Ihavesomet
hingt
otel
lyouandUhmm i
t'
sdi
stur
bing"

Hesatupst
rai
ghtt
urni
ngal
lhi
sat
tent
iont
ome

Zi
mul
o:"
Whati
sit
..
.?"

Me:
"I
t'
sUhmm I
t'
sSne"

Zi
mul
o:"
WhathasshedonenowuSnegugu"

Me:
"She'
sUhmm She'
s.
..wel
lshe'
spr
egnant
"

Zi
mul
o:"
What
..
.!
!?"

Me:
"Yeahi
-"

Hei
mmedi
atel
ygotupf
rom t
hebeddr
essi
ngup

Me:
"Nkazi
mul
owher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
hisl
ate.
..
!?"

Zi
mul
o:"I
'
m goi
ngt
oteachhersomel
essons,
DamnSneguguhavet
ofi
nishherst
udi
es"

Me:
"Kodwawhathashappenedh-
"

Zi
mul
o:"
Aaaydon'
tPr
each,
don'
tevenst
artbecausencncnc"

Hesai
dthatbef
orer
ushi
ngout
.GodNkazi
mul
oisgoi
ngt
omakeascene

Af
tersomehour
shecamebackl
ooki
ngsodr
ained

Zi
mul
o:"
I.
..Ican'
tbel
ievet
hatshe'
spr
egnant
"

Me:
"Yeahhey"

Zi
mul
o:"
Wit
hhercousi
n'sbaby"
Me:
"YeahIknowbuti
t'
snothi
scousi
nMyl
ove,
Youar
enotSnegugu'
srealf
ather
"

Zi
mul
o:"
YeahIknowbutst
il
lshe'
smydaught
er,
she'
smi
ne"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngupst
rai
ghtt
ohi
m

Me:
"Cal
m downOhk.
..Cal
m downwewi
llt
alkaboutt
hist
omor
row"

Zi
mul
o:(
Sighed)"
Ohk"

*
***
***
***
***
***
***

Me:
"Goodmor
ningmyl
ove"

Isai
dthatki
ssi
nghi
sLi
ps

Zi
mul
o:"
MmmmhMor
ninghowdi
dyousl
eep"

Me:
"Peacef
ulnextt
oyou"

Zi
mul
o:"
I'
m sogl
ad"

Me:
"Wakeupl
et'
sgoandeatbr
eakf
ast
"

Zi
mul
o:"
Buti
-"

Me:
"Nowakeup"

Aft
erdoi
ngmyhygi
enepr
ocessIwal
keddownst
air
sasIst
art
edmaki
ngbr
eakf
astt
hen
Nkazi
mulomadehi
swayin

Zi
mul
o:"
That
swhyI
'
m get
ti
ngf
at"

Igi
ggl
edhandi
nghi
m hi
scof
fee

Me:
"Yeaht
houghyougott
hesemuscl
es"

Zi
mul
o:"
Ayaphel
alamaMuscl
es"

Me:
"Yeahr
ight
"

Zi
mul
o:"
Mmmh"

Me:
"Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odoaboutSne'
ssi
tuat
ion.
..
?"

Zi
mul
o:"
Ihavet
ocal
lameet
ing,
fi
stwehavet
ogot
oKZN"

Me:
"OhOhk"

Zi
mul
o:"
Yeahbutagai
nwewi
llhearf
rom Nqabasi
nceSnegugui
saMabaso"
Me:
"Iunder
standbaby"

Zi
mul
o:"
Letmegetr
eadyf
orwor
kmyl
ove"

Me:
"Ohkbaby"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NANDI
PHA

Gr
andma:
"Uzi
phat
hekahl
e"

Me:
"YeboGogo,
Iwi
lldoj
ustt
hat
"

Shesi
ghedbef
orepul
li
ngmeovert
oahugaf
tersomet
imewepul
ledout

Me:
"Ouma.
..I
'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyou"

Ouma:
"Youshoul
dcomeandvi
sitmebackhome"

Me:
"Iwi
ll
,
Iwi
ll
"

Iki
ssedhercheekbef
oret
aki
ngmybags

Me:
"Goodbye"

Me:
"SawubonaGugu"

Isai
dthatassoonasIwal
kedi
nfi
ndi
ngGugueat
ing.I
tlooksl
ikeshe'
sal
wayseat
ing

Snegugu:
"Nandi
,
youar
eback"

Me:
"YesI
'
m back,
youar
eal
wayseat
ingYooh"

Snegugu:
"What
'swr
ongwi
theat
ingmanj
e..
?"

Me:
"Not
hing,
thoughyouwi
llbef
at"

Snegugu:
"What
ever
,I
'm st
il
lgoi
ngt
oeatmyf
oodIdon'
tcar
eifIwi
llbef
atoranyt
hing"

Me:
"Iwasnotf
ight
ingt
hough"

Snegugu:
"I
'm notf
ight
ingt
oo"

Me:
"Ohkf
ine"

Isai
dthatheadi
ngt
omyr
oom af
ter
war
dsIwal
kedovert
oGugu
Me:
"Tel
lme.
..Aboutt
heJui
cyNews"

Shesi
ghedl
ooki
ngupt
ome

Snegugu:
"I
..I
'
m pr
egnant
"

Me:
"What
..
!?"

Snegugu:
"Yes,
I
..I
'
m pr
egnantandi
tscompl
icat
edDadi
sgoi
ngt
oki
llmeandWel
lDaddyNi
s..
.
(Si
ghed)madatme"

Me:
"OhmyGodI
'
m goi
ngt
obeanAunt
"

Snegugu:
"Yes,
Aunt
ieNandi
"

Me:
"I
tsui
tsmesoper
fect
ly.
..I
'
m happyf
oryou"

Snegugu:
"YeahIguess,
Ishoul
dbehappyr
ight
"

Me:
"Yes,
Didyout
ellMant
éz.
..
?"

Snegugu:
"Yes,
Idi
dandhe'
ssohappyandhecan'
twai
t"

Me:
"BehappyMyf
ri
endyouhavesomuchsuppor
tbyyoursi
de"

Snegugu:
"Wel
lIguess"

*
***
***
***
***
***

Me:
"Mor
ningMot
herTer
ressa"

Snegugu:
"Don'
tcal
lmet
hat
,I
'
m notMot
herNt
onNt
on"

Me:
"What
ever
,getr
eadywehavet
ogot
oschool
"

Snegugu:
"Ohkl
etmegot
akeabat
h"

Shewal
kedupst
air
sasNkazi
mul
omadehi
swayi
n

Zi
mul
o:"
Uhmm uhhm Goodmor
ning"

Me:
"Goodmor
ning"

Zi
mul
o:"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e..
.?"

Me:
"Uhmm Ist
ayher
e"

Zi
mul
o:"
Ohsi
ll
yme,
Ithoughtyouar
eUhmm nother
e"

Me:
"Wel
lI'
m her
ewhatcanidof
oryou.
.?"
Zi
mul
o:"
Icamet
oTal
ktoSnebutsi
nceshe'
sbusyUhmm canwet
alk"

Myeyesqui
ckl
ytr
avel
edt
ohi
shandbutt
hist
imear
oundshewasnotwear
inganyweddi
ng
band

Me:
"Idon'
twantt
otal
ktoyou.
Nkazi
mul
o"

Zi
mul
o:"
Canwet
alkj
ustuhmm.
..
.Forf
ewmi
nut
es"

Me:
"No"

Zi
mul
o:"
Please.
..
"

Isi
ghedsi
tt
ingdown

Me:
"Fi
ne"

Zi
mul
o:"
Nandi
..I
..Iwantt
obewi
thyou.I
'
mincompl
eteI.
..Ican'
tli
vewi
thoutyou"

Me:
"Youwi
lll
ear
ntobesi
des.
..Youhaveknownmef
orf
ewmont
hs"

Zi
mul
o:"
Iknowbut
..
.I'
mincompl
ete"

Me:
"Youar
emyf
ri
end'
sfat
herandyouar
emar
ri
edI
'
m notahomewr
ecker
"

Zi
mul
o:"
Iknowb-
"

Me:
"Nobut
s..
.It
hinkwear
edoneher
e"

Wewerewalki
ngfrom school
.It
'sbeenThreedayssi
nceIlastspoketoZi
mul
oandi
twashar
d
nott
othi
nkabouthim butwhatcanIsay.
.?Hewasnotmi netobeginewit
h

Snegugu:
"Tomor
rowi
tsFr
idaywear
egoi
ngt
oKZN"

Me:
"I
'm sogoi
ngt
omi
ssyou"

Snegugu:
"Youcan.
..Uhmm Gowi
thusi
twasnotar
equest
"

Me:
"NoI
'
m notgoi
ng"

Snegugu:
"Comeon,
don'
tyouwantt
osuppor
tyourf
ri
end.
.?"

Me:
"IdobutIdon'
tw-
"

Snegugu:
"Wear
egoi
ng.
..Yesyouar
egoi
ngNandi
phaDl
ami
ni"
Me:
"Fi
neSneguguMabaso"

Snegugu:
"Mnx"

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

Wehavejustar
ri
vedi
nKZN.Wecamewi
thMrandMr
sMabasoandal
ltheki
dswer
elef
t
behi
nd.

Me:
"Thi
sisabeaut
if
ulpl
ace"

Mr
sMabaso:
"Youhavenotseenanyt
hingMydaught
er,
Iremembert
hef
istt
imeIcameher
e"

MrMabaso:"
Mhm Yeaht
hispl
acei
sreal
lybeaut
if
ul,
Wehavet
ogoi
nbecauset
hecer
emony
wi
llbehel
dhere"

Appar
ent
lySnegugui
saSi
li
loandaMabasosi
ncehermot
herwasaSi
li
lo.

Theysaythecer
emonymustbeheldintheSi
li
lohouseholdi
nrespectofherl
atemom
becauseShe'
spartoft
hisf
ami
lyasitwasint
roducedtotheancest
ors

MrMabaso:
"Let
'sgoi
n,Thecer
emonywi
llbehel
dtomor
rowsi
ncet
hingsat
edonedi
ff
erent
ly"

Theysai
dSneisfr
om Royal
tybecauseofAdvocate.Si
nceshewasaChosenQueen, Snegugu
i
saRoyalPri
ncesscr
ownedast heSil
il
o.Thenshe'saMabasobecauseofherbi
ological
fat
her

Wewal kedinsi
defi
ndi
ngthewhol
efami
lyatt
hetabl
e.Myhear
tSi
nkedwhenIsawt
his
beaut
if
ulladynextt
oNkazimul
osoIqui
ckl
ylookeddown

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NKAZI
MULO

Il
ookedatherasshewastalki
ngwit
htheladi
esatthecorner
.Ismiledt
hinki
ngaboutt
heday
wemadelove.Itwassobeauti
ful
,
sodif
fer
entthatIevenf
eltt
hings

"
It
'sherr
ight
..
?"Il
ookedupt
ofi
ndKumkani
looki
ngatme.
..Hewasl
ooki
ngatNandi

Me:
"Yes,
i
t'
sher
"

Kumkani
:"
NowIunder
standwhyyouar
esoi
nsanewi
thouther
"

Me:(
Chuckl
es)
"Idon'
tknowman.
.She'
ssodi
ff
erent
"

Kumkani
:"
She'
sSnegugu'
sfr
iendandyoungsoi
twi
l
lcauseconf
li
ct"

Me:
"IknowKumkani
,
Iknow"
Kumkani
:"
Letmegoandgetaqui
cki
efr
om mywi
fe"

Ichuckl
edgul
pingdownmywhi
skey

Me:
"Sho"

Hewal
kedaway.Igl
aredatNandi
bef
oregoi
ngt
omywi
fe

Me:
"Sweet
hear
t"

Mpi
lo:
"Ar
eyouOhk.
.?"

Me:
"I
'mf
inewhy.
.?"

Mpi
lo:
"Noj
ustt
hatyouUhmm l
ookt
ense"

Ismil
edbeforeki
ssi
ngherasIgl
aredoverNandi
agai
n.If
oundherl
ooki
ngatmebef
ore
walki
ngupstai
rs

Me:
"Uhmm.
..BabyI
'
llbebackOhk"

Mpi
lo:
"Ohk"

Ist
oodupheadi
ngt
owher
eIsawNandi
wal
kingupt
o

.
.

Lot
sofLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
7]

{
SHORT}

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Tearsstr
eameddownmycheeksassoonasIsteppedatthebathr
oom.Isawthem l
ooki
ngall
cozybutagai
nwhatdi
dIt
hink.
..
?Thathewouldleavehi
swifeforme.
..
?Aseventeenyears
schoolki
d.He'
samanwhoneedsaf ami
lyandI'
m achil
d.Idon'
tmeethisst
andardsofl
ivi
ng
ei
therway.

Ifel
tahandwi
pingof
fmyt
ear
sasil
ookedup.Iwasmetwi
thhi
seyes.Hel
ookedso
concer
ned

Zi
mul
o:"
Hey.
..What
'swr
ong.
.?"

Heaskedpul
li
ngmei
nforahugandij
ustl
eti
tal
lout
.

Zi
mul
o:"
Tal
ktomeBabywhat
'swr
ong?
"

Me:
"I
..
.I'
m s.
..
sor
ry"

Isai
dthatpul
li
ngoutoft
hehugbuthehel
dmywai
stasheki
ssedmyf
orehead

Zi
mul
o:"
Tel
lmewhat
'swr
ong"

Me:
"I
tsnot
hingpl
easel
etmego,
Ihavet
ogodownst
air
s"

Isai
dthatwal
kingawaybutbef
oreist
eppedout
.Nkazi
mul
ohel
dmyar
m pul
li
ngmet
ohi
m.

Zi
mulo:
"Dontdot
hatBecauseyouwi
llmakemedot
hingsIal
wayswant
edt
odosi
nceyou
ar
ri
vedhere"

Me:
"Whatt
hings.
.?"

Zi
mul
o:"
Thi
s..
."

Hesmashedhi
swarmlipsonmi
neasIqui
ckl
yrespondedashepi
ckedmeuphol
dingmeup
t
ohiswaist
.Amoanescapedmymout
hashepulledout

Zi
mul
o:"
Let
'
staket
hist
otheguestr
oom.
..Yourr
oom"

Me:
"Ohk"

Ij
ustagr
eedbecauseImi
sshi
m sobadandIr
eal
lycan'
thol
dmysel
f

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

MPI
LO

IwokeupasIl
ookedatmybedsi
deandZi
mul
owasnott
her
e.Isi
ghedasigotoutoft
he
cover
sheadi
ngt
othebat
hroom.Ican'
tbel
ieveNkazimul
odidn'tsleepher
eaf
terIwai
tedf
or
himthewhol
eni
ght
.Si
ncehesaidhe'scomingbutthenhedidn't

Af
terdoingmyHygienepr
ocessIwal
keddownst
air
sfi
ndi
ngever
yonet
her
eevenNkazi
mul
o.I
wonderkuthi
ulal
ephi

Me:
"Goodmor
ning"

Them:
"Goodmor
ning"

Iset
tl
edar
oundt
het
abl
easIdi
shedupf
ormysel
fbef
oreeat
ing

Mkhul
u:"
Sincewewereheretoi
ntroducet
hebabyt
otheSil
il
ofami
ly,
Most
lyt
ohi
s
gr
andmotherAdvocat
etoni
ghtSneguguhastogohome"

Nqaba:
"Home.
..
?"

Baba:(Cl
earthr
oat)"
Snegugui
saMabaso,shewasher
eforAdvocat
enowyouhavet
o
i
ntroducethem t
otheMabasoancest
ors"

Nqaba:
"IhearyouBaba"

Mkhul
u:"
Uhmm Nkazi
mul
o,Youhavet
osl
aught
ert
hegoatf
ort
heancest
ors"

Zi
mul
o:"
Whydoesi
thavet
obemeMkhul
ucan'
tyouchosesomeoneel
se"

Mkhul
u:"
NoManupnowNkazi
mul
oAMDgosl
aught
ert
hegoat
"

Zi
mul
o:(
Sighed)"
OhkThen"

Ever
ythi
ngwentwel
landnowwewer
epacki
ngourcl
othesandget
ti
ngr
eadyt
ogot
othe
Mabaso'
s

Zi
mul
o:"
Mywi
fe,
youl
ooksodi
stur
bedar
eyouf
ine.
.?"

Ist
oppedpacki
ngt
hecl
othesbef
oret
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:
"I
'mf
ineNkazi
mul
o"

Zi
mul
o:"
Youdon'
tlookf
ine,
tel
lmewhati
sit
..
?"

It
urnedar
oundt
olookedathi
m.Thi
smani
ssohandsome.Iwi
shhewasmi
ne.
..Al
lmi
ne

Me:
"Adoyour
eal
lywantmet
otel
lyouwhat
'
swr
ong.
.?"

Zi
mul
o:"
Yesbab-
"
Me:"
Myhusbanddidntspendt
heni
ghtwi
thmeandhedi
dntsawt
heneedt
otel
lmeabout
wherehewasl
astnight"

Zi
mul
o:"
BabyI
..
.I'
m sor
ryispentt
heni
ghtwi
tht
heboys"

Me:
"Iknowt
hatyouar
enoti
nlovewi
thmeNkazi
mul
obutyouhavet
orespectme"

Zi
mul
o:(
Sighed)"
I'
m sor
ry"

Me:
"Fi
nishup,
wehaveal
otwayt
ogo"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NANDI
PHA

THREEWEEKSWentbyandever ythi
ngwasgood.IlastsawNkazimulothreeweeksago.I
mustsayl
if
eissobadwi t
houthi
m becauseIreal
lymisshim somuch.Snegugumovedtothe
Mabasohousehol
dbecauseofherpregnancyandI'
m get
ti
nganewr oommat e.

Iwaseat
ingmyi
cecr
eam whenagoodl
ooki
ngguywal
kedi
n

Me:
"Godyoushoul
dteachyour
sel
fhowt
oknock,
whati
fIwasnaked.
.?"

Guy:"
Soi
fyouwer
enakedyouwer
enaked.AnywayI
'
m Br
andonandIguessI
'
llbeyour
roommat
e"

Me:
"Di
dtheyhavet
obr
ingsuchahotguynow"

Br
andon:
"Rel
axUhmm.
..
"

Me:
"Nandi
..
.I'
m Nandi
"

Br
andon:
"Nandi
,
it'
ssoni
cet
omeetyou"

Me:
"Ican'
tsayt
hesameUhmm Br
andy"

Br
andon:
"ANi
cknameal
readymmmh"

Me:
"MnxUhmm l
etmeshowyouyourr
oom"

Iwal
kedupst
air
swi
thhi
mfol
lowi
ngme

Me:
"Andt
hiswi
llbeyourr
oom"

Br
andon:
"Thankyou"

Iwalkeddownst
air
sasItookasi
tandsi
ghed.Ir
eal
l
yhavet
ofor
getaboutNkazi
mul
oand
st
artanewchapterwi
thouthi
m"
_

Me:
"Goodmor
ningUhmm Br
andy"

Br
andon:
"Mor
ningMi
ss,
Ihavemadesomebr
eakf
astsoyoucanst
arteat
ing"

Me:
"Mmhhi
tlooksdel
ici
ous"

Isai
dthatset
tl
ingar
oundt
het
abl
e.Hehandedmeapl
ateandIst
art
edeat
ing

Me:
"WowyourEggsar
esodel
ici
ousmor
eespeci
all
ytheBacon"

Br
andon:
"Iknowr
ight
"

Isi
ghedasIcoul
dnotf
eelthet
asteanymoreandIwascr
avi
ngf
ort
hatt
ast
e..
.Ist
opped
eat
ingasafr
ownappearedonBrandon'
sface

Br
andon:
"Whati
sitnowr
ommi
e"

Me:
"Ther
e'ssomet
hingmi
ssi
ngher
e"

Br
andon:
"Whati
sit
..
.?"

Me:
"Avocado.
..MmmhYesAvocado"

Br
andon:
"Noyoucan'
teatt
hiswi
thAvocado"

Me:
"Br
ingAvocadoMrBr
eakf
astandamayonnai
set
oo"

Br
andon:
"EeewNoRommi
e"

Me:
"Pl
easegetAvocadoandMayonnai
sepl
ease"

Br
andon:
"Yoohf
ine"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NKAZI
MULO

Ihadtof
orgetaboutNandit
houghit
'ssohar
dbuti
t'
swor
thit
.Iwanttof
ixmyfami
lybecause
Ican'
tbr
eakwhatIhavenowf oraki
d.YeahI'
minl
ovewi
thhersodeepbuti
thadt
oend.

Il
ookedupt
omysl
eepi
ngwi
febef
orepl
ant
ingaki
ssonherf
orehead

Mpi
lo:
"Mmmh"

Me:
"Wakeupbaby"

Mpi
lo:
"No.
..
Leavemeal
oneNkazi
mul
o"
IshookherandIpl
ant
edaki
ssagai
nonherf
orehead

Mpi
lo:
"Youar
ebor
inghuh.
..Mmmh"

Shesai
dthatwaki
ngup

Me:"
Youmakemehappy, i
m sorr
yaboutt
hewayiwasact
ingt
hepastFewweeksbutIpr
omi
se
youthatf
rom nowon.
..I
'
m goingtof
ocusonl
yonus"

Mpi
lo:
"Zi
mul
oar
eyousur
e..
?"

Me:
"I
'm sur
ebaby.
..Iwantt
orenewourvowst
oo"

Shesmi
ledasshepoppedhereyes

Mpi
lo:
"Real
ly.
..
?"

Me:(
Smi
li
ng)"
Yes"

Shej
umpedt
omegi
vingmeaki
ss

Mpi
lo:
"OhGodIl
oveyou"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo"

{
Readatyourownr
isk-
It
sabor
ingi
nser
t}

.
.

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
8]

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Iwokeupfeel
ingsol
azy.ButIhavetowakeupevenThoughIhadnochoi
ce.Af
terdoi
ngmy
hygi
enepr
ocessIwalkeddownstai
rsfi
ndi
ngBrandonmakingbr
eakf
ast
.

Me:
"Goodmor
ningBr
andonhowar
eyoudoi
ng.
..
?"

Iaskedt
hatt
aki
ngasi
t

Br
andon:
"What
'swr
ongyoul
ookdownar
eyouOhk.
..
?"

Heaskedl
ooki
ngsoconcer
ned

Me:
"I
mfi
ne"

Isi
ghedasir
anmyhandst
omyhead

Br
andon:
"Youar
enotf
ineNandi
tel
lmewhati
sit
..
.?"

Me:
"I
'm notf
eel
ingwel
lbutIwi
llbef
ine"

Br
andon:
"Maybeweshoul
dgot
othehospi
tal
a-"

Me:
"I
'l
lbeFi
neBr
andonst
opwor
ryi
ngaboutme"

Br
andon:
"Ihopef
oryoursakeyouar
efi
ne,
anddon'
tgoanywher
eunt
ilyouar
ereal
lyf
ineOhk"

Ismi
ledathi
m bef
oreget
ti
ngup

Me:
"I
'l
lgoandsl
eep,
I
'm notgoi
ngt
oschool
"

Br
andon:
"Sho"

*
***
***
***
***
***
*
Iwaswokenupbymyr
ingi
ngphoneandi
twasSnegugu

Me:
"Mybeaut
if
ulf
ri
end,
howar
eyou"

Iaskedaf
teranswer
ingt
hecal
l

Snegugu:
"Imi
ssyousomuchFr
iend,
Iwi
shIcancomebackyouknow"

Me:(
Giggl
ed)"
That
spr
egnancyyuuuhIdon'
twi
sht
ogetpr
egnantShem"

Snegugu:
"I
t'
snott
hatbadNandi
comeon"

Me:
"Ir
eal
lydon'
twi
sht
obepr
egnant
,i
magi
net
hemor
ningsi
ckness.
..Thecr
avi
ngs.
.Themood
swi
ngs"

Snegugu:
"Youwi
llgetpr
egnantmucIt
ellyouuzoswaba"

Il
aughedget
ti
ngof
fthebed

Me:
"Yeahwhat
ever
..
.How'
smyl
it
tl
eNephew.
.?"

Snegugu:
"Whosai
dit
saHe.
.?"

Igi
ggl
edcl
osi
ngmyeyesal
i
ttl
easicoul
dfeel
thef
reshai
rfr
om t
hewi
ndow

Me:
"Icanf
eeli
t.
..Uhmm I
t'
sdef
ini
tel
yahe"

Shel
aughedbef
orer
epl
yingback

Snegugu:
"What
everl
ook,
Ihavet
ogoOhk.
..Iwi
llseeyou"

Me:
"OhkGoodbye"

Br
andonmadehi
swayi
nbef
orepul
li
ngmei
nforahug

Br
andon:
"Ar
eyougood.
.?"

Me:
"MmmhI
'
mfi
ne"

Hepul
ledoutbef
orel
ooki
ngmest
rai
ghtupt
omyeyes

Br
andon:
"Icamebacksot
hatwecangot
othehospi
tal
"

Me:
"Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odot
her
e..
?"

Br
andon:
"Youar
esi
ck,
whati
fit
'sser
ious.
..
?"

Isi
ghedbef
oresmi
li
ng
Me:
"I
mfi
neBr
andonst
opwor
ryi
ngaboutme"

Br
andon:
"I
'm nott
aki
ngt
hat
,GetReadywear
eleavi
ng"

Me:
"Fi
ne'

*
***
***
***
***
**

Me:
"Whati
swr
ongDoct
or"

Hesmi
ledbef
oret
urni
ngt
olookatme

Doct
or:
"Congr
atul
ati
onsma'
am youar
eFourWeekspr
egnant
"

If
rozeal
it
tl
ebef
oreIl
ookedupt
ohi
m

Me:
"I
sthi
sthi
ngaccur
ate.
..
?"

Doct
or:
"Yes,
I
t'
saccur
ate"

Me:
"Uhmm I
..
.Thankyou"

Isai
dthatbef
orest
andi
ngupheadi
ngout
side.Br
andonappr
oachedme

Br
andon:
"Whati
sit
..
.?Youai
n'tsi
ckr
ight
..
.?"

Me:
"Yesb.
..But
-"

Br
andon:
"Butwhat
..
?"

Hesai
dthatpul
li
ngMei
nforahugandIj
ustl
eti
tal
lout

Br
andon:
"Shhhh.
..Tel
lmewhat
'
swr
ong.
.?"

Me:
"I
'm mm.
..I
'
m Pr
egnantBr
andon"

Si
lencet
ookpl
aceaf
teraf
ewmi
nut
eshepul
ledoutoft
hehugashel
ooksst
rai
ghtupt
ome

Br
andon:
"Ar
eyousur
e..
.?"

Me:
"Yes,
howcanIbesocar
eless"

Br
andon:
"St
opbl
ami
ngyour
sel
f"

Isi
ghedbef
orewal
kingawayf
rom hi
m buthef
oll
owedbehi
ndme

Br
andon:
"So.
..Whati
sthenextst
ep.
.?"

Me:"
I.
.Ihavet
otel
ltheguywhoi
mpr
egnat
edmeaboutUhmm Pr
egnancyihavenoot
her
choi
ce'
Br
andon:
"Iunder
standyouNandi
..
."

Iwaswait
ingforNkazimul
o,Isentamessageaskinghimtocomeandseemeandhesaidhe
wil
lcome.Ihopehe'
snotbluffi
ngbecausetell
ingthet
hrut
hIcan'
trai
set
hischi
l
dal
oneandI
can'
tdoanaborti
on..
.Thati
snotwhatIbelievein

Hemadehiswayi
nlooki
nggoodasal
ways.Igl
aredathi
m asIt
houghtaboutt
hef
ir
stt
imeI
sawhi
m..
.Hewassureacharmer

Zi
mul
o:"
Nandi
..
."

Il
ookedathi
m andmysmi
lef
adedhe'
sevenwear
ingaRi
ng

Me:
"Nkazi
mul
o..
."

Zi
mul
o:"
Whatam Idoi
ngher
eNandi
..
?"

Isi
ghedbef
orepl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhandst
hat
swhatIdowhenI
'
m scar
ed

Me:
"Nkaz.
..Nkazi
mul
oIhavesomet
hingt
otel
lyou"

Zi
mul
o:"
Whati
sit
..
.?"

Me:
"I
..
.I'
m pr
egnant
"

Zi
mul
o:"
What
..
!?"

Me:
"YesI
..
.Ij
ustf
oundoutIdi
dntknow"

Zi
mul
o:"
Youmustabor
t"

Ipoppedmyeyesathi
mlooki
ngsoshocked

Me:
"WHAT.
..
!?"

Zi
mul
o:"
Yes,
Ican'
tbr
ingachi
ldoutofwedl
ock"

Tear
sst
reameddownmyeyesbef
oregl
ari
ngathi
m.Het
ookaouthi
swal
lethandi
ngmoney
tome

Me:
"Nkazi
mul
oIt
houghtyoul
ovedme"

Hesi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngmyhandst
ohi
s

Zi
mulo:
"Il
oveyoubutIcan'
t.
..Thi
sthingwillhur
tsomanypeopl
eandI
'
m notr
eadyt
oloose
myfamil
ymoreespeci
all
ymywi f
e..
.Pleaseabort
"
Hesai
dthatbef
orest
andi
ngupasIwat
chedhi
m wal
kaway

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NKAZI
MULO

Isi
ghedaf
tert
ell
ingKumkaniaboutal
lthathappenedwi
thNandi

Kumkani
:"
Youar
emadman,
howcanyoudot
hatt
oher
"

Il
ookedout
sidewi
thmyhandsi
nmypocket
s

Me:
"She'
snotwor
thi
t,
Ican'
tlosemyf
ami
ly.
..YesIl
oveherbutIcan'
t"

Kumkani
:"
Whati
fthi
sabor
ti
onaf
fectherwomb.
.?"

Me:
"Ir
eal
lydi
dn'
tthi
nkoft
hatbuti
tst
hebest
"

Kumkanist
ooduppaci
ngupanddown

Kumkani
:"
Youar
esocr
uelNkazi
mul
ohowcoul
dyou.
.?"

If
ixedmyeyest
ohi
m

Me:
"Mpi
lodoesnotdeser
vet
his"

Me:
"Mf
azwam"

Mpi
lo:
"MyeniWam,
Imadeyourf
avor
it
edi
shj
ustt
hewayyoul
ikei
t"

Me:
"Whatwoul
dIbewi
thoutyou"

Shegi
ggl
edbef
orepl
ant
ingaki
ssonmyl
ips

Mpi
lo:
"Not
hing.
..Il
oveyousomuchSt
handwaSam"

Me:
"Il
oveyoumor
e"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NANDI
PHA

Isi
ghedbef
orepl
aci
ngal
ett
eront
opofBr
andon'
stabl
edr
ess

Me:
"Iguesst
hisi
sit
..
.I'
m donewi
thJohannesbur
g"

Isai
dthatbef
oredr
aggi
ngmysui
tcasecl
osi
ngt
hedoorbehi
ndme
ONEYEARLATER

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
9]

.
.

NKAZI
MULO

Ican'tbeli
evewearehavinganotherchi
ld.Mpil
oandIhavebeent hr
oughalot,
SinceIhave
onechi l
dwi t
hherIhaveneverwantedhertogetpregnantagai
nbutI'
m gl
adthatshe'
s
pregnantwi t
hmythir
dbiologi
calchil
dafterDal
okuhleandThando.AndIwanttoexperi
ence
thi
spr egnancywit
hherwi t
houtworri
es.

Me:
"Mnt
wam wakeup,
wehavet
ogohome"

Isai
dthatshooki
ngherbutshej
ustt
otheot
hersi
deavoi
dingme
Me:
"WakeupMpi
loVuka"

Mpi
lo:
"KodwaNkazi
mul
owhati
swr
ongwi
thyouhuh.
..
?Whycan'
tyoul
etmesl
eepnj
e"

Sheaskedget
ti
ngoutoft
hecover
slooki
ngsoannoyed

Me:
"Wear
egoi
nghome,
kfamel
esi
yobi
kai
sisu.
..Fort
hel
it
tl
ePr
ince"

Mpi
lo:
"Youar
eannoyi
ngmar
n,Goandmakesomebr
eakf
ast"

Isi
ghedbef
oreget
tingoutoft
heCover
sasiwal
kedovert
hebat
hroom.
Aft
erbat
hingidr
essed
upheadi
ngdownstair
s.

Af
terf
ewmi
nut
esMpi
locamedownst
air
s

Mpi
lo:
"Mhm Yourbr
eakf
astl
ooksdel
ici
ousbutt
heni
twi
llbebet
terwi
thYogur
t"

Il
ookedatherasshet
ookoutayoghur
tbef
orespr
eadi
ngi
tonherbr
eakf
ast

Me:
"Ar
eyoueat
ingt
his.
.?"

Iaskedl
ooki
ngsodi
sgust
ed

Mpi
lo:
"Yes,
doyouwantt
ojoi
nme.
..
?"

Me:
"NoEwwwDi
sgust
ing"

Mpi
lo:
"MnxWhat
ever
,Wel
lhowi
sSneIl
astsawherTwoweeksago"

Me:
"She'
sfi
neandsur
vivi
ng,
evenmyl
it
tl
ePr
incessi
sgr
owi
ngup"

Mpi
lo:
"MmmhGood"

Me:
"Fi
nishupwehavet
ogo"

Isai
dthatwal
kingout

Me:
"Comewehavear
ri
ve"

Isai
dthatopeni
ngt
hecardoorf
orher

Mpi
lo:
"Al
ready"

Isai
dthatl
ooki
ngatheri
ndi
cat
ingf
orhert
ogetout

Mpi
lo:
"Pl
easehel
pme"

It
ookputmyhandf
orhert
ohol
d,shegotoutaswewal
kedt
othedoorast
heguar
dfol
lowed
behi
ndwi
tht
hesui
tcases

Me;
"GoodAf
ter
noonBant
uabadal
a"

Isai
dthatasIl
ookedatt
hem bef
orewal
kingovert
het
abl
e

Baba:
"Nkazi
mul
oyouhavear
ri
ved,
SawubonaMakot
i"

Mpi
lo:
"YeboBaba"

Baba:
"Ar
eyouOhk.
.?"

Mpi
lo:
"YesI
'
m Ohk"

Mkhul
u:"
Ihavehear
dthatyouar
ecar
ryi
ngt
hel
it
tl
ePr
inceNoNt
ombi
"

Shegi
ggl
edhi
dingherf
aceonmyshoul
der
.

Mpi
lo:
"Yebo,
I
'm car
ryi
ngachi
ldt
houghi
tmi
ghtbeapr
incess"

Mkhul
u:"
OhButIhopei
t'
saPr
ince,
weal
readyhaveapr
incess"

Isi
ghedbef
oresi
tt
ingdownwi
thMpi
lobymysi
de

Me:
"WehaveaPr
incet
oo"

Baba:
"That
'snotaPr
ince,
Iwon'
tevenwel
comet
hatdemoni
nmyki
ngdom"

Me:"
It
'smyKingdom nowandDal
okuhl
eismysoni
fyoudon'
twel
comehi
mthat
'smeansI
'
ll
bedonewit
hthisfamil
y!"

Mkhul
u:"Don'
tshoutatyourfat
herNkazi
mulo,
Iunder
standyoursi
tuat
ionbutt
hatboyhas
demons.Butwecan'tdisownhim he'
soneofourown"

Mpi
locl
ear
edhert
hroatbef
orel
ooki
ngdown

Mpil
o:"
Withal
lduerespectBant
uabadala,
thedemonyouaretaki
ngabouti
smySi
ster
'sson.
Advocat
ecarr
iedthatboyforni
nemonthssopleasedon'
tbadmouthhi
m"

Mkhul
u:"
Iunder
standyourSi
tuat
ionb-
"

Me:"He'
smysonMkhul
usoaccepthi
m,t
hat'
swhyhemovedinwithhi
sAunti
nthefir
stpl
ace
becauseher
ehef
eel
sunwant
ed..
.ThatmademesadbecauseIhavef
ail
edAdvocat
e"

Baba:
"I
m s-
"

Me:
"I
'm goi
ngf
orawal
k"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°
NANDI
PHA

If
ini
shedupcl
eani
ngtheshopbef
oref
ixi
ngt
het
abl
esi
napr
operway.Mybossmadeherway
i
nlooki
ngsobeaut
if
ul

Me:
"GoodMor
ningMr
sMol
apo"

Shel
ookedatmesmi
li
ng

MrsMol
apo:
"Mor
ningNandi
,
Wowt
hispl
acei
ssocl
eanyouhavebeendoi
ngagoodj
obf
ort
he
whol
eThr
eeMonths"

Me:
"I
'm gl
adMr
sMol
apo,
Ineedt
hisj
obphel
aIhavet
ofeedmybaby"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"I
'm sopr
oudofyouNana,
notal
lGi
rl
scanbest
rongasyouar
e"

Me:
"Ihavel
eantt
hehar
dwayMr
sMol
apoUhmm Letmegetbackt
omyWor
k"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"OhGood,
I
'l
lbei
nmyof
fi
ce"

Shesai
dthatwal
kingaway.
..Ir
emembermyf
ir
stt
imei
nthi
sTown

[
FLASHBACK]

Iwascrawli
ngasthepainhi
tmybackal i
ttl
e.Iwaski
ckedoutoft
hehouseIusedtorentwi
th
themoneyNkazimul
ogavemef orAbort
ion.Butwhennoeihadnomoney..
.Theyki
ckedme
outandthatwaswhenIwasSevenMont hspregnant
.Imanagedt
ostayunderabri
dgefort
he
otherTwomonthsdependi
ngontheli
tt
leIhad.

Butthi
ngshithar
dwhenIwasmyl astmont
h.IhadnooneasIkeptoncr
awl
ingt
hinki
ng
aboutmypregnancy.Thatal
onescaredmewhatifIl
osehi
m..
.?Hewasmyonlyhope,
theonl
y
thi
ngIhadhere.

Acarst
oppednextt
omeasIl
ookedupi
naweakvoi
ceaski
ngf
orhel
p.

Awomanimmediatel
ycameovermeandhel
pedMe.Whenwear
ri
vedatt
hehospi
talIgave
bi
rt
htoaheal
thybabyboy.

Awomancamebysmi
li
ngonme

Woman:
"HyI
'
m Mr
sMol
apo,
I
'mt
heonewhoboughtyouher
e"

Ismi
ledathersof
aint
lybef
oret
urni
ngt
olookatmybabyboy

Me:
"Thankyou,
youar
eaGodsent
.Idon'
tknowwhatIwoul
dhavedonei
fIl
osthi
m"

Isi
ghedaf
tert
hatasMr
sMol
apowal
kedoverme

Mr
sMol
apo:
"He'
saf
ight
er,
j
ustl
ikeyou"
Me:
"Iwi
sht
hingswer
esodi
ff
erent
,hedoesn'
tdeser
veme"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Li
sten,
Thi
sbabyi
sabl
essi
nguyi
sibusi
so"

Ismi
ledasIl
ookedupt
ohercl
ear
ingmyt
hroat

Me:
"Thatwoul
dbehi
sname.
..Bl
essi
ngs"

He'
sabl
essi
ng,
uyi
sibusi
so

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Youar
egoi
ngt
obeagr
eatMom j
ustbel
ievei
nyour
sel
f"

Me:
"I
nhopeso"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Sot
ellme,
whatatyoudoi
ngher
e..
.?Whatboughtyout
oTembi
sa.
..
?'
"

Me:
"I
t'
sli
fe,
Ihavenoone.
..I
'
m al
lal
onewi
thmyson"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Whathappenedyoyourf
ami
ly"

Me:"
Ionl
yhavemyGr andma,Idi
dn'
twantt
ogot
oKZN,
Myhomel
andbecauseIhave
di
sappoi
ntedhermor
et hanonce"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Wher
eist
hebabydaddy.
.?"

Ismi
ledast
ear
sst
reameddownmycheeks

Me:"
Helef
tme,idi
dntknowthathe'
smarri
edandIf
oundmyselfbackt
ohim agai
nandagai
n
butwhenhef
oundoutthatI
'
m pregnant
..
.Hegavememoneyforabort
ion"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"You'
vebeent
hroughal
ot"

Me:
"Yes"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Doyouhaveapl
acet
ost
ay.
..
?"

Me:
"No,
Idon'
thaveanypl
aceI
'
m homel
ess"

MrsMol apo:
"Youwi
llst
aywi
thMe,
Ihaveadaught
ersoi
twi
llbeme,
you,
mydaught
erandmy
husband"

Me:
"Won'
tyourhusbandhaveapr
obl
em.
..
?"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Nohewon'
t"

[
FLASHBACKEND]

If
eltsomeonewi
pingmyt
ear
sasIl
ookedupIsawMr
sMol
apo

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Ar
eYouOhkdear
..
.?"
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s

Me:
"Iwi
llbef
ine"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Youcant
akeadayof
fit
'sf
ine,
youar
enotOhk"

Me:
"ThankyouMr
sMol
apo"

Isai
dthatheadi
ngt
other
est
room t
ochange

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NKAZI
MULO

Il
ookedatherasshekeptonsmili
ng.WhatwasIthinki
ngCheat
ingont
hisl
ovel
ywomanwi
th
akid.She'
sthebestt
hingt
hathaseverhappenedt
ome

Me:
"Let
'sgo,
mysi
steri
scomi
ng"

Mpi
lo:
"Noi
m notgoi
ngt
her
e,yoursi
steri
stoof
orwar
d"

Ichuckedbef
oreget
ti
ngoutoft
hecover
s

Me:
"OhkI
'
llbebacksoon"

Isai
dthatpl
ant
ingaki
ssonherf
oreheadasIwasheadi
ngdownst
air
s

Me:
"Si
si"

Isai
dthatsmi
li
ng

Ar
abel
la:
"OhMyGod,
youl
ookol
dwhat
'
swr
ong"

Il
aughedpul
li
ngheri
nforahug

Me:
"St
opbei
ngsi
ll
y,
Youar
est
il
lBeaut
if
ulf
ora40year
sol
dgr
andma"

Shechuckl
edl
ooki
ngar
ound

Ar
abel
la:
"I
'm st
il
lol
dert
hanyou,
wher
eisDaddy.
.?"

Me:
"Daddy'
sgi
rlmmmhHe'
supst
air
sbuthel
lbeher
esoonwher
e'smyboy"

Ar
abel
la:
"He'
l
lbeher
ebef
oret
heEveni
ng,
butdon'
tbehar
donhi
m"

Me:
"I
'm notHar
donhi
m comeon"

Arabel
la:
"He'
ssti
llyoursonNkazi
mul o.Yesiknowthathi
ssexual
it
ycameasa.
..Uhmm Idon'
t
knowhowt opitt
hisbititcameunexpectedandhe'
sevenRoyalt
y"
Isi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngasi
t

Me:
"Iwantt
ofi
xmyr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thhi
m..
.HesmysonsoIhaveaccept
edt
hathe'
sgay"

Ar
abel
la:
"IhopesoBhut
iomncani
"

*
***
***
***
***
**

"Dad"Isnappedoutofmyt hought
sasil ookedupandmyeyesl
andedonhi
m..
.Myson.I
t'
s
beenlongsinceIsawhim andhe'sreal
lygrowingup

Me:
"Dal
okuhl
e"

Dal
okuhl
e:"
Baba"

Ist
oodupwal
kingovert
ohi
m

Me:
"Howar
eyou.
.?"

Ipul
ledhi
mforahugt
henil
etgo

Dal
okuhl
e:"
I'
mfi
ne,
whyar
eyouout
side.
..
?"

Me:
"Ineededsomeai
r,
comel
et'
sgoi
n"

Wewalkedbackinast
hewholef
amil
ywasgat
her
ingar
oundt
het
abl
e.Theywer
elaughi
ngand
t
alki
ngbutsi
lencet
ookpl
acewhenwewal
kedi
n

Me:
"Uhmm.
..
Lookwho'
sback"

Babast
oodupwal
kingovert
ous

Baba:
"Nyana,
howar
eyoudoi
ng.
.?"

Dal
okuhl
e:"
Imf
inegr
andpahowar
eyou.
..
?"

Baba:
"I
'm good,
youar
egr
owi
ngupHuht
othi
nkt
hatyouar
efi
vet
een"

Dal
okuhl
e:"
Uhmm YesI
'
m gr
owi
ngupGr
andpa"

Me:
"LetmegocheckonMpi
loIwi
llbeback"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA

It
hankedKokoasIt
ookoutTwohundr
edRandf
rom mybag

Me:
"Koko,
her
eyoudeser
vei
t"
Sheshakesherheadbef
orei
ndi
cat
ingmet
osi
tdownandIdi
d

Koko:
"Ngwanaka,
l
ifei
t'
ssohar
doutt
her
eandI
'
m gl
adyouar
en'
tdoi
ngnast
ythi
ngs"

Me:
"Iwantwhat
'sbestf
ormysonKoko"

Koko:
"IknowI
'
m proudofyou.NnaIdon'
twantyourmoneyNandi
,
Idon'
tmi
ndl
ooki
ngaf
ter
t
hishandsomegr
andchil
dofmi ne"

Ismi
ledathersof
aint
ly

Koko:
"Wenaj
ustgot
owor
kforyourl
it
tl
eoneher
eOhk"

Me:
"ThankyouKoko,
you'
vebeent
hebestsi
nceiar
ri
vedher
e"

Koko:
"Tel
lmei
fyouneedanyt
hing,
I
'l
lbeher
eNgwanaka"

Me:
"Thankyou"

IstoodupasIwasheadingt
omybackr oom.I'
vebeenstayi
ngther
e,I
'm gladicanaf
fordi
t
becausetheroomsar
oundherearetooexpensi
veanditwastheonlyplaceIcouldf
indaf
ter
whathappenedbackkuMrsMolapo

[
FLASHBACK]

MrMol
apo:
"Thi
sisnotanOr
phanageNokubonga!
"

Hekeptonshout
ingwhi
leIwashol
dingmybabyshushi
nghi
m asIwassi
tt
ingont
hecouch

Mr
sMol
apo:
"IknowThabangbutumnt
wanawabant
un-
"

Hecut
tedhershor
t

MrMol
apo:
"Kennet
eShe'
snotour
ssopl
easeNokubongaIdon'
twantherher
e"

Tearsstr
eameddownmycheeksasIglar
edatmysl
eepi
ngbaby.Wear
esuf
fer
ingwhi
lehi
s
fat
herisplayi
nghappyf
ami
lyoutt
her
e

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Shedoesnothaveapl
acet
ost
ay.
.!
!!
"

MrMol
apo:
"That
snotmypr
obl
em.
.!
!!Idon'
thavemoneyt
osuppor
tot
herpeopl
e'
sbur
den"

Isni
ff
edl
ooki
ngatMr
sMol
apo

Me:
"I
tsf
ineMr
sMol
apoI
'
llgo"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"I
t'
sdar
kout
sidewher
ewi
llyougo"

Me:
"I
'l
lmakeapl
an"
Isai
dthatheadi
ngout
sidewi
thmybags

Someonet
appedmyshoul
derandwhenil
ookedupIsawNal
edi
,
MrsMol
apo'
sdaught
er

Nal
edi
:"
Mamaor
eket
samayel
ewenak-
"

Me:
"Leavemeal
one"

Nal
edi
:"
It
'spastNi
neyoucan'
twal
kar
oundwi
thachi
ld.He'
sst
il
lanewbor
n

Thi
nkabouthi
m"

Isi
ghedbef
oret
urni
ngt
oher

Me:
"Ohkf
ine,
l
et'
sgo"

Me:
"Thi
sist
hehouse.
..
.?"

Nal
edi
:"
Yes,
You'
l
lber
ent
ingar
oom her
eMot
herwi
llpayf
ort
hismont
hdon'
twor
ry"

Me:
"Ohk"

Nal
ediknockedasanol
dwomancameout

Ol
dWoman:
"Nal
edi
,
howcanIhel
pyou.
.?"

Nal
edi
:"
Mmef
oundsomeonet
orentt
hebackr
oom,
sher
eal
lyneedsapl
acet
ost
ay"

Ol
dWoman:
"OhNgwanakacal
lmeKoko,
howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I
'mf
ineUhmm Koko"

[
FLASHBACKEND]

Isatontopoft
hebedasIwi
peat
eart
hathasescapedmyeye.Ismi
ledl
ooki
ngatmybaby
boy..
.Bl
essi
ngs

Me:
"MmmhMyboy,
Mamal
ovesyouandIhat
ethef
actt
hatyoul
ookl
ikeyourSt
upi
dDad"

Isi
ghedbef
orepl
ant
ingaki
ssonhi
sfor
eheadwr
appi
nghi
m wi
thabl
anket

Me:"
Iwantyoutogrowupandbeagent
leman.Don'
tbel
ikeyoursocal
ledf
ather
.Gr
owupso
youcoul
dstudyandtakecar
eofmommy"

Ihel
dhi
m asIkeptonr
ocki
nghi
m backandf
ort
h

Me:
"I
'l
ldoanyt
hingf
oryoubaby.
..
.Il
oveyousomuch"
.

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n
I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
10]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

NANDI
PHA

IwaswokenupbyBl essi
ng'scr
ies.Isl
owlygotupf rom thebedandwal kedovert
ohiscot
thatIwasgivenbyMr sMolapo.Itookhim asIt
riedtomakehi m quiet
.Final
lyt
hoseti
nycri
es
stoppedasIfixedhi
sbathingwater.Aft
erbathi
nghi m,Ibreast
feedhim asaknockcame
through.Iwal
kedovertothedoorstil
lwit
hmyl i
ttleboy.

Me:
"Koko,
i
t'
sst
il
lear
lyi
sther
esomet
hingyouneed.
..
?"Iaskedmaki
ngmywayi
nwi
thher
f
oll
owi
ngme.

Koko:
"No,
Ijustcamet
ocheckuponyouIhopet
hisl
it
tl
eonedoesnotgi
veyouanyt
roubl
es"

Shesai
dthatset
tl
ingdownatt
henearseatopposi
tet
hebed

Me:
"He'
sal
it
tl
edevi
lthi
sone,
ButIcan'
tcompl
ain"

Isi
ghedpl
aci
ngBl
essi
ngsdownwal
kingovert
heki
tchent
omakesomet
ea.

Koko:
"He'
sabl
essi
ngt
hough.
..Youar
esol
uckyt
ohavehi
m"

Isi
ghedasIpourt
hehotwat
eri
nthecupst
hatIwaspl
aci
ngont
opoft
het
abl
e

Me:
"He'
sreal
lyabl
essi
ngKoko"

It
ookt
hecupswal
kingovert
other
oom wher
eKokowas.

Me:
"I
'm gl
adhe'
smi
ne,
despi
teever
ythi
ngIwentt
hrough.
..Bl
essi
ngscameasabl
essi
ng"

Ismi
ledhandi
ngheracupoft
ea

Koko:
"Mydear
,Iact
ual
lyceamet
otal
ktoyouaboutaser
iousmat
ter
"

Il
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"Whati
sitKoko.
..
?"

Shesi
ghedpl
aci
nghercupoft
eaont
hef
loorsi
ncet
her
ewasnot
abl
eher
e

Koko:
"I
'm dyi
ng"

Il
ookedatherwai
ti
ngf
oranexpl
anat
ion

Koko:
"IhaveaHear
tdi
seasewel
lI'
vebeenwi
thi
tbutnowt
hedoct
orsai
dit
'st
oomuch"

Il
ookedatherasasmi
leappear
edonherf
ace

Me:
"Koko,
youcan'
tdi
e"

Koko:
"I
'm ol
dNandisoI
'
m notscar
edofdeat
h"

At
earescapedmyeyeasIl
ookeddown

Me:
"Whatam Igoi
ngt
obewi
thoutyouKoko"

Koko:"
Ther
ear
emanychances,
youar
est
il
lyoungNandi
..
.Youar
eNi
net
eenGobackt
o
school
"

Ishookmyheadl
ooki
ngherher
Me:
"Ican'
tgobackt
oschoolKoko,
Ireal
lycan'
t"

Shepl
acedherhandonmyshoul
der

Koko:
"Lookatt
hebr
ightsi
deNandi
pha,
youcanst
il
lmakei
t"

Me:
"No"

Il
ookedatt
hesl
eepi
ngBl
essi
ngs

Koko:
"Thatchil
dneedsyou,
Achi
ldi
stooexpensi
veNandiandyoucan'
ttakeCar
eofhi
m nge
R3000.00thi
nkabouti
t"

Iwal
kedovert
oat
abl
eful
lofguys.Isi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngagl
areatt
hem

Me:
"Goodaf
ter
noonI
'
m Nandi
phaandI
'
llbeyourwai
tr
essatt
hemoment
"

Acut
eguyl
if
tedhi
sheadast
heot
her
skeptont
alki
ng

Guy:
"Uhmm.
..
.I'
m RomeoSant
os"

Ismi
ledathi
m andal
loft
hem l
ookedatmyway

Romeo:
"Uhmm canyoupl
easegetmet
oday'
sspeci
al"

Theot
herguycl
earhi
sthr
oatbef
orehet
alked

Guy:
"Beaut
if
ul.
..I
'
m Andi
leandUhmm youcanal
sogetmet
oday'
sspeci
al"

Theot
herguysor
der
edt
hesamemeal
andIwal
kedovert
ptheki
tchen.

Itooktheirorder
stothem asIconti
nuedwithmywork.RosecameovertomeasIwasbusy
withthetables.Wel
lRoseisafriendnotsomeoneIcoul
dcallmybestf
ri
endsi
nceshe'
sjusta
fr
iend.

Rose:
"Uhmm Nandi
,
thoseguyswant
syou"

Ilookedatwher
eshewaspoi
nti
ngandi
twast
heeRomeoandhi
sfr
iends.Isi
ghedasIt
urned
todowhatIwasdoing

Me:
"Tel
lthem I
'
m busy,
can'
tyouseet
hatI
'
mreal
lyBusyRose"

Rose:
"Comeonst
opbei
ngupt
ightNandi
hamba"

Me:
"Nol
eavemeal
one,
I
'm notgoi
ngt
her
eandyouwon'
tfor
ceme"
Ishout
edasMr
sMol
apomadeherwayi
n

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Nandiwhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e"

Il
ookedaway

Me:
"I
t'
snot
hingMr
sMol
apo,
Wewer
ejusthavi
nganar
gumentnot
hingser
ious"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Buti
tlookedsoser
iousar
eyousur
eyouar
eOhk.
.?"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"YesMr
sMol
apo"

Me:
"Kokoar
eyouOhk.
..
?"

IaskedassoonasshehandedmeBl
essi
ngs

Koko:
"Don'
twor
ryaboutmeNandi
,
I'
llbef
ine"

Il
ookedatherf
orawhi
le

Me:
"I
sther
esomet
hingicandof
oryoubecauseIr
eal
lydon'
tmi
nd"

Koko:
"AsIsai
dNandiI
'
m Ohkt
her
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
thmeyoucangoi
tsl
ate"

Isi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngBl
essi
ngsbabybag

Me:
"Cal
lmei
fyouneedanyt
hingKoko"

Isai
dthatbef
orewal
kingout
.Ir
eal
lyneedagoodsl
eep

*
***
***
***
***
**

Koko:
"Mor
ningNgwanaka,
Howar
eyou.
.?"

Ismi
ledbef
orehandi
ngherBl
essi
ngs

Me:
"I
'm goodKoko,
Howaboutyou.
..
?"

Koko:
"I
'l
lbef
ine,
Don'
twor
ryaboutme"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"KokoIt
hinkyoushoul
dgoandseeadoct
or"

Koko:
"AsIsai
dNandiI
'
m GoodsoIdon'
tneedanydoct
orsI
'
llbef
ine"
Il
ookedather

Me:
"OhkKoko,
I
'm goi
ngt
owor
kthen"

Koko:
"Gowel
lNgwanaka"

Iwal
kedi
nasIgl
aredoverRose,
shesmi
ledcomi
ngovert
ome.

Rose:
"HeyGi
rlhowar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I
'm goodRose,
Wher
e'sever
yone?
"

Shesmi
ledwavi
ngherhand

Rose:
"MmmhWor
king"

Il
ookedatherhandandsawashi
ningt
hingandInot
icedi
t'
sar
ing

Me:
"OhMyGodRoseyouar
eEngaged.
..
.?"

Shesmi
led

Rose:
"YesDar
li
ngI
'
m Awi
fet
obe"

Ihaveneveri
magi
nedRoseasaWi
fe

Me:
"Who'
sthel
uckyguy.
.?"

Iaskedwal
kingovert
other
est
room andRosewasf
oll
owi
ngme

Rose:
"I
t'
sDavi
d"

Il
ookedatherwi
thmypoppedeyes

Me:
"YourBl
esser
..
.?"

Sher
oll
edhereyes

Rose:
"He'
snotaBl
esserandhewasnotaBl
esserf
orast
art
"

Me:
"OhComeon,
he'
sabout50somet
hingyear
sandyouar
eTwent
y"

Rose:
"Il
ovehi
m,hel
ovesmesoI
t'
scool
"

Il
aughedasIwal
kedovert
ost
artwor
king

Me:
"Youl
ovehi
m orhi
smoney.
.?"
Rosw:
"Wel
luhmm Bot
h"

Me:
"YeahIcant
ell
,
let
'sst
artwor
kingMi
ssEngaged

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NKAZI
MULO

Il
ookedatmybeaut
if
ulwi
feasIpl
antaki
ssonherf
orehead.

Me:
"Il
oveyouMpi
lo"

Shesmi
ledBr
ushi
ngherI
nvi
sibl
est
omach

Mpi
lo:
"Il
oveyoumor
eSi
li
l
o,Ican'
tli
vewi
thoutyou"

Me:
"Ibetyoucan'
t"

Mpi
lo:
"Yes"

Igotoutoft
hecover
swal
kingovert
othebat
hroom.Af
terdoi
ngmyhygi
enepr
ocessIwal
ked
overt
oMpi l
o

Me:
"Babywakeup,
wehavet
ogetr
eadyr
emembert
her
eisacer
emonyt
aki
ngpl
acet
oday"

Shet
urnedt
otheot
hersi
de

Mpi
lo:
"Post
ponei
tBaby"

Me:
"That
simpossi
bleMpi
lowakeup"

Mpi
lo:
"Ar
ggf
ine"

Shegotoutoft
hecover
sheadi
ngt
othebat
hroom.Af
tersomef
ewmi
nut
esshecanby.She
fi
nisheddr
essi
ngup

Iwal
kedovert
ohi
m asIhel
dhi
swai
st

Me:
"Let
'sgodownst
air
s"

Ihel
dheraswewal
keddownst
air
sfi
ndi
ngever
yonear
oundt
het
abl
eeat
ing

Me:
"Goodmor
ning"

Isai
dthatset
tl
ingar
oundt
het
abl
ewi
thMpi
lonextt
ome

Theyr
espondedasweal
waysst
art
edeat
ing

Mkhul
u:"
Makot
i,
Ireal
lyhopeyouar
ecar
ryi
ngaPr
incebecauseweal
lknowt
hatDal
okuhl
e
won'
tbeaPri
nce"
Me:
"He'
snextont
heThr
oneMkhul
u,hemustj
ustl
eavet
hisgayt
hing"

Dal
okuhl
esi
ghedbef
oref
ixi
nghi
seyesonme

Dal
okuhl
e:"
It
'sbet
ternott
obeaKi
ngt
hanbei
ngsomeoneI
'
m not
,I'
m gayandt
hat
'si
t"

Me:
"Dal
ok-
"

Dalokuhl
e:"
ChaTat
a,i
fyouar
enotwel
comi
ngmet
hewayiam t
heni
t'
sfi
neI
'
llbeoutofyour
l
ives"

Baba:
"Sonyouar
est
il
lconf
used"

Dal
okuhl
e:"
Bei
ng15doesnotmeant
hatIdon'
tknowmysel
fI'
m gay"

Hesai
dthatst
andi
ngupheadi
ngupst
air
snow

Ar
abel
la:
"Thatwasnotnecessar
yBhut
'omncan"

ISi
ghed

Me:
"Iwi
llt
alkt
ohi
m Don'
twor
ry"

Me:
"Dal
okuhl
e..
.Pl
easehearmeout
"

Dal
okuhl
e:"
Tat
aIwon'
tchangemysel
fI'
m gayandt
her
e'snot
hingyoucandoabouti
t"

Isi
ghedbef
oresi
tt
ingont
opoft
hebed

Me:
"Iwantt
otel
lyout
hat
..
.It
'sf
ineyoucanbet
hewayyouar
eIacceptyou"

Dal
okuhl
e:"
Idon'
twantyout
ofeel
gui
lt
yorsomet
hingTat
a"

Me:
"Noi
t'
sfi
neReal
lyIwantt
obondwi
thyouasmyson"

Dal
okuhl
e:"
ThankyouTat
a"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA

Weekswentbyandthi
ngswer
er eall
ygood.Iwasspendi
ngmostofmyt
imewi
thRomeo
Sant
osandhe'squi
teani
ceguy.Ilookeduptohi
m ashesmil
edatme

Romeo:
"Don'
tlookatmel
iket
hatNandi
"

Igi
ggl
edbef
oret
aki
ngmyi
cecr
eam f
rom hi
m
Me:
"What
'swr
ongwi
thl
ooki
ngatt
hiscut
efaceofyour
s"

Romeo:
"Soyout
hinkI
'
m cut
e..
?"

Il
aughedashet
ookmyhandonhi
s

Me:
"Idi
dntmeani
nthatway"

Romeo:
"I
nwhatway.
.?"

Me:
"That
..
.Let
'shur
ryKokomustbewor
ri
ed"

Romeo:
"Yes,
l
etmet
akeyouhome"

Me:
"Thankyou"

Iwal
kedi
nasmyeyesl
andedonsomeunf
ami
li
arf
ace

Me:
"Uhmmm Goodeveni
ng"

Lady:
"GoodEveni
ngyoumustbeNandi
"

Isi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngmysonf
rom hi
m

Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?Wher
e'sKoko?
"

Shel
ookedawayasshesi
ghed

Lady:
"I
'm Koko'
sdaught
er,
AnnahandI
..
.Mmei
sdead"

Me:
"What
!?"

Annah:
"Yes,
Irecei
vedaphonecal
lfr
om anei
ghborsayi
ngMmei
sdead"

Isl
idedownast
ear
sst
reameddownmycheeksnotbel
ievi
ngi
t.
..Shecan'
tbedead

*
***
***
***
***
**

Il
ookedatal
lthet
hingsshegaveme.Isi
ghedt
aki
ngasi
tont
opoft
hebed.

Me:
"Kokohowcanyoul
eavemel
iket
his"

Iwi
peat
eart
hathasal
readyescapedasIf
ini
shedupdr
essi
ngBl
essi
ngs

Aknockcamet
hroughasIwasst
il
ldr
essi
nghi
m up.

Iwal
kedovert
oat
tendt
hedoor
Me:
"Aunt
ieAnnahhowcanIhel
pyou?
"

Annah:
"Uhmm It
hinki
t'
sti
mef
oryout
ogo"

Me:
"What
!?"

Annah:
"Youarenol
ongerwel
comedher
e,Kokoi
snol
ongerher
esoIwantyout
otakeal
lyour
shi
tandleavemyhouse"

Me:
"Buti
t'
slat
e,Ican'
tbewal
kingwi
thababyatt
hist
imeAnnah"

Annah:
"Yougoar
oundopeni
ngt
hoseski
nnyl
egsf
orever
ymansoi
t'
snotmyf
aul
t.NnaIwant
yougone"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NKAZI
MULO

Iwasstar
tl
edbyascr
eam f
rom t
hebat
hroom.Iqui
ckl
yranovert
her
efi
ndi
ngMpi
loatt
hef
loor
cr
ying

Me:
"Babywhat
'swr
ong?
"

Iaskedmaki
ngmywayt
oher

Mpi
lo:
"M.
..
MybabyNkazi
mul
omyBaby"

Me:
"Wh-
"

Isawbl
oodnextt
oherandiqui
ckl
ypi
ckedherupr
unni
ngoutoft
hehouse

Iwaspaci
ngupanddownasIsawadoct
orwal
kingovert
ome.Iqui
ckl
yst
oodup

Me:
"Doct
orwhat
'swr
ongwi
thmywi
fe.
.?I
ssheOhk?
"

Doct
or:
"Yesshe'
sfi
nebutI
..
.I'
m sor
ryshel
ostt
hebaby"

.
.

Lot
sofl
ove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
11]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

.
.

NKAZI
MULO

Isatdownslowlyonthechai
rasmyeyesweref i
xedont
hesl
eepi
ngMpi
lo.
Isi
ghedasIhol
d
herhand,
sheslowlyopenedhereyesandsmi
led.

Mpi
lo:
"Nkazi
mul
o..
."

Ist
oodupf
ixi
ngherpi
ll
owaf
tert
hanIsatdownont
hechai
ragai
n

Me:
"Takei
teasybaby"

Mpi
lo:
"Nkazi
mul
owher
e'smybaby"

Sheaskedpl
aci
ngherhandonherst
omach

Me:
"Uhmm Baby.
..
Uhmm Wel
ostt
hebaby"

Shequi
ckl
ylookedatme

Mpi
lo:
"Whatdoyoumeanwel
ostt
hebabywhathappened?
"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngather

Me:
"Ther
ewasnot
hingwr
ong"

Mpi
lo:
"HowcanIl
oset
hebabywhent
her
e'snot
hingwr
ongNkazi
mul
o?"

Me:
"Yes,
theDoct
ordi
dntf
indanyt
hingandI
..
.Idon'
tknowei
ther
"

Mpi
lo:
"OhUhmm Ohk"

Shesai
dthatasshet
urnedt
olookt
heot
herway

Me:
"Babyl
ookatme"

Mpi
lo:
"CanIbeal
one"

Me:
"Mpi
lo.
..
"
Shespokesosof
tl
y

Mpi
lo:
"LeavePl
ease,
Leave"

Ist
oodupasIki
ssesherf
oreheadandIwal
kedoutoft
hehospi
tal
.

Iwasst
andi
ngnextt
othewi
ndowasKumkani
madehi
swayi
n

Kumkani
:"
Baf
o"

Isi
ghedt
urni
ngt
olookathi
m

Me:
"Sho,
Howar
eyou?
"

Kumkani
:"
I'
m get
ti
ngt
her
e,t
her
ear
enocompl
ainswhataboutyou"

Iwal
kedovert
omyt
abl
etaki
ngasi
tont
hechai
r

Me:
"I
t'
shar
dman,
Mpi
loj
ustl
ostt
hebabyandshe'
sbeenqui
et"

Kumkani
:"
Whatdoyoumeanqui
et?Wasn'
tshesupposedt
ocr
yorsomet
hing?
"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngupt
ohi
m

Me:
"It
houghtshewi
llcr
ybutnuh.
..AndI
'
m soscar
edt
hatshemi
ghtdosomet
hingcr
azy"

Kumkani
:"
No,
Mpi
lowoul
dneverdosomet
hingl
iket
hat
"

Me:
"IhopesobecauseI
'
m sowor
ri
edabouther
"

Kumkani
:"
MaybeIshoul
daskTakal
ani
togoandhaveachatwi
thher
"

Me:
"Doyout
hinkt
hiswi
llwor
k?"

Kumkani
:"
Theyar
ewomen'
s,
I'
m sur
eitwi
llwor
k"

Me:
"Ohkt
hen"

*
***
***
***
***
***
***

Iwal
kedi
nsi
deMpi
lo'
swar
dasshewasf
aci
ngont
heot
hersi
de

Me:
"Mpi
lo.
..
"

Ical
ledoutf
orherasIappr
oachedt
hebed

Mpi
lo:
"Whatdoyouwanther
eNkazi
mul
o?"
Isi
ghedpl
aci
ngmyhandonhershoul
der

Me:
"We'
regoi
nghome,
standupyouhavet
ogetr
eady"

Mpi
lo:
"NoI
'
m notgoi
nganywher
ewi
thyou,
Ican'
tleavemybaby"

Me:
"Mpi
loourbabyi
snomor
e"

Mpi
lo:
"No,
youar
elyi
ngmybabyi
sher
eandIcan'
tleavewi
thouthi
m"

Isi
ghedsof
rust
rat
edandIt
ookherhandt
omi
ne

Me:
"Babyl
ist
ent
om-
"

Mpi
lo:
"NononoNkazi
mul
ohe'
scr
ying"

Shesai
dthatget
ti
ngoutoft
hehospi
tal
cover
sasshewal
kedovert
othedoorbutIqui
ckl
y
hel
dher

Me:
"Mpi
lo"

Mpi
lo:
"What
?Wher
eisheNkazi
mul
o?"

Shewasl
ooki
ngar
oundt
hewar
dli
keacr
azyper
son

Me:
"Wher
eiswhomanj
eMpi
lo?
"

Mpi
lo:
"Mybaby,
ohGodIswearIheadhi
sti
nyl
it
tl
ecr
ies"

Il
ookedathersoshocked

Me:
"Pl
easeMpi
local
m downoursoni
snomor
e"

Mpil
o:"
Stopsayi
ngt
hatwenaNkazi
mul
oIknowhe'
sher
e(Laughsal
it
tl
e)Godhe'
sher
eican
f
eeli
t"

Me:
"Mpi
lobabyl
ookatme"

Mpi
lo:
"He'
sher
eri
ght
..
?He'
sher
eyesHe'
sher
eIcanf
eeli
t"

Iwal
kedoutheadi
ngt
othedoct
or'
sof
fi
ce

Me:
"Doct
orwhat
'swr
ongwi
thmyWi
fe?
"

Doct
or:
"Uhmm Mr
sSi
li
lor
ight
?"

Inodded

Me:
"Yes,
what
'swr
ongwi
thher
?"
Doct
or:
"wel
lMrSi
li
lowedi
dntf
indanyt
hingwr
ongwi
thyourwi
fe"

Me:
"Butshe'
sact
ingcr
azy"

Doct
or:
"What
?"

Me:
"She'
stal
kingaboutherunbor
nbaby,
theonewehavel
o-"

Wewer edist
urbedbyscr
eamsoutsi
detheoff
iceandwequi
ckl
yrant
her
e.Wef
oundMpi
lo
busyscreamingatt
heDoctor
s.Iwal
kedovertoher

Me:
"Mpi
lobabywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
"

Mpi
lo:
"OhMyhusband"

Shesai
dthatki
ssi
ngme,
Iwasr
eal
lyamazed

Me:
"Mpi
lowhat
'swr
ong"

Mpi
lo:
"Theyt
ookmybabyUhmm.
..
.Theyt
ookhi
m BabyTheydi
dYesTheyUhmm t
ookhi
-"

Shewast
alki
ngt
oof
astbusyscr
atchi
ngherheadl
ikeshe'
sint
odr
ugs

Me:
"Babycomeon"

TheDoct
or'
shel
dherast
heywal
kedovert
othewar
d

Me:
"Doct
orcanI
-"

Doctor
:"
SirIt
hinkyoushoul
dgoandcomebackt
omor
rowbecausewest
il
lhavet
odosome
checkupsonher"

Me:
"I
sshegoi
ngt
obeOhkThough?
"

Doct
or:
"I
'm notsur
esi
ncewedon'
tknowt
hepr
obl
em"

Me:
"Ohkt
hankyouDoct
or"

Iwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehousef
indi
ngSnegugubusycooki
ng

Snegugu:
"Dadhowar
eyou?
"

Isi
ghedt
aki
ngasi
tont
hecouch

Me:
"I
'l
lbef
ineMydaught
er"

Icl
osedmyeyesal
it
tl
ebi
t
Snegugu:
"It
houghtyouwi
l
lbecomi
ngwi
thAunt
ieMpi
lowher
eisshe?
"

Sheaskedcl
osi
ngherpot
sbef
orewal
kingovert
ome

Me:
"Att
hehospi
tal
,
itseemsl
iket
hingsar
eget
ti
ngwor
senow"

Snegugu:
"Whathappened"

Iopenedmyeyesl
ooki
ngather

Me:
"WhatcanIsay?Thatshe'
scr
azy?Idon'
tknowbuti
tseemsl
ikeshe'
slosi
nghermi
nd"

Snegugu:
"OhDaddyN,
ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ine"

Me:
"WhenSne?Il
ostababynowmywi
fei
sgoi
ngcr
azy.
..Thi
ngsar
ehar
d"

Snegugu:
"Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ine,
j
ust
..
.Pr
ay"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA

IwokeupasIlookednexttomether
ehewas.
..Mylit
tl
eAngel
.Iki
ssedhi
sli
psbefor
ewalki
ng
overt
othebat
hroom.Afterdoi
ngmyhygi
eneprocessIbat
hedMylit
tl
eAngelasIdr
essedhi
m

Iwal
keddownst
air
swi
thBl
essi
ngsonmyar
msasIcameacr
osswi
thRomeoSant
os.

Me:
"Goodmor
ningRomeo"

Isai
dthatsmi
li
ngbef
oreset
tl
ingdownar
oundt
het
abl
e

Romeo:
"Mor
ningmyLove,
howar
eyou?
"

ISi
ghedasIl
ookedathi
m

Me:
"I
'm good,
thankyouf
oral
lowi
ngmet
ospendt
heni
ghther
e"

Romeo:
"AsIsai
dmyKi
tt
en,
i
tsOhkyoucanst
ayher
easl
ongasyouwant
"

Me:"
Iappreci
ateeveryt
hingyouhavedonesof
ar,
fort
hepastf
ewweeksyouhaveshownme
not
hingbutsupport"

Hesmi
ledatmebef
oret
aki
ngBl
essi
ngsf
rom me

Romeo:
"I
'mj
ustgl
adt
hatI
'
vebeenher
eforyout
hroughout"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"NowIhavet
olookf
orapl
acet
ost
ay"
Romeo:
"Nana,
don'
tgett
hiswr
ongbutIt
hinkyoushoul
dgobackt
oschool
"

Ishookmyheadl
ooki
ngathi
m

Me:
"No"

Romeo:
"I
'm notf
orci
ngyouatal
lNana,
j
ust
..
.Thi
nkabouti
t"

Me:
"Ohk"

Rose:
"Youdon'
ttel
lmeukut
hiut
hol
eindoda"

Shesai
dthatwal
kingovert
ome

Me:
"AayMar
rnRosel
eavemeal
oneI
'
mtr
yingt
owor
kher
e"

Rose:
"ButI
'
m st
il
ltal
kingt
hough,
l
ookLunchi
sar
oundt
hecor
nersoI
'
llbeback"

Me:
"What
ever
"

Af
tersomef
ewmi
nut
esi
twasf
inal
lyLunch.Rosecameupt
ome

Me:
"Umunt
uakasakwaznokuphef
umul
aRosewhat
'syourpr
obl
em"

Isai
dthatt
aki
ngasi
tasIopenedmyLunch.Rosedi
dthesame

Rose:"
IsawyouAndyourboyf
ri
endt
hismor
ningandyou'
renott
ell
ingmet
hatf
inal
lyyou
foundaman"

Ichuckl
edasIst
art
edeat
ing

Me:
"Idon'
thaveamanmnaRosesoir
eal
lydon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
"

Rose:
"ThatcheeseGangst
erboymar
rnwhoal
wayscamet
oseeyou"

Me:
"He'
snotmyMan,
he'
sjustaf
ri
end"

Rose:
"MmmhI
'
llt
akei
tasIbel
i
eveyouShem"

*
***
***
***
***
***

Me:
"Romeowher
e'smybaby?Imi
ssedhi
m somuch"

Romeo:
"He'
sasl
eep,
don'
twakehi
m up"

Me:
"Thankyoufort
akingcar
eofhi
m?Di
dnthet
roubl
eyouphel
aIknowBl
essi
ngs,
he'
sso
muchofatroubl
ethatone
Romeo:
"HewasanAngelIt
ellyou"

Me:
"Youl
ie"

Romeo:
"I
t'
sthet
rut
hNana,
hewasanAngel
"

Ir
oll
edmyeyesbef
orest
andi
ngup

Me:
"MaybeIshoul
dgoandbat
hI'
m sot
ir
ed"

Romeo:
"Youwi
llf
indyourf
oodr
eady"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NKAZI
MULO

Snegugu:
"DaddyNyouhavet
oeatcomeon"

Isi
ghedi
nfr
ust
rat
ionbef
orel
ooki
ngupt
oher

Me:
"Isai
dI'
m nothungr
ySneguguwhatmor
edoyouwanthuh"

Snegugu:
"ComeonTat
am youhavet
oeat
"

Isi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngt
hepl
ateasIst
art
edeat
ing

Me:
"Ar
eyouhappynow?
"

Snegugu:
"Mor
ethanhappy"

Acr
ycamet
hroughf
rom upst
air
s

Snegugu:
"LetmegoAndt
akemyl
ii
tl
egi
rlandDaddyNyoubet
tereatup"

Me:
"Iwi
ll
"

Aft
erf
ini
shi
ngmyf
ood.Iwal
kedupst
air
stomyr
oom.Isatdownt
hinki
ngaboutt
hisMpi
lo
i
ssue

Iimmedi
atel
yfeltsomecol
dai
rdownmyspi
ceandsheil
ookedupIsawt
hechi
efpr
iestf
rom
theManzi
niKingdom

Me:
"Uhmm TheGr
eatone"

Chi
efPr
iest
:"
Youhavet
ogoandl
ookf
ort
heyoungpr
ince"

Me:
"Theyoungpr
ince?
"

Iaskedsoconf
used
Chi
efpr
iest
:"
Yes,
theYoungPr
inceoft
heManzi
niKi
ngdom"

Me:
"TheGr
eatone.
..Ther
e'snoyoungpr
incei
nourKi
ngdom i
t'
sonl
yDal
o"

ChiefPr
iest:
"Goandfi
ndt
heYoungPr
ince.Whati
shappeni
ngrightnowi
t'
snottoomuch
becauseifyoudon'
tfi
ndt
heYoungPr
ince,
ther
eismoretof
oll
ow...
.Theancest
orsar
eangr
y"

Me"
I-
"

Il
ookedupandt
her
ewasnoone,
Il
ookedar
oundbutt
heChi
efpr
iestwasnott
her
e

*
***
***
***
***
***

Iwokeupear
lyinthemorni
ngasIsi
ghedthi
nki
ngaboutwhathappenedyer
stedaybecause
thatwast
hef
irst
.Itookmyphonedi
ali
ngBaba'
snumbers

Me:
"Baba"

Baba:
"Nkazi
mul
owhat
'swr
ongyousoundst
ressed"

Isi
ghedsi
tt
ingdowncomf
ort
abl
e

Me:
"TheChi
efpr
iestwasher
eYer
steday"

Baba:
"What!
?"

Me:
"YeboBabat
hechi
efpr
iestwasher
ebutwhenIl
ookedar
oundt
her
ewasnosi
gnofhi
m"

Baba:
"Whatyouar
esayi
ngi
sconf
usi
ngandyouar
econf
usedt
oo"

Me:
"NoTat
aIsawhi
m"

Baba:
"Thechi
efpr
iesti
satt
hePal
aceandhedi
dn'
tleave"

Me:
"Gi
vehi
mthephone"

Chi
efpr
iest
:"
MyPr
ince"

Me:
"TheGr
eatoneyoucamet
oseemeYer
steday"

Chi
efpr
iest
:"
NoIdi
dn'
t"

Me:
"Youdi
dTheGr
eatone,
yousai
dsomet
hingaboutayoungpr
ince"

Chi
efpr
iest
:"
Youmustbemi
stakemyPr
ince,
Iwasher
eal
lni
ghtl
ong"

Me:
"Ohkt
heGr
eatone"

_
Iwal
kedi
nsidethewardasIlookedather
,shewassl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ulbutwi
thsomechai
ns
ar
oundher
.Isighedbefor
etaki
ngasit

Shesl
owl
yopenedhereyesasshesmi
ledatme

Mpi
lo:
"MyeniWam"

Ismi
ledback

Me:
"St
handwaSam,
howar
eyoudoi
ng?
"

Mpi
lo:
"I
..
.Idon'
tknowbabyt
ellt
hem t
oletmego"

Me:
"Mpi
loIcan'
tdot
hat
,youhaven'
theal
ed"

Mpi
lo:
"I
'm goodI
'
mjustf
ineNkazi
mul
opl
easemysonneedsme"

Me:
"Yoursoni
snomor
eBabypl
easel
ist
en"

Mpi
lo:
"Iwon'
tli
stent
oyou,
IwantmybabyNkazi
mul
otheyt
ookhi
m"

Adoct
orwal
kedi
n

Me:
"Doct
orwhati
swr
ongwi
thher
?"

Doct
or:
"Canwet
alki
nmyof
fi
ce"

Me:
"Ohk"

Mpi
lo:
"Nkazi
mul
opl
easedon'
tleavemeher
e!!
!!Pl
easet
heywi
llt
akemet
oo!
!!
"

Shewascr
yingandscr
eami
ngandIf
eltt
hatpai
n

Wear
ri
vedatt
heof
fi
ceasIt
ookasi
t

Me:
"What
'swr
ongwi
thherDoct
or?
"

Doct
or:
"Wedon'
tfi
ndanyt
hingwr
ongwi
thher
"

Me:
"Whatdoyoumean?
"

Doct
or:
"It
hinkshej
ustgot
oaMent
alhospi
tal
"

Me:
"NoDoct
orIcan'
tsendmywi
fet
her
e"

Doct
or:
"I
tist
hebestway,
Shehast
ogo"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NANDI
PHA
Iser
vedacoupl
ethatwassi
tt
ingt
her
easIwal
kedovert
otheki
tchen

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Nandi
"

Il
ookedupt
ofi
ndMr
sMol
apo

Me:
"Uhmm Mr
sMol
apoHowar
eyou?
"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"I
'm good,
Ihavehear
daboutt
hedeat
hofKoko"

Isi
ghed

Me:"Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatMrsMol
apo,
Idi
dn'
texpecthert
odi
ejustl
iket
hatt
houghshet
oldme
aboutherHeartdi
sease"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"SoWher
edoyoul
iver
ightnowbecauseiknowhowAnnahcanbe"

Me:
"Wi
thaf
ri
end"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Wi
llyoubef
ine?
"

Me:
"Yes,
I
'l
lbef
ine"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Ohk"

*
***
***
***
***
***

Iarri
vedhomeasIwentovert
ocheckmybabyandhewassl
eepi
ng.Ihear
dsomesni
ff
sandI
fol
lowedthem onl
ytof
indRomeo

Me:
"Romeowhat
'swr
ong?
"

Iaskedget
ti
ngcl
osert
ohi
m

Romeo:
"Not
hing"

Hesai
dthatwi
pinghi
stear
saway

Me:
"Comeonyoucant
alkt
ome"

Isai
dthatpul
li
nghi
mforahug

Romeo:
"I
'l
lbef
ine"

Wepull
edoutasbot
hourl
ipst
ouched.Hehel
dmywai
stpul
li
ngmemor
eovert
ohi
m asI
gr
appedhi
sshir
t.

Hepi
ckedmeuppl
aci
ngmeont
opoft
hebedasweundr
esseachot
her

Hest
oppedashel
ookedupt
ome
Romeo:
"Ar
eyousur
eNana?
"

Inodded

Me:
"OhYesRomeo"

Hesmashedhi
scol
dli
psonmybi
ti
ngmyl
owerl
ipashet
ookacondom f
rom t
hesi
deofhi
s
bed

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NARRATED

Nkazi
mulost oodt
her
eashel ookedathi
swi
fecr
yingandbeggi
nghi
mt osaveher
.Hehadno
choi
cethoughbecauseever
yt i
mepasseswi
thMpiloget
ti
ngworset
hanbefor
e.Hetr
ied
avoi
dingthatbuti
twasreal
it
y

Doct
or:
"Shewi
llbef
inemandon'
twor
ry"

Isni
ff
edast
ear
sst
reameddownmycheeks

Me:
"Ihavef
ail
edasaman,
Ifai
ledmyf
ami
ly"

Doct
or:
"I
t'
snotyourf
aul
t"

Nkazimulol
ookedawaywhent
heycuf
fedMpi
lowi
thherscr
eami
ng'WHERE'
SMYBABY!
THEYTOOKMYBABYNKAZI MULOTHEYTOOKHIM' t
hatal
onemadeNkazi
mul
otot
hinkt
hat
hereall
yfai
ledasaman

Hewal kedoutoft
hehospi
talwi
pingoffhi
stear
s.Aft
erhegoti
nsi
dehi
scar,
hedroveoffnot
knowingwherehe'dgoi
ngunti
lhefoundhimsel
fatChur
ch.Hegoti
nsi
deastear
sstart
edto
fal
lagain

Hekneel
eddownnextt
othecr
osssobbi
ngsohar
d

Nkazi
mul
o:"
OhGod!IknowIdon'
tcomet
oChur
chbutIaskyout
odayt
ohealmyWi
fe"

Hewi
pedhi
stear
sbutt
heykeptonst
reami
ngdownhi
scheeks

Nkazi
mul
o:"
GodyoutookMywi
fe!Thel
oveofmyl
if
eWhatMor
edoyouwanthuh!Whatt
he
FUCKdoyouwant"

Hecont
inuesobbi
ng

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whydon'
tyoumakemecr
azyhuh!
?WhyMyWi
fe?Whyher
?WhynotmeI
nst
ead!
?

Hekeptonsobbi
ngasallt
heevent
sthatt
ookpl
acepl
ayedi
nhi
smi
ndf
rom t
hedayhef
ound
Advocat
esopaleandcol
d
Nkazi
mulo:"
PleaseGod!Pl
easeHealmywi f
eandIpromi
seyouthatI'
llbesbett
erMan!I
wouldchangeforhert
ohaveabetterl
if
e!Iwil
lgot
oChurchGodI'
llbeli
evebutpl
easehealmy
wif
e"

Hecl
osedhi
seyesassobbsescapedhi
smout
h

-
1Thessal
oni
ans4:
7-8

7ForGoddidnotcal
lustouncl
eanness,
butt
oholi
ness.8Ther
efor
ehewhor
eject
sthi
sdoes
notr
ejectmanbutGod,
whohasalsogivenusHi
sHolySpir
it
.

Lear
ningt
oli
veacl
eanl
if
eisal
lpar
tofbei
ngGod'
schi
ld

Weareprobabl
ygoi
ngtohavetoletsomeol
dhabi
tsgoandpickupsomenewones.Wemay
havet
oletgoofcer
tai
nfr
iends,
aswellandt
hoset
hingst
hataf
fectus

Changi ngourstanceinli
fewi
llcauseustochangeoursurr
oundi
ngs.Wemaynolongerf
eel
comf ortabl
ebeingaroundcer
tainsit
uat
ionsorcer
tai
ntypesofact
ivi
ti
es.Wemayfi
nd
ourselvestroubl
edorgetti
ngi
rrit
ated

Thisisnotabadornegati
vethi
ng.I
tisnor
mal.I
tist
hevoiceofthehol
inessspeakingt
o
uncleannesssayi
ng'Youar
enolongerwel
comedhereanylonger'
Andwecan' tr
ejectt
he
Voiceoftheholi
ness

WhenwebecomeGod' sChil
ditwil
lfeell
ikewearemor econsci
ousofourbehavi
orand
act
ions.Wewi
llbeconvi
ctedstr
onglyattimes.
..i
twi
llcauseustomeMi ser
able

I
fweletHol
inessl
iveandspeakt
ous,
andwef
oll
owt
hatl
eadi
ng,
wewi
llr
emai
nint
hepeaceof
God.

Phil
ippi
ans4:
7andthepeaceofGod,whi
chSur
passesal
lunder
standi
ng,
wil
lguar
dyour
heartsandmi
ndst
hroughJesusChri
st

.
.

Lot
sofl
ove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
12]

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Il
ookedatmybedsideandt
herewasnosignofRomeo.IyawnedasIgotoutoft
hecover
s
headi
ngtothebathr
oom.Af
terdoi
ngmyhygienePr
ocessIfi
xedthebedandwalked
downstai
rsf
indi
ngRomeoplayi
ngwit
hBlessi
ngs

Me:
"GoodMor
ningRomeo"

Isai
dthatasIsatdownont
hechai
rnear
by

Romeol
ookedupt
omesmi
li
ng

Romeo:
"Mor
ningyourbr
eakf
asti
sont
heMi
crowaveOven"

Isi
ghedbef
orest
andi
ngupheadi
ngt
otheki
tchent
otakemyf
ood.Iwal
kedovert
othem
agai
n

Me:
"Thankyouf
ort
hef
ood,
I'
mjustgl
adt
hatI
'
m notGoi
ngt
owor
k,I
'
m sot
ir
ed"

Hekeptonpl
ayi
ngwi
thBl
essi
ngs

Romeo:
"Yeah,
Ithi
nkweshoul
djustgoout
"

Isi
ghedsi
ppi
ngmyJui
ce

Me:
"Doyout
hinkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea?
"

IaskedasIchewedup

Romeo:
"Yeah,
I
twon'
thur
tanyoner
ight
"

Me:
"Iguess"

It
houghtaboutYer
stedayandIl
ookedupt
ohi
m

Me:
"RomeowhathappenedYer
steday"

Iaskedhi
m ashel
ookedatmebef
orel
ooki
ngatBl
essi
ngs

Romeo:
"Not
hing"

Me:
"Romeot
hatwasnotnot
hingsot
ellmewhathappened"
Hesi
ghedasat
earescapedhi
seye

Romeo:
"MyMom i
ssi
ck"

Me:
"What
!?"

Romeo:
"Yes,
She'
sinasi
ckbedNandi
andi
t'
sbad"

Me:
"I
..
.Ir
eal
lydon'
tknowwhatt
osay"

Romeo:
"Hewasf
inenotl
ongago,
Shewasat
tackedbyaHear
tAt
tacki
mmedi
atel
yaf
terwor
k"

Il
ookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands

Me:
"Uhmm Maybeyoushoul
dgoandseeher
"

Romeo:
"Ican'
tleaveyoual
one,
i
t'
snotsaf
e"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngathi
m

Me:
"I
'l
lbef
ine,
Wewi
llbef
ineyoumayl
eave"

Romeo:
"OhAr
eyousur
e"

Ismi
ledbef
orest
andi
ngup

Me:
"YourMot
heri
simpor
tant

Romeo:
"Ohk"

Il
ookedupt
ohi
m asIwasbusyWi
pingof
fthedustont
het
abl
es

Me:
"Uhmm Si
rhowcanIhel
pyou?
"

Iaskedl
ooki
ngathi
m wi
thhi
sper
fectbodyst
ruct
ureandanexpensi
veout
fi
t

Man:
"Gooddayma'
am"

Iwasl
osti
nhi
scut
eeyesast
hatvoi
cemanagedt
omakemycl
itvi
brat
e

Man:
"Ma'
am"

Iwasboughtbackbyhi
scommandi
ngmanl
yvoi
ce

Me:
"Uhm HowcanIhel
pyou"

Hef
lashedasmi
lebef
oreanswer
ingme
Man:
"I
'ml
ooki
ngf
orMr
sMol
apoi
ssheavai
labl
e"

Isweart
hatvoi
cecanmakemecum i
mmedi
atel
yandIf
elti
tthatmyPant
yisal
readywet

Me:
"EhMr
s..
.Mr
sMol
apo?OhMr
sMol
apo?She'
sUhmm She'
satt
heUhmm Att
he-
"

IwassavedbyRose'
svoi
cei
nthatconver
sat
ion

Rose:
"Si
rfol
lowmeIwi
llshowyouMr
sMol
apo"

Iqui
ckl
ysaydowncr
ossi
ngmyl
egsandIexhal
eddeepl
ytr
yingt
ocal
m down

Roser
anupt
omesmi
li
ng

Rose:
"Andwena?What
'swr
ongwi
thyou?
"

Il
ookedawaysoembar
rassed

Me:
"I
t'
snot
hing"

Rose:
"Don'
ttel
lmet
hat
,IknowyouNandi
tel
lme.
..I
sitt
hatSexyMan"

Igaspedbef
orest
andi
ngup

Me:
"Noi
t'
snothi
m..
.Besi
deshe'
snott
hatsexy"

Rose:
"OhReal
ly?
"

Me:
"YesUhmm He'
snot
"

Shechuckl
edbef
orest
andi
ngupnextt
ome

Rose:
"I
fhe'
snot
,YouWoul
dn'
tbewetr
ightnow"

Me:
"Huh?
"

Rose:
"Iknowsomeonewhenshe'
swetNandi
andIcanseet
hatyouar
eal
readywetf
orhi
m
mhm"

Iqui
cklyr
anupt othebat
hroom.Igoti
nthet
oil
etbef
oresi
tt
ingdownont
het
oil
etsi
tthi
nki
ng
aboutwhathappened

HowcanSomeonemakemef
eel
li
ket
his

Af
terIcool
eddowniwal
kedovert
otheRest
aur
antasiAppr
oachedRose

Me:
"Rose,
don'
tsayawor
dtoanyone"

Shegi
ggl
edasshel
ookedupt
ome
Rose:
"Whati
fhe'
syoursoul
mat
e?"

Iavoi
dedeyecont
actasIchuckl
edner
vousl
y

Me:
"I
tcan'
tbe,
Noonewi
lldat
eabr
okengi
rll
ikeme"

Rose:
"Whosai
dyouar
ebr
oken?Andwhosai
dnoonewant
syou?
"

Me:
"Ij
ustKnowRoset
-"

Rose:
"Theyar
eappr
oachi
ngher
etheycome"

Il
ookedaway

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Nandi
,
areyouOhk"

Il
ookedupt
ohersmi
li
ng

Me:
"YesMr
sMol
apoI
'
m Ohk"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Good,
wel
lthi
sher
eIt
'sLehasaMol
apoHe'
smyNephewi
not
herwor
ds"

Me:
"Uhmm i
t'
sni
cet
omeethi
m Ihavet
ogo"

Isai
dthatt
urni
ngawaybutRosehel
dmyar
m

Rose:
"I
'm RoseGol
dandbeaut
if
ulLadyI
'
mtheeEnt
ert
ainerandt
hisher
eisMi
ssShyNandi
"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"AyRose,
For
giveherLehasashe'
sjustt
oomuch"

Lehasa:
"Icansee,
she'
sreal
lyt
oomuch"

Me:
"Mr
sMol
apoIhavet
ogetUhmm Busy"

Lehasa:
"Aunt
iei
ssheal
wayst
hisshy"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Wel
lnotmostoft
het
ime"

Lehasa:
"MmhIcant
ell
"

*
***
***
***
***
***
*

Iwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehousef
indi
ngRomeowi
thBl
essi
ngs

Me:
"HeyRomeo,
howar
eyou?
"

Romeo:
"I
'm good,
howaboutyou?
"

Me:
"Wel
lI'
vebeengood"
Romeo:
"OhHer
e'sBl
essi
ngshe'
sbeenal
otofwor
ktoday"

Ichuckl
ed

Me:
"OhIt
oldyout
hatt
hisonei
str
oubl
e"

Romeo:
"Nott
hatmuch"

Me:
"Whenar
eyoul
eavi
ng?
"

Iaskedhi
sset
tl
ingdownt
het
abl
e

Romeo:
"Tomor
rowMor
ning"

Me:
"Ohwakemeupbef
oreyoul
eave"

Romeo:
"Iwi
ll
"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NKAZI
MULO

Iwal
keddownst
air
sfi
ndi
ngDadwi
thMyGr
andf
athersi
tt
ingar
oundt
het
abl
e

Me:
"Tat
a"

Isai
dthatset
tl
ingar
oundt
het
abl
e

Baba:
"Nkazi
mul
oyi
ntonnawenaWher
e'sMpi
lo?
"

Il
ookeddownavoi
dingeyecont
act

Me:
"She'
satt
hehospi
tal
"

Mkhul
u:"
Soi
t'
str
ue,
yout
ookt
hepoorchi
ldt
oaMent
alHospi
tal
?"

Me:
"Ihadnochoi
ceshewasact
ingCr
azyMkhul
u"

Hesi
ghedbef
orel
ooki
ngupt
ome

Mkhul
u:"
Herpar
ent
swi
llbeher
eOnFr
iday,
theywantt
hei
rdaught
er"

Isi
ghedsofrust
rat
ed.
..Thi
ngsar
ebei
ngt
oomuchonmysi
det
hatI
'
m notevenabl
eto
concent
rat
e

Me:
"I
'l
lexpl
aint
othem Mkhul
ubecauseIr
eal
lyhadnochoi
ce"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA
Iwal
keddownst
air
saf
terdoi
ngmyhygi
enepr
ocess

Me:
"OhI
'
m sor
ryRomeo,
IthoughtIwi
llf
indyougone"

Romeo:
"Iwaswai
ti
ngf
oryou"

Me:
"OhUhmm Ohk"

Hesmi
ledl
ooki
ngupt
ome

Romeo:
"You'
vebeensogr
eatNandi
,
youar
eagoodWomani
ndeed"

Me:
"I
tsn-
"

Romeo:
"Shhh.
..LookIwantt
otel
lyousomet
hingI
'
vebeenunabl
etot
ellyou"

Isi
ghedasIf
lashedasmi
le

Me:
"Whati
sit
?"

Romeo:"
Iloveyou,
Il
oveyousomuchNandi
andIr
eal
lyhopeyouwi
llgi
vemeasui
tabl
e
answer
"

Me:
"RomeoI
..Idon'
tknowI
..
.Ir
eal
lydon'
t"

Hepeckedmyl
ips

Romeo:
"I
t'
sOhkyoucananswermewhenIcomeback,
Mam'
Mar
thai
scomi
ng"

Me:
"Who'
sthat
?"

Romeo:
"Bl
essi
ngsNanny"

Me:
"ThankyouRomeo"

Romeo:
"I
t'
sOhk"

Hegavemeal
ongpassi
onat
eki
ss

Romeo:
"I
'l
lbeback,
andt
hinkaboutwhatIt
oldyou.
..Il
oveyou"

Hesai
dthatwal
kingout

I
'
vebeenthi
nki
ngaboutwhatRomeot
oldmeandIhavenotmadeadi
sci
ssi
onyet
.I'
m scar
ed
t
ofal
linl
ove

Rose:
"What
'swr
ongNandi
?"
Isi
ghedt
aki
ngasi
tnextt
oher

Me:
"I
t'
suhm.
..I
t'
sRomeoheconf
essedhi
slovef
ormebutI
'
m scar
ed"

Rose:
"Scar
edofwhat
?"

Me:
"I
'm scar
edt
ofal
linl
oveRose,
Ican'
trepeatt
hesamemi
stakesIoncedi
dbackt
hen"

Rose:
"I
t'
sOhkt
obescar
edandmyadvi
cei
s..
.Fol
lowyourHear
tsweet
hear
t"

MyHeartski
ppedabeatwhenmyeyesl
andedonLehasa.He'
ssohandsomewi
tht
hatsmi
le
onhi
sface

Rose:
"NANDI
..
!!
!"

Isnappedoutofi
tasIl
ookedupt
oRose

Rose:
"Youl
ikehi
m don'
tyou?
"

Il
ookedawaysoqui
ckl
y..
.Ican'
tbei
nlovewi
tht
hisguyno.He'
shandsomeandt
hat
'si
t

Me:
"Noi
t'
snotl
iket
hat
,He'
sHandsomebuthe'
snotf
orme"

Rose:
"mmhCoolt
hen"

[
IT'
SSHORTANDBORING..
.SORRYFORTHEERRORS.I
'LLSEEIFIWI
LLBEABLETOTYPE
LATERCOZNOW I
M BUSYANDIFIDOTYPEI
'LLPOSTAGAIN]

Lot
'sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e
Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
13]

NKAZI
MULO

Iwaswokenupbyar
gument
sdownst
air
s.Iqui
ckl
yrandownst
air
sasIf
oundMpi
lo'
sfami
ly

Me:
"GoodUhmm Mor
ning"

Isai
dthatappr
oachi
ngt
hem

Mpi
lo'
sMom:
"YewenaMf
anaWher
e'smydaught
er?
"

Me:
"Macanyoupl
easecal
m down"

Mpi
lo'
sMom:
"Don'
tyoudar
etel
lmet
hat
!Iwantmydaught
ernx"
Mkhul
u:"
Wit
hal
lduer
espectMaMpi
l
o,t
hisi
snotyourhousesowedemandRespect
"

Mpi
lo'
sMom:
"WhatRespectwhenyout
ookmydaught
ert
otheMent
alHospi
talhuh?Thati
s
mychi
ld"

Baba:
"Canwepl
easet
alk"

Mpi
lo'
sDad:"
Bab'
Sil
il
o,Wear
eher
eforourdaught
erYoursonshoul
dhavei
nfor
medusabout
Mpi
lo'
sSi
tuati
on"

Baba:
"Iknowi
twaswr
ongofhi
m butt
hencanwepl
easet
alkasadul
ts"

Mpi
lo'
sMot
hersi
ghedwal
kingovert
othet
abl
e

Weal
lset
tl
edar
oundt
het
abl
eassi
lencet
ookpl
aceunt
ilMkhul
uspoke

Mkhul
u:"
Nkazi
mul
otel
luswhatHappened"

Ist
art
ednar
rat
ingever
ythi
ngnotl
eavi
ngasi
ngl
edet
ailaboutt
her
ecentmat
ter

Baba:
"SoBab'
Khumal
owasher
einAnot
herf
orm"

Me:
"Ir
eal
lyDi
dn'
tunder
standt
hatBababuther
eal
lycamet
henical
ledyout
henextmor
ning"

Baba:
"YesIr
ememberwhenyoucal
ledmet
ell
ingmeaboutBab'
Khumal
obyIdi
dn'
tthi
nki
t
coul
dbesomethi
ngser
ious"

Mkhul
usi
ghedbef
orel
ooki
ngupt
ome

Mkhul
u:"
Don'
tyouhaveasonoutt
her
eNkazi
mul
o?"

Ishookmyhead

Me:
"No,
Nott
hatIknowof
"

Mkhul
u:"Wehavetogoandf
etchMpil
o,Ther
e'snoot
herwayt
hant
oconsul
ttheancest
ors
maybetheywil
lgi
veusasol
ution"

Me:
"OhkMkhul
u"

Il
ookedatherasshewaski
cki
ngandscr
eami
ng.Ibl
inkedmyt
ear
sawaystt
hatsi
ght

Mpi
lo:
"IWANTMYBABY!
!!
"

Iwal
kedOvert
oherasipul
ledheri
nforahug

Me:
"Babypl
easest
opyouar
ehur
ti
ngme"
Shehel
dmet
ightsobbi
ngsohar
d

Mpi
lo:
"Tel
lthem t
obr
ingmybabyNkazi
mul
o,Theyt
ookhi
m"

Ibr
ushedherbackast
hepar
ent
swer
ewat
chi
ng

Me:
"OurBabyi
snomor
e"

Mpi
lo:
"NoIsawhi
m,yesyesyesyesIsawhi
m Nkazi
mul
oOhYesIdi
d"

Shegi
ggl
edasshepul
ledoutoft
hehug

Looki
ngupst
rai
ghtt
ome

Mpi
lo:
"Ar
ewegoi
nghome?
"

Inoddedl
ooki
ngupt
oher

Mpi
lo:
"Imi
sshome,
Imi
ssedcooki
ngf
oryouYesIcookedRi
ght
"

Isi
ghedpul
li
ngherovert
othepar
ent
s

Mpi
lo'
sMom:
"OhMt
anam"

ShehuggedherasaSobescapedMpi
lo'
smout
h

Mpi
lo'
sMom:
"ShhThul
aMnt
wanam"

Mpi
lo:
"Theyt
ookmybabyMama,
theyt
ookhi
m"

Mpi
lo'
sMom:
"Yourbabyi
snomor
eMpi
lo"

Mpi
lo:
"Don'
tsayt
hat
,i
t'
sacur
seMom mySoni
soutt
her
eandIwi
llf
indhi
m"

Babacl
ear
edhi
str
oat

Baba:
"It
hinkweShoul
dgo,
Wehaveal
ongwayToTr
avel
"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA

WeekswentbywithoutRomeo.Imi
ssedhim sobad.He'sbeenagreatFr
iendtomet hatI
haveevent
houghtofAccepti
nghi
sProposal
.Eventhoughhedidntsayanythi
ngaboutDating
butIwantt
obethereforhi
m.Iwanttol
eantolovehim sohardbecauseIhavefal
lenforhi
ma
l
it
tlet
hough

Rose:
"Nandi
,
areyouOhk?
"

Isi
ghedasIl
ookedupt
oher
Me:
"It
houghtabouti
t"

Rose:
"Thoughtaboutwhat
?"

Ismi
ledatherbef
orer
epl
ying

Me:
"Romeo'
sPr
oposal
,
Iwantt
obewi
thhi
m"

Rose:
"OhGodReal
ly"

Me:"
YesRose,
IwantsomeoneandIknowRomeowi
llbet
heone.
..Iwantt
otr
ysomet
hingwi
th
hi
m"

Rose:
"Romeoi
sani
ceguyasIhaveseen,
sogof
ori
tGi
rl
"

Igi
ggl
edasIt
houghtabouti
t.
..I
twon'
thur
treal
ly

Me:
"I
'l
ldef
ini
tel
ydo,
He'
scomi
ngbackt
omor
rowhi
smom i
sget
ti
ngbet
ter
"

Rose:
"Maybeyouwi
lldosomet
hingni
cef
orHi
m Whoknows"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Ladi
es"

Wel
ookedupaswebot
hsmi
led

Me:
"Mr
sMol
apo"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Uhmm Iwantyout
ocomeandsaygoodbyekuLehasa"

Me:
"Goodbye?
"

Iaskedconf
used

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Ohyesdear
,he'
sst
ayi
ngkoDur
bannother
ehej
ustcameonbusi
ness"

Me:"
OhUhmm NnakeBusyMr
sMol
apoIcan'
tgoandsaygoodbyebutIhopehewi
llt
ravel
saf
ely"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Ohi
t'
sOhk,
Iunder
standNgwanakaI
'
llt
ellhi
m gor
eHemusthaveasaf
ejour
ney"

Me:
"Thankyoumme"

Shewal
kedawayasRoseGi
ggl
ed

Me:
"What
'swr
ongRose"

Rose:
"I
t'
snot
hingbutIt
hinkMadam want
syouar
eLehasat
odat
e,she'
sbeenbr
aggi
ngabout
hi
m"

Me:
"Ther
e'snot
hingl
iket
hatRoseyouar
eseei
ngt
hings"
Rose:
"I
m notShem,
Iswearshewant
syout
wot
odat
eHal
alaMakot
i"

Ir
oll
edmyeyeswal
kingawayf
rom her

Me:
"RoseI
'
m doneher
esoI
'
m goi
ngHome"

Rose:
"Ohwai
t,
Ithi
nkIshoul
dwai
tforDavi
dhe'
scomi
ng"

Me:
"Sowhyar
eyout
ell
ingmeukut
hiImustwai
t?"

Rose:
"Wewi
llgowi
thyouhaw,
uDavi
dwon'
tsayno"

Ichuckl
edl
ooki
ngupt
oher

Me:
"RoseIdon'
twantt
omeetyoursugardaddy"

Rose:
"It
oldyout
hathe'
snotmysugarDaddyNandi
,
thatguyi
smyf
utur
ehusband"

Me:
"OhyeahI
'
m sor
ryt
henRose"

Rose:
"For
givenbutdon'
tsayt
hatagai
n,

Me:
"Fi
ne"

AblackAudiQ7st
oppedinfr
ontofusasaguyit hi
nkinhi
slat
e40scl
imbedoutoft
hecar
.
Roseranuptohi
m astheyhuggedandki
ss.Iguessthi
sisMrDavi
d.

Theywal
kedupt
ome

Rose:
"DaddyDt
hisi
smyf
ri
endNandi
andNandi
thi
sisDavi
dmyf
iancée"

Me:
"OhUhmm Ni
cet
omeetyouBab'
Davi
d"

Hechuckl
edshaki
ngmyhand

Davi
d:"
I'
m nott
hatol
dyouknow,
I
'm 54sodon'
tcal
lmet
hat
"

Ial
mostchocked.Thi
sguyi
stel
li
ngmeaboutnotbr
ingt
hatol
dwher
eashe'
s54

Me:
"OhOhkDavi
d"

Davi
d:"
That
'sgood,
Geti
n"

Icl
imbedatt
hebacksi
tast
heycl
imbedatt
hef
rontsi
t.

Davi
ddr
oveof
fassoonasweset
tl
edcomf
ort
abl
e

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
Iwokeupear
lyi
nthemor
ningasIwal
kedovert
oBl
essi
ngscot
.Ibat
hedhi
m asIchangedhi
s
di
aper

Af
tert
hatIdi
dmyhygi
enepr
ocessasIwal
keddownst
air
sfi
ndi
ngMam'
Mar
thamaki
ng
br
eakf
ast

Me:
"Goodmor
ningMam'
Mar
tha"

Mam'
Mar
tha:
"Mor
ningmydaught
er,
youcansi
tdownI
'
veal
readymadebr
eakf
ast
"

IsatDownwi
thBl
essi
ngsont
het
abl
e

Me:
"Youshoul
dn'
thaveMa"

Ma'
Mar
tha:
"I
t'
sOhkmydaught
erIwasbor
edanyway"

Me:
"Ohk"

Heheldmesoti
ghtasIsni
ff
edhi
sni
cesmel
l
.I'
vemi
sshi
m domuch.Wepul
ledoutasI
l
ookeduptohi
m

Me:
"Imi
ssyousomuchRomeo"

Isai
dthatsmi
li
ngandhesmi
ledback

Romeo:
"Ihavemi
ssedyout
oo"

Hepeckedmyl
ipsashewal
kedovert
oBl
essi
ngsandhepi
ckedhi
m up

Romeo:
"Imi
sst
hisl
it
tl
eguyt
oo"

Me:
"YeahIbetyoudi
d"

Hesmi
ledshowi
ngof
fhi
sPer
fectt
eet
hs

Me:
"RomeoIl
oveyou"

Icoul
dn'
thol
ditt
ome,
Iwant
edt
osayi
t

Romeo:
"Ar
eyousur
e?Doyour
eal
lyl
oveme"

Me:
"YesRomeo"

Romeo:
"Canyoubemi
ne"

Il
ookedatherasIFl
ashedasmi
le

Me:
"Yes,
I
'l
lbeyour
s"
°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NKAZI
MULO

It
'sbeenTWOMONTHSst ayi
ngatthepal
acebutwear
esogladt
hatMpiloi
ssl
owl
yget
ti
ng
bett
er.Yeahatf
ir
sti
swastoohar
dbutwehadt odoacer
emonyforher
.

Isi
ghedasIl
ookedovert
othesl
eepi
ngMpi
lo.Shewassocut
e

Iki
ssedherf
orheadassheopenedhereyes

Me:
"Mor
ningbaby"

Mpi
lo:
"Youar
esoannoyi
ngNkazi
mul
oaayMor
ning"

Ismi
ledasIpeckedhi
sli
ps

Me:
"Wakeupl
et'
sgodownst
air
s"

Mpi
lo:
"OhGoI
'
llbet
her
e"

Me:
"Nowakeup,
wehavet
ogoandeat
"

Mpi
lo:
"Fi
ne"

Shesai
dthatasshegotoutoft
hecover
sheadi
ngt
othebat
hroom If
oll
owedbehi
nd

Af
terwedi
dourHygi
enePr
ocess,
wewal
keddownst
air
shandi
nhand

Me:
"GoodMor
ning"

Theygr
eet
edbackasweset
tl
edar
oundt
het
abl
e

Mkhul
u:"
AreyouOhkMakot
i?"

Mpi
losl
owl
ynodded

Mpi
lo:
"YeboMkhul
uim Fi
neThanks"

Mkhul
u:"
Ohk"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NANDI
PHA

Ilookedatmybedsideasasmil
edappearedonmyface.Ipeckedhi
sli
psasIwal
kedovert
o
thebathroom.Aft
erdoi
ngmyhygi
eneprocessIwal
keddownstair
sfi
ndi
ngMam'Mart
ha
feedingBlessi
ngs

Me:
"GoodMor
ningMa"
Mam'
Mar
tha:
"Mor
ningMydaught
erhowar
eyou?
"

Isi
ghedbef
oresi
tt
ingdown

Me:
"I
'mf
ineMa,
not
hingmuch"

Mam'
Mar
tha:
"Ohyoursoni
str
oubl
e,Yooh"

Igi
ggl
edasIt
ookhi
mfr
om her

Me:
"He'
str
oubl
eindeed"

Mam'
Mar
tha:
"Letmecl
eanupher
e"

Me:
"Don'
twor
rymaI
'
llcl
ean"

Mam'
Mar
tha:
"I
t'
sohkdear
,I
'l
ldoi
t"

Me:
"OhOhkMa"

Rose:
"Howi
sisgoi
ng?
"

AskedRosewal
kingovert
ome

Me:
"Wi
thWhat
?"

Rose:
"YourRel
ati
onshi
pHawNandi
"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngupt
oher

Me:
"Gr
eat
"

Rose:
"That
'sal
l?
"

Me:
"AayWet
hu,
Don'
taskmeaboutI
Rel
ati
onshi
pyam t
ellmeaboutyourweddi
ng"

Rose:
"Ever
ythi
ngi
scomi
ngupt
oget
herandIneedyouasmybr
idesmai
d"

Me:
"NoRose"

Rose:
"Pl
easeNandiPl
ease"

Me:
"NoI
'
m not
"

Rose:
"It
houghtyouwer
emyf
ri
end"

Isi
ghedasIl
ookather
Me:
"Fi
ne,
I
'l
lbeyourbr
idesmai
d"

Rose:
"ThankYout
hankyouThankyou"

Shesai
dthathuggi
ngme

*
***
***
***
***
*

Me:
"Baby.
..
Iloveyousomuchyouknow"

Isai
dthatpl
aci
ngmyf
eetonhi
slapashest
art
edmassagi
ngme

Romeo:
"Iknowmyl
ove,
andIl
oveyout
hemost
"

Igi
ggl
edashi
ssof
thandst
ravel
edundermyf
eet

Me:
"I
'm soPr
oudt
ocal
lyoumi
neBaby"

Romeo:
"Babyst
opi
t"

Me:
"What
!?"

Romeo:
"Youar
etal
kingl
ikeYouar
edyi
ngorsomet
hing"

Ichuckl
ed

Me:
"I
sitwr
ongt
oremi
ndyouaboutmyl
ovef
oryou?
"

Romeo:
"Nobutyou'
resayi
ngi
tinanot
hert
onel
ikeyouar
eleavi
ngme"

Igi
ggl
ed

Me:
"IWoul
dn'
ttr
ytol
eaveyou"

Romeo:
"I
-"

Adoorshutopenedasal
adyIt
hinki
nherear
ly40swal
kedi
nfi
ndi
nguscuddl
ing.Romeo
l
ookedup

Romeo:
"Mawhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e"

Shewal
kedovert
ousasshest
oppedahal
fway

Romeo'
sMom:
"R.
..
Romeowhoi
sthi
s..
?"

Romeosmi
ledashel
ookedupt
ohi
sMom

Romeo:
"Thi
sist
hel
oveofmyl
if
e,Myf
utur
ewi
feNandi
pha"

Romeo'
sMom:
"What
!?"
Shesai
dthatasshepl
acedherhandonherchest

Romeo:
"YesMom what
'swr
ong?
"

Heaskedpani
cki
ngashewal
kedovert
ohi
sMot
her

Romeo'
sMom:
"Tel
lmeyouar
eJoki
ng"

Romeo:
"Mom what
'swr
ong?
"

Romeo'
sMot
herSni
ff
edasshef
ixedhereyesonme

Romeo:
"Mom"

Romeo'
sMom:
"OHROMEOSHE'
SYOURSI
STER.
.!
!!
!!
"

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e
Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

BONUS

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

<PLEASEREADCLEARLY>

NANDI
PHA

Il
ookeduptot
hiswomanasIcoul
dn'
theari
tsocl
ear
lywhenshesai
d'She'
syoursi
ster
'par
t.I
meanwho'swho'
ssi
ster

Romeo:
"Mawhatdoyoumean?
"

Shewal
kedovert
ousasat
earescapedhereye.Shesl
owl
ysatdown

Ma:
"She'
syoursi
sterRomeo"

Romeol
ookedatmet
henhi
smot
her

Romeo:
"Whatdoyoumeanbyt
hat
?ImeanIdon'
thaveasi
sterbesi
desThembel
ihl
e"
Ma:"Thi
ngshappenedbacki
nthepastRomeo,
Somet
hingst
hatyourf
atherdoesn'
tknow
about"

Shesi
ghedbef
orel
ooki
ngupt
ome

Ma:"
MyMot herwasaDomest
icwor
kert
oaRi
chf
ami
ly,
Thi
ngshappenedt
oof
astandif
ound
myselfpr
egnant
"

Me:
"Ma.
..Whatdoyoumeant
hati
m ypurDaught
er?

Iaskedsocur
iousasIl
ookedupt
oher

Ma:
"Imeanexact
lyt
hat
,AuntUsedTosendmeyourpi
ctur
es"

Me:
"Aunt
ie?
"

Ma:
"Yes,
Oumat
hat
swhatweusedt
ocal
lher
..
.Sheal
wayssentyourpi
ctur
es"

At
earescapedf
rom myeyeasIl
ookedupal
it
tl
ethensetmyeyest
oRomeo

Me:
"Whi
chmeansIhavebeensl
eepi
ngwi
thmybr
otheral
lal
ong"

Asobescapedhermout
hbef
orest
andi
ngupt
olookatme

Ma:
"I
..
.I'
m sor
rymybaby"

Me:
"Youl
eftmehuh?Isuf
fer
edsobadandyouwer
en'
tther
e!Isl
eptwi
thmybr
other
!"

Ma:
"Ngyacol
isa"

Me:
"IHATEYOU!
!!
"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
′°
°°°
°°°
°

NELI
SIWE

Il
ookedatherasshest
oodupmaki
ngherwayt
othedoor

Me:
"Nandi
pleasedon'
tgo,
PleasemybabyIcan'
tloseyouagai
n"

Shecl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndasTear
sfel
ldownmyeyes

Romeo:
"Mot
herwhy?
"

Heaskedl
ooki
ngsodef
eat
ed

Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"

Romeo:
"Youar
enotsor
ryMa!If
elti
nlovewi
thmysi
ster
!Il
oveher
"
IsobasIl
ookeddown

Me:
"Pl
easef
orgi
vememyson,
Idi
dntevenk-
"

Romeo:
"Phuma"

Il
ookedathi
m bef
oremaki
ngmywayout

Isatont
opoft
hebedasal
lthet
hingst
hathappenedi
nthepastf
loodedt
hroughmymi
nd

[
FLASHBACKS]

Ir
anhomeasIjustgotbackf
rom t
heschoolt
ofet
chmyresul
ts.Iknewt
hatImadei
tbecause
Iwasact
ual
lyasmartlear
ner
.Igothomefi
ndi
ngmymotherknit
ti
ngasalways

Me:
"Mama!MamaIMadei
t!
"

Isai
djumpi
ngupanddownl
ooki
ngsoexci
ted

Ma:
"OhMnt
wanam Iknewi
tthatyouwi
l
lpassandImadeyourf
avor
it
edi
sh"

Ismi
ledasIwal
kedovert
otheki
tchen

Me:
"ThankyousomuchMama"

Ma:
"I
t'
sOhkmybaby,
Iwantyout
obehappyyour
eal
lywor
kedhar
d"

It
ookoutaplateasIdi
shedupmyMeal.Iknewt
hatMom wentt
hroughalotj
usttocookthi
s
mealbecausewewouldonl
yeatt
hisatt
heendofthemont
hduetoourfi
nancialpr
oblems

Me:
"YeboIwor
kedsohar
dMa,
Ial
wayswant
edt
obecomeaBusi
nesswomanandhaveal
otof
money"

Mamal
aughedal
it
tl
ebef
oret
urni
ngupt
olookatme

Ma:
"Wor
kmor
ehar
dert
hanbef
oreMnt
wanam andmakemepr
oud"

Latert
hatdayIgotal
ett
erfrom Uni
ver
sit
ysayi
ngthatihavebeenaccept
edatUP.Iwasso
happy,
Studyi
ngatUni
versi
tywasalwaysmydream .

Icoul
dn'
twai
ttot
ellmyboyf
ri
end,
Sakhi
leIcal
ledhi
mimmedi
atel
yforust
omeet

Me:
"Sakhi
leI
'
vebeenaccept
edatUP,
I
'm soexci
tedbabyIcan'
twai
t"

Hel
ookedupt
omewi
thnot
hingbutl
ove

Sakhi
le:
"MyLove,
iwantyout
opr
omi
semesomet
hing"
Il
ookedathi
m asaf
rownf
ormedonmyf
ace

Me:
"Whati
sitmyl
ove"

Sakhi
le:
"Pr
omi
semet
hatyouwi
llnotchangebaby,
promi
seme"

Ismi
ledbef
orepl
ant
ingaki
ssonhi
sli
ps

Me:
"IPr
omi
se"

*
***
***
***
***
**

Weekswentbyandthi
ngschangedalot
,Iwasgai
ningwei
ghtandhadwei
rdcr
avi
ngs.Igot
usedt
othatunt
ilMom goi
nsidemyroom

Ma:
"WeNel
isi
weseuyaJol
a"

Il
ookeddownshooki
ngmyhead'
NO'

M:
"Don'
ttel
lMet
hat
,Iknowt
hatyouar
ePr
egnant
"

Il
ookedathersoshocked

Me:
"I
'm notPr
egnantMama"

Shesi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngasi
tnextt
ome

Ma:
"I
'm amot
herNel
lyandIknowapr
egnantl
adywhenIseeonesowho'
syourboyf
ri
end?
"

Il
ookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands

Ma:
"Nel
lyI
'
mtaki
ngt
oyou"

Me:
"I
t'
sSakhi
lema"

Ma:
"Doyour
eal
izeWhatyouhavedoneNel
ly?Youcan'
tgot
oUni
ver
sit
y"

At
earescapedmyeye,
Ihavedi
sappoi
ntedher

Me:
"I
'm sor
ryMa"

Aft
ertell
ingSakhi
leaboutmyPregnant
,hewassosuppor
ti
veandverylovi
ng.Sadl
yhehadt
o
movet oPret
oriat
oStudywhil
eIwascar i
nghi
sseedandfinal
lyaf
tert
hefullNi
neMont
hsI
gavebirt
htoahandsomebabyboy

AndINamedhi
m..
..Romeo

*
***
***
***
***
***
*
ThingsweregoodbetweenSakhi
leandIal
lwit
hourbabyboy.Ourl
ovewassost
rongEven
thoughthewasfarf
rom theVi
ll
agebutwealwayscal
leachot
her.

Twoyearspastandatt
hebeginningoft
het
hir
dyear
..
.Ihadt
osaveupmoneysot
hatIcango
andf
ini
shmyst udi
esthenextyear.

Iwokeupsoearl
yasItookabat
handf i
xedRomeo'
sbat
h.Ihadt
ogoandwor
kwher
eMot
her
wasworki
ngbecauseshewassi
ckthatDay

Me:
"Mamaar
eyousur
ethatyouwi
llbef
inenoRomeo?

Iaskedsoconcer
ned

Ma:
"I
'l
lbef
ineMydaught
erhe'
snotmuchofat
roubl
e"

Me:
"Ohk"

Iki
ssedRomeo'
scheek

Me:
"Mamal
ovesyouboy"

Romeo:
"Il
ovesyout
ooMama"

Ican'
tbel
ievethatIhaver
aisedsuchagent
leman.He'
sThr
eeyear
sbuthe'
ssosmar
tjustl
ike
meandhisf at
her.

Icl
eanedsowel
lasIsawahumanf
igur
ebehi
ndme.AsIt
urnedonl
ytof
indaguyar
oundhi
s
l
ate20swhil
eI'
mjust20.

Theguywal
kedovermeashesmashedhiscoldli
psonmi neandhishandheldmywai st
.I
tr
iedt
opushhi
m buti
twast oohar
d.HepushedMeont hebedwithoutsayi
nganyt
hingandhe
unbul
khi
sbelt
.ATearescapedmyeyeasIlookedst
rai
ghttohiseye.

Hequickl
yinsert
edhi
sharddi
rki
nsi
demeasasobescapedf
rom mymout
h.Icoul
dn'
teven
bel
ievei
tthathe'
sdoi
ngthi
stome.

Icouldn'
tevenpushhi
m away.Aft
erhesati
sfi
edhimsel
fhegotoffmeashewalkedaway.I
didn'
tevenknowtheguybutIknewthathewasfrom t
hefami
lythatMymotherwasworki
ng
atasaBl oodyDomest
icWorker
.

IwasRapedbyanUnknownDubeMan

FewMout
hspassedwi
thoutt
alki
ngaboutthi
stoanyone.Icoul
dn'tevenf
acemymom.Let
al
onet
akecar
eofmyson.Thingsgothar
dasIendedupdepr essed
Igothel
pafterFewWeeksasIgotbackf
rom mynor
malsel
f.Mont
hspassedasoneni
ghtI
fel
tasharppainonmyback

Mom di
dntsayanyt
hingHencesheaskedanei
ghbort
odr
ivemet
othenear
esthospi
tal

Iwassoshockedwhent
heyt
oldmet
hatI
'
m gi
vingbi
rt
h

Af
terspendi
ngNi
neHour
sinaLaborr
oom,
Igavebi
rt
htoababygi
rlandNamedherNandi
pha

Twodayspassedaswewerebothdischar
ged.Whenwearr
ivedhome, It
extedSakhi
let
hatI
'
m
comi
ngtoPretor
iaandhehadnoproblem wi
tht
hissoIt
ookeveryt
hingthatbel
ongedtome
andRomeoandr anawayf
rom t
heVill
age

Li
fewi
thSakhi
lewassogoodt
hatheendeduppr
oposi
ngaf
terhi
sGr
aduat
ing.

Wegotmar
ri
edandhadanot
herbabyandnamedherThembel
ihl
e

Ihadal
waysr
ecei
vedPi
ctur
esofNandi
from Oumasi
nceshe'
stheonl
yonewhoknewabout
me

Ihaven'
tevent
rytotellSakhi
leaboutNandi
.Idi
dn'
twantt
omessupourMar
ri
ed,
Iwasso
afr
aidtol
oosehim becauseIonlyhadHim.

[
FLASHBACKEND]

Isi
ghedasIwipedmytearsaway,
Iknowshe'
smydaught
erIf
elti
tbutwhatwi
llIsayabout
Herfat
hersi
nceIdon'
tEvenknowhim

[
SomeExpl
aint
houghtt
heyar
enotdet
ail
ed,
myphonei
saboutt
odi
esoon]

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
14]

-
Shor
t

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Iranasf
astasIcanunti
lIsawt
hehousesf
arawayfr
om me.Isatdownast
ear
sescaped
fr
om myeyes.If
oldedmyarmsasasobescapedt
oo.

'
Don'
tcr
y'

Ilookeduptr
yingtof
indt
hisvoi
cebutIcoul
dn'
tseeanyt
hing.It
ri
edwi
pingmyt
ear
sbutt
hey
keptonescaping.

'
Ungakhal
i'

Il
ookeduponl
ytof
indabeaut
if
ull
adynextt
ome

Her
:"
Don'
tcr
yPl
easedon'
tcr
y"

Il
ookedatherasaf
rownf
ormedonmyf
ace

Me:
"Youdon'
tknowwhatI
'
m goi
ngt
hrough,
youdon'
t!
"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngdownt
ryi
ngt
owi
pemyt
ear
s

Her
:"
I'
vebeent
hroughwor
se,
thi
sisnot
hing"

Me:
"Whatdoyoumeani
t'
snot
hing,
whoar
eyou?
"

Her
:"
Don'
twor
ryaboutwhoIam,
Iwantt
otel
lyouast
ory"

Shewal
kedovermeasshesatdownbr
ingi
ngmyheadonherl
ap

Me:
"Whati
sthatst
ory?
"
Isi
ghedcl
osi
ngmyeyes

Her:
"Thewasthi
sladynamedAdvocat e,
shel
ivedwi
thhermot
herandSist
er.
..Hermother
nevercar
edaboutthem unt
ilonedayshesol
dAdvocat
etoacert
ainKi
ngdom tomarrya
pri
nce"

Iopenedmyeyes

Me:
"Wowt
hat
'ssohect
ic"

Her
:"
Somuchhect
ic,Thi
ngshappened.
..Badt
hingsbutshewassost
rongyetnai
vebutshe
l
eantsomuchf
rom hermist
akes"

Me:
"Ibetshedi
d"

Her
:"
Yesshedi
d,shel
eantt
hatshehadagi
ft
,Aspi
ri
tualGi
ft
"

Me:
"Wow,
Iwi
shIhadagi
ftmaybemyl
if
ewoul
dn'
tbel
iket
his"

Her
:"
Ever
ythi
nghappensf
roar
eason"

Me:
"YeahIguess"

Her
:"
AsIwassaying.
..Shef
elti
nlovewi
thsomeguyandt
heygotmar
ri
edbutt
heywer
en'
t
meantt
obetoget
hersoheshowedherfl
amesandtheydi
vor
ced"

Me:
"That
'ssosad"

Her
:"
Itwasn'
tsadbecausei
thappenedf
orar
easonei
ther
"

Isi
ghedasIcl
osedmyeyest
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
h

Me:
"Iguessi
tsnothey"

Her:
"Yeah,
shemovedtoUnitedKi
ngdom wi
thherchi
ldrenandst
art
edanewl i
febutIhi
thar
d
whenshesleptwi
thhersoul
mates'
sbrot
herbutt
hatdidn'
tstopt
hem t
ofal
linl
ove"

Igotupf
rom herl
apl
ooki
ngather

Me:
"Thenshel
ivedhappi
lyeveraf
ter
,t
hatsoundsl
ikeaf
air
ytal
eorsomet
hingl
ikeast
ory"

Shechuckl
edl
ooki
ngatme

Her
:"
Youcanwr
it
eaSt
oryaboutHer
"

Ismi
ledl
ooki
ngaway

Me:
"Yeah,
minet
oo"
Her:
"Youhavet
ogobackhomeNandi
pha,homet
oyourgr
andmashe'
swor
ri
edi
tsbeenayear
andsomef ewmont
hsst
opbei
ngself
ish"

Me:
"I
'm scar
ed"

Shesmi
ledatmeasIt
urnedt
olookather

Her
:"
Iknowbuti
tist
hebestyoucoul
ddoNandi
"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"I
'l
lthi
nkabouti
t"

Her
:"
I'
m gl
adnowgobackThel
it
tl
ePr
inceneedyou"

Il
aughasIst
oodupandshedi
dthesame

Her:
"Nowgo,andeveryt
hingt
hati
scomi
ngonyourwayi
smeantt
obebutatt
heend.
..Youwi
ll
f
indyourhappyplace"

Ismi
ledather

Me:
"ThankyouSi
si"

It
urnedasiwal
kedaway

Rome:
"Nandi
,
I'
m sor
ryaboutever
ythi
ngt
hathast
akenpl
ace"

Il
ookedupt
ohi
m asIswal
lowedhar
d

Me:
"Iguesswewer
ereal
lynotmeantt
obel
over
sRomeo,
Ireal
lydon'
tknowhowt
oreactt
o
t
hesit
uation"

Helookedatmeast
ear
sfor
medonhi
seyes,
event
houghhet
ri
edt
ofi
ghtt
hem butyoucant
ell
t
hathe'ssohur
t

Romeo:
"ButIl
oveyouNandi
"

Il
ookedathi
m asat
earescapedf
rom myeye

Me:
"IknowRomeobutwecannotchanget
hef
actt
hatwear
esi
bli
ngs"

Hej
ustsmashedhiscoldli
psonmine,
Itr
iedt
opushhim awaybuthehel
dmet
ightasIended
upr
espondi
ngtothekiss.Aft
erawhi
lewepull
edoutasItr
iedt
ocooldown

Me:
"Wehavet
oaccepteachot
herassi
bli
ngsRomeo"
Hel
ookedatmeashewal
kedovert
omybedashesatdownwi
thhi
sheadbur
iedi
nhi
shands

Romeo:
"I
t'
shar
dNandi
..
.Har
dert
hanyout
hink"

Isi
ghedasIwal
kedovert
ohi
m

Me:
"IknowRomeobutcanwepl
easel
eti
tgo,
l
eti
tal
lgo"

Hel
ookedatmeasat
earescapedf
rom hi
seye

Romeo:
"Iwi
llt
ry,
thoughi
twon'
tbeeasy"

Me:
"Ngi
yazikodwaKuzol
unga"

*
***
***
***
***
***

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Whatdoyoumeanbyt
hatNandi
"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngather

Me:
"I
'm sogr
eat
fulf
orever
ythi
ngt
hatyouhavedonesof
arbutIt
hinki
t'
sbesti
fIgohome"

Shel
ookedatmeoncemor
e

MrsMolapo:
"Iunder
standyouNandi
,
you'
vebeent
hroughal
otandIhopeyouwi
llgobackt
o
school
"

Me:
"Ihopeso,
ial
sowantt
omakeKokopr
oudMr
sMol
apo"

Shesmi
ledal
it
tl
e

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Shewi
llbesopr
oud"

Ir
eleasedaheavi
lysi
gh

Me:
"ThoughI
'
m ner
vous,
Idon'
tknowwhatt
oexpectwhenIgett
her
e"

Shesi
ghedasshepl
acedherhandonmyshoul
der

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Justbeyour
sel
f,
Ithi
nkyourGr
andmal
ovesyouenoughshewi
llf
orgi
veyou"

Me:
"Ihopeshewi
ll
"

Mr
sMol
apo:
"Shewi
lldef
ini
tel
yfor
giveyou"

Rose:
"OhMyf
ri
endIcan'
tbel
ievet
hatyouar
eleavi
ng"

Shesai
dthatasshepul
ledoutoft
hehug
Me:
"I
t'
sthebestIcando,
Imustadmi
tthatIneedmyf
ami
ly"

Shesi
ghedl
ooki
ngt
hatme

Rose:
"Whataboutmyweddi
ngNandi
"

Shef
rowned

Rose:
"Anddon'
ttel
lmet
hatyouwon'
tbeavai
labl
eNandi
"

Igi
ggl
edasIl
ookather

Me:
"Don'
twor
ryIcant
aket
hef
ir
stbusf
rom t
hevi
ll
agej
ustf
oryourweddi
ng"

Rose:
"Thatmeansyouar
ecomi
ngr
ight
?"

Shesai
dthatsoexci
ted

Me:
"OfcouseI
'
m comi
ngIwoul
dn'
tmi
ssi
tfort
hewor
ld"

Rose:
"Gr
eat
!"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NKAZI
MULO

Wearei
nJohannesbur
gbecauseMpil
owasget
ti
ngbetterbutTheChiefPr
iestsai
dthatImust
f
indt
heLit
tl
ePri
nceandthatr
eall
yconf
usemebecauseIdon'tknowanyPrince

Mpi
lo:
"MyeniWam comeandeat
"

Iwal
kedovert
oherasIsmi
led

Me:
"Whatwoul
dIdowi
thoutyouMar
a"

Shesmi
ledatme

Mpi
lo:
"Not
hingatal
l"

Shesai
dthathandi
ngmemyf
ood

Me:
"Thankyousomuch"

Shesmi
ledagai
nassheki
ssedmycheek

Mpi
lo:
"Il
oveyou"

Il
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo,
Uhmm Di
dyoudr
inkyourmedi
cat
ion?
"
Sheshi
ft
edherat
tent
iont
othepot
s

Mpi
lo:
"I
'm notcr
azyNkazi
mul
o"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngather

Me:
"Mywi
fe.
..Idi
dn'
tsayt
hatyouar
ecr
azy,
ij
ustwantyout
ogetwel
l"

Shesi
ghedasshewal
kedovert
ome

Mpil
o:"
I'
m sorr
yMyeniWam i
t'
sjustt
hatI
'
m scar
edwhati
fIgocr
azyagai
nandyouf
ind
your
selfanot
herwoman"

Il
ookedatherasasmi
ledappear
edonmyf
ace.

Me:
"Youwon'
tgocr
azyMyLove,
andIwon'
tfi
ndanyonebecauset
heyai
n'tuni
queasyouar
e"

Shesmi
ledatme

Mpi
lo:
"Il
oveyousomuch"

Ipeckedherl
ips

Me:
"Il
oveyouwaymor
e"

Snegugu:
"DaddyNhowar
eyou?
"

Ismi
ledather

Me:
"I
'm goodDaddy'
sli
tt
legi
rlandhowar
eyou"

Shegi
ggl
ed

Snegugu:
"I
'm goodt
oo,
It'
sbeensol
ongImi
ssedyou"

Me:
"Imi
ssedyout
ooSweet
hear
t"

Shesi
ghed

Snegugu:
"Ir
eal
lymi
ssNandi
DaddyN,
i
t'
sbeenayearandFourMout
hswi
thoutherandi
t
sucks"

Me:
"I
'm sur
eshe'
sgoodwher
eevershei
s"

Snegugu:
"YeahIhopeshe'
sgood"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
NANDI
PHA

Romeo:
"I
'm goi
ngt
omi
ssyousomuch"

Ismi
ledasIl
ookedupt
ohi
m

Me:
"I
'm goi
ngt
omi
ssyout
oo,
you'
vebeensuchabl
essi
ng"

HehandedmeBl
essi
ngst
aki
ngal
lmysui
tcases

Romeo:
"I
'm gl
adIwasabl
etohel
p..
.Sowhenar
eyougoi
ngt
otal
ktoMot
her
?"

Il
ookedawayavoi
dinghi
squest
ion

Me:
"Let
'sgo"

Hest
oppedashet
urnedt
ome

Romeo:
"Youhavet
otal
ktoher
,l
ikei
tornot
"

Me:
"Whatam Igoi
ngt
osayt
oherIhonest
lydon'
twantanyt
hingt
odowi
thher
"

Romeo:
"Iunder
standyou,
l
et'
sgobecausei
twi
llgetdar
kout
side"

Me:
"Cool
"

Il
ookedatt
hehousesf
arf
rom measwewer
eappr
oachi
ngt
hevi
ll
age

Il
ookedatt
hebusst
ati
onast
hebusst
opped.Wegotoutast
hebusdr
ivedof
f.

Isi
ghedasIhel
dBl
essi
ngski
ssi
nghi
sfor
ehead

Me:
"Iguesst
hisi
sitBaby"

Isai
dthatt
aki
ngmysui
tcaseaf
terput
ti
nghi
m att
heback

.
.

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
sit
hembu:
TheSecondWi
fe

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
15]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

-
Shor
t

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Iknockedl
ookingsonervousbef
orethedoorswingedopenedasIsetmyeyesonher
..
.Gogo.
She'
sbeenthroughalotIcantel
landIwasnotthereforher
.

Ifel
tawarml i
quidonmycheekandIknewt hatI
'm cryi
ng.YesI'
m cr
ying!
I'
m cr
yingbecause
I'
mt her
easonmyGr andmahasbeenl
iket
his!I
'm cryi
ngbecauseimissher!I
'm cr
ying
becauseIhaveleftmyonlyf
amil
y

Gr
andma:
"Nandii
sthi
syou?
"

Sheaskedasat
earescapedf
rom hereye

Me:
"Yes.
..YesGogoi
t'
sme"

Gr
andma:
"OhMt
anam comei
n"

Shesai
dthatasshemadeawayf
orme

Igoti
nasIl
ookedar
ound,
Thehousedi
dn'
tchangeabi
t.IguessI
'
m amazedbyi
t

Gr
andma:
"Nandiwher
ehaveyoubeen,
whoi
sthatchi
ldonyourback?
"

Sheaskedset
tl
ingdownt
hechai
r

It
ookBl
essi
ngsasIhel
dhi
m bymyar
ms

Me:
"I
t'
smybabyGogo"

Hermout
hfor
medt
hat'
O'asshel
ookedatmewi
thnot
hingbutshock

Gr
andma:
"Nandiunomt
wana?
"

Il
ookeddownasat
earescapedmyeye

Me:
"Thi
ngshappenedGogof
ort
hepastf
ewMont
hs,
myl
if
ehasbeensohect
ic"

Gr
andma:
"Whati
sit
?Whathappened?
"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngupt
oher
Me:
"Isl
eptwi
thamar
ri
edmanGogo"

Gr
andma:
"WHAT!
?"

Il
ookerather

Me:
"Il
ovedhi
m HeckIst
il
ldoGogoandwhenisl
eptwi
thhi
m..
.Idi
dn'
tknowt
hathe'
smar
ri
ed"

Gr
andma:
"Ohbawo.
..Sowhathappenedt
oyouNandi
?Whydi
dn'
tyoucomehome?
"

Il
ookeddownagai
n

Me:
"Iwassoscar
edGogo,
Iwasr
eal
lyscar
edandI
'
m sor
ry"

Gr
andma:
"I
'mj
ustgl
adt
hatyouar
ehomeandMt
anam youhavet
ogobackt
oschool
"

Me:
"Whoi
sgoi
ngt
ost
aywi
thBl
essi
ngsandhowam Igoi
ngt
osuppor
thi
m Gogo?
'

Gr
andma:
"I
'm her
eNandi
,
I'
llst
aywi
thmygr
andchi
ldandyouwi
llgobackt
oschool
"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngather

Me:
"OhkGogo,
I
'l
lmakeyouPr
oudIknowt
hatngi
siphul
il
eisi
thembi
soSam butI
'
m goi
ngt
o
makeyoupr
oud"

Gr
andma:
"Iwi
llhol
dont
othatNganeyam.
..Ugci
nei
sit
hembi
sosakho"

Iwalkedovert
othekit
chenafterput
t i
ngBlessingst
osleep.He'
sbeenatroubl
elat
elyandhe'
s
growingupsogoodIcan'tbel
ievehellbeturni
nga1yeari nThreeMout
hs.Igoti
nthekit
chen
asIsawt wopeopl
ethereunti
lIreal
izedthatit
'sRomeo'smotherandamanIguessi t
sHis
Father

Me:
"Uhmm GoodAf
ter
noon"

Theygr
eet
edbackasIt
ookasi
tnextt
oGogo

Gr
andma:
"Doyouknowwhot
heyar
eNandi
?"

Il
ookedatt
hem sosl
owl
y

Me:
"Ionl
yknowt
hiswomanr
ighther
e,t
hat
sal
l"

Gr
andma:
"OhUhmm She'
syourmot
her
"

Il
ookedupt
oGr
andma

Me:
"Idon'
thaveamot
hermnaGogo,
thi
swomandoesn'
tknowmeandIdon'
tknowherei
ther
"
Gr
andma:
"Nandishowsomer
espect
"

Me:
"I
'm sor
ryGr
andma"

Grandma:"I
t'
sfi
ne,
I'
m goi
ngt
ocheckuponBl
essi
ngspl
easet
alkt
othem butwhat
everyoudo
Nandi.
..Xol
a"

Shesai
dthatwal
kingaway

Mr
sSant
os:
"Uhmm Mydaught
erI
'
m sor
ryt
hatIl
eftyouw-
"

Me:
"Youdi
dn'
tleaveme!Ungi
lahl
il
e!"

Shesi
ghedasshel
ookedatme

Mr
sSant
os:
"IknowwhatIdi
dwaswr
ongbutIwassonai
vebackt
henandI
'
m sor
ry"

Il
ookedatherasat
earescapedf
rom myeye

Me:
"Sor
rywon'
tbr
ingbackal
ltheyear
sIspentwi
thoutyou"

MrSant
os:
"IknowwhatMywi
fedi
dwasuncal
ledf
orbutcanyoupl
easef
orgi
veher
"

It
urnedasIl
ookedathi
m

Me:
"I
t'
snotsoeasyasyout
hinkBaba,
i
t'
snot
"

Mr
sSant
os:
"Pl
easemyChi
ld"

Shesai
dthatkneel
ingdownnextt
ome.
..
.Il
ookedupasIt
ri
edt
obl
ockmyt
ear
s

Me:
"Ineedt
ime"

Mr
sSant
os:
"Iunder
stand,
ButIhopeyouwi
llf
indi
tinyourhear
ttof
orgi
veme"

Shesai
dthatasshest
oodup.Gr
andmawal
kedovert
ous

Mr
sSant
os:
"Mawear
eleavi
ng"

Gr
andma:
"SoSoon"

Mr
sSant
os:
"Iwi
llcomebyMa"

Gr
andma:
"Ohk"

*
***
***
***
***
***
***

Gr
andma:
"Ihopeyouwi
llf
orgi
veher
"
Isi
ghed

Me:
"Iwi
llt
ryGogo"

Gr
andma:
"I
'l
lgi
veyouMoneyt
oappl
y,
Ihopet
heyacceptyou"

Ismi
ledl
ooki
ngather

Me:
"ThankyouGogo,
Ireal
l
yappr
eci
ateyou"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NKANYEZI

Me:
"Babyar
eyouOhk?
"

Iaskedasshequi
ckl
ygotupfrom t
hebedr
unni
ngtothebat
hroom t
ovomi
tasal
ways.She
hasbeenatitf
ort
hepastThr
eeWeeksanditr
eal
lysucks

Me:
"Babyar
eyouf
ine?
"

IaskedasIwal
kedovert
othebat
hroom

Mpi
lo:
"Don'
twor
ryaboutmeI
'
llbef
ine"

Shesi
ghedasshegotupfr
om thef
loor.She'
sget
ti
ngmuchbet
teronhercr
azysi
deandI
mustsayi
t'
sgood.I
t'
sbeenFourMonthsshecamebackfr
om t
hatlonel
ybi
n

Me:
"Don'
tsayt
hatMpi
lo,
I
'm wor
ri
edaboutyou"

Isai
dthatf
oll
owi
ngherasshemadeherwayt
othebedr
oom

Mpi
lo:
"Getr
eadyyouwi
llbel
atef
orwor
k"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"I
fyoudon'
tgetbet
terI
'
mtaki
ngyout
oadoct
or"

Mpi
lo:
"Yeahwhat
ever
"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NANDI
PHA

Il
ookedatmysleepi
ngbabybefor
egett
ingoutoft
hebed.I
t'
sbeenful
lThr
eeMonthsi
nthi
s
vi
ll
ageandit
'squi
tegreatt
obeathome.Int
hreedaysMybabyist
urni
ngOneYearwit
hhis
cr
awli
ngself
.

It
ookabat
haf
tert
hatIwal
kedovert
otheki
tchent
omakesomet
hingt
oeat
.
Gr
andma:
"Nandiar
eyouOhk?
"

Sheaskedmaki
ngherwayi
n

Me:
"I
'm goodGr
andma,
l
etmeCheckmyemai
lsBef
orebakaVodacom benzeabadumengazo"

Gr
andmachuckl
ed

Gr
andma:
"Theyai
n'tt
hatbad"

Me:
"Youar
eri
ghtt
heyar
ewor
st,
Vodacom i
sbor
ingnow"

Gr
andma:
"OhkNandi
,
goandcheckyourt
hings"

Iwal
kedovert
othel
oungeasIt
ookmyphonechecki
ngupmyemai
ls

UCTIwasnotacceptJesus!

UJAccept
ed

Tr
ulyspeaki
ngIwant
ednot
ingt
odowi
thJohannesbur
gbutt
her
ewasnot
hingicandoabout
al
lthi
s

Me:
"GogoI
'
vebeenaccept
edatUJ"

Shesi
ghedl
ooki
ngatme

Gr
andma:
"Don'
tdi
sappoi
ntmeNandi
,
Iwantyout
oSt
udyt
hinkaboutBl
essi
ngs"

Il
ookedather
.

Me:
"YeboGogoI
'
llmakeyoupr
oudandIwon'
tdi
sappoi
ntyou"

Iguesst
hisi
sit
!I'
l
lbegoi
ngbackt
oJohannesbur
gsoon

.
.

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
16]

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Iwaswokenupbyt hesunrefl
ect
ingt
hroughthewindowmaki ngmet otur
ntotheot
hersi
de.I
knowthatImustgetreadyf
orschool
butI'
mt i
red.Moreespecial
lyt
hatImissmyson.I
t'
s
beenf
ewweekssi nceI'
vemovedtoJohannesburgbutIreal
lymisshim

Isi
ghedbeforeget
ti
ngoutofthecoversandwalkedovert
othebathr
oom.Af terdoi
ngmy
hygi
eneprocessIwalkeddownstai
rsasIcameacrosswit
hMyf l
atmate.Yes!I'
vebeenst
ayi
ng
i
naf l
atsofarwit
hmyf l
atmat
e..
.Anzanishe'
saVenda

Me:
"Goodmor
ningAnzani
"

Isai
dthatwal
kingovert
oherasIt
ookaket
tl
efi
li
ngi
twi
thwat
er

Anzani
:"
Nandi
,Howar
eyou?
"

Ismi
ledasIpl
uggedt
heket
tl
etur
ningi
ton

Me:
"I
'mf
ine,
howaboutyou?
"

Anzani
:"
I'
mfi
ne,
butwehaveapr
obl
em"

Il
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"Whati
sit
?"

Anzani
:"
Thel
andl
ordwant
shermoney,
youknowhowshei
s"

Me:
"OhGod,
andIcan'
taskGr
andmamoneybecausesher
eal
lyneedsi
t"

Anzani
:"
Isuggestt
hatIm-
"

Me:
"Lookf
oraj
ob?Iknow"

Isai
dthatr
oll
ingmyeyes

Me:
"ButI
'
llal
sol
ookf
oraj
ob,
youcan'
twor
kal
one"

Anzani
:"
Isowi
shmyBur
sar
ycover
sever
ythi
ng"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"Iknowr
ight
!butIhopewewi
llgett
hej
ob"

Anzani:
"YeahIknowwewi
ll
"

Me:
"I
'l
lbel
ooki
ngf
oraj
obaf
termycl
assessoyouwon'
tfi
ndmeher
e"
Anzani
:"
Ohk"

Iknockedawhi
leunt
ilabeaut
if
ull
adyopenedt
hedoor
.Shesmi
ledatmebef
oreshesi
ghed
l
ookingatme

Lady:
"Uhmm HowcanIhel
pyou?

Sheasked

Me:
"Wel
lI'
mlooki
ngf
oraj
ob,
andIcant
akeanyt
hingi
t'
sfi
ne"

Lady:
"I
'm sor
rybutIhavenoj
obt
oof
feryou"

Shesai
dthatl
ooki
ngatme

Me:
"Oh"

Isai
dlooki
ngdownsodi
sappoi
nted,
IthoughtIwi
llsur
elyf
indaj
obher
ebutIguessIwas
wrong

Lady:
"ButIcanof
feryouone"

Il
ookedupt
ooqui
ckl
y

Me:
"Icant
akeanyt
hing"

Lady:
"Canwegoi
nsi
depl
ease"

Me:
"OhOhk"

Wegoti
nsi
deasIl
ookedar
ound,
thi
spl
acei
sreal
lybeaut
if
ul

Lady:
"I
'm Kat
legosoyoucancal
lmeKat
lego"

Me:
"OhI
'
m Nandi
pha,
butyoucancal
lmeNandi
"

Lady:
"Nandii
tis.
..Wel
lNandi
youcanbemyhel
peri
t'
snot
hingbi
gthough"
.

Ir
eal
lydon'
tmi
ndasl
ongasIwi
llpayt
her
ent
,butFoodandsentt
her
esthome

Me:
"I
t'
sOhkMa'
am"

Kat
lego:
"Cal
lmeKat
lego,
Onl
yKat
lego"

Me:
"OhOhk"

Isi
ghed
Kat
lego:
"Youwi
llhel
par
ound,
I
'vej
ustmovedher
ewi
thmydaught
er"

Me:
"Youhaveadaught
er?
"

Shedoesn'
tlookli
keshehasadaught
eroranychi
ldatt
hatmat
ter
,lookatt
hatassnot
mindi
ngthefigur
e.

Kat
lego:
"Yesyouwi
lll
oveher
,she'
sjustahumbl
esoul
"

Ismi
led

Me:
"Ohwhat
'shername?
"

Kat
lego:
"NkosazanabutIcal
lherPr
incessbecausei
t'
smor
eeasy"

Me:
"Iunder
standKat
legosowhencanIst
art
?"

Kat
lego:
"Atanyt
ime,
Idon'
tmi
nd"

Me:
"Icanst
artt
omor
row"

Kat
lego:
"I
t'
sfi
net
hen,
don'
tgetl
ost
"

Me:
"Iwon'
t"

Me:
"Gogo"

I
'
vebeental
kingtoherforfewmi nut
esbecauseImi
ssedher
,I
'vebeent
rowi
ngupmost
lysi
nce
t
hisweekst
artedanditdoesn'
tlookgood

Gr
andma:
"Howar
eyouNandi
?"

Me:
"I
'm goodGogo,
howar
eyou?
"

Sher
eleasedaheavysi
gh

Gr
andma:
"I
'm goodNandi
,
I'
mjustwor
ri
edaboutyou"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"I
'm goodGr
andmaDon'
twor
ryabout
"

Gr
andma:
"Ihopeso,
don'
tyouneedsomemoney?
"

Me:
"GogoIf
orgott
otel
lyou,
Ifoundapi
ecej
ob"

Il
ookedatt
heTVwhi
l
elayi
ngdownsocomf
ort
abl
e
Gr
andma:
"Nandi
!!
!Idon'
twantyout
obedi
str
act
edonyourst
udi
esbyt
hat
"

Me:
"I
'mf
ineGogo,
I
'l
lmanagebot
hoft
hem.
..Mybossunder
stands"

Gr
andma:
"Fi
nebutIhopei
t'
snotaman"

Ir
eleasedal
i
ghtl
augh

Me:
"Noi
t'
snot
,eveni
fit
'samanIwoul
dn'
twantanyt
hingper
sonalwi
thhi
m"

Gr
andma:
"Ohk,
l
etmeat
tendyourl
it
tl
etr
oubl
emaker
"

Me:
"OhkGogogoodbye"

Gr
andma:
"Bye"

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

Anzani
:"
Nandiar
eyouOhk?
"

Sheaskedbr
ushi
ngmyback

Me:
"I
'mf
ineAnzani
,
Ihavet
ogetr
eadyf
orwor
kbecauseIdon'
thaveanycl
asses"

Anzani
:"
NandiI
'
m wor
ri
edaboutyou"

Igotupf
rom t
hef
loorwal
kingovert
omyr
oom wi
thherf
oll
owi
ngme

Me:
"Don'
twor
ryaboutmeAnzani
,
I'
mfi
ne"

Anzani
:"
Isuggestyout
ogoAndseeaDoct
or"

Me:
"I
'mf
ine!
"

Anzani
:"
Noyou'
renot
!You'
rej
ustt
ryi
ngt
oconvi
nceyour
sel
fthatyou'
ref
inewhi
leyouar
enot
"

It
ookadeepbr
eat
hasIt
urnedt
olookather

Me:
"Fi
ne,
I
'l
lgot
omor
rownotnow"

Anzani
:"
EyYouar
egoi
ngt
oweaDoct
ort
odayNandi
"

Me:
"Fi
ne!
"

Me:
"Goodmor
ningKat
lego"

Shesmi
led
Kat
lego:
"Mor
ningNandihowar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I
'mf
inet
hanksAndyou?
"

Kat
lego:
"I
'mf
inet
oo,
pleasemakebr
eakf
astI
'
minahur
ryt
otheai
rpor
t"

Me:
"Oh"

Katl
ego:
"Mydaught
eri
scomi
ng,
event
houghshe'
sher
etoseeherf
atherbutshel
lbest
ayi
ng
wit
hme"

I
'
mjustahel
persoIdon'
tknowwhyShe'
stel
li
ngmeaboutt
his

Me:
"OhkI
'
llgett
hebr
eakf
astr
eady"

Kat
lego:
"Ohk"

Theywal
kedi
naf
ewmi
nut
esl
aterwi
that
eenagerar
oundmaybeshe'
s16orso

Kat
lego:
"OhNandi
,
thi
sher
eisNkosazanamydaught
ershe'
s16andPr
incesst
hisi
sour
hel
per"

Pr
incess:
"Mmmh"

Kat
lego:
"Pr
incess!
!!
"

Pr
incess:
"WhatMom?I
t'
snotl
ikeshe'
simpor
tantKeHel
perf
ela"

Kat
lego:
"RespectNkosazanaRespectmaan"

Pr
incess:
"Jesusyouar
etoomuchmar
rnayyy"

Shesai
dthatwal
kingupst
air
s

Kat
lego:
"I
'm sor
ryaboutt
hat
"

Me:
"I
t'
sfi
ne"

Noi
t'
snot
!That
swhatmyheati
ssayi
ng!Thi
sgi
rli
stoomuchAgahmar
n

Me:
"Butyoul
ookyoungf
ort
-"

Kat
lego:
"YeahIknowr
ight
?IhadherwhenIwas18andhi
sfat
herwasni
net
eenbackt
hen"

Me:
"OhOhk"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°
MPI
LO

'
Youar
epr
egnant
'

Thosewor
dskeptonr
ingi
ngi
nmyheadal
loverandoveragai
n

Zi
mul
o:"
Babywhatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?"

Me:
"Not
hing"

Hesi
ghedt
aki
ngmyhandt
ohi
s

Zi
mul
o:"
Iwantyout
orel
axOhk?Idon'
twantyout
oover
str
ess"

Il
ookedupt
ohi
m

Me:
"I
'm scar
edNkazi
mul
owhati
fIl
oset
hisonet
oo"

Zi
mul
o:"
Youwon'
tbabyIwi
llmakesur
eoft
hat
"

Me:
"Youdon'
tunder
standmysi
tuat
ionNkazi
mul
o"

Hesi
ghedl
ooki
ngatme

Zi
mul
o:"
Idobaby.
..Ir
eal
lydosopl
easecal
m down"

Me:
"Ohk"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA

Ilookedatthedoctorasshesmiledatme.Aar
gthisGover
nmentpeopl
earetooslowformy
l
iking.
..I
fitwasthoseDoctor
'skoPri
vat
eHospit
al.
..Iwoul
dhavel
ongbeentoldaboutmy
i
ssue.

Doct
or:
"Congr
atul
ati
onsMi
ss.
..Youar
eFourMont
hsPr
egnant
"

Me:
"ButIshoul
dhaveknown"

Doct
or:
"I
thappenssi
si"

Honest
lyt
hiscan'
tbeI
'
m Pr
egnantnotonl
yPr
egnantbutI
'
m Pr
egnantwi
thMyBr
other
'sbaby

[
NB:Don'tmi
ndt
he'
Age'
yal
abant
ubecauset
hisi
snotr
eal
lyr
eall
ikeRealImadesome
mist
akes]

.
.

Lot
sofl
ove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
17]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Tear
sst r
eameddownmycheeksasImademywayoutoft hehospit
al.HowcanIbesostupi
d!
Iwasenjoyingallhedi
dIevenfor
gottousepr
otect
ion.NowI
'm pr
egnant!Notj
ustpr
egnant
butI
'm pregnantwit
hmyBr ot
her'
sbaby.

Iar
ri
vedatt
hef
latf
indi
ngAnzaniCooki
ng

Anzani
:"
NandiYoudontl
ookgood,
what
'
swr
ong?
"

Sheaskedcl
osi
ngherpot
s

Me:
"MyLi
fei
samessAnzanii
m sot
ir
ed!
!!I
mti
redoft
hisandi
m Tor
edoft
hisl
if
e"

Isai
dthatasSobbsescapedf
rom mymout
hmaki
ngAnzanit
opul
lmei
nforanEmbr
ace.

Anzani
:"
Ever
ythi
ngWi
llbef
ineNandi
"

Ishookmyhead'
NO'

Me:
"Not
hingwi
llbef
ineAnzani
,
myl
i
fei
sal
readyamess"

Anzani
:"
Sshyoumustpr
ayNandi
,
Notever
ythi
ngwi
llbeasgoodasweal
lthi
nk"

Isni
ff
edt
ryi
ngt
owi
pemyt
ear
s

Me:
"Letmegoandsl
eep"

Anzani
:"
Don'
tyouwantt
otal
kabouti
t"

SheaskedasIl
ookedather

Me:
"No,
I
'm notyetr
eady.
..Al
lIwanti
stosl
eep"
Shesi
ghedst
andi
ngup

Anzani
:"
Shoul
dIdi
shupf
oryou"

Ist
oodupt
oo

Me:
"Nodon'
t,
I
'm nothungr
y"

Anzani
:"
Youhavet
oeat
"

Me:
"I
'mf
ineAnzaniIj
ustwantt
oeat
"

Anzani
:"
Ohkt
hengoandsl
eep"

Me:
"Thankyou"

Isni
ff
edonceagai
nwi
thmyphoneonmyear

Gr
andma:
"Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ineNandi
pha"

Me:
"NoGogo,
Ngi
khul
elwe"

Si
lencet
ookpl
aceal
it
tl
ewhi
lebef
oreshet
ookaheavysi
gh

Gr
andma:
"I
tsyourbr
other
'sbabyr
ight
"

Inoddedl
ikeshecanseemeasIcont
inuedCr
ying

Gr
andma:
"St
opCr
yingNt
ombazana"

Me:
"OhGogoi
thur
ts,
i
thur
tssobad"

Gr
andma:
"Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ine,
j
ustcont
inuewi
thschool
"

Me:
"HowGogo!
?How!
?"

Isai
dthatl
ooki
nguppr
event
ingmysobsf
rom get
ti
ngmor
elouder

Gr
andma:
"I
'm her
eforyou,
Romeowi
llbeher
eforyout
oo"

Ishookmyhead

Me:
"Ever
ythi
ngi
samess"

Gr
andma:
"Got
ochur
ch"

Me:
"NoGogoIdon'
tneedChur
ch!Idon'
tneedChur
chIj
ustneedThi
sbabyoutofmybody"
Grandma:
"Whenl
astt
hisyoupr
ayNandi
?Wher
edi
dal
lthet
eachi
ngsgohuh?Iwantyout
o
t
rustGodNandii
-"

Me:
"Gogoyoudon'
tunder
stand!Youdon'
tunder
standatal
l"

Gr
andma:
"Thenmakemeunder
stand!Makemeunder
standNandi
!Justpr
ay"

Isni
ff
edt
ryi
ngt
owi
pemyt
ear
s

Me:
"I
yeboI
'
lldosoGogo"

Gr
andma:
"Il
oveyou.
..Il
oveyousoMuchNt
ombazana"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
ooGogo,
Iwi
llcal
llat
er"

Gr
andma:
"Ohk"

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

Iopenedt
hedoorandt
her
est
oodRomeo.

Me:
"Romeowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e!?

Iaskedsoshocked,
whatdoeshewantandhowdi
dheknowt
hatI
'
mli
vingher
e

Romeo:
"Gr
andmai
nfor
medusaboutyourpr
egnancy"

Me:
"So?Ther
e'snot
hingwecandoabouti
tnowuf
unani
?"

Romeo:
"Canyoupl
easel
etmei
n?"

Imovedf
orhi
mtogeti
nthenIcl
osedt
hedoorbehi
nd

Me:
"So.
..
.?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Hesi
ghedt
urni
ngt
ome

Romeo:
"Wehavet
otal
kNandi
"

Me:
"AboutwhatRomeowear
esi
bli
ngsandI
..
.I-
"

Romeo:
"Youcan'
tter
minat
emybabyNandi
"

Il
ookedawayf
rom hi
m

Romeo:
"Don'
ttel
lmet
hatyouwer
ethi
nki
ngabouti
t"

Isi
ghedwi
thhi
m behi
ndme

Me:
"It
hinki
t'
stheonl
ywayoutRomeo,
whatwi
llt
hischi
ldcal
lushuh.
??Mot
herorAunt
ie?
"
Romeo:
"That
'snott
heonl
yreason,
tel
lmet
her
eal
reasonbehi
ndt
hisNandi
"

Me:
"Iwantt
ocont
inuewi
thmyst
udi
es,
Ican'
tbet
iedwi
thyoumor
ethanj
ustbei
ngyoursi
ster
"

Romeo:
"Nandiw-youcan'
tdot
hat
"

Me:
"ICAN!THI
SISMYBODY!
!"

Romeo:
"Iknowbut(
Sighed)youcan'
t.
..Youj
ust
..
.Can'
t"

Il
ookedathi
m

Me:
"Ican,
yesicanandIwi
ll
"

Hesi
ghedbef
oret
urni
ngasat
ear
teardr
oppedf
rom hi
seye

Romeo:
"Thenyouwi
llbedeadt
ome,
bot
hasasi
sterandasuh.
..Asa.
..
."

Hest
uckedatt
hatt
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
hbef
orewal
kingout

Anzani
:"
Youcan'
tdot
hatNandi
!!
!"

Me:
"Ihavemademydeci
sionandI
'
m goi
ngaheadwi
thi
t!
"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NKAZI
MULO

Mpi
lo:
"BabyThandoi
ssi
ck"

Me:
"Whatdoyoumeanshe'
ssi
ck"

Isai
dthatmaki
ngmywayt
oThando'
sroom

Mpi
lo:
"Idon'
treal
lyknowwhat
'
swr
ongshej
ustbecamesi
ckbutshewasf
inenotl
ongago"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngatt
hesl
eepi
ngThando

Me:
"Maybei
t'
snot
hing"

Mpi
lo:
"Nol
ookather
"

Me:
"Shewi
llbef
ine"

Mpi
lo:
"IhopesoNkazi
mul
o"

_
Iwasj
ustsi
tt
ingdownar
oundmyt
abl
eatt
heof
fi
cewhenacal
lcamet
hrough

Me:
"Kumkani
..
..
"

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h

Kumkani
:"
Man.
..Youhavet
ocomet
othehospi
tal
now"

Me:
"Whati
sit
?What
'swr
ong?
"

Kumkani
:"
Come"

Hehungedupas,
Itookmyt
hingsmaki
ngmywayout
.

Me:
"Pear
lcancel
allmymeet
ings"

Pear
l:
"Butsi
ry-
"

Me:
"NOW!
!!
"

Iar
ri
vedatt
hehospi
tal
asIf
oundKumkani
onhi
sfeel

Me:
"Kumkaniwhat
'swr
ong"

IaskedassoonasIappr
oachedhi
m butmyeyest
ravel
edt
oMpi
lo

Me:
"Mpi
lobabywhat
'swr
ong"

Shej
ustcr
iedasIpul
ledheronmyar
ms

Me:
"Babyt
ellmewhat
'swr
ong"

Mpi
lo:
"I
ts.
..I
t'
s.
..I
t'
sThando"

ThandocamebackYer
stedayf
rom hergr
andpar
ent
s.Ican'
tbel
ievet
hat
sshe'
sgr
owi
ngso
much

Me:
"What
'swr
ongwi
thher
?IssheOhk"

Kumkaniappr
oachedus

Kumkani
:"
That
'st
hepr
obl
em man,
theDoct
orshaven'
ttol
dusanyt
hingyet
"

Isi
ghedbef
orepl
ant
ingaki
ssonMpi
lo'
sfor
ehead

Me:
"Shewi
llbef
inebabyRel
ax"

Kumkani
:"
Let
'shopeshewi
ll
..
.Letmegoandcal
lTakal
anishe'
swor
ri
ed"
Me:
"ThankyouKumkani
,
youcango"

Kumkani
:"
Sho"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NANDI
PHA

Iwal
kedi
nsi
deasIt
ookaDeepbr
eat
h.Iguesst
hisi
sit
!

Doct
or:
"HowcanIhel
pyouma'
am?
"

Il
ookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands

Doct
or:
"Ma'
am"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"I
'm her
etodoanabor
ti
on"

Hesi
ghedashet
ookoutaf
il
e

Doct
or:
"Thi
smaybedanger
ousma'
am soar
eyousur
e?"

Me:
"YesI
'
m sur
e"

Doct
or:
"Howmanymont
hs?
".

Me:
"Four
"

Doct
or:
"Thatmakest
hismor
edanger
ous"

Me:
"Idon'
tcar
ejustdoi
t"

Doct
or:
"Ohk.
..Laydownont
hatbed"

Ist
oodupwal
kingt
othebedasIl
ayeddown

Doct
or:
"I
'l
lgi
veyouyourmedi
cat
ionaf
tert
hisOhk"

Me:
"Ohk"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

MPI
LO

Wewer
esi t
ti
ngont
hehospi
talbenchesasIheadwasonNkazimul
o'sshoulder
.Ican'
tfat
hom
t
hef
actthatmyonl
ydaught
er.
..Myonlybiol
ogi
calchi
ldi
sonthehospi
talbed

TheDoct
orappr
oachedusaswequi
ckl
yst
oodupwai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtosaysomet
hing
Doct
or:
"I
'm sor
ry.
..Wet
ri
edever
ythi
ngwecoul
dbutwel
osther
"

If
rozeasIl
ookedathi
mtr
yingt
odi
gestwhathewassayi
ng

Me:
"Whatdoyoumean,
whatwaswr
ongwi
thher
?

Doct
or:
"Wedi
dn'
tfi
ndanyt
hing,
shej
ustdi
edI
'
m sor
ryMrandMr
sSi
li
lo"

Hesai
dthatwal
kingawayast
ear
sst
reameddownmycheeks.Nkazi
mul
ohel
dmesot
ight
t
ryi
ngtobl
ockhi
st ear
s

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE
[
18]

NKAZI
MULO

I
t'
sbeenfewdaysaft
ert
hedeathofThandoandMpiloisnotthesameanymor e.I
'
vet
ri
ed
t
alki
ngt
oherbutshe'
ssodi
stanced.Sheli
ter
all
ydi
stancedhersel
ffr
om ever
yoneandthat
makemet obesodef
eat
edanfworri
edatthesametime

Kumkani
:"
Bro"

Hesai
dthatwal
kingovert
omeasIwaswat
chi
ngt
hest
arsout
sidenextt
othegar
den.

Me:
"Sho"

Kumkani
:"
Howhaveyoubeen?Ar
eyougood"

Ir
eleasedaheavysi
ghl
ooki
ngup

Me:
"I
t'
shar
dmaan,
I
tissohar
d"

Kumkani
:"
Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ine,
hangi
nther
e"

Me:
"Tomor
rowwearel
ayi
nghert
orest
,Ican'
t.
.I.
..Ihaveneveri
magedmysel
fhavi
ngt
oBur
y
myowndaught
er"
Kumkani
:"
All
par
ent
sfeelt
hesame,
i
t'
sreal
lynoteasy"

Iwi
pedat
eart
hathasal
readyescapedf
rom myeye

Me:
"Mpi
loi
spushi
ngmeaway.
..She'
smaki
ngt
hisal
lsodi
ff
icul
t"

Kumkani
:"
Givehert
ime,
shewi
llopenupt
oyou"

Me:
"Idon'
twanthert
obot
tl
eupherf
eel
ingwhati
fshehur
tsher
sel
f??
"

Kumkani
:"
Yeahyoushoul
dor
gani
zesomeonef
orher
,Someoneshecant
alkt
o"

Me:
"Iwi
lldoexact
lyt
hataf
tert
hef
uner
al"

Kumkani
:"
Yeah"

Aunt
ieLel
owal
kedupt
ous

Me:
"Aunt
ieyoucame"

Isai
dthatsmi
li
ngl
ooki
ngupt
oher

Lel
o:"
ShewasmyGr
anddaught
erNkazi
mukosoof
couseIwoul
dhavecame"

Ichuckl
ed

Me:
"Thatwasasi
ll
yquest
ion,
i
t'
sjustt
hatIhaven'
tseenal
lofyoui
nawhi
lenow"

Lel
o:"
Weal
lhaveaf
ami
ly,
ihavemyownf
ami
lyBoyBoy.
..MyBabyhowar
eyou?
"

Shesaidt
hathuggi
ngKumkani.Leloi
sthemostcr
azyper
soni
ntheSi
li
lof
ami
lyf
oll
owedby
thet
wins.
..Aunt
iRoyal
tyandUnclePr
ince

Kumkani
:"
I'
m notaboy,
I
'm amanAunt
iedi
dn'
tyouseemywi
fe?
"

Lel
o:"
Whi
chwi
fe?Kat
lego?Comeon"

Kumkanichuckl
ed

Kumkani
:"
IhaveaVendaWi
feAunt
iesodon'
tsayt
hat
"

Lel
o:"
Ohyounowhangar
oundnabo'
aah'
Cool
"

Wechuckl
ed

Kumkani
:"
AaayAunt
iedon'
tsayt
hat
"

Me:
"Uhmm LetmegoandcheckuponMpi
lo"

Lel
o:"
Hamba"
_

Weareinaf amil
ycardr
ivi
ngoutfr
om t
heGraveyar
d.Theai
risver
ytenseandt
here'
snoone
t
alki
ng.Itwasaveryhar
dthingt
otakei
n.Seei
ngmybabygirl'
scoff
ingoi
ngsoslowl
ydown
r
eall
yhitsohard.

Ir
eal
lyt
ri
edt
onotcr
ybuti
tal
lhappenedbuti
tsel
f

Fi
nal
lywear
ri
vedi
nthePal
acesi
ncet
heFuner
alt
ookpl
aceatt
heManzi
niKi
ngdom

IsawMpi
lor
unni
ngupst
air
sandIqui
ckl
yranaf
terher

Me:
"Mpi
lo!Nompi
lo!
!"

Ishout
edbef
orepul
li
ngheronmyar
msashersobsescapedsopai
nfulf
rom hermout
h

Me:
"Shhdon'
tcr
ybaby"

Mpi
lo:
"OhNkazi
mukoi
thur
ts!I
thur
tssobad"

Me:
"Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
inebaby,
Cry.
..Justl
eti
tal
lout
"

Mpi
lo:
"Shewasj
ustababy.
..Shewasj
ustSevenNkazi
mukohowcoul
dGodt
akemybabyl
ike
t
hat
"

Isi
ghedasIdi
dnothaveanywor
dst
osay

Mpi
lo:
"Heshoul
dhavej
ustt
ookme,
Heshoul
dhavej
ustt
ookme"

At
earescapedf
rom myeyeatt
hatsi
ghtofher

Me:
"Leti
tal
loutbaby,
JustCr
y"

Shej
ustcr
iedandcr
iedunt
ilshef
ell
asl
eep

*
***
***
***
***
***
*

Me:
"Babywakeup"

Shef
li
nchedt
urni
ngt
olookt
heot
herway

Isi
ghedget
ti
ngoutoft
heCoversheadi
ngtothebat
hroom.Afterdoi
ngmyhygi
enepr
ocessI
wal
kedinourbedr
oom f
indi
ngMpil
oseatedontopofthebed

Me:
"Mpi
loar
eyouOhk?
?"

Shel
ookedupt
ome

Mpi
lo:
"I
'l
lbef
ine,
I
...Ij
ustmi
ssher
"
Me:
"It
hinkyoushoul
dtal
ktosomeone"

Mpi
lo:
"I
'l
lnott
alkt
oaShr
inkaboutmyPr
obl
emsZi
mul
o"

Me:
"Youneedt
o,Ent
lekyouhavet
oBaby.
..
.Thatwi
llbegoodf
oryou"

Mpi
lo:
"FORWHO!
?SEEI
NGASHRI
NKWON'
TBRI
NGBACKMYBABY!
!!
!"

Shesai
dthatst
andi
ngupf
rom t
hebed

Me:
"Don'
tshoutatmeMpi
lo,
Iknowyouar
ehur
ti
ngbutI
'
m al
sohur
ttoo"

Mpi
lo:
"I
tdoesn'
tmat
terNkazi
mukobutI
'
m notseei
ngaShr
ink"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"Ohkf
ine"

Me:
"Goodmor
ningEver
yone"

Theygr
eet
edbackasIt
ookaseatnextt
oAunt
ieLel
o

Baba:
"Wher
eisMpi
lo?
"

Isi
ghedt
aki
ngapl
ateasIdi
shedout

Me:
"She'
sref
usi
ngt
ocomedownher
e"

Lel
o:"
Letmegoandgi
vehersomet
hingt
oeat
,shecan'
tcont
inuel
iket
his"

Me:
"I
t'
shar
donherAunt
ie"

Lel
o:"
Iknow"

Shesai
dthatdi
shi
ngupbef
oreheadi
ngupst
air
s

Icl
ear
edmyt
roatbef
orel
ooki
ngupt
oFat
her

Me:
"Uhmm Wear
egoi
nghomet
hisaf
ter
noon"

Baba:
"SosoonNkazi
muko?
"

Me:
"YeboTat
a,i
t'
sfort
hebestandihaveal
otoft
hingst
odoatJohannesbur
g"

Mkhul
u:"
Youdaught
erj
ustdi
edNkazi
muko"

Me:
"IknowMkhul
ubutbei
ngi
ndoor
swi
llmakemecr
azy"
Baba:
"Doasyoupl
easeNkazi
muko"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NANDI
PHA

Isi
ghedasIwi
pedmyt
ear
spl
aci
ngmyhandonmybel
ly.

Me:
"WhatwasIt
hinki
ngt
ryi
ngt
ogetr
idofyou.
..You'
l
lbeaSt
rongchi
ldj
ustl
ikeyourBr
other
"

Anzanigoti
nwi
thapl
ate

Anzani
:"
Iassumedt
hatyou'
rehungr
ysoher
e'ssomet
hingt
oeat
"

Me:
"I
'm nothungr
yAnzani
"

Anzani
:"
Yesyouar
e,nowf
eedt
hel
it
tl
eone"

Ismi
ledt
aki
ngt
hepl
atef
rom her

Me:
"Yeahyouar
eri
ght
"

Shesi
ghedsi
tt
ingdownnextt
omeont
opoft
hebed

Anzani
:"
I'
m pr
oudofyouNandi
"

Iswal
lowedasIl
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"Whati
sther
etobepr
oudofNgami
?"

Anzani
:"
Youar
esobr
avei
t'
sjustt
hatyoudon'
tseeyour
sel
f"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"I
'm weakAnzani
"

Anzani
:"
Ever
yonehasher
/hi
sownweaknessbutt
hatdoesn'
tmeanyouar
eweak"

Me:
"What
ever"

Isai
dthatr
oll
ingmyeyes

Anzani
:"
I'
mjustgl
adyoudi
dntt
ermi
nat
ethebaby"

Igotupf
rom t
hebed

Me:
"Yeahsameher
e"

Anzani
:"
Youar
eSt
rongNandi
,
sost
rong"
_

Dayspassedandmylif
ewasgood.Igett
ocal
lGogoasIhaveal
waysdi
dandi
nfewWeeks
wewil
lbewr i
ti
ngourExams.

Apparentl
yaf
tert
hatIhavet
ogohomeast
heyar
egoi
ngt
oint
roducet
hebabyt
otheSant
o's
ancestor
s.

Me:
"Anzanicomeon,
Justcook"

Shel
ookedatmesoser
iousandt
urnedt
othet
elevi
sion

Me:
"Anzani
!!
!"

Anzani
:"
Youar
edi
stur
bingmysessi
onNandi
maan"

Me:
"Youai
n'tgoi
ngt
owor
ktomor
rowsoyouwi
llwat
cht
heRepeat
"

Shesi
ghed

Anzani
:"
ICan'
tmi
ssScandal
Yoohnever
"

Ichucked

Me:
"Mnx,
iwoul
dhaveunder
stoodi
fit
sMuvhangosi
nceyouar
eaVenda"

Anzani
:"
Iwi
llki
llyouMama'
Bant
wanasol
etmebe"

Me:
"Fi
newear
enoteat
ingt
oday!Si
yaFast
er"

Anzani
:"
Cool
"

Me:
"Icanf
astbutmybabycannotf
ast
"

Anzani
:"
Yeah,
Iknewi
tukut
hiuzokul
umal
oko"

Il
aughed

Me:
"That
'snoti
t.
..Youwer
esupposedt
osay'
Uzokhul
umal
okho'
aww"

Shechuckl
ed

Anzani
:"
Atl
eastIt
ri
edt
alki
ngZul
uunl
ikeyou"

Me:
"IcanTal
kinVendal
anguaget
oo"

Anzani
:"
Mmmh"

Me:
"Aaaahukhonaka"
Shel
aughedst
andi
ngup

Anzani
:"
YesIam"

Me:
"I
'm goi
ngt
owor
ktomor
rownneAnzani
"

Anzani
:"
Iknowbutdon'
tover
wor
kyour
sel
f"

Me:
"Iwon'
t"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NKAZI
MUKO

Iwal
kedi
nourbedr
oom f
indi
ngMpi
lodr
essi
ngup

Me:
"Baby"

ISai
dthatasiappr
oachedherki
ssi
ngherneckf
rom behi
nd

Mpi
lo:
"MmmhMyeniWam"

Me:
"Yougood?
"

Shenodded

Mpi
lo:
"YesI
'
m goodl
etmef
ini
shupher
e"

It
ookast
epbackwar
ds

Me:
"Ihavet
ogoandseeNkosazana"

Mpi
lo:
"When?
"

Me:
"Tomor
row,
don'
tyouwantt
ogowi
thme?
"

Sheshookherhead'
NO'

Mpi
lo:
"Kat
legohasast
inkyat
ti
tude"

Me:
"Shehaschangedbaby"

Mpi
lo:
"Idon'
ttr
usther
"

Shesai
dthatf
ixi
ngherdoek

Me:
"Buti
-"

Mpi
lo:
"HambaI
'
llbef
ine"
Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"

Mpi
lo:
"Yes"

Me:
"Goodmor
ningmyl
ove"

Shet
urnedt
omewi
thasmi
le

Mpi
lo:
"Mor
ningmyl
ove"

Isi
ghedget
ti
ngoutoft
hecover
s

Mpi
lo:
"Ar
eyoul
eavi
ngnow?
?"

Inodded

Me:
"Yes,
butI
'
mfet
chi
nghert
henwear
ecomi
ngback"

Mpi
lo:
"OhkI
'
llf
ixsomet
hingt
oeat
"

Ipeckedherl
ips"

Me:
"Ohkmyl
ove"

Isai
dthatheadi
ngt
othebat
hroom

Iknockedf
orawhi
leunt
ilKat
legoopened

Me:
"GoodMor
ning"

Kat
lego:
"OhMor
ning,
idi
dn'
tknowyouwer
ecomi
ngt
hisear
ly"

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat

Me:
"CanIcomei
n?"

ShemovedasImademywayi
n

Kat
lego:
"Letmecal
lPr
incess,
OurHel
perwi
llbr
ingsomet
hingt
odr
ink"

Me:
"Ohk"

Shewalkedupstai
rsasahel
perwal
kedi
naf
terher
.Inot
icedsomet
hingf
ami
li
arabouther
thenshelookedup

Me:
"Nandi
..
..
"
[
Itcameear
ly]

Lot
'sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
19]

-
SoShor
t

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Il
ookedonlyt
obemetbyt heGodGr eekuNkazi
mulo.Ihavenevert
houghtt
hatwewi
llever
cr
osspathsagai
n.Idi
dntevenexpectthi
sall
.Iqui
ckl
ystoodupt owal
kaway

Nkazi
muko:
"Nandiwehavet
otal
k"

Ist
oppedonmyt
racksasIt
ookadeepbr
eat
h

Me:"
There'
snot
hingt
otal
kaboutNkazi
muko,
youmadeyourchoi
ceandt
her
e'snot
hingwecan
t
alkabout"

Hesi
ghedbef
orel
ooki
ngupt
ome

Nkazi
muko:
"Wehavet
otal
k"

Me:
"Aboutwhat
?Ther
e'snot
hingt
otal
kaboutLana"

Nkazi
muko:
"Di
dyout
ermi
nat
ethebaby"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngdownbutIl
ookedupt
ohi
m af
tersomet
ime

Me:
"Yes,
j
ustl
ikeyousai
d"

Nkazi
muko:
"I
'm sor
ryb-
"

"
DADDY!
!"Shout
edPr
incewhenshesawNkazi
muko.Soshe'
shi
sdaught
er?Wow

Nkazi
muko:
"Hel
lobabygi
rlhowar
eyou?
"

Pr
incess:
"I
'mf
ineyou?
"

Nkazi
muko:
"I
'mf
inet
oo,
areyour
eadyt
ogo?
"

Pr
incess:
"Yesl
et'
sgo,
Ican'
twai
ttoseeAunt
ieMpi
lo"

Shesai
dthatwal
kingout
.Nkazi
mukol
ookedatmebef
orewal
kingaf
terherdaught
er

Kat
lego:
"Nandiar
eyouOhk?
"

Sheaskedl
ooki
ngsoconcer
ned

Me:
"YesI
'
mfi
nema'
am,
I
'l
lbef
ine"
Kat
lego:
"Ohk.
..Takei
teasy"

Anzani
:"
Youl
ie!
"

Shesai
dthatassoonasIt
oldheraboutNkazi
muko

Me:
"Ihavenevert
houghtt
hatIwi
lleverseehi
m agai
n"

Anzani
:"
Iunder
standwenaSweet
hear
t,
andIt
hinkyoushoul
dli
stent
ohi
m"

Me:
"No.
..Idon'
twantt
otal
ktohi
m"

Anzani
:"
Justl
-"

Ishookmyhead'
NO'

Me:
"Idon'
twantanyt
hingt
odowi
thNkazi
muko,
I
'm donewi
thher
"

Anzani
:"
Areyouoverhi
m?"

Sheaskedl
ooki
ngst
rai
ghtupt
ome

Me:
"YesI
'
m done,
Idon'
twantanyt
hingt
odowi
thhi
m"

Anzani
:"
Iunder
stand,
hebr
okeyou"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"Yes"

Anzani
:"
Butl
i
stent
ohi
m,It
hinki
twi
lldoyougood"

Me:
"I
'l
lthi
nkabouti
t"

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

Me:
"Tal
k!!
"

Isai
dast
ookasIgoti
ntheapar
tment
.YesIagr
eedt
omeetupwi
thhi
m

Nkazi
muko:
"Thi
ngsar
eNotl
ooki
nggoodathomet
heywantt
hei
rson"

Il
ookedathi
m

Me:
"Sowhyar
eyout
ell
ingmet
hat
??"

Nkazi
muko:
"Ij
ust
..
.Wantyout
oknow,
tel
lmei
fyoudi
dntabor
t"
Isi
ghed

Me:
"Iabor
tedasyousai
dIshoul
d"

Nkazi
muko:"Ij
ustl
ostmyDaught
er,
Mysevenyear
sdaught
erandioncel
ostasonwi
thmy
wif
e..
..Shemiscar
ri
ed"

Iwassupposedtofeelsor
ryf
orhi
m butIdon'
tcar
e.Thismanplayedme!Het
oyedme!He
tookmeforgrant
edandhewasnottherewhenIwentthroughshi
t

Me:
"AaayMaybet
her
e'ssomeoneyoui
mpr
egnat
edbesi
desmesi
nceunguBhut
'Madl
isa"

Her
eleasedaheavysi
gh

Nkazi
muko:
"Ihavenevercheat
edonMpi
lo,
itwasonl
ywi
thyou"

Me:
"AaayAngazi
,
Ishoul
djustgo"

Nkazi
muko:
"I
'm st
il
ltal
king"

Me:
"Youar
ejustwast
ingmyt
ime"

It
ookmybagasImademywayoutbuthehel
dmeBef
oreievenar
ri
vedatt
hedoor

Nkazi
muko:
"Nandi
pha.
..
..
"

Il
ookedupt
oinaswewer
einchesawayf
rom eachot
her

Me:
"Leaveme"

Hej
ustpl
ant
edaki
ssonmyl
ips

[
ONTHEGROUP]

Il
ookedovert
othebedsi
deasIcameacr
osswi
tht
henakedNkazi
muko

Iqui
ckl
ygotoutoft
hecover
s

Me:
"OhmyGod,
whatt
hehel
ldi
dIdo"

Ipani
ckeddr
essi
ngup

Nkazi
muko:
"Nandi
..
..
"

Me:
"Thi
sisat
otalmi
stakeNkazi
mukoi
tshoul
dn'
thavehappened"

Nkazi
muko:
"Webot
hwant
edt
his"
Isi
ghedasIbl
inkedmyt
ear
saway

Me:
"No.
.YesOhGodIdon'
tknowNkazi
mukoIhavet
ogethome"

Nkazi
muko:
"Canwet
alkaboutt
his?
"

Me:
"Let
'sj
ustpr
etendt
hati
thasneverhappened"

Hesi
ghed

Nkazi
muko:
"Ohk"

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

Me:
"Ihavemadeat
err
ibl
emi
stakeAnzani
"

Isai
dthatwi
tht
ear
s

Anzani
:"
Whatdi
dyoudo?
"

Shesai
dthatpul
li
ngmei
nforahug

Me:
"I
..
.Isl
eptwi
thhi
m"

Si
lence!

Anzani
:"
Wit
hNkazi
mukoyourbabydaddy?
?"

Me:
"YesandIf
eelsobadabouti
t"

Anzani
:"
Don'
t,
youar
epr
egnantsounder
standyoursi
tuat
ion"

Igi
ggl
ed

Me:"Ishoul
djustbuyadi
ldo,
Ican'
tsl
eepwi
thhi
m agai
nbuthej
ustmakesmesoweakwhen
I
'm aroundhim"

Anzani
:"
God"

Me:
"Yeah,
Ireal
lydon'
tunder
standmusel
fatt
hispoi
nt"

Anzani
:"
Didyouuseapr
otect
ion?
"

Me:
"No"

Anzani
:"
JesusNandi
"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NKAZI
MULO
Iwal
kedi
nsi
demybedr
oom wi
thRegr
ets.Ishoul
dn'
thavedonet
hat
.Agai
nIcheat
ed

Me:
"Baby"

Isai
dassoonasIgl
aredather

Me:
"Ar
eyouOhk?
"

Mpi
lo:
"I
..
.I'
mfi
ne"

Isi
ghedasIwal
kedovert
othebat
hroom

Mpi
lo:
"Nkazi
mukowhat
'swr
ong?
"

Sheshout
edal
it
tl
e

Me:
"What
?"

Mpi
lo:
"Youar
esot
ensear
eyouOhk?
"

Me:
"Uhmm YesI
'
mfi
ne"

Mpi
lo:
"Ohk"

isi
ghedbef
orecl
osi
ngmyeyesenj
oyi
ngt
hebat
h

Fi
veMont
hs.
..
..
..
.

.
.

.
.

Lot
'sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

AAdmi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
20]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

.
.

NANDI
PHA

IbrushedmyheavyBellyasIsi
ghedlooki
ngatRomeo' smom..
..OrShoul
dIsaymymom?
Yeahwhat evershei
sbutshe'
shere,
apparent
lyshe'
sheret
olookaftermesi
ncei
t'
smydue
Mont h.Wearerenti
nganapar
tment.
..
.I'
m sonervous,
phel
aLaborroom i
sYooh.

Mr
sSant
os:
"Mybaby,
her
eeat
"

Il
ookedathersoannoyed

Me:
"Whosai
dI'
m hungr
y?Am Ihungr
y?"

Mr
sSant
os:
"Nandiwhatdoyouwantmet
odohuh?
"

Me:
"ToLeavemeAl
one,
uyi
sicef
enj
eiDon'
tknowwhyyouar
eher
e"

Mr
sSant
os:
"Iapol
ogi
zed,
whatmor
edoyouwantMt
anam?
"

Il
ookeddownavoi
dingher
.Iwantt
ofor
givehersobadbutmypr
idedoesn'
tletmet
o

Me:
"I
..
.Iwantyououtofmyl
if
e,Mr
sSant
osIIdon'
tneedyouher
e"

Shesi
ghed

Mr
sSant
os:
"Iunder
standt
hatIhavewr
ongedyou,
i
twasr
eal
lynotmyi
nte-
"

Me:"
Don'tsaythat
..
.ItwasyourInt
ensi
onswenawhatdi
dyouthi
nkwhenyoulef
tmehuh?
Angathiyouj
usttookyourpreci
ousbabyAndl
eftmebehi
ndbecauseI
'
m suchacur
se"

Mr
sSant
os:
"Iwasscar
ed,
youngandnai
ve"

Me:
"I
'm al
soyoungbuymtiwoul
dneverl
eavemychi
ldbehi
nd"

Mr
sSant
os:
"I
'm s-
"

Shewasdi
stur
bedbyBl
essi
ngs.Hehasgr
ownsomuch

Bl
essi
ngs:
"Mama"

Hewal
kedovert
ome

Me:
"Babyboy"

Isai
dthatpi
cki
nghi
m uppl
ant
ingaki
ssonhi
sforhead

Bl
essi
ngs:
"Yi
dlamamaYi
dla"

Mr
sSant
ossi
ghedbef
orest
andi
ngup
Mr
sSant
os:
"I
'l
lmakesomet
hingt
oeat
,he'
shungr
y"

Shewal
kedovert
otheki
tchen

Anzani
:"
Areyousur
ethatyouar
eNi
neMont
hs,
i
tlooksl
ikeyouar
eint
he14t
hmont
h"

Il
ookedatherannoyed

Me:
"Don'
tyouhavesomet
hingt
odomaybe?Li
keanassi
gnment
?"

Anzani
:"
No,
Imi
ssyouFr
iendmynewr
oomat
eisbor
ing"

Me:
"Howso?
?"

Anzani
:"
Akanal
ayont
omar
rn"

Me:
"You'
vebeenl
ear
ningIsee"

Anzani
:"
Yesyoual
sohavet
olear
n"

Me:
"Um al
sol
ear
ning,
i
t'
sjustt
hatyoudi
dntnot
ice"

Anzani
:"
OhReal
ly?
"

Me:
"Yes"
.

Anzani
:"
Mmm Wher
eisMot
her
-i
n-l
awakaMot
her
"

Ir
oll
edmyeyes.

Me:
"Don'
tcal
lhert
hatbutshe'
sher
e,upst
air
swi
thBl
essi
ngs"

Anzani
:"
Ohk"

Isi
ghedbef
orest
andi
ngup.
asIf
eltahar
dpai
n

Me:
"Mmmh"

Anzani
:"
What
'sw.
..OhNandisi
esdi
dyouhavet
opeeyour
sel
fhuh"

Il
ookeddown

Me:
"Goandcal
lMr
sSant
osI
..
.Mywat
erj
ustbr
oke"

Anzani
:"
What
?"

Il
ookedather
Me:
"GoAnzanimar
rnGo!
!!
"

Shequi
ckl
yranupst
air
scomi
ngbackwi
thMr
sSant
osandababybag

Anzani
:"
I'
m goi
ngwi
thyou,
I
'l
lhol
dBl
essi
ngs"

Doct
or:
"Push!
!!
"

Mr
:"
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!
!!
!"

I
.scr
eamedasRomeohel
dmyhand,
hear
ri
vedf
ewhour
sagowhi
leIwasi
npai
n

Doct
or:
"Pushagai
n"

Me:
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

aaaahhhhhhhhh!
!"

Doct
or:
"I
t'
sagi
rl
"

Romeosmi
ledl
ooki
ngatme

Romeo:
"Thankyou"

Iweakl
ysmi
ledbef
orecl
osi
ngmyeyes

*
***
***
***
***
***
***

IopenedmyeyesasIcamef
acet
ofacewi
tht
hewhol
efami
ly

Gogo:
"Nganeyam ar
eyouOhk?
"

Sheaskedwal
kingovert
omeandIsmi
ledsoweakl
y

Me:
"I
'l
lbef
ineGogo,
whendi
dyou'
l
lar
ri
ve?
"

Iaskednar
rowi
ngmyeyesont
her
estoft
hef
ami
ly

Ouma:
"Don'
taskus,
wehadt
ocomeandseet
hel
it
tl
eone"

Me;
"wher
e'smybaby?
"

Romeo:
"She'
sst
il
lasl
eep"

Justt
henadoct
orwal
kedi
n

Doct
or:
"Goodaf
ter
noon"
Theygr
eet
edback

Doct
or:
"Mi
ssDl
ami
ni,
wehavesomet
hingt
oshar
e"

Me:
"Whati
sit
?"

Hesi
ghedbef
orel
ooki
ngupt
ome

Doct
or:
"Youar
est
il
lpr
egnant
"

Me:
"What
!?ButIj
ustgavebi
rt
h"

Doct
or:
"YesIknowbutyouar
efi
vemont
hspr
egnantandt
hati
spossi
ble"

Me:
"ButI
..
.How?
"

Doct
or:(
Sighed)"
Kahl
e..
..Andt
heyhavedi
ff
erentf
ather
s"

Anzani
:"
Areyout
ryi
ngt
osayt
hatt
heyar
etwi
nswi
thdi
ff
erentf
ather
sanddat
es?
"

Doct
or:
"Yesi
tsSuper
fecundat
ion"

Me:
"Superf
-"

Doctor
:"Superf
ecundat
ionist
hefert
il
izat
ionoft
woormoreovaf
rom t
hesamecycl
ebysper
m
fr
om separat
eactsofsexuali
nter
course,whi
chcanl
eadt
otwinbabi
esfr
om t
wosepar
ate
bi
ologi
calfat
hers"

Anzani
:"
YoohSci
ence"

Doct
or:
"Wi
thyourbody.
..Idon'
tknowhowi
thappenedbecauseSuper
fecundat
ionhappenes
i
nHoursandMinutes"

Me:
"Oh"

Doct
or:
"Yes,
l
etmeGoI
'
llcomebacksi
nceyou'
l
lber
eadyt
ogo"

Hesai
dthatwal
kingout

Gr
andma:
"Who'
sbabyi
sthatNandi
?"

Il
ookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands

Gr
andma:
"Nandi
phaI
'
mtal
king"

Me:
"I
t'
s.
..I
t'
sUhmm Nkazi
mul
o'sbaby"

Ouma:
"Hehast
opayi
t'
snotl
ate"

Me:
"ButOumahe-
"
Shegavemeast
are.

Ouma:
"He'
stoomuchNandi
!!Hecan'
tgi
veyouki
dsandl
eaveyoul
iket
his"

Isi
ghedasat
earescaped.
..
.I'
mjust21wi
thThr
eeKi
dsI
'
m suchanembar
rassment

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NKAZI
MULO

Iwaswokenupbymyr
ingi
ngphone

Me:
"Tat
a"

Baba:
"Youhavet
oComeher
e"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"Whati
sitTat
a?"

Baba:
"Comeher
e,t
her
e'ssomet
hingt
hatr
eal
lyneedsyourat
tent
ionandl
eaveMpi
loBehi
nd"

Me:
"Ohk"

Igotoutofthecover
sasIwal
kedovert
otot
hebat
hroom.Af
terdoi
ngmyhygi
enepr
ocessI
walkedovertoourbedr
oom

Mpi
lo:
"Babywher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

Iki
ssedherf
orehead

Me:
"Ihavet
orushhome,
I
'l
laskKumkanit
ocheckuponyou"

Mpi
lo:
"What
'swr
ong?
"

Me:
"Don'
twor
ryabouti
t"

Me:
"Mol
weni
"

Isai
dthatassoonasiwal
kedi
n,il
ookedar
oundf
indi
ngunf
ami
li
arf
aces.

Baba:
"Nkazi
mul
ocomeher
e"

Iwal
kedovert
othebenchasIsatdown

Baba:
"Thi
speopl
ear
efr
om t
heDl
ami
nif
ami
ly"

Me:
"Mmmh"
Baba:
"Theywer
esenther
e,Thei
rdaught
ergavet
hem t
hedi
rect
iont
othepal
aceandbazobi
ka
i
sisu"

Il
ookedatt
hem

Me:
"Sowher
edoIcomei
nla?
"

Baba:
"Theycl
aimt
hatt
hebabyi
syour
s"

Me:
"Mi
ne?
"

Mkhul
u:"
Awuvha?Yesyour
s!Di
dntyoui
mpr
egnat
edaNandi
phaDl
ami
ni?
"

Il
ookeddown,
howcanIbesocar
eless

Me:
"Ihadnoi
deaMkhul
u"

Mkhul
u:"
Nowyouhaveani
dea,
she'
sFi
vemont
hspr
egnantandyouknowt
heTr
adi
ti
on"

Il
ookedathi
m soqui
ckl
y

Me:
"NoTat
aIcan'
t.
..Thi
swi
l
lbr
eakMpi
lo"

Baba:
"Thenwewon'
ttel
lherf
ornow"

Me:
"She'
sgoi
ngt
ofi
ndoutobvi
ousl
y"

Baba:
"Whenshehasgi
venbi
rt
hwewi
llt
hent
ellher
"

Me:
"Tat
aI'
m notr
eadyf
orPol
ygamyagai
n"

Mkhul
u:"
Youhavenochoi
ce,
youknewt
heconsequencesoft
hatwhenyousl
eptwi
thher
"

Me:
"Tat
apl
ease"

Baba:
"Thi
sisi
t"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NANDI
PHA

Idi
dn'tli
kethefactthatmydaughterhadt
obesentaway.YesIknowthathewouldn'
twanthis
daughtertoberaisedbyanot
hermanbutIhadnosayi nt
hismarri
age.Iam l
it
eral
lyf
orcedt
o
getmar r
iedtoNkazimukobutotherthant
hat
..
..I
'
minlovewit
hhim soIcoul
dn'tsay'
NO'

Anzani
:"
Areyousur
eaboutt
his?
"

Isi
ghedasIl
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"Yes,
Iwantt
obel
ovedt
ooAnzaniwhoi
sgoi
ngt
omar
rysomeonewi
thThr
eeKi
ds?
"
Anzani
:"
Manywi
lldi
etobecausei
t'
saboutl
ove"

Me:
"Nkazi
mul
olovesmeAnzani
,
Iknowhedoes"

Anzani
:"
Maybei
twasl
ustNandi
thi
nkabouti
t"

Me:
"I
..
.Hel
ovesme"

Anzani:
"Ir
eal
l
ydon'
tunder
standyouNandi
,
somet
imesyouar
e..
..S.
..Sost
upi
daf
ter
ever
ythi
nghedidt
oyou?"

Il
ookeddownasibl
inkedmyt
ear
s

Me:
"Il
ovehi
m,iknowiLovehi
m"

Anzani
:"
AayIdon'
tknow"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NARRATED

AFTERTHREEWEEKS

Therewassomuchwar mthandt ogethernessatNandi phaandNkazi mul o'

sweddi ng…women
chatti
ngandbust li
ngar oundthekitchenmaki ngpr eparations…ori nther oomshel pingeach
otherwithhai randmake- up…singing…l otsofhear tfeltsinging…j oyousandcommunal .Both
Nandi'sout f
itswerebeaut i
ful
lysewnbyhersi sterinlaw, ArabellaSili
lo.Thef i
rstceremonynot
onlywel comesNandi phabutalsotheent ir
eDl ami nifami lyiswelcomedbyt heentir
eSili
lo
famil
yf oraf ormalextension,Thespearcer emonyi sver yimpor t
antasi tsintenti
onistwo-fold,
toint
roduceNandit ot heNkazimulo'sancest orswhoar ebel ievedtoresideint hekraal,
andf or
Nandi ast herepresentati
veofherfami l
yt ofor mallyaccept’ ubulawu’

Thesecondcer emony, wher

eNandi waswear ingthedar kclot
hes, i
scal l
ed‘ukudl i
swaamasi ’.
Thissignif
iesthatNandiisWel comedasadaught eri
nt otheSil
ilofamily.Thesecond
ceremonyi s‘ukwamkel wakukaMakot i’(wel
comeoft heXhosabr ide)andt hesi gni
ficanceof
thesecondsetofcl ot
hesisthatasaMakot i,t
hesmal lblanketistocoveral lthebadoft he
familyasthenewf amilywouldconf i
det hefamil
ysecr etstoher.Thetowelt hati swor nclose
toherchesti stokeepherhousesecr et
st ohersel
fsoasnott oembar rassherhusbandand
makehi m ortheirhomeasubj ectofgossip.Looki
ngdowni namaXhosacul tureisashowof
respecttoelders,aslooki
ngt hem str
aightintheeyemeansyouar echal l
engingt hem .Soyou
neverlookanadul tintheeyeunl essyouar echall
engingt hem .Soi naMakot i,
itsignif
ies
submi ssi
venesst othenewf ami l
yelders.

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

MPI
LO
If
eltapai
nont
hebackasIwant
edt
ost
andup.

Takal
ani
:"
OhGodyourWat
erj
ustbr
okeMpi
lo"

Il
ookeddownpani
cki
ng

Me:
"I
t'
sear
lyTaki
e,
Ican'
tgi
vebi
rt
hmanj
e"

Takal
ani
:"
Youhavet
o"

Me:
"Jesus!Cal
lNkazi
muko!
!!
"

Takal
ani
:"
Nkazi
mul
oisatt
heVi
ll
agesMpi
losol
et'
sdr
ive"

Shehel
pedmeoutaswegott
othecarwi
tht
hebabybagdr
ivi
ngof
ftot
hehospi
tal

Doct
or:
"Youhavet
opush"

At
earescapedf
rom myeye:

Me:
"I
..
.Ican'
tIneedmyhusband"

Kumkani
:"
Youhavet
opushMpi
lo"

Takal
ani
:"
I'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lNkazi
mul
obuthi
sphonei
sonvoi
cemai
l"

Kumkani
:"
Push"

Me:
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!
!!
!"

Doct
or:
"Push.
.!
!!
"

Me:
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

aaaahhhhhhhhh!
!!
!!
"

Doct
or:
"I
t'
sagi
rl
"

.
.

Lot
sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
21]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Iwassleepi
ngasusual.Weweresti
llatthePal aceandi twasTwodaysaftertheweddi
ng.
Nkazimulodi
dn'
tsharearoom wi
thme, hedi dn'tevensayawordtomeandt hatmakesme
real
izet
hathe'
sreal
lynoti
nlovewit
hme. .
.Itwasl ustbuthewil
ldef
ini
tel
ydoi ndueti
me.

Igotoutoft
hecover
sheadi
ngtothebat
hroom.Af
terdoingmyhygi
enepr
ocessIwal
ked
downstai
rsf
indi
ngal
ltheSi
li
lof
amil
yaroundthet
able.

Me:
"Uhmm Goodmor
ning"

Theygr
eet
edbackasIwal
kedovert
otakeasi
tnextt
oNkazi
mul
o

Baba:
"Makot
ihowar
eyou?
"

Il
ookeddown

Me:
"I
'mf
ineBaba"

Nkazi
mul
osi
ghedl
ooki
ngupt
oever
yone

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
m goi
ngbackt
oJohannesbur
g"

Mkhul
u:"
Why?
"

Heshi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
e

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Mpi
logavebi
rt
h,Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Kumkani
..
.Hesai
dshegaveBi
rt
htoababy
gi
rl
"

Baba:
"Ow.
..I
'
m gl
adshegavebi
rt
hthoughIexpect
edaboy"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
It
sfi
ne,
she'
saPr
incess"

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatast
heyshi
ft
edt
hei
rat
tent
iont
ome

Me:
"I
..
.Nkazi
mul
orememberwhenyouaskedmet
oabor
t"
Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whati
sther
etor
ememberaboutt
hat
"

Baba:
"Nkazi
mul
ohowcanyouasksomet
hingl
iket
his,
wer
eyout
aughtt
odot
hat
?"

Heshookhi
shead'
No'

Baba:
"Thenwhati
sthi
sthatI
'
m hear
ing?Howcanyouaskhert
oabor
t?"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iwasn'
tthi
nki
ngst
rai
ghtf
ather
,Iwasaf
rai
dtol
oseMpi
lo"

Baba:
"Youar
eaf
rai
dtol
oseMpi
lobutyouar
eunabl
etouseapr
otect
ion!
"

Nkazi
mul
olookeddownavoi
dingeyecont
act

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Itwasami
stake"

Mkhulu:
"Youcamebackf
ormor
eoverandoveragai
n!Butyousayi
t'
sami
stake.
..IMi
stake
yani
!?
"

Baba:
"Yourmot
hermustbet
urni
ngonhergr
ave!Nx"

Nkazi
mul
ocl
ear
edhi
str
oat

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Nandiyouwer
est
il
ltal
king"

Me:
"AsIsai
d,af
teryouaskedmet
oter
minat
ethebaby.
.I.
..Idi
dn'
t"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
What
!?"

Il
ookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands

Me:
"Yes,
Igavebi
rt
htoababyboy"

Baba:
"YouseewhatI
'mtal
kingaboutNkazi
mul
o?Youcan'
tkeepyourzi
pcl
osed!ButI
'
m gl
ad
wehavealit
tl
ePri
nce"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ellme!
?"

Me:
"I
t'
snotl
ikeyoucar
e"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
What
!?"

Me:
"Not
hing,
I
...I
'
mful
lsoI
'
llbei
nmyr
oom"

Isai
dthatqui
ckl
yst
andi
ngup

Baba:
"Makot
iyouhavet
oeat
"

Il
ookeddownasasi
gnofr
espect
Me:
"I
'm nothungr
yBaba"

Baba:
"Yeah,
butt
hebabyi
shungr
ynoweat
"

Isai
ddownasIst
art
edeat
ing

"
It
'sbeaut
if
uli
sn'
tit
?"

Il
ookedupt
obemetbyMar
ia,
thePal
aceHel
per

Me:
"Yes,
i
tissuchabeaut
if
ulKi
ngdom"

Mar
ia:
"Yeahi
tis,
thi
swasal
lTheLat
eQueenI
sabel
la'
sdoi
ng.
..Shechangedt
heKi
ngdom"

Me:
"Who'
sthat
?"

Shesmi
ledl
ooki
ngupt
ome

Mar
ia:
"Shewast
heFi
rstChosenQueen,
Nkazi
mul
o'
sGr
andmot
her
"

Me:
"OhshewasMkhul
u'sWi
fe?
"

Shenodded

Mar
ia:
"Yes,
shehadagi
ft
"

Me:
"Agi
ft
?"

Iaskedsoconf
used

Mar
ia:
"Yes,
aspi
ri
tualgi
ft
..
.Youseei
nthi
sfami
lyi
sdi
ff
erenti
nmanyways"

Me:
"Oh"

Mar
ia:
"WhenyoumeetyourChosenone,
yoursoul
mat
etheGi
fti
sbei
ngReveal
ed"

Me:
"Whatdoest
hatmean?
"

Mar
ia:
"I
fyouwer
echosenf
orNkazi
mul
o,youwer
esupposedt
ohavet
hegi
ft
"

Me:
"Whi
chmeansI
'
m nothi
schosenone?
"

Mar
ia:
"Yes,
Mpi
loi
snotNkazi
mul
o'schosenonet
oo"

Me:
"Ow"

Maria:
"ButTheChosenQueenBonol
oFoundhergi
ftaf
terhert
raumat
icexper
iencei
nsome
cer
tainKingdom"
Me:
"Uhmm Whyar
eyouact
ual
lyt
ell
ingmet
his?
"

Mari
a:"
Idon'
twantyout
owast
eyourt
imeonNkazi
mul
o,he'
snoti
nlovewi
thyou.
..
.Icansee
t
hathe'
snot"

Il
ookedawayf
rom her

Me:
"Youdon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
"

Mari
a:"
Hegrewupinfr
ontofme,
andIcant
elli
fhe'
sinl
ove.He'
snotl
ooki
ngatyout
hesame
wayhedidwit
hAdvocate"

Me:
"Who'
sAdvocat
e?"

Mar
ia:
"Hi
sfi
rstReall
over
,Hi
slat
esecondwi
fe.Shedi
edf
ewyear
sback"

Me:
"Oh"

Mar
ia:
"Don'
twast
eyourt
imechi
ld"

Shesai
dthatwaki
ngaway

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

LEHASA

Lungel
o:"
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayaboutme?
"

Ismi
ledshi
ft
ingmyat
tent
iont
ohi
m

Me:
"Not
hing,
whenar
eyougoi
ngbackt
oSout
hAf
ri
ca?
"

Iaskedl
ooki
ngupt
ohi
m

Lungel
o:"
amar
om"(
Idon'
tknow)

Me:
"Gi
nikaIcher
e"(
Whatdoyoumean)

Hesi
ghed

Lungel
o:"
Notanyt
imesoon,
I'
m notr
eadyt
ogobackt
her
e"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"Youhavet
ogobackandf
aceyourpr
obl
ems"

Lungel
o:"
Nomar
rnI
'
m notgoi
ngback,
whatwi
llf
athersay?
"

Me:
"Lungel
oDube,
aghot
aghim"
(Idon'
tunder
stand)
Lungel
o:"
I.
..Ioncer
apedaHel
per
"

Il
ookedathim shock.Lungel
oarri
vedherei
nNi geri
afewyearsbackandIbefr
iendhi
m.But
hehasnevertoldmewhyher anawayfr
om Sout hAfri
ca.WhenIi
ntroducedhi
mt omy
mom,sheimmedi at
elyli
kedhi
m andtookhim asherson

Me:
"gi
ni?
"(What
)

Heshookhi
sheadst
andi
ngup

Lungel
o:"
Idon'
tknowwhathappenedt
hatDay.
..Ir
eal
lydon'
tknow"

Me:
"Sononofyourf
ami
lyknowsaboutt
his?
"

Heshookhi
shead'
No"

Lungel
o:"
NotEvenMymom,
I
'm soaf
rai
dtogobackt
oSout
hAf
ri
caLehasa"

Isi
ghed

Me:"
It
'sOhk.
.Youwi
llgobackt
oSout
hAf
ri
cawhenyouar
eready.
..Imeanyouar
enott
hat
ol
d"

Hechuckl
ed

Lungel
o:"
I'
m 41Lehasayout
heYoungerone"

Me:
"ComeonI
'
mjust36"

Lungel
o:"
Thet
rut
hst
il
lremai
nst
hatI
'
mtheol
dest
"

Me:
"Yeahwhat
ever
"

Me:
"Goodeveni
ngMot
her
"

Isai
dthatpl
ant
ingaki
ssonherf
orehead

Mot
her
:"
Mysonkeduk'
i
mer
e?"(
Howar
eyou)

Me:
"adim mmag'
i
nwakwanu?
"(I
'
m Goodt
hanksandyou)

Mot
her
:"
adi
,Howwaswor
koo"

Me:
"Wor
kwasf
ineMot
her
,Ij
ustneedt
ofi
nishupsomepaperwor
kwher
eisOl
li
?

Mot
her
:"
She'
sdoi
ngherhomewor
k"

Ismi
led,
I'
m not
hingwi
thoutmymot
herbot
hwi
thmysi
ster
.MyMot
heri
saNi
ger
ian,
She'
s
Odomniwhil
eMyDadi saSouthAfr
ican,
He'saMol apo.Appar
ent
lytheyf
elti
nlovebacki
n
t
hedaysandtheyhadme.Theirl
ovewasf or
biddensotheyweref
orcedtoseparat
eand
Motherwasal
readypr
egnantwit
hOlli
.

Me:
"I
'l
lbei
nmyof
fi
cei
fyouneedmemot
her
"

Mot
her
:"
I'
ll
cal
lyouwhenI
'
m doneoo"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NKAZI
MULO

Iwal
kedi
npul
li
ngmysui
tcasef
indi
ngMpi
locooki
ng,
isn'
tshesupposedt
obeasl
eep

Me:
"Myl
ove"

Shel
ookedatmet
henbackatherpost
s.Isi
ghedasIwal
kedovert
oher

Me:
"BabyI
'
m sor
ryIwasn'
tther
e"

Mpi
lo:
"I
..
.Youf
ail
edmedobadNkazi
mul
oyoudon'
tval
ueme"

Me:
"Idomyl
ovecomeon"
.

Mpi
lo:
"Somet
imesiwonderwhyI
'
m st
il
lmar
ri
edt
oyounx"

Shesai
dthatcl
osi
ngt
hepot
sheadi
ngupst
air
s

.
.

Lot
'sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
22]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

NANDI
PHA

IwokeupasIgotoutoft
hecover
sheadingtot
hebathroom.Af
terdoi
ngmyhygi
enepr
ocessi
wal
keddownstai
rsfi
ndi
ngal
lthefami
lyeati
ngbreakf
ast
Me:
"GoodMor
ning"

Isai
dthatasIset
tl
eddownt
hechai
r

Theygr
eet
edbackandIt
ookapl
ateanddi
shedoutf
ormysel
f

Baba:
"Makot
iar
eyouOhk?
"

Inoddedl
ooki
ngupt
ohi
m bef
orequi
ckl
ylooki
ngdown

Me:
"I
'mf
ineBaba,
I
'm notcompl
aini
ng"

Baba:
"Youwi
l
lbegoi
ngt
oJohannesbur
gsoon"

Il
ookeddowncl
ear
ingmyt
roat

Me:
"I
fImayask.
..Why?
"

Baba:
"MyChi
ldyouhavet
ogobackevent
ual
ly"

Inodded

Me:
"Iunder
standBaba"

Baba:
"Andyoumustbr
ingt
heYoungPr
inceher
esowecani
ntr
oducehi
mtot
heancest
ors"

Me:
"OhkIwi
llBaba"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NKAZI
MULO

Me:
"BabyI
'
m sor
ry"

Isai
dthatasIpul
ledheri
nmyar
ms

Mpi
lo:
"Leavemeal
oneNkazi
mul
o"

Me:
"I
'm sor
rybabyf
orgi
veme"

Sheshookherhead

Mpi
lo:
"Nkazi
mul
oyouoncepr
omi
sedmet
hatyouwi
llal
waysbet
her
eforme!Youpr
omi
sed"

Shesai
dthatsni
ff
ingwhi
chmademef
eel
sobad

Me:
"I
'm sor
ryMpi
lo,
pleasebabydon'
tcr
yyouar
ehur
ti
ngme"

Shesni
ff
edt
ryi
ngt
owi
peof
fhert
ear
s
Mpi
lo:
"I
..
.Ihat
ethef
actt
hatIl
oveyouNkazi
mul
oandyouar
ehur
ti
ngmesomuch"

Me:
"I
'm sor
ry.
..I
'
m sor
ryOhk?
"

ShenoddedasIpl
ant
edaki
ssonherf
orhead

Kumkani
:"
ManIt
hinkyoushoul
djustt
ellher
"

IshookmyheadasIl
ookedout
sidet
heWi
ndow

Me:
"Iwi
lldef
ini
tel
yloseherf
orgood,
Ican'
taf
for
dtodot
hat
"

Kumkani
:"
Ifyoudon'
ttel
lheryouwi
lll
oseherNkazi
mul
odoyouwanthert
ofi
ndoutngomye
umnt
u?"

Me:
"No.
..ButI
'
m scar
edsoscar
edWhati
fShel
eavesme'

Hesi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngasi
t

Kumkani
:"
Youshoul
dtel
lher
"

ITur
nedt
olookathi
m

Me:
"Iwi
llseewhatIcando"

Henodded

Kumkani
:"
So.
..
.Youhaveason?
"

Me:
"YesIdi
dn'
texpectThatt
hough,
ThatWi
llgi
veMpi
loMor
ereasont
oDi
vor
cemyass"

Kumkani
:"
All
Iknowi
sthatMpi
lol
ovesyou,
Shewon'
tdot
hat
"

Ishookmyhead

Me:
"YoucanNeverknowwi
thMpi
loKumkani
,Youcanneverknow"

Isi
ghedCl
osi
ngmyeyesal
it
tl
e

Me:
"Ishoul
dn'
thaveCheat
edi
nthef
ir
stpl
ace,
NowyouseewhatIhavedone"

Kumkani
:"
Youcan'
tundoAl
lthi
sNkazi
mul
o!IThi
nki
t'
sti
mef
oryout
omanup"

Iqui
ckl
yLookedathi
m

Me:
"WhatDoyoumeanbyt
hat
?"

Kumkani
:"
Youar
etooChi
ldi
sh!Mi
naIwon'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fMpi
lol
eavesyourSor
ryass"
Me:
"Don'
tsayt
hat
"

Hesi
ghedbef
orel
ooki
ngUpst
rai
ghtt
ome

Kumkani
:"
Behonestwi
thmeOhk?
"

INodded

Kumkani
:"
Areyoui
nlovewi
thMpi
lo"

Il
ookedawayf
rom hi
m

Kumkani
:"
Areyou?
"

Me:
"YesI
'
minl
ovewi
thher
"

Heshookhi
shead

Kumkani
:"
Noyouar
enot
"

ILookedathi
m

Me:
"What
??"

Kumkani
:"
I'
m yourbrot
herNkazi
muloandIcantel
lthatyou'
renoti
nlovewi
thher
,you'
rej
ust
i
nlovewi
ththefactt
hatshe'
sAdvocat
e'sSi
ster
"

Me:
"NoKumkanii
t'
snott
hat
"

Kumkani
:"
Youmaynotnot
icet
hatbutIcant
ellThatyou'
renoti
nlovewi
thher
"

Me:
"Youdon'
tknowwhatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
"

Kumkani
:"
Finet
henNkazi
mul
oletmego,
mywi
fei
swai
ti
ngf
ormeMna"

Me:
"Ohkt
hen"

Isi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngofmyj
acket
,thensatdownt
otakeof
fMyshoes

Mpi
lo:
"Nkazi
mul
owhat
'swr
ong?
"

Sheaskedmaki
ngherwayi
n

Ishookmyhead'
Not
hing'

Me:
"No.
..Ther
e'snot
hingwr
ong"

Mpi
lo:
"You'
resowor
kedoutNkazi
mul
o"
Me:
"I
'l
lbef
ine,
Wher
e'sNonkanyi
so?
"

Mpi
lo:
"She'
sst
il
lasl
eep"

Me:
"Oh,
Iwantt
oBondwi
thher
"

Shesmi
ledatmeandISi
ghed

Me:
"Babyt
her
e'ssomet
hingIhavet
otel
lyou"

Mpi
lo:
"Shoul
dIbewor
ri
ed?
"

Il
ookeddown

Me:
"Pl
easeTakeasi
t"

ShesatDownasshel
ookedatmewi
thConcer
n

Me:
"I
..
.Icheat
ed"

Mpi
lo:
"What
!?"

Me:
"ICheat
edonyouMpi
lo,
Idon'
tknowwhathappenedButIf
oundmysel
fwi
thher
"

Shel
ookedatmef
orawhi
lemaybet
ryi
ngt
opr
ocessal
loft
his

Mpi
lo:
"ForHowLong.
..
?"

Il
ookeddown

Me:
"Forf
ewMont
hs,
ithappenedf
oraf
ewmont
hst
henShegotpr
egnant
"

Shest
oodup

Mpi
lo:
"I
ni?
"

Me:
"IaskedHert
oTer
minat
ethenSher
anawayButshe'
sbackwi
thababyboy"

Mpi
lo:
"SoShegaveyousomet
hingyouwer
elongi
ngf
or"

Il
ookedather

Me:
"Babyi
twasat
otalmi
stake"

Mpi
lo:
"You.
..GodNkazi
mul
oaf
terever
ythi
ng!Af
terever
ythi
ngI
'
vedoneForyou!
"

Me:
"Baby-
"

Mpi
lo:
"ITookcar
eofyou!Beent
her
eForyouandt
hisi
sHowyour
epayme?
"
Me:
"BabyI
t'
snotl
iket
hat
,pl
easel
ist
ent
ome.
..
.Hearmeout
"

Mpi
lo:
"Ther
e'snot
hingIwantt
ohearf
rom you!
"

Me:
"Babyl
ist
ent
ome"

Shesni
ff
edl
ooki
ngatme

Mpi
lo:
"I
'm.
.Idon'
tknowwhatIhavedonet
odeser
vet
his"

Shesai
dthatasshewal
kedaway

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA

BabaknockedasIwaslooki
ngdown.WellWear
enowatNkazimul
o'sHouse,
Babawast
he
onewhoboughtme.Ireal
lydon'
twantanydr
amasoIexpectt
obewelcomed.Ihope
Nkazi
mulotoldMpi
loaboutme

Thedoorsl
idesopenedaswecamef
acet
ofacewi
thNkazi
mul
o

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Babawhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Heaskedsouncomf
ort
abl
e

Baba:
"Letusi
n..
.Iboughtyourwi
feI
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyoubuti
tsentmest
rai
ghtt
o
voi
cemail"

HeCl
ear
edhi
str
oat

Nkazi
mul
o:"
OwUhmm Idi
dn'
tseeyourcal
lsBaba"

Baba:
"Letusi
nthen"

Heshi
ft
edaswemadeourwayi
n..
.Thi
shousei
ssobeaut
if
ul,
Mor
eli
keaCast
le

Baba:
"Wher
eisMpi
lo?
"

BabaAskedassoonasweset
tl
eddownont
hecouch

Nkazi
mul
o:"
She'
supst
air
s,she'
sangr
y"

Baba:
"IguessyouhaveTol
dher
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Yes"

I
'
m gl
ad,
i
twi
l
lcausel
essofDr
ama

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
LEHASA

Isi
ghedbef
oret
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
h

Me:
"I
sthi
sal
l?
"

Ni
co:
"YesBoss,
thi
sisi
t"

INoddedbef
orei
ndi
cat
inghi
mtogooutasLungel
omadehi
swayi
n

Lungel
o:"
Waswast
hatal
labout
?"

Me:
"TheSi
l
ilo'
smustpay"

Hesi
ghedbef
orel
ooki
ngatme

Lungel
o:"
Don'
tyout
hinkyoumustmovedon"

Ishookmyhead'
No'
.TheyKi
ll
edmyWi
feFi
veyear
sago.
..Ican'
tfor
givet
hem Justl
iket
hat

Me:
"No,
Theyhavet
opay"

Lungel
o:"
TheyAr
enoti
ntheGameanymor
ebot
htheBr
other
s"

Me:
"Idon'
tcar
e,I
'
llst
artbyki
ll
ingNkazi
mul
o'swi
fef
oll
owedbyKumkani
'
sWi
fe"

Lungel
o:"
Mmmhk"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NANDI
PHA

"
Whyar
eyouher
e"

Ist
oppedonmyt
racksi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
hest
air
sasIt
urnedt
olookather

Me:
"What
?"

Mpi
lo:
"Youar
eher
etobr
eakmyf
ami
ly?Oryouwantmoney?
"

Il
ookedathershocked

Me:
"I
..
.I'
m nother
eforanyoft
hose"

Mpi
lo:
"Yesyouar
e"

Me:
"Bel
ievemeI
'
m not
!"

Shesl
owl
ymadeherwayt
ome
Mpi
lo:
"Thenwhat
?Whatdoyouwant
?"

Me:
"Not
hing.
..I
..
.Il
ovehi
mtoo"

Shechuckl
ed

Mpi
lo:
"He'
swayol
dert
obeyourf
atherChi
ld,
you'
renotHi
stype"

Me:
"Youdon'
tknowwhatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
"

Isai
dthatasIf
oldedmyar
ms

Mpi
lo:
"You'
reSuchar
ubbi
sh"

Me:
"I
-"

Shepushedmebefor
eIcanevent
alk.
..If
oundmysel
frol
li
ngdownt
hest
air
sasif
eltahar
d
pai
nonmyst omach.

Me:
"Awww"

Myeyesgotbl
ural
it
tl
ebyl
it
tl
e

Lot
'sofl
ove
Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
23]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

NARRATED

Mpiloscreamedast ear
sstreameddownhercheeksl ooki
ngatthebleedingNandi.She
Panickedassheranupt ohercheckingherPulseandThankstothelivi
ngGodshewas
al
ive.Shepull
edherasheavyasNandi wastothedoor.Shecheckedift
herewasanyonet her
e
beforepull
ingNandinexttotheCarasshepickedhersoslowlyasshewasf ail
ingunti
lshe
succeeded.Shecli
mbedt hecardri
vingofft
othehospital
.

Mpi
lo:
"NURSE!
!!HELP!
!HELP!
!"

Shescr
eamedasNur
sesr
ushedt
oherwi
thast
ret
cherhel
pingNandiout
.
Oneoft
heNur
sesappr
oachedMpi
lo

Nur
se:
"GoodAf
ter
noonMa'
am i
fImayask.
..Whathappenedt
oher
"

Mpi
loLookedupt
oherassheswal
lowedhar
d

Mpi
lo:
"Shef
ellont
hest
air
s,i
tlooksl
ikeshemi
ssedast
ep"

Nur
se:
"Ohk.
..Ar
eyouRel
atedt
oher
?"

Mpi
lo:
"Uhmm I
'
m hersi
ster
"

Thenur
senoddedbef
orewal
kingaway.
.

Mpi
lot
ookoutherphonedi
ali
ngNkazi
mul
o'
snumber

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Myl
ovehowar
eyou?
"

Mpi
lot
ookadeepbr
eat
h

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Mpi
loar
eyout
her
e?"

Tear
sst
reameddownhercheeks

Mpi
lo:
"Nandii
sadmi
tt
ed"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
What
!?Whatdoyoumeanshe'
sadmi
tt
ed?
"

Mpi
lo:
"Nkazi
mul
oIdon'
thavet
imet
oexpl
ain,
gether
enow"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ohk.
..I
'
m onmyway"

Mpi
lohungedupasshewal
kedovert
othehospi
talbenchest
aki
ngasi
t

Af
tersomef
ewmi
nut
esNkazi
mul
owal
kedi
n

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Mpi
lo"

Mpi
lo:
"Nkazi
mul
o!!
"

Mpi
losai
dthatr
ushi
ngt
ohi
m asshepul
ledhi
mforahugSobbi
ng

Nkazi
mul
o:"
ShhhBabyTel
lmewhat
'
swr
ong"

Mpi
lo:
"S.
..
SheMi
ssedast
ept
henf
ell
ont
hest
air
s"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whatar
etheDoct
orssayi
ng?
?"

Shepul
ledoutoft
hehugt
aki
ngasi
t
Mpi
lo:
"Theyhavenoti
nfor
medmeaboutt
hesi
tuat
ion"

Nkazi
mulosi
ghedr
unni
nghi
shandsonhi
sfadebef
oret
aki
ngasi
tnextt
oMpi
lol
ooki
ngupas
shecl
osedHi
seyes

Af
terawhi
leaDoct
orappr
oachedt
hem andNkazi
mul
oqui
ckl
yst
oodup.

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ismywi
feOhkDoct
or?
"

Hesi
ghedashel
ookedatt
hem

Doct
or:
"Uhmm she.
..Shel
ostHermemor
y.If
igur
edshehi
thar
dont
hef
loor

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Soyoumeanshewon'
trememberanyt
hing?
"

TheDoct
ornodded

Doct
or:
"YesMrSi
li
loI
'
m af
rai
dshewon'
t"

Mpi
loSi
ghedi
nRel
iveasshe'
sgl
adNandi
won'
trememberherpushi
ngherDownt
hest
air
s

Nkazi
mul
o:"
WhataboutmyBaby?I
sheOhk?
?"

Doct
or:
"Unf
ort
unat
elyMrSi
li
lot
hebabydi
dnotsur
vive"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Canweseeher
?"

Doct
or:
"Comebackt
omor
rowshe'
sasl
eep"

Nkazi
mul
onodded

Nkazi
mul
o:"
OhkDoct
or"

Snegugu:
"SoDaddyNi
t'
str
ue?You'
vebeenscr
ewi
ngmyf
ri
end"

Snegugusai
dasNkazi
mul
oandMpi
lomadet
hei
rwayi
ntot
hehouse

Nkazi
mul
o:"
NotNowSne"

Snegugu:
"Soi
t'
str
ue?HeehAl
lal
ongIwast
her
eforherandshedoest
hist
ome?
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
It
'snotl
ikeshescr
ewedYourBabyDaddy"

Snegugu:
"Shewassupposedt
obemyf
ri
endGosh.
..Aunt
iear
eyouOhk?
"

Mpi
lonodded

Mpi
lo:
"Iwi
l
lbef
ine"
SheSai
dThatmaki
ngherwayupst
air
s

Snegugu:
"Ij
ustWi
shAunt
ieMpi
lol
eavesyoursor
ryass"

Nkazi
mul
ogaveheradeat
hst
are

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Wat
chyourt
oneSneguguI
'
m YourFat
her
"

Snegugu:
"Fat
her
'sdon'
tgoar
oundf
ucki
ngt
hei
rdaught
ersf
ri
ends"

Nkazi
mul
oJustl
osti
tashef
oundhi
msel
fsl
appi
ngher
.Sneguguhel
dhercheekl
ooki
ngat
hi
m

Nkazi
mul
o:"
BabyI
'
m sor
ry"

Het
ri
edt
ogetcl
osert
oherbutshest
oppedhi
m

Snegugu:
"Don'
t!
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
SneguguI
'
m sor
ry"

Snegugut
ookherhandbagasshemadeherwayoutoft
hehouse

*
***
***
***
***
***
*

Nkazimul
oSighedasHeLookedattheSl eepi
ngNandi
.Hefel
treal
lybad.Nandisl
owlyopened
hereyest
henquickl
ycl
osedthem becauseofthel
ight
.Nkazi
mulowalkedovertocloset
he
Curt
ainst
henwalkedbackt
oNandi fi
ndingherwit
hherEyesopened

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Nandi
..
."

Hesai
dthathol
dingherhand

Nandi
Lookedathi
m dr
umf
oldandNkazi
mul
ocl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatbef
orel
ooki
ngather

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I.
.I'
m Nkazi
mul
o.YourHusband"

Nandi
poppedhi
seyesasshecan'
tbel
ievet
hatt
hishandsomecr
eat
urei
sherhusband

Nandi
:
"Uhmm I
t'
sni
cet
omeetyou"

Nkazi
mul
oSi
ghed

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iguess,
doyour
ememberyourname?
"

Nandi
shookHerhead'
No'

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ohk.
..Shoul
dIt
ellyouever
ythi
ngaboutyour
sel
f?"

ShenoddedherheadasNkazi
mul
ost
art
edt
ell
ingherabouther
sel
f
°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

Mr
sJ:
"Soyouar
etel
li
ngmeThatyoupushedher
"

Mpi
lonoddedi
ntear
s

Mpi
lo:
"I
'm af
rai
dthatNkazi
mul
owi
lll
eavemewhenHef
indsOut
"

Mr
sJ:
"It
hinkyoushoul
dst
andupf
orYourf
ami
ly"

Mpi
lol
ookedatherconf
used

Mpi
lo:
"WhatdoyoumeanMa?
"

Mr
sJ:
"Fi
gur
eitoutSi
si.
..Jamel
aUmuziwakho"

Mpi
lo:
"MaIcan'
tgot
oat
radi
ti
onal
Doct
or"

Mr
sJ:
"Yousai
dshehasanAmnesi
ari
ght
?"

Mpi
lonodded

Mpi
lo:
"Yes"

Mr
sJ:
"Thengetsomet
hingt
opl
aywi
thherbr
ain"

Mpi
lo:
"Somet
hingt
hatwi
llcausehert
olosememor
ywor
set
hanShedoesr
ightnow?
"

Mr
sJNodded

Mr
sJ:
"Yest
hat
"

Mpi
loshookherhead'
No'

Mpi
lo:
"NoMat
hat
'sevi
l,
howcanyouevensuggestsomet
hingl
iket
hiswhenyou'
rea
Chr
ist
ian?
"

Mr
sJChuckl
edl
ooki
ngatMpi
lo

Mpi
lo:
"UmuziUyaJanyel
waNomat
terHowaChr
ist
ianyouar
e"

Mpi
losi
ghed

Mpi
lo:
"Iwi
l
lsee"

Mr
sJ:
"Ohk.
..Letmegobef
oreMyhusbandl
ooksf
orme"

Mpi
lo:
"OhkMa,
Iwi
llt
ellNkazi
mul
othatyoust
oppedby"

Mr
sJ:
"OhkMydaught
er"
°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Doct
orwheni
sSheget
ti
ngdi
schar
ged?
"

Doct
or:
"Si
nceshe'
sfi
ne,
tomor
rowmor
ningButIwi
l
lgi
veyousomemedi
cat
ion"

Nkazi
mul
onoddedl
ooki
ngatNandi

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ohk.
.."

TheDoct
ormadehi
swayout

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iwi
llcomewi
thourSon"

Nandi
:
"Ihaveason?
"

Nkazi
mul
onodded

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Andadaught
ert
oo"

Nandi
:
"WowButI
'
m soYoungt
ohaveki
dsAndgetmar
ri
ed"

Nkazi
mul
oChuckl
ed

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
"

Looki
ngathi
swr
ist
wat
ch

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ihavet
ogo"

Nandi
:
"Don'
tleaveme"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iwi
llcomeandf
etchyout
omor
rowbynextweekYourf
ami
lyi
scomi
ng"

Nandi
:
"Ohk"

Nkazi
mul
oki
ssedherFor
eheadbef
oremaki
nghi
swayout

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Baby"

Mpi
lo:
"Ohyouar
eback"

Nkazi
mul
osi
ghed

Nkazi
mul
o:"
YesI
'
m back"

Mpi
lo:
"Howi
sShe.
..
?IsSheOhk?
"
Nkazi
mul
onodded

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Theyar
edi
schar
ginghert
omor
row

Mpi
lo:
"That
'sgood"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Yesandpl
easet
akecar
eofher
,si
nceshe'
snotwel
l"

Mpi
lol
ookeddown

Mpi
lo:
"Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hatI
'
llmakesur
eshe'
swel
ltakencar
eof
"

Nkazi
mul
onodded

Mpi
lo:
"Mawasher
e"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
OhIdi
dn'
texpecther
"

Mpi
lo:
"Shewasj
ustpassi
ngbynot
hingmuch"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ohkt
hen"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

LEHASA

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngatMyPA

Me:
"Dowehavet
ogot
her
e?"

Chi
chi
:"
Yessi
r,i
t'
sani
mpor
tantmeet
ingAndt
heyar
eexpect
ingyou"

Me:
"Ohkf
ineyoumayl
eave"

Chi
chimadeherwayoutasLungel
ogoti
n

Lungel
o:"
Youl
ookf
aust
atedwhat
'
swr
ong?
"

Me:
"Wehaveabusi
nesst
ri
ptoSout
hAf
ri
ca"

Lungel
o:"
I'
m notr
eadyLehasa"

Me:
"YesIknowButr
ightnowwehavenochoi
ce"

Hesi
ghed

Lungel
o:"
Fine"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°
MPI
LO

Ipour
edaLi
tt
leoft
hatmedi
cinebef
oret
aki
ngi
ttot
hel
ounge

Me:
"Her
e'sYourt
eaNandi
"

Isai
dthatsmi
li
ngt
oherasIwasner
vousbutdi
dn'
tshow

Nandi
:
"ThankyouSi
si"

Inodded

Me:
"I
t'
sOhk.
..Letmet
akeyourbagt
oyourr
oom"

Nandi
:
"Thankyouagai
n"

Shesai
dthatSi
ppi
nghert
ea.It
ookherbagasImademywayt
oherr
oom.

ISighedbef
oreopeni
ngthebag.ISawherMedicat
ion.Iqui
cklyWentt
ot hedoort
ocheckAnd
therewasnoone.Iqui
ckl
yexchangedherpi
ll
sthenclosedthebagmakingmyway
downstai
rs

.
.

Lot
'sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
24]

-
Shor
t

NANDI
PHA

IwokeupasIl ookedatmybedsideandtherehewaslooki
ngsohandsomeasever .ISmiled
beforepl
ant
ingaki ssonhisPout
edli
ps.Ican'
tbel
ieveI
'm marr
iedtothi
sGoodness.Igotout
ofthecover
sheadingt ot
hebathr
oom.Afterdoi
ngmyhygi eneprocessIWal
keddownstairs
fi
ndingMpil
ocleaning

Me:
"Goodmor
ningSi
s'
Mpi
lo"
Isai
dthatsmi
li
ng

Mpi
lo:
"OhMor
ningNandi
,don'
tcal
lmeSi
s'
Mpi
loMpi
loi
sfi
ne"

INoddedt
aki
ngasi
t

Me:
"Ohk.
..Don'
tYouhaveKi
dswi
thNkazi
mul
o?"

Iasked,
yest
heyt
oldmeever
ythi
ngbutdot
heyhaveki
dsoft
hei
rown

Sheshookherhead'
No'

Me:
"Oh"

Mpi
lo:
"Imi
scar
ri
edf
ewMont
hsbackandI
..
.MySevenyear
sol
dbabygi
rldi
ed"

Me:
"OhWhatwast
hecause?
"

IAskedl
ooki
ngdi
rect
lyt
oher

Mpi
lo:
"TheDoct
orsdi
dn'
tfi
ndanyt
hingatal
l.
..Theycl
aimedshej
ustdi
edonherown"

Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"

Shel
ookedatmef
orawhi
le

Mpi
lo:
"I
'mf
inenow,
thoughI
'
vebeent
hroughal
ot"

Inodded

Me:
"Icant
ell
"

Mpi
lo:
"Yourf
oodi
sint
heMi
crowave"

ISmi
ledatherst
andi
ngup

Me:
"You'
reSuchal
if
eSavi
or"

Mpi
lo:
"Mmmhi
t'
sfi
neey"

"
Hel
lol
adi
es"sai
dNkazi
mul
owal
kingdownt
hest
air
saswesmi
ledathi
m

Me:
"Goodmor
ningmyhusband"

Isai
dthatashechuckl
ed

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Mor
ning"

Hesaidthatpl
ant
ingaki
ssonmyl
ipsbef
orewal
kingovert
oMpi
loashepl
ant
edaki
ssonher
f
orehead
Nkazi
mul
o:"
SthandwaSam howar
eyou?
"

Mpi
lo:
"I
'mf
ineBabyyou?
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
mfi
neAndhungr
y"

Mpi
lo:
"Lucki
lyYourWi
femadesomebr
eakf
ast
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whi
chone"

Mpi
lo:
"YourLovedone,
Ofcouset
hat
'
smemyl
ove"

Nkazi
mul
oChuckl
edwal
kingawayf
rom us

Iwassit
ti
ngontopofmybedWhenIf
eltcol
dai
ronmybackandwhenIl
ookedupIsawa
beaut
if
ullady

Me:
"OhmyGod"

Isai
dthatl
ooki
ngUpt
oher

Lady:
"Hel
lo.
..I
'
m Advocat
e"

Me:
"OhYouar
eanAdvocat
e?"

IAskedl
ooki
ngupt
oherasshewal
kedovert
omysi
det
aki
ngasi
t

Advocat
e:"
IOncevi
sit
edyou"

ILookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands

Me:
"Idon'
trememberanyt
hing"

Advocat
e:"
Iknow,
you'
reast
ronggi
rlandyour
emi
ndmeofmysel
fwhengr
owi
ngup"

Me:
"Ow"

Advocat
e:"
IwasMar
ri
edt
oNkazi
mul
o"

Il
ookedathersoshocked

Me:
"Whatdoyoumean?
"

Advocat
e:"
Idi
ed,
I
'm dead"

Ist
oodupl
ooki
ngather

Me:
"Soyou'
reaghost
?JesusI
'
mtal
kingt
oaghost
?"
Shechuckl
ed.Godshe'
ssuchabeaut
yWi
tht
hosenat
uralhai
rofher
's

Advocat
e:"
Come'
on,
si
tDownIdon'
tbi
te"

ILookedatherf
orawhi
lebef
oret
aki
ngasi
tnextt
oher

Me:
"Mmm"

Advocat
e:"
Bef
oreIdi
ed,
Igavemybl
essi
ngst
oMpi
lodoyouwantt
oknowwhy?
"

Ishookmyhead'
No'

Advocat
e:"
Ididn'
tknowthatt
hisal
lwi
llhappen.
..Idi
dn'
tknowt
hatNkazi
mul
owoul
dmeet
someonehe'sinl
ovewit
h"

Il
ookedDown

Advocat
e:"
Hedoesnotseei
tyetbutHel
ovesyou"

Il
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"IMaynotr
ememberanyt
hingbutIcanseet
hathe'
snoti
nlovewi
thme"

Sheshookherhead'
No'

Advocat
e:"
Youdon'
tknowhi
mli
keIdoButgi
vehert
ime"

INodded

Advocat
e:"
Youmi
ghtnotbet
heChosenonef
orhi
m butI
'
m choosi
ngyou"

Me:
"Whatdoyoumeanbyt
hat
?"

Advocat
e:"
Excet
lyt
hat
,nowIhavet
ogo"

Me:
"Don'
tgo"

Advocat
e:"
Ihavet
oanddon'
ttr
ustanyoneexceptNkazi
mul
o"

Inodded

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NARRATED

Mpil
otookoutapoisonthatshewasgi
venbyMr
sJ.SheSi
ghedbef
orepour
ingi
tonNandi
'
s
gl
ass.ThenShel
eftitt
herewalki
ngupst
air
s

Mpi
lo:
"NandiImadeaJui
ce,
come"
Nandi
smi
ledl
ooki
ngUpt
oher

Nandi
:
"Thankyousomuch"

Nandi
Sai
dthatwal
kingdownst
air
sfi
ndi
ngSnegugudr
inki
ngt
hatJui
ce

Mpi
lo:
"Snedon'
tdr
inkt
hat
!"

Snegugu:
"What
'swr
ongwi
thi
t?Wher
eisDaddyNanywayIwantt
oapol
ogi
ze"

Mpi
lo:
"Uhmm.
..He'
sUhmm.He'
satwor
k"

Snegugu:
"ThenIwi
llwai
tforhi
m"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

LUNGELO

Iwal
kedI
nsi
det
hecaeasIsi
ghed.

Lehasa:
"Ar
eyour
eady?
"

INoddedset
ti
ngmyeyesont
her
oad

Me:
"I
'mr
eady"

Wedr
oveof
f

[
I'
l
lwr
it
eTomor
row,
I'
mti
redsosor
ryf
ort
heEr
ror
stoo]

Lot
'sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e
Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
25]

NARRATED

Ti
mepassed.Mpi
lopr
epar
edf
oodf
ort
hem ast
heysatar
oundt
het
abl
e.

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
m sobl
essed"

Hesai
dthatl
ooki
ngathi
sfami
ly

Snegugu:
"Youcansayt
hatagai
n,Phel
ahavi
ngt
wowi
vesi
sbi
g"

Nkazi
mul
osmi
led

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Yes,
havi
ngt
wowi
vesi
sreal
lybi
gandhavi
ngaver
ybeaut
if
ulf
ami
lyi
sabl
essi
ng"

Nandi
:
"Indeedi
tis"

Snegugu:
"Tat
aIWant
edt
oapol
ogi
ze"

Nkazi
mul
oLookedupt
oher
Nkazi
mul
o:"
About
?"

SneguguSi
ghedl
ooki
ngDown

Snegugu:
"Aboutdi
srespect
ingyou,
i
twaswr
ongofmet
odoso"

Nkazi
mul
onoddedl
ooki
ngatSnegugu

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iunder
standandI
'
m sor
ryt
oo,
Ishoul
dn'
thavel
aidmyhandonyou"

Snegugu:
"I
t'
sOhkDaddyNI
..
.Ouch"

Shesai
dthathol
dingont
het
abl
e

Nkazi
mul
o:"
BabyAr
eyouOhk?
"

HeaskedLooki
ngather

Snegugu:
"I
..
.I.
..OuchOhGod"

Nkazi
mul
ost
oodupsof
astwal
kingovert
oSnegugu

Nkazi
mul
o:"
BabyWhat
'swr
ong?Whati
sit
?"

Snegugu:
"My.
..MySt
omach"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
What
'swr
ongSnegugu?
"

Sneguguf
eltt
hepai
nsohar
dasshegr
oanedi
npai
n

Snegugu:
"I
t'
sPai
nful
,
OhKubuhl
unguTat
a"

Nkazi
mulohel
dherastheywal
kedoutheadi
ngtothegarage.HeopenedtheCardoorpi
cki
ng
herupAshepl
acedheri
nthecarashealsogoti
nDrivi
ngofftothehospi
tal

Nkazi
mul
o:"
NURSE!
!!NURSE!
!"

Nur
sesqui
ckl
ywal
kedovert
othem wi
thast
ret
cherhel
pingSnegugu

Nur
se:
"Whathappenedt
ohersi
r?"

Nkazi
mul
olookedatherannoyed

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Isn'
tthatyourj
ob?Nxgof
indoutwhat
'
swr
ongwi
thher
!"

TheNur
sequi
ckl
ywal
kedawayf
rom hi
m.Het
ookouthi
sphonedi
ali
ngNqaba'
sNumber

Nqaba:
"Whatapl
easantsur
pri
se"
Hesai
dthatChuckl
ing

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Idon'
thavet
ime!Snegugui
sadmi
tt
ed"

Nqaba:
"WHAT!
!?"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Gether
enow!
"

HeSai
dThatashehungeduppaci
ngUpanddown

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

Nandi
wasont
opoft
hebedasshef
eltt
hatcol
dai
r

Nandi
:
"Advocat
e"

Advocat
eappear
edasbeaut
if
ulasever
.

Advocat
e:"
Howar
eyou?
"

Nandi
sighedl
ooki
ngupt
oher

Nandi
:
"Conf
used,
I..
.Idon'
tknowanyt
hingaboutme.If
eell
ikeI
'
mli
vingal
ie"

Shenoddedl
ooki
ngatNandi

Advocat
e:"
Iunder
stand,
it'
sreal
lyhar
dbutt
hisal
lhadt
obet
hisway"

Nandi
:
"How?
"

Advocat
eChuckl
edt
aki
ngasi
tnextt
oher

Advocat
e:"
I'
vebeent
hroughal
ot,
butManyPeopl
eusedt
ojudgemebyt
hen"

Nandi
:
"Usedt
oJudgeyou?
"

Advocat
e:"
Yes,
theydon'
tunder
standr
eal
ly.
..Ever
yonehashi
s/herownmi
stakesi
nli
fe"

Nandi
nodded

Nandi
:
"Yest
hat
'st
rue"

Advocat
e:"
Andever
yonewhogui
dedmeusedt
osayi
t'
sDest
iny.
..Al
ineIusedt
ohat
esoI
'
ll
notusei
tonyou"

Nandi
Chuckl
edl
ooki
ngatAdvocat
e

Advocat
e:"
Iwantyout
oat
tendChur
ch,
Iwantyout
ochangeyourl
if
e"

Nandi
lookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thherhands
Nandi
:
"But
..
.How?
"

Advocat
e:"
Star
tbygoi
ngt
oChur
chbecauset
her
e'sal
ott
hati
sComi
ngYourway"

Nandi
:
"Yousay.
..
?"

Advocat
enodded

Advocat
e:"
Yes,
changeYourl
if
ebef
orei
t'
stool
ate.Someonei
soutt
ogetyou"

Nandi
:
"Iunder
stand"

Advocat
e:"
That
'sgoodt
hen"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

Nqabamadehi
swayi
nthehospi
tal
,
heSawNkazi
mul
othenhewal
kedovert
ohi
m

Nqaba:
"Whathappenedt
omydaught
er"

Nkazi
mul
oSi
ghedl
ooki
ngdown

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ireal
lydon'
tknowwhathappenedshej
ustCr
iedi
npai
n"

NqabaLookedathi
mforawhi
lebef
oret
aki
ngasi
t

Nqaba:
"Ihopemybabyi
sal
ri
ght
,i
fnot
..
.She'
snol
ongerwel
comedi
nyourhouse"

Nkazi
mul
olookedupt
ohi
m

Nkazi
mul
o:"
She'
sal
somi
ne"

Nqaba:
"Shehasmybl
ood!Mi
ne"

Nkazi
mul
oSi
ghedI
'
mfaust
rat
ionast
heDoct
orappr
oachedt
hem

Nqaba:
"Doct
orwhat
'swr
ongwi
thher
?"

TheDoct
orSi
ghedbef
orel
ooki
ngatbot
hthem

Doct
or:
"She'
sfi
nebutt
hepoi
sondi
dsomuchdamagei
nherWomb"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Poi
son?
"

TheDoct
orNodded

Doct
or:
"Yes,
wef
oundPoi
soni
nhersyst
em andsadl
yshewon'
tbeabl
etocar
ryChi
ldr
enf
ull
t
erm"

Nkazi
mul
orunnedhi
shandsonhi
sfadeashewal
kedoutoft
hehospi
tal
_

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whot
hehel
lpoi
sonedSnegugu!
?"

Heaskedashest
eppedi
nsi
det
hehouse

Mpi
loqui
ckl
yst
oodupl
ooki
ngatt
heangr
yNkazi
mul
o

Mpi
lo:
"Myeni
wam cal
m down"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Don'
ttel
lmet
ocal
m downWena!IAskedyouaquest
ion"

Mpi
loLookeddown

Mpi
lo:
"I
'm.
.I
..
.Idon'
tknow"

Nandi
Wal
keddownst
air
saf
terhear
ingt
hevoi
ces

Nandi
:
"What
'swr
ong!
?"

Nkazi
mul
otur
nedt
olookather

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whopoi
sonedSnegugu!
?"

Nandi
Lookedathi
m wi
thConf
usi
on

Nandi
:
"What
?"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Stopact
ingandt
ellme!Iknowi
t'
ssomeonebet
weenyout
wonowt
ellmewhoi
s
i
t?"

Tear
sst
reameddownMpi
lo'
scheeks

Mpi
lo:
"Cal
m downMyeni
wam"

Nkazi
mul
oLookedatherf
orawhi
le

Nkazi
mul
o:"
NxNi
zowukhombaUmuziOnot
jwal
a"

Hesai
dashewal
kedout

Nandi
:
"Mpi
loWhati
sHet
alki
ngabout
?"

Mpi
lo:
"Idon'
tknow"

Mpil
osaidthatasshewal
kedoutheadi
ngt
oherr
oom.Shepackedandpackedever
ythi
ngt
hat
bel
ongedtoherbefor
eShemadeacal l

Mpi
lo:
"Ma"
Mr
sJ:
"Mpi
lo,
what
'swr
ong?
"

Mpi
lo:
"He'
sgoi
ngt
oki
llmeMaIhavet
orunaway"

Mr
sJ:
"Whatdoyoumean?
"

Mpi
lo:
"He'
ssoAngr
y,Ineedt
orunaway"

Mr
sJ:
"Youcan'
tleaveYourDaught
erbehi
nd"

Mpil
o:"
She'sattheManzi
niKi
ngdom wi
thBl
essi
ngssot
heywi
llt
akeCar
eofher
,ri
ghtnowI
havetoleave"

Mr
sJ:
"OhkCome,
I'
llhel
pyou"

Mpi
lo:
"Thankyou"

Shesai
dthatasshehungedupwi
pingof
fhert
ear
sbef
orewal
kingdownst
air
s

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

Lungel
oWal
kedtoSpurashetookasi
twit
houtor
deri
nganyt
hing.Abeaut
if
ulwomanWalked
i
nandhewastakenbyher.Shedi
dwhatshecametodoasshewalkedoutfol
lowedby
Lungel
o

Lungel
o:"
Excuseme"

Thewomenst
oppedasshel
ookedathi
m

Nel
isi
we:
"HowcanIhel
pyou?
"

Lungel
o:"
CanIgetyourname?
"

Nel
isi
weLookedathi
m bef
oreanswer
ing

Nel
isi
we:
"Idon'
tgi
vemynamet
ost
ranger
s"

Lungel
oSmi
ledbecauseNel
isi
wewaschal
lengi
nghi
m

Lungel
o:"
Thenyouwi
llgett
oknowme,
byt
hewayI
'
m Lungel
o"

Nel
isi
we:
"I
'm Nel
iwe"

Nel
isi
wehasNeverseenhi
m bef
ore.Lungel
owasalwaysaway.Eversi
nceNel
isi
wewor
ked
f
ortheDubeFamil
y,
shehasnevercameacrosswi
thhim

Lungel
o:"
Beaut
if
ulnamef
orabeaut
if
ulQueen,
canIgetyournumber
s?"

Nel
isi
we:
"I
'm Mar
ri
ed"
Lungel
ochuckl
ed

Lungel
o:"
Idi
dn'
taskt
hat
,Iaskedf
oryournumber
s"

Nel
isi
wel
ookedathi
m bef
orewal
kingawaybutLungel
ofol
lowedher

Lungel
o:"
Icanaccompanyyout
othecar
"

Nel
isi
we:
"Nomyhusbandi
sther
e"

Lungel
o:"
Idon'
tmi
ndst
il
l"

Nel
isi
weSighedbef
oretaki
nghi
sphoneashehandedi
ttoher
.Nel
isi
wepunchedhernumber
s
t
hengavehim hi
sphone.

Lungel
otooki
tashedi
aledt
henumber
sandNel
isi
we'
sphoner
ang

Lungel
o:"
Youcannevert
rustawoman"

Hesai
dthatbef
orewal
kingaway

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

Mr
sJ:
"Whathappened?
"

Mpi
loCr
iedasMr
sJohnsonpul
ledheri
nforahug

Mpi
lo:
"I
twasami
stakeMa,
Idi
dn'
tmeant
opoi
sonher
"

Mr
sJ:
"Who?
"

Mpi
lo:
"Snegugu,
Imadeaj
uicef
orNandi
butSnegugudr
anki
t"

Mr
sJ:
"OhBawoi
ssheOhk?
"

Mpi
lopul
ledoutf
rom t
hehug

Mpi
lo:
"I
..
.Idon'
tknow"

Mr
sJSi
ghed

Mr
sJ:
"Iwi
llgoandseet
hem,
nowyouhavet
ogobecausewi
thNkazi
mul
o..
.Youneverknow"

Mpi
loNodded

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

Nkazi
mul
owal
kedi
nsi
det
hehousef
indi
ngNandi
ont
heCouch

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Wher
eisshe!
?"
Nandi
lookedathi
m Conf
used

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Wher
eisMpi
lo!
?"

Nandi
:
"She'
sgone.
..I
..
.If
oundever
ythi
ngt
hatbel
ongedt
ohergone!
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Didshet
ellyouWher
eshe'
sgoi
ng"

Nandi
shookHerhead'
No'

Nandi
:
"Idi
dn'
t"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Shebet
terpr
ayIdon'
tfi
ndhernx"

{
Didn'
tEdi
tal
ltheI
nser
tsoExcuset
heEr
ror
s}

Lot
'sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n
I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
26]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

Amont
hlat
er.
..
.

NARRATED

Nkazi
mul
oWal kedInsi
dethehouseaf
terget
ti
ngbackf
rom wor
k.HeLookedatNandiashe
smil
edwal
kingovertoher

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Myl
ove"

Nandi
lookedup.
asSheal
soSmi
ledathi
m

Nandi
:
"Baby.
..Howar
eyou?
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
m goodbabyyou?
"

Nandi
Smi
ledathi
m

Nandi
:
"I'
m al
sogoi
ng,
howwaswor
kthough?
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Itwasn'
tbadt
houghI
'
m sot
ir
ed"
Nandi
:
"Ihavemadesomet
hingf
oryou,
Ihopeyouwi
llenj
oy"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
YouknowIal
waysenj
oyyourcooki
ng"

Nandist
oodupasshewal
kedovertothekit
chentodi
shupforNkazi
mulo.Att
heot
hersi
de
Nkazi
mulost
oodupashewalkedoutoftheLoungeheadi
ngtot
heirbedr
oom.

Hechangedasher
ecei
vedacal
l

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Kumkaniwhat
'
sup?
"

Kumkani
:"
Theyar
eaf
terus"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whatdoyoumeant
heyar
eaf
terus!
?Whoi
sit
?"

KumkaniSi
ghedf
aust
atedovert
hephone

Kumkani
:"
Lehasa"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Lehasa?
"

Kumkani
:"
Theguyt
hatwet
ookof
fhi
swi
fe,
he'
saf
terusandi
t'
sbad"

Nkazi
mul
oSi
ghed

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Wehavet
opr
otectourWi
vesbecausewi
tht
hisguy.
.youwi
llneverknow"

Kumkani
:"
Ohkt
henwewi
ll
Tal
k"

Hesai
dthatashehungedup.Nkazi
mul
owal
kedDownst
air
sfi
ndi
nghi
spl
ateont
het
abl
e

Nandi
:
"Ohher
e'syourf
ood"

Shesai
dthatwal
kingi
nthel
ounge.ThenShenot
icedt
hatt
heat
mospher
eisver
ytense

Nandi
:
"BabyAr
eyouOhk?
"

Nkazi
mul
oLookedather

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Don'
twor
ryaboutmeI
'
llbef
ine,
butknowt
hatIl
oveyouOhk?
"

Nandi
noddedt
houghshewaswor
ri
ed

Nandi
Wal
kedovert
othebedi
nherpyj
amas

Nandi
:
"Nkazi
mul
oYou'
renotf
inesot
ellmewhati
sit
?"

Nkazi
mul
olookedupt
oher
Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
mfi
neNandi
,don'
twor
ryaboutme"

Nandi
Noddedget
ti
ngunderCover
sfaci
ngt
heot
herdi
rect
ion

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Don'
tdot
hatNandi
"

Nandi
:
"What
?"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Get
ti
ngAngr
yatme,
somet
hingar
ebet
terbei
ngunsai
d"

Nandi
sighedt
urni
ngt
oNkazi
mul
o

Nandi
:
"Ij
ustwantyout
obehonestwi
thme.
..I
sthatt
oomucht
oask"

Nkazi
mul
olookedather

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
mtr
yingt
opr
otectyouNandi
sodon'
tbel
iket
hat
"

Nandi
:
"Li
kewhat?You'
ret
enseNkazi
mul
oWhenI
'
m aski
ngyouwhat
'swr
ongyougi
vemea
col
dshoul
der
!"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
NandiI
..
.Ij
ustdon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thyou"

Nandi
:
"Ohkf
inenx"

Shesai
dthatt
urni
ngt
otheot
hersi
de

Nkazimul
owokeupwi t
hnoonebyhissi
de.
Hest ryi
ngsohardtopleaseNandisothat
'swhy
hehaschanged.Hewantstobei
napeacef
ulplacethoughhealsofel
tguil
tyaboutNandi
l
oosinghermemory.Af
terdoi
nghi
shygi
eneprocesshewalkeddownst ai
rsfi
ndi
ngNandi
makingsomebreakf
ast

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Goodmor
ning"

Hesai
dthatpl
ant
ingaki
ssonhercheek

Nandi
:
"Mor
ning"

Shesai
dinacol
dvoi
ce

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iguessyou'
rest
il
lmad"

Nandi
tur
nedt
olookathi
m

Nandi
:
"Whywer
eyousot
enseyer
ster
dayaf
tert
heCal
lNkazi
mul
o"

Nkazi
mul
osi
ghedr
unni
nghi
shandsonhi
sfade
Nkazi
mul
o:"
Itol
dyout
onotwor
ryaboutt
hatBaby"

Nandi
:
"You'
rej
ustget
ti
ngmesowor
kedoutNaweNkazi
mul
o"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
mfi
neMnaNandi
sodon'
twor
ryOhk?
"

Nandi
noddedshi
ft
ingherat
tent
iont
othepot
s

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iloveyou"

Nandi
Smi
led

Nandi
:
"Il
oveyout
oo"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

Nel
isi
we:
"Myhusbandi
sgoi
ngt
oki
llmeLungel
o"

Shesai
dthatasshegi
ggl
ed

Lungel
o:"
He'
l
lbest
rongNel
lyyou'
rewi
thYourf
ri
end"

Nel
isi
wesi
ghedl
ooki
ngathi
m

Nel
isi
we:
"MrSant
oswon'
tunder
stand,
hedoesnotwantmenearanyman"

Lungel
o:"
He'
sinsecur
e"

Nel
isi
weshookherhead'
No'

Nel
isi
we:
"Hej
ustl
ovesmet
hat
'
sal
l"

Lungel
o:"
Yeah"

Lungel
osai
dthatl
ooki
ngupt
oher

Lungel
o:"
You'
rebeaut
if
ulNel
isi
we"

Nel
isi
wel
ookeddownbl
ushi
ng

Nel
isi
we:
"Lungel
ost
opt
hat
"

Lungel
o:"
What
?"

Nel
isi
we:
"Doi
ngt
hatI
'
m Mar
ri
ed"

Lungel
oChuckl
edl
ooki
ngather

Lungel
o:"
Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hingaboutyourmar
ri
ege,
Idi
dn'
tsaydi
vor
ceYourhusbandei
ther
"
Lungel
oLookedatherbef
oresmashi
nghi
sli
psonher
's

Nel
isi
wet
ookawhi
lebef
orer
espondi
ngt
henshepul
ledout

Nel
isi
we:
"I
..
.I.
.I'
m sor
ry"

Shesai
dthatSt
andi
ngupassher
unoutofLungel
o'
sapar
tment
.Lungel
ofol
lowedher

Lungel
o:"
Nel
lywai
t!
"

Hesawhercardr
ivi
ngof
fthenhesi
gnedwal
kingbacki
nsi
de

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NANDI
PHA

Isangmyf
avour
it
esongasIwasget
ti
ngr
eadyf
orChur
ch.
..
.ExcessLovebyMer
cyChi
nwe

'
YourLovei
ski
nd.
..

YourPat
ient

Youf
il
lmyhear
t

Wi
thsomuchPeaceandJoy

You'
rear
eAmazi
ng'

Il
ookedatmysel
finami
rr
orasNkazi
mul
omadehi
swayi
n

Nkazi
mul
o:"
You'
regoi
ngt
oChur
ch?
"

INoddedt
urni
ngovert
ohi
m

Me:
"I
'l
lbebacksoon"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
ButIdon'
twantyout
oleave"

Ismi
ledathi
m,Ial
waysenj
oyhi
ssul
king

Me:
"I
'l
lbebackdon'
twor
rymyl
ove,
I'
llbef
ineOhk?
"

Henoddedashi
sphoner
angt
henhewal
kedawayt
hencamebackaf
tersomet
ime

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
mleavi
ngbutI
'
llbebacksoon"

Il
ookedupt
ohi
m

Me:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Nkazi
mul
o:"
Tot
heVi
ll
age,
someonej
ustupdat
edmet
hathesawMpi
lo"

Me:
"Mpi
lo?
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Yes,
I'
llbebackOhk?
"

Inodded

Me:
"Ohk"

Timepassedandi
twast
imef
orbed.Imi
ssedNkazi
mul
o.I
fhewasher
ewewoul
dhavebeen
cundl
ingbynow

Ichangedt
omypyj
amasbef
oreget
ti
ngunderCover
s.I
ttookmeTi
met
osl
eepbutIf
inal
lydi
d

*
*Isawabi gt
reesof
ar.It
ri
edt
oreacht
her
ebuti
twassohar
d.Iwal
kedandwal
kedunt
ilmy
f
eetbet
rayedme

'
Youhavet
ogohome'
ILookedupt
otr
yandf
indt
hatvoi
cebuticoul
dn'
t

Me:
"Whoar
eyou?Whoar
eyou"

Ishout
edast
ear
sst
reameddownmycheeks

'
Bayakuf
unabeki
niNdodakazibuyel
aekhaya'

(Yourancest
orswantyou,
gobackhome)

Il
ookedar
oundbutcoul
dn'
tfi
ndt
hatvoi
ceasi
tkeptonr
epeat
ingi
t'
ssel
f**
*

Iwokeupsweatingandbreat
hingsoheavy.Il
ookedatt
hecl
ockandi
twas3am.Igotoutof
thecover
staki
ngmyBi bl
ebeforekneel
ingdownAndpray

IwokeupasIcheckedthet
imei
twasSeven.Iyawnedbef
oreget
ti
ngoutoft
hecover
s
headi
ngtot
hebathroom

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NARRATED

Mpil
otookouthersui
tcaseasshet
ookallhercl
othesf
rom t
hewardrobeshaki
ng.Shesaw
oneofNkazi
mulo'
swor ker
sandsheknewthatNkazimul
oisonhertail
.

Shewasaboutt
odr
aghersui
tcaseout
sidebutunf
ort
unat
elyNkazi
mul
owasal
readyt
her
e
Nkazi
mul
o:"
Mpi
lo.
..
"

Mpi
loLookedupt
aki
ngf
ewst
epsbackwar
ds

Mpi
lo:
"H.
..Howdi
dyouf
indme?
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
IhavemywaysSweet
hear
t"

Lot
'sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
27]

.
-
SoShor
t

NARRATED

Mpi
lol
ookedathi
m soscar
ed

Mpi
lo:
"Nkazi
mul
oI'
m sor
ry"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whatar
eyousor
ryabouthuh?What
?"

Mpi
lo:
"Idi
dn'
tmeant
odot
hat
"

Shesai
dast
ear
sst
reameddownhercheeks

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Why?
"

Mpil
o:"
Thatwasmeantf
orNandi
,I
..
.Shehur
tedmeNkazi
mul
oandIwasaf
rai
dthatI
'
m goi
ng
t
oloseyou"

Nkazi
mulounder
stoodherpai
n.Nowomancanwel
comeanot
herwomani
nherHousewi
th
openhands

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whydi
dn'
tyouspeakt
omeMpi
lo?Whydi
dn'
tyout
ellme?
"

Mpi
lol
ookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thherhands

Mpi
lo:
"Iwasscar
ed,
Iwasr
eal
lyscar
ed"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
m sosor
ryt
hatIput
tedyout
hroughal
ot"

Mpi
losi
ghedwi
tht
ear
s

Mpi
lo:
"Iwantyout
oloveme.
.Iwasr
espectf
rom youNkazi
mul
o"

Nkazi
mul
onoddedwal
kingovert
oher
.
Nkazi
mul
o:"Iunder
standMywi
fe,
Iunder
standandIpr
omi
set
hatI
'
llal
waysbet
her
eforyou"

Mpi
loNoddedl
ooki
ngupt
ohi
m

Mpi
lo:
"Thankyou"

Nkazi
mul
osmi
led

Nkazi
mul
o:"
It
'sOhkl
et'
suh.
mlet
'sj
ustgohome"

Mpi
lo:
"I
'm notr
eadyt
oli
vewi
thYoursecondwi
feNkazi
mul
o"

Nkazi
mul
orel
easedaheavysi
gh

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iwi
llbookahot
elf
oryoui
nthemeant
imet
henbuyherownhousehow'
sthat
?"

Mpi
loNodded

Mpi
lo:
"I
t'
sfi
ne"

THEWEEKWENTBY

Ever
ythi
ngwasOhkacceptNandi
andherdreamstheykeptonget
ti
ngwor
seandwor
seso
shedeci
dedt
hatshe'
sgoinghometoconsul
therf
amily

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Doyour
eal
lyhavet
ogo?
"

Nandi
Smi
ledpacki
nguphercl
othes

Nandi
:
"Ihavet
odot
hisNkazi
mul
o,I
'
mti
redoft
hisscar
ydr
eams"

Nkazi
mul
oNoddedbecauseheunder
stood

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ohkt
henbutbecar
eful
"

Nandi
Smi
ledbef
oret
urni
ngt
olookupt
ohi
m

Nandi
:
"I'
l
lbecar
efuldon'
twor
ryaboutme"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ohkt
hen"

Hesai
dthatahepl
ant
edaki
ssonherf
orehead

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Travel
saf
ely"

Nandi
noddedherhead

_
____
_
Nandi
arr
ivedhomef
indi
ngever
yonet
her
e

Nandi
:
"Goodmor
ningBant
uAbadal
a"

Theygr
eet
edherbackasshemadeherwayi
n

Gogo:
"NandiIdi
dn'
tknowyou'
reComi
ng"

Nandi
:
"Itwasunexpect
edGogoI
'
m havi
ngt
err
ibl
edr
eams"

Gogo:
"Weknow"

Nandi
Lookedupt
oher

Nandi
:
"Whatdoyoumeanbyt
hat
?"

Gogo:
"YourGr
eatGr
andmot
hervi
sit
edmeNandi
,asyoucanseewewer
egoi
ngt
ocal
lyou"

Nandi
:
"Ow"

Sher
eal
lydi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay

Gogo:
"Yes,
we'
regoi
ngt
otheDubehousehol
d"

Nandi
shookherhead'
No'

Nandi
:
"I'
m notr
eadyMnaGogo"

Ouma:
"Nandit
heancest
orsar
enott
obemessedwi
th"

Nandi
:
"It
'sear
ly,
givemet
ime"

Ouma:
"Theyshoul
dper
for
m acer
emonyf
oryouNandibef
orei
tbecomest
ool
ate"

Nandi
nodded

Nandi
:
"Wecangot
hen"

_
____
_

Theyar
ri
vedatt
heDubeFami
lyast
heywer
ewel
comedwi
thopenedhands.

Bab'
Dube:
"Uhmm Canwehel
pyou?
"

Theysatdownast
heybowedt
hei
rheads

Uncl
e:"
We'
reher
etoi
nfor
m ani
ssue"

Uncl
eSam sai
d.Wel
lhe'
sNel
isi
we'
sbi
gbr
other
Bab'
Dube:
"Whati
sit
?"

Theyexpl
ainedever
ythi
ngf
rom t
hedayNel
isi
wewaswor
kingt
her
e,t
henShegotr
aped

Bab'
Dube:
"OhcanIseet
hebackofyourearNt
ombazana"

Nandi
wal
kedovert
ohi
m ashesawamar
k

Bab'
Dube:
"OhDubeel
imt
hemde

DubeKaBayi
sa

Khushwayo

MbuyaziKaThekel
i

Ongat
hekel
inakwaNdodakazi

Ongat
hekel
emzi
niomncane

Ot
hekel
emzi
niomkhul
u

Ongat
hekel
iKwaMakhel
wane

Ot
hekel
emanxul
umeni

Ni
naBaKwaDonda

KwaMbangaphi

Ndl
ovuKhal
iphezi
nyel
izi
bel
e

Ni
nabakwaNzwakel
ekaKhushu

Ni
naBeshumil
amhl
amunye"

Hedi
dn'
tfi
nishhi
sPr
aisesandt
heDubeWi
veswer
eUl
ulat
ingout
sidet
hehouse

Wel
lasf
orNandiShedi
dn'
treal
lyt
hinki
t'
snecessar
y

Bab'
Dube:
"Wehavet
oinf
orm ourKi
ds,
andi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obehar
d"

Nandi
sighedsobor
edaboutt
his

Thr
eeYear
sLat
er.
..
..
.

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE
[
28]

NANDI
PHA

Iwaswokenupbyt
inyhandsonmyf
ace,
whenIl
ookupIsawNonkanyi
so.

Idecidedtomovemychildr
enf r
om t
hei
rgrandpar
entssoit'
sbet
terwhent
heyst
ayherewi
th
met ocreateabondandeveryt
hingi
swell
.Itr
iedever
ythi
ngtogainmymemorybutIl
ost
hopeont hat.

Me:
"Nonkanyi
soSt
opt
hat
"

Nonkanyi
so:
"YayiDaddycomi
ng"

IGiggl
edatherl
anguage.She'
sreal
lyt
ryi
ngt
ospeakt
hough.Shewi
llbet
urni
ngThr
eei
nfew
days

Me:
"You'
ret
roubl
eNonkanyi
sowher
e'sYourbot
her
?"

Shej
ustl
ookedatmesi
ngi
ng

Me:
"Nonka"

Nonkanyi
so:
"AaayYayiDaddy"

Shesaidt
hatclappi
ngherhandsj
umpi
ngont
opofme.Romeoi
scomi
ngt
otakeheroutf
or
i
ce-cr
eam andhe'ssohappy

Me:
"ayNonkanyi
so"
Ipushedheral
it
tl
eget
ti
ngoutoft
hecover
s.

IhavemyOwnHousenow.Unf
ort
unat
elyMpi
loWant
edmegonef
rom herhouseandIdon'
t
underst
andwhy

Nonkanyi
so:
"YayiComeComeCome"

Shesai
dthatpul
li
ngme

Me:
"NoNonkanyi
sost
opt
hat
"

Isai
dthatheadi
ngt
othebat
hroom l
eavi
ngherscr
eami
ng.

Af
terdoi
ngmyhygi
enepr
ocessIwal
keddownst
air
s

Me:
"GoodMor
ning"

Isai
dthatt
aki
ngasi
tnextt
oNkazi
mul
o.Hespentt
heni
ghther
e

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Howar
eyou?
"

Il
ookedupt
ohi
m bef
oreNoddi
ng.

WhatIalwaysnot
iceaboutNkazimuloi
sthathe'
snoinl
ovewit
hmeandI'
vemadepeacewi
th
t
hat.Advocat
ewasnottell
ingthetr
uthatal
l.Maybeshehadamissi
on

Me:
"I
'm goodNkazi
mul
owhataboutyou?
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Good"

Wedi
dn'
tevenshar
eabed.I
'
m donet
ryi
ngwi
thhi
m

Me:
"That
'sgood,
don'
tYouhavesomet
hingt
odobackhome"

IAskednar
rowi
ngmyeyest
ohi
m

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Nowhyar
eyoul
iket
his?
"

Me:
"Li
kewhat
?"

IaskedLooki
ngathi
m

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Youhavechanged,
thePassedf
ewyear
syou.
..I
..
.Idon'
tknowhowIcandescr
ibe
you"

Isi
ghedst
andi
ngup

Me:
"I
'm donebei
ngyourot
herwomenNkazi
mul
o"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
You'
remywi
feNandi
!Youdon'
tevenwantmet
otouchyou"
Il
ookedaway

Me:"
Youdon'tl
oveme,
event
houghyou'
ret
ryi
ngt
opr
etendbuti
tdoesn'
twor
kbecauseIsee
r
ightt
hroughyou"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
It
'snotl
iket
hat
"

Nandi
:
"It
'sl
ikewhathuh?
"

Isai
dthatwal
kingovert
otheki
tchenwi
thhi
mfol
lowi
ngme

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iwantast
abl
efami
lywi
thyou"

Me:
"YouhaveMpi
losobui
ldt
hatf
ami
ly"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
IwantsonsandMpi
locan'
tgi
vemet
hat
"

Ir
eleasedal
i
ghtl
augh

Me:
"You'
reusi
ngme,
I'
m notaBabymachi
ne"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Idi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
"

It
urnedont
heket
tl
e.Af
tersomet
imeImadepor
ri
dgef
ort
heki
ds

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Tal
ktomeNandi
"

Me:
"I
'm donet
alki
ngsol
etmebeandgobackt
oyourpr
eci
ousf
ami
ly"

Isai
dthatt
urni
ngasIwal
kedovert
othel
ounge

_
____
_

Romeo:
"Howar
eyouNandi
"

Il
ookeddownt
ryi
ngt
obl
ockmyt
ear
sfr
om comi
ngout

Me:
"I
'mf
ine"

Romeo:
"ComeonIcanseet
hatyou'
renotf
inesol
eti
tal
lout
"

Hesai
dthatpul
li
ngmei
nforahug

Me:
"I
t'
sjusthar
d"

Isai
dassobsescapedf
rom mymout
h

Romeo:
"Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ineNana"

Me:
"Iwantoutoft
hismar
ri
egeRomeo,
I
...Ij
ustwantt
obef
ree"
Hebr
ushedmyback

Romeo:"Whydon'
tyoudi
vor
cehi
m?Ther
e'snot
hingsopai
nfult
hant
ost
ayi
nal
ovel
ess
Marr
iege"

Me:
"WhataboutBl
essi
ngs,
Idon'
twanthi
mto-
"

Hequi
ckl
ytur
nedupt
ome

Romeo:
"Nandit
hat
'snoti
t!Mostoft
hewomanst
ayedi
naMar
ri
egebecauseoft
hat
"

Me:
"ButR-
"

Romeo:"Don'
tletyour
selfbeaVi
cti
m ofCi
rcumst
ancesNandi
,you'
reyoung,
beaut
if
uland
uneducatedbuil
dYourfutur
e"

Me:
"I
..
.Idon'
tknowRomeo"

Romeo:
"Thi
nkaboutyour
sel
fandyourf
utur
e"

_
___
___
__

Anzani
:"
Sinceyougotmar
ri
edt
oNkazi
mul
oyounol
ongercar
eaboutmewhi
leI
'
mri
ghti
nthe
nei
ghborhood"

ILookedatherasIsi
ghed

Me:
"I
t'
snotl
iket
hat
..
.Yest
heyt
oldmeaboutyoubutyou.
..
"

Anzani
:"
Ithoughtbynowyouwoul
dhaver
egai
nyourmemor
y"

Il
ookeddown

Me:
"Met
oobutIhopeI
'
llbeOhksooner
"

SheNodded

Anzani
:"
Iunder
stand,
IlastsawyouTwoyear
sback"

Me:
"Howi
swor
k?"

Shesmi
ledl
ooki
ngatme

Anzani
:"
Sogood,
andmaybeI
'
llf
indmyPr
inceChar
ming"

Me:
"Butyouseem l
ikeashyper
son"

Anzani
:"
I'
m shybutnotwi
thyoubutyouwi
llgai
nbackyourmemor
ysoon"

Inodded
Me:
"Ohyes,
Iwantt
o..
.I.
..Iwantt
odi
vor
ceNkazi
mul
o"

AnzaniLookedatmef
orawhi
le

Anzani
:"
Itwasaboutt
ime"

Me:
"Whatdoyoumean?
"

Anzani:
"Yout
ooar e.
..Youdon'
tloveeachotherIr
eal
lydon'
tknowhowt
oexpl
aint
oYour
connecti
onbecauseitwasnotaboutlove"

Inodded

Me:
"I
'm di
vor
cinghi
mI .
..Iwantt
obef
reeandbui
ldmyf
utur
ethi
sTi
mear
oundbutIwi
thout
maki
nganypromises"

Anzani
:"
Iunder
stand"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

LEHASA

ILookedathi
m sowor
ri
ed

Me:
"Youhavet
ofor
getabouthermanl
ookatyou"

Lungel
o:"
I.
..Il
oveher
"

Me:
"She'
sthesamewomanyouoncer
apedsoshe'
sreal
lynotgoi
ngt
ofor
giveyou"

Lungel
o:"
ButI
'
minl
ovewi
thhersoI
'
llwai
t"

It
ookal
ookathershaki
ngMyhead

Me:
"I
t'
sbeent
reeyear
str
yingt
oapol
ogi
zeShe'
sevenmar
ri
ed"

Lungel
o:"
Iknowhel
ovesme"

Me:
"Lungel
oYou'
re44sayyou'
reol
dforukuJol
a"

Hechuckl
edl
ooki
ngatme

Lungel
o:"
It
'snotukuJol
awe'
l
lbeThandani
ng"

Il
ookathi
m

Me:
"NcNcNcBecar
efulyouwi
lll
oseyour
sel
ftot
hisgi
rl
"

Lungel
o:"
Idon'
tcar
e"
°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA

It
ookasi
tasIpayedmyat
tent
iont
othet
elevi
sion

[
FLASHBACK]

Me:
"Koko,
i
t'
ssti
llear
lyi
sther
esomet
hingyouneed.
..
?"Iaskedmaki
ngmywayi
nwi
thher
f
oll
owingme.

Koko:
"No,
Ijustcamet
ocheckuponyouIhopet
hisl
it
tl
eonedoesnotgi
veyouanyt
roubl
es"

Shesai
dthatset
tl
ingdownatt
henearseatopposi
tet
hebed

Me:
"He'
sal
it
tl
edevi
lthi
sone,
ButIcan'
tcompl
ain"

Isi
ghedpl
aci
ngBl
essi
ngsdownwal
kingovert
heki
tchent
omakesomet
ea.

Koko:
"He'
sabl
essi
ngt
hough.
..Youar
esol
uckyt
ohavehi
m"

Isi
ghedasIpourt
hehotwat
eri
nthecupst
hatIwaspl
aci
ngont
opoft
het
abl
e

Me:
"He'
sreal
lyabl
essi
ngKoko"

It
ookt
hecupswal
kingovert
other
oom wher
eKokowas.

Me:
"I
'm gl
adhe'
smi
ne,
despi
teever
ythi
ngIwentt
hrough.
..Bl
essi
ngscameasabl
essi
ng"

Ismi
ledhandi
ngheracupoft
ea

Koko:
"Mydear
,Iact
ual
lyceamet
otal
ktoyouaboutaser
iousmat
ter
"

Il
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"Whati
sitKoko.
..
?"

Shesi
ghedpl
aci
nghercupoft
eaont
hef
loorsi
ncet
her
ewasnot
abl
eher
e

Koko:
"I
'm dyi
ng"

Il
ookedatherwai
ti
ngf
oranexpl
anat
ion

Koko:
"IhaveaHear
tdi
seasewel
lI'
vebeenwi
thi
tbutnowt
hedoct
orsai
dit
'st
oomuch"

Il
ookedatherasasmi
leappear
edonherf
ace

Me:
"Koko,
youcan'
tdi
e"

Koko:
"I
'm ol
dNandisoI
'
m notscar
edofdeat
h"
At
earescapedmyeyeasIl
ookeddown

Me:
"Whatam Igoi
ngt
obewi
thoutyouKoko"

Koko:"
Ther
ear
emanychances,
youar
est
il
lyoungNandi
..
.Youar
eNi
net
eenGobackt
o
school
"

Ishookmyheadl
ooki
ngherher

Me:
"Ican'
tgobackt
oschoolKoko,
Ireal
lycan'
t"

Shepl
acedherhandonmyshoul
der

Koko:
"Lookatt
hebr
ightsi
deNandi
pha,
youcanst
il
lmakei
t"

Me:
"No"

Il
ookedatt
hesl
eepi
ngBl
essi
ngs

Koko:
"Thatchi
ldneedsyou,
Achi
ldi
stooexpens

[
FLASHBACKEND]

"
Ouch"t
hatsoundescapedasapai
nful
pai
nhi
tmyhead

It
ri
edbyal
lmeanst
orememberbutt
hatwast
hemor
ethepai
nhi
tsohar
d

[
FLASHBACK]

Tear
sst r
eameddownmycheeksasImademywayoutoft hehospit
al.HowcanIbesostupi
d!
Iwasenjoyingallhedi
dIevenfor
gottousepr
otect
ion.NowI
'm pr
egnant!Notj
ustpr
egnant
butI
'm pregnantwit
hmyBr ot
her'
sbaby.

Iar
ri
vedatt
hef
latf
indi
ngAnzaniCooki
ng

Anzani
:"
NandiYoudontl
ookgood,
what
'
swr
ong?
"

Sheaskedcl
osi
ngherpot
s

Me:
"MyLi
fei
samessAnzanii
m sot
ir
ed!
!!I
mti
redoft
hisandi
m Ti
redoft
hisl
if
e"

Isai
dthatasSobbsescapedf
rom mymout
hmaki
ngAnzanit
opul
lmei
nforanEmbr
ace.

Anzani
:"
Ever
ythi
ngWi
llbef
ineNandi
"

Ishookmyhead'
NO'

Me:
"Not
hingwi
llbef
ineAnzani
,
myl
i
fei
sal
readyamess"

Anzani
:"
Sshyoumustpr
ayNandi
,
Notever
ythi
ngwi
llbeasgoodasweal
lthi
nk"
Isni
ff
edt
ryi
ngt
owi
pemyt
ear
s

Me:
"Letmegoandsl
eep"

Anzani
:"
Don'
tyouwantt
otal
kabouti
t"

SheaskedasIl
ookedather

Me:
"No,
I
'm notyetr
eady.
..Al
lIwanti
stosl
eep"

Shesi
ghedst
andi
ngup

Anzani
:"
Shoul
dIdi
shupf
oryou"

Ist
oodupt
oo

Me:
"Nodon'
t,
I
'm nothungr
y"

Anzani
:"
Youhavet
oeat
"

Me:
"I
'mf
ineAnzaniIj
ustwantt
oeat
"

Anzani
:"
Ohkt
hengoandsl
eep"

Me:
"Tha-

[
FLASHBACKEND]

Me:
"OuchGod"

"
NandiWhat
'swr
ong"
sai
dRomeoMaki
nghi
swayt
ome

Me:
"I
t.
..I
thur
ts"

Romeo:
"Maybeyou'
rer
egai
ningyourmemor
y"

Me:
"GodOuch"

Romeo:
"Let
'
sgetyout
ohospi
tal
"

[
FLASHBACK]

"
Whyar
eyouher
e"

Ist
oppedonmyt
racksi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
hest
air
sasIt
urnedt
olookather

Me:
"What
?"

Mpi
lo:
"Youar
eher
etobr
eakmyf
ami
ly?Oryouwantmoney?
"
Il
ookedathershocked

Me:
"I
..
.I'
m nother
eforanyoft
hose"

Mpi
lo:
"Yesyouar
e"

Me:
"Bel
ievemeI
'
m not
!"

Shesl
owl
ymadeherwayt
ome

Mpi
lo:
"Thenwhat
?Whatdoyouwant
?"

Me:
"Not
hing.
..I
..
.Il
ovehi
mtoo"

Shechuckl
ed

Mpi
lo:
"He'
swayol
dert
obeyourf
atherChi
ld,
you'
renotHi
stype"

Me:
"Youdon'
tknowwhatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
"

Isai
dthatasIf
oldedmyar
ms

Mpi
lo:
"You'
reSuchar
ubbi
sh"

Me:
"I
-"

Shepushedmebefor
eIcanevent
alk.
..If
oundmysel
frol
li
ngdownt
hest
air
sasif
eltahar
d
pai
nonmyst omach.

Me:
"Awww"

Myeyesgotbl
ural
it
tl
ebyl
it
tl
e

[
FLASHBACKEND]

Me:
"I
twasher
..
.Sheki
ll
edmybaby"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

MPI
LO

ILookedathi
m asasmi
leappear
edf
rom hi
sface

Nkazi
mul
o:"
We'
repr
egnant
"

Hepl
ant
edaki
ssonmyl
ips

Me:
"YesWe'
reexpect
ingBaby"

Isai
dthatbef
oreGi
ggl
ing
Hi
sphoner
angashet
alkedf
orawhi
le

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Wehavet
ogo,
Nandi
regai
nedhermemor
y"

Me:
"What
?"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Yes"

[
HaveAGr
eatWeekend.We'
l
lhearf
rom eachot
heronMonday]

Lot
'sOfLove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

BONUS

.
.

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

NANDI
PHA

Ilookedatherasshemadeherwayi nwithNkazimul
o.ILookedathersodeadl y,
howcan
suchawonder fulsoulbethisheartl
ess?Howcanshebet hisbitt
er?OrmaybeIpushedher
toofar.SheWant edrevenge.ButwhatdidIthi
nk?ThatIcanstealherhusbandandshewi l
l
welcomemewi thopenhands?Iwassodumb.Iwassost upid!Iwon'tf
ight
!!
!I'
mt i
red.Thi
sis
i
t.Nomor eI
sit
hembu!NoMor etheSecondWife!NoMoreMr sSili
lot
hesecond.I'm nowmy
ownWoman.I '
m nowNandi pha,
thegir
lwhowasr ai
sedbyhergr andmotheronl
y.TheSt r
ong
womanandIknowIwi l
lmakei t
.

Me:
"N.
..Nkazi
mul
o"

Il
ookedupt
ohi
m asheshi
ft
edal
lhi
sat
tent
iont
ome

Me:
"Nkazi
mul
oIl
oveyou"

Hej
ustl
ookedatmebef
oreanswer
ing

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iloveyout
oo"

Ishookmyhead'
No'

Me:
"Noyoudon'
t!Youdon'
tlovemeenoughNkazi
mul
o.Ther
e'snol
ovebet
weenus"

At
earescapedf
rom myeye

Me:
"Iwantyout
obehappy"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
ButIcan'
tbehappywi
thoutyou"

Me:"
Youwer eabl
etobehappywit
houtmeFi
veyear
sbackwhenIwaspr
egnantwi
th
Bl
essingssoyouwil
lbehappy"

HeLookedatmesosad
Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?Whyar
eyoubr
eaki
ngmyhear
t"

Me:
"I
'mtir
ed!Thisishowl
ovechangedmet
obeNkazi
mul
o..
.Itchangedmesomucht
hatI
Nol
ongerrecogni
semysel
f"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
ButI
..
.Iwantyouher
e..
.Her
ewi
thme"

Me:
"Youj
ustl
ovet
hei
deaofhavi
ngt
wowi
ves,
Youdon'
tloveme"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
ll
..
.I'
l
lgi
veyout
imet
o..t
othi
nk"

Ishookmyhead'
No'

Me:
"Iwantadi
vor
ce"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
What
?"

Inoddedmyhead

Me:
"Yes,
I'
m donewi
thI
sit
hembu.
..Bei
ngt
hesecondwi
feI
'
m done!
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Youcan'
tdot
hat
"

Me:
"Ican,
I'
llcont
actmyl
awyer
s"

Ishi
ft
edmyat
tent
iont
oMpi
lo

Me:
"I
'm sor
ry.
..Forever
ythi
ngMpi
loI
'
m sor
ry"

Shecr
iedasshewal
kedovert
omepul
li
ngmef
orahug

Mpi
lo:
"I
..
.I'
m sor
ry!Ial
lowedDevi
ltousemeAl
lint
henameofl
ove"

Me:
"I
t'
sOhkSi
si.
..I
'
m sor
ryt
oo"

Webr
oket
hehugl
ooki
ngateachot
herunt
ilt
heDoct
ormadehi
swayi
n

Doct
or:
"Mr
sSi
li
loyou'
redoi
ngj
ustf
inebutt
rynott
oot
hinkhar
dOhk?
"

Inodded

Me:
"OhkDoct
or"

Isai
dthatwi
tht
hebi
ggestsmi
le

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

LUNGELO

Me:
"Iwantt
oseemychi
ld"
Nel
isi
we:
"Whi
chchi
ld?Theonet
hatyouf
orcedyour
sel
ftomesoshecanb-
"

Me:
"Don'
tsayt
hatNel
isi
wemaar
n"

At
earescapedf
rom hereyeasshel
ookedatme

Nel
isi
we:
"You'
vecausedmeal
otLungel
osoSt
opf
oll
owi
ngmear
oundIhat
eyou!
"

It
ookast
ept
oher

Me:
"Don'
tsayt
hat
"

Nel
isi
we:
"ThatIhat
eyou?Iwon'
thi
dei
tIhat
ey-
"

Ismashedmyl
ipsf
rom herassher
espondedt
otheki
ssbutIqui
ckl
ypul
ledaway

Me:
"Doyouhat
eme?
"

Shel
ookedatmenotsayi
ngawor
d

Nel
isi
we:
"Y.
.yesIdo"

Me:
"MmmhkbutNel
ly,
Iwoul
dli
ket
oseemydaught
er"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NANDI
PHA

Il
ookedovert
omychi
ldr
enbef
oreki
ssi
ngt
hem Goodbye

Me:
"I
'l
lbebacki
n3hour
sthoughi
tfeel
sli
kef
orever
"

Bl
essi
ngs:
"Mom comebackwi
thmyspi
dermanout
fi
t"

Nonkanyi
so:
"YayiYaaaHYayi
Super
manOut
li
fi
tu"

IGi
ggl
edki
ssi
ngheragai
n

Me:
"Il
oveyout
wo"

Bl
essi
ngs:
"Il
oveyouMom"

Nonkanyi
so:
"Il
obyouYayi
"

Ismi
ledst
andingupheadi
ngt
othedoor
..
..Ifai
ledbutI
'
m notafai
lure.Ihavepassi
on.I
'
ve
al
wayswantedtowri
temyownbookssoI'
llbejustt
hat.
..A'
Wri
ter
' nothi
ngless.

Ihopet
hatCol
legewi
llacceptme!

.
.

[
Mondayi
sli
kei
nfewHour
s]

Lot
'sofl
ove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:THESECONDWI
FE

[
29]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

.
.

NANDI
PHA

Isl
idei
nmyyell
owdr essasIl
ookedatmysel
fovert
hemirr
or.Howdi
dIevenendedupher
e?I
l
ovedhim,
Il
ovehim evennowbutthi
ngshavebeensobad.

Isighedtaki
ngmyhandbagmakingmywaydownst
air
s.It
'sbeenFourdayssi
nceIwas
dischar
gedandI'
m cur
rent
lyl
ivi
ngwit
hRomeo.I
'
mt r
yingtobeonmyown, wi
thoutNkazi
mul
o

Romeo:
"Mor
ningyou'
reawake"

Inoddedmaki
ngmywayt
ohi
m

Me:
"Yes,
Ithi
nkIshoul
dgol
ookf
oraj
ob,
bef
oret
heyearendsoIcanr
entahouse"

Hel
ookedatme

Romeo:
"YouknowI
'
m her
eforyouRi
ght
?Youcanst
ayher
easl
ongasyouwant
"

Ishookmyhead'
No'

Me:
"Idon'
twantt
oover
crowdyourspacebesi
desNal
ediwon'
tagr
ee"

Romeo:
"You'
remysi
stershe'
sgoi
ngt
oagr
ee"

Ichuckl
edt
aki
ngasi
t

Me:"EvenifI'
m yoursist
erRomeo,
thi
sisherhousetooandyou'
reherhusband.Shecan'
t
acceptallyourfamil
yinBecauset
heyare'
Your'Famil
y"

Henoddeddi
shi
ngout

Romeo:
"YeahIgetyourpoi
nt"

ISi
ghedashehandedmeMypl
ate

Me:
"Thankyou"

Hesmi
led
Romeo:
"I
t'
sapl
easur
esi
s"

Igiggl
edatthat
.Tot
hinkweoncedat
ed,
aayt
hat
'
ssomet
hingIwoul
dnevert
ellmy
grandchi
ldr
en.

Me:
"Wher
eisNal
edi
?"

Romeo:
"She'
soutwi
thLuyandabutt
heywi
llbebacksoon"

Me:
"Oh,
I'
m goi
ngt
otheLawFi
rm"

Romeo:
"Todowhat
"

HeAskedl
ooki
ngconf
used

Me:
"Iwantt
otal
ktomyl
awyer
,YourMom l
endedmesomecash"

Romeo:
"Youknowi
t'
sYourmom t
oor
ight
?"

Ir
oll
edmyeyes

Me:
"HowcanIf
orgetsomeoneWhol
eftmef
ort
hewhol
e20year
s"

Hel
ookedatmebef
orehesi
ghed

Romeo:
"I
t'
sbeenThr
eeyear
sNandi
,
youshoul
dfor
giveher
"

Me:
"Ihavel
ongf
orgi
venher
,it
'sj
ustt
hatI
'
m notr
eadyt
ohaveaMot
her
-daught
err
elat
ionshi
p"

Henodded

Romeo:
"Ohkt
henl
..
.Lookatt
hischi
ld"

Il
ookedupt
hest
air
sasoSawNonkanyi
sot
ryi
ngt
oWal
keddownt
hest
air
s

Me:
"Romeogopi
ckmybabyupshe'
l
lhur
ther
sel
f"

Romeo:
"She'
ssocut
e"

Isl
appedhi
sshoul
der

Me:
"Gopi
ckherupmar
rnbef
oreshehur
tsher
sel
f"

Romeo:
"Fi
ne!
"

_
___
___
___

ISi
ghedasIl
ookedathi
m

Me:
"Whatdoyoumean?
"
MrLoi
s:"
Yougotmar
ri
edundert
hecommuni
tyofpr
oper
tysohe'
l
lhavet
ogi
veyouhal
fofal
l
hi
sthi
ngs"

Me:
"Idon'
twantanyt
hingMrLoi
s"

MrLois:
"Ar
eyousur
e?Thi
scanbebenef
ici
alt
oyouMi
ssDl
ami
ni,
especi
all
ywhenyouhave
ki
dstosuppor
t"

ILookeddownt
ryi
ngt
othi
nkt
hist
hroughbutNo!Idon'
twantanyt
hingf
rom Nkazi
mul
oSi
li
lo
I'
m donewit
hhi
m.

Ishookmyhead'
No'
bef
orel
ooki
ngup

Me:
"Iwantnot
hingf
rom hi
m,hecanhavei
tal
lwi
thhi
swi
fe"

MrLoi
s:"
Ohkt
henMi
ssDl
ami
niI
'
lldr
aftt
hedi
vor
cePaper
s"

Me:
"Howl
ongCant
heyt
ake?
"

MrLoi
s:"
Twodays,
I'
llcont
actyout
hough"

Me:
"ThankyouMrLoi
s"

Isai
dthatst
andi
ngupShaki
nghi
shand

Iwal
kedoutheadi
nghome

Me:
"OhUhmm Nal
ediHowar
eyou?
"

Nal
edi
:"
I'
mfi
ne"

Il
ookedatherasIwal
kedovert
oWher
eshewas

Me:
"You'
renotOhk,
what
'swr
ong?
"

At
earescapedf
rom hereye

Nal
edi
:"
I.
.I'
m soscar
ed"

Me:
"Whatdoyoumeanbyt
hat
?what
'
swr
ong?
"

Nal
edi
:"
I'
m scar
ed,
I'
m scar
edt
hatRomeowi
lll
eaveme"

Ipul
ledheri
nforahug

Me:
"Hel
ovesyou"

Sheshookherhead'
No'

Nal
edi
:"
We'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
oconcei
vebuti
t'
shar
dI.
..Ican'
t"
Sobsescapedf
rom hermout
h

Me:
"Whatdoyoumean?
"

Nal
edi
:"
Iwentt
oseeadoct
orNandi
onl
ytof
indoutt
hatI
'
m aBur
ren"

Igasped

Me:
"You'
re.
..Uhmm"

Nal
edi
:"
ABurrenyoucansayi
tNandi
!I'
m notawomanenough!Ican'
tconcei
vesoiwon'
tgi
ve
myhusbandallt
hechi
ldr
enheal
wayswantedtohave"

Ipul
ledhermor
ecl
oser

Me:
"Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ine,
prayNal
edibel
ieveever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
inesoon"

_
____
_

Isi
ghedasIl
ookedovert
otheSl
eepi
ngBl
essi
ngs

Anzani
:"
Areyousur
e?"

Il
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"Aboutwhat
?"

Anzani
:"
Divor
cingNkazi
mul
o,Iknowhowmuchyoul
ovedhi
m"

ILookeddown

Me:
"YouknowAnzani
,somet
imesl
oveal
onei
snotenough"

ShenoddedasIl
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"Ial
soneedhappi
ness,
Ineedl
ovet
oobutNkazi
mul
ofai
ledt
ogi
vemeal
lthat
"

Shel
ookedatmef
orawhi
le

Anzani
:"
Youdoknowt
hatNkazi
mul
ohasneverl
ovedyour
ight
?"

Il
ookeddownNoddi
ng

Me:
"Yes,
Idor
eal
izet
hatnow"

Anzani
:"
I'
m gl
adyoudo,
Iwantyout
obei
ndependent
..
..Focusonyourl
if
ewi
thyourchi
ldr
en
t
heyneedyou"

Il
ookedupt
oher
Me:
"Thankyousomuchf
ri
end,
you'
ret
hebestf
ri
endIhaveeverhad"

Anzani
:"
That
'swhatf
ri
endsar
efor
"

"
Mama"Il
ookedupt
ohi
m

Me:
"What
'swr
ongmybabyar
eyouOhk?
"

Hemadeaf
unnyf
ace

Me:
"You'
resougl
yjustl
ikeyourf
atherBl
essi
ngsYuuuh"

HeGi
ggl
edst
andi
ngup

Bl
essi
ngs:
"Mom I
'
m hungr
y"

Me:
"You'
rehungr
y?"

Henoddedl
ooki
ngatme

Bl
essi
ngs:
"I
'm hungr
y,sohungr
y"

Me:
"Ohkl
etmemakesomet
hingt
oeatt
henAnzani
shoul
dImakeyousome?
"

Anzani
:"
Ithoughtyouwi
llneverask"

Igi
ggl
edst
andi
ngup

Me:
"GoodEveni
ng"

Isai
dasIwal
kedi
nsi
det
heNkazi
mul
o'
shouse

Mpi
lo:
"Eveni
ng,
howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I
'mf
inet
hanksWena?
"

Shesmi
ledl
ooki
ngatme

Mpi
lo:
"I
'mf
ine,
Nkazi
mul
owi
llbedownsoon"

Inoddedt
aki
ngasi
t

Me:
"I
'l
lwai
t"

Mpi
lo:
"Ohk.
..Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngupt
oher
Me:
"I
'mt
ryi
ngButI
'
llbef
ine"

ShenoddedasNkazi
mul
omadehi
swaydownst
air
s

Nkazi
mul
o:"
OhNandi
pha"

Me:
"Nkazi
mul
ohowar
eyoudoi
ng?
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
m doi
ngf
ine,
howcanIhel
pyou"

Me:"It
hinkyoushoul
dinfor
mthefamilyaboutourDi
vor
ce,
it'
sthebestt
hingt
odoMor
e
especi
allysi
nceyou'
ref
rom aRoyalf
amily"

Henoddedl
ooki
ngatme

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
lli
nfor
mthem t
henI
'
llgeti
ntouchwi
thyou"

Me:
"Ohkt
hen"

Isai
dthatSt
andi
ngup

Me:
"Letmegetgoi
ng"

Mpi
lo:
"It
hinkyoushoul
dst
ayf
orDi
nner
"

Il
ookedatNkazi
mul
oashel
ookedbackatme

Me:
"Uhmm I
'
llj
usteatathomeaf
ter
all
Ilef
tmybabi
esathome"

Shenodded

Mpi
lo:
"Ohki
t'
sfi
ne"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

MPI
LO

Iwokeupear
lyi
nthemorni
ngasIl ookedatmybedsideandNkazi
mul
owasnott
her
e,soI
wal
kedovert
otheMir
rorasinot
icedmyhai rf
all
ingabitbybi
t.

Ibecamesot
err
if
iedBecauset
hishasneverhappenedbef
ore.Thedoorwaspushedopenas
Nkazimul
omadehiswayin

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Baby"

Hesai
dthatashepl
ant
edaki
ssonmyf
orehead

Me:
"Myeni
wam howar
eyou?
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
m goodBaby,
I'
m goi
ngt
owor
k"
Inoddedl
ooki
ngatt
hemi
rr
or

Me:
"Sor
ryIdi
dn'
tpr
epar
esomet
hingt
oeat
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
It
'sOhk,
Uhmm Mkhul
uandBabaar
ecomi
ng"

Me:
"Whatar
etheycomi
ngher
efor
?"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Fort
heDi
vor
cei
ssuewi
thNandi
pha,
sot
heyar
ecomi
ngt
hiseveni
ng"

Inoddedl
ooki
ngathi
m

Me:
"OhkI
'
llhavet
opr
epar
esomef
oodf
ort
hem l
ateron"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Don'
tover
wor
kyour
sel
fMpi
lo,
Idon'
twantyoust
ressi
ngyour
sel
f"

Inodded

Me:
"ThoughI
'
llbef
ine"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Don'
tar
guewi
thme"

Me:
"Ar
etheygoi
ngt
ocomewi
thZi
yanda"

Heshookhi
shead'
No'

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Theywon'
t"

Imi
ssmybabygi
rlsomuch

Hepeckedmyl
ips

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Goodbyeandt
akecar
e"

Hesai
dthatwal
kingout

_
____
_

Me:
"What
'swr
ongDoct
or?Whati
sit
?"

Idroveof
ftot
hehospi
tali
mmedi
atel
ywhenNkazi
mul
owentt
owor
k.Idi
dn'
tevent
ellhi
m
aboutmyhair

Doct
or:
"Mr
sSi
li
lot
hisi
ssohar
d"

Me:
"What
'swr
ong?
"

Doct
or:
"Y.
..You'
resi
ck,
ver
ysi
ck"

Me:
"Doct
orj
ustdoYourj
obandt
ellmeal
ready!
!!
!"
Isnapped

Doct
or:
"YouhaveBr
eastcancer
"

If
rozef
orawhi
le

Me:
"What
?"

Doct
or:
"I
t'
s.
..I
t'
sint
heLastst
agesot
her
eisnot
hingwecando"

Il
ookedupt
ohi
m

Me:
"SoI
'
m goi
ngt
odi
e?"

Hel
ookedatmewi
thpi
ty

Doct
or:
"I
'm sor
ry"

Me:
"Howl
ongam Il
eftwi
th?
"

Doct
or:
"Lesst
hanSi
xMont
hs"

At
earescapedf
rom myeyeasIqui
ckl
ywi
pedi
taway

Me:
"ThankyouDoct
or"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NELI
SIWE

Il
ookedupt
ohi
m ashewashol
dingmyWai
st

Me:
"Lungel
oi-
"

Lungel
o:"
PleaseFor
givemeNel
ly,
I
...Idon'
tknowwhatgott
omet
hatdayon"

Me:
"Whatyoudi
dwast
otal
lywr
ongLungel
o.Howcanonef
orgetabouti
t"

Hel
ookedatmeashesi
ghed

Lungel
o:"
Try.
..At
leastt
ryNel
ly.I
'
llevengot
othepol
icest
at-
"

Ipoppedmyeyesl
ooki
ngathi
m

Me:
"Ar
eyouCr
azy?
"

Lungel
o:"
ForyouyesI
'
m Cr
azy"

Il
ookedawayf
rom hi
m
Lungel
o:"
Canyoupl
easef
orgi
veme.I
fyou'
renotr
eadyi
t'
sfi
net
henbutdon'
tshutmeout
"

Me:
"OhkLungel
o"

Lungel
o:"
Iwantt
oseemydaught
ert
oo"

Me:
"I
'l
lcal
lyouaboutt
hat
"

Henoddedashepl
ant
edaki
ssonmyf
oreheadwal
kingaway

_
____
__

Me:
"Sakhi
lewher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
"

Iaskedashewal
kedi
nsi
deourbedr
oom

Sakhi
le:
"Don'
taskmet
hatNel
isi
we"

Il
ookedathi
m

Me:
"DoyouSt
il
llovemeSakhi
le?
"

Heshi
ft
edhi
sat
tent
iont
ome

Sakhi
le:
"Whatdoyoumeanbyt
hat
?I'
m her
eangi
thi
"

Me:"Physi
cal
lyyou'
reher
ebutspi
ri
tual
lyyou'
renot
!Yourmi
ndi
sal
waysawayf
rom home
Sakhil
esotel
lmewhat '
swrong"

Sakhi
le:
"Doyour
eal
lywantt
oknowNel
isi
we?
"

Inoddedl
ooki
ngupt
ohi
m

Me:
"Youowemet
hat
"

Hesi
ghed

Sakhi
le:
"I
..
.I'
vef
all
enoutofl
ove"

Me:
"Whatdoyoumean?Idon'
tunder
standyou"

Sakhi
le:
"Idon'
tloveyouanymor
e"

Tel
li
ngt
het
rut
hthatdi
dnothur
tmeatal
l

Me:
"Oh"

Sakhi
le:
"It
hinkweshoul
dDi
vor
ce"

Inoddedwal
kingovert
othebat
hroom
°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

NANDI
PHA

Me:
"GoodEveni
ng"

Isai
dassoonasIt
ookasi
topposi
tet
hem.

Baba:
"Howar
eyouMakot
i?"

Il
ookeddowni
nsi
gnofr
espect

Me:
"I
'm goodBabaYou?
"

Baba:
"I
'm goodt
oo"

"
Imi
hlol
oKodwaBaf
o"Il
ookedupt
obemetbymyUncl
e'
sfaceGodwhati
shedoi
ngher
e

Uncl
e:"
GoodAf
ter
noonever
yone"

Theygr
eet
edbackasever
yoneset
tl
edar
oundt
het
abl
ewi
thNkazi
mul
other
esi
tt
ednextt
o
Mpil
o

Mkhul
ucl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatbef
orel
ooki
ngupt
ous

Mkhul
u:"
BoMakot
ibam.
..Canyoupl
easeexcuseus"

Il
ookedatMpi
lobef
orest
andi
ngupwal
kingovert
otheki
tchenwi
thMpi
lof
oll
owi
ngme

Mpi
lo:
"Iwonderwhat
'supwi
tht
hem"

Me:
"Sameher
e,l
et'
sgett
hef
oodr
eady"

ShenoddedasIl
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"Ar
eyouOhk?
"

Mpi
lo:
"I
'mf
inedon'
twor
ryaboutme"

Me:
"You'
renotyour
sel
fMpi
lo,
andi
fyouneedsomeonet
otal
k..
.I'
m her
eOhk?
"

Shenoddedsmi
li
ngatme

Mpi
lo:
"Thankyou"

_
____
_

Nkazi
mul
omadehi
swayi
n

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Uhmm Theyar
easki
ngf
oryout
oo"
Il
ookedupt
ohi
m

Me:
"I
sEver
ythi
ngOhk?
"

Henoddedmaki
nghi
swayoutt
henwef
oll
owedbehi
ndhi
m aswet
ookasi
topposi
tet
hem
l
ooki
ngdown

Mkhul
u:"
Makot
iI'
vebeeni
nfor
medt
hatyouwantadi
vor
ce"

Inodded

Me:
"YeboBaba,
Iwantadi
vor
ce"

Mkhul
u:"
Doyouhavear
easonf
ort
hat
?"

Me:"
Ewe,Nkazi
muloisnoti
nlovewi
thmeandIdon'
twantt
ost
ayi
nal
ovel
essMar
ri
ege.I
wanttof
indsomeonewhowi l
lappr
eci
ateme"

Mkhul
u:"
Iunder
standyourr
easonbuti
nthi
sfami
lyt
her
e'snosucht
hing"

Me:
"WhatdoyoumeanMkhul
u?"

Mkhulu:
"TheLat
eQueenBuhl
ewasbani
shedBecauseofwit
chcraf
tbutothert
hant
hatther
e's
not
hingcall
edDivor
ce,
i
twast
hel
astonewit
hBonoloBecausethatboughtusbadl
ucks"

Me:
"Mkhul
uIwantt
odi
vor
cehi
m..
.I.
..Ican'
tst
ayi
nthi
smar
ri
ege"

Mkhul
u:"
Thatwon'
thappen,
sor
toutYouri
ssuesbecauseTher
e'snoDi
vor
cet
hatwi
llt
ake
pl
acehere"

Il
ookedupt
oNkazi
mul
oasoureyesmet

.
.

Lot
'sofl
ove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:THESECONDWI
FE

[
30]

NANDI
PHA

Iwokeupsoear
lyi
nthemor ni
ngasIdi
dmyhygi
eneprocessthenwalkeddownst
air
s.The
Adul
tsi
nsi
stedt
hatImustcomehometomyMarit
alhouse.Idi
dn'twantt
obutWhoam Ito
f
ight
?I'
mti
redsot
ir
edt
oevenf
ightt
hest
upi
dtr
adi
ti
on.

Me:
"Goodmor
ningNkazi
mul
o"

Isai
dasIwal
kedovert
otheki
tchen

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Mor
ningNandi
"

It
ookoutsomeCor
nfl
akesandmi
lk

Me:
"Shoul
dImakeyousome?
"

Iasked

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Nodon'
twor
ryaboutme"

Isi
ghedt
urni
ngovert
ohi
m

Me:"
Nkazi
muloI.
..Idon'
twanttofi
ghtanymor
e.Ihaveaccept
edt
hatyoudon'
tlovemesoI
..
.I
t
hinkweshoul
djustbecivi
ltoeachother
"

Hel
ookedatme

Nkazi
mul
o:"
You'
rer
ight
,weshoul
dbeci
vilsoI
'
m sor
ry"

Il
ookedawayf
rom hi
m

Me:
"ForwhatNkazi
mul
o?"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Fort
hepai
n,f
or.
..(
sighed)f
orever
ythi
ng"

INoddedshi
ft
ingmyat
tent
iont
omyf
ood

Me:
"I
t'
sal
lint
hepast
,let
'sf
orgetaboutt
hat
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Imeani
t.
..You'
vebeent
hroughal
otandi
t'
sal
lmyf
aul
t"

Me:
"Yesi
twasal
lYourf
aul
tNkazi
mul
obutwe'
renott
her
e..
..Let
'sl
ett
hepastbe"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ohk"

Mpi
lowal
keddownst
air
s

Mpi
lo:
"Goodmor
ning"

Wegr
eet
edbackasshewal
kedovert
otheki
tchent
oo

Mpi
lo:
"What
'sf
orbr
eakf
ast
?"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tmakeanyt
hingf
ancy.
..JustCor
nfl
akes"
Shenoddedt
aki
ngoutBr
ead,
AvocadoandMayonnai
se

Me:
"You'
regoi
ngt
oeatal
lthat
?"

Shenoddedasshesmi
led

Mpi
lo:
"Yes,
I'
m eat
ingal
lThi
sdel
ici
ousf
ood"

Me:
"Ewwi
tlooksgr
osst
ome"

Mpi
lo:
"I
t'
seat
abl
e,
sodel
ici
ousyoushoul
dtr
yit
"

Ishookmyhead'
No'

Me:
"I
'l
lbef
inedon'
twor
ry"

Shenodded

Mpi
lo:
"Ohkt
heni
t'
sfi
ne,
it'
syourl
ossanyway"

Shesai
dthatwal
kingaway.
..
.She'
ssuchagr
eatsoul

_
____
_

Iwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehousef
indi
ngNel
isi
wewi
thamanIdon'
tseem t
oknow.

Shecal
ledmeear
li
eronaski
ngmet
omeetupwi
thhi
m atsomeapar
tment

Me:
"GoodAf
ter
noon"

Theygr
eet
edbackanal
yzi
ngmet
osi
tdownsoIdi
dso

Nel
isi
we:
"Mt
anam.
..
"

Il
ookedupt
oher

Me:
"WhatcanIdof
oryouNel
isi
we?
"

Shesi
ghedl
ooki
ngatt
hemanbesi
desher

Nel
isi
we:
"Iwant
edt
oint
roduceyout
osomeone"

Me:
"Soyouwantagoahead?QhubekakeNel
ly"

Nel
isi
we:
"Thi
smanher
eisyourf
ather
"

Si
lencet
ookpl
aceasIt
ryt
odi
gestwhatshej
ustsai
d

Me:
"What
?"
IAskedst
andi
ngup

Nel
isi
we:
"Thi
sisyourf
atherNandi
pha"

At
earescapedf
rom myeye

Me:
"He'
stheoneWhor
apedyou?Theonewhocausedyout
oabondonme?
"

Shest
oodupShaki
ngherhead

Nel
isi
we:
"I
t'
snotl
iket
hatNandi
pha"

Me:"
Theni
t'
sli
kewhat?Ispental
most20year
sofmyl
if
ewi
thoutmypar
ent
s..
.Doyouknow
howmuchthathur
ts?
"

Shewal
kedovert
omeast
ear
sst
reameddownhercheeks

Nel
isi
we:
"I
twasn'
tmyi
ntent
ionsNandi
,pl
easef
orgi
veme"

Ishookmyhead'
No'

Me:
"Whydi
dn'
tyouabor
tmeat
leasthuh?Why?
"

Shepul
ledmei
nherar
ms

Nel
isi
we:
"I
'm sor
ryNana.
..Iwasscar
edandconf
usedatt
hatt
ime"

Me:
"Youhat
edme,
you'
vegi
venmesomuchhat
red"

Isai
dthatwi
thsobsi
nbet
ween

Nel
isi
we:
"Il
oveyou.
..Il
ovedyousomuchNana.You'
remydaught
erIl
oveyou"

Shesai
dwi
tht
ear
d

Me:
"Noyou'
renot
!Youdon'
tlovemeMama"

Wehuggedasemot
ionspl
ayedt
hei
rrol
e..
..Wej
ustl
etgoofal
ltheanger
!Wej
ustl
etgoofal
l
t
hehatr
ed

_
___
___
_

Iwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehousef
indi
ngMpi
lof
iddl
ingwi
thsomepaper
s

Me:
"Mpi
lowhat
'swr
ong?
"

IAskedMaki
ngmywayt
oher

Mpi
lo:
"I
..
.I'
mfi
ne"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tAskt
hat
..
.IAskedWhati
swr
ong?
"

SheLookedatmef
orawhi
le

Mpi
lo:
"Ther
e'snot
hingwr
ongNandi
..
.Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne"

Il
ookedatherf
orawhi
le

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"

Shenodded

Mpi
lo:
"I
'm sur
e..
.I'
l
lbeonmyr
oom"

Isi
ghed

Me:
"Youcant
ellmeanyt
hingMpi
lo"

At
earescapedf
rom hereye

Mpi
lo:
"I
t'
snot
hing"

Iwal
kedovert
oherpul
li
ngheri
nmyar
ms"

Me:
"Tel
lme"

Mpi
lo:
"I
..
.I'
m dyi
ng"

Me:
"Whatdoyoumeanyou'
redyi
ng?
"

Mpi
lo:
"I
t'
scancer
..
.Br
eastcancerandI
'
mlef
twi
thonl
ySi
xMont
hsbef
oreI
..
.Bef
oreI
..
"

Sobsescapedf
rom hermout
hasIsqueezedheral
it
tl
e

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°

LUNGELO

Shesl
idesinmyar
msast
ear
sst
reameddownhercheeks,
Iwonderwhathappenedbecause
shewasfine

Me:
"What
'swr
ongNel
isi
we.
..Whyar
eyoucr
ying"

Shej
ustCr
iedsoIpul
ledheri
n

Me:
"Tel
lme"

Nel
isi
we:
"It
houghthe'
l
lchangehi
smi
nd.
..It
houghthe'
spl
ayi
ngbuthewasn'
t"

Isi
ghedbr
ushi
ngherhai
r
Me:
"Whathappened?
"

Nel
isi
we:
"He'
snoti
nlovewi
thme,
hewant
saDi
vor
ceLungel
oaf
teral
lthoseyear
s"

Iwant
edt
otakeal
lherpai
naway.
..Iwant
edt
otakei
tal
l

Shej
ustsmashedherl
ipsonmi
ne.It
ri
edt
ogetf
reef
rom herbutshewashol
dingmet
ied

Nel
isi
we:
"Pl
easemakel
ovet
ome.
..Pl
ease"

Il
ookedathersoshocked

Me:
"That
'snotyout
alki
ngNel
isi
we,
you'
ret
alki
ngwi
thyouremot
ions"

Nel
isi
we:
"Pl
ease.
..
"

ILookedather
..
.AsmuchasIwoul
dlovet
oshe'
snotr
eadyr
ightNowshe'
snott
hinki
ng
str
aight

Me:
"Let
'sgetyout
osl
eep"

Nel
isi
we:
"Takeal
lthi
spai
nawayLungel
opl
ease"

IknowDi
vor
cear
eal
waysnoteasy.Eveni
fyouhavef
all
enoutl
ovewi
thyourpar
tner
..
..I
t'
snot
easy!

°
°°′
°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

MPI
LO

Il
ookedatthem astheymadethei
rwaydownt
hest
air
s.Ihavecal
ledameet
ing,
asmuchasi
t
i
snoteasy!I'
llhavet
otel
lthem

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Babyar
eyouOhk?
"

HeAskedt
aki
ngasi
tnextt
ome.Inoddedl
ooki
ngathi
m

Me:
"Don'
twor
ryaboutmeNkazi
mul
o"

Henoddedbuthecoul
dnot
icet
hatI
'
m notf
ine

Nandi
:
"Whatdi
dyoucal
lisher
efor
?"

Sheaskedbr
eaki
ngt
het
ensi
on

Me:
"Ihavesomet
hingi
mpor
tantt
otel
lyou"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
What
'swr
ong?
"

Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
"I
'm dyi
ng"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whatdoyoumean.
..Babyar
eyouf
ine?
"

Me:
"Ihavecancer
..
.Br
eastcancerandi
t'
sint
hel
astst
age"

TheyWentdeadsi
lence

Nandi
:
"Howl
ongar
eyoul
eftwi
th?
"

Il
ookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands

Me:
"Lesst
hanSi
xMont
hs.
..
"

At
earescapedf
rom Nkazi
mul
o

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Wecant
reati
tbaby.
..Ther
ear
eDoct
orsputTher
e"

Ishookmyhead'
No'

Me:
"Ther
e'snot
hingwecoul
ddoNkazi
mul
osodon'
twast
emoney"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Butbaby.
..
"

Ishookmyhead'
No'

Me:
"Iwantt
orestI
npeaceNkazi
mul
olet
'sj
ustenj
oyt
hemomentbef
oreI
..
.Bef
oreIdi
e"

Lot
'sofLove
Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

Appr
eci
atest
oKhol
ofel
oHopeNkwana

[
31]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

OneMont
hLat
er.
..
..

NARRATED

Mpil
owasgetti
ngweakadaybydaybutNkazi mulomadesureshe'
shealt
hyandcomfort
abl
e.
I
twasreal
lysadtohi
mt hathe'sgoingt
olosesomeoneagain.
..Someonehe'
sinl
ovewit
h.He
wantst
omakesur et
hatherlastdaysareper
fect

Hewal
kedovert
ohi
sbedsi
deaf
termaki
ngsur
ethatNkazi
mul
oiscomf
ort
abl
e

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Areyougood"
Mpi
lo:
"I
'mf
ineNkazi
mul
ost
opwor
ryi
ngaboutme"

Nkazi
mul
osi
ghedl
ooki
ngather

Nkazi
mul
o:"
HowcanInotbewor
ri
edwhenyou'
resi
ck?
I..
.I'
m af
rai
dtol
oseyouMpi
lo"

Mpi
lo:
"Iknowmyl
ovebutdon'
ttr
eatmel
ikeanegg"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Butyou'
resi
ckMpi
losoIshoul
dtr
eatyoul
ikeaQueenyouar
e"

Mpi
logi
ggl
edshaki
ngherhead

Mpilo:
"You'
recr
azyNkazi
mulo.
..Tr
eatmet
hewayyout
reatever
yone.Whenl
astdi
dyou
spendsomet i
mewithNandi
"

Nkazi
mul
olookedatherf
orawhi
le

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Aboutamont
hIt
hink.
..
."

Mpi
lol
ookedupt
ohi
m

Mpi
lo:
"Why?Nkazi
mul
oshe'
syourwi
fe.Sheneedsyout
oo"

Nkazi
mul
oshookhi
shead'
No'

Nkazi
mul
o:"
She'
sfi
ne,
shedoesnotneedme!you'
ret
heonewhoneedsme"

Mpi
lo:
"NoShe'
sal
soyourwi
feNkazi
mul
o..
.Tr
eathert
hesame"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
She'
snotcompl
aini
ngt
hough"

Mpi
lol
ookedathi
m

Mpi
lo:
"Howdoyouknowt hatwhenyoudon'
tspendt
imewi
thher
?doyouevenspendt
ime
wi
thyourki
dsoryou'
rebusynursi
ngmehere"

Mpi
loLookedsoannoyed!Shedoesnotbel
ievet
hatNkazi
mul
oissuchaJer
k!FewMont
hsago
hewasatotalt
rashbutnowhehasturnedintoaJer
k

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
m..
..Babyyouneedme"

Mpil
o:"
Ishoul
dn'
thavet
oldyouMaar
nNkazi
mul
o!Nowyou'
renegl
ect
ingever
yonebecause
you'
retaki
ngcar
eofme"

Nkazi
mul
osi
ghedl
ooki
ngatMpi
lo

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Babypl
easecal
m down"

Mpi
lo:
"I
'm notcal
mingdownNkazi
mul
o!you'
reaJer
krhaaIwi
shwecanDi
vor
cebef
oreIdi
e"
Nkazi
mul
olookedathersopai
ned

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Babydon'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
"

Mpi
losi
ghedcal
mingdown

Mpi
lo:
"You'
rej
ustannoyi
ngNkazi
mul
oMaar
n"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
I'
m sor
rymyl
ove"

Mpi
lol
ookedawayf
rom hi
m asshecl
osedhereyest
ryi
ngt
osl
eep

_
____
__

Nkazi
mulowokeupthenextdayashegotoutoft
hecover
sheadi
ngt
othebat
hroom.Aft
er
doi
nghishygi
enepr
ocesshewalkedovert
othebedr
oom fi
ndi
ngMpi
lomaki
ngthebed

Nkazi
mul
o:"
BabyIwoul
dhavedonet
hat,
whydi
dyoumakei
t?"

Mpi
losi
ghed,
she'
sannoyedatever
ythi
ngt
reat
ingherl
ikeshewoul
dbr
eak

Mpi
lo:
"I
'mf
ineNkazi
mul
o,canYoul
etmebr
eat
hforamoment
"

Nkazi
mul
osi
ghed

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Ohkt
henI
'
llgodownst
air
s!Doyouwantmet
ocar
ryyou?
*

Mpi
loshookherhead'
No'

Mpi
lo:
"I
'l
lwal
kbymysel
f,
soyoudon'
thavet
owor
ry"

Nkazi
mul
oLookedatherf
orawhi
lebef
oreheadi
ngdownst
air
s

Mpi
lot
ookami
rr
orasshel
ookedati
t.

Herhai
rwasf
all
ingabi
tbyabi
t

Hesi
ghedheadi
ngdownst
air
s

Mpi
lo:
"Canyoupl
easecutmyhai
r"

Nkazi
mul
olookedatherwi
thconf
usi
on

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Whydoyouwantt
ocutyourhai
rMyl
ove?
"

Mpi
lo:
"I
t'
sFal
li
ngout
!I
..
.It
ri
edt
oputsomeoi
lsbutt
her
e'snouse"

Shesai
dast
ear
sst
reameddownhercheeks

Nkazi
mul
owal
kedovert
oherpul
li
ngheri
nforahug
Nkazi
mul
o:"
Don'
tcr
yyou'
rehur
ti
ng"

Mpi
lo:
"I
thur
tsNkazi
mul
o..
..I
thur
tssobad"

Shesai
dthatcr
ying

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

Theyki
ssedasLungel
osqueezedherassmaki
nghert
orel
easeamoan

Nel
isi
we:
"St
opi
tNow"

Shesai
dtr
yingt
ofr
eeher
sel
ffr
om Lungel
o

Lungel
o:"
IloveyousomuchNel
isi
we,
somuch"

Nel
isi
weGiggl
edasLungel
osmashedhi
scoldl
ipsonher
's.Shewr
appedbot
hherhands
ar
oundhi
sneckpull
inghi
m downasshewasshort

Lungeloundressedherr
eveal
ingthatt
hickbodyasNel
isi
we'
shandestravel
stoLungel
o's
cock.Sheunbulkhisbel
tpull
ingDownhi spant
sandhi
sdickSpr
ingedoutpoint
ingNor
th.
Neli
siwe.
..
.[REMOVEDPARTWI LLBEPOSTEDTOMORROW ONTHEGROUP]

Nel
isi
we:
"Ican'
tbel
ieveyoumademedoal
lthatLungel
o"

Lungel
osmi
ledpl
ant
ingaki
ssonherf
orehead

Lungel
o:"
IloveyousomuchNaDl
ami
ni"

Nel
isi
wesmi
ledhi
ndi
ngherf
aceonhi
schest

Nel
isi
we:
"Il
oveyout
ooLungel
o..
.Il
oveyousomuch"

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

Nandi
madeherwayi
nsi
det
heapar
tmentf
indi
ngLehasabusyi
ntheki
tchen

Nandi
:
"Itsmel
lssoni
cei
nher
e"

Lehasasmi
ledt
urni
ngt
olookather

Lehasa:
"Ipr
epar
edsomet
hingspeci
alf
oryou"

Nandi
:
"Idi
dn'
tknowyoucanCook"

Lehasachuckl
ed

Lehasa:
"Ther
ear
elot
soft
hingsyoudon'
tknowaboutmeMyper
son"
Nandismil
edl
ookingathi
m.Shehasneverbeent
hisHappybef
oreandi
twassomet
hingshe
di
dn'twi
shtoend

Nandi
:
"I'
m hungr
ythen"

Lehasa:
"Soyouai
n'tgoi
nghomet
oday"

Nandi
noddedl
ooki
ngatt
hechar
mingLehasa

Nandi
:
"Theywon'
tevennot
icet
hatI
'
m nott
her
esoi
t'
scool
"

Lehasa:
"Wher
ear
eyourki
ds?
"

Nandi
:
"AtNel
isi
we'
shouse,
theyar
espendi
ngt
heni
ght
"

Lehasa:
"Soi
t'
sjustyouandme"

Nandi
:
"YesMr
..
.JustYouandme!
"

Lehasa:
"Ican'
tbel
ieveI
'
m dat
ingaMar
ri
edwoman"

<<SORRYABOUTTHESHORTINSERTBUTITYPEDLATE.I
'
LLPOSTTOMORROW ONLYI
FI
FI
NDDATA.INOLONGERTRUSTTHISFREEMODE>>

Lot
'sofl
ove

Li
ke&Shar
e
Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:
THESECONDWI
FE

[
32]

{
UN-
EDI
TED}

NANDI
PHA

Ihavef al
lensodeeplywit
hLehasa, he'
sbeent hegreatestboyfr
iendonecoul deveraskf or
.
I'
m happyt ohavehimi nMyli
fe.I'
vebeent ryi
ngtohaveaMot her-
daughterrel
ationshi
pwi t
h
Neli
siweandever ythi
ngissogoodbet weenus.Myf at
her?Well.
..
.He'st
hegr eatestguy,we've
beent al
kingalotandI'
vebeenmeet ingupwi thhim.Wehaveaagr eatrelat
ionshipever.I
don'tknowhowImanagedt oforgivehim butitj
usthappened.

Me:
"BabyCome'
on,
you'
vebeenmadatmef
ort
hewhol
eni
ght
"

Isaidthatt
ryingtotal
ksomesenset
oLehasa.He'
ssomadthatIsl
eptwi
thNkazi
mul
o..
.ButI
didn'
t.Noididn't
,i
twasonl
yaprankbutt
heGrumpyLehasat
ookthi
ngstoHear
t
Lehasa:
"Leavemeal
oneNandi
pha!
!"

Isi
ghedsi
tt
ingonhi
slap

Me:
"LookatmeMyl
ove"

Hel
ookedupt
omewi
tht
hosecut
eeyes.I
'
m soi
nlovewi
thhi
sdi
mpl
est
heyar
ecut
eei
ther
.

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tsl
eepwi
thNkazi
mul
o,Idi
dn'
tevent
ouchhi
m..
..Idi
dn'
tevennot
icehi
m"

Her
aisedhi
slef
teyebr
owwr
appi
nghi
sar
msar
oundme

Lehasa:
"Real
ly.
..
?"

Inoddedpecki
nghi
snose

Me:
"Idi
dn'
t"

Lehasa:"
IloveyouNandi
,tr
ustmeIl
oveyousomuch.Ther
ewer
ethi
ngsIwaspl
anni
ngt
odo
butI.
..If
eltinl
ovewi
thyou"

Il
ookedathi
m Conf
used

Me:
"Thi
ngs?Whatt
hings?
"

Heshookhi
shead

Lehasa:
"Youdon'
twantt
oknow"

Il
ookedathi
m

Me:
"Iwantt
oknowt
hat
'swhyI
'
m aski
ng"

Heshookhi
shead'
No'

Lehasa:
"Youdon'
t!Let
'sr
atherdr
opt
hismaybeI
'
llt
ellyounextt
ime"

Inoddedmyheadki
ssi
nghi
m Al
loverhi
sface

Lehasa:
"St
opdoi
ngt
hat
"

Hesai
dthatGi
ggl
ing

Me:
"What
?"

Lehasa:
"Doi
ngt
hat
..
.St
opNandi
phaAaayMar
rn"

Ist
oppedl
ooki
ngathi
m Gi
ggl
ing

Lehasa:
"You'
recr
azyYazWena"
Me:
"I
'm cr
azyaboutyou"

Isaidt
hatl
ooki
ngathi
m,GodWhosai
dbl
acki
sn'
tbeaut
if
ul?
Noi
t'
sact
ual
lybeaut
if
ulImean.
..
Thisher
eisagent
leman

Lehasa:
"Il
oveyou"

Hesai
dsmashi
nghi
sli
psonmi
ne

_
___
___
_

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom Nandi
pha"

Ist
oppedonmyt
racksasIwasont
hest
air
s.Isi
ghedbef
oret
urni
ngsl
owl
ytof
acehi
m

Me:
"I
'mf
rom somewher
e..
.Wher
eitdoesn'
tconcer
nyou"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
You'
remywi
fe"

Me:
"I
'M ONLYYOURWI
FEWHENOTSUI
TSYOU!
!!
"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Don'
ttr
ymeNandi
"

Me:
"Whatdoyour
eal
lywantwi
thmeNkazi
mul
o?Tel
lme"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Iwantyout
oactasawi
fenott
hesl
utyouhavebecome"

Iexhal
edt
rul
ytoCal
m down.Howdar
ehesayst
hist
ome

Me:
"Howdar
eyouNkazi
mul
o?"

Nkazi
mul
o:"
It
'st
het
rut
h!I
thur
tsIknowbutyou'
rea-
"

If
oundmysel
fsl
appi
nghi
m.Idon'
tknowhowIar
ri
veathi
m butIdi
d

Me:
"Don'
ttel
lmeThat
!!
ifI
'
m asl
utt
heni
t'
sal
lyourf
aul
t"

Tear
sst
reameddownmycheeks

Me:"
YOUUSEDME!YOUTOLDMETHATYOU'REI
NLOVEWI
THMEBUTTHATWASALLLI
ES
BECAUSEYOUNEVERDID!
!!IHATEYOU"

Isai
dthatqui
ckl
yrunni
ngupt
omybedr
oom assobsescapedf
rom mymout
h.

_
____
_

Thesunrefl
ect
edthrought
hewi
ndowst
rai
ghtt
omyf
ace.It
urnedt
olookt
heot
herwayandI
wassti
lli
nMycl ot
hes.

Ican'
tbel
ieveIsl
eptsoear
lyyest
erday
Act
ual
lyIcr
iedmysel
ftosl
eep

Igotoutoft
hecover
sheadi
ngt
othebat
hroom.Af
terdoi
ngmyhygi
enepr
ocessIwal
ked
downstai
rsf
indi
ngMpil
owit
hNkazi
mulo

Me:
"Goodmor
ning"

Theygr
eetedback.Mpi
loi
s4Mouthspr
egnantandl
eftwi
thOnl
yFourMont
hst
oli
ve.Ihope
shewil
lgi
vebir
thbefor
eshedi
es

Nkazi
mul
o:"
NandiI
'
m sor
ryaboutyest
erday"

Isi
ghedl
ooki
ngupt
ohi
m

Me:
"I
t'
sOhkIhavef
orgi
venYou"

Inoddedl
ooki
ngbackt
owhatIwasdoi
ng

Mpi
lo:
"Uhmm.
..Nandi
"

Me:
"Mmh"

Isai
dlooki
ngupt
oher

Mpi
lo:
"WhenIdi
e..
.Canyoupl
easel
ookaf
termybaby"

Iswal
lowedhar
d.Whati
fIdon'
twantt
o..
.?I
twi
llbr
ingsomebadmemor
ies

Me:
"Uhmm OhkIwi
ll
"

Shenodded

Mpi
lo:
"Thankyou"

_
___
___
___

TWOMONTHSLATER

ThingswereverybadbetweenLehasaandI.Weweref
ight
ingalotmoreespeci
all
yabouthi
s
work,he'
sspendingalotofti
meatwork.Answer
inghi
scal
lspri
vatel
y.He'
sdiff
erent
.He'
snot
theLehasaIonceknewf ourmont
hsago

Me:
"Lehasawhatdoyouwantf
rom me?What
!?"

Hel
ookedatme

Lehasa:
"Iwantyout
ounder
standNandi
pha!I
'
m notseei
nganyoneWhatdoyouwantmet
o
say?"
Isi
ghedast
ear
sst
reameddownmycheeks.
..He'
sbeendi
ff
erent

Me:
"I
..
.Iwantyout
olovemel
ikeyouoncedi
d"

Hesl
idesdownt
hewal
l

Lehasa:
"I
..
.I'
m scar
edt
ofal
linl
ovesodeepl
y,
Il
oveyoubutIdon'
tloveyouenought
ocommi
t
myselft
oyou"

Inoddedwi
pingawaymyt
ear
sasIki
ssedhi
mfort
heLastt
ime

Me:
"Il
oveyouLehasa.
..AndIhopeyouwi
llf
indyourhappi
lyeveraf
ter
"

Isai
dthatwal
kingout

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°

NARRATED

Mpil
owasl ayingont
hebedasal
ways.Shehasbeensot
ir
ed.She'
sSi
xMont
hsPr
egnantand
t
hingsai
n'tlooki
nggood.

Shef
eltsouneasysoshet
ookaqui
cknap

Nkazi
mul
omadehi
swayupwi
thadi
shf
ull
off
rui
ts

Nkazi
mul
o:"
Baby!
!!
Baby!
!"

Hegoti
ntot
hebedr
oom butt
her
ewasaqui
teMpi
lo.

Hesighedget
ti
ngonthebed.HetouchedHerbutshewascol
d.SoCol
d.Hepani
ckedasshe
pi
ckedheruprushi
ngDownstai
rsasherantothegarage

HewasbusypacingUpandfor
thfourt
heWhol
ethr
eehour
s.Hedi
dn'
tevengetaChancet
o
cal
lthef
ami
ly.TheDoct
orappr
oachedhim

Nkazi
mul
o:"
What
'swr
ongDoct
or?what
'
swr
ongwi
thmywi
fei
ssheOhk?
"

TheDoct
orsi
ghedl
ooki
ngathi
m

Doct
or:
"I
'm sor
ryDoct
orbutt
heydi
dn'
tmakei
t.
..Bot
hwi
tht
hebaby

FI
VEYEARSLATER.
..
..
..

.
.

Lot
'sofl
ove

Li
ke&Shar
e

Admi
n

I
SITHEMBU:THESECONDWI
FE

FI
NALEEPI
SODE

[
33]

.
.

NANDI
PHA

"
DrDl
ami
niar
eyouOhk?
"

Il
ookedupt
obemetbymyboss.Isi
ghedt
aki
ngasi
t

Me:
"I
'mf
ineMrMayi
za,
I'
llbef
ine"

MrMayi
za:
"Whati
swr
ong?
'

Me:
"I
'vebeent
hinki
ngaboutmyl
if
e,I
'
vebeent
hroughal
otandI
'
m gl
adt
obeher
etoday.
"

MrMayi
za:
"Bepr
oudofyour
sel
f"

Me:
"Event
houghI
'
vebeent
hroughal
lthi
s?Ihadgi
venuponl
if
e"

Hesmi
led

MrMayi
za:
"Iadvi
seyout
ogoandseesomeone.
..
.Youwi
llbef
ine"

Ineedt
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
h

Me:
"ThankyouMrMayi
za"

Hemadehiswayout.Ican'
tbel
ieveI'
m aDoct or
,i
nthisfi
veyear
s..
.Ihadmanagedtogetmy
l
ifei
norder
.IhavemanagedtoDivorceNkazimulo!Ihavemanagedtofor
getaboutLehasa!I
havemanagedtogobacktoschool.Int
hisfouryearsI'
vebeensi
ngle.

Lungel
oandNeli
siwear
emar
ri
ed.Thi
ngswer
ehar
dtoacceptbutwhoar
ewet
ojudge?I
'
m
j
usthappyf
orthem

Iwalkedinsidemyhouseandthel
ightswereof
f.ImeanI
'veal
waystel
lMan'
Aggi
etoswi
tch
offt
helightswhengoinghome.It
urnedthenonasIgott
heshockofmyli
fe

"
SUPRI
SE!
!!
"

GodI
'
veneverbeensoemot
ional
.

Me:
"Guys.
..What
'swr
ong?
isi
tmybi
rt
hday"

Theyl
aughedasAnzanimadeherwayt
ome

Anzani:
"Wearecel
ebrat
ingYoursuccess,
Iknowi
t'
shar
dtobel
ievei
tbutyouhadnof
utur
e.
Butlookatyour
ightnow"

Ismi
ledl
ooki
ngather
Anzani:
"Il
oveyousomuchf r
iend!Il
oveyoul
ikeneverbefor
e.You'
vetaughtmealot.You
havetaughtmethatwhat
everli
fethr
owsatyou.Pickthebri
cksandbuil
dyourfut
ure"

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sasMom madeherwayt
ome

Mother
:"
I'
veknownyouforashortper
iodofti
mebutbaby.
..Iwantyoutoknowt hatyou'
re
st
rongmorethanyout
hink.Youhavetaughtusal
otandIappreci
atethatyou'
reonyourfeet
"

Ever
yonesai
dthei
rspeechesandt
heywer
esoemot
ional

Me:"
Iwoul
dli
ketoThankeveryonewhowalkedwi
thmethroughoutt
hisj
our
ney.I
twasnever
easyandi
twi
llneverbeeasybutI
'm gl
adImadei
tal
lout
"

_
___
___
__

"
MAMAMAMAMAMA"

It
urnedt
olookatmybedsi
deandf
oundNonkanyi
socal
li
ngmeoutwhi
lecr
ying

Me:
"Whati
swr
ongbaby?
"

IAskedpi
cki
ngherupt
omybed

Nonkanyi
so:
"Iwaswakingyouupbutyoucoul
dn'
twakeupMama.It
ri
edcal
li
ngputf
oryou
andIwasscaredthatyouhavel
eftme"

Ipul
ledheri
nmyembr
ace

Me:
"Mamawon'
tleaveyouNonkanyi
soI
'
m her
eOhk?
"

Shenoddedsul
kinghert
humb

Me:
"Nowl
et'
sgoandmakesomet
hingt
oeat
,wher
e'syourbr
other
?"

Nonkanyi
so:
"He'
spl
ayi
ngsomevi
deogames"

Inoddedgett
ingoutoft
hecover
sheadi
ngt
othebat
hroom.Yer
ster
day'
spar
tyendedar
ound
Nineandeveryonewenthome

Af
terdoingmyhygi
enepr
ocessIwal
keddownst
air
swi
thNonkanyi
sot
opr
epar
esome
br
eakfast

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NKAZI
MULO

Me:
"Thembekal
et'
sgo"

Thembekai
sthewomanIhavef
all
eni
nlovewi
th.It
ri
edconvi
nci
ngmysel
fthatI
'
minl
ovewi
th
Nandi
andIwasi
nlovewi
thMpi
lobutIwasn'
t!Iwasn'
tinl
ovewi
thnei
theroft
hem.

Thembeka:
"I
'm comi
ngbaby"

Shesai
dthatwal
kingdownst
air
s

Me:
"Youral
waysbeaut
if
ulmyl
ove"

Isai
dthatpl
ant
ingaki
ssonherl
ips

That
'smyli
fe.I'
veplayedt
hem both.Broket
hei
rhear
tandIl
ear
ntthehardway.It
houghtl
if
e
wasmucheasierbutIcouldn'
tunderst
and!Whatt
hosewomanfel
t.IhaveBr
okethem i
nthe
nameofLust!AndIsit
hembu

ButIwoul
dalwayscher
ishourJour
ney.
..
.TheThr
eeofus.Thi
sismeNkazi
mul
oSi
li
lo.Andi
t
wasmystory

°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°°°
°

NANDI
PHA

"
Abeaut
if
ull
adysi
tt
ingal
one.
..MayIpl
ease?
"

Inodded

Me:
"Youcant
akeasi
t"

He'
ssohandsomei
ndeedbutI
'
m nott
her
e,I
'
m donewi
thever
ythi
ngcal
ledaMan

Hi
m:"
I'
m Sandi
leSi
kiza"

Ishookhi
shand

Me:
"Nandi
phaDl
ami
ni.
..I
t'
sni
cet
oknowyou"

Sandi
le:
"CanIhaveyournumber
?pl
ease"

Ishookmyhead'
No'

Me:
"I
'mr
ushi
ngsomewher
epl
easeexcuseme"

Isai
dthatr
unni
ngout
.I'
m donewi
thmen'
sI'
m nowonmyOwn.
Im NANDI
PHADl
ami
ni

Thi
swasmySt
ory.I
'
m aWoman,
aVi
cti
m ofCi
rcumst
ances

'
Donotwai
t;t
het
imewi
llneverbejustr
ight.Star
twhereyoustand,
andwor
kwithwhat
ever
t
ool
syoumayhavei
ncommand, andbettertoolwil
lbefoundasyougoal
ong'
-Geor
geHerber
t