[

10/
8,19:
31]‪+27730692704‬:
#01

Igrewupl i
vingwi t
hmymot heratt hi
swhi te
mansi onwher eshewasWor ki
ngasadomest ic
worker ,
wehadourownLi lcottageatthebackwhi ch
waswel lequippedandt osayIwasdi f
ferentto
thesewhi tekidswoul dbeunder ated.Wepl ayed
together,
didev eryt
hingtogether..
.wewentt othe
sameschool forgoodnesssakeandonweekendsI
wasper mi tt
edt osleepinsi
deumamaal aleyedwa.

Rumorhasi tt
hatmymot hergotpr egnantonher
fi
rstyearinEastLondonaf tershewassentt of i
nish
offherhighschool.Theguywhoknockedherup
deniedhavinganyi nvol
v ementwi t
hhersoheraunt
whom shewassentt olivewi t
ht hrewheroutsay ing
shehasbr oughtabadl uckandhast ar
nishedthe
familynamebygoi ngaroundcar ryi
ngev i
dencey a
sexandev enwor se,abast ard.OkaysoInev erasked
alotaboutmydad: /Iwasn'tinterestedcozIwas
happywher eIwas, Iwasnev ertr
eat edli
kethe
domesticwor
kerschil
d,If
eltli
kepartoft
hef
amil
y.I
di
dn'tknowanyt
hingaboutmyr oot
sandatt
hat
stageIwasn'
tbot
heredatal l
...
year
spassedandIwasdoi ngthefourthgradewhen
mymot hergotr
eall
ysick.Shewasadmi tt
edt othe
l
ocalpubli
chospi
talbutwasl at
ertransfer
redto
CapeTownbecozt hedoctorsdiagnosedherwi tha
hear
tdiseasemeaningshehadt ogoundert hekni
fe.
Allt
hiswhileheremployer
shadt akenmein,t
aken
goodcareofmeandmadesur ethatIwasrecei
vi
ng
enoughat t
enti
onastocloselagapofnothav i
ngmy
mot herr
ighther
e..
.heroperat
ionwasunsuccessful
though.
Thenewsdev astat
edme.She' stheonl yfami
lyI
had,
whatnow?Herempl oyees,t
heSmi th'
swerev er
y
goodpeople.Theytri
edallmeanst omakecont act
wit
hrelat
ivesbutinvainsower esort
edi nburyi
ng
heratalocalcemeterythentheyoff
iciall
yadopted
meandbr oughtmeupwi t
houthassles.

Onmyei
ght
hgr
ade.
..
thet
eenagest
agest
art
ed
kicki
ngi n.Iwant edt ofitin,Iwantedt heattenti
on,I
want edt ot ryeverything...i
nonewor dbendi phapha.
OnedayIcamehomel atewi thEvemysi ster.
..
she
hadsuggest edwewat chf ootbal
lsincewewer enot
practicingt hatdayandf r om foot
ball wewentt o
hav i
ngacoupl eofdr inkswi t
hourfriends.Shewasa
yearol dert hanme, andagr adeahead. .
.hada
boy f
riendi nt hefootbal lsquadandy eah,shewas
quitewi ld.

Herboy
fri
enddrov
eushome,wegotinsi
deandt
he
f
olkswerewai
ti
ng,boi
l
ingwi
thanger
!

Dad:
"i
sthi
sthet
imet
ocomehomef
rom school
"?

wewer
eti
psy:
/

dad:
'
'Ev
ely
n"!
Ev
e:"
daddy
"?
Dad:
"i
sthi
s..
hol
yJesusar
eyoudr
unk"
?

dadsni
ff
edhert
hencamet
ome,
yhohewasl
i
vid!

ma:
"Ev
ely
n"!
:
/
ma:
"Tr
inal
i
que"
!
me:
"Mom"
?
ma:
"areyoudrunk?whathappenedt
oyou?ona
Wednesday"
?

nowont hat'Tr
inal
ique't
ip-
_-i
tsanamet heygav
e
tomewhent heyadopt edmemeaning.
..Ibecame
Sibongi
l
eTrinal
iqueSmi t
h#STS

Icoul
dn'
tbri
ngmy sel
ftospeak.
..
theyst
ormed
out,
weracedtoourroom,
lockedi
tandfloppedon
thebed.
whenIwokeupi twas04:00am :'(andmyheadwas
throbbing.Understandabl
eforaf i
rst
-ti
mer:(coz
alcohol wasnotreallymythinkbutbecozIwant ed
tofitin,
Itr
ieditout.Iwokeupandwentt obat h.
..
my
daywassooooooogonnabehect ic:
afterclassIhad
ast udysessionforanhour ,
hockeypracti
cef ortwo
hour sandamusi calandpoetr
yclassafterwards.
Iret
urnedandwokeEveupasImademybed.She
camebackandwewentt othelaunder
ett
e
downstai
rsforspar
euni
formit
emscozt heoneswe
woretheprevi
ousdayweresmell
ingofarubbi
sh
hump.

wegotdressednotmaki
ngconv
ersat
ion,
each
per
soninherownworld.
MrsSmi
thappear
edf
rom t
heki
tcheni
nherof
fi
ce
sui
t

her
:"
breakf
asti
sready
"
us:
"comi
ng"

shet
urnedandwal
kedout

me:
"we'
rei
ndeepshi
t"
Eve:"
tel
lmesomethi
ngIdon'
tal
readyknow.
..
Ican'
t
facedadri
ghtnow"
me:
"youspeakasi
fwehav
eachoi
ce"
her
:"
yeah..
.l
et'
sjustgett
hisov
eranddonewi
th.
..
my
dayi
salreadyhecti
c"

wef ollowedeachot hertot hediningt abl

eand
greeted...
sil
encefi
ll
edt heroom.It ookcereal,
dri
ed
fr
uitandcol dmi l
k.Eveat ethef ullconti
nental
breakfastndaphakamaandr insedmybowl .
..l
eftt
o
gof etchmybagandspor tsbagndaphumaand
waitedf orEveatthegat e.
..shef i
nallycameout
l
ooki ngtiredalr
eady.
Her
:"
he'
sst
il
lthi
nki
ngofapuni
shment
"
me:
"Ibetwe'
l
lbegr
oundedt
hisweekend"
her
:"
Ican'
taf
for
dthat
..
.Beni
staki
ngmeout
"
me:
"we'
l
ljusthav
etowai
tandsee"

ourl
if
ttoschoolcamet
hrough,
wehoppedi
nand
wenttoschool
.
<3
[
10/
8,19:
31]‪+27730692704‬:
#02

Wewenthomesaf i
kakesunjaloasithet
hiswaohwell
Iwentt omyroom andundr essed,gotdressedi
n
spor t
swearandwentjogging,Ineededthisjogt
o
steam offandbecauseIwoul dbei nahockey
practicet
hefoll
owingdaysoIneededt oloosenupa
bit.Ij
oggedforanhourthenr etur
nedhomeandEv e
wascooki ngwithauntNandi ourhelper
.Igreet
ed
andwentt omyr oom,showeredandwentt ohelp
Nandi
:
"whathav
eyougi
rl
sdone?y
ourdadi
sli
vi
d"?
Ev
e:"
weki
nda.
..
upsethi
m"
Nandi
:
"yho"

that
'sal
lshesai
d,wecookedf
ini
shedt
henshe
serv
edthefamil
y.
..

dad:
"Ev
ely
n"
her
:"
daddy
"?
dad:"
tomor
rowwhenyouretur
nfr
om school
Ineed
mycarwashed,t
hedogshousecl
eanedandthe
gardenwat
ered"
her
:"
but
-"
Dad:
"Tr
ina"
me:
"yessi
r"
dad:
"youwi
l
lcl
eant
hecot
tageandt
hegar
age"
me:
"yessi
r"
Ev
e:"
butwehav
espor
tst
omor
row"
Dad:
"Iknow"

l
ol soifheknowshowdoesheexpectust odoal
lof
thisbeforeheret
urnsf
rom work?Afterdi
nnerwe
clearedthetabl
eandpackedthedisheskwi
dishwashersayaeroomin

me:
"nowt
hisi
ssomeshi
t"
Eve:
"ayyourdadi
smadnow.
..
hecan'
texpectust
o
doalloft
hat"
me:
"i
fyour
eal
l
ywannagooutwi
thBen,
youbet
terdo
i
tal
l
"

Ifl
oppedont obed: /heh!Youhavenocluehowbig
thatfreakingcottageis:odon'tevenmenti
onthe
garage...
thatgaragecankeepupt o5cars:/no
that'
sanunder statement :
daddr i
vesaPorsche
whichwasagi ftfrom hiswif
eont hei
r50th
anniversaryandhehasaBakki eweusewhengoi ng
tothef arms,t
henhi scompanycar .Mom dri
vesa
Kompr essorbutalsohasanotherCart hatDad
boughtf orherontheiranni
ver
sary.ThenTher e'
s
Mar cus,LukeandKer i'
scars.
..
thosearetheelder
si
bl i
ngsbutKer ii
smar ri
edonl
yher18t hbirt
hdaycar
i
sl eftasr emembr ance>_<any wayIwas
str
at egizingonhowt ogoaboutl ecleani
ng?Idozed
offst i
l
l thinki
ng

Thealarm wentoff!!
!!wejumpedoutofbedand
racedforthebathroom,r
eturnedandmadet hebeds
thenpreparedforschoolwewentdownst ai
rswith
ourschoolbagsplussportbags,Iwasn'
thungr
y..
.I
grabbedanappl eandmadewayt othedoor

mom:
"you'
renoteat
ing"
?
me:
"I
'l
lj
usthav
eanappl
ema"
mom:
"Ohk,
l
emmedr
opy
ouof
f.
.Ev
e"?
her
:"
I'
ll
gowi
thdaddy
"

l
olshewasusedt
obei
ngdaddy
'sl
i
ttl
egi
rlshame,
I
l
eftwi
thmom andsheseemedabitcool
ert
hanI
t
hought:
vregar
dingt
hekindamusi
csheli
stenedt
o.

Igott oschool thenshegav emeahundr edbuck

ndabul elandahamb. ..
mydaywassooogonnabe
hect i
c.Ist artedngecl asseszam, proceededtot he
studysessi on,thent othef i
eldandlateront othe
musi cal class.Byt hetimeIwasdoneIwasl it
erall
y
out!Ineededmybed, Ineededsomer est:(butI
wasn' tgonnagetany .Iwai tedforEvet ocomeout
thenshecal l
edBenwhot ookushome.
Immedi ately..
.wej ustchangedandat tackedour
wor k!Ist art
edngecot tage. .
.t
ookmet hreehours
:'(daddyr eturnedandcamet ocheckoneachofus
gqibawabuy el aendlini.Iwasdoneby22: 00I
couldn'tev eneat ,
Ijustt ookashor tshowerandgot
i
nt obedndal alakwasa.Thi sti
mewhent healarm
wentof f,
Ev eswi t
chedi tof fandcontinuedsleeping.
..
somet imel at eronmom camet owakeusup

Ipushedmy
sel
ftot
hebat
hroom,
tookawhol
ehour
togetreadyforschoolandIwasalreadyl
ate.
.Eve
saidwemustl eaveher:/Idon'
tknowhowt hatday
proceeded,
Iwasoutofspace. .
.mymindwasj ustnot
there.
ThatSatur
dayshewentoutwi
thBenandIcov
ered
forher

*
**
Nov emberwasawar dsmont hsoathomei twasa
bigdeal youhadt ogetatl east3awar dsinay earif
not,
y ouhadt oexplainy oursel fandendurebei ng
grounded.Soont he15wast hede-daywedr essed
upinf ullneatuni f
orm,bl azersandal lthenwel ef
tin
daddy '
scar ,arr
ivedattheschool hall
andwer e
shownourseat sHai kelaqal auv al
o:owhenEv e
receivedf orthreesubject sandonef orspor t
s.Iwas
sweat ingbecauset heyst artedcalli
ngf r
om gr ade
elevendownsoourgr adewast obet helasttohe
call
edout .BeingaSmi th,Ihadt ochil
l myassof fcoz
Iwasneart heendont her egister.
whenmynamewasf inal
lycall
edoutIhadforgott
en
-_
-andl uckyf
orme,Ialsorecei
vedfort
hreesubjects
andspor tBUT:DIal
sor ecei
vedformusicaland
poetrysoIwasoneawar daheadofEveandIwas
pleasedwithmysel
f.
weweretreatedtoMcD'sthenwenthome,Ev
e
wasn'
tenviouswhatsoev
er..
.sheonl
yworkedhard
f
orthoseawar dstomakeherparent
sproud,
ifnot
f
orthem..
,
shewoul dn'
tgiveadamn!

wewr oteoury earendexams, col

lectedourr epor
ts
andclosedt heschool s.Nowwheni tcamet o
schoolholi
day s,wehadt othinkverycar efull
ywhere
wewant edt ogo...eitherwewentt oKer i i
n
BloemfonteinorMar cusinCapeTownbutLukewho
wasinJo'bur gwasnotev enanopt ion...
daddy
wouldn'
tallowus.Lukei saf r
eebei ng,he'snotstri
ct,
he'sj
ustLukeanddadwant edassur ancet hatwe
won'tbecomehool igansduringthef esti
v eseason
sohecal l
edKer iforusandshewasgl adt hatwe
werecomi ngov er..
.Evewasn' t:
/
Shewant
edtogotoCapeTownbecauseBenwas
ther
eo.
OIdon'
tknowhowhermindworksthough

anywaywepackedanddadboughtusbust i
ckets
:(whathappenedt
oplanes?Theytookustothebus
stat
ionandsawusoff
...
wehadlotsandlot
soff ood
fort
hejourney

me:
"youdon'
tl
ookt
oohappy
"
her
:"
Imi
ssmyboy
fri
end"
me:
"soy
ou'
l
lbel
i
ket
hisf
ort
heent
ir
emont
h"?

shesnor
tedatme.
..
ndamy
eka

Her
:"
Ibety
ouwoul
dn'
tknowhowi
tfeel
s..
.y
ou'
rest
il
l
achi
ld"
me:
"what
ever
"
her
:"
mmh"
aft
eradayandni ghtr i
dewear rivedi
nBl oem,
Keri
andherhusbandwer ealr
eadyt herewait
ingforus.
Wehuggedandki ssed,t
heyhelpedusl oadour
l
uggaget henweheadedhome. .
,shewaswel lof
f!
Comi ngfr
om arichbackgr oundandget ti
ngmar r
ied
toast i
nki
ngri
chman. ,
.t
hisisthegoodl i
fe.Wewer e
shownourseparat ebedrooms,If r
eshenedupand
gotintobedndakhendal al
a.

t
hisBl
oemfont
einbettert
reatusgood..
.weain'
there
t
ospendourdaysindoors:)wewannaexplore,be
wi
ldanddoerr
't
hangwesur ewoul
dn'tdoathome!
[
10/
8,19:
31]‪+27730692704‬:
#03

Imusthavesl
eptf
oralongt
imecozwhenIwokeup
,act
ual
lyno,
Evewokemeup.

me:
"mmh"
?
her
:"
I'
m hungr
y"
me:
"so"
?

shepatmeonceagain,Isatupandrubbedmyeyes.
..
myey eswanderedar
oundt henIwokeupand
openedallt
hesewhit
ewoodendoor sunti
lIf
ound
thebathr
oom,di
dmybusi nessandwentbacktoher

me:
"ar
etheyhome"
?
her
:"
Idoubt
..
.t
hehouseseemsqui
et"
me:
"mh"

shegotup,
Ifoll
owedaswewentdownst
air
s,t
he
housewasreall
yemptysowemadeoursel
vesat
homeandsav agedt
hefri
dge:
/

me:
"dontt
ell
met
hesepeopl
ear
evegans"
her
:"
youbet
terbeki
ddi
ng"
me:
"yhoIt
hinksomet
hingi
sni
bbl
i
ngonmy
i
ntest
ines"

Isatonahighstool
asEv
echeckedoutt
he
fr
idge.
..
lol
thef
rownonherf
ace

her
:"
atl
eastt
heyhav
eeggs"
me:
"yho.
..
thi
sisgonebeonel
onghel
l
uvahol
i
day
"
her
:"
tel
lmeabouti
t"

Ihel
pedherasshedidscrambl
edeggsf
orus,
I
pour
edorangej
uiceandtoast
edsomebreadt
hen
wesatdownandate.

her
:"
fi
rstdayawayf
rom homeandI
'
m sof
ucken
bor
ed"
me:
"makest
woofus.
..
Iwi
shwewentt
oJo'
bur
g"
her
:"
haha!rememberwhatwegotupt
other
e?dad
wouldneveral
l
owusagain"
me:
"ur
gh.
..
atl
easti
twasbet
tert
hant
his"
her
:"
weshoul
dcal
lLuke"
me:
"orMar
cus.
..
may
beCapei
snotasbad"

wedrownedinourownthought
s..
.wer
est
artl
edbya
carcomi
ngthrough.Ker
iwal
kedinwit
hherhusband

Keri
:
"heyyousl
eepyheads.
..Iseey
ouguy
smade
your
selv
escomfort
ablehuh"
me:
"uh.
..
yeah,
wher
e'v
ey'
al
lbeen"
?
her
:"
shoppi
ng.
..
Joef
igur
edy
ouguy
sneededt
hese"

l
ol theyputt
heshoppi
ngbagsont hetabl
eand
unloadedthem :
Dmeat!lolEveeyedmeandwe
l
aughed!Wewat chedthem packev er
ythi
ngandt
hen
theysatdownaroundthetable

Joe:
"Iwassuggest
ingt
oyoursi
stert
hatweshoul
d
goonhol
i
day
"
Ev
e:"
oh.
..
who'
swe?
ifImayask"
Joe:
"us.
..
all
ofus"

wel ookedateachother
,st
il
li
nconfusi
on:
/weare
hereonhol i
dayal
readysowhatexactl
ydi
dthi
s
otherholi
daymean?

Ker
i:
"sochoose.
..
CapeTown,
Jo'
bur
gorDur
ban"
Ev
e:"
capet
own"
me:
"we'
venev
erbeent
oDur
bzt
hough"

Ev
egav
emet
hel
ook:
ooh.
..
ohkanenel
aBen!nx

Joe:
"sohowdowegoaboutt
his?dowev
ote"
?
Ev
e:"
no.
..
comeonTr
ina"
Ker
i:
"don'
tbul
l
yheri
ntot
hisEv
e"
me:
'
'l
et'
sgot
oCapeTown"

t
heyl
ookedatme

Ker
i:
"ar
eyousur
e"?
me:"
yeahImean.
.wear
efami
l
iarwi
tht
hear
ea
any
way "
Joe:
"okayt
henl
emmemebookusi
n"

hewentt
ohi
slapt
op
Ker
i:
"Tr
inay
ousur
e"?
me:
"yep"
Ev
e:"
thanky
ou"

wewai tedforJoet
of i
nishthenhesaidwecanpack
j
ustaf ewclothi
ngit
ems, makingsurethey
'r
e
summercl othi
ngcozwewer egoinginanhour
.We
pract
icall
yranupst
air
s
Backedshor
tsandcr
oppedtops,
mini
ski
rt
sand
sandal
s,
notfor
get
ti
ngbiki
ni:
D
whenweweredonewewentbackdownst
air
sand
chi
l
ledel
ounge

Eve:
"I'
m sor
ryi
fIki
ndaputy
ouunderpr
essur
e
earl
i
er"
me:
"Iknowhowmuchy
oumi
ssedBen"
Ev
e:"
Iowey
ouone"
me:
"bi
gti
me"

Akhomnt uuthandaindodangat hi ngumnt u

omhlophestrubob!Joe' sdri
verar ri
vedandwe
drovetotheairportandboardedhi spri
vatejetto
CapeTown. .
.theweat herwaspl easingand
welcoming.Themi nut ewehitthegr ound,Iknewwe
weregonnaexpl odei nthi
splace,Iknewwewer ei
n
forsomegoodf un..
.Eve'
sfacewasgl owing.We
wenttoahot el,
meandhershar ingar oom butnota
bedthenbigsi sandherhubbyhadt hei
rownr oom
ri
ghtnextdoortoours-_-tal
kaboutsuperv
isi
on.I
di
dn'tevenhaveajetlag:vIwantedtohitt
hebeach
al
readyandwalkinthesand, t
hrowmyhandsi nthe
ai
randlivel
egoodl i
fealready!

Evecal
l
edherboyf
ri
end,
andheseemedtobearound
cozhebeggedmetocovert
oher.
..
Iagr
eed.Ker
i
cametocheckonus

her
:"
oh.
.wher
e'sEv
e"?
me:
"shej
ustwentout
"
her
:"
any
wher
einpar
ti
cul
ar"
?
me:"
no.
..
I'
m sur
eshe'
l
lbebackanymi
nut
efr
om
now"
her
:"
oh.
..Ij
ustwant
edt
omakesur
eyouguy
sI
comfor
table"
me:"
wear
ethankyou.
..
Imeantt
oaskt
hough,
arewe
al
l
owedtoor
derforour
sel
ves"
?
her
:"
yeah.
..
any
thi
ngy
ouwant
"
me:
"cool
"
her
:"
notal
cohol
"

Il
aughedatherst er
nnessthenshel ef t
..
.Ishower ed
andgotdr essedinfadedbumshor t
s, whitesandal s
andal acetop.Ihadf ai
rl
ylonghair,beaut if
ul honey
browni nnatural
colour.
..
onewoul dn' tsayIwasn' t
bloodfamilyhereexceptkef orthef actt hatnoba
ndingamhlopheasozendi f
anenoml ungut ubutmy
accentandev eryt
hingelsewer e"whi te">_<Ical l
ed
Mar cuscozIneededsomeonet ofet chme: )I
wasn'tgonnabel ockedupi nthishot elwhi l
eEv e
washav ingfunoutt her
e

hi
m:"
heyLi
lsi
s"
me:
"heybr
o..
.howbusyar
eyou"
?
hi
m:"
depends"
me:
"comeon"
hi
m:"
Saywhaty
ouwantTr
inaandIpromisetotr
y
andmeety
ouhalf
wayasl
ongasitdoesn'
tinv
olve
bl
ood"
Iwasi
nst
it
cheskumhl
eka
me:
"whendi
dyoubecomesodr
amat
ict
hough"
?
Hi
m:"st
opl
aughi
ngandt
ell
mewhat
'si
tthaty
ou
want
"
me:
"okay
..
.pl
zcomef
etchme"
hi
m:"
outofal
lthi
ngsyoucoul
d'
veasked.
..
youwant
metocomefetchyou"
?
me:
"pl
easebr
o..
.Ineedt
ogetoutofher
e"
hi
m:"
askdadt
obooky
ouaf
li
ght
,t
henwecant
alk"
me:"ar
g!doIhav
etospel
li
toutf
ory
ou?I
'
mint
he
cape"
hi
m:"
what
?wher
e"?
me:
"hot
el"
him:”heeeey!Tr
ina!y
ou'r
est i
l
ltooyoungt
oget
fuckedupi nsomehot el
..
.I
'
m coming"
me:
"huh"
?
hi
m:"
nvm.
..
I'
m comi
ng.whi
chhot
eli
sthat
"?
me:
"It
hinki
thasaTsogol
ogot
houghI
'
m notsur
eof
t
hename"
hi
m:"
ber
eadyi
ntenmi
nut
es"

thenhehungup: v:
'(:
vhav i
ngami xt
ureofcolored
andbl ackfr
iendshadquitesomeinfluenceonhim.I
knockedonKer i
'
sdoor..
.shetookhertimebut
eventuall
ycameoutwr appedi natowel :
/Idoubt
shewasbat hingthough

me:"
erh.
..
sor
ryt
odi
stur
b.Justwant
edt
oinf
ormy
ou
I
'l
lbeout"
her
:"
okaycool
.
.."

Itur
nedandwal kedoutt othereception..
.Marcus
call
edmeasheent eredIsmi l
edandhehungup.We
huggedandwal kedoutt ot
hecarwher et he
i
nterrogati
onbegan.It ol
dhi m every
thingheneeded
toknow. .
waskindar eli
evedthatI'm notherewitha
mancozher eckonedIwas" sti
ll
ababy "amidst
ever
yoneinthefamil
yhewasthepr ot
ecti
veoneof
me..
.mom (MrsSmi t
h)t
oldmethathewasf ondof
mymot hert
hat'
swhyhel ov
edmesomuch.Het ook
metoJohnDor y'
sandIgottoorderwhateverIli
ked
:pprawnsandcalamarionper
i-
perisaucethenhe
madehisownsahl al
aandchatup.
Aswewerechat
ti
ng.
..
agroupofguy
scamei
nand
madewaytowherewewere

Beast
:"
Mar
c'O'
Pol
o!Wa'
ssupni
nja"
?
Marc:
"yowBeast.
.meetmyLilsi
s.Tr
inat
hisi
smy
goodfr
iendBeast
,BeastTr
ina"

hetookmyhandandki
ssedi
tkeepi
nghi
sey
es
gl
uedontomine

Beast
:"
she'
sbeaut
if
ul.
..
li
keanAf
ri
canwoman"
Marc:
"uhuh.
..
sheaintnopl
aygr
oundmyman.Don'
t
ev
enthinkabouti
t"
Beast
:"
Iwasj
ustadmi
ri
ngher
..
.nohar
mint
hat
nt
wana"
Mar
c:"
I'
mjustput
ti
ngi
toutt
her
eFet
su"

l
olIwaswonderi
ng,
whatthehell
wasf et
su?Allt
his
whi
letheot
herguyshadorder
ed,Beastl
eftandwent
t
othem andweconti
nuedeati
ng

Mar
c:"
thoseguy
sar
edanger
ous"
me:
"butIt
houghtt
hey
'r
eyourf
ri
ends"
hi
m:"
yes.
..
thatdoesn'
tmeant
hey
'r
enotdanger
ous"
me:
"not
ed"
hi
m:"
playf
arf
rom t
hem.
..
fory
ourownsake"
me:
"yessi
r"

aft
erthatwewenttohisapar
tment,
Evecal
l
edIt
old
hertoalsocomethenwechil
ledf
orsometimet
hen
Marcretunedust
ot hehot
elwher
ehegotto
of
fi
cial
l
ygr
eethi
ssi
sterandbr
otheri
n-l
aw.

Ntwana...Iwasst ill
dumbwheni tcamet oboys.
Forealnow.Idi dn'tgetwhyMar cstressedoutabout
howIshoul dkeepmydi st
ancefrom his
fr
iends..
.theywer en'tev
enattr
activeforgoodness
sake!
[
10/
8,19:
32]‪+27730692704‬:
#04

Thef ol
lowi ngdaywewokeupandwer etakent ot he
beach: Dwehadf unsot osay ,
Joespoil
edusr otten
thatentireholi
dayandonourl astweekinCape
Townweaskedt ogoandsl eepkwaMar catleast
khesonwabekanci nci
.Wewentt her
e..
.whatthese
Capet ownpeopl edidn'tknowwast hatIwasi nf act
ablackXhosagi r
lwhocanspeakandunder stand
herhomel anguagesowhenwewer eatMar cus's
houseIwoul dhearthem gossipingaboutusandnot
sayany thingcoIdidn'
twannacauset r
ouble.Onour
thi
rddayatMar c'
shouseBeastandhi sgangpi tched
Mar
cust
ookust
oourr
oom andsatusdown

Ev
e:"
urh.
..
whathav
ewedone"
?
Mar
c:"
not
hingIj
ustwanty
ouguy
stobecar
eful
"
me:
"car
eful
"?
Marc:"
thegangthatjustcamei
n..
.Idon'
twanty
ou
nearanyofthem okay"
Ev
e:"
aret
heyst
ayi
ngf
orl
ong"
?
Mar
c:"
we'
rehost
ingahousepar
ty"
Ev
e:"
int
erest
ing"
Mar
c:"
Eve"
?
Ev
e:"
don'
twor
ry.
..we'
l
lbehav
e"

Helookedatusboththenl
eftt oattendtohis
mates,
wewentoutandsatatt heloungeplayi
ngPS
Wrestl
i
ngt henwenoti
cedladiesfil
li
ngupt he
l
ounge,al
coholf
il
li
ngupthetabl e,
snacksandall:
/I
becameuncomf or
tabl
ewit
ht hesur roundi
ngs
ndaphakamaandwentouttothebal
cony
.Af
ter
somet i
me,Icoul
dtel
lsomeonewasbehi
ndme.
..
I
di
dn'tt
urn.Hestoodnextt
ome

Beast
:"
we'
rebor
ingy
oual
ready
"?
me:
"nope"
Beast
:"
thenwhyi
sol
atey
our
sel
f"
?
me:
"I
'm notgoodwi
thpeopl
e"
Beast
:"
oh.
..
canIdot
hepr
operi
ntr
oduct
ion"
?
me:
"pr
oper
"?
Beast
:"
yeahImean..
.I
'
m sur
eyourbrot
hermademe
abeasttoy'
al
lInot
icehowy'
al
lcri
ngewhenI'
m
ar
ound"
me:
"buty
ournamei
sBeastsoy
eah"
Beast
:"
thatdoesn'
tmeanI
'
m abeastt
hough"
me:
"Iwoul
dn'
tknow.
..
"

IsawMar
cusf
rom adi
stance
me:
"Igot
tago"
Iwasal
readyoutofsi
ghtwhenIheardhim say
ing
somet
hingaboutthei
ntr
oduct
ion.Iwentt
omyr oom
andl
ayonmybed

ThisBeastni
qqawashandsome:/ont herealj
ust
thatIdi
dn'
tknowhowtoreal
lyacttowardshim wi
th
mybr ot
herwarni
ngmeabouthim all
theti
me.

Hewasdar kincompl exion,hadbri

ghtwhiteteeth
andsexyeyes..
.evenhisv oicewassexyngat hi
akafunut
het
halomnt u.AsIl ayt
hereIkepton
blocki
ngoutimagesofhi m,hisvoi
ceandhi sscent!
:/I'
m ababyremember ?I'm notEvewhyt hehell
wouldIfeel
li
ket hi
sar oundandaboutt hisguy?

Ev
ewal
kedi
nwi
thagl
assi
nherhand
her
:"
par
typooperLi
lsi
ster
"
me:
"par
tyani
mal
bigsi
s"
her
:"
I'
m hav
ingaj
ol.
.ascol
oredpeopl
ewoul
dsay
"
me:
"Icansee"
her:
"youdon'
twannat
ryt
his?Imeant
hisshi
tis
goodbaby"
me:
"nothanks.
..
Ineedt
obei
nmyr
ightsenseswi
th
t
hesepeoplear
ound"
her
:"
thesepeopl
e?honeyt
hesepeopl
ear
ehuman
j
ustli
keusyoknow"
me:
"wel
lIdon'
ttr
ustt
hem"
her
:"
ooohGod"
me:
"gohav
efun,
j
ustl
ockt
hedoorony
ourwayout
"

sher ai
serherglassandlockedasshewenttothe
othersideofthehouse,mculowasbangingsohardI
couldn'
tsleepatall
...
atbout3am Ihear
dsome
peaceint hehouse,abit
..
.andIf
igur
edpeopl
ewere
evacuatingthevenuewhi chwasgood.Wedidneed
somer
estkal
oky
hini
!

Ithi
nkIsleptf
oracouplemorehoursbef
oreIhear
d
musicAGAI Nfr
om thel
oungendancamandavuka,
I
bathedandwenttocheckoutwhoitwas-_-f
ounda
peti
teladyweari
ngboxersandavest

her
:"
whot
hehel
lar
eyou"
?
Il
ookedather.
..
upanddownthenIwalkstothe
ki
tchen.Shef
oll
owedme:/unfor
tunat
elyEvehad
wokenupandhadababalaas

her
:"
Iaskedwhot
hef
uckar
eyou"
?
Ev
e:"
whot
hef
uckar
eYOU"
?

shetur
nedandsawEv e,
Iwassear
chi
ngf
ort
hings
formaki
ngbreakf
ast
her
:"
andy
ouar
e"?
Ev
e:"
mxm"

Evewenttothefr
idgeandt
ookoutabott
leofr
ed
squarewasel
aasshesatnextt
ome..
.shehadan
att
it
udeofablackchil
d.
Idishedupf orus,
thegir
lwenttooneoftherooms
thr
owi ngtantr
ums.Mar cuscameouttothe
kit
chen,thegir
lbehindherst
il
lmakingonehell
uva
noise

wewer
eeat
ingi
nsi
l
ence.
..
Marccamet
osi
tdownnextt
omeandat
eof
fmy
pl
ate
Thegi
rlsnat
chedhi
sfor
koutofhi
shands

Mar
c:"
Lizzydon'
tfuckenf
uckwi
thmesoear
lyi
nthe
mor
ning"?
her
:"
thent
ell
mewhot
hef
uckar
ethey
"
Marc:
"howmanyt
imesmustIt
ell
yout
hey
'r
emy
si
ster
s?huh"
?

hegotup,
tookthepanwhichsti
l
lhadsomeeggs,
sat
downwithitandsomel
eftoverbread.Li
zzy
stor
medout

Mar
c:"
that
'smygi
rl
fr
iend"
Ev
e:"
she'
srude"
me:
"andugl
y"
hi
m:"
canwej
usthav
ebr
eakf
asti
npeace"
?
me:
"we'
real
mostdone"

ndaphakamaandwashedmypl at
eandl ef
thim with
Evetofinishthei
rbreakfastIwenttotakemyphone
ndabuyasekuphindekwabakhoabat shomi bakhe:/
umntuut shonjanibathesepeoplearedanger ous
whil
etheyar ehisfri
ends?
Iov
erheadt
heconv
otheywer
emaki
ng.
..
Mar
c:"
youseem t
oli
kemyspacet
heseday
sdawg"
Beast
:"
whatcanIsay
..
.i
tispl
easi
ngt
otheey
e"
Mar
c:"
Idon'
twannar
epeatmy
sel
f.Mysi
ster
sar
eof
f
l
imi
ts"
Beast
:"
Iheardyout
hef i
rstt
imebr
o,whyy
ouact
ing
l
ikeasissyal
lofasudden"?
Ranger
:"
he'
sst
ingy
"
Marc:
"wheni
tcomestomyfami
l
y,t
heycomef
ir
st
yougott
aunder
standt
hat
"

Iwasnowatthebalcony,
over
looki
ngthe
beach.
..
suchabeauti
ful
viewofthebeachand
mountai
n
Ev
ejoi
nedme

me:
"whenwast
hel
astt
imey
ouspoket
oBen"
?
her
:"
Idon'
tknow.
.,
why
"?
me:
"youdon'
tknow"
?
her
:"
he'
sact
ingl
i
keaf
ivey
earol
d..
.I
'
mti
redoft
hat
"

Ikeptqui
et

her
:"
Beastseemst
oli
key
ou"
me:
"t
hatgangst
a"?
her
:"
don'
tj
udge"
me:"
it
snotj
udgi
ngi
fit
sreal
i
ty.
.andany
way
,Idon'
t
l
ikehi
m"
her
:"
you'
reki
ddi
ng"
me:
"nope"
her
:"
Isawy
ouguy
slastni
ghther
e"
me:
"hecameaf
terme,
maki
ngsomel
ameconv
o
t
hat
'sal
l"
her
:"
mmh.
..
Lil
sist
erhasacr
ush"
shel
aughed
me:"cor
rect
ion,
agangst
aiscr
ushi
ngony
ourLi
l
si
ster"
her
:"
andshe'
ssmi
tt
en"
me:
"noti
nami
l
li
ony
ear
s"
shewasl
aughi
ngatme
her
:"
you'
rei
ndenai
l
..
.don'
twor
ry,
we'
rel
eav
ingi
ntwo
day
s"
me:
"t
hankGod"

Ilef
thertherebef
oreshemademef eel
anyguil
ty
thanIwasal r
eadyfeel
ing,
onmywaytothel
oungeI
bumpedont oRangerthenmyeyesmetBeast
'seyes.
Iquickl
ylookeddownandpassedthr
oughtomy
room

mom cal
l
ed:
o

me:
"mot
her
"?
her
:"
hell
omydear
..
.howi
sBl
oemf
ont
ein?how'
sthe
weather
"?
uh-
ooooh:
o
me:
"weat
her
?weat
heri
sgoodmom,
we'
rehappy
"
her:
"I
'm gl
ad.
..
yourcomi
ngbackhomenextweek
ri
ght"
?
me:
"nextweek?butwe'
rest
il
lthr
eeweeksear
ly"
her:
"Iknow.
..
butweal
somissyougi
rl
syoucannot
j
ustcomehomeandgot oschoolwi
thoutus
spendingqual
it
yfami
l
yti
me"
me:
"ohokay
..
.wher
e'sdad"
?
her
:"
he'
sint
hegar
den"
me:
"dad?gar
den?whathappenst
oMi
ke"
?
shel
aughed
her:
"t
hey'
rebot
hthere.
..
heneedstokeepbusy
duri
ngthedaysoifhecan'tdr
ivet
othefar
ms,he
spendshi
stimeinthegarden"
me:
"ohcool
..
.passourgr
eet
ingst
hen"
her
:"
Iwil
l
..
wher
e'sEv
ely
n,I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lher
al
lmorni
ng"
me:"shewentt
otownbutherphonei
schar
gingher
e
athome"
her
:"
okaybaby
..
.by
eby
e"
me:
"by
ema"

l
ol
Icouldn'
tgiveEveIphoneetipsy
..
.i
twouldbea
giveawaythatwearenotwithKeriandwecan't
reall
yaff
ordapunishmentonourf i
rstdayofar
ri
val
soIkindahadt oli
e,
forbot
hpursakes.Someone
knockedonmydoor

Igotupandwentt
oit
..
.Li
zzy
.Ij
ustl
ookedather
wit
houtsayi
ngaword

her
:"
canIcomei
n"?
Ihesi
tat
edbutal
l
owedheri
nthenIst
oodbyt
he
dooraftercl
osi
ngitandl
ookedather
,st
il
lnotsay
ing
anyt
hing.Shesatonmybed

her
:"
erhm.
..
Icamet
oapol
ogi
zef
orear
li
er"
me:
"oh"
her
:"
Iwasr
udeuni
ntenti
onal
l
ythough,
Idi
dn'
tknow
youguy
sarehi
ssi
sters,
I'
mreal
lysorr
y"
me:"soy
ou'renotsor
ryfory
ourat
ti
tude,
yoursor
ry
becozwe'r
ehissist
ers"
?
her
:"
nonono,don'
tgetmewr
ong.
..
Iregr
etmy
sel
ffor
myatti
tudepl
easefor
giv
eme"
me:
"cool
"

thenIopenedthedoorf
orher
..
.shel
eft
.Isatont
he
bedandr ecei
vedamessagef
rom Marc

"youguysneedtoleavetoday..
.Beastisint
oy ou
andIcan'
taff
ordwat chi
ngy ougethurtczIknow
hi
m,heismyf r
iend.Whateverhehadsai dtoyou,
its
t
rash.
..
thi
sni
qqadon'
tknowt
hemeani
ngofl
ove"

Iwasconf
used:
/wast
hismessageev
enmeantf
or
me?

Ir
esponded

"uhm.
..
Ikeptmydistancefrom hi
mlikeyousai
dand
henevermenti
onedany t
hingaboutloveBUTIdo
thi
nkweshouldgo,Idon'
tfeelcomfort
ableher
e
anymore"

AfterIrespondedIstar
tedpacking:(thisisnothow
Iimaginedsomeonecr ushi
ngonme: vagangst a
nogal?ButIwasaf rai
dIwasal sofall
ingfor
him...
slowly.YesIwasindenialbutI'
venev erbeen
takenbyaguyl i
kehehas..
.toapoi ntthatIwould
closemyey esandseehisface?hayngekhe!
Icouldjusti
maginedaddyifheweretof
indout>_
<
l
ol ayngekhe!Bet
terweleavethi
sCapeTownbefore
Ifall
int
ot hi
sbeast'
str
ap:v!
[
10/
8,19:
33]‪+27730692704‬:
#05

Evewalkedi
nandstart
edpacki
ngaswel
l.Wetook
ourbagsandfol
l
owedeachothertot
hekit
chen
whereMarcwasissui
nggl
assestohi
sfr
iends

Ev
e:"
we'
redone"
hi
m:"
okaygi
mmef
ive.
..
her
ewai
tint
hecar
"

hehandedherhi
skeythenwewentout
.Rangerwas
out
side.
..
eyei
nguscr
eepil
y:/

hi
m:"
jul
l
egaanwegnou"
?
Evelookedatme:)Iwantedtol
augh,
shewastal
ki
ng
abouthavi
nga'j
ol'nowakayazbakut
hwani:
v
Ranger
:"
ofhul
l
eni
epr
aat
'
ie"
?
me:
"onepr
aatnet
"

wepackedourt
hingsi
nthecar

hi
m:"
soj
yver
staanmy
,j
inne!kodwani
bahl
eyaz"
me:
"enkosi
"

wegotint hecarandwai t
edforMarcus..
.Evedi
dn't
wannaleav e,
may beshewasmadatmebutInev er
askedBeastt ohaveiti
nformeIwasn' tevensur
e
hewascr ushingonmef uthi
.Marccameoutwi th
Li
zzyandBeast- _-Iwasgetti
ngti
redofseeinghim
now.Theycamet othecar

Ranger
:"
Mar
c,y
ounevermenti
onedt
hatyoursi
ster
s
knowhowtospeakAf
ri
kaansandXhosa"
Marcusl
ookedatmeIwasn'tfazed,
Iwassur
e
gonnadenyi
tinf
rontofRanger

Mar
c:"
younev
erasked"
hegoti
nthecar
Beast
:"
justcamet
osaygoodby
e"
Ev
e:"
wasni
cemeet
ingy
ouguy
s"
him:"
wedohopet
oseet
hebot
hofy
ouagai
n,
ri
ght
ranger
"?
hi
m: "
sur
eboss..i
tsact
ual
l
ythesecondonewhocan
speakAfr
ikaans"

beastl
ookedatme,
Il
ookedatmyphone

hi
m:"
Goodby
eTr
ina"
me:
"by
e"
Mar cstar
tedhiscarandwev amoosedi nt
ot hi
nair
aphemot weniakhomntuuthethanomnyeunt il
we
reachedthehotel,
hegaveusmoney: Dthenl eftus
sangena.Joesaidhehadanemer gencybackhome
sowewer el
eaving:vyey
!Wewentt opackallour
belongi
ngsandwhenwewer edonewej ustsatthere
facingeachother

Ev
e:"
doy
out
hinkhe'
sagangst
aforr
eal
"?
me:
"who"
?
her
:"
duh"
!
me:
"yes.
..
dressesli
keTupac,t
alksl
i
kePhatJoeand
smokescigarsl
ikeRickRoss"
her
:"
butheseemst
oli
key
ou"
me:"
soyouwantyourLi
lsi
stert
ohav
eagangst
aas
herf
ir
stboy
fri
end"
?
her
:"
no.
..
okayl
et'
sforgetabouthim.We'
releavi
ng
any
wayandwe'l
lprobablyneverseehi
m again"
me:
"mom cal
l
ed"
her
:"
ohGod"
!
me:
"shet
hinkswe'
rei
nBl
oem andshewant
sust
o
gohomenextweek"
her
:"
haythat
'scr
azi
ness.
..
hol
i
day
sar
enotov
erunt
il
twoweeks"
me:
"t
hree"

Keri knockedandi nfor

medusourl i
fttot heairpor
t
washer esowet ookourbagsandl eftfor
Bloemf ontein.JongaiyabhoralaBloemf ontein
sonny: owest ayedourdaysindoorsonl ywent
shoppi ngngeweekendt henoneweekbef orethe
school sopenwewentbackhome: Dngepl ane.
Whenwer eachedt heair
porttheoldfolkswer e
waitingforus, wehuggedandt heyt
ookust oSpur.
Want edtobeupdat edaboutourhol i
dayand
err'
thangt henwewenthome.

*
**
Half
wayt hroughtheninthgr adeIhadf or
got ten
aboutCapeTown: )Iwasf ocusedonmyst udiescoz
Iwantedf i
vedisti
ncti
onsacademi cal
l
yandal east
twofortheextramuralactivi
tiesIwasinvolv edin.
Evewasbackt oBen- _
-Ithinkshewasusi nghi m:/
nyhani.Ohokay .
..
nojudging,may bebecausehewas
herfi
rstitwashar dtoletgot houghtheywer eno
l
ongercompat ibl
e.

oneSundayafterweret
urnedfrom churchEv e
suggest
edwegot ot
hebeachsoast hey oungesti
n
thehouse,
Ihadtoaskdaddyt otakeust herecozhe
trust
smemor ethanEvelolsheisonewi l
dsoulItel
l
ya

me:
"daddy
"?
hi
m:"
sitdownandl
i
etodaddy
''

Mom l
aughed:
v
me:
"haudad,
whywoul
dIl
i
enow"
?
hi
m:"y
ouonlysaydaddywhenyou'
regoi
ngt
ocheat
meorliet
ome...
EvesaysPopssocomeonbaby
gi
rl
"

l
olndat
yhaf
aandsatdown

me:
"Ij
ustneedaf
avour
"
hi
m:"
uh-
huh"
!
me:
"weneedal
i
ftt
othebeachpl
z"
hi
m:"
isy
ourhomewor
ksdone?i
tsschool
tomor
row"
me:
"yesdad,
Fri
daynogal
"
mom:"
seewhyIdi
dn'
twanttheseki
dstogotot
he
f
arm?nowshe'
sspeaki
ngl
ikeanAfri
kaner
"

dadwasl
aughi
ng

hi
m:"
atl
eastt
heywon'
tbeconf
usedwhent
heyhear
t
hatl
anguage"

l
oldadagr eed,
hetookust othebeachandlef
twith
usmoney .Weonl yboughtsnacksandwenttothe
water.
..phaaalat
ewedeci dedtogositatt
herocks
andjustchil
l.
weconversedlol
besi
senzai
iplansonhowt otwi
sts
dad'
sarm siy
eeJozicozkapawasoutoft he
quest
ionmntanam.Suddenl
yIfeltsomeonebehi
nd
usandlookedathim:
oholycrap!

Beast
:"
wemeetagai
n"
Ev
e:"
ohno.
.Imean,
hi
,Beast
..
.r
ight
"?

hesmi
l
ed.
..
awar
m smi
l
e.

hi
m:"Ibel
i
eveIshoul
dintr
oducemysel
fproperl
y.
..my
nameisNtandoandI'
m ori
ginal
l
yfr
om hereEastern
CapeImeanbutnowI '
mincapeTownasy ousawi n
December
"
her:
"ohwell
I'
m Ev
eandt
hisi
sTr
inamyLi
lsi
sasy
ou
al
readyknow"
hi
m:"
Tri
nadoesn'
ttal
kmuch"
?

hewasl
ooki
ngatme
Idi
dn'
trespond,
mxm kwaf
ikauBen

her
:"
I'
ll
bebackguy
s,Tee"
me:
"mxm"

shesmi
l
edandl
eftus,
thi
sni
qqasatdown

hi
m:"
youdon'
tl
iket
alki
ngatal
lorI
'
mir
ri
tat
ingy
ou"
?

ndat
hul
a..
.v
elendaci
ngaNGOMar
c
hi
m:"
Tri
na"
?
me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"
doy
out
alk"
me:
"whatki
ndaquest
ioni
sthat
"?
hi
m:"
int
roducey
our
sel
f.
.pl
z"
me:"
youknowI
'
m Tr
ina,
whatel
sedoy
ouwanna
know"?
hi
m:"
arey
oual
way
sthi
scol
d"?

Ikeptqui
et

hi
m:"
plz"
me:
"I
'm Si
bongil
eTri
naSmi
th,
l
iveher
ewi
thmy
f
amil
yyeah..
.t
hat'
sal
l"
hi
m:"
Ibel
i
evey
ou'
rest
il
li
nschool
"
me:
"ni
nthgr
ade"
hi
m:"mmh. .
.soi
fyou'
reSi
bongi
l
ethatmeansy
ou'
re
ei
therXhosaorZulu"
Iwasbecominguncomf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
his
conv
ersat
ionnow

hi
m:"okay
..
.t
hat'
senoughforoneday
..
.bef
oreI
go,
canIplzhav
ey ournumber"
me:
"no"
hi
m:"
Idon'
tbi
tey
ouknow"
me:
"Ihav
etogo"

Igotupandl
efthi
mther
enday
okhangel
auEv
e.
[
10/
8,19:
34]‪+27730692704‬:
#06

IfoundEveandappar ent
lyshewasal
solooki
ngf
or
me...
ungandi
buzibaundikhangel
aphikodwa
ebendishi
yenesgebengasomntu.

me:
"I
'm goi
nghome"
her
:"
oh.
.wher
e'sBeast
"?
me:
"youdi
dn'
tsayIshoul
dwat
chhi
m"
her
:"
ohTr
inal
i
que!don'
ttel
lmey
oul
eftt
hatpoorguy
al
one"
me:
"ar
eyougoi
ngorwhat
"?
her:
"nowai
t.
..
Iwannaknowwhathappenedwi
th
Beast"
-
_-

Iwal
kedthepathtotown,
taxiezi
yaendl
i
niwer
e
nowher
ehere!Sheranbehindme

her
:"
nowwher
ear
eyougoi
ng"
?
me:
"home.
..
wher
eel
se'
'
?
her
:"
home?don'
ttel
lmewe'
rewal
ki
ngt
otown"
?
me:"
askBent
otakey
ouhomebr
a,Idon'
tmi
ndt
he
exer
cise"
Shewal kednextt
omesayofi
kaetownasthethi
tu
phof,
shemusthav et
ext
edBencozt heminutewe
setfootwhereweweresupposedtotakeataxihe
appeared

me:
"andt
hen"
?
her
:"
let
'sj
ustgohome,
plz"

wegoti
nsi
det
hecarandhedr
ovehome.

Ben:
"whathappenedEv
e"?
her
:"
Idon'
tknow"

hef
ixedhi
srearv
iewmi
rr
orandl
ookedatme

hi
m:"
Tee"
?
me:
"don'
t"
hi
m:"
Ijustwannaknowwhyy
ou'
resoupset
"
me:
"asky
ourgi
rl
fr
iend"
hi
m:"
Eve"
?
her
:"
dropi
tBen,
okay
"!

hedr oveushomeandIgotoutl eavi

ngt hem i
nside.I
reachedmyr oom andlockedi
t..
.t
heti
mewewer ein
Bloemf ont
ein/CapeTownt hefol
ksextendedt he
housesoEachofushadherownr oom and
bathroom sot hatguar
anteedmor epr
ivacy.She
knockedIignor edher

Istar
tedi roningmyschool uni
form playingrock
musicv eryloudast opreventmy selffr
om hear i
ng
anyonecal l
i
ngorknocki ngont hedoor .Myphone
wasr i
ngi ngIi gnoreditlolbendisoy i
kayaz,ndoyi
kaI
beastlendi y i
xelel
enegamal am t hatevenaf ewof
myf ri
endsknowngokuy enauzot higqiKuMar cus
sesazi bandi nguSi bongil
e..
.ndizothimnabesi di
bene
phi?sisenzani ?ohbawozof anguMar cshame.
WhenIwasdoneIf loppedont omybedand
thought .
..
Iwonderbendi
Obaphii
fumamaebengaphangelanga
kulomziwhenshewasthrownoutngumakazi
wakhe?Icanneverst
omachbetray
ingnor
disappoi
nti
ngt
hem coztheygav
emewhatnoone
el
secouldandtheybel
ievedi
nmewhenIdi dn'
t.
Ifel
lasleepndi
saci
ngandinjal
o,Iwasabruptlywoken
upy i
lephoneyasol
okoikhalangongathiI'
m some
cell
ularnet
workagentnx!Isearchedforitandfound
i
t..
.l
ookedatthescreenedandsmi ledwheni
real
izednguLuke:DIdidn'
tevencheckt hetimesani

me:
"heyy
ou"
?
hi
m:"
heyy
oumyf
oot
..
.I
'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ou"
me:
"may
beIwasasl
eep,
supboet
"?
hi
m:"
Ihear
dyouguy
swer
einCapeTown"
me:
"oht
hat
"
hi
m:"ooht
hat
?soy
ouguy
sdeci
dedt
oabandonme
huh"
?
me:"
nomani
tsnot
hingl
i
ket hat
..
.y
ouknowhowdad
get
swhenwementi
onJo'burg"
hi
m:"
mmh.
..
sohow'
sschool
Lil
sis"
?
me:
"good"
hi
m:"uhuhthat'
snottheTri
naIknow.
.t
ell
your
br
otherwhat'
sbother
ingyou"

Ikeptqui
et

hi
m:"
babygi
rl
"?
me:
"Luu"
?
hi
m:"
what
'
sgoi
ngon?di
dyouf
ightwi
thy
oursi
ster
"?
me:
"no.
..
I'
mfi
neboetdon'
twor
ryaboutme"
hi
m:"
tr
yagai
n"
me:
"okay
..
.pr
omi
set
onott
ell
noraskany
one"
hi
m:"
promi
se"
me:
"oneofMarc'
sfr
iendsi
ncrushi
ngonmeand
Mar
cknows,he'
sbeenputt
ingmeoffsay
inghe'
s
danger
ous"
hi
m:"
oh.
.don'
ttel
lmey
ou'
ref
all
i
ngf
orhi
mtoo"
me:
"Idon'
tknow"
hi
m:"
youdon'
tknow?weeh!mybabysi
steri
s
gr
owing"
!!
!
Il
aughedathowhesai dthat>_<,
Isweatt
oy ouI
haveadr amaqueenasabr ot
her.
..
don'
tmindthe
over
protecti
vedet
ect
ivewho'sMarcus:v:
vLukeis
onecrazysoul

hi
m:"
canIasky
ousomet
hingabi
tmor
eper
sonal
"?
me:
"okayshoot
"
hi
m:"
arey
oust
il
lav
irgi
n"?
l
ol:
v
me:
"yowt
hat
'st
ooper
sonal
"!
hi
m:"
heh"
!
me:
"yes"
hi
m:"
sot
hatmeansy
ouhav
en'
thadaboy
fri
endj
ust
y
et"
me:
"no.
..
wher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
tht
his"
?
hi
m: "
well
..
.I
'
dsuggestyoutakeMar
c'sadv
ice.Hi
s
fr
iendsar
er eal
l
ydangerous"
me:
"oh"
hi
m:"
yousounddi
sappoi
nted"
me:"
forr
eal
?li
ke.
..
whati
fIhav
easmal
lamountof
somethi
ngf
orhimtoo"
?
hi
m:"
blocki
touti
fyouhav
eto"
me:
"mmkay
"
him:"
I'
m ki
ndagladyouhav
en'ttr
iedtoimi
tat
eyour
si
ster.
..
nott
hatI'
m badmouthingherbutwebot
h
knowhowshei s"
me:
"yeahwel
l
...I
'
m st
il
lyoungf
ort
hat
"
hi
m:"
ver
ygood.Okay
,sl
eepnow.School
tomor
row"
me:
"t
hanksf
ort
het
alk"
hi
m:"
alway
s"
wehungup

Igotup,wenttothebathr
oom thenretur
nedto
undressandwor epajamasandswi t
chedoffthe
musicthenIgotintobedndalal
a..
.supper
?
ay,
ndoskendityeksasamntakadadandIwassur e
kwaokokut yaakuzongenazi
i l
ect
uresendizozi
fumanaf r
om thefol
ks.

Isawmi
ssedcal
l
szi
kaMar
c-_
-:(andamessage:

"heyLilsi
s..
.I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngtocal
lyouwithoutany
success.Pl
zcall
mewheny ougett
his.
..
urgentl
y"

yohayngekhe..
..
Itol
dmy sel
fIwil
lcal
lhi
mthe
foll
owingday
.Ijustsetanal
arm andcol
l
ect
edsome
sleep.
[
10/
8,19:
35]‪+27730692704‬:
#07
Foll
owingmorningIwokeupandpr oceededt
he
dail
yrout
inesbefor
egoingdownstair
sfor
breakf
ast.
..
fi
kasebekhonabonkebesity
a

me:
"mor
ning"
t
hem:
"mor
ning"
mom:
"ar
eyouokay
?youdi
dn'
tj
oinusf
orsupper
"
me:
"I
'm okaymot
her
"

Ipour
edcereal
wit
hmi
l
kandhoneyt
henIsatdown
andmunched.

dad:
"Tr
ina"
?
me:
"dad"
?
hi
m:"
arey
ousur
eyou'
reokay
"?
me:
"yep.
..
butIt
hinkI
'
m hav
ingf
luandI
'
m wr
it
ing
t
woteststoday
"
ma:
"t
hatexpl
ainsi
t.
..
youshoul
dpassbyt
hechemi
st
ony
ourwaydr
oppi
ngt
hem myl
ove"
hi
m:"
nopr
obl
em dear
"

weat
eup
Iwenttotakemybagsandwelef
tforschool
.We
gotout
,dadpromi
sedtobri
ngmethemedsdur i
ng
l
unchtimecozbekuval
i
weechemistonourwayt o
school
.

Iwal
kedi
nfr
ont

Ev
e:"
Teepl
easewai
tup"
Ist
oppedwi
thoutt
urni
ng
shecaughtup

her
:"
I'
m sor
ryabouty
est
erday
"
me:
"mh"
her
:"
Ijustt
houghty
ouneededsomespacesowhenI
sawtheopport
uni
tyIgr
abbedit.
..
idi
dn'tmeant
oput
youunderpr
essur
enorindanger.pl
zforgi
veme"
me:
"cool
"

wehuggedt henseparat
edcozIhadanear l
ystudy
session.Lunchti
meIwassummonedt othe
headmast er
'soffi
cesoIwentthere:
/daddyhad
boughtthemedsf orf
lusoyeah.Iwentbacktomy
chil
l
ingspotanddeci dedtoret
urnMarc'
scalls.
..

hi
m:"
Lil
sis.
..
tooky
ourt
imeIsee"
me:
"heyMar
c,I
'
m goodt
hankshowar
eyou"
?
hel
aughed.
..
Ijoi
nedi
n

hi
m:"
what
ever
!whatt
ooky
ousol
ong"
?
me:
"Iwasbusy
"
him:
"mh..
.soIreckonyoubumpedont
oBeast
yest
erday
...
hiswords,
notmine"
me:
"mxm eki
sgat
vol
metdaai
manj
i
nne"
!
hebur
stoutl
aughi
ng!
!!
!:v:
v:v
hi
m: "
ji
rr
emeisieki
nd..
.don'
tl
etmot
herheary
ou
speakthatl
anguage"
me:
"t
isnetdi
ewaar
hei
dmos"
hi
m: "
bel
owemyj
ykanj
our
ugky
k..
.ekv
ert
rouni
emy
vr
iendni
e"
me:
"shot
"
hi
m:"
canIasky
ousomet
hingt
hough"
me:
"Ibethement
ionedmynat
ivenamehuh"
hi
m:"
yeah"
me:
"i
tsnotl
i
keI
'
m ashamedofi
tthough"
hi
m:"
Iknowdear..
.Iwasj
ustsurpr
isedbecozl
ast
ti
meIchecked,
noteveny
ourclosefri
endsknewthat
name"
me:"Idon'
tknowhowithappenedman.
..
maybei
ts
becausehetol
dmehisrealnameandal
loft
hat"
hi
m:"
okay
..
."
me:
"you'
ret
hinki
ng"
hi
m:"
yes"
me:
"Idon'
tknowi
fthat
'
sagoodt
hing"

hesmi
rked>_
<

me:
"r
erag"
hi
m:"
Doy
out
hinkI
'
m bei
nghar
dony
ou"
me:
"Iwoul
dn'
tknowbr
other
"
hi
m:"
justspeaky
ourmi
nd"
me:
"no"
hi
m:"
usur
e"?
me:"
yesImean..
.I
'
mt heyoungesti
nthef
am soIdo
ki
ndaneedal
ltheprotect
ionIcanget
"
hi
m:"
promi
set
otel
lmewheni
tget
stoomuch"

Ismi
l
ed
me:
"Iwi
l
l.
..
andIhav
etogo,
i
nter
val
isov
er"
hi
m:"
enj
oyy
ourdaysweet
y"
me:
"yout
oobr
o"

Ihungupandr et
urnedtoclass..
.lateronIgot
engagedt omymul ti
pleacti
vit
iest henIwentback
homewi t
houtevenEv ecozhehadnoact ivi
ti
eson
Monday swhi chmeantshewasei t
herhomeorwi th
Ben!SoIj ustsommawentst r
aighthome, whenI
reachedtherethefolkswerestil
l atworksoIjust
ate,
attendedtomyhomewor kst henIwentt otakea
nap.
[
10/
8,19:
36]‪+27730692704‬:
#08

Wecontinuedwi t
hourstudiesuntilEvewasin
matri
candIwasi ngradeel
ev en.I
twasherf i
nal
yearmosandy oucani magineherexci t
ement
especi
all
yhavingintr
oducedBent ot heFAM she
waslegall
yprivi
l
egedt ogowi thhi
mt ohermatr
ic
dance,
herdresswasspeci f
icall
ydesignedfor
her ,
expensiveweav eandj ewelrybutkeshei sthe
prideoft hef amily.Weaccompani edthem and
returnedhome.Thi swast woy earsafterCapeTown
cozt hef oll
owinghol idaywespentathomeandt he
otheratt hef armsbutwi thEv emat ri
culati
ng,
she
wasgoi ngtoJo' burgsi ncesheappl iedatUJf or
terti
aryinstit
utionandIwast obeleftbehindwith
ourhoi se-helpcozt hef olkswer egoingt oJapanon
holiday:/.Dadt aughtmehowt odrivewhilemom
taughtEv eandshewentt or egist
erforherLearners
Licenseandpassed, Iwasst i
llunderagebutkeIwas
all
owedt odr iv
ear oundt hehoodwi thout
super vi
sion

Monthspassedt henitwasDecember ,
Eveleftfor
Jo'
burg,
mypar entslef
tforJapanandIreturned
backhome..
.auntyhasherowncot tageattheback
soIwasgonnahav ethatwholehousetomy sel
ffor
31days:D.

Thef
ir
stf
ewday
swer
edi
ff
icul
tandbor
ingbutas
ti
mepassed. .
.Amanda, myf ri
endfrom musi caland
poetryclassescal l
edandsai dweshoul dhangout:/
:)Ialway shangoutwi thEvesothiswasgonnabea
hugedr amat i
cshi f
tofinterest
sbutIaccept ed.That
dayIwor eadeni m mi nidresswithsandal sthenI
packedaphone, walletadlipbal
mt henIaskedf or
permissionKuaunt yndahambadr i
vingoutKer i'
sol
d
car:)itfeltnewkum.Wewentt oKi dd'sBeachand
j
ustchi l
ledt here.Itwasqui teni
cecozAmanda
cameal ongwi thhercousi nssowej usthadf ununt
il
someguy sdi sturbedus

Laa:
"heygi
rl
s..
.mi
ndi
fwej
oiny
ou"
?
Il
ookedatt
heot
her
s:/
Mish:
"hey
..
ofcoursenot,
howcany
ouev
enasksuch
quest
ionkafest
iveMara"?
Laa:"
ohwel l
,wedon'twannai
ntr
udesoi t
skinda
i
mpor tantweask..
.bythewayI'
m Landi
leIgotoPort
Rexwi ththi
sguy,
hisnameisLwandiso.Thesetwo
overhereareKeenanandPeter,
theyatt
end
Selbor
ne"
Mi
sh:
"mmmht
hesubur
bner
dshuh"
?
:
vshebecr
azeIsay
..
.t
heguy
slaughed
Mish:"okay...
I'
m Amanda,thi
sis
Trina,
Mi chell
e,Yol
anda,
andNi cki
..
Tri
naandIatt
end
Clarendongi rl
sschool.
..
NickiandMichel
leEast
LondonSci encecoll
egethenYolzhastakenagap
year"
Laa:
"ohwow.
..
so,
what
chuguy
supt
o"

t
hesepeopl
emadet
hemsel
vescomf
ort
abl
e..
.
i
twasqui
tefunthough,
wewerel
ikeol
dfr
iends
who'
vel
ostcont
actoverthey
ear
s.

Laa:
"canwewal
ktot
hewat
er"
Iwasn'tsur
ewhohewastal
ki
ngt
ount
ilhenudged
melightl
ywithhi
sel
bow

me:
"huh"
?
hi
m:"
let
'st
akeawal
k"

wi
thoutev
enthi
nkingtwi
ceIstoodupandwe
wal
kedtothewater,
wewalkedadist
ancei
nsi
lence
t
henhespokeup.

him:
"doyouknowt
haty
ouar
ether
easonwej
oined
yougir
lst
oday"
Iwassur
pri
sed:
o
me:
"Iam"
?
hi
m:"
you'
resobeaut
if
ul.
..umhl
efor
eal
"
me:
"enkosi
"

hest
oppedandl
ookedatmeoncemor
e..
.st
ernl
y,
as
i
fanal
yzi
ngorst
udyi
ngme

hi
m:"
youspeakXhosa"
?
Ismi
l
ed
hi
m: "
wow!okay.
..
uhm,soasIwassayi
ng,
yourbeaut
y
at
tractedmeatadist
anceIcoul
dn'
thol
dback"
me:
"bl
amei
tonmomma"
hechuckl
ed:
)
hi
m:"
tel
lmeabouty
our
sel
f"
me:
"whatdoIknowabouty
ou"
?
hi
m:"fai
renough..
.youalreadyknowmy
name,sur
namei sTit
us,Lwandisoismyt
win
brot
her,
wehav etwoelderbrother
sandasi
ster
"
me:
"youguy
sar
ethey
oungest
"?
hi
m:"yes.Uhm...
whatelse?weli
veinBeaconBay
doi
ngmymat ri
cthiscomingyear
..
.It
hinkt
hat
's
aboutit
,yourt
urn"
me:"okay
..
.I
'
m Sibongil
eTr i
nali
queSmi th,
li
vewithmy
fol
ksandsisteroh,
that
'snol ongerint
hepi ct
urecoz
she'
llbei
nJo'burgfrom nowony eah.
..
thatsabouti
t"
hi
m:"
howcany
oubeSi
bongi
l
e?y
ou'
renotwhi
te"
?
Ismi
l
ed.
..her
eal
l
ydi
dn'
tnot
ice?
me:
"Iwasadopt
ed"
thi
swasprobabl
ythefir
stt
imeI'
mtalki
ngaboutthi
s
toany
onebutitfel
tgoodyouknow,
i
tdidn'
tfeel
awkwardatal
l.
hi
m:"oh.
..
souhm,wher
ear
eyourf
olksi
fyoudon'
t
mindmeasking"
?
me: "
Idon'
tknowmydad, mymom di
edwhenIwasin
thefort
hgrade.
..
shewaswor ki
ngf
ortheSmi
ths
sincemybirt
hsot heyadopt
edmeaft
ersear
chi
ng
forrel
ati
vesinv
ain"
hi
m:"
theysoundl
i
kegoodpeopl
e"
me:"
that'
sanunderst
atement
..
.theyar
ethebest
,I
'
ll
f
oreverbegrat
eful
tothem"

wewer
esi
l
ent
..
.It
urnedandl
ookedback:
oyho!

me:
"weshoul
dpr
obabl
yret
urnt
otheot
her
s"
hest
oppedandl
ookedatme
me:
"andt
hatl
ook"
?
hi
m:"
Ilov
eyou"
er
hm.
..
whatwast
hat
?

me:
"what
"?
he:
"Il
ovey
ouSi
bongi
l
eandI
'
dli
keust
odat
e"
me:"
don'
tcal
lmet
hatpl
z..
.er
hm.
.canwej
ustgo
back"
hi
m:"
I'
m notexpect
inganansweri
mmedi
atel
y"
me:
"t
her
e'sananswer
?wher
e'st
hequest
ion"
?
hi
m:"hm.
..
youwantaquest
ion?y
ouwon'
tbeabl
eto
handl
eit
"

Iwast
hroat
-dr
y
Iam t
hiskidwhosebeautyisal
waysproclai
medyet
Iwasingradeel
evenandt hi
swasthefirstt
imeI
hear
danyonesayingtheyloveme.
..
besidesthe
f
ami
l
ythough.

Iwal
kedal
ongsi
dehi
m aswer
etur
nedt
otheot
her
s

hi
m:"
youdon'
tl
ikey
ourname"
?
me:
"Ido.
..
justcal
lmeTr
ina"
hi
m:"
why
"?

Isi
ghed

me:
"i
tsbet
tert
hatway
"
hi
m:"
you'
reav
oidi
ngquest
ions"
?
me:
"yes"
hi
m:"
Iunder
stand..
.Iwon'
taskf
ory
ournumber
,you
pr
obabl
ywon'tgiv
eme"
Ismi
l
ed
me:
"Por
tRext
aughty
ouwel
l
"
hi
m:"
haha,
youar
epr
oudy
ouknowt
hat
"?
me:
"bl
amet
heSmi
ths"
hi
m:"
theyar
epr
oud"
?
me:
"nope,
theyalwaystol
dmetoproudofwhoI
am,
whereI'mfrom andwher
eI'
m goi
ng"
hi
m:'
'
buty
ou'
remi
susi
ngt
hatr
ightnow"
me:
"I
'm gl
ady
ounot
iced"

hel
aughed
hi
m:"
doy
ouev
erl
ackananswert
hough"
?
me:
"ar
eyouf
oreal
"?

helookedatme.
..
webothl
aughed.Atashor
t
di
stancefr
om t
heother
swestopped

hi
m:"
youhav
eabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
eMi
ssPer
fect
"
me:"
oh.
..
I'
l
lgr
aci
ousl
ytaket
hatasacompl
i
mentMr
Ego"
hehi
tmyshoul
derpl
ayful
l
yIduckedoutofr
each
andr
ant
owheretheotherswer
esitt
ing

Ni
cki
:
"yourphonehasbeenr
ingi
ngnonest
op"
me:
"oh.
.t
hanks"

wesatdown, It
ookmyphoneandchecked:/dadoh
nkosiyam!Igotupandwalkedashor
tdi
stancef
rom
therestofthem andcal
l
edhim

hi
m: "
I'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ouTr
inawher
ehav
eyou
been"?
me:
"hi
dad"

hewentsi
l
entf
orasec.
..

hi
m:"
heysweet
y..
.howar
eyou"
?
me:
"I
'mf
est
ive,
howar
eyou"
?
hi
m:"
wearegreatactual
l
y..
.sohowi
syourhol
i
day
?
nowai
t,
wher
ear eyou"?
me:
"I
'm att
hebeach"
hi
m:"
beach?wi
thwho"
?
me:
"f
ri
endsdad.
.f
ri
endsf
rom school
"
hi
m:"
okay
..
.cal
lmewheny
our
eachhome"
me:
"wi
l
ldo"

Ihungupandwentt
osi
tdown.
Mish:
"so.
..
Lar
atel
lus,
howmanychi
cksgomadat
yoursi
ght"
?

Landi
l
elookedatme,
Ipr
etendednott
oseehi
m

hi
m:"noneact
ual
l
y,butt
heydor
unaf
terSosoov
er
her
e"
Yol
z:
"soi
tst
ruey
ouguy
sar
etwi
ns"
?
Laa:
"yep,
he'
sthesexi
estandmosthandsomeasy
ou
cantell
"
Soso:
"andhe'
sthesmar
test
"
Mi
sh:
"mmh,
thesmar
test
..
.Il
i
kesmar
tmen"

l
olIwassi
tt
ingt
her
eli
ke"
whatt
hehel
li
swr
ongwi
th
Amanda?:
v:v
Mich:
"smartmenar
ethesexi
estandt
hat
'st
he
honestt
rut
h"
Kee:"
andbeaut
if
ulwomenar
en'
treal
l
yassmar
tas
theywoul
dportr
ay"
Pet
e:"
haha!bl
ondmoment
"
Mi
sh:
"goodt
hingI
'
m notawomanj
usty
et"
Pet
e:"
that
'sanescape.
..
acheaponet
hati
s"
Laa:
"uhm.
..
Ithi
nkweshoul
dleav
eyougi
rl
sinpeace"
Mish:
"i
twasni cemeet
ingy
ouguy
s..
.y
oumademy-
ohsorr
y,ourday'
'
Laa:
"Tee-
tee"
?
wast
hatme?o.
O
Mi
sh:
"she'
sindr
eaml
and"
?!
Me:
"who"
?
Laa:
"noone.
..
wehopet
oseey
ouguy
sar
ound"
me:
"ohcool
"
Mi
sh:
"wel
lIt
hinkweshoul
dexchangenumber
s"

dammi
tlomnt
ana!
Laa:
"eyyou'
resuchani
ntel
l
igentt
hinker
,pl
easepass
yourphoneMissSmit
h"
:
)ledudey
enzani
?

Igavehim myphone,hedial
edhisnumberandcall
ed
hi
mselfthenhandedmemyphone.Lwandi sotook
Michel
le'
sphone,KeenantookNicki
'
sphonethen
petert
ookYolanda'sphone.
..
shewaslef
talonewit
h
herphoneinherhand.
Soso:
"yougi
rl
spl
ayspor
tsr
ight
"?
Mi
sh:
"yeahwhy
"?
Soso:"
wellyoucoul
dcomewat
chuspl
ay,
we'
l
lret
urn
thefavour
"
Mi
sh:
"gl
adl
y"

bynowwewer ewal ki
ngbackt oourcars,Amanda
wasdrivi
ngherdad' scarsobay okhwelakuqal
a,we
ki
ssedgoodby ethenshedr oveoff.Iwenttomine
whichwasashor tdistancef r
om wher eherswas,I
gotinandstart
edt heignit
ion..
.Landileappear
ed
fr
om mywi ndowsmi l
i
ng

hi
m:"
MissPer
fectdr
ivest
oohuh"
me:
"MrEgowoul
dn'
thappent
ohav
eapr
obl
em wi
th
t
hatnowwoul
dhe"?
hi
m:"
ont
hecont
rar
y..
.Iadmi
rey
ou"
me:
"mh.
..
bye"
hi
m:"
didy
ousav
emynumber
"?
me:
"whywoul
dI"
?

hel
ookedatmeandshookhi
shead

hi
m:"
you'
reser
ious"
?
me:
"mommasai
dIshoul
dn'
tbef
ri
endboy
s"

hel
aughed,
Iwaspout
ingl
i
keaki
d.

hi
m:"
ohwow,MissPer
fecthasasenseof
humour
,howcut
e"

hi
sfr
iendshoot
edf
rom t
hei
rcar

me:
"youshoul
dleav
e"
him:
"wi
shIcoul
dleavey
ouwi
thsomet
hingt
o
remembermewith"
me:
"l
ikewhat
"?

hesmi
l
edandki
ssedmycheek.
..
.oh:
D

me:
"oh"

niggaIwasbl ushi
ng!Il
ookedaheadanddrovemy
carwit houtl
ooki
ngathim,
Iwasembar r
assedLol
I
don'tknowwhysanbutt hedri
vehomewasonet hat
Icherishedthemost.Iwashappy.
[
10/
8,19:
36]‪+27730692704‬:
#09

Ireachedhome,cal
leddadandhejustwant
edto
knowt hatI
'
m safe.Ii
ntsukuz
ahambakwadekwayi
31st

i
nt hemorni
ngIwokeup, cl
eanedmyr oom thenwent
tomakemy selfbr
eakf
ast..
.cont
inent
alnalaphakwi
breakf
astmtchanam!Itookittothepati
o
nday
oty
elapha.
myphoner angIdidn'tknowwhethertopi
ckupor
what:DIhadt houghthelostmynumberordeleted
i
tsinceIli
edtohim andsaidIdidntsavehi
s..
.I
eventual
l
ypickedup

me:
"l
ow"
?
hi
m:"
MissPer
fect
..
.unj
ani
"?
me:
"I
'm goodt
hanksy
ou"
?
him:"
I'
m good.
..
Iwaswonder
ingi
fIcoul
dseey
ou
today"
me:
"seeme?why
"?
hi
m:"
thi
sisgonnasoundwei
rdbutuhm.
.*
sigh*I
ki
ndamissyou"
me:
"you'
rer
ight
,i
tdoessoundwei
rd"
hi
m:"
so,
canwemeetup"
?

Iwant
edt
ogo.
..
qha:
/mxm.Soncokol
ant
oni
?
soyaphi
?senzeni
?ifhet
alksaboutfr
eakmna
ndi
ObalostcozI'
m ababyekhayaizi
nyozof
reaker
zi
ntozkaEvely
n!!
!mxm.

hi
m:"
ify
oucan'
ti
tsf
ine,
we'
l
ljustt
akear
aincheck"
me:
"noi
tscool
.
..l
et'
smeetup"
hi
m:"
okay
..
.canIpi
ckuup"
?
me:
"Bpgar
agei
nanhour
"
hi
m:"
whyt
hatl
ongt
hough"
?
me:
"agi
rlhast
olookgood"
hi
m:"
youdon'
tneedt
o..
.sewumhl
eal
ready
''
me:
"mh,
thanks"
hi
m:"
anhouri
tis"

wehungup
Iprepar
edndanxibaIski
nnyri
ppedjeans,
sneaker
s
andacr oppedt
opthenItookthosefashi
on
backpacksebeigeincol
orndahamba
fi
kaeBpandboughtmy sel
fanenergy
dri
nk...
summerweatherwasweighingmedown.
Aftersometi
meIsawhi minablackcar,
hehootedI
wentf or
thandgoti
nsideonthefr
ontpassenger
seat

me:
"hey
"
hi
m:"
hey
..
.ev
eryt
imeIseey
oui
tsl
i
kemyf
ir
st"
me:
"compl
i
ment
shuh"
?

hesmi
l
edanddr
oveof
f.
..
wewenttoGrazi
a'sf
orlunch,
ver
ygoodseev
iewand
qui
techi
l
ledcozitwasn'
tful
l.
oncewewereseat
ed,
hador
der
edandwer
enow
wait
ingf
orourmeal
..
.

hi
m:"
sowhatar
eyoudoi
ngt
oni
ght
"?
me:
"not
hing"
hi
m:"
youwon'
tbecomi
ngf
ort
hecount
down"
?
Ishookmyhead
hi
m:"
mindi
fIaskwhy
"?
Ismi
l
ed.
..
me:
"i
tscompl
i
cat
ed"
hi
m:"
uncompl
i
cat
eitkal
ok"
me:
"khay
eke"
hi
m:"
Iwashopi
ngy
ouwi
l
lcome"
ndamj
onga
me:
"mna"
?
hi
m:"
yesy
ou"
me:
"why
"?
hi
m:"
wel
l
...
justcomey
ouwi
l
lseeher
e"
me:
"I
'l
lseewhatIcando"

ourf
oodcamesat
yasagqi
bat
henwewai
tedf
or
desser
t.
.sancokol
anjethenwetookawalktothe
beach,
remov edourshoesandwalkedi
nthesand

him:"
yourf
ri
end,
Amanda.
..
issheal
way
sthat
forwar
d"?
me:
"nah"
hi
m:"
you'
reki
ddi
ng"
me:
"It
hinkshehasacr
ushony
ou"
hel
aughed.
..
lookedatmeandsawt hatIwasn'
t
j
oki
ng.hehel
dmyhandandwef acedeachother

hi
m:"
you'
reser
ious"
?
me:
"yes.
..
don'
tyoul
i
sten?shesai
dshel
i
kessmar
t
men"
him:
"ohcomeone.
..
coul
dn'
tsheseeIwasf
ocused
kuwe"?
me:"
Idoubt
..
.andIwoul
dn'
tl
iket
ensi
onbet
weenme
andmyfri
endsbecozofaman"
Iletgoofmyhandandwalked,hefoll
owedandwe
foundarocksahl
alaphawatchingthewater

hi
m:"
butndi
thandawena"
cwaka
hi
m:"andi
cantaut
omat
ical
l
yshi
ftmyf
eel
i
ngst
o
her
"
me:
"Iknow"
hi
m:;
"t
hengi
veusachance,
giv
emeachancet
o
showyout
hatIl
ovey
ou"

Iwassi
l
entf
orami
nut
e

me:"
whydoyouwannacompl
icat
eyourli
fewor
se
you'
l
lbedoi
ngonever
yimpor
tantcl
ass"
hi
m:"y
oucan'
ttel
ll
ovet
onotl
ove,
nomat
terhow
st
rongyouar
e"
me:
"ayIdon'
tknowhey
"
hi
m:"
justsayy
es..
we'l
lworksomethi
ngout
.I
pr
omiseIwon'tdi
stur
byourstudyt
ime"
me:"
that'
simpossibl
e..
.Ist
udysevenday
sa
week,
playsportandatt
endmusicandpoetry
cl
asses.WhenI '
mf r
eeIgotothefar
mswi t
hmy
dad.
..
nowi fkukhowenaIwill
havetocompromi
se"
hi
m:"
wil
li
tbesuchabadt
hing"
?

Idi
dn'
tanswerhi
m
hejustmov edcl oserandplant edasof tki
ssonmy
l
ips...Iwast akenbackbutt henagain, Iwas
blushing,
seei ngthatIdidn'
tpushhi m awayhe
ki
ssedmef urtheronandumnt uondim hasnev er
ki
ssedany onebef orebuthav i
ngasi sterenguEv e:v
yougett obet aughtsuchthi ngssoi twasn' tqui
te
diff
icultvel
endi khumbul aIdemonst rationkaEv e
ndapha!Forami nuteweki ssedt henhebackedup
andl ookedmest r
aighti
ntheey e
hi
m:"
youcan'
treal
l
ydenyt
hechemi
str
y"
me:
"youshoul
dtakemehome"
hegotupandheldmyhadpul l
i
ngmeupsahamba
wit
hourhandsjoi
nedtoget
hersayof
ikaemotweni
heopenedthedoorf
ormet hengoti
nsidekwel
akhe
i
calawaqhuba

hi
m:"
dir
ect
ions"
me:
"youpi
ckedmeupegar
ager
ight
"?
hi
m:"
youdon'
twantmet
oknowwher
eyoul
i
ve"
?

Ikeptqui
et

hedr
ovei
ntoTuegar
ageandpar
ked
me:
"t
hanksf
ort
oday
"
hi
m:"
cel
asi
yekwi
count
downpl
z"
me:
"I
'l
lthi
nkabouti
t"
hi
m:"
okay
..
.Shar
pneh"
me:
"shar
p"

Iwal
keddownthest
reethedr
oveaway,
fi
kaendl
i
ni
nday
oziv
alel
aer
oominyam :
owhathav
eIdone?li
ke
di
dIreal
lyki
ssaboy
?

*
**
Mar
cuscal
l
edasIwasst
il
lthi
nki
ngngal
oLandi
l
e

me:
"boet
"
hi
m:"
yousoundt
ir
ed,
what
chuupt
o"?
me:
"not
hingmuch"
hi
m:"
mmh.
..
you'
rel
onel
yhuh"
?
me:
"whowoul
dn'
tbe?i
nsuchabi
ghouse"
?
hi
m:"
wantmet
ocomeov
er"
?
me:"nahdon'
twor
ryabouti
t.
..
they
'r
ecomi
ngback
soon"
hi
m:"
okayt
hen.
.I
'
llbet
hatsi
deont
he10t
h"
me:
"ohr
eal
l
y"?
hi
m:"
yeahIki
ndami
sshomesoIt
ookal
eav
e"
me:
"oohcool
"
hi
m:"
whatdoy
ouwantmet
obr
ingy
ou"
?
Il
aughed:
vli
keIdon'
tknow

me:
;"
Idon'tknow..
.any
thi
ngy
ouknowwi
l
llookgood
onme,orIwil
lli
ke"
hi
m:"
you'
resomodestman"
me:
"ekpr
obeer
"
hi
m:"
moeni
e..
.j
ymoetsêwati
njouhar
tis"
me:
"eeni
gei
etsi
sregmetmy
"
hi
m:'
okaycool
.
..happynewy
eari
nadv
ance"
me:
"samet
oyou"

wehungup
Iwentt
omycl
oset
..
.r
emov
edaf
adedst
onewashed
bumshort,
checkedbluesleevelessshi
rt
sandkept
thesneaker
snday ovasaagain.Ndabuya
ndangqengqapassingtime..
.

deci
dedt
ocal
lEv
e..
.

her
:"
Lil
sis"
?
me:
"hey
,hoegaandi
t"
?
her
:"
goedenj
y"?
me:
"di
esel
de.
..
Imi
ssy
oubr
a"
her
:"
I'
ll
comebackaf
terr
egi
ster
ingmay
bef
oraweek
ORtwo"
me:
"oht
hankGod"
her
:"
so,
hav
eyouf
oundy
our
sel
faboy
fie"
?

Il
aughed.
.bl
ushi
ng^
_^
me:
"uhm.
..
Idon'
tknow"
shescr
eamed

her
:"
ohmygosh!Tr
inal
i
que"
!

webot
hbur
stoutl
aughi
ng

me:
"t
ell
youwheny
ou'
rehome"
her
:"
okaycool
.
..Ican'
tbel
i
evei
t"
me:
"by
eby
eEv
ely
n"

shesmi
rkedandwehungup!
[
10/
8,19:
36]‪+27730692704‬:
#10

Atabout18:
45orso,
Amandacal
l
ed

me:
"hey
"?
her
:"
heywhyy
ousoundsl
eepy
"?
me:
"t
hat
'scozIwassl
eepi
ng"
her
:"
arey
ounotcomi
ngt
othecount
downnah"
?
me:
"Iam,
why
"?
her
:"
your
emembert
heguy
swemetatKi
dd'
sbeach"
?
me:
"yeah"
her
:"
theyar
ecomi
ngt
oo"
me:
"ohsho"
her
:"
youdon'
tsoundexci
ted.
..
gir
li
ear
eyousi
ckor
what"
?
me:
"I
'm per
fect
lyf
ineMi
shbabe"
her
:"
okaysowegot
tadr
esst
oki
l
l.
..
li
ket
hisi
sour
l
astchancet
oimpr
esst
hem"
me:
"i
mpr
esswho"
?
her
:"
Tri
nawaket
hef
uckup"
me:
"I
'm awakeman"
her
:"
tchi
,
feel
sli
keI
'
mtal
ki
ngal
one"
me:
"dude,
whoar
ewegon'
impr
ess"
?
her
:"
Lar
aandhi
sfr
iends"
me:
"ai
n'
tgotnot
imef
ort
hatsor
ry"
her
:"
that
'scozyouhav
ehim al
loveryoukal
ok,
asf
or
us,
westi
llneeddat
esforourmat
ricdance"
me:
"Ihav
ewho?Amandadoy
ousmokepod"
?
her:
"nobutIsawt
hewayhel
ookedaty
ou
ngal
amini"
me:
"mxm what
ever
"!
her:
"ooooohGod!buthe'
ssohotyouknow?Idon't
knowwhyy ousocasualabouthi
m cr
ushi
ngony ou"
me:
"whosai
dany
thi
ngaboutcr
ushingher
e?Your
mi
ndhasgoneover
boar
dItel
lya"
her
:"
ohreal
ly
?Iguessy
ouwon'
tmi
ndmehooki
ngup
wit
hhimtoni
ght
"?
me:"
foral
lIcar
edowhatmakesyouhappy,
si
nce
whendoyouneedper
missi
onfrom any
onewhenit
comestomen"?
her
:"
okayChom..
.pleasewakeup,t
akea
bat
h..
no,
takeaquickshowerthenwe'
ll
comepi
ck
y
ouup"
me:
"t
hinkwe'
l
lmeetatt
hebeach.
..
I'
m dr
ivi
ng"
her
:"
alr
ightt
hen"

wehungup-
_-
mnaandithandincam uxhomekekasother
eason
whyIwantedt odri
vewasbecozwhenIgetf edupI
don'
twannabot heranyoneIwantedt
oleav
e
peacef
ull
yyabo?

Igotupandsatfacingmydressi
ngt
abl
e..
.my
phonerangagain:/Iwasli
keohGoduAmi sh
akanant
oy okwenzana?!

me:
"Landi
l
e"?
hi
m:"
Iwonderndenzent
oni
"
me:
"uf
unani
"?
hi
m:"
shoul
dIpi
ckuup'
'
?
me:
"no"
si
l
ence
hi
m:"
soawuzi
"?
me:
"ndi
yeza.
.,
I
'l
lmeety
out
her
e"
hi
m: "
I'
m alreadyatthebeachandakhoparking
space,
ratherndikut
hatheIpromi
sendizokugodusa
whenevery ouwannagohome"

si
gh:
/

me:
"kay
"
hi
m:"
youdr
essedal
ready
"?
me:
"gi
mmat
hir
tymi
nut
es"
hi
m:"
ohGod"
!

Ihungupandgotdressed,
Iwentt
oThekitchenand
madefoodformyselft
henwashedthebowl
ndabuy
elaeroomi
npackedmyphone, wal
l
etandl i
p
bal
m andacar
digani
ncaseofr
ainorcol
dweat
her.
Ismeltl
iker
oses,st
rawberryandwhitechocol
ate:)
whenIwassur eevery
thingwasperfectIl
ockedthe
housecozauntywasatherhousef orthatweek,I
l
ockedthegatesandleftforthegar
age-_-fi
ka
sekhonauLandi
leepholeaphentl
oko.Iwenttohis
carandgotin.
..

me:
"hey
"
hi
m:"
yousoundi
rr
it
ated"
me:
"canwego"
?

hestar
tedt
heengi
ne,anddrov
einsil
ence.
..
my
phonewascer
tai
nlyonebusyphonethatday.

me:
"hi
"?
Ker
i:
"heysweet
y,howar
eyou"
?
me:
"Iam goodsi
syou"
?
her
:"
I'
m good.
..
I'
m comi
nghomet
oni
ght
"
me:
"t
oni
ght
"?
her
:"
yes,
Iwoul
dn'
tli
keyout
ospendNewyearseve
al
onesoIaskedJoeandheagr
eedt
hatIshoul
d
come"
me:
"ohokay
..
.wher
ear
eyounow"
?
her
:"
I'
minJo'
bur
g"
me:
"oh.
.whatt
imei
syourf
li
ght
"?
her:
"ni
nethir
ty.
..
I'
l
lpr
obabl
yreacheastLondonby
tentotenthi
rty
"
me:
"whydon'
tyour
athercomei
nthemor
ning"
?
her
:"
Ican'
treschedul
ebabyandany
way
,Idon'
tmi
nd"
me:
"okayt
hen.
..
seey
oui
nacoupl
eofhour
s"
her
:"
lov
eyou"
me:
"l
ovey
out
oo"

Ihungupandt
houghtv
eryhar
d..
..
hi
m:"
hey
"?
me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"
youl
ookdeepi
nthought
"
me:
"mybi
gsi
steri
sonherwayher
e"
hi
m:"
hai
kengok"
!
me:
"yep,souhm. .
.It
hinkt
hat
'
swher
eImahav
eto
t
akear aincheck"
hi
m:"can'
twehangoutkeeveni
fyoudon'
tgot
othe
countdown?j
ustt
hetwoofus"?

Ikeptqui
et.
..

hi
m:"
Tee-
tee"
?
me:
"okay
..
.wher
edoy
ousuggestwego"
?
hi
m:"
McDonal
d'
sisokay
"?
me:"
I'
m notreal
lyhungr
y..
.l
et'
srat
herf
indaspotwe
canj
ustchil
lin"
hi
m:"
okay
"
hedrovetothebeachthenpar
ked,wegotoutand
walkedtoWimpyanddownt hatsl
oppyfootpat
hto
thehugerocksneart
hewaterthenhelayatowel
ther
esahlal
a

hi
m:"
thi
swasunexpect
ed"
me:
"Iknow.
..
buti
tsbet
tert
hannot
hingIwoul
dhope"
hi
m:"
waybet
ter
..
.soAmandacal
l
edme"
me:
"Idon'
twannaknow"
hel
aughed
hi
m:"
real
l
y?t
hatchi
cishi
tt
ingonmeser
iousl
y"
me:
"shel
i
kesy
out
hough"
hi
m:"
butIl
ovey
ou"
me:
"shewon'
tbackdownunt
ily
ounot
iceher
"
hi
m:"
Iwon'
tbeher
etonot
iceany
thi
ng"
me:
"hai
bo,
why
"?
hi
m:"
I'
ll
dropy
ouof
fandgohome.
..
zohl
alandenzeni
apha"
?
me:
"comeon,
don'
tbepet
ty"
hi
m:"Sosoandtheguy
sar
edr
ivi
ngt
hei
rowncar
..
.I
'
m
notbei
ngpett
ybabes"
:
)
"
babes"huh?

me:
"i
fyousayso"
hi
m:"so..
.apar
tfr
om now,
whenwi l
lIseey
ou
agai
n,bef
or et
heschool
sreopen"
?
me:
"Idon'
tseeagap"

hel
ookedatme
Il
ookedahead

hi
m:"
why
"?
me:
"Ker
iwill
beher
et oni
ght
,Mar
cusiscomi
nghome
t
hetent
h,t
hefol
ksarecomingbacki
na
week.
..
school
sareopeningint
hreeweeks.nowt
ell
me,doyouseeichanceke"?
hi
m:"
don'
tyougetsentshoppi
ng"
?
me:
"wedoshoppi
ngast
heent
ir
efami
l
y"
him:"
thatmeanssobobanaxakuv
ulwei
zi
kol
o
kengok"
me:
"akwabi
kude"

l
olndazi
vasendi
tshi
l
o:/>_
<

hi
m:"
par
don"
?
me:
"nev
ermi
nd"
him:
"ohcomeon.
..
omg..
.umaneezenzi
saaphakant
i
you'
real
soenj
oyi
ngthi
s"

Ikeptqui
et.
..
helaughedandt hr
ewastoneatthe
water.Weconti
nuedconversingndadi
nwaIjust
l
eanedmyheadonhi sshoulderwesatther
ein
si
l
ence

hi
m:"
Ilov
eyouMi
ssSmi
th"
me:
"t
houghtIwasmi
ssper
fect
"
hechuckl
ed
hi
m:"
MyMi
ssPer
fect
,Il
ovey
ou"

i
ttookmeawhi
l
etor
espondbutIdi
d

me:
"Il
ovey
out
ooMrEgo"
helif
tedmyheadandl ookeddeepi ntomyey es.
..
I
hadlit
tlefair
iesr i
dingroll
ercoastersinmybel l
y.He
cuppedmyf aceandki ssedme. .
.l
ightl
ybrushi
ngmy
l
ipsagai nsthis.Thenhesl i
ghtl
ypartedmyl i
pswi t
h
histongueandweki ssed,sodeepandpassi onateit
wasl i
keI '
mi nPar i
stheci tyofl
ovewi thTreySongz
:vitprobablyt ookacoupl eofmi nutesthenhe
stopped
hi
m:"
eveni
nthedar
kyourbeaut
ymesmer
izesme"
me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
"
hi
m:"
youdon'
thav
etosayany
thi
ng"

hekissedmeagaint
henwegotupandwalkedt
ohis
car
,ndagenaandhegoti
ntoo.
..
myphoner
ang..
.I
l
ookedathim: /

me:
"Yol
z"?
her
:"
wher
eyouatbabewe'
rewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"
me:"
erh.
..
ther
e'sbeenchangeofpl
ans.
..
mysi
steri
s
onherwayhomesoIhav etobeher
ewhenshe
ar
ri
ves"
Yol
z:
"oh.
..
okay
"
me:
"I
'm sor
ryguy
sneh"
Yol
z:
"nosweat
..
.I
'
llj
usti
nfor
mtheot
her
s"
me:
"t
hanks"
her
:"
bye"
wehungup

hi
m:"
youneedachocol
atemi
l
kshake"
Ij
ustsmiledandhedrovetocaltexgarageand
boughtmeachocol at
emilkshakethehet ookme
home.Itwasquitedarkf
ormet owal ksoIdirect
ed
hi
m homewandi bekainfr
ontoft hegate.

hi
m:"
yow!t
hisi
shuge"
me:
"yeahwel
l
"
hi
m:"
Ihadf
unt
oday
"
me:
"t
hankst
oyou.
..
I'
m sor
ryt
hough"
hi
m:"
nosweatnana,
wewi
l
lfi
ndt
ime"

Iwentf
orwar
dandki
ssedhi
sli
ps.
..
iwasbecomi
ng
anaddi
ctandsl
avet
othi
ski
ssi
ngthing:
v
me:
"goodni
ght
"
hi
m:"
Iwi
l
lcal
ll
ateron"
me:
"ay
t"

Igotout,
openedandlockedthegat
eonceIwas
i
nsidethenhelef
t.Iwalkedt
omyr oom andt
hrew
myselfonthebed!

uyaphinauKer i
?-_-notthatitwasmyf i
rstti
meto
thecountdownbuti twould'
vebeent hef
irstt
ime
withoutEve,t
hefi
rstti
mewi thmyf ri
endsand
yeah,f
ir
sttimewitha"boy fr
iend"butkefamil
y
comesf ir
stmntakadad
[
10/
8,19:
39]‪+27730692704‬:
#11

Ichangedintopajamast hengotintobed,Ker
ical
led
wathiIshouldopenforher ,
Iopenedtheelect
roni
c
gateandwentt oopent hedoor:DIwentt ohelpher
withherluggage,wehuggedandki ssedthenwalked
i
nside.Shehadj ustalousyonebago. OthenImade
herrooi
bost
eawi
thoutmi
l
kandr
uskscozIdi
dn'
t
cook.

her:
"so.
..
Ithi
nkweshoul
dgot ot
hebeachj
ustfor
thecountdownthenwecancomebackandrest
"
me:
"r
eal
l
y?Imeanar
eyounott
ir
ed"
?
her:
"Ihav
eacoupl
eoff
ri
endswhoar
egoi
ngsoI
mightaswel
lj
oini
n"
me:
"butwear
edr
ivi
ngr
ight
"?
her:
"ofcourse,
nowchangei
ntosomet
hingmor
e
present
able"

Iskippedtomyr oom andbangedthedoor:/Iwas

ki
ndahopi ngLaawasst i
ll
aroundsoIcall
edhim
fi
rstbefor
endinxibe

hi
m:"
missmeal
ready
"?
me:
"somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
"
hi
m:"
arey
ouf
orr
eal
"?
me:
"woul
ditbesuchabadt
hing"
?
hi
m:"
ont
hecont
rar
y,no.
..
butar
eyouf
rreal
"?
me:
"no.
..
uphi
"?
hi
m:"
onmywayhome,
why
"?
me:
"howf
ar"
?
hi
m:"
nott
oof
ar,
babewhat
'
sup"
?
me:"wel
l.
..
itsohappensthatI
'
m goingbackt
othe
beach,
wit
hmysi sterandherfr
iendsof
coz"
hi
m:"
oh.
..
okay
,er
h..
.ndi
yezakenam"
me:
"wast
eyepet
rol
though"
hi
m:"
Idon'
tmi
nd.
..
textmey
ourspotxaseni
fi
ki
le"
?
me:
"kasi
what"
?

hel
aughed

hi
m:"
wheny
ouar
ether
e,t
extme"
me:
"shar
p"

Ithr
ewthephoneonthebedandgotdr
essedputon
makeup,per
fumeandli
pbalmthenIt
ookmybag
andwenttothel
ounge

me:
"Mi
ssSmi
thseni
or"
?
her
:"
comi
ng"

Iwaitedf orherandshecameoutdr essedl ikeI

chichil
ol...
butthenagai n,whitepeopledon' treal l
y
carehowy oudr ess,
unlikeAf ri
canpeopl e.Wet ook
hercar,Idroveadshewasqui tei
mpr essedcozshe' s
neverseenmedr ivi
ng,actuall
yonlythef olksandEv e
knewt hatIcoulddr ive,
mi nusmyf ri
ends.Wedr ove
toagar ageandboughtr efreshmentsf orusand
snackst henwedr ovet othebeach.Al lthiswhi leshe
wasbusyonherphone, probablytal
kingt oher
fr
iendst henwef oundanotsoconv enientpar king
spacewepar kednont hel ess.Andgotoutl ocking
t
hecar
.

me:
"her
ewear
e"
her
:"
let
'sgot
oHei
neken,
myf
ri
endsar
ether
e"
me:
"cool
"

wewal kedhandinhandcat chingup,l

olshewanted
toknowmor eandIdidn'
tgiveheranycl uebesi
des
thatmyf r
iendsarealsoherebl abl
ahblah.We
spott
edherf ri
endssayakubo, hugsandkissedal
l
overthenwechi l
ledbancokola.
t
extcamet
hrough:
I'
m al
readyher
e,wher
euat
?

Il
ookedatKer
iandnot
icedthatshewasr
eal
lyi
nher
zonesoshepr
obabl
ywouldn'tmindmegoi
ngtomy
"f
ri
ends"f
oracoupl
eofminutes

Ir
etur
nedt
het
ext
:Hei
neken
andwait
ed..
.aft
ersomet imehecal
l
ed:oKerihear
d
myphoneandt urnedtolookatme,
Ipr
etendednot
toseeher
,ndasabelacasual
ly

me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"
hel
l
o"?
me:
"hi
"
hi
m:"
ndi
l
aphaphandl
e"
me:
"oh.
..
uhm *
breat
h*canIcal
lyoubackpl
ease"
?
hi
m:"
okay
"

Ihungup
Keri
wassti
ll
looki
ngatme..
.ki
ndasy
mpat
het
ic.
Bonuspoi
ntyam l
eyo.>_
<

her
:"
what
'
sup"
?
me:
"myf
ri
ends.
.t
heyuhm.
..
"
her
:"
it
scool
,
justkeepy
ourphoneon.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou"
me:
"t
hankssi
s"

Iki
ssedhercheekandbidf
arewel
ltoherf
ri
ends
ndaphumacall
ingLandi
l
e

hi
m:"
Icanseey
ou"
me:
"what
?wher
e"?

nextthi
ngIf
eltsomeonebreat
hingandbl
owingsoft
ai
rbehindmyear,Ihungupgi
ggli
ngli
keatoddl
er.
..
ey
l
eratoMara!

hi
m:"
sowhatdowedonow"
?
me:"I
'm notsure.
.,
but
,Idon'
twannagot
omyf
ri
ends
especi
allywit
hy ou"
hi
m:"
huh?whynot
"?
me:
"pl
ease"
hi
m:"
Ijustwannaknowkal
ok"
me:"
itwill
looklikeIwant
edy out
obegmet obe
her
et heywon'tbeli
eveKerii
sact
ual
lyher
easwell
andthey'
venev ermether"
him:
"okay.
..
thenwewi
l
ldoourownchi
l
lazher
ein
thecar"
me:
"mmkay
"

wewal
kedtohiscar,
heopenedt
hepassengerdoor
f
ormendahl
alawithmyfeetout
sidet
henhestood
i
nfr
ontofmesmi l
i
ng

me:
"awsabl
ushi
"
hechuckl
ed

hi
m:"y
oushoul
dbegl
ady
oumaki
ngan18y
earol
d
bl
ush"
me:
"bonuspoi
nt"
webot
hlaughed,
hear
ti
ly

heopenedthebackpassengerdoorandremoveda
Sparshoppi
ngbagwithalotofsnacksanddri
nks
wayibekawher
emyf eetar
esupposedtobeifimoto
i
bivali
we

me:
"somuch"
?
him:"
well
...
Iwasgonnacal
lyoul
ateronwhi
l
eeat
ing
them I
'm bed"
me:
"I
'm sor
ryhey
"
him:"
don'
tbe.
..
thi
sdaywasdest
ined.seehowi
t
tur
nedout"

Ismi
l
ed

het
ookoutj
uiceandgav
eme,
whi
l
ehet
ookhi
sown.
hi
m:"
Imety
ourf
ri
endsear
li
er.
..
sooodr
amat
ical
l
y
dr
unk"
me:
"uh-
oh.Amanda"

hel
aughed

hi
m:"
she'
ssomet hi
ngel
se.
..
evenl
aMi
chel
l
e,she
wast
ouchy-
touchy"
me:"
andazhowt
heywi
l
lreacti
ftheyf
indoutabout
us"
hel
ookedatme
hi
m:"
if
"?
me:
'
'youknowwhatImean"
hi
m:"
whydoy
oucar
e"?
me:
"t
hey
'r
emyf
ri
endsbabe"
hi
m:"
butI
'
myourboy
fri
end,
theyshoul
drespectt
hat
"
me:
"canwechanget
hesubj
ect
"
hi
m:"
babe.
..
okayI
'
m sor
ry"
me:
"i
tscool
"

Itookasipthi
nking.
..
Inev
eri
magineddati
ngwould
makemehav etochoosebet
weenmyf r
iendsand
boyfr
iend.I
tsucks

hi
m:"
youwi
l
lhav
etot
ell
them"
me:
"whenI
'
mready
"
hi
m:"
doIembar
rassy
ou"
?

Iwast
akenback.
..
alot
!

me:
"NO!Imean,
no"
hi
m:"
phuma"
me:
"huh"
?
heextendedhishand,It
ooki
tandj umpedofft
hecar
.
Ther
ecoul donlystandamatchst
ickbetween
us.
..
that'
showcl osewewere.

him:"eversinceImety ou..
.Ican'tst opthinki
ngabout
you.Thi sisnoinfat
uationthisisl ov e,
I'
m notsay
ing
allofthisorthesecompl i
ment sjustt ogetyouin
bed,no..Iloveyou.Yourwar m smi l
e,your
l
augh. .
ev ery
thi
ngabouty ouj ustdr agsmet oyou
nobaawukhophambi kwam"
me:
"pl
easest
-"
him:
"shhh.
..weareyoungIknow,butwecanmakei t.
Openupt ome,tous,
toyour
self
.Wedon' thavetobe
l
ikeanyoneelsewejusthav
etobeour selves"

Idi
dn'tknowwhatt osay.
..Ihear
dpeopl
ecount
ing
fr
om tendownwar dandIsmi l
ed.Myhandsf
lew
acrosshisshoul
ders,
hisonmyhi ps.

hi
m:"
Idon'
thav
eany
thi
ngel
set
osayot
hert
hant
he
f
actt
hatIl
ovey
ou,
somuch"
5
4
me:
"Il
ovey
ouev
enmor
e"
2
1

Aspeoplewereshouti
nghappppppppppppyyyy
!!
!!
!
wewer eki
ssi
ng!Moreintense.Mor
epassionat
e
thanbefor
e.Moreever
ything.

whenwef i
nal
l
ystoppedIwasoutofbr
eathbutI
wasn'
tpani
cki
ngatall:
vwehuggedforanenti
re
minut
eormorethenmyphonerang.

me:
"Ihav
etogo"
hi
m:"
masambe"
wewalkedhandi
nhand.
..
damn!Coul
dthi
sber
eal
l
y
l
ove?
[
10/
8,19:
39]‪+27730692704‬:
#12

Heaccompaniedmet othecar,
wewalkedhandi
n
handandIwasn'tev
enthinki
ngaboutooAmish
whensuddenl
ywehear shisbrot
hercomingt
owards
us,
cal
li
nghim

hi
m:"
sundi
khwazamaanLwandi
so"
Soso:
"haskat
chi
n"
o.
O

her
eachedus.
..

Soso:
"t
houghty
ousai
dyouwer
egoi
nghome.
..
oh
heyTee"
me:
"hey
"
Laa:
"Iwas.
..
changeofpl
ans"
Soso:
"mm Isee.
..myguessi
s,
youguy
sdon'
twanna
j
oinus"
Laa:
"she'
sact
ual
l
ygoi
nghomer
ightnow"
Soso:
"what
?ear
lykaso"
?
Il
aughed.
..
thi
sniqqasoundsli
kethosegayfr
iendl
y
guyswhoarealwayshyperaboutever
ythi
ng>_<

Laa:
"by
eby
eSoso"
Soso:
"comehere,
hugy
ourbr
other
..
.ndi
kugqi
bel
elast
yearmntakwet
hu"

:
v:vLaahesitantl
yhuggedhi
stwinandSosohugged
measwel landleftus.
..
ohwai
t,
notbef
oreki
ssi
nghis
br
other
'scheek>_ <

Laa:
"mxm"
me:
"hau,
l
ight
enup"
hi
m:"he'
stoodr
unkandazbazoqhut
yel
wanguban
ugoduka"
me:
"mmh"

myphoner
angagai
n..
.

me:
"si
s"?
her
:"
wehav
etogonow"
me:
"I
'm comi
ng.
..
act
ual
l
yno,
l
et'
smeetatt
hecar
"
her
:"
alr
ight
"

Iturnedbackwi
thoutsayi
nganotherword,
Landi
l
e
foll
owed.Wereachedthecarandleanedagai
nstit

hi
m:"
Ithi
nkI
'
m becomi
nganaddi
ctt
oyourl
i
ps"

hahaIl
aughedathi
m
him:
"l
iker
ightnow.
..
Iwannasuckt
hatbot
tom l
i
pof
your
s"
me:
"what
'sst
oppi
ngy
ou"
?

withoutfur
therreducehekissedme...
sogent
leand
tenderl
yIfeltdi
zzyforasec,hewasgoodatthis
thi
ng.Madememel ti
nhisembr ace.
..
mykneeswere
soont ofai
lmebutwi thhi
sgr i
pIknewIwassaf e.
hestoppedandlookedatme...
don'
tknow
undi
bonanjani
insuchdarkness

hi
m:"
Iwi
shy
ouwer
eagr
adebehi
nd"
me:
"you'
rej
oki
ng"
him:"
ser
iousl
y.
..
sot
hatwewon'thavet
hesamev
ali
d
excusewhywecantseeeachother
"
me:
"mh.
..
nowt
hat
'sapr
obl
em"
hi
m:"
tel
lmeabouti
t"
wewer esuddenlysilent..
.Ididn'
twannal eavehi m
ngoku:(thi
sfeltj
ustt oogood, t
oor eal.
..
li
kei twas
onlyafewweeksbuti tfeltsogenui neandst rong.I
rai
sedmyhandandt ouchedhi sface,downt ohi s
l
ips..
.t
heyweresogood, talentedev en.Mademe
wonderifI'
mr eal
lyalonei nhi shear torthere's
compet i
ti
on:/sucht hingshappent hough, t
here'sno
runni
ngawayf rom them

me:
"bef
orey
oumetme.
..
didy
ouhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend"
?
unexpect
edquest
ion?Iknow

hi
m:"
no.
.webr
okeup"
me:
"when"
?
hi
m:"
ngoJune"
me:
"why
"?

heshi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
y:/
hi
m:"
shesl
eptwi
thmycousi
nLwando"
me:
"oh"
hi
m:"
whyt
hesuddeni
nter
est
"?
me:"howlongdi
dyouguy
sdat
ebef
oret
hat
happened"?
hi
m:"
ayearandahal
f"
me:
"i
fangezanow,
woul
dyouf
orgi
veher
"?
hi
m:"
Ihavef
orgi
venheral
ready.
..
other
wiseI
woul
dn'
thav
ebeenabletoloveanyoneelseagai
n"
me:
"youhav
eagoodhear
t"
hi
m:"t
hanky
ou.
..
nowt
ell
me,
whyt
hesudden
i
nter
est"
?
me:"
Idon'
twannat
hrowinmyal
lkant
iI'
m shar
ing
youwit
hsomeoneelse"
him:
"Iam al
lyour
s..
.nogi
rlcoul
dt akemeawayf
rom
you,
evenifnguBeyoncéi
nl i
nger
ie"
me:
"Ij
ustdon'
twannagethur
t"
hehel
dmewaistf
irmlyonbothsi
desandlooked
downonmebreat
hingdownonmynosebr idgeco
hewastal
l
ert
hanme: /advant
agekuyeo.
O

hi
m:"
Iwi
l
lnev
erdel
i
ber
atel
yhur
tyou"
me:
"Iknow"
hi
m:"
thent
rustmewhenIsayIl
ovey
ou.
..
onl
yyou"

Iwrappedmyhandsar oundhi m andwehugged, for

onceIlettearsrol
lfr
eel ydownmycheeks.Howdi d
thi
shappen?howdi dIf all
sohar df orhimy etIdon't
wannagethur t,
didInotl earnany thingfrom other
people?Evehaddat edBenandt woot hersguy sat
thesamet ime.Marcusdat esonegi rltodayandnext
monthy ouhearanot hername, Lukeonl ygoesf or
onenightstands:vhe'lltel
l y
ouheai n'
tgottimef or
seri
ousrelati
onshi
pscozt hey '
retoodemandi ngand
theyholdyouback!
Landi
lehuggedmeunt i
lIhadnomoretearsthen
ndasukaembarrassedthatIcri
edi
nfrontofhimI
tur
nedandcleanedupmyf acehel
etmebet hen
whenIwasdoneIbr eat
hedinandoutndamjonga

me:
"Iam sor
ryaboutt
hat
"
hi
m:"
don'
tbe.
..
showshowmuchy
oucar
e"
me:"
Idon'
twannacomeacrossast
his'
cl
ingy
'and
i
nsecur
egirl
fr
iendt
hough"
hi
m:"
uri
ghtf
ormnababe.
..
comeher
e"

Iwentcl
oserandheki
ssedmynoset
hist
ime.
..

him:"
it
sgoodtoaskquesti
ons.
..
makesthe
rel
ati
onshi
peasi
erbecausewewon'thavesecr
etes"
me:
"okay
"
hi
m:"Idon'
twannacompar ey
outoLisa,
mypr ev
ious
gi
rl
fr
iendbecauseyouarenother
..
.unguSi
bongile
sonam ngibongi
l
euk't
holaut
handolwakholuseraw
andundi
l
uted"

l
ol Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt osay
..
.Iwast
akenalr
eady.He
kissedmyforeheadadwehuggedforalongti
me
thenweheardgiggles

me:
"nabaoKer
i"
heki
ssedmyl
i
psandsl
i
ppedaway

Keriappearedny haninewchomizakhe,t
heyhugged
sangenaemot wenindaqhubasagoduka!Fi
kaendli
ni
ndayolal
aer oominy am shewastal
kingtoherman..
.
Idecidedtocallmom si nceIt
houghtkusemini
kubo
al
ready

her
:"
hel
l
omybaby
"
me:
"f
est
ivegr
eet
ingsandhappynewy
earma"
her
:"
ohhappynewy
earmydear
,how'
sEastLondon"
?
me:
"ver
yfest
ive.
..
how'
sJapan"
?
her
:"
ver
yJapanese.
..di
dKer
icome"
?
me:
"yesshedi
d..
.wai
t,
youaskedher
"?
her:
"act
uall
yno.
..
shewashavi
ngaLil
probl
em wi
th
herhusbandsoshecal
ledt
osayshe'
scoming
home"
me:
"oh.
..
okay
"
her
:"
we'
recomi
ngbacknextweek"
me:
"cool
..
Mar
caswel
l
"
her:
"ohGod!Whydi
dhehav
etot
akel
eav
ein
Januaryt
hough"
?

Il
aughed.
..
lol
Mar
cuzodubaqhay
enany
hani
shame.

me:
"passmygr
eet
ingst
odaddypl
ease"
her
:"
Iwi
llbaby
..
.ohandNandi
shoul
dbebackby
Monday
"
me:
"sosoon?whynotl
etherst
aywi
thherf
ami
l
y
unt
ilIopenschool
"?
her
:"
who'
sgonnadoal
lthecl
eani
ngi
nthe
meanwhi
l
e"?
me:"
shenevercl
eansyourr
oom soIthi
nkallofus
canmanagethekit
chenandlounge,
j
ustfort
hetwo
weeks"
her
:"
okay
..
.wi
l
lhav
etodi
scusst
hiswi
thy
ourdad"
me:
"mmkay
..
.l
emmesl
eepnow"
her
:"
sleept
ight
"

Ismil
edandhungup..
.Imissedt
hem t
hough.I
tfel
t
l
ikealogict
hingt
ocal
lLaaandtel
lhi
m Iar
ri
ved
safel
y..
.

hi
m:"
babe"
?
me:
"hambesaf
e"
hi
m:"
alr
ight
..
.y
oudosoundasl
eept
hough"
me:
"mmh.
..
night
"
hi
m:"
lov
eyou"
me:
"yout
oo"

Ihunguphayndal
alany
hani
thi
sti
me.
[
10/
8,19:
40]‪+27730692704‬:
#13

SoKer il
eft
,Evenevercamef orthosetwoweeksshe
promised:(Mom anddadr et
urned,Marcusr et
urned
backhomet ospendt i
mewi t
hthef amil
y,aunty
retur
nedtowor kandt henschoolsreopenedphof
khendayothengaii
ncwadi noMar ccozthef ol
kshad
alsoreopenedatwor k.

Mar cusstay
eduJanuar ywonkeathomet henleft
fi
rstweekkaFebrmi ndyou,
weonlyspokeonphone
noLandilebecausemnaandi nayoIchance,Mar cus
uyandisaeskol
weni ayondi
that
ha:vuththeseboy s
mustknowy ouhaveagr ootman>_<.Valentines
daywasf astapproachingandIwasn'
tev enawar e
unti
l I
'mthe12thwhenwewer ecomingoutoft he
shower
saf
terpl
ayi
nghockeyandAmandaspokeup

her
:"
val
ent
inesdayi
ntwoday
sguy
s"
Chl
oe:
"Ican'
twai
t.
..
Benj
ysai
dhehasal
readybought
mygif
t"
me:
"whathav
eyouboughthi
m"?
her
:"
awat
chf
rom Amer
icanSwi
ss"
Mi
sh:
"heef
ri
end.
..
whatar
eyourpl
ans"
?
me:
"Idon'
tknow.
..
don'
tthi
nkIhav
eany
"
her
:"
don'
ttel
lmeLar
aisnotasr
omant
icashe
l
ooks"
me:
"who"
?

sher
oll
edherey
es

her
:"y
oudon'
thav
etopr
etend,
weknowy
'al
lar
e
dat
ing"
me:
"youknow"
?
her:
"duh!i
tsobvi
ousevenfr
om dayonehewasi
nto
you.
..Imadepeacewit
hitgi
rl
iecozIgotmy
sel
fa
Keenan"

oh:
o
my:
/
gosho.
O

l
ol.
.,
Ijustl
aughed!Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
.

Chloe:
"mmmh. .
.Tri
na,
what
every
oudo,
don'
tgi
vehi
m
yourcooki
ejustyet"
o.
O
Mish:"
whynot
?Imean,
he'
shandsomeandcut
e,who
wouldn'
tgi
vei
ttohi
m"
Chl
oe:
"i
fhel
ovesy
ou,
hewi
l
lwai
tunt
ily
ou'
rer
eady
"
Mi
sh:
"what
'st
her
etober
eadyf
or"
me:
"uhm.
.guy
s"?
!!
t
heyl
ookedatme

me:"canwenotdi
scussmysexualandpersonall
i
fe
here?thanksf
ory
ouropi
nionsbuti
tsti
l
lremainsMY
l
ifeyouknow"
Chl
oe:"
whi
chiswhyy
ouhav et
omaket
hedeci
si
on
andnothi
m maki
ngi
tfory
ou"
me:"he'
ll
never
..
.Ihav
easmar
theadont
hese
shoulder
s"
Mi
sh:
"asl
ongasy
ou'
rehappy
..
.I
'
m happy
"

what
ever
!

wechangedandl eft
,si
nceMarchasleftI
'
vebeen
dri
vingmy selft
oschool sot
hisdaywasnotay
di
fferent
.Ireachedhomeanddi dmyhomewor ks
andchorest henIopenedmynot escashboxand
countedtwot housandsthenIdr
ovetoVincent
.I
didn'
tknowwhatt obuyhi m...asazanithatmuchso
Iwouldn'tbuyhi m aperfumeorcol ognezobangathi
Idon'tl
i
ket heonehei susingorndi thihedoesn'
t
smellgood: /Iwal
kedar oundandf inall
ysawsimilar
si
lverwat ches..
.hi
sandher swi t
hbr acelet
sbutasI
l
ookedi ntot hem..
.andazit
handasoIpassed.t hat
dayIwenthomewi t
houtapresentandIwast ir
edso
Iwentst r
aighttobed.

Lukewokemeupngecal
l-_
-

me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"
you'
reki
ddi
ng,
HEYYYYYWAKEUP"
!!
!!
!
:
'
(:'
(thenoi
sei
nmyeart
hough

me:
"dude"
!!
!!
!
hi
m:"
ohf
inal
l
y..
.howar
eyou"
?
me:
"gr
eat
"
hi
m:"
you'
renotgonnaaskaboutme"
?
me:
"howar
eyouLu"
?
hi
m:"
greatact
ual
l
y..
.I'
l
lbecomi
nghomei
nJune"
me:
"no"
hi
m:"
huh"
?
me:
"noy
ou'
renot
..
.I
'
m comi
ngt
oJo'
bur
ginJune"
hi
m:"
asi
fyourdadwi
l
llety
ou"
me:
"ohcomeonman.
..ar
eyoubei
ngf
oreal
"?
hi
m:"
yep..
.Imisshomeespeci
all
yaf
terIhear
dthe
ot
hersibl
ingswerehomewhil
eIwasbusypartyi
ng
upastorm"
me:
"oh.
..
okay
"
hi
m:"
sot
ell
me,
whatdoy
ouwant
"
me:
"anewphone"
hi
m:"
whi
chone"
?
me:
"anygr
andSamsungGal
axy
"
hi
m:"
ohthankGodIt
houghty
ouwer
egonnasayan
i
Phone"
me:
"nodaddywi
l
lbuyt
hatwhenIpassmymat
ri
c
wi
thf
ourdi
sti
nct
ions"
hi
m:"
okayt
hendaddy
'sgi
rl
,Gal
axyi
tis"
me:
"by
enow"

hehunguponme:
vcr
azy
!
Icheckedthet i
me. .
.wassti
l
l pasteightsoIsatup
withmysciencebookandst artedreadingand
underst
andingt hewor knowsot hatndingangxami
ngoJunekwi exams.Istudi
edsci enceonlythenI
wentdownst air
sf orcoff
ee.
..Ineededsomel iqui
din
mybody

t
hehousewasqui
et:
/ki
ndaexpect
edt
hough.
Imadecof fee.
.checkedthemicrowaveandsaw
gri
ll
edpor kmeat: )butIwasn'thungryIj
ustneeded
coffeeandt henIwal kedupst
airsndaphungandalal
a.
Aboutel ev
enorso, myphoner angagain.Iswore
thatifnguLukei macomedownonhi m withcur
ses!
Unfortunatelyi
twasn' thi
m..
.
me:
"babe"
?
hi
m:"
Imi
ssy
ou"

i
thasbeencloset
oamont hsi
ncewehel
dhands.
..I
under
stoodhi
m per
fect
lywel
l.

me:
"Iknow"
hi
m:"
val
ent
inesi
saroundt
hecor
ner
..
.i
nadayi
nfact
soIwaswonder
inghowcanwemeet"
?
me:"
it
sFri
dayandIhav
en'
topenedatt
hemusi
cal
so
Icanspar
eanhourort
womaximum"
hi
m:"
okay
..
.canIf
etchy
ou"
?
me:"
no..
.I
'
m dr
ivi
ngmysel
fsor
atherchooseapl
ace
wherewewil
lmeet"
hi
m:"
VincentMcDonal
d'
s"
me:
"kay
"
hi
m:"
lov
eyouTee"
me:
"Lov
eyouEl
"
hemusthavesmi
l
edcozi
coul
dsensei
tinwhathe
sai
dnext
..
.

hi
m:"Iwonderwhathav
eyoudonet
omyMi
ss
Per
fect"
me:
"samet
hingIwaswonder
ingaboutMyMrEgo"

hechuckl
ed

hi
m:"
seey
ounge14ke"
me:
"can'
twai
t"

wehungup.
..
Ineededt
ofi
ndhi
m agi
ft
!Fast
!

Isl
eptt
herestoft
henighttheni
nthemorni
ngI
wokeup,
prepar
edforschoolandl
eft
,onmywayi
cal
ledMarcushe'
spr
obabl
ygonnashoutatmebutI
neededhi
sadvoce

hi
m:"
thi
sbet
terbeser
ious"
me:
"Ineedhel
p"
hi
m:"
shoot
"
me:
"whatwoul
dyoul
i
kef
orv
alent
ines"
?
hi
m:"
ahomecookedmeal
"
me:
"and"
?
hi
m:"
aful
lbodymassage"
me:
"and"
?
hi
m:"
agi
ft
"
me:
"whatki
ndagi
ft
"?
hi
m: "
newperfume..
.noscratchthatone,
Il
ovethe
onethatIhave.Newcuffl
inksorwat chwoul
ddoand
ofcozateddyandchocolates"
me:
"t
hanky
oubr
oer
"
Ihungupandwentt
ocl
ass:
D
school wasslowert hanusual :(butIeventuall
yleft
andwentbackt otheshops. .
.Boughtgol dcuffli
nks
atMar kham'sinabl acksuedl i
tt
lebox,Ibought
Ferrar
oRocheboxofchocol ateandat eddykey
holder:)thenacar dandgi ftbagndagodukaf ika
eroomi nyam Iplacedt hem nicelyi
nthebagand
wenttot hecarndazi f
akakwi dashboardsi nceI
knewakuzobakhondl elayophumanazoksasawhen
thefolksarehavingbr eakfast.Iret
urnedt othe
houseanddi dmydut iesndat yakutyakwam and
j
ustsatt hereidl
e

Ev
ecal
l
ed

me:
"l
ow"
?
her
:"
happyval
ent
inesi
nadvance,
sor
ryaboutl
ast
month.
..
I'
l
lmakeitupt
oyou"
me:
"howar
eyoubi
gsi
s"?:
v
her
:"
ohI
'
m pr
ett
yandador
abl
e"
me:
"haha!mxm.
..
Idon'
tmi
ssy
ou"
her
:"
Iknow.
..
sowhat
'
shi
sname"
?
me:
"who"
?
her
:"
yourboy
fie"
me:
"oh.
.Landi
l
e"
her
:"
he'
sbl
ack"
me:
"er
h,y
ep"
her
:"
wow.
..
descr
ipt
ionpl
z"
me:"
he'stal
lerthanme..
.l
ightincomplexi
onbutnot
l
ikeme.Hasbr owney esandsof thands.
..
he'
s
smart
,gentl
e,l
ovingandsof ar
,honest"
her
:"
sof
thandshuh"
?

webot
hbur
sti
ntol
aught
er

her
:"
andgent
le"
?
me:
"ur
gh!y
ourmi
ndi
scor
rupt
edt
hough"
her
;"
ohwhat
ever
!tel
lme,
hasheaskedf
ori
t"
?
me:
"askedf
orwha-hel
lno"
!
her
:"
good!don'
tgi
vei
ttohi
m unt
ily
ou'
rer
eady
"
me:
"yesmot
her
"
her
:"
youwi
l
lthankmeoneday
..
.any
way
..
.ci
ao"
me:
"what
ever
"!

shehungup..
.what
'sthi
swit
hpeopl er
ushingint
o
sextal
kxakut
hethwangerel
ationshi
p?can'tone
haveanormalrel
ati
onshi
pwithouthavi
ngsex?
[
10/
8,19:
42]‪+27730692704‬:
#14

Fol
l
owi
ngdaysamer
out
ine.
..
onthemorningofthe14t
hIwaswokenupbyacall
fr
om bhut'
baelol
youcanimagi
net
hesmilecr
acki
ng
upmyf ace

me:
"mml
ow"
?
hi
m:"
happyv
alent
inesday
"
me:
"mh,
samet
oyou.
..
whyy
ouupsoear
lyt
hough"
?
hi
m:"
Ijustcamebackf
rom j
oggi
ng"
me:
"yho.
..
kay
"
hi
m:"
arewest
il
lon"
?
me:
"yeah.
..
pit
yweai
n'
tgotci
vi
es"
hi
m:"
bri
ngcl
othesandchangeaf
terschool
kal
ok"
me:
"nahI
'
llmakeapl
an"
hi
m:"
okayke.
..
lat
er"
me:
"ay
t"

Isomawokeupandbat hed..
.Itri
edimagi ninghow
todaywoul dlooklike,whatithadi nstoref orme
beingt hef i
rstevervalentinestospendwi thaguy
butIt ell
you, myLilmi ndcoul dn'
tcompr ehendi t.I
gotdr essedi nmyschool uniform bl
azer sandal l
thenIwentt omywal ki
ncl osetandr emov edbl
ack
ri
ppedski nnyjeans,redcheckedsl eevelesscol l
ared
shirtandr edpat entheels...
Iplacedthem onmybed
neatl
ythenIlef
tforschool
.Ev
ery
onewasexci
ted
thr
oughouttheday..
.

dur
ingl
unchIr
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Mar
cus:
v

me:
"boet
"?
hi
m:"
howol
dishe"
?
:
o
me:
"howol
diswho"
?
hi
m:"
yourboy
fri
end"
me:
"idon'
thav
eab-
"
hi
m:"
Tri
nal
i
queSmi
th"
me:
"Mar
c"
hi
m:"
howol
dishe"
?
Ibr
eathed.
..
Iknewhewoul
dcat
chup:
/he'
stoo
smart
me:
"he'
s18"
Icoul
dhearhi
mr el
easi
ngahugechunkofbr
eat
h
thatI
'
m qui
tecer
tai
nhewasn'
tawarehehadhel
d

hi
m:"
okay
..
.doIknowhi
m"?
me:
"no"
hi
m:"
doy
oul
ovehi
m"?
me:
"It
hinkso.
..
howdi
dyouknow"
?
hi
m:"
yourcal
l
..
.I
'
m smar
tert
hany
out
hink"
me:
"t
ooky
out
hreeday
stoaddt
hedot
sthough"
hel
aughed
hi
m:"
Ikeptondeny
ingt
hef
act
stomy
sel
f"
me:
"mmh.
..
Igot
tago"
hi
m:"
don'
tgoanddoany
thi
ngst
upi
dwi
tht
hatni
gga"
me:
"haha!I
'
llt
rynott
o"
him:"
babyI'
m ser
ious.
..keepy
ourheadsoberf
or
yoursake"
me:
"Iwi
l
l.
..
thanky
ou,
nowby
e"
hi
m:"
lov
eyou"
me:
"l
ovey
out
oo"

wehungup:vyou'
vegott
alovetheSmi
ths
t
hough.
..
over
prot
ecti
vebuttheyhav
egoodhear
ts.

Iattendedt herestofmyper i
ods, t
heschool was
dismi ssedt wohour sear li
ert hanusual appar ently
thet eacher swer egoi ngt oaVal enti
nesgal adi nner
atHoêr skool Grenssot hiswasmyoppor tunityto
racehome, makemy selfpresent ablef orthedat e.I
grabbedi twi t
hbot hhands. ..
.20mi nut eswas
enoughf ormet ogethome.Ishower edandputon
myv anillaandst rawber rybodycr eam. .
.t
henIgot
dressed, tuckingi ntheshi rtneatlyandputonat hin
shinybl ackbel t.Thensomeper fumendakhupha
walletf rom myschool bag, putitinsideabl ack
clutchal ongsidewi thmyphone, mini perfume, balm
andmi nt sthenIt ookt heuni formt ot hel aunder ett
e
andl ockedt hehousedr i
vi
ngmycaroutt oVi ncent.I
stoppedatagar ageandcheckedwhet herIstillhad
hisgif
t,
founditandr
oveonintoMcD'sparki
nglot.I
rel
easedsomebr eat
hthenwalkedinwit
hhisgift
andcouldn'tf
indhi
m soIsatatthecor
nertabl
eand
call
edhim

hi
m:"
missPer
fect
"
me:
"I
'm her
e"
hi
m:"
oh.
.soqui
ck,
I
'm ont
her
oof
"
me:
"ohkay
"

Iwal
kedupandwentt hroughtheglassdoor.
..
he
wasther
ealone.Handsomeasev erinblack
j
eans,
whit
emuscl ehuggingT-shi
rtandredAdidas
hi
gh-t
opsneakersIsmiledandwalkedtowards
hi
m,hemusthav esensedmyscentcozhet urned
ar
oundsmili
ng

oohGod!
!!
!thatsmi
l
eal
onewasweakeni
ng:
'
(
Ist
eadi
edmy
sel
faswehugged,
heki
ssedmyneck

hi
m:"
str
awber
ryandv
ani
l
la"
?
Ijustsmi
l
ed..
.heopenedachai
rformendahl
ala
thenhesatdown

he:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"
me:
"you'
renotbady
our
sel
f"
hi
m:"
so.
..
whatar
ewehav
ing"
?
me:
"I
'm dy
ing.
..
I'
dli
keaBi
gMacwi
thsodaPl
z"
hi
m:"
yourwi
shi
smycommand"

hel
eftandwentdownst
air
sthenr
etur
nedi
nashor
t
whi
l
e

hi
m:"
Ihadt
obegt
hem t
obr
ingouror
derher
e"
me:
"t
heynor
mal
l
ydon'
t.
..
bav
umi
l
e"?
hi
m:"
yeah,
kuv
umeeny
iwai
tr
ess"
me:
"betshe'
scr
ushi
ngony
ou"
hi
m:"
Iwoul
dn'
tbetont
hat
..
.comeonnow"
me:"
hahahageez!whowoul
dn'
tcr
ushony
ou?hay
comeonf orr
eal
"
hi
m:"
tooky
out
hreeweekst
ofal
li
ntomyt
rap"
me:
"t
ookMi
shonemi
nut
etocr
ushony
ou"
hi
m:"
ohGod"
!

y
hoanday
ihl
ekabawo!

hi
m:"
she'
sdat
ingKeenanIhear
"
me:
"shet
oldme.
..
twoday
sagoIt
hink"
hi
m:"baqal
engenewy
ear
'sev
eke"
me:
"oh.
..
goodf
ort
hem wet
hu"

wemadesmal
ltal
kkwadekwaf
ikaukut
yakwet
hu
andwedugi n,Iwashungr
yforrealshame
ndayogqi
babur gery
am ndaphol
akengok.Hewas
eati
ngthechickenwrapnayeway i
gqiba.

hi
m:"
Iboughty
ousomet
hing"

heputapur
plegi
ftbagont
het
abl
e
Ismi
ledandtooki
t,
remov
ingaboxf
rom t
hei
nsi
de
andopenedi
t:o

me:
"wow.
..
thi
sisuhm.
..
*br
eat
h*br
eat
htaki
ng"
hi
m:"
justl
i
key
ou"

i
twasadi
amondpedanti
nsi
l
verneckl
ace.
..

me:
"no.
..Ican'
ttaket
his"
hel
ookedshocked
hi
m:"
whynot
"?
me:"
comeon,t
hismusthav
ecosty
ouaf
ort
une.
..
no
ha.
aIcan'
t"

hegotupandcamenearme,
pul
ledmychai
rand
knel
tbef
oremehol
dingmyhands

hi
m:"
youar
ewor
thmor
e"
me:
"babepl
z..
.Ican'
tweart
his.Pl
z"

het
ookitfr
om t
heboxandwentbehi
ndme,
putiton
meandsmi l
edwhi
l
ekissi
ngmyneckandni
bbl
ing
sot
enderl
y

theminuteitt
ouchedmyskinIfel
tli
keanew
person.
..
li
keIwasrich,
l
ikeIwassomebodyel
se.
hetur
nedar
oundandcuppedmyf
acelookingdeep
i
ntomyeyes.
..
thenki
ssedmei
mmediatel
y
af
tert
hatki
sshesatont
het
abl
einf
rontofme

me:"
phew..
.okay
!Ial
soboughtyousomet
hing.
..
not
asexpensi
veorfl
ashyast
histhough"
hi
m:"
youshoul
dn'
thav
e"
Me:
"want
edt
o"

Igav
ehim hi
sbag...
heremovedtheteddykeyholder
andIsawasmi l
esomewherethere,
helaughedwhen
hesawthechocolat
esthenhebecameabi tser
ious
whenhereachedthesuedbox.

hel
ookedatmequest
ionabl
y,Ishr
ugged

heopenedtheboxandscreamed.
..
ohguy
sscream
neh?hahabutatl
eastheshowedsomeexci
tement
andhuggedmet i
ght
ly
me:
"okay
..
.Iguessy
oul
i
ket
hose"
him:
"l
ikeisanunder
statementbaby.
..
I'
vebeen
sear
chingfort
heseallover
.Uzfumenephi
"?
me:
"Mar
kham'
sher
einVi
ncent
"
hi
m: "
ohboy!Sosoi
sgonnacal
lyouaf
uneezakhe
uzobona!
!"

hehuggedmeagai
nthent
ookhi
sgi
ft
s

hi
m:"
let
'sgetoutt
aher
e"
me:
"yessi
r"

hegotintohiscar,
Igoti
ntomi neandIdroveright
behi
ndhim. .
.Ionl
ynoti
cedlateronbasiyakokwabo
:/Iwasn'tshakennehbutIjustthoughthe
shoul
d'vetol
dmebef orehand.Theelectr
onicgate
opened,
wewentt hroughandpar kedndohli
kanaye
wohli
ka
hecamet omeandhel dmyhandaswewal kedt
o
oneofthethreefl
atsi
ntheyar
d..
.itwassooo
beaut
if
ulinsi
de.Resembledhi
spersonal
i
ty

hi
m:"
wel
comet
omycr
ib"
me:
"i
tssooo.
..
you"

hechuckl
edasheledthewaytot
heir
resi
sti
bly
comfort
abl
ecouchesandIfol
l
owed.
..
hetookoutf
or
DVD's

hi
m: "
whichonearewewat
ching.
..st
ompthe
Yard,
Alv
inandtheChi
pmunks,WhydidIgetmar
ri
ed
orStepUp2"?
me:
"gi
rl
ychoi
ceshuh"
?
hi
m:"
Ihav
eagirl
incasey
oudi
dn'
tnot
iceandshe
hast
ochoosewhatar
ewewat
chi
ng"
me:
"wel
lagoodl
aughwon'
thur
t.
..
let
'swat
chAl
vi
n"
hi
m:"
alr
ightt
hen.
..
makey
our
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e"
Iremovedmyshoesandsatont hecouch,heplayed
themov i
e,
leftforacoupl eofmi nutesandr et
urned
withabottl
eofgr apetiser,
twoglasses,abowl of
mixedchoppedf r
uitandaonel itreofUlt
ramel
Vanil
l
acust ardandf i
nallyheclosedt hedoorandsat
nexttomet akingmyf eetonhi slapandmassagi ng
them aswewat chedthemov ie.

hi
m:"
Ilov
eyou"

Ismil
edl
ooki
ngatt
heTVandIwasn'
tgonnaanswer
him

hi
m:"
uri
ghtungandi
hoy
i"

l
olhepi
nchedmyfeetngaphantsi
Ial
most
scr
eamed,
Ihi
thi
m withacushion
hi
m:"
ndi
zokhal
aubet
hwenguSoso"
me:
"i
shehome"
?
hi
m:"
yep.
..ebef
unukuzapha"
me:
"yousai
dno"

wandi
j
amel
a..
.haha!al
ri
ght
!

west artedof fngal af r

uitsalad...
andacoupl eof
glasseskul atisert henl ayerweat ehi schocol ate
thatIboughtf orhi m...
weact uall
yfedeachot her,
I
wouldbi tethehal fandhewoul deatt helef tover.By
thetimet hemov iewasdoneIwasasl eep
:(embar r
assinghabi t!Hedi dn'tbotherwaki ngme
upcozndi vukesekul ateandt heli
ghtwason. .
.I
start
edpani cki ngespeci al
lywhenIr eal i
zedhe
wasn'tint herewi t
hme.Iwor emyshoesand
checkedmyphone. .
.messagef rom thef olks:baby
wewi llbeabi tlate..
.auntDor aisinhospi talher
diabetesescal at ed.phew!okaynowt hat'sar el
ief.I
satdownneedi ngt hel ookbutIdi dn'twanna
scav
engehi
shouseengekhosondami
ncandal
i
nda

her
etur
nedwi
thapl
atecov
ered

hi
m:"
umhl
enobauy
avuka"

heki
ssedmycheek:
)

me:
"Ineedt
hebat
hroom"

hepoint
edadoorIwentt
hroughi
t,
didmybusi
ness
andcameout.

hi
m:"
izot
ya"
me:
"not
hanks,
Ishoul
dgetgoi
ng"
hi
m:"Iknowi
tsl
atebutIcan'
tl
ety
ougohome
hungry"
Iwashesi
tant
me:
"youshoul
d'
vewokenmeup"
hi
m:"youwer
ejustso.
..
peacef
ulandi
nnocent
.I
coul
dn't
"

Isatdown:Dweat ebraai
edmeatwi
thsal
ads
sathobangedr
ink.Il
aymyheadontheheadr
estof
thecouchwhenIwasdone

heat ef
ini
shthenretur
nedtheplatestotheroom,I
touchedmynewpi eceofjewelitmademesohappy
man.Whenhewal kedonIwasst i
llt
ouchingit
,he
smiledandsatnexttome,Isatupandl ookedathim

hi
m:"
let
'sgo"
me:
"uy
aphi
wena"
?
hi
m:"
dri
vi
ngy
ouandy
ourcarhome"
Ismi l
edandlookeddeepint
ohisey es.
..
Icouldn't
holdback,Iwentfor
thandki
ssedhim.Hewasn' t
reluct
antatall
..
.hej
ustcamecloserandwe
kissed,
fel
lonmybackont hecouch,him ontop,hi
s
l
egsbet weenmyl egsaswegotlostinourown
wor l
d.

Thisonekisswaslonger,
mor et
ender,more
passionat
ethananyotherkisswemi ghthave
sharedbefor
e.Atsomepoi ntwestopped,heki
ssed
mynoseadgotup, smil
ingashepul l
edmeupas
well
.

hi
m:"weshoul
dgtgoi
ng,
don'
twanty
out
ogeti
nto
tr
oubl
eonmybehalf"
me:
"I
'm abi
ggi
rl
"
hi
m:"
Iknow.
.butst
il
l"

l
olayIt
ookmyt hi
ngsandledtheway .Heopened
mycarforme.
..
tositi
nthepassengerseat:
/I
obl
i
ged.Sosocameoutoft
hehouse

hi
m:"
mol
okazana,
howar
eyou"
?
myguesswasut het
hanam.
..
thoughIdi
dn'
t
under
standwhathesai
dinXhosa

me:
"I
'm gr
eaty
ou"
?
hi
m:"
toppi
es.
..
let
'
sgety
ouhomekesi
si"

MrEgogoti nt hecaranddr oveout,hi

sbrot
her
fol
lowednday obekwaekhay aIdi al
edmyaccess
codeont hegat esi
nceauntymusthav ebeeninsi
de
hercottagetoopent hegate,onlymycarwentInside.
wekissedwhi l
ei nthecart
henher anoutandleft
wit
hhisbot her..
.asIwaspar kingthecarInot
iceda
shoppingbagatt hebackseatIt ookitandl
ooked
i
nside:Dgoodi eszodwa

Ical
l
edhi
m
hi
m:"
zezakho"
me:
"andkat
het
hinot
het
ha"
hi
m:"
Iknowy
ouf
oundt
hepl
ast
icbag"
me:
"t
hanksbabe"
hi
m:"
uyat
handwa"
Ismi
l
ed
me:
"nAm Il
ovey
ou"

wehungupIwenti
nsi
de.
..
itwassaf
e,Iwentt
omy
r
oom andl
ayonmyback!Thiski
ndalove:
)
[
10/
8,19:
43]‪+27730692704‬:
#15

okay
..
.Febr
uar
yended.

i
ttookLwandi
soanenti
remont
hbef
orehecal
l
ed
meefunaezakhei
i
cuff
s:v
me:
"Soso"
?
hi
m:"
nam ndaf
unant
anga"
me:
"f
unawhat
"?
hi
m:"
thegol
dbabi
esy
ouboughtmydupl
i
cat
e"
me:
"gobuyt
hem i
nVi
ncent
"
him:"
nope,
youar
ebuyi
ngf
orme.
..
howcany
oubuy
foronetwi
nwena"?
me:
"hai
boSoso"
?
hi
m:"
Ineedt
hem bef
oremont
hendkesi
si"

hehunguponme: vMarchcamet hr
oughandwe
wouldmeett hosecoupleofhour sanddepart.I
di
dn'tcl
oseschoolsforMar chcozmat ricul
ants
don'
t.Sothisotherti
meIwast akentoschool bydad
i
ndlel
ay ogodukawast obet hehardest:/but
ndi
cingathiswasachancef orusyabo,soaftermy
cl
assIcalledhim.
hi
m:"
sisbae"
me:
"hey
..
.Ineedaf
avor
"
hi
m:"
owkay
"
me:
"coul
dyoupl
zcomepi
ckmeup"
hi
m:"
youatschool
"?
me:
"yes"
hi
m:"
gimme5"
me:
"t
hanks"
hi
m:"
eshe"
:
v

Iwai
ted..
.I'
m notreal
lyasoci
almediapersonsoI
woul
dn'treal
lyknowwhat '
sgoi
ngont her
ethoughi
hadaccountsbutIwaskindafazedwhenMi sh
camerunningwithherphoneendiboni
saawallpost
onhi
swal lfr
om anothergi
rl

"NanaImi
ssy
ou,
i
tfeel
sli
kei
tsbeeny
ear
snow"
checkedt
hename.
..
a.aay
ingoLi
sat
heexendi
yazi
yo

Mi
sh:
"t
houghty
oushoul
dknow"
me:
"uhm.
..
thanks"

wesatinsi
l
ence. .
.t
hecararr
ivedIkissedMish
goodby
eandl eftndagenaemotweni gr
eet
edhi m
andwentsi
lent.Hedr ov
etoVincentdebonair
s

hi
m:"
let
'sgr
absomebi
te"
me:
"not
hanksI
'
m cool
"

hel
ookedatme...
kindar
eadi
ngme.Hel
ayhi
shead
ont
heheadrest

hi
m:"
you'
vebeenonFacebook"
me:
"so"
?
hi
m:"
ther
e'snot
hinggoi
ngont
her
e"
me:
"r
eal
l
ynow"

hesi
ghed.
..
hisphoner
anghel
ookedatt
hecal
l
er
andl
ookedatme

hi
m:"
Ovay
o"?
her
:"
heybabe.
..
unj
ani
"?
hi
m:"
I'
m goodwena"
?
her
:"
greatnow.
..
sowhendoIgett
oseey
ou"
?
hi
m:"
Idon'tknow..
.I
'm act
ual
l
yint
hemi
ddl
eof
somet
hingrightnow"
her
:"
oh.
.okay
,IhopeIwasn'
tdi
stur
bingy
ou"
hi
m:"
it
scool
"
her:
"okay,
I
'l
lcal
ll
ater
..
.hopef
ull
yyouwon'
tbewi
th
yourgir
l"
hi
m:"
ayt
"
al
lthi
sti
meIwasl
ooki
ngaway
..
.

hi
m:"
sor
ryaboutt
hat
"
me:
"cool
..
.sonowpl
ztakemehome"
hi
m:"
canwej
ustor
dersomet
hingsi
thet
he"
?
me:
"sot
het
hant
oni
"?
hi
m:"t
her
e'snot
hinggoi
ngonbet
weenOv
ayoandI
baby
"
me:
"Inev
erasked"
hi
m:"
buty
oui
mpl
i
ed"
me:"
Iimpl
ied?ohsoyouwoul
dbecoolwi
thsome
ni
qqawrit
ingsomethi
ngl
iket
hatonmywall
"?

hekeptqui
et

me:
"shoul
dIgr
abat
axi
"?
hi
m:"
no"
hest ar
tedtheigni
ti
onanddr ovemehome, parked
outsideandlockedthedoors-_-Iwasn'
tfeel
ingli
ke
arguingatallIwasti
redIneededsomer estabove
al
l,Ineededabubblebathandsomegoodf ood!

hi
m:"Iam sorr
yforwhaty
ousaw,Idon'
tknowwhy
shewrotethatonmywallwhensheknowsver
ywell
Ihav
eagi rl
fr
iend"

Ihadnot
hingt
osay
..
.

hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
e"?
me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"
khat
het
hesan"
me:
"ndi
thi
ni"
?
hi
m:"
sayy
oubel
i
eveme"
me:
"Ibel
i
evey
ou"
hesi
gnedandl
ookedahead.
.kant
iebengaf
uni
lont
o
nah?

hi
stwi
ncal
l
ed

hi
m:"
Soso"
?
Soso:
"whatt
hephuck'
swr
ongwi
tchu"
?
hi
m:"
huh"
?
Soso:"
don'
thuhmeman!what
'st
hisshi
tIr
eadon
yourFB"?
hi
m:"
notnowSosopl
z"
Soso:
"notnow?y
oubet
terdel
etet
hatcr
apbef
ore
Tri
naseesit"
hi
m:"
tool
ate"
Soso:
"hol
yshi
t!y
ou'
reony
ourown"
!

hehungup.
..
justl
i
ket
hat
.
me:
"pl
zunl
ockt
hedoor
"
hi
m:"
Ican'
tl
ety
ougol
i
ket
his"
me:
"pl
z..
.Idon'
thav
eener
gybr
apl
z"

hetookhi stimebutev entual

lyunlockedthedoor s,
I
tookmybagandl eft
.Ididn'
tknowwhatt obelieve
shame.Fi kaekhay andenzaallmychor esand
studiedforthreehoursthenIwor emyspor tsgear
andwentj ogging.ThisistheonlyremedyIknow
thatcandepr eciat
emyst r
esslevels.It
ookaj ogof
twohour sndabuy aabazalibekhonaIgr eetedthem
andwentst raighttomybedr oom ndav asanday ot
ya
okondi t
hulendaphakamanday olala.Hekepton
call
ingokoandamhoy acozIknewuzoxol isaor
afuneucacisaandIwasn' ti
nthemood.

fol
lowi
ngmor ni
ngIwokeupandchecked
Facebook.
..t
herewere67commentsonthat
Ovayo'
spost:/ayngaphumakwal
aphoIwentto
bat
handgotreadyf
orschoolthenImadeway
downst
air
sandmademy sel
flunch.

dad:
"Tr
ina"
?
me:
"daddy
"?
hi
m:"it
hinky
oushoul
ddr
ivey
our
sel
ftoschool
agai
n"
me:
"t
hanksdad"
him:"
butremi
ndmemont
hendt
hecarneedst
obe
serv
iced"
me:
"not
ed"

Itookmyl unchandsomef r
uitndaphuma,r
etur
ned
totakethecarkeysthenIl
eftforschool
.AsI
enteredSosocall
edme: /

me:
"Lwandi
so"
?
hi
m:"
hey
,ushar
p"
me:
"yeahwena"
?
hi
m:"
great
..
.look,
Akhont
oyenz-
"
me:
"Idon'
twannaheari
t"
hi
m:"
plzbr
a,j
ustl
i
stent
owhatIhav
etosay
"
me:
"I
'm sor
ryIcan'
t.
..
ift
her
ewasnot
hingel
se"
?
hi
m:"
okay
..
.pl
zpi
ckuphi
scal
l
ske"
me:
"t
hat
'sal
l
"?
hi
m:"
yes"
me:
"cool
..
.hav
eagoodday
"
hi
m:"
yout
oo"

Ihungupandwentt
ocl
ass.I
twasonehel
l
uval
ong
day.
..

Mi
sh:
"ur
ightChom"
?
me:
"yep"
her
:"
Ireadt
hecomment
sizol
o"
me:
"goodf
ory
ou"
her
:"
appar
ent
lyt
her
e'snot
hinggoi
ngon"
me:
"needal
i
ft"
?
her
:"
uhm no,
Keenani
spi
cki
ngmeup"
me:
"cool
..
seey
out
omor
rowt
hen"

Iwalkedtomycarndagenaanddr
oveoutoft
he
schoolpremi
ses.Ir
acedhomendafi
kandazi
phosa
ebhedini

Ev
ecal
l
ed.
..

me:
"l
ow"
?
her
:"
wassup"
?
me:
"nun"
her
:"
com on"
me:
"ser
iousl
y"
shewassil
entforawhil
e..
.Isi
ghedandkeptqui
et
tr
yingmybestnottocr
y.

her
:"
isi
ttheLandi
l
eguy
"?
me:
"no"
her
:"
comeonTee-
Teet
ell
mewhatgoty
ousodown"
me:"uhm..
.okay
!Sear
chLandil
eTit
uson
Facebook,
readawall
postf
rom anOvay
othencal
l
meback"
her
:"
owki
e-doki
e"

Ihungupandchangedi nt
oamer etowelwrapped
aroundmybodyasIt ookmybooksandat tempted
tostudybutnot hi
ngwassinkingin!Igaveupand
wentdownst air
sandmademy sel
fastrawberr
y
smoot hieandwenttositbythepool al
ongwithmy
phone...Evecal
ledagai
n
her
:"
okay.
..
sowhat
'
sthest
oryt
her
e?andwhoi
s
Lwandi
so"?
me:"
twi
nbr
other
..
.Iact
ual
l
ydon'
tknowt
hest
oryat
al
l
"
her
:"
younev
erasked"
?
me:
"Idon'
twannaknowdude"
her
:"
okay
,hav
eyouspokent
ohi
m atl
east
"?
me:
"Idon'
twantt
o"
her
:"
oh.
..
sowhatexact
lydoy
ouwant
"?
me:
"t
onotl
ovehi
mli
keIdor
ightnow.
..
ithur
ts"
her
:"okay
..
.don'
tcr
yIknowithur
tsbuty
ouwi
l
lhav
e
tot
alktohim,al
l
owhimtoexplai
n"
me:
"mxm"
her
:"
that
'stheonl
ywayyouwi
l
lfi
ndcl
osur
eory
ou
wantmet ocal
lLuke"
?
me:
"you'
resuchabor
eyouknowt
hat
"?

shel
aughed
her:
"soI
'
vebeent ol
d,nowt
akeaswi
m orj
ogt
hengo
backtoyourbooks"
me:
"yesmot
her
"!

shel
aughedandswor
eatmeasshehungup.
..

Landi
l
ewascert
ainl
ynotgiv
ingup:
/themi
nut
eI
hungupKuEvehi
scallcamethr
ough

me:
'
'l
ow"
?
him:
"pl
z..
.Iam beggi
ngyou.Ineedt
oseey
ou,
Ineed
toexpl
ainplzbabyndiy
akucel
a"
me:"
youdon'
tneedt
odoany
thi
ng,
youj
usthappent
o
wanttodoi
t"
hi
m:"
cany
ougi
vemeachanceke"
?

Ikeptqui
et:
/cont
empl
ati
ng
hi
m:"
babypl
z"
me:
"kay
"
hi
m:"
facet
oface.
..
cany
ousneakout
"?
me:
"wher
eto"
?
hi
m:"
Amal
i
ndaKFC"
me:
"cool
"

Ihungupandleftthepoolside.Iwentinsi
dethe
houseandworeaboobt ubemaxi dresswit
hsandal
s
andasunhatthenIdrovemy sel
ftoAmal i
nda
ndafi
kandabonaimotoy akheIpar kedandpray
edto
Godndingazi
soli
kengalento.

whenIst
eppedi
n..
.amessagenot
if
icat
ioncame
t
hrought
omyphone

Ov
ayo:
IhearnguweIcher
ri
ekaLar
a.Wel
l
,fr
om
whatIseeher
e,y
ougotnunonmeohandwai
t,
are
youwhit
eoralbi
no?

:
/mhndithendi
siy
akuyendabesendaneleal
ready
.
Hegotupandpull
edachai
rforme,Isatdownand
l
ookedathi
m

hi
m:"
whatcanIgety
ou"
?
me:
"I
'm cool
"

besendi
funaugoduka!
[
10/
8,19:
43]‪+27730692704‬:
#16

Hegotupandwentt othecounter.Ir
echeckedthi
s
message.
..
itwasfrom Facebook,
Ireaditagai
n.Yaz
yand'
qhel
alomntana?Nx!
Laaret
urnedwithanOreoKrusherforme,
Str
awber
ry
fl
avorf
orhim andzi
ngerwingsthenhesatdown.
me:
"canwemaket
hisqui
ckpl
z"?
hi
m:"
phew.
..
nowhowdowebegi
nthi
s"?
me:
"Idon'
tknow.
..
youcal
l
edmeher
e"

hesippedonhisbev erageandrel
axedleaningback
onhischai
r.
..ndavelandabonabat hi
sisgonnat ake
l
ongerthanIanti
cipated.Isi
ppedonmyKr usher
keepi
ngeyecontact

him:
"ImetOv ayongoDecemberbef or
eImet
you,
wehadaLi lchat
,not
hingseri
ousonlycoz
Lwandohadacr ushonher ,
Iki
ndawantedtouseher
asmyv engeanceonhim"

l
olIcoul
dn'
tbel
i
evemyeye.
..
toapoi
ntIal
most
chokedonmybever
age!

hi
m:"
Iknowt
hissoundsi
nsanebutatt
hatt
imeI
wasn'
tthi
nki
ngatall
..
.Ii
ndi
rect
lyt
oldherIhavea
gi
rl
fr
iendbutshev
olunteer
edtobeasidechick"

Ihadsomanyquesti
onsj
ustt
hatIcoul
dn'
tputt
hem
i
norderr
ightaway

hi
m:"cel
authet
hekewhat
every
ouwannasay
,orask
i
fyouhaveaquest
ion"
me:
"doy
oust
il
ll
oveLi
sa"
?
hi
m:"
no"
me:
"t
henwhypur
suev
engeance"
?
hi
m:"
it
snotabouther
..
.i
tsaboutLwando"
me:"
whohappenstobeyourcousi
n,t
hesameguy
whom y
ourexcheatedonyourwit
h"

hesi
ghed.
..aykodwakeIneededt
oknow!

me:
"doy
oust
il
ll
oveLi
sa"
?
hi
m:"
no"
me:
"ar
eyousur
eyouf
orgav
eher
"?
hi
m:"
ewebabyIt
oldy
oubef
ore"
me:"
Iknow.
..
sol
oOv
ayo,
hav
eyoubeenseei
ngher
behi
ndmyback"
?
hi
m:"
no.
..
kinda"
me:
"whi
chi
swhi
chkengok"
?
hesatupandlookedatme,pai
nful
l
y, Iavoi
dedhis
eyescozIwantedthet
rut
hwi t
houtfeeli
ngguil
ty.

hi
m:"okayaft
erwemetinDecembernday
e
ndadi
bananawe,soInegl
ect
ed,
rej
ect
edandav
oided
herbyallmeans"
me:
"buty
ounev
erbr
oket
ies"
?
hi
m:"Idi
dn'twantLwandot
ogether
..
.he'
sgoti
tso
badforheritr
emindsmeofhowIfel
taboutLi
sa
bef
oretheycheatedonme"
me:
"mh"
hi
m:"
solastmont hIbumpedontoherwhenIwentt
o
buyy
ourv al
ent
inesgif
tandthat
'swher
eshegotthe
i
deathatshemighthaveri
ghtnow"
me:"
lemmeguess,
youbumpedontoher
,deci
dedt
o
buyherl
unchandsi
tdowntocat
chup?r i
ght
"?
hi
m:"
doest
hatmakemeabadguy
"?
me:
"mh.
..
ri
ghtnow,
Idon'
tknow"
hi
m:"babyplzman.
..
sheknowsaboutus,
sheknowsI
wantyou,
Imadethatper
fect
lycl
eart
oher
ngal
amini"
me:
"wellIdon'tt
hinkyouwerecl
earenoughorshe
mi
sint
erpretedyourlunchf
orsomethi
ngelse"
hi
m:"
Idon'
tfol
l
ow"

Ishowedhi mthemessageIgot.
..
hereadit,
ret
urned
myphoneandkeptqui et.Hi
sjawwastightkucaca
baunomsi ndonehbuthewascontai
ninghimself,
rest
rai
ningfrom bur
sti
ng!
It
ookmyphone, puti
tinsi
demybagandcont i
nued
dr
inki
ngmyKr usherIwasn'tgonnaeatt
hosewingz,
I
wasn'
thungr
yatal l
.

me:
"wel
li
fwe'
redoneI
'
dli
ket
ogohome"
hekeptqui
et.
..
:
/
hi
sphonekeptonr
ingi
ngengay
ihoy
itu

me:
"pl
zpi
ckupt
hephone"
cwaka
me:
"Landi
l
e"?
hesnappedoutofi
t
hi
m:"
hm"
?
me:
"phone"

hi
m:"
shosan"
?
Soso:
"ei
taugr
and"
?
hi
m:"
no,
you"
?
Soso:
"ndi
shar
p,howzi
tgoi
ng"
?
hi
m:"
wor
sebr
a..
.khazondi
cengel
amnt
akza"
Soso:
"can'
tbethatbadman,
nguweIsmoot
htal
ker
nj
euyayazlont
o"
hi
m:"
ri
ghtnow.
..
whaty
ouj
ustsai
disi
nval
uabl
e"
Soso:
"okayndi
yeza"
hi
m:"
thanksman"

Idon'twannal i
ei thurtmeseeinghim str
essed
elahl
obo.He' sbeennot hingbutgoodtomebutt he
i
deaofanot herpersonpul l
i
nghisheartawayfrom
mej usthurtsobad.Igotupt oleav
e,ndaguquka
ndajongangasemny angoandmyey esmetSoso's:/
thatwasn'tjustfast!itwasli
ghti
ngfast!Wherethe
hellwashekant i?

hi
m:"
hey
,yougoi
ngal
ready
"?
me:
"yeah.
..
school
wor
kcal
l
s"
hi
m:"
wel
lcanIbuyy
ousomet
hing"
?
me:"I
'
m nothungryandbesi
des,
yourbr
otheral
ready
boughtmeaKr usher
"
hi
m:"
good.
..
thenI
'
m buy
ingy
ouat
wist
er"

watshoendit
sal
asabuy
elabacktothetabl
ewhere
hi
sbr ot
herwasseat
ed,
hepull
edathir
dchairandsat
down...
Ihadnochoi
cebutt
ositdown!

Soso:
"sowhatar
ewehav
ing?what
'st
his"
?
hetookawi ngandchewlol si
sbhanxalomntana
shame,li
kekuyeyici
rcusLenasikuyo.Hetook
anotherwingbef
orespeakingup..
.

Soso:
"mnt
akza,
uzot
yant
oni
"?
Laa:
"I
'm cool
"
Soso:
"cool
myf
ootandi
zot
yandedwaapha"
Laa:
"br
andi
grand"
Soso:
"Idon'
tcare.
..
youareeati
ng.Si
sTeei
right
moslatwistbesit
hethengay
o"?
me:
"Sosobr
a"!
hi
m:"
sweetchi
l
lineh?okay
..
.wai
ter
"??
!!

hahaha!kwakhekwakhoIwai
terni
nikwaKFC?
?:v:
v

ayounggir
lcamet oourt
abl
esmi
l
ingwi
thabookl
et
andpeninherhand.

her
:"
hi,
youcal
l
edf
orawai
ter
"?
Soso:
"mol
oNont
ombi
unj
ani
"?
shebl
ushedo.
Oli
ke.
..
didsher
eal
l
ybl
ush?:
v
her
:"
I'
m goodt
hankswena"
?
Soso:
"wewi
l
lbebett
erifsi
ngat
yasi
hlut
hef
ast
..
.can
youhel
puswit
hthat
"?
her
:"
I'
ll
try
..
nowcanIt
akey
ouror
dersi
r"
?
Soso:"
yes,
canwehav easweetchi l
l
i
twi
ster,
str
eet
wisefi
vewi thex
trachipsanda2lit
re
ofCabbanathankyou..
.andIhopey ouwrot
ethat
downcozIain'tr
epeati
ngmy self
"

shesmil
edandlef
tus.
..Sosot
ookanot
herwi
ng.We
wereawkwar
dlyqui
et

Soso:
"soTee,
howar
etheext
racl
assesgoi
ng"
?
Ibreat
hed!Thi
sniqqawasgonnaMAKEmet
alk
nobaandif
uniuzi
xelel
eSana

me:
"qui
tewel
l
"
hi
m:"havey'
allbeeninf
ormedwher
ethewi
nter
cl
asseswil
ltakeplace"
?
me:"notyet
,butr
umor
shav
eitt
hatt
heywi
l
lbeat
yourschool
"
hi
m:"
oh,
Ihear
dthatt
ooy
ouknow.
..
justwasn'
tsur
eif
i
tweret
rueornot
"
me:
"noonei
s"
hi
m:"
andwheni
syourmat
ri
cdance"
?
me:"we'
rest
il
ldiscussi
ngbuttheheadmast
er
wishesi
tbebyMaymont hendsowecanfocuson
ourmid-
yearexami nat
ion"
hi
m:"
hopef
ull
yourdat
eswon'
tcol
l
ide"
me:
"i
sther
eapossi
bil
i
tyt
hough"
?
him:
"bet
weenmeandy
ou,
ourheadmast
ersar
e
secr
etfoes"

hahahawhatthehel
l
?Icouldn'thel
pbut
l
augh,y
axokaLonaman!Thel adybroughtourf
ood
andlef
t,
theyshar
edthest
reetwi se

Soso:
"masi
tyent
wana"
Laa:
"bendi
thend-
"
Soso:
"ungakul
i
ngeuf
unendi
kucengephambi
kwe
cher
ryyakhokemna"
Laatookapi
eceandate,
aft
erthatonetheconti
nued
eati
ngandwabeebonabanam ndiyat
yalatwist
er
i
thengwengubr
otherwakhe.Whenweredone
eati
ngwaphi
ndaloSosondini
:/

Soso:
'
'okaynowdesser
t"
?
Laa:
"haySosobr
a"
Soso:
"I
'm pay
ing.
..
ordery
ourdesser
tLi
lbr
other
"
Laa:
"anot
herKr
usherke"
Soso:
"Dai
rymi
l
kthi
sti
me.
..
Tee"
?
me:
"j
ustwat
erpl
z"
Soso:"t
hatain'tnodesert,
I
'm order
ingyoua
st
r awberr
yKr usher
,I
'm havi
ngt heOreo..
.good,
i
phi
l
ant ombingoku" ?heaskeddr amatical
ly:vshe
practi
call
yrant oourtabl
ewi t
hhernot epad>_<

Soso:
"t
hreeKr
usher
spl
z..
.Or
eo,
str
awber
ryandDai
ry
Mil
k"
her
:"
ist
hatal
l
"?
Soso:"f
ornowyes.
..
plzmakeitqui
ckmythroatwal
l
s
arecracki
ngopenl
ikeii
ngcondozkanol
ali
emlanjeni
"

Landilelaughed:/Iwaski ndal ost.Isi

Xhosami ght
havebeenmyhomel anguagebybi rthbutEnglish
becamemyhomel anguagenow, sincet hefi
rst
gradeIonl yspokeXhosabehi nddoor swithmy
mom butaf t
erherdeat h,
Ididn'tfull
yindulgeinitcoz
nooneel seunderstoodthelanguageathomeso
basicall
ymyv ocabular
ywasf ull
yEngl ish.

whi
l
ewewai
tedf
orourbev
erages.
..

Soso:"
okay
..
.nowthatwe'
regoodandf
ull
.Canwe
gettobusi
ness"
?
me:
"busi
ness"
?
hi
m:"
uh-
huh.
..
Lar
a"?
Laa:
"yeah"
hi
m:"
what
'
sgoi
ngonher
e"?
Laa:
"yhobruh.
..
it
swhatIalr
eadytol
dyouf
ondi
nai
n'
t
gotenergytor
ecitet
hiswhol
eishnow"
hi
m:"
Tee"
?
me:
"hm"
?
hi
m:"
uyamt
handaumnt
akwet
hu"
?
me:
"yes"
hi
m:"
thenwhyi
sithar
dtof
orgi
vehi
m"?
me:
"i
tsnothar
d..
.Ij
ustdon'
twannabesecondbest
"
Laa:
"buty
ou'
renotnj
ebabyandy
ouknowt
hat
"
me:
"Ido"
?
Soso:
"okayshush!phewt
hiza!":
v

zabuy
aii
Krusher
szet
hu,
Itookmi
neandsi
pped.

Soso:
"okay
..
.Tee"
?
Il
ookedathi
m
hi
m:"
Ineedonef
avorf
rom y
ou"
me:
"shoot
"
hi
m:"plzneh,
I'
m notf
orci
ngy
oui
ntoany
thi
ngbutI
'
m
pl
eadingwithyou"
me:
"okay
"
hi
m:"gi
vemybrotheranotherchance...
don'
tmind
Ovayoandtheli
kesthatwil
l beli
keheralongthe
way.Ij
ustwannaseemybr otherhappyonceagain"
me:
"butSosobr
a"
hi
m: "
Iunderst
and...Ido.butputyourselfi
nmy
shoes.Yayazibalomnt uuyaqalaukutyaanyt
hing
namhlanjeeversi
nceni qal
el ent
oniyenzayoi
ngena
l
abelokwempahl ay amaChi na"

hahaIfoundmy
sel
fsmi
l
ingandf
unuxoka:
vIwant
ed
tolaugh.

hi
m:"
uyamt
handamos"
?
me:
"t
hat
'sunquest
ionabl
e"
hi
m:"
uvi
l
ent
wana?y
ak'
ncany
wal
omnt
ana":
vohGod!
Landi
l
ewassmi
l
ing,
shaki
nghi
shead

Soso:"andaziwhynindenzaurefer
eekulematch
i
ngenagoal iebutke,becauseudupl
icat
exa
engonwabanganam andonwabangasoIhav eto
pract
iceAllYouNeedI sLoveaphakuni
"
:
v

Me:
"enkosi
Soso.
..
Ithi
nkwe'
l
ltakei
tfr
om her
e"
Landi
l
elookedatmesurpr
ised,
Sosodr
amat
ical
l
y
cl
appedhishandsst
andi
ngup

hi
m: "
Iguesst
hat'
smycuetol
eavecoz
ndi
yagxothwaokwenj
akaMhezaEbaamaqanda
ehokweni"
me:
"ohcomeonbr
a"
Soso:"
haysi
sindi
veloudandcl
earakhomoy
aapha
neairconi
nobaici
nyiwe"
Laa:
"l
ethi
m"

l
olLwandi
sowentt
othecount
erandti
ppedl
a
nt
ombithenhewi
nkedatuswahamba.

me:
"weshoul
dgetgoi
ngt
oo"

heopenedhismouthtoprotestbutswal
lowedhis
wordsandstoodup,
wewal kedoutandhet ookme
tomycarwaf i
kawemanotknowi ngwhethertohug
orjustbi
dgoodby
e..
.IdecidedtospeakupsinceI'
m
theonewhoaskedSosot oleave

me:
"uhm.
..IguessIowey
ouanapol
ogy
"
hi
m:"
don'
t"
me:
'
'l
emmef
ini
shpl
z"
hi
m:"
ha.
anababeakhoneedy
alont
o"

wit
hthatIhuggedhi
m,hehuggedmeback...
thi
s
wasn'
tli
keourusual
hugs:/itwasdi
stant
.Ipul
led
backandgotint
omycar

hi
m:"
Ilov
eyouSi
bo,
Ireal
l
ydo"
Ibuckl
edmy
sel
fandst
art
edt
hei
gni
ti
on
me:
"Iknowt
hat
"
hi
m:"
sot
her
e'shope"
?
me:"
Ithi
nkso.
..
justdeal
wit
hyourOv
ayoohl
ukane
nam pl
z"
hi
m:"okay
..
.y
hofeel
slikesomewei
ghthasbeen
l
if
tedoffmyshoul
ders"

Ismi
l
edandhoot
edasIdr
oveoutoft
hepar
kingl
ot!
[
10/
8,19:
43]‪+27730692704‬:
#17
Ourli
v escont i
nuedsteadil
yunti
l endofMar chwhen
Ihadt obuyezacuf fl
inksforSosol olIgladl
ybought
them qhai ngxakiwashowam Igonnadel iv
ert hem?
Iweighedal lmyoptionsbutdeci dedtocal lhim,Ihad
nootherchoi ce.ohdidIment i
ont hatthey'r
e
i
denticaltwins?hahabutkeIcoul ddiff
erentiate
betweent hetwongest y
leandv oicesbutmost ly
becausebaehadhi sownscentandsenseof
everyt
hing.

hi
m:"
babe"
?
me:
"I
'm notYOURbabe,
unj
ani
"?
hi
m:"any
thi
ngmyhal
fownsi
smi
net
ooy
'know?ndi
shar
pwena"?
me:"
hedon'
townmet hough.
..
any
way
,cany
oucome
andfet
chyourcuf
fspl
z"
hi
m:"
why
"?
me:
"Idon'
tunder
stand"
?
hi
m:"whenyougaveLarahi
syoudel
i
ver
edt
hem,
why
shoul
dIcomefetchmine"?
Isi
ghed.
..Sosowasmaki
ngt
hisdi
ff
icul
tngoku!

me:
"okay
..
.wher
e"?
hi
m:"
tomor
row"
me:
"Sosowher
e"?
hi
m:"athomefondi
nanddon'
taskmefordi
rect
ions
cozuyakwazaphaxausemat
handweni
"

l
olohna?

me:
"what
ever
"
hi
m:"
whenl
astdi
dyouspeakt
omybr
other
"?
me:"
hahay
oudoknowt
hat
'
snoneofy
ourbusi
ness
r
ight
"?
hi
m:"
khandi
ybuzekel
euy
thet
hay
osi
si"
me:
"mxm Sosov
ah"
hi
m:"
phendul
a"
me:
"t
odayksasa"
hi
m:"
thenwhyi
shei
naf
oul
mood"
?
me:
"whyezokwazi
wandi
m ef
undanawe"
?
hi
m:"
andi
yocher
ryy
akhemnanont
ombi
"
me:
"nam andi
l
otwi
nlakhemos"
hi
m:"y
ou'r
egetti
ngt
oobi
gfory
ourownshoes
Tr
ina,
byebye"
me:
"seey
out
omor
row"
hi
m:"
ayt
"

Ihungupandr
est
ed,
sti
l
ldr
essedi
nschool
uni
for
m
LandileandIlastspokefacetofacengal
aminika
SosokwaKFCbutwespoket wotimesadayandI
thoughtwewer ecool..
.Imissedhimtosaythe
l
east,Imissedhishugs,ki
sses,
hi
shandsandmost lyI
missedj oki
ngaroundwi t
hhim.Playi
ngnonsense
naye.
Iachedt
ohearhisv
oice,
especial
l
ynowthathi
stwin
sai
dhewasn'thi
mself:
/Iclosedmyeyesandcal
led
hi
m. .
.

hi
m:"
babe"
?
me:
"hey
"

si
l
ence

hi
m:"
youokay
?yousounddown"
me:
"I
'm cool
,
uthenwena"
?
hi
m:"
I'
m cool
"
me:
"comeon"
hesi
ghed.
..Iwascount
ingt
hesecondsofsi
l
ence

hi
m:"
don'
twor
ryy
our
sel
fbabendi
right
"
me:"
canIseey
ou.
..
eveni
flat
eronwheny
ou'
renot
busy
"?
hi
m: "
uhm.
..l
emmecomenow,
lat
esi
yaphumane
guys"
me:
"okay
"
hi
m:"
gar
age"
?
me:
"yeah"
hi
m:"
kayshar
p"
me:
"cool
"

Ihungupandsear chedforsomethingto
wear,undressedtheunif
orm andtookiti
tdown
si
ncei twasFr i
daythenIcamebackandwor ebum
shorts,
vestneflopsthenIloosenedmyhairand
combedi t,i
tfel
lhal
fwaydownmybackt henI
grabbedanappl eandwal keduptheroadtaki
ngmy
ti
me,hecal l
ed

me:
"hi
"?
hi
m:"
sendf
iki
l
e"
me:
"kay
"
Ihungupandwal kedwi
tht hesamepace.Ir eached
thegarageandhewasout sidethecarleaningont he
bonnetIwentuptohim andj usthuggedhim, Igl
ued
my sel
fkuyeunt
ilsomet
hingi nhim melt
edndev aba
nyhanI'
m huggi
ngumntuendi mthandayothen
ndasuka.

hi
m:"
utheni
"?
me:
"no,
quest
ioni
s,
wenaut
heni
"?
hi
m:"
tol
dy ounott
oworryyour
sel
faboutme,
shoul
d
wegrabsomethi
ngtoeat"
?
me:
"no,
Ij
ustmi
ssedy
out
hat
sal
l
"
hi
m:"
izakes'
hl
aleabackseat
"

heopenedthedoorandweent er
edIleanedmyhead
onhisshoul
der
...somethingwasdefi
nitel
yup?
NdasukandamjongaIwant edtoaskaquest i
on,he
j
ustmov edabi
tt henlayhisheadonmyt highs
l
ookingupsmil
ing,Icoul
dn'thel
pbutsmi l
etoo
me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
hi
m:"
no,
Il
ovey
ou"

Iki
ssedhi
m heengaged
t
henIpul
l
edbackst
il
lsmi
l
ing

hi
m:"
Sosoi
sbr
aggi
ngbay
ouboughthi
m ezaway
"
me:
"yeah.
..
sai
dIshoul
dbr
ingem ngomso"
hi
m:"
endl
i
ni"
?
me:
"yep"

hel
aughed!

me:
"owkay
"?
hi
m:"he'
str
appi
ngy
ou.
..
thef
olkswi
l
lbehome
ngomso"
me:
"ohmyGod"
!

hekeptl
aughi
ngatme.
..
li
keuSosounj
ani
?heee!
[
10/
8,19:
44]‪+27730692704‬:
#18

me:
"howcoul
dhedot
hist
ome"
?
hi
m:"
andi
ngeni
ndawokemna"

Iwasthi
nking..
.lol
uSosoi
yaphambanaifhethi
nksI
wil
lgototheirhomemnangomso!He'sgotanother
thi
nkcoming!

Laa:
"baby
"?
me:
"mh"
?
him:"
awzobagr
oundedi
fyourf
olkszzi
buy
eungekho
sendl
ini
"?
me:
"er
h..
.ayandi
yazndi
zoy
bonangoko"
hekeptqui
et.
..hi
sphoner
ang,
pickeduphesi
tant
ly

hi
m:"
Ovay
oBr
ianaSt
imel
a"
:
o
yhoIsweartoyouifebesabel
akum el
ahlobo,
I
would'
vehungup,
thewayheemphasi zedoneach
vocabkucacanj
ebaudi ki
we

her
:"
myguessi
s,
you'
rewi
thy
ourmai
d"
hi
m:"
ufunani
"?
her
:"
wena"
hi
m:"
utshay
einy
aopeNont
ombi
"?
her
:"
ndayi
xubanecol
ogneyakhokwenzel
a
ndi
qhuny
elwekuwentwana"
hi
m:"
Iai
n'
tgott
imef
ory
ourbul
l
shi
t"

hehungup
me:"
wooo!whathappenedt
oMrSmoot
htal
kert
he
gent
leman"
?
hi
m:"
ha.
ababe"
me:
"xol
oke.
..
let
'
sgot
othebeach"
hi
m:"
Kul
ateul
'
boni
l
eixesha"
?
me:
"yes.
..
dri
vel
et'
sgo"
hi
m:"
okay
..
butsobuy
amsi
nya"

Idi
dn'
tanswert
hat
..
.hewentt
othedr
iver
sseatand
wai
tedforme.

me:
"whatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
or"
?
hi
m:"
haycomesi
tthi
ssi
de"

Ilayonmyback,myfeetuptot
hewindowreaching
theroofndaphol
a,
hechuckl
edanddrov
eout,went
strai
ghtt
oSparandparked
me:
"t
hisai
n'
tnobeach"
hi
m:"
wemi
ghtaswel
lbuysomesnax"
me:
"f
orwho?Idon'
twantnosnax"
hi
m:"
okayi
zakendi
zot
hengel
amna"

Iopenedmydoorandgotoutwewal kedhandin
hand..
.heact
uallytookabasketandwal kedeach
andeveryai
slebuy i
ngthi
sort hatt
henwewentt o
theti
ll
,
heswiped: /oh-
kay!Wewal kedoutandwhen
wewer eal
mosthal fwayt
ot hecar.
..hestoppedon
hist
racksandsighed

me:
"uhm.
..
babe?wassup"
?
hi
m:"
not
hi-
"

somegi r
lwal
kedupt ous..
.pr
ett
yprett
yt hough.She
wasthesamehei ghtashim,dar
kerincompl exi
on
withboxedbr
aidswearingbumshorts,
croppedlace
topandpumps...umhlenyhani
.
her
:"
aha!ndani
bhaqa"
-
_-t
hisist
helookLaahadonhi
sface.
.Iconnect
ed
t
hedots!i
tdawnedonme..
.nguloOvayoSti
mela
l
oh?

her
:"
arey
ounotgonnai
ntr
oduceme"
?

Landil
ewalkedt
othecar
,sl
i
ght
lypul
l
ingmebehi
nd
hi
m. .
.t
hischi
ckf
oll
owed

her
:"
sor
rysomhl
ophe,
mynamei
-"
me:
"Ov
ayoBr
ianaSt
imel
a"

Landi
l
el ookedatmesur
pri
sed:
/Br
ianal
ookedat
hi
m quizzi
call
y

her
:"
oh.
.t
henIguessy
ou'
ret
hegi
rl
fr
iendInev
ergot
t
ohearhername"
me:
"butyouwereabl
etoi
nboxheronFacebook,
how
smartofyou"
her:
"peopl
eputupf
akenamesupt
her
esweet
cheeks"
me:"
hm.
..
mynameshoul
dn'
tbeofanyi
mpor
tancet
o
you"
her
:"
Lar
a..
.umhl
eshame"
hi
m:"
thanksandby
e"

heopenedmydoorandgoti
nhi
sseat

her
:"
noki
ss?hugkeatl
east
..
.Imeanpl
z"
hi
m:"
plzmov
eIwannau-
tur
nher
e"
her
:"
yhohayawundf
uni
nyhani
"

hedi
dn'tanswer
..
.wef
oundaparki
ngspotcl
osert
o
ther
ocks,Ir
emovedmyshoesandwal
kedbaref
oot
tothewaterleavi
nghim behind..
.thecol
dwat er
cooledmesomuchev enmyhear twasatpeace.He
fol
lowedrunningaft
erme: DIr anfastf
orhim notto
catchupwithmeandwedi dthatfor5minutesthen
hecaughtmeup.Ki ssi
ngt hebackandsi desofmy
neck
Iwasgi
ggl
i
ngl
i
keat
oddl
er.
..

Hesuddenl yturnedmear oundandweki ssed,

ful
lon
theli
ps...Isuddenl ydidn'tcarewhatpeopl ethinkof
me,him orus!If eltsomeur geofener gy,
somesense
ofcarelessness: vmyar mspul ledhim evencloser
asweki ssed...Ikindal etgoofaLi l
scream of
excit
ementwhenIr eal
izedt hatthewaterwas
reachi
ngupt omyknees.Hel etgoandl ookedatme
confused?

me:
"uhm,
l
etsr
athergosi
tdownt
her
e"
Ipointedoutandwalkedt
ot hedirect
ion.
he
fol
l
owedandwesatdownnal ashoppingbagy akwa
Spar:vdidIsayIdon'
twantsnacksnoIdi dn'
t!Iwas
thefi
rstonesear
chi
ngforwhatt
oeatndaphumane
grapesabroadsmil
edacrossmyface

hi
m:"
you'
remor
einy
ourel
ement
sher
ethanhome"
me:"
there'
ssomethi
ngaboutbeachwat
er,
you
woul
dn'tunder
standthough"

heey
edmengekona:
vIl
aughedathi
m

me:
"baby
"?
hi
m:"
mh"
?
me:
"doy
out
rustme"
?
hi
m:"
wit
hmyl
i
femnt
wam"
me:
"good"

hewaswait
ingf
orsomet
hingel
se:
/Iwasdone
tal
ki
ngnj
ena!
hi
m:"
whydoy
ouask"
?
me:
"Ijustwant
edt
her
eassur
ancet
hati
hadwhen
wef
irstmet"
hi
m;"
Ilov
eyoubaby
,onl
yyou"
me:
'
'Iknow"

myphoner
ang.
..
kwaphel
ananoIny
ow:
v:vIpi
cked
up

me:
"Mar
c'O'
Pol
o"?
!!
!

Isai
dthatmi
micki
ngBeast
'sv
oice
hebur
sti
ntol
aught
er

hi
m:"
Lil
sis,
hoegaandi
t"
?
me;
"al
asi
sgoed,
enj
y"?
hi
m:"
netso.
..
yourmat
ri
cdance"
me:
"whatabouti
t"
?
hi
m:"
dat
e,t
ime,
venue.
..
all
l
'ot
hatshi
t"
me:
"wi
l
lupdat
eyouonceer
ryt
hangbeensetup"
hi
m: "
okay
...
nowtel
lmewhatar
eyoudoi
ngatt
he
beachsolate"
?

Istammer
edl
ooki
ngar
ound:
ohowt
hephuckdi
dhe
know?

me:
"huh"
?
hi
m:"l
emmeguess,
you'
rewi
thhi
m"?
me:"
uhm boet
,t
hanksf
ort
hecal
lneh?Iwi
lldef
ini
tel
y
cal
lyout
oupdateyouoft
hedance.l
ovey
ou"

Isummar
izedev
ery
thi
ngt
henhungupandbr
eat
hed

Laa:
"ov
erpr
otect
ivebr
other
"?
me:
"canweexchange?I
'
llt
akeSosoy
ou'
l
ltakebot
h
oft
hem"

heki
ssedmyl
i
psandsmi
l
ed.
..
shaki
ngushead
l
ight
ly.
[
10/
8,19:
44]‪+27730692704‬:
#19

Weact uall
yspentmor etimet hanant
ici
pat
edatt he
beacht henhet ookmehome, hedidn'
twannadr op
meatt hegar ageuthikusebusukusohedroppedme
offatthefrontgate.Thefolkswerehomesoy ouan
i
magi nehowsweat ymypal mswer easIwalked
i
nsideandgr eeted..
.

dad:
"heyy
ou'
rebackf
inal
l
y"

Ij
ustsmi
l
ed.
..l
olIdi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osayandIey
es
aunt
ywhowasdishi
ngup
shesmi
l
edandgav
emenocl
ueatal
l
dad:
"comesi
t"
me:
"uhm.
..Ineedt
ocl
osemywi
ndowsf
ir
st"
hi
m:"
okay
,bequi
cksupperi
saboutt
obeser
ved"
me:
"5secondst
ops"

Iranupstai
rsandclosedt
hewindowsthenIlef
tmy
phonechargingandwentbackdownst
airsandsat
onthesamecouchasdaddy ,mom wasprobabl
ysti
ll
busyatthestudy

hi
m:"
soy
ouwentt
othebeachhuh"
?
me:
"yeah,
howdi
dyouknow"
?
hel
ookedatmyf
eet:
v
me:
"oh"
hi
m:"
who'
sthatguywhoj
ustdr
oppedy
ouof
f"
:
ouh-
oh!
me:
"oht
hat
..
.he'
snamei
sLandi
l
e"
hi
m:"
oh.
.howol
dishe"
?
me:
"sameageasme"
hi
m:"
good.
..
ishest
il
li
nschool
"?
me:
"mat
ri
c"
him:
"oh.
..sohowdidyouguysmeetcozi
tst
hefi
rst
ti
meI'm seei
nghi
m orshoul
dIsaythef
ir
stt
imeI
seeyouwi t
hamalefr
iend"

Iswal
lowedandcaref
ull
ypl
acedt
her
ightwor
dson
thet
ipofmytongue:/

me:
"ohwemetatKi
dsBeachi
nDecember
"

mom walkedinsmi
l
ing,
shesatdownont
he
opposi
tecouch

her
:"
whati
sitIhearaboutKi
dd'
sbeach"
?
hi
m:"
That
'
swher
eTr
inametLandi
l
e"
her
:"
La-who?who'
sthat
"?
hi
m:"
herf
ri
endasshesay
s"

mom lookedatme.
..
notsur
e.l
olIwasi
nat
ight
cor
nerhere.

hi
m:"hej
ustdr
oppedherof
facoupl
eofmi
nut
es
ago"
her
:"
oh.
.wher
edi
dhet
akey
ou"
?
me:
"Iact
ual
l
ytookhi
mtot
hebeach"

t
heywer
econf
used:
v
her
:"
buty
ourcari
sher
e"?
me:"
yeah.
..
hecametopourf
uelandwekinda
bumpedontoeachot
hersoItwi
stedhi
sarm"
hi
m:"
ooh.
..
youdosoundf
ondofhi
m''
her
:"
weshoul
dmeethi
m"
me:
"NO"
Iki
ndajumpedloudl
yatthatandt
heybot
hlookedat
mequizzi
cal
ly
..
.Ibreat
hedintwoti
mescalmi
ng
mysel
f

me:
"Imean.
..
no,
ther
e'snoneedma"
her:
"wel
lifhei
sspendi
ngt
imewi
thy
ou,
wehav
eto
gettoknowhim"
hi
m:"
arey
out
aki
nghi
mtoy
ourmat
ri
cdance"
?
her
:"
probabl
y.whi
chi
swhyweshoul
dmeethi
m
bef
orethat"
me:
"uhm.
..
."

j
onga..
.bendixakwenangamazwi suhnn!Aunt
y
sav
edmebybr i
ngingsupperandweat eupmaki
ng
small
conversationheeeBantubalaphabanj
ani
?
afterdi
nnerIcoll
ectedthedi
shesandr et
urnedem
tothekitchenndabuyel
aeroominy am l
ocki
ngitthen
iranmy selfabat
hndakhulul
aandt ookmyphonet o
thebathroom asIsoakedmy sel
finthebubblebath.
Ical
l
edSoso.
..

hi
m:"
babe"
?
me:
"unj
an"
?
hi
m:"
fuckedup,
wena"
?
me:
"t
ir
ed.
..
uhm,
Ican'
tcomengomso"
hi
m:"
whynot
"?
me:
"It
hinkI
'
m gr
ounded"
hi
m:"
yout
hink?whatdi
dyoudo"
?
me:"
yourbrot
herdr
oppedmeof
fatt
hef
rontgat
e
andthefol
kswerehome"
hi
m:"mxm ni
muncuxaninobabinikanene,
whodrops
agir
lemnyangokowayo?ebalungwininogal
"?

Iwasi
nst
it
cheskuhl
eka
me:
"Sosoman.
..
souhm,
uzokwenzanj
ani
ngezi
way
"?
hi
m:"
awzobanay
onechancey
ophumaatal
l
"?
me:"
Iwil
l.
..
they
'r
egoi
ngt
othef
armsbutkeI
'
m st
il
l
gr
ounded"
hi
m:"
wil
lcal
lyouxasi
segar
agenot
win"
me:
"kay
,ni
ght
"
hi
m:"
night
"

:
pci
mbaubhadl
i
le?sozeaf
ikekum!

Ical
l
edhi
stwi
n..
.

him:"
mylove,
Iwasaf
rai
dtocal
lkant
iyou'
rewi
th
yourfol
ks"
me:
"oh.
..
wehav
eapr
edi
cament
"
hi
m:"
whati
sit
"?
me:
"t
heysawy
ou"
hi
m:"
no"
me:
"nowt
heywannameetwi
thy
ou"
hi
m:"
hol
yJesus!sowhatdowedo?ut
heni
kubo"
?
me:
"boutus"
?
hi
m:"
yeah"
?
me:"sai
dwe'r
efri
ends.
..
khandkwazt
ubaj
onga
ebusweniandsaywe'r
edating"
hi
m:"
okay
,west
ickt
othesamest
oryke"
me:
"okay.
..
sondit
hiuzozanini
?coztheywanna
meetyoubefor
emymat r
icdance"
hi
m:"
gimmeaweek.
..
topr
epar
emy
sel
f"
me:
"pr
epar
e?eshe!okay
"
hi
m:"kal
okndizakwii
n-l
awssof unekaevenmy
Engl
i
shbeonpoi ntbangabi
ziooflabber
gast
ed
ndot
hukendibel
ost"
:
v
:
v
me:
"kaywhat
every
ousay
"
hi
m:"
so.
..
wenzanngok"
?
me:
"soakedi
nabat
h,u"
?
hi
m: "
justt
ookashower
..
.wi
shIcoul
dwashy
our
back"
me:
"somewi
shesdon'
treal
l
ycomet
ruey
ayazi
"
hi
m:"
oneday
"
me:
"Thembaal
i
bul
ali
"
hi
m:"Iwi
shIhadrecor
dedt
hisndi
kumamel
i
se
ngal
ominiy
azbabe"
me:
"heee!hehbae,
uyagezauLwandi
so"
hi
m:"
but
heuf
unasi
tshi
ntshi
sel
aneke"
me:"t
yhini
!bekhendamfounel
awat
hixesabel
a'babe'
ndi
thikuyeandingobabewakhemna"
hi
m:"l
emmeguess.
..
hesai
dev
ery
thi
ngIownhe
owns?vi
sev
ersa"
me:
"ewe"
!
hi
m:"bet
tergetusedtoit
..
.hi
sgi
rl
fri
endst
il
lcan'
t
di
ff
erent
iatebetweenthetwoofus"
me:
"t
hat
'sl
ame.
..
awmaznj
anumnt
uwakho"
hechuckl
ed
him:"
youshoul
dgivehersomet
ips.
..
cozweal
so
thoughtnaweuzobanj
eya"
me:"honest
ly.
..Idon'
tbl
ameher
.Atfi
rstInotedyour
scents,
thet
hev oicet
oneandl
astl
ycharact
ers"
hi
m:"
yhouy
asebenz
abae"
me:"
imagi
negoi
ngonadat
ewi
thSosot
hinki
ngi
ts
you"
hi
m:"we'
vedonet
hatacoupl
eoft
imesandt
heyst
il
l
don'
tknow"
me:
"ani
ngcol
e!ha.
Anaby
eby
engoku"
hi
m:"
sosoon"
?
me:
"needmybeaut
ysl
eep"
hi
m:"
mmh.
.by
eby
eke"
me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
hi
m:"
Ilov
eyoumor
e"
me:
"l
alebeaut
if
ul"
hi
m:"
lal
eregt
ig"

Ismil
edandhungup,dr
ainedthewat
erandcleaned
thebat
hbefor
eIproceededtomyroom,l
oti
onedand
woremyPJsndalal
a.

Inev
eranswer
edmypar ent
saboutLaavi
si
ti
ngthem
sowhenhecouldn'
tcomet hefol
lowi
ngweekI
wasn'
ttoomuchstressed.Sosohadcometofet
ch
hi
sli
nks.
Apr i
lwasf astapproachingtheendandwewer e
givendat es,venueandal laboutthematricdance.
whichwasst obeont hefi
rstweekofJunesoI
emai l
edMar cwhot hensentmeR5000j ustfora
dress,shoesandj ewelsthenhesaidtheLukewi l
l
sendt her estforany t
hingelseImightneed:)the
fol
kswer et oorganizetranspor
tati
onandKer iwas
toreturnhomet omakemeup!Thewayt heyfussed
aboutt
hist
hough:
/

l
ol.
..y
oudon'
tknowl
i
fehey
!
Sothisot
herdayIwaswalki
ngalonei
nVincent
,I
sweartoyoundambonakuqalauRangerand
changedl
anesndabendi
zotyaeJDsndasole
ndiy
ekandayot
yaeMcDsndaphol a.
..
.

onemi nut eIt

urnedonlytobegr eet
ednguBeast's
back:/Icoul di
zwi ngayemakinganor der
..
.Iki
nda
pani
ckedbutkeptmycool thenhesatonat abl
e
oppositemi newait
ingforhisorder.
..
hewasbusyon
hi
siPadt henwhenhel i
ftedhiseyes,
oureyesmet:/
acci
dent all
y!

hesmi
l
edandwal
kedov
ert
omi
ne.
..

hi
m:"
hi.
.canI
"?
me:
"hi
..
."
hel
ookedatme.
..
Inod,
hesatdown.

hi
m:"
howar
eyou"
?
me:
"nev
erbeenbet
ter
,you"
?
hi
m: "
great
..
.i
tsgoodseei
ngf
ami
l
iarf
acesf
ora
change"
me:
"buty
ouwer
ebor
nher
emos"
hi
m:"
butst
il
l.
..
sohowi
sschool
"?
me:
"gr
eat
,how'
s.
..
ohwai
t,
whatDOy
oudo"
?

hechuckl
edandr
elaxedi
nhi
schai
r

hi
m:"
Iownbusi
nesses"
me:
"you?busi
nessman?whatki
ndabusi
ness"
?
hi
m:"
legi
tbusi
nesses"
me:
"mh"
hi
m:"
you'
rewei
ghi
ngwhatIj
ustsai
d"
me:
"youbl
ameme"
?
hi
m:"
no.
..
whatdi
dyout
hinkIdot
hough"
?

Ilaughedandhisorderwascal
led,
awai
terbr
ought
tohimr i
ghtwherewewer esi
tt
ing.
..

hi
m:"
youhav
en'
tanswer
edme"
me:
"Idon'
tpl
ant
o"
hi
m:"
ohr
eal
l
ynow"
?

Iwasaboutt
oanswerwhenbhutbaecal
l
ed:
Dwhat
ati
ming:v

me:
"I
'm sor
ryIhav
etot
aket
his"
hi
m:"
nopr
o'm"
-
me:
"MrEgo"
hi
m:"
MissPer
fect
..
.howar
eyou"
?
me:
"ndi
grandsonnyy
ou"
?
him:"
I'
m gr
eat.
..
so,
Ithi
nkwecanfi
nal
l
ymeetupwi
th
yourfol
ksthi
scomingWednesday
"
Iwasexci
ted.
..coul
dn'
thi
dei
t!

me:
"usur
e?l
i
key
oudon'
thav
eto"
hi
m:"
I'
m sur
eandIwantt
o"
me:
"kaywi
l
ltel
ldaddyj
ustnowke"
hi
m:"
okay..
.sowhatar
eyoubusywi
th,
I
'm cr
avi
ngeza
wayzakho"
me:
"zi
ntonezo"
?
hi
m:"
prawnsi
nsauce"
me:
"hahai
zaeVi
ncentkal
ok"
hi
m:"
youmeansewphaal
ready
"
me:
"yeahIwasdoi
ngsomeshoppi
ngqhandal
amba"
hi
m:"
ohkay
,.
.undawni
kengok"
?
me:
"McDs"
hi
m:"
okay
"
me:
"shar
p"

Ihungup.
..

me:
"sor
ryaboutt
hat
"!
beast
:"
nosweat
..
.wher
ewer
ewe"
?
me:
"Iact
ual
l
yhav
etogo"
hi
m:"
boy
fri
end"
?

Iey
edhi
m

hi
m:"
coul
dn'
thel
pbutov
erhear
"
me:
"by
etaBeast
"
hesmi
l
ed.
..ordi
dhesmi
rk?andaz!

hi
m:"
awkaf
uni
undi
nikal
enumber
"?
me:
"yi
funeKuBhut
i"
hi
m:"
hai
kengoky
ayazi
sozendi
yi
fumane"
me:
"t
oughl
uck"
!

Itookmyt
hingsandwal
kedawaysmil
i
ng,It
ext
ed
Laahewil
lfi
ndmeatOBcozbesendi
sonqenaukuy
a
eJD

Ovayot
aggedmeandot her
sthatidi
dntknowkwa
kul
oFBudikay
o..
.herst
atwaswr i
tt
en:

'OMG! !
!somepeoplearemother
fucki
ng
bloodsucker
s!f
ikebezenzat
opskodwabaacholwa
theydon'tev
enhaveasenseofbelongi
ng!nxn
bl
oodybi
tchst
olemyman'

l
olIbur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
..Icoul
dn'
thel
pcomment i
ng
al
ongsi
depeopl
ewhower eeit
herwit
hheroragai
nst
her
.

onesai
d:Iwonderi
dei
beyi
yiphi
eyakhoi
ndoda,
ba
kal
oknal
enayam wawuyi
banga!

:
v
l
ol.
..Iwrote:l
abelyourman'
taken'onhi
sforehead
sothatbloodybit
cheswil
lpl
ayf arf
rom hi
m.

Mishcomment ed: youhavenoshamet alki

ngthat
shit
!Uphi umnt
anakaTaReebo?y ou'
rebusyr ui
ning
otherpeoplesr
elati
onshipscozyoucouldn'tbe
fai
thfult
ooneper sonwhoact ual
l
yhadf ait
hinyou
whennooneel sehad!y ouareonetospeak!
Iwasli
ke.
..o.
Owhatt
hehel
li
sgoi
ngon!whoi
s
Reebo?

don'
ttel
lmeAmandaknowst
hischi
ckf
rom
somewhere!
[
10/
8,19:
44]‪+27730692704‬:
#20

Babewafi
kasendi
sit
yaii
hotchi
psIonl
yor
der
ed
thosewhi
l
ewaiti
ngforhi
m

di
dIsaywaf
ika?noImeantBAf
ika!
j
onga,
andmazimnauSosoway ethat
hwaphiatal
l
!
Thi
sniggaisatt
ract
edt odr
ama!heisloud,
wil
dand
j
ustoutther
e:vakadikwa,
akadi
nwa.

Soso:
"nankuskwi
za"
me:
"what
"?
helaughedandkissedmycheekashepul
ledachai
r
andsatdown,baefoll
owedbusyonhi
sphone.He
ki
ssedmyl i
psandsatdownt oo

Soso:
"andsedi
kwengul
oFacebookt
atakaMoses"
!
Laa:
"st
opcompl
aini
ngandpl
aceanor
derwi
l
lyou"
?
Soso:
"whatar
eweeat
ing"
?
Laa:
"buzaKubabe"

phofbat
yakwakwezi
chi
pszam ngokbat
het
hay
o!

Soso:
"babeuf
unai
ipr
awnsnant
oni
"?
me:
"any
thi
ngy
'al
lfeel
li
ke"

baewasstil
lbusykul
aphone: /Iwaski
ndagett
ing
i
rri
tat
edkemnake!Sosopl acedanorder
,andl
ooked
atme...
Iwaslooki
ngatLandil
e!
Soso:
"Lwandi
so"
Laa:
"Landi
l
e"?
Soso:
"khawbekel
ephone,
uzl
i
bel
ebauhl
eli
nabant
u"?
Laa:
"j
ustonesec"
Soso:
"Landi
l
emaan"
?!!
!

Laaputhi
sphoneonthet
abl
eandscr
atchedhi
s
chi
n..
.whi
l
etouchi
ngmyhandwi
thhi
sotherhand.

hi
m:"
sor
ryaboutt
hat
"
me:
"cool
"
Soso:
"cool
myf
oot
!yasqhel
awena"
me:
"esheawsenadr
amanj
eSoso"
Laa:
"don'
tmi
ndhi
m,het
rynabet
hegoodbr
otheri
n-
l
aw"
soso:
"Iwon'
tansweranyoft
hat
..
.hai
bii
phi
nal
e
wait
er"?
me:
"pat
ience"
Soso:
"pat
ience?hewet
hui
tsnotl
i
keKubusy
apha.
..
khamendiyeza"
Laa:
'
'no!no!no!awz
oyaphaSosokhahl
alephant
si"

watshoembambaisandl
a..
.Sosojustshookhishead
andsatdown,
fi
ddl
i
ngwi t
hhi sphoneirr
it
ated
mntakadad!

t
hef
oodf
inal
l
ycanet
hrough.
..
Laa:
"Sosobungat
hangauAsav
elauy
ezanah"
?
Soso:
"bekut
shoy
enasuhn,
khamf
ounel
engokwakho"
Laa:
"t
yhi
ni"
!
Soso:
"hayungakul
i
ngekepl
z,
cal
lbabeandaskher
"

l
olBaehadnoot
heropt
ion.
..
hecal
l
edher

Her
:"
taLar
a"?
hi
m:"
heybabe.
..
arey
ounotcomi
ngany
mor
e"?
her
:"
I'
m act
ual
l
yatMcDonal
d'
ssi
nceubabyebet
he
ni
yakhona"
hi
m:"
we'
react
ual
l
yatOB,
changeofpl
ans"
her
:"
okayI
'
llbet
her
ein5.
..
"
hi
m:"
ayt
"

t
heyhungup.
..

Soso:
"ut
hini
"?
Laa:
"she'
satMcD'
skal
okubut
hekuy
esi
yaphay
a"
Soso:"
mxm...
ifshehadpi
ckedupwhenIcal
l
edshe
would'
veknown"
Laa:
"di
dyouguy
sfi
ghtorsomet
hing"
?
Soso:
"Idon'
tfi
ghtwi
thgi
rl
sandi
yosi
ssy
"
Ismi
l
ed.
..
i
nmymi ndI'
mt r
ynai
maginethi
sAsav
elachar
acter
butkeshewal
kedinoohmxm ndamazimmediat
ely,
shewasonedramaqueenI'
vemetwhenwe
compet edagainstSter
linghighinMusicandPoet r
y
class;
shethencamest r ai
ghttouswearingblue
stil
ett
os,whitehighwaistflar
edminiskirtandablue
vesttuckedin..
.wavyblackex t
ensi
ons(weav e)ev
en
herwal kspel
tBOLD!CONFI DENT!AMBI TIOUS!

Laa:
"aha!nankubaby
"
her
:"
erhm.
..
"

shehuggedLandil
ebuthereyeswereki
naweighi
ng
orrat
herchecki
ngwhichtwi
nshouldshebehugging
for
ealher
e?:v
Landi
l
eopenedachai
rforherandshesatdown.

her
:"
mol
weni
"
Soso:
"hi
"
Ij
ustnodandsmi
l
ed.
..

Soso:
"sowhatar
eyouhav
ing"
?
sheli
stenedf
orasect
henl
ookedatLar
aandback
toSoso..
.
her
:"
ohmygod!notagai
n"

shelaughed,
embar
rassedt
henshehuggedhi
m and
theyki
ssed.

Soso:
"ayandi
namnt
ubakuphel
eleapha.
..
"
her
:"
I'
m sor
rybabe,
i
twi
l
lgetbet
terwi
tht
ime"
Laa:
"guys..
.baby,
nguAsavel
aLonagir
lf
ri
endka
Lwandiso.Asa,t
hisi
sTrinamygir
lf
ri
end"
me:
"ni
cet
omeety
ou"
her
:"
sameher
e..
.buty
oudol
ookf
ami
l
iar
"

Ismi
l
edt
omy
sel
f!
Soso:
"shedoes"
?
her
:"
yeah.
..
hav
en'
twemetbef
ore"
?

Landi
lel
ookedatmequizzi
cal
l
y:)Iat
eupmychi
ps
di
ppingi
nonthesauce.

me:
"yeah.
..
we'
vemet
"
bandi
j
onga.
..
her
:"ohGodno!Tri
na.
..Tr
ina.
..damni
t!You'
re
Tri
nali
queSmit
h,r
ight
"?
me:
"cor
rect
"
shethr
oughherheadbackwards!Shehadnochoi
ce
buttosucki
tup..
.Iwasn'
tgonnaexposehowshe
l
ostthreet
imestomeunlessshestart
sit
ngokwakheke.

Laa:
"babe?I
'
m sol
ost
"
Soso:
"you'
rel
ost
?mh.
..
that
'sanunder
stat
ement
mnt
akwet
hu"

shelookedatmeoncemoreandl
ookedatLandi
l
e
thensheshookherheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef

Soso:
"Asav
ela"
?
her:
"uhm.
..r
ememberhowangryIwaswhenIl
osti
n
thatmusi
calandpoet
rycompet
it
ion"
?
Soso:
"yeah"

shesi
ghedandl
ookedout
side.
..

Soso:"holycr
ap!sothi
sgirlthaty ouhatesomuch
wit
ht helastdropofyourbloodi sactual
lyTr
ina?t
he
gi
rlyouwoul dn'tmi
ndbuyingt hugsforukuzeafe?
hayyi soup"

Laa:
"okay
..
.someoneenl
i
ght
enmekwenzekant
on
apha?whohat
eswhoandwhy
"?
Soso:"
rememberlastyearmanwhenIaskedf
ory
our
carkeystel
l
ingy
out hatshecal
l
edcryi
ng"
Laa:
"wheny
ourcarwasi
nser
vice"
?
Soso:"y
eah..
.Iwentt
of etchhersahl
alae
fl
atti
n..
.r
easonwhyshewascr yi
ngelahloboi
scoz
shehasbeenl osi
ngforthreeyearst
ot hesame
person"
Laa:
"whohappenst
obemygi
rl
fr
iend?y
ho"

Iwassil
ent
..
.eat
ingqha.Landil
elookedatme.
..I
swearhewantedtosmileifnotl
aughbuthe
coul
dn'
t.
..
nothereornow!

her
:"uhm.
..Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
"
Soso:
"yho"
!
sheey
edhi
m
her
:"
canIbeexcused"
?
Soso:
"hai
kengokuy
agul
a"

shehadglassesemehlweni:'
(itsti
ll
hur
tnah?I
mean:vwe'refastappr
oachingourawardsmonths
andhowwi l
lshereactnext
imei fndi
phi
nde
ndawi
nneer?!

her
:"
plzbae.
..
cel
asi
phumeaphapandl
ekeatl
east
"

Sosogutup,
shef
oll
owed.
[
10/
8,19:
44]‪+27730692704‬:
#21

wewatchedt
hem di
sappearandLandi
l
ebur
sti
nto
l
aught
er

me:
"haybabe"
hi
m:"
lomnt
ana?shet
hinksear
thi
sherki
ngdom st
ru"
!
Iwasworried.
..l
ike,
eachandeveryyearwecompete
kul
acompet it
ionwegoheadt oheadandf orthr
ee
consecut
iveyearsI'
vebeentaki
ngtheawar dhome.

me:
"I
'm wor
ri
edabouther
"
hi
m:"
she'
l
lbef
ine,
Sosowi
l
lfi
xher
"thenhegi
ggl
ed
me:
"babeno"
hi
m:"
okay
..
.phew!okay
''

t
heycamebackandsatdown,
besendi
hlut
hikesana
mna

Soso:
"okay
..
.masi
tyeni
"

Iwatchedthem eat.
..i
nsil
ence.Shewas
uncomf or
tabl
eandIdi dn'
twanthertofeell
ikeI
'
m
crowdingher,
ndi
mbet hekwicompet i
ti
onndiphi
nde
ndimenzeuncomf or
tableemzinakhecozke
kuyacacabakudalabesazana.Iwasf arawayngee
ngci
ngaunt
ilSososnappedmeoutofi
t

me:
"hm"
?
hi
m:"
yint
onuci
ngaphi
"?
me:
"uhm.
..ohIt
hinkIshoul
dgetgoi
ng"

bandi
j
onga.
..:
/

him:"
getgoi
ng?y
ouhav
en'
ttouchedt
hef
ood
though"
me:
"act
ual
l
yIdi
dthanky
ou"

ndafakaIphoneyam i
nmybagandt
ookmy
shoppingbagsndaphakama

bae:
"ur
ight
"?
me:
"yeah.
..
"
Soso:
"t
henwhat
'
sup"
?
me:"
Ijustr
ememberedsomet
hingt
hatIhadt
odo
bef
orethefol
ksr
eturn"
bae:
"butkuseear
lynj
ena"
Soso:
"Iknowwhatt
hisi
sabout
"
Vel
a:"
plzdon'
tgoonmyaccount
"

Ismiledatt
hem,ki
ssedmybaeandbi dgoodby
e..
.
Landiler
anaft
ermelolbendi
ngazangangamoto
kesanasoIwasgonnahike.

hi
m:"
babe.
..
didy
oudr
ivey
our
sel
fher
e"?
me:
"er
h..
.nehdon'
twor
ryabouti
t.Gohav
efun"
hi
m:"
no,
I
'mt
aki
ngy
ouhome"
me:
"sui
tyour
sel
f"

hetookmyshoppi
ngbagsandwalkedtohis
car
..
.wegoti
tandwelef
taphendl
eleni
sit
hecwaka
unti
lwer eachedthefrontgat
eandturnedthe
i
gniti
onof f
..
.inst
eadofmeget t
ingoutofhiscar
,I
l
eanedmyheadbackwar dsontheheadrest
rel
easingalongbr eat
h

me:
"I
'm sor
ryhey
"
hi
m:"
youdi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng.
..
"

ndat
hul
a.…

hi
m:"
doesshei
nti
midat
eyou"
?
me:
"notacademi
cal
l
y"

heleanedforwardandkissedmysli
ghtlyopenedli
ps
andhest ay
edlikethatsowecouldbreaththesame
ai
ry oucanimaginetheint
ensi
tyasourey eswere
gl
uedt othegaze
hi
m:"
sheshoul
dn'
t.
..
umhl
eandy
ouknowi
t"
me:
"youwi
l
lnev
erunder
standnana"
hi
m:"Idon'
twannaunder
stand.
..ut
handwa
ndi
m,Asavel
authandwanguSosoandi tendst
her
e"

Isi
ghed

hi
m:"
sayi
t"
me:"
Idon'
twannabet
hecauseoft
ensi
onbet
ween
y'
al
l"
hi
m:"
hai
bo,
whywoul
dyouev
ent
hinkt
hat
"
me:"
youkneweachot herbefor
eme,youguysknow
eachot
herbettert
hanIdo...
Idon'
twanthert
hinki
ng
Iwannatakeherplaceorsomethi
ng"
hi
m:"babewhatyou'
resay
ingisinv
ali
d..
.l
omntana
af
terlemi
nyakanoSososhedoescantseparateus?
wenausandofi
kaint
othepict
ureandyouknowwho
i
swho"
me:
"t
hatcoul
dal
sobeapr
obl
em"
hi
m:"
how"
?
me:"
babe.
.uy
amaziuSoso.somewheresomehow
he'
l
ldoorsaysomethi
ngcrazeandt
hatchi
ckwil
l
bur
st"

hesmi
l
ed.
..
him:
"somet
hingcr
azel
i
kei
nvi
ti
ngy
out
omeett
he
fol
ks"?
me:
"ohpl
easedon'
tremi
ndmeoft
hat
"!

wel
aughed
weki
ssed

me:
"dontf
orgetWednesday
"
hi
m:"
noti
nami
l
li
ony
ear
s"
me:
"ndser
iousbabe"
him:"
nam..
.kalokIal
sowannashar
eyourni
ghtof
royal
tywi
thy ousoIhav
etobehereWednesday"
Ismi
l
ed.
..
kissedhi
schi
nandopenedt
hedoor

hegotoutf
rom t
heot
hersi
det
ogi
vememy
shoppi
ngbags

hi
m:"
aunt
ywon'
ttel
l
"?
me:
"naah,
Idoubt
"
hi
m:"
mmh"

wit
hthathekissedmyneckandrancozyayazi
ndi
zomthuka!egate'
i
ni?whati
fMarcusj
ustdecided
tocomehomeannounced?

hehoot
edandl
eft
,Iwenti
nsi
deandpl
acedt
he
thi
ngsi
nor
der.

-
Ihadal r
eadyi nfor
medthef ol
ksaboutLandi le
comi ngsot heysaiddi
nnerwillbegood: )that
Wednesdaymor ni
ngIdrovemy selftoschool,Iwasa
nervehav oc:oIdidn'
twannat hinkwhatcor nerthey
wer egonnaf ixmybaeintobutIkeptr eassuring
my selft
hatt heyhavemybesti nter
estsathear t.
DuringlunchIwentt otheladi
esbat hroom anddi d
mybusi nessndaphumabumpi ngont oChloe

her
:"
heyy
ou"
me:
"hey
..
.hav
eseenAmanda"
?
her
:"
she'
satt
hecant
een"
me:
"ay
t"

wepar
ted.
..onmywayt
othecant
eenmyphone
r
ang

me:
"soso"
?
hi
m:"
babyunj
an"
?
me:
"goodwena"
?
hi
m:"
good.
..
buty
oudon'
tsoundgoodatal
l
"
Isi
ghed

hi
m:"
you'
rener
vousaboutt
oni
ght
"?
me:
"ki
nda"
hi
m:"
don'
tbe.
..
myhal
fispr
epar
ed"
me:
"how'
syourgi
rl
fr
iend"
?
hi
m:"
shegr
eat
"
me:
"good.
.Ihav
etogo"
hi
m:"
justasec"
me:
"mmh"
?
hi
m:"
shedoesn'
treal
l
yhat
eyou"
me:
"wecantr
unawayf
rom t
het
rut
hbaby
"
hi
m:"
Imi
ghthav
eexagger
atedabi
t"
me:
"Iknowbutf
actr
emai
ns,
I
'vebeathert
hree
consecuti
veyear
sandt
rut
his,
shehat
esme.I
underst
and"
hi
m:"
Idon'
tknowhowwe'
regoi
ngt
odot
his"
me:
"dowhat
"?
him:
"wel
lwi
tht
hinghangi
ngbet
weent
het
woof
you,
wecan'
tev
engoondoubledat
es"
me:
"ai
ke"
hi
m:"
youdoknowy
oushoul
dn'
thav
elef
tngal
ami
ni"
me:
"l
et'
sjustbur
ythehat
chetbr
a"
hi
m:"
kayke"
me:
"shar
p"

Iwentt
oeat
..
.
t
hedaywasf
ast
ert
hanusual
..
.

whent
heschoolwasdi
smissed,
Iracedhomef
ika
andmadesur
ethatKucl
eanandinorder.
..
aunt
ywal
kedi
nndi
sel
ounge

her
:"
Idi
dn'
theary
oucomei
n"
me:
"ohhi
"
her
:"
don'
tst
ress,
ever
ythi
ngi
sinor
der
"
me:
"whati
ftheydon'
tl
ikehi
m"?
her
:"
thei
rloss,
youl
ovehi
m..
.r
ight
"?

Inodandsatdown

her:
"yourmom tol
dmey ousai
dhe'
sjustaf
ri
endbut
theydon'tbel
i
eveyou"
me:"
ohshi
t!no!t
heywon'
tbr
ingt
hatup,
l
iket
hey
can'
t"

shesmi
l
ed
her:
"l
eavethem t
odowhattheyknowi
sbestf
or
you,
unentl
ahlamntanam"

myfol
ksarr
ivedataboutpastf
ive,
dinnerwi
l
lbeat
sev
enandazwhynotateight:/

mom:
"pl
eascal
lTr
inaf
ormeNandi
"

aunt
ycameknockingonmydoor,
Iwentdown
weari
ngagownsincebendi
gqi
bovasa

me:
"mot
her
"?
her
:"
youshoul
dgetdr
essed.
..
nott
oocasual
plz"
me:
"yeasma"
her
:"andnosneaker
s"

l
oldaddyl
aughedeseroominyakhe.
..myaddi
cti
on
t
osneaker
swaswel lknownImustsay
Iwentupstair
sandt ookoutawhi t
ekneel engt h
bodyhuggingdr ess,
ithasl ongl acearmsanda
l
acedbackt henIwor eredbot toms,satinfrontof
thedressi
ngtabl eandappl iedlightsoftfeatherish
make-upandgl oss;straightenedmyhai randcl i
pped
thesi
des..
.Istoodupandwentt omyhumanl ength
mirr
orandsmi led.myphoner ang
:
D

me:
;
"babe"
?
hi
m:"
hey
..
.sev
enr
ight
"?
me:
"yep"
hi
m:"
okay
..
.l
et'
sdot
his"
me:
"awoy
iki
though"
?
him:"
haha!nope,
I
'mj
ustgonnaaskGodt
ohel
pme
rest
rai
nmy sel
ffr
om t
ouchi
ngyou"

Il
aughedhear
ti
ly
me:
"youbet
ter
,ory
ou'
l
lret
urnhomeacor
pse"

hel
aughed

hi
m:"
okayseey
oui
naf
ew"
me:
"can'
twai
t"

Iwentdownst
air
sandwai
ted.
[
10/
8,19:
45]‪+27730692704‬:
#22

Dadcameoutfir
st.
..wear
ingj
eans,
for
mal
shoesand
acheckedshi
rt

hi
m:"
her
e'smypr
incess.
..
youl
ookanxi
ous"
me:
"I
..
.uhm.
..Iam j
ustf
inedad"

hesmi
l
edandwal
kedout
side.
..
mom cameoutwear ingabeaut
if
uleveni
ngdr
ess
wi
thlacedet
ail
sont hebustl
oli
zint
okeekhaya
zi
that
helwaphezul
u!

her
:"
ahaa!nowcome,
l
et'
sgoout
side"
me:
"out
side?why
"?
her
:"
it
squit
ehottoni
ghtsoIt
houghtwecoul
dhav
e
i
tbythepoolsi
de"
me:
"oh"

wit
hthatwefoll
owedeachothertothepool
sideand
madesurethatever
ythi
ngwasinorder,
aunt
yreal
ly
out
didher
selfher
e.itwassobeauti
ful.

Icheckedt
het
imei
twast
enmi
nut
est
osev
en.
..I
pani
ckedkanci
nci
cozifhe'
slat
enobakungomzuzu
omnyemydadwi l
lmakeafussofi
t.

Iwalkedaroundthepool
andsawdadopeni
ngthe
gat
e...Ipeepedandsawbae'
scarIt
ell
yamyhear
t
ski
ppedabeat
It
ri
edr
elaxi
ngkengok
Isatdown,
withmom.Dadwal kedinfr
ontofhim and
showedhim aseat
..
.Landi
le?hefi
rstgreet
ed
mother,
ki
ssi
ngherhand:vthenhuggedme!l ol
ndamjongandanyi
ki
nyaint
loko.
..
.
wesatdownkwezai
i
star
ter
s:Dt
henaunt
ylef
tus

Theylookedatme.
..Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatand
breat
hed

me:"mom,dad..
.uhm.
..t
hisi
sLandi
l
emyfr
iend.
Landil
e,
thesearemyparent
sMrandMr
sSmi t
h"
.
dad:
"youngman,
whydoy
oul
ooksof
ami
l
iar
?"
Laa:
"Iwoul
dn'
tknowsir
,may
bewe'
vemet
..
.ormay
be
youknowmypar ent
s"
dad:
"who'
syourf
ather
"?
Laa:
"Kennet
hTi
tussi
r"

dadlookedathi
m oncemoreandl
aughed!
okay
,that
'sagoodsign:
/neh?

dad:
"youar
ely
ing!don'
tyouhav
eat
win"
?
:
)
Laa:
"yessi
rIdo.
.Lwandi
so"
dad:
"wow!y
ou'
vegr
ownsomuch.
..don'
tyou
rememberme"
?
Laa:
"hahaIknowyousirorr
atherIr
ecogni
zedy
ou
whenIsawy oubythegatesi
r"
dad:
"r
ecogni
zemef
rom wher
e"?
Laa:
"t
hef
armi
nKl
erksdor
p"
dadwasinhiselement,
hegav
eadescr i
pti
onof
Landi
le'
sparentstomom asweateup.Landil
ewas
comfort
abl
eev ah!umnt
uapholengat
hiukokwabo?
o.O

Aft
erthataunt
yser
vedusthemai
ncoursefol
lowed
bydessertt
hendadandLandi
l
ewentt
ot hegarage
:/yawazamadodangemoto?

me:
"phew.
..
thatwentwel
l
"
mom:"y
ou'
rel
uckyhi
sfat
heri
sbestf
ri
endswi
thy
our
dad"
me:
"I
'mj
ustsur
pri
sedIhav
en'
tmett
hem"
her:
"youwer
est
il
lyoung,
eventhetwi
nswer
est
il
l
youngwhenwesti
llownedthatf
arm"
me:
"ooh"

shesur
vey
edme:
/
her
:"
he'
snotj
ustaf
ri
end,
ri
ght
"?
:
oIst
ammer
edndi
khohl
wekuphendul
a:v
her
:"
youl
ovehi
m"?
me:
"am Inott
ooy
oungf
ort
hat
"?
shesmi
l
ed
her
:"
you'
reaf
rai
dofget
ti
nghur
t"
?
me:
"ki
nda"
t
hatwast
rue
her:
"youhaveyourbrother
sandsi
ster
sforguidance
wheni tcomestothat.
..i
fyouf
eel
uncomfortable
tal
ki
ngt omeory ourdad"
me:
"br
other
s?Mar
cexcl
uded"

shel
aughed.
..shewasgl
owi
ng,
asifshe'
sal
sogl
ad
ngumnt
wanawomnt uabamazi
yol
ona!

her
:"
he'
sov
erpr
otect
iveIknow,
buthemeanswel
l
"
me:"Mar
c?mom, Mar
cisl
i
keabedbugwai
ti
ngt
o
punchonyourbl
ood"
her
:"
doesheknowaboutTi
tus"
?
me:
"yes.
..
noti
ndet
ail
sthough"
her:
"heknowst
hei
rdad,
i
fyout
ell
him hewon'
tmake
afussofit"

babuy
aoot
atabehl
ekabonwabi
l
e..
.

Laa:
"erhMr sSmith,
thanky
ouforsuchagr
eat
hospi
tali
ty.If
eltwel
comeandathome"
her:
"youar
emostcer t
ainl
ywelcomeyoushould
thankNandi
,she'
sthemagicbehindal
loft
his"
dad:
"Tr
inatol
dusy
ouwi
l
lbegoi
ngwi
thhert
oher
matr
icdance"
hi
m:"
oht
hat
..
.i
fit
snopr
obl
em Iwoul
dlov
eto"
dad:
"apr
obl
em?nev
er"
mom:
"shewi
l
linf
ormy
ouofal
lthedet
ail
s"
Laa:
"t
hanky
ouma'
am"

-
sil
ence-

dadcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
..
.l
ooki
ngathi
swi
fe

hi
m:"
dar
li
ng,
i
tsget
ti
ngcol
dcome"

mom obli
gedandhuggedLandi
l
e,dadshookhi
s
handbasi
shi
yasimeapho

me:
"oh-
kay
..
."
hi
m:"
phol
a,
bay
ang'
ncany
wal
abant
u"
me:
"ohshutup,
theyl
i
key
ourf
olksnoty
ou"

wewal
kedt
ohi
scarhandi
nhand.
..
hi
m:"
Imeant
otel
lyouear
li
er.
..
youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul"
IswearIbl
ushed!
me:
"t
hanky
ou"

wereachedhiscarsti
llholdinghands,hel
etgoof
onehandashecamef orwar dandkissedme..
.I
l
ongedf ori
tsobadlyIdidn'twannapushhim away.
wekissedthenhepull
edback, Ilookeddownandhe
l
if
tedmychi n

hi
m:"
fi
rstchal
l
engepassed.
..
yourt
urn"
me:
"doIhav
eto"
?
hi
m:"nope.
..
onl
ycozyourdadwil
lcer
tai
nlytel
lmy
dadabouttoni
ghtsonay
euzofunaukubona"
me:
"mmmmh"
!
hi
m:"
youdon'
twantt
o"!
me:
"i
tsnotthat
..
.andingoml
ungumnasowhenyou
ment
ionSmithyourfolksmi
ghtgett
hei
deat
hati
ts
awhi
tegir
l"
hesmil
ed..
.ki
ssedmyl
i
psandbr
ushedhai
routof
myface.

him:
"t
heyalreadyknowabouty
ou.
..
wedon'
tkeep
secr
etesekhaya"
me:
"ohhayLandi
l
e!ar
eyouser
ious"
?
hi
m:"r
elax.
..t
heyknowIdon'
tdothi
ngsl
i
keSoso
sozebak'f
orce'
seint
oanyt
hing"

Ibreathed..
.heopenedhi
sarmsandIhuggedhi
m.I
t
fel
tright.
..
butthenhehadtogo.

me:
"goodni
ghtbabe"
hi
m:"
lov
eyouMi
ssSmi
th"
me:
"l
ovey
out
ooSi
rTi
tus"

weki
ssedoncemor
ethenhedr
oveout
,Il
ockedt
he
gat
eandwentinsi
de.Thef
olkswereint
hei
rroom
soIwentupt
omi neandsl
ippedoutoft
hatdress
andint
omysleepi
nggarments.

Thatdaywasj
ustabl
essedday
,onet
hatIcannot
for
geteasi
l
y.

OnSaturdayoft
hatsameweekIhadadatewit
h
bhutbaeandIwashomealone.
..
thef
olkswer
eona
romanti
cweekendaway.

Iwokeupear l
ytopr eparecozwewer esupposedt o
bealr
eadyoutherebyt en:(thankGodIdon' tdomy
ownwashingcozIwoul d'v
ebeenl ate.Itookout
hi
ghwaistblueskinnyjeans,whi
telacecr oppedtop
andwhiteunderwearal ongwithChuck' sndayovasa
andgotdressed.Tookabl ueslingbag, my
phone,
balm,wall
etandhandker chi
efj ustincase
t
henIwal
keddownst
air
saunt
ywasal
readycl
eani
ng

me:
"mor
ningma"
her
:"
mol
osi
si,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"

Ismi
l
edasIwasmaki
ngmy
sel
fbr
eakf
ast
me:
"t
hanky
ou"

Isatdownandat
e..myphoner
ang
Lwandi
so.
..

me:
"Soso"
?
hi
m:"heybabe.
..
niy
aphi
nanot
winl
ent
omna
ndi
ngafunwayo"
?
Il
aughed.
..
goodbabe!
me:
"Ial
sodon'
tknowy
aznt
wana"
hi
m:"
yhomkmkMky
ouhav
enowpi
ctur
ehowy
our
manshunnedmekuncedebakukhoumama
nday
oli
l
aesfubeni
sakhe"
me:
"haut
houghtuzot
hikwesi
kaVel
a"
hi
m:"
kal
okubaeusal
ele"
me:
"yho.
..
zobar
ightman"
hi
m:"
li
keIhav
eachoi
ce.
..
byeby
e"
me:
"l
ovey
ou"
hi
m:"
mxm y
apr
etender
"

hahaha
:
v

Il
ookedatmyphoneandconti
nuedeat i
ngthenI
ri
nsedmybowl
,aunt
ystoppedme.Ileftthehouse
andtookawal
ktothegarage.
..Ical
l
edMar cus:DI
missedhi
m

hi
m:"
_Li
lsi
s"?
me:
"hey
..
.hoezi
t"
?
hi
m:"
Iam sooophuckent
ir
edi
tsnotaj
oke,
u"?
me:
"I
'm act
ual
l
ygr
eat
..
.whatwer
eyoudoi
ng"
?
hi
m:"
youdon'
twannaknow.
..
any
wayhow'
smom"
?
me:
"gr
eat
"
hi
m:"
dad"
?
me:
"gr
eat
er"
him:"
mh..
.wher
ear
ethey
?I'
vet
ri
edcal
l
ingmom
today"
me:
"t
hey
'r
eact
ual
l
ysomewher
egal
l
ivant
ingar
ound"
hi
m:"
you'
renotmaki
nganysense"

Ir
eachedt
hegar
age

me:
"t
heyar
eawayonar
omant
icnt
oz-
ntoz"
hi
m:"
ohwow,
you'
rehomeal
one"
me:
"yep"
hi
m:"
goodchancet
ost
udy
"
me:
"uhm.
..
may
bet
omor
row"

[
Isawbae]

hi
m:"youbetternotbef
reaki
ngpar
tyi
ng
Tr
ina,
educat
ioncomesf i
rst
"
me:
"IknowbutIal
soneedabr
eat
her
"
hi
m:"
awha-nev
ermi
nd"
me:
"Igot
tagoneh"
hedi
dn'
tanswer:
(

me:
"Il
ovey
oubr
o"
hi
m:"
what
ever
"
:
vowkay

Iwentt
othebae'
scarndangena,
ki
ssedhi
m andhe
dr
oveoutoft
hegar
age.

me:
"umenzeni
uSoso"
?
hi
m:"
uyandi
gul
elausosobabe"
me:
"babeumenzeni
uSoso"
?
hi
m:"uf
unuhambanam?uzamthini
uAsalo
ebey
oml andaumnt
anabant
uengafuni
"
me:
"oh"
hi
m:"
yagul
a!makahl
aleNay
eebozt
hat
hel
a"

l
olt
herewasabsol
utel
ynot
hingIcoul
ddoorsay
t
hough:/umnt
uMakabondeumqawakhe: v!
!!
[
10/
8,19:
45]‪+27730692704‬:
#23

Hedrov
eal l
thewayt oAddoElephantPar k:
DIwas
ki
ndaconcernedbecauseofthedi st
ancebutIkept
myconcernstomy sel
fandjustindulgedi
nthe
moment.Hepay duptherequir
edf eethenwewent
topit
chapi cni
cspotashewascarryi
ngapicni
c
basketsondlal
athecheckedcl
othandsatdown

hi
m:"
babe"
?
me:
"hi
"
hi
m:"
uri
ght
"?

i
fakedasmi
l
e..

hi
m:"
tal
ktome"
me:
"Mar
cismadatme"
hi
m:"
becauseofme"
?
me:"het
hinksIshoul
dbespendi
ngt
hist
imewi
thmy
books"
hi
m:"
he'
sri
ghtt
hough"
me:
"ooh"
?
hi
m:"nodon'
tgetmewrong,
Il
ovehavi
ngyouar
ound
butIal
sopromisedy
ouIwil
lnev
ergetbet
weenyou
andy
ourbooks"
me:
"sesi
l
aphake.
..
ther
e'snonwecando"
hi
m:"
wecoul
dtr
yandf
orgetaboutEastLondonunt
il
hometi
me"
?

Ismil
edandt ookahandfulofgrapesndalal
a
ngomqolohef ol
lowedandwedr ewsweetnot hi
ngs
i
ntheclouds.Iwashappy,r
elaxed,
free.
..

hemov
edi
ncl
osersowecoul
dki
ss.
..
hishandswer emov ingupanddownmysi de..
.from
theneckdownt omyt highsandhewoul dpul l
my
thightowardshim sohecoul dhaveoneofhi sl egs
bet weenmyt hi
ghs.Ourst omachswer etouching,I
'm
sur ehecouldfeelmyboobsagai nsthischestbut
wewer esooodeepi nconcent r
atetot hekisswe
didn'treal
l
ycareaboutany t
hingelse.Hishandwent
throughmyhai randpul l
smyheadev enclosert o
him aswecont inuedkissing..
.
myhandscoul
dn'
tfi
ndanyst
abi
l
ity:
vfr
om hi
sface
tohischest,fr
om theretohisbi
ceps,from t
heret
o
hisbacklol angaznami bengi
senzani!Hisphone
rang.
..heignor edi
t.MinerangIignoreditt
oountil
hisphoner angagain,
Istoppedandl ookedathim

me:
"phendul
iphone"
hi
m:"
SosoKel
o"
-

hi
m:"
ola"
?
Soso:
"uzbekephi
izt
ixozeCor
oll
a"?
hi
m:"
zihl
alaphi
kant
iizt
ixo"
?
Soso:
"azi
khot
hat
'swhyI
'
m aski
ngy
ou"
hi
m:"okay
..
.khangel
aef
lat
ti
nyam phezukwe
dr
esser"
Soso:
"sendv
ela"
hi
m:"
hai
keandi
zazi
Soso.
..
uzoy
thi
nikhonaIcor
oll
a"?
Soso:
"t
her
e'ssomewher
eIwannagot
o"
hi
m:"
taket
heTazzkal
ok"
Soso:
"kaysho"
hi
m:"
shar
p..
.uphi
uVel
a"?
Soso:
"ndi
godusay
ena"
hi
m:"
aibo,
she'
snotst
ayi
ngt
heweekend"
?
Soso:
"Asav
elauyand'
qhel
amt akza.
..
mxm khay
eke
mansothethaobuyakwakho"
hi
m:"
wenzeni
"?
Soso:
"dude!wheny
ou'
reback.
..
hal
atosi
sbae"
hi
m:"
alr
ight
"

t
heyhungup.
..
Iwashal
fwayt
hrought
hebasket:
v

me:
"wassup"
?
hi
m:"
thi
nkSosonemai
dyakhebaxabene"
me:
"mmh"
hedugi
n..
.
myphoner
ang.
..ohGodi
yaway
int
oni
ngoku?

hi
m:"
you'
renotgonnaanswert
hat
"?
me:
"yhouMar
cusbr
a"?
hi
m:"
he'
syourbr
otherbabe,
he'
sjustdoi
nghi
sjob"

-
_-

me:
"l
ow"
?
hi
m:"
you'
rest
il
lwi
thhi
m''
?
me:"
yes..
.l
ooki
tsnotwhaty
out
hink,
I
'mj
ust
unwi
ndingthat
'sal
l
"
hi
m:"
Ihopef
ory
ourownsakej
ysr
eg"
me:
"eki
snetr
egboet
..
"
hi
m:"don'
tgogetyour
sel
fknockedupnow,we
wannaseeyougraduat
ethengetmarr
ied"
me:
"Iknow"
hi
m:"
good.
..
enj
oyy
our
sel
f"
me:
"t
hanky
ou"

[
wehungup]

IlookedatLaawhensuddenl
yLukedeci
dedt
ocal
l
too

me:
"l
uu"
hi
m:"
heybeaut
if
ul.
..
tel
lme,
wher
ear
eyou"
?
me:
"I
'm home"
hel
aughed:
/
hi
m:"
tr
yagai
ndol
l
"
me:
"kayf
ineI
'
m out
"
hi
m:"
okaywhenar
eyoucomi
ngback"
?
me:
"i
ntheev
eni
ngIt
hink.
..
whysomanyquest
ions
t
hough"
?
hi
m:"
justwannaknow.
..
ciao"
me:
"ay
t"

Laal
ookedatmequi
zzi
cal
l
y

me:
"Ihav
eaf
eel
i
ngLuke'
shome"
hi
m:"
didhesayso"
?
me:
"noti
nsomanywor
ds"
him:"
well
webet
terl
eav
esot
hatungaf
iki
ebusuku
kakhul
u"
me:
"mmh"

mxm :
(

Ihel
pedhi
m pack.
..
itwaspastfouri
ntheafter
noon
sowedrovebacktoEastLondonbutfi
rsthetook
mytoMcDonald'
sandboughtmeaMcFl urr
yye
car
amelt
henhedrovemehome:)yep!Lukewas
home,
thegar
agewasopenedandloudjunkmusi
c
waspl
ayi
ngkunukanebr
aaimeat

Landi
l
elaughedashest
oppedatt
hegat
e

hi
m:"
looksl
i
keLukei
sawhi
tev
ersi
onofSoso"
me:
"yaz?
!youhav
enoi
dea.
..
"
hi
m:"
Ihadfunt
oday
..
.ev
eni
fwespentmostoft
he
ti
mefrol
i
cki
ng"
Ibl
ushed

hechuckl
ed.
..

him:"
yhoumnhl
emaan..
.it
sunderstandabl
ewhy
yourbrot
her
sar
esoprotect
iveofyou"
me:
"t
hanky
ou"
hi
m:"
onel
astki
ss"
?
me:
"whynot
..
.cozzokubonakdal
angoku"
hi
m:"
kdal
aasi
n,
ony
ourbi
gni
ght
"?
me:
"yeah"

weswallowedsomewordsasweki
ssed.
..
mor
e
passi
onatel
y,Ihadf
unt
ooyaz.

me:
"t
hanky
ouf
ort
oday
"
hi
m:"
Icoul
ddoi
tev
ery
daywi
thy
ou"
me:
"pi
ty"
hi
m:"
pat
ience"

Ismi
ledandgotout
..
.wal
kedinsi
deandbl
ewaki
ss
athi
m,heki
ssedbackanddroveaway.

-
-
Iwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouse
Lukewasbusymar
inat
ingmor
emeat
..
.wehugged

hi
m:"
howol
dishe?
me:
"myage,
why
"?
hi
m:"
wher
edi
dhegett
heJeephe'
sdr
ivi
ng"
?

Ismi
l
ed.
..:
)buy
elel
ont
okanene?

me:"
it
shispar
ent
scar
..
.lemmechangei
nto
somethi
ngmorecomf
ort
able"

Iskippedmywayupthestai
rsandchangedi
nto
l
oosepantsnevestnesl
ipper
sthenIwenttoj
oin
him

hi
m:"
I'
m hav
ingacoupl
eoff
ri
endsov
er"
me:
"acoupl
e?howmany
"?
hi
m:"
aboutt
went
y..
Idon'
tknow"
me:
"mmh.
..mmmh"

hel
aughed

hi
m:"
don'
tsayi
t"

hahandat
hul
any
hani
.
[
10/
8,19:
46]‪+27730692704‬:
#24

Thehousewasf ull
ypackedinamat t
erof
mi nutes,youneverknowhowj aj
ari
gwhitepeople
reallyareuntily
oumi ngl
ewiththem.Iwaskinda
bor edcozIwasn' tfamil
i
arwithanyofthem besi
des
mybr othersoItookapieceofmeatandwent
upst ai
rsnday ol
ala.AsIundr
essedIrecei
vedacall
from Nt andoagain
me:
"hel
l
o"?
hi
m:"
hi,
howar
eyou"
?
me:
"I
'm goody
ou"
?
hi
m:"samehere.
..hav
eyout
houghtaboutwhatI
sai
dearli
er"
?
me:
"whaty
ousai
d"?
hi
m: "
yeahImean.
..
Ireal
l
yloveyou,
Ij
ustneeda
chancetopr
ovethattoyouandofcour
sey our
brot
her"
me:
"l
ook,
Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
m upf
ori
t,
okay
"
hi
m:"
why
?becausey
out
hinkI
'
m agangst
a"?
me:
"di
dIsayt
hat
"?
him:"
Iknowucingal
ont
o,sawi
twr
it
tenal
lov
ery
our
facethefi
rstt
imewemet "
me:
"youri
magi
nat
ionwor
kswonder
sfory
ou"
hi
m:"
doy
ouneedmor
eti
me"
?
me:
"no.
..Ihav
eaboy
fri
endandIl
ovehi
m"
hi
m:"
Iknow,
buthecannev
erev
engi
vey
ouhal
fof
whatIcan"
me:
"i
tsnotev
enaboutt
hat
"
hi
m:"
it
saboutl
oveasy
ouwoul
dsayr
ight
"?

Ikeptqui
et.
..

hi
m:"Idon'twanty
out
ofeel
li
keI
'
m pr
essur
ingy
ou
oranythi
ng"
me:
"ev
eni
fyouwer
e,I
'
dnev
ergi
vei
nsochi
l
l"
hi
m:"
all
I'
m aski
ngi
sachance,
plz"
me:
"goodni
ghtbr
o"
hi
m:"
ayt
"

Ihungupandcal
l
edEv
ecozImi
ssedher

her
:"
heyLi
lsi
s"?
me:
"heyhowar
eyou"
?
her
:"
all
iswel
l
...
your
eadyf
ory
ourmat
ri
cdance"
?
me:
"t
hinkso"
her
:"
what
'
sup"
?

Isi
ghed.
..

me:
"Recei
vedacal
lfr
om Nt
ando"
her
:"
asi
nBeast
"?
me:
"yep"
her
:"
whogav
ehi
myournumber
"?
me:
"Idon'
tknow.
..
theni
qqai
sheadov
erheel
s"

shel
aughed

me:
"Iwonderwhyy
ou'
rel
aughi
ng"
her
:"
it
snotl
i
key
oudi
dn'
tknowt
hough"
me:
"t
hatwasbef
oreImetLandi
l
e"
her
:"
soy
ourcr
ushj
ustsupposedl
ydi
ed"
?

y
oht
hisEv
ewasmaki
ngt
hisgoodf
orher
..
.

me:
"youdoknowy
ou'
renothel
pingr
ight
"?
her
:"
I'
m supposedt
obehel
pingyouint
olies?hel
lno!
webothknowy ouhav
eacrushontheniqqa"
me:
"had"
her
:"
thent
ell
him of
f"
me:
"hedoesn'
twannaaccepti
t"
her
:"
becausey
ou'
renotcl
earwi
thhi
m"
:
/

me:
"mxm goodni
ght
"
her
:"
lov
eyou"

Ihungupandcov
eredmyheadt
rynasl
eepbutI
coul
dn'
t,
bendi
ngenabut
hongoatal
l
.
Ievent
ual
lydozedoffst
il
lcont
emplat
ingbet
ween
theunhol
ythought
saboutmyl i
fe
thealarm setof f
,Iwokeupandpr eparedf or
church,wentdownst airsandhadbr eakfast
kwangenasomewhi techubbychi ckwal king
confidentl
yintoourki t
chen...
auntywast herewi t
h
memaki ngpr eparat
ionsforlunchsincet hef olks
weresett obehomebyt hen.Thisladywal ked
str
aighttot hefri
dgeandopenedi twithoutut teri
nga
word,sajongananoaunt ysat
hula

Ki
m:"
arey
ououtofmi
l
k"?
Lolsam jonganjesathul
aIwasalmostdoneeati
ng
soIgotup, pl
acedthebowli
nthesinkandwentpast
herndiyothat
hamybagandbi bl
e.onmyr et
urn
ndafakaesenzaukutyauLuke

me:
"br
otherLuu"
hi
m:"
hey
,goi
ngt
ochur
ch"
?
me:
"yep.
..
lat
er"
hi
m:"
hah!I
'
dal
sol
i
ket
otagal
ongy
ouknow"
me:
"andwho'
sgonnacl
eanupaf
tery
ou"
?
Ki
m:"
ther
e'samai
dforheav
enssake"
Il
ookedatLuke
me:
"I
'm gone"
Luke:
"i
fIf
ini
shont
imeI
'
llf
oll
ow"
Kim:"
don'
ttel
lmey
ou'
reser
iousl
ygonnacl
eanup
thi
smess"?

hi
m:"
Kim!bedr
oom,
now"

shewalkedherflabbysel
ftohi
sbedroom,Itookmy
carkeysandleft
.Isatint
hesermonfortwohours
thenheadedtoTownf orsomesnackIsatatWimpy
andordered.
..

It
ext
edLaa
-
Imi
ssy
ou

Iwaitedforhimt ocall.
.Iwai
tedfortheorderto
comet hr
ough...t
heywer ejustt
akingtheirpreci
ous
ti
me.I nsteadofseeingmyman' snumberonmy
screenIsawhi stwin'snumberIsweart oy ouIlost
allappeti
teasIwat cheditri
ngtwot imesbeforeI
pickedup

me:
"hel
l
o"?
Laa:
"hey
"
me:
"oh.
..
thoughtnguSoso"
him:
"he'
swit
hmyphonesohecal
l
edandt
oldme
youtext
ed"
me:
"oh-
kay
"
hi
m:"
canwemeet
"?
me:
"I
'mi
ntownbutIdon'
thav
eMucht
ime"
hi
m:"
wher
eint
own"
?
me:
"wi
mpy
"
hi
m:"
okaygi
mmet
en"
me:
"cool
"

myor
dercamethroughandIst
art
edeat
ingcozI
wasr
eal
lyhungr
y

Mar
cuscal
l
ed.
..

me:
"mml
ow"
?
hi
m:"
wit
hfoodi
nyourmout
h"?

Igi
ggl
edandswal
l
owedqui
ckl
y

me:
"comeon"
hi
m:"
you'
rei
nagoodmood"
me:
"ekwasbydi
eker
k"
him:"
ohThankyouLor
dJesusy
ou'
veseenus
thr
oughonceagai
n"
:
v:v

me:"
whaat
?dude!unl
i
key
ouIdoat
tendchur
chy
ou
know"?
hi
m:"
whosai
dIdon'
t?Igot
ochur
cht
oo"
me:
"what
ever
!"
hi
m:"
sowhat
chueat
ing"
?
me:
"Somechi
ckenandst
eakf
rom y
ourpl
ace"
him:"ohWimpy !damn.
..I
'
vefal
leni
nlov
ewi t
hSpur
steakslat
ely.Haveyoudeci
dedwhereyou'
l
lappl
y
forvarsi
ty"
?
me:
"noty
et.
..I
'
llt
hinkoft
hatwhenIr
ecei
vemy
mi
dyearr
esult
s"
me:
"mmhIdon'
twanty
out
hissi
det
hough"
me:
"Iknow.
..
don'
twor
ryIal
sodon'
twantt
hatsi
de"
hi
m: "
verygood.
..
rat
hergomakechaoswi
thy
our
si
sters"

Il
aughedandsawbhutbaewal
ki
ngi
n..
.

me:
"Ihav
etogo"
hi
m:"
sosoon"
?
me:
"Iki
ndahav
ecompanyr
ightnow"

Laaki
ssedmyl
i
psandsatdownopposi
teme

hi
m:"
okay
..eksal
joul
atercheck"
me:
"danki
ebr
oer
"
Ihungup

me:
"sor
ryaboutt
hat
,canIor
derf
ory
ou"
?
Laa:
"ndf
unal
ent
ouy
ity
ayo"
Iorderedforhi
m andhet
ookmyj
uicewhi
l
ewai
ti
ng
forhisfood.
[
10/
8,19:
47]‪+27730692704‬:
#25

Hisordercamet hroughandweat ejustmaking

smal l
tal
k,
beingwi t
hhi m mademef eelcont
entinso
manyway sbuthonest l
y,Ntandor esurr
ectedwhatI
thoughtwasjustaf athom fantasybackt hen.
..I
couldseemy selfwithhim,str
angehuh?butI
couldn'
tbarereali
zingthatIwasr ightwhenIsaid
he'sagangstaletalonet hefactthathe'swayolder
thanme.

-
TimepassedandIwentf ormydancedress
fi
tt
ing,
thedayswerecl osebyandIwasstressi
ngout .
Youwoul dthi
nksuchev entsar
eallbubbl
yand
cheerybutIwasstressed:wil
lIl
ookgood?wi l
lthi
s
wil
lthatbutIevent
uall
ycalmeddownanddeci dedt o
l
eti tplayitselfoutcozIki ndanol ongerhadpower
now.Mydaycame, Iworeabl ackbodyhuggi ngmi ni
dresswi t
hal i
ghtlacedet ail
att hebackf rom the
wai sttotheneckandatt hef rontthel acest arted
from thecl eavagear eatotheneck, i
twasl ong
sleeved..l
acesl eeved.Wor eredpat entheel s,hada
redpat entcl utchbagt henIf i
nishedt hel ookwi t
h
silverstuds,bracelet,
watchandmat ter edlips.
Landi l
epi ckedmeupwear i
ngar edsui twi t
hbl ack
det ai
lsLol hel ookedmor eext r
avagantt hanIdi dbut
Iwasgl adcozIdon' tli
keov erdressingatal l.My
folkswer econt entandhappy ,
wer elefttoBl ue
Lagoonasi twasourv enuef ortheni ght.

whi
l
edr
ivi
nghewoul
dcasual
l
yst
eal
alookatme.
..

me:
"t
het
ha"
hi
m:"
umhl
ebabemany
ho"
:
)
me:
"andf
iki
kuwe.
..
uzobawor
sengey
akho"
hi
m:"
int
woweeks"
me:
"yho.
..
butawkandi
xel
eli
net
heme"
hi
m:"
ever
ythi
ngi
scov
eredf
unekanj
eisi
qusakho"
me:
"mmh.
..nowl
et'
sgomaket
hisone
r
emember
ableni
ght
"
hi
m:"
yesma'
am"

weparkedandgoti
nsi
de,
i
twasful
landgl
i
tzy:
DI'
m
gl
adIsharedt
hatni
ghtwi
thhi
m.
Wet ookpi
ctur
es,hear
dspeeches,
ateagr
eat
banquetmealall
inallwest
ayedforsi
xhour
s:/past
el
evenwewenthome

hi
m:"
noaf
terpar
ty"
?
me:
"It
hinkI
'
m get
ti
ngf
luebabe"
hi
m:"
okaykendi
zogodusawenandi
yot
hat
hausoso
si
ye"
me:
"enkosi
"
hedrov
emehome,
par
kedi
nsi
deandwej
ustsat
ther
e

me:
"t
hanksf
ort
oni
ght
"
hi
m:"
I'
ddoi
tagai
n"
me:
"comeher
e"

wewentcl oseandki
ssed.
..
foragoodlongwhat-
whati
nf actunti
lwewereli
ghtupbysomebright
l
ight:
vthef ol
ksmusthaveheardt
hecarbalayta
i
sbanesaphandle!

me:
'
'enj
oyt
heni
ght
"
hi
m:"
sleept
ight
"

Ikissedhi
sli
psandwentinsi
de,mom wasbythe
window,Ij
ustsmi
ledandwalkedupst
air
sndakhul
ula
ndal
aladi
dn'
tevenfeel
li
kebat
hinghl
oboel
i
bendi
sozel
angalo.

Twoweeksdownt
heli
newashismatr
icdance,
i
t
waspr
obabl
ythet
imetomeethi
sfol
ks:/mynerves
wer
eshotup!

Threedaysbef or
et hebigdayhef etchedmef rom
homecozhi spar entsinvit
edmef orlunch:'
(and
theywantedtoseei ft
hedr esst heymadef i
t
perfect
lyfi
ne.Iwor enav ychino,roll
edupt wice
abov et
heankle,whitestil
ettos,polkadot snavyand
whitevestwithnav yblazer:p

hi
m:"awsemhl
ekodway
ou'
regoi
ngj
ustar
oundt
he
cor
ner"
me:
"f
ir
sti
mpr
essi
onsl
astdecades"
hi
m:"
okay
..
.sambekeMr
sTi
tus"

wewal
kedt
ohi
scar
,ndangenaandhedr
oveaway

me:
"t
ell
meev
ery
thi
ngIneedt
oknow"
hel
aughed
hi
m:"
justbey
our
sel
f.
..
yoursmar
tal
ready
''
me:
"cool
"

Iwasner vousny hani.Theychoset ohav elunchat

home,homecookedandal l
.Wafikakewazondi vulel
a
thenhehuggedmewhi speri
ng"uzobagr and
sukoyika"Ij ustnodmyhead, wewal kedhandi nhand
i
nsidet hehouse: ojongaf l
atyakheisan
understatementt owhatt heinsi
deoft hemai n
housel ookedl ike.Bl
ackmar bl
efloors,
buil
tin
cupboar ds,styl
ishloungesuite:/Ifeltl
ikeIwas
walki
ngi nt hepr esi
dent'scompound!
therewasnoonearound.
.sohecal
l
edoutst
il
l
holdingmyhand:

hi
m:"
MakaSoso"
?

hi
smom appear edf r
om theothersi
de:odamnshe
l
ookedfresh!young!beauti
ful
!ndazi
dela:
vshewas
weari
ngawhi tesleevel
essbodyfit
ti
ngjumpsui
twi
th
shoessameasmi ne,
shehadaBr azil
i
anweave
on,
goldjewelr
y...

shesmil
edandcamet
ohugme,
ki
ssedmycheek
andhel
dmyhands

her
:"
wow,
you'
resooobeaut
if
ul'
'
me:
"t
hanky
ouma"
her
:"
Lel
e,
pleasecal
lyourdad.
..
comet
hissi
de
sweet
y"
Landi
l
ewalkedaway,Iwasusher
edi
ntot
hatst
yli
sh
l
ounge,wesatononecouch.

her
:"
Lel
ehassai
dsomuchabouty
ou.
..
ohandSoso"
Ismi
l
ed.
..
knowi
ngl
y

her:
"ohmyGodwher ear
emymanner s.
..mynameis
Nolukhol
oFait
hTit
usbutever
yonecall
smefait
h,my
husbandwil
lbeherenownow"

husbandwalksin.
..y
uuuuuuuhgawd! !
!!:
pnowonder
benjenaooSoso!TheirdadwasBuf f
y!Ifi
tlawei
l
ady anandhewasconf i
dentofhispresence
mtchanam ..
.heworejeans,
whitesneakersanda
navygolf-
shi
rtGodthem musclesthough:'
(oh
Lord!!
!!
!!

her
:"
ohher
ehei
s..
.lov
e,t
hisi
sLel
e'
sgi
rl
fr
iend"
Ist
oodupandhehuggedme#mel
ted:
'
(
Isatdown,
heal
sodi
d

hi
m:"knowingmywife.
..
shehasn'
tof
fer
edy
ou
anyt
hingtodri
nkhasshe"?
me:
"ohI
'
mfi
net
hanky
ousi
r"
hi
m:"
ooh.
.soSi
bongi
l
e,r
ight
"?
her
:"
shepr
efer
stobecal
l
edTr
ina"
hi
m:"ohwel
l.
..Il
ovet
heAf
ri
canonebet
ter
,youdon'
t
minddoyou"
?
me:
"nosi
r"
hi
m:"
tel
lmeal
i
ttl
eabouty
our
sel
f"
phew.
..yaqal
inkat
hazot
atakamosesowabonwa
nguSoso!

Ibreat
hedoutandst ar
tedtel
l
ingaboutmysel
f,
in
factmylif
e,.
.t
heyaskedquesti
onsandIanswered
honestl
y.Sosowalkedin:D
hi
m:"
nankubabywet
hu"

hecametoki
ssmycheekwahl
alaont
hear
mrest
nearme

hi
m:"
ugr
andnt
wana"
?
me:
"shar
psani
wena"
?
hi
m:"
ndi
tops.
..
tai
macel
alawei
kal
ok"

hi
sdadi
gnor
edhi
m
Landi
l
ewal
kedi
nwi
tht
hei
rhel
per(
mai
d)

her
:"
sir
,t
hel
unchi
sready
"
MrTi
tus:
"okaykemasambeni
"

theywalkedinfr
ontofus,wefoll
owed.Isatwi
th
Sosothef ol
kssattoget
herandLaasatalone.
We
hadroastedlam onpapandGr eeksal
adthena
choi
cebetweenchocol
atemousse,Mal
vapuddi
ng
andchocol
atepuddi
ngfordesser
t.

Soso:
"mom dadi
signor
ingme"
her
:"
I'
m noti
nvol
vi
ngmy
sel
f"
Soso:
"Laa"
?
hi
m:"
he'
syourdad"
:
v
Soso:
"ndi
l
ahl
wananguwebr
o"?
MrTi
tus:
"Sosoi
zi
khei
krwel
ekenj
eimot
oyam.
..
Ina"

yhondl
elaaxhumengayoet
afi
l
eniandlef
t.
..
waphi
ndawabuy aandst
oodbythedoor

hi
m:"
babe"
?
me:
"soso"
?
hi
m: "
ndi
zokbonangef
arewel
lthanksf
orcomi
ng
by
..byebye"
me:
"shar
p"
hi
m:"
mommy
"?

shelookedup,
hebl
ewaki
ssandj
ustst
aredathi
s
brot
her

Laa:
"mxm khawhambesani
"
hi
m:"
wenzangat
hawbawel
i
"
Laa:
"I
'l
lbedr
ivi
ngi
tint
woday
ssochi
l
ls"
hi
m:"
what
evergundi
"
Laa:
"mazwi
"

Sososangont opofhisvoiceasheexitedthe
house,wecontinuedourlunchunti
llat
e,Iwentt
of i
t
thedress:DgoodLor dIfeltl
ikeanicepri
ncess:D
yhoandt omakei tworseMr sSmithmadei t
hersel
f..
..
okayfineyaphel
aIlunchthenbabedrov e
mehomewaf i
kawami saphambkwendl uandturned
offtheigni
ti
on
me:
"youhav
edopepar
ent
s"
hi
m:"
yout
hink"
?
me:
"Lel
ekamamakhe"

Il
aughed>_
<:v

hi
m:"
babedon'
t"
me:
"khazendphuzeLel
e"

hemadeaf ace.
..Il
aughedathi
m,wekissedt
henI
thankedhi
m oncemorendahli
kandagoduka.
[
10/
8,19:
47]‪+27730692704‬:
#26

Yafi
kaimi
ni kaLaanemat r
icdanceyabo,
Iprepar
ed
ekhayauvasainfactthentheir"
boy"wassentto
fet
chmecozbendi zonxi
belaphaya-_
-ohdidI
mentiont
hatIwaswasadv i
sedtowearwhite
under wearnguFai thsi nceilokhwei mhl ophe: /I
packedmyt oil
et ri
esj usti ncaset henIl eftwi t
ht he
guy ,
safikausosoesi tyaephol eehead, Igreetedand
wasescor tedt ot he" dressing"r oom wher eAsav ela
wasal readydr essed, i
nf actalmostf inishedt hen
kwat hwamandi sol endi l
inda..
.shewasbeaut i
f uli
na
whitelongdr esst hathadasl itfrom t hekneedown
andi twasbackl essshehadaweav eonasusual but
yenziwekak' hlewi thcur lsngat huy atshat a.When
shewasdoneshel eftgivingthest and,Istood
exact l
ywher eshest ood, ndanikwaey am Iwhi te
dress.Di fferencei s:mi newasshor t:Dknee
l
engt h..
.ithuggedmybodyenhanci ngal lt
hecur v
es
atallther ightpl aces.Mi newasnotent ir
elybackl ess
butithadanopeni ngatt hebackf rom bel owt hebra
areabuti twasv erylowcut ..
.cleav agemnt akadad
:vdamnt hisdr essf eltli
kesecondski ntome.Iwas
givenmybl ueshoes8| thewayIwasf eeli
ngy ou
woul dsweary ifar ewel lyam.

Fai
th:
"sodoy
ouwannawearsi
l
verorbl
uej
ewel
s"?
me:
"whati
sVel
awear
ing"
?
her
:"
sil
ver
"
me:
"t
henI
'
llwearbl
ue"

Okayl emmebr eakt histhi

ngfory '
al
l..
.sincewear e
datingtwins,
ourcol orisone.Blueandwhi t
e.So
i
xhomekekekut hihowwewi lloutst
andeachot heri
n
thatprocessandknowi nguAsav elashepr obably
choset hesil
verfullyknowinguzobamhl eworseqha
i
ngxaki yakhekungay aziubaey am i
lokhweni njani
sincenam ndandi ngayazieyakheinjaniuntilt
oday.I
wor eaonepi ecesilverandblueneckpi ecethathas
abr acel
etandt eardropearri
ngs

Fai
th:
"pr
ett
y..
.nowl
et'
sfi
xyourhai
r"

Isatdownandt ookherhairtool
sandfixedmy
hair
..
.t
heendr esul
twasbey ondwhatwor dscan
descri
be.I
fy ou'
veseenRihanna'
sbrownandbl ond
Bobbuboy cutpixi
ehair
styl
ebendinj
aloIdon'tknow
whattypapinssheusedsincemyhai ri
st oolongfor
t
hatbutshesucceedednonet
hel
ess.

me:
"oh!my
!God!
..t
hanky
ousomuch"
her
:"
makesur
eyouandmysonenj
oyt
heni
ght
"
me:
"Ipl
ant
o..
.wow"

Idi
dmyt ur
nsi
nfr
ontoft
hemi
rr
orunt
ilsomeone
knocked

her
:"
whoar
eyou"
?
Soso:
"what
'st
aki
ngsol
ongMakaLandi
l
esi
zoba
l
ate"
her
:"
siy
eza,
seni
tyi
l
e"?
hi
m:"
kudal
a"
her
:"
okaysi
yez
a"

hel
eft
..
.sashi
yekasi
j
ongenesi
ncumel
enephof
.
me:
"t
hanky
ousomuch"
her
:"
hey
,don'
tcr
ynow.
..
yourr
uiny
ourmakeup"

Ismi l
edandwehugged. .
.saphuma...whenIsawt he
twins:D:ot heywerewear i
ngidenti
calwhitetuxedos
withwhi t
eshi r
tsandbluebowt i
esalongwi t
ht hose
smal lhandkerchi
efthi
ngiesinthefrontpocketnazo
ziblue.Myj awdroppedIswear ..
.

Laa:
"damn"
!
Sosot
urnedal
ongwi
thhi
sgi
rl.
..

Soso:
"t
hat
'swhatI
'
mtal
ki
n'bout
!whooo"
!!

Landil
ewezakum andhuggedme,
khangeandbone
kanenenangokubendi
fi
kahewhi
spered'y
oulook
eatabl
e'Ibl
ushed.
f
ait
h:"i
nfr
ontofme?heee"

welaughedandmadewaytot
hecar..
.br
andnew
yekatat
awabophof.
..
hai
kemntakadadsay
betha
yanci
ncii
ndl
ela!
[
10/
8,19:
48]‪+27730692704‬:
#27

Ibeli
evewest ayedexactlythesamehour swespent
kweyam farewell,
sagodukainf actwewentt o
changekwaqal wangam, Iwor ecasual hippycl othing
notbumshor t
sorany thi
ngski nrev eali
ngatal l
theni
packedthedress,shoesandj ewel sintoashopper
ndahambanazondi zi
godusa: /ay i
zozam kal oknj e
thenbonabobat hathubebezot shintshelaatt he
samehouse.Af terchangingweheadedt otheaf ter-
part
ywhi chwasatBar kulchaandi twasj umpacked
alr
eady!Jongat hatni
ght,Igotdrunkont her eal...
weallgotdrunkt obehonest.Dr unkt othepoi nt
wherenoonecoul ddri
veushome. .…Sosocal l
edt he
guywhowentt ofetchmef r
om homet heprev i
ous
ni
ghtandt hankGodf orhim cozhecameal ongwit
h
afri
endwhodr oveanothercarasthisonedr oveus
home.Fi kakul
oSosoIwentt olaa'
sflatand
undressedleavingmyvestsinceIwaswear ingj
eans
soIcouldn'tsl
eepwithjeanson.Heundr essedand
wasl ef
twi t
hboxersonlysalal
a.

Wokeupt hefoll
owingmor ni
ngandhewasnoti n
bed:/Il ookedar ound,itt
ookawhol emi nuteforthi
s
tosinki n.
.Ididn'
tsleephome: oyhot hepanicemv a
koko...Imadewayt othebathroom anddi dmy
business,washedmyf aceanddr i
edi tt
henIwentt o
getdressedndakhuphal alokhwekaFai th,
shoesad
j
ewel sndazi bekaont hebedaf terIhavef i
xeditt
hen
ndaqokel elasomeot herclot
heswhi chwer ely
ing
around.

hewal
kedi
nasIf
ixedmyhai
r.
..
hi
m:"
mor
ningbeaut
if
ul"
me:
"hey
"
hi
m:"
hau,
kudal
auv
uki
l
e"?
me:
"er
h..
.ki
nda,
wher
e'v
eyoubeen"
?
hi
m:"
wentt
omakebr
eakf
ast
"
me:
"ohmm"

whenIwasdoneItookmybag.
..
hesawthet
hings
onthebedandl
ookedatme,
armsfol
dedacr
osshis
chest

hi
m:"
andt
his"
?
me:"
oh,
Iwant
edtogiveem t
oy ourmom qha
ndi
nent
oethi
akekhosoplzsaythanky
out oherf
or
me"
hi
m:"
babezezakhoakazozi
that
haagai
n"
me:
"shenev
ersai
dthat
..
.any
way
,cel
aundi
goduseI
t
hinkI
'
m done"
hi
m:"
awzot
ya"
?
me:
"not
hanks"
hi
m:"
ohcomeonpl
z..
.sendt
heKOSososi
yeza"
me:
"yay
azi
kei
ngxaki
yam noVel
a"
hi
m:"
beni
ri
ghtnj
elastni
ght
"
me:"
becausewehadto.
..nowwedon'
thav
eto
pr
etendli
keweli
keeachother
"

hesi
ghed.
..andmumbl
edan"
OK"

Iwaitedf orhi
mtoweartr
ousersandsandal
sthen
sahambaenganxibangakwav estl
eyo.Wegotint
he
car.
..justashewasopeni
ngtheelectr
oni
cgate
waphumauSoso

hi
m:"
andi
zok'
phendul
elakemnake"
me:
"eshe"
Sosocamet
owar
dst
hecar
..
.l
eanedont
hewi
ndow

hi
m:"
sewgodukaungat
yanganot
ya"
?
me:
"yeahmanbekudal
angoko"
hi
m:"comeondude,
yourf
olksknowy
ou'
repr
obabl
y
her
e"
me:
''
Iknow.
..Ihav
eacoupl
eoft
hingsIhav
etodo
t
hough"

hewat
chedmyf
ace.
..
thi
nki
ngt
hroughev
erysi
ngl
e
wor
d..
.

hi
m:"
thoughtl
ent
oyenui
ssor
ted"
me:
"huh"
?
hi
m:"
wenanoAsav
ela"
me:
"oht
hat
"
hi
m:"
she'
stheonl
yreasony
ou'
renotj
oini
ngusf
or
br
eakf
astaneh"
?

Iswal
lowed:
vhowdoyout
ell
umnt
uthet
rut
hwhen
youknowhe'
l
lbehur
t?

me:
"noSosoasIsai
dIhavethi
ngst
odo.
..
fi
rstbei
ng
t
ocurethi
sthr
obbi
nghead"
hi
m:"
'
kay
..
.by
eby
e"
me:
"shar
p"

baer ever
sedandv amoosedoutofthathouse...
the
ri
dehomewasasi l
entone.Mnabendfunano
founelwanguNt andoandjustt
alk:
/ndi r
ongonah?
l
ike,
Ikeptcheckingmyphoneokoakhonemi ssed
callLenanothi
ng,ni
x.Hedroppedmeof fekhayaand
Icouldseeakhozimotowhichmeantnoonewas
home. .
.evenLukewasn'thome.

hi
m:"
thanky
ouf
orl
asni
ght
"
me:
"i
twasy
ourni
ght
..
.gl
adIcoul
dshar
eitwi
thy
ou"
hi
m:"
butIst
il
lthi
nky
oushoul
d'
vet
akenezant
o"
me:
"Ican'
teata'
thanky
ou'
phi
ndendi
tyeno'
ver
y
much'kodwababe"

hesmi l
ed...wekissedpassionatelyforami nute
thenIlefthim ndangenaekhay andipholengemi nd.
Hewat chedmet henhootedandl eft.
..Iwassuper
hungryy evah?Imadecereal f
astf astphofont he
sideIfri
edeggsandoner ussianndenzanet oast
ndathathakutyakwam alongwi t
hmyphone
ndayotyelanasepool

Ical
l
edMar
c

hi
m!:
"heybaby
"
me:
"heyman,
wassup"
?
hi
m:"
mysel
f"
me:
"byy
our
sel
fyoumean.
..y
ou'
rehi
gh"
?
hebur
stoutwandi
hleka:
/nt
onehl
eki
say
o?
hi
m:"
no.
..I
'
m ont
opoft
heTabl
emount
ain"
me:
"oohwow,
what
chudoi
ngt
her
e"?
hi
m:"
cametochil
lwit
hmyniqqaz.
..
hear
dther
e's
somedoper
estaur
antar
oundsowecamet ocheck
i
tout
"
me:"
'
mmmhandy
oudon'
twantmet
ocomet
hat
si
dehuh"
?
hi
m:"uh-
uh!youmaynotcomet
oCapeTown.
..t
hese
ni
qqazwill
devoury
ou"
me:"
aytIheary
ou.
..l
emmel
eav
eyout
oyour
hi
ghness"
hi
m:"
thanksf
ort
hecal
lhey
"'
me:
"you'
rewel
come"

Ihungup:/sot hat'
swhyIdi dn'
thearany t
hingfrom
Ntando?they'
retogether?:(Iat
ef i
nishanddipped
myf eeti
nsidethepool andlayonmyback.Icoul d
hearadognear erIopenedmyey esandsawSpeedy
wi
thhi
stonguedangl
i
ng:)Ipl
ayedwi
thherunt
ilwe
wer
edist
urbedbymyphone
OhGoduv engantonbakdalandf
unaaroundLona?
nowthathecall
edIdidn'
tknowwhattosaytohim
atal
l:
/ii
ntl
oni

Ipi
ckedup.
..st
il
lnotsur
ewhatt
osay:
(

me:
"hi
"?
hi
m:"
hey
..
.y
ouokay
"?
me:
"yeahI
'
m cool
,
you"
?
hi
m:"
I'
m good"

si
l
ence
f
oll
owedbysi
l
ence
:
/owkaynowi
twasawkwar
dsi
l
ence!

hi
m:"
Ihonest
lydon'
tknowwhyIcal
l
ed"
me:
"ny
han"
?
him:
"f
eltli
keI
'
vebeeni
gnor
ingy
ou.
..
andazhowt
o
expl
ainit
"
me:
"youdoknowawny
anzel
ekangaunf
ounel
eneh"
?
hi
m:"
yesbuti
ntl
i
ziy
oif
unal
ent
oiy
ifunay
o"
me:
"car
eful
though.
..
ahear
tcanbedecei
tf
ul"
him:"atl
eastIwi
l
lknowt
hatIt
ri
edandev
ent
ual
l
y
fai
led"

Ismi
l
edt
omy
sel
f.
..andazwhynam.

me:
"okayke,
guessIshoul
dsayt
hanksf
ort
hecal
l
"
hi
m:"
ungxamel
ephi
"?
me:
"asi
ncokol
inj
esondi
zohl
alandi
thi
nikul
ephone"
?
him:
"kal
okezanam i
ncokoawuy
ifuni
..
.i
zanay
o
kewena"
me:
"oh.
..okay
.Tel
lmeabouty
our
sel
f"
hechuckl
ed

hi
m:"
you'
reser
ious"
?
me:
"yep"
'
hi
m: "
'okay .
..uhm,I
'dli
ketobel i
eveI'
mf ri
endly,l
ovi
ng
ki
nd,patientandunderstandingattimes.Ibelievei
n
hustl
ing..verymuch.Iownt hreebusinessesanda
couplemor ewhicharenotlegitbutI'
mf rom ekasi
soyoucan' tbl
ameme.I '
mt hef i
rstbornofthree
boys..
.raisedbyasingleparent"

me:
"whathappenedt
oyourdad"
?
hi
m:"
hev
ani
shed"
me:"
oh.
..whatexact
lydoyoumeanwheny ousay
youhav
emanyot heril
l
egalbusi
nesses"
?

hel
aughed.
..
hi
m:"
naht
hat
'senoughf
oroneday
"
me:
"heeeget
ti
ngshadynow"
?
hi
m:"
nooome?shady
?nev
er"
me:
"okaysohowol
dar
eyoursi
bli
ngs"
?
hi
m:"
twi
ns.
..
they
'r
e20t
hisy
ear
"

:
/twoy
ear
sol
dert
hanme

me:
"benzani
"?
hi
m:"
oneisi
nvar
sit
y,onei
sbusybui
l
dinghi
msel
fan
empi
re"
me:
"t
hel
egal
rout
eIshoul
dhope"
hi
m:"
def
ini
tel
y"
me:
"youguy
sseem dr
iven"
him:
"i
tshowwegrewup...
makesyouwantmor
eof
thegoodthi
ngsi
nli
fe,
howevert
hycome"
ohkay
..
.:/what
evert
hatmeant
!

wespokesomemor ehayndancamandat hi
makabekeIphonengoku,
anhourandmor eoko
uncokol
anomntuwho'snotevenyourman?
angakhal
anoLaaxaenobonalecalldur
ation.
-
-

Iappli
edatRhodes, UJ, Boston,NMMU, DUT, TUT
andUFHnomi stakekaCapeTownatal l.Mymat ric
l
ifecontinued...
LaaandIhadl esst imet ospend
toget
herduet ot hepr epar ati
onsf orthet r
ialsalong
withthef i
nals.Iwassooodet ermi nedt hist i
meI
wantednodi sruptionf rom any one.Nt andoki nda
understoodt hepr essur ecozhewoul dcal l ebusuku
andIwoul dbebusyst udyingandhewoul d
encouragemet ell
ingmet hatitwillbewor thitinthe
end.WhenIst artedwi t hmyt r
ialhet extedand
wishedmel uck,Laat ookmeoutf orbr unch: Daday
beforethetrialscozsi gqi belenekudal a.Iwas
certai
nlyenjoyi
ngleattent
ionfrom bothsi desnot
thatIwasn'tsureorwhatbutwi thBeastIwasaf rai
d
ofhim kancincisoitwasbetteruncokol anay efr
om
theothersideofthecountrybutont heotherhand
Landil
emademef eelcomplete..
.hewasn' teven
aftermyv i
rgini
tyorifhewas,henev erment ionedit
norshowedanysi gnke:/butnonet helessIwas
happy!isn'
tthatallt
hatmat t
ers?mebei nghappy ?
[
10/
8,19:
48]‪+27730692704‬:
#28

Iwr otemyt ri
alsandwentt ospr ingschool aft
er
that,st
udiedhar dandwr otemyf i
nalexams. .
.those
wer en'
tv er
yhar dbutIwasst ressingyouknow?
hav i
ngani ntell
i
gentsisterli
keEv ewhol eftyour
school thepreviousyearwi t
hpr ett
yexclai
mabl e
mar ksIwasunderpr essureforsur eandont opof
that,myboy fr
iendwasal soinmat r
ic,
Iwouldn't
wannabebel owhi mi nmar ksandal l:
(Iwasr aised
i
ncompet i
ti
veenv i
ronment ,i
twasi nmybl oodt o
compet eandWI Nsol eIsituati
onwasst r
essingme
foreal:(
OkaysoIwrotefini
shandplannedaTript
oJo'burg
cozEvewasn'tcominghomeagain:owhodoest hat?
Theenti
reyearumntuakagodukinangoDecember
akabuy
i?hayIalsowantedtoexperi
encel
ejozil
if
e
:D
Sot hi
sfai
thfulday,
ful
lyknowi ngthatLandil
eis
throughwithexamsIpr eparedandwentt ohis
houseunannounced. .
.justaLi l
surpri
se.WhenIgot
there,
hisf
ri
endswer ether ekugcwelenam ngathii
ts
somehousepar t
yorpr eparati
onsforitke.He
spottedmef i
rstasIwal kedthroughthegate,he
camef ort
hnxibesomeshor tsandf l
opsnothingel
se

hi
m:"
hey
"

Ismi
l
edaswehugged

hi
m:"
thi
sisasur
pri
se"
me:
"wel
lIcoul
dal
way
scomesomeot
hert
ime"
hi
m:"
Imeantagoodsur
pri
sebabe,
i
za"
me:"
uhm.
..don'
tgoi
ntr
oducemet
oyourf
ri
endske
pl
z"
hi
m:"
hai
bowhy
"?
me:
"ha.
ababe"

hesmi
led.
..
wewalkedtothef
latIgr
eet
edtheguys
si
ncet
heywereoutsi
de.Wegotinsi
deIsatont
he
bed

hi
m:"
dri
nk"
?
me:
"I
'm cool
thanks"

hecamet
osi
tnextt
ome

hi
m:"
so.
..
youmi
ssedmehuh"
?
Lol
thesmi r
konhi
sfacet
hough.
.Ihi
thi
m pl
ayf
ull
y
onhisshoul
der
hi
m:"
ouchbabe"
me:"soyoudidn'
tthi
nky
ourbabeshoul
dknowabout
yourLil
part
y"?
hechuckl
ed

hi
m:"
youmeanSoso'
sli
lpar
tyr
ight
"?
me:
"ohJesus!uphi
yena"
?
hi
m:"
he'
swi
thVel
ainsi
de"
me:
"ooh.
.she'
sher
e"?
hi
m:"uhm..
.yeah.l
ook,
she'
sbeenher
esi
ncet
hel
ast
dayofexams"
me:
"oh"

het
urnedmyfaceandki
ssedmeev
ersot
ender
lyI
mel
tedandmoulded

hi
m:"
uzeKuSosobabedon'
tcompet
ewi
thher
"
me:
"whosai
dany
thi
ngboutcompet
ing"
?
hi
m:"Ij
ustdon'
twanty
ouucingebay
enaul
apha
wenaubungayazwhat
'sgoi
ngon"
me:
"youcan'
tcompar
emenoVel
athough"
hi
m:"
IknowIj
-"

Sosobar
gedi
nkwel
acal
a

hi
m:"
kut
hwauf
ikel
webaf
o"
Laa:
"yasphazami
sa"

Sosocametothebedr
oom andopenedthedoor
wezakum,
huggedandkissedmycheek

hi
m:"
awnqabebaby
"
me:
"si
yaf
anawandi
l
ahl
akal
okwena"
hi
m:"ha.
ablamey ourf
ir
stl
ove.
..
hesai
dnott
o
di
sturbyouuyaf
unda"
me:
"oh,
sonangoksendi
gqi
bil
eubhal
a"?
hi
m:"
uhm.
..
"

:
vhel
ookedthi
sbr
other
.Myphoner
ang:
/Nt
ando

me:
"uhm.
..Ihav
etot
aket
his"
Soso:
"khazaphabr
a"wat
shoephuma
Laa:
"sundshi
yakal
ok"

me:
"hi
"?
hi
m:"
yousoundner
vous"
me:
"uhm.
..no.what
'
sup"
?
hi
m:"nothi
ngmuch.
..wasjustchecki
ngupony
ou
si
ncey ounev
ersai
dugqibil
eubhala"
me:
"oht
hat
..
.I
'
m sor
rymanI
'
vej
ustbeen
pr
eoccupi
ed"
hi
m:"ohokay
..
.ar
eyouguy
snotcomi
ngt
ocape
Town"?
me:
"noIdoubt
"

Landi
l
ewal
kedbacki
nsi
deo.
O

hi
m:"
oh.
..
okay
"
me:
"yeahuhm,
Imi
ghthav
etocal
lyoubackl
ateron"

Laast
oodbetweenmyl egsandki
ssedmyli
ps
wahl
alaemi
lenjal
o:vIgiggl
edLol
yoxoluNt
ando

hi
m:"
ohkayl
atert
hen"

Imumbl
ed.
..
me:
"f
anksf
orf
ecki
ngu'
om me"
Lol
thi
sni
qqawasmaki
ngt
alki
ngdi
ff
icul
tforme:
v

hi
m:"
it
smypl
easur
e"

wehungup. .
.Laakissedmef or
eal
thisti
me.
..Ionl
y
stoppedhim whenIheardSoso'
snoisecomi
ng
towardsthehouse

me:
"di
dyouhav
etodot
hat
"?
hi
m:"
wel
lwhoev
eri
tiswi
l
lunder
standkehol
i
day
ANDumdal
a"
me:
"eshe.
..
"
-
Soso:
"khani
phumeni
kuy
aty
iwaphandl
e"
me:
"as'
l
ambanga"
hi
m:"
speakf
ory
our
sel
f,mnt
akamaul
ambi
l
e"
me:
"akazot
yandi
ngat
yi"
Il
ookedathi
m..
.hel
aughed:
v

Soso:
"ut
heni
nawenauy
asl
i
mmer
"?
me:
"I
'm goi
ngt
ovar
sit
ywhatdoy
ouexpect
"?
hi
m:"
whoahwashi
ywamnt
akwet
hu"
Laa:
"andi
khokwi
raci
ngt
racksonny
"

Iki
ssedhi
scheek
me:
"mxel
elebabe"

Sosoj
ustst
aredatus.
..
andwal
kedoutdef
eat
ed.

Laa:
"masambe"
me:
"haywet
humand'
goduke"
hi
m:"
awsenadr
amanj
e"
me:
"f
uzewel
elakho"
hi
m:"
I'
m bei
ngser
ioust
hough"
'
me:
"babe.
..
"
hi
m:"awnaexcuse.
..
ugqi
bil
eubhala,
you'
real
onef
ora
coupl
eofhourssouzothiungxamel
ephi
"?

Ipout
edandl ookedaway..
.hepul
l
edmeup
sahambasay aphandl
e,i
ntr
oducedmet
othei
rmat
es
andIblendedndancokol
akenam.

l
ahambai xesha..
.someBuf f
y,dar
kniqqa
approachedmendi mealonebyt hepoolside
admiri
ngt hebeauti
ful
garden.EzwayzidlalaIr
ugby
real
l
yhav esexybodiesthough:/justsayi
ng..

Bonga:
"hey
..
"

Il
ookedupandwaswel
comedbyawar
m smi
l
e
me:
"hi
"
hi
m:"
Tri
nar
ight
"?
me:
"yeah.
..
uhm y
oumustei
therbeBanel
eorBonga"

hesmil
edreveal
i
ngbeauti
ful
whiteteet
h..
.t
her
ewas
j
ustsomet
hingrefr
eshi
ngabouthim

hi
m:"
I'
m Bonga.
.Banel
eisabi
tshor
ter
"
me:
"ohsor
ry,
I
'l
lkeepnot
enext
ime"
hi
m:"
so,
youandLar
a..
."
?
me:
"we'
redat
ing,
yes"
hi
m:"
howl
onghasi
tbeen"
?
me:
"qui
teawhi
l
enow"

Iwasn'tr
eal
lycomfort
abl
ewithhi
m aski
ngmesuch
quest
ionsqhaIjustdi
dn'
twannacomeoutasr
ude
yabo
hesi
ppedhi
sci
der.
..

hi
m:"
hedoeshav
eagoodchoi
ceImustsay
"
me:
"r
efer
ri
ng"
?
hi
m:"
you.
.andt
heonesbef
orey
ou"
me:
"oh"

well
..
.seewhatImeant?Idontwannaknowhis
dodgypastngokusoIwaskindapray
ingthatt
his
guyingathet
hisomet
hingt
hatIwasn'
tsupposedto
know...

hi
m:"
sohowdi
dyouguy
smeet
"?

ThankGodf
orSoso.
..wandi
khwaza

me:
"excuseme"
hi
m:'
'
ayt
"
IwalkedtoSoso.
..
hel
ookedatBongasuspi
ci
ousl
y
thenbackatme

hi
m:"
ebesi
thi
ni"
?
Iey
edhi
m qui
zzi
cal
l
y

hi
m:"
nevermind.
..
ndodakhoi
yakbi
zadon'
taskme
whyezokuf
unakum"
me:
"nguweot
hemasi
zot
yakal
ok"
hi
m:"
khandi
thi
lahl
ekamna"
me:"y
oudoknowt
hatt
hepool
isj
ustbehi
ndt
he
houseneh"
?

hechuckledandhitmyhand.
..
Ilaughedandf el
t
somekindofreli
efwhenIsawLandi l
edressed:)I
knewndizogoduswa.
[
10/
8,19:
48]‪+27730692704‬:
#29
Iwentt
ohi
m andhecoachedhi
shandar
oundmy
wai
stasheni
bbl
edonmyear l
obe.

me:
"si
yaphi
"?
hi
m:"
taki
ngy
ouout
"
me:
"noway
s..
.I
'
m enj
oyi
ngt
hebr
aai
her
e"
him:
"notwi
thni
qqazl
i
keBongasnoopi
ngar
ound
you"

Ial
mostanswer
edndazi
bamba.
..
washespy
ingon
me?

me:
"snoopi
ng"
?
hi
m:'
'
hm"
me:
"howdi
dyouknow"
?
hi
m:"
Ijustdo.
..
mjongenangoku"
Iturnedbackandmethi sey es,
her
aisedhisglassi
n
salutat
ions:/Ifakedasmiledandwhispered'
he's
fr
eaky 'Lol
yahlekaleandpulledmetowardsthecar
openedt hedoorf ormendangenaasheclosedand
wentt otheothersidewangena

me:
"If
orgotmyphoneendl
i
ni"
hi
m:"
ohndi
yfakekwi
bagy
akho"
me:
"sur
e"

hest
art
edt
hecarsaphuma.
..

hi
m:"
someguycal
l
ed"
me:
"name"
?
hi
m:"
didn'
tsay
..
.andhe'
snumberi
sunknownso.
..
"
me:
"oh,
bef
unani
"?
hi
m:"
umnt
uwephone"
me:
"nomessageatl
east
"?
heshookhi
shead
me:
"bethecanwai
tke"

y
aqhubal
e.
Iknewi
tmustbeNtando.
..Idon'
tthi
nkIsavedhi
s
numberatal
l
.ButkemntakadadIwasn'tgonna
str
essmysel
fngent
oendingekhosur
enayiyo.

me:
"udewat
hisy
aphi
"?
hi
m:"
ohSi
yaeai
rpor
t.
..pi
cki
ngupmymom"
me:
"oh"

Whenwearr
ivedt
her
ehecal
l
edheryaphumel
a
meani
ngshewassti
l
lont
heplane

hi
m:"
come"

If
oll
owedhi
m up,
wewentt
oWi
mpyheor
der
edf
or
bothofusandwesatdown.Hepul l
edhischair
aroundandkissedme, sl
owlyyetpassi
onat
ely
attr
act
ingatt
ention,
butkei twastoogoodtostop:/
:v:pIconti
nuedkissi
nghi m ev
enpulli
nghim cl
oser
thenhestoppedandl ookedatmesmi li
ng

me:
"whaaat
"?
hi
m:"
ther
e'ssomet
hingIshoul
dtel
lyou"
me:
"makest
woofus"
hi
m:"
ladi
esf
ir
st"
me:
"af
tert
hegent
leman"
:
)
hi
m:"
hee!uhm,
Siy
aekapapr
ett
ysoon"
me:
"mh"
hi
m:"Skol
osi
sif
umeneeUCTandmyuncleisgoi
ng
over
seasheaskedust
ogoandbaby
sithi
sdogs"
me:
'
yhoezohousepar
ty"
hesmi
l
ed

hi
m:"
asazi
Bant
ukakhul
uphay
a"
me:
"mh"
hi
m:"
nowy
ourt
urn"
me:
"ooh.
..I
'
m goi
ngt
oJo'
bur
g"
hi
m:"
oh.
.ni
ni"
?
me:"pr
ettysoon..
.Skol
ondisfumeneal
mostkuzo
zonkeinsti
tut
ionbendiappl
y'
ekuzobutIchose
Boston"
hi
m: "
ohwow.
.t
houghIt
houghty
ou'
dfol
l
owy
our
si
ster"
me:
"UJ?neeeh.
..
letherbeherowndr
amaqueen
t
her
e"

ouror
dercamet
hroughsat
ya

hi
m:"
thatmeansweshoul
dspendasmucht
ime
t
oget
her
"
me:
"mh"

Iwasalr
eadyeat
ing:
/hal
fwayt
hrought
hemeal
Sosocal
ledme

me:
"babe"
hi
m:"
wher
ey'
al
lat
"?
me:
"ai
rpor
t"
hi
m:"
ooht
houghty
ouwenthome"
me:
"ndi
zogodukanj
eky
afana"
hi
m:"
awzol
ala"
?
me:
"nope"
hi
m:"
mnt
anoml
unguny
han"
me:
"yand'
qhel
a"
hi
m:"
mxm by
eby
e"
Idi
dn'
trespondIj
usthungup

bae:
"andt
hat
"?
hi
m:"
yourt
win"
hi
m:"
akanambekokanene,howdoy
oucal
lsomeone
el
se'
sgir
lf
ri
endikhonaeyakho"
?
me:
"si
sqhel
o"

hismom t ext
edsayekanalomealsehlaandfound
hersitt
ingpati
entl
ywait
ingforus,
herface
bright
enedupwhenshesawus.Shehuggedherson,
kissedhisli
ps:)t
henshehuggedmeandki ssedmy
cheekwehel pedherwit
htheluggageandwal kst
o
thecar.Shegotinthefr
ontseat,
Itooktheback
passengerseatthenLaadroveoff
.

her
:"
unj
ansi
si"
?
me:
"phi
l
il
emamaenkosi
wena"
?
her
:"
ndi
rightl
ovebutpl
easecal
lmeFai
th"
me:
"mybad"

shesmi
l
edwar
mlyt
hent
urnedt
oherson

her
:"
how'
sthebr
aai
"?
hi
m:"
kugcwel
eyàmazSosowazi
almostev
ery
one"
her
:"
Ineedsomer
estt
hough"
hi
m:"
youcankal
okt
hey
'r
enotpl
ayi
nganyl
oud
musi
c"
her
:"
kut
heni
wat
hi'
they
'kant
iwena"
?
hi
m:"
yeahwhat
ever
..
..
when'
sdadr
etur
ning"
?
her
:"
he'
ssti
l
lbusywi
thacoupl
eoft
hingssoI
'
m not
qui
tesur
e"
hi
m:"
ahasuncl
ecal
l
edy
et"
?
her:
"f
rom whatIr
ecal
lhe'sal
readyl
eft
,yourdadhas
thehousekeyswit
hhim aswespeak"
hi
m:"don'
ttel
lmehewannai
nst
all
mor
esecur
it
y
sy
stem kl
andlu"
her
:"
Iwoul
dn'
tknowkebabe"

thentheridewasqui t
e..
.wearri
vedendl i
niy
abo
sohli
ka,
Sosocamef ort
handt ookt hel
uggage,I
walkedtot heflatandsearchedformyphone
ndabonami ssedcallsfr
om Keri,
Ntandoobv i
ously
andMar cusLol kubobonkethemosti mportantwas
MarcsoIsatont hebedmademy sel
fcomfortabl
e
asi r
emov edmyshoesandr etur
nedhi scal
l

hi
m:"f
ourt
imes"
?
me:
"Iwasbusy
"
hi
m:"
toobusyf
ory
ourbi
gbr
otherhuh"
?
me:
"neeman,
ekwasr
eri
gbesi
g..
.wat
svout
"?
hi
m:"
nix,
j
ustwant
edt
oknowi
fyou'
reokay
"
me:
"I'
m mor
ethanokaydon'
twor
ry"
hi
m:"
Evesay
sshe'
sexpect
ingy
ouv
erysoon"
me:
"yeahmanImean,
I
'mr
eal
l
yget
ti
ngbor
edher
e"
hi
m:"
whyi
sn'
tshecomi
ngback"
?
me:
"shedoesn'
twantt
o"
hi
m:"
hm.
..wher
ear
eyou"
?
me:
"home"
hi
m:"
tr
yagai
n"

Isi
ghed.
..
didn'
twantanot
herl
ect
urej
usty
et

me_
:"I
'
m wi
thf
ri
ends"
hi
m:"
youmeanboy
fri
end"
me:
"whatdi
ff
erencedoesi
tmake"
?
hi
m:"
justpl
aysaf
e"
me:
"kay
"
hi
m:"
lov
eyou"
me:
"l
ovey
out
oo"

Landi
l
ewal
kedxandsi
tshowandi
j
ongaMar
cont
he
ot
herhandhungup.
..

Ipret
endedasifakekhoyazuLandi
l
e..
.y
oudon'
t
knowt heef
fectmyfamil
yhasonme.Icall
edKer
i

her
:"
heysweet
yhowar
eyou"
?

youknowwhent
heyemphasi
zeont
hewor
d"ar
e"
mxm

me:
"I
'm cool
sisy
ou"
?
her
:"
I'
m gr
eatact
ual
l
y"
me:
"oh,
I
'mj
ustr
etur
ningy
ourcal
l
"
her
:"
ohi
tsnot
hing,
Ij
ustmi
ssedy
ou"
me:
"oohokay
"
her
:"
byeby
e"
me:
"cool
"
:
owhocall
edkant
i?butIcoul
dhearJoeont
heot
her
endoft
hel
ine.

Laa:
"uhm..
.kut
hwamandbuzewi
l
lubej
oini
ngusf
or
di
nner"?
me:
"uhm,
nobabe"
hi
m:"
hm"

waguqukawahamba. .
.haynoskeaqumbekekl e
game, Ispenttheenti
redayherkuzot hwanekhay a
xandizofikandihl
uthi
?hayke.Iwaski ndafeeling
somef ati
guesoIlayonmyst omachandcl osedmy
eyes..
.i wasalmostfall
ingasleepwheni t
houghtI
couldhearsomeonewal kingin,
justthatIdidn't
wannaopenmyey esjusty et
!Idri
ftedoffev ha..
.
ndothuswanguSosoendv usa

me:
"mmh"
?
hi
m:"
ushar
p"?
Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m,angr
y!

hi
m: "
sorr
yman,
IfoundBongast
ari
ngaty
oungoku
ul
eleyo"
me:
"what
"!
??!

yhokwaphelanobobut
hongondaphakamaandwor e
myshoes,baewalkedi
nenomsindoIdidn'
taskno
quest
ionsmntakadad

hi
m:"
khaphumeSoso"
Soso:
"mf
ethukha-
"
hi
m:"
Soso"

waphuma.
..If
ini
shedandt
ookmybag

hi
m:"
awl
i
bel
angant
o"?
Il
ookedformyphone,
foundi
tandwal
kedi
nfr
ontof
hi
mt othecar
.

v
ela:
"heyTee,
you'
renotsl
eepi
ngov
er"
?

wishIhadsomesenseorchoi ceofwor dstoanswer

herbutIdidn't
..
.Ij
ustgoti
ntot hecarandrubbedmy
eyes.Khandjonenobusobunjani:/baegotinthecar
anddroveawayi nhighspeed..
..

me:
"t
hiscar
'st
oof
ast
"
hi
m:"
sor
ry"

hesl
oweddownandey
edme

whenwer eachedmyfrontyardheturnedoft
he
i
gnit
ionandburiedhi
sforeheadinhishandsand
l
eaneditont
hesteer
ingwheel ndat
hul
acozIdi
dn'
t
knowwhattosayandenzangantomnaasfarasI
'm
concer
nedsowhybeangr ykum?
Aft
ersometimeheli
ft
edhisheadandbreat
hedout
l
eaningagai
nstt
heheadr
estl
ookingup

hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ry"
me:
"awenzangant
onj
e"
hi
m:"
shoul
dn'
thav
elef
tyoual
onet
her
e"
me:
"bendsozel
ababe.
..
whatr
eal
l
yhappened"
?
hi
m: "
singenenososol
achapi
meezant
sikwi
bed
watchingyousl
eep"
me:
"t
hat
'scr
eepy
"
hi
m:"whatmakesmemoreangr
yist
hatItol
dthem
nooneenter
smyflat
,t
heny
enawenzan"
?

Ikeptqui
et.
..
hi
m:"
thanksf
orcomi
ngov
er"
me:
"t
hanksf
orhav
ingme.
..
myekemanl
owana"
hi
m:"
ha.
ababey
and'
qhel
alechap"
me:
"babepl
z"

sathul
a..
..Itur
nedandkissedhisli
ps,t
heywerehot
!
DamnitthisniqqacanbeangryEv ah?umntu
abenomsi ndoabeshushukanjena?

me:
"babey
ou'
reheat
ingup"
hi
m:"
mh"
?
me:
"you'
rev
eryhot
"
hi
m:"
you'
recompl
aini
ng"
?
me:"
mxm sudikabr
aImeany
ou'
reheat
ing
up,
pressur
e"
hi
m:"
mh"
?

hepul
l
edmeandweki
ssed,
Ifel
thi
sfor
eheadaswe
kissed,
itwasboil
inghot!Hi
svei
nswerest
andi
ngout
,Istoppedhim andlookedi
ntohi
sey
es..
.r
ed.

me:
"hey
,don'
tst
resst
oomuchman"
hi
m:"
thul
abae"

heki
ssedmeoncemor e,
i
twasdr
iven,
came
somewher
edeepert
histi
meli
kehewantedmeal
lto
hi
mself
.

hi
m:"
Ilov
eyou"
me:
"nam.
..
howwi
l
lwespendmor
eti
met
oget
her
"?
hi
m:"
I'
m gamewhenev
ery
ouar
e"
me:
"t
henwe'
l
lwor
ksomet
hingout
"

weki
ssedoncemor
e..
.

me:
"Ihav
etogonow"
wekissedagai
nndohl
i
ka,
hehoot
edandl
eft
.Ical
l
ed
SosoasIwalkedi
nekhay
a

Soso:
"mi
ssmeal
ready
"?
me:
"noman,
I
'm concer
nedabouty
our
.br
other
"
hi
m:"
uthen"
?
me:
"t
ooangr
y"
hi
m:"wel
lIcan'
ttal
ktohi
m enj
eyanam zozama
ngomso"
me:
"ohcomeonhe'
syourhal
f"
hi
m:"he'
smoredanger
ouswhenhe'
supsetsopl
z
babe,
ngomso"
me:
"okayke"
hi
m:"
lal
ekak'
hl
evah"
me:
"t
hanks"

Iwal
kedi
ntot
heshowerandj
ustst
oodt
her
e.
[
10/
8,19:
48]‪+27730692704‬:
#30

*
Jo'
bur
g*

Evewashomesickbutshecoul
dnotr
etur
nhome
becauseofsomereasonshenev
erdi
scl
osedt
o
anyone.
Bei ngaf i
rstyearstudentinanot herpr ovincenot
knowi ngany onebesidesy ourbr otherwas
somet hi
ngelse..
.andbeingEv e,shef oundher self
mer gi
ngwi t
hunf r
iendlyfr
iendswhoonl ysawmoney
wr i
ttenalloverherandt heywer econst antl
yout
clubbing,sexi
ngand" ing"what everelsepossi ble.
Ther ewasoneort womat esbesi desher
roommat esthatshemadeatl eastoneoft hem had
agoodheadonhi sshoulders.Soasl uckmayhav e
i
t,thisdayshehadamassi vehangov erandher
fri
endohwai t,
mal efri
endKabel owentov ersi
nce
theyhadast udysession
KB:
"Ly
n?y
ouher
e"?
Shewassoundasleepalongwithherroommates..
.
hepract
ical
l
yhadtobangt hedoorforoneoft
hem
towakeup.Lindawokeupandopenedt hedoorfor
him

KB:
"HeyLee.
.i
sLy
nhome"
?
her
:"
mxm"

shewal
kedbackinsi
deleavi
ngthedooropenfor
hi
mt owal
kin.
..
hewalkedinafewstepsandlooked
att
hem t
henwalkedtoEvewakingherup

hi
m:"
Lyn"
?
her
:"
mh"
?
hi
m:"
wakeup"

shedi
dn'
tmov
eani
nch
hi
m:"
Evel
yn"
?
her
:"
whaaaat
!??
??!shesatupr
ubbi
ngherey
es
vi
gorousl
y

hel
ookedathersadl
y

her
:"
oh.
.hi
Kabe"
hi
m:"
youwer
edr
unk"
?
her
:"
dudenotnow.
..whyar
eyouher
esoear
ly"
?
hi
m:"
youf
orgot
?st
udy
"?
herey
esal
mostpoppedoutasi
tdawnedonher

her
:"
ohmygosh.
..l
emmet
akeaqui
ckshower
"
hi
m:"
I'
ll
wai
tfory
ouatt
hepar
k"
her
:"
I'
ll
bequi
ck"
hewalkedoutandwentt osi tatthebarkbenches
whil
eshet ookaquickshower ..
.r
easonwhyshe
desperat
elyneededthesel essons?Shef ai
ledtwoof
herter
msandshecoul dn'
tr eall
yaffor
dt ofai
lagai
n
soshekindahadt osucki tupwi thKabelo.

Oneofherf
riendsBel
i
ndasawKabel
oatt
hepar
k
andshewavedandwenttohi
m..
.

Bel
l
z:"
HeyKB,
ukae"
?
hi
m:"
I'
m cool
you"
?
her
:"
okay
..
.soIher
eyourgi
rli
spr
egnant
"
hi
m:"
mygi
rl
"?
shel
aughedsol
oud.
..
hi
m:"
mygi
rl
"?
her
:"
Evel
yn?ar
en'
tyouhi
tt
ingi
t"
?

i
nst
eadofanswer
ingherhet
ookhi
sbagandl
eftf
or
campuslibr
ary
..
.bythet i
meEv ereachedtheparki
t
wasempt ysoshewal kedherast othel
ibrar
yand
foundhiminacornerbur i
edinhi
sLawt extbooks
withLapt
opinfrontofhim,shesatdown...
aspaleas
shewas.

her
:"
thoughty
ousai
dyouwai
tatt
hepar
k"?
hi
m:"
thoughty
ousai
dweai
n'
tgotsecr
etes"
her
:"
whatar
eyouonabout
"?
hi
m:"
whatam Ionbout
"?
her:
"dude?whatgotyousowor
kedup?I
'
m sor
ryI
gotdrunklastni
ghtokay
"?

hereturnedhisf
ocusbacktohisbooksignor
ingher
unti
litwastimefort
helect
urestostartt
henhe
packedupandl ef
thert
here.
..
confused.
Thelecturesweren'
tsopr oducti
ve,
toapointEve
didn'
tfi
nishthem,shereturnedtoherroom att
heres
andlayonherbedf eel
i
ngt ir
ed.Herphonerangas
shewasdozi ngoff..
.NewBoy f
ri
end,Lwando
her
:"
ey"
hi
m:"
babe.
..Imi
ssy
ou"
her
:"
butIwaswi
thy
oul
astni
ght
"
hi
m:"
youmeany
est
erday
"?
her
:"
samedi
ff
erence"
hi
m:"
okay
..
.nextweekI
'
m goi
nghome.y
ou"
?

shehesi
tat
edabi
tbutt
oldhi
mthatwewasn'
tgoi
ng
anywher
e.

hi
m:"
why
"?
her
:"
mysi
steri
scomi
ngov
erso.
..
"
him:"
guessI
'
llhav
etocomeseey
oubef
oreIgo
then"
her
:'
'
I'
dlov
ethathun"
hi
m:"
kayby
enow"
her
:"
alr
ight
"

Shetookashowerandr
ested,
wait
ingforher
roommatestor
etur
n.Li
ndaret
urnedinabubbly
mood..
.

her
:"
ntwanazam wear
egoi
ngout
..
.AGAI
N"!
!!

t
heyscreamedatanotheroppor
tunit
ytogetdrunk
wit
houtbuyi
ng.
..
var
sit
ylif
eisallabouti
ndependence
r
ight?

Ev
e:"
woahwai
twher
ear
ewegoi
ng"
?
her
:"
takeaguess,
any
one"
?
Kar
i:
"hopef
ull
ynoteK-
h-asi
agai
n"
her
:"
ohcomeonwoul
dIbeex
cit
edov
erSowet
o"?
Ev
e:"
it
syourhood,
remember
"?
shesi
ghedandwal
kedov
ert
osear
chf
orcl
othes.
..

her
:"
wear
egoi
ngt
oTaboo"

thegir
lscoul
dn'tcont
rolt
heexcitement.
..every
one
rushedtochoosewhattowear .Thisist
helifethey
knew..
.Karri
sawasanI ndi
an,Eveawhi teandLi nda
ablackyetyoucouldn'
tsepar
atet hem.Theywer eso
ali
ke.
[
10/
8,19:
53]‪+27730692704‬:
#31

*
CapeTown*

Marcuswaswi thLizzyri
ght?MhLi zzywassl eeping
wi
thhi sfri
endOdwabasi cal
lycal
ledOceant hough
mybrowasn' tawaresomeoft heguy sknewj ust
t
hattheycouldn'
ttelloneachothersoinsteadt hey
t
ri
edt alki
ngOceanoutoft hi
sshit
Ranger
:"
HehObr
a,y
amazMar
cusxaenomsi
ndo"
?
Ocean:
"Ican'
tbebl
amedf
orhi
m notsat
isf
yinghi
s
chi
ck"
Gudda:"
niqqat
hisi
ssomedeepshi
t!y
oucan'
tbe
ser
ious"
Ocean:"
I'
m deadseri
ousman,i
fLi
zzywantsome'
o
t
histhenshegetti
n'i
tIdon'
tcar
eboutMarche'
snot
mykid"
Ranger
:"
whent
hisshi
tgethot
,don'
tsayIdi
dn'
twar
n
you"

heleftem l
ikethatsi
ncehewasal way swithBeast.
..
theguysdidn'tknowMar csuspectedsomet hi
ngbut
hedidandLi zzywasn'tevenaware:/shewast oo
caughtupint wo-t
imi
nghi m shedi
dn'tnot
icethathe
wastracki
ngherev erymov e.
OneSaturdaymorni
ngshewokeupl at
erthanhi
m
andwanderedaroundtheroom t
henwenttoThe
ki
tchenandfoundhim cooki
ng.
..
her
:"
mor
ningbae"

sheki
ssedhischeek.
..
hekissedherl
ips,
forqui
te
someti
met henshepull
edouthepulledhercl
osed
andki
ssedherforcef
ull
y.
..madeheruncomfort
able
ashepinnedheragai
nstthecupboar
d

her
:"
babepl
z"

hedi
dn'tli
stenhej
ustconti
nuedt
ortur
ingherunti
l
shef
eltrealpai
nfr
om hisgri
pandroughkisses

her
:"
Mar
cyou'
rehur
ti
ngme"
hi
m:"
am I
"?
her
:"
plz.
..j
ust.
..l
etmedown"
hi
m:"
I'
m notdone"
her
:"
babepl
z,
I'
m beggi
ngy
ou"
Aft
ersomet i
meheputheront hecount
erandstood
i
nfrontofher,
taki
ngaglassoffr
eshl
ysqueezed
or
angejuiceandsippi
ngwhil
ehiseyesbor
edeep
i
ntohersoul
Sher
ubbedherbr
uises.
..

hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ry"
her
:"
it
sokay
..
.uhm,
Ineedt
ogot
otown"
hi
m:"
forwhat
"?
her
:"
someshoppi
ng"
hi
m:"
I'
m comi
ngwi
th"

shemut
ter
ed

her
:"
no!Imean.
..
you'
l
lbebor
ed"
hi
m:"
mh"

hedi
shedoutbr
eakf
astandser
vedher
..
.shewasn'
t
sur
ewhatwashappeni
ngbutsheknewsomet
hing
wasup.

her
:"
youokay
"?
hi
m:"
whywoul
dn'
tIbe"
?
her
:"
Idon'
tknow,
you'
rej
ust
..
.di
ff
erent
"
hi
m:"
that
'swhyt
heysayknowl
edgei
spower
''

i
mmediatel
yhesai dthatshechokedonherf
ood,he
wat
chedherintensel
yashecont i
nuedtoeat
..
.t
hat
madeherveryuncomf or
tabl
etothecore.

her
:"
Iuhm,
bet
tergobat
h"
hi
m:"
you'
rest
il
leat
ing"
her
:"
ohI
'
mful
lnow"

hewat
chedher
..
.assheat
tempt
edt
ogetup
hi
m: "y
ouar
egoi
ngt
osi
tdownandeaty
ourpl
ate
fi
nish"
her
:"
but
"?
hi
m:"
Idon'
twannar
epeatmy
sel
f"

shesatdownandat eeversosl owlycozshe

couldn'
treadwhatexact l
ywasgoi ngon,butbei
ng
guil
tyofcheat i
ngshekindahadacl ueratheran
i
nst i
nct.Afterhavi
ngbreakfastshewashedt he
dishes,bathedandpreparestogot otown..
.hewas
atthepat i
odrinki
ngHennesseyasshewal kedpast
hi
mt othecar

hi
m:"
you'
ref
orget
ti
ngsomet
hing"

shest
oppedonhert
rackswi
thoutt
urni
ng.
..

hi
m:"
comeher
e"
sheturnedandwal
kedtohi
m,hehel
dherwai
stand
satherdownashesuckedi
nhertonguet
hen
rel
easedher

hi
m:"
youl
ooksexy
"
her
:"
thanks"

shegotupandwalkedtothecar
..
.heopenedhis
l
aptopandtr
ackedherdown.Herfir
ststopwas
i
ndeedOcean'
scri
b,nextt
hemall.
..Marccal
led
Beast

Beast
:"
Mar
c'O'
Pol
o"?
hi
m:"Oceani
sfucki
ngwi
'
magi
rl
"
Beast
:"
What
?Whatt
hef
uckst
hat
"?
hi
m:"
eksoekj
ouhel
pmaseki
nd"
Beast
:"
Afr
icanPr
ide,
now"
hi
m:"
onmyway
"
Mar c'
scarwasf lyi
ngthrought het
raff
icli
ght
s,he
keptonchecki ngthetrackerkeepi
nganey eon
Lizzy'
swher eaboutsunti
lshereachedTowers
RestaurantatAfri
canPr i
deandf oundbeastalready
seatedwi t
hRangerandot herfewfr
iendsorrather
gangsters

Beast
:"
Range,
orderusar
ound"

Rangergotupandwentt
othebar
..
.her
etur
nedwi
th
thei
rwhiskeygl
asses

Beast
:"
Isaywer
oughenhi
m upj
ustal
i
l"
Marc:
"heknowswhatcomi
ngf
orhi
m..
.i
tsnotl
i
kehe
don'
t"
Beast
:"
soy
ouwannat
eachhi
m al
esson"
?
Marc:
"Idoubtheknowswhatlear
ningmeansbut
t
odayishisregi
str
ati
ondayatthedaycar
e"
Theymast eredapl anast heykeptaney eon
Lizzy.
..
thyalsoor deredfoodi nthewait.Suddenl y
thetrackerbeepedassheent eredOcean'sst ead.
..
zaphakamaezachappr eparedforwar.Mar cuswas
drivi
ngaRov erthatlookslikea4×4,Beastwasi na
Ram PowerWagont henTaRangerandt her estwere
i
naRam Dakot a..
blackcar szodwamnt am.

Ast heyinvadedOcean' sspace,Marcspot tedhiscar

.
TheoneLi zzywasdrivi
ngandhef l
ipped...
gotout
andr antot hehouse,
theot hersf
oll
owed, theysl
owly
openedt hedoorandt iptoedinsi
de..Mar cwalked
upstair
st othebedroom andopenedt hedoor
dramat i
callyhi
seyesmeet i
ngLizzyont opofOcean
ri
dingithar d

hi
m:"
Babywentshoppi
nghuh"
?

t
heygott
heshockoft
hei
rli
vesandt
ri
edgr
abbi
ng
offsomesheetst
ocovert
hemselv
esast her
estof
thegangwalkedi
nwit
hgunsreadytoshoot

Ocean:
"hol
'
up!hol
'
up!Mar
c..
.mani
tsnotwhati
t
l
ooksli
ke"
Mar
c:"
oh.
..
itl
ooksl
i
key
ou'
ref
ucki
ngmygi
rl
"
hi
m:"
newmaseki
ndt
isni
ewaarni
e"
Mar
c:"
soy
'al
lar
eexer
cisi
ng,
may
be"
?

Gunshot
sfi
redsev
ent
imest
hent
her
ewassi
l
ence.

Li
z:
"babei
m soso-
"
hi
m:"
fokkenhouj
oubekEl
i
zabet
h"!
Ocean:
"Mar
cbr
oker
"
hi
m: "
saymynameonemor
eti
meandI
'
llf
ucky
ou
up.
..Liz,
geti
nthecar
"

Sher
anwi
tht
hosesheet
s,scr
ambl
edcl
othesand
shoestothecar
.Rangerdr
ov ei
ttoMarcushouse
andkeptaneyeonLizzyastherestoft
heguys
att
endedtoOcean.

Ocean:
'
'taBeastpl
zman"
Beast
:"
I'
m notget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved"

helookedattheguysmadesignsandthey
evacuatedt
her oom onl
ytost
andout
sidel
eav
ing
Marcandhisr i
valal
one..
.

Marc:
"sohowdoesshewanti
t?r
ough?sl
ow?
passi
onat
e"?
Ocean:
"assebl
i
-"
y
angenai
mpamawagxadazel
a.

Marc:
"doy
oupullherhai
r,
str
apherar
mst
othe
bed.
..
BDSM ?huh"
?
hi
m:"
noi
tsnot
hingl
i
ket
ha-
"

y
angenaeny
e

Mar
c:"
eksal
joudonnereksê"

wamngombawat yumty
um umntanomntuuMarcus!
wamshiyaaphoinapoolofbl
ood.
..
notdeadbutaLi
l
unconsci
ous:/.
[
10/
8,19:
53]‪+27730692704‬:
#32

*
CapeTown*

Mar
ccameoutoftheroom andwal
kedst
rai
ghtt
o
t
hedri
veway
,goti
nthecaranddr
ovehome.

Gudda:
"shoul
dwef
oll
owhi
m"?
Beast
:"
no,
cal
lOanambul
anceandl
eav
ethi
spl
ace"
Gudda:
"whataboutRangerboss"
?
hi
m:"
tel
lhi
mtomeetusdownt
own"
Gudda:
”goti
t"

Theydidasi nstr
uctedthengotintotheircar
sand
evacuat
edt heplacebeforetheambul ancearri
ved
sotoavoidquest i
ons.Beastwasi ntheleadsoall
carsfol
lowedhi scarastheywentt oanol d
warehousewhi chwasqui t
ef amil
i
artot hem.

Hewal kedinaloneast heyfol

lowedbehindhim, he
metupast onewal
l andshif
teditthr
eet i
mesandi t
crackedopen..wal
kedi nandfacedabul l
etproof
glasswall,
scannedhishandandwal kedinstr
aight
totheheadoft heroom wher ehisgoldenchairwas.
Her emovedahankyf r
om hispocketanddust edit
offthoughitwasn'tevendir
ty,hesatdownbot hhis
handscov eri
nghisfaceashesai dashor tpr
ay er
andbr eat
hed.
Aft
eracoupleofminutesther
estoft
heguys
walkedi
n,
thr
oughal esscompli
cat
edent
ranceand
satdowneachaccordingt
ohisposi
ti
on.

Beast
:"Idon'
tthi
nkanyofyouwoul
dlov
eaper
sonal
exper
ienceofwhathappenedt
oday"

cwaka

hest oodup,pour edhimselfat otofwhiskeyont he

rocksandwal kedal lr
oundt helongtable,
his
footstepssinkingdeepont hatwoodenf l
oor,making
soundasi fwaki ngt heancestorsfrom theirpeaceful
sleep.Hestoppedbehi ndRangerandt ookasi p,t
he
poorguyshi veredint err
ornotbecausehesni tched
onhi m oranything,heinti
midatedthem.Hi s
presencedid,especi al
lywhenhewaswor kedup.

hi
m: "
Idon'tgetmyhandsdirt
yunlessi
ts
benefi
cial
,
thatbei
ngsaid-Idon'
ttaket
ooki
ndl
yto
sni
tches.Yousni
tch,
Iki
l
lyou.Fi
nish"

t
hesi
l
encewasj
ustt
oot
hick.
..
hewal
kedt
ohi
sseatandsatdown.
.

hi
m:"
Ibel
i
evewear
ecl
ear
"?
guy
s:"
yesboss"
him:"
good.
..
now,wehaveamer chandi
zecoming
thr
oughtoni
ght,
exactl
y11:50.Iwantever
yoneher
e
byten,
Rangerat
tendtothecars"
Ranger
:"
yessi
r"
hi
m:"
Gudda,
AngaandSkar
aweapons"
Gudda:
"yesboss"
hi
m:"
SkhuandPKt
heuni
for
misst
il
lwi
thy
'al
l
"?
PK:
"yessi
r"
hi
m:"
bri
ngi
tbef
oret
en"
PK:
"goti
t"
hi
m:"
okaywer
edoneher
e"
Ranger
:"
whataboutMar
c"
hi
m:"
leav
ehi
mtome"

theguy swalkedoutthesamewayt heywalkedin,

he
satthereandcalledme..
.I'
vebeentryi
ngtocall
Mar custheenti
redaybutcouldn'
tgetthr
oughto
him sopi cki
ngBeast'
scal
lwaskindamy
breakthroughmay behewaswi t
hhim

me:
"hi
"?
hi
m:"
hey
..
.y
ougood"
?
me:
"I
'm cool
thanks,
you"
?
hi
m:"
goodal
ri
ghtby
e"
me:
"whaohwai
tup,
whydi
dyoucal
li
nthef
ir
stpl
ace"
?
hi
m:"
Iwantedt
ohereyourv
oice,
somet
hingt
ell
sme
i
twil
lbr
ingmeluck"
me:
"l
uck?oh"
hi
m:"
yeah,
can'
tsaymucht
hough"
me:
"Igeti
t.
..
uhm,
hav
eyouper
hapsseenmar
k"?
hi
m:"
yeahear
li
eron,
why
"?
me:
"can'
treachhi
m onhi
scel
l
"
him:
"oh.
..I
'
m act
ual
l
yonmywayt
her
esoI
'
llt
ell
him
youcall
ed"
me:
"t
hanks"
hi
m:"
mh.
..y
ou'
reunbel
i
evabl
ethough"
me:
"meani
ng"
?
hi
m:"
your
eal
l
yexpectmet
otel
lhi
mthat
"?

f
lashback!nohecan'
t!

me:
"damnit
!no.
.uhm,
j
ustmakesur
ehi
sphonei
s
swi
tchedon"
hi
m:'
'
ayt
"
me:
"shar
p"
hehungupandlef
tthewarehouse,
drovetosee
Marcandfoundhi
m braai
ngmeatout si
de:vwear
ing
shor
tsonl
y

hi
m:"
Pol
o"?
Mar
c:"
yowman,
sup"
?
hi
m:"
goodquest
ion,
sup"
?
Mar
c:"
ohIj
ustf
eltl
i
keeat
ingbr
aai
meatpul
lachai
r"

hedid,
Marcbroughtmeat
,rol
l
sandabottl
eof
Hennesseyi
nabucketoficeout
sideandchi
l
led

Mar
c:"
so.
..
sup"
?
hi
m:"
wor
k..
.11:
50t
oni
ght
"
Mar
c:"
goodi
tsbeenqui
teawhi
l
e"
hi
m:"y
eahman...uhm,
wher
e'sy
ourphoneIt
ri
ed
cal
l
ingyouear
li
er"
Marc:
"i
tsi
nsi
de.
..
Idon'
twannat
alk,
they
'vebeen
cal
l
ingme"
hi
m:'
who"
?
Mar
c:"
home"
hi
m:"
oh.
.wher
e'sLi
zzy
"?
Mar
c:"
asl
eepIassume"

Beastcoul dn'taskanyf ur t
her..
.Mar cishi sright
handmant henRangerf oll
owsandt her easonwhy
helikesthem i sbecauset heycanbedi screet.They
don'tblabber,theyknowt heirpl
aceandt heyshow
respecttohi mt hegangandt hewor k.Theyenj oy
ed
themeatandbeastl ef
t.
..hehadt ocheckuponhi s
l
egitbusinessi nter
ests.Hedi dthattwiceev ery
mont handcheckedhi sf i
nancialstatuswhenev erhe
fel
tlike:v.

Hedr ovet
ot hefi
rstone,
whichwasacardealer
shi
p
andcheckedev er
y t
hing,
wenttwoofhi
s
rest
aurant
s,hotel
andt woclubst
henheret
urnedto
hi
smansi ont
ofreshenup.Whi l
ehewasst i
l
linthe
showerheheardhisphoneringi
ng,
turnedof
fthe
waterandwenttothebedroom toanswerit
..
.onof
hi
sbabymommas, Aneli
sa

hi
m:"
yah"
?
her
:"
uthi
yahngokxauphendul
aIphone"
?
hi
m:"
yand'
qhel
akengok"
her
:"
hayndabuzakal
ok"
hi
m:"
whatdoy
ouwant
"?
her
:"
umnt
anakhouf
unawena"
hi
m:"
tel
lherndi
zozangomso"
her:
"uzozangomso?ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?lomnt
ana
uyakhalaapha"
hi
m:''
I'
m busyAnel
i
saIcan'
tj
ustdr
opev
ery
thi
ng
ngoku"
her:
"hewet
huNtandouyazi
va?yourki
dwant
sto
spendtimewit
hherfat
herwenaubekaol
wakho
usuku?whatki
ndamanar eyou"
hi
m:"
theki
ndamanwhof
uckedy
ouup,
okany
e
ul
i
bel
e"
her
:"
fokkofman"
hi
m:"nowtel
lyoufuckofandtel
lmydaught
erIwi
l
l
betheret
omorrowmor ni
ng"
her
:"
mxm"
hi
m:"
shebet
terber
eadybyt
en"
her
:"
orwhat
"?
hi
m:"
don'
ttestme.
..
youf
ail
edt
hreet
imesal
ready
"
her
:"
what
ever
"

shehungup. ..hewalkedt otheelevatorandwent

downstairs,
thesecondt ot heundergroundr ooms
whichhadmostofhi simpor tantandper sonal
gadgets;hewentt ogetdr essed.Hehadwal kedi
nto
aroom fullofblackclothing.
..choseblackdenim
cl
amidiggers,blackkneel engthsocks,vest,
t-
shi
rt,
poloneckandanbl ackcoatanklelongcoat.
Wenttot henextr oom andpi ckedhisweapons
caref
ull
y..
.two90mm andex trabul
lets,
oneAK47,a
Rambokni fe,
apocketknif
e,spi
kesandnuclear
weapons.Hedi dn'
thav et
ocarrymuchsincethe
gangdoesmostoft heworkbuthelikedtobe
prepar
ed.Wewentupst ai
rstomakehi msel
fa
smoothie,
forenergy
...Lol
anotherbabymomma
call
ed.
.owef i
rstbor
n,Chuma

hi
m:"
you'
dswearni
xel
elenenal
achomi
yakho"
her
:"
mol
oNt
ando,
unj
an"
?
hi
m:"
I'
m hungr
yyou"
?
shesighed.
..
shest
il
ll
ovedhimthoughi
tsbeen
sevenyearsaft
ert
hei
rbrokeup

her
:"
I'
m good.
..Ineedmoneyf
orOwe"
hi
m:"moneyforOwe?kanti
y ekabani
le
ndi
ytsal
elway
oyicour
teverymont h"
?
her
:"
thi
sisur
gentt
orhondi
yakucel
a"
hi
m:"
yey
akho"
?
shekeptqui
et
hi
m:"
youbet
terspeakupai
n'
tgotnot
imet
obegy
a"
her
:"
yougotme"
hi
m:"
uzoy
ithi
ni"
?
her
:"
it
sper
sonal
"
hi
m:"
soi
smymoney
,uzoy
ithi
nii
mal
iChuma"
?
her
:"
okayfi
neIranoutofgr
ocer
iesandsomeother
per
sonalst
uff,
mysist
eri
scomingherengomsoand
monthendikude"
hi
m:"
your
anoutofgr
o-mxm,
ufunamal
i
ni"
?
her
:"
2gr
and"
hi
m:"
iyazal
a"

shel
aughed

her
:"
you'
reki
ddi
ng"
hi
m:"
ndi
y'
yeke"
?
her
:"
no.
..
it
sfi
ne"
hehungup...tr
ansferedthemoneyintoheraccount
andwenttot hebal
conyasheenj oyedhissmoothie.
Byninethi
rt
yhedr ovebackt ot
hewar ehouseand
cal
culat
edtheirmov es.
..
bytenever
y onewasthere.

hi
m:"
gat
herar
oundy
'al
l
,Guddapl
zleadusi
npr
ayer
"

t
heyhel
dhandsandGuddapr
ayed:

'Fatherbebl essed,yourHi ghnessbegl orif

ied.As
theLionswebr i
ngf orthourgrat i
tudeforeachand
everyoppor t
unityyougi veus,oppor t
unit
yto
l
ive,
hust le,
kil
l,
smuggl e,smoke, crumble.Wet hank
youf orlovinguswi thbl oodinourhands.Wepr ayoh
Godt hataswear egoingout ,
thoughi tmightnotbe
accor di
ngt oy ourwill.
..
butprotectusev enso.We
prayinthenameoft heFather,theSonandt heHoly
spir
it.Amen'
Every
onechanted'amen'andt
heni
twast
imet
o
work..
.Hust
ler
spraytoo!
[
10/
8,19:
53]‪+27730692704‬:
#33

Baepl annedaweekendi ndoor

sforus,athisfl
at
thoughIwasn' tsur
eitwasagoodi dea,Iwantedto.
i
tf el
tright.Iwashi
sMissPer f
ectforanentir
ey ear
sohi m askingforj
ustt
hreedayswithmewasn' ttoo
muchIguess. .
.Iki
ndahadt ol
iekesanaukuze
ndivuny el
wesoAmandawasmyscapegoat

her
:"
hehChom ut
hikut
heni
"?
me:
"khawenzebabe"
her
:"
hewet
hu!uf
unauout
angam?awant
loni
bruh"
me:
"uy
itshomi
yot
hini
kant
i"
?
her
:"
mxm f
tsekTr
ina"
me:
"t
hanky
ousweet
y"
:
D

Apparent
lyt
heycal
ledher,
confi
rmedeveryt
hingthen
uwasal l
owedtogo:)IpackedacoupleofthingsI
knewIwouldneedthenIcall
edhim.
..butIknew
ayi
nguyenguSoso:p

hi
m:"
baby
"?
me:
"nanaImi
ssy
ou"
hi
m:"
that
'sgoodt
ohearcozImi
ssy
out
oo"
me:
"mmh"
hi
m:"
canIcomeandf
etchy
ou"
?
me:
"yeah,
i
fyou'
renotbusy
"
hi
m:"
I'
ll
nev
erbebusyf
ory
ou"
me:
"kay
,I
'l
lbewai
ti
ng"
hi
m:"
shar
p"
:
)knowingumntuwam ebezot
hi"
I'
l
lbethereinten
minut
es"Lol
yakhat
ywalounguSoso.Isatther
e
eat
ingcar
rot
s:pwai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtopi
tch.
..

j
ustf
orpassi
ngtime,
Ical
l
edNtandosi
nceInev
er
r
etur
nedhiscal
lngal
amini.
hepickedupafterafewrings.
..
nodidIsayafew?I
meantacoupleofr i
ngs.
..Iwasevengetti
ng
annoyed:/don'
taskwhy

hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
e"?

hesoundedpr
eoccupi
ed.
..

me:
"Nt
ando"
hi
m:"
unj
an"
?
me:
"cool
..
.u"
?
hi
m:"
goodsowhat
'
sup"
?
me:
"not
hing.
..uhm.
.Ij
ust
,mxm nev
ermi
nd"
Ihungup.
..
damni tthi
sguyhadsomewei rdeffectonmeandhe
knewi tsomehow.Myphoner ang,Ilookedatthe
screenandt r
embled.mxm ndi
ziqaleleuNtando
ezihl
elel
engokundixakenenaye,
myphonest opped
ri
ngingandst ar
tedoncemorendazi ncamaand
pickedup

me:
"l
ookI
m sor
ryf
ort
hecal
l
"
hi
m:"
don'
twor
ryabouti
t.
..
what
'sup"
?
me:
"not
hing"
hi
m:"
why
'dy
oucal
l
"?
me:
"I.
..Idon'
tknow"

si
l
ence

hi
m:"
ugr
and"
?
me:
"yeah"
hi
m:"usur
e"?
me:
"yeah.
..
khay
ekeneh.j
ustpr
etendy
ounev
ersaw
mycall
"
hi
m:"
that
'si
mpossi
ble"
me:
"kay
.by
eke"
hi
m:"
hm"

thewayhewassochi l
ledt
hough: /hegaveme
creepsIswear
.Ihear
dahoot eroutsi
deandtookmy
bagndathigqi
noSoso: vdecidedtoplaydumb

me:
"bhut
'bae"
hi
m:"
myl
ove,
ready
"?
me:
"100%v
hi
m:"
let
'shi
tther
oadt
hen"

heopenedthepassengerdoorIgoti
nsi
deand
wai
tedforhim ashewentallr
oundthecarandgot
i
n.Wemadesmal ltal
kthr
oughoutt
hedri
ve.
..
then
waf
ikakokwaboIgotoutandheaccompani
edme
t
ohisbrot
hersfl
atandknocked

me:
"don'
ttel
lmehe'
sasl
eep"
hi
m:"
youdon'
tknowmybr
other
"

thedoorswungopen,
bael
ookedsosl
eepyandsexy
atthesametime:
p

hi
m:"
sup"
?
me:
"wow"

hesnappedandy awned..
.openedthedoorandI
walkedin,
Sosolef
t.Iwenttositontheedgeoft
he
bedashewentt oTheshowerandcameback
wanx i
bashort
sandl aynexttome...
me:
"yagezakodwa"
hi
m:"
yhobabe.
..
khand'
massaget
u"
me:
"heh"
hi
m:"
babepl
z"

hetur
nedar
oundandImassagedhi
sbackand
shoul
der
susi
ngbabyoi
l.
[
10/
8,19:
54]‪+27730692704‬:
#33_
Cont
inued

Imassagedhim,
heturnedoverIconti
nued.
..mind
you,
myl egswer
espreadonbot hsidesofhisbody
asIsatonhiswai
st:/awkwardpositi
on:v

hehel
dmywai
st

me:
"mh.
hm"
hi
m:"
what
"?
me:
"l
emmef
ini
sht
his"
IdidwhatIwasdoi ng,whenIwasaboutt ogetoff
him heheldmywai stv er
ytightandt i
ckl
edmeLol I
gotthehintandf el
l onchestandweki ssed,t
easi
ngl
y
atfi
rst,
bit
ingthecor nersofhisl i
ps,pul
li
ngback
whenhegav ehisall andsmi l
ingcozIenj oy
ed
seeinghim desperate.Weki ssedt enderl
yand
seducti
velyunti
lSosobar gedi n-
_-

hi
m:"
hehLar
amf
e-ohshi
t!sor
rysan"

Imovedoffhi
sbodyandsatont
heopposi
tesi
deof
thebedandwipedmyli
ps

Laa:
"supsan"
?
hi
m:"
youki
ndahav
eav
isi
tor
"
Laa:
"ki
nda"
?
hi
m:"
canwet
alkout
side"
?
hetookonelookatmeandwor esli
pper
sashe
fol
l
owedhisbrother
.Icheckedmyphoneandsawa
messageactual
lymissedcall
from EvesoIt
ookt
he
opport
uni
tyandcall
edherback...

her
:"
hey
"
me:
"heyy
ougood"
?
her
:"
yeahI
'
m cool
"
me:
"hey
,whyy
ousoundsodown"
?
her
:"
Imi
sshome"
me:
"t
henwhydon'
tyoucomeback"
?
her
:"
Ican'
t"
me:"
Idon'
tunder
stand.
..y
ou'
rethr
oughwi
th
exams,
whatcoul
dbesoi mport
ant"
?

shesi
ghed.
..
Icoul
dsensesomeheav
inessonher
..
.
me:
"Ev
ely
n"?
her
:"
wheni
syourf
li
ghtschedul
ed"
?
me:
"nextweekFr
iday
"
her
:"
okay
,we'
l
ltal
kthen"
:
/
me:
"t
ryt
obef
inesi
s"
her
:"
don'
twor
ryaboutmehey
"
me:
"howcanInot
"?
her
:"
Tri
napl
zman"
me:
"by
eby
eEv
e"

Ihungup...
shesoundedsodef eatedanditpained
me,yesIam t heonewi thagoodheadshe' stheone
wit
hawi l
dheadsoi tkindafeltofftohearherso
downandhopel ess.Iheardv oicesoutsi
defemale
andofcour set het winsbutIcoul dn'
tmakeoutwhat
washappeni ngsoIgotof ft
hebedandwent
outsi
de..
.noIopenedt hedoorandwaswel comedby
herface.Ovay o.
me:
"hi
"?
her
:"
hi?wow"

sheopenedt hedoorwiderandwalkedin,
Iwatched
her.
..Lolyoudon'
tknowhowconf usedIwas,
Ilooked
atthet wi
nsandtheyweren'tshowi
nganyint
er esti
n
explaini
ngthi
stome.Iwentout si
deleavi
ngLandile
togoi n

Laa:
"Ov
ayoy
int
onngoku"
?
her
:"
yint
on?r
hay
and'
qhel
ayazLandi
l
e"
hi
m:"
Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
hisshi
t"
!

hel
eft
byleftImeanheevenleftmestandingbyt
he
door..
.asconf
usedasfuck!ndamjongauSoso,
he
hel
dmyhandandwal kedmet othehouseandwe
sattogetheri
nonecouch..
.
me:
"car
etot
ell
mewhat
'
sgoi
ngon"
?
hi
m:"
wai
tforhi
m babe"
me:
"soy
ou'
regonnakeepmei
nthedar
k"?
hi
m:"pleasebabel
i
nday
ena,
i
tsnotmypl
acet
oay
anyt
hing"
me:
"t
hat
'saf
ir
st"

hi
smot
herwal
kedi
n..
wehugged

her
:"
heysweet
y,y
oudon'
tl
ookt
oogood"

asIwasaboutt
oanswer
..
Sosowal
ksi
ndr
amat
ical
l
y
asusual

hi
m:"
nankumamakaLandi
l
e"
her
:"
heybaby
..
wher
e'sy
ourbr
other
"?
hi
m:"
fl
att
in.
..
sogr
eent
ea"
?
her
:"
andacupcaket
hanky
ou"

hewenttotheki
tchen.
..
Iwasn'
tclearwhatwas
happeni
ngherebutIcoul
dtel
ltherewassomebeef
here.
[
10/
8,19:
54]‪+27730692704‬:
#34

Sosomadehi smot her '

steaasshewentupt o
freshenhecamebackt othel oungendizit
hulele
mna, kwangenaumnt wanaehambanoaunt y
wal aphabev elangawegar den,mymi ndsaid
ngumnt anakaaunt yLonabutmyhear tsaid,l
ookat
Sosoandhewasner vousast hedevilwhenJesus
rosef rom thelandoft hedead!Fai t
hwal keddown
thest air
sinaf lawlesssummerdr essthatr eached
herankl es,
sandal sandnomakeupy oucoul djust
seehernat uralbeauty

her
:"
Soso"
?
hi
m:"
justasecma"

hebroughtt
heteaandcupcake,
auntyandthekid
wereattheki
tchent
hen.Sosowaphuma. .
.aunty
waphumaeki t
chenandwalkedpassedthelounge
wit
hthekid

f
ait
h:"
what
'sbot
her
ingy
oumydear
"?

mymi
ndwasconnect
ingdot
sIdi
dn'
tev
enknow:
/

her
:"
Tri
na"
?
me:
"ma"
?
her
:"
yousur
eyou'
reokay
"?
me:
"uhm,
yes.
..Ij
ustneedwat
er"

ndaphakama.
.shesawthechi
l
dandlookedatme
thenbackatt
heaunty,
Iwentt
otheki
tchenasshe
gotupandwel comedthechil
dwahlalanay
e
wateketi
sa..
.t
hekidwastwoy ear
soldandshewas
onebubblykidInoti
cedthatwhenFait
hwasmaking
conversat
ionwithher
..
.

Icamebackand.
..

me:
"uhm,
excuseFai
th"
her
:"
ohokay
..
.uhm,
uphi
kanenuLandi
l
e"?
me:
"andmazmna"
her
:"
heeeokay
"

Iwentbacktot
hef l
at,
l
entombiiPhol
enyhani
ngomcabangoibukel
eITVIsearchedanddidn'
tfi
nd
l
eniqqathenIwalkedbackoutonl
ytobumpont o
hi
m

me:
"xol
o"
hi
m:"
nodon'
t"

hewasholdi
ngmyhip..
wejusthugged,andazwhy
butwedi
d.ThenIpul
ledawayandst oodaf ew
cent
imet
ersawayfr
om him

me:
"okay
,what
'sgoi
ngon"
?
hi
m:"
babe"
me:
"comeondude,
what
'
sOv
ayodoi
ngher
e"?
him:"
canwegoi nsi
de?Ipr
omi
seIwi
l
lansweral
l
yourquest
ions"

Ifol
lowedhimi nsi
de,hepassedandwentst
rai
ghtto
thebedroom andlockedthedoorandsatdown,I
stoodbythedoor .
..

hi
m:"
zohl
alakal
oknawe"
me:
"hayndi
grand"
hel
ookeddownathi
sfi
ngers,
hewasshakingbut
j
ustaLi
lbi
tguesshewasreal
lyner
voushuh?

me:
"babykal
ok"
hi
m:"
huh"
?
me:
"I
'm wai
ti
ng"

hesi
ghedheav
il
y

hi
m:"
yay
azi
mosIdat
edOv
ayosomet
imeago"
me:
"obv
iousl
y"
hi
m:"
babet
her
e'snoeasywayofsay
ingt
his"

Ikeptqui
et
hegotupandwal
kedtothewi
ndow,
pacedt
her
e
wazi
ncamawandi
jonga
him:"
Ihavebeenhi
dingsomethingf
rom y
ou.
..
not
thatIwashi
dingi
t,
Ij
ustdidntknowhowtobri
ngit
up"
me:
"oh-
kay
"?
hi
m:"
Ovay
oandi
-"
-_
-ti
mingkaSosot
hough.
..
ever
!Heknockedont
he
bedr
oom door

hi
m:"
Lar
ayabi
zwangumamakhoChar
li
e"
Laa:
"I
'm comi
ng"
Soso:
"kay
"

hel
eft
Iwaslooki
ngatLandil
ewai ti
ngforhi
mt ofi
nish:/
deepdownIthought:t
hisniggadoesn'
thaveitin
himtodumpmef orthischick!Hewouldn'
tdare.
..
butsomehowIreali
zedt hatnoman,t
hiswholethi
ng
rev
olvedar
oundthechild!Isnappedoutofmy
thought
sandwentt
ositont
hebedasever
ythi
ng
dawnedonmethoughhehadnotconf
ir
medityet
.

Me:
"Ov
ayoandy
ou"
?
hecamet
osi
tnextt
omeandhel
dmyhand.
..
hi
m:"Ovay
oandIhav
eadaught
er.
..
loukuaunt
y
ngoku"

LolIswearIsawSomi
zidanci
ngi
ntherai
nwearing
redbott
oms!Myheadwasspinni
ng,
Iwasaddi
ng
thoseunknowndot
sandtheywer
emakingsense!

hi
m:"
plzsaysomet
hing"

Iswall
owedandl ookedathim,LolwhatwasItosay
though?thankyouforshar
ing?thankyouforbei
ng
secret
ive?thankyouformakingmedumb?mh.
hi
m:"
babepl
z”
me:
"Ineedt
hebat
hroom"

heopenedthelockeddoor,
Iwenttothebat
hroom
di
dmybusi nessandjustsatt
herepassi
ngorrat
her
wast
ingti
me.heknocked

me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"
plzcomeout
"

Isatanotherfiv
emi nutest
henndaphumawewal
ked
backtother oom helockeditoncemor
e

me:
"souhm,
whatnow"
?
hi
m:"
Idon'
tknowf
orsur
e"
me:
"you'
reki
ddi
ng"
him:"
uzi
seumntanauthnay
euf
unaut
yaIf
est
ive
seasonwit
hherfri
ends"
me:
"ohwow"

It
ookmybag

me:
"guesst
hat
'
smycue"
hi
m:"
plzbabynotl
i
ket
his"
me:"
haibo,Kant
iwhatam Ist
il
ldoi
nghere?and
besi
des,babymommasal waysgetwhattheywant
"
hi
m:"
okayokay
..
.j
uststayacoupl
emorehours.
gi
mmesomet i
met otalksomesensei
ntoherokay
"
me:
"mh"

Ij
ustlayonmybackont hebed..
.Ovayois
succeedingIt
elly
ou.Hel eftMEther
eandwentto
herbaphuma...myphoner angmorethanthr
ee
ti
mesIi gnor
editndahl
ala..
.

Fai
thknewwhatwasgoi
ngonal
lthi
sti
meandshe
nevertoldme,Soso...Landi l
e.Noonecar edtot el
l
me.Atl easti
fway etshiloinThef ir
stplace
bendingazoact ert
hewayIdi d,
bendzounder stand'a
cozthere'snowayI '
llev erstandbetweenaki dand
herdad,nomat t
erwhat .Ifel
tl i
keafool yaz..
.Iknew
ver
ywel lnottomaket hisaboutmesoi nsteadof
ndi
bendi senzaanunnecessar ysceneIjustkeptmy
mouthshutandst ayedi nthef l
at.Sosowal kedi n
andst oodbyt hedoorf oracoupl eofsecondst hen
hecamet ositnexttome

hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ry"
me:
"wasn'
tyourpl
ace"
hi
m:"
butst
il
l"

Ikeptqui
et

hi
m:"
uyabi
zwaendl
i
ni"
me:
"t
ell
em ndi
l
ele"
hi
m:"
please"
me:"Ican'
t.
..
Ijustwannaclosemyeyesandpretend
I
'm havingf
unokay .j
usttell
em i
fi
kendi
lel
e.Please"

hegotupandl
eftme.
Isatupandtookmyphone,Isawmi ssedcal
l
s
zezi
kaMarcy edwasoIredi
all
edhisnumberand
call
edhimyayastrai
ghtt
ovoicemail
.Iatt
emptedt
o
tr
yagainbutNtandobeatmet oi
t.
..hewasnow
call
i
ng:/

me:
"l
ow"
?
hi
m:"
hey
,what
'
swr
ong"
?
me:
"not
hing"
hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
e"?
me:
"pl
z,
notnowokay
"

wat
hul
a
me:
"whatcanIdof
ory
ou"
!
hi
m:"
fi
ndsomeonetot
alkt
o,what
everi
tist
hati
s
maki
ngyouupset
"
me:
"m'
notupset
"
hi
m:"
yout
hinkI
'
m st
upi
d"?
me:
"di
dIsayso"
?
hi
m:"
mh.
..i
tmustbebi
gfut
hi"
me:
"mxm,
byeby
e"
hi
m:"
sho"

Ihungupandj
ustsatt
her
e.
[
10/
8,19:
55]‪+27730692704‬:
#35

Sosoretur
nedezondi
bizaagainsot hist
imeIwent
wit
houthesit
ati
onandf oundallofthem seat
edby
al
lofthem Ii
ncl
udeOv ayo.Isatnexttohersincei
t
wastheonlyspacenearer.
..
Ididn'
twannagot ot
he
f
arendoft
hel
ounge

f
ait
hcl
ear
edhert
hroat
..
.

her:
"Iseewear
eal
lher
e,uhm Sosopl
zswi
tchof
f
thatphone"

hedi
dasinst
ruct
edandwegav
eheral
ltheat
tent
ion
sher
equi
red

her
:"
Tri
na,
Ibel
i
evey
oubar
elyknowOv
ayo"

Inod

her:
"andi
thascometomyat
tent
iont
haty
ouwer
ein
thedarkaboutKamv
a"
me:
"who'
sthat
"?
her
:"
umnt
wana"
me:
"ohy
eah"
her
:"
Landi
l
e"?

hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatner
vousl
yandl
ookedatme

hi
m:"
uhm,Idi
dn'
ttel
lyouabouthercozIdi
dn'
tknow
howyouwouldr
eact"
me:
"uny
akawonke"
?
hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ry.
..Ij
ust
,IguessIwasacowar
d"
Ov
:"y
ouguess?geez"
hi
m:"
andkat
het
hinawe"
her
:"
asi
fIgi
veadamn"

faith:
"Lel
enotnowokay ..
.Tri
nababe,nantsiI
situati
onathand.Iknowhowmuchy oulovemyson
viceversaandIwouldn'tl
iketoseewhaty outwo
hav edestr
oyedoverhisself
ishness"
Ij
ustl
ookedatmyf
eet
..
.t
hatwassaneenough

her
:"
Igat
her
edal lofyouher
ebecauseIwantusto
movefor
ward.Ifanyoneofyouhasaquest
ion,
ask
nowandIguaranteeyoualegi
tanswer
"

Ov
:"umnt
anam kut
heni
engat
hengel
wangampahl
a"?
her
:"
izot
hengwangut amkhul
uwakhe,
ofonl
yy ou'
ve
wai
tedpati
entl
ynokoasikhocruel
basi
ngayeka
umntanaanganxi
bingoDecember"
Ov
:"khani
tshokal
oksi
sFai
th"
Soso:
"wenaububuzi
l
e"?

sher
oll
edherey
esathi
m

me:
"canIask"
?
f
ait
h:"
yesdear
"
me:
"t
her
eissomet
hingnotaddi
ngupher
e..
.oh,
I
meanr
egar
dingt
owhatLaat
oldme"
her
:"
okay
"
me:
"hesai
dheonl
ymetOv
ayoi
nDecemberbef
ore
hemetme"
hi
m:"
thatwasami
stake"
Ov
:"y
oumeanal
i
e"
me:
"ndi
lost
"
Ov:
"idat
edLandi
l
er i
ghtaft
erhebrokeup
nal
amntanawhosleptwit
hhiscousinLwando"
me:
"hm"
her
:"
it
shobandi
yaxokabhut
iza"
?

cwaka

me:"
cool
..
.soIguessal
lal
ongI
'
vebeenl
i
vingal
i
e
huh"
?
hi
m:"
babeno"
Ov
:"babemyf
oot
"
Fai
th:
"Ov
ayopl
z"
Laa:"
Ilovey
oubabeIjustcoul
dn'
tbr
ingmy
sel
fint
o
tel
l
ingy out
het
ruth"
me:"Idon'
tthi
nkyouknowt
hemeani
ngofl
ove.
..
Fai
th,mayIbeexcused"
her
:"
uhm,
plznowcanwebemat
ureaboutt
his"
?
me:
"mature?Ithi
nkI'
m st
il
ltooyoungf
ort
hat,
I
mean,
Ican'thandl
easimpletr
uthsohowcanIjump
t
omaturit
y"?

sheswal
lowedwhatevershewasgonnasay,
Igotup
andwenttothef
latandtookmybag.Landi
l
ewal ked
i
n.

hi
m:"
babypl
z"
me:
"It
hinkI
'
veov
erst
ayedmywel
comeher
e"
hi
m:"canweatl
eastt
alkaboutt
his,
j
ustt
het
woof
us"
?
me:
"soy
oucanf
eedmemor
eli
es?don'
tthi
nkso"
hi
m:"
plz"

Iwal
kedoutandmetSosoont
hedr
iveway

hi
m:"
lemmeatl
eastt
akey
ouhome"

ididn'
thav eenergyt oargue,Ijustgotinsidet hecar
andwedr oveinsilence.Fikaekhay aandmumbl eda
thanky oundangenaendl i
ni ndayolal
a..
.mydad
alwayst aughtmenev ertocr yoverwhatIknowI
can'tchangesot hiswasn' tanydi f
ferent.Formei t
wasey eopeni ng..
.thoughi twaspai nfulbutIdi dn'
t
wannacr yatall
.Isleptfortwohour suntilIwas
wokenupbymyphone, Iswor eundermybr eathasI
answer edwithoutev enlookingatt hecal l
er

me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"
ulel
e"?
Ij
ustkeptqui
et

hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ryf
orwaki
ngy
ouup"
me:
"uf
unani
"?
hi
m:"
wena"
me:
"mxm"
him:"
whyar
eyousogr
umpy
?ikwenzeni
leway
yakho"?
me:"
Ntandoify
ouhav
enunposi
ti
vet
osaypl
zdon'
t
cal
lmeagain"
hi
m:"
lov
ingy
oui
sn'
tposi
ti
veenoughf
ory
ou"
?
me:
"r
ightnow?no"
hi
m:"
okayke.
..
uhambani
ni"
?
me:
"ungenaphi
"?
hi
m:"
Ohcomeon"
me:
"mxm"
Ihungupandcover
edmyheadwi t
hapi l
low..
.jonga
bendit
heandi
zol
i
laneh?ha,
amant hi
sthingwas
ki
ll
ingmesodeepIfel
tcheatedsuhn,If
eltver
ybad
ngathindi
mlour
ongoinall
ofthis.

myphoner
angagai
n..
.

me:
"whatnow"
?
hi
m:"
Whatnow"
?
me:
"oh.
..Luke"
hi
m:"
youwer
en'
texpect
ingme"
me:"j
ustsomecrazyasswhosebeennaggi
ngme
aboutnonsense"
hi
m:"
hm.
..what
'sgoi
ngon"
?
me:
"huh"
?
hi
m:"
don'
thuhme"
me:
"t
her
e'snonegoi
ngonboet
"
hi
m:"
Tri
nal
i
queSmi
th"
Il
osti
timmedi
atel
y.
..zav
elazehl
aii
nyembezi

hi
m:"
I'
m wai
ti
ng"
me:
"t
her
e's.
..*
sni
ff
*ther
e'snot
hingser
ious"

si
l
ence.
..

hi
m:"
okay
"

hehungup:
/owkay
..
.

Isommawokeupandt ookabath,i
mmediat
elyasI
gotoutofthewat
ermyphoner angjonga
besendi
diki
wenakufounel
wangokuespecial
lywhen
IsawbanguMar ccozIknewuf ounel
wenguLu

me:
"Mar
c"?
hi
m:"
hoegaandi
t"
?
me:
"goedenj
y"?
hi
m:"
lekker
,hoewasj
oudag"
?
me:
"goedenj
ou'
ne"
?
hi
m:"
mh.
.dudewhat
'
sup"
?
me:
"huh"
?
hi
m:"
Lukecal
l
edme"
me:
"Iknow"
hi
m:"
thent
alkt
ome"
me:
"t
her
e'snot
hingt
otal
kabout
"
hi
m:"
okay
,ar
ethef
olksbacky
et"
?
me:
"no"
hi
m:"
ayt
..
.eksal
joumor
êoggendbel
"
me:
"danki
e"

t
hist
imeIhungup
Isatonmybedandl
oti
onedj
ustr
ethi
nki
ngabout
theday sdeedsandout comes.ThewayIl ov
ed
LandileithurtsomuchbutIst r
engthenedmy sel
f
thistimendazi cengamnt akabababandi ngakhalitu.
Dadsentansmssay ingjustincaseIchangedmy
mi ndsaboutt he"sleepover"Ishoul
dl ockalldoors
cozt heywentawayf ortheweekend, bonuswas. .
.it
wasAunt y'
sweekendof fleavesoIwasl iketotal
ly
alone.
Igotdr essedi
nmyPJsandwentdown, Imade
my selffoodandwenttothelounget
owat cha
romcom asIat e.If
eltbadabouthowIhandledt
he
conv obetweenmeandNt ando:
(soIcall
edhim he
pickedupi mmediat
ely

hi
m:"
hey
"?
me:
"hi
"

si
l
ence.
..
awkwar
ddeepsi
l
ence.
..
hi
m:"
youokay
"?
me:
"yes"

t
haty
escameoutasawhi
sper
.

hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
etal
ktomepl
z"

Ibi
tmyl i
p..
.Iwasnolongerupsetwit
hwhathad
happenedbutIwasangrywithmy sel
f,
tooangr
y.

hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
e"?
me:
"sundi
khwazaI
'
m notdeafbr
a"
hi
m:"you'
rescar
ingmef
ondi
nwhat
'sgoi
ngon
wi
tchu"?
me:
"I
'mf
ineokay
,I
'mf
ine"
hi
m:"
thenwhydi
dyoucal
lme"
?
t
rue:
/whydi
dIcal
lhi
m?ohokay
me:
"Iwant
edt
oapol
ogi
zeaboutear
li
er"
hi
m:"
ear
li
er"
?
me:
"Iwasuhm.
..r
udeont
hephone"
hi
m:"
your
eckon"
?
me:
"I
'm sor
rybr
a"
hi
m:"
don'
tsweat
"
me:
"t
hanky
ou"
hi
m:"
ther
e'sj
ustoneLi
lfav
orI
'
dli
key
out
odof
or
me"
me:
"l
et'
sheari
t"
hi
m:"
justt
ell
meuhambani
ni"
?
me:
"Fr
iday
"
hi
m:"
ohnextweek"
?
me:
"yeah"
hi
m:"
okayt
hanks"
me:
"mh.
..
Idon'
tev
enwannaask"
hi
m:"
uri
ght
"

Ihear
dv oi
cesbehi
ndhi
m,menv
oicesi
ngat
hiKu
busytoomuch.

me:
"you'
rebusy
"?
hi
m:"
erh.
..no,
wecant
alk"
me:
"youdon'
thav
etol
i
e,I
'
m abi
ggi
rl
"
hi
m:"
okay
"
me:
"by
eby
e"
hi
m:"
goodni
ghtsweet
y"

Ismi r
kedatthatl
astcommentandret
urnedthe
dishestothekit
chen.SoLandi
l
euzxel
eleakazo
founa?somuchf orlove.
[
10/
8,19:
55]‪+27730692704‬:
#36

It
ookashawl
andl
ayont
hecouch.Ihadnoone
el
set ocal
l,
IwasmadatEv efornotcominghome
gqi
baangaf uniundi
xelel
awhatisgoingoninherl
if
e.
Iwasi nnostateoftal
kingt
omybr other
s.notnow.I
j
ustlayther
et houghtl
essndabukel
andadendalal
a.

Myphonekeptonr inging,Ididn'twannaanswerit.I
wast i
red.Iwasdeepl ywounded.Iwasi nadark
place,
wal ki
ngroundincircles.Mykneescoul dn'
t
holdme, Ifl
oppeddownandcr awledaround
searchingforsomethingt ohol donto.thi
sphone
keptonr ingi
ngbutIcoul dn'treachitandit
ssound
diedout .

Forthelastti
meitr
angandIsnappedoutoft his
crazi
ness!Il
ookedaroundandr eal
izedI'
m home,I
l
ookedf ormyphoneandr emov editfr
om thesocket
asIpagedt oseewhowascal li
ngmeal l
thi
stime:/I
washopi ngnguLaayaz,atl
eastitwouldshowt hat
hecaredbutno,i
twasNt ando-_-

hecal
l
edndi
sal
i
bel
ekuj
amel
aIphone
me:
"TaBeast
"?
hi
m:"
hey
,I
'v
ebeencal
l
ingy
ou"
me:
"bendi
l
elesor
ry"
hi
m:"
Iwasget
ti
ngwor
ri
edIal
mostt
oldy
ourbr
other
"
me:
"get
ti
ngwor
ri
ed?ov
erwhat
"?
hi
m:"
you,
kuni
nindi
founadan"
me:
"okayI
'
m sor
ryonceagai
n,
sowhat
'sup"
?
hi
m:"
Icoul
dasky
ou"
me:
"di
dyoucheckt
het
imebef
orecal
l
ingme"
?
hi
m:"
pastt
wo"
me:
"t
hendon'
tpl
aygameswi
thme"
him:
"I
'm notpl
ayi
nggamesf
ondi
n,
don'
tyouseet
hat
Icar
e"?
me:
"am Isupposedt
ojumpupanddown"
?
hi
m:"
act
ual
l
yno,
buty
oucoul
datl
eastacknowl
edge
i
t"
me:
"oh"
hi
m:"
whoev
erhurty
ouhur
tyouv
erybad,
amadoda
awaf
ani
mntwana"

*
yawn*

hi
m:"
mmkay
,l
alaSi
bongi
l
e"
me:
"enkosi
taBeast
"
hi
m:"
nowai
t"
me:
"whatnow"
?
hi
m:"
whatt
imei
syourf
li
ght
"?
me:
"3ocl
ock"
hi
m:"
good,
lal
ake"

hehungup.Iwal kedupstai
rsandgoti
ntomybed
ndalal
any hanthist
ime.Wokeupekuseniandwent
tothelaunderett
estosubmitmywashingthenI
wenttot hemall:Dcan'
tbri
ngnobiggi
rldownhey?I
didsomeret
ailt
herapymtakadadandwenthome
feel
ingal
otl
ightert
hanyester
day.

Fr
iday:
D

Iwasl eavi
ngf orJo'bur
g,IguessLandilewascontent
withhowt hingswer e,
Iwasbei ngadramaqueenand
toldmy sel
fIwi l
lnevercallhim makafouneyenaI
don'tmindgi vi
ngusanot herchancebutsincehe
didn'
tcall,
Ikindaacceptedt hatmaybeitwasjustyet
anotherteenagest oryofbrokenyouthfull
ove.
Myparentstookmet
otheai
rpor
t,I
twast
ear
y
:'
(leav
ingthem

Mr
ssmi
th:
"pl
zret
urnaf
tery
ou'
ver
egi
ster
edbaby
"
me:
"Iwi
l
lmot
her
,IknowI
'
llbehomesi
ckev
ery
day
"
dad:
"gi
vet
hist
oEv
ely
n"
hehandedmeabox, seal
ed.It
ookitandwesai
dour
fi
nalgoodbyest
henIwenttocheckinandwent
thr
oughtothewait
ingareaasIwasanhourear
li
er.
Marcuscall
ed

me:
"boet
"?
hi
m:"
mh,
Jo'
bur
ghassomeef
fectony
ouhuh"
?

Igi
ggl
ed..
.hewant
edast
rai
ghtanswer
?naaah:
p
ai
n'
tgett
ingi
t.

him:
"wel
lwhat
every
oudopl
zman,
don'
tfor
gett
he
fol
ks"
me:
"duuuuude!I
'
m onl
ygoi
ngonhol
i
daynow"
hi
m:"
Iknow,
butl
ookatE-
"
me:
"don'
t"
hi
m:"
okay
.Jammer
"
me:
"cool
"
hi
m:"
I'
ll
comeov
erf
oraweek,
j
ustdon'
ttel
lem"
me:
"Iwon'
t,
ononecondi
ti
on"
hi
m:"
uh-
oh"
me:
"Di
orper
fume"
hi
m:"
deal
"
me:
"ci
ao"

wehungup,
Ij
ustsatt
herewai
ti
ng.Theplane
l
anded,
wewentthr
oughandfl
ewtoJo'burg.
..

Ilanded:Dwhoopeemygawd!If eltl
ikeIhadf lown
toCanada: Dungancama!Iwasn' tr
eallyexpect ing
anyonetopickmeupsi nceIknewLukewasatwor k
soIwentt hroughtothear r
ival
sexitandwal kedout
j
ustacoupl eofstepswhenIhear daf ami l
i
arv oi ce
softl
ycall
ingmynamer ightbehindme. ..Iturned
withouthesi
tati
on:o
me:
"Nt
ando"
?
hi
m:"
sur
pri
se"
!

erh:)wehugged.
..f
ir
stti
mewegotincont
act:
/then
Isteppedbackaf
terreal
i
tyki
ckedi
n:v

me:
"uhm,
phew.
..IguessIshoul
daskunj
an"
?
hi
m:"
canIanswert
hatov
eragl
assofj
uice"
?

heaskedthatpoint
ingtowardsanear
byr
est
aurant,
I
will
i
ngl
yfoll
owedhim: /wesatdownandheordered
forbot
hofus...
notIdri
nk,ukut
ya.

hi
m:"
ndi
shar
p,wena"
?
me:
"exci
ted,
BUT,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e"?

ourf
oodcamet
hroughwedugi
n
hedidn'
tshowanyinter
estinanswer
ingmyquest
ion
butIwasn'
tgonnadropit.
..

me:
"dude"
?
hi
m:"
mh"
?
me:
"uf
unani
apha"
?
him:"
wellIcoul
dn'tseeyouoffemonti
withy our
fol
ksandofcour seyourrenownedboyfr
iendsoI
thoughtIshoul
djustwelcomey oui
nthecityofgol
d"
me:
"wow"
hi
m:"
feel
wel
comeenough"
?
me:"y
eahhey.
..
thanksbutmybr
othercan'
tknow
aboutanyoft
his"
hi
m:"
akazov
angam"
me:
"good"

:
)jozionpoi
nt,
don'
tmi
ndmycompany:
phe'
ssur
ely
goingbackt
oCapeTown.
[
10/
8,19:
56]‪+27730692704‬:
#37

*
CapeTown*

I
thasbeenaweekandMar cushasn'tutteredawor d
toLizzy.Shewasn'tevensur eher ecognizedher
presencebutshecoul dn'
tdoany t
hingabouti tcozat
theendoft heday,shewast hewr ongone.Ocean
wasadmi t
tedtothehospitalandonhi st hi
rd
day,Marcwentt ovisi
thim waf i
kaehlelikugqibo
phumaugqi r
ha,
hewenti nandsatdownbesi dehis
bedandl ookedathi mforal ongtimewi thoutsayi
ng
awor d.Oceangotuncomf or tabl
ewazi ncama
wathathakuqala

hi
m:"
kisj
amermyout
ie"
Mar
c:"
houj
oubekmasepoes"
hi
m:"
fokj
ouMar
cus!Fokj
ou"
Mar
cstoodupandwalkedt
ot hewi
ndowwat
chi
ng
t
hefoul
softheskyt
aki
ngfl
ight

hi
m:"
youar
ebr
aveImustsay
"
O:
"watwi
lj
yhê?huh?mykoppe"
?

Mar
csmi
l
edandneart
hebed

hi
m:"
thatwoul
dn'
tbesuchabadi
dea.
..
justt
hati
t
woul
dbetooeasy"

Oceansawhoeerinst
igthi
sthi
ngi
sandhest opped
j
okingar
oundandy oucoul
dseepani
ckerr
ight
t
hroughhisbl
ackeyes.

Marcuswal kedoutoftheroom withoutsayi

ng
anotherword.Hewentt ohishouseandf oundhi
s
gir
lf
riendcookinghepl
ainl
ywal kedpasthertohi
s
room,bathedandrest
edont hebedwi thatowelst
il
l
wrappedar
oundhi
swai
st.Shewal
kedi
nandst
ood
bythedoor
..
.

her
:"
babycanwet
alk"
?

hei
gnor
edher
,busi
edhi
msel
fonhi
sphone
shecameforwar
dandst
oodr
ighti
nfr
ontof
hi
m,sof
tl
ytappi
nghi
sthi
gh

hel
ookedup,
pissed!

her
:"
canwet
alk"
?
hi
m:"
who'
swe"
?
her
:"
thet
woofus"
hi
m:"
ain'
tgotnont
asay
"
her
:"
okay
,atl
easthearmeout
"
hesatupandlookedather.No.St
aredat
her
e,bl
ankl
y.Shepul
ledthedressi
ngtabl
eschai
r
andsatdown

her:
"I'
m sorr
yaboutOcean.It
akef
ull
blameand
responsibi
l
ityov
erit
"
hechuckl
ed

her:
"nowcanweplzmov eon?Ihatel
i
v i
ngwithout
knowingwhatmaycomet omorr
ow,whenwillyou
snap,howwi
lli
thappen.i
tsemoti
onal
lydrai
ning"
hi
m:"
you'
ret
hef
ineonet
ospeak"
her
:"
Iacknowl
edgemymi
stake"
hi
m: "
onlycoyouwerecaught
..
.tel
lme,
whati
sitt
hat
at
tractedyoutohi
m"?
her
:"
babydon'
t"

hi
m:"moeni
efokenbabymeEl
i
zabet
h!ant
woor
d
my"!
!!
!
sheshooki
nter
rorashi
svoi
ceescal
atedt
heknown
l
imit
.

hi
m:"
gett
hef
uckout
"!

shepracti
cal
lyr
anoutandcr i
edhersel
foutinthe
ki
tchenashecont i
nuedtopreparehi
m ameal.He
gotdressedandtookhiscarkeysandlef
t.

Theganghadhadasuccessf ulbusi
nessmont hso
tosay.Allt
heirdel
iv
erieswentsuccessf ull
yand
eachofthem hadagoodcutof fthedeal s.They
eachhadbeengi venaweekofr esti
ngsoRanger
retur
nedbackhome, EasternCapedeepv il
lages.
Guddawentt oDurban,therestwerenotpl anningto
goany wheresodieKaapst adwast heirr
ef uge.Marc
drovetoTablemount ain,
atleasttherehecoul dcool
off
,restandrecuperatewi
thoutdistur
bances.
..he
j
ustsattherethinki
ng.Notthathelackedanyt
hingto
dowi t
hLizzyjustthatt
helovehehadf orherwas
unbearabl
eandshehadhur thi
m utterl
y.

-
Jozi

Aftereati
ngwithNtando,
Icall
edmybr of or
direct
ions,
Ical
ledacabthoughNtandoi nsi
stedhe
takemehome, t
oldhi
m offandhedidn'
tper si
st
thankGod.Iarriv
edhomeandwentt orestfora
whi l
e..
.Sosorangmeup: )

me:
"hey
"?
hi
m:"
heybaby
,unj
ani
"?
me:
"nev
erbeenbet
ter
..
.y
ou"
?
hi
m:"
sur
viv
ing.sowher
eyouat
"?
me:
"uuuh"
?
hi
m:"
Isawy
oul
eav
ing,
qhandoy
ikaabazl
ibakho"
me:
"ubuphi
"?
hi
m:"
bendi
zokubonaqhandi
fi
keseni
phuma"
me:
"yho!whydi
dn'
tyoucal
l
"?
hi
m:"
didn'
tthi
nky
ou'
dtakemycal
l
s"
me:
"heh"
!
hi
m:'
"
knowi
tsoundsst
upi
dneh"
?
me:"
yeahwhat
ever
..
.what
'
supwi
tchu,
yousound
down"

si
l
ence

me:
"Lwandi
so"
?
hi
m:"
siy
akukhumbul
a"
me:
"haha!goodj
oke"
hi
m:"
comeoneTee"
ndat
hul
a

Laa:
"babyI
'
m sor
ry"
me:
"Landi
l
e"?
hi
m:"Iwoul
ddoany
thi
ngf
ory
ourf
orgi
venessy
ayazi
nawelont
o"
me:
"car
eful
whaty
ouwi
shf
or"
hi
m:"
any
thi
ng"
Soso:
"yep,
any
thi
ng"

me:
"f
lyt
oJo'
bur
gkebef
orey
ouf
lygoCT"

cwaka.
..mh:
/

hi
m:"
uhm.
..okay
,canwenegot
iat
e"?
me:
"al
lear
s"
hi
m:"
mandi
qal
eeKapababet
hennextweekI
'
llcome
t
hatsi
de"
me:
"ngol
wesi
ngaphi
"?
hi
m:"
Thur
sday
"
me:
"okay
"
hi
m:"
thanky
ou"
:
/
Soso:
"nam ndozozakebr
a"
me:
"ur
ightkal
ok"
hi
m:"yhuha,
andiy
akukhumbul
amf
azi
yint
onl
e
wandogal
elel
ayona"
?

Il
aughedsohar
dathowr
eal
i
sti
caddr
amat
iche
sounded:
v

me:
"Sosoy
azbendi
kukhumbul
any
han"
?
hi
m:"
hahaaaa!Iknow,
geez,
whonev
ermi
sesSoul
T"?
me:
"ughdon'
tgetaheadofy
our
sel
fokay
"?
hi
m:"
yaqal
alengok"
me:
"by
eby
e'i
niguy
sIneedsomer
est
"

t
hem:
"l
ovey
ou"
me:
"Iknow"

wonderwhyImi
ssedSososomuch?
Ev
enmor
ethanmybhut
'baekengok?
[
10/
8,19:
56]‪+27730692704‬:
#38

SpenttwodaysinLuke'shousethent
het hirddayhe
camehomewi t
hEv e.Wehugged,Imi
stakingly
bumpedont oherstomachandlookedather ,
she
l
ookedashamedandbeggedmenott osayany t
hing
soIbrushedthethoughtasi
de.Luket
ookhert hi
ngs
toherownroom sinceIhadalr
eadyoccupi edmy
own,wesatdown
her
:"
youl
ookgoodLi
lsi
s"
me:
"t
hanky
ou.
..
whathappened"
?

Iaskedl
ooki
ngatherst
omach

her
:"
it
sal
ongst
ory
"
me:
"wehav
eal
lthet
ime"

Lukewal
keddown

hi
m:"
don'
tbr
eakany
thi
ng,
I
'm goi
ngbackt
owor
k"
me:
"begone"

hel
aughedashet
ookhi
scarkey
sandl
eft
.

me:
"whatar
eweeat
ing?I
'
m hungr
y"
her
:"
Ifeel
li
kef
att
yfoods"
me:
"l
et'
shav
ebr
uncht
hen"

webot hwenttothekitchen,
itfel
tli
ket heoldti
mes: )
bothofusf ooli
ngar oundinthekitchen,get
ti
ngt he
placemessyandt heneatingfoodof fthecounter
i
nst eadoftheplate:vImadescr ambl edeggs,fried
porkt henshemadepancakesonhoneyandGr eek
saladt henwetookbr eadroll
sandj uicesayohl
ala
phandl engasepool.

her
:"
sohow'
stheLaaguy
"?
me:
"he'
sgood"

shel
ookedatme,
thatqui
zzi
cal
lookIhat
e

me:
"what
"?
her
:"
what
'
sgoi
ngon"
?
me:
"mh,
that
'swhatI
'
dli
ket
oknowt
oo"
her:
"ohme?wel
lyou'
reol
denought
oknowI
'
m
pregnant
"
me:
"howf
ar"
?
her
:"
thi
sismyl
astmont
h"
me:
"l
ukeknows"
?
her
:"
yep,
buthe'
stheonl
yonewhoknows,
besi
des
youofcour
se"
me:
"yho"
-
sil
ence-

sheclearedhert
hroat
..
.Isnappedoutofmy
thoughts.

her
:"
what
'
sgoty
oubot
her
ed"
?
me:
"not
hing"
her
:"
Iknowy
ouTee"

Isi
ghedandgul
peddownamout
hful
ofj
uiceasI
st
aredahead.
..

me:
"Laahasaki
d,t
woy
ear
s"
her
:"
ohwow.Who'
sthemot
her
"?
me:
"youdon'
twannaknow"
her
:"
Lisa"
?
me:
"nope,
Ovay
o"
her
:"
that
'si
mpossi
ble,
theynev
erdat
ed"

y
hondl
elal
endi
yhl
ekengay
oKel
opar
t.

me:
"cany
ouv
ouchf
ort
hat
"?
her:
"you'
reki
ddi
ng!hedoesn'
tst
ri
kemel
i
kel
oty
pe
though"
me:
"andwhi
cht
ypei
sthat
"?
her
:"
li
ars"
me:
"hewasi
nadi
ff
icul
tposi
ti
onbabe,
Iki
nda
under
stand"
her
:"
under
stand?y
ou'
reabet
terhumant
hanIam"

Ij
ustsmiled..
.shedon'tknowhowdi f
fi
cul
titi
sri
ght
now,goi
ngt oanotherprovinceubaewakho
engakhangeazov al
eli
saatal l
.

her
:"somet
hingel
sei
sgoi
ngon"
me:
"ha,
athat
'sal
l
"

shesmi
l
edandnudgedmyr
ibwi
thanel
bow

her
:"
myguessis,
taBeasthasy
ouwr
appedr
oundhi
s
pi
nkief
inger
"
me:
"hewi
shes"

shecr
ackedup:
v
her
:"
oh,
buthei
sthecauseoft
hatsmi
l
ehuh"
?
me:
"no"
her
:"
thenwhyar
eyoubl
ushi
ng"
?

Ist
ammer
edLol
try
naf
indt
her
ightwayt
oanswer
her
.
her
:"
Tri
nal
i
queSmi
th"
!!
!!
me:
"whaaaat
"?

webot
hlaughed:
v

Her
:"
Iwannaknowev
ery
thi
ng"
me:
"t
her
e'snot
hinggoi
ngont
her
e"
her
:"
mmmmh"
me:"
forreal,
he'
sjustaf
ri
endI
'
vebeenwar
nedabout
cont
inuall
ythat
'sall
"
her
:"
whenwi
l
lyouev
eradmi
tyouhav
eitf
orhi
m"?
me:
"Idon'
t"

shest
aredatme,
studi
edme:
/

her
:"
whenl
astdi
dyouseehi
m"?
me:
"hash!l
et'
snotgot
her
e"
her
:"
owmygosh!Tr
ina,
spi
l
lthebeansorI
'
mtel
l
ing
onyou"
me:
"bl
ackmai
l
?you'
reki
ddi
ng"
her
:"
justt
alk"
!
Ismiledandtriedmybestnott
osoundl
i
keal
ove
str
ickenteenager:
v

me:
"he'
sthef
ir
stper
sonImetwhenIar
ri
vedher
e"

herey
esal
mostpoppedout
..
.
her
:"
what
"?!
me:
"don'
t,
plz"
her
:"
whatwashedoi
ngher
eany
way
"?
me:
"hesai
dhecamet
omakesur
eIf
eltwel
comei
n
t
hecit
yofgol
d"
her:
"weeeh!
Lil
misssmi
thi
smessi
ngwi
tha
gangster
"
me:
"we'
ref
ri
ends"
her
:"
keepsay
ingt
hatunt
ily
ouact
ual
l
ybel
i
evei
t'
'

j
ustt
henmyphoner
ang:
)oh:
/

IlookatEve,
shegrabsmyphoneandl ooksatt
he
screenthenl
aughs,shepi
cksupandlooksatmeto
talkwhi
lethephoneisonloudspeaker

me:
"uhm,
,
,hey
"?
hi
m:"
hey
,ugr
and"
?
me:
"yeahy
ou"
?
hi
m:"
I'
m good.Howi
sJo'
bur
g"?
me:'
'ki
ndaquiett
hanEastLondonbuti
tsagood
changeofscenery"
hi
m:"
yeahhey
,okaykeshar
p"

Evel
ookedatmeconf used:vshedon'
tknowt
his
ni
qqacanjustcal
ltosayhi?:v

me:
"er
h..
.oh-
kay
"
hi
m:"
what
"?
me:
"whydi
dyoucal
l
"?
hi
m:"
checki
ngupony
ouobv
iousl
y"
me:
"comeonNt
andoI
'
m notachi
l
d"
hi
m:"Iknowbutthatdoesn'
tmeanIcan'
tcal
land
askhowy ou'
redoi
ng"
me:
"Iguess"
hi
m:"
enj
oyt
her
estofy
ourday
"
me:
"t
hanks,
yout
op"

hehadhungupal
ready
..
.It
urnedt
ofaceEv
e

me:
"busi
thi
numnt
ase"
?
her:
"ughmxm.
..t
rut
hremai
nst
haty
ouguy
swant
eachother
"

Ithr
ewngekonaey eaonka.Shespokemost l
yabout
herli
fe,
howshegotpreggi
esandallthatcr
azy
shit
?!!
!
[
10/
8,19:
56]‪+27730692704‬:
#39

Wepackedupandwenti
nsi
de.
..Herboy
fri
endcal
l
ed

her
:"
heybabe"
?
hi
m:"
heyy
ou,
Ihappent
omi
ssy
out
err
ibl
yri
ghtnow"
her
:"
uh-
huh"
?:)
hi
m:"
haababe,
don'
tsayt
hat
"
her
:"
wel
lyoudi
dleav
emei
nJo'
bur
g"
hi
m:"
butIhadt
o"
her
:"
mmh"
hi
m:"
arey
ouokay
"?
her
:"
whydoy
ouask"
?
hi
m:"
Ijust
..
.mymom hasbeenhav
ingt
hesewei
rd
dr
eams"
her
:"
about
"?
hi
m:"
Idon'
tknow.
..sheaskedi
f,
mxm nev
ermi
nd"
her
:"
sheaskedwhatLwando"
?
hi
m:"
nobabei
t'
snoti
mpor
tant
,butl
ook,
I
'l
lbet
hat
si
deont
he31st"
her
:"
ohcool
"

t
heybi
dgoodby
eandwej
ustl
ayont
hecouches.
..
me:
"i
sthatbabydaddy
"?
her
:"
yeah"
me:
"doesheknow"
?
her
:"
nope,
ai
n'
tready
"

Isi
tupandl
ookather
,sur
pri
sed

me:
"whoai
n'
tready
,youorhi
m"?
her
:"
him"
me:
"howwoul
dyouknow"
?

shesi
ghedandal
sosatup,
l
ooki
ngf
rai
landal
lthat

her:
"whatam abouthasnot
hingt
odowi
thr
aci
sm
okay"?
me:
"oh-
kay
"
her
:"
I'
veseenhowXhosaguy
sreactt
opr
egnancy
andIdon'
twannabur
denhi
m knowi
ngi
tshi
slast
yeari
nvar
sit
y"
me:"
bylasty
eary
oumeanheai
n'
tcomi
ngbackt
o
var
sit
ynextmont
h"?
her
:"
yes"
:
o
me:
"wow,
arey
oupr
epar
edf
ort
his"
?
her
:"
it
snotl
i
keIhav
eachoi
cet
hough"
me:
"di
dyouatl
eastt
ell
Ker
i"
?
her
:"
Iwashopingyouwoul
dhelpmewi
thherand
MarcthenI
'
lldeal
witht
hefol
ks"
me:
"yhobr
a"

wesati
nsi
l
ence..
myphoner
ang

me:
"Soso"
?
hi
m:"
haysundi
bizangat
hunguVer
oni
cawakwa
MTNsi
si"
me:
"mxm what
ever
,sup"
?
hi
m:"
ohnot
hingmuch.
.u"
?
me:
"sameher
e"
hi
m:"
Iwasthi
nking,
sikuphat
hel
ent
oni
aspeace
of
fer
ingThur
sday"?
me:
"uhm,
Idon'
tknow"
hi
m:"
cummon"
!
me:
"Ir
eal
l
ydon'
t"
hi
m:"
arey
ouokay
"?
me:
"I
'mf
ine"
hi
m:"
tal
ktome"
me:
"SosoIsai
dI'
mfi
ne,
how'
sVel
a"?
hi
m:"whydidy
ouhav
etobr
ingheri
ntot
his
conv
ersat
ion"
?
me:
"becauseshe'
syourgi
rl
fr
iend,
remember
"?
hechuckl
ed

hi
m:"
she'
sfi
net
hanky
ou"
me:
"t
hat
'sgoodt
ohear
"
hi
m:"
woul
dyoul
i
kehrt
ocomeal
ongazokubona"
?
me:
"i
fshewanna"
hi
m:"
mxm asi
f"

nowi
twasmyt
urnt
ochuckl
e

me:
"canIhangupnow"
?
hi
m:"
notbef
oreIt
ell
youIl
ovey
ou"
me:
"Iknowt
hat
"
hi
m:"
good"
me:"
butIknowshecomesf
ir
st.
..mi
ssTi
tust
he
f
ir
st"
hi
m:"
whaaat
?don'
tl
etmamommaheary
ousay
t
hat
"!
!
:
v:v
me:
"Ibetv
elawoul
dbesmi
tt
ent
hough"
hi
m:"
yeahIguess.
..enj
oyy
ourdayneh"
me:
"nawe.
..uhm,
canIasksomet
hing"
?
hi
m:"
ayt
"
me:
"uphi
uLaa"
?
hi
m:"
he'
sout
"
me:
"out
"?

hesi
ghedf
orasec

hi
m:"
outwi
thKamv
a"
me:
"andOv
ayo"
?
hi
m:"
somet
hingl
i
kethat
,BUTi
tsnot
hing,
hewant
ed
ti
mewit
hhi
sdaught
er"
me:
"kay
"
hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ryaboutal
loft
his"
me:
"mxm,
byeby
e"
hi
m:"
genui
ne"
me:
"sho"

Ihungupandj ustlayonmybackhopi ngNtando

won'tcall
.
..atl
eastnotnowkecozl at
elyhehasa
wayorr at
heragoodt imingofcal
l
ingrightwhenI
'm
feel
i
ngshi t
.
[
10/
8,19:
57]‪+27730692704‬:
#40

Me:"
okay
!wear
esooonotgonnadr
owni
nour
sor
rows"
her
:"
huh"
?
me:
"we'
regoi
ngout
,comeon,
gety
ourshoes"
her
:"
buti
tsl
ateal
ready
"
me:"
thenwe'l
lfi
ndagoodr
est
aur
antandhav
e
di
nnerther
e"
her
:"
erh.
..
'
'
me:
"ohbef
oreIf
orget
..
.Igotsomet
hingf
ory
a"
her
:"
wha-
"?

Iwasalreadyatthetopoft
hestair
srunni
ngtomy
room,
Ifetchedtheboxdaddygavetomeandcame
downwit hi
tIgaveittoher
,shet
ookitandsur
vey
ed
i
tonallangles.

her
:"
what
'
sthi
s"?
me:
"abox"
her
:"
duhIcanseet
hat
"
me:
"t
henopeni
t,
Ial
sodon'
tknowwhat
'si
nsi
de"

shef i
ddledwiththeboxunt i
lshef oundtheopening
thenshet ookoutaletterandr eadinsil
ence:/wellI
alsodidn'twannapryjustyet,
itseemedki ndaheated
bythewayhercheekst urnedpi nkhalf
wayt hr
ough
thelett
er.Whenshewasdoneshel ookedatthe
remainsi ntheboxandputt helett
erasideasshe
searchedt hroughoutandt earscascadedhereyes.
..
natural
lyImov edthetissueboxcloserandjustsat
theresti
llwithmyar m aroundhershoulder
comf or
tingher .Aft
ersomet i
meshest opped,
Igot
upandf etchedwat erndamnika

her
:"
thanks"
me:
"wannashar
e"?
her
:"
theyknow"
me:
"t
heyknowwhat
"?

t
henshet
ookasi
p

her
:"
aboutt
hepr
egnancy
"
Il
ookedather
,hopi
ngshe'
l
lsayi
tsj
ustsomeki
ndof
j
okey'know
her
:"
I'
m ser
ious"
me:
"howdi
dtheyf
indout
?when"
?
her:
"oneoft
hefarmerswivesi
samedium,dadwent
theonregul
archeckssoshefil
l
edhi
mi nonwhat
herthi
ngswereshowingher"
me:
"medi
um?ar
en'
tthosef
orcommuni
cat
ingwi
th
t
hedead"
?
her
:"
mh,
you'
reaski
ngme"
?
me:
"andt
hemoney
"?
her:
"t
heysayi
t'
sfort
hechi
l
d,t
obuycl
othesand
stuf
f"
me:
"oh"

mh?doesn'tmakesenset
houghbutt
henagai
n,
who
am It
ojudge?
wej
ustsatt
her
e..
..

me:
"souhm.
..
arewest
il
lgoi
ngout
"?
her
:"
nnah,
Iwannar
est
"

withthatshewentt oherroom andIwentt ocheck

forfood,
comf or
tfood.Itooktheleft
overpancakes
andat ethem wit
hwhi ppedcr
eam andhoneyt hen
Lukewal kedin,
ki
ssedmycheekandat emyl ast
pancake: (asheplacedSpurribsinthemicrowave
oven.

hi
m:"
phew!howwasy
ourday
"?
me:
"uhm.
..goodIguess"
hi
m:"
youguesshuh"
?

befor
eIcoul
danswerhim Nt
andocal
l
ed,Ir
eject
ed
thecal
lwi
thoutsecondt
hought
sandbasedmy
att
enti
onbacktoLuu

me:
"youwer
esay
ing"
?
hechuckl
edandwentt
othef
ri
dge,
remov
eda
watermelonandcutit,
puti
tinaplateandseti t
betweenussi ncehewasont heothersideofthe
counter
,ndaty
amnandat hul
aLol Iwassmi l
ingcoz
thelookonLuke'sfacesai
ditall
..
.I'
mi nforone
hell
uvalectur
e.

Ntandocal
l
edagai
nsi
sat
hul
enj
alo.
..agai
nIr
eject
ed
t
hecall.

Lukewaswat
chi
ngme.
.obser
ving

hi
m:"
tr
oubl
einpar
adi
se"
?
me:
"er
h..nope"
hi
m:"
youdoknowt
hatI
'
m noty
oungr
ight
"?

Ismi
l
edandnod

hi
m:"
thent
alkt
ome"
me:"
okay
..
.uhm.
..t
hingi
s.y
ouknowwhat
?Losi
t,
ek
sal
manage"
hi
m:"
mybeti
sithasev
ery
thi
ngt
odowi
thaguy
"
me:
"yout
hink"
?
hi
m:"
Iknow.
.sot
ell
me,
whatexact
lyi
sgoi
ngon"
?

Isi
ghedandl
ookedahead.
..

me:
"don'
tgetmadokay
"
hi
m:"
whywoul
dI"
?
me:"
wel
l,
uhm...
theguywhowascal
l
ingj
ustnowi
s
oneofMarc'
sfri
ends"
hi
m:"
Beast
"
me:
"ohcr
ap,
howdi
dyouf
igur
ethatout
"
hi
m:"
wel
lIt
oldy
ouI
'
m noty
oung"
me:"
okayfi
ne,
yesi
tshi
m.Wer enotdat
ing,
don'
tget
somecrazyi
deasj
ustyet
..
.we'
reuhm,j
ustfri
ends"
hi
m:"
mh"
me:
"uh-
oh"
hi
m:"Doyouwannagothr
oughwhatev
erygi
rlwho
dat
essuchpeopl
egoesthrough"
?
me:
"huh"
?
hi
m:"Ibel
i
evey
ou'
vespokent
oEv
e,abouther
condi
ti
on"
me:
"yes"
hi
m:"doy
oual sowannagot hr
ought
hat
?the
hur
t,
humil
iat
ion,r
eject
ion"
?
me:
"butshe'
snotr
eject
ed,
shej
usti
sol
atedher
sel
f
f
rom ever
yone"
hi
m:"
yeahIunder
stand.
..
doy
oul
ovehi
m"?
me:
"Idon'
tknow.
..butIdoubt
"
him:"I
'm notsayi
ngdon'tdat
ehi
m, al
lI'
m sayi
ngisbe
smar tandv i
gil
ant
.Thoseguysaredangerous..
.i
f
youal l
owhi mtogettoy ouy
ouhav etobe
prepared,i
fyou'
refancy
inghimthendosome
researchabouthim andknowhisli
festy
lebefore
putti
ngy ourli
feontheli
ne"
me:
"damn"
hi
m:"
mayIask"
?
Inod
hi
m:"
whathappenedt
otheTi
tusguy
"?
me:
"ohhe'
sst
il
lar
ound"
hi
m:"
I'
m sensi
nga'
but
'somewher
e"
me:
"nope,
nobut
tsany
wher
e"
hi
m:"
OK,
sowhatexact
lyi
sgoi
ngoni
nyourl
i
fer
ight
now"
?

hahahaIburstoutl
aughi
ng.
..Icoul
dn'thel
p
myself
,especi
all
ysi
ncehesoundedlikeoneoft
he
twi
ns:v

hi
m:"
what
"?
me:
"nev
ermi
nd"
hi
m:"
mm,
nowanswerme"
me:
"what
'sgoi
ngoni
nmyl
i
fe?er
h..
.onet
hingI
'
m
sur
eofrightnowisthatI
'
m goi
ngtoschool
next
month,
anyotheri
ssueayIdon'
tknow"
hi
m:"good.Getyourheadwrappedar
oundthat
.You
camet oJo'bur
gforschool
,
tolear
nnotpar
ty,
dat
eor
anyotherrubbi
sh"
me:
"er
h..
."
hi
m:"wehav eenoughprobl
emsathand,
wedon't
needbothourLilsi
ster
sgoingAWOLsoy oubet
ter
getyourheadstr
aight"
me:
"yessi
r"

hegotupandwar
medt
hef
oodhebr
oughtasIwent
tocal
lEv
e.
[
10/
8,19:
58]‪+27730692704‬:
#41

Dayspassedandi twasThursday.Ihadthoughtof
howthisdaywillbebutIcoul
dn'treal
lyputmy
i
magi nat
iont
oit..
.Icoul
dn'
tgetmymi ndt oworkout
thesum andthatalonefr
ustr
atedmet oomuch.
Earlyinthemor ningIwokeup, bathed,mademybed
andj ustsattherenotknowi ngwhet hertheyaresti
ll
comi ngorwhatandaspr i
demayhav eit,Idi
dn'
t
wannacal lthem :/Iain'
tdesperate.ThoughIwas
kindalongingt oseeLandile.Imissedhi m.Somuch.
Icouldn'tcomeupwi thanout fi
tsoIwent
downst air
sandsear chedf orfoodinthef ri
dgeI
foundsomel eftover
sandwar medt hem ndatya.
WhenIwasdoneImadeher balandgi ngerteajust
tocal mtheanxi et
ythatIsensedr isi
ng.Ev ewalked
down: )herbumbwasmor evisi
bleinpajamast han
anyot herclothi
ng.Ismiledatherbutmyat t
enti
on
wasonherbump

her
:"
don'
tdot
hat
"
me:
"what
"?
her
:"
you'
rest
arr
ingatmybump"
me:
"It
hinkI'
minl
ovewi
thi
t.
..
whenar
ewegoi
ngt
o
t
hescan"?
her
:"
noty
et.
..
whatar
eweeat
ing"
?
me:
"l
eft
over
s"
her
:"
not
hanks.
..Iwanteggsandpor
kbanger
s"
me:
"makeem"

shepout
ed

me:"
ha,ano!meai
n'
tyourbabydaddydon'
tpl
ayt
hat
pout
ingtr
ickonme"
her
:"
Pret
typl
z"
me:
"nope.Ihav
etogetdr
essed.Ihav
esomewher
e
t
obe"
her
:"
ugh,
somewher
e?webot
hknowy
ou'
regoi
ngout
wit
hyourMEN"

il
aughedandwal kedbackt omyr oom.Itookout
beigeskinnyjeans,
beigelacecroppedtop,whi
te
oversi
zedsleev el
essknit
tedcardiganandWhite
ChuckTai l
orsthenIjusttookawhi tecl
utchwit
h
everyt
hingthatIneededinside.Isatdownand
st
aredahead.
..
myphoner ang,
IwasshockedwhenLandi
le'
sname
appear
edont hescr
een.
.Isnappedout
,and
answered

me:
"el
o"?
hi
m:"
uhm hey
.sesi
fi
ki
le"
me:
"ohokay
"
hi
m:"
shoul
dwepi
cky
ouup,
may
be"
?
me:
"no,
Ithi
nki
khonai
mot
oekhoy
oher
e"
hi
m:"
okay
,meetusatSt
eer
sthen"
me:
"cool
"

mh: /Iwaslef
tsayi
ngtomy self
-t
hatwassocol d.I
t
fel
tli
kewewer estr
angers.
..
insuchashortperi
odof
ti
met hough?Ist
oodup,putonRubymattelipst
ick
ndaphumaandwal kedpastEveasIsearchedad
foundthecarkeys
her
:"
ooo-
lah-
lah"
!
Ichucked
her
:"
washi
sabaaaaby
!!
!hehe!t
hisni
qqawon'
tknow
whathi
thi
m"
me:
"huh?whatar
eyouonabout
"?
her
:"
he'
l
lbesor
ryhenegl
ect
edy
ou,
str
ue"
me:"
hedidn'
tbabe.
..
hewasj
ustpr
eoccupi
ed.l
emme
vani
shbefor
eyouchangemymind"

shespankedmyass: vndabal ekandaphuma, got

i
ntoLuke' sGTi andheadedf orSteers-thepani c
att
ackswer ecreepi
ngi n.Iwouldjustdot hewell-
knownbr eat hi
ngtechniquescozkeIhadnoot her
choice,
Idon' tknowwhet herIwasscar edofwhathe
wouldsayorwhathewoul dnotsayatall.Ireached
theparkingl otandbreathedinonemor e
ti
me, r
eleasedt hebreat
handwal kedoutconf i
dentl
y
tothefastf oodchainstore.Iheardngev oiceka
SosoIheadedt ot
heendoft heshopandspot t
ed
them f i
rst..
.Lar asawmeandhegotup, i
gnoring
what everhi sbr otherwassay i
ng.Heopenedachai r
formebutf ir
stcamef orthandwej ustst oodt here
l
ooki ngateachot herf oragoodsecond.Heopened
hisar msandIf ellri
ghtintohist r
ap, howImi ssed
thesear mst hough: (theembr acef eltli
kehomet o
mybody ,
itfeltnatural.Wehuggedf orav er
ygood
mi nutethenImyey esst art
edr ai
ning. .
.Iwasn't
crying..
.no,myey esjustneededt or eleaseacoupl e
ofdr opsy aqond?good.Her ubbedmyback, Soso
wasnowsi lent.WhenIf inall
ygather edmy selfI
steppedbackandwasaboutt oopenmycl utchf ora
ti
ssuewhenheof feredhi shandkerchi ef,
Itooki t
withoutl ookingathi m,Isatont hechai rhehad
openedandf ixedmy selfsahlalainsi l
enceunt i
lI
wasgoodt ot alk.Awai t
resscamet ouswi thmenus

Soso:
"Ki
ngBur
gerwi
thext
rachi
psandCokepl
z"
Laa:
"Iwantr
ibs,
hal
fdone"
me:
"chocol
ateshakepl
z"
Soso:
"awut
yi"
?
me:
"noI
'
m good"
Soso:
"uy
agul
a..
.gi
veherwhatI'
m hav
ingi
nfactgi
ve
bothoft
hem whatI'
m hav
ing"
Laa:
"haysuphambanabr
a"
Soso:
"mxm uzenzaumnt
ungeri
bsongazohl
utha
zi
zo..
.si
siweh,
enzal
ent
ondi
yi
thet
hayo"
her
:"
soImustcancel
ther
ibs"
?
Soso:
"no,
addt
hem aswel
"
her
:"
okayt
hanky
ou"
Soso:
"I
'l
lthanky
ouma'
am whenI
'
mful
l
"

shesmiledandwalkedaway
,myshakecamefi
rstI
tookasip.Sosoheadedf
orthebat
hroom.
..
wasishi
yasobabi
ni.

me:
"wewi
l
lhav
etot
alksomehow"
hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
me:"
wel
lIguessIshoul
dapol
ogi
zeofhowIr
eact
ed
ngal
ami
ni"
hi
m:"nobabe,
I
'mt
heonewhoshoul
dbeapol
ogi
zi
ng
her
enotyou"
me:"Iwasshockedandf
eltcheat
edbutket
hisi
sn'
t
aboutmeright?i
ngomnt
wana"
hi
m:"
babypl
z..
."
me:
"unj
ani
"?
hi
m:"
I'
m good,
Icanseey
ou'
rebet
tert
hangood"
me:
"I
'mt
ryi
ng"
hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ryTr
ina"
me:
"f
orwhat
"?
hi
m:"
ever
ythi
ng.l
yi
ngmost
ly"
me:
"hm"

Sosor
etur
nedandsatdown

hi
m:"
hai
bo,
si
zot
yani
niapha"
?
Laa:
"khawbepat
ientdude"
hi
m:"pat
ientmyl
eftf
ootI
'
mfuckenhungr
yher
e
okay
"

Ij
ustlookedathi
m andsmiled,
heisforev
er
dramati
cakanantobaakhosemontiaphawherehe
knowsev er
yoneha,
ahe'sbeinghi
mselfshame.

hi
m:"
Sosi
sbae,
how'
vey
oubeen"
?
me:
"asy
oucansee"
him:
"hewethu!kuthenumhlekangaka.
..
Iswearwhen
Isawy ouIthoughtRihannawasintown"
Ismi
l
ed
me:
"uy
aexagger
aterkengok"
hi
m:"f
oreal
,besendi
qondbandf
unaIaut
ogr
aphev
en
i
fit
sont hecheeksani"

Il
ookedatLandi
l
e,atl
easthewasal
socomf
ort
abl
e.
Ourfoodcamet hroughIorder
edsodasi ncemy
shakewasf i
nishedt henweatesancokolanjeabout
somelightstuff
...
nothingheavy
.Aftert
hatwejust
chi
ll
ed..
.yaqalakengokIser i
ousness:

Laa:
"Sososancany
ougi
veusamoment
"?
hi
m:"
ndi
yephi
?ul
i
ebel
eakhosemont
iapha"
?
Laa:
"t
hatdi
dn'
tst
opy
ouf
orbei
ngdr
amat
icear
li
er"

hemumbl
edandl
efthi
schai
r.
..

me:
"t
hatwasunnecessar
ythough"
him:"
Ineedtotal
ktoyoual
one,
Sosondamazne
theor
ieszakhesomet
imesazi
sebenzi
"
me:
"butuy
euzi
dingewheny
ouf
uckedup"
hi
m:"
Iknowbutnow,
Ihav
etounf
uckupal
one"
me:
"mh"
hefixedhischairsothatsij
ongane...his
temples,f
aceohgawdhi scol ognewaski ll
i
ngme
slowly.Everyt
imeIbreathed,fel
tli
kei twasfi
l
li
ng
meupi nareasunseennorpr edi
cted.

him:"Imessedup.IknowandImadet hi
ngswor se
bynotr eachi
ngouttoyouimmediat
elywhenyou
foundoutbutbabepl z,
can'
twemoveonf r
om this?
can'twebeour sel
vesli
keweusedto11months
ago"?

Il
ookeddown,
hel
i
ftedmychi
nupandl
ooked
st
rai
ghti
ntomyey
es

him: "Iloveyou,verymuchbutIalsol ovemychild.I

hav en'tbeengi ventheopport
unitytoev enspenda
daywi thherunt i
lthatday
.plzfi
ndi tinyourheartt
o
forgiv eme, f
orgivemeaboutkeepi ngKamv aa
secr et...
forl
yingngoOv ayo"
me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
..
.t
hisi
sjustt
oomuch"
hi
m:"f
ir
ststepi
stof
orgi
ve,
thent
her
estwi
l
lwor
k
i
tsel
fout"

Il
ookedaway ,
hi
shandsenf oldedmi ne.Ihadt othi
nk
carefull
ynow, t
hiswasn' treal
lyaboutmebutabout
hi
m hav ingar el
ationshipwi t
hhisdaught er,
thathad
aper sonalfavourfrom mysi desi nceIneverknew
myownf at
herIjustcoul dn'
tdeprivehim ofthat
bond.Iwant edal otf r
om him butIknewI
couldn't
...
no,wouldn'tgetanyoft hem now.

me:
"howdoesOv
ayof
iti
ntot
hepi
ctur
e"?
hi
m:"
Kamv
aisherchi
l
dsov
eleuzobakhona"
me:
"soImustsi
gnupt
obei
ngsecondbest
"?
him:
"no,
thi
sisnotaboutposi
ti
on.
..Il
ovey
ou.Onl
y
you,
Ovayoknowsthat"
me:
"andi
tthr
eat
ensher
"
hi
m:"
whatdoy
ouwantmet
osayke"
?
me:
"Idontknow"
wesati
nsi
l
ence.
..
Sosowal
kedbacki
nandsatdown.

hi
m:"
mh,
byt
hel
ookoft
hat
,not
hingi
ssor
ted"
me:
"t
houghtuzozanoVel
a"
hi
m:"
int
on?andi
ngomshol
ozi
mna"
me:
"yenut
heni
"?
him:
"uzov
elaaculeumshiniwakhekut
sit
sei
mal
i
kumacomr ade,
ndingumntanaweskol
o"
me:
"coul
d'
vef
ool
edme.
..
any
wayhow'
syourmom"
?

Hesearchedabagandr
emov
edasi
l
vergi
ftbox
wandi
nika

me:
"andt
his"
?
hi
m:"
shesai
dImustgi
vey
ou"
IlookedatLara.
.openedtheboxandfoundan
origi
nalGuesswatch,pi
nkandgol
d.Il
ookedatitand
closedtheboxwithoutevent
ouchi
ngitthenIsl
i
d
theboxbackinfrontofSoso

hi
m:"
ha.
a"
me:
"nopl
z,
Ican'
ttakei
t.Butt
ell
herIsai
dthanky
ou"
hi
m:"
khat
het
heLandi
l
efondi
n"
me:
"what'
ssohardnaSoso?t
aket
heboxand
r
epassthemessage"

Laa:
"Iuhm,
al
soboughty
ousomet
hing"
me:
"i
fit
sexpensi
vet
henkeepi
t"
hi
m:"
babypl
z"
me:"
Idon'
twantgi
ft
siwontbeabl
etor
epayny
hani
guy
s"
her
emov
edal
ongt
hinboxf
rom hi
sbl
azerandputi
t
onmypal
m

Iopeneditandsawaneckl ace,sil
veranddiamondsI
wascaught .
..mntakadadnomat terhowexpensi
v e
i
twas,Icouldn'
trejecti
t,
bonuswast hati
vel
astr
aight
KuLandil
e: /Itr
iedmybestt oclosemyhear t
agai
nstthisbutIcouldn'
t:'
(

hi
m:"
lemmehel
pyouputi
ton"

i
tfeltl
ikeIwasunderhy pnosi
s..
.Iautomat
ical
ly
gaveithim andhehelpedmeputi ton,t
heminutei
t
touchedmyski nIf
eltrenewed!Ismil
ed

me:
"enkosi
"
hi
m:"
you'
rebeaut
if
ul"

Ibl
ushed
Soso:
"si
sekhonakeneh?good"

:
v
[
10/
8,20:
00]‪+27730692704‬:
#42

Iadmiredthi
sgi
ft
..
.butbei
ngme,
somet
hingj
ust
didn'
tsitwel
l
.

me:
"uhm.
..babedon'
tgett
hist
hewr
ongwayneh"
hi
m:"
okay
"
me:
"Ier
h..
.Ican'
tbeboughtbygi
ft
s"
hi
m:"
not
hat
'snotwhatIwasdoi
ng"
me: "
Iknow,butIj
ustwant
edthatoutoft
heway.Yes
Ilovey ou,
wewerebothwrongbutdon'
tgeti
t
twisted.Icannev
erbeBoughtinanyway"
Soso:
"mh.
hm"
hi
m:"
khameSoso"
Soso:
"khangendi
thet
hemna"
hi
m:"
babyIunder
standhowyou'r
efeel
i
ng,
j
ustt
hatI
want
edtobri
ngapeaceoffer
ing"
me:
"i
tfeel
sli
keI
'
m agol
ddi
ggernow"
hi
m:"
plzdon'
t.
..
ndakcel
adon'
t
"

ndat
hul
a..
.ndaj
ongaKuSoso

me:
"uhm,
skeem"
?
hi
m:"
ntwanay
am"
?
me:
"cel
ausbol
ekeIt
enmi
nut
essan"
hi
m:"
andsedi
kwe"
me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

hegotupandl
eftwi
thoutanot
herwor
d.

me:
"sohowdoy
our
eckonwedot
his"
?
Laa:
"Idon'tr
eal
l
yknow.
..
wecoul
dwor
kout
something"
me:
"bahl
alaphi
"?
hi
m:"Ovay
oisgoingt
oCapePeni
nsul
abutumama
umthat
hil
eumntana"
me:"Ov
ayoiswhat
?hol
yJesus!soni
yaeKapa
nobabi
ni"
?
hi
m:"
babybendi
ngamazi
unt
ilDecemberba
uy
akhona"
me:
"mxm,
ndi
yaf
ananol
eqaIpl
ainngomaski
ti
ki
ti
mos"

hekeptqui
et.
..

me:"
andher
eIthoughtwe'
llwor
ksomet
hing
out
..
.t
ell
me,
usamthanda"?
hi
m:"
no"
me:
"mh,
utshonj
ebae-
"
nextthi
ngIfeltastr
ongforceofakiss,t
ookmeback
forasecondbutmf ethuhe'
sgoodatt hi
sshit,
Ifel
l
ri
ghtint
oit.
.wekissedsotenderl
yIwaspr ay
ing
Sosowouldn'twalkinonus,l
uckyformeLandi l
e
pull
edbackandl ookedatme

hi
m:"
canwet
akei
tonest
epatat
ime"
?
me:
"Idon'
tthi
nki
-"
hi
m:"
just,giveusatr
y.Pr
etendakekhoomny
e
umnt
u,it
sj ustus"

Icl
osedmyeyesmakingasil
entprayert
ogodt
hat
.I
won'tr
egr
ett
hisdeci
sionI
'
m abouttomake.

me:
"okay
"
hi
m:"
okay
"?
me:
"yeah,
l
et'
str
y"
y
hohehuggedmet
ightkanj
ani
:/
ThistimeSosodidn'twal
kin..
.wespentanot herhour
haySanaSosoakabonakal indawonotthatwe
mindedcozbekumnandi si
zi
ncokolel
a..
.Iactually
all
owedhi mtotel
lmeabouthi sdaughter.Byt he
l
ookoft hi
ngshewassmi tt
enbyher:(Iwasact ual
ly
proudofhim,manningupandconf essi
ngt hent aki
ng
responsi
bil
it
yforhi
sact i
ons.Aft
erthesecondhourI
panicked

me:
"ha,
apl
zcal
lSoso"
hi
m:"
he'
sabi
gboyhe'
l
lcomeback"
me:
"t
wohour
s?haybabe"

hebrushedtheissueasi
de,
hal
fwaythr
ought
he
conv
ersati
onIignoredhi
m andcal
ledhi
stwi
n

hi
m:"
baby
"?
me:
"buyakal
okngok"
hi
m:"
oohni
yenaci
ngaesi
spar
ewheel
sindi
m"?
me:
"cummon"
him:"
hewet
hu,
conti
nuer
unni
ngaroundt
hemer
ry-
go-
roundmnandi
zif
umanel
eIcher
ry"
me:
"huh"
?
hi
m:"
byeby
e"
me:
"wai
t"
?!
hi
m: "
mntakwethundi
neyendal
oIhear
ingai
d
sukhwazantombendal
a"
me:
"I
'm goi
nghome,
plzcomet
oyourbr
other
"
hi
m:"
nope,
notnow.
..
nowi
smyt
ime"
me:
"mh,
i
fheget
slostj
ustknowIt
oldy
ouI
'
m gone"

theIhungup,wegotupandhwalkedmetomycar,
I
gotinthecarandl
eanedoverl
ooki
ngatSi
rTi
tus

me:
"t
hanksf
orcomi
ngov
er"
hi
m:"
nosweat
"
me:
"f
lyi
ngback"
?
hi
m:"
no,
ksasa"
me:
"oohkay
,ni
zol
alaphi
"?
hi
m:"endl
i
ni.
..
appar
ent
lydadj
ustboughtahouse
her
e"
me:
"ohokay
..
.by
eby
e"
hi
m:"
bef
orey
ougo.
..
isi
tokayi
fIcal
lyounow"
?
me:
"whosai
dyoushoul
dst
opi
nthef
ir
stpl
ace"
?
hi
m:"
okay
..
.pasti
sint
hepastneh"
?
me:
"good,
nowcanIgo"
?

heplantedapeckatthecornerofmylipsasIdrove
outoftheplace,
Ispot
tedSosochatti
ngwithagroup
ofgir
ls.
..Ihoot
ed,het
urnedaround,
sai
dsomet hi
ng
tothegirl
sthenherantowardsme

hi
m:"
sokubonani
ningoku"
?
me:
"dependsony
ourbr
other
"
hi
m:"
mmhmxm i
i
ngqondozenyzi
yaf
ana"
me:
"by
eby
ekendoda"
hi
m:"
shosani
"

wefistbumpedandIdr ovehome,immedi at
ely
ndi
fi
kakwi parki
ngyasendli
niyakhalaIphone,Now
asadr i
veruf i
kakwiparki
nglotkungekhospace
awqalingoj ongagamay oujustpickup:/oram It
he
onl
yone. ?

me:
"hel
l
o"?
hi
m:"
thi
sni
qqahassomeef
fectony
ou"
me:
"beast
"
hi
m:"
shar
pneh"
?
me:
"huh"
?

t
hephonewasof
fal
ready
.
[
10/
8,20:
00]‪+27730692704‬:
#43

Itookmyst uf
fandwalkedinside,
Ev ewaseati
ng
sausagesonroll
sandcof f
ee:/Ikissedherandwent
totheloungeremovedmyshoesandt ookoutmy
phoneandcalledthi
sniqqa..
.

hi
m:"
hel
l
o"?
me:
"ut
hini
nah"
?
hi
m:"
I'
m goody
ou"
?
me:
"I
'm good,
uthi
ni"
?
hi
m:"
ndi
thi
hehassomeef
fectony
ou"
me:
"whyusi
tshodan?ar
eyouhav
ingmef
oll
owed"
?

Eveal
mostchokedonherfood,
Ilookedupather
shewasnowont heopposi
tecouch.

hi
m:"
whywoul
dIdot
hat
"?
me:
"Idon'
tknow"
hi
m:"
Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
his"

hehungup
haibo,Nt
andohunguponme.Ilookedatmyphone
thenatEv e,backt
omyphonet
henIjustputi
tri
ght
ont hecoffeetabl
e

Ev
e:"
whatwast
hatabout
"?
me:
"Idon'
tknow.
..
hehunguponme"
her
:"
who?Beast
"?
me:
"yeah"
her:
"whywoul
dyoucal
lhi
mi nt
hef
ir
stpl
acey
ety
ou
keepsayi
ngyouhav
enothi
ngonhi
m"?

Isi
ghed.
..

me:
"he'
stheonewhocal
l
edmef
ir
st,
Ij
ustwant
ed
somecl
ari
ty"
her
:"
arey
ousur
e"?

Ij
ustwal kedt otheki
tchenandmademy selfan
organicsandwi chwit
hf r
uitj
uice:/Ieatalotwhen
I'
m nervouskesana.Iwentbackt otheloungeand
satont hesameposi ti
on.Iatemyf ood,Eveate
hers..
.i
nsilence.myphoner ang,t
houghtnguNt ando
may be:/butitwasn'thim atall

me:
"babe"
?
him:"
hey,
youdon'
tknowhowr
eli
evedIam af
ter
today"
me:
"Iknowhey
"
hi
m:"
wenzan"
?
me:
"eat
ing"
hi
m:"
hai
bo,
ubut
yeIki
ngbur
gernotsol
ongago"
me:
"khonai
ntoend'
phazami
say
o"
hi
m:"
ohokay
..
.uber
ightv
ah"
me:
"t
hanxbabe"
hi
m:"
andknowt
hatIl
ovey
ou"
me:
"Il
ovey
out
o0"
hi
m:"
zokf
ounel
aagai
nlat
eron"
me:
"okay
"

wehungup,
Icont
inuedeat
ingmymeal
thennapped
ont
hecouch.
Lateronbaecall
edsancokol
af ort
wo
hours,
fol
l
owingmor ni
ngtheyleftf
orCapeTownI
cal
ledtowishthem asafetr
ipahead.

-
-
Festi
veseasonmostlybegi
nsinNovemberwi
ththe
swit
chingonofli
ghtssosincewewerei
nDecember
al
readyandpastthecarni
valand16t
hDecemberwe
werenowheadi ngtoChri
stmasdayandIwasunder
anoat ht
ocookt heChri
stmaslunchsinceI'v
ebeen
dodgingthepotsoko:vAndIwascool aboutitman
cozkeIdi dn'
thavepl
answhatsoever.I
'm afr
aidt o
evensayt hi
sbutIwaskindaworkedupt hatNt ando
di
dn'tbothertocal
lmeagainsincelamini.

Onthe23rdLuketookusshopping:Dwebought
mostlygr
oceri
esthenweboughtgift
sforeachother
.
Iboughtmom anewbi bl
eandboughtdadaf l
eece
j
acket;
Eveboughtmom newshoesanddadani r
on
andzinccashboxthenwepostedthem home.
OnChr istmaseveasIcameoutoft he
bathroom,towelsti
llwr
appedar oundmybodyand
hairsti
llwet..
.Nt
andocalled.Isatont hebedlooki
ng
atmyphone: /whatcouldhepossi blywantnow?he
i
gnor edmemosi xeshaeli
ngakat henwhynow?Iput
thephonedownandwentt oloti
onmybodywi thout
evenpickingup.WhenIwasdoneIwor emyPJsand
switchedof ft
heli
ghtsndalala.
Pasttenorsot hi
sfl
ippenphoner angagai
nand
si
nceIwasal readydeepasleeptherewasnot i
meto
checkwhot hecall
erwas,Ij
ustansweredwithout
secondthought

me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"
ndcel
auv
uke"
me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"
plzwakeup"
Itur
nedtosleeponmyot
hersi
deandt
ri
edmybest
tostayawake

me:
"ndt
het
hanaban"
?
hi
m:"
you'
reawake"
?
me:
"Nt
ando?y
hoy
int
onbr
aebusuku"
?
hi
m:"
Ical
l
edear
li
er"
me:"
Iknow,
butl
ont
odoesn'
tmeany
oushoul
dcal
l
t
histi
medudeyho"
Ir
ubbedmyey
es.
..Iwaswi
deawakeSana

hi
m:"
Imi
ssy
ou"

t
hatcaughtmebysur
pri
se,
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat

me:
"par
don"
?
hi
m:"
Imi
ssy
ouf
ondi
n"
me:
"oh.
.nott
hatIunder
standt
hough"
hi
m:"
Iknowy
ou'
rest
il
lupsetaboutt
hatot
herday
"
me:
"ot
herday
"
hi
m:"
don'
tpl
aydumbnow"

Ismi
l
edt
omy
sel
f

me:
"yeahwel
l
"
hi
m:"
whatar
eyoudoi
ngngomso"
?
me:
"spendi
ngChr
ist
maswi
thmyf
ami
l
y,why
"?
hi
m:"
I'
minJo'
bur
gsoIwaski
ndahopi
ngwecoul
d
gr
abasnack"
me:
"oh.
..no,
nott
omor
rowsan"
hi
m:"
okayke"
me:
"uhambani
ni"
?
hi
m:"
int
woday
s"
me:
"okay
,l
et'
smeetngeboxi
ngdayt
hen"
hi
m:"
thanky
ouma'
am"
me:
"you'
rewel
comesi
r"
hi
m:"
youcansl
eepnow,
l
alekamnandi
"
me:
"t
hanky
ou"

hehungup..
.Isatupandpagedt hr
oughmyphone
gal
ler
y.Seei
ngpict
ureszam nobaezav usaisazel
a
butukheubonewhentheheartsayssomet hingel
se?
Iwassodefensi
vesaying:
"akhontoyenzekay o
phakathi
kwethu"Lol
buti
tst
ruenj
ena:
/akhont
o
yenzekayoatal
l.

Nextmor ningIwaswokenupngubaewi shi

ngmea
mer r
yXmas: )hadaLi l
talkwit
hhi smom t henI
bathedandwentst r
aighttothekitchen.Istar
tedmy
workandwentati tunti
lpastelev
enandt hen
preparedthediningarea,Lukewalkedin

hi
m:"
mh.
..y
ourki
tchensmel
l
spr
omi
si
ng"
me:
"yout
hink"
?
him:
"yep,
buti
twoul
dhel
pify
oudi
dn'
tcookf
orj
ust
thet
hreeofus"
me:"
don'
twor
ryt
hef
oodi
senought
ofeedbany
ana
bany
ana"

hewal
kedt
othedoor

hi
m:"
good,
cozy
ourbr
otheri
sint
own"
Ionl
yfol
lowedwhenhehadlef
tthedi
ningar
ea.
..My
brot
her
?ohmywor d!Ir
antohi
m

me:
"youmeanMar
cisi
ntown"
?
hi
m:"
hemi
ghtcomewi
thhi
sfr
iends"
me:
"oh"

Iwalkedbackandconti
nuedwit
htheprepar
ati
on
thenIwalkedupst
air
sandcal
ledNtando

hi
m:"
Mer
ryXmas"
?
me:
"hey
..
.canIasky
ousomet
hing"
hi
m:"
okay
"
me:
"i
sther
eanychancet
haty
ouar
einJo'
bur
gno
Mar
c"?
hi
m:"
99%"
me:
"ohshi
t!t
ell
mey
ou'
renotcomi
ngt
oLuke'
s
house,
plz"
hi
m:"act
ual
l
yhedi
dn'
ttakenosoIki
ndadon'
thav
ea
choi
ce"
me:
"what
"!
?!
him:
"yeah,
l
ookIgottheimpressi
ont
haty
oual
ready
knewthat'
swhyIdidn'
tcal
lyou"
me:
"yho.
..uhm.
.okay
"
hi
m:"
ifawf
uni
ndi
zeIcoul
dtr
ysomet
hing"
me:
"noi
tsnotaboutme"
hi
m:"
don'
twannamakey
ouuncomf
ort
abl
ethough"
me:
"don'
tsweat
"
hi
m:"
cool
"
me:
"shar
p"

Ihungup.
..
.
Eveknockedonmydoor,
Iopenedandl
etheri
n,she
waslooki
ngmarvel
ousinayell
owboobt
ubemaxi
dr
ess,whi
tewedgeandhaddoneherwavyhai
r
me:
"j
ysmooi
l
ik"
her
:"danki
e..
.getdr
essed,
appar
ent
lywehav
e
vi
sit
ors"
me:
"Ij
usthear
d"
her
:"
knowt
hem"
?

Isear
chedf orsomet hi
ngtowear ..
.Lukehadn'tt
old
herMarcwascomi ngov er
?y ho.It
ookoutabl ue
bodyhuggingkneel engthdresswithelbowlength
sl
eevesthenIalsowor ewhi t
ewedgeshoesandsat
nextt
oherwhi leshedidmyhai r

her
:"
youhav
en'
tanswer
edme"
me:
"yeahIknowem"

shecombedmyhai rupandtiedaneatupstyl
eand
tuckedinthehai
r,
Iputonsil
verstuds,
shetookmy
blackpairal
ongwit
habl ackstonebracel
etwhi
leI
wor
easi
l
veronet
henshesatdownnexty
ome.

me:
"Mar
ciscomi
ng"
her
:"
Mar
k"?
me:
"Mar
cusSmi
thMar
c"
her
:"
ohno,
l
ikeno.
..why
"?
me:
"wi
thhi
sfr
iends"

shel
ookedatme.
..
eyespoppedout:
v

her:
"t
hatmeanstaBeastwi
ll
beher
e?whooooo
hahaa!bet
termethaty
ou"
me:
"dudepl
z"

shewasl
aughi
ng,
uncont
rol
l
abl
y

me:
"Ev
ecummonnow"
her
:"
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng"
?
me:
"Mer
ry,
ther
e'snot
hingt
ofeel
.Heismybrother
s
f
ri
endwhohappenstobemyl at
estoff
ri
endsqha"
her
:"
yourf
ri
end?heh"
me:
"we'
renotdat
ingmos,
sowhati
shet
hen"
?
her
:"
mmh,
what
every
ousayLi
lsi
s"

If
rownedandgotupwi
thbal
m andmyphone,
we
wentdownst
air
s.

Luke:
"mmmh,
youguy
slookgood"
us:
"t
hanky
ou"
hi
m:"
ther
e'ssomeoneI'
dli
key
'al
ltomeetbef
ore
ev
ery
oneelsearr
ives"
me:
"uh-
oh"
hi
m:"
come,
fol
l
owme"

wef
oll
owedhi
mtot
hepat
io.
..Ial
mostsl
i
ppedand
f
ell
whenIsawAsavela.Herj
awdropped,
herf
ace
wasimmedi
atel
yengulf
edingui
l
t.

Luke:
"okay
,thi
sisAsavel
a..
.babe,
thesear
emy
si
ster
s:EveandTrina"
Ev
e:"
nicet
omeety
ouAsa"
her
:"
sameher
e"
me:
"mer
ryChr
ist
mas"
her
:"
samet
oyou"
Luke:
"okaygood,
nowwecangoi
nsi
de"

theywalkedinfrontofus:/Asav el
a?lokaSoso?u
Lukeaphindeat hibabekuye?hemankwenzekant on
kulomntana?Isnappedoutofmyder aili
ngthoughts
anddishedmyf oodintocasseroledishesthenI
war medthem andputt hem ont hetable.Onmy
secondruntot hekitchen,
shefollowed

her
:"
canwehav
eawor
d"?
me:
"hm"
?
her:
"I
'm sorr
yaboutt
hisbutIdon'
tmeant
oputy ou
i
nanawkwar dposi
ti
onbutplzSosomust
n'tknow
aboutthis"
me:
"andi
ngeni
ndawo"
her
:"
phewt
hanky
ou"

Ijustreturnedtothediningareaanddi dsome
fi
nishesbef oreLukewentoutt owel comehi s
guests,IsatnexttoEv easwewai tedi nanxi
ety.
..
Mar cuswal kedinfol
lowedbyGudda, RangerandasI
heldmybr eath.
..i
nfoll
owedBeast .Jonga
mamel a,
ezwayzonkezi bethangoAl lBlack:
onange
Krismesi ?heee:/wehuggedMar cyedwaast heyal
l
foundaseatbahl al
a.

Mar
c:"
youguy
slookgood"
me:
"sameasy
ou"
ev
e:"
you'
rebuf
fedupIsee"
helaughedandwemadeconver
sati
on.
..atextcame
thr
oughtomyphone,
Icheckedi
t:vwasfr
om Ev e:

"Idon'tbl
amey oubabygir
l,
thi
sniqqaissooo
fuckenhot.Lookathi
sabs..
notthatyouwil
lnot
ice
though:pcozy '
al
lar
ejustfr
iends"

haha!Igotupandwentt
otheki
tchen:
vIneededa
gl
assoficedwater
!
[
10/
8,20:
00]‪+27730692704‬:
#44

Idr
ankwat
erndabuy
elaet
afi
l
eni
Wehadagoodandf unti
menol i
es,ther
ewereno
awkwardmoment sthankGod.i
twassel fser
v i
ce
andever
yoneatetofil
lupthemsel
v estothefull
est
.
ThenLukesuggestedwehav eabraaisosaphuma
andwenttothepoolsi
de,t
heymarinatedandbr aai
d
themeet
myphonebeeped. ..Evelookedatme: vt
hisgir
l
though?Icheckedthemessage: "youlookbeauti
ful
"
Ismi l
edhaha,
Ididn'tevensenda' thankyou'
Ijust
l
ookedaheadandchi ll
ed..hecaughtmesmi li
ngand
smiledbackbutIdoubtany oneelsenoti
ced.

Mar
c:"
hey
"?

ndot
hukengoMar
csephambi
kwam.
..
me:
"sup"
?
hi
m:"
fol
l
owme"

Il
ookedatEv
eandf
oll
owedhi
m backi
nsi
de.
..
wesat
elounge.

me:
"okaywhathav
eIdone"
?
hi
m;"
Idon'
tknow,
wannat
ell
mesomet
hing"
?
me:
"no"
hi
m:"
okay
..
.soIseey
oursi
steri
spr
egnant
"
me:
"oht
hat
"
him:
"yesthat.
..thi
scouldbetheonl
ychanceIhav
e
toseey'al
lbeforeschoolsr
eopensoIj
ustwanna
useitpr
oductively
"
me:
"Isenseal
ect
ure"
hi
m:"wi
pet
hatsmi
rkof
fyourf
ace,
thi
sisl
i
fet
ime
advi
ce"
me:
"yessi
r"
hi
m:"
thisi
sy ourf
ir
sty
eari
nvarsit
y!youar
eheart
o
st
udy,
that
'sall
.St
udy,
Tri
na,
studythat'
sal
l
"
me:
"oh-
kay
"
him:
"makebooksyourboyfr
iendi
fyouhavet
o.I
don'
twantyoutol
i
v etheli
feweli
ve,wear
enotgood
exampl
esweknowbuty oucanbett
erus"
me:
"wha-
"
hi
m:"i
nfactyouhav
etobet
terus.
..Ihav
esomet
hing
Iwannatel
lyou"
Ijustl
ookedathim.
..mywor
dshadnoent
rancei
n
thisconv
ersat
ionatal
l.

hi
m:"Li
zzy
..
.Imetherinherfi
rstyearofvar
sit
yand
shewasinati
ghtcorner
,Iki
ndarescuedher.i
n
somewayIwaswr ongcozherstudiesbegantolag
behi
ndandnowshe'spregnant"

myj
awdr
opped.
..

me:
"i
sity
ourchi
l
d"?
hi
m:"Idon'
tknow"
me:
"whatdoy
oumeany
oudon'
tknow"
?
him:
"shewastwo-
ti
mingmewi
thOceansoIdon'
t
knowforsur
e"
me:
"Isenseabut
"
hi
m:"
butIhavet
osupporthert
hroughoutt
heent
ir
e
pr
egnancyi
ncasei
tsmine"
me:
"andi
fit
snot
"?
him:"
I'
ll
lethergo.
..
thatwi
l
lbeaf
tershe'
sgi
venbi
rt
h
though"
me:
"mmh"
him:"enoughboutme,
whatI'
mt r
ynashowy ouisthat
varsi
tylif
ecanbetoughespeci
all
yforyoufi
rstyear
studentsBUTy ouhav
etocommuni catewi
thusso
wemayhel pyou.Wedon'
twantyout ogoastr
aylike
therestofus"
me:
"buty
oul
eadagoodl
i
fe,
i
ncl
udi
ngLuu"
hi
m:"
Lukemay
be,
butme?naah"
me:
"okay
,goti
t"

Rangerwal
kedi
n

hi
m:"Maj
orcal
l
ed,
hehasat
ipof
f,
Beastwant
syout
o
handl
eit
"
Mar
c:"
ohkay
..
.we'
redonesi
s"
me:
"cool
"

theywalkedbackout
side:/ibrushedasidet
he
possi
bili
tyt
hatmyownbr othercouldbeagangsta
o.OIdidn'
tevenwannathi
nkofi t.Iwal
kedback
outsi
deonlytobumpKut aBeastemny ango

hi
m:"
sor
ry"
me:
"nopr
o'm"

Imadewaysohecanwal kinandmewal kout

,I
coul
df eelhiseyesdevour
ingmefrom behi
ndbutI
di
dn'
tt urn,
inst
eadIjustwentf
urt
herontothe
pool
sideandcal ledmybae

hisphonerangt
hreetimest heni
tst
opped.It
ri
ed
again,
thi
sti
meitrangtwiceandwentoff:oIt
ri
ed
thelastt
imeandOv ay
opi ckedup
her
:"
Lar
a'sphonehowcanIassi
st"
?
me:
"canIspeakt
ohi
m"?
her
:"
act
ual
l
yno,
hesbusywi
thhi
sdaught
er"
me:
"okay
"
her:
"youdoknowthatuyakuqhat
haofhesay
s
ther
e'sawayaroundthi
swhol ei
ssue"
'
me:
"hav
eabl
essedChr
ist
masOv
ayo"
her
:"
shamey
azu-
"

Ihungup.
Ret
urnedt
otheot
her
sandwehadabl
ast
.

-
Theyspentt heentir
edaywi thus,lat
erwewashed
thedishes,i
nfactVelaandi washedt hedi
shesand
packedt hem theguyswer eplayi
ngchess.Thent hey
l
eftthehousel ateronintheaf t
ernoon..
.anditwas
spotl
esscl ean:vAsavelawasl eftbehi
nd.
..kanene
uzeKubaby !Wevamoosedtoourroomsndavuka
ndakhul
ulandayov
asandangqengqa.Ical
l
edsoso

hi
m:"
ntwana"
?
me:
"hey
,ushar
p"?
hi
m!:
"no,
I
'm pi
mped,
supwi
tchu"
?
me:
"can'
treachy
ourbr
o"
hi
m:"
ohhe'
ski
ndapr
eoccupi
ed"
me:
"wi
thKamv
a"
hi
m:"
howdi
dyouknowt
hough"
?
me:
"Ical
l
edhi
sphone,
babymommaanswer
ed"

hesi
ghed.
..

hi
m:"
I'
ll
tel
lhi
mtocal
lyou"
me:
"sur
e"
wehungup.Iwai t
edformor ethan3hour s
ndancamandal al
a.Isleptt hroughi nfact.Wokeup
thefol l
owi ngmor ni
ngandt ookabat h,l
otionedmy
bodyandmadet hebedt henIi ronedbl ackchi ffon
shorts,blackandwhi tepol kadot tedcropt opand
whiteChuckst henItiedmyhai rli
keEv edi ditthe
previousday ,t
ookasl ingbagandputmywal l
et,li
p
stuffandphone.Imadesur emyr oom wasneatand
ti
dy,wi ndowsopenedt henIwal keddownst air
sand
mademy selfcerealwithcol dmi lkanddr iedfruits.I
atefinish,wr oteanot eandt ooktheGTi ndahamba.I
didn'tknowwher eIwasdr ivingtosoIj ustdr ove
aroundj ozi .
..j
ustdrovear oundt henIsawaShi sa
nyamaIwentt othepar kingl otandpar ked.Gotout
andwentt ogetmy selfat able:)Imademy self
comf or t
abl emnt akadadasawai tercamet owar d
and. ..whoooogawd! !
? ?
!!
!
Hi
sbadgewaswr
it
tenVi
nce:

hi
m:"
hel
l
o,hav
eyoubeenhel
ped"
?
me:
"hi
andno"
hesmi
l
ed:
)war
mly

hi
m:"
okay
,whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
ohav
e"?

heoff
eredmeamenuandl ef
tme,Ilookedati
tfor
sometimethenIli
ft
edupmyhead,oureyesmetand
hecameforward

hi
m:"
readyt
omakeanor
derma'
am"
?\
me:
"yes,
butwai
t.
..
doIhav
etobr
aai
itmy
sel
f"
?
hi
m:"
nope,
j
ustmakeanor
derI
'
llsor
tyouout
"
me:"ohgood.
..
I'
dli
kesomepor
k,sausageandaf
rui
t
j
uice"
hi
m:"
that
'sal
l
"?
me:
"yesanduhm,
per
i-
per
isaucepl
z"
hi
m:"
okay
"
helef
t.
..myphoner angasthi
sguyr
etur
nedwit
hmy
j
uiceandaglass.Iansweredt
hephonewhi
le
openi
ngthejui
ce

me:
"t
aBeast
"
hi
m:"
hey
,ar
ewest
il
lon"
?
me:
"yeah"
hi
m:"
okay
,whatt
imei
sgoodf
ory
ou"
?
me:
"what
evert
imei
sgoodf
ory
ou"
hi
m:"
ri
ghtnowqhai
nobausal
elekewena"
me:
"unf
ort
unat
elyI
'
m notev
enathome"
hi
m:"
you'
reki
ddi
ng,
uphi
"?
me:
"someshi
sany
ama"
hi
m:"
yho.
..
textmet
hepl
ace"
me:
"sho"

wehungup,
Itext
edhimtheplacenameandtooka
coupl
eofmouthf
ulskul
ejui
ce.Thi
sguysret
urned
withmymeatandheleftmet oenj
oyitinpeace.I
ateoneful
lpi
eceofpor
k,ndi
thendingenakwi
sausagewangenauBeastepholeentl
okomnt aka
baba

hi
m:"
beaut
if
ull
ady
"
me:
"t
abeast
..
.t
hatwasf
ast
"
hi
m:"
Iwal
kwi
tht
ime"
me:
"youmeanwor
k"?
hi
m:"
uuh.
..whatar
ewehav
ing"
?

Ididn'
tev enanswerhim,
heatefr
om myplate.We
orderedmor esaty
awhi l
echat
ti
ngoversomel i
ght
stuffthenhesuggestedweheadfort
own: /wasn'
t
tookeenkemnake

hi
m:"
why
"?
me:"
peopl
ecouldseeusandgett
hewr
ong
per
spect
iveoft
his"
hi
m:"
soy
oucar
eaboutwhatpeopl
esay
"
me:"
yes..
.no.mxm,t
hingi
s,Idon'
twantmybr ot
her
s
t
othinkI'
ml ooki
ngdownont heiradv
iceandI
woul
dn'tl
ikebumpingontomyi n-l
awshere"
hi
m:"
in-
laws?i
wasnev
eri
nvi
tedt
oyourweddi
ng"
me:
"youknowwhatImean"
hi
m:"
what
ever
..
.whatdoy
ousuggestwedo"
?
me:
"we'
l
ljustdepar
tkal
ok"
hi
m:"
soear
ly"
?
me:"
Ispentmymor
ningwi
thy
ou.
..
it
sal
mostmi
dday
now"
hi
m:"
itdoesn'
tfeel
li
kei
tthough"
me:
"I
'm sor
rykeboet
"
him:"
mxxxm..
.Iwi
shwecoul
dspendmor
eti
me
toget
hert
hough"
me:"
pitywecan'
t.
..y
oudoknowt hatwecan'
tdo
anyt
hing.y
ou'
rebestfr
iendswi
thmyelderbr
other
san"
hi
m!:"
Iknowt
hatbutIcan'
tfi
ghtwhatI
'
mfeel
i
ng
anymore"
me:
"pl
ease,
I
'm beggi
ngy
ou"

wesati
nsi
l
ence

hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
e"?
me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"t
ellmesomet
hing,
emv
akokoIwon'
tbot
hery
ou
agai
n.Iswear
"
me:
"okay
"

hebr
eat
hedandl
ookedmest
rai
ghti
ntheey
e..
.

hi
m:"t
ellme..
.istherenohinti
nyourheart
?nohi
nt
atal
lthaty
oual sofeelwhatI'
mfeel
ingtowar
dsyou"
?
:
o
me:
"er
hm.
..br
aIhav
eaboy
fri
end"
hi
m:"
that
'snott
heanswerI
'
mlooki
ngf
or"

j
ongasani
,amazwikaLukeabuyaoneaddlaka
Marcndav
elandabonabaandinaopt
iont
uSana..
.

me:
"no"
hi
m:"
okayt
hen,
Iwon'
tbot
hery
ouagai
nwi
tht
his"
me:
"I
'm sor
ry"
hi
m:"don'
tbe.
..
youcan'
tfor
ceahear
ttof
eel
whati
t
don'
tfeel
"
me:
"Ihav
etogo"
hi
m: "
befor
eyougo.
..
let
'
sgetani
cecr
eam.
..
as
fr
iends"

Ij
ustsmil
ed.
..
hegoti
ntohiscar,
Igotintomineand
wefoll
owedeachot
heroutoftheshisanyamaand
dr
ovetotown.Heboughtmetheicecr eam andwe
huggedoutsideSteersndahambandagoduka.Fi ka
endl
inindakhendahlalakulapar
kinglotwondering:
whatthehellhappened?didIreal
lytell
him akhonto
atall
thatI'
mf eel
ingforhim?Isulkedandwal ked
i
ntothehouse,foundev eandgavehert hei
cecr eam
ndazi
phosaont hecouch.

her
:"
yousmel
lofbr
aai
"
me:
"Iknow.
..
wher
e'sLu"
?
her
:"
inhi
sroom"
me:
"t
hatchi
ckst
il
lher
e"?
her
:"
yep"

-
_-

Ij
ustchangedchannel
s..
.myphoner
ang

me:
"hey
"?
hi
m:"
uhambesaf
e"?
me:
"yeaht
hanksf
oraski
ng"
hi
m:"
nosweat
..
.canIt
ell
yousomet
hing"
?
me:
"youwi
l
ltel
lmeany
way
"
him:"
Ionlyboughtyout
hati
cecream becauseI
knewy ouwerelyi
ngwhenyousaidyoudon'tfeel
nothi
ng"
me:
"er
hhh.
..
"
hi
m:;
"don'tanswerme..
.Iknowtheposi
ti
ony
ou'
rei
n.
Won'
tforcey oui
ntoanyt
hing"
me:
"enkosi
"
hi
m:"
ti
ll
nextt
ime"
me:
"ay
t"

wehungupandIj ustsmil
ed..
.guiltmademecal l
bhut'
baeagainbutthisti
mey ayast r
aightKu
voi
cemail.Ij
ustdecidedtochil
l
...he'
spr obably
spendi
ngXmaswi thfamil
yandfofrthef i
rstti
me
nomntanakhe.
Myphonerang:
Dmyf
acel
i
tupwhenIsawMi
shon
t
hescreen

me:
"heybaby
"
her
:"
MERRRYCHREEEESMAS"
!
me:
"mer
rymyf
ri
end,
howar
eyou"
?
her
:"
I'
m mer
ri
ersweet
y,how'
sleJozi
li
fe"
?
me:
"asexpect
ed"
her
:"
that
'sgoodhuh"
?
me:
"pr
ett
ygood.
..
notasgoodasr
eal
i
zingt
hatmy
f
ri
endmademeaf ool
"
her
:"
yourf
ri
end?who"
?
me:
"you"
her
:"
ndi
lostf
ri
end"
me:"
all
alongyouknewt
hatLandi
l
ehasumnt anano
Ovayo,
unanalowawumbuzangayeKuFacebook
akaKamv a"
?
shewentsi
l
ent

me:
"wasj
ustsay
ing"
her
:"
I'
m sor
rychomi
"
me:
"cool
"
her
:"
zamdi
ngaf
u-"
me:"l
et'
sburythehatchet
..
.t
hefutur
elooks
promisi
ngwecan' tal
lowthepasttomeddlewi
thi
t,I
onlyl
etitoutbecauseIdon'
twantittobea
boundarybetweenus"
her
:"
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ryhey
"
me:
"ay
t..
.shar
pneh"
?
her
:"
byeby
eChom"

Ij
ustlayonthecouchandcl
osedmyey es.
..sowi
sh
IknewwhatwashappeningattheTit
usmansion
:(butIwasn'
tgonnacall
Sosoagaincozcacil
eba
busyakhonechancey
otsul
amnt
akadad.
[
10/
8,20:
01]‪+27730692704‬:
#45

AftertheChr i
stmasl unchtheni qqazr eturnedt o
theirplaceofarri
val,
indlukaMaj orwhi chisin
Sowet ot henearl
ymor ni
ngont he26t htheywent
backhome, whenMar carr
ivedinhi shouseLi zzy
wasn' thome.Heknewshe' swi thOceanbuthet ol
d
himsel ftocooldowncozshedi dn'tknowt hey'
re
backal ready.Het ookouthi slaptopandsatdown
withagl assofBlackl abelwhiskeyandt rackedher
down, shewasi ndeedatOcean' scrib.Hecal ledher.
..

her
:"
baby
"?
hi
m:"
babe,
hoegaandi
t"
?(how'
sitgoi
ng)
her
:"
goedenj
y"(
goodandy
ou)
hi
m:"l
ekker
..
.hoewasj
ouXmas"
?(howwasy
our
Chr
ist
mas)
her
:"
lonel
y"
hi
m:"
aawdon'
tsul
know"
her:
"youdeci
dedtol
eav
emeal
lal
onei
nthatbi
g
houseofyours"
hi
m:"
thoughtyouwoul
dmeetacoupl
eoff
ri
endsi
n
myabsence"
her
:"
Idi
d..
butonl
ytoday
"
hi
m:"
ooh,
sowher
ear
eyounow"
?
her
:"
int
ownwi
thmygi
rl
s"
hi
m:"
mmkay
,whatt
imedoy
out
hinky
ouwi
l
lbe
home"
?
her
:"
bydi
nner
..
.i
sjyt
erug"
?
hi
m:"
yep"
her
:"
oh.
..ohokay
,I
'l
ltr
ytobebackbyl
unch"
hi
m:"
not
akey
ourt
imesweet
y"
her
:"
okayt
hanks"

hehungupandj
ustsatt
her
e..
.herememberedt
he
ti
poffmaj
orgav
ethem t
henheplannedar
oundit
.It
wasadeli
verythatwastogotoMossel Baysothey
hadtomeetitbefor
eithitt
hedel
iver
yspot.Hedid
thewhol
eplanandcalledBeastt
odiscussit

hi
m:"
Pol
o"?
Mar
c:"
I'
m done,
shoul
dIcomeov
er"
?
him:"
noI
'
m notar
ound,
youwi
l
lhav
etol
eadt
he
team"
Mar
c:"
you'
renotar
ound?wher
ear
eyou"
?
hi
m:"
youdon'
thav
etoknow"
Marc:"
dude,I
'm supposedt
oheadaf
uckenhei
sti
n
yourabsence"?
hi
m:"
youwannachi
ckenout
"?
Marc:
"noman,
plzj
ustt
ell
mewheret
hehel
lar
eyou
andwhenar
eyoucomingback"
?
hi
m:"
I'
ll
bebackont
he31st
"

Mar
cjustf
lopped.
..
hehadnev
erl
edany
thi
ngdespi
te
beingtheclosestoffr
iendwit
ht heleader
..
.Beaston
theotherhandhadbeent rai
ningMar candRangerto
l
eadwi thoutthei
rknowledgecozheknewhei snot
omnipresent,hecan'
tbeintwopl acesatonce.

hi
m:"
you'
veseenmedoi ngt
his,
Igotf
ait
hinyouand
wi
thRangerbyyoursi
deyouwill
conquer"
Mar
c:"
okay
"
hi
m:"
prayov
eri
t"
Mar
c:"
got
cha"

theyhungup. .
.Mar cwenttot heki t
chenandmade
chil
limeatbal l
swi thspaghettiwat ya.Heneeded
newst rengthcozt hefoll
owingdayhehadt o
i
ntroducet hepl anandl ateront hatdayt heyweret o
i
mpl ementi t.Heat eupandl eftsomef orLizzyt
hen
hewentt ot hewar ehouse..
.t
ext edther estofthe
gangt omeett here.Hedi dn'
thav eaccesstoent er
l
ikebeastsoheusedt heusual entr
anceandsati n
hisusual seatwi t
ht heplanwr ittenoutpl ai
nlyona
spreadsheet.Theguysst art
edpour i
ngin,
theybegan
thei
rmeet i
ng...
heintr
oducedt heplanindeepdetail
thentheydepar t
edunt i
ltenoclockatnightwhen
theyweresett ogatherallweaponsneededand
headoutt oMossel Bay..
.obv i
ousl
yGuddal edthem
i
npr ayerbeforetheylef
t.

WhentheyleftJo'burg,Ntandowascall
edhomeso
i
mmedi at
elywhent heirf
li
ghtlandedi
nCThe
bookedanothertoEastLondonandi twasappr
oved
samedaysohel eftjustl
ikethat.
Youknowmot hers?Theywi l
lfakeanyil
lnessjustto
seet hei
rsonsi nunisonespeciall
yinDecember ,i
t
wasnosecr etthateveryhouseholdwaswar mer
withallfamilymember slaughingandcelebrati
ng
togetherespeciall
ysinceallgr
andchildr
enwer ealso
presentbazobonaumakhul u.Beingamomma' sboy
hedi dn'
tevent hi
nktwicewheni tcamet ohis
mot her.
..
notev enthebusinessitsel
fcamef i
rst.As
soonashel andedi
nEastLondonhecal l
edhi s
cousinsist
ersYol
andaandAmandasot hatthey
meethi mintowntodosomeshoppi ng.Theyspent
uptoR5000andr etur
nedhome...i
tisalwaysa
j
ubil
antoccasionastheysatar
oundt hetabl
eand
converse

mom:
"hehNt
ando,
khawut
sho.
..
utshat
ani
ni"
?
Cve:
"yhumakazi
,
ubhut
iat
shat
e?y
int
somi
emi
ni
l
eyo"
mom: "
hayhaySi
ve,
akashwat
yul
elwangaumnt
anam
yhi
ni"
Cve:"
makazi
,ubhut
ishoul
dhav
emar
ri
eduAnel
i
sa
akanobasat
shatangoku"
him:"
mh,ni
yay
azbandi
ngay
ofi
kanamhl
anj
emos
ekapa"?
mom:
"usobal
eki
swanguSi
ve"
?
hi
m:"nope,
Ihav
esomebusinessthatneedsmy
at
tenti
onsoIcan'
treal
l
yst
aylong"
mom:
"uy
aphambana!uzohambangempel
any
anga"
-
_-ohwel
l
.
[
10/
8,20:
01]‪+27730692704‬:
#46

Ivowednott obot herthetwi nsagai

n,y
esIwi l
ltake
theircall
sbutIwon' tcal
l t
hem cozitsclearI'
mt he
disturbi
ng' si
dechick'mv anjeandIwasn'tgonna
stressmy sel
fngalontoatal l
.Ont he31stmor ningI
wokeupandwentj ogging..
.Ineededthef resh
air,
mor ni
ngbr eezebef oreIbeganmyday .Ijogged
for30mi nutesthenIr et
urnedbackhome, Velawas
i
nt heki t
chenmaki ngbreakfast

me:
"hi
"
her
:"
mor
ning"

Iwentpasther
,str
aightt
omyr oom.I
showered,
cameoutwr appedinatowel
andsaton
mybedasIl ot
ionedmybody .Ihear
daknock.
..I
wenttoopenthedoor
me:
"Luu"
hi
m:"
canIcomei
n"?

Iopenedthedoorwiderandret
urnedt
owhatIwas
doing.Hesatonthedressi
ngtabl
echai
rand
watchedme

her
:"
sup"
?
hi
m:"
you'
vebeendi
stant
"
me:
"oh"
hi
m:"
what
'
sgoi
ngon"
?
me:
"not
hing"
hi
m: "
cummonnow,i
sitAsa?doy
ouf
eel
uncomfor
tabl
ewi
thher"
?
me:
"Idon'
treal
lycar
eaboutherl
etal
onehermaki
ng
meuncomfortabl
e"
hi
m:"
thenwhati
sit
"?
me:
"not
hing"
hesignedandl ef
tmyr oom.Iworeblackt
ight
s,bl
ack
vestandflopsthenIwentdownt omakemy sel
f
breakf
ast:)EvewasawakeIwentt okisshercheek
thenIproceededtothekitchenImadecer
ealfor
my sel
fandwentt ositwit
hEv e

her
:"
butshe'
smaki
ngbr
eakf
ast
"
me:
"Isaw"
shel
ookedatme:
vst
aredatme.
..

me:
"what
"?
her
:"
ist
her
esomet
hingy
ou'
renott
ell
i
ngme"

Ii
gnor
edher

her
:"
uh-
huh!t
her
eis.
..
wher
edoy
ouknowherf
rom"
?
me:
"EastLondon"
her
:"
wher
e"?
me:"
schoolcompet
it
ions.
.she'
smycl
osest
competi
ti
on"
her
:"
real
l
ynow.
..butuh-
uh,
ther
e'smor
e"

Il
aughedandswi
tchedt
oanot
herchannel

shehi
tmewi
thapi
l
low

me:
"okayf
ine,
youhav
etobedi
scr
eetaboutt
his"
her
:"
I'
ll
try
"
me:
"no,
youwi
l
ldobet
tert
hant
hat
"
her
:"
okayf
ine!myl
i
psar
eseal
ed"
me:
"she'
sSoso'
sgi
rl
fr
iend"
her
:"
who'
sSoso"
?
me:
"myboy
fri
end'
stwi
n"
herj
awdr
opped!shel
ookedatme,
thenatt
hedoor

her
:"
youar
eki
ddi
ng"
me:
"wi
shIwas.
..
butt
hen,
whoam It
ojudgeher
"?
her:
"ohcutthatcr
ap,wear
ebot
himper
fectbutshe'
s
two-t
imingourbrot
her"
me:
"don'
tgeti
nvol
ved"
her
:"
li
kehel
lIwon'
t"
me:
"Ev
e,no"

sheburiedherfaceinherhands..
.Velabrought
cont
inentalbr
eakfastIj
ustlef
tthem together
nday
ov asaisi
tyasam ndabuyandabukelaITVLuke
camebackandi ndul
gedhekeptey ei
ngme

Vel
a:"
awut
yiTr
ina"
?
me:
"not
hanks"
her
:"
ohcummonbr
a"
me:
"Ij
usthadbr
eakf
asti
ncasey
oudi
dn'
tnot
ice"
her
:"
itwasj
ustcer
eal
"
me:
"t
hat
'senoughf
orme"

shekeptqui
etbat
ya.
..Eveokoethul
e.Sosocall
ed
andmyphonewaschar gi
ngngaphaKOAsav el
aso
she'
stheonewhopassedittome,bythelookonhr
faceshemusthavel
ookedatthescreen:/

me:
"hi
"?
hi
m:"
hi?wow,
that
'scol
d"
me:
"i
sn'
tthathowaphonecal
li
sanswer
ed"
?
hi
m:"
notbyy
ou"
me:
"mh,
whatcanIdof
ory
ou"
?
hi
m:"
hai
boSi
bo"
me:
"what
"?
hi
m:'
'
whyar
eyoul
i
ket
his"
?
me:
"l
ikewhatkal
ok"
?
hi
m:"
you'
re.
..
col
danddi
stant
"
me:
"bl
amet
heki
l
omet
ers"
hi
m:"
oh.
..l
emmeguess,
hal
fhasn'
tcal
l
edy
ouy
et"
?
me:
"youknowhi
mtoowel
l
"
hi
m:"
oh.
..I
'
m sor
ryi
nobaIpho-
"
me:
"uf
unani
Sosobr
a"?
hi
m:"
Ijustwant
edt
oknowhowy
ou'
redoi
ng"
me:
"I
'm doi
ngf
inet
hanky
ou"
hi
m:"
okayshar
p"
me:
"sho"

Ihungupandwentupst ai
rsndazi
phosaebhedi ni.
..I
kindami ssedi ical
lszi
kaBeastshameatl eastzona
Gav emecomf ortwhenLandil
estart
edact ingoutof
proporti
onbutt henagain,
Ipushedhim away .Ij
ust
l
ayt herethinking..
.maybethebro'
sarer i
ght.Ishould
j
ustl etgoofboy sandfocusonmyst udies.Atleast
thatisonet hingIcanbepr oudof..
.
-

Januar
yIwentformyr egi
str
ati
on,thenori
ent
ati
on.
ThenIwai
tedforschoolstooff
ici
all
yopen.Lol
umntuwam onlycal
ledngalaminiyeori
entat
ion

me:
"l
ow"
?
hi
m:"
hey
,happynewy
ear
"
me:
"t
hanks"
hi
m:"
unj
ani
"?
me:
"good"
hi
m:"
lookbabeIj
ustwannaapol
ogi
ze"
me:
"f
orwhat
"?
hi
m:"
I'
vebeennegl
i
gentt
owar
dsourr
elat
ionshi
p"
me:
"oht
hat
"
hi
m:"
andIknowImaybeaj
erkri
ghtnow.
..Ij
ust
want
edtospendmor
eti
mewithmydaughterand
t
hatcameatasacr
if
ice"
me:
"mmh"
hi
m:"
ndcel
auxol
obabe"
me:
"i
t'
scool
"
hi
m:"
uhm,
howdi
dther
egi
str
ati
ongo"
?
me:
"asexpect
ed"
hi
m:"okay
...babendcel
asijongepastthi
s,
Isai
dthi
s
bef
oreandI '
m sayi
ngitagain,
Idon'
tloveOvay
oIjust
wantedti
mewi thmydaught er"
me:
"Inev
eraskedt
hough"
hi
m:"
Iknow.
.j
ustt
hatweseem sodi
stantr
ightnow"

t
hankGodIsawVi
ncecomi
ngt
owar
dsme.
..

me:
"Ihav
etogo"
hi
m:"
plz"
me:
"l
ater
"
-
Vi
nce:
"hey
,youl
ookf
ami
l
iar
"
me:
"mmh.
..
youar
ethewai
ter
"?

hesmi
l
edandext
endedhi
shand
Ishooki
t

hi
m:"
thenamei
sVi
ncent
"
me:
"Vi
nce,
yeahIsawy
ourbadge.
..I
'
m Tr
ina"
hi
m:"
soy
ou'
ref
reshmanher
e"?
me:
"yep"
hi
m:"
well
..
.asaseniorl
emmewel
comey
ou.Wi
l
lyou
best
ayi
ngattheresthough"
?
me:
"noIl
i
venear
by"
hi
m:"ver
ygoodmov e.
..
Ican'
treal
l
yshowyouar
ound
ri
ghtnowbutIcangiv
ey oumynumber"
me:
"huuuuh"
?
hel
aughed

hi
m:"
tr
ustme,
youwi
l
lneedi
t"
me:
"mmkay
"

Igavehi
m myphoneandhesav
edhi
snumberthen
cal
ledhi
msel
fanhesavedmyowninhi
sphone.

hi
m:"
seey
ouar
ound"
me:
"ay
t"

:
)ohwel l
myor i
entati
ondaywentv er
ywell
.Iwas
dri
ventoschoolneh?sowhent hedaywasov erI
call
edLuketocomeandf et
chme: /I
'v
eneverbeen
fr
iendswit
hpublictr
anspor
t,l
etaloneJozi
transpor
t.

hi
m:"
youdone"
?
me:
"yeap"
hi
m:"
hav
eyouseenAsav
elabyanychance"
?
me:
"no,
whoahwai
t,
she'
sal
soher
e"?
hi
m:"
that
'swhatshesai
d"
me:
"oh.
..
no"
hi
m:"
okayI
'
llbet
her
ein15mi
nut
es"

Ihungup. .
.weehmameeeeeh! !
!!thischi
ckbetter
regist
ereresmnt akadad.Iendur edenoughofher
i
nDecemberIcan' tl
iv
ewi thherf oranentir
ey ear
unlessIhadt omov eout:/dramat i
c?ohwell,
j
ust
whatitis.Hecamet of et
chme, tookmehome
wahambar et
urnedbackt owor k.IfoundEvee
l
ounge

me:
"bi
gsi
s"
her
:"
Lil
one.
..
ouch"
shetouchedherst
omach.
..
Irant
oherandt
ouched
thesameplace

me:
"whati
sit
"?
her
:"
thi
sfr
eaki
spl
ayi
ngf
oot
bal
li
nmywomb"
:
v
me:
"eshe!wher
eishesupposedt
oki
ck"
?
her
:"
thi
sisashe"
me:
"wedon'
tneedmor
egi
rl
sher
epl
z"

shel
aughedatme

her
:"
sincey
ou'
ret
hel
i
ttl
eone"
me:
"yes,
Iwanti
tgost
ayl
i
ket
hat
"
her
:"
sheseemst
oli
key
ou.
,
,feel
her
e"
:
)
Thati
sonecrazyf
eel
ing.Thi
sbabywasdr
amaticI
swear:
pfuzemakazi
wakhe.Imadeussnacks
sat
ya

me:
"baecal
l
ed"
her
:"
whi
chone"
?
me:
"Ibel
i
eveIhadone"
her
:"
thatmustbet
heTi
tusguy
"
me:"
yep..
.goesonandonabouthowheIsor
rybl
ah
bl
ahblah"
her
:"
youdon'
tsoundl
i
key
ou'
rei
ntohi
m"
me:
"It
hinkI
'
mint
owhatv
arsi
tyhol
dsf
ormenow"
her:
"good.
.cozwhenIdel
i
verIwanty
out
obe
focused"
me:
"Iai
n'
tgonnabenonanny
"
her
:"
Iwon'
thav
esl
eepl
essni
ght
sal
onet
hat
'sf
or
sur
e"
:
v
me:
"youhav
eaner
ve"
!!
!
her
:"
ohandt
omor
rowI
'
llbeout
"
me:
"babydaddyi
sback"
?
her
:"
yep"
me:
"mmmh"

shehi
tmewi
thapi
l
lowIduckedandt
hrewi
tbackat
her
.
[
10/
8,20:
02]‪+27730692704‬:
#47

Ont
he30t
hIwaswokenupnguEv
eel
i
lar
ightnext
t
omybed

me:
"whatt
hehel
l
"?
her
:"
I*br
eat
he*It
hinkI
'
m hav
ingcont
ract
ions"

myey esal
mostpoppedoutift
hei
rsocket,Ij
umped
outofbedandworefl
ops.
..
jongaIl
eftherbehindad
wentbargi
ngintoLuke'sr
oom l
ucki
l
yVel
ahad
pr
obablysett
ledatvarsi
ty

hi
m:"
andt
hen"
?
me:
"Ev
eishav
ingcont
ract
ions"
hi
m:"
what
'
sthat
"?
:
o
me:"
she'
sgonnagivebi
rt
hinmyf
li
ppenr
oom i
fyou
don'
tgetupr
ightnow"

ndamshiya..
.IwenttoEv e'
sr oom ndakhangelaher
bagfil
l
edwi thevery
thi
ngt hatweneededt henIwent
tomyr oom fi
kabencedisanabephuma.Wewal ked
downt hestai
rs,
theGTiwasamut ualchoi
cesi ncei t
wasmor espaciousthant hecarMar cwasusi ng.I
gavehimt hekeysandhedr oveustot hehospi t
al.
..
Evewast akentothemat ernityandcheckedhowf ar
shewas,theytookherdocument sanddidbl ood
checksandal l
thentheytoldust oleavehersi nce
shewasst il
lacoupleofcent i
met er
saway .Wel ef
t
herpr
omisinghertoretur
nekseni
,goodthi
ngi
twas
Fri
dayandIhadnocl asskaweekend.Shecal
l
edme
pastt
welveatnight

me:
"mh"
?
her
:"
heywakeup"
me:
"Ev
e?hey
,hav
eyou.
..
"?
her
:"
yeahy
ouwon"
Iscr
eamed.
..
thenhel
dmybr
eat
h
me:
"ohmygosh!i
tsaboy
"?
her
:"
yep"
me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

shechuckl
ed

her
:"
okaygoodni
ght
"
me:
"ki
sshi
mforme"
her
:"
wil
ldo"

:
Dwwhoahmygawd: pIwasst
il
ltheLi
lsi
sanyway.
Isl
eptt
hroughandwokeupwhenLukeactual
l
y
wokemeup

him:"
cummongetup,
wehav
etobeatt
hehospi
tal
by
ten"
me:
"yho.
.kay
"

heclosedthedoorandleft.Iwokeup,mademy
bed,
showered,
gotdressedandski ppedmyatdown
thestai
rsandcaughthim eati
ngcerealoutoft
he
box:/

me:
"ar
ghman"
hi
m:"
ready
"?
me:
"duh"
hi
m:"
younoteat
ing"
?
me:
"l
ostmyappet
it
e"

Iheadedtohiscar.
..hecamewithaglassof
milk,
gul
peditdownandgoti nwaphephet
hekaukuya
esbhedlel
e.Wecheckedin,
andwereshownher
room.Shewasbr eastf
eedi
ngherbabyaswewal ked
towardsthei
rbed

her
:"
hey
,l
ookwho'
sher
e"
hi
m:"
hel
ookssosmal
l
...
canI
"?

shegavehi
m ashesatont
hechai
rnextt
othebed
sayi
ngsweetnot
hingst
ohi
m.

me:
"howy
ouf
eel
i
ng"
?
her
:"
numb.
..andI
'
m hungr
y"
me:
"yho,
wedi
dn'
tbr
ingy
ouanyf
ood"
her
:"
y'
al
lar
ecr
uel
youknowt
hat
"

:
/

me:
"Luu"
?
hi
m:"
huh"
?
me:"
Ineedmoneyt
obuyy
oursi
stersomet
hingt
o
eat
"
hi
m:"
mysi
ster
?hehy
ouar
ehi
l
ari
ous"

hegav em hi swal l
et..
.Itooktheent i
rewall
etal
ong
withcarkey st henndahambanday ot
hengelauEve
ukutya.Onmyr et
ur nIgotacal l
from Soso:vI
rej
ectedi tstr
aight.ain'
tgotnot imefordrama,not
nowat least.Iwalkedbackt ot hewar d,
gaveher
ukutyakwakhesakhesahl al
aunt ilwewere
practi
callythrownoutbyt henurses:vwehad
overstayedourwel come.WewentbackhomeandI
wentonl i
nej ustforinter
estsakeandboywasI
shocked: oLwandi sohadwr i
ttenast at
us:"my
cousinLDhasjustrecei
vedhisfi
rstbundl
eofjoy
..
.
ni
qqai sadad"heeemnt akadad!Ilookedatt
he
pi
cture:'
(ndav
elandatyhaf
a..
.li
kereall
y?Luke
walkedinandpinchedme,Isqui
rmed: /

hi
m:"
whatchangedy
ourmood"
?
me:
"Idon'
tknowi
fI'
mri
ght
..
.but
"
hi
m:"
comeon,
l
eti
tout
"
me:
"It
hinkt
hebabydaddyi
smyboy
fri
end'
scousi
n"
hi
m:"
youmeanEv
e'sbabydaddy
"?
me:
"yep.
..Ij
ustsawt
his"

Igav
ehi
m myphonewahl
eka

hi
m:"
thenwhat
'
sthepr
obl
em"
?
me:"
he'
sther
easonmyboy
fri
endbr
okeupwi
thhi
s
ex"
hi
m:"
uh-
oh"
?
me:"
yep.
..andmeain'tgon'
tel
lEv
eunl
essTHEY
cometoseet hechi
l
d"
hi
m:"
mmh.
..
wai
t,
didy
ousayboy
fri
end"
?
me:
"di
dI?Idon'
tthi
nkso"

hechuckl
ed

hi
m:"
Ihopey
ourmi
ndi
ssetf
orv
arsi
ty.
..
notmen"
me:
"yessi
r"

hetookaremotecont
rol
andchangedchannel
s.
Landi
lecal
ledme

me:
"mh"
?
hi
m:"
hey
,ur
ight
"?
me:
"ndi
shar
p.wena"
?
hi
m:"
I'
m gr
eat
..
.ther
e'ssomet
hingIwannaasky
ou"
me:
"f
ir
eaway
'
hi
m:"
doesy
oursi
sterhav
eababy
"?

Ikeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
e..
.cal
cul
ati
ngev
ery
thi
ng

me:
"sol
oLwandongul
owakokwenu?hol
yshi
t"
!
hi
m:"
oohgaawdnoo!soi
tisEv
eSmi
th"
me:"
mxm,Idon'
tknowwhyI'
m shockedcozi
tscl
ear
yal
lar
ethesamephakokwenu"
hi
m:"
babypl
zdon'
t"
me:
"canIasky
ouaf
avort
hough"
?
hi
m:"
any
thi
ng"
me:
"l
et'
sjustpr
etendwenev
erdat
ed.
..
justnj
e"
hi
m:"
you'
rebr
eaki
ngupwi
thme"
?
me:"
hahahadoy ouhonest
lybel
iev
er i
ghtnowwe
ar
einarelat
ionshi
p?li
keareyouforeal
"?
hi
m:"Iknowwe'
vebeendi
stantbutwecanwor
kit
out
"
me:
"may
beIdon'
twannawor
kitouty
ouknow"
hi
m:"
youdon'
tmeant
hat
"
me:
"youdon'
tknowmet
hatwel
lbaby
"

Ihungup:
)

Ijustwentt
otheki
tchenandmademysel
fsome
foodhayngekheIneededsomefi
l
lup.
[
10/
8,20:
02]‪+27730692704‬:
#48

Imadefoodnday
ohl
alanoLuke.
..
mindy
ou,
Idi
dn'
t
makeforhi
m.

hi
m:"
wher
e'smi
ne"
?
me:
"ki
tchen"

hemovedcloserandatefr
om mypl
atewellIsul
ked
butl
ethi
m be.Irecei
vedacal
lfr
om Fai
th:
/
me:
"mml
ow"
?

dammi
tIst
il
lhasn'
tswal
l
owed

her
:"
hel
l
obabygi
rl
,howar
eyou"
?
me:
"Iam goodt
hanks,
you"
?
her:
"I
'm gr
eatuhm.
..I
'
dli
ket
otal
ktoy
oui
fyou'
renot
toobusy"
me:
"okay
"
her
:"
it
saboutKamv
a"
me:
"Ov
ayosdaught
er"
?
her
:"
yeah.
..l
ook,
IknowI'
m al
sopartandt
her
eason
whyyouwerenevertol
dabouther
"
me:
"youdon'
thav
etoexpl
ainy
ourmot
ives"
her:
"noIwanttobecauseIknowi
thasputast
rai
nin
yourrel
ati
onshi
pwithmyson"
ndat
hul
akemna

her:
"Iam t
heonewhosuggest
edshebekepta
secr
etsincenot
atawal
aphaneverappr
ovedofher
,I
am sorr
y"

whatwasIt
osay
?

her
:"
plzsaysomet
hing"
me:"
Iactual
l
yhavenothi
ngt
osay
..
.Imean,
ohwai
t
canIaskyouaquest
ion"
?
her
:"
plz"
me:"wi
thal
lduerespect
,doy
oual
way
smeddl
ewi
th
yoursonsr
elat
ionshi
ps"
?

Lukechokedonhi
sfood:
vIj
ustsmi
l
edathi
m
wahleka
her
:"
no,
no.Ij
ustf
eel
responsi
bler
egar
dingt
hisone"
me:
"mmh"
her:
"amongev erygir
lthathe'severdat
edy oumade
him happy
...Ican'
tbrushasidethehurtIsawinhim
yest
erdaywhenIar ri
vedher e.pl
zIam beggingy
ou...
tr
yandpat chthingsup.Ovay oisnotathr
eat"
me:
"I
'm sor
ry.
..butIcan'
t.Heknowst
his"
her
:"
Tri
napl
z..
..
Ihat
eseei
ngmysonl
i
ket
his"
me:"well
Iwouldn'
twishhi
mtohurtany
wayjustt
hat
Ican'
treall
ysacr
if
icemyownli
feandhappi
nessfor
him"
her
:"
tel
lmesomet
hing,
doy
oul
ovehi
m"?

Ikeptqui
et.
..
mntakadad,
Ican'
tj
ustst
opl
ovi
nghi
m
:/butno.Nope.

her
:"
Tri
na"
Il
ookedatLuke..
.ndaphakamaandwenttot
he
ki
tchenndahl
alaont heki
tchencount
er
me:"Il
ovehi
m,Ij
ustcan'
tbesecondbestal
lofa
sudden"
her
:"
thenwhydon'
tyouf
ightf
ory
ourl
ove"
?
me:"
itgoesbot
hways..
.hedoesn'
tgi
veadamn,
I
keepnaggi
ng?noIcan'
tdothat"
her:
"Ibel
ievehelov
esyoutwobuthei ssti
l
lexci
ted
abouthav i
ngKamv awi
thhimforthefi
rstt
imein
twoy ear
s.Surel
yyoucanrel
atetothat
"

haha!r
eal
l
ynow?

me:"act
ual
lyIcan'
t,
butkeI'
drat
herlethi
m bondwith
hisbabyandbabymommat haninv
olvemyselff
ull
y
knowingIhavenopartinhi
sli
fe"
her
:"don'
tsayt
hat
"
me:
"okaylet
'sset
tl
ethi
sfai
rl
y.Woul
dy ouwantyour
owndaughtertobewit
hamanwhohasachi ldand
i
ssti
llhunguponhisbabymomma? "
her
:"
buthe'
sn-
"
me:
"pl
zanswert
hequest
ion"
her
:"
no"
me:
"woul
dyouwanty ourowndaughtertomakea
manhappydespi
tebeingupseti
nthatrel
ati
onshi
p"?
her
:"
no"
me:"
mmh.
..sohowdoy
ouexpectmet
odoal
lof
t
his"
?

shesi
ghed.
..

her
:"
I'
m sor
ry"
me:
"mmkay
"
her
:"
hav
eagoodday
"
me:
"t
hanky
ou"

Ihungupandr
etur
nedt
omybr
other
..
.
hi
m:"
thatwasheat
ed"
me:
"myex'
smom"
hi
m:"
don'
ttel
lmeshe'
sbeggi
ngf
orhi
m"
me:
"yougoti
t"

hebur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
..Ij
oinedi
n,
Mar
ait
spat
het
ic
hl
e.

hi
m:"
I'
m ki
ndagl
adhe'
sanexnow"
me:
"don'
tgett
ooexci
tedbun"
hi
m:"
oohgawdniqqayoubecomi
ngabi
tch
now,
par
donthepun"
:
v
me:"
niqqadon'
tbl
amemef ort
his.
..
youknowy
our
ni
qqazwannataponthi
sish"
hi
m:"
woooohni qqayoubeconf
ident
!
Tr
eeeennnnal
i
que"!!
!
hahahaha:
v

me:
"dude,
I
'm agi
rl
"
hi
m:"
I'
myourbr
othery
ouf
reak"
me:
"Iknowy
oumor
on"

hehi
tmewi t
hapil
low,
Iranaway.
..
headedupst
air
s
j
ustt
ocl earmyheadcoznyhanFai
thundmoshele
i
miningalecall
.

Lwandi
socal
l
edndi
sangqengi
l
e..
.

me:
"hel
l
o"?
hi
m:"
thoughty
ouwoul
dn'
tpi
ckup"
me:
"sup"
?
hi
m:"
unj
ani
kuqal
a"?
me:
"ndi
rightwena"
?
hi
m:"ndi
shar
p..
.Idon'
treal
l
yli
kehowt
hingsar
e
bet
weenus"
me:
"Iknow.
..I
'
m sor
ry"
hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ryt
oo"
me:
"f
ri
ends"
?
hi
m:"
haha!y
eah.
..okay
,ndi
zokbonanamhl
anj
e"
me:
"huh"
?
hi
m:"I
'
m onmywayovert
her
ewi
thmyni
qqa
si
zobonaumnt
ana"
me:
"umnt
ana"
?
hi
m:"Lwando?mycousi
nhasababy
,bor
nyeat
erday
orr
atherthi
smorni
ng"
me:
"canIt
ell
yousomet
hing"
?
hi
m:"
thatt
hebabymommai
syoursi
ster
,yepIknow"
me:
"yho"
hi
m:"
goodexcuset
oseey
ou"
me:
"butsendi
vel
anj
e"
hi
m:"
youcancomeagai
nmos.
..
fory
ourf
ri
end"
?
me:
"kayke"
hi
m:"
good,
soukwesi
phi
isebhedl
ela"
?
me:
"Jo'
bur
ggener
al"
hi
m:'
'
ayt
..
.wi
l
lcal
lya"
me:
"shot
"

wehungup...mmhIjustl
ayther
elookingup.New
year
,noboy
s.hopeIcanreal
l
ykeept hatresol
uti
on:
/
[
10/
8,20:
03]‪+27730692704‬:
#49

Lukewal
kedi
nandsatont
heedgeofmybed

me:
"war
rup"
?
hi
m:"
whatshoul
dwebr
ingEv
e?i
tsal
mostl
unch"
me:
"f
ir
stt
hingsf
ir
st,
didy
out
ell
thef
olks?Ker
i?
Mar
c"?
hi
m:"
it
snotmydut
y"
me:
"you'
reki
ddi
ng"
him:
"I
'mforr
eal.
..
shewi
l
lhavetot
ell
ever
yoneand
expl
aint
oevery
oneever
ythi
ng"
me:
"you'
rej
ustbei
ngpet
ty"
hi
m:"yout
hink?no,
don'
tanswert
hat
.Getup,
l
et'
s
cooksomethingf
orher
"

Igotupwi thmyphoneandwal kedbehindhim aswe

wentt othekit
chen,Ipluggedi nmyphone, turnedup
thevolumeandwehumpedandbumpedt ocl assic
hiphop:)Biggie,
G-Uni tandt hel i
kes.Imade
muf f
ins,
hemademeat ball
sandspaghet t
ithenwe
packedt hem i
ntodiffer entcontainer
stheni ntoa
minicoolerbagandwel ef
t.Safikabengekafikioo
"Ti
tus"andEv eandherbabywer easleepsowej ust
satthereandwat chedt hem sleepIplayedmusi c
cozIhadheadset s( ear phones)onandhewasbusy
onhisphone.Mntakadad,
ndi
vengoSosof
rom a
di
stancendamhlekaLukel
ookedatmequi
zzi
cal
ly

me:
"ohman,
thatni
qqawi
l
lnev
erchange"
hi
m:"
who"
?
me:
"l
ist
en"

wel
i
stened.
Lol
ndabonangay
esel
ehl
eka:
v

hi
m:"
whoi
sthi
sguy
"?
me:
"oneoft
heTi
tusboy
s"
hi
m:"
whati
shedoi
ngher
e"?

ndamj
onga:
ohedr
oppedi
t
Theywalkedi
n..
.Soso,
andt
woot
herguy
s.They
greet
ed
Soso:
"uh-
huh!weeehsi
sbae"
?
:
vIst
oodupandwehugged

me:"
Luu,t
hisi
sSosoorr
atherLwandi
so
Ti
tus,
ntwanathi
sismybr
other,
Luke"

t
heyf
istbumped

Soso:
"okayt
hisisLwandoandt
hesear
ehi
sbr
other
s
Lundi
andLuy ol
o"
me:"
li
ke.
..
nonkeaty
ourhousehav
etot
aket
he'
L'
l
ett
er"

theyal
llaughed,
i
ncl
udi
ngLuke.Ev
ewokeupand
waskindashocked,
haymaybesurpr
isedt
oseeal
lof
us.

me:
"heysl
eepyhead"
her
:"
hey
..
.oh,
Lwando"
hi
m:"
hey
,canIhol
dhi
m"?

shelookedatLuke:vthencl
ear
edherthroat,
I
pret
endednottoseeheratall
.LDmusthav egott
he
cl
uecozuy ewateketi
sanjeumntanaekunina.

me:
"ohwebr
oughty
ouf
ood"
her
:"
I'
m dy
ingofhunger
,t
hanky
ou"

Soso:
"Tee,
khand'
khaphesani
"
me:
"si
yaphi
"?
hi
m:"
cummon"
me:
"I
'l
lbeback"

ndatshondi
j
ongeuLuke,hejustnodsahambano
Soso.Weactuall
ywenttotheparki
nglot,
heopened
theboottot
heircarandt
ookoutapl ast
icbagand
cametowhereIwas,atadust
yol
dbenchneart
he
wall
sthensahl
alanj
epha

HegavemeapacketofRomansCreamsinmi
nt-
chocol
atet
henhet
ookapacketofLaysi
nbal
samic
vi
negar.

hi
m:"
youknowImi
ssedy
ou"
Ismi
l
ed:
)

hi
m:"Iki
ndafeel
badabouthowt
hingsended
bet
weeny '
al
l"
me:
"don'
t"
hi
m:"
butnotent
ir
ely
"
me:
"huh"
?

hel
aughed
hi
m: "
dude,
Iwarnedhi
m akamamel
awhatwasI
supposedtodo"
?
me:
"oohawamdi
xel
elamna"
?
hi
m:"
thatwoul
d'
vebeenbet
ray
alt
hough"
me:
"hahaha!ut
sho"
?
hi
m:"
thoughIt
hinkIwannabet
rayhi
mri
ghtnow"
me:
"hopeI
'
m noti
nvol
vedkesan"
hi
m:"
udeepkebaby
"
me:
"asozeSosoIdon'
twantdr
amai
nmyl
i
fengoku"
hi
m:"
Ibr
ingdr
ama"
?
me:
"youknowwhatImean"
hi
m:"
yeahbutbabe"
me:"
Sosopl
zsani
,I
'
m okaywit
husbei
ngf
ri
endsonl
y
cozwearepr
ovi
ncesapar
t"
hi
m:"
lef
ri
endshi
pyet
hui
zophel
elaef
ouni
nnah"
?
me:
"duh,
unlesskesisemont
isobabi
niatoncet
hen
t
hat
sadi f
ferentst
ory"
hi
m:"
mmkay
"
sahlalaandempt i
edt hatwholeplast
icdownour
throats,
Iwascal my az: /di
dn'
twannaadmi ti
tbutit
fel
tgoodj usttochillwithsomeoneel sebesides
theseSmi thfreaks.
..
Lol IwantedtoaskngoAsav el
a
:vbutIdeci dednott o.LuketextedthatIshould
returnwe'r
el eavi
ng..
.

me:
"Iuhm,
hav
etogo"
hi
m:"
sosoon"
?
me:
"bi
gbr
other
"
hi
m:"
ayt
,i
t'
sgoodt
oseey
ouman"
me:
"l
ikewi
se"

wehuggedi toutandheescor
tedmetowhere
Luke'
scarwas,Itext
edLuutel
li
nghi
mI '
m al
ready
wait
ingforhim att
hecarwaphumanyhani
sagoduka.
uLukengophephet
hekaendl
eleni
nkosi
yam!

me:
"dudewhat
'st
her
ush"
?
hi
m:"
Ifor
gotIhav
eadat
e"
me:
"wi
thVel
a"?
hi
m:"
no"

ndamj
ongandav
elandaphel
ayi
ntsi
ni

hi
m:"
whyy
oucr
acki
ngupnow"
?
me:
"whyar
eyoupl
ayi
ngsomeone'
sdaught
er"
?
hi
m:"she'
stheonepl
ayi
ngmebaby
,putony
ourseat
bel
t"

hahaIdi
dexact
lyt
hat
..
.

hi
m:"
Asai
sjustaFr
eshmanatv
arsi
ty,
l
ikey
ouIt
hink
shewi
l
ldobet
teri
nherst
udi
est
hanwi
thmen"
me:
"you'
reki
ddi
ng"
!
hi
m:"IwasLukebeforeshewasbor n,
Iknowagold
di
ggerwhenIseeone...
justthatshe'sapret
tyone
wi
thofcozalotofgoodtalents"
me:
"eewTMIman"

hechuckl
edanddr
ovef
ast
er.
..
wereachedt
hedri
veway,
Igotoutandhedr
oveof
f
ndahambanday
ongenaendli
nindedwa
-
-
ndi
fi
kanj
eendl
i
nikwangenaIcal
lfr
om Landi
l
e

me:
"mustbemyl
uckyday
"
hi
m:"
what
chumean"
?
me:
"al
ltheTit
uspeopleber
ingi
ngmel
i
kea
mashonisamtchanam"
hi
m:"
oh,
Idi
dn'
tknow"
me:
"sup"
?
hi
m:"
Ijust
..
.Idon'
tknowwhatt
osayy
azi
"
me:"
unemal
iyodl
alant
wana,
cal
l
ingmet
henudon'
t
knowwhatt
osay"
hi
m:"
Iwantust
ofi
xthi
ngs"
me:
"youandwho?Ov
ayo"
?
hi
m:"
babyndi
yakucel
a"
me:"
Ithi
nkwe'
vebeent
hrought
hisLaamf
ethu,
plz
don'
tdothi
s"
hi
m:"
Ican'
taf
for
dtol
oosey
ou"
me:
"buty
oucan'
taf
for
dtol
oosey
ourchi
l
dtoo"
hi
m:"
Iknowt
hat
"
me:"t
hengetmeoutofy oursystem forwebot h
knowOv ayowi
llal
waysbebaggageandIcan' tdeal
withher.Idon'
twannadeal wit
hher .Idon'twantno
dramapl zsaniI
'
m beggingyoust opthisshit.l
eav e
meal one,f
ocusonyourkid,
focusony ourstudies.
patchthingswit
hOv ay
oI '
m sureshe'lll
ovethat ,
j
ust
l
eav
emeal
one"
hi
m: "
Iwon't
.I'
m sor
rybutIdon'
tl
eaveyoual
oneunt
il
I
'm conv
incedthatt
here'
snomor ehopef
orus"
me:
"yho"

Ij
ustt
hrewmyphoneonthecouch..
.hebetternot
pi
tchi
nJozir
ightnownj
engbaingat
hbayasindwa
yi
mali
!Dammityou'
dsweartheyhav
eaprivatejetor
somet
hing.
..
nx!
[
10/
8,20:
03]‪+27730692704‬:
#50

Okayaf t
erever
y t
hinghappened,TheTi tusniqqaz
returnedhome, Evegotoutoft hehospi t
alandKer i
camet oJo'bur
gsi nceschoolswer eopeningpr ett
y
soon.I twasnicehav i
ngherar ound,she
cleaned,cookedanddi deveryt
hingel seinthehouse
whi l
ewewer eatschool t
hinasibuyasiphekeIdi nner
qha

Thi
sfai
thf
uldayI
'
m wal
ki
ngar
oundcampusf
rom
cl
assjusttoclearmyhead..
.Ibumpont
oVela-_
-
she'
snotmycuppat eaandsheknowsi
tbutshe
keepsstuf
fingmyf acewit
hhershi
t

Her
:"
heeyTr
ina,
wai
tup"

Ijustcametoahal twi t
houteventur ni
ngtolookat
hersinceshewasbehi ndme.sher eachedme
heavingforbreat
h,Ijustsmil
edpolitely
,It
ri
edhey
thenwewal kedtot heparki
nglotsinceIwasdr i
vi
ng
theGTi kaLukeandEv ewasdrivi
ngKompr essorka
Keri

Her
:"
hey
,ushar
p"?
Me:
"yep,
you"
?
Her:
"t
hewayoscar
cengay
oit
sli
kewe'
renoti
nthe
samecampus"

Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osaykey
az.
.soIj
ustchuckl
ed
andopenedmycar

Her
:"
okay
,Iknowwe'
venev
erbeenbestoff
ri
ends"
Me:
"good"
Her:
"butthatdoesn'tmeanwecan'
tbef
ri
ends
now,
buildfri
endship.Neh"
?
Me:
"Idon'
tknowhey
"
Her:
"cummon,we'rebothfamil
i
arwi
theachot
her
andwe'rebothfr
eshmanher esoi
twon'
thurt
chat
tingonceinawhile"
Me:"
that
'st
heprobl
em.
.chat
ti
ng,
whatexact
lyar
ewe
gon'
chatabout
"?

Shesi
ghed.
..
kindasoundi
ngdef
eat
ed

Her:
"IknowI'
mt heonewhohasneverreal
lybeen
ni
cet oyou,
Iremembert
hefi
rstdayIheardorrat
her
sawy ouwit
hLaraIwa-"
Me:"l
ookVela,webothknowwedon'tli
keeachother
heresothatisoutoftheway
.Howev er
,iti
snot
enti
rel
ythemai nr
easonwhyIcan'
tbef r
iendswi
th
you"
Her
:"
oh"
Me:"youaret
wo-ti
mingmybrot
herf
orgoodness
sake!Idon'
twannamenti
onSosoke,
sowhatexact
ly
arewegonnachatabout"
?
Her
:"
ohcummon,
don'
tbr
ingSosoi
ntot
his"
Me:
"whi
chi
swhyIsai
dIdon'
twannament
ionhi
m"
her
:"
kantiwhatexact
lyi
shappeni
ngbet
weeny
'al
l
?
Don'
ttel
lmey oufancyhi
m"
Me:
"notal
lofusar
eli
key
oudar
li
ng"
Her
:"
nowy
ou'
reoutofl
i
ne"
Me:
"r
eal
l
y"?
Her:
"ifyouwerealsoinmyposi
ti
ony
ouwoulddo
exactl
ywhatI'm doi
ngsopl
zstopwi
tht
his
ri
ghteousnessactokay"
?
Me:
"wr
ong.I
'
m not'
act
ing'
right
eousnoram I
act
uall
yri
ght
eousatal
lbutI
'
mjustpoi
nti
ngoutt
he
obvi
ous"
Her:
"wellInev
erappr
oachedyourbr
other
,hecame
tomesoIwon' tbebl
ackmail
edbyyoungento
ongangenindawokuyo"
Me:
"good"

Igotinsidethecar,warmedt hei
gnit
ionandlefther
standingrightther
e..
.schoolwasn'
tout,Iwas
supposedt obeonl unchsoIheadedt ola
ShisaNy amay angal
ami niImadeaor deryetwo
piecepor kandchipsndat hegai
sonkanej ui
ce
ndahlalaphandat ya

IwasbusyonmyphonewhenIf eltsomeone's
presence,
Ilookedupandwaswelcomedbyt hat
samesmi leIhadseenthef
ir
stt
imeIcameher e

Me:
"uhm.
.Vi
nce"
?
Hi
m:"
Tee,
youseem t
oli
key
ourmeathuh"
?
Me:
"onl
ywheni
tst
hisgood,
j
oinme"
Him:"uhm.
..
"(Hecheckedhi
swatchandl
ookedat
thebarwhichwasalsokul
eShi
saNyama,
thenhe
pull
edachair

Hi
m:"
Ihav
etenmi
nut
es"
Me:
"mmh,
soy
ouwor
kher
e"?
Hi
m:"
yeah"
Me:"
howdoy oumaketi
met
hough,
seei
ngt
hat
var
sit
yisal
waysbusy
"
Him:
"wel
lit
smythi
rdandhopef
ull
yfi
nal
year
,I
'
m not
asbusyasyouwi
ll
be"
Me:
"l
uckyf
ish"
Hi
m:"
thatGTi
your
s"?

It
urnedandl
ookedatt
hecar
,smi
l
ing

Me:
"no,
mybr
other
's"
Hi
m:"
mmh,
he'
ski
nd"

Il
aughed.
..
hehadhi
sli
pspur
sedsomehowwhenhe
sai
dthat:
v

Hi
m:"Ihav
etomi
nut
est
ogoandchangeso,
seey
ou
ar
ound"
Me:
"okay
"

Hesmi l
edandgotup,di
sappearedbehi
nda
steel
/i
ronmassiv
edoor.Iconti
nuedwithmymeal
thenheadedbacktocampus.Iwaslatetoonecl
ass
butmydaywentwel l
.Aft
erclassIheadedhome.
..
Ibathedal ongscentedbat handcameouttol ot
ion
mybodyonmybed.Myphoner angsomewher e.
..I
searchedandf ounditinsi
demybag: )myhear t
j
umpedatt hesightofwhatIsawbutt henIpinched
my self
.Ikeptonsay i
ng'there'
snothi
ngther
e.Hol d
yourself
,therei
sabsolutelynothi
ngther
e'Ir
epeat ed
thatforaboutthreeti
mest henIanswered
Me:
"t
abeast
"?
Hi
m:"
someonei
sinaj
oll
ymood"
Me:
"bl
amev
arsi
ty"
Hi
m:"
howzi
tgoi
ng"
?
Me:
"ver
ywel
lthanky
ou"
Hi
m:"
madeanynewf
ri
ends"
?
Me:
"er
h..
.No,
noty
et"
Him:"
mmh,bett
erchooseem wi
sel
yyoumightbei
n
var
sit
ybutyou'
retooyoungt
ogoclubbi
ngli
keal
l
t
hesestudent
s"
Me:
"heee!Hewet
hu,
hav
eyoubeent
aki
ngnot
esf
rom
mybrother
"?
:
vhebur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
..
myhear
tmel
ted#hi
des

Hi
m:"
noman,i
tsj
ustthehonestt
rut
h.Var
sit
yis
f
un,
buti
tcanr
uinyouifyou'
rest
upi
d"
Me:
"oohsoy
out
hinkI
'
m st
upi
d"?
Hi
m:"
doesi
tmat
terwhatIt
hink"
?
Me:
"mmmh.
..
nope,
i
tdoesn'
t"
Him:
"myt
houghtex
act
ly.
..Any
way
,Ij
ustcal
l
edt
o
sayHi
"
Me:
"Iappr
eci
atet
hatman"
Hi
m:"
awsazenzi
mdal
a"
Me:
"ndi
mnci
nci
ke"
?
Hi
m:"
waaayt
oyoung"
Me:
"youcannev
err
epeatwhatj
ustsai
d"
Hechuckl
ed.
..Iwaswai
tingforhimt
orepeati
t:v
dami
tqhalomntuuklev
any hani.

Him:
"babybaby!Don'tgetitt
wisted,
melovingyou
hasnuntahdowi thage..
.ndi
kuthandadespit
ebei
ng
ol
derthanyou,
atleastI'
m notupt oMrSmi t
h"

Nowwasmyt
urnt
olaugh
Me:
"ooh,
okayIguessy
ou'
rer
ight
"
Hi
m:"
shar
pkeneh"
Me:
"shobr
a"

Webot
hhungup.
..Il
ookedatmyscr
eenf
orsome
t
ime:
)Lol
amessagecamet hr
ough:
*
Vince*
'
Hau,awushonganiukut
hiusuyakhamba?Mi
na
ngi
yaphumangiyabhekaawsekho'

Ical
l
edhi
m..
.

Hi
m:"
uh-
huh"
Igi
ggl
ed
Me:
"I
'm sor
ryman,
Iwasr
unni
ngl
atef
orcl
ass"
Him:"
what'
swor
sei
sthatIhadmadey
oumyspeci
al
cockt
ail
"
Me:
"ooh?Okay
,thatmeansIshoul
dret
urnsoon
mos"
Hi
m:"
plzdo,
youbr
ight
enupt
hispl
ace"
#bl
ush.
..Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
Me:"
notmaki
nganypromi
sesbutI'
l
ltr
ymy
best
,may
beIwil
lbr
ingmysist
eraswell
"
Hi
m:"
themor
ethemer
ri
er"
Me:
"IguessI
'
mfor
giv
ent
hen"
Hi
m:"
you'
reonpar
ole"

Yhoanday
ohl
eka:
v:v

Me:
"okay
,okay
"
Hi
m:"
shar
p"
Me:
"sho"

Hauthi
sguythough:vIlaymyphoneonthepill
ow
andwenttot
heclosettosear
chforcl
othi
ng,It
ook
bumshort
sandsportsbra:Di
twaspermit
ting,
weather-
wisethenIworefl
opsandtookmyphone
downstai
rs..
.AsIwalkeddown,
nankokeuny
anaka
Ti
tusefouna

Me:
"Lar
a"?
Hi
m:"
ndcel
aukubonangeweekend"
Me:
"ndiphi
l
il
ekakhuluunj
ani
wena?Ohnev
er
mi
nd,ubusi
thi
nike"
?

Hesi
ghed.
..
wentsi
l
entf
orawhi
l
e

Me:"
I'
m kindabusyandIdon'thaveheadset
snear
by
sondicel
asincedanemntakwethuuthet
hefast
"
Hi
m:"
okay
,canIpl
zseey
out
hisweekend"
?

Iwasnowint
heki
tchenwarmi
ngmygr
eent
eaand
taki
ngf
oodfr
om t
hefri
dge
Me:
"why
"?
Hi
m:"
plz"
Me:
"awphendul
imbuzo"
Him:
"ther
eisal
otIwannacl
earbet
weenus,
plz
baby
"
Me:
"yhoundenzel
abor
edom shamewena"
Hi
m:"
plz"
Me:
"okay
"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
texty
oudet
ail
sFr
iday
"
Me:
"kay
"

Ihungup,
tookmyf oodtothekit
chenndathat
ha
umntanandateket
isa.
..Myphonerangagain.
..

Me:
"mybi
rt
hdayi
stenmont
hsdownt
hel
i
ne"
Hi
m:"
IknowbutIwant
e-"
Me:
"youknow?How"
?
Hesi
ghed.
..

Him:"
howmanyt i
mesmustItel
lyoui
nto
xandi
yif
unandi
yayi
fumana"
?
Me:
"ooohmxm!What
ever
,sowassupt
hist
ime"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
bei
nJo'
bur
gthi
sSat
urday
"
Me:
"aaaand"
?
Hi
m:"
wouldlov
etogot
othatShi
saNy
amaofy
our
s..
.
Wi
thyouofcoz
"
me:
"t
aBeastbr
a"
Hi
m:"
asf
ri
ends.
..Nost
ri
ngsat
tachedIpr
omi
se"
Me:
"uzobeephi
uMar
candt
her
est
"?
Him:"theyai
n'tcoming,
I'
l
lther
et ocheckonmy
businessint
erestssoIcouldreall
yneeda
breather,
wit
habeaut i
full
adyasabonus"
Me:
"ndi
mnci
nci
remember
"?
Hi
m:"
ohsor
ry,
mybad"
Me:
"okay
"
Hi
m:"
okayasi
nyouwi
l
ljoi
nme"
?
Me:
"okayasi
nIwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t"
Hi
m:"
that
'sgoodenoughf
orme"
Me:"
ayt.
..
nowplz,
what
everyouwannasayaf
terwe
hangup..
.wr
it
eitdownandcall
ngomso"
Hi
m:"
uh-
huh!Anexcuset
ohearmyv
oicet
woday
sin
ar
ow"
Ismi
l
ed.
..Ker
inot
iced,
Ibl
ushedandl
ookedaway

Me:
"don'
tfl
att
ery
our
sel
f,
I'
m act
ual
l
yfedupngoku"
Hi
m:"
tel
lthatt
osomeonewhocar
esnt
wana"
Me:
"okay
,l
et'
sbounce"
Hi
m:"
shoot
"

Wehungup.
..
Ker
i:
"newboy
fri
end"
?
Me:
"nope"
Her
:"
pot
ent
ial
may
be"
?
Me:
"uh-
uh.
..
he'
sjustaf
ri
endsi
s"

Icont
inuedwit
hmyfood,
ri
nsedthepl
atesthenI
wenttochil
lwi
tht
heli
tt
leone.
..
he'
ssocutethough:
)
Iwasobsessedwi
thhi
scheeksman,chubby.
[
10/
8,20:
25]‪+27730692704‬:
#51

Ker
i:
"Tr
ina"
?
Me:
"si
s"?
Her
:"
tel
lmesomet
hing,
arey
oust
il
lav
irgi
n"?
:
vbhuawah?
??
Me:
"er
h..
.y
es"
Her
:"
keepi
tthatwayunt
ily
ou'
rer
eady
"
Me:
"Ipl
ant
o"
Her:
"don'
tal
lowpr
essur
enorpur
sui
tchangey
our
mind,y
ou'
resmart
"
Me:
"yesma'
am"

Ev
ewal
kedi
n,
shecamet
oherson:
)Iwentupst
air
s.
-
-

Mar chadbeengi vi
ngLi zzythesil
entt reatment
l
atelyanditwasst raini
ngt hei
rso-calledrelat
ionshi
p
butbeinga'man' hehad' needs'ast heywoul dsay
sothisnightMar cwasoutonahei st,t
heoneBeast
l
ethi mlead.Theydi dagoodj obandr etur
nedhome
withtheentiremerchandi zewhichpl easedmy
brotherbecausethoughhehadnof ait
hin
himself,
theteam gav ehimt hebenef i
tofthedoubt
andt hat
'showt heyconquer edandt riumphedi n
thei
rnightofhustli
ng.
PleasedwithhimselfandtheLil
successhehad
achievedhereturnedhomepastf ourinthemorning
andf oundhisgir
l sl
eepi
ngpeacefull
y.
..Heshower ed
andgoti nbed,
sheshi f
tedsl
eepyandacci dent
all
y
l
andedonhischest.Foroncei
nal
ongt
imehet
ook
agoodlookatherpaleface

Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
rybaby
"

ShemoanedaLi l,
hest r
okedhai routofherf ace,
she
openedherey esli
ght l
yandwassur prisedwhenshe
sawt hepositionshewasi n,
befor eshecoul dsaya
wordheki ssedherf ul
lonthelips,lethist onguedo
theintr
oductionwhi lehishandswr otet hebodyof
thi
sunt i
tl
edessay .Shemel t
edi nhi shotgr aspand
responded,herentirebodyneedi ngt heat tentionit
wasf amil
iarwi thyethadbeendi stancedt oforso
l
ong.Shepul ledhisheadmuchmor ecl osert oher
s
astheysankdeepi nt heoceanofl ust...
hegr abbed
hernighti
eandpeel editoffherbody ,
hands
roaming,t
ouchi ngandgr abbingal lreachabl eareas.
Shemoaneddeepdownhert hroatassheal lowed
heremot i
ons,feeli
ngs,soulandev erythinginhert o
connectwi t
hhi ssoul .
Hi
m:"
babyI
'
m sor
ry"
Her
:"
babypl
znotnow.
..
just
"

Shepul l
edhisheaddownt oher
sandt heyki
ssed,
a
si
gnt hatshewasashungr yandthi
rst
yforthi
sashe
was.Herhandsr eachedthehem ofhi
sboxersbut
heremov edthem,i
ndisappoi
ntmentshestopped
ki
ssingandlookedathim

Hi
m:"
don'
trush"

Witht hathisl
ipscurvedit
swaydownher
throat,
downherbr eastsandheopenedhi smouth
andsuckl edont heni
pplesmaki ngt hem much
harderast heywere.Hermoansmot ivat
edhi mtogo
further.
..Thebumpwasgr owing,thoughitwasslow
buti twasindeedgrowing.Heki ssedpasti tand
reachedt hemoundt henhet ookabr eat
h...

Foramomentt
her
ehi
smi
ndr
acedbackt
o
Ocean...
inst
eadofcont i
nuingwi t
hhisshi
t,hej ust
kneeledbetweenherlegsandwentdeepwi thout
evensofteningherup.Shescr eamedinshockagony
buthecont i
nuednonetheless..
.asshescreamed, to
hisearshe'sheari
nghercal l
i
ngOcean, motivating
himtokeepgoi ngsohewentonandonunt ilhe
spil
l
edal lhi
ssoldi
ersinsideherthenhejustl eftt
he
bedandwentbackt otheshower .Deepinsidehe
knewhehadhur ther
..
.
Wasn' thisintent
ionbuti
thappenedalt
ogether
.By
thetimehecameout ,
shehadcleanedthebed:o
kwangel axesha?Shehadr epl
acedtheli
nenandshe
wasbat hing,hejustt
ookhislapt
opandwentt o
sleepont hecouch.

Bymor ni
ng,
shewokeupandmadebr eakf
ast.
..He
bathed,
woreblackski
nnyj
eans,
whit
emuscl ehug
roundneckT-shir
tandwhi
teAdi
dassneakers.He
cameoutandt hetabl
ewassetalr
eady

Her
:"
breakf
asti
sser
ved"
Hi
m:"
I'
m nothun-
"
Her
:"
plz,
canwejusthavethemosti
mpor
tantmeal
oft
hedaywithoutf
ight
ing"?

Hesighedandsatdown,
theysaidgracehol
ding
handsthent
heydugin.
..
halfwaythr
oughthemealhe
l
ookedather,
studi
edherthenputhisfor
kdown

Her
:"
youdon'
tl
iket
hef
ood"
?
Hi
m:"
it
sgr
eat
..
.butwhat
'
supwi
tchu"
?
Her
:"
not
hing"
Hi
m:"
Lizpl
z,
tal
ktome"

Shegul
peddownamout
hful
ofj
uiceassheav
oided
hi
seyes.

Hi
m:"
Lizzy
"?
Her
:"
Iuhm,
phewGodknowsIhat
edoi
ngt
hisbutI
hav
enoot
heropt
ions"
Hi
m:"
doi
ngwhat
?Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
"?
Her
:"
Ihav
en'
tregi
ster
edf
orschool
"
Hi
m:"
what
"?

Shedr
oppedherspooni
nshock,
hi
svoi
cewasabi
t
ri
sen:
/

Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ry"
Her
:"
it
scool
"
Hi
m:"
howmuchdoy
ouneed"
?
Her
:"
it
sfourpoi
ntf
ive"
Hi
m:"
canIgowi
thy
ou"
?
Her
:"
it
snotnecessar
y,Iknowy
ou'
rebusy
"
Him:
"I
'l
lbebusyaf
ter
war
ds,
getdr
essedt
henwe'
l
l
go"
Her
:"
thanky
oubabe"
Hej ustsmil
ed,sheevenstoppedeat i
ngandwentt o
prepare.Heclearedthetable,
washedthedishesand
waitedonthecouchsmoki ngoka...Shewast aki
ng
ti
me, hecal
ledont oher

Her
:"
almostdone"
Hi
m:"
you'
renotgoi
ngt
osomepageantokay
"
Her
:"
yessi
r"

Aft
erfi
fteenmoreminut
esshecameoutwear
inga
softpi
nkshortdr
ess,
whit
esandal
sandhadawhit
e
bag.Hesmi l
ed

Her
:"
youseem t
oappr
ove"
Hi
m:"
it
'sy
ou.
..
simpl
e"

Shesmi
l
edandt
heywal
kedt
ohi
sRangeRov
er,
he
openedthedoorforherandtheydrovetoUCTtoget
herregi
ster
ed.Af
teralongandtiri
ngdayatthe
univ
ersi
tyhetookheroutforsomegoodf oodat
GrandeRochehotel
,Bosmanrestaurant
.

Her
:"
youdi
dn'
thav
eto"
Him:
"Iwant
edt
o..
.I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hismor
ning,
i
nthe
bedr
oom"
Her
:"
canwenotgot
her
e"
Hi
m:"Li
zplz,
wecan'
tpr
etendl
i
kewe'
reokaywhen
webothknowwe'r
enot"

Awai
tr
esst
ookt
hei
ror
derandl
eft

Hi
m:"
doy
oul
ovehi
m"?
Her
:"
no"
Him:"
thenwhat
?Whydi dyougotohi
m af
terIf
ound
out?Whati
sitt
hatat
tract
sy ousomuchi
nhim"?
Shesi
ghed..
.under
neathsheknewsheshoul
dhav
e
knownthi
sdaywoul dcome.

Her
:"
itwasjustaninf
atuat
ionbaby
,Il
ovey
ou,
Ocean
wasjust
..Idon'
tknowhowt oputi
t"
Hi
m:"
thenwhydon'
tIbel
i
evey
ou"
Her:
"iwentt
oOceanthesecondt
imebecauseI
wantedtocheckonhi
m,t
here'
snothi
nggoi
ngon
now"
Hi
m:"
mxm"
Her:
"baby.
..
whywouldIl
eaveyouf orhim?You've
beentherewhenIwasal
one,y
out ookcar eofme
whenIneededitt
hemost..
.Il
ov eyou,andIpromise
youIwill
doanyhi
yngtomaket hi
sr el
ati
onshipwork
becauseIknowI'
mtheonewhor ui
nedi t
"

Thefoodcame,hei
ndul
ged.
.sheonl
yfol
l
owedaf
ter
acouplemoreswal
lows.
Him:"
IloveyouLi
z..
.j
ustt
hatIdon'
ttr
ustyou
anymore.YouknowOwasl i
keabr ot
her"
Her
:"
IknowandI'
m sorr
ytobet
heonewhobr
oke
t
hebrother
hoodbabe"
Hi
m:"
eatup.
..
Ihav
esomewher
etobe"

Well.
..
owasekhayaumntuakathethitoomuch
especial
l
ywhenhef eel
shismuscl esti
ght
eni
ngup
vel
awazi thathei
sindeedangry.
-
-

Iwasactuall
ylooki
ngforwar
dt othi
sdatenoLaaI
l
ov et
hatniqqasomuchev enifIcouldacttoughon
thephonebutIknowwhenhewor kshischarm,I
meltl
ikechocolat
esonahotpl at
e.Iwaitedfor
Landi
letocallonSatur
daybutnope,akafouna.By
l
uncht i
meBeastcalled
Me:
"bhut
'Nt
ando"
Hechuckl
ed:
v
Hi
m:"
Misssmi
th,
uready
"?
Me:
"uhm.
..
.ki
nda"
Hi
m:"
theanswershoul
dbey
esorno"
Me:
"okayndcel
anj
eI20mi
nut
es"
Hi
m:"
mmkay
,you'
l
lmeetmeatt
hespotke"
Me:
"shar
p"

Ichangednal ooutfitbendizoyinxiba...Wi t
hLaaIcan
dressanyhowbutwi t
hBeastIhav et obev i
gilant
andsmar tangathi Itemptedhi m wi thmydr essing.
.
Iwor enavyjumpsui twithcream sandal sanda
cream Gucci bagfrom Ker i:
vIai n'
tt hatkindamoney
j
usty etmos.Iwal keddownst air
s...Mi nd
you,ever
yonei shome. ..
it
sSat urday .FirstpersonI
meetasIl andedwasbr otherbear>_ <
Hi
m:"
wel
ooki
ngbeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"i
tsnott
oomuch"
?
Hi
m:"
no,
i
tssubt
le"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou.
..Ineedf
uel
plz"

Hegav
emeR500

Me:
"t
hanks"
Hi
m:"
mayIask"
?
Me:
"notal
l
owed"

Hel
aughedandl
etmebe.
[
10/
8,20:
27]‪+27730692704‬:
#52

Idrovet
othegarage,
fi
ll
edupthenstraighttot
he
spot.Hewasbraai
ngforhimsel
f:oIwal kedto
wherehewas,
hesawmeandwal kedupt omeebil
e
emanzi.
..
ohhewaswear ingbl
ackjeans,Jor
dan
sneaker
sandanapronqha!Icl
earedmythr
oatand
fi
xedmyeyesonhisface,
nowhereelse

Hi
m:"
hey
"
Me:
"...hi
,
whyar
eyouuhm,
wear
ingt
his"
?
Hi
m:"
isn'
ti
tobv
ious"
?

Ismil
ed,Iwalkedtoatableenentozakhe,
l
aptops
openedandphonesj ustly
ingtherehepul
ledachai
r
fornendahlala.Await
resscamet ous

Her
:"
hi,
hav
eyoubeenassi
stedsi
r"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
m goodCl
eot
husaausi
o"

Shel
ookedatmesmi
l
ingr
eadywi
thapenandpad

Me:
"mangoj
uiceonl
ysi
si"
Her
:"
comi
ngr
ightup"
Shel
eft
,ndashi
yekandi
j
ongel
oh!

Me:
"whyar
eyoubr
aai
ngf
ory
our
sel
f"
?
Hi
m:"
becauseIwantt
o"
Me:
"oh"
Hi
m:"
youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"
Hi
m:"
lemmecheckonourmeat
,ndi
yabuy
a"

Ij
ustsmi
ledi
nagr
eement,
hel
eftt
het
abl
e.Ical
l
ed
Landi
l
eandhepi
ckedup

Hi
m:"
babe,
I
'm sor
ry"
Me:
"somet
hingcameup"
?
Hi
m:"
yeahbutwe'
rest
il
lmeet
ingkwanamhl
anj
e"
Me:
"mmhwher
euat
"?
Hi
m:"
I'
m her
einJozi
butndsebusykanci
nci
"
Me:
"kay
"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
cal
lyouwhenI
'
m doneokay
"?
Me:
"sho"

Ntandocamewi ththefood,
jongasuhn:Dntl
izi
yo
yam yadadaemafutheningomzuzu.Wemadesmal l
convoasweat e,
Lol t
herewasapoi ntwher
ehe
stoppedandlookedatmesmi l
ing

Me:
"don'
tdot
hat
"
Hi
m:"
what
?Admi
ri
ngy
ou"
Me:
"you'
remaki
ngmeuncomf
ort
abl
e"

Hesmi l
edandt ookasi pkweyakheIj
uice,
hewas
chi
ll
edlawei
.Ndl el
aleeber el
ax'
engayoy ou'
dswear
ukwicomfortzoney akhe.Weateupandj ustchi
l
led
Hi
m:"
leny
amauy
ity
akangakai
yandawni
aphakuwe"
?
Me:
"wel
lyouwoul
dn'
tseei
t,
Ij
ogi
tout
"
Hi
m:"
smar
t"
Me:
".
..
sowhyar
eyoui
nJo'
bur
g"?
Hi
m:"
it
sabusi
nesst
ri
p"
Me:
"mmh,
youhav
ebusi
nessesi
nCTandJozi
"
Hi
m:"
naseECandDur
ban"
Ndamjonga.
..Iser
iousl
ywantedt
osay"
uli
gint
sa
wena":
vqhandav elandamhl
eka

Hi
m:"
sayi
t"
Me:
"saywhat
"?
Hi
m;"
what
everi
tist
hati
srunni
ngi
nyourmi
nd"
Me:
"nope"

Wespenttwoandhalfhour
sthenIexcusedmysel
f
andbesi
deshehadabusinessmeeti
nginthenext
hour
.Iwentst
rai
ghtbackhome.OnmywayhomeI
r
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Amanda

Me:
"heyst
ranger
"
Her
:"
heybabyhowr
eyou"
?
Me:
"I
'mj
oz'
dupandy
ou"
?
Her:
"coke'
ast
ic,
hewethu,
what
'
sgoi
ngonbet
ween
yourmanandhi sex"
?
Me:
"Ov
ayo"
?
Her
:"
yes"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowhey
"
Her:
"heee!Yest
erdayheaccompaniedhert
othe
doct
orandwhenhesawmeheact edsomet y
p'a
way"
Me:
"wel
lheknewy
ou'
dtel
lme"
Her
:"
buthonest
lynow,
what
'sup"
?
Me:
"wel
landazforr
eal
mna.He'
sher
etodayso
may
bendizoyi
vake"
Her
:"
mmkay
.,
,chomi
tel
lme,
youhav
en'
tmetahunk
t
her
e?Imean,
hunki
ert
hanLar
aof
coz"
?

Il
aughed:
vhav
eI?

Me:
"noman"
Her
:"
ha?
!Hav
eyouatl
eastmadef
ri
ends"
?
Me:"
yeah,
aguynamedVi
ncentbuthe'
saseni
or
st
udent"
Her
:"
mmmh"
Me:"
getyourmindout
tat
her
e,he'
sjustani
ceguy
not
hingmore"
Her
:"
Idi
dn'
tsayawor
d!"
Me:
"doy
our
ememberAsav
ela"
?
Her
:"
lowaseSt
ir
li
ng"
?
Me:
"uh-
huh"
Her
:"
yeah,
uthi
ni"
?
Me:
"useWi
tsnay
e"
Her
:"
hahahayooohkancamiugir
lshewannabe
embarr
assedbyyouinanot
herprov
ince"
?
Me:
"hahahawhatt
heheck?Idon'
tgoar
ound
embarr
assi
ngpeopl
e"
Her
:"
webot
hknowwhatImean"
Me:"
we'l
lj
ustpr
ayshewon'
tpar
ti
cipat
eint
he
act
ivi
ti
esIdoORwe'l
lbei
nthesameteam"
Her
:"
youandher
?Samet
eam?Iwonder
"
Me:
"hehe!Icanbehumaney
ouknow"
?
Her:
"dude,
youhav
esomesor
tofant
ipat
hyt
owar
ds
eachother
"
Me:
"heyuy
andenzakodwaf
ri
end"

Wespokeunt i
lIparkedthecar ,
ndangenaendl
iniand
wentupstai
rs.
..Aft
erlanyamandi yi
tyi
l
eyoineeded
somerest..
ndehli
semnt akabawo.Imusthav e
dozedoffkesanacozndot hukeIphoney am i
khala
l
aweiIansweredwi t
houtlif
tingmyhead
Me:
"mh"
?
Hi
m:"
heybuddy
,ul
eleemi
naph"
?
Me:
"yhoSososan"
Hi
m:"
khav
ukeke"

Irubbedmyey eswithoutmovi
ng.
..Idi
dn'
twant
to,
ndlel
alebendiphumlengay
o.

Hi
m:"
Tri
na"
?
Me:
"mh"
!
Hi
m:"
cel
auv
ukent
ombi
yint
on"

Isatup

Me:
"ndi
vuki
l
e"
Hi
m:"
good,
ndi
nesy
aluman"
:
v
Me:
"you'
reki
ddi
ng,
undv
usel
elont
o"?
Hi
m:"
ewet
yhi
ni.
..Sohowwasbr
unchwi
thmyhal
f"
Me:
"whatbr
unch"
?
Hi
m:"
hai
bo,
Lar
asai
dhe'
staki
ngy
ououtear
li
er"
Me:
"may
beuv
erongont
wana"
Hi
m:"
youl
i
e"
Me:
"buthedi
dcal
lwat
hihe'
l
lcal
lmewhenhe'
snot
t
oobusy"
Him:
"t
oobusy
?Kant
iebengazangakuwenahkul
e
Jo'
bur
g"?
Me:
"whoam It
oknow"
?
Hehi
ssed:
/

Hi
m:"
khamepet
ozok'
founel
a"
Me:
"ay
t"

Igotupandwentt
othel
oo
Ndaphuma,ndakhulul
anal
ojumpsui
tcoz
bekushushuIworeshort
sandwentdownst
air
s..
.
Fi
kauEv eehlel
iyedwa

Me:
"wher
e'sev
ery
one"
?
Her
:"
Joei
sint
own,
youknowLuke"
Me:
"ohsoKer
ilef
twi
thBooboo"
?
Her
:"
yeah"
Me:
"l
et'
sswi
m"?
Her
:"
lemmegoandchange"

Sher anupst airs.

..IcalledhersonBooboo: )buthis
namewasNat han,thef ol
ksnamedhi m kul
al et
ter
thattheywr otef orher .Sher eturned,weleftour
phonesi nsideandwentoutt ot hepool att
heback
yardsabhukudamnt akadad.Iwasbhukudi ngthe
stressout .
..Iwasst i
llinlov
enoLandi l
efor
goodnesssake.Il ovedhi m ny hanibutIcouldn'
t
brushasi dether ealitythatIwi llneverbehisprior
it
y
any more,Iwill
al way sbet hel astinli
ne.Iagreedto
meethi m namhl anjeonl ycozImissedseeinghi
m
facet of ace,onlycozIwant edclosur
ey ouknow,
I
want edt oknowny haniIwantedhimt osayit
ndimj ongilewhat ev eri
tisthathewantedtosayto
menam ndi zobuzandi xolekethensibonebasit
hini
.
Aftert hatcool i
ngsessi onofswimmi ngIwentoutof
thepool andj ustlayont hepoolchair
s

Ev
e:"
what
'swast
ingy
ou"
?
Me:
"can'
tgetLandi
l
eoutofmymi
nd"
Hi
m:"
doy
ouwantt
o"?
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"

Shecamenear
erbutst
il
li
nsi
det
hewat
er

Her:
"youknowIthi
nktaBeastwi
l
lbegoodf
or
you,
mor et
hanthi
sTit
usguy"
Me:"
yourbabydaddyi
saTi
tusi
ncasey
ou'
ve
f
orgott
en"
Her
:"
exactly
,Iknowhowtheyare.
..
hetol
dmeabout
t
heLisaissuebetweenhi
m andyourman"
Me:
"mh"
Her
:"
myadv i
ce?Leav
ehi
m,andt
her
e'sanOv
ayoi
n
t
hepict
ure"
Me:
"youdoknowt
hatbeasti
snotanopt
ion"
Her
:"
becauseMar
csay sso?Whoev
erst
oodi
nthe
wayofl
oveandsucceeded"
?
Me:
"you'
renothel
pingher
e"
Her:
"Iam,
I
'mj
ustnotsay
ingwhaty
ouwantmet
o
say
"
Me:
"Iwannaseei
ficanf
ixt
hingswi
thLandi
l
e"
Her
:"
you'
rewi
l
li
ngt
ocomet
hir
dlast
"?
Me:"
nobutIl
ovehi
m!Ican'tj
ustswi
tchthatf
eel
i
ng
of
f,
yesI
'v
etri
edbutIcan'
t.He'
stheonl
yguyIwant"
Her
:"
he'
sjusty
ourf
ir
stl
ove,
you'
l
lgetov
eri
t"

Idi
dn'
twannaar
guewi
thher
..
.i
tspoi
ntl
ess.Ij
ustl
ay
ther
eunt i
lwesawKer icomi
nginthenwebot hwent
tohelpheroutwegreetedJoeandtookoutthe
shoppingandgrocer
iesbagssathut
hasasaendlini
thenEvetookthechi
ldandbathedhim,br
eastfed
him wandini
kawechill
edeloungeonthefluf
fyrug.
Evehandedmemyphone

Il
ookedati
tandsaw8mi
ssedcal
l
sndaqal
ango
Landi
l
e

Hi
m:"
heyI
'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ou,
ubusy
"?
Me:
"what
'sup"
?
Hi
m:"
canwemeet
"?
Me:
"l
et'
smakei
ttomor
row"
Hi
m:"
oh"

Ndat
hul
a
Hi
m:"
okayke"
Me:
"sho"

Ihungupandcal
l
edhi
stwi
n

Hi
m:"
ndi
kwenzent
oni
"?
Me:
"sup"
?
Hi
m:"
kdal
andi
kuf
ounel
a"
Me:
"what
'sup"
?
Hi
m:"
not
hing"
Me:
"okayshar
p"

Ihungupandcal
l
edVi
nce

Hi
m:"
sisTr
ina"
Me:
"bhut
'Vi
nce,
sup"
?
Hi
m:"
noIwaschecki
ngy
ou"
Me:
"oht
hanks,
l
aterneh"
Hi
m:"
waitup.
..
I'
dli
ket
oinv
itey
out
ochur
ch
t
omorr
ow"
Me:
"ohokay
"
Him:
"yousoundpreoccupi
edsoI'
l
ltexty
oudet
ail
s,
if
you'
rei
nter
estedt
heny ou'
l
lcal
l
"
Me:
"t
hanks"
Hi
m:"
shar
p"

Wehungup,
Ical
l
edMar
c

Hi
m:"
IseeI
'
m nol
ongeri
mpor
tant
"
Me:
"aycummon"
Hi
m:"
for
eal
,
hoezi
t"
?
Me:
"l
ekkery
ou"
?
Hi
m:"
diesel
de.
..Sohow'
sleJozi
li
fe"
?
Me:
"hect
ic,
butIl
i
kei
ther
e"
Him:"
welly
oushoul
dcomet
hissi
def
orJune
hol
iday"
Me:
"uhm.
..
no"
Hi
m:"
why
"?
Me:
"I
'm goi
nghomengoJune,
Imi
ssdad"
Hi
m:"
youmeany
oumi
ssgoi
ngt
othef
arms"

Il
aughed
Me:
"somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
"
Him:
"oohI
'
llbecomi
ngov
ernextweekend.Iwanna
seel
i
ttl
eNathan"
Me:
"uuuhe'
ssocut
ethough"
Him:
"al
lbabi
esar
ecut
e,j
ustdon'
tgoandmakey
our
own"
Me:
"Iwon'
t,
I
'm wai
ti
ngf
orLuke"
Hebur
stoutl
aughi
ng

Hi
m:"
youknowl
ooki
sapl
ayaandpl
ayasdon'
tj
ust
makebabi
es"
Me:
"yep,
Ishoul
dadapti
ntohi
sst
yle"

Wandi
hleka,
wechatupf
orsomet
imet
henIhungup.
Ndadl
alanomnt
ana.
Myphonebeepedamessageal
ert
Icheckedit
..
.Bbm:
"Idon'
tknowyou,
youdon'
tknow
mebutl emmeadvi
ceyou.
..
moveon.Hewil
lnever
beyours"

:
v:vuhm :/ndavel
andaconfusedandtotel
lthe
t
ruth,
IthoughtnguOvayounti
lIr
eadthemessage
t
hreemor etimesndaqondanj
ebaayinguyel
o.
[
10/
8,20:
27]‪+27730692704‬:
#53

Ideci
dedtoi
gnorethet
extmessage,
ifs/heis
seri
oust
hens/he'
ll
havetodobett
erthanleav
ing
meabbm message.
Followingday,Idecidedtot akeVinceuponhis
offer,
Ididn'
tnot i
fyhim Ijustprepar
edforchur
ch.
Wor eawhi teboob- t
ubekneel engt
hfl
ared
dress,blueheels,
jewelsandj ustaclut
chthenIsat
ont hebedandcal l
edhi m...

Hi
m:"
hey
,goodmor
ning"
Me:
"mor
ninghow'
su"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
m gr
eat
,u"
?
Me:
"f
ab.
..
doesy
ourof
ferst
il
lst
and"
?
Hi
m:"
yeah,
youkeen"
?
Me:
"yeah"
Him:"
okayt
extmey
ouraddr
essI
'
llcomef
etchy
ou
byten"
Me:
"cool
"

Wehungup, i
twastonine,
Ihadtimetohave
breakf
astsoItext
edhim myaddressthenIwent
downandhadcer eal
.Lukewalkedinandstar
edat
me:
/

Me:
"mh"
?
Hi
m:"
wher
eugoi
ng"
?
Me:
"ur
ch"
Hi
m:"
eewmanswal
l
ow.
.j
err
":v
Iswal
l
owed,
l
aughi
ngathi
m
Me:
"chur
chcummon"
Hi
m:"
chur
ch?Youknowachur
chi
nJo'
bur
g"?
Me:
"af
ri
endi
nvi
tedme"
Hi
m:"
ohokay
"

Hemadebr eakfastforevery
one,at09:45Vince
textedndaphuma: vLukewal kedmeoutuf unubona
l
ef ri
endandl ucki
lysafikeemephandlekwemot o
umnt anomntuwi t
ht hatwarm andfr
iendl
ysmi l
eof
his.WegreetedVi nce..
Me:"Luu,
thi
sisVi
ncentt
hefr
iendIjustt
oldy
ou
about.Vi
ncethi
sisLukemybrother"
Luu:
"ni
cet
omeety
ouman"
Vi
nce:
"sameher
e,don'
twor
ryshe'
sinsaf
ehands"
Luu:
"Ihopeso.
..
fory
ourownsake"
:
o
Ihithi
sshoulderplayful
lyandgoti nthecar.They
shookhandsandVi ncegoti nsahambasancokol a
nj
ekeaphendl el
eni Sadesay ofika.Churchwas
great,
not
hingli
ket heonef rom homebuti twas
greatini
tsownpl ace.Afterchur chIwaitedinthe
carforvi
ncehehadsomeer randstor unbeforewe
l
eftsoIcalleddad: (Ihadn'
tdonet hatsinceIset
tl
ed
here.

Hi
m:"
hel
l
ow,
Tri
na"
?
Me:
"daddy
,howar
eyou"
?
Hi
m:"
Iam wel
lnowhowar
eyou"
?
Me:
"I
'm good,
wher
e'smom"
?
Hi
m:"
Ilef
theratchur
chwi
tht
heot
herwomen"
Me:
"ooh,
Ij
ustmi
ssedy
'al
lthat
'sal
l
"
Him:
"wemissyoual
l
...
tel
lme,
hav
eyouf
ound
your
sel
fachur
chmay be"
?
Me:
"act
ual
l
yI'
m atchur
chnow,
wej
ustcameout
"
Hi
m:"
that
'sgood,
didEv
ecomewi
thy
ou"
?
Me:
"uhm,
no.
..
"
Him:"
youmustpul
lheral
ong,
chur
chi
sgoodf
ory
ou
youngpeopl
emorethani
tisf
orusnow"
Me:"
I'
ll
trymybest
..
.Tel
lmom Imi
ssherandy
ho
dad,
Imissthef
armsli
kecr
azy"

Helaughedsohar dandgenuinei
ttouchedmy
hear
t..
.l
ikeIreal
lymissedhome.Imissedhomebut
bi
ngabonakalikakhul
ulentosi
nceIhadmyt hr
ee
si
bli
ngsher ewit
hme.

Him:
"wel
lfi
rstthi
ngwheny ou'r
ebackIwannashow
youafar
m IjustBoughyi
nCr adock"
Me:
"anewf
arm?Wow.
..
what
'
sthepl
ant
ati
ons"
?
Hi
m: "
it
smainl
yli
vest
ockbuti
thasafi
eldt
hatcoul
d
yi
eldupacoupl
eofacresf
orveggi
es"
Me:
"t
hat
'sbi
gdad.
..
we'
ret
aki
ngaboutacr
esher
e"?
Hi
m:"yes.
..
butr
ightnowIhavepeopl
ether
e
f
ert
il
izi
ngthesoil
..
.i
tst
oodry
"
Me:
"Icanwai
tyouknow"
Hi
m:"
Junewi
l
lbeher
enownow"
Me:
"yeah.
..
nowIhav
etogo"
Hi
m:"
goodl
uckwi
thy
ourst
udi
eshuh"
Me:
"t
hanksdad"

Webot hhungup,wabesev
elanoVi
nceneguys
ezimbini
.HeknockedonmydoorIr
oll
eddownthe
windowandsmi l
ed,t
heyl
eanedont
hatopeni
ng
smili
ng

Hi
m:"
meetmyhal
fbr
other
s..
.Kuhl
eandSi
hlet
hisi
s
Tr
ina"
See:
"we'
ret
wins"
:
v
Me:
"ni
cet
omeety
'al
l
"
See:
"l
ikewi
se.
..
howdi
dy'
al
lmeet
"?
Hi
m:"
att
heShi
saNy
ama"
Me:
"andatv
arsi
ty"
Kay
:"oh,
youmustbeaf
reshmant
hen"
Me:
"yep"
Kay:"
wellgoodl
uck,
thi
sisgonnabet
het
oughest
yearfory
ou"
Me:
"t
hanks,
whaty
'al
ldoi
ng"
?
See:
"he'
sfini
shi
nghisdegr
eepart
imeI
'
mjustdoi
ng
smallbusi
nessesher
eandther
e"
Vi
nce:
"t
heyownt
heShi
saNy
ama"
Me:
"what
?Youwor
kfory
ourbr
other
s"?
Kay
:"he'
stheassi
stantmanagert
her
e"
Vi
nce:
"ohKuhl
est
opi
t"
See:
"si
yav
uyaukubona.
..
kesi
sTr
ina"
Me:
"nam ndi
yav
uyabhut
'Si
hle"

Theyl
ookedatmest
art
led:
/

See:
"youspeakXhosa"
?
Me:
"ohwel
lmymi
ddl
enamei
sSi
bongi
l
e"

Baj
onganandav
elandabahl
eka:
v:v

Vi
nce:
"ar
en'
tyouwhi
te"
?
Me:"
you'
rekiddi
ngkengok,
Ithoughty
ouarecolor
ed
orsomethi
ng.Howcomey ouhaveXhosahalf
brot
her
s"?
See:
"whoahguys,
what
'
sgoi
ngonher
e?Si
siuy
int
on
kany
ekanye"?
Me:
"uhm.
..Iam aXhosabybi
rt
hbutawhi
teby
gr
owt
h"
Kay
:"soy
ouwer
eadopt
ed"
?
Me:
"somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
"
Vi
nce:
"wow"
Me:
"andy
ou"
?
Vi
nce:
"mymom iswhi
te,
ourdadngumXhosa,
my
st
epdadri
ghtnowisZul
u"
Me:
"you'
reser
iousl
ycol
ored"
:
v:vt
heyburstoutl
aughi
ng...Li
keny
hani
t
hough,
he'
sat r
ueSouthAfr
ican:)

Vi
nce:
"wel
lIguesswei
nthesamel
eague"
Me:
"yeah.
..
andy
ou'
vemetoneofmybr
other
s"
Hi
m:"
howmanydoy
ouhav
e"?
Me:
"t
woandt
wosi
ster
s"
Kay
:"y
ou'
ret
hey
oungest
"?
Me:
"yeah"
Myphoner
angsi
sancokol
a

Me:
"I
'm sor
ryguy
sIhav
etot
aket
his"
Vi
nce:
"nopr
obl
em,
l
et'
sgo"

Bahambabelandel
elana.
..
Ilookedatthescr
eenand
si
ghed.YazuLandil
eundigqibelaIener
gy:/

Me:
"hi
"?
Hi
m:"
hey
,ur
ight
"?
Me:
"I
'm cool
wena"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
m good.Ar
ewest
il
lgame"
?
Me:
"i
fyou'
renott
oobusy
"
Hi
m:"
okaycel
asi
dibanekwi
MacDonal
d'
sin15
mi
nut
es"
Me:
"sho"
Hi
m:"
shar
p"

Ihungup.
..Vincewasonhiswayback.Hegoti
nthe
carandst
artedthei
gnit
ion

Me:
"cel
aIf
avour
"?
Hi
m:"
sur
e"
Me:
"pl
zdr
opmeof
fatMcD'
s"
Hi
m:"
oh.
..
okay
"
Me:
"t
hanks"

Hedr
ovef
orabout5mi
nut
est
henwear
ri
ved

Me:
"t
hanky
ouf
ori
nvi
ti
ngmet
ochur
ch"
Him:
"Ican'
treal
l
yinv
itey
out
otheShi
saNy
amanow
canI
"?
Me:
"nah,
I
'vehadenoughoft
hatpl
acef
oronemont
h"
Hi
m:"
aytt
hen.
..
plzdomeaf
avour
"
Me:
"okay
?
Him:"
gohomeont
ime,
youhear
dyourbr
other
earl
i
er"
Il
aughedndohl
i
ka

Me:
"don'
twor
ryhewon'
tbr
eaky
ourl
eg"
Hi
m:"
don'
twannat
akenochances"

Isai
dmygoodby endangenakwaMcDsandcal l
ed
LaaIhear
dhisvoicendayangakukendawondi
l
iva
kuyoandfoundhi
m seati
ngalone,
hestoodupand
huggedbr
iefl
y

Isatdownandhecal
ledawait
resswhot
ookmy
orderandhi
sthenwewerel
eftal
one.

Me:
"ndcel
awhat
everwear
egoi
ngt
osayher
esi
be
honest
.I'
m get
ti
ngt
ir
edoft
hisnow"
Him:"okay.
..
lemmest artke.IknowIwaswrong
nhomf i
hlauKamv aIwon' tmakeexcusesngokuI
takefullr
esponsi
bil
i
ty .BabyIloveYOU,
Ovayoknows
Iloveyoubutshekeepsbl ackmail
i
ngme
ngomnt ana"

Ij
ustl
ookedatme.
..Ndi
zot
hini
?

Him:"
IknowIhav en'
tmadeti
mef ory
ouasofl at
ely
,I
wassooocaughtupi nthi
sworl
dofmi neIforgot
aboutus.Iknowitstoomuchbutndi
yakucelababe
l
et'
swor ksomethingout"
Me:"
ther
e'snothingwewor koutt
hatwil
lreal
l
yer
ase
t
hefactthatOvay oi
sincapeTownwi t
hyouwhil
e
I
'minJoziandaznenzani i
nmyabsenceandIdon'
t
wannali
velikethat,
wonderi
ngwhatmymani sdoi
ng
wi
thhisex"
Him:"
itwon'
tevenhappenl
i
ket
hat,
she'
satr
esmna
ndahl
alaekhay
anoSoso.umntanaukumamaback
I
'
m EastLondon,
shehasnohol
dov
ermenow"
Me:
"t
henwhydi
dyouaccompanyhrt
othedoct
or"
?
Hi
m:"
Amanda"
Me:
'
duh"
Hi
m:"she'
spregnantngumnt
anawenyichapsoshe
ki
ndaneededaf r
iendandIwasar
ound"
Me:"l
emmegett hi
sstr
aight
..
.yourex,
themotherof
yourdaught
erispr
egnantwithanotherman'
schild
andYOUt ookhertot
hedoctor?Cozy ouwer
e
around?Whereist
heotherman" ?
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tknow"
Me:
"mxm umuncukanene"

Ouror
derret
urned,
Idugi
nndaqal
aNgechi
ps.
..He
wassi
lent

Hi
m:"I'
vecutt
ieswi
thherf
ort
hesakeofour
r
elat
ionshi
p"
Me:
"goodf
ory
ou"
Hi
m:'
i
tsl
i
key
ou'
vegi
venuponusal
ready
"
Me:"
doy oublameme?DudeI 'minarelat
ionshi
p
wit
hyouy etIgetmoreatt
enti
onfrom Sosothan
f
rom you.Whatdoy oucal
lthat
"?
Hi
m:"
im sor
ry"
Me:"
doesn'
tmeanany
thi
ngi
ftheact
ionssay
somethi
ngelse"
Him:"
thengi
vemepr
obat
iont
opr
ovewhati
m
sayi
ng"
Me:
"onemont
hisal
lI'
m wi
l
li
ngt
ogi
ve"
Hi
m:'
that
'senoughf
orme"
Me:
"mmh"

Weat eup,
mader at
hersmallconv
ersat
ionj
ustt
o
passtimethenhetookmehome.Heki ssedmy
cheekthenhelef
t.Igoti
nsi
de
Luu:
"t
hat
'snott
hecart
hatcamet
ofet
chy
ou"
Ismi
l
ed
Ker
i:
"youcan'
treal
l
ybl
ameagi
rlt
hough"
Hi
m:"
oh"
Ev
e:"
Iwonder
"

Ij
ustl
aughedandwenttochangeupst ai
rs:)
.Didn't
wannaarguewit
hthem cozitcoul
dtakelong.Ithen
wentdownandplayedwithboobookwangenaIcal l
fr
om apri
vatenumber:

Me:
"pr
ivat
ehel
l
o"?
Her
:"
gotmymessage"
?
Me:
"whatmessage"
Her
:"
oneIsentl
astni
ght
"?
Me:
"oh,
whoar
eyou"
?
Her
:"
youwontknowmeeveni
ftel
lyoubutdotake
myadvi
ce.St
ayawayf
rom myman.Youdon'twant
f
reewayst
it
chedont
hatpr
ett
yfaceofy
our
s"

IwasabouttoanswerwhenIreal
i
zedshehadhung
uponme. .
.SoI'
mt amperi
ngngomnt
uwomnt u
her
e..
.:/wonderngubani
.
[
10/
8,20:
27]‪+27730692704‬:
#54

Ispentmyweekwi t
hmybooksandf amily
,the
mer r
iestofal
lwaswhenMar cuscamet ovi
siton
weekend: Dthatni
qqathough.AftersometimeIhad
l
eftthem andwenttomyr oom cozIhadacoupl eof
assignmentsIwantedtofi
nishsinceSundayIwas
goingtochurchagainwit
hVi nce.
Hal
fwayt
hroughmywor
kingIhear
daknock.
..
Me:
"comei
n"

Hewal
kedi
nandsatont
heedgeoft
hebed.
.

Me:
"sup"
?
Hi
m:"
Iwant
edt
ocheckonubef
oreIl
eav
e"
Me:
"you'
renotsl
eepi
ngov
er"
?
Hi
m:"
uhm.
..
nope,
Li
zneedsme"
Me:
"ohcummon,
we'
l
lgot
ochur
cht
oget
her
"
Hi
m:"
yougoty
our
sel
fachur
chsosoon"
?
Me:
"yeahsomet
hingl
i
ket
hat
"
Hi
m:"
okayononecondi
ti
on"
Me:
"uhman"
Hi
m:"
youj
usthav
etoanswerasi
mpl
equest
ion"
Me:
"l
et'
sheari
t"
Hi
m:"Si
rBeasttol
dmehe'
sseeny
ouacoupl
eof
t
imesaroundhere"
Me:
"oh"
Hel
ookedcareful
lyatme.
.St
udi
ed
me,
ster
nly
..
.uncomfort
abl
y

Hi
m:"
what
'sgoi
ngonbet
weeny
out
wo"
?
Me:
"not
hing"

Gqi
bandaj
ongal
apt
opneencwadi
zam mna

Hi
m:"
Tri
na"
?
Me:
"boet
"
Him:"
I'
m aski
ngfort
hel
astt
ime,
what
'sgoi
ngon
betweeny'
all
"?

ForamomentIdidn'tl
ookup.
.thenIcl
osedmy
l
aptopandsatuplooki
ngstr
aightathi
m

Me:
"pr
omi
semey
ouwon'
tgetmad"
Hi
m:"
Ipr
omi
set
obeopenmi
nded"
Me:"okaythen,
ther
ei sabsol
utelynot
hinggoingon
betweenus.Yeshe' sprocl
aimedhisloveforme
evenafterweleftyourhousethatholi
day,
Idon't
knowhowhegotmynumber ..
.WhatI'
mt r
y i
ngtosay
i
s..
ther
eisnot
hinggoi
ngonbet
weenus"

Hepl
ayedwi
thmyhi
ghl
i
ght
erf
orasecond.
..
Hi
m:"
Idon'
twanty
out
ogethur
t"
Me:
"Idon'
twannagethur
ttoo"
Him:"
butwithLi
zzyIl
ear
ntt
hatt
hemoreyout
ryna
contr
olsomeone,
themoret
heydowhaty
outr
yna
stopem fr
om doi
ng"
Me:
"Idon'
tfol
l
ow"
Him:"
Iwouldn'
tl
ikethi
sthingofy
our
stoconti
nue
BUTIwi l
lal
lowiti
fyoupromiset
obeatt
enti
veto
yourbooks"
Me:
"t
hist
hingi
sfr
iendshi
p"
Him:
"whatevery
ounameit..
.i
fyoulackbehi
ndev
en
byonesubjectt
henyoucutallt
ies"
Me:
"yessi
r"
Hegotupandl
eft
..
.
-

Ihappenedtohav eignoredmostpeopl einmyf ir

st
semesterofschool.Idedicatedmyt imeandf ocus
towork,
Laacal l
edregularl
y ,
sodidNt andoandI
wouldoccasionall
ybumpont oVi ncebutIdidn't
wannabeuponhi sfacesi nceIdi dn'
treal
lyknow
who'smanIwasmessi ngwi t
horr at
herwhichmanI
wasmessi ngwithinthef i
rstplace.
January,February,
Mar chpassedandLandi l
ewas
i
mpr oving...
muchbet terthanIexpect edshame.Lol I
neverreallyfocusedonus>_ <buthewaspushi ng
shameandIwasn' tevenhel pinghim normeet i
ng
him halfway,Ij
ustwant edt oseehi scommi tment
kuthibeforeIcouldev enshowmyaf f
ectionandlove
tohim cozshamekudl ali
wengam st r
uBob.Iwas
kindgettingtir
edkuhl alaendliningoku,l
i
keal l
sibl
ingswehadourowndi sagr eementsand
argument sandatt imesIf eltli
keIshoul d'
vetaken
varsit
yresidencehal lBUTl i
vingt oget
herwi t
hthem
hadi t
sownper kslikedr i
vi
ngLuke' scarandaski ng
himf orfuelmoney>_ <andget ti
ngmont hly
al
lowancef r
om hi
m andMarcandofcoznotbuying
groceri
es.East
erwastobeonthe04ofAprilandit
wast heMondayofthatEast
erweekendIr
eceiveda
callf
rom Laa

Me:
"baby
"?
Hi
m:"
nana,
unj
ani
"?
Me:"
I'
m goodwena"?Hi
m:"I
'
m good,
Iwaswonder
ing
whatchudoi
ngthi
sweekend"?
Me:
"It
hinkI
'
llgot
ochur
ch"
Hi
m:"
hau,
whol
eweekend"
?
Me:
"noSunday
,why
"?
Hi
m:"
Iwant
edust
ospendsomet
imet
oget
her
"
Me:
"oh.
..
how"
?
Hi
m:"
wel
l
,youcoul
dcomedown"
Me:
"youmean,
Icoul
dcomet
oCapeTown"
?
Hi
m:"
yeahwhynot
"
Me:
"yho"
Hi
m:"
it
sjustt
heweekendbabe"
Me:
"br
andi
zot
hini
ekhay
a?Mybr
other
s"?
Hi
m:"
you'
l
lfi
ndsomet
hingt
otel
lthem"

Ndakhendat
hul
a..
.

Me:
"howmuchdoIhav
etot
hinkabouti
t"
?
Him:
"wel
lIhav
etoaskdad'
sper
missi
onfort
hej
et
soyouonl
yhavenowandtomor
roweveni
ng"
Me:
"okaybutndi
zohambani
ni"
?
Hi
m:"
Wed"
Me:
"okeyl
emmet
ryke"
Hi
m:"
alr
ight
..
.Il
ovey
ouneh"
?
Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
Hi
m:"
andkuv
angababeut
hini
"?
me:
"hahakhandt
het
hesanuv
endawni
wena"
?
Hi
m:"
ohcummonbabe"
Me:
"by
eby
eLandi
l
e"
Hi
m:"
uri
ght
"

Ismil
edandhungupndi cingaicebokengok:)I
wantedtogotoCapeTownbutIwasn' treadyto
giv
eupmyv ir
ginit
yjustyet.Ij
ustwantedtospend
ti
mewi t
hhim,
may bet hi
stimearoundwecoul dget
thr
oughthi
sOv ayosagaandmay benam Iwill
feel
l
ikeI'
mimportantinhi
slifeaswell.

Ispentmydaypl
ayi
ngwit
hbooboo:
Dthi
sLi
lni
qqa
hadwar medhi
swayinmyhear
t.
[
10/
8,20:
29]‪+27730692704‬:
#55

Iwenttoschool f
oll
owingday ,
iatt
endedthr ee
l
ecturesandwentt odramacl assthenIhadabr ief
pract
icewiththenetbal
l team thenwewentt oplay
UJIknewI '
llbeplayi
ngagai nstEve'steam :vl
ikewe
bothknew.There'snosi steronthefiel
d..
.none
whatsoever>_<wepl ayedandWi t
swon.Wewentt o
celebrat
eatl aShisaNyama:DIlovedt
heirmeatsan
Icouldn'
thideit,
ormay bei
tsbecausei
tstheonly
placeIhadf amil
iari
zedmyselfwit
heversinceI
arri
vedhere.
Wel ef
ttheplacepasteightintheev eni
ngthen
thosegoi ngtotheschool r
esidencewer et
akenand
transportedbytheschool busthenwewhohad
privatetr
ansportat
ionsawour selvesoutofthepl
ace.

Onmywayt
omycarImetVi
nce

Hi
m:"
hau,
whathav
eIdonet
oyou"
?
Me:
"me?Not
hing"
Him:
''
cummonTrina,
you'
rescar
ce,
evenifIseey
ouat
chur
chIdon'
tfi
nduwhent heserv
icei
sov er
"
Me:
"wel
l
..
.May
beIam i
nahur
ryorsomet
hing"
Hesmi
l
edandt
uckedhi
shandsonhi
str
ouser
s
Il
aughed,
l
ewaycanr
eadmest
rusuhn
Me:
"dudedon'
tdot
hat
"
Hi
m:"
repet
it
ionoft
hef
ir
stl
ett
er.
..
arey
ouapoet
"?
Me:
"ar
eyouf
li
rt
ingwi
thme"
?
Him:
"woul
ditbesuchabadthi
ngthough?Imean
youdoknowyouuababangwana"

Tj
ohIbur
stoutl
aughi
ng:
v

Me:
"wel
lni
qqadon'
tfl
i
rt,
I
'm of
fthemar
ket
"
Hi
m:"
wel
li
twon'
thur
tadmi
ri
ngwhatIcan'
tget
"
Me:"
uhm.
..Ishoul
dgetgoi
ngneh.Ni
ceseei
ng
agai
n"
Hi
m:"
wil
lIseey
ouatchur
cht
hisweekend"
?
Me:
"Idoubt
..
butI
'
llkeepy
oupost
ed"
Hi
m:"
mmkay
,Iwon'
task"
Me:
"goodf
ory
ou"
Hesmiled,
Iwalkedt
omycaranddrovehome.Fi
kau
Evesekhona.
..:
vLukenudgedi
tinmnt
akadad
ndi
ngenanjeheshouted

Hi
m:"
whor
unst
hewor
ld"
?
Me:
"Wi
ts"
!!
!
Hi
m:"
whor
unst
hewor
ld"
?
Me:
"wi
ts"
!!
!

Wehugged,hecongratul
atedmeandIwentthr
ough
tot
helounge.
.satnexttoEveandnudgedherr
ibs
smi
li
ng

Her
:"
grat
sLi
lsi
s"
Me:"
thanky
ou.
..
youdoknowt
her
e'snof
ami
l
yont
he
f
iel
d"
Her
:"
yep,
Iwoul
dn'
thav
ehel
dbackt
oo"
Me:
"ay
t"
Iwentuptofreshent
henndabuyasekul
ungi
sweI
di
ningtabl
eIsatonmyownchai rasever
yoneel
se
di
d.Keriser
vedusandweshar edgr
acesatya

Ker
i:
"I
'm hav
ingEast
erwi
thmyhusbandguy
s"
Luu:
"oh,
whenar
eyoul
eav
ing"
?
Her
:"
Joei
scomi
ngt
ofet
chmet
omor
row"
Luu:
"okay
"

Ev
e:"
uhm...I
'
llbegoi
ngt
otheEast
erncape
Wednesday"
Weal
ll
ookedather:
o
Her
:"
Lwando'
smom askedt
oseet
hechi
l
d"
Luu:
"oh.
..Tr
ina"
?
Me:
"mh"
!?
Him:
"si
nceev
ery
onei
sgoi
ngaway
,wher
ear
eyou
goi
ng"?
Me:
"CapeTown"

Lol
yay
igamey
am y
ojongwakengoko.
O

Hi
m:"
thecape?ToMar
c"?
Me:
"no.
..
afr
iend"
Hi
m:"
when"
?
Me:
"Wednesday
"
Him:
"mmh.
..IguessIshoul
dal
sol
ockt
hishouse
andl
eav
etoo"
Me:"wel
lIcouldcanceli
fyou'
regonnabel
onel
y"
Eve:
"Lukelonel
y?He'sgotatr
oopofwomen
thr
owingthemselvesathim"
Hi
m:"
you'
regi
vi
ngmetoomuchcr
edi
tbaby
,Mar
cis
t
hechar
meramongal
lofus"
Keri
:"
oohdon'
tmenti
onthatone.Buti
tseemsl
i
ke
thi
sLizar
dgir
list
aminghi
m"
Weall
burstourlaughi
ng:'
(:vli
kewhatt
hehel
l
?
WhendidEl
izabethbecomelizar
dhl
e?

Luke:
"don'
tl
etMarchearyousaythat
..
.especi
all
y
si
nceshe'scar
ryi
nghi
sfir
stchil
d"
Ev
e:"Idon'
ttr
usther
"
Me:
"Il
i
kehert
hough.
..
minust
heat
ti
tude"
Ker
i:
"shehasone"
?
Ev
e:"
arot
tenonet
hati
s"
Ker
i:
"I
'dl
i
ket
omeethersomet
ime"
Luu:
"she'
l
lbenicernowcozshe'
scar
ryi
ngy
our
brot
her'
skid"
Ker
i:
"youdon'
tknowhowIcanpersecut
esomeone
unt
ilt
heyshowthei
rtr
uecol
ors"
Me:"
howIwi
shyouhadmett
hechi
ckLukebr
ought
homewhenhev
isi
ted"
Hi
m:"
uh-
huh!Don'
tchanget
hesubj
ectnow"
Me:
"ooohnowy
ou'
reuncomf
ort
abl
e"?
Ev
e:"
hehasabadchoi
ce.
..Vel
aisgoodexampl
e"

Sav
elasahl
ekasobabi
nikengok.
..
Weenj oyedourlastdaytoget
herbefor etheEaster
weekendt henfol
lowingdaywehel pedKer ipack.
Herhusbandcamet ofetchher
,br
ingingusacoupl e
ofgoodiesandof cozgivi
ngusacoupl eofrandsfor
pocketmoneyhesai d.WhenKer iwasgone, we
packedourownbags. .
mnajustasmal lspor
tsbag
wit
hev eryt
hingIthoughtIwouldneedt henIhelped
evepackf orherchil
dwhenwewer edonewej ust
cl
eanedLuke' shousesingemnkiemzi niwomnt u
kumdaka.

Whenal
lwasdoneIcal
l
edLaa.
..Justt
oconf
ir
m

Hi
m:"
nana"
?
Me:
"hey
..
uhm,
whatdi
dyourdadsay
"?
Hi
m:"
we'
l
lbet
her
eby10:
30am"
Me:
"oh"
Hi
m:"
hopef
ull
ynakuwet
hingswentsmoot
hly
"
Me:
"er
h..
."
Hi
m:"
plzdon'
tdot
hat
"
Me:
"mmh"
Hi
m:"
babyt
hough"
Me:
"haychi
l
lwet
huI
'
llbet
her
e"
Hi
m: "
ohgawd!Ni
qqay
oual
mostki
l
ledmengehear
t
at
tack"
Me:
"ni
qqachi
l
lyourassman"
Hi
m:"
Ican'
twai
ttoseey
ou"
Me:
"wai
tacoupl
emor
ehour
sbabe"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
thav
eachoi
cemos.
..
I'
l
lwai
t"
Me:
"goodboy
"

Lol
Ihungupndaphol
eKuhead.
[
10/
8,20:
29]‪+27730692704‬:
#56
Weslepti
nonbed:)me,
EveandLuuandof
cozmy
Booboobear
.Ihear
dadoorbel
lfol
l
owedbyaknock
:/l
ateso?
Me:
"Luu"
?
Hi
m:"
ain'
topeni
ng.
.uexpect
ingv
isi
tor
s"?
Me:
"no,
Eve"
?
Her
:"
nope,
buti
tcoul
dbeVel
a"
Hi
m:"
she'
l
lnev
ercomeher
ewi
thoutcal
l
ing"
Me:
"t
henwesl
eepandi
gnor
ethedoorbel
l
"

Notev
enoneofusmov
ed.
..Luu'
sphoner
ang.
Hi
m:"
Teepl
zanswert
hat
"
Eve:
"whyher
?Youwanty
ourt
rampst
odi
srespect
hernow"?
Hi
m:"
shutupEv
ely
n"
It
ookhi
sphoneandanswer
edl
epr
ivat
ecal
l
Me:
"Luke'
sphonehowcanIassi
st"
?
Her
:"
hiwhoam Ispeaki
ngt
o"?
Me:
"Mi
ssSmi
th"
Her:
"oh,
hi
ssi
ster
..
.Uhm,
I
'dl
i
ket
otal
ktoLukei
fhe'
s
ar
ound"
Me:
"unfor
tunat
elyhe'
snot
..
.butIcoul
dpassont
he
message"
Her
:"
oh.
.whenwi
l
lhebear
ound"
?
Me:
"Inev
ergoty
ourname"
Her
:"
ohsor
ry,
mynamei
sKi
m,I
'
m af
ri
endofhi
s"
Me:
"mmh"Lol
bet
ternotbel
aKi
m ungenambeko
Kel
o:v
Her:
"I'
dli
ketoknowwhenwi l
lhebearound.
..Ir
eal
l
y
needtoseehim.I
'm act
ual
l
yathisfr
ontdoor"
Me:
"he'soutwit
htheboy
sKi
m..
.Checkonhi
m
t
omorrowmor ni
ng"
Her
:"
yho.
..I
..
..Can'
tyou.
..
"
Me:
"goodni
ght
"
Ihungup

Hi
m:"
Kim?Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e"?
Ev
e:"
she'
sst
randed"
Me:
"It
hinksot
oo"
Hi
m:"
aysheknowsmewhenshe'
sst
randed?Idi
dn'
t
ev
enknowshe'
sinJo'
bur
g"
Me:"
wellyoucoul
dgodownandopenforher
,askher
your
sel
fORwecoul dj
ustpr
etendt
her
e'snooneon
ourf
rontdoor"
Hi
m:"
soundsl
i
keagoodi
dea"
:
v
Eveswitchedoffourl
ightssalal
amnt akadad: /I
waskindawor r
iedkengoKi m qhamnt akabawo
ndaqondbanam ndizomy ekaphaphandlexa
engahoywanganguLukewakhewebhongo.Ear l
ythe
fol
lowi
ngmor ningEvewokeupf i
rstandbathedBoo
Iwenttomakebr eakfastfort
hethreeofus...Iwent
alloutofmywayt omakei tconti
nentalmtchanam.I
wasexci tedngal
et r
ipyam yazibutIwasal so
concernedcozwe' veneverbeeni neachothers
spacef orevenupt otwoday swithoutabreakngoku
sizospenderanent ir
eweekend?Thi sdidn'
tsitwell
withmebutIwant edtodoi t
.Idon'tknowwhet herI
wasdesper ateorIwantedt obelongbutmxm Idon' t
knowmanwher eIgottheurgetogoaheadwi ththi
s
thingIwouldcalli
nsanityundernormal
circumstances:vmar kt
hat,normal ci
rcumstances!
Thebr oscamedownandwehadbr eakfast
together.
..
Lolakhonomnt uokheway ovul
a
emny angophofokosi vukil
e:vIkeptthi
nkingwhati
f
l
agi r
l i
lel
epha?Cozbi khey at
hethaunfi
nished
sentenceslastnight
..

Me:
"guy
s,whati
fshesl
eptatt
hedoorst
ep"
Ev
e:"
who?Ki
m"?
Me:
"Iwoul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sed"
Lolthel
ookonLuke'
sfacemadeuscrackup..
.he
wenttoopent
hefrontdoorandl
ookedout
sidethen
ret
urned

Ev
e:"
we'
reKi
m-saf
e"?
Hi
m:"
Evel
yndon'
t"
Her
:"
sor
ry"

EveandLukewashedt hedishes,
Iwentto
bath.
..
fli
ghtyam wasear
li
erthanhersndavasa
ndanxibawhiteski
nnyj
eans,whit
elacesl
eevel
ess
col
lardshir
tandblackNi
kesneakersthenItookmy
bagandwal keddownthestair
s

Luu:
"hah!Sosoon"
?
Me:
"f
li
ghti
sat10:
30"
Ev
e:"
mmmh,
pri
vat
ejet
"?
Me:
"somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
"
Him:"
mmh,t
hisf
ri
endmustbemoni
ed.
..
li
kea
gangst
a"

Oh:
vsot
heyt
hinkI
'
m goi
ngt
oBeast
?

Me:
"wel
lIwoul
dn'
tknow.
.pl
zgi
mmear
ide"
Hi
m:"
Evewhatt
imei
syour
s"?
Her
:"
11:
30"
Hi
m:"
yhoanhour
sdi
ff
erence.
..Ay
tleggoki
ddo"

IkissedBoobearandhismom,t
henIlef
twi
tht
he
bro.Oncewearri
vedthereVi
nceri
ngedmeup.
..

Me:
"bhutVi
nce"
?
Hi
m:"
heypr
ett
yface,
howi
syou"
?
Me:
"mei
secst
ati
c.Andu"
?
Hi
m:"I
'
m good..
.WellIknowIsai
dwe'l
lseeeach
ot
herSundaybutIki
ndawouldli
ket
oseey outoday
"
Me:
"oh.
.butwenev
erconcl
udedaboutchur
ch
t
hough"
Hi
m:"
cummon"
Me:
"what
'ssour
gent
"?
Hi
m:"
can'
tdi
scussi
tonphonesan"
Me:"wel
lIwoul
dn'
twannabei
nvol
vedi
nabr
awl
wit
h
yourchi
ck"
Him:
"wit
hmach-sheai
n'
tnothingl
i
kethatthough.
SheknowsIhav
eacoupleoffemal
efr
iends"
Me:
"mmmh.
..
wel
lI
'm sor
ryIcan'
tmeetwi
tchut
oday
"
Hi
m:"
mayIaskwhy
"?
Me:"
I'
m curr
entl
yatt
heai
rpor
taboutt
ofl
ytot
he
Capeshores"

Si
l
ence...

Me:
"hel
l
ow"
?
Hi
m:"
sti
l
lher
e.MayIaskwhenwi
l
lyoubebackt
hen"
?
Me:
"bet
weenSundayandMonday
,dudewhat
'sup"
?
Hi
m:"
nowe'
l
ltal
kthen.
..
saf
etr
ip"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"

:
/hehungup.
..Mh.

Luu:
"whoDAT"
?
Me:
"t
hef
ri
endwhot
ookmet
ochur
ch"
Hi
m:"
ooh"

Hahahamant hel
ookonhisfacesai
dalotofthi
ngs
qhandazxel
elaai
n'
tgonnaenter
tai
nhimtu:p
[
10/
8,20:
29]‪+27730692704‬:
#57

Wechi
l
ledf
oracoupl
eofmi
nut
es

Me:
"youdoknowy
oucanl
eav
emenow"
Hi
m:"
nope,
Iwannaseey
ouof
f"
Me:
"meany
ouwannaseet
hisf
ri
endofmi
ne"

Hejustsmil
edandfocusedonhi
sphone.
..Af
ew
minutesf
rom t
hatmyphonerang

Me:
"t
aLar
a"
Hi
m:"
wej
ustar
ri
ved,
undawni
"?
Me:
"depar
tur
esect
ion"
Hi
m:"
oh.
..
good,
ndi
yeza"
Me:
"ay
t..
.ohanduhm,
mybr
oisher
etoo"
Hi
m:"
yho.
.he'
schi
l
led"
?
Me:
"Idunno"
Ihear
dasi
gh:
v

Ndamhl ekaandhungup,
inafewsecondshe
appearedaloneweari
ngbluef
adedknee-
ri
pped
j
eans,awhitev-neckt
eeandwhit
eAdidassneaker
s.
Ismi
l
edandnudgedl
ooki
nther
ibcagehel
ookedup

Laa:
"uhm,
hi
"
Me:
"hey
"

Wehugged

Me:"
oh-kay.
..Luut
hisi
sLandi
l
e..
.Laat
hisi
smy
br
otherLuke"
Luu:
'
Ithi
nkwe'
vemet
..
.y
ou'
reoneoft
heTi
tust
wins
ri
ght
"?
Laa:
"yeah"

Theyf
ist
-bumped.
..
Luuhuggedmeandplant
edasof
tki
ssont
hesi
de
ofmycheekthenhel
eft

Laa:
"okayt
hatwasgr
eat
..
.canwegonow"
?
Me:
"mmkay
"
Hi
m:"
youdon'
tsoundexci
tednow"
Me:
"guessI
'
m scar
ed"

Hejustturnedandhuggedme. .
.t
ight
erthanLuke's
hug.Thenwewal kedov ert
othecheckpointand
thr
ought owherethejetwaspati
entl
ywai t
ing,
wegot
i
nandmadeour selv
escomf or
tablet
henitsetoff.
..

Hi
m:"
babel
ookatme"
Il
ookedathi
m..
.andazwhyIwasner
vous

Him:
"Iknowwe'r
enotfamil
i
arwit
hwhatwe'
redoi
ng
buti
tsafir
stst
eptowardsf
ixi
ngus"
Me:
"Iknow"
Him:
"Iwon'
tfor
cenorpr
essur
izey
oui
ntodoi
ngwhat
youdon'
twannado"
Me:
"t
hanks"
Him:
"butpr
omisemeonething.
..
let
'shav
efun.
Revi
veandremindour
sel
vesofthefir
stt
imewe
met"
Me:
"wel
lIdopl
ant
ohav
efunmt
chanam"
Hi
m:"
that
'st
hespi
ri
t"

Hepouredmeagl assofci
trusj
uiceandhi
msel
f
thenwejustchi
l
led.
..Myheadonhischest
.Hi
sarm
aroundmyshoulder
.
-
Wel andedi nCapeTown. ..Acarwasal r
eadywai t
ing
forus.Mnt akadad,Ineverreall
ylookeddeepintohis
l
ifeuntil
now. .
.Hei sli
vi
ngl ehighlif
estr
ubob; i
ndlu
esayakuy omnt akamhamhawooooaahMkMkMk!
Thecardr oveintothelongestdr i
vewayI'
veseen
withmybar eeyes.
..
thedrivewaywasbeaut if
ull
yti
led
withancientstoneandhadt reesonbothsides.
..I
meant allpalmtreessani.Itparkedinfr
ontofabiiig
whitehouse
Me:
"younev
erment
ionedObamal
i
vesi
nthehood"
Thedr
iversmi
l
ed
Laa:
"wel
comehome"
Me:"homel
ooksl
i
keapal
acei
fnotapr
esi
dent
ial
house"
Him:"
don'tworr
y,i
fitlooksl
ikeapal
acet
heny
ou'
l
l
surel
yfeell
ikeaprincess"
Me:
"awsadi
kinj
e"
Hi
m:"
thanky
ouJay
"
Driverbowedhi sheadaswegotoutandwal keda
fewst epstothefrontdoor.Heopenedt hedoorand
walkedi n,
Ifol
l
owedr ightbehi
ndhi m.Mybagwas
withhim Ihadmysl ingbagonmyshoul derwe
walkedt othelounge,noone..
.passedt
hroughal ar
ge
dini
ngar eawhichhadt hemostbeaut i
fulseav i
ewI
gaspedatt hebeauty...
hesmiledandwal kedusup
tomyr oom.

Hi
m:"
thi
sisy
ourr
oom"
Me:
"wow"

Ilookedaround...
ithadbeaut i
fulceil
ingthatlooked
l
ikecakedecor ati
onsoni cing..
.veryprett
y.Thebed
wasmassi vethough.Iwal kedt othewi ndowand
openedthecur tai
ns: DIwassmi li
ngt omy sel
f.
.he
walkedupandst oodr i
ghtbehindmehi shandson
myhi psandhisl i
psonmyneck

Hi
m:"Iknewy
ou'
dli
ket
hev
iew"
Me:
"l
ike?OhIl
ovet
hev
iew.Uphi
Soso"
?
Hi
m:"
he'
sar
ound.
..
ebet
heuzobuy
angomsoksasa"
Me:
"mmh"

Heni
bbl
edonmyear
s..
..
Iclosedmyey es.
..Ndagqibel
anini mnt
akamhakwa
uvangalendlel
abendiziv
angay o.Henibbl
edf
rom
theearbackdownt heneckl
inetraci
ngver
y
careful
ly
..Seduct
ively
!
Hi
m:"
remembert
his"
?
Me:
"howcoul
dIf
orget
"?

Iturnedaroundandki ssedhimf ul
lontheli
ps.Itf
elt
ri
ghtandf orthefir
sttimeinalongtimeIfell
inlove
withhim all
ov eragai
n,Ifel
tri
ghtandathomei nhis
arms...Wejustmel t
edandr e-mouldedint
othisone
pi
ece.

Hi
m:"
Imi
ssedt
his"
Me:
"Imi
ssedus"

Hisphonerang.
..
heexcusedhimselfbutdi
dn'
twal
k
awayfrom me.Wejustwenttositonthebed

Hi
m:"
hel
l
o"?
Her
:"
hey
,ur
ight
"?
Hi
m:"
ndi
shar
pwhat
'
sup"
?
Her
:"
ndcel
aukuzaaphot
ana"
Hi
m:"
why
"?
Her:
"I
'm boredher
e..
.Ibumpedontoy
ourbr
other
andhepr et
endedli
kehedoesn'
tknowme"
Him:
"you'
renothi
sfanOvayo..
.mehav
inghel
ped
youdoesn'
tmeanwe'ref
ri
ends"
Her
:"
Iknow.
..Ij
ust
..
plz,
Ineedt
ogetoutofher
e"
Hi
m:"
Ihav
eav
isi
tor
"
Her
:"
ohsor
ry"
Hi
m:"
ayt
"

Theyhungup.
..
Hewasaboutt
osaysomet
hingwhenmyphone
r
ang

Me:
"hi
"?
Hi
m:"
Iheary
ou'
rei
nCT"
Me:
"yeahsomet
hingl
i
ket
hat
"
Him:
"you'
renotv
isi
ti
ngmeobv
iousl
ybuty
ouhav
eto
popi
n"
Me:
"f
ordecencysake.
..
don'
twor
ryIwi
l
l"
Hi
m:"
ayt
.Rememberourconv
ersat
ion"
Me:
"al
way
s"
Hi
m:"
ayt
"
Me:
"ci
ao"

Wehungup. .
.Itext
edLukendi
mxelel
abandif
ike
kak'
hl
e..
Iknewnguy el
ouxel
eleuMarcbandil
apha
butkehewasj ustl
ooki
ngoutformeIguess.

Laa:
"youmustbehungr
y"
Me:
"act
ual
l
yI'
dli
ket
onapabi
t"
Hi
m:"
let
lag"
?
Me:
"youcoul
dsayt
hat
"
Hekissedmyfor
eheadandleftme.Icl
osedt
hedoor
ndazi
phosakl
efai
ryt
alebed:vndagqampa>_
<Ilay
ther
esmili
ng.
[
10/
8,20:
29]‪+27730692704‬:
#58

:
)It
ookmynap
Laterwokeupandr efreshedndanxibayell
owcot t
on
shortsandwhi tecroppedt opwithsandalssearched
formysungl assesthenIwentdownst ai
rslooking
forbhut '
baeo. Omnt akadadt hishouseisbigger
thanmyey escancompr ehendIjustst
oodt here
ndaqal azaIcouldn'tevenhearumnt ut
henIdeci ded
tojustwal k:/andaznobandi bhekangaphi.AsI
continuewal kingforwardIhear dTVsoundi nlow
keyIsmi l
edandwal l
edbr i
sklyndafi
kandemakwi
entrancest i
l
l smil
ing..
.Isawmyr efl
ecti
ononTVand
ourey esmet ,heturnedandwancumaandsi gnaled
formet ocomecl oserIwentt owherehewas
seatingandsatdownnextt ohim

Hi
m:"
awsemhl
e"
Me:
"t
hanks.
.t
hishousei
sbi
g"
Hi
m:"youwi
l
lgetusedt
oit
..
.y
oumustbehungr
y
t
hough"
Me:
"j
ustaLi
l
"
Hi
m:"
okaymasambeI
'
lli
ntr
oducey
out
oourcook"

Saphakama
Me:
'
youhav
eacook"
?
Hi
m:"y
eahmum beli
eveswecanbereckl
esssowe
ki
ndahav
eacook,dr
iverandmor
e"
Me:
"l
uckyf
ishes"

Wehel dhandsaswemadewayt ot heki

tchen.
..She
wascookingeva?From ashor
tdist
ancey oucould
percei
vesweetaromasevapor
ateoutofthekitchen
door.

Hi
m:"
sisi
Kat
"
Shet
urnedandsmil
edatus,
shecameforahug,
Lol
wehuggedndi
nayonendawoeshykemnake

Hi
m:"
thi
sisTr
inal
i
queSmi
th.
.babe,
thi
sissi
sKat
ri
na"
Her
:"
ohwow,
I
'vehear
dal
otabouty
ou"
Me:
"ohr
eal
l
y"?
Ndaj
ongauLaa
Her
:"
ohnotf
rom hi
m,f
rom Fai
th"
Ismi
l
ed
Me:
"goodt
omeety
ou"
Her
:"
li
kewi
sesoTr
ina,
whatcanImakey
ou"
?
Me:
"uhm.
..Any
thi
ng.I
'
m nott
oof
ussy
"
Her:
"real
l
y?Okay..
.Ihav
emeat ball
sonspaghett
i
her
e,pancakeswit
hhoneyoverthereandchocol
ate
mousse,Malvapuddi
ngandpaprikasauceonmini
pi
esr i
ghtther
e"
Me:
"wow.
.howmanypeopl
edoy
oucookf
or"
?
Theyl
aughed

Hi
m:"shecooksforall
ofus,thedr
iver
s,guar
dsand
ev
eryotherworkeri
ncluded"
Me:
"mmh.
..
Ithi
nkI
'
llt
akemeat
bal
l
sfornow"
Her
:"
okayt
hen"

Landil
epull
smyhandandwewal ksout.
..notthe
waywewal kedinthrough.Isawat hebiggestpool
Kuhlebackyard.
..Idon'
tknowwhyt heywoul dhave
apool whenthebeachisjustacrosstheirbackyard
o.Ower est
edont hepoolchair
s,heactuallycameto
si
tonmi neandlift
edmyf eettobeonhi sl ap

Me:
"Il
i
ket
hisenv
ironment
"
Hi
m:"
Iknewy
ouwoul
d..
.Sosowasn'
tsur
ethough"
Me:
"why
"?
Hi
m:"
hesai
dit
stoomuch,
evenf
ory
ou"
Me:
"wel
lIdon'
tmi
ndbei
ngpamper
edj
ustoncei
na
whi
l
e"

Hesmi l
ed.
..Ther
ewassomethinghewantedt
osay
eversi
ncethatcal
lIj
ustdi
dn'
twannapushkuse
earl
y:/

Hi
m:"
babe"
Me:
"mh"
Hi
m:"
youdoknowt
hatIl
ovey
our
ight
"
Me:
"yeah"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
twanty
out
ogeti
nsecur
eov
ernot
hing"
Me:
"youmeanov
ernoone"
Him:"
Ov ay
oisnolongerani
ssue,
sheknowswher
e
shestands,
Ineedustoknowwherewestand.Wi
th
eachother"
Ndat
hul
a..
.Wher
eexact
lydi
dwest
and?
Si
sKatbr
oughtmyf
oodandacoupl
eofsnacksand
j
uices

Hi
m:"
babyar
eyoul
i
steni
ngt
ome"
?
Me:
"yeah"
Him:"
IknowI '
mt heonewhobr okethetr
ustbutI
needyoutowor kwithmehere.Wehav etobe
commi t
tedtoeachotheragai
n,Iknowitwil
ltake
ti
mebutI '
m surewecandoi t
"

Iputmyplateasideandcamecl osetohim Ididn'

t
haveanswersjusty et
..
.t
heenvi
ronmentwasj ustt
oo
overwhel
mingallIwant edwashisl
ipsonmi ne.I
touchedhi
sfacel ooki
ngdeepintohisey
es

Me:
"canwenott
alkr
ightnow"
Hi
m;"
mh.
hm"
Withthatwekissed..
.Imeanwekissed.Hebr ought
meev encloserIsatonhisl
apsmylegsspr eadon
bothsides.Thi
swast hatmomentundeniably
beaut
ifulandsacred:v

Ipul
l
edbackandhewassmi
l
ing

Me:
"Il
ovey
oubaby
.Li
ke.
..Il
ovey
ouf
oreal
"
Hi
m:"
Ilov
eyouandI
'
m sor
ryaboutev
ery
thi
ng"
Me:"
let
'sl
eav
ethepastr
ightwher
eiti
s..
.It
hinkwe
hav
eagoodf ut
uret
olookforwar
dto"
Hi
m:"
canwest
opt
alki
ng"
?
:
vthesmi
rkonhi
sface

Hepul
l
edmychi
nandweki
ssed.
Whenwef inal
l
ystoppedIfeltl
ight
ersani
.Isatr
ight
thereonhi
slapsandjustatethesnaxsisKat
broughtus
Me:
"Iwannagot
othebeachbabe"
Hi
m:"
her
e'sapool
..
.mor
epr
ivat
ethant
hebeach"
Me:
"Idon'
twantnopr
ivacyatal
l
"

Hesmi
l
ed

Hi
m:"
lemmegoandchangeke"
Me:
"ay
t"

Hel
eftmer
ightt
her
e
Assoonashewasint
hehousemyphoner
ang:
v
thi
sni
qqathough

Me:
"myt
a"
Hi
m:"
missSmi
th,
howar
eyou"
?
Me:
"Iam pr
ett
ygoody
our
sel
f"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
m upset
"
Me:
"I
'm sur
eyou'
regonnat
ell
mewhy
"
Him:
"nah,
won'tbur
deny
ouwi
thmyst
uff
.Enj
oyy
our
East
erweekendneh"
Me:
"yout
oo"
Him:
"don'
tfor
gett
opr
ayf
ormewheny
ougot
o
chur
ch"
Me:
"i
fIgot
ochur
ch"
Hi
m:"
no,
when"
Me:
"uhokay
"
Hi
m:"
ayt
"

Hehungup...
myhearttoldmeNt andoknowsI '
min
theCapebutbei
ng'hi
m' ebengazotshount
ilIsee
him wi
thmytwoeyesthenhe' l
lmakeme
uncomfor
tabl
einbae'
spr esence:/
Landi
lecameoutwear
ingwhi
tel
inenshorts,
whi
te
sandal
sandwhit
evestandof
cozsunglasses
Me:
"youcoul
d'
vewor
nbl
ackorsomet
hing"
Hi
m:"
Ili
key
ourchoi
ceofcol
ors"

Withthatwewal kedhandi nhandt othebeach.The

peopl
ear efr
iendlyIsayIt ookoffmysandal sas
soonaswehi tthesandIwal kedoutofhisreach
awayintothewat er
sl aughingevenfr
om t heheartI
fel
tfr
ee,Iwasfulloflove,f
ullofl
if
e.Her analong
try
nacatchupwi thmeandhesur el
ydid

Hewasev
enbr
eat
hless:
v

Me:
"you'
resounf
itbuty
ou'
reaspor
tsman"
Hi
m:"
babedon'
tgot
her
e"

Lolhehadbot
hourshoesaswewal
kedt
heshor
es.
..
Ihear
dsomeonescreami
ngmyname
Ist
oppedandhet
urned

Hi
m:"
nankuAmi
sh"
Iturnedandsmil
edwi del
yassherant
owardsus
giggli
ng,
wescreechedandhugged:Dwasgood
seeingsomeoneIknowbesidesLonandi
zekuye.

#59

Me:
"baby
!Damny
ou'
rehot
"!
Her
:"
you'
reHot
!Bl
azi
nghot
..
.heyLaa"
Hi
m:"
Amanda"

Her
:"
hewet
huwhendi
dyouar
ri
veher
e"?
Me:
"ear
li
ert
oday
,sohow'
sthel
i
fear
oundher
e"?
Her:
"pr
ett
ygoodi
fImaysayso..
butI
'
m sur
eMr
Ti
tusoverher
ewi
lli
ntr
oducey
out ot
hemostl
avi
sh
pl
aces"
Hi
m:"
plzdon'
tst
artwi
thy
ourr
u-"
Me:
"uh-
uhwe'
renotgonnadot
hatnow.
[
10/
8,20:
30]‪+27730692704‬:
Him:
"shest
ar-
"
Me:
"Idon'
tcar
e,what
everdi
ff
erencesy
'al
lhaveyou
wi
ll
havetosuckem upokwangokundi l
apha"
Her
:"
I'
m sor
ryChom.GuessIshoul
dleav
ey'
al
l"
Me:
"ohcummon"
Her
:"
cal
lmebef
orey
ougo.
..
wecoul
dcomebr
unch"
Me:
"okayke"

Wehuggedoncemor et
henshejustl
ookedatLaa
andleft
.Iwal
kedon,
wit
houtsayi
nganot
herword.
Hefoll
owed..
.wewer
en'
ttal
kingf
orsomesome
ti
me...
Ididn'twannaf i
ghtnorchoosebetweenthetwoof
them.Idon' texpectLandi
l
etol i
keAmandabutat
l
eastt heyshouldtryandgetalongcozI'
mt he
mut ualfr
iendhere.

Hi
m:"
babyI
'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"she'
sbeent
her
eformey
ouknow"
Hi
m:"
Iknowbutshedon'
tknowherpl
ace"
Me:
"t
hat
'sy
ouropi
nion"

Wat
hul
a

Me:
"who'
sReebo"
?
Hi
m:"
exkaOv
ayo,
what
'
shegott
odowi
tht
his"
?
Me:
"whendi
dtheydat
e"?
Hi
m:"
bef
oreIdat
edher
"
Me:
"howsur
ear
eyout
hatKamv
aisy
our
s"
Hi
m:"
shegotpr
egnantenam.
..
li
kewhatt
hehel
l
sup
now"
?

Ikeptqui
et.
..Ij
ustf
eltl
i
keOv
ayoi
snott
ell
i
ngt
he
tr
uthsomehow.

Ir
ani
ntot
hewat
erunt
ilt
hewat
err
eachedmyt
highs

Me:
"baby
"!!
Hewasabi
tfar
..
.
Hi
m:"
ha.
ababeamagetwet
"
Me:
"pl
eeeez"

Hecamei
nbutst
oppedwhent
hewat
err
eachedhi
s
knees

Me:
"pl
ztakeapi
c"
Hi
m:"
I'
m notcomi
nganyf
urt
herkene"
Me:
"t
hispi
cisgonnabef
arbabe"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
usemyphone"

Istri
kedacoupleofposespl
ayi
ngaround
carefr
ee,
alsogotwet:
)thenwegotoutofthewat
er
sayotya.
.aswewait
edforouror
derwesippedon
exoti
ccocktai
ls

Hi
m:"
babywhatdi
dyoumeanear
li
er"
Me:
"f
orgetIsai
dany
thi
ngbabe"
Hi
m:"
okay
"
Me:"
let
'sst
rikeadeal.
..NoOvay
oinour
conv
ersati
onunti
lIleavethi
spl
ace"
Hi
m:"
that
'seasy
"
Me:
"we'
l
lsee"
Hi
m:"
youdon'
ttr
ustme"
?
Me:
"i
tsherIdon'
ttr
ust
"
Kwafikaukut
yakwet
hu..
.somedeli
ciousseafood.
Weat eupmakingsmall
conv er
sat
ion.Havi
ngspent
theenti
redayatt
hebeach,I
twasgetti
nglat
esowe
walkedbackhome.

Hi
m:"
let
'swat
chmov
ies"
Me:
"onl
yifIgett
ochoose"
Hi
m:"
shot
"

Iexpectedustowat chel ounge-

_ -t
hat'swherewe
watchmov iesekhayaneh?Wel ltheTitushaveclass
mnt akadad,wewalkeddownst ai
rstoani nhouse
amphi t
heatert
hatwasasbi gasthreenormal r
oom
smashedt ogether
..
verystyli
shandglamor ousbut
whatcouldIhav eexpectedfrom Fait
h?Thatwoman
spellsGLAMOURwi t
hherwal ksletaloneher
l
ifestyl
e.

Wewat
chedacoupl
eofmov
ies,
unt
ilIdozedof
f
whi
l
ewatchi
ng.
Hi
m:"
babywakeup"
Isl
i
ght
lyopenedmyey
es.
..
Hi
m:"
themov
iei
sov
er,
come"

Ir
ubbedmyeyesandf
oll
owedhim backup,
heused
anel
evat
orashel
edmet omyroom.
Hi
m:"
you'
renothav
ingsupper
"?
Me:
"hm.
mh.
.I
'
mtoosl
eepy
"
Hi
m:"
okay
,getchangedI
'
llbeback"
Me:
"mh"

Hewal kedout
,Iworemypaj
amashortsand
vest
,cl
osedmywi ndowsandgoti
ntobed.Notl
ong
aft
erthathewalkedbacki
n

Hi
m:"
goodni
ghtt
hen"
Me:
"mmi
ght
"
Hekissedmyf
oreheadandIhear
dhi
m cl
oset
he
door
.

Evearr
ivedatt
heEastLondonai
rpor
tandcal
l
edher
baeandhewasalreadywait
ingf
orheri
mpati
ent
ly

Hi
m:"
Icanseey
oubae"
Her
:"
oh"

Shehungupandwalkedtowherehewas.They
huggedandhetookthebaby,
ki
ssedhi
m andhel
ped
herastheywal
kedtohiscar
.

Hi
m:"
shoul
dwegr
ababi
te"
?
Her
:"
not
hanks"
Hi
m:"
you'
rener
vous"
Her
:"
youbl
ameme"
?
Hi
m:"
tr
ytor
elax.
..
mymom wi
l
llov
eyou"

Shenev err esponded.Hehadt ol

dheraLi labouthis
famil
yandwher etheywer egoingandal l
expectationssoshewasn' tatallcl
uelessbutwhat
wasst i
llapr oblem wast hedamagesf ee..
.Xhosa
peoplepaywhent hey'
veimpr egnat
edsomeone' s
daughtersosi nceherfamilyneverrepor t
edt he
i
ssuet ohi sfami l
y,onheraccountcozshedeci ded
tokeepi tasecr et,
nowt hattheyareher e.Things
hadtobedoner i
ghtespecial
lybecauset hechi l
disa
boy.

Theydrov etothemostf
arEasternCapevi
l
lages
(rur
alareas)wheremostofhisfami
lywaslocat
edi
n
theTranskei,
aspeci
fi
cVil
lagebythename
Cofimvaba
Ev
e:"
arewest
il
lfar
"?
Hi
m:"
yeah,
aboutt
womor
ehour
s"
Her
:"
yhoIneedabat
hroom"
Hi
m:"
okaywe'
l
lst
opatagar
agebaby
"

Her ovefast
ert
il
ltheyr
eachedagarage,
shelefthi
m
withthebabyandwentlooki
ngforatoil
et,
hetook
hischil
dandwalkedint
otheLilcaf
éandbought
snaxforthetwoofthem.Sheretur
nedandsawt he
thi
ngshebought

Her
:"
youdi
dn'
thav
etobaby
"
Hi
m:"knowingy
ou,
youwon'
teatunt
ilt
his
i
ntr
oducti
onwitht
hefol
ksi
sover"
Her:
"t
hingi
s,
I'
m whit
eandI'v
enev erbeentothe
vi
l
lagesbef
ore,
letal
oneunderst
andthelanguage.
..
SowishTri
nawasher enow"
Hi
m:"
we'
l
ldot
hist
oget
her
.Don'
tst
ressy
our
sel
f"
Theyrestedforawhi l
eeati
ngt henthejour
ney
conti
nued.Hedr oveint
ohishomet ownasdust yas
i
tiswithreddishbrownsoil,
dunesandhi ll
s
every
wher e.
..Asherovefurt
heron,shewast akenby
thebeautyandnat ur
ali
tyofthi
splacecozshewas
neverkeenongoi ngtothefarmsbef or
esot oher
thi
swasar eal
it
ycheck

Hi
m:"
babyl
ookev
ert
her
e..
.ony
ourr
ight
"
Her
:"
ist
hatwher
ewe'
regoi
ng"
?
Hi
m:"
yeah"
Her
:"
wow!I
tlooksl
i
keananci
entpal
ace"
Hi
m:"
notsur
eaboutanci
entt
hough"
Her:
"ohmxm,Imeant
heext
eri
ordesi
gnoft
he
compound"
Hi
m:"
mmh.
..
bracey
our
sel
f"
Her
:"
ohGod"

Hechuckl
ed
Theydr ov etoabeaut ifulcraft
edhouse. ..whoah
wait,bii
iglavi
shy ett r
adi t
ionalhouse.Thepeopl e
camer unningout sideul ulat
ingast heyev acuat ed
thecarandwal kedt ot hemai nr ondavel,
rugsand
clothingwer elaidont heirpath,Lwandoknowi ngt he
dril
lwasn' tsurprisedhewal kedont opoft hecl othing
shef oll
owedsui tast heyent eredandgr eetedthe
elders.Shewasi nf or
medbyLwandonott oholdt he
eldershandsnorl ookt hem straightintheey eunl ess
i
nst ructedother wi sesoshekeptt heinst r
ucti
ons
andsatbesi dest hedoorashewentt ogr eethis
peopl e

Mama:
"si
si,
comesi
ther
enextt
ome"

Evelookedaroundandreal
izedt
hatwasmeantf
or
her,
shecaref
ull
ytookNathanandwalkedt
owhere
thewomanoft hehousewasandshehandedover
thechil
dasshesatnexttoher
Mama:
"owbet
hunaakasemhl
etat
a"
Hi
m:"
mol
oNont
ombi
,
youar
eEv
eli
nar
ight
"?
Mama:
"hayt
ata.
..Ev
ely
n"
Hi
m:"
makesnodi
ff
erence"
Her
:"
mol
otah-
tah"
Hi
m:"
doy
ouunder
standourl
anguage"
?
Her
:"
justal
i
ttl
esi
r"
Hi
m:"y
ouwil
lhav
etolear
nmnt anam becauset
his
l
it
tl
emanhastoknowitf
luent
ly"
Her
:"
yest
ah-
tah"

Mamaundr essedthechil
dandanauntbr
oughta
basi
nofwat erwavaswa.Lwandowasgonehewent
tohisfl
atey obekaii
mpahlazaboandt
oattendt
oa
coupleofthingsbeforebedt
ime

Li
khona,
Lwandossist
erwal
kedi
nandsmikdatEv
e
asshecametogreetherwi
thawar
m hug
Her
:"
youmustbeEv
e,I
'
m Li
khonabuty
oucancal
l
meLiks"
Ev
e:"
nicet
omeety
ou"
Her
:"
comewi
thme,
youmustbet
ir
ed"

Evel
ookedatmama, shenodthenEvelef
tthechi
l
d
andfol
lowedLi
ks.Theyenter
edaflatandEvegota
Li
leasewhenshesawherbags.

Li
ks:
"soEv
e,howwast
het
ri
p"
Her
:"
looonghey
,doy
oul
i
veher
e?Li
keev
ery
day
"
Li
ks:
"yeah,
Iat
tendWSUi
nUmt
atasoIcanbecl
ose
home"
Her
:"Iloveyourhome,
nothi
ngli
kewher
eIgr
ew
up.
..
its..
.Secl
udedandnatur
al"
Li
ks:
"wel
lweki
ndahav
etol
i
veupt
owhowear
e"
Her
:"
whoy
ouar
e"?
Li
ks:
"yeah,
mydadi
sthechi
efar
oundher
e"
Her
:"
ohmywor
d,soy
ou'
rel
i
keapr
incess"
Li
ks:
"youdi
dn'
tknow?It
houghtmybr
othert
oldy
ou"
Her
:"
wel
lhenev
erment
ionedi
t"
Li
ks:
"oh,
mybad.
..
her
e'shotwat
er,
youcanbaththen
comebackt
othehousefordi
nner
"her:
"okayt
hanks"

Li
khonal eft,
Evebat hedfinished:vnotev enfami l
iar
wit
hbat hinginabasi nbutshet oldherselfl
ifeisa
j
ourneyofl earningandshewaski ndaobl i
gedt o
l
earnandunder st andhiscul tur
ebecausenowi t
i
nvolvedachi ld.Shehadt oknowsomest ufftotell
herchil
di fLwandoi snol ongeri nthepictur
eatl east
umntanakheangabi ascluelessasshei s.Whenshe
wasdoneshewr appedat owel andsatont hebedt o
cal
lherlilsist
er
Phoner
ings.
..Goesunanswer
ed
Shet
ri
edagai
n
Me:
"mh"
?
Her
:"
plzwakeup"

Ikeptqui
et.
..Iwassofl
i
ppenexhaust
ed
man,emanziolwandl
ehavesometyp'
aef
fectwor
se
xauwagqibelekdal
a

Her
:"
Tri
nacummonman"
Me:
"sssup"
?
Her
:"
situpIwannat
alkt
oya"

Iturnedandsl
eptonmyback,
atl
eastIknowIwon'
t
fall
asleepwhi
letal
ki
ng

Me:"
I'
m up,what
'
sgoingon?Ar
eyoui
neastLondon
yet
?Wher e'
sBooboo"?
Her
:"
he'
swi
thhi
sgr
andma,
l
ist
en.Ineedhel
p"
Me:
"youneedhel
p"?
Her:
"yes.
..YouknowInonothi
ngaboutt
heCosa
cul
tureespeci
all
yther
ulesi
nakingdom sor
tof
env
ironment"
Me:"wai
t.
..Fi
rst
,t
hewordisXhosawi
thi
nX
secondl
y,
whatkingdom"?
Her
:"
thebae'
sdadhappenst
obeachi
ef"
Me:
"whoah!You'
reki
ddi
ng"
Her
:"
str
u"
Me:"well
,f
ir
stl
yyougott
ashowrespectandwerea
dressthatisbel
owthekneeandadoekunlessthey
tel
lotherwi
se"
Her
:"
okay
"
Me:
"youknownott
oaskt
omanyquest
ionsr
ight
"
Her
:"
yeahLwandowar
nedmeaboutt
hat
"
Me:"
good,wel
lmakeuseofGoogl
ecozIknow
not
hingaboutki
ngdoms"
Her
:"
goodt
hinki
ng.
..LookIgot
tago,
thankshey
"
Me:
"enj
oyy
our
sel
fbabe"
Her
:"
Ihopeso"
Me:"
youknowwhatwi
l
lhel
pyou?Open-
minded
spi
ri
tandatt
it
ude"
Her
:"I
'
llkeepnot
eoft
hat
"
Me:
"ni
ght
"
Her
:"
night
"

Ihungupandwenttot hebathr
oom,r
etur
nedand
checkedFacebook:
Dbaepost edoneofthepi
ctur
es
wet ookatt
hebeachtogether

Capt
ioned:
Idon'tknowifIcanl
oveanyoneel
set
he
wayIlovet
hissoul#TodayCT#SisBae

Andthecomments:
DIj
ustl
i
kedandl
oggedout
..I
neededmyrest
.

-
Earl
yonThur sdayIwaswokenupy obreakfasti
n
bed,Lolt
hesmel l
ofbacont hough.Ipoppedmy
headupandl ookedar ound,sisKatwasbusy
arr
angingthefoodonat ablewithonechair
,faci
ng
thewindowwi ththecurtai
nsopenedt hesunshining
eversobeautif
ull
ybright..
.

Si
s:"mor
ningTr
ina,
breakf
asti
sready
"
Me:
"mor
ningsi
sKat
"

Iwalkedt
othebathr
oom,shower
edandcameout
wrappedi
nat owel
,f
oundsomeoneel
sesweepi
ng
myr oom,
thebedwasalr
eadymadeo.O

Me:
"uhm.
..
hi"
Her
:"
hi,
I
'm Soni
aI'
l
lbet
aki
ngcar
eofy
oursui
te"
Me:
"oh.
..Thanky
ou.
..Foruhm,
thi
s"
Her
:"
you'
rewel
come,
needany
thi
ngel
se"
?
Me:
"not
hanks.
..
I'
l
ljusthav
ebr
eakf
ast
"
Her:
"okay,
justcal
lwheny ouneedme.Uset
hisand
di
al6f orme,5fortheki
tchenand4fort
hel
aundry"
Me:
"ohkay
"

ShesweptFi
nishandl
eft
.
Isi
ghed:oyabonaleIl i
fe:
/itsnoteasytoblendin
mtchanam .
..Iatemyf oodthengotdressed,daytwo
i
ntheCape...Ihadtogoseemybr othert
oday .AsI
woreablueshortdressandwhi t
epumpsIt ooksli
ng
bagndafakamywal letandphonethenIwent
downstai
rs

Iwentt
owhereIfoundLandi
leizol
obutcoul
dn'
tfi
nd
hi
m soIsatt
her
eandcalledhim

Hi
m:"
hey
"
Me:
"mh,
wakingupt
oal
onesomehousei
sn'
t
r
omanti
catall
"
Hi
m:"
Iknow,
pit
yyou'
renotl
onel
y"
Me:
"you'
reki
ddi
ng"
Hi
m:"
I'
mri
ghtbehi
ndy
ou"

It
urned.
.hewasl
eani
ngbyt
hedoor
.Ihungupand
smil
ed.

Hi
m:"
soI
'
mtaki
ngy
ououtt
oday
"
Me:
"I
'dl
ovet
hat
"
Hi
m:"
ther
e'sabutsomewher
e"
Me:
'
Iwannaseemybr
otherf
ir
st"
Hi
m:"
thatmustbet
hepr
otect
iveone"
Me:
"Mar
c"
Him:"
Idon'
twannadieyet
..
.I
'
llj
ustdr
opy
ouof
f,
you'
l
l
cal
lwhenyou'
rereadyt
ocomeback"

Il
aughedmyl
ungsout
Me:
"uphambenekodwa"
Hi
m:"
phambani
swanguwebabe.
..
hav
eyoueat
en"
?
Me:
"yessi
r"
Hi
m:"
thenl
et'
sgo"

Wewentout..
.Jaywasalreadywait
ing.Heopened
thecar
,wegotinIgavehi
mt hedir
ecti
onsandhe
drovet
oMarc'splaceIki
ssedthi
sniqqaandgotout

Her
oll
eddownt
hewi
ndowandwhi
stl
ed,
Itur
ned
smi
l
ing

Hi
m:"
wil
lIbear
rest
edi
fIaccl
aimy
oursexi
ness"
?
Me:
"i
fonl
yIbur
stf
rom bl
ushi
ng"

Jayl
aughed.Ismil
edathim andwalkedt
othe
door
,knockedandLi
zzyopened.Thecarout
side
hoot
edandl
eft
.

Her
:"
hi,
comeoni
n"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"

If
oll
owedheri
nandwentt
osi
tdownel
ounge.
..
Her
:"
any
thi
ngt
odr
ink"
?
Me:
"uhm,
not
hanks"
Her
:"
okay
..
.I
'
llcal
lMar
c"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"

Shel
eft
..
.Ical
l
edLuu

Hi
m:"
whatt
hef
uckf
or"
?
Me:
"mi
ndy
ourl
anguagesi
r"
Him:
"ohshi
t,
Tri
nai
tsy
ou?Sor
ryman,
thoughti
twas
someoneel
se"
Me:
"ooh?Dudewhatgoty
ousowor
kedup"
?
Hi
m:"
don'
twor
ryabouti
t,
how'
syoudoi
ng"
?
Me:
"I
'm good.
..
justbor
ed"
Hi
m:"
bor
ed?I
ntheCape?Got
oMar
c"
Me:
"I
'm AThi
spl
ace.
..
hisnother
e"
Hi
m:"
didy
oucal
lhi
m''
Me:
"Li
zzywi
l
ldot
hehonor
s"

Hel
aughed:
vdi
dIsayany
thi
ngwr
ong?

Hi
m:"
bigi
sshe"
?
Me:
"t
heonl
ythi
ngbi
gisherst
omach"
Hi
m:"
ohshame,
sowhatexact
lyar
eyoudoi
ng"
Me:
"youdon'
twannaknow.
..
hasEv
ecal
l
edy
et"
?
Hi
m:"
no,
youknowEv
e"
Me:
"shecal
l
edmel
astni
ght
"
Hi
m:"
thenshechoset
otextme.
..
mmkay
"
Me:
"haha!You'
recompl
aini
ngnow"
?
Hi
m:"noI'
mj ustsay
ing.
..Ihopet
hatni
qqadi
dn'
t
br
ingyouthere"
Me:
"hedi
dBUThedi
dn'
tseeMar
c"
Hi
m:"
hemustt
hankhi
sancest
ors"

Il
aughed.
..Mar
cisn'
tthatbadt
hough

Me:
"by
eby
eLuu"
Hi
m:"
what
ever
"

Ihungup,
l
igezakeumnt
akaSmi
th.

#60
Imusthavewait
edforupto40mi nut
eskwaske
kwavel
auRanger..
.Myheartstar
tedbeat
ingaLi
l
fast
er:
/indawi
enoRangerintoBeast

Hi
m:"
ola"
Me:
"hi
"
Hi
m:"
oohy
ou'
ret
hev
isi
torLi
zwast
alki
ngabout
"
Me:
"mh"

Hewal
kedout.
..
Igotandwal
kedt
othedoor
..
.
40minutesenent
o,y
onke?Haymntakadad.
Ndaphumamnandi zi
xel
elebandi
yahamba.
..Ical
l
ed
baeassoonasIreachedthegat
e

Hi
m:"
yhoIwasmi
ssi
ngy
oual
ready
"
Me:
"ncooh,
comef
etchme"
Hi
m:"
5mi
nut
es"
Me:
"f
ast
er.
..
I'
m superbor
edher
e"
Hi
m:"
yesma'
am"

Ihungupandwal kedoutthegate..
.Mar cuscal
ledI
j
ustlookedatthescreen.Inl
essthan.Fiveminutes
JayappearedIgotintothecarandwel eft.

Laa:
"wher
eshoul
dIt
akey
ou"
?
Me:
"I
'm ki
ndaexhaust
ed"
Hi
m:"
soy
ouwannagohome"
?
Me:
"yeah,
we'
l
ldot
heoutdoor
sthi
ngngomso.
.pl
z"
Hi
m:"
nopr
o'm"

Mar
ccal
l
edagai
n..
.

Me:
"hi
"
Hi
m:"
hey
,hear
dyouwer
eher
e"
Me:
"cool
"
Him:
"I
'm sor
ryman,Idi
dn'
tknowi
tsy
ouandbesi
des
Iwasi
nameet ing"
Me:
"nopr
o'm"
Hi
m: "
next
imeIwi
l
lmakesur
eyougetmywhol
e
at
tenti
on"
Me:"
ifther
e'l
lbeanextti
meIpr omi
set
ocal
lsot
hat
Iwon'tdi
stur
by ourmeet
ings"
Hi
m:"
ohcummonTr
ina"
Me:
"I
'm bei
ngr
eal
"
Hi
m:"
Lizzyj
ustsaidIhadav i
sit
or,
shenev
er
ment
ionedyourname,I
'm sor
ry"
Me:
"sur
e"
Hi
m:'
'
sowi
l
lyoucomeagai
n"?
Me:
"may
beSunday
"
Hi
m:"
whenar
eyougoi
ngback"
?
Me:
"Mondayaf
ter
noon"
Hi
m:"
okay
,thenpl
easesl
eepher
eSunday
"
Me:"
sleepov
er?Wi
thLi
zzyi
nthehouse?Idon'
tthi
nk
so"
Hi
m:"whenwi
ll
y'al
lbondt
hough,
cozshe'
spar
tof
t
hefamil
ynow"
Me:
"becauseshe'
spr
egnant
"?
Hi
m:"
duh"
Me:
"i
sity
our
s"?
Hi
m:"
let
'snotgot
her
e"
Me:
"mmh,
got
tago"
Hi
m:"
you'
rest
il
lhur
tthough"
Me:
"I
'm abi
ggi
rl
"
Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ryonceagai
nbaby
"
Me:
"i
tscool
boet
".
Wehungup
Wearri
vedendl
ini
Ijustwalkedtothe
l
ounge,
removedmyshoesandr est
edont
hecouch.
Hecameandkneedr i
ghtinfrontofme
Hi
m:"
heywhat
'
sup"
?
Me:
"canwej
ustl
i
edown"
Hi
m:"
wel
lwecan'
tshar
eacouch,
fol
l
owme"

Het ookmyshoes,hel
dmyhandt henwef ol
lowed
eachothertotheelev
ator
..
.weactual
lywenttothe
roof:Dtherewasagazeboandasponge
underneathit
.Iwasawestr
uck.
..Lendlur
eal
lyisbui
lt
foraqueen

Hi
m:"
thi
nkt
hiswi
l
laccommodat
ebot
hofus"

Ij
ustnodandlaydown,hefol
lowed.It
urnedmyback
agai
nsthi
m,heextendedhisarm Ir
est
edmyheadon
i
tandtheotheronejustwentacr
ossmybody

Me:
"hewasi
nameet
ingal
lthi
sti
me"
Hi
m:"
soy
oumeany
ounev
ersawhi
m''
?
Me:
"Nov

Heki
ssedmyneckf
rom behi
nd

Me:
"t
her
e'ssomet
hingIwannaasky
ou"
Hi
m:"
okay
"
Me:
"i
tsaboutLwando"

Het
ensed.
..
It
urnedandf
acedhi
m,Icoul
dseesomedar
knessi
n
hi
sey es

Me:
"youdoknowy
ouhav
etogetov
eri
tatonepoi
nt"
Hi
m:"
I'
m ov
eri
t"
Me:"no,
youpr
etendt
obeov
eri
t.
.y
oucan'
tpr
etend
nakum"
Hesi
ghedandcl
osedhi
sey
esf
orami
nut
e

Hi
m:"
okaybabe,
buz
a"
Me:
"i
showcomey ounev
erment
ionedt
hatLwando
i
sachief
'sson"
?
Hi
m:"
Inev
ert
houghti
twasi
mpor
tant
"
Me:
"mmh"
Him:"babe.
..Uy
ayaznawehe'
snotmyf
avor
it
e
person"
Me:
"mmh"

Wejustl
ayther
efacingeachot
hernotsay
ingawor
d.
Hi
stwinbrot
hercal
led

Hi
m:"
Soso"
Soso:
"ol
ant
wana,
nigr
and"
?
Hi
m:"
topswena"
?
Soso:
"yi
l
owae.
.Uphi
umol
okazana"
?
Hi
m:"
nanku"
Soso:
"cel
aumni
keIphone"

Heputt
hephoneonmyear
..
.

Hi
m:"
baby
"
Me:
"nt
wana"
Hi
m:"
esheawsekhol
i
dinj
e,
unj
ani
"?
Me:
"hotwena"
?

Landi
l
echuckl
ed

Hi
m:"
lukewar
m,dudeekmi
sjou"
Me:
"eshe"
Hi
m:"
youdon'
tbel
i
eveme"
Me:"
ifyoureall
ymissedmeyouwould'
vebeenher
e
yest
erdaysinceyoucoul
dn'
tbeatt
heairpor
t"
Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
rynt
wana"
Me:
"cool
"
Hi
m: "
Ididn'
twannabeadistr
acti
onphakat
hikwenu
af
terthelongdi
stancei
ssuesy'
al
lhad"
Me:
"Iunder
stand"
Hi
m:"
sondi
kuphat
hel
ent
oni
"?
Me:
"any
thi
ng"
Hi
m:"
okay
,l
aterneh"
Me:
"sur
e"

WhenEv ewasdoneshewenttothemain
hut,
dressedl
i
keumfaziwal
aphanyhani
,adoekand
al
l.Shesatonthest
rawmatbythesideofthedoor

Mama:
"mydear,
we'
llbehav
ingsuppernow.Doyou
hav
eanyspeci
fi
cat
ionsweshoul
dknowabout"?
Her
:"
nomama"
Mama:
"okayt
hen,
fol
l
owme"

Theywentt oanot herhut ,

whichwasoneoft hose
ababizwau8- konaomkhul ukenal aphakoei ght
kona...I
twasasepar atelounge,full
yandst yl
ishly
decoratedwithAf r
icanor nament sandi magesanda
l
ongwoodendi ningt ablewithmat chingchairs.
Mamagav eheraseatasLi khonaandot herpeople
preparedthedinnerandset ti
ngoft hetable.Tatathe
Chiefwalkedincar ryi
ngNat hanandwentt oseatat
theheadoft hetable,mamasatj ustbelowhi m,then
fol
lowedLwandoandEv e.Thegir l
sdishedupand
everyoneelsetookt heirpositi
onskwat yiwa

Tata:"ear
lytomor r
owmor ni
ngwehav etogettoEast
LondonEv eli
na,
iti
sofutmostimportancethatwe
meetwi t
hy ourparent
sbecausether
ear eacouple
ofthingswehav etodidf
orthechil
dwhi leyouare
sti
l
l herewi t
hhim"
Her
:"
yessi
r"
Hi
m: "
plzcal
lthem bef
orey
ougot
obed,
tel
lthem
si
yeza"
Her
:"
yessi
r"
Him:
"Lwando,
ungal
ali
ungay
angakunyokol
umeno
Tamkhul
uwakhondizohambanabo"
LD:
"sendy
il
etai
ma"
Hi
m:"
kulungi
l
eke...Mandi
yol
alaman.Er
h,I
'
mtaki
ng
t
hechi
ldfortoni
ght"
LD:
"uyancacat
aimaakazokwazi
,
uzambonaksada
bef
orenihambe"
Hi
m:"
oohokayke,
zeni
yomt
hat
haxani
yol
ala"
LD:
"okay
"

Hi
sfatherlef
t,
wecontinuedeati
ng.Evewasf amil
iar
wi
ththefoodsoi twasnothingshecouldn'
thandle.
Af
terthey'
veeatenEvefoll
owedSosot othei
rflat

Hi
m:"
lemmegoandf
etcht
hechi
l
d"
Shedi dn'tanswer,
sheprepar
edt hebed,f
ixi
nga
placeforherchildandgotinsidetheothersi
deof
thebed.Lwandor et
urnedwiththechil
dandhewas
asleep..
.shetuckedhiminwar mlyandplacedhim on
themi ddle.Lwandoundressedandalsogoti t
.

Hi
m:"
uri
ght
"?
Her
:"
yeah"

Hest
udi
edherf
orami
nut
e..
.

Hi
m:"
babyt
alkt
ome"
Her
:"
sai
dI'
mfi
ne,
canwepl
zsl
eep"
?
Hi
m:"
no,
noti
nthi
smood.What
'sgoi
ngon"
?

Shecl
osedhereyesandpret
endednott
ohearhi
m.
Heevent
ual
lydroppedi
tandtri
edsl
eepi
ng.When
shewassurehewasasleepshegotupwithher
phoneandwalkedt
otheloungedi
all
edherhome
number

Dad:
"Smi
thr
esi
dencehowcanIassi
st"
?
Her
:"
dad"
Hi
m:"
Evel
yn?What
'swr
ong"
?
Her
:"
nothi
ngdad.
..Iuhm,
whatar
eyoudoi
ng
t
omorrow"?
Hi
m:"
goi
ngt
ochur
chaf
tert
hatI
'
llbehome"
Her
:"
okay
..
.Ther
ear
epeopl
ewhowannav
isi
tyou"
Hi
m:"
peopl
e?Whatpeopl
e"?
Her
:"
from wher
eIgotNat
han"
Hi
m:"
oh,
l
emmeguess,
thywannapaydamages"
?
Her
:"
yes"
Hi
m:"
mmhIsee"
Her
:"
soshoul
dIt
ell
them i
tsokayi
ftheycome"
?
Hi
m:"
yeahwhynot
"
Her
:"
thanks,
hav
eagoodni
ght
"
Hi
m:"
thesameIwi
shf
ory
ou"

Shehungupandj
ustsatt
her
e..
.

Her
:"
Ifeel
li
keIdon'
tbel
ongher
e"
Hi
m:"
butI
'
m her
efory
ou"

Shet ur
nedstartl
ed,l
astti
meshecheckedhewas
fastasl
eep..
.Whowoul dn'
tbeshockedwheny ou'
re
tal
kingtoyourselfandyoujustheararesponse?:
v

Her
:"
Iknow"
Hi
m:'
'
thendon'tmi
ndanycr
iti
cs,
we'r
eint
his
t
oget
herwhethert
heyl
ikei
tornot"

Hecamet
ohugher
..
..
comf
ort
ingmode
[
10/
8,20:
31]‪+27730692704‬:
#61
ThursdayMor ni
ngthechi
efandhispeoplel
eftf
or
EastLondon,Lwandodependi
ngonSosof or
di
recti
onswast hemostnervouscozunli
ke
Landil
e,hehadn'
tmetMrSmi th.Assoonasthey
enter
edEastLondonhecal l
edhim agai
n

Soso:
"ol
andoda"
Hi
m:"
shosani
,
usur
engezi
dir
ect
ions"
?
Soso:
"esheawmanzi
njeLwando.Yi
ntonl
eundi
buza
yona"
?
Hi
m:"
Ijuswannamakesur
edawg"
Soso:"
that
'sact
uall
yani
nsulty
ouknowthatri
ght?
Ndim umntuohlal
aemonti
moegoendinindi
zothi
ni
ungabisur
e"?
Hi
m:"
okayt
hanksbr
o"
Soso:
"howf
arar
eyounow"
?
Hi
m:"
toocl
ose"
Soso:
"goodl
ucksonny
,ut
atuSmi
thuf
ananqwano
Wi
l
lSmi
thphaKuMrandMr
sSmi
th"
Hi
m:"
what
"?
Soso:
"t
heyki
cksass"
:
v
Soso:
"ndadl
alandodachi
l
lexnt
wana"
Hi
m:"
mxm uzandphambani
sakanj
anwena"

Sosolaughed,LDhungupandcont inuedt hejourney.

Theyreachedt hehouseandhoot ed,thegateopened
andMrSmi thcameoutast heygotoutoft heircar.
..
Achiefgoesnowher ewit
houthispr ai
sersot his
wasn'taydif
ferent.Assoonast heirfeetsetthe
ground,t
hepr aiserst
art
edhisthing:

His:
"AaahZanzol o,
Nkosiyakwantu.Uphi
la
kumhlab'obumvaaphokungenokuphi l
anenkunzane!
nkosiyakwaXhosa!Uny at
helaamev aagobe
i
ntsi
mbi i
nqanqazekukhal
euqaqaqa.Weeeena
dwalaelimiyokananj
aloel
ingal
ali
yo..
.Phi
lawande
nkosi
ny am.Phil
auqhamenkosi yam"
Heconti
nuedwit
hhi
spr
aisesunt
ilt
hewer
eseat
ed
i
nthelounge.

Chi
ef:
"Dal
i
hluzi
"
Hi
m:"
ewebawo"

Wit
hthathekneel
eddown,
placedtwobottl
esof
Commandobrandywit
hR500ont hegroundthenhe
al
sodidsomeprai
ses.

Chi
ef:
"si
r,
wewoul
dfi
rstl
i
ket
othanky
ouf
oral
l
owi
ng
ust
ocomehere"
Dad:"
Iwasstartl
edatfir
st,butknowi
ngt
hemat
terat
hand,
Icoul
dn'tstandagainstit
"

Mom appear
edwit
hdr i
nksandglasses,
shegreet
ed
andsmil
edassheplacedthet
rayont hetabl
eand
l
eft
.
Chief:
"Iam ChiefDl
udakaHeadmanTit
us,
thi
sismy
brotherandthi
sismybr ot
her
-i
n-l
aw.
.weareher
e
becauseofoursonLwandowhohaseat enfr
om
yourforbi
ddentree"
Dad:"namkhelekhi
leNkhosi,
I'
m MrSmit
handmy
wifeistheonewhoj ustdroppedt
hese.Wear
e
Evely
n'sparents"
Chi
ef:
"mnumzana,
onbehal
fofourson,
wewantt
o
makethi
ngsri
ghtbet
weenthetwofamil
ies"
Dad:
"andhow'
sthatsi
r,
ifImayask"
?
Chi
ef:
"wef
ir
stacknowl
edgeourson'
swr
ongdoi
ng
andwecametopaythedamages"
Dad:
"Isee"
Chi
ef:
"wi
thy
ourper
missi
onof
coz"
Dad:
"wel
lIcan'
thol
dthesi
nsoft
hechi
l
drenagai
nst
youNkhosi
"
Chi
ef:
"I
'm gr
atef
ulsi
r.
..Dal
i
hluzi
"?
Hi
m:"
eweNkosi
yam"
Hewentf orwardandputonthetabl
eanotherTwo
bott
lesofgin,
nowalongwithtwototgl
assesandhe
pouredforall
ofthem.
Ev
ecal
l
edhermom,
shehadt
oknowwhat
'sgoi
ngon

Mom:
"hel
l
o"?
Her
:"
mom,
howar
eyou"
Mom:"I
'
m goodbabygi
rl
,howar
eyou.Wher
ear
e
you"
?
Her
:"
I'
m att
hev
il
lages"
Mom:"oh,
thechi
efl
efty
oubehi
nd?Howar
ethey
t
reat
ingyou"?
Her:
"ver
ygoodmom...
theyar
ever
yki
ndpeopl
e.How
ar
ethingst
hatsi
de"
?
Mom:"Idon'
tknowmydear,I
'
m awomanIdon'
tget
i
nvol
vedinmenbusiness"
Her
:"
isdadatl
eastcal
m"?
Mom: "
from whatI'
m heari
ng,
thingsar
egoingwel
l
.
I
'm act
uall
ycookingforthem yourdadsai
dso"
Her
:"
oht
hankGod"
Mom:
"sowhenar
eweseei
ngl
i
ttl
eNat
han"
?
Her:
"Ithi
nkSundaybecauseassoonastheyr
etur
n
backthey'
ll
prepar
eforhisi
ntr
oduct
iont
ohis
ancestor
s"
Mom:"ooh,
thenmakeitSunday
.Youcannotr
etur
n
backt
oJo'burgwi
thoutcomingher
e"
Her
:"
Iknowmom.
.hav
eyouseenLwando"
?
Mom:
"No,
Ithi
nkhe'
slef
tint
hecar
"
Her
:"
oh"
Mom:
"keepwel
lnow,
Ihav
etogo"
Her
:"
bye"

-
theyhungup-

Theel
der
snegot
iat
edi
ntozabokeandmom cooked
anddishedupforever
yonet henthechiefanhis
peopl
eleftl
ateroni
ntheaf t
ernoon.Thej our
ney
backwasal ongonebutmadeshor tbecausethei
r
str
esslevel
shavedecreased.

Fri
dayIwokeupandwasr eall
yint hemoodt ogo
out,
thankGodmyr oom wasn' tinvadedwhenIwoke
up:Dbutaf terItookmybat hndi buyaandshewas
donemaki ngandf ixingmybed, openingwindows
anddust ing- _-I
'm notr eall
yusedt othi
slif
estyl
e,I
mean.Coul dn'tshewai tndiphumeke?Ideci dedthat
iwontar gueaboutt hisigreetedherwi thasmi l
e
andstar t
edsear chingf orclothestowearIwor e
ski
nnyj eansezi blue,highwaist.Tuckedindeni m
shi
rtandwor eat hinwhi tebeltwi t
hwhi t
eChucks
andof cozt hebagasozei shiyekemf ana.

Iwalkeddownst
air
sandwal
kedmyselfout
sidet
o
thepoolsi
de:
Dndiqhel
amsi
nyamntakamahqha
l
ey emai dayi
ngenincam cozuNandi
way engasondl
ulel
ithi
naekhaya,atleastifshe
did,
she'dwaitforustobegone.Ipl uggedi nmy
earphonesandr el
axedont hepoolchairs
Hecal
l
edme.
..

Me:
"bhut
'bae"
Hi
m:"
nana,
kut
hway
ou'
renoti
nyourr
oom"
Me:
"akushushubr
a"
Hi
m:"
oh,
okay
"

Hedroppedthecal
l
...Iknewhe'
scomingandi
na
matt
erofsecondshecameout .Ki
ssedmycheek
andsatnexttome

Hi
m:"
arey
ounoteat
ing"
?
Me:
"I
'm nothungr
y..
.awkav
asi
"
Hi
m:"
we'
regoi
ngsomewher
e"?
Me:
"no.Duhy
ou'
ret
aki
ngmeout
,r
emember
"?
Hi
m:"
soear
ly"
Me:
"not
akey
ourt
imesweet
y"
Hi
m:"
mmh.
..Ibr
oughty
ousomeone"
Me:
"someone"
?

Ilookedbytheentr
anceofthehouse,
hegotupand
retur
nedwit
hSoso: DIlaughedandsatup,
IknewI
wasupf orabii
ii
i
ghug!

Me:
"whot
ookmypl
acei
nyourhear
tthough"
?
Hi
m:"
yousti
l
l havetoask?DudeLandi
l
etakesupal
l
t
hespaceeveninthi
shouse"
:
vuh-
huh
Me:
"ooh,
soaphakuwrI'
m act
ual
l
ycompet
ingwi
th
myman?Mh,t
hat'
saf i
rst
"
Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ryke"
Me:
"you'
renot
"
Hi
m:"
Landi
l
emnt
akzakhawt
het
henoMr
s"
Laa:
"andi
ngeni
ndawo"
Him:
"mxm usourkanene.
..
bae,
umhl
eyaz.Ar
ewe
goi
ngshoppi
ng"?
Me:
"ar
ewe"
?
Hi
m:"
wel
lJayi
sst
il
lout
sidemasambe"
Me:
"t
hatwasqui
ck"
Hi
m:"
kal
okndi
yazcengezel
aapha"

Me:
"babeambov
asa"
Hi
m:"Uv
il
eSoso?Thatmeansy
ou'
rewai
ti
ngf
orme
whet
heryoul
i
keitornot
"
Soso:
"ndi
kut
hembi
l
ekeuzov
asaubusowena"

:
v:v

Ij
ustl
aughed,
thesear
etwi
nsremember?Theydon'
t
needasparewheelwhent
heyar
gu.
..
naah.
[
10/
8,20:
31]‪+27730692704‬:
#62

Baewentt
oshowerasIchi
l
ledwi
thSosoi
nthecar

Hi
m:"
soni
shar
p"
Me:
"yeah"

Wat hicwaka. .
.Ikindafeltuncomf or
tableaf t
erthat
butIdidn'twannaappearasnai vesoIkeptmy
i
ncomf ortabil
i
tytomy self.Baeappear edwear i
ng
bluedeni m shorts,
whiteroundneckshi r
tand
sneaker s.Oh,Sosowor ewhi tedenim shorts,
av est
andsneaker s..
.Boththeirbodiesthough: '
(there
wast oomuchheatmnt akadad.Assoonashegot
i
n,Jaydr ov eoutofthehouset otheV&AWat er
front
Wewentt oAuberginesRest aur
antinGar den: )t
o
eatsomerealgoodhear ty"whit
efolk"food.I twas
muchlight
ernow,regardingmyear l
ierconv ersat
ion
wit
hSosoandIwasr el
i
ev edcozIdon'treallyknow
what'
sgoingoninhi smind.Af t
erthatwewentf or
shoppi
ng,Sosoowedme, r
emember?:
pAssoonas
wegotout ,
Ij
ustf
eltgoosebumps:
oIl
ookedar
ound
nerv
ously

Bae:
"ut
henbabe"
?
Me:
"uhm.
..Idon'
tknow"
Hi
m:"
buty
oul
ookner
vous"
Me:
"If
eel
ner
vous"
Hi
m:"
okay
..
may
bei
tsj
ustt
hepl
ace"

Hehel dmyhandaswewal kedinsi

debutwhenwe
reachedthedoorandturnedndathintl
angeRam
DakotaneRam powerWagonezi mnyama-_-Ij
ust
knewwhyIhadcr eeps.Beastisinthehood

Icoll
ectedmysel
fandpretendedl
ikeIdidn'
tsee
them thoughmyconsci
oussaidtheysawme.We
walkedonandjokedaroundaswedi dtheshopping
:vsangenakwaSpitz
Me:
"hay
inguy
ssi
funant
onapha"
?
Bae:
"sot
hengel
awenaICar
vel
l
a"
Me:
"hel
lNO!DudeIhat
ethatshoe"

Iwal
kedbackout
..
.ni
qqa!
Ibumpont
oGudda

Hi
m:"
Lil
missSmi
th"
Me:
"Gudda"
Him:
"youlookst
art
led,
ohwai
t,
bigbr
odoesn'
tknow
you'
reher
e"?

Thetwi
nsfol
l
owedoutandst
oodonbot
h
si
des.
..
qui
zzi
cal
l
y

Hi
m:"
andy
ouhav
ebodygaur
ds"
Me:"st
artl
edIam.
..Inev
erknowj
ykanpr
aat
(youcan
speak)"
Soso:
"Tee"
?
Me:"
guys..
.t
hisi
sGudda.Mybrot
her
'sf
ri
end.Si
nce
youal
readyserv
edthem asmyguar
dsIbestbel
iev
e
t
hatsuit
sthem"
Hi
m:"
cockyIsee"
Me:
"dumbass"

It
urnedandwal
kedaway
..
.Thet
winsf
oll
owed.
Weconti
nuedwi
tht
heshoppi
ng,noonementi
oni
ng
t
heGuddasagaunt
ilwer
eachedJohnDory'
sasI
i
ndul
gedonmyprawns,
Sosojustbl
urt
edout
:

Hi
m:"
chomi,
ha.
athesuspensei
ski
l
li
ngme.What
wast
hatal
labout
"?
Me:
"what
"?
Hi
m:"
youandGaqa":
v
Bae:
"hemeansGudda"
Him:"nguGaqal
owanakhangeuzboneiimbande
zakhe?Hehbabe,
isheat hug?ImeanIknowyou
saidhe'sy
ourbr
o'sfr
iendbutdamn"!

Ij
ustlaughed.
..Hewasblabber
ingsooomuchone
wouldswearhe'sgayorsomething,
evenhi
shand
gest
ures:vwer esoooOTT!
!

Me:"
Andi
mazibraont
hugs.
.Actual
l
yisdon'
tev
en
knowhi
m,ndaqal
anomvaet
hethamna"
Hi
m:"okey-
dokey
.Impor
tantquest
ion:
doesy
our
br
otherknowyou'
reher
e"?
Me:
"pr
eci
sel
y"
Hi
m:"
that
'sar
eli
ef"

Wexont i
nued...Myphonerang:(Iwasn'
tsureifi
t
wasrightformet oansweritamidstt
hetwinsbutI
coul
dn'taffor
dsuspici
onnowsoIki ndacrossedmy
f
inger
s..
.

Me:
"excuseme"

.
..
andanswer
ed

Me:
"hel
l
o"
Hi
m:"
hi.Ur
ight
"?
Me:
"ndi
rightwena"
?
Hi
m:"
sho.
..
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"t
hanks"
Hi
m:"
yousoundt
ense"

Idi
dn'
tanswer
..
.

Hi
m:"
ndcel
aukubona,
fi
vemi
nut
es"
Me:
"er
hm.
.Ican'
t,
I
'm act
ual
l
yhav
ingl
unchr
ightnow
socanwet
akear
aincheck"
Hi
m:"
thi
scan'
twai
t"
Me:"
well
itki
ndahast
ocozIcan'
tj
ustdr
op
er
ryt
hangandcometoyou"
Hi
m:"
thenI
'
m comi
ngt
oyou"

Hehungup
Iuhm.
..Pani
cked.

Bae:
"babyur
ight
?What
'
sgoi
ngon"
?
Soso:
"i
sity
ourbr
other
"?
Me:
"yesandno"
Bae:
"whi
chi
swhi
chkengokbaby
"
Me:"
hisf
ri
endiscomi
ngher
e..
.andhe'
snotasni
ce
ashewil
lappeart
obe"
Soso:
"awbawel
iumkhawl
elachomi
"?
Bae:
"i
fawkhosaf
ebabysukuy
a"
WhenIwasaboutt oanswer..
.IsawRanger,
Gudda
andBeastwalki
ngexactlyi
nthatorder
.It
rust
ed
Beasti
nJo'burgwhycan'tIt
rusthi
m now?Hiseyes
werefi
xedonhi sphone

Bae:
"uhm.
..Soso,
Ithi
nkwe'
ret
ool
ate"
Soso:
"don'
ttel
lmengaba"
Me:
"chi
l
ltheydon'
tbi
te"

Theyr
eachedourt
abl
e

Beast
:"
mol
weni
maj
i
ta,
zi
yat
hini
"?
Bae:
"shot
a,gr
andkuwe"
?
Hi
m:"
moj
a,
ugr
andnawesani
"?
Soso:
"moj
amyt
a"
Hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
e"
Ifelti
cedownmyspi ne.
..Heknowsnottocal
lme
bythatnamef orobv
iousreasonsbuthe'
s
consistentSanaandakadani umfomkhul
unoba
ndingamphoxakangakanani

Me:
"TaBeast
"
Hi
m:"
youl
ookgood.
..Br
az,
cel
ani
ndi
bol
ekey
enaf
or
af
ewminut
es"
Soso:
"sur
eta"

Landi
lel
ookedatme...But
,hewasint
imi
dat
edbyt
he
l
ikesofRangerandGuddaofcoz.

Hi
m:"
uzobar
ight
"?
Me:
"yeah,
don'
twor
ry"

Heki
ssedmycheek.
..
Igotupandfol
lowedBeast
whowaswalki
ngri
ghti
nfrontofme.Il
ookedback
andr
eali
zedt
hatGuddaandRangerhavest
ayed
behi
nd.

Weenter
edhiscar
,wi
ndowst
int
edpi
tchbl
ack.
.ki
nda
war
m butscar
y.

Me:
"whyt
hough"
?
Hi
m:"
yiawt
iyakhol
eya"
?
Me:
"what
'si
twi
thy
ou"
?
Him:"
itsj
ustaquest
ionofcur
iosi
tyi
tsgotnunwi
'
me
sweethear
t"

Idi
dn'
tanswer
..
.
Hi
sphoner
ang.
.

Hi
m:"
Chuma"
?
Her
:"
hey
,ushar
p"?
Hi
m:"
you'
reki
ddi
ng"
Her
:"
umnt
anauy
agul
apl
zcomequi
ckl
y"
Hi
m:"i
fumntanaebegul
aforrealyouwoul
dn'
thav
e
st
art
edngondbuzaimpi
lo.Sayyourshi
torf
uckoff
"
Her
:"
you'
reanasshol
eyouknowt
hat
"
Hi
m:"
ain'
tgott
imef
ory
ourshi
t"

Hehungup

Me:
"whyam Iher
e"?
Hi
m:"
youwannaknow?Ar
eyousur
e"?
Me:
"duuh"
!

Hecamecl
osertomyf ace,
eyesfi
xedonmine,
he
hel
dmychi
n..
.Idroppedmyey esandhedr
ift
edand
whi
sper
edt
omyear

Hi
m:"
Iwon'
tsi
tar
oundf
ort
ool
ong"
Thenhemov
edbackandchi
l
led:
/

Me:
"Ineedt
ogo"
Hi
m:"
sur
e,l
emmet
akey
ouback"

Heopenedt hedoor s,Iwalkedbr i

sklyi
nf r
ontofhi m..
.
Mymi ndwasr idingar oll
ercoast eronhighspeed.
Howcoul dIl ethim dot hat?Hesawmyv ulnerabil
i
ty
andt ookadv antageofi t,
nowheknowsmyweakest
l
ink..
.li
keIf eltguilty,
justforl et
tinghimt ouchmy
chinlikethat...
seduct i
vely.Wer eachedOobaeandI
j
ustsmi l
ed,inpr etensecozkengqondoy am bisel
e
i
kulaf ai
rytalebedy am ndi yibolekwekwaTi tusjust
forthisweekend.

Bae:
"It
hinkweshoul
dgetgoi
ng"
Beast
:"
Inev
eri
ntr
oducedmy
sel
f.
..
myapol
ogi
es"
Bae:
"oh,
I
'm Landi
l
eandt
hisi
sLwandi
so"
Hi
m:"
y'
al
lar
eident
ical
twi
nsIsee"
Bae:
"youcoul
dsayt
hat
"
Hi
m:"
I'
m Beast
,t
hisi
sRangerandt
hatoneov
ert
her
e
i
sGudda"
Bae:
"ni
cet
omeety
'al
l
"
Hi
m:"
MissSmi
th.
..I
'
llt
ell
Pol
oIsawy
ou"
Me:
"I
'm sur
ehe'
l
lcal
lme"
Hi
m:"
youknowhi
m bet
ter
..
.t
hanksj
i
taz"
Bae:
"shomyt
a"

Weusedanotherexi
tpointandwewenttothecar
..
.
Thedri
vehomewasasi l
entone.Iwasf
ar
away,
SosolookedshakenandBaewasjustbl
ank.
Lol

Me:
"baby
"?
Hi
m:"
nana"
Me:
"canwegoj
oggi
ng,
l
ateron"
Hi
m:"
erh.
..Sur
ebutwehav
eagy
m att
hebasement
"
Me:
"nope,
j
ognotgy
m"
Hi
m:"
okay
,buty
ouneedt
orestnow"
Me:
"yesdad"

Hechuckl
edandki ssedmyl
i
ps.
..Il
aughedand
ki
ssedhim back.
[
10/
8,20:
32]‪+27730692704‬:
#63

Wereachedthehouse,
Sosojustwalkedi
nwithout
say
ingword.Iwalkedhand-i
n-handnobaeaswe
wal
kedupstair
stomyr oom.Wesatont hebed,not
say
ingawordf orafewseconds.

Me:
"baby
"?
Hi
m:"
mh"
Me:"
I'
m sor
ryabout
..
.whathappenedwi
tht
he
uhm,ot
herguys"
Hi
m:"
don'
twor
ryabouti
t.Don'
tyouwannal
i
edown"
?
Me:
"onl
yify
oul
i
edownwi
thme"
Hi
m:"
awsat
efi
"
Me:
"youbl
ameme"
?

Heremov edhisshoesandhelpedmewi t
hmi ne..
my
phonerangatfir
stIthoughti
tmustbeMar cor
BeastsoIkindaignoredi
tunti
lhehandeditoverto
me

Me:
"Vi
nce,
hi
"
Hi
m:"
hey
,howar
eyou"
Me:
"Idon'
twannabr
agmyf
ri
end,
howar
eyou"
Hi
m:"
I'
m pr
ett
ygood"

Iremovedmyshi
rtwhi
l
etal
ki
ngont
hephoneand
gotinbedwi
thbae

Me:
"how'
stheEast
erser
vices"
?
Him:"
greathey,
sowi
shy
ouwer
eher
ethough.Fi
rst
handexperi
ence"
Me:"
ohman, sor
ry.ButI
'
llatt
endever
yot
her
ser
vice,
thi
sonejustwasn'tmine"
Hi
m:"
canIbenosyf
orabi
t"
?
Me:
"sur
ewhat
'
sup"
?
Him:
"whatwassoooimport
antinthatt
ri
pthatyou
coul
dn'
tevenpost
poneforatl
eastnextweek?"

Ismi
ledknowingl
y.
..Ubaewasfeddupevah?He
waskissi
ngmyneckupslowlyandthedesti
nat
ion
wastheli
ps.
.:v

Me:
"yousur
eyouwantmet
oanswert
hat
"?
Hi
m:"
duh"
Me:
"Imi
ssedmyman"
Cwaka
.
.
Me:
"hel
l
o"?
Hi
m:"
yeah,
uhm,
you'
dnev
erment
ionedhi
m"
Me:"di
dn'
tseewhyIshoul
dandbesi
des,
younev
er
asked"

Baewasver
yclosetowher
ehewasgoing,
l
ikehe
wasafewmill
i
met er
sawayfr
om bi
ti
ngmybottom
l
ip

Hi
m:"
ohkay
..
.Letmer
un"
Me:
"t
hanksf
ort
hecal
lneh"
Hi
m:"
Ihopet
oseey
ouf
ir
stwheny
ou'
reback"
Me:
"done"
Hi
m:"
enj
oykef
ri
end"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou,
yout
oohey
"

Byt
het
imeIhungup,
hewasal
readyni
bbl
i
ngont
he
cor
nerofmyl
i
p,Iwasgi
ggl
i
ngl
i
keat
eenagermadl
y
i
nlove

Me:
"baby
"
Hi
m:"
hm.
mhh"
Me:
"I
makal
ok"
Hi
m:"
sssshhh"

Lolhayndancama,Iwental ongandkissedhim back.

Weexploredeversosl owly,
enjoyi
ngeachotheruntil
hi
sphoner ang.
..Heignor edit
.Butyoudoknowt hat
i
rri
tat
ingri
ngtonethaty oucan'tr
eall
yignor
e?Yeahi t
wassomet hi
nglikethat..
.Ipushedhim upand
l
ookedathim

Me:
"pl
ztakei
t"
Hi
m:"
no,
thi
sisourt
ime"
Me:
"yangxol
aleway
"
Heki ssedme,
shutt
ingmeupIsee:vbutt
his
damnedphonekeptonr i
ngi
ng.
..Thi
sti
mehishand
reachedoutwhil
ewekissed

Hi
m:"
mmh"
?
Fai
th:
"i
sthathowy
ouanswery
ourphonenow"

Heabr
uptl
ystoppedri
ghtonhi
str
acksandgotof
mewachophanexttome

Hi
m:"
mom,
hi
.Howar
eyou"
?
Her
:"
I'
m gr
eat
,howar
eyou?How'
sTr
ina"
?
Hi
m:"
we'
regr
eatt
hanks,
i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
"
Her
:"
yeah.
..Kamv
asay
sshemi
ssesy
ou"

Hetur
nedandlookedatme..
.Iwasn'
tpayi
ngmuch
at
tent
iont
hough.Iwasbusychat
ti
ngwithLuke:
v
Her
:"
shoul
dIgi
vehert
hephone"
?
Hi
m:"
uhm.
..Notnowmom.I
'
m ki
ndabusyr
ightnow"
Kay
:"t
ata"
?
Hi
m:"
heybaby
,howar
eyou"

Il
i
ftedupmyey
eso.
Odi
dIhear"
baby
"?

Her
:"
tat
abuy
a"?
Him:
"t
atauzobuy
anguJunebaby
,youmi
ssdaddy
now"
?
Her
:"
yes"
Hi
m:"
daddywi
l
lbr
ingy
oual
otofpr
esent
sev
ha"

Ooh..Kut
het
hwanoKamv a:/well
Ican'
treal
l
y
competewit
hhernowcanI?ButIwaskindaglad
thati
twasher,
nothermot
her!
!!
Her
:"
okay
"
Hi
m:"
nikaumamaIphonemnt
anam"
Her
:"
byeby
e"
Hi
m:"
byeby
elov
e"
Fai
th:
"hey
,sher
eal
l
ymi
ssesy
ou"

Hegotupandwal
kedt
othewi
ndow

Him:"
youknowyou'r
ereall
ypushi
ngi
tnowmom, I
tol
dyouI'
m busyri
ghtnowbutwhatdoyoudo?You
giv
eherthephonenonethel
ess"
Her
:"
wat
chy
ourt
oneLandi
l
e"
Hi
m:"
mom"
Her:
"okayI
'
m sor
rybaby
, butyouhav
en'
treal
l
ybeen
gi
vi
ngheranyatt
enti
onlatel
y"
Hi
m:"
that
'scozI
'
mfi
xi
ngt
hingswi
thTr
ina"
Her
:"
soy
ouchi
l
dhast
osuf
fer
"?
Hi
m:"
that
'sabi
ttooov
err
atedcozwebot
hknow
she'
snotbyonebi
tsuf
fer
ing"
Her
:"howcanshenot
,whenherdadi
snegl
ect
ing
her
"?
Hi
m:"
youknowwhat
?Nev
ermi
ndmom"

Hehungup.
Wentt
othebat
hroom.
Iwasjustbusywi
thmyf
ami
l
yonourWhat
sApp
group
:
v

Luu:
"SoEv
ely
n,howar
ethef
armst
reat
ingy
ou"
?
Her
:"
they
'r
enotf
armsy
oui
diot
,t
hey
'r
evi
l
lages"
Mar
c:"
what
'
sthedi
ff
erencet
hough"
Her
:"
erh.
..Idon'
tknow.AskTee"
Me:":
vwhyaskmewhenIhav
en'
tev
enseennor
beenwher
eyouar
e"
Her
:"
mxm y
ouguy
sar
ethewor
stf
ami
l
yev
er.
..
How'
sLi
zzy
"?
Mar
c:"
she'
sgood"
Luu:
"Mar
c,hast
eev
isi
tedy
ouy
et"
?
Hi
m:"
yeahbutIwasbusy
"
Ev
e:"
whenar
eyouev
ert
oobusyf
ory
ourLi
lsi
s"?

Baeret
urnedandhesawIwasbusyont hephonehe
j
ustsatther
efaci
ngtheotherway.
..Iwasn'
teven
awareofhispr
esence.TheFAM gotmehookedup
^_
^

Marc:
"t
her
ewassomemi
sunder
standi
ng
somewher
e"
Me:
"Ibet
"
Eve:"
sheneverl
ikedusanywayIwoul
dn'tbe
surpr
isedshe'
sthecauseofthatmi
sunderst
andi
ng"
Luu:
"hahacanIl
aughoutl
oud"
?
Mar
c:"
shutupLuu"
Ist
oleal
ookatbae.
..

Me:
"guy
s,chatl
ater
"
Mar
c:"
waart
oegaanj
y"?(
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
o)
Me:
"ekIbesi
gboet
"(I
'
m busybr
other
)

ThenIlockedthephoneandcr awledtowherebae
was.
..Thebedwaski ngsized:oIkneeledbehi
nd
hi
m andgav ehim asqueeze.Kissedhi
mf r
om
behi
ndt heearandnibbl
edonhi searl
obe

Me:
"mmmhuqumbel
eni
"?
Hi
m:"
I'
m okaybabe"

Igotof
fthebedandst
oodbetweenhi
slegs,
my
armsaroundhi
sneckhel
ookedupsmili
ng
Him:"babyI
'
mfi
ne.
..But
,youont
heot
herhandl
ook
sexy
"
Me:
"Il
ooksexy
?Udl
alangam"
Hi
shandscaughtmybehi
nd.
..
Irel
easedaaLi
ll
augh
Hi
m:"
bae,
you'
regonnamakemehi
ghst
opt
easi
ng"
Me:
"am It
hati
ntoxi
cat
ing"
?
Hi
m:"
you'
reki
ddi
ng.
.comeher
e"

Weki ssed...Hefellonhisbackanweconti
nued
doingourt hing,
roll
i
ngov ert
hatmassi
vefai
ryt
ale
bed,f
oolingar ound,
giggl
ingandtr
uthi
s,
Iwashappy.
Idi
dn'tev enmi ssJozi:v
[
10/
8,20:
32]‪+27730692704‬:
#64

Wejustl
ayther
enextt
oeachot
her
,enj
oyi
ngeach
ot
herscompany.

Me:
"Iseey
ou'
ref
ondofy
ourki
d"
Hi
m:"
she'
sjust
..
.Toocut
e"
Me:
"mmh"

Ij
ustl aymyheadi nhischest.Li
steni
ngtohis
heartbeatalonebroughtasoot hi
ngsoundtomy
earsandhear t
,Ij
ustwantedt osl
it
herawayinto
Disneylandandnev ercomebackt opr
ovethat
,Iwas
dri
fti
ngof fslowlytothongoland

Hi
m:"
baby
"?
Me:
"mmh"
Hi
m:"
ulel
enah"
?

Idi
dn'
trespond.Ij
ustfocusedt
othi
sfant
asywor
ldI
wasseeingthr
oughclosedeyes.
Wemusthav esl
eptof
ftogethercozwhenIwas
wokenupyiphonevi
brat
inghewasf astasleep.
.I
r
eali
zedi
tsnotminebuthissoIreachedov erand
l
ookedatt
hescreenseei
ngaf amili
arnameI
deci
dedt
opi
ckt
hecal
li
nst
eadofwaki
nghi
m up

Me:
"Landi
l
e'sphonehel
l
o"?
Her
:"
hi,
mayIspeakt
omyson"
Me:
"he'
snotav
ail
abl
eatt
hemomentbuty
oucan
l
eav
eamessage"
Her
:"
oh.
.Tr
ina?I
sthaty
ou"
?
Me:
"er
hm.
..
yeah"
Her
:"
ohwow,
howAREy
ou?I
tsbeenal
ongt
ime"

Iwasli
ke:/i
sthi
swomanforreal
?Shebeasking
howIam aft
erevel
ewaqal
angondibuzauny
ana
wakhe?Whodoesthat
?

Me:
"I
'm okayt
hanks"
Her:
"whydoyousounddown?Ar
eyousur
eyou'
re
okaysweet
y"?
Me:
"I
'm okay
,Iwasj
ustasl
eep"
Her
:"
oohokay
,how'
sschool
though"
Me:
"good"
Her
:"
youl
i
vingi
nschool
resi
dence"
?
Me:
"no,
Il
iv
ewi
thmyf
ami
l
y"
Her
:"
justl
i
keLel
e.Sohow'
syourr
elat
ionshi
pdoi
ng"
?
Me:
"myr
elat
ionshi
pisf
inet
hanks"
Her:
"you'
resur
eImean,
wit
hthel
ongdi
stanceand
al
l"
Me:
"er
h..
."
Her:
"IhopeI'
m notpry
ingmyl
ove,
justt
hatwith
Kamv aint
hepictur
enowpermanentl
yitcanbever
y
di
ff
icult
"
Me:
"Idon'
tgety
out
hough"
Her
:"whatI'
m sayi
ngis,
youcan'treal
l
ycompet ewi
th
achil
dintheli
feofhi
sfatherasthefatherwon'
t
hav
emucht i
meforyou"
Me:"
withal
lduer
espectFai
thy
ousoundpat
het
ic
r
ightnow"
Her:
"Ido?OhI'
m sorrysweetheart
.Ij
ustwoul
dn'
t
l
ikeli
tt
leKamvatogrowapartwi t
hherdaddyaf
ter
solongImean,
they'
restar
ti
ngt obuil
dthei
r
rel
ati
onshi
pri
ghtnow"
Me:"
foraneducat
edhi
gh-cl
asswomanofyour
cal
i
beryoudosoundsurethatshe'
shi
schi
l
d..
.I
wonder"
Her
:"who'
schi
l
dwillshebeifnothi
s?Ovayowould
nev
erli
etousnorherchi
ldaboutherpat
erni
ty"
Me:"welly
ouarethewelll
earnedone,
I'
m st
il
l
hustl
ingsoIwouldn'
tknow..
.And,I
'
llmakesureLar
a
cal
lsy ouwhenhewakesup"
Her
:"
youmeanhe'
sasl
eep?Ubungenomv
usa"
?
Me:
"nope,
he'
stoot
ir
ed.By
e"

Ihungup.
Gotof ft
hebedandwentdownt hestai
rcaset
ot he
kit
chen.Ipouredmysel
faglassful
lofult
ramel
custardandtookthr
eecooki
esthenIwenttositat
theloungewatchi
ngcart
oons
Sosowal
kedi
nandsatdown

Me:
"youl
ookpal
e"
Hi
m:"
ntwanamei
sscar
edofy
ourbr
other
'sf
ri
ends"
Me:
"t
heywon'
thar
my'
al
l,
chi
l
l"
Hi
m:"
uphi
utwi
n"?
Me:
"nappi
ng"
Hi
m:"mmkay
"

Isawhim watchi
ngmeeat .
..Ipr
etendedasi
f
andi
mboni andcont
inuedeati
ngndmanendihlekai
i
cart
oonsezi

Hi
m:"
Tee"
?
Me:
"huh"
?
Hi
m:"
youokay
"?
:
/
Me:
"yeahwhy
"?
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tknow.
..
youl
ookki
ndauhm.
..Di
str
act
ed"

Isi
ghed.
..

Me:
"yourmom cal
l
ed"
Hi
m:"
Ibetshe'
shappyy
'al
lar
ebackati
t"
Me:
"Idoubt
,shewentonandonaboutKamv
a"
Hi
m:"
oh,
adv
ice"
?
Me:
"sho"
Him:
"don'
tl
ethergett
oy ou,
she'
smani
pul
ati
veI
knowbutstandy
ourground"
Me:
"Idon'
treal
l
yhav
egr
oundt
ost
andonr
ightnow"
Hi
m:"
youhav
eLar
a"
Me:
"noIdon'
t,
Kamv
ahasLar
a"
Hi
m:"
don'
tsayt
haty
ou,
knowhel
ovesy
ou"
Ikeptmymouthshut.Imi
ssedmom. .
.It
ookmy
phoneanddial
edhernumber,
hal
fwaythr
ough.
..
my
brot
hercal
l
ed

Me:
"ni
qqa"
Hi
m:"
yow,
sup"
?
Me:
"not
hing,
wit
chu"
?
Hi
m:"Ineedy
ouraddressI'
m sendi
ngacart
ocome
f
etchyouwe'
rehavi
ngl at
elunch"
Me:
"er
hm.
..
."
Hi
m:"
plz"
Me:"
youdon'
thavet
osendmeacar
,j
ustnamet
he
pl
aceI'
l
lbether
e"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
twanty
out
otakepubl
i
ctr
anspor
t"
Me:
"okayI
'
llasksomeonet
odr
ivemet
hen"
Hi
m:"
okaycoo,
l
ett
hem dr
ivey
out
omypl
ace"
Me:
"ay
t..
.whaohwai
t,
howl
ongdoIhav
e?Imean,
I
st
il
lhav
etof
reshenupandal
l
"
Hi
m:"
onehour
"
Me:
"ok,
Ihopey
ourpr
eggi
esLi
zar
dai
n'
tther
e"
Hi
m: "
mywha-whoah!Di
dyouj
ustcal
lLi
zzyal
i
zar
d?
Tr
ina"!
!!
Me:
"Idi
d?Noman,
i
tmusthav
ebeenasl
i
poft
he
t
ongue"
Hi
m:"
eksal
joudonnermei
sieki
nd"
Me:
"youst
il
lwantmet
ocomeov
er,
ri
ght
"?
Hi
m:"
you'
reget
ti
ngt
oobi
gfory
ourownboot
snow"
Me:
"Iknowey
,bl
amev
arsi
ty"
Hi
m:"
mxm,
onehour
"
Me:
"cool
"

Wehungup.
..

Me:"br
a,cel
aundcel
eleKuJayIneedt
ogot
omy
br
o's"
Him:
"asiny
ourbr
o?Lounezaf
ri
endszi
shady
chomi"
?
Me:
"t
hat
'st
heone,
wannadr
ivewi
thme"
?
Hi
m:"
uhm.
..
"
Me:"
ohcummon,
theydon'
tbi
te.They
'r
ejust
pr
otect
ive"
Him:
"t
heotherone,
looksl
i
keagangleaderor
somethi
ng.Lowanawhoaskedf
oryou"
Me:
"oh,
hedoes"
?
Hi
m:"
duh!Hehassomeki
ndofsensef
oraut
hor
it
y"
Me:"
yourimaginat
ionisonanot
herl
evel
.But
,Idon'
t
bl
amey ou,
theyint
imidat
emeaswell"
Hi
m:"
yho"
Me:
"l
emmegoshower
,I
'
llbeback"
Hi
m:"
kay
"

Iusedt heel
evatort
hist
ime,
I'
m nother
etol
oose
wait.Thesestai
rsweresur
elyki
ll
i
ngsomekil
os
sonny
.Thi
smanwasst
il
lasl
eep:
o

Ishowered,changedintodenim short
s,hightopblue
NikesneakersthatSosohadboughtf ormekul a
shoppi
ngt henIwor ewhitebodyt i
ghtcroppedtop
witht
hatdeni m shi
rtIhadwornear l
ier.Itookmy
bagandki ssedhissli
ghtl
yajarli
psandwentback
downstair
s

Me:
"sambe"
Hi
m:"
youl
ook.
.Hot
!Imean.
.Si
zzl
i
nghot
"
Me:
"t
hanky
oubuddy
"

Hewalkedbehi
ndmeaswewentt othefrontgat
e
wherej
aywaswaitingf
oruswi
thasmi l
easusual.I
gavehi
mt headdr
essandhedef
ini
tel
ytookme
ther
e

Me:
"wannaseemybr
other
"?
Soso:
"wel
l
..okayy
eah"
Me:
"wai
tri
ghther
e"

Igotoutandwal
kedtothehouse,
hemetmebyt he
doorsmil
ing,
wehuggedandhekissedmycheek

Me:
"yousmel
lgooddamn"
!
Him:"
ohfi
nal
ly!Thanky
ousweet
y,
thesehat
ershav
e
beenhat
ing"
Me:
"Ihav
esomeonewhowannaseey
ou"
Hi
m:"
doIknowhi
m"?
Me:
"nobutwekindabumpedontoyourf
ri
endsand
t
heylef
tanotsogoodimpressi
on"
Hi
m:"
oh,
l
et'
sgo"

Wewalkedt
othecar
,Sosocameout
,t
heyshook
hands.
Me:
"t
hisi
sLwandi
soTi
tus,
andt
hisi
sMar
cusSmi
th"
Mar
c:"
hist
heot
hert
win"
?
Soso:
"yes,
youmustbet
hebi
gbr
o"?
Marc:
"ver
ywel
l
.I'
m sor
ryi
fmymat
escr
ampedy
our
st
yleabit
"
Soso:"
don'
twor
ryabouti
t,
it
sgoodt
omeety
ou
though"
Mar
c:"
sameher
e"
Soso:
"nt
wana,
l
aterneh"
Me:
"shot
"

Wehuggedandhelef
twi
thJay
.Mar
cust
ookmy
handandwewalkedt
ohi
scar.
..

Me:
"wher
ewegoi
ng"
?
Hi
m:"
somewher
efancy
"
Me:
"Idon'
tfeel
li
kef
ancy
,takemet
oaShi
saNy
ama"
Hi
m:"
wear
ingl
i
ket
his?Theseni
qqazar
egonnat
hink
ot
her
wise"
Me:
"I
'v
eseenwor
sedr
esseswoman"
Him:
"you'
renotbadbaby,
j
ustt
hat
..
.Okaynev
ermi
nd.
You'
reoldenough.Let
'
sgo"
Me:
"wooht
hanky
ou"

HechuckledandwedrovetoMzol
i
splace.
..
mnfana!
Theplacewasnotj
ustful
l!I
twasj
ampacked!I
par
king?Yho.

Hemadeaqui ckcal
l
,abounce-
looki
nglikeniqqa
camet oourcarandwegotoutandf ol
lowedhi m
i
nside.Hetookmet oatabl
eandor der
edj ui
ce,t
hen
hewenttobraai t
hemeatbutcamebacksooner

Me:
"you'
ref
ini
shed"
?
Hi
m:"
no,
I
'mj
ustchecki
ngupony
ou"
Me:
"ohI
'
mfi
ne"
Hi
m:"
okay
,l
emmegocheckoni
t"
Me:
"ay
t"

Thist
imearoundhelef
t,
Itookoutmyphone,updat
ed
astat
us.Theminut
eIlif
tedmyey esup,
Beastwas
ri
ghti
nfrontofme.
..
gri
nning!

Me:
"hel
lno"
!
Hi
m:"
hel
l
otoy
out
oo,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"uf
unani
tabeast
"?
Hi
m:"
Ijustwannawat
chy
ou,
that
'sal
l
"
Me:
"t
henwatchmeatadist
ancecozIdon'
tthi
nk
Mar
cuswil
lappr
eci
atet
his"
Hi
m:"
Iknowhewon'
t"
Me:
"buty
ou'
rest
il
lher
e"
Hi
m:"hewon'tbebackunti
l
..
.(
helookedathi
swatch)
wel
lunti
laf
tertenminut
eswhichgivesmeenough
t
ime"
Me:
"yho!Youj
ustdon'
tgi
veupdoy
ou"
?
Him:"
thatwor
dain'
tgotspacei
nmyvocabul
ary
,so
babeIneedtoaskyousomethi
ng"
Me:
"I
'm noty
ourbabe"
Him:
"Iknow,
justpr
etendIdi
dn'
tcal
lyouthat
.
I
ntel
lect
ual
it
ymyl ove.AsIwassay
ing,
Iwannaask
yousomethi
ng"
Me:
"goahead"
Him:"i
sitMarct
hat'
smakingyouuncomfort
abl
e
aroundmewheny ou'
rehereory
ou'r
ejust
undecided"
?

Uhm.
..Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatone.

Me:
"ndi
lost
"
Him:"i
nJozi,
wewerefi
nefort
hosefewminuteswe
spenttoget
herbutnowher
eyou'
reall
cageyand
resi
stant
"
Me:
"Iwasi
nabadspacet
hen,
I
'm sor
ryi
fIl
edy
ou
on"
Hi
m:"
don'
tapol
ogi
ze.Il
ovey
ounonet
hel
ess"
Me:
"youdon'
tlov
eme..
.you'
rej
usti
nlov
ewi
tht
he
f
actt
hatI'
m unavai
l
abl
e"
Hi
m:"
that
'snott
rue"
Me:
"webot
hknowi
tis"
Him:
"Idon'
twannaar
guebutIpr
omi sey
ou,
youwi
l
l
knowthatIr
eal
lymeanwhatI
'm say
ingtoy
ou"
Me:"pl
zdropi
tI'
m happyr
ightwher
eIam,wit
hwhoI
am andIdon'
twannaspoi
l t
hatpl
zI'
m beggi
ngy
ou"
Him:"
I'
m notgonnai
nter
fer
einy
ourrel
ati
onship,
I
knowy ourman'
soldman.MrTi
tus.
..
Iwouldn'
tdo
anyt
hingstupi
d"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"
Hi
m:"
butasIsai
d.Iwon'
tst
oppur
sui
ngy
ou"

Iwasaboutt
oprot
estwhenhej
ustsmi
l
edand
wal
kedawayint
othecrowd.
Mar
c:"
youl
ookl
i
key
ou'
veseenaghost
"

Isnappedoutofi
t.

Me:
"noI
'
m cool
"

Heputthemeatrighti
nfr
ontofusandi
ndul
ged.
..
Beastuyand'
hl
ukumezashame.
[
10/
8,20:
34]‪+27730692704‬:
#65

Weat et
hemeatmaki ngsmallconver
sati
onhere
andther
e..
.Vincesentansms:"I
'veevenst
opped
missi
ngyou,y'
know"Ismil
edatmyphone. .
.Lol
when
Il
if
tedmyey esMarcwasgazingatme: v

Hi
m:"
itmustbeaman"
Me:
"wel
lhe'
snotmyman"
Hi
m:"
buti
tsamanany
way
..
.whoi
she"
?
Me:
"af
ri
endofmi
nef
rom school
"
Him:
"afri
end?Goty
ousmi
l
ingt
hatwayhemustbea
goodfr
iend"

Ij
ustsmil
ed.
..haubengzothini?Weateupandl eft
af
teranhourorso.AsIent eredhiscarIsawGudda
st
andingbytheircar
swithtwogi rl
s-_-Ipr
etended
asifandi
mbonangaaswedr oveout.

Me:
"noty
ourhouse"
Hi
m:"
beach"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"

Hedr oveabitfast
er.
..
wer eachedthebeachand
remov edourshoesaswepr epar
edtowal konthe
sand,Iremovedtheshir
tleavingt
hecr oppedtopno
shortqha.Helockedthecarandwer acedeach
othertothebeachIreachedt hewaterfi
rst:
v:v
Me:
"ni
qqay
ouneedt
ohi
tthegy
m,y
ou'
resounf
it
"
Hi
m:"
ain'
tgott
het
imet
houghIwoul
dlov
eto"
Me:
"so.
..
how'
sli
fe"
?

West
rol
l
edont
heshor
es.
..

Him:"Idon'
tknowhey
..
.IguessIj
ustl
i
veeachday
asitcomes"
Me:
"pr
egnancy
"?
Hi
m:"
ahdon'
tgot
her
e"
Me:
"t
oohect
ic"
?
Him:"
hect
ic?That
'
sanunder
stat
ement
.She'
s
const
antl
ymoody"
Me:
"It
hinkt
hat
'shernat
ural
element
"

Hehi
tmepl
ayf
ull
y,
Iduckedout
Me:
"ser
iousl
y,f
ir
stt
imeIsawher
.Mh"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tl
ikewhat
'
shappeni
ngbet
weeny
ouguy
s"
Me:
"t
alkt
oher
"
Him:"
I'
mtal
kingtoyou.Meetherhal
fway,
eveni
fshe
doesn'
tdoherpartj
ustpl
ayyoursandnotbeat
faul
t"
Me:
"butboet
"
Hi
m:"
Tri
na"
Me:
"yessi
r"
Hi
m: "
I'
m pl
eadi
ngwithyoucozIknowEvei
sas
di
ff
icul
tastheycome.I
'
m actual
lyhopi
ngt
hatpl
ace
wi
llchangeher
"
Me:
"Idon'
twannabetoni
t"
Hi
m:"
Iknow.
..ButI
'
mjusthopi
ng"
Wewalkedt
osomer
ocksandsatont
hem wat
chi
ng
t
hesea..
.

Hi
m:"
youknowIl
oveLi
z"
Il
ookedathi
m..
.hewasn'
tevenfaci
ngme.Hi
seyes
weregazi
ngacr
osstheseawaters,
may
behopi
ngto
fi
ndsomesenseint
ohisli
fe.

Me:
"doesshel
ovey
ou"
?
Hi
m:"
she'
sst
il
lst
icki
ngar
ound"
Me:
"t
hat
'snotananswer
"
Hi
m:"
youwoul
dn'
tunder
stand'
'
Me:
"cozI
'
m st
il
lyoungIguess"
Him:"
Imean..
.Thi
sthingofoursstart
edawhi
le
back,
sheneededhel
pwi t
hvarsi
tyfeessoweki
nda
hookedup.Idi
dn'
tknowI'dfal
lforher"
Me:
"wedon'
tpl
ant
ofal
lforpeopl
e"

Savelasathul
a..
.Welookedi
ntot
hedept
hofthese
peacefulwater
s.Ther
eseemedtobesomesolacei
n
ther
e.Het ookouthi
sphoneandwetookal
otof
self
iesandall
Me:
"youowemeanewphoney
ouknowt
hatr
ight
"?
Hi
m:"
yeah.
..Justpassy
ourf
ir
sty
eart
henwe'
l
ltal
k"
Me:
"butt
hatwasn'
tpar
toft
heDeal
"?
Hi
m:"
Imaket
her
ulessi
nceIbr
ingt
hemoney
"
:
/

Ideci
dedtonotargue.Weleftt
hebeachandwal
ked
backtothecar
..
.Wedr ov
et ohi
splace.Mot
ozoo
beastwereout
side-_-

Hi
m:"
shi
t!If
orgot
"
Me:
"what
"?
Him:"
wehadameet
ingwi
tht
heguy
s..
.i
tsaf
teran
hournow"
Me:
"oh.Sor
ry"
Hi
m:"
noi
tsnoty
ourf
aul
t.Come"
Me:
"Idon'
twannai
ntr
udeboet
"
Hi
m:"
don'
tst
art
"

Igav eupandf oll

owedhim outofthecar .
..
mind
you,bothourlegsarefi
ll
edwi thsandwewal kedone
aftertheotherandtheloungewasf ull
.Immediat el
yI
l
ookedf oraseatandmyey esshotr ightatBeast ..
.I
quicklytur
nedawayandwal kedbackt ot hekit
chen.
Mar cgreetedthem andwentt ocheckonhi sLizard..
.
Idrankagl assofwater.WhenIt urned,Beastwas
l
eani ngbytheent r
anceIgotaf r
ightalmost
droppingtheglass

Hi
m:"
sor
ry"
Me:
"whyy
ousneaki
nguponme"
?
Hi
m:"
Iwasgoi
ngoutact
ual
l
y,qhakendabonawena"
Me:"
you'
rereal
lycr
eepingmet aBeast,
plzstopthi
s
t
hingoyenzayoorImighthav
et otel
lmybr other
"
Hi
m:"
noneed"
Hewal kedout,j
ustafewmi nutesRangerfoll
owed
theIwat chedthei
rcarleave.Iwenttowai ti
nt he
car.
..Iwasget t
ingboredoft hisshi
tngok.AsIsat
i
nsidethecar ,
Icall
edVincesi nceInevereventexted
aft
erIreceivedhismessage. ..

Hi
m:"
fi
nal
l
y"
Me:
"I
'm sor
rybr
a,Iwaski
ndabusy
"
Hi
m:"
toobusyIsee"
Me:
"howar
eyou"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
m good,
j
ustcamef
rom chur
ch.You"
?
Me:
"I
'm good.Iact
ual
l
ymi
ssJo'
bur
gyouknow"
Hi
m:"
whowoul
dn'
t?I
tsunder
standabl
e"
Me:
"hopey
ou'
rebehav
ingy
our
sel
fther
e"?

Il
aughed

Me:
"yeahman,
ai
n'
tgott
imet
omi
sbehav
e.
Especi
all
ywi
thmybr
other
'sbaywat
ch"
Hi
m:"
bigbr
other
s!Butweneedt
hem att
imes"
Me:"
tell
meabouti
t.Tel
lme,
uzandbekel
ant
oni
when
Ir
eturn"
?
Hi
m:"
whenar
eyour
etur
ning"
?
Me:
"Monday
"
Him:"
well
..
.Idon'
tknow.Ican'
treal
l
ycookf
or
you,
norcanItakeyouout"
Me:
"mmh,
whynot
"?
Hi
m:"
that
'swhatdat
ingpeopl
edo"
Me:
"oh.
..
okay
."
Hi
m:'
'
butI
'
llcomeupwi
thsomet
hing"
Me:
"t
hanks"
Hi
m:"
Igot
tago.I
'
llcal
lyouagai
nlat
er"
Me:
"I
'l
lbewai
ti
ng"
Hi
m:"
Iehm.
.Hopey
ourmandoesn'
tmi
nd"
Me:
"nahchi
l
l"
Hi
m:"
aytt
he"
Me:
"ay
t"

Hehungup.Beastsentamessage:"I
'
m sor
ry"I
di
dn'
trespond.Di
dn'twantt
o.Marccameoutwith
Li
zzyandtheywalkedtothecar

Li
z:
"heyTr
ina"
Me:
"mommat
obe,
youl
ookgr
eat
"

Sheblushed.Sher
eal
l
ylookedgr
eat
..
.Pi
nkblush
dress,
whit
epumpsandmi ni
mum makeup.

Mar
c:"
shal
lwe"

Heopenedthepassengerdoorforher
,t
heygotin
andthei
gniti
onstar
ted.Theydr
oppedmeof fand
l
eft
.Iwalkedthatl
ooooooongdriv
ewayuptothe
house.Satonthefrontstoopandjustrestedj
ustfor
ami nut
e.WhenIwasdoneIwal kedintothehouse
wit
houtknocking.Icouldherepeopl
etalki
ng,I
walkedstrai
ghttothelounge.
..
andsawFai th-
_-and
myguesswasukhonanoKamv a.Ij
uststoodther
e
l
ist
ening..
.

Her
:"
youshoul
dcal
lher
"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
thav
eto,
she'
l
lbeback"
Soso:
"myquest
ioni
s:whydi
dyoubei
ngKamv
aher
e?
Whatarey
ouplayi
ngatmom"?
Her:
"I
'm hereonbusinessSoso,souhavetorepor
t
toyounow?I '
my ourmot herf
orheavenssake.
Shoul
dn'tyoubehappyt hatIcametocheckony '
al
l"
?
Hi
m:"
Ineedt
otal
ktodad"

Idi
aledanumber

Her
:"
whatwi
l
lyougai
n?Huh?Youknowhowy
our
dadi
s"
Soso:
"you'
reworri
edaboutdad?Mamauzot
hini
aphanomnt ana"
?
Her
:"
bendi
zomshi
yanaban"
?

Landi
l
ejustgotup..
.Iwal
kedfasttothel
i
ftandinto
mybedroom.Iwentstrai
ghtt
otheshowerand
cl
osedmyey esal
lowingthewater
stocoolmedown.
WhenIwasdoneIwal kedoutandfoundhim onthe
bedbusyonhisphone

Me:
"hey
"
Hi
m:"
hey
,whendi
dyougetback"
?
Me:
"notsol
ongago"

Idr
iedandwor
ePJswhi
l
ehewasst
il
lsi
tt
ingt
her
e.

Hi
m:"
plzcomesi
tdown"
Me:
"sup"
?
Hi
m:"
plz"

Isatdownf
aci
nghi
m
Hehel
dmyhandsf
oral
ongt
imebef
oreheev
en
sai
dawor
d.

Hi
m:"
mymom'
sher
e"
Me:
"hear
dherv
oice"
Hi
m:"
wit
hKamv
a"
Me:
"oh"

Nextt
hing,
Sosowal
kedi
n

Hi
m:"
ntwana"
Me:
"sho"
Hi
m:"
Lar
amf
ethu,
nankuOv
ayo"
Il
ookedatLandi
l
e

Hi
m:"
whatdoy
oumeannankuOv
ayo"
?
Soso:
"ImeanOv
ayoi
sdownst
air
sbr
a"
Him:
"ngumamakhowonkeKel
owenzal
ent
o..
.y
err
andi
dinwe"
Soso:
"I
'm gone"

Washoephuma.Il
etgoofhi
shandsandgoti
nbed
wi
thmyphoneandheadsets

Hi
m:"
baby
"?
Me:
"mh"
?

Hegoti
nbedandcuddl
edmef
rom behi
nd.
Me:
"t
oldy
ouai
n'
tgotener
gynort
imef
ort
his"
Hi
m:"
Ihadnot
hingt
osowi
tht
his.
..Iswear
"
Me:
"t
henki
ckherout
"
Hi
m:"
mom i
nvi
tedher
.It
sherhouse,
Ihav
enosay
"
Me:
"mxm"

Ipl
uggedmyearphoneandplay
edl
oudmusi
c.I
knewitwoul
dcalm meinsomeway.
[
10/
8,20:
35]‪+27730692704‬:
#66

Thei n-l
awsr et
urnedandal lvi
l
lagerswer egather
ed
forthecer emonyt owelcomet hefirstgrandsonof
thehouseandaconduct i
onofi ntr
oduct oryofthe
babyt ohisancest or
s.Womenal loverwer eheard
ulul
at i
ngassoonast hechiefsetfootont heground.
Theel dersgatheredaroundint hebighutast hey
preparedf orameet i
ngregardingthei ssueathand.

Dur
ingt
heday
,Ev
ehadbeenshownar
oundby
Li
khonaandsomeot hergi
rl
sfrom around.They
wenttocoll
ectfi
rewoodsixrunsbeforeEv eti
redout
:vtheyr
estedforabitastheysatleaningthei
r
backsonthewoodt heyhadalreadycollect
ed

Her:
"don'
ttel
lmey
ouguy
sgot
hrought
his
ever
yday"
Li
ks:
"notev
ery
day
,butwedot
his"
Her
:"
Iwoul
dn'
tmanage.Iswear
"
Liks:
"wel
lI'
m sur
eyouwoul
dn'
tneedt
o.Weonl
ydo
thisf
orreal
it
ycheck"
Her
:"
real
i
tycheck"
?
Li
ks:"daddoesn'
twantustol
oosetouchofour
tr
adit
ionsandcustomssoeventhoughther
eare
peoplehiredt
odothiski
ndawork,
wearesti
llunder
obli
gationtodoourownshar
e"
Her
:"
wow.You'
renott
heki
ndapr
incessIwoul
d'
ve
i
maginedy
outobe"
Li
ks:"
wellI
'm anAf
ri
canpr
incess,
notaf
air
ytal
e
pr
incess"
Her
:"
nowIknow"
Li
ks:
"t
her
e'sst
il
lonemor
eer
randweoughtt
orun"
Her
:"
nowoodassebl
i
ef"
Li
ks:
"nope.We'
ref
etchi
ngwat
er"
Her
:"
ohGod"

Theot hergir
lslaughed.Theyf etchedthei
rbucket s
andheadeddownt otheri
v ersi
de.Theydi dthree
runsandt hatwasenoughf oroneday .Evewentt o
fetchNathanf r
om hisgrandmot herandbr east
fed
him andreturnedhim backt oherassher equested.
Whenal lwasdone, shetookabat handf l
oppedon
thebeddozi ngof fi
mmedi ately.

Imusthavesl
eptyazngokundicingananalent
o
yenzi
wangumamakaSoso.If eltasharppainatt
he
bott
om ofmyabdomen..
.Ijol
tedupf rom bed
hol
dingbetweenmyst omachandpel vi
carea.Iwas
sweatywet..
.Likethepai nki
ndafeltli
keper i
od
pai
nsbutjustsev ereman.Iwentt othetoiletanddid
mybusinesst henIsatont hebed,kneescuddl edup
tomychin,huggedcl osertomychestatl eastIfel
t
numbdownt here.Landil
ehadleftme. .
.

Me:
"obv
iousl
yhe'
swi
thher
..
.Mxm"

Ireachedf ormyphone. .
.mi ssedcallsezingaka
though: (Iwasn'tgonnar espondt oanyoft hem.I
tossedmyphoneont hesi deandj uststaredatt he
openspace.Myphonebeeped, Ii
gnor edit.
..IthinkI
wasj ustdeloadingmyt ears-bucket,
noIwasn' t
cryi
ngatal l.Iheardmyphoneascendi nginv ibr
ation
andThi stimei trang,
Ipickedupwi thoutlooki ngat
thecallernorf i
xi
ngmy selformyv oice

Me:
"hel
l
o"?
Hi
m:"
hi.Ij
ustwant
edt
osayI
'
m sor
ryagai
n"
Me:
"okay
"
Hi
m:"
wer
eyoucr
ying"
?
Me:
"no"
Hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
epl
ztal
ktome"
Me:
"I
'mf
inet
aBeast
"
Hi
m:"
yousur
e"?
Me:
"whydoy
oucar
e"?

Hewentsi l
ent
.Ij
ustclosedmyeyes.
..Theimageof
Fait
h,twi
ns,
OvayoandKamv ahavi
ngaf amil
ydi
nner
toget
her,
oneofOvayoandLarainbedt oget
her
,my
i
magi nat
ionwasplay
ingwithme.Dri
vingmenuts!
!!

Hi
m:"
it
sokay
,Si
bongi
l
epl
ease.
..
.ssssh,
don'
tcr
ypl
z"

OhIwascr
ying?o.
OIwi
pedmyt
ear
sawayand
br
eat
hed.
Me:
"Mar
cdoesn'
tneedt
oknowany
thi
ng"
Hi
m:"
ther
e'snot
hingt
otel
l
"
Me:
"t
hanks"
Hi
m:"
Iguessy
oudon'
twannat
alkabouti
t"
Me:
"no"
Hi
m:"
okay
.Goodni
ghtke"
Me:
"ni
ght
"

Ihungup.Wenttowashmyf aceandjustbli
nd-
mindedl
ywalkeddownthestai
rcase.Di
dn'twanna
usethel
ift
,i
ncaseImissonany"acti
on"andasl uck
mayhaveit.
..

Ov
:"sowher
eexact
lyam Isl
eepi
ng"
?
Hi
m:"
buzaKumamakho"
Ov
:"ohcummonLar
a.St
opbei
ngpet
ty"
Hi
m:"
areyoufuckeni
nsaneOv
ayo?Leav
emet
he
f
uckal
oneokay"!
!!
:
/

Iwal
kedtothekit
chen,
wellIwasmadet ofeel
at
homesoIwasn'tgonnaholdbackbecauseFait
h
deci
dedtopopinwithhergranddaught
erandher
mother
.
Imademy sel
fgreent eawithhoney;Icoul
dsmell
mut t
onaromacomi ngfrom thedini
ngareabutI
wasn'tgonnagobar gei nt
heresoIjustmademy sel
f
thi
steawi t
hruskst henImademywayt othe
bedroom agai
nonl ythisti
mewebumpedont oeach
other.
..

Her
:"
Tri
na"
Me:
"Ov
ayo"
Her
:"
goodt
oseey
ou"
Me:
"wi
shIcoul
dsayt
hesame"

Shechuckl
ed.
..Wal
kedt
owar
dst
hedi
ningar
ea.I
cont
inuedt
owher
eIwasgoi
ngto.Openedmydoor
andLarawast
her
epaci
ngar
ound.Ij
ustsatdownas
i
fakekho

Hi
m:"
thedi
nneri
spr
epar
ed"
Me:
"I
'm cool
"

Hecamet
osi
tnextt
ome

Hi
m:"
let
'sgo"
Me:
"I
'm notgoi
ngdownst
air
sokay
"
Hi
m:"
noImean.
..
let
'
sgosl
eepsomewher
eel
se"
Me:
"dudey
ourki
disher
e"
Hi
m:"IknowbutInevercal
l
ednorbr
oughtherher
e.
Hermom andgrandmacandealwit
hher"
Me:
"no"
Hi
m: "
babypl
z.Iplannedt
hisweekendforusnowi t
s
al
lrui
nedbecauseumamaj ustdoesn'
twannali
sten"
Isi
ghed.
..
Iputmycupdownandf
acedhi
m

Me:"Idon'twannabethecauseofri
val
ryhere.
Sebelapharight?Maket
hemostofit.Spendti
me
wit
hy ourkid,y
ourmom wil
lalway
sbey ourmom.I
ts
notWor thit
"
Hi
m:"
andy
ou"
?
Me:
"I
'm agr
owngi
rl
"
Hi
m:"
you'
vebeencr
ying"
Il
ookeddown
Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
rybabe.Ir
eal
l
yam.
..
"
Me:
"Iknow.ButIcan'
tcompet
ewi
thOv
ayonory
our
mom"
Hi
m:"
ther
e'snocompet
it
ionher
e"
Me:
"t
hat'
swhaty ousay
..
.butweall
knowdeepdown
t
her
e'salotofcompeti
ti
onhereandIdon'
thav
ethe
ener
gy"
Hi
m:"
thenl
et'
sgo,
I
'l
lfi
ndusagoodhot
el"
Me:
"no"

Wesatt here,
Iret
urnedtomyeat i
ngt henIgoti
nbed
ndazamaul al
a.Het ookthecup,
kissedmyf or
ehead
andlef
t.Vincecall
ed...
li
kehepromised

Me:
"hey
"
Hi
m:"
hey
,ul
ele"
?
Me:
"ndi
zamasomet
hingl
i
ket
hat
"
Hi
m:"
ohkay
..
.l
etmenotdi
stur
byou"
Me:
"t
hanksman"
Hi
m:"
nightbuddy
"
Me:
"ni
ghtbuddy
"

Ir
ecei
vedonel
astmessagef
rom Nt
ando:
"Idon'
twannaintrudebutI'
dli
keyoutoknowt hatif
everyoudoneedsomeonet otal
ktoI'm her
e..
.Icar
e
sodeepabouty ourwell
-bei
ngithurt
smesomuch
tohearyoursil
entsobsbutIwon'tpushcozIknow
verywell
thateveryrel
ati
onshi
phasi t
sownupsand
downs.Kuzolunga"

Ismi
l
ed.
[
10/
8,20:
35]‪+27730692704‬:
#67

AsIwasdozi ngoff,
Iheardsomeonewalkinmy
room!ButIdecidednottomakeitobvi
ousthatI'
m
notyetasleep,
Ineededtoknowthei
rmotive.She
camer oundmybedandst oodinfr
ontofit

Her
:"
Tri
na"
Me:
"mh"
Her
:"
weneedt
otal
k"
ItookmytimebutIgotupev
ent
ual
l
yndamj
onga
aphebusweni
-_-

Her
:"
dinneri
sready
"
Me:
"I
'm cool
"
Her
:"
I'
m sor
ry"

Ndamj
onga.
..
Shesatdown

Her:
"Iknowi tl
ookssomehowbutIonl
ymeantwel
l
whenIbr oughtKamvahere"
Me:
"cool
"
Her:
"Idon'
twanty
outofeell
ikeI
'
m meddl
i
nginyour
r
elati
onshi
porsomet
hing,
I'
m onl
ydoi
ngwhatIt
hink
i
sright"
Me:
"kay
"
Her
:"
arey
ousur
eyoudon'
twantdi
nner
"?
Me:
"yes"
Her
:"
okay
..
.goodni
ght
"
Me:
"ni
ght
"

Shel
eft
.Ir
etur
nedIcal
lkaLuke

Hi
m:"
low"
Me:
"Imi
ssy
ou"
Him:
"Idon'
t,
ImissedyouwhenIcal
l
edy
ouandy
ou
deci
dednottoanswer
"
Me:
"Iwasasl
eep"
Hi
m:"
mxm what
ever
"
Me:
"Ir
eal
l
ymi
ssy
ou.I
sKer
ibacky
et"
?
Hi
m:"
no,
she'
l
lbebackMondayaswel
l
"
Me:
"ay
t,seey
ousoon"
Hi
m:"
ayt
"
Iwast hi
rst
ysoIwentbackdownst ai
rs..
.St r
aightt
o
thekitchent ookabot tleofwaterandwal kedback
tothest air
s..onlynowIdi dn'
tcl
imbup, Ihear d
gigglesfrom t hedini
ngar eaIwalkedbackandj ust
peeked.Lar awashav inganiceconv ersationwith
hisbabymommaandshewasmostcer tainl
y
enjoyingitIst oodtherelongenought oseet hem
bondi ngaroundherunbor nchil
dIfeltsickIjust
turnedandwal kedoutthedoor.Jaywassomehow
outsideIgoti nt hecar

Hi
m:"
ma'
am i
tsl
ate"
Me:
"pl
easet
akemet
othebeach"
Hi
m:"
inPJs"
?
Me:
"Jay
"

Hestart
edt hecaranddr
ovemet ot
hebeach.I
twas
real
l
ylate,
thebeachwasalmostempty
..
.Ibr
eathed
outandopenedt hedoor
Me:
"t
hanky
ou,
youcango"
Hi
m:"
nomanIcan'
tl
eav
eyouher
e"
Me:
"pl
ease,
j
ust
..
.Go"
Hi
m: "
whati
fyougethur
t?Ory ouwannagohome
t
here'
snopubli
ctr
ansportt
histi
me"
Me:"
don'
twor
ryaboutme.
..
Ijustneedsomet
ime
out
"
Hi
m:"
thenI
'
llwai
t"
Me:
"Idon'
tneedabodyguar
dbr
o,pl
zgo"

Hehesitantl
ystart
edt hecarandleft
..
.Iwal kedin
thesandlookingforsomesol aceandtruthbehi nd
alloft
his.Questi
onis,whatifOvayoispregnant
ngumntanakaLandi leagain?WheredoIf itin?
Couldhehav eplayedmeal lal
ong?Oram Ij usttoo
paranoi
d?

Iwal
kedonandfoundar ockndahl
alakul
olooki
ng
att
hesti
l
lseawaters.
..Goodthi
ngIhadnophone
wit
hme.Isi
ppedmyf eeti
ntot
hewat
ersandj
ust
hummedmyself"
Superhuman".

Hi
m:"
youknowi
t'
sdanger
ousher
edur
ingt
hist
ime"
?
:
o

It
urnedwonderinghowthehel
ldoesheseem t
obe
ev
erywhere?Icouldn'
tev
enutt
eraword,
Iwasjust
mesmerized

Hi
m:"
mayIsi
t"
?

Idi
dn'
tanswerhi
m..
.Ij
ustl
ookedbackt
othesea.
Hesatdown

Hi
m:"
whatgoty
ousoupset
"
Me:
"noneofy
ourbusi
ness"
Hi
m:"
youknowIcar
eri
ght
"?
Me:
"t
hat
'st
hepr
obl
em,
car
ing"

Hekeptqui
et.
..

Hi
m:"
youshoul
dgoback"
Me:
"youdon'
tgett
otel
lmewhatt
odo"
Hi
m:"
I'
m adv
isi
ng"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
taskf
ori
t"
Him:"
youknowy
ou'
ret
oost
ubbor
nfory
ourown
good"
Me:"gl
ady
ounot
iced,
nowcany
oul
eav
emei
n
peace"
?
Hi
m:"
Ican'
t.
..ImeanIwon'
t"

Ijustgotupandwalkedoutneart
hewaters,
he
foll
owed.Iwalkedi
n,hef
oll
owed.Itur
nedandlooked
athim
Me:
'
'what
'sy
ourpr
obl
em"
?
Hi
m:"
you"
Me:
"t
hengo"
Hi
m:"
that
'st
hepr
obl
em,
icant
"

Mxm Iwalkedbackouttotheshor
es,
Iwalkedbriskl
y
buthecaughtup..
.Iwasabouttor
unwhenhe
caughtmyarm andturnedmetofacehim.Ourfaces
wereafewcentimeter
sapartcozI
'm shor
terbutI
waslooki
ngupf orsomereason

Me:
"pl
zletgoofmyhandNt
ando"
Hi
m:"
nott
hist
ime"

Therewast hisbreeze. .
.Looki nginhiseyesalone
hypnoti
zedme.Idi dn' twantt obutt her
ewasj ust
toomuchat t
ract
iont hatIf oundmy sel
fdrawn
deeperintohissoul.If oundmy selfcomfort
ablei
n
hisembr acetoapoi ntIdi dn'tpull
backwhenhe
attempt edt oki ssme.Icl osedmyey esasourl ips
met .Webr eat hedthesameai rforasecond.He
pulledback. ..Iwashungr yf orat t
enti
on.Ididn'
topen
myey es,Ipatientlywaitedf orhi sli
pstomeetme
halfwayandt heydid,thistimehi stonguepartedmy
l
ipsandweki ssedf ul
l
y .Imel ted.Imel t
edrightinhis
arms, If
or gotaboutFai t
h,If orgotaboutOv ayo.Ijust
feltli
keababyt hrowni ntheai randcaughtbackby
trustworthyhands.Whenr ealitykickedinIbrutall
y
pulledbackandmyey espoppedup

Me:
"ohf
li
p!Nowedi
dn'
t"
Hi
m:"
Sib-
"

Ir
anawayf rom him...Di
dIreal
lykisstabeast?
Whenucoul dn'
trunnomor eIfell
onthegroundand
weeped,If
elthi
sst rongarmsandt ri
edtowriggle
myselff
reefrom them butIcouldn'
tsoIgaveup.

Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tmeant
otakeadv
ant
ageof
y
ou"
Me:
"cany
out
akemet
oMar
c"
Hi
m:"
okay
"

Hehelpedmegetupandwal kedmetohis
car
..
.drov
emet omybrother
splaceakohl
ikay
enaI
wentinandhedr ov
eaway,
Iwenttoknockonthe
door
.Mar copened

Hi
m:"
whatt
hehel
l
?Thi
sti
me"

Ij
ustl
ookedathim,passedhi
m andwentt
othe
l
ounge.Helockedandcametositdown.

Hi
m:"
whathappens"
?
Me:
"not
hing"
Hi
m: "
okay..
.Got
othespar
eroom we'
l
ltal
kint
he
morning"
Igotup

Me:
"t
her
e'snot
hingt
otal
kabout
"

Iwal
kedt
other
oom,
tookal
ongbat
handgoti
nto
bed.
[
10/
8,20:
35]‪+27730692704‬:
#68

Iwashedmysand- soakedpajamaandhungt hem on

theracks,Ikindaexpect edLandiletosor tofcheck
uponmebuthedi dn'
tbecauseIhadl eftmyphone
behind..
.Howwashesupposedt omakecont act
nahshame?I '
m sur ephofhedi dn'tevennot i
ceI'
v e
beengone.Isl eptthroughouttheni ght,
wokeupt he
foll
owingmor ningbat hedandwor ethesame
pajamasIwor el astnightbeforeIsoakedt hem
elwandlethenImadet hebedandwentt ot he
l
ounge,Mar cuswashav i
ngbreakfast
Me:
"mor
ning"
Hi
m:"
mor
ning"

Isatdownandf
ixedmyey
esont
heTV

Hi
m:"
yourf
oodi
sint
heov
en"
Me:
"I
'm cool
"
Hi
m:"
youhav
etoeatsomet
hing"
Me:
"I
'm notsi
ckokay
"

Hecont
inuedeat
ing.
..
Whenhewasdonehecamet
osi
tnextt
ome

Hi
m:"
tal
ktoy
ourboet
"
Me:
"pl
ztakemet
otheTi
tusmansi
on"
Hi
m:"
why
"?
Me:
"Il
i
vet
her
e..
."
Hi
m:"
thenwhydi
dyousl
eepher
e"?
Me:
"pl
z"

Hel ookedatmewant i
ngamoreclearanswer
..
.I
didn'thav
eit.Hej
ustnodandIfol
l
owedhi mtothe
car.Hedr ov
emet othemansi
on

Him:"
takeal
lyourcl
othes,
you'
resl
eepi
ngatmy
houseunti
lMonday"
Me:
"noI
'
llbef
-"
Hi
m:"
thatwasn'
tar
equest
"

Idi
dn'
twannaar
guenoMarcyaz.
..Il
efthi
scar
bumpi
ngontoasur
pri
sedSoso.

Hi
m:"
erh.
..Mor
ning.Uv
elaphi
wit
hPJs"
?
Me:
"mor
ning"
Ipassedhim.Heturnedandf ol
lowedme.Iwal ked
i
nsideandpassedthelounge,Ismiledasipassed
babeplayi
ngpoppiehuiswithhisdaughter
,Iwalked
upthestai
rstomyr oom andlocatedmyphone.
Messagesfrom t
abeast..AndEv e.Only
.Great.Soso
walkedinasIwaspacking

Hi
m:"
Teewhat
'
sgoi
ngon"
?
Me:
"not
hing"
Hi
m:"t
henwhyar
eyoupacki
ng?I
syourbr
other
wai
ti
ngfory
ou"
?
Me:
"yes"
Hi
m:"
you'
rel
eav
ing"
?
Me:
"yes"
Hi
m:"
why
?DoesLar
aknowaboutt
his"
?
Me:
"hewi
l
l"

Icheckedthebathr
oom f
ormythi
ngsthenwhenI
wassat i
sfi
edItookonel
astl
ookout
sidethat
window.Thatbeauti
fulvi
ewthatt
ookmybreat
h
awaywhenIf i
rstsetfooti
nthi
splace.
..

Hi
m:"
what
'sgoi
ngonTee"
?
Me:"
thanksforl
ett
ingmest
ayov
er.
..But
,It
hinkI
'
ve
ov
erstayedmywelcome"
Him:"
that
'snonsenseandy
ouknowi t
.Lar
ahad
nothi
ngtodowi t
hOv ay
obeingher
e"
Me:
"Iknow"
Him:
"hel
ovesyou,onl
yyou.Don'
tyouseethat
?Mom
i
stheonedri
vi
ngawedgebet weeny '
al
landhe'
stoo
dumbnottoseethat"
Me:
"don'
twast
eyourbr
eat
h"
Him:"
don'
tthr
owawaywhatyouguy
shav
ebecause
ofsomeonewhosebei
ngpet
ty"
Me:"I
'
m nott hrowi
ngawayanyt
hing,
I
'mjustgiv
ing
yourbrothertheti
meheneedstoputsomet hi
ngs
i
ntoper spect
ive"
Hi
m:"
butTr
inacummon.Meett
hedudehal
fway
don'
tj
us-
"
Me:
"br
apl
z"
Hi
m:"
all
I'
m say
ingi
s-"
Me:
"by
eby
eSoso"

Itookmythingsandwal kedout
,usedt
heelevatort
o
reachthef
irstf
loor
.Assoonast hedoorsopened
myey esmetwi t
hFait
h'spathet
icsmil
e..
.Iwalked
outandgreetedher

Her
:"
hey
,you'
rel
eav
ingsosoon"
?
Me:
"yeah,
hav
eyouseenLandi
l
e"?

Hecameoutf
oll
owedbyOv
ayoandt
hei
rdaught
er
Hel
ookedsur
pri
sedbutst
oodatadi
stance

Hi
m:"
you'
regoi
ng"
?
Me:
"yeah.Thi
sisgoodby
e"
Hi
m:"
butIt
houghty
ou'
reonl
yleav
ingMonday
"
Me:
"changeofpl
ans"
Hi
m:"
oh.
..Canwet
alkasi
de"
Me:
"sur
e"

Myphoner
ang.
..

Me:
"gi
mmef
ivemi
nut
es"
Mar
c:"
okay
"

Ifol
l
owedLandi l
etothediningareaandheclosed
thedoorbehi
ndus.Ijuststoodtherewai
ti
ngf orhi
m
tospeak.
..I
ttookhi
m awhi lebuthefi
nal
lyspokeup

Hi
m:"
okaybabe,
what
'
sgoi
ngon"
?
Me:
"not
hing"
Hi
m:"
thenwhyt
hissuddenchangeofpl
ans"
?
Me:"welly
oucouldusetheti
metobondwi
thy
our
daughterwit
houtdi
str
acti
ons"
Hi
m:"
you'
renodi
str
act
ionbabe"
Me:
"I
'm not
"?
Hi
m:"
cummon.I
'
mtr
yingher
e"
Me:"
butI
'
m sur
eyoudi
dn'
tnot
icemyabsencel
ast
ni
ght"
Hi
m:"
absence?Wher
e"?
Ichuckl
ed

Me:
"Isl
eptatmybr
other
spl
ace"
Hi
sjawdr
opped
Ismi
l
ed
Hi
m:"
you'
reki
ddi
ngr
ight
"?
Me:
"no"
Him:
"when?How?I
'
mli
ket
otal
l
yconf
usedr
ight
now"
Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"
Hi
m:"butyoudon'
thaveacar.Howdi
dyoueven
l
eavethehousewit
houtanyofusnot
ici
ng"
Me:
"asky
ourdr
iver
"
Hi
m:"
Jay
?Ohwow"
Me:
"mmh,
wel
lIguesst
hisusgoodby
e"
Hi
m:"
uhm.
..Idunnowhatt
osay
"

Iki
ssedhischeekandlef
thim st
andi
ngr
ightt
her
e.I
wentpastOvayoandtherest
,

Her
:"
hopey
ou'
renott
hreat
enedbyme"
Me:
"woul
dn'
tyoul
i
ket
oknow"

Iwalkedoutt
omybr
other
,goti
nthecarand
breat
hed.

Hi
m:"
shal
lwe"
?
Me:
"weshoul
d"
Herev vedoutoft hatpl
acebackt ohishouse.NowI
coul
dn' treallytalkaboutlastnight,kuzovelaigama
Li
ksBeastsomewher eandt hatwasn' tagoodpl an
atal
l.Wedr oveinsi l
ence.Reachedhi shouseandI
wentst raightt otheroom, pl
uggedmyear phones
andlistenedt ojazzmusi c:/somet hingInev erdo.
Beastsentanumpt eenthmessageIi gnoredi tl
i
keI
i
gnoredt heot hers.Iwasn'tgonnagot hrough
anotherapol ogysessionatal l
.Ijustwant edt ogoto
Jo'
bur gandf orgetaboutev eryt
hingCapeTown.Li z
wokemeup

Me:
"sup"
?
Her
:"
yourbr
other
sgone"
Me:
"oh.
..Sowhat
'
sup"
?
Her:
"wel
lyoudi
dn'
teatbr
eakf
astear
li
er,
whynot
comejoi
nme" ?
Me:
"t
hanksLi
zbutI
'
mfi
ne'
"
Her
:"
yousur
e"?
Me:
"yeah"

Shesmi
l
edandwal
kedoutcl
osi
ngt
hedoorbehi
nd
Iexhaledandopenedmymessages.Jonga
akancami uNtando.
..
nohewasn'tpushi
nghi
sluck
buthef el
tgui
l
tyofwhathappenedlastni
ght
.I
decidedtocal
l hi
m..
.

Hi
m:"
I'
vebeent
ryi
ngy
ousi
ncel
astni
ght
"
Me:
"mor
ning"

Hesi
ghed:
(

Hi
m:"
goodmor
ning,
unj
ani
"?
Me:
"I
'm good.You"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
m okay
"
Me:
"Iuhm.
..
justgoty
ourmessages"
Hi
m:"
Isee"
I
tnowseemedhar
dtov
oiceout
..
.Idon'
tknowwhy

Me:"
letsjustpr
etendl
i
kenot
hinghappenedl
ast
ni
ght.Plz"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tknowI
'
dbeabl
eto"
Me:
"j
ustt
ry"
Hi
m:"don'
ttel
lmey
oudi
dn'
tfeel
any
thi
ngi
nthat
ki
ss"

Ikeptqui
et.
..Nowt
hat
'
sonehel
l
uvami
stake.

Hi
m:"Idon'
twannaseem pushybutbesi
desMar
c,
whydon'ty
ouwannagiveusat r
y'
'?
Me:
"ther
e'sno'
us'
andbesi
des,
Idon'
tthinkI'
m
meanttobeinl
oveman.Thi
sshiti
sjustcrazy"
Him:
"youj
usthav
en'
tfoundt
her
ightper
sont
olov
e
you"
Me:
"andy
ouwoul
dknowhow"
?
Hi
m:"
becauseIknow"
Me:"ohcummon.I'
m sur
eyouhaveatroopof
womenf al
li
ngatyourf
eetandabunchofbabi
es
cr
yingfort
heirf
eed"

Hel
aughed^
_^

Hi
m:"
wel
lweal
lhav
eourmi
sfor
tunesIguess"
Me:
"yousee?Youcan'
treal
l
ytel
lmeaboutl
ove"
Hi
m:"butIcanshowy
oul
ove,
makey
ouf
eel
lov
edat
al
laspect
s"
Me:
"youseem sur
e"
Hi
m:"
youwoul
dtoo,
i
fyougav
emeachance"
Me:"
no.Ineedtofocusonmy sel
fnow.Myst
udies
ar
emypr ior
it
yfrom nowon.Nomani nt
hepi
cture"
Hi
m:"
notev
enmal
efr
iends"
?
Me:
"ohnowy
ou'
ref
ri
endzoni
ngy
our
sel
f"
?
Hi
m:"
it
sabet
teropt
iont
hanj
ustbei
ngboy
cot
ted"

Nowt
hist
imeIl
aughed>_
<

Me:
"ohkay
..
.butI
'
m notr
eal
l
ysur
eaboutt
his"
Hi
m:"
youdon'
ttr
ustme"
?
Me:
"Idon'
ttr
ustmy
sel
f"

Hewentsilent
.Di
dIj
ustgi
vemy
sel
faway
?Lol
ay
angekhe!

Hi
m:"
okayIheary
ou"
Me:
"ay
tman"
Hi
m:"
lookI
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
,youbr
otherj
ustdr
ovei
n"
Me:
"hedoesn'
tknowy
oubr
oughtmeher
e"
Hi
m:"
Iwon'
ttel
l
"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"
Hi
m:"
shar
p"
Me:
"sho"

Wehungup.
NowIhadt ocal
lmysister
s..
.Ineededt
heir
at
tenti
ondesper
atel
y.Iwantedatubofchocol
ate
i
cecream andmall
owsandagoodmov i
e.
[
10/
8,20:
37]‪+27730692704‬:
#69

Iwentonl
i
neonWhatsAppwher
eIcanconv
erse
wit
hbothoft
hem att
hesameti
me

Me:
"Smi
thl
adi
es"

Af
tersomet
ime.
.

Ev
e:"
heybaby
"
Ker
i:
"goodmor
ningbabi
es"
Me:
"whenar
ewegoi
nghome"
?
Ker
i:
"Mondaywast
heday
"
Ev
e:"
what
?You'
renotenj
oyi
ngct
"?
Me:"
don'twannat
alkabouti
t.
..Ij
ustneedani
ce
cr
eam tubandagoodchickfl
ick"
Ker
i:
"awbaby
,whathappened"
?
Ev
e:"
shewon'
tsay
"
Ker
i:
"wher
ear
eyounow"
?
Me:
"I
'm wi
thMar
c"
Ev
e:"
ooohJESUS!
!How'
sthel
i
zar
d"?
Ker
i:
":vEv
est
opi
t"
!
Ev
e:"
didIsayl
i
zar
d?NoImeanEl
i
zabet
h"
Me:
"Lol
Evel
ynSmi
th"
!
Ker
i:
"Tr
ina,
I
'l
ltakey
out
othemov
ieswhenweget
home"
Ev
e:"
whataboutme"
?
Ker
i:
"no,
I
'l
ltakey
ouTuesday
"
Me:
"yesbi
gsi
s..
.weneedsomebondi
ngt
ime"
Ev
e:"
I'
mjeal
ousal
ready
"
Me:
"yourhi
ghness.
..
please"
Ker
i:
":vr
oyal
tyati
tsbest
"
Ev
e:"
ifonl
yyouknew.
..Ker
i,
Ineedt
ogot
oaspa"
Ker
i:
"mmh.
..
you'
reov
erwor
kingy
our
sel
f"
¿
Eve:"
I'
ll
tel
lyoual
labouti
t.
..Tr
ina,
hav
eyouki
ssed
thatguyyet
Me:
"guy
s,l
aterneh"
Ev
e:"
notbef
orey
ouanswerme"
Ker
i:
"whi
chguy
"?
Me:
"I
'm gone"
Eve:
"ooooh!
!!My
yyy
!!
!Gosssh!
!!Noy
oudi
dn'
t!
!!You
Li
l-"
Me:"
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.I
'
m hungr
y.Canwet
alk
l
ater
"?
Ev
e:"
ononecondi
ti
on"
Me:
"what
"?
Ev
e:"
you'
l
lgi
mmeanexcl
usi
ve"
Ker
i:
"Ial
sowantanexcl
usi
ve"
Me:
"by
ey'
al
l:
v"

Iswitchedoffmydataandgotup,
gotdr
essedabum
shortandcroppedchecker
edteet
henIwenttot
he
ki
tchen.Lizwasonherwayout

Her
:"
fi
nal
l
y"

Ismi
l
ed

Her
:"
makey
our
sel
fathome,
I
'l
lbebackbef
orel
unch"
Me:
"okayt
hanks"

Shetookhercarkeysandleft.Iboi
l
edtwoeggsand
mademy sel
feggmay oonwhi t
ebreadal
ongwit
h
fr
eshl
ysqueezedorangejuice.Iwentt
ositont
he
por
ch.
..Mar
ccal
l
ed

Me:
"boet
"?
Hi
m:"
Iheary
ou'
reawake"
Me:
"doessher
epor
tev
ery
thi
ng"
?
Hi
m:"
don'
tst
art
"
Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"
Him:
"we'
regoingtoadoct
orsappoi
ntmentbutwe'
l
l
beonti
mef orlunch"
Me:
"okay
,shoul
dIpr
epar
esomet
hing"
?
Hi
m:"
ifi
tsnotmucht
roubl
e"
Me:
"noneatal
l
"
Him:"
thankyouander
h..
Beastwi
l
lbedr
oppi
ngof
fa
packageforme"
Me:
"oh"
Hi
m:"
justt
akei
tandputi
tinsi
demyr
oom pl
z"
Me:
"okay
"
Hi
m:"
arey
ouokaywi
thhi
mthough"
?
Me:
"whywoul
dn'
tIbe"
?
Hi
m:"
nev
ermi
nd"
Me:
"mmkay
"

Hehungup. ..Iateupandwashedt heut ensil

sthenI
startedpreparingforlunch.Half
way
through,someonebuzzedIopened.I namat terof
secondsIsawhi m. .
.Itfel
tli
keI'
m seei ngsomet hing
new.Hewaswear i
ngl i
ghtbluecottonknee- l
ength
shor ts,
kushushueKapaIunder stand: v..
.wi
tha
whi tevestandwhi teReeboksandal s.Itwasa
refreshingsi
ghtinsteadoft heblackt hatI'
m usedt o
seeinghi min.Hewal kedupt ot
hef rontdoorwhi ch
wasopened. ..
heknocked

Me:
"comei
n"

Hewal
kedin,
cametot
heki
tchenwhenItur
nedI
wasgr
eet
edbyhiswar
m smil
e..
.Hi
sscentkil
l
edme.
Dead.Buried.
.Lol
whenIr
eal
i
zedwher
emyt
hought
s
wereIblushed

Hi
m:"
hi"
Me:
"hi
"
Hi
m:"
Icamet
odr
opt
his"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"

Itookt
hepackageandwentt
oMar
cus'
sroom
ndabuy
aesekhona

Me:
"any
thi
ngel
se"
?
Hi
m:"
act
ual
l
yther
eissomet
hingel
se"
Me:
"oh"
?

Hewalkedtowardsme..
.Iwasfaci
nghi
m,hada
di
shcl
othinonehand.Hereachedhi
sst
andrighti
n
fr
ontofme,Ihel
dmybreath
Me:
"don'
t"
Hi
m:"
ssssh"

Iswal lowedal umpandt ri

edbr eathingbutI
couldn' t.
..Withi
nasecondIhadf al
lenagainintothis
guy'st rap.Hemer elypl acedhi sl
ipsonmi neandI
wasal readyin...Hishandst ouchedmy
face,brushi nghairaside, behindmyearandbr inging
mecl osert ohim.Imov edupmyhandsandcl utched
onhi sst rongbi cepsast heki sswentdeepert han
ourfirstki ssthepr eviousni ght.Afteracoupleof
secondsheeasi l
ylif
tedmeupandputmei nthe
kit
chencount erandwecont inuedmi ndi
ngourown
businessonMar c'
ski tchen:/

Ipul
ledback.
..NotbecauseIwant edt
o#hidesbut
becauseIneededtobreath.Il
ookedathim,
he
l
ookeddown. .Ashamed?Shy ?Idon'
tknowo.ObutI
ki
ndagainedsomecour age'nyana
Me:
"I
..
.We.
..Thi
s..
.Itcan'
tgoonl
i
ket
his"

Hewasst
andi
ngbet
weenmyl egs.
..
abr
eathaway
f
rom myl
i
psandafi
nger
ti
plengthawayfr
om my
t
ouch

Hi
m:"
wantmet
ogo"
?
Me:
".
..Yes"
Hi
m:"
thenI
'
llgo"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"

Het ouchedmywai stonbothsideslookingdeep

i
nt omyey es.
..
hisbr eat
hsmeltoff r
eshmi ntbuthis
cologne: '
(gawd! !
!Itsmeltsooogoood...Hi slook
aloneweakenedme.It ri
edlookingdown, heducked
hisheadandki ssedmeonceagai n.Notf orlong,
just
aki ssthatlef
tmebi ti
ngmyownl i
pskindawi shi
ng
formor e.
Hi
m:"
seey
ouar
ound"
Icoul
dn'
tsayawor
d..
.myv
ocabul
arydi
sappear
edon
me
Me:
"kay
"

Thatwasal
lIcoul
dsay.Iwatchedhiscardri
ving
out,
whenIwassurehehadleftItouchedmylips
tr
yingt
orememberhowhet asted.ThenIfel
tguil
ty.
..

Me:"
whatt
hehel
lam Idoi
ng?Whyam Ibei
ngsucha
whore"
?

Iwaski ndamadkengok, whenI '

m mad?Icookt he
Bestmeal s.Icookedf oranat i
on:onotfort
hree
people..
.Ionl
ynoticedt hatwhenIwasdone: /but
thenIcleanedtheki t
chen, wentupst
air
sandwor ea
sportsbraremov edmychecker edteethenIwent
outsidewithmyphone. ..
.well
Iwenttothepool.I
placedmyphoneont hepool tabl
esthenjumped
i
ntot hewatersti
ll
inmyshorts..
.Iswem f
oreter
nit
y.
Atleastunti
lIwassureBeastwasoutofmyhead. ..
Theonl yr
easonIgotoutwasbecauseIf elta
presencesoIlif
tedmyhead-_ -Iwasgreet
edby
Guddagr i
nningwidel
y..
.ThenIhear dMarccoming
towardsthepool

Hi
m:"
Youbet
tercomeout
"
Me:
"i
t'
snotev
enl
uncht
imey
et"
Hi
m:"
whatt
imedi
dyoust
artswi
mmi
ng"
?

Thatquest
ionalonet
oldmeti
mef l
ewbyver
y
qui
ckly
..
.hewalkedbackt
othehousewi
thhi
sfr
iend.
Ili
ftedmy sel
foutoft hepool anddidn'tev enbother
withdr y
ingmy self
.Ij
ustwal kedout .
..
towar dsthe
houseandBAM!Thehousewasf ullypackedy igang
8-)yandazmna?Tr i
naliqueSmi t
hKi m kardashianed
herselftoherroom full
yknowi ngthatem ni qqazhad
thei
rey esfeasti
ngonherass.WhenIr eachedthe
room Ichangedi ntojeansandav estthenIwal ked
out8|det
erminedt
oenj
oyt
hisl
unchIpr
epar
ed
engul
fedanger

Mar
c:"
cany
oupl
zhel
pLi
zzy
,we'
l
lbeout
side"
Me:
"cool
"

Beastwaskeepi
ngi
tlow.
..
col
d.

Iwentov ertot heki

tchen,wedi shedupi nto
casserol
edi shessot hatitwi
llbeself-
ser vi
cethen
wet ookthedi shesoutsidetothepoolsidet hatwas
al
readyset .Whenev erythi
ngwassor tedweal sosat
down...
someoft heguy shadbr oughttheirwomen, I
couldseeint heseatingreserv
at i
onandset t
ing.Isat
j
ustbelowLi zcozshesatnextt omybr other.
..

Marc:
"wel
l
,Iwannamakeatoast
.Tothi
sbeaut
if
ul
youngl
ady,
whoprepar
edthi
smealforus"
Me:
"noy
oudi
dn'
t"
Hi
m:"ohcummon,soony
ou'
regoingt
oJo'
bur
gat
l
eastyoudi
dn'
tl
eavewit
houtpamper
ingy
our
br
other"
Me:
"bi
gbr
othery
oumean"

Theyt oast
ed,
weallenj
oyedthemeal.Iwasn' teven
cautiousngoBeastanymore.Aswewer est i
ll
chi
lled..
.Weheardgunshot
sandcarsscr eeching
outsideMarc'
shousewewer eall
start
led,Mar cwas
coveringLi
zzyel
ohlot
yanaandIwasbymy self.

Beast
:"
Gudda?Ranger
?"
Gudda:
"shoboss"
!

Theyrant
othegat
e..
.Il
ookedar
oundev
ery
onewas
fr
eakedout
!

Beast
:"
Pol
ogetLi
zandev
ery
onei
nsi
de"
Mar
c:"
sho"
Heescor tedLi
zzytowardsthedoor,
theothergir
ls
fol
l
owed.Iguessi wassti
ll
inshockshameIcoul dn'
t
mov e.Icouldhearsomeonetal
kingtome, cal
l
ingmy
namebutmnt akadad!Gunshots?Kalokmna
ndi
zazelakwi mov i
esezway.

Beastcametomychair,
li
ft
edmeupt ohi
sshoulder
andwalkedmet ot
hehouse,t
ookmytowhereLiz
wasthenhim andt
herestofthecr
ewlef
ttocheck
thi
sout.

Whenever
ythi
nghaddieddown,
theycameback.
..
we
al
lwentt
othelounge.

Beast
:"
wehav
etogo"
Mar
c:"
yousur
e"?
Hi
m:"
yes.
..
fory
ourowngood"
Mar
c:"
oh-
kay
"
Theguystookthei
rladi
esandwalkedtothei
r
car
s,Marcwalkedthem out
.Li
zret
urnedtother
oom.
Beastcametomeandkneel eddownbeforemeas
hecuppedmyf aceinhi
shands

Hi
m:"
youokay
"?

Inod

Hi
m:"
I'
ll
cal
lyoul
ater
"

Idi
dn'
trespond,
heki
ssedmyforehead,
gotupand
l
eft
.If
eltli
keaZombieapocal
ypse:v:v
[
10/
8,20:
37]‪+27730692704‬:
#70

Isatt
her
edumf
ounded
Whatj
usthappened?Igotupandwentt
othe
ki
tchen,
neededwat er
..
.i
cedwater
.Iwentback
outsi
deandsatont hestoopther
e.Somethi
ngabout
whatjusthappenedfasci
natedme..
.Iwasscar
ed,
no
Iwasjustcuri
ous.Marccameoutandsatnextto
mei nsi
lenceforawhile
.
.
Hi
m:"
youokay
"?
Me:
"yeah"
Hi
m:"
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dgobackt
oJo'
bur
g"
Me:
"when"
?
Hi
m:"
toni
ght
"
Me:
"how"
?
Him:
"I
'l
ltal
ktomyni
qqa,
he'
sgotaPr
ivat
eJetmay
be
hecanaskhispi
l
ott
otakeyou"
Me:
"kay
"

Hehuggedme.
..
why
?:/t
henhegotupandr
etur
ned
i
nside.Ihear
dhimt al
ki
ngonthephoneasIwentt
o
theroom topackandgetr
eady.Whenallwasi
n
orderIsatontheedgeoft
hebedhuggingmyknees
uptomychi n...

Mar
c:"
canIcomei
n"?
Me:
"sur
e"

Hewal
kedi
nandsatdown

Hi
m:"
hesay
sber
eadybyf
ive"
Me:
"ar
eyounotcomi
ngwi
th"
?
Hi
m:"
Iwi
shIcoul
d"
Me:
"Li
z?I
tsokayIunder
stand"
Him:
"i
fyou'
renotcomf
ort
abl
eIcant
hinkof
somethi
ngelse"
Me:
"i
tscool
"
Hi
m:"
yousur
e"?
Inod..
.Hekissedmycheekandleft.Ichangedint
o
mythir
doutfi
tforthatday:
oIworefadeddenim
dungar
ees,
whi t
espor t
sbraandwhiteChucksthenI
fi
xedmyhairintoaneatbunndal
indakel ofi
ve.

Thef ollowingmor ningEv ewaswokenupbyLi khona

togot othemai nhouse, i
twast hedayf ort he
wel comecer emonyandi mbelekooft hey oung
prince.Shewentt ot hemai nhouse, wasgi ven
traditionat ti
retowearast hemot heroft heki dbut
shewast oldshewoul dn'tbepar ti
ci patinginanyof
ther itual,
hermot heri nlawwoul dst andi nforheras
themot herofthechi ld.Shewentt obat hand
sommapackedsi ncet heywer eleav ingf orEast
Londonl ateront hatday .Aftershewasdone, t
he
fi
rstcer emonybegan, agoatwassl aught eredand
thechi l
dwasgi vent oeatsomet hingf rom t hemeat
asy oungashei s,theynamedhi m Lukho, thenasi t
wentcl osert othenoon, acowwassl aught ered.The
enti
recommunit
yrejoi
cedwit
ht her
oyalhousethen
l
ateronLwandotookhisgi
rl
fr
iendandchil
dt obid
far
ewellt
othef
ami l
yastheyprepar
edfortheir
j
ourneytoEL

Chief
:"
thi
swasaver
ygoodweekf
orus,
thankst
o
youMissSmit
h"
Mama:
"wehopey
ouwi
l
lvi
sitsoon"
Her
:"
defi
nit
elymama,
Ihadagoodt i
mewhi
l
e
l
ear
ningalotoft
heAfr
icancul
tur
e"
Chi
ef:"
that
'sgood,
si
nceyounowhav eamul
ti
cul
tur
al
env
ironmentorrat
herr
elat
ionshi
p"
LD:
"wel
lmasi
cel
eindl
elat
ata"
Chi
ef:
"Kuhl
emnt
anam.
..Makhesi
qal
engapha"

Theyleftandmamahel pedEvepackt heirt

hingsi
n
thecar,
Lwandor et
urnedandt heyleft
.Li khonawas
tear
y,she'dmadeaf ri
endoutofEv e, goodt hi
ngthey
exchangedcontactdetail
sforfuturepur poses.As
soonast heyr
eachedBut ter
wor t
ht ownLwando
wentt
oagar
ageandf
il
ledup

Hi
m:"
youl
ookexhaust
edbabe"
Her
:"
Ineedaspa"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
sor
tyououti
nJo'
bur
g"
Her
:"
nah,
Ker
ipr
omi
sedmeal
ready
.Butt
hanks"

Hedi
dn'
tanswer
..
.

Her
:"
whydoIf
eel
li
keIof
fendedy
ou"
?
Hi
m:"
Iwoul
dn'
tknow"
Her
:"
cummonbabe"
Him:"
wedidn'thav
emucht
imet
oour
sel
vesher
ein
caseyoudidn'
tnoti
ce"
Her
:"
thi
str
ipwasnotaboutus"
Hi
m:"
Iknowbuti
tsl
i
ke.
..I
tsl
i
kewe'
redr
if
ti
ngapar
t"
Her
:"
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
reonabout
"
Hi
m:"
mh"

Whenhedone, t
heylefti
nsi
lence.Hedr
oveher
home..
.Buzzedandt hegat
eopenedhedrovei
nand
swi
tchedofftheengine.

Hi
m:"
Ilov
eyouEv el
yn,
Ireal
l
ydo.Butwegot
tawor
k
t
oget
herint
his,
tomakeitwork"
Her
:"
Iknow"
Hi
m:"
thenpl
zwor
kwi
thme"
Her
:"
I'
mtr
ying"
Hi
m: "
you'
renot.
..Ev
ersi
nceNat
hancamei
ntot
he
pi
ctur
eitsli
keIdon'
texi
st"
Her
:"
youcan'
treal
l
ycompet
ewi
thy
ourownson"
Hi
m:"
you'
renotget
ti
ngi
tdoy
ou"
?
Her
:"
thenletmegeti
t,
li
keIdon'
tknowwhat
'sgoi
ng
onhere.Forr
eal
"
Hi
m:"
cool
"
Theygotout ,
hehelpedt hem withtheirclothestothe
house,Mom openedf orthem.Theyhuggedandwent
i
nside,Lwandoj ustaskedt hewel l
-beingandl ef
t.He
hadbookedhi mselfaroom att heKennawayhot elat
thebeachf r
ontsincehedi dn'
twannagot otheTi t
us
housei ncasehi scousinspar ent
swoul dmeddl ein
thei
rdifferencessothebestwayt okeept hepeace
wast ost ayoutofeachot her
sway ,
thoughSoso
absolutelyhadnopr oblem withhim.

Immediatel
ywhenheenteredhi
sroom hewent
str
aightt
otheshower,
cameoutandorderedr
oom
servi
cewhil
eherest
edthinki
ngabouthi
sson..
.
Ev
ecal
l
edhi
m..
.

Hi
m:"
hel
l
o"?
Her
:"
babywhat
'sgoi
ngon"
?
Hi
m:"
canwej
ustr
estt
oni
ght
"?
Her
:"
Ican'
tsl
eep"
Hi
m:"
tal
ktoy
ourmom orsomet
hing"
Her
:"
theyt
ookNat
han,
plzcanwet
alk"
Hesi
ghed

Him:
"wearedri
ft
ingapart,
you'
renolongerwhoI
knowyoutobe.Yesmay beI'
mi maginingi
tbutdon'
t
youseei
t?Don'
ty ouseeyounol ongerhav
etimefor
me"?
Shesi
ghed

Hi
m:"
exact
ly"
Her:
"I
'm sor
ry,
Ij
ustshi
ft
edmyatt
ent
iontomy sel
f
andmyson. .
.Iki
ndanegl
ect
edourr
elat
ionshi
p"
Him:
"no,
don'
tapol
ogi
zef
ort
aki
ngcar
eofy
our
sel
f
andourson"
Her
:"
buty
ouf
eel
negl
ect
ed"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
sur
viv
e.I
'
m aman"
Her
:"
nowe'
l
lfi
xthi
s"
Hi
m:"
ify
ousayso"
Her
:"
let
'sj
ustr
etur
nhomet
henwe'
l
ldi
dthi
ngsokay
"?
Hi
m:"
ayt
"
Her
:"
nightbaby
"
Hi
m:"
nightl
ove"

Theyhungup. ..Lwandoi sthe'aff

ecti
on'kinda
guy..
.hei sf
ull
ofl ovet
hathenot iceswheni ts
l
acking...Andjudgingbyhispast ,
hehasn'trecei
ved
thatkindalovefrom anyoney etbuthecoul dsee
somet hing,
somel evelofcommi tmentfr
om Ev e.

Marcdr ovemetotheair
portandescortedmet othe
Jet,
wehuggedandsai dourgoodbyes.Iwalkedin
andfoundcomf or
tabl
ecouches:)Lolitfel
tli
keI
wasinahouseorsomet hing.
..
butther
ewasa
famil
iarscentman,
somethingexot
ic,
strongtothe
sensesyett
ant
ali
zingandt
easi
ng.Thi
sscent
remindedmeof-(beep)
.
..JustasIsatdown,abanknot i
fi
cat
ioncame
thr
ough,Marchadjustdeposit
edR3000intomy
account.Idon'
tknowwhatf or

Hi
m:"
wecan'
tcheatdest
inyy
ouknow"
?

Myjawdropped!Itur
nedandIreall
ycoul
dn'
tbeli
eve
myeyes:
'(nowt hi
sexpl
ainst
hef amil
i
arscent
.
Col
ognekaNt ando.
[
10/
8,20:
40]‪+27730692704‬:
#71

Vocabul
ary
?
Di
sappear
ed.
Agai
n.

Icl
osedmymout
h,moi
stenedmyl
i
psandswal
l
owed
whi
letr
yingtof
igureoutwhyisitthateveryt
imeI
wannasaysomethingkuyekuvelekubalekeamazwi
.
Thi
sshitisr
eal
lyir
ri
tat
ingI'
mtelli
ngy ou.

Hi
m:"
jui
ce"
?
Me:
"not
hanks"
Him:"
westi
ll
haveanhourahead.
.t
heweat
her
doesn'
tl
ookgood"
Me:
"uy
aphi
"?
Hi
m:"
taki
ngy
ouhome"
Me:"
why?Youcoul
dhavejustlety
ourpi
l
ott
akeme.
DoesMarcknowyou'
rehere"
?

Hechuckledandpouredhimselfagl
assofwhiskey
ontherocks.
..Iwant
edcoffee.Ni
ce,
blackand
st
rong.Hesatdownacr ossmeandsipped

Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ryaboutwhaty
ouwi
tnessedear
li
er"
Me:
"you'
resor
ryf
orbei
ngat
hug"
?

Hi
seyesnar r
owed..
.t
henhesmi l
ed.Lomf anahasa
wayoflooki
ngatyouy ou'
l
ljustf
eelnaked.Hewas
i
nti
midati
ve.I
sthatevenawor d?

Hi
m:"
ist
hatwhaty
out
hinkIam"
?
Me:
"doesn'
tmat
terwhatIt
hink"
Hi
m:"
tomei
tdoes"
Me:
"why?Yousaidyou'
reabusi
nessmanmosso
whyar
ey oubot
heredbywhatorwhoIt
hinky
ouar
e"?
Hi
m:"becauseIv
aluet
heopi
nionsoft
hoset
hatI
l
ove"
Me:
"youdon'
tknowt
hemeani
ngoft
hat
"
Hi
m:"
justl
i
key
ou"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhyIev
enbot
herar
gui
ngwi
thy
ou"
Hi
m:"
becausey
ouknowI
'
mri
ght
"
Me:
"canwedr
opt
his"
?
Hi
m:"
howf
ar"

Hi
seyeswereonsomenaught
ymode.
..
hewas
l
ooki
ngatmebehindhi
sgl
ass.Nowai
t,
washe
l
ooki
ngthr
oughme?

Me:
"Idon'
thav
etoputupwi
tht
his"

Hesmi
l
ed.

Ipl
uggedinmyheadphonesandtur
nedupthe
vol
umeonsomegoodhi phopmusic.Af
teracoupl
e
ofminut
esIcl
osedmyey esanddri
ft
edoff
..
.
Hel
aterwokemeup

Me:
"mh"
?

Ir
emov
edt
hepl
ugsandl
ookedhi
m conf
used.
Hi
m:"
you'
rehome"

Ij
oltedupstrai
ght,
feeli
ngthatsamepainIf
eltatthe
Tit
usmansi oninmyabdomen.Icl ut
chedoni tso
hardhopingitwil
lfadebutthi
stimeitdi
dn'
t.
..I
gaspedforair,
i
npai n.

Hi
m:"
heyar
eyouokay
"?

Ijustl
if
tedahandlike"wait"or"t
alktothehand": v
Ifyou'
veeverhadsevereperiodpainsyou'
llatleast
hav eaLil
clueofwhatI'
mt alki
ngabout.Heknel t
downandhel dmyhand,
Isqueezedhi shandlikea
womandel iveri
ngababyont hathospit
albed.

Hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
ewhat
'
sgoi
ngon?What
'swr
ong"
?
Me:
"don'
t!.
..
..Tal
k"!
Hi
m:"
okay
..Butwehav
etogetoutofher
e.Youneed
adoct
or"

Icoul
dn'targuewithhim.Hegotmeup, walkedme
totheexit
.Iletgoofhishandandtr i
edwal ki
ngon
myownandIcoul d.IwalkedasquicklyasIcouldt
o
thecust
omsandr ushedov ert
othebat hr
oom.He
hadnochoi cebuttofoll
owwi t
hmybags.Ihadmy
phonewi t
hme. .
..

Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
esi
nthel
adi
eshecal
l
ed:

Me:
"mh"
?
Hi
m:"
arey
ouokay
"?
Me:
"yes"
Hi
m:"
okay
"

IhungupcozIknewther
e'smorehewantedtoask.
..
Isawbl oodi
nmyuri
ne:oitwasn'
tmydatesyet
njena.Isl
owl
ywal
kedtothearri
val
ssect
ionwhereI
guesseshewouldbeandfoundhim paci
ngupand
downo.OIjustl
ookedathi
m,tookmysl i
ngbag

Hi
m:"
usur
eugr
and"
?
Me:
"yeah,
Ij
ustneedt
orest
"
Hi
m:"
I'
m dr
ivi
ngy
ouhome"
Me:
"noI
'
m no-
"
Hi
m:"youdon'
thav
etoar
gueev
ery
thi
ngIsay
.Thi
sis
f
oryourownsafet
y"

Isignedandwalkedrightbehindhim...Hewal kedto
aRangeRov ersport
,obviousl
yemny ama.Heopened
mydoor ,
Iwentinandhecl oseditandwentt othe
dri
v er
sseat
.DrovetoSpursohl i
kasobabi niand
ordered,
whi
lewewai tedforthefoodIor der
eda
chocolat
eshakeheor deredcitr
usjuicezezasame
ti
me

Whenmygl
asswashal
fway
..Hef
inal
l
yspokeup
Hi
m:"
what
'swr
ong"
?
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.
..Feel
sli
keuhm.
..
per
iodpai
ns"
Hi
m:"
whendi
dtheyst
art
"?
Me:
"f
ewday
sago"
Hi
m:"
youshoul
dhav
eitchecked"
Me:
"I
'l
lbef
ine.Thanks"

Ourf
oodcameIonlyat
ethesteakandveg,
leavi
ng
t
heri
bs.Hewasn'
treal
l
yeati
ng,hewaswatchingme

Me:
"wecango"
Hi
m:"
sur
e"

Waphakam.
..Ndamj
onga

Me:
"youdi
dn'
tev
ent
ouchy
ourf
ood"
Hi
m:"
nahI
'
m cool
"

Ourwai
tr
esscamet
oourt
abl
e

Hi
m:"
plzpackt
hisi
ntoat
akeaway
"
Her
:"
yessi
r"

Thenhepai d,t
ippedherandwel eftwi
thhi
smeal ,
he
askedf ordirecti
onst omyhouseIwashesi tant
kancincibutgav eincozIneededt ogohome
nyhani,
thepai nwascomi ngbackbutbendingafuni
ayazicozhewoul djustdrivemet ot
hedoctor
.I
buzzedmy self,
nooneopened.Igotoutsl owlyand
putinthecoor di
natesthegat eopened,
hedrovein,
I
walksbehindt hecar.Hepar kedandgotoutwithmy
thi
ngs,walkedmet ot hedoor ,
Iusedmyownkeyand
wewal kedi nIputthebagsel ounge

IknewLukehasn'tbeenhomef orsometi
me,dust
i
bil
aphabraz.Thatal
onepainedme, t
het
houghtof
spendi
ngt
heni
ghtal
onei
nthi
smassi
vehouse.
..
Icol
l
ect
edmy
sel
fandf
oundcour
age:

Me:
"t
hanky
ou"
Hi
m:"
youdon'
tl
ookgood"
Me:
"I
'l
lbef
ine"
Hi
m:"
okay
..
.GuessIshoul
dleav
eyout
hen"
Me:
"t
hanksagai
n"
Hi
m:"
don'
tment
ioni
t.LookI
'
llcal
lyouokay
"
Me:
"okay
"

Wej uststoodt heref orafull

minute,t
henher eached
outfirstandhuggedme.Iwant edtobehugged.I
neededt hishug.Hi sar msmadeal lthepain
disappear..
.Thenher el
easedme,Ilookeddown,he
kissedmyf or
eheadandj usttur
nedandwal ked
awayIopenedt hegat eforhi
m andwat chedhim
l
eav e.Thegat eclosedbehi ndhim..
.Islumpedon
thecouch, myheadt hrownback.
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
m doi
ng.
..Ir
eal
l
ydon'
t"

Isul
kedont
hatcouch.
..
Deci
dedt
ocal
lMar
cus

Hi
m:"
baby
"?
Me:
"I
'm home"
Hi
m:"
isLuket
her
e"?
Me:
"no"
Hi
m:"
doesi
tlookl
i
kehe'
sbeent
her
e"?
Me:
"nope"
Hi
m:"
okayI
'
llcal
lhi
m''
MW:
"kay
"

Wehungup.
.
.
.
Lukecal
l
ed.
..Iwasasl
eepal
ready
.

Me:
"mmh"
Hi
m:"
Iheary
ou'
rehome"
Me:
"hm"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
bebackt
omor
rowmor
ningokay
"?
Me:
"kay
"
Hi
m:"
makesur
eyoul
ockedev
ery
wher
e"
Me:
"mh"
Hi
m:"
night
"
Me:
"ni
ght
"

Hehungup...Isatup,
therewasast enchofblood
aroundme.Instant
lyIj
umpedoutofbedandsaw
bloodall
overmysheet s.Iqui
cklyremov edt
he
sheetsandtookthem tothebathroom opening
wateront hem,i
washedthebloodoutthensoaked
them i
nt hewashingmachinethenIshoweredand
putonsani t
arytowel
s,
changedPJsandputonnew
sheetsthenIwentdownstair
st omakemy sel
fhot
l
emonwat erIdranki
twhil
ewat chi
ngTVel ounge.

Ev
ecal
l
ed

Me:
"l
ow"
?
Her
:"
hey
,ar
eyouokay
"?
Me:
"uhm,
Ithi
nkso.Why
"?
Her:
"Ij
ustsawy
ou.
..Imean,
dreamty
oui
napool
of
bl
ood"

Ikeptqui
et.
..
Her
:"
Tri
na,
tal
ktome"
Me:
"I
'mf
inesi
s,
whatt
imear
eyoucomi
ngback"
Her
:"
ourf
li
ghti
sint
heev
eni
ng,
I
'm homei
nELr
ight
now"
Me:
"seey
out
hen,
greett
hef
olksf
orme"
Her
:"
okayt
hen"
Me:
"ni
ght
"
Her
:"
night
"

Ihungup.
..
Ididn'
twannat hi
nkofthi
sthi
ngthatIcouldn'tname
j
usty et
.Itscar
edmebutIkeptsanitybythinking
thatit
sjustnormalper
iodpai
ns.Aspromised, ta
beastcall
edagain:

Me:
"t
abeast
"
Hi
m:"
didIwakey
ou"
?
Me:
"no"
Hi
m:"
oh,
howy
ouf
eel
i
ngnow"
?
Me:
"Ier
hm.
..I
mfeel
i
nggoodt
hanks"
Hi
m:"
plzdon'
tdot
hat
"
Me:
"dowhat
"?

Si
l
ence

Hi
m:"
you'
rel
yi
ng"
Me:
"whywoul
dIdot
hat
"?
Hi
m:"cozy
oudon'
twannaaskf
orhel
p..
.makesy
ou
f
eelweakandhel
pless"

:
/tr
ue.
.howdi
dheknowt
hat
?

Me:
"don'
tknowwhat
chut
alki
ngabout
"
Hi
m:"
uhl
eli
naban"
?
Me:
"er
h..
."
Him:
"r
elax,
Iwon'
tcomei
fawf
uni
,
I'
mjustaski
ngsoI
knowusafe"
Me:
"I
'm saf
ethanks"
Hi
m:"
thatmeansy
ou'
real
one.Br
ave"
Me:
"canwecal
li
tani
ght
"
Him:"asi
fuzolalangoku.
..Any
waygoodni
ghtcoz
kuyacacasendikudi
kil
e"
Me:
"nomanIdi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
"
Hi
m:"
sho"
Me:
"t
aBeastcummon"
Hi
m:"
Iunder
standbabe,
ul
alekak'
hl
eneh"
:
/
Me:
"nawebr
a"

Hehungup..
.Njekanjal
o?Ohwai t
,whatel
sedidI
expect
?Eshe.If
ini
shedmywat erandwentbackto
bed.Pl
ayedgamesonmyphoneunt il
Iwasboredto
themaxndancamandav ukandabuyel
aeloungeto
watchTV.
Idi
aledSoso
Hi
m:"
hel
l
o"
Me:
"hi
..Ushar
p"?
Hi
m:"
yahwena"
Me:
"sameher
e.Iwant
edt
ocl
eart
heai
r"
Hi
m:"
onl
ynow"
?
Me:
"pl
zjusthearmeout
"
Hi
m:"Igett
haty
ouandhim ar
eoverokay
,butmna?I
t
houghtwewerefr
iends,
Imusthavet
houghtwrong
t
hough"
Me:
"Soso"

Wat
hul
a..
.
Idi
dn'
tknowhowt
oexpl
aint
his.
..

Me:
"Lwandi
soTi
tus"
Hel
aughed:
voht
hankGodt
hei
cebr
oke
Hi
m:"
whatt
hehel
l
?Umbi
zaunj
ani
usbal
ikanj
alo"
?
Me:
"hai
sukausbal
ioqumbay
out
hwani
ke"
Hi
m:"
butbabeonaser
iousnot
e.Youar
ewr
ong,
ver
y
wr
ong"
Me:"Iadmi tt
hatnow.Butbabey
ouhaveto
understandOv ay
oandLarahaveast
rongerbond
thanthey'dli
ketoadmit
"
Hi
m:"
but
"
Me:"
behonestSoso,t
oy oursel
f.Besi
des
Kamva,
thesetwohav eanunseperablebond.
.how
el
sewouldyouexplainhim accompanyi
nghert ot
he
doct
orbutshescarry
ingnomnt wanawho'snothis"
Hi
m:"
oh.
..Youknewaboutt
hat
"?
Me:
"yousee"
Hi
m:"
soi
t'
sreal
l
yov
er"
?
Me:
"yep"
Him:"
hai
kemnanawewear
est
il
lfr
iendsandi
ngeni
ndawokulent
oyenu"
Me:
"t
hat
'sokaywi
thme"
Hi
m:"
butwai
t.
..Uphi
?Asi
nnow"
Me:
"I
'm homesani
,
CapeTowni
snotmycuppat
ea"
Hi
m:"
youmeany
ou'
rei
nJozi
"?
Me:
"yeahman"
Hi
m:"
thatwasf
ast
..
whendi
dyoubook"
?
Me:
"Idi
dn'
t.Zezi
pri
vat
ejett
hings"

Hebur
stoutl
aughi
ng

Hi
m:"
remembermewheny
ou'
reupt
her
e"
Me:
"youknow?Don'
twor
ryIgoy
oucov
ered"
Hi
m:"
I'
m gl
ady
ou'
reokayaboutt
hiswhol
ethi
ng"
Me:
"mh.
.goodni
ghtchap"
Hi
m:"
nightnt
wana"

IwatchedTVunti
lIgott
ir
ed,ndahambaagai
n
ndayol
alat
histi
mearound.AsIcoveredmysel
f
Ntandosentansms
"Onedayyou'l
lunder
standhowi tfeel
stolove
someonewhodon' tevencar
e...
thenyouwi l
lknow
howIfeltt
hisday.HaveasplendidnightMiss
Smith.
"

Er
h..
..Whatwast
hatagai
n?
[
10/
8,20:
40]‪+27730692704‬:
#72

Ireadt
hemessageagain..
thenswit
chedof
fmy
phonendal
alat
il
lthenextmorning.
Iwokeupqui t
eear lyandwentt obat handchange. .
.
Iwasst i
llbleedingsoIki ndatookitasmymont hl
y
menstrual cyclemay beitchangeddat es.Af t
er
bathi
ngImademybed, feeli
ngcrampsv aguely;
i
worebluemat chi ngtracksuitwit
hsocksand
sl
ippersthenIt ookmyphoneandwentdownst air
sI
mademy selfcof fee,ni
ce,str
ong,bl
ackandsweett he
weatherwasn' ttoocomf ort
ingatall
,i
twascol dand
windy.Isear chedf orruskszabezi ngekho...Iwentto
wat
chcar
toonsasIdr
ankt
hecof
fee.

Ical
l
edLuke.
..
ebet
heuzobuy
aInt
hemor
ningmos

Hi
m:"
youupal
ready
?"
Me:
"yeah,
whatt
imewi
l
lyoubeher
e"?
Him:
"byt
welveort
ooneIt
hink.
.Ihav
etost
art
s
somewhere"
Me:
"t
akey
ourt
ime"
Hi
m:"
canIbuyy
ouany
thi
ng"
?
Me:
"er
h..
.We'
reoutofcer
eal
"
Hi
m:"nowe'
l
lbuygr
ocer
ieswhenev
ery
onehas
r
etur
ned"
Me:
"okaysho"
Hi
m:"
shar
p"

Ihungup.
..IwantedtocallNtandobutndizot
hini
?
Hismessagefrom l
astnightgavemeal otof
questi
onsaboutmy sel
f,
whatdoIwant
?Whatisit
thatI
'
ml acki
ng..
.t
hatsort
athi
ng.AsIwasdi
ali
nghis
number,hecal
led:o

Me:
"hel
l
o"
Hi
m:"
hi.Unj
ani
"?
Me:
"I
'm okayt
hanks,
wena"
?
Him:"
good.CanIcomeandseeyou?Ori
fyou'
re
uncomfor
tabl
elet
'smeetf
orcof
fee"

It
ookaminut
etothi
nk.
..Ev
eisonl
yfly
ingi
nthe
ev
eni
ng,
l
ikewil
lbeher
epasttwel
ve.

Me:
"okay
"
Hi
m:"
okaywhat
"?
Me:
"youcancome"
Hi
m:"
oh.
..WhatcanIbr
ingy
ou"
?
Me:
"r
uskspl
ease"
Hi
m:"
that
'sal
l
"?
Me:
"yeah"
Hi
m:"
hav
eyouhadbr
eakf
asty
et"
?
Me:"
nobutifyouwantIcanmakei
ther
emnaIj
ust
wantrusksandcof
fee"
Hi
m:"
cool
"
Me:
"ay
t"

Hehungup.
..Isatt
her
ewonder
ingi
zophel
elaphi
l
ent
ondizi
qalel
ayona.
Afterafewminuteshebuzzed,Iopenedthegat
eans
hedr ovei
n.Iwenttoopenthedoorf orhi
m asI
pluggedtheket
tleagai
n,hewalkedinwitha
shoppingbagfrom Sparandgaveittomeashe
ki
ssedmycheek. ..

Me:
"t
hanks"
Hi
m:"
youl
ookokay
"
Me:
"yousee?Ndi
right
"

Iwal
kedhi
mt ot
helounge,
theheat
erwasonhe
smil
edwhenhesawwhatwaspl ay
ingonTV

Me:
"don'
tsayawor
d"
Hi
m:"
mmh"
Me:
"sowhatcanImakey
ou"
?
Hi
m:"
any
thi
ngy
ouwantt
omakeme"
Me:"
okaygi
mmeaf ewminut
es.
..
makey
our
sel
f
comfor
tabl
e..
.Iguess"

Hejustsmil
edIwal kedtothekit
chen,t
ookout
eggs,
baconandv eggiesthenIcheckedthatplast
ic
baghebroughtndabonai sonkaandfreshmilk:)
goodthoughtIst
artedwiththeeggs. .

Hi
m:"
needahand"
?
:
o
Itur
nedandlookedathi
m...Hewasl eani
ngbyt he
doorpostwi
thbothhishandstuckedinhispockets.

Me:
"asy
ouwi
sh"

Hecamef or
thandtoastedbr
ead,
spr
eadmargar
ine
onitandmadecoffeeforbot
hofus.
..
ont
heother
handIhadfr
iedtheeggsandbaconnowIasmaking
Greeksal
ad

Me:"
youknowwe'
dbot
hbei ndeepshi
tifoneofmy
si
bli
ngswoul
dwal
kinr
ightnow"
Hi
m:"
ist
her
eapossi
bil
i
ty"
?
Me:
"Idunno"
Hi
m:"
wher
e'sLuke"
?
Me:
"Idon'
treal
l
yknow,
comet
hissi
de"
Hehelpedmecar r
ythefoodtothel
oungeandweat
downandat e..Ionl
yateonebreadthenIresumed
tomyr usksandcof f
eeaswemadesmal l
conv
ersationaboutnothi
ng.Marccall
edsisaty
a..
.I
l
ookedatNt ando:/

Hi
m:"
Isi
tMar
cus"
?
Me:
"yeah"
Hi
m:"
answerhi
m,he'
spr
obabl
ychecki
ngupony
ou"

Iswal
l
owedandbr
eat
hedout
..
.t
rynar
elaxmy
sel
f

Me:
"boet
"
Hi
m:"
hey
,yougood"
Me:
"I
'm gr
eat
,you"
?
Hi
m:"
sameher
e,y
ousl
eptwel
l
"?
Me:
"yessi
r"
Hi
m:"
okayt
hen,
enj
oyt
her
estofy
ourday
"
Me:
"I
'l
ltr
y"
Hechuckl
ed

Him:"
watchamov
ieorgoshoppi
ngwi
tht
hemoneyI
gaveyou"
Me:
"t
heweat
heri
snotgoodher
e"
Hi
m:"
wel
lyouhav
enochoi
cebutt
ost
ayi
nbed"
Me:
"yeahIknow.Thanksf
ort
hecal
lhey
"
Hi
m:"
shot
"!

Wehungup.
..
Wewer efi
nishedeati
ng,bytheti
meIhungup
Ntandowaswashi ngthedishesint
heki
tchen,
I
walkeduptohim.

Me:
"uhm,
youdon'
thav
etodot
hat
"
Hi
m:"
Iknow,
buty
ouneedt
orest
"
Me:
"I
'v
ehadenoughr
estl
astni
ght
"
Heconti
nuedwithwhathewasdoi
ngthenhe
wal
kedupt ome,hel
dmebyhandandwalkedust
o
t
helounge.Hesatmedownandsatnexttome
f
aci
ngme. .

Me:
"er
h..
.What
'
sgoi
ngonnow"
?
Him:"
Iwannat
akecar
eofy
ou,
Ij
ustneedt
hego
ahead"
Me:
"Idon'
tneedsom-
"
Him:"
Iknow,butonceIdotakecar
eofy
ou,
your
changeyourmindaboutit
"
Me:"
lookIknowyoumeanwel
l,
Ireal
lydobutl
i
keI
sai
dbeforeIwannaf
ocusonmyselfnow"
Hi
m:"
that
'swhatIal
sowannado,
focusony
ou"
Me:
"doy
oual
way
shav
eananswer
"?
Hi
m:"
onl
ywhenIknowwhatIwant
"
Ndathul
aIj
ustlookedaway.Hehasbeengivi
ngme
morethanrequi
redatt
ent
ion,
hi
sti
mebutt her
e's
morethatI
'
dwannaknowabouthi m cozIdon'
t
knowZil
chaboutthisman

Me:
"i
tsnotgoodcomingoutofar
elat
ionshi
pand
j
umpingi
ntoanot
herone"
Him:"
li
keIsai
dbef
oreIdon'tmi
ndbei
ngaf
ri
end
unti
lyoumakeupyourmind"
Me:
"af
ri
endI
'
veki
ssedmor
ethanonce"
?

Hesmi
l
ed

Hi
m:"
wel
l
..
.Andaz"
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nki
twi
l
lwor
k..Thi
sfr
iendshi
pImean"
Hi
m:"
thenwhatdoy
ouwant
"?
Me:
"t
hat
'st
hepr
obl
em,
Idon'
tknowwhatIwant
"
Helookeddeepi
ntomyey es,
penet
rati
ngintomy
soult
histi
mearoundIgavein,
Il
ethim sear
chthe
dept
hsofmysoul.Icoul
dn'tmoveaway
Hi
m:"
youdon'
tknowory
ou'
rei
ndeni
al"
?
Me:
"Idon'
t.
..I
..
."

Hi
sli
psmetmi
ne.
..
Forami nutewedi dn'tmov eatall
...
Iguesshewai ted
formet oretractorsomet hi
ngbutIdi dn'
twantt o
:(uyayazubamnandi kway ointoebiway o?Myhand
automat i
cal
lymov edandt ouchedhi sfaceandwe
j
ustent i
cedthemomentandki ssed.Itwasni ceand
slow,deli
cateandsi lkysmoot h..
.Thenhepushed
meonmybackaswecont i
nuedlikenobody '
s
business.Ihadr eall
ygi veni ntohischarm, kwalento
Iwouldsayt his,
nextt hingIwoul dsosomet hi
ng
exactoppositetowhatIj ustsaid.Hishandswer eon
mysi des,
hisonel egbet weenmyl egs..
.
Hesl
owl
yli
ft
eduphi
sheadandl
ookedatme
Hi
m:"
Ithi
nkIshoul
dst
opandr
especty
ourdeci
sion"
Me:
"butwhati
fIdon'
twanty
out
ost
op'
'
?
Hi
m:"
you'
reconf
used"

Ipull
edhisheaddownandweki ssed,t
here'
snot
muchr oom onthecouchbutitwasenoughf orthe
Twoofusunt i
lwewerebothsatisfi
edhepulledus
bothupandIsatonhi slap,
mylegsspr eadonboth
si
des,forasecondIburi
edmyheadi nhis
shoulder,
ashamedtolookhimint heeye

Me:
"you'
ret
heoneconf
usi
ngme"
Hi
m:"
butI
'
vebeencl
earsi
ncedayone"
Me:"Iknow.
..
butwheni
tcomest
oyou,
Il
oosemy
senses"
Hi
m:"
you'
readmi
tt
ingt
obei
ngi
nlov
ewi
thme"
Me:
"noI
'
m not
"
Hi
m:"
indi
rect
ly"
Isi
ghed:
/

Me:
"Ij
ustdon'
twannagethur
t"
Hi
m:"
Iwoul
dn'
thur
tyoudel
i
ber
atel
y"
Me:
"butt
her
e'sachancey
ouwoul
dhur
tme"
Hi
m:"
Ican'
tvouchf
ort
hat
"

Imov
edof
fhi
m andsatnextt
ohi
m..
.

Hi
m:"
youwantexcl
usi
vi
tyr
ight
"?
Me:
"t
hatcoul
dbeast
art
"
Hi
m:"
wel
lyouwer
eri
ght
"
Me:
"about
"
Hi
m:"
alotoft
hingsaboutme"
Me:
"t
hingsl
i
kewhat
"?
Hi
m:"
kids.
..Andl
i
fest
yle"
Me:
"you'
reconf
usi
ngme"

Hesi
ghedandl
ookedathi
shands

Me:
"t
abeast
"?
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tthi
nky
ou'
rer
eadyt
oheart
his"
Me:
"what
?Hayudl
alangam kengok"
Hi
m:"
I'
m bei
ngr
eal
"
Me:"t
hent
hatmeansI
'
llnev
erber
eadyt
ogi
vey
oua
chancemos"
Hi
m:"
no"

Ndamj
onga.
..

Him:"
Ihav
etwoki
ds.
..
dif
fer
entmot
her
sandI
'
ma
gangst
aasyouwoul
dcalli
t"
Myjawdr opped!YesIspecul
atedbut
,Idi
dn'
treal
l
y
expecthi
mt oconfess:/j
ustl
ikethat
.
[
10/
8,20:
44]‪+27730692704‬:
#73

Hi
m:"
saysomet
hing"
Me:
"i
smybr
otheragangst
atoo"
?

Hewentsi
l
ent:
/

Me:
"ohmyGod"
!
Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ry"

Isatther
ewi t
hmyhandscov er
ingmymout hin
shock.AsmuchasIwant edtochasehi m out,
Idi
dn'
t.
Icoul
dn't
.LikeIsai
dbefore,somethingaboutthose
gunshotsenti
cedme,theydrewattracti
onf r
om me
i
nsuchawayIwasn' tevenscaredany more.
Hi
m:"
Ithi
nkIshoul
dleav
e"
Me:
"no"
!

Helookedatmequizzi
cal
ly
..
.Idon'tknowwhatI
wasdoingkeyaz,
Ishoul
dhavejustlethi
m go.

Me:
"Iwannaknowev
ery
thi
ng"
Hi
m:"
ohkay
"
Me:
"howol
dar
eyourki
ds"
?
Hi
m:"
sev
enandt
hree"
Me:
"gender
s,names"
?
Hi
m:"
Owentandoi
saboyUnaseven,
then
Si
not
handoisagi
rlunat
hree"
Me:
"baphi
"?
Hi
m:"
theyl
i
vewi
tht
hei
rmot
her
s"
Me:
"uy
abasupoor
t'
a"?
Him:
"yes.
..Look,
reasonI
'm honestwi
thy
ou
kwangokuIdon'twantyoutofindout
sewungaphakat
hiify
oudeci
detogi
veusachance.I
wantyoutodecideknowi
ngal
lthef
act
saroundmy
l
ife"

Me:
"whydi
dyoubr
eakupwi
tht
hem"
?

Hesi
ghed.
..

Me:
"cel
aubehonestbr
a"
Him:"wi
thChumashef oundoutIwas"t
his"af
terwe
datedforsi
xyear
s,shecoul
dn'
taccepti
tthenshe
l
eftme"
Me:
"umnt
anaenangaphi
ngoko"
?
Hi
m:"
shel
eftr
ightaf
tershegav
ebi
rt
h"
Me:
"t
hesecondone"
?
Him:
"shewantedmoreofthehi
ghl
i
fe.
..
nott
hatI
coul
dn'
taff
orditbuti
tbecamet
oomuch"
Me:
"how"
?
Him:"
she'
sdemanding,sti
l
lis.I
fshewant
stofl
yto
Pari
stoni
ght
,t
henitmustbet oni
ghtANDshedi
dn'
t
getal
ongver
ywellwiththeteam"
Me:
"Mar
cknewher
''
?
Hi
m:"
heknowsbot
hoft
hem"
Me:
"mh"
Hi
m:"
wonel
e"?
Me:
"f
ornowIt
hinkso"
Hi
m:"
well
,i
thinkt
hat'
senoughforonedaysol
emme
j
ustl
eav
ey outoponderonever
ythi
ngneh"
?

Inod

Hegotup,camet okissmycheekIducked
away,l
ookingattheopposi tedir
ecti
on.Het ookhi
s
carkeysandl eft
,Iheardhiscardri
vingoutandthe
soundfaded.Igotup, el
ectroni
call
ylockedthegat
e
fr
om theinsideandt ookashawl scuddlingmysel
f
onthecouch, t
hemor eIhuggedmy selfthemoreI
fel
tthosepai nsreturning.Itr
iedmybestt ocont rol
thepainsbyst iff
eningmybodymuscl esbutkeIdi d
allofthatinvain,
thepai nsjustshotup,pi
ercing
thr
oughmyl owerbodyIl etoutacryasIcl utchedon
theshawl ,
tearsrandownmycheeksr apidly.I
couldn'tcontr
ol i
tany moreandnowt heonlyper son
Icouldt hi
nkofwasNt ando. .
.Hewasmyonl yhope.

Ireachedformyphoneandcal ledhim..
.Itrangthree
ti
mest henitwentsilent
.Itri
edagai nst
il
linvain.
Ndancamakengokndav elandalil
acozey onantou
Lukeakakazof i
kahayandt het
hi ngoEvenoKer iand
Icouldn'
treal
lycall
Mar cusESEkapauzokwenzani ?
Iball
edmyey esoutast hepainbecamemor eand
mor esevere,
bynowt hebloodwaspumpi ngev en
mor ethanbefore

Hecal
l
edmeback

Me:
"h-hi
"?
Hi
m:'
'
hey
,yourv
oicesoundscr
acked,
arey
ouokay
"?

Ist
art
edcr
yingagai
n,
ver
bal
l
ynow.

Hi
m:"
okayokay
.I'
m onmyway
"

Ij
ustt r
iedgett
ingup, Iactuall
ycrawledtomy
bedroom Ihadt ochangedt hesanit
arytowel befor
e
hereachedt hi
shouse, thatalonewasami ssionbutI
di
di ti
nt heend.Iwashedmyhandsandwal ked
sl
owl ydownstairs,
stoppingnowandt hentocat cha
breath
Inlesst
hant heant i
cipatedt i
me,hebuzzed, Iopens
forhim,
holdingtheki t
chencount erforsupport..
.My
l
egswer esoont obef ail
ingmeasIsl iddownt he
cupboardandsatf l
atont heti
ledcoldf l
oor.He
rushedi
nside..
.Di dn'
tev enaskquest i
ons,hepicked
meupandt ookmet ot hecar,her acedoutoft hat
housetoapr ivatedoct orsoffi
ceandagai nhe
carri
edmei nside..Ther ecepti
onistlookedathi min
shock

Hi
m:"
isdoct
orLaur
enher
e"?
Her
:"
yessi
rdoy
ouhav
eanappoi
ntment
"?

Hejustbargedinandputmeont hebedthenwalked
backout..
.Itur
nedandsleptonmystomach,st
il
l
clut
chingonmyl owerabdomen.Nextt
hingIheard
twov oi
cescomingin

Doc:
"goodmor
ningmi
sser
h"?
Hi
m:"
Smi
th"
Doc:
"whatseemst
obet
hepr
obl
em"
?

Lentombazanahadnocl uethatevenasent
ence
wasami ssi
on?AfterafewsecondsItr
iedt
urni
ng
andf acedthem,Nt
andolookedinshockdownmy
stomach,Ifol
lowedhiseyesandmetblood:'
(
Me:
"yoh"
!
:
o

Doc:
"Si
r,pl
zwai
tout
side"
Hi
m:"
no,
Ican'
tl
eav
eherher
e"
Doc:
"Ipr
omi
set
otakecar
eofher
,justwai
tout
side.
Pl
ease"

Het ouchedmyhand, brushingitandleft

.Thedoctor
call
edt wonursesthent heycoveredmewi tha
hospitalcl
oththentheyst ar
tedwiththei
rtest
s.After
thesixthbloodtestIhasabl ackout.Iwas
numb, hear
dnot hi
ngandf eltnothi
ng.Iwasjustout.
-
Wheni wokeupi wasn'tinthesamebedIwasi n
earl
i
er,
Ilookedaround.
..Iwasinarealhospi
tal
with
LukeandKer ionbothsides.NoNtandotobeseen.I
l
ookedar oundagainandsawagl assofwater
Me:
"Luu"
?
Hel
i
ftedhi
sheadandsmi
l
ed.
..Hehadahi
ntoff
ear
i
nhi
m.

Hi
m:"
hey
,you'
reup"
Me:
"wat
er.
.pl
z"

Hegavemethewater,
wit
hastr
awIdr
ankhalfofi
t
andt
ri
esseat
ingup.Keri
hel
pedmendahl
alakak'
hl
e

Her
:"
whathappened"
?
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.
..
whatdi
dthedoct
orsay
"?
Hi
m:"
they
'r
est
il
lrunni
ngt
est
s"
Me:
"howdi
dIgether
e"?
Her
:"
youwer
etr
ansf
eredbyapr
ivat
eDoct
or"
Hi
m:"
somedoct
orLaur
en"
Me:
"oh"
SothatmeansNt andodidn'
tcomeal
ong?I
tisonl
y
thenthatIr
eal
izedIlef
tmyphoneathome.
..
Couldn'
tcal
landthankhim.

Amal
eDoct
orwal
kedi
n

Hi
m:"heyourbeauti
ful
pat
ienti
sawake,
howy
ou
f
eel
ingMissSmi t
h"
Me:
"numbdoc"
Hi
m:"
andt
hebl
eedi
nghasst
opped.
..
fornow"
Ker
i:
"whatcausedi
tint
hef
ir
stpl
ace"
?
Hi
m:"we'
renotsur
eyett
hat
'swhywe'
rer
unni
ng
t
estsma'
am"

Hetookmoreblood-_
-you'
dsweart
hey'
refeedi
ng
mybloodt
ov ampir
esmntakamanbekunini
ndi
tsal
wael
igazi
?Thenheleft
Ker
i:
"I
'm goi
ngout
,whatcanIbr
ingy
ou"
?
Luu:
"f
ood,
I
'm dy
ingher
e"
Her
:"
okay
,Tr
ina"
?
Me:
"I
'm nothungr
y"
Her
:"
buty
ouhav
etodr
inkoreatsomet
hing"
Me:
"okay
..
.St
rawber
rymi
l
kshake"
Her
:"
okay
,I
'l
lbeback"
Me:
"kay
"

Shel
eft
.

Lukecametositdown.
..Iknewt
herewas
somethi
nghugecoming:/hewasjustt
oo
uncomfor
tabl
yseri
ous.

Hi
m:"
Ineedt
oasky
ousomet
hing"
Me:
"Iknow"

Hechuckl
ed:
v

Hi
m:"
wer
eyoupr
egnant
"?
:
o
Me:
"what
"!
?!
Hi
m:"
thebl
oody
oul
ost
..
.i
tsl
i
key
oumi
scar
ri
ed"
Me:
"no,
Iwasn'
tpr
egnant
"
Him:"
okay.
..
Ijustwannaunder
standwhat
's
happeni
ngokay "

Ij
ustnod.
..Li
ker
eal
l
y?:
/

Me:
"howdi
dyouknowIwasher
e"?
Hi
m:"
Beastcal
l
edmeony
ourphone"
Me:
"oh"
Hi
m:"
wher
edi
dhef
indy
ou"
?
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"
Hi
m:"
wel
li
tdon'
treal
l
ymat
tercozhesav
edy
ourl
i
fe"
Me:
"wher
e'smyphone"
?
Hi
m:"
hesai
dhe'
l
lbr
ingi
tlat
eron"
Me:
"hel
eftwi
thi
t"
?
Hi
m:"
Ithi
nkso"

-
_-whythehel
ldidheeventakei
tendl
i
ni?Icl
osed
myeyes,
avoi
dingtothi
nkaboutt
hesit
uati
onathand

Luke:
"Mar
cisf
lyi
ngi
nlat
eron"
Me:
"youshoul
dn'
thav
etol
dhi
m"
Hi
m:"
wehadt
o"
Me:
"nowhehast
oleav
eLi
zzyal
one"
Hi
m:"
Tri
na"
Ikeptqui
et,
myey
esst
il
lcl
osed.
[
10/
8,20:
44]‪+27730692704‬:
#74

Iwasheavi
lysedat
edsoIf el
lasleepagai
nonceI
cl
osedmyey es.
..I
tfel
tli
keIrelaxedmorewhenI
wassleepi
ng,
fel
tnopainwhat soever
.
If
eltsomeonetouchi
ngmyf or
ehead,
Isl
owl yopened
myey esandsawhim,hi
sfacewasfear-
str
ickenas
hestoodnexttomybed

Me:
"I
'm st
il
lal
i
ve"

Hesmi l
edandsatdown, hol
dingmyhandandj ust
l
ookingatmewi thoutaword.Iclear
edmyt hroat,
I
wantedtocleart
heairandgethimt otalk:
(itwas
awkwardenoughal r
eadyandIdidn'tevenhearmy
si
bli
ngsgoing..
.Whattimewasi tanyway?

Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"
Hi
m:"
forwhat
"?
Me:"
for..
.Burdeni
ngyou.And,
forthebloody ou
saw..
.hopeful
lyyoudi
dn'
tcomei ntocontactwit
h
any"
Hi
m:"
andi
fIdi
d"?

Ndamj
onga.
..

Hi
m:"
rel
ax,
Idi
dn'
t.Ut
hini
udoct
or"
?
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.
..If
ell
asl
eepaf
tersomet
est
s"
Hi
m:"
oh-
kay
"
Me:"Ier
hm.
..Iwant
edt
othanky
ou.Yousav
edmy
l
if
e"
Hi
m:"
it
snobi
gdeal
,
I'
mjustgl
ady
ou'
rebet
ter
"
Me:
"t
hankst
omygangst
afr
iend"

Hecrackedup.
..:
)atl
eastImadehi
mlaughkuy
o
yonkel
ento.
Hi
m:"
Ican'
tst
ayl
ongt
hough,
yourbr
otheri
sar
ound"
Me:
"he'
slandedal
ready
"?
Him:
"yeahso,
Ithi
nkI'
l
lseey
ouagai
ntomor
rowi
f
you'
renotdi
schar
ged"
Me:
"oh"

Helookedatme,
Il
ookeddownatmyf
inger
s..
.My
emoti
onswerecer
tai
nlyal
lov
ert
hepl
acestr
uBob!

Hi
m:"
youdon'
tseem t
owantmet
ogo"
Me:
"doy
ouhav
eto"
?
Hi
m:"
whathappensi
fyourbr
other
sfi
ndmeher
e"?
Me:
"don'
ttheyknowy
oubr
oughtmeher
e"?

Hesi
ghed.
..
Me:
"t
henyou'
l
ltel
lthem y
oucamet
ocheckupon
me,
ri
ght
"?
Hi
m:"Idon'
twannacauseanyfr
icti
onsbabe,
Idon'
t
mindgoingandcomingbackl
ateronwhenthey'
re
al
lgone"
Me:
"vi
sit
inghour
swi
l
lbeov
erbyt
hen"
Hi
m:"
letmewor
ryaboutt
hat
..
.Yourphone"
Me:
"t
hanks"

It
ooki
tanddi
dal
lpossi
blechecks:
v

Hi
m:"
I'
dnev
erdot
hatt
oyou"
Me:
"dowhat
"?
Hi
m:"
Iknowwhaty
ou'
rechecki
ng"
Me:
"youcan'
tbl
ameme"
Hi
m:"
Ionlytooki
tsothatIcani
nfor
myoursi
bli
ngs
t
henIchargedi
t,
that
'
sall
"
Me:
"onecannev
erbet
oocar
eful
..
.butt
hanksagai
n"
Hi
m:"
ayt
,l
emmev
ani
sh"
Me:
"kay
"

Hegotupandkissedmyf or
ehead..
.Walkedtot
he
door,
openedi
tandjustst
oodthereforasecond
thentur
ned.

Hi
m:"youknowIthoughtI'
dlooseyou,especi
all
y
whentheytr
ansf
erredyouhere.Funnyhowy ou'dbe
af
rai
doflosi
ngwhat snotevenyoursneh?Buty ou
pr
ovedtobeexactl
ywhatIsawi ny ou"
Me:
"what
'st
hat
"?
Hi
m:"
afi
ght
er.
"

Ismil
ed..
.LolekhayaI'
mthebaby.Li
keyonkint
o
rev
olv
esar oundmebei ngthey
oungestsohearing
umntuwhodoesn' tref
ertomebymyposi t
ionbutby
myabili
tykindafedmyegokancinci
.
Hi
m:"
shar
p"
Me:"
shar
p..
.Cel
awheny
ou'
recomi
ngundphat
hel
e
i
nyama"
Hi
m:"
braai
dpor
kIguess"
Me:
"t
hanky
ouv
erymuch"

Hechuckledandwalkedoutclosi
ngthedoorbehi
nd
hi
m.Itookmyphoneandcheckedmy
messages,mostwerefr
om theFAM andsomef r
om
Amishandt hegi
rl
s:DIcal
ledher

Mi
sh:
"yhuchomi
uyadi
kaev
ha"
Me:
"good.
..
aft
ernoont
oyout
ooAmanda"
Her:
"t
chi
nmxm...
it
heni
phoney
akho?Li
keI
'
vebeen
cal
l
ingnonest
op"
Hi
m:"
bingekhokum,
sor
ry"
Her
:"
uli
bel
ethatwepr
omi
sedt
ohookup"
?
Me:
"yho"
Her:
"gr
eat!Landi
l
eisbusystr
oll
ingtheMal
lwiththat
bi
tchwenaubusyplayinghousewif
e!Chom ugr
and
upst
air
s"?

Ineededt
his:
vforr
eal

Me:
"awmyf
ri
end,
Ifor
gotI
'
m sor
ry"
Her
:"
youf
orgot
"?
Me:
"yeah,
I
'm backi
nJo'
bur
g"
Her
:"
mxm"
Me:"
Ihadto..
.butI
'
llt
ell
youl
ateronwhenI
'
m outof
t
hisplace"
Her
:"
outofwher
e"?
Me:
"er
h..
.Nev
ermi
nd"
Her
:"
Chom what'
sup?Somet
hingi
sdef
ini
tel
ygoi
ng
oni
ny ourl
i
fe"
Me:
"I
'm notsur
eyetbuty
ou'
l
lbet
hef
ir
stt
oknow"
Her
:"
okayket
hanksf
ort
hecal
l
"
Me:
"t
hanksf
ort
hemessagesnawe"
Her
:"
lat
erneh"
Me:
"shot
"!

Wehungup, Igotupandwentt othebat hroom.The

bleedinghadstoppedny hani,
Icamebackpl ayed
games, Iwashungr ybutIdon'treal
lyl
ikehospital
foodandodor. ..Ili
stenedt omusicuntilIhear
dmy
brotherscomingt owardst hewardLol myhear t
j
umpedf orj
oy

Marcuswal
kedinfi
rst
..
.hesawmeandcamefor
th.
Wehugged.Theyal
lsatdown:D:
DBooboowas
back

Me:
"ohmywor
d!CanIt
akehi
m"?

Evegavemeherson,
Ipl
ayedwithhi
m hewas
smil
ing,
giggl
i
ngandj
usthappy
.Thisl
it
tl
eni
qqa
br
oughtsomei
ndescr
ibabl
ejoyt
omyl
i
fe

Mar
c:"
sowhat
'sgoi
ngon?Howy
ouf
eel
i
ng"
?
Me:
"I
'mf
eel
i
ngf
inet
hanky
ou"
Hi
m:"
IhearBeastsav
edy
ou"
Me:
"oht
hat
"

Lol
Evel
ynwasal
lsmi
l
es.
..

Hi
m:"
yourdoct
orhasknockedoffsowe'l
l seehi
m
t
omorr
owmor ni
ngandaskf ur
therquest
ions"
Me:
"Ihopey
'al
ldi
dn'
tcal
lmom"
Hi
m:"
Idi
dn'
t"
Luu:
"wedi
dn'
t"
Me:
"t
hanks.
..
how'
sLi
z"
Hi
m:"
she'
sgood,
we'
real
lshockedabouty
ou"
Me:
"wel
lI'
m bet
tert
hanear
li
eron"
Hi
m:"
soy
ouj
ust
..
.Bl
ed"
?
Me:"
yeah.
..
fel
tpai
ns,
sev
erepai
nst
hent
hebl
eedi
ng
came"
Hi
m:"
soy
oudon'
tknowwhat
'
sthecause"
?
Me:
"no.
..ButLuket
hinksImi
scar
ri
ed"
Hi
m:"
huh"
?
Luu:
"whatwasIsupposedt
othi
nk"
?
Ev
e:"
wel
lsheai
n'
tnoMar
y"
Ker
i:
"she'
sst
il
lav
irgi
n,
lastt
imeIchecked"
Luu:
"she'
sbeenwi
thherboy
fri
endi
nCapeTown,
remember"?

Me:
"hel
l
ll
ooow?I
'
m st
il
lher
eokay
"
Ker
i:
"sor
ry"
Marc:
"yousurey
oudon'
tknowwhat
'shappeni
ngt
o
you?Imean,wewon'
tj
udge.
"
Me:
"It
hinki
twi
l
lbebet
teri
fwewai
tfort
hedoct
or"
Hi
m:"
okay
"
Ker
i:
"hav
eyoueat
en"
Me:
"I
'm good"
Luu:
"shehasn'
teat
en,
event
hatmi
l
kshakei
sst
il
l
havewaydown"
Ker
i:
"Ibr
oughty
ouhomecookedf
ood"
Marc:
"andyouhavet
oeat
,y
oucan'
tdr
inkpi
l
lsonan
emptystomach"
Eve:
"I
'm sur
eshe'l
leat.
..
you'
dswearshe'
sinv
ali
dthe
wayyouguy sconti
nue"
Luu:
"we'
rej
ustconcer
ned"

Ikeptquiet.
..I
'm novict
im nehbutIdon'
treall
yli
ke
peoplefussingov erme.It
ookthefoodKer igaveme
andstartedeating.

Mar
c:"
lemmecal
lLi
zzy
,I
'l
lbeback"
Ker
i:
"l
uuy
ouhav
en'
tfor
got
tenr
ight
"?
Luu:
"oh.
..
can'
twedoi
ttomor
row"
?
Her
:"
no,
i
t'
ll
beescal
atet
omor
row"
Hi
m:"
okayl
et'
sgo"
Ker
i:
"we'
l
lbebacknownow"
Me:
"sho"

Iwaslef
twit
heveandbooboo.
..Iat
eaf
ewspoons
andcover
edthetub.

Ev
e:"
so.
..Whydi
dBeastbr
ingy
ouher
e?"
Me:
"becauseheassumedIneededadoct
or"
Her:
"cummon,
youknowwhatImean.Wher
ewer
e
youguys"
?

Isi
ghed.
..Ev
eakakwazi
uwuv
alakeuml
omi
wakhe.

Her
:"
Ipr
omi
set
obedi
scr
eet
"
Me:
"wewer
eatt
hehouse"
Her
:"
att
hehouse?Youmean,
Luke'
shouse?Why
washet
her
e"?
Me:
"Ical
l
edhi
m..
.Iwasi
npai
n"
Her
:"
howdi
dheknowt
hepl
ace"
?
Me:
"what
'supwi
tht
hisi
nter
rogat
iont
hough"
?
Her
:"
Ijustwannaunder
stand"

Iswi
tchedof
fmymusi
c..
.

Her
:"
I'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"cool
"
Her
:"
doy
out
hi-
"

Mephonedi
stur
bedher
..
.

Me:
"excuseme"
Shenod
Me:
"hi
"?
Hi
m:"
IhopeI
'
m notdi
stur
bing"
Me:
"no,
what
'
sup"
?
Hi
m: "
they'
reoutofpor
k,i
twi
l
lonl
ybedel
i
ver
edi
nthe
morning"
Me:
"ohokay
"
Hi
m:"
sowhatdoIdo"
?
Me:
"nahdon'
tst
ress,
akhongxaki
"
Hi
m:"
okayshar
p"
Me:
"by
e"

Ihungup.
..

Ev
e:"
that
'shi
m,r
ight
"?
Me:
"hi
m who"
?
Her
:"
Beast
"
Me:"
hedoesn'tr
eall
yhavet
obei
nal
lour
conv
ersat
ionsthough"
Her:
"it
shi
m.Wow.
..
youguy
sar
ebecomi
ngcl
oseI
see"
Me:
"Ev
ely
n"
Her
:"
I'
mjustadmi
ri
ngt
hat
'
sal
l
"
Me:
"t
her
e'snot
hingt
oadmi
re"
Her
:"
thenwhybedef
ensi
ve"
?
:
/

Me:"I
..
.Look,Ijustdon'
tknowwher eIst
andokay
.
He'sreveal
edsomebi tt
ertr
uthsbouthi
msel
f,
thi
ngs
Iwouldhaver unat housandmilesj
ustt
ogetaway
fr
om"
Her:
"butt
hatalonemadey oufal
lev
enhar
derf
orhi
m.
Iknowonething,he'
sagangstasoi
sMarcsowe
can'
treal
l
yjudgehi m byt
hat
"
Me:
"howdoy
ouknow"
Her
:"
he'
sMar
c'sboss.
..Iov
erhear
dthem whi
l
ewe
wer
eint
hecape"
Me:
"andy
ounev
erbot
her
edt
otel
lme"
?
Her:
"Iwasntsur
eandbesi
des,
Iwant
edhi
mtot
ell
youhimself
"
Me:
"wel
lhedi
d"
Her
:"
howdoy
ouf
eel
"?
Me:"Idon'tknow..
.fasci
natedandscaredatthe
samet ime.Ireall
ydon'tknowhey .
..He'
sgoodto
me,her eal
lyisbutthefactthathe'
sagangstaAND
he'
sf r
iendswi t
hmybi gbrot
her"
Her
:"
mmh,
Mar
cusSmi
th"
Me:
"yep"
Her
:"
wel
lIwanty
out
ofol
l
owy
ourhear
t.
..
"

Mar
c:"
youf
oll
owedy
our
sandcamewi
thababy
"

Whendidheret
urn?Jawdropped!Momentof
si
l
ence!Awkwardmoments!
[
10/
8,20:
45]‪+27730692704‬:
#75

Hewal kedinandclosedthedoor,
Itookmyphone
andplayedwithit
.Eveli
ckedandclosedhisli
ps
whichwer edr
ybynow. .
.shetookherkidand
breast
fedhim

Hi
m:"
whythesil
encenow?Di
dIi
nter
ruptan
i
mport
antconv
ersat
ion"
?

Sil
ence.
..Wel
lIwasn'
tsur
ewhattosaysi
nceIdi
dn'
t
knowwhatexactl
ydidheover
hear

Ev
e:"
I'
ll
beback"

Shegotupwi
thhersonandl
eft
..
.
Awkwar
dsi
l
encebet
weenmeandmybr
other
..
.
-
BeasthadlefttheShi saNy amaandwenttorelaxfor
acoupleofhour sinhi splace,
hehadawel l
furni
shed
apart
mentthather entedoutt ost
udent
sbuthadhi s
ownroom att hev erylastendofthebui
ldi
ngf or
moment sli
ket hese.Heneededsomeper specti
ve
ri
ghtnowbutasmuchashi shear
twashere,hi
s
mindwasal way saboutbusi ness,
money,r
evenue..
.
JustthenRangercal led:

Hi
m:"
Range,
supman"
?
Range:
"boss!Youshoul
dcomebackgou-
gou"
Hi
m:"
yint
onngoku"
?
Range:
"Thr
il
lerhasbeenshot
"

Hegotupandwal
kedt
othewi
ndow.
..

Hi
m:"
what
!?"
Range:
"he'
sbeenr
ushedt
othehospi
tal
rightnow"
Him:"Rangerwait
...Thr
il
leri
ssupposedtobei
n
Durban!Whyt hefuckwashei ndieKaap"
?
Range:
"hesai
dheneededtotal
ktoy
a..
.Boss,
i
sit
possi
blefory
out
oflyint
onight
"?
Him:
"NOO!Ranger!No!MustIalwaysbetherewhen
youni
qqazfuckup?Whent hefuckarey'
all
gonna
manuphuh?Jerrr
r "
!!
!

Hehungupandpackedhi
sthi
ngs.
..Justashe
f
ini
shedhecal
l
edhismainmaninDurban..
.

Ghost
:"
TaBeast
,bengi
zok'
bhel
elamybr
a"
Hi
m:"
Whatt
hef
ucki
sgoi
ngon"
!!
??
Ghost
:"
guessy
ouhear
daboutThr
il
ler
..
."
Him:"
Ghost
,Idon'
twannacomet
oDur
banj
ustas
yet
"
Ghost:
"nononoyoudon'
thavetotaBeast
..
.Thr
il
ler
wantedtogi
veyousomeinfor
mati
onsohef l
ewto
t
heCapet hi
smorni
ng.Idon'
tknowhowhegotshot"
Hi
m:"I
'
m gi
vi
ngy out
hreehour
s,y
ouwi
l
lcal
lmewi
th
f
ull
inf
ormat
ion"
Ghost
:"
butt
aBeastI
'
m on-
"
Him:"
Idon'
twannarepeatmyself!Youbet
tercal
lme
backMabhuti
,
oryou'l
lregr
eteverbeingaghosti
n
mykraal"

Hehungup.
..
cal
l
edRanger

Range:
"Boss"
Him:"Igi
vey
out
hreehour
s,t
henIwantev
eryl
i
ttl
e
detai
l"
Range:
"goti
t"

Hehungup...Nowthedil
emmawashowtoflyt
o
CapeTownngokuwhi l
ehehadpromi
sedtogoback
tothehospi
tal
.Hesatdowncont
empl
ati
ng..
.
Hecal
l
edMar
cuswhowasst
il
lwi
thus.
..

Mar
c:"
Ninj
a"
Hi
m:"
Thr
il
ler
'sbeenshot
"
Marc:"
you'
rekiddi
ng!Wher
e?How?Di
dn'
tyousend
Thr
il
lertoDurban"
?
Him:"
youhav
etogett
oCapeTownassoonas
possi
ble.
"
Marc:
"i
twi
l
lhav
etobet
omor
rowmor
ningbr
aIcan'
t
gonow"
Hi
m:"
shot
"!
Mar
c:"
wher
e-"

Hehadal
readyhungup.

Beastopenedhistr
ackingdevi
ceandtr
ackeddown
Thri
ll
ersj
ourney,
hefoundoutwherehegotshott
hen
cal
ledinfavor
sfrom al
loverkwaLangaever
yone
wasoutont
hel
ookoutt
ogetal
lthei
nfor
mat
ionhe
needed.

Af
tert
wohour
s,Ghostcal
l
ed

Hi
m:"
Mabhut
i"
!
Ghost
:"
Ithi
nkImi
ghtbeont
osomet
hing"
Hi
m:"
ng'
l
alel
e"
Ghost
:"
hewasshotkwaLanga,t
heguysdrov
ea
bl
ackCadi
l
lacandaresuspect
edtobefr
om Kil
l
a's
ar
my "
Hi
m:"
wast
hathar
d"?
Ghost
:"
chaboss"
Hi
m:"
remembert
hatnextt
ime"

Thenhehungup. ..Ki
l
lai
soneofhi sr
ival
ri
esbut
they'
vesett
ledthewarwhenitexpandedand
i
nv ol
vedfamil
ymember saboutfouryear
sbackwhy
wouldKi
ll
adothi
snow?Hesatbackandwai
tedf
or
Rangert
ocal
lwit
hhisi
nfor
mati
on..
.

Af
tert
hir
tymor
emi
nut
esRangercal
l
ed.
..

Hi
m:"
Range"
Range:
"HewasshotkwaLanga,
blackCadi
l
lacwhi
ch
tr
acedbackt
obraKill
a"
Hi
m:"
why
"?
Range:"Thr
il
lerhadpickeduponat r
ail
erleadingtoa
businessbraKill
a'
speopleareconducti
ngt hatcoul
d
l
eadt ouslosingourownsohewant edtotalktoyou
beforehedidsomet hingabouti
t"
Hi
m:"
soKi
l
lai
sst
art
ingawaragai
n"?
Range:"
Iwentov
erther
e..
metMas'
xbuthedeni
ed
thei
rinv
olv
ement"
Hi
m:"
goodwor
k"
Range:
"sowhatnow"
?
Hi
m:"
keepaney
eonThr
il
l,
I
'l
ldot
her
est
"
Range:
"wheni
sMar
cfl
yi
ngi
n"?
Hi
m:"
tomor
rowmor
ning"
Range:
"okay
,shar
p"
Hi
m:"
sho"

Hesatther
emi ndl
essl
ytappi
nghisfi
ngersonthe
coff
eetabl
e..
.IfKi
l
laisonabetray
altr
ail
thenhe
hadtobeastepahead.Butnotbefor
ehelet'
shim
knowthathe'
sawaresohecalledKil
l
a
.
.
Ki
l
la:
"Mai
nman,
zkhi
phani
ndoda"
?
Hi
m:"
oneofmymenwasshott
oday
"
Ki
l
la:
"oh.
..
youneedsomehel
pfi
ndingoutwhodi
dit
?
We'
ll
gladl
ylendyouahandman"

:
vthebeasti
nsideBeastwassl
owlygr
owli
ng.
..Thi
s
Ki
ll
areal
lyi
ntendedonplay
ingar
oundhuh?
Hi
m:"Ki
l
la"
Ki
l
la:
"Beast
"
Hi
m:"y
ou'
vejustr
ewindedt
hepast.
..
justr
emember
t
hatwhenall
hell
breaksl
ooseandtheBeastget
s
l
ooseanddevour
stheprey
"
Ki
l
la:
"wha-
"

Hehungup.

-
-
Mar
c:"ar
ewegonnasi
tint
hisawkwar
dness"
?
Me:
"whatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd"
?
Hi
m:"
whower
eyout
alki
ngaboutbef
oreIwal
kedi
n"?
Me:
"nobodyi
npar
ti
cul
ar"
Hi
m:"
mmh..Look,
Ij
ustr
ecei
vedacal
l
.Ihav
etobei
n
t
heCapeASAP"
Me:
"ev
ery
thi
ngokay
"?
Hi
m:"
yeahImean.
..I
tsj
ustsomebusi
nesshi
ccups"
Me:
"mmh"
Hi
m:"
sol
emmej
ustl
eav
eyout
orest
"
Me:
"okayt
hanksf
orcomi
ngby
"
Hi
m: "
youdon'thav
et othankmeLi
lsi
s..
.f
ami
l
y
st
ickstoget
heratall
times"

Wehugged. .
.Evewal kedin,Ihuggedthem aswel l
thentheylef
t.Iwantedt oseeNt ando:(Idon'tknow
whybutwhenMar cment i
oned" busi
ness"Ijusthad
af eel
ingt
hiswas"thei r
"businessmeaninghewas
alsoleavi
ng.Iwai
tedanxi ouslyyouknow...Iwas
kindaamazedbymyr eact
iontot hi
sthought.Imean
Ij
ustdidn'texpectmy sel
ftobesopossessi
veof
hi
m soqui ckly:
/wehbanna! !!ThewayIwasact
ing
i
tsli
kewe' vebeenf r
iendsforalongti
meoreven
worse.
..i
tsli
kewe' v
ebeent ogetherman,
*si
gh*
It
ookapeekoutsi
de.
.i
twasdark,
guessImightas
well
sleepmay
behe'sfl
ownbackalr
eady.AsI
coveredmyselfIplayedsoulmusicj
usttot akeme
swift
lytot
hongoland...Onthethi
rdtr
ack,Iheardmy
doorslowl
ycreakingopenandhi sscentcrawledin
befor
eheev ensetf oot,
Itur
nedandlookedathi m.
..

Hi
m:"
thoughty
ou'
dbef
astasl
eepbynow"
Me:
"t
houghty
ou'
vegonebackt
oCapeTown"

Hewalkedi
nandcametostandbyme,Isatup,
my
f
eethangi
ngovert
hebed,
wewerefaci
ngeachot her

Me:
"youokay
"?
Hi
m:"
yeah.
..
"

Hepushedaf ootst
oolt
owardsmesomyf eet
l
andedonitthenhecamef ort
handheldmy
hands.
..
bot
hoft hem wi
thoutevensi
tt
ingdown
Me:
"what
'sgoi
ngon"
?
Hi
m:"
Ierhm.
..Ihav
etof
lybackt
oCapeTown
t
oni
ght"
Me:
"buti
tscl
oset
omi
dni
ghtal
ready
"
Hi
m:"
Iknow.
..Somet
hingv
eryser
iouscameup"
Me:
"can'
tsomeoneel
sehandl
eit
"?
Hi
m:"
Wel
lMar
cisher
e..
.Rangeri
stoo.
..
sof
tIguess"

:
/
Il
ookeddownonbothourhands..
.Ourfi
nger
s
entwi
nedi
nsomeunspokenunison.Heletgoofone
handandtouchedmyf
ace,
slowlyl
ift
ingupmychin

Hi
m:"Ipr
omi seI
'l
lbebackassoonasIset
tl
ethi
s
l
it
tl
ebusiness"
Isul
ked
Me:"
youdon'
thav
eto.
..
.It
snotl
i
key
ouoweme
any
thing"
Hi
m:"
sut
het
hakanj
alomaanSi
bongi
l
e"
Me:"
it
sthetr
uthnj
e,
any
waybusi
nesscomes
f
ir
st,
ri
ght"
?
Hi
m:"
you'
rebei
ngunf
airr
ightnow"
Me:
"am Isupposedt
obef
air
"?

Hebentdownwi thouthesit
ationandourl ipsmet..
.i
n
amatterofsecondsourt onguescol l
ided!His
col
ognetwistedsomeknot sinmyst omach,dammi t
i
tdrovemenut s!
!Thisshitfel
tsogoodIdi dn'
twant
i
ttostopbuthowcoul dIfeellikethisnah?How
coul
dsomet hingsowr ongf eel sori
ght?Nowai t.
..
Whosaidthisiswr ong?Mxm. ..Ipushedhim back
sl
owly

Me:
"st
op"
Hi
m:"
what
"?
Me:"
Idon'
tknow..
.You.
..We.
..I
..
.Look,
I
'mj
ust*
sigh*
ei
ntl
i
kIdon'tknow"
Hi
m:"
thendon'
tsayany
thi
ng"

Hekissedmeoncemor
e..
.Ipul
l
edout
.Hel
ooked
conf
used

Me:
"youdon'
tgeti
tdoy
ou"
Hi
m:"
you'
regi
vi
ngmemi
xedsi
gnsher
e"

Ipull
edhim closerandkissedhim,thi
stimemyar ms
goingoverhisheadandkeepi nghimi nplace..
.My
heartwasjustov erfl
owingindeli
ght.LolIrepeat
onceagain,i
mandi int
oebiwayobuti nthebackof
mymi ndIknewi thadt obenicerwheni t
souti nthe
open,i
fthatwasev enpossible
Whenwecontent,
weset
tl
eddownandj ustl
ookedat
eachot
herwi
thoutawordforasecond.

Me:
"I.
..It
hinkI
'
minl
ovewi
thy
ou"
Hi
m:"
thenwhydoy
oumakei
tsoundl
i
kesuchabad
t
hing"
Me:"Ij
ustdon'
tknowhowt oexpr
essmyfeel
ings
okay..
.Thi
sisatoughsi
tuati
onformeIt
hinkwe
bothknowwhy "
Hi
m:"Ido.
..
wehavetotakethingsslowt
houghI
'
m
t
hri
l
ledtohearwhatyoujustsaid"
Me:
"l
ikeIsai
dbef
ore.
..Ineedtimetoheal
bef
ore
j
umpingint
oanot
herrelat
ionshi
p"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
bepat
ient
"

Ibl
ushed..
.Notev
ensur
eifIj
ustt
ookt
her
ight
deci
sion

Hi
m: "
Ipr
omi
sey
ou,
I
'l
lcomebackonceIset
tl
ethi
s
t
hing"
Me:
"hopef
ull
yI'
l
lbeoutoft
hispl
acebyt
hen"
Hi
m:"
Ihopesot
oo.
.comeher
e"
Wejusthugged,
myheadbur
iedi
nhi
sneckdaaai
m
t
hisshi
tfel
tgood..
.

Me:
"canIt
ell
yousomet
hing"
?
Hi
m:"
mmh"
Me:
"yousmel
lgood"

Helaughed.
..
Ijustti
ghtenedmygri
par
oundhi
sneck
j
ustacoupleofmi nuteslonger
.
[
10/
8,20:
46]‪+27730692704‬:
#76

Helatert
uckedmei nbed#hi
desandhummeda
songthatwasplay
ingonmyphone" For
evermi
ne"
oldschoolRnBunt
ilIr
eall
ydozedof
f.

WhenIopenedmyeyesitwasmor
ning,
thedoct
or
wasther
ewitht
wonursesagai
n
Hi
m:"
mor
ningmi
ssSmi
th,
howar
ewef
eel
i
ng"
?
Me:
"I
'mf
eel
i
nggr
eat
,howar
eyou"
?
Hi
m: "
I'
mf abul
ous..
.It
hinky
ou'
llbegladt
oknowwe
mighthavejustf
oundoutwhatcausedyour
bl
eeding"
Me:
"youhav
e"?
Him:"
wehavereasont
obel
i
evey
ouhadabr
ief
encount
erofAUB"

Luu:
"what
'
sthat
"?

Oh..
whendi
dtheyar
ri
ve?Lol
fami
l
yendi
nay
odon'
t
evengr
eett
heseday
s?
Thedoct
orl
ookedatmequi
zzi
cal
l
y..

Me:
"youcancont
inue,
they
'r
emyf
ami
l
y"
Hi
m:"ohkay.
..AUBisanabbr
evi
ati
onf
orabnor
mal
ut
eri
nebleeding"
Ev
e:"
whatcausesi
t"
?
Him:"i
tvari
esperperson.Forexamplei
tcanbe
causedbyt r
auma,hormonal i
ssues,
inf
ecti
onor
malignancy"
Me:"sooooowhi
choft
heabov
ecausedi
tinmy
case"?
Him:"
itseemslikehormonal i
ssuesbecauseyou
havetestednegati
veregardi
nginfect
ionand
ever
ythingel
se..Yourstr
esslevel
sarehighandyour
hormonesareal l
overtheplace"
Luu:
"mmh"
Ker
i:
"doesi
thav
eacur
e"?
Him:"I
'
m diagnosinghert oatwoweeks
tr
eatment ,
aft
erthatshe'l
lhav
eacheckupwi
tha
gynecologi
stthenwe'llseefr
om t
here"
Me:
"t
hatmeansI
'
mleav
ingt
hispl
acer
ight
"?
Hi
m:"
yesma'
am..
.cansomeonef
oll
owmet
osi
gna
f
ewdocument
s"
Luu:
"t
hatwi
l
lbeme"
Theyl
eft
,Iwentt
oshower
,changedi
ntocl
otheshey
hadbr
oughtforme.

Me:
"r
eady
"
Ker
i:
"t
ookev
ery
thi
ng"
?
Me:
"yep"

Wewal
kedoutt
other
ecept
ion.
.

Me:
"ev
ery
thi
ngokay
"?
Hi
m:"
yourbi
l
lhasbeenpai
d"
Me:
"oh"
Hi
m:"
that
'sal
lyougonnasay
?Oh"
?
Me:
"whatam Isupposedt
osay
"?
Ker
i:
"socanwegoal
ready
"?
Hi
m:"
Ker
i,
whowoul
dpayabi
l
lifIory
oudi
dn'
tpay
f
ori
t"
?
Ker
i:
"di
dyout
hinkaboutt
heper
sonwhobr
oughther
her
e"?
Hi
m:"
oh.
..Damn!Ishoul
d'
veknown"

Ev
epul
l
edmyar
m sahambaandwai
tedi
nthecar
..
.
Me:
"what
'st
hebi
gdeal
though"
?
Her:
"Idon'
twannaknow.
..
they
'vebeent
ensesi
nce
yest
erday.WhatdoesMar
cknow"?
Me:"I'
m notr
eal
lysur
e..
.hej
ustaskedwhowerewe
tal
kingaboutIt
oldhi
m nooneinparti
cul
art
henhe
droppedthesubj
ect"
Her
:"
he'
sbeenbusyonhi
slapt
opt
heent
ir
eni
ght
"
Me:
"Idon'
treal
l
ycar
eany
mor
e"
Her
:"
mmh,
someonei
saboutt
ofol
l
owherhear
t"

Il
aughedandstoppedhal
fwaywhentheolder
si
bli
ngswalkedcl
osertot
hecar.
..
theygoti
nandwe
drov ehome.Whenwer eachedhomeIwal ked
straighttomyroom andlockedmy sel
febat hr
oom
withmyphone.Nt andohasn' tcal
lednortexted..
.
Thismustbeav erybusydayneh: /aftersoaking
my selfforanhourIwalkedoutandwor epajamas
ndahl al
aonmybedwat chingchickfli
cks,Soso
called

Me:
"hey
"?
Hi
m:"
heyy
ousounddown,
what
'sup"
?
Me:
"t
hat
'swhathappenswheny
ouspendani
ghtor
t
woatahospit
al"
Hi
m:"
hospi
-whathappened"
?
Me:
"i
tsnot
hingmaj
or"
Hi
m:"
oh.
..
buty
ou'
reokayt
hough"
?
Me:
"I
'm get
ti
ngt
her
e..
.what
'
sup"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
mjustchecki
ngony
ou"
Me:
"oht
hanks"
Hi
m:"
yousur
eyoudon'
twannat
alkbouti
t"
?
Me:
"yeahI
'
m sur
ebutt
hanksf
oraski
ngneh"
Him:
"you'
rewel
come..
.f
unnyhowy
ou'
renotev
en
aski
ngaboutmybrot
her"
Me:
"I
'm sur
ehe'
snotev
enaski
ngaboutnet
oo"
Hi
m:"
wel
l
..
."
Me:
"l
if
egoesonnt
wana"
Hi
m:"
Ist
il
lthi
nky
'al
lwi
l
lmakeupy
'know"
Me:
"nott
hist
imear
oundman.
..Imov
edon"
Hi
m:"
soqui
ck"
?
Me:
"i
ttookhi
m asecond"
Hi
m:"
hayni
chi
l
dishNi
nay
az.
..
mor
ethanv
elaandI
"
Me:
"Vel
a?Y'
al
lar
est
il
ldat
ing"
?
Hi
m:"yeahwethul
olongdi
stancef
uckedup
r
elat
ionshi
p"
Me:
"wow.
..
ninet
rustshame"
Him:"
wel
lIknowshe'
scheati
ngwi
thawhi
teguybut
Idon'
twannaaskhrabouti
t"
Me:
"how'
dyouknow"
Him:"
myf r
iendst
hatsi
dehav
eseent
hem on
count
lessoccasi
ons"
Me:
"oh"
Hi
m:"y
eahwell
,
rel
ati
onshi
psar
enotasper
fectas
t
heyseem "
Me:
"Iknowt
hatbet
tert
hanany
one"
Him:"
it
sgoodtoheary
ourv
oicent
wana,
l
emme
bounceneh"
Me:
"danki
eboy
"

Wehungup. .
.Ifel
tbadfornottel
l
ingSosothathi
s
chi
ckischeati
ngwi t
hmybr ot
herbuti
tsnoneofmy
busi
nessnjena:(.someoneknockedonmydoor

Me:
"i
tsopen"

Lukewal
kedi
nwi
that
rayoff
oodandsatnextt
ome
Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ryaboutear
li
er"
Me:
"i
t'
scool
"
Hi
m:"
Ijustdon'
twantpeopl
egi
vi
ngushandout
s"
Me:"hedidn'
tgiveus,hegavemeanditwasn'
ta
handout.Iam cert
ainitcamefr
om agoodplace"
Hi
m:"Iknownow.
..He'
sagoodman,
notwhatI
t
houghtofhi
m"
Me:
"mmh"
Him:"
Kerii
spl
anningabr
unchoncewegetago-
aheadfr
om Marcussowecanproper
lyt
hankhi
m"
Me:
"Idoubthe'
l
lmakei
t"
Hi
m:"
whynot
"?
Me:
"he'
sabusyman...
justcal
lhi
m andt
hankhi
m.
He'
l
lappreci
atet
hat
"
Hi
m:"
okay
..
.doy
ouhav
ehi
snumber
"?
Me:
"no.
..
askMar
c"
Hi
m:"
okay
..
.Enj
oyy
ourmeal
"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"
Hegotup,
cl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m andl
eft
.

Iat
eupandt ookthetraydownstair
sbutdidn'
tstay
l
ong..
.Iwantedtobealone,someprivacymaybe?I
goti
nbedandswi tchedoffmyTVndazamaul al
a.
AsIwasdozingoffmyphonev i
bratedfr
om under
mypil
low,
Ireachedoutandanswer ed

Me:
"l
ow"
?
Hi
m:"
hey
,yougood"
?
Me:
"ohhi
..
.I'
m goody
ou"
?
Him:"
I'
m okay
..
.wait
,y
oudidn'
tcheckt
hescr
een
befor
eansweringdi
dy ou"
?
Me:
"Iwasal
mostasl
eepy
ouknow"
Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"nobi
ggi
e..
howi
s'busi
ness"
?
Hi
m:"
busi
ness.
..
theusual
.Not
hingext
reme.Howar
e
y
ou"
?
Me:"I
'
vebeendi
schar
gedsoI
'
m pr
ett
ymuchheal
edI
guess"
Hi
m:"
I'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
"
Me:"Ierh,
Iwantedtothankyoukwakhonayou
know...Mostespeci
all
yforpayi
ngupthehospi
tal
bil
l
"
Hi
m:"
youdon'
treal
l
yhav
etodot
hat
"
Me:
"i
tfeel
sri
ghtt
hough"
Hi
m:"j
ustli
keitf
eltr
ightf
ormet
opayupokay
,l
et'
s
f
orgetabouti
tnow"
Me:
"mmkay
"
Hi
m:"
whencanIseey
ouagai
n"?
Me:
"whendoy
ouwannaseemeagai
n"?
Him:"i
fitwer
eupt
ome,
I
'dl
ovet
oseey
ounowbut
ke.
..So"?
Me:"
Ithi
nkwe'
l
lhav
eabet
terconcl
usi
ononcey
ou'
re
her
e"
Him:
"bei
nginJozi
isl
i
kegoi
ngf
rom kwaLangat
o
Khay
eli
tshakum"
Me:
"Iknow.
..But
,Iwanty
out
oset
tl
eyourbusi
ness
t
henwecanmeetup"
Hi
m:"cabauy
ifunay
onkeIat
tent
iony
am Mi
ss
Smit
h"
Me:
"wel
lundi
qhel
i
sil
eyonkeIat
tent
iony
akho
Nt
ando"
Hi
m: "
Ili
kehowyoupr
onouncemyname. .
wit
hsuch
af
fecti
onandabeaut
if
ulmixedaccent
"

Il
aughed,
andof
cozbl
ushed.

Hi
m:"you'
resof
teni
ngme.
..Onl
ymymot
herdoes
t
hat"
Me:
"IguessIshoul
dtaket
hatasacompl
i
mentt
hen"
Hi
m:"
iti
s..
.You'
respeci
aly
ouknowt
hat
"
Me:
"sweett
alk?Ay
ifani
nawekel
e"
Hi
m:"
awwcummon"
Me:
"I
'm sor
rybuti
tstr
ue.
..
youdon'
tl
ookl
i
ket
he
t
ypi
calromanti
cty
p'aguy
"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
prov
eyouwr
ongy
ouknow"
?
Me:
"youdon'
thav
eto"

Wecontinuedunti
lIst
oppedhi
m...Wejustwenton
andon,
feltl
ikewe'v
eknowneachotherforyear
s..
.
ThoughIsti
llwasn'
tsur
eifI
'mreadyforwhatI'
ve
putmyselfi
nto.
[
10/
8,20:
49]‪+27730692704‬:
#77

Ireturnedbackt oschool feel

ingal otmor ebett
er
thenIsawVi ncent:DhowImi ssedhi m, t
hisisone
personwhodoesn' tgiv
euponanot herperson,I
thankt heLordeachdayt hathe' ssti
llpartofmy
cir
cle.Keritookmet othemov iesaspr omi sedthen
thef ol
lowi
ngdayshet ookEv et oaspa. .
.Beast
real
lycamebackandwewentf orlunch.Ispentt he
enti
redaywi t
hhim as" babyst eps"intoknowi ng
eachother
..
.i
twasgoodthoughitwasn'
tenough.He
actual
l
yspentaweekinJo'bur
g.

Lif
ewasnowki ndabacktonormalift
here's
anythi
ngnormalaboutl
if
eatall
.West udiedhard
youknow?Daddoesn'ttr
ustLuketotakecar eofus
andsowewant edtoprovehi
m wrong...West udi
ed
sohardthatwehadnosociall
if
e.Wewer ejust
fr
iendswit
heachother.
Dur i
ngJunehol idaywewenthomeal lofusohand
Ker i
waspr eggieswitht hei
rfirstchil
d:D. .
.Itwas
onlylogical t
hatwev i
sitthefolksbutEv edi dn'tstay
toolong.Shehadonl yst ay
edaweekt hentook
Booboot ohi sothergrandpar entstheywant edhi m
fortherestoft hey earandi twasgoodcozKer ihad
tospendt i
mewi thherhusbanddur ingtheirfirst
pregnancy .Onespeci fi
cmor ningIwasj ustjoggi ng
withmymp3pl ayeronIbumpedont oLandi leand
Ov ayoalsoj ogging..
.Iwav edandpassed, het urned
andf ol
lowedme, t
appedmeont heshoulderI
stoppedandl ookedathi mremov i
ngoneheadset
Me:
"sup"
?
Hi
m:"
hey
..
.Youl
ookgood"
Me:
"er
h..
.ThanksIguess"

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ng

Him:"
lookTr
ina,
Iknowt
hingsdi
dn'
tendwel
l
betweenus"
Me:
"so"
?
Hi
m:"
Iwant
edt
oapol
ogi
zef
ort
hat
"
Me:
"l
if
egoesonwet
huLandi
l
e"

Yaf
ikal
akret
seinguOvayo.
..She'
dgi
venbi
rt
hfut
hi
andshewaslooki
nggood.

Her
:"
good,
l
ifegoeson"
Hi
m:"
Ovay
okhawume"
Me:
"Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
his"
Him:
"I
'm sor
ryaboutt
hat
..
.Canwemay
bedocof
fee
someti
me" ?

Il
ookedathim..
.i
sheseri
ousl
yaski
ngmeout?
EhambanoOv ayo?Af
tersomanymonthsof
i
gnorance?

Me:
"act
ual
l
y,no"
Hi
m:"
canIwal
kyouhome"
?
Me:
"whatabouty
ourj
oggi
ngpar
tner
"?
Hi
m:"
Ijustwannacl
ari
fyt
heai
rbet
weenus"
Me:
"fr
om wher
eI'
m st
andi
ng,
theai
riscl
earenough.
Hav
eagoodday "

Ij
oggedaway.
..
reachedhomeandshowered.Wint
er
wi
llal
waysbewinter,
col
d,wi
ndyandr
ainybutas
athl
eteswecan' treal
l
yr est
,wehavetokeepour
body'sintactandhealt
hyatallt
imes.WhenIwas
donewi ththeshowerIwentdownst ai
rsfor
breakfast

Me:
"mor
ning.
..
wher
e'smom"
?
Dad:
"shewentt
otheor
phanage"
Me:
"ohkay
"

Hewasalreadyeat
ingsoImademyselff
oodand
satacr
oss,
Lukewalkedi
nnayewazenzel
aukut
ya.

Hi
m:"
sowhatar
ethepl
ansf
ort
hedaydad"
?
Dad:
"I
'l
lbegoi
ngt
oKl
erksdor
ptoday
"
Hi
m:"
far
ms"
?
Dadnodsmi
l
ing
Me:
"canIcomeal
ong"
?
Dad:
"ofcour
se,
butbewar
m.Thatpl
acei
sicecol
d"
Me:
"woop!Luui
sgonnabebebor
edi
nthi
shouse"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
findsomet
hing,
don'
twor
ry"
Dad:
"youcancomeal
ongt
oo"
Me:"
he'
slostt
ouch,
Idoubtheev
enknowshowt
o
hol
daspade"

Welaughedathim,dadwasalreadydr
essedsoIran
upst
air
sandgotmy sel
fwarmedup.Wore
ti
ght
s,t
henjeansandf l
uff
yboots,
apoloneckanda
l
ongcoatndathat
haIphoney am andski
pped
downstai
rs

Me:
"daddy
"
Hi
m:"
comi
ng"
Luu:
"you'
rev
eryf
ondoft
hisf
armi
ngt
hing"
Me:
"t
akesmebackt
oreal
i
ty"

Dadcameoutweusedhi
str
uckandwentt
othe
farms, spentandent i
redayt hereIwasfondoft he
sheeps: )LolIlovetheirfur'
coat'verymuch.Ithen
tookawal kdownt hest r
eam whendadandt he
farmerwentt oanotherfiel
dt henIsatontherock
there.
..CalledtaBeast.Ikindami ssedhi
m

Thephoner angthreeti
mesbeforehepickedup..
.I
havelearnedtounderst
andthathe'
sabusymansoI
di
dn'treall
yexpecthi
mt opi
ckupont hefir
stri
ng..
.
Hi
m:"
Babe"
?
:
)
Me:
"mmh,
howar
eyou"
?
Hi
m:"
nowt
haty
oucal
l
ed,
I
'm mor
ethangr
eat
"
Me:
"Ij
ustneededt
oheary
ourv
oicet
hat
'sal
l
"
Hi
m:"
someonei
sfeel
i
ngsomehow"

Il
aughed:
v
Me:
"ohcummon,
youknowImi
ssy
ou.I
tsnosecr
et"
Hi
m:"
Imi
ssy
out
oo.
."
Me:
"buuuuut
"?
Him:"
qhaIdon'
twannagettoof
amil
iarwi
thy
ou.
Thisl
if
ethatI
'
ml i
vi
ngisver
ydanger
ous"
Me:
"obv
iousl
y"
Him:"
it
sbett
erifwedon'tmeetuptooof
ten.
..I
'
ma
walki
ngtar
getbabe,
youcouldgethur
tandI'
dnever
beabletol
ivewit
hmy self
"
Me:
"sout
hini
all
inal
l
"?

Hesi
ghed.
..
Iwai
ted.
..

Him:
"I
'mjustconcer
nedabouty
ourwel
l
bei
ngbaby
don'
tgetmewr ong"
Me:
"Iknow.
..Mxm,
youknowwhat
?nev
ermi
nd"
Ihungup...Okaysot hiswasonlysinkingnowt hat
I'
m actual
lyinlovewi t
hagangst a.Nowai t..
.Agang
LEADERf orgoodnesssake!Isatt herei nthatcold
weatherli
steningt omyringi
ngphonef ull
yknowi ng
he'stheonecal li
ngbutbendizot
hini?Iswi t
chedi t
offandwal kedbackt othefarm house,auntNat al
ie
hadmademut tonsoup:pwithhomemadest eamed
breadandhomebr ewedcoffee.
.Smel tdivi
ne!We
feast
edwi thherf amil
y,
dadandherhusbandcame
backnabosat yat henwewentbackhome.

Iwasf
ullal
ready,
Ij
ustwentt
okissmom andwent
tomyroom :(moodswingswer
eonanotherl
evel
.
[
10/
8,20:
50]‪+27730692704‬:
#78

OnceIwaswar minbedIswitchedonmyphoneand
sawtonsofmissedcall
sandonemessage:"baby
Plzcal
lmewheny ougetthi
s.I'
m sur
ewecancome
toamut ual
under
standi
ng"
Wel lIdi
dn'
twannacall
him.
..Lovei
sonehelluva
confusingf
eel
ingshame.Ij
ustlayt
herestar
ingat
thephonethenIrecei
vedacallf
rom apri
vat
e
numberIhesit
atedforamomentbutev ent
uall
y
pickedup

Me:
"hi
"?
Hi
m:"
canwet
alk"
?
Me:
"whosephonei
sthi
s"?
Hi
m:"
mine,
i
tsabusi
nessphone"
Me:
"t
hatmeansy
ou'
renothome"
Hi
m:"
noty
et.
.l
ook,
Iwantust
otal
k.Pl
s"
Me:
"Iwannasl
eep"
Hi
m:"
baby
"
Me:
"babe"
Hi
m:"
Ilov
eyou"
Me:
"Il
oveyoutoo..
.Butt
rut
hbet ol
d,wear
efr
om
t
wodiff
erentworl
dsandthatal
oneisanobst
acl
e
her
e"
Hi
m:"i
fweputourmindsett
oitthenwecanconquer
t
hatobst
acl
e..
.Ij
ustneedyoutocooper
ate"
Me:
"kay
"
Hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
e"?
Me:
"mh"
?
Him:"
Ineedy out
odor esear
chongangstasand
thei
rassociat
esuzobonawhatI
'mtal
kingabout,
the
dangersaroundmylif
e.Butmosti
mpor t
antl
yInerd
youtotrustme"

Ikeptquiet
..
.Quest
ionnumberone:
DoIt
rusthi
m?I
don'tknow.

Hi
m:"
cany
oudot
hat
"?
Me:
"whi
chone?Ther
esear
chort
het
rust
"?
Hi
m:"
bot
h"
Me:
"Icoul
dtr
y..
.ButIdon'
tthi
nkI
'
mreadyt
osee
howgangsmur
dereachot
her
"
Him:"
youneedthati
nfor
mati
onnow...
itwil
lhel
pyou
deci
deifyoust
il
lwantustocont
inuewiththi
s
rel
ati
onshi
p"
Me:
"oh"
Him:"l
ook,
ifthisl
if
ewasamov i
eI'
dletyouwatchi
t
butsinceformei t
sreal
i
ty.
..
yourhavetodosome
researchf
ory ourowngoodandpeaceofmi nd"
Me:
"okay
"
Him:
"I
'l
ler
hm...
tr
ytounder
standi
faf
tert
her
esear
ch
youwantnot
hingtodowit
hme"
Me:
"you'
rebei
ngchi
l
dishr
ightnow,
excuset
hepun"
Hi
m:"Iwon'tanswery
ouunt
ily
ou'
veconduct
edt
he
r
esearch"
Me:
"okay
..
.I
'
lldoi
t.Toni
ght
"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
wai
tfory
ourcal
lthen"
Me:
"okayby
eby
e"
Hi
m:"wai
t.
..
"*si
gh*
Me:
"huh"
?
Him:"Ij
ustwannatell
youonceagainthatIloveyou.
..
Andiyazkwenzekantonikum wheni
tcomest ot
he
thoughtofyoubuttheonlyexpl
anat
ionislove.
NdikuthandanyhanS'
bongil
e"

Ismiledf
aint
ly.
..
andr
espondedi
nmor
eli
kea
whisper

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oobaby
"

Hehungup. .
.Iheldont omydearphoneponder i
ng
onwhathej ustsaid.Thenmymi ndpopped!Ishoul d
dot hi
sresearchl i
ker i
ghtnow. .
.howbadcani tbe?I
wentt omycomput erdeskandusedt hehouse
comput eri
nst eadofmyl aptopanddi dmyr esearch.
..
Ireadandr eadt hesehorr i
ble,
disgusti
ng,cold
bl
oodedst oriesofgangsagai nstgangs.Isaw
i
mages, Iwatchedv ideos...Thatwast helast
stop,t
hev i
deos.Icoul dn'
tpi ct
ureNt andokil
li
nga
humanl i
kethat..
.col
dblooded,heart
less.Ist
arted
cryi
ng...Uncontroll
abl
y.LeaveNtandoal one.
..I
couldn'tpict
ureMARCUSdoi ngthis!
!!Myown
brot
her ?Beheadi ngpeopl
elikenobody '
sbusiness?
Shooting?St abbi
ng?Knockingem upngeemot o?
Sett
ingt hem ali
ght?Ali
ve?Noooman!

Idi
dn'tsleepthewhol enight.
..Iendedt heresear ch
pasttwoi nthemor ningandcr iedmy selftosleep.
WhenIwokeupmyey eswereswol l
enandmyt hroat
abitcrackyanddr y..
.Isatupandl ookedatt hat
comput er.Mydayj ustgotruinedngokuy i
j
onganj e.I
wenttot hebathroom anddi dmybusi ness
ndaphindandalalaSana.Someonecameknocki ng
onmydoorsev eraltimeswadewazi ncamauLuke
eminiwav ulaandmyheadwasundert hecov er
s.

Hi
m:"
Tri
na"

Iwasn'
tasl
eept
histi
me,Ij
ustwant
edsometime
al
one,t
imet
othi
nk.ThoughIhadspentt
heenti
re
dayt hinking. .
.Istil
llovedNt andoandIwasgoi ng
beser know.Ihat edmy sel fforf eel
ingl ikethis..
.
Thesepeopl e...
thismat hatI 'mi nlov ewi th?He' s
dangert ot hesoci ety!He' sdangert ohi mself
kobeki selaphi kum?Myf ami ly ?Butt hroughal lthese
thought s...Istil
lwant edhi m.Sobad.Iwant edto
feelhismuscl esf l
exingar oundmybody ,
Iwant edto
smel lhiscol ogneonceagai n, Iwant edt olaymy
headonhi sbr oadchest ,
want edt ohearhi mt ell
ing
met hisi sj ustgossi py ouknow?I t
snotr ealit
y..
.I
neededhi sv oicebutIcoul dn' tcal lhim because
deepdownIknewt hatev erythi ngIr eadupont he
netwasr eal ,
ev erydocument aryIwat chedwas
true,
ev eryi magewasl egit .Notphot oshoppedor
any t
hing.

Luusatonmybed,
shaki
ngmesof
tl
y

Hi
m:"
Tri
nawakeup"
Me:
"mh"
Hi
m:"
it
spastt
hreei
ntheaf
ter
noonal
ready
"
Me:
"l
eav
emeal
one"
Hi
m:"
what
'sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou"
?
Me:
"Luke,
l
eav
emeal
oneokay
"?

Hegotupandwal kedout.
..Ist
ayedint
hatsame
posi
ti
onuntilni
ghtcrawl
edin.Mom cametomy
room andsatonthatsameplaceLukesaton

Her
:"
Tri
nal
i
queSmi
th"
Me:
"ma"
Her
:"
tal
ktomommy
,what
'
sgoi
ngon"
?

Idi
dn'
tanswerher
..
.ndi
zot
hini
?

Her
:"
youhav
en'
teat
enal
ldaybaby
"
Me:
"I
'm nothungr
y"
Her
:"
thent
ell
mommywhat
'
sgoi
ngon"
Me:
"Idon'
twannat
alkabouti
tmom"
Her
:"
shoul
dIcal
lyourf
athert
otal
ktoy
ou"
?
Me:
"No"
!
Her:
"t
hensi
tup,
tel
lmommywhat
'seat
ingy
ouso
bad"

Itookmyt i
mebutevent
uallytur
nedandsatupbut
notlooki
ngather
,j
ustcl
utchingatmycover
s.

Her
:"
you'
vebeencr
ying"
Me:
"nomom"

Shegav
emeaboxoft
issuesandwai
tedpat
ient
ly

Me:"I
'minlov
ewi thagangstamom. .
.I'
m...Ilovehi
m.
Ireal
lydobuthe'sagangsta.Theyki
llpeople,t
hey
tort
urepeopl
e,t
hey..
..
"
Ij
ustbrokedownagainandcri
ed.Shehuggedme
andtri
edtocomfortmeasmuchasshe
coul
d..
.whenIwasdownIcleanedmy sel
fupand
wait
edforherver
dict
.

Her
:"
youcan'
treal
l
ychoosewhom t
ofal
li
nlov
ewi
th
mybaby"
Me:
"butmom"
Her:"
Iunderst
andyourconcernandIwouldn'tl
ike
anyofmychi l
drent
obei nvol
vedinsuchthingsbut.
..
Ican'
ttel
lyouwhot ol
ove.IfIdo,
yourheartwil
l
alwaysdragyoutoyourlove"

Hayndav elandathul
a..
.Ithoughtshewasgonna
advicememos, tellmenottogoaheadwi t
hthis
"i
nfatuat
ion"orsomething.

Her
:"come,
I
'l
lmakey
ougi
ngert
ea.I
twi
l
lcal
myour
ner
ves"
Ifoll
owedheroutoftheroom,
dadwasnoti
nthe
l
ounget hankGod!Butl
uuwas:/anhel
ookedatme
quizzi
call
yasIsatdownandcuddl
edmyknees

Hi
m:"
youokay
"?
Me:
"yeah"
Hi
m:"
yousur
e"

Mom wal
kedi
nwi
thmyt
eaandr
usks.
..
[
10/
8,20:
51]‪+27730692704‬:
#79

Iat eupndi t
hecwaka. .
.Lukewouldoccasi onally
steal agl anceatmebutIpr etendednott osee
hi
m, whenIwasdoneIt ookthethingst ot he
ki
t chen,auntNandi wast her
e,IsmiledasIt ri
edto
ri
nset het hi
ngsandshehi tmyhandwi thawet
dishclot h:vIranbackt otheloungeandcuddl ed
my sel
f.Mom gav emeawar m bl
anki esabukel aniI
TV. .
.Myphoner ang,Il
ookedatit-_ -Iwasi nno
moodf oranyTitusfooli
shnesssoIj ustrejectedthe
cal
lful
l
yknowi
ngSosowil
lbehurtBUTIcoul
dn'
t
tal
ktohimi
nthest
ateIwasi
n..
.

Mom wentt
ocl
oset
hedogshousesatt
heback.
..

Luu:
"somet
hing'
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ouandy
ou'
re
shut
tingmeout"

Ijustpret
endedasi
fakathet
hinam thenIjusttook
myphoneandwal kedbackupstai
rs..
.Ihadbigger
problemstodealwi
th.Bi
gger,
li
fechangingdecisi
ons
tomake.

-
-ONEWEEKLATER-

Iwast i
redofhiding..
.Ineededsomef reshairsothi
s
specif
icSaturdayIwokeupf ul
lofenergy,
fullof
l
ife.
..
posit
ivi
ty.Ibathedandwor eblackskinny
j
eans,
redpol oneckandbl ackbomberjacket
al
ongsideredNi kesneakers.Iwant
edtodomy
hai
r.
..
somet hingeasytoarrange.It
ookmy
wal
let
,phoneandl eftmyroom inaneatstateasI
wal
keddownst ai
rs

Me:
"mor
ning"

Whoahwai
t,
Evewasback?When?
Ev
ery
onet
urnedi
nsur
pri
se.
..
besi
desmom.

Her
:"
morni
ngsweet
heart
..
.hotbl
ackcof
feewi
th
Nat
ali
e'
shomemadebread"
Me:
"whaohwhat
?Di
dshesendt
his"
?
Her:
"yes,
shesai
dshenoti
cedyoul
i
keditsoshe
packeditf
oryouwhenyoudadwentt
here
yest
erday"

Il
ookedatdad.
.
Him:
"wel
lyourmom sai
dyouhadf
lue,
Idi
dn'
twanna
addt
oit"
Me:"mmh,butIhav
etogot
her
eagai
nbef
oreIl
eav
e
EastLondon"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
makesur
eyoudo"

Isatdownandatemymeal
.
..Hav
ewayInot
iced
thatl
ukewasn'
taround

Me:
"wher
eisLuke"
?
Dad:
"hehadt
ogobackt
owor
k"
Me:
"oh.
.whendi
dyouar
ri
ve"
?
Her
:"
lastni
ght
..
.di
dn'
twannadi
stur
byou"
Me:
"mmkay
"

Mom l
ookedatmesmi
l
ing
Her
:"
youl
ookl
i
key
ou'
regoi
ngsomewher
e"?
Me:"
Ijustneedsomeai
rsoI
'
m poppi
ngi
natt
he
sal
on"
Her
:"
goodf
ory
oumyangel
"
Ev
e:"
I'
ll
tagal
ongi
fyoudon'
tmi
nd"
Me:
"notatal
l
"

Wehadourbr eakf
ast
,shewenttochangeint
o
warmerclothesthenwelef
t,
seewasdr i
vi
ngdads
car,
wewentt ooneofthesalonsin
Vincent
..
.kwaqalamnaanshedi dhernai
lsi
nthe
meanwhi l
e

Her
:"
IsawOv
ayot
hismor
ning"
Me:
"youwentj
oggi
ng"
?
Her
:"
yeah.
..
doesshel
i
venear
by"
?
Me:
"Ti
tusr
esi
dence"
Her
:"
that
'snotev
eni
nthi
sar
ea.
..
whyj
ogt
hissi
de"
Me:
"Iwoul
dn'
tknow...
Ial
sosawthem l
astweek,
she
waswit
hLaa.Shelooksgoodt
hough"
Her
:"
Idon'
tl
ikeher
"
Me:
"whywoul
dyoul
i
kehert
hough?Y'
al
lar
enot
f
ri
ends"
Her
:"
mmh.
..
sowhat
'
supwi
thy
ou"
?
Me:
"what
chumean"
Her
:"
Lukesai
dyou'
vebeengr
umpyt
hewhol
eweek"
Me:
"oh,
Ihadsomet
hingsgoi
ngon.Not
hingmaj
or"
Her
:"
wannat
alkabouti
t"
?
Me:
"may
bel
ateron"
Her
:"
okay
"

Idi
dcor nr
owsupst yl
ewithblacknai
l
s,shedi
d
boycutwit
hpurplenail
sthenwewentt oRJsfor
somegoodmeat .Weor deredandsatdownmaking
smallconver
sat
ion
Me:
"hesai
dImustdoar
esear
ch"
Her
:"
who?Beast
"?
Me:
"yes.Ongangst
as"
Her
:"
fl
ip!Andy
oudi
d?Whyt
hough"
?
Me:"Iwant
edtoknowwhatI
'm gett
ingmy sel
fint
o..
.I
neededtoknowandli
kehesai
d,it
sf ormyown
good"
Her
:"
sohowdoy
ouf
eel
aft
ery
oudi
dit
"

Ourordercamethr
ough..
.It
ookacoupl
eofbi
tes
bef
oreattempt
ingtoanswerher
.

Me:"
IwishIcoul
dhat
ehi
mr i
ghtnow.Ihat
emy self
forl
ovi
nghimthi
smuchaft
erever
ythi
ngthatIread
up"
Her
:"
meani
ngnot
hingchanged"
Me:"
ever
ythi
ngchangedEv e,
Ihaven'
tcal
ledhi
m..
.i
t'
s
beenaweeknow.Idon'tknowwhatt osayto
hi
m...
he'
sa...Mur
dererforheavenssake"
Her
:"
butIbety
oul
ovehi
m nonet
hel
ess"
Me:
"t
hat
'snott
hepoi
nt"

Shel
ookedatme.
..

Her
:"
thenwhati
sthepoi
nt?Tel
lme"
Me:"t
hepointisthatt
hemanI'minlovewithi
sa
gangsta,
mybi gbrot
heri
sagangsta..
.wheret
hehel
l
wil
lIfi
tinalloft
his?Mom ontheotherhandtel
l
sme
youdon'tchoosewhom tofal
li
nlovewith"
Her
:"
shesai
dthat
"?
Me:"Iexpectedhertot
ell
mestopthisli
tt
lecr
ushof
somet hi
ngbutno,sheputmymindintoamore
deeperdilemma"
Her
:"
andIt
oldy
out
ofol
l
owy
ourhear
t"
Me:
"don'
tl
etMar
cheary
ousayt
hat
..
.agai
n"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.Weenj
oyedourmeal
and
r
etur
nedt
othecar

Ev
e:"
soshedoy
oupl
anoncal
l
inghi
m"?
Me:
"Idon'
tknowi
fI'
mready
"
Her
:"
pieceofadv
ice.
..
cal
lNt
andonotBeast
"
Me:
"t
hat
'sabsur
dkengok"
Her:
"noitsnot
..
.Youarei
nlovewithNtando,
beasti
s
hi
salterego,
beasti
sthegangleader
,t
hegangsta.
Bi
gdi f
fer
ence"

Iponder
edonwhatshej
ustsai
d..
.

Me:
"youcanbewi
sesomet
imes"
Shehi
tmeonmyl
ap>_
<

Isatther
eandcal
ledhim..
.wedi
dn'
tev
enst
artt
he
car.
..Oneri
ng,
hepickedup
Hi
m:"
baby
"

Idi
dn'tknowwhatt osay.
..Mymouthwentdr
y
ndavelandaphel
elwanasispeech
Hesi
ghed.
..

Hi
m:"
thanky
ouf
orcal
l
ingmeagai
n"
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat

Me:
"unj
ani
"?
Hi
m:"
dev
ast
ated.
.Wena"
?
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"
Hi
m:"
it
sunder
standabl
e..
.wannat
alki
tout
"?
Me:
"andi
yaz.
..Ij
ust
..
.If
eel
.
..Mxm Idon'
tknowokay
"
Hi
m:"
arey
oust
il
lonhol
i
day
"?
Me:
"yes"
Hi
m:"
thenl
et'
smeetup,
I
'm ar
ound"
Me:
"you'
rear
-si
ncewhen"
?
Hi
m:"
lastweekFr
iday
"
Me:
"andIdi
dn'
tknow"
?
Hi
m:"
you'
renotser
iousr
ightnow"

Iswal
l
owedwhateverelseIwasgonnasay
..
.dammi
t
whyam Ibei
ngpossessiv
eofhim?Nx!

Hi
m:"
whenwi
l
lbet
her
ightt
imef
ory
ou"
?
Me:
"I
'm out
sideRJsr
ightnow"
Hi
m:"Idon'
twannameety
ouatapubl
i
cpl
ace
t
hough"
Me:
"whatdoy
ousuggest
"?
Him:"
canIcomepi
ckyouup?Ipr
omi
seI
'
llt
akey
ou
backhomewhenyouwanttogo"

It
houghtaboutt
his.
..
I'
l
lbei
nhispri
vat
espace.
Wouldhehurtme?Noman,I'
mjustbei
ngparanoi
d.
Me:
"cool
"
Hi
m:"
gimme10I
'
llbet
her
e"
Me:
"kay
"

Wehungup.
..Il
ookedahead

Ev
e:"
andt
hen"
?
Me:
"he'
scomi
ngt
opi
ckmeup"
Her
:"
he'
sar
ound"
?
Me:
"seemsl
i
kei
t"
Her
:"
yho.
..
whatwi
l
lIsaywhenIgethome"
?
Me:
"noonewi
l
lbear
ound"
[
10/
8,20:
51]‪+27730692704‬:
#80

Her
:"
okay
"
Wejustsatt
her
ewait
ing.
..Mypal
mswer
esweat
ing
hor
ri
blyandIwasr
estl
ess.

Me:
'
'Idon'
tthi
nkIcandot
his"
Her
:"
youaf
rai
dhemi
ghthur
tyou"
?
Me:
"may
be"
Her:
"yougot
tabekidding,
whywouldhewannahur
t
you?Babygetyourheadstrai
ght
"

Irel
easedaloooongchunkofbr
eathwhenIsawhi
s
cardri
vingi
nandmyphoner angassoonashe
parked

Me:
"ndi
kboni
l
e"
Hi
m:"
okay
"

Ihungup,
tookmypur
seandhuggedmysi
ster
ndaphuma
Her
:"
goodl
uck"
Me:
"t
hanks"

Iwalkedov ertohiscar ,
gotinandwesati nsil
ence
forasecond. .
.t
henhedr oveout .Drov
et oSOHCO
fl
ats,
parkedandwegotout .Ifollowedrightbehi
nd
cauti
ously.Wer eachedhi sfl
at,gotin.
..Isatonthe
couchpr eserv
ed,hewentt otheki t
chenandbr ought
backtwogl assesofj uiceandcooki eswazibekaon
thecoffeetableinfrontofme.Thenhesat
down..cl
earedhisthr oat

Him:
"Icanfeel
you'
rescar
edofmer
ightnowandI
don'
tli
keit
"

Ihel
dont omyshiv
eri
nghands. ..Myheadwasgoi ng
madev ah?Thethi
ngsthatwer eclashi
ngwithmy
hear
t?Myheartwantedt ojustj
umpont opofhi
m
andkisshim,
hungup,squeezethehel l
outofhi
m
BUTmyhead?Loli
twasj
usti
nar
oll
ercoast
er
ri
de.
..
emot
ional
l
y.
Het
urnedandf
acedme.
..

Hi
m:"
baby
"
Me:
"mh"
?
Hi
m:"
tal
ktome.
..
pls"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
"
Hi
m:"t
rybyst
art
ingony
ourf
indi
ngsoft
hat
r
esear
ch"

Igotupandwal kedtothewi ndow..

.i
tsbeenaweek
afterthatresearchbutIst i
llhadfl
ashbacksandt hey
wer en'
tgoodf lashbacks,t
heywer ehorr
id!Standi
ng
thereIfeltmybodyshi ver
ingatthethoughtof
blood...
guns,myt earsj
ustr oll
eddownmycheeks.
Hecamet ostandbehindmei nsil
ence,
het ouched
myshoul der
ssof tl
yall
owi ngmet ocryinmysi l
ence
Me:"
Isooowannahat
eyouri
ghtnow,
I.
..Iwanna
scr
eam ont
opofmylungsandstr
angl
ey ou.Ij
ust-
..
."
Hi
m:"
Iunder
stand"

Itur
nedaroundandlookedathim..
.allt
hisshort
whil
ethatI'
veknownhimI '
veneverseenthatlookon
hi
m.Hewasf il
l
edwithpain.
..
remorse.Heraisedhi
s
handandwi pedmytears

Me:"
youdon'tunderst
and.That
'st
hepr
obl
em baby
youdon'
tunderstand"
Hi
m:"
thenmakemeunder
standpl
ease"
Me:"
Ist
il
llov
ey ouokay?Iwanttohatey ou,
Ireal
ly
do,
Iwanttobesoscaredofy outhatIwill
never
wannaspeaktoyoureverbutIcan't
..
.I'
m sofucken
i
nlovewit
hy oudammit"!

Hejusthuggedme.
..
Idigmyclawsint
ohimformy
dearl
if
e.Icri
edunt
ilIhadnot
earsanymor
ethenhe
t
ookmyhandandwej ustsatont
hatcouch,
hegav
e
methej
uiceIdr
anki
t

Me:
"i
sther
eanyt
rut
hinal
lthoset
hingsIr
eadup"
Hi
m:"
90%i
str
ueandr
eal
"
Me:"buty
ou'
rest
il
lwal
ki
ngANDy
ourki
dsar
est
il
l
i
ntact"
Hi
m:"
Itr
ymebestt
opr
otectmyf
ami
l
y"
Me:
"doesy
ourmom know"
?
Hi
m:"
no.
..
sheknowsI
'
m abusi
nessman"
Me:
"youst
udi
edbusi
ness"
?
Hi
m:"
yeah.
.Damel
i
n"
Me:
"i
mpr
essi
ve"

Wesatinsil
ence.
..Iwasdrainedmnt akadadsoI
rest
edmyheadonhi sshoulder,i
nfactwelayback
onthecouchasmyheadr est edonhisbroadchest
Hi
m:"
thanky
ou"
Me:
"f
orwhat
"?
Hi
m:"gi
vingusachance.
..
Iknowi t
snotaneasy
t
hingtodo,put
ti
ngyourl
i
feinjeapordyf
orme"
Me:
"mmh"

Iwassl
owlydri
ft
ingof
f.
.hi
shear
tbeatbei
ngt
hat
Zul
udrum pl
ayi
ngatadist
ance.
.
.
WhenIwokeup, Iwasalone,
cover
edinashawland
thefl
atwaswar mernow.Isatupandlooked
around.
..
Icoul
dsmel l
anexoticar
omaofoxtail
soI
fol
loweditandfoundhimintheki
tchen

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tknowy
oucooked"

Hel
ookedupandsmi
l
ed
Hi
m:"
butwemadebr
eakf
astt
oget
heri
nJo'
bur
g"
Me:
"t
hat
'sadi
ff
erentst
ory
"
Him:"
havey
oucheckedy
ourphone?Ev
ehadbeen
cal
li
ng"
Me:
"oh.
..
thanks"

Iwentbackt
othel
oungeandcal
l
edmysi
ster
.
Her
:"
hey
,youst
il
li
nonepi
ece"
?
Me:
"f
okofEv
ely
n"

Webot
hlaughed

Her
:"
I'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ou,
what
'sup"
?
Me:
"Iki
ndadozedof
f,ev
ery
thi
ngokay
"?
Her:
"yeahbutmom anddadar
egonnabeback
soon"
Me:
"oht
hat
..
.I
'
llbebacksooner
"
Her
:"
didy
'al
ltal
kthi
ngst
hrought
hough"
?
Me:
"yeah.
..
Ithi
nkwe'
regood"
Her
:"
seewhatIt
oldy
ou"
?
Me:
"yeahwhat
ever
..
.Iuhm,
Igot
tagoneh"
Her
:"
hol
l
eratt
abeastf
orme"
Me:
"sho"

Wehungup. ..Iwasamess: /crying?Thensl eep?

Wor sent l
okoy am wasst il
lpainfulIsatdownand
j
ustl ookedatmyl if
ef r
om nowon. ..
li
keNowI '
m
off
iciallydat
ingl omfanaandt heredoesn' tseem to
beat urni
ngpoi nt,
j
udgingbyourhear tsbutI
encour agedmy selfy'know?Tel l
i
ngmy selftojustt
ry
i
tout ...
seehowbadi tcanbe?May beIcanchange
hi
m: /thoughther e'
snoguar anteeont hat.

Hi
m:"
thef
oodi
sready
"
Me:
"huh"
?
Hi
m:"
mh.
..I
zot
ya"
Me:
"oh.
.Uhm.
..
ndi
yeza"

Hel ookedatmequi zzi

callybutsaidnothingand
ret
ur nedt
ot hekit chen,Ichargedmyphoneand
fol
lowedhi m sahl al
aar oundt hekit
chencounter
eati
ngoxt ai
lst ewonpap: DtheonlyreasonIateup
i
sbecausei tt asteddi vi
nelydeli
ciousotherwi
seI'
m
notapapper sonatal l
.

Hi
m:"
youhav
eabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e"
Ibl
ushed.
..Ihadnoi
deahewaswat
chi
ngme
Hi
m:"
hahasonowuy
abl
usher
"
Me:
"l
eav
emeal
oneandeatup"
Hi
m:"
leav
eyoual
one?Si
siuphi
"?

Ndamjonga:
)mxm. .
.Iateupinsi
l
ence.Somehow
t
alki
ngtohim br
oughtsomepeaceinsi
deme, i
tfel
t
l
ikesomeweighthadbeenli
ft
edoffme...
Ifel
tli
ghter
.
Me:
"wel
lIgot
tagi
vei
ttoy
ou.
..
you'
reameancook"
Hi
m:"
shoutoutt
omaol
'
ladymos"
Me:
"youl
ovey
ourmom"
Hi
m:"
she'
sal
lIhav
e.Al
lIev
erhad"
Me:
"she'
sonel
uckywoman"
Him:
"no,
I
'm oneluckyman.Tohav
eherasamot
her
andr
olemodel..
.ANDtohaveyou"
Me:
"haha!Notsofast,
youcan'
tment
ionmeandy
our
mom inonesentence"
Hi
m:"
Ijustdi
d"

Iat
eup,
col
l
ect
edourpl
atesandwashedt
hem
Hi
m:"
lemmehel
pyou"
Me:
"not
hanks"
Him:
"okay
,I
'l
lbei
nmar oom Ihav
etomakea
busi
nesscal
lbef
oreIdri
veyouhome"
Me:
"kay
"
Heki ssedmyneckfrom behi
ndandl ef
tmesmi li
ng
l
ikeacr azymamparaIwashedt hepalt
rs,placed
them inthecupboar
dandwi pedthestoveand
everythi
ngelsecl
eanthenIsweptthefloorandwent
backt othel
oungelooki
ngaround,f
amili
ar i
zing
my selfi
nhisspace

Ical
l
edLukei
nthemeanwhi
l
e

Hi
m:"
hey
"
Me:
"hey
,youl
eftwi
thoutsay
ing"
Hi
m:"
youwer
emoodyr
emember
"?
Me:
"I
'm sor
ryman"
Hi
m:"
whatwasupany
way
"
Me:
"er
h..
.Youdon'
twannaknow,
l
et'
sleav
eitatt
hat
"
Hi
m:"
secr
etsIsee"
Me:
"I
'dr
athert
ell
youi
nper
son"
Hi
m:"
okayt
hat
'l
lbei
nthr
eeweekst
ime"
Me:
"t
woweekspr
oxy
"
Hi
m: "
I'
minMumbai
onbusi
nessI
'
llbebacki
nthr
ee
weeks"
Me:
"oohokay
,enj
oy"
Hi
m:"
Iwi
l
l"
Me:
"shar
p"

Ihungupandjustswitchedthestati
onstowat cha
goodmovieorsomet hingmoreinter
esti
ngt hanjust
wait
ingf
orhimtof i
nishhisbusi
nesscall.Ioptedfor
CakeBossonTLCi twashal f
wayt hr
ought heshow
whenhereappeared

Hi
m:"
wecango"
Hi
m:"
sur
e"

It
ookmyt
hingsandf
oll
owedhi
mtot
hecar
,goti
n
andwaitedashelockedanddr
ovemehomewe
stoppedatagar
age

Hi
m:"
wannabuysomet
hing"
?
Me:
"er
hno"
Hi
m:"
eshe"
Me:
"okayhotchocol
atewon'
thur
t"

Heremovedmoneyf
rom hi
swal
l
etandgav
eme
ndamj
onga

Him:
"i
tsnotbl
oodmoneyandIknowy
ouhav
eyour
own"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tsay
..
."

Itookthemoneyandlef
thi
mi nthecarnday
othenga
twohotchocol
atesandapacketofroast
ed
mar shmal
l
owsndabuyaandgavehim
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tdr
inkt
hat
"
Me:
"youwi
l
ldr
inki
tnamhl
anj
e"
Hi
m:"
babydon'
tman.
..
andi
yocheeseboymna"
Me:
"somnandi
yicheesegi
rl
"?

Igavehim hi
scupandhest
art
edthecar
,enddrov
e
str
aightt
omyf r
ontyar
dandswit
chedof
ft he
i
gniti
on.

Me:
"I'
m notget
ti
ngoutoft
hiscarunt
ily
oudr
inkhal
f
oft
hat"
Hi
m:"
yhoubossymnt
akaSmi
th"
Me:
"what
ever
"

Hedr
ankhi
shotchocl
ooki
ngatme.
..Forappr
oval
:v
Me:
"uf
il
ekengosel
aIhotchocol
ate"
?
Hi
m:"nobutsti
ll
..
.okayIhav
etoadmi
t,
itdoesn'
t
t
astethatbad"
Me:
"mxm,
you'
ret
ooupt
ight
.By
eby
e"
Hi
m:"
ahug"
?

Ismiledbroadl
yLolhaibowespentadayanddidn'
t
evenkiss?Ihuggedhimt i
ght
lyndasukaandki
ssed
hisl
ipsthenIlef
thim wanti
ngmor e

Hi
m:"
hai
bobabycummon"
Me:
"seey
ouwhenIseey
ou"

Iwalkedi
nandclosedthegat
ewalkingli
keaqueen
i
nmypal ace!Iwal
kedinsi
deandwenttothe
window..
.wat
chedhim doaU-t
urnandleft
..
..

Ev
e:"
aaaah-
huh!Lookwhatt
hecatdr
aggedi
n"
Me:
"uh-
oh!I
'
m homef
orr
eal
"

Shethrewmewithacushion,
Iduckedawayandwe
ranaroundi
nci
rcl
esaroundthecouches.
[
10/
8,20:
52]‪+27730692704‬:
#81

Wef i
nall
ysettl
eddown,Itol
dEv eever
ythi
ngshe
wantedtoknowt henweaskedauntNandi t
oall
ow
ustocookshameay ophumlanyhanikesaphekain
suchhighspir
itsal
lthi
ngswer eworki
ngourbetteri
n
ourli
ves.Myphoner angwhil
ewewer est
il
lcooking
Evegrabbeditandcheckedthecall
er:vwandij
onga
encumileasshehandedmet hephoneIsmiledand
tookit

Me:
"t
hisi
sbecomi
nganobsessi
onnow"
Hi
m:"
theny
ou'
ret
obl
ame"
Me:
"me?Whathav
eIdone"
?
Hi
m:"
youst
il
laski
ng"
?
Me:
"canwet
alksomeot
hert
ime.
..
I'
m cooki
ng"
Hi
m:"
youcan'
tmul
ti
task"
?
Me:
"er
h..
.Idon'
twantt
o"
Hi
m:"
mmh,
yazuy
agezakodwababe"
Me:
"wel
latl
eastndi
gezel
awenanj
ebabe"

Evelookedatme:
vwahl
ekaandl
eftmeatt
he
ki
tchen

Hi
m:"
ohsot
hatmakesi
tokay
"?
Me:
"yeah.
..
lov
emakesev
ery
thi
ngokay
"
Hi
m:"
hayIgi
veup.
.l
ater
"
Me:
"yessi
r"

Wehungup.

Me:
"Eeeeeev
e"!
!
Her
:"
I'
m noty
ourr
ebound"
Me:"you'
l
lbedad'
sreboundi
fthi
schi
ckent
urnsi
nto
ashes"

Shecamer unningbackanswi tchedof fthe

stove.
..
nowherphoner angwabal ekanayo
waphuma, Iwasn' tgonnarunaf terherinsuchacol d
weathershame.Wecooksf i
nisht henIwentt o
changeintoPJswhi lewaiti
ngf ort hef
olkstocome
backfrom wor k.Iwasn'tgonnacal lhi
mj ustyet
..
.
From Landile,
Ilearnedthataguyneedst ochasey ou
nottheotherwayr oundsomypl anwast omake
hi
m mi ssme, makehi m needme, makehi m wantme
:/wast hatevenpossi ble?Idon'tknow.
Thefolksr
eturnedthenwehadsupperandpl anned
ourret
urntoJozi:DaftersupperIswi
tchedt
he
phoneoff.
..
justnj
ee.

-
BeasthadsentGuddat
ocheckonThr
il
lercozi
fuy
e
ngokwakheori fbayebonkei twouldrai
sesuspici
on
thattheshooti
ngwasgang- r
elated(asitwas)and
thatalonewouldresultinaninvesti
gati
onsowhen
Thr i
l
lerwasdischargedfrom thehospit
alhewent
strai
ghttowher eBeastliv
edey omxelel
aaboutle
businesssabotagey enzi
wanguKi ll
a

Hi
m:"
shot
aBeast
"
Beast
:"
shosan,
uthi
kwenzekant
oni
ke"
Hi
m:"ubr
aKi l
l
aupushaesi nyei
stuf
fphaqha
mi
stakeyakhekusebenzi
salachapuPK"
Beast
:"
PK?UPhi
wokuhl
e"?
Hi
m: "
yahyenabutebesphi
kauPKunt
ilIcaughthi
m
r
ed-handedphaeclubbi
n"
Beast
:"
y i
masanletmegett
hisstr
aight
..
.UPKu
pushaist
uffskaKi
ll
aecl
ubbi
ny am?"
Hi
m:"
shot
a"
Beast
:"
sowenzent
oni
wenangal
ont
o"?
Hi
m:"
ndi
yendaf
akel
aiGhosty
athi
mandf
akel
awena
cozl
astt
imehecheckedbeni
grandnobr
aKi
l
la"
Beast
:"
okay
..
.SouPKuzphat
hel
wangubanezway
"?
Hi
m:"
Masxol
e"
Beast
:"mmh"

Beastcalledameet i
ngnamj i
tatopaybraKi
ll
aaLi l
vi
sitjusttolethi
m knowhe'sawareofwhathe's
doingbutunf ort
unat
elyKil
l
awasi nDurban.
..
provi
ng
mor ethathewasr eal
lypushi
ngsomet hi
ngthereso
beasttoldhisteam t
oleaveit,
he'
ll
handlei
tonhis
own.

Twoweeksl aterweflewbacktoJo' burg.

..
assoon
asIwentbackt oschool Ir
egi
steredinakar ate
cl
ass:vjusttobeont hesafesidebutInev er
menti
onedt hatendl
inicozIknowwi llmakei tajoke
oft
hey ear.
[
10/
8,20:
52]‪+27730692704‬:
#82

Myr elationshipwi ththebeastwassl owl ybl ooming

andIwascont entwi thhowt hi
ngswere...wewer e
taki
ngt hesl owmot i
onrout ewethu.Myf ocuswas
school andget t
ingmor edi sti
ncti
onscozget ti
nga
newphonedependedonmypr ogressatschool .Eve
wast heonl yonewhoknewaboutmyr elationship
andIwasn' treadyy ettotell myfamil
y..
.atleastI
knewmom woul dn'thaveguessedi tanywayt hough
sheknewI '
mi nlov ewithagangst a.Oncei nawhi l
e
hewoul dcomet oJo' burgandwe' dmeetupi nhis
fl
atcozhedi dn'
twantust obeseenj usti ncaseI
becomeat arget.They earcont i
nueduntilmy
birt
hdaywhi chwasont he30t hofOctober: DIf elt
myphonev ibrati
ngf rom theheadboardst and
besidet hebed, ireachedoutndasabel a

Me:
"mm"
?
Hi
m:"
khawv
uke"(
wakeup)
Me:
"mh"
?
Hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
e"?
Iyawnedandl
ookedatthecal
l
er:/andtheti
me
:'
(00:02whocal
l
sngel'
xeshathough?Hay
yaphambanal
eh

Me:
"I
'm awakewhat
'
sup"
?
Hi
m:"
happybi
rt
hday
"

Ismi
l
ed.
..Howdi
dheknow?Inev
ert
oldhi
m.
Me:
"t
hanky
oubabe"
Hi
m:"
andt
odayI
'
mtaki
ngy
ouout
"
Me:
"you'
rei
nJo'
bur
g"?
Hi
m:"
noty
etbutndi
yeza"
Me:
"ooh-
kay
"
Hi
m:"
youdon'
tsoundexci
ted"
Me:
"i
t'
sjustt
hat
..
.usandt
hepubl
i
cy'
know"
?
Hi
m:"
don'
twor
ryboutt
hat
,t
odayi
sal
labouty
ou.
Ri
ght
"?
Me:
"wel
l
..
.y
eah"
Hi
m:"
sowhatt
imecanIpi
cky
ouup"
?
Me:"
I'
m onl
yhavi
nganaf
ter
nooncl
asssoI
'
lli
nfor
m
youwhenI'
m out
"
Hi
m:"
okay
,youcansl
eepnow"
Me:
"asi
f"

Lol
hehunguponme.
..
thatdayIwokeupsuperexci ted,Iwasinhi ghspiri
ts
Idon'tknowwhybutwhenev erit
sy ourbirt
hdaysoze
ungonwabi maan.Wheni wentdownst air
st her
ewas
aboxcov eredinv el
vetandar ibbonwi thacar don
i
t,Ismil
edandopenedi t
..
.Evehadboughtmepat ent
redbottoms: DandLukeboughtmegi f
tcar dsfr
om
Foschiniyhomnt akadadIcl eanedt hehouse
ndingevanodinwanesy al
i esosinceIwasal one,
I
mademy selfbr
eakfastandbi gbr ocall
edt oo

Me:
"Sai
ntMar
cus"
Hi
m:"
bir
thdaygi
rlhoezi
t"
?
Me:
"I
'm happyy
ou"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
m happyt
oo,
sowhat
'
sthepl
anf
ort
oday
"?
Me:
"well
I'
m havinganaft
ernooncl
ass,
thenI
'
m
meet
ingupaf r
iendlat
eron"
Hi
m:"
soaboutt
hati
Phone"
Me:
"yahy
ouowemedude,
whenam Iget
ti
ngi
t"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
hav
ecour
ier
edt
othehouset
odayl
ateron"
Me:
"mmmhy
ouj
ustmademyday
"
Hi
m:"
that
'st
hepl
an,
enj
oyy
ourday
"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"

Mom anddadcal ledlat

eronandt hatwasthemost
emot i
onalcallIhadfortheday,
itwast hefi
rstti
meI
spentmybi rthdayawayf r
om home,Ikindafelt
nostalgi
ckengokBUTt hedayhadtogoonr i
ght?
Afterevery
thingIwentt othepoolunti
l myti
mef or
cl
ass,wheni tfi
nall
ycameIwenti nsideandgot
dressedinashor tblackcott
ondresswi thwhite
Chucksandjustagoldwatch,Il
ov esimple..
.si
nceI
wasgonnabepi ckedupIcouldn'treall
ydri
vemy sel
f
toschoolnow,
soIwai t
edforEv eandshedr oveme
tocl
ass.I
twasj ustathr
eehour slectureandIhad
tomissmykar at
eclass:/Icall
edNt ando
i
mmedi at
elywhenIwasdi smissed

Hi
m:"
babe"
?
Me:
"I
'm out
"
Hi
m:"
okaygi
vemef
ivemi
nut
es"
Me:
"sho"

Iwalkedtotheparki
nglot..
.ImissedVince:/i thas
beenalongt i
me,wit
hmywei rdscheduleandt he
extramuralacti
vi
tyIhadlesstimet osocial
izeIsat
onabencht herewaiti
ng,
playi
ngCandyCr ushsaga
thenasleekblackMaseratidroveinLolIkinda
guessedbanguy eonlybecausei t
sblack:vlikethis
niqqaneedssomecol ori
nhi sli
festrue!
Her
oll
eddownhi
swi
ndowandpeekedsmi
l
ing
sheepi
shl
y

Hi
m:"
youl
ooker
hm.
..Beaut
if
ul"
Ismi
l
edandwal
kedt
owar
dst
hecar

Me:
"t
hanky
ou"
Igotin,
wehugged...
ithasbeenacoupl eweeks
si
ngabonanibutkephonecal lswereourdai l
ymeal s.
Wedr oveouttoSandtonheact uall
ytookmet oa
spaforafull
bodymassage. .
.whil
eIwasbusybei ng
pamperedhewasbusyonhi slapt
op,doeshecar r
yi t
every
where?Lolsomepeopl earewaaayt oserious
shame.Itwasthef i
rsttimeIwenttoaspaf oraf ull
bodyntozandIfeltgreataft
erwards:)Ifeltl
ighter.
WhenIwasdoneIwal kedbacktowher ehewas, fika
epholengemindwithev enaglassofor angejuice
nexttohim

Me:
"BabyI
'
m done"
Hi
m:"
youl
ookf
resh"
Me:
"soIwasn'
tl
ooki
ngf
reshear
li
er"
?
Hi
m:"
uh-
oh"
Me:
"ndadl
alaIf
eel
fresht
oo"

Hepackedupandwewal kedtothecarhand- i
n--
handandhedr ovet
oasal on.
..
jonga,
ungandibuzi
uzazel
aphi ezi
ndawolomnt ucozI'
vespentalmosta
yearherebutIhadn'tevenbeentotheseplacesy et.
Wewal kedi nt
hisst
y l
ishsal
onwi t
hav er
yhighcl ass
i
mage, aladywelcomedusi n

Her
:"
goodaf
ter
noon,
howmaywebeofassi
stance"
?
Him:"
erh.
..Maket
hisbeaut
if
ulwomanmor
e
beaut
iful
formeplz"
Her
:"
fol
l
owmemyl
ove"

Loloh-kay
..
.If
oll
owedherwaqalawandenza
i
inail
s,
thensheaskedmetochooseaweav e.
..
I
optedfora22inchbrownandgoldMal
aysianweav
e
cozIknowhecanaf f
ordit>_
<whenIsaynailsI
meanamani andpedithenItr
immedmyey ebrows
nj
ekancincimfanaIwasget t
ingpamperedandti
me
waspassingbysof ast.Hecametocheckonme

Hi
m:"
mmhwenzal
ent
oaph"
Me:
"ndenzi
swanguwekel
ent
o"
Hi
m:"
sisi
whatcany
oudot
ome"
?
Her
:"
wecant
ri
myourhai
rory
oucandoamani
cur
e"
Hi
m:"
that
'sf
orwomen"
Her
:"
mendoi
ttooy
ouknow"
?
Hi
m:"
nahI
'
llpass.
..
babyKul
ate"
Me:
"I
'm al
mostdone"
Hi
m:"
didy
out
ell
yourbr
othery
ou'
l
lbehomel
ate"
?
Me:
"uh-
oh"

Wandi
j
amel
a..
.
Me:
"I
'l
lcal
lhi
m now-
now"
Hi
m:"
mmh"

Assoonast
hel
adyf
ini
shedwi
thmyhai
rIcal
l
ed
Luke

Hi
m:"
bir
thdaygi
rl
"
Me:
"heybr
other
..
.I
'
llbehomeabi
tlat
er"
Hi
m:"
oh,
youpai
nti
ngt
het
ownr
edhuh"
?
Me:
"hahaj
ustf
ort
oday
"
Hi
m:"
can'
tbl
amey
ou.
..
gooutandhav
efun"
Me:
"t
hanky
ouLuu"
Hi
m:"
butdon'
tgetwast
ed"
Me:
"Iwon'
t"

Wehungup,Iwentt
obaeont
heot
hersi
de.
..
hepai
d
upsahamba.
Me:
"si
yaphi
kengok"
?
Hi
m: "
asikaty
iokosowe'
l
lhav
etof
indagood
r
estaurant"
Me:
"wel
lI'
m notr
eal
l
yhungr
y"
Hi
m:"
uzondbukel
andi
sit
yake"
Me:
"eshe"

Wedr ov
etoaverylavi
shrestaurant,
wechosea
tabl
eatthef
arendoft heroom,orderedandwai
ted
makingsmal
lconversati
on..
.Ourf oodcamethr
ough
saty
abutIwanteddessertmoret hanthefoodi
tsel
f

Me:
"sohowl
ongy
ou'
rest
ayi
ng"
?
Hi
m:"
ndi
yahambangomso"
Me:
"sosoon"
?

Hel
ookedatme.
..
Ilookedatmyf
ood.Idi
dn'
twant
hi
mt ogoj
ustyetnj
ena,
Iwant
edtoatt
endcl
assand
spendt
herestoft
hedaywit
hhim.
..
wasIwrong?

Hi
m:"
babe"
Me:
"nev
ermi
nd"
Hi
m:"
cummon,
what
'
sup"
Me:
"not
hing"

Ical
l
edourwait
erandorder
edmydessert:
/wai
ted
acoupl
eofminutest
henyafi
kaIat
etaki
ngmyti
me

Hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
ethet
hawhat
'
sgoi
ngon"
Me:
"Ij
ust
..
.Iwannaspendmor
eti
mewi
thy
ou"
Hi
m:"
Ihav
etogot
oDur
bannj
e"
Me:
"nopr
obl
em"

Gqi
bakwam ndafocus'
akwidesser
tyam ndat
hul
a.
YesIhadagr
eatdaybutIwantedmore.
..
wasI
self
ish?Idon'treal
lycare.Heatef i
nishakat yanalo
dessertkeyenahepai dthebil
lsaphuma, gotinthe
caranddr oveinsil
ence...
Inot
edt hatandi goduswa
butndathula.Hepar kedathiparkinglot,
If ol
l
owed
ashegotoutsay ongenainhisroom/ f
latndahlalaon
thecouchhewenti nsidehisr
oom f oracoupl eof
secondsthenwabuy aandsatdownnextt ome

Hi
m:"
Ial
sowannaspendt
imewi
thy
ou"
Me:
"youhav
eaf
unnywayofshowi
ngi
t"
Him:"
youknowIdon'
thav
emucht
imeonmyhands
kodwababy"
Me:
"canwedr
opt
his"
?

Heki ssedmendisalibeleKupout'
angeshori.
..
I
respondedwi t
houtthinking.WhenIhadhadmy
enoughshar eofhislips,
Ipushedhi
mf i
rmly
backwar ds

Me:
"pl
easet
akemehome"
Hi
m:"
ononecondi
ti
on"
Me:
"t
her
eai
n'
tnocondi
ti
onsher
e"

Wandi
j
onga.
..Okayhe'
sser
ious

Me:
"okayf
ine"
Hi
m:"
yougi
vemeonemor
eki
ss"
Me:"
eshe..
.dr
ivemehome,
you'
l
lgety
ourki
sswhen
you'
vetakenmehome"
Hi
m:"
not
ri
cks"
Me:
"not
ri
cks"
Hi
m:"
okay
"

Wedroveoutandi
ntothecarndagoduswaandwe
ki
ssedonthefr
ontyar
dbeforehegavemeagi f
tbag

Me:
"yhohaybabey
ou'
vedoneenoughal
ready
"
Hi
m:"
Ihopey
oul
ovet
hose"
Me:
"enkosi
"

Iki
ssedhim onemor
eti
meandleft
,hedrov
eawayI
walkedi
nsi
de...
ti
mewasnowpastninet
oten:
v.
[
10/
8,20:
52]‪+27730692704‬:
#83

Iwal
kedi
nsi
de,
Evewasst
il
lwat
chi
ngTV

Me:
"hey
"
Her
:"
heeey,
sooo?Wher
edidyour'
fr
iend't
akey
ou?
Ohwait
..
.Youhavenewhai
r!ANDnails"
?

Iwenttositnexttoherandtol
dherthedays
deeds,
l
ol sheturnedgr
eenwithenvy:vt
henwe
openedthegiftbagandfoundblackspi
kedheel
s

Her
:"
haha!Nowt
hisi
sar
eal
wel
comet
ohi
swor
ldI
guess"
Me:
"t
hespi
keshuh?Butt
heshoei
sbeaut
if
ul"
Her
:"
exact
lyy
oursi
ze"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowhowhegott
hat
"
Her
:"
mmh,
theyki
ndaknowev
ery
thi
ng"
Me:
"Iguessy
ou'
rer
ight
"
Her
:"
yeah.
..
sohe'
sgoneal
ready
"?
Me:
"hesai
dhe'
sgoi
ngt
omor
row"
Her
:"
yho.
..I
'
m goi
ngov
ert
oLwandot
hisweekend"
Me:
"wher
e'sLuu"
?
Her
:"
he'ssl
eepi
ng.
..
he'
sgoi
ngbackt
oMumbai
t
omorroweveni
ng"
Me:
"soy
ou'
ret
ell
i
ngmeI
'
llbeal
oneal
lweekend"
?
Her
:"
ify
ourmanwasn'
tasbusyasanant,
thi
swoul
d
bet
heperf
ectt
imetopl
ayfamil
ybonds"
Me:
"yeahwel
l
..
.somet
hingsy
oucan'
tj
ustchange"
Her
:"
buty
oucanper
suade"
Ndathula.
..
Iwatchedthemov i
eshewaswat chi
ng
thenwheni twasoverwewentt oourr ooms.I
showeredandwor emyPJst henIgoti nbed, pr
esent
kaMar ckhangeideif
ikebutIdidn'twannanaghi m
aboutit
.Icall
edVincent,
hedidn'
tpi ckup
:(ndamy ekaandcall
edbhut'
baej ustt othankhim
formakingmydayr eall
yspecial
,hepi ckedupont he
fi
rstr
ing

Hi
m:"
hel
l
o"
Me:
"hel
l
omyf
oot
"
Wahl
eka
Me:
"uhl
ekanabanNt
ando"
?
Hi
m:"
def
ini
tel
ynotwi
thy
out
hough"
Me:
"ouch"
Hi
m:"
oohut
hiouchngoku"
?
Me:
"what
ever
!LookIwannat
hanky
ou"
Hi
m:"
forwhat
"?
Me:
"f
ort
oday
,your
eal
l
ymademyday
"
Hi
m:"
ohthat
,I
'
mjustgl
adIgott
ospendy
ourday
wi
thyou"
Me:"
you'
rej
ustsay
ingthat.
..
I'
m sur
eyoucoul
dhav
e
donealoti
fyouweren'
there"
Hi
m:"
spendi
ngt
imewi
thy
oui
sal
ot"
Me:
"i
fyousayso"
Hi
m:"
youdon'
tbel
i
eveme"
Me:
"goodni
ghtbaby
"
Hi
m:"
uyay
thandakel
ent
ouy
enzay
o"
Me:
"t
omor
rowi
sanot
herday
"
Hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
e"?
Me:
"Nt
ando"
Hi
m:"Ireal
l
yloveyouyazandIwannamaket
his
wor
ki fonl
yyoucanjustcooper
ateher
e"
Me:
"goodni
ghtbaby
"
Hi
m:"
goodni
ghtbaby
"
Ihungupndal ala..
.wasn'tgonnaar guewithhim
abouthi spr i
oriti
esaf t
erIhadsuchabeaut i
ful
day,nonotatal l.Earl
yt henextmor ningIwoke
up,hadamor ningclass,Ibathedandwor ebl ack
ri
ppedski nnyjeans, t
hosespi kedheel s:
Dandar ed
boobtubebody suit.Ibrushedmynewhai rand
sprayedi taLi lthenItookmybagandwal ked
downst airs,Evewasn' tawakey etsoImade
breakfastf ormy sel
f.
..
justcerealwithdri
ed
cranberri
esandcher ri
es.Lukewal ked
down...l
ooki ngl i
keat ruckhithim

Hi
m:"
mor
nnn"
Me:
"mor
ning.
..
youdon'
tl
ookt
oogood"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tfeel
toogood,
howwasy
ourday
"?
Me:
"spl
endi
d"
Hi
m:"
Icanseet
hegl
ow"

LolIbl
ushedandr
insedof
fthebowl
,
tookan
apple,
mybagandphone
Evewal
keddownl
ooki
ngsex
y..
.Webot
hlookedat
her

Her
:"
Idon'
tl
iket
hel
ookony
ourf
aces"
Hi
m:"
you'
regoi
ngout
"?
Me:
"hemeansonadat
e"?
Her
:"
noI
'
m goi
ngt
ocl
ass"
Hi
m:"
coul
d'
vef
ool
edme"
Her
:"
I'
ll
justpr
etendIdi
dn'
theart
hat
"

Itookmyt hingsandleft
,l
olIlef
tthem mntakadadI
couldn'taf
fordaruinofthesehighspi
ri
tsjusty
et.I
bumpedont oVinceimmediatel
yasIleftt
heschools
parkinglot

Hi
m:"
heyy
ou"
Me:
"heyy
ou,
unj
ani
"?
Hi
m:"
I'
mver
ywel
l
..
.i
tsbeenal
ongt
ime"
Me:
"youcansayt
hatagai
n..
.cal
l
edy
oul
astni
ght
t
hough"
Hi
m:"
youdi
d?"
Me:
"youdi
dn'
tseemymi
ssedcal
l
s"
Hi
m:"
that
'st
het
hing.
..
myphonei
swi
thmygi
rl
fr
iend"
Me:
"ooh,
IhopeIdon'
tgety
oui
ntr
oubl
e"
Hi
m:"nodon'
twor
ryaboutthat
..
quest
ioni
s:why
di
dn'
tshetel
lmecozIjustsawher"
Me:
"t
henIshoul
ddef
ini
tel
ywor
ry"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
sor
titout
"
Me:
"cool
.
..Got
tar
unneh"
Hi
m:"
aytman,
goodseei
ngy
ou"
Me:
"sameher
e"

Wepartedway s,
Iatt
endedmycl assandlateron
cameout .
..
Ihadfati
gue:(cl
asswasn'toveryetbutI
j
ustcouldn'
ttakeit
.Iwenttotheparki
nglotandgot
i
ntomycar ,
drovehome.Ndaf i
kaendli
nindalal
aon
t
hecouchforanhourorso.
..
inf
actIwaswokenup
y
ical
lkabhut'
bae

Me:
"mh"
?
Hi
m:"
mh?That
'
showy
ouanswery
ourphonenow"

Ikeptqui
et.
..
myey
esshutcl
osed!

Hi
m:"
baby
"

Cwaka.
..
lol
Iwassl
owl
ydr
if
ti
ngbackt
osl
eep

Hi
m:"
don'
ttel
lmeul
ele.
..Si
bongi
l
e"?
Me:
"yhoy
int
onbr
a"
Hi
m:"
awnant
loni
?Emi
napha"
?
Me:
"mxm"
Hi
m:"
okaypl
zwakeupIwannat
alkt
oyou"
Me:
"t
alkI
'
mli
steni
ng"
Him:
"I'
m notsay
ingany
thi
ngunt
ilIknowf
orsur
e
you'
rewideawake"
-
_-

Isatup
Me:
"kayt
alk"
Hi
m:"
I'
m st
icki
ngar
oundf
orawhi
l
e"
Me:
"why
"?
Hi
m:"
why
?It
houghtt
hat
'
swhaty
ouwant
ed"
Me:
"wel
lyout
houghtwr
ong"

Thenhewentsi
l
entf
orasec.
..

Hi
m:"
nowI
'
m conf
used"
Me:"
ther
e'snot
hingconf
usi
nghere,
att
endy
our
busi
nessinDurbanaspl
anned"
Hi
m:"
Ireschedul
edkal
ok"
Me:
"baby
"
Hi
m:"
lov
e"
Me:"youdon'thavetodoanyf avor
sf ormeokay?I
knowandI 'v
ecomet ounderst
andhowbusyy our
l
ifeandlineofbusinessis.
..
youdon'treal
l
yhaveto
compr omisejustt
osatisfyme"
Hi
m:"
canwemeetup"
?
Me:
"no"
Hi
m:"
thenI
'
m comi
ngov
er"
Me:
"you'
rewha-
"?

Hehunguponme.Igotupandl ookedar
ound,Ir
an
toLuke'sr
oom andcheckedhi
sluggage.
..
itwas
gone,Ical
ledhi
m

Hi
m:"
Lil
sis"
Me:
"hey
,Ev
esay
syou'
regoi
ngt
oMumbai
agai
n"
Hi
m:"
I'
m al
readyonboar
d"
Me:
"oh.
.t
hatwasf
ast
"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
cal
lwhenI
'
vel
anded"
Me:
"okay
"

Wehungup. .
.Injustafewmi nuteshebuzzed,
I
openedforhi
m.Hedr ovei
n,parkedandcame
knocki
ngonourf rontdoorndamv ul
elaandhe
fol
lowedmet othelounge

Me:
"owkay
..
.canIgety
ouany
thi
ng"
?
Him:"
thetr
uthmaybe.
..
towhat
'sr
eal
l
ygoi
ngoni
n
yourheadri
ghtnow"
Me:
"mmmhr
ightnow?If
eel
li
keanomel
ett
e"
:
)
Iwal kedovertothekit
chenandstart
eddoingmy
thinglolnotlong,
hefol
lowedandjustst
oodther
e
wat chingmeIt ur
nedandsmiledhewaskinda
pissedof fandIwaskindaenj
oyingpushi
nghimto
hisl
i
mits.Iknowhisgoodandsweetsi
dekalokso
seei
nghim upsetwasabonus.
.cr
azy?Iknow.

Me:
"wannahel
p"?

Cwaka

Me:
"Iguessnot
"

Iconti
nuedgqibandamphakelaandtookthepl
ates
tothelounge,
ndabuy
aandpour edusjuice
ndambekelahisowngqibandatya.Hecameback
andsatdown. .
.t
ookhisj
uiceanddrankiti
nnsi
lence
thenhegav emeoneofthoselooks..
.t
hosedar
kand
penetr
atingones.

Hi
m:"
you'
ret
ryi
ngmypat
ience"
Me:
"andI
'
m succeedi
ng"
Hi
m:"
thi
scoul
dbedanger
ous"
Me:
"yout
hink"
?

Lolhel
ookedatmewav
elawahl
ekashaki
nghi
s
head.

Hi
m:"
you'
rei
mpossi
bley
ouknow"
Me:
"t
hatIwi
l
ltakeasacompl
i
ment
"
Hi
m:"
butI
'
m bei
ngser
iousher
e"
Me:
"nam,
Idon'
twanty
oucompr
omi
si
ngf
orme.
..
yet
"
Hi
m:"I
'm notcompr
omi
singI
'
m set
ti
ngmypr
ior
it
ies
st
rai
ght"

Okay.
..
Idi
dn'texpectt
hatone.Iat eupmyomel ett
e
wit
houtevenattempti
ngt oanswerhim.Hedidn'teat
muchofhis,whenhesawt hatIwasn'
tabouttogive
hi
m anyanswerheshiftedseat swazohl
alari
ght
nextt
ome, Igotuptoretur
nt heplat
estothekit
chen
buthehel
dmyhandndabuy elaphant
sisana
Hi
m:"
giv
emeachance"
Me:
"whydoesi
tsoundl
i
key
ou'
redemandi
ngi
t"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ryi
fitcameoutt
hatway
"
Me:"wel
lIam gi
vi
ngy ouachanceher
e..
.got
o
Durban,
att
endtoy ourbusi
nessthenwhenyou'
re
doneuzobuyandiselapha"
Hi
m:"
thenl
etsgot
oget
her
"
Me:
"whataboutschool
"?
Hi
m:"
whatt
imei
syourcl
asst
omor
rowandFr
iday
"?
Me:
"Idon'
thavecl
assFr
iday
..
.t
omor
rowIhav
ea
mor
ningclass"
Hi
m: "
thenwecangoint
heaf
ter
noonaf
tery
ou'
ve
at
tendedyourcl
ass"

Nowi tfel
tli
keIwasf or
cingmy
sel
fint
ohi
s
space..
.unnecessar
il
y.
Hi
m:"
okaywhatnow?What
'
swi
tht
hatl
ook"
?
Me:
"baby
"
Hi
m:"
speaki
toutbaby
"

Isatonhislapandlookedhi
mi nt
heey
e,t
ouchi
ng
hisfacet
racinghi
scontour
s..
.

Me:
"andi
thi
weagr
eedont
aki
ngt
hingssl
ow"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
mjustwai
ti
ngt
ohearwher
ethi
sisgoi
ng"
Me:"
us.
..
tr
avel
ingt
ogether
..
.t
hat
'sadi
ff
erentv
ersi
on
ofsl
owdon'ty
outhink"
?
Him:"
inamoresimpleEngl
i
sh,
youdon'
ttr
ustme
enoughtot
ravel
withme"
Me:
"yousur
edohav
etr
usti
ssues.
..But
,wecanwor
k
ont
hat"
Hi
m:"
me?Tr
usti
ssues"
?
Me:"
pret
endInev
erment
ionedthat.Let
'sst
ri
kea
deal
now.YoucangotoDurbantodayandcome
backlat
eronmay bet
omorrowthenI'
l
lspendt
he
restofmyweekendwithy
ou..
.wher
everyouwant
"
Hi
m:"
okay
..
thatsoundsdoabl
e"
Me:"
good.
..
nowndi
yekeIneedt
owasht
hesebef
ore
Ev
ecomesback"
Hi
m:"
notbef
oreIdot
his"

Withoutanot
iceIfel
thi
sli
pssmashi
ngin
mine..
.somet
hingsshoul
dremai
ninthecl
oset
t
hough: v.
[
10/
8,20:
53]‪+27730692704‬:
#84

ThursdayEveleftforschoolwit
hasportsbagf or
changingcl
otheswhi l
eshe'satbaecat
ionandBeast
hadreall
yandf i
nallyl
eftforDur
bantheprev i
ousday
:)Imean..:v.Aftercl
assIwenthomet ot hatl
onel
y
bighousewecal lahome. ..
ayIgotsoboredIhadto
call
myper son:/
Hi
m:"
mamekhay
a"?
Jonga...
uncumot hatcr
ossedmyli
pswhenhebol dl
y
saidthat,
especi
all
ywhenIcouldhearpeopl
ebehi
nd
him onthebackgroundIhadtocl
earmyt hr
oatt
o
regainmyv oi
ceagain

Me:
"babe,
unj
ani
"?
Hi
m:"
ndi
dini
we.
.wena"
?
Me:
"bor
ed"
Hi
m:"
readabook"
Me:
"you'
reki
ddi
ng"
Hi
m:"
cookorgoout
,t
othemov
iesmay
be"
Me:
".
..
whenar
eyoucomi
ngback"
?
Hi
m:"
int
heev
eni
ng"
Me:
"mxm uy
adi
kaev
ah"
?
Him:
"you'
reonl
ysay
ingbecauseI
'
m apr
ovi
nce
away
"
Me:
"Icansayi
tyourf
aceandy
ouknowt
hat
"
Hi
m:"
Iwonderwhogav
eyousuchconf
idence"
Me:
"mommadi
d..
.any
wayby
eby
e"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
takey
ououtoft
hatmi
ser
ywhenI
'
m back"
Me:
"youbet
ter
"
Hi
m:"
Ilov
eyounehbaby
"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"

Af t
erbeingbeyondsuperbor
edinthathousei
decidedtojustpopi
nattheShisaNyamaIreal
l
y
cravedthismeatshame.
Iwasser vedbyaZul ul ookinggi rl
,
goodl ooki
ngbut
kindalackingmanner s...Inot edt hatont hef i
rst
glanceather ,shehadt hisabsur df acialexpression
thatkindat ai
ntedhernat ural beauty.Imadean
orderofpor kandwor swi thacockt ai
l :
Dandshe
tookhert i
me, notthatImi ndedatal lbutkeshet ook
hert i
me.Whenshef i
nal l
ydeci dedt obr i
ngmyf oodI
hadev enfor gott
enbutIwasn' tr
eal l
ygonnacausea
scenear oundher e,Ithankedherandt ookt hefi
rst
bite.Shewasst i
llstandi ngl ookingatme
Me:
"wast
her
eany
thi
ngel
se"
?
Her
:"
Ibel
i
evey
ou'
reTr
ina"
Me:
"dependswho'
saski
ng"
Her
:"
doesn'
treal
l
ymat
ter
..
.gety
ourdi
rt
ycl
awsof
f
myman"
Me:
"huh"
?
Her:
"stoppest
eringVinceokay!Hedoesn'twant
you,
notevenyourf akeaccentpl
easeshim.I'
veseen
howy oubatyourlashesathim..
.i
twon'twork.And
l
ast.
..st
opcall
inghim atnight
"

Ilookedather..
.IwantedtotellherthatifIwanted
him,I'
dhavehadhi m bynow.IfIwant edhiml i
keshe
saysIdo,I'
dhavetakenhim compl etelyf
rom herand
she'dhavenothingtosaybuty ouknowwhat ?I
smi l
edtomy sel
fcozIknewIcoul dn'
tjuststepdown
toherlevel
.
Me:
"okay
"
Her
:"
enj
oyy
ourmeal
"

Itookmyphone, f
akakwi purseyam alongwi t
hmy
wallet.If
oldedmymeati nt
ot hewrappert hey
alway soff
eryouthenItookmyf atassandl eftt
hat
placewi t
houtpayi
ng: vIwentt omycarndat yela
phay achil
ledonpointplayi
ngRat edRal bum ka
Rihanna.Onmyl astpieceofmeat ,
thatchickcame
runningtomycar

Her
:"
youdi
dn'
tpay
"
Me:
"wasIsupposedt
o"?
Her
:"
what
'st
hatsupposedt
omean"
?

Itur
nedthev ol
umeup...
wipedmyhandsandst ar
ted
mycarndamshi yaemeapho,ifshecantreata
customerl
ikethatt
hensurelyshecanaffordtopay
formymeal .Idr
ovehomendaf ikandakhulul
aand
worebathi
ngsuitndayobhukudamyphoneont he
poolt
able.
..
aft
eraf
ewstrokesyakhala,
Igr
abbeda
towel
justt
odrymyhandsandtookt hephone

Me:
"Vi
ncent
"
Hi
m:"
ntwanay
ougood"
?
Me:
"yeahwhat
'
sup"
?
Hi
m:"
justgotacal
lfr
om Li
bo"
Me:
"Li
bo?Who'
sthat
"?
Him:
"t
hegir
lwhoservedyout
odayatthe
Shi
saNyama.
..Uhm she'
smygir
lf
ri
end"
Me:
"me?Shi
saNy
ama?Today
"?
Hi
m:"
whaty
ouwer
en'
tther
e"?
Me:
"Idon'
trecal
l
"
Hi
m:"
hahLi
bhongobet
ri
ppi
ngnow"
Me:
"may
be"
Hi
m:"
sor
ryIbot
her
edy
ou"
Me:
"nopr
obl
em.
.butwhatwast
hecal
labout
"?
Hi
m:"
nehdon'
twor
ryabouti
t"
Me:
"okeydokey
"
Hi
m:"
shar
p"

Ihungupandreturnedbacktomyswi mmi
ng.
..
they
'l
l
havetosor
tthatoneoutforthemsel
vesby
themsel
veswithoutmeast hei
rspar
ewheel
.Igot
outandcal
ledEv el
yn

Her
:"
babysi
s"
Me:
"babymama,
howar
eyou"
Her
:"
I'
m gr
eat
,how'
sbor
edom"
Me:"
li
keIj
ustswem myent
ir
eener
gyr
ightnow.
..
I'
m
goi
ngbeser
kekse"
Shebur
stoutl
aughi
ng

Her
:"
cal
lyouni
qqa"
Me:
"he'
sst
il
li
nDur
ban"
Her:
"youl
ethi
m go?You'
redumbert
hanIt
hought
youknow"
Me:
"f
okofEv
e"
Her
:"
Iknowy
oumi
ssme"
Me:
"l
ikecr
azybr
a"

Weconv ersedsomemor ethenIwentbacki nsi

de
anddr ankagl assofcol dmi lkalwaysgivesmet he
j
olts;Idefrostedfourpiecesofchi ckenand
mar i
natedt hem thenputt hem inthegril
l
ert henI
cookedl asagne:vay i
dibani butkemybl oodwant ed
i
t..
.thenIhear dthebuzz: /Il ookedatthegat e
moni t
or,Iwasn'ttoosurprisedbutkeIwascozi t
wasn'tev eningyet.
..
Iopenedt hespeakerfir
st

Me:
"hel
l
o"?
Hi
m:"
khawv
ule"
Me:
"ndi
vul
e?Whoam Ispeaki
ngt
o"
Hi
m:"
ohcummonnow"
Me:
"i
tsnotev
eni
ngy
etuf
unani
apha"
?
Hi
m:"
tchi
n,
you'r
ekiddingwi
thmer
ightnow.Baby
t
hewayI'
mt i
redthough"
Me:
"yeahwhat
ever
"

Iopenedthegateandt ookasar ongtocovermy

l
owerbody .
..
hewal kedinwithhislapt
opbaganda
gi
ftbag,wehuggedndi semanzikemnasohi sshi
rt
wasleftwit
hbit
sofwat ermarks,hepul
ledmeev en
cl
oserandweki ssedsot enderl
yandaf f
ecti
onat
ely

Hi
m:"
Imi
ssedy
ou"
Me:"
Imi
ssedy
ou.
..
babe,
youl
ooksi
zzl
i
nghoti
na
sui
t"
Hi
m:"
ohIdon'
tl
ookhoti
nmycomf
ort
abl
ecl
othes"
?
Me:"
okaywai
t.
..
youl
ookdapperANDhot
teri
nasui
t
kebabe"
Hi
m:"
mmmh"
Iki
ssedhi
sli
psandhesatdown.

Me:
"j
uice"
?
Hi
m:"donty
ouhav
eany
thi
ngst
ronger
"?
IwenttoLukescabinandtookanal
readyopened
thr
eeshipsipour
edquaterglasswi
thiceandgave
himthenIwenttothekit
chenanddishedupfor
him,
placedi
tinatrayal
ongwi t
haglassofjui
ce.
[
10/
8,20:
54]‪+27730692704‬:
#85

Helookedatt
hemealwit
hanapprov
ingsmil
er i
ght
behi
ndthatgl
assofwhi
skey
,It
ookanicef
atpiece
andsatacr
osshim

Me:
"sohowwasy
ourday
"?
Hi
m:"
chaot
ic"
Me:
"busi
ness"
?
Hi
m:"
whi
chone"
?
Icont
empl
atedabi
t.
..

Me:
"t
hel
egi
tone"
Him:"
goingper
fect
lyf
ine.
..Uol
'
ladyr
eckonsI
'
m
changi
ng"
Me:
"how"
?
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tknow.
..
khandf
unenobuzaf
uthi
"
Me:
"woy
ikant
oni
"?
Hi
m:"
hayhay
..
.howwasy
ourday
"
Me:
"pr
ett
ygood"
Hi
m:"
buty
ousai
dyouwer
ebor
ed"
Me:
"t
hatwasbef
orei
tbecamepr
ett
ygood"
Him:
"mhIwonder
..
.soIful
fi
ll
edmypar
toft
he
deal
,
nowit
syourt
ur n"
Me:
"oht
hat
"
Hi
m:"
yest
hat
"
Me:
"eatup"
Hi
m:"
gopack.
..
we'
rel
eav
ingassoonasIf
ini
shher
e"
Me:
"l
eav
ing"
?
Hi
m:"
ina"

Itookt hegif
tbagandwal kedupst air
s..
.Lolokayso
i
nst eadofthest i
let
tosheboughtmespi kedblack
sneaker st
hist i
me.Ipackedthreeout f
it
sand
sl
eepi ngclothesandofcozcosmet icsthenIwor e
blackt i
ght
s,blackvestandthosesneaker sthenI
walkeddownwi t
hmybaghel ookedup,Ismi l
ed

Hi
m:"
theyl
ookgoodony
ou"
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"

Hehadwashedthepl
ateal
readyandever
ythi
ngwas
i
nplace.
..Hecamef
ort
handst oodj
ustafewinches
f
rom myl i
ps
Hi
m:"
yousmel
ll
ikeami
l
li
ondol
l
ars"
Me:
"l
ikey
ou"
Hi
m:"
li
kemywomanshoul
d"
Me:
"yourwoman?Soy
ouar
ereal
l
yser
iousaboutus"
Him:"
I'
veneverbeenser
iousaboutany
oneor
anyt
hingel
sebesidemykidsandmymom ofcoz"
Me:
"mmh.
..
yourki
ds,
whenwi
l
lImeett
hem"
Hi
m:"
any
timey
ou'
rer
eady
"

WellIwoul dhaveanswer edi fonlyhedidn'tbi

tethe
cornerofmyl ipsteasingl
yt hatIalmosttri
pped
backwar dslaughing.Het ookmybagandwewal ked
out..
.If
ir
stmadesur eIswi tchedoffeveryt
hinginthe
housebesi desthef r
idget henIlockedthegarage
andev eryt
hingelseandl ef t
.Wedr ovetotheairport
andboar dedthejetandof fwewentt oCapeTown.

Whenwelandedmyconcer
nsrai
sed:/Iwasn'
tqui
te
sur
eIcanbeinCapeTownSouthandsti
ll
be
di
scr eetsoIwewal keddownandt ot hecarIdida
si
lentpr ayert
oPapaGodt hatMar cusdoesn' tseeor
heart hatI'
m ar
ound.Iwasqui etthr oughoutthe
ri
de,hewasbusyonhi slaptopandphoneokobut
occasi onal
lyst
eali
ngal ookatmet houghI 'dpret
end
asifandi mboniatall
.Myheadphoneswer eint
act
andsomegoodj amswer eplayi
ng.Wer eachedwhat
musthav ebeenhishouse,thedri
v erwenti nand
parkedi nanundergroundparkingl ot

Hi
m:"
babe"
Me:
"mh"
?

Ir
emov
edt
heheadphones

Hi
m:"
plsf
oll
owI
vorhe'
l
ltakey
out
oyourr
oom"
Me:
"wher
ear
eyougoi
ng"
?
Him:"
Ihav
ejustaLi
lsomet
hingt
osor
t.
..
I'
l
lbeback
befor
eyouknowit
"
Me:
"i
s..
.Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
"?
Hi
m:"
don'
twor
ryy
our
sel
fabouti
t"
Me:
"kay
"

Igotout,
Iv
ort ookmybag. .
.Nt
andogotoutand
ki
ssedmyneckhuggi ngmef r
om behindIjustknew
somer ealshi
twasonbutmay behedi dn'
tthi
nkI
coul
dhandl eitthat
'swhyhewassecr eti
veaboutit
..
.
Iv
orthedriverwaswai t
ingpat
ient
lyatadistance

Me:
"Ineedt
ouhm,
rest
"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
joi
nyouj
ustnow"
Me:
"j
ustdon'
tdoany
thi
ngst
upi
d"
Hi
m:"
Iwon'
t"

Iloosenedhishandsfr
om ar
oundmywai
stand
foll
owedi v
orinsi
de,
hetookmetomyr
oom si
mple
yetelegant.
Him:
"comeI
'l
lshowyout
heki
tcheni
ncasey
ouneed
somethi
ngma'am"
Me:
"oh"

Ifol
lowedhi
m,heshowedmear
oundt
henhesai
dI
shouldcomeandlock

Me:
"doeshi
sfr
iendscomeher
e"?
Hi
m:"
no..
.t
heyonl
ygot
ohi
sfl
at,
butwecannev
erbe
t
oosafe"
Me:
"okayt
hanks"

Ilockedandl ookedaround. .
.thi
spl aceneededa
woman' stouch.Itwascl eanbuti twasdul l
..
.andI
under stand.Iwenttotheki tchen,thecupboardmust
hav ebeenf il
ledthatdaycozi twasf il
l
edwithnew
things,Imademy sel
fcof feewi t
hr usksthenI
decidedt ocookagai n..
.waitingaroundf orhi
m
woul dsurel
ydrivemei nsane.Iscavagedhiskitchen
andf oundsomet hi
ngt ouse,Icookedricewiththree
coloredpeppersandspi cesenoughf orthebothof
ust henImarinatedtenderbeefandr oasteditwith
potatoesandgr eenbeans.ThenIdi dchakalakaon
theside..
whenIwasdoneIt ookmycof fee,
warmed
i
tandwentt otheloungeandwat chedTV.
Imusthavefal
l
enasleeponthatcouchbutwhenI
l
ateronwokeup,hewasinsi
dejonga,
Ilookedathi
m
confused!

Hi
m:"
hey
,you'
reawake"
Me:
"howdi
dyou.
..
"?
Hi
m:"iusedanot
herent
rancey
ouwer
eindeep
sl
eep"

Myey esshift
edfrom hisfacedownhistor
so:ohe
hadonlyat owelwr appedaroundhi
swaist
,smell
ed
freshmeaninghej ustcameoutoftheshower.My
throatwentdryandIl i
ckedmyl i
psasIr
emov edmy
ey
esandl
ookedatmyphonef
ort
ime

Hi
m:"
youshoul
dfr
eshenup"
Me:
"yeah.
..Uhm.
..Howl
onghav
eyoubeenback"
Hi
m:"
it
sbeenqui
teawhi
l
e,why
"?
Me:
"hm.
mh"

Igotup,wentpasthim andwenttomyr oom.I

undressedandwr appedatowelaroundmybody
ndayovasa.
..I
'm abathbabybutthatdayItooka
showerbutal ongshower.WhenIgotouthewas
i
nsidemyr oom ont hebedbutwearingshort
sthi
s
ti
me

Me:
"geezputashi
rton"
Him:"
you'
rethefi
neonet
otal
kseei
ngy
ou'
rehal
f-
nakedyour
self
"
Ii
gnoredhi
m,Il
oti
onedmybodyandl ookedformy
PJsndanxi
basti
ll
cover
edi
nthattowel combedmy
hai
randti
editi
nabunthenneat
lyplait
edit

Hi
m:"
you'
resoqui
et"
Me:
"yout
oo"
Hi
m:"
you'
vebeenqui
etev
enonourwayher
e"

Idi
dn'
tanswerthat.Ij
ustf
ixedmythi
ngsand
swi
tchedofft
helighti
nthebathr
oom

Me:
"I
'm goi
ngdownst
air
s"

I
nsteadofanswer i
nghejustfol
lowedmequi
etl
yI
wentstr
aighttotheki
tchen,
hewentt ot
hel
ounge,
I
warmedthef oodandlookedforplat
es

Me:
"baby
"?
Hi
m:"
mal
ove"
?
Me:
"wher
ear
ethepl
ates"
?
Hi
m:"
bot
tom cupboar
dbaby
"

Icheckedthecupboardsandnoticedthathehad
boughtacoupl eofot
herthi
ngs,
infactthefr
idgewas
ful
lthenIdishedupforusinonepl at
eandpoured
usjuiceandtookthefoodtothelounge

Hi
m:"
mmh.
..
I'
m gonnaneedagy
mver
ysoon"
Me:
"Icanal
sost
arv
eyouy
'know"
?
Hi
m:"
that
'snotwhatImeantbabes.
.t
hanksf
uthi
"
Me:
"mmmh"

Wesatononecouchandat e.
..heki
ssedmycheek,I
blushed,Iwantedt
obeangr yathimforgoingso
l
ongl eavingmealoneonorf i
rstdayherebutI
couldn'
t.Weat emakingsmallconversat
ionover
l
ightthingsthenhetooktheplatest
ot hekit
chen
wazivasaandcamebackandwej ustsatt
her
e,my
headonhi sbarechest
..
.i
tonlysunki
nwhenI
touchedhishandthatheignoredmewhenItoldhi
m
togetdressed

Me:
"Nt
andomaani
"
Hi
m:"
mmh"
Me:
"aT-
shi
rtmay
be"
?
Hi
m:"
mxm,
khangqengqebaby
"
:
/

Heli
ghtl
ypul
ledmyheadtowar
dshischest
..
.If
elta
Li
luncomfor
tabl
ebutndany
amezel
a

Hi
m:"
youknowy
ouhav
etogetusedt
othi
s"
Me:
"mxm"
Hi
m:"
ndi
kfakeul
wimi
uthi
saal
omazi
nyoaxi
neney
o"
Me:
"you'
regr
oss"
Hehi
tmewi
thapi
l
lowIl
aughed.
[
10/
8,20:
55]‪+27730692704‬:
#86

Wecuddledwatchi
ngamovi
e..
.y
ouknowwhyIdon'
t
real
l
yli
keCapeTown?It
stheweather
.It
sver
y
unconv
enti
onal
.

Me:
"babyI
'
m col
d"
Hi
m:"
ufunauy
olal
aorshoul
dIbr
ingabl
anket
"
Me:
"bl
anket
"

Isatup,hewenttoar oom andbroughtbacka

blanketsaphi
ndasahlalaonthatsamepositi
on
sombat ha.
..
hisphonerang:

Hi
m:"
Ranger
"?
Range:
"br
andi
vakut
hwaukhona"(
Iheary
ou'
re
ar
ound)
Hi
m:"
yeahwhat
'sup"
?
Range:
"ubr
aKi
l
laebel
aphabr
a"(
braKi
l
lawasher
e)
Hi
m:"
ufunant
oni
"(whatdoeshewant
)
Range:
"ebef
unawenabutndamxel
elaawukho"
Hi
m:"
shosendf
umenendoda"(
he'
sfoundmeman)
Range:
"ohokay
"
Hi
m:"
seey
ouSat
urday
"
Range:
"younotcomi
ngal
ongt
omor
row"
?
Hi
m:"
no"
Range:
"ohokay
..
shoboss"
Hi
m:"
sho"

Hehungup.
..
Justashewasaboutt
oputt
hephonedown,
Chuma
cal
led
Hi
m:"
hel
l
o"
Her
:"
hiur
ight
"
Hi
m:"
what
'supChumacozIknowy
oudi
dn'
tj
ustcal
l
t
oaskmeimpil
o"

Shesighed.Heal
way sdoest
hat
.Tr
eat
sherl
i
keshe
nevermeantanyt
hingtohim.
Onmysi de...
Ikindaf
eltsomei nsecur
iti
escr eepi
ng
i
nwhenIhear dhim mentioni
ngChumacozI
remember edthatshe'
sthebabymommaoft hefi
rst
chil
d:/Iwasal sonothappywi ththefactthathe
didn'
texcusehimselfwhenspeaki ngtoher ?Who
wannal i
stentohermanhav i
ngaconv ersationwit
h
awomanheoncehadi nti
macywi thf
orsomany
years?Theirchemist
ry?

Her
:"
uOweuy akwit
ourandIdon'
thav
eenough
moneyndcel
aundi
ncedi
se"
Hi
m:"
ngamal
i
ni"
?
Her
:"
I'
ll
texty
ouezi
zi
ntozi
shot
ayo"
Him:
"thenwhydi
dyoucallmei
nthef
ir
stpl
acei
f
you'
renotsur
enafondi
n"?
Her
:"
khay
eke"
Hi
m:"
khamni
keIphone"

:
/it
sli
keIdon'
texi
stmt
chanam
.
..
Owe:
"t
ata"
Hi
m:"
boyboy
,unj
ani
"?
Owe:
"Iam wel
lthankst
atawena"
Hi
m:"
I'
m gr
eat
..
.mamakhosay
syou'
regoi
ngont
our
"
Owe:
"ewewe'
regoi
ngt
oRobi
nisl
and"
Hi
m:"
oh,
soy
ounev
ert
houghtt
oinf
orm ut
atakho"
?
Owe:"
Iact
ual
l
ydi
dtat
aqhay
ouwer
einDur
ban,
Ivor
sai
dso"
Hi
m:"
okay
,I
'l
lseewhatIcando"
Owe:
"sho.
.t
atacany
out
ell
grannyIwannav
isi
ther
i
nDecember"
Hi
m:"
fi
rstt
alkt
oyourmot
her
,gr
annywon'
tmi
nd"
Owe:"
okaykei
fuv
umi
l
eyou'
l
lal
sot
alkt
osi
sNel
l
a
neh"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
dot
hat
,l
alangoku"
Owe:
"goodni
ght
"
Hi
m:"
nightson"

Hehungupwat hula..
.IguessIshoul dlookatthe
biggerpi
ctur
e..
.he'
sl ooki ngoutf orhiskid,
hehasa
goodcommuni cativer elati
onshipwi t
ht hesecond
parentandthatisonebestt hingsepar atedparent
s
shouldtr
ytodof orthei rkidsright?Themov i
eended
andIsatupst r
etching

Me:
"I
'm goi
ngt
obed"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
comet
ucky
oui
n"
Me:
"i
nobandi
l
usana"
Hi
m:"
ulel
am i
sana"
.
..Real
l
y??
??

Lolhay ,
Iwentt o' my 'room ndangenaezi ngubeni.
..as
Ili
stenedt omymp3pl ay i
ng,Ij
ustdeci dedthatI'm
nothav inganot her" Landi lesaga"umnt uuthi
uzekuy eakulalisekwey akhoIr oom nay ealale
kwey akhey esI'm notr eadyt opopt hecooki ejarjust
yetbutno, we'llhav etor estr
ainourselvesandsee
howi tgoes. .
.can'tbet hathar difwe'rebot h
determinedt owai tuntil I'
mr eady.
..
itscloset oay ear
nowsi ncewest arteddat i
ngbutIwasaf rai
d..
.Iwas
sti
llscaredofl osingmyv ir
ginit
y!

Lat
eronhesurel
ycamet o"tuck"mei
n..
heknocked
andwal
kedin,
wazohl
alanextt omyhead,
Isatup
andwai
tedwit
hasmi l
e,Iknewwhathecamet odo

Hi
m:"
you'
rebeaut
if
uly
ouknowt
hat
"
Me:
"wel
lyoukeepr
emi
ndi
ngme"
Hi
m:"
thi
ngi
s..
.y
ou'
ret
oobeaut
if
ulf
orme,
Ist
il
lcan'
t
bel
i
evet
haty
ouar
eher
ewi
thme"
Me:
"t
oobeaut
if
ulf
ory
ou?Ohcummon"
Hi
m:"
I'
m bei
ngr
eal
"

Il
ookedathi
m..
hewasser
ious.

Me:
"t
henmay
bey
ou'
ret
oogoodf
orme"
Him:"notevencl
ose.
..
rememberI'
m notjustNtando
babyI'm Beastt
oo,
whenthebeastgetslooseallhel
l
breakslooseandTHATisonlyt
hebegi nni
ng"
Me:
"he'
sagangst
a,y
ou'
reaf
ather
"
Hi
m:"
baby.
..
all
Iwantisyoutojustmot
ivat
eyour
sel
f
t
oacceptt
hisothersi
deofmine"
Me:
"I
'm st
il
lget
ti
ngusedt
oit
..
.i
twi
l
ltaket
ime"
Hi
m:"youdon'
tgetusedt
oitbabyyouneverwi
l
l,
you
j
usthavetoacknowl
edgeit
spresence"
Me:"
babycanIjustfocusonNtandof
ornow.
..
Beast
canwaitj
ustaLilwhil
elonger
"
Hi
m:"
okayIwon'
tpush.
..Hav
eapeacef
ulsl
eep"

Hekissedmyforehead.Gotupandopenedt
he
door
,l
ookedbackatme

Me:
"wher
eyousl
eepi
ng"
?
Hi
m:"
int
hespar
eroom"
Me:
"soi
nthi
scol
dweat
herI
'
llbesl
eepi
ngal
one"
?
Hi
m:"
Ithoughtt
hat
'
swhaty
ouwant
ed"
Me:
"r
eal
l
y"?

Hecamebackandsatdown,
sameposi
ti
on.
..But
nowabi
tcloser
.

Hi
m:"Idon'
twannaint
rudeyourpr
ivat
espaceor
makeyoufeeluncomfor
tabl
e"
Me:"
youdi
dn'
tmi
ndwai
ti
ngher
ewhi
l
eIt
ooka
shower
"
Him:
"okay
..
.l
emmef i
nishmyconf
erencecal
lI'
l
l
comebackinfi
ft
een"
Me:
"mmm"

Icoveredmyhead. .
.I
'
m seriouslynothav inganot her
Ovayoepi sodenalaphashame.Idr ift
edof ftosleep
whil
est i
llwaiti
nginfactitwasn'tevenupt ot he
fi
ft
eenmi nutesheaskedbutIwasr eallyout .Ionly
fel
thim atnightwhenIt urnedandmi stakenly
bumpedont ohim andrestedmyheadonhi sbr oad
chestsincehewasonhi sback: /Idon'tknowhow
hesleepsl i
kethatunlessheeastsl eepingbut
thi
nking,
butnonet hel
esshi shadbroughtmecl oser
andbehl aubuthongomnt akadadunt il
thewee
hoursoft hemor ni
ngwhenIhear dsomer ustl
ing
soundsandwokeupl ookedar oundandsawhi m
gett
ingdr essed

Hi
m:"
lal
ababe"
Me:
"whatt
imei
sit
?Andwher
eyougoi
ng"
?
Hi
m:"
I'
m goi
ngoutf
oraf
ewhour
s"

Thenitdawnedonme. .
.Thisisthethugl
if
e.They
don'
treall
ysleep,
theysl
eepwi thoneeyeopen.
That'
swhyhewant edtosleepinthespar
e
room,bendi
ngazomv axaehambabutsur el
y
bendi
zobuy aekhona.

Ij
ustwentt
othebat
hroom andgoti
nbed
agai
n,
aft
erhewasdressedhecametobedand
ki
ssedmyli
ps

Hi
m:"
Ilov
eyou"
Me:
"l
ovey
ou"

Waphakamakhandphi
ndendi
mve.
..
vel
endal
alamna.
[
10/
8,20:
55]‪+27730692704‬:
#87
Idon'treal
l
yknowhowl onghe'sbeengone,Isl
ept
throughthenightbutwhenIopenedmyey esatthe
crackofdawnhewast here,
inbedwithme. .
.Il
ooked
athim,confused.
.l
ikeIt
houghtIwasdr eamingwhen
Iheardhiml eavi
ngmaan: /hekissedmydr yli
ps

Hi
m:"
mor
ning"
Me:
"mmh"

Iwokeup, wenttothebathroom peed, washedmy

faceandbr ushedmyt eet
ht henIr et
urnedt othe
bedr oom,satinfr
ontofthedr essingt abl
eand
l
oosenedt heknotImadeonmyhai rtheprevious
night..
combeddownmyweav einsi l
encet houghI
couldf eelhisgazefr
om behi nd.I'm surehewas
alsoconf usedbymyr eaction:/Ihear dmyphone
ri
ngingndaphakamanday oythathandabuy andahlal
a
ont hatsameposi ti
oni nf
rontoft hemi rr
or

Me:
"l
ow"
?
Mar
c:"
hey
,mor
ning.Howar
eyou"
?
Me:
"I
'm good.You"
?
Him:
"I'
m good..
.l
ookIrecei
vedacal
lfr
om that
cour
ierser
vicethatt
hephonehasn'
treachedyou"
Me:
"yeah"
Hi
m:"
they'
vesentitbackt
oCapeTownnowsoI
'
llt
ry
t
obri
ngitmyselfnextweek"
Me:
"okay
"
Hi
m:"
you'
re.
..
notupsetneh"
?
Me:
"nope"
Hi
m:"
okay
..
.buty
oudon'
tsoundt
oogoodwhat
'sup"
?
Me:
"Ij
ustwokeupbr
a"
Hi
m:"
okayI
'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"cool
.
..l
ater
"
Hi
m:"
lat
er"

Ihungupandcont i
nuedwithwhatIwas
doing,
Ntandogotupfrom t
hebedandmadei
t.He
fi
nishedwhi l
eIwasst il
ldoingmyhai rthenhel eft
.I
didn'
twannashowerj ustyet..
.Lolhayt yhini
bengekafunuv asamnakul angqele.Iopenedal l
windowsf orfreshairjustf orafewmi nutesthen
foll
owedhi m downst air
s, f
oundhi mi nthekitchen
maki ngbreakfastdressedi nkneel engthshor t
sonl y
.
Iwenti nandhuggedhi snakedst if
fabsf rom
behind,myheadonl yr eachingjustbelowwher ethe
heartsupposedl yi
s:(Idi dn'tknowI '
mt hatshor t
though

Hi
m:"
andt
hat
"?
Me:
"whendi
dyoucomeback"
Hi
m:"
acoupl
eofhour
slat
er"
Me:
"mmh"

Iki
ssedhi
sshoul
derpl
ateandremovedmyhands
fr
om hi
m onl
ytosi
tonthekit
chencount
erand
watchhi
m maki
ngthebreakf
ast
Hi
m:"
Ihav
esomet
hingIneedt
oasky
ou"
Me:
"shoot
"
Hi
m:"
howgoodar
eyouwi
thki
ds"
?
Me:"
Idon'
tknow.
..
butIshoul
dthi
nkI
'
m goodwi
th
Booboo"
Hi
m:"
mnt
anakaEv
e"?
Me:
"yeah.
..
whysuchsuddeni
nter
est
"?

Het
urnedt
ohi
spanandst
ir
red:
/oh-
kay
?

Hi
m:"
Ihav
eapr
obl
em"
Me:
"wi
thachi
l
dIshoul
dguess"
Hi
m:"ufast
.Anel
i
sawentt
odr
opmychi
l
datt
hef
lat
l
astni
ght"

Ohmygoshmyj
awdr
opped!
!
Me:
"l
astni
ght
?Whowasatt
hef
latl
astni
ght
"?
Hi
m:"
Thr
il
ler
,j
ustsoher
ecuper
atespr
oper
ly"
Me:
"yout
rynatel
lmet
hatyourchi
l
d,sl
epti
nahouse
wi
thagangsta?OhmyGod"!
Hi
m:"
baby
"

Ndav
elandamj
onga

Him:"
Thri
ll
erwoul
dn'
thurtmychi
ldandhedidn'
t.I
needtomakesureshe'
ssafenow,Anel
i
sacangot o
hel
lforal
lIcar
e"
Me:"
wherei
sshe?Ihopey
oudi
dn'
tl
eav
eherwi
th
whatev
erhi
snameis"?
Hi
m:"
she'
sher
e..
.sl
eepi
ng"
Me:
"ooh"

:
/nowIneededtobemorematur
enobaandi
funi
mntakamah.Havi
ngt
otakecar
eofsomeoneelse'
s
chi
l
d?Achi
l
dwhodoesn'
tev
enknowy
ou.
..Ay
.

Hi
m:"
what
chut
hinki
ng"
Me:
"doy
outhinkshe'l
ll
ikeme?IknowI
'
m nother
e
f
orl
ongbutke,doyou"?
Him:
"It
oldherabouty
ou,
sheseemedkeent
omeet
you"
Me:
"ohkay
"

Hedishedupjustfort
hetwoofus,
wetookthef
ood
tot
heloungesat y
elai
nonepl
ateonceagai
n.Hi
s
eggwasbetterthanmine

Me:"dude.
..
don'
trai
sey
ourshoul
der
sonwhatI
'
m
abouttosay"
Hi
m:"
oh-
kay
"?
Me:
"youreggi
sbet
tert
hanmi
ne"
Yhoheburstoutl
aughi
ng:
'
(dammi
tIr
egr
ett
edev
en
tel
l
inghi
mt hat
.

Hi
m:"
comeher
e"

Hepulledmeforakiss.Imov
edmyfaceawayhe
endedupkissi
ngtheendofmycheek:
valmost
ki
ssingtheear

Me:
"mxm khandy
eke"
Hi
m:"
babyy
ouj
ustmademymor
ning"
Me:
"what
ever
,uzov
usaumnt
anaf
uthi
"
Hi
m:"
yho.
..
I'
m notusedt
ohav
ingherar
oundkal
ok"

Lol,
Iwonderhowhe' ll
copewhenI '
vegonehome.
Wecont inuedourbreakf
ast,
jongabekubandalaway
ekapa.Iev enhadsocksontheonlythingIneeded
wasgl ovesshame.Whenwewer edoneIjustfolded
myf eetont hecouch,
cover
edmy sel
fngeshawl
wandi
j
ongawahl
eka

Hi
m:"
ezi
plat
ezot
hat
hwangubanbaby
"?
Me:
"bezi
zenabankanenel
ove"
?
Hi
m:"
bekhendat
huy
agezakodwa"
Me:"
nam ndat
hii
fanbandi
gezel
abanxandi
ngagezel
i
wena"?
Hi
m:"
Ili
key
oumuchbet
terast
hecoconut
"

Thenhegotupandt
ookt
hepl
atest
otheki
tchen

Whilehewasgone,thechi
l
dwal kedi
nthelounge
andstoodatadi
stancesurvey
ingthepl
acemay be?

Me:
"hi
"?

Shelookedupandsmil
ed,
thenshewalkeduptome
andclai
medthespotherf
atheroncesaton.
Her
:"
mol
oma"
Me:
"unj
ani
lov
e"?
Her
:"
phi
l
il
ewena"
?
Me:
"phi
l
il
enam,
bani
gamal
akho"
Her
:"
Sinot
handoNt
abeni
"
Me:
"ohhowol
dar
eyou"
?
Her
:"
youdi
dn'
ttel
lmey
ourname"
:
voh
Me:
"whatdi
ddaddysayt
oyou"
?
Her
:"
hesai
dI'
l
lmeetumamawam wesi
bini
today
"
Me:
"mynamei
ssi
si"
Her
:"
oh.
.butIwantt
ocal
lyoumama"
:
/
Me:
"buty
ouhav
eyourownmamanj
ena"
Her
:"
Anel
i
saakaf
uni
"
Me:
"akaf
uni
uthi
mama?
"
Her
:"
uthi
Ishoul
dcal
lherbyname"

Herfat
herwal
kedi
nwit
habowlofpor
ri
dgeand
ext
ramilkont
hesi
de,
shesmi
l
edandblushed

Hi
m:"
mor
ningmyl
ovi
edov
ie"
Her
:"
daddy
!"
Hi
m:"
izadaddyakut
yise"
Her
:"
no.
..
mamawi
l
lhel
pme"

Hel ookedatme, Iwasn'

tquitesureaboutt hi
smama
thi
ngbutshe' sjustachil
d.Itookt hefoodfrom him
andf edthel i
tt
leoneunti
lshewasdonet henIwent
torinsethebowl andglassintheki t
chenleaving
them t obond.WhenIcamebackshewasbet ween
us,l
ol Idi
dn'tmindthoughwewat chedcartoons
togetherthenhehadt oleave..
.sai
dhehad
somewher etogot o.
Hi
m:"
baby
"?
Me:
"whi
chone"
?
Hi
m:"
lounguwe,
ndi
l
andel
e"

Ifol
l
owedhim upthest
airsandsatdownonthe
edgeofthebed.
..
asIwatchedhi
m searchi
ngf
or
cl
othes

Him:
"erh.
.Idon'
tknowhowl ongI
'
llbegonebutif
youneedtogoany wherey
oucancallI
vorI
'l
lsend
youhi
snumberj ustnow"
Me:
"oh"
Hi
m:"
plsbat
hThandof
orme,
herbagi
sinherr
oom"
Me:
"okay
"
Hi
m:"
uhm.
..Whatel
se?
"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"
Him:"ani
funi
takeaways?Orsomet
hingcoz
kuyabandaforuyogodol
akwelaki
tchi
"
Me:
"we'
l
lsendI
vor
"
Him:
"ni
funant
oni
Icanbuyi
tabuy
enay
oyenaxa
ebuy
a"
Me:
"oh.
..It
hinky
oushoul
daskher
"
Hi
m:"
I'
m aski
ngy
ou"
Me:"
Iknow,
butIt
hinkshemi
ghtwantsomet
hing
di
ff
erent
"

Hedi
dn'
tanswer
..
.Iwentbackdownst
air
s.

Me:
"Si
no"
?
Her
:"
mah"
?
Me:"
yourdadwannaknowwhatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
o
eat
"?
Her
:"
erh.
..Any
thi
ngmama"
Me:
"okaychoosebet
ween:
KFC,St
eer
s,Spur
,
McDonalds.
..
any
oneyouwant
"
Her
:"
ha.
amamaAnel
i
sasai
djunkf
oodi
snotgood
f
orchi
l
dren"
Me:
"eat
ingi
toncewon'
thar
myounj
ebaby
"
Her
:"
nyhan"
?
Me:
"nhy
ani
"
Her
:"
okay
..
.Cel
aIbur
gerkaMcDonal
d'
snepi
zza"
Me:
"al
ri
ght
"

Iwentbackupt ohi
m, hewasinasilv
erGreythree
pi
ecesuit.
.daaai
m!!
!!Ihadtocatchmybreath!
!!The
bl
ueshirtdidwonderstothatsui
t.

Me:
"shewant
sabur
gerandpi
zza"
Hi
m:"
seewhyIaskedy
ou"
Me:"
what
'sdi
ff
icul
tinbuy
ingapi
zzaandabur
gerna
baby
"?
Hi
m:"
not
hing.
..
wenauzot
yant
oni
"?
Me:
"Spurr
ibsandbuf
fal
owi
ngspl
z"
Hebutt
onedhisbl
azerl
ooki
ngatmeli
kehe'
s
l
ooki
ngdeepintomysoul:
owhydoeshedothat:
/

Hi
m:"
okay
"
Me:
"t
hatl
ook"
?
Hi
m:"
mh,
ndi
kuj
ongel
elent
ouy
enzay
o"
Me:
"ndenzeni
kant
i"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
tel
lyoul
ateron"

Hekissedmyl i
ps,Ili
ght
lygrabbedhisblazeraswe
ki
ssed,het
astedfreshandmi nty.
..
besendiyeka
nokhal
angokuy icologneyakheshame.West opped
andhekissedmyf or
ehead

Hi
m:"
Ilov
eyoumama"
Me:
"haha!OhGodI
'
m st
il
lyoungf
ort
hatt
hough"
Hi
m:"
wel
l
,It
oldhert
ocal
lyousi
si"
Me:
"shedoesn'
twantt
onam ndi
zami
l
e"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
tal
ktoheragai
n"
Me:
"nomy
eke"
Hi
m:"
okay
,l
emmegondi
ngekabi
lat
e"

Wewal keddownthest ai
rcaseandhehugged
her,
waphuma.Ilockedandwest ayedbehi
nd
watchi
ngTV...Iwantedtoknowmor eofthi
schil
d
butIdi
dn'twannamakeherf eeluncomfor
tabl
e.
[
10/
8,20:
56]‪+27730692704‬:
#88

Af
teracoupl
eofmi
nut
esemnki
l
e..
.

Her
:"
mama"
?
Me:
"mmh"
?
Her
:"
utat
auzozanoOwe"
?
:
o
Me:
"andi
yaznj
e"
Her
:"
ndamkhumbul
amnauOwe"
Me:
"bumxel
eleut
ata"
?
Her
:"
no"
Me:
"youshoul
d"
Her
:"
ha.
amasi
myekemamakaOweakazof
una"

:
/li
kethi
schi
l
disj
ustt
oosmar
tforherownpant
s
t
hough!

Shetookaremotecontr
olandchangedt
hechannel
s
unti
lshesawSimbatheLionKi
nghaikesabukel
a
yona.Myphonerang.
..

Me:
"babe"
?
Hi
m:"
wemi
ghthav
eanot
herpr
obl
em"
Me:
"l
ike"
?
Him:"
besi
yot
hengaezi
wayzenut
henIbumpedont
o
ChumaandOwentandoandImenti
onedthat
Thandoiswi
thmenowuOweuf unuzapho"
Me:
"yho"
Hi
m:"
andi
yazkengok"
Me:"
mxm makazewet
hucoznosi
nougqi
bot
hi
uy
amkhumbula"
Hi
m:"
shedi
d"?
Me:
"yeahj
ustnow"
Hi
m:"
oh.
.butwai
t,
yousur
eyoudon'
tmi
nd"
?
Me:
"whywoul
dImi
ndngabant
wanabakhomosaba"
Hi
m:"
itnowseemsl
i
keanambush"
Me:
"well
Idon'tseei
tli
ket
hat.
..
eveni
fIdi
d,ther
e's
nor
ivert
hatyoucouldgoandwashthem away"
Hi
m:"
okay
..
.t
hanky
oubaby
"
Me:
"akhoneed"
Hi
m:"
uzozanoI
vorke"
Me:
"sho"

Wehungup
Me:
"nana"
?
Her
:"
mah"
Me:
"uy
ezauOwe"
Her
:"
nyhan?Umamakheuv
umi
l
e"?
Me:
"yesshedi
d"

Theexci
tementonherf
ace.
..Pr
icel
ess!
Hecal
l
edagai
n

Me:
"udeuy
eni
nikl
endawouy
akuy
o"?
Hi
m:"
justwant
edt
otel
lyout
hatIl
ovey
ou"
Me:
"oh.
..
Ilov
eyout
oo"
Hi
m:"l
ikeI'
m ser
ious,I
'm notsayi
ngt
hist
oheary
ou
r
espond,I
'
mt el
li
ngy oumyhear t
"
Me:
"Iknow"
Hi
m:"
kay
,enj
oyy
ourday
"
Me:
"Iwi
l
ltr
yhey
"

Wahleka..
.hungup.Wewai t
edforI
vortoretur
nand
hesurelydid.Hecamebackwi t
hfood..
.l
otsoffood
andofcour setheheir
.Hegreet
edshamewi thhugs
andkissesnay ewafunauhl
alanat
hisamv ul
ela
wambot ha.

Her
:"
wher
e'sy
ourmom"
?
Hi
m:"
shewenthome,
uphi
usi
sNel
l
a"?
Her
:"
andi
mazi
"
Hi
m:"
sisi
..
.mymom sai
dIshoul
dtakemy
medi
cati
onaft
erI
'
vehadmymeal "
Me:
"youbr
oughti
t"
?
Hi
m:"
yes,
i
tsr
ighther
e"
Me:
"okay
"
Her
:"
Owe!Youdi
dn'
ti
ntr
oducey
our
sel
fkumama"
Hi
m:"
yhosor
ry.
..Mynamei
sOwent
andoNt
abeni
"
Her
:"
hernamei
sSi
sibutIcal
lhermama"
Hi
m:"
oh..
.butsi
sii
snotaname?Si
siungubani
i
gamalakholamanyhan"
?
Me:
"ndi
ngusi
sikeny
han"

Hesmi ledandshookhi shead. .

.Igotupandwentt o
war mt hef oodt hendi shedupl eavingsomef orl ater
ont henIt ookt hef oodt ot hem bat ya,Imadet hem
war m Mi l
oj ustt owar mt hemsel vesaf t
erwar ds.I
wasn' treall
ysur pri
sedt hathedi dn'tbr i
ngcl othes
along,Imeant hey'bumped' ontoeachot herbutnow
uzolalangant oni?Av ukeanxi bent oni ngomsoi fhe
decidedt osl eepov erseei ngt hatthedaywasv ery
closet oendi ng?Idi dn'twannacal hisfathercozI
didn'tknowwher ehewentt o,
whyhewentt her e,how
l
onghe' dbegone!Whenwewer edoneeat ingIt ook
thet hi
ngsbackt otheki tchen,gavehi m his
medi cationt henIt ookt hem tot heot herroom l e
i
bileleuSi noandt uckedt hem in.

Hi
m:"
utat
auzozaaphaobuy
akwakheemsebenzi
ni
si
si"
?
Me:
"eweboy
"
Hi
m:"
okay
"

Ileftthem t osleep..
.orr at
hernap.Andwentt oclear
downst air
s,cleanedt hekitchenandswi tchedoffthe
TVandal sonapped.Iwast herethinki
ngwhywoul d
allhiski dsuset hesamel astnameunl essits
his..
.t
henwhywoul dtheyusehi slastnamewhen
he'snotmar r i
edt otheirmot her
s?Imean, Nathan
usesoursur namemossoIdon' treall
yunderstand
thissituation.Heeet alkingaboutEv e,
baecati
on
mustbet hri
lli
ng,umnt udoesn'tevencal lhersist
er
any mor e?Ideci dedt ocallher

Her
:"
Lil
sis"
Me:
"mh,
Isee"
Shechuckl
ed
Me:
"goon,
l
augh"
Her
:"
I'
m sor
ryman,
I
'vebeenbusy
.Howar
eyou"
?
Me:
"hopey
ou'
renotmaki
nganot
herNat
han"
Her
:"
who?Iwoul
dn'
tdar
e"
Me:
"good.
..
I'
m pr
ett
ygoodmy
sel
f.You"
?
Her
:"
I'
mfabul
ousbaby
"
Me:
"mmh,
I
'mj
ustchecki
ngupony
ou"
Her
:"
thanky
ouhey
"
Me:
"ay
t..
.ni
ghtany
way
"
Her
:"
soear
ly"
?
Me:
"I
'm hav
inganear
lyni
ght
"
Her
:"
mmh,
Iget
chu"

WehungupandInapped.Iwasn' tt
ir
edy az,
Iwasn'
t
evensleepyIj
ustwant edanexcusetoclosemy
eyeswhichIdidn'tgetorf
indkecozVincecall
ed
ndisal
i
belekucinga

Me:
"l
ow"
?
Hi
m:"
hey
,how'
syou"
Me:
"goody
ou"
Hi
m:"
I'
m good,
aboutt
hatday
"
Me:
"yeah,
tel
lmeabouti
t.
..
whatr
eal
l
yhappened"
?
Him:"
yeahwel
l,
Libocal
ledandt ol
dmey oudi
dn'tpay
upforsomet
hingthaty
ouat e.That'
swhyIcal
l
ed
you"
Me:
"undazel
aphi
uLi
bowakho"
?
Him:"
Idon'
tknow,
may
beshe'
sseeny
oui
ncampus
orsomethi
ng"
Me:"
mmh,sowhycal
lyou?Ohwai t,
herboy
fri
end,
you,
i
sthemanagert
here.Luckyf
ish"
Him:"
it
snotl
i
ket
hat
..
.Ipai
dit
.Itdon'
tmat
ter
anymore"
Me:
"goodf
orher
"
Hi
m:"
that
'snotwhyIcal
l
edt
hough"
Me:
"oh,
youhadar
eason"
?
Hi
m:"
ohcummon,
Imi
ssy
ou.Wehav
en'
tbeen
hangi
ngoutmuchl
atel
y"
Me:"wel
ludon'
tthi
nkit
sagoodidea.
..
nowt
haty
our
gi
rlhassomebeefagai
nstme"
Hi
m:"wel
lI'
m notdoi
ngi
tforherandshewasn'
t
t
herewhenwebecamefriends"
Me:"
yeahwel
lIal
sowouldn'tl
i
ketobethelove
br
eakersi
nceshesoundsl
ikethei
nsecur
et y
pe"

Hesi
ghed:
/Iwai
ted

Hi
m:"
canwejustexecut
eherforawhi
l
efrom our
mi
ndsandhavelunchsomet
imenextweek"
?
Me:
"ourmi
nds?Tr
oubl
einpar
adi
se"
?
Hi
m:"
arey
ougame"
?
Me:"
alr
ight,
asl
ongaswewon'
tbeatt
he
Shi
saNy amaI'
m game"
Hi
m:"
thankshey
"
Me:
"ay
t"
Ohwell,
someoneknockedIwalkedtot
hedoorand
openedtheey
epiece:DthenIopenedf
orhi
m

Me:
"hey
"

Weki
ssed,
hel
ookedr
eal
l
yti
redshame.

Hi
m:"
hey
,howwasy
ourday
"?
Me:
"r
eal
l
ygood,
your
s"?
Him:
"gr
eat
..
.scor
ed30mi
l
li
ondol
l
arsf
ormy
companyi
nSandton"
Me:
"i
nvest
ors"
?
Hi
m:"
yeah,
fr
om Ger
many
"
Me:
"wow,
congr
ats"

Iki
ssedhi
m agai
n
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
needt
ofr
eshenupneh"
Me:
"ay
t"

Hewentt oshowerwabuy aenxi

bil
e:vvestandlong
pant
sPJsandhesatnextt ome,rest
inghisheadon
mythighs:vbakhendav asamna?NoSi no?Lol
shameakhomzal ingandawoaphakum okobesihlel
i
ngepajamasthina.

Hi
m:"
howar
etheki
ds"
Me:
"sweet
..
.bal
ele"
Him:"
Iwantedt
owar
nyoungoOwe,
heasksal
otof
quest
ions"
Me:
"bot
hoft
hem ar
eli
ket
hat
"
Hi
m:"
sino?She'
sthequi
etone"
Me:"
youmeant
hey
oungone,
shenotev
encl
oset
o
qui
et"
Hi
m:"
hopet
heydi
dn'
tgi
vey
oumuchhassl
es"
Me:
"nah.
..ButuOweakanampahl
aapha"
Hi
m:"
Iboughthi
m acoupl
eoft
hings"
Me:
"mmh.
..Usot
hini
usi
nowhenI
'
m gonet
oJoz
i"?
Hi
m:"
Ihav
en'
tgi
veni
tmucht
hought
"
Me:
"whynotasky
ourmom t
olookaf
terher
"
Hi
m:"
probl
em i
sthatshegoest
oschool
"
Me:
"t
heyearisalmostover
,she'snotev
enthemost
i
mport
antgradesyet
.Ify
out alktohert
eacher
s
t
hey
'l
lunder
stand"
Hi
m:"I
'
llhav
etocal
lthem ndi
msexand'
khapha
wena"
Me:
"mmh"

AsIwassti
l
lmassagi
nghi
stemplesOwewalkedin
andsmi
ledwhi
l
ehewenttositontheot
hercouch.

Owe:
"t
ata"
Hi
m:"
boy
"
Owe:
"ubuy
eni
ni?CanIcal
lmom"
?
Hi
m:"
why
"?
Owe:"
shesai
dIshoul
dcal
lherxandf
iki
l
e,If
orgot
ear
li
er"
Hi
m:"
oh.
..
her
e"

Hegav
ehi
mthephoneandhecal
l
edhi
smom

Her
:"
Ntando"
?
Hi
m:"
mahi
tsme"
Her:
"ohboy,
arey
ouokay
?Di
dyoueat
?Hav
etaken
yourmeds?Doyouwan-
"
Hi
m:'
'
moooom!Rel
ax,
I
'mf
ine"
Her
:"
usur
e"?
Hi
m:"
yesI
'
m sur
e"
Her
:"
oh.
..Uhl
eli
naban"
?
Hi
m:"
nosi
sinot
ata"
Her
:"
nosi
si?Ut
atakhouneCher
rykant
i"
?
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tknow.
..
goodni
ghtmah"
Her
:"
Ilov
eyouv
ha?Pl
zgi
vey
ourdadt
hephone"

Hehandedt
hephoneandr
etur
nedbackt
othe
r
oom...

Hi
m:"
yah"
Her
:"
ngubanl
osi
siuhl
eli
nomnt
anam"
?
Hi
m:"
uzomenzani
"?
Her:
"t
chi
n,howcouldyoubri
ngmychil
dint
oahouse
wit
honeofy ourf
loozi
es?Whati
fngomnyeu
Anel
isal
owo" ?
Hi
m:"
heeehayuphambenekodwaChuma"
Her:
"oyenamntuuphambeney
onguwe
Ntando,mntanam uy
abuy
angomsoakazohl
alel
a
l
omany ala"
Hi
m:"
that
'supt
ohi
m"
Her
:"
don'
tyoudar
einv
olv
ehi
m"
Hi
m:"
mxm,
ai
n'
tgott
imet
oli
stent
oyourwhi
nes"
Her
:"
youwon'
thanguponme"
Hi
m:"
nyhan"
?
Her
:"
ntand-
"

Hehungup.
[
10/
8,20:
56]‪+27730692704‬:
#89

Me:
"ishoul
dwar
mthef
ood"
Hi
m:"
needhel
p"?
Me:
"no"

Gqibandaphakamaandwentt otheki
tchen.
..
he
fol
lowedcozIfel
thispresencewhileIwasdishi
ng
up.Ipret
endedli
keheain'taroundconti
nuedwit
h
whatIwasdoing,t
ookthef oodtotheloungeandhe
fol
l
owed.Iwenttowakeuptheki
dsndaf
ikabedl
ala
andtheyst
oppedandsmil
edatme

Me:
"supperi
sready
"
Owe:
"can'
tweeather
e"?
Me:
"no,
we'
l
leati
nthel
ounge"
Hi
m:"
Ipr
efert
oeati
nmyr
oom"

:
/testi
ngmypati
ence?Il
ookedatsino,
shegotup
andfol
lowedmendamnikaukutyakwakheandshe
act
uall
ysaidt
hankswaty
a,Isatdownndaty
a
not
atakhe

Hi
m:"
Sinouphi
ubhut
wakho"
?
Her
:"
ufunut
yel
aer
oomi
ntat
a"

Hel
ookedatme,andgotup..
.Weconti
nuedeat
ing
i
nsi
lencewabuy
anay eandgavehi
m hi
sfoodwatya
ethuleejongephant si.WhenIwasdoneIwai tedfor
sinot ofinishthenIt ookherupsay ov asa,Ichanged
herpaj amast henputasi declothesf ortomor row,
tuckedheri nthenIwentt obathmy selfndakhe
ndahlalakul abhaf u!Iwasj ustthi
nking. .
.LikeI '
mi n
deepshi tf orreal.Thi sisnochi l
d'splay .
..Onour
fi
rstdayher eI'm play i
ngst epmothert ohi skids?
Likethisshi tisforlife,ai
n'tnotempor aryissuebut
i
tsl i
feandGodknowshe' l
lalwayschoosehi ski ds
ov eranyoneel se,ov ermeev en.
..LikeIdon' tev en
makeaf racti
onofhowmuchhel oveshi skids.Ihad
thisawf ul f
eelingthatChumawasgonnamakel if
e
diffi
cultforme.Ser iously.Heknockedont hedoor

Me:
"i
tsnotl
ocked"

Heopenedandst
oodt
her
e

Me:
"t
hatbr
eezei
scol
d"
Hi
m:"
you'
l
lcat
chacol
d,comeout
"
Me:
"I
'm notdoney
et"
Hi
m:"
it
sbeen38mi
nut
esal
ready
"
Me:
"you'
ret
imi
ngme?Usengxaki
ni"

Heturnedandcl osedthedoor..
.Istayedal i
tt
lewhil
e
l
onger,ndaphuma,dri
edandgotdr essedndacl eaner
l
abathandwentt othebedroom,hewasn' tsl
eeping
atal
l.Hewasbusyonhi slaptop,
themi nuteIgotin
bedheshuti tdownandputi tinit
sbagandf ocused
onmendav el
andamj onganjemnandamzel a
ngomv aandclosedmyey es.
..
hehadhi shandov er
mybodyandhi sheadonmyneck

Hi
m:"
what
'sbot
her
ingy
ou"
Me:
"ndf
unul
ala"
Hi
m:"
not
her
e'ssomet
hingel
se"

Ikeptqui
et,
heki
ssedmeunt
ilIst
oppedhi
m:/I
wasn'ti
nthemoodnje.
Hi
m:"
okaysomet
hingi
sreal
l
yup"
Me:
"canwej
ustsl
eep?Pl
ease"
Him:
"soyoudon'
twannatel
lmewhat'sbot
heri
ng
youanddon'
tsayakhont
oIsawy ouwhenyouwent
t
odishup,af
tery
ouwenttocal
ltheki
dsandnowin
t
hebathr
oom"
Me:
"goodni
ght
"
-
_-

IjustsleptmnashamecozkeIwasn' tgonnatal
k
whenIwasn' treal
lyi
nthemoodandgoodcondi ti
on
totalk.Iwasjustbei
ngselfi
shandbeingadrama
queenbutIneededt o..
.t
hiswasahugeandoneof
therealestr
eali
tychecksofall
time.

Iwokeupi nthemiddl
eoftheni ght,
hewasdeep
asl
eep..
.It
ookmyphone, walkeddownst ai
rsand
watchedAcr i
medocument arysincetherewasn'
t
muchplaying,
Iwenttothekitchenandmade
hotchoct
henIaddedextr
amil
kndayohl
alaonthat
couchandwatched.Hecamedownandsatnextto
me

Hi
m:"
youokay
"?

Inod,
myf
ocusont
heTV

Hi
m:"
pleaset
alkt
ome"
Il
ookedathi
m..
.Thanbackatt
heTVndat
hul
a.

Hetooktheremotecontr
olandswitchedofftheTV
wandij
ongaIwasn'
tgonnagobananasonhi m coz
that
'swhathewanted,
Ij
ustcont
inueddrinki
ngmy
hotbever
age.

Hi
m:"
baby
"
Me:
"Igotnonet
osay
"
Hi
m:"
thenwhyy
ousoqui
et?Di
stant
"?
Me:
"youri
magi
nat
ion"
Him:
"ohcutt
hecrapokay
?Webot
hknowsomet
hing
goty
ouupsether
e"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
a-"
Hi
m:"
please"

Ist
oppeddr
inki
ngndamj
onga

Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkIcancompet
ewi
thy
ourbaby
mommas"
Hi
m:"
whywoul
dyouev
encompet
ewi
tht
hem"
?
Me:"
mamakaOwe?Ihav easixt
hsensethatshe'
ll
bemyriv
alandIdon'
tthi
nkIcandot
hat,
Idon'tt
hink
Ihav
ethestr
engt
hforthat
"
Hi
m:"
doy
out
rustme"
?
Me:
"t
hisnotabouty
ou"
Hi
m:"
butdoy
out
rustme"
Me:
"yes"
Him:
"t
hendon'
tst
ressy
our
sel
faboutt
hem.Any
way
shewant
sherchi
l
dbackngomso"
Me:
"becauseshehear
dofme"
Hi
m:"
doesn'
tmat
ter
,ndi
zomni
ka"
Me:
"kay
"
Hi
m:"
masambekesi
yol
ala"
Me:
"andozel
i
"
Hi
m:"
we'
l
ljustcuddl
e..
.Iknowy
oul
ovet
hat
"

Ismil
edlight
lyandf ol
l
owedhim,wegoti nbedand
cuddl
ed..
.Iwasl i
steni
ngtohisheart
.Howmuchcan
Itr
ustthi
sman?Li keItrust
edhim enoughtofl
yhere
wit
hhim,butinthelongrun?Wil
lI?

WhilewecuddledIreal
izedthatI
'mreadynow:oI
wannagi vei
ttohi
m.Itrusthimtobegentleand
smoot h,
soIwannagiveittohim whi
leI
'm Her
eBUT
thekidsweremyproblem soIdecidedtokeepmy
deci
siont
omysel
ffort
het
imebei
ngandwat
chhow
thi
ngstur
nout
.
Nextmor ninghewokeupandmadeus
breakfast
,mealieporri
dgewi
thmargar
ineand
peanutbutter:ptakesmebackhome.Allfourofus
atetogetherintheloungest
il
li
nourPJs

Hi
m:"
Owent
ando"
?
Owe:
"t
ata"
Hi
m:"
mamakhowant
syout
ogohome"
Si
no:
"yev
akemama"
?
:
vIsmil
ed,Ntandolookedatus:/wesaidnothi
ng.
Lol
lomntanaisreall
ytoosmartforherownagestr
u!

Owe:
"oh.
.soI
'
mleav
ing"
Hi
m:"
dependsony
ou"
Owe:
"I
'l
lgo.
..
mamawi
l
lfr
eakout
"
Hi
m:"
kay
,eatup'
'
Thesil
ence.
..Iwassmil
ing,Si
nothandoingat
huzoba
yif
ri
endyam kulendl
ushe'shalfascrazyasIam
kodwamncinci.
[
10/
8,20:
57]‪+27730692704‬:
#90

Afterweat e,
iwenttobat hSinondamxi bi
sa
war mly
,hewenttobat hOwewamnxi bisaezampahla
thathehadboughtf orhimt hinasabukel aiTV
chil
ledont hecouches,Ij
usttoldmy selftomi ndmy
ownbusi ness.Hisphoner angwabeey ishiyi
l
e,I
l
ookedatt hecaller:
onguMar c?Haymnt akadadI
gavesinot orunandgi veitt
ohi m wabuy a
wazobukelaITV.Af tersomet imet heycamedown

Owe:
"by
e-by
e'i
nisi
si"
Me:
"by
eby
eboy
"

Hehuggedhi
ssist
er,
thenmegqibaway
oli
nda
ut
atakheamv
ulel
eumny ango.
..
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
bebackj
ustnow"
Si
no:
"canIgowi
thy
ou"
?
Hi
m:"
uzomshi
yanabanusi
si"
?
Her
:"
umama.We'
l
lbebackj
us'
nownj
etat
a"
Hi
m:"
youokay
"?
Me:
"yeahgowi
thher
"

Shej umpedof fthecouchandf oll

owedthem t othe
car .
..Mnaokondi fi
ki
leandil
azii
phandle.Igotup
andst artedcleaning,
thelounge,
kit
chenandof coz
thebedr ooms.WhenIwasdone, Iwenttobath
ndaphumaandj ustwalkedaroundt hehouse
wr appedi nthetowel..
.Igottheshockofmyl ife
whenIsawt helatchonthedoort urni
ng,whatifngu
IvorandI 'm hal
fnaked?Iranupt hestai
rssof ast
andwai tedf orav oi
ce

Hi
m:"
baby
"?
Me:
"upher
e"

Si
l
ence

Iwalkedbackdown..act
uall
yhalf
waydownt he
stai
rs.Hewasn'
twi t
hSino..
.myparanoi
dmind
wantedtoconcludethatsomethi
nghappenedbut
j
udgingbyhiscalmnessIknewnott oeventhi
nkof
that
,she'
ssafewhereversheis

Me:
"uphuSi
no"
?
Hel
ookedup.
..
looki
ngmef
rom t
hel
egsup

Hi
m:"wemetmakaz i
wakhewahambanay
e..
.I
'
ll
f
etchherl
ateron"
Me:
"oh"

Iwal
kedbackup
Hi
m:"
plzr
unmeabat
h"
Me:
"yessi
r"

Iranhimt hebat h,
returnedtoroom andstar
ted
l
ot i
oningmybodyt akingmyt i
me.Ifel
thi
sey esfr
om
behind..
.t
henIhear dhi m walki
ngtowardsand
ki
ssedmef r
om bet weenmyshoul dersandstopped
whenher eachedtheneckt henhewalkedtothe
bathroom :/justli
ket hat?

Me:
"t
hat
'sev
ily
ouknow"
?
Hi
m:"
what
"?
Me:
"seduct
ion.
..
theny
oul
eav
emehangi
ng"
Hi
m:"
you'
l
lli
ve"

Gqibawancumaandwenti nthere.
..Iheardhim
rappi
nginsidether
e..
.l
aterIhear
dtheshowert hen
hewassi nging:vl
i
kewhatt hehell
happened?Was
hesti
llgoingbananasaboutthat30mi ll
idol
larsof
l
astnight ?Wow, hewasonf ullswingmt chanam.I
worebl acklaceboy l
egunder wearwithmat chi
ng
paddedbr at henIwor eoneofhi sfl
uffygowns. ..
I
di
dn'tbr i
ngmyown, IonlyboughtPJs.I twasnow
pastteni nt
hemor ning.
.IknewI '
dbebor edinthis
houseespeci al
lysi
ncemynewl yfoundf ri
endi s
gonef orther estofthedaysoIj ustdecidedt oplay
gamesonmyphoneher einthebedr oom.
Hecameoutt owelar
oundhi
swaistandhi
sbody
waslot
ionedalr
eadycozhesmel
tgood:phecame
t
ositnexttome

Him:"
sowhatshal
lwedo?Si
ncey
oucan'
treal
l
ygo
outshoppi
ngnormovi
es"
Me:
"wecoul
dwatchmoviesher
e..
Showmaxr
ent
al
t
henwe'
llmakeourownpopcor
ns"
Hi
m:"
Ihav
ethecor
nmeal
i
eskey
az"
Me:
"butIwannawat
chher
e..
notel
ounge"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tmi
ndi
fyou'
l
lmaket
hepopcor
ns"
Me:
"deal
"
Iwentdownst ai
rsandmadet hepopcor
nswhil
ehe
browsedwhi chmov i
etowatchndabuyanazoandhe
wasalreadywat chi
ngTheTransf
ormerso.Owho'
s
gonnawat chthat?Tchi
nthi
za!

Hi
m:"
whatt
ooky
ousol
ong"
?
Me:
"awkhoser
ious"

Hechuckled,
wesatupandwatchedWhydidIget
marr
iedfoll
owedbySexint
heCityandlast
lywe
wat
chedThr eeI
diot
s:v:
vyougottal
ovethatone.

Hi
m:"
weneedabr
eak"
Me:
"mmkay
,whatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd"
?
Hi
m:"
someoft
his"

Thenheki
ssedme,
Igi
ggl
ed
Me:
"mmh.
hm"
Hi
m:"
stopov
ert
hinki
ng"
:
phebi tmyl i
pandsuckeditin.Wekissedandit
wasgr eat.
..
Imeansogr eat.Ourkissi
ngwasnow
mixedwi thlust,
wewerebot hlust
ingoverone
another.Hiskisseswer
ewetandseduci ng,
my
touchesandmoansaddi ngtoanal r
eadyburni
ngfi
re.
Weki ssedev enmore.
..
Hekissedslowlyfrom mylipssli
dingdownmyneck
t
henhesl owlyopenedmyr obel ooki
ngmest r
aight
i
ntheey e,whenthetiewasdi ssedhestoppedand
l
ookedatmef orapproval
.

Hi
m:"
shoul
dI"
?

Ijustnodfeeli
ngthishotsensat
ioninmyent i
re
body ,
thenhekisseddownt heneckfurt
hermore
l
ickingunderneaththestr
ipsonmybr adownt othe
cleavage.Hekissedaroundthebreastarea,
downto
thenav
elt
henhest
oppedandki
ssedhi
swayback
uptomyli
ps.

Hi
m:"
Ilov
eyou"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Hi
m:"
arey
ousur
eaboutt
his"
?
Me:
"ver
ysur
e"
Hekissedme,suckingmytonguein.
..
pinchi
ngmy
butt
.LolIwasfeeli
ngmor eweir
dandf i
dgetydown
ther
ewitheachmi nutet
hatpassed.

Hi
m:"
hopey
oudon'
tfeel
pressur
ed"
Me:
"babecummon"
Hi
m:"
kay
..
.ki
ssy
ourbabe"

Wekissedagain,
Iwasbeneat
hhim.Heli
ft
edoneof
mylegs,
thatenabl
edhi
mt otouchmythi
ghthenhe
f
inal
lyopenedthegownandthelookonhi
sface
compl
etedmei
nsi
de.

Hi
m:"
you'
renaught
y"
Me:
"youl
i
ke"
?
Hi
m:"
lov
e"

Ther obewasdi ssedasi de,

Iwasn'tgonnar emov e
histowel.Iwasaf raidoft heunknownshame.He
satmeupont opofhi m, squatt
ingandwecont inued.
Iwasonceadv i
cet hatgoodf orepl
aypr eparesyou
verywel lf
orthef i
rsttimecer emonysoIwasn' t
panickingont heromanci ngbit
.Her emov edmy
bra,cuppi
ngmyboobsi ntobothhishandsand
kissing,
li
ckingandsuckl i
ngont hem andIwas
arousedbyeachandev eryoneofthat,heturnedus
aroundsoIwasunder neat hhim again..
..

Whent hispartcame.
..
Ikeptthi
nki
ng:
Areyousure?
Likesuresure?Doyoureall
ywannadothi
s?Are
real
lygoingyogivehi
mt hi
s?Doy oul
ovehi
mt hat
much?Iwoul d'
vebackedoutthatverymomentbut
whenIthoughtbackt ohowlonghe'dwaitedf
orme
t
ober eadyforthi
sday ,
Iknewverywellt
hiswas
meanttohappent oday.
[
10/8,
20:58]‪+27730692704‬:
#91-
Par
ent
Gui
danceAdvised
#18SLNP
-

Wecont i
nuedwi t
hthekisses,heki ssedmeback
downt omynav el
,st
artedkissingar oundmyi nner
thighs,
slowlytaki
nghistime.Iwasabi twetwhen
weki ssedbutIwaswet t
erwhenhest art
edhis
kissesdownl ow.Hesl owlykissedt hecrownoft he
palace,bit
ingonitslowlythenhepul l
editdownand
tosseditaside.Hekissedmyt highsagain,wet
seductivekisseswit
hLi lsoftbit
esher eandt her
e
thenheopenedmyl egsabi twider..
.Slowlyl
icki
ng
upt heli
psandt henkissingthecr ownagai n.
Iwassl
owlyl
osi
ngmy sel
fint
hepl
easur
ewor
ld.
..
my
headwasgoi
ngroundinci
rcl
es
Thenheopenedt hel i
pswi t
ht woofhi sf ingersand
thet onguesl i
ddown, helickedandsuckedand
goodnessknowshewasgoodatt his,I
'l
l sayso
my selfsincei twasmyf ir
stt i
mer eceivingor al
attentionf r
om any onebuthet oppedmyf i
rst
comer sli
stcozhemademecomf ortablewhi l
e
eatingmeout .
..
occasi onallyIfoundmy sel fpushing
hisheadf urt
heri n,obviouslywi thamoanort wot hen
allofasuddenIf eltmyent i
rebodyst i
ffening,my
l
egsst artedshaki ngandIf eltgushi ngliqui dfrom
mypussy ,
myey esr ol
li
ngbacki nt heirsocket s,my
toescur led..
.onehandwasonhi shead, t heot her
forcefull
ygr abbedt hesheet s..
.Idon' tknowwhy .He
cameupandki ssedme, Ihadagoodt ast eofhowI
tastedownt here.Hepul ledadr awernextt othebed
andr emov edaboxofcondoms, thenher emov ed
onecondom way iqhaqha

Hi
m:"
wannadoi
t"

Ishookmyhead:
/whati
fhe'
sloadedndoy
iket
o
ev
engot
hroughwi
tht
his?

Heputi
tonhi
msel
f

Him:
"thi
sisgonnaf
eel
alotmor
euncomf
ort
abl
eke
vha"
Men:
"kay
"
Hi
m:"
justdon'
tti
ght
eny
ourmuscl
es"

Inod...hemov edbackabi tandgotagoodv iewof

wher ehewasgoi ngt henIf elthi
m entering.Ihel d
mybr eat hexpectingal otofpai nbutinsteadIj ust
feltaLi l
pri
ck/ popbutst il
lIwasn'tusedt ot histhing
Ikindat i
ghtenedmyv i
rginalmusclesmyey es
closedandImusthav epushedhi m backbuthe
wai t
edandf orrealIfeltuncomf ort
able:/whenher e
-enteredhemadeci rcularmov ementsslowl ygoi ng
i
nandoutpav ingway ..
.Thenhewenti nonf ul
lforce
Iheldmybr eath.Wentati tforsomet i
me, weev en
cli
maxedandhef l
oppednextt ome,pulledmecl ose
somyheadl ayonhischesti nsuchacomfor
table
waythatIdi
dn'tevenregretgiv
ingmysel
ftohim,
he
ki
ssedmyf oreheadasIclosedmyey esandfel
thim
wipi
ngmedownt here.Iwasslowlydr
if
ti
ngoff.
..

WhenIwokeup, hewasn'tthere.Itriedget
ting
up..
.y
ho!Thepain?Beyondexpl aining.Ist
oodup
andactual
lytookt
imeget t
ingt othebat hr
oom,Isat
onthattoi
l
etseatthi
nkingotherwi senow: '
(he
knockedonthedoorandwal kedi nwi thabottl
eof
Savl
on,hel
ookedatmesmi li
ngt henr anabath
pouri
nginthatSavl
on

Hi
m:"
geti
n,
you'
l
lbef
ine"
Me:
"mxm"

Thesmi rkonhisf
ace:'
(Igotupandwal kedinside
thebathsoaki
ngmy sel
finthere,l
egswideapar t:v
funaingenedeeplesav
lon.Hel eftmetherethen
walkedinagainwi
ththebeddingsheets..hewashed
thesmal lst ai
nofbl oodint hesi nkt henwal kedback
outwi t
ht hesheett othelaundr yr oom.Icameout
onlywhent hewat ergotcold, Idriedmy selfandf el
t
mypussy ..
.thelipsdidfeel kindaswol l
enabi t
.Yes
thepainsubsi ded,onlyabi t
,cozIcoul dst i
llfeeli
t.I
walkedt ot hebat hroom..
.wor emypaj amapant slol
kusemi ni phof: /andhisv est ,t
hebedwasmadeso
ndavelandakhwel akuyot ookt heshawl ont opofi t
ndazigquma.Af tersomet imehewal kedin,Icould
smellfreshcof f
eebutIdi dn' twannaeat ..
.Iwant ed
thepaint ogoaway .Fast.Heputt het rayont he
headboar dsi dest andandgoti nbed, huggingme
thr
ought heshawl

Hi
m:"
sthandwasam"
?
Me:
"mh"
Hi
m:"
vukaut
ye"
Me:
"mh.
hm"
Hi
m:"
please"
Me:
"nothungr
y"
Wathulabutakasuka..
.Hesl
owl
yremov edthi
sthi
ng
coveri
ngmyheadandourey esmet,myeyeswere
tear
y.Hewipedthet ear
sandki
ssedtheti
pofmy
nose

Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ryi
fIhur
tyou"
Inod
Hi
m:"
youdon'
twannat
alk"
?
Me:
"no,
j
usthugme"
Hi
m:"
come"

Wehugged.
..
foral
ongt
ime.

Me:
"ha!
ababeIneedpai
nki
l
ler
s"
Hi
m:"
forwhat
"?

Ndamj
amel
a..
.wahl
eka.
..
wher
e'st
hef
unnypar
ther
e?
:
/

Me:
"uhl
ekant
on"
?
Hi
m:"babe,
noamountofpainki
l
lerswil
lnumbt
hat
ki
ndapain,
l
etnat
uret
akeitscourse"
Me:"
you'
rekiddi
ng.
..
myenti
rel
owerbodyf
eel
sli
ke
i
tsonthornsorsomethi
ng"
Hi
m:"
you'
l
lbef
ine,
i
naf
ewhour
sORday
s"
Me:
"day
s?OhGod!Whathav
eIgot
tenmy
sel
fint
o"
Hi
m:"
hehbabe?Buci
ngbakuz
obanj
ani
"?
Igavehi
mthedeat
hst
are.
..
hebet
ternotaskmeshi
t
yaz!
!!

Hi
m:"
okaysor
ry.
..
buty
ouwi
l
lhav
etoeatsomet
hing"
Me:"I
'm notsi
ckokay
,I
'l
lmakemyownf
oodwhen
I
'm hungry"
Him:
"usur
e?CozIdon'
tseey
ouget
ti
ngoutoft
his
bedt
oday"
Me:
"mxm uy
adi
kashame.St
ru"
Hi
m:"
Iknow.
..
butphezukokondi
yat
handwa"

Ipul
ledmyshawl andcov eredmyhead. ..whowoul d
havethought
?Me, gi
vingmy selfov
ert oagangst a?
Lolbuthewaspat i
entwithme.Her eall
ywas...and
honestl
yeventhoughIfeltpaineddownt her
e,Iloved
hi
m evenmor e.
..
Ilovedthi
smanwi thev eryat
om i n
mybody .

Thi
sisanewj
our
ney
..
.anewoneal
toget
her
!
[
10/
8,20:
58]‪+27730692704‬:
#92

Iwasn'
tsl
eepi
ngatall
.Iwasjustl
yi
ngthereli
steni
ng
tomybody.Af
tersometimehisphonerang,
Idon't
knowwhyhelefti
ther
e.Itr
angnonstop-_-Idi
dn't
evenwantt
oknowwhoi scall
ing

Me:
"baaaaabbby
yyy
y"!
!!
!!
-
cwaka
.
.
Hest
oodbyt
hedoor
..
k'
theni
engasabel
i
?

Hi
m:"
babes"
?
Me:
"yourphone"
Hi
m:"
whydi
dn'
tyoupi
cki
tup"
Me:
"cl
oset
hedoorbehi
ndy
ou"
Hi
m:"
Iwonderuzond'
avoi
derkudekubeni
ni"
Me:
"whosai
dI'
m av
oidi
ngy
ou"
?
Hi
m:"
thenwhoy
ouav
oidi
ng"
?

Ndathula,myheadwasst i
llunderthatshawl.He
tookhisphoneandl ef
t.Whent hehungerbugr eall
y
hitmehar d?Igotoutofthebed,st
r ai
ghtenedmy sel
f
andwal kedtothedoor.
..
mf anaitwasl i
kemyt hi
ghs
hadacid: /l
ikenotonl
ymypussywassor ebutmy
thi
ghstoo.Ibreathedi
nandt ookt
hest epsoffai
th
towardstheki
tchenwher eImademy selfbl
ack
coff
eewithoutanysugar,br
eadonpeanutbut t
er
thenndayohl
alaecamkwakheel ounge.Helookedat
myf oodthenbackatmebutsai dnothi
ng,hewas
busytal
kingont hephone..
.
Iat
eupandwasal
mostdonewhenheendedhi
scal
l

Hi
m:"
babywhyusi
tyat
hisdr
yfood"
Me:
"If
eel
li
kei
t"
Hi
m:"
eggs?Baconmay
be?Butt
his"
Me:
"Idon'
twantany
thi
ngoi
l
y"

Helookedatmeandburstoutl
aughing:/ndi
theni
ni
nahndaskenday
icomediannamhlanje?

Me:"
babe,
don'
tyouwannagot
oy ourf
ri
ends?Idon'
t
know,
orgooutandgetsomef
reshair
"?
Hi
m:"
nope,
I
'm spendi
ngmydaywi
thy
ou"
Me:
"awundi
dike"
Hi
m:"
Iknow,
that
'swhyi
m st
ayi
ng"

Igotupandwenttorinseezant
o..
.hewaswatchi
ng
mewi t
hasmi l
e.WhenIcamebackIsatonanot her
couchfarf
rom hi
m.Hewat chedmesmi l
ing-
_-li
ke
bendi
dikwenyhansismil
esakheheavenknows!
Me:
"babeubagqi
bel
eni
noRanger
?"
Hi
m:"
he'
stheonewhowascal
l
ing"
Me:
"Gudda?Mar
c"?
Hi
m:"
thi
smor
ning"
Me:"
haveyoucheckedonbusi
ness?Bot
hlegi
tand
non-
legi
t"
?
Hi
m:"babe,
I'
vegotgr ownmenrunningt
hoseand
t
hey'
llmanagejustfinet
hisweekendwit
houtmy
i
nter
fer
enceuntilnextweek"
Me:
"mxm"
Hecamet
osi
tnextt
omeandt
ouchedmychi
n..St
il
l
smi
li
ngo.
O

Him:
"youknowy ou'
redi
ff
erentf
rom anyot
hergi
rl
I
'v
ebeenwi t
h"?
Me:
"guessIshoul
djumpupanddown"
Hi
m:"
that
..
.t
hatt
hingt
hatyoudo.Chal
l
engi
ng
me,
al
waysweighi
ngwhatIsayordo"
Me:
"youf
eel
thr
eat
ened"
?
Him:"
never
..
.Il
oveit.Il
ovet
hefactthaty
oudon'
teat
outofmyhandt houghIdothi
nkitwil
lbeapr
oblem
i
nthelongrun"
Me:"
Idon'
twannal
i
stent
oyourbusi
nessspeechke
yazbabe"
Hi
m:"
mh.
..
ononecondi
ti
on"
Me:
"what
"?

Hekissedmyli
psjustsot
ender
ly.
..
remi
ndi
ngmeof
whatwesharedearl
ier
.
Iwhi
sper
ed.
.
Me:
"Ihat
eyour
ightnow"
Hi
m:"
webot
hknowwhy
"

Ipull
edhim ev encloserandkissedhim,thatresult
ed
i
nusmaki ngouti nt hecouchandonceagai n,hehad
wonmeov er.
..
there'snowayinhellIcouldturnback
now.Het ouchedpl acesnooneelsehadt ouched
befor
e,donet hingst omybodythatnoonewi llev
er
beabletodol i
kehedoest hem.Ist
oppedand
l
ookedst r
ai ghtint
ohi seyes

Me:
"Ineedy
out
opr
omi
semeonet
hing"
?
Hi
m:"
any
thi
ng"
Me:
"don'
tev
erhur
tme"
Hi
m:"Ipr
omi
se.I
'
dnev
erhur
tyou,
Il
ovey
out
oo
much"
Me:
"I
'm bei
ngser
iousher
e"
Hi
m: "
I'
m ser
ioust
oo.
..LookIknowyour
f
ears,
rememberI'
mtheonewhoaskedy out
odo
r
esearch?SoIknowwhaty ou'
ref
ear
ing"
Me:
"i
tsnotl
i
keIdon'
ttr
usty
ou,
Ido"
Him:"
butyousti
l
lfeart
hatmytemper
,r
ageand
ever
ythi
ngelset
hatgangst
asgothr
oughwil
lhar
m
you"
Me:
"am Ibei
ngpar
anoi
d"?
Hi
m:"
no.
..
andt
hanky
ouf
ornotbot
tl
ingt
hisup"

Wesatupandj ustcuddledforashortwhil
ebefor
eI
pushedhim overandt ooktheremotecontrol
.He
chuckl
edandwentt othekitchen,
ret
urnedwit
hatub
oficecr
eam. .
.

me:
"kushushu"
?
hi
m:"
myi
nsi
desar
efl
ami
nghot
"
me:
"youneedt
oseeadoct
or"
hi
m:"
nope,
you'
l
ldoj
ustaf
inej
obcool
i
ngme
down.
..
alongwi
tht
his"
me:"
damnyourmi
ndneedssomet
hor
oughspr
ing
cl
eani
ng"

het
hrewmewi
thacushi
on:
vIt
hrewi
tback.
[
10/
8,20:
59]‪+27730692704‬:
#93

Lateronherecei
vedacallt
ogoandpi
ckupSi
no,
he
suggestedwegot oget
her

Me:
"nahI
'
llpass"
Him:
"pl
easemylov
e,y
ouneedt
ogetoutandget
somefr
eshair
"
Me:
"I
'l
lst
andbyt
hewi
ndowandgetf
reshai
r"
Hi
m:"
baby
"
Me:
"whynow"
?
Hi
m:"
Idon'
twannadr
iveal
one"
Me:
"asky
ourdr
ivert
odr
ivey
ou"
Hi
m:"weekendof
fsi
nceIpl
annedt
ost
ayi
ndoor
s
wi
tchu"
Me:"
nowIhavet
ogoupt
hosest
air
sandget
dr
essed?Mxm"
Hi
m:"
Icancar
ryy
ouupt
hest
aircase,
car
ryy
out
o
t
hecarev
en"
Me:
"you'
rebecomi
ngwei
rdereachday
"
Hi
m:"
blamey
our
sel
f"

Irol
l
edmyey esathim ndaphakamaandwent
upstai
rst
ogetdressedintoblackti
ghts,
blackpol
o
neckandjustahoodieadof cozsneakersthenI
wentdown.Chumacal l
edhim

Hi
m:"
yint
onngoku"
?
Her:
"youdon'
thav
etoactl
i
keadr
amaqueeny
ou
know"?
Hi
m:"
Chuma"
Her
:"
okayshoIgety
ourupsetabouty
est
erday
"
Him:"
upset
?Yhelasaywhatyouwannasayorjust
shutup,
yi
ntonngokuwangenwazi
zimbozika
Aneli
sa"
?
Her
:"
Iwant
edt
oapol
ogi
ze"
Hi
m:"
thengoahead"
Her
:"
real
l
y"?
Hi
m:"
mxm andi
naxeshal
ayokel
eint
o"
.
Me:
"canwego"
?
.
..
hegotup,tookhi
scarkey
swhil
esti
ll
tal
ki
ngont
he
phonesaphumaandwenttothecar
.
Her
:"
I'
m sor
ryIov
err
eact
ed"
Hi
m:"
okay
"
Her
:"
Owewant
stocomebackt
oyourhouse"
Him:
"Ionl
yhavetot
omor
rowher
ethenI
'
mfl
yi
ngt
o
Jo'
burgMonday"
Her
:"
tal
ktohi
m,i
zobangat
hkuy
endi
mloungaf
uni
yo
ezeapho"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
cal
lhi
m,I
'
m dr
ivi
ngr
ightnow"
Her
:"
okayby
e"
Hi
m:"
sho"

Theyhungup.
.Helookedatme.Iwasn'
tpay
ing
at
tent
iontohi
m,di
dn'
twantto.

Hi
m:"
Owewant
stocomeback"
Me:
"soy
ouf
etchi
nghi
m"?
Hi
m:"
no.
..
makahl
alenomamakhe"
Me:
"mmh"

Wedr ovetoPhili
phiandhegotoutandwentt o
fetchSi
no,shewassodi rt
y:/shehadfood,mudand
otherst
ainsallover
.Hewast ickl
i
ngher,
throwingher
i
nt heai
rast heycamet othecar.
..
hebuckledherat
thebackandgoti nanddroveoutoftheplace.
Hi
m:"
nana"
?
Her
:"
daddy
"
Hi
m:"
bekummandi
kwamakazi
"?
Her:
"e.
esit
yei
choki
ezi
nii
i
ii
inzi
.Ukhonaumama
endl
ini
"?

Hesmi
l
edandl
ookedatme.
..It
urnedandl
ookedat
her

Me:
"hey
"?
Herf
acel
i
tup
Her
:"
mama!
!!YhoIgotmudonmycl
othes"
Me:
"whydi
dyoupl
ayi
nthemud"
?
Her
:"
bingendi
m..
itwasOl
o"
Me:
"mmh"
Wat
hul
a..
.t
atakhewam j
ongaakat
het
haf
uthi

Hi
m:"
wantany
thi
ng"
?
Her
:"
ha.
aIwannawat
chcar
toons"
Hi
m:"
babes"
?
Me:
"Shakef
rom St
eer
s"
Hi
m:"
buti
tscol
d"
Me:
"It
hinkIknowt
hat
"
Hi
m:'
'
thenwe'redr
ivi
nghome,won'thaveyou
mi
ssi
ngclassesbecauseuzondi
ngxolel
angefl
ue"

:
/wedrovestr
aighthome.WhenwereachedhomeI
wenti
nfi
rstf
oll
owedbysinothenhecameinlast
.

Hi
m:"
sowhatwehav
ingf
orsupperguy
s"?
Her
:"
Maasnompol
okoqo"
Hi
m:"
ufunaamasi
baby
"?
Her
:"
ewet
ata"
Hi
m:"
okay
,tat
auzokuphekel
aamasi
..
.Baby
"?
Me:
"mh"
Hi
m:"
doy
oueatMaas"
?
Me:
"I
'doptf
ormi
l
k"
Hi
m:"
okaykewe'
l
leatt
hat
"

Ijoinedi
nintheki
tchenandwat
chedhi
m cook.
..
for
futurepur
poses.

Hi
m:"andi
nongay
ity
ikemnai
nyamaj
ustcozkut
yiwa
amasi"
Me:
"unewast
e"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tcar
e..
."

Hedefr
ostedsausageandf r
ieditwhil
ecool
ing
umphokoqothenImadef orSinousingMaas,my
ownhadmi l
kanddaddy'shadMaasaswel l
.When
wewer eal
ldoneweatethesausaget
henhet old
si
noitsbedti
mebutshehadtobathfi
rst
,Iof
feredto
bathherandshewasthr
il
ledsahambake
ndayomvasa

Her
:"
mama,
uyamazuOl
o"?
Me:
'
no"
Her
:"
mnt
anakaAnel
i
sa"
Me:
"howol
disOl
o"?
Her
:"
li
kkl
e..
.Ol
ocannotr
unl
i
keme"
Me:
"di
dyouseeAnel
i
sa"
?
Her
:"
akekhokamakazi
"

Idecidedt
onotgof urtherwi
ththisconver
sati
on,
I
bathedher
,gotherdressedthentuckedherin
switchi
ngoftheli
ght.

Her
:"
Ilov
eyoumama"
MygoshImel
tedi
nsi
de,
she'
ssoocut
e^_
^

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oonana,
goodni
ght
"
Her
:"
goodni
ght
"

Iclosedherdoorandwenttoourr oom. .
.Iundr
essed
prepari
ngtogoinbed.Tomor r
ow'smyl astday
aroundhereandIwantedtogoout8- |Itol
dmy sel
fI
won'tbeheldpri
sonerandbesides,IowedMi sh
l
unchsoImi ghtaswelldoitnow.Iwor emyPJsand
gotinbed..
.Call
edAmish

Her
:"
Iwonderwhi
chghostl
osty
ou"
Me:
"ghostAmi
sh"
Her
:"
hayf
okofchomi
,
unj
ani
"?
Me:
"I
'm goodhey
,you"
?
Her
:"
I'
m bor
edy
ho"
Me:
"youdi
dn'
tgohome"
?
Her:
"no.
..
ther
e'stoomuchdramaathomeIcoul
dn'
t
handlei
t,
I'
dratherbebor
edaloneher
e"
Me:"
well
..
.CanIbr
ingsomel
i
ghti
ntoy
our
gl
oominess"
?
Her
:"
don'
tfor
getaSav
annahwheny
ou'
rebr
ingi
ng
t
hatli
ght
"
:
v
Me:
"mxm f
stek!I
'
mtaki
ngy
ououtf
orbr
unch
t
omorr
ow"
Her
:"
hahay
eahr
ight
,f
unny
"
Me:
"Iwasn'
ttr
ynabef
unny
"
Her:
"chomi
!You'
rebackwi
tht
hatr
ubbi
sh?Agai
n?
Yhu"
!
Me:"
yourmi
ndt
hough?
!Sowhatt
imei
sri
ghtf
or
you"
?
Her
:"
let
'smakei
ttwel
ve"
Me:
'
'br
ingy
oursexyass"
Shelaughedandwehungup. .
.aft
eralotofminut
esI
heardbabyf uminginangerdownst ai
rsIgotoutof
thebedandwentt ocheckhim out,hewastal
king
withtheBluetoothheadsetdevicepaci
ngthelounge
evenusinghi shands.
..
.

Gudda:"
kal
okbraebengekhouMarcsondazama
uzngenel
aIdi
dn'tknowthatI
'
m bei
ngfol
l
owed"
Hi
m:''
youbett
ernott
ellmemycarhasonescrat
ch!
Whathappenedtonotdri
vingt
othewar
ehouse
al
one?You'r
echangi
ngrulesnow"?
Gudda:
"aski
esboss"
Hi
m:"
uphuRanger
"?
Gudda:
"andmazbossakay
ibambi
IphoneIt
ri
ed
cal
li
nghim bef
orecal
l
ingyou"
Him:"youbet
tergetholdofRangerorMarcusinthe
nexttenminutesbecauseifIcomemy sel
f,
you'
ll
greetyourt
eeth-
lessgreatgrandpaI
'
mt el
li
ngyou"

Thenhet
hrewt
hedev
iceacr
osst
her
oom,
satdown
andbur i
edhisf aceinhishandsbet weenhi sknees.I
wait
edt enminut esonpoi ntandthenIwal ked
down,Istoodrightinfrontofhim andt ouchedhis
head..
.heli
ft
edi tandlookedatme, veinsall
out.
.eyebal
lsturningred,handsandt eethclenched

Me:
"you'
regoi
ngt
owakeSi
noup"
Hej
ustl
ookedatme.
..
Me:
"wannat
alkabouti
t"
?
Heshookhi shead,t
riedget ti
ngupIbl ockedhisway
andsathi m downt henIsquat tedonhi m andlooked
him strai
ghtintheey e..
.slowlythef earIhadwas
fading,
Itouchedhist hrobbingt empl essoft
lyand
kissedhim.Hedi dn'trespond, Ikeptonunt i
lIfel
t
him war minguptomybodyandhi shandsf i
nall
y
l
oosi ngtheclenchandt ouchingmywai stonbot h
sides..
.wekissedforsol ongIst oppedwhenIwas
surehewascal m ndamj onga

Me:
"comet
obed"
Hi
m:"
noy
ougoahead,
I
'l
lfol
l
ow"
Me:
"what
'sst
oppi
ngy
ounow"
Hi
m:"t
her
e'ssomet
hingIgot
taf
ix"
Me:
"youcanf
ixi
ttomor
rowmor
ning"
Hi
m:"
baby
"
Me:
"baby
..
.whathappenedt ohavi
nggr
ownmen
t
aki
ngcareofy ourbusinesses?All
owthem t
ofi
x
t
hei
rmesst hemselves.Iza"
Hi
m:"
youdon'
tunder
stand"
Me:
"Idon'
twannaunder
stand,
all
Iwanti
syounext
t
ome"
Him:
"I
'l
ldothat
..
justlemmegoandf
ixl
ewayy
enzi
we
ngooGuddathenI'l
lcomebackt
oyouIpr
omi
se"

Il
etgoofhishandsandwalkedupthe
st
air
case,
whenIreachedt
het opIl
ookedbackat
hi
m...
Me:"ifyoul
eavethi
shouset oni
ght,
makesureyou
don'tcomebackunt i
lIcal
lyou.
..
thatcoul
dbewhen
I
'm attheai
rportneedi
ngYOURpr ivat
ejestt
otake
mehome"

ThenIwalkedoutofhissi
ghtandgoti
nbed,
Iplay
ed
'
subwaysurf'ashecameinandsatonthebed
l
ookingatme,undercr
osseyes,
evenhi
sli
pswere
cur
sedintothinl
ayer

Me:"
mybestf
ri
endsar
ecows,
thosesi
l
lyr
edey
es
won'
tscar
emeonebit
"
Hi
m:"
yout
hinkt
hisi
saj
oke"
?
Me:
"i
fIt
houghtsoI
'
dbel
aughi
ngbynow"
Hi
m:"sowhatchusayi
ngi sIshoul
dallowt hese
ni
qqaztorui
nmybusi ness?Letthem tearitdownt
o
pi
ecesandjustsi
tbackandwat ch"?
Me:
"whywoul
dtheydot
hat
"?
Hi
m:"
theyj
ustdi
d"!
Me:"
didyouevertakeasecondandt
houghtmay
be
you'
reov
erreact
ing"?
Hi
m:"
what
?Ohcummon,
nowt
hebl
amesonme"
?
Me:
"mxm y
ou'
renotl
i
steni
ng"
Hi
m:"
thenbecl
eart
owhatex
act
lyy
ou'
resay
ing"

Il
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.
..

Me:"
youknowwhat?Dowhat
every
ouwanna
do,
you'
ret
hebossanyway
"
Hi
m:"
ayi
khokel
ent
ouy
thet
hay
ongoku"
Me:
"whatdoesi
tmat
ter"
Hi
m:"
you'
rer
eal
l
ybei
ngi
mpossi
bler
ightnow"

Ididn'
tanswerhim,Ijustf
ocusedonmygame. .
.he
gotupandpacedar oundtheroom..
.af
tersomet i
me
hewentdownst air
st obri
nghisphoneswazibekaon
thedressi
ngtablethenhewentt oshower.His
phoner angandayohoyatu,
i
fit
sthatimpor
tantt
hen
they
'l
l havetocal
lbackshame.Hecameoutwear i
ng
boxers,hadatowelaroundhi
sshoulder
sandhesat
downgi vingmehisback

Me:
"checky
ourphones"

Hegotup, checkedthephonesandcamet obed.

Wangenanay eezingubeniandwej ustlaytherenot
talkingt oeachother.
..Iwasnotgoi ngtof i
ghtwi th
himt odayofalldays.Iputmyphoneasi deand
sighed, wonderi
nghowI '
m goingt ogetoutoft his
sinceI '
mt heonewhost art
edt histhingoft ensionby
goi ngagainsthiswor dwithlackofknowl edge..ButI
thoughtIwasdoi ngther i
ghtthingnj e.

Me:
"baby
"
Hi
m:"
mh"
Me:
"youangr
yatme"
?
Hi
m:"
no"
Me:
"pl
easebehonest
"

Hesi
ghed.
..
tur
nedt
ofaceme.

Him:"
you'r
eri
ght,
IdotendtooverreactBUTthat
's
howIknowt ohandl
et hem,t
heynev erl
i
stenwhen
I'
m gentl
ewit
hthem theythi
nkI'
m weakand
mandithat
hel
aphantsisoIcan'
treallyt
akethat
chancewithmybusiness"
Me:"
theydon'
tthi
nkyou'r
eweak..
.y
out
hinky
ou'
re
weakwheny ou'
renotharshont
hem"
Hi
m:"
ha.
ababydon'
ttwi
stmywor
ds"
Me:"mylove.
..
Iknowyou'
retoughandyouhav
et obe
toughbutsometimesyouhavetobehumanli
ket he
restofus,
youhaveki
ds,t
her
e'salsomeint
hepictur
e
now"
Hi
m:"
Iknowt
hat
"
Me:"
thatmeansBeastshoul
dknowhispl
ace,hi
s
pl
aceisnotherewit
hus.HereWEwantNtando
maybey ourr
anger
sandthri
l
ler
swantBeast
,Idon'
t"
Hi
m:"
okay
,IguessIunder
stand"
Me:"
Idon'
twantyoutopr i
ori
ti
zebecauseofme..
.I
wantyoutodothatbecauseyoubeli
eveit
sbestfor
al
lofus"
Hi
m:"
babyhowol
dar
eyouagai
n"?
Me:
"babykhawme"

Heki
ssedme.
..
Ismi
l
ed,
atl
eastheknowshowIf
eel
now.
[
10/
8,20:
59]‪+27730692704‬:
#94

Iwatchedhi
m swi
tchi
ngof
fthel
i
ght
sthenIcuddl
e
uptohim

Me:
"aw'
l
ibel
angauhambat
aBeast
"?
Hi
m:"
nah,
they
'l
lmanage"
Me:
"mmh"
Hepul l
edt hecov erssot heycov erusbutIwasn' t
asleep,
he'stheonewhosl eptbef oreme.Asdeepas
hewassl eepi
ngIsl i
ppedawayf rom bedandwentt o
standbyt hewindow, justthi
nking. .
.ThenIsawa
fl
ickeri
ngr edli
ghtf r
om behi ndthehedgebyt hepool
area.Ithoughtitsmypar anoiaunt i
lIsawthree
humanf i
guresfollowingalongt her edli
ghtIwalked
backwar dsslowlyunt i
lIbumpedont hebedandpat
hi
m onhi sarm softl
y

Hi
m:"
mmh"
?
Ianswer
edi
nmor
eofawhi
sper
Me:
"wakeup"
Hi
m:"
babewhyy
ouwhi
sper
ing"
?
Me:
"Ier
hm.
..Justwakeup"

Hesatup,
theroom wasst
il
ldar
k..
.het
ouchedme
j
ustt
obesur eIthi
nk
Me:
"It
hinkIsawt
hreei
ntr
uder
satt
heback"
Hi
m:"
when"
?
Me:
"j
ustnow.
..
theyhav
ear
edf
li
cker
ingl
i
ghtl
eadi
ng
t
hem"
Him:"oh.
..
canyougetSi
nof
orme,
azol
alaaphawhi
l
e
Iatt
endtot hat
"

Iti
ptoedt
oSino'
sroom andcuppedhertothemai
n
bedroom,
putheri
nbedandwat chedasBeast
checkedhi
ssecuri
tysy
stem onhisl
aptop

Me:
"and"
?
Hi
m:"oneisi
nside..
.t
heyareatot
alofsi
x.Her
e'st
he
t
hreeyousawatt heback"hesai
dthatpoi
nti
ngat
t
hescreenwhichwasi ndi
cat
ingmovement
Hi
m:"t
hey
'll
staybythepool
side,
i
ftheywal
kbey
ond
t
hat,
myalarm wi
ll
setoff
"
Me:
"andt
hey
'r
esmar
t,
theywon'
tdot
hat
"
Hi
m:"
somymai
nfocusi
stheonewhoi
sher
e..
.i
n
thelastgat
el eadi
ngt
omyunder
groundpar
kingand
accessentrance"
Me:
"coul
ditbesomeoney
ouknow"
?
Hi
m:"i
tsnotoneofmypeopl
eift
hat
'swhaty
ou
mean.
..
butitcoul
dbesomeonewhoknowsme"
Me:
"don'
tyout
hinky
oushoul
dcal
lyourf
ri
ends"
?
Hi
m:"
yeah.
..Pl
easepassmemyphone"

Iwentt
otakeonephoneandgav
eitt
ohi
m,hecal
l
ed
Ranger

Range:
"shoboss"
Hi
m:"
uphi
"?
Range:
"dl
adl
eni
bosszkhi
phani
"?
Hi
m:"Ineedyoutocomeoveratmycrib,
Ihav
e
i
ntr
uders.Si
x.Br
ingGuddaandThr
il
lerwit
hyou"
Range:
"shoboss"
Hi
m:"
shot
"
Isatdown, anxi
ous.Inmymi ndndiyazbuzaba
ndingathinii
fMarcuswoul dfi
ndoutI'm her
ewi t
hhis
bestfriend?Hisboss?Iwasal soscaredofdyingfar
awayf rom home:'(butIdidn'
twannashowi tqhake
hesawi tbefor
eIcouldhideandlieaboutit
,If
elthi
s
war m strongarmsaroundme.

Hi
m:"
y'
al
lar
esaf
ebabydon'
twor
ry"
Me:
"okay
"
Hi
m:"Imighthav
etolocky'
al
l i
nher
ewhent
het
eam
ar
ri
ves,
justi
ncasetheyseeyou"
Me:
"can'
twel
ockour
sel
vesi
n?We'
l
lremov
ethekey
"
Hi
m:"
nopr
obl
em"

Hekissedmyf
oreheadt
henwewentt
ocheckont
he
sy
stem,
Guddacal
l
ed:
Beast
:"
Gud'
"
?
Hi
m:"
singenengaphi
groot
man"
?
Beast:
"uset
hesameent
rancebut
,t
heunder
ground
rout
e"
Hi
m:"
shoboss"

Hehungup

Hi
m:"
lov
e"?
Me:
"mh"
?
Hi
m:"
lockt
hedoor
"
Me:
"you'
regoi
ngout
..
.i
nboxer
s"?
Hi
m:"y
ep,
I
'm notfi
ghti
ng,
I'
m onl
ygoi
ngdownt
o
wat
chmymenf ightofft
hedemons"
Me:
"you'
ref
ull
ofy
our
sel
fyouknowt
hat
"?
Hi
m:"
lov
eyout
oo"
Hewal kedout ,Il
ockedthedoorandsatdown
l
ookingatt hel apt
op.Iheardsoundsf aintl
ybut
nothingIcouldmakesenseon.Il ookedat
Sino,Aneli
saisonebr avewomanIt el
l y
a.Leav i
ng
yourchi l
dbehind?Wi t
hamany ouknowi sat hug?
He'snev eraroundandy outrusthim withyour
daught er
?Itookmyphoneandchar gedi tndahlal
a
eml i
ndweni hayabadebabuy endangenaezi ngubeni
cozitwascol dasusual.Icl
osedmyey espr ayi
ngt o
Godt hatwhenwewakeupi nt hemor ning,
thiswhole
nightmar ewil
l beover
.
Hemusthaveopenedf
orhi
msel
fcozmnandi
vuke
ekhonawhenwokeupi
ntheweehour
soft
he
morning

Me:
"mor
ning"
Hi
m:"
hey
"

Iwenttot hebathr
oom ndabuy andaj
ongaonthe
othersidendalal
aagain..
.Iknewhewasn'tasl
eep
butIdidn'twannatal
krightnow,Iwant
edto
sl
eep.
..
unt
ildaybr
eak:
)cozIhadabi
gdayaheadof
metoday.
.
Acoupleofhoursl
aterweallwokeup, hebat
hed
fi
rstasIwentdowntomakebr eakfastfort
hethree
ofus.Imadeconti
nental
breakfastandSinowalked
i
n

Her
:"
mama"
?
Me:
"mmh"
?
Her
:"
uyaphi
utat
a"?
Me:
"andi
mazi
,
uyahamba"
?

Shenod,
Idi
shedupandwewentt othelounge.He
camedowndressedi
njeans,
blackpol
oneckjersey
andTi
mbalandsandhejoi
nedus

Hi
m:"
I'
ll
beoutf
oracoupl
eofhour
s"
Me:
"Ihav
eanappoi
ntmentf
or12"

Hel
ookedatme.
..:
/

Me:
"what
"?
Hi
m:"
appoi
ntment
?Wi
thwho"
?
Me:
"af
ri
end"
Hi
m:"
soy
ou'
rewi
l
li
ngt
ori
sk.
..
justf
ort
hisf
ri
end"
?
Me:
"I
'l
lbef
ine.
..
justbebackbyt
henf
orSi
no"
Hi
m:"
sur
e"

Wehadaqui etbr eakfast,

heki ssedbot hofusand
l
eft.Ibat
hedsi noandwar mlydr essedhert henI
bathedmy selfandgotr eadyformybr unchwi thmy
fri
end.Iworebl ackrippedski nnyj eans, v
estand
royalbl
uepol oneckal ongwi thmat chingst il
ett
os
thenIcli
ppedmyhai rndaphol akendal i
ndal oabuye.
Amandacal ledt omakesur eIwasn' tbluff
ing:v
Me:
"hey
"
Her
:"
hey
,ar
eyouser
iousaboutt
hisbr
unch"
Me:
"yeah"
Her
:"
okaykeseey
ouat12"
Me:
"shar
p"

Sinosuggestedwepl aypoppi e-hui

s:vthingsIused
toplaywhenIwentt ot hefarmswi t
hdad( MrSmi th)
backinthedaywhenIwasst il
l l
ivi
ngintheircott
age
withmymom. .
.Ichangedt hejeanscozIknewI 'l
lget
dirt
ycrawli
ngont hefloorwi t
ht hi
skid,
Iwor emyPJ
pantssadlal
ake...Tatakheonl yret
urned12: 15andI
wasn'tevengonnaaskhi m aboutitemnkeey azbaI
havesomewher et obe

Hi
m:"
baby
"?
Me:
"huh"
?
Hi
m:"
youshoul
dgetgoi
ngwhi
l
eIv
ori
sst
il
lar
ound"
Me:
"ohokay
"

Istoppedplay i
ngandwenttogetdressedand
refr
eshmymakeupt henIwalkeddownandsaw
them playi
ng,shewaslaughi
nguncontrol
l
ablywhi
l
e
hewast i
ckl
ingher

Me:
"er
hm.
..
.seey
'al
ll
ater
"
Hi
m:"
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul,
andi
thi
nana"
?
Her
:"
ewemhl
emamam sana"
Me:
"t
hanky
ouguy
s"
Hi
m:"
canIwal
kyout
othecar
"?

Idi
dn'tevenhav etoanswerthat
,hewalkedmeout
l
eavingSinotopl aywi
thhisphone.Wewal kedtohi
s
car
,heopenedt hedoorIgotinhefoll
owed,Ivor
wasn'ti
nside.
Hi
m:"
yousur
eyouwannadot
his"
?
Me:
"yep,
don'
twor
ryy
our
sel
fI'
m abi
ggi
rl
"
hi
m:"youknowwhatal
mosthappenedl
astni
ght
ri
ght
"?
me:
"yesbutl
i
keIsai
d,I
'
m abi
ggi
rl
"
Hi
m:"
kay
,comeher
e"

Hepulledmychinandweki ssed.LolIwasn'
tsur
e
whetherthi
swasj ustakissorsomeseduct i
veki
ss
topullmyheadawayf r
om thi
sbr unchi
deabutit
surel
ywasn'tworkingcoznotev entheevent
soflast
nightweregonnast opmer i
ghtnow.

Me:
"l
ovey
ou"
Hi
m:"
lov
eyout
oo.
..Iwast
hinki
ng"
Me:
"mh"
?
Him:"Ispokewit
hmom ont hephoneearl
ier
today,maybeIshouldt
akeSinoovernamhlanj
e
singahambesigqit
haxandi
kugodusa"
Me:
"oh.
..
okay
"
Hi
m:"t
hispl
aceisnotsafeforher.
..
soI
'
mtaki
ngher
whenthej
etisbackl
atertoday"
Me:
"okay
..
.hopef
ull
yI'
l
lbeback.
..
justt
oseeherof
f"
Hi
m:"
yeahhey
..
ohher
e'sI
vor
"

Heremovedhi
swal
l
etandgav
emecash:
/Il
ooked
hi
mi nt
heeye

Me:
"nobaby
,theoneIhav
eisenough"
Hi
m:"
ohcummon"
Me:"
please..
.keepit
,Si
nooryourmom mi
ghtneedi
t
wheny ou'
retakinghertoEL"
Him:"Ihav
eenoughandy ouknowi t
,besi
des,
ify
ou'
re
goingoutthatmeansyoumi ghtseesomethi
ng
you'dli
ketobuy.Justt
akethemoney "
Me:
"r
athert
ransf
ert
hemoneyi
ntomyaccountke"
Hi
m:"
okay
,i
nat
ypei
nyouraccountnumber
"
:
)
Me:"
naah,
sinceyouf
oundoutaboutmybi
rt
hday
wi
thoutmyhelp,
fi
ndt
hisoneouttoot
hent
ransf
er
t
hemoney "
Hi
m:"
heeebabyudl
alai
i
mindgames?Okay
"
me:
"uzukheungahambi
udl
alenomnt
akho"
hi
m:"
yesma'
am"

Hekissedmyl
ips,
bit
ingthebottom lipandgot
out
..
.Iv
ordr
ovemeoutoft hehouse.ItextedAmish
tomeetmeattheV&Awher eIvordroppedmeof f
andhemusthavebeeni nstr
uctedtowai tformecoz
ndi
mboneengahambi ,
Iwentbackt ohim

Me:"
youcangoandcomebackmay
beaf
tert
wo
hour
s"
Hi
m:"
okayma'
am"

Il
efthi
m nday
aKuFr
iend,
wef
oundagoodpl
acet
o
munchandweorderedupsaty
a..
.knowi
ngAmanda, I
wasini
tforr
eal
:vshegon'askalotofquest
ionst
il
l
sheget
sanswer
s!!
[
10/
8,20:
59]‪+27730692704‬:
#95

Weat
esomest
eak:
p

Her
:"
chomi
outwi
thi
t,
what
'
sgoi
ngon"
?
Me:"
what
'sgoingonwher
e?Iowedy
oul
unchsoI
cametor
etri
eveit"
Her
:"y
oucameall t
hewayfr
om Jo'
bur
gjustformy
l
unch?Chom am Iwri
tt
enDUMBonmyf orehead"
?

Il
aughedather

Her
:"
soy
ou'
rebackwi
tht
hatl
oser
"?
Me:
"wi
thwho?Landi
l
e"?
Her
:"
duh"
Me:"
never
!Ithi
nkhe'
sbett
eroffwi
thhi
s
Ovayo,
bay
afanel
anaanyway"
Her
:"
ooht
hankGod!But
,wher
ear
eyouf
rom now"
?
Me:
"I
'mf
rom ar
ound,
butI
'
mleav
ingt
oday
"
Her
:"
ohwow,
you'
rel
i
vingt
hel
i
feChom"
Me:"somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
..
.sohow'
sYOURl
i
fe,
enough
aboutme"

Haikewewentonandon.Wewenti nsidethemall
forsomewindowshoppi
ngandwhil
est il
lati
t,my
phonebeepedandIsawthebanknotif
icati
onofa
deposit:
vdamni
tuNtandocangotot heextremes
yaz..
.

Me:
"er
h,Chom canIpl
smakeaphonecal
l
"?
Her
:"
someonei
mpor
tant
"?

Il
aughedanddi
aledhi
snumbermov
ingawayf
rom
her
..
Hi
m:"
Sibongi
l
eTr
inal
i
queSmi
th"
Me:
"damny
int
onngat
hul
i
fundakwi
regi
ster
"
Him:
"Tr
inal
i
que.
..Uhm.
.HowaboutNal
i
que?YeahI
l
iket
hatone"
Me:
"mxm uy
adi
kashame"
Him:"
thenwhydidyoutaket
imeoffyour
appoi
ntmentandcall
me?Youmi ssedme"?
Me:
"me?mi ssedyou?Hel
lno.
..
but,
I
'dli
ketoknow
whyyousentsomuchmoney ?It
sev enalotmor
e
t
hantheoney ouwantedt
ogivemei nthecar
"
Hi
m:"
I'
mjustspoi
l
ingy
ou"

Il
ookedaround,
Ami
shwasneart
heunder
wear
sect
ion:
p

Me:
"woul
dhav
ebeenni
cei
fyouwer
eher
ewi
thme"
Hi
m:"
mmh,
buty
oudeci
dedt
oleav
emebehi
nd"
Me:"
especial
l
ysi
nceI'
m hav
ingdi
ff
icul
ti
eson
whethert
ochoosesat
in,
orl
ace"
Hi
m:"
babedon'
tdot
his.
..
wor
seI
'
llbet
rav
eli
ng"
Me:"
shouldIchoosetheonewit
hpi
nkorredri
bbons?
Oh,
they'
rebothblacki
tsj
ustt
hedet
ail
sthatI
'
m not
cl
earon"
Hi
m:"
baby
"
Me:"or.
.Ithi
nkIlovet
hisstraplessone.I
thada
paddedbr aandsheerlacethatreachedj
ustabove
thebutt,
thesecondpieceisjustsheerl
ace.Yep,
I
l
ov ethi
sone"
Hi
m:"
you'
reenj
oyi
ngt
hisar
en'
tyou"

Ami
shwascomi
ngmyway
..
.

Me:
"by
eby
e"
Hi
m:"
heee!Zandi
xakwe"
:
v
Ihungupndakhawl
elauChom

Her
:"
tchi
n,
thi
scal
lmustbei
mpor
tant
"
Me:
"I
'm done.
..
sowhatwebuy
ing"
?
Her:
"i
fonl
yyou'
repayingthenIhav
esomet
hing
pl
easingt
otheeyethatIsaw"

Shepul
ledmet owar dstheunderwearai
sleandshe
pi
ckedupanout rageouslyexpensi
veandsexy
number:DIcouldn'tresi
stt
oo.Ichosetwofor
mysel
fthenwewentont opayattheti
ll
ssahamba

Windowshoppi nghereandt her

e,buyi
nghereand
ther
e.Wewentt oakiddiesshopthatseemedt o
haveever
ybr andnamey oucanthinkof,
Ibought
Timbal
andsf orSino:vzosindwaathisaa,
Ibought
hertwoheeledshoesandt woChucksebl ackneny
e
eRedsot hat'
sat otaloffi
veshoes..
Her
:"chomi,y
ousai
dEv
e'schi
l
disaboy
?Whoy
ou
buy
ingf or
"?
Me:"
ohI'
m buy
ingf
ormyf
ri
endski
ds.
..
it
sjustaLi
l
sur
pri
se"
Her
:"
ohokay
..
.ar
etheygi
rl
s"?
Me:
"yeah'
'
Her
:"
okay
,comeseet
hissi
de"

Ifol l
owedherandboughtanewPJt hreepi ece,t
hree
pair sofsocks, beaniesandgl oves.Boughtt wo
skinnyj eans,Polonecks, bomberj acketandal ong
coat ..
thenIboughtherapai rofv estsanunder wear
packoff ive.Wewentt opayup, Iswipedngal emal i
kat atakhe,Iknewshe' llbethril
ledandIdi dallofthis
becausey oucan' treall
ygoany wherewi thoutthe
enoughcl othingwor sekubanda, i
fhermot herdidn'
t
thinkofi t,
thatdon'tmeannat hi wecan' tthinkforthe
kid.Wewentt oot hershops...Sheboughtabagf or
her self
,Iaskedt opayf oritt
henev erythingelseshe
paidf orherself
.Iboughtaf ewt hi
ngsfor
my self,boughttworedunisext-shir
tswrit
ten
ThugLi feont hefr
ont.Icouldn'
tbutanythingelsef or
baewi thoutMishnoti
cingandaski ngquestionsso
wej ustl ef
ttheshopandgotour sel
vescof f
ee..Sathi
sisancokol andevaizwithatistoofamili
arI'
mt ell
ing
you...Itwascomi ngfrom behindme

Her
:"
nankuSoso"

Icoul
dn'
ttur
ncozhewasal
readyher
e..
.soIwai
ted
forhi
m.
Hi
m:"
awsesexyf
ri
endnakul
engqel
e"?
Her
:"
Soso"
?
Him:
"hi.
..Hey,
sothi
siswhatfr
iendshi
pishuh?You
don'
ttel
l y
ourfr
iendwhenyou'
reincapeTown"?
Me:
"wel
l
..
.IknewIwoul
dntst
ayl
ong"
Hepul
ledachai
randj
oinedus.
..
theexpressi
onon
Amanda'
sface:
v#pri
cel
essshewasf edupf orr
eal
.
Hi
m:"
youl
ookgood.
..
yel
l
owbonegood"
Me:
"youdon'
tl
ookbady
our
sel
f,
unj
ani
"
Him:"
I'
mtir
ed.YhobabyI
'
mt ir
edofauntFai
thi
nthat
househeeewenaawnapict
ure,
awnayonefr
ameke
fut
hi"

Iwaslaughi
ng.
..Li
keGodknowsIneededt
hiski
nda
fr
eshair.

Me:
"what
'sshedonenow"
?
Him:
"yho!Shecameback..
.Lastweek,
i
tfeel
sli
ke
she'
sbeenheresincef
orever
"
Me:
"wel
lshe'
syourmom"
Him:"
youknowwhatgetstome?Thatstupi
d
bi
tchassni
qqadoesn'
tevenseel
ent
oy enzi
wa
ngumamakhe.
..
solokoI
'mtheoneonthewrong"
Her:
"Landi
l
ewi l
lneverseeyourmot
herf
orwhoshe
i
s..
.bynowy oushouldknowthat
"
Hi
m:"
Amanda!Landi
l
eisonehel
l
uvadumbass"
Me:
"youdon'
tgett
ospeakofhi
mli
ket
hat
"
Her
:"
you'
remad!He'
saj
erk"
Me:"
ha.
aguyspl
s..
.Soso?Meandy
oubot hknow
he'
sagoodguydespit
eyourmom'
sinf
luence"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tknowany
mor
ehey
"
Me:"
justgi
vehi
m somet
ime.
..
he'
l
lseeherf
orwho
shei
s"
Him:"
hayt
hat
'l
lbet
ool
ate.
..
I'
mleav
ingt
hem i
nthat
house"
Her
:"
why
?Uy
aphi
"?
Him:"
renti
ng.
..
atl
eastI
'
llbeOv
ayo-
fr
eet
oo.
..
yeny
eI
nausealeyo"
!!
:
v:vwesur
edi
dlaughatt
hat
.

Hi
m:"I
'
vebeenacceptedatRhodessoI
'
m goi
ngt
o
Gr
ahamstownnextyear"
Me:
"you'
reev
enchangi
ngschool
s"?
Her
:"
thi
smustbebad"
Hi
m:"
mh,bendi
theani
napict
ureNi
na.But
,Ihav
eto
r
un,
babywam i
nobauyil
i
la"
Me:
"babywakho"
?
Her
:"
thatNi
gerchi
ck"
?
Me:
"Ni
ger
?Whoah"
!
Hi
m:"
yep.
."
Her
:"
what
'shername?Chwukunamunso"
?

Amandausi
l
ekexaet
handa:
v:v

Hi
m:"
heee!Haycummon,
hernamei
sChi
chi
"
Her
:"
Iwascl
ose"
Me:"wher
eisshe?Whyam Ionl
yfi
ndi
ngoutabout
hernow"?
Hi
m:"
Ilef
theratt
hesal
on.
..
kal
okuf
ri
endunqabi
l
e"
Me:
"phonecal
l
"?
Hi
m:"
aaaw,
yakhwel
eta?Comeher
e"
Hestoodup,huggedmef rom t
hesidewahl
ekao.
O
kaphi
langalona,
hehuggedAmi shandl
eft
.Myphone
rang.
..Iwashesi
tantbutIpi
ckedup

Me:
"hi
"
Her
:"
mama"
?
Me:
"heysweet
y..
.what
'
sup"
?
Her
:"
daddysay
sI'
m goi
ngt
okhul
u"
Me:
"yeah.
.Cany
ougi
vehi
mthephonepl
z"
Hi
m:"
we'
reaboutt
oleav
e,uzobuy
awhatt
ime"
Me:
"I
'm done"
Hi
m:"
soweshoul
dwai
t"
?
Me:
"pl
ease"
Hi
m:"
okay
..
.I
'
llsendI
vort
opi
cky
ouup"
Me:
"t
hanks"
.
.
Loleyam Ichomii
sthenosi
estpersonaft
er
Evel
yn,shewasready
,al
lear
spluckedoutli
ke
chi
ckenf eat
her
s

Her
:"
who'
sthehi
m"?
Me:
"af
ri
end"
Her
:"
heee!Thesamef
ri
endy
oucamet
ovi
si
ther
e"?
Me:
"ami
shpl
zst
oppl
ayi
ngdet
ect
iveonme"
Her
:"mmmh!Mkmkmk!Fr i
endabl
eunendoda
ent
shaandIdon'
tknowhi
m"?

Ij
ustlaughed.
..I
vorsentamessage, Ihugged
Amandaandwedepar tedt ooursepar ateway s,
I
wenttothecarwandigodusa.WhenIr eachedhome
hehelpedmewi ththebagsandwenti nside.Ntando
wassitti
ngdownwat chinghiscartoonswi thhis
daughter
,sher
ant omewhenshehear dthedoor
openandshehuggedmyl egslolIputonebagdown
andpickedherupandki ssedherchubbycheeks.
I
vorj
ustputthebagsandlef
t.
..
uyadi
ka
l
ona,
akancokol
inoncokol
aoku.

Me:
"soy
ou'
rel
eav
ingmeal
onehuh"
?
Her
:"
daddysai
dso,
blamehi
m"
Me:
"hayIbl
amethet
woofy
ou.Yout
woar
enotmy
f
ri
endsshame"

Iputheronthefl
oorandsatdowncrossi
ngmyarms
acrossmychest.
..Shewentt
ohim wit
hherhands
onherhips,
i
neshoril
ent
wazana.

Her
:"
yabonakedaddy
"?
Hi
m:"
butbaby
-"
Her
:"
look,
mamai
supsetnow"
?
Hi
m:"
tel
lhery
oul
oveher
,Iknowshel
ovesy
out
oo"

Shecamebackandcl
i
mbedt
hecouchsoshecan
t
ouchmyf
ace

Her:
"Il
oveyoumama.
..
don'
twor
ryneh?I
'
llcome
backagai
n"
^_
^Ijusthuggedher
..
.she'
sthecut
estt
hing,
aft
er
Boobooofcoz:v

Hi
m:"
youboughtt
heent
ir
emal
l
"
Me:
"I
'm moni
edmt
chanam"
ItookSi
no'
sbagsandgavet
hem t
oher,
shesmil
ed
andtookoutev
ery
thi
ngonebyoneshowi
ngdaddy
eziny
e.

Me:
"It
hinkweshoul
dst
artpacki
ng,
you'
l
lbel
ate"
Her
:"
I'
mtaki
ngal
loft
his"
?
Me:
"wel
lthey
'r
eyour
s"

Shet
hrewherar
msar
oundmei
nat
ightembr
ace.I
l
ookedatherf
atherhewassmi
l
ing,
admi
ri
ngl
yatus,
I
wi
nkedathim.
West oppedandpackedev ery
thingforhert
henwe
gotinthecarandIwentwi ththem t
ot heai
rpor
t,
whenwer eachedtherewehuggedbahamba. .
.I
ret
urnedhomewi t
hI v
or.

Myfearnowwas.
..
whati
fthoseguy
sofl
astni
ght
r
etur
n?
[
10/
8,21:
00]‪+27730692704‬:
#96

Iwalkedinandl ockedt henIwentt othekit

chenand
madef oodf ormy sel
fha.athishousef el
tli
kean
empt ypr
isoncellwaitingforinmatest obepushed
i
n,itwassilentandquietIfeltli
keat ot
alstr
anger,I
tookthefoodupst air
sandswi t
chedont heTVt her
e
ndatyaafteranhourorso, hecalledme

Me:
"babe"
Hi
m:"
we'
vej
ustl
anded"
Me:
"oh.
..
hopef
ull
yy'
al
lgowel
l
"
Hi
m:"
I'
m wor
ri
edabouty
out
hough"
Me:
"I
'l
lbef
inedon'
tst
ress"
Hi
m:"
babyIknowyouwer
escaredkwalast
ni
ght
..
.y
oushoul
d'
vecomewit
husy az"
Me:
"honest
ly,
Iam scar
edout
chea"
Him:
"Iknow.I
'
mt hi
nki
ngofj
ustdr
oppi
ngherof
f
ndi
buyesametime"
Me:
"Idoubty
ourmom wi
l
lal
l
owt
hatt
ohappen"
Hi
m:"sheknowshowbusyIam.
..
I'
l
ltwi
sthersome
st
orydon'
tworr
y"
Me:
"kayke"
Him:
"buti
nthemeanti
me,
restassur
edknowing
you'
resaf
e.Theguy
saret
herekeepi
ngwatch"
Me:
"guy
s?Whoandwho"
?
Hi
m:"
thr
il
lerandGudda"
Me:
"oh"
Hi
m:"
goodni
ghtokay
"
Me:
"yousayt
hatasi
fyouwon'
tcomeback"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
trymybestbaby
"
Me:
"kaygoodni
ght
"
Hi
m:"
wil
lcal
lyouagai
n"
Me:
"sho"

Wehungup...Iat
emyf oodndagqi
bat henI
undr
essedandgotunderthecover
s.ItextedSoso
andAmishthenIclosedmyeyesndalala.
Myphoner
angi
mmedi
atel
y.
..Il
ookedatt
hecal
l
er

Me:
"bi
gsi
s"
Her
:"
hey
,yougood"
?
Me:
"I
'm goody
ou"
?
Her
:"
I'
m gr
eat
.Dudewher
ear
eyou"
?
Me:
"I
'm wher
eyoul
eftme"
Her
:"
oh,
IthoughtIsawy
oui
ncapet
ownt
oday
"
Me:
"me?CapeTown?You?Today
"?
Her:
"yeah.
..Wewer
epassi
ngbutwe'
rei
nDur
ban
r
ightnow"
Me:"
somethingdoesn'
taddup.
..
youcamefrom
Jo'
burg,
passedthr
oughCTtogot oDur
ban?Arey
ou
guysokay"
?

Shelaughed:
/itwasn'tmaki
nganysense
geographi
cal
l
yatallpsychol
ogi
cal
l
y.

Her:"
wef l
ewf r
om Jo'
burgtoCTlastnightto
accompanyhi sFat
her,
hehadaconf er
encewi t
h
otherChief
sthatsi
de.Soaftert
heconf er
ence
i
nsteadoff l
yi
nggoJo'burgweflewtoDubz ,
justf
or
somepi eceofsun"
Me:"
ooohkay
,nowt
hatt
hat
'
scl
ear
..
.whenar
eyou
cominghome"?
Her
:"
Mondayev
eni
ng,
isLuubacky
et"
?
Me:
"Ihav
en'
tseenhi
m"
Her:
"Ihopehedoesn'
tst
ayf
orthatt
woweekshe
sai
dhewoul d,
Iki
ndamissy
'al
l
"
Me:
"atl
easty
ou'
l
lbebackev
eni
fhei
sn'
t"
Her
:"
I'
ll
bri
ngy
ousomet
hingni
ce"
Me:
"t
hankshey
"
Her
:"
alr
ightgoodni
ght
"
Me:
"ni
ghtbabe"

Wehungup.
..Ir
eal
l
ywant
edt
osl
eepmyf
earof
f!
AndIdi
d.

Whenl
ateronint
heni ghtmyphoner
angso
dr
amati
call
yIj
olt
edupi nshockandl
ookedati
t,
I
wasgl
aditshi
mt hough

Me:
"mmh"
?
Hi
m:"
plsopent
hedoor
,Il
eftmykey
sinsi
de"
Me:
"you'
reher
e"?
Hi
m:"
yeah"
Me:
"oh.
.okay
"

Ijumpedoutofbedandr andownt hestai

rs.
..He
betternotbepl ayi
ngtri
cksonme.Iopenedt heey e
pieceont hedoorandsawhi mt ypi
ngonhisphone,I
openedandwel comedhi m wit
ht hewarmestof
hugs...
myf ears,al
loft
hem justdisappear
edright
thenandt here.Heclosedandl ockedthedoor..
.

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tcook"
Hi
m:"
let
'sgot
obed,
I
'mt
ir
ed"

Hepul l
edmeupstair
s,Igotinbedwhil
ehe
undressedandj
oinedme...
.helayhi
sheadonmy
chest,
hisbodyr
esti
ngbetweenmyl egs

Me:"
thanky
ou,
thoughIhopet
hisnev
erhappens
agai
n"
Hi
m:"
whatnev
erhappensagai
n"?
Me:"
youhav
ingt
oleav
eyourmom wi
thoutev
en
sl
eepi
ngathome"
?
Hi
m:"Ipr
omisedt
ocomebackonWednesdaysoI
ki
ndahavet
o"
Me:
"atl
eastI
'
llbegonebyt
hen"
Hi
m:"
ingaskeungahambi
"
Me:
"t
hat
'snotupf
ordi
scussi
on"
Hi
m:"
mmh,
Iknow"

Iki
ssedt hecrownofhisheadandwef ell
asl
eep..
.nowIwasn' tsl
eepinginfearbutIwas
sl
eepinginpeacef ul
lyknowingI'
m safeinhi
s
arms,
orr ather,
under
neathhim..
.asthesit
uat
ion
mighthav eit.

Ifelthi
mt ouchi
ngme,ki
ssi
ngmyneckwhil
eI'
m sti
l
l
asleep,
Itouchedhi
sfaceandhel
ookedup,
cameup
andweki ssed.Wehaven'
thadachancet
oreal
lydo
thisagai naf t
ert hedef lor ati
oncozhe' sbusyand
there' sSi noont hesi desoIwaski ndal ooki ng
forwar dt ot hisr oundwi thoutanyexpect ationsof
pains. ..het ouchedmymound, massagi ngt hebut t
on
totheext remest hatIst ar t
edpant i
ngandmoani ng
i
npl easur e.Hel i
ftedmyt opof fwhilst
kissing, nibbl i
ngandbi t
ingonmyski n..
.thenhewent
downonme, doingt hingsI '
dhav eonl yimagi ned.
WhenIwasr eady ,her emov edhi sboxer sandknel t
betweenmyt highsasheent eredsl owl yt akinghis
ti
mebutmaki ngsur eI '
m comf ortable.Oncehewas
i
nsi de, Ireleasedmybr eat h,Iwasn' tevenawar ethat
I'
m hol dingi t.
..Isol ongedt of eelthispleasur ethat
I'
vebeenhear ingabout ,
Iwant edhi ssoul .
..andhe
gav emej ustt hat.Het ookawaymysoul in
exchangeofhi s,Iknewr ightt henwhenwer eached
thepeakt oget hert hathei sindeedt heoneI '
vebeen
l
ongi ngf or .Mycl awsdugdeepont ohisbackasmy
ownbackar chedf eelingt hepl easur esoft he
forbiddenf ruits..
.hehel dont omybodyv er ytightas
hisbodyst if
fenedandmyownshi veredi nuni son
andpl easur e.Wef i
nal lybr eathedwhenwecame
backt or eal i
ty...
Hi
m:"
Ican'
tgetenoughofy
ou"
Me:
"you'
renotsupposedt
o"

Henibbl
edonmyneckl eav
ingwett races.
..Thenhe
t
urnedusaroundsoIbeont op,
Ilookedathi m
t
hroughthethi
ckbl
anketofdarkness

Me:"
I'
dli
ketot
hinkyou'r
enotasbadasIt
hought
youwerewhenIfi
rstsawyou"
Hi
m:"
mmh,
I
'm amani
nlov
e"
Me:
"doy
out
hinki
tsagoodi
dea"
?
Hi
m: "
I'
m notgr
owinganyy
ounger
..
.Atsomepoi
ntI
wi
llhavetoset
tl
edown"
Me:
"Iwonderwher
ewi
l
lIbebyt
hen"
Him:
"hai
bowhat
'
st hat
?Ucingbandi
zophi
nda
ndi
phumeandgolooki
ngforawife"
?
Me:
"i
fthat
'swhaty
oumeanbyset
tl
ingdown"
Hi
m:"
baby
,masl
aleuzodeubhudengok"

Icl
osedmyeyes,
myheadonhi
schestandmywhol
e
bodyrel
axi
ngonhi
m..

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Hi
m:"
no,
I
,l
ovey
ouMi
ssSmi
th"
Me:
"ni
ght
"
Hi
m:"
night
"

Hepull
edmecl osercoveri
ngmybodywiththe
cover
saswebot hfelli
ntothi
sdeepandrel
axi
ng
sl
eep..
.f
orme?Itsnotjustanysl
eep:
)I'
dcalli
tsome
beaut
ysleep.
[
10/
8,21:
01]‪+27730692704‬:
#97

Hi
sphonewasri
nging.
..
nonst
opandIdidn'
twanna
wakeupj
usty
etthoughIknewitcoul
dbemorning
al
ready
.Ipretendedasifandi
yiv
a:/damnthecal
l
er
waspersi
stent,
totheextentt
hatIhear
dthr
eemore
ot
herphonesr i
nging

Me:
"babykhaphendul
eezi
phonepl
s"
Hi
m:"
it
sAnel
i
sa"
Me:"
answerherkal
okorputt
hedamnphoneson
si
l
ent"

Hedi dn'tanswermebutIdi dfeelhim mov inghi s

armt or eachoutt othephonesandt henitwental l
si
lent.Idon' tknowwhet herheswitchedt hem of for
putthem onsi l
entbutIactuall
ydidn'tcare.
..t
hiswas
myl astf ul
ldayi nCapeTownandIi ntendedon
spendi ngitwi t
hHI M asmuchaspossi bl
e,t
hist hug
l
ifewi l
l havetowai tt
ill
I'
m gonethenhi sfull
att
ent i
onwi llbegiventoit.Igavehim mybackbut
sti
llrestedmyheadonhi sarm,hewassl eepingon
hi
sbacksohet urnedandkissedmycheeksal ala
sti
ll
.
-
Iwaswokenupbymyownphone.
..Mar
cus:
o

Me:
"mml
ow"
?
Hi
m:"
you'
rest
il
lasl
eep?Di
dyoucheckt
het
ime"
Me:
"whati
sit
"?
Hi
m:"
whati
sit
?Tr
inal
i
queSmi
th"
!!
!
Yho..
.ndav
elandat
yhafa.
..
thenmymindraced,
whati
f
thi
sniqqaisinJo'
bur
g?Isatupstr
aightandcl
eaned
myey es

Me:
"boet
,what
'
sup"
?
Hi
m:"
not
hing,
I
'mj
ustmi
ssi
ngy
ou"
Me:
"t
henhanddel
i
vert
hephonel
i
key
oupr
omi
sed"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
doj
ustt
hat
..
.ot
her
wise,
how'
vey
oubeen"
?
Me:"
wel
lI'
dhav
ebeenbet
teri
fyoudi
dn'
twakeme
up"
Hi
m:"
it
spastt
enal
ready
,youshoul
d'
vebeenawake
bynow"
Me:
"anddowhat
?Wat
chTVal
lday
"?
Hi
m:"
mmh.
..
wheni
syoursi
stercomi
nghome"
?
Me:
"shesai
dtomor
rowev
eni
ng"
Hi
m:"
atl
east
"
Me:
"whenl
astdi
dyouspeakt
oLuu"
?
Hi
m:"
he'
l
lbebackaf
tert
woweeks.
..
hiswor
ds"
Me:"
Mumbaiseemst
obeni
cer
..
.Ibethe'
sfound
hi
mselfawi
fe"

Weburstl
aughing,
babel
ookedupwit
honeeyeopen
andt
urned,
coveri
nghimsel
ffaci
ngt
heot
herway

Hi
m:"Luke?Awi
fe?I
'
dwal
kfr
om her
etoJo'
bur
gin
12hours"
Me:"
yeahwel
l
..
.y
ou'
renotsodi
ff
erentf
rom hi
myou
know"?
Hi
m:"
erhm.
..
hav
eagooddayLi
lsi
s"
Me:"hahasoyoucan'
tst
omachthet
rut
hwhenthe
tabl
esturn?Ohwow!HaveagooddayMar
cus
Smith"
Hi
m:"
you'
recockynowhuh"
Me:
"me?Nev
er"
Hi
m:"
byeby
e"

Ilaughedashehunguponme. .Iturnedand
remov edt hecoverf rom bae' sheadandki ssedhis
cheekt henIpul l
edhi st-shirtandwor ei
twhi l
eiwent
tothebat hroom...didmybusi nessandcameback, it
wasst il
ltooear l
yt obat h>_ <Iacci dentall
yknocked
oneofhi sphonesandi tfelloni tsbackr eveali
nga
messageont hescr een,
If oughtmy selfsohar dbutI
couldn'tresi
st.Ipickedupt hephoneandl ookedat
thesender ..
.Anelisa, notjustone, butt hr
eemessage
notif
icati
ons, myf inger swer et appingmi ndlessl
yon
thephonebutIpul ledmy selftoget herandputt he
phonebackwher ei twas, justbyseei ngthenameof
thebabymommaIl ostinterest.Igotdr essedinmy
PJpant sandwal keddownst ai
rs,mademy sel
f
coffeewi t
hr usksandwentt ot hel oungecuddl i
ng
my selfup. .
.Ihav esuchasmal l hear t
,Iwantedhi m
alltomy selfbutt hatwasimpossi ble.Hei sa
peopl esper son,hei safathertot wopeopl ealready
andhe' sabossonmanyl evel
st omanypeopl e...
I
don'tr eall
yseehowandwher eIf itinhiswor l
datall.
Itsalreadyf ullandj ampackedandasmuchasI
want edt o,Icouldn'tseemy selfinhi slif
e..
.li
keasa
permanentpar tner,maybehest il
lhadawi f
eout
therewai t
ingforhi m.Butndi y
amt handanj ewhatam
Isupposedt odot ofi
there?IknewIcoul dn'treal
ly
tell
him al lofthiscozhe' dreassur emet hatIdon' t
needt ofitinunknowi ngthathi swor l
dandmywor ld
areliket wodi fferentworl
d'sapar t.

Hi
m: "
thatmusthav
ebeenaverydeepcall
,
gotyou
t
hinki
ngsodeepungandi
vanobandiyat
hetha"

Isnappedoutofi
tandl
ookedathi
m,f
aki
ngasmi
l
e
thendri
nki
ngmycoffee
Hi
m:"
okay
,what
'
sgoi
ngon"
?
Me:
"not
hing.
..
cof
fee"
?
Hi
m:"
uhm..
not
hanks,
I
'm goi
ngoutf
oracoupl
eof
mi
nut
es"

Idi
dn'
tanswerhim cozIwashopingwe'dspendour
l
astdaytogether
..
.Mondaymnaingqondoyam
i
zobasekhayandivukanj
e.
[
10/
8,21:
02]‪+27730692704‬:
#98

Iwat chedhi m go..Iwasn' tgonnast ophi mt u.Ihav e

toadmi t
,Idohav eapr oblem wi thcommuni cating
myf eeli
ngsandexpr essi ngt hem ,
may beI '
m af raid
I'
l
lcomeacr ossaspossessi veorsomet hing.He
walkedt ot hekitchenf irst,
tookanappl et henwal ked
out,passingwi t
haki ssonmyl i
psandl eft
, Isatt her
e
watchi ngthebl ankspaceunt ilmycoffeewas
fi
nished.Iwentt obat h,soakedmy selfinthebat h
andbl ockedmy selfoutoft her eal
it
ywor l
dsi nking
deepi ntot heunknown.Icl osedmyey esandt ooka
deepbreathbeforegoingundert
hewater..
.For
.Few
minutesthem comingbackup.Idrai
nedthewater
andcameoutwr appedinatowelndahl
alaonthe
bedjustt
hinki
ng...

Hecal
l
ed.
..

Me:
"hi
"?
Hi
m:"
yousounddown,
youokay
"
Me:
"what
'sup"
?
Hi
m:"
baby
"
Me:
"mh"
?
Hi
m:"
okaynev
ermi
nd,
I
'm onmyway
"
Me:
"cool
"
Ihungupengekagqibi:
/Ij
ustthrewmyphoneon
thebedandsearchedf
orcl
othest owearbutI
wasn'ti
nfeel
ingofget
ti
ngdressedatall:
(Ij
ust
worehisvestandgoti
nbedagain.
LolLandi
lecal
l
ed.
..Li
keo.
Owhy
?Imeanwhatt
he
hel
lfor??

Me:
"Ti
tus"
Hi
m:"
hey
,ushar
p"
Me:
"yeahwena"
Hi
m:"
I'
m cool
,
hear
dyouar
einCT"
Me:
"youmeanIwas"
Hi
m:"oh,
yougoneal
ready
?Iwashopi
ngwecoul
d
j
ustcl
eartheai
r"
Me:
"cabaKustuf
fykulendawoukuy
ocozev
er
waf
unatocleart
heairhuh"
Hi
m:"
cummon"
Me:"honest
ly?I
'dratherst
ayawayfr
om yaasI
possibl
ycan..
.moveonbr a,
bewit
hOv ay
o,bet
he
ki
ndadady ou'vealwayswantedt
obe"
Hi
m:"
probl
em i
s,
Idon'
tseeaf
utur
ewi
thher
.I'
ve
al
way
sseeni
twi
thy
ou"
Me:"pi
tyy oucoul
dn'
thol
dont
omewheny
ouhada
chance..
.pit
y"
Him:
"Iknowifwegi
veeachot
herachance,
wecan
pul
lthi
sthr
ough"
Me:
"Landi
l
e"
Hi
m:"
baby
"
Me:"
I'
m noty
ourbaby.
..
andI'
vemovedonf
rom t
he
i
nfat
uati
onwehad,t
ryit
,i
tworks"
Him:"
butwebot
hknownomancoul
dev
elov
eyou
l
ikeIdo"
Me:"
tr
ue..
.Imean,
theoneIhav
enowl
ovesmor
ethan
youevercoul
d"
Hi
m:"
he'
sjustt
wist
ingy
ourmi
nd,
whoev
erhei
s"
Me:
"Idon'tr
eal
lyhaveti
met oli
stent
oyour
whi
nes,haveaproduct
iveday"
Hi
m:"I
'm comi
ngtoJozinextweekend,
canwe
pl
easemeetup,f
orl
unch"
Me:
"I
'l
lbebusy
..
.sor
ry"
Him:"y
ou'
llbebusyory
oudon'twantt
o?Pl
ease,
I
'm
seri
ousIneedtotal
ktoyou"
Me:"yourneedsarenolongerpri
ori
tyt
omesoIdon'
t
real
l
ycar ewhaty ouneedri
ghtnow,al
lIknowi
sI
don'
thav eti
mef oryou.By
eby e"
Hi
m:"
justl
i
ket
hat
"?
Me:
'
'j
ustl
i
kewhat
"?
Him:"y
oumov edon,
j
ustli
ket
hatandnowi
tsasi
fI
neverexi
stedi
nyourl
if
e"
Me:"Il
earnedfrom youthatonecanmov eonjust
l
ikethat.
..
itshouldn'
tsurpr
iseyou.Ibety
ourmom
hasthisgreattheoryonhowt ojuggl
etwogir
lsat
thesamet ime..
pityi
tdidn'
tworkonme"
Hi
m:"
mymom hasnot
hingt
odowi
tht
his"
Me:
"I
'm sur
e"

Ihungup.
Iwalkedoutoft
hebedtotheki
tchen.
..
Iwaswear
ing
underwearandhi
svestonl
yanditwasn'
ttoo
cold,
justaverage:
)Ithoughtoft hequickestmeal
thatIcouldcookcozIwashungr ybutIdidn'
twanna
spendhal ft
hedayint hekit
chen.Idef r
ostedsome
porkandsausagest henIgrill
edt hem aft
er
mar i
nati
ngt hepor
kinsweetchi lliandspices.I
dial
edhi snumbercozIr eal
lydidn'twannacook
much. .
.

Hi
m:"
babe"
Me:
"pl
sbr
ingbr
ead"
Hi
m:"
okay
,ushar
pphof
"
Me:
"ewe"

Ihungup.Uwuv i
leumy al
ezo.Icookedpapfor
him,madechakalakaonthesideandclosedthepot
s.
Iscoopedupicecream onamedi um si
zed
bowl,t
oppedi
twit hul
tr
amel vani
ll
acustardt
henI
wenttoplayvi
deosgamesel ounge.Marcuscal
l
ed
again.
..
Me:
"boet
"?
Him:
"hey
..
.Li
zzyj
ustgav
ebi
rt
haf
ewhour
sago,
a
boy"
Me:
"ohwow.
..
congr
atul
ati
ons"
Hi
m:"
and.
..
Ihadt
heDNAdone,
i
tsmi
ne"
Me:"haha!Ohmyword..
.sonowIhav
etwo
nephews? ,
plzt
akeapi
cf orme"
Him:
"Iwil
l
..
.buty
ouandEvewil
lhav
etocomeand
hel
poutwhenevery
oucan,
she'
snotst
rongenough
j
ustyet
"
Me:
"whenar
etheydi
schar
gingher
"?
Hi
m:"I
'm notsur
easyet
,butt
hedoct
orssai
dthey
wannakeepherforawhil
e"
Me:"
ohokay
..
.I
'
llt
alkt
oEv
eandwe'
l
lseewhatwe
cando"
Hi
m:"
okayshar
p"
Me:
"youmustbeexci
tedt
hough.
..
bei
ngadaddyf
or
t
hefi
rstt
ime"
Hi
m:"
Iam.
..
butI
'
m al
soaf
rai
d"
Me:
"of
"?

Ay
'phumi
:o

Hi
m:"
nev
ermi
nd.By
e"
Me:
"oh.
..
bye"

Hehungup.
Iheardbeastdr
ivi
ngin,
walkeduptothedoorand
unlockedi
t,
Iwasstil
lpl
ayi
ngmy( His)v
ideosgames

Hi
m:"
hey
"
Me:
"hey
"
Hi
m:"
yourbr
ead"
Me:
"t
hanks"

Ii
gnor
edhi
m af
tert
hatandpl
ayedunt
ilIr
eachedt
he
highestscor
ebeat i
ngthePerv
iouslyr
ecorded:v
thenItookmybr eadandwentt otheki
tchen.He
foll
owedandl eanedbythedoorpost.
..

Me:
"wannagetsomet
hingof
fyourchest
"?
Hi
m:"
what
'sgoi
ngonwi
tchu"
?
Me:
"how"
?
Hi
m:"
youhav
e..
.Idon'
tknow,
moodswi
ngs"
?
Me:
"t
henI
'
mtr
ulyawoman"
Hi
m:"
huh"
?

Ikeptquiet,di
shedupf orhimt hepapand
everyt
hing,putthem i
nat raywi t
htwogl asses
contai
ningwat erandj ui
cethenIwal kedpasthim
ndayozibekakwi coffeetabl
e,camebackanddi shed
outformy selfthemeatandbr eadthenImade
my sel
fcoffeendaphi ndandamshi y
aemepha
ndayotya.Hef oll
owedandat eacoupl eofspoons
wabekai cepheandl ookedatme
Hi
m:"
sowhatwedoi
ngt
oday
"?
Me:
"yout
heboss,
Idon'
tknow"
Hi
m:"
I'
mthebo-
?Okaywhatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd"
Me:
"not
hingatal
l
"

Helookedatme...
shookhisheadanddigi nthefood.
Iat
eupandf i
nishedgqibakwam nday
ov asa
esi
sit
ya,
hefol
lowedwi t
hhisfoodwabekaont he
si
nkandthenstoodrightbehi
ndmebr eathingdown
myneck

Him:
"Ihat
enotknowi
ngwhat
'
sgoi
ngoni
nsi
dey
our
hear
t"
Me:
"whatt
imeam Il
eav
ingt
omor
row"
?
Hi
m:"
aft
ernoon"
Me:
"canIpl
sgoi
nthemor
ning"
?
Hi
m:"
why
"?
Me:"
doIhavetohav
ear
easonwhyIwannago
homeearl
y"?
Him:"
nobut .
..
somethi
ngisupwi
thy outoday.You
werejustf
inelastni
ght
..
.Ooohwait
, i
tsthatcal
lka
Anel
isa?Didyoubyanychancetakemyphone" ?
Me:
"whywoul
dIdot
hat
"?
Him:
"well
theonl
ylogi
calexpl
anat
ionf
oryour
col
dnessisi
fyousawthemessagesshesentme"
Me:
"i
fI'
veseent
hem y
ouwoul
d'
veknown"
Hi
m:"no.
..
ify
ou'v
ereadthem Iwoul
d'v
eknownBUT
i
fyou'
veseenthem..
.y
ouwoul dbel
ikethi
s"

Iwasdonewashi ngtheplates,
Ipackedt hem
withoutut
teri
nganot herword.Hepul ledmyarm and
l
ockedmeupagai nstthefr
idgelookingdeepandin
tomyey esandt henkissedme. ..Iki
ssedhim back
wrappingmyar msar oundhi m andmel t
inginhi
s
armsandt henhest oppedandputmeonmyf eet

Hi
m:"
youdon'
thav
etobei
nsecur
e"
Me:"
you'
reonl
ysay
ingthatbecausey
ouknowy
ou
ar
en'
tcompeti
ngwithanyone"
Hi
m: '
'
youdon'thavet
ocompetewit
hanyone,
not
evenmywor k.Il
oveyou,
onl
yyouandI
'
ddoany t
hing
j
usttoprov
et hatt
oyou"
Me:
"car
eful
whaty
ouwi
shf
or"
Hi
m:"
I'
m bei
ngser
ious"
Me:
"okay.
..
swi
tchoffal
lphonef
ortherestof
t
oday.
..
andspendthedaywithme.Al
one"
Him:"
erh.
..Whati
fI'
m neededsomewher
ebyt
he
guys"
?
Me:
"yousee"
?
Hi
m:"
okay
..
.okayshar
p,I
'
lldoi
t"
Me:
"mh"

Il
oosenedmy sel
ffrom hi
sembraceandcleanedt
he
ent
ir
ekitchenndahambandayohlal
aelounge.
[
10/
8,21:
03]‪+27730692704‬:
#99
Hefoll
owedandsatr
ightnextt
omehol
dingmy
hand

Hi
m:"
baby
"
Me:
"mh"
Hi
m:"
lookatme"

LolIdi
dn'
twantto.
..
Idon'
tknowwhybutIser
iousl
y
di
dn'twantt
olookathim,
heendedupl
if
tingmy
eyestomeethis

Hi
m:"
Ineedt
oknowt
haty
out
rustme.
..
compl
etel
y"
Me:
"It
rusty
ou"
Hi
m:"noy
oudon't
..
.i
fyoudi
dy ouwoul dn'tcar
e
whet
hermyexescall
meornotr egardlessofthe
r
easonwhyt
heycalli
nthef
irstplace"
Idi
dn'
tanswerhi
m..
.Ij
ustl
ookeddownatmyf
eet

Him:"
you'
regoi
nghomengomso,wi
ll
youli
veeach
daywe'r
eapartwonder
ingwhoI
'
m wi
th?Doi
ngwhat
wit
hthem"?
Me:
"depends"
Hi
m:"
onwhat
"
Me:"
onwhet
herIgety
ouwhenIwanty
ou,
wheni
cal
l
"
Him:
"andi
fyoudon'
t?Awzoy
ici
ngabaI
'
m busywi
th
somereal
ish"
?

Okay
..
.ndat
hul
aagai
n.

Hi
m:"
Nal
i
que"
Me:
"mh"
Him:
"Irepeat
,you'
vegot
tat
rustme.Thi
srel
ati
onshi
p
hasbeenbuil
tont r
ustf
rom t
hewordgoandit
shoul
dcont i
nueonthat.Wespentay earorso,i
na
l
ongdistancerel
ati
onship.
..Study
ingandlearni
ng
eachothernotevenment i
oninganysexualdesi
res
andwesur vi
ved"

Ibr
eat
hed.
..
nowai
t,
didIsi
gh?

Me:
"wel
li
tsdi
ff
erentnow"
Hi
m:"
it
'sdoesn'
thav
etobe"
Me:
"t
hat
'swhaty
out
hink.
..
"
Hi
m:"
okay
..
.putmeont
hegr
eenl
i
ght
"
Me:"
Itr
ustedy
ouwithmysoult
hist
ime,
Igav
eyou
whatdefi
nesme,
Iopenedupmysel
ftoy
ou"
Him:"
Iknow..
.f
ormet
hatmeansyout
rust
edme
enoughbylet
ti
ngmeinsi
dewher
enooneelseev
er
enter
ed"
Me:"
thenyououghttounder
standwhyIf
eel
i
nsecureandpossessi
veofyou"
Hi
m:"
I'
mtr
ying"
Ndathul
a...
hedoesn'tgetit.Idon'tknowwhet herI
'm
bei
ngclearenoughorI '
mj ustrunningar oundin
ci
rcl
es.Istoodupandwentupst air
s,al
lhisphones
werethere.Isear
chedf orezampahl andanxibathen
Iwentbackdownst air
sandj oi
nedhi m onthe
couch,
Ilaymyheadonhi sl apandwat chedTV

Hi
m:"
you'
rer
eal
l
ysof
teni
ngme"
Me:
"whi
chy
ou"
?
Hi
m:"
me,
Ntando"
Me:
"t
hatshoul
dbeagoodt
hing"
Hi
m:"
mmh"
.
.
Wespentthedaytogether,
watchi
ngmov i
es,
cooking
andplay
ingar
ound..
.justwhatIwant
ed,t
hebonding
sessi
onswit
hmyman.Heev ensl
eptendli
nisti
l
l
witht
hephonesswitchedoff.
..Wemadel oveal
l
night
,thi
sthi
ng...
.y
iyoleindenzandimfunelekum
wonke.Yes...
it
sthisvulnerabi
li
tythat
'sbroughtby
thesesexualpassionsthatmakesmepossessi veof
him..
.butwhydoesn'theunder standall
ofthis?We
l
ayoneachot her.
..
bodytobody ,
skintoskinunti
lthe
nextmor ni
ng.
WhenIopenedmyey eshewasawake.
..
watchi
ng
me,
Ismil
ed..
.t
hisi
stheatt
ent
ionI
'v
ebeenlooki
ng
f
or

Hi
m:"
you'
rebeaut
if
ulev
eni
nyoursl
eep"
Ibl
ushed
Me:
"mor
ning"
Hi
m:"
youmeangoodmor
ning"
Me:
"yeaht
hat
..
.y
ou'
rei
nsuchagoodmood"
Hi
m:"
Isl
eptwel
l
,di
dn'
tyou"

Iki
ssedhi
sdryl
ips,
howIwishedIcouldwakeupt
o
thi
smorni
ngbli
ssever
ydayfrom now
Me:
"t
hanky
ou"
Hi
m:"
for
"?
Me:
"ev
ery
thi
ng.
..
Ihadagr
eatweekendher
e"
Hi
m:"
we'
l
lhav
emor
eoft
hosehopef
ull
y"
Me:
"hopef
ull
y"

Weki
ssedagai
nthenwewentt
obat
htoget
her
..
.
Icameoutfi
rstandl
oti
onedmybodyst
il
lwr
apped
i
nat owel

Hef
oll
owed.
.

Hi
m:"
weshoul
dgopastt
hechemi
stonourwayt
o
t
heai
rpor
t"
Me:
"who'
ssi
ck"
?
Hi
m:"
youcoul
dbe.
..
aft
ert
hatsessi
oni
ntheshower
"
Iwasblondf
orasec.
..
damni
tdawnedonmemy
eyesal
mostpoppedout:
o

Me:
"f
li
p!Wemustbef
ast
"

Waskewahleka:
/ntonehl
eki
say
owhenIcoul
dbe
unt
imel
ypregnant
?

Iworeadeni m shir
t/dresswithlongsleeveswith
whit
echucksandt iedmyf akehairint
oaneck-bun
andappliedminimum makeupt henIstar
ted
packi
ng...
every
thing,notevenleavingapinbehind.I
madesur eallmyt hingswereintactandwet
downstairst
owai tforhim anxibeagqibe,
thenhe
al
sowal keddowncar ryi
nghislaptopbagand
phones-_-

Hi
m:"
your
eady
"
Me:
"Iwasbor
nready
"

Het ookmybagandIf oll

owedbehi ndhi m,gotinthe
carandI vordrov
eust ot hechemi st,
hewenti nsi
de
andboughtmet heaf t
erpills.Idrankt hem onour
wayt ot heairpor
t..
.Iwaspr ay i
ngt oGod
ndingakul i
ngendimi t
heIwoul dn'
tsur vivethe
humi l
iationandthatcr ossquest i
oni ngfrom my
brothers...
worseuMar cus!Iwassi l
entt hroughout
thewayandwear r
ivedandboar dedt hej etsti
ll
ndathula,hemov edawayf rom hisseatandcamet o
siti
nf rontofme

Hi
m:"
hey
"
Me:
"sup"
?
Hi
m:"
you'
vebeent
ooqui
et"
Me:
"whati
fI'
m pr
egnant
"?
Hi
m:"
you'
renot
..
.nott
hatIwoul
dhav
emi
nded"
Me:
"you'
rei
nsane"
Hechuckl
ed.
..

Hi
m:"
I'
m seri
ous.
..
Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndhav
inga
mul
ti
raci
alchi
ld"
Me:
"mul
ti
raci
al"
?
Hi
m:"
ohwai
tyou'
renotwhi
tekanene"
?
Thenhel
aughed:
(unj
ani
ubabynankosi
yam?

Me:
"mxm khasukephambkwam sani
"
Hi
m:"
youknowIl
ovey
ou"
Me:
"yeahwhat
ever
"!

Whenwef inall
ylandedhiscarwasal
ready
waiti
ng..
.Idon'tknowhowhedoesi tbutIli
keit
.We
drovemehome, hedidn'
twalkmeinforsecur
it
y
reasonsIwal kedinsideandmademy sel
f
comf or
table.
..Final
lyhome!
[
10/
8,21:
04]‪+27730692704‬:
#100

Ibathedandwalkedaroundnaked:
Dl olbei
nghome
andf r
ee,
nothavi
ngt oworr
yabouti
ntrudersmovi
ng
aroundthehouse.Isatdownandcal
ledhim...

Hi
m:"
it
sonl
ybeenaf
ewmi
nut
es"
Me:
"andImi
ssedy
ousomuch"
Hi
m:"
let
'shav
elunch"
Me:
"uhm.
..Lunch?Okay
,wher
e"?
Hi
m:"
kul
aShi
saNy
amay
akho"
Me:
"oohokay
,l
et'
smakei
tlat
elunchbyt
hree"
Hi
m:"
okay
,sui
tsme"
Me:
"l
ovey
ou"
Hi
m:"
lov
eyoumor
est
handwasam"

Irav
agedmywal
k-i
nclosetandsear
chedfor
somethi
ngt
owear.
..Iwantedt
olooksexyandf
resh
mntanam.It ookoutr
edstil
ett
osandali
ttl
eblack
j
umpsui twit
har edcl
utchandtookoutmyredmat t
e
l
ipst
ick.I'
m sooogonnaenjoymysel
fmtchanam .
..

Ijustworemygownandsl ippersndakl i
naIr oom
yam,Ihadnoj etl
agwhat soeversoIusedt he
opportuni
tytocleanthehouse,notjustmyr oom but
theentir
ehouse.WhenIwasdoneIj ustfloppedon
thecouchandwat chedTVr emember ingwhata
goodt i
meIhadi nCapeTownwi t
hhim. .Istil
lhadto
pinchmy sel
fwhenIt houghtofthef i
rstnightwhenI
gotdeflowered.

El
izabethwentint ol
aborfor26hoursbefore
deli
veri
ngherbounci ngbabyboythenaturalroute.
Apparentl
yMar cuswast hereever
ystepoftheway
andinthemor ningheinformedallhi
s
fr
iends.
..
explai
nswhyNt andocoul
dn'thavecoffee
withmet hatday,butIwonderwhyhenev ertoldme
himself?Mxm, anywayshehadnocompl icati
onsbut
doctorswer econcernedoft hebaby '
swei ght..
.t
hey
reckonedsheneededt ostayacoupl eofday sso
theydot horoughexami nati
onont hechi l
d.Mar cus
fi
rstcall
edmom anddad. .
.t
henhi sfr
iends,lastl
yhe
call
edus, Luu,
me,EveandKer i
..
.well
onmysi de,
I'
ve
neverseenhi m hal
fexcitedaboutany t
hingi nhis
l
ifeti
mesoi twaskindagoodhear i
nghi s
excit
ement ..
.t
heynamedt hechildafterhim, Marcus
|
| Smith,
lolwho'dhavethoughtt hough?

Vi
ncecal
l
edmendi
sabukel
eloTV

Me:
"hel
o'
'?
Hi
m:"
hey
,howy
ou"
?
Me:
"I
'm gr
eat
,you"
Hi
m:"
mh,
youknowy
ousoundgr
eatt
oo"
Il
aughed.
..

Me:
"sol
astt
imebi
ngav
akal
i
"?
Hi
m:"
nott
hisway
..
.Imean,
Ithi
nkknowbet
ter
"
Me:"Vi
ncent
,doesyourchi
ckknowy
ou'
ref
li
rt
ingwi
th
yourcust
omer s"
?
Him:
"you'
renotj
ustacust
omert
ome.
..
youshoul
d
knowthatbynow"
Me:
"I
'm not
?Idi
dn'
tknow"
Hi
m:"
andIt
houghtwewer
efr
iends"
Me:
"haha!Yesf
riend,
doessheev
enl
i
ket
hei
deaof
f
emalefri
ends"
Hi
m:"
wehbanna!Shedoesn'
tdi
ctat
emyl
i
fe"
Me:
"coul
d'
vef
ool
edme"
Him:
"you'
reget
ti
ngt
oobi
gforJo'
bur
gnow.
..
Ican
see"
Yhondamhl
eka:
v:v

Me:
"you'
ref
ull
ofy
our
sel
fyouknowt
hat
"?
Hi
m:"
youwoul
dn'
tdar
esayt
hatt
omyf
ace"
Me:
"j
ustgi
mmeacoupl
eofhour
s,I
'
llshowy
ou"
Hi
m:"
ohy
ou'
l
lbecomi
ngt
hissi
de"
?
Me:
"yeahIki
ndahav
eal
atel
unchwi
thaf
ri
end"
Hi
m:"
mal
efr
iend"
?
Me:
"huh!Whydoy
ouask"
Him:"well
..
.Iwoul
dn'twannaseeanot
herman
gett
ingjeal
ousov eryourf
avori
tewai
ter
"
>_
<neh?
Me:"
oohIsee...
butsi
ncemyfri
endi
sthe
manager,
I'
m surehecant
wistaLi
lfav
orforhi
s
goodfr
iend"
Hi
m:"
whatf
avormi
ghtt
hatbe"
?
Me:
"I
'dl
i
keLi
bot
obeourwai
tr
ess"
Hi
m:"
uh-
uh!No,
that
'
saNo,
no"
Me:
"pl
ease"
Hi
m:"
shedoesn'
tl
ikey
ou"
Me:
"Iknow.
..
buty
ou'
reherbossmos,
plzal
l
ocat
eher
t
omyt abl
e"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tknowhey
"
Me:
"I
'l
lbet
her
ebyt
hree"
Hi
m:"
I'
m notpr
omi
singany
thi
ng"
Me:
"youdon'
thav
eto.
.andt
hanksf
ort
hecal
lfut
hi"
Hi
m:"
I'
mjustgl
adI
'
llseey
out
oday
"
Me:
"yeahneh,
shar
p"
Hi
m:"
sho"

Wehungup.
..

Theti
mef ormet ogoappr oached.Iwentupst
air
s
andstart
edget t
ingdr essed.
..Iworemy
j
umpsui t
,shoesandj ustdecidedtogowi t
h
vani
shingcream,sincei t
sjustaShisaNyamanothi
ng
fancyt
henIcurl
edmyhai rwi
thahotcurl
eri
tgav
e
mebouncingcurl
smyphonewasr ingi
ng
somewhere,
Isearchedt
hegownpockets

Me:
"Bhut
'Nt
ando"
Hi
m:"
I'
m onmywayt
opi
cky
ouup"
Me:
"I
'm notr
eadyy
et"
Hi
m:"
it
s15:
15al
ready
"
Me:
"ny
han?YhoIdi
dn'
tcheckt
het
ime.I
'
m sor
ry"
Hi
m:"
cool
butI
'
m comi
ngany
way
"
Me:
"sho"

Ihungup, appl
i
edli
psti
ckandt ookt hecl utch,f
aka
l
ipstick,
phoneandwall
ett henIwal keddownst ai
rs,I
gulpeddownamout hf
ul ofcitrusj uiceandspr ayed
perfumeonmyneckbot hsi des,hehoot ed.Igot
out..
lockedandmethim out side.Her oll
eddownt he
windowasIcat wal
kedt owar dst hecar .
..Jo'burg
weat hercanbever
ypleasing: viv eleithikhangela
ul
wandlemt
chanam!Kuv
elekubehOThaynj
e
i
ndlal
o.

Hi
m:"
mychi
ckhot
tert
hany
our
s"
Me:
"yousoundl
i
keacheeseboy
"
Hi
m:"
I'
mint
hesubur
bsbabycummon"

Iwalkedint hecarandkissedhischeek,i
ttookhima
l
otofpushi ngforhimt ostar
tthecar:v.Hedr ov
et o
theplace,
itwasn'temptyatallbutwef oundaspot
andwewer ereall
yall
ocatedLibhongocozIsawher
walki
ngt owardsus: DIli
kethischi
ck:vshegott hat
sti
nkingghet t
oatti
tude!