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    5 views1,381 pages

    Thando

    Uploaded by

    melissamaphanga24

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 1381

    [

    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Thando

    Chapt
    er1

    "Pleasej
    ustl
    etmego.Ipr
    omi
    seIwon'
    ttel
    lany
    one,
    pleasedon'
    tdothi
    s!!
    !"

    "
    No!
    !!
    !"

    I
    t'
    sthatdr eam agai
    n..
    ..
    isthi
    snightmar
    eev ergoi
    ng
    t
    oleav emeal oneoram Ijustgoingt
    olivewithi
    tfor
    t
    her estofmyl i
    fe.Si
    gh..
    ..Thesunisalr
    eadyout?
    Waitami nute,whatti
    mei sit
    ??

    Oohno, i
    t'
    salmost7am.Am sur
    elygoi
    ngtobel
    atei
    f
    Idon'
    tgetoutofbednow.Ican'
    tbelat
    eforwor
    kon
    myf i
    rstday.
    Ihavetobequi ck.Idon' tthi
    nkam goi ngt ogeta
    properbath.Lucki lymysi st
    er,Tshidi pickedoutan
    outfi
    tformebef oreIleftNorthWest .Abl acksheath
    dress,abluebl azerandj ewelr
    yt hatIwon' tputon.
    Shealsopi ckedoutst il
    ettosbutIpr ef erwear i
    ng
    pumps.Asf orbr eakfast,am justgoingt ohav ea
    muf f
    inandcof fee." Wher earemycarkey sandmy
    phone?Ohhher e."Quickest30mi nutesofmyl i
    fe.
    ..
    .
    Nowi tsti
    met odr iveoft owor k.

    Sobef oreIgetany wher ewithmyl i


    fest ory,letme
    formal lyint
    roducemy self
    .MynameThando
    Mdlet shef r
    om Zeer ust,atowni nNor t
    hwest .Am
    current l
    y24butam goi ngtobeol derinSept ember .
    Yes, 6mor emont hsunt i
    lmy25t hbirthday .Am t he
    l
    astbor ninmyf ami l
    y.Iusedt owor katahospi t
    al i
    n
    Lehur utshebutt henIgott ransferredtoanot herone
    hereinSandt on.BeforeIcamet oSandt on, Iusedt o
    staywi thmymom andmy2si sters,Tshi diand
    Noluthando.Ial sohav e3br ot
    her swhoar etri
    plets,
    Sihl
    e, ZiphoandKhay a.Theyar eallov erseast aking
    careoft hefamilycompani est hatarei nwhatev er
    countriest heyarein.Idon'tmeant obragbutmy
    familyisqui ter
    ich,thankst omydad'shar dwor k.
    MydadpassedawaywhenIwas19duet o
    depressi on.Wedi dn'tevenknowt hathehadi t.Iwas
    hisfavour it
    echild.Hewasmybestf r
    iend,myki ng
    andaswei rdasitmaysound, myfir
    stboy f
    riend.
    Well,that '
    swhatheusedt ot el
    lmewhenIwas
    young.I fhewasst i
    llali
    ve,am 3567%sur ethathe
    wasgoi ngt omov etoSandt onwithme.Imi sshi m
    somuch.

    Nowwher
    edoIt
    aket
    hatl
    astt
    urn.
    ..
    ..
    yesher
    e.

    OkayThando,i
    t'sti
    mef ory
    out ogetoutofthi
    scar
    andshowthem whaty ougot.Don'
    tbescared
    becauseever
    ythingi
    sgoingtobe..
    ..
    ..

    Hell
    othere,
    "say sadeephuskyvoice.Judgingfrom
    the"hel
    lothere"andthebodystr
    uctuream l ooki
    ng
    atri
    ghtnowt hroughmywindow, am thi
    nkingmay be
    i
    t'samanbecausenof emalecanhav esuchabody
    st
    ruct
    ure.
    "
    Hie,
    howcanIhel
    pyou,
    "Ir
    epl
    yasIopenmy
    wi
    ndow.

    "
    Iwantt
    opar
    kher
    e,"say
    stheguy
    .Eeeht
    hisguy
    .

    "ButIhavealreadyparkedher
    esogogetanother
    parki
    ng,"Isaytryi
    ngtolookathi
    m.Hewon'teven
    benddownsot hatIcantal
    ktohim pr
    oper
    ly.

    "
    ButIwantt
    opar
    kher
    esomov
    e,"

    "Sor
    rysi
    rbutam notmov i
    ngsoy oumi
    ghtaswel
    l
    j
    ustleav
    e,"Isaygr
    inni
    ngmyt eet
    h.Hei
    sseri
    ousl
    y
    star
    ti
    ngtopissmeof fnow.

    "Okaythen,"hesaysashewalksaway.Hehasav ery
    bouncywal k.NowthatIcanseehi
    sface,Ican'
    t
    beli
    eveIjustspoketohimli
    kethat
    .Thisguylooks
    soscary.Ifhewast ogivemeasl ap,myf ourf
    ather
    s
    wouldalsof eelit
    .Butalongwiththatinti
    midat
    ing
    l
    ook,hei ssobeaut if
    ul,
    nothandsomebutbeaut i
    ful
    .
    Ashest epsi ntohiscar
    ,helooksbackatmeand
    cat
    chesmest ari
    ngathim.Iquicklyt
    ur nmyeyes
    awayfrom hi m butIcanfeelhi
    sey esonmeashe
    dri
    vespast .Thisguyissurel
    ygoingt okil
    lme.

    "Sothi
    sisitThando,l
    et'
    sdothi
    s,
    "Isayt
    omy
    sel
    fasI
    stepoutofthecarandlocki
    t.

    Wow! !!Thi shospitalishugecompar edt ot heonein


    Lehurutshe.I tlooksamazi ng.It'
    sarchitectureisso
    elegant.It'
    scompl etel
    ybui ltoutoftintedgl ass,
    blacktintedgl asst obespeci f
    ic.Besidei t,
    isawat er
    fountainwhi chi ssurroundedbyr edr osesandgr een
    l
    awn.Att het opoft hebui l
    di ngisabi gbl uesign.
    ULWANDLEHOSPI TAL.Thatmustbet hename.I t'
    s
    alsopaint edont heent rance.Thei nsidei sev en
    mor ealluringthant heout side.Ican'tev enexplain
    howamazi ngitisbutIcanexpl ai
    nhowbusyi tis.I
    thi
    nkam goi ngtoenjoyworki
    nghere.Therei
    sthe
    recept
    ionbutt her
    eisalongqueueandam not
    abouttogost andthereasi
    fam oneoft hepat
    ient
    s.
    Letmej ustasksomeonewhowor kshere.

    "
    Hell
    o,"Isay,
    tryi
    ngtogett
    heattenti
    onoft
    hewhi
    te
    l
    adywalkingpastme.Sheiswearingascr
    ubsoI
    j
    ustassumedt hatshei
    sanurse.

    "Hi
    e,canIhelpyouwit
    hsomethi
    ng,"Shesay
    s.She
    hasthecutestsmi
    leIhav
    eeverseen.

    "Iwant
    edtoaskifyoucoulddi
    rectmet othehead
    physi
    cian'
    sof
    fi
    ce.Am at r
    ansf
    erfrom Lehur
    utshe.
    Mynamei sThando..
    ..
    ..

    "ThandoMdl
    etshe?
    "Whoa,
    howdoessheknowmy
    name? ?
    ?
    "
    Yes,
    "Isaywi
    thashockedr
    eact
    ion.

    "Ihav
    eheardal
    otaboutyouandl
    etmej
    ustsay
    ,you
    areamazi
    ngatwhatyoudo."

    "
    Wel
    lthanky
    ou.
    ..
    "

    "
    Oohmynamei
    sNer
    isaHami
    l
    ton,
    "shesay
    ssmi
    l
    ing.

    "
    Welli
    t'
    sni
    cetomeetyouNeri
    sa,
    "Isayst
    ret
    chi
    ng
    myhandoutf
    orahandshake.

    "
    Ner
    isawher
    eist
    ha.
    ..
    .wel
    lhel
    l
    other
    e,"

    "
    DrVil
    akazi
    ,thi
    sisMrsMdletshe.Sheisher
    easa
    t
    ransf
    erfr
    om Lehur
    utshe.
    "saysNerisa.
    "
    Sor
    ryi
    t'
    sMi
    ssnotMr
    s."Isayi
    nter
    rupt
    ingNer
    isa.
    "
    Oohy
    ouar
    eher
    eear
    ly,
    theheadphy
    sici
    ansai
    dyou
    werecominginat10:30am,"sayst
    heguyinthe
    whit
    ecoat,shakingmyhand.SoIwassupposedt o
    behereat10:30am yett
    heytheydi
    dn'
    tevenbother
    tocal
    lmeandt ellmethat.Nx!
    !!

    "Wellsinceyouhere,am DrSabel oVi lakaziandam


    goingtobeassi st
    ingyout oday ,
    "hesay s.Ist
    il
    l
    haven'tsaidaword.Ner i
    sajustdi sappear edsoam
    l
    eftalonewi thDrVil
    akazi.Hel ookssodr eamy ,
    his
    bodyisev erywoman'sdr eam wheni tcomest oher
    man.Heev ensmel l
    ssexy. .
    .damnhi sl i
    psandhi s
    eyes.Snapoutofi tThando, hehasar ingonhi s
    fi
    ngerf orcry
    ingoutloud.

    "
    Soar
    eyoudoneobser
    vingmenow.
    "

    Wai
    twhat
    !!
    !.
    ..
    hesawme.

    "Idonotknowwhatyouar
    etal
    ki
    ngabout
    ,"Isay
    .Am
    suchahorri
    blel
    i
    ar.
    "Okaythen,
    wouldyoumindtel
    l
    ingmewhatIj
    ust
    saidtoyoujustaf
    ewsecondsago,
    "-
    him.

    Ooohshi
    t.

    "Uuummm, "Yepit
    soffici
    al,
    am ater
    ri
    bleli
    ar.Luckl
    y
    am notalawyerbecauseIwasgoingtobet heworst
    l
    awy eri
    nthehist
    oryoflawyers.Hei
    slaughingatme.
    Am soembar r
    assedrightnow.

    "Okayl et'
    sstartwiththis,
    her eisyourcoatwithyour
    namet agandy ourst et
    hoscope.Am goi ngtogive
    youal istofjobswhi chincluder ev
    iewingsome
    patientsonthel eftwingandr ewri
    ti
    ngf l
    uidanddrug
    char t
    s.Alongwi ththelist
    ,herei syourbeep.So
    sincey ouareadoct oram pret t
    ysureyouknowwhat
    abeepi sri
    ght?"hesay slookingatmewi thone
    eyebrowup.
    "I
    fit
    'st
    hesamebeepweuseinLehurutshethenam
    267%sureIknowwhati
    t'
    susei
    s,"Isaywithasmirk.

    Hesmil
    es.Hi
    ssmi l
    ethough.Isweari
    fIdon'
    tget
    awayf
    rom hi
    m soon,am goi
    ngtoendupaskinghim
    tobemyman.

    "Okaythen,f
    oll
    owme, "hesaysashestart
    swal
    ki
    ng
    alongaglasspassagewhichreal
    lyfr
    eaksmeout
    becauseIfeell
    ikei
    t'
    sgoingtobreak.

    *
    ***
    ***
    *

    It
    'sfinall
    yhomet i
    meandam soexhaust ed.Iwas
    actuallysupposedt oknockoffat19:30pm butsince
    Istartedmyshi ftearl
    y,DrVi
    lakazisai
    dIshoul d
    ratherknockof fat17:30pm.Imadeaf ewf r
    iends,
    Ner i
    sabei ngoneoft hem.Shehast hi
    swel coming
    atmospher e.Ir
    eall
    yli
    keher.
    "Goodby
    eguy
    s,i
    '
    llseey
    out
    omor
    row,
    "Isayheadi
    ng
    out.

    "
    ByeThando.
    "

    AsIwalktowardsmycar,Ispotafamil
    i
    arlooki
    ng
    carpar
    ked4car sawayf
    rom mine.Therei
    snoone
    i
    nit.Oohwell
    ..
    .

    Timet ogohome.Ist ar
    tthecarthendriveoff.Ican
    fi
    nallyli
    stentoTeyanaTaylor
    ,oneofmyf avour i
    te
    singers.Ial
    waysgetgoosebumpswhenev erIli
    sten
    tohersongsbutmyboy fri
    endhatesher.Which
    remindsme, Ihadtocallhiminthemor ni
    ngbutI
    forgot.Maybeit'
    sbecauseIwasr ushi
    ngsoi t
    sli
    ppedmymi nd.I'
    l
    lcal
    lhim whenIgethome.I 'l
    l
    alsocallmymom.

    Scr
    eeeeeeeeeebump!
    !!
    Whatt
    hehel
    lwast
    hat
    ???

    Iqui
    cklyjumpoutofmycart
    oseewhathas
    happened.Ohmygosh!
    !!
    !!

    "
    Whatthefuck!
    !Comeon,Ij
    ustgott
    hiscar
    ,"Isayi
    n
    atr
    embli
    ngv oi
    ce,
    angerwr
    it
    tenal
    lovermyface.

    Someonewalksoutofthecart
    hatjusthit
    mine.
    ..
    .wai
    taminute,
    Iknowthatfacefrom
    somewhere.

    "
    You?
    ??"Ishout
    .

    "Wel
    l,wel
    l,
    well,
    ifi
    tisn'
    tMi
    ssst
    eal
    otherpeopl
    e'
    s
    par
    kingspaces.
    "

    *
    ***
    ***
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er2

    "Whatthehelliswrongwithyou,couldn'
    tyouseea
    carr
    ightinfrontofyour
    s."I
    sn'ti
    tfunnyhowmycar
    l
    ooksbadl ydamagedbuthi si
    sst i
    l
    lintact
    .Itactual
    l
    y
    l
    ookslikehiscardidn'
    tevenhitmineatall.
    ...
    ..
    .
    #mindblown.

    "
    Fir
    stofal
    l
    ,not
    hingi
    swr
    ongwi
    thme.
    Secondl
    y,Idi
    dseey ourcarri
    ghti
    nfrontofmebutI
    j
    ustfel
    tli
    kehitt
    ingi
    t.Sosincemyjobisdonehere,
    "
    hesays,sl
    owlywalki
    ngaway .Wherethehel
    ldoeshe
    thi
    nkheisgoing??

    "OhYounotgoi nganywhere,youhavetofi
    xmycar
    sinceit
    'syourf
    ault
    ,"Isay
    .Whodoeshet hi
    nkhei s.
    Hecan'tjusthi
    tmycarandl eave.HowIregretnot
    i
    nsuringmycarnow.Ishoul dn'
    thaverej
    ectedmy
    mom' soffer
    .
    "Yourinsur
    ancewi l
    ltakecar
    eofitbecauseam so
    notfix
    inganythi
    ng.Ifyouhadjustmovedfrom t
    hat
    parki
    ngspace, yourcarwoul
    dhav ebeenfi
    nebut
    sinceyoudecidednott omove,t
    hisiswhatyouget.
    "-
    him.

    "
    Idon'thaveaninsur
    anceyoudumbass,
    "Isay,my
    voi
    cetautwithanger
    ."Andwhythehel
    lar
    ey ou
    makingtheparki
    ngspacethingabi
    gdeal
    ,itwasj
    ust
    afucki
    ngspacey oucunt!
    !"

    "Wellt
    henifitwasjustaparkingspace,whydidn't
    youmov e?andasfornothavingani nsur
    ance,that'
    s
    yourownpr obl
    em.By e,
    "hesay sashewav es;
    walki
    ngbackt ohi
    scar ,
    gett
    ingi nanddri
    vingaway .
    Soher eal
    l
    yi sl
    eavi
    ngmeher e.Arr
    ogantfool.Nx!!
    !

    Whatam Igoi ngtodonow.IfIcal


    lthepoli
    ceam
    prett
    ysuretheyarenotev
    engoi ngtohelpme.They
    will
    onlytauntmewi t
    hquesti
    ons.WorseIdidn'
    teven
    takethatfool
    'snumberpl
    ate.Whatwill
    Isaytothem.
    Itwouldhavebeenbetteri
    fIhadaneyewit
    nessbut
    ever
    ysinglepersonhereseemstobemindi
    ngt hei
    r
    ownbusiness.Am onaf ucki
    ngfr
    eewaybutnoone
    i
    sev enstoppi
    ngt ohel
    p.Ever
    yoneisj
    ustdr
    ivi
    ng
    past!
    !!
    !Aaaaaagh
    OhGod, howwill
    Igethome.Iwoul duseataxibutI
    don'tevenknowi ft
    heyareanyaroundhere.Even
    thoughthereweretaxi
    saround,Ihaveneverbeenon
    oneandf r
    om whatIhavehear
    daboutsomeoft he
    dri
    v er
    s,Idon'
    tthi
    nkIwouldwantt ouseone.No
    offense.
    Wait,
    Ithi
    nkTshidihasafri
    endwhostays
    somewherearoundhere.Letmecal
    lherandaskher
    toaskherfr
    iendtohelpme.

    Shei sn'
    tanswering.Okayt hi
    sguyhasmanagedt o
    ruinmyday .Letmej ustt
    rydrivi
    ngmycarbecausei t
    doesn'tseem li
    keIhav eachoice.ButifIdriv
    eit
    whi l
    stitl
    ooksli
    ket his,Imightgetintr
    oubl ewiththe
    traff
    icpoli
    ce.Imi ghtaswel lj
    ustgetinmycar ,
    sitin
    thereandwai tf
    orTshi ditogivemeacal lback.
    Luckl
    y,Ihav
    eagunt hatmydadleftbehi
    ndwhenhe
    di
    ed.Mymom say sthatmydadalway st
    oldhert
    o
    gi
    veittomei fany
    thi
    ngeverhappenedtohim.

    "
    Ma'
    am,
    wakeup,
    "Ihearav
    oicesay
    ingbutf
    aint
    ly.

    Di
    dIfal
    lasl
    eepandwasIdrool
    i
    ng,t
    hestr
    eetl
    i
    ght
    s
    ar
    eon?Howl onghav
    eIbeensl
    eepi
    ng.

    "Ma'am pl
    easeopenyourwi
    ndow.
    "Ohhgr
    eat
    ,it
    s
    him agai
    n.Whatdoeshewant.

    "
    Ifyouareheretomakemyl if
    emor ecompl
    i
    cat
    ed
    t
    hani ti
    sthenpleasel
    eav
    e,"IsayasIopenmycar
    window,point
    ingmygunathim.

    "
    Whoababygi
    rl,
    chi
    l
    lam her
    et ohel
    pyou,
    "hesay
    s
    wi
    thasar
    cast
    icsmi
    rkonhisface.
    "
    Hel
    pme?Why
    ?,"

    "St
    opaskingquest
    ionsandj
    ustgeti
    ntomycar
    ,I'
    l
    l
    bewai
    tingforyou,
    "hesayst
    urni
    ngaway.

    "
    Am sonotgoi
    ngany
    wher
    ewi
    thy
    ou,
    "Isayr
    oll
    i
    ng
    myeyes.

    "
    Look,st
    opbeinganutheadandl
    etmehel
    pyou.
    Nowlet'
    sgo,
    "hesaystr
    yingt
    oopenmydoor.

    "
    Isai
    dam notgoi
    ngany
    wher
    ewi
    thy
    ouokay
    ,"Isay
    i
    nalowvoice.

    "Okaythen,suityoursel
    f.
    "hesaysi nhisf r
    uit
    yv oi
    ce.I
    won'tl
    ie,hi
    sv oiceissopleasanttol i
    stento,
    especi
    all
    ywhenhespeaksi nzulu.Itj
    usthast hat
    thi
    ngabouti tthati
    ssoat tr
    acti
    ve.Ther eisone
    questi
    onIwoul dl
    ovet oaskhimt hough, whyishe
    wear
    ingsungl
    assesandacapatni
    ght
    ?
    Thandocomebackt
    oreal
    i
    ty.Theonl
    ypersonwho
    cangiv
    eyouari
    dehomeisabouttol
    eave.St
    ophi
    m.

    "Hey
    ,wai
    tformeam comi ng,
    "Isay
    ,taki
    ngmypur
    se
    andmygun."Butwhataboutmycar?"

    "Don'tworr
    yaboutthat,j
    ustgeti
    nthecarandlet'
    s
    go,"hesaysopeningthepassengerdoorofhi
    scar
    forme.Iquickl
    ystepoutofmycar ,l
    ockitandwalk
    tohis.Hethenstart
    sgiggli
    ngasIsiti
    nhiscar.I
    can'tbel
    iev
    ethatam leavi
    ngmybr andnewbaby
    behind.Mybeautif
    ulAudiA6..
    ..

    "Don'tworryaboutyourcar,Iwill
    takecareofit.Now
    tel
    lmewher eyoustay."Hesay s,l
    ookingatmeand
    theroadashedr ives.Beinginthesamecarwi t
    hhi m
    real
    lyfreaksmeout .Hehast hisfri
    ghteni
    ng
    atmospher ebutal
    soat tr
    acti
    ve.Wel lscul
    ptur
    edf ace
    withpur pl
    eli
    psthatseem soft.Hisscentisso
    str
    ong.Heseemsliket
    hestr
    ongsi
    lentt
    ype.The
    onlypr
    obl
    em ishi
    sdressi
    ngandhi
    scarwooooooo.

    "Ist
    ayinEdernburg,
    Del LaReyRoad.Therei
    sa
    complexther
    e."Isaylooki
    ngoutthewindow.

    "Okaythen,
    wewi llbether
    einabout10mi nut
    es,
    "he
    sayswithwhatlookslikeasmil
    e.Ishetr
    yingto
    smile?Eeehyimuhl ol
    oley
    i.Imean,whothehell
    smilesli
    kethi
    s..
    ..
    ..
    .

    Wehavef i
    nall
    yar
    ri
    vedandIhaveneverbeenso
    r
    eli
    evedinmyentir
    eli
    fe.Icanf
    inal
    l
    ygetawayfrom
    t
    hiscarwrecki
    ngguy.

    "Soam notget t
    ingat hankyou,notevenakisson
    thecheek,"hesay slooki
    ngatmeasIt r
    ytoopenthe
    door.Doesheser i
    ouslythi
    nkthatIwouldt
    hankhim
    whenit'
    sact ual
    lyhisfaultt
    hatam inthi
    smess,let
    aloneakiss!!Ai
    i never.
    "WellMrWhat ev
    eryournameis,idon'
    tseeany
    reasontothankyouorgiveyouakisssogoodbye,
    "I
    say,sti
    l
    ltr
    yingtoopenthedoor.Whyisn'
    the
    unlocki
    ngthedoor.

    "
    All
    youhavetosayist
    hankyouandy
    ouwi
    l
    lbef
    ree
    t
    ogo,"hesay
    s,bi
    ti
    nghisnai
    l
    s.

    "
    Am notgoi
    ngtosaythanky
    ouespeci
    all
    ynott
    o
    y
    ou,
    "Isay."
    Pleasel
    etmeout,
    "

    "
    Onl
    ywhenIhearat
    hanky
    ou.
    "
    "
    Nothappeni
    ng,
    "Isayf
    oldi
    ngmyar
    ms.
    "
    Okaythen.Iguesswewi ll
    justsi
    tinthi
    scarthe
    whol
    enightbecauseam notinar ushatal
    l.
    "He
    won'
    tl
    etmeoutwi l
    lhe.
    ..
    .si
    gh.

    "
    Thanky
    ou,
    "Isay
    ,inawhi
    sper
    .
    "
    Whatdidyousay,
    "hesays,hol
    dinghi
    slef
    tearwi
    th
    asmi
    rk.I
    fhedoesn'tt
    akethatst
    upidsmir
    koffhi
    s
    f
    acenow,Iam goi
    ngtokil
    lhim.

    "
    Isaidt
    hanky
    ounowl
    etmeout
    ,"Isayi
    nasul
    ky
    v
    oice.

    "
    Okayyoucangobutbefor
    eyoul
    eav
    e,woul
    dyou
    mindt
    ell
    i
    ngmey ourname.
    "

    Aaaaahnev
    er.
    ..
    ..

    "Not hankyoubye,"Isay ,r
    ushingoutofhiscar
    beforehelocksmei nsideagain.Idon'tev
    enl ook
    backbutam get t
    ingt hefeeli
    ngt hatheislookingat
    me, sti
    llwi
    ththatsmi rkonhisf ace.GodhowIwi shI
    couldjustsmacki toffhisface...
    ..
    ..
    "Goodeveningma'am,areyouokay,
    "sayst
    heguard
    asIenterthegate.Hetakesal
    ookatthecart
    hat
    droppedmeof fandlooksli
    keheisr
    eadytochar
    ge
    forwhoeverisi
    nside.

    "Am finethanky ou,


    "Isaywalkingpasthi m.Am
    fi
    nallyinmyapar tmentandIfeel superexhaust ed.
    It
    'salreadypast8pm.Am sogl adthatIunpacked
    myst uffwhenIar ri
    vedyest
    erday .Myapar tment
    i
    sn'tthatbig,i
    tjusthas2bedr oomseachwi thanen-
    suit
    ebat hroom, aki
    tchenandl i
    v i
    ngroom.Il oveit,
    especiall
    ythegreyfoggycolort hat'
    spaintedont he
    walls.Am real
    lynotinthemoodf orcooking, am just
    goingt ohaveteaandasandwi ch.Ialsohav etocal l
    mybooandmymom.Letmecal lmyboo, Sibusiso
    fi
    rst.Hemi ghtmakemef or
    getaboutt oday.

    "Myput sununu, IthoughtSandt


    onhadkil
    l
    edyou,
    "
    that
    'sthef i
    rstthinghesay swhenheanswer
    sthe
    phone.Notev enagoodev eni
    ng.
    ..
    "Ihopey ouweren'tpl
    anni
    ngonr eplaci
    ngme
    already
    ,"Isay.Icanhearhi
    ml aughing.HowImiss
    hisfunnylaugh.Forsomer eason,helaughsl
    i
    kehe
    i
    saboutt odi
    e.

    Iendupt el
    li
    nghim aboutmydaywhi chhef i
    nds
    amusing.Heissupposedtocomet oSandt onand
    beatupthisguybutyethereheisl
    aughing.Ihave
    beenont hephoneforalmost2hours.Ithi
    nkit'
    s
    ti
    meIalsocal l
    mymom bef oreshegoest osleep.

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

    Beep,beep, beep..
    ..I
    t'
    smy6: 00am alarm.Thisis
    actual
    lymyf i
    rstti
    meev erheari
    ngmyal armr i
    ng.
    BackinZeer ust,mymom wasmyal arm becausethe
    actualal
    arm hadgi venuponme.Ist i
    llf
    eel
    exhausted.mat teroffact
    ,Ifeel
    li
    keIonl ysl
    eptfor
    30mi nutes.Howi hat
    egetti
    ngoutofbed.Ist il
    lcan'
    t
    beli
    evethatmycargotsmashedbyt hatscary
    l
    ookingf ool
    .Howwi ll
    Igettowor kont i
    me.IwishI
    hadt
    akenoneofmycol
    l
    eague'
    snumbers,t
    hey
    woul
    dhavehel
    pedmeoutwit
    hthi
    sissue.
    AsIstandbymybat hr
    oom wi ndowwhilstbrushi
    ng
    myteeth,Inoti
    ceaf amil
    iarlooki
    ngcarandnextt oi
    t
    i
    sahuge, int
    imidat
    ingfi
    gur e.I
    t'
    shimisn'ti
    t.
    ...
    what
    doeshewantt hist
    ime...
    .

    Maybehealsost
    aysher
    eorhei
    sjustv
    isi
    ti
    nga
    f
    ri
    end.Letmemindmyownbusi
    nessandgetr
    eady
    f
    orwork.

    Am doneandreadyforwor
    kin55minut
    es.Now
    howthehell
    willIgett
    oworkbef
    ore8:
    30am?

    I
    '
    llaskthesecur
    it
    yguardi
    fhecanhelpmeoutwith
    t
    his.AsIstepoutofmyapar
    tment,
    Iswit
    chofft
    he
    l
    i
    ght ,
    lockt
    hedoorandheadfort
    heelev
    atort
    hatwil
    l
    t
    akemedownst air
    s.

    "
    Goodmor
    ningma'
    am.
    "Say
    sadeepv
    oiceasIst
    ep
    outoft
    heel
    evat
    orlooki
    ngatmyphone.Iknowt
    hat
    fr
    uit
    yvoi
    cef
    rom anywhere.

    "
    Whati
    sit
    ?"IsayasIst
    andst
    il
    landl
    ookathi
    m.

    "Noneedf ort
    heat t
    itudebabygi r
    l,Ijustcameher e
    topickyouup,"hesay s,putt
    inghishandsi nhis
    pockets.Hedressesupl ikemyuncl ef rom
    Polokwane.Her eal
    lyneedsawar drobemakeov er
    becauseno.Heal sohashi sglassesandcapon.
    May bethese2ar epartofhisdail
    ydr esscode.

    "Pi
    ckmeupf orwhat
    ?"Iask.Iknowexact
    lywhyhe
    camet opi
    ckmeupbutIjustfeltl
    i
    keaski
    ngthat
    quest
    ion.Hedoesl
    ookconfusedbymyquestion.

    "
    Yes,
    am goi
    ngt
    odr
    opy
    ouof
    fatwor
    k."

    "
    Why
    ?"
    "Becausey oudon' thaveanyot hermeansof
    transport
    ,comeonl et'sgo,"hesays, grabbingmy
    hand.Godhast rulyanswer edmypr ay erev en
    thoughIhav etobei nthecarwi t
    hhim agai n.Aswe
    arewal ki
    ngtohiscar ,
    Inot i
    cethatal otofpeopl eare
    greetinghim,event heguar ds.Maybehedoesst ay
    here.Whenwegett ohi scar,heopenst he
    passengerdoorf orme, waitsformet ogeti nsi
    de
    andt henclosest hedoor .Wellatl
    easthei sa
    gent l
    eman.Het henwal kstothedriversi de,getsin
    andst art
    sdrivi
    ng.Ther ei stot
    alsil
    encei nthecar
    whi chiski
    ndofawkwar d.Hedoesn' tev enaskme
    wher eam going.Doesheknowwher eIwor k?

    "Soam goingtocomepickyouupatthehospi
    tal
    wheny ouknockoffokay
    ,don'
    tgooutlooki
    ngfor
    anothert
    ranspor
    t,
    "hesayskeepi
    nghiseyesonthe
    road.

    "
    Howdoy
    ouknowt
    hatIwor
    kther
    e?"Iask.
    "Justawildguesshey.
    "Icantellt
    hatheisl
    yingbut
    am justgoi
    ngtoleti
    tsli
    de.AtleastIgotar
    ide.

    "Whyar
    eyoudoi
    ngthi
    s?"Iaskl
    ooki
    ngathi
    m.Al
    lhe
    doesi
    sshr
    ug.Nowordsaid.

    Ihavenoti
    cedthathehasbeensteali
    nggl
    ancesat
    mesincewel ef
    tthecomplexandit'
    smaki
    ngme
    superuncomfort
    able.Heevenhasthi
    snotor
    ious
    smil
    eandi t
    'smakingmeev enmoreuncomfortabl
    e.

    "
    Sowhatwoul
    dyousayi
    fIaskedy
    ououtf
    orl
    unch?
    "

    "
    Iwoul
    dsaynothankyou,
    "Isay
    ,looki
    ngoutt
    he
    wi
    ndow.Icanf
    eelhi
    seyesonme.

    "
    Comeongrumpypants,Ipr
    omiset
    odr
    opy
    ouof
    fat
    wor
    kbef
    oreluncht
    imeisover.
    "
    Ooohsonowam gr
    umpypant
    s."
    Isai
    dnot
    hank
    you.
    "

    "Damnyouaresuchahar
    dnut
    ,"hesay
    s,sof
    tl
    y
    hit
    ti
    ngt
    hesteeri
    ngwheel
    .

    Finall
    yatthehospital.Icanf i
    nall
    ygetout.Iturnto
    him, t
    hankhimf orther ideandstepoutoft hecar.I
    walkintothehospital andnot i
    cethatheisstil
    l
    parkedthere.Doesn'thehav eali
    feorsomet hing.
    Any ways,l
    etmest artwor kingIhavegotal ottodo
    today.Mybeepsuddenl ygoesoff,ibet
    tergoat t
    end
    towhoev erneedsmyhel pri
    ghtnow.

    It
    'snowlunchandam exhaust
    ed.Ijustwantmybed
    ri
    ghtnow.Ihaven'
    tseenDrVil
    akaziAKAMrsexylips
    allmorni
    ng,whi
    chisabummer .IknowIhav ea
    boyfr
    iendbutIj
    ustcan'
    tst
    opadmi ri
    nghim.
    "
    DrMdlet
    shesomeonedroppedof
    fapackagef
    or
    y
    ou,
    "saysther
    ecept
    ioni
    st.

    Apackagef
    orme?
    ?

    "Okayl
    et'
    ssee,"Isay,standingupfrom mychair
    walki
    ngtothedoor .Oham i nmyof f
    icebytheway.
    YesInowhav eanof fi
    ce.Isn'tt
    hatamazing.

    Awr
    appedbox?Iwonderwhat
    'si
    nsi
    de.

    "Thankyou,
    "isayt
    otherecept
    ioni
    stasIcloset
    he
    door.Nowlet'
    sseewhat
    '
    si nsi
    de.Alunchbox??
    ??
    From who?

    Ohht
    her
    eisanot
    eher
    e.

    *
    **Si
    ncey
    our
    efusedt
    ogooutf
    orl
    unchwi
    thme,
    i
    deci
    dedt
    omakesomet
    hingf
    ory
    ou.

    PSIhopey
    ouwi
    l
    lenj
    oyi
    t.
    ..
    .*
    **

    Whatisi twit
    hthisguy.Whywon' theleavemeal one
    andhowdi dheknowt heexactper sont osendi tto.
    Whot oldhim myname?Iwontev enbot heropening
    thi
    slunchbox, I
    '
    lljustt
    hrowi taway .IguessI'l
    lj
    ust
    att
    endt osomepat i
    ent
    snowt hatthereisnoneed
    formet ogot othecafeter
    ia.Whatawayt olosemy
    appeti
    te!

    Myshiftisnowov
    er.Timetogohomeandsl eep.I
    hopemyr idei
    sal
    readyout
    side.FunnyhowIactual
    l
    y
    expecthimtobet
    hereasifhewor ksformeor
    something.

    "
    DrMdletshe,her
    eareyourcarkey
    s,"
    -the
    r
    ecept
    ionistasIwal
    kout.
    Mycarkey
    s?Butmycari
    sget
    ti
    ngf
    ixed.

    Wai tami nute,thesearen'tmine."Sorr


    ybutt hese
    aren'tmine,"Isayhandi ngthem backt oher.She
    l
    ookssoconf used."Butyourboy fr
    iendsai
    dIshoul d
    givethem toy ou, heevenment ionedyourname, "
    sayst hereceptionist
    .Myboy fri
    end?ButSi busisois
    i
    nZeer ust.

    "Theonewhosentt hepackageatlunch,
    "sayst he
    receptioni
    st,
    sti
    ll
    looki
    ngconf usedbythefactthat
    am rejecti
    ngthekeys."Sor
    rybutthesearen'
    tmi ne,
    theper sonwhogav ethem t
    oy ouwill
    comet ake
    them,"Isaywalkingawayfrom her.

    "Helef
    tanote,
    "shoutstherecept
    ioni
    st,
    holdi
    ngupa
    smallpi
    eceofpaper.Iwal
    kbackt oherandtaket
    he
    note.

    *
    **Am goi
    ngt
    oBenoni
    sot
    aket
    hecarkey
    sfr
    om t
    he
    recept
    ionist
    .Usemycart ogethome,I
    '
    llcomepicki
    t
    upaty ourplace.Cooksomet
    hingni
    ceformeplease
    (withasmi l
    eyface).
    ..
    .*
    **

    Godsav
    emef
    rom t
    hisguy
    .

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

    SoIdecidedtotakethecar.Honestlyspeaki
    ng,thi
    s
    carishorr
    ibl
    e.Am usedtodr i
    vi
    ngelegantcarsbut
    thi
    sone.Mydadwoul ddieforthesecondtimeifhe
    everseesmedr iv
    ingsuch.Am homei nnot i
    me.Am
    i
    nt hemoodf orsomehomemadef ood.Am sonot
    goingtocookforthatguy,heisonlycomingtopick
    uphiscarandnot hi
    ngelse.Idon'
    thavethetimenor
    energytoenter
    tai
    nhim.
    Am thinki
    ngofcooki
    ngsomethingcheesy .
    ..
    Macar oni
    andcheese,t
    hatwil
    ldof ort
    onight.I
    quickl
    yputonmyapr onandstartgett
    ingbusy.Am
    prett
    ysureI'
    l
    lbedoneby21:00.
    Foodisr
    eady,nowi
    t'
    sti
    met
    osi
    tdown,
    wat
    chTV
    andeatmyfood.

    Di
    ngdong.
    ..
    .doorbel
    l
    .

    "
    Whoi
    sit
    ?"

    "I
    t'
    sme, am heref
    orthecarkey s,
    "Idon'
    tev enhave
    tochecki fi
    t'
    sreal
    lyhim becausethatfr
    uityvoi
    ceof
    hisjustassuredme."Okayletmegogett hem,"Isay,
    standingupf r
    om thecouch.

    Iopent
    hedoorandt
    her
    ehei
    s."
    Her
    ear
    eyourkey
    s
    nowscooch,
    "

    "
    Youdon'
    tl
    iket
    hanki
    ngpeopl
    eneh,
    "hesay
    s.
    "Nop,by e.
    "Isay,cl
    osi
    ngt hedoorbuthethen
    decidest ostopmebypl aci
    nghishandwhichwasa
    verystupidmov ebecausenowhei shurt
    .Great
    ,now
    Ihavet olethimint
    omyapar tment.
    ..
    ugh!
    !

    "Comein,
    I'
    ll
    gogetmyfi
    rstai
    dkit,
    "Isayopeni
    ngthe
    doorf
    orhim.Heget
    sinandjustst
    andswhileIr
    ush
    tomyroom.

    WhenIcomebackwiththeki
    tinmyhand,
    hei s
    al
    readysi
    tt
    ingonmycouchandeat
    ingMYf ood.

    "
    Whatthehel
    l
    !!!
    !"Ishout
    .Wasn'
    thet
    aughtany
    manner
    s.

    "What!"hesayswithhisti
    nyey eswi deopenasifhe
    didn'
    tdoany t
    hingwrong."Isawf oodinfrontofme
    soIdecidedtoeatit.AndIdi dasky outocook
    somet hi
    ngforme,"hesays, stuf
    finghismouthwith
    myf ood.Igi
    veup,thisguyisgoi ngtomakemyl if
    ea
    t
    otal
    miser
    y.

    "Okaynev er mi ndt hef ood,letmeseey ourhand, "I


    say ,takinghi sr i
    ghthand.Ist artappl yingheatr ubon
    thespothegothur tandwhenIl ookup, heisl ooking
    atme.Hei sn'twear inghi sgl asses." Hasany one
    ev ertoldy ouhowbeaut i
    fulyouar e, "hesay s.Idon' t
    knowwhatt osay .Hei sst i
    lllooki ngatme, Ithinkhe
    i
    swai tingf orar epl ywhi chhewon' tget .Ialsol ook
    athi m andnowi tf eelsl i
    kewear ei nast ar i
    ng
    cont estwhi chIwi llprobabl yl osebecauseIbl i
    nka
    l
    ot .Hisey esar ebl uewhi chisshocki nglyr ar
    eand
    freakybutext remel ybeaut iful.Ihav enev erseen
    suchey es.Il iket hem.I tfeelsl i
    kehei sl ooking
    straighti nt omysoul andt ryi
    ngt of indwhatnoone
    elsecan.I t'
    sl ikeoursoul sar ehav ingadeep
    i
    nt imat emomentwhi chcanl astf or ever.OkayIhav e
    tost opt his.Iqui ckl yst andupwi thmyf irstaidki t
    butbef or eIcoul dev ent akemyf irstst ep, hecal l
    s
    me.Iwonderhowheknowsmyname.Het hen
    standsup, looksatmeandpl aceshi shandonmy
    shoul der .Hei sr eal l
    yt allandbr oad- shoul dered.He
    al
    sohasat attooonhisarm, i
    tlooksli
    keaJesus's
    crownoft hornstypeoftatt
    ooandheal sohassome
    wor dtat
    tooedont hesamear m.Zwi de,t
    hat'
    sthe
    wor d.Hi
    ssur namemustbeZwi de,am j
    usttaki
    nga
    wildguesst hatsal
    l.
    ..
    ..
    .Okaynowbackt oreali
    ty,
    his
    handi ssti
    ll
    onmyshoul der
    ."Am real
    lysorr
    yfor
    hi
    ttingyourcar .
    "

    IneverthoughtthatIwil
    leverhearhim apologi
    ze.
    Helooksl i
    kethetypeofpersonwhowoul dhityou
    byaccidentbutstil
    lwouldn'
    tapologize."I
    t'
    sokay,
    as
    l
    ongasi t'
    sgetti
    ngf i
    xed.Butyouaregoi ngtobemy
    dri
    veruntili
    t'
    sfi
    xed."isay,t
    aki
    nghi shandof fmy
    shoulder.

    "Don'
    tworryaboutthat
    ,I'
    l
    lbeyourdri
    verunti
    lyou
    getyourcarback.OrImightaswell
    bey ourdri
    ver
    forl
    if
    e,"hesayswithastupi
    dsmileonhisface.

    "
    Nothankyou,
    Iwantyououtofmyli
    feassoonas
    mycarcomesback,
    "Isay
    ,shaki
    ngmyhead.The
    smi l
    ehehadj ustaf ewsecondsagomi r acul ously
    disappear s,nowr epl acedbysomanyemot ions.I t'
    s
    l
    ikehedoesn' twantt hatdayt ocome, thedayhewi l
    l
    hav etoleav e.It'slikehedoesn' tevenwantt ot hink
    abouti t
    .Ther eisar eall
    yawkwar dsilencenow
    soooooooi thinkIshoul dwalkhi m out." Ithinki t
    's
    ti
    mef ory out ogo, "Isay ,openingt hedoor ."Can' tI
    sleepher ef ort heni ghtbecausei dontt hinkI 'llbe
    ablet odr i
    vewhi l
    stmyhandi sinsuchacondi tion."
    Thesmi leisback, thisguyt hough.Hi shandi snot
    evenbadl yhur t,hei sjustmaki ngupanexcuset o
    stayher e.Thesmi lehehasr i
    ghtnowi smor e
    notoriousl ookingt hant heonehehadi nt hemor ning.
    Hebet t
    ernotbet hinkingofdoi ngany t
    hing. "Ooooh
    hellno.Ij ustmety ou,Ican'tj
    ustl etyousl eepher e.
    Whati fy ouar ear apistorat hi
    ef ?Hahaam not
    ri
    skingany thingshame.Andy ouri nj
    uryi sn'tt hatbad
    atall.Sopl easego."Isay .
    "Comeonbabes.DoIseri
    ousl
    ylookl
    iket
    hoset
    ype
    ofpeopl
    e."hesay
    s,st
    il
    lwi
    ththesmil
    e.
    "
    Am notr
    iski
    ngi
    tsi
    r.
    "
    "
    PleaseThando.
    "hesaypl
    eadi
    ngwi
    thhi
    sey
    es.
    Aaaaghj
    eez.

    "Okayf i
    ne,youcanbutonl ybecausey ouhel pedme
    outwi thtr
    anspor tandthat'
    sit
    .Therei sar oom
    whichi sony ourleft
    .Youwi l
    lsl
    eept here,"Isay
    closingthedoor ."Pl
    easedon'trui
    nmyapar t
    ment
    thesamewayy oudi dwit
    hmycar ,"Isay ,am super
    seriousbuthet hinksam joki
    ng.Any way s,l
    etmego
    sleep.I'
    llj
    ustleavehim herewhichscar esmebut
    am r eal
    lyexhausted.Heisbackt oeatingmyMac
    andcheese.

    Thi
    sguy
    ..
    ..
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er3

    "
    Ifi
    nall
    ygotyoubabygir
    l.Youhavenoi
    deahow
    muchIhavebeencravi
    ngf ory
    ou.ComeThando,
    we
    wi
    llhaveal
    otoffun,
    "
    "Nol etmego.Idon'twanttogoi nt herewithyou.
    Letmegoorel seI '
    l
    lscream!!!Help!Helpmepl ease!
    !!
    Siy
    aaaaaa! !
    !Pl
    easecomehel pme"Icont i
    nuet o
    scream butnoonei scomingt omyr escue."They
    can'thearyouovertheloudmusi ccupcake.I t'
    sonly
    meandy ounow.Comeorel se...
    ..
    "hesay ssmi li
    ng
    whilepull
    ingmet oanempt yr oom.
    "
    Siy
    aaaaa!
    !!
    !"

    "
    Thandowakeup,Thandoopenyourey
    es.
    "Iheara
    f
    aintv
    oicesaywhi
    lebei
    ngshaken.
    Islowl
    yopenmyey esonl
    ytobemetbyhisblue
    eyesstar
    ingatme.Myey esbegi
    ntogetwaterybut
    thenIrememberhowmuchofast r
    angerhesti
    ll
    is
    tome.Hecan'tfi
    ndoutaboutmyscar.Notnow, not
    todaynotever
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "Areyouokay
    .Youhavebeenscr
    eami
    ngforaver
    y
    l
    ongt i
    menow.Icouldev
    enhearyouf
    rom t
    he
    kit
    chen.
    "hesays,
    sit
    ti
    ngonmybedandbrushi
    ngmy
    hair
    .
    "
    Don'
    twor
    ry,
    itwaspr
    obabl
    yjustabaddr
    eam,
    "Isay
    ,
    r
    ubbi
    ngmyeyes.

    "Ar
    eyousurebecausei
    ts..
    ..
    ..
    ."Ii
    nter
    rupthi
    m bef
    ore
    hefi
    nisheshi
    sstat
    ement.

    "
    Am okaysopleasestopworr
    ying.Youcango.No
    wai
    t,howdi
    dy ougetinher
    ebecauseIr emember
    l
    ocki
    ngmyr oom bef
    oreIcamet obed."Isay
    .

    "Yourdoorwasl ockedbutIhadt ouseapi ntoopen


    i
    t.Tookt imebutIsucceeded, "hesay s,l
    ooki
    ng
    pleasedwi thhimsel f
    .OkayIhonest lyam super
    weakt oev encomeupwi thmor equest i
    onsforhim
    butat l
    easthedi dn'tt
    ouchmei nanyi nappr
    opriate
    way .Howam Isosur e?Idon'
    tknow, ij
    ustknowt hat
    hedi dn'
    ttouchmei nappropri
    ately.Thatmakes
    senser i
    ght.Ithinkitdoes.Wait,didIeatmyMac
    andcheesel astnight?Ha,Idon'tremembereat i
    ngit
    atall
    butIdoremembercooki
    ngit
    .Thandowhatt
    he
    fuckiswr
    ongwithyou.Ar
    eyouseri
    ousl
    yzoni
    ngout
    thi
    searl
    y.
    ..
    ..
    .Snapoutofi
    t.
    ..
    ..
    .

    "Whattimeisit
    ?"iaskthr
    owi
    ngmybl
    anketsonthe
    fl
    oor.Ihaveabsol
    utel
    ynoener
    gyt
    ooverreactov
    er
    him get
    tingi
    nhere.

    "Wel
    lit
    's6:00am soyoumightaswellwakeupand
    getr
    eadyf orwork.Whenyouaredone,youcan
    comehav eyourbreakf
    ast
    ."Hesays,st
    andingup
    andputti
    nghishandsinhi
    spockets.

    "
    Youmadebr
    eakf
    ast
    ?"

    "Yepandl
    etmej ustsay,
    youneedt
    ogogrocery
    shoppi
    ngbecausethereisnof
    oodint
    hishouse,
    "he
    says.
    "Theonl
    yreasonIdon'
    tbuygrocer
    iesi
    sbecauseI
    don'
    teveneatthatmuchsotherei
    sabsol
    utel
    yno
    needfort
    hat,
    "Isay,
    nowmakingmybed.

    "
    Ineedthosegrocer
    iesf
    ormy sel
    fsoam goi
    ngt
    odo
    t
    hatshoppingf
    ormy sel
    fthen,
    "

    "Whyareyout
    alki
    ngasifyouaregoi
    ngt
    ostayher
    e
    for
    ever
    .Youarenotcomingbackher
    esopl
    ease,
    "I
    say.

    "Wewillj
    usthavetoseeaboutt
    hatMi
    ssgrumpy
    pant
    s,"hesayswit
    hast upi
    dsmil
    eonhisf
    ace.
    "Any
    way s,gogetr
    eady.
    "

    Wow.I
    sitmeordoest
    hisguythi
    nkthatheisher
    e
    t
    ostay
    .Anyway
    s,l
    etmegetreadyforwork.

    Am doneget
    ti
    ngdr
    essednowl
    etmegohav
    e
    breakfastsinceIst i
    llhaveanhourorsot ospare.As
    Iwalkt othekitchen, astr
    ongmanl yscentbeginst o
    creepupmynose.Myapar tmentsmel lsofmoney
    andpower ,anext r
    emel ystrongscentofaman.I t'
    s
    him,it
    'shim andonl yhim.Howcanamanl ookso
    i
    ndigenty etsmel lsoopul ent.How?Li kehonestly
    ,if
    youwer et olookathi my ouwoul dthinkthatheis
    povertystri
    ken, especial
    lywhenhei sinhiscar,am
    notbeingagol ddiggerorany t
    hingbuti tstr
    ue.But
    hisscent,Jesusl ordhelpme!Wooot hismansmel l
    s
    glori
    ous,magni ficent,
    power f
    ul,
    super cali
    fragi
    li
    sticexpi
    alidocious,youget
    me? ??That '
    showgoodhesmel l
    s!!!
    !YhoooIf eelli
    ke
    mynosemi ghtendupget tinganor gasm
    because...
    ...
    ..

    "Smellssodel ici
    ousi nhere,
    whati sf orbreakfast
    ?"I
    askasIappr oacht hekit
    chen,smi l
    ingatt heguyI
    sti
    ll
    don' tknowt hatmuch.Hei sst andingnextt othe
    stove."It
    'sjusttoastedbreadwi t
    hmel t
    edcheese,
    bacon, eggsandsausage, "hesay sl eaningont he
    counterwi t
    hasmi le,wel
    llet
    'sjustsayi tlooksli
    ke
    hei
    sconst
    ipat
    edbutatl
    easthei
    str
    yinghey(
    Ithi
    nk)
    .

    "Ihopey ouaregoingtoeatwi t
    hmebecauseam not
    goingtobeabl etofi
    nishallthi
    sbymy sel
    f.
    "Isayas
    hehandsov eraplatefulloffoodandaglassofjui
    ce.
    Iprefercoff
    eeinthemor ningbutjui
    ceisal
    sookay.I
    don'twanttomakehi mf eelbad.

    "That'
    sifyoudon'
    tminduseat
    ingf
    rom t
    hesame
    plat
    e,"hesays,
    smili
    ng.

    "
    Hahahat
    hati
    snotgoi
    ngt
    ohappen,
    "Isay
    .

    "Buti
    twil
    loneday
    ,"hesay
    s.Am sodonewi
    tht
    his
    guyyhoo.

    "
    Mynamei
    sNkosi
    byt
    heway
    ,"
    "
    It
    'snicet
    ofinal
    lyknowy
    ournameNkosi
    ,
    "Isay
    ,
    t
    akingasipofjui
    ce.

    "
    Sotel
    lme, wher
    edidyougetmyname? "Iask,
    l
    ooki
    ngathim butal
    lhedoesi
    sshrug.Whatisit
    wi
    thhim andshr
    uggi
    ng.

    "Nowthatweknoweachot her
    ,woul
    dyoumi
    nd
    giv
    ingmey ourphonenumber?
    "Heasks.

    "Letmethi
    nkaboutit
    ..
    .hmm nop,
    "Iwouldn'
    tdar
    eto
    givehi
    m myphonenumber.It'
    smorethanenough
    thatIl
    ethi
    m sl
    eepinmyapartment.

    "
    ComeonThando,Ievenwokeupat5:30am to
    makey
    oubreakf
    ast.Pl
    ease,
    Ibegofyou,"
    -hi
    m.

    "
    Ohsoyoudidal
    loft
    hisjustt
    ogetmynumber.Then
    l
    etmej
    ustsayyouwastedyourt
    imebecauseam
    sti
    l
    lnotgi vi
    ngy oumynumber ,"Isay,walki
    ngaway
    butbeforeIcoul dev enwalkoutoft heki
    tchen,my
    bodyisagai nsthis.Hishandsar eti
    ghtl
    yholdingmy
    ti
    nywai standhi sbluegorgeousey esarelooking
    str
    aightintomi ne.Howt hehelldidhegetsocl ose
    tomei njustamat terofseconds?notthatit
    'sbad
    butdamn!

    "Pleasegivemey ournumberThando,please,
    "he
    say sinaverylow,sexy
    ,seduci
    ngv oi
    ce.Ican'
    t
    breathe,mykneesar egett
    ingweak,mybodyi sj
    ust
    onanot herlev
    elofexcit
    ement.OhGoshhel pme.

    "
    Pleasel
    etmego,
    "Isay
    ,looki
    ngawayf
    rom hi
    m.

    "
    Okaybutar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    ogivemeyournumber
    ?"he
    whi
    sper
    sinmyeari
    nzul
    u.Ohgosht
    hisman!
    !!

    "YesIam,"honestl
    yspeaki
    ng,am notgoi
    ngt
    ogiv
    e
    him mynumber .Am goi
    ngtogiv
    ehi m mymot
    her
    's
    number
    .Don'
    taskmewhy
    ..
    ..
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *

    I
    tslunchti
    meandam exhausted,
    Iwasinasurgery
    for5hoursst
    rai
    ghtwhichwassuperhect
    icbecause
    t
    hepat i
    entdi
    edtwicebutmi
    racul
    ousl
    ywokeup.
    God'sgl
    oryhey.
    ..
    ..
    Soam goi ngoutforl
    unchwithNeri
    satoday
    ,we
    pl
    anningt ogotoPapachinoswhichi
    sa8mi nut
    e
    dri
    vefrom here,
    soIbetterst
    artgoi
    ng.Asam
    packi
    ngt hestuf
    fIwil
    lneedinmyhandbag, my
    phonerings.
    Unknownnumber
    ?Iwonderwhoi
    tis.
    "ThandoMdlet
    she,
    howcanIhel
    pyou?
    "Isay
    answeri
    ngthecal
    l.
    "Iseeyouaretr
    yingtogetyourmot
    hert
    ohat
    eme
    hey,"oooohj
    eez!
    !!Seri
    ousl
    y
    "
    Howdi
    dyougetmynumber
    ?"Iaski
    nshock.
    "Sl
    owy ourhear tratedownbabyorel seyouwil
    lget
    ahear tattack.Sol etmet el
    lyouast ory.Onceupon
    atimeaguydeci dedt ocal l
    hisfut urewi f
    ebecause
    hemi ssedherv oicebutt henherphonegot
    answer edbysomeoneel seandt hisper sontol
    dthe
    guythati twasawr ongnumber ,
    thathehadcal l
    ed
    hismot heri nl
    aw'sphone.Lucki l
    y ,thissomeone
    wasn'tthemot herinl awbuthi sfut urewife'
    ssi
    ster
    .
    Sothissi stergavet heguyhi swife' sCORRECT
    PHONENUMBERandt henhecal ledher .THEEND.
    youli
    kedt hatstory?"
    "
    Nkosil
    eavemeal
    one,
    "Isayt
    aki
    ngmyhandbag
    f
    rom t
    hetabl
    e.
    "
    Am nott
    ouchi
    ngy
    ou,
    "hesay
    ssoundi
    ngamused.
    "Butyousurear
    eannoyingmeandi fImayask,
    whozt hewif
    einyourst
    orybecauseIsur
    eam
    confused?
    "
    "
    Takeawi
    l
    dguessgr
    umpypant
    s,"
    "
    Nkosi
    ufunani
    ?(whatdoy
    ouwant
    )"
    "Letmetakeyououtf
    orl
    unch"hesay
    snow
    soundi
    ngseri
    ous.
    "
    Hahay ouar
    everyfunnyhey.AnywaysIgot
    tago.
    Myfr
    iendsarewait
    ingforme.Bye,
    "Isay.
    "NcaaaaThandodo. ..
    ."Iquickl
    yendt hecal
    lbef
    ore
    hefini
    shedhisstatement .Ifi
    nall
    ygettoNeri
    sa,we
    l
    eavet hehospi
    talusinghercarandwegett o
    Papachinos.Weent ertherestaurant
    ,getawait
    er
    whoget susatableandgi vesusmenus.
    "
    SowhatsupThando?
    "asksNer
    isaasshepages
    t
    hrought
    hemenu.
    "
    Nothingmuchhey.Justwai
    ti
    ngf ormycart
    oget
    f
    ixedandgetawayfrom t
    hatannoyingf
    ool
    ,"
    "Youreal
    l
    ydontl
    i
    kehi
    m hey
    ?"sher
    epl
    i
    esme
    smirki
    ng.
    "Ir
    eall
    ydon'
    t.Hejustgetsonmynervessometi
    mes
    butshocki
    nglyIst
    il
    lhaven'
    tshothi
    m deador
    i
    nsult
    edhim,"Isaywithoneeyebrowelev
    ated.
    "
    Wel
    lmay
    bey
    oul
    i
    kehi
    m,"
    "
    Woooonev
    er.Ihav
    eamanandIl
    ovehi
    m."
    "That
    'swhatIsai
    dyethereIam.Il
    eftamanIhad
    beendati
    ngfor7yearsandmarri
    edamanwhoused
    t
    oannoyt
    hel
    iv
    ingshitoutofme.
    "shesay
    scl
    osi
    ng
    t
    hemenunowlooki
    ngatme.
    "Andthatwon'
    thappent
    omeNeri
    sa.Il
    ovemyman,
    hemeanst heworl
    dtomeandnoonecanevert
    ake
    hisspot.
    "

    "I
    fyousayso,"saysavoicebehindme.Okayri
    ght
    nowIreal
    lyfeell
    ikeshi
    t.If
    eelli
    kegrabbi
    ngmybag
    andrunni
    ngoutoft hi
    srestaur
    ant.Whyyouask?
    Welli
    t'
    sgenuinel
    ybecauseNKOSII STHEONE
    BEHINDME!!!!
    !
    "
    Nkosi
    whatdoy
    ouwantnow?
    "Iaskt
    urni
    ngback.
    "Ij
    ustwant
    edt osayhie.Don'
    tworry,
    am notheret
    o
    getonyournervesbecauseIsti
    l
    lwanttoli
    ve.
    "he
    sayssti
    l
    lstandi
    ngbehindme.Hel ooksatNeri
    sa,
    greet
    sherthenlooksbackatme.
    "Iwil
    lseeyouwheny ouknockoff.Bye,"hesays
    patt
    ingmyshoulder.Heturnstotheent r
    ancethen
    walksoutbutheisn'
    talone.Hehasawomanwi th
    him,agorgeousl
    ookingwoman.Shel egitl
    ooksli
    ke
    Gabriel
    leUni
    on.Whyi shewithher??
    ??
    "Wellt
    hatl
    ooksli
    kejealousywr
    itt
    enal
    loveryour
    faceri
    ghtt
    herehey"IhearNeri
    sasayunderher
    breat
    h.
    "
    Am notj
    eal
    ous.Am j
    ustwonder
    ingwhoshei
    sand
    whyshei
    swalki
    ngwithaguyli
    kehim.
    "Isayr
    oll
    i
    ng
    myeyes.
    "Hmmmm sur eyouar eandstopbeingsojudgy.You
    don'
    tevenknowt heguyjustyetsoslowdownwi th
    thej
    udgiometergir
    l.Nowbackt owhywear ehere.
    Canweor derourfood?"say
    sNer i
    sa.Inodmyhead
    yesandlookatmymenuast hewai t
    erwait
    stowr i
    te
    dodnourorders.
    Am Ir
    eal
    lyj
    eal
    ous?NoIcan'
    tbe?Ihaveaboyf
    riend
    andIl
    ovehi
    m sowhywouldIbejeal
    ousofNkosi??
    Ughl
    etmest
    opt
    hinki
    ngaboutal
    lthi
    s.
    Aft
    er20minutesofbeinginPapachinos,Sabel
    o(Mr
    Sexyl
    ips)j
    oinsusandletmej ustsaySabeloandI
    havealoti
    ncommon.I t'
    slikewearetwins,l
    ikewe
    shoul
    dbecomef ri
    endsnow! !
    !Iwon'tl
    i
    e,am real
    ly
    enj
    oyi
    ngmyl unch.These2peopl eofminehave
    managedtomakemef orgetaboutNkosiandhis
    Gabr
    iel
    l
    eUni
    on.
    ..Orhav
    ethey
    ?Si
    gh.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***

    "Heybeauti
    ful,
    howwaswor k?"hesay s,
    openingthe
    passengerdoorforme.I
    t'
    snowknockof fandI
    foundNkosiwaiti
    nggotmeal r
    eady.Sabelohad
    offer
    edtodropmeof fbutIref
    used.Idon'
    twantt o
    beseenincarwi t
    hamar r
    iedman.Dr amaisthelast
    thi
    ngIneedi nmylif
    eri
    ghtnow.

    "I
    twasj ustworkIguess,"Isay,gett
    ingi
    n.Ihave
    beenpl anni
    ngonaski nghim aboutthel
    adyhewas
    walkingwi t
    hearl
    ierbutnowt hatheisher
    e,Idon'
    t
    havet hecouragetosoI'llj
    ustmindmyown
    business.

    "
    Wellt
    henImadesomedi
    nneratmyhousesoy
    ou
    wantt
    ocomeover,
    "
    "
    Not hanky ou,
    Iwanttogot omyapar tmentandkil
    l
    myselfwit
    hchocolateandIwantt ocleanupt he
    messy ouleftt
    herei
    nt hemor ning,
    "Isayasheget s
    i
    nthecar."Andbesides,it
    '
    sFr i
    day ,
    Iwouldn'twantt
    o
    r
    uinyourwozaf ri
    dayplans."Isaywithasmi rk.

    "Idon'
    thav eanypl
    ansThando,
    "hesay
    switha
    strai
    ghtface,st
    art
    ingt
    hecar.Whyt
    hestr
    aightf
    ace
    though.DidIsaysomethi
    ngwrong.

    "
    Sowheni
    smycarcomi
    ngback,
    "Iask.

    "
    ByMondaymay be.Stopworryi
    ngaboutyourcar,
    i
    sn'
    tam heretodriv
    ey ouaround.
    "Hesays,sti
    ll
    with
    ast
    rai
    ghtface.Kantiwhyisthi
    smanangr ynow.

    "Ist
    il
    lwantmycarbacksot haty
    oucanfi
    nal
    lyget
    yourfr
    eedom,
    "Isay,l
    ookingoutthewi
    ndow.His
    handisonmyshoulder.
    "Whydoy ouwantmeoutofy ourl
    i
    fesobad, am I
    thathorr
    ibleattryi
    ngtoi
    mpr essabeautif
    ull
    ady,"he
    says,l
    ooki ngsad.Sohehasbeent r
    yingtoimpress
    meal lt
    hist i
    me!!OkayIt
    hinkit'
    sti
    meIt el
    lhi
    mt his.

    "
    Nkosi
    ,Ihav
    eaboy
    fri
    end.
    "-
    me.

    "
    Idon'
    tcar
    e,"
    -hi
    m.

    "Whatdoyoumeany oudon'
    tcare,am t
    ryi
    ngtolet
    youknowthaty
    ouaren'tgoi
    ngtosucceedin
    anyt
    hingy
    ouaretr
    yingtodosost op.
    "Isaytur
    ning
    tohi
    m.

    "Andi
    fIdosucceed,
    wil
    lIbeal
    l
    owedt
    otakeanot
    her
    stepf
    orwar
    d,"hesay
    s,l
    ooki
    ngatt
    her
    oadahead.

    "
    Whatdoy
    oumeanbyanot
    herst
    epf
    orwar
    d?"
    "Wi
    l
    lIbeal
    l
    owedt
    omakey
    oumyl
    i
    fepar
    tner
    ?"

    "
    Nkosi
    ,thatwi
    l
    lneverhappenbecauseIl
    ovemy
    manandnooneelse,
    "-me.

    "Okaythenma' am butoneday,youwi l
    lbewal
    ki
    ng
    downtheai slelooki
    ngatmewi t
    ht earsiny
    ourey
    es.
    Youjustwai tandsee,"hesay
    s,smi l
    i
    ng.Thatwas
    supercreepy .
    "
    Nkosi
    ,wedon'
    tknoweachot
    hersowhatmakes
    y
    outhi
    nkwewoulddat
    e?"
    "
    Am af
    rai
    dIcan'
    tsaymuchany
    mor
    e,"

    Wehav
    efinal
    l
    yar
    riv
    edatmyapar
    tment
    .Thatwas
    t
    hemostawkwar
    drideev
    er.

    "WhenmycarcomesbackonMonday ,j
    ustf
    orget
    aboutmeandmyexist
    ence.GoodbyeNkosi
    ,
    "Isay
    asIopent
    hedoor.Hei
    sstil
    lsmil
    ing.
    "I
    'l
    ltrytobutthatwi
    ll
    bet hemostdi ff
    icul
    tthi
    ngto
    do,"hesays,taki
    ngoffhi
    sgl asses.OkayIhaveto
    getoutoft hi
    scarbefor
    eIst artt
    hrowingtantr
    umsat
    thi
    sguy .Asiwalkaway,Ilookbackandhei ssti
    l
    l
    therelooki
    ngatme.

    "Youhaveaverybeaut
    iful
    ,bi
    gassbyt
    heway
    ,"he
    shout
    s.Thando,j
    ustkeeponwalki
    ng.

    "
    GohomeNkosi
    ,
    "Ishoutback.Icanhearhi
    m
    l
    aughi
    ng.

    Myapar t
    mentisamess.Ibett
    erstartcl
    eaningup
    butletmegogetashowerfir
    st.Iopenthewar m
    showerandstepin.ThewayIl
    ov ethefeel
    i
    ngof
    waterrunni
    ngdownmybody !

    Ican'
    tst
    opthi
    nki
    ngabouthi
    m.It
    'sl
    i
    kehei
    sst
    ucki
    n
    myhead.Ther
    eheis,
    smili
    ngatmewit
    hhi
    s
    gorgeousl ookingbody ,histi
    nycut ebeadyblueey es
    andhi spur pl
    el i
    ps.Ikeepont hinkingofthewayhe
    wasl ookingatmel astnightwhenIwasappl yingthe
    heatrubandt hewayhehel dmei nthemor ni
    ng.No
    manhasev erlookedatmenorhel dmel i
    kethat,not
    evenSi busiso.IthinkIhav ehadenoughshower
    thoughtsf oroneni ght,Ishouldpr obabl
    ygetdr essed
    andst artcleaning.Letmeweart hisuni
    cornonesi e
    alongwi ththeuni cornslippers.Am readytost ar
    t
    cleaningupnow.Icanst i
    llsmellNkosi'
    sper f
    ume
    whichkeepsonr emi ndi
    ngmeofhi m overandov er
    again.Godhel pme.

    It
    's10:
    30pm andam donecleani
    ng.Nowam r
    eall
    y
    exhaust
    ed.Ihavebeencravi
    ngforsomeKFC
    dunkedwings,l
    etmeor dert
    hem.Whil
    eIwai
    tforthe
    deli
    ver
    ytogethere,I
    '
    llwatchTV.

    Phonev
    ibr
    ates.
    ..
    .i
    t'
    samessage.

    I
    t'
    sfr
    om Si
    busi
    so.16mi
    ssedcal
    l
    sand10messages?
    Phonevi
    brat
    es.
    ..I
    t'
    sanot
    hermessagebuti
    t'
    sfr
    om
    Nkosi
    .

    Letmer
    eadSi
    busi
    so'
    smessagesf
    ir
    st.

    It
    'sov
    erbet
    weenus.Am goingt
    ogetmar
    ri
    edt
    o
    someoneel
    se.Am sor
    ry.
    ..
    ..
    .

    What
    !!
    !!

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***

    SibusisoandIhav ebeent ogetherfor6y ear


    s.We
    hav ebeenthroughal otbutwehav enevermade
    "breakingup"anoption.Weal way sfi
    xedt hi
    ngs.But
    thistime,whathappenedt histime.Thiscan'tbe
    happeni ngt
    omer i
    ghtnow.Si busisomustbe
    playingsomet r
    ickonme.Letmecal lhim.Hisphone
    i
    sringi
    ng."Pl
    easeanswerthephoneSbu,
    dangi
    t.I
    t'
    s
    v
    oicemail.Text
    inghi
    mitisthen.
    "

    Heybbe..
    ..
    pleasecal
    lmebackIwantt
    ot al
    ktoyou
    aboutt
    hemessagey ousent
    .Ifi
    t'
    saprankthen
    pl
    easestop.YouknowhowmuchIhatepr anks.

    Andsend.
    ..
    .

    Di
    ngdong.
    ..
    ."KFCdel
    i
    ver
    yforThandoMdl
    etshe.
    "

    Oohmyf oodishere."Okayam comi ng,"IshoutasI


    standupf r
    om thecouch, headi
    ngf orthedoor.I
    quicklygivehimt hemoneyandt akemybucketf ul
    l
    ofdunkedwi ngs.Nowbackt omyphone.St i
    ll
    nothing.Okaynowam get ti
    ngscar ed.
    ...
    .whatifheis
    serious?Buthecan' tbe.Heev engav emeapr omise
    ri
    ngsot hereisnowayhei sseri
    ous.Wehav ebeen
    datingforsol ongnow.Hecan' tbegi vi
    nguponus.
    Phoneri
    ngi
    ng.
    ..
    .Idon'
    tevenbothert
    ocheckwhoi
    s
    cal
    li
    ng.I
    nst
    ead,Ij
    ustanswert
    hecall
    .

    "
    Sibusi
    sopl
    easet
    ell
    mey
    ouwer
    ejustj
    oki
    ng.
    ..
    ."

    "
    Whoababygi
    rlsl
    owdown,
    it'
    sNkosi
    ,
    "oohgr
    eat
    .

    "
    Whati
    sitNkosi
    ?"

    "Wel
    lhel
    lot
    oyoutoo.Ar
    eyouexpect
    ingacal
    lfr
    om
    someoneel
    se?
    "-hi
    m.

    "
    YesIam nowby e,
    "Isay,hangingup.Idon'
    twantt
    o
    t
    alktohimri
    ghtnow.Ijustwanttotalktomyboo
    r
    ightnow.Well
    that
    'sifhestil
    lconsi
    dersmehisboo.

    Phoner
    ingi
    ng.
    ..I
    t'
    sSi
    busi
    so.
    "
    Baby
    ,"IsayasIanswert
    hecal
    l
    .

    "I
    t'
    snotapr ankThando.It
    'sdone.
    "Thenheisgone.
    Hehashungup.Tear sstartrol
    l
    ingdownmycheeks
    asthephonef all
    soutofmyhand.Isthi
    sreal
    ly
    happening.Noitcan'
    tbe.WhathaveIdoneto
    deserv
    esuch. .
    .what
    !!
    !!

    Phoner
    ingi
    ng.
    ..
    it
    '
    sNkosi
    .

    "Nkosiwhatisit,
    can'
    tyoujustleavemealonefor
    once.Stopcall
    ingmeplease."assoonasam done
    sayi
    ngt hat
    ,Ihangup.Phoner i
    nging.
    ..
    it
    'sNkosi
    again,
    Iwon'tanswerit
    .

    Ist
    il
    l can'
    tbelievethatSibusi
    sohasl eftmeeven
    aft
    erallwehav ebeenthrough.Icanf eelmyeyes
    gett
    ingswol l
    enf rom cr
    y i
    ng.Idon'
    tthinkIhave
    anymor etearsleft,
    may beIshouldtrytogetsome
    sl
    eep.May bewhenIwakeupt omorrow,wewillbe
    abl
    etot
    alkaboutt
    hisl
    i
    kepr
    opergr
    ownups.

    Nkosi
    issti
    ll
    cal
    li
    ng.What'
    swrongwitht
    hisguy
    ,why
    won'
    theleaveme..
    ..
    ughman!
    !!
    !!Nx.
    ..
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    **
    Sothi
    sismyl
    astpostfort
    hisweek nextpost
    wi
    ll
    benextweekSatur
    day.Sopi
    ssout
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er4

    Ithoughthi
    sscentwouldbegonebymorni
    ngbutI
    guessIwaswr ong.I
    t'
    sevenst
    rongert
    hani
    twaslast
    ni
    ght.Oohwell.

    Whydoesi
    tsoundlikesomeonei sher
    ewithmeand
    howdi
    dIgetinbed.Irememberf al
    l
    ingasl
    eepi
    nthe
    l
    ivi
    ngr
    oom onthefl
    oor .Okaysomeoneist
    otal
    l
    yin
    her
    ewit
    hme...
    .Whereismygun?
    Islowlygetoutofbed, headi
    ngformywar drobe.
    Thereismygun.It iptoeoutofmyr oom,wal ki
    ng
    towardsthekitchenentrancebecausethat'swhere
    thenoiseiscomi ngfr
    om.Ther eistheperson,
    hahahat i
    met odieyoul i
    tt
    lebi
    tch.
    ..
    ..

    "I
    fy oudaremoveIwillbl
    owy ourbr
    ainsout,"Isayas
    Islowlywalkuptothepersonwhoisl ooki
    ngt he
    otherdir
    ecti
    on.Iwonderwhatthepersonlooksl i
    ke
    andwhathewant s.

    "Wellt
    hat'
    sjustgreat,
    notev enathanky oufor
    tucki
    ngherinbedorat hankyouforbeinghere.She
    alr
    eadywantstoki l
    lmeev enbeforemar ryi
    ngme,
    yhooooNkosi yami(ohhmygod) ."Sayst heper
    son
    ashet ur
    nsaroundt ofaceme.

    "Yourfoodisi
    nthemicrowavesostopbeingso
    dramaticandeat
    ,"hesaysasheleansagainstt
    he
    counter.
    "Nkosiwhatareyoudoinghere,andhowdidy
    ouget
    i
    ntomyapar tment.Li
    kereal
    lydude,what
    'swr
    ong
    withyou?"Isay,
    looki
    ngirri
    tat
    ed.Nkosii
    sgoi
    ngto
    bethedeathofmeIpr omisey ou.
    ..
    ..

    "Am justbei
    ngagoodpot enti
    albaeokayandIdon'
    t
    thi
    nky oushouldbeaski
    ngmehowIgoti nt
    oyour
    apartmentbecauseam pr
    et t
    ysureyouknowhowI
    gotin,"hesaysashesmirks,taki
    ngoutapinf
    rom
    hispocket.

    "Okaygetoutnow.Youcan'
    tj
    ustcomeher
    e
    unannouncedandjust
    ..
    ..
    "

    "
    Excusemebuttheonlyreasonam hereisbecause
    y
    ouignoredmy100calls.Iwasjustworr
    iedabout
    y
    ousot hat
    'swhyIcameher e,
    "

    "
    Nkosi
    Idon'
    twanty
    ouher
    esopl
    easel
    eav
    e,t
    hank
    youv er
    ymuchf orever
    ythingyouhav
    edonef orme
    butpleasel
    eave.Ohandpl easedomakesurethat
    mycardoescomebackonMondaysot hatyoucan
    gobackt oyourli
    feandleavemealone,
    "IsayasI
    putthegunont hecounter.

    "AaaahThandosengiy
    enzenimanj
    e( whathaveI
    donenow),okayam sorr
    yforcomingint
    oy our
    apart
    mentwithouty
    ourknowledgebut..
    ..
    "

    "Ey
    yy,nobut
    splease.Justt
    akey
    our
    sel
    foutofmy
    apart
    mentpl
    ease."

    "OkayokaybutcanIj ustsayonemor ething.That


    stupidguywhohasmanagedt omakey ourey esso
    puffyseri
    ousl
    ydidnotdeser v
    ey ourl
    ove.Believeme
    whenIsayIwi l
    l makehim payf orwhathehas
    done,"hesays,hi
    sv oi
    cesoundingsoi ntense.

    "
    Noonemademecr
    yal
    ri
    ght
    !nowl
    eav
    e,"Isnap.I
    hadt
    otal
    l
    yfor
    gott
    enaboutt
    hat.Di
    dhereal
    l
    yhav
    eto
    remi
    ndmeaboutmysadcurr
    entreal
    i
    ty.

    "Yearight,j
    uststoplyi
    ngbecauseIknowthatyour
    boyfr
    ienddumpedy ouforanotherwomanthatwas
    chosenf orhim byhispar
    ents.
    "Hesaysashet akes
    afewst epst owardsmewi t
    hhishandsinhi
    s
    pockets.

    "Howdoy ouknowaboutthatNkosi
    ,didyougo
    thr
    oughmyphone.Andhowdoy ouevenknowt hat
    thewomanhedumpedmef orwaschosenbythe
    parents?
    "IaskasItakestepsbackwards.Heissti
    l
    l
    walkingtowardsmeandit'
    sf r
    eaki
    ngmeout .Why
    can'thejustl
    eavemealone.Ohhhgosh,whathaveI
    gottenmy sel
    fint
    onow.

    "Thando,
    Iknowev eryt
    hingthathappensar oundyou.
    Ascreepyasitmaysound, am alwaysar oundyou.
    LookIju.
    ..
    ."Ii
    nter
    rupthim bef
    orehef i
    nisheshis
    stat
    ement.
    "WaitNkosi, whatdoy oumeanbyt hat,whatdoy ou
    meanbyy ouknowev eryt
    hingthathappensar ound
    me? ?.
    ..
    arey ou,areyouspy i
    ngonmenow, "Iaskas
    am stil
    ltaki
    ngst epsbackwar ds.If
    eel soviol
    ated,
    thewor stpartaboutitisthatmyl i
    feisbeing
    viol
    atedbyamanIdon' tevenknow.

    "
    WellIwouldn'
    tsayspyingbutyoucancalli
    tthat
    ..
    ."
    -
    Nkosiashewalkscloserandclosert
    ome.Am
    t
    rapped,mybackisnowagai nstthewal
    landNkosi
    i
    sinfrontofme.

    "Cany oupleasestopcryingThando,please.Justdo
    i
    tf orme,"him ashelif
    tshishandandwi pesthe
    tearsoffmyf ace.Iwon'tli
    eandsaythatIdi dn'
    t
    needthatbutIwasn' texpecti
    nghimt obet he
    persontodoi t.It
    rytolookawaybuthegent lyti
    lt
    s
    mychi nupandgazesdeepl yint
    omyey es.It
    'sli
    ke
    hiseyesaret el
    li
    ngmenott oworrybecausehei s
    herenow.Wher ehashebeenal lmylife?Het hen
    biteshi sl owerl i
    pashel eansi nf oraki ss.OhGosh,
    hislipst hough.Ireall
    ydon'twantt hismomentt o..
    ...
    ..
    .
    Wai tno, Ihav etostopthisbef orei tgetsany wher e.I
    hav etot rytogetSi busi
    soback.Iqui cklypushNkosi
    awayasIt r
    yt oescapebuthegr absmyar m, pulls
    mecl osert ohi m andhispur plehot ,
    sof topeni ng
    l
    ipswi tht heut mostpassionsmashagai nstmi ne.I
    thinkam aboutt ol
    osemymi nd.Myv i
    sionst artst o
    blurasmyl ipsdoggedl yrefuset ol etgoofhi s.Hi s
    tonguef i
    ghtsf ordominationi nmymout hashe
    teachesmeofhowmuchhewoul drulemyl i
    feand
    l
    ur emebackev ery
    timemyl ipst ri
    edt oabandonhi s.
    Hishandscar essmybodywhi lemysoul opensup
    tohi st astylipswhi charecr eat i
    ngar ainbowofi ts
    ownsensual wayi nmymi ndandt hat '
    swhenI
    reali
    set hatthewomani nsideofmehast otall
    y
    bet r
    ay edmeal ongwi t
    hmybody .Ican' tev ent hink
    straight .Isthisreall
    yhappeni ngoram Idr eami ng.

    Heli
    ft
    smeupandhepl acesmeont hecounter.Hi
    s
    gr
    iponmeget sev
    enti
    ghtert
    hanitwasbefore.Ooh
    whattheheck,
    whydoIhavetoactl
    ikeam not
    enjoyingthi
    s.Iwrapmyar msaroundhisneckasI
    pullhim cl
    oser.Themorewekiss, t
    hemore
    passionatethiski
    ssbecomes.Thebestparti
    sthat
    hi
    ski ssisnotoflust
    ,it
    '
    smor ethanthat
    .Heslowl
    y
    start
    st opullawayandthensneers.
    "Il
    ovey ouThando, Ihavealwayslovedy ou.Letgo
    ofthemanwhohashur ty ouandletmeshowy ou
    whatt r
    uelov eis.
    ..
    ..
    Letmebet heonet oshowy ou
    whatlov eisabout.Letmebet heoneandonl yman
    i
    ny ourlif
    e."hiseyesarelockedontomi ne.Ihonestl
    y
    don'tknowwhatt osay.

    NoIcan'tacceptt
    his.
    ..
    .Imean,
    am i
    nlovewit
    h
    anotherman.Oram I?OkayIam t
    otal
    l
    ylosi
    ngmy
    mind.

    "Nkosiplease,
    pleaseleave.Justgoandnev ercome
    back."IsayasIbr eakt
    heey econtactthathasbeen
    ther
    ef orawhile.Ican'
    taccepthisproposal.Ijust
    can'
    t.
    "
    Thandopl
    ease,
    Iwon'
    thur
    tyou,
    Ipr
    omi
    set
    olov
    ...
    ."

    "
    NoNkosi
    ,don'tpromisemeany
    thi
    ng.Idon'twant
    y
    ouokay.
    ..
    .j
    ustleavemyapar
    tmentpl
    ease!!"Ishout
    .

    Hiseyesslowl ystarttolookaway ,
    disappoint
    ment
    wri
    ttenall
    ov erhisf ace.Hestart
    swal ki
    ngoutofthe
    ki
    tchenbutl ooksbackatme, tear
    sr ol
    li
    ngdownhis
    cheeks.Okayt hisissonotokay .Trytoimaginea
    huge,i
    nti
    mi datingper soncry
    ing.Yea,that
    'swhatam
    l
    ookingatrightnow.

    "I
    'l
    lalway sbewi thyouev enify
    oudon'twantmebut
    Isurelyknowt hatyouneedme.Il oveyouThando
    andIal way swil
    l.Goodby e.Iwi
    llbebacksoon."
    Aftersay i
    ngthat,heturnsawayandst artswal
    king
    reall
    yfast.Hei sgone..
    ...
    whathav eIdone.Heisri
    ght
    ,
    Idoneedhi m.Ihavet oputmypr i
    deasideand
    acceptt hatIneedhim her ewit
    hme. .
    ..
    ..
    .
    Iquicklyrushoutofmyapar tmenttothe
    el
    evat or.
    ..
    .eishthisel
    evatori
    st aki
    ngtool
    ong,letme
    uset hestairs.Pleasedon'tl
    eaveNkosipl
    ease.So
    hereIam, rushi
    ngdownt hestair
    sinmyonesiefora
    manIdon' tevenknow.WowThando. ..

    ThemomentIgett
    othepar
    kingl
    ot,
    he'
    sal
    ready
    dri
    vi
    ngaway
    .Ohno!

    "
    Nkosi
    !!
    !!
    !!
    "Ishout
    .Am t
    ool
    ate.
    ..
    .si
    gh!
    Whathav
    eIdone

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    Herwordshadcutmesodeep,sodeepthatatear
    escapedf
    rom myeyeandIdi
    dntevennoti
    ce.
    "I
    '
    llalwaysbewit
    hyoueveni
    fyoudon'
    twantmebut
    Isurelyknowt
    hatyouneedme.Il
    oveyouThando
    andIalwayswi l
    l
    .Goodbye.Iwil
    lbebacksoon."and
    thoseweremyl astwordstoherbefor
    eleavi
    ngher
    apart
    mentanddr ivi
    ngofft
    omyhouse.Idon'twant
    togot owor
    kt oday,Br
    endonwillt
    akecareofmy
    meetingswit
    hmybusi nesspart
    ners.
    WhenIgethome,theguardopensthegat
    eforme,I
    parkmycarafewfeetfr
    om mygarageandjustsi
    tin
    thecarf
    ormorethan10mi nut
    es.
    "Boss,
    arey
    ouokay
    ?"asksoneofmyguar
    dsashe
    opensmydoor
    .
    "
    Yeaam f
    ineboy.Pleasedon'tletany
    onein.Iwant
    t
    obeal
    onet oday
    ."Isaysteppingoutofthecar.
    "Ummm boss, Rosecamel astnightafteryoul ef
    t.
    Shei sinthehouse."hesay sscr atchi
    nghi shead.
    Oohgr eat
    ,whatdoesshewant ?Wel l
    Nkosi ,get
    readyt obeannoy edforthewhol eday.Itakemy
    ti
    met ogetinsi
    demyhouse, hopi ngthatRosei s
    sleepingorsomet hi
    ngbutnope, sheissi
    ttingont he
    couchwat chi
    ngtheKar dashians.
    "Bhudi
    !!
    "sheexcl
    aimsjumpingfr
    om t
    hecouchwhen
    shehearsthedoorcl
    osing.Sher
    unst
    ome, gi
    vesme
    asupert
    ighthugandki
    ssesmycheeks.Eeeeh,
    and
    t
    hen.?
    "
    HeyRose,andt
    hen?
    "Iasksepar
    ati
    ngourbodi
    es
    f
    rom eachot
    her
    .
    "Haaaar
    en'
    tIal
    l
    owedtocomeseemybr
    other
    ."she
    sayswit
    honeel
    evat
    edeyebr
    ow.
    "Nononotatal
    lmypumpkin.It
    'sjustt
    haty
    ouwer e
    herej
    ustafewweeksbackandy oubackagai
    n."I
    sayputt
    ingmyarm ar
    oundhershoulder
    s."
    Sohowi s
    mybabydoing?
    "
    "
    Am f
    inebhudi
    andy
    ou?"sheasksl
    ooki
    ngatme.
    "Am f
    inepumpki
    n,
    "Irepl
    ybutRosechuckl
    eswhi
    l
    e
    removingmyarmfr
    om hershoul
    der
    s."Ooohsoyou
    havestart
    edl
    yi
    ngtomehey ?"
    "
    Hau,
    Rosewhatam Il
    yi
    ngaboutnow?
    "
    "HaanaNkosi,youcanfoolevery
    bodyel
    sebutme.
    What'swrong,
    talkt
    ome. "shesayspul
    li
    ngmet ot
    he
    couch.Assoonaswesi t
    , Il
    etoutal
    oudsighand
    thencovermyfacewithmehands.
    "
    Tal
    ktomebhudi
    ."say
    sRose.Il
    ookatherandt
    hen
    Ismi
    l
    e.
    "
    IfoundherRose.Ifoundmypri
    ncess,
    noIact
    ual
    l
    y
    f
    oundmyqueen.If oundher
    ."
    "Butt
    hat'
    swhatyousaidyear
    sbackNkosi
    andy
    et
    hereIam st
    il
    lwai
    ti
    ngforher.
    "
    "YesIknowbutt hi
    stime,Ihavefoundherandby
    thatIdon'tmeanphy sical
    ly
    ,Imeanspi r
    it
    uall
    y.Years
    backIwasn' tsurethatshewasgoi ngtobemi nebut
    now, nowam 100%sur ethatshewi l
    lbemine,come
    thundercomer ain.
    "Ibabble."Idon'tknowwhenbut
    shewi ll
    .Roseyouwi lll
    oveherwheny ougettomeet
    her.Shewi l
    lbri
    ngsomuchhappi nessi ntoourli
    ves,
    youjustwaitandsee. "Isaystandingupandpul li
    ng
    Rosei ntomyar ms.
    "
    Okayokayst
    opNkosi.Am pr
    egnantsost
    opdoi
    ng
    t
    hisorel
    seIwi
    ll
    fal
    landlosemy..
    ..
    ..
    .Ohshi
    t"
    "Whatdi
    dy ouj ustsay?"Ilookather,
    try
    ingtofi
    nd
    cl
    ari
    fi
    cati
    onf orwhatshej ustsai
    dtomer i
    ghtnow
    andther
    eitis,it'
    srightthereinherey
    es.Sothat'
    s
    whysheisher e.
    "
    Who'
    sbabyi
    sit
    ?"shel
    ooksdownwi
    thshameal
    l
    ov
    erherf
    ace.
    "Who'sthefatherRose?
    !"Ibell
    ow.Rosei sn'tmarri
    ed
    butshehasbeeni nanabusi v
    er elati
    onshipwi t
    ha
    mancalledSipho.Nomat terhowmuchIt ryto
    separat
    ethem, Rosegoesbackt ohim any waysand
    i
    tkil
    lsme, i
    treall
    ydoes.Ihaveev ent r
    iedtokillhi
    m
    butRosethreatenedtokil
    lherselfifIkil
    l
    edsohi mI
    l
    ethim bebutIwar nedhernev ertoseehi m again.
    Sheconti
    nuestolookdownt henst att
    ers"
    It
    's-i
    t'
    sSi-
    si
    -si
    pho'
    sbabybhudi ,
    "Islowl yl
    etgoofher ,lookat
    hert
    henturntothedoor .Istorm outofmyhouse
    andthenentert
    hepi nt
    hatl ocksallthedoorsshe
    wouldtr
    ytouset ogetout .Ical
    loneofmyguar ds
    andtel
    lhimtogetmyR8becauseIneedt ogohav e
    atal
    kwiththatf
    ool asiny ester
    day.
    "
    Oohandtell
    ShchevtogotoSi
    pho'
    shouse.Wewi
    l
    l
    meett
    her
    e."Isayget
    ti
    ngint
    omycar.
    "
    Okayboss.
    "
    Am atSipho'
    shousenowwaitingf
    orShchevandthe
    restofmyment ogether
    e.Rosehasbeencalli
    ng
    menonst opandIhavebeenignor
    ingher
    .Siphohas
    tolearnal esson.Theyfinal
    lyarr
    iveandam pi ssed
    butIwontl ett
    hatgetinthewayofmymi ssion.Iget
    outofmycar ,
    walktothecrewandt ellthem t heplan.
    "Soy ou3guy swil
    lmakesur ethatnooneandI
    meannoonegoesi nsi
    dehisgate.Shchevand
    skotho,comewi thme."Am sogladthatt hisf ool
    doesn'thav eguards,wellhebasical
    l
    ycan' tafford
    them soy eah.The3ofuswal kintohisy ard,
    Shchev etemper swithhisdoorandt henopensi t.
    Thelivi
    ngr oom isempt y.
    "Sear
    chforhi
    m,"Ii
    nstr
    uctmymen.Theysearchthe
    wholehouseandheisn'
    thome.Wher
    eishet hen
    becausehedoesn'
    tgotoworkonSat
    urdays.Idi
    ala
    numberonmyphoneandi ti
    mmediat
    elygets
    answered.
    "
    Wher
    eisheRose?
    "Iy
    ell
    .
    "Hetr
    avel
    edoutofthecount
    ryf
    orabusi
    nesst
    ri
    p."
    shesayswit
    hatrembli
    ngvoi
    ce.
    Iturntot
    hewindowandletoutal
    oudgroan."
    Ify
    ou
    tol
    dhimtoleav
    ethecountr
    yRoseiwil
    lfi
    ndhim.
    Trustme.
    "
    "Nkosidon'
    tkil
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "Iendthecallandconti
    nueto
    glazeatthewindow."Shchev.Pl
    easeinfor
    m
    BrendontofreezeallofSi
    pho'saccount
    s,shutdown
    allhi
    sshopsandt omakesur ethatheiscompletel
    y
    broke.
    "
    "
    Okayboza,
    canwego?
    "
    Itur
    nt othem andnody es.It
    'saboutti
    meImade
    surethathenev ercomesbacki nt
    omysi st
    er'
    s
    l
    ife.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .Untilt
    hen,Rosewi l
    lstaywit
    hmeunt i
    lI
    knowt hatit
    'ssafeforhertostayal
    one.

    *
    ***
    ***
    **
    It
    sMondayt odayandnosi gnofSi pho.Hisbank
    accountshav ebeenfrozen,hisshopshav ebeen
    shutdownandhei ssuperbr okeaspl anned,wel
    l
    that
    'sifhedoesn'thaveanymoneyonhi m butI
    doubt.Rosehasbeencr yi
    ngnonst opandhonest l
    y,I
    don'
    tcar e.Shecancryallshewant sbutam
    defi
    nit
    elynotlett
    inghergobackt ot hatwomankil
    ler
    .
    Sheev enthreat
    enedtoki l
    lhersel
    fagai nbutthi
    s
    ti
    meIof feredtohelpherdoi tandt hat'
    swhenshe
    real
    i
    zedthati
    twasn'
    tgoi
    ngt
    owor
    kli
    ket
    hat
    anymore.
    Ihaven'tspokent oThandosi nceSat urdaybutt hat
    didn'
    tstopmef rom foll
    owingherar oundand
    keepingmyey eonher .Yesterdayshewasatsome
    churchandIsentoneofmyguar dst ogosi twit
    hher
    asoneoft hepeopl einthechurch.Appar entl
    yshe
    wasaski ngf orforgi
    venessforhowt ospoket ome
    andshebeggedGodt obringSbubacki ntoherl
    ife
    whichwi ll
    nev erhappen.Don'taskhowIknowhi s
    namebecauset hat'
    smyl i
    ttl
    esecrett hatwi l
    lbe
    revealedafterThandoi scompl et
    elymi neandby
    compl etel
    yImeanwi thar i
    ngonherf inger.
    "ShchevIwanty outodosomet hingforme,"Isayt
    o
    Shchevstandingont hebal
    cony,enjoyi
    ngthe
    mor ni
    ngfreshair."
    Iwantyoutogopi ckupThando
    atherplaceanddr opheroffatthehospit
    al.I
    fshe
    askswhoy ouarejustsayy
    ouar emyf ri
    endand
    that'
    sit
    ."
    Shchevst
    andsupfrom t
    hecouchandsays"
    Okay
    bozabutbozaIhav
    eaquesti
    onifyoudon'
    tmind.
    "
    "Goforitmyman. "Isay.See,Imightber i
    chandbe
    i
    nti
    mi datingbutInev erandIrepeat,nev
    er
    downgr ademywor kers.It
    reatthem asmyf r
    iends
    aslongast heyr
    espectme.Imi ghtbeheartl
    esshere
    andther ebutnotallthetime.
    Atfi
    rsthehesi
    tat
    est
    henfi
    nal
    lysayssomething.
    "
    Bozawhyar eyoudr
    ivi
    ngt
    hatcaroutofal
    lthecars
    youcoulduse?
    "
    "BecauseIwanttousethatcar
    ,"Isayst
    il
    ll
    ooki
    ng
    outsi
    de.Shchevchuckl
    esthenstandsst
    il
    l.
    "BoygodowhatIhav etoldyoutodo. "Isay
    chuckli
    ng.Heknowsam l yingbutt hehonestt ruthi s,
    Ihav enoreasont ousi ngthatwr eckedcar .Iguess
    i
    t'sbecauseIwantt oseei fThandoi sreall
    ywor th
    beingmywi feornotbutaf t
    erstalkingherf orso
    l
    ong, Thandodoesn' tseem l i
    keamoneyl overand
    that'
    soneoft hereasonsIhav ef all
    enf orher,right
    afterherremi ndi
    ngmeofmymot her.Mymot her
    passedawaywhenIwas15andmymot herhadso
    muchl ovet hatevenmyf atherwor shippedher .After
    herdeath, myl i
    fealongwi thmysi blings'l
    ivesfell
    apart.Myf atherremar r
    iedanotherwomanwhowas
    mymot her'sclosestf ri
    end.Shenev erlikedusbut
    mydadnev ercar ed.Hebasi callyabandonedus.
    Beingt heol destchi ld, Ideci dedt ol eav ehomewi tha
    verysmal lamountofmoneyandf oodandt rav elled
    onf oot,al l
    thewayf rom at ownshi pwhi chi smi les
    awayf r
    om Jobur gonl yt of indaj obsot hatIcoul d
    takemyl i
    tt
    lebr ot herandsi sterandbeabl et ot ake
    careoft hem my self.Howev er,thingsdi dn'tgoas
    planned.Mymoneygotf inishedaswel lasmyf ood.
    Ididn'thav eapl acet ost ayandi coul dn'tfindaj ob
    soIbasi call
    ybecameast reetki d.Ihadaf r i
    endwho
    stoodbymet hr ought hedi fficulttimesbuthegot
    shotaf terst ealingf rom ast ore.Ist artedst ay ing
    alonei nt hest reet sunt iloneni ghtwhenabl ackv an
    stoppedi nfrontofmeandagr oupofmen
    threatenedt oki l
    l mei fIdi dn' tgeti ntot hev anand
    that'
    swhenmywhol el ifechanged.Ist ar t
    edt owor k
    foroneoft hegr eat estdr ugdeal er sinSandt on, Mr
    Jones, whol aterbecameaf atherf igure.Het ook
    goodcar eofme, letmef i
    ni shschool andnev er
    all
    owedmet ododr ugsev ent houghIsol dt hedr ugs
    forhim.Hehad2sonswhohat edmewi t
    hapassi on
    butIdi dn'tcar e.Af t
    erf inishi ngschool ,Iwentback
    tomyhomet ownt ot akemysi bli
    ngsonl ytof indout
    thatmyl ittl
    ebr otherhadpassedawayandmysi st er
    hadbecomeapr ost i
    tute.Itookmyl i
    ttlesisterRose
    withme, leav i
    ngmyf at herandhi sdearev i
    l wife.My
    stepbr ot
    herwant edt ocomeal ongbutIdi dntwant
    himt o.Howev erRosebeggedmenott ohat ehi m
    becausehesomet imeshel pedRosewi thshel terand
    foodsoIendedupgoi ngbackhomef orhim si nce
    heal sohat edhi smot herandmyf ather,forwhat
    reason?Idon' tknowbecausehegotev erythinghe
    want ed.Isentt hem t oschool ,tookgoodcar eof
    them andl ifewasamazi ngbutt henMrJonesgot
    kil
    ledbyhi ssonswhot ookal lhismoneyandl ef tt he
    count r
    y.Atf ir
    stIst r
    uggl edtocopewi t
    ht hesi tuat ion
    butIhadt o.Istar tedasmal l businessofmyown
    whi chgener atedal otofmoneyt henboom, Mr
    Joness' lawy erf oundoutt hatMrJoneshadwr it
    t en
    awi llwhichst atedt hathehadasecr etaccount
    whi chhad90bi lli
    ondol lar
    s, notr andsbutdol lars
    andi twasal lmi ne.Iusedt hatmoneyt ost artmy
    owncompani es, Ibui l
    thospi talsacrossSout hAf rica
    andi nZimbabwe; compl exesi nSandt onandIal so
    startedmyowndr ugbusi nesswhi chhasgener ated
    alotofmoneyf ormet il
    lthi sday .Onet hingabout
    mei st hatIdon' twantt hewor ldtoknowaboutmy
    wealthbecauset hat'
    swhenf akepeopl est art
    i
    nv i
    ti
    ngt hemsel vesintoy ourl i
    feandt heyst art
    expect i
    ngal otfrom you,whor esbegi nt oblowup
    yourphoneandoutofnowher e,youst artget t
    ing
    enemi es.Ihav ealwayskeptmyi dentityasecr et.
    Nonofmywor kersknowt hatam t heirbossexcept
    fortheonesIwor kwithint hebl ackmar ket.Myl if
    e
    i
    sbasi cal lyamazi ngbutt hent her eisonl yone
    puzzlemi ssi ng,Thando.Iwanthert obemyqueen.
    Myl i
    fewi llnev erbecompl etewi thouther .Shemi ght
    havet oldmet of uckoffbutIwi l
    lnev erdosuch.The
    dayIf ir
    stspoket oherconf irmedt hatshewasmy
    woman, event houghIendeduphi tti
    nghercarwhi ch
    wasast rategyf ormet ocr awl i
    nt oherl ife.Terribl
    e
    wayt oappr oachawomanbutIcoul dn' tcomeup
    withany thingel se.Whenshewasst il
    l inLehur utshe
    Ihadt riedt oappr oachheracoupl eoft imesbutI
    alway sabandonedmypl ansbecauset het houghtof
    met alkingt oherj usti
    nt i
    mi datedme.Sonowt hatI
    fi
    nallygott hechancet obepar tofherl i
    fe,am not
    l
    etti
    ngi tgo.Shei smywomanandnooneel se's.
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *

    THANDO'
    SPOV

    It
    'sbeenamont hsi ncemyunexpect edbreakupwi t
    h
    Sibusiso.Ihav ebeent ry
    ingtogetahol dofhim buti t
    seemsasi fhechangedhi snumber .Ihaveof fi
    ciall
    y
    givenuponget t
    inghi m back.AsforNkosi ,Ihav e
    nev erseenhi m eversincet hatdayItoldhimt oleave
    meal one.Hedi dn'
    tev encomet opickmeupont he
    foll
    owi ngMonday ,insteadhesentaf r
    iendofhi s.I
    onlygotmycarwhenIknockedof fandhewasn' t
    theonewhohaddel i
    veredittomywor ki
    ngpl ace.I
    regretev ertel
    li
    nghi mt ogo.Howev er,sometimesI
    dogett hefeeli
    ngt hathei swatchingme
    #stalkervibes.Isti
    llcan'tseem toforgethislast
    wor ds.
    Nowl et
    'smoveontotheposit
    ivesi
    deofmyl if
    e
    ri
    ght.Sabel
    oandIhavebecomesuperclose,he
    evenwentasfarasint
    roduci
    ngmet ohi
    swi f
    eashi
    s
    "
    dist
    antcousi
    n".Funnyr
    ight
    .

    Todayam onni ghtshif


    tsoIcanst ayinbedunt i
    l
    12pm.Icouldhav estayedhereuntil16pm butam
    supposedtogomeetupwi t
    hSabel oforl
    unch.At
    fi
    rstIwasagainstitbuthiswifeaskedmet osoI
    endedupagreeingt oit
    .Icouldn'
    tsaynot oher.Unt
    il
    then,l
    etmesleep.

    Phoner
    ingi
    ng.
    ..
    ..

    "
    Goodmor
    ningDrBi
    za,
    "Isay
    ,answer
    ingt
    hecal
    l
    .

    "Morni
    ngDrMdl et
    she,
    Iam cal
    li
    ngtoinf
    ormyouthat
    youdon'thav
    etocomet oworktoni
    ght,
    takeani
    ght
    off
    .Youdeserveit
    ."

    "
    ButDrBi
    zaIwantt
    ocome,
    Idon'
    tneedt
    ha.
    ..
    ..
    "
    "DrMdlet
    sheam notaski
    ngyou,am t
    elli
    ngyou.
    Goodbye,
    "andhehangsup.Wow. .
    .Ireal
    lywasn'
    t
    expect
    ingthi
    satal
    l.Well
    IguessImightaswell
    enjoymyDAYOFF!!!!

    Ti
    met
    osl
    eep.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    SohereIam, waiti
    ngf
    orSabeloatsomeI ndi
    an
    rest
    aurant
    .Hei s15minut
    eslate.Sor
    rybutam one
    ofthosepeoplewhoexpectspeoplet
    obepunct ual
    .

    "Sorr
    ytwinni
    e,Iwasstucki
    ntraf
    fi
    c,"hei
    sfi
    nal
    ly
    here.Wecalleachot
    hertwi
    nniebecauseweare
    l
    iter
    all
    ythesameperson.Twinni
    ecomesf r
    om t
    he
    wordtwin.

    "
    Yearight,r
    ememberlastti
    mey ousaidthaty
    ou
    werestuckintr
    aff
    icbutyouwereactuall
    yhavi
    ngf
    un
    wi
    thyourwi f
    eatsomehot el
    ..
    .y
    esshet ol
    dmeabout
    i
    t,
    "Isay,putt
    ingmyphoneont hetabl
    e.
    "
    Wel
    lsi
    ncey'
    al
    ltelleachot
    herev
    ery
    thi
    ng,
    didshet
    ell
    y
    out
    hatshei
    spr egnant?"

    "
    Real
    ly,
    congr
    atul
    ati
    onst
    winni
    e..
    ..
    am sohappyf
    or
    y
    ou."

    "Idon'
    twantanychil
    drenjustyetThando,Ihave
    beentell
    i
    nghertotakehercont r
    acepti
    vepil
    lsbuti
    t
    seemsasi fshehasn'
    tbeent aki
    ngthem,"Hesays
    ashelooksatthemenu.

    "
    That'
    sjustcold,butwhydon'
    tyouwantachil
    d.I
    fI
    wer
    ey ouIwoul dbesohappytofinall
    yhav
    eachi
    ld
    wi
    thabeautifulwomanlikeyourwife.
    "

    "Ist
    il
    lwantt
    olivemyli
    fe.Idon'
    twanttoworr
    yabout
    achil
    djusty
    et.Ist
    il
    lwanttofuckmywi f
    ewhenever
    Iwanttowit
    houtachil
    dinter
    rupt
    ingus,
    "hesays.
    "
    Sabel
    oyouar
    einsane,
    "Isay
    ,laughi
    ng.

    "Andthati
    sexactl
    ywhyyouloveme,isn'
    ti
    t,
    "hesays
    withastupi
    dsmi l
    e."
    Ohh,
    Ialmostfor
    gotaboutt
    his.
    Here,
    "hesays,handi
    ngoverabigpi
    nkboxwitha
    bluebowont op.

    "
    Forme?
    "

    "
    Yesbuti
    tisn'tfr
    om me,someonedr
    oppeditof
    fat
    t
    hehospi
    talthismorni
    ng,
    "hesaysashesi
    gnalsfor
    awai
    ter
    .

    "
    Shoul
    dIopeni
    tnow?
    "Iask,
    looki
    ngatt
    hebox.

    "
    Ify
    ouwantt
    o,"
    "Okayam openingi
    t."Ir
    emovethebow,placeiton
    thetableandopenthebox.I
    t'
    sful
    lofchocolat
    e,li
    ndt
    chocolate.MYFAVOURITE!!
    !

    "Andt
    hen,
    whyar
    eyourey
    espoppedout
    ."Say
    s
    Sabel
    o.

    "I
    t'
    schocolat
    e,"Isay
    .Ifeell
    i
    kescr
    eami
    ngri
    ghtnow.
    Y'
    allj
    ustdon'
    tunderstandhowmuchIl
    ove
    chocol
    ate.

    "
    Doy
    ouatl
    eastknowwher
    eitcamef
    rom?
    "

    "
    Ther
    eisanot
    eher
    e.Letmeseewhati
    tsay
    s."

    ***WhatIdidtoyouwascompl etel
    yunaccept
    able
    andIregreti
    teveryday
    .Am sorryforwhatIdi
    d
    Thando.Ishouldhaveli
    stenedtoyoubutIchosenot
    to.pl
    easeforgi
    veme.Canwepl easemeetupfor
    dinneratJohnDory'
    sat19:30pm sothatwecantalk
    becauseIreall
    yneedyourforgi
    venes.Pl
    easedo
    come.I '
    l
    lbeweari
    ngadar kblueshir
    t.Hopetosee
    yout her
    e..
    ..
    ***

    Thereisnonamebutt hisl
    ookslikeSibusi
    so's
    handwr i
    ti
    ng.Andhei stheonl
    yper sonwhoknows
    thatIlovel
    indtchocolat
    emor ethanany t
    hing,well
    besidesmyf amily
    .Couldthi
    sbehi m...
    .pl
    easet el
    l
    mei t'
    shim.Am stil
    lnotoverhim.Istil
    ll
    ovehim
    eventhoughsomet imesam indeni al
    .Iwouldloveto
    gethim back.Absolut
    elynosecondt houghtsont hi
    s.

    "
    Coughcough,
    yourf
    oodishere,
    "say
    sSabel
    o,
    l
    ooki
    ngatmewi t
    hacur
    iousface.

    "Oohsor
    ry,It
    otal
    l
    yforgott
    hatyouwer
    ether
    e,"Isay
    asIcl
    osethebox,put
    tingi
    tasi
    de.

    "
    Andt
    hatsmi
    l
    eony
    ourf
    ace,
    youl
    ookl
    i
    keJCol
    ejust
    askedyoutomarr
    yhim,
    "hesay
    sashest
    uff
    sa
    chi
    ckenstr
    ipi
    ntohi
    smouth.

    "HahahaIwi
    sh.Sibusi
    sowant
    sustomeetf
    or
    dinner
    ,"i
    say
    ,taki
    ngmyf or
    kandkni
    fe.

    "
    Arey
    ougoi
    ng?
    "

    "
    Obv
    iousl
    y,
    "

    "
    Am comi
    ngwi
    th,
    "

    "
    Aaaahwhy
    ?"

    "
    SothatIcanbeathi
    m upf
    orhur
    ti
    ngy
    ou,
    "Sabel
    o
    t
    hough.

    "
    Youar
    en'
    tgoi
    ngany
    wher
    ewi
    thme.I
    '
    llbef
    ine,
    "Isay
    butSabel
    ogivesmeasideeye.It
    'salmost2:
    00pm
    soSabeloshoul
    dgetgoi
    ng.Hewal ksmet omycar
    andthenwesayourgoodbyes.Ti
    mef ormetoget
    readyf
    orthatdi
    nner
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    *

    Okaysowhatam Igoi ngt owear .Idon'thav eany


    clot
    hes.Ishoul dhav eboughtt hatdressIsawat
    Edgar s.Okayl etmej ustweart hisnudecol oredhigh
    neckl acedr ess.It
    'saf i
    tandf laredr ess.Ify ouar e
    askingy ourselfthisquestiont heny es,y esIdol ov
    e
    fi
    tandf l
    aredr esses.Asf ortheshoes, am j ustgoing
    toweart heopen- t
    oeheel s.Theyar etheonl yshoes
    thatlookgoodwi t
    ht hi
    sdr ess.Damn!Il ookgr eat,
    thankst omybody ,t
    inywai st,per f
    ectl
    yshapedass,
    boobsandcur ves.Somet imesIwonderwhyIl ook
    sofity etIdon'tevenwor kout .Ittookmeonegood
    hourt ogetr eadybutIdi di t
    .Nomakeup, justt he
    natural mewi thmyaf r
    ot i
    edupandagr eybowon
    theside.I t
    'sti
    mef ormet ogo.JohnDor y'
    s, hereI
    comet
    otakemymanback!
    !!
    !

    Am soexcitedbutanxiousatthesamet i
    me.Whatif
    hedoesn'twantmeback, ormay behejustwantsto
    apol
    ogiseforthewayheendedt hi
    ngs.Whatifi
    t'
    s
    nothi
    m.Inev erthoughtaboutthat
    .Okaynowam
    fr
    eaki
    ngout .

    Am nowatJohnDor y
    's.Iquickl
    yl ookf orapar ki
    ng
    space, par
    kmycarandheadf ort herest aur
    ant's
    entrance.AsIstepinside,awai terwalksupt ome
    butItellhi
    mt hatam looki
    ngf orsomeonesohe
    l
    eav es.Soam supposedt obel ookingf ora
    blue..
    ..
    yesthereheis.Hei ssitt
    ingatt hef arendof
    therestaurant
    .Ican'
    tseehi sface.

    Istar
    twalki
    ngtowardshi
    m, myhear
    tisbeati
    ngf
    ast
    ,
    mykneesar eget
    ti
    ngweakandmyst omachis
    turni
    ng.AsIappr
    oachhim,hetur
    nstolookatme
    thenboom!!!
    "
    HiThando.I
    t'
    sbeenl
    ong.Am gl
    ady
    ouar
    eher
    e."

    Am par
    aly
    zed.
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    **

    Sosi ncesomeofy ouar ethreateningtoki l


    lmei n
    myi nboxcozIschedul edforsat urday I
    hav edecidedt hatIwon' tschedul eanymor e.Iwill
    be
    randoml ypost ingtheinsertsanyday( notall
    day
    errday.Geti t )okaybackt owhatam say i
    ng
    t
    hati nsertmighthav esomespel l
    i
    ngand
    grammermi stakessodon' tmi ndt hem.Ihopey ou
    enjoythei nsert.Ps.Thisisthel ongestinsertoutof
    allmyi nserts #feeli
    ngli
    keaboss.Lov ey'al
    l
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er5

    Isl
    owl
    yopenmyey
    es,
    squi
    nti
    ngatt
    hebr
    ightl
    i
    ght
    aboveme.Mybodyf eelssonumbandam super
    drai
    ned.Ifeell
    ikesomeonehasbeenmer ci
    lessl
    y
    beati
    ngmeupwi t
    habi gasshammeral lovermy
    body.AssoonasIr egainmyconsci ousness,his
    faceisthefi
    rstthi
    ngt hatcomestomymi nd.I
    shouldhavenotgonet oJohnDory’s.ButhowwasI
    supposedtoknowt hatitwashim whowant edto
    meetupwi thme.Andhowt hehel
    ldi dheknowt hat
    am inSandton?
    “
    Youarefinal
    lyawake,
    ”saysafrui
    tyvoi
    ce,di
    srupti
    ng
    mefr
    om mydeept houghts.Okaynowam backt o
    mysenses,awareoftheunfamil
    i
    arsurr
    oundi
    ngs.
    “Nkosiwheream I?
    ”Iaski
    nawobblyvoi
    cetr
    yingt
    o
    getoutofthebedam i
    nbutam st
    oppedbyan
    excruci
    ati
    ngpai
    ncomingfr
    om myankle.
    “
    Ouch!
    !”
    “
    Easythereti
    ger
    ,letmecallt
    hedoctor
    ,”say
    sNkosi
    ,
    r
    unni
    ngt othedoortocal
    lthedoct
    or.
    “Nkosiwhyam Ihereandwhobr
    oughtmeher
    e?”
    am panicki
    ng,
    confusi
    onrul
    i
    ngmymi nd.
    “
    Ma’
    am pl
    easecal
    m down,
    ”say
    sami
    ddl
    eaged
    womanwear i
    ngawhi t
    ecoat ,appr
    oachingme.I
    sit
    wrongt hatIfindt
    hisawkwar d,wellt
    hefactt
    hata
    doctoristel
    lingmet ocalm downwhi l
    stam adoct
    or.
    Haha,itiskindaawkwar dthough.
    “
    Okayam cal
    m,Ij
    ustwantt
    oknowwhyam her
    e.”
    “Twoday sago, youfel
    l unconsciousatJohnDor y’s
    sothismanr i
    ghtherebr oughtyouhere,”saysthe
    doctor,point
    ingatNkosi whoisstandingbesidethe
    bed.“Iactual
    lythoughtt hatyouweregoi ngtodie
    becausey ourheartrat
    ewasext remelyslowbutI
    guessIwaswr ong.”statesthedoctor.Ihavebeen
    herefor2whol eday s…wowIr eall
    ymusthav ebeen
    messedup." Butwhywasmyhear trat
    esl ow?"Iask.
    "I
    tseemsasi fyoucameher etr
    aumat i
    zedby
    something.Yourbl
    oodpr essurewasext r
    emelyl
    ow
    too.Iwouldadvi
    ceyout olookafteryourheal
    th
    ma'am andseeapsy chologisti
    fneeded."
    "
    Thanky
    oudoctorbutIdon'
    tthi
    nkther
    eisanyneed
    f
    orapsychol
    ogi
    st,
    "Isaysmil
    i
    ngt oher
    .
    "
    Wel
    lokayt
    hen,
    "
    Nkosi
    keepsongl
    anci
    ngatme,
    wit
    hasmi
    l
    ethatI
    ’
    ve
    neverseenonhi sf
    aceev ersincethedayImethi
    m.I
    can’
    tstoplookingathimt oo.Myey esar
    e
    completel
    ygluedtohis.Hissmi l
    ehasbecomeso
    contagi
    ous.
    “WellI
    ’l
    lcomebackl at
    ertocheckony ou,”saysthe
    doctorasshestart
    swal ki
    ngout.Wehadt otal
    ly
    for
    gottenabouther.Whent hedoorcl
    oses,Nkosi’
    s
    smil
    echangest oaf r
    own.Hel ooksdown,breaki
    ng
    theeyecontactwehad.
    “Am sor
    ryf
    orcomingbackint
    oyourl
    i
    f e.Iknowyou
    don’
    twanttoseemeany wher
    enearyoubut ….
    ”
    “
    Am sorryf
    orsayingall
    thosemeanwor
    dsIsai
    dto
    you,
    ”Isayi
    nter
    rupti
    nghim.Herai
    seshi
    sfacet
    o
    mine,l
    ooki
    ngconfused.
    “
    All
    youwantedtodowascaref
    ormebutIact
    ed
    l
    i
    keabit
    ch.Am sor
    ry,
    Ireal
    l
    yam.”
    “Thandoyoureal
    l
    ydon’
    thav
    etoaskf
    orf
    orgi
    veness,
    Ishouldhav
    e….”
    “Nkosij
    ustacceptmyapologypl
    ease,
    ”Isaylooki
    ng
    athim.Hehasnor easontoaskf
    orforgiv
    eness.He
    thennods,wit
    hthestupi
    destsmi
    leever.Whocould
    havethoughtt
    hatsuchascar
    ylooki
    ngper
    soncoul
    d
    eversmil
    e,wel
    ltr
    ytosmil
    e.
    “SoIspoketotheheadphysi
    cianandhesai
    dthat
    youcangohomeadayaf t
    erregai
    ningy
    our
    consci
    ousness.
    "saysNkosi.

    “Oohokaybuti
    fImayask,
    whatr
    eal
    l
    yhappened?
    ”I
    ask.

    “WellIwashav ingdinnerwithsomef ri
    endsatJohn
    Dory’
    swhenIsawy ouwal ki
    ngin.Ithoughtabout
    greet
    ingyoubutt henIst oppedmy sel
    f.Thenext
    thi
    ng,Iheardpeoplescr eamingandy ouwer eonthe
    fl
    oor,unconscious.
    ”Ilookathistensedey esashe
    tel
    lst
    hest ory
    ,nowr emember i
    ngthatfaceI
    unknowinglywentt oseet hi
    nki
    ngitwasSi busi
    so.
    “Thando,
    arey
    ouokay
    ?”asksNkosi
    ,hol
    dingmy
    hand.
    “
    Am fi
    ne,am j
    ustt
    ryi
    ngtorememberwhatmademe
    f
    all
    unconsci
    ous,
    ”Isay,
    lyi
    ng.
    “Youknow,youreall
    yscar edmeThando.It hought
    youweregoingtodie."hewalksclosertome, takes
    myhandi nt
    ohisandki ssesit
    ."Idon’
    tbeli
    eveinGod
    butyouhadmepr ayingforthepast2day s,
    ”hesay s
    soundi
    ngt r
    emulous.WhydoesNkosi caresomuch
    aboutme?Hedoesn’ tevenknowmet hatmuchy et
    hereheis,l
    ooki
    ngsot raumatizedmorethanIam.
    “
    Whydoyoucar
    esomuchaboutme?
    ”Iask,
    f
    oll
    owi
    nghi
    seyes.
    “Ir
    eal
    l
    ydon’tknow,maybeit’
    sbecauseIl
    ovey ou,
    ”
    hesaysshr
    ugging.Heneverknowsanyt
    hing.Every
    ti
    meIaskhim somethi
    ng,hejustsay
    shedoesn’ t
    know.
    “Youneverknowanyt
    hingdoyou,
    ”Isaylaughing.
    Thetensedeyeshehadarefi
    nal
    lygone,
    r epl
    acedby
    awonderfulgl
    ow.

    “Knockknock,canIpl
    easecomein.
    ”say
    sthedoct
    or,
    standi
    ngatthedoor.Webothnod.
    “Si
    rvi
    sit
    inghoursar
    eov er
    .Ourpat
    ienthast
    otake
    hermedicat
    ionandrest
    ."
    Nkosir
    etreat
    shishandfrom mi
    net henfacest
    he
    doct
    or."Oohokay.Canshebedischarged
    tomorr
    ow? "
    "
    Yesshecan.Todaywejustwantt
    oseehowshe
    r
    ecov
    eresthenshewil
    lbefreet
    ogo."
    "Okaydoct or.
    "Nkosi t
    urnstolookatmet henbends
    downt owhi spersomet hi
    nginmyear ."Byelove.I
    willseey out omorrow."Hiswhispertriggersmeand
    Ifeel everysingl
    egoosebumppopupal lovermy
    body .Hel ooksintomyey es,kissesmyr i
    ghtcheek
    thenf lashesasmi rk.Thando,comebackt oeart
    h,
    thi
    si snott hetimet ofeell
    ikethis.Nkosifinal
    ly
    l
    eav est her oom,l
    eav i
    ngmewi ththedoct or.
    "
    Ma'am,canIsaysomet
    hing"say
    sthedoct
    or
    l
    ooki
    ngatme.
    "
    Yeasur
    e."
    "Am probablyi
    nnopl acetosayt hisbutt hatman
    ri
    ghttheresuredoeslovey ou.Whenhegother e
    wit
    hy outhatnight
    ,hewasi ntears.Thenur seskept
    ontell
    inghimt owaitbecausenonoft hedoct or
    s
    wereav ai
    labl
    etotreatyoubuthe, hedidn'tt
    akeany
    ofit
    .Hedemandedanddemandedunt i
    lhegotwhat
    hewant ed.Whent hehospi talcalledme, t
    hey
    beggedmet ocomebecauset herewasa" Crazy
    man"whowast hreateningt oshutdownt hehospital
    i
    fhedidn'tgetserved.Si gh.
    ....
    .Hedi deveryt
    hingin
    hispowert ogetyout reatedandhedi dn'
    tevengive
    up.Keept hatman, neverleav ehissidenomat t
    er
    whatbecauseany onecanseet hatheisyoursoul
    matethroughhisact ions.Ev enabl i
    ndpersoncan
    senseitfrom af
    ar."Ilookdownasshesay sallt
    his.
    "Youknow,thel
    astti
    meIsawt hatwas15y earsago.
    Andt hemanwasn'tevencryi
    ngforhiswif
    e, hewas
    cryi
    ngbecausehi
    swi f
    ewast heonewhowor ked.He
    wasal azybum,
    "webot hlaughatherstat
    ement .
    "Sobabyhol
    dont othatdiamondbeforei
    tgoes.
    Takemyadv i
    ce.Andpleasedoseeapsy chol
    ogi
    st.
    Youmightli
    etomebuty ouknowy ouneedone."I
    fl
    ushasmileather,
    shortofwords.Idon'
    tknow
    whattosay.
    "Ookay.Timeforyoumisstorestnow. "shesay
    s
    aft
    erinject
    ingsomethi
    ngintothedrip.Afew
    minuteslater
    ,myeyesstartt
    odr i
    ftofftothe
    unknownl
    ands.

    Soam f i
    nall
    ygetti
    ngdischargedandam sooogl ad
    am getti
    ngoutofherebecausei t
    spuretor
    ture.The
    doctorkeepsonsuggest i
    ngt hatIseeapsychologi
    st
    butIdon'twant.Nkosiwantedt opayformybi l
    lbut
    thenItol
    dhimt hatIhaveamedi calai
    d.
    "Soar eyouready?"saysNkosi hel
    pingmeoutof
    bed,handingov ermycrutches.SowhenIf ell
    ,I
    sprainedmyankl ethusIhavet ousecrutches
    now....
    ..
    .Mylif
    e...
    ..
    .OohandNkosi wil
    lbest ayi
    ng
    withmebecauseappar entl
    y,Ican'
    tstayalonei n
    "such"aconditi
    on.Hiswor dsnotmi ne.
    "
    Wearegoingtomyhouser
    ight
    ?noty
    our
    s."Isay
    t
    aki
    ngthecrut
    ches.
    "
    YesThando.Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    oyourhouse.
    "
    Weheadoutoft hehospital
    ,gettohiscarandwe
    areofftomyapartment.Thereistotalsi
    lenceinthe
    car,nonofusaresayi
    ngawor datall,
    wej ustkeep
    steali
    nggl
    ancesfr
    om eachot her.Okayletmej ust
    breakthi
    sice.
    "
    Thanky
    ouNkosi
    ,
    "
    "
    Forwhat
    ?"
    "
    Forhel
    pingmeandf
    orbei
    ngt
    her
    ethatni
    ght
    ."
    "Comeon.Youdon'thavetot
    hankme.I
    t'
    smyduty
    asyourman."It
    urnmyheadsideway
    sandlookat
    him wi
    thaquesti
    onabl
    elook.
    "
    Andthen?What
    'supwi
    tht
    hatl
    ook?
    "hesay
    s
    l
    ooki
    ngatme.
    "
    Ishouldbetheonetoasky
    ouaquest
    ion.What
    'sup
    wi
    ththatst
    atement?
    "
    "
    Ist
    her
    esomet
    hingwr
    ongwi
    thi
    t?"
    "Yes.Ever
    ythi
    ngiswrongwit
    hit
    ."Isay
    .Nkosil
    ooks
    atmet henchort
    les.Mxm,whyi
    shelaughi
    ng?
    "Hmmmm wellIdon'
    tseeany thi
    ngwr ongwi
    thi tso
    hey.Woman,y
    oumi ghtdenyitbutyouarealready
    mywoman.Thedayy ouwer eborn,Goddeclared
    thaty
    ouaremineandnothingwillchanget
    hat .The
    soonery
    ouaccepti
    t,thebett
    er."
    Isqui
    ntmyeyesathi
    mt hi
    nki
    ngofthemosthur
    tful
    wordsIcoul
    dsaytohi
    m butmystupi
    dhear
    twon't
    l
    etmebecausei thasfallenforhi sst upidwor ds.
    Evenmywomani nst
    inctittell
    ingmet ostopf ight
    ing
    thetr
    uth,howevermyheadi stelli
    ngmet onotf al
    l
    fori
    tatall
    .Sowhoam Igoi ngt olistent o,myhear t
    andinsti
    nctwhichareinpar t
    ner shipwi theachot her
    ormyhead?It hinkam goi ngtol istent omyhead
    becausethelasttimeIlistenedt omyhear tIended
    upregret
    tingi
    t.
    "
    Youhaven'
    tev
    enpr
    oposedy
    ether
    eyouar
    etel
    l
    ing
    meshi
    t.
    "
    "Fi
    rstofal
    l
    ,neverusethatl
    astwordi
    nmypresence
    andsecondly
    ,ifyouwantmet opr
    oposej
    ustsayso
    Thando.Noneedt obeangry.
    "say
    sNkosiwi
    tha
    smirk.
    "NoIdon'
    twanty
    ourpr
    oposal
    .Am j
    ustr
    aisi
    nga
    poi
    nt.
    "
    "Hmmmm okayt hen."heconti
    nuest olookahead
    theroadwhi l
    eIjustglanceathim.Whosentt hi
    s
    mani nt
    omyl i
    feandwhy ?Nev erhaveIev ermet
    suchast ubborn,ar
    rogantmani nmyl if
    e..Wef i
    nal
    ly
    gettomyapar tmentanddamnImi ssedit.Si
    gh..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "
    Soletmegogetsomegr oceri
    essincey
    ourhouse
    i
    sli
    ter
    allyempty
    .I'
    l
    lbeback.Don'
    tcook,
    Iwil
    l
    ."say
    s
    Nkosihelpi
    ngmetogettothecouch.
    "
    Nkosither
    eisf
    oodi
    nther
    efr
    iger
    ator
    ."Isayr
    oll
    i
    ng
    myeyes.
    "Youcal lallt
    hoseveggiesfood? ?
    Youdon' tev
    en
    hav emeal i
    emeal Thando,it'
    sjustpastaandv eggi
    es
    every where.Nobeefnonot hing.Haithat'
    snotfood
    mydar l
    ingthatspuretort
    ure.
    "heki ssesmycheek,
    turnst othedoorandleaves.Heev enlockedthe
    door .Yaaaahneh.
    It
    aketheremotefrom t
    hecof
    feet
    abl
    e,t
    urnont
    he
    TVandjustr
    elax.
    Phoner
    ings.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    Itakemyphonefr
    om mybagandcheckt
    hecal
    l
    erI
    D.
    It
    'sanunknownnumber
    .
    "ThandoMdlets.
    ..
    ..
    "andbef
    orIcoul
    dfi
    nishmy
    sentencehecall
    smyname.
    "Sbu?
    ??"myheartst
    art
    storaceasIr
    ememberhow
    hebrokeupwit
    hmeanddi dn'
    tevent
    ryt
    ocont
    act
    mef oronewhol emont h.Hahaam sonot
    entert
    aini
    ngt hi
    spi eceofshi t
    .Iquicklyendthecall
    ,
    notcaringaboutwhathewant stosay.Hecalls
    againbutIignorehi scall.Am angryathim, am
    sooooangr yathi m andam donewi thhisbull
    shit
    .
    Theonl yreasonIwentt oJohnDor y'swasbecauseI
    thoughtitwashi m whowant edt omeetupwi thme
    butno.Itsallhi
    sf aultIwentt omeetupwi t
    hthat
    monst er,
    thatmonst erwhor uinedmyl i
    fe.Herui
    ned
    mydr eamsofst ayi
    ngt hewayi wasuntilImetmy
    l
    ifepartner,heruinedev eryt
    hing.
    "
    Apennyf
    ory
    ourt
    hought
    s,"Ihearsomeonesay
    ing.
    "Nkosi
    ,wel
    lthatwasf ast
    ."Isaylookingathim.He
    walkstot
    hekitchentoleavethegr ocer
    ieshebought
    thencomesbackt otheli
    vingroom andt akesmy
    crut
    chesfr
    om thefloor.
    "
    Let
    'sgocook.
    "
    "Okay.Hel
    pmeup. "Isaygiv
    inghim myhands.He
    pull
    smeupf rom thecouchandwebot hheadtothe
    kit
    chen.Nkosigi
    vesmet heveggiestocutwhi
    lehe
    mar i
    nades6piecesofdrum st
    icksandputsapot
    withwat eront hestove.Wespend2hour sint he
    ki
    tchent alki
    ngaboutsensel essstuff,
    laughingand
    gossipingaboutt hepeopl einourl i
    ves.Iwon' tli
    e,
    Nkosi real
    lyisn'tt
    hatbad.Despi tehisfinancial
    stat
    uswhi chseemsv erybad, hereall
    yhasan
    amazi ngper sonal
    ity
    .Youwoul dswearhei sn'tthe
    samemanwhohi tmycaramont hago.Asf orSbu,
    hehasn' tstoppedcalling.Iactual
    lyhadt oswi tchoff
    myphonebecauseam notent ert
    aini
    nghi m.
    "
    Andfoodisr
    eady.Letmegosetupt
    het
    abl
    e."say
    s
    Nkosi
    removi
    ngtheapron.
    "
    Oohnol
    etmeseti
    tup.
    "
    "Andhowar eyouplanni
    ngondoi ngthatmiss
    grumpypant s?
    ?"st
    atesNkosiwithhishead
    sideway s.OkayIdi
    dn'tt
    hinkaboutthat.Honest
    ly,
    thissprainfeel
    sli
    keshit
    ,it'
    ssooooooof l
    eapen
    painful
    .
    "Okayyoucanseti tup"Isay.Nkosichucklesthen
    takestheutensi
    lsanddishestothedi ni
    ngr oom.He
    putsthefoodhecookedi ncasseroledishesand
    goestothedi ni
    ng.Sowhat '
    sfordinneryouask?
    Welli
    t'
    sjustpapwithcreamedspi nach,gr
    av yand
    roast
    edchicken.Am j
    ustprayingthatitt
    astesas
    amazingasitsmell
    s.Nkosi comesbackt ohelpme
    thenwebothheadt otheli
    vingroom.
    Wet akeourseatz,IprayandWearer
    eadyt
    odigin.I
    serv
    et hef
    oodf orhim andasIdoso,
    Nkosi
    just
    stai
    rsatmet hewhol eti
    me.
    "
    Andt
    hen,
    wena?
    "
    "
    Thandoyouar
    esososososobeauti
    ful
    !Woooo
    woman!!
    damn.
    "hesay
    sexcl
    aimi
    ng.
    "Youknow, allmyloveiswai ti
    ngforsomebodyl ike
    you;somebodyIcangi veitallt
    obuty oukeepon
    delaying.Iwi llwai
    tshame, i
    t'
    sokay .
    "Ijustlookat
    him wi t
    honeel evatedey ebrowandmyhear tison
    anotherl evel of**
    damnboywher efuckhav ey ou
    been* *butmyheadi sonsome* *
    bitchrunasf ast
    asy oucan.Thi sisdefinit
    elyaSibusiso.**
    *Howev er,
    myi nstinctist el
    li
    ngmet oblush.Whatt hehell i
    s
    happeni ngt ome? ?!Youwoul dswearam hav i
    nga
    ment albr eakdownr ightnow.IjustglanceatNkosi ,
    handov erhi sfoodandj ustsitdownwi thoutsay i
    ng
    anyt
    hingbecausether
    eisawargoi ngoninmybody.
    Wecont i
    nueeati
    ngourdinnerinsi
    l
    ence,wefini
    sh
    outfood,Nkosit
    akestheplat
    estothekit
    chenand
    washesthem andthenhecomesbackt othedini
    ng
    room wheream sti
    l
    lsi
    tti
    ng,st
    il
    lhavingt
    hatwarin
    mybody .
    "I
    t'sti
    mef oryourmedi ci
    ne,here"hehandsov ermy
    pil
    lsandwat er.Itaket hem f
    rom him withan
    appreci at
    ivesmi l
    e, Idri
    nkthepill
    sandhet akest hem
    tomyr oom.Whoi sthismanandwhatdoeshewant ?
    Isher eall
    yinlovewi t
    hmeori sheaf tersomet hing?
    Sigh..
    ...Ij
    ustdon' tknowany mor e.Godpl easegi ve
    measi gn.Ifhei sindeedaf t
    erlovethenpl easehel p
    meaccepthi m buti fhei saft
    ersomet hi
    ngt hen
    pleasehel pmechophi sdickof f
    ,Amen.

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

    “Thandoy oushoul
    dhaveletuskil
    lhi
    m 8yearsago.I
    regretev
    erlist
    eni
    ngtoyou,”say
    sTshidiasshesit
    s
    onthecouch, pl
    aci
    nghercupofcoffeeonthecoffee
    tabl
    e.SoIdecidedtocall
    Tshidiov
    erfort
    he
    weekend.Ialsocall
    edmymom andNol uthandobut
    theyhadt ogotoIndi
    aforsomewedding.Itol
    d
    Tshidiaboutmyli
    ttl
    emeetingatJohnDory’
    sand
    boyisshemad.
    “Someti
    mesIj ustwanttodie,
    Ican’tt
    akethi
    stort
    ure
    anymoreTshidi.Whatdoeshestil
    lwantfrom me?”I
    saycry
    ing.That’sal
    lIhavebeendoingeversi
    nce
    shecameher e.
    “Don’tsayt hatcupcake.Ithinkit’
    saboutt i
    meIf ind
    andteachhi m alessonhewi llneverf or
    get .Andno
    Thando, Iwi l
    lnotli
    stentoyout histimet hesame
    wayIdi dlastt i
    me."shesay s.Tshidi hasbeen
    cravi
    ngt oki l
    lSibusi
    so.Ihadt opleadwi thherand
    beli
    evemewhenIsayi twasn’teasyconv incingher
    notto.Ial sohadt oaskhernott ot ellmybr ot
    hers
    becauset heywoul dhav ei
    mmedi atelyflawnbackt o
    SouthAf ricajusttokil
    lSbu.Ihav en’ttoldmymom
    aboutSibusi soleavi
    ngme.Shel ikedSi busisoso
    tel
    li
    ngherabouti twouldbreakher .Ohandshe
    doesn’tknowaboutwhathappened8y earsago.
    OnlyTshi diandmybr ot
    hersknowabouti t.Wedi dn'
    t
    tel
    lNol
    uthandobecauset
    hatbit
    chisasni
    tchand
    shedoesn'
    tli
    keanyofusexceptformom.

    “Ireal
    l
    ywoul dn’
    tmi ndy oukil
    li
    ngBrainbecauset
    hat
    monst erdeserv
    esi t.YearsbackIwasscared
    becauseourf at
    her swer ecl
    osefri
    endsbutsince
    dadpassedon, Idon'tcareanymore.Butl
    eave
    Sibusi
    soal one.
    ”Isaypoi nti
    ngather.
    "Okayf
    ine.Atl
    eastam get
    ti
    ngt
    hechancet
    oki
    l
    l
    someone,"say
    sTshidi
    .

    "Soenoughofthi
    sdepressi
    ngt
    opic,
    tellmewhat
    ’s
    upwithyou?”say
    sTshidiwi
    thasmirk.Iknow
    exact
    lywhatshe’
    stal
    ki
    ngabout.

    “
    Not
    hing,
    ”Isay
    ,wi
    pingt
    het
    ear
    sof
    fmyf
    ace.
    “
    Don’
    tli
    eThando,
    youar
    ereal
    l
    yter
    ri
    bleati
    t.
    ”
    “Am notly
    ingdude,Nkosi
    isjustafri
    endandthat
    ’s
    all
    .”Isayl
    ooki
    ngattheTV, t
    ryi
    ngtoav oi
    deye
    contactwit
    hher."
    Hewasj usthel
    pingmeoutthat'
    s
    al
    l
    ."
    “Butt hewayy ouguy slookateachot hersays
    somet hingel se,”shesay s,nudgingmewi thher
    elbow." helookssobr okethoughbutsi nceyoudon'
    t
    careaboutmoney ,youguy swoul dmakeanamazi ng
    mat ch. "Nxt hischild.WhenIt oldNkosi t
    hatmy
    sisterwasgoi ngtobeher efortheweekend, he
    refusedt oleav ebutheendedupdoi ngso.Howev er
    thatdi dn’tstophi mf r
    om comi ngtov i
    sitmeso
    that’showhegott omeetTshi di
    .
    “Am ser
    iousTshi
    di,
    nothingi
    sgoingonbet
    weenus,
    I
    don’
    tthi
    nkam readyforsuchj
    ustyet
    .”
    “Ugh!comeoncupcake, youshouldst artl
    ett
    inggo
    ofSi busisobecausehei sgonef orgood,”says
    Tshidi,lookingannoyed.Shewi l
    lneverunderst and
    howdeepl yinloveIam withSibusiso.OkayIknow
    thatam bei ngaconf usedcockroachandal l,
    butI
    j
    ustcantseem t oforgetaboutthatfool.Imighthav e
    blockedhi snumber ,tol
    dhimt oleavemet hef uck
    aloneaf ewt i
    meshepoppedupatmywor kpl ace
    duringt heweekbutIcan' tf
    orgetabouthi m.You
    knowt hatoneboyy oujuststaystuckuponno
    matterhowmuchhehur t
    sy ou,that'
    swhatam goi ng
    thr
    oughr i
    ghtnow.Am justconfused.Ihatehim butI
    sti
    ll
    lovehim.Idon'
    tknowwhatt odo.Ijustfeel
    like
    j
    ustbecomi ngsi
    ngl
    eforal ongasst imeuntilam
    overSbubecausethereisnowayam get ti
    ngintoa
    rel
    ati
    onshipwit
    hthemi ndsetIhav e.
    Asam abouttor
    epl
    yTshi
    dimyphonestar
    tsri
    ngi
    ng,
    i
    tsNkosi.Thi
    smancal
    lsmeever
    ysecond,l
    ike
    ser
    iousl
    y….
    “
    Nkosi
    am f
    inesost
    opwor
    ryi
    ng.
    ”

    Thecal
    l
    er……

    “Okayf
    ine,
    youcancomeov erbutcanyoupl
    ease
    bri
    ngabucketofchi
    ckenal
    ongwi t
    hyou,”

    Thecal
    l
    er………….

    “
    Thanky
    ou,
    bye,
    ”
    WhenIdr opthecall,
    Tshidi
    isl
    ookingatmewi t
    hthat
    smirkagain.Shereal
    lyi
    sconvincedthatNkosi
    andI
    haveafli
    nggoi ngon.Letmejustshutupbecause
    shewon’tbelieveme.
    “Ireal
    lywon’tbeshockedt ohearthathepr oposed
    toy oubecausethi
    sguyi ssoi ntoyou.Ey,
    Ihav e
    beenmeani ngtoasky ou,i
    st hecolorofhiseyes
    reall
    yblueoritsey
    econt acts.”
    “Fi
    rstl
    y,hewil
    lneverproposesoj ustchil
    lbabe.And
    yes,hi
    sey esarenatur
    allyblue.Atfi
    rstInever
    beli
    evedhim buttheyare.”
    “Yhooobabesy ouar
    esoluckyt
    ogetaguywit
    h
    suchey es.I
    fIwerey
    ou,
    Iwouldhavepr
    oposedto
    him,”saysTshi
    di.
    “
    Tshi
    di,
    Nkosi
    isj
    ustmyf
    ri
    endanddon’
    tfor
    gett
    hat
    y
    ouhaveaman,”
    “Aaahy oucallt
    hatthi
    ngaman, Ihavebeenwai t
    ing
    forhimt oproposebutnothi
    ng,
    ”saysTshidi,
    roll
    ing
    hereyes.Webot hlaugh.Shehasbeendatingthis
    othermanofher sfor4y ear
    snow.Theyli
    terall
    ydo
    everyt
    hingtogether
    .Heev engoesshoppi
    ngwi thmy
    motherandsometi
    meswi t
    hmybrother
    swhenever
    t
    heyarearound.Hehasactual
    l
    ybecomeafamil
    y
    member .
    “Whydon’
    tyougoforAl
    vin.Hehasbeenaskingyou
    outfor9y
    earsnowsogivehim achance,
    ”Isay,
    taki
    ngasipofmyjui
    ce.
    “Not hanks, Al
    vini sr eallychildi
    shandy ouknowhow
    muchIcan’ ttoleratesuch.Iwoul dpr obabl
    yendup
    beatinghim upev erysingleday .Andt hi
    sthingof
    him actingasi fhei st her ichestmanonear th
    annoy smeev enmor e.”Wecont i
    nuet al
    ki
    ngf or
    another30mi nut esbef oreNkosi finall
    yarri
    ves.
    Inst
    eadofTshi di standi ngupandopeni ngthedoor
    becauseam hur t
    , shej ustst aysputont hecouch
    l
    ookingatt heTV.Whydi dIaskhert ocomeov er
    againbecauseshecl ear l
    yisn’thel pingmewi t
    h
    anything.Islowl yst andup, holdingont omy
    crut
    ches, thisankl ei sreallymaki ngmyl i
    fediff
    icul
    t.
    “
    HeyNkosi
    ,
    ”IsayasIopent
    hedoor
    .
    “Hel
    losweetpant
    s,”
    ,say
    sNkosigivi
    ngmeahug.
    From Mi
    ssgrumpypantstosweetpant
    s.Wow.
    “
    Her
    eisyourbucketofchi
    cken,
    spi
    cyj
    ustt
    heway
    y
    oul
    ikei
    t.
    ”
    “
    Thanky
    ouNK,
    ”Isaymaki
    ngwayf
    orhi
    mtopass.
    “HeyNkosi
    ,ni
    cetoseey
    ouagai
    n,
    ”say
    sTshi
    dist
    il
    l
    sit
    ti
    ngonthecouch.
    “Ni
    cetoseey
    out
    ooTshi
    di.
    ”say
    sNkosi
    ,notsmi
    l
    ing
    atal
    l.
    “
    Shoul
    dIgety
    ouj
    uiceorany
    thi
    ng?
    ”me.
    “Nodon’twor ryaboutmeandy oushoul
    dn’tbe
    walkingaroundsweetpant s.I
    fIwantanything,
    your
    sist
    erwillgetiff
    orme.”-Nkosi.Theeyethathejust
    gotfrom TshidiYhooo.I
    flookscouldkil
    l
    ,Nkosi
    wouldbedead.

    AnywaysIact
    ual
    lycameher
    etot
    alkt
    oTshi
    di,
    ”say
    s
    Nkosit
    urni
    ngtoTshidi
    .
    “
    Andt
    hati
    s?”say
    sTshi
    di.
    “
    Tshidi
    ,Ihavebeenaski
    ngy oursi
    stert
    ogooutwit
    h
    mebutshekeepsonr ej
    ecti
    ngmesoIwas
    wonder
    ingifyoucoul
    dpleasejustaskheronmy
    behal
    fplease,
    ”say
    sNkosilooki
    ngatTshi
    di..What
    thehel
    ldude.Whatmakeshi mt
    hinkt
    hatIwill
    changemymi nd.I
    tsst
    il
    lgoingt
    obeano.
    “
    Don’tworrymydearblueeyedf
    ri
    end,
    justt
    ell
    me
    whatti
    mey ouar
    egoingt ocomepi
    ckherup.She
    wi
    llbereadybyt
    hen.”Tshidi
    .
    “What!Noam notgoi
    ngoutwi
    thhi
    m Tshi
    disowhy
    areyousayi
    ngsuch,”
    “
    Whatt
    imewi
    l
    lyoubeher
    e,”i
    nqui
    resTshi
    di.
    Okaythese2ar
    etot
    all
    yinsane.Am t
    heonewhoi s
    supposedtomaket
    hedecisionher
    enotTshi
    di.
    “
    Tshi
    didudest
    opgi
    vi
    nghi
    mfal
    sehopecozam….
    .”
    “
    Whatt i
    meNkosi ?”Tshidiasksagainshowingme
    t
    hemi ddlef
    inger.Wellt
    hat’sjustr
    ude.Gett
    ing
    i
    nter
    ruptedwhilstt
    ell
    i
    ngt hem thetrut
    h.
    “
    7:30pm shar
    p,”Nkosi
    “
    Okayy
    oucango,
    bye.
    ”
    “ThankyouTshidi
    ,seeyoutoni
    ghtThando.
    ”Says
    Nkosismil
    ing.Ij
    ustlookathi
    m androl
    lmyeyes.I
    f
    heseri
    ouslythi
    nksthatam goi
    nganywherewi
    thhim,
    worsewiththesecrutchesthenheisi
    nsane.Am so
    angryatTshidir
    ightnow.Shecanconti
    nuewatching
    thi
    smov i
    ealone.Am goi ngtomyroom.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    SohereIam,al
    ldr
    essedupf
    oradi
    nnerdat
    ethatI
    don'
    twanttogoto.Why?
    Well
    ,basi
    call
    ybecausemydearev il
    sister
    ,Tshidi
    deci
    dedtobuymechocol atesbutnottogivethem
    tome.NotuntilIgooutwi t
    hNkosi.Sigh..
    ..
    ..
    Couldn’
    t
    Nkosiatl
    eastwaitformet ogetridofthese
    crut
    chesfi
    rstbecausetheyar er
    eall
    y
    annoy
    ing.
    Ihavebeenwai ti
    ngf orNkosif
    ormorethan45
    minutesnow, notthatIcaret
    hatheisl
    ate.Am
    actual
    lyhopingthathedoesn’tshowupatall
    .Tshi
    di
    hasbeenl ooki
    ngoutt hewindowimpat
    ientl
    y,i
    t
    seemsl i
    keshei stheonewhoi sgoi
    ngout.
    “Hei
    shere,
    getoutbabes,
    getout.Heishere!
    !”says
    Tshi
    dij
    umpingupanddownlikea2y earol
    dgirlwho
    j
    ustgotanewbarbiedoll
    ,pushi
    ngmeoutthedoor.
    Oohgosh,whycan’tNkosij
    ustgotohi
    shouseor
    somethi
    ng.Letmejustgetthi
    soverwi
    thsothatI
    cangetmychocolate.
    Ihaveabsolutelynoideawher ewear egoingbut
    whereveritis,i
    tsreal
    lyfar.Wehav ebeenont he
    roadforthepast30mi nutesnowandam get ting
    ti
    redofsitti
    nginhiscar .Hiscari
    ssool dandsuper
    uncomf ort
    able.Ishouldhav eoff
    eredtousemi ne.
    Am lookingoutsidethewi ndowbutIcanf eel
    hi s
    eyesonme.Iknowhei sl ooki
    ngatme.
    “Nkosi
    ,wherear
    ewegoi ngbecauseam t
    ir
    edof
    sit
    ti
    nginthi
    scar?”Iasktur
    ningtol
    ookathim.
    “
    9mor
    emi
    nut
    essweetpant
    s,j
    ustbepat
    ient
    .”
    “
    Fine,
    ”Isayl
    ooki
    ngbackout
    sideagai
    n.
    “Canyoupleasestoplooki
    ngatme, lookatther
    oad
    aheadofyou.Idon’twanttodiej
    ustbecauseof
    you,
    ”Isaystil
    ll
    ookingoutsi
    de.Ihearhimlaugh,
    and
    hisey
    esaref i
    nal
    lyoffme.
    Sonowwear einsomeur banareaanditlooks
    absol
    utel
    yamazing.Thehousesarereal
    lybi gbut
    al
    sosimple,
    withbeauti
    fulyar
    ds.It
    henspotone
    whichl
    ooksli
    kehomeandIsmi l
    e.HowImi ssthat
    house,
    Imissmymom somuchand
    thewaysheusedt ospoi lmewi thshoppi ngon
    Saturday s.Shestil
    l doesspoi lmet hough.Shesends
    meR12000ev eryweek.Idon’ tknowhowIshoul d
    spendal lt
    hatmoneyi nmyaccount .It hinkIshould
    giveittoNkosi becausel ookingathi mr ightnowand
    hiscar ,hereall
    ydoesneedi t
    .Oooohi tlooksl i
    kewe
    aregoi ngt ohaveourdi nnerher ebecausehei snow
    dri
    vingt owardssomebi ggat e,Ireallycan’ tsee
    anythingont heot hersideoft hegat e.May beit’
    sa
    hotel.Ther ei
    saguar dst andingout side, hejust
    openedt hegateforus.Hedi dn’ tevenaskusany
    quest i
    ons.Aswedr iv
    ei n,Inoticear eal l
    y
    humongoushousebui ltofblackt intedgl ass, t
    hat
    ti
    ntedgl assjustremi ndedmeoft hehospi t
    al.Wow,
    thi
    shouse
    real
    l
    yisbeaut
    if
    ul.Hethenpul
    l
    sover,
    get
    soutoft
    he
    car,
    rushi
    ngtomyside.Heopenst
    hedoorf
    orme
    thenhelpsmegetoutofthecar
    .Ican’
    tgetmyeyes
    offthi
    sbuil
    ding.I
    tsj
    ust
    ….Wow,am speechl
    ess.
    “CanIjustcarryyoubecauseIdon’
    tli
    keseeingyou
    walkwiththosecr ut
    ches,
    ”saysNkosi
    ,looki
    ngatthe
    crut
    chesliketheyaresomedisgusti
    nglooki
    ngthing.
    “Nothanks,
    am f
    ine,
    ”Isay
    ,wai t
    ingforhi
    mtowalk
    fi
    rst
    .Whoa!!
    !Ij
    ustsai
    dnot hanks.Whatdoeshenot
    underst
    and.
    “
    Nkosi
    putmedownIcanwal
    konmyown,
    Nkosi
    !!
    !”
    “St
    opwhi ningandj ustenjoyther i
    de,”hesay s
    l
    ookingatmeasam i nhisar ms.Hei sn’tgoingto
    putmedownsoImi ghtaswel lj
    ustl eti
    tbe.Luckil
    y
    am wearingjeans.Don’ taskwhyam wear i
    ngpants
    toadinnerdat e.Asweappr oachthepor chwhich
    hasawat erf ountainstatueandf lowerpot sbesidei
    t,
    hethenst ops,putsmedownandent ersapi nonthe
    doorint
    ercom.I st hishishouse?noi tcan’tbe.Not
    aft
    erseeinghi m drivesuchacar .Heopenst hedoor
    assoonast heintercom showsagr eenlightandI
    fol
    lowhim ashewal ksinsidethehouse.Wow.Thi s
    houselookssoexqui si
    te.Myey esar ejust
    everywhere.Ithasagr eywoodenf l
    oorwhi chkindof
    l
    ightsupt hishouse,blackor natechandeli
    erwith
    diamonds, l
    otsandl otsofdi amonds.Thest ai
    rsata
    farendoft helivi
    ngroom ar espiralwit
    hclearglass
    stepsandagl asswall.Ithenspott heki
    tchenwhi ch
    i
    scompl etelysilv
    er.Thef urnit
    ureinthi
    shouse….
    Wai tno,
    letmecor r
    ectt hatto,t
    hef ur
    nit
    ureinthis
    glassmansi onmakesi tevenmor eelegant.Who
    everbuil
    tthissurelyisrich.
    “Soareyoureadytohavedinner
    ?”it
    sNkosi st
    andi
    ng
    besi
    deme, l
    ookingatmeasmyey esexplor
    ethe
    beaut
    yofthi
    shouse.Ilookathim asInod,Ican’
    t
    speakanymore.Thesmileonhisfaceri
    ghtnow….
    Hethenstart
    swal
    kingtowardsacream col
    ored
    di
    ningt
    able.It
    sal
    readysetwit
    hcasser
    oledishes,
    si
    l
    verplat
    esandutensil
    s.
    “Comesi t
    ,”say sNkosi
    ashepul
    lsachairforme.He
    dishesupt hefoodforbot
    hofusthensit
    sacross
    thedini
    ngt able,f
    aci
    ngme.SoIguessthisiswhen
    west ar
    teat i
    ng.
    Hei
    sn’
    teat
    inghi
    sfood,
    hei
    sjustpoki
    ngi
    twhi
    l
    st
    l
    ooki
    ngatme.
    “
    Whyar
    en’
    tyoueat
    ing,
    ”Iask.
    “Am j
    ustadmir
    ingt
    hebeaut
    ysi
    tt
    ingacr
    ossme,
    ”he
    saysputt
    inghi
    sfor
    kdown.
    “Nkosi
    ,pleaseeatsot
    hatIcanjustgohome,
    ”Isay
    .
    Am real
    lynotinthemoodforsweettal
    k.
    “
    Ohokayt
    hen.Your
    eal
    l
    ydon’
    twantt
    obeher
    e,do
    y
    ou?
    ”
    “
    NoIdon’
    t,
    Iwantt
    ogohome,
    ”
    “
    Thando,whydon’ty
    oul
    i
    keme?”heasks.That
    ’sa
    r
    andom quest
    ion.
    “
    Ido.
    ”as
    “Sot
    henyouwoul
    dn’tmindbei
    ngmygirl
    fr
    iend
    ri
    ght
    ?”say
    sNkosist
    andingup,comi
    ngtokneel
    besi
    deme.Okaywhatthehel
    li
    shappeni
    ngnow?

    “Thando,ev
    ersi
    ncethedayIlai
    dmyey esonyou,I
    havebeenunderyourspel
    l.WhenIwakeup,youar
    e
    thefi
    rstper
    sonIthi
    nkof.Thedayswestayed
    toget herwer esur elythebest , y
    oumademef eelso
    high, sohi ght hatwheny out oldmet ocomebackt o
    myhouseIal mostcr ied,"Hekeepshi sey esgl uedto
    measIgi ggle, remember inghowhewhi nedwhenI
    toldhi mt ol eav e." See, t
    hat sexact lywhatIwantt o
    wakeupt oev er ysingl emor ning.Iwantt obet he
    fi
    rstonet oseey ourf acebef orethesunshi nesi t
    's
    l
    ightony ouandIwantt obet helastonet olookat
    yourgl ori
    oussel fafterthemoonandt hest arsshow
    yout hewayi nt omyar ms.BabyIj ustwantt oget
    stucki nmyl ov ef oryouandInev erwantt oleav e
    you.Ij ustcan' tseem t ofor getabouty ounomat ter
    howmuchIt ry.Ihav ebeenwi t
    hal otofwomenand
    nonoft hem mademef eel thewayy oudo.Iwantt o
    bel aidupwi thy ouandj ustst ayupwi t
    hy ou.Iwant
    tofeel yourlov eandj ustkeepi tsosaf et hatno
    mat terwhatt hewor l
    dmi ghtt rytodo, i
    tcan' thurt
    you.Iwantt obet her easony oucry, ther easony ou
    l
    aughandt her easony ouj ustsmi l
    e.Iknowam
    beingr andom butIcoul dn’ tkeepi tinsideany mor e.
    Am pr obabl ynott het ypeofguyy ouwoul dgof or
    butcany oupl easegi v emeachancet oshowy ou
    thel oveIhav ef ory ou?"hekeepshi sey esonme
    whil
    esayi
    ngallthi
    s.Hechuckl esl
    ookingawayt hen
    l
    ooksbackatmeagai n."Okayhonest l
    yspeaking, I
    don’
    tknowhowt olovebecauseIhav enev erbeeni n
    l
    oveorbeenlovedbeforebutwhat everIfeelforyou,
    am 100%sureit
    slovesopl easeThando.Ipr omise
    toal
    wayskeepy ouhappyandsaf e,Iwill
    doany t
    hing
    andever
    ythi
    ngtokeepy oubymysi de.Pleasegive
    meachance? "
    OoohmyGod….
    .
    If
    eel
    li
    kecr
    yingr
    ightnow.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    Goodmor
    ningy
    'al
    l !
    !!
    !!
    !!
    !!
    !!
    !!
    SoRockyThel maKawinaistheonewhoshar edmy
    pageonFBdi ari
    es.Thankyouforshari
    ngi t
    sweetcake .Iwon'tli
    e thi
    s
    i
    nsertkindasucksbutIhopeyouguy senjoyit
    .
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er6
    Ihonestl
    ydon’tknowwhatt osay .Iwanttosayno
    butIalsowantt ogivehim achance.Am conf used,I
    real
    l
    ydon’ tknowwhatt osay .Am justso
    overwhelmed.AmanIst i
    lldon'tknowt ot
    hepoi ntof
    consider
    ingar el
    ati
    onshipiskneel i
    ngnexttome,
    aski
    ngmet obehi sgir
    lf
    ri
    end.
    WhatshouldIsay.Myhandsar ecoveringmymout h.
    Ican’tsayyesj
    usty et
    ,it
    swayt oosoon.Buthei s
    aski
    ngf orachanceThando, j
    ustgiveitatry
    .But
    whataboutSibusiso?Youknowwhat …..f
    uckit
    .He
    mov edonsoIshoul dmov eont oo.
    “I
    …i….Ireal
    lydon’
    tseewhynot,”Isaylooki
    ngint
    o
    hisbl
    ueey es.Hi
    sfacechangesfrom beinganxi
    ous
    tobeinghappy.
    Hejumpsupt ohi
    sfeet,
    picksmeupandspi nsme
    ar
    ound.Ialwayst
    houghtthatt
    hisonl
    yhappensin
    moviesbutIwaswrong.

    “Okay
    ,okayputmedownNkosi befor
    eIt
    hrowup,”I
    saytr
    yingt
    ostoplaughing.Heput smedown,goes
    backonhiskneesagain,hetakesmyhandand
    st
    art
    ski
    ssi
    ngi
    t.I
    sher
    eal
    l
    ythathappy
    ?
    “ThankyousomuchThando, IpromiseIwon’tmess
    thi
    sup.Infact
    ,I’
    l
    lmakey outhehappiestwomanon
    eart
    h.ThankyouThando,”Nkosi
    .Sohei sthathappy.
    NeverdidIthi
    nkIwouldmakesuchascar yl
    ooking
    mant ur
    nintosuch.Never
    !!
    !

    “Butcanwepleasetakethi
    ngssl
    owbecausewest
    il
    l
    don’tknoweachothert
    hatmuch.”
    “Yesma’am,Imeany esbabe,”hesay ssmil
    i
    ngli
    ke
    ali
    tt
    leboywhojustgotasportscar.IsweartoGod
    Nkosil
    ooksl
    ikeali
    ttl
    eboyrightnow.SoIguessam
    nowinarel
    ati
    onshipwithamanIdon’ tknow.
    Soundski
    ndofshadyr i
    ght
    ….

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    Sowedecidedtositonthecouchandhave
    chocol
    atei
    cecream si
    nceitsmyfavour
    it
    e.Mylegs
    areonthecouchandmyheadi sonhisshoul
    der.Hi
    s
    l
    egsareonthecoffeetabl
    eandhisri
    ghthandis
    aroundmyshoul der .Wehav ebeensi tti
    nglikethi
    s
    foraboutanhournowandl etmej ustsayhei sso
    funny .Ihavebeenl aughi ngsohar dtoapoi ntwhere
    myr ibshur tandIcan’ tlaughany mor e.Am hav i
    nga
    greatt i
    mewi t
    hhi m sof arandIam get tingtoknow
    him al i
    ttl
    ebitmor e.May besayi
    ngy eswasagood
    i
    deaaf terall
    butt her eisonet hi
    ngt roublingme.Am
    sti
    llnotov ertheSbut hi
    ng.Irushedi ntot hi
    s
    rel
    ationshipwi thoutget tingoverhim.Wel l,
    IguessI
    havenochoi cebutt odosowhi lstam i nthis
    rel
    ationship.Am pr ettysureitwon'tbet hatbad.
    “Sot
    ellme,
    isthi
    syourhouse?”Iask,
    placi
    ngt
    he
    emptybowlonthecof
    feetabl
    e.
    “
    Yesi
    tis,
    ”hesay
    slooki
    ngatt
    hecei
    l
    ing.
    “I
    tsreal
    l
    ybeauti
    fulhey.
    ”Iwonderwhyhehassucha
    housebutanuglycar.
    “Iknow,”hesay s,
    movi
    nghishandupanddownmy
    arm.Wel lathankyouwoul
    dhavebeenbet
    ter
    .Let
    mej ustshutup.
    “Whenam Igoinghome?itsalr
    eadypast22:
    00pm
    andican’
    tleav
    eTshidial
    laloneint
    hatapart
    ment.
    ”
    “
    Idon’tl
    i
    kedr i
    vingatni
    ght
    ,especi
    all
    yatthi
    sti
    meso
    whydon’ty
    ouj ustsl
    eepover
    .Am prett
    ysureTshi
    di
    wi
    llbefi
    ne.”
    "Well
    that
    'sal
    ameexcuseMrman.
    "Isayr
    oll
    i
    ngmy
    eyes.
    "I
    t'
    swort
    hatryisn'
    ti
    t?"Nkosi
    say
    ssmi
    l
    ingsmugl
    y.
    Thismanofmine.
    “Aslongasam sl
    eepinginmyownr oom,am fi
    ne,”I
    saylooki
    nguptohim.Hisfacequi
    cklychanges.He
    bett
    ernotbeexpecti
    ngmet osl
    eepwi t
    hhimjust
    becauseam hi
    sgirl
    fr
    iendnow.
    “YesNK,am sl
    eepi
    ngi
    nmyownr
    oom.Thi
    sisnot
    negot
    iabl
    e.”
    “I
    tsokay,you’
    l
    lsl
    eepi
    nmyr
    oom andI
    ’
    llsl
    eepi
    nthe
    guestroom.”
    “
    Nodon’
    twor
    ry,
    I’
    ll
    sleep….
    ."
    “NoThando, am goingtosleepi
    ntheguestroom.
    Thisisnotnegotiabl
    e.”Hesayswit
    hasmi rkonhi
    s
    face.Nkosit
    hough….Igi v
    eupYhooo.
    “Am gett
    ingki
    ndofsl
    eepysodirecti
    ngmet othat
    room ofyour
    swouldbegreat
    lyappreci
    ated,
    ”Isay,
    grabbi
    ngoneofmycr ut
    chesont hefl
    oor
    .
    “
    Oohno,youdon’
    thav
    etowal
    kbabe,
    letmecar
    ry
    y
    ou,
    ”Nkosi.
    “
    Nkosii
    tsfi
    neIwantt
    olear
    nhowt
    ogetusedt
    o
    t
    hesecr
    utches,
    ”
    “
    OkaybutIr
    eall
    ydon’
    tli
    keseei
    ngyouwal
    kwi
    th
    t
    hesef
    il
    thyt
    hings,
    comeonl et
    sgo,
    ”
    Am sti
    ll
    astoni
    shedbythishouse.Idon’tt
    hinkam
    evergoi
    ngtogetoverit
    .Wehav ereachedhi sr
    oom
    andam alr
    eadyexhaust
    edf r
    om walking.Yep,t
    hat
    ’s
    howbigthishousei
    s,Ishouldhavelethim car
    ryme
    yhoooo.
    Hisroom iscomplet
    elynav ybl
    ue.Ev erysi
    nglet
    hing
    i
    nher eisnavybl
    ue,fr
    om thef l
    uffycarpet,
    hisbed
    duvet,t
    heloti
    onsonthedr essingtabletohis
    morningshoesandmor ninggown.Soam guessi ng
    navyblueishisf
    avouri
    tecol or
    .Okay .
    “
    You’l
    lbesleepi
    ngi
    nher
    etoni
    ght
    .Ihopey
    oudon’
    t
    mindthecolor
    .”
    “Noit
    sokay ,
    butIst
    ill
    thi
    nkyoushouldhavesl
    epti
    n
    yourroom.Iwasgoingtobeabsol
    utelyf
    inei
    nthe
    guestroom,
    ”
    “
    Thando,
    Iwanty
    out
    osl
    eepher
    e.Ii
    nsi
    stoni
    t.
    ”
    “Okayt hen,youcanl
    eavenow.Goodnight
    ,”Isay,
    moni t
    or i
    ngtheroom.Heisn’
    tmovi
    ngatall
    .He’sjust
    standingatthedoorlooki
    ngatme.Whyisn’the
    l
    eav i
    ng.Ialsostandsti
    ll
    ,l
    ooki
    ngathi
    m withone
    eyebrowup.
    “CanIatl
    eastgetagoodni
    ghtki
    ssf
    rom mynew
    baby.
    ”
    “Noy oucan’tNK.Gosl eep,”Isaywalkingtot he
    doortocl oseitbutast hedoori shalfwaycl osed,he
    stopsitwi t
    hhi sfoot
    .Atl easthedidn’tusehi shand
    thisti
    me.Het henopenst hedoorslowl y
    ,hisey es
    l
    ockedonme.Nkosi walkst owardsmewhi l
    ehi s
    auraaswel l
    ashi sscentdomi nat
    esmyspace; he
    slowlycreepshi shandar oundmywai stthengent l
    y
    pullsmecl osertohim.Ourl i
    psmeet ,creat
    inga
    scinti
    ll
    ati
    ngat mospher ear oundus.Thesoftt extur
    e
    ofhislipsstimulatesthepassi onatekissevenmor e
    thanitwasashesl owlysli
    deshist onguei ntomy
    mout h,tasti
    ngt hechocolateicecr eam Ihadear li
    er.
    Iletoutasof tmoan, notwantinghi mt ostop.Idrop
    thecrutches, wrappingmyar msar oundhisneck.
    BeforeIev enknowi t,mylegsareal readywr apped
    aroundhi swai stashet akesbabyst epst othebed.
    Het henput smeont hebed,separatingourbodi es
    from eachot herwhi chhaddev elopedanexpr essi
    on
    ofaesthet i
    cdel i
    ght.
    “Nowy oucansaygoodnight,
    ”hesay
    ssniggeri
    ng,
    whil
    stgoingout
    .Hejustlef
    tmehanging.Thi
    sman
    i
    sev i
    lYhooo.Am notsayi
    ngIwasexpecti
    nghimto
    havesexwithmebut …….Youknowwhat,never
    mind.

    Oohwell
    ,Imightaswel lgot
    osl
    eepbutam sonot
    sl
    eepi
    nginthesejeans.Letmer
    emovethem.I’
    l
    l
    sl
    eepi
    nmyundi es….

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    NKOSIPOV

    Ican'
    tbeli
    evethatIfinal
    lygother.ThewomanIhav e
    beenyearni
    ngf or,
    foryearsnow,shei sfi
    nal
    lymine.
    Sheisevensleepinginmyr oom, onmybed!Ireall
    y
    can'
    tbeli
    evethis.ThandoMdl et
    she,thewomanof
    mydreams. .
    ..
    .Nkosi,li
    feisfi
    nal
    lyfavori
    ngyou.

    It
    s5am andIr eallywantherinmyar msandl ookat
    herunt i
    lshewakesup.I sthatsomucht oaskf or.
    Am pr et
    tysur eshewoul dn'
    tmi ndifIdidthatr i
    ght,
    sheismywomanaf t
    erall
    .ButThandocanbea
    psychosomet imes.Shemi ghtjusttakeoutt hatgun
    ofhersandchasemeoutoft her oom.Letmej ust
    givei
    tat ry.Afterreachi
    ngf orthebluerobewhi ch
    wasont hefloor,ithenheadf ormyr oom whi chis5
    roomsawayf r
    om t heguestroom.Iwon' tlie,my
    housei squitebigandt hefunnypar tisIli
    veal one.
    Rosedeci dedt oleavebecauseshecoul dn'tstand
    mysi ght.Shemov edtooneoft hecompl exesIown
    whichIpackedwi thguards.
    Ifeelsonervous,nev erhaveIeveri
    nmyl i
    febeenso
    nervous,especi
    allybecauseofawoman.Iguess
    sher eal
    l
    yistheone.AsIappr oachmyroom, Inot
    ice
    thatthedoorisopen.Shei sn'ti
    nbed.Maybesheis
    i
    nt hebathroom.St eppingi
    ntomyr oom,Ispother
    sit
    tingonthef l
    ooront heothersideoft
    hebed.Why
    i
    sshesi tti
    ngont hefloor?

    "Thando,
    "Ical
    lherasIwal
    ktowar
    dst
    heot
    hersi
    de
    ofthebed.

    "Yes,"sher
    espondsbutinawav yvoice.AsIstand
    i
    nf r
    ontofher,Inot
    iceafamil
    iarl
    ookingpersonina
    pictureonherphonewhichisinherhands.Iknow
    thatmanf r
    om somewher ebutwhoishe?Andwhy
    i
    sThandocr yingwhilstl
    ooki
    ngatthepictur
    eoft hi
    s
    man.

    Waitaminut
    e..
    ...Iknowhi
    m!Heusedt obeMr
    Jonescl
    i
    ent.Irememberseeinghi
    m and
    over
    hear
    ingtheconv er
    sat
    ionhehadwithMrJones
    i
    nhi
    sof
    fi
    cey
    ear
    sago.

    (Youwi
    ll
    regr
    etev
    erdoi
    ngbusi
    nesswi
    thme,
    doy
    ou
    hearme!
    !!
    )

    Andthosewer
    ehislastwor
    dsbef
    orest
    ormingout
    ofJonesof
    fi
    ce,onl
    ytofi
    ndmeatthedoor
    ..
    ..

    I
    shesomehowr
    elat
    edt
    oThando?Ihopenot
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    "Whyareyoustanding?Sitwithme,"saysThandoas
    shemakesspacef ormet osi
    t.Al
    lmyat tenti
    onwas
    onthatpi
    ctur
    e,for
    get t
    ingthatam standi
    ngi nfr
    ont
    ofsomeone.Iwon'tli
    e, t
    hatimageisnowst uckin
    myhead,Ineedtof i
    ndoutwhatr elati
    onshiphehas
    wit
    hher,Ir
    eall
    ydo....
    ..
    andASAP.

    "
    Nkosi,
    arey ouokay.Youseem t
    obeindeep
    t
    houghts.Shoul
    dIleavetheroom?"
    "Noam f i
    nedon'tworr
    y,"Isay,t
    ryingtoforgett he
    di
    sturbingmemor i
    esofwhathadhappenedy ears
    back.IsthisthereasonwhyIf el
    tsogui lt
    yf ordoing
    whatIdi dbecausewheni tcamet oot herpeopl e,
    my
    mindnev erfi
    lledwit
    hscor pi
    onsthewayi thadwhen
    i
    tcamet othatman.Wer emyancest orsreall
    yt el
    li
    ng
    menott odot hedeedIdidbecausei twouldcome
    backtohauntmeoneday ?Sigh.
    ...Ireal
    lyhopenot .

    "
    Ear
    tht
    oNkosi,
    "sheshout
    s,snappi
    ngherf
    inger
    sas
    t
    ogetmyat
    tent
    ion.

    "ooohsorr
    ybaby.
    "Isay
    ,rubbi
    ngmyey
    es.I
    '
    llt
    hink
    aboutthi
    slat
    eron.

    "Any
    way s,
    whyar eyousi
    tt
    ingonthefloorandwhy
    doesyourvoi
    cesoundsowav y
    ?"Iask,j
    oini
    ngheron
    thef
    loorandcrossi
    ngmyl egs.
    "Icouldn'
    tsleepsoIjustdeci
    dedtositont
    hefl
    oor
    .I
    dot hatwhenev eram sl
    eepl
    ess.Anddon'
    twor
    ry
    aboutmyv oice.Whyareyouhere?"

    Ohno,thequest
    ionIwant
    edt
    oescapef
    rom,
    she
    j
    usthadtoask.

    "Wel
    lumm, Ij
    ustwantedt
    o..
    .umm. .
    .checkupon
    you,
    justmakesureyouar
    efine?"Isaywit
    hawide
    smil
    e.

    "Umm okaybutasy oucanseeam perf


    ectl
    yfineso
    youcanleav
    enow, "sherepl
    i
    es.Wellt
    hat'
    sjust
    sad.
    ..
    ..
    .Notforherbutforme.

    "Can'
    tIj
    ustsitwi
    thyou,
    youknowj
    ustchi
    l
    lunt
    il
    sunri
    se,
    "Isayinzul
    u.

    "
    Youcanst
    il
    lgochi
    l
    liny
    ourr
    oom hey
    ."
    OoohLor
    dwhyi sthi
    schil
    dsodiff
    icul
    t.Whydi
    dI
    havet
    ofal
    lforheroutofal
    lthewomenonearth.
    ..
    ..
    .

    "ButIwanttochil
    lher
    e.Withyou,pl
    easeletmest
    ay.
    IpromiseIwon'tbot
    heryou,I
    '
    llj
    ustsither
    eandbe
    quiet
    ."

    "Okayf i
    ney oucanst aybutyoudon' thavetobe
    quiet.Andt akethatsmi leoffyourfacebecausey ou
    can'tsmile.Your eall
    yneedsmi l
    inglessons.
    "she
    saysasshepl acesherphoneont hebed.Honest l
    y,
    i
    t'snotmyf ir
    sttimebei ngtoldthatIhaveahor r
    ible
    smi l
    ebutInev ertookpeopleser i
    ouslyandby
    peopleImeanmysi bli
    ngs,MkhizeandRose.Mkhi ze
    i
    st hestepbr other.

    "Sotel
    lmemor eaboutyour
    sel
    fsi
    ncei
    twasal
    l
    aboutmelastni
    ght.
    "-Thando.
    WhatdoItellheraboutmy sel
    f,Ican'
    ttellher
    ever
    ythi
    ngjustyetorshemi ghtendupl eavingme
    j
    ustli
    keAngeladid.Ireal
    l
    ydon'twantt hat.

    "
    Wellam a30yearol
    dzulubusi
    nessmanwhoowns
    afewshopsi
    nBenoni,whi
    chiswhyam al
    ways
    t
    here.
    ."

    "
    That
    sit
    ?"sheaskswi
    thoneey
    ebr
    owup.

    "
    Pret
    tymuchy
    es.
    "

    "
    what
    'sy
    oursur
    name?
    "

    "
    Nxumal
    o,"Isay
    .

    "awuZwi
    deKal
    anga.WenawaseGudunkomo(
    clan
    names)
    "
    "Yit
    hit
    hinalabo.
    "am act
    uall
    ysur
    pri
    sedt hata
    womanl ikeherknowsmyclanname, wow...
    ..
    .Iam
    real
    lygoingtomarryher
    .Sheismoderny etcult
    ural
    ,
    only1outof20womenar el
    iket
    hattheseday s.

    "
    Wow, ummm okayt
    hen.ButIhav
    et osaythough,
    y
    oureall
    ydon'
    tl
    ook30,youl
    ook28,"shesays.

    "I
    '
    llt
    akethatasacompli
    ment
    ,thanky
    ouv
    erymuch,
    soareyoualsozul
    u?"

    "
    Wel
    lno,
    am act
    ual
    l
    yndebel
    e,
    "

    "Idon'
    tseeanydiff
    erencet houghbecauseweki nd
    ofcomef r
    om thesameancest ors,i
    naway .It
    'sjust
    thatourwayofrepresent
    ingourcul turei
    sdi ff
    erent
    andourlanguagesarediff
    er entbutjustali
    ttlebit.
    ThankstoMzili
    kaziforbeingacowar dandr unning
    awayf r
    om Tshaka,"Isaysar cast
    icall
    y,t
    il
    ti
    ngmy
    headt
    other
    ight
    .

    "
    Ifi
    twasn'
    tforhi
    m,Iwoul
    dst
    il
    lbezul
    ubuti
    tiswhat
    i
    tishey
    ,"

    "
    Okaysoy
    oursur
    namei
    sMdl
    etsher
    ight
    ?"

    "
    Yes.
    "

    "Hmmm okay,
    "andaftert
    hat
    ,ther
    ei st
    otalsi
    l
    ence.I
    don'
    tknowwhattosayanymore.Ireal
    l
    ywantt o
    hol
    dherbutmymi nddoesn'
    tseem toagreewit
    h
    thi
    sidea.

    "
    CanIasky
    ouaquest
    ion,
    "-Thando.

    "
    Gof
    ori
    t.
    "
    "Whyareyoual
    waysweari
    ngyourcapandgl
    asses,
    "
    sheasksasshest
    rai
    ght
    ensherlegs.

    "
    Whyar
    eyouaski
    ng?
    "

    "Ij
    ustwanttoknowbecauseyouarealwaysweari
    ng
    those2,evenwhentheyar
    enotneeded."shesay
    s,
    emphisi
    singthel
    ast6words.

    "
    Ijustl
    ikewear
    ingt
    hem,
    doy
    ouhav
    eapr
    obl
    em wi
    th
    t
    hat?"Iask.

    "Ohhnonotatall
    ,
    "shesay
    sinasar
    cast
    icwaywhi
    l
    st
    shaki
    ngherhead.

    "
    Thandoy
    oudohav
    eapr
    obl
    em wi
    th,
    don'
    tyou.
    "

    "
    NoIdon'
    t,
    ify
    oul
    i
    kewear
    ingt
    hem t
    henwhyshoul
    d
    Ihav
    eapr
    obl
    em,
    "

    "
    Wel
    li
    tseemsl
    i
    key
    oudo,
    spi
    titout
    ."

    "Ir
    eal
    l
    ydon'
    thaveapr
    oblem Nkosi
    ,Ij
    ustwantedto
    knowwhyyouli
    ket
    he2."shesaysassheshrugs.

    "Youwi l
    lknowwhyIl
    iket
    he2lat
    eroninl
    i
    febutf
    or
    nowj ustknowt
    hatIl
    i
    keputt
    ingt
    hem onwhenam
    goingout."

    "Letmet rytoguesswhy ,isi


    tbecausey oudon' t
    wantpeopl et oseey oureyes?"sheasksl ooki
    ng
    strai
    ghtintomyey es.Howcanawomanl ookso
    beautif
    ul,Godsur elytookhistimewhenhewas
    moul di
    ngher .Herey es,herl
    ips,thewayherf acei s
    wel l
    sculpturedandt hetinyl
    itt
    lenose,it
    'sjustthe
    sizeofabut ton.Idon'tknowi fIam hall
    ucinati
    ngor
    aretherereallystarsinhereyes.Fall
    ingforanot her
    womanwi llbeanabomi nati
    oninmyl if
    eonl y
    becauseofThando.Shei
    sli
    keawhi
    ter
    osethathas
    beensenttol
    ight
    enupmywor l
    dandnooneelse'
    s.

    "
    Nkosi
    ,am wai
    ti
    ng.
    "

    "Oham sor ry
    ,it'
    sj ustt
    hatIcan' tstopl ooki ngaty ou.
    Whyar ey ousobeaut i
    fulThando, Imeanl ookingat
    youbr ingsmesomuchpl easur e.Yourey es;Idon't
    knowbutt herei ssomet hingabouty ourey esthat
    hasmev ictimized.I nfact
    , say i
    ngy ouar ebeaut if
    ulis
    anunder statementbecausey ouar emor et hant hat.
    Iknowi t'st ooear lytosayt hisbutIj ustkeepon
    fall
    ingf ory ouev er ysi
    nglesecond.I fIwasev ertold
    togi v
    eupony ou, Iwouldr atherleav ethiswor ld
    becauseIwoul djustkeeponl ovi
    ngy ou."Isay
    withoutev enr eali
    zingit.I
    t'
    sl ikemyhear tisjust
    blabber ingev erythingout." Am sor ryfort hat,Ijust
    hadt ol eti tal...
    ."

    "
    Dontapologi
    ze,
    it'
    sokay
    .Andt
    hanky
    ouforlet
    ti
    ng
    meknow,"shesaysasherl
    i
    psmakewayforasmil
    e
    whil
    stt
    ryi
    ngtolookaway
    .Bl
    ushi
    ngmakesherl
    ook
    ev
    enmor ebeauti
    ful
    .

    "CanIpl easeholdyou? "IsayasIcupherchinso


    thatshecanl ookatme.Wor dsseem tohavelefther
    l
    ipsasherey esprovi
    det heanswertomyquest ion.I
    spr eadmyar ms, makingwayf orher
    .Shemov es
    closert ome,layi
    ngherheadonmychest .Icupher
    chinagai n,r
    aisi
    ngherf acetomine.Oureyesmeet
    withnowor dsaidbutourey esarenotasquietas
    ourl ipsarebecausetheyseem tobedoingallthe
    talking.

    "NgiyakuthandaThandoMdl etshe(Ilovey ouThando


    Mdlet she)"andourl ipscrushagainstoneanot her.
    Shiverstravel downmybodyasmyar mshol dont o
    her.Herar msar earoundmyneckasshesi tsontop
    ofme.Theat mospher earoundusbecomesev en
    mor epassi onatewi t
    hev erysecondt hatpassesas
    myhear trefusestol etgoofherlips.Event hough
    sher efusest otell
    met hatshelovesmet oo,her
    bodyhassai
    dital
    l
    .

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

    Droppingheroffatherapartmentistheworstthing
    ever.Ireal
    l
    ydontwantt oleaveherbutIhaveto
    becauseTshidi wasabouttokil
    lmeov erthephone
    whenshecal ledThando.Idohavet ogot owork
    anyway sso..
    ..
    .Inevert
    houghtIwoul deverhate
    goingtowor kbutThandohasmadei tpossi
    ble.

    "Don'
    tbesadNK, youcancomebyafterwork.
    "she
    saysasherhandmov esupanddownmyt hi
    gh.I
    havebeensul
    kingeversi
    nceweleftmyplaceand
    shehasbeentryi
    ngtomakemef eelbett
    erbutlet
    's
    j
    ustsayam beingababy.

    "
    Whydidy ouhavet
    oinvi
    teTshidiov
    ertoyourplace
    vel
    e,
    "IsayasIremoveherhand.Am honest
    lybeing
    ababyri
    ghtnow.
    "BecauseImissedherandIwant
    edy outorestf
    or
    theweekendsinceyouhadbeenlookingaf
    terme
    eversincet
    hatinci
    dent
    ,"

    "Ineversai
    dIwant edt orestdidI,buti
    t'
    sokay.I
    guessI '
    l
    lseeyouaf terwork.Oohandt hankyoufor
    thatbreakf
    ast,Ireal
    lyenj
    oy edit,
    "Isayasikeepmy
    eyesont heroad.Idon'twantt olookatherbecause
    Iwon'tbeablet otakemyey esoffheragai
    n.

    "
    Am gl
    ady
    ouenj
    oyedi
    t.
    "

    "Ireal
    lydi d,Idon'
    tevenr emembert helastt imeI
    had...
    ..
    ....
    ..
    ."andthenmemor i
    escomef loodi ngback
    i
    nt omymi ndbeforeIcouldevenfi
    ni shmy
    statement .Thatmiel
    iepaptast
    edexact l
    yt hesame
    asmy ....
    ..Sigh,Ishouldn'
    tbethi
    nkingoft his.That
    wasal ongt i
    meagoandIshoul dlett hose
    memor iesgonow.DamnIhav ealott ot ellThando
    aboutmypast
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "
    Areyouokay
    ?"say
    sThando,
    int
    err
    upt
    ingmydeep
    t
    hought
    s.

    "
    Yesam okay
    ,Ij
    usthav
    ethi
    sbadheadache.
    "Isay
    ,
    l
    yi
    ng.

    "
    Didy
    out
    akesomet
    abl
    ets?
    "

    "
    No,
    Ijustdr
    ankwat
    er.Idon'
    tl
    iket
    abl
    ets,
    "

    "Wel
    lyouhav
    etot
    akesometabl
    ets,
    I'
    ll
    giv
    eyou
    somewhenwegettomyapar
    tment.
    "shesay
    s.

    "
    Not
    hanky
    ou,
    I'
    ll
    bef
    ine,
    "

    "
    Nkosi
    am notaski
    ngy
    ou,
    am t
    ell
    i
    ngy
    out
    haty
    ou
    wi
    l
    ltakesomet
    abl
    ets.
    "

    "
    Andi
    fIdon'
    twant
    ?"Iask.

    "
    Iwi
    l
    ltel
    ltheguar
    datt
    hegat
    enott
    oev
    erl
    ety
    oui
    n."

    "
    Ohhr
    eal
    l
    ynow,
    andi
    fhedoes?
    "

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lmakesur
    ethatheget
    sfi
    red,
    "

    "
    Wow,
    all
    becauseIr
    efusedt
    otaket
    abl
    ets,
    "

    "
    Exact
    ly,
    "

    "
    Youar
    ecr
    azy
    ."

    "
    Am notcr
    azy
    ,Iam j
    ustacar
    ingper
    son.
    "shesay
    s.
    Wehavearr
    ivedatthecompl
    exandam st
    il
    lnot
    r
    eadyt
    oletherleav
    e.

    "
    Comelet'
    sgo,"shesays.Shewasser
    iousaboutt
    he
    t
    abl
    ett
    hing,wasn'tshe.
    ..
    ..
    .

    "Ihav
    etogoThandoorel
    seI
    '
    llbel
    atef
    orwor
    k,"I
    say.

    "Noyouwon'tnowcome,"shesay
    sasshet
    akesher
    crut
    chesoutofthecar
    .

    "
    ButThando.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "

    "Nkosi
    !"andjustl
    ikethat
    ,Iwasoutofthecar
    .
    Somethingaboutthewayshecalledoutmyname
    mademescar edtoapointofnotevenremember
    ing
    whenIst eppedoutofthecar
    .Welldamnwoman...
    ..
    .
    Afterl
    ockingthecarandgr eeti
    ngt heguar d,
    Ifoll
    ow
    hertotheapartment.IhopeTshi diissti
    llnotangry
    withme.Nev erinmylifehaveIev ermetwomenl i
    ke
    these2,beauti
    fulbutal
    sov eryinti
    mi dat
    ing;Imean,
    thesewomanscar emet odeathsomet i
    mes,
    especi
    allyTshidi
    .Imightbeamast erathidingitbut
    heyyyy.SometimesIwonderhowshewasbor na
    womani nst
    eadofbeingaman.

    Aswest epoutoftheelevator
    ,myheartst
    art
    s
    beati
    ngreall
    yfast,
    am Ithatscar
    edofTshidi
    ..
    ..
    ..The
    di
    stancebetweenusandt hedoorbecomesshor ter
    andshorterandthenboom, weareatt
    hedoor .

    "Tookyoulongenought
    ogethome,whydi
    dn'
    ty ou
    comebackl astni
    ght
    ?"say
    sTshi
    diassheopensthe
    door.I
    t'
    sli
    keshesawuscomingbecausewedidn'
    t
    evenri
    ngthebell.

    "
    Dropt
    heactmysister
    ,webothknowthati
    nsi
    de
    y
    ouareact
    ual
    lyhappyyouhadmyplaceall
    to
    yoursel
    f,
    "say sThando,roll
    i
    nghereyes."Comein
    Nkosi,I
    '
    llgot akethetabl
    etsfr
    om myr oom."say
    s
    Thandoassher ushes.Ithi
    nkshehasgot t
    enusedt
    o
    thosecrutchesnow.

    "
    Andthen,what'
    swrongwit
    hyou,whyi
    ssheget
    ti
    ng
    t
    hetabl
    etsfor
    ?"asksTshi
    diasshemakeswayf
    or
    metogetin.

    "Ihaveaspl
    it
    ti
    ngheadache,
    "Isay
    .Shedoesn'
    tev
    en
    greetme.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    "
    Ohhi
    sthatso,
    "shesay
    swi
    thacr
    inge.

    "
    Yes.
    "

    "
    Hmm getwellsoonthen,"-Tshi
    diwhi
    l
    stwalki
    ngto
    t
    hecouchandgrabbingthepeoplemagazi
    newhich
    i
    sonthecoff
    eetable.
    "
    Tshi
    dileav
    eNkosi al
    one,
    "saysThandoasshe
    wal
    ksintot
    heliv
    ingroom.Whenisherankl
    egoing
    t
    ohealbecauseIcan'
    tbareseei
    ngherli
    ket
    his.Si
    gh.

    "Idi
    dn'
    tdoanythi
    ngtohim,Ij
    usttol
    dhimtogetwel
    l
    soon,"repl
    i
    esTshidi
    ,wi
    thhereyesgl
    uedont
    othe
    magazine.

    "
    HereNK,
    dri
    nkt
    heseandy
    ou'
    l
    lfeel
    bet
    teri
    nno
    t
    ime,
    "

    "Thankyou,I'
    l
    ltaket
    hem whenIgett
    owork.Ihave
    toleave,
    I'
    ll
    seey out
    oni
    ghtri
    ght?
    "Iask,
    cuppingher
    chininmyhands.

    "
    Okay
    ,"

    "
    Andcany
    oupl
    easecookt
    hatMacandcheesey
    ou
    cookedthefi
    rstni
    ghtIcameher
    e,"Isay
    ,movi
    ngmy
    handstoherwaist
    ,pull
    i
    nghercl
    osertome.

    "
    I'
    ll
    tryt
    o."

    "
    Don'
    ttr
    y,doi
    t,
    "Isay
    ,ki
    ssi
    ngherf
    orehead.

    "
    Coughcough, getaroom,coughcough,
    "wetotal
    l
    y
    f
    orgotaboutTshidi
    .Iqui
    cklyl
    etgoofThando'
    s
    wai
    standtake2st epsback.

    "
    I'
    ll
    takemyl
    eav
    enow,
    "Isay
    ,huggi
    ngher
    .

    "
    Bye.
    "

    "GoodbyeTshidi
    andthankyouf orforci
    ngyour
    sist
    ertogooutwithmey est
    erday,"Isaybutal
    lIget
    from Tshi
    dii
    s"Yeahwhatever
    ."
    Ist
    epoutoftheapar
    tmentandmakemywayt
    othe
    par
    kingl
    ot.

    "
    Bozza!
    !"It
    urnbackonl
    ytof
    indt
    heguar
    d.

    "
    Yes,
    Thabang.
    "

    "
    CanIt
    alkt
    oyou?
    "

    "
    EishThabang,
    am i
    nahurryr
    ightnow.I'
    l
    ltal
    ktoy
    ou
    whenIcomebackintheev
    ening.
    "Irepl
    ytohis
    r
    equest.

    "Okaybozza,
    "andaf
    tert
    hat
    ,Igeti
    ntot
    hecarandof
    f
    Igo.

    Ist
    il
    lcan'
    tgetov
    ert
    hepi
    ctur
    eIsawi
    nThando'
    s
    phone.ShouldIaskheraboutherr el
    ati
    onshipwit
    h
    himtonight.Ishould.Buteveniftheydohav ea
    rel
    ati
    onship,wouldshenotl eavemeaf terf
    indi
    ng
    outwhyIam aski nghert hatquesti
    on.MaybeI
    shoul
    dn'taskhert onight
    .I'
    llaskheronceam sure
    shewon' tj
    udgemeandl eav e.

    Phoner
    ingi
    ng.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "
    Hel
    l
    oRose,
    "

    "
    What
    ?wher
    eisshenow?
    "

    "
    Okayam onmyway
    ."

    Thi
    sjusthadtohappent
    oday
    .Nomor
    egoi
    ngt
    o
    workIguess.
    ..
    ..
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **

    "
    Wher
    eisr
    oom 34?"Iask,
    rushi
    ngt
    other
    ecept
    ion.

    "
    Andy
    ouar
    elooki
    ngf
    or?
    "

    "RoseNxumal o.
    "Ther
    ecepti
    onistst
    art
    stolook
    throughherbookandfi
    nal
    lygiv
    esmet hereplyam
    cravingf
    or.

    "Leftwing,secondf l
    oor ,
    "shesay s.Beforeshecould
    evensayany thingel
    se, myf eetwerealready
    headingfort heelevator.Iswearonmymot her
    's
    grave,am goi ngtokil
    l t
    hatst upi
    dmanofher sri
    ght
    afterseeingher .Andwhyt hefuckdidnttheguards
    protecther.Theybet t
    erconsi derthemselvesfi
    red.
    Am f i
    nall
    yont hesecondf l
    oor ,l
    ooki
    ngf orroom 34
    andher eitis.Ipushthedooropenandt heresheis.
    "Rose!!Am herelovedon'tworryIhavearri
    ved,
    "Isay
    rushi
    ngt omyl i
    ttl
    esister
    'sbed.Icanfeelevery
    one'
    s
    eyespi er
    cingri
    ghtthroughmeasi fthereissome
    dramagoi ngonbutIdon' tcar
    e.AllIcareaboutri
    ght
    nowi smyl it
    tl
    eRose.

    "BudiNkosi
    ,hehitme.Hehi tmeov erandov eragai
    n.
    I.
    ..
    ..
    ialmostdi
    edBudi ,
    Ialmostl ostmylife,
    "shesays
    astearsrol
    ldownhercheeks.Herf aceisswollenas
    i
    f50menhadbeenpunchi ngher .Woundscut t
    ing
    deepar eal
    loverherri
    ghtar m andherface.How
    couldapersonbesohear tlesstowardsabeaut if
    ul
    heartedwomanl i
    keRose.Iam goi ngtoki l
    lhi
    m
    todayandIwon'tgivehim achancet oli
    ve.

    "Whydidn'tyoucal
    lmelastni
    ght?
    "Isay
    ,br
    ushing
    herhead.Seeingherl
    i
    kethisbr
    eaksmyheartmore
    thananything.

    "Iwant
    edt
    obutIcouldn'
    t,
    hesteppedonmyphone
    andlef
    tmeunconsci
    ousonthekitchenf
    loor
    .Ifi
    t
    wasn'
    tforyourguar
    dsr eal
    i
    zingt
    hatsomet
    hingwas
    of
    f,Iwouldbedeadrightnow.

    "
    Whoawai
    t,heshoty
    ou?"

    "Hedidevery
    thingNkosi,hestabbedme,beatme,
    shotmeandheev enrapedme, "shesay
    s,herey
    es
    l
    etti
    ngeverysingl
    esaltytearout.

    "
    Wher edi
    dheshooty
    ou?
    "Iask,
    ragef
    lowi
    ng
    t
    hroughmyblood.

    "Heshotmyf eetsot hatIwouldn'tbeablet owalk.


    NkosiIscreamedf orhelp,Iscreamedandscr eamed,
    hopingsomeonewoul dhearmeandsav emef r
    om
    thatMONSTER! !
    !!Butnoonecame, "shecriesout,
    emphasi si
    ngthe"monst er"par
    t.Herwor dshi tme
    sohardt hatmyangerj ustescalat
    edf rom 500to
    i
    nfini
    ty.Todayhehasr eallydoneit.Hehasdugup
    hisowngr avewithhisownhandsandnow, Iwill
    makehim suf
    fer.Hewill
    dieamuchslowerand
    morepai
    nfuldeaththananyoneev
    erhas.

    "ButRose, Ioncewarnedy ouabouthi m, Ididsoover


    andov eragainbutyounev erlistened.Seewhat
    forgi
    vinghim hasdonet oy ou.St opforgivi
    nghimf or
    hishurtf
    ul deedsbecauset hatmandoesn' tl
    oveyou
    atallandhenev erwil
    l.Hewi lljustcontinuehurti
    ng
    youunt i
    lthedayy oudie.
    "isay ,tryi
    ngnott oshout.

    "Youknowwhat,don'twor
    ryRose,todayIwil
    l deal
    withhi
    m anddon'ty
    oudaret el
    lmet ofor
    giv
    ehi m
    becauseIwon'
    t.Todayist
    hedayhef i
    nal
    lydies.I
    will
    seeyoulat
    erbabyokay,"It
    ell
    Rosewhi l
    eki ssi
    ng
    herwoundedcheek.

    "Ouch!!
    !"andwiththatword,Iam nolongerangry,
    I
    am mor ethanthat.Nowor dscandescri
    bet hewayI
    feelr
    ightnow.Istorm outofthehospit
    al,pushi
    ng
    every
    oneoutofmyway .Luckil
    ynoonecanseeme
    becauseoft hecapandgl assesam weari
    ngsot hey
    woul
    dn'
    tknowwhot
    her
    udemani
    s.
    "GetRoseherownwar dnow."Isaytothe
    receptioni
    stgi
    vi
    nghermycar d."Takewhatev
    er
    amounty ouwi
    llneedther
    e.Thepasswordis336865.
    Iwillcomebackf ort
    hecardlater
    ."
    "
    Butsi
    r.
    ..
    "
    "
    Womandon' tdar
    eme.JustdoasIsai
    d.Ifsheisn'
    t
    i
    nherownwar dbythet
    imeIgetbackhere,
    consider
    y
    oursel
    ffi
    red.
    "Isaypoi
    nti
    ngmyindexfi
    ngerather.

    Igetint
    omycaranddr i
    veoff
    ,headi
    ngtothe
    warehouse.Ift
    hatfoolwasatmycompl ext
    henhe
    cert
    ainl
    ymusthav elef
    tacluethatwi
    lll
    eadmeand
    myment ohim.Iwil
    lsendShchevtothecompl
    exto
    getanyclues.

    NOONEMESSESWI
    THTHENXUMALOFAMI
    LY.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    NOONE!
    !

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    Pleasedon'
    tconf
    useSi
    phowi t
    hBri
    an.Siphoist
    he
    onewhoabusedRoseandBr ai
    nistheguythat
    Thandohasnight
    mareabout
    , t
    heoneshewentt o
    meetupwi t
    hatJohnDory
    'sunknowingl
    y.
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er7

    "Sotel
    lmeeveryt
    hinganddon'tl
    eaveoutanyt
    hing,
    star
    ttal
    ki
    ng,
    "saysTshidi
    ,exci
    tedlywhi
    l
    eplaci
    ngt he
    magazineonthecoffeet
    ablewithherl
    egsonthe
    couch.

    "Well
    ,wehaddinnerathi
    shouseandhepr oposedto
    me.Am nowhisgirl
    fri
    end,"Ir
    epl
    ytoherwhil
    st
    si
    tt
    ingonthecouch,putt
    ingmycrutchesonthefl
    oor.

    "
    That
    'si
    t?"sheasks,
    cri
    ngi
    ng.

    "
    Yes,
    that
    'si
    t.Youdi
    dntexpectmet
    otel
    lyout
    hatwe
    hadsexdi
    dyou?
    "

    "
    Iki
    ndofdi
    dbut
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "
    Hay
    iTshi
    di,
    "Isaywi
    thoneey
    ebr
    owup.

    "What?Imean,t
    hatmani sfl
    amesThando.I
    wouldn'
    tmindgivi
    ngitt
    ohim onourfir
    stdate
    shame,"shesay
    st hr
    owingherhandsintheai
    r.
    Somet i
    mesIwonderhowshest i
    llhasonemanin
    herl
    ife.
    "Soyoufi
    nal
    l
    yaccept
    edt
    hatSbui
    snotcomi
    ng
    back?"

    "Wel
    lyeah,
    Iguessigottomov eonwithmyli
    fet
    he
    samewayhehas,"Isay,gett
    ingahol
    dofther
    emote
    andchangi
    ngthechanneltoVuzu.

    "
    Goodgi
    rl
    ,nowt
    ryt
    obehappywi
    thNkosi
    ,okay
    Thando.
    "
    "
    I'
    ll
    try
    ,"Ir
    epl
    y.
    "Soareyour
    eadyforourdat
    e?"asksTshi
    di,
    wit
    ha
    bigsmil
    eonherface.
    "
    Dat
    e?"am sol
    ost
    .
    "Wow,sheevenfor
    gotourdat
    e."mumbl
    esTshi
    di
    underherbr
    eat
    h.
    "Ohshitam sosorry,ei
    shit'
    sjustthatIhaveal oton
    mymi ndr i
    ghtnow.West il
    lonbabezdon' tworry."I
    say,hi
    tti
    ngmyf orehead.Ihadtotall
    yforgot
    ten
    aboutourshoppingdate.Tshidiwantsust ojustget
    somef reshair
    .
    "
    Okayt
    hen,
    letmegogetashower
    ."
    "Okay,Ial
    readyhadashoweratNkosi
    'shousesoi'
    l
    l j
    ustgetdressed.
    "isay
    .Theeyet
    hatIjustgotf
    rom
    Tshidi
    .
    "
    Ididn'
    tshowerwi
    thhi
    m Tshi
    disochi
    l
    l,
    "Isay
    l
    ookingattheTV.
    "
    Sur
    eyoudi
    dn'
    t.sot
    ell
    me,
    howsmal
    li
    sthehouse?
    "
    "Onewor dTshidi
    ,justonewor d,MANSION.That
    s
    allam goi
    ngt osay."Shekeepshereyesonme,
    showingahi ntofdilemma."Idontgety
    ou,pl
    ease
    elabor
    ate."

    "Tshi
    di,
    thatmanlivesi
    namansion,hi
    shousei
    s
    massiveanditsbeauti
    ful
    .Remembert
    heguest
    houseweusedt ostayinwhenev
    erwewentto
    Durbanwithdaddy?"

    "Whoa,i
    sitt
    hathuge?
    "saysTshidi
    ,cov
    eri
    ngher
    mouthwithherey
    eswideopen.Itur
    ntoTshi
    dit
    hen
    chuckl
    e.
    "
    It
    's5t
    imesbi
    ggert
    hant
    hatguesthouse,
    "

    "What
    ?!!
    !!Youareki
    ddi
    ngri
    ght.Butthenhowthehel
    l
    doyouknowt hati
    t'
    shi
    shouse?"asksTshidi
    .

    "
    Hispi
    ctur
    eswi
    thsomepeoplear
    eev
    erywher
    e.I
    n
    t
    heli
    vi
    ngroom,
    thepassageandi
    nhi
    sroom."
    "Wow,butt
    henwhyt hehell
    doeshe.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "bef
    oreshe
    coul
    devenfi
    nisht
    hest at
    ement,
    Iknewexactl
    ywhat
    shewasabouttoask.
    "Ial
    sodon'
    tknow,Idi
    dn'
    tev
    enbot
    hert
    oaskhi
    m.I
    don'
    twanthimtoseemeasagolddi
    gger
    ."
    "
    Hahai
    fIwasy
    oubabez,
    Iwasgoi
    ngt
    oaskhi
    m."
    "Butt
    henyounotmeso,"Isay
    ,shruggi
    ng."
    Gobat
    h,I
    needtobebackby16:
    00pm becauseheiscomi
    ng
    overf
    ordi
    nner.
    "
    "Hay i
    Thando,noIref
    use.Todayismydaysocall
    him andtel
    lhi
    m Isaidbuzzoff.Hehadhi
    stur
    nlast
    night.
    "saysTshi
    di,
    hitt
    ingthecouchli
    kea3yearol
    d
    girlcr
    yingf
    oranewbar biedol
    l.
    "Okayokayf i
    ne,I
    '
    llcancelthedatesost
    opbeinga
    baby."Isay.Whyisitthatpeopl
    eareacti
    ngli
    ke
    babiestoday,f
    ir
    stitwasNkosi andnowit'
    sTshi
    di.
    OohLor d.
    Whatwi
    l
    lIev
    ensayt
    oNkosi
    .
    "
    Gobat
    h,"It
    ell
    her
    .
    "
    Okayokayam goi
    ng,
    wear
    egoi
    ngt
    ohav
    eabl
    ast
    today.
    ..
    ..Yay!
    !!
    !!
    "andsheisgone.Il
    ovehersomuch.
    Idon'
    tknowwher eIwouldbewit
    houther.Sheislike
    mysecondmom, sheisal
    waysther
    ewhenIneed
    herandsheunder standsmemor et
    hanany oneelse.
    Ireal
    l
    ywoul dn'
    texchangeherf
    oranythi
    ngatal l
    .
    Phoner
    ingi
    ng.
    ..
    ..
    .
    "HeyNkosi
    ,i
    fyouarecal
    l
    ingt
    ocheckuponmet
    hen
    dontworr
    yam fi
    ne,
    "Isay
    ,smi
    li
    ng.

    "
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "
    "
    Nkosi
    ,ar
    eyouokay
    ?"hest
    il
    lhasn'
    tsai
    dany
    thi
    ng.
    "Umm yeaam fi
    ne.Sor
    rybutIwontbeabletomake
    i
    ttoni
    ght.Ihav
    esomebusinesstotakecareof
    ."he
    saysi
    nav eryt
    ensevoi
    ce.
    "Why?Isever
    y t
    hingokay
    ?"Iaskhim.Ofcour
    se
    not
    hingisalr
    ight.Hi
    svoi
    cejustsai
    dital
    l.

    "Am okayThando.I
    'l
    lcomeseey out omorrow.Bye."
    andhehangsup.Ihopehei sfine.IguessIdon't
    havetoworryaboutdinnert
    hen.What everhappened
    j
    ustsavedmefr
    om di
    sappoi
    nti
    ngNkosi.Well
    ,l
    etme
    getr
    eadytogooutwi
    thmybeauti
    ful
    sister
    .

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

    Wehav ebeent oeverysi


    ngleshopinthi
    smalland
    am superti
    red.Thesecrut
    chesarejustt
    hewor st
    .
    "Tshi
    diam ti
    red,Ineedtorestandam al
    sohungry,
    "I
    say,whi
    ning.

    "AaahcomeonThando,t
    her
    earesti
    ll
    mor eshopsto
    explor
    e,wewi
    l
    leataft
    erwearedone.
    "repl
    iesTshi
    di.

    "Nonobabez,Ican'
    twal
    kanymore,myanklei
    s
    alr
    eadykil
    l
    ingmeandam ti
    redofusi
    ngthesestupi
    d
    sti
    cks,
    "Isay.

    "
    Okayfi
    ne,l
    et'
    sgotoJohnDor
    y'
    s.
    "say
    sTshi
    di,
    l
    ooki
    ngannoyed.
    "Thanky ou."Wet henwal ktoJohnDor y'
    s,geta
    waiterandor derourf ood.Thewaiterhasbeen
    l
    ooki ngatTshi di
    ev ersincewewalkedin.Heev en
    foughtwi t
    hhi scoll
    eaguessot hathecouldcome
    serveus.

    "I
    st hatallbeauti
    ful
    ladi
    es,"hesays,wit
    hachar ming
    smi l
    eonhi sface.Honestlyspeaki
    ng,hedoesn't
    belongher e.Heiswayt oohandsomet obeawai t
    er.
    Hel ookslikethosesupercuteguyswhodancei n
    musi cvideos,exact
    lyli
    kethem withhi
    st al
    lsexy
    body .Youcanev enseet hathehasa6packi fnota
    8pack.

    "Yesthankyou,
    "Irepl
    ytohi
    m.Tshi
    didi
    dn'
    teven
    takeachancetolookathi
    m.Shehasbeenlooki
    ng
    atherphonethewholeti
    me.Iev
    enhadtoorderfor
    her.
    "HeyTshi
    di,getoffyourphone,
    thewaiteri
    saskinga
    quest
    ion,
    "Isay,soft
    lykicki
    ngherunderthetabl
    e.

    "Ooohsorry, y
    est hanky outhatwillbeall
    ,"say s
    Tshidinowl ookingatthewai ter
    .Thesmi l
    et hatthi
    s
    guyjustputonhi sfaceisonanot herlevel.Am
    prett
    ysurehi sinnerselfisdancingr i
    ghtnowj ust
    becauseTshi di l
    ookedathim.Het henwal kst othe
    recepti
    onandt hentohiscolleagues,sti
    lllookingin
    ourdirect
    ion.

    "SoTshi di,whatdoyout hinkaboutt hatwaiter,


    "Iask,
    placingt hemenuont het able.Tshidithenlooks
    back, catchesthewaiterglancingatusandt hen
    l
    ooksbackatme." Thandoy oujustgotintoa
    relat
    ionshipjustafewhour sago.Youcan' tbe
    cheat i
    ngal r
    eady,l
    i
    kenoo.Youwanty ourmant okill
    mehey ,"saysTshi
    diwi t
    hherey estryi
    ngt opier
    ce
    throughme.

    "
    Nonotl
    i
    ket
    haty
    oudumbdumb,
    hei
    sli
    ghtski
    nned,
    am noti
    ntoli
    ghtski
    nnedguysandyouknowthat.
    Whatam try
    ingtosayis,
    hehasbeenlooki
    ngatyou
    ev
    ersincewegotheresowhatdoy outhi
    nkabout
    hi
    m? "

    "Thandohei sawai ter,


    am noti ntocheapass
    dudes,"shesay s,shaki
    ngherhead.Tshi di always
    saysshewant saguywhowi l
    lbeabl et
    ot akecare
    ofherthesamewayherownf amilydoes.Shewoul d
    neverlowerherst andardsjustbecauseofaguy .Yea,
    that'
    smysi sterforyou.Ican'tblamehert hough.
    Shehasbeenl i
    v i
    ngtheluxuriouslif
    eeversi nceshe
    wasbor nso.

    "Tshi
    dijustanswermyquestionpl
    ease,
    "Isayrol
    li
    ng
    myey es.Tshidithenl
    ooksatmeinanir
    rit
    atedway,
    l
    ooksbackatt hewait
    eragai
    nwhoissti
    lll
    ookingour
    wayandshel ooksbackatme."Hei
    sokay,Iguess.
    "
    shesays.

    "
    Iknowy
    out
    hinkhei
    shotsodon'
    thi
    dei
    t.
    "Isayt
    o
    herwi
    thagr
    inonmyf
    ace.

    "Ev
    enI fhei
    shot,am notint
    erestedThando.He
    l
    ooksy oungandIam takensol et'
    sdr
    opit,
    "shesay
    s,
    gett
    ingbackonherphone.

    "Okaythen.
    "andjustl
    ikethat
    ,si
    lencehasbecome
    thethi
    rdpartyatourt
    able.Af
    teralong15minutes
    ofwaiti
    ngforourfood,t
    hewaiterthencomestous
    withourfood.

    "Herey
    ougoladies,enj
    oyyourfood."hesay
    switha
    smil
    eonhisfacewi t
    hallhi
    sperfect
    lyli
    nedwhi
    te
    teet
    hout.HetakesalookatTshidiagai
    nandTshidi
    l
    ooksbackathimt hi
    stime.

    "Thanky ouverymuchforthefoodnowwi l
    lst
    op
    star
    ingatme.Youar emakingmef eel
    uncomf ort
    able,
    "saysTshi
    di t
    othepoorwait
    er.Hi
    s
    smileturnsintoafakeoneinjust0.
    2secondsashe
    t
    urnsandwal
    ksaway
    .

    "Wel lt
    hatwasj usthar sh,
    "Isay, wideey ed.West ar
    t
    eatingwhilsthavingsi l
    lyconversat i
    ons.Wef i
    nish
    ourf oodthenaskf ort hebil
    l.Thewai t
    ercomest ous
    holdingthebill
    ,placesi tonthet ableandwal ksback
    tohi scol
    leagues.Thi stimehedi dn'
    tlookatTshi di
    .
    Talkaboutaguywhoi sobedient .Wet henstandup,
    walkt othereceptionandpayt hebi ll
    .Aswewal kout,
    ItellTshi
    di t
    okeeponwal ki
    ngI '
    llcatchupwi thher.I
    turnbackt othewai terandcal lhim.

    "Yesma'
    am,
    "hesay
    sashecomest
    ost
    andi
    nfr
    ont
    ofme.

    "CallmeThandopl ease,whenyoucal lmethatIfeel


    old.Any waysgivemey ournumber,Iknowy ouli
    ke
    mysi sterandam pr ett
    ysuresheli
    kesy outoo.Ican
    trytogety ouguyst ogetalongify
    ouwant ?"Isay ,
    l
    ooki ngathim withoneey ebrowup.Het henlooks
    atme, slackjawed.
    "
    Arey ouseriousma'am,ImeanThando.YesIwoul
    d
    l
    ovethat.Thanky ousomuch."hesaysl
    ooking
    r
    adiant.Ismileathi
    mt hengi
    vehim myphone.He
    t
    ypesi nhisnumbersthensavesi
    tasJordan.

    "Ni
    cename.Soarey
    ouf
    reet
    oni
    ght
    ?"IaskasIt
    ake
    backmyphone.

    "
    Thanky
    ouandy esIam f
    reet
    oni
    ght
    ,"hesay
    s,st
    il
    l
    l
    ooki
    ngradi
    ant
    .

    "
    Okaythen,
    woul
    dyoul
    i
    ket
    ocomeov
    erf
    ordi
    nner
    t
    hen?"

    "
    Yesma'
    am I
    '
    llbemorethandel
    ight
    edt
    ohav
    edi
    nner
    wi
    thy
    ouandyoursi
    ster
    ,"hesay
    s.

    "
    Okay
    ,I'
    l
    lsendy
    oumyl
    ocat
    ionv
    iaWhat
    sApp.Do
    y
    ouhav
    etr
    anspor
    t?"

    "
    Mycari
    scur
    rent
    lybeingf
    ixedsoI
    '
    llaskmyf
    ri
    end
    t
    odr
    opmeoffthere.
    "

    "Coolthen,IguessI
    'll
    seeyoutoni
    ght
    ,"IsayasIt
    urn
    andwal kaway .Hethanksmeandgoest ost
    and
    withhiscoll
    eagues.Icanherehi
    scol
    leaguesask
    him questi
    onsbutheswear satt
    hem.

    "Whywer
    eyougiv
    inghi
    myourphone?
    "asksTshi
    di
    asIwal
    ktoher
    .

    "Iwantedhi
    snumber
    ,"Isay
    .Shel
    ooksatmewi
    tha
    quizzi
    call
    ook.

    "
    Iinv
    itedhi
    m ov
    erf
    ordi
    nner
    ."
    "Ha.aThando,whydi
    dyoui
    nvi
    tehi
    m br
    uh?
    "she
    asks,peeved.

    "
    BecauseIwantt
    o,"Isaywi
    thagr
    in.

    "Youareanassdoyouknowthat
    ,youar
    ethe
    great
    estasshol
    eofal
    lti
    meThando,
    "shesay
    s
    walki
    ngfast.

    "Heywaitforme,
    "Isayl
    aughing.Shemightl
    ook
    angrybutIknowforsur
    ethatsheishappy.

    "
    NowIwantt
    oleav
    e,l
    et'
    sgohome.
    "mumbl
    esTshi
    di.

    "Wait
    ,canwegot oabookst
    orefi
    rst
    ,Ijustf
    ini
    shed
    all
    mynov el
    s."Isaywi
    thapl
    eadi
    nglook.

    "
    Okayf
    ine,
    youar
    esuchaner
    dbr
    uh,
    "say
    sTshi
    di.
    "
    Readi
    ngisamazingokay.Nowwearegoingtolook
    f
    or3books,Hlomuthewife,
    Zandi
    l
    etheresol
    uteand
    Nal
    edihi
    slove.
    "Isayasweentert
    hebookstore.

    "
    Okay
    ,butdon'
    tyoual
    readyhav
    eHl
    omut
    hewi
    fe?
    "

    "
    Well
    Idi
    dbutmom t
    ooki
    tbef
    oreIf
    ini
    shedr
    eadi
    ng
    i
    t.
    "

    "
    Oohokayt
    hen.Let
    '
    smaket
    hisqui
    ck.
    "

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

    "Di
    dyouser
    iousl
    yhav
    etoi
    nvi
    tehi
    mthough,
    "sobs
    Tshi
    di.

    "
    YesTshi
    diIdi
    d.Jor
    danr
    eal
    l
    yli
    kesy
    ouandhe
    seemslikeagoodguy
    ."Isaywhi
    lstset
    ti
    ngthetabl
    e
    fordi
    nner.Iact
    ual
    l
    ywentbigwi
    ththisdi
    nnert
    hing.

    "
    Butam t
    akenThando,
    Ilov
    eDenzel
    andy
    ouknow
    t
    hat
    ,"

    "ThelasttimeIcheckedy ouwantedtobreakupwi t
    h
    him becausehedoesn' twanttomarryyou."shel
    et'
    s
    outal oudsighasshel eavest
    hediningroom and
    entersthekitchen.If
    eelli
    keTshi
    diisn'
    ttel
    li
    ngme
    somet hingbutIwontaskher .

    Door
    bel
    lri
    ngi
    ng.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    Thatmustbehi
    m.Lucki
    l
    yam donewi
    thev
    ery
    thi
    ng.

    "
    I'
    llgeti
    t,"
    IshoutasIwal
    k,waitl
    etmeuset
    het
    erm
    "
    crutch"t
    ot hedoor
    .Geti
    t,haha.
    "Iwasn'
    tpl
    anni
    ngonget
    ti
    ngi
    tany
    way
    s,"shout
    s
    Tshidi
    .

    "Voet
    sekwena, "Ireplylaughi
    ng.AsIopent hedoor,
    myey esmeetanunexpect edvisi
    tor."
    HeyThando,"
    herepli
    eswi thaner v
    oussmi l
    e.Iattempttoclose
    thedoorbuthehol dsi ti
    ntime."Canwepl easetal
    k.
    Iknowy oudon'twantt oseemeorev entalktome
    butplease.Iwon'ttakemuchofy ourt
    ime,"hesays
    withapleadinglook.

    "Am gi
    vi
    ngy ou15mi nutesSbuthenyoucanleave,
    "I
    sayl
    etti
    nghimin.AsIcloset hedoorIhear
    someoneshouting"Ooohbitchyoujustdugupyour
    owngrave,
    "andt henall
    ofasuddenTshi di
    hasa
    guninherhand.

    "Tshi
    dino!
    !!
    !Putthatgunaway !Youpr
    omisedme
    youwouldn'
    thurthim!!
    !"Ishout
    .Tshi
    dil
    ooksatme
    andthenatSbuwhohashi shandsupandthenshe
    l
    ooksbackatme.
    "
    Thandowhyarey
    oul
    ett
    inghi
    m comei
    n,
    "shesay
    s
    wi
    thacri
    nge.

    "Hejustwantstot
    alkokaynowputt hatgunaway.
    "
    sheput st
    hegunont hetableandwalksoutoft
    he
    l
    ivi
    ngr oom whi
    l
    stmimi cki
    ngmywor ds.

    "Whydoy ouguy
    sal
    way shaveguns,
    areyou
    gangst
    ersorsomet
    hing,
    "say
    sSbuaf t
    erbreat
    hing
    out.

    "
    Whyar
    eyouher
    eSbu?
    "Iask,
    looki
    ngannoy
    ed.

    "Wel
    lIcamet oapol
    ogi
    zef orthewayIendedt
    hings.
    Iwasaf oolf
    orl
    etti
    ngthathappen.I
    treal
    l
    ywasn't
    myfaultbutmyparent
    s..
    ..
    ...
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "
    Want
    edy
    out
    omar
    ryanot
    hergi
    rl
    ,YeaIknow.
    "Isay
    r
    oll
    i
    ngmyey
    es.

    "LookThando,canyoupl easeforgi
    veme.Iwanty ou
    back.Ir
    eall
    ycan'tsur
    vivewi t
    houtyou.Thepast
    monthshavebeenhel landIcan'tcarr
    yonli
    kethis,"
    hesays.Helookssodif f
    erent.Li
    kehehasn'
    tbathed
    orshavedinalongtime.

    "SbuIcriedev erysingl eday,hopingy ouwoul dcall


    meandt ellmet haty ouwer ejustjokingbuty ou
    nevercalled.Iprayedt oGodev erysinglesecondt o
    j
    ustbr i
    ngy oubacki nt omyl ifebutyoudi dn'tcome
    back.Icalledy ouev erydaybuty ounev eranswer ed
    mycal l
    sandt oday,y oucomeher eandaskmet o
    takeyouback.Bul l
    shi tSbu,that'
    stotalbullshi
    t.I
    havemov edonwi t
    hmyl if
    eSbuandam happyIdi d.
    Youhady ourchancet ocomebackbuty ounev er
    tookitsopl easeleav emyhouse.If orgivey oubutI
    can'tt
    akey oubackorbef r
    iendswi t
    hy ou."Isay
    gloweri
    ngathi m.
    "Thandoplease,Ipromi
    setomaket hi
    ngsri
    ght.I
    won'ttakeadvantageofyouoreventhi
    nkof
    breaki
    ngupwi thyoueveragai
    n."hesayskneel
    ing
    down.

    "
    That'
    swhathesai
    dlastt
    imeThando.Don'
    tfal
    lfor
    i
    t,
    "saysTshi
    di,
    goi
    ngtoherr
    oom.

    "ShutupTshi
    di,
    "say
    sSbuashegi
    vesTshi
    dia
    deadlyl
    ook.

    "Sheisr
    ightSbu,youoncedidthisandyoupromi
    sed
    nottodoitagainyethereweare.Am sodonewit
    h
    youSbusopl easeleav
    e."Isayopeni
    ngthedoorf
    or
    him.

    "Well
    howkindofyoutoopenthedoorformebaby
    ,"
    saysafr
    uit
    yvoi
    ce."Idi
    dn'
    tevenhavetori
    ngthe
    bel
    l.
    "
    "
    Nkosi
    ?I.
    ..It
    houghty
    ousai
    dyoucomi
    ngt
    omor
    row.
    "

    "Oohsoar en'
    tIwelcometocomeher eanyti
    meI
    want?"hesay sgiv
    ingmeaki ssonmyf or
    ehead.
    "Whyishekneel i
    ngandlookingatmywoman, "say
    s
    NkosiwalkingtowhereSbui s.HelooksatSbubut
    doesn'
    tsayany thi
    ng.Sbuthenstandsup,givesmea
    blankl
    ookandwal kst
    ome.

    "
    Thando,
    youhav
    emov
    edon?
    "heasks,
    chagr
    ined.

    "
    YesSbuImovedon,
    nowpl
    easel
    eav
    e,"Isay
    ,
    l
    ooki
    ngdown.

    "ButThando,
    howcoul
    dyouf
    orgetaboutusso
    q..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "
    Eyyouheardher
    ,leave.Sheismi
    nenow,youl
    ost
    y
    ourchancenowleave!"say
    sNkosi.Sbut
    henl
    ooks
    atNkosi,
    walkstohim andst
    andsinf
    rontofhi
    m.
    Theyareli
    ter
    all
    ythesameheight
    .

    "Nowl i
    stentomeandl istencarefully.Thandoi smy
    womanandnooneel se's.Your aisingy ourv oice
    doesn'tscareme.Sopl easest opt alking,sityour
    assdownandl etmeandmyWOMANt al
    k,"say sSbu,
    point
    inghisindexfingeratNkosi .Okayt hisisnot
    goingtoendwel l.Nkosi walksclosert oSbu, closi
    ng
    thegapt hathasbeeni nbetweent hem.Oohandhe
    hasthecapandt hegl asses.

    "Boy, y
    oudonotknowmeandy oudon' twantto
    knowme.Wheny ourWOMANwascr yinghere,you
    didn'tcomf orther.Youl eftheral lal
    onetodr ownin
    hersor rows.Ihadt ofixthemessy ouhadmade
    whilstyouwer ebusyshaggi ngy oursoontobewi f
    e.
    Beli
    ev emewhenIsayIwi l
    lkillyouifyoutry
    anythingf unnywi thThandoj ustbecausey ourwife
    i
    sn'tgivingittoy out herightway ."okaythi
    sf eel
    s
    l
    ikeawarzoneandi t
    'sallbecauseofme.Thi sisnot
    howIpl
    annedt
    hisni
    ght
    .

    "
    Wel l
    thi
    sissuperentert
    aini
    ng,
    mysi st
    erwhatare
    y
    ougi vi
    ngtheseguysbecauseIalsoneedsomeof
    i
    t,
    "saysTshi
    diwhil
    stsitt
    ingonthecouch,put
    ti
    ngher
    l
    egsont hecoff
    eetable.

    "CanyoujustshutupTshi
    di,
    "Isay,gr
    inni
    ngmyt
    eet
    h.
    Shechucklesandthentur
    nsont heTV.

    "GoodeveningThando,"saysasweetcut evoi
    ce.We
    allt
    urntowhoev erisgreet
    ingme.Nkosi andSbu
    bothlookatmewi thquizzi
    calexpressi
    onsontheir
    faces."
    Heisn'ther
    ef ormey ou2,"IsaytoNkosiand
    Sbu.

    "
    OhGodsav
    eme,
    "say
    sTshi
    dir
    oll
    i
    ngherey
    es.

    "
    DidIcomeatabadt
    ime?Icanl
    eav
    eandcome
    backanot
    herday
    ,"say
    sJor
    danst
    eppi
    ngbackwar
    ds.

    "
    Noy oucancomeinJordan.Nkosiar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    o
    j
    oinusfordi
    nner
    ?"Iaskl
    ookingathim.

    "Wellt
    hat'
    swhatam her
    eforsoy
    es,"saysNkosi
    ,
    sti
    l
    llooki
    ngatSbu."
    Aslongasheisgoingtol
    eave.
    "

    "Sbu,
    youhavetoleaveplease,
    "Isaytohi
    m.he
    l
    ooksatmewi t
    hpai ninhiseyesthenwalksoutwi
    th
    downcastey
    es."Ist
    ill
    loveyouandIalway swi
    ll
    Thando,
    "hewhispersinmyear .NowIwishIhadn'
    t
    l
    etgoofhim.Iclosethedoor,locki
    ngi
    t.

    "
    Babyar
    eyouokay
    ?"asksNkosi
    ,wal
    ki
    ngupt
    ome.

    "Yesbabyam okay."Ir
    epl
    ygivi
    nghim afakesmi
    le.
    "Nowl etmeint
    roduceyouguystoeachother
    .
    Jordan,thi
    sisNkosimyboyfr
    iendandTshidimy
    si
    ster.Tshidiyoual r
    eadyknowJor danfrom John
    Dory'
    s.Nkosi ,t
    hisisJordan.Hewi l
    lbehavingdinner
    wit
    hus. "Isaysmi li
    ng."Welli
    t'
    snicetomeety ouall,
    andthanky ouf orinvi
    ti
    ngmeov erf
    ordinnerma'am,
    ImeanThando, "saysJordan.Hehast hecutest
    voi
    ceev er.Itevenmat cheshiscuteli
    ghtskinned,
    babyface.

    "
    Canwepleaseeat
    ,am veryhungr
    y.Ihopeyou
    madesomemacaronicheese.
    "saysNkosihol
    ding
    mywaist
    ,gi
    vi
    ngmegoosebumpsal l
    overmybody.

    "YesIdid.Ihadafeeli
    ngyouwer egoingtocomeso
    Ijustdeci
    dedtocooksome, j
    usti
    ncase"Isaygiv
    ing
    him asoftpeckonthecheek.Hehelpsmewal kto
    thetableandpull
    sachairforme.TshidiandJor
    dan
    j
    oi nusatthetabl
    e,bothofthem si
    tt
    ingopposi
    te
    Nkosi andI.

    "
    OohIalmostf
    orgot
    .Ibroughtyousomet hi
    ng.I
    wasn'
    tsur
    ewhattobri
    ngbutIjustbroughtthi
    s."
    saysJordan,handi
    ngoverabottl
    eofArmandde
    Bri
    gnacbrutGold.Forapersonwhoworksasa
    wait
    er,Ir
    eall
    ywasn'texpect
    inghimtobuyabot
    tl
    e
    ofchampagnewhi chisworthR4000.

    "Thankyouver
    ymuchJor
    danbuty
    our
    eal
    l
    ydi
    dn'
    t
    haveto,
    "Isayt
    aki
    ngi
    tfr
    om hi
    m.

    "Wheredi
    dyougetthemoneyt obuysuchexpensiv
    e
    champagne?Ihopeyoudidn'
    tuseyourl
    if
    esavings,
    "
    saysTshi
    di,
    dishi
    ngupforhersel
    f.

    "
    Tshi
    didon'
    tber
    ude,
    "Isayki
    cki
    ngherundert
    he
    t
    abl
    e.

    "MissTshidi
    ,Idon'
    tmeant oberudebutjust
    becauseIwor kasawaiterdoesn'
    tmeant hatam
    broke.
    "saysJordan,l
    ookingatTshi
    di.Nkosi andIl
    et
    outsoftgi
    gglesasTshidirol
    l
    shereyes.Ithinkam
    goingtoli
    kethisboy.
    "Sol
    et'
    sdiginguys,"Isay.Weallst
    arteati
    ngwhilst
    havi
    ngli
    ghtconversati
    ons.Iwon'tl
    ie,
    wear eall
    havi
    ngagoodt i
    me, wellexceptf
    orTshidi
    .She's
    beenqui
    et.If
    eelli
    keshei sgoingtostar
    tcracki
    ng
    upsomequestionssoon.

    "
    Sot
    ellusabouty
    our
    sel
    fboy
    ,"say
    sNkosi
    ,wi
    pinghi
    s
    l
    i
    pswit
    hanapkin.

    "
    Well Mynamei sJordanBrown,am 23year
    sold.
    Cur
    rent l
    ydoi
    ngmy4t hyearforBatchel
    orof
    medicineandBatchel
    orofsurger
    yatUCT.AndI
    wor
    kasawai tersoastogetsomeext r
    acash.
    "

    "Real
    l
    y,Ial
    sowenttoUCTforthesamecoursehey
    ."
    Isay,
    smili
    ngathi
    m."Sowheredoy oust
    ay?
    "

    "Ist
    ayinSandhur
    stwi
    thmysibli
    ngs.
    "Tshi
    didrops
    herfor
    kandstart
    scoughi
    ng.Iknowexact
    lywhat
    thatcoughmeans." Areyouokay?ShouldIgiveyou
    somewat er?"asksJordan,r
    eachingforaglassof
    water.Hehandsi tovert
    oTshidiandstart
    sr ubbi
    ng
    herback.Shedr i
    nksthewaterandsignal
    sf or
    Jordantostoprubbingherback.Shelooksatme,
    wideeyedandt henlooksdown.

    "I
    sn'
    tthatoneofthemostexpensi vesuburbsin
    SouthAfri
    ca?"asksTshi
    di,l
    ookingatJor danwho
    gazesatherwithasmileonhisf ace."Don'
    tworry
    ,
    am notagolddigger
    .Am justasking."saysTshi
    di
    l
    ookingaway.

    "Yesitismal adyandbel iev emewhenIsayIdon' t


    thi
    nky ouar eagol ddi ggeratal l.Youcer tai
    nlydon't
    fi
    tintothatcat egory."hesay s,stil
    lgazingatTshi di.
    Tshidi'
    scheeksst arttot urnred, shemi ghtlookall
    toughout sidebuti nside, sheisasof tie.Anywor d
    thatcomesoutoft hemout hofaper sonshef i
    nds
    i
    nteresti
    ng, shewi llblushnomat terhowmuchshe
    mighttryt ohideit.Jor danj usthitthej ackpotwith
    thatSandhurstconf ession."Sorr
    ybutcanIjustsay
    youlooksobeaut i
    f ul wheny oublush,
    "saysJordan,
    try
    ingtolookatTshi diwhokeepsont r
    yingt
    ohi de
    herfacebylookingdown.Shel ooksupt ohi
    mt hen
    nods,sheisev entryingt olookseri
    ousbutit'
    sjust
    notworking.Ifeelsoembar r
    assedforherri
    ghtnow.

    "
    Doyouthi
    nkweshoul
    djustl
    eavet
    hem al
    oneso
    t
    hatt
    heycant
    alk?
    "whi
    spersNkosi
    inmyear.
    "That
    'sagreatidea.Let
    '
    staket
    hedi
    shest
    othe
    kit
    chen,
    "Iwhisperbacktohim.
    Webot hst andup,starttaki
    ngthedishesandwal k
    tothekit
    chen.Tshidi andJordandidn'tevennot i
    ce
    usstandingup.IguessIwasr i
    ghtabouti nvit
    ing
    Jordanov erfordi
    nner ."
    ThandoI'l
    ldot hedishes,
    youcansi tonthehighchai r
    .Youhav ewal ked
    enoughforoneday ,
    "say sNkosi,
    taki
    ngt hedishes
    fr
    om me.

    "
    Nkosiam f
    inedon'
    twor
    ry,
    "Isay
    ,tr
    yingt
    oref
    use
    wi
    ththedi
    shes.
    "ThandoIdidn'taski fyouwer efine,Isai
    dgosi t
    down.Socany oupl easelistentome, "hesays.Il
    et
    outal oudsighasheki ssesmycheekandt akest he
    dishes.Hetakest heapr onf r
    om thehookandput si
    t
    on.Hel ookssosexywi ththatapr on.Heremindsme
    ofmydad.Iwon' tli
    e, mydadwasaf lame.He
    l
    ookedsoy oungwhenhewasact ual
    lyol
    d.I
    rememberhowmypr imaryt eachersusedtodrool
    overhim whenev erhecamet opickmeupaf ter
    school orf
    orparent'sev ening.Iwishhewasst il
    l
    ali
    ve.

    "
    Baby
    ?!"

    "
    Huh,
    what
    ,what
    '
    sup?"Iask,
    shaki
    ngmyheadwi
    th
    myey
    eswi
    deopen.

    "IknowIl
    ooksexybutcany
    ounotst
    areatme,
    "he
    sayswit
    hasmirk.
    "
    Aiisuka,
    don'
    tfl
    att
    eryour
    sel
    f,
    "Isaylaughi
    ng.
    "
    Focusonwashingthosedi
    shes,notme."

    "Youlooksobeaut i
    fulwhenyousmil
    ebaby,al
    ways
    smileokay,"hesayslooki
    ngatme.Inodmyheadin
    response.Icanfeelmycheeksburni
    ngandam
    prett
    ysuret her
    e'sasmileonmyfaceri
    ghtnow.

    "
    Sowhatar
    eyoudoi
    ngt
    omor
    row?
    "-Nkosi
    .

    "Am goi
    ngtochur
    ch,
    "het
    urnst
    olookatmewi
    tht
    he
    areyouser
    iousl
    ook.

    "
    YesNkosi
    ,Idogot
    ochur
    ch.Doy
    ouwantt
    ojoi
    n?"

    "
    Nothanks,Idon'
    tbel
    i
    eveinGod.Andchurchesar
    e
    j
    ustt
    heretoeatyourmoneyso,
    "hesays.
    "Notal
    lchur
    chesareaf
    termoneyNkosi
    .Andwhy
    don'
    tyoubeli
    evei
    nGod? "

    "Soyousay.Welll
    et'
    sjustsayifhewasr eal
    l
    ythere,
    peopl
    ewoul dbeli
    vi
    ngluxuriousli
    vesbutey,
    "Ikeep
    onlooki
    ngathim wit
    hshock.Sonowam i na
    rel
    ati
    onshi
    pwi t
    hanonr eli
    giousman.Goodshot
    Thando,goodshot.
    Heconti
    nuest
    owasht
    hedi
    shesasIt
    urnt
    omy
    phone.

    "I
    'l
    lgocheckonTshi diandJor dan,
    "Isay ,gett
    ingof f
    thehighchai r.ThemomentIst epoutoft hekitchen,
    Iheargiggling.Myey essetont hem whohav enow
    mov edt othecouch, gettingallcomfortableineach
    other'sarms.Ihav enev erseenTshi dithishappy ,
    notevenwi t
    hDenzel .Itactual
    lymakesmehappyt o
    seehersmi l
    el i
    kethis.Nowt her ei
    sonepr obl
    em,
    thatboyi s5y earsyoungert hanTshidi.Idoubtshe
    willeverall
    owany t
    hingt ohappenbet weent hem.I
    walkbacktot
    hekit
    chen,
    onl
    ytofi
    ndNkosi
    alr
    eady
    packi
    ngthedi
    shes.Damnhei
    sfast.
    "
    Wow,
    youal
    mostdone,
    "Isay
    ,looki
    ngi
    mpr
    essed.
    "Yes,Ihavetogohomeearl
    y.Idon'tl
    i
    kedr
    ivi
    ngaf
    ter
    22:00pm,"hesay
    s.Il
    ookatmywat chwhi
    chshows
    thatit
    'spast20:
    00pm.
    "Can'
    tyoustayal
    itt
    lebi
    tlongerNkosi
    ?"Iwhi ne.
    Spendi
    ngtimewithhimisthebest,Ir
    eall
    ywon' tl
    ie.
    Whocouldhav et
    houghtthataguyIoncef ound
    annoyi
    ngwouldendupmaki ngmesmi l
    e.Sigh..
    ..
    .
    "Iwi
    shIcoul
    dbabybutIcan'
    t
    .Ialsohavetogoto
    oneofmycoll
    eague'
    shousetocoll
    ectsomepapers
    soIcan'
    t.
    "
    "Okayfine,
    "Isayfol
    dingmyar
    ms.Helooksatme,
    l
    et'soutasighthenwalkst
    ome, cl
    osi
    ngthegap
    betweenus.Ikeeplookawaybuthekeepson
    fol
    lowingmyey es.

    "
    Whati
    fIsay
    , I
    'l
    lspendsometi
    mewithy
    ou
    t
    omorr
    owafterchurch,
    howist
    hat
    ?"heasks,
    til
    ti
    ng
    mychi
    nupandl
    ooki
    ngi
    ntomyey
    es.
    "
    It
    'sokayIguess.
    "Isay
    ,pout
    ing.

    "That
    'smorel
    ikei
    t,nowsmil
    eformeplease.Come
    on,smil
    efory
    oursnookums,
    "hesays,
    tickl
    ingme.
    "Okayokayfi
    ne,
    pleasest
    op,
    Nkosi
    aaaahst
    opi
    t,
    "I
    say,l
    aughi
    ng.
    "Yourlaught hough, "say sNkosi ,wr appinghi sar ms
    aroundme.Hepul l
    smecl osertohi m, picksmeup,
    placesmeont hecount erandst andsbet weenmy
    l
    egs." Damny ouf uckingbeaut i
    ful ,
    Ireall
    ydon' t
    blamet hatf ool fortryingt ogety ouback, "hesay s
    withhisey esst ari
    ngatmyl ips.Hebi t
    esmyl owerl ip,
    l
    et '
    sitgoandst artskissi ngmesl owl y
    .Whydoesi t
    alwaysf eellikeam ki ssi nghi mf orthef i
    rstt i
    me.
    May beit'sbecausehei sanamazi ngkisser .Iwr ap
    myar msar oundhi m, pul l
    inghisbodycl osert omi ne.
    Hel et'
    soutagr oant hatendsupdoi ngwonder sto
    mybody .Hishandsmov edownmywai st,straightto
    myass.Hegi vesitat ightsqueezewhi chl eav esme
    giggli
    ng.Hesl owl ypul l
    saway ,looksatmeandt hen
    l
    ooksdown.If
    oll
    owhisey
    esthenboom.
    ..
    .hehasa
    boner
    .Il
    ookathi
    m andst
    artt
    oshakemyhead.

    "Don'
    twor rybaby ,am notgoingt ohavesexwi th
    you,
    "hesay s,
    laughing."Ihavetogobaby ,I'
    l
    l seeyou
    tomorrow."heki ssesmeagai nthencarriesmet o
    theli
    vingroom.Hepl acesmeont hecouch, goes
    backtot hekitchenandbr i
    ngsmycr ut
    ches,pl aci
    ng
    them nexttomycouch.Jor danandTshi diaren'ti
    n
    theli
    vingroom any mor e.May beheleft,buthe
    shouldhav esaidgoodby e.
    "GoodbyeJordanandTshidi.Andcany ou2please
    keepthenoisedownsot hatmywi fecanhavea
    goodnightsl
    eep!"shout
    sNkosi ,
    standi
    ngalongthe
    passage.

    "Wewi l
    ltr
    yto!
    "shoutsTshi
    di.OkayIwassuper
    wrong,tur
    nsoutshedoesn'
    tcareabouttheagegap
    betweenherandJordan.
    "
    Byebaby
    ."say
    sNkosi
    ,headi
    ngout
    .

    "Bye,
    hav
    easafej
    ourneyhome,"Isayst
    andi
    ngup,
    headi
    ngtot
    hedoor
    ,Iclosei
    tandlockit
    .

    Phonev
    ibr
    ates.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    I
    tsamessagef
    rom Nkosi
    .

    Ial
    mostf
    orgott
    otel
    lyout
    hatIl
    ovey
    ou.ILOVEYOU
    THANDOLWETHUPRECIOUSMDLETSHE.

    It
    extback.
    ..
    ..
    .

    Il
    i
    key
    out
    ooZwi
    deKal
    anga.

    Am notr
    eadyt
    osayt
    he3wor
    dsj
    usty
    et.
    ..
    .
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **

    Am wokenupbyl oudgigglescomi ngfrom the


    kitchen.These2keptmeupal lni
    ght,Ilit
    eral
    lyslept
    at4: 00AM.Ij ustfeell
    ikestabbingthem rightnow.If
    therei sanythingthatcouldmakememoodyf orone
    whol eday ,i
    t'
    snotget ti
    ngmybeaut ysleep.Iquickly
    getoutofbed, openthedoorandshout" Cany ou2
    mot her f
    ucki
    ngcunt skeepitdown, am tryi
    ngt o
    sleepher e.Nx! !
    "Ibangthedoor ,getbacki nbedand
    whenam aboutt oclosemyey es,myal armrings.
    Oooohy ou'vegott obekiddingme! !!
    !Whyt oday !
    !!
    !!
    !!

    Igetoutofbed,cleanupmyr oom andthentakea


    shower.Cursemyconsciencefornotlett
    ingmeskip
    churchtoday.Af
    tershoweri
    ng,Igetdressedi
    ntomy
    pyj
    amas.Am goingt oeatf
    irstt
    henchange.AsIam
    abouttoleavemyr oom,myphoner i
    ngs.Whocould
    becalli
    ngsoearly.
    "
    Myangel
    ."

    "
    Hiemom,
    howar
    eyou,
    "iask,
    rubbi
    ngmyey
    es.

    "
    Am okaybaby
    ,Iwasj
    ustmi
    ssi
    ngy
    ou.Howar
    e
    y
    ou?"

    "
    Am f
    inemom,
    justsl
    eepy
    ."

    "
    Sot
    ellmebaby
    ,whenwer
    eyougoi
    ngt
    otel
    lmet
    hat
    y
    oubrokeupwi
    thSbu?
    "

    "
    Ist
    hiswhyy
    oucal
    l
    edmom?
    "

    "Yes,
    thepoorguyhasbeencry
    ingsi
    nceyester
    day
    .
    Baby,di
    dyoucheatonhim?"whatt
    hefuck?!

    "
    Ofcour
    senotmom.Si
    gh.
    ..
    ..
    Didhet
    ell
    yout
    hat1
    mont hagohedumpedmef orsomegi r
    lthathi s
    parentschosef orhi
    m? "Isay.Mom keepsqui etand
    thendropst hecall
    .Whyar epeopletryi
    ngtor uinmy
    Sunday .Iwalkoutofmyr oom, gotothekitchen,
    makemy sel
    fabowl ofcerealandsi
    tont hehi gh
    chair
    .Tshi diandJordanareintheli
    vingroom.I
    didn'
    tev enlookatthem whenIpassedt hem onmy
    wayher e, t
    hat'
    showannoy edIam rightnow.

    "Goodmor
    ning,
    "say
    sTshi
    di,
    standi
    ngatt
    heki
    tchen
    door.

    "I
    t'
    snotagoodmor ni
    ngatall
    .First
    ,youandy our
    newboyfr
    iendkeptmeupal lnightthensecondl y
    ,
    mom cal
    lstoaskmeaboutSbuandI .Apparently,
    he'
    sbeencryingsinceyest
    erday.Li
    kewt f!
    !!Thisjust
    hastobethewor stSunday,
    "Isaywhi l
    ststuff
    inga
    spoonofcereali
    ntomymout h.

    "Wel
    lItdoesn'tseem l
    i
    keit
    .Didyoureal
    i
    set
    haty
    ou
    don'
    thavey ourcrut
    cheswit
    hyou?"
    "
    Don'
    tbesil
    ly
    ,her
    etheya.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..Wai
    t.Wher
    ear
    ear
    e
    mycr
    utches?
    "Iask,
    pani
    cki
    ng.

    "
    Exact
    ly,
    youranklei
    snowf i
    ne,
    thankstoy
    our
    mood"shesays,wal
    kingt
    othefri
    dge.

    "wow.Icanfi
    nal
    l
    ywal
    kwi
    thoutt
    hosei
    rr
    it
    ati
    ngst
    icks.
    ThankGod!!
    !!
    "

    "Yeadon'
    tgettooexci
    tedorel
    sey
    ou'
    l
    lendup
    hurt
    ingbot
    hy ourankl
    es.
    "

    "Ey
    yletmehav emymomentokay .Sot
    ell
    me,
    was
    hethatgood,
    Tshidi
    ?"Iask,
    put
    ti
    ngmyspooninmy
    bowl.

    "
    Whatdoy
    oumean?
    "
    "St
    opacti
    ngdumb, youknowexact lywhatam
    aski
    ng.Tshi
    di,
    youwer escreamingandswearingt
    he
    wholeni
    ght.Am pr
    ettysureourneighbor
    sheard
    you.
    "isay.

    "WasIt
    hatl
    oud? "sheasksi
    nawhi
    sperwhi
    l
    e
    cl
    osi
    ngthef
    ridge.
    "Youwer
    everyl
    oud,nowt el
    lmewhatmyear
    sar
    e
    crav
    ingt
    ohear,
    "Isay,
    clappi
    ngmyhands.
    "Butheisint
    heliv
    ingr
    oom,
    hewi
    l
    lhearus,
    "she
    says,si
    tt
    ingnextt
    ome.
    "
    Hewon'
    tnowst
    artt
    alki
    ng,
    "Isay
    .
    "Hahaokayf i
    neI'l
    ltalk.Thatkidi
    sjustoutoft
    his
    wor l
    d.Thando,heissoamazi ngl
    yincr
    edibl
    e.He
    mademer eachclimax6t i
    mes.6t i
    mesThandoi n
    j
    ust2r ounds!
    !!Ican'tevenstopthinki
    ngaboutlast
    night.
    "shesays,l
    ookingst r
    aighti
    ntospace.
    "
    All
    thankst
    ome,
    "Isay
    ,wi
    nki
    ngather
    .
    "
    Truet
    hat
    ,ifi
    twasn'
    tfory
    oui
    nvi
    ti
    ngmeov
    erf
    or
    dinner,shewasn'
    tgoingtoexperi
    encewhatshedi d
    l
    astni ght,
    thankyousomuchThando, "saysJordan,
    wal ki
    ngtowardsTshidi
    .Hewrapshisar msaround
    herf r
    om thebackandkissesherneck.Shechuckles,
    turnstolookathim andsmashesherlipsonhis.

    "Coughcough,ther
    earebedr
    oomsf
    orar
    eason,
    coughcough."Isay.

    "Sor
    rybutIj
    ustcan'tresi
    st,
    "saysJordan,
    picki
    ng
    Tshi
    diup.Tshi
    distartsgi
    ggli
    ngwhileherlegsand
    armsarewrappedar oundJordan.
    Iguessthi
    si smyqueuet ostandup,changei
    ntomy
    newnudepi nkVpl ungedressandnudepi nkpumps
    andleaveforchurch."Tshidi
    am leav
    ing,I'
    l
    lbeback
    at12:00pm,"Isay
    , walki
    ngoutofmyapar t
    ment.

    Chur
    chwasamazing,
    Ireal
    l
    yenjoy
    edtheser
    vice.I
    t
    ki
    ndofr
    emindedmeofmydad.Weal wayswentto
    chur
    cht
    ogether
    .Mymom isint
    osangomastuffso
    shenev erwant edt ojoi
    nus.Somet i
    mesIwonder
    howt heygotal ongbecausemydadwasagai nst
    thosethings.Af t
    erchur ch,
    Iwenttomyapar t
    mentt o
    pickupTshi disot hatIcoulddropheroffatthe
    airpor
    t.Shewasl eavingandi tr
    eal
    lybrokemyhear t.
    "Goodby ebaby, I
    'l
    lreall
    ymi ssyou,
    "Isay,huggingher.

    "I
    '
    llmi
    ssy out
    oobutam sorrytosaythatI
    '
    llmi
    ssMr
    Brownevenmore.
    "Tshidir
    epli
    es.Ismackher
    shoul
    deraswebothlaugh.Iki
    sshercheekandlet
    goofher.Iwi
    shshecouldjustst
    ay.

    Phoner
    ingi
    ng.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "
    Hel
    l
    o,"

    "
    Hey,wher
    ear
    eyou?Am aty
    ourapar
    tment
    ."asks
    Nkosi
    .
    "Am atORTamboairport,
    wasdroppi
    ngTshi
    diof
    f.
    "I
    say,
    leavi
    ngthel
    andside."
    Am onmywayback,you
    canwaitformei
    nmyapar t
    ment.
    "

    "
    Andhowam Igoi
    ngt
    ogeti
    nsi
    de?
    "heasks.

    "Thesamewayy ouoncedi damonthago.Nowai t


    ,
    youactual
    l
    ydi dit2ti
    mes,"Isay.Hegiggl
    esandthen
    endsthecall
    .I'
    ll
    justtakethatasa"Okay"
    .Igeti
    nto
    mycarandt hendriveoff.

    Ihavefi
    nall
    yarri
    vedatmyapar t
    mentandl etmejust
    saythatt
    hetraff
    icwasjustshit
    tyashell
    .My
    apart
    mentdooriswideopensoam guessi nghe
    real
    l
    ydiddoi t
    .Igeti
    nsi
    de,closeandlockthedoor
    andthenIfol
    lowhisvoi
    ceashesi ngsalongtosome
    maskandisong.

    "Wel
    lhel
    l
    ohell
    o, what
    'scookinginhere?
    "Iask,
    ent
    eri
    ngtheki
    tchen.Heturnshisfacetolookatme,
    smilesandt
    henclosest
    hepotont
    hestove.He
    walkstomeandgivesmeonesupert
    ighthug,
    I
    can'
    tevenbreat
    he.

    "
    Yourankl
    eisf
    inal
    l
    yokay
    ,"hesay
    s,st
    il
    lhuggi
    ngme.

    "Yesbuti
    fyoudon'
    tletgoofmenow, al
    lofmy
    bonesmightj
    ustendupbreaki
    ng,
    "Isay,t
    ryi
    ngt
    o
    gaspforsomeair
    .

    "
    Ooohsor
    ry,
    it'
    sjustt
    hatIr
    eal
    l
    ymi
    ssedy
    ou.
    "

    "
    Buty
    ousawmel
    astni
    ght
    ,"

    "Exactl
    y,t
    odayi
    sanewdaysoImi
    ssedy
    ou,
    "he
    says,pecki
    ngmynose.
    "Youthough,
    "IsayasIl
    aughbutmyl aughisended
    bythesightofbl
    oodonNkosi'
    swhiteshir
    t."Baby,
    whydoy ouhavebloodonyourshi
    rt
    ?"Iasklooking
    upathi m.Hel ooksatmewithconf usedeyesbutin
    l
    esst hat-0seconds,hisf
    aci
    al expressi
    onchanges
    andisf i
    ll
    edwithsomet hi
    ngthatlooksli
    keregret
    .I
    don'
    tr eal
    lyknowwhathei sregrett
    ingbutthatbl
    ood
    stai
    nsur el
    yhasast orybehi
    ndi t
    .

    "Oohoohohdon'tworr
    ybabyit
    'sreal
    l
    ynothi
    ng.I
    hurtmysel
    fatworkandIf
    orgottochangemyshir
    t.
    "

    "
    Butyoudon'
    twor
    konSunday
    sbabe.
    ..
    "isay
    ,put
    ti
    ng
    myhandsonmywaist
    .

    "Sowhatar
    ey outry
    ingt
    osayThando,arey
    ou
    sayi
    ngam l
    ying?"hesay
    swit
    hhiseyebrowsrai
    sed.

    "
    Nononotatal
    l
    ,Iwasj
    ustaski
    ng.
    ..
    ."

    "Andam t
    ell
    i
    ngy ouIgothur
    tatwor
    knowwil
    lyou
    stopwi
    ththequesti
    onsandletmeenj
    oyy
    our
    company.Comehere,
    "hesay spul
    li
    ngmecloserto
    hi
    m.Honestly
    ,somethi
    ngseemsshadyaboutNkosi .
    Somethi
    ngabouthi
    mj ustdoesn'
    taddupandIjust
    don'
    tknowwhatiti
    s.Iwil
    lhavetofi
    ndout.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    Thankyou@QaqambaSiyamthandaKal
    awef
    or
    shar
    ingmypageonyourprof
    il
    e
    [1/
    2, 06:56]Lynne:Goodmorning so
    someonet oldmet hati
    t'
    sherbir
    thdayt oday
    so@Cami ll
    aSmi t
    hbaby,HappyBirthday
    Imightnotknowyout hatmuchbuty ou
    arelovedsweet cake sothischapteri
    s
    dedicatedt oyou haveanamazi ngday
    baby

    Chapt
    er8

    I
    t'
    sMondaymor
    ningandIf
    eel
    superexhaust
    ed.
    Lastnightwasamaz i
    ngwi t
    hNkosi butIdon'
    tmean
    "sex"amazi ng.Thisti
    me, herefusedt ogosleep
    alone,clai
    mi ngthatam hisgir
    lfri
    endsohehast he
    righttobeint hesamebedwi thmesoIal l
    owedhi m
    tocomet obedwi t
    hme.Wewer ejustchil
    l
    ingthe
    whol enightandcuddl i
    ng.thoughtIwoul dwakeup
    toseehi sfacebutal lIwokeupt owasanot eonhis
    pill
    ow.Thenot eread"Havetogot oCapet ownf ora
    businesst r
    ipsoIwi ll
    seey outomor rowormay be
    tonight.Lovey oumyqueen" .
    Ithrewthenoteont hef l
    oorthenwentbackt olal
    a
    l
    andsi ncei
    twas2i nt hemor ning.Whowakesup
    soooooear l
    y,j
    ustforsuch.Hecoul dhav el
    eftat4in
    themor ni
    ngbuthel ef
    tway yt oearl
    iert
    hanthat.
    Somet hi
    ngreall
    yisshadyaboutt hi
    sguyandam
    goingtogettothebot tom ofit.

    It
    snow6: 45am andam donewi thmymor ning
    rout
    ineandr eadyforwork.Igrabmycarkey sont he
    counter
    , headout,l
    ockmydoorandt henintothe
    elev
    ator.Ithengettomycar ,getinanddriveoffto
    spendthewhol edayatwor k.Traff
    icwasn'tthatbad
    t
    hismor
    ningsoIgott
    owor
    kear
    li
    ert
    hanIusual
    l
    ydo.
    "
    Twi
    nni
    e!!
    !"i
    t'
    sSabel
    o.YhooooImi
    ssedt
    hisass.
    "
    Heyyou,
    bruhIfeelli
    keIhaven'
    tseeny
    oui none
    y
    ear
    .Howar ey
    ou? "Isay
    ,giv
    inghim at
    ighthug.
    "Am goodhey ,
    Ijustmi
    ssedyou.Howar
    eyouand
    howisy ourankl
    e?"heaskshuggi
    ngmeback.
    "Iam okayjustexhaust
    edandmyankl
    eisf
    inebut
    kindofpainful
    ,"
    "
    Wellat
    leastyoucannowwalk.I'
    l
    lseeyouatbreak
    t
    winni
    e,IhavetogoseeMrBizabeforeIst
    artwit
    h
    myshif
    t."say
    sSabeloandhestart
    swalki
    ngaway .
    "
    okayt
    winni
    e,wewi
    l
    lhav
    ebr
    eaki
    nmyof
    fi
    ceneh"
    "
    Okaycool
    ,l
    ater
    ,"heshout
    s.Ti
    mef
    ormet
    ogett
    o
    wor
    k.
    It
    s12pm andam nowsuperexhaust ed,Ican'teven
    walkanymore.Ihavebeenrunningupanddown
    becauseforsomereason,therehasbeenal otof
    pati
    entstoatt
    endtotoday.Itevenfeelslikeafesti
    ve
    seasonbecausethatswhenhospi t
    alsaret hi
    speak.
    Rightnowam onmywayt osome" Speci alpati
    ent"
    thatImustbesuperni ceto,asifam ev errudet o
    anyofmypat i
    ent s.Am oneoftheni cestdoct ors
    hereandmypat ientsloveme,theyev engoasf aras
    bri
    ngingmegiftswhent heygetoutoft hisplace.So
    backtomegoi ngt ocheckont hispatient,asIent er
    theroom shei
    si n,Ihearhershout"Thabi so!".Not
    thepersonyouar eexpecti
    nghey ..
    ..
    .Sheev enhas
    herownwar d,Iguesssher eal
    lyisspeci al
    ...
    ..
    "Hey,sor
    ryam doct
    orMdlet
    she.Howareyouf
    eel
    i
    ng
    ma'am,"Isay,
    walki
    ngtoherasshel
    ooksatmewith
    disappoi
    ntment.
    "
    Am bett
    erbutsti
    l
    linalotofpai
    n,
    "shesays,
    try
    ing
    t
    ositupbutthepainsheisi
    nisn'
    tal
    l
    owingherto.
    "
    Ouch!!
    "
    "Whoama' am, don'tsi
    tup.It'
    sf i
    neyoucanl i
    e
    down."Isay ,rushingtohersi detohelpherlayback
    down.SoIhear dshewasshotonbot hherfeet,
    stabbedacoupl eoft i
    mesandhasf ructur
    edribs.
    Theshocki ngpar twaswhenIwast oldthatsheis
    pregnant,sosomeasshol edecidedtobeatupt his
    womanwhi l
    eshe'spr egnant.Somepeopl ethough.
    Wellatleastshedi dn'
    tlosethebabyev enthough
    shealmostdi
    d.Whoeverdi
    dthi
    stoherdeser
    vest
    o
    dieshame.Howcanonebesoheart
    less.
    "Doctor,wil
    lieverbeabl
    et owalk,imean,Ican'tfeel
    myf eetatall
    ."shesayslookingatmewi t
    ht earsin
    hereyes.Iknowt hisai
    n'
    tthet i
    mebutdamnshei s
    beautif
    ul.Shelookssoforeign,yesshehasbr ui
    ses
    andallbutonecaneasi l
    yseet hatsheisagor geous
    woman.
    "
    Honestl
    yspeaking,y
    oumi ghtgetpar al
    yzed,maybe
    t
    emporari
    lyorpermanent
    ly.Ther eisapossibil
    i
    ty
    t
    hatyoumi ghtbeabl
    etowal kbuty ouwon'tbeable
    t
    owalkthesamewayy ouusedt o."Isaytoher,
    t
    aki
    ngherf il
    ewhichi
    sattheendofherbed.
    "
    Okaybutam notpar
    aly
    zedi
    nanyot
    herwayr
    ight
    ?"
    "Ummm sof ar,no.It
    'sjustyourfeetandthat'
    sit
    .
    Whent heyheal,t
    hat'
    swhenwewi ll
    beablet ot
    ell
    youify ouwillbeabletowal kagainornot.Ma'am
    don'tthinkaboutitwayt oomuch.Iknowt hatt
    he
    painy ouarefeeli
    ngisr eall
    yscari
    ngy oubutdon't
    overthinkthi
    ngsorel sey ouwil
    lendupbei ngina
    muchwor sesituati
    onthany oualreadyarein.We
    real
    lydon'
    twantthatnowdowe?"Isoftl
    ysayt
    oher
    withasmileonmyf ace.Shet
    henl
    ooksatmeand
    smileswit
    htear
    sr unni
    ngdownhercheeks.
    "I
    '
    llt
    ryt
    ost
    opovert
    hinki
    ngthi
    ngsbutyoucan'
    t
    bl
    amemethough.CanIsaysomethi
    ng,"
    "
    Yesgof
    ori
    t,
    "
    "Yoursmil
    er emindsmeofmymot her.Ireal
    ly
    wouldn'
    tmi ndseeingyoueverymor ningjustto
    makemef eelbett
    er,
    "shesays,radiantl
    y.Okaynow
    am superspeechless.Idon'
    tknowwhatt osay.
    "ummmm r eally
    ,i-i
    don'tknowwhatt osaybutI
    guessIcansayt hanky ouandI '
    ll begl adtobet he
    fi
    rstpersony ouseei nthemor ning, "Isayblushing.I
    thinkam goi ngt oli
    keher ,somet hingabouther
    makesheramazi ngtobear ound.It hentakeal ook
    atherf i
    les,dosomecheckupsonherandt hings
    don'tlooksogood.Herbl oodpr essur eisextremely
    highandherf ructuredribsdon'tseem t obeheal i
    ng
    atall.Sheneedsser iousat t
    ent
    ionl ike24/ 7.She
    can'tbel ef
    tal one.
    "
    Soy
    ournamei
    sRosel
    i
    ne,
    it'
    sabeaut
    if
    ulnamehey
    ,"
    Isayt
    ohersmi
    l
    ing.
    "Yea,myfat
    hergaveitt
    omebutmymot herwanted
    tonamemeSi yabonga,
    "shesay
    s,l
    ooki
    ngatthe
    ceil
    ing.
    "Ohhh.OkaysoIhav et
    ogonow,Ihav
    etocheckon
    myot herpat
    ient
    s.I'
    l
    lbebackt
    ocheckonyou
    again.
    "Isayputt
    ingherfi
    l
    ebackf
    rom wher
    eIhad
    takenit
    .
    "Doyouhavetogo,pleasedost ay
    .Ineedsome
    companyandy ouar
    egr eatcompany,pleasest
    ay,
    "
    shesayspouti
    ngwithpuppyey es.Whyisshe
    makingthi
    ngshardforme.
    "IwishIcouldsayyesbutIcan'
    t.Okaylet'
    sdothi
    s,I
    will
    sitwit
    hy ouforl
    unchthenwecant alk,how
    aboutthat?
    "
    "
    OkayIguessIcanset
    tl
    efort
    hat
    .I'
    l
    lbewai
    ti
    ngf
    or
    y
    ou."
    "Okay,
    seey
    outhenRosel
    i
    ne.Oohmynamei
    s
    Thandobyt
    heway,"
    "
    Okay
    ,I'
    l
    lseey
    ouatl
    unchThando,
    "shesay
    ssmi
    l
    ing.
    Ithenleavetheroom andstartwal
    kingtowards
    otherwards.Ial
    readyli
    keher.Shelooksli
    keshehas
    beent hr
    oughalot,notbecauseofwhatbroughther
    herebutIcouldclear
    lyseepaininhereyes.Likeshe
    hasn'tbeenhappyinalongt i
    me.NowIr eal
    lywant
    tositdownwi t
    hherandj ustt
    alk,j
    usttomaket hat
    paindisappear
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    **
    I
    tsnowbr eakandSabel
    oi sn'
    thappythatam not
    goi
    ngtohav elunchwi
    thhim.Atfir
    sthedidn't
    under
    standbutheendedupagr eei
    ng.Itoldhi
    mI'l
    l
    makeitupt ohimtomorr
    owbuthei nsist
    edon
    havi
    ngdinnerwhicham notcoolwit
    hbecausehe
    hasawife.
    Iboughtf oodforRoseandI.Am nowonmywayt o
    herwardandam r eal
    l
    yhappy,l
    ikesuperhappy
    .The
    samef eelingIgetwhenIseeTshidii
    stheoneam
    gett
    ingrightnow.IguessIreal
    l
    ydol i
    keRose.
    "
    Knockknock,
    "Isay
    ,peepi
    ngt
    hrought
    hedoor
    .
    "
    Youcame,
    "repl
    i
    esRoset
    urni
    ngt
    olookatme.
    "
    WhywouldntI
    .Ibroughtusf
    ood,
    Ihopey
    oul
    i
    ke
    MuggandBeanfood."
    "YesIdoandIwasact
    ual
    l
    yint
    hemoodf
    ort
    hei
    r
    cake,
    "
    "Wellgoodt hingIalsoboughtt hecake. "Itaket he
    chairwhichisatt her ightcornerofthewar d,pulli
    ng
    i
    tnextt oherbedt henIt akemysi t.Istarttakingout
    ourfoodt henpr esst heelevati
    onbut tont oraiseher
    upperbodyhei ghtsinceshecan' tdosoher self.As
    forherlegs,theyar ehel dupbyl egbr aces.Ifeel soo
    sorryforher,Ican'tev enimaginethepai nshei s
    goingthroughwi t
    ht hosewoundsal lov erherlegs,
    thegunshotwoundsandt hefruct
    ur edr i
    bs,sigh...
    ..
    ..
    .
    "Her
    eisyourf
    ood,Ihopeyouwil
    lenj
    oyi
    t,
    "Isayt
    o
    herpl
    aci
    ngthefoodonthetabl
    e.
    "Isur
    elywi
    ll
    ,thanky ou."andwi ththatsaid,west art
    diggi
    nginwhilsthavinglightfunnyconv ersat
    ions.
    Sheissooooof unny,li
    keIcan' tstoplaughingright
    now.Am prett
    ysur eotherpat i
    entscanhearme
    l
    aughingri
    ghtnow, Ireall
    ycan' thelpi
    ty hoooo.She
    toldmealit
    tl
    ebi tabouther selfandherl i
    feandl et
    mej ustsayl i
    fehasn' tbeengoodt oher.Hermot her
    passedawaywhenshewas7andherl i
    fejust
    changedf r om t hen.Herf athergotmar r
    iedtoher
    mother '
    sf riendandshet reatedRoseandher2ol der
    brot
    her slikecr apwhi l
    stthest epmom gav e
    everyt
    hingt heyownedt ohersonwhowast heirst ep
    brot
    her .Shesay sthstepbr otherwasn' tasbadas
    hismot herbecauseheonl ytreatedt hem li
    kecrap
    whenev erhi smom wasar oundbutassoonasshe
    gotoutofsi t
    e,hewoul dgi vethem f oodandl ett hem
    dowhat evert heywant edt odo.Oneofherbr other s
    passedawayf rom foodpoi soning.Sonowi t'
    sonl y
    herandherol destbr other.Somet imest hestep
    brot
    herv i
    sitst hem sot heycounthi m asfami l
    ybut
    besi
    deshi m, itisjustthe2oft hem.Iwantt oaski f
    herfatherpassedawaybecausesheonl yment ioned
    him onceandf rom allthosehur tfulevents,seems
    l
    ikehehasbeenabsent .
    "
    Soisyourf
    atherst
    il
    lal
    i
    ve?
    "Iaskwi
    thahesi
    tant
    v
    oice.
    "
    Yeshei
    s,
    "
    "
    Andhenev
    ersai
    dany
    thi
    ngt
    oyourst
    epmot
    her
    ?"I
    askwi
    thoner
    aisedey
    ebr
    ow.
    "Yep,itwaslikehewasbewi tchedbecausehenev er
    wentagai nstmyst epmot her.Hewoul dal ways
    agreewi t
    hev eryt
    hingshesai dandnev erargued
    withher.Hehadcompl etelychanged, hewasn' tthe
    sameany more."shesay swhi lstlooki
    ngatt he
    ceil
    ing.Tearsstartrunningdownhercheeksbutshe
    quicklywipesthem.NowIf eel badforasking, why
    didIaskhersuchaquest ion...
    .Stupidstupidst upi
    d,
    nx..
    ...
    "Am sor
    ry,
    i.
    ..Idi
    dn'
    tmeantomakeyoucry.I
    shoul
    dn'
    thaveaskedyou,
    "Isayl
    ooki
    ngdown.
    "Noit
    'sfine,Iactuall
    yfeel bet
    ternow.Ihavenev er
    tol
    dany oneaboutmyl ife,youarethefi
    rstandr i
    ght
    nowIf eelsolight.Thanky ousomuchf orbei nghere
    Thando.Ireallyappreciateit,
    "shesayslowv oiced.
    "Youarewelcomel oveandifyoueverneedme,you
    canalwayscalloutforme."Isaywhil
    estuff
    inga
    pieceofcakeinmymout h.
    "
    Sot
    ell
    meabouty
    our
    sel
    fThando,
    "
    "
    Ooohwel
    lmynamei
    sThandoMdl
    etshe,
    Ihav
    e5
    si
    bli
    ngs,3oft
    hem bei
    ngtri
    plet
    s.Icomef
    rom Nor
    th
    West,andmyli
    fei
    sprett
    yokayhey .
    "
    "
    That
    'si
    t?"
    "
    Wellumm mydadpassedawaywhenIwas19
    whi
    chkindofchangedmyl
    i
    febecausemydadandI
    wer
    ereall
    ycl
    ose."
    "
    Oooham sor
    ryaboutt
    hat
    ."shesay
    swi
    thapi
    tyi
    ng
    f
    ace.
    "I
    t'
    sokay.Uuum wouldy
    oumi ndi
    fIaskedt
    hisone
    quest
    ion,
    "Ihavetoknowthi
    s.
    "
    askaway
    ,"
    "Welluuum,who...
    ..
    whodidt histoyou?"Iask
    l
    ookingstrai
    ghtint
    oherey es.Herfacialexpr
    ession
    qui
    cklychanges,painshowingt hr
    oughherey es.
    Tearsstar
    tfall
    ingagai
    nandt hi
    stime,shelet'
    sthem
    fal
    l
    .Ithenraisemyhandt owi peoffhertearsbut
    shestopsme.
    "Idon'
    twantt
    otal
    kaboutit,
    Ithi
    nkit
    'sti
    mef oryou
    togo.Thankyouverymuchfort
    hefood, i
    twasreal
    ly
    nice.
    "shesay
    s,gi
    vingmethecoldet
    lstshoul
    derever
    .
    OkayIguessmyquest ionhithome,nowIregret
    askingher
    .Ishouldhavestayedinmyli
    mits.Rose
    thenpushesthetableback,asksmetolowerthe
    bedheightandthenturnstolooktheot
    herdir
    ecti
    on.
    OkaynowIf eelsupergui
    lt
    y.
    "
    Roseam sor
    ry,
    Ireal
    lydi
    dn'
    tmeantoruiny
    our
    mood.Am,am r
    eall
    ysorr
    ypl
    easefor
    giveme,"Isay
    t
    oherdownfaced.
    "
    It
    sfi
    ne.Youcanl eav
    enow,"shesay
    sst
    il
    ll
    ooki
    ng
    t
    heotherdi
    rect
    ion.Si
    gh.
    ..
    Ist
    andupfrom t
    hechai
    r,pi
    ckuptheempt
    ymugg
    andbeanbagsandwalkout.If
    eel
    sobadforaski
    ng
    hert
    hatnow.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    It
    sbeen3day sandnothinginteresti
    nghasbeen
    happeni
    ngsinceMonday .Nkosi hasn'
    tcontactedme
    eversi
    ncethatdayhel
    eftt heletter
    ,Rosekeepson
    givi
    ngmethecoldshoulderandSabel oi
    signoring
    mebecauseIr ef
    usedt
    ogoont hatdinnerdatewith
    him.Youcan'tbl
    amemet hough, Imeanhe'sa
    mar r
    iedmanwi t
    hapr egnantwif
    eandheshoul dbe
    homewi thhernotoutwi t
    hme.Hiswi f
    ecall
    edme
    though,aski
    ngwhyIhadr ef
    usedtogoonthedinner
    withSabeloandhonestlyspeaki
    ng,Iwasshocked.I
    wasn'texpect
    ingthatfr
    om her.
    TshidiandJor
    danhavebecomesocloseli
    kesuper
    cl
    ose.Jordanisact
    ual
    lyi
    nNorthWestri
    ghtnowwit
    h
    her.Nowam supersur
    eTshidi
    will
    dumpDenzel.
    "
    Sohowi sRose?
    "IaskNer
    isawhi
    l
    est
    andi
    ngatt
    he
    r
    ecept
    ion.
    "Sheisokay
    ,shei
    ssor
    udet
    hough,
    "shesay
    swi
    tha
    cri
    nge.
    "
    Reall
    y?Wow,
    "Isaywi
    deey
    ed.Rosei
    srude?wel
    l
    t
    hat'
    snew.
    "Superr
    udebutat
    leastshei
    sget
    ti
    ngbet
    ter
    ."she
    sayswhil
    stsi
    gni
    ngsomepapers.
    "Ooohokay,hav
    ey ouseenSabeloanywher
    e.I
    haven'
    tseenhim al
    lday?"Iaskl
    ooki
    ngaround.
    "Ummm y eah,
    Ithi
    nkheisi
    nhisof
    fi
    cewit
    ha
    pati
    ent
    ."shesaysnotl
    ooki
    ngatmebutatthe
    paperssheissi gning.Iwalkawayf r
    om herwithout
    awor dsaid,headingt oSabelo'
    soffi
    ce.Ineedtot al
    k
    tohim becauset hi
    ssi l
    enttr
    eatmentam getti
    ngi s
    waytoomuch.IknockonSabel o'
    sdoorthenwal kin
    aft
    erhearinghim shoutcomei n.Okaysothereisno
    pati
    ent.
    "
    Sabeloweneedtotal
    k,
    "Isaywi
    thast
    rai
    ghtf
    ace
    whi
    lsttaki
    ngaseat
    .
    "
    Am superbusyri
    ghtnow,
    woul
    dyoumi
    ndcoming
    l
    ater
    ,"hesay
    slooki
    ngatsomef
    il
    eonhi
    sdesk.
    "
    NoIcan'
    tcomelaterbecauseyouaren'
    tbusyatal
    l
    .
    Nowwhyam Ibei
    ngi gnor
    ed?"Isaycri
    ngi
    ng.
    "
    Thando,nowi
    sreal
    l
    ynott
    het
    ime.Canwepl
    ease
    t
    alkl
    ater
    ,"
    "Sabel
    oy ouhav
    ebeensayingthatf
    ort
    hepast3
    days,canyouPl.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "hei
    nter
    ruptsmebef
    oreIcoul
    d
    fi
    nishmysentence.
    "THANDOCANYOUPLEASELETMEBEOKAY!!AM
    BUSYRIGHTNOW SOPLEASELEAVEMYOFFI
    CE.
    JUSTBECAUSEYOUDON'THAVEANYWORK,IT
    DOESN'TMEANTHATALLOFUSALSODON'T,
    "he
    shoutswithhisneckveinspoppingout.Oookay
    whatt hehel
    li
    swr ongwi thhi
    m?Any ways,Isl
    owly
    standupf r
    om theseat,
    t urnt
    othedoorandst ar
    t
    walkingaway.Sohehasmanagedt ocompl et
    ely
    makemebackof f,nowIdon'twanttotalktohim at
    al
    l..
    ..
    .
    Phoner
    ingi
    ng.
    ..
    ..
    Itakemyphoneoutofmypocketandcheckt he
    call
    erID.Unknownnumber .
    ..
    .Iwonderwhoitis.Aii
    am notansweringi
    t.Iendthecallandputmyphone
    backinmypocketbutmyphoner i
    ngsagai
    n,
    showingthesamecal l
    erID.Iendthecal
    lagai
    nbut
    thepersoncall
    sagain.
    ..
    ..Whot hehel
    li
    sthi
    skant i
    ?!
    !

    "CanIhel
    pyouwi
    thsomet
    hing?
    "Isayanswer
    ingt
    he
    call
    .
    "Youshoul
    dreall
    ystopbeinganassThando,"say
    s
    myoneandonl yfr
    uityv
    oiceontheothersi
    deofthe
    call
    .
    "Wher
    ehavey
    oubeenyouli
    ttl
    epi
    eceofshi
    t.Ihave
    beenwai
    ti
    ngf
    ory
    ourcall
    sinceMondaybutnothi
    ng.
    What'
    syourexcuse,
    let
    'sheari
    t,
    "Isaywi
    that
    aut
    voi
    ce.
    "Fi
    rstofall
    ,neverandIrepeat,nevereverswearat
    me.Secondl y,
    am real
    l
    ysor r
    yf ornotcontact
    ingyou
    butIhav ebeensuperbusy.Irea..
    ..
    ..
    ."Iqui
    ckl
    y
    i
    nterrupthi
    m.
    "I
    t'
    sfine,atl
    easty oucont
    act
    edmeev enthoughyou
    didsoaf t
    er3day s.Sowhenareyoucomingback?"I
    ask,slowlywal
    kingt omyoff
    icej
    ustsmil
    i
    ngatwho
    everIcomeacr oss.
    "
    Ummm am r
    eal
    l
    ynotsur
    ebutI
    '
    llt
    ell
    you.
    "
    "Okay
    ,li
    stenI
    '
    llcal
    lyoulat
    er.Rightnowam atwor
    k.
    Thisi
    sthenumbery ouareusingright
    ..
    ..
    "
    "Yeai tis.Don'twor ryI'
    llcall
    y ou.Byeanddon' t
    forgetthatIl ovey ou..
    ..
    .Oohandt ellthati
    diotofa
    boyatt hecompl extoleav eyoual oneifhest i
    l
    l
    want st oli
    vebecausey ouar etaken."hesayswi t
    h
    ani ntensev oiceandt henendst hecal l
    .
    Whoa. .
    ...
    whatt hehel l
    ,howdi dhe, andwhot ol
    dhim
    abo. .
    ..
    .IsNkosi spyingonme. ..
    .Wow. ..
    ..
    "
    Heywat
    chwher
    eyouar
    e..
    ..Oohheyt
    her
    e,"say
    sa
    deepv oi
    ce.Seemsl i
    keIgotsodi
    str
    act
    edbymy
    thoughtsthatIbumpedint
    othi
    sguy.
    "Hey,
    am sorryIdi
    dn'
    tseey out
    here,"Isaylooki
    ng
    downwi t
    hshame.Isli
    det omyrightwiththe
    att
    empttoleavebuthealsosli
    destomyr i
    ght.
    Ooooky.Isl
    idetomyleftbuthedoest oo.Okaywtf,
    whyarepeopletry
    ingt
    of uckmeov ertoday.
    "
    Sorr
    ybutcanIhel
    pyouwi
    thsomet
    hing,
    "Isaywi
    th
    ast
    rai
    ghtf
    ace.
    "Umm y es,
    "hesays.Okaysol etmedescri
    bethi
    s
    personstandi
    nginfrontofme.He' sasupert
    all
    ,buf
    f
    guy,li
    ghtski
    nnedwithglasses.Looksandsmell
    s
    l
    ikemoneyoohandsupergor geousbutnotas
    gorgeousasmyman.Justsay i
    ng.Heki
    ndoflooks
    l
    ikeSabelothough.
    "Wouldyoumi nddi
    rect
    ingmetoy ourhear
    tbecause
    Icert
    ainl
    ycantusethesamedirecti
    onIusewith
    otherwomen."hesays,smi
    li
    ng.Thatisoneter
    ri
    ble
    catchphrase.
    "
    Excuseme?
    "Isayl
    ooki
    ngannoy
    ed.
    "
    Imean,
    youar
    ewhatIhav
    ebeenl
    ooki
    ngf
    oral
    lmy
    l
    ifebabygi
    rlandwhere-have-
    you-
    been?"hesay
    s
    checki
    ngmeoutwhi l
    eli
    ckinghi
    spinkli
    ps.
    "Umm okayli
    stenheresir
    ,Ihavesomeworktodo
    nowcany oupleasemov eoutofmyway.
    "Isay
    movi
    ngt omyr i
    ghtbuthefoll
    owsmeagain.What
    's
    upwit
    ht hi
    sguykanti
    ...
    ..
    .
    "Youlookevenmorebeauti
    ful
    wheny ouar
    eangry
    hey.Icanjusti
    magineyouwal
    kingdowntheai
    sl
    ein
    awhi t
    edress.Damn..
    ..
    ."
    "Okaysiri
    fyoudon'
    tmov eoutofmywaynowIwil
    l
    beforcedtocal
    lsecur
    it
    y."Isaypoi
    nti
    ngathi
    m.
    "Goaheadmama, Ireall
    ydon'tmi ndatall
    ,"hesay
    s
    brushingmyl ef
    tcheek.Iqui cklypushhishandaway
    andmov ebackwar ds.Iturnaroundsot hatIcanj
    ust
    useanot herwaytomyof fi
    cebutt heguyrushest
    o
    thesideam facingandbl ockstheway .Ohhhmy
    fucki
    nggosh.Okaynomor emrni ceguyher e
    becausehei sli
    ter
    al l
    ypoki ngme.
    Itakeholdofhisl
    eftar
    m andtwistitt
    ohi sback,
    I
    usemyl eftar
    mt ochokehi
    mf rom behind."
    Now
    l
    istentomey oustupi
    dperver
    t,don'
    ttrytomakemy
    daywor set hani tal
    readyis.Imi ghtlooksmallbut
    beli
    evemewhenIsayIwi l
    lbeaty ouupsobadt hat
    eveny ourownmot herwon'tev enrecognizeyou.So
    will
    youpl easel eavemet hef uckal oneandletme
    godomyj ob. "Isayangril
    yinhi srightear.Hethen
    start
    ssmi rkingandshaki nghi shead, somethi
    ngis
    seri
    ouslywr ongwi t
    hthisman.
    "NowIwanty ouevenmore,andletmejustsayyour
    martial
    artsmov esarequi
    teimpressi
    ve.Ican
    alr
    eadyseet hatyougotyourbl
    ackbelthey,
    "hesays
    whileam sti
    l
    l hol
    dinghi
    m.Oohwowt hi
    sguy .
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "Eyywhat'sgoingonher e,Thandoletgoofmy
    brother
    ."saysav oiceIrecognizeasSabelo's.Ihada
    feel
    ingtheywer erelat
    ed.Sabel ot
    henwal kstous,
    l
    ooksatmeandhi sbrotherwhoam st i
    l
    l holding
    thenlooksatmeagai nwithashockedf ace.Il etgo
    ofhisbrother
    ,lookatSabel othenwalkaway .Iwon't
    sayany t
    hingtohim.
    "Whatdi
    dyoudoLuanda?
    "IhearSabel
    osayt
    ohi
    s
    brot
    her.
    "
    Not
    hing,
    Iwasj
    ustadmi
    ri
    nghert
    hat
    'sal
    l
    .Shej
    ust
    deci
    dedtogoall
    Jacki
    eChanonme.
    "repl
    i
    est
    he
    brot
    her
    .Stupi
    dperv
    ..
    ..
    .
    "Welldon'
    teverdothatt
    ohereveragainornexttime,
    Iwill
    goallJacki
    eChanony ou,
    "Sabelosays.Even
    thougham walkingawayfr
    om t
    hem, Icansti
    llhear
    everywordtheyaresayi
    ng.
    "
    Whatever,
    Icametoseeyousocanwepleasegot
    o
    y
    ouroffi
    ce,
    "sayst
    hebrot
    herandwit
    hthat
    ,thei
    r
    v
    oicesstar
    ttof
    adeaway.
    Whydoest
    hisdayhat
    emesomuch.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    Thesepast5day shav ebeent hebestlatel


    y.FirstI
    fi
    nall
    ycaughtthatst upidfool,
    SiphoonSat urday
    whoi si
    npur etortur
    e; secondl
    yal lmybusiness
    dealsabroadarewor ki
    ngoutsowel landam v ery
    happywithmy self.Wel lam st
    il
    lleftwit
    honet hing
    though,t
    akecar eoft hatstupi
    df ri
    endofmi newho
    showedupatmywoman' sdoorlastweekSatur
    day
    .
    Am actuall
    ywithhimrightnowandIf eell
    i
    ke
    choki
    nghi m butIcan'
    tbecauseheishelpi
    ngme
    tor
    tur
    eSi pho.
    "BoysIt
    hinki
    t'
    senoughfortoday.Makesurethat
    youinj
    ectwhoongaint
    ohisbloodokay.Andthose
    gayguysarecomingtomorr
    owat8am somake
    Siphol
    ooksupersexybef
    oretheyarr
    ive.
    "Isaytomy
    men.
    "Shoooboza,"theyrepl
    ywhil
    elaughi
    ng.WhenIsay
    Siphowil
    lsuffer,Imeanit
    .Il
    eavethetor
    tur
    eroom
    headedforthesitti
    ngareawheremydearstupi
    d
    fri
    endischi
    ll
    ing.
    "
    Hey
    iwena,st
    opharassi
    ngmywoman,
    "Ibl
    unt
    lysay
    t
    ohi
    m whi
    lehit
    ti
    nghishead.
    "Am onlydoingthatbecauseyouareafuckingcunt
    Nkosi.Findmeawomant henIwi
    lll
    eavey our
    womanal one,
    "repl
    iesSbuwhiler
    ubbingthespotI
    hithi
    m.
    "I
    fitwasn'tf
    ory
    oubeingmyclosef
    ri
    end,Iwoul
    d
    havemur der
    edyou.
    "Isaypoi
    nti
    ngmyindexfi
    nger
    .
    "
    YeaYeaanddon'tf
    orgett
    hatIdatedherf
    oral
    l
    t
    hoseyear
    sbecauseofyou."her
    epli
    es.
    "
    Andt
    hanksagai
    nfordoi
    ngt
    hatman.
    "
    "Any thi
    ngf oryoumyman.Yazi am sti
    l
    l shookbyt he
    factt hatyouwer esoafr
    aidofher.Imean, youNkosi
    aret hemast erofthescar
    ywor l
    dbuty ouwer ebeing
    scaredof fbyawomanev enbeforetal
    kingt oher,
    yaaaahneh. "say
    sSbushakinghisheadwhi l
    e
    l
    ightingaci garet
    te.Theni
    coti
    nescentst art
    stof i
    l
    l
    upt her oom asSbupullsthesmokeandexhal esi
    t
    throughhi smout handnose.HowIhat e
    smoker s.
    ..
    ...
    ..
    "Many oudon'tunder
    stand.Thandofreakedthehel
    l
    outofme.Shel ookedli
    keshewasgoi ngtopunch
    mei nthefacethemomentIwoul dhav esaidhiet
    o
    her.
    "Isay,tr
    yingnottoinhal
    ethecigarett
    e'swast
    e
    product.
    "Shedi
    dn'
    tlookthatscary.Rememberhowj ealous
    youwerewhenIdeci dedtogoaskheroutbef ore
    you.Br
    uh,y
    ourf aceturnedsooooooored,
    Icoul d
    evenseei
    tev enthoughumny ama,"say
    sSbu
    l
    aughinghislungsout
    .See,t
    hismanri
    ghthereli
    kes
    makingfunofmycompl exi
    on.Yesam darkbutam
    notthatbad,i
    nfactam l
    i
    kecaramelmixedwithdar
    k
    chocolat
    e.That'
    sawholemer i
    ghtt
    here.
    "Voetsekwenanxa.Butam ser
    iousman, stop
    harassingmywoman.Iknowy ouhelpedmeby
    dati
    ngherandkeepingherformeunt i
    lIwasr eady
    toapproachhermyselfbuti
    t'
    stimet
    ol aylownow. "I
    sayleaningont
    hechair.
    "OkaymanIwi llstopbutIsti
    llwantawoman.That
    Gabriell
    eUnionlookali
    keofy our
    sdidn'
    tsati
    sfyme
    atall
    .Shei sj
    usttoobossymanandy ouknowhowI
    hatebossywomen.Il ikemywomenr espect
    iveand
    submi ssi
    veyouknow,"statesSbuwhilemaking
    gestureswithhi
    shands.
    "
    Dudeifyouwantawi
    feyouhavetol
    ookf
    or
    y
    oursel
    fbecausey
    oudon'
    tli
    keanyoft
    hegi
    rl
    sIgi
    ve
    t
    oyou."Isay
    .
    "ButyouaresounfairNkosi
    .Youwereablet
    o
    chooseanincredi
    blewomanf ory
    oursel
    fbutyou
    can'tdosoforme,haanamandon' tdothat
    ."
    "Thandoisamazi ngbuty
    ouknowt hatshei
    soneout
    ofthe2t hingsy oumenti
    onedther
    e,sheisnot
    submissivef orJackassshi
    t.Andsheloves
    swearing."Isay.
    "Yeahey .Butatleastsheisanamazi ngsoul.
    Somet i
    mesImi sshery ouknowbutdon' twor ryI
    won'ttakeherawayf rom you.Ooohandman, don't
    messt hingsup.Rememberev ery
    thingItoldy ou
    aboutherf amily,thei
    rli
    kes,di
    sli
    kesandbel i
    efs.
    Thoset hingswillhelpyouwor my ourwayi ntot hei
    r
    heart
    s.Andmakesur ethatshedoesn' tfi
    ndout
    aboutusknowi ngeachot herbecauseshewi llblow
    ourbrainsoutandIai n'
    treadytodieman, "say sSbu
    pull
    i
    ngsmokei nt ohismout hthenexhalingit."I
    won'tmesst hi
    ngsupman. "
    Ismackthecigar
    ett
    eouthishandandsay,"
    you
    knowhowmuchIdespi sesmokingsodon'
    tdoiti
    n
    fr
    ontofme,"Iqui
    ckl
    ystandupfrom t
    hechai
    r
    becauseIknowSbuisgoingtokil
    l
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    Heypeeps, y
    ouguy saremor ethanwelcomet o
    i
    nboxmei fyouwantto,youcanaskf ordedicat
    ions
    orjustt
    alktomei fyouwishto.Am total
    lycoolwith
    that,
    Iwouldactuall
    ylovethat.Haveanamazi ng
    day
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er9

    SABELOPOV

    Myl if
    eisj
    ustawhol emess, f
    irstIgotmar ri
    edtoa
    womanIdon' tlove,secondlymypar entswantmet o
    l
    eav emyjobandbecomet heki ngofZi kumavil
    l
    age
    andam getti
    ngachi l
    din7mont hs.Imean, am I
    cursedorsomet hingbecauset hi sisnothowI
    envisi
    onedmyl if
    ewhenIwasst il
    l ateenager
    .I
    al
    way senvi
    sionedmy sel
    fleavingi nabeaut if
    ul
    housewhichIam, withabeaut iful wif
    ewhowoul d
    beeducatedandanamazi ngj obt hatIwouldhave
    untilt
    hedayIdecidet oret
    ire.YesIhav eabeauti
    ful
    houseandy esIhav eabeaut i
    ful wi fe,Sanel
    ebutshe
    i
    sn'teducatedbutdomest icat
    ed.NotthatImi ndthat
    sheisdomest icatedbutIalwayswantedawoman
    whoi seducatednott hi
    sthingIhaveasawi fe.Ooh
    andy esIhaveaj obbutsoonam goi ngtoleaveit
    andgor ul
    et hatstupi
    dv i
    ll
    age,nx.
    ..
    ..
    Butonet hinghasbeengoi ngsowel li
    nmyl ife
    though, andt hatisf i
    ndingThandoandbei ngf r
    iends
    withher .Honest ly
    ,shehasbeent hebestt hingt hat
    hashappenedi nmyl i
    feandam l ov i
    ngi t
    .Somet hi
    ng
    aboutherj ustl i
    ghtensupmydayandmakesme
    havehopet hatoneday ,myl i
    fewi llchangef orthe
    better.Somet imesIact uall
    yf eelli
    keam f all
    ing
    Inl
    ov ewi thherandIwanther ,nowai t,Ineedheras
    mywi fe.Iev ent ol
    dSanel ethatsoonerorl aterIwi l
    l
    getdiv orcedt oherandshewi l
    lgobackt oZikuma
    butshet oldmypar entsabouti tandt hat'
    swhent he
    i
    deaofmebei ngkingcameup.See, myweddi ng
    withSanel ewasanar rangedmar ri
    agebecauseshe
    grewupbei nggr oomedt obeaki ng'swife.The
    funnypar tis,Iam nott her ightfulheirtothet hrone,
    myol derbr otherisbuthemadesomesuperwr ong
    decisionst hatputhi mi njailsonowIam bei ng
    f
    orcedt
    obet
    heki
    ng.I
    magi
    ne,
    nx.
    ..
    ..
    .
    Somyy oungerbrot
    her,Luandacametovi
    sitme
    fr
    om Zi kumaandIhav eaf eel
    i
    nghewassentbymy
    parents.Ishoul
    dreal
    lyconsiderdi
    sowi
    ngthese
    peoplenx...
    .

    "SowhyIy
    ouher eLuanda?"IaskasIcl
    osethedoor
    behi
    ndwhil
    stLuandachecksoutmyof f
    ice.
    "Aren'tIall
    owedt ojustcomeandseemybel oved
    brother?"heaskswal kingtot hecouchwhichison
    ther i
    ghtsideofmyof f
    ice.Iwalkt omydeskandsi t
    oni twhilelooki
    ngathi m withthe"doIlookstupi
    dto
    you"look.Mybr ot
    herwoul dnev ertr
    avelal
    ltheway
    from Zikumaj usttoseeme.Yeshel ovesmeandall
    butmybr otherwouldnev erdosuchbecausehe
    woul dpreferlocki
    nghimsel fupi nhi
    sroom.
    "Okayfi
    ne,Ioverhearddadandt heelder
    ssay i
    ng
    thatt
    heywillbecalli
    ngyousomet i
    mesoon,probabl
    y
    nextweeksot hatyoucant akeov ert
    hethr
    onef r
    om
    dadsoIjustdecidedt ocomei nformyousothatyou
    canstar
    tcomi ngupwi thaplan."hesayswitha
    st
    rai
    ghtf
    ace.See,
    thi
    siswhyIl
    ovethi
    sbum,he
    al
    wayshasmybackbutwhydidn'
    thej
    ustcal
    l
    ...
    "Youknowyoucouldhav
    etol
    dmet
    hatov
    ert
    he
    phoneri
    ght
    ,"Isaywit
    hasmir
    k.
    "Haveyouforgot
    tent
    hatourever
    ycalli
    sli
    stenedto
    bythatst
    upidITguythatwor
    ksfordad.
    "her epl
    i
    es.
    "Ooohyeah,It
    otal
    lyfor
    gotaboutthat
    .Okaynow
    backtothesit
    uati
    on.WhatshouldIdobruh,
    "Isay
    rubbi
    ngmyhandst ogether
    .If
    eelli
    keIshoul
    djust
    hangmy sel
    f.
    "Idon'tknowman, Iwouldsayrunawayt oanot
    her
    countrybutdadwi l
    lfi
    ndy ouinamat t
    erofseconds
    soIhav enot hi
    ngatal
    l.Orwait,wecant alkt
    othe
    witchdoct orandaskhimt oworksomemagi cso
    thatthethronecanrejectyou.
    ..
    ..Boom pow."
    "Youfucki
    nggenius,Ifuckingloveyourass.Getyour
    assupher e,
    "Isaystandingupf rom t
    hedesk, r
    eady
    tohughim.Heal sostandsupandchar gesforahug
    butinst
    eadofget t
    ingone,Islaphim onhisright
    cheek.Yes,Iwasbeingsar casti
    cbecausethatisthe
    stupi
    destideaeverinthi
    scase.Idon' twanttomess
    wi
    tht
    heancest
    orsl
    i
    kehel
    lno!
    !!
    "Youi
    diot
    ,hav
    ey ouforgot
    tenwhatZondodid,y
    es
    nowthi
    nkabouty ouri
    deaandtell
    mei fyour
    eall
    y
    wantmedead."Isaywithajeer
    inglook.
    "Wi
    lly
    oustopinsul
    tingme,am t
    ryi
    ngtohel
    pyou
    her
    enx.Ungrat
    efulass.
    "hesaysholdi
    nghi
    scheek
    andwalki
    ngbacktohisseat.
    "Ithi
    nkIshouldjustacceptmyfatebruh.Imean
    thereisnothi
    ngIcandonow. "Isay,bl
    eak.Iam now
    compl et
    elyhopeless.
    ..Si
    gh.
    ..
    ..
    "Don'
    tsaythatSabel o.Wewi l
    lfi
    ndawayt ogetyou
    outofthepicture.Okaywhataboutt hi
    s,si
    nce
    Bafanaisonlyleftwith1yearinjai
    l
    ,wecant r
    yto
    pushthedateunt ilheisout
    .Iknowy outhi
    nkam
    stupi
    dagainbutt hat'
    stheonlyopti
    onwear elef
    t
    withhere.
    "hesay swi t
    hhisfaceinhishands.
    "
    Buthowar ewegoingt
    odot hatLuanda.Ican'
    t
    l
    eavethi
    scountr
    ybecausebabawi t
    hfindmei na
    matt
    erofseconds,
    Ican'
    tfakemydeat hbecausehe
    wi
    llf
    indoutagai
    nandIdon'twanttouseanybl ack
    magic.
    "Isay.
    "Wewillcomeupwi thsomet
    hingbef
    orenextweek.
    Justdon'tst
    ressabouti
    tpl
    ease,
    "hesaysstandi
    ng
    up.
    "I
    '
    ll t
    rynotto.Andtothi
    nkthi
    sisal
    lbecauseofthat
    stupidwifeImarri
    ed.Someti
    mesIjustwantto
    strangl
    eherandwat chherbr
    eatheherl
    astbreat
    h."I
    saydar kl
    y.
    "Thatwi t
    chr uinedyourlif
    eplansbafoandIwi shI
    couldjustkillhertoo.Itol
    dy outorefusetomar r
    y
    herwhent herewasst il
    lti
    mebuty ouj usthadt obe
    daddy'
    sl it
    tlepr i
    nce.Looknow,"hesay spoi nt
    inghis
    i
    ndexf ingeratme.Ishoul dhaveli
    stenedt ohim2
    yearsago.
    "Kant
    ivele,
    howdi
    dyouevengetherpr
    egnant
    ?"he
    askswithaqui
    zzi
    cal
    look.
    "
    Shedr uggedmewi ththehelpofhermother.
    "Isay
    wal
    kingupanddownt heroom.Justthethoughtof
    mewi t
    hheri nbedsickensme.Thatnightwasthe
    f
    ir
    sttimeIhadev ertouchedhereversi
    ncewegot
    marr
    ied.Forsomer eason,inev
    erwanttoget
    i
    nti
    mat ewithher.
    "Ouch,thatwomanissur
    elyawi
    tch.
    "hesay
    s
    shakinghishead.
    "Baf
    o,oneofthesedaysam goi
    ngt
    oki
    l
    lherl
    i
    ke
    honest
    ly.Ij
    ustcan'
    tst
    andher.
    "
    "AndIwill
    helpyouwiththat."hesays.Wherewould
    Ibewithouthi
    m, yesheisstupidsomet i
    mesand
    annoyi
    ngbuthei sanamazi ngbrother,
    despi
    tethe
    factt
    hatwear efr
    om dif
    ferentmot her
    s.Am ol
    der
    thanhim,am 26andheis24.
    "Anywayswhat
    'sthenameofthatfi
    neasswoman?
    "
    asksLuandawhil
    elicki
    nghi
    sli
    ps.Icanf
    eelmy
    bloodboi
    li
    ngri
    ghtnowbutIwontshowit.
    "
    Whichwoman?
    "Iaskact
    ingasi
    fIdon'
    twhoi
    she
    r
    efer
    ri
    ngto.
    "
    Youknowwho,
    "say
    sLuanda.
    "Idon'
    tknowwhoy ouar et
    alkingaboutLuanda.
    Therearealotofwomenont hisear
    thsocany ou
    pleasebespeci
    fi
    c."Isaysi
    tti
    ngbehindmydeskand
    cleani
    ngupmydesk.I t'
    sal
    mostbr eaksoam just
    goingtogooutwithLuanda.
    "
    Youl
    i
    keherdon'
    tyou?
    "say
    sLuanda,
    smi
    rki
    ng.
    "
    What
    ..No,
    Ihav
    eawi
    feLuanda.
    "Isaydeadpan.
    "Awifethaty
    ouhat
    e.Soy
    oudol
    i
    keher
    ,"hesay
    s
    standi
    ngup.
    "
    Sowhati
    fIdo?
    "
    "
    Leav
    eherf
    ormebaf
    o.Am si
    ngl
    eandIneeda
    woman.
    "
    "Hehe,youneedawoman,si
    ncewhendoesLuanda
    needawomanbecauseheoncet ol
    dmet hathewi
    l
    l
    wil
    l nev
    ergetint
    oaser
    iousr
    elat
    ionshi
    p,"Isay
    sarcasti
    cal
    l
    y.
    "WhosaidIwantaser i
    ousrel
    ationshi
    p.Ij
    ustsaidI
    needher.Ijustneedherundermewhi l
    stIbeatitup
    l
    ikenobody'sbusiness.
    "hesay s.Aft
    ersayi
    ngt hat,
    mymoodi mmedi at
    elychanges.Noonet al
    kslike
    thataboutThando.
    "Saythatagai
    nandi twil
    lbetheendofy ou,
    "Isay
    withadarklookwhilepoint
    ingmyfingerathim.
    Luandathenraiseshishandsup,wi
    deey ed.
    "
    WhoaokayIwon'
    t,
    "
    "Andstayt
    hehell
    awayf r
    om herbecauseshei
    s
    mine,
    "Isayst
    il
    lpoint
    ingmyfingerathi
    m.Hethen
    nods,l
    ooki
    ngscared.
    "Sowhichr
    est
    aur
    antshoul
    dwegot o?
    "Iask,
    grabbi
    ngmywall
    etf
    rom mydesk.
    "
    Let
    'sgot oMuggandBean.Ihav
    en'
    tbeent
    her
    efor
    awhil
    e."hesay
    s.
    "
    Okay,
    let'
    sgo,"Isay
    .Het
    henl
    eav
    est
    her
    oom wi
    th
    mefol
    lowinghim.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    Afterl
    unch, Luandalef
    tforZikuma.Hedidn'
    twantto
    sl
    eepov er.Sonowam backatwor kandIneedt ogo
    apologi
    zet oThandof orearl
    ier
    .Ishoul
    dn'
    thave
    shoutedather .Si
    gh.Soam mywayt oheroff
    iceand
    am prayi
    ngt hatshewi l
    lfor
    givemebecauseIcan't
    carryonli
    ket hiseventhougham theonewho
    start
    edit.
    Igett
    oherdoor ,knock5ti
    mesbutthereisno
    answer.Iknockagainandthat
    'swhenIhearamanl
    y
    voiceshouti
    ng"comei n".Okaywhot hehelli
    sthat.I
    sl
    owl yopenthedooronl ytoseeamanwear i
    ng
    glasses,acapandol dpeople'sclot
    hessit
    ti
    ngon
    Thando'schairwhil
    stlookingattheceil
    i
    ng.Whatis
    hedoi ngherebecauseam pr ett
    ysurehedoesn't
    wor khere.
    "Umm sorr
    ysirbutwher
    eIstheowneroft
    his
    off
    ice?
    "Iaskstandi
    ngnextt
    othedoor.
    "Shewentoutf
    orlunch.Shei
    sn'
    tbackyet
    ,"hesay
    s.
    Hisvoi
    ceisver
    yinti
    midati
    ngandther
    eisthi
    sdark
    auraar
    oundhim.
    "
    Okayandy
    ouar
    e?"Iask.
    "Andhowi sthatyourbusi
    nessboy?"heasks
    standi
    ngup, walki
    ngtowhereIam.Okayt hi
    smani s
    huge,Ican'
    treall
    yseehisfacebecauseofthecap
    andglasses.Am quit
    egladthatIcan'
    t.
    "Wellsi
    ram hercoll
    eagueandav er
    yclosef r
    iendof
    hers.Am pr
    ettysur
    eshewoul dn'
    tbehappyt of i
    nd
    youinheroffi
    cesoItwouldbemuchappr eci
    atedif
    youwouldjustwaitatther
    ecepti
    on,"Isaylookingat
    him.
    "Andam herhusbandsoshewon'tmi
    ndi
    fIsi
    tin
    heresopleasel
    etmebe,"hesay
    swi t
    hast
    rai
    ght
    face.
    "
    ButThandoisn'
    tmarri
    edsirso.
    ..
    ..
    "Thandothen
    wal
    ksinbeforeIcoul
    dfi
    nishmysentence.
    "
    Baby??Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?It
    houghty
    ou
    we.
    ..
    ."
    "Wel lIdecidedtocomebackbecauseImi ssedy ou.
    Howar ey oudoingmyl ove?"saystheguyt oThando.
    Whatt hehelli
    sgoi ngonher e.IthoughtThandowas
    single.Theguypassesme, walkst oThando, grabs
    herbyt hewaistandpassi onatel
    ykissesheronher
    l
    ips.Am nothur tthathekissedher ,am hurtthatshe
    ki
    ssedhi m back.Irollmyhandi ntoaf i
    stwhilst
    clutchingmyt eeth.Ihav etoleavethisplace,
    NOW. ..
    ..
    Iquicklyturnaroundandwal kout ,l
    eavi
    ngt hem
    alone.Theydi dn'tevennot i
    cemewal ki
    ngout .Sheis
    gone. .
    ...
    .MYWOMANI SGONE! !!
    !!
    !

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er10(
    shor
    tchapt
    er)
    SABELOPOV

    Thiscan'
    tbehappeni ngt ome, i
    tcan't.Thando
    doesn'
    thav earingonherf i
    ngersohowcoul dhebe
    herhusband.Okaymay behei sn'
    therhusbandbut
    sti
    l
    l,hekissedherandsheal lowedit.Ar etheyina
    rel
    ati
    onship?Noi tcan'
    tbe.Shewoul dhav etoldme
    aboutit
    ,Imeanwet elleachotherever yt
    hing.Ithi
    nk
    Ineedtogohome.I '
    llj
    ustpretendtobesi ck
    becauseIcan'thandlethepainam f eeli
    ngr i
    ghtnow.
    "MrBiza,
    mayIcomei
    n,
    "IsayasIpeept
    hroughMr
    Biza'
    sdoor.
    "
    yessur
    e,howcanIhel
    pyou,
    "hesay
    sasIwal
    kin.
    "
    Idon'
    tfeel
    sogoodsirsoIwaswonder
    ingi
    fIcoul
    d
    f
    ini
    shmyshiftear
    li
    ert
    oday,
    "
    "
    It
    'sokay,
    I'
    ll
    asksomeonet odoyourshi
    ft
    .Hope
    y
    ou'l
    lgetwellsoon.
    "hesay
    slooki
    ngathislapt
    op.
    "Okayt
    hanky
    ousir
    ,"Isaywal
    ki
    ngout
    .Am sogl
    adI
    havehi
    m asmyboss.
    Iheadof ftomyof fice,grabmyst ufft henleave.I
    getint
    omyBr ant l
    eyMul sanne, startthecarand
    l
    eav ethehospi t
    al stil
    lthinkingaboutThandoand
    thatman.Whowasheandwhydi dn'tThandot el
    lme
    abouthim.Il i
    terall
    yt ellherev eryt
    hingaboutmeso
    whydidshehi det hisfrom me, okaymay benot
    everyt
    hingbutst il
    l..
    ...Ican'tbelievethis.Ireall
    ycan'
    t.
    AssoonasIgethome, Iopent hegat e,dri
    vei nand
    getoutoft hecar .Am j ustpr ayi
    ngt hatSanel eisnot
    homebecauseIdon' twantherany wher enearme
    ri
    ghtnow.Iwoul dhav easkedoutThandoal ong
    ti
    meagoi fitwasn' tforher .
    ...
    ..
    "Youhomeear
    ly,
    "saysavoi
    cefr
    om theli
    vi
    ngroom
    asIcloset
    hef
    rontdoor
    .Ooohgreat
    ,she'
    shome.
    "Don'
    tyouhavef
    ri
    endsSanele,
    Imeanyouare
    alway
    shome."Isay
    ,annoyedwhil
    ethr
    owingmybag
    onthecouch.
    "Am alwaysoutSabelo,
    "shesaysl
    ooki
    ngata
    peoplemagazinewithherlegsonthecof
    feet
    abl
    e
    andhol di
    ngacupofcof f
    ee.
    "
    Remov
    eyourugl
    yassl
    egsf
    rom myt
    abl
    e,
    "Isay
    ,
    r
    oughl
    ypushi
    ngherl
    egsof
    fthet
    abl
    e.
    "
    Eyy
    ou'
    l
    lhur
    tthebaby
    ,"shesay
    scr
    ingi
    ng.
    "AndIwouldsol
    ovet
    hattohappenri
    ghtnow,"Isay
    whil
    etaki
    ngther
    emotefr
    om thecouchsheissitt
    ing
    on.
    "
    Okaydudewhat'
    syourprobl
    em?Whydoy ouhat
    e
    mesomuch?"sheshoutswhil
    stl
    ooki
    ngatme.
    "OoohwhydoIhat ey ou?Hmmm l etmet hink,well
    may beit
    'sbecausey our uinedmyl i
    fe.Di
    dy out hi
    nk
    aboutthat.Saneleeversincewegotmar r i
    ed, y
    ou
    havedonenot hingbutbr ingbadl ucki nmyl i
    fe.You,
    youarelikethetotal
    opposi teofawi fe,yesy ouare
    domesticatedbutYOUAREJUSTTHEWORSTWI FE
    EVER.YOUEVENWENTASFARASDRUGGI NGME
    SOTHATICOULDSLEEPWI THYOU, NOW YOUARE
    FUCKINGPREGNANTWI THACHI LDIDON' TEVEN
    WANTATALL.SOMETI MESIWONDERWHYI
    HAVEN' TKILLEDYOUNX! !
    !!
    !"Ishoutather .
    "Fi
    rstofal
    l
    ,Ididn'
    tchooset
    ogetmarri
    edtoyou,
    I
    hadnochoice.Secondofal
    l,Ionl
    ydr
    uggedy
    ou
    becauseyourmom keptonaskingmewhenshewil
    l
    getagr andchildandl astbutnotl east,youhaven't
    kil
    ledmebecausey ouknowwhatwi llhappentoy ou
    i
    fy oukillachosenwi fe.Sabel ojustacceptt hefact
    thatam notgoi nganywher e,am st uckwithyoutill
    wear epar t
    edbydeat h.Oohandi t'sabouttimey ou
    j
    ustf or
    gotaboutt hi
    sl it
    tl
    esl utofy oursbecausey ou
    willnev
    erev erge..
    ..
    .."Iqui cklystandupf r
    om my
    couch,jumponherandst artslappingherbef or
    eshe
    couldev enfi
    nishherst atement .
    "NOONECALLSTHANDOASLUTYOUSTUPI D
    WHORE.I FYOUEVERCALLHERTHATIWI LLKILL
    YOU,IDON' TCAREWHATWI LLHAPPENTOME
    AFTERWARDSBECAUSEATLEASTYOUWI LLBE
    OUTOFMYLI FE..
    ..
    ..
    "Ishoutwhilstt
    hrowingslapsat
    herl
    ikenobody '
    sbusiness.Ihonest
    lydon'tcarethat
    sheispregnant
    ..
    ..
    .
    "Sabelothebaby!!Getof fme.OkayIwon' tcallhera
    slutanymorepleasest opit.Am sorrySabeloplease
    stop..
    ..Aaaaaaaht hebabySabel o.
    ..
    ..
    "shecriesout
    whiletryi
    ngtocov erhersel
    f.Imov emykneef r
    om
    thecouchandputi tonherst omachj ustt
    ocause
    mor epainonher.Icont i
    nuesl appi
    ngherwhi l
    st
    pushi
    ngmykneedownonherst omach. ..
    .Aftera
    good5mi nutesofhitt
    ingherandenj oyingthesight
    ofhercry
    ing,Igetoffher,spitonherfacet henleave
    heronthecouchcr yi
    ng.Igoupt omyr oom, takea
    l
    ongshower ,wearmybl uesi l
    kpyjamast hengo
    downstai
    rstogetmyf ood.AsIpassbyt helivi
    ng
    room whereIlef
    tSanele,Ispotherlyingont hefloor
    i
    napool ofblood..
    ..
    ..
    OHSHI T,DON'TTELLMESHE
    I
    SDEAD. .
    ...
    ..
    ..
    Iruntoher,kneelnexttoherandcheckherpul se.
    Lucklysheisstil
    lal
    ive.Soi tmustbet hebaby,ohno
    nonof uck.OkayIknowIdon' twantt hisbabybutI
    alsoshouldn'
    thaveletthechi ldsufferbecauseof
    hisorherstupidmot her.Iquicklygetmycarkey s
    andphone, car
    ryherbr i
    dal st
    y l
    et omycar ,putherat
    thebackseatthenrusht omysi de.Itakemyphone,
    dialanumbert hencalli
    t.
    "Hel
    lo,SamsonIwanty out owai tf
    ormeout sidethe
    hospit
    alwithastret
    cher.I
    'l
    lbet her
    ein5to10
    minutes.Okaybye.NoI'
    lltel
    l youwhenIgett here
    j
    ustdowhatIt oldyoutodo. "Iendthecal
    l,putmy
    phonedown, checkSanele'
    spul seagai
    nthendr ive
    off
    .Ihopethebabydoesn'tdi
    e.Ishoul
    dn'thave
    donewhatIdid.Si
    gh,IletmyhateforSanelet
    ake
    overandnotcareabouttheli
    feshehasinher.I
    fthi
    s
    chi
    lddies,
    Iwil
    lneverforgi
    vemyself
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    Ihavebeenwai ti
    ngf orsomef eedbackf orover3
    hoursnowandt hesepeoplear en'
    tsayi
    ngany thi
    ng.
    Am actuall
    ygettingsuperimpat i
    entnow.Honest l
    y,I
    don'
    tregretbeatingSaneleupbutIr egretdoingi
    t
    whil
    stshe'spregnant.Idecidedt ocal
    lLuanda
    becausethereisnowayam t elli
    ngthefami l
    y.
    "
    Bafo!
    "shoutsLuandaapproachi
    ngme.Ilookathi
    m
    wi
    thadeadlookandjustlookbackdown.Hecomes
    t
    ositnextt
    omeandj ustrubsmyback.
    "Am deadLuanda.Babawi l
    lkil
    lmewhenhef i
    nds
    outaboutthi
    s.Iknowf orafactthatSanelewi
    llt
    ell
    them ever
    ythi
    ng."Isayburyi
    ngmyf aceinmyhands.
    "
    It
    'snoty
    ourf aul
    tman.Lookwewil
    lkeephersilent.
    I
    fshedecidestoblabberany
    thi
    ngt
    othem."Ijust
    l
    ookathi
    m andshakemyhead.Thisbrotherofmi ne
    t
    hough.
    "
    MrVikakazi
    ?"say
    sthedoct
    orstandi
    ngi
    nfr
    ontof
    me.Il
    ookathim,hopi
    nghewil
    ltel
    lmegoodnews.
    "Shei
    sal
    ri
    ghtandsoist
    hebabybutam af
    rai
    dsheis
    i
    nacoma.Wedon'tknowwhenshewil
    lwakeup."
    sayst
    hedoct
    or.
    Ijustst
    areathim wit
    hdisbel
    i
    ef,prayi
    ngt hathe
    wouldjustsayam joki
    ngandwewoul dalllaugh
    aboutitbutno,Hewalksawayaf t
    ersayingt hat
    .I
    turnmyheadt oLuandawhoj uststar
    esatmet oo.
    Whatwi l
    lItel
    lmyf amil
    ynow?
    "Bruhstopworry
    ing.Wecanjusttel
    lthefam that
    shefell
    offthestai
    rsandyoufoundherinapool of
    bloodwheny oucamebackf r
    om work,"suggests
    Luanda.That'
    sactual
    lyagoodidea.
    "
    Whenshoul
    dIt
    ell
    them?
    "
    "
    cal
    lthem now.
    "saysLuanda.It
    akemyphoneoutof
    mypocketandsear
    chformymom' snumber.
    "Myboy,whatasur
    pri
    se,
    "say
    smymom ov
    ert
    he
    phone.
    "Mamay ouneedtogett
    oSandt
    onasinyest
    erday
    ."I
    say,maki
    ngmyv oi
    cesoundwobbl
    ysothatt
    hey
    thi
    nkam cry
    ing.
    "Whymyboy
    ,whathappened?I
    sever
    ythi
    ngokay?
    "
    asksmymom bombardi
    ngmewi t
    hquest
    ions.
    "
    Sanel
    efel
    lof
    fthest
    air
    sandshei
    sinacoma.
    "Isay
    .
    "What
    ????Okayam comi
    ngnow.Letmetell
    baba
    andSanele'
    smom.Wewillbet
    heretomor
    row
    morni
    ng."saysmymom.
    "
    Don'
    ttel
    lSanel
    e'
    smom.Justcomewi
    thbaba.
    "
    "Okaymyboy.Pl
    easebestr
    ongmybaby .
    "saysmy
    mom.Iendthecallandl
    ookatLuandawhois
    smili
    ng.
    "Youaresocunning.
    "hesayssl
    owl
    y.Igi
    vehima
    smirkandsay,"
    am notcunni
    ng,
    am j
    ustcl
    ever
    ."we
    bothbursti
    ntol
    aughter
    .
    "DudeIwantt
    ogor est
    .Canwegot oyourpl
    ace,
    "
    saysLuandawipi
    ngtear
    soffhi
    sface.
    "
    Sur
    eman.Let
    '
    sgo.
    "Isayst
    andi
    ngup.
    "
    Aren'
    tyougoi
    ngt
    ocheckony
    ourwi
    fef
    ir
    st?
    "say
    s
    Luanda.Ilookathim withaquizzicall
    ookbecause
    heknowsv er
    ywellthatIdon'tgiveashit
    .Thebaby
    i
    sokaysoam t ot
    all
    yfine.Idon'tneedtoseethat
    wit
    ch'sface.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er11

    "BabyIt
    houghtyousai
    dyouwerebusy,
    "Isayt
    o
    Nkosiaf
    terki
    ssi
    ngfor3goodassminut
    es.DamnI
    hadmissedhissof
    tli
    ps.
    "IwasbutImissedyousoIdeci
    dedt
    ocomeback,
    "
    hesayswithhishandsar
    oundmywaist
    .
    "
    Butwhatabouty
    ourwor
    k?"Iask.
    "Don'
    tworr
    yaboutt
    hat
    .Socanwepleasegohome
    nowandbyhomeImeanmyhouse,"saysNkosi
    ,
    whil
    stni
    bbli
    ngonmyneck.
    "I
    ,Ican'
    tri
    ghtnow.Ihavetoworkbaby.Aaahbaby
    waitnotnowplease.Weareinmyoffi
    ce."Isof
    tl
    y
    sayashecontinuestoni
    bbleonmyneck.
    "Ial
    readyspoket
    oyourboss,MrBizari
    ght
    ?That'
    s
    hisname.Hesaidyoucanleaveearl
    yandhesai
    d
    youcancomebackt oworknextweekTuesday,
    "
    "
    Waitwhat ?
    !!Nononono.Whatdidy
    out
    ell
    him
    Nkosi
    ."IaskasIpushhi
    m away.
    "WellIj
    ustt
    oldhi
    mt hatam y
    ourbrotherandoneof
    ourfamil
    ymember spassedawaysot herewi
    ll
    bea
    funer
    al.
    "hesaysgrabbi
    ngmywai stagain.
    "Ai
    iNkosi
    .Youshouldn'thav
    edonethat.Ihav
    eto
    cometowor kevery
    daybecausether
    ei san
    i
    mpor t
    antpati
    entam supposedt
    obel ooki
    ngaft
    er.
    "I
    saysobbi
    ng.
    "Thandother
    ear
    eami l
    l
    iondoctorsi
    nthishospi
    tal
    ,
    theywil
    ll
    ookaft
    ert
    hatpati
    entnowletsgo,
    "hesays
    ashewal kst
    omydeskandstartspacki
    ngmyst uf
    f.
    "ButNkosithepat
    ientwon'
    tl
    etany
    oneel
    sel
    ook
    afterher
    .Sheon..
    ..
    ..
    "
    "
    EnoughThando.Youaregoinghomewithmeand
    that
    'si
    t.Yourpat
    ientwi
    l
    lseeyouonTuesdayokay.
    Comelet'sgo,
    "hesays,
    taki
    ngmybagfrom thedesk
    thengr
    abbingmyhandandpulli
    ngme.Yhooooo
    whyi st hi
    smansocont rolli
    ng.Andwhyt hehellam I
    l
    ettinghi m doit.Ipullmyhandawayf rom hi
    sgrip
    thenst artfol
    lowi nghi
    m." Am sor r
    yRose,"Ithi
    nkto
    my self
    .Si gh.
    ...
    ..Icanfeel people'seyesonmeas
    wewal koutoft hehospital.Theycanseet hatNkosi
    i
    swi t
    hmebecausehei shol dingmyhandbag.We
    gett othepar ki
    ngl otbutIcan' tspotNkosi'scar.
    "Comeon,"hesay sasheunl ocksanunfami l
    i
    arcar .
    I
    st hataLamborghiniAventadorcoupe.Okay, Holl
    a
    holl
    aholl
    a,howrichisNkosi .Thi
    scarisfucking
    R7000000orev enmor e.Ican'tbr
    eatheri
    ghtnow.
    OkaynowIr eal
    l
    yneedt of i
    ndoutwhathi sjobi s
    becausedamn!!!
    !!
    "
    Ist
    hisy
    ourcar
    ?"Iask,
    poi
    nti
    ngatt
    hebl
    uecar
    .
    "NoThandoit
    'snotmine,t
    hat
    'swhyIjustunl
    ockedi
    t
    andputyourbaginsi
    de.Geti
    tlet
    'sgo.
    "hesays.
    "
    Hahav
    eryf
    unny
    ,butwhataboutmycar
    ?"Iask.
    "
    Whatcar
    ?"hesay
    swi
    thasmi
    rk.
    "
    MycarNko...
    ..Wai
    twher
    ei smycar
    ..
    ..Iparkedit
    r
    ightt
    her
    e."Isayl
    ooki
    ngaroundt
    heparkinglot.
    "Yourcari
    saty
    ourapar
    tmentnowcanwepl
    ease
    go,"
    "
    Atmyapar
    tment
    ,howdi
    ditgett
    her
    e?"
    "
    Itooki
    tther
    enowstopwitht
    hequest
    ionsThando
    y
    hoooo,
    "saysNkosi
    ,rubbi
    nghi
    sfor
    ehead.
    "
    Buthowdi
    dyougetmyke.
    ..
    ..
    "
    "
    Thandowecangotoyourapart
    menttochecki
    fit
    's
    r
    eal
    lyther
    eify
    ouar
    ehavingtr
    oublet
    obeli
    eveme
    y
    hooo."
    "Okayfinel
    et'
    sgo,"Isaygett
    ingint
    ohiscar.The
    momentIsi ti
    nsi
    de, hi
    sscentfi
    ll
    supair.Ooooohmy
    gosh..
    ..Haveyoueverbeenturnedonbysomeone's
    scentbecauseIcertai
    nlyhav
    e.Icanli
    teral
    l
    yfeel
    my sel
    fgett
    ingwetdownt here.
    ..
    ..
    "Areyouokay
    ?"asksNkosi
    asheget
    sint
    hecarand
    start
    sit
    .
    "Umm yeahyeah,
    justt
    hinki
    ngaboutsomethi
    ng,
    "I
    sayl
    ookingdown.Ihopeam notbl
    ushing.
    "Ummm okay
    ,canwel
    eav
    enow,
    "hesay
    swi
    tha
    smir
    k.
    "Umm y eahsure."Helooksatme, kissesmyr i
    ght
    cheek,holdsmyhandt hendri
    vesof f.OohGodwhat
    didIdot odeservesuch.Wehav ebeent ogetherfor
    ashortwhi l
    ebutam alreadyattachedt ohim.Iknow
    Idon'
    tshowi tthatmuchbuthehasmanagedt o
    makemegocr azyoverhim.Hishousei sreal
    lyfar
    yhooo,wehav ebeendr ivi
    ngforthepast20mi nutes,
    mostlybecauseoft hetraff
    ic,
    hesai d.
    "
    Sodoy ouwantt
    ogooutfordi
    nnerorshoul
    dwe
    j
    usthav
    eitathome?
    "heaskswhil
    stdri
    ving.
    "It
    hinkweshoul
    djusthav
    eitathome.I
    '
    llcook.
    "I
    saylooki
    ngathi
    m.
    "NoIdon'twantyoutocookt oday.Wewillorder
    somet hi
    ng.Todayit
    sj ustme, youandthecouch."he
    sayskissi
    ngmyhand.OkayIcan' tstopblushing
    ri
    ghtnow.Asongcal ledr i
    ghtnowbyTr evor
    Jacksoncomesupont heradioandNkosi l
    ooksat
    met henstart
    ssingi
    ngal ong.
    Justst
    andr
    ighther
    e
    Letmeshowy
    ouwhatI
    '
    m about
    Todot
    othatbody
    ,mhm
    Andcomedownher
    e
    Letmeshowy
    ouwher
    etot
    ouchmybody
    ,mhm
    Lett
    hef
    orepl
    aybegan
    Bety
    ounev
    erhadt
    hisbef
    ore
    CauseonceIgoi
    n
    I
    '
    m gonehav
    eyoubeggi
    ngf
    ormor
    e..
    ..
    ..
    Hecarriesonsi ngi
    ngalongwi t
    hhiseyesonme.He
    i
    sn'tevenlookingattheroadbutIsweari t
    sli
    kehe
    actual
    lyislookingattheroad.Hisvoi
    ceissooooo
    angeli
    c,itr
    emi ndsmeofsomesi ngerbutIdon'
    t
    rememberwhi chone.

    Canwemakesomel
    ovel
    i
    ker
    ightnow.
    Rightnow,ri
    ghtnow,r
    ightnow....Heconti
    nuest
    o
    si
    ngwi thmeblushi
    ng.Ican'tevenlookathimri
    ght
    nowbecausemycheeksar eli
    terall
    ysuperr
    ed.
    Cursebeingyel
    lowbone..
    ..
    ..
    .
    "
    Idi
    dntknowt
    haty
    oucoul
    dsi
    ng.
    "Isayst
    il
    lbl
    ushi
    ng.
    "
    Andnowy
    ouknow,
    sodi
    dyoul
    i
    ket
    hesong?
    "he
    say
    swi
    thasmi
    rk.
    "
    YeaIdi
    d,especi
    all
    ythel
    yri
    cs.
    "Isay
    .
    "Hmmmm am gl adyouli
    kedthelyr
    icsbecauseI
    meantever
    ysingleword.
    "hesaysrubbinghishand
    upanddownmyt hi
    gh.TodayIdeci
    dedt oweara
    ti
    ghtf
    itdr
    esssowhenev erIsi
    tdown, mythighs
    becomeexposed.
    "Andam soooool ovingthatdressbutdon'tev
    er
    wearitagain.I
    t'
    sshowi ngwayt oomuchofmy
    proper
    ty.Okay?"hesay ssqueezingmyt hi
    gh.Idon'
    t
    knowwhybutIl etoutasof tmournwhichmadehi m
    chuckl
    et hensqueezemyt highagai
    n.Itr
    yt or
    emove
    hishandbuthegi vesmeal ookthatj
    ustmakesme
    evenmor ewetterthanIalreadyam downt her
    e.
    Okaywhatt hehell
    ...
    ..
    ..
    "
    Nkosi
    pleasef
    ocusont
    her
    oad,
    "Isay
    .
    "Iam f
    ocusi
    ngontheroad.I
    fIwasn'
    t,
    wewoul
    dbe
    deadbynow."hesayswit
    hasmi r
    k.
    "
    Butyouar
    elooki
    ngat..
    ..
    ..
    .AaahNkosi
    stopi
    t,
    "Isay
    whenhemoveshishandupmyt hi
    gh.
    "
    Why
    ?"
    "
    Becausey
    ouar
    edr
    ivi
    ng?
    "
    "That'snotavali
    dreasonnowisit
    ?"hesay s.He
    continuestomov ehishandupmyt hi
    ght henhe
    reachesmyweakness.It ryt
    oremov ehishandbut
    heiswayst rongert
    hanIam.Itrytoclosemyl egs
    butit'
    snotwor ki
    ng.
    "
    Nkosi
    haana.Getyourhandsof
    fme,
    "Isayst
    il
    l
    t
    ryi
    ngt
    oremovehishand.
    "Chil
    lwoman.Am notgoi
    ngt
    ofi
    ngeryouoranythi
    ng.
    Ijustwantt
    okeepmyhandwarm."saysNkosi
    .
    "
    Thenputy
    ourhandbet
    weeny
    ourt
    highs.
    "
    "Yourt highsareminet oosol etmebe. "hesays
    l
    ooki ngatt heroad.Hewon' tremov ehishandno
    mat terwhat .Youknowwhat ,Imightaswellgiv
    eup.
    Itishispr opert
    yafterall
    andhei sn'tdoinganythi
    ng
    any way s.Wef i
    nall
    ygettohi shouseandam al r
    eady
    sleepy.I t
    'snoteven5pm y etbutam exhausted,I
    don'tev enknowwhyam exhaust ed.
    "
    Final
    l
    yhome,
    "say
    sNkosi
    ashepar
    kshi
    scaraf
    ew
    feetawayf
    rom hisporch.Hegetsoutoft hecar,
    opensmydoor ,hel
    psmet ogetoutt
    henr eachesfor
    mybag.Het henenter
    shi sdoorcodeandopensi t.I
    foll
    owhimintothehouset hengostr
    aighttohis
    couch.
    "Iam Sooot
    ir
    ed,Ineedal
    ongwar
    m bat
    hrightnow.
    "
    IsayasIremovemypumpsandrubmyfeet.
    "
    Youcangotomyr oom andbat
    h.I
    '
    llor
    dersome
    f
    oodforus.
    "hesay
    sputtingmybagonthecoff
    ee
    t
    abl
    e.
    "
    Okay,
    giveme45minut
    es."IsayasIst
    andupf
    rom
    t
    hecouchandheadf
    orthestai
    rs.
    "I
    t'
    sokay.OoohandIboughtyouyourowntoi
    l
    etr
    ies
    andsomeclothes.Thebagsareontopofmybed."
    hesays.
    "Okaythanky ou,"Isaythenwal ktohi sroom.Ispot
    thetoil
    etrybag,takeitthengot ohisbat hroom.His
    bathroom isblue,li
    keev ery
    thinginherei sblue,
    even
    thewal l
    s.Her eall
    ydoesl ovethiscolorhey .Atl
    east
    nowIknowi t.Iremov emycl othes,washmy
    underwear ,
    thenf i
    llupthebat htub.Ibrushmyt eeth
    whi
    l
    ewai
    ti
    ngf
    ort
    het
    ubt
    ofi
    l
    lup.
    "Thando!Whatshoul
    dIor
    derf
    ory
    ou,
    "IhearNkosi
    shout.
    "
    Any
    thi
    ngi
    sfi
    ne,
    "Ishoutback.
    "Okay !
    !okaysoi wil
    lhav e...
    ..
    ....
    "t henhi sv oicef ades
    away .Icont i
    nuet obrushmyt eet h, fi
    nisht henget
    i
    nt othewar m,bubblybat h.Ir eallyneededt his.I
    thencl osemyey esthenl etmyt hought sr unwi ld.
    Forsomer eason,mymi ndqui cklyr ushest oSabel o.
    Whywashei nmyof ficeear l
    ier .Iam def i
    nitelysur e
    thatther easonhadnot hingt odowi thwor k,coul dit
    hav ebeenbecauseofNkosi .May bei twas.Okayl et
    menotwor ryabouthi m, hedoesn' tev enwantt ot al
    k
    tomesof uckit.Icontinuet obat hwhi lstsi ngingi n
    thebat hunt i
    lam done.Ist epoutoft het ub, dry
    my selfthengetl oti
    onedbef orel eav ingt he
    bathroom.If i
    nall
    yleav ethebat hroom t hent aket he
    otherbagonNkosi '
    sbedandt akeoutal lthecl othes
    i
    ni t.Dresses?Theyar eal l
    dr esses, hehasgott obe
    kiddingme.Am notgoi ngt obewear ingdr essesal l
    thet i
    me.Okayl etmej ustwearonef ort oni ghtbut
    tomor rowam goi ngt hroughhi scl osetf or
    somet
    hingel
    sebecauseIcan'
    tweardr
    essesal
    lthe
    ti
    me.
    Ipi
    ckoutashor tsati
    nfi
    tandfl
    aredresst
    hatvery
    muchrevealsmyt hi
    ghsandmywhol ebackthenput
    onsomepi nkpumpsNkosi bought
    .Heknowsmy
    shoesi
    ze..
    ...Eeeh.
    ..
    ..
    .
    Icheckmy selfont hef ulll
    engthmi r
    rorthat
    'si
    nhis
    closetandIl ooksupersexy .
    ..
    ..
    .Damnam f lames.I
    honestlydon'tunder standwhySi busisoeven
    thoughtofl eavingsuch.Ooohwel l
    ,hisbadluckhey.
    Asam checki ngmy selfIreali
    sethatthismanof
    mi ne'
    scloseti sfl
    ami ng.ThisNam hasdopeass
    clothesandonecanseet hattheyaren'
    tsomecheap
    clotheswear eusedt oseeingev er
    yday.Wow. .
    ..
    .But
    thenwhyt hehel l
    doeshedr essuplikeagrandpa.
    "Damngi rl,Iknewt hatyouwouldlookamazingin
    thatdr ess."Ihearav oi
    cecomingfrom t
    hecloset
    door .IlookatNkosi whokeepsonchecki ngmeout
    whilstbi t
    inghi slowerlip.Hesl
    owlywalksuptome
    withhi sey esst i
    l
    l checkingmeoutthenhepull
    sme
    closert ohim.
    "HaveIevert
    oldy outhatyouarefucki
    nggor geous,
    "
    hesaysbeforekissingmylipsandbiti
    ngmyl ower
    l
    ip.Il
    etoutasoftmour nthatmakeshi m chucklebut
    heconti
    nueskissingme.Iwr apmyar msar oundhis
    neckwhil
    sthishandsar earoundmyt i
    nywai st.He
    thenmovesthem t omyasst hensqueezesi t
    .
    "
    Whoat
    her
    eti
    ger
    ,"Isaygi
    ggl
    i
    ng.
    "Sorr
    ybutIcanthelpit
    ,yourbodyi
    sjustwaytoo
    glor
    ioust
    ojustlookatsoIhadt ot
    ouchit,
    "hesays
    givi
    ngmesof tperks.
    "
    Baby
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Yes,
    "
    "Whydoy
    oudr
    essupl
    i
    keagr
    andpa?
    "Iaskl
    ooki
    ng
    athi
    m.
    "
    Don'
    tyoul
    i
    kei
    t?"hesay
    swi
    thasmi
    rk.
    "NotthatIdon'
    tl
    ikeitbutIwasjustl
    ookingatyour
    clot
    heshereandt heyal
    llookamazing,
    "Isayrunni
    ng
    myf i
    ngerupanddownhi schest
    .
    "
    WellIj
    ustdon'
    tl
    ikedressi
    ngupwhenam goi
    ngt o
    wor
    koranywhereelsethat
    'sofnoi
    mpor
    tance.Ican
    changei
    ntosomet
    hingel
    sei
    fyouwant
    ."hesay
    s.
    "
    Hmmm noi
    t'
    sokay
    .Iwasj
    ustaski
    ngt
    hat
    'sal
    l
    ,"
    "okaythen.Comel et'
    sgo,thefoodisnowhere,
    "he
    sayspul l
    i
    ngmebymywai st.Webothgodownstair
    s,
    l
    aughingov erastupidconversat
    ionunti
    lwegettoa
    setupt able.Okayithonestlyl
    ooksli
    ke6peoplewil
    l
    behavingdi nnerwi t
    hustoobecauset hi
    sisr
    eall
    y
    toomuch.
    "
    whysomuchf
    oodbaby
    ?"Iask.
    "Becauseam hungr
    yandam pr
    ett
    ysur
    eyouar
    e
    hungrytoo,
    "
    "
    Iam buti
    t'
    stoomuch,
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Noi
    t'
    snot.BabyIknowyoueatsost
    opacti
    ngasi
    f
    y
    oudon'
    t,
    "hesayspull
    i
    ngoutachai
    rforme.
    "ButbabyIdonteatt hatmuch,"Isaysitt
    ingdown.
    Het henpushest hechai rthenwalkstohisseat ,
    sit
    s
    downandj ustsays"Eat .
    "Ilookathim wit
    hone
    elevatedeyebrow, l
    ookatt hefoodont hetableand
    sigh.Thismanwant st omakemef athey.Itakea
    smal lpot
    ionoff ood,grabmyf orkandkni f
    et hen
    star
    teatingbutNkosi
    standsup,wal
    kstome, t
    akes
    mypl at
    eandst ar
    tsdi
    shingupmorefood.Oooh
    JesusLor d,
    whatiswrongwit
    hthisman.
    "
    Nkosi
    Iwon'
    tfi
    nishal
    lthat
    ,"Ishout
    .
    "
    Yesy
    ouwi
    l
    l,
    "hesay
    sst
    il
    ldi
    shi
    ngt
    hef
    ood.
    "
    NoIwont
    ,"
    "
    ThenIwi
    l
    lfeedy
    ou.
    "
    "
    ButNkosi
    ,
    "
    "THANDO,
    "hesaysinalowdeepvoi
    ce.Iqui
    ckly
    shutmymouth,st
    artpl
    ayi
    ngwit
    hmyhandswai ti
    ng
    forhi
    mtofi
    nishdi
    shingupMYfood.Si
    gh..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "Herenoweat
    ,"hesayshandi
    ngov
    ert
    hepl
    ate.Iam
    goingtodi
    eyhoooo.
    Itakemyfoodandstarteat
    ingwi
    thnowordsaid.
    Wecont i
    nuel
    iket
    hatforabout15minut
    eswit
    hhim
    peepingi
    ntomyplat
    e.
    "
    Sot el
    lme.Whenwil
    lImeetyourf
    ami l
    y?"say
    s
    Nkosiashewipeshi
    sli
    pswit
    haser v
    iett
    e.
    "
    Myf
    ami
    l
    y?"Iask,
    puzzl
    edbyhi
    squest
    ion.
    "
    Yes.Iwantt
    omeett
    hem.
    "hesay
    s.
    "
    Why
    --whysoear
    lyNkosi
    ?"
    "
    Whatdoy
    oumeanwhysoear
    ly?
    "
    "
    Wehav en'
    tbeent
    oget
    herf
    orl
    ongandy
    oual
    ready
    wantt
    omeetmyf amil
    y,
    "
    "That
    'sbecausewedon'
    tneedtodatef
    orsolong.
    Youarealreadymywif
    eso,"hesay
    sshruggi
    ng.
    "
    Aii
    Nkosi
    it'
    stooear
    lyf
    orsuch.
    "
    "Thando, l
    etmet ellyousomet hi
    ng.Oneday ,y
    ouwi l
    l
    getmar ri
    edtome, youwi l
    lbethemot herofmy
    chil
    dren,youwillbemybestf ri
    endforlife,
    noma
    uyathandanomaawut handi(whetheryoulikeitor
    not).
    "hesay srubbinghi shandswhi l
    stlookingatme
    withhisblueeyes.Ikeepqui etbecausehonest l
    y,am
    speechless.Idon'tknowwhatt osay.And
    somet hi
    ngabouthi mjustremindsmeofdad, oh
    howImi sshim.Ev eryti
    meNkosi forcessomet hi
    ng
    onme, i
    tremindsmeofhowdadusedt oforceme
    todost uffwit
    hhi m...
    ..
    "
    Nkosi
    am f
    ull
    ,
    "Isayi
    nal
    owv
    oice.
    "
    Youdi
    dn'
    tev
    eneatThando.Yourpl
    atei
    sst
    il
    lful
    l
    ."
    "That
    'sbecauseIdon'
    teatt
    hatmuchNkosi
    .CanI
    atl
    easteatthefoodl
    ater
    .Pl
    ease,
    "
    "Okayfi
    ne,
    let
    'sgot
    othel
    i
    vingr
    oom.
    "hesay
    s
    standi
    ngup.
    "
    Okayl
    etmecl
    eanupt
    het
    abl
    e,
    "
    "
    Ooohnonono.Don'
    twor
    ry,
    mymai
    dwi
    l
    ldoi
    t
    t
    omorr
    ow."
    "Ummm nothanky ou.IshouldcleanitupandIwi
    l
    l,I
    don'
    twantt
    obur denthepoormai d.
    "Isaywhil
    e
    taki
    ngt
    hedishesthathadt hefood.
    "Yousee,t
    hisisexactl
    ywhyIshouldmarr
    yyou.
    Woman, Iwil
    lsurel
    ymar r
    yyouwhethery
    ouagreeor
    not.
    "hesayswhilstshaki
    nghisheadwit
    hhishands
    i
    nhispockets.
    "
    Mxm, gotothel
    i
    vingroom.I'
    l
    lbether
    ein10
    minut
    es.
    "Isaywalki
    ngtothekit
    chen.
    "Okay.
    "hesayswalki
    ngaway .Iconti
    nuecl
    ear
    ingthe
    tabl
    e,washthepl
    atesandglassesweusedandt hen
    gototheli
    vi
    ngroom tojoi
    nNkosi .
    "
    Manchest
    eruni
    tedVSManchest
    erci
    ty?
    "Iask
    t
    aki
    ngaseatnextt
    ohim.
    "
    Yes.
    "
    "
    Andy
    ouar
    e?"
    "
    Manchest
    erUni
    ted,
    "hesay
    swi
    thhi
    sey
    esgl
    uedt
    o
    t
    heTV.
    "
    Sameher
    ehey
    ,"
    "
    Youwat
    chsoccer
    ?"
    "Il
    i
    vef
    orsoccer
    .Iusedt
    oplaysoccerbackin
    pri
    mar
    yandIwasoneoftheebestplayer
    s."Isay
    .
    "
    EvenmorereasonstowhyIshouldmeety our
    f
    amil
    yandmar ryyouassoonaspossibl
    e."hesay
    s
    i
    ndi
    cat
    ingthatIshoul
    dmov ecl
    osert
    ohim.
    "
    Youarereall
    yseri
    ousaboutt
    hismeet
    ingmyf
    ami
    l
    y
    t
    hinghey
    ,"Isay.
    "Idon'
    tjokeaboutsuchwoman.Look, Ihavenever
    beenthisseri
    ouswithanywoman, i
    nf actIhave
    nevervaluedwomenexceptforthoseam closely
    rel
    atedtobutyou--
    youarej
    ustdiff
    erent.Iknewyou
    weredest i
    nedformeandonlyformewhenIf i
    rst
    sawy ou.ThandoIl ovey ouandIwanty outobe
    minef orgood.Idon'twantt ot
    akeanychancesand
    l
    ety ousl i
    pintoanot herman'sli
    fe.SoyesThando,I
    am v eryseri
    ousaboutt hismeet
    ingyourfamily
    thi
    ng. "hesaysbef orecuppingmychi nint
    ohis
    hands.Il eantowardshi spurpl
    elips,
    givehim asof
    t
    perkandsay" howabouti n2weekst i
    me."
    "
    Whysof
    ar?
    "her
    epl
    i
    espout
    ing.
    "Atl
    eastbythenIwoul
    dknowhowser
    iousy
    ouar
    e
    aboutthi
    srel
    ati
    onshi
    p,"Isay
    .
    "
    Whosai
    dam notser
    iousnow?
    "
    "
    Idon'
    tknowt
    hat
    ."
    "Uyaphaphawena,"hesaysaft
    erchuckli
    ngand
    standi
    ngup.Hewal kstotheki
    tchenthencomes
    backwi t
    ht wobowlswit
    hchocolatei
    cecream and
    strawberr
    ies.
    "Hmmmm wel l
    todayismyl uckyday,fi
    rsty
    ou
    surpr
    isedmeatwor k,t
    hent hedinnerandnowmy
    fav
    oriteicecream wit
    hat oppingofstrawberr
    ies.
    "I
    saysitt
    ingproperl
    yont hecouch.
    "Everydayisgoingtobey ourluckydaybabyso
    bettergetusedt othatli
    fe."saysNkosi asheputs
    thebowl soficecream andt hestr
    awber r
    iesonthe
    coffeetablethensitsont hecouch.Hegi v esmea
    softperkonmyl i
    pst hent akesmyf eetandputs
    them ont opofhislegs.
    "
    Hmmm whathav eIdonet
    odeser
    vesuch
    t
    reat
    ment
    ,"Iaskwit
    honeeyebr
    owelev
    ated.
    "
    Yougav
    emeachancet
    olov
    eyou,
    "hesay
    s.
    "
    Oohst
    opity
    ouar
    emaki
    ngmebl
    ush,
    "Isayhi
    ding
    myf
    ace.
    "Am onlyt
    ell
    i
    ngyouthet
    ruthphel
    a,"hesays
    l
    aughing.Godwhati
    sthi
    smandoi ngtome, not
    evenSibusi
    somademef eelt
    hisway..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "
    Thando?
    "
    "
    YesNkosi
    ,
    "
    "IloveyouandIreal
    lywanty ouasmywi fe.
    "He
    continuest
    olookdeepi nt
    omyey esashemov es
    closertomylips.Hecupsmyf ace,r
    aisesitt
    ohi s,
    l
    ooksatmet henbrusheshisli
    psagainstmine.Iki
    ss
    him back,l
    ett
    inghistonguesli
    deintomyt err
    itory.I
    l
    ayonmybackont ot hecouchwithoutsepar ati
    ng
    ourli
    pswhi l
    sthishandsmov edownt omywai st.
    Ourtonguestanglearoundeachot herast heyt r
    yt o
    fi
    ghtfordominationwhi l
    eNkosi'
    shandssqueeze
    mybum.Ohhgosht hisman'shandst hough,it'
    slike
    theyareexpertsatsqueezingassbecauser ightnow,
    Ifeell
    ikeam onthev ergeofsayi
    ngt akemeaway .
    "
    Thando?
    "hesof
    tl
    ysay
    s.
    "
    Yes,
    "Ir
    epl
    ytr
    yingt
    ocat
    chmybr
    eat
    h.
    "Whywon'tyoul
    etmei n?"heasksnibbl
    ingonmy
    neck.Okaywhatthehell
    .Didhereal
    lyhavetoruin
    themood.Ipushhim offme,si
    tproperl
    ywhilst
    fi
    xingmydressandattempttostandupbuthepul ls
    myhand.
    "Nkosi
    weal r
    eadyspokeaboutthatsowhyareyou
    sti
    ll
    askingabouti
    t?"Iaskpul
    l
    ingmyhandfrom hi
    s
    gri
    p.
    "
    Andthatwasn'
    tthereasonThando.Youonlytol
    d
    methatyouweren'
    tready.Look,
    Idon'
    tmeantobe
    r
    udebutyouaren'
    tav i
    rgi
    nsowhat '
    smakingyounot
    ready;
    ify
    ouwereonet
    henIwouldhaveunder
    stood
    butyounotsot
    ell
    methereal
    reason.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "hesays
    standi
    ngup.
    "
    Wai
    t.
    ..what
    !"
    "ComeonThando,youknowwhatam tal
    ki
    ngabout
    .
    Iknowyouarenotavir
    ginsoj
    ustanswerthe
    quest
    ionIaskedy
    ou."
    "
    Takemehome"IsayasIwal
    kpasthi
    m.
    "
    Why
    "
    "BecauseIwanttoleave,
    "Isaywi thtears
    threat
    eni
    ngtoleavemyey es.Thatstatementhi
    t
    homeandhedi dn'tevenreali
    seit.Ooohwowhey ..
    ..
    ..
    "Youar
    enotgoi
    nganywher
    eThando.
    "hesays
    pull
    i
    ngmeback.Ipul
    lmyhandf
    rom hi
    sgri
    pand
    l
    ookathim.
    "
    Okaythen,
    IguessI'
    l
    ljusthavetocall
    uber.
    "Isay
    t
    aki
    ngmyphonef rom thecouch.Asam aboutt
    o
    r
    equestanuberr
    ide,
    Nkosi snat
    chesthephonefrom
    myhandsandthrowsitonthefloor
    .
    "
    Whatt
    hef
    uckNkosi
    !!
    !Whydi
    dyouf
    ucki
    ngdo
    t
    hat
    ?!!
    !"Isayhi
    tt
    inghi
    schest
    .
    "Watchyourl
    anguagewoman.Ijustsaidy
    ouarenot
    goinganywher
    enowsi ty
    ourassdownandanswer
    thequesti
    onIaskedyou.
    "hesayspull
    ingmetothe
    couch.
    "Nkosiy ouarehur
    ti
    ngmyhand.LetgoofmeIwant
    toleave, Nkosi
    maaan.Thefuckis.
    ..
    ..
    ...
    "andbef
    oreI
    couldfinishmystat
    ement,Ifoundmy sel
    fonthe
    fl
    oor;hol di
    ngmycheek.
    "Idar
    eyout
    oswearatmeagai nwoman.Idar
    eyou!
    "
    hesayspoi
    nti
    nghi
    sindexf
    ingeratme.
    "OrwhatNkosi
    ?wil
    lyouslapmeagai n?Am notweak
    l
    ikethoseot
    herwomenNkosi ,Icanalsofi
    ghtback,
    j
    usttrymeonemor eti
    me.Idarey outo.
    ..
    ..
    ."Isayt
    o
    him,hi
    tti
    nghi
    sindexfi
    nger.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***

    Goodeveni
    nggoodpeopl
    e soIhavebad
    news.Duet
    oschool
    sopeningonTuesday
    ,am af
    rai
    d
    Iwon'tbethatmuchav ai
    labl
    e.Iwil
    lbeforcedto
    postlesschapter
    saweekandImi ghttakelongto
    repl
    yy ourmessages.HoweverIwil
    ltrytodo
    somet hi
    ngaboutit.It
    rul
    ydoapologizeforthi
    s
    (bl
    amei tal
    longrade12 )
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er12

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    Ilookatherwateryey esandIr
    eal
    i
    sewhatIhave
    done.Il
    etouttheper sonwhowasneversupposed
    tobeletout.Nothere.
    "
    Thandoam,am soosorr
    yIreal
    lydi
    dn'
    tmeant
    odo
    t
    hat,
    itwasamistakeam sosor
    ry.
    "
    "Ooohpleasesaveit
    .Ishouldhaveknownt hatyou
    aren'
    tdi
    ffer
    entfr
    om allt
    hoseothermen.Nx. .
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "
    Shestandsupfrom thefl
    oor,t
    akesherbroken
    phonefrom t
    hefloorandlooksstr
    aighti
    ntomyey es.
    "Youar
    eonlyaf
    tersexandt
    hat'
    sit
    .Ishoul
    dhav
    e
    knownthatt
    hat
    'swhatyouhav
    ealwaysbeenaf
    ter
    .
    NowIwi shInev ermov edon.Ishoul dhavewai ted
    forSbu, atleastheknowshowt otreatawoman.
    Tomor r
    owmor ningy ouwi lldropmeof fatmyhouse
    andy ouwi l
    lnev er,Irepeat,nev erseemeev eragain.
    Fuckingshi t."say sThando.Shet ur
    nsherbackon
    meandst artswal kingupst air
    s.Iwat chherwal kup
    thosest airswi thherhandonhercheekwhi le
    mumbl i
    ngswearwor ds.Thesi ghtofherwal ki
    ngup.
    Thosest ai
    rsj ustkill
    smei nside.Whathav eI
    done? ???Whydi dIhav etodot hatont henightIwas
    hopingt ospendwi thher.Nkosi whydi dyouhav eto
    dot hat.Idon' tblamewomenf orsay i
    ngsomet imes
    wet hinkusi ngourpeni ses.Aghman! !
    !
    Itakeaseatont hecouchandstartthinki
    ngofway s
    toresol
    vethismatterbefor
    emor ningbecauseIwi ll
    notlett
    hiswomanwal koutofmyl if
    ejustli
    kethat.I
    havetofixthi
    snomat terwhatbutifItrytal
    kingto
    hernow, i
    tmightmakemat ter
    sev enwor se.
    Sigh.
    ..
    ..
    .whatshall
    Ido?
    Igrabmyphonefrom thecof
    feet
    abl
    eandcal
    lthe
    onl
    yper sont
    hatmightbeabl
    etohel
    pmeoutofthis
    si
    tuati
    on.
    "Nkosi
    am busy,whatdoyouwant
    ?"say
    sthev
    oice
    ontheothersi
    deofthephone.
    "
    SbuIneedy
    ourhel
    p.Ar
    eyoust
    il
    li
    nSandt
    on?
    "Iask.
    "
    Yesam aroundbutam busyri
    ghtnow,oooohshit
    ,
    f
    **k.Cantwedothi
    sinthemor ni
    ngman? "heasks
    whil
    epanti
    ngheavi
    ly
    .Wellsoundsli
    kesomeonei s
    l
    iv
    ingtheli
    fe.
    "
    Nowehav et
    odoitnow.Youbet
    terbedonebyt
    he
    t
    imeIgett
    oyourpl
    ace.
    "
    "Ei
    shNkosi .Okayfiney oucancomebuti fyoufind
    mef uckingdon'tyoudar edi sturbme. "Ihangupt he
    call
    ,grabmycarkey s,lockal lthedoor sandt hen
    headoutt omygar age.Igeti ntomyMer cedesdr i
    ve
    outthegar age,
    instructthebodyguar dst omake
    surethatThandodoesn' tl
    eav enomat terwhatand
    thattheyshouldnotl etany onei nuntilam back.I
    dri
    veof ftoSbuandam athi sgat ein20mi nutes.
    Hishousei snotthatf arbutIwasdr i
    vingslowj ust
    togivehim moret i
    met ofinallygett ohisclimaxwi th
    whatev erbit
    chheiswi t
    h.Hi sguar dsopent hegate
    formeandIdr i
    vein.Ipar kmycari nhisgar age
    si
    ncei
    tisn'
    tthatf
    ull
    .
    "Youbett
    ermakei
    tfastbecauseIhav
    eagoddess
    l
    y i
    nginmybedupst
    airs,
    "saysSbuasIent
    erhi
    s
    offi
    ce.
    "I
    '
    lltr
    y.ThandoandIhadaf ightandshewant
    st o
    l
    eav emef orgood.
    "Isaysit
    tingonacouchwhichis
    atthefarl
    eftofSbu'soff
    ice.
    "
    Whatdi
    dyoudo?
    "asksSbupour
    ingagl
    assofwi
    ne
    f
    orme.
    "Well
    ummm, Ikindofsai
    dsomet hingthatmight
    havehurtherandIhither
    ,"Isaysippi
    ngthewi ne.
    Sbuclencheshisteet
    hsol oudthatIhearthem,he
    sl
    owlyturnstolookatmeandsay s."
    Youdi dwhat?!
    "
    "
    Itwasami
    stakeBr
    o.Ir
    eal
    l
    ydi
    dn'
    tmeant
    obut
    ,"
    "Whydidy
    ouhi
    ther
    ."heasksl
    eani
    ngagai
    nsthi
    s
    desk.
    "Well.
    ..Si
    gh.
    ...Ihonestl
    ydon'
    tknow.FirstIasked
    herwhyshewoul dn'
    tletmeinandshet oldmet hat
    shewasn' tr
    eadywhi chwasat ot
    alli
    e.Shewant ed
    toleavebutthenIwant edhert
    ot el
    lmet hetruthsoI
    didn'
    tletherl
    eav
    e.Shesworeatmet henIlosti
    tand
    that'
    swhenIhither
    ."Isay
    .Sbuchucklesandstar
    es
    atme.
    "Soyoubasi
    cal
    l
    yhitherbecauseshedi
    dn'
    twantt
    o
    havesexwit
    hyou?
    "
    "NoIhi
    therbecausesheisly
    ingtomeandshe
    sworeatme."Isayj
    usti
    fyi
    ngmy sel
    f.
    "Noyouhitherbecauseyouwant
    edtohav
    esexwith
    herNkosi
    .Sigh.
    ..
    ..Pl
    easetel
    lmerul
    enumber24.
    "
    saysSbudrinki
    nghiswine.
    "
    What
    ?"
    "Tel
    lmeMrJones'srul
    enumber24Nkosi
    !"he
    bell
    ows.Il
    ookathi
    mt hensi
    gh.
    "
    Nevershal
    liever
    ,everev
    erl
    aymyhandsona
    womanunlesssheisanenemy.
    "
    "
    Nowdi
    dyouabi
    debyt
    hatr
    ule?
    "
    "
    No,
    "Isayl
    ooki
    ngdown.
    "Doyour ememberhowMrJonest r
    eat
    edhi swife
    Nkosi.Hetreat
    edherwi
    ththeut
    mostr espect
    .He
    neverlai
    dhishandonhernomatterwhatandy ou
    knowhowmuchMr sJonesl ikedswear i
    ngbutMr
    Jonesnev erlaidhishandonhersowher ethehell
    didyoulearnt hatfrom huh.Youar eouthere
    tort
    uri
    ngSi phof orhit
    tingy oursist
    eryety ouhi
    t
    Thando.Nkosi ,fixyourselforelseIwilldothatfor
    you.ShouldIt ortur
    ey outhesamewayy ouare
    tort
    uri
    ngSi pho?Hmmmmm? ?!"Icont
    inuelooking
    downasSbu' swor dshi tmehar d.Am soashamed
    ofmy sel
    f.
    "Nkosi,
    Ididn'tdat
    eThandofor7wholeyear
    sforyou
    tohither,Idatedhersot
    hatyoucoul
    dshowherlove.
    Sodon'tyoudar emakemer egr
    etdat
    ingherdoyou
    hearme! "
    "
    Yesbaf
    o.Am sor
    ry.
    "Isay
    .
    "Nowstandup,"saysSbu.Istandupfrom myseat
    asSbuwal kst
    owar dsmeandt henInamat t
    erof0.
    4
    seconds,
    Iam ont hefl
    oorbleedi
    ngfrom t
    hepunchI
    gotfr
    om Sbu.
    "
    Whatt
    hef
    uckBr
    o!!
    !!
    !Thef
    ucki
    sthatf
    or?
    "
    "
    Wasitpainful
    ?"heasks.Inodmyheady
    eswith
    wi
    deeyes."Good.Nowy ouknowhowshefel
    t.
    "he
    excl
    aimsl
    ooki
    ngmest
    rai
    ghti
    ntheey
    e.
    Mynoseislegi
    tbleedi
    ngri
    ghtnowandIt hi
    nkIl
    ost
    onet
    ooth.Dangthisguycanpunch.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "Nowl etmet el
    lyousomethingNkosi ,sheisn'tangr
    y
    becausey ouhither
    ,sheisangr ybecauseof
    whatev eryousaidt
    oherconser ningthemat terof
    yousleepingwithher.Andyouhi tti
    ngherjustmade
    matterswor se.
    "hesaysputti
    nghi sglassofwi neon
    thetable.Hewalksupt ome, helpsmesi tont he
    couch, si
    tsbesi
    demeandl ooksatmef orover3
    minutes.
    "Nkosi
    ,Iwant
    edhert
    otell
    youhersel
    fbutsinceyou
    havemessedup,Iwi
    l
    lhavetotel
    lyou.Thandogot
    rapedafewyear
    sback.
    "saysSburubbinghishands
    toget
    her.
    "
    What
    !!
    ?"
    "Yes,shegotrapedbyoneofherbr ot
    her'sfri
    ends.
    WhenIwasst i
    lli
    nar elat
    ionshi
    pwi thher,shealways
    apologizedf
    ornotbei ngabletoletmehav esexwith
    herbutIkeptont el
    l
    inghert hatIdidn'
    tmi nd.One
    dayshedecidedt otellmewhyshenev erletmesex
    hereventhoughInev erwantedtosinceIwasonl y
    keepi
    ngherf oryou.Iwantedtot el
    lyoubutt henI
    endedupdeci di
    ngthatshewi l
    ltelly
    ouher self
    .So
    nowthatyouhav einsult
    edherandhi theront opof
    i
    t,youhavejustfuckedupev er
    ything."Il
    ookathi m
    ashecontinueswi t
    hhisstoryandIcoul dn'
    tbeliev
    e
    i
    t,whathaveIdone?Thandohat esmesomuchr i
    ght
    now.
    "
    Sbuwhatam Igoi
    ngt
    odo?
    "Iaskst
    andi
    ngupf
    rom
    t
    hecouch.
    "Nkosi youmessedupbi gti
    meIwon' tlie.Your eal
    ly
    hurtheranddi sr
    espect edher.IfIwerey ou, Iwould
    driv
    ebackhome, putmypr i
    deandegoasi deand
    startapol ogi
    zingandwhenIsayapol ogizingImean
    kneelingdownandcr yi
    ngbecausewhatev eryou
    saidt ohersur el
    yopenedupt hewoundsshehas
    beent r
    yingtocov erforyear
    snow. "saidSbu." You
    arev eryluckybecauseshei sf orgi
    v i
    ngbutshewi l
    l
    neverf orgetwhaty ousai dt
    oher .Ther eisahi gh
    possi bi
    li
    tyofherletti
    ngi tsl
    idebutmakesur ethat
    youmakei tuptoherandmakesur et hatthose
    wor dsst opplayi
    ngi nherhead.Idon' tknowhowy ou
    wi
    l
    ldoi
    tbuty
    oubet
    terdoi
    t.
    "
    "
    Iser
    iousl
    yfuckedup.Sbu,l
    etmebounce.Iwi
    llcal
    l
    y
    oulater
    .Andthanksfortel
    l
    ingme,
    "IsaytoSbu.
    "
    It
    'scool
    .Justdon'tshowhert
    haty
    ouknowabout
    t
    herape.ActasifInevert
    oldy
    ouanyt
    hing.
    "
    Iqui
    ckl
    yruntomycar ,geti
    nanddri
    v ebackhome.I
    needtogettomybabyandmaket hingsrightbef
    ore
    Il
    oseherjustbecauseofmystupi
    dneeds.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Ihavet r
    iedsl
    eepingbutIjustcan'
    t.Hiswordswont
    stoptaunti
    ngme.Whywoul dNkosi saysuchtome?
    Washet hatdesperatetohavesexorwhat ?Sigh..
    ..
    ..
    Ifonl
    yIhadst ayedathomebackt hen,Iwouldn'
    tbe
    faci
    ngallthi
    s,fuck!
    !!
    !!Ihat
    emy sel
    f!Ihateever
    ythi
    ng
    aboutme!Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
    Iletoutev erysinglet hi
    ng, ever
    yt ear,
    everyscream
    butIcanst i
    l
    l f
    eel thepain.Icanst i
    llf
    eelhi
    m ont op
    ofme, himt ryingsohar dtoent erme, hi
    mr ammi ng
    i
    nsidewi thoutev enhav i
    ngmer cyonme.Isi tdown
    ont hefloor,cry,cry,cryandcr ysomemor e.Istand
    upf rom thefloorandheadbackdownst ai
    rsand
    thankGodNkosi i
    sn'tthere.Iwalkt otheli
    vingroom
    wher ethereisal andl i
    neanddi al Tshidi
    '
    snumber .
    "Whoisthi
    sandwhatdoy
    ouwantf
    rom me.
    "
    answersTshi
    di.
    "
    Tshi
    di,
    hehi
    tme.
    "Isaysobbi
    ng.
    "
    Thando?Wai
    twhohi
    tyou?
    "
    "
    Nkosi
    ,hehi
    tme.
    "
    "Thandoifyouarejoki
    ngthenpleasedon'
    tjoke
    aboutsuch.Ifyouwantat
    tenti
    ony oucanjustsay
    so."say
    sTshi dil
    aughi
    ng.
    "
    Tshidiam notj
    oki
    ng.Hehitmej
    ustbecauseI
    r
    efusedtohavesexwithhi
    m."
    "Ar
    eyouser
    ious?
    !HayiThandoyoushoul
    dhav e
    donesomet
    hingelset
    hattr
    igger
    edhi
    m, j
    ustnot
    t
    hat
    ?!!
    !"say
    sTshi
    di.Oooohwow,
    youknowwhat
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    "Tel
    lmewhathappenedThando."saysTshi
    di.It
    ell
    herever
    ythi
    ngassheli
    stensat
    tenti
    vel
    y.
    "soam breaki
    ngupwithhi
    m Tshi
    dibecauseIj
    ust
    can'
    t"Isaysli
    dingt
    othefl
    oor
    .
    Tshi
    disi
    ghsont
    heot
    hersi
    deandt
    hencal
    l
    smy
    name.
    "
    Thando,
    hav
    eyout
    oldhi
    m whathappened,
    "
    "
    Happenedwhen?
    "Iask.
    "
    YouknowThando.
    "Shecan'
    tbeser
    ious.
    "
    Iwoul
    dnev
    er,
    wel
    lnotj
    usty
    et.I
    t'
    stooear
    lyTshi
    di.
    "
    "Noit'snot.Thando, thatmancancl earlyseet hat
    youar elyi
    ngt ohim wi t
    ht hatam notr eadyst oryand
    that'
    swhyhedi dn'twanty out ol
    eav ewi thouttell
    ing
    himt hetruth.Hecl earl
    ywant edtoseewher ehe
    standswi thyouconser ninghim beingi ntimatewi th
    you.Yeshi swor dswer ehur tf
    ulandhewasn' t
    supposedt ohi tyoubuty oushoul dhav eal so
    l
    istenedtohi m whenhet oldyoust opswear i
    ngat
    him whichi sthemai nreasonhehi ty ou,notbecause
    ofsex.LookThando, youhav etot ellhim,i
    fy ouwant
    tobehappyi nthi
    sr elati
    onshiptheny ouhav et otell
    him every
    thingsot hathecanknowwher etost ar t
    .I
    knowt hathewaswr ongf orhit
    tingy oubutdoy ou
    seri
    ouslythinkthathewoul dhav er aisedthat
    subjecti
    fy ouhadt oldhi mt hetruthhei syear ning
    for
    ?Nohewoul dn'thav e.Youmi ghtnotbel iev eme
    butNkosi l
    ov esyou, her eal
    lydoessodoy our selfa
    favorandfor gi
    vey ourselfandtel lhi
    m what
    happened.I tmightbesuperdi f
    ficultbutdoi t
    Thando.Doi tforyourownsake. "say sTshi
    di .
    Alt
    houghi thurts,shei stell
    i
    ngt het ruth.
    "
    Buthestil
    lhadnori
    ghttohi
    tmeTshidi
    .Hesti
    l
    lhad
    t
    orespectmydecisi
    on.
    "Isaywi
    pingmytear
    s.
    "Iknowbabybutthatmanlov
    esyou.Heprobabl
    y
    musthavelosthismindwhenhehi
    tyoubuthe
    didn'
    tmeanto."shesays.
    "Wher
    eisNkosi
    ?Gi
    vehi
    mthephoneIwantt
    otal
    kto
    him.
    "

    "
    Idon'
    tknow.Il
    efthi
    mint
    hel
    i
    vingr
    oom buthei
    sn'
    t
    i
    nher
    eany
    mor
    e."Isayshr
    uggi
    ng.
    "Am her
    e,"saysav oi
    cebehi
    ndme.Il ookbehi
    ndonly
    tobemetbyhi sface.Hetakesthephonefrom me
    andstar
    tstalki
    ngtoTshidi
    .Allam heari
    ngisyes,
    yesandyes, t
    hat'
    sall
    .
    "I
    twil
    l neverhappenagainTshidiIpr
    omise.Am
    deeplysorry.Okay.
    ..
    ..
    .Yesma'am.Youwi l
    lkil
    lmeifI
    everdoi tagai
    nIunderstand.Goodbye.
    "hesays.He
    handsov erthephonet omeandgoest ositdown.
    "
    YesTshi
    di?
    "
    "Tal
    ktohim abouti
    t.Don'tleaveoutanyt
    hing.
    "says
    Tshidi
    .Sheendsthecallaftersayi
    ngthat
    .Sigh.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Iputthephonedownandl ookatNkosiwhohas
    buri
    edhisfaceinhi
    shands.Iwal ktohim andsit
    nexttohim.
    "
    Nkosi si
    tupst
    rai
    ght.Ineedtotalkt
    oyou,
    "Isay
    l
    ookingdown.MaytheLor dhelpmeasItel
    lhi
    mt hi
    s.
    Nkosirai
    seshi
    sfaceandl ooksatme.
    "Bef
    oreyousayanythi
    ngIwanttosayam sor
    ry
    Thando.Idon'
    tknowwhatgotinme..
    ..
    ..
    ."
    "Canyouj
    ustshutupandletmet al
    k.Am t
    heone
    whoaskedtotal
    ktoshutup."IsayasIl
    eanonthe
    couch.
    "OkayIwi
    l
    l keepqui
    etbutcanyoupl
    easestopusi
    ng
    swearwordsThando,
    "saysNkosiwi
    thpleadi
    ngeyes.
    "Iwillt
    ry.
    "Iletoutal oudsi gh,closemyey esand
    opent hem agai n."
    WhenIwas16, mybr other s,
    TshidiandIwentt oahousepar tyagainstmy
    parent'
    sor ders.Wel l
    ,Iwast heonewhowasn' t
    all
    owedt ogobecauseIwasunderagebutsi ncemy
    parentswer en'thomet hatdayIbeggedTshi di t
    o
    takemewi thandshedi d.SoIgott othehousepar ty,
    hadal otofal coholandIgotdr unksomybr ot hers
    endedupf or cingmet ogosl eepont hecouchunt il
    theywer eallreadyt oleav e.Isleptont hecouchbutI
    waswokenupbysomeonewhokeptonpul l
    ingme
    offthecouch.WhenIopenedmyey es,Irealisedi t
    wasoneofmybr other'
    sf riendswho' snamewas
    Brian.Hekeptonsay i
    ng, comel etsgohav ef unbutI
    refused.Iwasweaksohewasabl etopul lmeof f
    thecouchandt akemet oanempt yroom. "tear sfal
    l
    asIt el
    lNkosi thestorywhowasnowhol dingmy
    hand.Idi
    dn'
    thav
    ethecour
    aget
    olookhi
    mint
    heey
    e.
    "Iscr eamedf orhel pbutt hemusi cwast ool oudf o
    any onet ohearme.Iscr eamedandscr eamedbutno
    onecamet omyr escuesoBr i
    anwasabl etot akeme
    i
    nt ot her oom andl ockt hedoor .Letmet akegood
    car eofy ounowhesai dashet ookofhet ookof fhi
    s
    clotheswhi leIjustsatont hef l
    oor .Hewal kedupt o
    me, helpedmest andupt henhet hr ewmeont he
    bed.Hest artedtaki ngof fmycl ot hesbutI ...I.
    ...I
    tri
    edsohar dt ostophi m.Het ouchedmei npl acesI
    didn'twantt obet ouched. "RightnowIf eel l
    ikeshi t
    .I
    mi ghthav eoncet oldsomeoneaboutt hi sst orybut
    tell
    inganot hersoul abouti twithoutknowi nghow
    theywi ll
    reactj ustki ll
    sme." H....
    .he...
    ..
    .her apedme
    andr apedmeasIpl eadedhi mt ost opbuthedi dn'
    t.
    Her apedmeNkosi andIj ustgav euponf i
    ght ing
    him.Het ookmypr ideaway ,mywomanhood, he
    tooki tawayandwhenhewasdone, hejustl eftme
    i
    nt her oom nakedunt ilmybr other sfoundme. "I
    l
    ookatNkosi andIr ealizet hathei scryingandt hat
    j
    ustmakesmebr eakdownev enmor e.Nkosi takes
    mei ntoabi ghugasIcont i
    nuesobbi ng.Ican' t
    bel
    i
    evet
    hatIact
    ual
    l
    ytol
    dhi
    m.
    "Am sosor
    rymylove.IwishIcoulddosomet
    hingt
    o
    takeawayal
    lthehur
    tfulmemories."her
    ubsmy
    backwhil
    etel
    li
    ngmet oleti
    tallout.
    "Don'tworr
    ymyl ove.Youarenowi nsafehands.I
    will
    makeal lt
    hosememor i
    esdisappear.Iwi
    l
    ltake
    goodcar eofyou."saysNkosi
    .Het akesmyfaceinto
    hishandsandgl ancesatme.
    "Thandoam sor ry,
    Ireall
    yam.Ishoul dn'
    thavesai
    d
    allt
    hat.Sigh..
    ..
    ..
    .ThandoIl ov
    ey ouandy ouknow
    that.Am notaftersexatall,y
    esIshoul dhav
    e
    control
    ledmy self
    ,Ishouldhav erespect
    edyour
    wishesandIshoul dhav ejustletyoubeinst
    eadof
    sayingallthatandhit
    tingyou."
    "I
    t'
    sokayNkosi.Ishoul
    dhavet
    oldy
    outhetr
    uth
    wheny ouasked.Iknowhowmuchyouhat
    eliesand
    Itr
    iggeredy
    ou
    Tomakemat
    ter
    swor
    seIswor
    eaty
    ou.
    "
    "ButIst
    il
    lhadnor
    ightt
    ohityou.
    "wekeepourey
    es
    oneachotherast
    earsfal
    lfr
    om ourey
    es.
    "Youeverputy
    ourhandonmeev eragain,Iwi
    l
    lbeat
    youupsobadt haty
    ouwi l
    lwishy
    ounev ermetme."I
    saysl
    appinghi
    m.Hel ooksatmethenlaughs.
    "Ipromise,Iwon'
    t.Nowcome, l
    et'
    sgosleep.
    "says
    Nkosi carr
    yingmebridal
    styl
    e.Wekeepourey eson
    eachot herasweletourfeel
    i
    ngsforeachotherget
    ridoftheanger.
    Wegettohi
    sroom,webothgeti
    nbedandIl
    aymy
    headonhi
    schest
    ."Il
    ovey
    ousthandwasami
    ."
    "
    Ilov
    eyout
    oo,
    "
    "
    Ooohr
    eal
    l
    y?Shef
    inal
    l
    ysai
    dit
    "hesay
    swi
    thasmi
    rk.
    "
    Yesr
    eal
    l
    y,"
    "
    Soy
    ouwoul
    dn'
    tmi
    ndi
    fIsl
    eptnextt
    oyour
    ight
    ?"
    "I
    t'
    snotli
    keyouar
    egoingtoli
    steni
    fIt
    ell
    yout
    o
    buzzoffany
    waysbutam st
    il
    lmadatyou."
    "
    hahayoumi ghtbemadbuty
    ouknowy
    ouwantme
    t
    ostayher
    e,"hesaysti
    ckl
    i
    ngme.
    "
    NooooNkosist
    op.Okayokayfi
    neyoucanstayher
    e
    j
    ustst
    oppl
    easehaaaaaIcan'
    tbreat
    heNkosi
    ."
    Hefi
    nall
    ystopsti
    ckli
    ngme, l
    ooksdeepi ntomyeyes
    andbit
    eshislowerli
    p.Iwon'
    tli
    e,thatmademeki nd
    ofwetdownthere.Iwanthi
    m butmywoundswon' tt
    l
    etmehav ehim.Igivehi
    m afaintsmil
    et henl
    ook
    down.Heholdsbychinandraisesmyf ace.
    "
    Don'
    tdot
    hat
    ."
    "
    Dowhat
    ?"
    "Dontbesadbecausey ouar emaki ngmesad.Let
    gooft hepastandpl easesmi leformeandbysmi le
    Idon'tmeant hesmiley oujustgavemeaf ew
    secondsago. "hesay scaressingmewi thhiseyes.I
    l
    ookathi sblueshiningey esandsmi l
    e.Itrul
    yhave
    str
    ongf eel
    i
    ngsf orthismanandIcan' tevencal
    l i
    t
    l
    ov e.I
    t'
    smor ethanthat .Herubsmycheek, smi
    les
    backatmeandki ssesmyf orehead.
    "
    Let'
    ssl
    eepmylove.Tomorr
    owi sabrandnewday
    t
    hatwil
    lhaveal
    otofadvent
    uresfort
    hebothofus.
    Goodni
    ght.
    "
    Helay
    sonthebedasIl
    aymyheadonhi
    schestand
    dr
    if
    tofft
    olal
    aland.
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er13

    THANDO'
    SPOV
    I
    tsnoteverydaywher
    eyouopenyoureyesinthe
    morni
    ngandf i
    ndsomeonest
    arr
    ingatyouwithblue
    beaut
    if
    uleyesandanamazi
    ngsmile.Am Ibl
    essed
    tohavesuchamomentorwhat.
    "
    Am pret
    tysuresomeoneatsomepointofyourl
    i
    fe
    t
    oldyouthatst
    arr
    ingatpeopl
    eiswr
    ong,"Isay
    f
    lashi
    ngasmi l
    eatthei
    diotl
    ooki
    ngatme.
    "Wellsomeonedi dtellmethatbutIwasn'tt
    oldthat
    star
    ringatt heloveofy ourl
    if
    ei swrong.
    "hesays
    pull
    i
    ngmecl osertohim.Icanf eelhi
    spokerpoking
    meundert hesheet s.Thi
    smanhasapackagef or
    daysy hooooooooo.Het ri
    eskissingmebutIpush
    him away .
    "Mor
    ningbr
    eathbabe.Letmegobrushmyt
    eet
    h."I
    sayt
    ryi
    ngtogetoutofhisst
    ronghol
    d.
    "
    Tohel
    lwi
    tht
    hat
    .Iwantt
    osmel
    lthatmor
    ning
    br
    eat
    h"hesay
    shol
    dingont
    omeev
    enmor
    e.
    "Haibabyletmego.I 'l
    lbebackin2minut
    esbaby
    please,
    "Isaysti
    l
    l t
    ryingtogetoutofhi
    sholdbuthe
    wouldntbudge.Hei sjustl
    ooki
    ngatmewi thasmir
    k
    onhi sf
    aceandt hatjustmakesmegi v
    eup.Therei
    s
    reall
    ynohope.
    "
    CanIki
    ssy
    ounow,
    "hesay
    sleani
    ngt
    owar
    dsmy
    l
    i
    ps.
    "
    Noooo!
    !Babycomeon.
    "Isaycov
    eri
    ngmyl
    i
    ps.
    "Hahaokaythenfine.Buty
    ouar
    ereal
    l
    ymaki
    ngabi
    g
    dealoutofnothi
    ng."
    Ismil
    eathim ashelet
    sgoofme, Iquicklygetoutof
    bedandheadt ot
    hebathr
    oom.If i
    rstbrushmyt eet
    h
    thengeti
    ntotheshowerr
    ightaft
    erlockingmydoor
    becauseIknowthi
    smanwi llwal
    kintothis
    bathr
    oom whil
    eam showeri
    ng.
    Aft
    ershoweri
    ng,
    Ilot
    ionmysel
    f,putat
    owelar
    ound
    methenwalkbacktothebedr
    oom.Nkosii
    sno
    l
    ongerinbed,
    heactual
    lymadethebedhey
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Iwal
    ktot
    hedoor
    ,locki
    tanddr
    opt
    het
    owel
    ,
    exposingmynakedbody .That'
    swhenIreali
    sethat
    thisperver
    tofamani shidi
    nginthecl
    oset.Iquickl
    y
    pickupthet owel
    andwr apitar
    oundme,wal ktothe
    closetandsmackt hi
    sidi
    ot'
    shead.
    "
    Ouch!
    "
    "
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngt
    her
    eyoubum?
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Iwaspl
    ayi
    nghi
    deandseek"
    "wi
    thwhoy ouf
    ool?GetoutIwanttogetdr essed."I
    saypul
    l
    inghim outofthecl
    osetbuti
    nsteadhepul l
    s
    me,makingmecr ushagai
    nsthismascularbody .
    "Iam sogoi
    ngtomar
    ryy
    ourf
    eist
    yass.
    "hesay
    holdi
    ngmywaist.
    "OkayIgetit
    ,youwanttomar
    ryme.Nowleav
    eand
    stopplay
    inghideandseekwi
    thwhoev
    ery
    ouar e
    playi
    ngwith.
    "
    "ThandoIwantt ogetsomet hingt
    owearhau.It
    'smy
    closetr emember.
    ..
    ..
    .Iwasjustbei
    ngsar
    casti
    cabout
    thehi deandseekthing,"hesaysl
    aughi
    ng.Oooh
    Yea, Itotal
    l
    yfor
    gotaboutt hat
    .
    "
    Nowwi
    l
    lyoubepat
    ientandl
    etmet
    akemycl
    othes.
    "
    "Iwil
    lpi
    ckoutthecl
    othesforyou.Gobath."Isaya
    bitembarr
    assed.Hel
    et '
    sgoofme, shakeshishead
    whilel
    aughingandwalkstothebathr
    oom.
    Ipickoutcasual clothesforhimt henstartl
    ooking
    forsomet hi
    ngformy selfi
    nhiscl osetbecausether
    e
    i
    sabsol utel
    ynowayam wear ingadr ess.Nottoday.
    Ifi
    nallyf i
    ndanov ersi
    zedbasketbal lshi
    rtand
    mat chingshort
    s.It aketheclothes,bothhisandthe
    onesam wear i
    ngandputt hem ont hebed.
    Iputonmyunderwearbutnobra.Ialsoputonthe
    shi
    rt,
    theshor
    tsthencombmyhai r.Thi
    sfeelsso
    muchbettert
    hanwearingadr
    ess.
    "HaanaThando.Takeoffmyclothes7, hayibaby
    Noooononono.Youhav eyourowncl othes."he
    sayscomingoutofthebat
    hroom drippingwetwi t
    ha
    towelwr
    appedaroundhiswaist
    .Wel ldamnni gga!!
    !!
    !!
    "
    Idon'
    tl
    ikedr
    essesNkosi
    ."
    "Andhowi sthatmyprobl
    em.Entl
    ek, Iwanttowear
    whaty ouareweari
    ng.Giv
    ememycl othes."hesay
    s
    point
    ingattheclot
    hesam wear
    ing.Ijustlookathi
    m
    withoneeyebrowelevat
    edandchuckl e.It
    akealook
    atmy selfont hemi r
    rort
    henwal koutoft heroom
    l
    eav i
    nghi m alonei nthebedr oom.I fhethinksam
    goingtor emov et heseclothest henhe'sinsane.I
    walktot hekitchenonl ytof i
    nday oungdar kskinned
    beautif
    ul gir
    lwear ingamai d'suniform andapr on,
    cooking.Hav ey ouev erlookedatsomeoneand
    wonder edwhyt heychoset hej obt heyaredoing
    i
    nsteadofbei ngonar unwayshowandbei ngstupid
    ri
    ch..
    ..y
    eat hat'sthequest i
    onam aski ngmy sel
    fr i
    ght
    now.Shel ooksext remelyyoung, li
    ke17-18y earsold
    young.
    "Wellhell
    ot here,
    "Isayleaningonthecount er.She
    doesn'tmov eatal l
    .Isayitagainbutshedoesn' t
    mov e,may beshehasear phoneson.Whenam
    aboutt ogot ohershet urnstowheream st anding
    thenflashesasmi l
    e,shedoesn'tsayany t
    hing.She
    j
    ustnodsherheadandkeepsonsmi l
    ing.Wel lt
    hat'
    s
    new.Shet hendoessomet hi
    ngwithherhandsand
    that
    'swhenIr eal
    isethatshecan'tspeak.IfonlyI
    understoodsi gnlanguagebuteish,soIdeci deto
    j
    ustgiv eherahugj ustt
    omakesur ethatshedoesn't
    feelbad.
    WhenIletgoofher ,
    shel ooksatmewi t
    hshockin
    hereyesandIj ustsmileather .Shesmilesbackand
    carr
    iesonwi thcooking.Ilikeheralr
    eady.ThankGod
    Iwashedt hosedishesl astnight
    .Sosinceshecan't
    speakIjustfi
    ndsomet hingtodoi nthekit
    chen.
    BreakfastisreadyandNkosi isntdowny etsoI
    decidetogocal lhim.Asam aboutt oopenhi sdoorI
    hearhim shout ing.WellIguessitwouldn'tbeasin
    tojusteav esdroponhi m si
    nceIwantt oknowhi m
    mor e.Isli
    ghtlyopent hedoorjusttomakesur ehe
    doesntr eali
    set hatIopenedthedoorandst ar
    tto
    l
    isten.
    "Howcoul dyouguy slethim escape!!!
    !!
    !Ifhefi
    nds
    mysi sterandhur t
    sheri nanywayIsweart oGodall
    ofyouar efi
    red, gofindhim now! !
    !!
    !!
    !!Iwanttofi
    nd
    him sit
    tingint hatchairwhenIgett othewar ehouse
    youhearme!Goodnowf i
    ndhim orel seyouareall
    fi
    redandal l
    y ourfami l
    ieswil
    ...
    ..
    .."
    Het
    hent
    urnst
    othedoorandIqui
    ckl
    yhi
    de.
    "cal
    lmewheny oufi
    ndhim.
    "hesayst
    hendropsthe
    call
    .Ihearhi
    m wal
    ki
    ngtowardst
    hedoorandthat
    's
    whenIknowam fucked.Iquickl
    yrushdownthe
    stai
    rsandactasi
    fam walkingupthestai
    rsagai
    n.I
    hopehedidn'
    tseeme.
    WhenIgettothedoorIf
    indhim st
    andingt
    here
    l
    ookingatme.Ismil
    eathim buthedoesn'
    t.Oookay
    hetotal
    l
    ysawme.
    "
    Whywer
    eyoueav
    esdr
    oppi
    ng?
    "Ooooohshi
    t.
    "Ummm Iwant edtocomecal ly
    ouf orbreakf
    astbutI
    real
    isedt haty ouwer eshout
    ingatsomeoneov erthe
    phonesoIj ustdecidedt owaitforyouuntily
    ouar e
    done"Isaywal ki
    ngtowardshim.Itakehi shandand
    pull
    hi m.Hej ustf ol
    lowsmebutIcanf eelthedark
    energyar oundhi m.Whoev erranawayf rom
    what everwar ehousehewast al
    kingaboutsurely
    madehi m mad.Butwhywast hismanatawar e
    houseandwhywoul dhewantt ohur tNkosi'
    ssist
    er.
    Wef inall
    ygetdownstai
    rsandweheadt othedi ni
    ng
    room.Isi tonmychairandhecomest ositnextto
    me.Wehav et
    hebreakfasti
    ntotal
    sil
    enceandwhen
    Nkosi i
    sdonewi t
    hhisfood,hejustst
    andsup, goes
    upstairsandcomesdownwi t
    hcarkeysinhishands.
    "BabyIwi
    ll
    bebackatl unch.Ijustwantt
    otakecar
    e
    ofsomethi
    ngatwork."hesay swalki
    ngtome.He
    bendsdownthenperksmyl ips.
    "Ummmm okay.Pleasebuymeaphoneony
    ourway
    backandwhatshouldImakef
    orl
    unch?"
    "
    okayIwil
    landcookwhat everyouwant.Bye"he
    wal
    ksoutofthedini
    ngt henheadstothegarage.
    We'
    llokay
    ,Iguessam justgoingt
    ospendtheday
    wi
    ththemaid.Imightaswel l
    gettoknowherbetter
    .
    Itakethedi
    shesfrom thetabl
    etogotothekit
    chen.I
    packthem i
    ntothedishwasherbutt
    hemai dwalksi
    n
    andsmi l
    esatme.Shewal kstothedi
    shwasherthen
    takesthedi
    shesoutandwashest hem wit
    hher
    hands.Okaywhatthehell.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    Ij
    ustst
    andandl
    ookathert
    hewhol
    eti
    mebecause
    am i
    nshock.
    "Ummmm okaywhydidy oudot hat
    ?"ooohdangi
    t,I
    total
    l
    yfor
    gott
    hatshecan'thearme.SoIwalktot
    he
    sinkandj
    ustl
    ookather
    .
    Shelooksatme,dri
    esherhandsandwalksoutof
    theki
    tchen.Shecomesbackwithapenandpaper
    thenst
    art
    swrit
    ingsomethi
    ng.Af
    tershe'
    sdoneshe
    holdst
    hepaperupwhichread
    BosssaysIshouldwashthedisheswit
    hmyown
    hands.Thedishwasheri
    sonlyusedwhent
    her
    earea
    l
    otofdishes.Hehiredmeforareason.
    Wel
    lthat'
    sabithar
    sh.It
    aket
    hepaperf
    rom herand
    wr
    it
    ear epl
    y.
    From t
    odayonwar
    dsyouwil
    luset
    hedishwasher
    andifbosssay
    sanyt
    hingt
    oyou,t
    ell
    me.Iwillsor
    t
    hi
    m outokay?
    Shel ooksatthepaperandsmil
    es.Ihel
    pherwitht
    he
    dishessinceshehadal r
    eadyst
    art
    edwashingthem
    thenwedr iedthem.Whenwear edonesheatt
    empt s
    toleavethekitchenbutIdr
    agherbackin.
    It
    aket
    hepaperandwr
    it
    ewhat
    'sy
    ourname.
    Sher
    epl
    i
    esShani
    ama'
    am.
    Me:
    am Thando.CanIbey
    ourf
    ri
    end?
    Her
    :Iwoul
    dlov
    ethatbutbosswon'
    tal
    l
    owi
    t.
    Me:don'
    twor
    ryabouthi
    m.Sotodayy
    ouwon'
    tbe
    doi
    nganywork.Howaboutwegoouttot
    hemal
    l
    anddosomeshoppi
    ngthenwewillcomebackand
    cookl
    unchbef
    orebosscomesback.
    Her
    :Butbosswillf
    ir
    emema' am andIcan'
    taf
    for
    d
    bei
    ngfi
    red.Ihav
    etolookaf
    termysibli
    ngs.
    Il
    ookatherandIcoul
    dseethest
    oryi
    nhereyes.
    Shewasgoingthr
    oughalotatay
    oungage.
    Me:
    wher
    ear
    eyourpar
    ent
    s?
    Her
    :theypassedon3y
    ear
    sago.
    Me:
    andhowmanysi
    bli
    ngsdoy
    ouhav
    e?
    Her
    :6.Am t
    heol
    dest
    .
    Me:
    andy
    oudon'
    thav
    eany
    onet
    aki
    ngcar
    eofy
    ou?
    Her:Noone.Am t
    heonewhoi
    staki
    ngcar
    eof
    ever
    yone.
    IwanttocrybutIcan'
    tdothati
    nfrontofher.She
    l
    ooksdownandIseet earsfal
    li
    ngont hegreytil
    es.I
    takeherint
    oahugandhol dherveryti
    ght.Il
    etgo
    andwr i
    te.
    Takemet owhereyoust
    aypl
    ease.Ipr
    omi
    seIwon'
    t
    doanyt
    hingtoyou.
    Shelooksatmewi thdoubtandIcr ossmyf ingers.
    Shethennodsherheady es.Iwal ktoNkosi'
    sr oom
    andlookf orcarkeysinhisclosetbutthereare
    soooomanyoft hem.Howcanonehav esoomuch
    cars!
    !!If
    inall
    ydecidetojustcalluberbecauset hese
    carkeysar econfusi
    ngthehel loutofme.
    Theubercarar r
    ivesandIgivetheuberguythe
    addresswear egoingto.Atfi
    rsthekeptonref
    usi
    ng
    totakeustherebutIthenof f
    eredhi
    m R20000sohe
    endedupagr eei
    ng.Thisplacemustber eal
    l
    y
    bad..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    Wef inal
    lygettotheplacethatShanial
    ivesandthe
    onlywor dsIhaveforyouareWhatt hefuck.This
    placelooksterr
    ibl
    e.Nochildshouldevenbest ayi
    ng
    here.Wegetoutoft hecarandShani astart
    stowal k
    towher eshestaysasIf ol
    l
    ow.Shet henstops
    i
    nf r
    ontofasmal lshackandpoi nt
    satit
    .
    Therear
    e4li
    tt
    lechi
    ldr
    en;
    3boysandonegi r
    lpl
    ayi
    ng
    outsi
    deandt
    heyarewear
    ingt
    orncl
    othes.Theyl
    ook
    l
    i
    ket
    heyhav
    en'
    tbat
    hedi
    nmont
    hs.
    Whent heki dsspottheirsi
    stert
    heyrunandhugher .
    Shegi v
    est hem abighugandki ssesbutwhent hey
    noticemesomeoft hem hidebehi
    ndShaniaexcept
    for2oft hem; aboywhol ooksolderthantherest
    andal i
    ttl
    egi r
    l.Theli
    ttl
    egirlwal
    kstome, smi l
    es
    thenhugsme.Shel ooks8andonecanseeher
    cutenessbehi ndall
    thedi r
    tandraggedclothes.I
    pickherupandhugher .
    "Hel
    l
    omynamei sShaki
    sha,
    "shesay
    swi
    thawi
    de
    smil
    eonherf
    ace.
    "Wel lhell
    othereShakisha.Am Thando."Isay .She
    thenst artswiggli
    ngandIputherdown.Theot her
    kidsl ookatmet hensmi le.Iguessseei
    ngt heir
    sisterbeingfreearoundmeshowdt hem thatam not
    at hreat.Ismileatthem andt heyr
    unofflaughing.
    IlookatShani
    aandshei sstari
    ngatme.Shet akes
    myhandandwal ksintotheshack.AsIlookaround
    theti
    nyhome,myey eslendont hebedwheret her
    e
    are2chil
    drenl
    ayingther
    e,looki
    ngsickashell
    .Chill
    s
    rundownmyspi neasi r
    usht othechi
    ldr
    en.Iputmy
    handontheirf
    oreheadsandthei
    rtemperatur
    eis
    superhi
    gh.Theyhavesoresaroundthei
    rli
    psand
    theyar
    eshiver
    ing.Thi
    sisver
    yser i
    ous.
    Iqui
    cklytakeoutt
    hephoneIf
    oundi
    nNkosi
    '
    sroom
    anddialanumber.
    "Hel
    loNeri
    sa.Ineedy
    out ocometoaplaceam at
    ri
    ghtnow.I
    t'
    sanemer gency,
    aver
    ybigemergency.
    "I
    sayovert
    hephone.
    "
    sor
    rywhozt
    his?
    "Ner
    isar
    epl
    i
    es.
    "I
    t'
    sThando.Iwi
    llsendy out
    hecoordi
    nat
    esoft
    he
    area.Pl
    easehur
    ry.
    ..
    ..
    ."Isaypani
    cki
    ng.
    "OkayIwil
    lbether
    e.Shoul
    dIcomewi
    tht
    he
    ambulance?"
    "
    Yespl
    ease.
    "
    "Okaysendt hecoordi
    natesandIwi l
    lbethere.
    "she
    endst hecal
    l andIr
    ushoutside.Ical
    lShakishaand
    askhert obri
    ngmeadi shwi thcoldwateranda
    towel.ShedoesasIsayandIbat hthe2childr
    en.I
    takethiercl
    othesanddressthem upwhi l
    stShania
    watchesmedoal lt
    his.
    "Shaki
    sha,
    cany
    ouspeaksi
    gnl
    anguage?
    "
    "
    Yes,
    Shani
    ataughtmehowt
    o."
    "Okaytel
    lthi
    stoShani
    a.Iwanthert
    opackupal
    l
    yourcl
    othesandyourval
    uabl
    esandputthem
    outsi
    de.Someoneiscomingtogetus.
    "
    Shaki
    shatel
    lsShani
    awhatItoldherbutShani
    ataps
    myshoulderandshakesherheadno.
    "Whynot,
    "Isaycr
    ingi
    ng.Shaki
    shatel
    l
    sherwhatI
    sai
    dandShaniastart
    scryi
    ng.Oneoftheboyswho
    wasplay
    ingoutsi
    decomest ome.Hel ooks14.
    "
    Thereisamanwhocomesher eandbeat
    susall
    .
    Hetol
    dherthati
    fsheev
    erl
    efthewouldki
    llusal
    l
    ."
    what!
    !
    "
    wher
    edoest
    hismanst
    ay?
    "Iaskhi
    m.
    "
    Hest
    aysnextdoor
    ,"hesay
    s.
    "
    Ishet
    her
    enow?
    "
    "
    Ithi
    nkso.
    "
    Istor
    m outoft
    heshackheadingnextdoorwi
    thmy
    handbaginmyhand.IknockonthedoorandIhear
    someoneshoutam comi ng.Whenthedooropens,I
    takemygunoutofmyhandbagandpoi nti
    tatthe
    guystandi
    ngatthedoor.Luckl
    ytherear
    entany
    peopl
    ewalkingaround.
    "
    Whot
    hef
    uckar
    eyou?
    "hesay
    sinphedi
    .
    "I
    fyoueverandIsayevercomeaft
    erShani
    aandher
    si
    bli
    ngsIwill
    blowyourbrai
    nsout
    ."
    "Tr
    ymebi tch.Thatt hi
    ngismypr opert
    yandi fyou
    daretryt
    osepar at
    eherfr
    om me, youwi l
    lregretever
    l
    ivi
    ng."hesay swi t
    hasmi rk.Ichuckleandpoi ntthe
    gunathisleftfootandIshoothi m.Hescr eamsout
    i
    npai nandIpoi ntathisr
    ightarm andshoothi m
    again.
    "Nextti
    meitwil
    lbeyourhead."Iki
    ckhim onhisarea
    andleavehi
    m beggi
    ngforhelp.Iwalkbackto
    Shania'
    sshackandwalkinsi
    de.Itakethe2chil
    dren,
    putt
    ingoneonmybackandIhol dtheotheronei
    n
    myhands.
    "Tell
    Shaniatopackupy ourthi
    ngsnow!!
    !!
    !"Ishout.
    The14y earoldlooki
    ngboyt el
    l
    sShaniaandshe
    rushestoawar drobeandstart
    staki
    ngoutallthe
    cl
    othes.Itakeal
    l t
    hekidsoutsideandrequestf or
    ubersothatwhenIt akethe2si ckchi
    l
    drentot he
    hospi
    tal,
    theubercant aketheresttomyapar tment
    butnonoft heuberri
    deswoul dtakemyr equestsoI
    wil
    lhavenochoi cebuttowaitfortheambul anceto
    gethereandaskt hem forhel
    p.
    Wewai tedfornearlyanhourandt hat
    'swhent he
    ambulancef i
    nal
    lyarriv
    ed.4paramedicsqui cklyrush
    outoftheambul anceandt akeoutast r
    etcher.Irun
    tothem andputt he2ont hestret
    chersincetheyar e
    verysmallsotheyf i
    tononest ret
    cher
    .Ner i
    sat hen
    arr
    ivesinherowncarandIt hankthelordfor
    answeri
    ngmypr ayers.
    "Thandowhat'
    sgoingonandwhatareyoudoing
    here?"asksNer
    isaasshecomesoutofhercar.
    "If
    oundthose2chi
    ldr
    ensicki
    nthatshackandi
    t
    tur
    nsoutthatt
    heydon'
    thavepar
    entssoIhadto
    hel
    pthem.That'
    swhyIcall
    edyou.
    "Isay.
    "Neri
    saIneedyourhel
    p.Canyoupleasedr
    opthose
    kidsoffatmyapart
    ment.Theyar
    enotsafeher
    e."
    Ner
    isal
    ooksatt
    heki
    dsandnodsherheady
    es.I
    si
    gnal f
    orthem togogeti nNer i
    sa'scarandtheydo
    so.Nerisathendrivesofftomyapar tmentandIget
    i
    nt heambul ance.Ipraythatwecanst i
    llsav
    ethese
    2childr
    enbecauset heyl
    ookliketheymightdieany
    momentf r
    om now.

    .
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    I
    ts12pm andam st il
    linthewai tingarea.Whenwe
    gotherethedoct orsjusttookt hechildrentotheICU.
    Apparentlytheyhavemeni ngi t
    isandt heyneed
    i
    ntensivecare.Luckil
    yIgott omeetShani abef ore
    thediseasecausedanybr aindamagebutt her
    eisa
    possibi
    li
    tythatthekidsmi ghtdi e.Ihavebeen
    prayi
    ngnonst opinthiswaitingar eaandIhav ealso
    beencr y
    ing.Idon'tknowwhybutIhav ebeencr yi
    ng.
    Asam pr ayi
    ng, t
    hephonest art
    sr ingi
    ng.It'
    sNer i
    sa.
    "
    YesNer
    isa,
    "
    "Theywon'
    tletmein.Theyar
    esayi
    ngthatyou
    shouldbeheresoastoconfi
    rm.
    "saysNeri
    sa.
    "
    Giv
    etheguardt
    hephone,
    "Ner
    isadoesasIsayand
    i
    tal
    ktotheguar
    d.
    "Hell
    oNerisa,
    hewi l
    ldi
    recty
    outomyapartmentand
    openf ory
    ou.Tell
    Shaniatocooksomet
    hingfort
    he
    kids.Ther
    eisfoodinthehouse.
    "
    "OkayThando.
    "shehangsupandl
    eav
    esmet
    o
    conti
    nuemyprayer.
    "
    Ithoughty
    ouweregoingt
    oafuner
    al"saysamal
    e
    v
    oice.Il
    ookatt
    hepersonandi
    t'
    sSabelo.
    "Hey,
    "Isayst
    andi
    ngupf
    rom t
    heseatIhav
    ebeen
    sit
    ti
    ngon.
    "
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?"heasks.
    "
    Not
    hingt
    hatconser
    nsy
    ou.
    "Isay
    .
    "Ummm oookay.IguessIwi
    ll
    seeyoulat
    er.
    "hesay
    s
    befor
    etur
    ningawaybuthetur
    nstolookatmeagai
    n.
    "Thandoam sorryforhowIhavebeenactinglat
    ely.
    Pleasedoforgi
    v eme."hethentur
    nsawayagai n
    thenwalksaway .Ri
    ghtnowIdon'twanttotalkto
    him now.Iwil
    ltalktohi
    m someot hert
    ime.The
    doctorfi
    nal
    lywalksoutoftheICUandwal ks
    t
    owar
    dsme.
    "Theywil
    lbefi
    ne.Wewillj
    usthav etokeepthem
    hereforafewweeksandmoni torthem.Theywere
    veryl
    uckytohavebeensavedbyy ouont i
    me.Good
    j
    ob"hesay spat
    ti
    ngmyshoul der.
    "
    It
    'smydut
    ytosavet
    hoseinneed.Iwi
    ll
    beback
    t
    omorr
    owtocheckonthem."Isaywi
    thasmi
    le.
    "Okaydoct orThando.Seeyout omorrowooohandi f
    youdon' tmind,Rosehasbeenr equesti
    ngforyou.
    Pleasedogoseeherbef oreli
    vi
    ngbecauseshe
    won'tstopcr y
    ing."Igi
    vehim afai
    ntsmilethenhe
    l
    eav es.Myphoner i
    ngsandIcheckt hecall
    erI
    D.
    Unsav ednumber .MustbeoneofNkosi 'speopl
    e.At
    fi
    rstIhesitat
    et oanswerthephonebutt henIdoso
    anyway s.
    "Hell
    oboss,wefoundhim.Hei satthehospi
    talt
    hat
    yoursist
    eri
    sbeinghospi
    tal
    ized.Wear egoi
    ngtoget
    him."saysahoursev
    oiceont heothersi
    deofthe
    call
    .
    "Sor
    rybutt
    hisi
    sn'
    tNkosi
    ,hel
    efthi
    sphone,
    "Ireply
    buttheper
    soni
    mmediatel
    ydr
    opsthecall
    .Eeeh..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    SuddenlyIhearcommot i
    oncomi ngfr
    om theright
    wing.Ir
    usht her
    eonlytofi
    ndamanbei ngdragged
    outofRose'sward.Hehasaguni nhi
    shandsand
    hasbloodalloverhi
    sclot
    hes.Themancur sesand
    cursesasthesecurit
    yguardsdraghim out
    .Irunto
    Rose'swardandf i
    ndhersurroundedbynurseswhile
    cryi
    ng.
    "
    Rose!
    "Ishoutr
    unni
    ngtoherbed.Whenshesees
    meshecri
    esevenmoreandIpullheri
    ntoahug.
    "
    Hewil
    lki
    llmeThando.Hewant stoki
    ll
    me!!!
    !!
    !He
    wi
    ll
    beback..
    ..
    ..
    "shecr
    ieswhil
    eshouti
    ng.Isi
    gnal
    for
    t
    henur
    sestoleaveusaloneandtheydoso.
    "Don'
    tcr
    ybabyam herenow.Shhhhh.Not
    hingwi
    l
    l
    happentoy
    ouIpromise.
    "

    Nkosisurel
    ywasrightl
    astnightwhenhesaidtoday
    wouldbef i
    l
    ledwit
    hadventuresexceptt
    oday'
    s
    advent
    uresarerat
    herheartbreaki
    ng.Si
    gh.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er14
    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    "Didyouf i
    ndhim?"Iaskwal kingupanddownt he
    basementi nthewarehouse.Ihav ebeensearchi
    ng
    forthatidi
    otSiphoforov er6hoursnowandam
    freaki
    ngout .I
    fIdon'
    tf i
    ndhim soon,hewi
    llki
    l
    l my
    pumpki nandIcan'tletthathappen,
    notnow,not
    ev er
    .
    "
    Yesbosswef
    oundhim anhourago.Wear
    eonour
    wayt
    othewar
    ehouse.
    "saysCastr
    o.
    "
    Thenwhydi
    dn'
    tyout
    ell
    mey
    ouf
    ool
    s!"Ishout
    .
    "
    BossIt houghtShchevtol
    dyoubecausehecall
    ed
    yourotherphonebefor
    ewecaughthim."repl
    i
    es
    Castr
    o.
    "
    Giv
    eShchevt
    hephone,
    "
    "
    Shoboss.Ey
    ybr
    uhbosswant
    stot
    alkt
    oyou.
    "
    "
    Yesbozay
    ami
    ,
    "
    "
    Voet
    sekwena.Whydi
    dn'
    tyout
    ell
    met
    haty
    ou
    f
    oundSi
    pho!
    ?"
    "HaabozaIdidtel
    lyou.Icall
    edy ourot
    herpho..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    OoooheishsorrybozaIforgotei
    sh.Somel ady
    answeredyourphoneandIt houghtmay beshecould
    havetol
    dyou,"saysShchev.
    "YouknowShchev ,somet imesIwonderwhyIst il
    l
    keepy ouasoneofmymenbecausey ouar every
    stupid.Nx. ..
    ..
    ..
    ..Youbet tergetherewitht hatsonof
    abi t
    chi nthenext30mi nutesIhav etobe
    somewher e.
    "Isaybef oreendingthecall.Atleast
    theyf oundSi phosonowIcanbeatease.Nowt o
    callThando.Oooohshi t
    ,Ikil
    ledherphonel astnight,
    fuck..
    ....Okayletmej ustuset helandl
    ineathome.I
    havecal l
    edf ormor ethan3t i
    mesandnoonei s
    picki
    ngup.That '
    sf unny.Okayl etmetryt hephone
    thatShchevcal led.Idialinthenumberoft hatphone
    andsomeoneanswer saf t
    erthef i
    rstr
    ing.
    "
    Nkosi
    '
    sphonehel
    l
    o."
    "Thando.Whyaren'
    tyoupi
    cki
    nguptheland-l
    ine.I
    havebeencall
    ingbutnooneisanswer
    ing."Isay.
    "
    Ummmm am nothomer
    ightnow.Am att
    he
    hospi
    tal
    .Hadanemergency
    ,"shesays.I
    tsounds
    l
    ikesheisi
    naroom wit
    hacryingper
    son.
    "
    Ooohokay.Ummmm Imi ghtgethomelat
    ebut
    whatdoy
    out hi
    nkaboutusgoi
    ngoutfordi
    nner
    ."
    "Thatsoundsokay.Am i
    n."say
    sThando.Whyt
    he
    helldoesitsoundl
    ikeRoseist
    heonecryi
    ngi
    nthe
    background.
    "Baby,wehav en'
    thadmuchtimetoget
    hereversi
    nce
    west art
    eddat i
    ngsowhataboutwetakecareofal
    l
    ourwor ktodaythenfr
    om t
    omorrowit'
    sjustmeand
    you."Isay.
    "
    That
    'sactuall
    yagoodideababy.Wedoneedsome
    t
    imetogetherinourownbubbl
    esookay.Iwi
    l
    lsee
    y
    oulaterbaby.Bye,
    "say
    sThando.
    "
    Bye.Il
    ovey
    ou,
    "Isaybef
    oreendi
    ngt
    hecal
    l
    .FuckI
    l
    ovethi
    swoman.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **

    "
    Sipho,
    sipho,
    sipho;ncancancanca.Howarey
    ou
    myman,"IsaytoSiphowhohasbeent i
    edt
    oan
    el
    ectr
    icchai
    r.TodayIwanttofi
    nishhi
    m.Ican'
    tri
    sk
    keepi
    nghim al
    iveanymoreorel
    sehewi l
    lki
    l
    lRose.I
    can'
    taff
    ordl
    osingheratall
    .
    "Nkosi j
    ustki llmeal r
    eadyman.Am t ir
    edoft his
    tortureandIsweart oGodi fIev ergetanot her
    chancet oescapeIwi l
    lkil
    lyoursi sterforsur esoj ust
    kil
    l meal readyman. "hesay slooki ngweakasf uck.
    Hehasbl oodcomi ngoutofhi smout handnose, hi
    s
    l
    ef teyei sswol lenandhewon' tst opshaki ng.Ihav e
    beenpour i
    nghi m wi t
    hcoldwat ert henshocki nghi m
    usingt heel ectri
    cal chai
    rformor et han2hour sand
    am enj oyingmaki nghi mfeel t
    hepai nbuti tjustain'
    t
    enough.If eel li
    kewhatam doi ngt ohimi sn'tenough
    sobef oreIki llhim, am goingtol etsomegayni gga
    fuckhi mr eal hard,getsomel adi est or apehi mt oo,
    chophi sdi ckof f,poursomeaci donhi sf eetand
    thenl astbutnotl easttakehisey esout .Iwantt o
    makehi mf eel thepai nhe'sbeenmaki ngmypoor
    sistergot hrough.
    "
    Guys.
    "Isayt
    omymen,
    signal
    i
    ngf
    ort
    hem t
    oleti
    n
    t
    hegayguys.
    "
    Gomakehi
    m weart
    hisl
    i
    nger
    ie.
    "Isaygi
    vi
    ngt
    hem a
    redbunnyl i
    ngerie.Theyalllookatmeandbur stout
    l
    aughi ng.Theyt akeSi phowho' snowcr yi
    ngandt ake
    himt ot heroom wher eshitisgoi ngtogodown.I
    don'tthinkIwantt oseehim get ti
    ngf uckedbyot her
    mensoImi ghtaswel lgotoBr endonwhoi str
    ying
    totrackdownt hatf oolwhot ookmywoman' spride.
    I
    fy out hinkSiphoi sbeingtorturedthenwai tandsee
    whatam goi ngtodot oBri
    an.Ial readyhaveal i
    st
    l
    aidoutespeci al
    lyforhim andhewi l
    llovei
    t.
    "
    Anyprogr
    essmyman."Isayappr
    oachi
    ngBr
    endon
    whoi
    sonhi sl
    apt
    op.
    "
    WellIfoundsomethingint
    erest
    ingboss.Seemsl i
    ke
    t
    hisBrianisMrMohlakuane'
    ssonandMr
    Mohlakuanewasfr
    iendswi t
    hRoger."saysBrendon.
    "
    Whoi
    sMrMohl
    akuaneboy
    ?"
    "
    HewasMrJones'senemy.Hewastheonewho
    t
    ri
    edt
    oki
    dnapMr sJonesandmarr
    yherinJamai
    ca.
    "
    "Ooohthati
    diot.Am sogl adIki
    ll
    edhim.Hewasa
    bastar
    dandf oolfortryi
    ngtochall
    engeMrJones.
    Peoplewarnedhi m butheneverli
    stenedandnowhe
    i
    ssixfeetunder."Isaychuckli
    ng.
    "Solooksli
    keBri
    anisi
    nMexico.Hest
    ayst
    her
    e
    boss."say
    sBrendon."
    Butboss,
    Iwoul
    dn'
    tmesswi
    th
    himifIwereyou.
    "
    "
    Andwhyi
    sthat
    ?"Iask.
    "Hewor kswi thJay denandBaca, MrJones' ssons.
    Andal soMussal i
    neandOt ari
    k.Whoaboss, leav e
    thi
    smanbecausehei sclearl
    ydeal i
    ngwi t
    ht he
    godfat her soft hebl ackmar ket."say sBr endon
    quicklyl oggingof ft hewebsi t
    ehewason.Br endon
    i
    sr i
    ght , Ihav ehear dofMussal ineandOt arikandI
    havet ol dmy selfthatIwoul dnev ereverwantt o
    crosst heirpat hs.Thosemenar edeadl yashel l
    ,I
    heardonet ime, theyl iter
    all
    yki l
    ledanenemyby
    spli
    ttinghi mi nhal fwi th2trainswhi chmov edi n
    opposi t edirectionsandt henaf terthat,theybur nt
    downt heschool wher etheper son' skidsschool ed
    whichki ll
    ed32000st udentspl ust heeducat or s.
    Theyt ookt heper son'swi feandshov edabombup
    herv agi naandf or cedhert opl anaf amilygat hering
    wher et hebombwoul dbeactiv atedandki l
    lall t
    he
    rel
    atives.
    "
    Youar
    eri
    ghtboy
    .Getr
    idoft
    hatl
    apt
    opnow
    becausethemi ghtseethatsomeonei sstal
    ki
    ng
    them andmakesur ethatyoukeepy oureyeson
    JaydenandBar ca.Ihaveafeel
    ingtheyareplanni
    ng
    somet hi
    ng.Those2hatedmesoam pr et
    tysur
    ethey
    will
    comeaf termesomet imesoon."
    "
    Okayboss.
    "say
    sBr
    endonst
    andi
    ngupwi
    thhi
    slap
    t
    opinhi
    shands.
    Isitdownont hechairthatBr endonwassi tti
    ngon
    andst artthinkinghard.Howdoest hisBrainguy
    knowt hesepeopl e?ShouldIgof orhim?Ipr obabl
    y
    shouldn'tbecausei tmightendupcr eati
    ngev en
    mor eissuesandt hat'
    st helastthingIwantr i
    ghtnow.
    It
    'salready16pm soIt hinkIshoul dgohomet omy
    wife.Ihopeshei shome.Bef oreleaving,Icheckon
    Siphowhoi sscr eaminghi slungsoutwhi lemymen
    diewithl aughter.Isweart heseguy sarehear tl
    ess
    Yhooooo.
    Igetint
    omycarthedriveoffhome.Icantwai tto
    seemyqueen.Honestly,
    am gl adthatshet
    oldme
    aboutther
    apestorybecuasenowIknowwher eI
    standwhenitcomestohav i
    ngsexwi t
    hher
    .Itkind
    ofbreaksmyhearttoknowt hatIcan'tl
    aymyhands
    onthatfooli
    shmanthough.Heisclear
    ly
    untouchabl
    eandIwouldn'tdar
    ecrossthel
    i
    ne.I
    guessIjusthav
    etof
    or getaboutBri
    an.
    Ifi
    nall
    ygethomet of i
    ndThandol ookingstunningas
    fuck.Shei sweari
    ngabl ackgli
    tt
    eri
    ngkneehi gh
    dresswhi chexposesherwhol ebackandherl egs.I
    thi
    nkIjustgotaboner .Iglanceatblackmelanin
    whoi sstandinginfrontoft hemirr
    orfixi
    ngherhair.
    HowwasIsooool ucky ?????
    "Youlookamazing,
    "Isayholdingherfr
    om theback,
    feel
    ingherbigassonme.ThedayIf i
    nal
    lygetto
    bangt hi
    sbody,am af
    rai
    dIwon' thav
    eanymer cyon
    i
    t.Ikisshercheekandsheturnsherwholebodyto
    l
    ookatme.
    "Gobathorel
    sewewil
    lendupnotgoi
    ngt
    othat
    date.
    "say
    sThandoper
    kingmyli
    ps.
    "Giv
    eme20mi nut
    estogetreadybaby.
    "Isay.Il
    et
    goofhert henheadtothebathroom.Honestl
    y
    though,howwasIsol uckyt
    ogetThandoasmy
    woman?God, Ineedanswer
    sbecuaset hatcr
    eati
    on
    ofyoursisglori
    ous.
    *
    ***
    ***
    **
    Wear r
    iveatarestaurantwhi
    chseemsqui tegood.I
    takemywoman' shandintominejusttomakesur e
    thatever
    ysinglepersoninhereknowst hatsheis
    withme,thewai t
    ershowsust oourtable,Ipul
    la
    chairf
    orherhighnessthensitdownt oo.
    "
    didIt
    ell
    youthaty
    oulookamazingtoni
    ght
    ?"Isay
    l
    ooki
    ngatThandowhoisblushi
    ng.Shel
    ookseven
    moregl
    ori
    ouswhensheblushes.
    "
    Yesyoudi
    d.Thisi
    sthe25t
    hti
    mey
    ouar
    esay
    ing
    t
    hat
    ."sher
    epl
    ies.
    "That'
    sprobabl
    ybecuasey ouar
    ebeauti
    ful
    .Isocan'
    t
    waittoshowy ouof ft
    otheworl
    dThando.Thewhole
    worldwil
    lknowt hatatyouaremyqueenandy ou
    deservetobetreatedli
    keaqueen.
    "Isayhol
    dingher
    hand.
    "OoohstopitNkosi.Wedi
    dn'
    tcomeher
    etomake
    peoplebl
    ush, wecameheret
    oeatnowcanwe
    pleaseor
    der."say
    sThando.
    "
    Okay
    .Iwi
    l
    lhav
    ewhatev
    ery
    ouar
    ehav
    ing.
    "
    "
    Oohr
    eal
    l
    y?"
    "Waitno, youwi l
    lmakemeeatv eggiessoy ouknow
    what ,
    Iwi ll
    or dermyownf ood."Isayremember i
    ng
    howt hisgirldoesn' tli
    keeating.Weor derourfood,
    wait24mi nuet sforitanditf i
    nall
    ygetsher e.We
    spendt heni ghttalking,tal
    kingandl aughingwhile
    peoplel ookatusasi fwear einsane.It'
    snow22pm
    andIt hinkit'
    st i
    mewehadbackhomet ospendev en
    moret imewi thmyboo.Iaskf orthebi l
    lfr
    om the
    waiter,Ipayt henThandoandIl eave.It'
    stimeforus
    tohav esomeper sonal t
    imet ogether.
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    THANDO'
    SPOV.
    Iwon'tli
    e,tonighthasbeenamazi ng.Nkosi won't
    stoppraisi
    ngmeandhowgor geousIl ook.Iwon'tli
    e,
    Idolookl i
    keagoddessi nmybl ackshi mmerLong-
    SleeveBody conDr ess.Ilookedsexyasf uckandI
    knowi t
    .Sonowwear eonourwayhomeandIhav e
    asurpri
    sef ormyman.Ev ersi
    nceIt oldhim about
    myl i
    tt
    letraumat i
    cst orylastnight
    , Ifeell
    ikeami l
    l
    ion
    bagshav ebeenl i
    ftedof fmyback.If eelsofreeandI
    feellikeIcanf i
    nall
    yletmymani nsotodayaf terI
    l
    ef tthehospi t
    al,
    Iboughtsomet hingspecialf or
    tonightandIaskedShani atomakeNkosi '
    sr oom
    l
    ooksuperr omanti
    caf t
    erNkosi andIl
    eav e.Shenow
    staysatmyapar tmentunt i
    lIcanf i
    ndthem aper fect
    homeandshei snol ongerNkosi'smaid.Sheneeds
    togobackt oschoolandIwi l
    lhelpheroutwi th
    every thing.Howev erIhaven'
    ttoldNkosi abouti t.I
    willdosot omorrowbecauset onighti
    t'
    sonl ymeand
    him......
    ...
    ..
    Wef i
    nal l
    ygethomeandIt ellNkosi t
    ost ay
    downst airswhi chheisagainstbutIconv i
    ncehimt o.
    Irusht ohi sr oom, l
    ockthedoor ,changei nt
    omy
    blackf ril
    ly,verymuchl acyteddylingerie.Am nota
    fanofheel sbutIwantt omaket hismanf eelspecial
    tonightsoIwi l
    lwearblackheelswi thahi ntofgold.I
    takeaf l
    uf fylongwhi t
    ecoatIboughtt odayandputi t
    onj ustt ocov erthesurpri
    se.Somemi ghtsayam
    beinghei stybutIloveNkosi andIbel i
    ev ehehas
    accept edmet hewayIam sowhyshoul dIkeepon
    delaying.It akeal ookatmy selfandIl ookamazi ng,
    am sogl adIhav elett
    hepastbet hepast ,i
    t'
    sti
    met o
    f
    orgi
    vemy
    sel
    fandl
    i
    vemyl
    i
    fenow.
    Sigh.
    ..
    .It'
    st i
    met oshowmymanwhathehasasked
    out.Iswitchof ft
    hebedr oom lighttomakesur ethat
    thecandl esallar
    oundt heroom showof ft
    heirli
    ght
    andheaddownst ai
    rs.Iwalkslowl ydownthestairs
    makingmywayt omyhunkybl ueey edman.Duet o
    myshoesmaki ngacl i
    ckingsoundont heglass
    stai
    rs,Nkosi l
    ooksbackonl ytofindmei nthewhi t
    e
    coatnotknowi ngwhat '
    sinstoref orhi
    m.Icontinue
    towalkt owardshi m ashest andsupf rom t
    hecouch
    andput sallhisfocusonme.
    "
    Thandowhy
    ..
    ..
    ."
    "Shhhhh.Justfol
    lowme. "Iseducti
    vel
    ysayasIt ake
    hishandandgent lypul
    lhimt otheroom.Itakemy
    ti
    met ogett ohi
    sr oom whil
    ewal ki
    ngli
    keam ona
    catwalkjusttogi
    vehim ahintofwhat '
    sabouttogo
    down.
    Wegettohi sroom, Isl
    owlytur
    nthedoornoband
    openit
    .IlookbackatNkosi whoi sbeyondsurpri
    sed,
    heisactual
    lystunnedbyallthescentedcandles
    whichareshini
    ngint heromanti
    ciseddarkroom
    whichhasr
    edrosepetal
    sever
    ywher
    e.Helooksat
    meashet r
    iest
    ofindanswer
    sinmyeyesbuthe
    can'
    tfi
    ndany.
    "Comein,"Isaywalkingintot
    heroom."andclose
    thedoorbehindyou."HedoesasIsayandwhenhe
    tur
    nstolookatmeagai n,hefi
    ndsmelayingonthe
    bedwithoutthefl
    uffycoat.

    "
    Am readyMrSi
    r.
    "Isayi
    nanar
    ousi
    ng,
    capt
    ivat
    ing
    v
    oice.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er15
    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    Igazeatt hebeautylayingonmybedi nal acysl


    eazy,
    seethroughblacklingerieasthetant
    ali
    zi
    ngscent
    fr
    om thecandl esfi
    ll
    smynose.It rysohar dtout
    tera
    wordbutmymi nddoesn'tal
    lowmet o.Ifeelmysel
    f
    growhar derandhar derbutItr
    ytohideit
    .No!Ican't
    fallf
    orthi
    s.Thandojustr
    ecentl
    ytoldmeabouther
    beingrapedsohowcanIj ustacceptthis.YesIwant
    her,Iwanttothr
    ustinherandjustfeelherunderme
    butIcan't
    .Ineedhertoproperl
    yheal f
    rom the
    traumasheexperienced.
    "
    Thandopleasegetdr
    essed.Ican'tcont
    rolmy
    sel
    f
    whi
    leyouareli
    kethat
    ."Isayl
    ookingaway .
    "Idon' twanty out ocont rolyourselfNkosi .Iwant
    yout ol osey ourselftonight."r
    epl i
    esThando.Ihear
    herf oot stepsappr oachmeandt henherhandsst ar
    t
    tor emov emyj acketf rom theback.Ihol dontoi t
    butThandol ayshersof tl
    ipsonmyneckwhi ch
    makesmeweakt omyl asttoe.Shemanagest o
    remov et hejacketasshecont i
    nuest okissmyneck.
    Shest andsonhert oesandwhi spers" takemeaway
    myZwi de,"andwi tht hat,Iam trulytakenaway .I
    slowl ytur ntolookatherandj ustlookatherey es
    whi char eshowi nghowsubmi ssiveandv ul
    nerabl
    e
    shehasbecome.Shet akesmyhandi ntoherhands
    andwal ksmet ot hebed, shestandsatt hefootof
    thebed, begi
    nst ounbut tonmyshi rtwhi l
    elooking
    straighti ntomyey es.Itakehol dofherhandsand
    l
    etoutasi
    gh.
    "ThandoIcan' t.Youhav etofullyheal f
    irst
    .Look,I
    knowy ouar e100%sur ethaty ouhav ehealedbut
    yout rul
    yhav en' tandIknowt hat .Pleasebaby ,can
    wej ustwai tunt "butam stoppedbyani mpr i
    ntofa
    ferventkiss.It rysohardtor esistbutmybodygi ves
    i
    n.Il etmyar mshol dontohercur vaceousent i
    cing
    bodyasshecont inuestounbut tonmyshi rt
    ,she
    mov esont or emov ingmybel tandmypant sslowly
    fal
    l t
    ot hegr ound.Ourt onguesent ertwinewitheach
    otherasweexchangeourpassi onat efeeli
    ngs
    throughourl i
    ps.Isl owl
    ylayheront hebedwi thout
    separ at
    ingourbodi es.

    Theai
    rhassuddenl
    ybecomesuperer
    oti
    c..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    THANDO'
    SPOV

    Webot
    hlayont
    hebednownakedj
    ustst
    ari
    ngas
    ourl i
    pst easeoneanot her, Idon' tevenknowhow
    andwhenmyl inger i
    egotr emov ed.Ourhandsf ondl
    e
    ourbodi esast heyf ulf
    illthepr urientinterest swear e
    bot hlongi ngf or.IfeelNkosi 'shandmov edownmy
    wai stunt i
    l hef i
    nallyreachesmynowsoaked
    witness.Il etoutsof tmoansashesl owl yr ubsmy
    spot ,hit
    tingal lther i
    ghtcor ners.Hest artst osl i
    de
    downwhi lel eav ingper ksofwetki ssesonev er
    y
    singlepar tofmybodyandt henIf eelhishotbr eat
    h
    beexhal edonmyspot .Her emov eshi sf i
    ngerashe
    replacesi twi thhi swar mt onguewhi chst rokesand
    l
    icksme, maki ngmeev enmor esoakedt hanI
    alreadyam.Am sogl adIl ethi mi n.Ashecont i
    nues
    tol i
    ckandsuckmehar d, Ifindmy sel
    fent eringa
    wor ldfil
    ledwi thpleasur abl einfatuati
    onwhi chIdon' t
    wantt oend.Imov emyhi psr oundandr oundnot
    want ingt hef eelingt oend; Nkosi li
    cksmef orthe
    l
    astt imeandcomebackupandsmasheshi s
    demandi ngl i
    psagai nstmi ne.Ihol dont ohi m
    knowi nghowst eamyt hi ngsar eaboutt oget .He
    separ ateshi sl i
    psf rom mi neandsay s" arey ousur e
    youar eready ?"Inodmyheady eswhi l
    esmi l
    ing.I
    hopeIwon' tendupr egr ett
    ingmydeci sion.
    Heki ssesmeagai nbutt histime, hedoessowi t
    hso
    muchdel icacy , hemov eshi shandt ohishardr ock
    selfandsl owl yt r
    iestoent erme.Ashar p
    uncomf ortablepai ntravelsupmybodyasNkosi
    cont i
    nuest oki ssme, notl ett
    ingmyl i
    psletoutasob.
    Idigmyshor tnai l
    sintohi m whi lemysobsj ustfade
    i
    nhi smout h.It rytopushhi m of fbuthewon' tletme
    goandaf t
    erwhatf eltli
    kehour sofbei nginpain, he
    fi
    nal l
    yget shi swar msel finsideme.Hest ays
    stationeryf orwhi l
    easheki ssesandbi t
    esmyl ower
    l
    ipt henhesl owl ystartstomov egr acefull
    y.My
    stomachf eel sl i
    kei t
    'saboutt oexplodewi t
    h
    butterfl
    iesast hi smanmakesmef eelthi
    ngsIhav e
    neverf eltbef ore.Hemov esandmov eshissappl e
    sweat ybodyonmeasIt rysohar dtocatchmy
    breat hbuti t'
    snextt oimpossi ble.
    "Il
    oveyouThando.Iloveyoumor ethanyoucoul d
    everi
    magine.
    "hesay swhil
    ekeepinghisey esonme.
    Iwanttosayitbackbutwhatam feeli
    ngrightnowi s
    tooamazingformetoopenmymout handsaya
    word.Ourbodiesmov ei
    nsy ncastheatmospher e
    becomesmor eandmor efiery
    .Wecont i
    nuet hi
    sfor
    somet imeunt ilwebot hr eachcl i
    max, shoutingeach
    other'
    snamesout .ThankGodt hismandoesntl i
    ve
    withany oneorel set hatper sonwoul dbr eakdown
    ourdoor .FunnyhowIst i
    llIcan' tgetenoughofhi m
    event houghIam t i
    redandsor edownt herebutI
    don'tcar e.Iwantt ofeelhim mov i
    ngagai n,Iwantt o
    digmynai l
    sintohi ssaltyski nagai nandIwantt o
    feelthatuncomf ortabl
    ypai nf ulyetamazi ngf eel
    ing
    again.Iwantt oachey etst i
    ll fi
    ndpl easure.Iwant
    himi nme, allthet i
    me, withhi sbodywei ghingmi ne
    down.Iwantt ol ookathi spl easur edf acewhi l
    ehis
    salt
    ysweatdr opsont ome.Ican' tbel i
    ev ethatam
    sayingt hisbutIt hinkNkosi hasj usti nventedameI
    havebeenr unni ngawayf rom f ory earsnowandI
    am lov i
    ngi t.Webot hstayst ati
    oner yaswet ryto
    catchourbr eat h, Nkosidoesn' tremov ehimsel ffrom
    mebutj ustst ay si nthere.
    "Pleasemar
    rymeandam ser
    iousThando.
    "hesay
    s
    brushingmyface.
    "
    Am notl
    eav
    ingyouforanythi
    ngoranyoneNkosi
    .
    Whatwehaveshar
    edrightnowhasproventhatf
    rom
    t
    odayonwar
    ds,weareone."Isay
    .Heleansinfor
    ki
    ss,teasesmylipswit
    hhis,bi
    tesmyl i
    pthenfi
    nall
    y
    ki
    ssesme.Inev erwanttoleav
    ethismanev er
    .He
    fi
    nal
    lygetsoffme,Il
    ayonhi schestandinamat t
    er
    ofsecondsIsli
    pofftolal
    aland.Thi
    snighthasjust
    markedanewchapt erofmyl i
    fe.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    Lastnightwasamaz ing.No, sayi
    ngi twasamazi ng
    i
    sanunder statement ,itwasmor et hanthat.
    Honestly,wedi dn'tsl eepbecausewepl easur ed
    eachot herallnightandam supert iredri
    ghtnowbut
    Ihavetowakeupandmakemymanbr eakfast.So
    si
    ncewepr omisedeachot hert hatwewon' tbe
    doinganywor ktoday ,therei sabsolutel
    ynoneedf or
    met ogooutorany thing.Itur ntolookatmyman
    whoi sst i
    l
    lfastasleepandIj ustlovethisvi
    ew.He
    l
    ookssopeacef ul
    , sov ul
    ner ableandsupersexy .I
    caref
    ullyremov ehi sar m whi chwashol dingmet he
    wholeni ghtandcar efullyputi tonthebed.Igetout
    ofbedandheadt ot hebat hroom t oshower .Ifeelso
    soredownt hereandi t'ssohar dformet owal k
    properl
    yYhooooo.Igeti nt heshowerandl ett he
    wat ercaressmybodyasIgetf lashbacksf r
    om l ast
    night.Asmi l
    ef indsi t
    swayt omyl i
    psasIwashmy
    body .Af t
    ershower i
    ngfor30mi nutes,Igetout ,
    l
    ot i
    onmy selfandgot othebedr oom.Nkosi isst il
    l
    sleeping, hemustber eallyti
    red.Iwal ktohiscl oset
    andt akeanov ersizedshi r
    tofhi sandweari twi thout
    puttingonanyunder wearorbr a.Ithenl eavet he
    room andgot ot heki t
    chent ogetbr eakfastready .
    SinceNkosi lov esmymi eliepapwi t
    hpeanutbut t
    er,I
    willmaket hatf orhim.Ist artcooki ngandi nl ess
    than50mi nutesam done.It akebot hmybr eakf ast
    andNkosi 'stot hebedr oom.Iopent hedoorandf ind
    hisnakedsel fst andingatt hewi ndow, watchingt he
    sunr ise.Yes, Iwokeupr eall
    year l
    y,l
    ike5:30am
    early.Mymot hertaughtmet hatawomanmust
    wakeupear lywhenev ershei swi t
    hhermansoast o
    makehi m breakf astbef orehewakesup.Ipl acet he
    breakf astont heal readymadebedandmakemy
    wayt ohim.Ihughi mf r
    om t hebackandki sshi m.
    "
    Goodmor
    ningmyqueen.
    "hesay
    shol
    dingmyhands.
    "
    Goodmorni
    ngyourhi
    ghness.
    "Ir
    epl
    ytohi
    m.He
    t
    urnst
    olookatmeandholdsmywaist
    .
    "
    Howdi
    dyousl
    eep?
    "
    "
    Isl
    eptl
    i
    keababymyki
    ngandy
    ou?
    "
    "
    Isl
    eptl
    i
    keaki
    ngt
    hatIam,
    "hesay
    ski
    ssi
    ngme.
    "
    Ibroughtyoubreakf
    ast
    ."Isaypull
    inghimtothebed.
    Webothsitther
    eandhav eourbreakfastwhi
    l
    e
    t
    alki
    ng.
    "
    Sobaby.Whatdoy
    ouwantt
    odot
    oday
    ?"asks
    Nkosi
    .
    "Ij
    ustwantt
    ostayindoor
    swi
    thy
    ouandmay
    behav
    e
    somemor efun.
    "Isay.
    "
    Ooohr
    eal
    l
    y?"
    "
    Yep.
    "
    "Wellthenam i n,"hesaysbeforestuff
    inghismout h
    withthemi eliepap.Wef i
    nishourbreakfastand
    Nkosi goest ohav ehisshowerasIgoback
    downst ai
    rst owasht hedishesandcookt heeeee
    breakfast.Afteram done,IcallNkosiwhoi sdone
    shower i
    ng, weeat ,wewasht hedishesandt hen
    fi
    nall
    ywepl easur eeachothersomemor e.That'
    sthe
    planfortoday ,arouseeachot herunt
    ilwegett i
    red
    andcan'tmoveanymore.I
    fTshi
    di'
    sJor
    dani
    sGr
    eat
    thenam afr
    aidtosaymymansbeaSuper
    God..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    *
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er16(
    sti
    l
    lunderedi
    ti
    ng)

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    Sowher edoIev enst ar t


    ?Okayl etmet r
    yto
    summar izehowev er
    yt hinghasbeenf orthepast2
    days,l
    ifehasbeenamazi nglymagi cal.ThandoandI
    havebeeni nthishouse, smashi ng, watchingmov i
    es
    andjustt alki
    ngaboutany thingandev eryt
    hing,wel
    l
    exceptformysecr ets.It hi nkIwil
    lholdont othose
    unti
    lam 100%sur et hatshewon' tleaveme.We
    haven'
    t,wel lIhaven'ttouchedmyphoneev ersi
    nce
    thatni
    ghtshedeci dedt ogi vemet heshockofmy
    l
    ife.
    ,Idon' tevenfeel l
    ikel ookingati tbecauseIknow
    thoseidiotsar eprobabl yl ookingfortheirbossbut
    am onv acat i
    onso.
    "Babycomel et'
    seat .
    "say sThandowhoi swearing
    MYf avorit
    eshirtandmyboxer s.Iswearthiswoman
    nowownsmycl oset,especiall
    ymyhoodi esbecause
    shenev erwearsthedr essesIboughtf orher.Istand
    upfrom thecouchheadi ngtothediningroom whi ch
    hasal r
    eadybeenset .IfIdon'tdiefr
    om eatingthenI
    don'tknowwhatIwi l
    ldiefrom becauseshef eeds
    mesomuchf oody etshedoesn' teveneat.Ieven
    feelli
    keifam notcareful,Imightendupwi t
    hapot
    bell
    yandmanboobs.
    "
    Thistastesamazi
    ngl
    ove.
    "Isaynoweati
    ng.She
    j
    ustlooksatmeandnodswithasmil
    e.Somethi
    ngi
    s
    wrong.
    "
    Baby
    ?"Isay
    .
    "
    Yes,
    "sher
    epl
    i
    es.
    "
    What'
    swr onganddon'tl
    ietome.Youareater
    ri
    ble
    l
    i
    arsojusttel
    lthet
    rut
    h."shelooksatmeknowi
    ng
    t
    hatam seri
    ousandshesighs.
    "
    Youwon'
    tgetof
    fendedr
    ight
    ?"
    "
    NoIwon'
    t.
    "It
    hink.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "Babywhoar
    eyou?
    "sheasksput
    ti
    ngherspoon
    down.Ummmmmmmmm.
    "
    Whatdoy
    oumeanbyt
    hat
    ?"Iaskact
    ingpuzzl
    ed.
    "Stopact ingasi fyoudon' tknowwhatam t alki
    ng
    about .Nkosi Iwon' tli
    e,youseem v eryshady , l
    i
    ke
    veryv eryshady .Somet hi ngj ustdoesn' taddup
    abouty ouandIhav ebeent ryingt ogeti tbutnot hi
    ng.
    Iconsi deredspy ingony oubutt henIdeci dednott o
    becauseIwanty out ot ellmey ourself.Whoar e
    you? "shesay slooki ngr i
    ghti nt omynakedsoul .It r
    y
    tohidemyf eel
    ingsbutmyey esal way sbecomeso
    vulnerablewhenev ershel ooksatme.Shoul dIt ell
    her?NoIcan' t.Ican'triskl osingher .OkayIwi l
    l just
    hav etot ell
    herhal fofthet ruthbutt her estcanj ust
    sucki tup.Iputmyspoondown, si
    pmywat ert hen
    clearmyt hroat.
    "Wellam abusi
    nessmanwhoownscompl exes,
    hospital
    sandotherbusi
    nesses,
    "Isaybef
    oretaki
    ng
    anothersipf
    rom mywater.
    "
    That
    'sal
    l
    ?"sheaskswi
    thoneel
    evat
    edey
    ebr
    ow.
    "
    Yesbabythat
    'sal
    l
    ."Isay
    .Isweart
    oGodIf
    eel
    li
    ke
    r
    unni
    ngri
    ghtnow.

    "
    Youar
    elyi
    ngNkosi.Tel
    lmet
    het
    rut
    h.Not
    hingbut
    t
    hewhol
    etrut
    h."shesay
    s.
    "Thandoam notlyi
    ngsocanwepl easeletthi
    sgo
    andeat."Isayt
    ryi
    ngt ol
    ookir
    ri
    tat
    ed.Iwantt otel
    l
    hereveryt
    hingbutIcan'
    tri
    ski
    t.Ij
    ustcan't
    .
    "Hmmm okaybutl etmewar nyounow.Ifyouar e
    l
    y i
    ngIwil
    l f
    indoutandififindoutfr
    om outsi
    der sor
    bymy sel
    fthenwewi ll
    definit
    elyhav
    eissues."Ikeep
    myey esonher ,
    wonderingwhatcouldhav esoldme
    out.I
    sitbecauseofthatcallsheeavesdr
    oppedon
    ordidsomeonesaysomet hingtoheraboutme?But
    nooneev enknowmeso?Ihav etomakesur ethat
    shedoesn'tfi
    ndanythi
    ng.
    "Nkosistopt
    hinki
    ngofideasonhowt okeepshit
    awayf r
    om me.Iwillf
    indoutshame.Ihaveli
    ter
    all
    y
    tol
    dy ouever
    ythi
    ngaboutmesoi twouldbef ai
    rif
    youdidthesame.Soi fyouarehi
    dingstuf
    fthenjust
    tel
    lmenowsot hatIcanknowwhoam deal i
    ngwi t
    h
    here."shesayslookingannoyedashel l.Ilookather
    andcont emplateonwhet herIshouldtellherornot.
    Okaycl ear
    lyl
    yingtoherisnoopt ion.Fuckam
    fucked.WellNkosi,heregoesy ourhappilyeveraft
    er.

    *
    ***
    ***
    **
    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Hestaresatmef ormorethan5minuteswhil
    e
    thi
    nki
    nghard.Hest andsupfr
    om hi
    sseatand
    comest osi
    tnexttome.Hesi ghst
    hentakesmy
    hand.
    "
    Youwon'
    tl
    eav
    emer
    ight
    ?"hesay
    s.
    "Iwi
    llonl
    yknowaf t
    eryouhavetoldme. "Isay.Some
    mightthi
    nkam bei nghar
    shonhi m allbecauseI
    wanthimt otellmebutIknowexact lywhoNkosi is.
    Yes,Iknow,Ijustwanthimtoconf i
    rmi tf
    orme.How
    didIfi
    ndouty ouask?Welllet
    'sjustsayIhave
    connecti
    ons.Mydadwasadr ugl ordandhehad
    peopleevery
    wher eandIknewt hosepeoplesoIj ust
    cont
    act
    edthem yest
    erdaywhenNkosi
    wasdead
    asl
    eepandaskedthem tohel
    pme.
    "
    Sigh.
    ..
    ..
    .Isel
    ldr
    ugs.
    "hesay
    slooki
    ngdown.
    "okayand?"Iaskwit
    haquizzi
    call
    ook.Hel
    ooksat
    meconf usedasfuckbutam wai
    ti
    ngformore
    answers.
    "Isel
    ldr
    ugsandwel lIki
    llpeopleifneededt o.Iused
    tobepar toft
    hehumant raffi
    cki
    ngbusi nessbutIleft
    i
    t2y ear
    sago.Andt hat'
    sall.ThandoImi ghtbepar t
    oftheblackmar ketbutIsweart oGodam notabad
    person.
    "Ilookathim andj ustsay"Ineversaidy oua
    badperson.Ijustaskedfort hetr
    uthandy oujust
    toldmesookay ."Isay.
    Itakeawaymyhandf r
    om hi sandst arteati
    ngmy
    food.Soy es,am cool wit
    hwhathet ol
    dme, am hurt
    thatIclear
    lydidn'tknowhi m anddi dn'
    tseet hatside
    ti
    lli
    twast oolatebecausewear ealreadyina
    rel
    ati
    onshipandIl oveNkosi .Onceupat i
    meI
    thoughthewasj ustanor dinarypersonwitha
    horri
    blelooki
    ngcarandat erri
    bletasteinclothi
    ng
    butIwast err
    iblywr ong.Irememberpr ayi
    ngf ora
    manl ikemyf at
    herandwel l
    ,Iguessmypr ayergot
    answer edeventhoughIdidn'twantthatmant obea
    drugdealerli
    kemyf atherbutwhatcanIdo.Iguess
    Godj ustdeci
    dedt ogivemeawhol epucktmetof
    chips.Am inl
    ovewi t
    hhim andasl ongashedoesn't
    hurtthepeopleIlovethenIcouldcareless.

    "
    Thandosoyouareokaywi
    thev
    ery
    thi
    ngIj
    ustt
    old
    y
    ou?"asksNkosi
    .
    "Yep.Iknewany
    way
    sIwasj
    ustwai
    ti
    ngf
    ory
    out
    obe
    openwi t
    hme."
    "
    Wai
    tyouknew?Forhowl
    ong?Andwhot
    oldy
    ou?
    "
    "Onequesti
    onatat imedar l
    ingandsorrytosaybutI
    don'
    tkissandtel
    l.Justknowt hatIdon'twantt osee
    orhearyourshi
    tany wherenearme.Nodr ugs,no
    deadbodiesorany t
    hingandIdopr ayt
    hatyour eal
    ly
    didst
    opt hehumant raf
    ficki
    ngbecauset hatsone
    thi
    ngam notcool wit
    h."Isayst uf
    fi
    ngfoodinmy
    mouth.Iseehisfacebeingr el
    ievedashest andsup
    andwalksbacktohi sseat.
    "
    Wow.Ican'
    tbel
    i
    evet
    his.Iguessy
    our
    eal
    l
    yar
    emy
    mat
    ch.
    "

    "Yeaasl ongast her


    ear enosecr etsbet weenus
    thenam cool .
    "Isay.Ican' tseem tohel pt hefeel
    ing
    thatthereisst il
    lmoret hatNkosi hadt ot ellmebut
    i
    t'snott herighttimeyet .Iguessi twil
    l allbe
    revealedast imegoesbutf ornow, atleastIknow
    whather eal
    lydoesandt hatheispar toft heblack
    mar ket.It
    'skindofdisappoi ntingbutIl ovehim andI
    don'twantt ol eavehi
    m ov ersuch.Mydaddi dall
    that,evenwor sebuthest i
    llshowedhi sf amilyso
    muchl ovesoam pr ayingt hatNkosi wi l
    ldot hesame.
    Wef ini
    shourf oodanddeci detojustgotothe
    bedroom andcuddl euntil
    Nkosi iscall
    edbyoneof
    hi
    sbodyguar dswhosay ssomeonewant stosee
    hi
    m out side.Atfi
    rstNkositel
    lstheguardtotel
    lthe
    persont oleavebutwhoev ert
    hatper soni
    sisn'
    t
    gi
    vingup.
    "BabyIwil
    lbeback.Ij
    usthavetogooutsi
    deto
    speaktowhoeverthatf
    oolis.Mxm,busydi
    srupt
    ing
    mybaev acat
    ion.
    "hesaysbef or
    egi
    vingmeaperk
    onmycheek.Hel eav esthehouseandgoest o
    attendt ot heper sonasIst ayi nbedandj ustday
    dream.Thesepast2day shav ebeenheav en.It
    's
    beennot hingbutsmashaf tersmashaf t
    ersmash.
    Wehav edonei talmosti nev eryroom i nt hisroom,
    especi allyi nt heki tchen.It'
    slikewecan' tkeepour
    handsof feachot herandi t
    'samazi ng.Ilov eit
    .And
    Nkosi hasbeeni nsistingonmeet ingmyf ami l
    y,he
    i
    sn' tev enpl anni ngongi v
    ingupanyt imesoonsowe
    arebot hgoi ngt oNor thwestNextweekFr iday.He
    willjustmeetmymot herandNol uthandoonl yf or
    now.Idon' twantmybr otherstomeethi mj usty et
    becauset heywi ll
    makehi slifealivinghel l.ThatI
    knowf oraf act .Am act uall
    ygl adthatt heyar en'tin
    Sout hAf ri
    ca.Oohandaboutt heShani ai
    ssue, Nkosi
    wasntsohappyabouti tatfir
    stbutwhenIt oldhi m
    thewhol est or yheendedupunder st andingbuthei s
    agai nstt hei deaoft hem stayingatmyapar tment
    andIdon' tgi veashi t.Theyar egoi ngt ost ayther e
    whet herhel ikesi tornot .Asmyt hought sr unfreein
    mymi nd, sleepst artst ocreepuponmet heni nno
    ti
    me, Ihav edr iftedof ftolalaland.
    *
    ***
    ***
    *

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    "Bozayami
    !!
    "saysShchev
    ewhenheseesme
    comingoutoft
    hehouse.Ooohwow,
    soit'
    shi
    m.
    "Uf
    unani
    Shcheve?(
    whatt
    oyouwant
    ?"Iask
    annoy
    edasfuck.
    "Iwasj
    ustchecki
    nguponyouBozabecausewe
    havebeentr
    yingt
    ocall
    youbutei
    sh.Youarev
    ery
    muchunreachabl
    e."
    "Am fi
    neShcheve.Thanky
    ouver
    ymuchf
    ort
    hecar
    e.
    Sosinceyouarehere,i
    sSi
    phodead?
    "
    "Notyetboss.Wearewait
    ingf
    oryout
    ocomeand
    cuthi
    smanhoodsi nceyousai
    dyouwantt
    oseehi
    m
    breat
    hehislastbr
    eath.
    "

    "
    Aii
    youguy
    scandoi
    t.AskDav
    idt
    odoi
    tsi
    ncehe
    l
    ov esplayingwi thbodypar ts.Hecanev ensel litto
    thosemut i peopl eandgetmoney .Thatmoneywi ll
    bey oursguy s."Isaynowt ur ni
    ngaway .Shchevt hen
    shout sshoBozaandl eaves.Inomor ecar eabout
    Siphoandseei nghi m die.Imean, Ihaveawhol e
    mel i
    ninqueeni nmyhousesoIwoul dratherf ocus
    onhert hant hatf ool.SoIam pl anningon
    i
    nt r
    oducingThandot oRose.It hinki t'
    sti
    met hey
    fi
    nallygott oknoweachot herandt hatwillbebef ore
    nextweekendsi nceam goi ngt oNor thWestwi th
    Thando.Am pr et t
    yexci t
    edbutner v ousatt hesame
    ti
    mebecauseIdon' tknowhowherf amil
    ywi l
    lreact.
    Whati ftheydon' tlikemeort heyst i
    llwantSbuand
    Thandot owor k?FuckInev erthoughtoft hat...
    ..
    ..
    OkayNkosi justr el
    axandbeposi tive,itwillal
    l wor k
    out.Sigh..
    ...
    ..
    ..
    .

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

    SABELO'
    SPOV.
    Sothingshav en'tbeenwor kingoutsowel lforme.
    Sanele'
    smom i sher eandwon' tstopscoul dingme,
    Thandoi sn'
    ttakingmycal l
    sandshei sn'tcomi ngt o
    work,myf atherwant smet obecr ownedki ngin1
    weekandwel lIhav el ostmychi l
    d.Appar entlyt
    he
    chi
    lddiedbecauseofsomeunknownr easonandmy
    famil
    ywon' tstopnaggi ngmebecauseoft his.You
    wouldswearam cur sedr i
    ghtnow, i
    t'
    sl i
    kepr oblem
    aft
    erproblem af terproblem andam j usttir
    ed.Ican' t
    dealanymor e.Ijustf eelli
    kehangi ngmy selfwhichI
    havetri
    edacoupl eoft i
    mesbutt henIt hinkof
    Thando.Youknowwhat ?Idon'tcaret hatshehasa
    mannow, Thandoi smi neandIwi l
    lmakehermi ne
    nomat terwhat ,notasasecondwi febutasmyf i
    rst
    andonlywi fe.Asf orSanel e,Iwil
    l fi
    ndawayt oget
    ri
    dofher .

    "Sabel
    o,"saysmymom sl
    owlyopeni
    ngmybedroom
    door.Inodforhert
    ocomeinsi
    deandshedoesso.
    Shesitsnexttomeandput
    sherhandonmycheek.
    "
    Howar
    eyoumyson?
    "
    "
    Am f
    inema.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .
    "Noyouar enotmyson.Tellmewhat'swrong?"she
    saysfol
    lowingmyey es.Il
    ookatherandjustsi
    gh.
    Shoul
    dIt el
    lher?MaybeIshould,
    am pret
    tysureshe
    mighthelpmeout .
    "Maam inlovewi
    thanot
    herwoman."Isay
    .My
    motherlooksatmeandsmiles.Whyi
    sshe
    smil
    ing ?

    "Iknowbutthat
    'snotthereasonyouar
    esosad.
    What '
    sthemainreasonyouaresadSabel
    o?"she
    saystakingmyhandintohers.
    "
    Wel
    lshei
    stakenbyanot
    hermanma,
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Isshemar
    ri
    edt
    othatper
    son?
    "
    "
    Nott
    hatam awar
    eof
    ..
    ..
    "
    "Thensheisnott hatman'spropert
    yjusty
    et.Not
    unti
    lshehasar ingonherf i
    nger.
    "saysmymot her.
    Eeeeeh,whocoul dhavethoughtthatmymot heri
    s
    suchasav age.Hehe Ican'
    tbeli
    evethi
    s.
    "
    ButwhataboutSanel
    e?"Iask.
    "Don'twor r
    yaboutt hat.Wenajustf ocusonget ti
    ng
    yourwoman, Iwil
    ltakecar eofSanel e.Ineverl
    iked
    herany waysbutsincey ourfat
    herl i
    keshersomuch,
    Ijusthadt oplayalongso"say smymom.Wel ldamn
    mom! !Inevethoughtt hatmymot hercouldbelike
    thisbutIloveitandshei sri
    ght,Ishouldgogetmy
    woman.Thandoi smi neandnott hatfool'
    swi f
    eor
    what ever.

    "
    Thanky
    oumom"Isayhuggi
    ngher
    .
    "
    Justmakesurey
    ourf
    atherknowsnot
    hingabout
    t
    his,
    "shesay
    s.
    "Knowsnothi
    ngaboutwhat
    ?"saysavoicethat
    soundsli
    kemydad.Webothlookatthedoor
    shockedbutwearemetbythefaceofLuanda.Thi
    s
    boysurel
    yscaredus.
    "Hayiwenayouscaredus.
    "say
    smymom hi
    tt
    ing
    Luandawithhershoe.
    "
    Ouchmama!
    "heshout
    swhi
    l
    elaughi
    ng.
    "
    Closethedoor,
    "IsaytoLuanda.Hedoesso,takes
    achairf
    rom t
    hecornerofmyr oom andcomestosit
    i
    nfrontofus.
    "
    Sowhatar
    ewepl
    anni
    ng?
    "say
    sLuanda.
    "Wel
    lmamaherewant
    smetogogetmywomanand
    shesai
    dIdon'
    thav
    etowor
    ryaboutSanel
    e."Isay
    wit
    hasmirk.
    "What?
    ?Ma?Kant iy
    ouar
    ethatwoman?
    "asks
    Luandashocked.
    "Whatwomany
    ouboy
    ?"say
    smymom hi
    tt
    ing
    Luanda.
    "
    Chi
    l
    lma,
    am j
    ustki
    ddi
    ng.Sowhat
    'st
    hepl
    an?
    "
    "Wehav en'
    tcomeupwi t
    honej ustyetbutwewi ll
    soon"say smymom " butfornow,let'
    sjustfocuson
    maki ngsur ethatSanelegetsbettersoonandaf ter
    thatwecanexecut etheplan.Howev er
    ,fi
    nd
    i
    nfor mationont hismant hatyourwomani s
    currentl
    ywi thsot hatwecanmakehi m disappear.
    "
    saysmymom.Inev ert
    houghtthatmymot hercould
    bethi spersonlikeev er
    .NowIl oveherev enmore.I
    guesst hereisst i
    l
    l hopeformeandmyHappl yever
    af
    ter
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Ijustwokeupandst i
    llf
    eelsleepy .I
    t'
    salreadynight
    andam al onei ntheroom.Shi t!Ididn'
    tcookdinner.I
    quicklyrushoutofbed, runningdownst airsonlyto
    besmackedr i
    ghtinmynosebyanamazi ngsmell
    comi ngfrom thekitchen.Iwalksl owly,
    maki ngsure
    thatNkosi doesn'thearme.It akehi sphonewhi chis
    ont hetable,standattheentranceandt akepictur
    es
    ofhim cooking.Iwi l
    laskmyf r
    iendt opaintapor t
    rai
    t
    ofthesepi ct
    ures.Asam hol dingNkosi '
    sphone, a
    messagenot if
    icati
    onpopsup.

    Bossheisdead.Wemut i
    lat
    edhim anddumpedhim
    atsomemi nedump.Andhismanhoodjustmadeus
    R30000.Seemslikei
    tcanmakesomegoodmut i.
    It
    rul
    yfel
    li
    nlov
    ewi
    thamonst
    er.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "Thandoam notcheat
    ingonyouift
    hat
    'swhaty
    ou
    arethi
    nki
    ng,
    "saysNkosi l
    ooki
    ngatme.
    "Iknowbaby.YouknowTshidi
    andIwouldki
    ll
    you
    so,"Isaywal
    kingt
    ohim andgi
    vinghi
    m hi
    sphone.
    "Soy oucutoffsomeone'
    smanhoodhey
    ?"Iask
    sarcasti
    cal
    ly.
    "Well
    thepersondeser
    vedit
    ,"hesaystaki
    ngthe
    phoneandplaci
    ngitonthecounter
    .Hepullsmei nt
    o
    ahungryki
    sswi t
    hhishandsonmyass.Ipul laway
    fr
    om theki
    ssandsay" r
    emindmenev ertocrossyou
    ever
    ."

    "Hahadon'
    tworr
    y.Ihavemyownway sofdeali
    ng
    withyoui
    fyouevercrossme,"hesay
    spressinghi
    s
    boneronme.Ismirkathim andhi
    thi
    schest.
    "What
    ?Am seri
    ous.Am j
    ustgoingtolockt
    he
    bedr
    oom doorandgiv
    eitt
    oy ourealhardt
    oapoi
    nt
    ofy ounotbeingabl
    etowalkf or3weeks.AndI
    won' tevengi
    veyouthebenefitofreachi
    ngcl
    i
    max.
    Every t
    imeyouareabouttoreachitIwould
    withdraw."hesaysr
    unninghishandsupanddown
    mybody .

    Il
    aughathi
    sstat
    ementandr emovehishandsf
    rom
    myassbuthegrabsi
    tagain.Hepicksmeupand
    pl
    acesmeonthecounterandthenlooksatme.
    "InfactIcanjustgiv
    eitt
    oy ounowforsleepi
    ngin
    theafter
    noonwhenwewer esupposedtospend
    ti
    met ogetherandformakingmecook,"hesays
    givi
    ngmesof tper
    ksonmyneck.
    "Hahauyahl
    anya(
    youarecr
    azy
    ).Letmego,
    "Isay
    play
    ful
    lypushi
    nghi
    m away.
    "Don'twor
    ry.Wesleepi nthesamebed.Iwi l
    lcat ch
    you."hesayslet
    ti
    ngmegoandat tendi
    ngtohispot s.
    Itakehisphone,unlockitandj ustgothr
    ought he
    pictur
    eswehav ebeent aking.Nowt hisri
    ghtherei s
    theeeebestcoupleIhav eeverseen.Wear esur elya
    powercoupleandt hat'
    saf act.ThedaySbudumped
    me,Inevert
    houghtthatIwouldevermeetsomeone
    el
    seyethereIam, si
    tt
    ingonacounterwhikemy
    manscooksdinnerforus.Iam sohappyandIdon'
    t
    wantthi
    shappinesstoend.
    Wef i
    nall
    yhav eourdinnerandj ustchill
    intheliv
    ing
    room unti
    l webot hfallasleepwhilewat chi
    nga
    mov i
    e.Am l aterwokenupbyaper konmyl i
    psashe
    l
    ay smeont hebed.Iputmyar msar oundhisneck
    andjustpull him cl
    osertome.It ongueki sshim as
    helaysont opofme, remov ingtheshirtam wear i
    ng
    thenmov esont ohisshirtandinamat terof
    secondswear ebothnaked.Wemakepassi onate
    l
    ov eforwhatf eelsli
    kehour swi t
    houtev enstopping
    atall
    untilwef i
    nall
    yreachheav enonear t
    handl ook
    ateachot herwi t
    hsweatdr i
    ppingfrom ourbodies.
    "YouknowthatIl
    ovey
    our
    ight
    ?"hesaysrunni
    nghi
    s
    handsupanddownmybody,asIsi
    tontopofhim.
    "Iknowbaby
    ."Isayki
    ssi
    nghi
    sabz,
    tast
    inghi
    ssal
    ty
    skin.
    "
    Andy
    oupr
    omi
    senev
    ert
    oleav
    emer
    ight
    ?"
    "
    Nkosi
    ifIwant
    edt
    oleav
    eyout
    henIcoul
    dhav
    e
    whenIfoundoutabouty
    ourl
    i
    ttl
    ebl
    ackmar
    ket
    secr
    et.
    "
    "IknowbutwhatImeant osayi
    s,t
    hisroadwil
    lbe
    fil
    l
    edwi thalotoft
    rial
    sandIwanty outopromise
    met haty ouwon'
    tleavebecauseyouaremysource
    ofstrengthThandoandl osi
    ngyouwill
    justki
    ll
    me."
    hesay s.Ibenddown,kisshisli
    psandjustl
    ayontop
    ofhim.
    "Nkosi
    Idon'twanttomakemakeanypr omisesbut
    all
    Icansayi sIwi
    l
    lsurel
    ytr
    ymyl ev
    elbestt
    ost ayby
    yoursi
    deandsuppor ty
    ouaslongasyoustayreal
    withme."Isay.
    Wel
    ayi
    nthatposi
    ti
    onunt
    ilsl
    eept
    akesov
    er.

    It
    smor ningandIdon' tfeell
    ikeget t
    ingoutofbedbut
    Ihavet o.Igetoutofbed, l
    eavingNkosi i
    nthereand
    headt otheshower .Iremovemycl othesandget
    underthef al
    li
    ngwar m waterbutt henIf eel
    a
    presencebehi ndme.It ur
    ntobemetbyNkosi 'shard
    body.Het akesmyt owelfr
    om myhandsandst ar
    ts
    bathingmeasIj uststandandl ethimt akeover.As
    thewat erwashesof fthebubblesonmybody , he
    start
    sl eav i
    ngsoftperksofhiskissesonmyback
    andt hennextt hingIknowi sam beingpushed
    againstt hewall,scr
    eami nghi
    sname.ThedayI
    l
    eav et hishouseam af rai
    dIwon'tbeabletowal k.
    Wef inal l
    ygetoutoft heshower ,
    getdressedandgo
    totheki t
    chentomakebr eakf
    ast.Wehav eour
    breakfastandIsuggestongoi ngt oseeShaniaand
    hersibl i
    ngswhi chNkosi wasagainstbutIwasabl e
    toper suadehim wi t
    hmymagi c.Ifyouknowy ou
    know .
    Wefi
    rstgot
    othemal
    l,
    buysomet oy
    s,gr
    oceri
    esand
    t
    hecl
    othest
    henwefi
    nall
    yleav
    eformyapart
    ment.
    Wegett hereinlessthan30mi nutesandmy
    apar
    tmenti supsidedown.Themomentweopent he
    door,
    allthekidscomer unni
    ngt ogivemeahug.
    Theyaren'tevenmaki ngwayf ormebuthey .Shani
    a
    comesr ushingtothelivi
    ngr oom andsmileswhen
    sheseesme, shewalkst omeandgi vesmeabig
    hugandki ssont hecheek.Shel ooksatNkosiand
    smil
    esathi m.Ihadt otall
    yforgott
    enabouthim.
    "
    Shaki
    sha,
    Ihav
    egi
    ft
    sfory
    ouguy
    sbutf
    ir
    stt
    ake
    thesegr
    oceri
    estothekit
    chenthenyoucancome
    backandtakethegif
    ts.
    "Theyallr
    ushfort
    hebags
    andruntothekit
    chen.
    Shaniatakesmostoft hebagsandput st hem inthe
    kit
    chenwhi leNkosi andi t
    akeourseat s.Ihonest l
    y
    missmyapar tmenty hoooooo.Ican'twai ttocome
    back.Shani acomesbackwi thjui
    ceonat r
    aywi t
    h
    cupcakesandpl acest hetrayonthecof feet abl
    e.I
    speakt oShania,askingherwhatshet hinksabout
    goingtoschool andt el
    li
    ngherabouthersi bli
    ngsin
    thehospi t
    alwhoseem t ober ecoveri
    ngv erywell
    .
    Afterspending3hour sthereanddeci dingonwhat
    thefuturewi l
    lbeli
    ke,Nkosi andIleavef orhishouse.
    Wegett her
    eandwebot htakeanap.Iwi l
    lwakeup
    l
    aterandcook.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    HeyGuys.Sorr
    yforlatepostbutschooli
    scurr
    entl
    y
    taki
    ngupallmyfreetimesoIhav en'
    thadmyfree
    ti
    me.Butanyways,therearepr
    obablyalotof
    spel
    li
    ngerr
    orsandandGr ammermi st
    akesbut
    pl
    easedon'
    twor
    ryaboutt
    hem.Iwi
    l
    lfi
    xev
    ery
    thi
    ng
    dur
    ingt
    heweekend.
    ..
    ..
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er17

    THANDO'
    SPOV

    Somyhol i
    dayisfi
    nall
    yover
    .Nkosi andInowhaveto
    popourbubbl e.I
    t'
    sMondayandi t
    'stimeformeto
    gobackhomebecauset omorrowam goingbackto
    work.Sigh..
    ..
    ..Nomorewakingupnextt omy
    possessive,monstr
    ousyetsweetandl ovi
    ng
    man...
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Igazeathi speacefulselfi
    nadmi rati
    onandmymi nd
    startstoshuf fl
    ethememor ieswehav eshar edi n
    thisv er
    ybedandi notherpar t
    soft hi
    shouse.Who
    coul dhav ethoughtthatIcouldf i
    ndmy selfsucha
    l
    ov ingman.Hei sallIcanthinkabout ,Ilovehi m so
    muchandam notscar edtosayi t.Yeshei sn'tan
    ordinarymanbutIdon' tcare.Ijustpr ayt hatthings
    don' teverchange,especial
    lyhim.Iwantust otellan
    i
    ncr ediblestoryoneday ,astorythatwi l
    lmake
    peoplegowowandt hatst
    orywillst
    artwithhowhe
    hitmycar.Iwil
    lneverfor
    getthatdayWoooooo.And
    tothi
    nkIusedtohat ehim..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .Yahneh, y
    oucan
    neverknowwhatl i
    fehasinstoreforyou.Iguesshe
    i
    smydest inyandthesoonerIacceptit,t
    hebet t
    er.
    ..
    ..

    "Apennyf oryourthoughts?Becauset hatsmil


    eon
    yourfacetell
    smet hatwhateveryouaret hi
    nki
    ng
    aboutisreall
    yamaz i
    ng."whispersNkosiwitha
    smil
    ewhi lehiseyesar eclosed.Ooohsohewas
    awaket hi
    swhol etime.
    "Am j
    ustthi
    nkingaboutyouandhowmucham goi ng
    tomissyou."Isay.Heimmedi atel
    yopenshi
    sey es,
    l
    ookingli
    kehei sreal
    i
    singsomet hi
    ng,hi
    ssmile
    fadesawayandt henhev i
    olentl
    ypull
    smeintohis
    arms.
    "Thandoy oucan'tl
    eave.Pleasedon'tl
    eav e,
    please
    pleasepleaseplease!!
    !"whimpersNkosi.Eeeeht hi
    s
    man. .
    ..
    ..Whydoeshehav etomakel eavingso
    diff
    icul
    t.NowIfeel l
    ikeshitbutIcan'
    tstay.
    "
    Nkosi
    Ihav
    etol
    eav
    esopl
    easest
    opmaki
    ngt
    his
    di
    ff
    icul
    t.
    "Isay
    .
    "Youdon'thavetol
    eaveyouknowy oucanj
    ustst
    ay
    here.Ihaveabsol
    utel
    yhavenoissuewit
    hit
    ."
    "ButIhav
    etoleav
    e.Am sor
    ry.
    "Isay.Hest
    arts
    snif
    fi
    ngandthenall
    ofasudden,l
    oudcri
    esfeelup
    theroom.
    "HauNkosimanst opacti
    nglikeababy.Whyar eyou
    acti
    ngasifam dyi
    ng.Am justgoingbacktomy
    apart
    mentthat'
    sall.
    "Isaypatti
    nghisback.Iswear
    thi
    smanisasof ti
    e,Imeanwhocr i
    esli
    kethis?
    ??!
    Haiman,Ifel
    li
    nlovewithacrybabywooooo.
    "Butbabywho'
    sgoi
    ngtocookmiel
    i
    epapf
    orme?Aii
    babyyouarest
    ayi
    ng.Youar
    en'
    tgoi
    ngany
    wher
    e."he
    sobs.
    "Babymandon' tdothateish.Am theonewhoi s
    supposedt obecryi
    ngnott heotherwayaround.
    Manup. .
    ..
    ."Isaytr
    yingtogetoutofbedbutt hi
    scry
    babyholdsont omewhi lesobbi
    ng.
    "Nkosimanletmego!!
    !!
    !Ei
    sh,okayf
    inef
    ineam not
    gett
    ingoutofbednowstoppull
    ingmeli
    kethat
    ."
    "
    Butar
    eyoust
    il
    ll
    eav
    ingt
    oday
    ?"
    "
    Yeaam st
    il
    ll
    eav
    ingt
    oday
    ."
    "
    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
    "
    SonowIhav eonequesti
    onforGod.Howcanhe
    creat
    esuchanint
    imidati
    ngpersonwhoisjusta
    softi
    einsi
    de,
    li
    keIam fai
    li
    ngtounder
    standthis.
    ..
    ..
    .
    "Okayokayfi
    neIwon' tleavenowstopi t
    ."Ishout
    coveri
    nghismout hwithmyhand.Hei mmedi at
    ely
    stopssobbi
    ngt hengivesmet hebiggestsmi l
    e.
    Ooohwow. ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .Ican'tdeal
    ,Ij
    ustyhoo.
    "Nowwear etalki
    ng.Comel et
    'sgobath."saysNkosi
    gett
    ingoutofbed.Isquintmyey esathim aswe
    walksaroundthebed,headingforthebathroom.I
    getoutofbed,fol
    lowhim andfindhimfill
    ingupthe
    tub.
    "Am goi
    ngt otakeashower
    ."Isayt
    aki
    ngof
    fmy
    nightcl
    othes.
    "
    Noy ounot
    .Youarebathi
    ngwi t
    hme,"st
    atesNkosi
    ,
    walki
    ngcl
    osert
    omet henyanksmet ohi
    m.He
    wrapshi
    sarmsall
    aroundme, nuzzl
    esmynosewith
    hissoftli
    psthenlur
    esmei ntoanibbl
    ekisswhich
    turnsintoatonguesuckingonei namat t
    erof
    seconds.Hishandsmov eupanddownmybut t
    nakedbodyashesl owlypushesmeagai nstt
    hewall.
    Assoonasam agai nstit,hepicksmeupandhe
    start
    st okneadmyspot .Islowlygetmanipul
    atedas
    thiseroti
    calr
    ubgetsmor eandmor e.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    "Wrapy ourlegsar oundmewoman! "heseduct i
    vel
    y
    hissesnowni bbl
    ingonmyl eftear.Iwrapmyl egs
    aroundhi m ashemov estomyneck, v
    iol
    ently
    suckingitwhi l
    ehi sfi
    ngerswor ktheirmagic.Asmy
    bodyt ensesupwhi l
    ehiswor kselici
    tasoftmoan
    fr
    om mypar tedlips,Nkosistops.Heput smedown,
    smi l
    esatmet henst ar
    tsundressinghimsel f
    .He
    walksawayf rom met henget sint
    ot hebubbly
    bathtub,helay sbackandj ustcloseshiseyes.
    SohereIam,nakedander oti
    cal
    lyarousedall
    becauseofNkosiwhohast hendecidednottofinish
    whathestar
    ted.Ist
    andstill
    whilelooki
    ngathim
    wit
    hsomuchangeri nme.Whot hehellst
    artssuch
    anddoesn'
    tfi
    nishit
    ?Itakeashampoobot t
    leont he
    si
    nk,thr
    owitathim andgetint
    ot heshower.Am not
    get
    ti
    ngi
    ntot
    hatbat
    htub.
    "Ouch!
    !!
    "hesquil
    es.Hel
    ooksbackatme,chuckl
    es
    thengetsoutoft
    hebathtub.Heopenst
    heshower
    doorandgetsin.
    "Whydidyoudot hat?
    "hesay s.Il
    ookawayf rom hi
    m,
    takemytowelandr ubsoaponi tbuthetakesthe
    towelf
    rom me,roughlypushesmeagai nstthewall
    andshoveshi
    msel ffrom behi
    ndmaki ngmel etouta
    l
    oudmoan.
    "I
    st hi
    swhyy ouhi
    tme? "hehissesint omyearwhi le
    roughlythrusti
    nginme.Itrytoholdont ohim buthe
    takesmyar msandt i
    esthem withthesoapyt owel
    ashecont inuestoram int
    ome.Hi sl efthandholds
    myneckasi fhewant stochokemej ustashi sri
    ght
    handni bbl
    esonmybr east
    s.Mymoansf i
    l
    lthe
    bathroom asNkosi showsnomer cy.NowIr egr
    et
    throwingthatbott
    le.
    "ShouldIstop?"heasksnotshowinganysi
    gnsof
    slowingdown.Inodmyheadno, t
    ryi
    ngsohardto
    freemyar msf r
    om thetowel
    .Hebeginstosuckon
    myneckwhi chhappenstobemyweaknessand
    remov eshimselff rom me.Her amsi ntomeov er
    andov eragainashi sgroansgetl ouderandl ouder
    untilIfeel awarm andt hi
    ckliquidwhi chbecomes
    coldandl essthickasi tmov esdownmyt highs.
    Nkosi tur
    nsmear oundsot hatIfacehi m and
    smasheshi sli
    psonmi nethenpul l
    saway .Hesl owly
    picksmeup, entersmesl owl yandbegi nstomov e
    extremel yslow.Iwr apmyl egsar oundhim, maki ng
    suret hatIdon'tf alldown.
    "Pleaseunt ieme! !
    "Isay .HedoessoandIwr apmy
    armsar oundhi sneck, l
    ookinghim str
    aightintheeye.
    Wecont inuelikethisforal ongti
    meast hewarm
    wat erfall
    ingonusst artstogetcold.Dowecar e?No,
    i
    nst eadwecont inuetil
    l webothreachcl i
    maxatt he
    samet i
    me.Webot hstepoutoft heshowerandget
    i
    nt othet ub.Wej ustlayi nther
    eformor ethanan1
    thenwef inall
    ygetout .Iguessthiswasj ustas
    goodby esmashev ent houghNkosi t
    hinksthatam
    staying.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    Ispentthedaycleani
    ngupNkosi '
    shouse.Idon'
    t
    wanttoleavethehouseinamess.Si nceShania
    won'tbeworki
    ngher eanymore,Imanagedtoget
    oneofmyf ami l
    y'
    smaidstocomeher e.Idon'
    ttrust
    anyofthoseothermaidsouttherebecausethey
    mightendupt aki
    ngmymansoIj ustaskedTshidit
    o
    bri
    ngoneofour shere.
    Themai dwil
    lgether
    etomor rowmor ningmeaning
    thatIwi
    llal
    sohavetoNkosi'sdinnerbefor
    eleavi
    ng
    whichIam almostdonewith.Iwalkupstai
    rsto
    Nkosi'
    sroom whereheis.Ifi
    ndhim standi
    ngbyt he
    windowwhileonacall.
    "Comeonmypumpki n,Iwouldnev erfor
    getyou.
    Okayonceyougetbett
    erIwi l
    lcomegety outhen
    youcanful
    l
    yrecoverwhileyouar eher
    e.Areyou
    happynow?Okaybaby,letmel eaveyoutorest.
    Goodbyemyrose,l
    ovey outoo...
    ..
    "

    Ist
    andbythedoor
    ,wonder
    ingwhohewast
    alki
    ngt
    o
    whenhecall
    smyname.
    "Yes,"Ianswertohiscal
    l
    .Hesignal
    sformetowalk
    tohi
    m whi chIdo,Ist
    andbehi
    ndhim andwai
    tfor
    himtoturnaround.
    "Af
    tercomingbackfr
    om Nor
    thWest
    ,Iwanty
    outo
    meetsomeoneextremel
    yimport
    ant
    ."say
    sNkosi
    as
    henowt ur
    nstome.
    "
    ooohokay
    .Whoi
    sthi
    sper
    son?
    "Iask.
    "Youwillknowoncey
    oumeettheper
    son.
    "says
    Nkosi.Inodmyheadyesandt
    henIrememberwhy
    am here.
    "Nkosi,i
    t'
    sti
    mef ormet ogo,it'
    salmostlat
    eandI
    knowoncei t
    'sdarkyouwi l
    lst
    ar tr
    efusi
    ngtodropme
    offatmyapar t
    ment .
    "Isay.Nkosilooksatme,
    confusedashellthensays"Ithoughtyousaidyou
    weren'tl
    eavi
    ngany more."
    "Ionl
    ysaidt
    hatt
    ogetoutofbed.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m
    shruggi
    ng.
    "Well
    nowy ouarentgoi
    nganywher
    eforsur
    e."he
    saystur
    ningbacktothewi
    ndow.
    "
    Iwi
    l
    lbewai
    ti
    ngf
    ory
    oudownst
    air
    s."Isayt
    urni
    ngt
    o
    thedoorbutNkosi
    hisses"
    Isai
    dyouar
    enotgoi
    ng
    anywhere.
    "

    Ichuckl eandl ookbackathi m." Nkosi am not


    aski ngy ou.Am tell
    ingy out hatam l eavi
    ngsopl ease,
    makei tquick.Iwillbedownst airs.Ohhandy our
    dinneri sont hestov e,
    "Iturnbackagai nandwal k
    out .Doest hisamnser i
    ouslyt hinkthathecanj ust
    comeher eandst artcontrolli
    ngme?Wel lt
    heni fhe
    thinkshecanj ustdot hat,hehasanot hert
    hing
    comi ng.Iwal kbackdownst airsanddeci detosi t
    andwat chTVwhi leam wai tingf orhim whot hen
    deci dest ocomeaf terawhol egood30mi nutes.He
    takeshi sMer cedescarkey st hatwer eont hecof f
    ee
    tableandwal kstot hegar age.It akemyhandbag
    andf ollowhi m.Wegeti ntot hecar ,dri
    veofftomy
    apar tmentwi thnowor dsaid, hedr opsmeof fthen
    j
    ustl eav es.Thismanhassomei ssueshehast o
    deal with.Hecan' talway sgetwhathewant shau.I
    am f inal l
    yhomey hoo.WhenIgett othedoorofmy
    apar tment ,Ir
    ingthebel landShani aopensf orme.I
    giveherahugt hengeti nside.
    "Wher earetheki
    ds?"Iask,f
    orgett
    ingthatshecan't
    replyme.Thi swi
    l
    lbeabi gprobl
    em.Ihav et olear
    n
    signlanguageandIhav etodosoqui ck.Itakethe
    pieceofpaperont hedini
    ngtableandwr it
    e

    "
    Wher
    ear
    etheki
    ds?
    "
    Sher
    epl
    i
    es.
    "AuntNer
    isat
    ookthem.Shesai
    dshewi
    l
    lbr
    ingt
    hem
    onWednesday."
    Oohokaywel lthatwill
    giveShani
    aandIenough
    ti
    met ofi
    xthingsbef or
    ethekidscomeback.Iwant
    alloft
    hem tobegoi ngtoschoolbynextweekbutas
    fornow,Ishouldinf
    or mthelandl
    ordthatIwi
    ll
    be
    stayi
    ngwithpeople.

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

    I
    tsTuesdayandam backt
    owor
    k.Si
    gh
    Butam ki
    ndofhappyt
    houghbecauseImi
    ssedt
    his
    place,especi
    all
    ymypat
    ient
    s.Oneofthem l
    iteral
    l
    y
    criedwhenshesawmebecauseappar ent
    ly,oneof
    thedoct or
    stol
    dhert
    hatIhadpassedon..
    ..
    ..Imagine.
    Ihaven'tseenSabeloatall
    andIwantt otal
    ktohim.
    Iwanttosor toutthi
    sfeudbet
    weenusbecausei t'
    s
    real
    lychil
    dish.Iwalktohi
    soff
    ice,knockonthedoor
    andhearsomeonesaycomei n.Islowlyopenthe
    door,peepingmyheadi nsi
    dehisoffi
    ce.Sabel
    o
    l
    ooksup, seesmeandhej umpsupf rom hi
    schai
    r
    rushi
    ngt ome.
    "Twinni
    e!!
    !!
    !!
    "heshout
    sashegi
    vesmeahug.Inf
    act
    heev encarri
    esmeandgi
    vesmepecksal
    lov
    ermy
    face.Imissedhi
    m somuch.
    "
    Imissedy
    out
    winni
    e,
    "say
    sSabel
    onotl
    ett
    inggoof
    me.
    "Imissedyoutoobutifyoudon'tletmegonowy ou
    mightendupnotseeingmeev eragainbecauseI
    can'
    tbreat
    henow. "hereal
    isesthathishugistoo
    ti
    ghtandlet'
    smego.Hegazesatmet hengi
    vesme
    ali
    ghthugagain..
    ..
    .Oookaywasi tthatbad.
    "
    Howar
    eyou?
    "say
    sSabel
    o.
    "
    Am f
    ineheyandy
    ou?
    "
    "Notsowel l.Mychi l
    di sdeadandSanel ehasbeen
    hospi t
    alized.Shei si nacoma. "hesay sshaki nghis
    head.If eelsosor ryf orhi m.Wewal kt oacouch
    whichi satt hel eftendoft heof fi
    ceandwesi tthere.
    Het ell
    smet hest oryonhi mf i
    ndinghi swi felayi
    ngi n
    apool ofbl oodl astweekwhenhecamebackf r
    om
    workandt hat '
    swhent hingsst art
    edgoi ngwr ong.I
    givehim ahugandj ustt ellhi
    mt opray .Si nceit'
    s
    almostl unch, wedeci det ospendi ttoget her
    becauseIhav eal ott ot ellhim.Whent hecl ockhi t
    l
    uncht i
    me, wepackupandgot oPapachi nos.We
    getat abl e, orderourf oodandt henIst arttell
    inghim
    aboutmynewr elationshi pbutsomet hingabouthi s
    energyi sj ustt elli
    ngmet ost op, i
    t'
    sl i
    ket hesmi l
    ehe
    i
    spul li
    ngr ightnowi sal l fakesoIst opanddeci deto
    tal
    kaboutShani aandt heki ds.Ourf oodf inall
    y
    arri
    vesandwest arteat ingwhi lehav i
    ngl i
    ght
    conv ersations.Wef inishourl unchandof fwego
    backt owor kwher eIf ind2smal lboxeswi t
    hanot e
    ont opofi tinmyof fice.It aket henot eandr eadit.
    Iwant edtotakeyououtf orlunchbutsinceyouwere
    outwi thyourbestf
    riend,IguessIwillseeyou
    tonight.Iwil
    lbeatyourplace.Ilov
    ey ouanddon't
    youev erforgett
    hatwhileyouar eoutwithyour
    fri
    end.
    NKOSI
    .

    Iputthenoteonmydesk, openthef i
    rstboxwhich
    hasaphone.Fi nall
    y!!
    !!
    !!
    !!
    !!It
    aket hesecondbox
    whichhaschocol ateandr i
    ghtnow, Ifeell
    iket
    he
    happi
    estbitchinthewor ld.Itakethebrandnew
    phone,checkitoutandhonest l
    yIloveit
    It
    saniPhoneXS.Am notaniPhonefanbutIgott
    o
    appr
    eciat
    eithey.Iputmynewphoneonthecharger
    ,
    putmychocolat
    ei nmybagandleav
    emyof fi
    ceto
    gocheckonRose.
    "
    Rose?"Ical
    loutasIopent
    hedoor
    .Shet
    urnst
    o
    l
    ookatthedoorandseesme.
    "Thando!Wher
    ehaveyoubeen?Imissedy
    ouso
    much."shesaysr
    adi
    antl
    y.Iwal
    ktoherbedandgiv
    e
    herahug.Sheseemsli
    kesheissl
    owlyget
    tingt
    here.
    Thegunwoundsonherf eetareshowingsome
    heal
    ingresul
    tsanditl
    ooksl i
    keshemightbeablet
    o
    walkbutitwi
    llt
    akesomet ime,herfr
    uctur
    edri
    bsare
    al
    sohealingandhercutsarenowgone.Am gladto
    seeherinthi
    sstat
    e.
    "Howareyoubaby
    ?"Isaybr
    ushi
    ngmypal
    m agai
    nst
    hercheek.
    "
    am get
    ti
    ngt
    her
    eandy
    ou?
    "
    "
    Am f
    inebaby.Am gl
    adt
    oseey
    ouf
    inal
    l
    y
    r
    ecov
    eri
    ng,"
    "Yeahey.SoonIwil
    lbeoutofher
    e."shesay
    s.I
    tki
    nd
    ofhurt
    sthoughthatIwon'
    tbeabletoseehert
    hat
    muchany more.
    "Takethatsadlooki
    ngexpressionoffyourface.Just
    becauseIsaidIwill
    beoutofher edoesn'tmeanwe
    willst
    opseeingeachother
    ."shesays.Igi v
    ehera
    smileandthenwest ar
    ttal
    kingaboutot herst
    uff.
    Rosehast rul
    ybecomeasist ertomeandIl oveit.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    Goodmorningguys soIdidn'tsl
    eep
    tr
    yingtomakesuret hatIpostt
    hischaptertoday
    andIdidi
    t y
    ippie.Butanyways,Ihopey ou
    guyshaveanamazi ngweekendandIt hinkam
    posti
    ngchapter18todayt oo
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er18

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    RightnowIf eel li
    keshi t
    ,Ifeel l
    ikecr yi
    ng, Ifeelli
    ke
    eati
    ngandIal sof eelli
    kejustsl eeping.Ihonest l
    y
    don'tknowwhat 'sgoingonbutwhat everitis,Ihave
    toseeadoct orbecauset hisisn'tnormal .Iwant ed
    totakeThandooutf orlunchbutherf uckingbest
    fr
    iendbeatmet oit,Ireal
    lyfeel li
    kehunt ingt hatguy
    downandki l
    linghi m becauseThandoi smywoman
    butThandowoul dkillmei fIl
    aidmyhandsonhi m.
    Sosi nceIcoul dn'
    thav elunchwi thher ,
    wewi llj
    ust
    havedi nneratherapar t
    ment .Iwi ll
    got her elaterto
    cookbutf ornowam onmywayt othewar ehouse.
    Appar entl
    yt herei
    sanemer gencysoy eah.Ifi
    nally
    arr
    ive, st
    epoutofmycarf eeli
    ngsickashel l
    .Ireall
    y
    needmybedr i
    ghtnowandt hebathroom.Ihav e
    beengoi ngt othebathroom si ncemorningnonst op
    j
    ustt opeeandi t'
    sannoyingt hefuckoutofme.

    "Shoguys."Isaygettingintothewarehouse.The
    guysalll
    ookatmeandask" bossareyouokay ?
    "I
    nodmyheady estothem andt akeaseatonthe
    couch.Ihonest l
    ydon'tfeelokay.Br
    endonwal ksout
    ofhiscomput erlabandl ooksatmeasi fther
    ei s
    somethingwr ong.
    "Aaaahboss,
    areyouokay
    ?"asksBr
    endon.Inodmy
    headyesandjustt
    ell
    himtotel
    lmewhat'
    swr ong.
    "Yesterday,If
    oundsomethi
    ngaboutBr
    ianandhi
    s
    rel
    ationshipwithy
    ourbr
    others,
    well
    socall
    ed
    brothers."
    "
    Whati
    sit
    ?"
    "Theyal
    lhavesomethi
    ngincommon.Theyhat
    eyou
    boss.Br
    ainknowsthatyouki
    ll
    edhi
    sfat
    herandas
    fortheot her2,
    youknowt hereason.Theyseem li
    ke
    theyarepl anni
    ngsomet hi
    ngbutIcan'tgettowhat
    theyarepl anni
    ngbecauseIi mmedi atel
    ygotblocked.
    Theyal mostt r
    acedmedownsoIhadt oshutdown
    mysy st em,"saysBr endon.Heshowsme
    somet hingonhi slaptopbutIhonest l
    ydon'tcare.
    Those3cangot ohel l
    , aslongasIdon'tmesswi th
    thei
    rot her2par t
    nerst henam f i
    ne.
    "Dontwor r
    yaboutt hem.Justmakesur ethatthe
    other2Mexi canpsy chosdon' tgeti nvolv
    edbecause
    therewil
    lbeawar .Andasf orther estofy ouguys,I
    want3mor eguy satThando' sapar tmentand2
    mor eatthehospi t
    al wher eRosei s.I fyouguy smess
    upt hesamewayy oudi dlasttime, Iwi l
    lki
    llyouand
    yourfamili
    esbecausei fam nothappyt hennoone
    can.Nothingmusthappent omy2queens.Ther est
    ofy ouguysmustj ustber eadyf orany thi
    ngbecause
    Brianandt hose2cunt smi ghtstri
    keatanymoment
    from now.Mor emenf r
    om t hetrainingcampwi l
    ljoi
    n
    youguy ssoon, "Isay .Brendonkeepsonst ar
    ri
    ngat
    meandi t'sannoy i
    ngt hehel loutofme.
    "
    What
    ?"Ishout
    .
    "Bossyoulookt
    err
    ibl
    e.Ithi
    nkyoushoul
    dgohome.
    "
    saysShchevwhojustpoppedupfr
    om nowher
    ewit
    h
    Sbu.
    "
    It
    'sbecausetodayhedi
    dn'
    tgetany
    ,that
    'swhyhe
    l
    ooksterr
    ibl
    e."say
    sSbuhit
    ti
    ngShchev'
    sshoul
    der
    .
    "Haaaaakant i
    that '
    swhyhewasi gnor
    ingourcal l
    s
    all
    thatti
    me?Ai ipussysurei spowerhey .Sotellus,
    howgoodwasshe? "saysshchev .Igi
    vehima
    deadlyeyeandhej ustlaughsal ongwithever
    y one.I
    l
    ookatev eryonei nthewar ehouseandj ustst
    andup
    andleave.Am notaboutt oenter t
    aint
    heirbul
    lshit.I
    dofeelsickany ways.Idon'tthinkIwil
    l beabl
    et ogo
    toThando' splace.
    WhenIgethome, Igostrai
    ghtint
    obedbutt henI
    feelli
    kepeei ng,
    soIgot othebathroom andIcome
    backt obedt henallofasuddenIf eell
    i
    keeating
    breadwi thpeanutbutterandnoodleswithsuperhot
    sauce.Igetoutofbedandgot othekit
    chen.Imake
    my selfthefoodsincemymai dsti
    lli
    sn'
    thereyetand
    Ieatal l
    ofi t
    .Ievenwentasf arasputti
    ngthe
    noodlesi nsi
    dethepeanutbut t
    ersandwich.Nowt hat
    am doneIcanf i
    nall
    ygot obedbutam st oppedbya
    feel
    ingofnausea.Okaywhatthehell
    ???Am never
    sicksowhat'
    sgoingontoday.Infactt
    hisal
    lstar
    ted
    yester
    day.
    Itakemycarkey sfr
    om mycount er
    ,calloneofmy
    guar dstodri
    vemet othedoctorandam of f
    .Igett
    o
    oneofmycl i
    nics,t
    heonethattheyknowt hatam
    theirbossandgost rai
    ghtt
    oMr sMohl akuane'
    s
    offi
    ce.Iopent hedoorandfi
    ndhersi t
    ti
    ngonher
    deskl ooki
    ngatsomepaperwor k.

    "Mamai am si
    ck."Isay
    .Mr sMohl
    akuaneisthe
    fami
    lydoctorandismor eofamotherf
    igur
    et ome
    soIcal
    lhermama.
    "Whati sitmyson?"sheasksper mitt
    ingmetoseat
    .
    Itakemyseatandt ellherevery
    thingIhave
    experiencingandt
    henshej ustl
    ooksatmeand
    smiles.
    "
    Myboyy oudidn'
    ttel
    lmey ouwer emarr
    iednow.
    "I
    l
    ookatherconfusedbyherstatement
    .Whatdoes
    marr
    iagehavetodowi tht
    hisandwhyisshesayi
    ng
    t
    hat
    .Am dy i
    nghere..
    ..
    ..
    .
    "Am notmarri
    ed,
    "Ir
    epl
    yt oher.Shelooksatmet hen
    says"wel
    lthenyoubet
    terstar
    tplanningtoget
    marri
    edbecauseyouclearl
    yhavecouv ade,
    "she
    says.
    "
    Whati
    sthat
    ?"
    "Welli
    nsi mplewor dswecal l
    itsympathetic
    pregnancy.Youar ebasical
    lyexperi
    encingpr egnant
    symptomsf oryourwi fe,si
    dechickorwhoev ershe
    maybe. "shesays.Mymi ndrunsbackt ohow
    ThandoandInev erandImeannev erbotheredt o
    useprotecti
    onwhenwehadsex.Noway !!
    !!!
    !!
    !This
    sonofaguni saboutt obecomeaf ather!!
    !Iam
    sooooohappy ,i
    nf actam nothappyam ov erthe
    moon.Nowt hatThandoi spregnantthereisnoway
    shecanl eaveme.Shei sst
    uckwi t
    hmef orli
    fe!!
    !!
    !!
    !
    Butwaitami nute..
    ...
    "Butmamawhyarethesymptomsshowingsoear
    ly.
    Imean,Ihadsexwi
    thherl
    ikeafewday
    sago."
    "Son,
    ittakes6t
    o10daysforaneggtobef
    ert
    il
    ized.
    Sometimes4or5thenaf
    terthat
    ,thesy
    mpt
    oms
    startt
    oshow."shesay spatt
    ingmyshoul der
    .Now
    thatIthi
    nkaboutit
    ,Ifir
    sthadsexwi thher6day s
    ago."sotel
    lme,isitthebeautif
    ulwomany ou
    broughtheret
    hatnightshoutingasify ouweregoing
    todieifshedi
    d?"sheaskssmi li
    ng.Ilookatherand
    nodmyheady eswithasmi l
    e.
    "
    Shewi
    l
    lbemywi
    fesoon.
    "
    "Hmmm Il
    iket
    hesoundoft
    hat
    .Il
    i
    keher
    .She
    seemsdowntoear
    th.
    "
    "
    Sheis.Am meeti
    ngherf
    ami
    l
    ythi
    sweekend.You
    wanttocomealong,
    "
    "Hmmm no, It
    agalongnextt
    ime.Okayenough
    abouther
    ,letmegiveyouaprescr
    ipt
    ionofpi
    ll
    sthat
    wil
    lmakey oufeel
    bett
    er"shesays.

    Nkosi,youareabossmyman.Nowt hatsheis
    pregnant,Ihavereasonst
    ofor cehertostaywit
    hme.
    OooooohIpr ayt
    hatit'
    sagir
    l,Iwouldlovetohavea
    babygirl.
    "Sodoct
    orhowsur
    ear
    eyouoft
    his?
    "Iaskst
    andi
    ng
    up.
    "Am 97%surebutl
    et'
    sgiveher2weeksthenaft
    er
    that
    ,wecandosomecheckupsonherbutwi thyou,
    am 100%thatyouhavecouvade.
    "shesayssi
    tt
    ing
    down.
    "
    SoIshoul
    dn'
    ttel
    lher
    ?"
    "Wel
    lyoucant el
    lherbutevenify
    oudon'
    t,
    shewi
    ll
    knowsinceyouhav i
    ngt hesympt
    oms.I
    fsher
    eal
    l
    yis
    adoctorthenshewillknow."
    "Ooohokay.Wel
    ll
    etmel eav
    ema.Ihavetogot
    oher
    housetocookdi
    nner
    ."Isaystandi
    ngup.
    "Heeeelookatyoubei
    nghermai
    d."shesay
    s
    clappi
    ngherhands.
    "
    Goodby
    ema!
    !"
    "Hahahaokaymyson.Oohandt
    ell
    mewhenRosei
    s
    dischar
    ged.
    "
    "Iwi
    ll
    ."Il
    eavethehospi
    talsti
    l
    lfeel
    i
    nglikeshi
    t.It
    hink
    Ishouldtel
    lThandoaboutthi
    s.Shedoesdeserveto
    knowaf t
    erall
    .
    Ifi
    rstgot othepharmacyt ogetmymedi cationthen
    tocheckerst obuygroceries.Whenam aboutt o
    l
    eav e,It
    hinkofShani aandThando.Thandodoesn' t
    knowsi gnlanguageandShani aontheot herhand
    can'tspeak.SoIdecidet obuyat abletf
    orShani a.
    Shewi ll
    usei ttocommuni catewithThandount il
    Thandol earnshowt ousesi gnlanguage.Ibuythe
    tabandam of ftoThando'splace.
    Igett
    hereandIunl
    ockthedoorsi
    nceIhav
    et he
    masterkeyt
    oeveryApart
    mentint
    hiscomplex.How
    youask?
    Iownit.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..WhenIopent hedoorIfi
    ndShania
    sl
    eepingont hecouch.Idon'
    tbothert
    owakeherup,
    i
    nsteadIgost r
    aighttotheki
    tchenandst
    artcooki
    ng.
    Sowhat '
    sfordinner?
    Hmmmm whataboutpapwi thoxtai
    l andcr eamy
    spinach.
    ..
    .thatsoundsgoodenough.Ist artcooking
    thedinnerandasam cooki ng,t
    hesmel lofthef ood
    j
    ustkeepsonget ti
    ngtomesoIdeci detol ookf ora
    bandanaandcov ermynoseandmout h.That '
    sso
    muchbet ter.Icar
    ryoncookingandShani af i
    nally
    wakesupandi mmedi at
    elyrunstotheki tchen.Ilook
    athershockedfaceandsmi l
    eatherwhiletendi
    ngto
    mypot s.Shethenst
    artsusi
    ngsignlanguagetotal
    k
    tomesi nceIunder
    standit
    .

    Am sorr
    yboss,Idi
    dn'
    theary
    oucomingi
    n.Am t
    rul
    y
    sorr
    y.YoucangositdownandIwi
    l
    lcarr
    yonwith
    thework.

    Iwalktot
    hel i
    vi
    ngroom t
    ogof etchhert
    abl
    et.Igi
    ve
    hert
    hesealedboxandshejustlooksatme
    conf
    used.
    "Openi
    t,
    "Isayusi
    ngsi
    gnl
    anguage.Sheslowl
    y
    openst
    heboxandwhenshedoes,shejustl
    ooksat
    me.
    "
    Ist
    hismi
    ne,
    "shesay
    sinsi
    gnl
    anguage.
    "Yesi
    tis.Youwi
    l
    lusethattocommunicat
    ewit
    h
    Thandoandanyothert
    hingyouwoul
    dwanttodo.
    "
    Shegazesatmewi
    tht
    ear
    sinherey
    esandshe
    rushest
    ohugme.
    "
    Thanky
    ouboss.
    "
    "don'
    tcallmet hatany more,youdon'twor kforme.
    Rathercallmeuncl esincey oucallThandoaunt .You
    cangocheckt het abletoutifyouwant .Iwi l
    l fi
    nish
    thewor kherebef oreThandocomes. "Isayt oher .
    Sher ushestot helivi
    ngr oom huggingt heboxwi t
    h
    thetabinside.Iwon' tli
    e,herhuggingmemademe
    feeli
    mpor tant.Iwonderhowi twoul dfeel being
    huggedbymyownchi l
    d.Sigh..
    ..
    ..
    .Ireallyprayt hat
    Thandoi spregnant ,Idon'tcarethatit'
    st ooear l
    y .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    It
    sfinal
    lyknockof
    fti
    meandam aboutt
    oleav
    ewhen
    am stoppedbySabel
    o.
    "
    Hey,mymom isi
    ntownforaf
    ewdaysandIwant
    t
    oint
    roducey
    outoher.
    "say
    sSabel
    o.
    "
    Ummm when?
    "
    "
    May
    bedur
    ingt
    heweekend.
    "
    "
    Eishsor
    rybutIcant
    .Ial
    readyhav
    epl
    ans.Nkosi
    and
    IaregoingtoNorthwesttomeetupwithmyf ami
    l
    y."
    Sabelo'
    sfaci
    alexpressi
    onimmediat
    elychangest
    o
    annoyedthenherollshi
    seyes.
    "andhe'
    sal r
    eadybei
    ngint
    roducedt
    othefam.
    Wow...
    ..
    ."hesays.Okayam f
    ail
    ingt
    ounderst
    and
    whatproblem Sabel
    ohasWithNkosi
    .Hedoesn'
    t
    evenknowhi m.
    "
    Sorr
    ybutIcantcancel
    thosepl
    ans.Maybenext
    t
    ime.
    "Isaytur
    ningawaybutSabel
    oviol
    entl
    ygrabs
    myarm.
    "
    OuchSabel
    oyouar
    ehur
    ti
    ngme.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.
    "Don'
    tImattert
    oyouany
    mor
    e!"hesay
    shar
    shl
    y.
    Eeeeehthi
    sguy.
    "Sabel
    oy oudobutasaf riend.Nkosiismyboy f
    riend
    soIprior
    iti
    zehi m more.Letmego! "Isay.Hel et
    'sgo
    ofmyhandandsay s"okayt hencool.
    "het urnsand
    walksaway ,leavi
    ngmeconf usedashell.IthinkI
    shouldstayawayf rom him.Ihav eaverybadf eeling
    abouthim.Ileav ethehospitalandheadhome.
    WhenIgett omyapar tmentdoor ,l
    uri
    ngsmel l
    sof
    foodtakeov ermysenses.Iopenmydoorandf ind
    Shani
    asi
    tt
    ingonthecouch,
    busyonat
    abl
    et.
    Ummmmm okay ?
    "
    heyShania,
    "Isaypatti
    nghershoulderSheturnsto
    meandwav esatmewi ththebiggestsmileev
    er.I
    waveatherbackthenpointatthetabl
    et.Shestar
    ts
    t
    ypi
    ngsomet hi
    ngoni tandgivesitt
    ome.
    Uncl
    eNkosi
    boughti
    tforme.
    It
    ypeoni
    tthengi
    vei
    ttoher
    .
    Hewasher
    e?
    Wel
    lhei
    sst
    il
    lher
    e.Hei
    scooki
    ngi
    ntheki
    tchen.
    Ooohokay
    .

    Igiveherthetabback,putmybagont hecouch,
    takeof fmyshoesandgot othekit
    chenwhereIfi
    nd
    Nkosi cooki
    ngwi t
    hearphonesonwhilecover
    inghi
    s
    mout handnosewi thabandana.Iwalki
    ntothe
    kit
    chenandj ustsi
    tonthecounter.
    Iwai
    tforhimtonot
    icemeandwhenhedoeshe
    smil
    es.Aaaaahmymancanfi
    nal
    lypr
    oper
    lysmi
    le.
    "Hel
    lobeaut
    if
    ul"say
    sNkosi
    notr
    emov
    ingt
    he
    bandana.
    "
    What
    'supwi
    tht
    hebandana?
    "
    "Ooohthef
    oodki
    ndofsmel
    l
    ster
    ri
    blesoy
    eah,
    "he
    says.
    "Buty
    ouarecookingyourfav
    ori
    tefoodNkosi
    so
    howcanitsmell
    terri
    ble?
    "Iaskconfused.
    "
    Iam al
    sofail
    i
    ngtounderst
    andbutanywayslet
    'snot
    f
    ocusonethat.
    "hesayswalki
    ngt ome.Herai
    ses
    t
    hebandanaoffhi
    sli
    ps,giv
    esmeaki ssonmyl i
    ps
    whi
    lesepar
    ati
    ngmylegsandst andsi
    nbetween
    t
    hem.
    "
    howi
    smycupcakedoi
    ng?
    "
    "
    Shei
    sfi
    neandhowi
    smyki
    ng?
    "
    "
    Am awesome.Imi
    ssedy
    ou"
    "
    yety
    esterdayyour
    efusedtogivemeakisswhen
    y
    ouwer edroppi
    ngmeof fher
    e."Isayr
    ubbi
    nghi
    s
    l
    owerli
    p.
    "
    BecauseIwasmadaty ou.Youref
    usedtost
    ayat
    myplaceandIwassuperangry
    ."hesays.
    "
    Hmmmm wel lthenam sor
    ryf
    orrefusi
    ngbutIhad
    t
    obecauseIknewthati
    fIhadstayedIwasn'
    tgoing
    t
    ogotowork."Isay.
    "Hmmmm t rue.Iwasgoingt
    olockallt
    hedoor
    s
    aroundt
    hehousej ustt
    omakesurey oudi
    dn'
    tl
    eave.
    "
    hesayskissi
    ngmyneck.Iswearrightnowam a
    fl
    ooddownt here.
    "Babysavethatf
    orl
    ater
    .Ri
    ghtnowam hungr
    y."Isay
    pushinghi
    m away.
    "Hmmm nothingisgoi
    ngt ohappenlat
    er.Youar
    e
    goingst
    rai
    ghttobedafterdi
    nnerbecausetomorr
    ow
    youaregoi
    ngt owork.
    "hesay snowlett
    ingmegot o
    tendtohi
    spots.
    "Wewill
    seeaboutt
    hatMrsi
    r.
    "Isayget
    ti
    ngof
    fthe
    count
    er.
    "
    Wher
    ecanIhel
    p?"
    "Don'
    tworryalmostdone.Justsetupt hetable.
    OoohandIf oundShaniaaschool.It'
    sareallygood
    schoolsoIjustwantedyourpermissi
    ononwhet herI
    shoul
    dgoaheadwi t
    htheadmi ssi
    onor .
    ..
    ..
    ."
    "Ooohyoucan.Thankyoubaby.Onechi
    l
    ddown,
    4
    moretogo."Isayt
    akingt
    hedishesfr
    om the
    cupboar
    d.
    IsetupthetablewiththehelpofShania,Nkosi
    bri
    ngsthecasser ol
    edisheswithfoodthengoes
    backtothekitchen.Hecomesbackwi t
    hapl at
    ewith
    apeanutbuttersandwichandnoodl esontheside.
    What-t
    he-f
    uck-is-
    thi
    s-man-about-
    to-
    eat?
    ShaniaandIlookateachot
    her
    ,lookathi
    m andl
    ook
    ateachotheragai
    n.
    "
    What
    ?"say
    sNkosi
    eat
    inghi
    sfood.
    "
    Whatar
    eyoueat
    ing?
    "Iask.
    "Food"hesay sshruggi
    ng.Aiil
    etmenotj
    udgehi
    m.
    Letmej usteathismagneficantt
    ast
    ingf
    ood.
    Wef i
    nisheat
    ing,Shani
    at akest
    hedishest
    othe
    ki
    tchenandputst hem inthedi
    shwasherwhi
    le
    NkosiandIsitandwat chTV.
    "
    Babyweneedtotal
    k."say
    sNkosi
    pul
    l
    ingmecl
    oser
    t
    ohim ont
    hecouch.
    "
    Whati
    sit
    ?"Iask.
    "Wewil
    ltal
    kabouti
    tassoonasShani
    agoest
    o
    sl
    eep.
    "
    "Babyi
    t'
    sthesamet
    hing.I
    t'
    snotl
    i
    keshecanhearus
    anyways.
    "Isay.
    "Let
    'sj
    ustwaitf
    orhertogosleep."saysNkosi.Inod
    myheady esandwaitforhert
    ogosl eepwhichshe
    doesassoonasshei sdonecleaningtheki
    tchen.
    "Okaynowtel
    lme.Whatisi
    t?"Isayl
    ayi
    ngmyhead
    onhisthi
    ghswhi
    lef
    acinghi
    m.
    "It
    hinky
    ouarepregnant
    ."say
    sNkosi
    ,l
    ooki
    ng
    seri
    ousashel
    l.
    "
    What!!
    !!
    !Ican'
    tbepregnant
    .IfIwasam pr
    ett
    ysureI
    woul
    dhav ebeenthefi
    rstt
    oknowandit'
    stooearl
    y
    t
    oknowt hat.
    "Isayshaki
    ngmyhead.
    "Wellthat
    'st
    hethi
    ng.Lat
    elyIhavebeenfeel
    ingsi
    ck
    andtodayIwenttoseemydoct orandshetoldme
    thatIhavecouv
    ade."hesaysbrushi
    ngmyar m.
    Asam abouttosayt
    herei
    snoway,Irememberhow
    NkosiandIhadrawsexandt
    hatIdon'tt
    akepi
    l
    ls.
    Oooohshit
    !!
    !!
    "Ooohnonono.Ican'tbepr egnant
    .Nooooo!"Isay
    rai
    singmywhol ebodyfr
    om t hecouch.Nkosil
    ooks
    atmeconf usedthensay
    s" whatdoy oumeanno
    Thando.Yououtputofallpeopleshouldbehappy.
    "
    "Wellam j
    ustoverwhel
    med, Imeanit'
    swayt
    ooearl
    y
    forsuch.Whatwi l
    lmyfami l
    ythi
    nk?Mybrot
    herswil
    l
    kil
    lme...
    ..
    ..
    .Ooooohno."Isaycover
    ingmyeyeswit
    h
    mypal ms.
    "Thandoyouar eagrownwoman.St
    opact
    ingl
    i
    kea
    12y earol
    d."saysNkosi
    .
    "
    Nkosi mymom isagai
    nstpregnancybef
    ore
    marr
    iage.Soar
    emybr ot
    hers.Mybr ot
    her
    swill
    chow
    youali
    veNkosi "

    "Thandoifyouhavenot
    hingposi
    ti
    vet
    osayt
    henj
    ust
    shutup."saysNkosi
    .
    "Okaymay beyoudon'thavecouvade.May beam not
    pregnant
    ."Isay.Am honest
    lypanickingbecauseI
    recent
    lyj
    ustgotint
    ot hi
    srelat
    ionshipthenalr
    eady
    am pr
    egnant
    .Whydi
    dn'tiusepr
    otect
    ion?Nkosi
    l
    ooksatmeasifam i
    nsanethem j
    uststandsup.
    "It
    hinkam j
    ustgoi
    ngt
    ogo."
    "Why
    ?"
    "BecauseIdon'
    twanttobeher
    eorelseImi
    ghtjust
    endupki l
    l
    ingyouwit
    hmyhands."hesayst
    aki
    nghis
    carkeys.
    "ComeonNkosi.Okayam sor
    ryf
    orsay
    ingall
    that
    i
    t'sj
    ustt
    hatam over
    whel
    medandIdon'tknowhowI
    shoul
    dreact
    ."
    "Wellhowabouty oustopactinglikea12y earol d
    pregnantgi rlandactlikea24y earoldThando.I
    wouldr eallyappreci
    atet hat
    .LookThando, Iknow
    yourfami lywi l
    lbepissedandal lbutit
    'snotlikeam
    goingt oleavey ouorany thi
    ng.Iam planningon
    mar r
    yingy ouany way ssostoppani cki
    ng."say s
    Nkosi kneelingnexttome.
    "
    okayam r
    eal
    l
    ysor
    ry.
    "Isayhol
    dinghi
    shand.
    MaybeIam pr
    egnantbecausel
    astnightIr
    eal
    ised
    t
    hatmyundiehadastainbutam st
    il
    l f
    arfr
    om my
    menstruat
    ingdaysandIhav ebeenget t
    ingcr
    amps.
    AsforNkosi,heisexperi
    enci
    ngcouv adewaaaayto
    ear
    lybecauseitusuall
    ystar
    tsshowingaf t
    erweeks
    andithasn'
    tbeenaweek.
    Nkosisi
    tsont hecouchandwr apshisarmsar ound
    me."babyIpromiseIwill
    takecareofy ouandt he
    babysost opworry
    ing.AsforyourfamilyIwil
    ltake
    careofthem."hesays.Hekissesmyf orehead
    anfdt
    henhugsmesupert i
    ghtl
    y.Inodmyheady es
    towhathesai dandustpraythatever
    ythingwillbe
    okay.
    "Mydoct orsai
    dwecangochecki fyouarereal
    l
    y
    pregnantaft
    er2weeks.Fornow, let'
    sjustkeepi
    t
    betweenus.Don'ttel
    lanyoneokay ?"saysNkosi
    .I
    nodmyheadandj uststaysi
    lent
    .
    "
    Ilov
    eyouanddon'
    tyouf
    orgett
    hat
    ."hesay
    s.
    "
    Ilov
    eyoumor
    e.Cany
    oupl
    easesl
    eepov
    er?
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Yeasur
    e."

    Whyi
    sev
    ery
    thi
    nghappeni
    ngsof
    ast
    ?Iam notr
    eady
    f
    orthi
    satall
    butli
    keIsaidt
    hatni
    ghtIgavemyall
    to
    Nkosi
    ,i
    twasthebegi
    nningofanewchapterofmy
    l
    if
    e.Am j
    ustpray
    ingt
    hatthi
    ngsdon'
    tchange.

    *
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er19.
    THANDO'
    SPOV

    Soguesswhat ?It
    'sal
    readyFridayandam si tti
    ng
    withmymanwhoi scurrentl
    yeatingt hemost
    disgusti
    ngbreakfastever;eggsandwi chwith
    tomat osaucepeanutbut t
    er,l
    ikethismanhasbeen
    eatingeveryt
    hingwithpeanutbutterandIt hankt he
    LordGodt hathemadehi m gothroughal lt
    his,not
    me.Howev er
    ,am theonewhoi sget t
    ingthemor ning
    sicknessandt hecramps.Mxm. ..
    ...
    ..
    ..Therereall
    yis
    nodoubtt hatam pregnantshamebecausewear e
    bothcurrentl
    ygoingthroughhell.

    "
    Sowhatt
    imear
    ewel
    eav
    ing?
    "IaskNkosi
    .
    "
    Around7pm butwehav
    etobeatt
    heair
    portat5pm
    f
    orcheckin.
    "hesay
    seati
    ngt
    hedayli
    ghtoutofhi
    s
    f
    ood.
    "
    Ooohokay
    .Iwi
    l
    laski
    fIcanl
    eav
    eear
    lyatwor
    k."
    "
    Don'
    twor
    ryaboutt
    hat
    .Iwi
    l
    ltal
    ktoy
    ourboss.
    "
    "Oohokay .Comel et
    'sgoIhav etogonow. "Isay
    grabbingmybagf r
    om t hehi ghchairnexttome.
    Nkosi takeshi sdisgustingsandwi ch,hiscarkeys
    andl eavest heapar t
    ment .Iwal ktoShania'
    sroom to
    i
    nf orm herthatwear eleav ing.Iwant edhertocome
    alongwi thust oNorthwestbutshesai dshewi l
    ldo
    sonextt i
    me.OohandIf i
    nal lyf
    oundShani aandher
    sibli
    ngsschool stogot o.Il eavemyapar t
    mentt hen
    j
    oi nNkosi .Sincethereisapossi bi
    li
    tyofmebei ng
    pregnant ,am nomor eal l
    owedt odr i
    ve
    i
    maaaagi ne.Hei sev enf orbiddingmef rom going
    outf orlunch.Am supposedt ocallhim wheneverI
    wantsomet hingthenhewi ll br
    ingit
    .Butam not
    takinganyoft hatshit.Iwi l
    l dri
    veifIwantto.
    Igett
    owork,saymygoodbyestoNkosi
    andam off
    tomyfav
    orit
    ejob,bei
    ngadoctor
    .If
    ir
    stcheckupon
    Rosewhoisr ecoveri
    ngsoooowellandthenIcheck
    uponShania's2sibli
    ngswhoar eal
    sorecover
    ing
    qui
    tewell
    .Iwi l
    lbetakingt
    hem homewi t
    hme
    someti
    menextweek.Igot omyof f
    icewhereIfi
    nda
    noteonmyt ablewhichsays
    Am sor r
    yfordoingwhatIdidonTuesday .Iov
    er
    reacted.Am j
    ustgoingthroughal otr
    ightnow.Am
    real
    lysorry
    .Letsgooutf orlunch.Iwi
    llbewaiti
    ngf
    or
    youatt heparki
    nglot.
    It
    sobv iousl
    yfrom Sabel
    o.Ihavebeenav oi
    dinghim
    eversincethatinci
    dentbutIguessIcan'
    tavoidhim
    forever
    .Hei sgoingthr
    oughal otsoIguessImust
    trytounderstandwhereheiscomi ngfr
    om.It akemy
    phonef rom mybagandt exthi
    m okay.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    Timetodayi
    ssurel
    ymov i
    ngfast
    ;It
    akemyphone
    andpursefr
    om mybagandIleavet
    hebag.Iheadt
    o
    thepar
    kingl
    otwhereIf
    indSabel
    owaiti
    ngf
    orme.
    "
    Hel
    lother
    ebeauti
    ful
    "hesay
    sgi
    vingmeahugwhich
    i
    swaaaaytot
    ightandki
    ndofov
    erthef
    ri
    endzone
    l
    ine.Iqui
    cklyletgoofhi
    m andj ustgreethi
    m back.
    Heopenst hecardoorforme, Isitandhewalksto
    thedri
    ver
    'sside.Hegetsinsidethenwedr i
    veoffto
    JohnDory'
    s.Wegett here,getatableandorderfood.
    "
    Sobest
    yhowi
    syourwi
    fe?
    "Iaskgi
    vi
    ngt
    hewai
    ter
    t
    hemenu.
    "
    Sheissti
    lli
    nacomabutlet
    '
    snottal
    kabouther
    r
    ightnow.Howarey
    ou?"saysSabel
    o.
    "Am okayheyj
    ustgoi
    ngt
    hroughal
    otr
    ightnow.
    "I
    say.
    "
    Alot
    ?"
    "
    Yep,
    "
    "
    andt
    hati
    s?"
    "Iam pregnant
    ."IseeSabel
    o'sfaceturnredasifhe
    i
    saboutt oburstbuthedoesn't
    .Hej uststair
    satme,
    sendingchil
    lsdownmyspi neandsay s" alr
    eady?"i
    n
    av erydeepvoi
    ce.Thando,st
    andupandr unasfast
    asy oucan.Whoev eri
    ssit
    ti
    nginf r
    ontofy ouisnot
    Sabelo.
    "
    Iknowhey
    .Atf
    ir
    stIt
    houghti
    twaspr
    obabl
    yal
    i
    e
    whenmyboy fri
    endt oldmet hathehascuov adebut
    hey.Am ki
    ndofhappyt hough."Isay.Sabelokeeps
    hi
    sey escl
    osedf oralongasst imet henopenst hem
    andjustl
    ooksatme.Hef or
    cesaf akesmi leand
    saysam happyfory ou.Ourfoodf i
    nallycomesand
    asam abouttost ar
    teating,anunexpect edvisi
    tor
    j
    oinsus.Hekissesmycheek, greetsSabelot hen
    cal
    lsawaiter
    .Ijustlookathi m,shortofwor ds.
    "Sowhatarewet alki
    ngabout?"saysNkosi t
    akinga
    sipfrom myjuice.Sabel
    oandIj ustl
    ookathi m andI
    say"aren'
    tyousupposedt obeatwor k,"andhe
    repl
    ies"weren'tyousupposedtocallmeandt el
    lme
    thatyouwant edJohnDor y'
    sfoodsot hatIcould
    bri
    ngi tt
    oyou? "Icl
    earmyt hr
    oatandjustt ur
    nt o
    Sabelo.
    "Ummm Sabel o,IguessIwil
    l seeyouatwor
    k.Let
    meleavewitht hi
    sidiotofmine."Ist
    andupfr
    om my
    chai
    r,pul
    lNkosi offt
    hechairhewassi t
    ti
    ngonand
    l
    eavetherestaurant.
    "
    Hau,
    andt
    hen?
    "
    "
    Hai
    let
    'sgo.
    "Nkosi
    star
    tsl
    aughi
    ngandt
    henpul
    l
    s
    hishandfrom mine.Heput sitaroundmyshoulder
    andkissesmyf orehead."Youbetterst
    artget
    ti
    ng
    usedtomecr ushingy ourpar
    tieswitht
    hatfri
    endof
    yours.
    "hesarcastical
    l
    ysay s.
    "
    Aii
    Voetsek."helaughsal
    lthewaytothecar
    ,opens
    t
    hedoorformet henwedr i
    veofft
    omywor kplace.
    Wegetthereandj ustgot
    omyof f
    ice.
    "
    Shoul
    dIordersomethi
    ngf
    ory
    ou?
    "heaskscl
    osi
    ng
    t
    heoff
    icedoorbehi
    ndhim.
    "
    Hmmm nop.Il
    ostmyappet
    it
    e."
    "Ooohokayt
    henIguessIwi
    l
    ljustor
    derf
    oodf
    ormy
    chil
    d."
    Ij
    ustlookathim andr
    oll
    myey esbecauseIwon't
    fi
    ghtwithhi
    m.IsitonmydeskasNkosi order
    sf ood
    andwhenhei sdonehewalkstomydeskandpi cks
    upthenotethatSabel
    owrote.Hereadsitt
    henlooks
    atme.
    "Whatdi
    dhedo?
    "
    "Not
    hingser
    ious.
    "
    "
    Idi
    dn'
    taski
    fitwasser
    iousornot
    ."
    "
    Nkosi
    hedi
    dn'
    tdoany
    thi
    ngba.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."
    "
    Stayawayf
    rom hi
    m."hesay
    s.
    "
    Why
    ?"
    "
    BecauseIsai
    dso.
    "
    "
    Don'
    ttel
    lmewhatt
    od,
    "
    "ThandoSTAYAWAYFROM HI M FROM TODAY
    ONWARDS.I fIfindy ouany wherenearhi m,Iwi l
    lki
    ll
    him andam notj oking. "IlookatNkosi'stensed
    i
    ntimidati
    ngf aceandIdon' tevendaretoopenmy
    mout h.Nowt hisr i
    ghther ei st
    heNkosi Iwoul dnev er
    wantt omesswi th.Het akesmyphoneandasksme
    Sabelo'sname.It ellhimt henhedoessomet hingon
    myphoneandgi vesi tbackt ome.Nkosi l
    egitjust
    switchedfrom thesof tNkosi Idisr
    espectev eryday
    toaNkosi Iwoul dnev erinmyr i
    ghtsensesf uckwith.
    Remi ndmenott oev ert alktoSabeloev eragainand
    i
    fIdoj ustslapmer ighti ntheface.
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    Soit
    's7pm andweareinmymother'
    spr
    ivat
    ejeton
    ourwaytoNorthwest
    .Nkosi
    wantedust
    ousehi s
    butIref
    usedbecauseIhadal readysaidyestomy
    mother.Am kindofner v
    ousbutexcitedatthesame
    ti
    me.Ididnttell
    mymot hert
    hatIwil
    l bebri
    nginga
    vi
    sit
    oralongbecauseshewasgoi ngt ot
    ellmy
    brot
    herswhower egoingtofl
    ytoSAj usttochase
    Nkosiaway.Ihav ebeenprayi
    ngsince3pm andam
    j
    usthopingthatmymot herwil
    lli
    keNkosi.Ihold
    Nkosi'
    shandandwel ookateachot her.
    "Stopwor ryi
    ngbaby .OnceImeety ourmot hertoday,
    therewi llbenot urningback.Mynextv i
    sitwi l
    lbeto
    payl obola."say sNkosi bef oreki
    ssingmypal m.I
    givehi m asmi l
    eandj ustl aymyheadonhi s
    shoul der.Wef i
    nallyar ri
    v einNorthWestandwear e
    dri
    v ent omyhouse.Si gh...
    ...
    .Maythel ordbewi thus.
    Wegett omyhousewhi chal r
    eadyhasal l theli
    ghts
    on.Theguar dsatt hegat eopent hegat ef orusand
    wear edr i
    veni n.Assoonast hedri
    v erparkst hecar,
    Iseemymot herr unoutoft hehousewi thTshi diand
    Nol uthandof ollowinghert henoutofnowher eIsee
    threei denti
    cal mal ef i
    gur esslowlywal ki
    ngoutoft he
    house. ..
    ..
    ...
    ..
    ...
    .WHOTHEFUCKSNI TCHEDONME! !
    !!
    !
    YHOOOOOONkosi betterst ar
    tprayi
    ngnow! !
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    SABELO'
    SPOV.
    Iwat chherdr agt hatsonofagunoutoft he
    restaurantandmyangerj ustescalatesfr
    om 100%
    toinf i
    nit
    y.Icallawai ter
    ,askf orthebill
    andpayit
    .I
    l
    eav et herestaurant,dri
    vetomyhouseandgo
    straighttomyr oom wi t
    houtgreetingallt
    hepeopl
    e
    sit
    tingi nmylivingr oom.
    Il
    etoutallmyanger ,t
    hinkingofwhatThandot ol
    d
    meandhowt hatfuckerdeci dedtocrushmyfucki
    ng
    l
    unchwi t
    hmyqueen.Howt hefuckcanshebe
    pregnant
    ?!!
    !!Noooshecan' tbe...
    ..
    .i
    fsheist
    henthat
    chil
    dhastodi e.Thatbastardinherwombmust
    die!
    !!
    !!
    !
    "Sonopenthedoor.It
    'sme,"say
    smymom knocki ng
    onmydoor .Ii
    gnoreherandcarryonrel
    easingallmy
    angeri
    nanypossiblewayIcan.Thatbastardandhis
    chil
    dneedtodieformeandThandot obet ogether
    andnothi
    ngwillst
    opmef rom kil
    li
    ngt
    hem butfor
    nowIhav et odisappearfrom thisplace.Ineedt o
    l
    eav ebecausei fIdon'
    t,Iwillbearrestedforkill
    i
    ng
    thatfoolalongwi t
    hhischild.Iwalktomydoor ,
    open
    i
    tandj ustignoremymot herwhoi sst andi
    ngt here.I
    walkdownst ai
    rswheremyf ather,
    myuncl es,Luanda
    andSanel e'smotheraresitti
    ng.Isitdown, greet
    them andt henIannouncet hebi gnews.
    "Ithi
    nkam r eadytobeki ng.Wecanwai tforSanele
    togetbet terandtheny oucancr ownmeast he
    king.
    "Isayl ookingdownwhi lerubbingmyhands
    together.Luandal ooksatmeconf usedashel l
    ,he
    tri
    estosaysomet hi ngbutinstead,hechuckles,
    standsupandl eav es.Asformyuncl estheylookat
    eachot herandst ar tpr
    aisi
    ngme.
    "Hawumf anawami ,youhav emadet heri
    ght
    deci
    sion.Wewi l
    lnotwaitf ory
    ourwifetogetbetter
    foryouwi l
    lbecrownednextweekMonday .
    HawuVi l
    akazi,
    nzimande, j
    ili
    ,mphephethe,wena
    owasengwedenengwav uma, wenaowadlaumka
    dadewenuwat hiakanany ongoakanamhl wehl
    we
    i
    bhabhakat i
    ,umhl wehleodumanj engezulu,
    hawu!!!
    !!
    !!Bafo,youcangobackt oourkingdom and
    tel
    lourpeoplethegoodnews. "saysmyf at her.My
    unclesjoi
    nhimi nprai
    singmeandt heyal
    l standup
    tohugmeonebyone.Asf orme, Ipullafakesmi le.
    Am onlydoingthistogettowhatIwant ,Thando.I
    mightdisappearfornowbutIwi l
    lbebacksoonand
    whenam back, Iwil
    lmakei tmymi ssiontomar r
    y
    Thandoandki l
    lthatbastar
    dofher salongwi thhis
    chi
    ld..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er20
    THANDO'
    SPOV

    IturntoNkosi wholooksquiteradiantaboutt
    hisbut
    Iam notgoingt otakechances.Iturntothedri
    ver
    andsay"dri
    v erpleasegodropusof fatt
    henearest
    hotel.
    "
    Nkosi
    looksatmewi t
    haquest
    ionabl
    elookandt
    ell
    s
    t
    hedri
    verthatam j
    oki
    ng.
    "
    Am notj
    oki
    ng.Am hel
    lser
    iousr
    ightnow.Dr
    iverdo
    whatIt
    oldy
    out
    odo.
    "
    "Si
    rpleasedon'
    t.Ithi
    nksomethi
    ngiswrongwit
    hher.
    Justunlockt
    hedoor ssothatwecangoout.
    "says
    Nkosi.Thedri
    verlooksatNkosi
    andchuckl
    es.
    "Sir
    ,beli
    evemewhenIsayma' am i
    stry
    ingt osave
    yousoIwoul dsayletmej ustgodropy ouof fata
    hotel.
    "saysthedr
    iver.See,eventhedri
    v erknows
    thatifNkosi
    stepsoutoft hi
    scar,shiti
    sgoi ngto
    happen.
    "Nkosil
    et'
    sleavenow."IsaybutNkosi
    signal
    sfor
    met okeepquietandopensthedoor
    anyways.
    ..
    ..
    .yeeeer
    rrr
    rJesuslor
    dhelpme!!!
    !!
    !
    Itr
    ytopull
    him backinsi
    debuther esists,
    hepul l
    s
    hi
    shandandpoi ntshisi
    ndexfingeratme." Thando
    getoutoft
    hecar !
    !"hebell
    ows.Isquintathim and
    l
    etoutasulk.Iroughl
    yopenthedoorandheart he
    dri
    versay"
    startprayi
    ngthatt
    heydon' tshoothim."
    I
    fonl
    ythisfoolknew.AssoonasIcl osethedoor,
    I
    r
    untoNkosi andtellhi
    mt owalkbehi
    ndmeaswe
    wal
    ktothepor ch.That
    'swherethewholefamil
    yis
    wai
    ti
    ng.Iletoutaloudsighandmakeashor tprayer
    butam di sturbedbyNkosi whopokesmeandt ell
    s
    met ost artwalkingfaster.Fool,mxm.It akebaby
    stepst othepor chwitht hebiggestnerv oussmi l
    eon
    myf ace; mymot herrunst omeandpul lsmei ntoher
    arms.Ihugherback, hopingthatshedoesn' tnoti
    ce
    Nkosi whom shedoesn' tbecauseshel ooksbackat
    meandki ssesmeal lov ermyf ace.Shet akesmy
    handandy anksmet ot hepor ch.Igi
    veTshi diand
    Noluthandohugst henwal ktomybr other swhoal l
    gi
    v emeagr ouphug.Iwon' tli
    e,Imissedt hem so
    much, especi al
    lythi
    sbi ghugt hattheyhav ealways
    gi
    v enmeev ersincewewer ekidsbutIst il
    l don'
    t
    wantt hem her e .
    Theyal
    ll
    etgoandsmi
    l
    eatme.
    "Howar eyoupri
    ncess?"asksSihl
    e.Si
    hleisthe
    viol
    entone,hedoesn'
    tbeli
    eveinforgi
    veness.I
    fyou
    dosomet hi
    ngtohim, hewil
    ltot
    all
    ygethisrevenge,
    howeverhei smyfavori
    tebecausehespoilsmebi g
    ti
    me.
    "Am f
    ineBudi
    .Howar
    eal
    lofy
    ou?"Iaskl
    ooki
    ngat
    all
    ofthem.
    "
    Wear
    efi
    ne.
    "theysi
    mul
    taneousl
    ysay
    .
    "Comelet'
    sgoi nsi
    de.Wehav edinnersetup,
    "says
    mymot herwalkingtothedoor .Justwhenwear eall
    abouttotur
    ntot hedoor ,
    someonecl ear
    sthei
    r
    thr
    oat.Ooooohshit!
    !!Itotal
    l
    yf orgotabouthi
    m.
    ZiphoandKhayaturnandlookatNkosij
    ustasSihl
    e
    approachshi
    m.Asam aboutt or
    unt oNkosi,
    Zipho
    holdsmyhandandsay s"Yourbr
    otherwil
    ltal
    kto
    hi
    m. "t
    hat'
    sthet
    hing,Idon'
    twanthimtotalkto
    Nkosi.
    ..
    .Nonono.
    "Howcanwehelpyouboy?"saysSi
    hle.IhearTshi
    di
    giggl
    eandIgi
    veheradeat
    hey ebutshedoesn't
    stop.
    "eeem SawubonaBudi
    .Iam her
    ewit
    hThando.
    ..
    ..
    "
    saysNkosibuthegetsi
    nter
    rupt
    edbyKhay
    a.
    "I
    fyouareher easherbodyguardthendon'
    tworr
    y.
    Wewi l
    ltakeitfr
    om here.Wewil
    lsendyouyour
    moneyint hemor ni
    ng.Thanky
    oufortaki
    ngcareof
    herwhil
    ey ouwereinSandton.
    "
    Il
    ookatKhay
    at henatNkosiwhothenchuckl
    es
    l
    ooki
    ngdownt henlooksatme.Oohlor
    d.
    "Uumm Budi ,heisn'tmybodyguar d, hei smy
    boyfriendandIam her et oi nt r
    oducehi mt omom. "
    Mom, Nol uthandoandt hesei denti
    cal menal llookat
    meconf usedashel lthent urnt oNkosi whoj ust
    smilesandst retcheshi shandt oSihlebutSi hl
    e
    keepshi shandsi nhi spocket sandi gnor esNkosi .
    Het urnst ot hepor ch, leav esNkosi st andi ngwher e
    heisst andingandget si nsidet hehouse.Khay aalso
    doest hesame, f
    oll
    owedbyZi phowhor oughlypul l
    s
    myhand.It ryt oresistbutZi pho'slooki smor ethan
    enought omakemest op.Il ookbackatNkosi andI
    j
    ustr egr etlettinghim getoutoft hecar .Heshoul d
    havel istenedt omewhenIsai dweshoul dgot ot he
    hotel.Mymot herwal kst oNkosi ,
    giveshi m ahug
    andIhearhersay" Am sor rymydearson.Myr ude
    daught erdidn'ttell
    met hatshewasbr i
    ngi ngan
    i
    mpor tantv isitor
    .Comel et'sgo. "butSi hl eshouts" if
    heget si ntot hishouse, hiscor psewi llbesentback
    tohisf ami lytomor row. "Mymot hert henst opsbut
    Nkosi doesn' t
    , hecarriesonwal ki
    ngont ot hepor ch,
    greetsNol uthandoandTshi di t
    hent ellsmymot her
    thathewi llonl ygetinsi dewhenshedoes.
    "Ummm myson, Iunderstandt haty ouar eher efor
    mebutIt hi
    nki twouldbebesti fyoul eave.
    "say smy
    mother .Evenmymot herknowst hatNkosi being
    hereisabi gnono.Yesshei st heel derher eandshe
    i
    ssupposedt omaket hedecisionsbutwi t
    hthese3
    meni nt hi
    shouse, mymot hernev ersay sany thi
    ng.
    Whenmybr otherssaysomet hingordeci deon
    somet hingthatconcer nsNol uthando, TshidiandI,
    mymot herdoesn' tsayany t
    hingbecausemyf at
    her
    l
    eftawi l
    lstat
    ingt hatmybr otherswi l
    l makeal lt
    he
    decisi
    onst hatconcer nhisdaught ersandmymot her
    wil
    lnotgoagai nsttheirdecisions.Shi ttyhey.Atf i
    rst
    ,
    mymot herwasagai nstitbutsheendedup
    acceptingitjustsomyf athercoul dr estinpeace.
    "Ma, i
    sn'
    tthi
    syourhouse?
    "asksNkosi
    outoft
    he
    blues.
    "
    Yesi
    tis.
    "repl
    i
    esmymot
    her
    .
    "
    anddoy
    ouper
    mitmet
    ogeti
    nsi
    de?
    "
    "
    Ummm y
    es,
    yesIdobut
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "
    "ThenIwon'tl
    eav
    e.Pl
    easedogeti
    nsi
    de.Iwi
    l
    lbe
    behindyou.
    "
    Atfi
    rstmymot herhesi
    tat
    esbutsheendsupgett
    ing
    i
    ntot hehouse.Hemakeswayf orNolut
    handoand
    Tshidifi
    rstt
    henhef oll
    owsbehi
    ndthem butt
    hen
    guesswhat ?
    Sihl
    etakesouthisgunandshoot sthefloorwher
    e
    Nkosiisstandi
    ng.LucklyNkosijumpsj ustint
    imeto
    savehisleftf
    ootbutSihledoesn'tstopshooti
    ng
    unti
    lNkosi i
    sonthepor ch.
    "
    Myboy,
    stopwast
    ingy
    ourti
    meandjustgobackt
    o
    wher
    eev
    eryoucamefr
    om."say
    sKhaya.
    "
    Am v er
    ysorr
    ysirbutam notgoi
    ngany wher
    e
    wi
    thoutThando.Iwil
    lonl
    yleavei
    fsheleaveswi
    th
    me."saysNkosi
    .YhooooNkosi j
    ustshutupmyguy.
    "Hey
    i wena.Thisi
    snotadiscussi
    on,wearetell
    i
    ng
    youtofuckoff.Wearenotaskingyou.
    "shouts
    Khaya.
    "Li
    keIsaid,Iwil
    lonlyl
    eavei
    fThandoleaveswit
    hme
    butunti
    lthen,am notgoi
    nganywhere.
    "Nkosi
    att
    emptst ogetinsi
    dethehouseagainbutSi
    hle
    shootstheflooragai
    nbutmymot hertheni
    nter
    fer
    es.
    "
    Cany
    ouboy
    sst
    opi
    tnow.Hecameher
    etoseeme
    notyousowi l
    lyoujustl ethim be!
    "say smymom
    nowst andinginfrontofSi hle.Si
    hlejustchuckles,
    pushesmymot herasideandappr oachesNkosi .He
    standsinfrontofhim andl ookshim strai
    ghtinthe
    eye.Nkosiissoshor tcompar edtoSi hl
    eYhooooo.
    It
    'sactual
    lykindoff unny .
    "yousurehav
    esomebal
    lstochal
    l
    engeourdeci
    si
    on
    boy .Wearet
    ell
    i
    ngy
    outoleav
    esowhyareyou
    refusi
    ng?"
    "Wellthemai nquest i
    onher eshouldbe, whydoy ou
    wantmet ol eav ebecauseIcer t
    ainlyam notdoi ng
    anythingwr ong?Youar ej ustchasingmeawayf or
    absolutelynov ali
    dreason.Look, myr easonf or
    beingher ei sbecauseIl ov ethatwomanandIwant
    tomeetherf ami lywhichi sdoingt her i
    ghtthing.So
    i
    fy ouwi sht oshootmet hendosoandi fyouwi shto
    beatmeupt heny ouar emor ethanwel comet obutI
    wil
    l notleav et hisplacewi thoutThando.Iwi lll
    eave
    withhert hesamewayIcamewi thher .
    "statesNkosi.
    Everyonel ooksathi m, shockedbyhi sresponse,
    evenme. .
    ..
    .....
    .Butonet hingam sur eofi s;he's
    tot
    al l
    ypeei nghi spantsrightnow.Hecanpl aytough
    guybutIcanseeri
    ghtt
    hroughhi
    m,wor
    sewi
    tht
    hese
    pregnancysy
    mptoms..
    ..
    .
    Sihl
    ethenputsawayhisgun,
    looksatNkosi
    and
    thendoestheexpect
    ed,hecl
    osesthedoorr
    ighti
    n
    Nkosi'
    sface.
    "
    Budi
    Sihl
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "
    "ShhhhhhhhhhhhThando, youar emaki nganoi se."
    saysSi hle.Het henlockst hedoor ,putsthekeyi nhis
    pocketandwal kstot hetable.Mymot hertr i
    esto
    tal
    kt ohim buthedoesn' tburge.Asf ormy2
    brothers, t
    heydon' tdoany thingbutjustf oll
    owSi hl
    e
    tothet able.Ijuststayst ati
    onarylookingatt hedoor,
    hopingi twoul djustmagi callyopenandl etmyman
    i
    n.Seewhyi di
    dntwantt hem here.Theydi dt he
    samet hi ngt oSbubutSbunev erwentagai nstt
    heir
    orders.Hedi deverythingtheyt ol
    dhimt odo; when
    theytoldhi mt oleave, heleftandwhent heyt ol
    dhim
    todost uf fforthem, hewoul ddot hoset hings.
    ButNkosi
    !!heisbeingdi
    ff
    icul
    t whichiski
    ndof
    sexyt
    hough..
    ..Coughcough..
    ..
    ..
    ..Butst
    ill
    "
    Babycomesi
    t.Wewi
    l
    ldeal
    wit
    hNkosi
    wheny
    our
    brot
    hersgot
    osleep,
    "whispersNolut
    handoinmyear.
    Shetakesmyhandandwal kswit
    hmet othedi
    nner
    tabl
    ewherewetakeourseats.
    "
    comesitnextt
    ome, "say
    sZi
    pho.Il
    ookathi
    m and
    j
    usti
    gnorehi
    srequest.
    "OoohokaythenIguessIwil
    lcometoyou,"hesays
    standi
    ngupwi t
    hhisplat
    e.Hetel
    lsNol
    uthandoto
    standupfr
    om herseatbutIhol
    dontoherhand.
    "Oooohokaythen.weareplayi
    ngdiff
    icultnow.
    "says
    Zipho.Hethensit
    sontopofmet henpecksmynose.
    Ihatehim whenheisl
    ikethi
    s.Healway sdoesthi
    s
    whenam angr yandi
    tmakesmeev enmor eangry
    .
    "Youlookbeauti
    ful
    whenyouareangryhey
    .Wit
    h
    yourpoutedli
    psandyoursqui
    ntedey
    esandyour
    noseallout.
    "saysKhay
    a.
    "
    Idon'
    tl
    ikey
    ouguy
    smxm"Isayf
    oldi
    ngmyar
    ms.
    "
    Wel
    ovey
    out
    oo,
    "theyal
    lsayl
    aughi
    ng.Nx.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    "
    Noweatorel
    sewewi
    l
    lshoott
    hatf
    ool
    '
    shands.
    "
    OkaysoIknowsomeoneispr
    obablywonder
    ing
    whatthese3i
    diot
    slookl
    i
    ke.Wel
    ltheyar
    esuperbuf
    f,
    huskydar kchocol at
    eski nnedmenwi t
    hhuuuge
    beards.Theyhav ethosebear dst ohi detheir
    birt
    hmar kswhi charef oundont hei rchins.They
    don'treall
    ywantpeopl etotellwhoi swhosot heyall
    decidedt ogrowbear d.Whent heywer est i
    lli
    nhigh
    school ,
    everygirlhadcr ushesont hem, especiall
    y
    Khay abecauseofhi sdeephuskyv oice.Somey oung
    teachersalsocr ushedonhi m butt heynev er
    entertai
    nedgi r
    lsshame.Ev er..
    ..
    ..
    .Nonoft hem are
    evenmar r
    iedandt heyar enow35y earsold.Their
    excusesf ornotget t
    ingmar r
    iedar ewomenar e
    devil
    swhoar ejustwai ti
    ngt odev ouranymanwho
    fal
    lsintotheirtrap i
    magi ne.Butoneday ,
    theywi l
    lmeett heirmat ches,hopef ully
    ...
    ..
    ...
    Nolut
    handonudgesmyel bowremi ndingmet hatam
    supposedtoeatbutIhaveabsolutelynoappet it
    eat
    al
    l.Ij
    ustcont
    inuebei
    ngsadandsul king.Ever
    y onei
    s
    j
    ustenjoyi
    ngthei
    rmeal asi
    fnothingj usthappened.
    ..
    .
    Mxm.
    I
    tsnow10pm andmybrother
    sarewatchi
    ngsoccer
    i
    nthel
    iv
    ingr
    oom, st
    il
    lnotl
    ett
    ingNkosii
    nwhil
    ewe
    l
    adi
    estr
    ytocomeupwi thaplanonhowtoletmy
    mancomeinsi
    det
    hehouseassoonast
    hose3
    dev
    il
    sgot
    obed.
    "ButThandothough.Youal
    somessedupbi gtime.
    Whydi dn'
    tyouletusknowthaty
    ouwer ecoming
    withUmkhweny ane.
    "saysmymot hersi
    tt
    ingonthe
    highchair
    ,hol
    dinghercupofcoff
    ee.
    "Iwant
    edtosur
    pri
    seyou.Ididn'
    tknowthatthese
    fool
    sweregoi
    ngtobehere."Isayscr
    atchi
    ngmy
    head.
    "Andtothi
    nk,
    theyj
    ustshowedupf rom nowhereand
    theyt
    oldusnottot
    ellyou.Ifonl
    yyouhadtoldus
    Thando.Weweregoingtofindawaytochaset hem
    awaybeforey
    ourar
    rival
    ."saysTshi
    di.
    "Ai
    imaranayeumkhweny anesurehassomegut st
    o
    tal
    kbackatBudiSihl
    ewooooo.Iactuall
    yli
    kehim
    alr
    eady.Heisl
    ikeanupgradefr
    om Sbu."says
    Nolut
    hando.Mymot herandTshi
    diallnodthei
    r
    headswhil
    elaughi
    ng.
    "Butmydaughter
    ,tel
    lme.Whatr
    eal
    l
    yhappened
    betweenyouandSbu?"asksmymother
    .
    "
    Mat
    hat
    'sast
    oryf
    oranot
    herday
    ,ri
    ghtnowl
    et'
    sjust
    focusongetti
    ngmymani nsidethehouseand
    feedi
    nghim becauseam prettysur
    eheisdyingof
    hunger.
    "Isay.Ial
    sohaven'teatenatal
    l.
    "Hmmmmmmm yahneh.Yousur
    elyar
    einl
    ove
    shame.
    "say
    sNol
    uthando.
    "hehei
    fitwasn'tf
    ormemt ase,shewouldn'
    thave
    datedt
    hatman.Youknowwhat ?Ihadtoforceher
    togoadat ewithhi
    m becauseshekeptonsay i
    ng
    shewasn'toveruSbu.
    "saysTshidipoi
    nti
    ngatme.
    "ButIhavet
    osaythough,y
    oumov
    edonr eal
    fast
    hey."say
    sNolut
    hando."
    Washi
    sdickt
    hatgood?"
    "Hayi
    wenal anguage!Am st
    il
    lyourmot
    herhawu."
    saysmymot hert
    hrowingaspoonatNol
    uthando.
    Wealllaugh.
    "Hayimom,youknowthesethi
    ngssowhyar
    eyou
    acti
    ngasify
    oudon't
    ."saysTshi
    di.
    "Youchi
    ldr
    enaredisrespect
    fulmxm. "saysmy
    mothershaki
    ngherheadwhi lel
    aughing.Shet hen
    l
    ooksatmeandcal lsmet ositnexttoher.Idoso
    andsheholdsmyhand.Shegazesi ntomyey esand
    says"WhenIlookedathim,isawt heloveandcar e
    hehasf oryouandIal sonoticedt hatheisy ou
    mat chwhowi ll
    bri
    ngal otofjoyi ny ourl
    ife,howev er
    yourmanwi llal
    sobr i
    ngal otofpai nintoy ourli
    fe.
    Somet imesyouwi l
    lfeell
    ikegivinguponhi m but
    dont.Standbyhissidenomat terwhatmydaught er
    becausehei stheonef oryou.Nev erf or
    sakehi m no
    mat terwhat
    .Doy ouhearme? "saysmymot her
    rubbingmyhand.Il ookdownandnodmyheady es
    towhatshej ustsai
    d.
    "Nowtell
    me,
    howol
    disy
    ourbaby
    ?"asksmymom
    smil
    ing.I
    swif
    tl
    yraisemyhead,
    shookbyherquest
    ionbutIt
    ry
    nottoshowit.
    "Thandoam y
    ourmother
    ,Iknowy
    oul i
    keanopen
    bookandyouaregl
    owingupandthatgl
    owup."say
    s
    mymot her
    .
    "
    Am notpr
    egnantma.
    "
    "oohdon'ttr
    ytof
    ool
    mewi
    tht
    hatbul
    l
    .Iknowy
    ou
    arepregnant.
    "
    "Whoi
    spregnant,
    "roar
    sahuskyvoice.Mymot
    her
    andIt
    urntotheki
    tchenent
    ranceandther
    ehei
    s.
    Ooooohno!

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    SoIhavebeensit
    ti
    ngoutsi
    defor2hoursnowand
    am hungr
    yplusam col
    dbutoneoftheguardsher
    e
    i
    skeepingmecompany .
    "myguy ,bet hankful thattheydi dntshooty ou
    becauset heyusual lyshootev eryguyt hataskstheir
    sist
    ersout .Theonl yguyt heynev ershotwasSbu,
    Thando'sex.Theyseemedt oador ehim sot heyjust
    l
    ethi minjustl i
    ket hat.Itmi ghtbet hesamef oryou
    butthosemenar ef ullofsur pr
    isessodon' tdo
    anythi
    ngst upidl i
    key oudi dear li
    er.Nevertalkback
    atthem orel se."say saguar dam sitt
    ingwi th.Hi
    s
    namei sMabul ala,notnicknamebutact ualname.I
    don'tknowhogav ehi mt hatnamebutwhoev eri
    t
    maybe, thatper sondoesn' tdeser vetoseeheav en.
    "Ihonestl
    ydon'tseeanyt
    hingwrongwi
    thwhatIsai
    d.
    Iwasj ustbei
    nghonest.Ther
    eisnowayam leav
    ing
    withoutThando."Isayt
    ryi
    ngtokeepmysel
    fwarm.
    "Tomor
    row,j
    ustdoev
    ery
    thi
    ngt
    heyasky
    out
    odo.
    "
    saysMabul
    ala.
    "Hel
    lno.Am nother
    efort
    hem, am her
    efort
    he
    mothersoaslongassheacceptsme,Idon'
    tcar
    e
    aboutthem.
    "
    Theguar dlooksatme,chuckl
    esandsay
    s"well
    then
    goodluckmymanbutbel i
    evemewhenIsayyou
    won'tleavethi
    splacewit
    houtagunwound."
    "
    Itwi
    l
    lbewor
    thi
    t.
    "
    Wecont i
    nueconversati
    ngwi t
    heachotherbutthen
    wesuddenlyhearthefrontdoorbei
    ngv i
    olent
    ly
    openedthenoneoft heidenti
    cal
    brot
    hershotfootsi
    n
    mydirect
    ionandbriskl
    ypul l
    smeupwi thmycol l
    ar.
    Hegivesmeonegoodpuncht hatmakesmedropt o
    thef
    loor,
    maki ngmyearsri
    ngbuthedoesn'tst
    op.
    Hebrutal
    lypicksmeupwi t
    hmyneckandpunches
    meinmyst omach.Hepunchesmeov erandover
    agai
    nuntilbloodst
    art
    scomi ngoutofmynoseand
    allIcanhearisKhayastop,
    whatareyoudoi ng,
    khay a.Il
    ookatthedoorent
    ranceandIseet heother
    brothersappr
    oachingus.Oneofthem holdsback
    theonewhowashi tt
    ingmewhi l
    etheotherone
    holdsme.
    "Khayawhat'
    swrongwit
    hy ou?whyar
    eyouhi
    tt
    ing
    him?"asksoneofthebr
    others.
    "Hef uckedoursi sterandnowshei spr egnant !!
    "he
    shout sinzul u.Thebr otherwhowashol dingmy
    power l
    essbodyl eav esmet ofallontot hehar d
    concr etegr oundt henal lofasudden, If eelli
    kea
    thousandf eetareki ckingme.Whati swr ongwi th
    these3menkant i!!Oohwel l
    ,Iguessi t'
    sal lwor thit.
    Asl ongasIgetMYTHANDO, Idon'tmi ndt hepai n.I
    l
    ayont hegr oundast heycont inuekickingmet henI
    catchagl impseofmywomancr yi
    ngwhi l
    et ryi
    ngt o
    stopherbr othersf rom hitt
    ingmeandt hatjust
    breaksmyhear t.Ilooki ntohert earfil
    ledey esand
    shel ooksatmet oo.Ismi l
    eather ,notfocusi ngon
    what 'sgoingonar oundme, notf ocusingont hepai n
    butf ocusingonherandonl yher .Shel et'soutasob
    sti
    lltryi
    ngt osav emewi ththehel pofhermot her
    andsi
    ster
    sbuti
    tdoesn’
    twor
    k.
    Onebrot
    herpi
    cksmeupwi
    thmycol
    l
    arandpunches
    myface.

    "howdarey ougetmysi st
    erpr egnant
    !"bell
    owst he
    brot
    her.Hegi vesmeanot herpunchagai nbutwhen
    hetri
    estohi tmeagain,Iholdhishandandsay" How
    doyouexpectmet oanswery ourquestionwheny ou
    keeponbl owingallt
    hesepunchesandki cks.Give
    meachancehau. "Isaywiggli
    ngoutofhi sgr i
    pbut
    hedoesn'tletgo.Ihavetosay, t
    hesemenar ehuge
    andstrong..
    ...
    ..
    "Letmegophel a.
    "Isaylooki
    nghi
    mintheeye.Ican
    seet hatheisdef
    eatedbymystat
    ementsbuthe
    refusestoleti
    tshow.
    "Puthim downSi
    hle,
    let
    'sher
    ewhathisexcusei
    s
    befor
    ewesendhi mtohisancest
    ors.
    "saysoneof
    thebrothers.
    "
    Whatdoy oumeanbyt hat,ifyoukil
    lhi
    m Isweart
    o
    GodIwil
    ltell
    mom whaty ourf r
    ienddi
    dtomeback
    t
    hen.Iwi
    lltel
    lherev
    erything."shout
    sThando.All
    thebr
    other
    slookatThandoandonesay
    s" t
    ell
    her.
    Wedon'tcar
    e.All
    wecareaboutnowisthi
    sfooland
    howmuchhehasdi sr
    espect
    edus!"

    "Hedidn'
    tdisrespectany one.I nfacthehasshown
    met heutmostl oveandt hat'swhyam pr egnantwi t
    h
    hischi
    ld.Thischil
    di sar esultofourl oveandt he
    sooneryouunder standt hat,thebetter"shouts
    Thandowi t
    hawobbl yv oice.Ithurtsmet oseemy
    queengot hroughsuch.I fIcoul d,Iwouldhav ekil
    led
    alloft
    hese3f oolsal ongt i
    meagof ormakingher
    crybutIcan't.
    "
    Heshoul dhav ewaitedThando.Heshouldhave
    waitedunti
    lhemar ri
    edy oubutno,
    hejusthadto
    rushintoputt
    inghisstupidgr
    eedypeni
    sintoyou!!
    !!
    !!
    Andt oday,
    thatisexactl
    ywhyhewi l
    lhavetodie.
    "
    "I
    fhediest
    henIwil
    ldi
    ewithhi
    m becausether
    eisno
    wayam goi
    ngtorai
    sethechi
    ldmyself
    ."shout
    s
    Thando.
    "Andwhosai
    dyouwil
    lkeept
    hechil
    d,"say
    sthe
    brot
    herwhoi
    shol
    dingmycoll
    ar.
    Nowwhoawhoawhoa, slowdown, pauseand
    replay..
    ..
    ..Whatdidhej ustsay .Imov emyheadi n
    mot iontof acet
    hisidiotwhoi sappl yi
    ngf oradeat
    h
    certifi
    cateandIjustknowt hatIhav epsychoti
    c
    smileonr i
    ghtnow.Ist airathi
    mf orthel
    ongestand
    thenIl etmydemont akeov er.Iswitchoffmymor al
    respect f
    ulconsci
    encet hathasbeenl ett
    inghim do
    every t
    hinghepleasedt odo.Icl osemyey esand
    thenmydemont akesov er.
    WhenIf i
    nallycomebackt omysensesandopenmy
    eyes,Ifindmysel fst
    andingont opofhi s
    unconsci ousbodywhi lebloodcomesoutofhi s
    mout h.Ilookar oundandIr eal
    isethatt he2ot her
    brothersar ejustopenmout hedwhi lepointingthei
    r
    gunsatme.Thando, hermot herandsi ster
    swho
    seem dumbf oundedandt hunderstruckatt hesame
    ti
    mear ej uststari
    ngatme.
    Fuck!
    !
    "St
    oplooki
    ngatmel i
    ket
    hat,getanambulance!!
    !!
    "I
    bel
    lowatthesef
    rozenst
    atues.Ihav
    eli
    ter
    allyfucked
    upevery
    thi
    ngandIknowit.
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    Heyhey sot
    hischaptermighthav
    ealotof
    spel
    l
    ingerr
    orsandGrammermi st
    akesbutpl
    ease
    don'
    tmindthem.Am sti
    lledi
    ti
    ngthem .

    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er21

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    Il
    ookathimlayi
    ngonthest
    ret
    cher
    ,st
    il
    lshor
    tof
    wordsnotknowi
    ngwhatIdi
    dtohim
    Theytakehi
    mint
    otheambul
    anceandi
    stakent
    o
    thehospi
    tal
    .
    "ComeZipho.Let'
    sgo,"say
    soneoft hebr
    other
    s.
    Theycalloneofguardsandhimt of
    oll
    owthe
    ambulance.Tshi
    diandNoluthandofol
    l
    owthem too
    i
    nt hei
    rowncar.
    "
    Mamal
    et'
    sfol
    l
    owt
    hem.
    "say
    sThandopul
    l
    ingher
    mothert
    oacarbuthermot herstay
    sstat
    ioner
    y.She
    l
    ooksatmet henherfaceli
    ghtensup.Shewalksup
    tome,st
    andsinfrontofmewhi leam downfaced.
    Am soashamedofmy sel
    fofmy sel
    fri
    ghtnow.
    "Mama, am v
    erysorr
    yfordi
    srespect
    ingyouiny our
    house.I-
    Idi
    dn'tmeantodowhatIdid."am ly
    ing,I
    actual
    lydi
    ditonpurpose nayehedeser vedit
    becausehowcany outhr
    eatentokil
    lanotherman's
    chi
    ld.
    Thando'
    smot
    herj
    ustst
    andsst
    il
    landkeepsher
    smil
    eonherf
    ace.
    "Myson, y
    oudi dn'tdoanythingwrong.Youact uall
    y
    didther i
    ghtthing.Youf oughtfory ourloveandyou
    didn'tevencar ethatthemany oujustbeatupis
    Thando' sbrother."shesays.Ilookup, shakenbyher
    wor ds."youhav ej ustpr
    ovedy ourselftomemyson.
    Andasf orSihle,
    hedeser vedit.Hewi llbefi
    ne.
    "
    Il
    ookatThandowhoi sstandi
    ngbehindmymot her
    andshejustshr
    ugs.Am soconfused.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .Ij
    ustbeat
    hersonandsheisn'
    tangry.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    "
    Ihav
    ebeenwai
    ti
    ngf
    ort
    hatonemanwhowasgoi
    ng
    tostandupt ot hem formydaught ersandy oujust
    didthat
    .Iknowt haty outhinkyour ui
    nedy our
    chanceswitht hisfami l
    ybuty oudidn't.Youdidthe
    ri
    ghtthi
    ngbutdon' tthinkyouhav emanagedt oget
    those3outofy ourway ,
    therearest i
    l
    lgoingto
    comeaty ouunt i
    lthedayy ouputar i
    ngont hat
    womany oucl aimt obei nlovewith.Comel et'
    sgo
    i
    nsidetotreatthosewounds. "Inodt owhatshej ust
    saidtome.Sheput smyar m aroundhershoul deras
    Thandodoest hesamewi t
    htheot herside.
    "
    Ouch!Becar
    eful
    please.
    "Isay
    .
    "Ooohsuckitupbbe,
    youaman.
    "saysThando
    sarcast
    ical
    l
    y,ki
    ssi
    ngmyswol
    l
    encheek.
    "Iwouldi
    fitwasn' tf
    ory ourhormonesmessingwi t
    h
    me,"Isaychuckling.Ihonestl
    yf eel
    li
    keIgothitbya
    busbecausemywhol ebodyisaching.Ir
    eall
    yam in
    l
    ov ehey,
    Iseriouslyletthi
    swoman' sbrot
    hersbeat
    meupal lbecauseIl oveher..
    ..
    .Wow.Wegeti nside
    thehouseandt heyhel pmesi tonthecouch.
    "
    Iwi
    l
    lgogett
    hef
    ir
    stai
    dki
    t.
    "say
    sThando.
    "
    Okayl
    etmegogetabucketwi
    thwar
    m wat
    eranda
    towel ."t
    heybot hl eavemesi t
    tingont hecouch,
    l
    ooki ngar oundt hismassi v esnuggl ycont empor ary
    house.Ev erythingl ookssol avishst artingf rom the
    whi tegleami ngmar blef l
    oor scov eredwi thgreycozy
    l
    ooki ngr ugst ot hegr eysheercur tainsont hewal l
    thatar ecov eringt hedoubl egl azedhi ghar ched
    wi ndowswhi chIcancat chagl i
    mpseof .The
    furnishingisal l greyandwhi tef rom t hecouchest o
    thepi ll
    ows.Someant i
    quesar oundt hel i
    vingr oom
    l
    ookext remel yv aluabl eandeachoneoft hem
    seemst obet ellingast oryofi tsown.Myey esar e
    qui ckl
    yluredt oamar blefireplacemant elthathas
    whi tecandles, 3v aseswi t
    hwhi t
    er oses, photo
    framesandat reasur echest .Thando' smot hermust
    real l
    ybef ondofmar blest oneandt hecol orsgrey
    andwhi te.Ialsospott hewoodendi ningt ableona
    woodenf l
    ooratt hef arr i
    ghtendwi t
    ht radi t
    ional
    pai nti
    nghangi ngf rom t hewal l.Eachar eaoft he
    l
    iv i
    nganddi ningr oom isj ustbeaut i
    ful andIwon' tli
    e.
    Ist andupf rom t hecoucham si tti
    ngonheadi ngt o
    thef ir
    eplacewhi chhascapt ivatedmyat t
    ent i
    onwi th
    thephot oframesoni t.
    Ilookateverysingleoneoft hem,l
    ookingatal lof
    thepeopleIhav emett oday,fr
    om t
    hetripletstomy
    woman; Thando.Shel ookedsocutewhenshewas
    youngwithhercut ebuttonnose.Ismil
    eatapi ctur
    e
    ofheratav eryyoungagebutmysmi lef adesaway
    assoonast heper sonhol di
    ngheri
    nthispi ctur
    e
    catchesmyat tenti
    on.Itrynottodr
    opt hef r
    ame
    eventhougham i nshock.I t
    'st
    hemanIsawi na
    pictur
    eonThando' sphonet hatni
    ghtIaskedhert o
    bemi ne.
    Whoisthi
    smanandhowi sher
    elat
    edtoThando.I
    am t
    hedefi
    nit
    ionoffuckedupri
    ghtnow.It
    akeout
    myphoneandt akeapictur
    eofthi
    sandsenditto
    Br
    endon
    Findoutwhothemaninthi
    spict
    urei
    sandhowhei
    s
    relat
    edtoThandoASAP*
    ***.

    "Babycomesitdown,"saysThandoasshewal ks
    downthemar blestai
    rs.Il
    ookback,st
    artl
    edbyher
    andIputthepict
    urebackont hef
    ir
    eplace.Iwal
    k
    backtoherandsitdownont hecouchshei ssi
    tt
    ing
    onwi
    thherf
    ir
    stai
    dki
    t.
    "
    Babyar
    eyouokay
    ?"asksThando.
    "
    Yeaam f
    ine,
    whyar
    eyouaski
    ng?
    "
    "
    Wel
    lyoul
    ookl
    i
    key
    ouar
    edi
    str
    act
    ed,
    "
    "
    ooham j
    ustthi
    nkingofhowam goingt
    oapol
    ogi
    ze
    t
    oyourbr
    other.
    "Isaylooki
    ngather
    .
    "
    Aghdon'
    tevenbother.Tomorr
    owmor
    ningwear
    e
    l
    eav
    ingany
    way s.
    "saysThando.
    "
    Nowear
    enot
    ,"Isayt
    oherwi
    thoneey
    ebr
    owup.
    "
    Yeswear
    eandt
    hisi
    sn'
    tupf
    ordi
    scussi
    on.
    "
    "WomanIwantt ost
    ayandy ouwilll
    i
    stent
    ome
    whetheryouli
    keitornot .Wewil
    ll
    eaveonSunday
    andthat'
    sit
    ."Isayholdingupherchi
    n.Sheroll
    sher
    eyesatmewhi leshakingherheadandImov ecloser
    toherear.
    "Andjustbecuaseofthatatt
    it
    ude,y
    ouwi l
    lget
    puni
    shedf orthatmydearlady.Wai
    tandseehow
    youwillbebeggingformymer cywhil
    escreaming
    outmynamewhenwegobackhome.Iwi l
    lmake
    youregretrol
    li
    ngthoseeyesbutIdefi
    nit
    elywi
    ll
    makey ourollthem tothebackofy ourhead.
    "I
    whisperbeforebiti
    ngherearandl i
    ckingit
    .If
    eelher
    bodyshiver
    ingandt hatputsasmirkonmyf ace.I
    fol
    lowherey esast heytrytorunawayfrom mine
    sti
    l
    l wi
    ththesmi rkonmyf ace.
    "St
    optryi
    ngt oseducemychi l
    dwithyourbl
    ueeyes
    wena,
    "saysav oi
    ce.Il
    ookupandseeThando's
    motherholdingabucket,
    at owel
    onhershoulder
    andahandbagwhi chi
    shangingonherarm.Istand
    upandtrytohel pherwi
    ththebucketbutmyhurt
    bodydoesn'tall
    owmet o.
    "Don'
    tworr
    yson.Letmeputi
    ther
    e."shesay
    s
    putt
    ingi
    tonthefl
    oor.
    "Thandoletmegocheckony ourbr
    otherbef
    orehe
    concludesthatIdon'
    tcar
    eabouthi
    m,"says
    Thando'smot her
    .
    "Okaymom.Iwi l
    lcal
    lyoutof i
    ndouthowheisdoing.
    Iwil
    l comeassoonasNkosi sleeps.
    "say
    sThando,
    hahasheain'
    tgoinganywhereshame.Shewill
    stay
    herewi t
    hmeunithesunrises.Excusemebutam
    self
    ish.
    "Oohnoit'
    sfi
    neThando.Lookafterhi
    m.Youcango
    seeSihl
    etomorr
    ow."saysThando'smother
    .She
    tur
    nstothedoorandleavesThandoandIallal
    one
    i
    nt hehouse.
    "Okaysolet'
    str
    eatyouMrtoughguy.
    "say
    sThando
    unbutt
    oningmyshirt
    .Sher
    emov esmyshir
    t,and
    l
    ooksatmywoundedchest .ShepokesmeandIl et
    outali
    ttl
    emour n.
    "
    Sor
    ry!
    "shesay
    scr
    ingi
    ng.
    Shetakesthetowel ,dipsitint
    hewat eri
    nthebucket
    andstart
    stocl eanthewounds.Igazeatherasshe
    doesallt
    his;shemov estomyneckt henmyf ace
    andam stil
    ll
    ooki ngather .Shekeepsonsteal
    ing
    gl
    ancesatmeandt r
    iessohar dnottoblush.My
    womani sbeaut i
    ful
    !!
    !!!
    !!!
    "Ist
    il
    lcan'
    tbeli
    evet
    hatyouact
    ual
    lyhi
    tmybrot
    her
    ."
    shesayssti
    llcl
    eani
    ngthewoundsonmyface.
    "Hepushedabut
    tonhewasn'
    tsupposedtopushso
    hegotwhathehadaskedf
    or.
    "Isayshruggi
    ng.
    "Iwon'
    tli
    e,Ihonest
    lyfel
    tsor
    ryf
    orhi
    m wheny ou
    star
    tedhi
    tti
    nghim.It'
    sli
    keyoul
    ostal
    lyoursense.I
    wantedtostopy oubutmom saidIshouldn'
    t
    i
    nter
    fereandasf ormybrother
    sthewer eshook.
    TheyjustwatchedyouhitSi
    hlewit
    htheirguns
    poi
    ntingatyou."say
    sThando.
    "AndIdon'tregrethitt
    inghi
    m atall
    .IfIwasaskedt o
    doitallov
    eragai n,Iwould.
    "IsayholdingThando's
    handthat'
    scl eaningthewounds."l
    ookatme, "Isay
    toher.Sheraisesherf acet
    of acemineanda
    momentofsi l
    encewi thabil
    li
    onfeel
    ingsf eel
    susthe
    air
    ."Guesswhat ,"Isaytoherinasoftv oi
    ce.
    "
    What
    ?"
    "
    Iwantt
    oki
    ssy
    ou,
    "
    "
    Real
    l
    y?"shesay
    ssmi
    l
    ingandbi
    ti
    ngherl
    owerl
    i
    p.
    "
    Yesr
    eal
    l
    y,socanI
    ?"
    "
    Sincewhendoy
    ouask?
    "
    "Am beingpoli
    tehausoappr eciat
    eitwhil
    sti
    tlast
    s
    becuaseonSundayam goi ngt odestroyy
    ou,
    "Isay,
    slowlyl
    eaningin.Shelet
    soutasof tgiggl
    eand
    mov esherli
    psclosertomine.Ourl i
    psmeetand
    begintomov einsync.Imissedherlipssomuchand
    ri
    ghtnow,t
    heytast
    eamazing.Ipul
    laway
    ,gi
    vehera
    softper
    konherli
    psandcheeks.
    "
    Am hungr
    y"Isayst
    il
    lgi
    vi
    ngherper
    ks.
    "
    Am alsohungr
    y.Letmefini
    shcleani
    ngyour
    woundsthenwecaneat.Iputourfoodi
    nthe
    micr
    owave.
    "
    okay
    ,"Isay
    .
    Imighthav
    er ui
    nedmychanceswit
    ht hebrot
    hers
    butIwontl
    etgooft hi
    swomannomat t
    erwhat,
    ifi
    t
    meansmef ight
    ingall
    oft
    hem al
    loveragai
    ntheIwill
    dosogladl
    y.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    Sihl
    e'
    sPOV( f
    ir
    standl
    astPOVf
    rom t
    hischar
    act
    eri
    n
    thebookThando)

    Iopenmyey es,r
    emember i
    ngthebeatingIgotfr
    om
    theblueeyedman.Thatfoolcert
    ainl
    yhasproven
    himselft
    ome.Him beati
    ngmeupt hatmuchshows
    howpr ot
    ecti
    veheisovermysi st
    erandam gladthat
    hemether .Nonoft heguy sthatmysi sters
    previouslybr oughthomedar edt ostandupagai nst
    mybr othersandI , i
    twasei t
    hert heyleftort hey
    foll
    owedouror dersbutt hisone, heisdi ff
    erentandI
    l
    ikeitbutIdon' tl i
    kehi m.See; asabr ot her,Ihav eto
    protectmysi ster sf r
    om t hosecr eaturescal ledmen
    becauseIdon' twantt hem tobehur t,especially
    Thando.Herbei ngr apedbackt henr eallybrokemy
    brothersandI .Thatmadeust hinkthatwehadf ail
    ed
    asbr othersandt hatswhywepr omisedt opr otect
    oursi st
    ers.Wel ov ethem andt heyknowt hatbut
    theyjusthav et ounder st
    andt hatusbei nghar shon
    allt
    heguy st heybr i
    nghomei sawayofseei ngi f
    thoseguy sar ewor thoursi sters.Yeswedoenj oy
    seeingt heguy st rembl eandal l buti
    t'sjustawayof
    seeingi ftheguyi swor thit.
    Il
    ookar oundtheroom am inandreal
    isethatam i
    na
    hospit
    al,di
    dIpassoutorsomet hi
    ng.Itrytomove
    butIfeelasharppainallovermybody.Av er
    yvery
    sharppain.Ij
    ustdecidetostayst
    ati
    onaryandjust
    l
    etmyt houghtstakeov er
    .
    Soam Si hleMdl etshe, theol destt ripl
    etandt he
    hear t
    lessone.Inev erandImeannev er,letaper son
    whohaswr ongedmego.Nev er .
    ...
    ..Am 35y earsold
    andy esam si nglejustlikemybr othersbutmy
    reasonsf orbeingsi nglear edi f ferentf r
    om my
    brothersev ent houghIhav enev ert ol
    dany one.Am
    notsi nglebecauseIbel ievei nwomenbei ngev i
    land
    allj
    ustl i
    ket hose2i mbeci l
    esbutam si nglebecause
    Ialreadyf oundmywomany ear sago.WhenIwasi n
    Johannesbur gwor kingononeofmyf ather '
    s
    projectsaf terhisdeat h, ImetaGoddessandshe
    toldmet hathernamewasSi y abongaev ent hougha
    fri
    endshewaswal kingwi t
    hont hatdaycal ledher
    withanamet hatstar t
    edwi thanR.If el
    linlovewi t
    h
    heratf ir
    stsi ghtbutInev ersawheragai naf terthat
    day .Itri
    edsear chingf orherbutIgotnot hing.
    Howev erItdoesn' tmeanIgav eup, am stilll
    ooking
    forherandf orsomer eason, If eel l
    ikeIwi llmeether
    soonbutIj ustdon' tknowwhen.Ev enthough
    woment hrowt hemsel v
    esatme, Idon' tcareabout
    them, i
    twi l
    lalwaysbeherandheronl yunt i
    lthedayI
    die.IhopeIwi l
    lfi
    ndhersoonbecauseImi ssherand
    Ican'tbar eitany mor e.
    "
    Bafo,
    youarefi
    nall
    yawake.
    "saysKhayacomingin.I
    l
    ookathi
    m andjustnodwit
    houtmovi
    ngtherestof
    mybody.
    "
    Yes,
    wher
    eist
    hatbl
    ueey
    edman.
    "Isay
    .
    "Heisathome.Mom sai
    dheneedst
    orest
    ."say
    s
    Khayashaki
    nghisheadwit
    hhi
    shandsi
    nhis
    pocket
    s.
    "
    Cal
    lThandonowandt
    ell
    herIwanthi
    m her
    eint
    he
    mor
    ning.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    OkayBaf
    o,enoughabouthi
    m.Howar
    eyou?
    "
    "Ican'
    tmov eBaf o.Ifeell
    ikethatmandislocatedall
    mybones. "Isay.Khay achucklesandsay s"HaiBafo,
    thatmanissur elyadev il
    .Whenhest art
    edbeat i
    ng
    you,Iwasjustshook.Al lIcouldseewasy oubeing
    thrownalloverthepl acewhilepuncheswer ebeing
    thrownli
    kenobody 'sbusiness.
    "hesayst aki
    nga
    seatnexttomybed.
    "Hehaspr
    ovenhimsel
    fBafo.Hehasj ustshownme
    howmuchhev al
    uesuThando."Isay
    .
    "
    Hehas,
    butdon'
    ttel
    lmewear
    elet
    ti
    nghi
    m of
    fthe
    hookj
    ustl
    i
    ket
    hat
    ."
    "
    Ineversai
    dthat
    .Hest
    il
    lhast
    ogot
    hroughal
    otof
    t
    ests.
    "Isay.
    "
    Yah.
    "
    "
    Wher
    eismot
    her
    ."Iask.
    "
    Sheiswi
    thZi
    pho,
    Tshi
    diandNol
    uthandoatt
    he
    wai
    ti
    ngar
    ea.
    "
    "Ooohokay ,soanypr ogr esswi thBrain?"Iask.Bri
    an
    i
    st hef oolwhot ookawayoursi ster'sprideandwe
    wer enev erablet ogetourr ev
    engef orwhathedi dto
    Thando.Af t
    errapi ngThando, hedisappearedinto
    thi
    nai randwhenhi sfatherdies, wethoughthe
    woul dcomeandmoanhi m buthenev erdid.We
    havebeensear chi ngforhim butnot hing,whenever
    wef indhi m,hedi sappear sagain.Amont hago,we
    l
    ocat edhi m hereinSAbuthedi sappear edagain
    within15mi nutesoflocat inghim.
    "
    NobutZiphosai
    dsomethi
    ngabouthi
    mj oi
    ning
    f
    orceswi
    thMrJones'
    ssons.
    "saysKhaya.
    "
    Wer
    entMrJonesanddadenemi
    es?
    "
    "
    Theywer
    e."r
    epl
    i
    esKhay
    a.
    "
    Hmmmmm.IwonderwhyBr
    ainj
    oinedf
    orceswi
    th
    t
    hem.
    ..
    ."Isay
    .
    "
    Yeah.Si
    gh*
    **Bafoletmegor
    est
    .Iwil
    lcome
    t
    omorrowmorni
    ng."say
    sKhay
    astandi
    ngup.
    "
    Okay
    .Don'
    tfor
    gett
    ocomewi
    thMrbl
    ueey
    es.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    OkayIwon'
    t.
    "
    "
    Andt
    ell
    mom t
    ocomei
    n,
    "
    "OkayBafo."heleav
    estheroom andt
    hentheroom
    i
    sonceagai nfil
    l
    edwi t
    hZipho,
    mom, Nol
    uthando
    andTshidi.
    "
    Iaskedf
    ormom noty
    ouguy
    s."Isaybei
    ngsar
    cast
    ic.
    "Shutupwena.That'
    swhytheyhi
    tyout oday,
    "says
    Tshidil
    aughi
    ng.Theyal
    ll
    aughbutIjustlookatthem
    squint
    ingmyeyes.
    "Mf owet
    hu,thatmanbeaty ouup!Whenwesawy ou
    l
    ay ingonthefloor,wethoughtyouweredead
    becausethewayhewasbeat ingyou,
    Iwaseven
    thinki
    ngofjuststarti
    ngwiththefuner
    alpl
    ans.Iev
    en
    closedmyey esf orasecondbecauseitwastoo
    muchtohandle.Baf
    obakushay
    il
    e."say
    sZi
    pho
    l
    aughi
    ngreal
    lyhard.
    "Youfi
    nall
    ypickedonsomeoney ourownsi
    zeand
    hetaughtyouav al
    uabl
    elesson.
    "saysmymother
    seati
    ngont hechai
    rbesi
    demybed.
    "
    Hamama,
    howcany
    ousaysucht
    oyourson.
    "
    "Am bei
    nghonestmydearSi hl
    e.HedidsomethingI
    havebeenfai
    li
    ngtodof oryear
    snow,"sherepl
    ies.I
    j
    ustlookatherandchuckle.
    .
    "Ai
    iokayyoucanal l
    goawaynow.Ij
    ustwant
    edt
    o
    saygoodnight
    ."Isay.
    "Wearesleepi
    ngherewi
    thy
    ou!
    !"say
    sTshi
    di
    shout
    ingexcit
    edl
    y.
    "
    Aaahwhy?pl
    easel
    eav
    eIwantt
    obeal
    one.
    "Isaybut
    t
    hesepeopl
    edon'
    tmove.
    AiiIguesstheywon'tleave,
    Imightaswel
    lgetmy
    rest.Am l
    it
    eral
    lycountingdowntotomorr
    owto
    whent hatbl
    ueey edfoolcomeshere.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    [1/
    2,06:
    56]Lynne:AndIdedi
    cat
    ethi
    schapt
    ert
    omy
    dearAnam AmahleMahkaJnrMkwedini j
    ust
    aspromised

    Chapt
    er22
    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    Am wokenupbyal
    ightcomingi
    nthr
    oughthe
    wi
    ndowandam notreadyt
    owakeupatall
    .
    "
    Thandooocl
    osethecur
    tai
    ns.
    "Isaycov
    eri
    ngmy
    sel
    f
    wi
    ththebl
    anket
    .
    "Nop,youhavetowakeupnow, "say
    samal evoice,
    roughl
    ypull
    ingtheblanketoffme.Oohshit
    ..
    ..I
    quickl
    yopenmyey esandlookattheper
    son
    standi
    nginfrontofme.
    "
    Umm goodmor
    ning.
    "Isayj
    umpi
    ngoutofbed.
    "
    Wear
    eleav
    ingat7:
    30sogof
    reshenup.
    "
    "
    Leav
    ingt
    owher
    e?"Iaskconf
    used.
    "
    Toseet
    heper
    sony
    oubut
    ter
    edl
    astni
    ght
    .Hewant
    s
    t
    oseey
    ou.
    "Ei
    sh.Il
    etoutal
    oudsi
    ghandj
    ustsmi
    l
    e.
    "Ummm okay
    .Letmef
    reshenup.Ohhhav
    eyouseen
    Thando?
    "
    "Sheisintheguestroom.It ol
    dhert osl
    eept here
    notinhere."hesaysturni
    ngt othedoor.Heexi tsthe
    room, l
    eavi
    ngmei nther oom.It hrowmyselfont he
    bed,wonder i
    ngwhySi hl
    ewant st oseeme.It akemy
    phonef r
    om thetabl
    ebesi dethebedandchecki tfor
    anymessagesbutt hereisnon.Oohwel l
    ,l
    etmej ust
    getready.
    Am doneget t
    ingr
    eady,ti
    met ogodownstai
    rs.Il
    ook
    atmy selfonthemirrorf
    oronemor eti
    me,admi r
    ing
    themani nthewhit
    eshirtwit
    hblackbut
    tons,f
    ormal
    blacktrousersandblackshoes.
    Itakemysungl assesfrom t
    hedressingt
    abl
    eand
    putthem on.Idon'
    twantpeopleseeingmyeyes.I
    won'twearahather ebecausenooneknowsme
    hereinNorthwest.
    Ifi
    nal
    lyl
    eavetheroom,
    headi
    ngtotheli
    vi
    ngroom.I
    hearsomeonesingi
    ngi
    ntheki
    tchenandIgother
    e.
    "
    Goodmor
    ning,
    "Isayappr
    oachi
    ngThando.Iki
    ssher
    onhercheek.
    "Morningbaby .Comeeaty ourbr
    eakfast.
    "says
    Thandot akingabowlfrom thecupboard.Sheputs
    theplateont hecount
    er,r
    eachesf orapotonthe
    stov
    eanddi shesthemiel
    iepapthepotintothebowl.
    Shehandst heplat
    eovertomebutsomeonet akes
    theplatefrom meandput sitonthecounter.
    "Comeit'
    s7:30.
    "says,okayhonestl
    yIstil
    ldon'
    t
    knowtheother2brother'
    snamessoam j ustgoing
    tocal
    lthi
    soneMpho.Hahai tsui
    tshim sowell
    .
    "Ummm Khay a,canhepleaseeatfi
    rst
    ,hehasn'
    thad
    hisbr
    eakfast.
    "saysThandohandingthepl
    ateover
    tomeagai nbuthetakesit
    ,agai
    n!Ooohokaysohe
    i
    sKhay a.2brother
    snamesdown, onemor etogo.
    "
    Babydon'twor
    ry.Iwi
    l
    lcomeeatl
    ater.Letme
    l
    eave.
    "Isaypat
    ti
    ngTHANDO'Sshoulder.
    "
    Butbaby
    ..
    ."
    "
    Thando!
    "bel
    lowsKhaya.Thandokeepsqui
    etand
    l
    ooksdown.Ihol
    dherchinandlookather
    ."don'
    t
    worr
    ylov
    e.Bye,
    "Isay
    .
    Shesay
    sby etomeandIfol
    lowKhaya.Wegot
    othe
    gar
    age,geti
    ntoacaranddr
    iveof
    f.
    "
    What
    'sy
    ourname?
    "asksKhay
    akeepi
    nghi
    sey
    eson
    t
    her
    oad.
    "
    Nkosi
    ,
    "
    "
    JustNkosi
    ?"
    "
    Yes.Sur
    namei
    sNxumal
    o."
    "
    hmmmmm soMrNxumal
    o,whatdoy
    oudof
    ora
    l
    i
    ving?
    "
    "
    Iownacoupl
    eofbusi
    nesses,
    "
    "
    Busi
    nessesasi
    ncor
    nershopsorwhat
    ."
    "No.Iownacoupl eofhospi
    tal
    s,complexesand
    companiesthatspeci
    ali
    zeinScenic&Sightseei
    ng
    Tours,r
    esi
    dential
    remodeli
    ngandadv ert
    isi
    ng."
    "Hmmm okay .Atl
    easty
    ou'll
    beabletotakecareof
    mypr i
    ncess.Nowlet
    'st
    alkaboutthi
    s,whydidyou
    sleepwit
    hmysi st
    erbef
    oremarryi
    ngher?"heasks.I
    l
    ookathim, bl
    ankashell
    ,Idon'
    tknowwhatt osay.
    "
    BecauseIl
    oveher
    ."
    "Youcoul dhav elovedherwi thoutsleepingwi thher
    MrNxumal osoy ourloveforheri snov alidreason
    foryout ofuckher ."hesay s."Whaty oudi dwas
    wrong, especiall
    yimpr egnant i
    ngherbef oremar ri
    age.
    Youdi srespectedusandy oudi sr
    espect edoneof
    ourfather'swishesandt hatiswhywedi dwhatwe
    didtoy oulastnight .
    "Ijustlookout sidet hewindow
    ashesay sallofthisandIhav etoaccepti tthough,
    accordingt otheblackcul ture,Ihavedi srespected
    them butIdon' tregretmaki ngl ovetomywoman
    .Shewascr eatedf ormeany way s.
    "Am ver
    ysorryfordi
    srespecti
    ngyou.Ishouldhav
    e
    askedforherhandinmar r
    iagefi
    rst
    ."Isay.
    "Yourapol ogywon'tchangeanythi
    ngboy.Now, l
    et
    met ellyousomet hi
    ngmyboyandy ouwi l
    lsi
    tther
    e
    andlisten."saysKhaya.Wehav earr
    ivedata
    hospital.Khayaparkedhiscarandlockedthedoors.
    Letthel ectur
    ebegin.
    "Iper
    sonall
    ydon'tl
    ikeyouandi st
    il
    lfeel
    li
    keki
    ll
    i
    ng
    yourightnowbutlastnight,Ir
    eali
    sedhowmuchmy
    sist
    erlovesyouandIdon' twanttomakehercryby
    taki
    ngy ouawayfrom her.AsmuchasIdon' twant
    tosayt his,Ihav et oaccepti t,sincey oudeci dedt o
    goaheadandsl eepwi thThando, youwi llhav et o
    mar r
    yherbuti tdoesn' tmeany ouar eof ft hehook.
    Justbecausey oubeatupSi hlel astni ght , doesn' t
    meanwear enowaf raidofy ousobel iev emewhenI
    saywest il
    l hav eourey esony ou.Accor dingt ous,
    nobodywi llev erbegoodenought odat eThando, l
    et
    alonemar ryingher .Nooneev erwi ll
    .Youmi ght
    mar r
    yherbutwewi l
    lstil
    lwat chy ou.Sowehav ea
    coupleofr ul esf ory oulet'sgot hr ought heser ules.
    Rulenumber1, nev erhur toursi st er,andbydon’ t
    hurther,Imean, don’thurtherorwewi llhunty ou
    downandhur ty ou.She' sourl it
    tlesi st erandweher e
    toprotecther .Rul enumber2, ifsheev ercr i
    es, make
    sureshest opsbef oreweseet hoset ear sbecause
    wewi l
    l shoott hatt hingy oucal ladi ck.I nf actletme
    saythis,ifsheev ercr i
    es, wewi ll killyousomake
    sureshenev ercr ies.Rulenumber3, mysi ster
    shouldnev erandImeannev ergot hroughat hing
    call
    edpov ertybecauseshegr ewupi naf ami l
    ywi th
    moneysoi fsheev ersleepswi t
    hanempt yst omach
    becausey ouhav ebecomebr oke, Iwi l
    l comet ake
    heraway .Rul enumber4, tr
    eatherl i
    keaqueen
    becauseshei sone.Rul enumber5whi chy ou
    alreadyshowedal lofusl astni ghtevent houghy ou
    hur tSi hle,protectheratal ltimesandf i
    ghtf orher .If
    youbr eakanyoft heser ules, Iwi l
    lcomedownon
    youl i
    kehel l
    ,Iwillmakey ourl ifeal i
    vi
    nghel landI
    willmaket hatmymi ssion, ar ewecl ear ?"hesay s
    point i
    nghi sf i
    ngeratme.Inodmyhead, tohi s
    l
    ect ureandsay"okayIwi llfoll
    owal l
    y ourr ules
    whi chIwoul dhav enev erev enbr okenev eni fy ou
    didntt ellme; butbef or eweendt hi
    st opic, Ilov ey our
    sister, shei sapr ior i
    tyinmyl if
    ewhi chi swhyIwoul d
    nev erwi sht ohur therormakehercr y .Iwi l
    l protect
    hernomat terwhatandIwi l
    l alway smakeherhappy .
    Iknowt hatyout hinkam notper fectforheratal lbut
    thatdoesn' tgivey ouguy st her ighttoabusemet he
    wayy oudi dlastni ghtwhi chwaswhyIhi ty our
    brot her .Youar emor et hanwel comet onotl ikeme
    andwat chmeal ly ouwantbutpl ease, r
    espectme
    thesamewayIr especty ouasThando' sbr ot hers."I
    sayt ohi m.Hechuckl es, thenhemov escl osert omy
    earandsay s"wewi l
    l nev err especty ouunt il you
    ear nt hatr espectmyboyandaboutl astni ght ,we
    hadev er yri
    ghttodowhatwedi dtoy ou."Ir emov e
    mysungl
    assesandl
    ookathi
    m st
    rai
    ghti
    ntheey
    e.
    "Hmm okaythen,Iwon'tsaymuchanymorebutall
    am goingtosayi
    s,respectmeandrespectt
    helove
    thatThandoandIhaveorelse,
    youwillf
    acethedevi
    l
    i
    nme.Ihopewear edonehere.
    "
    Hest aresatmewi t
    hhi shandscl enchedi ntoafist.
    Heunl ockst hedoor s,Iopenmydoorandst epout
    ofthecar .Iputonmygl assesandwai tf
    orhimt o
    getoutoft hecar.Ifthesemot herfuckingbrothers
    seriousl ythinkthatIwi l
    ljustletthem wal kall
    ov er
    met hent heyar ekiddingt hemselves.Mi na
    nginguZwi deKal anga,Inev erletany onefuckme
    over ,especi al
    lywhenThandoi sincludedinthe
    si
    tuat ion.
    Hefinal
    lyget
    soutofthecarandstart
    swalki
    ng
    towardsthehospi
    tal
    .Wegetinsi
    deandgot othe
    wait
    ingareawhereThando'
    smother,Nol
    uthando
    andTshidiar
    e.Iwalktot
    hem andgreett
    hesister
    s
    fi
    rst
    .
    "
    Hel
    l
    oMa,
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Hel
    l
    omyboy
    .Howar
    eyou?
    "sheasksme.
    "
    Am f
    ineMa.Howar
    eyou?
    "
    "Am fi
    nemyson.Iwill
    seey ouathomemyboy ,I
    havetogofreshenupsinceIspentt
    hewholeni
    ght
    here.
    "shesaystaki
    ngherhandbagfrom t
    hechai
    r
    nexttoher
    .
    "
    OkayMa.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Khaya,
    Iwil
    lseeyouathome.Whatshoul
    dIcook
    f
    oryouboy
    s."shesay
    slooki
    ngathim.
    "
    Don'tworr
    yma,wewil
    lbuyt
    akeaways.Yougo
    f
    reshenupandr
    est.
    "say
    sKhaya.Shenodsthen
    walksaway.
    "Comel et'
    sgo."saysKhaya.Ifoll
    owhim unt
    ilwe
    stopinfrontofabluedoor .Heturnst
    omeand
    signal
    sf ormet ogeti
    nside.
    Iholdthedoorhandleandt wisti
    ttoopen.Ifirst
    peept houghthedoorandseeaper sonlayi
    ngont he
    bed,lookingt
    heotherside.Iwalkinslowly
    ,closethe
    doorbehi ndmeandclearmyt hr
    oattocatchhi s
    att
    ention.
    "
    Am t
    ool
    azyt
    otur
    ntoy
    ousowal
    ktome.
    "hesay
    s.
    Ooohwow.Iwalktothesi
    deheisfaci
    ngandgreet
    hi
    m buthedoesn'
    tgr
    eetmeback.Hejustl
    ooksat
    meandsays"sit
    ."
    Itaket
    hechai
    r,si
    tandj
    ustkeepqui
    etwhi
    l
    elooki
    ng
    down.
    "Youknow, youhav esomegutboyandIl i
    kethatgut
    ofy oursbutIdidn'tcal
    lyouforthat.
    "hesaysl
    ooking
    atme.Iwon' tli
    e,thismani sscary.NowIknowwhy
    peoplewer elookingatmet hewayt heywerel
    ast
    night.Howcoul dIhav ebeatenupsuchaman. .
    ..
    ..
    "
    Whydidyoupi
    ckmysister
    ?"heasks.Ir
    aisemy
    f
    acet
    ohisandchuckl
    e.
    "WhydidIpicky oursist
    er?Wellbecauseyoursi
    ster
    i
    st heangel
    t hatIhavebeensear chi
    ngfor
    ,foral
    lmy
    l
    ife.Shei
    sdif f
    erentfr
    om allt
    hewomenoutt her
    e
    andbecauseGodcr eatedherforme."
    "
    Andhowdoy
    ouknowt
    hat
    ?"
    "Becauseeversi
    nceshecamei ntomyl i
    fe,
    ithas
    beennot hi
    ngbuthappiness,
    shehasbroughtso
    muchj oyint
    omyl i
    fe.AndIalwaysfeel
    li
    ke
    protect
    ingheratal
    lti
    mes.Ijustwantherherenext
    tomeallthet
    ime.Whenev
    ershegoest hr
    ough
    somethi
    ngitbr
    eaksmyheartandIwoulddo
    anyt
    hingt
    omakeherhappyagain.I
    .."
    "Okayenough.Now, am pr et tysur eKhay agav eyou
    abigassl ectureony ourwayher ebecauset hats
    whathei sgoodatbutasf orme, Iwon' tgi
    v ey oua
    l
    ongl ect ureatal l
    .Al lam goi ngt osayt oy oui s,
    wat chy our selfboy .Onemi st akeandy ouar edead.
    Thandohasbeent hr oughal otandi fy oumakeher
    got hroughany thi
    ngmor ethanwhatsheal readyhas,
    Iwillkil
    l you."Forsomer eason, theaur aaroundhi m
    suddenl yst artst owei ghmi nedownandbecomes
    darkeranddar ker.Hi sf ocusonmebecomesmor e
    andmor eashi seyesbegi nt omani pulatemywhol e
    body ."Youmi ghthav ehi tmel astni ghtboybuti f
    youdoany t
    hingt oher ,knowt hatam notscar edof
    youatal l
    .Whaty oudi dt omel astni ghtwillbe
    nothingcompar edt owhatIwi lldot oy ou."hesay s
    i
    nav eryl owdeepv oice.If eel achi lltraveldownmy
    spineashi swor dsscar etheshi toutofme.Wher e
    thehel ldidIgett hest rengtht ohi tthismanl ast
    night?Ther ei ssomet hi ngabouthi mt hatjustmakes
    mef earhim.Ihaveev
    enl ookedawayfrom hi
    m
    becausethereissomethi
    ngabouthislook.Okayso
    heistheonet r
    ipl
    etam notwill
    i
    ngtofuckwithbut
    al
    ongwi ththat
    ,Iwon'
    tlethim wal
    kallovermeorthe
    l
    ovet hatThandoandIhav e.
    "
    Iheary
    ou.
    "
    "Good.Youcanl eave."hesay s.Istandupt henwalk
    tothedoor .Iopeni t
    ,st epoutoft her oom andcl ose
    thedoor .Iletoutal oudsi ghandsomeoneput sthei
    r
    handonmyshoul der,st artl
    ingme.Il ookatt hehand
    thent heper sonandIr ealiset hatit'
    st heother
    brother, theoneIst i
    l
    l don'tknow.Ooohl ord,herewe
    goagai n.Ithinkam r eadyt ogobackhome.He
    l
    ooksatmeandsay s" Don' twor ry,am nother eto
    l
    ectur ey ou.Al lIcansayt oy ouisdon' tfuckmeov er
    thewayy oudi dwheny ouj ustdeci dedt ofuck
    Thando.Besi desthat, Ihav enot hingagai nstyou.My
    namei sZi phobyt heway ."hesay sgiv i
    ngmeahand
    shake.Il ookathi m conf usedashel l
    .Ishakehi s
    handandsay" Am Nkosi ."Hel ooksatmet henpulls
    met ot heseat s.Wesi tdownandt henour
    conv ersat i
    onst art
    sf r
    om t her e.
    "
    Soy
    oul
    ovemysi
    sterr
    ight
    ?"
    "
    YesIdo.
    "
    "Okaythen.Ihav
    et osay,
    lastni
    ghtyouprov
    ed
    yoursel
    ftomeandIhav etosay,Il
    ikeyouNkosi
    ."he
    saysleani
    ngonhi schai
    r.
    "
    Umm t
    hanky
    ouZi
    pho.
    "
    "Don'tthankme.Sodoy ouwantt
    ogooutf
    or
    breakfast.Yourli
    psarewhit
    eashell
    soam guessi
    ng
    youar ehungry."hesays.
    Eeeeh.
    ..
    ..
    ..I
    shesomehowtheni
    ceone?Ij
    ustnod
    myheadandhechuckles.
    "Nkosi,am theonet r
    ipl
    etthaty oushoul
    dnotbe
    scaredof.Am t heonet hatyoushouldconsi
    dera
    fri
    endsoj ustr elax."hesay s.Hestandsupfr
    om his
    seatthensi gnalsf ormet ofoll
    owhim.OkayIthi
    nk
    am goingt olikehi m....
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    "Thankyoufort
    hebr
    eakfastbaby
    .Ihadmi
    ssedy
    our
    cooking.
    "saysmymother.
    "
    Youar
    ewel
    comema.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .
    "
    DidNkosi
    eatbef
    orel
    eav
    ing?
    "
    "Noma.Khay adr
    aggedhi
    m outoft
    hehousebef
    ore
    hecoul
    d."Isayshaki
    ngmyhead.
    "
    Aiit
    hosesonsar
    ejustl
    iket
    heirfat
    hermaan.They
    l
    i
    kebeingdif
    fi
    cul
    tandcompli
    catedforabsol
    utel
    yno
    r
    eason.
    "
    "
    Truet
    hat
    ,"say
    sTshi
    di.
    "
    Ifeel
    sor
    ryf
    ory
    ourmanshame.
    "say
    sNol
    uthando.
    "
    Itri
    edtowarnhimlastni
    ghtbutheref
    used.I
    wantedustogotothehotel
    buthejusthadto
    r
    efuse.Nowlook.
    "Isay.
    "
    Don'
    tworrymydaught
    er.Hewi
    l
    l bef
    ine.Andhedid
    t
    heri
    ghtthi
    ngbyref
    usi
    ngtogothehotelandj
    ust
    f
    aci
    ngthose3.
    "
    "
    Nomamahedi dn'
    t.Yoursonskeeponabusi
    ngmy
    manandam t
    ir
    edofit."Isayshaki
    ngmyhead.
    "Don'
    tsaythatli
    ttl
    esis.Nkosiwill
    befi
    ne,i
    fhehad
    thecouragetofightSi
    hlethenam pret
    tysur
    ehecan
    handl
    ethem. "saysTshidi
    .Iletoutasi
    ghandjust
    l
    ookatmyf ood.
    "Sot el
    lus.Howdi dyouguy smeet ?"asksmy
    mot her.Asmymi ndr unsbackt ot hedaywemet ,I
    star
    tbl ushingwithoutevenr eali
    zingit.Il
    ookatmy
    mot herandsay" wel li
    tallst
    artedwi thaparki
    nglot
    .
    Onmyf i
    rstdaytowor k,Iparkedont hespothe
    want edtopar ksohecamet omeandt ol
    dmet o
    mov ebutIr ef
    usedsohej ustleft.Af t
    erworkonmy
    waybackhome, hepur poselyhitmycarbecausese
    ofthepar kinglotissueandt hat'
    swhenev er
    ythi
    ng
    star
    t ed."
    "Haaayouli
    e.Soy ouar etell
    i
    ngmeyouf el
    li
    nlove
    withamant hathityourcar?!Haami
    naIwoul dhave
    kil
    l
    edhimy hooo."saysNol ut
    handot
    hrowingher
    handsi
    nt heair
    .
    "
    Ial
    sohat
    edhi
    m atf
    ir
    st.Hewast
    hemostannoy
    ing
    bei
    ngev erbutasti
    mewenton, If
    ell
    forhi
    sannoy
    ing
    assthenboom, t
    hishappened.
    "Isay.
    "Wow, y
    ouguysreall
    ymeti
    nthemostawkwar
    dway
    ever
    ."saysNol
    uthando.
    "
    Yeahey
    ."
    "
    Am act
    uall
    yhappyt haty
    oumethim Thando.That
    mantr
    ulyl
    ov esyou.
    "saysmot
    her."
    Heev enreminds
    meofyourfather
    ."
    "Her
    emindsmeofdadt
    ooma.Hei ssopossessi
    ve
    andcont
    rol
    l
    ingj
    ustl
    i
    kedad.
    "Isay
    .
    "Rememberwheny oualwayst ol
    dyourf
    atherthat
    youwantamanj ustl
    ikehim andhesaidyouwi l
    l
    meetthatman,Nkosiisthatmansokeephi m
    Thandoanddon'tl
    ethim go."saysmymot her
    .
    Inodmyheadwi
    thasmi
    l
    eonmyf
    ace.
    "NowIhaveaquesti
    onThando.Ar
    ehi
    sey
    esr
    eal
    l
    y
    blueor
    ..
    ..
    "say
    sNoluthando.
    "
    Yeat
    heyar
    e."Isay
    .
    "Woooooootheyar
    ezexyshame.OoohhowIwi
    shI
    coul
    djustgetmyownblueeyedmanwhowil
    lbe
    abletofacemybrother
    s."say
    sNolut
    handoact i
    ng
    dramatic.Weal
    ll
    aughatherandmymot hersays
    "i
    sn'ty
    oudon'twanttodatesohowwill
    youf i
    nd
    hi
    m. "
    "Hewil
    lfi
    ndmehau.
    "shesay
    srol
    l
    ingherey
    es
    sar
    casti
    cal
    ly
    .
    "Hmmmm Yeasur e!
    !!
    "say
    sTshidi
    .IlookatTshi
    di
    andspotsomet
    hingonherneck.Hehearemyey es
    decei
    vi
    ngmeorwhat .
    "Tshi
    di i
    sthatahickey?"Iask.Shequickl
    ycoversi
    t
    andsay s"noIjustgothurt.
    "Mymot herstandsup
    from herseat
    ,walkstoTshi diandr
    emov esherhand.
    "Hey
    i,Denzel
    isdoi
    ngthethings!
    !!
    !!
    "shesay
    s
    l
    aughing.Mymothermightbeoldbutshesti
    ll
    has
    hert
    eenspiri
    t.
    "Hayi
    madon'tdot
    hat
    !"say
    sTshi
    di.I
    fonl
    ymot
    her
    knew..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    Wecarryonwi
    thourconver
    sationunti
    lwehear2
    malevoi
    cesl
    aughi
    nghard.Weal lt
    urntot
    hedoor
    andfi
    ndoutwhothemalevoicesbelongt
    o.
    Aremyeyesser
    iousl
    ylooki
    ngatNkosi
    andZi
    pho
    ri
    ghtnoworadreami
    ng...
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Wel ookateachot
    herconf
    usedthenwel
    ookback
    atthe2men.Nkosiwalksuptomeandki
    ssesmy
    l
    ips.
    "Nonomybr ot
    her.Justbecausewear efr
    iends
    doesntmeany oucandoasy ouwishinfr
    ontofme.I
    cansti
    llbeatyou,
    "saysZiphothrowi
    nghi mselfon
    thecouch.Hehe,arethese2nowf ri
    ends?!
    "
    Hayisuka.St
    opbeingj
    eal
    ous."r
    epli
    esNkosi.He
    wav
    esatmysi st
    ersandmotherthenlooksbackat
    me.
    "Canwepl
    easel
    eav
    eonMondaybaby
    .Yourbrot
    her
    andIar
    egoingt
    owatchal
    i
    vematcht
    omorrow."
    Thando,
    wakeup,
    youar
    etot
    all
    ysl
    eepi
    ngr
    ightnow.
    Ilookatthel
    adi
    essi
    tt
    ingatt
    het
    abl
    ewi
    thmeand
    theyareasconf
    usedasIam.
    "Thandoyourmani
    swai
    ti
    ngf
    orar
    epl
    y.
    "shout
    s
    Zipho.
    ..
    ..
    .
    "
    Umm y
    eahy
    eahsur
    e.I
    t'
    sokay
    ."Isaysnappi
    ngout
    ofi
    t.
    "
    Thankyoubaby
    ."hewal
    kst
    othel
    i
    vingr
    oom and
    j
    oinsZi
    pho.
    "
    OoohandSi
    hlei
    sbeingdi
    schargedtoday
    .Khaya
    wi
    ll
    bri
    nghi
    mlateri
    ntheaf
    ternoon.
    "saysZipho.
    "Ooohum okay ."repli
    esmot her.Honestlyweareall
    shocked,i
    nf actwear ebeyondshocked.Oneofmy
    heart
    lessbrothers,theonewhohasnev erli
    kedany
    oftheguyst hatmysi stersandIbr oughthome,the
    onewhoj oinedKhay aandSihleinbeatingupNkosi
    l
    astnightissuddenl yfri
    endswi thhim?!!
    !Haaa.
    Ilookatmymot herthenshejustopenshereyes
    whileshaki
    ngherhead.Ijustshrug,l
    ookatt
    he2as
    theywatchsoccerintheli
    vingroom andj
    ustl
    ook
    backatthetabl
    e.Ican'tbel
    ievethi
    s.

    *
    ***
    ***
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er23

    THANDO'
    SPOV
    Lastnightwehadaf ami l
    ybraaianditwasamaz ing.
    Nkosi andZiphoar eliketheper f
    ectfr
    iendshi
    p
    mat ch.Theyact ual
    lyactasi ftheyhavebeenf ri
    ends
    forsincechil
    dhood.Theonl ypeoplewhower en'
    tas
    happyast her estofuswer eKhayaandSi hl
    e.They
    keptonbul l
    yingNkosi butZiphowasn'ttaki
    nganyof
    thatbull
    .Am r eall
    ygladt hattheyarefr
    iends.
    Iwakeupont heSundaymor ni
    ng,
    feel
    i
    nglonelyas
    helli
    nmybed....
    ..
    .Imissmymansomuch. .
    .Sigh.I
    real
    lycan'
    twaitforustogobackt
    omorrow.Igetout
    ofbed,gogetabat h,makemybedandleaveforthe
    kit
    chentomakemi el
    i
    epapformyman.
    Ifi
    ndmymotheralmostdonewit
    hsett
    ingupthe
    tabl
    ewi
    thbr
    eakfast.Someti
    mesIwonderwhyshe
    hasmai
    dswhenshel it
    eral
    l
    ydoesal
    lthwork.Ai
    i
    ...
    ..
    "Goodmor
    ningma.
    "Isaygi
    vi
    ngherahugf
    rom t
    he
    back.
    "
    Mor
    ningmynunu.Howwasy
    oursl
    eep?
    "
    "
    Itwasokayandy
    our
    s?"
    "i
    twasokay .
    "shesays.Iconti
    nuet
    otheki
    tchenand
    putapotwi t
    hwateronthestovewhenIsuddenl
    y
    feelwarm ar
    mscreepingaroundmyneckandsoft
    coldli
    psperkmycheek.
    "Goodmorningbeaut
    if
    ul."hesay
    srubbi
    nghi
    s
    hardsel
    fagainstmyarse.
    "HayiNkosiman.Mymom i sthedini
    ngroom f
    or
    cryi
    ngoutloud.
    "Isaytryi
    ngtopushhim awaybuthe
    ti
    ghtl
    yholdsmywai standwhisper
    s.
    "andwhosai dIcare?"andthisstatementsends
    shuddersdownmyspi ne.Itakeadeepbr eathi
    n,
    tryi
    ngtokeepthemor almeintact.Hemov eshis
    handsupt ocupmybr eastbutIquicklyholdthem
    beforetheycoul
    dev enreachmybr easts.Hegoes
    downt omyneckandgi vesitsoftkisseswhilehe
    i
    nhalest hecol
    dairaroundusandexhal eswar m ai
    r
    ontomyneck.
    "Dontworr
    y,soonshi tisgoingtogodownatmy
    house.
    "Igaspf orairandclosemyey es,st
    il
    ltr
    ying
    tocontr
    olmy selfbecausebelievemewhenIsayI
    wanttograbhim andf eelhisli
    psagainstminej
    ust
    asouraur
    asf
    ightf
    ormast
    ery
    .
    Heslowlylet
    'sgoofmeandwal ksoutofthekitchen
    wit
    hhisshoesmaki ngacl
    icki
    ngsound.Iwat chhis
    hunkyselfwalkawaywhenInoti
    cemymot her
    l
    ookingatmewi thagri
    n.Oooohgeez..
    ..
    "
    Goodl
    ucknunu,
    youneeditfort
    omor
    row.
    "say
    smy
    mom wal
    ki
    ngint
    otheki
    tchen.
    "Ai
    ima.
    "Isayblushi
    ng.Il
    ookawayfrom herwi
    tha
    smil
    eonmyf aceandshesays,
    "iseeyou."
    "
    Butma.
    ..
    ..
    ihav
    eaquest
    ionf
    ory
    ou.
    "
    "
    Whati
    sit
    ?"
    "
    Aren'
    tyouangr
    ywi
    thme?
    "
    "
    Angr
    ywi
    thwhat
    ?"
    "That
    ...
    .Thatam pregnant
    ."shel
    ooksatmethen
    chuckles,nowlooki
    ngdown.Shecall
    smeov ert
    o
    thediningroom wherewesitandshefi
    nal
    l
    yspeaks.
    "Am notangr yaty oumychi ld,am notev
    en
    disappointed.Infact,am happy.Am happythaty
    ou
    gavey ourselftotherightmanwhoi swil
    li
    ngtoki
    ll
    yourbrotherj ustbecauseoft hel
    ov ehehasforyou.
    AnyonecanseethatNkosii
    sreadytosacri
    fice
    himsel
    fforyouandthebabythati
    sgrowingi nsi
    de
    yourwomb."sheputsherhandontopofmi neand
    star
    tsr
    ubbingit
    .
    "I
    fy ourfatherwasst il
    lal
    ive,hewoul dalsobehappy
    withy ourchoice."shelastl
    ysay sbeforestandingup.
    Ilookatherwi t
    hasmi l
    e,takenbyherwor ds.
    Not hi
    ngmakesmehappi erthanknowingt hatmy
    mot herishappywi t
    hmychoi cebecauset hat
    'sallI
    feared.Ialsostandupf r
    om t heseatandgot ot he
    kitchentocookNkosi '
    smi eli
    epap.
    Whenbr eakfasti
    sready,ev
    ery oneiscall
    ed
    downst air
    sandt heyall
    come.JustasNkosi
    attemptst ositnexttomeatt hediningtabl
    e,Khaya
    pullsthechai r
    ,makingNkosisitont hefl
    oor.
    Everyonebur stsoutinl
    aughterwhi l
    eIhelpmyman
    standup.Il ookatKhayawhoj ustshrugswhil
    e
    l
    aughi ng.HowIwi shhecouldj ustgobackov erseas
    man! !
    Khayaput
    sthechairbackwhereit
    ssupposedtobe
    buthehur
    ri
    edlysi
    tsont hechai
    rbefor
    eNkosicoul
    d
    beathi
    mtoit.
    Nkosij
    ustchuckl
    esandf
    indshi
    msel
    faseatnextt
    o
    Tshi
    di.
    IpeeratKhayawi
    thangerwri
    tt
    enal
    lov
    ermyf
    ace
    buthesays"Il
    oveyoutoo.
    "mxm.
    "Sowhatshoul
    dwedotoday?
    "asksNol
    uthando
    shovi
    ngaspoonofoat
    sint
    ohermouth.
    "Hmmmm whataboutwegoouttot
    hemal
    land
    havel
    uncht
    her
    e?"repl
    i
    esTshi
    di.
    "Idon'
    tfeelli
    kegoingouttoday
    .Let
    'sjusthav
    ea
    sundaylunchher e.
    "Isay
    .Every
    onelooksuptome
    andthent heylookawayandconti
    nuet al
    ki
    ng.
    "
    Sohowaboutpapachi
    no'
    s?"asksZipho.Ooohso
    t
    heyar
    eignori
    ngmysuggesti
    on!?Okayitscool
    ,they
    wi
    ll
    goalone.Am st
    ayi
    ng.
    "I
    t'
    sokay .Sowewi ll
    leaveat12sopeopl eber eady
    at12."say sNol
    uthando.KhayalooksatSi hleand
    theybothsay" wehav esomewor ktodosowe
    won'tbet her
    e"butmymot heri
    nterr
    uptsthem." We
    allknowy oudon'
    thav eanywor ksowhyar ey ou
    l
    y i
    ng?Any waysit
    'syourloss,wewon' tf
    orcey out o
    comeal ong."Si
    hlestandsupf r
    om hisseat ,goes
    upstairstohi sst udyr oom andKhay afoll
    owshim.
    Whenar ethesemengoi ngtost opbei ngcunt s
    becausei t'
    sst artingt ogetallchildishnow.We
    fi
    nallyfini
    shourbr eakfastandthemai dscleanthe
    tableaswegoupt ooutr ooms.JustasIgeti nt
    omy
    room, someonebehi ndmer oughl yshov esmei n
    andcl osest hedoorandl ocksit.Iturnt oseewhoi t
    i
    sbutmyl i
    psar eal r
    eadyagainsthi s.Hespeedily
    picksmeupandwal kstothebed, droppingmet here
    andst artstearingmypoormaxi dress.Ev er
    ythi
    ngis
    happeni ngsof ast .
    "Imissy ousomuch! !
    ""hesay
    si nadeeplowv oi
    ce.I
    l
    ookathi srefulgentnakedselfashistonguebegins
    tonibbleonev erysingl
    epartofmybody .Ifeel
    my sel
    fthr obbingmor eandmor euntil
    Icanf eeli
    t
    swelli
    ngbutNkosi conti
    nuestoteaseme.
    Hegoesdownt omyt oesandst ar
    tst osuckev ery
    singleoneoft hem,hemov esont omyl egsandmy
    thighs,del
    icat
    elyki
    ssingthem asift heyarefragi
    le.
    Hef i
    nal
    lygetstomyspotandhi selegenteyes
    wat chmeashebegi nstobathemyspotwi t
    hhi s
    l
    av ishtongue.Ishi
    verasthetingli
    ngf eeli
    ngofhis
    warmt ongueconsumesmei ntoawor l
    dofbeaut i
    ful
    rockets.Ihol dont omysheet s,
    tryi
    ngnott omoan
    l
    oudlybutIf ail
    to.Whent heloudestunexpected
    moanescapesmyl ips,If
    eelNkosi'
    shandcov ermy
    mout handhesay s"shhh"wi
    thoutleavi
    ngmyspot .
    Hegoesbackt olickingandsucking,makingmy
    wholebodyweakunt il
    Ifi
    nal
    lygoov ert
    heedgef i
    ll
    ed
    withsci nt
    il
    lati
    nglights.Hecomesbackupt omyli
    ps
    and
    woundsthem wi
    thhisjui
    cyli
    ps.Ist
    artt
    ounbut
    ton
    hi
    sshir
    tbutheroughlyhol
    dsmyhandsandshakes
    hi
    sheadwi t
    hagrin.
    "Icameher etopleasey ou,notmy sel
    f.Iwon't
    disrespectyourmotherlikethat.
    "andwi ththat,he
    givesmeonel astki
    ss,goest omybat hroom, does
    whathedoes, comesbackwi t
    hat owel andcleans
    meup.Hewal kstomycl oset,get
    smeaf l
    orall
    ong
    dressandl eavestheroom.Howcannkosi beso
    cruel!
    !!
    !becauseIstil
    lwanthi mr i
    ghthere!!
    !!
    Igetdressedintothefl
    oraldr
    ess,gowashmyf
    ace
    andjustwat chTVinmyr oom.Hemademymor ni
    ng
    butalsoruineditatt
    hesamet ime..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    Nothingbrightensupamydayl i
    ket asti
    ngThando' s
    secculentselfandli
    st eningtohermoani ngsounds.
    Thatjustmakesmet hemostr adiantmanonear t
    h.I
    real
    lywant edtopleasur emy sel ftoobutknowi ng
    Thando, Iwouldn'
    triskitbecauset hatwomancan
    moanf orday sandherp* **symakesmemoant oo
    so.IleaveThando' sroom wi tht heintentiontogot o
    myr oom butIendupgoi ngt oZi pho'sr oom.So
    ZiphoandIhav ebecomef ri
    endsandam l ovi
    ngour
    rel
    ati
    onship.It'
    sli
    ke, wehav ethisunbr eakable
    bromance.
    Iknockonhisdoorandafterhear
    inghisvoi
    cesay
    comein,Iopenthedoorandpeepi nt
    otheroom.
    "
    CanIcomei
    n?"Iask.
    "
    Sur
    eman.Comej
    oinme,
    am wat
    chi
    ngamov
    ie.
    "he
    repli
    eswhil
    esitt
    ingonhi
    sbed.Igeti
    ntohi
    sroom,
    closethedoorbehindmeandj
    oinhiminwatchi
    ng
    TV.
    "SoNkosi,whenar eyoumar ry
    ingThando?"hesays
    withhiseyesgluedtotheTV.That'sonequest i
    onI
    expected.Il
    ookathi m,chuckl
    eandsay" Am
    planni
    ngonpr oposingtohertodayatlunch.Ihave
    everyt
    hingplannedout.
    "Isay .
    "
    Oooohsothat
    'swhyt
    hose2rascal
    swantt
    ogoout
    f
    orl
    unch.
    "hesayspoi
    nti
    ngt
    heremoteatme.
    "
    Pret
    tymuchyeah.Iaskedthem t
    ohelpmeoutwi
    th
    t
    hiswhol
    ethi
    nglastnightatt
    hebraai
    ."
    "Butwhymakei ti
    nt heaf
    ter
    noon.Makeiti
    nthe
    evening,
    thenitwil
    lbemoreromanti
    c."hesay
    s
    gett
    ingoffthebed.
    "It
    houghtabouti
    tbutyoursi
    ster
    sref
    used.They
    sai
    dweshoul dhaveanengagementpar
    tyatnight
    ."I
    say.
    "Oooh.Wel
    lwecanj
    usthav
    ebot
    hoft
    hoset
    oni
    ght
    can'
    twe?"
    "Cal
    lyoursi
    stersandtel
    lthem t
    hatbecauset
    hey
    don'
    twanttolistent
    ome. "
    "
    OkayIwil
    lspeakt
    othem l
    ater
    ."weconti
    nue
    wat
    chingt
    hemov i
    eunti
    lIf
    eelabitsl
    eepy.Ist
    andup
    f
    rom t
    hecouchandleav
    eZipho'sr
    oom formine.
    Igettheretakemyphonef rom mypocketand
    real
    i
    z ethatIhave6mi ssedcal
    lsf
    rom t
    hecompl ex
    guard.Ical
    l hi
    m backandheanswersafterthe3rd
    ri
    ng.
    "Bozza,ther
    ei samanherewhoclai
    mst obean
    elect
    ri
    cianandhewantstof i
    xsomethingin
    Thando'sapar t
    ment
    .ShouldIl
    ethi
    mi n?"heasksi
    n
    av er
    ylowv oice.
    "Nodon't.Not
    hingi
    swrongwithThando'
    sapar
    tment
    .
    Infact
    ,sendmeapi ct
    ureoft
    hissocall
    ed
    elect
    ri
    cian.
    "
    "OkayBozza."heendsthecallandsendsmet he
    pict
    ureofthemanwhoi sal
    ightskinned,mascular
    man, wit
    hfreakl
    esall
    overhisface.Hehasbr aod
    shoulder
    sandascaronhi sleftcheek.Isendthe
    pict
    uretoBrendonandaskhi mt odosomer esearch
    onthismanandhecal lsmeatt hatmoment.I
    answerafterthefi
    rstringandBrendonsays"That'
    s
    Bri
    anboss.It'
    shim. "Igaspforairasangert
    akes
    over
    .Myt eethclanchjustasmyhandscl enchint
    oa
    fi
    sttoo.
    "Heisatthecompl ex.Makesur eheleavesthat
    placeimmedi atel
    ybutdon' ttouchhi
    m, rememberhe
    playswiththedeadl yboy ssowedon' twantto
    tr
    iggerthem orelset heywillcomeforThandoasa
    wayt ohurtme. "Isay.Ihonestlywanttohurtthi
    s
    Brianman, Iwantt ohurtsobadbutt hose2Mexi can
    menar enott omesswi th.Iwanttohaveapr oper
    l
    ifewithmywi f
    e,notal i
    feofsuf f
    eri
    ng.
    Whenam aboutt
    oendt
    hecal
    lIr
    emember
    somet
    hing.
    "Ummm Brendon.Anyf
    indi
    ngsf
    ort
    hepi
    ctur
    eIsent
    onFr
    iday
    ."
    "Nosir
    .Thisman'si
    denti
    tyisext
    remelysecret
    ive
    anditwil
    ltakesometi
    mef ormet of
    indit
    ."hesays.
    "Oohokay.Justl
    etmeknowifyoufindany
    thi
    ng.
    "I
    say.Idr
    opthecallandj
    ustsi
    tonthebedandbur
    y
    myf
    acei
    nmypal
    ms.
    Howcanamanbesousel esshuh?Iam supposed
    tokil
    lthatmanbutfearconquersme.Ifeart
    hatifI
    kil
    lhim, hi
    sal
    li
    eswil
    lhurtmyThando.It'
    sfi
    neift
    hey
    hurtmebutmywoman? !That'
    sar i
    skam notwil
    li
    ng
    totake.Thatri
    skwi
    llrui
    nmeunt il
    thatdayIdi
    e.
    Sigh.
    ...
    ..Butt
    heni
    fIleavehi
    m, hewil
    lconti
    nueto
    harassThando.
    WhatshallIdonow.ShouldIincl
    udeZiphoint
    his?
    Nooo.Idon'tthi
    nkIshoul
    d.Iwill
    havetocomeup
    wi
    thsomet hingandIhavetodosov er
    yquick.
    Themor ninggoesonsof astandit'
    snowafter
    noon
    butNoluthandoandTshididon'tseem l
    i
    ketheyst
    il
    l
    wanttogoout .IguessZi
    phospoket othem.
    IgotoTshidi
    'sr
    oom j
    usttofi
    ndoutwhatisgoi
    ngon.
    Ifi
    ndherdooropenbutIknockany
    ways.Shecomes
    tothedoorandsays"
    HowcanIhel py
    ouMrman? "
    "
    Iwantt
    ofi
    ndoutaboutt
    hepl
    ans.
    "
    "Oohy eah.Wewi l
    ldoittoni
    ght.NoluandIhave
    plannedev er
    ythi
    ngout.Wewi l
    l hav
    eapartythatwi
    l
    l
    seem likeanormal oneunti
    l20:00whenyouwi l
    l
    propose.Wehav
    einvit
    edThando'
    sfri
    endsand
    someofourownf r
    iends.
    "shesay
    sleani
    ngagainst
    thedoor.
    "Oohokay
    .Butwhydidyouhav
    etoi
    nvi
    tepeopl
    e?I
    t
    coul
    dhavejustbeenus.
    "
    "
    Wellwehavetohav
    eanaudi
    encet
    omakeherday
    mor
    especialso,
    "
    "
    Okayt
    hen.Whatt
    imedoest
    hepar
    tyst
    art
    ?"
    "I
    twillst
    artat17:00butyou2won' tbehere.You
    shouldgooutwi thhernowt hencomebackar ound
    19:00.Oohandt heri
    ngwi l
    lbedeli
    veredhereat
    15:00."
    "Umm okaythen.
    "Ileav
    eherroom andspeedi
    lygo
    toThando'sr
    oom.Iopent hedoorandcl
    oseit
    .Ifi
    nd
    hersl
    eepingonthebed,Iti
    ptoetohercl
    oset,
    pick
    outapairofj
    eans,ashir
    tandNikeshoes.
    It
    ipt
    oet
    oherandwhi
    speri
    nherear
    ,"wakeup,
    "
    Sheopensherey
    esandwhensheseesme,
    she
    smil
    es.
    "
    Ist
    il
    lcr
    avef
    ory
    ou.
    "shesay
    s.
    "
    Sav
    et hatcr
    avi
    ngf
    ort
    omor
    rowl
    ove.Comel
    et'
    sget
    y
    oudressed.
    "
    "AaahbabyIdon'
    twantt ogooutforl
    unch.Youguys
    cango,Iwil
    lst
    ayhere.Andbesides,t
    hisf
    etuswon't
    stopmakingmesick."shesayscoveri
    ngherface
    withapil
    l
    ow.Itakethepill
    owandthrowitonthe
    fl
    oor.
    "St
    opbei ngsosqui nnyandwakeup.Andwear en'
    t
    goingoutwi thyourf ami ly
    .Am t akingy ououtf or
    mov i
    essowakeup. "Ipi ckherupf rom thebedand
    walkt ot hebathroom.Asshef i
    ght sme, Iputher
    down, t
    akeof fhercl othesandf orcehert ogeti nto
    theshower .Aftershower i
    ng,Igetherdr y,l
    ot i
    onher
    asshecont i
    nuest owhi nesay ingt hatwecanj ust
    wat chthemov ieathomeandIgetherdr essed.
    Afteral ongasst imeofwhi ni
    ngandt r
    yingtof i
    ght
    me, shef i
    nall
    yagr eest ogoout .Igetacarr eadyf or
    usandwear eofftot heci nema.Onourwayt here,I
    spotabl ackcarf oll
    owi ngusonmyr earv i
    ewmi r
    ror.
    Ikeepl ookingatt hecarunt il
    Thandosay s,"don't
    wor ry.Mybr otherspr obabl yt
    oldt hem tof oll
    owus. "
    "
    Oohokay
    ."
    Wegett othecinema,buyourt icket
    sf oramov ie
    call
    edfif
    tyshadesofGrey .Thandoseemsqui te
    obsessedaboutitsoIjustletherchoosei t
    .Ihav e
    neverwatcheditbef
    oresoIguessi twoul dn'thurt
    .
    Webuyourpopcor nandbev erages,getintocinema
    no3andgetourseat sri
    ghtatt heback.Ast hemov ie
    start
    s,Thandowhisper
    s" Iwanty outodoev erythi
    ng
    thatChri
    sti
    andoestoAnast asi
    a."
    Atfi
    rstam superlostbutasthemov i
    egoeson, I
    underst
    andev er
    ysinglewordshesaid.Everyst
    eamy
    scenemakesmehar derandharderandallIcan
    i
    magi nei
    smeandThandodoi ngal
    lthat
    .
    Afterwat chingi tf
    ormor ethanenought i
    me,I
    attemptt ost andupbecausei tsgivi
    ngmeonehel l
    ofabonerbutThandopul l
    smebackdown.Il ookat
    herpleadi ngey es.Eish.Isitbackdownandt ryto
    i
    gnor eallt heintri
    guingscenesbuti t'
    simpossible.
    Somet hingt ell
    smet olookatThandoandIdo,
    catchingherey esst ari
    ngatmewi t
    hagr i
    nonher
    face.Shest art
    st oslidedownf rom hersi
    tandt hen
    getsbet weenmyl egs..
    ..Whoawhoawhoa, whati s
    shedoi ng.
    Il
    ookar oundtheci
    nemaandluckl
    y,noonei
    ssit
    ti
    ng
    i
    nourr ow.Ieyeherasshest
    art
    stounbuckl
    emy
    bel
    tbutIclunchontomybelt
    .Sheli
    cksmyhands
    butIdon'tl
    osemygr i
    ponmybelt.
    "Thandono! "Iwhi sperbutshebi tesmyhand.She
    continuest ounbucklemybel tandr emov esmy
    pantsasIf i
    ghtherbutIgi veup.If eel herhands
    reachf ormeandIgaspf orair.Shekeepsherey es
    onmeasshesi nksmei ntoherwar m wetmout h.
    Shest artsoffslowwi thlong,slowl i
    cksf r
    om topt o
    bottom, tauntstheheadwi thhert ongueandt hen
    shepi cksupherpace.Herdeept hr oati
    ngski l
    lsmake
    mel osemymi ndbitbybi tasItr ynott olosemy
    mor ali
    tyinthisplace.Shel i
    cks, sucksanddeep
    throatsmewi thoutevenst opping.Sheconst ant ly
    makesl owsof tmoanswhi legivingmel ustf
    ul l
    ooks.
    Afteraf ewmi nutesofl i
    ckingme, Ifeelmy selfabout
    toreacht hathappypl acebutThandobacksof f
    ,
    l
    eav i
    ngmeatt heedge.Il ookathershockedbutshe
    j
    ustgr insatme.Shet akesmyhar dshaf tagainand
    thenpi cksupf rom whereshel ef tof fandt hi
    st i
    me,
    shel etsmegett othathappypl ace.AsIl oseall
    cont rol,feeli
    ngt her ept ur
    ecomei nwavesand
    breat hinghaphazar dly ,If
    eel t
    hemul t
    ipl
    eor gasms
    expl odei nhermout h.Shel i
    cksmecl eanwhenmy
    expl osioncomest oanend, pull
    sbackmypant sand
    sit
    sonherseat .Ijustgazeather ,notknowi ngwhat
    tosay ,Iev enlosttrackofwher eIwasandwhoI
    wasal l
    becauseoft hepl easureIexperi
    enced.Icant
    evenmov eatal l
    .Ijustf eelnumb.Whent hemov ieis
    over , weleav etheci nemahol dinghandsandwego
    tot henear estrestaur antwher ewehav eanamazi ng
    l
    unchwhi l
    econv ersat ing.Herlaughandsmi lej
    ust
    bright ensmymoodev enmor e.Nothi
    ngcanbeat
    thi
    s, nothingev erwi l
    l.Wegof orshoppingataf ew
    stor esunt ilIrecei
    v eamessagef rom Tshidisayi
    ng
    i
    t'st ime....
    ...
    .

    Wel
    lIguessthi
    sisit
    ,theni
    ghtIf
    inal
    l
    yaskhert
    obe
    mywif
    e..
    ..
    ..Goodl
    ucktome

    *
    ***
    ***
    *
    Hell
    obelovedpeople soIt r
    iedt
    ot ype
    somethi
    ngt odayandthi
    si sal l
    Icouldty
    pe.Am
    real
    l
    ysorryfornotposti
    ngl atel
    ybutIreall
    ycoul dnt
    duetohowsi ckIam.Any way s,Ihopeyouwi ll
    enjoy
    thei
    nsertandhappyeaster havean
    amazinglongweekend.Ilov eyall
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er24

    THANDO'
    SPOV

    Afteralongfunfi
    ll
    edaf t
    ernoonwi t
    hNkosi,wear
    e
    fi
    nallygoi
    nghomeandi t'
    salready18:
    30.Ihav
    ebeen
    steali
    ngglancesatNkosi andhelookssuper
    nervousforsomer eason.Iholdhishandhopi
    ngthat
    hewoul dlookatmewhi chhedoes.
    "
    What
    'swr
    ong?
    "Iask.
    "
    Nothi
    ng.Am j
    ustt
    ir
    ed.Iwantt
    ogost
    rai
    ghtt
    obed
    whenwegethome."
    "
    Samehere.Thanksfortheamazi
    ngaf
    ter
    noon.I
    r
    eal
    lyenj
    oyedit
    ."Isay.Heki
    ssesmyhandandlooks
    backatt her oad.Wecar r
    yonwiththecomfor
    tabl
    e
    si
    lenceunt i
    l wegethome.Inot i
    cealotofcar
    s
    parkedinside, oneofthem whi
    chisownedbymy
    bestfr
    iend, Lakisha.Whatthehel
    li
    sgoingonhere.
    Nkosi parksthecaratanempt yspot,getsoutofthe
    carandcomest omysi de.Heopenst hedoorf orme,
    helpsmeoutoft hecarandholdsmyhandasweget
    i
    nsidet hehouse, f
    il
    ledwit
    hfamil
    iarfaces.Igreet
    everyoneint hehouseandassoonasIspotmy2
    people;LakishaandLethabo,scr
    eamsar eheardall
    overhouseandt herear
    ehugsev er
    ywher e.
    "
    Howar
    eyou?
    "asksbot
    hmyf
    ri
    ends.
    "
    Am f
    inemybabi
    eshowar
    eyou?
    "
    "
    Weareokay.Wej
    ustmi
    ssedy
    ousomuchaaaaah"
    t
    heysayscr
    eami
    ng.
    "sowhoist
    hehunkst
    andi
    ngbehi
    ndy
    ou.
    "whi
    sper
    s
    Laki
    sha.
    "Welll
    et'
    sjustsayIupgradedtosomeonebet t
    er.
    "I
    saybacktoher .Bot
    hthegi r
    lsl
    ookathisgrumpy
    l
    ookingselfandwav eathim.Hewav esbackand
    theytur
    ntomeandj uststar
    tmakingathumbsup
    whi
    l
    escr
    eami
    ngsi
    l
    ent
    ly.
    "
    Sorr
    yMrbutcanIst
    eal
    yourwoman.
    "say
    sLaki
    sha
    l
    ooki
    ngatNkosi
    .
    "No,
    "saysNkosihar
    shly
    ,withastr
    aightf
    ace.Ilook
    athim wit
    hanannoyedfacewhi
    leallmygir
    ls'smil
    es
    tur
    ntof r
    owns.
    "Am j
    ustkiddi
    ng.Youcanhaveherforthewhol e
    night
    .Ial
    readyhadenoughofherthisaft
    ernoon."he
    saysnowwal ki
    ngaway.Whenhedi sappearsint
    o
    thecrowdinthehouse,t
    hegi
    rlsscream again.
    "
    BruuuuuuuhwherecanIf
    indmyownmanl
    i
    ke
    t
    hat?"asksLet
    habo.
    "
    Andwhyi
    shewear
    ingsungl
    assesatni
    ght
    ?"
    "Fi
    rstquesti
    on,babezyoucannev erfi
    ndamanl i
    ke
    thatbecauseheisunique"Isaywhilefeel
    i
    ngmy sel
    f
    andtheyallsay"That
    hawenagi r
    l"whil
    elaughi
    ng.
    "Andsecondquesti
    on.Hehasaney
    epr
    obl
    em sot
    he
    glasseshel
    phi
    m. "
    "
    Ooohokay.Wel
    lcomegir
    llet
    'sgohav
    eadrinkwhi
    l
    e
    y
    outel
    lusever
    ythi
    ng.
    "say
    sLakishawhil
    epull
    i
    ngme
    t
    othebar .Wehaveanamazi ngchatwithmyf ri
    ends
    whi
    letheydri
    nkandIdon't
    , si
    nceam pregnant.I
    t
    hendecidetogolookformyf amil
    y.Ihaventseen
    t
    hem sinceIcamebackfrom thedate.Iexcuse
    myselffr
    om thegi
    rl
    sandgot othekitchenwheremy
    motherandaf ewmaidsare.
    "
    Hel
    l
    oma"Isayl
    eani
    ngagai
    nstt
    hecount
    er.
    "
    ooohy
    ouareback.
    "shesay
    swhi
    l
    ehel
    pingt
    he
    mai
    dswit
    hthef
    ood.
    "
    Yes.Doy
    ouneedmyhel
    p."
    "Nothanky ou.Youcangohav efunmybaby .
    Tonightisy ourlastnighther esogoenj oyy oursel
    f.
    "
    shesay s.Ooohokayt hen.Il eavethekitchenandgo
    checkonmy2si st
    erswhoar enowheret obefound.
    Eeehokayt hen,IguessImi ghtaswel lgositwi t
    h
    myf ri
    ends.Igobackt othebaronl ytofindKhay a
    andSihlewi thmyf riendshav i
    ngadr i
    nk.HeheI
    bett
    ergot herebeforet hesemenr ui
    nmyf ri
    ends.I
    rushtot hebar ,
    pullbothmyf r
    iendsfr
    om t hei
    rseats,
    l
    eavingSi hleandKhay asitt
    ingt her
    ealone.
    "
    HaaaaaaThando,
    what
    '
    syourpr
    obl
    em br
    uh?
    "asks
    Let
    handohi
    tt
    ingme.
    "
    Haiwena,y
    ouknowt hose2.Theywil
    lrui
    nyou.And
    whywhereyouent
    ert
    aingthem any
    ways"
    "wewereenter
    tai
    ningt
    hem.Theywerepassi
    ngby
    thebarandweaskedthem t
    ositwi
    thus.
    "says
    Laki
    sha.
    "Haii
    tdoesn' tmatter
    .Comel et
    'sgooutsi
    detothe
    gazebo."Isaypulli
    ngthem.AsIopent hesli
    ding
    door,someonehar shlycl
    osesit.Il
    ookattheperson
    andreali
    set hati
    t'
    sNol ut
    hando.Shesmi l
    esatme
    andwav es.Andt hen!
    ??
    "whyarey
    ouclosi
    ngthedoor
    .Iwantt
    ocomeout
    !"I
    shoutsot
    hatshecanhearme.
    "
    What
    !!
    !Ican'
    theary
    ou!
    "sheshout
    sback.
    "
    Iwantt
    ocomeout
    side!
    !!
    "Ishout
    .
    "
    Ooohsor
    rybuty
    oucan'
    t.Si
    tint
    hehouse.
    !!
    !"
    "
    Aaaahwhy
    !!
    !!
    "
    "Thandostopquesti
    oningyourol
    dersisterandjust
    l
    istentome!!!
    !"sheshout
    sbeforetur
    ningawayand
    disappear
    ingi
    nt ot
    hedarknessofthenight.Eeeeh,
    whatt hehel l i
    shappeni ngi nthishouse.Wel lIguess
    wemi ghtaswel ljustgobackt othebar .Wet urn
    backt ot hebarandf i
    ndt he2hear tl
    essmengone.
    Pheew.Wet akeourseat sandchatunt ilmacal l
    sus
    forfood.Thesl idingdoori sopenandweal l gosit
    ont het ableout si
    dewhi chhascassar oledishes
    everywher e.Forsomer eason, someoft hebacky ard
    l
    ightsar eof fsoi t
    'ski ndofdi m.Ev eryonef i
    nds
    themsel vesaseatwhi l
    eIl ookf ormymanwhoI
    can'tfind.Ilookar oundt hel ongt ablewhi chi s
    seatedbyal otofpeopl eandr eali
    zet hatNol uthando
    andTshi dialsoar en'there.Notev enZiphoi sher e.
    Eeehoohwel l
    .Am ni tlookingf ort hem shame.They
    willcome.Isi twithmyf r
    iendsandeatt heni ght
    awayunt ilIfeelsick.Somet hingatt hi
    st abl
    esmel l
    s
    terr
    ible.Iquicklyr ushbacki ntot hehousewhi le
    peoplel ookatmeshockedandcal l
    myname.Igo
    upstairst omyr oom, l
    ocki tandst artvomi t
    ing
    uncont roll
    ably.
    "Babyar
    eyouokay.Pl
    easeopent
    hedoorf
    orus.
    "
    saysLet
    habowhil
    eknocki
    ngthedoor
    .
    "
    Am f
    ine.Gobackandeat
    .Iwi
    l
    lbet
    her
    eina
    second.
    "Isayi
    nbet
    weengags.
    "
    Arey
    ousur
    e?"
    "
    Yesam sur
    e."Isay
    .
    "Okaythen.Don'ttakelong."saysLakisha.Ihear
    them walkawaywhi l
    emygagsdon' tseem towant
    tostop.After5mi nutesoffeeli
    ngsupersick,Ifi
    nal
    l
    y
    brushmyt eeth,washmyf aceandgobackout si
    de.
    AssoonasIsi t,
    Istartbr
    eathingwithmymout h
    becauseIdon' twanttofeel si
    ckagain.
    "
    Arey
    ouokay
    ?"whi
    sper
    sLaki
    sha.
    "YesIam f i
    ne.
    "Ir eply
    ,noddingmyheady es.Istart
    eati
    ngwhenIf eel acoldhandonmyshoul der.Itur
    n
    tolookatt hepersonandi t'
    sNkosi.Hesmilesatme
    andkissesmycheek.Ismi l
    ebackathim andhe
    asksLakishaifshecanmov etoanempt yseat.At
    fi
    rstshelooksatmewi thafrownthenshestands
    up.Nkosi seat
    sdownandput shisarm ar
    oundme.
    "
    Youokay
    ?"heasks.
    "
    Yea.Justf
    eel
    i
    ngabi
    tnauseat
    ed.
    "
    "
    Doy
    oumay
    bewantt
    ogot
    obed?
    "
    "NoI
    'l
    lbefi
    ne.Youshouldeat.Letmedishforyou.
    "I
    sayr
    eachi
    ngforaplat
    ebutNkosi t
    akesthepl
    ate
    andsays"
    Icandoitmy sel
    fthankyou."
    Theni
    ghtgoesonwit
    hpeopledri
    nki
    ngandcat
    chi
    ng
    uponl
    ifeevent
    sandnowIreal
    lywantt
    ogotobed.
    "Baby
    .Am goingtobednow.Goodnight
    "Isayt
    o
    Nkosibuthecluchesont
    omywristandasksmeto
    stayf
    orawhilelonger
    .
    "
    Babyam r
    eal
    l
    yti
    red"Iwhi
    ne.
    "
    Okayfinebutwaither
    e.Am comingnow."says
    Nkosi
    st andi
    ngupandwalksint
    ot hehouse.Si
    gh.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Ij
    ustt
    akemyphoneoutandstar
    tgoi
    ngt
    hroughi
    t
    j
    ustwhent
    hel
    ight
    sjustgooff
    .
    "HaaaLoadsheddi
    ng!
    !!
    "shoutsmymom and
    every
    oneatthetabl
    elaughshar
    dincl
    udi
    ngme.
    Suddenly,angeli
    cvoicesstar
    thummi ngasongI
    recogni
    zeasVusi Nova'
    s.Ili
    stenat t
    entivel
    ytot he
    voices,
    tryi
    ngt ofi
    gureoutwhot heybelongt oand
    oneoft hosev oi
    cessoundslikeTshi di'
    svoice.Red,
    pinkandor angecandlesarelitallar
    oundt hegar den
    as3peopleappr
    oacht hetabl
    ehol
    dingwhi
    teandr
    ed
    rosesandal
    soLindtchocolat
    e.
    Thehel
    li
    sgoi
    ngonher
    e.
    Ipeertoseewhothe3peopleareandit
    'sTshi
    di,
    Ziphoandoneotherf
    emaleIdon'tev
    enknow.Zipho
    approachesmefir
    stwit
    htherosesandhandsthem
    overwhilesi
    ngi
    ng
    t
    hat
    ha,
    nant
    s'i
    ntl
    i
    ziy
    oyam
    t
    hat
    hanal
    '
    uthandol
    olwakho
    t
    hat
    hanant
    s'i
    ntl
    i
    ziy
    oyam
    zuy
    iphat
    henj
    engeqanda

    Itakethef
    lowers,
    puzzledashell
    .Inot
    iceanot
    eon
    thetopofthebouquetofrosesanditr
    eads.
    Readall
    thenot
    esoutl
    oudbecauseIwantev
    ery
    one
    toknowhowmuchIloveyou.
    Il
    ookatZi
    pho,notknowi
    nghowt
    oreactbuthej
    ust
    smil
    esandconti
    nuessi
    ngi
    ng
    st
    handwaandenzi
    ngabom
    ndi
    yaz'
    thandel
    aaphakuwe
    Heey
    boandenzi
    ngabom y
    ooh
    ndi
    cel
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    ZiphothenwalksawayandTshidiappr
    oachesme
    withredroseswhilesi
    ngi
    ngherownparttoo.It
    ake
    thefl
    ower sandreadthenot
    eoutl
    oud.
    "
    Thando.Myheal
    er,
    myhear t
    ,mycaretaker
    ,mybest
    f
    ri
    end,myenemyandlastbutnotl
    eastmyLi f
    eli
    ne.
    "
    Il
    ookupandseeTshi diwalkingawayandt heother
    unknownladyappr oachesmewi t
    hwhi t
    eroseswhile
    si
    ngingherownpar tofVusi'ssong.Itakethenote
    fr
    om herwhilewipingt hetearsoffmyf ace.Il
    ook
    aroundt
    het ableandseehowf ascinat
    edand
    amazedev ery
    onei s.Ilookatt henoteandreadit.
    "Youhav eshownmel ov e,inawor ldfi
    ll
    edwi thpai
    n.
    Youhav eshownmet hebr ightli
    ghtcoveredbypur e
    darkness.Youhav egivenmesomuchhappi ness,
    whenIl eastexpectedit.Yourey esmadeofst ars
    l
    ightupmywhol ewor ldandy oursmile.
    ..
    .ooooh
    l
    ord...
    ..Yoursmilewoman, i
    tjustenhancesmypat h.
    Thesamewayabeecan' tsurvi
    vewi t
    houta
    honey comb, i
    sthesamewayIcan' timagi nemyl i
    fe
    withouty ou.Ihav ef
    allensodeepl yinl ovewithyou
    thatIdon' tevenseemy sel
    ff al
    li
    ngoutofl ove.Iwant
    tospendmywhol el
    ifewithy ou,bet heoneIt ake
    i
    ntomyar mswhenIl aymyheadont hepill
    ow.I
    wantt obet heonetot akey ouonat ri
    pt othepriv
    ate
    wor l
    dt hatnoot herhumanbei ngcant akeyouon.I
    wantt obet hefri
    endthaty ougossi pwi thwheny our
    fri
    endst urnt hei
    rbacksony ou..
    .."peopl estart
    l
    aughi ngaf terIsaythatstatement ,i
    ncl udi
    ngmy self
    .
    "Iwanttobet heonet hatyoul
    ookatandj ustsmi le,I
    wantt obetheper sonyouhavebeautiful nightmar es
    about.Iwanttobey ourenemyandbet her eason
    youwantt okillsomeoneandl ockyoursel finy our
    room forthewhol eday.Iwanttobetheper sony ou
    shareallyourhappyandsadmoment swi th.Sooo
    todayIwantt oasky ousomethingunderal l t
    hese
    shini
    ngstars,themoon, yourf
    ami l
    yandf riendsand
    l
    ast l
    y,Godhimsel f
    ..
    ..
    "Ilookupwi t
    htear sr olli
    ng
    downmycheekswhenIhearNkosi '
    sv oicesi ng...
    ..
    .
    ndi
    kut
    handi
    l
    est
    handwasam
    ngent
    li
    zi
    yoy
    ami
    yonke
    ndi
    tsh'
    uthandoendi
    nal
    o
    sozel
    uphel
    e..
    ..
    ..
    .
    Heslowlyapproachesmewi t
    habi gbouquetof
    whiteroses,abigboxofLindtchocolat
    e,ateddy
    bearandasmal lr
    edbox.Ziphoturnsmychai rt
    o
    facethedirect
    ionthatNkosii
    scomi ngfrom and
    then,t
    hat'
    swhenNkosi j
    usttakesevery
    one'sbreat
    h
    away .
    "Thandolwet huMdl etshe, wil
    l youpleasemar ryme? "
    hetakesof fhi sglasses, si
    nceam t heonlyonewho
    canbeabl et oseehi sblueey es.Heput sallthegif
    ts
    downandi sl eftwiththesmal lredboxwhi chhe
    opensandr ev eal
    sanost entatious,sparkli
    ngsi l
    ver
    diamondr ing.Icov ermymout hi nshockascamer a
    l
    ightsjustflashal larounduswhi l
    et hepeople
    ulul
    ateandt hehar moni cv oicescont i
    nuesi nging
    Vusi'
    ssong.Il ookintoNkosi 'sey esandnot icea
    tear
    .Iwi peitaway ,standupandIst artnodding
    uncontroll
    ably .
    "
    Arey
    ouser
    ious?
    "asksNkosi
    exci
    tedl
    y.
    "
    Yes,
    yesy
    esy
    esy
    es.Iwi
    l
    lmar
    ryy
    ouNkosi
    Nxumal o!"Isaywhilecrying.Igi vehim myhandand
    ashei saboutt oputt heringonmyf inger,asharp,
    burni
    ng, i
    ntensepainunexpect edlyhitsmyl ower
    backandpeopl ebehindmest artscreaming.Imov e
    myshaki nghandt ot hepar texper i
    encingthepai n
    andwhenIbr ingmyhandbackt osight ,
    Iseebl ood,
    fr
    eshbl ood.IlookatNkosi withf earinmyey esandI
    say"Nkosi .
    ..
    .Whatishappeni ng."andaf terthat
    every
    thingst art
    stogetbl urry.IhearNkosi andot her
    people'
    sf ai
    ntv oi
    cesshoutmynameasIf alli
    nto
    Nkosi'
    sar msnowbl ackingout .
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    Chapt
    er24t
    obecont
    inued.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    [
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    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er24(
    cont
    inuat
    ion)

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    Iwatchherunconsciousbodyf
    all
    int
    omyar
    msas
    hereyessl
    owlyclose.
    "
    Thandooooooooo!
    !!
    !!Nononono!
    !!
    !Thandowake
    up!!!Someonepl easecal l t
    heambul ancenow.
    Thandost aywi thmebaby ,pleasedon' tleav eme.
    Pleaseno! !"Ishakeherl ight l
    y ,hopi ngshewoul djust
    openherey esandsayshei spl ay i
    ngwi thmebut
    nothing.Herf ami l
    ysur r
    oundsmeandt heyal lt
    ry
    walki ngherup.Si hlet akesherf rom myar mswhi ch
    arer edwi thbl oodandr ushesi nsidewhi l
    ehol ding
    her.Whati shappeni ng?Il ookar oundt hegar den,
    tryi
    ngt of indsomeoneorsomet hi
    ngunusual andI
    hitthej ackpot .Ispotsomeonehangi ngf rom t he
    wall whi l
    ehol dingsomet hingt hatl ooksl ikea
    gun. .
    ...
    ..Ooooht hi smot herf uckerj ustst ar ted
    somet hingt hatwi llleadt ohi shel l.Ipushev eryone
    outofmywayandappr oacht hemot herf *** *ker
    whoj ustshotmyqueen.Whent heper sonr eal i
    zes
    thatIhav eseenhi m, hequi cklyl et'
    sgooft hewal l
    andf allsont heout sideoft hey ard.Haha, hemust
    bejoki nghi msel fi fhet hinkshewi llrunaway .I
    i
    ncr easemywal kingpaceunt ilIgett ot hewal l
    .I
    cli
    mbi tandf alloutoft hey ardwher eIspotar edcar
    speedi ngaway .Thesemot her fucker sdon' tknow
    whot heyar emessi ngwi th.It akeof fmyshoes
    alongwi ththesocksandIbecomet hisgener ati
    on's
    newandi mpr ov edUsai nBol t
    .Irunaf terthecar ,
    feeli
    ngsomet hingspi erci
    ngt hroughmyf eetbutI
    don'tgiv eadamn, allIcareaboutr ightnowi s
    catchingt hatf ool andwhoev erisi nthecarwi t hHim.
    Myswi ftmov ementenabl edbymynumbf eetf inal
    l
    y
    catchesupwi tht hecarandImov et ot her i
    ghtl ane.
    Whent hepeopl eint hecarnot i
    ceme, theyt akeout
    theirgunsandwhi l
    et heyat temptt oshootme, an
    oncomi ngv ehiclehi tst heircarf rom t hel eftsi deand
    Jesusam Ihappy .Am sogl adIdi stract edt hem t o
    thepoi ntoft hem notnot i
    cingt heTj unct i
    ont hat
    theywer eappr oachi ng.Ist opf orawhi l
    eandcr ouch,
    taki
    ngmybr eat hthenIwal ktowar dst her edv ehicl
    e.
    Iopent hedr iver'sdooranddr aghi m outandt henI
    alsodr agt heoneont hepassengersi de.Il ookat
    thecart hatgoti nv olvedi nt heacci dentandnot ice
    thatthepeopl ei nsidewer ef inebutoneoft hem was
    taki
    ngav ideo.Wel lfucki t,Icoul dcar el ess.I t'
    snot
    l
    ikeIwi ll ber ecogni zed.
    Itakemy2l i
    tt
    le"abouttobetort
    uredrealhard"
    buddiesandhaulthem outoftheroad.Icarr
    yon
    hauli
    ngthem forawhileunt
    ilam outofsightthenI
    takeoffmywhitepoloshi
    rt
    , cl
    i
    mbat r
    eeam usi
    ng
    asmyhi deoutandhangitthere.It
    akemyphone
    from mypocket,di
    alZi
    pho'
    snumberandheanswer s
    aftert
    hefi
    rstr
    ing.
    "
    Nkosi
    ukuphi
    ?"heasks.
    "
    Comet otheN13Tj unct
    ion.Lookforatr
    eewitha
    whi
    tepoloshi
    rthangingf
    rom itandparkt
    her
    e."Isay
    .
    "Wai
    twhat
    ???Whyar
    eyout
    her
    eandhowdi
    dyou
    gett
    her
    e?"
    "Stopaskingsomuchquest i
    onsandjustcomepi ck
    meup.Andbr i
    ngabi gcarbecausewehav esome
    visi
    tors.
    "Iendt hecallandjustsi
    tdown, l
    ookingat
    theunconsci ousbodies.Oooohwat chmehav ef
    un
    wi t
    hthese2.Iwai tfornear
    lyanhourhidingbehind
    thet r
    eewhi l
    ewat chi
    ngpoliceli
    ghtsbli
    nkfrom a
    distance.Theymustbeatt hecr i
    mescene.
    Ahugebl ackcarf
    inal
    lyparksinfrontofthet
    reeand
    fl
    i
    cker st
    hefrontl
    ight
    s.Il
    ookcl osel
    yandseet hat
    i
    t'
    sZi phoandsomeoneel seIcan'treal
    l
    ysee.Zipho
    stepsoutofthecarandcallsoutmyname.
    "
    Am her
    eman.
    "Isayst
    andi
    ngup.
    "HowthefuckdidyougethereNkosi.Ihav
    ebeen
    l
    ookingf
    ory ouandsohas...
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .andwhothefuck
    aret
    hose2? "r
    umblesZipho.
    "Helpmeputt hem inthecar .Iwil
    l expl
    ainlat
    er.Isay
    pullingoneoft hemant othecar.Iopent heboot ,
    throwt heguyi nsidewhoi sstil
    lunconsciousand
    wai tforZiphotobr i
    ngt heotheronebef oreIclose
    theboot .Iwalkt othepassengersi deandwhenI
    openi t,am metbyt hef aceIleastexpecttosee,
    Sihleandt omakemat tersev enbet t
    er,
    Khay ai
    s
    sit
    tingatt heback.IlookatZi phowhoi ssit
    ti
    ngon
    thedr iv
    erseatandhej ustshrugsandsay s"WhereI
    go, theygo.It'
    sourr ul
    e."Ij
    ustcloset hepassenger
    doorandsi tatthebackwi thKhay a.
    "st
    artt
    alki
    ng.
    "say
    sSi
    hlewhi
    l
    eZi
    phost
    art
    sdr
    ivi
    ng
    backhome.
    "Theyarethei
    diotsthatshotThando."Isay.Now
    thatam backt
    omysenses, ever
    ypiercingIgotwhil
    e
    runningaft
    ert
    hoseguy sisnowst ar
    ti
    ngt otauntme.
    Ilookundermyf eetandseeblood.Atleastitwas
    wor t
    hit.
    "
    Andhowdoy
    ouknowt
    hat
    ?"asksKhay
    a.
    "BecauseIsawoneoftheguyshangi
    ngfrom the
    wallbackathomewhenThandogotshot.Iranafter
    them thenIcaughtt
    hem.
    "Isay,
    removi
    ngpiecesof
    glassundermyf eet
    .
    "
    Soyour
    anallthewayfrom home,
    justt
    ocatch
    t
    hem.Noshoes,nosocks,
    nonothi
    ng?"asksZi
    pho.
    "
    Wel
    lyeah.I
    t'
    snotl
    i
    keIhadachoi
    ce.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Wow.Youar
    eonehel
    lofaguy
    ."say
    sZi
    pho.
    "
    Sodoy ouguysknowanyplaceIcantortur
    ethese
    f
    ool
    s?"Iaskbuttheyal
    lsi
    multaneousl
    ylookatme.
    "Areyouseri
    ouslyaskingusthatquesti
    on?Don't
    worrymyguy .Wehav ethemostper f
    ectwarehouse
    forsuchsit
    uati
    ons."saysZiphobutSihl
    elooksat
    him andsays"I
    fwear etaki
    ngt hem t
    here,
    wewi l
    l
    havetodropNkosi offatt
    hehospitalwhereThando
    i
    s."
    Il
    ookathim wit
    hsquint
    ingeyesandsay"andletyou
    guyshav
    eallthefun?Hell
    no.Am comingwith.
    .."I
    gobacktoremov i
    ngthegl
    assesandKhayareplies
    "
    Whatdoyouknowaboutt
    ort
    uri
    ngboy?
    li
    stenher
    e,
    l
    etusgodoourthi
    ngandy
    ougolookaft
    eryour
    woman.
    "
    "Seewhaty ouaredoingrighttherei
    sunfai
    r.Icaught
    myownbai tandnowy ouguy saretryi
    ngtotakeit
    awayf r
    om meandhav eallthefun.Nononomy
    dearbrothersi
    nl aw.Iwi
    lltort
    urethem mysel
    fthe
    samewayIcaughtt hem my sel
    f.Soyoudecideif
    youwantt oletmeusey ourwar ehouseornot.I
    fyou
    don'twantto,Icanalwaysf l
    ybacktoSandtonand
    usemyownwar ehouse.
    "
    "
    Whydoy
    ouhav
    eawar
    ehouse?
    "
    "
    Fort
    hesamer
    easonsy
    ouy
    ouhav
    eone.
    "
    "HahaNkosi ,nowIlikey ouev enmor e,"say
    sZipho
    parkingatsomedeser tedpl ace."soher eweare.
    Let'
    st skrthem insi
    de,"say sZiphoget ti
    ngoutofthe
    car.Him andIgot othebootandt akethe2menout
    andi ntotheabandoneddar kwar ehouse.Zi
    photurns
    ont helights,rev
    eali
    ngt heeeeebestwar ehouse
    ever!!
    !!
    !!!
    !Ilookaroundwi t
    ht heut mostexcit
    ement.
    Thewal l
    sar ecoveredbydi fferenttypesof
    chainsaws, setofkni
    v es,guns,bombsandev er
    y
    si
    nglet hingy oucanthinkof.Itur
    nt ot
    he3Brother
    s
    standingatt hedoorandsay" isittooear
    lyt
    osayI
    havef al
    leninlovewit
    hy ouguys."
    Theyalllookatmeandj ustchuckle.Sihl
    eandKhay a
    gotositatabarwhi chisonthrrightsideofthe
    warehouse.Zi phohelpsmechai nupt heguyswi t
    h
    thechainst hatar
    ehangingf r
    om thecei l
    i
    ngandal so
    someont hef l
    oorwhichweuset ochai ntheylegs.
    West r
    ipt hem int
    ounderwearonlyt henwegetsome
    superboilingwaterandpouritont hem.
    Theybot
    hwakeup,
    scr
    eami
    ngi
    nexcr
    uci
    ati
    ngpai
    n.
    "Shutt
    hef uckup!!!
    !Youwillbr
    eakmywi ndowswit
    h
    yoursopranosoundi ngv
    oices!
    "shoutsSihl
    e.He
    getsofffr
    om hishighchairandwalkstothemen
    whoar esti
    llcr
    ying.
    "Somydearmen,howareyou?
    "asksSi
    hlebef
    ore
    taki
    ngoutat
    aserfr
    om hi
    spocketandt
    aser
    ingthe
    bothoft
    hem.
    "
    Whot
    hef
    uckar
    eyou?
    !"cr
    iesoneoft
    hemen.
    "
    Doy
    ouser
    iousl
    yhav
    ethegut
    stoaskt
    hatquest
    ion
    ri
    ghtnow? "Iasktaki
    ngaboningandcl everkni
    fe
    fr
    om thewal l
    .Iwalktooneofthem,standonachai r
    toreachforhisri
    ghtearandslowl
    ycuti toffwhi
    le
    hescreamsi npainwithbl
    oodgushingout .
    "Eishman, someofusst i
    llhaveear ssohav emercy
    onoureardr ums, andtel
    lyourbloodt ost op
    spr ayi
    nginmyf acemannx, "Isayst i
    l
    l cutti
    ngoffthe
    ear .Igetof
    ft hechairandpullittotheot herguywho
    seemsqui t
    escar y.Iputt
    hechai rinfrontofhim,
    standoni tandl ookathisweakhel pl
    essf ace.
    "
    SoguesswhatIgotforyou?Hmmmmmm. .
    ..Igot
    youdi
    nner.
    "Isayshowinghi
    mtheear."
    comenow.
    Openyourmouthandeatthi
    sbeaut
    if
    ulmeal."Isay
    wit
    hmysar cast
    icsmi
    le.
    "
    Aaaaahdi
    sgust
    ingNkosi
    ."say
    sKhay
    a.
    "Aaaahcomeonman, t
    hisissomuchbet t
    erthan
    whattheywil
    leatt
    omor rowmor ningokay.
    "Isay
    l
    ookingatKhayawhohasacupofal coholi
    nhis
    hand.It
    urntothemanandt r
    yforcingtheearint
    o
    hismouthbutherefusestoopenhi smouth.
    "
    Eishokay
    .Youwantt
    odot
    hist
    hehar
    dway
    ."Isay
    t
    ohi
    m shr
    uggi
    ng.
    "Zi
    phobr uh,Iwanty outodosomet hingforme.
    Bri
    ngmet hatredchainsaw."Isay .Hedoessoand
    weswitchplaces, hestandsont hechai rwiththeear
    i
    nhishandandIgobehi ndt heguy .Iturnonthis
    amazingt oolandguesswhatIcutof f
    ,hi
    sleftbutt
    cheek.Hewai lsoutinpainwhi l
    et ryingtogetoutof
    thechainsbutt heburnshegotf r
    om t hehotwat er
    don'
    tallowhi mt omov ethatmuch.Whi l
    ehecr i
    es
    outinpainItellZiphotothrowt heeari ntohis
    mouthwhi chhedoes.
    "Nowchewt
    hatear
    !"Ishout
    ,st
    il
    lcut
    ti
    nghi
    sbut
    t
    cheek.
    Atfir
    sthetr
    iestospi
    titoutbutwhenher
    eal
    izes
    thatIwon'
    tstopunti
    lhechewsit,
    hedoessoand
    swallowi
    t.
    "It
    hinkam goingtobesick,
    "saysKhayawhi l
    e
    gagging.Herunsintoaroom whichIsupposeist
    he
    bathroom andstar
    tsthr
    owingup.
    "Yourbrot
    herissuchasissy.
    "Isay.Il
    eav
    etheguy'
    s
    buttcheekhangi
    ngfrom hisbodyandputawaythe
    chai
    nsaw.
    "Wow, Ifeel
    somuchbet
    ternow.
    "Isaywhi
    l
    e
    str
    etching.
    "Iwi
    l
    l cont
    inuewi
    thy
    ouguystomor
    row."Isatt
    othe
    chai
    nedmenwhoar ecr
    yingi
    nlowvoi
    ceswhi l
    e
    l
    ookingweak.
    IapproachSi
    hleandZiphowhoar
    est
    andi
    ng
    toget
    herwhil
    edrinki
    ng.
    "Ihatesay i
    ngt hisbutIt
    hinkam nowst art
    ingt olike
    you."saysSi hlegulpi
    ngdownhi sdri
    nk."Itoldyou
    thatyouwi lll
    ikehim butyouneverli
    stened,"say s
    Ziphowi thagr inonhisface.Ismil
    eatSihleandsay
    "i
    fyoust artedliki
    ngmef orwhatIdidtheret hen
    tomor r
    owy ouwi l
    llov
    eme. "hewalkstothebar ,
    poursadr inkf ormeandhandsi tovertome.It akea
    sipandt henputi tobthebar.
    "Doy ouguyshaveabathroom.Iwantt
    ot akea
    showerbecauseIcan'tgooutl
    ookingl
    ikea
    butcher.
    "Isaytothem.Ri
    ghtnow,am l
    iteral
    l
    y
    dri
    ppingwithbl
    ood.
    "
    OnceKhay
    aget
    sout
    ,youcangoshower
    ,ther
    eisa
    showeri
    nther
    e."say
    sZi
    pho.
    "OkaysoIwast hi
    nki
    ng.SincewhoevershotThando
    mi ghtknowwheresheisanddeci
    det ocomeaf t
    er
    her ,
    canwetransf
    erhertoSandt
    on."Isaytaki
    ngmy
    glass.
    "Butwhat
    'sthedif
    fer
    ence?Theper
    sonwi
    l
    lfol
    l
    ow
    herso.
    "saysZipho.
    "Thepersonwil
    lfol
    lowherbutnottoherdesti
    nat
    ion
    whichisgoingt
    obemyhouse.Ihav eamedical
    room t
    hereandIwillcal
    laf ewdoct
    orst
    olookafter
    her.
    "IsaybutSihl
    edisagrees.
    "Hel
    lno.Mysisterwi
    l
    l st
    ayher
    e.Wewi
    l
    llookaf
    ter
    heroursel
    ves.
    "hesays.
    "Si
    hle,
    thi
    sisreal
    lynottheti
    metogoagai nstmy
    suggesti
    onsj
    ustforthesakeofi
    t.Yoursister
    'sl
    i
    fe
    mightbeindangersojustl
    etmedot hi
    s."Isayto
    him.
    "
    NkosiIcar
    eaboutmysi
    ster
    ,that
    'swhyam r
    eject
    ing
    y
    ouridea.
    "
    "
    Sihl
    e,
    ithi
    nkNkosi
    isr
    ight
    .Look,
    Iknowt
    haty
    ou
    careaboutThando, weal ldo,includingNkosi .And
    sincear egoingt ohandherov ertohi m soon,its
    ti
    mewest artlett
    inghim dot hingshi sway ."says
    Khay awal ki
    ngt owar dus.Ar emyear swor kingor
    aret heybetrayingme?Il ookatKhay ainshockand
    hesay s"i
    tdoesn' tmeanIl ikey outhough. "okayI
    guessIcanwor kwi t
    ht hat.Sihlelooksatmeand
    thenhesay s"ifanythinghappenst oThando, Iwill
    tortureyouthesamewayy ouar etortur
    ingt hese
    men. "andaf tersaying,hegoesout si
    dewhi letaking
    acigar et
    teoutofhi spocket .
    "
    Okaysoshewil
    lbetransf
    err
    edtomorr
    owmor ning.I
    wi
    ll
    tal
    ktothehospi
    talwhenIgoseeher.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Nkosi,
    Ist
    il
    lcan'
    tbel
    i
    evethatyour
    anaf
    terthese
    men.Yousur
    emustloveThandoal
    ri
    ght
    ."saysZi
    pho.
    "Idolov
    eherandanyonewhohar
    msmyherwi
    l
    l
    neverwalkawayf
    reel
    y.
    "
    "Thetort
    ureforthesebast
    ardswil
    lcont
    inue
    tomorrow."Isaybefor
    ewalkingt
    othebathr
    oom t
    o
    cleanmy sel
    f.
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    Il
    ookatherl yi
    ngont hehospit
    al bedwitht
    ears
    streamingdownmycheeks, thinkingofhowIcould
    hav epreventedthi
    s.Iholdherhandwhi chhasadr i
    p
    andki ssi
    t.Ihavebeenher efor2hour sandshowing
    anysignofwaki ngup.WhenIgother e,ma,Tshidi
    andNol uthandower ecryi
    ngandwhenIaskedt hem
    whatwaswr ong, t
    heydidn'
    twantt osayanythi
    ngso
    Ij
    ustwal kedi nt
    oherr oom t
    oseeher .Forasecond,
    Ithoughtshewasdeadbutno.
    "Thandomylove.Pl
    easewakeup.Youcan'
    tdot
    his
    tomef ort
    hesecondti
    me.
    "Isay.
    "
    Pleasewakeupmyl
    ove.
    "
    "Shewil
    lwakeupsoonmyson, don'
    tworry
    ."says
    ma.Shesitsnextt
    omeandput sherhandonmy
    shoul
    der.Il
    ookatherwit
    houthi
    dingmytears.As
    sheatt
    empt st
    owipethem away,
    Istopher.
    "Don'twi
    pet
    hem away
    .Thandowi
    l
    lwhenshewakes
    up."Isay
    .
    Shechuckl
    es,
    keepsqui
    etf
    oramomentt
    henbr
    eaks
    thesi
    l
    ence.
    "Thedoctorsaidshewi l
    lbefine,thebull
    etdidn'
    t
    damageany t
    hinginherbody,itjusthi
    tasmal lpart
    ofherspinalcord."shesaysbutt henatearfal
    ls
    from hereyesbeforeshesays" butthebabydidn't
    survi
    veduet otheshockt hebodyexper i
    enced."and
    thosewor dsjustbreakamill
    iont hi
    ngsinme.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er25

    "
    Didy
    oudoyourj
    ob?
    "Iaskexhal
    i
    ngt
    hesmokef
    rom
    mymout
    h.
    "
    Wel
    l
    ,weshott
    hewr
    ongper
    son.
    "
    "Whatdoyoumeanyoushotthewrongperson?"I
    bel
    lowthr
    owingmycigaroutusi
    ngthecarwindow.
    "Weshotawoman,insteadoft
    hemani nthepi
    cture.
    Iwasaimi
    ngforhi
    m whent hewomanst oodi
    nfront
    ofhi
    m andImist
    akenlypull
    edt
    hetr
    igger."
    "
    Youf
    ool
    !!
    !!Wher
    ear
    eyounow?
    "
    "Weareonourwaytot
    hehotel.Themansawme
    andhechasi
    ngaft
    erusri
    ghtnow."
    "Ki
    l
    lhimthen!Andyoubet
    terhavenotshott
    he
    per
    sonhewaspr oposi
    ngtobecauseIwil
    lki
    lly
    ou
    nx.
    "Ishout
    .
    "
    Umm boss,
    weshother
    ."hesay
    sinal
    owv
    oice.
    "
    Youfool
    !!
    !!
    !"Iendt
    hecal
    landt
    hrowt
    hephoneon
    t
    hedashboard.
    Ist
    artmycaranddriveoffmyhouseherei
    nSandt
    on.
    WhenIgetther
    e,Igetatextf
    rom oneofmyman
    say
    ingthatt
    hose2f ool
    scarwasfoundemptyon
    N13..
    ..
    ..
    Itr
    ycal
    li
    ngoneoftheguy
    sbutsomeoneel
    se
    answer
    sthephone.
    "Wel lwell
    well.I
    fiti
    sn'
    tourbait'
    sboss.
    "saysa
    voiceIrecogni
    zeasKhay a's.I
    nst
    eadofrepl
    ying,I
    endt hecall
    .Shit
    !Am fucked.Couldt
    hose2hav e
    alr
    eadysni t
    chesonme?
    Idi
    alBar
    ca'
    snumberandheanswer
    saf
    ter4t
    hri
    ng.
    "
    YesBr
    ian?
    "
    "
    Yourfool
    i
    shmendi dn'
    tki
    l
    lNkosi
    !Theyshotthe
    wrongper
    son.
    "Ishoutget
    ti
    ngoutofthecar
    .
    "
    WellIt
    oldy
    ounott
    oexecut
    eyourst
    upidplanj
    ust
    y
    etbutyouwer
    ebar
    bar
    ic.Wher
    earethey?
    "he
    r
    epl
    ies.
    "
    Theywer
    ecaught
    ."Isay
    .
    "
    Caught
    ?Bywho?
    "
    "WhenIcall
    ed,oneoft
    hetr
    ipl
    etsanswer
    edt
    he
    phone.
    "Isayrubbi
    ngmyforehead.
    "Ei
    shBri
    an,seewher
    eyourbarbar
    icact
    ionshavelef
    t
    us,f
    uck!
    !!Pr
    aythatt
    heydon'
    tsnit
    chony ouorel
    se."
    hesays.
    "
    I'
    ll
    tryt
    ofi
    ndt
    hem.
    "Isay
    .
    "Bookaf li
    ghtformeandJay.Wear efl
    y i
    ngt here.
    Andifthingsgetoutofhand,callme.Iwi l
    ltell
    Mussal i
    ne."heendsthecal
    l,l
    eavingmedeepi n
    thought.IhopeThandowill
    beokah. ..
    ..
    ..I
    fany thing
    happenst oherthenIwil
    ll
    ookf orthose2i di
    ot sjust
    tokil
    lthem my sel
    f!
    Iwal
    kint
    omyhouse,
    gost
    rai
    ghtt
    omyst
    udywher
    e
    mycomput
    ermen,
    KopanoandNel
    sonar
    e.
    "
    Iwantyout
    ot racet
    hose2ment hatwer
    esupposed
    t
    okil
    lNkosi
    ."Isaysi
    tt
    ingdown.
    "Wehav ealreadytr
    iedbossbutwecan' tseet
    hem
    onanyoft her ai
    der
    s.Theirphonesareoffand
    seemsl i
    kethet r
    acersi
    nt heirbodi
    eshavebeen
    deact
    ivated.Thereisnothingwecandonow. "Bar
    ca.
    "
    WhataboutThando?
    "
    "
    Shei
    satsomehospi
    tal
    inLehur
    utshe.
    "
    "shi
    t.
    "Iswear
    .Am f
    ucked.
    "
    am goingt
    ocooksomet
    hing,
    shoul
    dIcookf
    ory
    ou
    t
    oo?"saysNel
    son.
    "Umm nothanksi
    t'
    sokay
    ."Isaybef
    orehel
    eav
    est
    he
    studyr
    oom.
    "Kopanopl
    easel
    eav
    et her
    oom.Iwantsomespace.
    "
    Isay.Hest
    andsupfr
    om hi
    sseatandleav
    est
    he
    room.
    Whyislif
    enotinmyfavor?Al
    lIwant
    edwastokil
    l
    Nkosiandaskforf
    orgi
    venessfr
    om mal
    adyf
    ordoing
    whatIdidyear
    sbackbutlookwher
    eIhavel
    anded,
    thewr ongper sonhasbeenshot ,Nkosi isnotdead
    yetandIst illhav et ost ayont her unfrom t hose
    psy chobr ot hers.Ispeci fi
    callyt oldthose2st upi
    d
    foolst oshootNkosi ,notThando! !Nowt hose
    tri
    plet swi l
    l hav eev enmor er easonst ohuntme
    down, includi ngNkosi ,okayIdon' treallycar eabout
    Nkosi butt het r
    ipl
    et sar etheonesam scar edof .I
    mean, Ihav ebeenhunt ingNkosi downf orki ll
    ingmy
    fatherwhi chi swhyIt eamedupwi thBar caand
    Jay denwhower efriendswi thMussal ineandOt arik.
    Wemetatabarandt henwef oundoutt hatwehad
    onet hingincommon, t
    okillNkosi .Ihavehat edhim
    forsol ongbecauseheki ll
    edmyf atherbutaf ter
    fi
    ndi ngoutt hathei si nar elationshi pwithThandoI
    startedhat inghi mf ortakingherawayf rom me.
    Howev er,am notr eal l
    ywor riedaboutt heir
    rel
    at ionshi p; owingt ot hef actt hatIknowonet r
    uth
    thatcoul dl eadt oThandohat i
    ngNkosi 'sgut .Iam
    j
    ustwai ti
    ngf orther ighttimet ol ett hecatoutoft he
    bagsi nceIhav efailedt oendhi sl i
    fetonight .Fir
    st,I
    willbr eakhi srelati
    onshi pwi thherandwhenam
    100%sur et hatshei sf arfrom hi m andt herei sno
    chanceofmehur ti
    ngherwhi l
    et ryi
    ngt okillhim, Iwil
    l
    shootmyshotandendhisl
    if
    e.Am j
    ustpr
    ayi
    ngt
    hat
    those2don'
    tsayanyt
    hingt
    othet
    ri
    plet
    sandNkosi
    .

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

    THANDO'
    SPOV

    "
    Howi
    sshet
    hough?
    "
    "
    Shei
    sokay
    .It
    'sj
    ustt
    hatshel
    ostt
    hebaby
    ."
    "
    Sigh*
    ***
    hasNkosi
    cont
    act
    edy
    ou?
    "
    "No.Theonl
    ytimehedidwaswhenhet
    oldmetogo
    tothehospi
    tal
    todi
    schargey
    ouandtol
    ookaf
    ter
    Thando.
    "
    "Oooh.Ihavebeent
    ryi
    ngtocal
    lhi
    m butIhav
    ehad
    noluck.Hisphonei
    soff.
    "
    "WellIj
    ustpr
    aythathedoesn'
    tdoanyt
    hingst
    upi
    d
    becausehesoundedquit
    edevist
    atedwhenhecal
    led
    me."
    "
    Metoo.Well
    ,l
    etmegosi
    twi
    tht
    hemynewf
    ami
    l
    yin
    t
    hel
    i
    v i
    ngroom."
    "
    Okay
    ."
    Afterli
    steni
    ngt ot he2f emales'sconversati
    on,Ijust
    feelter
    ri
    ble.Idon'tev enwantt oopenmyey esatal l
    tofacether eal
    ityt hathasst umbledintomyl if
    e.My
    l
    ifehasbeenamazi nglatel
    ysowhatwentwr ong?
    DidIdosomet hingwr ongtodeser vethi
    s?Ijustlay
    i
    nbedwi thmyey escl osed,notwant i
    ngt oshow
    anyonet hatam consci ousbutIendupf al
    li
    ngasleep.
    WhenIopenmyey es,allIseeisdar knesswi tha
    l
    itt
    leli
    ghtpeepi ngthrought hesli
    ght l
    yopendoor .Is
    i
    tnightalready?Ilookar oundt heroom andr eali
    ze
    thatam theonl yoneini t
    .Wel l
    ,Iguessi t'
    st i
    meIj ust
    facemyr ealit
    y.AsIt r
    yt ogetourofbed, apai nfrom
    mybackmakesmest opandj ustfreeze.Ipl acemy
    handt hereandf eelabandagecov eringthepar tthat
    wasbl eedingont hatnight.Ipl
    acemyot herhandon
    myst omachandj ustsigh.Whydi dy oudeci det o
    l
    eav esoear l
    ymydearchi l
    d?Whydi dGodt akey ou
    awayf rom Nkosi andIsoear ly?Ifeel atearst ream
    downmycheekbutIqui cklywipeitaway .Iwon' t
    all
    owmy selftocry,Ial
    readyfeelter
    ri
    bleaboutitso
    that'
    smoret hanenough.Islowlygetoutoft hebed,
    feel
    ingki
    ndofweak, It
    akeast i
    ckwhi chIjustfi
    nd
    l
    ay i
    ngagainstthewholeandusei tt
    oleavetheroom
    am in.AssoonasIst epoutoft heroom, Il
    ook
    aroundandascer t
    ainthatthi
    sisNkosi '
    shouse.
    Whatam Idoi nghereandhowdi dIevengethere.
    Ihearfemini
    negi ggl
    escomi ngfrom downstair
    sand
    Ifol
    lowthegiggles.WhenIgett here,Icomefaceto
    facewithTshi
    di,Noluthando,mymom, amiddl
    e
    agedwomanwhom Ir ememberf rom thedayIwoke
    upinthehospitalandtheleastexpectedface,Rose.
    Theyal
    lstandupfr
    om t
    hecouchest
    heyweresi
    tt
    ing
    onandrusht ome,
    excl
    udi
    ngRosewhoisona
    wheel
    chair.
    "Mychil
    d.Whydidyougetoutofbed?youcould
    havecal
    ledus.
    "say
    smymom t ouchi
    ngmyf ace.
    "Ineededt
    ogetoutofbedma.
    "Isayt
    ryi
    ngt
    oav
    oid
    herhands.
    "
    Okaycomelet
    'sgobackup.Youneedt
    orest
    ."say
    s
    t
    hemiddl
    eagedwoman.
    "Noam fine. "Isaypushingt hem outofmyway .All
    am int
    erest edinisRoser ightnow.Iwal ktowar ds
    herwithgr eatdiff
    icul
    tysinceam usi ngthest i
    ckto
    supportthesi dethat'
    sfeel i
    ngthepai nandt henI
    j
    uststopi nfrontofherwi t
    hasmi leonmyf ace.
    "Rose?"Isaywit
    hasmi leonmyf ace.Shesmi l
    es
    backatme, spr
    eadsherar msoutandsay s"Hey
    ther
    esisteri
    nlaw."wit
    ht ear
    sinhereyes.Il
    ookat
    herconfusedashellunt
    ilitr
    egi
    ster
    sinmymi nd.
    "Waitwhat?"
    Il
    ookatherinshockasherwi
    deopenembr
    aci
    ng
    ar
    mswai tf
    orme."YouareNkosi
    '
    s..
    ."
    "Yes,
    yesIam nowstopmakingmewai tandgetin
    here.
    "shesay
    sgiggl
    i
    ng.Itr
    yt obenddownforthe
    hugbutmywoundbegst odisagr
    eewiththi
    sidea.
    "
    Ouch!"Iwhi
    ne."
    becaref
    ulThando,
    "say
    s
    Nol
    uthandor
    ushingt
    ome.
    "OkayIguessIwil
    lhugyouoncet hewoundheals.
    "I
    saysmili
    ng.Shenodsherheadwhi l
    eputti
    ngher
    armsdownandsay s"Ireal
    lycan'
    tbeli
    evethatwe
    areabouttobecomesister
    s."wit
    hexcit
    ementinher
    v
    oice.
    "Okaycomeony oungl
    ady,l
    et'
    shel pyousi
    tdown
    thenyoucanhavethi
    sconversationwit
    hyournew
    famil
    ymember .
    "saysthemiddleagedwoman.She
    helpsmesitdown,whi
    lemymot hergoest
    othe
    kit
    chenandcomesbackwi t
    hf ood.
    "
    Pleaseeatsot
    haty
    oucant
    akey
    ourmedi
    cat
    ion.
    "
    "okay,
    thankyou."Isayt
    akingtheplatewithf
    ood.I
    am superhungryanyways.Ifi
    rsteatwhil
    eevery
    one
    j
    uststaresatmeandwai tsformet ofini
    shmyf ood.
    Whenam done, Itakemymedi cineandthenthe
    conversat
    ionst
    arts.
    "Howar
    eyouthough?
    "asksTshi
    diput
    ti
    ngherhand
    onmycheek.
    "
    Am f
    ine.Justt
    ir
    ed.Wher
    eisNkosi
    ?"
    "Well
    Nkosist
    ayedbacki
    nLehur
    utshetot
    akecare
    ofsomethi
    ng.Hesai
    dhewil
    lbebackin2days.
    "
    "
    What
    ?2days?Pleasecal
    lhi
    mf orme.Ineedt
    otal
    k
    t
    ohi
    m."Isaypoi
    ntingatt
    heland-
    li
    ne.
    "
    Hei
    sn'
    tpi
    cki
    nguphi
    sphonenunu.
    "say
    smymot
    her
    .
    "Justtryhi
    mf ormeplease."Isaywi t
    hpl eadi
    ng
    eyes."Tshiditakest
    heland-li
    ne,asksf orNkosi'
    s
    numberwhi chshedial
    sandt hencal l
    shi m wi
    thno
    l
    uckofhi m answer i
    ng.Ineedhimr ightnowsohow
    canhej ustdisappearonme?
    "Hav
    eyout
    ri
    edcal
    l
    ingZi
    phooranyoft
    het
    ri
    plet
    s?"
    "
    Yeswehav
    ebutt
    heyar
    eal
    sounav
    ail
    abl
    e."
    "I
    t'
    sokay .Iwil
    l tryt ocall himt omor row. "Isay ."So
    tel
    lme, whathappened? "Iask.Mymot herl ooks
    downandt henshest artsr etel
    lingwhathappened
    thatnight ,
    endi ngwi t
    ht hesadr ealitythatmy
    developingbabydi ed.Itr eall
    ybr eaksmyhear t
    havingt oheart hisbutt her eisnot hingIcando
    aboutit.Mymot hercomest osi twi thme, shehugs
    meandsay s"it'sf i
    net ocr ymychi ld.Leti tout .Stop
    try
    ingt obest rongandj ustl etitout ...
    ..
    .Youmi ght
    havenothadt hechadcet obondwi tht hebabybut
    thatdoesn' tmeany oushoul di gnor ethef actt hat
    therewassomeonegr owi ngi ny ourwombsol etit
    outbabypl ease."andatt hatmoment ,alltearsst ar
    t
    fal
    li
    ng.Ihol dont omymot herandj ustcr yital lout
    andt hat'
    swhenIf eelent rabodi essur roundi ngme.I
    l
    ookatal l
    ofthem astheyholdmeinagr
    ouphug
    andIjustfeel
    lov
    ed,Ifeelsecur
    eNadcar
    edforbut
    thatonl
    ymakest hetearsgushoutev
    enmor
    e.
    "Letital
    l outmychild.Idon'
    twanty oustayi
    ngwi
    th
    thi
    ssor rowi nyourheart
    ."saysmymot her
    .I
    continuecr y
    ingandcr yi
    nguntilIcan'
    tcrynomor
    e
    butjustsniff.Ever
    yonefinal
    lylet'
    sgoofmeandIlet
    outal oudsigh.
    "Thanky
    ouforbei
    ngher
    e.Ifi
    twasn'
    tforyou,Idon'
    t
    knowwhatIcoul
    dhavedone.
    "Isayst
    ill
    snif
    fi
    ng.
    "Wear eyourfamil
    yThando, wewil
    lneverl
    etyou
    faceanytroubleal
    one."saysRoseholdi
    ngmyhand.
    Isti
    llcan'
    tbel
    ievethatam nowrel
    atedtooneofmy
    pati
    entsIwasext r
    emelyclosewit
    h.Iholdherhand
    ti
    ghterandsay" am gl
    adthatyouareNkosi
    'ssist
    er.
    "
    Ourconv ersati
    onf ort
    henightf
    lowsunt i
    lit
    s
    midni
    ghtwhent hemiddl
    eagedwomanwhosename
    i
    sDrMt hemba, takesmebackupt ot heroom Iwas
    i
    nwhi chr eal
    lylooksli
    keamedical r
    oom ina
    hospi
    tal.Shehel psmewi t
    hunbandagi ngthewound
    sothatIcanbat he.AsIst
    andinfrontofthemi r
    ror
    ,I
    spotasmall
    par
    toft
    hewound.Whocoul
    dhav
    e
    donethi
    stomeandwhy
    ?
    Ilot
    ionmy sel
    f,putonacr opt opandsweat erpantsI
    foundputonmybedandwai tfort hedoct ortocome
    backandhel pmecl eananddr esst hewound.Af t
    er
    sheleav estheroom, Itr
    yfindingmyphonewhi chI
    fi
    ndi nthebagbesi demybedandcal l Nkosi.Ineed
    toknowwhyhest ay edinLehur utshe.Icallhis
    phonef ormor ethan5t i
    meswi thnol uckandI
    fi
    nallygiveup.Am f aili
    ngtounder standwhyNkosi
    stayedinLehur utshewhenam goi ngthroughsucha
    toughtime.Si gh.
    ....
    ....
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    Am wakenupinthemorningbysomeoneshaki
    ng
    meandwhenIopenmyey es,Rosest
    opsshaki
    ng
    me.Shehandsoverherphonetomeandsay s"
    it
    's
    Nkosi
    ."i
    nawhisper.
    "
    Hel
    l
    o."Isayi
    nasl
    eepyv
    oice.
    "Mylove."say
    shishuskysweetv
    oice,
    cur
    ingmy
    devi
    statedheart
    .
    "
    Whyar entyounexttome? "Iask.Ihearhi
    m si
    gh
    t
    henher epli
    es"
    Howar eyoumyl ove?Youhadme
    worr
    ied?"butIj
    ustrepeatmyquest i
    on"whyaren'
    t
    younexttome?"

    "Youknow,
    youscar
    edmet
    hatni
    ghtThando.
    "he
    says.

    "Nkosi
    pleasecomehome.Imi ssyou.Leave
    whatevert
    hatiti
    syouar edoingandcomet ome.I
    needyou"Isaybefor
    eamal evoi
    cecriesouti
    nwhat
    soundsli
    kesomeexcr uciat
    ingpai
    n.
    "Nkosiwhoi
    sthat
    ?"Iaskbuthei
    gnor
    esmy
    questi
    on.
    "Si
    hlei
    sonhiswayther
    e.Hei
    scomingtocheckup
    onyou.Goodbyemylov
    e,Iwi
    l
    lbebackonFri
    day.
    "
    hecalmlysay
    s.
    "Fr
    iday
    ?WhyFr i
    day?Whynotinafewhours?Idon'
    t
    wantSihl
    etocheckuponmeIwanty outocheckup
    onmebecauseam y ourpr
    ior
    it
    ynownotSihl
    e'
    s."I
    bel
    lowinanger
    .

    "Thandother
    eisabsolutel
    ynoneedfory
    out
    o
    scream atme.Yousti
    llhaveaheal
    i
    ngwoundso
    don'tst
    rai
    nyours.
    ..
    ..
    ."
    Iendt hecallbefor
    ehef inisheshisst at
    ement .Nx,
    mxm.Igi v
    et hephonebackt oRoseandj ustcover
    my selfwit
    ht hesheet.Nkosi isbeingunreasonable
    ri
    ghtnow, heisbei
    ngf uckingselfi
    sh.Whyi she
    actingasifhiswor ki
    smuchmor eimpor t
    antthan
    me.Am pr et
    tysuremybr otherscouldhav etaken
    careoft hewor kwhil
    ehecameher e.Mxm.Hecan
    gof uckhimselfmannx. ..
    ...
    ..
    "Iwi
    ll
    askTshi
    dit
    obri
    ngyourbr
    eakf
    ast
    ."say
    sRose
    pushi
    ngher
    sel
    foutoft
    heroom.
    "
    Am f
    ine.Idon'
    twantt
    oeat
    ."Imumbl
    e.
    "
    Thandoy
    ouneedt
    otakey
    ourmedi
    ci
    nesoy
    ouhav
    e
    t
    oeat.
    "
    "Isai
    dIdon'twanttoeat.Am fi
    nethankyou.
    "Isay
    toher.Ihearhersi
    ghandt hensi
    lence.If
    eelher
    handonme, sheli
    ght
    lypull
    sitoffmyfaceandjust
    gazesatme.
    "Thando,stopworry
    ingaboutbhudiNkosi.Hewi l
    lbe
    backsoon.Am prettysurehehassomei mportant
    thi
    ngst otakecar
    eofandam sur et
    hatwhat everi
    tis,
    i
    thasev erythi
    ngt
    odowi t
    hyouandy ourcurr
    ent
    condit
    ion.
    "shesaysr ubbi
    ngherhandonme.
    "
    Idon'
    tcar
    ewhati
    tisandi
    fithasever
    ythi
    ngt
    odo
    wi
    thme.Hest
    il
    lhastobeherewit
    hme. "
    "Iknowbutdon' tbesohar donhi m.Sigh**
    ***Nkosi
    alway spref erstakingcar eoft hingswhileawayf rom
    hisl ovedonesbecausesomet imesheget svery
    violentandt heonlywayhewi llbebackt ohis
    originalstateiswhent heproblem issolved.Sodon' t
    thinkthathei snegl ecti
    ngy ouorr unningawayf rom
    ther eali
    tyy oubot har efacing.Hewi ll
    beback. "she
    say sbefor ekissingmyf orehead.
    "
    IjustwantmyNkosi
    her
    e.I
    sthatt
    oomucht
    oask
    f
    or."
    "I
    t'
    snotThandobutj
    ustl
    ethi
    mf i
    nishwhat
    everhei
    s
    doing.Okay
    ?"Inodmyheadyes.
    "
    NowcanIaskTshi
    dit
    obr
    ingy
    ourf
    ood.
    "
    "
    Yeasur
    e."
    "Gr
    eat
    .OohandDrMthembasaidshewenttofet
    ch
    somecream f
    ory
    ourwound.Shewil
    lbebacksoon.
    "
    "okay .
    "shel eav estheroom andIgogetashower .I
    feelthewat errundownmybodyasIr ememberhow
    beaut ifulthatni ghtwas.Remember ingt hecandl e
    l
    ightsshi ningi nthedar kandt henot est hatNkosi
    wr otef orme.Ther edandwhi teroses, thehar monic
    voicesandt hemostbeaut ifulpar toft heni ght,
    Nkosi askingmet obehi swi f
    e.Il ookatmyf inger,
    thinkingofhowamazi ngt hatringwoul dhav elooked
    onmyf ingeri fIhadn'tbeenshot .Ij ustcl osemy
    eyesandl i
    st ent othesplatter
    ingwat er .Am Inot
    dest i
    nedf orhappi ness.Ever y
    timet hi ngsst artfal
    li
    ng
    place, somet hingjusthappens.Whathav eIdonet o
    deser vesuch.Fi r
    stitwast her apeandnow, Ijust
    l
    osemybabyonmypr oposal night .Wow.Justwow.
    Ifinall
    ygetoutt heshower , dr
    ymy sel f,getdressed
    andstarteatingthefoodt hatTshidilef
    tonmybed.
    Mymom andsi st
    erssitandcaht ewithmeuntil
    Dr
    Mthembashowsup, whocl eansmywoundand
    appl
    iest hecream andleav esmyr oom aft
    ert
    ell
    ing
    metor est.Whyar ethesepeopl etreati
    ngmeasi fI
    am t
    erriblyharmed.
    Ijustsitont hebed,t
    akemyphoneandj ustcheck
    outGoogl eNewswher eIam l
    uredbysomepi ctur
    e.I
    l
    ookcl osel yatt
    hepictur
    eandreali
    zethatthepeople
    i
    nt hispictureareNkosiandIontheengagement
    night.Ilookattheheadli
    newhichreads"couldthe
    "glamorouspr oposalgonewrong"vi
    deobel i
    nkedto
    theacci dentonN13? "
    Icl
    i
    ckonthewebsi
    te,
    debat
    ingonifIshoul
    dr eadit
    ort
    ojut
    sleti
    tbebutmycur
    iosi
    tygetsthebestof
    me.If
    ir
    stcl
    osemyeyesandthenreadthestory.

    LastweekSunday,Alivevi
    deowasshotbyan
    i
    nstagr
    ammerwhol etherdearfol
    l
    owersgetapeak
    ofwhatwasknownasaper fectpr
    oposal
    butsoon
    tur
    nedint
    oahor r
    if
    icscene.Someofy ouare
    probablythinkingthatguywhopr oposedwas
    cheatingsohegotcaughtorsomecl i
    chetypeof
    thingbutthescenewasn' tclicheatal
    l.Asseenin
    thev i
    deothathasbeenci r
    culati
    ngforthepast2
    day s,
    whent hemanwasaboutt oputtheshini
    ng
    diamondr ingonhi slady'
    sfinger,
    shewasshotbyan
    uninvit
    edguest .Scaryri
    ght.
    ...
    ..
    ..
    .
    Latert hatnight, anacci dentt ookpl aceonN13, 30
    minut esaf t
    ert heshoot ing.2car scol l
    i
    dedwi theach
    otherbutwhent hepol icear r
    ivedatt hecr i
    mescene,
    theonl yvictimst hatwer etherewer eallfrom 1of
    thecar s.Onev ictim saidt hatbef orecolli
    dingwi t
    h
    theot hervehi cl
    e, hesawamanr unni
    ngaf terthecar
    theyhadanacci dentwi thandaf tercoll
    idingwi t
    ht he
    car,t
    hesamemanwi thwhatseemedl ikebl ueeyes
    draggedt he2menwhower einthev ehicleontot he
    pedest ri
    anl aneandgotconsumedbyt hedar kness.
    Thepol i
    ceonl yr etrieved3gunsandabagofweed
    i
    nt heabandonedv ehicle.Not raceswer ef ound
    whichcoul dhav ehel pedont hewher eabout sof
    thesemenexceptf orbl oodyf ootpri
    ntswhi chledt o
    nothingbutadeadendconsi deri
    ngt heinv est
    igation.
    Thedet ecti
    vesleadi
    ngthe2casesf oundt hese2
    eventsquiteli
    nkedtoeachot herandthisl edto
    them investi
    gati
    ngonwhet herthebull
    ett hatwas
    usedt oshootthewomanwasbyanychancesi milar
    totheonesi nthegunsornot .However,ther esult
    s
    tothisinvest
    igati
    onhavenotbeenpoi ntedoutj ust
    yet.Sonowwear eleftwi
    ththequestion, we'rethese
    2ev entsli
    nkedornotandonequest iont hathasus
    takenaway ,whoi st
    hesocal l
    edblueeyed
    men. .
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    Ilookattheceil
    i
    ng,nowwonderingift
    hemanI
    heardscreamingonthephonewasbyanychance
    oneoft hemeninthevehi
    clebecauseIknowf
    ora
    factthatt
    heblueeyedmanisNkosi.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    SI
    HLE'
    SPOV

    Af
    ter1goodhourofbei
    ngont
    hef
    li
    ghtt
    ocomesee
    Thando, IcallTshidiandaskhert osendmet he
    l
    ocat i
    ont oNkosi '
    shouse.Whenshesendsi t,Iget
    i
    nt omycaranddr i
    veof ftot hel ocation.Nkosi was
    supposedt ocomeher ebuthi scondi tionisjust
    terri
    ble.Henev erleavesthewar ehouseandhei s
    forevertorturi
    ngthosemenwi thnor est.Hehas
    becomeext remelyv i
    olentandi couldn'tlethim
    comeher ebecausehewasgoi ngt oscar eThando.
    Tobehonest ,
    Iwasact uallyenj oy i
    ngt hev i
    ewof
    them beingt ort
    ured.Them beggi ngandcr yi
    ngwas
    l
    ikemusi ci nmyear s.Howev er,theyst il
    lwon' ttel
    lus
    whosentt hem andwhenwet ri
    edt ot racedownt he
    numbert hathadoncecal ledt heguy s, wecoul dn'
    t
    traceitdownsot omor row,wear eusi ngt heir
    famili
    esasawayt ogett ot hem.
    Ipassbyacandyst ore,buyThandoabasketof
    goodiesandf l
    owersthencarr
    yonwi thmyjourney.I
    fi
    nall
    ygettoahugebl ackgatewithaguardsitt
    ingat
    thegate.Whenheseescarappr oachthegate,he
    standsupandwal kstomycar .Iopenthewindow
    forhim andtel
    lhi
    mt hatIwassentbyNkosi.He
    takesouthisphone,dial
    sanumbert henaft
    er1
    minut
    e,hepr
    essesthei
    nter
    com andt
    hegat
    eopens,
    r
    eveal
    ingamension.Wel
    ldamn,howri
    chi
    sNkosi
    ?
    Idri
    vein,par
    kmycar,
    takeThando'sgif
    tsfr
    om the
    backseatandwal
    ktotheporch.Ipr
    esstheint
    ercom
    onthedoorandsomef emi
    nineangeli
    cvoi
    ceshouts
    "Am coming.
    "
    Whenthedooropens,myl
    ongl
    ostl
    overf
    inal
    l
    y
    unv
    eil
    shersel
    f.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    56]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er26

    SI
    HLE'
    SPOV.

    Istandatt hedoor ,
    frozen.Notknowingwhatt odo
    orsay .Ican'
    tbelievethi
    s,myangel i
    sr i
    ghtherei
    n
    fr
    ontofme. .
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..Igazeatherbeautif
    ulcaramel
    col
    or edface,exposingherchubbycheeksandt i
    ny
    nose.Herl ongey el
    ashesjustenhancethebeautyof
    hergodl yeyesandherbr ightwelcomingsmilehas
    thethepowert oli
    ghtenupany one'
    sday .Herred
    glossymov i
    nglipscatchmyat tent
    ionwhenIjust
    reali
    zethatshehasbeent al
    kingbutIhav ebeen
    consumedi nherwor l
    dofshiningstarsandnight
    l
    ightingmoon.
    "
    Hel
    l
    o!!
    "shesay
    s.
    "Ooham sorry.Am heretoseemyli
    ttl
    esist
    er,
    Thando."Isay
    , st
    il
    lfi
    ndingi
    tdif
    fi
    cul
    ttocomedown
    toeart
    h.
    "
    YourmustbeSi
    hle?
    "
    "
    YesIam.
    "
    "OoohAm Rose,Nkosi'
    ssist
    er.Comei n..
    ..
    ."shesay
    s
    andthat
    'swhenam snappedoutoft hewor ld.When
    shemov estomakewayf orme, Ispotthewor st
    thi
    ngever,awheelchai
    r.WHYTHEFUCKI SSHEON
    AWHEELCHAI R.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Icurl
    myhandsi ntofist
    ,feel
    i
    ngsomet ypeofanger
    andsympathyatthesamet i
    me.Wasshei nan
    acci
    dentorsomet hi
    ng?Whatev eri
    twas,Idon'
    tli
    ke
    seei
    ngherli
    kethis.Istepint
    othehouse,wel
    comed
    bythelookofawel ldesi
    gned,al
    lur
    inghome.Iguess
    Nkosii
    sfinanciall
    ystableaf
    teral
    l.Shecl
    osesthe
    doorandpushesher selftoacouchandsays"canI
    getyousomet hingtoeat?"
    "Ummm noam f i
    nethankyou.Oohandt hisisfor
    you.
    "Isaygiv
    ingherthegoodybasketthatIhad
    boughtf
    orThando.Iwalktoherandstretchmy
    handswit
    hthegiftt
    oher.Shelooksatthegi f
    t,
    smil
    esandsay s"
    Am prett
    ysurethat
    'snotf orme.
    Youshouldgi
    veittotheri
    ghtf
    ulowner.
    "
    "WellIcanalway sbuyheranot heronebutImi ght
    notgett hechancet obuyyouonei fIdon'
    tgivey ou
    thisone.Pleasedoaccepti t
    ."Isaytoher.Shest ar
    ts
    blushingbutsti
    llrepl
    ies"Si
    ncewear egoingtobe
    brotherandsisterinlawsoon, am pr
    ett
    ysurey ou
    willbeabletobuymet hoseasmuchasy oulike."
    "
    Your
    eal
    l
    ydon'
    twantt
    oacceptmygi
    ftdoy
    ou?
    ""
    "
    Nott
    hatIdon'
    twantt
    oaccepti
    tbuti
    t'
    snotmi
    ne"
    "andwhosaidIdi
    dn'
    tbuyi
    twi
    tht
    hei
    ntent
    ionof
    givi
    ngi
    ttoyou?"
    "
    BecauseIknowyoudidn'
    tbuyitf
    orme.Noone
    mighthav
    etoldmebutit'
    spret
    tyobv
    iousbecause
    youdidn'
    tevenknowt
    hatNkosi
    hasasi
    ster
    "she
    saysgri
    nning.
    "Hmmmm okay,
    sincey
    ouwon'
    tacceptt
    hisgi
    ft
    ,how
    aboutIt
    akey
    ououtsomet
    ime?
    "
    "
    Not
    hanky
    ou.
    "
    "
    Ooohwow.Whyar
    eyoupl
    ayi
    nghar
    dtoget
    ."
    "
    Am not.Am j
    ustbeingreali
    sti
    cwithyou.SocanI
    t
    akeyoutoThandonow? "sheaskspushingher
    sel
    f
    t
    owardsanelevat
    or.Irushtoherandhelpherdoit
    .
    "Thanky ou.
    "shesaysasIpushheri nsidethe
    elevator
    .Doessheev enr emembermeori sshe
    actingasifshedoesn'tknowmeatal l.
    ...
    .Istand
    besideherandsoonasi tcloses,
    Ijustlookather .I
    s
    thisreal
    lyhappeni
    ngtome?Am Ir ewll
    Butwai t,
    did
    shesayshei sNkosi'
    ssi ster?Ooohshit!
    "
    Wai
    t,ar
    eyouNkosi
    '
    sbi
    ologi
    cal
    sibl
    i
    ng?
    "
    "
    YesIam.
    "shesay
    slooki
    ngupatme.
    "Ooohokay."thetr
    uthis,i
    t'
    snotokayatal
    l.Nkosi
    wil
    ltot
    all
    ytaket hi
    schanceaspayback.Orwi l
    lhe?
    ButIdon'
    tthinkhewoul dsinceIhav
    eacceptedhim
    asmybr ot
    heri
    nlaw.Andheisdati
    ngmysi st
    erso
    hewil
    lletmebe.Am 100%surehewil
    lacceptme
    toor
    ight.
    "
    Am f
    ucked.
    "
    "
    Excuseme?
    "
    "
    Umm not
    hing.Not
    hing.Wasj
    ustt
    hinki
    ngoutl
    oud.
    "
    "Ooohokay.
    "theelevat
    orfi
    nal
    lyopensi
    tsdoorsand
    Ipushheroutwhileshedir
    ect
    smet owhere
    Thando'sr
    oom is.Shetel
    l
    smet ostopi
    nfrontofa
    whitedoor
    .
    SheknocksonthedoorandThandoanswers.She
    sl
    owlyopensthedoorandasksi
    fwecancomei n.
    Asthedoorconti
    nuestosl
    owlyopen,
    Igetapeakof
    myThando,sit
    ti
    ngonthebedbusyreadi
    ng
    somethi
    ngonherphone.
    Whenshel
    ooksup,
    sheseesmeandf
    lashesasmi
    l
    e.
    "Budi
    Sihl
    e.Youhav
    ear
    ri
    ved.
    "shesay
    sput
    ti
    ngher
    phoneaway.
    "
    Howar eyoumypr i
    ncess,
    Isaypushi
    ngRose'
    s
    wheel
    chai
    rin.Ist
    opwhenwegett oThando'
    sbed
    andIgi
    veherahug.
    "am copingBudi.Howar ey ou?"sheasks.Hereyes
    havedar kpat
    chesundert hem asi fshehasn'tsl
    ept
    wellforawhil
    e, herfaceislit
    eral
    lypaleiteven
    breaksmyhear t.Thebandagewhi chispatchedon
    therightsi
    deofherl owerbackj ustmakesmewant
    togobackt oLehur utsheandshoott hose2
    bastardsri
    ghtinthehead.
    "
    Am notfi
    ne.Idon'
    tl
    ikeseei
    ngy
    oui
    nsuchast
    ate
    mypri
    ncess.
    "Isay.
    "St
    opwor r
    yingyour
    sel
    fBudi
    .Am f
    ine,
    well
    Iwill
    be.
    "
    shesays.Ij
    oinheront
    hebedandholdbothher
    hands.
    "
    Whereismaandyoursi
    ster
    s?"Iask.Ihav
    en'
    tseen
    t
    hem ev
    ersi
    nceIar
    ri
    ved.
    "
    Theywentoutt
    ogobuyaf
    ewgr
    ocer
    ies.
    "say
    sRose.
    "
    Ooohokay
    .Andt
    hedoct
    ort
    hatt
    reat
    syou?
    "
    "Shewentt
    oseeoneofherpat
    ients.Shewi
    l
    lbe
    backat14:
    30.
    "repl
    i
    esRoseagain.
    "
    Butshei
    ssupposedt
    obeher
    e24/
    7."Isay
    .
    "
    Well
    shehadt
    ogoseet
    hatpat
    ient
    ,itwas
    i
    mport
    ant
    "
    "Thandoi
    sal
    soanimport
    antpat
    ientsoshemustbe
    hereever
    ysi
    ngl
    esecond.
    "Isayt
    oRose.
    "
    Ummm.Shel
    eftmet
    olookaf
    terThan.
    ..
    "
    "Buty
    ouar enotadoctornow,areyou?Andhow
    wereyougoingt ol
    ookaftermysist
    erwhileyouar
    e
    alsoi
    njur
    ed."Isayl
    ookingatherwheelchai
    r.
    "Excusemebutj ustbecauseam inawheel
    chair
    doesn'tmeanthatIcan'tl
    ookafterherf
    orafew
    hours."shesay
    sseemi ngoffended.
    "Idon'
    tcareaboutthat
    .Thisdoctorwassupposedto
    behere,that
    'swhatsheisget t
    ingpai
    dfor.We
    handedThandoov ertoherbecauseNkosi sai
    dshe
    canbet r
    ustedbutwhatbullshi
    tisthi
    s."
    "BudiSihl
    epleasecalm down.Rosehasbeenlooki
    n
    aftermev er
    ywell.Andbesides,
    thedoct
    orisalway
    s
    here.Shejustha.
    ...
    ."
    "
    ThandoIdon'
    tcar
    eaboutwhatshehadtodo.What
    i
    fsomethi
    nghappenedt
    oyouinherabsence?
    was
    yoursocall
    edgoodcar etakergoi
    ngt osav
    ey ou?"I
    askpointi
    ngatRose.Thismi ghtseem abithar
    sh
    butwhenitcomestomyThando, Idon'
    tal
    lowsuch.
    Rosejuststar
    esatme, takesoutherphoneand
    str
    etchesherhandwitht hephonetome.
    "Here,cal
    lher
    .SheissavedasmaMt hemba. .
    ..
    "I
    l
    ooki nhereyesandseehowof f
    endedsheisbutshe
    tri
    essohar dtohi
    deit.Ij
    ustl
    ookatherunt
    ilshe
    pushesherselfcl
    osertomeandputsthephoneon
    thebed.
    "Youcancallhert
    ocomel ookaftery
    oursi
    stersi
    nce
    am notcapableofdoi
    ngitbutIhavebeenforthe
    pasthour.
    "shesaysbefor
    epushinghersel
    foutof
    theroom.
    "Whatyoudidwasr
    eal
    l
    yunnecessar
    ybudi
    Sihl
    e."
    saysThando.
    "
    Ireal
    l
    ydidn'
    tmeantohur
    therorany
    thi
    ng.It
    'sj
    ust
    t
    hatIdon'
    twantany
    thi
    ngtohappent
    oyou."Isay.
    "
    Wel
    lseemsl
    i
    key
    ourchoi
    ceofwor
    dsdi
    dhur
    ther
    ."
    Wayt
    ogoSi
    hle,
    wayt
    ogo.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    Iam r eall
    yhur tbyt hefactthatThandomi ghtthi
    nk
    thatam negl ectingherbutam r eallynot
    .Ijustwant
    tofinishallthisstupi dworkandt henIcangot oher,
    i
    fonl ythesef oolscoul djusttel
    lmewhot hehell
    theirbossi s!
    !!Thet r
    ipl
    etshaveletmet ort
    urethem
    allalonebecause, apparentl
    ymymet hodsIkindof
    disgustingandext remelyinhuman.Those3men
    l
    ooksot oughkant i t
    heyarejustsissi
    esdeepdown.

    Igulpdownmyal cohol andgobackt ooneofmy


    favori
    tethings, t
    or tur
    e.Iwal kt
    othewal l
    ,pickthe
    perfectknifewhi chi smybeaut i
    fulfi
    ll
    etknifesince
    thereisli
    terallynot hi
    ngmor et
    ocut butthei
    r
    stupidhangi ngmeatsi nceIhavechoppedof fthei
    r
    armsandl egs.Theyshoul dbedeadbynowbutI
    havei nj
    ectedmi cr oparti
    clesofoxygenthatkeep
    them ali
    veev eniftheyst opbreat
    hing.Itakemy
    knifeandmov eont othewonderful
    chemical
    sectionandpickoutasmal lbot
    tl
    ewi t
    hacid.Iover
    mynoseandmout hwi thasurgi
    calmasksi nce
    thesepeopleareli
    teral
    lyst
    inkynowafter2daysof
    beingtort
    ured.
    "Wellwellwel
    l.I
    fiti
    sn'tmy2mostf avorit
    epeople.
    Howar ey ou?
    "Iasksoundingdupeent husiast
    ic.
    Oneoft hem rai
    seshisti
    red,di
    rt
    y,bl
    ooddr i
    pping
    faceandsay s"manjustkil
    lusalr
    eady,
    "inasl ow,
    coldtone.
    "Ohhhnonono.Notj usty et
    , notuntil
    yout el
    lme
    whoy ouarewor ki
    ngf or.Ididpromi seyout hatIwil
    l
    beher e24/ 7until
    youst arttalki
    ng."Isayshar peni
    ng
    mykni f
    e.Isitonthebedt heyar elaid,deci
    deonwho
    myv ictim wil
    lbeandt akemybodywi thacid."my
    fri
    end, openupy ourmout h."Isayt omyv i
    cti
    m.He
    l
    ooksatmewhi lecry
    ingsof tly.
    "Iwil
    ltelly
    ouwhothebossi
    s,j
    ustst
    opdoi
    ngt
    his
    please."hesay
    scr
    ying.
    "
    Aaaaahf
    inal
    l
    y.Wel
    lIguesswewon' tbeneedi
    ng
    y
    ourfami
    li
    esher
    eanymore."Isaybuttheot
    herguy
    says"Khawedon'
    tsni
    tchman.Bosswil
    lki
    l
    lour
    famil
    i
    esman!!Don'
    ttel
    lhi
    m,lethi
    m ki
    l
    lusnott
    hem"
    "Noman.Idon'
    twanttodi
    eyet
    .Iwantt
    owat
    chmy
    kidsgr
    owupplease.
    "
    "Hell
    o.Am alsoheresopl easest ophavingthis
    uselessconversati
    onofy oursbecausey ourfamil
    ies
    aregoingtosuf f
    ereitherway."Isaybutt heguywho
    doesn'twanttosnitchkeepsont ryi
    ngtoencourage
    hiscoll
    eaguenott osayany t
    hing.OkayIguesshe
    will
    bemyv i
    ctim.Itakemybot t
    lewi t
    hacid,pouri
    tin
    bothhiseyesandwat chthem bur ninacid.Heyel
    ps
    i
    npai nbutIjustenjoythisvi
    ew.It akemykni f
    eand
    takehistongueandcuti toff.
    "
    ManIt oldyoutostoptal
    ki
    ng.MrNkosiIwi
    llt
    alk,
    I
    wi
    ll
    talk.Justdon'
    tkil
    lmeplease.
    "say
    stheonewho
    i
    swill
    i
    ngt osnit
    ch.
    "Okay.Justwai t
    ,Iwantmymant otakethatdirtbag
    fri
    endofy ouroutofhere.Hecandi eforal
    lIcar e
    now."Isay .Iwalkt
    omysy ringedeskandpi ckout
    one.Iputscor pi
    onpoisoninit,
    walkbackt othebed
    andinjectitint
    otheguywhohaschosendeat h
    i
    nsteadoflif
    e.Iwat chhisv einsturnblackfrom
    whereIinj
    ectedhi mt ohisheadandt henhet akes
    hi
    slastbreath.IcalloneofmymanIcal l
    edtocome
    herefr
    om Sandt onandi nstructhimtot hrowthat
    i
    diot'
    sbodyint hedr um ful
    lofsulfuri
    cacidout si
    de.
    Hedoesasi nstructedandam l ef
    twiththeonewho
    i
    snotwi l
    li
    ngt odie,whichiski ndoffunnybecause
    am goingtokillhi
    m any ways...
    .Haha.

    "
    Star
    ttal
    ki
    ng,
    "
    "I
    t'
    s.
    ...I
    t'
    sBrian.ThesonofMrMohl akoane.That
    ni
    ghtwewer esupposedtoki
    l
    lyoubutIshotherby
    mistake.Nowpl easel
    etmego,please.Ihave5kids
    andtheyalldependonme.Please!!
    "hecr i
    esout.
    "
    2morequesti
    ons.Whydoesy
    ourbosswantt
    oki
    l
    l
    meandwhereishe?"
    "Yourkil
    ledhisf
    atheryear
    sbackand....
    andyouar
    e
    curr
    entlydati
    ngthewomanhel ov
    es..
    ..That
    'swhy
    he..
    ..he.
    ...
    .hewantstokil
    lyou.Ri
    ghtnowhei s
    Sandton."
    "
    Hmmmm okay
    .Then.
    "
    "
    Soam If
    reet
    ogo?
    !"
    "Yes,sure.Idon'
    tseeanyreasontokeepyouhere.
    "I
    saystandingup.Ihearhimthanki
    ngmeasIwal k
    outoft hewarehouse;ij
    oinmymanwhoi sjust
    standingoutsidewhil
    echatt
    ingonhisphone.
    "Aawubozza,youf
    inal
    l
    ydeci
    dedt
    ogetsomef
    resh
    air
    ?"hesays.
    "Wel
    l,
    Idon'thav
    eanyreasont
    ostayint
    here
    anymore.Haveyoudi
    sposedt
    hati
    diot'
    sbody?
    "
    "
    Yesbossbuti
    twi
    l
    ltake2day
    sfori
    ttodi
    ssol
    ve.
    "
    "
    Okay
    .List
    enhere,Iwanty
    out
    ogi
    vet
    heonei
    nther
    e
    f
    oodbutpoisoni
    t.
    "
    "
    ButIt
    houghty
    ousai
    dyouwi
    l
    llethi
    m go.
    "
    "Aaaghcomeonman.Thi nk!!Howi shegoi ngto
    walkordoanythi
    ng?Rememberhehasnoar ms,
    l
    egsandhi sl
    eftearismissing.Iwouldr atherj
    ustki
    ll
    himt hanmakeanotherenemy ."Isaytakingoffthe
    glovesandmusk.
    "
    Ooohyouhaveagoodpoi
    ntther
    e.Aiimarabozza
    y
    ouarecr
    uel.Howdoyousl
    eepatnight"heasks.
    "Myman, youwil
    lonlyunder
    standwhenyouf al
    l
    i
    nloveandshithappenstoyourwoman."Isay
    patt
    inghisshoul
    der.Ithr
    owawaythesurgicalt
    hings
    Ihadinthebinandturntomycarbutstop,
    remember i
    ngsomething.
    "Pleasemakesur ethataft
    eronemonth,yougoto
    thatguy'sfamilyandgi v
    ethem R3mill
    i
    on.Idon't
    wanthi schil
    drent osuff
    erbecauseofthei
    rfat
    her'
    s
    stupidmistake."Isay.
    "
    Whi
    chguysi
    r?"
    "
    Theonei
    nsi
    de.
    "
    "
    andt
    heonei
    justputi
    ntheaci
    d?"
    "
    giv
    ethem R500000.
    "
    "Ooohokay."Iturntomycar ,geti nsi
    deanddr iv
    eto
    Thando'
    shome.WhenIgett here, theguardsopen
    forme,Igetinsideandheadst raighttomyr oom
    andgetashowert hatIhav en'
    tgot t
    enindays.Iget
    outofmywhi tepol oshir
    tandbl ackt r
    ousersand
    stepi
    ntotheshower .Iwatchall thebloodstainson
    mybodywashawayandgeti ntot hedrai
    nage.
    Sot hesamemanwhodi edbecausehewant edt o
    stealanotherman' swi fei sthesamemanwhogav e
    birt
    ht oademonofason?Am notshockedatal l.At
    fi
    rst,Iwasscar edoft hatbast ardbutnow, nowam
    notaf r
    aidofhi m atall.Iwi l
    lhunthi m downandIwi l
    l
    kil
    lhim.FuckMussal i
    neandOt ari
    k.Iftheyt r
    yt of uck
    meov ertoo,Iwillkil
    lthem al ongwi t
    hthatBr ian
    fri
    endoft heirs.Nowal l Ihav etodoi sf i
    ndhi m.I
    takemyt i
    meshower i
    ng, washi ngmyev ery bodypar t
    deli
    catelybutonepar tt akesmostofmyt imei nt he
    shower .Asaman, Ineedt ogetpl easureher eand
    there,especiall
    yaf t
    ersl eepi ngwi thawomanl i
    ke
    Thando.Shei sthet ypewhoset houghtabouther
    woul djustgiveyouonehugeasspai nf
    ulboner .I
    takemuchmor etimet hatonepar tofmybodywhi l
    e
    alsodoi ngsomet hingIusual l
    ydon' tdoordol ike
    doingbutIhav enochoi ce,Ipleasur emy sel f
    .When
    am done, Istepoutoft heshower , dr
    ymy self, get
    l
    ot i
    onedandputonmycr eam poloneckwi tha
    mar oonski nnytexturedsui tjacketandt rouser s.I
    needahai rcuttoobef or eIleav eforSandt on.
    Ithoughtt hatiwasgoi ngt ogobackhomeonFr i
    day
    butsinceIgott heinfor
    mat ionIneeded,Imightas
    wellleav etomor r
    owev ening.Ifi
    rstneedtotakecare
    ofsomet hi
    ngher eandal sof i
    xmy sel
    falongwithmy
    emot ionsbecauseIdon' twantThandot oseeme
    l
    ikethi s.It
    akemyphone, di
    al Si
    hle'
    snumberwho
    answer saftert
    he3r dri
    ng.
    "
    yesNkosi
    ?".
    "Thei
    rboss'
    snameisBr
    ian.Am pr
    ettysureyou
    knowhim si
    ncehewasonceyourfri
    end."Isay
    sit
    ti
    ngonmybed.

    "Thatmot herfuckerislikeaghost
    .Wehav
    ebeen
    searchingforhimf oral ongt
    imenowandwe
    haven'tfoundhimy et."saysSi
    hle.

    "Iknow.Ihav
    etri
    edtol
    ookforhi
    m buthejust
    disappear
    sever
    yti
    mewefindhim ont
    heraider
    s."I
    say.
    "
    Whyhav
    eyoubeent
    ryi
    ngt
    olookf
    orhi
    m?"

    "
    Thesamer
    easony
    ouhav
    ebeensear
    chi
    ngf
    orhi
    m."

    "
    Andt
    hati
    s?"

    "
    Het
    ookmywoman'
    spr
    ideaway
    ."

    "
    shet
    oldy
    ou?
    "

    "
    Whywoul
    dn'
    tshe?
    "

    "Hmmmm okay.Wel
    lIwi
    l
    ltel
    lmymeni
    nUKt
    otr
    y
    andt
    rackhi
    m down.
    "

    "
    Appar
    ent
    lyhei
    sther
    eisSandt
    on.
    "
    "
    Oooohokay
    .Iwi
    l
    lkeepmyey
    esopenf
    orhi
    m."
    "
    Howi
    sThando?
    "

    "
    Sheiscopingbutyouhavetocomeheresoon.She
    i
    stot
    all
    ylosinghermindwit
    houtyou.
    "

    "Real
    l
    y.Okaythen.Am comi
    ngtomorr
    owev
    eni
    ng
    butdon'
    ttel
    lher.Howismysist
    er?
    "

    "
    Yoursi
    ster
    ?"

    "
    Yes.Rose?Am pr
    ett
    ysur
    eyouhav
    emether
    ."

    "Oohyes..
    ..I
    ..
    ..
    .ihav
    e.Sheisokayandshei
    sreal
    l
    y
    nicebutIhaveaquestion.
    "

    "
    Andt
    hati
    s?"
    "
    Whathappenedt
    oher
    ?"
    "
    Whywoul
    dyoucar
    etoknow?
    "

    "
    Ijustwantt
    oknow.
    "repl
    i
    esSi
    hle.

    "
    Nooff
    ensebutt
    hat
    snonofy
    ourbusi
    nessSi
    hle.I
    t'
    s
    v
    erypr
    ivat
    e."

    "Hmmmmm okay.WellIhav
    etogonow.Iwi
    l
    lkeep
    anopeney
    eforBri
    an.
    "

    "Okay.Bye."Iendthecal
    l,putmyphonei nmy
    pocketandputonmygl asses,l
    eavemyr oom f
    or
    thegarage,getint
    oacarandam of ftothebartoget
    alit
    tl
    edr i
    nk.IwouldhaveaskedZiphotoj oi
    nmebut
    Ican'tf
    indhim anywhereinthehouseso.
    Igettoabar
    ,getinside,
    walkst
    rai
    ghtt
    oanempt y
    tabl
    eandcal
    lawai terwhocomesbackfewmi nutes
    l
    aterwit
    habottl
    eofbal veni
    edr
    inkonatrayanda
    glass.Isipmydr i
    nk, fascinat edbyitsdel ectable
    tasteuntilam disturbedbysomewomanwho
    comesandsi tsont het ableam si tt
    ing.She' saf i
    ve
    foot,t
    hick,li
    ghtski nnedwomanwear ingabl uesil
    k
    dresswi t
    hav enti nt hemi ddle.Iwon'tlie,shel ooks
    extremelydelici
    ousbutshei sn'tmyt ype, and
    besides,am 100%sur et hatmywomant astes
    i
    nf i
    nit
    ytimesbet t
    ert hanher .Ilookatherandt urn
    myey esbackt omygl asswi thbalvenie.Whenshei s
    abouttosaysomet hing, Ibeathert oi t.
    "Am notint
    erest
    edinanythi
    ngyouwanttosay
    woman, sopleasestandupanddon'
    ti
    rri
    tat
    eme
    becauseam reall
    yenjoyi
    ngmydri
    nk.
    "
    "
    Hmmmm,
    sor
    ude.Il
    i
    key
    oual
    ready
    ."
    "
    AndIdon'
    tcar
    enowpl
    easedol
    eav
    e."
    "
    Andi
    fIsai
    dno?
    "
    "
    Theny
    ouwi
    l
    ljusthav
    etof
    acet
    hedev
    ili
    nme.
    "
    "Iwouldn'tmi
    ndthat
    ."shesaysbit
    ingherlowerl
    ip.I
    thinkoftaki
    ngoffmyglassesbutthenIstopmy sel
    f.
    Itakemybot tl
    ewit
    hthedrinkal
    ongwi ththegl
    ass
    andst andupbutsheholdsmyarm.It urntoher
    ,
    l
    ookatt
    hegr
    ipshehasonmeandj
    ustsmi
    rk.
    "see,whaty ouaredoingrighther
    eiscal
    l
    edsi gning
    yourowndeat hsentence.TouchmeagainandIwi ll
    kil
    lyour i
    ghthere,ri
    ghtnow."Isayinawhisper.She
    slowlylet'
    sgoofmyar m withshocki
    nherey esand
    shest andsupt oleave.Sl
    ut!
    Igetbackonmyseatandcontinueenjoyi
    ngmy
    drinkunt
    ilt
    hesunset
    s.Mindyou,Icamehereat
    15:00.Il
    ookatmywatchwhichisrefl
    ect
    ing22:
    00.I
    takemyphoneoutandreali
    sethatIhave6missed
    callsf
    rom Zi
    phoandKhaya.
    Ical
    lZi
    phowhoanswerswitha"
    Wherethef
    uckar
    e
    youman!Wehavebeenlooki
    ngf
    oryou."
    "Whyarey
    ouguy
    slooki
    ngf
    ormeasi
    fam a12y
    ear
    oldboy
    ?"
    "Becausey
    ouar
    enotinyourri
    ghtmi
    ndNkosinow
    comebackorelseIwi
    ll
    tell
    Thando.
    "say
    sZipho.
    "Okayfi
    neam onmyway .
    "Ileav
    ethebar,
    feeli
    nga
    bitt
    ipsyanddri
    vebackhome.Igetther
    e,parkthe
    carandgetint
    othehousewher eIf
    indZi
    phosi t
    ti
    ng
    onthecouchwat chi
    ngsoccer.
    Ij
    oinhi
    mint
    hel
    i
    vingr
    oom andhel
    ooksatme.
    "Nkosi,
    youhav et
    ogetyoursel
    ftoget
    her
    .Youhav
    e
    becomeadr unkardi
    nthese2day s.
    "hesay
    s
    switchi
    ngof
    ft heTV.
    "
    am notadr
    unkar
    dZi
    pho.Am j
    ustt
    ryi
    ngnott
    olose
    myshit
    ."
    "Loseyourshit
    ?Nkosi letmer emi
    ndyousomet hi
    ng.
    Youcameher ewitht hepurposetoimpress
    Thando'sfamil
    ysot hatwecoul dl
    etyoumar r
    yher
    butdoy ouseri
    ouslythi
    nkt hatwewil
    lletyoumarry
    Thandowhi l
    eyouar edoingsuch?!
    "Ikeepquietand
    j
    ustlookattheblackTV.
    "
    Whyt
    hef
    uckar
    eyouact
    ingasi
    fThandodi
    edhuh?
    "
    "Shedi
    dn'tbutshesti
    l
    l l
    ostherbabywhowast oo
    youngtoevendie.Shewasshotbecauseofme!I
    shoul
    dhav estoppedthatbul
    letf
    rom hi
    tt
    ingherbut
    no!If
    ail
    ed!"Ibell
    ow.
    "Ooohbul
    lshi
    t.Nkosi,
    whathappenedhashappened
    nowmov eonandst opl i
    vi
    nginthepast.Stoptry
    ing
    torunawayfr
    om facingThando.Sheneedsy ouri
    ght
    now!Sostopthisbullandputyoursel
    ftogether
    !The
    babyi
    sdead!Not hingcanbringhi
    m orherback.Al
    l
    youcandonowi sj
    ustmov eon.Whathappened
    wasntyourfault
    .Youhadnocont rol
    overitsostop
    blami
    ngy oursel
    fandusingexcusestostayaway
    fr
    om Thando"hesay slooki
    ngangry.
    "Zi
    phoitwasmyf aul
    t.Bri
    anwantedtokil
    lme,not
    shootThando.Hesentthose2toshootmebutt hey
    shotThandoinst
    eadandwho'sfaulti
    sthat?Mine!
    !!
    "
    "
    What
    ?Br
    ianWan.
    ..
    ..
    ."
    "
    Yes.Bri
    anist
    heonewhosentthosemen.Oneof
    t
    hem fi
    nall
    ycr
    ackedandspi
    l
    ledthebeans.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    ButIdon'
    tunder
    standsomet
    hing?Whywoul
    dBr
    ian
    wantt
    okil
    lyou?"
    "I
    ..
    ..
    .Idon'tknow.Ij
    ustdon't.Maybehewants
    Thando."Isaylyi
    ng.Iknowit'swrongbutIdon'
    t
    wanttospi l
    lmybeansj usty
    et .
    "Br
    ian?Wanti
    ngThando?
    that
    'sal
    i
    e."hesay
    s
    shakinghi
    shead.
    "Wel
    lit
    'snot
    .Thi
    siswhyam l
    i
    ket hi
    s.I
    t'
    sbecause
    am t
    ryi
    ngtocomeupwithanideatocatchhi
    m."
    "That
    'snexttoi
    mpossi
    ble.Wehavebeenlookingf
    or
    himforyearsnowandwest i
    l
    lhav
    en'tcaughthim.
    "
    saysZipho.
    "Wel
    l any
    thi
    ngispossi
    bleandIwil
    lmakei tpossi
    ble.
    Am fucki
    ngsickandti
    redofhi
    m harassi
    ngThando. "
    Isay
    .
    "
    Don'
    twor
    ry.Ihav
    eyourback.Iwi
    l
    lhel
    pyou.
    "
    "
    Thanks.
    "
    "Now,Nkosi Nxumalo,Iwantyoutobegoneby
    morning.Idon'twanttoseeanyofyourbel
    ongi
    ngs
    hereagain.I
    tistimeforyoutogobackhomeand
    seeyourwi f
    e."saysZi
    phostandingup.
    "
    Your
    eal
    l
    ywantmegonehey
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Yes.Yourf
    acei
    rr
    it
    atest
    hef
    uckoutofme.
    "hesay
    s.
    "Voetsekwena.
    "Isaylaughi
    ng.Hel
    eavesmeint
    he
    l
    ivingroom,nowthinki
    ngaboutmyThando.
    Sigh****
    Imisshersomuch.

    I
    tsmorni
    ngandIhavepackedal
    lmystuf
    f,r
    eadyto
    goseemywife.Ij
    usthopet
    hatBr
    iani
    scaughtsoon
    becauseIreal
    lycan'
    tdealanymore.Thatmanmust
    j
    ustdieal
    ready.Isaymygoodby estoZiphosi
    ncehe
    i
    stheonlyonei nthehouse.Khayahasjust
    di
    sappearedintothi
    nair
    .
    Igetonmyf
    li
    ghtandam of
    ftoSandt
    on.
    Afteraf l
    i
    ghtof2hour s,Ifi
    nall
    yar r
    iveanddr iv
    ent o
    mypl aceat6: 30am.Igett here,headst r
    aighttothe
    medi calroom wher eIfi
    ndmywomansl eeping
    peacef ul
    l
    y .Isl
    owlywal ktowar dsher,enjoyi
    ngt he
    vi
    ewofherpeacef ul
    nessIt akeoffmyshoesal ong
    withthebl azerandjoinherinbed.Iwr apmyar ms
    aroundherandki ssherf or
    eheadasshesnuggl es
    withme.Imi ssedhersomuch.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er27

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Iwakeupt
    oahandhol
    dingmywast
    eandsomeone
    snor
    inginmyearandwhenIturnaround,
    hisst
    inky
    morningbr
    eat
    hhitsmynost
    ri
    ls.Jesuslor
    dhave
    mercyonme.
    "YhoooNkosicloseyourmouthmany hoo!When
    l
    astdidyoubrushy ourmouth?"Isaytryi
    ngtopul
    l
    awayfrom hi
    m.Hesl owlyopenshi seyeswi
    tha
    smirkonhisfaceandpullsmecl oser.
    "
    Whatawaytowel
    comeyourbaeback.
    "Nkosi
    say
    s.
    "
    Imi
    ssedyousomuchyoubeaut
    if
    ulthi
    ng.
    "
    "
    Imissedy
    outoobutam angr
    yatyoubum!!
    "I
    mut
    terwhi
    let
    ryi
    ngtogetoutofhi
    scl
    asp.
    "
    Why
    ?Isn'
    tam her
    enow?
    "heasksdeadpanned.
    "Becausey
    oudidn'
    tputmyringon."Isaywit
    haface
    aslongasafi
    ddlewhil
    eshowinghim myhand.He
    l
    ooksatmyhand, l
    aughsandstepsoutofthebed.
    "youar
    eonecrazywoman. "hesays,sear
    chi
    ngf or
    somethi
    nginhisbag.Hetakesoutthesamesmal l
    boxhehadthenighthewant edt
    opropose,walksto
    thebedandkneelsnextt
    oit.Isi
    tupstrai
    ghtand
    l
    ookatNkosiwithabeam.
    "ThandoMdl etshe, wi
    lly
    oumar r
    yme? ""heproposes.
    Igivemyhandt ohi m whil
    enoddingmyhead, he
    takesther i
    ngoutoft hebox, put
    stheboxdownand
    slowlyputstheshi nnyri
    ngonmyf inger.Hestands
    backup, bendsdownt oreachmyf aceandgi vesme
    onedeepmoi stenedkisswhi l
    esquishingmyf ace
    againsthis.Igr oanashesuckst heairoutofmebut
    thekissendswhenhemi stakenlyt
    ouchesmy
    wound.
    "Hmmm."Imummerpushi
    ngawayf
    rom hi
    m,"
    you
    hur
    ti
    ngme!"
    Nkosi
    mov
    eshi
    shandf
    rom t
    her
    eandapol
    ogi
    zes.
    Hel ooksatthebandageandhisf acechangest hat
    i
    nstantwhi l
    ehesitsonthebed.Islowlyfol
    lowhi s
    eyest othebandagecoveri
    ngmywoundandIl ook
    backathi m.Hisblueeyessuddenlyaredark,
    fil
    led
    withsomuchanger ,somuchregret,hat
    redandgui l
    t.
    Iputmyhandonhi sshoulder
    ,tr
    yingtoburge
    thr
    oughhi sdarkeyesbuthestil
    lstaresatthe
    bandage.Ilight
    lyshakehi
    m butst i
    l
    lnothi
    ng.
    "
    Nkosi
    !"Ishoutandt
    hat
    '
    swhenhel
    ooksatme,
    hi
    dingt
    hedar
    key
    eshehadbef
    ore.
    "
    Umm y
    esmyl
    ove?
    "
    "
    Arey
    ouokay
    ?"
    "
    Yesam f
    ine.
    "
    "
    Don'
    tl
    iet
    ome.
    ..
    ."Isayt
    ohi
    m.
    "
    Am notl
    yi
    ng.
    "hesay
    s.
    "
    buty
    ouar
    enow.
    "
    "Canwenottalkaboutt hatThando.I
    t'
    sbeena
    ter
    ri
    bleweeklatel
    yandr ightnowisnotthetimefor
    oneofthoseterri
    bledayswehav ebeent hr
    ough.
    "
    saysNkosipull
    i
    ngmei ntoasnuggle.
    "Thando.
    ..
    ..
    ..Am reall
    ysorr
    yaboutwhathappened.I
    shouldhaveprotectedyouthatni
    ghtandyou
    wouldn'
    thav el
    osty ourchi
    l
    d.I.
    ..
    ."
    "
    Nkosi,
    itwasn' ty
    ourfaul
    tsodon'
    tbl
    ameyour
    self
    .
    Andbesides,youtookcareoft
    hepeopl
    ewhodid
    thi
    stome. "Isay.
    "
    Andhowdoy
    ouknowt
    hat
    ?"heaskswi
    thasmi
    rk.
    "
    Wel
    ll
    et'
    sjustsayal
    i
    ttl
    ebi
    rdsni
    tchedony
    ou.
    "
    "
    andt
    hatbi
    rdi
    s?"
    "
    BabyyouareonTHETRACK'snewspaper
    .Youare
    l
    i
    ter
    all
    yknownasthebl
    ueey
    edguyandt hefl
    ash.
    "
    "
    What?Wasmyfacev
    isi
    ble?
    "heaskswi
    dey
    edwhi
    l
    e
    l
    i
    ght
    lypushi
    ngmeaway.
    "Nop.Youwer
    en'tr
    ecognized.Onlyyourey
    eswere
    seenbutot
    herthanthat
    ,nothingelsewasseen.
    "
    "
    Pheew,
    that
    'sbet
    ter
    ."
    "Your
    eall
    ydon'
    tl
    ikebei
    ngseenbyt
    heout
    sidewor
    ld,
    doyou?"
    "Nop.I
    t'
    sactual
    l
    ymygreat
    estnight
    mare.AndIdon'
    t
    thi
    nkanyonewouldl
    i
    ketobeseenbytheworld
    doingwhatIwasdoi
    ng.
    "hesays.
    "
    True.Sowher
    ear
    ethemen?
    "Iask.
    "
    Whatmen?
    "heasks.
    "
    Youknow.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.
    "
    Theyar
    einheav
    en"her
    epl
    i
    es.
    "
    Youki
    l
    ledt
    hem?
    "
    "
    Yes.Theyt
    ri
    edt
    oki
    l
    lmywomansot
    heyhadt
    odi
    e."
    "
    Youcouldhav
    ehandedt
    hem ov
    ert
    othepol
    i
    ce
    Nkosi
    ."
    "Andletthepoli
    cehavemybai t?Nothanky ou."he
    saysshakinghishead.Isurelyam inl
    ovewithno
    ordi
    narymanandi tsfunnyhowam notbot heredby
    thi
    s.IfIweresomeoneel se,Iwouldberunni ng
    aroundtheroom andscreami ngathim butam
    fi
    ndingmy sel
    fevenmor eattractedtohi
    m....Funny
    hey.
    "
    Oooohr
    eal
    l
    ynow?
    "Isay
    .
    Whenheisabouttoreply
    ,Iputmyf i
    ngeronhisl
    ips,
    deepenmygazeint
    ohi seyesashedoest hesame.
    Oureyeshaveabeauti
    fulsi
    lentconv
    ersat
    ionasour
    facesl
    eantowar
    deachot her.
    "Makelovetome."Isaytohim erot
    icall
    y.Heroughly
    brusheshisl
    ipsonmineandbef oreIknowit,am
    alr
    eadylayi
    ngonthebed, f
    eel
    inghimi nme, devot
    ing
    histi
    met openet
    rat
    ingreal
    lydeepinsideme.His
    armsentwinemybodyast hesweatdr ipsontomy
    body.OooohhowImi ssedhim...
    ..
    .Hisslow
    mov ement screatesomuchhar monyinme, making
    mef orgetaboutev er y
    t hi
    ngt hathashappenedi nt he
    pastday s.Everystroke, li
    ck,kiss,f
    ondle,ni
    bble,and
    aromaticf r
    agrancel eadst ouser upti
    ngov erand
    overagai nunti
    lwebot hf eelthatonelastexploding,
    ti
    ti
    ll
    ati
    ngcl imaxt hatjustleav esusoutofbr eath.I
    l
    ayonhi schest ,witht hegr eatestj
    oyinmyhear tand
    l
    ethishandcar essmynakedbodyandt henit'
    slight
    outforthebot hofus. ....
    ..
    .
    WhenIwakeup, If
    indmy sel
    flay
    ingont hebedall
    al
    one.WasIdr eaming?Ir ubmyey esandf eel
    somethingonmyf inger.It'
    smyr i
    ng,guessIwasn't
    dreamingaft
    erallhey.Ilookattheri
    ngonmyf inger
    ,
    admiri
    ngit'
    sbeauty.
    "
    youareup.
    ..
    "say
    smyhunkymanwhoisdr
    ippi
    ng
    wetwi
    thwaterwi
    that
    owelwr
    appedar
    oundhis
    wai
    st.
    "
    Yepandam hungr
    y."Isay
    .
    "
    Ooohreal
    l
    y?"Nkosi
    say
    swhi
    l
    eunwr
    appi
    ngt
    he
    t
    owel
    .
    "
    Nooonott
    hatt
    ypeofhungr
    y,"Isayl
    aughi
    ng."
    am
    hungr
    yforf
    ood,
    noty
    ou.
    "
    "Okayl etmegetdr essedandgety ousomefoodto
    eat."saysNkosi smili
    ng.Igetoutofbedandgoto
    thebat hroom togetmy sel
    fcleanedtooandam
    donei n45mi nutes.WhenIgetoutoft hebat
    hroom,
    Ifi
    ndmybr eakfastont healr
    eadymadebed.Iget
    my selfdressedandsi tonthebedtoeatmy
    breakfast.
    "Knockknock,"saysaf emal
    ev oi
    ceatthedoor.I
    l
    ookinthatdi
    rectionandanswer" Comein,"and
    Rosecomesinwi thmymom andsi st
    ers.Theyall
    l
    ookatmewi thgr i
    nsont hei
    rfacesandthenRose
    says"i
    smybr otherthatgood?"
    Il
    ookawaybl
    ushi
    ngandt
    heyal
    lbur
    sti
    ntol
    aught
    er.
    "
    Isi
    twhyy
    ouguy
    sar
    eher
    e?"
    "Wellno,wewantedtoseei fy ouarestil
    lali
    ve
    becauset hemoanswehear dcomi ngoutoft hi
    s
    room, hmmmmm t heywer edeep.....
    ..
    "says
    Noluthandocomingtositnex ttome.Mymot hersi
    ts
    onthecouchwhi l
    eTshidisitsont hefloorandRose,
    wellsheisalr
    eadysi
    ttedonherwheel chair
    .Her
    woundsareslowlyr ecover
    ingnowandshel ooksso
    muchbetterthanshedi dwhenshewasi nthe
    hospi
    tal
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .Wai t
    ,whydoIf eell
    iket
    hereis
    somethi
    ngam f orgetti
    ng..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ohshit
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "Shi
    t,guy
    sIhavetogotothehospi
    tal
    ."Isayquickl
    y
    gett
    ingoffbedbutapai
    nremindsmet ocalm down.
    "
    Why
    ?"asksmymot
    her
    .
    "Wellther
    earesomechi l
    drenIneedt ogodischarge
    andsomeonel i
    vesatmyapar tmentandIneedt ogo
    checkonher .
    "Isayput t
    ingonmymor ni
    ngshoes.I
    seeRosesmi l
    i
    ngandshesay s"Don'tworry,your
    coll
    eague,Nerisa,
    tookthem andt heyareallather
    house.Sheaskedi fshecouldhavet hem for2mor e
    mont hs.Apparent
    lytheyli
    ghtherandherhusband' s
    l
    ife.
    "
    "Oooooh,
    umm okay
    .That
    '
    sar
    eli
    ef.
    ..
    ..
    "Isay
    ,si
    tt
    ing
    onthebed.
    "Wait
    ,whoar
    ethesepeopl
    eyouar
    etal
    ki
    ngabout
    ?"
    asksmymother
    .
    "Well,
    notsol ongago,ImetNkosi'smaidwhowas
    abityoungt obeoneandl et
    '
    sjustsayli
    fewasn'
    t
    verymuchf airtoher
    .Shewastakingcareofher
    youngsibli
    ngsandl i
    vedinaveryunsafepl
    acesoI
    decidedtohelpherandhersibl
    ings."
    "Ooooh,sosincetheyar
    eyoung,cant heycomeli
    ve
    withmewhent heycomebacktoy ou.Thehouseisa
    bitl
    onel
    ysomet i
    mesandIneedsomeonet okeep
    mebusysi ncenonofmychildrenwantt ogiv
    eme
    grandchil
    dren.
    "saysmymot her.
    "Haaaaama, wedowanttogiv
    eyougrandchi
    l
    dren
    butwear esti
    ll
    looki
    ngf
    orourownNkosi.
    "says
    Noluthando.
    "Haha,you?LookingforyourownNkosi ?That
    'sali
    e.
    I
    fy oureall
    ywerelookingforyourownNkosi t
    hen
    youwoul dhavefoundhim bynowNol uthando
    becausehav eyouseenhowmenj ustthrow
    themselvesatyou???"saysTshidi
    .
    "Hai
    ,nonoft
    hoseguy
    sar
    emyt
    ype.
    "repl
    i
    esNol
    u,
    pout
    ing.
    "
    That
    'swhatIt
    houghtaboutNkosi
    yether
    eIam.
    ..
    ."
    "Yeagirl
    ,l
    ookaty ou,getti
    ngthegoodst uffwit
    ha
    guyyouoncehat ed!!
    !"shoutsTshidi.Theyal l
    laugh
    andthenamanl yv oi
    cecl ear
    shisthroatatt hedoor.
    Weal l
    turntolookandwear emetbySi hlewhoi s
    j
    uststandingatthedoor ,wit
    hhishandsi nhis
    pocket.Hewalksi ntot henowsilentroom andsay s
    "howdidy ousleeppr incess?"l
    ookingatme.
    "
    Isl
    eptwel
    lBudi
    ."Ir
    epl
    y.
    "Goodbutnextt
    ime,pleasekeepyourvoi
    cedown.
    Nonofuswantt oknowwheny ou2arebusy.
    "he
    saysandallt
    hefemalesjustgiggl
    ewhil
    ecover
    ing
    thei
    rmouth.Mymot herpicksupapil
    lowandhit
    s
    Sihl
    ewit
    hit.
    "Leavemydaught
    eral
    onewena.Thi
    sisherfi
    ance'
    s
    housesoshecanbeloudi
    fshewantsto.
    ..
    "saysmy
    mot her
    .
    "Shecanbeloudwhenwear enothere."hesay
    s.He
    thentur
    nstolookatRosewhojustlooksawayfrom
    Sihl
    ebutSi
    hlewalkstoherandkneels.
    "
    CanIpl
    easet
    alkt
    oyouout
    side?
    "asksSi
    hle.
    "
    Not
    hanky
    ou.Am st
    il
    ltal
    ki
    ngt
    othem.
    "repl
    i
    esRose.
    "Ipr
    omi seitwon'teventakeami nute.Ijustwantt o
    saysomet hingbeforeIleaveforChina."pleadsSi hl
    e.
    Weal l
    lookateachot her
    ,caughtupi ndilemma.
    Sihl
    enev erandwhenIsaynev erImeannev er
    speakslikethiswithanyoneexceptus.Hesounds
    soniceandsosi ncer
    e.RoselooksatSi hlewi than
    angryfacethenshepushesher selfoutoft heroom
    andSihlefollowsher.Heclosest hedoorbehi ndhi m
    andwear ealll
    eftopen-mouthedandgoogl e-eyed.
    "Hehe,
    Ihopeyourbr
    otherhasn'
    tfal
    lenf
    oryour
    fi
    ance'
    ssi
    ster
    ."whi
    spersmymot herwhi
    lehit
    ti
    ngher
    hands.
    "It
    hinkit
    'stoolat et
    osaythat,
    "repl
    iesNoluthando.
    Weal lj
    ustsitinmyr oom andwaitforRosewho
    comesback3mi nutesl
    ater,
    smili
    ng.Weal l
    gazeat
    herunti
    lshel ooksatusandhersmi lej
    ustflows
    awaywi t
    hthewi nd.
    "Andthen,
    whyar
    eyoual
    ll
    ooki
    ngatmel
    i
    ket
    hat
    ?"
    sheasks.
    "
    Because,
    ourbr
    otherwasact
    ual
    l
    yspeaki
    ngt
    oyou
    ni
    cel
    ywi
    thasi
    ncer
    elooki
    ngf
    ace.
    "say
    sTshi
    di.
    "
    Andt
    hat
    'ssur
    pri
    singwhy
    ?"
    "Ourbr
    otheri
    snev erni
    cetoany oneexceptus.He
    neverl
    ooksthatsi
    ncereandhenev erasksfor
    somethi
    ngmor ethanonce."Isay.
    "WellIguessthereisafi
    rstt
    imef orev
    erythi
    ng."she
    saysgetti
    nglostinherheadagain.Weal l
    lookather
    andjustdecidetoleavet
    heissue.May beSihl
    ehas
    fal
    l
    enf orher.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    "
    Hasanyofy
    ouseenNkosi
    ?"
    "
    Ooohy
    oumeany
    ourf
    iance!
    "say
    sRose.
    "
    Aii
    stopi
    tguy
    s."Isaybl
    ushi
    ng.
    "
    Hei
    sinhi
    sst
    udyr
    oom.
    "say
    sRose.
    "Iwil
    lbebackguys."Isayst
    andi
    nvupfr
    om mybed
    andwal ki
    ngtothedoorwhenIhearmysist
    er
    mumbl e"She'
    sgoingtogetsomemore.
    "butmy
    mom shut sherupwithapil
    l
    owandtheyalll
    augh.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Ilov
    et hesewomenshame.
    Igett
    otheroom Nkosii
    sin,
    Ist
    andbythehal
    fopen
    doorandIhearhi
    mt al
    ki
    ngonthephone.
    "Heisst
    il
    lnotonr
    aider
    ?"Ihearhi
    m sayont
    he
    phone.
    "Okayifyouhaveanyupdat
    esjustcal
    lme.Any
    ways,
    doy ouhaveanyupdatesonthepi
    ctur
    eIsenty
    ou?
    "
    "What?!Uuuum okayt hankyouBr endon.Iwi l
    lcall
    youlater
    ."hesay sbeforedroppingt hecallthenhe
    j
    uststandsst i
    llandsays"whenar ey ougoingt o
    stopeavesdroppingonmyconv ersationsmydear
    futur
    ewife?"say sNkosifaci
    ngt hewi ndowwi t
    hone
    ofhishandsi nhispocket.Okayi sitmewhoi sj ust
    badateav esdroppi
    ngordoest hismanhav eey esat
    thebackofhi shead..
    ...
    ..
    Islowl
    yentert
    heroom,
    joinhi
    minlooki
    ngout
    side
    thewindowandsaynot
    hingatal
    l
    .
    "
    Whati
    sbot
    her
    ingy
    ou?
    "heaskshol
    dingmyhand.
    "Nothi
    nglov
    e.Wasjustwonder
    ingwhatourf
    utur
    eis
    goingtobeli
    ke.
    "Ir
    eplyhi
    m,ti
    ghtl
    yhol
    dinghi
    shand.
    "That
    'snoti
    tlove.Thando,youdoknowt hatyoucan
    neverli
    etomesoj ustspiti
    t."say
    sNkosi pul
    l
    ingme
    towardsacouch.Hesi t
    sont hecouchthenpatshi
    s
    l
    egasawayoft ell
    ingmet ositonhi
    slegs.Idoso
    andputmyar
    msar
    oundhi
    sneck.
    "
    Nowt
    ell
    me,
    what
    '
    sbot
    her
    ingy
    ou?
    "heasksagai
    n.
    "WhywasIshotandam Isaf
    enow?"Iaskhi
    m.He
    star
    esatme,wit
    houtsayi
    ngawordthenbr
    eakst
    he
    si
    lence.
    "
    Promi
    senott
    otel
    lany
    one?
    "hesay
    s.
    "
    Comeon,
    whowoul
    dIt
    ell
    .
    .."Isayt
    ohi
    m.
    "y
    ouwereshotbymist
    ake,t
    heper
    sonwassentt
    o
    shootmebutshoty
    ouinst
    ead.
    "
    "
    whydi
    dtheper
    sonwantt
    oshooty
    ou?
    "Iask.
    "
    Let
    'snott
    alkabouti
    tpl
    ease.
    "
    "Nkosiifam goingtobeyourwifethenyoumi
    ghtas
    wellgetusedt onothi
    dingstuf
    ffrom mesowhy
    werey oushot?"heturnst
    ome, looksint
    omy
    eyeball
    sandl et'
    soutagroan.
    "
    Wel
    lam wai
    ti
    ng.
    ..
    ."Isayt
    ohi
    m.
    "
    Remembert
    heBr
    ianguyy
    out
    oldmeabout
    ?"
    "
    Yes,
    "
    "Wel
    lI.
    ..
    ..
    .Iki
    l
    ledhi
    sfat
    herbackt
    hen.
    "hesay
    s
    cl
    osi
    nghiseyes.
    "
    Wai
    tyouknewhi
    m?"
    "
    NoIdidn'
    t.Ij
    ustfoundoutafewdaysagothatt
    he
    manIkil
    l
    edwashi sfathersonow,
    hewantstoki
    ll
    me,
    "saysNkosi.
    "
    Wel
    ldi
    dyouki
    l
    lhi
    m?"
    "No,Ican'
    tfindhim anywher
    e.Hej
    ustkeepson
    disappear
    ing."herepl
    ies.
    "
    Wel
    ldi
    dyout
    ell
    Sihl
    e?"
    "
    No,
    it'
    snonoft
    hei
    rbusi
    ness.
    "
    "
    Nkosi
    iti
    s.Justt
    ell
    th.
    ..
    ..
    ."
    "ThandoIsai
    dno.I
    thasnot
    hingt
    odowi
    tht
    hem.
    "he
    saysharshl
    y.
    "Ooohokaythen.Butsi
    ncehehasalr
    eadyt
    ri
    edt
    o
    kil
    lyouonce,won'
    thetryt
    odoitagai
    n?"
    "
    Hewill
    buthewon'
    tfi
    ndme.Thesamewayhewon'
    t
    f
    indy
    ou."hesay
    stome.
    "
    Andt
    hatmeans?
    "
    "
    Sinceheknowswherey
    ouworkandli
    ve,
    nomore
    workfory
    ouforafewmont
    hs"hesay
    s.Hehe,
    ist
    his
    manoutofhismind?
    "
    Fuckno.Am goi
    ngt
    owor
    kNkosi
    ."
    "Thandostopusingswearwor
    dsi
    nmypresence!
    Wher eisyourr
    espectf
    orme?!
    "hebel
    l
    owswitha
    disappoint
    edface.
    "okayokayam sor rybutam sti
    llgoi
    ngt owork.How
    doy ouexpectmet osurvi
    vewithoutgoingthere?
    Am sorrybutIwi llhavet
    osaynot othis.Ican'
    t..
    ..
    "I
    saytohi m shakingmyhead.Him controll
    ingmy
    workinglif
    eisr eal
    lynotgoi
    ngtowor kshame.I nfact
    ,
    himt r
    yingtocont r
    ol meisnotgoingtowor katall
    .
    "
    ThandoIwasn'
    taski
    ngforyouropini
    on.Iwas
    t
    ell
    i
    ngyouwhat'
    sgoingtohappen,sobetteraccept
    i
    tandstopt
    hedrama."
    "Nkosiy
    ouarebei
    ngunf
    airnow!
    !"Iwhi
    ne."WhydoI
    havetosuf
    ferf
    orsomebeefyouhavewit
    ht hat
    i
    diot.
    "
    "
    Heyhey,don'
    tfor
    gett
    hatheisal
    sooutont helook
    f
    oryouorshoul
    dIremindyouwhathappenedlast
    ti
    me. "saysNkosi point
    inghisfingeratme.Ilook
    downandawayf r
    om him,withaf l
    ashedface.Isthi
    s
    real
    lygoingtobemyl i
    fenow?Nkosi t
    ri
    estoholdmy
    chinupbutIref useandsmackhi shandof fme.I
    standupwi t
    ht heat t
    emptt oleavebutwhenIdo, he
    alsodoesso, pullsmebackt ohi m,pushesme
    againstthewall andenclosesallthepart
    sIcoul d
    uset ogetoutwi thhislongarms.
    "Whenwear esol vi
    ngani ssueThando, neverwalk
    awaywi t
    houtr esolvingi
    t.Youhearme.Nowt his
    betterbet helastt i
    mey oudot his."saysNkosi
    pointi
    ngatme.Il ookhim strai
    ghti nt heeyeand
    reply"Thel asttimeIchecked, y ouhav ealr
    eady
    madet hedeci sionformesot her eisabsolutelyno
    needf ormeandmyopi niononhowt orunmyl if
    e.
    Nowwi ll
    youpl easegetoutofmyf acebeforeIcall
    Sihl
    e"
    hel ooksatmewi t
    hashar peyewhil
    ecl
    utchi
    nghis
    handsi ntofi
    stst
    henhehitsthewall
    .Heputshi
    s
    handsi ntohi
    spocket,l
    ooksatmeonemor eti
    me,
    turnstothedoortowalkawayandmumbl es"Why
    didIev enhavetofal
    li
    nlove.
    ..
    .Nx,
    "
    Whenhel eavest
    heroom,bangingthedoorbehi
    nd
    hi
    m, Islidedownthewall
    ,j
    ustsitonthefl
    oorand
    l
    ooki ntospace.Myli
    fehey.Eversi
    nceIbrokeup
    wit
    hSbu, shi
    thasbeenhappeningandthi
    smakes
    memi sshowpeacefulmylif
    ewaswhenIwaswi th
    Sbu.
    ....Sigh
    Honest l
    y,Ican'
    tjustsither
    et hewholedayandgr i
    ef
    sol etmegot omypeopl eandaskt hem i
    ft heywant
    towat chamov i
    einthecinemar oom.Islowl ygetup,
    mi ndingthewoundonmybackwhi chnowhur ts
    sinceNkosi pushedmeagai nstt
    hewal l
    .Ileavethe
    studyandi nvi
    temyl adiestothecinemar oom.

    Theladiesjoi
    nmei nthereexcl udingmymom who
    i
    spacki ngtoleavewithSihle.Shewant edNoluand
    Tshiditocomewi thbuttheyr efusedandtoldher
    thattheywill
    onSat ur
    dayandt odayisThursday.At
    l
    eastt heywil
    lkeepmeent ert
    ainedforthesefew
    days.
    Aswewatchamov
    ie,Tshidi
    whoissi
    tt
    ingbesi
    de
    mest
    andsupandi
    sreplacedmysomeoneIdon't
    wanttotal
    ktor i
    ghtnow.Het r
    iestohol
    dmyhand
    butIr
    efuse.Ihearhim si
    ghandthenallofasudden,
    theci
    nemar oom isempty,i
    t'
    sjustNkosiandI.Oooh
    wow,whatsistersandasist
    erinlawIhav e.
    "
    Sthandwasami
    ,am sor
    ryaboutear
    li
    er.
    "whi
    sper
    s
    Nkosi
    .
    "Keepquiet
    .Am watchi
    ngamov
    ie,
    "Ir
    epl
    yhi
    m,
    stuff
    ingpopcor
    nint
    omymouth.
    Nkosiswit
    chesofft
    hebigscr
    een,t
    urnsont hel
    ight
    s
    andlooksbackatme.Il
    ookathim,ir
    ri
    tat
    edt ot
    he
    maxandIst andupt
    oleavebutherunstothedoor
    andlocksi
    t.
    "
    Youwon'
    tl
    eav
    eunt
    ilam f
    orgi
    ven.
    "hesay
    s.
    "
    Nkosi
    cany
    ouj
    ustl
    eav
    emeal
    one.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Notunt
    ily
    ouf
    orgi
    veme.
    "
    "
    ButIdon'
    twantt
    o."Ir
    epl
    ypout
    ing.
    "
    Wel
    lthenIguesswewi
    l
    ljusthav
    etost
    ayi
    nher
    e."
    "
    Whydoy
    ouhav
    etobesof
    ucki
    ngannoy
    ing!
    !!
    "
    "
    Languagewoman!
    "snapsNkosi
    .
    "Fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fleapenfuck!!
    !!Thesame
    feeli
    ngy ouhav ewhenIsweari sthesamef eeli
    ngI
    hav eabouty outryingtocont rolme!"Iscream but
    somehowheal readyhashi schestagainstmi ne,
    holdingmyf aceupwi thonehandi nhispocket .He
    digsdeepi ntomyey eswi t
    hhisandsay swi thalow
    voice"Idarey outoswear .
    "Il
    ookathi m,being
    overpower edbyhi salluringaurawhi chsurroundsus
    andnotf eeli
    nganypai nsf rom mywound.Hi s
    domi nati
    vescentpul l
    smecl oserandclosert ohim
    andhi sblueey esar ejustdoingthingstome.
    "Soam Iforgi
    ven?"heutters.Inodmyheadev en
    thoughIwantt osaynoandt henhesays,
    "nowlet
    meshowy ouwhatIwi l
    ldot oy out
    henexttimeyou
    swearatme. "Hepicksmeupandusessomeot her
    doorinthecinemar oom togetoutwhichleadsusto
    hisroom..
    ..
    ..Eeeeeeeh.
    ..
    Hestart
    skissi
    ngonmyneck,
    suckingandl
    i
    ckingit
    ,
    notshowinganymer
    cyandhedropsmeont hebed.
    "
    See,Igetveryangrywhenpeopleswearatmebut
    wi
    thyou..
    ..Youjustmakemeangr ytothepoi
    ntof
    want
    ingtodestroyyourpunani
    whichiswhatam
    goingtodot oday .
    "heseduct i
    v elysaysremov i
    ngmy
    shoes.Heget sont opofmeandt earstheshir
    tam
    wearinganduncl ipsmybr a,exposi ngmyor ange
    shapedboobs.Heabr uptlysav agesonmypoorl ips
    withhis,makingmesuperhor ny.WhenIt wi
    rlmy
    l
    egsar oundhim andputmyar msar oundhisneck,
    hebellows,"don'ttouchme. "andt hisleavesmei n
    shock.Heget sof fme, roughlyr emov esmypant s
    butleavesthet hongIhav eon, hewal kstohiscloset
    andcomesbackwi t h2ties.Itryt ogetoffthebed
    andleavehisr oom becausei knowwhat '
    saboutto
    happenbuthedr agsmebackont obedandt i
    esmy
    armsandl egs.
    "Muchbet t
    ernow."hesay ssmil
    ing.Heslowly
    removeshisshirtandmov estohisbeltwhil
    e
    l
    ookingatme.Whenher emoveshisundies,hi
    s
    shaftpopsup,readyt omurderme...
    ..Hi
    seyestel
    l
    measummar yofwhat '
    sabouttogodownandIsay
    toNkosi "
    butNkosi Ihaveawound, can'
    tyoudothi
    s
    nextti
    me? "
    "
    Thewoundisonyourbackmysweethear
    t,noton
    y
    ourvagi
    na.
    "whenheisdoneundr
    essi
    ng,hegoes
    strai
    ghtt ohistargetandusesittodemol ishme.I
    feelhistonguest artt
    olickinci
    rclesaroundmy
    cli
    tori
    s,lappingupanddownandsi detosi de.Irol
    l
    myey est ot hebackofmyheadast hepleasurable
    feeli
    ngki l
    lsmesl owlybutsurel
    y.Iswearr ightnow
    am criti
    cal andnotstableatall
    ..
    ..
    ..Heli
    ckssl owly
    andgent lyandt henfastandfir
    m, makingmear cmy
    backandl etti
    ngoutascr eam.Hecov ersmyl i
    ps
    withhishandandcont inuestoli
    ghtlyli
    ckandf l
    i
    ck
    myspotwi t
    hhi st
    ongue.
    "Yes,yes.
    ..
    ..
    "Imumbl ebef orelett
    ingoutallmy
    j
    uices.Ifeelt
    hej ui
    cessl idi
    ngdownandt henahard
    shaftunexpectedlythrustsintome.Il etoutaloud
    moanasNkosi j
    uststaysst ati
    oner y.Hewithdr
    aws
    thensmashesi ntomeagai nwithabsol ut
    elyno
    mer cy
    .Het henget sont opofme, looksatmewi t
    ha
    smirkandsay s"Ihopey ouarer eady .
    "
    Ishakemyheadnobuthesl
    amsint
    omeandsay
    s
    "whyarey
    ounoddi
    ngyourheadno?
    "
    "Becauseam notready
    !!
    "Isay
    .Heslamsintome
    againandsays"Whatdidyousay?
    "whenItryto
    speak,hesl
    amsi ntomeandthist
    ime,r
    eall
    ydeep
    andIj ustcl
    osemymout hbecausei fIt
    rytosay
    anything,hewil
    l sl
    am int
    omet hewhol eti
    mesandI
    fearthatiwon'tbeabl etowal k.Hest art
    st omov e
    slowlythenpicksuphi space, mov i
    ngfasterand
    fasteranddeeper .Hedoesn'tev enletmebr eat
    heat
    all
    .It'
    sjustmoanaf termoanaf termoan.WhenIf eel
    mycl imaxcomi ngon, hewithdr awsandsay s"y
    ou
    can'tcli
    maxjusty et.I
    nfact,todayIwon' tletyou
    cli
    max. "
    "ButNko,
    "andbef
    oreIcoul
    dfi
    nishmyst
    atement
    ,he
    bangsint
    ome.
    "Nkosi please!
    !""Ishout.Hecar r
    iesont hrusti
    ngin
    mebutst opswhenev eram aboutt oreachcl i
    max
    butwhenhest artstogroanlight
    lyher eleases
    himsel fintomewhi l
    ecall
    ingoutmynameand
    cursingt henhewi thdrawsandgoest ocl eanhimself.
    Asf orme, hel
    eav esmeont hebed, sti
    llcravi
    ngfor
    him....
    ..
    ..Whydi dIhav etosweart hough. .
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV
    Aft
    erhavingsomef unwithmydearThando,Iget
    myselfal
    lcleanedupandchangeintomycream
    pol
    oneckandbl ackguessjeanswit
    hNikeshoes.I
    walkbackintotheroom whereThandoi
    sstil
    lti
    ed
    ont
    ot hebedandIcl eanher.
    "Nkosi am stil
    lcraving.
    "shewhi nesbutIignoreher.
    Nexttimeshewi l
    lthinktwicebef oreswearingatme.
    SinceIt oreherclothesapar t,Igot oherroom and
    pickoutamaxi dress,abra, underwearandsandl es.
    Iwalkbackt other oom andLuckl ynooneseesme, I
    untieThandowhoj ustlooksatmewi thheradorable
    puppyey esbutIdon' tfal
    lforthem.Ihel pherget
    dressedbutwhenev erIputsomet hingonher,she
    remov esi tandjustsitsont hebedwi thherarms
    crossed.
    "Aaaaahsinceyouwantt ost aynakedIwi l
    lleaveyou
    i
    nher e.Ihavetodriveyourmot herandSihletothe
    air
    port.
    "Isaystandingupf rom thebed.Whenam
    abouttoleavether oom,sher ushestoholdmyl eg
    andjustcli
    ngstoi t
    .Ilookdownt oherandshesay s
    "Isti
    llneedyou,"withatearfall
    ingout.Ismileather
    andremov eherf r
    om myl eg.
    "LoveIneedt ogo,ordoy ouwantt ogooutwi t
    hme
    i
    ny ourbirt
    hdaysui t
    ?"Iaskpushi ngheraway .Ileave
    theroom, l
    eav i
    ngThandoont hef l
    oorpout ing...
    ...
    Womenar esodr amat i
    c.AsIwal kt hrought he
    upstair
    shallway,IcatchSihl
    el ookingatsomet hing
    downst ai
    rs.Ifoll
    owhi seyesandam metbyRose' s
    gloomingface.Whyt hehel l
    ist hi
    sf uckerlookingat
    mysi st
    er.Islowlyapproachhim andcl earmyt hroat,
    snappinghim outofwhat everwor l
    dhewasi n.
    "
    heyman.
    "hesay
    slooki
    ngatme.
    "Whyar
    ey oulooki
    ngatmysist
    erl
    i
    ket
    hat
    ?"Iask,
    goi
    ngstr
    aighttothepoi
    nt.
    "
    whosai
    dIwasl
    ooki
    ngather
    ?"
    "
    Don'
    tactst
    upi
    d."
    "
    Am not
    ."hesay
    sput
    ti
    nghi
    shandsi
    nhi
    spocket
    .
    "
    Sihl
    eIsawy
    oul
    ooki
    ngather
    ."
    "
    andi
    fIwas?
    "
    "ThenIwouldtel
    lyout
    ost
    ayt
    hef
    uckawayf
    rom
    her.
    "Irepl
    yhim.
    "
    Inev
    ersai
    dam goi
    ngt
    oaskherout
    ."her
    epl
    i
    es.
    "ButIknowyouwantto.Thatlookofyour
    ssai
    dal
    ot
    Sihl
    esostayawayfr
    om her."Itel
    lhi
    m.
    "
    iremembertel
    l
    ingsomeonet
    hesamet
    hingy
    ether
    e
    weare.
    "repl
    i
    esSihl
    epoi
    nti
    ngatme.
    "Lookman, mysi tuationi
    sdi ffer
    entbecauseIhad
    alr
    eadyaskedouty oursisterandshel ovesmebut
    yoursituationisdifferent
    .Youhav en'tevenasked
    heroutandshei salreadyfami ly
    , sol eaveheral
    one."
    Isayt ohim buthechuckl esandr epl i
    es"Ir
    eall
    ydon't
    carethatshei snowf ami
    ly.Okusal ayo,wedon't
    sharet hesamebl oodnorpar ents.Sost opwast i
    ng
    yourbr eathmyman. "say
    sSi hlebef orewalki
    ng
    away .Ifthi
    smant riesany t
    hingf unnywi thmysi st
    er,
    Iwill
    scr ewhi m up.

    At13:30whenSi hleandThando' smot her'


    sluggage
    hasbeenpackedi ntot hecar,thef amilystarts
    sayi
    ngt hi
    ergoodby estoeachot her.Whenwear e
    abouttoleave,InoticethatSihleisn'ti
    nt hecarnor
    i
    shest andingatthepor chwi t
    ht heot hersandRose
    i
    snother eeither
    .Thatmot herf
    uckerbet t
    ernotbe
    doinganythingfunny.Irushi nt
    ot hehouseandI
    bumpi nt
    oSi hlewhoi ssmi lingandwhenIsay
    smili
    ngImeansmi li
    ng...
    ...
    ...Ilookbehindhi m andI
    seeRosepushi ngher sel
    ft owar dsusbutshei s
    l
    ookingdown.Whenshel ooksup, sheseesmeand
    hersmilei
    nst ant
    lyturnsintoaser iousface.She
    carri
    esont opushher selfout sideandam l eftwit
    h
    Sihl
    e.
    "Am warni
    ngyouSihl
    e.Backof
    f!
    "Ibel
    l
    owwi
    thmy
    eyespoppingout
    .
    "OrwhatNkosi?
    "her epl
    i
    esandpushesmeoutof
    thewaybutIdraghim backandpunchhimtheface.
    Hefal
    lstothegroundandholdsthecheekIhi
    thim.I
    seeblooddri
    pfrom hismouthandhegetsupand
    j
    ustchuckl
    es.
    "
    Itwastot
    all
    ywort
    hit.
    "say
    sSihl
    ewal
    ki
    ngaway .
    Whatthef
    uckiswrongwit
    hthi
    sman.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    Il
    eavet
    hehouseandfindev
    er y
    onear oundSi
    hleand
    aski
    nghi
    mifheisokay.Hejustpushesthem outof
    hi
    swayandgetsint
    othecar.Hismotherjoi
    nsus
    andIdri
    veoff.Ther
    idet
    otheai
    rporti
    srat
    herqui
    et
    unt
    ilThando'
    smom sayssomet
    hing.
    "Nkosi
    myson,
    pleaset
    akegoodcar
    eofmychi
    l
    d."
    shesays.
    "Don'
    tworr
    yma.Iwi
    l
    ltakegoodcar
    eofher
    ."Isayt
    o
    herwhil
    edri
    vi
    ng.
    "
    Ifhedoesn'
    t,
    Iwi
    l
    lki
    l
    lhi
    m."say
    sSi
    hle.
    "Ai
    iwenastopwithyourvi
    olentr
    elatedterms.And
    am nott
    alki
    ngtoy ousokeepquiet"shesays
    l
    ookingatSi
    hle.Youtel
    lhi
    m woman. .
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    Wefinal
    lygett
    otheairpor
    t,Idr
    opthem of
    fandam
    of
    ftomywar ehouse.Ihav
    en'tbeent
    herei
    nawhil
    e
    soIhavetogo.
    Igetther
    e,getoutofmycarandent
    ermy
    warehouse.Whentheguysseeme,theyal
    lst
    andup
    fr
    om thei
    rseatsandgreetme.
    "
    Bozzawher
    ehav
    eyoubeen?
    asksSchev
    e.
    "
    Beenbusyl
    atel
    y.Soguy
    sIhav
    eaj
    obf
    ory
    ou.
    "Isay
    t
    oalloft
    hem.
    "
    Yesboss.
    "theysayast
    heycomecl
    osert
    ome.
    "Iwantyouguy st
    obeont helookoutforthi
    sman. "I
    saytothem showingapictur
    eofBrian."
    Hisnamei s
    Bri
    anMohl akoaneandhewant stokil
    lmesoi fyou
    guysseehim anywhere,j
    usttel
    lmeokay .
    "Ishout
    andtheyallshoutyes.
    "Oohandalsobeonthel
    ookoutf
    ortheJones
    Brot
    hers.Theyar
    eworki
    ngwi
    thBri
    an."Isay
    .
    "ScheveandLuke, Iwantyouguystoguardmywi f
    e.
    Followherev er
    ywhereshegoesandneverleav
    eher
    sight.Youcanst ar
    ttodaybyj
    ustbei
    ngclosetothe
    house, okay
    ?"
    "
    ShoBozza.
    "say
    sSchev
    e.
    Ileavethewarehouseandheadbackhomewher eI
    fi
    ndt heladi
    eshavinglunch.Am sogladthatRose
    andThandoar eget t
    ingalong.Nott
    hatIdoubted
    thattheywon'tbutam justgladt
    hattheyaregett
    ing
    along.
    WhenIgreetthem, t
    heyal
    lgreetmebackexcl
    udi
    ng
    Thandowhoj ustl
    ooksatherfoodanddoesn'
    teven
    l
    ookatme.Iguessshei sangryaboutmeleav
    ing
    herhor
    ny.
    ..
    ..Ileav
    ef ormyst
    udyroom,sitonmy
    deskandstar
    tget
    tingsomeworkdone.Somuch
    hasbeenhappeni
    ngandIhavebeenneglecti
    ngmy
    worksoit
    'sti
    metogetbackontrack.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    It
    sFridaymorningandam wokenupbyt heinter
    com
    whichwon'tst
    opr i
    nging.Il
    ookatThandowhoi s
    sl
    eepingpeaceful
    lynexttome.Ikissherforehead
    whichmakeshersmi leinhersleepandIgetoutof
    bed.IheadtothedoorandwhenIopeni t,
    am met
    byanunexpectedface,infactam metbyaf aceI
    didn'
    twanttolookat,at6inthemor ni
    ng.
    "Sosi
    nceIwi l
    lbestay
    inghereinSandtonfr
    om now,
    Ideci
    dedtojustcomest ayheref
    ortodayandthen
    tomorr
    owIwi ll
    mov ei
    ntoThando'sapart
    ment."he
    sayspushi
    ngmeoutoft hewayalongwithhi
    s
    l
    uggage..
    ..
    ..Whatthefuck.
    ..
    ..
    "It
    houghtyouwer
    egoi
    ngt
    oChi
    nat
    oday
    ..
    ..
    "Isay
    confused.
    "
    WellIwasbutIdeci
    dedtotakecareoft
    hebusi
    ness
    whi
    chisher
    einSandton.ThatwayIcanbecl
    oseto
    myfutur
    ewif
    eRose...
    "hesayssit
    ti
    ngdown.
    Thi
    sfuckerbet
    terbenotf
    ucki
    ngwi
    thmer
    ight
    now.
    ..
    ..Whatnonsensei
    shespi
    tt
    ingoutofhi
    s
    mout
    hsoear l
    yinthemorni
    ng.

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

    Latel
    yt hi
    ngshavebeencr azyformecozmydad
    bannedmef r
    om usingmyphonef orotherthi
    ngs
    otherthanschool worksoIam beingnaughtyri
    ght
    now.Mat ri
    cswi l
    lunderst
    andmysi t
    uation
    butam sorryforkeepi
    ngy ouwait
    ing.
    [1/2,
    06:57]Lynne: Sot headv i
    cet hatIusedt okind
    ofconstructNkosi '
    sPOVwasf rom @Nol l
    yGodide
    @Nzol oKhumal oand@ShoeshoeMeer e.Thank
    yourtheadv i
    cel adies andt hanky out o
    everyoneoneel sewhogav eNkosi advice.Iwil
    luse
    thatadvi
    ceint hef utur
    ef ortheot herchapters.
    @Phumzil
    eMkhize It
    hinkIwi
    l
    lusey
    our
    adv
    iceonanot
    herchar
    act
    er.

    Chapt
    er28
    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    Isi
    tacrosst
    hecoucht
    hatSi
    hlei
    ssit
    ti
    ngonwhi
    le
    j
    uststari
    ngathi
    m.Whatt
    hefuckdoesthi
    sman
    want?
    "Soooowhatsup?"saysSi
    hlesmi
    li
    ngwhil
    emaking
    himsel
    fcomf or
    tabl
    eonmycouch.Heputshisfeet
    onmyt abl
    eandspr eadshi
    sarmsonthecouch.

    "Youaresupposedt
    obeChina,
    that'
    swhatsup."I
    sayrubbingmyhandst
    oget
    her"andgetyourf
    eetoff
    myt abl
    e."
    "Fi
    rstofall
    ,nothankyou.Yourtableisquit
    e
    comf or
    tabl
    esoIwi l
    lref
    usey ourofferandsecondly
    ,
    seemywi f
    eliv
    esheresoIhav enopur poseinChina.
    Ihaveev er
    ythi
    ngIneedrighthere.
    "say sSi
    hle,
    gri
    nning.Godthismanisgoi ngtodr i
    vemecr azy
    .

    "Seemyman,
    letmet
    ell
    youast
    ory
    .Doy
    ouseet
    he
    st
    atet
    hatmysi
    steri
    sin?
    "
    "Finall
    y,Igett
    oknowwhathappenedt omywi fe.Yes
    Iseei t.Whathappened?"saysSihl
    etaki
    nghisf eet
    offthet abl
    e.Hesitswit
    hhislegsopenandhis
    elbowsr esti
    ngonhi st
    highs.Ij
    ustrai
    semyey ebrow
    withast rai
    ghtfaceandhisfacealsobecomes
    straight.
    "I
    t'
    sbecauseofus.Ourgenderr uinedmysi ster'
    sli
    fe.
    Mysi st
    erissol oving,caringandwayt ooforgivi
    ng.
    Shebelievest hateveryonecanbegoodandt endsto
    notseet heirbadsidenomat t
    erwhat .Justbecause
    ofthat,sheendedupi nt hesit
    uationshei sinnow
    becauseofaman. "Isayl ooki
    ngatSi hlewhosef ace
    haschangedi ntosomet hingelset hemomentIsai d
    thewordman.Exact l
    ywhatIwant .See, i
    faman
    l
    ov esawoman, whenev erhehear sthewor dman, he
    fl
    ipsandSi hlejustfl
    ipped.Okayl etmecont inue.
    "Sowhatthehellmakesy out hi
    nkIwi l
    ll
    etyouhave
    mysister
    ,becausehisexwasascr azyasyouare
    ri
    ghtnowwhenhewast r
    y i
    ngt omakeherhi s
    own?Mysisterhazbeent hroughal otandsheneeds
    abreak,y
    oucan'tjustcomeher eandclai
    m herasif
    shei
    sanobj ect.
    "Isayt ohim.Sihl
    el ooksaway,
    cl
    oseshiseyesf orasecondandheopenst hem.He
    l
    ooksbackatmewi thcl
    ockedey ebrowsl i
    keablade
    andhi
    snosegaspi ngforair
    .Hisveinsonhi shead
    andneckstarttopopoutashi shandsf or
    m afist
    .
    Whatabeaut i
    fulsitehey.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "Whoi sthisman? "asksSihlewi


    thachangeddeep,
    raspyv oice.Okaysot hat'
    stheonlypartheheard.I
    canwor kwi ththat
    .Ismi l
    einmyheadandst ar
    t
    comi ngupwi thstori
    esinmyhead.Soshoul dIt
    ell
    himt het ruthandsaySi phoisal
    readyinhellor
    shouldIsayhei souttheresomewhere..
    ..
    ..Okayl
    et'
    s
    dot his.
    "Ihavebeentry
    ingtofi
    ndhimf ormont
    hsnowbut
    heislikeBr
    ian.
    "Isayshruggi
    ngmyshoulder
    s,t
    hisi
    s
    goingtobefun..
    .

    "Pl
    easegivemeallhi
    sdetai
    ls,Iwi
    llf
    indhi
    m mysel
    f,"
    saysSihl
    estandi
    ngup,heputshishandsi
    ntohi
    s
    pocketandstar
    tswal
    kingupanddown.
    "
    Iwi
    l
    lgi
    vei
    ttoy
    ouaf
    terbr
    eakf
    ast
    ."
    "
    NoIwanti
    tnow.
    "hebel
    l
    owswhi
    l
    epoi
    nti
    ngatt
    he
    f
    loor
    .
    "Whoa, t
    hisismyhousesoyouwil
    lnotrai
    sey our
    voi
    cet hankyou.Myqueenandt
    heprincessesare
    sl
    eeping."Isaytohi
    m.
    "
    Idon'
    tcar
    e,j
    ustgi
    vemet
    hei
    diot
    'si
    nfor
    mat
    ion.
    "
    "
    Okayt
    henyouwon'tgett
    hei
    nfor
    mat
    ionunt
    ily
    ou
    l
    owery
    ourv
    oice.
    "Isay.
    Okayf
    ine,justgi
    vemehi
    sdet
    ail
    s."hesay
    sina
    l
    owervoice.
    That'
    smoreli
    keit.Iwil
    lsendi
    ttoy
    ou.Fol
    lowme. "I
    saystandi
    ngup.Hef ol
    lowsmetomystudyroom;
    asIsitonmydeskwi thmylapt
    op,
    hesit
    sont he
    couch.
    "Youremailaddress?"Iaskhi
    m.Hestandsfr
    om t
    he
    couch,comest omydeskandt ypeshi
    semail
    address.IsendthedocumentwithSi
    pho's
    i
    nformationandSi hl
    ejustst
    ormsoutofther
    oom.
    Wellthi
    sisgoingt obesooooomuchfun.Iputmy
    f
    eetont
    het
    abl
    eandj
    ustl
    ayonmyr
    ocki
    ngchai
    r.

    "Boyyoubetterhavear easonf ornotgoi ngto


    school.
    "shoutedmyf atherashet ookof fhi
    sbel t.I
    wasont hefloor
    ,naked, notknowi ngwhatt osay
    becauseitwasallaliebutmyf atherr efusedto
    beli
    eveme.Myst epmot herstoodbesi demyf ather
    withasmi l
    eonherf aceandencour agedmyf ather
    tojusthi
    tmeandt ost opaskingst upidquestions.
    "BabaIhav ebeenatschool everyday,it
    'sjustthat
    somet imesIam latebecauseoft hechor est hatma
    givesmeear lyinthemor ning.
    "Isai djusti
    fying
    my selfbutasti
    ngingpai ntrav
    el edfrom myl ef
    thand
    tomybackasmyf atherhitmewi t
    hthebel t.I
    screamedi npain,whi l
    etearsfellfr
    om myey esbutI
    quicklywipedthem away .Icertainl
    ydidn'twantmy
    sibli
    ngstof i
    ndmei ntears.
    "
    Yousee, It
    oldyouaboutthi
    suselesssonofyour
    s!!
    !
    Hekeepsonsay i
    ngIgivehim choresi
    nthemorni
    ng
    whenIdon't
    !Hegiveshimselfthosechor
    esand
    wheneverItel
    lhi
    mtoleaveforschoolhejust
    i
    gnor
    esme!
    "sai
    dmyst
    epmot
    her
    .
    "
    Youar
    ely
    ing!!
    !!
    !Ineversai
    dthat
    !"butam shutby
    t
    hepai
    nofthebeltswungbymyownf at
    her.
    "Papast opit!
    "shoutedRoser ushingintomyr oom
    whi l
    edroppingherschool bagont hef l
    oor.She
    camei nf r
    ontofmeandst oodt herewhilefaci
    ngmy
    fatherbuther oughlypushedheroutoft hewayand
    Luckly,myy oungerbrothercaughtherf r
    om fall
    ing
    andhi t
    ti
    ngt hefloorwit
    hherhead.
    "Whydi dn'tyouj ustdiewi t
    hy ourmot herhuh? !You
    chil
    drenar eallser pentsfrom t hedev i
    l Itelly
    ou!Just
    l
    ikey ourev i
    lmot herwhodi edbecauseofher
    witchcraftnx!!
    !""shout edmyf atherwhi lehitti
    ngme.
    Ididn'tcr
    ynorscr eam sincemysi bl
    ingswer enow
    standingbyt hedoor ,watchingmebei ngbeat enup
    forsomet hingIdi dn'tevenknowabout .Ijustsaton
    thefloor,fl
    inchingwi thmyey escl osedandont hat
    day,myl ov eformyf atherwascr ushedi ntohat red.

    Isl
    owlyopenmyey es,
    recal
    l
    ingthedream Ij
    usthad.
    Ist
    il
    ldon'
    tunder
    standwhymyf atherswi
    tchedup
    afterget
    ti
    ngmarri
    edt
    omyst
    epmot
    her
    .Di
    dshe
    reall
    ybewitchhi
    m?
    Eit
    herway ,itdoesn'
    tmat t
    erany moresi ncehei sout
    ofourlivesnow.Ilookatmywat chwhi chi s
    ref
    lecti
    ng8am andIgetmyf eetoffthet able.Ist and
    up,str
    etchandgot omyr oom wher eIf i
    ndThando
    naked,dressingherwoundont hebedwhi l
    ef acing
    theotherdirecti
    on.Iwalktoherandt aket he
    bandagef rom herhands.Shel etsmedr essthe
    woundandwhenam done, shedoesntt urnt olook
    atme.
    "Baby?
    "Isaytry
    ingt
    oturnhertomebutsheref
    uses.
    Iwalktowhereshei
    sfacingandshequi
    ckl
    ywipes
    thtear
    sthatwereonherface.
    "Lov
    ewhyar ey
    oucr
    ying?
    "Iaskhol
    dingher
    shoulder
    s.
    "Babyt
    alkt
    ome,
    "Iaskbutshej
    ustshakesherhead
    no.
    "St
    handwasamidon'
    tbel
    i
    ket
    hat
    ..
    ..
    .What
    'swr
    ong?
    Tal
    ktoyourl
    ove.
    "
    "
    am sor
    ryf
    orl
    osi
    ngy
    ourbabyNkosi
    ?"shesay
    swi
    th
    atearf
    all
    i
    ngfrom herlefteyeandIspeedi
    l
    ywi
    pei
    t.I
    smil
    eather,
    kissherforeheadandhugher.
    "Babywhyar
    ey ousti
    l
    l onthat?Whyar
    eyouact
    ing
    asifwecan'
    tgetanotherchil
    d?"
    "
    Whati
    fI.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."
    "Don'tevenfini
    shthatstat
    ementofy our
    s.Wewi l
    l
    getanotherchild.I
    t'
    snottheendoft heworl
    dmy
    l
    ov e.Yesam hur tt
    hatthebabydiedbutitwasn'
    t
    yourfault.Andmay beitwasgoodthatthebabydied
    l
    ov e,may bethebabywasnotdest i
    nedtoliv
    ejust
    yet.Sostopwor ryi
    ngaboutthat
    ."Isaytoher.
    "
    Whatdoy
    oumeanbyt
    hebabywasnotdest
    inedt
    o
    l
    i
    ve,
    "
    "Don'ttakeitthewrongwaylove.Whatam say i
    ngis,
    wemi ghthavelostthebabybecausemay bewe
    aren'treadyforone.Maybewest i
    llneedtoknow
    eachot hermor eandovercomeaf ewt hi
    ngsforus
    tofinall
    ygetone."Isayrubbi
    ngherback.
    "
    May
    be.
    "shesay
    ssni
    ff
    ing.
    "
    Nowcome,
    let
    'sgety
    oudr
    essed.
    "Isayst
    andi
    ngup
    f
    rom t
    hebed.
    "
    wher
    ewer
    eyoubaby
    ?"
    "Thedoorbel
    lwasri
    ngi
    ngat6andyourbr
    otherwas
    theoneri
    ngingi
    t.
    "Isayl
    ooki
    ngthr
    oughThando'
    s
    clot
    hes.
    "
    Mybr
    other
    ?"
    "
    Yes,
    Sihl
    e.Hewant
    stost
    ayi
    nSandt
    onnow.
    "
    "
    Real
    l
    y?!Butwhy
    ?"
    "
    Wel
    lappar
    ent
    ly,
    hewant
    stost
    aycl
    oset
    ohi
    swi
    fe.
    "
    "
    Sihl
    edoesn'
    thav
    eawi
    fe,
    "
    "
    Wel
    lhei
    scl
    aimi
    ngt
    hathedoesso.
    "
    "
    Andwhoi
    sthi
    swi
    fe?
    "
    "Rosel
    ine."Isayturni
    ngt oThando, hol
    dingadr ess
    andunder weargar mentsforher.Shelooksatme
    andstartslaughingoutloud.Ij
    ustwal ktothebed
    andputt heclothesthere.Whensheseest hatam
    actual
    l
    yser ious,shestopsandcl earsherthroat.
    "Waityouser i
    ous?"sheaskswi deey ed.
    "
    That
    'swhaty
    ourbr
    othersai
    d.I
    fyout
    hinkam l
    yi
    ng
    youcangoaskhi m."Isaywal
    kingt
    othebathroom.I
    closet
    hedoor ,
    removemypy j
    amasandgeti nt
    othe
    shower.Thandowalksinwhil
    eam showeri
    ngand
    usesthetoi
    let
    .Whil
    eshedoesherbusiness,Inot
    ice
    hergazi
    ngatmybody .
    "DoIlookthatdeli
    cious?"Iasksar
    cast
    ical
    l
    y.She
    snapsoutofthewor l
    dshewasi nandstar
    ts
    blushi
    ng.Sheflushest het
    oil
    et,
    wearsherundi
    eand
    walksoutofthebat hroom.

    Whenam doneget
    ti
    ngdr essed,
    Igodownst
    air
    sand
    j
    oint
    heother
    sforbreakf
    ast.
    "
    Goodmor
    ning.
    "Isayt
    aki
    ngmyseatnextt
    oThando.
    "Morni
    ng."t
    heyall
    simult
    aneouslyanswer
    .Ilook
    aroundthetabl
    eandSihl
    eisntherebutRoseisher
    e,
    pheew.
    "
    wherei
    sSi
    hle?
    "Iaskwhi
    l
    eThandodi
    shesf
    oodf
    or
    me.
    "
    Sihl
    eisher
    e?"asksTshi
    di.
    "
    Yeshei
    s.Hecameher
    eint
    hemor
    ning.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Didn'
    tseehi
    m"say
    sTshi
    di.
    "
    Nei
    therdi
    dI.
    "say
    sNol
    uthando.
    Il
    ookatRosewhoi
    sjustl
    ooki
    ngatherf
    ood.
    "
    Rose?
    "Isay.Shel
    ooksupt
    omewi
    thf
    oodst
    uff
    ed
    i
    nhermouth.
    "
    Hmmmmm"sheanswer
    s.
    "
    Hav
    eyouseenhi
    m?"Iask.
    "Nop.Haven'
    tseenhi
    m."sheanswer
    sandshel
    ooks
    backatherplat
    e.Thi
    sidi
    ot.
    ..
    ..
    .
    "
    Rose?
    "Ical
    lheragai
    n."
    Wher
    edi
    dhego?
    "
    "Idon'
    tknow.Am nothi
    ssecret
    arywhoknows
    wherehegoes."sheanswer
    sshruggi
    ngher
    shoulder
    s.
    "Hmmmmm okaybutIknowt hathesawy oubef or
    e
    heleft
    ."Isaynoweat ingmyf ood.The3si ster
    sal l
    l
    ookatRoseandIwi thquizzi
    cal l
    ooksbutt heyletit
    go.Wecont inuehavingourbr eakfastandt henthe
    devi
    lhimselfdecidest oshowup.Hecomest othe
    tabl
    e,greetsusall,
    takesapl atefrom thetableand
    goestositnexttoRosewhoj usthasn'tst
    opped
    smil
    i
    ngev ersi
    nceSi
    hlewal
    kedi
    n.Shedoesn'
    tev
    en
    hi
    deitatall
    .
    "Rosesi
    tnexttoNolut
    hando,
    "Isay.Rosel
    ooksat
    mewi t
    hdisappoi
    ntmentinherey
    esbutIdon'
    tgiv
    ea
    damn.
    "Aren'tyougoingt ol i
    stentoyourbrother?"Iaskher.
    Sher oll
    sherey es,passesherplatetoNol uthando
    whoput si tbesideher ,Rosepushesher selftothe
    othersideoft het ablenexttoNoluthandoandl et
    s
    outal oudsigh.Il ookatSihlewhoj ustchucklesand
    serveshi mself.Thisfuckerbett
    erthinktwi ceifhe
    thinkshewi llj
    ustgetmysi st
    erjustli
    ket hat.My
    wor l
    dmi ghtrev olvearoundmyqueenThandobuti t
    alsorevolvesar oundmyl i
    tt
    lepri
    ncessRose.
    Ikeepmyey esonSihl
    eandRosewhokeepon
    steal
    i
    ngglancesateachot
    her
    ,onecanevensee
    Rose'
    scheeksturni
    ngred.
    "
    Ithi
    nkSi
    hlel
    i
    kesRose.
    "whi
    sper
    sThandot
    ome.
    "
    Yout
    hink.
    ..
    ."Isaysar
    cast
    ical
    l
    y.
    "
    Iwasj
    ustsay
    inghau.
    "sher
    epl
    i
    es.
    "Thanky ouf
    rothebreakfast
    ,"say
    sNoluthandoto
    ThandoandTshi di
    sincetheymadei t
    .Noluthando
    standsupwithherplateandglass,f
    oll
    owedby
    TshidiandThando.
    "Rose,
    Iwanttot al
    ktoyou.
    "Isaystandi
    ngupfrom
    mychair.Roselooksatme,breaki
    ngthecont
    actshe
    hadwithSihl
    e.Ipushhertothebackyar
    dandhavea
    walkwithher.
    "
    Doy
    oul
    i
    keSi
    hle?
    "Iaskher
    .
    "
    Par
    donBudi
    ?"
    "Youhear
    dmel oudandclear
    ."shelooksupt
    ome
    asIpushheri
    nt hebacky
    ardgarden.
    "
    Idon'
    tknowBudi
    ."
    "
    Whydoy
    oul
    i
    kehi
    m?"
    .
    "
    Isai
    dIdon'
    tknowi
    fI.
    ..
    ."
    "Thenify
    oudon'
    tli
    kehi
    m, whydoy
    oubl
    ush
    every
    timehei
    saroundyou?"
    "
    I.
    ..
    .i
    "
    "
    Nowanswermyquest
    ion,
    whydoy
    oul
    i
    kehi
    m?"
    "Idon'
    tknowBudi
    ,hej
    ustmakesmefeel
    happy
    ,I
    guess.Happi
    ert
    hanIwaswit
    hSipho.
    "
    "
    Hmmmmm sohowdoy ouknowt
    hathewon'
    t
    mist
    reaty
    oul
    i
    keSi
    phodi
    d?"
    "I
    ..
    ..
    dontknowBudibuthemakesmef eelsaf
    eandI
    doubtthathewoul
    deverhur
    tme"Istoppushing
    whenwear efarf
    rom t
    hehouse,
    Ikneelinf
    rontof
    Roseandholdherhand.
    "I
    sn'
    tthatt
    hesamet hingyousaidaboutSi
    pho? "I
    sayl
    ookingather.Shetri
    estosaysomethi
    ngbut
    shei
    sdumbf ounded,shelooksawayandat earfal
    ls
    fr
    om hereye.
    "NooRose,don'
    tcry
    .Am askingyouasi
    mple
    quest
    ionanditr
    equiresarepl
    y.I
    sntt
    hatt
    hesame
    thi
    ngyousaidaboutSipho?"
    "
    Iti
    s,
    "shesay
    ssni
    ff
    ing.
    "Exact l
    y.Myprincess,am notsayi
    ngst opli
    ki
    ngSihl
    e
    orst ayawayf rom him butwhatam sayingi
    sstop
    l
    ettingy ourgoodsidegett hebestofyou.Not
    every onewil
    llovey ouli
    keIdo.Analyseapersonand
    gett oknowt hem betterbefor
    elett
    ingthatper
    sonin
    orelse,nextt
    ime,Iwon'tbeabletosav ey ou.You
    canlikeSihl
    eifyouwantt o,am notagainstthatbut
    gettoknowhi mf i
    rstt
    heny oucanlethimi n."Isayt
    o
    her.
    "
    Iheary
    oubudi
    ,Iheary
    ou.
    "shesay
    s.
    "Good.Now,Idon'
    twantyout
    ot al
    ktohimfor2days
    okay.Wheneverhecomestoyou,don'
    tent
    ert
    ainhi
    m.
    Iwanttoseehisreact
    iont
    oit
    ."
    "
    Okaybudi.Canwepleasegoback,
    Ineedt
    ohel
    p
    t
    heother
    swi t
    hcleani
    ng,
    "
    "Ir
    eal
    l
    yneedtogetamai
    d."Isaynowpushi
    ngher
    backt
    othehouse.

    THANDO'
    SPOV

    Sincethereisnothi
    ngtodoi nthishugeboring
    house,wet heladi
    esplanongoi ngoutandhav ing
    somef unbef or
    eTshidiandNol ut
    handoleave.Ipick
    outapai rofri
    ppedjeans,acroptopandf entypuma
    sneakers.Icombmybi gafr
    o,leavi
    ngitl
    oose.When
    am done,
    ifeel
    hishandst
    ouchmyaf
    ro.
    "
    Nkosi
    man!!!
    !!
    !!
    "Ishoutwhi
    l
    esmacki
    nghi
    shandof
    f
    myhai
    rbuthelaughs.
    "
    It
    'snotfunny.I
    ttookme10goodmi
    nut
    est
    ogeti
    t
    t
    hisgood!!
    !"Ishout
    .
    "Oooohstopbeingdr
    amat i
    c.Letmef i
    xit
    ."says
    Nkositaki
    ngthecombf r
    om thedressi
    ngt abl
    e.He
    star
    tstocombmyhai rcaref
    ull
    y,heisact
    ual l
    y
    combingitwaybett
    erthatIdo.
    "
    Sowhyal
    ldr
    essedup?
    "asksNkosi
    .
    "Oohummmm baby,
    thegi
    rl
    sandIar
    egoi
    ngout
    ."I
    saywhi
    lehecombsmyafr
    o.
    "Goi
    ngout?Youarenotgoi
    ngoutThando.
    "say
    s
    Nkosi
    .Ist
    ophishandfrom combi
    ngandtur
    ntoface
    him.
    "
    Why
    ?"Iask.
    "
    YouknowwhyThando.
    "say
    sNkosi
    .
    "Aaaaahbabywer
    eyouser
    iousaboutt
    henotgoi
    ng
    outthi
    ng?"
    "Yes,
    Iwasv er
    ymuchser i
    ous.Youar en'
    tgoi
    ng
    anywher
    e.Ifyouwanttodosomet hingthenyouwi
    ll
    doither
    e."saysNkosi
    .Istandupfrom thest
    oolam
    onandputmyar msaroundhi sneck.
    "Butbaby,hewon'tfi
    ndme.It'
    sjustt
    hisoncebaby
    please!
    !!
    !!
    !"Isaywit
    hpleadi
    ngeyes.
    "Anoi sanoThando.Am def init
    elynott akingany
    chancessoj ustfor
    getit.
    "hesay sremov i
    ngmy
    armsar oundhim.Hef orcesmet osi tdownt henhe
    continuestocombmyhai r.Isitwi t
    hmyar msf ol
    ded,
    pissedashell.Isowantt odisobeyhi mr i
    ghtnow
    butthisman'spunishmentf rom y esterdaytaught
    meav eryval
    uablelesson.Idon'twantt ogot hr
    ough
    thatagainshame.
    "
    Whatdi
    dyouguy
    swantt
    odo.
    "heasks.
    "
    Wewantedt
    ogotothesalontodoourhai
    rthent
    o
    t
    hespaandmay
    beshopping.
    "Isay.
    "Icanbri
    ngthesal
    onandthespatoyoubut
    shoppingyouwil
    ldoonl
    i
    ne."hesay
    sputt
    ingthe
    combdown.
    "
    Whatdoy
    oumeanbybr
    ingt
    hesal
    onandspat
    o
    us?
    "
    "Iwil
    lhi
    resal
    onandspaempl
    oyeeswhowi
    l
    lcome
    here.
    "hesays.
    "Wel
    lat
    leastwear
    eget
    ti
    ngsomet
    hing.
    "Isay
    shr
    uggi
    ng.
    "SoletmeseeifIcangetsomet
    hing.
    "hesayst
    aki
    ng
    hisphone.Hecal
    lssomeoneandtheperson
    answers.
    "Yes,
    Ineedy outogetme5hai rdr
    esserswhowor k
    ataver ygoodsalonand8peopl efrom anexcel
    l
    ent
    spaandoutoft hose8t hereshouldbemorenail
    techi
    ciansthantheothers.Doitasap.
    "
    "tel
    lthem theywil
    l getR25000each,t
    ellmewhen
    yougett hem sothatIcansendadr i
    vertocome
    fetchthem, okaythanky ou.
    "heendsthecal
    l,
    looks
    atmeandsmi l
    es."alldone.
    Noneedforyoutogotothemal lany
    more.
    "hesays.
    Iwon'
    tli
    e,am ki
    ndoffl
    att
    ered.Mymanjusthi
    red
    peopl
    etocomehere,Imean,only1outof50men
    candothat.
    "
    Thankyoubutwesti
    l
    lar
    en'
    tgoi
    ngf
    orshoppi
    ng
    whi
    chsucks.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Youwi
    l
    lhav
    etoshopnextt
    ime.
    "hesay
    s.
    "
    sosinceam notgoi
    ngtobeneededher
    e,Iwi
    lll
    eave
    f
    orwork."say
    sNkosi.Hecomestomeandkisses
    mycheek.
    "Bye."Ir
    eply.Hewalksoutoftheroom wit
    hhis
    bouncyat t
    racti
    vewalkandhisdressi
    ngismaking
    him evenmor eatt
    racti
    ve.Am sogladhedit
    chedhi
    s
    oldschool sty
    leofdressi
    ng.
    "
    Ilov
    eyou!
    "Ishout
    .
    "
    Iknow!
    !!
    "shout
    sNkosi
    .Mxm,
    hei
    ssuchacunt
    .
    Icheckmyafrotoseeifhereal
    l
    ycombeditproper
    ly
    andhedid.Howluckyam Iworl
    d!!
    !!
    !!Mymanzcan
    combmyhai rpr
    operl
    y.
    ...
    ..
    .

    Ileavet
    heroom, gototheli
    vingroom wher
    eIf
    indal
    l
    theladi
    essit
    ti
    ngandchat t
    ing.Theytur
    ntomeand
    smi l
    ewhil
    estandingup.
    "
    arey
    our
    eady
    ?"say
    sTshi
    dit
    aki
    ngherbagf
    rom t
    he
    cof
    feet
    abl
    e.
    "
    Umm y
    eahaboutt
    hat
    ,"Isayr
    ubbi
    ngmyhands.
    "
    Whati
    sitnow?
    "say
    sNol
    uthando.
    "
    Well
    Nkosi sai
    dwecan'
    tleav
    ethehouse,
    especi
    all
    y
    mebecauseBrianmi
    ghtf
    indme."Isay
    .
    "Haiman,youandyouroverprot
    ecti
    veman!
    !!Ei
    sh!
    Whydidn'tyout
    rytobutt
    erhim wi
    thsomeromance
    Thando?"saysTshi
    di.
    "
    Idi
    dtr
    ybutNkosi
    wasn'
    tfal
    l
    ingf
    oranyofi
    t.
    "Ir
    epl
    y.
    "Soar
    ewegoingt
    obest
    uckher
    edoi
    ngnot
    hing?
    "
    asksRose.
    "Wellwear est
    uckherebutwewon'
    tbedoi
    ng
    nothing.Nkosi
    askedsomepersont
    olookforhai
    r
    dressersandafewpeoplewhoworkataspasothat
    theycancomeher e.
    "Isay.
    "Real
    l
    y !
    !!
    !!
    !!YhoooThandoy
    oul
    uckybast
    ard!
    !!
    !!
    "
    shoutsNol u.
    "
    Mybr
    othersur
    elov
    esy
    oual
    ri
    ght
    !"say
    sRose.
    "
    IknowIknow,
    am onel
    uckybi
    tchnowst
    opbei
    ng
    j
    ealous.
    "Isayf
    eel
    ingmyself
    .Wealll
    aughandjust
    si
    tdown.Iguesswewil
    ljusthav
    etowaitf
    orthe
    ser
    v i
    cesnow.
    "
    IsSi
    hleher
    e?"Iask.
    "Nop.Hewasdr
    aggedoutoft
    hehousebyNkosi
    .
    "
    saysTshi
    di.
    IlookatRoseandsmile."
    SoRose,
    what
    'supwi
    th
    youandourbrother
    ?"Iask.
    "
    Not
    hingi
    sgoi
    ngon.
    "shesay
    swi
    thast
    rai
    ghtf
    ace.
    "Ooohst
    opi t
    .Weallknowther
    eissomet
    hinggoi
    ng
    onsospil
    lthebeans.
    "saysNolu.
    "Am ser
    iousguys.Ther
    eisnot
    hinggoi
    ngon
    bet
    weenus. "shesays.
    "Hmmmmmmm okay
    .ButIdon'
    tbel
    i
    evey
    ouatal
    l
    ."I
    say.
    "st
    opitguy
    shau.Thereisreal
    l
    ynot
    hinghappeni
    ng.
    "
    saysRoserol
    l
    inghereyes.
    "
    That'
    sexactl
    ywhatThandosai
    damont hagoabout
    y
    ourbrothery
    etherewearebutyouknowwhat,
    let'
    s
    j
    ustwaitandsee.
    "saysTshi
    dil
    eani
    ngonthecouch.
    Rosebl
    ushesandsaysnot
    hing.Roseist
    otal
    l
    y
    fal
    l
    ingf
    orSihl
    eandthat
    'safact
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    30minutesl
    ater
    ,thedoorbel
    lri
    ngs.Nolut
    hando
    goestoopenthedoorandshejustfr
    eezesatthe
    door
    .
    "
    Whoi
    sitNol
    u?"Iask.
    "Ummm It hi
    nkyourmanki ndofov erdi
    dt hi
    sst ayat
    homeandenj oyyour
    selfthi
    ngbr uh. "shesay s
    openingthedoormuchwi der.Agr oupofmenwal k
    i
    nhol di
    ngalotofbagsfrom dif
    ferentexpensi v
    e
    clot
    hingshops.Thepeopleaskwher etheyshoul d
    putthebagsandItell
    them ont het able.Theyl eave
    andNol ucl
    osesthedoor.Weal lrusht ot hebags
    andlookinsi
    de.Thebagshav eeachofournames
    onthem soeachofust akesthebagswi ththei
    r
    nameoni t.
    5mi nutesl
    ater,
    thedoorbell
    ringsagai
    n.Igoto
    checkwhoi tisbecauseever
    yoneisbusywitht
    hei
    r
    bagsf ul
    lofnewclothes.
    Iopenthedoorandagr
    oupofl
    adi
    esl
    ookatme
    smil
    ing.
    "
    Andy
    ouar
    e?"Iask.
    "Madam,sirtol
    dmet ocomedropthem offher
    e.
    Theyaregoingtodoyourhai
    randspatreatments.
    "
    saysamani nblackst
    andi
    ngwitht
    heladies.
    "Ooohum okay
    .Comei nladies.
    "Isayt
    ot hem,
    makingwayforthem.Themani nblackgoestothe
    carandcomesbackholdi
    ngsomeequi pments.
    Nkosireal
    l
    youtdidhi
    mselftoday.
    "
    Thanky
    ou,
    "Isayt
    othemanwhol
    eav
    es.
    Theladi
    eswhocameherestar
    tsetti
    ngupthei
    r
    thi
    ngsandwearegi
    venrobstoputon.Weallgo
    changeandcomebackt
    ogetpamper ed.Thedoor
    bel
    lri
    ngsagai
    nandwhothehellcoul
    ditbethi
    stime.
    "
    Iwil
    lgetit
    ."Isayrushingt
    ot hedoor
    .Iopeni
    tand2
    meninblackhol di
    ngbagswr i
    tt
    enJohnDory'
    son
    t
    hem arestandingattheporch.
    "
    Hel
    l
    oma'am,
    wecamewi
    thy
    ourf
    ood.
    "say
    sonet
    he
    t
    hemen.
    "MrNxumal
    otol
    dust
    obr
    ingi
    ther
    e."say
    stheot
    her
    one.
    "
    Ummm sur
    ecomei
    n."Isay
    .
    "Oohand,
    yournewmai dwil
    lbeherein15mi
    nut
    es.
    "
    sayst
    heotherone.EeeeehNkosi
    !!
    !!
    "
    Ooohokay.Thankyou.Youcanputthebagsont
    hat
    t
    abl
    ether
    e."Isaypoi
    nti
    ngatthedi
    ningtabl
    e.
    "Yhoooooguys,IneedmyownNkosi shame!!Iknow
    thatihaveari
    chfamilyandIcangetthi
    sifIwantto
    butIalsowanttogetspoil
    edbymymanzl i
    kethi
    s."
    shoutsTshi
    diandallthegi
    rlsl
    augh,
    incl
    udingthe
    oneswhocamet opamperus.
    Ij
    ointhel
    adi
    eswhoar
    eal
    readyget
    ti
    ngt
    hei
    rhai
    rand
    manicur
    esdone.
    "Thi
    siswaybet
    tert
    hangoi
    ngt
    othemal
    l
    ."say
    s
    Tshi
    di.
    "I
    tsurei
    s,thankstoNkosiandhi
    sov
    erprot
    ect
    ive
    ass.
    "saysNolu."I
    fIwashiswoman,Iwoul
    dgi
    veit
    tohi
    m al
    l ni
    ghtwooooo."
    "
    Aiiwenawat
    chy
    ourmout
    h!"Isayt
    oNol
    uandweal
    l
    l
    augh.
    "
    Chi
    l
    lbabygi
    rl
    ,Iwon'
    tst
    eal
    yourman.Am j
    ustt
    ryi
    ng
    toindi
    rect
    lyt
    ell
    youtol
    ethimri
    deital
    lni
    ght
    becausehedeserv
    esit
    ..
    "shesays.
    "Hmmmm Iwoul
    dbutIwont
    ."Isayasmyhai
    rget
    s
    combed.
    "
    Haaaa,
    why?"asksTshi
    diwhi
    l
    eal
    ltheot
    hergi
    rl
    s
    l
    ookatme.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "
    Because,guy
    s,thatmaniscr
    uel.Roseyourbr
    other
    i
    scruelshame.Doy ouknowwhathedidtome
    y
    esterday.
    "
    "
    What
    ?"
    "Soaf teryouguysl ef
    tthecinema, hewant edmet o
    forgivehimf orafightwehadear lierbutIr efused
    andIswor eathim andy ouallknowhowNkosi feel
    s
    aboutswear i
    ng.SowhenIwaspl anningt oleavethe
    cinema, hedi dhi
    smagi conmewi tht hoseey esof
    hisandhi saur asoIjustforgavehim buthi m, hehe,
    guy s!Thatmanf uckedmehar dcor eal l
    becauseof
    theswear ingandhedi dn'tevenletmecl imax.He
    l
    ef tmej ustliket
    hataspuni shment ."Isaybutt he
    girl
    sar ealreadydyingoflaughter.
    "
    Yaaaaaaah,
    uny
    il
    e,y
    oudeser
    vedi
    t!
    "say
    sTshi
    di
    l
    aughi
    ng.
    "soi
    sthatwhyy
    ouwon'
    tgi
    vehi
    m anyt
    oni
    ght
    ?"asks
    Rose.
    "
    That
    sexact
    lywhy
    ."Isay
    .
    "Usil
    ewenaThando!
    "say
    sNol
    u.Weal
    ll
    aughwhi
    l
    e
    beingpamper
    ed.
    Igetmyhai rdonei ntoboxbr aidsandIal sogetagel
    mani cureandpedi curebutwi t
    hmyownnai l
    s.Am
    notaf anoff akenai ls.Igetanamazi ngf ourhand
    massageandt henIeatt hedayaway .Whenwear e
    alldoneget ti
    ngpamper ed,
    weaskt hel adieswho
    camet opamperust ojoinusi neat i
    ngbecauset he
    foodi swayt oomuch.Weev enbecomef riendswi th
    someoft hem likeTat enda, Refil
    weandRei t
    umet se.
    These3gi r
    lssur eknowhowt omakeaper sonl augh.
    Theyal l
    wor katt hespa.Af ter2hour sofeat ingand
    chatting,theygetdr oppedof fatthei
    rhomessi nce
    i
    t'salmostknockof fti
    mef ort hem.It ookTat enda's
    numberbecauseIhav ef al
    leninlovewi ththatgirl'
    s
    personal i
    tyandal sobecauseshei stheowneroft he
    spasowhenev erIneedsomepamper ingIwi ll
    ask
    her
    .

    "
    Sogir
    ls,
    don'twelookbeaut
    if
    ul?
    "shoutsTshi
    di
    whi
    l
    edancing.Okayletmenotsaydanci
    ngbecause
    t
    hat
    'snotdanci
    ng..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "Thankstomybr ot
    her!
    !!
    !"r
    epl
    i
    esRose.Rosegot
    hersel
    fadeept issuemassageTherapysinceher
    l
    egsar einj
    ured.Ihatetosayt
    hisbutIhaveaf eel
    i
    ng
    thatshemightnotbeabl etowalkeveragain.
    Sigh.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    "Let'
    stakeourbagst oourr oomsguys.Themai d
    wantst ocleanthi
    splace."Isaytothel
    adies.They
    allr
    usht ogetthebagswi ththei
    rnamesont hem
    andIhel pRosecarryhers.Idropthem of
    father
    room thenIgot omine.Iputmybagsont hecouch
    i
    nt heroom andIjustlayont hebed.Ir
    eall
    yhadan
    amazingdayt houghandi treal
    lywassomuchbet ter
    thangoingt othemall
    .Whi leam deepi
    nmy
    thoughts,Ifal
    lasl
    eep.
    Myphonerings,
    waki
    ngmeupf
    rom mydeep
    beaut
    if
    ulnap.
    "
    Hel
    l
    o,"Ianswer
    .
    "
    Myl ov
    e, whyar eyour unningawayfrom me?Can'
    t
    youseet hatam justtryi
    ngt oapol
    ogize?"say
    sa
    malevoiceont heot hersideofthecall
    .
    "
    Sor
    rywhoi
    sthi
    s?"Iask.
    "Howcouldyouforgetyourman'svoi
    ce?It
    'sme,
    Bri
    an."hesay
    s.Ifr
    eezeandt henthememor i
    esstar
    t
    topl
    ayagainandthisti
    me, i
    tincl
    udestheni
    ghtIgot
    shot.
    "Don'twor ry,Iwil
    lfi
    ndy ousoon.Youcanr unbuty ou
    can'thidef rom yourman.Wat chhowy ouwi l
    lonly
    getmar r
    iedt omeandnott hatt
    hingyoucal l
    your
    man. "hesay sbeforedroppingt
    hecall.Ijustsitst
    ill
    ,
    notknowi ngwhatt odo.Whatdoeshewantf r
    om
    me, isn'
    titenought hathet ookmyprideawayand
    i
    sn'titenought hatheleftmewithsuchat raumatic
    memor y?? ?
    "Thandodi
    nn.
    ..
    ..
    .Thando!!
    !Whyar
    eyoucr
    ying?"
    askssomeonewhil
    er ushi
    ngt
    ome.Thepersonruns
    tomeandtakesthephonefr
    om myhandsandlooks
    ati
    t.Isl
    owl
    ytur
    nt of
    acetheper
    sonandit
    'sTshi
    di.
    "
    ItwasBr i
    an,
    he.
    ..
    .he.
    ..
    hei
    stheonewhoj
    ustcal
    l
    ed
    me."IsayasIcr
    y.
    "What
    !!
    !!
    !Rose!
    !Comeher
    enowandNol
    utoo!
    "
    shout
    sTshidi
    .
    Theladi
    escomerushi
    ngandTshi
    dit
    ell
    sRosetocal
    l
    Nkosiwhil
    eTshi
    diandNol
    utr
    ytocomfortmebuti
    t
    doesn'
    twork.

    I
    fonehasev erbeenr aped,it
    snotthateasytoget
    overthetrauma.Youst ar
    tfeeli
    ngthepainofhim
    tr
    yingtoenteryour oughly,hi
    mf or
    ceful
    lyki
    ssingyou
    whileyoutrytopushhi m offandhisscentjustst
    ays
    ony ou.Youjustfeeluselessandused.
    WhydoIhav
    etosuf
    fersomuch.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    Ihearthemai ndoorswingopenandmult
    ipl
    esteps
    cli
    mbingupt hestai
    rs.Heburgesi
    ntot
    heroom and
    thefi
    rstthi
    nghesay sis"Myqueen!
    "
    IlookathisfaceandIjustbr
    eakdownasher ushes
    tome.Tshi diandNolugetofft
    hebedasNkosi tugs
    mei nt
    othebi ggesthugever
    .Sihl
    eal
    sorushesinto
    theroom andst andsatt
    heedgeofthebed.
    "Don'
    twor rymylove,hewon'
    tdoanythi
    ngtoyou
    okay?Am her enow,hewil
    ldoanyt
    hingtoyou
    okay?"saysNkosiinasoftvoi
    cewhil
    erocki
    ngme
    sidet
    osi de.
    "Hesai
    dhewi l
    lfi
    ndmeNkosi.Whati
    fhedoes?He
    wil
    lki
    ll
    youNkosi andhewi
    l
    lwanttomarr
    yme!I
    can'
    tdothat
    ."Icr
    yout.
    "
    Hewil
    lnev
    erfi
    ndy oumyloveokay
    ."hesay
    s.
    "
    Wher
    eisherphone?"heasks.
    "
    Here.Iwil
    lgotr
    ackdownt
    hecal
    landseei
    fwecan
    f
    indhim."say
    sSihl
    e.
    "Okayandaft
    ert
    hat
    ,destroythephone.
    "say
    sNkosi
    .
    Sihleleav
    est
    her
    oom runningandthemaindoor
    closes.
    "Guys,
    IwanttobealonewithThando.Pleasel
    eave.
    "
    saysNkosi
    .Iheart
    heladiesleaveandclosi
    ngthe
    doorbehi
    ndthem."shhhhhh.
    ...don'
    tcr
    ymyl ov
    e,am
    her
    enow.Iwi
    l
    lpr
    otecty
    ou.
    "hesay
    sinasof
    tvoi
    ce.

    Whydidabeaut
    if
    uldayl
    i
    ket
    hishav
    etoendso
    t
    err
    ibl
    y.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er29

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    "Anythi
    ng?
    "Iaskwal
    ki
    ngupanddownBr
    endon'
    s
    offi
    ce.

    "YesIfoundsomet
    hing.
    "hesay
    s.Si
    hlespeedi
    lyget
    s
    offthecouchhewassit
    ti
    ngonandrushesto
    Brendon'
    sdesk.

    "
    Yes,
    wear
    eli
    steni
    ng"say
    sSi
    hle.
    "Well
    itseemshemadethatcal
    latsomehotel
    call
    ed
    Sunshinehot
    el.
    "hesay
    slooki
    ngathiscomputer
    .

    "That'smyhotel.Wai
    t,letmecallt
    herecepti
    onist
    andt ell
    them t
    osendt heCCtvfootagefrom 2days
    ago."Isaytaki
    ngoutmyphone.Idi althenumber
    andt herecept
    ioni
    stanswers.

    "
    Sunshi
    nehotelhowcanIbeofser
    vice?
    "askst
    he
    f
    emalerecept
    ioni
    st.

    "Umm yes,i
    t'
    sMrBar ca,
    "Isay
    .SinceIdon'
    twantto
    beknownast heowner ,
    themanagerjustt
    oldal
    lthe
    stuf
    fatthehotel
    thattheowneri
    ssomemancal l
    ed
    MrBarca.

    "
    Goodaf
    ter
    noonsi
    r,howcanIbeofassi
    stance?
    ".
    "Canyoupl
    easesendmeallt
    heCCTVf
    oot
    agef
    rom
    Fri
    day
    .Ineeditbef
    ore17:
    00.
    "Isay
    .

    "Butsi
    r,t
    hat
    'sagai
    nstt
    hehot
    el'
    spr
    ivacypol
    i
    cy.Iam
    a..
    ..
    ."

    "
    Ladydoy
    ouwantt
    okeepy
    ourj
    ob?
    "Ibl
    unt
    lysay
    .

    "Idosir
    ,am...
    .am sor
    rysi
    r.Iwil
    ltel
    lthepeoplei
    n
    chargeoftheCCTVt osendy outhefootageassoon
    aspossibl
    e."shehesit
    ant
    lysays.

    "
    Good.NowIwanty outosendi
    ttothi
    saddress,23
    Al
    bartonst
    reet.Mymenwill
    bewait
    inginablue
    Mercedes.
    "Isaybef
    oreendi
    ngt
    hecall.

    "
    It
    'sdone.
    "Isayput
    ti
    ngmyphonei
    nmypocket
    .
    "Butsi
    r,arey
    ousur
    eyouwantt
    ogeti
    nvol
    vedi
    n
    such..
    ..
    ."

    "
    Brendonthatfooli
    sharassi
    ngmywi f
    esoyes,
    Ido
    wanttogetinv
    olvedint
    hissit
    uat
    ion.
    "Isayt
    ohim.

    "Okaysoshoul
    dIatl
    eastgetaf
    ewmenr eadyj
    usti
    n
    case?"asksMal
    com st
    andi
    ngatadi
    stance.

    "
    Yes,
    dot
    hat
    ..
    ."or
    der
    sSi
    hle.

    "Sor
    rybutwhomadeyout
    heboss?Hei
    saski
    ngme
    notyou.
    "Isayt
    oSihl
    e.

    "Wel
    lyouweregoi
    ngtosaythesamet
    hingany
    way
    s
    sost
    opbeingabit
    ch.
    "saysSihl
    e.

    "
    Buti
    twoul
    dhav
    ebeenf
    rom adi
    ff
    erentper
    sonwho
    i
    ssupposedt
    obeor
    der
    ingt
    hem.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "Ai
    isuka.I
    t'
    sthesamet
    hinganyways.
    "saysSihl
    e
    smackingmyhead.Mal
    com cl
    earshist
    hroatand
    get
    sourattenti
    on.

    "
    DowhatMrMdletshesai
    d."Isayt
    oMalcom.He
    t
    urnst
    otheexi
    tofthewarehouseandl
    eaves.

    "
    Idi
    ot!
    "mumbl
    esSi
    hle.Isi
    deey
    ehi
    m andhel
    ooksat
    metoo.

    "
    Whoi
    sthei
    diot
    ?"Iask.

    "Takeawi l
    dguess,"herepl
    i
    es.Isqui
    ntmyey esat
    him andsteponhisfootandhepunchesmyar m.
    SihleandIhavekindofgrownclosebecauseofthi
    s
    Briansit
    uati
    on.Heisactual
    lynotasbadasIthought
    butIhavereali
    sedthatwhenitcomestohissist
    er,
    hedoesn'tfuckwithanyonewhi chisonethingwe
    haveincommon.Howev er,usbei
    ngclosedoesnt
    meant hatIhavelethim gettoRose.That'
    sone
    thi
    ngIwi l
    lneverdo.Iwillonlygi
    vehim pi
    ecewhen
    heproveshimself.Wewant edtotel
    lhi
    s2l ookal
    i
    ke
    aboutthecurrentsi
    tuati
    onbutBr endontol
    dusnot
    tobecauseBr i
    anmi ghtbewat chi
    ngoureverycal
    l
    whichmi ghtbehowhegotThando' snumber .

    "
    Soanyi
    nfoonSi
    pho?
    "IaskSi
    hle.

    "No,i
    tsl
    ikethismandoesn' texi
    stactual l
    y.Itr
    iedto
    gettohi
    mt hroughhi sfi
    nancesbuthi sbank
    account
    sar efrozen,al
    lofthem andhi sbusinesses
    havebeencloseddown. "saysSihle.I
    nside,am dy i
    ng
    withl
    aughterbecauseSi phodoesn'texistanymore
    butIwil
    ltel
    lhiml at
    er,oryouknowwhat ,hewi l
    lfi
    nd
    outhimself
    .

    "
    Oooohokay
    .Doy
    ouneedmyhel
    p?"Iask.
    "
    Not hanks.Iwi
    l
    l doi
    tmysel
    f.
    "repl
    i
    esSi
    hleashe
    t
    urnstotheexit
    ingdoor
    .

    "
    Letmegoout
    side,
    Ineedasmoke.
    "say
    sSi
    hle.

    "
    Whydoy
    oupeopl
    esmoke?
    "Iaskdi
    sgust
    ed.

    "Becausewecan,"hesay
    staki
    ngoutacigar
    ett
    e
    from hi
    spocketwhil
    egoi
    ngoutsi
    de.Suchan
    unhealt
    hyli
    fest
    yle!
    Itakeoutmyphoneandcal
    lmyoneandonl
    ywho
    answersaft
    ert
    hefi
    rstr
    ing.

    "Hey.
    "shesayssoundingasifsheisonthever
    geof
    tear
    s.Thi
    shasbeenherv oicefort
    hepast3days
    shehasspentinbed.Yes,Ihavebarel
    ybeenat
    homebutIwantt otakecareofBri
    anthenIcango
    homet ot
    ellhert
    hegoodnews.
    "
    Itki
    l
    lsmet
    oheary
    ousoundl
    i
    ket
    hatmyl
    ove,
    "Isay
    .

    "Let
    snottal
    kaboutmyv
    oiceNkosi
    .Whenar
    eyou
    coming?
    ""sheasks.

    "
    AssoonasIki
    l
    lBr
    ian.
    "Isay
    .

    "
    Andi
    fyoudon'
    t?
    "

    "
    Thi
    sti
    meIwi
    l
    l,myl
    ove.Onl
    yfory
    ou.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .

    "
    howsur
    ear
    eyou?
    "
    Il
    etoutasi
    ghandsay"
    Am sur
    eThando.
    "

    "
    Okay,j
    ustbecaref
    ulpl
    ease.I
    fyoucan'
    tki
    l
    lhi
    mthen
    l
    ethi
    m be."shesay
    s.
    "
    Ilov
    eyou.
    "

    "Il
    ovey
    outoo.
    "sherepl
    ies.Iwai
    tforhert
    oendt
    he
    cal
    lwhi
    chshedoesn'
    t.

    "
    Youknowy
    oucanj
    ustcomehomer
    ight
    ?"

    "
    Yes,
    ThandobutIhav
    etot
    akecar
    eoft
    hisf
    ir
    st.
    "

    "Okay.Fi
    ne.Bye,
    "say
    sThandoinherdeadv oice.She
    endsthecallandam j
    ustbr
    oken.Bri
    anwillpayfor
    thi
    s.Asifhimrapi
    ngThandowasn'tenough,nowhe
    i
    sharassingher!
    !

    "Br
    endonpleasetell
    Malcom t
    ogogetthepackage
    atthi
    saddress.Heshouldt
    akehi
    sblueMercedes.
    "I
    saygoingt
    osi tdown.
    "Okayboss."herepli
    esst andi
    ngupf rom hi schai
    r.
    AfterBrendonleavesther oom,Ihearav oicethat
    soundsl i
    keSbu'soutsideandIrushout sideonlyto
    fi
    ndSi hl
    einter
    rogati
    ngSbu.Ooohshi t,
    itotall
    yfor
    got
    totell
    Sbunott ocomeher e.

    "SbuyouknowhowIf eel aboutr


    epeati
    ngmy sel
    fso
    answermyquestion,whyar eyouhere?
    "asksSihle
    whil
    eblowingoutthenicoti
    nescentedsmokef r
    om
    hismouth.

    "Well,
    Ihavecomeher etot
    alkt
    othatfoolst
    andi
    ng
    behindyouconserni
    ngmywoman. "saysSbuwhil
    e
    pointi
    ngatme.Sihlet
    urnstomeandt ur
    nsbackto
    him.

    "
    Soy
    ou2knoweachot
    her
    ?"

    "
    Asenemi
    esyes!
    "Iqui
    ckl
    yjumpi
    nwhilewal
    ki
    ng
    t
    owar
    dsSi
    hleandSbu.Mymenal
    llookatusi
    n
    shockbutt
    heyt
    ryt
    ohi
    dei
    t.
    "Guys,l
    et'
    sgoi
    nside.
    "saysBrendont
    omymen.
    Theyallfol
    l
    owBrendonexcl
    udingMalcom whoget
    s
    i
    nt heblueMer
    cedesanddriv
    esaway.

    "Hmmmmmm soy ourenemyknowswher eyour


    war ehousei
    s?"asksSihlewit
    honeelevat
    ed
    eyebrowwhilepointi
    ngatmewi thhi
    ssmoking
    cigarett
    e.Ri
    ghtnow, If
    eell
    ikesmacki
    ngitoutofhi
    s
    handbutIdon'twantt ori
    skit
    .
    Sbulooksatmewithaquizzi
    call
    ookwhichi
    scl
    ear
    ly
    aski
    ngwhyIdidn'
    ttel
    lhi
    m aboutSihl
    e.

    "
    Ummm am ki
    ndofsurpr
    isedtoohey."IsaytoSi
    hle.
    Webot
    hlookatSbuwholooksshitscaredbuthi
    des
    i
    t.

    "Well
    ,ther
    ewasadaywher eIsawhi m att
    hemallso
    Ideci
    dedt ofol
    l
    owhi m.
    "saysSbu."Ij
    ustwant
    edt o
    tal
    ktohim conser
    ningThandounti
    lIsawhim ki
    l
    li
    ng
    somemansoIr
    anaway
    ."hecont
    inues.

    "Andwhatgav
    eyout
    hecour
    aget
    ocomeback.
    "
    asksSi
    hle.

    "Wel
    lummm myl
    ovef
    orThandogav
    emet
    he
    cour
    age.
    "

    "Wellsoyoumightaswel
    lturnandleavebecause
    am notlet
    ti
    nggoofThando."IsaytoSbupointi
    ngat
    him.Sbuchuckl
    esandtakesoutagunf rom hi
    s
    pocket.Whatt
    hefuckist
    hisfooldoi
    ng.

    "Well
    thenIguessIwill
    justhav
    et oki
    lly
    ou,
    "say
    s
    Sbu.Thismother
    fucker
    .Ialsotakeoutmygl
    ockand
    poi
    ntitathi
    m.

    "Youguyscangoshooteachot
    hersomewher
    eel
    se
    nother
    e.AndSbu,moveonmyman.Thandohas
    andhehasalreadypr
    oposedsojustf
    indanot
    her
    woman."say
    sSi hl
    epatt
    ingSbu'
    sshoulder
    .

    "
    No!Iwil
    lnotgiv
    euponher
    .Il
    oveherwayt
    oomuch
    t
    ojustl
    ether.
    "

    "Am notaski
    ngyou,am t
    ell
    ingy
    ou.Mysist
    eralr
    eady
    hasalotofdramainherli
    fesodon'
    tbr
    ingmore
    drama.Leave,
    "saysSi
    hlepushi
    ngSbutothecar.

    "No!Hemustdi eSihle.Isn'thenowknowswher emy


    warehouseis?
    "Ishout .IseeSbutur
    nar oundin
    shockbutSihl
    ecarriesont opushhi
    mi ntothecar.I
    rushaft
    erthem butSi hletakesSbu'
    sgunandf ir
    esit
    ontheground.

    "Lethi
    m beNkosi
    ,heisani di
    ot.Hewon'tdo
    anythi
    ng.
    "saysSi
    hle.HahaifonlySihl
    eknew..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    Sbugetsint
    ohiscar,l
    ooksatmeonemor etimeand
    driv
    esawaybutri
    ghtafterhedrivesaway,abl
    ack
    carspeedsont
    othepar
    kingl
    otandst
    art
    sshoot
    ing
    atus.

    "Si
    hlegetdown!!!
    !!
    !!
    "Ishoutlyi
    ngdown.Sihlefall
    sto
    theground,heari
    ngthewi ndowsshut
    terandt henal
    l
    ofasudden, i
    t'
    sagunf ight.Mymenallrushoutof
    thewarehouseandst artshooti
    ngatt
    hebl ackcar
    butthecarquickl
    ydriveaway .
    Anothercarcomesdr
    ivi
    ngbackandSbur
    ushesout
    ofthecar.

    "
    Arey
    ouguy
    sokay
    ?!"heasksget
    ti
    ngoutofhi
    scar
    .

    "
    Am f
    ine,
    Sihl
    e?"

    "Yesam fi
    ne.
    "herepl
    ies.Al
    lmymengetint
    othei
    r
    carsandspeedaf
    terthecar.Ial
    sost
    andupfr
    om
    thegroundandf
    ollowthem.
    "Boss!!
    !Come,Ihav
    esomet hingimport
    ant.
    "shouts
    Brendonfrom t
    hewarehouse.Sihl
    e,SbuandIall
    rushinsi
    deandgotoBr endon'
    sdesk.

    "Malcom camebackwi ththeCCtvf


    ootagewhileyou
    werewi thSihleandSbuoutsi
    desoIj
    ustdecidedt
    o
    playitanditlooksli
    keyouhave3sni
    tches.
    "says
    Brendon.

    "
    Meani
    ng?
    "asksSi
    hle.

    "3ofy ourbody guardsatyourplacear epartof


    Brian'
    st eam.Theymetatt hehotel."saysBrendon
    pointi
    ngat3peopl eonhi scomput er.Ifeelmyheart
    startt
    obeatf astasmybr ainbeginst oloadway st
    o
    punisht hosefools.Iwalkoutofthewar ehouseand
    gost r
    aightintomycar .Iwearmygl assesand
    speedilydriv
    ehome.Thosef ool
    swi llseemet oday
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Asam readi
    nganoveli
    nbed,Ihearcommoti
    on
    out
    sideandTshi
    dicomesrushi
    ngintomyroom.
    "Yourmanisbusyoutsi
    de!"sheshoutspant
    ing.I
    snappi
    lygetoutofbedthrowingmybookont hebed
    andrunni
    ngafterTshi
    di.WhenIgetoutsi
    deIfind2
    menagai nstt
    hewallwithbloodgushi
    ngoutofthei
    r
    mouths.
    "
    Wher
    eisy
    ourot
    herpar
    tner
    ?!"Nkosi
    snaps.
    "He,helef
    ttomeetwithhim boss,pl
    easedon'
    tki
    l
    l
    us!Allwewantedwasmoneyt otakecar
    eofour
    famil
    ies!
    "oneofthem cr
    ies.
    "OoohsoR50000ev er
    y2weeksi sntenoughhey ?
    Wellguesswhat, nowy ouareget
    t i
    ngnothingatall
    becauseofstupidit
    y.Putthem i
    nt hecar!
    "says
    Nkosileavi
    ngthem tofallontot
    hegr ound.Helooks
    atmewi ththemosthai rrai
    si
    ng,terr
    if
    yingfacethen
    l
    ooksaway .
    "
    Nkosi
    !"Ishoutr
    unni
    ngaf
    terhi
    m buthest
    opsme.
    "
    Thandonotnow,am busy!
    "heshoutswit
    hsome
    f
    orm ofwr
    athinhi
    svoice.Hejumpsint
    othecart
    hat
    t
    hemenhewasbeat i
    ngupar einanddri
    vesaway
    .
    What'
    sgoi
    ngon.

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

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    "
    Andwherei
    sthethir
    done?
    "asksSi
    hleasIdr
    agt
    he
    2insi
    det
    hewarehouse.
    "
    Theysai
    dhewentt
    omeetwi
    thhi
    m."Isay
    ."Ti
    e
    t
    hem t
    othe
    monkeybar
    sont
    hecei
    l
    ing.
    "Isayt
    omymen.

    "
    Wher
    eisSbu?
    "
    "
    Hel
    eftaf
    tery
    oudr
    oveaway
    ."say
    sSi
    hle.

    "Good.Thatbastar
    dshoul
    dl eavemeal
    one.
    "Isay
    gri
    ndingmyt eet
    h.Ps.
    ..Am pret
    endi
    ng.

    "
    Hewi
    l
    l,
    "repl
    i
    esSi
    hle.

    "
    Brendon,
    anynewsf
    rom theguy
    swhodr
    oveaf
    ter
    t
    hoseguyswhoshotatus?"

    "
    Noty
    etboss.
    "hesay
    s.

    "
    cal
    lthem.
    "Ir
    epl
    y.
    Brendontakesouthi
    sphone,
    dial
    sanumbert
    henhe
    putsitonloud.

    "
    Brendon.
    "say
    sav
    oiceatt
    heot
    herendoft
    hecal
    l
    .
    "
    Didy
    ouguy
    smanaget
    ogett
    hem.
    "

    "No.Weexecut edapl anwhereThabangandIran


    afterthecarandwet oldIsr
    aelal
    ongwi t
    hafewmen
    tof ol
    l
    owt hem undercoverwhi
    lewestopchasi
    ng
    afterthem.Thatwillmakethem t
    hinkthatwehav
    e
    stoppedchasingafterthem."

    "
    Goodj
    obboy
    s,"

    "
    That
    snotal
    lboss.I
    sraelsay
    shesawoneofour
    mental
    ki
    ngt
    otheguy s.
    "

    "Don'
    tworr
    yaboutt
    hatmyman,
    wear
    etaki
    ngcar
    e
    ofthat
    ."

    "
    Soshoul
    dIt
    ell
    Isr
    ael
    andt
    heguy
    stoat
    tack?
    "
    "No.Don'
    tatt
    ack.Justtell
    Israel
    andhismentost
    ay
    ther
    eandf ol
    l
    owt hem everywhere.I
    ncl
    udi
    ngt
    hat
    betr
    ayer.
    "

    "Okayboss.
    "Br
    endonendst
    hecal
    landgoest
    osi
    t
    onhisdesk.

    "
    Bosswearesor
    ry,wewi
    ll
    telly
    ouev
    ery
    thi
    ngy
    ou
    wantt
    oknow.
    "cri
    esoneofthemen.

    "Don'
    tworr
    y,youwi
    llt
    ell
    mewhatIwantt oknowbut
    youalsowon'tl
    i
    vet
    oseet omorr
    ow."Isay
    .They
    conti
    nuecr
    yingwhi
    l
    ebeingtiedtot
    hemonkeybars.

    "Nkosiweneedtoleav
    et hi
    swarehousesi
    ncethey
    nowknowwher ewear e.Theymightcomeback
    againandshootatus.
    "saysSihl
    e.

    "
    Wewi
    l
    lri
    ghtaf
    terki
    l
    li
    ngt
    hesef
    ool
    s."Ir
    epl
    y.
    "Br
    ingt
    heaci
    dtankst
    hatar
    eoutsi
    de."Isay.2ofmy
    mencomebackpushi
    ng2largegl
    asstankswit
    hthe
    aci
    d.

    "Sohereiswhat'
    sgoingtohappenmydearf ri
    ends."
    Isaytothem."Youwillt
    ellmeever
    y thi
    ngy ouknow
    whil
    ey ourf
    eetareintheacid,
    youcry ,
    these2wi l
    l
    pourtheaci
    dony ourfaces.Goti
    t?"Isay.Sihl
    e
    comest ostandnextt
    omeandsmi les.

    "
    Youar
    eonecr
    uel
    mot
    her
    fucker
    .Il
    i
    key
    ou.
    "

    "IknowbutZi
    photol
    dmey ouareworsesowhy
    don'ty
    oushowcaseyourt
    alent
    ."Isayt
    ohim wi
    th
    myhandsinmypocket.

    "Withpl
    easuremydearbrotheri
    nlaw.
    "hesays
    spreadi
    nghishandforahandshake.Ishakehi
    s
    handwhilelet
    ti
    ngoutalaugh.
    "ButIwil
    lmakeaf ewchanges.Iwantthem t
    obe
    ti
    edinadi f
    ferentway."hesayswalki
    ngtowardst
    he
    cryi
    ngmen." anddoy ousomehowhav ethea
    heret
    icsfork?"heasks.
    "
    Ummm Idon'
    tthi
    nkso.
    "Ir
    epl
    yshaki
    ngmyhead.

    "OkayIt
    hinkIbr
    aughtonebuti
    t'
    saty
    ourpl
    ace.
    "he
    says.

    "
    wher
    e?"

    "
    Inmybl
    uesui
    tcasei
    nthet
    hir
    dpocket
    ."

    "Br
    endongogetit
    ."Isay
    .Br
    endongetshi
    sjacket
    andleav
    es.Si
    hlel
    ooksuptothet
    iedupguysand
    giv
    esthem abi
    gsmi l
    e
    "
    Meanwhi
    l
    e,l
    et'
    sgety
    ou2i
    nanot
    herposi
    ti
    on.
    "
    "
    Bozapl
    ease,f
    orgi
    veus!
    !?
    "howl
    soneoft
    hem wi
    th
    t
    ear
    swell
    ingoutofhi
    seyes.

    "Whatsthewordyouspeakofmyboy ?"say
    sSihle
    l
    aughing."Nowthaty
    ourbossismybrother,am
    pret
    tysurehehasdelet
    edthat"
    for
    giv
    e"wor dyou
    speakoffrom hi
    smentali
    ty.
    "

    "Ohdon'tevenwasteyourbr
    eathmyf r
    iend,
    thisidi
    ot
    knowst hatIdon'
    tbel
    i
    eveinfor
    givi
    ngsoIhonest l
    y
    don'tknowwhyhei saski
    ngforfor
    giv
    eness."Isay
    walkingtoSihl
    e.

    "Unti
    et hem. "st
    atesSi hl
    e.Theygetunt i
    edandt hen
    theyaret i
    eddi f
    ferentlynow,havi
    ngt heirhandsti
    ed
    behindt hei
    rback.Si hletel
    lsmyment oallowthe
    boyst ostandonst oolswhichiskindofconf usi
    ng
    forme.Il ookatSi hlewhogr i
    nsatmeandsay s
    "don'twor r
    y.Youwi llsee.Am sti
    l
    lwai t
    ingf ormy
    beauti
    ful
    for
    ks.
    "Inodmyheadandgosi
    tont
    he
    couch.
    IlookatSihleorder
    ingmymanar oundandIgetl ost
    i
    nmyt houghts.Whocoul dhavethoughtthatSihl
    e
    andIwoul dendupbei ngbuddies.Imean, Ibeatup
    thismanandhescar edtheshi
    toutofmewi t
    hhis
    l
    ect ur
    eatthehospitalbuthey,
    lookatusnow.I
    guessi twouldbefairf
    ormet otellhi
    mt hatSiphois
    dead.
    psych.
    ...
    am kidding.Am nottelli
    nghim shi
    t.I
    fhe
    wantsRoset henhebet t
    ergot hroughthi
    stestof
    minewhi chi
    ski ndofstupid.Butt heonethatIreal
    l
    y
    wantistoseehowhewi l
    lreactt oRoseignori
    nghim.
    Sofar,heseemsl i
    keheisgoingt hr
    oughhell
    becauseRosehasbeeni gnoringhi m.
    Brendonf i
    nall
    ycomesbackaf t
    er50mi nutesand
    givesSihlesomeforkshapedi nst
    rument al
    s.Sihl
    e
    walkstomeandhandsov eroneofthei nstr
    uments
    whichisa2si dedforkwith2sharpt eethateach
    end.Italsohasastrapattachedtoitwhi chgoes
    thr
    oughahol eatt
    hemi ddleofthe2si dedfork.
    "Sowewi l
    l usethi
    sforkaf
    tert
    heyspi
    l
    lever
    ythi
    ng
    becausetheywon'tbeabletospeaki
    fwestrapi
    ton
    them now."saysSihl
    e.

    "
    Ooohokaysoy oucanstar
    twi
    thy
    ourt
    ort
    urenow
    r
    ight
    ?"Isaysi
    tt
    ingbackdown.

    "
    Yes."Si
    hlewal
    ksbacktothe2men,ki
    ckst
    hestool
    s
    t
    heyarestandi
    ngonandagonisi
    ngscr
    eamstr
    avel
    t
    hroughthewarehouse.

    "Sothisposit
    ionIhav echosendi slocatedt hei
    r
    shoulders.
    "saysSihle.Hmmm i nt eresti
    ng.Hepoi nts
    atmy2menwhoar estandi ngatt hedoorandt ell
    s
    them tobri
    ngs4heav yrockst ot i
    eont heguy sfeet
    .
    Hisordersarefoll
    owedt hent het ankswi t
    haci dare
    pushedundert he2bet rayers.Ther ockstiedtotheir
    feetweighstheirf
    eetintot hef lesheat i
    ngaci dand
    screamsgetev enlouderast hei rfeetar ebeing
    eat
    enandt
    hei
    rshoul
    der
    sar
    ebei
    ngdi
    sl
    ocat
    ed.
    "
    Nowt
    alk!
    "shout
    sSi
    hle.

    "Hewant stoki
    dnapThando!Hewantstotakeher
    withhim soheapproachedusandaskedustohelp
    him outandhewill
    giveus500000each!!
    !!
    "cr
    iesout
    oneoft hem.

    "
    Howdi
    dheknowt
    haty
    ou3wor
    kedf
    orNkosi
    ?!
    "

    "Wehonestl
    ydon'tknowboss.Whenwewer eat
    Thomas'shouse,
    hej ustcametousandsai
    dhe
    knewthatweworkedf oryousoheoff
    eredusthe
    deal
    .

    "
    Andwhyi
    shemeet
    ingupwi
    thThomas?
    "Iask.

    "Theywantt
    ofi
    nali
    zet
    heplanwhi
    chwil
    lbe
    execut
    edsoonbutwedon'
    tknowwhen!
    "
    "
    Oooooh.Wher
    edoesBr
    ianst
    ay?
    "

    "Wedon'
    tknow,
    wewentt
    omeethi
    m atoneofy
    our
    hot
    elsaf
    ewdaysago!
    "

    "
    Howdi
    dhegetThando'
    snumber
    ?"

    "
    Wedon'
    tknowboss!
    "theycr
    yout
    .
    "
    Didy
    ouguy
    stel
    lhi
    m aboutmywar
    ehouse?
    "

    "
    Noboss!
    !"t
    heyshout
    .

    "Soi
    fheknowsthaty
    ou3wor kf
    orme,hemust
    knowwhereThandoi
    sri
    ghtnow"Isayi
    nalowvoi
    ce
    l
    ookingdown.

    "
    Shi
    t!
    !!Si
    hlewehav
    etot
    akeThandosomewher
    e
    el
    se.
    "Isayr
    ushi
    ngoutoft
    hehouse.

    "Ti
    et heheret
    icsf
    orksar
    oundt
    hei
    rneckusi
    ngthe
    str
    aps."shoutsSi
    hletomy2menwhoarestay
    ing
    behind.
    Si
    hlef
    oll
    owsmealongwit
    hBr
    endonwhot
    akesan
    AK47and3glockswi
    thhi
    m.

    Weal
    lgeti
    ntomycarandspeedbackhome.Onour
    wayt
    her
    e,myphoneri
    ngs.Si
    hlet
    akesitanswer
    s.

    "
    Yes?
    "

    "What?!Getawayfrom t
    her
    ethenandqui
    ckl
    y!
    "
    shoutSihl
    eoverthephone.

    "
    Andt
    hen?
    "
    "
    TheyshotThomasandapparent
    lyMussal
    i
    neand
    Otar
    ikar
    ether
    e."say
    sSi
    hle.

    "
    Oohshi
    t!
    "say
    sBr
    endon.

    "
    Didy
    ouknowaboutBrai
    nhav
    inganyconnect
    ions
    wi
    tht
    hose2?
    "asksSihl
    e.

    "
    YesIdi
    d."Isaydri
    vi
    ngthecarat300km perhour
    .
    DoIcar
    ethatam speedi
    ng?No.

    "
    Whatt
    hefuckman?!Whythefuckdidn'
    tyout
    ell
    me?
    !Nkosiy
    ouhavefuckedusup."

    "
    Chi
    l
    lman,
    theywon'
    tdoany
    thi
    ngt
    ous.
    "Isay
    .

    "
    Butt
    heymi
    ghthur
    tThando!
    "
    "Notheywon'
    t.Si
    nceBri
    anwant
    sThando,
    hewon'
    t
    all
    owthem t
    ohurther
    ."
    Ihootatthegatebutnooneopensforme.It
    akemy
    remoteforthegat
    eandpressit
    .Asthegateopens,
    oureyesaremetbydeadbodiesall
    overtheyar
    d.
    Ir
    ushoutoft
    hecarandr
    uni
    ntot
    hehousebutt
    her
    e
    i
    snoone.
    "Thando!!
    !!
    !!
    "Ishoutrunni ngaround.Ifeelmyhear t
    beati
    ngfastandt hent earsstarttoblurmyey es.
    Sihl
    erunsintot hehousef oll
    owedbyBr endonand
    theyfi
    ndmeopeni ngeachandev er
    ydoori nthi
    s
    housebutt hereisnothing.Igobackdownst air
    sand
    Sihl
    egivesmemyphonewhi chi sri
    ngingandhe
    conti
    nuestol ookaroundt hehouse.Icheckt he
    call
    erIDandi t'
    swrit
    tenSchev .
    "Schev
    !Wherei
    sThando?pl
    easet
    ell
    mey
    ouhav
    e
    her.
    "Isayi
    nabri
    tt
    levoi
    ce.

    "Wazzamydearf
    ri
    end,
    "say
    sav
    oice.Thi
    sisnot
    Schev.
    "Ooohsorr
    y,l
    etmeintr
    oducemy sel
    f.Mynamei s
    Brai
    nMohlakoane,t
    hesonofMrMohl akoane,
    the
    many ouhavebeensear
    chingf
    or."hesays.

    "
    Bri
    an!
    !!
    !Wheredidyout
    akemywi
    feal
    ongwi
    tht
    he
    l
    adi
    esshehad!?
    "Ishout
    .

    "
    Whoaslowdownmydearfri
    end.Shei
    sn'
    tyourwi
    fe
    j
    ustyet
    ,shedoesn'
    thav
    ear
    ingonherfi
    ngerj
    ust
    y
    et.
    "hesayslaughi
    ng.

    "OohandImustsay ,yourmenar everywel ltr


    ained
    buttheyarenothingcompar edt omi ne.Theone
    call
    edSchevtri
    edt orunawaywi thy ourladiesbut
    l
    et'
    sjustsayIwaswayaheadofhi m andhi steam
    hey.Anyway,backt obusiness,ijustwant edtot el
    l
    youthatyouwillneverseeThandoev eragainand
    notbecauseam goi ngtokillherorany thi
    ngbut
    becausesheisgoi ngtofindoutonet ruththatwi l
    l
    cr
    ushher
    ."

    "
    Whatt
    rut
    h?"Iask.

    "Comeonnowst opact
    ingasi fy
    oudon'tknow.You
    kil
    l
    edherf
    ather
    ,"hesays.Ihearhi
    m blowsomething
    outandt
    hensomepeopl elaughatthebackgr
    ound.

    "
    howdoy
    ouknowaboutt
    hat
    ?"

    "Well
    let'
    sjustsayIhavepeoplewhoknowawhole
    l
    otofy oursecrets.
    "hesaysandthensomeone
    shouts"Ihopey ouareenj
    oyi
    ngmyf at
    her'
    smoney!
    "
    thenl
    aught ercomesafter
    wards.

    "I
    fyouwantt
    okil
    lmethendosobutdon'
    ttarnish
    myimagetoThando.
    "Isaywit
    hcl
    anchedteeth.
    Sihl
    ecomestost
    andinf
    orntofmewit
    hhishandsi n
    hi
    spocket
    .
    "
    Wel
    lIdowantt
    okilly
    oubutIwantt
    ostar
    tbykil
    l
    ing
    t
    hef
    eeli
    ngst
    hatThandohasfory
    ou.
    "hesays.

    "Leav
    eheraloneBr
    ian!
    "Ishout
    ."i
    fyoudar
    etouch
    herIwil
    l
    ..
    ..
    Sihl
    esnatchesthephonefrom meandsays"Br
    aini
    f
    youdaretotouchmysi st
    eroranyoft
    heladi
    esIwil
    l
    ki
    llyou!
    "

    "Hel
    lo,
    hel
    l
    o!Damni
    t,hedr
    oppedt
    hecal
    l
    !"r
    oar
    s
    Sihl
    e.

    "Gi
    evmet hephonesot hatIcantr
    ytolocat
    ethecall
    befor
    ehedestroysthephone."say
    sBrendon.Sihl
    e
    handsoverthephonetohim andBrendonrushes
    outofthehouse.

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lcal
    lZi
    phoandKhay
    a.Theyhav
    etocome.
    "
    say
    sSi
    hle.
    Sihl
    egoesout si
    deandcal l
    ssomeone.I fThandk
    fi
    ndsoutthatIkil
    ledherfathershewi ll
    hateme
    al
    ongwi t
    hherwhol efamily.I
    nf acttheywill
    kil
    lme.I
    havetofi
    ndhim assoonaspossi bl
    e.Ifi
    ndmyot her
    phoneinmyr oom anddialIsrael'
    snumber .

    "
    Boss,
    "hesay
    sanswer
    ingt
    hephone.

    "
    wher
    edi
    dtheyki
    l
    lThomas?
    "

    "
    Atsomeol
    dbl
    uewar
    ehouse.
    "

    "
    Comepi
    ckmeup.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "
    Okayboss,
    issomet
    hingwr
    ong?
    "
    "
    Yes,theyt
    ookThando,
    Rose,
    Tshi
    diand
    Nol
    uthando.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Ooohshi
    t.Okayboss,
    wher
    ear
    eyounow?
    "

    "
    Am atmypl
    ace.
    "Isay
    .

    "
    Okaywear
    ecomi
    ng.
    "
    WhenIdr
    opt
    hecal
    l
    ,Sbucal
    l
    sme.

    "
    Isentyoual
    ocat
    ion.Comenow!
    "hesay
    sinal
    ow
    v
    oice.

    "
    Butam al
    readygoi
    ngsomewher
    e,Br
    iant
    ook.
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "
    Iknow,hetookThando.Am att
    hel
    ocat
    ionhei
    sat
    r
    ightnow.
    "hesays.

    "
    Ummmm okayokay
    .Am comi
    ng.
    "Isay
    .
    BRI
    ANHASNOW AWAKENEDTHEDEVI
    L'
    SOWN
    CREATI
    ON.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    AfterNkosi dri
    vesoutoft heyard, Igobackt omy
    room andgeti nbed.Whathappenedandwhywas
    heinterrogati
    ngthosepoorguy s.Tobehonest ,they
    wer estart
    ingtobemyf av ori
    tepeopl e.Securityhas
    beent i
    ghtev ersi
    nceBriancalledandIgotanew
    phonebutam notal lowedt ocal lanyone,includi
    ng
    myf ami l
    ymember s.Nowhowwacki sthat.Tshidi
    andNol uendedupnotl eav i
    ngf orLehur utshe
    becauseoft hiswholethingandam ki ndofhappy .

    "
    Thandopleasegetoutofbed.
    "say
    sTshi
    diwal
    ki
    ng
    i
    ntomyroom.

    "
    Noooooo.Idon'
    twant
    .Letmebewoman!
    !"Iwhi
    ne
    t
    urni
    ngt
    otheot
    hersi
    de.

    "Oooohstopbei ngcrybabyandgetoutofthi
    sbed.
    Youwereoutoft hi
    sbedjust6mi nut
    esagoso
    what'
    sstoppingy oufrom get
    ti
    ngoutnow.Wehav e
    l
    etyoustayi ntherefor3wholedayssogetout.
    "
    saysNoluthandopullingt
    heblanketoffme.

    "
    Noguy
    s.Letmebe!
    "

    "Ai
    isuka.Youar
    enolongerwhi
    ningaboutBr
    ian
    fi
    ndingyouher
    e.Youarej
    ustbei
    ngabum now."
    saysTshidi
    .

    "Youareonlysayingthatbecauseyouar
    en'
    tinmy
    shoes.I
    fyouwer e,youwouldbeunderthebed."I
    pull
    theblanket
    sbackbutTshi dipul
    lst
    hem again.

    "
    Peopl
    eleav
    emeal
    one.
    "
    "
    Notunt
    ily
    ougety
    our
    sel
    ftoget
    her
    ."

    "Guysam seri
    ous.Youguysj
    ustdon'
    tunderst
    and,
    am scaredofgett
    ingoutoft
    hisbedbecausewhatif
    heisoutther
    ewat chi
    ngme.Whatifheknowst hat
    am here?Huh?"Irumble.

    "OoohstopitThando,youarenowbeingtoo
    extr
    a..
    ..
    ..
    .Hewillst
    il
    lfi
    ndyouinbedanyways,i
    t'
    snot
    l
    ikethebedhasashi el
    dthatwil
    lstophi
    m or
    anythi
    ngsogetout."saysTshi
    di.

    "
    Idon'
    tcar
    e,j
    ustl
    etmebepl
    ease!
    "Iwhi
    ne.

    "Okaythen,butjustknowt hati
    fyouwantchocol
    ate,
    thereissomedownst ai
    rsandletmewar ny
    ou,Rose
    will
    fini
    shitify
    oudon' tcomenow. "say
    sNolugoing
    out.
    "
    Okay.
    "Isay.Fort
    hefi
    rstt
    ime,
    Iact
    ual
    l
    ydon'
    twant
    t
    hechocol
    ateatall
    .

    "ComeonThando,
    youhav
    etogetoutoft
    hisbed!
    !"
    saysTshi
    di.

    "Not hanky ou."afterfi


    ni shingmyst atement ,we
    heargunshot sf rom out sidet henthemai ndoorbeing
    opened.Igetoutofbedandgetmygunf rom my
    handbagandTshi di grabsi tf r
    om me.Wher ethe
    hellishergun!!!!
    ?Mxm. .
    ...Weal lrushdownst air
    s
    andf indsomeguypushi ngRoseoutusi ngt heback
    door .WhenTshi di isaboutt oshootathi m, oneguy
    takest hegunandsay s" Don'twor ry
    , wear ewi t
    hy ou.
    Followus. "hesay s.Atf irstIhesitat
    ebutt henI
    rememberhi m ast hef ri
    endt hatNkosi sentaf t
    erI
    toldhi mtostayawayf rom me.Weal lf oll
    owt hem to
    abl ackhugecarandweuseagat eatt hebacky ard
    toexi ttheyardandIhav enev erseent hatgat e.
    Themomentwel
    eav
    ethehouse,
    weal
    ll
    etoutl
    oud
    si
    ghs.

    "
    Whatwashappeni
    ngSchev
    ?"asksRose.

    "
    Wedon'
    tknow.
    "repl
    i
    esoneoft
    heguy
    s.

    "Wear egoi ngtotakey outot hesafehouseandy ou


    wil
    lstayt here.Wewilltellbosslater.
    "hecont
    inues.
    Wedr i
    v eforabouthal fanhourandt henal
    lofa
    sudden, oneofourt i
    resbur sts.Thecarswaystothe
    si
    deoft her oadandi tstops.Theguy st
    akeoutthei
    r
    gunsandt ellust
    ostayi nsideast heygoout.
    Aft
    er2mi nut
    es,weheargunshot
    sandt
    hecar
    doorsal
    lopen.

    "Malady
    ,isn'
    tIpromisedy outhatIwill
    findy
    ou."he
    sayspeepingint
    othecar ."putthem i
    nthecar.
    "he
    saysandsomemenofhi sstarttodragusoutofthe
    carwhil
    ewet rytorefuse.
    "Whatdoy
    ouwantf
    rom meBr
    ian!
    !"Ishoutwi
    th
    cl
    enchedt
    eet
    h.

    "Iwantyout
    ofor
    giv
    emef
    orwhatIdi
    d."hesay
    s
    smili
    ng.

    "
    Andy
    ouser
    iousl
    yexpectmet
    o?"

    "Wellyouwi llaf
    terl
    earni
    ngsomet hi
    ngt hatwil
    l
    outweighmysi n.
    "hesays.Aswear efor cedtoget
    outoft hecarwescr eam,getti
    ngotherpeople's
    att
    entionbutt heyarescaredawaybyt hegunst hat
    themenhav ewitht
    hem.It r
    ytoreachformygunbut
    Bri
    anqui ckl
    ygrabsit
    ."nononowmyl ov e.Noneed
    forthat."hesays.
    Wear eallt
    hrownint
    heothercarpar
    kednextto
    oursandthentheydr
    iveof
    ftosomepl ace.Whatt
    he
    fuck!
    !!
    !!
    !!
    !!
    !

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    Heyheypeeps ♥soit
    'sbeenahecti
    cweekcozI
    hadgangassi
    gnmentstodoandt est
    stost
    udyfor
    butany
    ways Ihopethatam f
    orgi
    ven
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er30

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Tshid,NoluandIsitonthekingsizedbedwit
    hwhite
    sheetswhileRosepushesher sel
    fupanddownt he
    room,tr
    yingtocomeupwi t
    hani deaonhowwecan
    escapet hi
    splacethatBr
    ianbroughtusto.Wehave
    beenher eformorethan2hour sandshocki
    ngly
    ,non
    ofusar escared.

    "
    Tshi
    dididn'
    tyouputyourphonei
    nyourshoewhen
    t
    hosefoolschuggedusint
    othecar
    ?"Iask.

    "
    Idi
    dbutJor
    dancal
    l
    edandi
    tvi
    brat
    edsot
    heguy
    whowassi
    tt
    ingnex
    ttomet
    ooki
    t.
    "repl
    i
    esTshi
    di.

    "
    WhoisJordan?
    "asksNol
    u.Il
    ookatTshi
    diwho
    r
    epl
    i
    es"Justafri
    end.
    "
    "
    ButIt
    houghtallyourfr
    iendsknewthaty
    oudon't
    l
    i
    kecall
    s.Theonlypersonwhoi sal
    l
    owedt ocal
    lyou
    i
    sDenzel
    ."i
    nter
    rogatesNolu.

    "Nolu,Jor danismycl osef ri


    endandnowi snott he
    ti
    mef oryout obebombar dingmewi t
    hsuch
    questions.Youshoul dbet hi
    nkingofi deasonhow
    togetoutoft hispl ace."saysTshi di.Nolulooks
    awaywi thherey eswi deopenandsay snothing.
    Tshidi hast otellthefami l
    yaboutJor danbef oreshit
    goesdown.Ist andupf rom thebedandwal ktot he
    windowwher eIst andwhi lefoldingmyar ms.Ilook
    atthebr ownl eav edt r
    eesast hei
    rdr yleavefalltothe
    baregr oundast hegol densunsetbegant ofade
    away .Wher ear ewe?Thi splacesur el
    yseemsl i
    ke
    somei solatedareawher enoonecanev enfindus.
    AllIcanseear et reesandt hat '
    sit.Justwoods. ..
    .
    Am justpr ay ingthatNkosi andmybr otherfi
    ndus
    andIpr ayt hatt heywor ktogether.Sigh..
    ..
    ..
    .Iclose
    myey esast heov er
    comi ngdar knesscreepsint ot
    he
    room nowt hi nki
    ngofBr ian'
    sst atementabouthi ssin
    beingout wei ghedbyanot her.Whatdi dhemeanby
    that?Whatwashet alki
    ngaboutanddoesi tin
    anywayi nv olv eNkosi?Idoubti tdoes.Imean, Nkosi
    woul dhavet oldmer ight??Ormay beBr i
    anisjust
    l
    y i
    ng...
    .May behei sjusttryi
    ngt opushhi sluckby
    l
    y i
    ng...

    "
    Whatar
    eyouthi
    nkingabout
    ?"asksRosesoft
    lywho
    i
    sal
    sogazi
    ngatthesunwhichisnear
    lygone.

    "
    Justt
    ryi
    ngt
    ocomeupwi
    thsomepl
    an.
    "Ir
    epl
    yher
    .

    "
    CanIaskaquest
    ion?
    "

    "Sur
    egoahead.
    "Isayt
    oRose.Shepushesher
    sel
    f
    awayfr
    om t
    hewindowandutt
    ers"Whyarewebei
    ng
    keptcapt
    ive?
    "
    Bothmysist
    erstur
    ntoRoseandIreplyhersay
    ing
    "RemembertheguyItol
    dyouabout,
    theonewho
    tookmyVcar dandcall
    edmelastweekFri
    day?"

    "Ummm y es,
    yesIdo."say
    sRose."
    Waiti
    sithi
    m who
    i
    sho..
    ..
    ..
    ."conti
    nuesRosewhil
    eInodmyheady es.
    Shegaspswhi l
    ecoveri
    nghermout
    h.

    "
    Wow,
    thi
    sguysur
    ehassomeguthey
    ."say
    sRose.

    "
    Hesur
    edoes.
    "say
    sNol
    u.

    "Whatdoeshesti
    ll
    wantf
    rom y
    ou?
    "say
    sRosewi
    tha
    scr
    unchedface.

    "
    Wellont
    hecal
    lhesaidhewantedmesoIguess
    t
    hat
    'swhathewant
    s."Isayshr
    uggi
    ngmyshoul
    ders.
    "Wellhetotal
    l
    yhasanotherthi
    ngcominghisway
    becauseubudi Nkosi
    wil
    lkil
    lhi
    m."shesays.Igi
    ve
    heraf ai
    ntsmilel
    ooki
    ngatherthenIl
    ookback
    outsi
    de."Hopeful
    lyhedoes,
    "Isaysot
    tovoce.

    "
    Par
    don?
    "say
    sRose.

    "Nothing."Ir eplyher.Icontinuelookingatthenow
    darkout sideenv ir
    onment, wonder i
    ngwherewewer e.
    Ifweev erescaped, wherewoul dwegobecausewe
    don'tevenknowwher ewear e.Thedoorbegi nst
    o
    squickasi tslowl yopens,revealingthevi
    l
    laininmy
    stor
    yi nagr eyl ongcoatwi thgreyt r
    ouser
    sanda
    whiteshi r
    twhi chkindofr evealedhismuscles.We
    allt
    ur ntolookathi m ashesmi lesand2menf ol
    low
    himi ntother oom.

    "Ladi
    es!
    !"hesay
    sexci
    tedl
    y."
    Howar
    eyoudoi
    ng!
    !!
    !!
    !"
    heconti
    nues.
    "
    Fuckof
    fBr
    ian!
    "say
    sTshi
    di.

    "
    Sti
    l
    lfei
    styTshi
    dihey
    ."say
    sBr
    ian.

    "
    Sowhoisthequeen?
    "asksoneofhi
    smenwhoi
    sa
    t
    all
    li
    ght
    ski
    nnedguywithf
    ri
    ckl
    esonhisf
    ace.

    "
    Her
    ,"say
    sBr
    ianpoi
    nti
    ngatme.

    "OkayItotal
    l
    ygetwhyyouaresoobsessedoverher
    anddecidedtofl
    yall
    thewayf r
    om Mexi
    co.
    "repl
    ies
    theotherguywhoisabitshort
    er,
    li
    ght
    ski
    nnedand
    hasdimplesandabuttchin.

    "
    Andwhoi
    st hi
    spr
    ett
    ylady
    ."say
    sthet
    all
    guyashe
    wal
    kst
    oNolu.
    "
    Ooht
    hat
    's.
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "Notapersony
    ouwoul
    dwantt
    oknow,
    "say
    sNol
    u
    blunt
    ly.

    "Youtooarefei
    sty
    .Ili
    kemyl adi
    esfei
    sty,
    "hesays
    sit
    ti
    ngnexttoNolu.AsNolustandsup,theguy
    grabsherhandandNolulooksathim andsays
    "Touchmeonemor et
    imeandy ouwil
    l f
    indyour
    sel
    f
    dancingi
    nhell.
    "

    "Isowanty ou."hesay sgrinning.Hel etsgoof


    Nolu'shandandNol ucomest ost andwi thme.It ur
    n
    mywhol ebodyt ofaceBrianandhi sguest swhilehe
    opensuphi sar msandsay s"Mybeaut i
    fulwife.
    "I
    l
    ooki nt
    ohi seyes, amazedbyt hef actthatam not
    sacredofhim asIwasi nmydr eamsandwhenImet
    himinJohnDor y'samont hago.Al lIhav eforhim
    nowi sresentmentandt hat '
    sal l
    .Nof ear,nonot hi
    ng
    butjustresentment .Iwanttoki l
    lhi m sobadand
    watchhimt akehi slastbreath.
    "
    Am noty
    ourwi
    fe.
    "Ir
    epl
    ytohi
    m.

    "
    Wel
    lnoty
    etbutsoony
    ouwi
    l
    l.
    "

    "
    Nev
    er!
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.Hel
    ooksatmeandt
    hensmi
    l
    es.

    "Seebabygi
    rl
    ,youandIar
    enevergoi
    ngt obe
    separat
    edfr
    om nowon.Wearestucktoget
    herf
    or
    l
    ife.
    "

    "Oohreal
    ly
    ,andy ouser i
    ouslyt hi
    nkthatIwilll
    etthat
    happen?Icannev erstaywithaper sonIhav eso
    muchhatredf or.Yout ookawaymyVcar dandy ou
    seri
    ousl
    ythinkt hatIwilll
    ety oujusttakemeaway
    andstaywithy ouasi fnothinghappened! !Forgeti
    t
    Bri
    anbecauseIwoul dkillyoui namat terof2
    secondsi
    fi hadt ostaywi t
    hy ou.
    "Isayt ohim.
    "Thando,sthandwasami ,IknowIdidsomeshi
    tty
    stuffbackinthedaybutIl ovedy
    ouandIdidn'
    twant
    anyoneel sehavingyouandnow, Ihav
    ecomeback
    toaskf orfor
    givenesssothatwecanbothleav
    ethe
    pastinthepast."

    "Andt hatwil
    lneverhappenokay!soi
    twouldbebest
    i
    fy oujustletusgoBr i
    anbecauseam nev
    ergoi
    ngto
    bey ours."

    "Well
    soony ouwil
    laf
    teryouf i
    ndoutt hatwhatIdid
    toyouwasnot hi
    ngcompar edtowhaty ourdearso
    cal
    ledboy f
    ri
    enddidt
    oy ouandy ourfamily.
    "says
    Bri
    ansit
    tingonthebed,crossi
    nghislegs.Mysi st
    ers
    andIall
    lookateachotherandl ookbackathim.

    "Canyoujuststopt
    alki
    ngcr
    apbecauset
    hat
    'sf
    ull
    on
    crap.
    "say
    sNol u.

    "
    Isi
    tnow?
    "say
    stheshor
    tone.
    "Yesi
    tis.I
    fNkosi
    didsomethi
    ngt
    omyf
    ami
    l
    ythen
    hewouldhavetol
    dme,"Isay.

    "
    Yethedidn'
    tbecausey
    ouar
    est
    il
    lwi
    thhi
    m."say
    s
    t
    hetal
    lone.

    "
    Ohhshutupy
    ou.
    "say
    sTshi
    dir
    oll
    i
    ngherey
    es.

    "
    Iwoul
    dbutt
    henIchoosenott
    o."hesay
    s.

    "Okayshutupbot
    hofyou.Thi
    sisat
    alkbet
    weenme
    andmyqueen."bel
    lowsBri
    an.

    "
    Fuckof
    fBr
    ian,
    am noty
    ourwi
    feandInev
    erwi
    l
    l.
    "

    "Butyouwi
    ll
    .Soon,youwil
    lhat
    eNkosit
    hesameway
    Ido.Soon,
    youwill
    findyour
    sel
    fwant
    ingtoki
    l
    lhi
    m
    j
    ustli
    keIdoandtheny
    ouwi
    l
    lcomebackt
    ome.
    "
    say
    sBr i
    angr
    inni
    ng.

    "Iwil
    lneverBrian.Infact
    ,whydoy ouhat eNkosiso
    much!Youdon' tevenknowhim atallandam pretty
    surehedoesn' tknowy outoo..
    .Whyar eyousobent
    downonki lli
    nghim huh?Ar eyouthateagertoruin
    ourli
    ves!!
    !?cantyoujustletusbeBrian!!
    !!
    !Letusbe
    forGod'ssake.Nkosi hasneverdoneany thi
    ngto
    yousol ethim be!!
    !!
    "Ibel
    low,myv oi
    cer aucouswhile
    myv einspopout .

    "Yourboy f
    ri
    endhasdonesomet hi
    ngthatIcannever
    forgivehimforandIhav eknownhimlongerthan
    youhav e.Andnow, hehasdonesomet hingeven
    wor se,hehastakent hewomanofmydr eams.The
    womanIhav elov edforsolong!hehastakenher
    away !Sothat'
    swhyIam soagai nsthi
    m."repl
    ies
    Brian.Ashewal kscl osert
    ome, mybodybeginsto
    tenseupandbef orehecoul dr
    eachme, Ifi
    ndTshidi
    standinginfr
    ontofhi m.
    "y
    oucantal
    kfrom t
    her
    ecan'ty
    ou? "sheasks
    pushi
    ngBri
    an.Br
    iangr
    insandjuststandsst
    il
    l.

    "Ishouldhavekil
    ledyouladieswiththosestupi
    d
    men. "hemumbl es."
    Any ways,Thando,don'tworr
    y,
    soonwewi l
    lbeshari
    ngt hesamef eeli
    ngtowards
    yourmanandy ouwillwanttocomewi t
    hmebut
    untilt
    hen,keeponhatingme.Iwi llt
    ellyou
    everythi
    ngduri
    ngourdi nnerdateat20:00."say
    s
    Brian.

    "
    Befor
    eyoul
    eave.
    ..
    "saysRose."
    woul
    dyoumi
    ndj
    ust
    t
    ell
    i
    nguswhatmybrotherdi
    dtoyou?
    "

    "
    Andy
    ouar
    e?"asksBr
    ian.

    "
    Am Nkosi
    '
    ssi
    ster
    ."sher
    epl
    i
    es.
    "Ooohsoyouaret
    hesi
    ster
    .Youar
    epr
    ett
    iert
    hanI
    expect
    edhey.
    "say
    sBri
    an.

    "i
    fitwasn'
    tfort
    hewheel
    chai
    r,Iwoul
    dhav
    ewi
    fedher
    up."say
    sthetal
    lone.

    "
    Iny
    ourdr
    eamsf
    ri
    ckl
    eface.
    "repl
    i
    esRose.

    "
    Tur
    nsoutt
    heyar
    eal
    lfei
    sty
    ."say
    sthet
    all
    one.

    "Okaysoanyway
    s,y
    ourbr
    other
    ,ki
    l
    ledmyf
    ather
    ."
    saysBri
    an.

    "Year i
    ght
    ..
    .Yourfat
    herdi
    edf r
    om ahear
    tatt
    ack
    Brian.I
    fyouhadbeentherewhenhedied,y
    ouwoul
    d
    hav eknown."say
    sNolusarcasti
    cal
    l
    y.

    "
    That
    'swhathi
    ski
    l
    ler
    swant
    edhi
    sfami
    l
    ytoknowbut
    myf at herdi
    dn'tdi
    ef r
    om aheartatt
    ackthesameway
    yourf atherdidn'
    tdiefr
    om depressi
    on.Youguys
    woul dhav eknownt hatifyouhaddonemor e
    resear chony ourfat
    her'
    sdeathbutIguessastupi
    d
    fatherwi l
    lalwaysgivebirt
    htostupidchi
    ldr
    en.
    "say
    s
    Brian.

    "Don'
    ty oudarespeakil
    lofmyfathery
    ouf ucki
    ng
    cunt!
    !"Ishoutchargi
    ngforhi
    m butTshidi
    holdsme
    back.

    "Sl
    owdownf ut
    urewif
    ey.Youcan'tbedi
    srespect
    ing
    yourfutur
    emanwhoi sgoingtogiveyousome
    sexualheali
    nginthef
    utur
    e."say
    sBr i
    aninalowtone.

    "Ispitonthatungraceful
    ,i
    nfamyday !Ispi
    tonit
    i
    ncl udingyou,y
    oul i
    tt
    lebast
    ard!
    "ibellowastears
    threatentoleavemyey esbutIdon'tall
    owthem t
    o.
    Briansmi r
    ksatmeashet urnstothedoorwithhis2
    fri
    ends.
    "Iwi
    l
    l bebacklat
    ert
    ot akeyoutoourdi
    nnerdat
    e.
    Byefornow."hesay
    sl eavi
    ng.Hecl
    osesthedoor
    behi
    ndhim andtheroom becomesdeadsil
    ent.

    "Wereal
    lyneedt
    oleav
    ethi
    spl
    aceasi
    nnow.
    "say
    s
    Tshi
    di.

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

    BRI
    AN'
    SPOV

    "
    Andthen,
    whydidnty
    outel
    lher
    ?"asksJay
    denashe
    t
    akesaseatont
    hechair
    .

    "Because,i
    fItel
    lherwhi l
    ehersist
    ersaretherewit
    h
    her,theywi
    llt
    ryandper suadeherintonotbeli
    evi
    ng
    me.Thandoi sveryeasyt omanipulat
    ewhenshei s
    alone,shej
    usthidesthatv ul
    ner
    ableside.
    "Irepl
    yhim
    t
    aki
    ngmyci
    garf
    rom t
    het
    abl
    eandl
    i
    ght
    ingi
    t.

    "
    Ooohthatmakesmoresensebutdoyout
    hinkshe
    wi
    ll
    sayyestohavi
    ngdinnerwi
    thyou?
    "

    "Shewi
    llonceIpointagunathersist
    eri
    nlawsi
    nce
    sheist
    heonlyhelplessone.
    "Isay
    .

    "
    Whynothersist
    ers,thatwi
    ll
    total
    lymakehersay
    y
    esbecauseshemi ghtnotbethatcl
    osetothesi
    ster
    i
    nlaw.
    "

    "Onethingy oumustknowi sthose3sist


    ersarenot
    ashelplessast heyseem.IfIpoi
    ntagunatoneof
    them t
    hent heywi l
    lal
    latt
    ackmeandi fIshootanyof
    them,theirbrot
    herswill
    huntmedownandThando
    will
    hatemeev enmor e.
    "Irepl
    y.

    "
    andi
    ftheychar
    gef
    ory
    ouaf
    terpoi
    nti
    ngatt
    hesi
    ster
    i
    nlaw?
    "

    "ThenIwil
    ljustshoother
    .It
    'snotli
    keIcar
    eabout
    heranyways,sheismyenemy 'sfamil
    y.
    "Isayt
    o
    Jayden.

    "
    Thebrother
    swil
    lst
    il
    lhuntyoudownanywayssi
    nce
    y
    oukidnappedt
    hesist
    ersthough.
    "emphi
    sesBar
    ca.

    "
    YesbutIwil
    llett
    heirsi
    stersgotomorr
    owthen
    l
    eavewi
    thThandowhowi ll
    total
    l
    yagreetol
    eav
    ing
    wi
    thme."Isayshruggi
    ng.

    "
    Okayt
    hen.
    "say
    sBar
    ca.

    "Br
    o,Iwantthatot
    hersi
    steroft
    hei
    rs.
    "say
    sJay
    den
    shaki
    nghishead.
    "
    whi
    chone?
    "asksBar
    ca.

    "
    Theonewhot ol
    dmeleav
    eherhandorelseIwi
    l
    l
    f
    indmysel
    fdanci
    ngi
    nhell
    ."say
    sJayden.

    "
    Hernamei
    sNol
    umydearbr
    other
    ."Isayt
    oJay
    den.

    "Yesher.Shei
    sabe-
    au-
    tyandIwanther
    ..
    ..
    "he
    conti
    nues.

    "
    Andyouwon'tgethershame,Nol
    urej
    ect
    sev
    eryguy
    t
    hatcomesherway."Isayl
    aughi
    ng.

    "
    Am prett
    ysureshewon'
    tandi
    fshedoesthenIwi
    l
    l
    j
    usthavetofor
    ceful
    l
    ymakehermine"hesays.

    "t
    henyoucallmeapsychoforwant
    ingtomake
    Thandomine"Isar
    cast
    ical
    l
    ysaypul
    lingt
    hebeaut
    if
    ul
    tast
    ysmokefr
    om theci
    gar.Wesi
    tanddiscusswork
    unti
    l2menwhoseshadowscanevenscareyour
    ancest
    orswal
    kint
    otheroom,f
    oll
    owedby2guar ds
    i
    nblack.

    Weall
    standupf
    rom ourseat
    ssmili
    ngaswe
    wel
    comethe2devi
    l
    'sinthefl
    esh.

    "Hol
    amisqueri
    dosamigos(
    hel
    lomydearf
    ri
    ends)
    ,"
    saysMussal
    i
    netuggi
    ngmei nt
    oahug.

    "
    It
    'sbeenl
    ongman,
    howar
    eyou?
    "Iaskl
    ett
    inggoof
    t
    hehug.

    "Wehavebeengoodexcl udingthefactthatwewer e
    call
    edhereunexpect
    edly.
    "saysOt ari
    kwhoi sthe
    seri
    ousone.Mussali
    neismor eoft hefr
    iendlyone
    whileOtari
    k,notsof
    ri
    endly.Howev er
    ,Mussal i
    nei
    s
    thedeadlyoneoutofthe2.2y ear
    sagowhenhe
    foundoutthathiswi
    fewashav inganaffair,
    he
    madehereatthemanshewassleepi
    ngwi thwit
    hout
    herknowi
    ngbutaft
    ershewasdone,hetoldherand
    thenhehadal
    sopoisonedt
    hemeatwithflesh
    eati
    ngbact
    eri
    awhichslowl
    yfedonherfor3days.

    "Am real
    l
    ysorr
    yOt ar
    ik.I
    t'
    sjustt
    hatourf
    ri
    endBri
    an
    neededourhel
    p."saysJaydenshaki
    ngOtari
    k'
    shand.

    "
    Andwhathel
    pist
    his?
    "asksMussal
    i
    nesi
    tt
    ingnext
    t
    omychair
    .

    "
    Well see,Iam tr
    yingtoki
    llt
    hemanthatkil
    l
    edmy
    f
    atherandIal sowantt ot
    akemywifewithmeto
    Mexico."Isayinhali
    ngtheci
    garsmoke.

    "Okaythat
    'st
    hereasonwhyyouareher
    ebutwhat
    helpcanweoffersi
    nceyoucal
    ledusher
    e?"asks
    Otari
    k.
    "WellIf
    ear
    edthatt
    heguymightgiv
    emet roubl
    eso
    Jaydenoptedt
    hatwecal
    lyouhere.
    "Isay
    .

    "
    OkaybutIhopey
    ouar
    en'
    twast
    ingourt
    ime.
    "say
    s
    Otar
    ik.

    "Icoul
    dnever
    .Youknowmemydearf
    ri
    ends,
    Ican
    neverwast
    eyourti
    me."Isay
    .

    "
    Okay
    .Sowhat
    '
    sthepl
    an.
    "

    "Well
    IhavemanagedtokidnapthewomanIwant
    andIwanttotur
    nheragainstt
    hemant hatshei
    s
    wit
    hwhohappenstobet hemant hatki
    l
    ledmy
    fat
    her.
    "Isay
    .

    "
    Okayandwher
    eisshe?
    "
    "I
    nthatr
    oom."Isaypoi
    nti
    ngatt
    hedooront
    hel
    eft
    al
    ongthepassage.

    "
    Wait
    ,isi
    tthewomanwhoislooki
    ngoutt
    hewi
    ndow,
    wi
    thbrai
    dsti
    edi
    nabun?"asksOtar
    ik.

    "Exactl
    ythatone.
    "say
    sJay
    dent
    aki
    ngasi
    pofhi
    s
    drink.

    "Wow,Iactual
    lyt
    houghtshewassomegirlwewer
    e
    goingtohavesomefunwi t
    htoni
    ght
    .Sheis
    beauti
    ful
    ."say
    sMussali
    nenoddinghi
    shead.

    "Wellsheisn'
    t,shei
    smysoont obewifeandIwould
    real
    l
    yappr eciat
    eiti
    fyoukepty
    oureyesoffher
    ."I
    saytoOt ari
    kandMussali
    ne.

    "Wewil
    ltr
    yourbest."saysMussal
    i
    negr
    inni
    ng.He
    bet
    tert
    ryhisbestorelse.
    "
    Sowhoi
    sthi
    smanwear
    ehunt
    ingdown?
    "

    "Hi
    snamei sNkosi Nxumalo,oneofthebest
    busi
    nessmenher einSouthAfr
    icaandfearedbyt
    he
    Gautengunderworld.
    "Isay.Il
    ookatOtari
    kwho
    seemsdeepint houghtthenhesays"Youmean
    Nkosinat
    hiNxumal o?"

    "
    Yeshi
    m,y
    ouknowhi
    m?"Iask.

    "Ihappentobeoneofhiscl
    ientsbuthedoesn't
    knowi t
    ,Ibuyhi
    sdrugsandhehast hebestdrugs
    aroundasis.Youwil
    lhavet
    ol ethi
    m be.Youcan
    takethegir
    lbutyoucan'
    tki
    l
    l hi
    m."saysOtar
    ik.

    "ComeonOtar
    ik.Iwi
    l
    l f
    indyouev
    enbet
    terdr
    ugs.I
    havet
    okil
    lhi
    m asreve.
    ...
    ."
    "Bri
    an!Idon'tcar eabouthi m kil
    li
    ngyourfather!I
    f
    youkillhimt heny ouar eal
    sodeadandsoi st hat
    bit
    chy ouwantt omar r
    ybecausey ouwoul dhav e
    kil
    l
    edmymoneyandy ouknowhowIam wheni t
    comest omymoney !Thatman' sdrugshav ebeen
    bri
    nginga89%pr of i
    ttomybusi nessandifhedi es,
    I
    wil
    lloset hatprofit!I
    fIloseitjustknowthaty ouare
    dead!!
    "
    Otar
    iklooksatme,wait
    ingf
    ormyresponseandas
    am aboutto,
    Jaydentel
    lsmetokeepquietandl
    i
    sten
    toOtar
    ik.

    "
    Fine!
    "Isay
    ,cl
    enchi
    ngmyt
    eet
    h.

    "Good!
    "saysOtar
    ik.Wesi
    tinsil
    encewhi
    l
    edri
    nki
    ng
    andsmokingunti
    loneofmymencomest omeand
    tel
    lsmethatdi
    nnerisr
    eady.Ipl
    acemyempt
    ycup
    onthetabl
    eandleavemycigar.

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lbegoi
    ngt
    omydi
    nnerdat
    ewi
    thmyf
    utur
    ewi
    fe
    now,
    "Isay
    ,fi
    xi
    ngmycoat
    .

    "Oohokay,
    wewi
    l
    lbei
    nher
    eify
    ouneedus.
    "say
    s
    Jayden.

    "Orwecoul
    dgohav
    efunwi
    thherf
    ri
    ends.
    "say
    s
    Barca.

    "
    ShehasFr
    iends?
    !"j
    umpsMussal
    i
    ne.

    "Youbett
    erleav
    et hem al
    oneyouli
    tt
    lethi
    rst
    y
    bastar
    ds.Theyaren'twhor
    es.
    "Isayrushi
    ngoutof
    theroom.

    "Wewi l
    lseeaboutthat
    ."shoutsBarcaandt
    heyal
    l
    bursti
    ntolaught
    er.Iwalktotheroom t
    hatt
    hegir
    ls
    areinandIopenit.
    If
    indThandost
    il
    lst
    andongwhereshewaswhenwe
    l
    astcameinher
    e,NoluandTshi
    disi
    tt
    ingont
    hebed
    andNkosi '
    ssisterjustgazingatt hewal l.Theyal l
    turntol ookatmeandi flashmysmi l
    eatt hem.I
    honest l
    ydidn'twantt odot hisbutIjustcoul dn'
    t
    standt hefactthatmyf ather '
    skil
    lerisina
    rel
    ationshipwi t
    ht hewomanofmydr eams.The
    samewayIdi dn'twantt oki dnapthem ist hesame
    wayIdi dn'twantt orapeThandobackt hen.Myl ust
    forherov erpower edmeandIj ustcouldn'thold
    my self
    .Idor egretev errapingherandIr eall
    ywant
    hertof orgi
    veme.Ipr ayt hatNkosi '
    ssecr etcreatesa
    ri
    ftbetweent hem andmakeshercomet ome.I fnot,
    thenIdontcar eaboutOt ar i
    k'sstupidthreat.Iwillki
    ll
    Nkosi .

    "
    Whatdoy
    ouwant
    ?"asksTshi
    di.

    "Ihavecomet otakemyf uturewifef


    oradate."Isay
    walkingin.Thandostar
    tslaughingwhil
    elooki
    ngat
    thewi ndowwithherarmscr ossedandsays"Ifeel
    sorryforthatf
    utur
    ewi f
    ebecauseshei smar r
    yinga
    monst er.
    "
    "
    Ouch!Thathurt
    s."Isaypr
    etendingasi
    fam hur
    t.
    "
    comeonnow, y
    oucan'tbefeeli
    ngsorr
    yfor
    y
    oursel
    f?"Icont
    inue.

    "
    Iwil
    lnev
    erbeyourwi
    fe.Never
    !"say
    sThando
    t
    urni
    ngherwhol
    ebodyaround.

    "Wewi l
    lj
    usthav
    et oseeaboutt
    hatbutf
    ornow,
    pleasedoeatwit
    hme. "

    "
    Not
    hanks.Am nothungr
    y"sher
    epl
    i
    es.

    "I
    fyoudon'
    tthenyourli
    ttl
    ecri
    ppl
    edsist
    erinlawwil
    l
    havetodi
    e."Isayt
    akingoutmyglock.Theyalll
    ook
    atmewithwideopeney esandThandojustgiv
    esme
    adeathst
    are.

    "
    Fine,
    Iwi
    l
    lhav
    edi
    nnerwi
    thy
    oubutar
    emysi
    ster
    s
    alsogetti
    ngfood?"sher
    epli
    es.Ismi
    leatherand
    repl
    y"theysurel
    yaregoi
    ngto."Iwal
    ktowardsher
    andtakeherhandi nt
    omine.
    Atfir
    stshet r
    iestoresi
    stbutsheendsuplet
    ti
    ngme
    holdit.Icanevenfeelt
    hedar kener
    gyshehas
    towardsmebutIhopet hatIcanchangei
    tbecauseI
    l
    ov ethiswoman, GodknowsIdo.

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    Ifi
    xmy self
    , hi
    dingmyf aceandwhent heyfi
    nall
    y
    walkin, myhear tskipsabeat.MyThandoisright
    ther
    ehol di
    nghandswi t
    hhim butIcoul
    dseeitwas
    unwil
    lingly.Brianpullsachai
    routforherbutThando
    getsher selfanotherchair
    .That
    'smywomanr i
    ght
    ther
    e.

    "
    Guardpleasetel
    lthem t
    obringt
    hefood,
    "saysBr
    ian,
    i
    ndi
    cati
    ngf ormetoleave.Il
    ookdownandleavet
    he
    r
    oom.Thisi smychancetofindt
    heother
    s'r
    oom.
    Soqui ckr ecap..
    ....WhenIwaspi ckedupathome,
    mymenandIdr ov eher e,theplacet hatSbut oldme
    tocomet o.Wesati nthecarf ornear l
    y4hour s
    tryingt ocomeupwi thapl anandwecameupwi t
    h
    somet hingbr il
    li
    ant ,thankst oBr endon.Oneoft he
    Mexi canbr othershadhi r
    ed2newguar dsandt he
    guar dswer etost ar ttodaysoIt ookt hatasmy
    chancet ohel pmyl adiesgetoutoft hisplace.When
    theguar dsar ri
    ved, oneofmymenpr etendedt obe
    Brian' smenandweheav ilysedat edthem.I sr
    aeland
    Ithenwor ethesedat edmen' suni form and
    pret endedt obet henewguy sbutIhadt owear
    glassesandadu- r agsot hatIdon' tgetr ecognized.
    Whent heot herguar dswer eeating,Idr uggedt heir
    foodandt hat'swhenmymencamei nt ocov erup
    fort hedr uggedones.Sot hi
    splacei sbasi cal
    lynow
    fi
    lledwi t
    hmymen.Ther ear eprobabl y8guar dst hat
    areonBr i
    an'ssidewhi l
    stmymenar epr obabl y10or
    11.Who' scl evernowBr ian...
    Sbust
    ayedinthecarasourl
    ookoutwhil
    eBrendon
    andSi
    hleworkwit
    hthecamerasi
    nthispl
    ace.Khaya
    andZiphowil
    ljustbeonthereachoutifany
    thing
    happenswheretheywill
    callt
    heMexicanbrother
    sor
    theJonesj
    usttodistr
    uctthem.
    Iwalktot heki
    tchenandt ellthemai dstogoser ve
    thefoodt oBri
    anandThando.Bef oretheyleave,I
    putapi l
    li
    nBr i
    an'sj
    uicewhi chi sinhisowngl ass
    thenItellthemaidstogi v
    ehi mt hatjui
    ceandnon
    otherbecausehel i
    kest heglasst hatit
    'si
    n.Ialso
    askthem t ogi
    vemet heotherwomen' sfood.After
    am givent hef
    ood,Ifindahi dingplaceandcal lout
    toBrendont hr
    ought heearpiece.

    "
    Hav
    eyouf
    oundt
    her
    oom?
    "Iaski
    nawhi
    sper
    .

    "
    Yesboss,
    it'
    sthe4t
    hdooront
    hel
    eftsi
    de.
    "hesay
    s.

    "
    okayt
    hanky
    ou.
    "Ir
    epl
    y.

    "
    Nkosi
    becar
    eful
    .
    "IhearSi
    hlesay
    .
    "
    Chi
    llman,Ihav edonethi
    sami l
    li
    ont i
    mes.Am used
    t
    osuch.
    "Isay .Iendtheconver
    sati
    onandl ookfor
    t
    heroom whichIfindbuti
    slocked.Todayjusthad
    t
    obethedayIdon' thaveasharpobjectonme!
    IcallouttoI
    srael
    andhecomest omyr escue.He
    unlocksthedoorusinganeedlehef ound
    somewher einthi
    shouseandi enterther oom.I
    cl
    oset hedoorbehindmewhi l
    eIsraellooksoutfor
    me.

    "canyoul
    eav
    eusal
    one.
    "say
    sTshi
    dil
    ooki
    ngatt
    he
    ceil
    i
    ng.

    "
    Iwoul
    dbutIcamet orescuey
    ou."Isaypl
    aci
    ngthe
    f
    oodonthebed.Theyalll
    ookupandsmi l
    esj
    ust
    t
    rav
    elonthei
    rli
    ps.

    "
    Nko!
    !"
    "
    Shhhhhh.Don'
    tshoutoutmyname.
    "Isaycov
    eri
    ng
    Nol
    u'
    smout h.

    "
    Youcame!
    "say
    sRose.

    "YesIcamebutl et'
    stal
    klater.Heret akethese."I
    saytakingoutgunsandgi vingthem t oNoluand
    Tshidi
    .Sihletol
    dmet osincet heyknowhowt ouse
    them.Theyt akethegunsf r
    om meandIt ellthem to
    hidetheguns.Ialsogiv
    et hem earpieceswhi chthey
    will
    beusi ngtocommuni catewi t
    huswhenIl eave.

    "Eatandwheny ouaredone,justwaitforour
    i
    nstructions.Wewill
    tellyouwhent oleaveokay?"I
    saytot hem.Theyallnodandt henIleavether
    oom.
    Onej obdone, onemoret ogo;savingThandobefore
    thatfool r
    uinsmyrel
    ationshi
    pwi thher.

    Iqui
    ckl
    yheadbacktothedini
    ngroom t
    hatThando
    andBri
    anareandThandoisn'
    teati
    nganyt
    hingatal
    l.
    Sheisj
    ustgazi
    ngatBr
    ianwhoiseat
    inghi
    sfood
    whil
    etr
    yingt
    oconver
    satewi
    thThando.

    "
    Didyouputt
    hepi
    l
    linhi
    sfood?
    "asksSi
    hlet
    hrough
    t
    heearpi
    ece.

    "
    YesIdi
    d."Iwhi
    sperback.

    "Okay,i
    twilltake10mi nutesf ori
    ttoworksojust
    waitandwheni tdoes,i
    nstructsomeofy ourment o
    getoutwi t
    hhi m andputhimi nSbu'scar."say
    sSihl
    e.
    "Whent hegetoutoft here,theywil
    lusetheother
    vehicl
    ewhi chisonitsway ."saysBrendon.

    "
    Okay
    ."Isay
    .

    "
    Didy
    ousayany
    thi
    ng?
    "asksBr
    ianl
    ooki
    ngatme.
    "
    Oohnosir,Iwastalki
    ngt
    otheot
    herguar
    dst
    hrough
    myear
    piece."Isay
    .

    "Sor
    rybutdoIknowyou?"asksBrai
    n."
    Ihav
    enev
    er
    seenyoubefor
    e?"hecont
    inues.

    "Umm nosir.
    "Isaychoki
    ngmyv oi
    cesothatBr
    ian
    doesn'
    trecogni
    zeit
    ."am t
    henewguard,
    hir
    edbyMr
    Otar
    ik.
    "Iconti
    nue.

    "Oohokay ."hesay s.HeturnsbacktoThandoand


    says"Sor ememberIsai dIwant edtotel
    lyou
    somethingi nt
    eresting?
    "hesay s.Oooohshit
    .Okay
    thi
    sdrughast owor kfastorel
    sehewi ll
    tel
    lThando
    every
    thing.Andi fIshoothim,thatwil
    lget
    every
    one'sat t
    entionsincetherearesomeofhis
    menst andingatt hedoor.

    "LookBr
    ain,not
    hingcaneverout
    wei
    ghwhatyoudi
    d
    tomesojustsaveit
    ."say
    sThandobutBr
    ian
    chuckl
    es.

    "Butt
    hiswill
    ,especi
    all
    ysinceit
    'saboutyourdad.
    "
    ThandolooksatBr i
    anandf ol
    dsherarmswhi l
    ethey
    areonthetable.Shepushesawayt hefoodandsays
    "oohreal
    ly
    ,whataboutmyf at
    her?"

    "Welll
    etmest artbysaying,y ourfatherabsolut
    ely
    didn'
    tdiefrom depr
    essionandIknowt hatdeep
    down, youalsoknowit.
    "say sBr ain.Okaywheni s
    thisdruggoingtostar
    twor king.If eelmy sel
    f
    sweatingandmyhear tbeat ingfastf r
    om
    nervousness.Oohlordsav emet hisonet ime,I
    promiseIwi l
    lgotochurchi fy ousav eme.

    "
    andhowdoy
    ouknowt
    hat
    ?"

    "
    BecauseIknowpeoplewhoknowexact
    lyhowy
    our
    f
    atherdi
    ed.
    "hesays.
    "
    Am l
    i
    steni
    ng,
    "say
    sThando.

    "Goodtoknowt hatyouar
    einterest
    edi
    nknowing
    howy ourfatherdied.
    "say
    sBr ai
    n.Hepusheshi
    s
    plat
    eawayf rom him andasheisabouttosay
    something,hecloseshiseyes.

    "Am wait
    ing,
    "saysThandobutBri
    anj
    ustkeepsquiet
    .
    "Bri
    an,
    Idon'thav
    et i
    mef ory
    ourgames.Justt
    alk
    alr
    eady!
    "shesays.

    "Ummm y es,
    sorr
    yam justgett
    ingareal
    l
    y..
    ..t
    err
    ibl
    e
    head.
    ..
    ..
    headache."say
    sBrian.Yessssi
    t'
    sworki
    ng.I
    rusht
    ohim andsay
    "Bossar
    ey ouokay
    ?"Bri
    anshakeshi
    sheadnoand
    Thandojustst
    andsupwhil
    ecursi
    ngunderher
    breat
    he.

    "
    Madam,wherear
    eyougoing?
    "IaskThandobut
    t
    hist
    ime,
    wit
    hmyv oi
    ce.It
    akeoffmyglasseswhi
    l
    e
    l
    ookingatherandshesmil
    es.Isi
    gnal
    forhernott
    o
    sayanyt
    hingandshel
    ist
    ens.

    "
    Umm t
    akemei
    nsi
    de.
    "say
    sBr
    iani
    nal
    owv
    oice.

    "
    Isr
    ael
    ?"Ical
    lonmyear
    piece.

    "
    Yesboss,
    "

    "
    Comegethi
    m."Isay
    .

    "
    Brendoni
    sthebackdooropen?
    "

    "Yesiti
    sbutsomeonemustt
    akeoutthe2men
    standi
    ngatthedoor
    ."say
    sBr
    endon.

    "
    Iwi
    l
    l.
    "say
    sSbu.
    "
    Don'
    tfor
    gett
    ouset
    hesi
    l
    encer
    ."say
    sSi
    hle.

    "
    Done!
    "repl
    i
    esSbu.

    "
    Andt
    hel
    adi
    es'
    door
    ?Isi
    tcl
    earor
    ?"asksSbu.

    "Notyet.Wewill
    tel
    lyoubutt
    akeBr
    ianoutoft
    her
    e
    now."saysSi
    hle.

    IsmackBr i
    anaf ewt i
    mest oseeifhei ssti
    l
    l awake
    andhei sknockedout .Good.I
    sraelrushesintothe
    room with3guysf oll
    owinghim,theytakeBr i
    anwith
    them anddisapear.ItakeThando'shandanddr ag
    heroutofthediningroom.

    "Ladi
    es?"Isayt
    ryi
    ngt
    ogetNol
    u,Tshi
    diandRose'
    s
    att
    ent
    ion.
    "
    Yes?
    "say
    sNol
    u.

    "Am comi
    ngnowsoj
    ustgetr
    eadyt
    osneakout
    ."I
    saytoNol
    u.

    "okaybutRosehastobecarri
    ed,shecan'
    tbe
    pushedoutofherei
    nt hewheelchai
    rfori
    twi
    llgetus
    caught.
    "saysTshi
    di.

    "Okayam comi ngtocar r


    yherjustgetreadytosneak
    out."Irepl
    y.LucklyIbumpi ntonooneonmywayt o
    theirroom exceptmymenandonceIgett here,I
    opent hedoorandsi gnal f
    orthem togetoutand
    foll
    owoneofmymenwhoi sstandi
    ngbehi ndme.I
    carryRoseonmybackandIcanf eelherbabybump
    starttodevelop.Sher eal
    lyispregnantwithSipho'
    s
    chil
    d.Aswel eave,Ihearsomeone' sfootstepsandI
    quicklygiv
    eoneofmymenRose.
    "
    Brendonwi
    l
    ltel
    lyouwhi
    chcart
    ouset
    hrought
    he
    ear
    piecebutj
    ustmakesur
    etheydon'
    tgeti
    ntoSbu'
    s
    car
    ."Isayt
    otheguywhorushesoutaf
    ter
    wards.

    "
    Someonei
    scomi
    ngy
    ourwayNkosi
    ."say
    sBr
    endon.

    "
    Ali
    tt
    let
    ool
    atef
    ory
    out
    otel
    lmenow.
    "Ir
    epl
    yhi
    m.

    Iputmyglassesbackonandt henJay
    dencomes
    facet
    ofacewi t
    hme.Atfir
    sthenodsatmewhi l
    e
    walki
    ngpastmet henhestopsandcomesback.He
    l
    ooksatmet hensays,

    "
    DoIknowy
    ou?
    "If
    ixmygl
    assesandt
    henchokemy
    v
    oice.

    "
    Umm nosi r
    .Am newher
    easoneoft
    heguy
    sthat
    Otar
    ikhi
    red.
    "Isay
    .
    "okay.
    "say
    sJay
    den.Asam aboutt
    owal
    kawayhe
    stopsme.

    "
    Whyar
    eyouwear
    inggl
    asses?
    "

    "
    becauseIseebet
    terwhenIhav
    ethem onsi
    r.
    "I
    r
    eply
    .

    "Ooohreal
    ly?
    okayt
    henbutcanyouremov ethem so
    thatIcanseehowyoul
    ook."hecont
    inues.Whatthe
    hell
    !!
    !!

    "
    Iwoul
    drat
    hernotsi
    r.
    "Ir
    epl
    ylooki
    ngaway
    .

    "Am notaski ngyou,am orderi


    ngyou."hecal
    mly
    repl
    ies.Shit!Wellat
    leasttheladi
    esareoutsoI
    guessIcanr iskmyselfgett
    ingcaughtnow.Ir
    each
    formygl assesandasIdo, Ihearagunshortand
    Jaydenscr eams.
    "Comeboss, let'
    sgo!"shoutsoneofmymenwho
    shotJay den.Irunaf t
    erhim andt hent hereare
    gunshot sbehindme.Ir unasf astasIcan, goingt o
    thebackdoorandwemanaget ogetoutbutsome
    menf ollowusout si
    de.Werushi ntothewoodsand
    i
    nt oabl uecarwehav ebeent oldtogeti tbyBr endon.
    Theper sondr iv
    ingspeedsoutoft hewoodsand
    ont othemai nroadbutgunshot sdon'tstop
    followingus.It akeoutmygunandsodomymen,
    weopenourwi ndowsandst artshootingatthecar s
    behi ndus.Asweshoot ,pol
    icecar sstarttoringt hei
    r
    sirensandt hecarwhi chwasf oll
    owingus
    disappear sintot hewoodswhi lewegetchasedby
    thepol ice,f
    uck! .

    "pul
    lover
    ,"Isaytomymanbuthelooksatmei
    n
    shockont herar
    emir
    ror
    ."St
    op!
    "Isayagai
    nandhe
    does.

    Assoonaswepar
    kourcar
    ,2pol
    i
    cecar
    spar
    kwi
    th
    usandtheyr
    ushoutoft
    heircar
    ssayingweshoul
    d
    dr
    optheweaponsandgetoutofthecar.

    "
    Bossweshoul
    dhav
    ejust
    ..
    ..
    .""
    ..

    "Nonoit'
    sfine.Let'sjustfol
    l
    owtheirinstr
    uct
    ions
    becauseifwehadr unof f
    ,wewer egoingtobeon
    thewantedlistandt heyweregoingtocalleven
    moreoffi
    cersf orbackupandt hatwasgoi ngtolead
    tousgoingpubl i
    c."Isay.

    Istepoutofthecarandonepol
    i
    ceof
    fi
    cerchar
    ges
    forme,makingmef al
    l.

    "
    Okayt
    her
    ewasr
    eal
    l
    ynoneedf
    ort
    hat
    ."Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "Keepquiet
    !"hebel
    lows."
    Youareunderarrestf
    or
    thecar
    elessuseofaf i
    rear
    m!Anythi
    ngy ousayor
    dowill
    behel dagai
    nstyouint
    hecourt
    ."he
    cont
    inues.

    "Yeasure.
    "Isay.I
    t'sreal
    lynousearrest
    ingme
    becauseam goingt ogetoutany
    way s.All
    mymen
    l
    ayont hegroundandgethandcuf f
    edandt henwe
    areall
    putinapolicecar.

    Well
    atl
    eastmywi
    fei
    ssaf
    eatt
    hesaf
    ehouse
    now.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er31

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    *
    ATPOLI
    CESTATI
    ON*
    "
    Sirpl
    easetakeoffyourgl
    asses.
    "say
    soneoft
    he
    malepol
    iceoff
    icer
    s.
    "
    Not
    hanky
    ou.
    "Ir
    epl
    y.

    "
    Excuseme?
    "

    "Isaidnothankyou."Irepl
    y.Helooksatmeand
    thensays"Youdor eali
    zethatIcantaket
    hose
    glassesoffri
    ght
    ?ineedt otakeamugshotsotake
    thoseglassesof
    f!"hedemands.

    "
    andIsai
    dnot
    hanky
    ou.
    "Isaycal
    mly
    .

    "Okaythat
    'si
    t,of
    fi
    cer
    !Takeoffhi
    sglasses.
    "hesays
    tooneofthepoli
    ceguys.Ashetakesoffmyglasses
    Iclosemyeyes.

    "Youhavegottobekiddi
    ngme!MrNxumalocany
    ou
    pleaseopenyourey
    es!!
    "shout
    stheof
    fi
    cer
    .
    "
    Not
    hanky
    ou.Yourl
    i
    ghtwi
    l
    lbl
    i
    ndme.
    "Isay
    .

    "What
    !What!!Whatiswrongwithyou!
    !Okayyou
    knowwhat
    , bri
    ngmet hetaser
    ."hesays.Afew
    minut
    esl
    ater,Ifeel
    asharppaintr
    avelall
    overmy
    body.

    "
    Arey
    our
    eadyt
    oopent
    hem now?
    !"

    "
    Nop!"Isaycl
    enchi
    ngmyt
    eeth.Hecont
    inuest
    o
    t
    easemeunt i
    lIf
    all
    tot
    hegr
    oundbutsomeonepicks
    meup.

    "
    Justopeny
    ourey
    esy
    oubast
    ard!
    "heshout
    s.

    "Youknow,Icanpresschar
    gesagai
    nsty
    ouf
    or
    harassi
    ngme."Isay.
    "AndIwil
    lpr
    esschargesagai
    nsty
    ouf
    ornon
    compli
    ance.
    "hesays.

    "Youknow, i
    t'
    snousef oryout oclosey ourey esMr
    Nxumalo.Iknowy oureyesarebl ue."hesay s."Iwas
    atyourhouset odayafterwer eceivedreportsf r
    om
    yourneighboursaboutgunshot s.Isawpi cturesof
    youandt obehonest ,IthoughtIwasn' tgoingt ofi
    nd
    youbecausey oumi ghthav ebeendeadorwoul d
    haveranawaybutt omyl uck,webumpedi ntoy ou
    onourwayt oanot hercasewhi leyouwer e
    carel
    esslyusi
    ngf i
    rearms."hecont inues.

    "Idon'tknowwhaty ouaret al
    ki
    ngabout."Isay,
    tobe
    truthf
    ul,am ki
    ndofmad.I fIopenmyey es,people
    wi l
    lknowmeandi fam unlucky,
    peopl
    emi ght
    connectt hedotswitht
    hebl ueeyedmanf rom
    Lehur ut
    she.
    "
    Youknowexactl
    ywhatam t
    alki
    ngaboutnowopen
    t
    hoseeyes!
    "heshout
    s.

    "
    Iwon'
    t.
    "

    "I
    fyoudon'tthenIwi l
    ldenyyourbail
    .Iwi
    llmake
    surethatyoustayhereforlongandIwill
    callthe
    pressandy ouknowexact lywhyIwouldcall
    the
    press.I
    fthepressfindsoutthatyouaretheblue
    eyedmant heny ourli
    feisoutther
    eandwebot h
    knowy oudon'twantthat."hesaysinmyear.

    "
    Whyam Iget
    ti
    ngt
    hef
    eel
    i
    ngt
    haty
    ouhav
    ebeenon
    t
    ome?"Iask.

    "That
    'sbecauseIhave.IhavebeenonMrJoneswho
    wasy ourf
    atherfor16y ear
    s,16goodfuckingyears
    forhi
    mt ojustdieoutofnowhere.Aft
    erhisdeathI
    fel
    tli
    keIhadnopur poseany morebecause
    Sandton'
    sgreatestdruglor
    dhaddiedbutthenr umor
    hadi tt
    hatoneofhi ssonswascar ryi
    ngont hedrug
    l
    egacysoIdeci dedt ogounder cov
    erasadr uglord
    andoneofy ouridioti
    ccli
    entsfellf
    oritandhespill
    ed
    thebeans.Ihavehadnopr ooftoprovethatyouare
    adr uglor
    dbutIbel i
    evethatthi
    swi l
    lbethestar
    tofit
    all
    ."hesays.Ichuckleathisstoryandrepl
    y,

    "Mrwhatev eryournameis,Ihav
    enoi deawhatyou
    aretalki
    ngaboutbutthankyoufortel
    li
    ngmesuch
    aninterest
    ingstor
    y.Now,canIpleasecontactmy
    l
    awy erbecauseIreal
    lyneedtogetoutofthispl
    ace.
    "

    "Iwi
    llonlyletyoudot hataft
    erItakethemugshot
    nowopeny ourey esorelseIwil
    lcall
    thepressand
    l
    etthem taunty ou."hesays.Isl
    owlyopenmyey es
    andIseet hisbast ar
    dofapol i
    ceoffi
    cerwit
    hasmi l
    e
    onhisface.Hei sami ddl
    eagedmanwi t
    hblacklips,
    l
    ooksl i
    kehesmokesandhei sext
    remelyshort
    .

    "Aaaahtherewego.Wasn'
    tthatdi
    ff
    icul
    t,wasi
    t
    now? "hesays.
    "Justt
    aket
    hepictur
    eplease.
    "Isayt
    ohim.Hepoint
    s
    atsomeonewhoi sst
    andingbehi
    ndacameraanda
    fl
    ashgoeson,
    blindi
    ngmyey es.

    "
    Okay ,youcancontactyourlawy ernow.Haveani
    ce
    l
    i
    fe,"saystheoff
    icer,
    leavi
    ngt her oom.Iam l
    edt
    oa
    t
    elephonewhereIcallmyl awy erandhecomesin
    l
    esst han30minutes..

    "MrNxumal odidyour eall


    yhavet
    ogooutandshoot
    peopleatnight?Ihadt oleav
    emydaughter
    's
    bri
    thdaypartyforthi
    s."saysMrWill
    i
    am.MrWi l
    li
    am
    i
    smyl awyer,
    oneoft hebestlawy
    ersherei
    n
    Sandton.Hehasonl ylost1caseoutof30caseshe
    hastakeninhislif
    etime.

    "
    ButIpayyouforthissostopcompl
    aini
    ng.Justget
    meoutofhereplease.
    "Isaytohi
    m.
    "Yessur
    e,t
    hat'
    swhyam her
    eany
    way
    s.Whoel
    seam
    Ibail
    i
    ngout?"

    "
    7mor
    epeopl
    e."Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "
    Sot
    hatmeansy
    ourbai
    li
    sR30000.
    "hest
    ates.

    "Yest
    heytol
    dme.Justpayi
    tplease.
    "Isayt
    ohim.
    Hestandsup,goest
    otheof
    fi
    cer'
    soffi
    ceandcomes
    backwit
    hhim.

    "
    OfcauseMrMahlangu.Iwi
    ll
    makesur
    eofi
    t.
    "say
    s
    MrWill
    iam t
    het
    heoffi
    cer.

    "Okay,haveagoodni ghtMrWill
    i
    am."say
    sthe
    offi
    cer.Theofficerturnst
    olookatmewitha
    warningey e,
    smi lesandwalksaway.MymenandI
    arereleasedfrom theholdi
    ngcell
    sandwefol
    lowMr
    Will
    iam buthest opsmeatt hedoor.
    "Wher
    earey
    ourglasses?
    "heasks.MrWi
    ll
    iams
    knowsmysi
    tuat
    ionofnotwanti
    ngtobeseenby
    peopl
    e.

    "
    Theyhav
    ethem,
    "Isaypoi
    nti
    ngbehi
    ndme.

    "Wellgogetthem,ther
    eispressoutsideandi
    t
    seemsasi ftheyar
    ehearforyoubecausewhenI
    passedthem, someonesai
    dsomet hingaboutbl
    ue.
    "
    saysMrWi ll
    i
    ams.

    "
    I'
    ll
    justcl
    osemyey
    es.
    "Isay
    .

    "Okay.Let
    'sgo,Icamewit
    hanextr
    acar.
    "hesay s.
    ThemomentMrWi l
    li
    amsopenst
    hedoor,f
    lash
    l
    ightsareevery
    wherebutmymencoverme.
    "
    Sir
    !Si
    r!Wehaveseeny ourmugshotanditseems
    y
    ouhaveblueeyes!Couldyoupossi
    blybet
    heblue
    eyedmanwehav ebeensear
    chingfor
    ?!"asks
    someoneinthecr
    owd.That'
    sfucki
    ngof f
    icer
    !!
    !!He
    tr
    ickedme!
    !

    "Don'
    tfal
    lfort
    hei
    rquest
    ions,j
    ustcl
    osey
    ourey
    es
    andletyourmencovery
    ou."saysMrWil
    li
    ams.

    "
    Am goi
    ngt
    oki
    l
    lthatf
    ool
    ofanof
    fi
    cer
    !"Isay
    .

    "Noyouwon'
    t,
    lethi
    m be.
    "saysMrWi ll
    i
    ams.We
    fi
    nal
    l
    ygettot
    hecarwiththepresssti
    llf
    oll
    owi
    ngus
    andthemomentIgeti
    ntothecar,If
    eelsomerel
    i
    ef.

    "Don'
    topenyoureyesunt
    ilwear
    eoutoft hi
    splace."
    saysMrWilli
    ams.Inodmyheady esandthecar
    star
    tsmoving.Themomentthecarstar
    tsspeeding,
    hetell
    smet oopenmyeyesandIdo.

    "
    Pleaseexpl
    aint
    omehow15bodi
    eswer
    efoundat
    y
    ourhouse.
    "say
    sMrWi
    l
    li
    ams.

    "
    Canwet
    alkaboutt
    hatt
    omor
    row.
    "Isaysoundi
    ng
    t
    ir
    ed.

    "No,l
    et'
    stal
    kaboutitnowbecauset
    her
    eisacase
    thati
    sbeingopenedagai
    nstyouMrNxumal
    o."he
    says.

    "
    Oohcomeon!Acase?
    "

    "
    Yesacasesost
    artt
    alki
    ng.
    "hesay
    s.

    "Somei
    diotcal
    l
    edBri
    anat
    tackedmyhousebecause
    hewant
    edt oki
    dnapmyfi
    ance."

    "
    Yourf
    iance?Why
    ?"
    "
    Becausehewantsherandr
    evengef
    orki
    l
    li
    nghi
    s
    f
    atheryear
    sback.
    "Isay
    .

    "
    Andy
    ourf
    iance?I
    sshest
    il
    li
    nhi
    scust
    ody
    ?"heasks.

    "
    no.Shei
    satt
    hesaf
    ehouse.
    "

    "
    Okaythen,Iwil
    lhav
    etoaskheraf
    ewquesti
    ons.I
    s
    t
    hatwhyy ouhadagunfi
    ghti
    nthemiddl
    eofthe
    r
    oad?"

    "
    Yes.Theywer
    efol
    l
    owi
    ngus.
    "

    "
    Who?
    "

    "
    Myf
    iance'
    ski
    dnapper
    s."Ir
    epl
    y.

    "
    Okay
    .Tomor
    rowmor
    ningam comi
    ngt
    her
    esobe
    upby7:30am forquest
    ioning.Underno
    ci
    rcumstanceswill
    youleav ethathouseMrNxumalo
    becausenowy ouareoutthereandIhav et
    otryand
    cl
    eanupt hemess."heor ders.

    "
    Don'
    ttr
    y,doi
    t.
    "Idemand.

    "I
    t'snotl i
    keIhav eachoi ce."hesay s.Wef irstdr op
    him of fathishouset henwedr i
    v etomysaf ehouse
    whi chi s150km away .Wegett her eat1am andt he
    guar dsopent hegat eforusassoonast heyseeme.
    Mysaf ehousei sl i
    teral
    lyint hemi ddl
    eofnowher e,
    noonecanev erguesst hispl acenomat terwhat .
    Regar dlessofitbei ngint hemi ddleofnowher e,the
    secur i
    tyhereist i
    ght .Ihav ecamer asev ery wher e
    andt hemenwor kingher ear ehi ghlytrained.
    Finger pri
    ntscanner sar eev erywher ejusti ncase
    someonewhosef ingerpr i
    nti sn'trecordedt ri
    est o
    entert hehouseandIal sokeepbul l
    dogsatt heback
    whi char eonlyreleasedwhent her earei ntruder s.
    Tinyt aserswhichar eplantedatt hegat e,por ch,
    doorsandonthecei
    l
    ingsofeverybuil
    dingi
    nt hi
    s
    yar
    dhav et
    hepowertokil
    loneinjust5seconds.
    Therei
    salsoaunder
    groundsaferoom j
    ustincase.

    Themomentt hecarparks,IspotThandorunni
    ngto
    thecar.Sheopenst hedoorandpullsmeoutofit.
    Sheslapsmeast earsf
    allf
    rom hereyesthenshe
    tucksmei nt
    oahug.

    "
    Youscar
    edmey
    ouf
    ucker
    !"shecr
    iesout
    .

    "
    Stopswear
    ingThando.
    "Isayr
    ubbi
    ngherback.

    "
    Ithoughtt
    heyhadki
    ll
    edyou!
    "shesay
    ssnif
    fi
    ng.I
    l
    ookatherasshecri
    esandIsmil
    eather
    .

    "Am her
    emylove,Icanneverleaveyouokay?
    "Isay
    toherandshenodswhil
    ecr y
    ing.Iki
    ssherforehead
    andwalkbacki
    ntothehousewi thherwhil
    emymen
    gototheroomsIbui l
    tfort
    hem.Mysafehouseisn'
    t
    asfancyasmyhousebacki nSandt
    onbutit'
    snot
    si
    mpleeither
    .ItcostmeR700000tobui
    lditandit
    wastotal
    lyworthit
    .
    AssoonasIopent hewhi tepai nteddoorbi genough
    foraf amil
    yofgi raffestoent er, t
    hebl ackandwhi te
    l
    inoleum cream f l
    oorisr evealedasIf aceacr eam
    coat edwallwithpai nt
    ingsofl ionsandel ephant s.I
    turnt ot
    heleftdoor waywhi chl eadst othel i
    ving
    room andt hewhi tewal l
    sar ebr oughtt ov i
    ewaswel l
    ast hefi
    replacewhi chiscov eredbyagl asswal l
    .As
    soonasIent erthelivi
    ngr oom, 4f acest urnt olook
    atme.Tshi di,BrendonandNol ust andup,
    welcomi ngmewhi leSihlest ayssi tt
    edont hecouch
    sinceRosei slayingherheadonhi m, sleepi ng.

    "
    Whywer
    en'
    tyoupi
    cki
    ngupy
    ourphone?
    "asksSi
    hle.

    "Iwasatthepol
    i
    cest
    ati
    on.
    "Isayt
    oSi
    hlewhi
    l
    e
    standi
    ng.
    "
    pol
    i
    cest
    ati
    on?
    "theyal
    lsi
    mul
    taneousl
    ysay
    .

    "Yespolicestati
    onbutcanIpl easegotobed,am
    real
    lyti
    red."Isaytur
    ningtothepassageont helef
    t
    sideofthel i
    vi
    ngroom.Thandof oll
    owsbehi
    ndme,
    l
    eav i
    ngthe4peopl eintheli
    vingr oom mumbli
    ng.
    Ient
    erabluepai
    ntedroom andasIclosethedoor
    ,
    Thandost
    opsitf
    rom closi
    ngandenterstheroom.

    "Am goingtogetashower.Wantt
    ojoi
    n?"Iask
    Thandobutshel ooksatmewitht
    hemostconfused
    faceever.

    "whywerey
    ouatt
    hepol
    i
    cest
    ati
    onNkosi
    ?"asks
    Thando.

    "Babyam real
    lyinnomoodtotal
    kaboutthatri
    ght
    now.Canwepl easej
    ustt
    akeashowerandsleep.
    Wewi l
    ltal
    k..
    ..
    ..
    "
    "
    NoNkosi,Iwantustotal
    know.
    "shesay
    swal
    ki
    ng
    t
    othequeensizedbed.

    "
    ThandoIhadav
    eryl
    ongdayokay
    .SocanIpl
    ease
    j
    ust
    ..
    ..
    "

    "
    Ial
    sohadal
    ongdayNkosi
    ."shesay
    s.

    "Don'tcomparemydaywi thyoursThando, Ihadto


    fi
    ndt hatBrai
    nmanf ormorethan3day sonl ytofi
    nd
    outthat3ofmymenwer eworki
    ngwi t
    hhi m and
    thenallofasudden, youwerekidnappedbyhi m
    thenIhadt osavey ouandIendedupi nahol di
    ng
    cell
    .Doy oustil
    lwantt ocomparemydaywi th
    yours?"Iask,butt
    oningmyshi r
    twhilelooki
    ngat
    Thando.

    "
    Okayf
    ine.Wewi
    l
    ltal
    ktomor
    row.
    "shesay
    s.
    "
    Thanky
    ounowdoy
    ouwantt
    oshowerornot
    ?"

    "Nothanks.Ialr
    eadyshowered."shesay
    sstandi
    ng
    upabouttol eav
    etheroom butIrushtoher,
    pull
    her
    i
    ntomyar msandherbodycr ushesonmine.Il
    ook
    i
    ntoherey esbutshelooksaway ,nosmi
    le,
    no
    nothi
    ng.

    "Ial
    mostlostyoutoday.
    "Isof
    lysayt
    oher,
    hol
    ding
    herchi
    nup."Ithoughthewasgoingt
    orunawaywith
    you.
    "Iconti
    nue.
    Ihonest
    lywasscar
    edt
    hatBr
    ianwasgoi
    ngt
    ell
    about
    thesecr
    et,
    that
    'sal
    l
    .

    "Butam her
    ear
    en'
    tI?
    "shesay
    s,notwant
    ingt
    olook
    atme.

    "
    Thandol
    ookatme.
    "Isayt
    oheri
    nademandi
    ng
    t
    onebutshedoesn'
    t."
    Lookatme.
    "Isayagai
    n.She
    t
    urnsherey
    estomeandIgr i
    n.

    "
    Ilov
    eyou.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .

    "
    Iknow.
    "

    "IknowyouknowbutIwantt ohearyousayitback."
    Isayasmyhandshol dherti
    ghter
    ,pressi
    nghersexy
    bodyagainstmi
    ne.Ihearhergaspforairashereyes
    l
    ightl
    ycl
    ose.

    "
    Andi
    fIdon'
    twantt
    o?"shesay
    s.

    "ThenIwil
    lmakeyousayi
    tbuti
    twil
    lbeinbet
    ween
    moans."Iwhi
    speri
    nhereart
    henIbi
    teherl
    obule.
    Shetri
    estopushmeawaybutmygripiswaytoo
    str
    ong.
    "St
    opact
    ingasify
    oudon'twantme.
    "Iwhi
    spert
    o
    her,
    nowmov i
    ngtoherneck.

    "I
    ..
    .I.
    ..Idon'
    t.
    "shesl
    owlysays.Aft
    ersayi
    ngt
    hat
    ,I
    stopkissi
    ngherneckandletherbodygo.

    "Okaythen.Goodni ght .
    "Isayt oher,grabbingar ob
    hangingont hedoor .Ileav eherstandingwher eshe
    i
    sandgoi ntotheshowerwher eIspendal mosthal f
    anhouri n.Ist
    epout , brushmyt eeth,loti
    onmy sel
    f
    thenwearmyr ob.IfindThandoal readysleepingand
    Ijoinherinbed, putt
    ingmyar msar oundherand
    pulli
    ngherclosert ome.Il ookather,admi ri
    ngher
    beautyandt ry
    ingt othinkofhowmyl ifecouldhave
    turnedoutifBrianhadt oldherany t
    hing.
    Speaki
    ngofBr
    ian.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    Iwil
    lhav
    et ocal
    lSbutomorrowmorningtof
    indout
    aboutBr
    ianbutfornow,am sl
    eepi
    ng.Ihadaver
    y
    l
    onghecticday.
    ..
    ..
    Ifi
    ndmy selfsl
    eepinginbedal
    lalone,cuddl
    ingwith
    apil
    low.Ilookaroundtheroom andthereisnoone.
    Thecurtainsar
    eev enopenedandt hesunisjust
    shi
    ningitssunraysinher
    e.
    Igetoutofbed,headt othebathroom whereIgeta
    showerandafterthat,Ichangeintobl
    uejeanswitha
    reebokmuscleshirtandpumashoes.
    SomeoneshouldbuyThandoandhersist ersclothes
    sincet
    herear
    en'
    tanyclot
    hesforthem her e.Icheck
    thewatchint
    heroom andit
    'sexact
    ly7:30am.I
    makethebedandt henl
    eavetheroom,onl ytof i
    nd
    ThandoandMrWi l
    liamst
    alki
    ngintheli
    v i
    ngr oom.

    "Goodmorning."Isaywalki
    ngintot
    heli
    vi
    ngr
    oom.I
    kissThando'scheekthensitnextt
    oher.

    "
    Goodmor
    ningMrNxumal
    o."r
    epl
    i
    esMrWi
    l
    li
    ams.

    "
    Youar
    eher
    eear
    ly.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.
    "Notreal
    l
    yIj ustgothere5mi nutesago.Iwasjust
    havi
    ngcof f
    eewi thourfutur
    eMr sNxumal o.
    "saysMr
    Will
    i
    ams, maki ngThandoblush."Okaysonowt hat
    youarehere, wecanstartwiththequesti
    oning.
    "he
    conti
    nues,takingoutapenandpaperf r
    om hisbag.

    "SoMissMdletshe,
    Iwouldliketobel
    ievet hatyour
    fi
    ancehastoldyoueveyt
    hing?"hesaysl ookingat
    Thandowhoshakesherheadno.MrWi l
    liamsl ooks
    atmeandIsay" WellIwasgoingtotellherthis
    morningbecauseIwasoverwhelmedl astnight."

    "SureyouwereMrNxumal
    o."say
    sMrWi
    l
    li
    ams
    sarcast
    ical
    l
    y.

    "
    Yourfi
    ancet
    ell
    smet
    hatyouwereki
    dnapped
    y
    ester
    daybysomemancal
    ledBr
    ian,
    isi
    ttrue?
    "

    "
    umm y
    esIwaski
    dnapped.
    "say
    sThando.
    "Okay
    .Werey
    outherewhent
    heshootouthappened
    atMrNxumal
    o'shouse?"

    "YesIwas.Iwaswi
    thmy2si
    ster
    sandRose.
    "say
    s
    Thando.

    "
    Okayt
    hen.Wher
    ear
    eyoursi
    ster
    s?"

    "
    Theyar
    eintehki
    tchenmaki
    ngbreakf
    ast
    .Doy
    ou
    wi
    shtoseethem?
    "asksThando.

    "
    No.Iwasjustaski
    ng."hesaysshakinghi
    shead.
    "
    Noharm camet oyouinanywayright?
    "

    "
    Um no.
    "repl
    i
    esThando.

    "
    Okaysowhat
    'sgoi
    ngtohappenhereis,y
    ou2have
    t
    oappeari
    ncour
    tbuty
    ouMi ssMdletshewil
    lbeMr
    Nxumal
    o'swi
    tness.
    "say
    sMrWil
    li
    ams.Thandol
    ooks
    atMrWil
    li
    ams,wait
    ingf
    orhi
    mtoelabor
    atemor
    ebut
    MrWil
    li
    amspointsatme.

    "Whyam Iappear
    ingi
    ncour
    tasy
    ourwi
    tness?
    "asks
    Thando.
    Il
    ookathersay" Becausesomeonepressedcharges
    againstmef orthebodiesatmyhouse."Isaytoher.
    Shel ooksatmei nreli
    efthensay
    s"Oohokay .
    "Mr
    Will
    i
    amsl ooksatThandoandsay s"
    Wel l
    Ithought
    wewer eabouttohaveawor ldWar3butIguessI
    waswr ong.
    "

    "Well
    ,it
    houghthewasgoingtobeinthecourtf
    or
    somethingel
    sebutsi
    nceitst
    his,
    am coolwit
    hit
    becausehehadnothi
    ngtodowi t
    hit
    ."shesays.

    "
    Somethi
    ngl
    i
    kewhatMi
    ssMdl
    etshe?
    "asksMr
    Wil
    l
    iams.
    "Idon'
    tknow,Ithoughtmaybehehaddone
    somethingseri
    ous."sher
    epli
    es.

    "Wel
    lokaythen.Iwill
    beleavingnowbutIwi llbe
    backl
    atert
    odayandMrNxumal o,pl
    easewat chthe
    newsat8am sot hatyoucanst artcalcul
    ati
    ngt he
    moneyyouwi l
    lbepay i
    ngmef orcleaningupy our
    mess.
    "saysMrWi l
    li
    amsst andingup.
    "Andremember ,
    nol eav
    ingthehouse.
    "hewarns
    agai
    n.Hegr abshisbagfrom t
    hecouchandleaves
    thehouse.Assoonashest epsout,Thandol
    ooksat
    mebutkeepsqui et.

    "
    Andt
    hen?
    "Iaskher
    .

    "Yesterday,
    Brainsai
    dsomet hi
    ngaboutyoursins
    outweighinghisandhesaidsomet hi
    ngaboutyou
    rui
    ningmyf ami l
    y.
    "saysThandowi t
    hint
    errogat
    ive
    eyes."Ihavereall
    ybeentr
    yingtobrushoffhiswords
    butIcan'tsonowIwantt oasky ou,i
    sthere
    somethi
    ngy ouar
    ehidingfrom meandmyf ami
    ly
    ?"
    sheasks.Il
    ookather,shortofwor
    dsbutIdon'
    t
    showit,
    inst
    eadIjuststandupandwalkawaybut
    Thandorunsaft
    ermeandst andsi
    nfr
    ontofme.

    "
    Youhav
    entanswer
    edmyquest
    ionNkosi
    ."shesay
    s.

    "
    BecauseIdon'
    thav
    eto.
    "Ir
    epl
    yher
    .

    "
    andwhyi
    sthat
    ?"

    "
    Becausey
    ouf
    ell
    fort
    hedev
    il
    'swor
    ds.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .

    "
    Inev
    ersai
    dIf
    eel
    fort
    h..
    ..
    "

    "I
    fyoudidn'
    tfal
    lforthem t
    henwhyar ey
    oustandi
    ng
    i
    nf r
    ontofmeaski ngmesuchst upi
    dquest
    ions
    Thando?"Iaskherascalm asIcanbe.
    "
    Iwasj
    ustaski
    ngNkosi
    ,that
    '
    sal
    l
    !"shebel
    l
    ows.

    "Womandon'tyoudareraiseyourvoi
    ceatme.Leav e
    mei npi
    eceplease,
    it'
    salr
    eadyenought hatam goi
    ng
    thr
    oughsomuchal lbecauseofaper sonwhowon't
    l
    etyougo."Isaytoherinalowv oi
    ce.Ili
    ghtl
    ypush
    heroutofmywayandIbumpi ntoSihle.

    "Andthen?What
    'supwi
    thy
    ou2?
    "heasks,
    looki
    ng
    atThandoandI.

    "Not
    hingBudi ,i
    twasj ustast
    upi
    ddisagreement
    ."
    shesays.SihlelooksbackatmeandIj ustl
    ookaway
    andwalktot hekitchenwhereTshi
    diandNoluare
    makingbreakfast.

    "
    Mor
    ning.
    "Isayt
    othem.
    "
    Mor
    ning,
    "say
    sTshi
    di.

    "
    Wher
    eisRose?
    "Iask.

    "Sheisstil
    lsleepi
    ng.Shespentt
    hewhol
    enight
    vomi t
    ing.
    "repli
    esNolu.Mustbethemor
    ning
    sicknesses.

    "Ooohokay.
    "Irepl
    y.Igetanappl
    efr
    om thefrui
    tdi
    sh
    andthenwalkbacktotheli
    vi
    ngroom whereIsi
    tand
    tur
    nont heTVtoeNCA.

    "I
    thasbeensaidthatt hemy ster
    iousblueeyedman
    wil
    lbeappeari
    ngi ncourtsomet imet hi
    sweeksowe
    dohopetoseehi sfacet hi
    st i
    mesi ncewecouldn'
    t
    l
    astnight
    ,"say
    soneoft hejournali
    stsonTV.I
    i
    ncreasethevolumeandl i
    stentothebullt
    hatthese
    nosypeoplearesaying.
    "Apparent
    ly,
    lastnighthewaschargedforthe
    carel
    essuseoff i
    rearmswi t
    hafewmenwhower ei
    n
    thesamecarashi m. "say
    stheotherj
    ournali
    st.

    "Yeshewasandweasj ournali
    stshav ecomet oa
    conclusionofsayi
    ngthatthereseemst obemor eto
    thismanandweneedt of i
    ndout ,"theothersays.
    Findoutmyf oot!It
    hrowther emot eont hefl
    oorand
    i
    tbr eaksint
    opieces.

    "Fuck!
    !"Ishoutget
    ti
    ngupfrom t
    hecouchand
    stormi
    ngoutoft hehouseusi
    ngthesl
    idi
    ngdoort
    o
    thebackyard.

    AssoonasIgetoutandjustlookinspace,
    try
    ingt
    o
    calm my
    sel
    fdown,Ifeelcol
    dhandswr appi
    ng
    aroundmywai
    standt henhervoicej
    ustcal
    msme
    down.

    "
    Stopwor
    ryi
    ngmyl
    ove.
    "shesay
    s.
    "AndwhyshouldI?Thesepeoplewil
    lst
    artbeingall
    nosyinmybusiness!Ican'
    tfucki
    nghav
    et hat
    !"I
    bell
    owbutThandosqueezesmeandsay s"Calm
    downmyl ov
    e.Letthem be,i
    t'snotl
    i
    ketheywi l
    lfi
    nd
    anythi
    ngonyou."Ihol
    dherhandsandletoutasi gh.

    "Iwantmyl i
    fetobepr i
    vatel
    ove,
    Idon'twantthese
    peoplefoll
    wongmear oundandpubli
    shingever
    y
    singl
    ethingthathappensinmylif
    e."Isaytoher.

    "
    Thatwon'thappenl
    ove,
    thi
    swill
    all
    passaf
    teraf
    ew
    monthssojusthol
    donokay?"

    "Iwil
    ltry.
    "shet akesmyhandandpul lsmebacki nt
    o
    thehouse.Weal lhavebreakfasttoget
    her,i
    ncluding
    Brendonwhoseemst ohavedev el
    opedsomet ype
    ofar el
    ationshi
    pwi thNolu.It
    ellthem aboutthe
    pri
    sonst oryandt henwel eti
    tsli
    de.Afterfi
    nishi
    ng
    breakfast,IaskforSihle'
    sphoneandIusei tt ocall
    Sbu.Iwal
    kbackt
    omyr
    oom andt
    henIdi
    alhi
    s
    number.

    "
    Yes?
    "answer
    sSbu.

    "
    Eyybaf
    o,i
    t'
    sNkosi
    ."Isay
    .

    "Oooh,
    themanofthehour!
    "heshout
    s."
    Iam
    curr
    ent
    lyl
    ooki
    ngatthenewsri
    ghtnowandletme
    sayyoudeser
    veanawardmyman! ""
    hecont
    inues.

    "
    Shutupwena!Idi
    dn'
    tcal
    lyouf
    orsuchbul
    l
    .Iwant
    t
    oaskaboutBri
    an.
    "Isay.

    "
    yesaboutt
    hat
    ..
    ..
    "say
    sSbuhesi
    tant
    ly.

    "
    aboutwhatSbu?
    "
    "Well
    see,
    ItookhimtoMYwarehouseandwel
    l,
    whenIwentther
    ethi
    smorni
    ng,hewasgone.
    "he
    says.

    "Whatdoy oumeanbythatSbu!Whydi
    dn'
    tyoulock
    him upinsomeroom ort
    iehi
    mt osomechai
    r?!
    ""I
    sayfreaki
    ngout
    .Iswearever
    yoneismaki
    ngme
    madt oday.

    "Idi
    dallthatbuti
    thinkhehadat r
    ackerinhisbody
    orsomewher eonhim sotheyfoundhim andhelped
    him escape.Andtheyal
    soleftanoteforyou."he
    says.

    "Whatdoesi
    tsay
    ?"Iaskr
    ubbi
    ngmyhead,
    wal
    ki
    ng
    upanddown.

    "
    Wel
    l
    ,itsai
    dthankOt
    ari
    kforbei
    ngy
    ourl
    i
    fesav
    er.
    "
    "
    Otar
    ik?Howi
    shemyl
    i
    fesav
    er?
    "Isayi
    nshock.

    "
    Idon'
    tknowbutmyadvicet
    oyouisthankthel
    ord
    t
    hatIwasn'
    tki
    l
    led.
    "say
    sSbusarcast
    ical
    ly
    .

    "YeaYea.Thi
    sisnotabouty
    oudummy
    ."i
    say
    annoyedandhelaughs.

    "
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    "

    "
    Am att
    hesaf
    ehouse.
    "Ir
    epl
    ySbu.

    "Ooh,t
    hatexpl
    ainsalot.Ipassedbyyourhouse
    earl
    yinthemorningt
    odayandi nwasf l
    oodedwith
    poli
    cecarsandthepress."hesays.

    "cany
    ounotst
    artwi
    thmer
    ightnowpl
    ease.
    "Isayt
    o
    Sbu.
    "Sor
    ry,
    IjustthoughtIshouldj
    ustl
    etyouknowbut
    anyways,Ihavetogo.Ihaveameet i
    ngwit
    havery
    i
    mpor t
    antcli
    enttoday."say
    sSbu.

    "
    Okay
    .Andt
    hanksf
    orhel
    pingmeman.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "Don'
    tthankmeman, am yourfri
    end.Am supposed
    tohel
    py ououtwheny ouareintroubl
    e."her
    epli
    es.I
    endthecallandwhenIturntoleavemyr oom,Ifi
    nd
    Thandostandingbehi
    ndme.

    "
    Lov
    e?"Isay
    ,tr
    yingt
    okeepi
    tcool
    .

    "
    Whowast
    hat
    ?"sheasks.

    "
    Umm oneofmyf r
    iendswhohel
    pedmesav
    eyou
    l
    astni
    ght
    ."Ir
    epl
    yher.
    "
    hmmmm, okay.WellIcameheret
    oasky
    ouav
    ery
    i
    mpor
    tantquest
    ion.
    "shesays.

    "
    Andt
    hati
    s?"

    "
    Wher
    eisBr
    ian?
    "

    "
    Andwhydoy
    ouask?
    "

    "
    Iwantt
    oki
    l
    lhi
    m."say
    sThando.

    "
    Iwi
    shIcoul
    dletyoudothatbutheescapedfr
    om
    myf
    ri
    end'
    scustody.
    "Isaywalki
    ngpasther.

    "NcaaaaNkosist
    opl y
    ing.Iknowyouarekeeping
    him somewher
    e,justl
    etmeki ll
    him pl
    ease.
    "she
    sayswithasadexpressiononherface..
    "Iam notlyi
    nglov
    e,hehadatrackeri
    nhisbodyso
    theytrackedhi
    m downandtookhim."Ir
    eplyher,
    wrappingmyar msaroundherfr
    om theback.She
    poutsasherarmscr oss.

    "Dontworry
    ,wewi llf
    indhi
    m soonthenyoucankil
    l
    him."Isayt
    oher .Shetur
    nsaroundthenlooksi
    nto
    myey eswhileherarmsarewrappedaroundmy
    waist.

    "
    Youwi
    l
    lact
    ual
    l
    yletmeki
    l
    lhi
    m?"sheaskssmi
    l
    ing.

    "
    Welly
    oucanshoothi
    m.Andbesi des,hecaused
    y
    oualotofpai
    nsoifshooti
    nghim wil
    lmakey ou
    f
    eel
    bettert
    henIwon'
    tstopyou.
    "Irepl
    yher.

    "Youaresuchareckl
    essmanbaby
    ."say
    sThando
    befor
    eperkingmyli
    ps.
    "yetyousti
    l
    lloveme. "Isaytoher.Igi
    veheradeep
    kiss,
    notwill
    ingtolethergobutsomeoneknocksat
    thedoor,di
    sturbi
    ngoural r
    eadysteamedsessi
    on.I
    walktothedoor ,
    openi tandBrendonstandst
    here.

    "
    MrWi
    l
    li
    amsi
    sher
    eboss.
    "hesay
    s.

    "
    Okayam comi
    ng.
    "Isay
    .

    "
    Come,MrWil
    li
    amsisback.
    "Isayt
    oThando.She
    t
    akesmyhandandwebothheadtothel
    i
    vingroom
    wher
    ewefi
    ndMrWi l
    l
    iamssit
    ti
    ng.

    "
    Youar
    eback.
    "Isay
    .

    "Yesam back.Pl
    easesi
    t.
    "hesaystome.It
    akemy
    seatthenhekeepsqui
    etforasecond.
    "Soyouar
    eexpect
    edincour
    tat14:
    00tomorrow.I
    f
    youdon'
    tpi
    tchuptheny
    ouwill
    putyour
    sel
    findeep
    shi
    t.
    "hesaystome.

    "
    Umm okaybuti
    sev
    ery
    thi
    nggoi
    ngt
    ogowel
    l
    ?"

    "Yes.Ever
    ythi
    ngwi
    l
    lgowellt
    omorrowbutyouwil
    l
    havetocompansat
    eforever
    yguardt
    hatwaskil
    l
    ed
    yester
    dayMrNxumalo.
    "hesays.

    "
    YouknowIwi
    l
    l,
    "Ir
    epl
    yhi
    m.

    "Oohand,Schevisi
    nhospital.Hewasf oundonthe
    sideoft
    heroadlastni
    ghtandl uckil
    yhewasst i
    l
    l
    ali
    ve.Hesaidyoushoul
    dvisithim."heconti
    nues.

    "OohIthoughthewasdead.Thankyou,MrWill
    i
    ams.
    Iwil
    lvi
    sithi
    m onceIgetmyfreedom."Isayt
    ohim.
    Hestandsupf r
    om thecouchhewassitt
    ingonand
    t
    henhesay shisgoodbyes."
    Iwil
    lcal
    lyoutomorrow
    morni
    ng."Isaytohi
    m.Henodshi sheadthenleaves.

    IguessInowhav
    etoputupwi
    tht
    hepr
    essf
    oraf
    ew
    days.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er32

    "
    BabyIt
    hinkyoushoul
    dstartwear
    ingl
    enses.
    "isay
    f
    ixi
    ngNkosi
    'sti
    eandcoll
    ar.

    "Nothanky ou,am f
    inewithmygl asses.
    "herepl
    ies
    l
    ookingupwi thhisarmsar oundmywai st.Weare
    gett
    ingreadytogot othecour tandam super
    nerv
    ous.Thepr esshasbeenont oNkosieversi
    nce
    yest
    erdayandi t'
    sstr
    essinghimt oo.Thi
    smanr eal
    ly
    doesn'
    tlikegoingpubli
    c.
    "
    Butbabyt
    heyarewaybett
    erthanglasses.Gl
    asses
    wi
    ll
    rai
    sesuspi
    cionsoj
    usttakethem off
    ."

    "Idon'tcare.Am notput t
    ingt
    hoset hingsinmyey es.
    Whati ftheygetst uckinmyey es?Thenwhat ?"he
    sayswi thwi deeyes."AndIdon'tcareaboutthem
    beingsuspi cious,
    it'
    snonoftheirbusinessand
    besides,wear egoingtothecourtconserningthe
    bodies,notmyey es."

    "
    Comeonbaby ,
    youar
    eov err
    eact
    ing."Isayt
    ohi
    m
    l
    aughi
    ng."
    Theywon'
    tgetstucki
    ny oureyes.
    "

    "
    Andi
    ftheydo?
    "

    "Theyneverwil
    ll
    ovebutj
    usttomakey oufeel
    at
    ease,i
    ftheydothenIwil
    ltaket
    hem out.
    "Isay
    perki
    nghisli
    ps.
    "Ist
    il
    lfeel
    mor ecomfor
    tabl
    ewi
    thmygl
    asses.
    "he
    saysnowl ooki
    ngdownatme.

    "
    Wel
    lify
    ouwearcont
    actlensesthenImightgi
    ve
    y
    ousomethi
    ngyoumightlove.
    "Isaybi
    ti
    ngmyl ower
    l
    i
    pandwrappi
    ngmyarmsar oundhisneck.

    "
    Hmmm l ookatyoutry
    ingt
    obri
    beme. "l
    aughsNkosi
    .
    "
    Butit'
    snotl
    ikeIwasn'
    tgoi
    ngtogetitev
    enifI
    r
    efusedtowearthel
    enses.
    "hesayscopingafeel
    of
    myass.HesqueezesmyassbutIholdhishands,
    makingasul
    kyface.

    "
    Comeonbaby!
    "Iwhi
    ne."
    Youwi
    l
    llooksexi
    erwi
    th
    t
    hem.
    "Isayt
    ohim.

    "
    ButIdon'
    twantt
    hem Thando.
    "hesay
    s.
    "
    Pleasebaby
    !!
    !"

    "
    Okayf
    inebutj
    ustnottoday
    .Iwi
    l
    lst
    art
    t
    omorr
    ow."
    saysNkosi.

    "No,star
    ttodaysothatyoucanwearthem i
    nstead
    oftheglasses.
    "isaytohim."
    Ifyoudon'
    twant
    peopleseeingthecol
    orofyoureyest
    henjustputon
    contactl
    enses."

    "
    Aghbaby
    .CanIj
    ustwearmygl
    asses?
    "

    "No,let
    'sgogety oucontactlenses.
    "isaygett
    ingout
    ofhisgrip.Itur
    ntothemi rr
    orandf i
    xmybl ueknee
    highplaindressandmybr aidbun.Iapplysome
    glossontomyl ipsandturntoNkosi whoisjust
    l
    ookingatmewi thasmirk.

    "
    Youl
    ookev
    enmor
    ebeaut
    if
    ult
    hany
    oudi
    dwhenI
    mety ou.Mydicksurel
    yhasbeendoingi
    tsj
    obeven
    thoughIhaven'
    tfuckedyoui
    nav er
    ylongti
    me.
    "he
    says.

    "
    Haivoetsekwena."Isayhi
    tt
    inghi
    sshoulderwhich
    waski
    ndofst upi
    dbecauseIhurtmysel
    fsincethis
    manislegitabouncer.
    "Am Il
    yingt hough?"saysNkosil
    aughi
    ng."Someone
    oncetoldmet hatsexmakeswomenhav eaglowup
    soam pr ett
    ysur emydi cki
    sgiv
    ingyouthi
    sglowup."
    hecontinueswal ki
    ngt owar
    dsme.Igivehimthe
    middlefingerandhisf acei
    mmediatel
    ychanges.
    ..
    ..
    Fuck!!
    !Iquicklyputmyhanddownandhesay s,

    "Youseethatfingery oujustputup,justimagi nethat


    fi
    ngerwithatip,that'
    swhaty ouaregoingt obe
    suckingontonight."Thismani sdirt
    yasf uck....
    ..I
    rollmyassandhespr eadshishandt ome, Itakeit
    andwebot hleavet her oom andhedoesn' tleavehis
    glassesshame...
    ...Wemeett heothersreadyt o
    l
    eav ewit
    husexcl udingRosewhosepr egnancyhas
    j
    ustst
    art
    edkicki
    ngi
    n.Herbel
    l
    yisev
    enst
    art
    ingt
    o
    showali
    tt
    lebit
    .

    "
    Shal
    lwego?
    "asksNkosi
    toev
    ery
    oneel
    se.

    "
    Umm canIjustst
    ayathomewi t
    hRose?
    itsnotl
    i
    keI
    mustgoany
    way s.
    "asksSi
    hle.

    "Ummm no, IwouldratherletTshi


    diorNolustay
    wit
    hher .
    "saysNkosi butIsideeyehim andwhisper
    i
    nhisear" Mybrotherwon'tdoany t
    hingtoRoseso
    j
    ustlethi
    m beandnonoft hose2i di
    otswanttostay.
    Theyli
    kethings"IsaytoNkosi .Heti
    ghtenshi
    sjaw,
    l
    ooksatmet henatSihle.

    "Fi
    ne,youcanstaywi thher
    ."saysNkosi.Het hen
    star
    tswalkingt
    owar dsthefrontdoorandmysi st
    ers,
    BrendonandIfollowhim.Heopenst hefront
    passengerdooroftheblackv ol
    vof ormet henhe
    mov estotheothersideandgetsin.TshidiandNol u
    usetheothercarwhichisbeingdr
    ivenbyBrendon.
    Eversi
    ncelastnight,
    BrendonandNoluhave
    beeeeeeeentogether
    ,evennow,Noluissi
    tt
    ingatthe
    fr
    ontseatwithBrendon.

    Thehugei nti
    midatingwoodengat eopensaswe
    l
    eav ethepr emisesanddr i
    vetothecit
    ysi ncewear e
    kil
    omet ersaway .Itel
    lNkosi todri
    vebyTor gaf ir
    stto
    gethiscont actlensesev enthoughNkosi keepson
    refusi
    ng.Hewi l
    l wearthem whetherhelikesi tornot
    .
    Am ext r
    emel yner v
    ousaboutgoi ngtocour t.Ipray
    everyt
    hinggoeswel lsot hatwecanbel eftalone.I
    startt
    hinkingaboutal otofthi
    ngsandt hen
    somet hingpopsupi nmyhead.It urntolookat
    Nkosi andIhol dhisfreehand

    "
    Lov
    e?"say
    sNkosi
    .

    "
    Hmmm?
    "
    "
    Youokay
    ?"

    "Yesam f
    ine.
    "Iwi
    l
    ltal
    kaboutthethingIthoughtof
    whenwegethome.Thecarstart
    st opull
    ov erandI
    grabmybag.

    "Comeon,
    let
    'sgo.
    "Isayasam aboutt
    oopent
    he
    door.

    "ButThandower eal
    lydo.
    ."beforehecouldfi
    nish,I
    kisshislipsjusttoshuthim up.Itakehishandand
    putitunderdr ess,makinghimf eelmygoddessand
    howshei salway sreadyf
    orhim.Het r
    iest
    ogethi s
    handi ntomyt hongbutIimmedi at
    elyremoveit,
    subsidingfrom thekiss.

    "Youcanonl yhaveherrightaftery
    ougetthose
    contactlenses.
    "Iwhisper,i
    ntensel
    ylooki
    ngathis
    nowv ulnerabl
    eself
    .
    "Let'
    sgogetthosemot herfuckerssothatIcan
    fi
    nal
    lyhavemybeautifulcake."hesayssnatchi
    ng
    myhandbagf rom meandget ti
    ngoutofthecar.
    Pussysurel
    yisever
    ything.Istepoutofthecar,
    walk
    toNkosiwhoiswaiti
    ngf ormeandwehol dhandsas
    wegetint
    ot hest
    ore.It
    'sextremelyemptyinhere.

    Iwal
    ktothecounterasNkosigoestotakeaseaton
    oneofthecouches.Aver
    ybeauti
    ful
    ladylooksi
    nto
    mydir
    ectionandshesmil
    es.

    "
    Wel
    comet
    oTor
    ga,
    howcanIhel
    pyou?
    "shesay
    s.

    "Ummm,Iwoul
    dli
    ket
    obuysomecont
    actl
    enses,
    "I
    sayt
    oher.

    "
    Prescr
    ibedl
    ensesorcosmet
    ic?
    "

    "
    Cosmet
    icpl
    ease.
    "
    "
    Whatcol
    or?
    "

    "
    baby
    ,br
    owni
    sokayr
    ight
    ?"Iaskt
    urni
    ngt
    oNkosi
    .

    "Yesbaby .
    "hesay s.It ellt
    hel adyandshegoest o
    l
    ookf orsome.Nkosi st andsupf rom t hecouchand
    walkst ome.Hest andsbehi ndmet henpr esseshi s
    manhoodagai nstmyasst henwhi sper s" Iwi l
    l
    destroyy outonightorIcanj ustst ar tri
    ghtnow. "He
    standsr i
    ghtbesi demeandhi sr i
    ghthandst artsto
    slowlymov eupmydr ess,hisf inger sf ondl ingonmy
    skinwhi l
    egi vi
    ngmegoosebumps.It r
    yt ost ophi s
    handsbuthesmacksmyt hi gh.Her eachesmyspot
    andt henhi shandmov esint omyt hong.Hest artsto
    rubmyspotasIt r
    ysooooooohar dnott oscr eam,
    moanandr ollmyey es.Ikeepmyf acest raight ,no
    mov i
    ng, nof l
    inching, nonot hingbutNkosi '
    smagi c
    handhasmewr appedal lr
    oundhi m.It hrowmy
    headback, enjoyi
    ngt heecst asyam get tingashe
    goessosl owt henf ast erandf aster .Icl enchont o
    thecounterasmynai
    l
    sscratchitt
    henthelady
    comesback.ThemomentIseeher ,It
    ryt
    of i
    xmy
    face,
    Istopbiti
    ngmyl
    ipsandjustbeseri
    ous.

    "Sothisisallwegot.Youguy scanf i
    ndt hesizey ou
    wantt henyoucangetr eadyt opay .
    "shesay s
    pushing4boxesofcont actlenses.Ireachf orthe
    boxwi thshakinghands,beingt emptedt oscream as
    thi
    smani sabouttomakemecl i
    maxwi t
    hjusthis
    hand.Ilookathim withsy mpathet i
    cey estotellhim
    tostopbuthedoesn' t.I
    nstead, heincreasesthe
    speed.Thismanwi l
    lbet hedeat hofmei nthi
    sst ore.

    "
    Ma'
    am ar
    eyouf
    ine?
    "askst
    hel
    ady
    .

    "Ummm, ye-
    yeaam tot
    all
    yfii
    ii
    ne,justfeel
    i
    ngabit
    chi
    lly.
    "Ireplytohersmili
    ng.Ifeelmygoddessabout
    toreacht hatpl
    aceasmybodyt ensesupandt hank
    Godt heladylookstoanotherdirecti
    onasmyey es
    rol
    ltot heback,l
    ett
    ingitall
    out.IholdNkosi'
    sblazer
    whilelookingathi
    m andt hesmackont hi
    sman's
    face...
    ..
    ..Hesl owlytakeshishandsoutofmyt hong
    thenhewi peshisf i
    nger sonmyt hong.Hecomes
    closert omeandt hen" ift
    heselenseshur tmei nany
    way ,youwon' tbeabl et owalkfor1mont h.
    ..
    ."he
    takest heboxesf rom mypossessi onandst art
    s
    l
    ooki ngatt hem.If i
    xmydr ess,notknowi ngwhatt o
    saybecauseam st i
    llstuckinthatwor ldheputmei n.
    Hechoosest helenseshewant st henpushest he
    boxbackt other ecept i
    oni
    stwhodoesn' tstop
    l
    ooki ngatmyman.Shest aresathi m,asifsheis
    tryi
    ngt ofiguresomet hi
    ngoutbutNkosi asksher
    what '
    swr ong.Shel ooksatmet henatmyhandt hen
    herey espopout .

    "
    You!Youguy
    sar
    ethecoupl
    e!"shesay
    s.

    "
    Thecoupl
    e?"say
    sNkosi
    .

    "
    Yes!Ma'
    am yourringlooksexact
    lyl
    i
    ket heonethat
    t
    heladyf
    rom theproposalvi
    deohad.Isitr
    eall
    y
    y
    ou?"sheaskspointi
    ngatme.Honest l
    yam dumb
    founded,mebeingthatper
    sonwhocan' tli
    e,not
    evenalit
    tl
    e,am ext
    remelydumbfounded.IfIwas
    everputi
    nacircleofli
    esandIwasf orcedtoli
    e,I
    wouldbekil
    ledfornotknowinghowt olie.

    "
    Sowhatifsheis?
    howi
    sity
    ourbusi
    ness?
    "asks
    Nkosi
    blunt
    ly.

    "
    Uum nosir
    ,Idi
    dn'
    tmeani
    tinanyof
    fensi
    veway
    ,it
    's
    j
    ustt
    hat.
    ..
    ."

    "
    Justwhatwoman?
    "bel
    l
    owsNkosi
    .

    "
    Nkosi
    cal
    m down,
    shewasj
    ustaski
    ng.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "Aski
    ngy amasimba.Wecameher etobuycontact
    l
    ensesy etheresheisaski
    ngussuchstupi
    d
    questi
    ons."shoutsNkosi
    .Am sogl
    adthestoreis
    emptybecausehewoul dhavecausedascene.
    "Am r
    eal
    l
    ysor
    rysi
    r.Idi
    dn'
    tmeant
    oof
    fendy
    ou.
    "she
    says.

    "
    It
    'sokay,y
    oudon'thav
    etoapologi
    se.Justtel
    lus
    t
    hepriceofthel
    enses.
    "Isayt
    ohersmi l
    ing.
    Ther ecepti
    onisttell
    sust hepriceandasIam about
    topaywi thmycar d,Nkosiref
    uses.Het akeshis
    cardandpay s; heroughlygrabsmyhandandpul ls
    met ot hecar.Heget sintothedriver
    'sseatasIgoto
    thepassenger '
    sseat .Wegeti nandhedr ivesof
    f
    real
    lyfast.Wegett othecourtandasNkosi i
    sabout
    togetoutIpul lhim backintothecar.

    "
    Thel
    ensesbaby
    ."Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    Het
    akest
    hem outoft
    heboxt
    henhandst
    hem t
    ome.

    "
    Doy
    ourt
    hing.
    "hesay
    staki
    ngof
    fthegl
    asses.
    ThankGodt
    hewi
    ndowsar
    eti
    nted.
    Icar ef
    ullytaket hecont actsoutoft hecontainerthey
    areinbyoneandput t
    ingthem i nt
    oNkosi '
    sey eswho
    i
    st hebi ggestsi ssyIhav eev ermet .Thi
    smani s
    actingasi fam put t
    ingscor pionsinhiseyes.When
    am doneIl ookathi m andt ell hi
    mt ostopbli
    nking
    somuch.Hest opsandhel ooksatme.Nkosi with
    normal br owney es,sti
    llhandsomeasf uckbuthe
    l
    ookswaybet terwi thblueey es.

    "
    Ibet
    tergett
    hatpussyt
    oni
    ght
    ,"hesay
    sbl
    i
    nki
    ng.

    "YeaYeay ouwillgetitnowst opov err


    eacti
    ng."Isay
    tohim.Asam aboutt oopent hecarhest opsme
    andgoesoutf ir
    st.Hewal kst omysi de,opensthe
    doorf ormeandIst epout .Il
    ookaroundt hearea
    andit'spackedwi ththepr essgoinginandoutoft he
    court.Someonebehi ndmecal l
    sandIt urntolook,
    i
    t'sNol u,
    standingwi thBrendon,Tshidiandone
    otherpersonwhoi stalki
    ngt oTshidi.It
    urntoNkosi
    whoi snowt alkingtoMrWi ll
    i
    ams.
    "MrWill
    iams.
    "Isayext
    endi
    ngmyhandf
    ora
    handshake.

    "
    Goodmor ni
    ngMissMdletshe.
    "herepl
    ies."
    Iseey
    ou
    f
    inal
    lyconvi
    ncedMrNxumal otowearcontact
    l
    enses."hesaysl
    ooki
    ngimpressed.

    "Wel
    lIhadtofor
    cehim becauset
    hosegl
    asseswer
    e
    notworki
    ngout.
    "Isayt
    ohi m.

    "ThankyoubecauseIhav ebeentryi
    ngtoconvince
    himforthepast3y earsnow. "hesayssmil
    ingwhi l
    e
    l
    ookingatNkosiwhoi sn'
    tevensmi l
    i
    ng.Hisfaceis
    deadassseri
    ous,justl i
    kehewast hedaywef irst
    met.Whenhei sli
    ket his,heevenscaresme.

    "Well
    ifyouwillexcuseme,Iwantt
    ogotomy
    si
    sters.
    "IsaytoMrWi ll
    i
    ams.Hesmi l
    eswhi
    l
    e
    noddinghisheadandIlookatNkosi
    .
    "
    Iwi
    l
    lseey
    oul
    aterl
    ove.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "Hmm. "andthat sal


    lhesays.Iguessthisishi
    mi n
    publi
    chey .May behedoesn'
    twantt hem toknow
    thathehasasof tsi
    de.Iwal
    kt owardsmysi st
    erand
    asIgetcloser,thepersonwhowast al
    kingtoTshi
    di
    fi
    nall
    yturnsaroundandboom! !
    !!
    !!I
    t'
    stheoneand
    onlyJordan..
    ..
    ..Whenheseesme, hisfacebecomes
    fi
    ll
    edwi t
    hJoy .

    "
    SisThando!
    !It
    '
    sbeenl
    ong.
    "hesay
    swal
    ki
    ngt
    ome.

    "heyyou.I
    tsurel
    yhasbeenl
    ong.Howar
    eyou?
    "Isay
    givi
    nghim ahug.

    "Am fine,j
    ustpassedbytoseethisgorgeoussist
    er
    ofyour s.
    "hesayspointi
    ngatTshidiwhoflashesa
    smile.IlookatNolu,l
    ookingf
    oraexpressiononher
    facebutshei sfocusedonBrendon.HeheNol uhas
    f
    inal
    l
    yfoundsomeone!
    !!
    !

    "Thando!Comel et '
    sgo.I t'st ime."say sNkosi behind
    mewi t
    hhi shandar oundmywai st .Whendi dheget
    here.Inodmyheadandf ollowhi m, sodot heot hers.
    Aswewal ki ntot hecour t
    , someoneshout s" i
    sn't
    thatthem! "andev eryonej ustt urnstous.Abunchof
    peoplehol dingmi cs,phonesandcamer ascome
    runningtousbutNkosi '
    smencomet ot herescue.I
    didn'
    tev ennot icet hem f ollowi ngusf rom thesaf e
    house.Theyal lsur roundusaswewal kintothe
    courtbutit'sev enwor sei nt hecour t
    .Flashesar e
    everywhereandsoar equest ions.Whyam Iget t
    ing
    thefeeli
    ngt hatt hisi smor et hanj ustaboutt hedead
    bodiesatNkosi 'shouse.Aswear eledinsidet he
    courtroom, t hepr essbecomesl esserandl esser
    until
    thedoori scl osed.Nkosi 'smenopent heci rcl
    e
    theyhadusi nandMrWi l
    liamswal ksust othe
    defendant'st ablebutTshi di andt heotherssi tonthe
    publi
    cbenches. .Wesi tdowni nar oom fullofpeople,
    someoft hem whoar ecry ingandsomewhol ook
    superpissed.Theymustbet hef ami l
    i
    esoft he
    deceased.Apol i
    ceof f
    icerwalksinthr
    oughadoor
    besidethejudge'
    st abl
    eandhesay s"Mayweri
    seas
    thejudgewal ksi
    n."Weal lr
    iseandsomel i
    ght
    skinnedshortwomanwi thalotofmakeupwalksin.
    Iswearshel ooksli
    kesomeper sonwhojustf
    ell
    into
    themakeupcase.

    "Youmaysi t
    ."shesays.Aswesit,shealsosays
    "Maytheplaint
    iffandthedef
    endentpleasestand.
    "
    shesays.

    Nkosi andMrWil
    li
    amsstandupwhil
    etheoneswho
    fi
    l
    edt hecomplai
    ntst
    andup.I
    tseemsit'
    sapoli
    ce
    off
    icerandhi
    slawyer
    .

    "Sowhoi sMrNxumal o?"sheasks.Nkosirai


    seshis
    handandt hej
    udgesay s"YousayI."toNkosiand
    Nkosi r
    epl
    ies"
    Idon'tseethediff
    erencebetweenme
    rai
    singmyhandandsay i
    ngI.Youwi l
    lst
    il
    lgetthe
    sameanswer .
    "MrWi ll
    iamslooksatNkosi wi
    th
    warningeyesasthejudgecall
    soutNkosi '
    sname.
    "Youwill
    respectthi
    scour
    twhet
    heryoul
    ikei
    tornot
    orelseIwil
    lputyouinj
    ail
    .
    "sheshout
    s.

    "
    Yeasur
    e."her
    epl
    i
    es.Thi
    smani
    sdi
    srespect
    ful
    y
    hooo.

    "Nowlet'
    sstar
    tthi
    scase.Wemustbedoneby
    10am."Thepoli
    ceoff
    icer
    'sl
    awy
    erstandsupand
    star
    tstal
    ki
    ng.

    "
    Yourowner,myclienthereasfil
    edacaseagainst
    MrNxumaloformur deri
    ng15peoplewhower e
    f
    oundinhi
    sy ar
    dy ester
    day .Someofthepeopl
    e
    who'
    sfamil
    iesarehere."saysthepl
    aint
    if
    f.

    "
    Andsowhatproofdoy
    ouhav
    et hathewas
    r
    esponsi
    blef
    ort
    hebodi
    est
    here?
    "asksthej
    udge.
    "
    CanIspeakwi
    thy
    ourper
    missi
    ony
    ourowner
    ?"say
    s
    MrWil
    l
    iams.

    "
    Sust
    ained.
    "

    "Yourhonor,
    myclient'
    sfiancegotkidnappedbyt
    he
    peoplewhoshotev er
    ysinglebodythatwasfound
    onthatyard.
    "say
    sMrWi ll
    iams.

    "
    Andwher
    eist
    hef
    iance?
    "

    "Sheisr i
    ghther eyourhonor."saysMrWi l
    li
    ams
    pointi
    ngatme.Hewhi spersf ormetost andupt hen
    thejudget ell
    smet ost epintothewit
    nessbox.Ido
    soandt henIam madet otakeanoat h.Iwon'tli
    e,
    am quitener vousbutIhav etodot hi
    sfort hatsexy
    hunkst andingrightthere.
    ..
    ..

    "
    MissMdl
    etshe,
    that
    '
    syoursur
    namer
    ight
    ?"say
    sthe
    pl
    aint
    if
    flawy
    er.

    "
    Yesi
    tis.
    "Ir
    epl
    y.

    "well
    ifyoudon'
    tmind,canyoupleasetell
    thecourt
    whathappened.
    "InodmyheadandIr etel
    l
    everyt
    hingt
    hathappenedyest
    erdaythenthelawyer
    stopsme.

    "
    Soaf
    tery
    our
    anaway
    ,howwer
    eyoucaught
    ?"

    "
    Wel
    ltheki
    dnapper
    sfol
    l
    owedmeandmysi
    ster
    s."

    "Hmmm okayandhowdidy
    ougetoutoft
    he
    kidnapper
    'scust
    ody?
    "

    "
    Myhusbandsav
    edus.
    "Isay
    .
    "Thesamewayhesavedy
    outhenighty
    ougotshot
    i
    nLehurut
    she.
    "hesay
    s.Whatthef
    uckisthi
    sman
    sayi
    ngnow.

    "
    Excuseme?
    "Isaypuzzl
    ed.

    "Madam, aren'
    tyout hesamewomanwhogotshot
    thesameni ghtthesocal l
    edblueeyedmanwas
    spotteddraggingtwosuspectswhomi ghthaveshot
    you?"heasks.MrWi ll
    i
    amsquicklystandsupf r
    om
    hisseatandshout s"Iobj
    ectyourhonor.Whatt hi
    s
    mani snowaski ngmywi tnesshasabsol ut
    ely
    nothingtodowi ththecaseyourhonor.Wear ehear
    conserni
    ngt hebodiesatMrNxumal o'shouse.Not
    thi
    s."hesay s.

    "
    Object
    ionover
    ruledMrWi
    l
    li
    ams.LetMrMbat
    ha
    f
    ini
    shhisquest
    ioning.
    "

    "
    Buty
    ourhonort
    hat
    'snotwhywear
    eher
    e.Iwi
    l
    lnot
    all
    owMi ssMdl et
    shet oansweranyoft hequesti
    ons
    i
    ft heyhav enothingtodowi t
    ht hebodies.Shehas
    alr
    eadyt oldyouev ery
    thi
    ngy ouneedt oknowandI
    hav emor eprooft opr
    ovethatMrNxumal owasn't
    responsibleforthosebodies."saysMrWi ll
    iams.

    "
    am li
    steni
    ng.
    "saysthejudge.MrWil
    li
    amst akesout
    atapeandwalksovertothejudgewhotakesthe
    t
    ape.

    "Thatrightthereiscctvfootagefrom MrNxumal o'


    s
    housewhi chwi l
    lprov
    et hatmyclienthadnothi
    ngt o
    dowi ththosebodi es.
    "hesay s.Thej udgeor
    der
    st he
    poli
    ceof ficertobri
    ngt heTVandhedoesso.The
    tapeispl ayedandaf t
    er3mi nutes,thejudge
    switchesof ftheTV.

    "MrWil
    li
    ams, Ihav
    eseeny ourevi
    denceandIbeli
    eve
    youbutitseemsther
    ei sacaseherethatthepol
    i
    ce
    havebeentryi
    ngtocrack.2mensuspiciousl
    ywent
    missi
    ngawomangotshot .Thatcasehasbeen
    t
    rendingf
    orweeksnowanditseemsyourcl
    ient
    mighthavehadsomethi
    ngt
    odowi t
    hthemissing
    men."say
    sthejudge.

    "
    Butt
    hat
    'sbul
    l,
    that
    'snotwhymywi f
    eandIareher
    e.
    Wecameherefort
    hebodies!
    "shout
    sNkosi
    .

    "
    MrNxumalowoul
    dyoupleasesitdownandkeep
    y
    ourmout
    hshut!
    "shout
    sthejudge.

    "No!Iwil
    lnotsitdown.Ihadnothingt
    odowi t
    h
    those2bodiesbecauseam nott hebl
    ueey edguy .
    Whatproofdoy ouhavethatIam becausemyey es
    surel
    yaren'
    taretheproof.
    "conti
    nuesNkosi opening
    hiseyeswide.Yeayoubettert
    hankmey ounow
    browneyedf ool
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "
    Yourhonorhehascont
    actl
    enses,
    "shout
    sMr
    Mbat
    ha.
    "NoIdon'tyoupieceofshit
    .AndevenifIdi
    d,howis
    i
    tanyofy ourbusiness!
    ?Icamehereforthebodi
    es
    thatwerefoundatmyhouse, notf
    orsomethingt
    hat
    happenedfewweeksago. "

    "Oohreall
    y,thenexpl
    ainhowyourey
    esarenow
    brownbutt heyareal
    waysbluei
    neverypi
    ctur
    eyou
    havetaken."

    "
    MrNxumal
    odon'
    tanswert
    hat
    ,"shout
    sMrWi
    l
    li
    ams.

    "
    Iwasn'
    tgoi
    ngt
    oany
    way
    s."

    "
    MrNxumalowesawy ougoingt
    oTorgoearl
    ieri
    n
    t
    hemorni
    ng,whatwasyourbusi
    nesst
    her
    e."asks
    t
    hel
    awyer.Ooohshi
    t.

    "
    Ummm canIhav
    eper
    missi
    ont
    ospeak,
    "Iqui
    ckl
    y
    j
    umpi
    n.
    "
    Per
    missi
    onsust
    ained.
    "repl
    i
    est
    hej
    udge.

    "
    Hewasescor
    ti
    ngmet ogobuyuuuum cont
    act
    l
    ensesf
    ormysist
    er,
    shei
    sinthecr
    owd."Isay.

    "
    Ohhr
    eal
    l
    y,andwher
    eist
    hissi
    ster
    ?"askst
    hel
    awy
    er.

    "Sheisri
    ghtthere,weari
    ngt heNi
    kehoodie.
    "Isay
    point
    ingatNoluwhor aisesherhand.Yesgir
    l!
    !!
    !Nol
    u
    wearscontactlensesinsteadofgl
    assessoIjust
    tookthatt
    omyadv antage.

    "Woul
    dyouwi
    ndi
    fIsai
    dIwantt
    odoacheckupon
    her
    ?"

    "Youwil
    lnotbechecki
    ngonany t
    hingMrMbatha,
    "
    bell
    owsMrWi l
    li
    ams."Asfarasthi
    scaseis
    conser
    ned,youhaveclear
    lyl
    ostMrMbathabecause
    youarenowbri
    ngi
    ngupot
    herstuf
    fthathav
    e
    nothi
    ngtodowit
    hMrNxumalo.
    "stat
    esMrWi l
    l
    iams.

    "
    YourhonorcanIaskonemor
    equest
    ion.
    "say
    sMr
    Mbat
    ha.

    "
    Sust
    ained.
    "

    "OkayMi ssMdl et
    she,whyi sitt hatwhenev er
    somet hinghappenst oyou, somet hingjusthasto
    happen?Imean, wheny ouwer eshot ,
    2menwent
    missingandt herewer ebulletsthatmat chedthe
    onest hatwer eony oui nthosemen' scar.Now, you
    wereki dnappedandy ourhusbandwasbusyusi nga
    fi
    rear
    m car el
    essly.Cany oupl easet el
    luswhyt here
    i
    sacoi ncidenceinthesecases. "asksMrMbat ha.I
    l
    ookatt heper sonwhof i
    ledthiscompl aintandhei s
    smili
    ngwhi legazingatNkosi .It'
    slikehei senj
    oy i
    ng
    thi
    s.
    "I
    ..
    ..Idon'
    tknow.Mustbeacoi
    nci
    denceIguess.
    "I
    saytohim.

    "Ar
    ey ousureitwasjustacoi
    ncidence?Becauset
    he
    mediadoesn'tseem tobel
    i
    eveit
    .Youar etheso
    cal
    ledproposalcoupl
    earen'
    tyou?"

    "
    Andsowhati
    fwear
    e?"bl
    unt
    lyasksNkosi
    .

    "
    MrNxumal
    o,pl
    easekeepqui
    etandl
    etMrMbat
    ha
    f
    ini
    sh.
    "

    "Fi
    nishmyf oot!
    !Thandogetoutofther
    ewear e
    l
    eaving."say sNkosiget
    ti
    ngoutofhischair.Mr
    Will
    i
    amst ri
    est ohol
    dhim backbutherefuses.When
    am juststandingsti
    ll
    ,Nkosicomestomeandt akes
    meoutoft hewi t
    nessboxbutpoli
    cemensur r
    ound
    us.
    "I
    srael
    !!"yel
    lsNkosi andhismencomesf locki
    ngin.
    Theytaseal ltheofficerssincetheyar eout
    number edandl etmej ustsayNkosi i
    sgi vi
    nghimself
    publi
    cit
    y .Hedoesn' twanti tbuthei sli
    terall
    ygivi
    ngit
    tohimsel f
    .Wef inall
    ygetoutbutt hepr essisnowon
    tous,theyt akepictureswhi l
    staskingmany
    questi
    onsandNkosi i
    sbey ondpissed.Hest ops
    whileonhi swayoutandpi cksuponeoft hepress
    peoplewhoi saskingst upi
    dquest ionsandi s
    extr
    emel yshor t
    .

    "I
    fanyofy oupubl i
    shanyshi taboutme, Iwillmakei
    t
    mymi ssiont omakey ourli
    feami sery.
    "bellows
    Nkosi andtheyalljuststoptakingpictur
    esand
    aski
    ngquest i
    ons.IlookatNkosi whoi sbey ond
    angryandBr endonasksNkosi t
    oputt hepoorguy
    whoi saboutt ocrydown.Her oughlydropshi mto
    thegroundandwal ksoutqui ckl
    ywi t
    husf ollowi
    ng
    him.Heget sintohiscarf oll
    owedbymeandhe
    dri
    vesof fspeeding.Idarenott osayshitrightnow.I
    j
    ustsitandl ookoutt hewindowt henhesi ghs.Ifeel
    hishandcr awlont opofmeandhesay s
    "Youcanl eav emei fy ouwishto.Ireall
    ydontwant
    yougoingt hroughsuch, al
    lbecauseofme.Ihav e
    completelyhumi li
    atedy ouinfr
    ontoft hewhole
    count
    ry.Fi r
    stitwasy oubeingshot ,l
    osingourbaby
    andnowt his.**
    sigh* *am real
    lysorryThando.Ican
    dropyouof faty ourapar tment.
    "Ilookathim ashe
    saysallthisandhel ookssincere.Iholdhishand
    whil
    equi etthenIsay
    "mylove,youdi dn'
    thumi l
    iateme, i
    nf acty ouhav e
    shownt hewor ldhowmuchy oulov emeandhow
    muchy oucanl iter
    all
    ydoany t
    hingf orme.Iknow
    youdontl i
    ket hesoundoft hisbutt hewor l
    dknows
    thatyou,mybl ueeyedmancandoany thingf orthis
    fi
    anceofy our s."Iel
    ev atehi shandt omyl ipsand
    soflt
    ykissit."Am notl eav ingy ouf orany thingmy
    l
    ov eandbesi des, i
    t'
    smyf aul tyouar einthi smess.I
    broughtBriani ntoyourl if
    eandnowhei sr uiningit.
    BeforeIcame, youwer eper fectlyfine.Youwi t
    hy our
    oldpeoplecl othes,gl
    asses, capandwr ackedcar .
    "I
    saylaughing.Hesmi lesatmeasIcont inuet alki
    ng.
    "andnowt hatIhav ecomei ntoy ourlif
    e, Ihav e
    rui
    nedal l
    that .Ihaver uinedy ourpr i
    vatelifeal linthe
    nameofyouwantingtoprotectme."Isaylooki
    ng
    down.Nkosi
    stopsthecar,parksi
    tont hesideoft
    he
    roadandmakesmel ookathim.

    "Don'teverspeakl i
    kethatev eragain.Thi
    swasn't
    yourfaultmyl oveandi tneverwi l
    l
    .Am doingallt
    his
    becauseIdon' twanty ourlif
    etobet hr
    eat
    enedand
    honestly
    , Idon'tcar
    eifIgopubl ic.AslongasIhave
    youinmyl i
    feandasl ongasIcanpr ot
    ectyou,
    thenI
    don'tmindgoi ngpubli
    c. "saysNkosi .
    Hemov
    escl
    osert
    omeandper
    ksmyl
    i
    ps.

    "Iwoul dkil
    lforyouThandoandkeept hatinmind.I
    l
    ov eyouThando, Ireal
    lydoandIwi ll
    neverstop.You
    hearme? "Inodmyheady eswithasmi lethenoutof
    nowher e,thismotherfuckersayst hedumbestshi t
    ever,ruini
    ngt hi
    sbeaut i
    f ul
    lov
    elymomentbysay i
    ng
    "butsincey ouhav eagreednott oleave,t
    hatmeans
    ourdeal i
    sstil
    lonright.".Imovehi shandf r
    om my
    handsandhef ondlesitupmyt high.Iquickl
    yclose
    myl egsandsay
    "
    Yousai
    dthi
    sev
    eni
    ng,
    it'
    sst
    il
    lmor
    ningnow.
    "

    "Well
    Iwanty ouinthemor ni
    ngandIwil
    l haveyou.
    "
    hesayssti
    llsmirki
    ng."WatchhowIwil
    l destr
    oyyou
    oncewegeti nt
    oourr oom."hewhi
    spers,givi
    ngme
    goosebumps.Het akeshishandback,
    leav i
    ngme
    wit
    hwi l
    dthoughtsandt henmyphonerings.It
    'smy
    mother.

    "
    Ma.
    "Isayanswer
    ing.

    "
    Mychil
    d,whati
    sgoi
    ngon?
    "sheaskssoundi
    ng
    wor
    ri
    ed.

    "
    Not
    hingma.Am f
    ine.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .

    "
    Sonowy ouhavegotthecour
    agetoli
    etomeheh?
    Whywasn'tIt
    oldaboutt
    hiski
    dnappi
    ngThando?
    "
    "Becausema, Ididn'
    twantt
    ostressy
    ouf
    ornothi
    ng.
    Am absolut
    elyfinema.Nkosisavedmej
    usti
    ntime.
    "
    Isay.

    "Idon'
    tcareifhesav edyou!Youwer esupposedt o
    tel
    lmeThando.Am y ourmother ,am notsupposed
    tobet ol
    dbyot herpeopletowat cheNCAonl ytosee
    yousitti
    nginthatwitnessbox!Mychi ldyouare
    everywhere,y
    ouandNkosi areli
    teral
    lythetal
    know!
    Andy ouaretell
    ingmeam st ressingfornothi
    ng?!"

    "Macalm down.I
    treal
    lywasn'
    tanyt
    hingseri
    ous.I
    t'
    s
    j
    ustthatNkosi
    'smenwer eki
    ll
    edasthekidnapper
    s
    brokei
    ntohishousebutam fi
    nenow."

    "
    Am comi
    ngt
    her
    e."shesay
    s.

    "
    May
    oudon'
    thav
    eto.
    "
    "Idon'
    tneedy
    ourpermi
    ssi
    on,
    mybabyi
    sint
    roubl
    e
    andIhavetobether
    ewit
    hher.
    "

    "Ma,am notintrouble.Nkosi savedmeandhei s


    her
    ewi t
    hme.Hewon' tletanythi
    nghappentome.
    Youjustrestanddon' tt
    hinkaboutt hi
    ssit
    uati
    on.
    "I
    say.Mymot hersighsandsay s,"
    Givethephoneto
    Nkosi.
    "Igivethephonet oNkosi whotal
    kstomy
    motherfor3mi nutes.Hegi vesthephonebackto
    meandIsaymygoodby estomymom.

    Wef i
    nall
    ygethomeaf terdri
    vi
    ngf or2andahal f
    hoursandam exhaust ed.Ij
    ustwantt oeatandget
    i
    ntobed, Idon'tcarethatit'
    ssti
    llmorningbecauseI
    hadtowakeupear l
    y.Istepoutoft hecarassoonas
    theother3car spark,oneoft hem withBrendonand
    Nolu.Tshidimusthav egonewi t
    hJordan.Nkosi
    walkstome, holdsmyhandandwebot hgeti
    ntothe
    houseonl ytofindSihl
    eandRosedeepi nthe
    moment .Iturnt oNkosi ashishandstartsto
    squeezemyhandandwhenhewant stochargeonto
    thecoucht
    hatRoseandSi hl
    eareon,Iholdhi
    m back,
    l
    ookathim andwhisper"
    Whatifheisjustasinl
    ove
    asyouarewithmeNkosi?Letthem be,l
    etRose
    makeherowndecisions.
    "

    "
    Andwhati
    fshei
    smaki
    ngami
    stake?
    "

    "Mybrot
    herneverhur
    tswomen."Isaytohi
    m.He
    l
    ooksatmewi t
    hangerwrit
    tenonhisfaceandI
    pleadwi
    thhi
    m usingmyeyes.

    "At
    leastrespectt hef actt hatsomeonei sgoingto
    comesi tthere."hesay soutl oud.ThankGod! !
    !Rose
    andSihlebr eakthei rkissandl ookatus.Rosest art
    s
    fi
    xi
    ngher selflookingdownasSi hlesit
    sproperl
    y.
    Shestandsup, attempt ingt osaysomet hingbut
    Nkosiwal kst othepassaget hatleadstoourroom.I
    fol
    lowhi m aftertalkingt oRose, l
    eav i
    ngthe2
    l
    ovebirds,wai tmaket hat4si nceBr endonandNolu
    havejoinedt hem.
    Iwalkint
    otheroom andIheart
    heshower.Iclose
    thedoorbehi
    ndme, takeof
    fmyclothesandjoinmy
    sexychocol
    atehunk.Ihughimfr
    om theback,
    kissi
    ngthehear
    ttat
    toohehasonhisback.Hehol ds
    myhandsast hewaterdri
    psonbothofus.

    "
    Doy
    our
    eal
    l
    ythi
    nkSi
    hlel
    ovesher
    ?"heasks.

    "
    Sihl
    ehasneverhadanydesir
    eforanywomani nhi
    s
    l
    if
    e.Heonceevenvowedtostaysingle.
    "Isayt
    o
    Nkosi
    .Helet
    soutaloudsighandItight
    enthehug.

    "Baby,Rosei singoodhandsnow.St opworryi


    ng
    abouther .
    "Isaytohim.Hesl owlyturnsaround,
    faci
    ngmynakedbody .Hepullsmei ntoahugashi s
    manhoodst art
    stogrow.Heki ssesmyf orehead,
    mov esdownt omynoset henmyl ips.Ourkiss
    becomessodeepasourt onguespenet r
    ateinto
    eachot her
    ,want i
    ngtorul
    et heother'
    smout h.He
    mov eshi shandt omyassandpi cksmeup, pressing
    meagai nsttheshowerwi ndow.Hel etsgoofmyl i
    ps
    ashegoesdownwi tht hewat erthat '
    sdr ippingonus.
    Hedel i
    cat el
    yni bblesonmyni pplesonebyoneand
    carri
    esont ogodown, kissingmyf latst omacht hen
    hegoest othemostunexpect edpar t,
    mywound, the
    samewoundt hatledt ousl osingourunbor nbaby .
    Hel ooksati tthenatmeandt hensay s" Iwi l
    lalway s
    l
    ov ey oumyl ov e."thenhegi vesitaper k.Hesl owl y
    mov est omyt highst henmyweakness.Hebegi nsto
    oscul atemycl its,suckingthem asi ftheyar ethe
    bestt hingev erdownher eonear th.Hi st onguef li
    ps
    andt wi sts,gettingev erysinglecor neronmywi tness,
    l
    eav ingnost oneunt urned.Mymoansbecome
    l
    ouderandl ouderasIhol dont ohisheadwhi leit
    twirl
    st ot her hy t
    hm hei susi ngt osuckme.Suddenl y,
    hiswar mt onguest artstopushi tselfi
    nt ome,
    maki ngmescr eam outhi sname.Hi shotbr eath
    blessesme, nothav i
    nganymer cyonmet hent he
    ti
    mef inallycomeswher emybodycan' thandl e
    holdingi tinany more.
    "
    Babyam aboutt
    o..
    ..
    ."

    "Noty etmydear ."say sNkosi st


    oppi ng.Hest ands
    upt henr oughl ysmasheshi sli
    psont omi ne." damnI
    mi ssedy ou! "hegr oans.Hebegi nstopushhi msel f
    i
    nt ome, struggl i
    ngt odosoatf i
    rstthenhef i
    nally
    ent ersme, lettingoutagr oanofr eli
    ef.Heki ssesmy
    neck, starti
    ngt omov eslowlyandext r
    emel ydeep.
    Godcr eatedanaest heticgodher e!!
    !!Iputmyhands
    aroundhi sneckbuthet akesthem thenhol dst hem
    abov emyheadashesmashesr eall
    ydeep.Our
    glor i
    ouscr i
    escont inueasweenj oyt hef eel i
    ngoft he
    war m wat erspl ashingonust hent hef i
    nal cries
    fi
    nal lycomewhenwer eachthatplacewher enoone
    elseexi sts,
    cal l
    ingouteachot her'snames.Webot h
    falltot hegr ound, t
    ry i
    ngt ocatchourbr eat het hen
    fewmi nutesl ater,wet akeourshowert henl eav ethe
    bat hroom, onlyt osmashagai ninbed.Af terhav ing
    thatamazi ngexper ience,wejustcuddl ei nbed,
    forget tingaboutt hepastday sthathav ebeen
    hor rif
    icev ersi ncewewentt oLehur utshe.Asam
    aboutt odozeof f,t
    het hingIwast hi
    nkingofi nt he
    carpopsupinmyhead.Il
    ookuptoNkosi
    whoi
    s
    j
    ustlooki
    ngatt
    hecei
    li
    ngthenIcal
    lhi
    m.

    "
    Nkosi
    ?"

    "
    Yesmyqueen?
    "

    "Roseoncet oldmeast oryabouthowherl if


    ewas
    afterhermot herdi
    edandhowherol derbr ot
    her
    mov edt oJoburgtof indaj ob.
    "Isaylookingathim.
    Hisf acetensesupbef oreIcouldfi
    nishmy
    statementbutIdon' tst optal
    king."
    Butforsome
    reason,whenIaskedheraboutherf ather,she
    blockedmeout .Sosi ncey ouareherbrother,y
    ou
    mustbet heolderonewhomov edhere,
    what
    happenedt oy ourfather ?
    "Iask.

    Hel
    ooksatme,nowsi
    tt
    ingpr
    oper
    ly,
    lyi
    nghi
    sback
    ont
    heheadboar
    d.
    "al
    lam goingtosayi s,myf atherdi
    edthedayhe
    mar ri
    edmymot her'sbestfriend.Aft
    ermarryingher,
    wasnev erther
    ef orus.Infact,healwaysusedt o
    curseus.That'
    swhatmadememov ehere.Iwant ed
    tofindajobsot hatIcouldt akemysibli
    ngsand
    mov ewi t
    hthem sot hatwecoul dearnabetterli
    fe"
    hesay s.Ial
    sositproperl
    y,layingmyheadonhi s
    chestandIsay
    "
    Ishest
    il
    lal
    i
    ve?
    "

    "
    Idon'
    tknowandIdon'
    tcar
    e."

    "Lov
    edon' tt
    alkli
    kethat.Heissti
    ll
    yourf
    ather
    .Am
    pret
    tysureher egr
    etseverdoingwhathedidtoyou.
    "
    Isaytohim."Okaylove,howaboutwegoseehi m, I
    mean, soonam goingtobeaNxumal oandwebot h
    needhi sbl
    essi
    ng."Isaybutgivesmeawar ni
    ngeye,
    shutt
    ingmeup.

    "
    Wedon'
    tneedt
    hatman'
    sbl
    essi
    ng.Wecanl
    eav
    e
    wit
    houtit.Ineverwanttotalkabouthim everagain,
    okay?
    "say sNkosi.Inodmyheadandj ustlayonhi s
    chest
    ,li
    steningtohisheartbeatthenhisphonerings.
    Hegrabsi tf
    rom thetabl
    ebesidet hebed.

    "
    MrWi
    l
    li
    ams,
    "hesay
    sanswer
    ingt
    hephone.

    "
    Don'tworryaboutthemedia,Idon'
    tcar eanymor e.
    Anddon'tworry
    ,thatst
    upidpoli
    ceofficerwillnever
    fi
    ndanythi
    ngonme.Oohandmakesur ethatt he
    j
    ournal
    istwhowr ot
    ethatart
    icl
    egetsf i
    redf r
    om
    wherev
    erhewor ks.Good.
    "thenhedr opst hecall.

    "Babycallhi
    m backandtell
    himtoleavet he
    j
    ournali
    stalone.Whati
    fhehasaf amilythat'
    s
    dependingont hemoneythejour
    nal
    istisgetti
    ng?
    "I
    saytohim.

    "Idon'tcar
    e,nextt
    imehewil
    ll
    ear
    ntomindhi
    sown
    businessnowst oppoki
    ngy
    ournosei
    ntomy
    busi
    ness.Sl
    eep.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "
    Butl
    ovet
    hat
    'shi
    sjob.Bab.
    ..
    ..
    .."

    "
    SleepThando!
    !!
    "
    Ij
    ustl
    ookathim,hopi
    nghewoul
    djustl
    i
    stent
    ome
    butam wast
    ingmytime.

    "
    Youaresounfai
    rsomet
    imes.Nx!
    "Isayt
    urni
    ngt
    o
    t
    heothersi
    de.

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

    Hiebabies.Am ext
    remelysorr
    yforgoi
    ngall Miaon
    youbutIhadnochoi ce.12June,t
    hiswri
    terright
    herewillbebacktoposti
    ngchapter
    sli
    keamani ac
    j
    ustli
    ket heolddays justknowthatIr
    eallydon't
    l
    ikegoingMi aonyoubutgrade12isforci
    ngmet o.
    Am tr
    ulysorry.
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er33

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    "
    Youcanbesoself
    ishsomet
    imes.Nx!
    "say
    sThando
    t
    urni
    ngt
    heotherway.

    "Ouch!!
    "Isarcasti
    cal
    lysay.DoIcar et
    hatam about
    toruinthatstupi
    djournal
    ist'
    sli
    fe?NoIdon't.Am
    getti
    nghimf i
    redforamat terof3mont hsjustt
    o
    teachhim alessonthenaf t
    erthat,
    Iwil
    lfi
    ndhi ma
    j
    ob.Am notsobadaf terallnowam I.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .Smiley
    face.
    ...
    ..
    ..
    Iwrapmyar msaroundThandobutshethr
    owst hem
    offherbutIputt
    hem backar
    oundher.Shetr
    iesto
    removethem agai
    nbutthen.
    ..

    "Removethem onemor eti


    meandIwi l
    lfuckyou
    hardf
    rom theback,
    "Iwhisperi
    nherear,pressi
    ng
    myhardselfonhernakedbigass.If
    eelherbody
    t
    enseupt
    hensher
    emov
    esmyar
    msagai
    n.

    "Ohhhokay ,"Isayr
    aisi
    ngherl
    egatt
    empti
    ngtoenter
    my selfi
    ntoherbutsheslapsmeandrunsoutofbed,
    headsf orthebathr
    oom thenl
    ockst
    hedoorasher
    gigglesgetloud.

    "
    Don'
    twor
    ry,
    Iwi
    l
    lgety
    ou!
    !!
    "

    "
    Voetsek!
    !Andy
    ounotget
    ti
    ngt
    hispussyunt
    ily
    ou
    l
    ett
    hatmanbe!!
    !"

    "MxaaaaathenIguessIwi
    l
    ljusthavetostartr
    ely
    ing
    onmast ur
    bati
    ngbecauset
    hatain'
    thappening!
    "I
    shoutback.

    "
    Fucky
    ou!
    !!
    "
    "LanguageThando!
    "andj
    ustt
    opi
    ssmeof
    fshe
    start
    ssingi
    ng.

    "Fuckyou,fuckyou,fucky ou,
    fucky ou,fuck
    youuuuuuuuuuuu!!!
    !!
    !Didy ouhearthat
    Nkosi!!
    !?
    incaseyoudi dn'
    tIsaidfucky ou!!
    !!
    !"
    somet i
    mesIwonderwhyGodmadehermymat ch.I
    taketheblanketandasam aboutt oputi tovermy
    head,myphoner ings.It'
    sSbu,aaaahJeez.

    "Yesbaf
    o?"

    "
    Checkt
    henewsnow!"hesayspant
    ing.I
    shecal
    l
    ing
    mewhil
    efucki
    ngsomeone?

    "
    Andt
    hen?
    "

    "
    Justcheckthenewsnowbafo!
    "hesay
    st hendrops
    t
    hecall
    .Thissonofadit
    chi
    ssodisr
    espectful
    yhooo.
    Somet i
    mesIwonderhowhemanagedt okeephi
    s
    dicktohimsel
    fwhenhewaswithThando.Oohwait
    ,
    that'
    scozheknewthatIwoul
    dchopoffhisdi
    ck,
    stupi
    dme. .
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    Ireachfortheremoteandturnont henewsand
    guesswhoi sont henews,t
    hatfuckingmischi
    evous
    stepbrotherofmine.Whatthefuckhashedone
    now? ?Ii
    ncreasethevolumeandlistenat
    tenti
    vel
    y.

    "4menwer efoundwi thneurocaineand


    met hamphetami neatacl ubi
    nBenoni andthese
    men' sagesrangef rom 23t o26.Theywi l
    lbe
    appear i
    ngincour tont he24thofAugustwhi chi
    sin
    8day s.Howev erthepol icehavef oundoutt hatone
    ofthemenhasbeenr ecognizedasNxumal oandthe
    questionthati
    snowgoi ngaroundi s,cant hisman
    berelatedtoMrNxumal owhoappear edincourt
    today?Ifheis,theni tseemst heNxumal ofamil
    y
    musthav et
    roubler unningthrought heirblood.
    Mov
    ingont
    oot
    hernews,
    thepol
    i
    cehav
    ebeen
    searchingforourdearpot ential blueey edman, Mr
    Nxumal owhom disrespectedt hecour ttodayaf t
    er
    hisfi
    ancewho' snamewest il
    l don' tknowwasasked
    aboutt heLehurut
    shei ncident.Pol iceof f
    icer,Mr
    Mahl anguwhochar gedacaseonMrNxumal osays
    thattheywillf
    indMrNxumal onomat terwhatand
    hewi llbeputbehi
    ndbar sfordi srespect i
    ngt hejudge
    aswel lasthecourt.Ar ewardhasal sobeenl ai
    dout
    forany onewhomi ghtknowabouthi swher eabouts.
    "sayssomenewscast er.

    "Fuck!
    !!
    !!!
    "Icurseoutloud.Fuckthatfucki
    ngpol i
    ce
    offi
    cer
    !!
    !!JustbecuaseMrJoneswasmyGodf ather
    ,
    i
    tdoesntmeanhehast omakemyl i
    fesodi f
    fi
    cult!"I
    bell
    owt henthebathroom doorunlocksandatt he
    samet i
    me, myphoner i
    ngs.It
    'sMrWi l
    li
    ams.Thando
    stepsoutoft hebathr
    oom, looki
    ngatmewor ri
    ed.
    Sheshrugshershoul dersbutIjusti
    gnoreherand
    answert hephone.

    "
    MrNxumal
    odoy
    ouseewhaty
    ouhav
    edonenow!
    "
    hey
    ell
    s.

    "Iwasdoingitformyf i
    anceyousonofabi t
    ch!Ihad
    togetheroutoft her
    eokay!!
    !Icoul
    dn'
    tjustl
    etthat
    foolofapoli
    ceof fi
    cerandl
    awy err
    oastmyThando. "
    Irespondgett
    ingoutofbed,throwi
    ngtheblankets.

    "
    Andyoucoul
    dhavedonethatwi
    thoutbreakingt
    he
    l
    aw!Nowyouaref
    orcedt
    ot ur
    nyoursel
    fin."hesays.

    "Nevergoingt
    ohappen.Theycanmi
    ssmewi
    tht
    hat
    bull
    shit
    ."

    "MrNxumal oIwil
    l getyououtinamat terofhour
    sif
    youtur
    ny oursel
    fin.Ifyoudoturnyourselfi
    nand
    apol
    ogisethecasemi ghtbeexcused.
    "

    "
    Fuckno!Am notgoi
    ngtod..
    ..
    ."andbef
    oreIcoul
    d
    f
    ini
    shmystat
    ement ,
    Thandograbsmyphoneand
    st
    art
    stot
    alkt
    oMrWi
    l
    li
    ams.

    "Yest
    hisi
    sThando,
    whatdoy
    ouwanthi
    mtodo?
    "
    sheasks.
    Il
    ookatherwi
    thawar
    ningey
    ebutshewal
    ksaway
    .

    "
    Ooohokayt
    henbuti
    sn'
    tthatt
    oor
    isky
    ?
    OooohIgety ou.don'
    twor r
    y,hewillturnhimsel fby
    theendoft oday.Okaybuty ouhav etopr omiset hat
    hewi l
    lgetoutasaporel sehewi l
    lkillt
    hebot hofus
    andIwi l
    lki
    llyouaf t
    erwards.
    "saysThando.Il ookat
    her, wonderingwhot hefuckshet hinksshei s.Does
    sher eall
    ythinkthatIwillt
    urnmy selfinjustbecause
    shesai dso?That '
    sbull
    .Sheissupposedt obe
    tel
    lingMrWi ll
    iamsnottoev enmaket hatanopt ion,
    I
    mean, whot hehellwantsherspouset obeinj ail
    ?
    Thiswomani sinsaneforsure.Sheendst hecall,
    givesmemyphonet hensmi l
    es.

    "
    Youar
    ever
    ymuchi
    nsanei
    fyout
    hinkam goi
    ngt
    o
    dothatshi
    t,nxa."Isayt
    oherstandi
    ngup.Ineedt
    o
    gobailMkhi
    zeoutbef oret
    hatpoli
    ceof
    fi
    cerasks
    hi
    m anyquestions.

    "
    Youar
    egoi
    ngt
    otur
    nyour
    sel
    fNkosi
    ."say
    sThando.

    "I
    nyourdreams.
    "Irepl
    yputt
    ingonapumabl
    ueshi
    rt
    andshort
    swithNikeshoes.

    "Nkosiam notaskingyouam tel


    li
    ngyou."sher epl
    i
    es.
    Ichucklewhil
    el ooki
    ngatherwonderi
    ngwhatshe
    mustbet hi
    nking.Itakemycarkey sf
    rom the
    dressi
    ngtableandasam aboutt oheadout ,she
    pull
    smebacki ntotheroom,makingmef all
    .

    "
    Whatt
    hef
    ucki
    swr
    ongwi
    thy
    ouwoman!
    !!
    "

    "Nowli
    stent
    omeandli
    stentomever
    ycl
    ear
    ly,
    am
    notgoi
    ngtohav
    eMyfuckingmanbeont
    hewanted
    l
    istforsuchaf uckingst upidthi ng,soy ougety our
    assup, waitformei nt hecarandwewi ll
    got othe
    poli
    cest at
    ionsot haty out urny ourselfin.Mr
    Will
    i
    amshasal readyt oldy out hathewi llt
    akey ou
    outbyev eningsocany ouj ustst opbei nganuthead
    anddowhaty ourlawy erhast ol dy out odo! "says
    Thandost andingbet weenmyl egs, pointi
    ngher
    fi
    ngeratme.Herey eshav eahoodedl ookandher
    l
    ipsarenar rowedwi t
    hherv einspoppi ngout .She
    tur
    nsawayf rom me, goi ngt ogetdr essedandwel l
    am justlayi
    ngont hef loor ,notknowi ngwhet herI
    shouldmov eornot .Shej ustr emi ndsmeofhowmy
    mom al waysusedt oshoutatmeandhowscar yshe
    was.IrememberhowIoncepeedmypant sjust
    becauseofmymot her'sl ook.....
    .

    Sheget
    sdr
    essedint
    othedr
    essshewaswear
    ing
    wit
    hpumpsthenshewal
    ksmyway.

    "Getupandlet'
    sgo."shesays.Shewal
    ksoutofthe
    doorasIstandup,sti
    llast
    oni
    shedbytheThandoI
    j
    ustmet
    .If
    eel
    li
    keIdon'
    tknowheratal
    l
    .

    Whenweentertheli
    vingr
    oom, webumpi nt
    oSi hle
    whosebagsar
    epackedbuthei skissi
    ngmysist er
    .
    OoooohGodhowIwi shIcoul
    djustthrowhim outof
    thewi
    ndowforkissi
    ngmysisterbutri
    ghtnow,that
    shoul
    dbethel
    eastofmywor r
    ies.

    "
    Budi,whereareyougoi
    ng?"asksThando,
    i
    nter
    rupti
    ngtheirmoment.Aghhh.

    "Am l
    eavi
    ng.Am goi
    ngt obest ay
    ingaty
    our
    apart
    ment .
    "repl
    i
    esSihl
    e.IlookatRoseandIcan
    seeherbloodshotr
    edey es.Shemusthavebeen
    cry
    ingbecauseofSi
    hleleaving.

    "
    Ooohokay, wel
    luuum iwil
    lhav
    et ogogett hekey
    s
    f
    rom thi
    sotherfr
    iendofminesojuststayhereandI
    wil
    lbebackbefore15:
    00."sher
    epliesSihl
    e.She
    t
    henturnstomeandsi gnal
    sformet ofoll
    owher
    wit
    hherey es.Ifol
    lowhert othecarandIcal loneof
    myguar ds,heistheonewhowi llgoint obail
    Mkhize.Weal lgetint
    othecaranddr iveofftothe
    pol
    icestati
    on.Ikeeponr emember i
    ngwhatThando
    di
    dint hehouseandhowmuchsher eall
    ylookedlike
    mymom.Igazeathernowr elaxedfaceandshest i
    l
    l
    l
    ookslikemymom, evenwhenshei sn'tangry.God,
    whattypeofsoacer yisthis.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    Wef i
    nall
    ygettothepol
    icest
    ati
    onandIinstructt
    he
    guardIcamewi t
    htogobailMkhizeoutbuthedidn'
    t
    walkwithus.Hewentinfi
    rst
    .Thandolooksatme
    wait
    ingforananswer.

    "
    Iwi
    ll
    tell
    youl
    ater
    .Comel
    et'
    sgogetmei
    njai
    l
    ."Isay
    t
    oher.

    "
    Don'
    tsayi
    tli
    ket
    hatNkosi
    ."

    "
    Butt
    hat
    sexact
    lywhat
    '
    sgoi
    ngt
    ohappenr
    ight
    ?"
    "Aghy out hough.Youar egoingt obeoutt odayso
    stopact ingl i
    keyouwi l
    lbei ntheref orweeks. "says
    Thandor oll
    ingherey es.Webot hgetoutoft hecar
    andheadi nt othepol i
    cest ati
    on.Assoonaswe
    enter,wef indMrMahl angust andi ngbyt he
    receptiont alki
    ngt othepol iceof f
    icerbehi ndt he
    reception.Thandol ooksatme, si
    gnal ingf ormet o
    got ohim becauseam j uststandi ng, glar i
    ngatt hi
    s
    pieceofshi tinfr
    ontofme.Wat chhowIwi llmake
    hislif
    ehel laf t
    erthis.Itakebabyst epst ohi m and
    whenIgett ohim Iclearmyt hroatt ogethi s
    attenti
    on.Het urnst omet henthatev il smi lef or
    ms
    onhi slips.IknowIcan' tsmi l
    ebutt hi
    sni ggaher e
    can'tsmi leforshit!!
    !!Histeethar ecov eredi n
    tobaccoandhi sscenti sjustdomi nat edbyni coti
    ne.
    Tobaccoandci garettes?Unheal t
    hymot her f
    ucker .

    "HauMrNxumal o,
    "hesay slooki
    ngatmesmil
    ing
    buthissmil
    ejustchangesinasecond."
    Arr
    esthim.
    "
    heshoutsand2pol i
    ceoffi
    cersrusht
    ome,putti
    ng
    handcuff
    sonme.
    "Wel
    lIcamet ot ur
    nmy selfinany
    waysandi ncase
    youdon'tknowy ourjob,handcuffsar
    ef orpeople
    whotrytoresistyourorder sMrPOLICEOFFI CER!"I
    say,
    emphasi zi
    ngont hel astpart
    .Hefrownsatme,
    ashisJawsbecomet i
    ghter.

    "Puthimintheholdingcel
    l
    ."heshout
    swalkingaway.
    Thandowal kstomeandsay stothepol
    iceoff
    icer
    s
    toalsoarr
    esthersinceshewaspartofthecri
    me
    thattookpl
    aceatthecourtandthesei
    diot
    s
    handcuffhertoo.

    "Heyi
    !!
    !!Takethosethi
    ngsoffher!
    !!!Shedidn'
    tdo
    anyt
    hing,sheislyi
    ngtoy ouguys!
    !!Didyourbosstel
    l
    youtoar r
    estherhuh!!
    !?
    "Ibell
    owtr yi
    ngtoprevent
    them f
    rom putti
    ngthehandcuffsonher.

    "
    Nkosi
    rel
    ax,
    "say
    sThando."
    Iwanttobei
    nher
    ewi
    th
    y
    ousothaty
    ouknowyouaren'
    tal
    onenowcal
    m
    down.
    "shecont
    inues.Thi
    swomansur
    elyi
    sst
    upi
    d.

    "
    HayiThando!Iwantyout
    ogohomeandwaitfor
    methereyouhear?Nowtel
    lthem y
    ouwer
    en'
    tpar
    tof
    i
    t.
    "

    "Evenifshedi d,
    wewoul dn'
    tcare,wesawwhat
    happenint hatcourtandshei sv er
    ymuch
    responsibl
    ef ori
    tjustasmuchasy ouar
    e."saysone
    ofthepol i
    ce.Iglar
    eathi m wit
    hashar peye,then
    chargeforhim andsi nceIcan'tusemyhands, Iki
    ck
    himr i
    ghtintheface,leavinghi
    m wi thabl
    eeding
    nose.

    "Nkosi
    !!
    !!
    !!"shout
    sThando.

    "Youfool!
    !!
    !Nowam goi
    ngt
    ochar
    gey
    ouf
    or
    harassi
    ngamanofthelaw.
    "
    "Andam goingt
    owalkoutofthi
    sjai
    ldespit
    ey our
    stupi
    dchargesandj
    ustwaitandseewhatIwi l
    ldoto
    youforput
    tingmywif
    einthosecuff
    sofy ours.
    "Isay
    angryashell
    .

    Hedr agsThandotothefemal
    eholdingcell
    whil
    e
    shejustkeepsonsteal
    inggl
    ancesatme, smil
    i
    ng
    withaf ai
    ntsmil
    e.Shel
    owlysays."
    Iloveyou,
    "and
    blowsaki ss.

    It
    snow16: 00andwear estil
    lhere,Ihav entseenMr
    Will
    iamsatal l
    ,j
    ustt hepresswhokeeponwal kingin
    andout ,t
    akingpi ct
    uresofmeandThando.They
    thi
    nkIcan'tseebutIv er
    ymuchcan.MrMahl angu
    hasbeent ryi
    ngt oruinmymoodbuthedoesn' t
    knowwhathei sdoi ngforhimself.Ri
    ghtnow, Idon't
    careifhehaski ds,awi f
    eorwhat .Iwi ll
    surelyr uin
    himf orhumili
    atingmyThandoandIl ikethis.I
    wouldn'thavehadabi gproblem i
    fThandowasn' t
    behindthebarsbutnow, hewi l
    lsurelymeetwhathe
    hasbeenbeggi ngf or.
    MrWi l
    l
    iamsf inallyshowsupat8pm buthei st urned
    away .Het ri
    est ot alksomesensei ntoMrMahl angu
    butthismani sn'tlisteningatal l.Iguesswewi l
    lbe
    spendingt heni ghti nher e.Isi tont hef loor
    ,hiding
    myf aceinmypal ms, thinkingofhowl onelyandcol d
    Thandomustbe.Justt hismor ning,wehadeach
    other,maki ngl ov eandmaki ngeachot herwarm
    thenallofasudden, wear eher e, separatedandcol d.
    Isthi
    showmuchwemustgot hroughj usttobe
    together?Am sur ei tisn't.
    ..
    ...Ev ersinceThandohas
    beenwi thme, i
    t'
    sbeennot hingbutpai nf orher,how
    IwishIcoul djustbeacommonerr ightnow.HowI
    wishmypar entsnev ergav ebi rtht othisblueey ed,
    shorttemper edman.HowIwi shInev ermet
    Thando. .
    ..
    .Si gh

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *

    THANDO'
    SPOV.
    Soi t
    's22:00andwear est
    il
    l i
    nthesefreaki
    shlycold
    holdingcells.Am col
    dandam hungr y.Wellnotthat
    wasn' tgiv
    enf oodbutthi
    sfoodi stot
    all
    ydisgusti
    ng.I
    can'tevenl ookatit
    .IwonderhowmadNkosi must
    be..
    ..Hewi llkil
    lmebecauseam t heonewhof orced
    himt ocomeher eanyways.ButIonlydiditbecause
    Iwanthi m of ft
    hecri
    minalrecordsbecausejusttr
    y
    toimagi ney ourmanbeingont hewantedlist
    ..
    ..
    ..

    Iturntothetinywindowwhi chi sallowingal i


    tt
    lebit
    onmoonl i
    ghtinandIjustkneel.Iknowt hisi
    swr ong
    ofmeasaChr i
    sti
    antoj ustprayt oGodwhenam i n
    troublebutIneedhim now.Isaymyshor tpr
    ayer
    thenendi tandasam st il
    lkneeling,oneoft he
    femal epoli
    ceoffi
    cersshout s"Don'twor r
    ymyl ief
    ie,
    youwi ll
    beoutofher esoon.Justhol don."Iturnto
    l
    ookatherandshei sashor twhi t
    ey ounglady.She
    i
    ssi tt
    ingonachai r
    ,holdingabl anket.Igivehera
    faintsmileandshesmi lesbackatme.

    "
    Sur
    gentMahl
    angui
    sjustt
    ryi
    ngt
    ofeedhi
    sst
    upi
    d
    egobyarrest
    ingyourmanbutmajori
    tyofthepeopl
    e
    outt
    hereareactual
    lyangrywi
    thhi
    mf ordoingt
    his.
    "
    shecont
    inuesasshet hr
    owsthebl
    anketatme.

    "Thankyou.
    "Isaytoherinalowshaki
    ngvoi
    ce."But
    thenift
    hemajori
    tyisangrywit
    hhi
    m, t
    henwhyishe
    carr
    yingonwit
    hthisplan?"

    "LikeIsaid,hewant st ofeedhisego.Iper sonal l


    y
    woul ddoany thi
    ngt ot akeyououtofher ebutIcan' t
    .
    Tobehonest ,am act uall
    yinspi
    redbyy outwo.Il ove
    howy ourmancoul dl it
    erall
    ydoany t
    hingfory ou.
    Event houghy oumi ghtt r
    ytodenyi t
    ,Iknowhei sthe
    blueey edmanwhoki dnappedt hosemenbecauseI
    coincidentall
    ywasatt hescenewheni thappened.I
    j
    ustdi dn'tsayanythingbecauseIt houghtitwas
    somet hingthathadt odowi thblackmagi c."she
    whi sperslaughi
    ngandIj oinher.

    "
    Real
    l
    y?Andwhatmadey
    out
    hinkt
    hat
    ?"
    "Justimaginesseingamanpopoutofnowher eata
    speedt hati
    ssuperabnor mal
    , t
    henacaracci
    dent
    takesplaceandhedr ags2peopleoutoft
    hecarand
    tomakemat ter
    sev enbett
    er,heisbl
    ueeyedandhe
    i
    sbl ack.Noof f
    ense."shesays.

    "Nontaken.Honestl
    y,Iwoul
    dalsothinkthatbutam
    sorr
    ytodisappointy
    ou.Mymani sn'ttheblueeyed
    man."Isaytoher.Am notaboutt
    ot ellawhole
    str
    angeraboutmyman.Shei sniceandal lbutaI
    am notspil
    li
    ngthebeans.

    "
    Ooohplease,Idi
    dsayy ouweregoingtodenyitbut
    i
    t'
    sokay.I
    tsourli
    tt
    lesecret
    ."shewhisper
    swinking.
    Oooookay
    ..
    ..
    .

    "Anyways,don'
    tworr
    y,evenify
    ourlawyerdoesn'
    t
    succeedinlet
    ti
    ngyouout,youwil
    lbereleased.
    Thereareacoupleofpeoplewhoareplanningon
    comingher etomorrowmorningtohel
    py ougetout.
    Thankstot helov
    ey ou2haveforeachother.
    "she
    saysstandingup.Sheleav
    esmysi ghtandthenam
    l
    eftal
    onei nthedarkwitht
    houghtsinmyhead.Our
    l
    oveinspiredpeople?Wow...
    ..
    ..
    ..

    Asam aboutt osleep,Ihearcommot i


    onatthe
    recepti
    onandt henagunshot .Icov
    ermy sel
    fwit
    h
    theblankett
    henal lofasudden2f emalesare
    thrownintot
    hecel l
    .

    "
    Mot
    herf
    ucki
    ngi
    diot
    s!"

    "Tshi
    di!
    ?"Isayremov ingt
    hebl
    anketoffme.She
    l
    ooksatmet henrushestome,taki
    ngmei nt
    oahug
    andsodoesNol u.These2weret ot
    all
    ytheones
    causi
    ngt hecommot ion.

    "
    Whatar
    eyouguy
    sdoi
    ngher
    e?"Isayi
    nshock.
    "Wellwesawy ouont henewsandwedeci dedto
    comej oiny ousincewer eal
    izedt hatyouweregoi
    ng
    togetoutany ti
    mesoon.Wel l okay,wecamet oget
    yououtbutt hatoff
    icerwit
    ht hetobaccoteeth
    wouldn'tletusbailyouout !
    "say sNolu.

    "
    Ncaaawt
    hanky
    ouguy
    s."Isayt
    othem.

    "
    Okayenoughwi
    ththat
    ,whot hef
    uckgavey
    ou2t
    he
    i
    deatotur
    nyour
    sel
    vesin"asksTshi
    di.

    "
    Idi
    d."Ir
    eply.Theybot
    hlookatmeasi
    fam dumb
    t
    henthelect
    urecomes.

    "Thandoareyoustupi
    d?Whothefuckdoesthat
    ?
    Whywoul dyoueventhi
    nkofsuch"andbl
    ahblah
    blahblahbl
    ah.Iam j
    ustgoi
    ngtoblockt
    hem out
    unti
    ltheyar
    edone.
    "
    areyoudonenow?Thankyou.Wetur
    nedoursel
    ves
    i
    nbecauseitwastheonl
    ywaytogett
    hepol
    iceoff
    Nkosi
    '
    sback."Isayt
    othem.

    "ButThando, youshoul dhav espokentousthough.


    Ev enbhudi Si
    hle,KhayaandZi phoaren'
    thappywith
    thischoiceofy ours.Sihl
    e,JordanandBrendonare
    i
    nt hecellwit
    hNkosi andZi phoandKhayaareflyi
    ng
    backher e.Mom i scomi ngherebecauseshesaw
    youont henews."say sTshidi.
    "Ooohandsome
    chickcal l
    edNer i
    sacalledandsaidshewi l
    lcomet o
    tryandhel pyout ogetout..
    ..."

    "Am sorr
    yfornottell
    ingyouguysbutIdi
    dn'
    tthi
    nki
    t
    wouldbeabi gdeal.Andbesides,
    MrWi l
    l
    iamswas
    supposedtohavegot tenusoutbynowbutIguess
    hefail
    ed."Ir
    eplyshruggingmyshoulder
    s.

    "
    Wow!Thatal
    lam goi
    ngt
    osay
    ."say
    sNol
    u.
    "EversinceyouandNkosi startedthisrel
    ationshi
    p,
    i
    t'sbeennot hingbutdi
    sasterafterdisast
    eraf t
    er
    disast
    er .Maybetheuniver
    seist ryi
    ngt ot
    ell y
    ou
    somet hingThandobecauset hisisabsolutelynot
    normal atall
    ."saysNol
    ushaki ngherhead.

    "Nolu,am notinarel
    ati
    onshi
    pwithacommonman
    okay.AndIl ovehi
    m despi
    teever
    ythingthat'
    s
    happeningaaaand,nonofiti
    shisfault.I
    t'
    sallBr
    ian'
    s
    doing.Heist heonewhohasdonet his.

    "Tr
    ueandnowIwishwehadkil
    ledhim ort
    olddad
    abouthi
    m."say
    sTshi
    di.Weal
    lsiti
    nsil
    enceunti
    lwe
    fal
    lasl
    eep.

    "
    Thandooo,
    myl i
    tt
    lepri
    ncess.Hol
    dontohim no
    matt
    erwhat,
    uyangizwa.
    "saysafi
    antv
    oice.

    "
    Papa,
    wher
    ear
    eyou?
    "
    "Papawant syoutof or
    givehimf orwhathedi d.He
    didntknowmychi ld.Butnev erforsakehim.Beby
    hissideunti
    lyoubot hleavethewor ld.Lov ehim and
    onlyhim.Hewi l
    lprotectyouagai nstalloddsandhe
    willbether
    ewi t
    hy oudur i
    ngev erytri
    al.Makepapa
    happyandl ovehim."continuesthef ai
    ntv oice.

    "
    Papa,
    whoar
    eyout
    alki
    ngabout
    ?"

    "Papalovesyoumygi r
    landjustknowthathewil
    lbe
    yourprot
    ector.Ihav
    eblessedyou2andIhav e
    forgi
    venhim.Papalovesyou,papalov
    esy ou"
    echoesthevoice.

    "
    Papa!Papacomeback!Papa!
    "

    Am wokenupbyashakeandi t'
    sTshidi."
    sleep
    ni
    cel
    yman, wearealsotr
    yingtosl
    eep."shesays.I
    j
    ustturntot
    heothersi
    deandIstartr
    emember i
    ng
    mydr eam.Whowaspapat al
    ki
    ngabout ?wasitNkosi
    ?
    Andwhyi
    spapaf
    orgi
    vi
    nghi
    m??

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er34

    "
    Soar
    eyouser
    iousl
    ygi
    vinguponheraf
    terr
    iski
    ng
    y
    ourl
    i
    fet
    hewayy oudi
    d?"

    "
    YesIam.
    "

    "
    Theny
    ousayy
    oudi
    dn'
    twast
    eourt
    ime.Nx!
    "

    "Ihavegivenuponherbutam notgi v
    ingupon
    Nkosi.Am sti
    llgoingt obr
    eakthem up.SinceIcan'
    t
    kil
    lthatsonofabi tch,Iwi
    llj
    usthavetouseThando
    asmywayofget t
    ingmyr evenge.Nkosiclear
    lyl
    oves
    Thandoandhecl earlywon'
    tbeabletosur vi
    ve
    withouther."
    "
    Andhowwi
    l
    lyoudot
    hat
    ?"

    "Am st
    il
    lgoi
    ngtousehi
    ssecret
    .That'
    smorethan
    enoughtodosomethi
    ngtothei
    rrel
    ati
    onshi
    p."

    "
    Wellokayt hen.
    "Jayden,Baca,
    Mussali
    neandIjust
    r
    elaxi
    nt helivi
    ngroom,talki
    ngbusi
    nessunt
    iloneof
    myassistantswalksin.

    "Si
    r,someonewant
    stotalkt
    oyouont
    hephone.He
    saysit'
    sver
    yimpor
    tant
    ."

    "
    Whoi
    sit
    ?"

    "
    Her
    efusedt
    otel
    lmehi
    sname.
    "sher
    epl
    i
    es.

    "
    Okay
    ,am comi
    ng.Gent
    lemen,
    Iwi
    l
    lbebacki
    nfi
    ve.
    "
    Isaystandi ngup,foll
    owingmyassi stanttomy
    upstair
    sof fice.Am backinMexi coandwel l
    ,my
    feel
    ingsf orThandoar egone.If eelabsolutel
    y
    nothingforhernow, notevenhat r
    ed.Am j ust
    ,Idon'
    t
    know.ButNkosi ,mandoIst i
    ll
    hat ehim.Ifitwasn'
    t
    forthetrackeronmyt ooth,Icouldbedeadr i
    ght
    now.
    If
    inal
    l
    ygettomyst
    udyandanswert
    hephonewhi
    ch
    wasonhold.

    "
    Yes?
    "

    "
    AaaaahMrMohlakoane!Howar
    eyou?
    "say
    sadeep
    mal
    ev oi
    ceont
    heot hersi
    de.

    "
    Whoar
    eyouandwhatdoy
    ouwant
    ?"Isay
    .

    "
    Hmm okay,Iseeyouareonestrai
    ghtfor
    wardman.
    Anyway
    s,Ij
    ustwantedtosay,Iwanttodobusi
    ness
    wit
    hyouandnotjustanybusi
    ness.
    "
    "
    Andwhatbusi
    nessi
    sthi
    s?""
    Iquest
    ion,
    qui
    te
    i
    nter
    est
    edi
    nhisrepl
    y.

    "MrMohlakoane,mynamei sMrVil
    akaziandI
    bel
    iev
    ewehav esomethi
    ngincommon.Iwantust o
    for
    m apartner
    shipandwell,wor
    konthisthingwe
    havei
    ncommon.MrNxumal o.
    "hesays,soundi
    ng
    l
    ikehehasasmi rkonhisface.

    "
    Am l
    i
    steni
    ng.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."

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

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    "Pl
    easedon'tki
    ll
    me, Ihaveafami
    lytot
    akecar
    eof
    andmychildrenaresti
    lly
    oung.Pl
    ease,
    letmego
    chi
    ld.
    "
    "Shutupoldman!!Am notlet
    ti
    ngy ougookay.And
    youshouldhavethoughtaboutyourfami
    lybefor
    e
    betray
    ingboss.
    "

    "
    Mysonpl ease,Iknowy ouhaveaconsci
    enceand
    i
    t'
    stel
    li
    ngy ounottodoi t.I
    magi
    nesomeonekil
    li
    ng
    y
    ourfathermyson. "hesaid.

    "Ha,ifmyf atherwast ogetkil


    ledbysomeone, I
    wouldactuallyappr eci
    atethat
    , y
    ouwantt oknow
    why ?BecauseIhat ehi m.Nowdoy ouhaveanylast
    wordsbef orey outakey ourl
    astbreat
    h."Isai
    dtohim
    sit
    ti
    ngont hebedwhi l
    eheslowlystart
    edtobecome
    shortofbreat h,t
    iedtothewoodenchai r.

    "
    Ifor
    giv
    eyou,
    "andt
    hosewer
    ehi
    slastwor
    ds.

    "
    Nkosi
    !!
    !!Manwakeup!
    "say
    sav
    oice.
    "
    Huh,
    what
    !"Isaysi
    tt
    ingupst
    rai
    ght
    .Ir
    ubmyey
    es.

    "
    Youwer
    eki
    cki
    ngmeman!
    "say
    sSi
    hle.

    "
    Ooohsor
    ry.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.Whatt
    imei
    sit
    ?"

    "Wel
    lal
    lIcansayisi
    t'
    snowmor
    ning.
    "say
    sJor
    dan
    l
    eani
    ngagainstt
    hewall
    .

    "Ooohandwhatisthatdeaf
    eningnoise?
    "Isay
    coveri
    ngmyears.Ther
    eareloudnoisesofwhat
    soundsli
    kepeopl
    eshouti
    ngout si
    deandit'
    sirr
    it
    ati
    ng
    met othemax.I
    tmustbeast r
    ikeorsomething.

    "wedon'
    tknowbutit
    '
    sbeengoi
    ngonf orl
    ongnow.
    That
    'sact
    uall
    ywhatwokemeup."say
    sBrendon.
    "
    Whatev
    eri
    tis,
    it'
    sgott
    ost
    o..
    ..
    ."

    "Nkosi
    ?!Ooohwhathappenedmychi
    l
    dren,
    whyare
    youhere?"say
    saladyvoi
    ce.Wel
    ookupandit
    's
    Thando'smother
    .

    "
    Ma!Whatar
    eyoudo.
    ."

    "IsawyouandThandoonthenews!Whatisgoi
    ng
    onhereandwhyareyouinher
    e??"shesay
    slooki
    ng
    atSihl
    e.

    "Weweretr
    yingtogetthese2outbutt
    hingsgotout
    ofhand.
    "hesaysstandingup.

    "
    Andwher
    eismybaby
    ?"

    "
    Shei
    sint
    heot
    hercel
    l
    ."say
    sSi
    hle.Shequi
    ckl
    yruns
    totheothersi
    deandIfeel
    soashamedofmy sel
    f.
    Am notevenherhusbandyetandam al
    readygett
    ing
    herarr
    ested.Si
    gh.

    "
    Wellgett
    hem of
    fthi
    spr
    oper
    ty!
    !!
    !"shout
    samal
    e
    v
    oice.

    "Wehavetr
    iedbuttheyarenotmovi
    ng.Theyhav
    e
    beenher
    efor3hour snowandtheyaresti
    l
    l
    demandi
    ngt hei
    rrel
    ease.
    "saysanot
    hervoi
    ce.

    "Rel
    easet hedogsthen,ort
    hrowt eargasatt
    hem,I
    don'tknow..
    ..Just
    ..
    .Justgetthem offt
    hispr
    oper
    ty.
    "
    bell
    owst hevoiceagai
    n.

    "
    Sirwecan'tdothat
    ,thesepeopl
    earen'
    tusi
    ngany
    f
    orm ofvi
    olencesowecan'tuseviol
    enceagai
    nst
    t
    hem.Itsveryri
    sky.
    "
    "
    DoIl
    ookl
    i
    keIcar
    e?"

    "Okay,wewi l
    l doasy ousay."say
    st heothervoi
    ce.
    Wehearf ootst epscomingclosertoourcellandhe
    appears,hisfacef i
    l
    ledwithanger.Hestaresatme
    forthelongestandIsmi le.

    "Wel
    lgoodmorni
    ngMr,seemsl
    ikesomeonei
    s
    havi
    ngater
    ri
    blemorni
    nghey.
    "Isaybei
    ngsar
    cast
    ic.

    "Bafo,y
    oucanev enseet heveinsthrobbi
    ngont he
    l
    eftsideofhishead,check!"saysSihlepoint
    ingat
    MrMahl angu'
    sleftsi
    de.Webot hl
    ightlyl
    aughand
    Jordansays,

    "Guy s,
    doesn'
    tthi
    smanl ookli
    kesquidwardfr
    om
    spongebob?Theonewhowasal waysgrumpy.Just
    checkt henoseguys.I
    phungalakheli
    bukeka
    njengamasende."weallbur
    stint
    olaughter
    ,some
    hitt
    ingthefl
    oorandsomecl appi
    nghands.
    "Nginamaqinisongemuv akokuzalwakwakhe,
    abazangebadi ngekengishonokufunangoba
    i
    phungal iqi
    nisekisil
    eukuthil
    iwumf ana(am pretty
    sureafterhi
    sbi r
    th,t
    heydidn'
    tev enhavetosear ch
    formuchsi ncet henoseconfir
    medi tal
    l)"blur
    tsout
    Brendonandwear ealldead,eventhepoliceofficer
    whowasguar dingus.

    "
    Shutupal
    lofy
    ou!
    "bel
    l
    owsMrMahl
    angu.

    "Becar ef
    ulMrsendenose,ifyouopenyourbig
    mout hway ytoomuch,youmi ghtendupmistakenl
    y
    bit
    ingy ourpri
    vate.
    "say
    sSihle.Arewenotdeadwi t
    h
    l
    aught er??
    ?..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lchar
    geal
    lofy
    ouf
    ori
    nsul
    ti
    ngapol
    i
    ceof
    fi
    ci
    al!
    "

    "andwewil
    lchar
    gey ouf
    orindecentexposur
    e.You
    can'
    tbewal
    kingaroundwit
    hy ourpri
    vatepar
    tout
    t
    here,
    worseonyourface!
    !!
    !"Isayt
    ryi
    ngt
    ost
    op
    l
    aughi
    ngbutIcan'
    t.Weallcan't
    .

    "
    You!Stoplaughing!
    "heshoutspointi
    ngattheguy
    whowasguar dingus.Wefinal
    lygatherour
    sel
    ves
    t
    ogetherandit'
    sdeadsil
    ent.

    "
    Arey
    oudonewi
    thy
    ourj
    okesnow?
    "

    "Yeswearebutpl
    easehideyourpr
    ivat
    e,i
    t'
    sreal
    l
    y
    notni
    cetolookat
    ."say
    sJordan.

    "HeyiwenaAKAboy,uzof
    alapha(youwil
    ldi
    eher
    e.)
    keepont al
    ki
    ngshi
    tandyouwillsee.
    "saysMr
    Mahlangu.

    "
    Youwi
    shIwoul
    d."r
    epl
    i
    esJor
    dan.
    "Nx!Ij
    ustcametoinformyouguysthatthi
    sli
    tt
    le
    crowdyoubroughtherewon'
    tgetyououtofjai
    l.So
    sendthem backhomeorelsetheywil
    ljoi
    nyou."he
    says.

    "Peopl
    e?whatpeople?Andhowthefuckdoyouthi
    nk
    wecall
    edt hem her
    e?Wehav ebeeni
    nyourcust
    ody
    sincey
    esterdayyouidi
    ot.
    "Isayt
    ohim.

    "
    Wat
    chy
    ourmout
    hMrNxumal
    o."

    "AndwhyshouldI?Am t
    ell
    i
    ngy ouabasi
    cf actMr
    Mahlangu.See,
    someti
    mesy ouactsostupid.Ir
    eal
    ly
    wonderhowy oubecamewhaty ouar
    etoday .
    "Isay
    shaki
    ngmyhead.
    Helooksatme,at
    tempti
    ngt
    osaysomethi
    ngbut
    oneofhiscol
    l
    eaguescomesrushi
    ngi
    nand
    whisper
    ssomethi
    nginhi
    sear.

    "
    Fuck!
    !Whywoul
    dyoudot
    hat
    ?!"
    "Yousaidweshoul
    dandwedi
    d."r
    epl
    i
    est
    he
    coll
    eague.

    "
    Ooohgeez.
    "hesay
    sunderhi
    sbr
    eat
    h,wal
    ki
    ngaway
    r
    eal
    lyf
    ast.

    "Whatupwi t
    hhim?"saysJordan.Weall
    shrugour
    shoul
    dersandjustkeepqui
    etforamomentt henall
    ofasudden,KhayaandZipho'svoi
    cesstar
    tshout
    ing
    fr
    om therecept
    ion.

    "
    Ify
    oukeepondi
    srespect
    ingmyorder
    swewill
    put
    y
    ouinj
    aill
    i
    keal
    ltheother
    s!"say
    samalev
    oice.

    "Ooohplease,tel
    lem somethi
    ngIdon'
    tknow.Ifyou
    keeponbl ocki
    ngmyway ,
    youwil
    lfi
    ndyoursel
    fin
    yourgravein0.2secondssogetoutofmyway !!
    !!
    "
    shoutsav oi
    ce.
    "
    Sirpl
    ease!
    !!
    "

    "
    Agh.Fuckoffmaaan.
    "thenther
    etheyar
    e,Si
    hle'
    s
    l
    ookali
    kes,
    looki
    ngmadasf uck.

    "
    Tooky
    oul
    ongenought
    ogether
    e."say
    sSi
    hle.

    "Oohshutupyou.I
    t'
    sfucki
    ng10:
    30int
    hemor ni
    ng.
    "
    saysZi
    pho.MrMahlangucomesbackrunni
    ngand
    l
    ooksatZiphoandKhaya.

    "Youmencan'
    tcomei
    nhereanddoasyoupl
    ease
    sopleasel
    eav
    ethi
    sar
    ea!
    "hedemands.

    "Yeayouwishwewoul
    d.Whydon' tyougodealwi
    th
    youdearcr
    owdwhichisi
    njured.Imean,y
    oualmost
    kil
    ledt
    hem nowdi
    dn'
    tyou?"saysKhaya.
    "Thiswouldn'thavehappenedi fyouhadl ef
    tNkosi
    alonehey."saysZiphounderhi sbr eath."nowl ookat
    thedramay ouar ecausingfory ourself.Yourdr ama
    i
    sev enwor sethanNkosi '
    s.
    "MrMahl angul ooksat
    ZiphoandKhay aannoyedashel l
    andMrWi l
    l
    iams
    walksinjustont i
    me.Wel lthi
    sisonecr azy
    mor ni
    ng.
    ...
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "MrMahlangu,am heret
    ogetmycl ientoutofhere.
    "
    saysMrWi l
    li
    ams.MrMahl angulooksatMrWi ll
    i
    ams
    whoisholdi
    ngaf i
    leinhi
    sr i
    ghthand.

    "
    Am sor
    rybutIcantl
    etthathappen,t
    hecour
    t
    i
    nst
    ruct
    edmenott oall
    owhim bail
    ."

    "Andwhatcourti
    sthatbecauseIspoketot hejudge
    yest
    erdayandshesaidshewi l
    lbeexcusi
    ngt his
    casesinceMrNxumaloturnedhimselfi
    n."saysMr
    Will
    i
    ams." I
    twasyourj
    obtoi nf
    ormthejudget hathe
    turnedhimselfinbuty oudi
    dn't
    .Yout oldthej
    udge
    thaty oufoundhim atsomebarandt hentomake
    mat tersworse,youtookthemoneyt hatwason
    rewar d,
    "saysMrWi ll
    iams.MrMahl angulooksatMr
    Willi
    amsconf usedashel l
    .Well
    ,well,well
    ,wel
    l,
    guesswhatMrMahl angu,youhavejustmessedwith
    thewr onglawyerandcl i
    ent.

    "MrWill
    iamswhyar
    eyouplaci
    ngt hesef
    alse
    all
    egat
    ionsonamanofthelaw?!"shout
    sMr
    Mahlangu.

    "Oohpl
    easeoff
    icer
    ,let
    '
    snotpl aydumbher e.You
    knowexactl
    ywhatam talki
    ngabout.Thejudgeis
    awareofwhatyouaredoingandletmej ustinf
    orm
    younow,yourj
    obisatrisk.
    "saysMrWi l
    l
    iams.

    "
    Waitaminut
    e,ist
    hatwhyt
    hedeput
    ycommi
    ssi
    oner
    i
    sonhisway?"hesay
    s.
    "
    That
    'sexact
    lyt
    her
    eason.
    "say
    sMrWi
    l
    li
    amssmi
    l
    ing.
    "Soitwouldreallyhelpifyouj
    ustrel
    easedmycl i
    ent
    alongwithhi
    sf ami l
    ymember s.OohandIwoul d
    suggestyoucleanupt hemessy oudidout
    side,t
    he
    protest
    ersdon'tlooksohappy .
    "conti
    nuesMr
    Wi l
    l
    iams.MrMahl angulooksatMrWi l
    li
    amswi t
    hso
    muchangeri nhi seyes.Heshouldn'
    thavetr
    iedto
    startawarwithme.Nowi twi
    ll
    surel
    yendwi t
    hhim
    beggingformer cy.

    Thepoli
    ceof f
    icerwhowasguar di
    ngusopenst he
    cel
    lforusandaswegetout ,Ifeelsomeone'swei
    ght
    onme.Hergl ori
    ousscentcov ersmynoseasshe
    wrapsherlegsandarmsar oundme.Ihugherback
    whil
    ethankingMrWi l
    li
    ams.Her eal
    lydeser
    vesevery
    centIgi
    vehim.

    "Imissedy
    oubaby !
    !"saysThandolooki
    ngatme.I
    fai
    ntlysmi
    leatherandkissherfor
    ehead."
    Imissed
    youtoomyl ov
    e.Comel et'
    sgo"Isaytoher
    ,holdi
    ng
    herhand.
    Il
    ookathermot
    herwhol
    ooksver
    ydisappoi
    nted
    andIl
    ookdown.If
    eel
    soashamedforthi
    s.Si
    gh.

    "
    Iwil
    lj
    oinyouguysatyourhouse.Ineedtogoget
    t
    hesepaperssi
    gned.
    "saysMrWi ll
    iams.
    Inodmyheadandhel
    eav
    es.

    "Youpeoplehavealotofexpl
    aini
    ngt
    odowhenwe
    gettoyourhouse.
    "saysThando'smom poi
    nti
    ngat
    us.

    "Aloootofexpl
    anation."conti
    nuesKhayalooki
    ngat
    me.Hi seyesar
    et r
    yingt opier
    cet hr
    oughmebutthey
    can't
    .Theonlyeyest hatcandot hatar
    eThando'
    s
    mom.
    Asweexitthepol
    i
    cestati
    on,webumpintosome
    middl
    eagedmanwhost artst
    olookatThando'
    s
    motherasshewalksaway.
    "Wat chi toldman, "say sZi pho, looki ngatt heol d
    man.Themanchuckl esandj ustwal ksi nt othe
    station.Thispl acei ssopackedi tsnotev enaj oke.
    Ther ear epeopl eshout i
    ngatt hepol i
    cet ry i
    ngt ohol d
    them backandt herei sanambul ancewi thsomeone
    i
    nsi de.Thepr essi sal soher e.Dot hesepeopl eev er
    getmi ssedbyany thing.Att hemomentt hatthese
    peopl eseeus, shout sofcel ebr ationst ar ttoecho.
    Noof fensebutdi dt hesepeopl eser i
    ousl ywakeup
    earlyint hemor ningj ustt opr otestagai nstt his?I
    mean, don'ttheyhav ejobsorsomet hi
    ng?Nott hat
    am notgr ateful
    , okayIr eallydon' tcar ebutt hey
    reallydidn'thav et odoal lthis.Oneoft hepeopl ei n
    thecr owdshout s,"That 'sourpowercoupl eri
    ght
    there!!!!
    "andcheer sar ehear d.Mostoft hepeopl e
    hereseem l i
    ket heyar ebet weent heagesof18and
    25...Flashesst ar ttobl indal lofusaswewal kt othe
    carsandt hisisn' tthel i
    feIwant ed.Iwant edaf lash
    l
    ight ,dramaandpapar azzifreel ifebutIguessBr ian,
    MrMahl anguandt hoseJonesbr ot hersmanagedt o
    ruinmypl ans.Si gh.Ihol dont oThando' shand
    ti
    ght
    eruntilwegeti
    ntoabl ackj
    eepanddr
    iveoff.
    Therestgetint
    otheothercarswhi
    chwereparked
    andtheyfol
    lowthejeepwear ei
    n.

    Il
    ookatThandoandshei
    slooki
    ngatmewi
    tha
    fr
    own.

    "
    what
    'swr
    ong?
    "sheasks.

    "Nothi
    ngmylov e.Am j
    ustt
    ir
    ed.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .She
    carr
    iesontolookatmewi t
    hthefr
    ownandsay
    s
    "That'
    snoti
    t.
    "

    "
    Stopwor
    ryi
    ngmyl
    ove.Am f
    ine.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .

    "Hey,
    canyoupl
    easet
    urnofft
    heradi
    o,"Isayt
    othe
    dri
    ver
    .HedoessoandIj
    ustcl
    osemyey esasIfeel
    Thando'
    sheadl
    ayonmyshoulder
    .
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    "Okaysosomeonehast of i
    rstexpl
    aintomewhyy ou
    stayi
    naforestandsecondly,Ineedanexplanat
    ion
    forwhatyouall
    justexperi
    enced."saysmom
    walki
    ngupanddown.Whenev ermom star
    tswalki
    ng
    upanddown, j
    ustknowt hatsheismadasf uck.
    IlookatTshi diandNol uwhoar ebothsi tt
    ingwi th
    theirnewmenandt heyar ebothlookingdown.
    Nkosi issit
    ti
    ngnextt omeandIcanl iteral
    lyhearhi s
    hear tbeati
    ngfast.SihletookRoset ot hedoct or
    sinceshei sn'
    tfeeli
    ngv erywel l
    .Idon'
    tknowwhy
    becauseIcoul dhav echeckedonherbutIf eel l
    i
    ke
    Sihlejustwantedt orunawaywi thRosenj e.Nkosi
    wasn' tver
    yhappyabouti tbuthehadt ocool down
    becausehei salr
    eadyi ntrouble.Oohandam st il
    lnot
    surewhot hehelli
    st hemant hatissi
    ttingwi thZipho
    andKhay abutwhoev erheis,Nkosiismadathi m,
    l
    ikemadmad.
    "Well
    .Ma, wel
    l,af
    ewdaysagoIgotar r
    est
    edf or
    carel
    esslyusi
    ngfi
    rear
    mst hen,
    Iwentfort
    ri
    alwhere
    theyaskedThandoabouttheLehur
    utshei
    ncident.
    SoIkindoflostmyte.
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "IknowthatNkosi
    .WhatIwanttoknowi
    showy
    ou
    endedinjai
    lyest
    erday
    ."shesay
    s.

    "
    ItwasbecauseIdi
    srespect
    edt
    hecour
    t.
    "say
    sNkosi
    .

    "Andthebodi esthatwer eaty ourhouse?What


    happenedwi ththat?Andwhydi dy ouchooset hi
    s
    areainsteadofgoingt ost ayatThando's
    apartment."sheasks.Nkosi l
    ooksatmeandhe
    doesn'tknowwhatt osay .Maknowsaboutt he
    kidnappingbutam pr ett
    ysur ewhatshewant sto
    knowi swhyt heladiesandIwer ekidnapped.As
    Nkosi i
    saboutt ospeak, Iholdhishandandsi gnal
    forhimt okeepquiet .
    "Ma, i
    tweresomemenwhower eaft
    erNkosi's
    moneysot heyusedusasamedi um togetthe
    money .Sowhent heycamet oNkosi'shouse,they
    kil
    ledtheguardst hatwerethere.Aft
    erNkosi
    rescuedus, heknewt hatthosemenwer egoi ngto
    comeaf terussohedeci dedtousethisplaceasa
    hideout."Isaytoher ,
    try
    ingsohar dnottosell
    my sel
    fout .Motherlooksatmeandkeepsqui et.

    "Mychil
    d,y
    ouareaterr
    ibl
    eliarandy ouknowthat,
    nowt el
    lmether
    ealst
    ory,notthisthi
    ngyoujust
    cookedup.
    "shesay
    s,angrlypointi
    ngatme.

    "Am notl
    yi
    ngma.That
    '
    swhathappened.
    "

    "Thandoi
    fyouwon'
    ttel
    lmet
    het
    rut
    hthenshutup.
    "
    sheshout
    s.

    "
    Butma,
    it'
    sthet
    rut
    h."
    "
    Thando!
    !!
    !!
    "sheshout
    s.Nkosi
    shut
    smeupandma
    t
    urnstoNkosi
    .

    "
    Nkosi
    ,youbett
    ernotl
    i
    etome.Tel
    lmet
    het
    rut
    h."
    "
    saysmother
    .
    WhenNkosi
    isaboutt
    oopenhi
    smout
    h,Ij
    ustbl
    urti
    t
    out
    .

    "I
    twasBr i
    anma, okay
    .Hei stheonewhokidnapped
    us."Nkosil
    ooksatme, notsayi
    nganyt
    hingandmy
    mom comest ome.

    "
    Bri
    an?Whoi
    sBr
    ian.
    "

    "Bri
    anMohlakoanema."Isaytoher.If
    eel
    ev ery
    one's
    eyesonmebutIt rysohardnottolett
    hetearsout.
    LikeIoncesai
    d,mymot herdoesn'
    tknowaboutt he
    rape.Nonofustoldhernordadaboutanythi
    ng.
    "AndwhywouldhedothatThando?Thatboyl
    oved
    youashisownsist
    ersoexpl
    aintomewhyhewoul d
    dosu..
    ..
    ..
    "

    "Herapedmema, okay.Heoncer apedme.Heonl y


    wantedtotakemewi t
    hhim becausehesay shestil
    l
    l
    ovesme.Henev ersawmeasasi st
    er."Isaytoher.
    Icl
    osemyey esast earsthr
    eatentoleav emyey es
    butIdon'
    tall
    owt hem.Am tir
    edofcr yingbecauseof
    Bri
    an.TodayisthedayIf i
    nal
    lyfreemy selffr
    om that
    .
    Inolongerwanttocrywhenev erIthi
    nkabouti t.

    Ifeelacoldf emalefregr
    antedhandr aisemyfaceas
    onemanl yhandsqueezesmyhand.Il ookint
    omy
    mot her'
    shazel nuteyesasherf aceisbeyondword
    explainat
    ion.Everyoneistheroom isjustl
    ooki
    ng
    downbecauset heyknowi t'
    sgoingtobet hem soon.

    "
    Whatdi
    dyouj
    ustsay
    ?"
    "maIwasr apedbyBr i
    anbeforehedi sappeared.I
    ne...
    ..
    "andbeforeIcoul
    dfini
    sh,Ifel
    tasl aponmy
    faceandmyf acewassuddenl yonNkosi 'sthi
    ghs.I
    closemyey esforasecondandsomeoner oughly
    pullsmeupagai nandIfeelanotherslap.

    "Matherei
    snoneedf
    ort
    his,
    pleasest
    opsl
    appi
    ng
    Tha.
    ..
    ."

    "ShutupNkosi !!
    !"sheshout s.Okaythi
    swasn' twhatI
    expectedatall.Ithoughtshewoul dunder st
    andbut
    nop,hereIam bei ngslappedbyt hiswoman' s
    painf
    ul hand.Asshei saboutt oslapmeagai n,
    Nkosihol dsherhandasZi phoandKhay acomet ake
    herawayf r
    om me.Tshi diandNol uarejustsit
    ti
    ng
    sil
    entl
    yl ooki
    ngdown.

    "
    Whydi
    dn'
    tyoutel
    lmeThando!
    !!
    !?Huh?Am Inot
    y
    ourmot
    her
    !!!Whywoul
    dyouhidesuchf
    rom
    me? ?? ?
    !IknowIwasnev eryourf avoriteparentbut
    didy ouhavet ohidesuchf r
    om me! !
    !"sheshout s.I
    feeltearsfall
    ingdownasherwor dspi ercethr
    ough
    me.Il ookatherandshei ssit
    ingont hef l
    oorcrying.
    Thisi sthesecondtimeam ev erseei nghercr yright
    afterhercryingatdad'sf
    uner al.IguessIr eall
    yhur t
    her.Nkosi rubsmycheekashewi pest hetearsfrom
    mycheeks.

    "Am sorr
    yma.I,Ijustf
    eltdir
    tyatt
    hatt
    ime.Idi
    dn'
    t
    knowhowt otel
    lyou* snif
    fsnif
    f*I
    ,Idi
    dn'
    twantto
    hurtyouanddad."Isaytoher.

    "Thandoam yourparent,youweresupposedtot el
    l
    mer egardl
    essofithur
    tingme!!"shewhinesout.She
    snif
    fswhi l
    ewipi
    ngthetear sof
    fherfaceandlooks
    atmybr other
    sandsisters.

    "Di
    dy ouknowanythi
    ngaboutt
    his?"shesays
    scanningt
    hei
    rfaces.Al
    loft
    hem lookdownandthe
    l
    oudestcrycomesoutofhermout h,
    alongwit
    ha
    scr
    eam.

    "OoooohMpongo, Lal el
    alokhoabant wanabakho
    abakushoy o( l
    i
    stentowhaty ourchi l
    drenaresaying)"
    shecr i
    esout ."Whyar eyoudoingt hi
    st oyourpoor
    oldmot herhuh!Whathav edonet oy ouforyou
    childr
    entojustnegl ectyourfatherandIlike
    this?"
    shecriesout.Asshest andsup, mybrothers
    trytohelphert ostandupbutsher efusesandcal l
    s
    toNkosi .

    "myson, comeshowmear oom Icanuset olay


    down.Ineedt odigestthi
    s."shesays.Nkosihel
    ps
    hertostandupandl eavest hel
    iv
    ingroom withher
    andit'
    sfil
    ledwit
    hsi l
    ence.JordanandBrendonbot h
    excusethemselvesandt heguyIstil
    ldon'
    tknow, j
    ust
    sit
    sthere,qui
    et.

    "Iwi
    l
    lgomakebr eakfastfory
    'al
    l
    .Am sur
    eyoumust
    behungr
    y."hef
    inall
    ysay s.
    "
    No,
    wear
    efi
    ne.
    "say
    sKhay
    acov
    eri
    nghi
    sface.

    "Iwil
    lj
    ustmakesomet hi
    ng,justi
    ncase.
    "hesays.He
    standsupandjustdi
    sappearsintot
    hekit
    chen.
    Khaya,Zi
    pho,Tshi
    diandNol uall
    cometomeand
    grouphugmeasIcr ymyl ungsout.

    "Don'twor
    ryangel,
    shewil
    lforgi
    veyousooneror
    l
    ater.Andyoudidgoodbyfinall
    ytel
    l
    ingher
    .Atl
    east
    sheknowsnow. "saysZi
    pho.

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

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    "
    MacanIpl
    easesaysomet
    hing?
    "
    "I
    fit
    'saboutThandot
    henbett
    ernot.
    "sher
    eplies
    snif
    fi
    ngasshesi t
    sonthebedint
    heroom Ihave
    giv
    enher.

    "ma, canyouatleastli
    stentowhatIhavet
    osay,
    please."Isayt
    oher ,
    sitt
    ingonthecouchnextt
    othe
    bed.

    "
    Am l
    i
    steni
    ng.
    "shesay
    ssni
    ff
    ing.

    "Ma,youshouldn'
    thav
    ehi
    tThandot
    hewayy oudi
    d,
    shejustdi
    dn'
    tknowhowtotel
    lyouaboutt
    he
    sit
    uati
    onatthatti
    me.May
    beshewasscaredto
    te.
    ..
    ."

    "Pleaseleave.Iwouldl
    iketobealonenow."shesays
    i
    nterr upt
    ingme.Istandupf r
    om thecouchandleave
    ther oom, l
    eavi
    nghercryi
    ngandsni f
    fi
    ng.I
    fthat
    brokehert othisext
    ent,i
    maginehowmuchi twould
    breakheri fshefoundoutthatIki
    ll
    edherhusband.I
    can'
    t,Idon'
    tseemysel
    fdoingthatany
    timesoon.
    Shewi l
    lhat
    emealongwiththewholefamil
    y.Si
    gh..
    .
    Lordhelpme.

    Iwalkbacktotheli
    vingroom andIfindevery
    one
    si
    tt
    ingwithThandowhoi sjustcr
    y i
    ng.Iwalktot
    hem
    andclearmythroat
    ,boththebrotherslookatme
    andKhay aj
    ustspri
    ngsup.

    "You!Whatki ndofmanar eyouhuh?Whatmanl et


    s
    hiswomansl eepinacell
    ????Huh!"heshouts
    walki
    ngpoi ntingatme.Thenextthing,
    am punched
    i
    nt hefaceandam bl eedi
    ng.Itot
    all
    ydeservethat
    .
    ZiphoquicklyholdsKhayaasThandoshout sat
    Khayaf orpunchingme.

    "NoThando,hei
    sright.Whatki ndofmanl etshi
    s
    womansleepinjai
    l.Ishouldhav edonemor ethan
    j
    ustkickt
    hatpol
    iceofficeri
    nt heface.Ishoul
    dhav e
    madesurethaty
    ougothomeandnotendupi nthat
    cel
    l.Am v
    erysor
    rymyl ov e,
    pleasedof orgi
    veme. "I
    saywipi
    ngthebloodoff.Thandolooksatmeand
    j
    ustsays"Nkosi
    itwasmychoi cetospendt
    heni
    ght
    i
    nthatcell
    withyou.Youaren'ttobl
    ame."

    "Oohshutupy ou!Doy out hinki


    twasnicehearing
    mom cryov erthephonebecauseshehadseeny ou
    onTV?I twasn'tThando!Youknowwhat !Youand
    him,you2can'tbet ogether.Can'
    tyouseethat?You
    2arealwaysint r
    oubleandi fnotintr
    oublethenone
    ofyouishurt.Theuniverseisclearl
    ytel
    l
    ingy outo
    breakup!!
    !Stopthisri
    diculousrel
    ati
    onshipofy ours!
    Gosh!!
    "shoutsKhay a.

    "Khaya,ther
    eisabsolutelynoneedforyout osay
    thatokay.Justcalm down."saysZi
    phoasKhay a
    tri
    estogetoutofhi sgri
    p.May beKhayaisr i
    ght.I
    mean, whathesai di
    sexact l
    ywhat'
    shappeni ng.Pl
    us,
    Ikil
    ledthisf
    amily'
    sbelov edmember.It
    'sclearthat
    am theonewhoi sdestroyi
    ngThondo'sli
    fe.

    "Thandowhenwi
    l
    lyouunder
    standt
    hat
    !Hei
    sn'
    tthe
    manf
    ory
    ou!
    !!
    "

    "ShutupKhaya.Youarenotmaki
    ngany
    thi
    ngbet
    ter
    here,
    "shout
    sNol ust
    andi
    ngup.

    "St
    ayoutofthi
    sNolu,
    am talki
    ngandyouknowthat
    Noonespeakswhentheelderbrot
    her
    sarespeaki
    ng
    soshutup.
    "bell
    owsKhaya.

    "BhudiKhay
    apleasest
    optal
    ki
    ng,
    "cri
    esThando.I
    l
    ookatThandoasKhay ai
    saboutt
    osaysomet hi
    ng
    butIbeathi
    m atit
    .

    "Hei srightThando.Eversincewehav ebeen


    together ,i
    t'
    sbeennothingbutt r
    oubleaftert
    roubl
    e
    andi nmostcases, youar etheonewhoi smostly
    affected.May be,maybeam j ustwrongforyou."I
    saylooki ngdown.Ican'tfaceherrightnowbecause
    i
    fIdo, Iwon'tbeabletotellherthi
    s."ThandoIlove
    you, youmeant heworl
    dt omeandy ouknowt hat
    butIcan' tbeart
    hisany mor e.Ican'
    tbearyouf aci
    ng
    al
    l t
    histroubleallbecauseofme.What , si
    gh,what
    am tryi
    ngt osayis,Ithinkweshoul dendt his.
    "and
    whenIsai dthat
    ,somet hinginmej ustfell
    apart.
    Somet hingthatwaskeepi ngmeal i
    v ej
    ustcrumbled
    i
    nme.I talmostfeltl
    ike,Iwasst art
    ingtolosemy
    breathi
    ngpace.

    Il
    ookupatThandoandsheisj
    ustl
    ooki
    ngatmeas
    i
    fam t
    hedumbestpersononear
    th.

    "NkosiIthinkyouneedtogosleepBr o.
    "saysZi
    pho.
    Ilookathi mfor1secondthenlookbackatThando
    whowal kingtowardsme.Shest andsinfr
    ontofme,
    stil
    lwi
    tht heexpressi
    ononherf ace.

    "Saythatagai
    nandt hi
    stime,sayi
    twhi
    l
    styouar
    e
    l
    ookingatme. "shesoft
    lysay
    s.Itr
    ytol
    ookheri
    nthe
    eyebutIcan't
    .
    "Thefactt hatyoucan' tlookmei ntheeyemeans
    other
    wi seNkosi .Don'tlistentot hebullshi
    tbhudi
    Khayaissay i
    ng.Meandy ouar emeantt obe
    toget
    her .Thesear eall j
    ustt r
    ialsmyl ovesostop
    blamingy ourself
    ."shesay shol dingmycheek.Why
    i
    st hi
    swomanl i
    ket hi
    s? shesomehowmanagest o
    makemef eelweakandbeshor tofwordswhenever
    Iwanttosaysomet hing.Shej ustmanagest otake
    mybr eathawayev erysi ngletime.

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

    Wazzapeopl e!
    !!
    !!
    !!
    Soguy sguesswhat
    ♥ thi
    sbookj ust
    gotnominatedforThewattyawar
    ds2019whi chare
    awardsonwat tpad whoop
    whoop!!
    !!
    ThoughtIshouldj
    ustsharet
    hiswit
    hy'al
    landsay
    thankyouforencour
    agingmetoconti
    nuewr i
    ti
    ng
    ♥♥♥♥Mehear tyou!
    !!
    !!
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er35

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    "Oneday,
    youwillr
    egretnotli
    steningt
    omeThando. "
    saysKhayawal
    kingaway .Hewal ksoutoft
    hehouse
    andthenacarenginestart
    srunningandthesound
    begi
    nstofade.

    "Dontli
    stentoKhay a,hei sjustangry.Hewi llget
    overitsoon.
    "say sZiphosi tt
    ingont hecouch.Ihol d
    Thandoi nmyar ms, contempl at
    ingonwhet herI
    shouldjustt
    ell
    heraboutt hedeat hofherf atherbut
    whatifit'
    snottherightt i
    me?Okay ,Iwil
    lthinkabout
    thi
    ssomeot herdaybecauset hereisalotgoi ngon
    ri
    ghtnow.Ican'taddont ohersor rowsnorher
    mother'ssor
    rows.Il ookatmyThandoandki ssher
    for
    eheadandwi pehert ears.

    "
    Myl
    ove,
    Ijusthat
    ebei
    ngt
    her
    easony
    ousuf
    fer
    ."
    "AndIhatebei
    ngthereasonyourl
    if
    est
    ylehas
    changedbutam notconsi
    deri
    ngusnotbeing
    toget
    her.
    "sherepl
    iesme,lay
    ingonmychest.

    "Il
    ovey
    ou."webot
    hsi
    multaneousl
    ysay.Wel
    ookat
    eachot
    herandwebot
    hlaugh.DamnIlovet
    his
    woman.

    "Fi
    nal
    ly,t
    hetensi
    oni
    sgone.
    "shout
    sNol
    ucl
    appi
    ng
    herhands.

    Mkhizewal
    ksint
    otheli
    vi
    ngroom andassoonashe
    seesme,hetur
    nsbacktotheki
    tchenent
    rance.

    "Heyiwena,youbettercomebackhereandexpl
    ain
    your
    self!
    "Ibellownowput t
    ingmyarmsaround
    Thando'sshoulder
    s.Hestopsattheki
    tchendoor
    andslowlyturnstoourdir
    ecti
    onwit
    haner v
    ous
    smil
    eonhi sface.
    "Bhudii
    ii
    ,i
    tsbeenal
    ongt
    imehey
    !"hesay
    swal
    ki
    ng
    allgangster
    .

    "Pul
    lupyourpant
    sandst opwal ki
    nglikethat
    .Hold
    upyourheadandswi ngyourarmspr operl
    y.Youare
    notathug.
    "Isaytohim.Hest ops,doesas
    i
    nstr
    uctedandwalkst omepr oper
    ly.Thandolooks
    atmeandIsignalforhertojustwait.

    "Si
    tdown!"Idemand.Hesi
    tsdownandl
    ooksdown
    ashishandsfondl
    e.

    "Star
    ttalki
    ng."Isay.Iknowam adr ugl
    ordandam
    probablybeingahy pocrit
    erightnowbutIcoul dcare
    l
    ess.Mkhi zeisnotsupposedt ohav edrugsinhi
    s
    possessionandcer tainl
    ymustnotbedoi ngdrugs.
    Thelastt i
    mehest arteddoingdr ugs,Ibeathi
    m up
    sobadt hathehadt obehospi t
    alized.WhydidIhit
    him?BecauseIwant edhimt ot hi
    nkoft hebeati
    ng
    hegotev er
    yti
    mehetri
    edtododr
    ugsagai
    nandalso
    becauseMrJonestaughtmeonethi
    ngandhe
    remindedmeunti
    lhedied.Hi
    swordswer
    ealway
    s

    "Neverl
    etyourlovedonesdothesedr
    ugs.Nev
    er!
    Sell
    them butneverlety
    ourl
    ovedonegetaddi
    cted.
    Becauseadrugi sli
    keademon."

    Thefir
    stt i
    mehet ol
    dmet hat
    ,Ilookedathi m andI
    askedhi m whyhesol dt hem tootherpeopl e'
    slov ed
    onesthenher epliedsay ing"becauseIhav eto
    provi
    def ormyf amily.That '
    swhy ,andbesides, only
    thefooli
    shdot heset hingsbecauseev eryoneknows
    verywellthatdr ugsar ewr ong."andthatwasv ery
    mucht rue.Onlyt hefool i
    shbuydr ugsy ettheyknow
    theeffectsthatt hesethingshav eont hem andt hei
    r
    l
    ives.

    Mkhi
    zecl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oatt
    henheopenshi
    smout
    h.
    "Myf ri
    end, Li
    am want edhel pwi t
    hsel l
    ingdrugs
    becauseheneededt hemoneyt opayof fhis
    mot her'
    shospi tal
    bills.Soheaskedusf orhelp,at
    fi
    rstIrefusedandIof fer
    edhi m moneybuthe
    refusedtot akeitsay ingt hathedi dn'
    twantt oowe
    mesuchanamountofmoneybutIt ol
    dhim hedi dn'
    t
    hav etopayi tbacky ethest il
    lrefused.Iendedup
    agreeingtosel l
    ingthedr ugswi thhim.Sosomeguy
    agreedt obuyt hedr ugsf rom hi m andhesai dwe
    shouldupwi thhim att hecl ubwegotcaughtat .
    Bhudi IswearIdon' tt akedr ugs,Iknowt hat'
    swhat
    youar ethinkingri
    ghtnowbutIr eall
    ydon't.Please
    believeme. "hesay sst il
    llookingdown.

    "
    What
    st hi
    sperson'
    sname?Theoney ouweregoi
    ng
    t
    osel
    lthedrugsto?
    "Iaskhim nowputt
    ingmyhands
    i
    nmypocket,st
    andingi
    nfr
    ontofMkhize.

    "
    Idon'
    tknowbaf
    o."

    "
    Am r
    emov
    ingy
    ouf
    rom UJ.I
    t'
    sbet
    tery
    ougot
    o
    anot
    heruni
    ver
    sit
    y."Isayt
    ohi
    m.Hel
    ooksatmewi
    th
    di
    sbel
    ief
    .

    "
    Butbaf
    o..
    "

    "Don'
    tquest
    ionmydeci si
    onboy .Youwi l
    lfi
    nishyour
    masterssomewhereelse."Isaytohim.Het riest
    o
    saysomethingbutendsupkeepi ngquiet.Heknows
    i
    t'sbestt
    ojustshutupthant r
    ytofightwithme.It'
    s
    mymoneyt hat'
    ssendinghimt oschool anyways.

    "Okaybaf
    o.Wil
    lyoucomewithmetogeta
    confir
    mati
    onl
    ett
    erfr
    om theuni
    ver
    sit
    ysot
    hatIcan
    transf
    ert
    oanewone? "

    "
    Youcangoal
    onecanty
    ou?
    "

    "
    Icanbut
    "
    "Mkhi
    zey
    ouaren'tal
    it
    tl
    eboyany
    mor e.Ican'
    tkeep
    ondoi
    ngthi
    ngsforyousogr
    owup."Isayt ohi
    m.

    "Uuum um Iwil
    lgowi
    thy
    ouifthatmakesyouf
    eel
    bett
    er.
    "hesit
    antl
    ysay
    sThandosmili
    ngatMkhi
    ze.

    "ButThandoheis24, hecangobyhi mself.


    "Isayto
    herbutshehast hateyethatt
    ell
    smet oshutthe
    fuckup.Neverinmyl i
    fedidIevert
    hinkthatIwil
    l
    everbeinti
    midatedbyawoman.

    "Don'
    tmi
    ndthi
    srudeassofabr
    othery
    ouhav
    e.Iwi
    l
    l
    gowithy
    ou.
    "sheconti
    nues.

    "
    Ooohnononoma'am i
    t'
    sfi
    ne.Iwi
    ll
    goonmyown.
    I
    t'
    sfi
    nedon'
    twor
    ry.
    "say
    sMkhize.

    "No,
    Iinsi
    stoni
    t.Anddon'
    tcal
    lmema'am.Rat
    her
    cal
    lmeThando.
    "shesayssmili
    ng.Whyi
    sshe
    smil
    i
    ngathim.IlookatMkhizeandheissmili
    ngtoo.
    Hai
    bo!!
    !!
    !Ist
    hisasmili
    ngsessionorsomet
    hing??
    No
    onesmil
    esatmywomanl ikethat!
    !!
    !!
    !

    "Oohnicetomeety ouThando. "saysMkhizeashe


    conti
    nuessmili
    ng,lookingatThandoasi fsheisan
    angel.Iqui
    ckl
    yclearmyt hr
    oatandstandinbetween
    them sothatt
    heycanst opthi
    scrazyeyecontactof
    thei
    rsbecauseitsureismaki ngmybloodboil.

    "
    welli
    fyoudon'tmind,Iwouldpersonal
    lyl
    i
    keto
    i
    ntr
    oducey outoeachother
    ."Isaytothem but
    mostl
    ylookingatMkhi
    zewhoi salreadywishi
    ngf
    or
    adeat
    hbed.

    "Thando,thisismybr other
    ,Mkhize.Mkhize,thi
    sis
    MYf iance,Thando.Shewi l
    lbegettingmarriedtome
    soon."Isayt ohim.ThemomentIsayt hat,hiseyes
    popasher eali
    zeswhymyf aceisthewayi tis,
    am
    mad, supermad, infactam beyondmad.
    "Ooohreal
    l
    y !Mybr otherfi
    nal
    lyfoundhisqueen!Wel l
    nicetomeety ouMr sNxumal otobe."saysMkhi ze
    standi
    ngupandwal kingtoThando.Hef orcesherto
    standupandgi vesherahug.Asaman, i
    t'snatur
    al
    tobecomej ealousifyourwomani sinthehandsof
    another
    ,evenifit'
    sy ourbr
    other
    , soyeah,am jeal
    ous.

    Ibringoutthegreatestcoughev er,
    youknowt hat
    cought hati
    sjusttooloudt hatev enthepastorwill
    j
    ustt el
    lyoutogoout sidewheny ouar einchurch?
    That '
    sthecoughIjustdidthere.Hequi ckl
    ylet
    sher
    goandl ooksatmewi thasmi le.Ihearpeople
    giggli
    ng,onl
    ytorealisethattherear eotherpeoplein
    thisroom.

    "Ooohsorr
    yguys,If
    orgott
    oint
    roduceyou."Isayt
    o
    Ziphoandthe2ladi
    eswhoarejustgi
    ggli
    ng.

    "
    Mkhi
    ze,
    thesear
    eThando'
    ssi
    bli
    ngs.Thati
    sZi
    pho,
    Tshi
    diandNolut
    hando.Theotheronewhowasher
    e
    awhil
    eagoisKhay aandyousawt hemot
    her
    "Isay
    toMkhizeashejustnods.

    "Sawubonabal
    amubami
    .(Gr
    eet
    ingsmyi
    n-l
    aws)
    "he
    saystothem.

    "Greeti
    ngst oy outooml amuwami (myinlaw)say s
    Ziphostandi ngupandshaki nghandswithMkhi ze.
    Mkhi zeal
    sogoest oTshi di
    andNolutogr eetthem.I
    reall
    ydon'tr egr ettaki
    nghi m awayfr
    om those2
    wickedpar ent s.Am act uall
    yproudIdidthat
    becausethi sboyr espect smel i
    kehi
    sownbr other
    alt
    houghhei sat roublemaker .Someti
    meswhenI
    mi ssmylittlebr otherwhopassedaway ,Ijust
    consolemy selfbyt hi
    nkingofMkhize.

    "Baf
    o,Imadebr
    eakf
    astj
    usti
    ncasey
    ouar
    ehungr
    y."
    hesaystome.
    "Thankyoubutfine.Maybet
    heot
    her
    sar
    ehungr
    y."I
    saylooki
    ngaroundtheroom.

    "Umm not hanks,am good.Butt


    hankyouvery
    much."saysZiphostandingup.Hecomest omeand
    says"
    Baf o,Ineedtotakeanap.Am veryt
    ir
    edright
    now."

    "oohokayBaf o.Youcanuset he6thr oom ony our


    ri
    ght.I thasawhi t
    edoor ."Isayt ohim.Hegi vesme
    abriefhugwhi l
    epat t
    ingmybackt henhel eav es.
    Tshidi andNol ual soleaveandam l eftwithThando
    andMkhi zewhoar ealr
    eadycl icki
    ng.Wel latleast
    Mkhi zegott hemessageofnotmessi ngwi thmy
    woman.AndThando, hertear saregone.Pheww,
    ther
    ei snot hingmor eIhatet hantear sonmy
    woman.Theybr eakmei ntoagazi l
    li
    onpi eces.ButI
    am ki ndofj eal ousthatanot hermani smaki ngher
    smile, regardlessofhi m beingmybr other,wellstep
    brot
    her .Herphoner i
    ngsandsheexcusesher sel
    f,
    passingmewi thasmi l
    eonherf aceassheanswer s
    t
    hephone.

    "HeyNeri
    sa.Noam fi
    nedon'
    tworry
    ,Ijusthav
    ea
    cold.
    "shesayswal
    ki
    ngtowardsourroom.

    "Yousuregotawif
    ether
    ebafo.I
    fIwasn'
    tyour
    brot
    her,
    Iwasgoingtost
    ealherf
    rom y
    ou."say
    s
    Mkhize.

    "Youshouldbethanki
    ngGodt hatwearerelat
    ed
    becauseIwouldhavekil
    ledyouifyoutr
    iedanythi
    ng
    funny.
    "Isaytohim.Helet'
    soutachuckleashe
    fondl
    ewithhishands.Hedoest hatal
    ot,i
    t'
    sli
    kehis
    hobby.

    "Anyway
    s,whenar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    opayl
    obol
    a?"he
    asks.

    "
    West
    il
    lhav
    en'
    tdi
    scussedt
    hatbutIwantt
    opayas
    soonaspossi
    ble.Idon'
    twantt
    owai
    t.
    "Ir
    epl
    ysi
    tt
    ing
    down.

    "Sodoesthatmeany
    ouar
    egoi
    ngt
    ogobackhome?
    "
    heasks.

    "
    No,
    "Ir
    epl
    y.

    "
    Butbaf
    oyounee.
    ..
    ."

    "
    Idon'
    tneedhi
    sbl
    essi
    ngorany
    thi
    ng.I
    '
    llbef
    ine.
    "

    "
    butbaf
    oyouhav
    etodoi
    t.I
    t'
    sourcul
    tur
    e."

    "
    thenfuckcult
    urebecauseam notgoingbackther
    e."
    Mkhizelooksatmethenlet
    'soutaloudsigh.

    "
    Baf
    o,y
    ouwi
    l
    lhav
    etof
    orgi
    vehi
    m soonerorl
    ater
    ."
    "
    that
    snev
    ergoi
    ngt
    ohappen.
    "

    "Okaythenwhowill
    gowit
    hyouforthe
    negoti
    ati
    onz?
    "asksMkhi
    zetr
    yingtoprov
    eapoi
    nt.
    OkaythatIdi
    dn'
    tthi
    nkof
    .

    "Iwil
    laskDrMthemba'shusbandtohel
    pmeout
    .
    Bothheranherhusbandhavebeenmoreli
    kemy
    grandpar
    entsanyways.

    "Butyoust
    il
    lneeddad'
    sblessi
    ng.Youmightdenyi
    t
    butyouneedthem Nkosi
    ."say
    sMkhizeashestands
    upandleaves.

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

    2weeksl
    ater
    ***
    *
    It
    'sbeentheeewor st2weeksev er
    .WhydoIsayso?
    WellbeforeThando'smot heral
    ongwi t
    hNol uand
    Tshidil
    eft
    ,hermom hadamassi vefi
    ghtwi th
    Thandoandt heyhav en'
    tspokeneversince.Khaya
    andZiphol ef
    tbutKhay ai
    sont omef orsome
    reason,hereall
    ydoesn'tl
    ikemebutf uckhim.
    ThandoandIar ealway sfi
    ghti
    ngandIdon' teven
    knowwhy .Iendedupl eavingMkhi
    zeatUJ.

    SoIgotmypr evi
    oushouse, burnt,alongwi ththe
    war ehouse, i
    nf actIjustburntal loftheshel t
    erst hat
    Briancanev erexpectmeorThandot obe.Al t
    hough
    Thandodi dn'tli
    ket hi
    sidea,Imadeherr esignfrom
    herj obbecauseBr ianmi ghttrytocomei ncont act
    withherv iaherwor kplaceWel etthesaf ehouse
    sinceBr i
    ani sn'taroundany mor ebutIhav emyt abs
    onhi m.Iknowev erysinglethingt hat'
    shappeni ng
    withhi m becauseIdon' twantt omi ssany thi
    ng.But
    thereisonet hingbuggi ngme, t
    her eissomeper son
    hehasbeencont acti
    ngandIcan' tseem t ohacki nto
    theircall
    s.Br endonhasbeent ryi
    ngt odosomet hi ng
    abouti
    tbutt
    hesecur
    it
    y..
    ..
    .Buthehasn'
    tgi
    venup.

    Sosi nceam f amousnow, am ev ery wher eandnow


    am nomor eMrpot enti
    al blueey eswhi chi sar eli
    ef,
    ThandoandIar enowknownast hepower coupl ebut
    goodpar tisnonoft hejour nalistsar edar i
    ngt owr i
    te
    any t
    hi ngaboutmenorThando.Why ?Becauset hey
    areaf rai dt hatI'
    llputthem outofbusi ness.Some
    mi ghtnotbel ievemebutIhol dal otofpower .For
    exampl e,wi t
    hmydear estof fi
    cerMr Mahl angu, Igot
    himf r
    amedf orsell
    ingdr ugsandev ery thi
    ngwasj ust
    againsthi m.Tomakemat t
    er swor se, Iboughtt hat
    l
    ittl
    el awy erofhi swhom Ial socr ushedaf terusi ng
    him.MrMahl anguappar entlycommi ttedsui cide
    becausehewasaf raidthatev erysi ngl ecr i
    mi nal he
    puti nj ail wasgoi ngt okillhim.Hi sl awy er,wel lhei s
    cur r
    ent lyf acingal otofchar gesagai nsthi m.I
    dischar gedSchevf r om thehospi tal andIhi r
    edhi s
    ownper sonal doctortol ookaf terhi mi nt hecomf ort
    ofhi sownhome.Idon' twanthi mt hi nkingt hatI
    abandonedhi m becauseIhav en't, hei sst il
    loneof
    myf av or i
    teempl oy ees.It'
    sSundayt odayandam
    goingt ochurchwi thThando.Imadeapr omiseto
    Godt hatifhest oppedBr ai
    nfr
    om tel
    li
    ngThandot he
    secret,Iwouldgot ochur chsoam notbreaki
    ngthat
    promiseandt heot herreasonisbecauseThando
    saidshewon' tleav emehomeal oneonaSunday ,
    event houghIwasn' tgoingtobehome.Iwas
    planningongoi ngt ocheckonmybusi nesses,
    it'
    s
    beenlongev ersi nceIlastcheckedthem.

    "Nkosihurr
    y,t
    heserv
    icewi
    ll
    starti
    n30minuet
    s,"she
    shoutsfrom t
    hebedr
    oom whil
    stam i
    nthebat
    hroom

    "Thandocany oucalm down.Am brushingmyt eeth.


    Yhooo!!!Women..
    ..Butwhenevertheyar en'ti
    na
    hurryt
    heyt ake3hourstogetready,Mina? ?(me? ?
    ")
    i
    t'sonlybeen1mi nut
    eandam bei ngrushed. "I
    mumbl e.

    "
    Whatdi
    dy ouj
    ustsay?
    "saysThandopeepingint
    o
    t
    hebat
    hroom wi
    thhereyessqui
    nt.Ooohshit
    .
    "Ummm nothi
    ngmylove,
    Ijustsai
    dam coming.
    That
    'sal
    l
    ."Isaysmi
    li
    ngather.Whythehel
    ldoesshe
    scar
    emesomuch! !

    "Hmmm y oubet terhav e.Nowqui ck,wehav etogo."


    shesay schecki ngher selfoutont hebat hroom
    mi r
    ror.Ifinishbr ushi ngmyt eet handmyey esjust
    getgluedt oherhi ghness.Herbl ackdressi stight
    from thewai stgoi ngupwar ds, designedwi t
    hlace
    thatcov ershercl eav agewhi lstt hedressi sloose
    goingdownwar ds, endingexact l
    yatherknees.At
    thebacki sagol dzi ppert hatr unsf rom thet opt o
    thebot t
    om oft hedr essandIswearam t empt edt o
    openi trightnow.Onet hingam notcomf or t
    ablewi t
    h
    i
    shercl eav agebei ngv i
    sible, thislaceisn'tcovering
    anythingatal l
    .Iwal ktohercl oset ,lookforabl ack
    blazerwhi chwoul dmat chwi thherdr essandIf indi
    t.
    Gotit!
    !Iwal kbackt othebat hr oom andputi tont op
    ofhershoul derswhi lstshei sst il
    lcheckingher self
    out.Who' sbeingsl ownow? ?
    Shelooksatmev
    iat
    hemi
    rr
    orandIl
    ookbackather
    wit
    hasmi l
    e.

    "Thi
    swi
    l
    llookni
    cewi
    tht
    hedr
    ess.Weari
    t.
    "Isayt
    o
    her.

    "Noitwon'
    t.Am fi
    neli
    kethi
    s,i
    t'
    shotanyway
    s."she
    repli
    eswal
    kingbacktother
    oom.Ifoll
    owherand
    standinf
    rontofher.

    "Butbaby
    ,Iwantyout
    oweari
    t,pl
    easedoi
    tforme.
    "I
    saytoher,sul
    ki
    ng.

    "WellNkosi,
    youdon'tal
    waysgetwhatyouwantnow
    doy ou.
    "sherepl
    iesgett
    ingherdar
    kbluebagwit
    ha
    Voni twhichmatchesherbluepumps.Sheput
    sthe
    blazeronthebedwhiletur
    ningtome.
    "
    butbabypl
    ease!
    !!
    !"Isayt
    oherget
    ti
    ngt
    hebl
    azer
    .

    "Nkosiam f i
    nel iket his."sher eplieswal kingout .
    Ooooohokay ,Iwi l
    lgeti tony ousomehow.Wewal k
    outofthehouseandgeti ntot hecar .Myguar dsget
    i
    ntot heothercar .Theyar egoi ngwi thusbutt hey
    won'tbest andi ngnearusl i
    kei nt hemov i
    eswher e
    guardsjustst andandl ookal lser i
    ous.Ipr efermy
    guardsnotbei ngnot i
    cedatal l.Theywi llgetintothe
    churchli
    kenor mal peopl eandsi twher etheywant
    butalsolookoutf oranydanger .Iputt hebl azerat
    thebackandThandol ooksati tandhuf fswhi l
    e
    foldi
    ngherar ms.Sheknowsam goi ngt oputi ton
    heronewayort heot her .Thando' schur chisn'tthat
    farfr
    om wher ewest aynowsowegett hereinless
    than10mi nutes.Wegetoutoft hecarandmakeour
    wayi nt
    ot hechur ch.Lucki lyithasn' tst arted.Weget
    i
    ntot hechur ch, takeourseat swhi lemymenal so
    fi
    ndapl acet osi twhichi snotsof arf r
    om us.The
    churchfinall
    yst artsaf t
    er15mi nutesofsi tti
    ngand
    forci
    ngThandot oweart hebl azerwhi chshedoes
    butsheisangr yatme.Asl ongasnoonecansee
    mycl
    eav
    agewhi
    chi
    smypr
    oper
    ty,
    am f
    ine.

    Chur chi sf i
    nal lyoverandIj ustwantt osay ,black
    past orslov emoney .Al lthispast orhasbeen
    preachi ngi showpeopl eshoul dpayt heirti
    thesand
    givemoneyt ot hepast orf ordoi ngsuchaj oband
    beingchosenbyGod.I ft hi si showchur chis,then
    mayt hel ordf or gi
    vemebutam nev ercomi ngback.
    Evenal lmymenwer ej ustl aughi ngt hroughoutt he
    serviceandsomewer eev enf alli
    ngasl eep.That 's
    howbadi twas.Wear enowonourwayt ooneof
    Thando' sfriend' shousef orl unch.Hernamei s
    Nerisai fam notwr ongandshei stheonewhoi s
    current l
    yst ay ingwi t
    hShani aandhersi bli
    ngs.
    Thandogi vesmedi rect i
    onst oherhouseandIcal l
    myment ot ell t
    hem t ogobackhome.Idon' twant
    Nerisat hinki ngam somej er k.Wef i
    nal lygetther e
    andIr eali
    zet hatit'
    si nt hesamenei ghbor hoodas
    MrWi lli
    ams.Ipr esst hei nt ercom andsomeki d
    answer s.Itel lhim whoIam andt hegat eisopened.
    Asi topenz, 3chi l
    drenpl ay i
    ngout si
    deoft hebi g
    yell
    owpai ntedhousear er ev ealed.Thosemustbe
    Shani
    a'
    ssibl
    ings.Wedr
    ivei
    nandt hemoment
    Thandost
    epsoutofthecar
    ,thechil
    drenr
    unt
    oher
    andhugher.

    "Aunty
    !!
    !!Wher
    ehav
    eyoubeen?
    !"exci
    tedl
    yasksone
    ofthem.

    "Auntyhasbeenbusyheybutshei sher enow! "she


    repl
    iessmi l
    ing.Thesi ghtofhertalkingtot hese
    chil
    drenjustmakesmewonderhowl i
    fewi ll
    bewhen
    wehav eourownchi ldren.Ireal
    lycan'twai tfort hat
    l
    ifebutf i
    rst
    ,Ineedtosor toutmyl i
    fesot hatnot hing
    happenst oThandoandmychi l
    dren.Idon' twant
    gunshot sflyi
    ngintomyhousewhi lemychi l
    dr enar e
    playi
    ngordoi ngany thing.Acoldhandhol dsonof
    myf ingersandIlookdown; aprettyy ounggi rllooks
    atmeandsmi l
    es.Ilookbackathercut eselfand
    shesay s"Hellomynamei sShanika.What 'sy our s?"

    It
    rytosmileather
    ,justsoIdon'
    tmakehercrywit
    h
    myterr
    ibl
    eoneandIpi ckherup."
    Mynamei sNkosi
    butyoucancallmeuncleNkosi okay
    "shev igorously
    shakesherheadyesasshel et'
    soutacutegi ggle.
    Okayam steal
    ingher.Iwanthertostaywit
    husj ust
    forafewdays.IwalktoThandowhi l
    ststi
    llcarr
    y i
    ng
    ShanikaandItapThandoont heshoulder
    .Shet urns
    tomeandsmi les.

    "
    Iseeshehasi
    ntr
    oducedher
    sel
    ftoy
    ou?
    "

    "YesandIwanther .Canwepleasetakeherhome
    j
    ustforaf ewdays?"IsaytoThandowithpleadi
    ng
    eyes.Thandolooksatmewi thshockandsay s"
    Well
    Idon'tknow,t
    hatsupt oShani
    a,askhernotme."I
    am total
    lygoi
    ngtoaskher .

    "
    Ooohmygosh!Thando!
    !!I
    t'
    sbeensol
    ong!
    "shout
    s
    avoi
    cebehi
    ndme.

    "
    Ner
    isa!!I
    tsur
    ehasbeenlongbabygi
    rl
    !Howare
    y
    ou?"asksThandoasshegoestohugNeri
    sa.
    "
    Am good,
    justmi
    ssi
    ngy
    ou.Howar
    eyou?
    "

    "Am f
    inehun.
    "Ist
    andbehi
    ndthem unt
    ilNer
    isa
    not
    icesmeandshelooksatThandowit
    hasmi rk.

    "Andthatwon'thappentomeNer i
    sa.Ilovemyman,
    hemeanst hewor l
    dtomeandnoonecanev ert
    ake
    hisspot.
    ,shesaid!
    "saysNer
    isaimitati
    ngThando.I
    l
    ookbackatThandoandshej ustr
    ollshereyes.

    "voetsekNeri
    sa."r
    epl
    i
    esThandoasNer i
    salaughs
    andwal kstome.Shestandsinfr
    ontofmeand
    attemptstohugmebutIgof orahandshakeinst
    ead.
    Idon'thugotherwomenbesidesmywomanand
    Rose.

    "
    Ner
    isar
    ight
    ?"Isayst
    il
    lhandshaki
    ngher
    .
    "
    Yes,andyouar
    eNikosi
    ?"shesay
    str
    yingsuperhar
    d
    t
    opronouncemyname.

    "I
    t'
    sNkosi butjustcal lmeNKt omakethingseasi er
    fory ou.
    "Isayt oher .Shesmi lesatmeandshet ells
    ust ofoll
    owheri ntoherhousewher ewemeett he
    restofherf amily,her1chi l
    dandherhusbandwhoi s
    rathertal
    kativeformyl i
    king.Ihaveseenhim atone
    oft heSandtonbusi nessawar dsandhewont he
    youngent repreneurawar d.Weal someetShani a
    whom Idon' tev enwast et i
    met oaskifhersistercan
    staywi t
    hus.Atf ir
    st,shetri
    est osaynobutaf ter
    Thandopl eadswi thher,sheendsupagr eeing.

    "
    Sohowi
    sthef
    amousl
    i
    fe?
    "asksNer
    isa.

    "
    Wellal
    lam goingt
    osayis,bei
    ngknownbypeopl
    e
    i
    sn'
    tsonice.I
    t'
    ster
    ri
    ble.
    "saysThando.

    "
    Ifeel
    youbabygi
    rl
    .ButIhopey
    ouguy
    sar
    eokay
    now.Becausei
    tsur
    elyhasbeent
    hri
    l
    li
    ngweeksf
    or
    you"shesays.

    "Yeawear efi
    ne.Thanky
    ouforaski
    ng.
    "saysThando
    holdi
    ngmyhandandshesmi lesatme.Ismil
    eback
    ather.Ir
    eall
    ywanttogohomenow.

    "SoThandowhenareyoucomi
    ngback?
    "Thando
    stopseat
    ingherf
    oodandsmil
    esatNer
    isa.

    "
    Iwasthi
    nkingofcomingonWednesday.
    "she
    r
    epl
    ieswhil
    esideeyei
    ngme.Icont
    inueeat
    ingmy
    f
    ood,qui
    etashell
    .

    "Ooohthat
    'sgreat,
    wear ereal
    lymissingy oubackat
    work.
    "saysNer i
    sa.Thandosmi l
    esbackatNer i
    sa
    andwecont i
    nuewi t
    hourlunchunt i
    li
    t'sti
    met oleav
    e.
    Shani
    agivesShanika'scl
    othestomeandsay sher
    goodbyestoherandsodoest her estofthem famil
    y.
    Shani
    kaisquiteexcit
    edandam happyt hatsheisn'
    t
    acrybaby.Ihav
    efal
    leni
    nlovewit
    hthi
    schil
    d.We
    getint
    othecarasShani
    kaisst
    il
    lwavi
    ngthenwe
    dri
    veoff.

    "SoIwil
    lbest
    ayi
    ngwi t
    hauntyThandoanduncl
    e
    Nkosinowri
    ght?
    !"sheaskswhil
    eplayi
    ngwit
    hadol
    l
    shelef
    twit
    h.

    "
    Yespri
    ncess.Youwi
    l
    lbest
    ayi
    ngwi
    thusnow.
    "
    r
    epl
    iesThando.

    "nonoaunty
    ,hahaha,
    don'
    tcal
    lmeaprincess.Idon'
    t
    haveacrownonmyhead."shesay
    slaughing.

    "
    Buty
    ouar
    eapr
    incess,
    youar
    eourpr
    incess.
    "Isay
    t
    oher.

    "
    Noooouncle.Idon'
    thaveacrownorapwt
    tydress.
    Am Shani
    ka,notapri
    ncess.
    "shesay
    scont
    inui
    ng
    wi
    tht
    hecut
    elaugh.

    "
    Ooohokaysoi
    fyougetacrownandaprett
    ydr
    ess,
    wi
    ll
    youall
    owustocal
    lyoupri
    ncess?
    "Iask.

    "Hmmmmm may be"shesay


    sasshecont
    inuest
    o
    playwi
    thherdol
    l
    .

    "
    Ooohokayt
    hen.
    "Isayt
    aki
    ngat
    urnt
    owar
    dst
    he
    mal
    l.
    .

    "
    Wher
    ear
    ewegoi
    ngnow?
    "asksThando.

    "Tothemal
    l
    ,tobuyheracr
    ownandadr
    ess.
    "Ir
    epl
    y
    her.

    "Hmmmm youreal
    l
    yli
    keherdon'
    tyou?
    "asks
    Thandowi
    thasmir
    kwhil
    eheroneeyebrowisr
    aised.
    "YesIdo.I
    nfact
    ,Iloveher.
    "Irepl
    yThando.
    "somethi
    ngaboutherjustat
    tachesmetoher.
    "Isay
    shruggi
    ngmyshoul der
    s.

    "Samehere,
    sheisr eall
    ysomethi
    ngelse.
    "repl
    ies
    Thandosmil
    ing."May bewecanmakeherour s,you
    know,AskShaniaifwecouldtakeherasourown. "I
    smil
    eatheraswear eboththi
    nki
    ngthesamet hi
    ng.

    "Notyetbaby,l
    etmef i
    xafewthingsfir
    stthenwe
    canmakeherour s.Youknowhowr iskyiti
    stomake
    heroursnow."Irepl
    y.Ihol
    dherhandasshesmi l
    es
    showingallhert
    eeth.

    "
    Kindofdi
    sappoi
    ntedbutIgety
    ouandy
    ouar
    e
    r
    ight
    ."r
    epl
    i
    esThando.

    "
    Ilov
    eyouThando.
    "
    "
    Ilov
    eyout
    ooNkosi
    ."

    THANDO'
    SPOV

    We' vebeenatt hemal lformor ethan3hour sandi t'


    s
    beennot hingbutshoppi ngf orShanika.Shei sreall
    y
    abubbl ychildandext r
    emel yfunny.Sheact uall
    y
    remi ndsmeofmy selfwhenIwasy oung.Nkosi has
    deepl yfalleninl ovewi ththischildbecausehei s
    l
    iterall
    ybuy i
    ngev erythingshepoi ntsat ,
    ev enifit
    'sa
    boy '
    st oy;2t roll
    iesf i
    ll
    edwi t
    honlyhert oysandi t
    's
    cutehowNkosi i
    sj ustobsessedov erthiskid.
    Seeinghi ml i
    ket hisjustmakesmehappy .Am reall
    y
    blessedt ohav eamanl i
    kehi m.Nowl et'smov eon
    tothenegat i
    vesi deofcomi ngt othemal l
    ,people..
    ..
    ..
    .
    Thesepeopl ewon' tleav eusal one.Everywher ewe
    turn,peopl est artwhi spering"power couple"some
    event houghtt hatShani kaisourchild.Nkosi isn'
    t
    enter t
    aininganyofi t
    .Hej ustwal ksawayev enif
    peopl ecal lhim ort ellhim howmucht heyador ehim.
    Hisfaceev enchangestobei
    ngseriouseveryt
    ime
    Shanikaisn'tl
    ooki
    ngbutwhenshel ooksathim,he
    smilesli
    keamani ac.I
    t'
    skindoffunnythoughhowis
    try
    ingtoscar epeopl
    eawayandkeepachi ldhappy
    atthesamet i
    mebyactingasifheisbipol
    ar.I
    nfact
    ,
    j
    ustwat chhowonear ti
    clei
    sgoingtobeonsome
    "ThebipolarNxumalo.
    "

    Wef i
    nall
    yleavet hemal lwithmyf eetachingandI
    can'tdealany mor e.NkosigivesShani kat omewho
    i
    sal readysleepingandpacksal l
    thet oysintothe
    boot .WepassUl wandlehospi talandIletoutal oud
    sighonpur pose.Nkosi l
    ooksatmeandsmi l
    es
    withoutsay i
    ngany t
    hing.Wegethome, Nkosi par ks
    thecari nthegar ageandi nstructshisment otake
    allthetoysintotheguestr oom.Igot otheguest
    room andt uckShani kaintobed.Si nceweal ready
    ateatt hemal l
    ,am pr ett
    ysur eshei sfullbutIjust
    putsomecooki esandmi lkinherr oom forwhenshe
    wakesupandshei shungr y.
    Igotoourroom whi
    chi
    s2r
    oomsawayandt
    hedoor
    i
    slocked.Andthen?
    ?
    "Nkosipleaseopent hedoor."Ishout,l
    ightl
    y
    knockingbutnoanswer .May beheisbat hi
    ng.Igo
    downst ai
    rs,si
    tonthecouchandwat chTV.Iwon' t
    l
    ie,Iam Ilovewiththishouse.Wemov edoutofthe
    safehouseandwenowst aysomewher ecl
    oseto
    myapar t
    ment.It
    'snottoobi gnorisitsmall,i
    t'
    sjust
    perfect
    .

    20mi nutespassandIdecidetogobackupstair
    s
    andIknockagai nbutthi
    stime,ashir
    tl
    esschocolat
    e
    hunkerspopsupwi thonlysuperti
    ghtmenthongs
    wri
    ttenIntymenwithhishugesizedmanhoodprint
    showing.Ilookuptohisfaceinshockandallhe
    saysis
    "Youbabygir
    lar
    eintr
    oubleforl
    yi
    ngaboutthat
    churchbei
    ngfunandforl
    yingtoNer
    isaaboutgoi
    ng
    backtoworkonWednesday .
    "
    Iwanttosaysomethi
    ngbuthisyummybodyis
    alr
    eadydoi
    ngthingst
    ome.Hepul l
    smei nt
    othe
    room whi
    chisli
    tupbyredcandl
    es.Ther
    eareroses
    onthebedandbesi det hebedar eLindtchocolate,
    withstr
    awber ri
    esinabowl andabot t
    leofwi newith
    2glasses.Ther ei
    salsomel t
    edchocol ate!
    !!!
    !whatis
    thi
    smandoi ng?Inev erknewt hatNkosi canbet hi
    s
    romanti
    c...
    ..Il
    ookatt her oom inshock, am shortof
    words,whenwast hisdoneandbywho?If eelhi
    m
    holdmef orthebackandher oughlyturnsme
    aroundtofacehi m.Hepul l
    smecl osert ohim and
    l
    ooksatme.Het ookof fhiscontactsandIwon' tli
    e,
    Imissedhisbl ueeyes.

    "Todayam goingt omakel ovetoy oulikeIhav e


    never.
    "hesof t
    lysaysashi shandsunzi pmydr ess.
    Hegoesdownwi ththezipandt henwheni tfall
    st o
    theground,hetakesof fmyundi esusinghi smout h
    whilehishandstickl
    emyt highs.Goosebumpshi t
    mybodywi t
    hnowar ni
    ngast heyt r
    avel f
    rom headt o
    toe.ThankGodIwaxedy esterday,otherwise,Iwould
    beabushdownt her erightnow.If eelhiswarm,
    moi st
    uri
    zedli
    pski ssbot hmyt highsashegoes
    downt omyf eetandki ssest hem ashet akesof fmy
    pumps.Whatdi dIdot odeser vethis.
    Hecomesbackup,teasestoki
    ssmeandroughl
    y
    pi
    cksmeup,Iputmyl egsar
    oundhi
    m aswelook
    i
    ntoeachot
    her'
    seyes.

    "Youmyqueendeser vet hebestandt hat'sexact ly


    whatam goi ngt ogi vet oy ouandnotev enunt il
    deat hdouspar tbecauseIwi l
    lstillbewi t
    hy oui nthe
    afterli
    fe.Wear est uckt oget herf orever .
    "say sNkosi
    befor esmashi ngmyhel plessshaki ngl i
    ps, sucki ng
    alltheai routofme.If eel somet hingcol dhi ttingmy
    backandt hat'
    swhenIr eal i
    zeam agai nstt hewal l
    .
    Hismanhoodst ar tstogr owasher ubsi tonme,
    maki ngmemoanwhi lemyl ipsar ei nhismout h.He
    bit
    esmyl owerl ips, ashest opst heki ssandhe
    remov esmybr a, leavingmyor angeshapedt wins
    vulnerabl etohi sbl ueey es.Hel ooksatt hem as
    thought heyar ef oodandhest artst osuckt hel ivi
    ng
    helloutoft hem, maki ngmemoanev enl ouder .I
    prayandhopet hatt hesewal lsar esoundpr oof .
    Nkosi useshi sonehandt ocov ermymout hand
    mov esfrom t het wi nst omyneck, sucki ngi tand
    l
    ickingit.Hemov esawayf rom thewal l
    anddr ops
    meont hebed.Hest andsi nf r
    ontofmeandsl owly
    takesof fhi
    st hong, r
    ev eal
    inghi sreadyself.Hebi t
    es
    hislipashel ooksatmynakedbodyandsay s" Damn
    yourbodyi ssexy ."Ifeelmy selfthrobbingdown
    thereandIcr ossmyl egsbuthehol dsmyl egs,
    separ at
    ingthem andhi sfaceget sinbet weent hem.
    Hel i
    ghtlyki
    ssesmedownt here,maki ngmybody
    vibr
    at e.

    "Stopmov ingorel seIwi llt


    ieyoutot hebed.Am
    tryi
    ngtoeatupmysweetcandy ."uttersNkosi
    holdingmybodyi ntooneposi ti
    on.Hecont i
    nues
    eatingmeupwi t
    houtst oppingasIt rynott omoan
    throughbitingmyl ips.Am pr ett
    ysur eam bl eedi
    ng
    ri
    ghtnow.Mybodyf i
    nallydecidest oletitalloutand
    todayforthef ir
    sttime, Isquirt
    .Nkosi looksatme
    andsmi l
    es, "Iam guessi ngitwasr eall
    ygood"he
    say scomingf ormyl ips.Heki ssesmewi t
    hmy
    j
    uicesstil
    ldr i
    ppingf r
    om hi sli
    ps.Myhandsr unallup
    hisbodyashei snowf ingeri
    ngsme.Hesuddenl y
    stopswhenam aboutt or eachthepl aceagai nand
    sl
    owl yinsert
    shimselfanditfeelsli
    kehehasgr own
    evenbiggernoworIhav ebecomet i
    ghter.Ithr
    ow
    myheadbackandt henhemakesl ovet omel i
    kehe
    neverhas, j
    ustl
    ikehesaid.Aftermaki ngl ov
    efor
    hoursandhour s,wegetabubbl ebat handmake
    somemor eloveintherewhil
    eam si tt
    ingonhi m,
    cowgirlstyl
    e.Wegetbackt ot heroom andwet reat
    ourselveswiththechocolat
    e,strawber r
    iesandwi ne
    whiletalki
    ngaboutany t
    hingandev erything.

    "Oohy eahbaby,Iwanty outosi


    gnsomethi
    ngf or
    me."say sNkosigetti
    ngoutofbed,but
    tnaked.He
    walkst ohi
    scloset,getssomepapersal
    ongwitha
    penandcomesbackt obed.Hegiv
    esmet hepapers
    withthepenandIj ustlookathi
    m.

    "Chi
    llThando,am nottr
    ickingyoui ntosingingsome
    shadything.Justsi
    gnthenaf t
    ersi gning,youwill
    get
    yoursurpri
    sesoon."saysNkosi .Iletoutal oudsi
    gh
    asIlookathim.Heput sthepeni nmyhandand
    putsthepapersontopoft heblanketandl ooksat
    me.Ilookatt
    hepapersandwell,Isi
    gnanyways.I
    t'
    s
    notl
    ikeIdon'
    ttr
    ustNkosisoyeah.Assoonasa
    done,Igi
    vehi
    m backthepapersandheputsthem
    onthetabl
    ebesidet
    hebed.

    "
    Comelet'
    ssleep.
    "saysNkosisnuggli
    ngcl
    osetome.
    Asweareabouttocloseoureyes,hi
    sphoner
    ings.
    Whocoul
    dbecal l
    i
    ngatt hi
    sti
    me? ?
    Helooksatthecal
    l
    erIDandsays"I
    t'
    syourmom."I
    l
    ookathim ashepressest
    heanswerbutt
    onandhe
    say
    s" Hel
    l
    o."

    "
    Nomai
    t'
    sfi
    ne.I
    t'
    snev
    ert
    ool
    atef
    ory
    out
    ocal
    l
    ."

    "Okayam l
    i
    stening.Ooohokaybutwhy?Ooohokay.
    Wewi l
    lbether
    ema.Okaygoodni ght
    ."hedr
    opsthe
    call
    andputshisphoneonthetable.

    "
    And?
    "Iaskconser
    ved.
    "
    Sehsaidshewant
    stotal
    ktomef acet
    ofacenext
    weekendsoweshoul
    dgother
    e."hesays.

    "
    Ooh,
    butwhy
    ?"

    "
    Shesaidshewi
    llt
    ellmewhenwegetther
    e."r
    epl
    ies
    Nkosi
    tucki
    nghi
    mselfint
    hebl
    anket
    s.Iwonderwhat
    mymom wants.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er36

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    Nothi
    ngmakesmehappi erthanwakingupt othis
    beauti
    fulwoman.Ijustwishshedidn'thavethe
    brai
    ds,notthatam sayi
    ngtheydon'tsuitheror
    anything.Shej ustl ooksev enmor ebeaut i
    fulwi t
    hher
    naturalhaircov er i
    ngherf ace.Thef actt hatshe
    doesn'tev encov erherf acewi thallthoset hings
    womenbur ytheirf acesi n,makesherev enmor e
    beautiful.Hertinyey esst i
    lllookamazi ngev enwhen
    theyar eclosedandasf orherpi nkli
    ps, theyjustt urn
    meonov erandov eragai n.Ir unmyhandonher
    cheekandshesnuggl esherf aceintot hepi l
    lowwi t
    h
    herey esst i
    ll
    closed.Iper kherl ipsasherl i
    pscur ve
    i
    ntoagl ori
    oussmi l
    et hatcoul dev enmaket hesun
    feell
    ikei t'
    snotshi ningenough.HowIl ov ethis
    woman.Ij ustwi shIcoul dt ellherthet ruth,Ijust
    wishIcoul dt el
    l hert hetruthandshewoul dst i
    ll
    love
    met hesamewayshedoesnow.Am j ustt ooscar ed
    oflosingher ,shei smyl ifel
    ine, Iwon'tbeabl eto
    survi
    v ewi t
    houther .Sigh* ** **
    Istartt
    of eelmyey esburn,onl
    ytor eal
    i
    sethatthere
    i
    sat earrolli
    ngdownmycheek.Isl owlywipeitaway
    sti
    lll
    ookingather .Sheevenhasthepowert omake
    meshadeat ear
    ,at hi
    ngthatnoonebutmypasthad
    managedt odo.Igetoutofbed, t
    akeashower ,get
    dressedintoagr eyt r
    ackbott
    om, mymor ningshoes
    andmuscl eshi r
    t.It'
    s5:30inthemor ningand
    Thandoonl ywakesupat6soIhav eenought imeto
    makeherbr eakf ast.Iki
    sshercheekbef oreIleave
    theroom andshef lashesasmi l
    einhersl eep.God
    helpmekeept hiswomant omy sel
    f,ifshel eavesme,
    Iwillki
    llmy selfandt hatisapromiset oy ouGod.I
    wil
    lkill
    my selfinfrontofherifsheev erdecidest o
    l
    eav eme.Il eav ether oom,headtot heguestr oom
    whereShani kaisandIf i
    ndhersit
    ti
    ngont hefloor
    withherbedal readymadeandhercl othespackedi n
    thewar drobe.Whodi dthat
    ?

    "
    Mor
    ningpr
    incess,
    "Isaywal
    ki
    ngi
    ntot
    her
    oom.

    "Mor
    ninguncl
    eNkosi
    ."shesay
    sst
    andi
    ngup,
    looki
    ng
    atme.

    "Howdidyousleep?
    ""Iaskwal
    ki
    ngt
    oherand
    picki
    ngherup.
    "
    Isl
    eptwel
    luncl
    e.Howabouty
    ou?
    "

    "Isl
    eptwell
    mypr i
    ncess.Whomadeyourbedand
    packedyourcl
    othes?"Iaskf
    aci
    ngher
    .

    "Ididuncl
    e,Shani
    ataughtmet hatIshoul
    dalways
    cleanupmyr oom andneverl
    eav emymessf or
    someoneel se.
    "shesaysplay
    ingwi t
    hherhands.Her
    voiceissosqueakyandherfronttoothgapsmake
    thewayshespeaksev enmor ecuter.

    "Butpri
    ncess,
    youmust
    n'tdot
    hather
    eokay,we
    haveamai dandshewi
    ll
    doallt
    hework.Youhear
    me? "

    "Noooouncl
    e.Idon'
    twanthertocl
    eanupmymess,
    Iwil
    ldoitmysel
    f.
    "shesaysprot
    est
    ing.

    "
    Butpr
    incess,
    apr
    incessnev
    ercl
    eansup,
    apr
    incess
    shouldpl
    ay,r
    eadbooksandhav
    eal
    lthef
    unshecan
    have.Notcl
    ean.
    "Isayt
    oher.

    "Nouncl
    e.Il
    ikecl
    eaningupaft
    ermy
    sel
    f.
    "shesay
    s
    pout
    ingwhil
    ecrossi
    ngherarms.

    "Okayokayfinemypr i
    ncess,
    pleasedon'
    tbemadat
    uncle.
    "Isaytoher.Sheconti
    nuespouti
    ngandIend
    uptickl
    ingher,maki
    ngherhappyagain.

    "
    Come,
    let
    'sgomakebr
    eakf
    ast
    ."Isayt
    oher
    .

    "Okay,l
    etmegetMrcuddles,hewillhel
    pusmake
    breakf
    ast.
    "shesays,wi
    ggli
    ngoutofmyar ms.Ilet
    hergoasshegoest ographerteddybearfrom the
    groundandcomest ome.Sheraisesherarmst ome
    andIpickherup.Wegodownst air
    swi t
    hhert al
    king
    allt
    heway.Damnt hi
    schil
    dcant al
    k.Wegett ot he
    kit
    chenandfindthemaidcl
    eaning.Shegreetsus
    andasksifshecanmakeusbr eakfastbutItell
    her
    thatIwi llbemaki ngbr eakfast.Sheleavest he
    kitchenandgoest othel i
    v i
    ngroom tocl ean.Iput
    Shani kaont hehi ghchai r
    , makehercer eal andItake
    outal lthet hingsIneedf rom thecupboar dandst ar
    t
    cooki ng.Mi ndy ou, hereat i
    ngthiscereal doesn't
    stopherf rom t alking.Istarttoplaymymaskandi
    musi c,wear i
    ngapr onanddanceont othemusi casI
    rememberhowmymot herlovedsomeoft hesongs
    am pl aying.Shewoul dalway sforcemydadi nt
    o
    singingal ongwi thher ,wi t
    husj oi
    ningin.Iwi shy ou
    wer est i
    llaliv
    emot her.Af t
    erawhi le,
    Ihearsomeone
    runningdownt hest airsandsomeonecal lsmyname.

    "Am i
    nt heki
    tchen!
    "Ir
    eply.Thandocomesr unni
    ngin
    andgivesmemyr i
    ngi
    ngphone.Il ookati
    tandit
    'san
    unknownnumber .Iwonderwhoi tis.

    "
    Hel
    l
    o"Isayanswer
    ing.

    "Myson?"say
    sav oi
    ce.Ifeel
    mystomachtur
    ning,as
    angert
    akesover
    ,theter
    ri
    blepastmemor
    iesmaking
    mebitt
    erall
    overagai
    n.Allt
    heinsul
    ts,
    thepai
    nand
    woundsofthepastsuddenl
    ybecomev i
    si
    bleaf
    terso
    manyyearsofbei
    ngav oi
    ded.Whyishecal
    li
    ngme?

    "
    Yes,
    howcanIhel
    pyou?
    ""Iask.

    "
    Mysoni
    t'
    sme.
    "repl
    i
    est
    hev
    oice.

    "Iknowwhoy ouare.HowcanIhel pyou?"Iblunt


    ly
    answer.Thandoi
    snowseat i
    ngwithShanikainher
    sil
    kmor ni
    nggown.Shel ooksatme,smilesthen
    l
    ooksbackatShani ka.Il
    eavetheki
    tchen,head
    upstai
    rstomystudyandl ockthedoorbehindme.

    "
    Myson,
    Ijustwant
    edt
    otal
    ktoy
    ou.
    "

    "
    Aboutwhat
    ?"Iqui
    ckl
    yask.
    "Umm myson, pleasecomeseemeandbr ingyour
    sist
    eralongwit
    hy ourst
    epbrother
    .Iwanttoseeyou
    mychildren.
    "hesadlysays,
    hisvoi
    cerust
    y.

    "OkayIunderst
    andwheny ousayMkhizeshould
    comeseey oubutwhyRoseandI?Wehav enot i
    es
    withyousincey oudeci
    dedt
    obreakthem t
    heday
    mom passedon.Wear enol
    ongerrel
    atedtoyouold
    man."Isaysitt
    ingonmydesk.

    "
    Myson,
    Inev
    erbr
    oket
    ieswi
    th.
    ..
    ..
    "

    "Yesyoudid!!
    !!Youbroketi
    eswit
    husasifwewer e
    someout cast
    s, somechil
    drenwhower
    enev er
    yours!
    !!Sowhywoul dyouwantusnow."Ishout
    bangingthedesk.Whatawayt orui
    nmymood.

    "
    Nat
    hi!Respectme!Am st
    il
    lyourf
    ather
    !"hebel
    l
    ows.
    "Ooohbullshit
    ,don'tbul
    l
    shitmewi t
    hthatfucki
    ng
    phraseofy ours!Youarenotmyf at
    herandIhav e
    absolut
    elynor easontorespecty
    ou!Infact,where
    didyouev engetmynumberhuh? "

    "
    Nat hi
    for gi
    veme.Am sor r
    ymyson, Idon'tknow
    whatgoti ntomet hen.Iregretev
    ermakingy ouand
    yoursi
    blingsgot hroughwhaty oudid.Forgiv
    eme
    myson. "hesays, hi
    sv oi
    ceshaking.Itur
    nt othe
    window, chuckl
    i
    ng.

    "Youshoul dhav ethoughtaboutt hatbeforekill


    ing
    yourownsonwi thstarvati
    onwhenhewassoy oung.
    Youshoul dhav ethoughtaboutt hatbeforel et
    ting
    yourdaught erbecomeapr osti
    tutebecauseshe
    want edmoneyt osur vive.Youshoul dhav et hought
    aboutt hatbeforelett
    ingmemov eawayf rom home
    allbecauseIwant edtof i
    ndabet terli
    vingf ormy
    sibli
    ngsandI ..
    ..
    ..Notnow!Wedon' tneedy our
    apologynowol dman, y
    ourr egretisnothingatt hi
    s
    point.
    Wel ovedy ousomuchbutwhatdi dweget ,a
    beatingeverysingledaywit
    hnopr operbeddi ngnor
    food.Infact,whydon'tyougobackt ot hatwitchy
    ou
    callawifeandletusbe.Nx!"Isaybef oreendingthe
    call
    .Iclosemyey es,
    try
    ingtocal
    m my selfdownbut
    Ijustcan't
    .

    "Countupt o10ev erytimeyouareangry,1;2;


    3,agh
    fuckt hisshit
    !!
    !"Ibell
    owf al
    li
    ngtotheground.If
    eel
    my selfbreakdown, Ifeelmystr
    engthfadeawayand
    herv oiceblessesmyear s.

    "Mylove?Ar
    eyouokay
    ?Pleaseopenf
    orme?
    "she
    asks,l
    i
    ghtl
    yknocki
    ngt
    hedoor.

    "yesl
    oveam fine,
    am comingdownstai
    rsnowbaby.
    "
    Ishoutback,
    maki ngmyvoiceasser
    iousasIcanbe.

    "Nkosi
    openthedoor,
    Iwantt
    oseey
    ou.
    "shesay
    s
    sti
    ll
    knocki
    ngthedoor
    .
    "
    Babyam f
    ine,Iwil
    lbet
    her
    ein2mi nut
    es,Ij
    ustneed
    t
    ofi
    nisht
    hiscallwi
    thMkhi
    ze.
    "Ishoutbacktoher.

    "Ooohokayt hen.Iwil
    lbewai t
    ingfory oui nt he
    kit
    chen."sher epli
    es.Ihearherf ootstepsl eav eandI
    standup, Iwipeawayt het earsandsi tont hecouch
    atther i
    ghtendoft her oom inpeaceandqui et.Flash
    backsofhowheusedt obr ut
    allybeatmeuppopup
    i
    nmyhead, howheoncebur ntmyasswi thani ron
    allbecausehi swifewant edmet owasht hedi shes
    i
    nst eadofdoi ngmyhomewor k.Allthoseni ghtsI
    woul dgoout ,knockdoort odoorj ustt oaskf orf ood
    formysi bli
    ngsandI ,allthoset i
    meswewentt ot he
    ri
    verjusttowashour selvessincewewer en'tal l
    owed
    touset hebat hroom.Howcany oufor giv
    esucha
    persont hough,wheredoesoneev enst artf orgiving
    suchorgi vingthem achance?
    MayGodforgi
    vemebutam neverf
    orgi
    vingthatol
    d
    wi
    ckedman.Hecanmissmewiththatbullshi
    t.
    Af
    terawhi
    l
    eoflooki
    ngint
    ospace,myphoner i
    ngs.I
    checkt
    hecal
    l
    erI
    Dandi
    t'
    sBr
    endon.

    "
    YesBrendon,whatdoy
    ouhav
    eformet
    his
    mor
    ning?"Iaskhi
    m.

    "
    Bosswehav
    eabi
    gpr
    obl
    em.
    "hesay
    s.

    "Whatdoyoumeanwehav
    eabi
    gpr
    obl
    em?
    "Iask
    him st
    andi
    ngup.

    "
    Eish,
    boss,t
    heshipthathast
    hest
    uff
    ,it
    'sgoi
    ngi
    n
    t
    hewr ongdi
    rect
    ion.
    "

    "
    What
    !!
    !!
    !"

    "Theyar
    egoingt
    oJamaicai
    nsteadofI
    ndi
    aboss.
    "
    hesays.Whyist
    odaynotmyday!!
    !!
    "Whatthef
    uckBr
    endon!Thenwhyar en'
    tyoutel
    li
    ng
    them t
    hatt
    heyar
    egoinginthewr ongdi
    rect
    ion?
    ""I
    askasmyangerescal
    atesfrom 100%toa100000%.

    "Ihavebeent ry
    ingbossbutIcan'
    tcont
    actt
    hem i
    n
    anyway ,i
    t'
    sliketheycutev
    eryfor
    m ofcont
    actwi
    th
    us."herepl
    ies.

    "
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    "
    "
    Am att
    hewar
    ehousei
    nBenoni
    ."her
    epl
    i
    esf
    ast
    .

    "Am onmyway ,getmyjetr eadyforJamaicaand


    packa2daybagal ongwi thallt
    heweaponswe
    mightneed.Iwi
    llbether
    ei nthenext45mi nutes.
    "I
    say.Idr
    opthecallandimmedi atel
    ycallSbuwho
    answersthephonepanting.Whati si
    twiththisman
    andpussy?

    "
    YesNkosi
    ?"heanswer
    s.
    "
    Getofft
    hatbit
    chweneedtogot
    oJamai
    ca.
    "Isay
    t
    ohim wal
    kingupanddown.

    "
    Whatwhy
    ?"

    "Thosefucki
    ngmenont heshi
    paregoi
    ngto
    Jamaicainst
    eadofAmer i
    caandthecl
    i
    ent
    sexpect
    thepackagetobether
    eat7am."Isayt
    oSbu.

    "hol
    don,"hesaysthenIhearhim shout
    ingwi
    th
    anotherf
    emalevoice.Hervoi
    cefadesawayafter3
    minuetsthenhecomesbackt othecall
    .

    "
    Youshoul
    dreal
    l
    yst
    opbei
    ngamanwhor
    eSbu.
    "Isay
    t
    ohim.

    "Yearight
    ..
    ..Iwi
    ll
    stopwhenIfi
    ndmywomanbut
    unti
    lthen,am goi
    ngtost
    ickt
    obeingt
    hemanwhor
    e.
    Any
    way
    s,what
    '
    shappeni
    ngnow?
    "her
    epl
    i
    es.

    "Weneedtogot
    oJamai
    ca,
    that
    'swhatweneedt
    o
    do.
    "Irepl
    yhi
    m.

    "
    Asi
    ntodayor
    ?"

    "
    Obviousl
    ytoday!Getr
    eady
    .Wehavetomeetatt
    he
    war
    ehouseinlessthan45minut
    es.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "OkayIwill
    bet here."hesay sendingthecal l
    .I
    i
    mmedi atel
    yleav ether oom andrusht oourr oom.I
    packabagofcl othesandt akemygun, putti
    ngi ti
    n
    mybag.AssoonasIf i
    nishIgodownst airs,putmy
    bagsintheliv
    ingr oom andgot othekitchenwher eI
    fi
    ndThandoandShani kaalreadyhavi
    ngbr eakfast
    .
    Thandoturnstomeandsmi les.

    "
    Lov
    ecomej
    oinus.
    "shesay
    stapi
    ngahi
    ghchai
    r.I
    l
    ookatherandf
    lashaner
    voussmi
    l
    e.

    "Baby
    ,canIt
    alkt
    oyouforasecond.
    "Isayt
    oherand
    hersmil
    efl
    owsaway.

    "Umm surewhat
    'sup?"Iwal
    ktoherandhugf
    rom
    behi
    ndkissi
    nghercheek.

    "
    Love,Ineedtogosomewher
    eforaf
    ewday s.
    "Isay
    t
    oher.Sheslowlyt
    urnst
    omewithaquest
    ionabl
    e
    f
    ace.

    "Oneofmybusi
    nessesi
    nZimbabwegotbur
    ntdown
    soIneedt
    ogocheckitout
    ."Icont
    inue.

    "
    Oooh,
    wel
    lIcangowi
    thy
    oubaby
    ."

    "
    Nononomyl
    ove,
    youneedt
    ost
    ayher
    ewi
    th
    Shani
    ka.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lgodr
    opherof
    fatNer
    isababy
    ."

    "Noneedf ort
    hatmylove,Iwi
    llgobymyself.Don'
    t
    worr
    y."Isaykissi
    nghercheekbutshepushesme
    away.

    "
    Andt
    hen?
    "Isayt
    oher
    .

    "
    Youjustdon'
    twanttogowithme.
    "shesay
    s
    f
    rowni
    ng,taki
    nghergreent
    ea.

    "
    Idol
    ovebut
    ..
    ..
    "

    "
    ButwhatNkosi
    ?It
    'sfi
    ne,
    youcango.Iwil
    lstay
    ."she
    r
    epl
    iesst
    andi
    ngupf r
    om t
    hehi
    ghchairbutIpul
    lher
    t
    ome.
    "Don'tbeli
    kethatmylove,i
    t'
    sjustthatIf
    eell
    ikemy
    enemi esmighthavesomethi
    ngt odowi t
    hthi
    ssoI
    don'twantyougetti
    nghurtmyl ove.
    "Isaytr
    yingt
    o
    sweett al
    kher.

    "ButNkosiy ounevertoldmet hatyouhav ea


    businessinZimbabwe, youonl ytol
    dmet hatyou
    ownaf ewshopsi nBenoni sowhatbusi nessareyou
    tal
    kingaboutwhi chisinZi mbabwe? "asksThando.
    Ooohshi t
    ,Iforgottotel
    l heraboutthat,Ionl
    ytol
    d
    herbrothersaboutthis.

    "Iwil
    lexpl
    ainwhenIgetbackokay?Ihavetoleave
    now.Iwi l
    lbebackbef
    oreThursday.
    "Isayki
    ssing
    her.Shekissesmebackbutshedoesn'tmeanit.I
    l
    ookatherwi t
    hasadfaceandkissheragai
    nand
    thi
    stime,Igetmymeaningful
    kiss.
    IwalktoShanikaandgiv
    eherahugal ongwit
    ha
    cheekkissandIleav
    ethekitchenandtakemybags
    fr
    om theli
    vingroom,l
    eavingtheguar
    dswhoar e
    stayi
    ngbehindwit
    hthei nst
    ruct
    iontowat chThando
    l
    ikeahawkatallti
    mesandt oneverletanything
    happentoherorelsetheywilll
    osetheirl
    ives.Iget
    i
    nt omyPorschepanamer aas4ofmymenwhoar e
    comingalonggetint
    ot heLexus.

    Ar
    eyouguysready?
    "Iaskgett
    ingi
    ntothe
    war
    ehousewhereSbuandBrendonareal
    ongwi
    th6
    men.

    "Yes,t
    hejeti
    swai
    ti
    ngf
    orusatt
    heai
    rpor
    t.
    "say
    s
    Brendon.

    "
    Okay,l
    et'sgo."Isay
    .Wealll
    eavefort
    heai
    rpor
    tand
    wegetthereinlessthan20minut
    esandweareoff
    t
    oJamai ca.

    WhydoIhav
    eabadf
    eel
    i
    ngaboutal
    lthi
    s?
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Okayl et
    'sbehonest ,Iobviousl
    yknewt hatNkosi
    doesn'tonlyownshopsi nBenoni becausethisman
    hasmoneyf ordaysbutwhydi dn'thetel
    l meabout
    thisbusinessofhi si
    nZi mbabwe?Isi tinthekit
    chen,
    talki
    ngtoShani kawhoi squi t
    eent er
    tai
    ninguntil
    the
    mai dwalksi nandstartscleaning.Il
    eavehertoitas
    Igobat hShani kaandIalsogetashower .Wet hen
    decidetopl ayaf ewgamesandwat chamov ieinthe
    cinemar oom unt i
    lwebot hfallasl
    eep.
    Am wokenupbymyphoner i
    ngi
    ngandi
    t'
    smom.I
    l
    ookatthecal
    lerI
    Djustt
    omakesurei
    t'
    sher
    becauseshei
    ssti
    llmadatme.

    "
    Hel
    l
    o?"Isayanswer
    ing.

    "
    Thando,
    didNkosi
    tel
    lyouaboutSat
    urday
    ?""
    she
    asks.Okayshest
    il
    li
    smadatme.

    "
    Umm y
    esmahedi
    d."

    "Okaygood.Don'tforgettocome."shesaysbef
    ore
    droppingt
    hecall.Okaythatwaswei r
    d.Ipi
    ckup
    Shanikafr
    om theseatandt akehertotheguest
    room whereIlayheront hebed.Icl
    osethedoor
    behindme,leavi
    ngt heroom andmyphoner i
    ngs
    again.

    "
    Hel
    l
    o?"Ianswer
    .

    "
    HeyThando,
    isNkosi
    ther
    ewi
    thy
    ou?
    "asksRose.

    "
    Nohei sn'
    tl
    ove,hel
    eftf
    orZi
    mbabwei
    nthe
    mor
    ning."Ir
    epl
    yher.
    "
    Ooohokayi
    t'
    sfi
    ne.
    "

    "
    Issomet
    hingwr
    ong?
    ""Iask.

    "Nono,nothi
    ngi swrong.Ijustwantedtotal
    ktohim
    aboutsomething.Ihavebeent r
    yingt
    ocallhi
    m but
    hisphonekeepsongoi ngtov oi
    cemail
    ."sherepl
    ies.

    "Heprobabl
    yswi
    tchedof
    fhi
    sphoneorsomet
    hing.
    "I
    saytoher.

    "
    howar
    eyout
    hough?
    "sheasks.

    "Am f
    inel
    ove,j
    ustbor
    ed.Howabouty
    ou?
    "Iaskher
    goi
    ngt omyroom.

    "am fi
    nebutal
    sobored.Yourbr
    otherhasn'tbeen
    aroundfor3daysnowsoi t
    '
    sjustme,my selfandI.
    "
    sher
    epl
    i
    es.

    "Hmmmmm Iseey ouandmybr


    otherar
    eal
    ready
    kicki
    ngt
    hingsof
    f.
    "

    "
    Aii
    sukawena,
    leav
    emeal
    one.
    "sher
    epl
    i
    esl
    aughi
    ng.

    "Wel
    lsi
    ncewear
    ebothbored,l
    etmecomether
    e
    andspendt
    heaf
    ter
    noonthere.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .

    "Thatsoundsli
    keamazingplanbabez.Iwil
    lseeyou
    thenandpleasecomewi t
    hsomenandoswi ngs.Am
    cravi
    ngforsomer i
    ghtnowandal sobri
    nga
    MacdonaldsburgerbutmakesureSihle'
    sguards
    don'tseeyoucomei nwit
    hthat.
    "shesays
    whisperi
    ng.

    "
    Hehe,
    hegotguar
    dsforyou!
    !!Yhooogir
    lwel
    come
    t
    othefami
    l
    ybecauseyouareoffi
    ci
    all
    yaMdletshe
    now!
    "Isaybei
    ngsar
    cast
    ic.

    "
    Justcomewi
    tht
    hef
    oodman!
    "repl
    i
    esRose,
    endi
    ng
    t
    hecall
    .
    Irushtotheroom,getdressedi
    ntomyl ongfl
    oral
    j
    umpsui t
    ,ti
    emybr ai
    dsintoabunandputonpumps.
    IgowakeupShani kabecausetherei
    snowayam
    l
    eav i
    ngherwiththemaid.Maythelor
    df orgi
    veme
    butIhaveseenanumberofchi l
    drendieatthe
    hospit
    alaft
    erbeingphysi
    call
    yabusedbymai ds.

    Asam aboutt oleavethehouse,


    Schevpullsupin
    thedri
    v ewayinhismesarati
    .OnewouldswearSchev
    i
    sn'taguar dbutabusinessmanallbecauseofhi
    s
    l
    ifest
    yle.Nkosisurel
    ydoespayhisguards.

    "Outhequeenoftheempi r
    e!Howareyou?
    "hesay
    s
    steppi
    ngoutofthecar.If
    lashasmil
    eathi
    m asI
    standatt
    heporchholdingShani
    ka'
    shand.
    "HeySchev.Am fi
    nethanksandy
    our
    sel
    f?Iseey
    ou
    arebet
    ternow."Isay
    .

    "Am f
    inemaladyjustal
    it
    tl
    epainsf
    rom t
    hewound
    butI
    'l
    lbefi
    ne.Iseeyouaregoi
    ngout.
    "hesay
    s.

    "YesIam.Iwantt
    ogot
    omyol
    dapar
    tmentt
    osee
    Rose."Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "Ooohletmegodr opy ouoff.BosssaidIshouldbe


    wi t
    hyouatallt
    imes."hesayst aki
    ngmyhandbag
    from me.Heopenst hebackdoorf orme,Ienter
    alongwithShani
    kaandhecl osest hedoor.Hetalks
    to2oft heguar
    dswhot akethecarIwaspl anni
    ng
    onusingandheget sintothedr i
    ver
    'sseat
    .

    "Shall
    wego? "heaskssmil
    ing.Inodmyheadyes
    andhedrivesawaywithhimt al
    kingt
    oShani
    ka.
    Quiteent
    ertai
    ningt
    hough.Wemakeourf i
    rstst
    opat
    NandosandMacdonal dtobuyf oodt
    henweheadto
    thecomplexwhi chwereachat15:00.Schevfol
    l
    ows
    met omyapar tmentasthe2guardswecamewi th
    stayout
    side.Asam abouttoknockont hedoor,
    somehugef igurehol
    dsmyhand, crushi
    ngit.

    "Ouch!
    "IshoutandSchevr
    oughl
    yremov
    est
    heguy
    's
    hand.

    "I
    fyouknowwhat'
    sbestforyouthenIwouldadvi
    ce
    youtoremovey
    ourhandfrom herhandmydear
    fr
    iend.
    "say
    sSchev.Theguylooksatmeasi fhei
    s
    scanni
    ngmeandthenher eal
    izessomet
    hing.

    "
    OoohMi
    ssMdletshe,am sor
    ry.Idi
    dn'
    tseet
    hati
    t
    wasy
    ou.
    "hesayslookingdown.

    "I
    tsokay.CanIgoi
    nnow."Isaytohim.Heopens
    thedoorformeandSchevstaysbehi
    nd,st
    il
    lst
    ari
    ng
    attheguyasifhewant
    stokill
    him.
    "Schev
    ,leav
    ethepoorguyal
    one,
    hedi
    dn'
    tknow.
    "I
    saytohim.

    "Yessurebosslady
    ."her
    epli
    esstil
    llooki
    ngatt
    he
    guy.Iwalki
    ntotheli
    vi
    ngroom,real
    izinghowmuchI
    missthi
    splace.Nothi
    nghaschangedatal l
    .

    "Aunty,
    whatar
    ewedoi
    ngher
    e?"asksShani
    ka
    pull
    ingmyfi
    nger.

    "
    Wear
    eher
    etoseemysi
    ster
    ."Isayt
    oher
    .

    "
    Youhaveasi
    ster?
    "Inodmyheadyesandshesay
    s
    "
    LikemeandShania?
    "Inodmyheadagai
    n.
    Ihearsomeonesingingfr
    om thepassageandher
    facepopsup.Wel ookateachotherandweboth
    scream.Ireal
    l
    ydidn'tr
    eal
    izehowmuchImi ssedher
    .
    Iruntoherandbenddownt ogiveherahugasshe
    spreadsherarmsforme.
    "Ihav
    emissedy
    ousomuchRose!Howar
    eyou?
    "I
    saytoher
    .

    "Ihavebeenokayjustt
    hatthi
    schil
    disgi
    vi
    ngone
    hellofal
    ife.Howareyou?"shesays.

    "Ihav
    ebeenokay ,not
    hingnew.Yourbel
    l
    yisnow
    showinggi
    rl
    !!
    !."IsaytoherasIpushhercl
    oset
    o
    thecoucham goingtosit
    .

    "
    Iti
    shey
    .Am becomi
    ngawhal
    ebabez.
    "

    "Noyouar
    en't
    .Youar
    eactual
    l
    yglowing.
    "Isaysi
    tt
    ing
    downandpicki
    ngupShani
    ka,put
    ti
    ngheronthe
    couch.

    "
    Andwhoi
    sthi
    scut
    ey?
    "asksRosesmi
    l
    ing.
    "
    Am Shani
    ka!
    "say
    sShani
    kasmi
    l
    ing,
    hidi
    ngbehi
    nd
    me.

    "Ncaaaw,ni
    cet
    omeety ouShani
    ka,
    doy
    ouwant
    somethingt
    oeat.
    "asksRose.

    "
    Not
    hanky
    ou.Am f
    ull
    ."sher
    epl
    i
    es.

    "Okaylov
    e.SoThando, wheremyst uffat
    ?"asks
    Roselookingallov
    erthecouch.IlookatShanika
    andshetakest hem outoft
    hejacketsheiswearing
    andhandsi tov
    ertoRose.

    "
    You2areof
    fi
    cial
    l
    ycriminal
    stoSihl
    e."say
    sRose
    l
    aughi
    ngwhi
    l
    elookingatthefood.

    "
    Oohwowgi
    rl
    .Chi
    l
    l,i
    t'
    sjustf
    ood.
    "Isayl
    aughi
    ng.
    "
    Foodisl
    ifemygir
    l.Wi
    thoutfood,
    am not
    hingatal
    l
    ."
    r
    epl
    iesRosebei
    ngdramatic.

    "
    Youandy
    ourbr
    otherar
    enotdi
    ff
    erent
    ."Isayt
    oher
    .

    "Speaki
    ngofthedevil
    ,whydi
    dhegot
    oZi
    mbabwe?
    "
    sheasksopeningthewingsbox.

    "hesaidsomet hingaboutoneofhi sbusinesses


    beingbur ntdownsoy eah."Isayshr uggingmy
    shoulders,pickingawi ngfrom theboxbutRose
    l
    ooksatmeasi fthedev ilhasjustpossessedher .I
    quicklydropt hewi ngbef oresheki l
    lsmeandwal kto
    thekitchent olookf orsomet hi
    ngt oeatandIf i
    nda
    freshv eggiesal adalongwi thj
    uiceinthef r
    idge.She
    alreadymadef oodf orme? !Iwalkbackt othelivi
    ng
    room wi t
    ht hesal adand3cupsofj uice.Igi
    v eoneto
    Roseandt heot hertoShani kawhoshakesherhead.
    Okaysot hi
    schi lddoesn'tlikeeatingjustli
    keme, it'
    s
    of
    fi
    cial
    .Shei
    sof
    fi
    cial
    l
    ymychi
    l
    d.

    "
    Thanksf
    ormaki
    ngmyf
    avor
    it
    esal
    ad.
    "Isayt
    oRose.

    "I
    t'
    scool
    .Anyway
    s,asweweresay
    ing.Hi
    shospi
    tal
    gotbur
    nt?
    "asksRoseeat
    ingawi
    ng.

    "
    Hehasahospi
    tal
    ?"

    "Umm yes.Heownsahospi
    tal
    inZi
    mbabwe.Di
    dn'
    t
    hetel
    lyou?"

    "Hmm nohedidn'
    t.Heonlytol
    dmethatheownsa
    fewshopsi
    nBenoni."Isayeat
    ingmysal
    adwhil
    e
    Shani
    kawatchesTV.

    "
    Oooh.
    "mumbl
    esRose,
    wide-
    eyed.
    "
    Yeahsoam guessi
    ngNkosiownsalotofthi
    ngs
    t
    hatIdon'
    tknowabout
    ."Isay
    ,emphasi
    zingontheI
    .

    "Let'
    stal
    kaboutsomethingel
    sebecauseIam i
    nno
    placetoanswerthatst
    atement
    ."say
    sRose.

    "Am hur
    tbutokay
    ."Isay."
    Howisev
    eryt
    hing
    bet
    weeny ouandSihl
    e?"themomentSi
    hle'
    sname
    cameoutofmymout h,
    Rosel
    ooksi
    ntospaceand
    smil
    es.

    "Hmmm okayIgotmyanswert
    othat
    ."Isay
    smir
    kingather
    .
    Shesnapsoutofherspacewor
    ldandst
    art
    s
    bl
    ushi
    ng.

    "Iwon'
    tl
    ie,yourbr
    othermakesmesohappy
    .""
    she
    sayssmil
    ing.
    "Ncaaawam happyfory
    oubabygirl
    .It
    'sact
    ual
    l
    ya
    consequencehowyourbrot
    heral
    somakesme
    happy."Isay
    .

    "Ncaaaaawwehav esomuchi ncommonbabygi rl


    !!
    !"
    squeakesRose.Webot hsay"Ncaaaw"atthesame
    andwej ustl
    aughitoff.Ourafter
    nooncontinues
    withuslaughingandjustplay
    ingwithShanikawho
    i
    sar ealdarl
    ing.Weleaveforhomequi t
    elateandas
    soonaswegethome, myphoner i
    ngs.

    "Baby
    ?"Iasyget
    ti
    ngoutofSchev
    'scar
    ,car
    ryi
    ng
    Shani
    kainmyarms.

    "
    Myl
    ove?Howwasy
    ourday
    ?"asksNkosi
    .

    "
    Itwasokay
    .Howar
    eyou?
    "Ir
    epl
    y.

    "
    Am f
    ine.Justmi
    ssi
    ngy
    ou.
    "hesay
    ssi
    ghi
    ng.
    "Youwouldn'
    tbegoingthroughthatify
    ouhadl etme
    comewi t
    h."Isayr
    oll
    ingmyey es.IputShani
    kaon
    thecouchandheadt othekit
    chentoseeifdinneri
    s
    ready
    .

    "comeonlove,
    canwemov
    eonf
    rom t
    hatpl
    ease.
    "
    saysNkosi
    .

    "
    Yeasur
    e,i
    t'
    snotl
    i
    keIhav
    eachoi
    ce.
    "Ir
    epl
    yhi
    m.

    "
    anyways!Ij
    ustwant
    edtohearyourvoi
    cemyl
    ove.
    Howdidyouspendther
    estofyourday?"

    "Wel
    lIact
    uall
    ygothomejustnow.Wasatmy
    apar
    tment.
    "Isayt
    ohim,openingt
    hepots.

    "
    Ooh,
    youwer
    ewi
    thRose?
    "
    "
    Yep,
    spentt
    heaf
    ter
    noont
    her
    e."

    "Oohokay
    .Iwi
    shIwasther
    ethough,
    wecoul
    dhav
    e
    spentt
    hedayt
    oget
    her
    ."

    "Yeabuti
    t'
    sokay.Youarestill
    comingbackso."
    befor
    eIcouldfi
    nisht
    hestatement ,
    someonecall
    s
    Nkosi,
    gett
    ingNkosi'
    sat
    tention.IwishIcoul
    dhear
    whattheyaresayi
    ngbutIcan'thearanythi
    ng.

    "Mylove,
    Ineedtogonow.Iwil
    lcal
    lyoul
    ater
    .Don'
    t
    sleepbef
    oreIcal
    lokay
    ?"say
    sNkosi.

    "Uum okay.Iwillbewaitingforyourcal
    l
    ."Irepl
    y.He
    endst hecall
    andIdi shupf oodforShanikaandI.
    Aftereati
    ng,Ipackthedi shesint
    othedishwasher,
    bathShanika,puthertobedandgetmyni ght
    shower .Af
    terthat,
    Iwai tforNkosi
    'scal
    lformore
    than3hour sandam sl eepy..
    ..
    ..
    .
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *

    It
    smor ni
    ngandnocal l fr
    om Nkosi .Ithoughtmay be
    hemayhav ecalledafterIf el
    lasl eepbutnot hi
    ng.I
    getoutofbed, domyusual mor ningr outineandgo
    checkonShani kawhoi sstil
    lsleepi ng.Iheadt othe
    ki
    tchenandf indt hemai dmaki ngbr eakfastandI
    helpherwi t
    hit.Af t
    erthat,IwakeupShani ka,bat
    h
    herandwehav eourbr eakfast.Am pl anningon
    goingtoGol dReefci t
    ywi t
    hhert odaysi ncewehav e
    nothingtodoandIdon' thaveaj obany mor e.Thi
    s
    ki
    ndofsucksbi gt i
    me.Wegetdr essedaf terhavi
    ng
    breakfastandaswear eaboutt ogoout ,myphone
    ri
    ngsandi t'
    sanunknownnumber .May bei t
    'sNkosi.

    "
    Wellhel
    lot
    oyoutooMrsir.Iwai
    tedunt
    ill
    atef
    or
    y
    ourcall
    butnot
    hing.
    "Isay
    .

    "
    Wel
    lhel
    l
    otoy
    out
    oot
    winni
    e!"say
    saf
    ami
    l
    iarv
    oice
    exci
    tedl
    y.

    "
    AaaaaahSabel
    o!"Ishoutandmyv
    oiceechoes.

    "
    Theoneandonl
    y.
    "her
    epl
    i
    esl
    aughi
    ng.

    "
    Oohmygoshi
    t'
    sbeensol
    ong.
    "

    "I
    tsurehas.Umm li
    stenher
    e,am atyourol
    d
    apart
    mentbutitseemssomeonel i
    vesther
    enow.
    "
    herepli
    es.

    "Oohidon'
    tstaythereany
    more.Am actual
    lyabout
    togooutsolet'
    smeetupatGol dreefci
    ty.
    "Irepl
    y
    him wal
    ki
    ngdownt hepor
    chst
    airs.

    "nono,Icancometothepl
    aceyouareatnow
    becauseIj
    ustwantt
    otalkt
    oyouaboutsomethi
    ng.
    "
    "
    her
    epl
    i
    es.

    "okayl
    etmegiv
    ey oumyaddr
    ess.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.It
    ell
    him myaddr
    essandtel
    lhi
    mtocal
    lmewhenhegets
    here.

    "
    Comepr
    incess,
    "Isayt
    oShani
    ka.

    "Ar
    en'
    twegoi
    ngtogol
    dci
    tyanymoreaunt
    y?"she
    saysl
    ooki
    ngatmewit
    hhercut
    eeyes.

    "Wearepri
    ncessbutl
    ater
    ."Isaytoher.Shefoll
    ows
    meintothehouseandwesitintheli
    vi
    ngr oom.My
    phoneri
    ngsafter30mi
    nutesandIansweri t.

    "
    Thando!Ar
    eyouokay
    ?"asksapant
    ingv
    oice.

    "
    Yesam f
    ine.Sor
    rywhoi
    sthi
    s?"Iask.
    "
    Thandoi
    tsme.
    "hesay
    s.

    "
    Nkosi
    ?"

    "
    Yes!Ar
    eyouokay
    ?"

    "Yesam fine,
    whyar ey
    oupant
    ing?Isev
    eryt
    hing
    okay?"Iaskhim st
    andi
    ngupfr
    om thecouch.

    "Thando, Iwanty outolistenme, don'tl


    et..
    ..
    "andhis
    calli
    scut .Ilookatmyphoneandt r
    ytocal lhim3
    ti
    mesbutnot hi
    ng.Hisphonei soutofser vi
    ce.Ical
    l
    Schevandseei fhecanhel pmebutnot hing.Healso
    can'treachany onewhoi swit
    hNkosi .
    ..
    ..Isi
    tont he
    couch, fr
    ustrated,notknowingwhatwaswr ongwit
    h
    Nkosi andt henallofasudden, Ihearaconf li
    ct
    outside.Asam aboutt ogoout side,Schevst opsme
    rushesf ortheent r
    y.Whenhet riestoopent hedoor,
    ashor tli
    vedal armrings.
    "
    Lockdown!"hemumbl
    es.Hei
    mmediatel
    ytur
    nsto
    myfr
    ight
    enedsel
    fwhoi
    sholdi
    ngShani
    kaandruns
    t
    ome.

    "Bossl ady ,Ineedy out ogot oyourr oom asi nnow.


    Stayint hereunt ilIt ellyouot herwise."hesay s
    forci
    ngmet ost andup.Am t ooscar edt oaskany
    questionssoIdoashesay s.Irusht ot her oom, l
    ock
    my selfupi nt her eandIt r
    yt olookoutt hewi ndowt o
    seewhat 'sgoi ngonbutt hesebl indswon' topen.I s
    Brainback?Isi tthebedwi thShani kajustpl ayi
    ng
    withherdol l.It
    'slikeshedoesn' tev encar eabout
    what '
    sgoi ngonr ightnow, sheisn'tscar edatall.Isi
    t
    nexttoherandt ryt opl ayal ongwi thhert henIhear
    Sabeloshout i
    ngmynamef r
    om out side.Irusht othe
    windowi nat temptt oseewhat '
    sgoi ngonbutI
    remembert hatt hebl indswon' topen.Ir usht othe
    door,unl ocki tbuti twon' topen.Sabel ocal l
    smy
    nameagai nasam st i
    lltryi
    ngt ogetoutbutnot hing
    andt henShani kaj ustst artscryingf rom nowher e.
    Okayt hisi sonewei rdday .Irusht oher ,pickherup
    andaskherwhat'
    swrongbutshej
    ustcar
    ri
    eson
    cry
    ing.OoohGod,whatt
    hehell
    ist
    his.
    Afterawhil
    e,t
    hecommot i
    onoutsidestopsand
    that'
    swhenIrecei
    veanMMS.Il ookatmyphone
    andIopentheMMS.I t
    'savideofrom anunknown
    number,i
    sn'tt
    hist
    henumberSabel ousedtocall
    me.
    Oohwell,t
    hatdoesn'
    tmatt
    er..
    ..
    ..

    Ipressthepl
    aybut t
    onandatt hatmoment ,Ifeelas
    i
    fmyhear thasbeenbetrayedandmyser enityhas
    beentakenaway .Myheartkeptont el
    l
    ingmeone
    thi
    ngbutmyey esandmindwer ejustagainstmy
    heartasamill
    ionspinsj
    ustspikeddeepi nsideme.

    "Auntyar
    ey ouokay
    ?"asksShani
    kawhohas
    stoppedcry
    ingbutsti
    l
    lhastear
    s.

    "Yesmyangel
    .Am fi
    ne."Ir
    epl
    yher
    .Shest
    andont
    he
    bedandwipesmytearsaway.
    "Aunt
    y,pl
    easedon'
    tcwy .I
    fyoucwy,
    Iwil
    lalsocwy.
    "
    shesays.Ismi
    leatherasIalsowi
    pehertears.

    "Andmypr incessshouldntcr
    ytoobecauseam
    cryi
    ngbecauseofher .
    "Isaytoher .Shehugsme,
    holdi
    ngmet i
    ghtasthoughshewon' tev erletmego
    thenshelaysherheadonmyt highs.Ilookatmy
    phone,asitplaysthevideooverandov eragainand
    myt ear
    sjustgushout .Whatsorceryisthis?

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV
    Iburstintot
    her oom asifam somecr azyper son,
    onlytofindThandoandShani kawat chingsome
    showonTV.Il ookatThando,andIf eel myheart
    andmi ndbeateaseashersmi lejustrelaxesme.If
    Bri
    anhadal readygottentoher,shewoul dn'thave
    hadt hesmil
    eshehasonherf acer i
    ghtnow.

    Isl
    owl
    ywal
    kint
    other
    oom,
    looki
    ngatt
    he2angel
    s
    sit
    ti
    ngi nbed,
    laughi
    ngandenjoyi
    ngtheshow.I
    reachthebedwi t
    houtt
    hem noti
    cingmeandIgetin
    bed,start
    li
    ngThandowhostartl
    esShani
    ka.They
    bothlookatmeandt heysmil
    ewhi l
    ebot
    hhugging
    me.

    "
    OkaysoIwasmi
    ssed.
    "Isayl
    aughi
    ng.

    "
    Yesy
    ouwer
    e."r
    epl
    i
    esThando,
    kissi
    ngmycheeks.

    "Imissedy outoomybut ter


    fli
    es."Isaythem.When
    theyletmego, Thandoaskswhathappenedt oday
    andIj usttellhert hatBri
    anwant edtokidnapher
    againandsheendsupexcusi ngt hemat t
    er.The
    actual tr
    uthis,Brai nmessedwi thmyshi pswhi ch
    weret ransportingdr ugstoIndi
    aandmadet hem go
    toJamai ca.Thiswasal ltogetmyat t
    entionont he
    drugsandnotThandoj ustsohecoul dgetsomet i
    me
    tospillthebeanst oThandowi thoutmei nterr
    upt i
    ng.
    But,thankGodIf oundoutwhatwasgoi ngonear l
    y
    andIf lewbackt oSout hAfri
    ca,withoutwast i
    ng
    anyti
    me.Whil
    stIwasf l
    yi
    ngback,Itri
    edt
    ocallher
    butmynetworkwascutof fsoIaskedBr
    endont o
    l
    ockdownt heenti
    rehousejustsonooneleav
    esor
    enter
    sthehouse.Lucki
    ly,
    Schevwasheresohe
    hel
    pedoutalot.
    It
    salreadyaf ter18: 00andShani kaisdeadasl eep.
    Sherefusedt ohav eany thi
    ngtoeatandshesai dshe
    wantedt osleepsowel ether
    .IfeelThando'shand
    creepupmycheekandshemakesmel ookather .I
    l
    ookather ,ret urningthesmi l
    eshehasonherf ace
    butthemomentIl ookintoherey es,
    somet hi
    ngj ust
    seemsdi ff
    erenti nthem butshei sn'
    tlet
    ti
    ngt hem
    snit
    chonher .Shegi vesmeasl owdeepki sst hen
    separatesourl i
    ps.

    "
    Love,Iwanttoshowyousomet
    hing.
    "shesay
    s
    r
    unningherhandsupanddownmychest.

    "okay,
    whati
    sit.
    "Ir
    eplyher
    ,hol
    dingherotherhand.
    Sheslowl
    ygetsoutofbed,
    getsherphonefrom the
    dressi
    ngt
    abl
    eandconnectsitt
    ot heTV.Shetakes
    theTVr emot eandcomesbackt obedandhol dsmy
    handsinceshecan'tcuddlenextt omebecauseof
    Shanikabeinginbetweenus.Shest artssearchi
    ng
    forsomet hingt
    henshepr essesenterwhensheget s
    tosomef i
    lebutbef
    oreshepr essespl ay,shelooks
    atmeandherey esarejustmeani ngless.Shelooks
    backatt heTVandt hevideostartsplay i
    ng.

    Ar
    emyey
    esdecei
    vi
    ngmeorwhat
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    Sor
    ryguys,
    Iwasmindbl
    ocked.
    ..
    ..Ineededan
    i
    nspi
    rat
    ionsoi
    ttookt
    imetogetmyf li
    ngback.
    [1/
    2,06:
    57]Lynne:
    Don'tmist
    akenlyreadt
    his
    chapt
    erfir
    stguys Ipostedchapter36soreadt
    hat
    onefi
    rstbefor
    eyoureadchapter37

    Chapt
    er37
    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Ilookathi m ashewat chesthev i


    deoofay oung
    handsomeman, kil
    lingapoorol dwhi tehairedman
    whopl eadswi t
    hhi m butt heyoungmanj usti gnores
    him.Ipaymymostat tenti
    ontoev eryaction,
    mov ementandut tert hatNkosi makesashi seyes
    popout .Tearsstar ttocomeoutofmyey esandI
    stopt hev i
    deof r
    om pl ay i
    ng.Ipi
    ckupShani kafrom
    thebedandwal kt ot heguestr oom wher eIputher
    tobed.Iwal kbackt her oom andi fi
    ndNkosi walki
    ng
    upanddown.Ist andatt heentrance,lookingathi s
    wor r
    iedf ace,asifhei st r
    yingtomakeupsomef ake
    storyunt i
    lhenot icesme.Hest andsi noneposi ti
    on
    andsay s"Thandol etmeexp"butIst ophim.

    "noNkosi,
    that'
    snotwhatIwantt ohear.Iwantto
    hearyousaythatthi
    sisallj
    ustami sunder
    standi
    ng
    orthat
    'sj
    ustanotherpersonwhojustlooksli
    keyou.
    That'
    sall
    Iwantt ohear.Iwantt
    oheary ousayit'
    sal
    l
    j
    ustsomet ypeofgamet hatMkhizeorRosei s
    playi
    ngony ou.Pleasejustsaythat
    ."Isaysl
    owly
    walkingtohim.Iwr apmyar msaroundhisneckand
    hisauraenergyhasdr opped.Hisbodyhassuddenl
    y
    tensedupandhi sey es,
    theyarethesameey esam
    usedt oseei
    ng.

    "Pl
    easetellmethatmyl ovebecausethatcan'tbe
    youright
    ?"Isaysmil
    ing,try
    ingnottoletthetears
    getthebestofme.Hel ooksdown, av
    oidingey e
    contactwit
    hmet henhet akesmyhand, pull
    smet o
    thebedtositthenheasks, "
    Wheredidy ougetthis?"

    "Thatdoesn'tmatt
    er,whatmatter
    sisyout el
    li
    ngme
    thatthepersoninthatvi
    deoisn'
    tyou.
    "Ireplyhim
    l
    aughi ng.Hekeepshiseyesonme, tr
    yingsohardto
    saysomet hingandthat
    'swhenIgetmyanswer .

    "Soitisyou?"Iut
    ter
    ,mylipsf
    ormi
    ngafrown,my
    heartsti
    l
    l r
    efusi
    ngtoacceptt
    hetr
    utht
    hatisr
    ighti
    n
    frontofme.
    "Thando, IswearIwant edtot ellyou,i
    t'sjustthatI
    wast ooscar edtolosey ou."whi nesNkosi asatear
    escapeshi sey e.Hekneel snextt ome, holdingmy
    hands.Iam power less,am f i
    nished,Idon' tknow
    whatt osay .Ifeelsoraged, myl oveforhi m has
    turnedintor age,i
    ntor egretandhat et hatIonlyfelt
    forBrian.Iroughlypull myhandsawayf rom hisand
    Idot hemostunexpect ed.Ifi
    ndmyl eftbackhand
    burningashel aysont hef l
    oor, wide-
    ey ed,holdi
    ng
    hischeek.

    Istandupf rom t
    hebed, withtearsjustfal
    li
    ngf r
    om
    myey es,howcoul dIf alli
    nlovewi thmyf at
    her '
    s
    mur derer?Whatki ndofchi l
    dam I ?Howcoul dI
    betrayal ovedonel ikethis?Iwal ktothecloset,get
    asui t
    caseandst arttakingmycl othesfrom the
    wardrobebutNkosi comesi nrunningli
    keacr azy
    person, taki
    ngallthecl othesam put t
    inginthe
    suit
    caseandput st hem backi nthewar drobe.He
    dropst ot hefl
    oorandat temptst oholdmyhands
    butIref use.
    "Thandopl easel i
    stentome. .
    ..I,
    Ididn'tknowthathe
    wasy ourfather.Myl ove,
    am sor ry.Ihadnochoi ce
    backt henThando, mybosst oldmet oki l
    lhim,Ihad
    noideat hathewasy ourfat
    her .IfIhadknown, I
    woul dhav elethim go!Myl ov epleasebel i
    eveme!!"
    wimpsNkosi ,
    tryi
    ngt ofol
    lowmyey esashei sonhis
    knees.Ilookathi m andhei sjustcrying,hishi
    ccups
    keeponi nterr
    uptinghisapol ogythatam notev en
    buying.Ihel phim standup, stareathim andIthink
    tomy self,"howf ooli
    shwasi ..
    ..
    "

    "Nkosi,t
    hatmanbeggedy outolethi
    m bebutdid
    youlist
    en?Noy oudidn't
    .Thatmant oldyouthathe
    hadchildrenbutdidy ouli
    sten?No.Thatman
    beggedy ouov erandov erandoverandov erand
    overandov eragainbuty oufuckingnever
    l
    istened!!
    !!
    !!
    "Ishoutcr y
    ing,hi
    tt
    inghischestashe
    tr
    iestohol dmebutIpushhi m away.

    "
    Don'
    tyoudar
    eputy
    ourhandsonmey
    oumur
    der
    er!
    Dontev enlookatme! !You,youki l
    l
    edmyf ather
    !The
    manwhol ovedmewi ththeut mostlove.Hedi d
    anythingandev er
    ythi
    ngt oprotectmebuty oukill
    ed
    himlikehewasnot hi
    ng!!!
    ""Icry,f
    all
    ingtothegr ound.
    Nkosi tr
    iestopickmeupbutIpushhi m awayandhe
    l
    andsont hegroundwi thhisass.Hest andsupand
    rushestomeagai nandkneel s,hi
    dinghisheadi nhis
    palms.

    "Thandopl easedon' t,don'tsayt hatmyl ov e.Ir eall


    y
    hadnoi deathathewasy ourfather !WhenIf ound
    out,Iwantedt otellyoubutIwasscar edofl osing
    you.Youar emyl ifeli
    neThando, Ican'taf fordt ol ose
    you..
    ..Pl
    ease, pl
    easef or
    gi v
    eme!Thandopl easeI
    begofy ou!"hecr ies.Iwoul dsayIf eel sor ryf orhim
    butIdon't.Ifeell
    ikeki l
    li
    nghi m, Ifeellikej ustr ipping
    him apartint
    osomanypi ecesandl etti
    nghi m dr own
    i
    nhi ssorrowsunt ilhedies.Isl owl ystandupf rom
    thegroundandNkosi raiseshishead, hi sf acel ooks
    disgusti
    ng.Mucusandt ear sarej ustgushi ngout
    andhei sjustlett
    ingt hem.Hi sey esarer edandhi s
    bluepupilsarejustdar k.Iwal kbackt ot hewar drobe,
    takeagunfrom mypurseandpointi
    tathi
    m.Hesit
    s
    ontheground,
    notscaredatal
    l,i
    nfact
    ,hej
    ustl
    ooks
    atmewithhishandsintheai
    rthenhesays

    "Pleasedoki l
    lmei fyouar epl anni ngonl eav i
    ngme
    becauseIcan' tsur vivewithouty oumyl ove.Ki l
    lme
    please!Justpul lthet r
    iggerandki l
    lme. "hecr iesout.
    Hisoncehuskyv oicehast urnedi ntosomet hi
    ng
    rusty.Iat t
    emptt oshoothi m butIam j ustf ail
    ing,my
    hear tisj ustrefusingt oletmedot haty etmybr ain
    want smyey est oseehi sbl ood.Ij ustlookathi m,
    sitt
    ingont hegr oundcr y
    ingqui etl
    yandIt urnbackt o
    mypur se.Iputt hegunbacki n, Il
    ookatt hemi r
    ror
    andmyey esar epur ebl ood.Iwi pemyt ear saway
    event hought heyar en'tstoppi ng.Iwal kt othe
    bathr oom washmyf aceandl ot i
    oni t
    .Ifindhi m stil
    l
    ont hef l
    oorcr yi
    ngandsomet hingi nmewant st o
    holdhi m stophi mf r
    om cr yingandki sshi m butmy
    hatredf orhim hasmor epr ide.

    Hel
    ooksatmeasIwal
    kpasthi
    m,backt
    othe
    war
    drobeandhol
    dsmyl
    eg.

    "Thandopl easedon' tdot his,youknowt hatIlove


    you.Iwoul dn'thav edonei tifIknewt hathewasmy
    futurewife'
    sf ather.Icoul dhav epr otectedhim
    Thandobel ieveme. "hesay sbutIki ckhi m away
    wi t
    hnowor dsai d.Am donet alki
    ng.Idon' tknow
    whatel setosay .It akemypur se,l
    ookathi m one
    mor etimeandIcl osemyey esast ear sconti
    nueto
    gushout .Ilookatt heringhegav emeandIj ust
    break.SoIguesst hisisit,islowlyt akether i
    ngoff
    from myengagementf ingerbuthehol dsmyhand,
    stoppingmewi thhi sey eswi deopen.

    "Thando,pl
    ease!Ibegofy
    ou,
    don'
    tdot
    his!
    !Pl
    ease!
    "
    hecriesshaki
    nghishead.

    "
    Nkosi
    ,pleasel
    etgoofmyhand."Ili
    ghtl
    ysay,
    l
    ooki
    ngintospacebuthedoesn'
    t,
    hejustpl
    eads.
    "
    Thandopl
    ease!
    "hesay
    s.

    "Nkosi
    ,l
    etgoofmyhand,
    please.
    ..
    ..
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m but
    hedoesn'
    tletgo.

    "
    Am onl
    ygoingtoletgoofyourhandaf
    tery
    out
    ell
    mesomethi
    ng."heutter
    s.
    "
    Doyousti
    lll
    oveme?"heasksl
    ooki
    ngatmebutI
    t
    urnmyeyesawayfrom hi
    m.Hetur
    nsmyfacet
    o
    l
    ookathi
    m butIr
    efuse.

    "Ihatey ouNkosi ,Ifeel absolutelynot hi


    ngf oryou
    now.Youar en'
    tdifferentf r
    om Br i
    anatal l.Youare
    j
    ustasev ilashei s,infact ,youar emor eev il
    thanhe
    i
    s.Ihat ey ouwi thapassi on,Idespisey ouand
    everythi
    ngabouty ou.Ir egretthedayImety ou,I
    regretthedayIl ety oui ntomyl i
    fe,IregretthedayI
    i
    nt r
    oducedy out omyhear tandmyf ami l
    y.Ishould
    have,Ishoul dhavel i
    stenedt oKhay awhenhesai dI
    shouldbr eakupwi thy ou."Isaypul l
    ingmyhands
    f
    rom hi
    s.It ur
    nmyey estohi
    m andsayt heselast
    words"Ipraythatyoudiethemostpai nf
    uldeathi n
    t
    hisworld,worsethany ourv
    ictims.Goodbye
    Nkosi
    nat hiNxumalo."Ir
    emov etheri
    ngandt hrowi t
    i
    nhisbewi l
    deredfaceandqui ckl
    ywalkaway .Irush
    t
    oShani ka'
    sroom, packherbagsandpi ckherup
    f
    rom herbed.Nkosi comesrushi ngi
    ntoShanika's
    r
    oom andl ocksit
    .

    "Thando,youaren'tgoingany where,youaremi ne
    andnooneel se's!
    !!!
    !!
    !Youwi llneverl
    eaveme! !I
    havewaitedforwaaaaayt olongtogety ouandam
    notgoingtoletyougoj ustl
    i
    ket hat!
    "hebellows,
    wakingupShani ka.Sher ubsherey esandlooksat
    myf ace.

    "
    Aunty
    ,whyareyourey
    esr
    ed?"sheasks.Shet
    urns
    t
    olookatNkosi
    andaskst
    hesamequest i
    on.

    "Uum dar
    li
    ng,Auntyandunclearej
    ustt
    ir
    edokay,
    that
    'swhyoureyesarered.
    "saysNkosi
    ,wipi
    nghi
    s
    tearsawaybutIj ustkeepqui etanddonot hingatal l
    .
    Itakethismomentandwal ktot hedoorandasIt ry
    tounlocki t
    ,hehol dsmyhandbutIscr eam asloud
    asIcan, andhel et'sgoofmyhand.Ir ushoutoft he
    room, downt hest air
    sandst raightt othegarage.I
    putShani kainthebackseatwhoi saskingendl ess
    questionsandIgeti ntothedr i
    ver'sseat.Itryto
    opent hegaragewi t
    ht hekeyIhav ebutitisn't
    wor ki
    ng.Fuck! !
    !Irushbacki ntot hehouseandbump
    i
    nt oNkosi whowasonhi swayt ot hegarage.Iwal k
    pasthim andgot ot hekitchent ogett hespar e
    garager emotebuti tisn'tthere.Iwal kbackt othe
    garageandNkosi hast akenShani kaoutoft hecar ,
    okayIsweart hi
    smanwant smet oki l
    lhim now.

    "
    Nkosi
    ,opent
    hegar
    agef
    orme,
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m buthe
    i
    gnor
    esme.

    "Nkosiopenthef
    reaki
    nggar
    ageforme!
    !!
    ""Iscr
    eam
    butheignoresme.Shani
    kal
    ooksatmeandshe
    star
    tscryi
    ng.Thi
    sisreal
    l
    ynott
    hetimef
    orhertocry.
    "
    Youaremakingt
    hepr
    incesscr
    yThando,
    lowery
    our
    v
    oice.
    "cal
    mlysay
    sNkosi.

    "NkosiIdon'thav
    eti
    mef orthi
    s,j
    ustl
    etmego!Can'
    t
    youseet hatmeandyouar eover
    ?it'
    sdone,
    ther
    eis
    nothi
    ngleftofusNkosi
    !"Isaytohim.

    "
    Thereissomethi
    ngleftofusThando.Youst
    il
    ll
    ove
    me,Iknowthatyousti
    l
    l l
    oveme."saysNkosi
    .

    "
    EvenifIdi
    d,thatl
    ovedoesn'
    tchanget
    hefactt
    hat
    y
    out ookmyf at
    herawayfr
    om us.Youki
    ll
    edmy
    f
    atherNkosi
    ."Isaytohi
    m.

    "
    Andam sor
    ryThando!
    "

    "
    wil
    lyoursor
    rybr
    inghi
    m back?
    "Iaskhi
    m.
    "
    Noi
    twon'
    tbutIwi
    shIcoul
    d."

    "Wellguesswhat ,youcantnowdeal withthe


    consequences.Opent hegar agedoorformeorelse
    Iwil
    lshootmy sel
    fhere."Isaytohi
    m, gett
    ingmygun
    fr
    om mypur seinthecar .Ipoi
    ntt
    hegunatmy sel
    f
    andShani kacriesherlungsout.

    "Thandostopbeingsost
    ubbor
    nandl
    etust
    alk
    aboutthi
    s!"say
    sNkosi.

    "
    1;2;
    3;4!
    !!
    !!
    "

    "Okayokay
    !Iwi
    ll
    openthegarage!
    "hesay
    s.Hecal
    ls
    oneofhismenandSchevpopsupandhelooksat
    bothofus.

    "
    Hau,
    bozza,
    what
    '
    sgoi
    ngonher
    e?"heasks.
    "
    Opent hegar
    ageSchev.
    "saysNkosi.Schevl
    ooksat
    Nkosiwit
    haquizzi
    call
    ookthenhelooksatme,sti
    l
    l
    wit
    htheguninmyhand.

    "Bosslady
    ,whatar
    eyoudoi
    ng?"asksSchev."Why
    doy ouhavet
    hatguni
    nyourhand?"hecont
    inues.

    "Justopenthefucki
    nggarageSchev!
    "Ibel
    low.He
    quickl
    yopensitandItakeShanikaf
    rom Nkosi
    .He
    l
    ooksatmewi t
    ht hesaddestey
    esIhaveneverseen.

    "Pleasedontleav emeThando. "hesay sbutIl ook


    away .Schevlooksatmewi t
    hdi sappointedey esand
    rushestoNkosi whohasf all
    ent ot heground.Iget
    i
    ntot hecar,startitanddriv
    eoutoft hegar age,with
    Nkosi j
    ustlookingatmet henall ofasuddenhe
    rushestot hebackoft hecarandIbumpi ntohim.
    Allhismenr usht ohim butI,Idon'tstopdr iv
    ing.I
    j
    ustmov eawayf r
    om hisbodywhi chislayingont he
    groundanddr i
    vetothegatewhi chIopenwi thmy
    fi
    ngerprint.IhearShanikacryi
    ngsi l
    entl
    ybutIjustlet
    herbe.Ihav eabsolutel
    ynoener gyf orhertonight
    andam dr oppingheroffatNerisa' s.AssoonasI
    dropherof fthere,
    Idriv
    etomyapar tmentandi t
    's
    l
    ateatni ght.Ir
    ingthebellandSihl eopenst hedoor.
    Hel ooksatmewi thasmi l
    ebutt hesmi lesoon
    fadesawayandhepul l
    smei nt
    ot heapar t
    ment .

    "Thando?What'
    swrong?"heaskst ouchingmyf ace.
    Ihughim asIcr
    yloudnow, l
    etti
    ngallthescreams
    outandRosecomesi nt
    ot heli
    vi
    ngr oom rushi
    ng.As
    soonassheseesmecr ying,shecomest ome.

    "Thando?What'swrong?Whyar eyoucryi
    ng.
    "Ilook
    atherandherfacejustresembleshi
    m butIwon't
    hateherforherbr
    other'
    ssins.Ismil
    eatherand
    shakemyhead.

    "Don'tworryl
    ove,
    am okay
    ."Isayt
    oher.Shepushes
    herselfcl
    osertomeandsays"Don'
    tl
    ietome.What
    happened,
    wasi
    tNkosi
    ?"l
    ooki
    ngconser
    ned.

    "
    Tal
    ktome,
    "say
    sSi
    hle.

    "Tomorrow,
    weneedtogotoLehur
    utshe.Tel
    lKhay
    a
    andZiphotoal
    socome.
    "IsaytoSi
    hle.

    "
    Why
    ?"asksSi
    hlewi
    thscr
    unchedupey
    es.

    "
    Iwi
    l
    ltel
    lyoual
    ltoget
    her
    ."Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "
    shoul
    dIpackabagf
    orhi
    m?"asksRose.

    "Umm nodon'tworry,
    Iwill
    doi ttomorrow.Iwant
    youtogot oNkosi'
    shousetomor rowmor ni
    ng.He
    needsyoumor ethaneverri
    ghtnow. "Isaytoher.
    Shenodsherheady esthenSihlehelpsmesi tonthe
    couch.Iburymyfaceinmyhands, notknowing
    whetherIshouldscr
    eam orj
    ustki
    ll
    my sel
    f.Igaveal
    l
    mylov etomyf at
    her'
    ski
    l
    ler,
    Igavehim ev
    erythi
    ng.I
    ev
    enl ethim cont
    rol
    mylif
    e.

    "Shoul
    dIbr
    ingy
    ouwat
    er?
    "asksRose.Ishakemy
    headno.

    "
    Whi
    chr
    oom ar
    eyouguy
    susi
    ng?
    "Iask.

    "Weareusingthelastroom ony ourl


    eft
    ."r
    epli
    es
    Sihl
    e."Youcanusey ourroom.Wedi dn'
    tchange
    anythi
    nginther
    e."hecont i
    nues.Inodmyheady es
    andleavethem si
    tt
    inginthelivi
    ngroom.Ihonestly
    don'
    tknowhowt ofeelri
    ghtnow.Am justconfused.

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

    Il
    ookatall
    ofthem,
    sit
    ti
    ngonthecouches,
    cont
    emplat
    ingonwhet
    herIshoul
    dtel
    lmyfami
    l
    ythe
    tr
    uthornot .Explaintothem whymyey esare
    swollenandwhyIam sodown.Khay ahasbeen
    bl
    ami ngi tNkosi eversincehesawmeaf terhe
    arr
    ivedandIhav en'tpr
    otestedagainsthiml i
    ke
    everyoneel sehasbeendoi ng.Am justquiet,no
    wordsai d,justtearsandr egretyetfil
    l
    edwi t
    hpainof
    l
    osingal ov edonewhom Iknow, makesmeso
    happy .Ifeelsomeone' shandgoi ngupanddownon
    mybackandIl ookatt hem, it
    'sTshidi
    .

    "
    TalktousThando,whyhav
    ey oucal
    ledf
    ort
    his
    meeti
    ng?"asksZi
    phokneel
    ingbesi
    deme.

    "Oohplease,whyareyouaskingthissi
    ll
    yquesti
    on,
    i
    t'sobv
    ious.It'
    sal
    lNkosi'
    sfaultandwhatweneedt o
    donowi sjustgother
    eandt ortur
    ehim unt
    ilhecri
    es
    thesamewayhehasmadeourbubbl egum cry!
    "
    bell
    owsKhay a.

    "ShutupKhay
    aman!Cany oujustkeepquietfor2
    secondsandj
    ustl
    etherspeak!
    "shoutsSihle.Khay
    a
    l
    ooksatSi
    hleandj
    ustsay
    ssomet
    hingunderhi
    s
    br
    eath.

    "Excuseme?!"shout
    sSihl
    echar
    gingf
    orKhay
    sbut
    heisstoppedbyNolu.

    "Thando,tal
    ktous.Whyareyouhere?"asksmy
    mot hersi
    tti
    ngontheopposi
    tecouch.Il
    ookar ound
    theroom, andIbr
    eatheout
    .Isni
    ffandIfinal
    l
    y
    decidetotalk.

    "So**sni
    ff
    **am nottel
    l
    ingyout
    hisbecauseIwant
    youtokil
    lhim,no.Am t
    ell
    i
    ngyouthi
    sbecause
    keepi
    ngitinsi
    dewouldkil
    lmesl
    owly.
    "I.Say,
    sni
    ffi
    ng.

    "
    Iknewit
    !"bel
    lowsKhay
    a.Sihl
    elooksathi
    m wi
    tha
    warni
    ngeyeandKhayakeepsquiet
    .

    "
    Okayweheary
    ounowt
    ell
    us.
    "say
    sZi
    pho.
    "Ma,am sorr
    yfordoi
    ngt
    hisbutIr
    eal
    l
    ydidn'tknow.
    I
    fIknew, I
    ,Iwoul
    dhavest
    ayedawayfrom hi
    m
    but
    ..
    ...
    ."

    "
    Thandoj
    ustsayi
    tal
    ready
    !"say
    sZi
    pho,
    squeezi
    ng
    myarm.

    "Nkosi
    ,Nkosiki
    ll
    edpapa.Hei
    spapa'
    smur
    der
    er.
    "I
    saybefor
    eIfall
    apart
    .

    "What?
    "shout
    smysi
    bli
    ngsbutmymot
    hersof
    tl
    y
    says
    "So?
    "weal
    ltur
    ntoher
    ,shockedbutshei
    sser
    ious
    ashell
    .

    "Thando,yourf
    atherspoketoyouaboutt
    hissowhy
    areyouactingl
    ikethi
    s?"shesaysshr
    uggi
    ngher
    shoulder
    s.
    "
    Ma?
    "Isay
    ,shocked.
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er38

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    Iwat chherdr i
    veawayasIl ayont hegr oundwi t
    han
    achingbody ,becomi ngconsi oustot hef actt hatshe
    real
    lyi sleavingme.It houghtIhadev er
    y thinginmy
    favourbutIwaswr ongandnow, shei sgone.The
    gateopensandhercardi sappearsasIst areatt he
    gate, hopingt hatshewoul djustcomebackandsay
    shewasj ustjoki
    ngbutnot hing.If eelsomeone
    shakingmybodyandIt ur
    nmyheadt olookatSchev
    whoi st r
    y ingsohar dtopickmeup.Ist ophi m and
    l
    ookathi m, angryasf uck.Ijumpupt omyf eetand
    grabhi m byhi scollar,
    forgetti
    ngt hathest il
    l
    recov eri
    ngf rom thegunshot shegot .Ihuf finhis
    face,notknowi
    ngwhyam holdi
    nghi
    mlikethisbutI
    needt oventmyangerout.Mymenj
    uststand,
    l
    ookingatusandIletgoofSchevwhofal
    lstothe
    groundandquickl
    ystandsup.
    Igr
    abhishandwi
    tht
    heut
    mostpowerandpul
    lhi
    m
    cl
    osert
    ome.

    "Iwanty out otakeev erysinglemant hatworksfor


    me, everysingleoneoft hem, gotot hewarehouse,
    packal l
    t heweaponswehav e,fr
    om gunst oknifes,
    everyt
    hing! !
    !Iwanty ouont hejetinlessthan2
    hours,fl
    y ingtoMexi co.Iwilljoi
    ny out omorr
    ow
    morning."Ibawl pushinghim away .Hebumpsi nto
    thewal landt ur
    nst omymen.

    "Iwantallofyoutogohomeandt elly
    ourwi vesor
    whateveryouhav etherethatyouaret r
    aveli
    ng
    toni
    ght.Wewi llmeetattheBenoni warehousei n
    l
    essthananhour .Packeveryt
    hingy ouwillneedand
    bythat,Imeanweapons!Yourt imestartsnow!!"he
    shoutsandt heyallgeti
    ntotheirri
    desanddr iveout
    .
    Isworet hatIwil
    lkil
    lmyselfi
    fThandoev erlef
    tme
    butfi
    rst,Iwil
    lkil
    lthosewhocausedal lt
    his.Iknow
    thati
    diothashist absonmebutt histi
    me, thi
    stime,
    hewon' tseeshitcoming.Idi
    al Br
    endon'
    snumber
    andheanswer sinasleepyvoice.

    "
    Boy,wearemaki
    ngourmove.Wakeupandget
    r
    eadytof
    lytoMexi
    co"Isayt
    ohim.

    "OkayBoss."andIendt hephone.Irushi
    ntothe
    houseandpackev eryt
    hingIwil
    lneedandasam
    abouttogetout ,
    Ispotsomet hi
    ngshinyandthats
    whenithit
    sme.Memor iesofhowIputthatspeci
    fi
    c
    ri
    ngonherf inger
    ..
    ...
    ..

    ""
    Why?I
    sn'tam her
    enow? "Isaidtoher
    ,thedayI
    camebackfrom Nor
    thwestaftershegotshot
    .
    "
    Becausey
    oudi
    dn'
    tputmyr
    ingon.
    "
    "
    youar
    eonecr
    azywoman.
    "
    "ThandoMdlet
    she,
    wil
    lyoumarryme?"andthe
    gloomyfaceshemadeasshenoddedherhead,
    givi
    ngmeherhandtoputtheengagementr
    ingon
    herfi
    nger.

    Il
    ookdownasIr ememberev er
    ysingl
    ewordshe
    sai
    dtomet oni
    ght,howsheswor eatme,howshe
    comparedmet omygr eatestenemy,howmuchhate
    shehadinhereyes.
    ..
    ..
    .Sigh****
    Doesaheart
    breakr
    eal
    lyf
    eell
    iket
    his?Ipi
    ckupt
    he
    ri
    ngandputi
    tinherj
    ewel
    rybox.

    "Iwil
    lbri
    ngy oubackt omemyl ove,
    andt histi
    me, I
    promisetotellyouev erysi
    nglesecr
    etIhav ekept.
    "I
    saytomy selfbeforewal ki
    ngoutoftheroom and
    headingtomycar .Iwil
    lgopastSbu'shouset opick
    him upwhet herhelikesitornot
    .Thisti
    me, am
    goingtokil
    lBr i
    anandam notgoi ngtomi ss..
    ..
    ..
    .Thi
    s
    ti
    me, hesurelydiesandIwi ll
    makesureofi t.
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *

    THANDO'
    SPOV

    "
    Ma!"Isayshockedbutshel
    ooksatmeasi
    fam
    madorsomet hi
    ng.

    "Okayhol
    dupwait!Andwhotoldyouthi
    sThando?"
    asksTshi
    di,
    smir
    king."
    Ibeti
    t'
    sBri
    anandi fi
    tshi
    m,
    Thandoyouarewasti
    ngourti
    me."shesaysherwri
    st.

    "Oneofmyf riendssentmeav i
    deoshowi ngNkosi
    andpapaint her oom thathewasf ounddead! !"I
    shoutcryi
    ng."Nkosi wasl i
    ter
    all
    ytherewithpapa
    kil
    li
    nghim andIsawi twit
    hmyown2ey es.Ican
    showy outhev ideoi
    fy ouwant .
    "Isaylookingf ormy
    purse.Am sti
    llshockedbymymot her
    'response
    though.Howcanshesaysuchwhenam t ell
    i
    ngher
    thi
    s.Andhowdoest heknowaboutmydr eam?
    "NoneedforthatThandobecausewhaty
    ousai
    dis
    al
    ltr
    ue.Nkosi
    didkill
    yourfat
    her.
    "say
    smymom
    l
    ookingatme.

    "
    Yousee! !
    !ItoldyouThando! !!
    !Itoldy ou!Butdidyou
    l
    ist
    ent ome?Noy oudidn't!Infact,nonofy ou
    l
    ist
    enednowl ook!!!Oursister'
    sfianceki l
    ledour
    f
    ather.Waitti
    llIgett oSandt on,am goi ngtokil
    lthat
    motherfucker!Sihle,Zi
    phoar eyouguy scoming
    wit
    hme? quest i
    onswi llbeaskedaf terNkosi'
    s
    f
    uneral!
    "saysKhay ajustwal ki
    ngupanddown.
    Sihl
    edoesn' tsayanything,hej uststandsup, walks
    upstair
    sandcomesbackwi thhi smostf avor
    itebag
    ofallandguesswhati thasi nside,tortureweapons.
    Ziphoalsost andsupandr unsupst airs,comingback
    withhisbagofgunsandkni ves. .
    ..
    ..
    .Ilookatthese3
    i
    denticalmenandt hei
    rf acessayev erything,
    their
    eyeshav eturnedredandt heirveinsar eshowi ng.I
    standupf r
    om t hecouchandIr usht oZipho,fall
    ing
    athisfeet.
    "No,no,no,no.Pleasedon'
    thurthi
    m.He, hedi
    dn't
    know.Hewasor deredbyhisbosstodoso.PleaseI
    begofy ou,
    don'thurthim.Justl
    ethim be.
    "Icr
    ybut
    Zipholi
    ghtl
    ypushesmeoutofhi sway.

    "Thando,that'
    sthesamet hingyousai dafterBr
    ian
    hadhiswaywi thyouandlooknow, themanhas
    becomeat hreatt
    oy ou.Soplease,
    don' tbull
    shi
    tus
    withthat
    ."say sSi
    hlewithhisnosewi deopen.Okay ,
    whydi dItell
    them again??
    ??

    Iruntoal lofthem,fall
    ingattheirfeethopingthey
    wouldj ustdropthisthingbuttheydon' t
    ,theycall
    thei
    rguy stogetthei
    rbags,ar r
    anget hei
    rjetand
    everythingelse.Tshi
    di andNoluthandohav eturned
    tozombi es,t
    heyarejustsit
    tingont hecouches
    cryi
    ngandmymom, sheisjustlookingatus,
    shakingherhead.Youwoul dsweart hedev i
    lhas
    castthespel lofsadnessint hi
    shouse.

    "
    Ma!sni
    ff
    **ma,
    pleaset
    ell
    theguy
    sthatt
    heydon'
    t
    needtodothi
    s,Iwasj
    usttel
    l
    ingthem becauseI
    di
    dn'twantt
    okeepanot
    hersecretl
    ikeIdid
    prev
    iousl
    y.Ma,
    ?pl
    easet
    alktothem."Icr
    y.

    "Hau,Thando!Whatdidy ouexpect?Youknowy our


    brot
    her sverywell
    sowhyar ey ouact
    ingasify
    ou
    weren'texpecti
    ngthi
    s?"r
    epliesmom.Aphoner ings
    andZiphopi cksupthecall
    .

    "Oohokay ,weareonourway."hesay
    sandthe
    tri
    pletsal
    lstandupatonceandheadfort
    he
    entrance.

    "Maplease!
    !!St
    opt hem,theywil
    l ki
    l
    lNkosi ma!"Icr
    y
    toherandthatswhenshecal lsthetri
    plet
    sbefore
    theyr
    eachthedoor .Theyallt
    urnattheirowntimes
    andmymom st andsupfrom hercouch.

    "Howmanypeoplehaveyouki
    ll
    ed?"sheaskst
    hem
    andtheyal
    ll
    ookatherconf
    used.
    "Answermyquest
    ion.
    "say
    smom butt
    heyal
    ll
    ookat
    her,si
    l
    ent
    .

    "Okay,
    fine, l
    et'
    sexcusethat
    .Howmanyoft hose
    peopl
    ewer emar r
    iedormentionedhavi
    ngchildren?
    "
    sheasksl ookingatthem.Khayasquinthi
    sey esat
    herchuckling.

    "
    Andy
    ourpoi
    nther
    eis?
    "say
    sSi
    hle.

    "
    Mypointis,ifyouhaveneverkil
    l
    edamanwhohad
    afami
    lytheny oucangladl
    ygodowhaty ouwant
    wi
    thNkosi."saysmom pointi
    ngatt hedoor
    .They
    l
    ookateachot herandtheybreakintol
    aught
    er.

    "Sowaitma, whatyouaretr
    y i
    ngtosayherei
    s,we
    shoul
    dn'tkil
    lNkosi?
    !wellt
    hinkagai
    nma, wedon't
    careaboutthemenweki ll
    ed.Wearestil
    lgoi
    ngto
    kil
    lNkosi,
    atleastwewil
    lbeatpeaceandsowi l
    ldad.
    "say
    sZi
    pho.

    "Ineversaidthat.WhatIsai dis,
    ifyouknowt hatyou
    havenev erlai
    dy ourhandsonamanwhohad
    chil
    drenandawi feathome; I
    fyouknowt hatyou
    havenev errui
    nedahome; youknowt hatyoudon't
    havesomeone' schi ldrenlookingforyoubecause
    theywantt okil
    l you,theny oucanl eaveandgot o
    Nkosi'sandkillhim." shesay spointi
    ngatthem.
    Theyal l
    lookatherconf usedashel lasam just
    sit
    tingonthef l
    oor ,sniff
    ing.

    "Mom, Ir
    ememberhear i
    ngast oryli
    ket hatfr
    om the
    Bibl
    e,i
    sthatwher eyouar etaki
    ngy ourlit
    tl
    espeech
    fr
    om? "asksZipholaughing.Mymot herlooksathim
    withwarningeyesandhest opslaughi ngand
    becomesser i
    ous,clear
    inghisthroat.

    "
    Mychildr
    en,yourf
    atherhasforgi
    venNkosi
    .Hedi
    d
    t
    hatalongti
    meagof orareasonandThandoknows
    i
    tver
    ywell,i
    fyouki
    llNkosi,
    thenyourf
    atherwi
    l
    l
    neverresti
    npeace.Hewi l
    lturninhi
    sgr aveandit
    wil
    lbey ourfaultyouthr
    ee."saysmymot her
    .Okay
    am notagainstwhatshei ssay i
    ngbutsheknows
    howt hese3f eelabouthersayingal
    lthese
    supersti
    ti
    oust hi
    ngs.

    "Okayma,woul
    dy oucar
    etoexpl
    aint
    oushowt he
    helly
    ouknowthatpapahasf
    orgi
    venNkosi
    ?"asks
    Khaya.

    "Don'
    taskst
    upi
    dquestionsKhay
    a.Youknowexact
    ly
    howIspoketoyourf
    ather.Mysi
    steri
    sasangoma.
    "

    "Ophgreat,
    her
    ewegoagai
    nwi
    tht
    hisshi
    t!
    "whi
    nes
    Sihl
    e,r
    oll
    inghi
    sey
    es.

    "Don'ty
    oudaredisrespectmey oufools!
    "huff
    smom.
    "Yourauntcall
    edmeweeksbef oreThando
    i
    ntroducedNkositous; whi
    chwasaf terThandoand
    Sbu'sbreakup.Shetoldmet hatIhadtoseeheras
    soonaspossi bleandwhenIwentt her
    e,shet oldme
    thatmyhusbandhadbeenpl eadingwithhert o
    speakt omef r
    om theot herworldsoIdi d.Het old
    met hathiskil
    l
    erwast ocomesomet imesoonbut
    hewar nedmenott ot ouchhim, nottohar m himin
    anyway .Tomakesur ethathislastchil
    d,Thando,
    andhim becomeonenomat t
    erwhat .Andt henhe
    tol
    dmet hathewoul dvisi
    tThandoi nherdr eams
    whichheal r
    eadydidbutIj ustdon'tknowwhen. "
    narrat
    esmom l ookingatme.
    "Youallknowhowmuchy ourfathertr
    easured
    Thando, hetreasuredhermor ethanhet reasur
    edme.
    That'
    swhyhef orgav
    eNkosi f
    orwhathedi dbecause
    heknowst hatnoonecoul dev ercareforThandothe
    wayNkosi does."shecontinues.Shewal kstome
    andholdsmyhands, wi
    pingmyt ears.

    "Mychil
    d,whyaren'tyoul
    isteningt oyourf at
    herhuh?
    Didn'
    tyourfat
    hertell
    youtonev erleav
    ehi m?didnt
    hetel
    lyoutolovehim nomat terwhat ?Di dn'
    thetel
    l
    youthathewasy ourprot
    ector? "shesay s,
    bombardingmewi ththeexactt hingsthatpapasaid
    Ishoul
    ddo.Sot
    hiswasi
    t,t
    het
    hingt
    hatpapawas
    tel
    li
    ngmeabout
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "Mapl ease,it
    'snotaseasyasi tmaysound.I magine
    yourselfinmyshoes, wouldy ouf or
    givepapai fyou
    everfoundoutt hatheki ll
    edgr andpa?Youwoul dn'
    t.
    YesIl ovehim andal l butIjustcan'tforgivehim,I
    can'
    t..
    ...
    "Icryout ."Iknowt hatpapawant smet o
    for
    givehi m butIcan' tma.Papawasmybestf ri
    end
    andy ouknowt hat.Soexpl ai
    nt omehowam
    supposedt ojustf orgetev eryt
    hi ngandf orgi
    ve
    Nkosi? "

    "Thando,Iknowit'
    shar df oryou,i
    twasalsohardfor
    me, bel
    ieveme.Comi ngt ot er
    mswi t
    hthefactthat
    yourlastchi
    ldfel
    linlovewi thyourhusband'
    skill
    er
    wast hemostpainful t
    hingev erbuti
    twasy our
    father
    'swishandIhadnosayi nthat
    .AndThando,
    youknowt hatyourfatherwasagai nstmebel i
    evi
    ng
    i
    namasangoma( di
    viner)sowhywoul dheuseone
    nowt ocommuni catewi thus?"shesays.Okaythat'
    s
    supert
    rue.

    "I
    twillt
    aketi
    mebutf orgi
    vehim andt hi
    sgoest oal
    l
    ofyou.Forgi
    vehim becauset hereisnothingel
    sewe
    cando."saysmom l ookingateveryoneint her
    oom.
    "Takeallt
    heti
    mey ouneedt oforgiv
    ehim butdon't
    hurthi
    m becausether eissomethingcalledkar
    ma
    outthereanditwi
    llcomef oryouifyoutouchhim."
    saysmom.

    "Areyoudonemom?Okayshei sdonel et'


    sgo. "say
    s
    Sihl
    eandt heyal lt
    urntot hedoorbutt hemoment
    theyopent hedoor ,auntMahl ongwanesay ssome
    weirdstuffandt heyallfal
    l tothegr ound.Aunt
    Mahlongwanei sNkany ezi,abeaut if
    ulmiddleaged
    womanwi th7chi l
    dren.Herhusbandhas4wi ves
    andshei sthef avori
    teoutofal l
    oft hem because
    shegav ebirt
    ht osonsonl y .Shewaschosenbyher
    ancestorstobeadi vi
    nerwhenshewas26whi ch
    wasay earri
    ghtaf t
    erget t
    ingmar r
    ied.Eversince,
    shehasbeent hisdivi
    nerbutal ongwi t
    hher
    t
    radi
    ti
    onall
    if
    est
    yle,
    shei
    sabusi
    nesswoman,
    aver
    y
    r
    ichbusi
    nesswomanwhohasevery
    thi
    ng.

    "
    Nkany
    ezi,
    "saysmymom walki
    ngtot
    hedoor.Aunt
    j
    umpsoverthei
    rbodi
    esandgi
    vesmymotherahug.

    "Yourhusbandtoldmet ocomeher elastnight.He


    saidsomet hi
    ngaboutThandodoingast upidthi
    ng."
    saysaunttomymom, l
    ookingatmybr other'sbodies.
    Mysi st
    ersandIarealreadyonourfeetbutTshi di
    andNol uaren'
    therement al
    l
    y.I
    t'
    sli
    ket heyar esti
    lli
    n
    ament alshock,j
    ustl
    ikeIwaslastnightaf t
    erseeing
    thevideo.Auntl
    ooksatmeandshef l
    i
    nches.

    "ComeinMahl o,l
    etmemakey ousomet ea.
    "says
    mom takingherbrownbeadedbags.Mom al socall
    s
    somement ocomepi ckupthe3whoar eknocked
    outonthefloorandputthem inthei
    rrooms.She
    alsospeakstothem aboutsomet hi
    ngwecan' thear
    .
    Whenshecl osesthedoor,auntstar
    tsfl
    inchi
    ng
    againwhil
    stlooki
    ngatmet hensmi l
    es.
    Shelooksatmyst
    omachwhi
    lewal
    kingtowar
    dsme
    andIwipethet
    ear
    sonmyfaceandcri
    ngetogreet
    her
    .
    Shegr eetsmebackandmysi stersalsogreether .
    Asf ormymot her,shehasdi sappearedi nt
    ot he
    kit
    chen.AuntMahl ocomest ome, pullsmet oa
    couchandwesi t
    .Tshi diandNolut r
    yt oexcuse
    themselvesbutauntt ell
    sthem tositdownandt hey
    doso.If eelsosor ryforthem, t
    heyreallyli
    kedNkosi
    andnowt hi
    s?Nkosi real
    lyfuckedupandIal sodon't
    thi
    nkam goi ngt oforgivehim,despitemyf ather
    want i
    ngmet odosonormyhear tbei
    ngsoat tached
    tohis.

    "St
    opt hi
    nki
    ngsomuchmychi l
    d,st
    opit.Youwill
    hurtyour
    self
    ."saysauntrubbi
    ngmyst omach.Isit
    meort hi
    sisreall
    yweird.Outofall
    theplacesshe
    couldhaverubbed,whymyst omach?Ilookather,
    fl
    ashingaconfusedsmi l
    e,shechuckl
    es,sti
    ll
    rubbing
    myst omach.
    "Rel
    axmychi ld.
    "shesayst
    henshestar
    tsmaki
    ng
    soothingsounds.Mymotherwal
    ksinandsheput
    s
    thetraywit
    hthet eaont
    hecoff
    eetabl
    e.

    "Am gl
    ady ouareher
    emysist
    er.Yournephewswer e
    soclosetoleav
    ingandgoi
    ngtokil
    lNkosi.Thando
    foundoutabouttheki
    ll
    i
    ngandshetoldthem,"say
    s
    mom.

    "
    Am j
    ustgl
    adt
    hatImadei
    tont
    ime.
    "repl
    i
    esaunt
    ,
    t
    aki
    nghert
    eafr
    om t
    hetr
    ay.

    "Now,letstalkbusi nesshere.TshidiandNol u,my


    beauti
    fulnieces, Iknowy ouar esti
    ll
    shatteredby
    whateverThandohast oldyoubutIknowt hatyou
    aregoingtof orgivehim andTshi di
    ,getridofthose
    bloodfil
    l
    edt hought sofy ours.Noonei skill
    ing
    Nkosi.
    "Tshi dil
    ooksatauntandshet i
    ghtensher
    Jaws.Am sur prisedt hatTshididi
    dn'tactupl i
    ke
    thosetri
    pletsbecauseshei soneoft hedanger ous
    peopleinthishouse.
    "Iknowthatwhatam abouttosaymightbedif
    fi
    cul
    t
    butyouhavenoot herchoi
    cebuttol
    etNkosibe.I
    f
    yourfat
    herhasforgiv
    enhimthenwhoar eyounott
    o
    forgi
    vehim?"say
    saunt ,l
    ooki
    ngatus.Il
    ookdown.

    "Andy ou, "shecontinueslookingatmei nt heeyes."I


    under st andt hefactthatyoudi dn'twantt okeep
    suchat hingt oyoursel
    fbutwhatIf ail
    tounder stand
    i
    s, whyy ouhadt osayi ti
    nt hepr esenceofy our
    brother swheny ouknowt hatSi hleandKhay a,
    especi al l
    yKhay aareagai nstyourr elati
    onship.You
    madet hem mov efrom disli
    ketohat i
    nghi m now.
    Am notsay i
    ngy oushouldn'thav etoldy ourfamily
    buty oushoul dhavetoldy ourmom onl y."shesay s.

    "Withal
    lduerespectaunt ,
    itwasgoi
    ngtobeknown
    eit
    herwaysoi t
    'sgoodt hatThandot
    oldus.
    "says
    Noluwithaseriousface.Myauntlooksather
    ,qui
    et
    thenshechuckles.
    "Iknowbutherl ettingthose3boy sknowwasabad
    i
    dea, becauset heyst il
    llackedsomet r
    usti nhim.
    Theyst i
    lldoubtedNkosi andt heyt houghtt hathe
    mi ghthur tThandobef or ethiswhol ethingbutnow,
    theyhav ebeengi v enar easont obel i
    evet hat.
    "she
    say s.Shet urnst of acemeandsay s" Youar every
    l
    uckyt hatIgother eont imeorel se, y
    oucoul dhav e
    l
    ostNkosi t
    odeat h.Thoset hree'sener gywas
    extremel ydar kandnoonewasgoi ngt ost opthem
    from kill
    ingNkosi .Notev ent hedev i
    lhimsel f,
    "she
    say s.

    "Butwhentheywakeup,
    won'
    ttheyt
    ryt
    oki
    l
    lhi
    m
    again.
    "Isay,
    sni
    ff
    ing.

    "Notheywon't
    .Theywill
    beangrybutt
    heywon'tki
    ll
    him.Butift
    heyeverseehim,t
    heymightbeathi
    m up
    j
    usttotakeoutthei
    ranger.
    "

    "Can'
    tyoust
    opthem aunt
    ?"Iaskl
    ooki
    ngatherbut
    sheshakesherhead.
    "WhatIhavedonet ot hem i
    smor ethanenough.
    Whathappensaf tertheywakeupi snothingIcan
    control
    .Thewayy out ookoutyourangeronNkosi ,
    will
    bet hesamewayt heywil
    lal
    sowantt ov entout
    thei
    ranger."shesays.IlookdownandIj ustbreak
    down.Whydi dNkosihav et
    obemyf at
    her '
    skil
    l
    er
    though,why ?

    "Whydi
    dithav
    etobeNkosi
    though?
    "say
    sTshi
    di,
    si
    ghi
    ng.

    "
    Thequesti
    onshouldbe,whydi
    dn'
    thet
    ell
    us?
    "say
    s
    Nol
    u,shaki
    ngherhead.

    "Hesaidhewasscar
    edofl
    osi
    ngme.Thatwashi
    s
    excuse.
    "

    "Butdi
    dn'theloseyouThando?"asksmom.Ilookat
    herandIdon'trepl
    y.Idon'
    tknowifhedi
    dlosemeor
    notbecauseam justconfusedri
    ghtnow.Iwantto
    bewithhim,yetIdon't
    .Iwanttoforgi
    vehim,yetI
    can'
    t.Iwantt
    oputi ti
    nt hepastbut
    ...
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .Whyist
    his
    happeningt
    ome.

    "Mychi l
    d,myadv i
    cetoyouis, for
    givehim.Youcan
    thi
    nkaboutitforaf ewdaysorweeksi fyouwantbut
    don'ttakemonthsbecausey oumi ghtjustlosehi
    m
    theny ouwil
    ll
    iveinregr
    et.I
    fy ourfathercouldfor
    giv
    e
    himt henam sureyoucantoo. "saysmom.

    "
    Iwil
    ltr
    yt of
    orgi
    vehim butdon'
    texpecti
    ttohappen
    j
    ustl
    ikethat
    .Ineedsomet i
    me."Isay.

    "Li
    keIsaid,youcant hi
    nkabouti
    tforday
    sorweeks
    butjustnotmonths."sherepl
    i
    es.Inodmyheadat
    herthenletoutasigh.

    "Best
    rongThandobecauseri
    ghtnow, youaren'
    t
    bei
    ngstrongf
    oryour
    selfonl
    y.
    "utterauntbrushi
    ng
    mypal
    ms.Iwon'tl
    ie,
    heraur
    aissomehow
    comf
    ort
    ingbutatt
    hesametimescar
    y.

    "CanIpleasegot omyroom.Ineedt osleep,


    "Isay.
    Myauntandmom bot hnodtheirheadsandIstand
    up,goi
    ngt omyr oom.WhenIgett here,
    Ilockmy
    doorandj ustf allt
    othefl
    oor.Mymom knewabout
    Nkosi'
    ssecr etandshedi dn'
    tblubberitoutbutwhen
    Ifoundout ,Iblabbered,
    whichalmostputNkosi '
    sli
    fe
    i
    ndanger .St upid!!
    I
    t'
    sjustf
    unnyhowIwanthi m deadbutIdon'
    twant
    hi
    m deadatthesamet i
    me.It
    'sli
    kether
    eisa
    i
    ntr
    aconfl
    icti
    andIjustdon'
    tknowwhatt odo.
    Istandupfr
    om thef
    loor
    ,lookformyphonei
    nmy
    purseandIunl
    ockit
    .Nomi ssedcal
    l
    s,nomessages.
    Sigh**
    *
    Idial
    Rose'
    snumberandherphoner
    ingsf
    oraf
    ew
    secondsbef
    oresheanswer
    sthecal
    l
    .

    "
    Rose?
    "Isayi
    nashaki
    ngv
    oice.
    "
    Thando,
    arey
    oust
    il
    lcr
    ying?
    "sheasksi
    nhersof
    t
    v
    oice.

    "Um no,am j
    ust**sniff
    **getti
    ngacol d."Isayt
    oher
    .
    Ihearherchuckl
    eandt hewordsjustflowoutofmy
    mouth."howishe? "Iask,l
    aterreal
    i
    zingwhatIhave
    j
    ustasked.

    "Idon'
    tknowThando, Iwenttohishouset hi
    s
    mor ni
    ngandhewasn' tt
    here,noonewas.Ev enhis
    menar enotthere.Ihavetri
    edtocal lhi
    m butnonof
    mycal l
    saregoingt hr
    oughandIhav ealsotr
    ied
    SchevalongwithNkosi '
    sclosestfr
    iendbutnonof
    them areanswering."shesayssoundi ngworri
    ed.
    Oohno!Whathav eIdone.
    Wait,Ishouldn'
    tbeblamingmyselffort
    his,
    may be
    hejustmov edawayorsomet hingbecauseheis
    scaredofmybr other
    sorhei sj
    ustrunningaway
    fr
    om medi a.Butwhatif,
    whatifheisinhospit
    alor
    heisdead?I twil
    lal
    lbemyf aul
    t.Butnoman!Itsnot
    myfaul
    t,andhedeserveswhatev
    ercomeshi
    sway
    si
    ncehekill
    edmyfather.
    ..
    ..
    .Ri
    ght??

    "Soy ouar
    etell
    i
    ngmet hatevery
    onej
    ust
    disappear
    edintot
    hinai
    r?"Iask.

    "Well
    itseemsli
    keit
    .Thando,youhavetotel
    lme
    whathappenedbecausesomethingcl
    earl
    y
    happenedhere.
    "saysRose.Il
    etoutasighandIj
    ust
    endthecall
    .
    Whathav eIdone?whatifIki
    l
    ledhi
    mlastni
    ghtaft
    er
    bumpingintohim wi
    ththecar?Oohno,ohGod,why
    arey
    out esti
    ngmel i
    kethis?
    Ar
    etr
    oubl
    esev
    ergoi
    ngt
    oleav
    emeal
    one?
    Ononehand, t
    hemanIlov ekil
    l
    edmyf atherandhe
    i
    smi ssi
    ngt henontheother,myfat
    hertellsmet o
    for
    givehi
    m buthowdoIdot hat?Am soconf used
    ri
    ghtnowandal l
    Ineednowi safri
    end.Ilookatmy
    phoneanddi alhi
    snumberandheanswer swithhis
    sweetvoice,cal
    li
    ngoutmyname.
    "
    Thando?Ar
    eyouokay
    ?"asksSabel
    o.

    "Am fi
    ne,Ij
    ustneededsomeonetotal
    kto.
    "Isayt
    o
    him bef
    orebreaki
    ngdownsil
    entl
    y.

    "
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    "heasks.

    "
    Am inZeer
    ustatmymot
    her
    'shouse.
    "Isaysni
    ff
    ing,
    wi
    pingmytear
    s.

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lbet
    her
    e."hesay
    s.

    "Nono,don'
    tcomeitsfi
    ne.Ij
    ustwant
    edt
    oask
    somethi
    ng."Isayt
    ohim.

    "Youwil
    ltell
    mewhenIgetthere.Am coming.
    "he
    saysbef
    or edroppi
    nghi
    scal
    l.Ifal
    lbackonmybed
    andIj
    ustcr
    yital
    lout
    .

    WhyGod!
    !Why
    !!
    !!
    !!
    !!Whymeoutofal
    lthepeopl
    e!!

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

    Meanwhi
    l
    e..
    ..
    ..
    .

    The3boy
    swakeupwit
    hthei
    rheadsbangi
    ng,
    l
    ooki
    ngaroundt
    her
    oom t
    heyar
    ein.

    "Whatthefuckhappened?
    "asksKhay
    a,massagi
    ng
    hishead.

    "Br
    uh,what
    everhappenedsurel
    yhasgivenmeone
    hel
    lofaheadache.
    "saysSihl
    e,l
    ight
    lyshaki
    nghi
    s
    head.
    "
    Baf
    o, Ihadt
    heweir
    destdream ev
    erandy
    oual
    lwer
    e
    t
    her
    e,"saysZi
    pho,
    google-
    eyed.

    "
    Reall
    y,Ial
    sohadadream li
    kethatandpapawas
    t
    here.Hewaslect
    uri
    ngus."repl
    iesSi
    hle.

    "
    Aii
    Baf
    o,whatwashet
    alki
    ngabout
    ?"quer
    iesKhay
    a.

    "Wel
    lhesaidsomethi
    ngaboutnottouchingNkosi
    andt
    hatifwedid,hewoul
    dmakesur ethatthe
    fami
    lybusi
    nesstr
    embleseventhough..
    ..
    ."

    "Hei
    sdead!
    "theyal
    lsi
    mult
    aneousl
    ysayandatt
    hat
    poi
    nt,
    theyl
    ookateachot
    her.

    "Hai
    bo!!
    !Whatthefucki
    sgoingon.
    "saysKhay a.He
    l
    ooksathisbrother
    sandtheyar
    eallasshockedas
    heis.
    "Wasmat
    ell
    i
    ngt
    het
    rut
    h?"st
    atesZi
    pho,
    hol
    dinghi
    s
    head.

    "
    Bul
    l
    shi
    t!Ther
    eisnosuch.
    "say
    sKhay
    a.

    "Thenexplai
    nhowweallhadthesamedr eam and
    howt hefuckweal
    lj
    ustknockedout.
    "saysSihle.
    Theylookateachot
    herandthenithi
    tsthem..
    ..
    .

    "Aunt!
    !"andtheyal lgetoutofbed, rushoutofthe
    room todownst ai
    rsandt hereshewas, si
    tti
    ngont he
    couchandal l shesay stothem is"Ihopeyouheard
    yourfatherl
    oudandcl earbecauseyouknowhowhe
    hatesrepeatinghimsel f.AndKhaya, f
    ixyoursel
    for
    elseyourfatherwi l
    lbet hecauseofy ourdownfall
    ."
    saysMahl ongwane.Thet r
    ipl
    etsal
    l l
    ookateach
    other
    ,stupefied...
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er39
    SABELO'
    SPOV.

    Every
    thi
    ngisgoingaccordi
    ngtoplanandam l ovi
    ng
    i
    t.Oneobst
    acledownwhi chisNkosi butst
    il
    lhave
    onemoretogo.Igetmykey sfrom thecounterand
    tur
    ntothekit
    chenexitbutmymot herstandsinmy
    way.

    "
    son?
    "shesay
    s,smi
    l
    ingatme.

    "
    Aft
    ernoonmaandgoodby
    ema.
    "Isayt
    oher
    ,tr
    ying
    t
    opushheroutoft
    heway.

    "Hau,
    wherear
    eyouofft
    o?Youj
    ustgotbackfr
    om
    Sandt
    on,
    "shesay
    s,pul
    li
    ngmebacktohersi
    ght.

    "
    Iknowmabutam notgoingt
    oSandton,am goi
    ng
    t
    oNorthwest
    ."Isay
    ,annoy
    edbutIhi
    deit
    .
    "
    Nor
    thwest
    ?"sheasks,
    puzzl
    ed.

    "Yesma,ourpl
    anwor ked.Shegott
    hevi
    deoandi
    thi
    nkshehadafightwithhim.Soshej
    ustcal
    ledme
    nowandshewascr yi
    ngandIneedt obether
    efor
    her.
    "Isay
    .Mymot hersmi l
    esatmeandmakesway
    formetopass.

    "
    Okay
    ,younotdr
    ivi
    ngr
    ight
    ?"

    "
    Ofcour
    senot
    .Andcany
    oupl
    easecov
    erupf
    orme.
    "

    "Sur
    emychi ld.Gobutbebackbytomor r
    oweveni
    ng.
    Yourunclesarecomingtoseeyou."shesay
    s.Iki
    ss
    hercheekandl eav
    efort
    heairpor
    twhereIhavemy
    chart
    eredfl
    ight.
    Myplanseemstobewor ki
    ngper
    fect
    lybutnow,I
    needtogetr
    idofBr
    ian.Nkosi
    wil
    ldoallt
    hatforme.
    Aftersendingthev ideot oThando, It
    ippedBrendon
    aboutBr i
    an'swher eabout s,hi
    sbusinessand
    everyt
    hingIknowaboutBr i
    an,butIti
    ppedhim off
    anonymousl y.Theyt ri
    edt ot r
    acemedownl astnight
    butthephoneIusedt otipthem wasadead
    person'sphonesoal ltheyfoundwer eadead
    person'srecords.Soon, Iwillalsohavetodispose
    thephoneIusedt osendt hev i
    deo.Am justusingit
    tokeepi ncontactwi thThando.
    Sowhyam Isni tchingonBr i
    an?Let'
    sjustsay,Idon't
    trusthi
    m.Thel asttimeIchecked,hewasal soaf ter
    Thandoandam notwi ll
    ingtotakeanychances
    wheni tcomest omyl ove.Thebestpartaboutt hi
    sis
    Br i
    analongwit
    ht hose2f ri
    endsofhisareallstupid
    andsonai ve.I
    fNkosi iscl
    everenough,hewi l
    lkill
    them withnotrouble.

    IgettoLehurut
    sheabitl
    ateandItakemyphoneout,
    dial
    Thando'snumberandthephoneisanswer
    edin
    notime.IswearIj
    ustgotanerect
    ionfr
    om howshe
    cal
    l
    edoutmyname.

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

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Am star
    tl
    edbymyphoner i
    ngi
    ngandIwakeupto
    ther
    oom halfdar
    k.Il
    ookatmyphonewhichi
    s
    besi
    deme, pi
    ckitupf
    rom t
    hebedandansweri
    t.

    "
    Sabel
    o."Isayi
    nasl
    eepyv
    oice.

    "
    Wher
    ecanwemeetup?
    "heasks.

    "
    WecanmeetupatKFCift
    hatsokaywi
    thy
    ou.Am
    i
    nthemoodf
    orthei
    rwi
    ngs.
    "Isaytohi
    m.

    "
    OrIcoul
    djustbuyy
    out
    hewi
    ngsandcomet
    oyour
    cr
    ib.
    "

    "What!Nothanky
    ou!Let
    '
    smeetupatKFCpl
    ease.
    "I
    sayquickl
    y.

    "Takeachillpi
    llTwi
    nnie,
    Iwon'
    tcomein.I
    '
    llpar
    k
    outsi
    dey ourhousethenyouwi
    llcomeout
    side.
    "he
    sayslaughingli
    ghtl
    y.

    "
    Ooooh,haha,youshouldhavesai
    dsoatf
    ir
    st.
    "Isay
    ,
    f
    eel
    ingkindofembarrassed.

    "
    Sendmey
    ourl
    ocat
    ion.
    "hesay
    s.

    "
    okay
    ."

    "I
    '
    lltextwhenIgetther
    e."say
    sSabel
    oandIdr
    opthe
    cal
    l.Isendthelocat
    ionandIshutmyey
    esagai
    nto
    j
    ustsleepabitmorebutmyphonebeeps.Ichecki t
    andit'
    samessage.Ai i
    ,it
    '
    sprobablyfr
    om the
    networkIuse.Ii
    gnoreitanditbeepsagai
    n.Ii
    gnor
    e
    i
    toncemor ethenitbeepsagainandagainandagai
    n
    andagain.Whothefucki si
    t!
    !!!
    !Ipi
    ckupmyphone
    annoyedasfuckandmyhear tmeltst
    hemomentI
    openthemessages.

    Gooddaymyqueen.Ihopey ouokay ,justwant edt o


    sayam sor r
    yonceagai n.Forgivemepl ease, Ireall
    y
    dor egreti tandIwi shIcoul djustbringhi m backt o
    l
    ifebutIcant (sadf ace).Oneot herthingIwanty ou
    toknowi s,youmi ghthat emenowbutIwi l
    l come
    fory ou, Iwil
    l putthatr i
    ngbackony ourf i
    nger ,Iwill
    bet hel astper sony oulookatev erysingleni ght ,
    I
    willbet heper sonwhom y ouwillcry,l
    aughandsmi le
    with, Iwi l
    lbet heper sonyouwi l
    l hateandl ov eatt he
    samet ime, Iwi ll
    bet hemanwhowi llmakel ov et o
    you.Am nev ergoi ngt ogiveupony ou.Youar emi ne
    andnot hingcoul dev erchanget hat.Ilovey ouand
    don'ty ouev erf orgett hat♥~y ourblueey edl ov er.
    ...
    .
    Ilookatt hemessagesandIj ustbreakdown, why
    didhehav etodosuchadespi cabl
    et hi
    ngthough.
    Whydi di
    thav etobehi m, whynotsomest ranger.
    ..
    ..
    .
    CanIj ustforgi
    v ehi
    m already,whyisitsohardto
    j
    ustputt histhingasidesincepapahasputi taside
    too,whyi sitsohardt ojustacceptthathediditand
    thereisnot hi
    ngIcandoabouti tnow.God, whyare
    yout esti
    ngmei nsuchacr uelway?Whyme?
    Sigh***

    Igotomyf il
    esonmyphone, l
    ookforthevideoandI
    delet
    ei t,thenIgobackt ot hemessageshesent ,
    readi
    ngt hem ov erandov eragain.Asam readingthe
    messages, Irealizethatthemessageswer esent
    from somenumbert hat'
    snotev enSouthAf r
    ican.I
    copyt henumbert omykey boar
    d,pasteitonmy
    contactl i
    standcal l
    it.I
    tringsandringsbutno
    answer .Icallitagainandi t
    '
    sanswer edbutit
    's
    answer edbysomef emalewhospeaksSpani sh.
    Luckil
    y ,IdidSpani shwhenIwashomeschool ing.
    "Dóndeestáeldueñodeestetel
    éfono?
    (wher
    eist
    he
    ownerofthisphone?"Iaskt
    helady.

    "
    Soyel
    dueño(
    Iam t
    heowner
    )"r
    epl
    i
    est
    hel
    ady
    .

    "OoohPerohayunaper sonaqueacabadeenv i
    arme
    mensajesdetextousandoeset el
    éfono.¿Donde
    estael
    ?(Oooh.Butther
    e'sapersonwhoj ustsentme
    text
    susingthatphone.Whereishe? )Ir
    eplyher
    .

    "Bueno, hayunhombr equer ecientementepidióusar


    mi t
    eléfono, asíquecreoqueesél .Acabadesalir
    delrestaurantehaceunosmi nut es.(Wellt
    hereisa
    manwhor ecentlyaskedtousemyphonesoIt hink
    i
    t'shim.Hej ustl
    efttherestaurantaf ewmi nut
    es
    ago.)"sher epli
    es.Restaurant?

    "Bueno.Graci
    as.Yantesdedejarl
    all
    amada,¿
    enqué
    paísestás?(
    Okay.Thankyou.Andbef
    oreIdr
    opthe
    call
    ,whichcountr
    yareyouin?)"
    "Mexico."sherepli
    es.Mexico?Whati sNkosi doi
    ng
    i
    nMexi co?Ithankheranddr opthecal l
    ,lookf or
    Nkosi'snumberandt rytocalli
    tbuti t
    'sunr eachable.
    Mexico? ?Butwhy ?May beRosef oundout
    somet hing,l
    etmecal lher
    .Asam aboutt odi alher
    number ,Sabelo'
    scallpopsup.Ooohhe' sher e!!

    "
    Hel
    l
    o?"

    "Comeout side.Am 5housesawayf rom your s."he


    say s.Hedr opst hecallandIputmyphoneont he
    char ger,l
    ookf oraj ackettowearsi nceit'
    sabi tchill
    y
    andIl eavemyr oom.Asam wal kingdownst airs,I
    hearmymot herandauntt alki
    ngaboutsomet hing
    butIchoosenott oeav esdrop.Ihav eabsol utelyno
    i
    nt erestinwhat evertheyar etal
    kingabout .Assoon
    asIwal kpastwher etheyaresitti
    ng, Ihearaunt
    chant i
    ngsomet hingandt hensher unsinfrontofme,
    startli
    ngme.Andt hen?Ilovemyauntbut
    somet i
    messhef reaksmeout .Ilookather , withmy
    ey
    eswi
    deopenandherey
    esr
    oll
    tot
    heback.

    "Mychil
    d,becaref
    ulofthepeopleyoukeepcl
    ose.
    Notall
    ofthem aregood."shesays,
    wit
    hhereyes
    sti
    l
    lrol
    ledtot
    heback.
    Il
    ookather
    ,qui
    zzed.Whatf
    ri
    endsi
    sshet
    alki
    ng
    about
    ?

    "Letyourheartdir
    ectyouThandoandst opusi ng
    yourheadf oryourheadisleadi
    ngyoui ntotot al
    darkness.Doy ouhearme? "sheboasts, put
    tingher
    armsonmyshoul ders.Inodmyheadv igorously,
    fri
    ghtenedthenshecomesbackt oherusual self
    .
    Shelooksatmeagai nthenshefrowns.

    "
    Remembermywor dsThando,r
    emembermy
    words."t
    henshewalksbacktomymotherwhoi
    s
    j
    ustlooki
    ngatme.

    "
    Wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng"
    ?asksmom.
    "
    Iwanttogetsomefr
    eshai
    r.I
    t'
    ski
    ndofsuf
    focat
    ing
    i
    nmyr oom."Ir
    epl
    yher
    .

    "
    Wel
    l
    .Letusgowi
    th.
    ..
    ..
    ""

    "NoThanky ou!I
    ,Iwanttobealoneandthinkabout
    somethings.Youknow,"Isaytoher
    ,smirking.She
    star
    esatme, wit
    hheroneey ebr
    owraisedthen

    "Hmm okay ,justdon'thangy oursel


    fneh.
    "shesay s
    tome.Ismi l
    eathert henIwal koutofthehouse.I
    gett othegateandt heguar dthereopensforme,
    l
    et t
    ingmeout .Aft
    erwal ki
    ngpastf i
    vehousesonmy
    block,Ispothisbluecar .Hegetsoutofthecar ,
    l
    ooksatmewi t
    hhisarmswi deopenandIj ustrunto
    him, l
    etti
    nghim wr aphisarmsar oundme.Myt ears
    j
    ustst artt
    ogushoutasher ubsmybackt ell
    i
    ngme
    thathei sherenow.Af terawhi l
    eofhuggingand
    cryi
    ng, hewipesmyt earsaway ,
    opensthe
    passangerdoorforme.Igeti
    nandheal
    soget
    sin
    ontheotherside.

    "Soher
    earey ourwi
    ngsmal
    adyandsome
    chocol
    ate,
    "saysSabel
    o

    "Thankyousomuch,Ir
    eall
    yneededchocol
    atet
    oo."I
    saytohim,t
    aki
    ngthefood.Iputt
    hefoodonthe
    dashboardandwhenIlookbackatSabel
    o,hei
    sjust
    star
    ingatme.

    "
    Hell
    o,hi
    e.Howareyou?Ihopeyougood?"Isay
    ,
    wav
    ingathimtr
    yingt
    ogethim downtoeart
    h.

    "Youlookugl
    ywhenyouaresadtwi
    nnie."hesays,
    sti
    ll
    stari
    ngatme.Ihi
    thi
    m ontheshoulderandhe
    l
    aughs.

    "
    Haha,
    ver
    yfunnySabel
    o."Isayr
    oll
    i
    ngmyey
    es.
    "
    What
    ?Am j
    ustbei
    nghonest
    ."

    "
    Wel
    lIdon'
    twanty
    ourhonest
    y."

    "
    Okay
    ,okayam sor
    rybutIhopey
    oubet
    ternow.
    "

    "IwishIcoul
    dsayy
    esbuthey
    ."Isayt
    ohi
    m
    shruggi
    ngmyshoulder
    s.

    "Am r
    eal
    lysor
    ryyouhadt of
    indoutl
    iket
    hatbutIhad
    tol
    etyouknow."saysSabel
    onowf r
    owning.Ismi
    le
    athi
    m andholdhishand.

    "I
    t'
    sfine.Youactuall
    yhelpedmeal ot.I
    fitwasn'
    tfor
    you,Iwouldn'
    thaveknown. "Isaytohim."buti
    fyou
    don'
    tmi ndmeaski ng,howdidy oufi
    ndout ?
    "Iask
    him.
    "Welll
    et'
    sjustsay
    ,Ididn'
    tli
    kehi
    m whenIfi
    rstsaw
    him soIdidsomer esear
    chbecauseIwasscaredf
    or
    you.
    "

    "Ooooh.Yourresearchi
    ngmusthav
    ebeensuper
    deepanddiffi
    cult
    ."Isaytohi
    m.

    "
    Itwas,
    tookmeawhi
    letogeti
    tandi
    twassuper
    wort
    hit
    ."hesay
    ssmi
    l
    ing.

    "Thankyousomucht winnie,Ir
    eall
    yappreci
    atei
    t.
    "I
    saytohim.Henodshi sheadwi t
    hasmi l
    eandIhit
    him wi
    thanotherquest
    ion."Buttel
    lme,doyouthi
    nk
    Ishouldfor
    giv
    ehim? "

    "Wi
    thal
    lhonest
    y,Idon'tthi
    nky oushouldbecause,
    whati
    fhewantstokill
    y ourfamil
    yt ooandhei sjust
    usi
    ngyouashisgateway ?"hesay sshrugging.Il
    et
    goofhi
    shandandl ookoutthewi ndow, t
    hinking
    hard.ButNkosi isn'
    tthatt ype.Hewoul dneverdo
    suchr ight?Buti fheisn'
    tt hattypeofper sonthen
    whywoul dhekeepsomuchi nfor
    mat ionfrom me?
    Notf orgetti
    ngt hathedi dn'tonl
    yki l
    lmyf atherbuthe
    alsoki l
    ledBrian'sfat
    her.YesIst i
    l
    l r
    emembert he
    secrethet oldmebutIj usthav en'ttol
    dany one.I
    promi sedhim Iwoul dn'tandam goi ngtost i
    ckto
    thatpr omise.

    "Thatistr
    uethoughbutIdon'
    tthi
    nkhewoul
    ddo
    that.
    "Isay,st
    il
    ll
    ooki
    ngoutthewindowandSabel
    o
    squeezesmyhand.

    "
    thesamewayy ouwouldhaveneveri
    maginedwhat
    youf
    oundout."hesay s,l
    ooki
    ngatme.Il
    etouta
    l
    oudsighasat earescapesmyeyebuthewipesi
    t,
    maki
    ngmel ookathi m.

    "St
    opov ert
    hinki
    ngthisThando.Thi
    nkabouty
    our
    famil
    yandy ourwell
    being.Thatmanhasmadeyou
    gothroughalot.Bel
    ievemewhenIsaynowoman
    shouldgothr
    oughwhatyouhavegonet
    hrough."he
    says.Whatheissayi
    ngist
    ruet
    houghbutIpromised
    hi
    mt hatIwouldn'
    tl
    eavehi
    m.

    "Sabel
    o,i
    t'
    sreal
    lyallj
    ustcompl i
    catedatthispoi
    nt.
    Mydadi stel
    l
    ingmet ofor
    giv
    ehi m,incl
    udingmy
    mom andmyaunt .Theyarejusttel
    li
    ngmet oputit
    behindmeandIr eall
    ylovehi
    m, "Isaytohim.

    "Andhowdidyourfat
    hert
    alkt
    oyou?
    "heaskswi
    th
    oneeyebr
    owraised.

    "
    Hespoketomeinmydr eamsandhealsospoket
    o
    myauntandmom."Isaytohi
    m buthestar
    ts
    l
    aughi
    ng.

    "ComeonThando, arey ouseriousr


    ightnow?And
    youseri
    ouslybel
    ievethat?"heasks,sti
    ll
    laughi
    ng.I
    l
    ookathim withanirr
    itatedfaceandhest ops,
    clear
    s
    hist
    hroatandapologi
    zes.
    "YesIdobel i
    eveitSabel
    o.Butam fi
    ndingithar
    dto
    forgiveNkosi
    ,despit
    ealloft
    hem favori
    nghim and
    now, youtel
    li
    ngmet hisadvi
    cejustpushesmei nt
    o
    furtherdi
    l
    emma. "Isaytohim.

    "Well
    ,Idon'
    tknowwhatt osaytoy
    ouany more.Just
    dowhaty outhi
    nkisbestbutmyadvicetoyouis,
    stayawayfrom hi
    m.Heisbadnews."hesay s.Il
    et
    outasighandjustdeci
    detostoptal
    kingaboutthi
    s.

    "Sowhat
    supwi
    thy
    out
    winni
    e?Howi
    syourwi
    fe?
    "I
    askhi
    m.

    "answertothefir
    stquesti
    on,am fi
    ne.Thankstoyour
    beauti
    fulf
    ace."hesaysbutIt r
    ysohardnottoblush.
    "Answertothesecondquest i
    on,Idon'
    tknow."he
    says,showi
    ngmehi sri
    ngfinger.

    "
    Youguy
    sar
    en'
    tmar
    ri
    ed?
    ""Isay
    ,shockedandhe
    nodshi
    shead."
    when?Imean,
    whendi
    dithappen?
    "I
    ask.

    "Shewascheat
    ingonmeandt
    hebabywasn'
    tmi
    ne.
    "
    hesays.

    "
    Real
    ly?Wow!Butsheseemedl
    i
    keal
    oyal
    wif
    ewho
    woul
    ddief
    oryou."Isay
    .

    "
    Lookscanbedecei
    vi
    nghey
    ."say
    sSabel
    o.

    "
    Am sor
    ryaboutt
    hatt
    hough.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "
    It
    'sf
    ine.Soenoughofoursaddepr
    essingl
    i
    ves.
    WhenareyoucomingbacktoSandton.
    "

    "Am notsur
    e.Iact
    ual
    lydon'
    tthi
    nkam goi
    ngt
    ocome
    back,si
    nceIdon'
    thav
    eaj obnow."Isayt
    ohi
    m but
    hel
    ooksatmeconf
    used.

    "Ir
    esigned.
    "Isayandhekeepsonl
    ooki
    ngatme
    confused.

    "I
    t'
    salongst
    orywhi
    chIdon'
    twantt
    otal
    kabout
    now."

    "Letmetryt
    osummarizei
    t,i
    t'
    sal
    lNkosi
    '
    sfaul
    t.
    "he
    saysrol
    l
    inghisey
    es.

    "Li
    keIsaid,
    it'
    sal
    ongst
    oryIdon'
    twantt
    otal
    kabout
    ri
    ghtnow."Isayt
    ohi
    m.Henodshisheadandthen
    sil
    ence.

    "SoIhavet
    ogonow.Thanky ouforcomingtwinni
    e.
    I
    treal
    lymeansalot.
    "Isayt
    ohim, t
    akingtheKFC
    bagalongwit
    hthechocol
    ates.
    "Isay.
    "I
    t'smypl easuret winnie.Oohandpl easethi
    nkabout
    comi ngbackt oSandt on."hesay s.Inodmyhead
    andl eavethecar .Iwav eathi m ashedr i
    vesof fthen
    Iwal kbackhome.Igeti ntothehouseandgo
    straightupstai
    rswi thoutacknowl edgi
    ngmyf ami ly
    whi chissit
    ti
    ngar oundt hedinnert abl
    e.AssoonasI
    closemydoorbehi ndme, Iruntomyphone, hoping
    thatt her
    eisat extbutnot hi
    ng.IguessImi ghtas
    wel leatmyf oodandcr ymysor rowsawayunt ilIfall
    asleep.

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

    Am wokenupbymyphoner i
    ngingcrazyandit
    'san
    unknownnumber .Seri
    ousl
    y,whatisItwit
    hunknown
    numberscall
    ingmet hesedays.Ianswerthecall
    and
    somepr of
    essionalf
    emalevoicegreetsmebymy
    surname.

    "
    Umm goodmorni
    ngt
    oyout
    oo.HowcanIhel
    p
    y
    ou?
    "Iaskher
    .
    "Sorr
    ytodisturby
    ouma'am butIwasinfor
    medt o
    cally
    ouasar emi
    nderf
    orthemeet i
    ngthat
    'sgoi
    ngto
    takeplacetomorr
    owafter
    noon."shesays.
    Meet
    ing?
    "Sor
    rybutwhatmeetingisthisandwhoam I
    speaki
    ngto?"Iask,
    sitt
    ingproperl
    yont
    hebed.

    "Am cal
    li
    ngfr
    om Ulwandlehospi
    tal
    andthemeeting
    i
    sont hecont
    ractagreementwit
    htheButt
    ercup
    organi
    zati
    on.
    "sherepli
    es.

    "
    Cont
    ractmeet
    ing?
    "

    "
    Yesma'
    am.
    "

    "Sor
    rybutIt
    hinky
    oucal
    l
    edthewrongperson.
    "Isay
    andasam aboutt
    oendthecal
    l
    ,sheasks
    "
    Ar entyouMissMdl et
    she,thenewownerof
    Ulwandlehospit
    al?
    "shesay s.Hol
    dup,pause,
    reverseandrepl
    ay.
    ...
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    "Whoa,Iam Mi
    ssMdlet
    shebutam defi
    nit
    elynotthe
    newownerofUlwandl
    ehospi
    tal
    ."Isay
    ,fi
    ndingit
    funny
    .

    "Butma'
    am,y
    oursignatur
    ealongwi t
    hyourname
    andcont
    acti
    nfor
    mat i
    onishere.Ihavet
    hepaper
    s
    herewi
    thme.
    "shesay s.

    "
    Uum okay,car
    etodescri
    behowthesignat
    ure
    l
    ooks.
    "Isaytoher.Thi
    swill
    tel
    lmeeveryt
    hing.

    "Wel
    lumm, noof
    fensebuti
    tki
    ndofl
    ooksl
    i
    kea
    dog'
    sface.
    "sher
    epli
    es.
    Hol
    yshi
    t,t
    hati
    smysi
    gnat
    ure!
    !!.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

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

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    It
    sbeenawhol emont handIhav ebeendoi ng
    nothingbutschemi ngagai nstBr i
    analongwi t
    hthose
    2Jonesbr ot
    hers.Nol i
    ebutki ll
    ingthem wast he
    bestt hi
    ngIhavedoneev ersincet hebreakupwith
    Thando.Thev i
    l
    esmi leIthoughthadgoneaway
    camebackwhi lstIki
    ll
    edt hatsonofabi t
    chandI
    l
    ov edev er
    ymomentofi t.Allthankstosomeper son
    whot ippedusonBr i
    anandal l hisbusi
    nessdeals.I
    wouldr eal
    lylovetoknowwhot hi
    spersonisjustto
    thankhim orher .

    Now,whydi
    di ttakesol
    ongtoki
    ll
    Br i
    an;see,Ihadt
    o
    hir
    esomestrangerfr
    om t
    hestr
    eetsofMexi cowho
    tur
    nedoutt
    obenoMexi canbutFrench.He
    pretendedt obesomedr ugl ordf r
    om Fr ancesoas
    tomakeabusi nessdeal wi thBr i
    an, whi chhef ell
    for.
    Whenhedi dsomer esear chont heguy ,
    hef oundt he
    i
    nf ormat ionhewasl ooki ngf or,whichwehadputon
    thei nternet .Theguyhadt oear nBr ai n'
    st rustand
    becomecl oset ohim, alongwi ththebr ot her sandi t
    wor ked.Whent heywer ehav i
    ngapar ty2day sago
    tocel ebr atet hesuccessf ul deal,mymenandI
    ambushedt hosef ool sandwhent heyt r
    iedt or un
    away ,theygoti ntot hewr ongcarandl et'sj ustsay ,
    theirbodi esar enot hingbutdi sgust i
    ngand
    unident ifiable.Asf ort heMexi canbr other s,I
    discov eredt hatam act ual l
    ydoi ngbusi nesswi thone
    oft hem soIbl ackmai ledt hem andt heyf ell forit.
    Don' tmeant opr ai
    semy sel forany thingbutIhav e
    suddenl ybecomet hedev ilhimselft ot hepoi ntof
    scar i
    ng2oft hemostf eareddr ugdeal ersi nt he
    wor ld.IrememberwhenIf oundoutaboutBr ian's
    relationshi pwi tht hem andhowIt r embl edatt he
    sound.Oft hei rnamesbuthey ,allthankst oThando.

    Mymenar
    ecur
    rent
    lycel
    ebr
    ati
    ngwi
    thst
    ri
    pper
    sal
    l
    ov ert hey ard,superl oudmusi candbooze.Sbuhas
    girlsal l overhim andi t'
    sact uall
    ydisgust i
    ng.Heev en
    saidhe' sgoi ngt of uckal lofthem becausehehasn' t
    hadpussyf oramont h.Ev eryoneishav ingf un,
    excl udi ngme.Ij ustcan' twai ttogobackhomeand
    getmywomanback.Ihav ebeent ext i
    ngherev ery
    singl edayusi ngot herpeopl e'sphonesbecauseI
    swi tchedmi neof f.Ev erynighthasbeenf il
    ledwith
    tearst hatIsuppr essdur i
    ngt heday .Itr
    ysohar dnot
    tocr ybutIcant .Ir eallymisshersomuchandIcan' t
    wai ttogetherback.Myki ngdom mi ssesitsqueen
    andi fshedoesn' tcomebacksoon, thekingdom wi l
    l
    trembl e, t
    akingmedownwi thi t
    .

    AsIdrinkmyjuice,someonemov estheirhands
    fr
    om mybackt ot hefront.Ilookupt obemetby
    somedar kski
    nnedl adywhom Iwoul dn'tsayi sugl
    y.
    Sheisinherbrawi t
    har edt hongandheel s.Ilook
    backdown, i
    rr
    it
    atedashel l
    .Shehasbeeney eingme
    eversi
    nceshegother eandIt ol
    dBr endont okeep
    herawayf r
    om me, alongwi t
    hev eryotherst r
    ipper
    butIguessheforgott odot hat.
    "
    Heyhandsome.
    "shesay
    s.

    "Getawayfr
    om me.
    "Ibl
    unt
    lysayt
    oherbutshel
    ets
    outagiggl
    e.

    "St
    opbeingbeingsoboring.Comelet'
    sgohav e
    somefun.I'
    l
    lgivei
    ttoyoual lni
    ghti
    nanywayy ou
    l
    ike.
    "shesaystomeseduct ivel
    y.Il
    ookatherand
    chuckl
    e.Iat
    tempttostandupbutshehol dsonto
    myhand.

    "
    Pleasedzaddy
    ..
    ..
    "shesay
    s,dr
    aggi
    ngt
    he2wor
    ds.

    "Lady,
    ifyoudon'
    tgetthefuckawayfrom me, Iwi
    ll
    messy ouupsobadt haty
    ouwi llwi
    shy ouwere
    neverborn.
    "Isayt
    ohersmi li
    ng.Shelooksatme,
    withajudgi
    ngfaceandwal ksawayangr y
    ,shaki
    ng
    herass.
    "
    Thi
    rst
    ybi
    tch.
    "Isayundermybr
    eat
    h.

    "Thatwasabi
    thar
    sh."say
    sav oi
    cebehi
    ndme.Il
    ook
    attheper
    sonandi
    t'
    sSchev,hol
    dingagl
    asswi
    tha
    dri
    nk.

    "
    Thatwasnot
    hingatal
    l
    ."Isayt
    ohi
    m chuckl
    i
    ng.

    "
    Your
    eal
    l
    ylov
    eherdon'
    tyou?
    "

    "Youcan'
    teveni
    magine.
    "Isay
    ,takingadrink."
    Shei
    s
    ever
    ythi
    ngtome."Isayt
    ohim,lookingathim.

    "
    Wel
    ltheni
    nthatcase,
    Iwoul
    dadv
    icey
    out
    ogoback
    t
    oSAasinnow."hesays.

    "
    Andt
    hat
    'sexact
    lywhyam goi
    ngt
    omor
    row.
    "Isayt
    o
    hi
    m.

    "checkwhat'
    sheati
    ngupthenewsbackhomeboss. "
    thenhewalksaway.Wellthatwasawkward.Iwal
    k
    tothehouseandIgetmyphone, swi
    tchi
    tonand
    checkthenewsjusttoseewhatheistal
    ki
    ngabout.
    GuesswhatIbumpi ntoonbeeper
    'sgossi
    p?A
    pict
    ureofThandowalkingwit
    hsomel i
    ghtski
    nned
    foolatUl
    wandlehospit
    alandanot
    heronewhent hey
    wereatarestaur
    ant.Topokemeev enmore,i
    t'
    s
    tagged;
    Hasthepowercoupl
    ecomet
    oanendordoesour
    Nxumaloki
    nghaveacompet
    it
    or?

    WellIguessthewarhasn'
    tended.Ist
    il
    lhavesome
    morebloodt ospi
    l
    landIdon'
    tminddoingital
    lover
    agai
    n...
    ..
    ..
    ..

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er40
    THANDO'
    SPOV

    Sol ongst or yshor t,afterbei ngcal l


    edbyt hat
    prof essi onal soundi ngl ady ,Ipackedmybagsand
    l
    ef thomef orSt antonwi thoutt ell
    ingany one.Igott o
    thehospi t
    al toenqui r
    eaboutmeowni ngt hehospi tal
    andi twasal lt
    rue.Tur nsout ,Idoownt hehospi t
    al
    andnotonl ythatbutIal soownacl i
    niccal led
    Gener al cl
    inic.Lamenamebuty eah.Nowt ogett o
    thei nter estingpar t,these2medi calinst i
    tutions
    wer esi gnedof ftomebysomeper soncal ledMr
    Bar ca, atf i
    rstIquest i
    onedmy selfbutt henaf ter
    l
    ooki ngatt hef il
    et hatthepaper swer ein,I
    recogni zedt hem f rom t heni ghtNkosi mademesi gn
    somepaper swi thoutr eadi ngt hem.It riedt osayno
    tot hei nst i
    tutionsbei ngi nmynamebutNkosi di
    d
    somet hi ngt omakesur et hattheyar enev err emov ed
    from myname.It r
    iedt oconv inceal otofl awy ersto
    helpmebutt heyal lblunt lyrefused.
    Iwon'tlie,it
    'sactuall
    ynott hatbadowningmedical
    i
    nstit
    utions, i
    t'
    ssuperf unbecauseam al ways
    occupiedwi thpaperwor korat tendi
    ngtopeople.
    Int
    erestinginformat i
    on!Ihav emadeittothepapers
    astheladywhocandoi tall,r
    un2maj orSandt
    on
    medical insti
    tut
    ionsandsav eli
    vesatthesamet i
    me.
    Notonlyt hatbut ,Ihavealsomadei ttothepaper
    s
    asthecheat i
    ngornotcheat i
    nglady.

    Soapparently
    ,am cheatingonNkosi wi
    thSabel o.
    SomesayIam cheat i
    ngandsomesay ,Idecidedto
    moveonf rom Nkosi f
    orsomeunknownr eason.I
    hav
    etoldt hem ami l
    l
    iontimesthatSabeloandIar e
    j
    ustfr
    iendsbutt hei
    rexcuseisalways,whywoul dI
    bebestfri
    endswi thsuchahunk.Asf orSabel o,he
    nev
    ersay sanythingtothem.Hejustwal ksaway .

    SabeloandIhavebecomecloser
    ,hehasbeenther
    e
    eversinceImovedbackt
    oSandton.Hegetsmeso
    well
    .Am actual
    l
    yhappytocallhi
    m myfr
    iend.
    Ont
    heot
    herhand,
    mymom,
    Tshi
    di,
    Nol
    u,Zi
    phoand
    Sihlear eagai nstthisfri
    endshipofour s.Khay a
    doesn' tcar ebutSi hl
    eandZi phokeeponsay ingthat
    theyar eget ti
    ngabadf eel
    ingaboutSabel o.They
    hav etriedaf ewt imest oendourf ri
    endshi pbutI
    hav en'
    tl etthem.Thathaski ndofcr eat edadr i
    ft
    bet weenusbutIcoul dcar el
    essr i
    ghtnowbecause
    Sabel ohasbeennot hingbutagoodf riend.Mymom
    doesn' tlikeSabel obecauseshef eelst hathewant s
    tot akeNkosi 'splace.Am r eall
    yhur tthatmyf ami l
    y
    thinkthatSabel oisthehar m herewhi lsthei sn't
    .
    Theyal l wantmet of orgi
    veNkosi andt akehi m back
    sincepapawant sthat.Honestly,am ov erallt
    hatbull.
    Andam act uallyshockedt hatSihleandZi phoar eall
    ofasuddenpl eadingwi t
    hmet of orgiveNkosi .
    I
    tsbeenawhol emonthandIst ill
    f i
    nditnextto
    i
    mpossi bl
    etoforgi
    veNkosi forkill
    ingmyf ather.I
    real
    l
    ywantt obutIcan't.Andbesi des,hehasgone
    missi
    ng.Heisnowher et obefoundandmybr ot
    hers
    havetr
    iedtotracehim downaf terRose, Mkhizeand
    mom askedt hem t
    obutt heydidn'tfindhim.

    Ihav
    en'
    ttol
    dthem t
    hathesendsmet
    ext
    sev
    rysi
    ngl
    e
    dayandIdon' tplanont ell
    ingany oneabouti t
    .Idon't
    wanthimf oundbecauseam per f
    ect l
    yfi
    nebymy self
    .
    Okayt r
    uthis,Idomi sshi m andIwi shhewasher e
    butwhenev erIthinkofwhathedi dt opapa,Ijust
    hatehim alloveragain.Iconstantlycrymy sel
    ft o
    sleeponsomeni ghts,callhisnumbermor ethan
    onceev er
    yni ghtandIev encallthenumber sthathe
    usestosendt hetexts,hopingthathewoul danswer
    i
    tbutIhav ehadnol uck.Ijustwishhecoul dcome
    backandl etmehat ehim until
    myhat efadesaway .
    Isthatsomucht oaskf or.
    ...
    .

    Lastbutnotl
    eastfrom myshor tstory,Ithi
    nkam
    pregnantwhi
    chexplai nswhymyauntwasal l ov er
    meandmyst omacht hedayshecamet oNor t hwest.
    Latel
    yIhavebeenexper ienci
    ngsomepr egnancy
    symptomsbutIhav eav oidedgoi
    ngt ot hedoct or
    becauseIdon'twantt oknowi fIreal
    lyam pr egnant
    ornot.Thedumbpar tis,Iam adoctorandIknow
    thatam pr
    egnant.Am j ustbeingi
    gnor anttoit.Ihav e
    beendoingmybestt ohi dethesymptomsj ustsono
    onefindsout
    ,notev enSabel o.Myl i
    fehey .
    ...
    ..It's
    sad.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    Sori
    ghtnow,am wi
    thSabel
    ointhel
    i
    vingroom,
    si
    ngi
    ngalongtoSZA'
    ssongcall
    edGarden.

    "IknowIbedi f
    fi
    cult,
    youknowIbedi ff
    icul
    t,you
    knowi tgetdi
    ff
    icultt
    o..
    ..
    ."Isi
    ng,dancingallaround
    theliv
    ingroom thenSabelojoi
    nsme.Thi shas
    becomeoneofourf avori
    tesongs,reasonbeing,
    thereisacert
    ainpartthatdescr
    ibesthef r
    iendship
    thatwehav e.

    "Openy ourhear tup.Hopingt hey'll


    nev erfindout
    thatyou'reany oneelse,causeIl ovey oujusthow
    youar e.Hopey ouneverfindoutwhoIr eallyam
    causey ou'llneverl
    oveme.You' llneverlov eme,
    you'l
    lnev erloveme."webot hsing, shoutingatthe
    topofourl ungs.Sabel ocomescl osert ome, holdi
    ng
    mywai stfrom thebackandIj ustcont i
    nue
    dancing...
    ..
    .
    "Gotnopanti
    eson,Ineedyoursupportnow(now,
    now,now,now,now)Iknowyou'drat
    herbelayi
    n'up
    withabi
    gboot y
    Bodyhel
    l
    aposi
    ti
    ve'
    causeshegotabi
    gboot
    y(wow)
    IknowI '
    dratherbepai
    dup,youknowI '
    m sensi
    tiv
    e
    abouthavin'nobooty
    ,hav
    in'
    nobody ,onl
    yy oubuddy
    ,
    cany ouholdmewhennobody '
    sar oundus"Ising,
    dancingtothesongasSabelojustmov esswi f
    tl
    y
    behindme.

    "
    Youai
    n'
    tgotpant
    ieson?
    !"excl
    aimsSabel
    o.

    "Stopbei
    ngapervSabelo!"Isaytohim.Weconti
    nue
    singi
    ngtothesong,
    laughinganddancing.Whenthe
    songisover,
    Ifal
    lonthecouchnextt ome,cat
    chi
    ng
    mybr eat
    handSabelofall
    stot hefl
    oor.

    "Thatwasamazing!
    ""shout
    sSabel
    o,l
    aughi
    ngwhi
    l
    e
    catchi
    nghi
    sbreath.
    "
    itsur
    ewas.
    "Ir
    epl
    yhi
    m,gi
    ggl
    i
    ng.

    "
    Ididn'
    tknowyoucoul
    ddance!
    "excl
    aimsSabel
    o,
    l
    ookingatme.

    "
    That
    'sbecauseIcan'
    t,
    sost
    opt
    ryi
    ngt
    ofl
    att
    erme.
    "I
    r
    epl
    yhim.
    "Butyoucant hough,
    gir
    lyouhav eseenthewayy ou
    mov ethathugeassofyour s.Youwereeven
    temptingme."saysSabelo.Ilookathi
    m andlaugh
    outloudandr epl
    y,

    "Me?Temptingyou?Haha!Don'
    tbefunnywena.
    Jokeaboutotherst
    uffbesi
    dest
    hat.
    "

    "Am notj
    okingt
    hough!Youreall
    ycandanceyhooo.
    "
    hesays.Irol
    lmyeyesathim andjustsi
    tupst
    rai
    ght
    andtakethebot
    tleofwateronthefloor
    .
    "
    Whatti
    mei
    sit
    ?"heasksandIl
    ookatmywr
    ist
    wat
    ch.

    "
    20:
    00.
    "Ir
    epl
    yhi
    m.

    "Ooohokay.IhopethefoodIorder
    edisalmosther
    e
    becauseam hungryandam abouttodi
    e."hesays
    standi
    ngup.

    "
    Itol
    dyoutoletmecook.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m,st
    icki
    ngout
    mytongue.

    "Nono,Idon'twanttoleaveyouwit
    hamessher e.
    "
    herepli
    es,shaki
    nghishead.SoImov edinto
    Sabelo'
    shousebecauseIdi dn'
    twanttodist
    urbnor
    crowdSihleandRose'sli
    tt
    lepri
    vat
    espace.Sabelois
    neverheresothat'
    swhyheaskedmet omov einto
    hishousejustsoIlookaft
    erit.
    "
    Ireal
    l
    ydon'
    tmi
    ndSabel
    o.I
    '
    llcook.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "ThandoIhaveal
    readyor
    der
    edt
    hef
    oodsoi
    t'
    sno
    usecooking.
    "hesays.

    "Wellokayt
    hen.Iwantt ogofreshenup.Gotalotof
    wor ktodotoni
    ght."Isayget
    ti
    ngupbutt hemoment
    Istand,ast
    aini
    ngcr amphitsmef rom t
    heback.Il
    et
    outamoan, hol
    dingmybackandSabel ocomes
    rushingtome,holdingmyback.

    "
    Thando!Ar
    eyouokay
    ?"heasks,
    hisey
    esal
    lov
    er
    me.

    "Am f
    inedon'
    twor
    ry.Ij
    usthur
    tmyback.
    "Isayt
    o
    him.

    "
    Arey
    ousur
    e?Icoul
    djusthel
    pyougoupst
    air
    s."he
    say
    sbutIshakemyhead.

    "Noam f i
    ne.Youcanst ayhereandwai tforthe
    order.
    "Iremov ehi shandsf r
    om me, fl
    ashasmi l
    eat
    him andgoupst ai
    rst otheguestr oom am using.I
    sitonthebedast hecr ampsshowmet hedev i
    l
    'sass.
    Thischil
    di sgoingt obet hedeat hofme.Wor stpart
    i
    smysecr etwon' tstayhi ddenforlong.Soon,
    everyonewi l
    lstartseeingmyt ummyal lhuge.Those
    whoknowmebestwi llknowsomet hi
    ngiswr ong
    becausemyst omachhasal waysbeenf latandI
    havenev erleti
    tgr owi ntoanysizeofpot bell
    y.

    Iwal ktot hebat hr


    oom andsi tonthetub,waiti
    ngf or
    thecr ampst ogoawayandt heyf i
    nal
    l
    ydo.Ist andup,
    fi
    llthet ubwi t
    hwar m waterandt hensomebat hi
    ng
    gel.Idr opmyhi ghneckpur pledresstothefloor
    alongwi thmyundergar ment sthengetint
    ot he
    war m, bodypl easuri
    ngwat erandl eti
    tdevourmy
    whol ebodyasIsi tinthetub.Icl osemyey esand
    thenIst artf
    eeli
    nglikeIhav ebeenher ebefore, l
    i
    ke
    déjàvu.Ar elaxedsighescapesmymout handt hat
    's
    whenIr ememberwhyt hi
    si sdéjàv u.Thesmel lof
    mybat hinggel ,t
    hewat er
    , thewayam si t
    ti
    ng,
    the
    ti
    meam bat hing,every
    thingexcludingt hecol
    orof
    thebathroom wal lsandthebat hroom 'snatural
    scent
    .Iwi shIcoul djuststopconnect ingeveryt
    hingI
    dowithwhatIusedt odowhenNkosi washere.I
    mean, heisgonef orgoodandhei sn'tcomingback.
    ThesoonerIacceptt hat,thebetter.

    Afterspendingalotoftimei nthebat htub,soaki


    ng
    my sel
    fandt ryi
    ngtoconv incemy sel
    ft hatNkosiwas
    j
    ustami st
    ake-whichIfail
    ed-Istepout ,lot
    ionmy sel
    f
    andgeti nt
    omywhi teplaindress,ti
    emybr ai
    dsinto
    aplainponyt henmybl uesocks.Asam aboutt o
    stepoutoft heroom, myphonewhi chi sonthebed
    vi
    br at
    es.Icheckitandit'samessage.

    Myqueen,myshnookums, mybabu,mybeauti
    ful
    whi
    terose!!Ihopeyouspenty
    ourdaywellandI
    pr
    aythatyoudidntf
    orgett
    hatIl
    oveyou.Yourki
    ngis
    comi ngtogetyousoonandhewon' tl
    etanythi
    ng
    standinhisway,notevenyou.Keepmywor dsin
    mi ndwhenIsayam y our
    sandy ouaremine.Nothi
    ng
    willdouspart,
    notevendeath.Ilov
    eyouand
    goodnight.Dr
    eam aboutus.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .(smil
    eyface.)

    Ilookatt henumbert hatsentthetextanditsnota


    Mexi cannumber ,i
    t'saSout hAf ri
    canone.Ist artt
    o
    feeltheat mospherebecomeupt i
    ght,myar mpits
    becomeal lsweatyandmymout hdryasami l
    li
    on
    thoughtshi tmymi nd.Br i
    anpopsupatonesi deof
    mybr ai
    nt henNkosi popsupont heother.Ireadt he
    textagainandl ookar oundther oom, f
    eel
    ingl i
    ket he
    wal l
    sarecl osi
    nguponmebuti nreali
    tyt
    heyar ent .I
    callthenumbert hatsentt hetextbutendt hecal l
    beforethephonecoul dbeanswer ed.Whatifi t
    's
    Brianandhei sback?
    Thandost opbei
    ngstupid,theonlyper sonwhocal l
    s
    youwhi t
    er osei
    sNkosi.
    ...
    .Il
    ookatt henumberonce
    mor eandmymi ndjusterasest hethoughtofBrian
    beingtheonewhosentt het ext,r
    eplacingi
    twiththe
    thoughtofNkosisendi
    ngt het ext
    .Ifeel myst
    omach
    getbut t
    erfl
    iesasmyl i
    pssmi leatt
    het houghtofhim
    beingbacki nSout hAfri
    ca.Ifeelmy selfl
    ightenup
    asIal l
    ofasuddenf eelsosecur eandsaf ebutthen
    thatcruel f
    actthatsepar at
    edusdest royesthe
    comf ortmyhear t,bodyandsoul hadf abri
    catedat
    theimagi nati
    onofNkosi .Isuddenlyfeel t
    heurgeto
    j
    usthat ehim andt onev erall
    owhim backi ntomy
    l
    ife.
    Loveandhat einoneper sonsur eispoisonbecause
    i
    t'ski
    lli
    ngmesl owl ywi t
    houtmeev enknowing.Iput
    myphoneont het able,fi
    xmydr essandleavethe
    room.AsIwal kdownt hestair
    s,am hitbya
    deli
    cioussmell.Ididn'treal
    isedIwashungr yuntil
    now.Ir ushdownt hest air
    sandf i
    ndmy sel
    fstandi
    ng
    bythet abl
    ethathast hefoodalready.

    "Final
    l
    y!It
    houghty
    ouhaddi
    edi
    nther
    e."say
    sSabel
    o.
    Ilookathi
    m andsmil
    e.

    "
    chi
    l
    l,am notdy
    inganyt
    imesoon.
    "
    "
    That
    swhatt
    heyal
    lsai
    d."say
    sSabel
    o.

    "shutupwena. "Isaytohim.Hecomest ome,pul


    lsa
    chairoutforme, Isi
    tandhewal kstotheopposi
    te
    sideofthetable.Wedi shforoursel
    ves,
    eatwhil
    e
    chatti
    ngaboutr andom stufft
    henwepackt he
    dishesint
    ot hesink.Iwil
    lwashthedishestomorr
    ow
    becauseam t i
    redandIhav etodomypaperwor k.

    "Sowhatti
    mearey
    oul
    eav
    ing?
    "IaskSabel
    o,si
    tt
    ing
    onthecouch.

    "Si
    nceit'
    snowl at
    eIwasthi
    nkingmay bet
    omorr
    ow
    morning.Ihopeyoudon'
    tmind."hesayswit
    ha
    nerv
    oussmi le.

    "Ooohpl
    easetwi
    nni
    e.Thisi
    syourhousesoI
    shoul
    dn'
    tmindatal
    l
    ."Isayt
    ohim.
    "Okayt
    hen,soIwi
    l
    lbest
    ayi
    ngher
    efort
    heni
    ght
    ."
    saysSabel
    o.

    "Okay,
    soIwil
    lbeint
    hestudyifyouneedme.Got
    somewor kt
    ofini
    shupbefor
    et omor
    rowmorning.
    "I
    saytoSabel
    o.

    "
    Ncaaacan'
    twewat
    chamov
    ief
    ir
    st?
    "

    "
    Noo,
    gosl
    eepbecausey
    ouar
    ewaki
    ngupear
    ly
    t
    omorr
    ow.
    "

    "
    Thandopl
    ease!
    !!
    !"

    "
    No.Ihav
    eal
    otofwor
    ktodo.
    "

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lhel
    pyou!
    !"
    "HayiSabel
    ost opwhini
    ng.Youaren'
    tababy."Isay
    tohim andthenallofasudden,
    thisgrownassman
    walkstohimi nhighspeedandcarri
    esmebridal
    styl
    e,byfor
    cet othecouch!

    "Sabel
    oman!!Letmego!Ihavetogowork."Isayt
    o
    him hi
    tt
    inghi
    shardrockchest
    .Hesizesmewi t
    hhis
    eyeswithasmirkasam pouti
    ngandsays

    "
    Youl
    ooksocut
    ewheny
    ouar
    etr
    yingt
    obeangr
    y."

    "Sabeloman!!
    !!Putmedown! "Icont
    inuesayi
    ngbut
    nothing.Hedropsmeont hecouchandwhenam
    aboutt ost
    andupt oescape, hebeat
    smet oitand
    forcesmet osit
    .Isi
    tont hecouchashesi tsbesi
    de
    meandf i
    ndsamov ietowat ch.

    "Di
    arynanni
    es!"Iexcl
    aim."
    canwepleasewat
    chit
    !"I
    askhim,smil
    ing.Helooksatmeandchuckl
    es,
    cont
    inui
    ngwithhissearch.
    "
    Mxm!
    "
    Herentssomemovi
    ecal
    l
    edKi
    nkywi
    thar
    ather
    ,
    ki
    nkylooki
    ngcov
    er.

    "
    Haha,
    Idon'tt
    hinkt
    hat
    'sappr
    opriat
    eforUSt
    o
    wat
    ch?"Isayt
    ohim wi
    thahesit
    antvoi
    ce.

    "
    Andwhyi
    sthat
    ?"asksSabel
    o.

    "
    Because.
    ..
    ..
    "

    "
    because?
    "

    "Becausei tl
    ooksli
    keit'
    sonsome50shadest ypeof
    vibe,"Isaytohi
    m, sheepishbuthejustbrushesmy
    commentawayandpl aysthemov i
    e.Itakethe
    remot efrom hi
    m andpausei tandl
    ookathi m,my
    mout hmakingahardline.Myoneey esquintsathi
    m
    ast heotherrai
    sesitseyebrow.
    "
    What?"quest
    ionsSabel
    o,t
    ryi
    ngtograbtheremot
    e
    f
    rom mebutIraisemyhand,outofhi
    sreach.

    "
    Thando,justpl
    ayt
    hemov
    iepl
    ease.I
    t'
    sar
    eal
    l
    yni
    ce
    movi
    e."saysSabel
    o.

    "Youwat chsuchmov ieswheny ouar ewithy ourgirl


    ,
    notbestf r
    iend. "Isayt ohi m, wi
    thmyar m sti
    lli
    nt he
    air.Iseet hecor nerofhi sey escri
    nkleast hecor ners
    ofhi smout ht ur nup.Agr i
    nsurfacesfrom hislips
    andhemov essocl oset ome.Imov eawayf rom hi m,
    l
    y i
    ngf urtheront hecouchandheper sist
    st omov e
    closert omewi thhi sseduct i
    vepinkl i
    psstil
    lwi t
    h
    thatgr i
    n.Iqui ckl yputt her emotebetweenusand
    say" Here, t
    akei t,i
    t'
    sf i
    ne.Justgetoutofmy
    per sonalspacepl ease."Hegr abst heremot efrom
    myhands, thr
    owsi tont hecouchandt henhel ooks
    atme, andbyl ookatmeImeanl ookinsideme.I
    feel hi
    sey esdi ggi ngmyi nnersoul andIimmedi atel
    y
    shutmyey es.Ihearhi sl aughallthewayf rom his
    t
    hroatandIopenoneey
    ebuthei
    sst
    il
    lal
    lupi
    nmy
    f
    ace.

    "Br
    uh,cany oupl
    easemov eawayf
    rom myf
    ace.
    "I
    saytohim buthekeepsquiet
    .

    "Whatdidyousayaboutmewatchi
    ngthismovie
    wit
    hmygi r
    l agai
    n?""
    heasks,
    gri
    nni
    ng.Ikeepqui
    et,
    underhi
    m, notknowi
    ngwhattodo.Thi
    sfeel
    sreall
    y
    weir
    d,li
    kesuperweir
    d.

    "Isai
    dyoushoul
    dwat
    cht
    hemov
    iewi
    thy
    ourgi
    rl
    ."I
    saytohim.

    "
    Andwhati
    fIsai
    dIam wat
    chi
    ngi
    twi
    thmygi
    rl
    ?"
    Irai
    semybr owsasmyey esopenwi deandIsurvey
    hisfacejustwaiti
    ngtoseethat"am j
    oki
    ng"
    expressionbutnothi
    ng.If
    eeloneofhishandsmov e
    upmyar m,slowly
    ,makingmecat chmybreath.My
    eyeslightl
    ycloseasmybr ai
    ntri
    estoloadeveryt
    hing
    that
    'shappeningher eanditfi
    nal
    lyloads.Iopenboth
    myey esandIf i
    ndhi m st
    il
    lpl
    asteredwiththegrin.I
    pushhim offmeandf i
    xmydr essashej ustglares
    atme, per
    vious.Iavoideyecontactwithhim
    becauseIdon'twantt oseewhathel ookslikeri
    ght
    now.Iclearmyt hroatandItakeadeepbr eathin.

    "
    Wellsadlyam notthatgi
    rly
    ouar etal
    ki
    ngabout
    .
    Nowifyouwoul dexcuseme, Ineedtogof
    ini
    shmy
    wor
    k."Isaynotlookingathi
    m.

    "
    Chil
    lbabygi
    rl
    ,Iwasj
    ustt
    easi
    ngyou."say
    sSabelo
    wi
    thhisvoi
    cecal
    m asi
    fnothi
    nghappenedri
    ghtnow.

    "Buty
    oureyesweren'
    t.
    "Isaytohi
    m.Iknow
    passi
    onat
    eeyeswhenIseet hem andtheeyesthat
    Sabel
    ousedtolookatmewi thweredefi
    nit
    ely
    passi
    onat
    eeyes.

    "
    Oohr
    eal
    l
    y,andwhyi
    sthat
    ?""
    asksSabel
    o,put
    ti
    ng
    hi
    shandsonmyshoul der
    s,tur
    ningmybodyt
    oface
    hi
    m butIlookdown.Iremovehishandsashi
    stouch
    suddenl
    yfeel
    ssowr ongallofasudden.

    "
    CanIpl
    easegoSabel
    o.Ineedt
    owor
    k."Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "Butwehaven'
    twat
    chedthemov
    ieandy
    ouhav
    en'
    t
    answeredmyquest
    ion.
    "

    "AndIdon'tneedtodoeitherofthose.Sopleasedo
    excuseme, Ineedtogonow.Goodni ght.
    "Isayto
    him.Istandupf r
    om thecouchandsl owl
    ywal kaway
    withouthim st
    oppingme.Idon'tevenwanttolook
    backr i
    ghtnowbecauseIallofasuddenf eeloutof
    place.

    "Goodnight
    ."hecoldl
    yrepl
    ies.Ichargestrai
    ghtf
    or
    myr oom togetmyphonet henmov eont othest
    udy
    room andi cl
    osethedoorbehindme.Isi tonthe
    chai
    randIsi nki
    ntoitasIkeeponr eplay
    ingthe
    scenei
    nmyhead.

    "Mychild!
    !Stopbei ngsoooonaive!
    !!Thatmanwants
    torepl
    aceNkosi !Hewant syouandy ouarebeing
    i
    gnoranttoit.Infact,y
    ouarebeingignorantt
    o
    everyt
    hing!
    !!
    !!
    !!WakeupThandoandst opbei
    nga
    fool
    !"andthosewer emymot her
    'swords.

    Am Ireal
    lybeingignorantthough?Butwhat'
    swr ong
    wit
    hitifSabelowant storeplaceNkosi
    ?Hedi dhelp
    mewi thalotofthingsthoughandaf t
    erspendingso
    mucht i
    met ogether,heisboundtofallf
    ormeandI
    can'
    tblamehim.Si gh**

    "Papa,
    showmeasi gn.Am Ir
    eal
    lybei
    nganignorant
    chil
    dli
    kemom sai
    doram Idoingther
    ightt
    hing?
    "I
    say.

    Il
    ookatmypaperworkandIturnmylapt
    oponand
    j
    ustst
    artwor
    king.MyphonebeepsandIi
    gnor
    eit
    .It
    beepsagai
    nandt
    hat
    'swhenIl
    ookati
    t.

    I
    tsti
    metosleepmylove.St
    opov
    erwor
    kingy
    our
    sel
    f.
    Youneedy
    oursleep.
    ..
    .

    What
    ?Wai
    twhat
    ?

    Imovemyey esaroundther
    oom,got
    othewi
    ndow
    j
    usttocheckifsomeoneiswat
    chi
    ngmeandt
    henI
    thi
    nkofSabel
    o.

    "Sabel
    ostopt
    ryi
    ngtoconv
    incemet
    ost
    opwor
    king.
    "
    Ishoutfr
    om t
    hestudy
    .

    "
    Idi
    dn'
    tdoanythi
    ngbruh.Iknowy
    ouwon'
    tl
    ist
    ent
    o
    meanyway
    s!"heshoutsback.
    Butt
    hen.
    ..
    ..
    .?
    Iper
    uset
    het
    extagai
    n,conf
    usedt
    henanot
    hert
    ext
    comesi
    n.

    List
    entoy ourki
    ngmydar
    li
    ng.Gosl
    eepandst
    op
    l
    ookingforme.Andwasthatamalevoi
    cet
    hatj
    ust
    repl
    iedyou?

    "Sabel
    o!!
    !Stopit
    !Youarefr
    eaki
    ngmeout!
    !"Ibel
    l
    ow.
    Ihearfoot
    stepsrunni
    ngtowar
    dsther
    oom and
    Sabeloburst
    sinfuming.

    "
    Thandoam notdoi
    ngany t
    hing!
    !Am wat
    chi
    nga
    movi
    eintheli
    vi
    ngroom!"heshoutsbackst
    andingat
    t
    hedoor.Iwal
    ktohim putmyhandsonmywai st.

    "Wel
    lthenwhot
    hef
    uck.
    ..
    ..
    "andmyt
    onguebecomes
    numb.

    "Whothefuckwhat
    ?"shout
    sSabel
    o.Il
    ookatSabel
    o
    andIsmil
    elikeani
    diot
    .
    "Sorry!!I
    twasNer isaplayingaprankonme. "Isayto
    him buthel ooksatmeangr yandwalksaway,
    thumpi nghisfeet.Itur
    nt omyphonewi t
    hmyhead
    thinkingofoneper sonwhocoul dpossi
    blybe
    wat chingmer ightnowandt hedumbestpartis,I
    didn'tcheckthenumber .Thisnumberisthesame
    numbert hatsentmet het extear
    li
    er.

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

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    "Yes!
    !!
    !BossIdidi t
    .Icanseeev ery
    thingnow."
    shoutsBrendonf r
    om thecomput erroom.Iqui
    ckl
    y
    standupfrom thecouchandr usht oBrendon,
    l
    eav i
    ngSbut al
    kingtohimself
    .Hei shighanywaysso
    hewon'tnoticethatam gone.

    "
    Mov
    e!"Iexcl
    aim,
    pushi
    ngBr
    endonof
    fthechai
    rand
    Icoul
    dseeev eryt
    hing.Ev
    erysinglethi
    ngwasvi
    sibl
    e
    onthelaptopscreen.Igi
    veBr endonthegl
    adeye,
    unabl
    et ocontai
    nmyhappi ness,Ijumpfr
    om t
    he
    chai
    randgivehim onehellofamanl yhug.

    "See!
    !!Thisi
    swhyIloveyouman!!!
    !!
    !!Nameany
    pri
    cey ouwantmymanandi twi
    l
    lbei nyouraccount
    tomorrowmor ni
    ng!
    !"IgushatBr
    endon.Iletgoof
    him,glanceathi
    s
    dumbf
    oundedf
    aceandgi
    vehi
    m ahugagai
    n.
    "Yousee!You!!
    !Heyi
    "Icont
    inueexcl
    aimi
    ng,si
    tt
    ing
    onthechairbutIr
    emembert hatBr
    endonhastosit
    onthechair.

    "uuum,IthinkIshould,stand-upsoy oucanuum.
    Yeahbutgetmeachai rfi
    rstplease."Isaytohim,
    nowbr i
    ngingmy selftogether.Brendonwal ksoutof
    theroom, l
    ookinglikeheist ryi
    ngtocal cul
    ate
    everyt
    hingthatjusthappened.Hecomesbackwi t
    h
    achairandhandsi ttome.Isi tdownnextt ohim
    andhest artsdoingsomet hingonhi slaptop.
    "Sothisishowit'sgoingtowor k,
    thi
    scamer aisfr
    om
    herphone.Whenev ershei sclosetoherphone,you
    canseeherandhearev er
    ythingsheissayingthen
    thi
    sonei sfrom herlaptop.It'
    soffsoyoucan'tsee
    anythingri
    ghtnow.Oncei t
    'sturnedon,wewi l
    lgeta
    noti
    ficati
    onandify ouwant ,Icanalsomakesur e
    thatyougetanot if
    icati
    onony ourphonetoo."

    "Wher
    eisshenowbecauseIcan'
    tseeher
    ?"I
    quest
    ionhi
    m.

    "
    Shei
    sn'
    tany
    wher
    ear
    ound.
    "

    "
    hmmm okay.ThanksBr
    endon,
    Iowey
    ouone.
    "Isay
    t
    ohi
    m exci
    tedl
    y.

    Hesmi
    l
    esatme,
    standi
    ngup.
    "I
    t'smyj obboss.Nowi fy ou'
    llexcuseme, Ihav ea
    datewi thmyMacandcheese. "hesay s, walkingout
    oft her oom, dancingandsi nging.Hei sal sobaked
    byt hatweedt heyboughtwi thSbusot hatswhyhe
    i
    sal lhyper.Irefusedt osmokewi tht hem because,
    wel lam notasmokerandaf terseei ngt hem hi gh,I
    coul dn'timaginemy selfli
    ket hat.Those2wer e
    l
    iterallyaskingeachot hersuperst upidquest i
    onsbut
    therei sonet hatgotmet hinkingt houghand
    Brendonaskedt hequest ion."Whyi sanor ange
    namedaf terit
    scol orandanappl eisn't?"t hat'
    swas
    hisquest i
    onandnonoft hem cameupwi than
    answer .Thef unniestpar tthoughwashowt heywere
    sof ocusedont hegum t reeout side.Theyhadaf i
    ght
    onwhyt het r
    eei scall
    edagum t reeandSbu' s
    reasonwas" Becausei t'smadeoutofgum! !
    " .
    Weedmakespeopl ei
    nsaneIt
    elly
    ou.Theonl
    y
    di
    ff
    erencebetweenweedanddrugsi
    sthatweed
    i
    sn'
    tdangerousl
    yaddi
    cti
    ve.

    "Ihopeyouguysdidn'
    tfi
    nishmyMacandcheese.
    "
    shoutsBrendonf
    rom thecorr
    idorbutmul
    ti
    ple
    voi
    cesl
    aughandIhearSbur
    epl
    yhi
    m,"
    Blamei
    ton
    munchi
    esbaf
    o!!
    "
    It
    rul
    yam gr
    atef
    ulf
    ort
    hepeopl
    eIwor
    kwi
    th.
    Thedoorcl
    osesandIl
    ookback.

    "
    Bozay ami
    ,"gr
    eetsschev
    ,theonesoberper
    son
    whom Ihav
    ecivil
    i
    sedconversat
    ionswi
    th.

    "Thanksf orcl
    osingt hedoor .
    "Isaytohi m.Hepul l
    sa
    chairandcomest osi twit
    hmei nsil
    ence.Schevhas
    thi
    shabi tofwantingt obear oundme, i
    t'
    sbeenl i
    ke
    thi
    sev ersincehest artedwor ki
    ngwi thmewhi l
    eMr
    Joneswasst i
    ll
    alive.Atf i
    rstIfounditveryweirdand
    wrongbutt henlateron, Ifoundoutt hathejust
    i
    dolizedme.Ev ent houghhecanbeani diot
    somet i
    mesandbeannoy i
    ng, hesureisonel oy
    al,
    hardworkingmanwhi chiswhyIaskedhi mtowor k
    formeaf terMrJones' sdeath.
    Wesiti
    nsil
    ence,
    looki
    ngatthescr
    eenofthel
    apt
    op,
    wai
    ti
    ngforsomethi
    ngtohappenandSchevst
    art
    s
    snoring.Iogl eathim andcomeupwi thanamazi ng
    i
    dea.It ipt oeoutoftheroom andgot othe
    bathroom.IgetCol gate,
    rushtothekit
    chenandget
    atoot hpi ck.Ical
    lall
    theguysandweal lrusht
    ot he
    comput erroom whereSchevisstil
    lknockedout.I
    takeof fmyheav ycoatandgetreadytoprankthis
    mot herf ucker.
    Itakehi
    sr ighthand,putColgat
    eoni t,Ialsoput
    someonhi sli
    psandbot hhisears.Schevi sav er
    y
    heavysl
    eepersot hat'st
    oouradv antage.Sbucomes
    withamakeraanddr awsapeni sonhisf oreheadas
    theguysfindithardtocontainthei
    rlaught er
    swhi l
    e
    taki
    ngvideos.Brendonrushesbackwi thlisteri
    ne
    andhepour sitint
    oSchev '
    smout h.

    "Shhh"IhissandIst artpokingSchevwiththet ooth


    pick.Hestart
    sf i
    dget
    ingalloverthechairandwhenI
    pokehi minhisnose, hehitshimselfwit
    honeshar p
    slapbutdoesn' twakeup.Ipokehi searsandher ubs
    them, spr
    eadingt heColgateeverywher
    eandt he
    room isli
    ter
    allyshakingwiththeseguys' t
    hroaty
    l
    aughs.
    Ifi
    nallygi
    vehi m onepainf
    ulpoket hatstart
    leshim,
    wakinghim upbutwhenhedoes, hepul l
    sthe
    l
    ister
    ineallthewayt ohisthroat
    ,chokinghim.When
    hespi t
    sitout,hereali
    zestheColgateonhi slipsand
    hewi pesitoffhi
    sl i
    ps,spr
    eadingittohischeeks.He
    j
    umpsupt ohi sfeetandIputonmyser iousface,as
    i
    fIdidn'tdoany t
    hingasalltheguy sjustfal
    ltothe
    groundlaughing.

    "
    Who!di
    dthi
    s?"r
    oar
    sSchev
    ,looki
    ngar
    oundt
    he
    r
    oom.

    "I
    twasBr endon!
    "Isaywithaseriousf
    ace,poi
    nti
    ng
    atBrendonwhoi sshocked.Al
    ltheguysl
    augheven
    harderasBrendonshakeshisheadno.
    "I
    twasn'
    tme!Ipromise.Itwasboss.Iswearmanit
    wasntme.Askallt
    heguy s.
    "cri
    esBrendonbutal
    lthe
    guyspr
    otestagai
    nstBrendon.
    "Br
    endon, Idon'
    thav et
    imeforsuch.Am y ourboss
    sorespectme. "IsaytoBr
    endon.Hel ooksatme,
    off
    endedandl ooksatSchevwhoi sboili
    ngandr uns
    outofther oom,foll
    owedbySchevwhor unsafter
    him cur
    sing.
    Af
    tert
    heybot
    hleav
    e,Ij
    oint
    heguy
    s,l
    aughi
    ng

    "
    Youar
    esuchadi
    ckheadbaf
    o!"say
    sSbu.

    "Sayst heguywhodr ewapeni sonanot herman's


    forehead! "Isaylaughing.Theguyst art
    st owalkout,
    stil
    linstitches,l
    eavingmei nther oom alone.Icl
    ose
    thedoorbehi ndthem andsi tinfrontoft helaptop
    andt hat'swhenIhearsomet hingsqueakyl i
    kea
    door .Isitboltupri
    ght ,
    li
    steningtowhat 'shappening
    andIhearsomeonemumbl i
    ng.Imov emyf ace
    closert othescreen, tr
    yingtohearwhatt heperson
    i
    ssay i
    ngandt henmyey esar eglori
    fiedbyher
    arrestingf acei
    nstead.If eelmymout hcurveintothe
    smi l
    et hatshehasal way sbroughtev er
    sincethefir
    st
    dayIsawherasmysoul get
    st hepeacei thasbeen
    missi
    ngforalongtime.Butsomet
    hingseemsnot
    r
    ight,
    shedoesn'tl
    ookhappy.

    Thandopi cksupherphoneandwal ksoutoft he


    room shewasi n,coveri
    ngthecamera.Afterhearing
    adoorcl ose,Ihearat hudasthoughshejustbanged
    hersel
    fagainstt hedoorthensil
    enceforawhi le.She
    thenplacesthephonesomewher eandtakesaseat
    onachai randsi lenceagai
    n.

    "Papa,showmeasi gn.Am Ireal


    lybeinganignorant
    chi
    ldli
    kemom sai doram Idoingtherightthi
    ng?"I
    hearhervoicesayandmyhear tj
    ustbreaks.Whydid
    Ihavetotakehim awayf r
    om herthough.WhydidMr
    JonesandMrMdl et
    shehav etoknoweachot her?If
    i
    twasn'tforthem,Icouldbehappywi thmybaby
    ri
    ghtnowbutno, thepastjusthadtointerv
    ene.

    Ican'tr
    eal
    l
    yseewhat'sonthetabl
    eshehaspl
    aced
    herphonebutIcanhearpaper
    sandatthatmoment,
    thelapt
    opmakesanot i
    fyi
    ngsound.Icl
    i
    ckonthe
    notif
    icat
    ionandherl apt
    ophasbeent ur
    nedon,
    givi
    ngmeabet terviewofherandwheresheisr i
    ght
    nowandi tdoesn'
    tlookli
    keherapart
    mentatall.Di
    d
    shemov eout ?Itakeoutmyphoneandt exther.Her
    phonebeepsbutshei gnoresi
    t.It
    extheragai
    nand
    that'
    swhenshecheckst hephone.Shereadsthe
    textandrollshereyesandshouts.
    "Sabelostoptr
    yingtoconvincemet ostop
    wor ki
    ng."
    sheshoutsoutandaf t
    erthat,
    somemal e
    voicerepl
    iesher.Myhandsbal l
    int
    of i
    stsasmy
    teethgnash.Mybr owslowerasmynoset wi
    tches.
    Whot hehellwasthat?Itakemyphoneandt exther
    againandsheshout souttosomeonecal l
    edSabelo.
    Sabel
    o?Wher
    edoIknowt
    hatnamef
    rom?

    "
    Aii
    bozay
    ouar
    eonepr
    a..
    ..
    ."

    "
    Sh!
    !!
    "Ihi
    ssatSchevandheshut
    shi
    smouth.He
    wal
    kstot
    helapt
    opandlooksatt
    hescr
    eenwit
    hme.
    "I
    sthatThando?
    "heasks.Isi
    deey
    ehi
    m andhe
    cl
    oseshismouth.

    Ii
    ncreasethel
    aptopvol
    umeandthat'
    swhenIhear
    hi
    m shouti
    ngatThandoabouthi
    m notdoi
    ng
    anyt
    hingandwatchingamovi
    e.

    "Shemov edinwiththatpieceofshitofabest
    fri
    end!!
    "Ibell
    ow,pushingt hekey
    boardof ft
    het abl
    e.
    Schevlooksatmei nshockandIt ur
    nt ohim asmy
    nostri
    l
    sf l
    are.Whatbullshi
    tisthi
    s?Ipickupt hechair
    andthrowi ttot
    hewal l
    , cr
    eati
    ngahole.

    "cal
    lBr
    endonnow!
    !"Schevswif
    tsoutoft
    her
    oom
    andcomesbackwithBrendon.

    "Fi
    ndt helocat
    ionnow!
    !!
    "Isayandthewholehouse
    shakest omycommand.Br endondoeshisthi
    ng
    andwr it
    essomet hi
    ngonapieceofpaper.Hehands
    i
    tov ertomeandIst or
    m outoftheroom.Ihear
    foot
    stepsbehindmeasImov etotheki
    tchenandI
    push2oft heguy swhoarebl
    ocki
    ngmywayasI
    movet otheexit
    ingdoor
    .

    "Andthen? "IhearSbuaskbutnonoft hepeople


    replyhim.Iopent hedoorandst epout si
    de,feeli
    ng
    myr agemov etoeverysingl
    epar tofmybody .Iwalk
    tothegar age,openitandgetintomycar .Idri
    veout
    ofthegar agespeedilyandIseeal lt
    hegent s
    standing,looki
    ngatme.Iseet hem rushintotheir
    carsandf ollowme, someoft hem rushingoutoft he
    housewi thguns,joi
    ningtheonesi nt hecar.Igetto
    thegat eandsomeoneopensmydoorandget sin.

    "Youshouldatl
    easti
    nvit
    eustoy ourki
    l
    li
    ngpart
    yyou
    know."saysSbuasheclosesthedoorbutIi
    gnore
    him.Theguardsopenthegateandasam aboutto
    dri
    veout,2peopl
    estandinfr
    ontofmycar .

    "
    Oooohshi
    t!
    "bl
    urt
    soutSbuasIal
    sof
    inal
    l
    yseewho
    t
    he2peopl
    eare.
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er41

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    Ihootattheidenti
    calpeopl
    ebutt
    heydon'
    tmov
    e.
    Theyjustst
    andt hereasift
    heyar
    efr
    ozen.

    "Oohshit!
    "exclaimsSbuagai n.The2guy swalkt
    o
    thecarandast heyar eabouttoopenmydoor ,my
    mengetoutoft heircarsandpointt
    heirgunsat
    them andatthatt i
    me, somemenout sidethegat
    e
    alsopointt
    heirgunsatmymen.Ist epoutofthecar
    andsignalmymennott oshoot.Theyputthei
    rguns
    downandt henextt hi
    ng,am i
    ntheair,
    being
    punched.

    Ihearpeopl
    est
    artshout
    ingbutSbuandSchevt
    ell
    t
    hem t
    oshutupandputt
    hei
    rgunsaway
    .

    Ifeelmy
    selfbei
    ngdraggedar
    oundandbeingkicked
    andpunchedandthat'
    swhenSbupleadsZiphoand
    Sihl
    etostophit
    ti
    ngmebuttheydon'
    tstop.

    "Letthem Sbu!"Iut ter.Thisgoesonf orawhi l


    easI
    feell
    ikemybonesar ebr eaki
    ng.Idon'tev enf i
    ght
    backbecauseIt otallydeser vethi
    s.Oneoft hem
    stepsonmyar m andIl iteral
    lyhearmybone
    breaking.Myt eethcl i
    nchasIav oidtoshoutoutas
    theagoni zi
    ngpai nki l
    lsme.Al lIcanhearr i
    ghtnow
    arepeopl emaki ngsoundst oeverypunch, kickand
    curseam get t
    ingf rom t hese2br others.Iwonder
    whereKhay ai
    sbecausehesur ewoul dhav ebeen
    gladtodot histome.

    Afterbei
    ngbeat
    enupanddr
    aggedontheground,
    theystopandwhenIt
    ryt
    oopenmyeyes,Ican'
    t.
    "Getupyousonofabi tch!"r
    oarsSihle.Itr
    ytostand
    up,coughi
    ngbutIfallt
    ot heground,feeli
    nghelpl
    ess.
    Someonet r
    iestohelpmebutZi phot ell
    stheperson
    tostepawayfrom me.Whent hepersonkeepson
    try
    ingtohel
    pme, Itel
    lthem toli
    stent othe2.

    "
    butboza.
    ..
    "

    "l
    i
    stentot
    hem."Isay.Thehandsfi
    nall
    yletgoofme
    andItr
    ytost
    andupbutIusemybr okenarm andan
    agoni
    zedscr
    eam escapesmyl i
    ps.

    "
    Shutt
    hef
    uckupandgetup!
    "

    Itryagai
    nandIf i
    nall
    ystandupbutononel eg
    becausemyot herisinpain.Iholdmybr okenarm as
    myey essti
    l
    l r
    efusetoopenandIf eelakickonmy
    stomach.Ifal
    ltotheground, andIthrowup.I
    successf
    ull
    ystandup, wipingtheleftovervomitoff
    mymout handspi toutaliquidthattast
    eslikeblood.
    Aloudhotslaphitsmyl
    eftcheekandal
    ltheguy
    s
    makeasound.Am pushedt othegr
    oundandIhurt
    myalreadybrokenarmt
    hensomeonekicksmy
    pr
    ivat
    ear ea.

    "
    Aaaaah!
    "Iscr
    eam out
    .

    "
    Okayt
    hat
    'senough!
    !!
    "shout
    sSbu.

    "
    Stayoutoft
    hisf
    ucker
    !"

    "No!Can'
    tyouseey
    ouhav
    eal
    readyhur
    thi
    m!!
    "
    shoutsSchev
    .

    "
    Lett
    hem dowhatt
    heywant
    !!
    "Isayi
    nascr
    eakv
    oice.

    "
    Youhav
    egott
    obeki
    ddi
    ngme!Bossy
    ouar
    ehur
    t!
    "
    say
    sBr
    endon.

    "don'
    tyout
    hinkIknowt
    hat
    ?Justl
    ett
    hem f
    ini
    sh.
    "I
    sayandSbulaughs.

    Myt hr
    oatishel
    dasi am separatedfrom theground.
    Theairinmylungsbegi nstorunoutasam bei ng
    chokedhardcor
    e.Itrytogaspf orairbutnoai r
    makesi tt
    omyl ungs.Am helplesslydroppedtothe
    ground.Aft
    erawhi l
    eofj ustl
    yi
    ngt hereinpain,I
    standup,hoppi
    ngwi thmyonel egandt hen

    "
    Youar
    esoooluckywear
    efor
    biddenf
    rom ki
    l
    li
    ng
    y
    ou.
    "saysZi
    pho.

    "Youcanhel
    pyourboss."saysSi
    hleandIfeel
    8
    handshol
    dme.Am putonacouchandbyt hen,I
    managetoopenmypai nfuley
    esalit
    tl
    ebit
    .
    "CallmamaMahl okoane, "IsaybecauseIr eal
    ly
    needadoctorasi nnow.Br endontakesouthi s
    phoneandcallsher, walki
    ngoutoft heroom with
    Schev,Zi
    pho,SihleandSbu.Whydi dn'tSbuleave
    again?Heli
    ter
    allyhadt hechancetoj ustleavesi
    nce
    these2havealltheirfocusonme.

    "Ihopeyougood?"say
    sZiphosi
    tti
    ngnexttome.He
    hitsmybrokenar
    m andIknowit
    'sonpurpose.

    "
    WellInev
    erwasokaytostartof
    fwi
    th.You2just
    madeitworse.
    "Ir
    epl
    yhim andsomeonehit
    smeat
    t
    heback.

    "
    Shame."saysSi
    hlewhositsontheopposi
    tecouch.
    "
    Itwasapleasur
    emaki ngyourni
    ghtmuchworser
    t
    hanital
    readywas."hesay
    sagain.

    "
    Tostar
    tof
    fwit
    h, wearen'
    tdonepuni
    shi
    ngyoufor
    t
    aki
    ngawayourfatherf
    rom us.Wear
    esti
    ll
    goingt
    o
    domor
    e."

    "Am l
    ookingfor
    war
    dtot
    het
    ort
    ureasl
    ongasam not
    dyi
    ng."Isay.

    "
    Secondly
    ,wherethefuckhaveyoubeenyouass?
    Wehavebeenlookingforyou!
    "saysZi
    pho,hi
    tt
    ing
    myachinghead.

    "
    habafo,youreal
    l
    ymi ssedme?Iwasexpect
    ingthis
    f
    rom Thando,
    noty ou2."Isay
    ,wi
    thasar
    cast
    icvoice.

    "Don'tbul
    l
    shituswit
    hthatmyf ri
    end.
    "saysZipho
    pointi
    ngatme.Ilookathim andchuckl
    e,tr
    yingt
    o
    avoidthebodypainsam get
    ting.

    "I
    '
    vebeenar
    ound.
    "Isaytohim buthehi
    tsmyhead
    agai
    nbutt
    hist
    imeIhithi
    m back.
    "
    Noy
    ouhav
    en'
    tsost
    artt
    alki
    ng.
    "

    "
    Andi
    fIdon'
    twantt
    o?"

    "
    Youhav
    eto.
    "saysSihl
    e.Ilaughqui
    etl
    yasIpl
    ace
    myar
    m onmycrossedlegs.

    "Iwasi
    nMexi
    co.
    "Isay.Zi
    phopopshisf
    inger
    s,
    chil
    l
    edont
    hecouchandsays"why?
    "

    "Tokillt
    hepersonwhoy ouhavefai
    ledtokill
    for
    years.
    "Isaytot hem, t
    ryingtofi
    ndtheper f
    ect
    positi
    ontoputmybr okenar min.Theybothlookat
    meandSi hl
    esmi les,
    shakinghishead.These2wer e
    j
    ustwhoopi ngmyassl ikenobody '
    sbusiness,t
    hen
    allofasudden, t
    heyar esitt
    ingcomfort
    ablyinmy
    houseasi fnothinghappened.

    "
    Tel
    lmey
    ouj
    oki
    ngbaf
    o?!
    "mur
    mur
    sZi
    phol
    aughi
    ng.
    "Whenisthedoct
    orget
    tingher
    e!"Ishoutbuti
    na
    sur
    pressedvoi
    ce.Am i
    npainhereandam dy i
    ng.

    "Shei
    scoming!"say
    sBr endon,ent
    eri
    ngthroom.He
    l
    ooksatZi
    phoandSi hleandjustsi
    tsdownwi t
    hout
    sayi
    ngany
    thingbuthiseyesstil
    lst
    uckonthe2.

    "
    Okaybacktotheint
    erest
    ingst
    ory
    ,how,hehe,
    how
    t
    hefuckdidyougethi
    m? !
    "saysSi
    hle,
    sit
    ti
    ngatthe
    t
    ipofthecouch.

    "Iwil
    ltel
    loncethedoctorgetsher
    ebecauseyou2
    fucker
    salmostkill
    edme. "Isayt
    othem,shaki
    ngmy
    headandt heybothlaugh.

    "Youcoul
    dhav egot
    tenwor
    semyf
    ri
    endsost
    op
    complai
    ning.
    "
    "CanIpleasegetsomewat
    er.
    "IsayandSchev
    bri
    ngsmeabot t
    lewhi
    chIf
    ini
    shinacoupl
    eof
    seconds.

    "
    Okayy
    ouwi
    l
    ltel
    lust
    omor
    rowt
    hen.
    "say
    sSi
    hle.

    DrMohl
    akoanef
    inal
    l
    yarri
    vesandshel
    ooksatmeas
    i
    fshej
    ustsawaghost.

    "Myson! !!Whathappenedt oyou!"sheshout sandI


    hearSchevmumbl e"it
    'st hose2ident i
    calidi
    ots
    sit
    ti
    ngt here.
    "inaf emi ninesoundi ngvoicethati
    s
    extremelyfunny.Sbuwant stolaughbuthekeeps
    hismout hshutbutasf orBrendon, heleavesthe
    room laughinglight
    ly.Si hl
    eandZi phot urnthei
    r
    facestoSchevwhocl ear shisthr
    oatand
    apologizes..
    ..
    ..
    .
    DrMohlakoanel
    ooksatthet
    winsandshel
    ooksat
    mewitha" Wel
    l?
    "face.
    "Ummm ma,wehadami sunderst
    andi
    ngsowej
    ust
    hadasmal
    lfi
    ght
    ."Isayt
    oher .

    "Small
    !!!Doyouknowthedef
    ini
    ti
    onofsmall
    you
    fool
    !"shescreamsatme.OoohwhydidIhavetocal
    l
    herthough.Ifor
    gothowmuchshecansometimes
    beadr amaqueen.

    "Ma,cal
    m down.Am fine.
    "Isaytoherbutsheopens
    hereyeswideopen,point
    ingatmybrokenarm.She
    tur
    nstothetwinsandleersatbothoft
    hem thenshe
    walkstothem.

    "Standup,bothofy ou!
    ""shescreams.Theyboth
    l
    ookatherandst andup.Shescr eenst
    hem wit
    hher
    eyesthenshel ooksatSihleagainandasmile
    crossesherface.

    "You?Iknowyou!Ar
    en'
    tyouThando'
    sbrot
    her
    ?"she
    asks,poi
    nti
    ngathi
    m.Si
    hlest
    artssmil
    i
    ngnerv
    ously
    andnodshi
    shead.

    "
    Hau,
    howar
    eyou?Ihopey
    ouar
    efi
    ne.
    "shesay
    s.
    Zipho'
    seyesgooglear
    oundtheroom andhelooks
    atme.Heshr ugsandIal
    soshrugathim.Thatwas
    anunexpectedtur
    n.

    "
    Am f
    inema'
    am,
    howar
    eyou?
    "asksSi
    hle.

    "
    am goodmyson.It'
    sbeenlong."shesay
    s."
    Andyou,
    youmustbethethetwi
    n?"shesay sl
    ooki
    ngatZi
    pho
    whonodshisheadonce,smil
    ing.

    "Coughcough,Ineedy
    ou,
    coughcough!
    "Isay
    ,
    gett
    ingt
    heirat
    tenti
    on.

    "
    Oohsor
    ry.Letmegetmyt
    hings.
    "shesay
    s.
    "Haaama,soyouarereall
    ygoingtol
    ett
    hem offthe
    hookjustl
    i
    kethat
    ?!"asksSchev,wi
    deeyed.She
    l
    ooksathim wi
    thawar ni
    ngeyeandhekeepsquiet.

    "YesIwi
    ll
    ,Imean,t
    heyar
    ehisin-
    lawsandhemust
    havedonesomethi
    ngbadfort
    hem tobeathi
    m up
    sobad."

    "I
    nfact
    ,wherei
    sy ourwoman?"sheasksand
    ever
    yonei
    ntheroom goessil
    entasift
    herei
    san
    el
    ephanti
    ntheroom.Ilookdowninshame,qui
    et.

    "EehDoc,
    let
    'snott
    alkaboutt
    hatr
    ightnow.
    "say
    s
    Zipho.

    "
    Why?Didyou2br eakup?Whichwouldexpl
    ainall
    t
    hosear
    ti
    clesbutIneverbot
    heredtoreadt
    hem, i
    sit
    t
    ruemyson?"sheasksinawhi sper
    .
    "No!
    "Isneer ."
    Wear estil
    ltogether,j
    ustgoing
    thr
    oughsomedi ff
    icul
    ttimes."Iemphasi ze.She
    smilesafterIsaythatandev er
    y onejustlooksatme
    i
    npit y
    ,incl
    udingZiphoandSi hl
    e.

    Sheattendstome,bandagingever
    yopenwoundand
    massagesmyhur tlegswit
    hsomecr eam.Shesends
    Schevtogogetanar m sl
    i
    ngf r
    om hercarandhe
    comesbackwi thi
    t.Shehelpsmeputtheslingon
    andthensitsdown.

    "Tomor
    rowIwill
    bringy ouyourmedici
    neokay.Ohh
    andyouneedtotakethosecontactsoff
    .Youreyes
    areabi
    tswoll
    ensoy ouhav etogetri
    dofthose
    thi
    ngsforaf
    ewday s."shesays.Inodmyheadt o
    her.

    "Thankyouf
    orcomi
    ngsol
    atema.
    "Isayt
    oher
    smili
    ng.
    "
    It
    'sokayson.Ihav
    etogobefor
    ethatol
    dmanr
    ings
    myphone."shesaysst
    andi
    ngup.

    "Greethi mf ormepl ease."Isayt oher .Shesay sher


    goodby est oev er
    yonei nther oom andt henshe
    l
    eav eswi thBr endonwal ki
    ngherout .Ev ent houghI
    don'tvisithermuchof ten,sheknowst hatIl oveher .
    Ihav ealway slovedev ersinceMr sJonest ookmet o
    herwhenIwassi ckwi thAlcer s.DrMohl akoane
    automat i
    callybecameamot hert omeev ent hough
    MrsJoneswasamot herf i
    gure.Af terMr sJones' s
    deathf rom cancerwhenIwas19, Mohl akoanet ook
    overandshewast hereeveryt imeIneededher .I
    remembert hisothertimeMrJonesal mostt hrew
    meoutoft hehousebecauseIhadt ri
    edt ododr ugs
    butshet alkedMrJonesoutoft hatdeci si onbutI
    gotat erriblebeat i
    ngaf ter
    war dsf rom MrJones, her
    andMrMohl akoanegav emeal ecture.
    SeewhyIdon'tidol
    izemyf
    atheranymore,
    it'
    sal
    l
    becauseIhavehadsomuchpeopl egui
    demywayto
    whereIam today.
    Assoonashercardr
    ivesout
    ,Ist
    andupf
    rom t
    he
    couch.

    "Ihavesomebusinesstotakecareofguyssosee
    youlater
    "Isaytothem,li
    mpingoutoftheroom but
    Schevstopsme.Hecl osesthedoorandstar
    esat
    mest rai
    ghti
    ntheey ewit
    hhisstr
    aightf
    ace.

    "
    Butbozai
    t'
    slat
    e."

    "Getoutofmywaypl
    ease.Ican'
    tl
    etthatpieceof
    shitbei
    nthesamehouseasmywi f
    e."Irebukeand
    that'
    swhenZi
    phocal
    lsme.

    "
    Iguessy
    ouandIareonthesamepage."hesays.I
    t
    urnmyhead,
    try
    ingtounder
    standwhathesai
    d.

    "
    Weneedt
    ogetr
    idoft
    hatf
    ri
    endofher
    s,wehav
    ea
    badf
    eel
    i
    ngabouthi
    m."r
    esumesSi
    hle.

    "Reall
    y?"Iutt
    er.Theybothnodtheirheadsand
    sayingam happyisactuall
    yanunder st
    atement.
    SinceIhavethese2onmysi de,i
    twillbeeasi
    erto
    getThandobackbecausemybi ggestconsernwas
    herfamily.

    "Sosi
    tdownbecausewehav eaplanandwet hi
    nkit
    wil
    lworkperfect
    lybutweneedy outobepatientand
    tobeabletohandleever
    ythi
    ngwi t
    houtfl
    i
    pping."
    saysZi
    pho.Isitdownwithint
    erestfi
    l
    ledinmymi nd
    upunti
    lSihl
    esays

    "
    Butholdup!WhatisSbudoi
    nghere?"oooh,It
    otal
    ly
    f
    orgotabouthi
    m..
    ..
    ..
    ..Zi
    phot
    urnstol
    ookatSbuwho
    i
    ssti
    llbakedbyhi
    sweedasSihleal
    sostaresathim.

    "
    Wehav
    ebecomef r
    iendsbecausewebot
    hwant
    ed
    t
    oki
    l
    lBri
    an.Andhei
    sov erThandonowsowe
    deci
    dedtoj
    ustgettoknoweachother"Ispeedi
    l
    y
    saybef
    oreSbusayssomecrazyshit
    .

    "Ooohokay .IhopeThandowon' tmi ndthi


    s
    fri
    endshipofy ours.
    "saysZipho.If
    lashaner v
    ous
    smileandsi gnalBrendonandSchevt otakeSbuout
    oftheroom bef orehebluff
    ssomeshi t.Theydoso
    andassoonast heycomeback, Si
    hlestart
    s
    explai
    ningthepl anandletmesay ,
    Idon'tli
    kethi
    s
    planatall
    .
    Ij
    ustpr
    ayt
    hati
    twor
    ks.

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

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Ipackmyf i
    lesandl aptopint
    omybagandwal kout
    ofthestudy
    , goingdownstair
    sf orbr
    eakfast
    .Ient er
    theki
    tchen,greetthemaidwhoi smakingbreakfast
    andplacemybagont hecounter.Si
    nceNkosi j
    ust
    deci
    dedt
    ogomi ssi
    ng,Ihi
    redhi
    smai
    dbecauseI
    di
    dn'
    twantt
    oleaveherjobl
    ess.

    Shegivesmeacupofcof f
    eewi t
    hmywheat bi
    x
    dippedwithhoneyandIthankher.Itakeoutmy
    phonefrom mypurseandchecki ftherei
    samor ni
    ng
    textasalwaysbutnot
    hing.#heart
    broken.

    "
    Goodmorninggoodpeopl
    e"say
    sSabel
    o,smi
    l
    ing.I
    l
    ookathi
    m andsmil
    e.

    "Someonei sinagoodmoodt oday.


    "Isaytohim.He
    tri
    estokissmycheekbutIbackawayf rom hi
    m with
    ateethf
    ul smil
    e.Hisf
    acesuddenlychangesandhe
    backsaway ,wit
    hhisJawsti
    ghtened.Ineedtotal
    k
    tohimtodaybef or
    eheleav
    esbecauseam notabout
    tohavehim crushi
    ngonme.

    Hewalkstothecof
    feemachi
    neandpourshimselfa
    cup,
    grabstoast
    edbreadf
    rom apl
    ateonthecounter
    andgr at
    escheeseont het oast,l
    otsandl ot
    sof
    cheese.It'
    sli
    kehei sn'
    tev enconcent rati
    ngonhi s
    grati
    ng.HisJawsar esti
    llti
    ghtened, neckveinsare
    poppingandhi sfaceisliterall
    ytur
    ningr edashe
    grateshischeese.Inoticebl ooddrippingonhis
    toastandIquicklygetof fmychai randsnat chthe
    graterfr
    om him.

    "
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    !!
    "Ishout
    ,gl
    ower
    ingathi
    m.

    "
    Whatdi
    dIdo?
    "heaskscal
    mly
    .

    "
    Youfool,
    youwer ehurt
    ingyoursel
    f.Letmegoget
    myfi
    rstai
    dkit
    .Wai ther
    e."Isaytohim.Irushupt o
    myroom andcomebackwi t
    hmyf i
    rstaidkitandput
    i
    tonthecounter
    .Itakeabandageandsomecr eam
    t
    oputonhiswound.

    "Gi
    vemeyourhand.
    "Isaytohim.Heslowlyhandsit
    overt
    ome,gazi
    ngatmyf acebutIdon'
    ttakethatas
    seriousasIusual l
    ywoul d.Iapplythecream ont he
    handandasam appl yi
    ngi t
    ,Ifeell
    ikedejavuagai n.
    Thecheese, mykit,t
    hecr eam!Ooohl ordwhyme
    though? ? ?!DoIreall
    ymi sshimt hatmuchorar ey ou
    j
    ustpuni shingmef ordisobey i
    ngmydeceased
    father.Ifinishdressi
    nghi swoundandwhenIl ook
    upathi m, heisstari
    ngatmewi t
    hasmi le.Il
    ook
    away ,inf earofconfronti
    ngt hefeeli
    ngswr i
    tt
    enin
    hisspar kingey esandhisl eaninginpinkli
    ps.

    "Umm,Sabel
    o,weneedt
    otal
    k."Isayt
    ohi
    m,goi
    ng
    backt
    omyseat .

    "
    Okay
    ."her
    epl
    i
    es,
    comi
    ngt
    ost
    andnextt
    ome.

    "
    ButIneedy
    out
    oanswert
    hisquest
    ionhonest
    ly.
    "

    "
    OkayIwi
    l
    l.
    "
    "Doy oul
    ikeme? "Iaskhi m.Okayt hisi
    sthatone
    momentwher eIregretaskingaper sonaquestion.
    Whatam It hi
    nki
    ngaski nghi m suchaquestion?
    ? ??
    ?
    Ilookathim,expecti
    ngaf acedrainedofit
    scoloror
    af l
    ashedfacebuthisf aceisscrewedup.

    "
    Idon'
    tli
    keyou.
    "her
    epli
    es.If
    eelmybodybecomea
    l
    i
    ttl
    eeasedasmybrai
    nstopsovert
    hinki
    ngt
    hings.

    "Phew!Forasecondt her
    e,Ithoughtyoudid.Sil
    lyme
    ri
    ght?"Isay
    ,ti
    tti
    ng.Sabel
    obegi nstomov eclosert
    o
    me, hi
    shandsinhi spol
    opant spocketsandhis
    sweetsmelli
    ngy etgodl
    ycologne hitsmynose.He
    comessocl osethatifafl
    ywast oflyi
    nbet weenus,
    i
    twoul dgettr
    apped.

    Hi
    snosetouchesmi
    neasItr
    ytomov
    eawayfrom
    hi
    m buthehol
    dsont
    ome, wi
    thhi
    sar
    msaroundmy
    wai
    st.
    "
    BecauseIl
    ovey
    ou.
    "hewhi
    sper
    sinahoney
    edv
    oice.

    "
    What
    ?"
    Myfacescrunchesupasmyey ebrowssnap
    t
    ogether
    ."What?"Ir
    epeat
    ,notget
    ti
    nghimv er
    ywel
    l
    .

    "YesThando.Il
    ovey
    ou.I
    nfact
    ,Ial
    wayshave.Ij
    ust
    can'
    tgetyououtofmymindandev.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "Whoa, slowdown.Idon' tneedtoknowt hat.Look


    Sabz, wear ejustfriendsandIwoul dli
    ketokeepit
    thatway .Iam cur r
    ent l
    yinlovewithsomeoneel se
    and...
    ..
    "Isayt ohim wi thoutbei
    ngconsciousabout
    mywor ds.Ifeelhisaur achangeashi sgaze
    switchest osomei ndisti
    nctvi
    ewt hatgi
    vesmechi l
    ls
    andhi snoset witches.Hi shol
    daroundmywai st
    getssot ight,hurt
    ingmeandasIt rytowiggl
    eoutof
    i
    t,hisclenchedt eethbecomev i
    sibleashisli
    pspart.

    "
    Inl
    ove?Wi
    thwho?
    "hi
    svoi
    cegr
    uff
    .
    "I
    t'
    slateSabel
    o,Ineedtogotowork.Ihavea
    meetingwithMrBiza.
    "Isayt
    ohim,attempti
    ngt o
    remov ehi
    sarmsbuthisgri
    pbecomest i
    ghterand
    hisvoicecomesoutevenmoregruff
    .

    "Wit
    hwho? !"Hi
    seyesshutasifheistryi
    ngt oget
    backtohi ssensesandam justl
    ookingathimi n
    shock.Whi chSabel
    oisthi
    snow? Thisisn'
    tthe
    SabeloIhav eknown.Thi
    sisnttheSabeloIcall
    Twinnie.Thisri
    ghther
    eisawhol enewSabel othatI
    don'
    tknowatal l
    .

    "LetmegoSabelo.Ihaveameetingtoatt
    end."Isay
    tohim.Imanagetoremovehisarmsandpushhi m
    offme.Hiseyesaresti
    l
    lshutandhisbodyfeeble.

    "Don'tyouev ert
    ouchmeliket
    hateveragai
    n!"I
    sneer,pointingathim.It
    akemybag, getof
    fthe
    chairandl eav ehi
    m st
    andi
    nginthekit
    chen.
    Wasmom r
    ight
    ?

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

    "Sowil
    lthatbeal
    l?
    "asksMrBizawhoi ssit
    ti
    ng
    opposi
    temeont heboardr
    oom tabl
    e.Isl
    ightl
    yswing
    onthechair,
    noddi
    ngmyhead, smil
    i
    ngatMrBi za
    andtherestoft
    hepeoplesi
    tt
    ingintheboardroom.

    "Okayt hen, sowewi l


    l sealthedeal somewher enext
    week. "say stheguysi t
    tingbesideme.Wi t
    hall
    honest y,am herephy sicall
    ybutment all
    y,am not.I
    hav ebeent hi
    nkingaboutwhathappenedear li
    erev er
    sinceIlef thome.Itri
    edt omi ssthi
    smeet i
    ngbutMr
    Bizaaskedmet ojustsi ti
    nt heboardroom wit
    ht hem
    ast heyspeakaboutt hedeal .Iagreedandher eIam,
    j
    ustl ookingatt hesepeopl e.
    If
    eelsomeoneshaki
    ngmebymyshoulderandI
    l
    ookbesideme.Ali
    ghtski
    nnedguy
    ,smi
    lesatme
    andasks
    "I
    sther
    esomethi
    ngwr ongMissMdl
    etshe?
    "Igi
    ve
    hi
    m anerv
    oussmile,shaki
    ngmyheadnoandhe
    nodshi
    sheadsmili
    ng.

    "Wellint
    hatcase,wewi llt
    akeourleave.Seeyou
    nextweek."hesays,standingupwithaf i
    lei
    nhis
    hands.Thefourpeoplehecamewi thstandandI
    alsodoso.MrBi zaandi shakethei
    rhandsast hey
    l
    eav e.Assoonast heyaregone,Isitbackonthe
    chairandIglanceupatt hecei
    li
    ng.

    "
    Isever
    ythi
    ngokay?
    "asksMrBizawithhi
    sonehand
    i
    nhispocketandhi
    sotherhol
    dinghi
    sphone.

    "
    Yea,
    am j
    ustnotf
    eel
    i
    ngwel
    l
    ."Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "Hmmm okay.Well
    Iwill
    seey ouatthehospit
    al,
    that
    'si
    fyoupassby.
    "hesays,tur
    ningtothedoor.I
    nodmyheadandhel eaves,
    nowam al l
    alone,
    l
    ookingupatt
    hiswhit
    eceil
    i
    ng.Igrabmyphone
    besi
    demeandIstil
    lhavenonoti
    fi
    cati
    onsatal
    l
    .
    Di
    dNkosi
    for
    gett
    osendat
    extt
    oday
    ?
    Buthenev
    erf
    orget
    sthough.
    ..
    ..
    May
    behei
    sbusy
    ..
    ..
    .ButwhydoIcar
    esomuch?
    Iputmyphonebackonthetable,
    grabmy
    bel
    ongings,
    leavet
    heconf
    erencehouseanddr
    ive
    backtoSandtonsi
    ncewemetupi nBenoni
    .

    AssoonasIgett here,Ij
    ustdriv
    est r
    aighttot
    he
    hospit
    al .Ineedsomet hingtokeepmebusysoIwi ll
    seeaf ewofmypat i
    ents.IgreetthepeopleIknow
    asIent ert hehospi
    talbutasam gr eeti
    ngthe
    recept
    ioni stwhil
    elookingatherandwal ki
    ng,
    my
    bodybumpssomeone' s, makingmedr opmybag.

    "Ooham soosorr
    y,Idi
    dn'
    tseeyouther
    e."Isay
    ,
    bendi
    ngdownt opickupmystuff
    .
    "I
    t'
    sokay .I
    twasmyf aul
    tanyway s.
    "sayst
    hefrui
    ty
    huskyv oi
    ce,bendingdownwi thme.Hi sfr
    agrance
    makesmynost ri
    lstwi t
    chandr ecogni
    ti
    ondawnson
    myf ace.Isl
    owlyturnt ofacethemankneel i
    ng
    i
    nfrontofmeandt her eheiswithagleamedface,
    withbandagesallov erandanar m sli
    ngonhisri
    ght
    arm.

    "I
    t'
    sbeenlong."hesayswithhiswhi t
    eteethshowing.
    Isizehi
    m wit
    hmyey esasIfeel li
    kecry
    ingbecause
    ofthesi
    ghtinfrontofme.Iqui ckl
    ydropmybagand
    puthisf
    aceinmypal ms,lookingathim all
    overhis
    faceasmyey esbecomegl ossy .

    "Nkosi!
    "Isayinatautvoice."Whathappenedt o
    you!!
    !"Isaynotcar
    ingthatwear earoundpeopl e.He
    shakesmyhandsof fhi
    sf ace,sti
    ll
    smi l
    i
    ngandhe
    takesthebag.Hestandsupst rai
    ghtbutseemst o
    bestruggli
    ngwithstandi
    ngonbot hhislegs.Ijump
    upspeedi l
    yandIputmyhandsbackonhi sf ace,
    consernedaboutwhathappenedt ohim.
    "Nkosi!Tellme!Whathappenedt oyou? "Isayt
    ohim.
    Heiswear ingsunglassesinsuchacol dweather
    whicht el
    l
    smeher emov edthosecontacts.He
    remov esmyhandsagai nbutwit
    hhislefthand.He
    smilesatmeandsay s,

    "Ihopeyougood?"i
    nal owvoi
    ce.Oohokay
    ,isi
    tme
    orisNkosiact
    ingdi
    ffer
    ent.

    "Iaskedyouaquest i
    onandyouaren'
    treply
    ingme."I
    saytohim.Ir eal
    izepeopl
    elooki
    ngatusandt hat'
    s
    whenIdeci deont aki
    nghimtosomepr ivat
    eplace
    wecoul dtalkabouthimlooki
    ngli
    kethat.

    "
    Come!Weneedtotal
    kinpr
    ivate.
    "Isayt
    ohim.Itr
    y
    t
    ohol
    dhishandbuthehi
    desitbehindhi
    m andsay
    s

    "Ihavet
    oleav
    e."Hest
    epstotheot
    hersi
    de,
    waves
    hishandatmeandhewalksawaywit
    hSchevand
    Br
    endonbehi
    ndhi
    m.
    Il
    ookatSchevandhei sjustlooki
    ngf orwardal
    ong
    wi
    t hBrendon.I
    t'
    sasifam notevenher e.Peopl
    e
    makewayf ort
    hem topassandwhi spersstar
    ttoget
    l
    oudast heypointathi
    mt henlookatmei npityi
    ng
    eyes.

    Myhear
    t.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er42

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Iwatchhim walkawayfr
    om me, notev
    enl ooki
    ng
    backatall
    .Itr
    ytocallhi
    snamebutmyt onguestops
    mef r
    om utt
    eringthewords.Howcanhedot hatt
    o
    me?Hi sThando?
    DoIdeser
    vet
    hisf
    ort
    urni
    ngawayf
    rom hi
    m whi
    l
    e
    ev
    ery
    onet
    oldmenott
    o?
    Butwhy ?Iwashur t,Iwasi
    npainthatmylovehad
    kil
    ledmyf ather.HowwasItojustacceptitj
    ustl
    i
    ke
    thatasifitwasnot hi
    ng?Am pret
    tysureanyone
    elsecouldhav edonewhatIdi
    daf t
    erfi
    ndingout
    such.
    Assoonashef adesaway ,Iclenchont omybagand
    quickl
    ywal koutoft hehospi tal,l
    eav i
    ngpeopl ewith
    rhetor
    icalquestions.Igeti ntomycar ,
    putmybagat
    thebackandj ustsitint hecar .Thisjusthast obe
    thewor stday.FirstitwasSabel oandnow, i
    t'
    sNkosi .
    Whyi slif
    ebeingsocr ueltowar dsme?Ishoul dn'
    t
    havemov edtoSandt onbecauseIwoul dn'thavemet
    those2.Ist ar
    tmycar ,r
    eadyt odr i
    v eofftoRose's
    apartmentbutNer si
    acomesr unning,wavingatme
    tostop.Iswi t
    chof ft heengi neandopenmywi ndow,
    withasmi l
    eonmyf ace.

    "
    hey
    !"shegr
    eet
    s,br
    eat
    hingoutl
    oudl
    y.

    "
    Hey
    ,what
    sup?
    "
    Shel
    eansonthecar,sti
    llt
    ryi
    ngtomel
    lowout."
    Do
    youwannagooutforlunchwithme?
    "sheasks.

    "
    Ooh,
    eishumm.
    ."

    "
    comeonThando,wehav en'tspokeninareal
    lyl
    ong
    t
    ime.Weneedtohaveluncht oget
    her.I
    t'
    seit
    her
    l
    unchordi
    nnersochoose."shepleads.

    "Okayfi
    ne.Wewil
    lhavelunch.You'
    l
    ltel
    l mewhi ch
    rest
    aurantt
    omeetup."Isaywithasmile.Shenods
    herheadandtur
    nstowardsthehospit
    al andruns
    back.
    Ist
    il
    lhav
    e3hour
    sunt
    ill
    unchsoRose'
    sapar
    tmenti
    t
    i
    s..
    ..
    .
    Iclosemywindowandjustpl
    ayoneofH.
    I.
    M.'
    s
    albumsthatIal
    way
    splaywheneverIf
    eel
    li
    ket
    his.

    Iknockonherdoort
    wiceandSi
    hle'
    squeenopensi
    t,
    herbell
    ynowr eal
    lypoppingout.Forher5thmont h,
    i
    t'
    swayt obig.Hereyessparkl
    easshescr ut
    anizes
    meandshepul l
    smet oherlevelandgivesmea
    superti
    ghthug.Ihugherback, gi
    ggli
    ngandshe
    breaksfr
    om thehug,looksupatmeagai nwit
    hher
    l
    ipscurvedup.Shetouchesmef ace,
    andpullsme
    i
    ntohertighthugagain.
    "
    Didy
    oumi
    ssmet
    hatmuch?
    !"Isayl
    aughi
    ng.

    "Yes!
    !Imi ssedyousomuchThando! "sher epli
    es,
    nowpul li
    ngmei ntot
    heapar t
    ment .Shecl osesthe
    doorbehi ndherandshepullsmet ot hecouch.I
    helpherof ft
    hewheelchai
    r,setti
    nghernextt owher e
    Iwantt ositandshegazesatmef oral ongtimeand
    Ilookaway .WhenIlookback,shei sn'tsmili
    ng
    anymor e.Shehasablankexpressiont hatIcan't
    readatall.Myeyesrunawayf rom her sasIcannow
    readev er
    ywor donthatbl
    ankf ace.Iletoutasigh
    andal ookdown.

    "
    Iknow,
    Ishoul
    dhav
    etol
    dyouwhyIbr
    oket
    he
    engagementbutIdi dn'
    tknowhowt otel
    lyou.How
    wasItot el
    lyout hatyourbrot
    herkil
    l
    edmyf ather
    whil
    ey ouarei nsuchacondi t
    ion?
    "Isayplayi
    ngmy
    hands.Shest art
    sr ubbi
    ngmybackasmyey es
    becomegl ossy .

    "Ir
    eallyl
    ov ethef actt hatyoucar eaboutmebuty ou
    shouldhav etoldmeandIcoul dhavestoppedal l
    thi
    sdr amat hat'
    shappeni ng.I fitwasn'
    tforyour
    mot herandy oursi sterscomi ngher efewweeksago,
    Iwasnev ergoingt oknow.Ev enSihlekepti
    tfrom
    me.Iwasact uallyhur tevenmor ebyyouguys
    keepingitfrom me. "shesay s.Somydear est
    mot heral
    ongwi thmysi sterscameaf ewweeksago
    becauset heywant edt oknocksomesensei ntomy
    headbutaf terfindingoutt hatIhadmov edoutof
    theapartment ,shef l
    i
    ppedandwel l,
    theNkosiissue
    sli
    ppedf r
    om hert onguewhi leRosewasi nt
    her oom.

    "
    Am sorr
    yRose."Iapol
    ogi
    ze.Sheput
    sherhandon
    mineandsqueezesit
    .
    "
    It
    'sokaybutIhav
    eaquest
    ionf
    ory
    ouThando.
    "

    "Whatisi
    t?"shemov
    esev
    enclosetome,st
    il
    l
    hol
    dingmyhandandswaysherheadl
    eft
    .
    "Don'
    tyoulovemybr ot
    herenought
    ol ookpasthi
    s
    pastmist
    ake?"sheasks.Herquest
    ionstri
    keshome
    butIhi
    deitandjustsni
    ff.

    "That'
    swhyam her eRose.Sigh**Ibumpedi nto
    Nkosi atthehospit
    alandhewasi naterri
    ble
    conditi
    on.WhenIaskedwhathappened, hekepton
    brushingmyquest i
    onof fandi
    tseemedasi fhewas
    dist
    ant .I
    thurtmeal otandam justgett
    ingmi xed
    feel
    ings,"Irecount
    ,rememberingwhathappened.

    "Ihav
    ebeent ryi
    ngsohar dt
    of or
    giv
    ehi mthiswhol e
    monthbutev eryt
    imeItri
    edtodoso, something
    wouldjustpullmebackandIwoul djusthat
    ehi m al
    l
    overagain.Butatthesametime,Iwouldmi sshim
    andhopet hathewashere.Aft
    erseei
    nghi
    mtodayi
    n
    thatcondit
    ionandhimignor
    ingme,Iwashur
    tandI
    sti
    llam hur
    ting.
    "It
    ell
    Rose.

    "Okayhol
    dont othatthought
    .Ihaveanot
    her
    questi
    on,hav
    ey oueveraskedyoursel
    fwhyyourso
    call
    edbestfr
    iendissoconcernedaboutyou?
    "

    "
    Well
    ,hejustcar
    esaboutmeIguessandhej
    ust
    want
    sthebestforme.
    "

    "Bestf oryou?Oohr eal


    ly?Okayt hen,
    hasheev er
    askedy outoforgi
    v eNkosisincehewant sthebest
    foryou?becausehesur elyshouldknowbynowt hat
    youl oveNkosi?"sheasks, hereyessur v
    eyingme.
    Myey esgooglear oundtheroom asIt hi
    nkofthe
    advicet hatSabelogavemeandwhathappened
    today .IlookatRoseandsher ai
    sesherbr ow,
    waitingf ormyreply.
    "
    Wellnotreal
    ly
    ,headv i
    cedmet or
    atherstayaway
    f
    rom Nkosibecausewhati fhehadotherplanst
    okil
    l
    meormyf amily.Buthealsosaidthati
    twasupt o
    mewhetherIwant edtoforgiv
    ehim ornot
    ."

    "
    Any
    thi
    ngel
    se?
    "

    "Roseam conf
    usedokay!Sabeloalsoconfessedhi
    s
    l
    ov eformeandwhenItoldhimt hatam i
    nlovewit
    h
    someoneelse,hef
    li
    pped..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "Therewego! !!
    !Thandoy ouar esonai ve.Can'tyou
    seet hatt
    hisbestf riendofyour sjustwant syoual l
    tohimself?Hecl ear l
    ygavey out hatadv i
    cejustto
    confusey ouandmakey ouhat eNkosi evenmor e.
    Andf rom whatIam seei ng,youar el
    iteral
    lygi
    v i
    ng
    him everysingl
    et hinghewant s.Imean, y
    oumov ed
    i
    ntohi shouse,youguy sareonev erypaperandon
    socialmedi aandy ouar egrowi ngcloserandcl oser
    byeachpassi ngday .Youaregi vingittohim ona
    sil
    verplate.Heonl yshowedy out hatvideobecause
    hewantedyoutobr
    eakupwi thNkosiThando!Thi
    nk
    gi
    rl
    !Every
    onecanseethatexceptyou.
    "shesays,
    poi
    nti
    ngatme.

    "
    ButRose,
    whati
    fhejusthappenedt
    ofal
    li
    nlov
    efor
    mealongt
    heway?"

    "AiiThando,am honest l
    ygoingtocall Si
    hleandt el
    l
    himt ocomebeaty ouupunt il
    youcomet oyour
    senses.Foradoct ory ouaresurelystupid.No
    offensebuty ouar eact i
    ngstupidandi t'
    sirr
    it
    ati
    ng
    me.Am nott elli
    ngy outhisbecauseNkosi i
    smy
    brother.Am tell
    i
    ngy outhisbecausey ouar emy
    sisterandeveryonei sworri
    edabouty ou.Whydon' t
    youev erasky ourselfwhyy ourfamilyhasf orgi
    ven
    Nkosi ?Whytheyar eagai nstSabelo?Doy ouknow
    howhappyweal lwer eafterfi
    ndingoutt hatNkosi
    wasbacki nSout hAf ri
    ca?"

    "
    Youguy
    sknew?
    "
    "
    Yourbrot
    her
    sdi
    dn'
    tst
    opsear
    chi
    ngf
    orhi
    m soy
    es,
    weknew."
    Il
    ookaway
    ,ev
    enmor
    econf
    usednow.

    "St
    opov erthi
    nkingt hislove.Nkosi lov
    esy ouand
    yououtofal l
    peopleknowt hat.Stopsuppr essing
    yourloveforhim andt ryi
    ngt ojustifyi
    tbythepast .
    Andasf orhimignor ingy ouatt hehospital
    , asshit
    ty
    asImaysound, youdeser vei
    t.Youcan' texpecthim
    toalwayschaseaf tery ouThandoandsaysor r
    yov er
    andov eragai
    n.Ifyoudon' tfi
    xy oursel
    fsoon, youwi l
    l
    l
    osehi m.Fixyourselfgirl.
    "
    Iputmypal m onmyf or
    ehead,t
    ryi
    ngtodigest
    Rose'swor dsthathitmehard.Whyam Ionly
    real
    iz
    ingal lt
    histodaybutIhavebeeni
    gnoranttoi
    t
    allmonth.IfeelRose'sar
    mswr appi
    ngaroundme
    andsheki ssesmycheek.
    "Iwantyoutocally
    ourfamilyfi
    rstandapol
    ogizefor
    beingacunt.Then,l
    eav
    et hi
    sfri
    endshipofyours
    withSabel
    o.It'
    snotworthit
    ."
    "ThankyouRosef
    ort
    headv
    ice.Ir
    eal
    l
    yneededt
    hat
    ."
    Isaytoher.

    "
    Sodoy
    ouwantsomet
    hingt
    oeat
    ?"sheasks.

    "Yesplease,am hungryashel l!
    "Isay.Rosecall
    sout
    tosomeoneandsomeshor tchubbygirlweari
    nga
    maiduniform popsup.Shegr eetsmeandRoset el
    l
    s
    hertomakemeacheesesandwi chwithcoff
    ee.As
    sheturnsback, It
    akemyphonef rom mybagandI
    seeanot i
    ficat
    ion.Ihurri
    edlyunlockmyphone,
    hopingthatit'
    sNkosi butit
    '
    sj ustSabelo.

    Canwepleasetalkaboutwhathappenedi
    nthe
    morni
    ng.You'
    ll
    findmehome.

    Af
    terreadi
    ngit
    ,Iputmyphonebacki
    nmybag,
    di
    sappoint
    ed.
    "Soenoughaboutme,
    what
    supwi
    thy
    ougi
    rl
    ?!
    "I
    excl
    aim.
    "Am awesomebabez,j
    ustcan'
    twai
    ttogivebir
    th
    becauseam ti
    redoft
    hispr
    egnancy
    ."shesays,
    rol
    li
    nghereyes.

    "YeaIcanseethat,l
    ookaty
    ouall
    dressedupli
    kea
    grandma."It
    ease,pi
    cki
    ngupherfl
    orall
    oosedr
    ess
    withmyonef i
    ngerandshehit
    smyf i
    nger.

    "VoetsekThando!(pi
    ssof
    f)"Il
    aughatherasshe
    givesmeadi rt
    ylook.

    "Butatl
    eastyougotawholemant hatmassages
    yourfeetandyourwholebodywheny ouneedone.
    Let'
    snotforgett
    heotherthi
    ngst
    hatheal sodoes.
    "I
    saytoherchuckli
    ng,st
    icki
    ngmytongueout .
    "Yhooochomi e,
    y ourbrother'
    shandsar emagi c,y
    ou
    knowwhatmagi cis?That '
    syourbrother.Especi
    all
    y
    whenhemassagesmyback! !
    !!
    !!Fadagawdhel p
    me!!!
    !!
    !!Andwhatot herstuffar
    ey outalkingabout?
    Am pregnantbabygi rlandIcan'tbeouther e
    shagginghim al
    ready ,
    hewi l
    ldumpme! "shegushes
    andwel aughoutl oud.

    "okayIgetthatandmysister
    !Mymotheralway
    s
    compar edpapa'smassagi
    ngski
    l
    lst
    oSi hl
    e'
    s
    becauseSihlelovedmassagi
    ngmymom whenhe
    wasy oung.
    "Isayt oher
    .

    "Yourmot hergavebir
    thtoaGody hoo!
    "shesays
    l
    aughing.Imi ssedhavingthismuchf un.Rosei
    sjust
    l
    ikemysi stersandIcan'twaittofinal
    lytal
    ktot
    hem
    andsortoutt hiswholesit
    uationthatIhaveput
    my sel
    fin.IjusthopethatIgetthem backandbe
    happylikeIusedt obeforethiswhiledrama.

    Whydi
    dSabel
    ohav
    etof
    indoutaboutt
    heki
    l
    li
    ngand
    showthevi
    deotome?I fi
    twasn'
    tforhi
    m,Icoul
    d
    havebeenhappynotknowi
    ngatall
    .

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

    "
    Heygi
    rl
    !"Isayt
    oner
    isa,
    taki
    ngaseatonourt
    abl
    e.

    "
    Hybaby,
    Ihopey
    ouaregood?
    "shesay
    stome,
    l
    ooki
    nggl
    owyasalway
    s.

    "
    Am super
    bhey
    .Andy
    ou?
    "

    "
    Am amazi
    ngbaby
    ,am l
    i
    vingabl
    essedl
    i
    fe.
    "she
    r
    epl
    i
    es.

    "Icanseethat
    .Hav eyouorderedyourf
    ood?"Iask
    her,asthewai
    tercomeswi thmymenu.Itakeit
    from hi
    m andplaceitont
    het abl
    e.
    "
    Yes.
    "respondsNer
    isa.

    "Okay,l
    etmeor dersomething.CanIpleasehavethe
    greeksaladwithgri
    ll
    edchickenandacosmopol it
    an
    cocktai
    l.Thankyou,
    "Isaytot hewai
    ter.Hewalks
    awayt othekit
    chenandIlookatNer i
    sasmi l
    i
    ng.

    "
    Sohowi
    sthebi
    gfami
    l
    ydoi
    ng?
    "

    "Theyareal
    lgoodhey,
    thechildr
    enaredoingwel
    lin
    schoolandbywell
    Imean, Ihavegonetoallt
    hei
    r
    pri
    zegivi
    ngdaysbyinv
    itat
    ion,
    "shesayssmili
    ng.

    "
    Ooohreal
    l
    y,t
    hat
    'sgreat
    !Oohmygosh!Youshoul
    d
    i
    nvi
    temetooneofthem."Isayt
    oher
    .

    "Iwil
    l
    .Shani
    kareal
    l
    ymissesyout
    hough,
    sheis
    alwaysaski
    ngwhenshewil
    lgobackt
    oauntand
    uncl
    e'
    shouse.
    "

    "Ncaaaw,Iwill
    comet akeherf ort
    heholi
    day
    s.Ooh
    andmymot heronceaskedifshecouldmaybehave
    thechil
    drenoverforsomeholidaysorsomet
    hing.
    "I
    say.

    "Sur
    e,theyaresti
    ll
    yourki
    dsThandosoy oudon'
    t
    havetoaskforthem.Am justbabysi
    tt
    ingt
    hem i
    f
    youmaycal l
    itthat
    ."

    "
    Ophst
    opi
    t,t
    heyar
    eyourki
    ds.
    "Isayt
    ohergi
    ggl
    i
    ng.

    "
    Sohowarey
    ou?Howar
    ethi
    ngsgoi
    ng?
    "asks
    Ner
    isa.

    "
    Am goodbabe,j
    ustgoi
    ngt
    hroughal
    otatt
    he
    moment.
    "Isay.
    "Ihav
    er eal
    i
    zed.Ihear
    dyouandSabel
    oar
    enowa
    couple.
    "
    "Nowearen'
    t.Hei
    sjusthel
    pingmewi
    thwhatam
    cur
    rent
    lyf
    aci
    ng."

    "
    Andwhati
    sthati
    fyoudon'
    tmi
    ndmeaski
    ng?
    "

    "
    Iwoul
    drat
    hernott
    alkabouti
    t.
    "Ir
    epl
    yNer
    isa.

    "Oohplease.Yout al
    ki
    ngabouti tnowwon'
    tchange
    anyt
    hingsoj ustj
    usttalkt
    ome.Am notasni tchand
    youknowi t.
    "saysNer i
    sa,hol
    dingupafi
    nger.I
    wouldn'
    tsayIdon' tt
    rustNeri
    sabutIdon'
    tl
    iketell
    i
    ng
    peoplemybusi ness.

    "
    Nerisal
    et'
    snott
    alkabouti
    tpl
    ease.
    "Ipl
    eadandshe
    r
    aisesadismi
    ssi
    vehand.

    "
    Okayt
    henbutl
    etmet
    ell
    yousomet
    hingokay
    ?
    Sabelodoesn'
    tl
    ikeyouasafri
    end.Thatguyi
    s
    obsessedoveryousowatchout.
    "

    "
    Whatmakesy
    ousayso?
    "

    "Wellbeforey oucamet owor katt hehospi tal,


    Sabelohadsomuchmoodswi ngsandhewasshor t
    temper ed,andaf ewpeopl eatt hehospi talsai dhe
    nevertreatedhiswi f
    eright.Aftery ourar r
    ival,he
    changed, hismoodswi ngsbecamel essandl ess
    shorttemper ed.Whenev eryouar ear oundhi m, heis
    achangedper sonbutassoonasy oul eave, he
    becomest hismonster.SoIt houghtIshoul dwar n
    youasmyf ri
    end.Watchout ,Sabel oisn'twhathe
    clai
    mst obe."saysNerisa.Istartconnect i
    ngt he
    dotsinmyhead, from whatmyf amilyhasbeen
    tell
    i
    ngme, whatRoset oldmet odayandwhatNer i
    sa
    i
    st ell
    i
    ngmenow.
    Ever
    yoner
    eal
    lyi
    sagai
    nstthi
    sfri
    endshi
    pofour
    sand
    Iam t
    heonl
    yonewhoistoobli
    ndtoseeit
    .
    Ineedt
    otal
    ktoauntt
    oday
    .

    Ourlunchcar ri
    esonaswecat chuponev eryt
    hing
    thathasbeenhappeni ngandIcan'tsaymydayhas
    beenterri
    ble.It
    'sact
    uall
    ybeenokayandf orsome
    reason,If
    eel happyandIfeel
    solight,l
    i
    keabur den
    hasbeenl i
    ftedfrom myshoulder
    s.
    Afterl
    unch,Il
    eavef
    orthecli
    nictoseehow
    everyt
    hingi
    sandIheadbackt oSabelo'
    shouse.I
    parkmycaront hedri
    vewayandi not
    iceSabel
    o'scar,
    al
    ongwi thsomeothercarIdon'
    tknow.Mustbehi s
    vi
    sitor
    .
    Iwalkint
    othehouseandnot i
    ceal
    otofguar
    ds,
    standi
    nginthehousethenanoldwomansit
    ti
    ngon
    thecouch,watchi
    ngKeepingupwi
    ththe
    Kardashi
    ans.

    Iputmybagont hetableandwal kt
    otheladybutam
    stoppedbyoneoft heguar dswhohasscratchesall
    overhisface.Hi
    swel lbui
    ltbodymakeshiml ook
    i
    ntimidat
    ingandhisser i
    ousf acemakeshi
    m ev en
    mor
    escary.Il
    ookatmeashel
    ooksatmeandIt
    ry
    t
    ospeakbuthebeatsme.

    "Andwhoar eyou?"hi
    sdeeproughvoicegivesme
    goosebumpsasIl ookawayfr
    om him.Iturnmyey es
    tothewomanwhohasst oodupfrom thecouchand
    shecall
    st heguar
    dwhomov esoutofmyway .The
    l
    adywal kstomeandt ugsmeintoahugt hatl
    eaves
    mequizzing.
    Iwantt opushherof fbutIdon' twanttobe
    disrespectful.Shef i
    nallyletsgoofmeandIgeta
    goodl ookather .Shei sar atherstoutbutat t
    racti
    ve
    mi ddleagedwomanwhoi sremar kabl
    ygownedas
    royalty.Herlightskincompl i
    ment sherhazel nut
    coloredey esandasf orherhai r,i
    tdoesn'tlookli
    kea
    blackper son'shairatal l
    .Shel ooksexactlyli
    ke
    Sabel obutt hefemal eol derv ersi
    onofSabel o.Igi
    ve
    herashysmi leandshegi vesmeahugesmi le.

    "
    YoumustbeThando.
    ..
    ."shesay
    s.
    "Uum y
    esma, Iam.Idon'
    tmeant
    obedi
    srespect
    ful
    butyouar
    e?"Iaskher.

    "Am Sabel
    o'smother
    , Mr
    sLeratoVil
    akazi.
    "shesay
    s,
    giv
    ingmeherhandf orahandshake.Ishakeher
    hand,nerv
    ousashell.Whydi
    dn'tt
    hatdumbasst el
    l
    met hathi
    smotherwasgoingtobeher e?

    "Socome,Iwantyout ot
    ellmeeveryt
    hingaboutyou,
    anyt
    hingandeveryt
    hing!
    "sheexcl
    aims.Shetakes
    myhandandt akesmet othecouchwherewesi t
    andIjustl
    ookather.

    "Sorr
    ymabutIcameher et
    ojustpi
    ckupmyst
    uff
    .I
    needtoleav
    eifyoudon'
    tmind.
    "Isayt
    oher
    ,
    standi
    ngupbutshedragsmebackdown.

    "What?!Idomind!Youcan'
    tleav
    ey et,
    Ijustmet
    you."shesay
    s,sti
    llsmi
    l
    ing.Nooffensebuthersmi
    l
    e
    creepsmeout .
    "Sorr
    ymabutIneedtoleavei
    fyoudon'
    tmind.
    "as
    am aboutt
    ost
    andup, Sabel
    ostandsi
    nfr
    ontofme
    withasmil
    eonhisface.

    "
    Love?Wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng?
    ""heasksi
    nahoney
    ed
    v
    oice.
    Lov
    e?Si
    ncewhendoesSabel
    ocal
    lmel
    ove.

    "Umm Ineedtogogetmyst
    ufffr
    om upst
    airs,am
    mov i
    ngbacktomyapart
    ment.
    "Irepl
    yhi
    m, giv
    ing
    him ahar
    dface.

    "
    Butwhy
    ?"hei
    nter
    rogat
    es.

    "Canwet al
    kinpri
    vatepl
    ease?"Iwhi
    sper.Hetel
    ls
    hismot hertoexcuseusandweheadst r
    aighttothe
    studyroom.Af t
    erhelocksthedoor,
    Itur
    nt ohi
    m,
    foldi
    ngmyar ms.
    "
    Lov
    e?"Isaywi
    thapuzzl
    edf
    ace.

    "Yes,y
    ouaremylovear
    en'
    tyou?
    "Ij
    ustr
    oll
    myey
    es
    athim andsi
    tont
    hedesk.
    "Li
    stenher e,Ineedt oleave."Isaytohi m."Ican't
    stayher eknowi ngt haty ouhav efeeli
    ngsf ormeso
    am goi ngt omov ebackt omyapar tment .
    "Icontinue.
    Sabel olooksatme, scrunchinghisheadwhi l
    e
    rubbinghi sf
    or ehead.Het akesbigst epst othedesk
    am si t
    tingonandhegr i
    psthear m ofthechai r
    ,sits
    downandput shi scr ossedfeetont het abl
    e.Istand
    upfrom t hedeskandwhi r
    laroundt ofacehi m and
    therehei sagai n,themanImeti nthemor ni
    ng.Dar k
    andl ooksemot ionless.Hepr opshi schinusinghi s
    handashegl ar esatmeasi fheispl anning
    somet hi ngterrible.

    "
    IsitbecauseofNkosi?"heasksi
    nascarytone.I
    f
    oldmyar ms, t
    il
    ti
    ngmyheadt omyrightandheave
    asi
    gh, l
    ookingattheceil
    i
    ngforashortmomentthen
    backathi
    m.

    "Nkosiornot ,
    Ineedtol
    eaveSabel o.
    "Isaytohim
    buthegi vesabitt
    erl
    aughwhi l
    eslammi nghi
    shand
    onthet able,
    makingaloudbangingsound.Ir ai
    se
    mybr owsathi m,notst
    art
    ledatallbutsurpr
    isedby
    thefactthathehasbeenhidingthissi
    deofhi s.

    Hisbr eathingrat
    equi ckensashej umpsupt ohis
    feet,forci
    nghi shandsi ntohispockets.Hi schests
    fallsandr iseswit
    hr apidbr eathi
    ngandt henhef l
    i
    ps
    thet abl
    e, whichfallsupsi dedownandt henhewal ks
    asf astashecant ome, reachi
    ngmebef oreIcould
    evenmov eoutoft hedi recti
    onshei scomi ngin.He
    j
    er ksmyheadi nt hedi r
    ect i
    onofhi seyesandhi s
    noseexhal eshotai r
    .Nowam f r
    eakingout .Why
    didn'tIbringmyphoneandgunal ong.Ilookathim
    i
    nf r
    ightast heSabel oIknewt urnsint
    osomedar k
    version.
    "Nev
    erdidIev
    erthi
    nkIwoul
    dcometothi
    sbutyou
    aret
    est
    ingme.Ihavewai
    tedwayt
    oolongfory
    ou
    andam notaboutt
    olety
    ougoj
    ustl
    i
    ket
    hat
    ."he
    j
    abbs.

    "Sabeloyoubet terr
    espectme! "Ir
    epl
    yhim buthe
    picksmeupwi thmyt hroatandbeforeIknowit,
    am
    ont heothersideofther oom onthefl
    oorwithmy
    headbangi ng.Irubthebackofmyhead, t
    ryi
    ngto
    getupbuthest andsont opofmeandpushesme
    downt henslapsahandov ermycheek.

    "Nowy oul i
    stenandy oul ist
    ent omev erywell
    ,i
    fyou
    l
    eav eme, Iwill
    kil
    l t
    hatst upidNkosi ofyour
    s.Ihave
    connectionsev er
    ywher eandIcaneasi l
    ykil
    lhi
    mj ust
    l
    ikethat.Youunder standme! !
    !"hejabbs.Am notthe
    weakty pe,am thetypet hatfightsbackandam not
    will
    i
    ngt olosetot hi
    sbast ar
    dofaman.Ispi ti
    nhis
    faceandst artl
    aughinguncont rol
    labl
    ybuthegives
    meonemor eslap.

    "
    IknowheisbackinSouthAf
    ricaandasf
    orthose
    i
    njur
    ieshegot
    ,Iwonderwher
    ehegotthem because
    Iwoul
    dn'
    tmi
    ndaddi
    ngonsomemor
    e."hesay
    s,
    gri
    nni
    ng.

    "
    youev
    ilsonofbi
    tch!
    "

    "Sonofabi tchornot ,
    y oumaket hedecision,leave
    meandl oset heloveofy ourl
    i
    feorst aywi thmeand
    l
    ethiml i
    ve."hesay s."oohandify outel
    lanysoul ,I
    havemenwor ki
    ngaty ourmother'shouseandt hey
    saytheyarer eadytobombherhousedown.Your
    brot
    hers'businesses,Icanmaket hem crumbl ein
    j
    ustonesnap, "hesay swi t
    hagrinonhi sf ace.He
    pull
    smyf acecl osertohisbyforce,squeezi ngmy
    cheeks.
    "I
    tsuptoyout
    ochooseapat
    hmydear estl
    oveor
    shoul
    dIsaymybeaut
    if
    ul-
    whi
    te-
    rose.
    "hewhisper
    s
    sl
    owlyinmyear.

    Whatt
    hef
    uckdi
    dIj
    ustgetmy
    sel
    fint
    o..
    ..
    ..
    .
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    "It
    oldherevery
    thi
    ngIknowaboutSabel
    osoit'
    snow
    uptoherifshewil
    lbel
    ievemeornot.
    "saysNeri
    sa,
    dri
    nkinghercupofcof
    fee.
    "Ihopeshedoes."saysSi
    hle.Ilookatthepeoplei
    n
    theroom andIjustf
    eelwarmi nside,y
    esam
    emot i
    onalbutIj
    usthidei
    tbehindt hescar
    yface.

    "Shewill
    ,shecameher eear
    li
    ertotel
    lmeabouther
    l
    itt
    lesit
    uationanditseemsSabelohasconf
    essed
    hislov
    ef orher.
    "saysRosewhocomesi nonher
    wheelchair
    .

    "
    Awu,youareawake?"Isay.Si
    hlehelpshergetup
    f
    rom t
    hewheelchai
    randhelpshersitonthecouch.
    Hesi
    tsnexttoherandholdsherhandwhi l
    esmili
    ng,
    l
    ooki
    ngather.Whenismyqueengoi ngtocome
    backsothatwecouldal
    sosi
    tnextt
    oeachotherl
    i
    ke
    thi
    s.Roselooksatmeandfr
    ownsthent
    urnstoSi
    hle.

    "Youshoul
    dn'
    thavehi
    thi
    m Sihl
    e.Lookathi
    m, he
    l
    ookslikeaper
    sonwhohasbeenhi tby3tr
    ucks.
    "
    shewhinesandhi
    tshi
    slap.

    "Okayam sor r
    ymyl ovef
    orhi t
    ti
    ngy ourbr
    otherbutI
    hadto."repl
    iesSihle.Hekisseshercheekandshe
    star
    tsgiggli
    ng.Iclearmyt hroatforthem t
    ostopthi
    s
    romanticepisodeoft hei
    rsbutt heydon'
    tstopup
    unti
    lZi
    phowal ksinandhitsSihlewi t
    hapill
    ow.

    "
    Bafo,
    it'
    snotmyf
    aul
    tyoudon'
    thav
    eawoman.
    "
    j
    okesSihl
    e.

    "Shutupwena,whosaidIwantawoman?Women
    areannoyi
    ngandIcertai
    nlydon'
    thav
    eti
    mef
    or
    them."r
    epl
    iesZipho.
    "Forexample,lookatNkosi '
    sdepressingli
    fe.Who
    wantsthis?"continuesZiphoandev er
    yonebur sts
    outlaughingexcludingme.IsizeZiphoandj ustcli
    ck
    myt ongueathi m, Idon'
    thaveener
    gyf orhi
    m. .
    ...

    "SoRose, yousaidsomethingaboutherbei nghere,"


    Isay,putti
    ngmybackont hecouch.RosenodsandI
    rubmyf orehead."Wewer eactuall
    yli
    steningtoy our
    conversati
    onandam gladt hatyouspoket oherbut
    theproblem i
    s,howdoweknowt hatal
    l t
    hiswi l
    l
    pushherawayf r
    om Sabeloandclosertome? "Iask.

    "See,i
    fyouconti
    nuenotent er
    taini
    ngher,
    shewill
    real
    izehowmuchy oumeant oherandthatwil
    lforce
    herintocomingtoy ouandofferi
    ngtomay bef
    orget
    aboutthepastandi twi
    llal
    sohelpbecauseshewill
    furt
    herseehowt oxicSabel
    ois."saysNeri
    sa.

    "Exactl
    y!
    "saysRose."
    ButIwouldadviceyouguy
    sto
    keepanopeney eonherbecausefrom whatNer
    isa
    toldus,Sabel
    oseemskindofinsane.
    "
    "True.Weneedsomeonet owor
    kf orusinter
    nal l
    yso
    thatweknowwhat '
    sgoingonbecausewecan' tkeep
    odependi ngonherphoneandlapt op.
    "Isay.Weal l
    simultaneousl
    yletoutsi
    ghsandthenZiphost arts
    smi r
    king.

    "
    Ner
    isa,
    yousai
    dhehasabr
    otherr
    ight
    ?"

    "
    YesIdi
    d."

    "
    Andt
    hathel
    oveswomen?
    "

    "
    Yep.
    "

    "Problem sol
    ved.Wewil
    lj
    ustlooksoaseductiv
    e
    younggi r
    landhookthem up.Al
    lwehavetodonow
    i
    sf indoutmor ei
    nfor
    mati
    onont hebr
    other
    ."says
    Zipho.
    "Goodidea.Okayt
    henpeopl e,
    Ipr
    ayandhopethatit
    worksbecauseIhatei
    gnoringmywoman.It'
    smy
    worstnight
    mare,i
    nfact
    ,it
    'smyhellonear
    th.
    "Isay.I
    takeoutmyphoneandf i
    nd23mi ssedcal
    l
    sfrom
    Brendon.What'
    supnow.

    "Excusemeguy s,Brendoniscalli
    ng."Isay,tr
    yingto
    standup.Ili
    mpt othekitchenandcal lBrendonand
    themomentIsayhel l
    o,hisinst
    antreplyhasme
    runningoutoftheapartmentasi fam insane,wit
    h
    ZiphoandSihlerunningbehindme.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er43

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Igl
    areathi
    m,wi
    de-
    eyedanddumbf
    oundedwi
    thhi
    m
    l
    ooki
    ngatmewi
    tht
    hegr
    inonhi
    sface.

    "Okayf
    ine,
    I'
    ll
    stay
    .Justdon'
    thur
    tany
    one.
    "Isayt
    o
    him.

    "
    Goodgir
    l!
    "herepl
    i
    es,
    standi
    nguppr
    oper
    lyand
    f
    ixi
    nghi
    mself
    .
    "Sothisi
    showevery
    thi
    ngisgoi
    ngtogo."say
    s
    Sabelo,t
    urni
    nghi
    swholebodyar
    ound.
    Fool
    !Doesheser
    iousl
    ythi
    nkt
    hatam ani
    diot
    ?
    Istandonmyheel squi etlyaspossi ble, r
    eachingf or
    hisarm andt hat
    swhenIgr abit,puti tinbet weenmy
    l
    egsandbr eakit.Asat i
    sfyingcr unchofhi sar m
    bonehi t
    smyear s.Themomenthet urnsar ound,
    screamingi nagonizingpai n,Ithrowmyf i
    stinaf ast
    j
    oltwhichhi tsSabelo'schest .Whenhest artslosi
    ng
    balance,It
    riphim withmyl eftfootbuthet ri
    esto
    holdtomewhi chhef ai
    ls.Hef allstot hegr ound,
    screamingi nagonizingpai n.Het ri
    est ohitmebutI
    blockhim andhi thi
    m onhi sshoul deront hemost
    sensi
    ti
    veboneoft
    hebody
    ,maki
    nghi
    m passout
    .
    Bit
    chthoughthehadme. ..
    ..
    .Nx.Justbecausehe'
    s
    buffandhuge,itdoesn'
    tmeanhecanj ustscar
    eme.
    Am aMdl et
    shedescendantandnoMdl etshe
    descendantgoesdownwi thoutafi
    ght.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .
    Itakehisphone,putiti
    nmypocketandIcl osehis
    mout hwit
    hat ape.Iunplaitoneofmybr ai
    dsand
    useittoti
    ehisarmsandl egs.Ifhetr
    iestomove,
    thebrai
    dswi l
    lcuthim soy eah.Notsostupi
    dafter
    allr
    ight
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

    Il
    eavethestudyandlocki
    t,gotomyr oom,packall
    myclothesandgodownstairswher
    ehi smotheri
    s.
    Whenshespot sme,shestandsupfast,r
    unningt
    o
    mewi t
    hasmi lebutwhensheseesthebags,she
    fr
    owns.

    "
    Hau!Mychi
    l
    d,wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng?
    "sheasks.

    "
    Am goi
    ngbackt
    omyapar
    tmentma,
    mymot
    heri
    s
    comingov ert
    oseemesoIdon'
    twantherfi
    nding
    outthatam curr
    ent
    lyst
    ayi
    ngwi
    thaman."Isayto
    her,
    smi l
    ing.

    "Oohokaymychi
    ld.Wher
    eisSabel
    o?Heshoul
    d
    dri
    veyoutoy
    ourapart
    ment.
    "

    "Noma!I t
    'sfi
    ne,I
    'l
    ldrivemy self.Sabelosaidhehas
    toworksoi t
    'sfi
    ne."Isaytoher ,tryi
    ngnott oact
    suspi
    cious."
    Iwillhavemyl eav enow, "Isaytoher.
    Shegivesmeahugwhi lesayinghergoodby es.

    Irushoutoft
    hehousebef
    oresomeonef
    indsSabel
    o,
    getint
    omycaranddriv
    eoff.
    Whi
    ledri
    vi
    ng,ItakemyphoneoutandIcal
    lmom
    whoanswersquickl
    y.

    "
    Hel
    l
    o?"shesay
    scol
    dly
    .
    "Ma,am notcal
    li
    ngy outofi
    ght.Getoutofthehouse
    asinnow.TellSbongelotodosomer esearchonall
    thement hatar
    ewor ki
    ngforyouokay?"Isayfast
    .

    "
    What
    ?Why
    ?"

    "Sabelosai
    dsomet hingaboutsomemenwhowor k
    forhim bei
    ngthere.Theyplant
    edabombt her
    esoI
    don'tknowifi
    t'
    strueornotbutjusttobeonthesafe
    side,j
    ustgetoutofthehouse."Isayt
    oher.

    "
    Okay
    .Buty
    oubet
    terexpl
    ainwhat
    'sgoi
    ngon.
    "

    "Iwil
    ll
    atermom."Isayt
    oher
    .Iendt
    hecal
    landtry
    call
    i
    ngNkosibutmynumberhasbeenbl
    ocked,
    real
    lynow?!
    Okayfine,
    Ical
    lNol
    uinsteadbecauseIknowf ora
    factt
    hatshehasBrendon'
    snumber .Luckil
    yshe
    doesandIaskhertosendittome.Af tergett
    ingi
    t,I
    dialt
    henumberandBrendon'
    sphoner ings.
    "
    Hel
    lo?
    !Br
    endon?"Iask,
    breat
    hingf
    astwhi
    l
    etr
    ying
    t
    okeepmyeyesontheroad.

    "
    Yes,
    sor
    rybutwhoi
    sthi
    s?"Iask.

    "I
    t'
    sThando!Li
    stenher
    e,Ineedt
    otal
    ktoNkosi
    now!"Isayt
    ohim.

    "ma'am?!Sorr
    ybutNkosiisn'
    twit
    hme."herepl
    ies.I
    l
    osef ocusoftheroadandmyey esi
    ghtst
    artst
    oget
    blur
    rybutIdon'tst
    opdri
    ving.Iwi
    l
    lgett
    oRose's
    apartmentnomat t
    erwhat.

    "
    Eish,
    okaycanyoucal
    lhim andtel
    lhi
    mtounbl
    ock
    me,Ineedt
    otal
    ktohim."Isaytohim.

    "
    Ist
    her
    esomet
    hingwr
    ongma'
    am?
    "
    "
    Ithi
    nkNkosi
    '
    sli
    fei
    sindanger
    ."

    "
    Indanger
    ?Why
    ?"

    "Justcal
    lNkosi
    andt
    ell
    himt
    hatIneedt
    oseehi
    m!"I
    bell
    ow.

    "Okayma' am, Iwi l


    l.
    "her epli
    es, fr
    ightened.asam
    abouttodr opt hecall,aloudhoot ingsoundsknocks
    outmyear s,asqueecki ngl oudsoundget scl
    oseras
    Ifi
    nall
    ygetagl impseofwhyt hecont i
    nuoushooting
    i
    sget t
    ingloudal ongwitht hesqueecki ngsound.I
    i
    mmedi at
    el ystepont hebr eakst ost opmycarwhi l
    e
    sway i
    ngthest i
    rri
    ngwheel rightbutlitt
    ledoIknow
    therei
    sanot heroncomi ngcarwhi chhitsthe
    passengersi de.Mywhol ebodyhi tsthedoorwhi ch
    threat
    enst oopenbutdoesn' t
    .Thenextt hi
    ng,am
    spinni
    ngwi thglassfly
    ingar oundandt henam
    upsidedown.Adeaf ening,ringingsoundcuf f
    sboth
    myearsasmyunconsciousnessi
    ncr
    eases.Isee
    peopl
    e'
    sfeetrushi
    ngt
    omycarandt henthelast
    wordsIhearare

    "Ma'
    am!!!Ooohshi
    t!
    !!
    !!
    "fr
    om t
    heongoi
    ngcal
    lonmy
    phone.

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

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    Ibursti
    ntothehospital
    ,notcar
    ingaboutthepai
    nam
    curr
    entl
    yfeeli
    ng.Irushtotherecept
    ioni
    standwhen
    heseesme, hejusttell
    smet heroom number.I
    guessheknowswhoam her efor.

    AsIgetcl
    oserandclosertotheroom,mykneesget
    weakasIrecal
    lther
    eplayedrecordedvi
    deoBrendon
    showedme.Idrawinal ongbreathandmyeyes
    threat
    entogivei
    n,t
    ryi
    ngtopict
    urewhattheyare
    abouttosee.Bef
    oreIevenreal
    i
    zeitam st
    andingin
    frontoft
    hedoorandav oi
    cebehindmesay s,

    "Openit."Il
    ookbackandi t
    '
    sMkhi ze.Heputshis
    arm onmyshoul derasIturnbackt ot hedoor,
    extendingmyhandont othedoor knob.Islowlyturn
    i
    t,opent hedoorandmyt earsjustfall
    .Mybr eath
    quickensasIl ookather,connectedt omul t
    ipl
    e
    wiresandt hatmakesmeweak, fall
    ingtomyknees
    butMkhi zeholdsme, wit
    ht hehelpofot hermanl y
    hands.

    "
    Bafo,best
    rong!Don'
    tbeweak!Beaman!
    "bel
    l
    ows
    Mkhize.
    Istandagai
    nasal lt
    hepainIhadbeeni gnor
    ing
    start
    stoknockin.Il
    imptoherbed, shame-f
    acedat
    thefactt
    hatIwasn'tabl
    etoprotectheragai
    n!Iget
    toherandlookatherface,wi
    thanoxy genmask
    coveri
    nghernose.MyThandonev erhadeyebags
    buttoday,
    shehadt hem.Myey essurveyherli
    fel
    ess
    l
    ooki
    ngbodyandIf
    eel
    weakal
    lov
    eragai
    n.

    "
    mywhi
    ter
    ose.
    ..
    ."Iwhi
    nei
    nar
    ust
    yvoi
    ce.
    "Who-whodidthistoyou?"Isni
    ffandholdhercold
    hand.Hernail
    shav ebl
    oodont hem andherlipsar
    e
    redasblood.Eventhoughherchestshowst hat
    ther
    eisli
    fe,herbodyissayi
    ngsomet hi
    ngelse.

    "Sor
    ry,
    arey
    oufamil
    y?"asksavoi
    cebehi
    ndme.I
    don'
    tevent
    urnt
    olookandSihl
    erepl
    i
    esforme.

    "
    Yesweare,
    wear
    ethebr
    other
    sandt
    hat
    sher
    f
    iance.
    "

    "
    Oohokay.Well
    Iwoul
    dliketot
    alkt
    othef
    iancei
    f
    t
    hat
    'sokay.
    "say
    sthedoctor
    .

    "Youcantal
    ktomebecausehedoesn'
    tseem okay
    ."
    suggest
    sZipho.Af
    ewsecondsl
    ater,
    thedoor
    cl
    osesanditsonl
    yMkhi
    ze,Si
    hleandIi
    ntheroom.
    Neri
    sastay
    edbehindwi
    thRoseattheapar
    tment.

    "Bafo,don'
    tcry.Bestrongf orThando,sheissti
    ll
    ali
    ve,isn'
    tshe?Ifyoucr yandshewakesupwhi le
    youar ecryi
    ng,itwi
    llbreakher."saysSihl
    e.It
    hrowa
    dismissiv
    ehandathi m.

    "I
    t'
    sallmyfaul
    t.Ishoul
    dn'thavei
    gnoredher ,
    Ishoul
    d
    havespokentoherwhenwemetear li
    er.Ishoul
    d
    havenotgonewithyourstupidpl
    anbecausel ook
    now."Isayt
    ohim calmly,
    whi l
    ehol
    dingThando's
    hand.

    "NoBafo, don'tblamet heplan.Thepl anhashelped


    herseewhoSabel otrul
    yis.Ifi
    twasn' tf
    ortheplan,
    shewasgoi ngtot al
    kt oyouandt hengetal l
    angryat
    youalloveragai n,notgot oRosef oradviceand
    Nerisawoul dn'
    thav ewar nedheraboutSabel o.The
    planhelpedusbuti t
    'salsocostus. "hesays.
    Iletoutasi gh,wi pemyt ear
    s, standonmyonel eg
    whichi sn'thur t
    ingandIgazeatheragai n.Islowly
    remov et heoxy genmask, benddownt okissher
    chil
    lyandr oughl ips.WhenIsepar ateourlips,a
    smi l
    ef ormsonherf aceandi tremi ndsmeofhow
    sheal way ssmi leswhenIki ssher .Iputthemask
    backandsl owlyt urnmywhol ebody ,wi
    thmyhand
    massagi ngmybr okenar m.Iraisemyf aceupand
    l
    ookatSi hlet henMkhi ze.Ireachf ormyphonei nmy
    pocketandcal lIsrael,whoiswi thSchevatt he
    wor kshopi nBenoni .

    "
    Boss?
    "Heanswer
    swhi
    l
    echewi
    ngsomet
    hing.

    "AskBr endontogi v
    ey ouSabelo'
    saddress.Gobur n
    thathousedown, burnitandmakesurenot hing
    survivesatallbecauseifsomethingdoesli
    v e,Iwi
    ll
    kil
    lyouandy ouknowam notj oki
    ng"Ispit
    .Ihear
    peoplesuddenl yscri
    bblingandhisvoi
    cebecomes
    professionalaspeopler un,
    cardoorsbangingatthe
    backgr ound.
    "
    sur
    eboss,
    buti
    sn'
    tmadam t
    h..
    ..
    ."

    "JustdowhatIt oldyoutodo!!
    !"Igrowl,i
    nalow
    voice.Hedr opst hecal
    landIli
    mpt ot hewindow,
    andj uststandthere,watchi
    ngthesunset .Myeyes
    wellupasIf eel
    myl owerlipquiv
    er.Whendi dI
    becomet hisemot i
    onal
    ?
    ThedooropensandIt
    urntof aceit.IseeZipho
    st
    eppi
    nginandwhenhecl osest hedoor,helooks
    upatusandknowswear ewai t
    ingf orarepl
    y.

    "Shewil
    lbef i
    ne,shejustsuff
    eredaheadinjuryand
    afewcutst hatwil
    lhealsoon."heut
    ter
    s.Sihleand
    Mkhizesi
    ghi nreli
    efbutIcarr
    yoney ei
    ngZipho
    becauseitl
    ooksl i
    kehest i
    l
    lhasmoret osaybuthe
    j
    ustdoesn'tknowhowt osayit.
    Hebeginswalki
    ngt
    owardsmeashisey
    estr
    avel
    ar
    ound.Hestandsi
    nfr
    ontofmeandsays
    "
    Shei
    sal
    so1mont
    hpr
    egnant
    ,"hesay
    s.
    "
    Pregnant
    ?"qui
    zzesSi
    hle."
    Pregnantf
    ort
    hati
    diot
    !?"

    "
    Idoubtshei
    spregnantf
    orhi
    m.I
    t'
    smychil
    d."Isay
    t
    othem.Theyal
    llookatmeandInodmyhead.

    "
    It
    'smychi
    ld.Shewouldhaveneversleptwi
    tht
    hat
    f
    ri
    endofhers.
    "Isayagai
    ninassurance.
    Thi
    schil
    di smi
    ne,
    notSabel
    o'
    s.ThatIknowf
    or
    sur
    e..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Itakeachairfr
    om t hecorneroftheroom andt hi
    sall
    remindsmeoft helasttimeIlefthertohav esome
    space.I
    tledusher e,thehospit
    al.Ever
    yt i
    meIgi v
    e
    herspace,shejustmakessomedeci sionsthathurt
    her.
    TodayIvowtonev
    erl
    eavey
    oursightmylov
    e.No
    matterhowmuchhat
    eyoumighthavef
    orme.

    "
    I'
    ll
    cal
    lmom.Idon'
    twantherf
    indi
    ngoutl
    atert
    han
    now."saysZi
    pho.Hel
    eavesther
    oom wi
    thhi
    sphone
    onhisearandcomesbackfewminut
    esl
    ater
    ,wi
    tha
    fl
    ashedface.

    "
    Bafo!
    "hesaysatSihl
    e."Appar
    entl
    yThandocall
    ed
    mom befor
    eshegotintotheacci
    dentandtol
    dherto
    l
    eav
    et hehousebecauseSabel
    ohadpl ant
    edabomb
    t
    her
    e."hesays.

    "
    Abomb?
    !"weal
    lsay
    ,al
    sof
    lashedbyt
    his.

    "
    Yes!AndSabel
    ohadpl
    ant
    edi
    t.
    "

    "Br
    endonal
    sotoldmesomet hi
    ngaboutmyl
    if
    e
    bei
    ngindanger
    ,coul
    dithavebeenSabel
    owho
    thr
    eat
    enedherwitht
    hesethi
    ngs?"

    "
    Itcoul
    dhavebeen.It
    hinkhedi
    ditbecausehe
    wantedThandot
    ostaywithhi
    m."saysMkhize.
    "
    Thi
    sSabel
    oguyi
    sreal
    l
    ymessedup.
    "

    "OohandIf orgott
    otelly
    ou,t
    hedoctorgaveme2
    phonest hatwereonThandobutoneofthem isn'
    t
    Thando's.Ithi
    nkit
    'sSabel
    o'
    s.
    "saysZipho,gi
    vi
    ngme
    theotherphone.

    "Mkhize,Iwantyoutogot otheBenoni Warehouse


    andgiv ethi
    stoBrendon.Tellhi
    mt ounlockitand
    whenhedoes, heshoul
    dlookt hr
    oughal l
    hiscall
    s.
    Wemi ghtfi
    ndoutaboutthisbombi ssue.
    "Isayto
    Mkhize.Het akesthephonefrom meandl eavesthe
    room inahur r
    y.Iwonderwhocal l
    edhim here.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    "Baf
    obami (mybrother
    s)letmegojoi
    nt herestof
    mycr ewatSabel
    o'shouse.Iwantt
    oseehi shouse
    burntoashes.
    "IsaytoSihleandZi
    pho.Theynod
    thei
    rheadsandIleavetheroom.
    WhenIgettothehouse,i
    t'
    salr
    eadyinfl
    amesand
    mymenar ejustst
    andi
    ngclosetothehouse,
    l
    aughi
    ng.

    Excr
    uciat
    edscreamsofbot hgenderscanbehear
    d
    asImov ecl
    oserandclosertostandwit
    hmymen.
    Oncetheyspotme,theygreetmeandInodmyhead.

    "
    WasSabel
    oinsi
    de?
    "Iask.

    "Yebobozabuthel ookedprett
    ydead.Oneofhi
    s
    armswasl ookingtheopposit
    edir
    ecti
    onandhehad
    bloodgushingoutofhisnoseinthestudyr
    oom.He
    wasalsotiedupandwhoev erdidthatwasa
    woman."say sSchev.

    "
    Hmmmm okay
    .Whoel
    sewasi
    nther
    e?"

    "
    Someol
    dwomanwhol
    ooksl
    i
    keSabel
    oandaf
    ew
    men.
    "say
    sIsr
    ael
    .

    "Oohandyourprev
    iousmaidbutwetookherout
    befor
    ebur
    ningthehouse.
    "saysSchev.

    "Okay.Goodjobboys.Youwi l
    lberewardedforyour
    j
    obbutweneedt ogobeforethepoli
    cegetshere."I
    sayturni
    ngtheothersi
    de.Weal ll
    eavetheyardwith
    fl
    amesast heagonizedscreamscontinueand
    becomeev enmoresev er
    e;forsomereason,the
    screamsaregivi
    ngmesomuchpeaceandam
    l
    ov i
    ngit.

    °
    °°°
    °°°
    °°°
    °°°
    °°°
    °°°
    °°°
    °°°
    °°°
    °
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er44

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    "
    Thandomychi
    l
    d,Ihopey
    ouhav
    elear
    nty
    ourl
    esson.
    Neverdi
    sobeyy ourf
    athernomat t
    erwhatbecausei
    f
    youhadli
    stenedtome, youwouldn'tbegoing
    t
    hroughwhaty ouaregoingthr
    oughr ightnow.
    "

    "
    IknowpapabutIj
    ustneededsomet
    imet
    oheal
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "Iknowmychildandy ouchoset hewr ongwaytodo


    so.Youaregoingtobegi venanotherchancetolov
    e
    thatman.Lovehim andlethimlovey ou.Don'
    tever
    pushhim awaynomat terwhatforhei stheonefor
    you."

    "
    Okaypapa,
    Iam sor
    ryf
    ordi
    sobey
    ingy
    ouatf
    ir
    st.
    "

    "I
    t'
    sf i
    nebutr emembermywor ds.Lovehi
    m andlet
    himlov eyou.Not hi
    ngcansepar
    ateyou2besides
    yourselvesandy ourpr
    idesodon'
    teverl
    etthat
    happen.Behappyandcher i
    shever
    ymomenty ou
    havetoget her.
    "
    "Okaydaddy
    .Thanky
    ouf
    orbei
    ngt
    her
    eforme
    papa."

    Myheav yeyeli
    dssl owlyopen, feeli
    ngt hesunr ay s
    hitmypainfuleyesasmydr yl i
    pspar t.Imov emy
    fi
    ngerswhichmakeacr acki
    ngsound, r
    emov et he
    maskcov eri
    ngmynoseandt urnmyheadt olookt o
    myr i
    ghtandleft,onlytonoticet hatam alonei nt he
    room.Itrytositupbutam t ooweak.It ur
    ntomy
    ri
    ghtagainandseet heemer gencybut t
    onwhi chI
    reachforandpr ess.Afewsecondsl ater,
    2doct ors
    i
    ncludi
    ngDrMohl akoaner ushinwi thSchevbehi nd
    them.Ilookatthem andgi vet hem af aintsmile.

    "sorr
    yformakingyourun,Ij
    ustwantedsomeonein
    herebecauseIwasstart
    ingtofreak.
    "Isayi
    nacreek
    ti
    redvoice.The2doctor
    swalkt ome,onestar
    tsto
    checkuponmeandDrMohal koaneholdsmyhand
    withasmi l
    eonherface.

    "
    Howar
    eyouchi
    l
    d?"sheasksme.Inodmyheadt
    o
    herquest
    ionandshebrushesmyfor
    ehead.She
    l
    ooksupt otheot
    hersmili
    ngmal
    edoctorwholooks
    atme.

    "Seemsyouareall
    okay.Justaf
    ewcut
    sthatneedt
    o
    healandyouwil
    lbeokay.
    "hesays.

    "
    Andt
    hebaby
    ?"Iask.

    "Thebabyisokaybutyoujustneedtoeatsomet hing.
    Youhav ebeeninatemporarycommaf oraf ewday s
    soyouneedal lt
    heenergyyoucouldget."herepl
    ies.
    "DrMohalkoane,Iwi
    lll
    eaveyouwithher.Ihave
    someunf i
    nishedworktoatt
    endtorightnow"he
    saysleavi
    ngtheroom.
    IspotSchev
    ,st
    andi
    ngatt
    hedoor
    ,looki
    ngatmewi
    th
    asmile.

    "
    Mamzo!Youfinal
    l
    yawakeaf
    terscar
    ingusf
    orso
    manyday
    s."heyel
    ls.
    "
    Am awakeSchev
    ,"Ir
    epl
    yhi
    mlaughi
    ng.

    "I
    t'
    sgoodt ohav eyoubackmamzo! "her epl
    ies.I
    t
    feel
    sgoodt ofinal
    l
    ybeawakeev enthoughIhav eno
    i
    deahowl ongIhavebeenknockedout .Icanf i
    nal
    ly
    seemyf ami l
    yandmyoneandonl ylover.It
    urnmy
    facetolookatDrMohl akoaneandshef l
    ashesa
    smileatme.
    "
    Howar
    eyouf
    eel
    i
    ng?
    "sheasks.

    "Am okay.Justalit
    tl
    eweak.
    "Isaytoher.I
    rememberbei nginanacci
    dentbutthewayam
    feel
    ingdoesn'tf
    eelli
    keIwasinone.Nopainsat
    all
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "
    Wel
    lthat
    'sgood.
    "

    Il
    ookatSchevagai
    nandaskhi
    m,
    "
    Howi
    sNkosi
    ?"butam answer
    edmyDr
    Mohl
    akoanei
    nst
    ead.

    "Notf
    ineatallbutam pr
    ett
    ysur
    ehewi
    l
    lbeaf
    ter
    seei
    ngyou."shesays,smil
    i
    ng.

    "Whichr
    emi
    ndsme,
    Schev
    ,di
    dyoucal
    lhi
    m?"she
    asks.

    "NoIhaven'
    t.Letmecal l
    him now."repl
    iesSchevbut
    Iasktocall
    Nkosi myself
    .Schevhandst hephone
    overtomeandIl ookatNkosi'scontactforawhil
    e
    unti
    lIdeci
    detojustpressthebutton.Iputthephone
    onmyearandwhem t hecallgoesthrough..
    ..
    ..

    "Hell
    o?"Isayinacreek,weakvoi
    ce.Si
    lenceonthe
    l
    inecontinues,ashi
    sheavybreat
    hingactsasthe
    onlyrsponseam gett
    ing.

    "
    Hel
    l
    o?"Isayagai
    nbuthedr
    opst
    hecal
    l
    ,leav
    ingme
    brokenwi
    thmyl i
    psparted.Ilookheavenward,qui
    et
    andhandoverthephonet oSchevwhot akesthe
    phoneandclear
    shisthroat.Heexcuseshimself
    fr
    om ther
    oom andam l ef
    twitht hedoct
    orwho
    holdsmyhandandwi pesmyt ears.

    "
    Don'
    twor
    rychi
    l
    d,hei
    sonhi
    sway
    ."shesay
    s.

    "
    Noheisn'
    t.Nkosihatesmeandhehasev
    ery
    r
    easont
    odoso. "Isaytoher
    .

    "Nohedoesn' t
    .Nkosiwouldnev erhateyoumychil
    d.
    Thatmanl ovesyouandam pr et
    tysur
    ehehasno
    grudgeagainstyou,ev
    ent houghy ounevert
    oldhi
    m
    abouthi
    schi l
    d."shesays.Ilookatherinshockand
    shenodsherhead.

    "Hefoundoutaboutthebabyandatf i
    rst
    ,hewas
    angrythaty
    oustayedwithanothermanwhilst
    pregnantwi
    thhi
    schild"sheconti
    nues.
    "Butthat'
    snotmyf aul
    t.Hedisappear
    edintothi
    nair
    sohowwasIsupposedt otel
    lhi
    m.Heusedt o
    contactmewi thdi
    ffer
    entnumber sev
    erydayand
    whenev erIhopedhewoul dbetheonetopickup,he
    wouldn't.
    "Isaytoher,
    sniff
    ing.

    "Okaythen,Iunderst
    andthatbutwhydidy oustay
    withanothermanandwhydi dn'
    tyoutel
    lyourfamil
    y
    aboutit
    ?"sheasks.Istaydumbf oundedbyher
    wordsandj ustkeepmyey esheavenward.

    "Yourmothert
    oldmeeverythi
    ngthathashappened
    betweenyou2andam v er
    ysorryforwhathappened
    toyourfat
    her.
    "shesay
    s, i
    nalowsadt one.
    "Butam alsohurtbythefactt
    hatyouhav el
    etso
    muchhappenbet weenyou2allbecauseofapast
    thatcantbechanged."Il
    etoutasigh,keepi
    ngmy
    eyesinonedirecti
    on.
    "Iwasi nnopl acet oforgivehim becausehehad
    takenmybestf ri
    endaway .Hehadt akenawayone
    ofmypar entsandIcoul dn'tcontrolt
    her age.But
    nowt hatmyey eshav ebeenopened, Ireal
    izehow
    wrongIwas.Iwasr eall
    ywr ongf ordoingwhatIdi d
    andt omakemat terswor se,Istayedwi thanother
    mal e.Howev er,menotbei ngabl etoforgivehim
    i
    sn'tthebi ggesti ssuebecausemyr easonsf orthat
    werej usti
    fied."

    "Okay,IgetyoubutIhopey ouknowt hatNkosi l


    oves
    youverymuchnow.Thatmancandoany t
    hingfor
    you.Hei swill
    i
    ngt odoev erythi
    ngfory ourwel l
    bei
    ng
    andhim sacrifi
    nghi swor kli
    f ebei
    ngoneoft hat
    everyt
    hing.Ihopey ouf orgi
    v ehim soonf orwhathe
    didbecausey ouar ehur t
    inghi m.Stophinder i
    ngyour
    l
    ov eforhim al
    l becauseoft hepast .Forgivehimjust
    l
    ikeyourf amil
    yhas.Br ingpeacei ntobot hofy our
    l
    ivesandst opal lt
    hishurtandpai ny ouar eboth
    goingthrough."shesay s.Ev erysi
    nglewor dofher s
    hit
    smeasam j ustquiet.
    "
    whyar
    eyouonNkosi
    '
    ssi
    de?
    "Iask.

    "Becausehei
    sli
    keasont
    ome.Il
    ovehim somuch
    andseeinghi
    minacondi
    ti
    onhei
    sin,
    breaksmy
    heart.
    Youknow-Nkosi usedt obeanarrogant
    ,int
    imi
    dati
    ng
    manwhocar edaboutnot hi
    ngbuthisworkandhis
    si
    bli
    ngs.Heneverl etwomeni nt
    ohislif
    eupuntil
    he
    metyou.Si
    ncet hen, hechangedalli
    nthenameof
    Thando'
    shappiness."shesay stome.

    "f
    orgivehi
    mf ort
    hesakeofy ourl
    oveandthechil
    d
    youarecarryi
    ng.
    "sheconti
    nuesafterasi
    gh.There
    i
    ssilencei
    nt her
    oom foracoupleofminut
    esup
    unti
    lshestandsupfr
    om thechairshewassit
    ti
    ngon.

    "I
    '
    llgogetyousomet
    hingpr
    opert
    oeatfrom the
    canteensi
    nceyouar
    etheowneroft
    hisplace.
    "she
    sayssmili
    ng.
    "Thepr i
    vil
    egesIgethey !
    "Isaytoher ,r
    eturni
    ngher
    smi l
    e.Shel eav
    est her oom andIleanonmyr ight
    side,looki
    ngout si
    det hewi ndowwhi chislet
    ti
    ngt he
    sunr aysin.Asmyey esar eabouttoshut ,
    abanging
    soundoft hedoorhi tt
    ingt hewallstart
    lesmeandI
    speedi l
    yturntofacet hedoor .

    "Whi
    terose!
    "hescr
    eams.Thef
    earIhadfl
    owsaway
    asherunstomeandtugsmeintohi
    sarms.
    "Mybeaut ifulwhit
    er ose!Youar efinal
    lyawake!Do
    youknowhowmuchy ouscar edme? !
    "heexcl aims,
    l
    ooki ngal lovermyf ace.Hi spal msareonmy
    cheeksandbot hourey eslookintoeachot her,
    glossy .That '
    swhenInot i
    cethathehasnogl asses
    butt hatst heleastofmywor ri
    esri
    ghtnow, inf actI
    mi ssedt hosebl ueey es.Thewoundshehadt hel ast
    ti
    mewemetar ehealingbuthi shandisst i
    llonan
    arm sl i
    ngpouch.Hi slipsat t
    ackmi ne,t
    akingal lthe
    airinmyl ungsandmaki ngthedeadbut terf
    li
    esi nmy
    stomachal i
    veagain.Iki sshim backwiththeut most
    passi on,mypal msonhi scheekstoo.
    "Okaywegeti
    t!Youmissedoneanot her,nowstop
    eati
    ngeachot
    herup."saysSi
    hle,cl
    appinghishands.
    Webothturnt
    ot hedoorandmyf amilyisther
    e,
    excl
    udi
    ngKhaya.RoseandMkhi zearealsohere.

    "Letusbe,
    wearehavi
    ngamomenther
    e,"Isayt
    o
    Sihl
    eandever
    yonel
    aughs.

    "Wecanseet hathey !Doesn'titfeelgoodtof i


    nal
    ly
    hav eyourman' sbackaf t
    erbei ngani di
    otforone
    whol emont h!"saysNol u.Theyal lentertheroom as
    thedoori sbei ngclosedbysomeguyst andi
    ng
    outsidether oom.Theyal lgi
    v emehugsandMkhi ze
    givesmef l
    ower s.Ithankhi m andasam aboutt o
    giveRoseahug, Inoticethatshei sn'
    tusingawheel
    chair.

    "Wel
    ldamn!
    !!Howlonghav
    eIbeenknockedout
    ?!"I
    excl
    aim,
    pul
    l
    ingherint
    oahugbutherbi
    gbell
    ystops
    usf
    rom t
    ight
    eni
    ngourhug.
    "I
    t'
    sbeen4day slove,nott hatlong,"repli
    esRosest il
    l
    holdingbot hmyar ms, l
    ooki ngcheer fulasal ways.
    Shef inall
    yletsgowhenNol uandTshi diat
    t ackme
    atthesamet imewi thamassi vehugandt henasof t
    sl
    aponmycheekt hatleav esmel aughing.Asf or
    mot her,shest andsont heot herside,opposi teNkosi.
    Il
    ookar oundt her oom, seeingev eryonesmi l
    eand
    am gr eatfulf
    ort hischanceIhav ebeengi ven.Asmy
    eyest raveleverywher e,theylendonNkosi andwe
    gazeateachot hersmi l
    ing, hol
    dingeachot her '
    s
    handsandNkosi holdsmychi nupwi thonef inger
    .

    "Iwil
    lnev
    erl
    eavey
    oursightev
    er!"hesay
    sbefor
    e
    smashingmyli
    psagai
    nbutSihlepull
    shi
    m away
    from me.

    "Tel
    lhermydearbr ot
    her!
    "shoutsTshi di
    .Igi
    vehera
    deadl
    ylookandshehal fshrugswhi l
    elaughi
    ng.I
    suremissedthesepeopleinmyl i
    fe.Ialmostl
    ostal
    l
    ofthi
    sjustbecauseofSabelo..
    ..
    ..
    ..ThankGodI
    f
    inal
    l
    ygott
    oseet
    her
    eal
    him bef
    orei
    twast
    ool
    ate.

    "
    Ihopey
    ouar
    eokay
    ?"say
    sma,
    hol
    dingmyhand.

    "
    Am okayma,
    am j
    ustweak.
    "Ir
    epl
    y.

    "
    Atl
    eastyouarebet
    terbut
    ter
    fl
    y.Wereal
    l
    ymi ssed
    y
    ou.
    "saysZiphowit
    hhishandsinhi
    spocket
    .
    "
    especi
    all
    ythatbeaut
    if
    ulsmi
    l
    eofy
    our
    s,"cont
    inues
    Nkosi
    .

    "
    Imissedy
    out
    ooguys.
    "Ir
    eplyt
    hem wit
    ht ear
    sofj
    oy
    r
    oll
    i
    ngdownmycheekswhi
    chIqui
    cklywipe.
    Whenthedooropens,
    Mohl
    akoanewal
    ksi
    nwi
    tha
    t
    rayi
    nherhands.

    "
    Well
    youguy sdon'
    twast
    etimehey!
    "saysdoct
    or
    Mohl
    akoane.Ever
    yonet
    urnstol
    ookatherandshe
    gr
    eet
    sthem.Theyal
    lgr
    eetherback.

    "Wedon'
    twast
    eany
    timemysi
    ster
    ."say
    smymom
    smil
    i
    ng.

    "Icanseethat
    ,"sherepli
    es.Shehandsoverthetr
    ay
    toNkosiandasam aboutt otakeitf
    rom hi
    m, he
    smacksmyhand, pout
    ing.

    "Letmef eedyouwoman!"Iroll
    myey esathim ashe
    twir
    lsthespaghett
    iontot
    hef or
    k.Hefeedsmeas
    everyoneconti
    nuestotal
    k,l
    aughingandteasi
    ng
    eachot her
    ,especi
    all
    yme.
    Nowt
    hisr
    ighther
    emakesmehappy
    .

    "
    Ihopewest
    ayl
    i
    ket
    hisf
    orev
    er.
    "Isayi
    nal
    owv
    oice.

    "
    Metoomylove.
    "repl
    i
    esNkosi
    ,squeezi
    ngmyhand.
    Heki
    ssesmycheekandher
    estshisheadonmy
    shoul
    derasIputmi
    neont
    opofhi
    shead.

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

    Everyonehasl eftandi t
    '
    sj ustNkosiandIint he
    room talki
    ng,kissingandl aughingourlungsout .He
    j
    ustt oldmeofhowmybr othersbeatupaf t
    ert hey
    foundhi m andthewayhewasdescr i
    bingthewhol e
    sit
    uat i
    onismaki ngmel aughev enthougham not
    supposedt o.Itoldhim aboutSabel oandhi sthreats,
    turnsouthenev erdidany t
    hinghesai dhehaddone.
    Therewasnobombatmom' shouseandhehadno
    connect i
    onsthatcoul dhav eaff
    ectedmybr others'
    compani es.

    Afteralongkiss,
    wesepar
    ateourli
    psandhebi
    tes
    hislowerli
    p.Hemoveshishandtomystomachand
    rubsit.

    "
    Icanf
    eel
    thebabybump.
    "hesay
    ssmi
    l
    ing.
    "
    Oohr
    eal
    l
    y.Soear
    ly?
    "Ir
    epl
    yhi
    m.

    "Onemonthismor
    ethanenoughf
    orababybumpt
    o
    star
    tfor
    ming.
    "her
    epl
    iesmeandIjustgi
    ggl
    e.

    "
    Sowhatar
    ewegoi
    ngt
    onamet
    hebaby
    ?"Iaskhi
    m.

    "I
    fit
    'sagirl
    ,hernamewi l
    lbeHlengiweandi fi
    t'
    sa
    boy,hewillbeQhawelet
    hu."hesays,st
    il
    lrubbi
    ngmy
    tummy .Iputmyhandov erhisastherubbing
    conti
    nuesandIj ustl
    ookathim,gl
    oomy .

    "
    Am sor
    ryf
    orl
    eavi
    ngy ouNkosi
    .Iletthehat
    econt
    rol
    meandImadeter
    ri
    bledeci
    si
    ons."Isaytohim.

    "Youdon'thavetoapol
    ogizemylove.Ishoul
    dhave
    tol
    dyouabouty ourfat
    herearl
    i
    erandIshouldn'
    t
    havelef
    ty oursi
    deeventhoughyouhatedme,"he
    repl
    i
    es.Ihuff
    ,smi
    l
    ingathi
    m andwonder
    inghowI
    gotsuchalovi
    ngman.

    "
    Ilov
    eyouneh!
    "Isay
    .

    "
    Ilov
    eyouev
    enmor
    emywhi
    ter
    ose.
    "

    "ButI'
    l
    l l
    ov ey
    ouev enmor
    eaftery
    oushav
    ethat
    beard."Isaytohi
    m cri
    ngi
    ng.Hesmir
    kswhil
    e
    str
    okingt hebear
    dandsays
    "
    Don'
    tyoul
    i
    kei
    t?"

    "Pshhhno!I
    tmakesy
    oul
    ookol
    d."Isayt
    ohi
    m wi
    tha
    srunt
    chedface.

    "
    Hmmm si
    ncey
    oudon'
    tl
    ikei
    t,I
    '
    llkeepi
    tunt
    ily
    ou
    l
    i
    kei
    t.
    "
    "Voet
    sekNkosi.
    "Isayt
    ohim,hit
    ti
    nghi
    sshoulderas
    heconti
    nuestostr
    okethebear
    dwhil
    elaughi
    ng.

    "
    Okay,Ihav
    eanotherquesti
    on.Whyaren'tyou
    wear
    ingyourcont
    actsoryourgl
    asses?"Iaskhim.

    "Ican'
    twearcontact
    sforafewdaysandIf
    orgotto
    weartheglassesbecauseIwasi
    nbedwheny ou
    call
    ed.
    "

    "HaaaNkosi
    ,si
    ncewhendoy oustayi
    nbedupunt
    il
    2pm?"Iaskhim wi
    thaqui
    zzedlook.

    "
    sinceyoudeci
    dedt
    oendupi
    nthi
    sbedwoman!
    "he
    r
    eplies.

    "
    Mxm, bl
    amei
    tonmev
    ele!
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m andhe
    l
    aughs.
    "
    Iseeyouhavebeenpr
    acti
    cinghowtosmile.You
    l
    ookhandsomewhenyousmi l
    enow."Isaytohim.
    "
    Youusedtoscaret
    heli
    vi
    nghelloutofmewhenev er
    y
    ousmi l
    ed.
    "

    "Iactual
    l
    yhavebeenpract
    ici
    ng,andy oudon'
    teven
    knowhowhar ditwas.Andguesswhowast eachi
    ng
    me? "hesay
    sandIlaughathimr espondi
    ng"who?"

    "
    Shani
    ka.
    "hesay
    sshaki
    nghi
    shead.

    "hahaha,
    OohwowNkosi
    ,younev
    ersei
    zet
    oamaze
    me."Isay
    ,gaggi
    ng.
    "Am ser
    ious.Whenev
    erIsmiledbadl
    y,shewould
    smackmymout handherhandsaresopainf
    ul.
    "he
    says,wi
    deey edaswebothlaugh.
    Heclear
    shist
    hroatandleansont
    hechai
    rhei
    s
    si
    tt
    ingonandheturnsseri
    ous.
    "
    Sof r
    om nowonwards,Iwil
    ltel
    lanythi
    ngyouwant
    t
    oknow.Ev er
    ysecr
    etIhavekept,Iwill
    tel
    lyoubut
    youhavetopromi
    sethatyouwon'tleaveme."say
    s
    Nkosi
    .

    "Canwet al
    kaboutthatsomeothert
    imebecauseI
    j
    ustwantust otal
    krightnowandhavef
    un."Isayt
    o
    him butheshakeshisheadno.

    "Idon'
    twantanyoneel
    setell
    i
    ngy
    out
    hingsaboutme
    andthenyouleave.
    "hesays.

    "
    Nkosi
    Iwon'
    tl
    eav
    e,"

    "Thando,am nott akinganyri


    sks.Iwanttotel
    lyou
    everyt
    hingandt hat'sexact
    lywhatam goingtodo
    now."hesay s.Iendupagr eei
    ngandt henhestart
    s
    spil
    li
    ngev er
    ything.
    "Yourexboyfr
    iendismyfr
    iend.Hedat
    edyouforal
    l
    thoseyear
    sbecausehewaskeepi ngyouf
    orme.
    That'
    smyf i
    rstsecr
    et.Doyouforgi
    vemefort
    hat.
    "he
    sayswithshamefil
    l
    edeyes.

    "
    Sbui
    syourf
    ri
    end?
    "andhenodshi
    shead.

    "
    Andhedat
    edmef
    ory
    ou?
    "andhenodsagai
    n.

    "
    Why
    ?"Iaskhi
    m.

    "Because,whenIfir
    stsawy ouwor ki
    ngint
    hat
    hospit
    alinLehur
    utshe,Iwant edy ouall
    tomysel
    fbut
    Ididn'
    tknowhowt oappr oachy ousoIaskedSbuto
    keepy ouformeupunt il
    Iwasr eadytogat
    hersome
    couragewhichIdid."henarrates.

    "
    Soy
    ouhav
    eknownmef
    orl
    ong?
    "
    "YesIhave.
    "her
    epl
    i
    es,
    looki
    ngdownwar
    dbuti
    tur
    n
    hisfacet
    ome.

    "
    That'
    sonecrazythi
    ngIcouldhav enev eri
    magi
    ned.
    I
    fIwereanot
    hergirl
    ,Iwouldkil
    lyour i
    ghtnowbutI
    won'
    t.Andi
    t'
    sactuall
    ykindofcut ethatamanli
    ke
    youwasscar
    edt oapproachme. "Isaytohim."
    let
    's
    moveontotheothersecret
    ."Isaytohi m.

    "Okay
    .Am adruglor
    d.Isel
    ldr
    ugstoforei
    gnst
    ates.
    "
    hesaysbutIj
    ustshr
    ugmyshoulders.

    "Thatoneam okaywi t
    hbecausemydadwasal soa
    drugl
    ordbutthatneverharmedhisfami
    l
    yi nanyway
    soam okaywi t
    hthatsecret.
    "Isayt
    ohim andIsee
    howr el
    axedheisslowlybecoming.

    "Iobv
    iousl
    yhaveki
    ll
    edal
    otofsoul
    sbutl
    ucki
    l
    y,I
    havenoenemiesso,
    "
    "nextsecr
    et.
    "Isaytohim.Idon'tknowhowt hefuck
    thi
    sisnotaffect
    ingmei nanyway .Maybeit
    's
    becausemydadi sexactl
    yli
    keNkosi.Thedrugl
    ord
    partandthekil
    li
    ngpar t
    ,Imean.
    ...
    ..
    ..
    .

    "Okaythisisnotasecr
    etbutIhav en'
    ttol
    dyouabout
    i
    t.Iownanumberofhospi tals,hotel
    sandsome
    otherbusinesseswhi
    chexplainsthemoneyIhave.
    "
    hesay s.

    "Andalsoexpl
    ainswhyam nowtheowneroft
    his
    hospi
    talandal
    sot hecl
    i
    nic.
    "Isay
    .

    "Yep.Ifel
    tbadformaki
    ngyouresi
    gnsoideci
    dedt
    o
    givethe2inst
    it
    uti
    onstoyou.
    "hesays.

    "
    Wel
    lthanky
    ousomuch.Ir
    eal
    l
    yappr
    eci
    atei
    t"Isay
    t
    ohi
    m.
    "
    Soi
    sthatal
    l
    ?"Iaskandher
    epl
    i
    eswi
    thay
    es.

    "
    CanIkissy
    ouandt histi
    me,Imeanki
    ssyou.
    "say
    s
    Nkosi
    andIjustgi
    ggle,noddi
    ngmyhead.

    Hisfaceforeshadowsmi neashel eansin, t


    hesmell
    ofhissweet,str
    ongf ragranceweakeni ngev er
    ybone
    i
    nmeandt henhi stonguef allsintomymout hbefore
    Icouldevennotice.Icravet oopenmyey esjustt
    o
    takepleasureinthisesthet i
    cdel i
    ghtfulmomentbut
    myey eskeepshutasourl i
    psmov einsy nc.The
    thi
    rstwehav ehadf oreachot herforsolong, f
    eeds
    i
    tself
    .Theromant ickissqui cklyturnsint
    oachaot ic
    oneaswef i
    ddleoneanot her'
    sbodi es.

    °
    °°°
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    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er45

    THANDO'
    SPOV
    Ilookatt hebi ggateasi tslowlyopensandt he
    memor yofmel eavi
    ngt hishousecr yi
    ng, coversmy
    mi ndbutahandhol dsmi ne.Iturnbesi demeandhe
    givesmear eassuringl ook.Ismi l
    eathi m andl ook
    forwardast hecardr ivesi n.Am gl adam outoft hat
    hospitalafterspendi ng4mor eday sint here
    becausesl eepi ngint hatpl acei sterr
    ible.Even
    thoughNkosi usedt ocomeov erfortheni ghtsbuti
    t
    stil
    lwast errible.Whenwepar k,Nkosi get soutfi
    rst
    andr ushest omysi de.Heopenst hedoorf orme
    andhel psmeout .Heput shisar m aroundmywast e
    andwest artwal ki
    ngont othepor ch.TheMoment
    Nkosi openst hedoor ,loudv oi
    cesshout" welcome
    back!"
    Il
    ookatever
    yoneher
    eandIf eel
    somethingwarm
    i
    nsideme.Shani
    kahi
    tsherbodyagai
    nstmyl egs,
    hol
    dingt
    hem ti
    ghtwi
    thasmileonherface.

    "Aunt
    y!!
    !Pickmeup!
    "sheshout
    sandIdoso.Il
    ook
    atNkosiandheisj
    ustst
    ari
    ngatme.
    "Welcomebackhomel ove.
    "hesaysbeforekissi
    ng
    me.Webot hwal ki
    ntot
    hehouseandIgi veeveryone
    hugs.ByeveryoneImean,my2crazysister
    s,Zipho,
    Sihl
    e,mom, Rose,Mkhi
    ze,DrMohlakoanewithsome
    oldmanwhom Iassumei sthehusbandandNer i
    sa'
    s
    whil
    esquad.
    Asam greet
    ingt
    heol
    dman,
    hekeepshol
    dingmy
    handandsays
    "Soy oumustbetheroyalqueenofthisbeaut
    if
    ul
    kingdom."Il
    ookawayf r
    om him,blushi
    ngandmy
    eyesbumpi ntoNkosiwhoisjustsmirki
    ngli
    kean
    i
    di ot
    .

    "I
    t'
    snicetofi
    nal
    lymeety
    oumychi l
    dandIhopethat
    soon,youbecomeapermanentf
    amilymemberof
    ours.
    "
    "Thankyoupapa,
    "Isaytohim andImov eont o
    greeti
    nghi
    swife.Iguessaf
    terfi
    ndingoutthatsheis
    mor eli
    keamothertoNkosi,Imightaswellj
    ust
    thi
    nkofherasamot her.Af
    tergreeti
    ngeveryone,
    we
    allmov et
    ot hedinnert ablewhichisal r
    eadysetand
    everyoneisjusthavingagr eatchat,especial
    ly
    ShanikaandI .Shewon' tleavemeandIf i
    nditso
    cute.Sheev enaskedt ost aybecauseshewant s
    to"t
    akecar eofme"si nceam si ck..
    ..Asev ery
    oneis
    eatingandhav i
    ngagr eatchat,Nkosi excuses
    himselfandgoesupst airs.Il
    ookathi m until
    he
    disappearzthenlookbackatt hetabl easchats
    cont i
    nue.
    Aft
    erawhile,
    Nkosi
    comesbackandsit
    snexttome.
    Heclear
    shisthr
    oat
    ,get
    ti
    ngever
    yone'
    satt
    ent
    ionand
    tur
    nstofaceme.

    "Today, wehav egat heredheretocel


    ebratemywhit
    e
    rose'
    sr eturnandIj ustwanttothanky ouall
    .
    Everyonesi t
    t i
    ngher ehelpedmet ogetmyoneand
    onlyback, afterIhadl osther
    .Youallcontr
    ibut
    edi
    n
    onewayort heotherwhi cham great
    fulfor
    .
    Sonow,Iwanttoaskthi
    swhi t
    eroseofmine
    somethi
    ngveryi
    mportant
    ,"saysNkosi
    .Hepushes
    thechai
    rasi
    deandZiphohelpsbypull
    i
    ngitt
    ooas
    Nkosigoesdownononeknee.Het akesoutthe
    engagementri
    ngIhadgi v
    enbackthedayIlef
    thim
    andeveryonegasps,
    standingupt
    oseeNkosi .

    "Thandol wet huMdl et she, pleasedomet heowner s


    ofput ti
    ngt hisr i
    ngbackony ourf i
    nger ,toshowt he
    worldt hatam y oursagai n.Toshowal lthemenout
    therethat, youar emi neagai nev ent houghy ouhav e
    alway sbeen.Toshowy ourf ami l
    yt hat ,youar er eady
    tobesentof fandt hatki nsmenar er eadyt obesent
    toyourhouse.Toshowy ourbul lyingbr otherst hat,
    youf i
    nallyhav eapr ot ectorbyy oursi deandt hat
    theyshoul dst ophi tti
    nghi m becausehei syou
    husbandf orl i
    fe"say sNkosi ,holdingmyhandand
    everyonej ustl aughs, turningt oSi hleandZi phowho
    shaket hierheadsl aughi ng.Mymot herandma
    Mohl akoanest artullulatingasNkosi awai t
    sf ormy
    answer .Inodmyheadwi t
    hmyl ipsseal edbutt he
    edgesl ookingupandNkosi slowl yput st hedazz l
    i
    ng
    ri
    ngbackonmyf i
    nger ,wher ei tbel ongs.Hest ands
    upandpi cksmeupashest artst ospi nmear ound
    andev eryonewi t
    husshout si nhappi ness.Ev en
    Sihl
    eandZi phoar
    eclappinghands.Ourl
    i
    pssmash
    togetherasam i
    ntheairandthesoundsofr
    ejoi
    ce
    fi
    llt
    hehouse.
    Heput smedown, partingourl i
    psandwear e
    congr adulated.Ourni ghtofcel ebrati
    oncont inues
    untill
    ate, Nerisafinal
    lyleav eswi t
    hherhusbandand
    Shiniawi thhersi bli
    ngs, excludi
    ngShani kawho
    bluntlyrefusedt oleav e.Nkosi andIwav eatt hem as
    theydr i
    v eoffandweheadbacki ntothehouse,
    holdinghands.Webot hgoupst ai
    rstoputShani ka
    tobedandaf tershef all
    sasl eep,wej oi
    nev ery one
    whoi ssi tt
    ingbyt hebonf i
    re,dri
    nkingcof feeand
    eatingr oastedmashmel l
    ows.ImakeNkosi some
    coffeebuther ej
    ectsthemashmel l
    ows, sayingt hat
    theylookbur ntandwei rd.Idon'tknowwhat '
    swei r
    d
    aboutt hem butany way s,wesi tnexttoeachot her
    andIputmyheadonhi slapashepl ayswi thmy
    braids.

    "
    Youneedt
    oremov
    etheset
    hings.
    "hewhi
    sper
    sin
    myear
    .
    "
    Why
    ?"

    "
    BecauseIl
    i
    key
    ournat
    ural
    hai
    rmor
    e."

    "
    Wil
    lyouundot
    hebr
    aids?
    "Iask,
    sideey
    einghi
    m.

    "
    Iwil
    levenst
    artnowi
    fyoudon'
    tmi
    nd.
    "hesay
    sandI
    j
    ustr
    oll
    myey es.

    "St
    opgossi
    pingther
    ey ou2l
    ovebi
    rds!
    "say
    sNol
    u
    butIt
    hrowastickather.

    "Getamantogossipwit
    hNoluandstopir
    ri
    tat
    ing
    us."mocksNkosi
    ,wit
    hhisser
    iousf
    ace.

    "
    Yhooo,If
    eltt
    hat
    !"say
    sZi
    phol
    aughi
    ngandweal
    l
    j
    ustj
    oinhi
    m.
    "SoNkosimyson,
    whenareweexpect
    ingyour
    kinsmen?
    "asksmom,si
    ppi
    nghercoff
    ee.

    "
    Howisnextweekend?"asksNkosi wit
    houtev
    en
    t
    aki
    nglongtor
    espond.Everyoneturnst
    ohim,
    i
    ncl
    udi
    ngmyey essinceam onhislap.

    "Nextweekendi sfinemyson.Wewi llbewai t


    ingf or
    you."saysmymot hersmi li
    ng.Shel ooksdownatme
    andwi nksandt hatwast hewor stwi nkIhav eev er
    comeacr oss.Ij ustsmileatherandt ur nmyey esto
    Nkosi.Whatki nsmeni shegoi ngt osendwhenhe
    ain'
    tevenwi l
    lingt ogoseehi sf ather?Orhashe
    reconcil
    edwi thhim?May behehas.Hopef ullyhe
    has.It'
    slateandweal lleavetoourdesi gnated
    rooms.IaskedmaMohl akoanet osl eepov er
    becausei t
    'salreadylateandIwanthert ostayher e
    forawhi l
    esot hatwecangett oknoweachot her
    sincesheispar tofNkosi '
    sli
    fe.IalsoaskedMkhi ze
    tostayheref or3day ssi ncehei sn'tgoingtoschool
    thiswhol
    eweek.Iwantmyfamil
    yandNkosi
    '
    stoget
    alongbef
    oreweoffi
    cial
    l
    yti
    etheknot
    .
    IshowmaMohl akoanear oom t heycansl eepi n
    sincetheyf orcedmet odosobecauseam t he
    queenoft hehouse.Ispeakt ot hem forashor twhile
    andt henwef i
    nallysayourgoodni ghts.Icar ryont o
    mymot her'
    sr oom andhav eachatwi t
    hher ,
    apologizef orwhatIdi dt henIl eav eformysi st er
    s'
    room whi chIl eav elaughi ngmyl ungsout .Ichoose
    nott obot herSi hl
    eandRosebecauset heysound
    quitebusy .Ijustwi shZi phoagoodni ghtandt hen
    mov et omyr oom.Iopent hedoorandt henr oom i s
    j
    ustdar k.WhenIf li
    ptheswi tch, Ispotwhi t
    er oses
    ont hef l
    oor ,f
    or mingapat hway .Il ookupt othe
    room theyar eleadingmet oandi t'
    sthebat hroom.I
    foll
    owt hem andopent hedoor , tobemetbyt he
    beaut i
    fulfloralfragranceandabubbl yt ubwi th
    steam f l
    oat i
    ngi nther oom.Hi sar m wr apsar ound
    mywai stfrom behi ndmeandhebi t
    esmyear lob,
    maki ngmemoan.
    "
    Let
    'stakeawarm bat
    hmyl ov
    e."hesoftl
    ysays,
    l
    i
    ghtl
    ypushingmeintother
    oom.Hecl osesthedoor
    behindusandt henhesnapshi sfi
    nger sandsof t
    musi cstartsplaying.Hespi nsmear oundt of ace
    him.Hi ssexual gazel eavesmysoul vulnerable
    raunchyashesof tl
    ymov eshi ssoftlipsupand
    downonmi ne.It r
    yt ocatcht hem wi t
    hmi ne,j
    ustto
    getat astebuthei stoof ast.Heunzi psmyl oose
    mom j eanswhi chv oluntaril
    yf al
    ltothegr oundand
    hemov esont omyj acketwithoutdi sruptingour
    arousedgaze.Ist andi nf
    rontofhi m, nownakedand
    thenhegi vesmewhatIhav ebeenwant ing.Hi swet
    ,
    demandi ngl i
    psar esl owl
    ypl acedonmi neashi s
    unbrokenhandv enturesallov ermybody .Hi s
    tonguewonder si nmeasmoanofpl easur eescape
    i
    nl owv oices.

    Aren'tyougoingtohelpmeundr ess?"hewhi sper


    s.I
    unziphi sj
    acketandhelphimremov eit,unbutt
    onhis
    shirtthenunbuckl
    eandunziphi spants.Thenhe
    picksmeupwi thhi
    sonear m andIwr apmyl egs
    aroundhi swasteasourkisscontinues.Heget si
    nto
    thet ubandsitswit
    hmenowont opofhi m.Ifeel
    him awakeningandt hatmakesmeev enmor ehorny
    t
    hanIal
    readyam.

    "
    CanIpl
    ease.
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "No, notyet.Iwantt otastey ouinmymout hfir


    st
    befor eItakepleasureiny ou."herepl
    iesme.He
    takest hepolynetbat hi
    ngscr ubandst art
    st oscrub
    mybodyast heat mospher ebecomesmor eand
    mor epassi onate.Afterscrubbingme, Iscrubhim
    whilstkissingandt ouchinghi sbody.
    Wel eavethebathr
    oom, driedandNkosi oil
    smy
    wholebodyasIoi lhi
    s,takinghisti
    meont hemost
    sensit
    ivepart
    sofmybody .Andsuddenl y ,
    am
    screaminghisname, swear i
    ngandt wirl
    i
    ngashe
    eatsmeup.Noti nmor ethan5mi nutez,am al
    lready
    tocli
    maxbutknowi ngNkosi ,hemi ghtstop.Itr
    yso
    hardtomakehi m notnoticebuthest opswhenam
    noteven1secondawayf rom cli
    maxi ng.

    "
    Yout
    houghty
    oucoul
    dtr
    ickmehey
    .Iknowy
    our
    bodywoman.Sucht r
    icksdon'tworkonme."Isay s,
    comi ngupt omyl i
    ps,giv
    ingthem ahungryosculate.
    Het henmov estomyneckandf ei
    stsonit
    ,thenmy
    breasts.Hecomesupagai nasmybodyt r
    emblest o
    hisoilytouchthenheent er
    sme, sendi
    ngshiversto
    everysinglepartofme.Nkosi let
    soutagroanasI
    l
    etoutascr eam andhedoesn' tmoveforafew
    seconds.
    "Il
    oveyouThando.Whydon' tyouunderstandthat
    ?"
    hesays,hissaddenedeyeslooki
    ngint
    omi ne.Asam
    abouttorepl
    y,hemov es,andmybodytr embles.
    "Letourl
    oveflour
    ishmywhi t
    er osethenyouwill
    see
    howhappywewi l
    l be.
    "heutt
    ursandt henhestar
    ts
    tomov ehisbody,sweatdri
    ppingonusandt heoil
    makingiteasyforourbodi
    est osync.

    °
    °°°
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    °°°
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    Irubmyeyes,tr
    y i
    ngtoopenthem andam metby
    thesunal
    readyshini
    ng.Mytir
    edey essear
    cht
    he
    bedandhismor ni
    nggri
    njustkil
    l
    sme.
    "Andthen?"Isaygi
    ggl
    i
    ng.Heper
    ksmynoset
    hen
    l
    ight
    lyhit
    smyheadandt hat
    '
    swhenIr
    eal
    izet
    hathe
    undi
    dmybr ai
    ds.

    "
    Youl
    ooksomuchbet
    terwi
    thy
    ourhai
    r.
    "hesay
    s
    wi
    tht
    hegr
    in.

    "
    Howdidyou?-but
    -whoa.
    "Isayshockedandhe
    r
    oll
    sontopofme.

    "Ihavegif
    tedhands,
    eventhoughtheot
    heroneis
    broken.Tookme1whol ehourbutwasworthi
    t.
    "he
    sayssmi r
    king.
    "
    Wellt
    hanky
    ouforremov i
    ngthebur
    denofundoi
    ng
    myhai
    rMrNxumalo."Isaytohi
    m,perki
    nghi
    scheek.

    "Youar
    ewelcomeMr sMxumal o.Oohitf
    eel
    sso
    goodtosaythatagai
    n."hesay
    s.Ichuckl
    eand
    squeezehi
    snakedassbut
    tandhi
    sey
    esopenwi
    de.

    "No!
    !Babyman,womendon'
    tdot
    hat
    .Onl
    ymen
    can.
    "hesobsbutIl
    augh.

    "WellIguessyouwil
    ljusthavetogetusedt
    ome
    squeezingyourbum babybecauseIwil
    lbedoi
    ng
    thatalotfr
    om nowon. "Isayt
    ohim.
    Ipushhim offandgetoutofbed,
    rushingtothe
    bathroom tofr
    eshenupandasIgetintotheshower
    ,
    hejoinsmeandbat hesme.Idothesameandwe
    l
    eav etheshower,l
    oti
    onandIgetdressedint
    oa
    dress,putascarfonmyheadandwearmybl ack
    thermalstocki
    ngsthenbl
    uepumps.

    "Lookatyou,looki
    ngli
    keareal
    makot
    i(br
    ide)
    ."say
    s
    Nkosi,
    whi st
    li
    ngwithhi
    shandinhi
    sManchester
    unit
    edtrackbottom.
    "
    That'
    sbecauseIam amakoti
    (br
    ide)
    "Isaytohim.I
    wal
    ktowardshim andputmyarmsaroundhis
    shoul
    der
    s.

    "Hmmmm, thatsoundsgoodtomeMr sNxumalo.


    "
    hesays,seducti
    vely
    ."Iwi
    shIcoul
    dkeepyouinthi
    s
    room f
    orthewhol edaybutei
    sh.
    "hecont
    inues.
    "Iknowbabybutourv isit
    orsarepr
    obabl
    ywait
    ingf
    or
    usdownstai
    rssol et'
    sgo.AndIneedt ogomakeyou
    yourfav
    ori
    tebreakfast."Isayhi
    m,pul
    li
    nghi
    m out
    theroom.

    "
    Yeboy es!Thisi
    soneofthereasonsImissedyou
    mymunchki n.
    "excl
    aimsNkosi,l
    aughi
    nginhisdeep
    voi
    ce.Webot hgodownstai
    rsandonlymom wi t
    h
    maMohl akoaneareupandtheyarealr
    eadydri
    nking
    t
    eainthekitchenwhil
    stt
    hemai dcooksbreakf
    ast.
    NkosiandIgreett hem andt heygreetusback.He
    spotsZiphooutsideandhedeci destogojoinhim.
    Whenhel eaves,bot hmymom andmaMohl akoane
    star
    tgiggli
    ngandIt hi
    nkIknowwhyt heyare.I
    awkwar dl
    ywalktot hestoveandaskt hemaidfora
    pottomakeNkosi porr
    idgeandt hegiggl
    i
    ngget s
    wor
    se.
    "Soyouhadfunlastnighthey
    ."saysmom, si
    pping
    herteaandmaMohl akoanecan'tevenkeepi
    tinsi
    de
    anymore.Shej
    ustlaughsoutloud,makingmefeel
    evenmoreawkwar d.

    "I
    t'
    sfinei
    fyouwon'tanswerus.Westi
    l
    lhear
    dyou"
    saysmaMohl akoaneandtheyhi
    gh-
    fi
    veeachother
    ,
    l
    aughingbutl
    uckil
    y,Rosewalksi
    nwit
    hTshidi
    .Can
    these2savemepl ease.
    Theybot hgreetthemomsbutt heyl aughev en
    l
    ouder ,l
    ooki
    ngatRosewhoi sconfusedashel l.She
    l
    ooksatmeandImakeshaggi ngsi gnswhi chshe
    getsandhercheekst ur
    nredasmi ne.Iguesst hi
    s
    makest he2ofus.Asf orTshi
    di,
    shej ustkeepson
    askingmom whatt heyarel
    aughingatbutshe
    doesn'tsayanything.
    "Aii
    y ah,thepipimustbegoodmygi r
    ls.
    "whisper
    s
    maMohl akoane,wipinghertearsawayandthey
    startlaughingal
    loveragain.Icoul
    dli
    teral
    l
    yquali
    fy
    them ast eenagersri
    ghtnowbecauset heyare
    act
    ingliketeens.Tshi
    dil
    ooksatRoseandI,aski
    ng
    wit
    hherey esbutIchoosenottotel
    lherbecause
    Tshidi
    canbeanasssomet imes.

    Theoldladiesbothstandup,sti
    ll
    laughi
    ngwitht
    he
    cof
    feeintheirhandswhi l
    eimit
    ati
    ngourscreams
    andleav
    et hekitchen.Tshi
    dist
    aresatusandthat
    's
    whenshef i
    nall
    yget sit
    .

    "
    Youguysbothgott hethi
    ngsl
    astni
    ght
    ?!Yhooo
    l
    uckybast
    ards.Ihaven'
    thadanyi
    nweeksandam
    f
    rust
    rat
    ed.
    "whi nesTshi
    di.

    "
    Whydon'ty
    oucall
    Jordan?
    "Iaskherandshegi
    ves
    mea"Iwantedt
    otell
    yousomethi
    ng,
    "look.

    "Thandobr
    uh,Denzel
    foundoutaboutJor
    danandi
    !"
    saysTshi
    di,
    shaki
    ngherhead.
    "
    Who'
    sJor
    danandwhoi
    sDenzel
    ?"asksRose.

    "Denzelwasherboyf
    riendandJordani sherfuck
    buddywhomi ghtbetakingDenzel'
    sspot."saysNol
    u
    whowal ksi
    n,i
    nherpy jamas.Wegr eetherasshe
    walkstothefr
    idgeandshet akessomemi l
    kout.

    "Ooohokaynowam ont
    rack.Youcancont
    inue.
    "
    saysRose.

    "
    Okayso, DenzelsawJordanandIkissi
    ngatsome
    r
    estaurantbackhome."narr
    atesTshi
    diandIst
    art
    l
    aughing.

    "Whythef
    li
    pwouldyougoonadat
    ewi
    thhi
    m back
    athomeinthef
    ir
    stpl
    ace?
    "

    "Becauseshet
    houghtDenzelwasinPari
    sona
    businesst
    ri
    pbutshewaswr ong.Denzel
    wasj
    ust
    f
    oll
    owi
    nghert
    hewhol
    eti
    me,
    "repl
    i
    esNol
    u.

    "ShutupNol
    u,t
    hisi
    smystorytonar
    rat
    e."says
    Tshidit
    oNol
    uwhoshrugshershoul
    der
    sl aughi
    ng.

    "sowhat'
    sthepl
    anbr
    uh,
    whatmusthappennow?
    "
    asksRose.

    "Guy
    sIam nowoffi
    cial
    l
    ywithJor
    dansi
    nceDenzel
    dumpedme."say
    sTshidi.

    "
    Ooohwow!Idi
    dn'
    tseethatcomi
    ng.
    "IsaytoTshi
    di,
    i
    namockingt
    oneandshepicksupaspoonand
    t
    hrowsi
    tatme.

    "Voet
    sekwena!
    "shesay
    swhi
    l
    ethr
    owi
    ngt
    hespoon
    andwealll
    augh.
    "Soguys,caretotel
    luswhatwasgoingdowni
    nyour
    roomslastnight?
    "saysNolu,
    pour
    ingsomemil
    kint
    o
    hercer
    eal bowl.

    "
    Yhooguys,
    yourbr
    otheri
    sagod!"say
    srosei
    na
    whi
    sper
    ingt
    oneandweallpr
    etendtobevomi
    ting.

    "Aaahcomeonman!!
    !Wedidntwanttoknowt
    hat
    !
    That'
    sjustgr
    ossy
    hoooo!
    "whinesTshi
    di.

    "oohstopi
    t!Isn'
    tNol
    uwantedtoknowwhatwas
    goingdown."saysRose,
    rol
    l
    ingherey
    ebal
    l
    s.

    "okaywewillt
    alkaboutt
    hatlat
    erl
    adi
    esbutf
    ornow
    l
    et'shel
    pthemai dmakethesepeopl
    esome
    breakf
    ast.
    "Isaytothem.

    "
    Let
    sgoouttoday.
    "saysRoseandweallagr
    eetoit
    .
    Wedoneedagirl
    s'dayoutsi
    ncewehav
    en'tspoken
    i
    nsol
    ong.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er46

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV

    AssoonasIspottheguy soutsi
    de,Iwalktothem
    l
    eavingThandointheki
    tchen.Ir
    eall
    ywant edto
    spendthewholedayint
    her oom withherbut,si
    nce
    ourfamil
    yisher
    ewecan' tdothat
    .

    "
    Bafoza!
    "Isay,gr
    eeti
    ngSi
    hleandZi
    pho.Theybot
    h
    t
    urnthei
    rheads,l
    ooki
    ngmyway .

    "
    Howar
    eyoubaf
    o?"asksSi
    hlewi
    thasmi
    l
    e.

    "
    Howcany
    ouasksuchwhenhegotsomel
    astni
    ght
    f
    rom ourpr
    incess?
    "teasesZi
    pho.

    "
    Voet
    sekZi
    pho.
    "Ir
    epl
    ylaughi
    ng.

    "Butr
    eal
    l
    ythough,whyi
    sn'
    tyourhousesound
    proof
    ed?
    "asksSihl
    e

    "Iwasn'tar
    oundwhenitwasbei ngbuil
    t.Igave
    someoneel sether
    esponsibi
    l
    itytodoev er
    ythi
    ngthat
    consernedthehouseandthatidiotdi
    dn'tmakeit
    soundproof.
    "IanswerSi
    hle.

    "
    Makessense.It
    houghty
    ouwer
    ejustcheap.
    "

    "Onceuponat
    ime,
    Idi
    dactcheapbutThando
    changedme.
    "

    "
    Fai
    ltounder
    standwhyy
    oudi
    dthatt
    hough.
    "
    "
    What
    ?Act
    ingcheap?
    "

    "
    Yes.
    "coaxZi
    pho.

    "
    Idi
    dn'
    twantpeopl
    eknowi
    ngt
    hatIhav
    emoney
    ."

    "
    Why
    ?"

    "
    Because,
    Idi
    dn'
    twantf
    akepeopl
    ear
    oundme.
    "It
    ell
    t
    hem.

    "Ir
    eal
    l
    ydon'tunderst
    andyou.Youcoul
    dhav
    ejust
    beenaext
    rovert
    ."wonder
    sZipho.

    "Well
    Iam anextr
    ov er
    t.Andbesi
    des,Idi
    dn'
    tmi
    nd
    act
    ingbr
    oke.Iactuall
    yenjoy
    edit
    ."Iadd.
    Si
    hleandZi
    phobot
    hlookatmeasi
    fam cr
    azyand
    t
    heyj
    ustbr
    ushi
    tof
    f.

    "Anyway s,
    SihleandIwer eplanni
    ngadayout .
    May begowat chthedriftshowandhav ea
    shisanyama( braai
    )lat
    er,justusguys.
    "insi
    stsZipho,
    l
    eani ngagainstthemet algardenchai
    randf ol
    ding
    hisar ms.

    "
    SoundsgoodbutIgotsomeworktotakecareof
    f
    ir
    st.YouguyscangothenI
    '
    llcat
    chyouther
    e.Soit
    's
    y
    ou2, Mkhi
    zeandi?"

    "
    Whataboutt
    heol
    dman?
    "

    "
    He'
    snotanout
    doorpersonsohe'
    l
    lpr
    obabl
    yref
    use
    t
    otagal
    ongwit
    hus."Isay.

    "
    Ooohokay,i
    nthatcase,you'
    l
    lfindt
    he3ofust
    her
    e.
    How'
    syourarm doi
    ng?"asksZipho.
    "
    It
    'sbet
    ter
    .It
    hinki
    twi
    l
    lbeal
    lfi
    nebynextweek.
    "

    "Andhowoldi
    sShania?
    "Zi
    phoassoonasam done
    answeri
    nghi
    squest
    ion.

    "She's,whoa,wait
    ..
    ..Whyareyouaskingmet hat?"I
    squintmyey esathim ashiseyesrunawayfrom
    mi ne.Hisbodylanguagestar
    tstochangefr
    om t he
    oneIknowt oanotheronewhichseemsv ul
    nerable.
    Sihleclear
    shisthroatwhi
    lsthi
    dingthel
    aughhe
    want stoletoutsobad.

    "Wellam,am j
    ustasking.Ij
    ustwanttoknow.
    "he
    hesit
    antl
    yblur
    tsout,makinghisvoi
    cemor ei
    ntense
    thanusual.

    "Hmmm, Ihopey ouaren'


    tthi
    nki
    nganythi
    ngshady
    becausesheisstil
    lyoung.
    "Itel
    lZi
    pho.Si
    hlei
    sjust
    quietwi
    thhi
    sey eswonderingabout
    .
    "
    Howy
    oung?
    "Fur
    theri
    nqui
    resZi
    pho.

    "Baf
    ojustgost
    raightt
    othepoi
    ntpl
    ease.Nkosi
    ,
    "
    stat
    esSihl
    etoZipho.

    Nkosi
    ,Zi
    phowant
    sShani
    a."conf
    essesSi
    hle,
    looki
    ng
    atme.

    "
    Icoul
    dhav
    esai
    dthatmy
    sel
    f.
    "Zi
    phomumbl
    es.

    "Noyouwer en'
    t,
    youwer
    egoi
    ngt
    ocar
    ryonbei
    ng
    dodgy.
    "ti
    tt
    lesSihle.

    "Youli
    keShania?!
    "yel
    psMkhizefrom behi
    ndus.We
    allt
    urntolookathi
    m andhi
    sf acehasan
    unreadabl
    eemot i
    on.
    "Andt heny
    ou?Ungenaphi?"asksZiphowitha
    scrunchedface.Itur
    nmyey esbackatZipho,
    quizzedbywhati havebeentol
    d.Howcanhel i
    ke
    Shaniawho'syoungenought obehisli
    tt
    lesist
    er?
    "Zi
    phoyoudoknowthatShani
    aisver
    yyoungri
    ght
    ?"
    Isayt
    ohim andhej
    ustslowl
    yshakeshi
    shead.

    "
    Isshe18?
    "

    "
    Ithi
    nkso,
    yes,
    butst
    il
    lZi
    pho.
    ..
    ..
    "

    "Sheisn'
    tyoungi
    nthatcase.
    "hepointsoutbuta
    deepv oi
    cehit
    sourearsunexpect
    adly
    .Whatsorcer
    y
    i
    st hi
    snow? !

    "
    Youcan'
    thav
    eher
    !"bel
    l
    owsMkhi
    zeandweal
    lj
    ust
    t
    urnt
    ohim.

    "
    Andwhyi
    sthat
    ?"qui
    zzesZi
    pho.Am al
    soi
    nter
    est
    ed
    i
    nhi
    sreason.
    ..
    ..
    Mkhizecomescl
    oserandst
    andsst
    il
    lwi
    thnowor
    d
    sai
    d.

    "
    LikeBafosai
    d,shei
    swayt
    ooy
    oung.
    "rebukes
    Mkhize.
    Ziphogl
    aresatMkhize,
    chuckl
    esandhest
    art
    s
    spit
    ti
    nghisownresponse.

    "
    Whatareyoutryi
    ngt
    oinsi
    nuateboy?Arey
    out
    ryi
    ng
    t
    osaythatam doi
    ngsomethi
    ngil
    legal
    ?
    Andhowi
    sthi
    sanyofyourbusi
    nessboy?who
    i
    ncl
    udedy
    ouint
    othi
    sconversat
    ion?
    "shoot
    sZi
    pho.

    "Themomenty ousai
    dShani a'sname,Igoti
    ncluded
    becausey ouareaboutt
    ot akeadv ant
    ageofay oung
    gir
    l."sneersMkhi
    ze.Iwanttosaysomet hingbutI
    wont .Thesear
    egrownmenf ighti
    ngoveray oung
    gir
    l.Mkhizemighttr
    ytohidei tbutIcanseehei s
    i
    ntoShani a.
    "
    Saythatagai
    n?!
    "saysZiphowal
    kingcl
    osert
    o
    Mkhi
    zewi t
    hhiseyesst
    arti
    ngtot
    urnred.

    "Okay,okay,okay!Noneedf orthatZipho.Mkhi zeis


    aki dsokeept hati
    nmi nd.Andbesides, Iagreewith
    him.Shaniaist ooyoung,getanotherwomanwhose
    somewher earoundy ourage."saysSihletoZi pho.
    Ziphoslowlyturnshishead,looksatmeandatSi hl
    e
    ti
    ltshisheadast houghheist r
    yingtounder stand
    Sihle.

    Luckl
    y,myphonestart
    sringi
    ngget
    ti
    ngallofour
    att
    ent
    ion.It
    akeitoutofmypocket
    ,excusi
    ngmy sel
    f
    fr
    om theguys.
    Il
    ookatt
    hescr
    eenandi
    tsanunknownnumber
    .

    "MrNxumalo,howcanIhel
    py ou?"Isayansweri
    ng
    thephonebutnoanswer
    .AllIhearisabreat
    hing
    pacethenacough.
    "Hell
    o?"Isaybutst
    il
    lnoanswer.Icheckt
    oseei
    fthe
    call
    hasbeencutbutithasn'
    t.Iputi
    tbackonmyear
    andwai tf
    ortheper
    sontospeak.
    Thenhefinal
    l
    yspoke.HatredIhadhi
    ddendeep
    downinmyheartsurfacedandmymoodswi tched
    fr
    om okaytonotokayatall
    .

    "Myson?Arey out
    here?"hecontinuesbutIkept
    qui
    etthenIfel
    tsomeone' shandonmyback.I
    qui
    cklyendthecal
    l,changemyf acialexpressi
    on
    andlookbacktobemetbyThando' seyes.

    "Baby?!
    "Isay
    ,hesi
    tant
    lysmil
    i
    ng.Sheraisesherey
    e
    brows,wit
    hhereyesmov i
    ngfrom myphonetomy
    face.

    "
    Wast
    haty
    ourf
    ather
    ?"sheasks.
    "
    Nop,
    itwasSchev
    ."Isaytoherbutshej
    ustgl
    aresat
    mewi
    thherar
    msnowf ol
    ded.

    "Schevi
    sstandingwi
    ththeguysr
    ightt
    her
    esowhy
    areyouly
    ing?"shei
    nter
    rogat
    es.
    Andwhent
    hehel
    ldi
    dSchevgether
    e?
    AsIt
    rytospeak,
    Ikeeponst
    utteri
    ngall
    becauseher
    ey
    esareint
    err
    ogati
    ngme.If
    inall
    ygiv
    eup,justnod
    myheadandsay"yesi
    twashim."

    "
    Andwhydi
    dn'
    tyouspeakt
    ohi
    m?"asksThando.

    "
    BecauseIdon'
    twantt
    o,nei
    therdoIneedt
    o."

    Herfacechangestopi
    ty,
    notst
    oppi
    ngherst
    ingi
    ng
    eyecontactandIj
    ustl
    ookaway.

    "
    Nkosi
    youneedt
    ospeakt
    ohi
    mify
    ouwantt
    omar
    ry
    me.Hehast
    obet
    her
    ewi
    thal
    lyourot
    herki
    nsmen,
    "

    "Nohedoesn' t
    .Ialr
    eadyhavekinsmenThandoand
    heisn'
    toneoft hem.Hecannev erbe.Heabandoned
    us,nottheot herwayaround;sohemustcarryon
    wit
    hhi sli
    fe."IrebuketoThando'sst
    atement
    .She
    car
    riesont olookatmewi t
    hpityinherey
    es;Iput
    myphonei nmypocket .

    "
    Okaythen.Ij
    ustcamet
    oaskwhatIshoul
    dputi
    n
    y
    ourporri
    dge.
    "

    "
    Putbutt
    erinst
    eadofpeanutbut
    ter.
    "Ir
    eplyThando
    t
    henexcusemy sel
    ffr
    om her
    .Iwalkbacktotheguys
    whoseem tohavecal
    meddown, nowlaughi
    ngat
    what
    everSchevissayi
    ng.

    "
    Goodmor
    ningbozza!
    "gr
    eet
    s
    Schevwi
    thhi
    scol
    gat
    eteet
    hshowi
    ng.
    Icol
    dlygr
    eethi
    m backandhi
    ssmi
    l
    ejustf
    loat
    saway
    .

    "
    SoasIwassayingbeforeyourbossdistr
    actedus,
    wearepl
    anni
    ngaguy s'dayouttoday,woul
    dy ou
    wantt
    ojoi
    nus,alongwithBrendon?"asksSi
    hle.
    AsSchevi
    saboutt
    ospeak,
    Ibeathi
    mtoi
    t.

    "Nohecan't,heneedstogosomewhereelsef
    or
    businesspurpose.
    "Isay
    .Schevsi
    de-
    eyesmewi t
    ha
    frownbutIraisemybrowsathim.Hetur
    nsbackto
    therest,
    smileswhil
    enoddi
    nghishead.

    "Umm yes.Ial
    mostfor
    got,
    bosshadalready
    assi
    gnedmef orsomebusi
    nesstodaysoIcan'
    t,
    nor
    canBrendon."

    "
    It
    'sokay
    .Youguy
    swi
    l
    ljoi
    nusnextt
    ime.
    "

    Weconv
    ersewi
    theachot
    heraboutr
    andom st
    uff
    ,
    i
    ncludingKhay a'
    sdisappearanceasItrytof or
    get
    aboutmyconv er
    sationwithThando.Turnsout ,
    Khay acutti
    eswi t
    hhi sfamil
    ydespit
    eal l
    the
    warningshegotf rom someauntofhi s.Ireall
    ywant
    totalktohim andapol ogi
    seforwhatIdidbutt he
    brotherssayIshouldknowbet ter
    .

    "Yourbreakf
    asti
    sready,"saysthemai
    dtous.Inod
    myheadandast heothersfol
    lowheri
    ntot
    hehouse,
    IpullSchevtot
    heside.

    "
    Schev
    ,Ineedy
    out
    ogot
    oNkul
    uleko.
    "

    "
    Nkulul
    eko?Umm isitt
    het
    ownshi
    pwhi
    chi
    s200km
    f
    rom her
    e?"asksSchev
    .

    "Yesi
    tis.IwantyoutogotoMpandestr
    eet,
    number
    6.Giv
    et hemanwhost ay
    sther
    eR700000andtel
    l
    himtost opcont
    act
    ingme.Youhear
    ?"Isayt
    oSchev.
    Henodshi sheadyes.
    "
    Youwi
    l
    lgowi
    thBr
    endonandI
    srael
    ."

    "
    okaybozza.Sowhent
    ell
    i
    nghimtost
    opcont
    act
    ing
    y
    ou,shoul
    dIuseyourr
    ealname?
    "

    "Obv i
    ously,
    orelsehewon' tknowwhoy ouar e
    talki
    ngabout .Nowleav e,
    it'
    salongwayt odri
    ve."I
    sayt ohim.Wesi multaneouslyturntothesl i
    ding
    doorandThandoi sstandingthere,lookingatus.
    Schevgi vesherasmi lebutshedoesn' treturnit
    .
    Instead,shelooksatme, oneey ebrowr aisedand
    herf aceshowingdisgust.

    "
    I'
    ll
    bel
    eav
    ingnow.
    "hesi
    tat
    esSchev
    .
    "Bozza,i
    'l
    lcal
    lyoulater
    ."InodmyheadasSchev
    l
    eav es,
    passingThandowhoj ustgi
    veshi
    m asi
    lent
    nodwhenhesay shisgoodbyes.
    "Heisyourfat
    herNkosi
    ,tr
    ytoforgi
    vehim andmov
    e
    on.
    "spitsThando.Il
    ookatherandshakemyhead
    whil
    stsmirki
    ng.

    "Youwi
    ll
    neverunder
    standbecauseyouhavenev
    er
    beeni
    nthesit
    uati
    onIwasinthen."Ir
    epl
    yher.

    Iwalktoher
    , t
    akeherhandint
    omi nenomatterhow
    muchshet r
    iestoresi
    standwewal kbacki
    nsidethe
    househandinhand; t
    aki
    ngourseatsnextt
    oeach
    other
    .

    "Goodmorningeveryone."Isay
    , t
    aki
    ngmyalr
    eady
    servedpor
    ridge.Ev
    er y
    oner epl
    iesmebackand
    dishesst
    arttomakecl ingi
    ngsounds.

    Asam eat i
    ng,Inoti
    ceThando'ssi
    de-ey
    ebutIi gnore
    her.Br
    eakfastconti
    nueswithpeopleChatt
    ingand
    l
    aughing.Ican'tbel
    i
    evethatIfi
    nall
    yhaveaf amily
    l
    ikethi
    s.Itmightnotbeoffi
    cialt
    othem orthewor ld
    t
    hatt
    heyar
    eal
    readymyf
    ami
    l
    ybutt
    ome,
    it'
    sof
    fi
    ci
    al.

    "Excuseme. "Isayassoonasam donewi thmy


    breakfast.Igett
    ot heroom andgetashowersinceI
    onlywashedmyf aceandbrushedmyt eet
    hwhenI
    wokeup.Igetdr essedint
    omybl uejeanswit
    ha
    NikeshirtandNi keshoes.Idon'
    tfeell
    ikegoi
    ngall
    formal t
    oday .

    Igr
    abmyphoneont
    hebedandt
    her
    ear
    e2t
    ext
    messages.

    "Am sorrymyson,forgiv
    emef orwhatIdidinthe
    past.Idon'
    tknowwhatcameov erme.Ishouldhav e
    treat
    edy oubett
    erthenbecausey ouwer eandstil
    l
    aremychi l
    dren.Pl
    easef or
    giv
    eme. "statesoneof
    themessages.Iwon' tevenwastemyt imereading
    theotherone.

    Iputt
    hephonebackont
    hebedasThandoent
    ers
    t
    her
    oom.

    "Am goi
    ngoutwithmysi
    stersandRose.Wemi ght
    bebacklat
    e."say
    sThando,walki
    ngt
    ot hecl
    oset.

    "
    WhataboutShani
    ka?
    "

    "Mymom saidsheshouldst
    ay.MaMohl akoaneand
    mom wanttospendsomet i
    mewi thher
    .Theyar e
    actual
    l
    yinvi
    ti
    nghersi
    bli
    ngsoverforl
    unchsot hey
    couldgett
    oknowthem bett
    er.
    "saysThando.

    "Okay.Theguy sandIar
    egoingtohaveabraai
    lat
    er
    on."Itel
    lherandshenodsherhead"okay
    ".

    Shecomesbackt
    otheroom wi
    thshor
    tpant
    s,
    sneaker
    sandacr
    optop.
    Whensheput
    sthem onthebed,Igr
    abtheclot
    hes,
    wal
    kbacktot
    heclosetwit
    htheclot
    hes,putt
    hem
    backandpi
    ckoutl
    ongt
    ornj
    eansandapr
    opershi
    rt
    .

    Iwalkbacktotheroom andputtheclothesonthe
    bed.Thandolooksattheclot
    hesthenlooksatme
    wit
    hani r
    ri
    tat
    edlook.Shewal ksbacktothecl
    oset,
    pi
    cksoutthesamecl othesshehadbeforeand
    comesbackt otheroom.

    "
    Youar
    en'
    tgoi
    ngoutwear
    ingt
    hat
    ."Ir
    ebuke.

    "
    Inev
    eraskedy
    ouf
    ory
    ouropi
    nion.
    "shegl
    ower
    s.

    "
    Andt
    hen,
    whyar
    eyouangr
    y?"Iaskher
    .

    "
    Whosai
    dam angr
    y?"

    "
    Thandost
    opwi
    tht
    heat
    ti
    tude.Am y
    ourhusband.
    "
    "
    Wel
    lyoumi
    ghtnotbe,
    "sher
    epl
    i
    es.

    "
    Excuseme?
    "

    "Welly
    oumi ghtnotbebecauseyourki
    nsmandon'
    t
    i
    ncludeyourfather
    ."say
    sThando,removi
    ngher
    cl
    othes.

    "
    OohGod.Thandowhenareyougoi
    ngt
    ogett
    his
    i
    ntoy
    ourhead,THATMANI SNOTMYFATHERAND
    HECANNEVERBEONE. "

    "Nkosicanyouatl
    east,t
    hisonet
    imegoseehim.
    Justonceandstoptr
    yingtomakehi
    m keepqui
    etby
    sendingmoney.
    "sneer
    sThando,movi
    ngherhead
    sideways.

    "
    Am sorr
    ybutt
    hatcannev
    erhappen.Sopl
    easej
    ust
    f
    orget
    ..
    ..
    ."
    "I
    twil
    lhappenwhet
    heryouli
    keitornot
    ."i
    nter
    ject
    s
    Thandoasshecont
    inuestowearthecl
    othesshe
    pi
    ckedout.

    "Bef
    oreIf
    orget
    ,call
    Schevandtell
    himtocomeback.
    Nomoneywi l
    lbegoingtoyourdadbecausehewi
    l
    l
    becomingthi
    sside.
    "utt
    ersThando.

    "
    Comi
    ngt
    owhosehouse?
    "

    "
    Hewi
    l
    lst
    ayatmyapar
    tment
    ."Cont
    inuesThando.

    "
    Iownthatapart
    mentandev
    eryotherapar
    tmenti
    n
    t
    hatcomplex.
    "Ibel
    l
    ow,movi
    ngclosertoThando.

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lbuyhi
    m ahouset
    hen.
    "say
    sThando.
    "Woman, whydoy oul ikegoi ngagainsteverythingI
    say ?!Whyar eyouev eni ncludingyoursel
    finthis?I t
    's
    myl i
    fe, ithasnothingt odowi thyou.Youhada
    l
    ov ingf amilyasachi ld,notmesost optr
    y i
    ngt o
    forcet histhingonme! !Idon'twantt hatmani nmy
    l
    ifeany more.Sopl ease, stopget t
    ingyourself
    i
    nv olv edi nthis.I
    thasabsol utelynothi
    ngtodowi th
    you! "IsnapatThando.Ir ollmyhandsi nt
    oaf i
    st ,
    mov ingcl osertoThandowhohasanemot ionless
    expr essi on.

    "Thi
    sbetterbet hefi
    rstandl astti
    meIhearyoutalk
    abouthi
    m, doyouhearme? "Irebuke,myvoi
    celow.
    Shekeepsherey esonmi newi thafrownonherface
    butdoesn'trespond.

    "
    Isai
    ddoy
    ouhearme?
    !"Ir
    epeat
    ..
    .

    "
    Yes,
    Ido.
    "Shef
    inal
    l
    ysay
    s,l
    ooki
    ngaway
    .
    "Andremovethoseclothesofy ours,Idon'twant
    menlooki
    ngatmypr opert
    y."Isayt oher.Itur
    nmy
    backonherreadytoleavebutIt urnbackt ofaceher
    agai
    n.Iki
    ssherforeheadthenf inal
    lyleavetheroom.

    ShemightbeangryatmebutIdon'
    tcar
    e.Sheneeds
    tost
    ayoutofthi
    sandthat'
    sfi
    nal
    .Idon'
    twantt
    hat
    maninmyl i
    feandthat
    '
    sit.
    ..
    ..

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

    THANDO'
    SPOV

    Soletmer ecap,aft
    eranamazingnightwithmyman,
    Iwasexpectingmymor ni
    ngtobeallrosesandal
    l
    thatbuti
    twasact uall
    ytheopposi
    te.Mymor ni
    ng
    j
    usthappenedt obet heworst
    .

    Nkosi
    shout
    ingatmer
    eal
    l
    yhi
    tmehar
    d.Idi
    dn'
    tthi
    nk
    hewoul dreactinsuchamannerbecausehei s
    alwayssweetwheni tcomest omebutnott oday .
    Todayhel it
    erall
    yshowedmehowmuchhewon' t
    tol
    eratemyf antasyofhimf i
    nallyreuniti
    ngwi thhis
    father
    .Althoughhet ol
    dmet hati thasnot hingtodo
    withme, i
    thasev erysingl
    ethingt odowi thme
    becauseIf eell
    ikeauntisgoingt opickitupt hat
    Nkosi'
    sbiologicalfat
    herisal
    iveandt hatcanaf fect
    ourmar r
    iageplans.Afterhelefttheroom i nthe
    mor ni
    ng,Ihonestlywasdumbf oundedandpr et
    ty
    scared.

    WhenisGodgoi ngt ostoptest


    ingmebecauseam
    ti
    redofal
    lthesetests.Ihonest
    lyfeell
    ikeam i
    n
    someBoll
    ywooddr amawher e2loverscannever
    l
    ivehappi
    l
    yal lbecauseofstupi
    dt r
    ial
    s.

    Okaynowbackt ot
    hereali
    ty,thegirl
    sandIwentout
    andNkosimademechangei ntoclothesIdi
    dn'
    t
    wanttowear.I
    t'
    sfr
    eaki
    ng29degr eesandIneeded
    towearshor
    tsbutNkosibeingNkosi ,sai
    dnotothe
    shor
    ts.Wel
    l atleastheall
    owedmet oweartor
    n
    j
    eanswhichar ekindoflet
    ti
    ngsomesor tof
    vent
    il
    ati
    ontakepl acebutsti
    l
    l,Ineededshor
    ts.

    "Okaysowhatar
    ewedoingfi
    rstl
    adi
    es?
    "asksTshi
    di
    aswewalkinsi
    dethemal
    l.

    "
    Howaboutdoi
    ngourhai
    rfi
    rst
    ?"i
    nsi
    stsRose.

    "Goodidea.Let'
    sgot othesal
    oonthen.
    "exclai
    ms
    Nolu,
    takingbigsteps,danci
    ng.Imi
    ssedthislady
    andherchildi
    shexcitements.
    Wegett othesaloonandlucki
    l
    yitisn'
    tpacked.All
    theladi
    esgot ositonsal
    oonchair
    s, t
    ell
    i
    ngthehair
    styl
    ist
    sthetypeofhairst
    ylest
    heywantandIj ustsi
    t
    atthewait
    ingarea.

    "
    Aren'
    tyouget
    ti
    ngy
    ourhai
    rdone?
    "enqui
    resRose.
    "Nop,yourbrot
    hersai
    dheli
    kesmenat uralsoam
    goingtostaynatur
    alf
    orawhil
    e."Irepl
    yherandthey
    startl
    aughi
    ng,incl
    udi
    ngt
    hehairdressers.

    "Yebogir
    l,wonderwhyyouhav
    ey ournat
    uralhai
    r
    todaybecauseIwas100%surethatyourhai
    rwas
    plai
    tedj
    ustlastni
    ght.
    "say
    sTshidil
    aughi
    ng.

    "
    Hei
    stheonewhounpl
    ait
    edi
    t.
    "It
    ell
    them.

    "Hmm thatmansuremustl
    ovey
    ougi
    rl
    !!
    "teasesone
    ofthehai
    rdr
    esser
    s.

    "
    Youhav
    enoi
    dea!
    "JokesRose.
    "Theyactli
    kelovestr
    uck14yearol
    dswhohav e
    neverdatedinthei
    renti
    rel
    i
    ves.
    "shecont
    inues.

    "
    Amen!"shoutsTshi
    diandNol
    uast
    hehai
    rdr
    esser
    s
    l
    i
    stenandlaugh.
    "Leavemeal oneguy s.I
    t'
    snotmyf aulty ouar en'
    t
    getti
    ngtheutmostl ovefrom yourmen, "Isayt o
    them asthei
    rlaughscont inuetoescal ate.The
    i
    mmat ur
    econv er
    sationscont i
    nueast hel adiesget
    thei
    rhairdone.Itakemyphoneoutf rom mypur se
    andcheckmymessagesandNkosi isn'tpartoft he
    peoplewhosentanymessages.Iopenhi sinboxand
    heisonline.

    "How'sworkgoing?"It
    ypebut30secondslater
    ,I
    cancelever
    ythi
    ngandt y
    pe"am sor
    ryabouttoday,
    "
    butthenIcancelagai
    n.Ist
    areatmyphonef ora
    whil
    eandt hat'
    swhenInoti
    cethatheisty
    ping.

    "Iloveyoumore"say
    sthemessageandmyfeel
    i
    ngs
    l
    iteral
    lyj
    ustj
    umpoutofmyheart.Asmil
    ecr
    eepsup
    onmeandIr eply,

    "
    Ilov
    eyoumor
    eandam sor
    ryaboutt
    hismor
    ning"
    Wi
    thabl
    ushi
    ngf
    aceandhesendsahear
    t.

    "
    Behomeear
    ly,
    anddon'
    tcookdi
    nner
    ."

    "
    Ican'
    tpr
    omi
    set
    hatI
    '
    llbehomeear
    ly,
    "

    "I
    fyouaren'
    thomeby7:
    30pm,i
    'l
    lcomet
    her
    eand
    dragyouhome.Oohandnodr
    inki
    ng.
    "

    "
    Iwoul
    dr eal
    l
    ylov
    ei ti
    fy oucameherehey.Anddon'
    t
    wor
    ry,
    yourbabyisgoingt obesaf
    e,youdon'
    thave
    t
    oremindmenott odrink.
    "

    "Chatlat
    erbaby,am inameet i
    ng.Noteven
    supposedtobet ext
    ingy ourightnow.Enjoyyourday.
    AndIdomeani t
    ,Iwillcomet hereifyouaren'
    thome
    earl
    y..
    ."Andthat
    'shi
    sl asttextbeforegoi
    ngof f
    li
    ne.
    "Heisal
    readyt
    exti
    ngyou?
    !Haishamegir
    l,y
    ou
    bett
    ernotmessthi
    ngsupwit
    hhim."say
    sNol u.

    "Shutupwena. "Isayt oNol u.After1hourofsi t


    ti
    ng
    andpl ay
    inggamesonmyphone, wef inall
    yleavethe
    saloonandgof orclothesshoppi ng.Afterspending
    thousandsofr and;whi chbyt hewayar ecomi ng
    strai
    ghtfrom Nkosi andSihle'saccount s;weheadt o
    theoneandonl yladyheav en,thelingeri
    est or
    e.As
    weent er,somey oungdar kski nnedladywal kstous
    smi l
    i
    ng.Shegr eetsus, welcomi ngusi ntothestore
    andwegr eetherback.

    "canIhel
    pyoul
    adi
    eswi
    thany
    thi
    ng?
    "sheasks,
    smili
    ng.

    "
    Umm not
    hanks,
    wear
    eokay
    ."Ir
    epl
    yher
    .

    "
    Okay,j
    ustcal
    lmeIfyouneedme.
    "shesay
    sbef
    ore
    t
    urni
    ngawaytotheti
    l
    l.
    "
    Ladi
    es!
    !Let
    'sgetourf
    reakon.
    ..
    ."say
    sNol
    u.

    "Whothehel
    lareyouget
    ti
    ngy
    ourf
    reakonf
    or?
    "
    qui
    zzesRose,l
    aughi
    ng.

    "
    Don'
    ttel
    lmey
    oudon'
    tknow?
    "

    "
    Knowwhat
    ?"quest
    ionsRose.

    "
    Shei
    sbusywi
    thBr
    endon.
    "st
    atesTshi
    di.

    "
    What
    ?!"mar
    vel
    sRose.

    "Youdi
    dn'
    tknow?
    "weal
    lsi
    mul
    taneousl
    ygaspat
    Rose.
    "
    Nop!
    "bl
    urt
    sRose,
    shaki
    ngherhead.

    "
    Wellyouar
    ebackwar
    d..
    ."say
    sNol
    u,wal
    ki
    ngf
    urt
    her
    i
    ntot
    hestore.
    Wef ol
    lowherasRosebombar
    dsNol
    uwi
    th
    questi
    ons.

    "Soyouaret
    ell
    i
    ngmet
    hatBr
    endonal
    readyhi
    tit
    ?"
    asksRose.

    "Well
    noty et
    ,Ihavebeenplayi
    nghar
    dtogetwhenit
    comest othat.Iwantourf
    ir
    stti
    metoget
    hertobe
    speci
    al."say
    sNol u."
    Wellmoreli
    kemyfi
    rst
    ti
    me."sheadds.

    "
    Yesgi
    rl
    !!
    !"Isayt
    oNol
    uhi
    tt
    ingherhand.

    "Sowhenisthatgoingt
    obe?"asksTshi
    diasshe
    checksoutsomelinger
    ieout
    fi
    ts.
    "
    Iwast
    hinki
    ngmay
    beonhi
    sbi
    rt
    hday
    ."

    "
    Wheni
    sthat
    ?"

    "
    it
    'snextweeki
    nthe14t
    h."

    "Oooh,sointhatcase,wear
    ehel
    pingyoupi
    ckout
    something?"Iaskher,
    onebrowr
    aised.

    "
    Yes.
    "Shesay
    s.

    "
    Inevert
    houghtNol uwoul
    deverf
    alli
    nlov
    ehey !
    !"
    j
    okesTshidi
    ,teasi
    ngNoluwhorol
    lshereyes.

    "
    Sameher
    e!"Isay
    ,rai
    singmyhand.
    "
    Leavemeal
    oneguysandjusthel
    pmeoutwi
    th
    t
    his,
    "mumbl
    esNolushyi
    ngaway .

    Wehel pheroutpickoutsomet hingwor t


    hherf i
    rst
    ti
    meandl etmesay ,
    Br endonmi ghtaskhert omar r
    y
    himr i
    ghtaft
    erseeingheri ntheout fi
    tweal l
    picked
    outforher.Wealsopi ckoutsomet hingfor
    oursel
    vesandasf orme, It
    akesomet oy
    swi t
    hme
    too.NkosiandIreall
    yneedt ot r
    youtsomet hingnew
    andwi t
    hhim astheeeeeeesexgod, am pret
    tysureit
    will
    beal otoff
    un.
    Wepayusingmycar dbecausewedon'twantt
    he
    guysknowi
    ngthatweboughtlinger
    ie.I
    fwepay
    usi
    ngthei
    rcar
    ds,theywil
    lknow.

    "
    Papachi
    no'
    sorOceanbasket
    ?"Ii
    nqui
    reasweget
    i
    ntot
    hecar.

    "Oceanbasketplease."saysTshidi
    .Iputonmyseat
    beltast
    heladiesdot oo.Istar
    tthecar,anddr
    iveof
    f.
    "OkaysoThando,Ihav
    ethisonequest
    ionf
    ory
    ou.
    "
    saysNoluf
    rom thebackseat
    .

    "
    Okaywhat
    '
    sup?
    "

    "Whythehel
    ldoesn'
    tyourhusband'shousehave
    soundpr
    oof?
    !"assoonasshef i
    nishesherquest
    ion,
    RoseandTshidibur
    sti
    ntolaughter
    .

    "Butonaseriousnot
    et hough,
    why ?Becausewe
    couldhearyouguysmour ni
    ng,sweari
    ngandal lt
    hat
    .
    Ievengothornyfr
    om that.
    "conti
    nuesNolu,tr
    ying
    nottolaugh.

    "
    Wasi
    tthatbadguy
    s?"Iask.

    "I
    twasbadThando,
    andt hewor
    stpar
    tis,
    Sihl
    eand
    Rosewereal
    sobusy.Iev
    enheardSi
    hlemourni
    ng.
    "
    cr
    ingesNol
    uwithadi
    sgust
    edf
    aceandIl
    aughas
    Rosetur
    nsred.

    "I
    sthatwhymom andNkosi
    '
    smom wer
    elaughi
    ng
    earl
    i
    ertoday
    ?"wonder
    sTshi
    di.

    "
    Yes!
    !!
    "say
    sNol
    u.

    "
    Wellam v
    erysor
    ryyourear
    shadtowitnesst
    hat.I
    '
    ll
    t
    ell
    Nkositodosomethi
    ngabouti
    t.
    "IsaytoNolu.

    "Okaybutnowl et
    '
    st alkasl adi
    es;ladi
    estoladi
    es,
    sist
    erstosist
    ers;
    isthatt hi
    ngt hatgood?"asksNolu
    withalookofcuriosi
    t y
    .Tshi di
    ,RoseandIey eeach
    otherandlookatNol uthandowi deeyed.

    RosetouchesNol
    u'
    sshoul
    der
    ,looksheri
    ntheey
    e
    andsays
    "
    Babygi
    rl
    !Thatt
    hingi
    samazi
    ng!I
    t'
    sbeaut
    y,i
    twi
    l
    l
    takeyoutopl
    acesyouhav
    eneverbeento!!
    !!
    "
    exclai
    msRoseshiv
    eri
    ngashereyesrol
    ltotheback
    ofherhead.

    "
    Okaybabyyoudon'
    tneedt
    ogetasei
    zur
    enow.
    "
    t
    easesTshi
    di.

    "Am sorr
    yguy sbutt
    hinki
    ngabouti
    tjustdr
    ivesme
    crazy,
    "concedesRose.
    "Yourmot hergavebi
    rtht
    oonehellofahunk!!
    "she
    conti
    nues, emphasi
    singt
    hehunkpart."somet
    imesI
    feell
    ikehuggingherandtel
    l
    ingherthatsheis
    amazi ng!
    "

    "
    All
    becauseofdi
    ck?
    !"shout
    sNol
    ulaughi
    ng.

    "
    Don'
    twor
    ry,
    soony
    ouwi
    l
    lunder
    stand.
    "say
    sTshi
    di.
    "Ifeel
    thesamewayaboutJor
    dan.Iwanttot
    hank
    hismom forgi
    vi
    ngbi
    rthtohi
    m becausedamn!!
    "
    "
    butguys,nonofyourmencanbeatmyNkosi
    !"t
    hat
    manisthesexgod.HeisawholeGod!
    !!
    "Ibr
    agto
    t
    hegir
    ls.

    "Idon'
    tthi
    nkIneededt
    oheart
    hat
    ."say
    sRose,
    cl
    osingherear
    s.

    "
    Hahaha,
    am sor
    rybutIhadt
    osayi
    t.
    "

    "
    Youguysareal
    lof
    fi
    cial
    l
    yobsessedwi
    thdi
    ck.
    "
    l
    aughsNol
    u.

    "
    Oneday
    ,youwi
    l
    lbeoneofus.
    "It
    ell
    Nol
    u.

    "Oohandbefor
    eIfor
    gettoask,whoisJor
    dan?
    "asks
    Rose,l
    ooki
    ngatTshi
    difr
    om thebackseat
    .
    "
    Welli
    cansayhei smyboyf
    ri
    endbutwehav
    en'
    t
    madeitof
    fi
    cial
    .
    "repl
    i
    esTshi
    di.

    "y
    oudon'tneedtomakeitoff
    icial
    becauseyouguy
    s
    arei
    nlov
    e.Youarealwaystal
    kingtohim andy
    ou
    l
    it
    eral
    lyt
    ellhi
    m ever
    ythi
    ng.
    "say sNol
    u.
    "
    Itev
    enannoy
    sme.
    "

    "
    What
    ?Met
    ell
    i
    nghi
    m ev
    ery
    thi
    ngIdo?
    "

    "
    Yes!
    "

    "
    Howt
    hehel
    li
    sthatannoy
    ingNol
    u?"
    Iask.

    "Letmetel
    l y
    ou,ther
    ewasthisothert
    imeTshi
    diand
    Iweretal
    ki
    ngaboutmebei ngav i
    rgi
    nsowhen
    Jordancal
    led,Tshi
    ditol
    dhi
    mt heconver
    sat
    ionwe
    werehavi
    ng.Like,whot
    hefuckdoest
    hat
    !!
    "shout
    s
    Noluwideeyed,addi
    ngext
    raemphasi
    swit
    hher
    hands.

    "
    Okayt
    hat
    'sj
    ustt
    oomuch.
    ..
    "Isayl
    aughi
    ng.

    "Ihaveapol
    ogisedamilli
    ontimesaboutt hatNol
    u.I
    evenboughtyouthatstupidexpensiv
    eout fi
    tof
    yourssoit'
    sti
    mey ouforgetaboutthat.
    "whines
    Tshidi
    .

    "
    Isal
    utey
    ouTshi
    di,
    "say
    sRosel
    aughi
    ng.

    "
    Enoughaboutourmen.
    "Isay
    .
    "
    Rose,
    whenar
    eyougi
    vi
    ngbi
    rt
    h?"

    "I
    n2weekstimebutam pr
    ayi
    ngt
    hati
    tshoul
    dbe
    earl
    i
    er.
    "say
    sRose.
    "
    Why
    ?"

    "Becauseam t
    ir
    edoft
    hismoody,al
    wayshungr
    y,
    ti
    redandsuperhor
    nyRose.Ij
    ustwantt
    obenormal
    again.
    "answer
    sRose.

    "If
    eelyougi
    rl
    .Andt
    othi
    nk,
    am act
    ual
    l
    ygoi
    ngt
    her
    e."
    Isay.

    "
    AndIhopeyouarereadyforev
    ery
    thi
    ngt
    hat
    'sabout
    t
    ohappen.
    "SaysRosegrinni
    ng.

    "Iactual
    lycan'twai
    ttoseeheral
    lbl
    ott
    ed.
    "say
    s
    TshidibutIhitheronherthi
    gh.

    "
    Youwaitandsee,Iwil
    lbeahotpregnantmommy ,
    y
    oujustwaitandsee.
    "Iboastasal
    ltheladi
    esl
    augh
    i
    namockingmanner .
    Wegett ot heplacewear ehavingourlunch,geta
    tabl
    e,orderourf oodandaswewai t,our
    conversati
    onscont i
    nue.Ireal
    l
    yneededt his,
    especi
    allyafterallt
    hatIwentthrough.Butnow, I
    needtost artworryi
    ngaboutthef at
    herson
    rel
    ati
    onship.

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    Heyguys so,beent r
    yingtobrainst
    orm
    l
    atel
    ycozmymi ndcompl etel
    yshutdownaf ter
    wri
    ti
    ngmyl astexam lastweek.Nextchapt erbeing
    edi
    ted.Iwantedtopost4i nsertsatthesamet ime
    butIreal
    i
    sedhowi mpat i
    entsomeofy 'al
    lare
    butIhopey ouguysenjoyt heinsert
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er47

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV
    Today,thi
    ngshav
    en'
    tbeentaki
    ngagoodt urnf
    orme.
    Fir
    st,
    itwasThando'
    ssit
    uat
    ion,theni
    twentfur
    ther
    tooneofmybusinessshar
    eholderswant
    inga
    meetingwitht
    heCEOofthecompany .

    Doesn'
    tsoundsobad?Wel ll
    etmeexplai
    n,my
    shar
    eholder
    sknowmeast heCOO,nottheCEO.
    Evenmywor kersdon'
    tknowthatam t
    heirCEO.
    Whatam sayingis,
    AM THECEObutt heydon'
    tknow
    i
    t.
    Idon'twantanyoneknowi
    ngthatam t
    heownerof
    thesecompaniesbecausemynamewouldbeev er
    y
    where,whichhasoncehappened.

    AsforSchevgoingtomyhomet own,hest
    il
    lhasn'
    t
    arr
    ivedbutam sur
    ehewillar
    rivesoon.Am j
    ust
    hopingthatt
    heoldmanjusttakesthemoneyand
    l
    eavesmeal one.

    Af
    termyl
    ongdr
    aini
    ngmeet
    ing,
    Igeti
    ntomycarand
    driveofftot
    hedr i
    fti
    ngshowwher eSi hleandt he
    restoftheguysar e.Ii
    nvi
    tedSbuov ersi ncet heguys
    thi
    nkSbuandIr ecentl
    ybecamef r
    iendsbutSbu
    refused.Hesaidhehasav eryi
    mpor tant
    appointmenttoattendtoandIknowexact lywhat
    thatappoint
    menti s.Hereall
    yneedst ost artlooki
    ng
    foraladybecauset hist
    hingofhimf ucki ngev er
    y
    womanwhoopensherl egsforhimi sn'twor kingout
    .

    "Youare2hourslat
    ebafo,y
    oujustmi
    ssedoneof
    thebestdr
    ift
    ers.
    "saysMkhi
    zeashegivesmea
    bott
    leofcoke.

    "
    It
    'sf
    ine,
    am noti
    ntot
    hisst
    uffany
    way
    s."Isayt
    o
    Mkhi
    ze.

    "SoIjustfi
    guredout3t hi
    ngsaboutyou,youdon't
    l
    ikealcohol,y
    oudon'tcaremuchaboutbei ngri
    ch
    andyouar en'
    tadr i
    ft
    ingfan?"hy
    pothesi
    zesZipho,
    taki
    ngasi pfrom hi
    sbot t
    leofal
    cohol.
    "
    Exact
    ly!
    "ianswersmi
    l
    ingatZi
    pho.

    "Sowhatdoy oul
    i
    ke?"qui
    zzesSi
    hle.It
    akemyseat
    nexttoZiphowhi
    l
    stopeni
    ngmydrinkandtaki
    nga
    gulpofcoke.

    "
    Wel
    l
    ,am mor
    eofasoccerandmusi
    cfan.
    "

    "Hmmmm, f
    orasecondther
    eIt
    houghty
    oudi
    d
    not
    hingf
    orf
    un.
    "saysSihl
    e.

    "Idon'
    tbl
    ameyoubecauseam al
    waysworki
    ngsoI
    barel
    yhavet
    imetodothethi
    ngsIlov
    e."

    "So!"Isay,ov
    erri
    dingourprevi
    ousdiscussion,l
    ook
    atSihle,makingsurehegetsthatam tal
    kingtohim.
    "Ihopey ouaretakinggoodcareofmyPr incess
    man. "I
    "Iam baf
    obutam ti
    redoft
    hemoodswings,the
    neverendi
    ngcravi
    ngsandthesl
    eepl
    essnights.
    "
    concedesSihl
    e,wat
    chingt
    hecar
    sdri
    ft
    .

    "Wel
    latleastshei
    sgi
    vi
    ngbi
    rt
    hsoon.
    "say
    sMkhi
    ze
    shr
    ugging.

    "Yesbutt
    hese2weeksar
    edr
    aggi
    ng.
    "responds
    Sihl
    e.

    "
    She'
    sgi
    vi
    ngbi
    rt
    hin2weeks?
    "Iaskhi
    m.

    "Yessheisandam thi
    nki
    ngofbuy i
    ngaproper
    houseforusbecauseIcan'
    tcont
    inuest
    ayingi
    n
    Thando'
    sapartment.
    "

    "
    Pret
    tygoodi
    dea.
    "say
    sZi
    pho.
    "i
    fyouneedanyhel
    pwithhouses,Icanhel
    pyou.
    "I
    suggestt
    oSihl
    ebutheshakeshishead.

    "don'
    tworr
    y,I'
    l
    ltakecareofi
    t.Ial
    readyfoundagreat
    house6blocksawayf r
    om yoursandIthinkt
    hatone
    will
    do."

    "
    Okayt
    hen.
    "

    "
    Areyoureadyf
    orpr
    egnantThando!
    !?
    "excl
    aims
    Mkhi
    ze.

    "
    Wellt
    hequest
    ionyoushoul
    dbeaski
    ngi
    s,am I
    r
    eadyfort
    hepr
    egnancysymptoms.
    "Imuse.

    "
    Thatdoesn'
    tmakesense.
    "qui
    zzesZi
    pho.
    "Iam t
    heonewhogoest hr
    oughthemoodswings
    andall
    .It
    scal
    ledCouvadesyndr
    omeifam not
    wrong,
    "Isayt
    ot hem.

    "
    Ouch!
    "cr
    ingesSi
    hleal
    ongwi
    thMkhi
    ze.
    "
    Thatmustbeapai
    n."gr
    imacesSi
    hle.

    "Youhavenoi dea.That '


    showIfoundoutthatshe
    mustbepr egnant.WhenIwasi nMexico,Iusedto
    getbackpainsandgetnauseat edallt
    hetime.These
    daysit
    'sbetterthoughbutIcan'
    teatcert
    ainfoods.
    "I
    saytothei
    rcr i
    ngedf aces.

    "ThankGodIdi
    dn'
    thavet
    ogothr
    ought hat
    ."say
    s
    Sihl
    erol
    li
    nghi
    seyesbacktot
    hedri
    ftshow.

    "
    Goodl
    uckt
    houghbaf
    o!"t
    easesZi
    pho.

    "
    Ipr
    ayt
    haty
    ougeti
    ttoo.
    "It
    ell
    Ziphowhogr
    ins.
    "
    Nev
    er!
    !"l
    aughsZi
    pho.

    "
    Sodi
    dyouguy
    swat
    cht
    henewst
    oday
    ?"asksSi
    hle.

    "
    no,
    whatwason?
    "Iquest
    ion.

    "MrVil
    akazi
    andmot
    herbur
    ndownt
    oashes.
    "he
    answers.

    "
    Oooht
    hat
    ."say
    sZi
    pho.

    "Ihopeyoudidn'tl
    eaveanyev
    idencether
    e."
    conti
    nuesSihle.Il
    ookhisway,
    shakingmyheadand
    taki
    ngagulpofmycoke.

    "
    Am nott
    hatstupi
    d.Ihavedonet
    hisanumberof
    t
    imessoam safe.
    "Irepl
    yhim.
    "Ir
    eadt
    hathi
    sfat
    heri
    ssomeki
    ngf
    orsomev
    il
    lage.
    "
    saysMkhi
    ze.

    "
    Sameher e.Atfi
    rstIthoughti
    twassomej
    okebut
    i
    tst
    rue.
    "interj
    ect
    sZi pho.

    "Wel
    lmycondol
    encest
    ohi
    m butt
    hatsonofabi
    tch
    hadt
    ogo."Isay
    .

    "
    Ifeelsor
    ryf
    orwhoev
    erf
    li
    rt
    swi
    thThando.
    "muses
    Mkhize.

    "Thatper
    sonshouldfeel
    sorryf
    orthemsel
    vesbef
    ore
    anyoneelsedoes.
    "saysSihl
    egri
    nning.

    "
    Fact
    !"Iagr
    ee.
    Wewat cht hedrif
    tshowbutIspendal otofthetime
    l
    ooki ngatt hepicturesItookofThandosl eeping.I
    studyev erysinglepartofherf ace,from herti
    ny
    noset oherbr ownsmal ll
    ips.Imi ghtaswellsayam
    obsessedov erthiswoman.Iwoul dneverwantt o
    giveuponhernomat terwhat.Ijustwantust oli
    ve
    happi l
    ytogetheralready.Iam t i
    redofseeingher
    suffer.Ij
    ustwantt oloveher,knowi ngthatnothing
    willharm herandknowi ngthatshei smi neforgood.

    Aftert
    hedr i
    ftshow, weleavet
    heplaceandheadto
    someshi sanyamaar ea.Webuyourownmeatand
    hi
    r e2braaistands,onewithSi
    hleandMkhize,
    the
    otherwit
    hZi phoandi .AswebraaisomemeatZipho
    standsbesideme, gulpshisdr
    inki
    nhishandthen
    speaks.

    "
    Nkosi
    ?"

    "
    Yes?
    "Ianswer
    .
    "
    Ireal
    l
    ywantShani
    a."Headmi
    ts,
    inawhi
    sper
    ing
    t
    one.

    "
    Okaybutwhyar
    eyout
    ell
    i
    ngme?
    "

    "
    BecauseIneedy
    ourhel
    p."

    "
    Howam Isupposedt
    ohel
    p?"

    "Keepyournosybrot
    herawayfrom her
    ."Il
    ookat
    Ziphowit
    hscrunchedli
    ps,noddi
    ngmyhead.

    "OkaybutIhaveonequest
    ionf
    ory
    ou.Whyher
    ?"I
    askincuri
    osit
    y.

    "That'
    saquesti
    ononlymyhear
    tcananswer,
    "he
    says."WhenyouwereinMexi
    co,Iusedt
    oseehera
    l
    otsinceNer i
    sawaswor kingwi t
    hust ogetThando
    awayf r
    om Sabelo.Duri
    ngt hatti
    me, Iusedtoseeher
    alotthenoneday ,Ir
    eali
    sedhowmuchIwant edher
    asmi ne.Ihadnocontrolovermyf eeli
    ngs.Iwanted
    toloveherasay oungersisterbutIcouldnt
    ."Reci
    tes
    Zipho,l
    ookingattheburningashes.

    "
    That
    'sr
    eal
    l
    ydeepbaf
    o."

    "Iknow.Tobehonest ,Ialwaystoldmy selfthatI


    wouldnev erfall
    f orawomanbecausewomenar ea
    burden.ButboywasIwr ong,Ihavefall
    enf ora
    younggirlwhooccupi esmymi ndev erymor ning,
    after
    noonandni ght."resumesZi pho."Shehas
    suddenlybecomeav erybi gpartofme.Aday
    withoutseeingthatsmi l
    eofher smur dersme. "
    Ziphosmi l
    est ohi mselfandt hi
    sjustshowshow
    obsessedhei saboutShani a.

    "
    Baf
    o,Idon'
    tmeant obeabuzzki
    ll
    orany
    thi
    ngbut
    y
    oudoknowt hatshei
    sdeafanddumbri
    ght
    ?"Iask
    Zi
    pho.

    "YesIdoandIhavethattakencar
    eof .Ihavel
    ear
    nt
    signl
    anguage.I
    t'
    sactual
    l
    yav eryi
    nteresti
    ngwayof
    communicati
    ng.
    "herepli
    es,sti
    l
    lsmili
    ng.

    "
    Your
    eal
    l
    yar
    einl
    ovemyman,
    "

    "Iam andIneedy ourhelptogetShania."he


    beseecheswi thbeggi ngeyes.Il
    ookathi m, tongue
    ti
    ed.Notknowi ngi fIshouldsayyesorno.Hel ping
    himi snotthepr oblem,theagediff
    erencei s.Shani a
    i
    sj ust18andZi phoi soldenoughtoact uallybeher
    father.Say
    ingnot ohim doesn'
    tseem li
    keanopt i
    on
    sincehehel pedmeoutwi t
    halotofstuff.Yetsay ing
    yest ohimisr i
    skyt oo.

    "PleaseNkosi
    ,Ineedherasmywoman.
    "impl
    ores
    Zipho.
    "Okaycoolbutj
    usttakeiteasybafo.Shei sy oung
    andam prett
    ysuregetti
    ngintoarelati
    onshipi sthe
    l
    astthi
    ngonhermi ndrightnow.Iwi l
    lhelpy ouas
    l
    ongasy oudon'tt
    akeadv antageofher."Itellhi
    m.
    Hegivesmeadel i
    ghtedlook, l
    i
    ghtl
    yhitt
    ingmyback.

    "ThankyoumanandIwon' ttakeadvantageofher.
    I'
    ll
    respectherdeci
    sions.Fornow,Ijustwanttoget
    toknowherandj ustbeherf r
    iend,
    thenIcango
    aheadwi t
    haskingher."

    "Soundslikeagoodidea.Youdothatandt
    ell
    me
    whenev eryouneedme."Itel
    lhi
    m.Timegoeson
    unti
    lit
    'stimeforust
    oheadhome.
    Befor
    edr i
    vinghome,Icheckonmyguards
    conserni
    ngThando'swhereaboutandam gl
    adto
    hearthatsheisal
    readyhome.MusictomyearsItel
    l
    you.

    Theguy
    sandIgethomet
    oachaot
    ichouse.
    Everyt
    hingisupsi dedownandt herear
    et oys
    every
    wher e.AsIlookaroundtheliv
    ingroom, Ispot
    oneofShani as'sibl
    ingshi
    dingbehindt
    hecouch.He
    rai
    seshisindexfingertohi
    sl i
    ps,pr
    essi
    ngi tagainst
    them.

    "Ssssh!
    "hewhisper
    s.Achuckl
    eescapesfrom meas
    Iwinkathi
    m,reassuri
    nghi
    mt hatIwon'
    ttel
    lanyone.

    "Okay,Igi
    veup.Youguy swi n!"admi tsThandowho
    walksintothehousef rom thebacky arddoor.As
    soonasshei sdonesay ingherwor ds,peopl
    est ar
    t
    poppingoutoftheirhidingspot slaughi ngpoint
    ing
    atThando.Bypeopl e,am talkingaboutThando' s
    mom, mymom, dad, Thando' ssistersandRose.

    "
    Lookwho'
    sback!
    "excl
    aimsThando'
    smot
    her
    wal
    ki
    ngtowar
    dstheguysandI.

    "
    Hel
    l
    oma.
    "Wesi
    mul
    taneousl
    ysayt
    oher
    .
    "
    Ihopeyoubroughtussomet
    hingt
    oeatsi
    ncey
    ou
    t
    oldusnott
    ocook."

    "Wedid.
    "repl
    i
    esMkhizewal
    kingt
    othekitchenwi
    th
    someofthemeatwebarbecuedandalr
    eadyMac
    andcheeseweboughtonourwayback.

    "Thankyou!!"gushesoutRose."Ihavebeencravi
    ng
    forsomethingcheesy "shegasps,t
    hrowingherhead
    back,cl
    osingherey es.

    "ThandoIhopeyouar
    ereadyf
    ort
    hat
    ."say
    smom,
    point
    ingatRose.

    "Haha!Youshouldbetel
    l
    ingthattohim,notme.
    "
    giggl
    esThando,poi
    nti
    ngatme.Igi veThandoa
    sarcast
    icsi
    deeyeaslaughter
    'sburstout
    .
    "Keeponlaughi
    ngandyouwon'
    teatthefood.
    "Ipuff
    outtoevery
    one,wal
    ki
    ngawayandtheylaugheven
    harder
    .

    "Heisevenacti
    ngli
    keawomannow!"laughsout
    Zipho.WhydidIhavet
    ogett
    hisCouv
    adet hi
    ng.
    Mxm. .
    ..
    ..
    .

    All
    thechil
    drenaret akentoanothert
    abl
    eandserved
    whil
    stwechooset ositout
    sideandtel
    leachot
    her
    aboutoursurpri
    singlyshor
    tday.Can'
    tbeli
    evei
    t'
    s
    al
    ready7pm....
    ..

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

    THANDO'
    SPOV

    "Whydon'
    tyougosi
    twitht
    hechi
    ldr
    enandmake
    sur
    etheyareal
    ri
    ght
    ?"Iwri
    tet
    oShaniaonher
    communi
    cat
    ingt
    ab.
    Shenodsherhead, agreei
    ngtowhatIhav esaidto
    her.Assheturnstogot othechi
    ldren'
    stable,
    she
    bumpsintoZipho.Hel ooksatShaniawhohasher
    handsonhischest,hisfaceseeminglydel
    ighted
    thanusual
    .

    Hegi
    vesherawar
    mingsmi
    l
    e,hol
    dinghershoul
    der
    s.

    "
    Areyouokay
    ?"asksZi
    phoinsignlanguage.Si
    nce
    whendoesZi
    phoknowsignlanguage.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Shaniarepl
    ieshimy es,
    looksdownandwal ksoutof
    thekit
    chen.Asshewal ksout,Ziphol
    ooksather
    unti
    lshedisappears.Whenhel ooksbackf
    orward,
    hefindsmyqui zzi
    ngeyeslookingathim.

    "
    Sincewhendoy
    ouknowsi
    gnl
    anguage?
    "

    "
    Sincef
    orev
    er.
    "her
    epl
    i
    esme,
    tur
    ningt
    othesi
    nk.
    "Whyareyoulyi
    ng?
    "Iaskagai
    n,t
    hist
    imewi
    th
    squi
    ntedeyes.

    "Am not.
    "headmi
    ts,
    hisf
    aceshowi
    ngsomet
    ypeof
    annoyance.

    "
    Hmmmm.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "Whatarey
    oudoinginhereanyway
    s,shoul
    dn'
    tyou
    besit
    ti
    ngatthet
    able?"heasksme.

    "
    Iwasgettingmygr eensalad.Idon'
    tfeel
    li
    keeat
    ing
    meat
    .Ijustbumpedi ntoShaniasoItoldhert
    ogosit
    wi
    thhersibli
    ngs."Irepl
    yhim.
    Henodshisheadandt ur
    nstoleavethekitchen.I
    fol
    l
    owhi m outsi
    detowhereev
    eryoneelsei ssi
    tted
    andIheadstraightt
    omyman.Whenhespot sme,
    hehurr
    iedl
    ystandsup,pul
    lsachairoutforme, hel
    ps
    mesi
    tandt
    hensi
    ts.
    Hegi
    vesmeaperkwit
    hhisey
    esgl
    owi
    ngandmy
    ey
    esshyawayf
    rom hi
    s.

    "Shani
    aseemsboredsol
    etmegositwi
    thher,
    just
    toenter
    tai
    nher
    ."say
    sMkhizest
    andi
    ngupfr
    om his
    seat.

    "
    Don'tworr
    y,shehastheki
    dst
    oenter
    tai
    nher
    ."
    I
    nter
    ject
    sNkosi,l
    ooki
    ngatMkhi
    ze.

    "wel
    l,
    shedoesl
    ookbor
    edt
    houghsol
    ethi
    m go.
    "
    saysTshi
    di.

    "
    Evenifsheisbor
    ed, whatcouldMkhizepossi
    blydo
    t
    oentert
    ainan18y earold?"quest
    ionsZi
    pho.I
    sit
    meorsomet hi
    ngisupher e?

    "
    Wel
    lIwi
    l
    lgett
    oknowherbet
    ter
    .Ther
    eisabsol
    utel
    y
    not
    hingwrongwit
    ht hat
    .Andbesides,am notthat
    ol
    dthatican'
    tent
    ertai
    nher.
    "saysMkhi zestandi
    ng
    upr
    ightandgr
    abbinghiscol
    ddri
    nkf rom thetabl
    e.

    "
    Mkhi
    ze,
    sitbackdown.
    "huski
    l
    yspeaksNkosi
    .

    "
    Bafo,don'
    twor
    ry,
    am notaski
    ngherout
    ."mocks
    Mkhize.

    "Okaycany oupleaser
    espectus.Thereareelders
    here.Mkhizeyoucangot oherandNkosi,lethim be.
    It
    'snotl
    ikehehasany onetotal
    ktoatt hi
    stable.
    "
    saysNkosi'sfat
    herinanannoyedtone.

    AsMkhi zewalksaway ,hi


    ssmirkandsi deeye
    makesmel ookatZiphowhosegl assofwat eri
    son
    thevergeofcracki
    ng.Thev ei
    nsonhi sarm startt
    o
    popoutashi sgri
    pont henearlycrackedglassgets
    worse.ItapNkositolookatZiphoandNkosi nudges
    him,stoppi
    ngZiphof r
    om breakingtheglass.Zi
    pho's
    ey
    esbecomer
    edashet
    ri
    est
    ohi
    det
    hem.

    "Ummm, Ihaveanur gentcalltomakesoI '


    lll
    eav
    e."
    saysZipho,leavingt
    het able.Wealllookathi
    m walk
    awaywi t
    hhi shandsi nhispocket.Asheisaboutto
    passthechildren'stabl
    e, hestopsforasecondthen
    carr
    iesonwal king.

    "Ookay .
    ..
    .SoIwast hi
    nking..
    ..
    ."suggest
    sTshidi
    ,
    stuffi
    ngsomemacar oniinhermout h."
    Whydon'twe
    allhaveapi cni
    ctomorrow.Justgochi l
    latsome
    nearbypar kandhavesomef unsincewear eal
    l
    goingtol eavethedayaftert
    omor row."

    "That
    'saverygoodidea.Sinceweall gott
    ospend
    ourdaytodaywithourclosestf
    ami l
    ymember s,
    we
    shouldal
    lspendadayt ogether
    ."agreesmom,
    fol
    lowedbyeveryonewhonodst hei
    rhead.

    "
    Weshoul
    dal
    soi
    nvi
    teNer
    isaandherhusband.I
    t
    woul
    dber
    eal
    l
    yni
    ce.
    "Isuggest
    .

    "Okayyoudothat.Sol
    et'
    ssay,every
    onehastobe
    hereat13:
    00sowecanal ll
    eavei nt
    hesamecari
    f
    possi
    ble.I
    '
    llhi
    reakombiforus."saysNol
    u.

    "
    No,don'
    tworr
    y.Ihav
    eone,
    itwi
    l
    lbeher
    eint
    he
    mor
    ning.
    "say
    sNkosi.

    "
    OkaysoIguesstomor
    rowi
    spi
    cni
    cday
    !!
    !!
    !"gasps
    maMohlakoane.
    "
    Can'
    twai
    tal
    ready
    ."

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

    Sothepicnicpl
    anwentasplanned.Everyonewasat
    homeby12andweal ll
    eftatexactl
    y13:00toa
    near
    bypar k.Wefoundourspotandweset tl
    eddown,
    putupsomespeaker sf
    ormusi c,
    thefoodont he
    tabl
    eandthechi
    l
    drenar
    ejustr
    unni
    ngar
    ound
    ever
    ywher
    e.
    Theguy shavechosenthei
    rownspott osmoke,
    dri
    nkandt al
    kaboutwhateveriti
    stheytal
    kabout.As
    forustheladies,
    well
    ,i
    t'
    sallt
    hewaygossip..
    ..
    ..
    .We
    areladi
    esafterall
    .

    "Soyouaretell
    i
    ngmethatyoubrokeupwith
    Denzel?!
    "asksmom,
    quitesurpr
    isedbyTshi
    di'
    s
    confessi
    on.

    "Yep.Hewasn'
    ttaki
    nggoodcareofmemamaand
    youknowthat.
    "saysTshi
    di,
    sippi
    ngf
    rom hergl
    ass
    ofwine.

    "Andwhatdoy oumeanbynott akinggoodcar


    eof
    you?"quest
    ionsmaMohl akoane, herey
    esnarr
    ow.
    Thenextthi
    ngweheari sRosechoki ngonherown
    j
    uicebecauseofthequestionthathasbeenasked
    butknowingTshidi
    ,sheclear
    lystateswhatshe
    meansbywhatshesai
    d.

    "Hewasn'tgiv i
    ngittomet heri
    ghtway."sheburst
    s
    andallofus, shockedbytheresponse,wideeyed
    andjuststareintospace,acti
    ngasthoughwedi dn'
    t
    hearTshidi.But,t
    hingstakeav er
    yunexpectedtur
    n
    veryqui
    ck.

    "Howdoy ouknowt haty ouweren'


    ttheonewho
    wasn'tgi
    vingi tt
    ohimr ight?
    "andwear eall
    slammedbymaMohl akoane' squestion.The5ofus,
    Rose,Tshidi
    , Nolu,
    NerisaandIjustsidegl anceat
    eachother,soclosetobur sti
    ngint
    ol aughterbutwe
    stopourselves.

    "Askhermysi ster.Whatifyouwer en'


    tgiv i
    ngitto
    Denzel r
    ight?"joinsinmom." Letmet ellyou
    somet hi
    ngmychi ldr
    en,i
    fyoudon'tmaket hings
    i
    nteresti
    ngi nther oom,youwon' tgetitthewayy ou
    want.Yousee, youhav etobri
    ngouthi swi ldside.I
    f
    youdon't,thent hingswil
    ltakealeftturn."explai
    ns
    mom t
    oourdumbf
    oundedf
    aces.

    "
    Justl
    i
    ket
    hisconv
    ersat
    iondi
    d."mocksNol
    u.

    "Aiisuka(getaway )stopactingasthoughy ouaren'


    t
    enjoyingthisconversati
    on.Wear eteachingyou
    skil
    lshere.Wear eol dert
    hany ouguys, weknow
    theset hi
    ngssot akeouradv i
    ce."saysma
    Mohl akoane."Loosenup, youareallgrownwomen
    sost opactingast houghyouar e3year soldwho
    havej ustheardthewor dsexf ort
    hef i
    rstti
    me."

    "
    Wel
    l
    ,wewer
    entexpect
    ingy
    ouguy
    sto.
    ..
    ..
    "

    "Talkaboutsex?Wel l
    wedo.Andweal way sl
    ist
    ento
    youguy s'
    li
    ttl
    eboringstor
    ies.See,whenIwasy our
    age, Iknewal otandmyman, yourfat
    her,never
    slepthungr y
    .Igaveittohim all
    dayandal lni
    ght.
    Befor ehewentt oshower,beforeheleftf
    orwork
    andwhenhecameback.Somet i
    mesIev engaveit
    t
    ohi
    m atwork.
    "say
    smom andt he3ofuscr
    ingeat
    t
    het
    houghtofmom anddadshaggi
    ng.

    "Mychi l
    dren, l
    i
    nger i
    eisv er
    yimpor tant.Youmust
    haveasecr etsuit
    casewher ey oukeepy ourl i
    ngeri
    e
    andmakesur eyounev errepeaty ourlingeri
    e.You
    musthav esomet hingfreshhereandt here.Andy our
    toys,verymuchi mportant.Gogett hosewhi psand
    vibr
    ators.Am t el
    li
    ngy ounow, yourmanwi ll
    soon
    becomey ourslaveandy ouwillbet hemast er."says
    maMohl akoaneast he5ofusj ustlist
    ent othem,
    nudgingeachot her,notsureifthisisat rapor
    somet hi
    ng.Nol ur ai
    sesherhandup, getti
    ngal lof
    ourattention
    "Sosi
    ncewearebei
    ngt
    aughtaboutsexnow,
    canI
    askaquest
    ion.
    "
    "
    Whati
    ftheguyi
    sn'
    ti
    ntobei
    ngf
    reaky
    ?"

    "
    Thereisnosuchmychi
    ld.Ev
    erymanisint
    oa
    f
    reakywoman.Youcanbebori
    ngwhentheworl
    dis
    l
    ookingaty
    oubutonceyoucl
    oseyourbedr
    oom
    door
    ,youbet
    terl
    etoutt
    hatwi
    l
    dnessout
    ."speaks
    mom.

    "
    Not
    ed.
    "say
    sNol
    u.

    "Ican'
    tbeli
    evewear eget
    ti
    ngsexl
    essonsfr
    om
    granni
    es."whisper
    sRoseintomyearandIr
    espond
    withanod.

    "
    Soma, y
    ouaretel
    li
    ngmet haty
    ouwer
    eaf
    reaki
    n
    t
    hesheets?
    "asksTshi
    di.

    "
    say
    ingIwasaf
    reaki
    sanunder
    stat
    ementmychi
    l
    d."

    "
    Welldamn!Iguessam goi
    ngt
    obeget
    ti
    ngsext
    ips
    f
    rom you2.
    "Imuse,chuckl
    i
    ng.

    "
    Youcanhi
    tuswi
    thanyquest
    ionsr
    ightnow.
    "
    "OkayIhav
    eone.What
    '
    sthebestsexposi
    ti
    on?"
    asksRose.

    "Iwouldpersonall
    ysayrev
    er secowgir
    l.Youmy
    sist
    er?Whichonewoul dyousayi st
    hebest?"
    answersmom, passi
    ngont hequest
    iontoma
    Mohlakoane.

    "Iwouldsaylazydoggy
    .Thatone,t
    hatonewi
    ll
    take
    youplacesbecauseyourmancangoasdeepashe
    canandwhenhechokesy ouwhil
    styouar
    eint
    hat
    posit
    ion!
    !!
    !!
    "

    "
    Ooooookay
    !!
    !!
    !!
    "weal
    lscr
    eam out
    .
    "It
    hinkwehavehear
    denoughforoneday
    !"Isay
    ,my
    suspendedhandi
    ntheai
    rsuggest
    ingt
    hatwehav e
    heardenough.
    "I
    fIhearanymoresextips,Iswearam goi
    ngt o
    thr
    owup! !
    "saysTshidi
    ,hereyesrol
    ledup,st
    icki
    ng
    outhertongueasthoughshei sabouttor
    eallythr
    ow
    up.

    "
    Youl
    adi
    esareal
    lcowar
    ds!
    "laughsoutmom and
    maMohl
    akoane.

    "
    It'
    sfi
    ne,wecanbecowar
    dsbutwegotenoughsex
    t
    ipsfort
    oday.
    "say
    sNolu.

    "Youguy sar ebor


    ingshame.Mohla,comel et'
    sgo
    standcloset othelakeandconti
    nueour
    conversation.Let
    'sleav
    ethesechil
    dren.
    "saysmom,
    standingupf rom t
    hebench,fol
    l
    owedbyma
    Mohl akoane.Assoonast heyarefarawayfrom us,
    weal lbreatheoutatthesametimeandj ustburst
    i
    nt ol
    aught er.

    "
    Thatwasr
    eal
    l
    yawkwar
    d!"l
    aughsoutRose.
    "
    Youhav
    enoi
    dea.
    "say
    sNer
    isal
    aughi
    ng.

    "Okaynowthatwearealone,
    wecanf i
    nal
    lygiv
    e
    eachothert
    ipswi
    thoutimagi
    ningourol
    dies
    shaggi
    ngeachother.
    "saysNolu.

    "
    True.ButIgottosay ,
    thosesext ipswerekindof
    i
    nteresti
    ng.Am wil
    li
    ngtotrythi
    sl azydoggypositi
    on
    wi
    t hmyman.May betoni
    ght..
    ..
    ."saysNerisa,pul
    l
    ing
    j
    uicefrom hergl
    ass,hereyesbeingallnaughty.

    "Yesgi
    rl
    !!
    !Yougof ori
    t.Anddon'tf
    orgett
    he
    chocki
    ngpart
    !"gaspsNolu,l
    i
    ckinghertongue.

    "Yoooh,maraguys,j
    ustt
    rytoimaginey
    ourman's
    handony ourneckandyourasstr
    yingt
    obreat
    he
    whilsthei
    sthrust
    ingi
    nyou!!
    !"
    "Asuperor
    gasm Itel
    lyou!
    !!
    "Isay
    ,rai
    si
    ngupmy
    glassasweall
    laugh.

    "Andthenhejustwhi
    spersinyourear,
    whoi
    sy our
    daddy?Inhi
    ssexysexvoice!!
    !!
    "addsonNer
    isa,
    putt
    ingherpal
    m onherforehead.

    "Andthenyouj
    ustsay
    , y
    ouar
    edzaddy!
    !!
    !y
    ohguys,
    I
    swearIwouldj
    usthaveanor
    gasm t
    her
    eandthen!
    !!
    "
    screamsoutRose.

    "
    Butguy
    s,canwepleasejustt
    alkaboutt
    hatt
    hing
    y
    ougetwhenhestartssweari
    ngunderhi
    sbreath
    t
    henhestar
    tsmoaning!
    "Icryout.

    "Babygirl
    !Thatri
    ghtt
    hereismusictomyears.
    That'
    swheny ouknowyourpussyisthei
    sh.
    "says
    Tshidi
    ,rai
    singupherhand,shaki
    ngherhead.
    "
    Butl
    adi
    es,am tot
    all
    yget
    ti
    ngthatsui
    tcaseful
    lof
    l
    i
    nger
    ieshame.Imaginej
    ustpoppi
    ngupwi t
    hnew
    l
    i
    nger
    ieforyourmanever
    yti
    me."

    "True,
    verymuchtr
    ue.Butdon'
    tfor
    getthetoys
    becauseitwon'
    tfr
    eakyenoughwit
    houtthetoys.
    "
    clapsRose.

    "Youl
    adi
    esshoul
    dtryt
    hisneh.
    "say
    sTshi
    di,
    huddl
    i
    ngusupclosert
    oher.
    "f
    irstl
    y,remov ey ourman' scl othes,thent i
    ehi m ont o
    achai rnaked.Dr essupi nt oy ourmostr evealingand
    sexiestlingeri
    eandy oubet terhav eawhi p.Dosome
    l
    apdanci ngonhi sass, t
    easehi smanhoodbyl etti
    ng
    him entery ouher eandt her ebutdon' tlethim cum.
    Whi phisassr ealgoodanddon' tstopthel apdance.
    Kissesshoul ddef init
    elybet racedev erywher eonhi s
    body .Bedi rt
    yandcr eati
    v e!!!
    !Af t
    erthatt orture, unti
    e
    him andIam pr omi singy our ightnowt haty ouwi l
    l
    getheav enonear th.Ifyourmani sl i
    keJor dan, he
    willfucky ouunt i
    lyoul i
    ter all
    ysqui r
    ty ourpee. "
    "Hahahaam def
    ini
    tel
    ytr
    yingt
    hat.oncet
    hisbabyis
    outofmytummy .
    "gri
    nsRose,bi
    ti
    nghertongue.

    "
    Weal
    lar
    egoi
    ng.
    "say
    sNol
    u.

    "ButNolu,
    don'
    tdoitonthedayy ouar
    epl anni
    ngon
    breaki
    ngyourvi
    rgi
    nit
    yorelseyouwon'tbeableto
    walkfor2months.
    "teasesTshidi
    ,makinguslaugh.

    "
    Sorr
    ytodist
    urby ourl
    i
    ttl
    emeetingl
    adi
    esbutit
    s
    t
    imeforl
    unch."saysamal ev
    oicebehi
    ndus.Weal
    l
    t
    urnandi
    t'
    sMkhi ze.

    "Okay.Wearecomi ng."Isaytohi m.Weal l


    simult
    aneousl
    ystandup, headi ngtothet abl
    ewit
    h
    foodbutbefor
    eIcoul dreacht hetable,someone
    behindpul
    lsme.Hisf ragrancenot i
    fi
    esmeofwhom
    Ihavebumpedi nt
    oandIj usti
    ndulgei nitashe
    wrapshisoneunhur tarm aroundme.
    "
    CanIpl
    easegetaki
    ss?
    "heasksi
    nasof
    tvoi
    ce.

    "
    No,ther
    eareki
    dsar
    ound.Ican'
    tki
    ssy
    ou.
    "Ishy
    ly
    r
    espondtohi
    m.

    "i
    t'
    snotl iketheyhav eneverseenpeopl ekissi
    ng,and
    besides, ever
    yoneisl ooki
    ngatt hefood,notus."he
    says,raisingmyf acet ohis."Theki
    ssistheonl y
    thi
    ngIcangetr ightnowbecauseam v erymuchhar d
    foryou."hesay s,pressinghi smanhoodont ome.I
    feelmy selfgett
    ingwet ,butterf
    li
    esfl
    yi
    ngall ar
    ound
    myst omachbutIhol dmy self.
    Ipl
    acemyl ipsonhi s,tryi
    ngnottof eastonthem but
    hedigsi ndeep.Hist onguegoesst raightint
    omy
    mout h,makingmeev enmor ewetterthanIalready
    am.Iqui ckl
    ypar tmyl ipsfrom hi
    sbef orethi
    ngstake
    anotherturnandIt akehi shand.Ilooki nt
    ohis
    l
    ustfuleyeswhi chhet ri
    estohidewi t
    hf ai
    lur
    eand
    j
    ustgi v
    ehi m aperkont hecheekandt hengotohis
    ear.
    "Toni
    ght,i
    tsgoingt
    obemeandy ouMrNxumalo.
    ..
    ."
    Isay,
    bit
    inghisearl
    ob.Hishandsqueezesmi
    neas
    heshutshiseyesandhisJawstight
    en.

    Ipullhisstatuedbodyov ertothetabl ewhere


    everyoneel seis.Ipi
    ckout2pl atesforNkosi andI,
    serveNkosi f
    irstt
    henmy selfandIsi tontopofhim,
    whiningonhi smanhood, makinghi m morehor ni
    er.I
    feelhishandonmywai st,
    instr
    uctingmet ostopbut
    Idon't,notletti
    nganyonenot i
    cewhat '
    shappening
    here.Alltheyseei smesitti
    ngonmymanwhi lst
    havingmyl unch..
    ..
    .
    Suddenl y,myey esspotsomethingqui teinter
    esting,
    Ziphosi tt
    ingnexttoShaniaandhav ingwhatseems
    l
    ikeaf unnyconv er
    sat
    ionwithher .Nooneseemst o
    mi ndthe2butMkhi zewhosefire-fi
    lledsideglance
    tr
    iest obur nZi
    phot oashes.Howev er,Zi
    pholooksat
    Mkhi zeandgi veshim asi
    decy nical smil
    eandwi nks
    hisey e.
    Whatthehelli
    sgoingonher
    e?.
    ..
    ..
    .Ar
    ethese2
    f
    ight
    ingforShani
    a?

    "Uuum guy s,
    woul dyoumi ndifIleavewit
    hShani
    a,
    shesay ssheisal l
    ergi
    ctot hegarli
    cinthesal
    adsoI
    wanttot akehert oaclosebyst oretogether
    anothersalad."saysZipho.

    "Ooh,
    suremyson.Thatwoul
    dact
    ual
    l
    ybev
    erymuch
    sweetofyou.
    "say
    smom.

    "Oohbafo,
    whydon'
    tyouletmego,youshouldstay
    hereandhavef
    unwit
    hev er
    yoneel
    se."suggest
    s
    Mkhize,
    afakesmi
    lepol
    ishedonhi
    sf ace.

    "Don'
    twor r
    yMkhize,
    am prett
    ysur
    eZi phowouldn'
    t
    mindsinceheistheonewhosuggest edit
    ."ar
    gues
    Nkosi.Il
    ookathi
    m, quest
    ioni
    ngmy selfonwhatthe
    hell
    isgoingonhere.
    "YesMkhi ze,Iwoul
    dn'tmi nd."respondsZipho,
    winkingatMkhi zewhol ooksl i
    kehei sonthev erge
    ofpoppi ng.Zi
    phostandsupf rom thebenchand
    l
    eav eswi t
    hShaniatheygeti ntothekombi sincei t
    s
    theonl ycarwecamewi thandt heydriveaway .My
    eyest urnbacktoMkhizeandIcanseehei sli
    teral
    ly
    dyingami l
    l
    iondeat
    hsi nside.Somet hingr
    eallyis
    goingonher eanditisn'tgoingt oendwellatal l
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

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

    Tookmyst udyti
    met hi
    sweektowr
    it
    ethese
    chapt
    ers.Almostdonewit
    hexams
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er48

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    "Soyouaretel
    l
    ingmethatZi
    pholikesShani
    a!"I
    gasp,l
    ooki
    ngatNkosi
    'srefl
    ect
    iononthemirroras
    hedr
    essesup.

    "
    Iwouldpr
    efer
    abl
    yuset
    hewor
    dlov
    einst
    eadofl
    i
    ke.
    "
    r
    epl
    iesNkosi
    .

    "Expl
    ainstheweir
    dbehav
    iourfr
    om himt hesepast2
    days,"Isay,r
    ecal
    li
    ngt
    heothernightandy est
    erday
    's
    event
    s.

    "Buther
    eist
    hecr
    azypar
    t,heaskedmet
    ohel
    phi
    m
    out.
    "

    "
    Soareyougoi
    ngt
    o?!
    "Iexcl
    aim,
    tur
    ningbehi
    ndme
    t
    ofaceNkosi
    .

    "
    Wel l
    ,Ihadt
    oagreesi
    ncehehelpedmeoutwhen
    yourbrot
    her
    str
    iedtot
    akeadvantageofme,
    "say
    s
    Nkosi.
    "
    ButShani
    aist
    ooy
    oungandZi
    phoi
    sol
    d."

    "That'
    swhatIsai dtohim buthesai
    dthatshouldbe
    Shania'sdeci
    sion."shr
    ugsNkosi.Hesi
    tsont hebed,
    grabbinghisphone.

    "
    Thisissocompl
    icat
    ed."Isof
    tl
    ysay
    ."But
    ,doesn'
    t
    Mkhizeal
    soli
    keShani
    a?"

    "
    Itseemsl
    i
    kei
    t.
    "repl
    i
    esNkosi
    .

    "Ir
    eal
    lywouldn'
    twanttobeyouri
    ghtnow.Onesi
    de
    youhaveyourbrot
    herandontheothersi
    de,
    you
    haveyourbr
    otheri
    n-l
    aw."

    "Atl
    easty
    ouunderst
    andbutIneedyourhel
    pint
    his.
    That
    'swhyIt
    oldyouabouti
    t.
    "stat
    esNkosi.
    "
    Ialsodon'
    tknowwhattotel
    lyou.Thi
    swhol
    ethi
    ng
    i
    sjustmindfucki
    ng.
    "Isay
    .

    "
    Thando!
    "bel
    l
    owsNkosi
    .

    "Oohsor
    ry."Ihesi
    tat
    e,r
    eal
    i
    singt
    hatIj
    ustsai
    da
    swearword.

    "
    Sowhatsh.
    ..
    ..
    "

    "
    Thando!
    "shout
    sav
    oiceout
    sidet
    hebedr
    oom door
    .

    "
    coming!
    "Ishoutback.Ist
    andf
    rom t
    hest
    ool
    ,
    wal
    kingt
    othedoorandmyey esbumpint
    oTshi
    di
    whenIopenthedoor.

    "
    Mor
    ningsi
    s."Isayt
    oher
    .
    "
    Mor ni
    ng.Icametotel
    lyout
    hatSchevi
    slooki
    ngf
    or
    Nkosi.
    "wordsoutTshi
    di.

    "Am coming. "say sNkosi behindme.Tshi dit


    urns
    aroundtoleav eandshei sf oll
    owedbyNkosi .He
    walksoutoft her oom,takingf i
    rm steps,hishead
    heldhighasal way sandtheunhar medhandi nhis
    pocket.Excludi ngmyf ather,Ihavenev erseena
    manwhocanhol dsomuchpowerandbesol ovi
    ng
    atthesamet ime.Nkosi i
    st heeesweet estguybutif
    Ihadtodar tbackt othedaywef i
    rstmet,hewast he
    scari
    estpersonev er
    .

    Iwalkbacki nt
    otheroom tof i
    nishcombingmyhai r
    andaf t
    eraf ewminutes,Il
    eavet heroom.Asam
    walkingpastNkosi'
    sstudy ,
    hisharshdemanding
    voicehit
    smyear s,makingmest op.Il
    eantowards
    thedoor,landi
    ngmyl eftearont hesurf
    aceofthe
    studydoor .

    "
    Whatdoy
    oumeany
    ouf
    oundhi
    m ont
    hef
    loor
    bl
    eedi
    ng?
    "IhearNkosi
    bel
    l
    ow.

    "Imeanwef oundhi m onthefloorbl


    eedingboza.
    Whenwer ealisedthatnoonewasanswer ingt
    he
    door,
    wedeci dedtogoi nsideandwef oundhim on
    thefl
    oor
    ."explainsSchev.
    What
    ??!

    "
    Sowher
    eishe?
    "asksNkosi
    .

    "Wetookhi
    mtoal
    ocal
    hospi
    tal
    ther
    e."answer
    s
    Schev.

    "
    Butwhydi
    dn'
    tyout
    ell
    mey
    est
    erday
    ?!!
    !!
    "

    "
    Wegotwaytoobusytry
    ingtogethi
    m some
    medi
    cal
    att
    enti
    onsoitsl
    ippedourminds,
    "
    "Youshouldhavelef
    thimtodiet
    here.Youwere
    supposedtoaskmef ir
    stbef
    oretaki
    nghimtothe
    hospit
    al!
    "roar
    sNkosi,f
    oll
    owedbyabangont he
    tabl
    ewhichstartl
    esme.Myheadhi t
    sthedoor
    ,
    makingal i
    ghtbangi
    ngsound.

    Iqui
    cklytur
    nar
    oundtoleav
    ebutt
    hedooropensand
    Nkosiclear
    shi
    sthr
    oat
    .

    Ooohcr
    ap!
    !!
    !.

    "
    Whenwill
    youst
    opeavesdropping?
    "asksNkosi
    .I
    t
    urnar
    oundtol
    ookathi
    m, smil
    ingnervousl
    y.

    "Wel
    l
    ,Iheardy oushouti
    ngsoIjustwant
    edt
    oknow
    what
    'swrong."Ihesi
    tantl
    ysay
    ,looki
    ngdownand
    away,scr
    atchi
    ngmyar m.

    "
    Byeav
    esdr
    oppi
    ng?
    "qui
    zzesNkosi
    ,nar
    rowi
    nghi
    s
    bl
    ueey
    es.

    "Okayf
    iney
    oucaughtmebutIr
    eal
    l
    yjustwant
    edt
    o
    knowwhat'
    sgoi
    ngon."Iwhi
    ne.

    "Iwouldsuggesty
    ougototheki
    tchenThando.
    "say
    s
    Nkosi.Heturnshi
    sbodyt
    otheinsi
    deoftheroom,
    closi
    ngthedoorbehi
    ndhi
    m.

    "Nkosi
    'sf
    atheri sinhospit
    al?"Ithi
    nkoutloud.Ineed
    todosomet hingaboutthis.Ineedt ogoseehimj ust
    tocheckifhei sfi
    ne.AndwhywasNkosi aski
    ng
    Schevwhyhet ookhimt othehospi t
    al?Doeshe
    real
    lyhav
    et hatmuchhat redt owardshisfat
    her.
    WhatifNkosi kil
    lshi
    sfather?Ineedt odosomet hing
    andASAP.

    Ir
    usht
    oRose'
    sroom,
    hopi
    ngt
    ofi
    ndhert
    her
    e.
    "Comein!"shout
    sRoseaf teraknock.Iqui
    ckl
    yopen
    herdoorandcloseit.Roselooksatme,fri
    ght
    ened,
    droppi
    ngtheclothesshewasf oldi
    ng.

    "
    Thando!Whyar
    eyouc.
    ..
    ..
    "

    "
    Yourdadi
    sinhospi
    tal
    !"Ibl
    ubber
    .

    "
    What
    ?!"

    "
    Yes.
    "

    "
    Wai
    t!Howdi
    dyouf
    indout
    ?"asksRose.

    "Iover
    heardNkosi andSchevt
    alki
    ng.RoseIneed
    yourhelp.Ineedt ogoseeifheisokay.
    "Isayto
    Roseandshej ustlooksatmewi t
    hcuri
    osi
    ty.
    "Butwhywoul
    dyouwantt
    oseehim?WillNkosi
    let
    youdothat
    ?Andwhyareyouaski
    nghel
    pf r
    om me?"
    bombardsRose.

    "Ij
    ustwantt oseei
    fhei
    sfi
    ne.Pl
    us,am aski
    ngyou
    becausey ouknowwher
    eyourhometownis.Ij
    ust
    needy outotel
    lmewherei
    tisandIwil
    l t
    akecareof
    therest.
    "

    "
    Whyar
    en'
    tyouaski
    ngNkosi
    tohel
    pyou?
    "

    "
    Becausehewon'
    tl
    etmego.
    "

    "AndIunderstandwhyhewon' tbecauseIalsodon'
    t
    wanty outogot her
    eeit
    her.Lethi
    m be, hi
    swifewi
    ll
    helphim."st
    atesRosewi t
    hast r
    aightface.She
    picksupashirtandstart
    sfoldi
    ngit,l
    eav i
    ngme
    hanging.
    "soam guessi
    ngyoual
    sohat
    ehim wi
    thsomuch
    passi
    on."Isay
    ,wi
    deeyedandaqui
    zzedface.

    "Sayi
    ngIhat ehimi sanunderstatementThando.
    Thatmanmadeussuf f
    eratav eryyoungage.We
    dependedonhi m andhisl
    ovebuthet ookthataway
    from us.Hemadeourl i
    veshell.I
    fitwasn'tforNkosi
    gett
    ingagoodj obhere,wewoul dstil
    lbesuf f
    eri
    ng.
    Sowhatev erheisgetti
    ngnow, isjustkar
    ma. "says
    Rose, notgivi
    ngmeasi ngleglancewhi l
    stfoldi
    ng
    herclothes.

    "
    ButRose,hehasbeent
    ryi
    ngt
    ogety
    our
    f
    orgi
    veness.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "
    NoThando!
    "int
    err
    upt
    sRose.
    "
    Don'
    ttr
    ytofi
    ghtforhi
    m.Am nothel
    pingy
    ouand
    t
    hat
    sit
    ."sheshout
    s.

    "
    Rosey
    oushoul
    dbet
    hankf
    ult
    haty
    ourf
    atheri
    sst
    il
    l
    ali
    v e.Yourfat
    heri
    sstil
    lal
    iveandhewantstomake
    thingsrightwit
    hyou.Justgiv
    ehim achance.
    "I
    plead.

    "Idon'twanttomaket hingsrightwit
    hhim.Hecan
    dief oral
    lIcare.Hemeansabsol utel
    ynothi
    ngtome
    now.I nfact,i
    twoul dbebetterifhediedbecauseI
    alreadytoldSihlethatIdon'thaveafather
    .Ifhedi
    es,
    hewi l
    lbedoingmeaf avour."spit
    sRoseandIjust
    l
    ookatheri ndisbeli
    ef.

    "
    IfIcoul
    dfor
    giveyourbr
    otherf
    orki
    l
    li
    ngmyf
    ather
    ,
    whycan'
    tyou?"Iaskher
    .

    "Thi
    sisdiff
    er entThandosostoptry
    ingtomakei t
    seem equal.Yourfatherwasneverabusiv
    e."say
    s
    Rose.Asam aboutt orepl
    y,t
    hedooropensandSi hl
    e,
    i
    nhisgy m clothes,walksi
    npant
    ingwithat owel
    wrappedaroundhi sneck.Hiseyesrunthrought
    he
    room,asher eadsourf aces.
    "
    Isev
    ery
    thi
    ngokay
    ?"hei
    nqui
    res.

    "Yes.Ev
    eryt
    hingi
    sfi
    ne.Thandowasj
    ustchecki
    ng
    uponme. "r
    epli
    esRosesmili
    ng.

    "
    Oohokay
    ."answer
    sSi
    hle.

    "I
    '
    llseeyoulater
    .Letmeleav
    ey oulovebi
    rds.
    "Isay,
    afakesmi l
    eplaster
    edonmylips.Il
    eavet
    heirroom,
    headingtothekit
    chen.

    "Goodmor ni
    ngma'am."saysMangwewhoisthe
    maid.Inodmyhead, getti
    ngapottomakeNkosi
    's
    porri
    dge.Asam fi
    l
    lingthepotwit
    hwater
    ,If
    eela
    handcrawl i
    ngf
    rom thebackofmywaistt
    henhis
    breat
    honmyneck, sendingti
    ngl
    i
    ngmessagestoall
    myner ves.
    "
    Noneedmyl
    ove.
    "hesay
    sinmyear
    .
    "Am goi
    ngoutnowbutIwi
    l
    lbebacksoon.
    "he
    cont
    inues.

    "
    Areyougoingtoseehi
    m orgetr
    idofhi
    m?"I
    whi
    sperback.

    "Don'tasksuchquesti
    onsmyl
    ove.JustknowthatI
    willbebacksoon."say
    sNkosi
    .Il
    etoutaloudsigh,
    closingmyey es.

    "
    Don'thur
    thim Nkosi,heisst i
    ll
    yourfathernomatter
    what.
    "Isoft
    lysay.Nkosikissesmycheek, l
    etsgoof
    meandwal ksoutofthekitchen.Iwat chhim
    walki
    ngout,pray
    ingthathei sn'
    tabouttodowhatI
    t
    hinkheisgoingtodo.
    God,
    pleasepr
    otectNkosi
    'sf
    ather
    .Pl
    ease.
    ..
    ..
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    SoafterNkosi
    lef
    t,MrandMrsMohl
    akoaneal
    so
    deci
    dedtoleaveandsodidev
    ery
    oneel
    se.

    Igotbor
    edandIwasf or
    cedtoleaveforwor
    kso
    ri
    ghtnow,am atwor
    k;whichi
    sntthebestpl
    acet
    o
    be.
    Howev er
    ,am quitegreat
    ful
    toNkosi f
    ordoingmost
    ofthepaperwor kforme.Allam l
    eftwit
    hisplanni
    ng
    someev entforchil
    drenwit
    hcanceratsome
    orphanage.

    Buttheprobl
    em i
    s,Ican'tplanthi
    st hi
    ngproperl
    y
    becauseofNkosi'
    sfather.Ihavetri
    edcalli
    ngNkosi
    butnothi
    ng.Hewon'ttakemycal ls.Ieventri
    ed
    SchevandBrendon.Theyal lar
    en'
    tanswer i
    ngand
    thi
    sisstr
    essi
    ngmebi gt i
    me.

    "
    Madam?
    "cal
    l
    sav
    oicef
    rom t
    hei
    nter
    com.
    "
    Yes.
    "Ir
    epl
    y,pr
    essi
    ngabut
    ton.

    "Ther
    ei sadeliv
    eryfory
    oufr
    om MrNxumalo.Shoul
    d
    Ipermitthedeli
    veryguy
    stocomeup?"asksDorot
    hy,
    myassi stant
    .

    "
    Umm y es.Letthem comeup."Itel
    lher
    .Aft
    erafew
    minutes,Dorothyknocksthehalfopendoorand
    walksinwi t
    h2meni nblacksui
    ts.
    Oneofthemanputsaboxofchocol
    ateonmyt
    abl
    e
    whi
    lstt
    heotheroneput
    saspurbag.

    "
    Thanky
    oubutwhosenty
    ouguy
    s"Isayt
    othem.

    "
    MrNxumal
    odi
    d,"say
    soneoft
    heman.

    "
    Ummm pl easetakeitback.Idon'
    twantit.
    "Isayt
    o
    them,smi
    li
    ngbutt heybothlookatme,thenat
    Dorot
    hyandturntoleave.
    "Heloo!Ij
    ust
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    andt
    heyar
    egone.
    "Isay
    ,rol
    l
    ingmy
    eyes.

    "
    Doy ouwantmet
    otakei
    ttot
    hem ma'
    am,
    "asks
    Dor
    othy.

    "Ummm noit'
    sfine.Youcantakei
    tify
    ouwant
    ."Itel
    l
    her,
    tur
    ningbacktomyl apt
    optoconti
    nuemywork.

    "
    Okayma'am,t
    hanky
    ouv er
    ymuch."r
    epl
    i
    esDor
    othy
    ,
    t
    aki
    ngthebagsandl
    eav
    ingtheof
    fi
    ce.

    Aft
    eralongasshotaf
    ter
    noon,If
    inal
    l
    ymanageto
    fi
    nishal
    lmyworkandam readyt
    ohitther
    oadt
    ogo
    backhome.
    Nkosihasn'
    tsai
    dawor dt
    ome.Nocall
    ,not
    ext
    ,
    not
    hingandam star
    ti
    ngtogetwor
    ri
    ed.
    Whati
    fheki
    l
    lshi
    sdad?I
    t'
    snotl
    i
    keheact
    ual
    l
    ycar
    es
    abouthim.I
    nfact,
    Ifeel
    li
    keNkosiwouldl
    ovetokil
    l
    thatol
    dman...
    ..
    .Nonono!Ican'
    tl
    etthathappenat
    all
    .

    Iqui
    ckl
    ypi
    ckupmyphonef
    rom t
    hedeskandcal
    l
    hi
    m.

    "
    Hel
    l
    o."

    "
    Noneedt
    ocal
    lme.Am att
    hedoor
    ."say
    sNkosi
    .

    "
    What
    ?"

    "Am her
    e."say
    sNkosi
    ,openi
    ngthedoor
    ,hol
    dingthe
    phoneinonehandandtheot
    heronthedoorknob.
    Thefi
    rstt
    hingmybrai
    ndecidestothinkofi
    shisar
    m.
    Il
    ookathisarmthenbackathisfacethenhi
    sarm
    andt
    henhisfaceagai
    n,tr
    yingt
    oloadmyquest i
    on.
    "
    Babywher
    eist
    he.
    ..
    ."

    "Iremovedit
    .Idon'
    tneeditanymor e,
    myarmi s
    fine.
    "heanswersinhisdeepvoice.Hecl
    osesthe
    doorbehindhim,walkstothecouchandthrows
    himselft
    here.

    "Well
    y oucanendthecal
    lnow.Am her
    earen'
    tI?
    "he
    says,hisey
    eslooki
    ngatmyphonescreen.

    "
    Oooham sor
    ry,
    itsj
    ustt
    hatIwasn'
    texpect
    ingy
    ou
    t
    obeher
    e."

    "Iknow.Youwereexpect
    ingmet obeki
    ll
    i
    ngtheol d
    manandbur yi
    nghim.Am Iri
    ght?
    "heasks,l
    eaning
    backwithhi
    shandsbehindhisheadandhisfeeton
    thecoff
    eetabl
    e.
    "
    Uummmm, nonotatall
    .I.
    ..
    ..
    ij
    ustwant
    edt
    ofi
    ndout
    i
    fyouwer
    eokay.That
    '
    sall.
    "

    "
    Thando,
    Ihavetol
    dyouami l
    li
    ont
    imesal
    ready.
    "
    r
    ecall
    sNkosi
    ,hi
    sfaceser
    iouswit
    hhisl
    eftbr
    ow
    l
    i
    fted.
    "
    Lyi
    ngdoesn'
    tl
    ookgoodony
    ou.
    "

    Hestandsupfr
    om t
    hecouchwi
    thhi
    shandsi
    nhi
    s
    pocketandwal
    kst
    omydesk.
    Myheartst
    art
    stobeatf
    astashewalksaroundthe
    tabl
    etomyside;
    pul
    lsmefrom t
    hechairandtangl
    es
    hisarmsar
    oundmewhilel
    ooki
    ngstr
    aightint
    omy
    eyes.
    Myfacequi
    cklyshi
    esaway,
    buthi
    sri
    ghthandcups
    mychin,
    tur
    ningmyeyesbacktol
    ooki
    ngint
    ohis.

    "Heisf
    inei
    fthat'
    swhatyouwantedt
    oknow."sof
    tl
    y
    saysNkosi
    ."Idi
    dn'
    tki
    ll
    him butt
    hecancerwi
    l
    l.
    "
    "whatdoy oumeanbythecancerNkosi
    ,whatdi
    d
    youdotohi mt
    hen?"Iwonder
    ,mymi ndfi
    ll
    edwit
    h
    cur
    iosi
    ty.

    "
    Not
    hing.Ij
    ustwentt
    oseehi
    m."

    "
    Sowher
    eishe?
    "

    "
    Thati
    snonofy
    ourbusi
    nessmyl
    ady
    ."

    "
    Yesi
    tisNkosi
    ."

    "
    Whydi
    dnty
    oueatt
    hef
    oodIse.
    ..
    ..
    ?"

    "
    Stopt
    ryi
    ngt
    ochanget
    het
    opi
    c,
    "Ii
    nter
    ject
    .
    "
    Justanswermyquest
    ionThando.
    "

    "
    Iwon'
    t.
    "

    "
    ThenI'
    llgoasky
    ourassi
    stantwhyt
    hehel
    lshehas
    y
    ourfood."

    "Nkosi
    stoptryi
    ngtochanget
    het
    opi
    c..
    ..Thi
    sis
    aboutyourf
    ather,
    notme."

    "Andthisisaboutmychi l
    dandmywi f
    e.Ican'tbe
    answer i
    ngquest i
    onsaboutt hatmanwhenmywi fe
    i
    sn'tfeedingmychi ld.
    "respondsNkosi.Istareat
    him,hisey esgli
    mmer i
    ngasalways,pushingmy sel
    f
    outofhishol d.Ithrowmy sel
    fonthechair,rubbi
    ng
    mypal m onmyf orehead.

    "
    Nkosi
    ,howdoy ouexpectyourwif
    et obefi
    newhen
    y
    ouareworr
    yingher.Youli
    ter
    all
    yjustshowuphere
    andtel
    lmethaty
    ourdadwil
    lbebycancertheny
    ou
    keeponsay
    ingheisnonofmybusi
    ness..
    .."
    Henar r
    owshiseyesatme,
    hisl
    ipst
    ight
    enashe
    pushesthet
    hingsonmydesk,maki
    ngspacef
    orhi
    m
    tosit
    .

    "
    Andhowam Idoi
    ngt
    hat
    ?"

    "Am worri
    edabouty ourf
    atherandyouwon' tletme
    seehim Nkosi
    !That'swhyam wor ri
    ed.Icouldn'teat
    thefoodyousentbecauseIhav ebeenwor rying
    aboutthi
    swholesituati
    on!Am notgoingtof orce
    my sel
    ftoeat
    ."Isayinexasperat
    ion.

    Hisfacequickl
    ytur
    nstoannoyed,
    shaki
    nghi
    shead
    asifheistr
    y i
    ngtounder
    standmystat
    ementandhi
    s
    eyessquint
    ed.

    "
    Thandoyouhavegott
    obekiddingme!Whyareyou
    wor
    ryi
    ngaboutamanwhoisn'tevenr
    elat
    edt
    oy ou?
    Hemeansnot
    hingt
    oyou!
    "her
    esponds.

    "Hei
    srel
    atedt
    omeNkosi.Heismyf
    atheri
    nlaw
    andt
    hegrandf
    athert
    othi
    schi
    l
    d."

    "
    Ooohshutup!
    !!
    !!
    "hesneer
    s,hi
    tt
    inghi
    shandagai
    nst
    t
    hedesk.
    "Ihavet
    oldyouamil
    li
    onti
    mes,thatmanisnot
    rel
    atedt
    omei nanywayandthatgoesf
    oryoutoo!
    Thenextti
    meIhearyout
    alki
    ngabouthi
    m Iwil
    l.
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "Whatwill
    youdo? ?Huh!Wil
    lyoukill
    mealongwit
    h
    him?"Isay,cut
    ti
    nghim of
    f.Hi
    shandsr ol
    li
    ntoafi
    st
    ashelooksdown, shut
    ti
    nghiseyeli
    ds.Hi
    sjawl
    ine
    ti
    ght
    ensandhi sbodybeginstotenseup.

    "Nkosi,y
    ouandIcannotgetmar r
    iedwithouthim
    beingpresent
    .Myauntwi l
    lknowabouthi m eit
    her
    way .Canyoujusttr
    ytounderst
    andt hat
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .Ifmy
    familyfi
    ndsoutthatyouaretr
    yingtokeephim asa
    secr
    et,
    all
    hellmi
    ghtbreakl
    oose.Worsewit
    hKhaya
    whodoesn'tl
    i
    keyou,hewil
    ldef
    ini
    tel
    ygetareason
    tobr
    eakusup."

    "Thando,am agr ownman.I fIdon'


    twanthimi nmy
    l
    ife,Idon't
    .Ifyourfamil
    yhasapr obl
    em withthat,
    thenIwillmar r
    yyoubyf orce.NooneandIr epeat
    ,
    noonecanst opusf rom gett
    ingmarr
    ied.
    "pointsout
    Nkosi,hisvoicetense.

    "
    Nkosi
    please!
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "
    Thandono!Ican'
    tl
    ethi
    m comeint
    oourl
    iv
    esagain.
    I
    nfact
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."say
    sNkosi
    ,i
    namatteroff
    actvoi
    ce.
    "
    Doy ouev
    enconsiderhowRosemightf
    eelaft
    er
    f
    indi
    ngoutthatt
    hatmanisbacki
    ntoourli
    ves?
    "

    "IdoNkosi,
    andam onlydoi
    ngthisfort
    hehappi
    ness
    ofbothourfami
    li
    es.I
    fwecontinuetokeephima
    secret
    ,onedayi
    twill
    allcomeoutthenwhat?Huh?"
    "
    ThenIwi
    l
    ltel
    lev
    ery
    onet
    het
    rut
    hthen.
    "spi
    tsNkosi
    .

    "Nkosi,
    pleasetryt oforgi
    vehim.Doi tforyourson,
    hehasal r
    eadyl ostonegr andfat
    her,hecan' tlose
    anotheroneallbecauseoft hepast."Ibeg,myv oice
    cracki
    ng.Nkosi jerkshisheadmydi recti
    on, seeming
    tobequest i
    oningmyst at
    ement .Thenextt hi ngIsee
    onhisfaceisachuckl ebutnotanyusual chuckle.
    Hechucklesast houghIhav einsult
    edhi m, as
    thoughIhav esaidsomet hinginsult
    ing.Ifeel atear
    fal
    ldownmycheekandNkosi wipesi t
    .
    Icanst
    il
    lfeel
    thet
    ensi
    oni
    nhi
    sbodyandhi
    sey
    es
    aredar
    k.

    Hestandsupfr
    om thedesk,
    takesadeepbreat
    hin
    andoutofhi
    snose,thenheext
    endshishandtome
    buthi
    sfacel
    ookingaway.

    "
    Come,
    youneedt
    oeatandr
    est
    ."hesay
    stome,
    his
    v
    oicemodul
    ated.
    Igi
    vehi m myhandandhehelpsmest andup.Asam
    abouttopackupmybelongings,
    hest opsmeand
    doesitformethenweleav
    et heoff
    ice,handi
    nhand
    butquiet.

    "Areyouleav
    ingma'am?"asksDorot
    hy,
    standi
    ngup
    from behi
    ndherdeskasNkosiandIwalkoutt
    he
    elevat
    or.

    "
    Yes,
    Iwi
    l
    lseey
    out
    omor
    row.
    "Ir
    epl
    yher
    .
    Thecarridehomei squi
    et,nomusic,
    nonothing.
    Justourinhal
    esandexhalesandthehoot
    sf r
    om the
    othercar
    sast heydri
    vepast.
    Igl
    anceatNkosi,
    wonder i
    ngwhatmustbegoi ng
    thr
    oughhisheadri
    ghtnow.Wonder i
    ngifhewill
    l
    ist
    entomeornot .Iknowforaf actheisangryat
    me,whichiswhyheisn'tt
    alki
    ng.May beIpushedit
    waytoofarthi
    sti
    me.Imean, hedi dtel
    lmetost ay
    outoft
    hiswholesit
    uati
    onjustyesterday,
    yetthereI
    wasattheoff
    ice,
    naggi
    nghi
    m aboutt
    hesame
    t
    hing.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .Si
    gh.

    Am knockedoutofmyt houghtswhenIhearmy
    dooropeningandahappyShani kathrowinghersel
    f
    onme.Ipickherupf r
    om theground,placeheron
    mylapandst ar
    tgivi
    ngherkissesal
    l overherfaceas
    herl
    oudgigglesfi
    l
    lthecar.

    "Hell
    ouncle!
    !"greet
    sShani ka,
    lookingatNkosiwhi
    le
    sit
    ti
    ngonmyl ap.Nkositakesherf r
    om me,now
    smili
    ngandgr eetsherback.Istepoutofthecarand
    takemyt hi
    ngsf r
    om thebackseatbutNkosi cal
    ls
    oneoftheguar dstocarr
    yt hethingsforme.
    Okay..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..

    Iwalkt
    othehousewi thNkosibehindme.Ir
    eall
    ydo
    needtoeatatt
    hispointbecausethatar
    gument
    mademehungr y.Butfi
    rst
    ,Iwil
    ltakealongassbat
    h.
    "I
    '
    llbeupst
    air
    staki
    ngabath,youwantt
    ojoi
    nme?
    "I
    askNkosiwhoisholdi
    ngShanika.

    "Nothankyou,Ineedt
    ogosomewhere.Youcango,
    Iwil
    ltel
    lMangwet omakey
    ousomethingheavyt
    o
    eat
    ."saysNkosi.

    "
    Itdoesn'
    thav
    etobeheav
    y,agr
    eensal
    adwi
    l
    ldo,
    "

    "Am notaski
    ngy ouThando,
    am tel
    l
    ingyou."he
    l
    owkeysneer sbutsti
    l
    lkeppi
    ngthesmil
    ef or
    Shanika'
    seyes.Igul
    pdownonmyspi t,
    turningt
    othe
    stai
    rsandjustchoosi
    ngnottosayanyt
    hingbefore
    hebur st
    s.

    "
    Yourar
    misf
    inenow!
    !!
    !"IhearShani
    kaexcl
    aimi
    ng.

    "
    Yesdear
    .Come,
    let
    'sgogety
    ousomecandy
    ."say
    s
    Nkosi
    .
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er49

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    Iwat chThandoswayherhi psasshewalksupt he


    stair
    s,wishi
    ngIcouldjustgoandholdher,kissher
    andj ustmakelovetoherbutherstatementfrom
    earli
    ertaunt
    sme.Am notangr yather,am j
    ust
    disappoint
    edthatshedoesn'twanttounderstand
    whyIdon' twantmyf at
    herbackint
    omyl if
    e.Shei s
    selfi
    shlyusi
    ngherfather'
    sdeathasagatewayand
    thereisnowayIcannotmakeherwi shcomet r
    ue.
    Sigh.

    IputShani
    kadown,hol
    dherhandandwalktothe
    cartogobuyhersomethi
    ngasshetal
    ksabouther
    day.
    Iaskoneofmydr
    iver
    stot
    akeust
    oacl
    osebyshop
    andaswedr i
    vethere,
    mymi ndandmyheart
    i
    ntr
    aconfl
    ict
    .Mymi ndref
    usestobri
    ngmyfather
    her
    ewhilstmyheartwantsmetodosoallbecause
    ofthel
    oveIhaveformyqueen.

    Afterbuyi
    ngShanikasomet hi
    ng,wedr i
    veback
    homet odropShani kaoff
    .Thedr iv
    erandIdriv
    eto
    Ulwandlehospi
    tal.Ihadaf eeli
    ngThandowasgoing
    totryandlookf
    orhi m atmyhomet ownsoI
    tr
    ansferr
    edhimt othishospi t
    al.

    "
    MrNxumal
    o'
    swar
    d?"Iaskt
    her
    ecept
    ioni
    st.

    "Room 405."sherepli
    es.Iwalktohi
    swar d,asking
    my sel
    fwhyam hur ti
    ngmy sel
    fsomuch.Thando
    reall
    yshouldn'
    thavedonet hi
    s.Ihaveneverforced
    hertodosomet hi
    ngshedidn'twanttoyethereshe
    i
    s, f
    orcingmet odothis.Ir
    eall
    yhaveturnedsof tand
    thatfl
    ipsmeov er.
    Istandi
    nfr
    ontoftheopendoorasmyf at
    herlies
    nexttot
    hewallinawardwit
    h3ot herpat
    ients.Don'
    t
    askmewhyIdi dn'
    tgethi
    m apri
    vateward..
    ..
    ..
    .
    Despit
    emet aki
    ngsmal lst
    epsjusttosavemy sel
    f
    from t
    hemiseryofseeinghi
    sface,Igetther
    e
    anyway.Ist
    and,l
    ookingathispeacefulf
    aceas
    thoughhehasneversinnedbefore,
    hischestmov i
    ng
    upanddownandwr i
    nkledski
    n.

    *Nowondery ourmotherdied,shewasawi t
    chjust
    l
    ikeall
    ofyou!!!
    !Whenar eyougoingtofol
    l
    owher
    anywaysbecauseam tiredofyoudevi
    lchi
    ldren!
    !!
    *
    andthosewer ethewordsthatcameoutofthisman
    l
    ayingpeacefull
    yonthi
    sbed.Somet hi
    nginme
    wantstostranglehi
    m butIcan't
    .

    Theironyinthi
    ssit
    uati
    oni sthatt
    heper sonhe
    l
    ist
    enedt oandworshippedsomuch, thesame
    personhescoldedusf or
    ,thesameper sonwhom he
    changedfor,madehim sick.Thesameper sonhe
    beatusupf orandabandonedusf or
    ,hasabandoned
    hi
    m.Shei
    snowher
    etobef
    ound.
    Iwon'
    tsayam notangr yather.Am v
    er ymuchangr y
    ather
    .Shet ookawayourf at
    heronl
    yt oruinhi
    m.She
    shoul
    dhav eatleasttakengoodcareofhi m since
    shedidn'
    twantusany ways.Ifshedidn'twanthim,
    sheshouldhaveleftusi npeace.Wewoul dhav e
    beenhappy.
    Iwi
    llf
    indherandiwil
    lki
    ll
    herf
    ortaki
    ngmyf
    ather
    awayfrom usj
    ustsoshecoul
    drui
    nhim.

    "
    Myson? "say
    sar ust
    yvoice,
    knocki
    ngmeoutofmy
    t
    houghts.Hetr
    iestoopenhiseyeswiderbutt
    hey
    r
    efuse.

    "Nkosi
    ?Isityou?"heasks.MyJawst i
    ght
    en,my
    headturni
    ngupwar ds.Iexhal
    ealoudsi
    gh,t
    urni
    ngt
    o
    theexi
    tandletti
    ngmyf eett
    aket
    hecommandof
    walki
    ngoutoft hi
    shell.
    IwalktoMrBiza'
    soff
    ice,
    lucki
    l
    ytofindhi
    m st
    il
    l
    ther
    e,packi
    nghisl
    aptopi
    ntohisbag.
    "
    Doct
    orBi
    za.
    "Isay
    ,wal
    ki
    ngi
    ntohi
    sof
    fi
    ce.

    "MrBar
    ca."repl
    i
    esMrBi
    za,
    seemi
    ngl
    yast
    oni
    shed
    bymypresence.
    "
    Whatasur
    pri
    se.Howar
    eyou?
    "

    "
    Am okaydoct
    or.Ihopey
    oudoi
    ngwel
    lyour
    sel
    f.
    "

    "Am f
    ineMrBarca.Takeaseatplease.
    "hesay
    s,hi
    s
    handpoint
    ingatachairbutIdenyhi
    soffer
    .

    "Am her
    etodischar
    geMrNxumal o.Thepati
    entwho
    gotadmitt
    edhereintheaf
    ter
    noon."It
    ell
    him.

    "Ooohokay
    .Canwedot
    hatt
    omor
    rowi
    fpossi
    ble?
    "
    heasks.
    "
    No.Ial readyhaveever y
    thi
    ngsetathomef orhim.
    AllIneedi sfory
    outosi gnhisdischargepapers,t
    he
    machi nesalongwit
    ht hemedi ci
    neshewi ll
    needand
    foryout ogetmeanur seforhim."Isay.

    "Ummm okay .Letmegogetsomepaper sf r


    om the
    recepti
    on.Iwi l
    lbebackwithy ouinaf ew."saysMr
    Biza,scr
    atchinghisheadast houghhei stryi
    ngt o
    comeupwi thsomet hi
    ng.Hel eavetheroom and
    comesback3mi nutesl
    ater,holdi
    ngsomepaper sin
    hishands.Hesi tsdown,signsthem, handst hem
    overtomet osi gntooandt henhet akesthepapers
    back.

    "Youcantakehi
    m homenowandthenursewil
    l
    comet omorr
    owmor ni
    ng.
    "say
    sMrBiza,
    smili
    ng.

    "Thanky
    oudoct
    or.Iwi
    l
    lbet
    aki
    ngmyl
    eav
    enow.
    "I
    saytohi
    m.
    "Umm, MrBar
    ca.Woul
    dyoumi
    ndmeaski
    ngy
    oua
    quest
    ion?
    "

    "
    Gof
    ori
    t.
    "

    "Afewofmycol leagueshav ebeenenquiri


    ngonthis
    andIthoughtIshouldasky ou.
    "hesay s,nerv
    ousl
    y
    speaki
    ng.Itur
    nmyheadsi deway s,
    int
    erestedint
    his
    questi
    onofhis.

    "Ar
    en'
    tyout
    hefamousMrNxumalo?Notthatam
    aski
    ngyoui
    nabadwaybutam j
    ustti
    redofpeople
    aski
    ngmethi
    squest
    ion.
    "

    "Notthefir
    stti
    mebei ngaskedt hatquest
    ionbuty
    es,
    Iam MrNxumal o.ButIpreferbei
    ngcall
    edMr
    Barca."It
    ellhi
    m." Wil
    lthatbeallMrBiza?
    "

    "
    Yes.Thanky
    ou.
    "hehesi
    tant
    lysay
    s.
    "Andtel
    lyourcoll
    eaguest
    hatam nol
    ongerthe
    ownerofthishospit
    alsot
    heyshoul
    dstoptr
    y i
    ngto
    bugintomyl i
    fe.
    "Isaybef
    oret
    urni
    ngtothedoorand
    walki
    ngout.

    Ical
    l mydri
    vert
    ocalloneofmyt r
    uckst opickup
    thi
    soldmanandi tar
    riv
    es20mi nuteslater
    .Iaskmy
    menwhocamewi ththetr
    ucktogot akehimf r
    om
    hiswardandtocomehomewi t
    hhim.Asf orme,I
    getintot
    hecaranddriveof
    fbackhome.
    Thandosur
    elyhasdi
    sappoi
    ntedmet
    oday
    .

    IgethometoThandoandShanikaeat
    ingatt
    he
    dinnert
    abl
    eal
    ongwiththemaid,Mangweasthey
    arehavi
    ngaconver
    sati
    on.
    Onethi
    ngIhav enoticedaboutThandois,she
    doesn'
    tli
    ketreati
    nganyonediff
    erentl
    ydespit
    e
    whoevertheyare.I
    t'
    skindofacur seandablessi
    ng
    tomebecauset hat'
    sexactl
    ywhatmadeherwant
    myfat
    herhere.Shehast
    hehear
    ttof
    orgi
    veandst
    il
    l
    hav
    efai
    thinsomeone.
    Ilookawayf
    rom t
    hem,nowf
    aci
    ngwher
    eam goi
    ng
    to;whi
    chismyroom.

    Igett
    her
    e,takemyphoneoutofmypocketandcal
    l
    maMohlakoane.

    "Don'tt
    ellmeyoual
    readymi
    ssme?
    "shesay
    s
    sarcast
    ical
    ly
    .

    "
    MaIneedtotal
    ktoyou.Pl
    easecomet
    omor
    row
    mor
    ning.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .

    "
    What
    'swr
    ongson?
    "shewor
    ri
    edl
    yasks.

    "
    Justcomet
    omor
    row.
    "Isayt
    oher
    .
    "
    Wecancomenowi
    fit
    '
    sfi
    ne.
    "

    "Noma,i
    t'
    snowlat
    eandy ouknowhowIf
    eel
    about
    peopl
    edr
    ivi
    ngl
    ate.
    "Isay
    .

    "Okayson.Wewi llbet heret omor row."sher eplies


    befor eIendt hecall.Idr opmyphoneont hebedand
    decidet ot akealongshower ,comi ngtot ermswi th
    thef actthatthemanIhat ewi llbest ayi
    ngwi thme
    untilhedi essincehei sgoi ngl i
    vef or3mont hsonl y.
    Soappar ently
    ,hehasbeeneat i
    ngsomet hingf ora
    whilewhi chhascausedhi mt ogetpancr eatic
    cancerandI tsprettymuchf actst hatitsthedev il
    womanwhodi dthistohi m.If inishshower ing, dry
    my selfandwhenIwal ki ntot her oom, Ifi
    ndThando
    sit
    tingont hebedwhi lstpl ayingwi thherhands.I
    walkpasthergoi ngt ot hecl osetandshef oll
    owsme,
    standsatt heentrance, fai
    lingt ospeak.

    "
    Yourfat
    herisher
    e."shefinal
    lyut
    ter
    s,st
    il
    lpl
    ayi
    ng
    wi
    thherfi
    ngerswhil
    stlookingdown.
    "
    Iknow.
    "Ibl
    unt
    lyr
    epl
    yher
    ,looki
    ngf
    ormypy
    jamas.

    "
    Are.
    ..
    ..ar
    eyouangr
    yatme?
    "shest
    utt
    ers.

    "No,am notangry.Am j
    ustdi
    sappoint
    ed."It
    ellher
    .I
    hearherfootst
    epsmov i
    ngclosertomeandt hen
    shelightl
    ypushesmet othesi
    deandpi cksoutmy
    bluepyjamas.Sheholdsthem outt
    ome, sti
    ll
    looki
    ng
    down.

    "Am sor
    ry.Ihadtodothi
    sforyout
    obr
    inghim here.
    "
    shesaysinal owvoi
    ce,maki
    ngmechuckl
    ewhi l
    st
    taki
    ngthepy j
    amasfr
    om her.

    "
    Iexpect edyoutorespectmyfeel
    ingsforonce.But
    myexpect at
    ionsseem tohavebeentoomuchf or
    you."Isaytoher.Iwalkoutoft
    heclosetwit
    hher
    f
    ollowingme.
    "
    Am t
    rul
    ysor
    ryNK.Ihadnoot
    herchoi
    ce.
    "

    "Choice!?Youhadnoot herchoice?"Iquestion.
    "Thandoy oudi dhaveachoi ce.Thechoi cetoleti
    t
    beandunder standthatIdi
    dn'twantt hatmani nmy
    l
    ifeany mor e.Youhadt hechoi cetot hi
    nkofRose
    whenshef indsoutt hatIbroughtthatoldmanback
    i
    ntoourl ives.Youhadt ochoicetor espectmy
    decision.Butwhatdi dyoudo?Yousel fi
    shlywenton
    withthiswhol ethi
    ng."Ihuff
    .
    "IonlydidthisbecauseIloveyouThandoandI
    woul ddoany thi
    ngandev eryt
    hingf
    ory ou.Idi
    dthi
    s
    sot hatyoucoul dalsof
    orgetaboutmebei ngyour
    father'
    smur derer.That
    '
    swhyIdi dit
    ."Iconti
    nue
    huffingasshekeepsherf acedown.

    "
    NoNkosi,
    "shewhi
    nes,
    shaki
    ngherheadseemi
    ng
    v
    ulner
    abl
    e.
    "
    Idi
    dn'
    tdot
    hisbecauseofsel
    fi
    shr
    easons.Idi
    dthi
    s
    f
    orus,f
    orourchi
    ld,
    forev
    ery
    oneel se.Ial
    readyt
    old
    y
    outhatifmyauntf
    oundou..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "

    "andthereshegoesagai
    nwi
    thheraunt
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "Isay
    sarcast
    ical
    ly.
    "Thando!Yourauntf i
    ndingoutaboutmyf atherwas
    notgoingtochangeany thi
    ng.Shewaspr obably
    goingtoletitgo,butyou!Youar ejustbei
    ngtoo
    extrafornofucki
    ngr eason.Allyoucareaboutis
    whaty ourfamil
    ythinks,nothowmyf amil
    yfeels!
    !!
    "I
    j
    abber.

    "Sookay,let
    'ssayyouraunthasfoundoutaboutmy
    dadwhi l
    stwear ekeepi
    ngitsecr
    et,whatwil
    lshedo
    tobreakusapar thuh?Becausei
    t'
    snotli
    kemy
    fat
    heristheonewho' sgett
    ingmarri
    edtoyou,I
    am...
    ."Iquesti
    onher.

    "Lookatmewhenam talki
    ngThando.
    "Isaytoher.
    Shequickl
    yrai
    sesherf
    aceandtearsar
    erunning
    downhercheeks.Shewi
    pest
    hem of
    f,sni
    ff
    ing.

    "Youtrul
    ybr okemet oday.Ihadtofacemyworst
    night
    mar e,mypast ,myabuser.Ihopeyouar
    e
    happy."Ilastl
    ysay .Iturnmybackonherandputon
    mynight wear .Thesniffi
    ngconti
    nuesasshewalks
    tothebat hroom andl ocksthedoor.
    Iwon'
    tli
    e,i
    thur
    tsmet oseehercryi
    ngbutt
    hef
    act
    st
    il
    lst
    ands.Shereal
    l
    ydisappoi
    ntedme.

    Itakemyphoneandt
    extRoseal
    ongwi
    thMkhi
    zet
    o
    comeovertomorr
    ow.
    Idon'
    twantt
    okeept
    hisf
    rom t
    hem.

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

    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.
    "
    Sotel
    lusson,whyar
    eweher
    e?"asksbaba
    Mohl
    akoane,
    looki
    ngatmewi
    thastrai
    ghtf
    ace.
    Il
    ookar
    oundtheroom,seei
    ngRose,
    Mkhize,
    maand
    babaMohl
    akoaneandThandowhoissi
    tt
    ingnextt
    o
    me.

    "
    RoseandMkhi ze,
    whatam abouttosaymighthi
    t
    youhardbuti
    thastobesai
    d."Itur
    ntomy2peopl e
    whom Ihavebeencal
    l
    ingparent
    sforyear
    snow.

    "Maandbaba,
    thi
    swi
    llal
    sohi
    tyouhar
    d."Ir
    ubmy
    chi
    nbefor
    eutt
    eri
    ngt
    hewords.

    "Ma, baba,Ihaveafatherwhoissti
    l
    lali
    ve."Isay,not
    attemptingtolookatthem.Suddenly,
    ahuge
    elephantcrushesintheroom.Every
    oneinher e
    seemssot enseandonecanl i
    ter
    all
    ycutthet ensi
    on
    i
    nt hisroom withaknife.

    "
    What
    ?"shout
    sMa.
    "Andhei
    sint
    hishouse.
    "If
    ini
    shandaoddsi
    l
    ence
    hit
    sther
    oom.

    "
    Her
    e??
    !"asksRose,
    qui
    tepuzzl
    ed.

    "
    Hei
    sint
    hemedi
    cal
    room.
    "It
    ell
    them.

    "Buthowcomewewer enev
    ert
    oldabouty
    ourf
    ather
    beingal
    iv
    e?"asksbaba.

    "Because,Ihadbrokenall
    tieswit
    hhi
    m upunt
    il
    ..
    ..
    ..
    upunt i
    lIheardthathehascancerwi
    thonl
    y3
    mont hstoli
    ve."

    "
    Waitwhat
    ?"saysMkhi
    zewi
    thav
    isi
    blequest
    ion
    mar
    konhisface.
    "WasitThandowhotol
    dy out
    obri
    nghi
    m back?
    "
    asksRose.Il
    ookatherassheey
    esThandowhose
    eyesarel
    ookingdown.

    "
    Noitwasn'
    t.Thehospi
    tal
    backhomecal
    l
    edt
    o
    i
    nfor
    m me."

    "Youarelyi
    ngbudi.Thandoconv
    incedy out
    obring
    him backhere.
    "int
    erj
    ectsRosei
    nat autvoi
    ce.

    "Rose,
    noneedf orthatmychild.Yourbrot
    her
    alr
    eadysaiditwasn't
    ."saysma.Mat urnstolookat
    mewi t
    hherey esconserned."
    It'
    sfi
    nemychi ld.At
    l
    eastyouhav etoldusnowbutwhatam wor r
    ied
    abouti
    sThando' sfamily
    .Didyoutell
    them anythi
    ng
    abouthim bei
    ngdead? "

    "Ialr
    eadytol
    dSi hl
    ethatheisdeadsoit
    'sobvioushe
    toldhiswholefamilyt
    hatourparent
    saredead."
    answer sRose,
    herv oi
    cequitet
    ense.Hereyesmov e
    f
    rom mat
    oThandoandshechuckl
    es.

    "AreyouhappynowThando?Ihopey ouare.It
    old
    youmyl i
    festoryandyouknowhowmuchIdespi se
    thatman,yethereyouareforci
    ngmybr ot
    herto
    bringhi
    m back.BravoThando,brav
    o!!
    "saysRose,
    clappi
    ngherhands.

    "
    Rosestopi
    t!
    !Thandohadnothi
    ngtodowi
    tht
    hisso
    y
    ouleav
    eheroutofit
    ."Isayt
    oRose.

    "Noneedtocov erupforherbudi!Iknowsheisthe
    reasonheisbackhere.Andy ouknowwhat ,am
    actual
    lygl
    adthathehas3mont hstoliv
    e."

    "Rose!
    !!
    "commandsbaba.Roseapol
    ogi
    sesand
    quickl
    ystandsup.

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lbel
    eav
    ingnow.Idon'
    thav
    eti
    mef
    orsuch
    nonsense.OohandThando, don'
    tworry,
    Idon'that
    e
    you.Ij
    usthatethef actthatyoudidn'
    tconsiderany
    ofourfeel
    ings.ButIhopey ouarehappynow.Nx !"
    saysRosebef or
    ewal kingoutoft hehouse.Ihear
    Thandosniffasat earfall
    sont oherbl
    uedr essbut
    shedoesn'tdaretolookup.

    "Makoti
    ,don'
    tcr
    y.Ify
    oureal
    lydi
    dconv i
    nceNkosito
    dothist
    henyoudidther
    ightthi
    ng.Thankyoufor
    for
    cinghimtobri
    ngbackhisfat
    her.
    "saysBaba.
    Il
    ookathi
    m,inexasper
    ati
    onandMkhi
    zej
    ustkeeps
    qui
    etathi
    scorner
    .

    "
    Whatdoy
    oumeanbyt
    hatbaba.
    "Iaskhi
    m.

    "Whathemeanst osayi s,i


    twoul dhavebeenwrong
    forhi
    mt opresenthimsel fasy ourf
    atherwhi
    lsty
    our
    biol
    ogi
    calfatherissti
    llali
    ve.Itwouldhavebeenan
    i
    nsultt
    oy ourfather
    ,"explainsmom.
    "Noi twouldn'thave.I
    t'
    snotl
    ikeheisgoi ngtobemy
    kinsmanany ways.Isti
    l
    lcutt
    ieswit
    hhi m, t
    heref
    ore
    hei sn'
    trel
    atedt ome.Youbabawillrepresentme
    andabomal ume( uncl
    es).
    "

    Babavi
    gor
    ousl
    yshakeshi
    sheadno,
    alsousi
    nghi
    s
    handst
    osayno.

    "No, no,no,no.Iwillnotdothat.Yourancestorswi
    ll
    punishmef ordoingsuchanabomi nati
    on.Ican'
    tdo
    that
    .Iwoul dhav edonei ti
    fhewasdeadbecause
    yourancest or
    swoul dhav eunderstoodthatyouhad
    noonet or epresentyou.Butnow, Ican'
    t.Youhave
    someonet orepresentyou.Yourfatherissti
    l
    lali
    ve
    Nkosi.Ican'tdishonourhiminsuchamanner ."

    "Butbaba,
    howwil
    lherepresentNkosi
    whenhei
    s
    sick?
    "asksMkhi
    ze.Thankyou!!
    !!
    !!

    "
    Hewi
    l
    lbewel
    l
    .Oncehei
    swel
    l
    ,thenegot
    iat
    ionscan
    begi
    n.Ifheiswellbytheendoft hi
    sweek, t
    henthe
    negoti
    ati
    onswill
    takeplacenextweekdur i
    ngthe
    weekorweekend."saysbaba.Asam aboutt osay
    something,
    babasay s"Andt hatisfi
    nal!Heisl
    eft
    wit
    h3mont hssolethim enj
    oyt hesefewmont hs.
    Andmychi l
    dren,youneedt oforgivehi
    mf or
    whateverhedidbecauseIcanseet hathereal
    lyhurt
    al
    lofyou."
    Him andmaMohl akoanebot
    hstandupatt hesame
    ti
    meandl ookatthe3ofus.MaMohl akoanewalks
    towardsThando,kneel
    sdownandcupsherchin,
    bri
    ngingherfaceup.Shesmi
    lesatThandoas
    Thandosniff
    s.

    "Thandomychi l
    d,t
    hanky ouforconvincinghimif
    your eal
    lydidandifyoudidn'
    tconv i
    ncehi m,then
    don'tfeelbadforwhatRosesai d.Sheisj ust
    consumedbyherangerf orherfather.Shewi l
    lcome
    aroundsoon. "

    "
    Thanky
    ouma,
    "say
    sThando,
    try
    ingt
    osmi
    l
    e.
    "Andy ouNkosi,
    trytof or
    givetheoldman.It
    'sbet
    ter
    toforgiv
    eandt r
    ytof orget,t
    hanholdi
    ngont oapast
    thatwillonl
    yhurtyou.Okay ?"say
    sma, hol
    dingmy
    hand.Inodmyhead, takingadeepbreath.

    "
    Yesma.Iwil
    ltr
    yto.Butpleasetal
    ktoRose,Iknow
    f
    oraf
    actthatshewon'tl
    istentome."Iask.

    "
    Dontworryabouther
    .Wewil
    ltalktoher
    ."saysbaba.
    MamakissesThandoonthecheek,shesmilesat
    methenleav
    eswi t
    hbabaMohlakoane.

    "Wel
    l,
    canIgoseehi
    m baf
    o?"asksMhki
    zest
    andi
    ng
    upfr
    om t
    hecouch.

    "y
    oucan.Youknowwheretheroom i
    s."Isayt
    ohi
    m.
    Henodshishead,
    takesagl
    anceatThandowhois
    sti
    ll
    sni
    ff
    ing.
    "Don'
    tcr
    yThando.Ev
    eryt
    hingischi
    l
    led.Don'
    tl
    et
    Rose'
    swordsgettoyou.
    "saysMkhize.

    "ThanksMkhi
    ze.
    "ut
    tersThando,
    hervoi
    cecracky
    .As
    soonasMkhizel
    eaves,IputmyhandonThando'
    s.

    "
    Am sorr
    yforhowIspoket
    oyoul
    astni
    ght
    .It
    sjust
    t
    hat
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "Noitsfi
    neNkosi.Youhadther
    ightt
    osaywhaty
    ou
    sai
    d."saysThando,wipi
    nghert
    earsoff
    .

    "
    Ihadnor i
    ghtt
    odosuchThando.Iwasjustbei
    ng
    i
    gnor
    ant,Il
    etmyangerdrivemewhichwaswrong.I
    f
    i
    twasn'
    tforyou,hewouldsti
    l
    lbeasecr
    etandbaba
    Mohl
    akoanewoul dhav
    ebeenangryatme."

    "
    Ijustwi
    shIcoul
    dhav
    ebr
    oughthi
    m backi
    ntoy
    our
    l
    i
    vesi
    namuchbet
    terway
    ."
    Imovecl
    osert
    oher,put
    ti
    ngmyhandonherhead
    andput
    ti
    ngherheadonmyshoul
    der
    .

    "Whathashappenedhashappened.Nowwej ust
    needtotel
    lyourfamilyabouthi
    m andseewhat '
    s
    next
    ."Isayt
    oThando." ButwhatIdon'twantisy ou
    for
    cingmetot al
    ktohi m.Iwantmyper sonalspace
    whenitcomest othiswholesit
    uat
    ion.Letmemake
    myowndeci si
    onst hi
    st i
    me,pl
    ease..
    ..
    ."Itel
    lher.

    "Ipr
    omi set
    ol etyoubewheni tcomest othi
    s
    sit
    uati
    on.Ipromisenott ofor
    cey outotal
    ktohim or
    anythi
    ng.Ipr
    omi se!"saysThando.Sherai
    sesher
    headfrom myshoul der,
    looksatmet hensmiles.

    "
    Ilov
    eyou!
    "shepr
    ocl
    aimes.

    "
    YouknowIl
    ovey
    ouev
    enmor
    e."Isayt
    oher
    .
    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er50

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    Ican'
    tsaythingshavebeeneasylatel
    y.Rosewon't
    speaktome, Nkosiiski
    ndofdist
    antbecausehe
    spendsmostofhi stimeintheof
    fi
    ce.Ziphoand
    Mkhize'
    sli
    ttl
    eissueisfucki
    ngeveryoneov er
    becausenowev eryoneknowsaboutit.Oohandwe
    sti
    ll
    haven'
    ttoldmyf amil
    yaboutNkosi'sfat
    herbut
    wear egoi
    ngt otoday.

    Nkosi,baba,maMohl akoane, ShanikaandIar e


    l
    eavingf orNort
    hWestt onight.Babawant edust o
    gowi t
    hNkosi '
    sfatherbutheisn'tdoingsowel l
    hi
    msel f.Hehasnev erbeenconsciousev ersincethe
    dayhecameher e.Ihavebeent akingcareofhim,
    despit
    et hepresenceofanur se.Ifeell
    ikeit
    'smy
    dutytotakecareofhim despit
    ethef
    actt
    hatNkosi
    doesn'taccepthi
    m ashisfather.

    Iwon'tli
    e,Ist i
    llf
    eelgui
    ltyaboutthewholesituati
    on.
    Ifeell
    ikeIonl ydidthi
    sforasel f
    ishmot i
    ve,y
    etit
    real
    lywasn' t.
    ..
    ..
    .Sigh.
    ..
    ..
    .Am justhopingforthebest
    atthi
    spoi nt.Ijustwantmyf amilyandNkosi'sfamil
    y
    tobehappy .Idon'twantanymor esecret
    sbet ween
    usany mor e.

    "Dor
    othy,
    pleaser
    eschedul
    emymeet i
    ngwithMiss
    PeofornextweekTuesday
    ."Ii
    nst
    ruct
    ,packi
    ngup
    mystufff
    rom mydesk.
    "okayma'am.Iwi
    lldothatASAP.Whataboutt
    he
    contracty
    ouweresupposedtosignf
    orthe
    Orphanageevent
    ?"

    "Ummm, j
    ustsendt
    hem t
    omeviaemailt
    henIwi
    ll
    signthem.Someonewil
    lcomewit
    hthem t
    omorr
    ow
    mor ni
    ng.
    "
    "Okayma'am."r
    espondsDor
    othy,writ
    ingdown
    every
    thi
    ngam tell
    i
    ngheronanot ebook.Shelooks
    atmeandcl ear
    sherthr
    oat
    ,gett
    ingmyat tent
    ion.

    "
    Umm ma'
    am,
    Iwant
    edt
    oaskf
    orsomet
    hing.
    "

    "
    Okay
    ,goahead.
    "

    "Canyoupleasecometomyengagementpar
    ty,
    I
    real
    lywantyoutobether
    e"sheasks,
    herl
    i
    pswide
    spreadasherteet
    hshow.

    "Ncaaaw,
    yougotengaged!
    "Iexcl
    aim,
    wal
    ki
    ng
    aroundmytabl
    etogohugher.

    "Yes,sowi
    l
    lyoupl
    easecome?
    "shepl
    eadsasIhug
    her.
    "
    Iwi
    l
    lcomel
    ove.Wheni
    sit
    ?"Iask.

    "I
    t'
    sinthe28ofSept
    ember
    ,,
    whi
    chi
    sin2weeks.
    "she
    says.

    "ooh,Onmybir
    thday!Okayam t
    otal
    l
    ycomi ng.Just
    sendmet hei
    nvi
    tati
    onandIwil
    lbether
    e."Isayto
    her.

    "SoIguesswewi ll
    becelebr
    ati
    ng2event
    satthe
    samet i
    me!!!
    !Ican'
    twait
    !Thankyousomuch,
    "she
    screams.Shethanksmeagainwithahugandwalks
    out,swayi
    ngherpetit
    ebodyasherhai
    rmoves
    sideways.

    "
    Goodaf
    ter
    noonsi
    r.
    "say
    sDor
    othy
    'sv
    oiceout
    side
    myof
    fi
    ce.
    "
    Goodaf
    ter
    noon.I
    sMi
    ssMdl
    etshei
    n?"asksa
    f
    amil
    i
    arvoi
    ce.

    "
    Umm y
    esshei
    s.Doy
    ouhav
    eameet
    ingwi
    thher
    ?"

    "NoIdon'tbutIneedt
    oseeher .
    "respondst
    he
    famili
    arvoi
    ce.Iknowthi
    svoicefr
    om somewherebut
    Ijustdon'
    tknowf r
    om wher
    e.

    "Ooh,am sorr
    ysirbutsheisal
    readyleavi
    ng,youwil
    l
    havetogo."saysDorothybutIhearthemancl i
    cki
    ng
    histonguethenDorothyshout
    ingforsecuri
    ty.

    Irushtothedoortoseewhothi
    spersonisandthe
    nextthi
    ng,Ibumpintohi
    schest
    .Ist
    opmy sel
    ffr
    om
    fal
    li
    ngandst epbacktol
    ookatt
    hepersononlyto
    real
    isethati
    t'
    sanunexpect
    edvi
    sitf
    rom someoneI
    real
    lydi
    dntwanttosee.
    "
    MissMdl
    etshe!
    "excl
    aimst
    heguy
    .
    "Am sogl adtoseey ou.Howar eyou?"heasks,
    front
    ingaf akesmi l
    e.Everyt
    hingi
    nmej uststopsas
    Ilookatthismascul armanwhol ooksexact l
    ylike
    Sabelo.Recogniti
    ondawnsonmyf aceasmymout h
    suddenlybecomesdr y,myheartbeati
    ngf asterand
    handsr ol
    l i
    ntofi
    sts,notknowingifIshouldjusttake
    myst uffandleaveorwhat .

    "
    Hereheis,
    pleasetakehi
    m out
    ..
    ..
    ."say
    sDorot
    hy,
    i
    nst
    ruct
    ingthesecuri
    tyt
    otakeLuandaaway
    .

    "Oohnonono, Iwouldn'
    tdothatifIwer
    eyou."f
    lat
    ly
    arguesLuanda,pul
    li
    ngacynicalhal
    fsmil
    e.Iqui
    ckl
    y
    snapoutofmyf rensoandtel
    lDorothyt
    oleavewit
    h
    thesecuri
    ty.

    Assoonastheydo,
    Ifeel
    mypal
    msget
    ti
    ngwet
    ,
    unabl
    etospeak.
    "Whydoy oulooksoshockedmyl ady?justsoyou
    know,am notaghost."saysLuanda,rubbi
    nghis
    chi
    nwi t
    hhisonehandandt heotherjammedi nhi
    s
    pocket
    .Itakebabystepsbackwards,notwanti
    ngto
    becaughtupi nhi
    sseeminglydarkaura.

    "
    Whatdoy
    ouwantLuanda?
    "

    "
    Oohnot hingmuchhey,"hesay
    s,walki
    ngcloserto
    me.Hest opsafewinchesawayfrom meandl ooks
    mest r
    aighti
    ntheeyesashiscyni
    calsmil
    eis
    r
    eplacedbyaf r
    own.
    "
    Ijustwanttoknowwhyt
    hef
    uckmybr
    otherandmy
    motheraredead?"

    "Youshoul dknow,notme.Andwhyt hehell


    areyou
    askingme? "Itaunt
    lysayt
    ohim butheholdsa
    dismissivefi
    ngerup,cl
    osi
    nghiseyesandhisli
    ps
    ti
    ghtening.
    "Don'tbull
    shitmeThando,Iknowyouar
    ebehind
    theirki
    ll
    ing.Thi
    swholethi
    nghasyournamewr i
    tt
    en
    alloveri
    t .
    "hecal
    mlysaysbuthisv
    oicehol
    dingso
    muchr esentment.

    "Andwhywoul dIpossiblykil
    ly ourbrother?
    "Iask,
    crossingmyar mswi thabr owup, try
    ingnottoshow
    himt hefearthat
    'ski
    lli
    ngmyhear t.Luandahuff
    sa
    chuckle,hi
    sjawt i
    ghteningandbef oreIcouldeven
    react,am fi
    ghti
    ngforsomeai r.Hisv ici
    oushand
    stranglesmyneckasIt ryt
    or emov eitwit
    hnoluck.I
    glareathismuscularface,hisv ei
    nspoppingoutas
    histeethgri
    ndagainsteachot her.

    "
    Youkil
    ledmybr ot
    herandmymot her .AndIwi
    ll
    makeyoupayforthatThando.Iwil
    lruinyoual
    ong
    wi
    thyourfami
    l
    y .Youjustwa.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "
    Hey!
    !!
    !"shouts2meni nbl
    ack.Luandadr
    opsmeto
    t
    hefl
    oorashet ur
    nstolookattheguyswhopul
    lout
    t
    azer
    sandt azeLuanda.
    Dorothyr
    unstomewi t
    hagl assofwat er
    ,pi
    cki
    ngme
    upfrom t
    hefl
    oor.Shetakesmyt hingsfr
    om t
    he
    tabl
    eandwalksmeoutoft heoffice.The2guys
    carr
    yLuandaoutofthebuil
    ding,
    puthi minablack
    caranddri
    veoffwit
    hhim.

    "Ar
    eyouokayma'
    am?
    "asksDor
    othy
    ,rubbi
    ngmy
    back.

    "Am fi
    nethankyou.Pl
    easegivememybags, Ineed
    togo."It
    akemybagsf rom hertableandwalkt omy
    car,f
    eeli
    ngasthougham stil
    lfi
    ndingitdi
    ff
    icultto
    breat
    he.

    "Ma,'
    am, pl
    easegivemey ourkeys,Iwil
    ldri
    v eyou
    home."saysaper sonbehindme.It ur
    ntoseeoneof
    Nkosi'
    smenwhom Ihav eseenar oundthehouse.I
    handov ermykey stohi
    m andheopenst he
    backseatdoorforme.AssoonasIsi t
    ,myphone
    ri
    ngs.Itakeitoutofmybag, answerandi t
    'snon
    othert
    hanNkosi .
    "
    Thando!Ar
    eyouokay
    !!
    "hewor
    ri
    edl
    yasks.

    "Am f
    ineNkosi
    .Don'
    twor
    ry,
    am onmywayhome.
    "I
    saytohim,put
    ti
    ngmyfor
    eheadonmypal
    m.

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lki
    l
    lthatsonofabi
    tch!
    !!
    !!
    !"gl
    ower
    sNkosi
    .

    "
    Nooo, don'tki
    l
    lhi
    m.Lethi
    m be.I
    fyouki
    l
    lhi
    m, i
    t
    mightcallmoretr
    oubl
    eforus.
    "Isayt
    oNkosi
    .

    "
    IfIdon'
    tki
    l
    lhi
    m,hewi
    l
    lki
    l
    lyout
    hen.
    "hesneer
    s.

    "Youknowhewon'
    t.Justl
    ethi
    m beNkosi
    .Hewon'
    t
    doanythi
    ngt
    ome."

    "
    Butheal
    mostki
    l
    ledy
    out
    odayTha.
    ..
    ..
    "
    "Nkosidon'
    tkil
    lhi
    m!Lethim go.Iwanttof
    indyou
    homeandi fnot,y
    ouandIwi l
    lhaveahugefight
    ."I
    saybeforeendi
    ngt hecal
    l
    .Iputthephonedownand
    Istar
    tthi
    nkingofLuanda.
    Ther ageonhisface,t
    hebur ni
    ngfi
    rei
    nhiseyes,t
    he
    resentmentinhi
    sv oi
    ce..
    ..
    .Isawital
    landhewill
    certai
    nlytr
    ytokil
    lme.Insteadofbei
    nginfear
    ,I
    actuall
    yfeelsoguil
    ty.

    Ishoul
    dn'thav
    ebeenf
    ri
    endswi
    thSabel
    o,may
    be,
    j
    ustmay behe
    andhi
    smot
    herwoul
    dst
    il
    lbeal
    i
    ve.
    Il
    iteral
    l
    yj ustescapedal otofbull
    etsi nmyl ifeand
    nowt his??.
    ...
    ..
    .Wor seam pr egnant..
    ..
    ...
    .Ifam not
    careful
    , Imightlosemychi l
    dagainj ustlikelastti
    me
    andIdon' twantt hat..
    ..
    ..
    .Lord,hel
    pmegetouti ft
    his
    i
    ssueandt histi
    me, Idon'twantany one'sbloodshed.
    Idon'twantany oneel set odieallbecauseofme.
    PleaseGod. ..
    ..
    .
    Ij
    ustwantt
    obehappy
    .

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

    Thetript oNorthWestwasqui tequietandsuper


    l
    ongf orsomer eason.Maandbabawer etalki
    ng
    aboutt he"Nkosi'sfat
    her"situationwhilstNkosiand
    Iwerej ustsi
    tt
    ingt ogether,holdi
    nghands.Shani ka
    wassl eepingthewhol etime.Theonl ytimeNkosi
    spokewaswhenhewant edmet oeatsomet hing
    andlaymyheadonhi sshoul der.Thatwasit.He
    didn'
    tsayany thingconser ningear l
    i
    ertoday.

    Rightnowwear eonourwayt omyhouse.Inf


    act,
    we
    arealr
    eadythere.Whenthegatesopen,
    thebi
    g
    houseisrev
    ealed,alongwi
    thmymot herwhois
    standi
    ngont heporch.
    Nkosi
    squeezesmyhand,ki
    ssesmyf or
    eheadthen
    l
    ooksoutthewindowaswedriv
    ecloseandclosert
    o
    t
    heporch.Thecarfi
    nal
    l
    ystopsandtheguardsopen
    t
    hedoor
    sforus.
    Shani
    karunsoutoft
    hecar,bumpingherbodyont
    o
    moms'slegs.Mom pi
    cksherup,t
    wirl
    ingherar
    ound.

    "Mychild!
    "gaspsmom,comingtohugme,Shani
    ka
    sti
    l
    linherarms.Shewrapsherar
    m ar
    oundmyneck
    andkissesmycheek.

    "Howarey
    oumom?
    "Iaskher
    ,ret
    urni
    nghergl
    owi
    ng
    smil
    e.

    "Am f
    inemychil
    d.Howareyouandmygrandchi
    l
    d
    doi
    ng?"sheasks,
    nowrubbi
    ngmyt ummy
    .

    "Youshouldbeaski
    ngmehowy ourgrandchi
    l
    dis
    doingbecauseIf
    eell
    iket
    hatchi
    l
    disinmyt ummy."
    teasesNkosi,
    cat
    chi
    ngmom' sat
    tent
    ion.

    "
    Youwi
    shhewas.
    "Isayt
    oNkosi
    laughi
    ngal
    ong
    witheveryoneelse.Mymot herlet
    sgoofme, gr
    eet
    s
    everyoneelseandl eadsustothehouse.Nkosi
    holdsmyhandaswewal kinsi
    det hehousewhi
    chI
    havemi ssedsomuchwi thnodoubtatall.

    "Youhavesuchalov
    elyhomeMr sMdlet
    she.
    "
    compli
    mentsmaMohl akoaneaswetakeourseat
    s
    onthecouches.

    "
    Thanky
    ouv
    erymuch.
    "say
    smom smi
    l
    ing.

    "SoImadesomedinnerf
    orus.Doy
    ouguy
    swantt
    o
    eatnoworl
    ater
    ?"asksmom.

    "Nonotyet
    .Wewouldliketotalktoy ouabout
    somethi
    ngveryi
    mportantfi
    rstbeforeweeat .
    "
    suggest
    sbabaMohlakoane.Ilookatmymot her'
    s
    faceandherf
    acehasturnedtobei ngconserned.
    "
    Ist
    her
    eany
    thi
    ngwr
    ongbaba?
    "asksmymom.

    "
    Idon'
    twantt
    osayany
    thi
    ngi
    swr
    ongMr
    sMdl
    etshe.
    "

    "
    Ooohokay
    .Thenwhati
    sit
    ?"asksmom.

    "Well
    ,Ihav
    ecomeher etotel
    lyouthatmyf
    ami
    l
    ywi
    l
    l
    notberepresent
    ingNkosi
    anymore."

    "why
    ?Didsomet
    hingbadhappen?
    "shef
    urt
    her
    bombar
    ds.

    "No,notatallMrsMdletshe.It
    sj ustthat..
    ..
    ..
    .Nkosi's
    l
    ongl ostf
    atherhascomeback.Howev er,heissick
    butwehav ecomet oconcl udethatoncehei swel l
    ,
    hewillcomef ort
    helobolanegot iat
    ions."explai
    ns
    baba.Mom keepsqui etforawhi le,
    let'
    soutasi gh
    andlooksatNkosi andI.
    "
    Sihl
    etol
    dmehewasdead.
    "shear
    gues,
    conf
    used.

    "
    Wethoughthewasbuti
    ttur
    nsouthewasn'
    t.
    "
    j
    umpsinNkosi
    .

    "
    Ooooh."say
    smom."Soyousaidheisunwell
    ?"asks
    mom andbabaMohl
    akoanenodshishead.

    "Whatifhedoesn'
    tgetwell
    sooner
    ?Wontt
    hatdelay
    these2'
    smarri
    ageplans?
    "asksmom wi
    thconcer
    n.

    "Notatall
    .Butifitcomestot hat,i
    fhereall
    ydoesn'
    t
    getwellsooner,t
    henIwi l
    lgoseeNkosi '
    sunclesand
    askthem tocomeandr epresenthim.Asforme, I
    cannotdot hatany mor
    eorel se,Iwil
    lbeinsul
    ti
    ng
    Nkosi'
    sancestors."

    "Iunder
    standbabaMohlakoane.Ireal
    lydo.Just
    keepmeupdat edoneveryt
    hingthathappenssothat
    Icant
    ell
    Thando'
    suncl
    es.
    "say
    smom.

    "
    Wewi
    l
    lcer
    tai
    nlydot
    hat
    ."

    "AndNkosi
    ,am gl
    adyouwer eabl
    etof i
    ndyour
    fat
    her.Mayhegetwell
    soonmychi l
    d."saysmom,
    smil
    ingatNkosi
    .Nkosiput
    saf ai
    ntsmileonhi
    sface,
    noddinghi
    shead.

    "
    Thanky
    ouma.
    "her
    epl
    i
    es.

    "
    Sowi
    l
    lthatbeal
    l
    ?"

    "
    Yes,
    that
    'sal
    l
    ."

    "Okaythensocome,let
    'shavedi
    nner
    ."say
    smom
    standi
    ngup,di
    rect
    ingustothedi
    nnertabl
    e.
    "Wher
    earemy2crazysist
    ers?Ihav
    en'
    tseent
    hem.
    "
    Iaskmom,l
    ooki
    ngupstair
    s.

    "Ooh,
    theywentoutf
    orsomepar
    tyj
    ustdownt
    he
    str
    eet
    ."say
    smom.

    "
    Didn'
    ttheyknowt
    hatI
    '
    llbecomi
    ngov
    er?
    "

    "
    Theydidbutt
    heysai
    dtheyaret
    ir
    edofl
    ooki
    ngat
    y
    ourface.
    "say
    smom chuckli
    ng.

    "
    Those2aredi
    srespect
    ful
    Itel
    lyou.
    "Icur
    se,
    as
    Nkosi
    pul
    l
    soutachai rf
    orme.

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

    "
    Baby,
    howar
    ey ouf
    eel
    ingnow?
    "IaskNkosi
    ,
    r
    ubbi
    nghi
    sbackashe
    t
    hrowsupi
    nabucket
    .Hehandsov
    ert
    hebuckett
    o
    meandIputi
    tont
    hefloor
    .

    "
    Ihavebeenv
    omiti
    ngt
    hewhol
    eni
    ght
    .Whatdoy
    ou
    t
    hink?
    "hebur
    sts.
    "WhydidIhavetoeatthatst
    upidt
    una?!
    "he
    conti
    nues,
    hisoccasi
    onalsquir
    mstel
    li
    ngmehow
    uncomfort
    ablehehasbecome.
    Hecurlshimsel
    fupintofoetal
    posit
    ion, hisfacedug
    i
    ntothepil
    lowashissquirmsbecomel ouderand
    l
    ouder.Igetoutofbed,t
    othecloset,gethi s
    medici
    neandsomewat erfr
    om thebathr oom.

    "Am sor
    rybaby.Hereisyourmedici
    ne."Isay,
    sympathisi
    ngwithhi
    scurrentcondi
    ti
    on.Her eaches
    outtomyhand, get
    ti
    ngthepill
    sandthegl assof
    waterfr
    om me.Hesi t
    supont hebedandgul psthe
    pil
    l
    sdown.

    "
    whydoIhav
    etobet
    heonewhosuf
    fer
    sfort
    he
    chil
    dinyourbel
    ly
    ?!"hesobs,hi
    sbodyseemingl
    y
    droopy,
    hisheadinbetweenhisl
    egsandhisarms
    wrappedaroundself
    .

    "I
    t'
    snotmyf aul
    tyoucareaboutmywel l
    beingso
    much.Yoursouldeci
    dedt ot aket
    hisbul
    letforme
    andIthankt
    heLor d.
    ..
    ..
    ."Iteasesoonreali
    singhi
    s
    burni
    ngstar
    e,tel
    li
    ngmet oshutup.

    "
    sor
    ry.
    ..
    ..
    "Isay
    .

    "Pl
    easerubmyback. "hepl
    eads,t
    hrowinghi
    sbody
    onthebed,gett
    ingintot
    hefoetal
    posit
    ionagai
    n.Hi
    s
    headlay
    sonmyl egsasIrubhi
    sbackandhi s
    squi
    rmsstartagain.

    "
    Feel
    i
    nganybet
    ter
    ?"

    "
    Notr
    eal
    l
    y.Butpl
    easedor
    emi
    ndmet
    onev
    ereat
    t
    unaev
    eragai
    n."hesay
    s.

    "
    Iwi
    l
    l.
    "
    Thereissil
    encei nt
    heroom,exceptf
    orthesoundof
    thedroppi
    ngt ap.Il
    aymyheadont heconti
    nental
    pil
    low,st
    il
    lrubbingthi
    sbigbaby'
    sback.

    "
    Baby
    ,"Isay
    .

    "
    Hmmmm.
    "

    "
    Didy
    oul
    etLuandago?
    "Iask.

    "
    YesIdi
    d."

    "
    Doy
    out
    hinkhei
    sgoi
    ngt
    obeofanydangert
    ous?
    "
    "Notwhenam around.Idon'tknowhowhegott o
    youtodaybutthatwon'thappeneveragai
    n.Igotmy
    eyesonhim now."respondsNkosi.

    "
    Ooh,
    okay
    ."

    "Youaresafemylove.Don'
    tputsomuchst
    rai
    non
    yoursel
    f.Youar
    epregnant,
    youshoul
    dn'
    tbe
    overthi
    nki
    ngthi
    ngs.
    "

    "Iknowmyl ov
    e.Iwi
    l
    ltr
    ynott
    ooverthi
    nkanythi
    ng.
    Butjustpromi
    semethaty
    ouwil
    lkeephim away
    from al
    lofus.
    "

    "Ipr
    omi semylove.
    "assuresNkosi.Il
    aymyl i
    pson
    hisl
    eftcheekandasof tchuckl
    eescapesfrom hi
    s
    chest.Heslowl
    yturnshishead;hisbl
    ueeyesdarti
    ng,
    taki
    ngthesightofmyey es.Heextendshi
    shand,
    sett
    ingitonmycheek, r
    unningitupanddown.He
    thencupsmychi ndiggi
    nghisfi
    ngersint
    omyl ower
    cheeksandpul l
    smyf aceclosertohiswithout
    breaki
    ngt heburningeyecontactunti
    lhisli
    psar eon
    mine.Hisgr i
    ponmycheekst ight
    ensashepr esses
    hissoftli
    psonmi ne,myr esponsebeingagent le
    moan.Isl i
    demyhandbehi ndhisneck,bit
    ingonhi s
    l
    owerl i
    p,hungryformor easourheadst wistand
    turntotherhythm ofourtonguesasifinadance.
    Heuntangl
    eshisbodyf r
    om thefoetalposi
    ti
    onhe
    hadbeeninforthepastmi nutes,pull
    i
    ngmybody
    cl
    osertohi
    s.Ilayontopofhi m, f
    eeli
    nghisgroping
    handgodownt omybr east
    s.Irunmyhandsov erhis
    wavyabs,f
    eeli
    ngt hetemperatureriseasthekiss
    becomesdeeperanddeeper .
    Keepinghiscondi
    ti
    oninmind,Ibr
    eakthekiss,
    gent
    ly
    pull
    ingmyl i
    psawayfr
    om his.Bot
    houreyesopen,
    showingthesamehungerwebot hhav
    ef oreach
    other.

    "Baby
    ,youaresick.Youshouldrest
    ."Isaybuthur
    t
    bymywor ds.Iwanthim sobad,Iwanttorockwit
    h
    himrealsl
    owly,l
    ethimthrusti
    nmebut ,
    Ican'
    t.
    "Yourmouthsaysonet
    hingyetyourey
    eslustf
    orme.
    Areyousureyouwantmet osl
    eep?"hi
    shuskyvoi
    ce
    questi
    ons

    "I
    ..
    ..
    .i
    ..
    ..
    .it
    hinky
    oushouldsleepmylove.
    "Isay
    ,
    part
    ingourbodiesfr
    om eachother
    .Il
    aynexttohi
    m,
    coveri
    ngourbodieswit
    hthesheet.

    "ButIdon' twantt osleep. "hissmokyv oiceut ter


    s.
    Hisar mswr aparoundme, pulli
    ngmeunderhi m.My
    l
    egswr apar oundhi swai st,muf f
    li
    ngmy selfunder
    him asIwr apmyar msar oundhisneck.Het races
    hislipsonmi nebutt hist i
    me, notwit
    hsomuch
    gentleness.Thi stime,hemakeshi shungerf orme
    explici
    t,fundlinghis2f ingersonmyni pples.He
    pullsmyni ghtdressup, hel
    pingmer emov eitandhe
    throwsi tont hefloor.Ay ummymoanofdel ight
    breaksf reef r
    om hislipsi ntomymout h.
    Hepar
    tshisl
    ipsfr
    om mine,t
    raci
    ngt
    hem downont
    o
    myneck,
    suckingmynippl
    esandwhenheisabout
    t
    oreachmyar
    ea,
    Ist
    ophi
    m.

    "Notimeforfor
    eplay
    ,Iwanty
    oui nsi
    demenow. "I
    saytohim.Hegrinsashemov esuptomyf ace,
    perksmylipsandgoesbackdownany way
    s.
    Ifeelhiswarm, soakedlipskissme, li
    cki
    ngme
    sl
    owl y.Histonguerunsdownf r
    om myclit
    ,twi
    ddl
    i
    ng
    andsucki nghereandt here.Tryingtogetagri
    pof
    my sel
    f,Iholdont othebed, archingmybackand
    tr
    y i
    ngnott omoan.

    Hisl
    efthandmovesuptomybr
    east
    ,squeezi
    ngand
    gent
    lytwist
    ingmyni
    ppl
    e.

    "
    Yessss!
    !!
    "Isof
    tl
    ymur
    mur
    .

    "NowIcanfucky
    ou."hevoi
    cesout
    ,comi
    ngupagai
    n
    andfor
    cinghi
    mselfi
    nsi
    deme.
    "Fuck!Youar
    eal
    way
    swar
    m woman.
    ..
    ..
    ."hemoans
    out.

    "
    War
    mfory
    oudaddy
    ..
    ."

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chaot
    er51

    THANDO'
    SPOV.

    OkayThando,justknockonthedoorandtalktoher.
    Nobiggyri
    ght
    ?Oohwhoam Iki ddi
    ng.
    ..
    .Shedoesn't
    evenwanttotalktome.Butitwouldn'
    thurtt
    ot r
    y
    ri
    ght?Okayl
    et'
    sj ustgett
    hisoveranddonewith.
    ..
    ..
    .

    Iext
    endmyhand,
    rol
    l
    ingi
    tint
    oaf
    istandsof
    tl
    y
    knockont
    hedoor
    .
    "Coming!
    "shoutsav oi
    ceont heothersi
    deoft he
    door.It
    ake3deepbr eaths,i
    ncreasi
    ngmygr ipon
    thechocol
    ateboxandf lowersam holdi
    ng.Whent he
    dooropens,Ir
    aisemyf ace,anervoussmile
    spreadi
    ngonmyl ipsasRosel ooksatme.

    "Agh!I
    t'
    syou!
    "shecur
    ses,
    att
    empt
    ingt
    ocl
    oset
    he
    door.

    "Wait
    !"Iexcl
    aim,
    oneofmyhandssuspendedi
    nthe
    air
    .

    "
    Whatdoy
    ouwant
    ?"shescor
    ns.

    "Ij
    ustwanttot al
    ktoyouRose.Pl
    easegivemea
    chance?"Ipl
    ead,myheadt i
    l
    tedoneside.Sher
    oll
    s
    hereyes,makingspaceformetocomei nsi
    de.

    "
    Thanky
    ou.
    ."Isay
    ,wal
    ki
    ngi
    n.Iwai
    tforhert
    ocl
    ose
    thedoorandshewalksinf
    rontofme,herpregnancy
    makingherwaddl
    e.Itakeaseatopposit
    ethecouch
    sheissi
    tti
    ngonandtakeadeepbr eat
    hin.

    "SoIbroughty outhi
    s.Justa; sor
    ryforbeinganass;
    gif
    t.
    "Isayt oher,handi
    ngov erthechocolatebox
    andflowers.Sheextendsherhandst otaket hem,
    smellstheflowersandputst hem onthecouch.She
    i
    ntert
    winesherhandspl acingthem onherbi gbel
    ly
    andleaningback.

    "Thankyouf ort
    hegif
    tbutthati
    sn'
    tenoughf
    orme
    toforgi
    veyou."shesayst
    ome, herface
    unimpressed.

    "
    Iknowitisn'tenoughRose.Whichi
    swhyi
    wantt
    o
    t
    alktoyou."Ibit
    emybot t
    om li
    p,movi
    ngal
    it
    tl
    e
    f
    orwardtot heedgeofthecouch.
    "
    LookRose,
    am sor
    ryforwhatIdid.Itwascer
    tai
    nly
    wrongofmetoj
    ustbr
    inghimintoy ourl
    if
    eeven
    aft
    erknowi
    ngwhathehaddonetoyouguy
    s.I
    shoul
    dhaveli
    stenedt
    oyoubut
    ..
    ..
    "

    "
    Oohgr
    eat
    ,ther
    eisal
    way
    sabut
    ..
    ..
    ."shesneer
    s.

    "
    letmef
    ini
    sh.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."Isayt
    oher
    .

    "si
    nceheisnowher e,youcanusehi mtoget
    marri
    ed.MrMohl akoanedidsaythatitwouldhave
    beenaninsulttoy ourancestor
    sifherepresent
    ed
    anyofyouguy s."Isay,pray
    ingthatRoselist
    ensto
    mysuggestion.

    "Thando,thatonl
    ybenef i
    tsy
    ou, notme.Thef
    actst
    il
    l
    standsthatIhatehim andhim gett
    ingmemarri
    ed
    j
    ustpissesmeof fev
    enmor e."

    "
    No,itbenefi
    tsall
    ofus.Letmeputitthi
    swayRose.
    Am goingtogiv
    ey ouascenar
    iowhere,l
    et'
    ssayI
    chosenott obringy ourfatherbackandt hesecret
    continuedtobehi ddne.Af terrepresentingy ouand
    Nkosi forLobolanegotiations,MrMohl akoanef inds
    outabouty ourfatherandheal sof indsoutt hatyou
    guysknewabouti tincl
    udi ngme.Hewoul dhave
    beenangr yatusRose.Justt hinkabouti t.Youknow
    verywel lt
    hatheisasuper stiti
    ousmanandy ouguy s
    couldhav ehurthi
    m badi fIhadn' tbroughtoutt his
    secret.
    "Isaytoherasr ealisati
    ondawnsherf ace.

    "Now,letmegett omypoi nt,youdon'thaveto


    for
    giveyourfather.Hecanjustrepresentyouashi
    s
    daughterfortheLobolanegotiati
    ons,youget
    marri
    edt henhei soutofyourlif
    e.Heisgoingtodi
    e
    aft
    erall,
    right
    ."Isay,shr
    ugging.

    "
    Sowhatam hear
    ingf
    rom y
    oui
    s,Ishoul
    dusehi
    m."

    "
    Exact
    ly!
    "
    "Hmmm, soi
    nthatway,Idon'thav
    etoforgiv
    ehim
    norhur
    tMrMohlakoane.
    ..
    ."shesays,
    lookingint
    o
    space.

    "
    Nowwear
    eget
    ti
    ngsomewher
    e."

    "
    That
    'sav er
    ygoodideaThando.ButIst
    il
    lhavet
    o
    f
    acehim andthat
    'swhatIdon'
    twanttodo."

    "Welly
    ouhav enochoicebuttodoso.Justthi
    nkofi
    t
    astaki
    ngr evengef
    orwhathehasdonet oyou."I
    suggestandmysuggest i
    onseemst obe
    manipulat
    ingRoseineverywaywhichisexact
    ly
    whatIwant .Soher
    eitgoes.
    ..
    .
    Thi
    ssuggest
    ionhasamot
    ivebehi
    ndi
    t.
    Letmebehonest ,
    Idon'twantRoset oholdont othe
    pastortaker evenge,Iwanthertoforgiveherfather
    .
    Butseeingthatshewon' tj
    ustgotal
    kt ohim and
    for
    givehimj ustli
    kethat,Ihadtocrackupt hi
    spl an.
    InorderforRoset oforgiveherf
    ather,shehast otal
    k
    t
    ohim orbei
    nsomesortofcontactwi
    thhi
    m.So
    t
    hisi
    stheonl
    ywaythatcanhappen.

    "Hmmm okay.Soundsgood.Am i
    n!"shenods,
    agreei
    ng."
    But
    !Thatdoesn'
    tmeany ouareofft
    he
    hook..
    "

    "Ncaaaa, comeonRose."Iwhi
    ne."
    Okayfi
    ne,whatif
    Itakey oushoppi
    ng.Babyshoppi
    ngmaybe,i
    tsall
    on
    me. "Isaytoher.

    "
    Sihl
    etol
    dmenott
    oleav
    ethehouse.
    "

    "Agh,f
    orgetabouthi
    m.Am hi
    ssi
    ster
    ,Iknowhowt
    o
    dealwit
    hhim."Isaytoher
    .

    "
    Aren'
    tyousupposedt
    obewithShani
    kaany
    way s.
    Am pr
    ett
    ysuresheist
    ir
    edofstay
    inghomewit
    h
    Mangwe."
    "Shei
    sinLehur
    utshe.Sheref
    usedt
    ocomeback
    homewithusbecausegrandmaspoi
    lsher
    ."Isayt
    o
    Rose.

    "
    Iguessi
    t'
    sadat
    ethen.
    "

    "
    Yes!
    !!
    !"

    "Gi
    veme20mi nutestogetready.
    "saysRose,
    gett
    ingupfrom thecouchandwaddl i
    ngtoherroom.
    Imakemy selfcomfort
    ableonthecouch,taki
    ngmy
    phoneoutandr i
    ghtinti
    mef orNkosi
    'scal
    l.

    "
    Missmeal
    ready
    ?"It
    ease,
    gri
    nni
    ng.

    "Youknowi t.I
    tsbeen6dreadful
    hour
    sofnot
    heari
    ngy ourvoicesoam boundtomi
    ssyou.
    "he
    responds.
    "
    ncaaawshame.Mustbesadt
    obey
    ouhey
    ."Isay
    ,
    t
    easi
    nghim ev
    enmore.

    "Youhavenoidea.Andyourchil
    disgivi
    ngbackache
    here.
    "hecomplains,
    soundi
    ngast houghheis
    whimperi
    ngtothepainheisfeeli
    ng.

    "Don'
    twor
    ry,
    I'
    ll
    givey
    ouabackmassagewheny
    ou
    gethome.
    "Isaytohi
    m.

    "See!Nowy
    ouar
    etal
    ki
    ng.
    "hesay
    s,maki
    ngme
    giggl
    e.

    "SoanyluckwithMkhi
    ze'sst
    epmot her
    ?"Befor
    e
    answeri
    ngmyquest i
    on,Nkosisi
    ghsanditsounds
    l
    ikehejustthr
    ewhisbodyontoacouch.

    "
    No.I
    tseemsl
    i
    keshej
    ustdi
    sappear
    edi
    ntot
    hinai
    r.
    "
    "
    Didyouguy
    str
    ycal
    l
    ingsomeofherr
    elat
    ives?
    "I
    i
    nsi
    st.

    "Wehavedonei
    tal
    l.Ri
    ghtnow,
    wear et
    ryi
    ngt
    otr
    ack
    downsomeofherphonenumbersbutt
    heyar
    eal
    l
    l
    eadi
    ngtoadeadend."

    "
    Wel
    ldamn.Thi
    sismessedup.
    "

    "I
    tsur
    eis.
    ..
    ..
    ..Li
    stenlov
    e,Ij
    ustwantedtocheckup
    onyouandseeify ouweref
    ine.Ihavet
    ogonow. "

    "
    Okaybaby,seey
    ouathome.Oohandam goi
    ngout
    wi
    thRose.
    "

    "
    You2madeup?
    "heasks.
    "
    Ithi
    nkso.I'
    l
    ltal
    ktoyoulat
    er.Yougobackt
    o
    what
    everyouweredoing.
    "

    "Okay.Il
    oveyou.
    "hesaysbef
    oreIendt
    hecall
    but
    notevenasecondpasseswhenmyphonestart
    s
    ri
    ngingagai
    n.

    "
    Sayi
    tback!
    "hej
    abber
    s.

    "
    Ilov
    eyoumor
    e!"Iexcl
    aiml
    aughi
    ng.

    "
    Thanky
    ou!
    "hesay
    sthenendst
    hecal
    l
    .

    "
    Am r
    eady
    !"shout
    sRosef
    rom t
    hepassage.

    "Whoa,
    thatwasf
    ast.Ithoughty
    ousai
    dyouwer
    e
    goi
    ngtotake20minutes.
    "IwasbutthenIr
    ememberedthatIal
    readydidbat
    h
    notsolongagosoIj
    ustchanged.
    "shesay s.

    "
    Okaythen.Let'
    sgodosomebabyshopping.
    "Isay
    ,
    j
    umpingupf r
    om thecouch,
    grabbi
    ngmypurse.

    "Wait
    !!Letmegoputmychocol
    atei
    nthef
    ri
    dge.
    "
    saysRose.

    "Letmedoitforyou."Isay,taki
    ngthechocolat
    es
    andheadingt
    ot hekitchen.Igrabthef
    lowerstoo
    andputthem i
    naj arwithwat ert
    henwebot hhead
    out.

    2hour spassbyasRoseandIr unmybankaccount


    dry.Wehav egoneintoeverycl
    othingshopinthe
    mal l
    andev er
    ythi
    ngpinkandcutewespotj ustgoes
    str
    aightint
    othebasket.Yep!Rose'sbabyisgoingt
    o
    beagi rl
    andIcertai
    nlycan'
    twaitforthi
    soneweek
    topassbecausewehav epassedtheotheroneweek.
    Whi
    chr
    emi
    ndsme.
    ..
    ..

    "
    Hey
    !"Ical
    lRose.

    "Whatsup?
    "sheanswer
    s,pi
    cki
    ngoutat
    inypi
    nk
    dress.

    "Somypersonalassi
    stant
    ,Dor
    othy
    ,ishav
    ingan
    engagementpart
    yonthe28th,doyouwanttocome
    alongwi
    thme? "

    "
    Youdoknowthatam gi
    vingbir
    thonanydaydur
    ing
    t
    hatweek?
    "shequest
    ions,herbr
    owup.

    "YesIdobutam j
    usti
    nvi
    ti
    ngyou,j
    usti
    ncasey
    ou
    don'tgi
    vebi
    rt
    honthatday.
    "Isayt
    oher.

    "
    Hmmmm,
    I'
    ll
    thi
    nkabouti
    tthengetbackt
    oyou.
    "
    shesay
    s.
    "
    But
    ,isntt
    haty
    ourbi
    rt
    hdayt
    oo?
    "sheasks.

    "
    Iti
    s."

    "
    Aren'
    tyousupposedt
    ospendy
    ourbi
    rt
    hdaywi
    th
    y
    ourlovedones?
    "

    "That'
    sifther
    eissomet
    hingspeci
    alt
    heyhav
    e
    plannedforme."

    "
    Hmmmm.ButIdon'
    tthi
    nkNkosi
    wil
    lagr
    eet
    olet
    y
    ougoout
    ."

    "
    Year
    ight
    ."Ir
    oll
    myey
    es.

    Aswewalktogopayforthecl
    otheswepi
    ckedout
    ,I
    spotaf
    amil
    i
    arfacel
    ookingatRoseandIf
    rom
    outsi
    dethest
    ore.It
    akeoutmyphoneandt
    ext
    s
    Schev.

    "
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    "It
    ext
    .

    "
    Am watchi
    nghi
    m mamzo.Don'
    twor
    ry.
    "He
    r
    esponds.

    "Iwanty
    outotakehi
    m outoft
    hismal
    lbef
    orehe
    hurt
    sanyofus."

    "
    Okaymamzo."

    Iputmyphonei nmypocketandpayf orthecl


    othes
    webought .Il
    ookbackoutsidethestoretocheckfor
    Luandaandhei snolongerthere.Thi
    sbastard
    hasn'tstoppedstal
    kingmeev ersincethatdayand
    i
    t'screepingmeout .Heisreall
    ymakingme
    reconsidermydecisionofnotkill
    inghi
    m.Nowam
    act
    ual
    lycrav
    ingt
    ojustshoothi
    m andgeti
    tov
    erand
    donewit
    h.

    "Wheredoy ouwantt ogoforsomel unch?"Iask


    Rose,pushingthetroll
    eyasshewalksbesideme,
    herbell
    ymaki ngeveryonei
    nf r
    ontofusmov e.I
    noti
    ceaf ewpeopl etaki
    ngpict
    uresofmeandher
    butIjustbrushitoff
    .Iwonderwhythesepeopl esti
    ll
    dothatbecausemyscandal wit
    hNkosi hasalready
    blownof f
    .

    "Am cravingsomechickenlicken.Andacheese
    bur
    gerf rom Macdonalds.ButIalsowanttheGr
    eek
    sal
    adf rom Maxi'
    s.
    "shesay s,looki
    ngver
    ymuch
    i
    ndecisive.

    "I
    sbeingpregnantt
    hatbadRose!
    "Isay,myface
    scrunchedupandRoselet
    'soutasarcast
    icchuckl
    e.

    "
    It
    'st
    err
    ibl
    e.Iact
    ual
    l
    yfeel
    sor
    ryf
    ory
    ou.Yournosei
    s
    abouttogoal
    lRamaphosaonyou.Andyourfeet!
    tr
    ustme,youarenotgoi
    ngtol
    ovethem anymore.
    Andletmenottal
    kaboutther
    est
    lessni
    ghts!
    !!
    "

    "I
    fIcould,Iwoul
    dt el
    lGodt
    otakebackthischi
    l
    d
    but.
    ..
    ..Alt
    hough,Iam gl
    adt
    hatNkosisuff
    ersmost
    ofthesympt oms."

    "Andthati
    swhatyoucalll
    uckbabygi
    rl!
    "saysRose.
    "Buty
    ouwi l
    lst
    il
    lsuf
    fer
    ..
    ..
    .Goodl
    uckbabes.
    "mocks
    Rose.

    "
    Idon'
    tl
    ikey
    ou.
    ..
    !"

    "
    Wel
    lIl
    ovey
    oumor
    e."

    "
    Sohaveyoudeci
    dedonapl
    ace?
    "Iask,
    endi
    ngour
    l
    i
    ttl
    etal
    k.
    "
    Yep,chickenl
    i
    ckenpl
    ease.
    "shesay
    s,waddl
    i
    ngl
    i
    ke
    api
    nguin.

    "chi
    ckenlickeniti
    s."Isay,
    stoppi
    nginf
    rontofan
    elevat
    or.Ast heel
    evatoropens,myphoner i
    ngsandI
    onlyansweri twhenRoseandIar ei
    nsi
    det he
    elevat
    or.

    "Hell
    o?.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..What
    ??!
    !!
    !!
    !!
    !Okayam onmyway
    ,tr
    yto
    stabi
    li
    sehim."

    "
    Rose,
    Ineedt
    ogethome.ASAP!
    "Isayt
    oher
    .

    "
    What
    ?Wai
    tam goi
    ngwi
    thy
    ou.
    "shesay
    s.

    "
    No,
    am dr
    oppi
    ngy
    ouof
    fathome.
    "

    "
    NoThando,
    whatev
    eri
    tist
    hat
    'sgoi
    ngonmustbe
    ser
    ioussoam goi
    ngwi
    th.
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "Roseam notgoingt
    oarguewit
    hy ou,
    youar
    egoi
    ng
    str
    aighthome.Endofdi
    scussi
    on."

    Whentheel
    evat
    ordoor
    sopen,iqui
    cklypr
    essthe
    gr
    oundfl
    oorbut
    tonandthedoor
    scloseagai
    n..
    ..

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

    "
    What'
    shappeni
    ng??
    !"Iexcl
    aim,wal
    ki
    ngi
    ntothe
    medi
    calr
    oom wit
    hmaMohl akoaneandt
    henurse.

    "Thepoison!I
    t'
    stri
    gger
    ingsomethi
    ngmoret
    hanj
    ust
    canceranditdoesn'
    tseem l
    ikehei
    sgoi
    ngto
    survi
    ve!
    !!!
    "saysMa.

    "
    What
    ??!No!
    !Youcan'
    tl
    ethi
    m di
    e!!Ma,
    Thando!Do
    somet
    hing!
    !!
    "scr
    eamsRose.

    "
    Rose!
    !!It
    houghtIt
    oldy
    out
    ost
    ayathome.
    "Igasp.

    "Thandonowi snott
    heti
    me.Weneedtogi
    vehi
    m
    ourattent
    ionorel
    se.Hei
    sagoner
    !"say
    sma.

    "Nurse,Ineedy out ogetanambulancequick!We


    needt ogethimt oahospi t
    alf
    orasur ger
    yASAP! !!
    !"I
    shoutandt henur sequickl
    ygr
    absherphone.Ir ush
    toNkosi '
    sfathers'bed,wat
    chhiscraggyfacecringe
    asthesei zur
    eget smor eandmoreser i
    ous.

    "
    Howl
    onghast
    hisbeengoi
    ngon?
    "Iaskma.

    "t
    henursesai
    dit
    sbeen20mi nut
    es.Il
    i
    ter
    all
    yrushed
    hereaf
    terr
    ecei
    vi
    ngyourcal
    landIgother
    enotso
    l
    ongago."
    It
    urnt
    oRosewhoseey
    esar
    ejusti
    npur
    eshock.
    "Rose,
    Ineedyoutoleav
    etheroom andgositdown.
    Youcan'tbeher
    e.Youarepr
    egnant!
    "Itel
    lRosebut
    sheshakesherhead.

    "
    No,
    hei
    smyf
    ather
    .Ihav
    etobeher
    e!"
    .

    "
    Rose,r
    ememberyouhat
    ethi
    smansost
    opwor
    ryi
    ng
    y
    oursel
    fandgosi
    tdown!
    "

    "Ihat
    ehi
    m butIdon'
    twanthi
    mtodi
    ejusty
    et.He
    hastopayf
    orwhathedidtomebef
    orehedies!
    !!
    "
    Ibol
    tov
    ert
    oRose,
    tuggi
    ngherhandsi
    ntomi
    ne.
    "
    areyousur
    ey ouwanthi
    mt opayf
    orwhathedi
    dor
    y
    oujustwanthimtobesafeandbeal
    i
    ve?"

    Hereyesstar
    ttotwinkl
    ewi t
    htear
    sastheyr
    un
    ar
    ound,tr
    yingtosearchforananswer
    .
    "Idon'
    tknowThando,
    just
    ..
    ..
    .Justmakesurehei
    s
    okay..
    ..
    .Hecan'
    tdi
    enow!"shewail
    s,herv
    oicet
    hick
    andwobbly.

    Iholdheranddi r
    ectheroutoft heroom, t
    aki
    ngher
    totheli
    vi
    ngr oom andset t
    ingheront hecouch.Her
    eyeswellupassher ocksherself
    .Igrabmyphone
    fr
    om mypocketanddi alSihl
    e'snumber ,
    nothaving
    anyotheroption.
    ..
    .Ifshestresseshersel
    fout,she
    mighthurtherbabyandt hat'snotwhatIwantr i
    ght
    now.

    "
    YesThando.
    "heanswer
    s.

    "Si
    hley
    ouneedtocomet oNkosi
    '
    shouse.Rose
    needsyou.
    "Iwhi
    sperasIwal
    kawayfrom Rose.

    "
    Am onmyway
    ."hi
    stensev
    oicesay
    sashedr
    ops
    t
    hecal
    l.
    "
    Theambul
    ancei
    shere.
    "al
    ert
    sthenur
    seasshe
    r
    unstomefr
    om upst
    air
    s.

    "Umm okay.Gethimtothehospi
    tal
    .Ineedtostay
    behi
    ndwi t
    hRose."Ii
    nstr
    ucther
    .2guysinnurse
    uni
    for
    mscomer ushi
    ngintot
    hehousewi t
    hastrol
    ler
    .
    Theyleav
    eitdownstai
    rsandrushupstai
    rstoget
    fat
    her.

    "
    Thando,
    hav
    eyoucal
    l
    edNkosi
    ?"

    "Noma.IfIcallhi
    m, hemightnott
    akemeser i
    ousl
    y
    andhemi ghtthi
    nkthatam pushi
    nghim.It
    hinkyou
    shoul
    dcallhim."Isaytoher.

    "Okay,Iwil
    lcal
    lhi
    m.Iwil
    ll
    eavewi
    thMrNxumalo
    andIwi l
    lbeupdati
    ngyouonwhat
    'sgoi
    ngon.You
    stayherewithRose.
    "
    "
    Iwi
    l
    lma.Andt
    hanky
    ouf
    orbei
    ngher
    e."

    "
    Don'
    tthankmejustyet.
    "shesay
    s."guy
    s!Weneed
    t
    obefastandgethimtoahospit
    al!
    "yel
    lsmaasshe
    r
    unst
    ot heambulance.

    Wheneveryonel
    eaves,
    Icl
    osethedoorbehindthem
    andsi
    tnexttoRosewhohasn'
    tstoppedrocki
    ng
    her
    sel
    f.

    "Rose?Hewil
    lbefi
    ne.St
    opst
    ressi
    ngorel
    sey
    ouwi
    l
    l
    str
    essthebabyt
    oo."

    "Allam aski
    ngfori
    sforhimtonotdi
    eThando.I
    s
    thatsomucht oaskfor.
    "shesni
    ff
    s,hert
    ear
    s
    gleaminguphereyes.
    "IknowthatIl
    osthi
    m alongti
    meagowhenhe
    decidedtoabuseusbuthecan'
    tdi
    e!Noty
    etThando.
    Heneedstoknowhowmuchhehur tmef i
    rst.He
    needstounderstandthatwhathedi dwaswr ong
    andIneedhimt oapologiseforthat.Hecan'tdie
    befor
    eanyofusgetsomecl osur
    e.Heneedst ofeel
    thepai
    nwewentt hr
    oughbef orehedi es.WhatGod
    i
    sdoingisunfairThando!"shecries.

    "Rose,
    Iknowthathehurtyouandyoucertai
    nlyneed
    someclosuref
    orwhathedi dbutdoy
    ouser i
    ously
    thi
    nkthatyouwi
    llgett
    hatclosur
    ebyhurt
    inghim? "I
    askher.

    "Rose,thereisnopoi ntinhi m sufferi


    ngbecause
    eit
    herway ,itwon'tchanget hepast .Hedidwhathe
    didandnot hingcanchanget hat.Youhur t
    inghim
    won'tchangeany thing,insteady ouar etheonewho
    will
    carryonbei nghur t.Asmuchasy oumi ghtnot
    seeit,
    thiswhol ethingisdr aggingy oudown, youare
    l
    etti
    ngy ourpastbey ourgr eatestweaknessandi f
    youdon' tt
    rytoletitgo, itwillf
    oreverhaunty ou.
    Especiall
    yaf t
    eryourf ather'
    sdeat h."
    "Weren'
    tyoui
    nfavourofmenotf or
    giv
    inghimjusta
    fewhoursagoThando?"shequesti
    ons,herf
    acewith
    curi
    osit
    y.

    "I
    t'
    snotwhatIwant edRose.Iwanty outomov eon
    withli
    fe,
    forgi
    vehim andforgi
    veyourselfforl
    ett
    ing
    thi
    sgetinthewayofy ourli
    fe.For
    givehim andjust
    showhi mthathemadeabi gmi st
    akeint hepast.
    Punishhim byfor
    givi
    nghim andshowinghi mthe
    l
    ov ehenevershowedy ouguys.Trustme, not
    hing
    beatstheenemylikeshowingthem lovewhent hey
    areexpecti
    ngpain."

    "Don'
    tyoudar
    elect
    uremeonthat
    .Younev
    er
    showedBrai
    nanylovey
    ethewrongedy
    ou!
    "she
    j
    abbers.

    "
    Idi
    dn'tshowhim anyl
    ovebutIst
    oppedmyfamil
    y
    f
    rom ki
    ll
    inghi
    m multi
    plet
    imes.Br
    iancoul
    dhav
    e
    diedalongti
    meagobutIst oppedt
    hem everyti
    me.
    Theonlyreasonheisnolongeroneart
    hnowi s
    becausehetriedt
    otakemeawayf rom Nkosi
    .Oram
    Ilyi
    ng?"Isaytoherasshetri
    estobli
    nkawaysome
    tearsi
    nhereyes.

    "ButThandoit'
    snotaseasyasi tsounds!!Thatman
    l
    eftmet osleeponthestreet
    s.Ihadnot hingThando,
    Ihadt osel
    lmybodyf ormoney.Iwatchedmyot her
    brotherdi
    einhishandsandpapadi dn'tcareatall
    .
    Doy ouknowhowmucht hathurts?Tobebet r
    ayed
    byaper sonwhowassupposedt oloveyou? "

    "
    CanIaskyouaquest
    ionRose?Howi sitthaty
    ou
    f
    indi
    thar
    dtoforgi
    veyourfatherbuti
    twaseasyf or
    yout
    ofor
    givey
    ourexboy f
    riendwhenhecausedso
    muchdamagetoyouwheny ouweresti
    l
    l wit
    hhim?"

    "
    Excuseme?
    "
    "Justanswert
    hequesti
    onRose.
    ."shesnif
    fsa
    coupleofti
    mes,keepi
    ngqui
    etasshetight
    ensher
    j
    awl i
    ne.

    "Becauseitwasnev erhisfaul
    t.That'swhyIf orgave
    Sipho.Iwast hewrongoneandhehadev er yri
    ghtto
    bemadatme.Ihadsol dmyv irgi
    nityformoney
    whenIwassupposedt okeepmyv ir
    gini
    ty.Ididnt
    haveamot herfi
    guretoteachmehowt obea
    woman.Andi twasallbecauseoft hatmanwhoI
    wassupposedt ocall
    af at
    her.Her uinedeverythi
    ng
    formeThandoandSi phohadt osuf feral
    lbecause
    ofthat.
    "

    "Doy ouseewhatImeanRose?Thepastl edtoy ou


    beingabusedbySi phoandy oubl amedthepastand
    yourselfforitf
    orsol ong.Thatsonofabi tchused
    yourpastt ojusti
    fyhiswrongdoi ngsandy oudidn'
    t
    seet hi
    satal l
    .Why ?Becausey ouwer eholdi
    ngont o
    thepast .Rose..
    ..
    ..Iwasrapedat19andt hatrui
    ned
    me, Iwon'tli
    et oyouatall.I
    ttoremei nt
    oami l
    li
    on
    piecesandBr i
    andi dtrytouset hatasmyweakness
    buthef ai
    led.Nkosikil
    ledmyf atherandSabel oused
    thatasmyweaknessal ongwi thBrian'shelpanddid
    youseewhatt hatl
    edt o?I talmosttoreusapar t
    .
    Brianusedbot hmypast st omakemeweak.He
    knewt hatIhadn'thadcl osure,especiall
    ywithmy
    father
    'ssituat
    ion.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..Whatam t r
    yingt osaytoyou
    i
    s, hol
    dingont othepastwi ll
    onlyhurty ousomuch
    mor e.
    "

    "I
    fy oudon'twantt of orgivehimforhissake, then
    forgivehimfory oursakeRose.Youknowt hathe
    mi ghtdieanytimef rom t odayonwards, hemi ght
    evendi enow.Andi fhedi es,youwon'tgett hat
    closurethatyouwantsobad.Thenwhat ?Ar eyou
    goingt olett
    hepastcont r
    olyou?Youhav ean
    amazi ngmani ny ourl i
    feRose.Youar egoingt o
    hav eababysoon, youhav eroofoveryourheadand
    youhav eaf amily.AsmuchasIdon' tknowwhat
    happensi nyourr el
    ationshipwi t
    hSihle,am pretty
    sur eyoujusti
    fymostsi tuati
    onsusingy ourpast
    don' ty
    ou?Youusey ourpastt opit
    yy oursel
    f.Am I
    r
    ight
    ?"

    "AsmuchasIdon' twantt
    oagr eewithThando,she
    i
    sr i
    ght.
    "bothRoseandIturnourheadst othedoor
    andit'
    sSihl
    e.IwatchRose'
    sf aceli
    ghtupasshe
    standsupfrom t
    hecouch.Sihlewalkstoherand
    hugsher,ki
    ssi
    ngherwholeface, usi
    nghishandsto
    wipeawayhertears.

    "
    Don'tcr
    ymyqueen.
    "say
    sSi
    hle,
    exami
    ningRose'
    s
    f
    ace."Am her
    enow.
    "
    Ther
    eissi
    l
    encef
    oraf
    ewmi
    nut
    est
    hen.
    ..
    ..
    "
    whyar
    eyouagr
    eei
    ngwi
    thThando?
    "asksRose.

    "Because, youcontinousl
    ybl ameyourselffor
    everythi
    ngRoseandam t i
    redofthat.Everyti
    mewe
    hav eafight,youblamey ourself
    .Everyt
    imey oudo
    makeami stakeordosomet hi
    ngunintenti
    onall
    y,y
    ou
    blamey our self
    .Andev er
    ytimeam theonewhoi s
    wr ong,y
    oubl amey our
    self.Andnotjustyoursel
    f,y
    ou
    bl
    amey ourpastt
    ooRose.
    ..
    "saysSi
    hle,wat
    chi
    ng
    Rose'
    sfaceashispal
    msholdhercheeks.

    "Aslongasy oudon' tfor gi


    vey ourf atherory oursel f
    ,
    youwi l
    l nevergett hecl osureev eni fyourfather
    apologises.Yourhat eforhi mi saffectingusRose
    andam t i
    redoft hat .Iwantt ol ovey ouwi thout
    havingy our aisethepastandhowy ourfatherr uined
    you.Iwanty out oletgoofev erythingRosebecause
    Iwantust ost artanewl if
    etoget her.Doy out hinki t
    waseasyf ormet of orgiveNkosi f
    orki l
    li
    ngmyf ather?
    Icouldhav eusedt hatt ohurthi mt hroughy oubutI
    didn'
    t.Instead, Iforgav ehi mformysake, fory our s
    andf orourbaby .Andl ookatmenow, am happy
    becauseIf oundcl osur eandy ououtofev ery one
    knowst hatIf oundcl osur ebefor eNkosi
    apologised."say sSi hle.

    "
    Rose,t
    akethatasanexample.Si
    hlechoseto
    f
    orgi
    veNkosi andhewashappybutIdidn'
    twantto
    f
    orgi
    vehim andthatal
    mostrui
    nedmywhol el
    ife.
    Don'tr
    uinyourl
    i
    fef
    orthepasts'sake.Acceptt
    hati
    t
    happened,f
    orgi
    vey
    oursel
    fandforgivehi
    m.Mov eon
    wit
    hy ourl
    i
    feRoseandbehappy."

    Sihl
    eandi l
    ookatRose.Sihl
    ehelpshersi
    tdownas
    shejustkeepsqui
    et,
    sti
    llsobbi
    ng.

    "Sihl
    e,am sor
    ryforbr
    ingi
    ngupmypastal
    l t
    heti
    me.I
    plantedt
    hewr ongseedinmymindandInever
    reali
    sedhowmuchi twasactual
    l
    ydamagingus.
    "

    "NoRose, don'tapologi
    setome, apologi
    seto
    yoursel
    f.Forgiveyoursel
    ffornotlet
    ti
    ngthisgo.
    "
    saysSihle,wrappinghisarmsaroundher .

    "
    Forsomanyy ear
    s,Idwell
    edonwant ingmyf at
    her
    t
    osuff
    ertosuchanextentthatIneverreal
    i
    sedhow
    muchIwasactual
    lyhurt
    ingmy sel
    f.
    "shechuckles,
    r
    ubbi
    nghernosewi t
    hthebackofherhand." Iwon'
    t
    l
    iet
    hough,Ist
    il
    ldowanttohurthim sobadf or
    taki
    ngawaymychi ldhoodbut,IguessImustl eti
    t
    goformysake.Formychi l
    ds'sake."shelooksat
    sihl
    ewi t
    hthegreat
    estsmileonherf ace"Forour
    sake."shefi
    nal
    l
    ysay sbeforecrushi
    ngherl i
    psonhis.

    Myphoneri
    ngsasthese2l
    ovebi
    rdshav
    ethei
    r
    momentandIanswerit
    .

    "
    hel
    l
    oma?
    "Ianswer

    "Thando,wewereabl
    etostabi
    l
    isehim.Buthe
    doesn'thavemuchti
    meonearth,hehasl
    essthan3
    mont hs,l
    etal
    one3weeks.
    "shesays.

    "
    Isheawake?
    "Iaskher
    .

    "
    Yesandheisaski
    ngf
    orNkosi
    andRose.Hewant
    s
    t
    otal
    ktothem.
    "
    ItakeasneakpeekatRoset henlookaway."
    Ummm,
    okay .LetmeseeifIcanbri
    ngRosebutifshe
    refuses,hewi
    llhavetoacceptt
    hattheywon'
    t
    come. "

    "Nkosi
    agr
    eedt
    ocome.Hesai
    dheI
    sonhi
    sway
    ."
    shesayst
    ome.

    "
    Ooooh.That'
    ski
    ndofgoodnews.Iam j
    usthopi
    ng
    t
    hathedoesn'
    tdoanyt
    hingt
    ohim."

    "Hewon't
    .Justt
    ryt
    ogetRoseher
    e..
    "shesay
    sandI
    endthecall
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er51cont
    i.
    ..
    .

    LUANDA'SPOV.(
    THEONLYPOVFROM THI
    S
    CHARACTER.
    )
    "Luanda!
    !!
    !"hi
    ssesmyfat
    herasIsatont
    hecouch
    besidehi
    smassi v
    ethr
    one.

    "Papa!Ihavetol
    dyouahundr edti
    mes.Mamaand
    Sabelowerekill
    edbythatThandoandherf
    ucki
    ng
    husband!"Ir
    ebukeback.
    "AndIwi l
    lnotrestunti
    lItakerevengeonthose2
    andt hei
    rworthlessfamil
    i
    es."Irollupmysleev
    es,
    harshlyr
    ubbingof ft
    hebloodfr om mybot
    tom li
    p.

    "Uyaziuy angi hl
    anyisamani !!!
    !!
    !(Youknow,youdrive
    mecr azy ).Evenaf t
    ert hatwoman' sdeath,i
    t'
    sli
    ke
    herspirithasset tl
    edi ny ouj usttodri
    vemet omy
    deathbed! !
    !!
    !"heglower s, hiseyesshutashe
    shakeshi shead." Stopt ryingt obeadet ect
    ive
    yamasimbamanandl ett hisgo!!Theyaredeadand
    that'
    sit.Ther eisnot hi
    ngt hatcanbringthem back.I
    f
    someonedi dkil
    lthem t henkar mawi ll
    getthem!"
    "Youknowpapa!I t'
    sfunnyhowy outhi
    nkthi
    skar ma
    thi
    ngi sreal!Iam thekar
    ma.IfIdon'tt
    akerevenge
    fortheirdeathsthennoonewi l
    l,seei
    ngyouarehere
    sit
    ti
    ngony ourthroneandnottakinganyacti
    on!"I
    shoutbackbutmyf at
    hergi
    vesmeashar pglance.

    "Don'
    tyoudaredisr
    espectmeLuandaorel seIwil
    l
    makey ougiveuponthisv engeancethi
    nginaway
    thatwi
    llhurty
    ousobad. "het hr
    eatens,
    point
    inghis
    i
    ndexfingeratmebutIhi thisfi
    ngerdownwi tht
    he
    backofmyhand, st
    andingupf r
    om thecouch.

    "
    oohyea?Andwhatwi
    l
    lyoudo?
    "iaski
    nast
    ent
    ori
    an
    v
    oice.

    "Ihonest
    lydon'
    thaveti
    mef orthi
    s.Ihav
    eameet ing
    withthechi
    efs.Pl
    easeleave!
    "hecommands,
    pointi
    ngatthedoor.Myeyesgloweratmyf at
    her,
    crossi
    ngmyar msasIst umpmyf eetontheground.
    "
    Youalway
    shadt i
    mef
    orSabel
    osoy
    oubet
    terhav
    e
    t
    imeforme!"Ir
    oar
    .

    "Luandaleav
    ethi
    sinst
    ant!
    !!
    "heshoutsbutIj
    ustsi
    t
    down, l
    eanbackonthecouchandcrossmyarmson
    mychest .

    "
    Boydon'
    ttestme!
    !!
    "

    "Testyou?
    !!Don'
    tbull
    shitme!Youar
    etheonewhoi
    s
    testi
    ngmebynotl i
    steni
    ngwhenIsaymamaand
    Sabeloweremurdered!"

    "Thatbi
    tchwasnev eryourmothersost
    opcall
    ing
    herthat
    !!
    !!
    !!
    "papa'
    suneasy ,
    tensedvoi
    cespi
    ts.Hi
    s
    facebowed,hischestmov i
    ngbackupanddownas
    hegetsdownf rom hi
    schair.

    Myar
    msunt
    angl
    e,pl
    aci
    ngt
    hemsel
    vesonmyt
    highs.
    Mymindbecomesovercomebyconf
    usi
    onbutmy
    f
    acebetr
    aysmymind,showi
    nganamusementasa
    l
    aughescapesmymouth.

    "youoldman! !"Isay,l
    aughi
    nghard."yousurelyare
    funnyhey.Okay ,okay,soyouhavethegut stoli
    e
    ri
    ghttomyf acejustbecauseyoudon'twantmet o
    takerevengeonmybr ot
    herandmother'skil
    l
    er?!
    Wow! !
    !"Ilaugh,clappi
    ngmyhands, j
    umpi ngtomy
    feet."
    Mamawasr i
    ght
    !Youneverlovedherand
    neverrespectedher !
    "

    "Yes,shewasr i
    ght!!
    "hescreamsback, walkingup
    anddown.Hest ops,j
    erkshisbodyinmydi recti
    on
    andwal kstome." Shedefi
    nit
    elywasr i
    ghtbecauseI
    neverlovednorrespectedher!
    !Ilovedyourmot her!
    !
    Notthatwitch!Andy ouknowwhat ,am quit
    egl ad
    thatsheisgone!!!
    !"heroar
    s,pointi
    nghisindexf i
    nger
    towardsthefloor.

    "
    Whatdoy
    oumeanbyt
    hatpapa?
    !"Idemand,
    awe
    t
    ransf
    ormi
    ngmyf
    aceasmyexpr
    essi
    onshar
    den.

    "
    Thatwomany ouhavecalledy
    ourmotherforas
    l
    ongasy ouhavel
    i
    v edwasneveryourmother!She
    wasyourstepmother!
    !!
    !"

    "
    What
    ?!"

    "Yes!Thatbi tchkilledyourmot her!Shekill


    edy our
    mot herwhowast hel oveofmyl if
    eandt henshest il
    l
    hadt hegut stobl ackmai lmeal ongwi t
    hherl ousy
    father!
    !!
    !"Hisey esar ewideopenashi slightcolor
    ed
    compl exiondr ai
    nedoutofhi sf ace,overtakenbya
    redcolor.Tear sshi neinhiseyes,hisforehead
    creased, chestrisingandfall
    ingwi thrapidbreaths
    andhet hrowshisdullbodyont hecouch,face
    palming.Mymi ndtri
    estof i
    ndthehumouri nwhathe
    wassay ingbutther
    ewasn' tanyhumour.Instead,
    my
    mindf i
    guredoutsomepuzzl ethathadtroubledme
    foryears.Ever
    ythi
    ngstartedtomakesense, despi
    te
    menotwant i
    ngtobelieveit
    .Mamanev erreallyl
    iked
    meandshebl ameditonmebei ngnaught y.
    Everyt
    imeIgotintotrouble,
    shewoul dn'thesi
    t at
    e
    tell
    i
    ngf at
    herbutwheni tcamet oSabelo,shewoul d
    hideit
    .Ialwaystoldmy sel
    fthatitwasbecause
    Sabelowasagoodboyandamommy '
    sboywhi lstI
    wasst ubbor
    nashel l
    butsomet i
    mes,itjustdidn'
    t
    addup.Butnow, ital
    ldoes...
    ..
    .

    Il
    ookatmyf
    ather
    ,myf
    aceov
    ert
    akenbyt
    err
    or.

    "
    Soy
    oumean.
    ..
    "

    "Yes,shewasn'tyourmother .Yourmot herwasher


    socal l
    ed"evi
    lsister
    ."Malaniawasy ourmot her
    Luandaandshewasmyf irstl
    ove.Ev eryoneinthis
    vil
    lageknewthat .
    "herecites,hi
    sv oicet r
    embling.My
    bodyf al
    lsont
    ot hecouchi ndisbelief,hurt
    conqueringeverythi
    nginsideme.
    "Fi
    hliwe, y ourst epmot herwant edmet omar ryher
    butIdi dn'twantt obecauseIwasi nlovewi t
    hher
    youngersi st erMal ani
    a.Becauseofj ealousy,y our
    stepmot hercr ackedapl anwi thherf atherwho
    conv incedt hev il
    l
    agechi efst hatshewasmy
    suitablemat ch.Mypar entslistenedt othechi efsbut
    Ididn'tbel iev eitonebi t,
    Mal aniaandIknewv ery
    well thatherf atherandhersi sterdidit.Wet riedto
    prov eev ery onewr ongbuti tnev erwor ked.I
    nst ead,
    every onewhosuppor tedusdi edandt hatwashowI
    gotmar riedt othatwitch.Howev er
    ,yourmot herwas
    banishedf r
    om t hev il
    l
    age"f atherremember ed.

    "Ont henocturnalnightofmymar ri
    agewi t
    hFihli
    we,I
    sneakedoutoft hehouset ogomeetupwi t
    hy our
    mot herandIdi djustthat.Thatnight
    ..
    ..
    "saysf at
    her,
    hisglossyeyesst aringintospace,asmileonhi s
    face."Thatnightwemadel oveandshegotpr egnant
    withy ourol
    derbr other,
    Baf ana"andmyf acejust
    j
    erkst ofacehim.
    "
    Yes,
    Malaniai
    shi
    smot
    her
    ."hemout
    hs,
    answer
    ing
    myquest
    ion.
    "Igav ey ourmot hermoneyt ost artal i
    fef araway
    from t hev i
    l
    lagebutInev erst oppedv i
    siti
    ngher .But
    theny ourst epmot herfoundoutandshet ol
    dher
    fatheragai n.Sot heydeci dedt obl ackmai lmeusi ng
    thatt henFi hliwepr etendedt obepr egnantupunt il
    Baf anawasbor n.Mal aniadidn' twantt ogi veupt he
    babyt oFi hli
    webutshehadt o.Thev il
    l
    agebel i
    eved
    thatBaf anawasFi hliwe'sson.Icar r
    iedonseei ng
    Mal ani abutt hist ime, Imadesur enooneknew
    abouti t.10mont hsaf terBaf ana' sbi r
    th,Fihli
    wegot
    pregnantwi thSabel o.Atf ir
    stIdi dn'twantt obeli
    eve
    thathewasmi nebutt henIr emember edani ght
    wher eFi hli
    wef or cedher selfonmeandIwast oo
    power lesst ost opherwhi chIr eallydidn't
    under st and.Inev ertoldMal ani aabouti tbutIwent
    toherf orcomf or ti
    ngandImadel ov etohert henwe
    hady ou.Af terSabel owasbor n,Fihliweandher
    fatherf oundoutabouty ourmot her '
    spr egnancy
    agai nandFi hli
    wepr etendedt obepr egnantt henshe
    tooky ouawayf rom y ourmot her ,sadly..
    ."heshr ugs
    "therewasnot hi
    ngIcoul ddoabouti t
    .6day saf t
    er
    yourbi r
    th,y
    ourmot herdiedinhersleepandIknow
    foraf actt
    hatitwast hatwit
    chwhohadki ll
    edher
    butitwasal waysmywor dagainstherfather,my
    parents,herandthewhol evil
    lage.Ibarr
    iedy our
    mot herandIwasf orcedt omov eonwi t
    hFi hli
    we."

    "
    Soal
    lthesey
    ear
    s,Ihav
    ebeenl
    eav
    ingal
    i
    e!"Isay
    .

    "
    Nowdoy ouunder
    standwhyIdon'
    twanty
    out
    otake
    r
    evengef
    orthem?"

    "
    Butpapa,somethi
    ngdoesn'
    tmakesensehere.
    ..
    .If
    youdi
    dn'
    tpersonal
    l
    yacceptSabel
    oasyourson,then
    whydi
    dy ouwanttomakehim ki
    ngdespi
    tethefact
    t
    hathedidn'
    twanttobeone?"

    "BecauseFi
    hli
    wethreat
    enedt
    okil
    lBafana.Shehad
    somehol doverhi
    m andshewasabl
    et ocontr
    olhim.
    Allt
    hosedecisi
    onsBafanamade,
    itwasallbecause
    ofyourstepmot her.Hemadet erri
    bledeci
    si
    onsall
    becauseofher .Heisinjail
    all
    becauseofher .I
    want edtoi
    ncl
    udet hefami l
    ydivi
    nerinthi
    sbutitwas
    useless.Whateveryourstepmot herwasusingwas
    verypowerful
    ."

    "Butnowt hatsheisdead,Icanf i
    nall
    yhavemy
    freedom andsocany oualongyourbrot
    her.
    "Tears
    falldownfrom myey es,ashatr
    edf orawomanI
    calledmymot herbrewsupi nsi
    deme.Howcoul d
    shebesohear t
    lesstoherownsi ster
    ?Herblood
    sister?
    ?

    Ifeel
    ahandcr
    awlupmyback,
    sof
    tl
    yhi
    tt
    ingi
    tas
    sobsleav
    emybody.

    "
    am v erysorr
    yy ouhadtofindoutt hiswaybutIcan't
    l
    ety outakerevengeforsuchanev i
    lperson.Sheand
    thatsonofherswhowaspr obablyfoll
    owinginher
    footstepsweregetti
    ngthekar mat heydeserved.
    Andam v erymuchhappyt hatt heydiedthatway."he
    cur
    ses,
    hisl
    i
    pscur
    ved.

    "Nopapa,am sorr
    yf ort
    hinki
    ngt haty
    ouwer ethe
    wrongoneallmylife.Shemadeusbel i
    evethatyou
    hadthehear
    tofst oneallourl
    ives.Am tr
    ulysorr
    y
    papa,
    "Iapol
    ogise,myheadf all
    i
    ngonhi sthighs.

    "I
    t'
    sfinemyson.Iti
    sal
    lfi
    ne.Thatisal
    lint
    hepast
    now."hesay
    s,rubbi
    ngmybacksl owly
    .

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    *
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er52
    NKOSI
    '
    SPOV.

    "
    Bafo,arey
    ousureyouar
    ereadytoseehi
    m?"asks
    MkhizeasIdr
    ivet
    othehospi
    tal
    .

    "
    Am notr
    eadybutmasai
    dIshoul
    d.Icannev
    er
    disobeyherandy ouknowt hat."IsaytoMkhize.I
    parkmycaratt hehospit
    alparkinglotandgot ot
    he
    war dmat extedmewi t
    hMkhi zewal ki
    ngbesideme.I
    reall
    ydidn'
    twantt ocomebutt hewaymaj ustspoke
    tomemademechangemymi nd.It'
    sfunnyhowI
    beggedThandonott orushmei nt
    ocomi ngfaceto
    facewithmyf atherbutfatesti
    llhasitswayof
    forci
    ngmet of acemypast .

    "
    Nkosi,y
    ouar
    eher
    e!"say
    sma,
    sit
    ti
    ngbesi
    demy
    f
    ather
    .

    "
    Hel
    l
    oma.
    "Isayt
    oher
    ,st
    eppi
    ngi
    ntot
    her
    oom.

    "
    Hel
    loma"say
    sMkhi
    ze.Shenodsherheadwal
    ki
    ng
    t
    ous.

    "
    Hel
    l
    omyboy
    s."shegr
    eet
    sback.
    "
    Sohowi
    she?
    "asksMkhi
    ze.

    "Notsowel lmydear .Hehasl esst han3weekst o


    l
    iveandIj ustdiscov
    eredt hathehasgone
    compl et
    elybli
    nd.Hecantf eelany thi
    ngatall
    .Andi t
    's
    l
    ikehehasbecomehal fdeaf .Rightnow,hepr obabl
    y
    can'thearanythingwear esay ing."shesays,play
    ing
    withherhands.

    "
    Andther
    eisr
    eal
    l
    ynot
    hingy
    oucando?
    "asks
    Mkhi
    ze.

    "Nothing.What
    everpoi
    sonhehasinhi
    sbodyi s
    slowlykil
    li
    nghi
    m andit
    sactual
    lymaki
    ngmewonder
    i
    fher eall
    ydoeshave3weeksleftt
    osurv
    ive.
    "

    "Butany
    ways,hehasbeenaski
    ngtoseeNkosiand
    Roseeversi
    ncehebecameconsci
    ous.Hesayshe
    hassomethingt
    osaytoyou2beforehegoesaway."
    sheconti
    nues.
    "Theonl
    yreasonIcamehereisbecauseofyouma.
    NotbecauseIwanttohearwhathehastosay.I
    don'
    twanttohearanyt
    hingatal
    l.
    "Iutt
    er.

    "Iknowmyboy .Butwhatev
    erhewantstosaymust
    beimportant
    .Justgiv
    ehim achancet
    ospeakthe
    samewayThandogav eyouachancetol
    oveher
    eventhoughyoukil
    ledherfat
    her
    ."

    "
    Whydoesev
    ery
    oneuset
    hatasawayofget
    ti
    ngt
    o
    me?
    "

    "Becauseit'
    sav er
    ygoodexampleNkosi.Thesame
    wayy ouwant edThandotogiv
    ey ouachancethen,
    i
    st hesamewayy ourfat
    herwantsyoutogi
    vehima
    chance.Ifi
    t'
    swor tht
    hechance,t
    henlethi
    m haveit
    butifnot
    , t
    heny oucanchoosetowalkaway.
    "she
    urges.
    "Nowgot ohim,si
    twithhi
    m andhearwhathehasto
    say.Maybethiswi
    llhel
    pyoumoveonwi t
    hy ourl
    i
    fe
    Nkosi.
    "

    Mypr i
    dedoesn'
    twantmet obutIj ustdoi t
    .Igraba
    chai
    rfrom t
    hecornerofther oom andsi tbesidethe
    manwhoi sfaci
    ngtheot herdirecti
    on.Mkhi zepull
    sa
    chai
    randputsitbesi
    deme.Am expect inghimt osi
    t
    nexttomebutRosesi t
    si nstead.Ilookatherand
    shejustgi
    vesmeashor tl i
    vedsmi le,holdi
    ngmy
    hand.

    "
    Arey
    ouokay
    ?"Iaskherandshenodsherhead.

    "Bett
    erthaneverbudi.
    "sherepl
    ies.Inot
    iceher
    bloodst
    ainedeyesbutwhenam aboutt oaskher
    whyshewascr y
    ing,sof
    tli
    pstouchmycheekand
    herscentsnit
    chesonher .

    "
    i'
    l
    lbewai
    ti
    ngf
    ory
    ouout
    side.
    "shewhi
    sper
    s.Her
    handssqueezemyshoul
    dersthensli
    deawayand
    thedoorcl
    oses,
    leav
    ingRose,
    fatherandIi
    nthe
    room.

    Itakeadeepbr
    eathinandext
    endmyhandtoshake
    father
    .Hi
    sbodytur
    nstofaceusbuthi
    sey
    eslook
    upwards.

    "
    Whoist
    her
    e?"hecrockyv
    oiceasks.Rosel
    ooksat
    me,
    aski
    ngmethatonequesti
    on.

    "Heisbli
    nd."It
    ellher.Every
    thinginmei sjustup
    sidedown.Myf eeli
    ngsar ejusteverywhere.Iwantto
    l
    eav ethi
    sroom andjustnev erlookbackbutt henI
    don'twanttodi
    sappoi ntma.Shet ookgoodcar eof
    meandact edasamot herf
    igure.Ican'
    trefuseher
    this.

    "Papa,"say
    sRose'sl
    owtremblyvoice.Herhand
    crawlsontothebed,
    hol
    dingfather
    'shand.Ilookat
    f
    atherandnot
    icet
    heupcomingsmil
    eonhi
    sfaceas
    aballoft
    earf
    ormsinhi
    seye.Hisl
    i
    pstr
    ytomovea
    f
    ewt i
    mesbuthisemoti
    onsstophi
    m.

    "Papait
    'sme, Rose.
    "saysRoseasat earr
    oll
    sdown
    hercheek.Iputmyar m onhershoul
    ders,
    rubbi
    ng
    herarm.

    "Rose!
    "saysf
    ather
    ,hisgri
    pti
    ght
    eni
    ngonRose'
    s
    hand.Hissmi
    lewidensevenmoreashepl
    acesbot
    h
    hishandsonhers,
    pull
    ingi
    ttohi
    sli
    psandki
    ssi
    ng
    herhand.

    "Ooohmygi
    rl!
    !"hecri
    esout."
    Ooohmypri
    ncessyou
    soundsogr
    own! !
    "heexcl
    aims."
    Imi
    ssedyouso
    muchmypokie!!
    !"
    Rosechuckles,wi
    pinghert
    earsoff.Iwat
    chherin
    shock,t
    ryi
    ngt ol
    oadifshei
    sstil
    lthegir
    lwhov owed
    nottospeaktothisman.Yether
    eshei s,get
    ti
    ngall
    upinherfeeli
    ngs.
    "
    It
    'syourpoki
    epapa.Am her
    e!"r
    epl
    i
    esRose,
    her
    v
    oicegetti
    ngsqueaky
    .

    "Mypokie!
    !Am soosor
    rymypoki e.Ihavewronged
    youandIregreti
    tmypri
    ncess."cri
    esfat
    her,
    pressi
    nghishandsonRose'
    s.Hismout hsnapsshut
    alongwit
    hhiseyesasal
    lthetearsfal
    lout.
    "Am sorrymychi l
    d!Ifailedy ouandIcer tai
    nlydon'
    t
    deserveyourfor gi
    venessatal l.Iruinedyour
    chi
    ldhoodmybabygi rl!"hecont inuestocryasRose
    cri
    estoo.Asf orme, Ijustl ookatt hisman.Him
    cry
    inglikethi
    sdoesn' thur tmeatal l
    .Whathurtsme
    i
    sthathegav euponusf orawomanwhohasr ui
    ned
    himtoday .I
    nf act,l
    ooki ngathi mj ustmakesme
    hatehim evenmor e.

    "Papa!Yougav eupony ourpoki


    eandy oul
    ether
    becomeapr ost
    it
    ute.Youusedtohity
    ourPokieunt
    il
    shebl edpapa!Whydidy oudoal
    lthat
    ?"yel
    psRose,
    shakingherhead.
    "
    Forgi
    vememychi ld.Thatwomanmademedoi
    t.I
    wasbeingcont
    rol
    l
    edbyherandshemademedoall
    t
    hatIdi
    d!"

    "Yes,bl
    ameital
    lonher.I
    twasnev
    eryourf
    aul
    tri
    ght
    ,"
    Iblur
    toutsar
    casti
    cal
    l
    y,rubbi
    ngmychi
    n.

    "IknowforafactthatyouareNkosi
    ..
    ."say
    sfat
    her
    ,
    hiseyessear
    chingwithnoluck.
    "Nkosimyson."hecall
    sbutIst aysil
    ent.Roselooks
    atme, t
    akesoneofmyhandsi ntohersandgi vesme
    anodofconser nbutIjustl
    ookawayf rom her.Ifshe
    wantstoforgi
    vehim andbelievetheshitthat
    's
    comingoutofhismout h,sheismor ethanwelcome
    to.Butshebett
    ernottrytomakemef orgivehim.

    "Iswearonmysoul ,
    itwasnev
    ermyf aul
    t.Mkhi
    ze's
    mot herbewi
    tchedme.Iwasn'
    ttheonedoingal
    lthat.
    Shewascont rol
    li
    ngmeandIcouldnevergoagainst
    whatshetol
    dmet odo.If
    eltl
    i
    keIwastr
    apped
    i
    nsi
    demybodyandsomeoneel sehadt
    akenover
    ."
    henar
    rat
    es,st
    il
    lcr
    ying.
    "Mychildren,youknowmebetterthananyone.You
    knowt hatIcannev erhur
    taf
    ly,
    letaloneanant.So
    pleasebeliev
    emewhenIsayInev erint
    endedtodo
    whatIdi dtoyou."

    "Yetyousti
    ll
    did.Papa,youhurtallofus,youar
    et he
    reasonforwhathappenedt ous.Yout ookever
    ything
    awaypapaandy ouareonlyapologisi
    ngnow!"I
    j
    abber.

    "
    Yes!Am apol ogi
    singnowbecauseIknowam goi ng
    t
    odi esoon.Am apol ogi
    singnowbecauseam f i
    nall
    y
    f
    reef r
    om thatwitch'
    sspel l
    s.Idon'twantt
    odie
    withouty
    ourf or
    giveness.Iwanty outomov eonwit
    h
    yourli
    veswithoutthinki
    ngoft hepast."

    "
    Wel
    lwewer
    efi
    newi
    thouty
    oubei
    ngher
    eandwe
    wil
    lconti
    nuebei
    ngfi
    newhenyoudie.Wedon'
    tneed
    yourapol
    ogynordowewanti
    t..
    ..
    ."

    "No!
    "int
    erj
    ect
    sRoseasshest
    il
    lcr
    ies."
    NoNkosi
    ,we
    doneedhisapol
    ogyandwecer
    tai
    nlyneedt
    ofor
    giv
    e
    him.
    "shesays.

    "
    What
    ?!"

    "Yes.Idon'tknowabouty oubutIwantt ol etgoof


    thepast.I
    thasr uinedmef orlongenoughandi t's
    ti
    meIl eti
    tgoandbef ree.Andpapai sright,papa
    wast henicestmanev erbeforethatwitchcame
    along.RememberhowIal way stol
    dy out hatshe
    alwaysputsomet hinginpapa'steainthemor ning
    andy oualway ssaidi
    twasj ustsugar
    ?Whati fitwas
    umut i
    ?"

    "
    Rosey
    oudon'
    tknowt
    hat
    !"
    "
    YesIdoNkosi,whenmom wassti
    l
    lali
    ve,shetol
    d
    methatpapadoesn'
    tl
    ikehi
    steawi
    thsugar.Heli
    ked
    i
    twi
    thfreshmil
    kandthatwasit
    .
    WhenIsawMkhi ze'smotherdoingit
    ,Iaskedher
    whyshewasputtingsugarinpapa'steaandshe
    sai
    dpapali
    keditwi t
    hsugar.Butthatday,iasked
    papai
    fhehaddeci dedondrinki
    nghisteawi thsugar
    andhesai
    dno."say sRose.

    "ThatwaswhenIdeci dedtot ell


    youandt heny ou
    saiditwasjustsugarbutdeepdowni nsi
    de, Iknewit
    wasn'tsugarbecausepapahaddeni edit
    ."shesay s.
    "Iwastooy oungtothinkofumut iandallthat.Ij
    ust
    decidedtobrushitoffandletitbe."

    "
    Yousee..
    ..
    ..Ihaveneveri
    nmyent i
    rel
    if
    et akentea
    wi
    thsugar,whichmeanswhat evershewasput t
    ing
    i
    nmyt eacertai
    nlywasn'
    tsugar"joi
    nsinfather
    .

    "
    Nkosi
    ,Ibel
    i
    evepapaandIam wi
    l
    li
    ngt
    ofor
    giv
    eand
    for
    get.Menotforgi
    vi
    nghim won'tgetmeanywhere,
    i
    nstead,i
    twil
    lonl
    ykeepontakingmebackt othe
    past.
    ..
    ..
    .Sameforyoubudi
    ,notforgi
    vinghi
    m won'
    t
    doyouanygood."

    "I
    tdefinit
    elywill
    Rose.Isleptonthestreet
    satav er
    y
    youngageal lbecauseofhi m.Ihadtosteal,
    all
    becauseofhi m.Ihadt okil
    lpeopleal
    lbecauseof
    him.Ifitwasn'tforhim,Iwouldn'
    thavekil
    led
    THANDO' Sfat
    her .Il
    ostMYFUCKI NGCHI LDHOOD
    becauseofhi m."

    "
    Andhei
    ssor
    ryNkosi
    !"

    "Dontf uckingbullshitmeRose.Youwer en'tt


    heone
    whost olefrom peopl ejustsoy oucouldsur v
    ive.You
    wer en'
    tt heonewhowat chedpeoplegettingkil
    led
    everysi nglenight.Youwer en'tt
    heoneget ti
    nginand
    outofj ailatfucki
    ng14y ears.Icouldhavebeen
    enjoyingmyl i
    feifitwasn' tforhim."Ishout,mysoul
    ont hev ergeofcr acking.
    "Idon'
    twanttof
    orgi
    vehim andIneverwil
    l.
    ..
    ..I
    fyou
    wantto,t
    hengoaheadbutj
    ustf or
    getaboutme."I
    say,st
    andi
    ngupfrom t
    hechairandfi
    xingmyblazer
    .

    "
    Myson.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    "cr
    iesoutf
    atherbuti
    justst
    orm outof
    t
    her
    oom.

    "Son,
    "saysmom butIholdadi smissi
    vehandup,
    stoppi
    ngheroranyoneelsefrom aski
    ngany
    unnecessar
    yquest
    ions.Iputmyhandsi nmypocket
    asIwalkdownthepassage, myey esfacingdown.

    Idon'
    twantt
    ofor
    giv
    ehi
    m,Inev
    erwi
    l
    l.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ..
    .

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

    THANDO'
    SPOV.
    Il
    ookathim ashewal ksoutofthehospi
    tal,
    fear
    conqueri
    ngmyhear t
    '
    swant swhicharetorunaf t
    er
    Nkosi.However
    ,Ibeatmyf earandfi
    ndmy self
    walki
    ngbesidehi
    m.

    "
    Babe?
    "

    "
    GobackThando.Am notgoi
    nghome.
    "

    "
    Wellt
    heni guessImi
    ghtaswel
    lj
    oiny
    out
    o
    what
    everdesti
    nati
    ony
    ouaregoi
    ngto.
    "

    "Noo!
    "say
    sNkosi
    ,st
    oppi
    nghi
    swal
    ktot
    hebl
    ack
    sport
    scar
    .

    "
    Whynot
    ?"

    "
    BecauseIwantt
    obeal
    onewoman!
    !Jeez!Don'
    tI
    deserveamomental one!Justbecauseyouare
    pregnant,i
    tdoesn'
    tmeany oucanjustpushme
    around!!
    !!
    "heshouts,
    hisfaceandhandsshowi ng
    theexasperat
    ionheisin.Il
    ookathimindisbeli
    ef,
    notknowingifit
    sthefrustr
    ati
    ontal
    kingori
    fitshim.

    "
    Thando.
    ..
    .Am_
    am sor
    ry.Idi
    dn'
    tmeant
    osayi
    tli
    ke
    t
    hat.
    "

    "No,i
    t'
    sfine.I
    'l
    ll
    eaveyou.
    "Isayt
    ohim,
    tur
    ningt
    he
    opposit
    edirect
    ionbuthi
    shandstur
    nmebacktohi
    s
    dir
    ecti
    on.

    "
    Am sor
    rymylove.Pl
    easedoj
    oinme,
    "heapol
    ogi
    ses,
    asi
    ghcomingout.
    Heopensthepassengerdoorforme,cl
    osesi
    twhen
    Igeti
    nandgoestothedriver
    sside.
    Hecloseshisdoorwi
    thabang,
    scari
    ngmethenl
    et'
    s
    outanothersi
    ghagai
    n,l
    ooki
    ngheav
    enwar
    dbuthi
    s
    eyescl
    osed.
    "
    Doy
    out
    hinkhei
    swor
    thmyf
    orgi
    veness?
    "

    "
    Excuseme?
    "

    "
    Youhear
    dmeThando,
    doy
    out
    hinkhei
    swor
    thi
    t?"

    "Wel
    l,Ummm.Idon'tknow..
    ..
    .That
    'supt
    oyout
    o
    deci
    de.Idon'
    twantto.
    ..
    ..
    "

    "Justans!!
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."*
    sigh*"Justanswert
    hesi
    mple
    questi
    onThando.I fyouwer ei
    nmypositi
    on,
    what
    wouldy oudo?"

    "
    Iwoul
    dfor
    giv
    ehi
    m."

    "
    Why
    ?"
    "
    Becausei
    tsnotwor
    thhol
    dingont
    o."

    "
    Andwhyi
    sthat
    ?"

    "Whywoul
    dIholdontothepastwhenIhav
    ean
    amazi
    ngpresentandf
    utur
    eli
    fe?"

    "
    WhatIfyouchoset
    ohol
    dont
    othepast
    .?"he
    f
    urt
    herasks.

    "ThenthatmeansIwoul
    dn'tmi
    ndlett
    ingthepast
    messupwhatIcur r
    ent
    lyhave.
    "Iexaminehisf
    aceas
    hischestmovesupanddown.
    "Youknow, someoneoncet ol dmet hatforgivi
    ng
    doesn'tchanget hepastbuti tenlar
    gest hef ut
    ure.
    Nkosi ,youchoosi ngtoholdonwon' tchange
    anythingbuti twillonl
    ymessupourf uture.Letit
    go..
    ...Takingr ev
    engeony ourf at
    herbyhat inghim,
    won'tbr ingpeacet oyoursoul .Youcannev erdri
    ve
    outdar knesswi thdarkness."Isaytohi m, mov i
    ng
    myhandcl
    oserandcl
    osert
    ohi
    s.

    "
    Getout
    !"

    "
    what
    ?"

    "
    Getoutoft
    hecar
    .Iwantt
    ogot
    owor
    k."

    "
    Nkosi
    ju.
    ..
    ..
    ..
    ."

    "
    GetoutThando.
    "hesay
    s,shut
    ti
    nghi
    sey
    es.
    Icl
    osemymout h,nott
    empti
    ngtosayanyt
    hingmor
    e.
    Igetoutoft
    hecarandwatchhi
    m speedoffasi
    fhe
    i
    ssomecr azyman.
    Iletmyf eettakemebacki nt
    othehospi tal,
    mysoul
    crushedbyNkosi 'sr
    eacti
    on.May bebr i
    ngingNkosi
    '
    s
    fatherherereall
    ywasn'
    tthebesti dea.Looknow,am
    pregnantandal waysunhappy.Ihonestlyfeell
    i
    keam
    i
    noneofthosedepr
    essingI
    ndi
    anser
    ies.Theyar
    e
    nev
    erhappynomatterwhat
    .

    "
    Thando?
    "call
    samalevoi
    ceasIwalkt
    othef
    ather
    -i
    n
    -
    law'
    sward.Il
    ookupandit
    'sMkhi
    ze.

    "
    Yes.
    "Ianswerhi
    m.

    "
    Don'
    tstr
    essabouthi
    m, heisjustfi
    ndi
    ngithar
    dto
    f
    orgi
    vepapabutheeventual
    lywill
    soon.
    "heurges
    me.

    "Idoubtheev erwillMkhi
    ze.Hehateshim with
    everyt
    hinginsideofhim.Nkosibarel
    yshoutsatme
    buthedi dn'
    thesitatet
    ojustafewmoment sago.I
    t
    wasl i
    kehehadf orgot
    tenhi
    smor al
    s."Isayto
    Mkhize,sitt
    ingdownonabench.Mkhi zemesi t
    s
    nexttomewi thaconfusedface.
    "
    Heshout
    edaty
    ou?Butwhy
    ?"

    "Doesn'tmatt
    eranymore.It
    hinkweneedtotake
    yourfatherawayfr
    om hereorelse,
    Nkosi
    mightdo
    somet hingcr
    azy.
    "

    "
    Hewon'tdoany t
    hingtohi
    m.Andgivehi
    m afew
    moredays.Hewillf
    orgi
    vehi
    m.Butri
    ghtnow,
    let
    's
    j
    ustbehappythatRosehasfor
    giv
    enhim."

    "
    Yea.Comel
    et'
    sgo.
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

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

    Waki
    ngupt osomeonebangingyourbedroom door
    i
    sntt
    hebestwaytobewokenup, especi
    all
    ywhen
    i
    t'
    searl
    yinthemorni
    ng.Istepoutofbed,putonmy
    gownandwalktothedoor.Iunl
    ockitandastinchof
    ni
    cot
    inemixedwit
    halcoholhit
    sme.
    "Getoutofmyway !
    "sneer
    sNkosi,pushi
    ngmeout
    ofhisway.Hedropshisbodyonthebed,mumbl
    ing
    aboutsomethi
    ngthatIcanbarel
    yhear.

    "Nkosi
    ,wherehav
    eyoubeen?
    "Iask,
    closi
    ngt
    hedoor
    andstandi
    ngoverhi
    m.

    "
    Doesi
    tmat
    ter
    ?"

    "
    Yesi
    tdoesmatt
    er!Ihav
    ebeenworri
    edsickabout
    y
    ouandyouar
    eev encominghomedrunk!
    "

    "Womanl etmebe!Who..
    ..
    .whoareyoutoa-a-
    ask
    mesuchquestions?Am amanandIdowhatIl ike
    wheneverIwant!
    "hest
    ammer s,hi
    svoicesoundinga
    bitdr
    ousy.

    "
    Nkosi
    youdon'
    tdr
    ink!Sosi
    ncewhendoy
    oudr
    ink
    andsmoke?
    !"

    "Woman!Am warni
    ngyou.
    ..
    ..Letmebe!!Am t
    ir
    ed,I
    needtosl
    eep!
    !!
    "hesaysbef
    or erel
    easi
    ngasnore,
    cl
    osinghi
    sredeyes.
    Igrabmyphone,
    dial
    Mkhi
    ze'
    snumberandhe
    answers.

    "Nkosicamehomedrunkandhesmel
    l
    sli
    ke
    nicot
    ine.
    "It
    ell
    him,
    myt ear
    snear
    .

    "
    Am onmyway .
    "herepl
    i
    es.Heendsthecall
    andI
    t
    urntol
    eavetheroom.Isiti
    nthel
    iv
    ingroom unt
    il
    Mkhi
    zegetshere.Whenhetri
    estospeaktome,I
    j
    ustpoi
    ntupstai
    rstomyroom wher
    ehegoes.

    Thenextthi
    ngIhearispeopl
    ef i
    ghti
    ngandIjustsit
    i
    nt heli
    vi
    ngroom.Idon'
    tevenwantt ogothereto
    facethi
    snewNkosi.WheredidmyNkosi go?I
    thoughthel
    ovedmebuthecl earl
    ydoesn'
    t.Whatdid
    i
    dot
    odeser
    vet
    his?Am Icur
    sedorsomet
    hing?

    Idr
    agmy selftotheguestr
    oom andl ockmysel
    f
    i
    nsi
    de,st
    illheari
    ngtheconfl
    icthappeningi
    nthe
    mainr
    oom.
    The2v oi
    cesarelat
    erjoinedbyonemor eel
    derly
    voicewhichIr
    ecogni
    seasMrMohl akoane'
    s.The
    nextvoi
    ceIhearisSbu'sthenit
    sSchevandt hi
    sget
    s
    thebestofmyattent
    ionbutIjustst
    ayinbed.Idon'
    t
    wanttolookatNkosiorelse,Iwi
    llj
    ustl
    oseit.
    Icl
    osemytear
    yey
    es,
    embr
    aci
    ngt
    hesl
    eepi
    nvi
    tedby
    mypil
    low.

    Thesplatter smadebyt herainoutsidewakemeup.I


    bli
    nkmyey esacoupl eoftimesbef oresit
    ti
    ngup
    strai
    ght,
    str etchi
    ngmyachi ngbody .Theeventfor
    theorphanswi thcanceri shappeni ngtodayandam
    i
    nnomoodf orthepubl i
    c.Ijustwanttostayinbed
    andsleep, butIcan' t.Icarr
    ymy sel
    ftothebathr
    oom,
    takeashowerwhi lsttryi
    ngt odismisswhat
    happenedl astni ght.Iloti
    onmybody ,
    getbackint
    o
    myni ghtdressandleaveforthemai nroom.Iopen
    thedoorexpect i
    ngNkosi t
    obet heonlypersonin
    therebutMkhizeandhi swholesquadar esti
    lli
    n
    there.Nkosisi
    tsont hebed,hi
    sf aceburi
    edinhis
    palmsasMkhi ze,MrMohlakoane, SbuandSchevsi
    t
    aroundhim.

    "Oooh, sor
    ry.Idi
    dn'
    tknowt hatyouwereinher
    e."I
    apologise,att
    empti
    ngt ocl
    oset hedoorbutMr
    Mohl akoanecall
    smei nsi
    det heroom.

    "Goodmor
    ningmakot
    i.
    "hegr
    eet
    sandIgr
    eethi
    m
    back.

    "
    Thando.
    "say
    sSbu.

    "
    Sbu.
    "Ir
    epl
    yhi
    m.

    "
    Makot
    i,wewi
    l
    lbet
    aki
    ngourl
    eav
    enow,
    seei
    ngt
    hat
    yourhusbandissober.
    "saysMrMohlakoane
    standi
    ngup.Iwalkalloft
    hem outandcomebackt
    o
    Nkosisti
    ll
    sit
    ti
    ngont hebed.
    Idon'
    tpayanyatt
    ent
    iont
    ohim,wal
    ktot
    hecl
    oset
    ,
    getanoutf
    itandwal
    kbackt
    otheroom.

    "Idon'
    tknowwhattodoany
    more.
    "say
    sNkosi.Isi
    de
    eyehim,notawordut
    ter
    edandIj
    ustf
    ocusonmy
    clot
    hes.

    "Doyousti
    l
    lwantyourmassage?"Iask,putt
    ingon
    myblackpenci
    lski
    rt
    .Nkosir
    aiseshisfacefrom hi
    s
    pal
    ms,examinesmyfaceasIjustgetdressed.

    "
    Ayesornowoul
    dbehel
    pful
    rightnow,
    "Isayt
    ohi
    m.

    "Umm,mybackdoeshur
    tsothatwouldbemuch
    appr
    eci
    ated.
    "hef
    inal
    l
    yanswer
    s,shocked.
    If
    ini
    shput
    ti
    ngonmycl
    othes,
    tiemyhai
    rthenwal
    k
    ov
    ert
    oNkosi
    .

    "
    Layony
    ourst
    omach,
    "Isayt
    ohi
    sconf
    usedf
    ace.

    "Am notgoingt
    oshooty
    ouNkosi
    ,l
    ayony
    our
    stomach."
    Heslowl
    ydoesso,
    keepi
    nghi
    sey
    esonme,
    looki
    ng
    scar
    ed.
    Ir
    emov ehi
    sshi
    rt
    ,putt
    hemassagi
    ngoi
    lonhi
    m andI
    st
    artt
    omassagehim.

    "Whyar
    ey oumassagi
    ngme?"heasks,
    hisv
    oice
    showi
    ngthedil
    emmaheisin.

    "
    BecauseIpr
    omi
    sedy
    out
    hatIwoul
    dyest
    erday
    ."I
    t
    ell
    him.
    Afewmoment
    sofsi
    l
    encepassasIj
    ustmassage
    Nkosi
    .
    "
    Am sor
    ryaboutl
    astni
    ght
    ,Idon'
    tknowwhatgoti
    nto
    me.
    "

    "Don'tapologi
    se,it
    'sallmyfaul t
    .Ishoul
    dn'
    thave
    pressuredy ouint
    obringingy ourfat
    herher
    e.Ishoul
    d
    havest ay
    edoutofi t.
    ..Butit
    st oolatenow.
    "Ianswer
    back.Hef i
    r mlyhol
    dsmywr ist,st
    oppingi
    tfr
    om
    mov i
    ngbackandf ort
    honhi sback.

    "Don'ttalkli
    kethatThando,i
    t'
    smyf ault
    ,Ishouldn'
    t
    havel etitaf
    fectmet hatmuch.And..
    ..
    ..
    "hesitsup
    str
    aight ,
    lett
    inggoofmywr ist
    .

    "And,y
    ouwer eri
    ghtyesterday
    ,Icertai
    nlycan'
    tl
    etgo
    ofthepastbyusingrevenge.As.
    ..
    ..ashardasitmay
    be,Iwil
    lhavetol
    etitgo."

    "
    Nkosi,
    Idon'
    twantyout
    ofeell
    ikeyouarebei
    ng
    f
    orcedtof
    orgi
    vehi
    m.Ifyoudon'twantt
    othenIwi
    l
    l
    makesurehegoest
    oanot
    herhospi
    tal
    faraway
    f
    rom us.
    "

    "Idon'
    tfeell
    ikeam bei
    ngf
    orcedThando.
    "hel
    et'
    s
    outasigh..
    ..
    .

    "l
    astnightIwassi t
    ti
    ngwi thanol dmanandhewent
    throughexactl
    ywhatIwentt hrough.Hi sfatherused
    toabusehi mjustli
    kepapaabusedus.Hedeci dedt o
    runawayatay oungage, hegothi sownmoneyj ust
    l
    ikemet henhisf at
    herneededsomehel pbecause
    hewasn' tabl
    etof i
    nanciall
    ysuppor thimself.Buthe
    refusedtohelphisfatherthenhisf atherdied.Ti
    ll
    today,heblameshi mselfforlett
    inghi m di
    edespi t
    e
    thefactthathewasabusedbyhi m. "

    Het
    il
    tshi
    sheadt
    othewi
    ndow,
    li
    cki
    nghi
    slowerl
    i
    p.

    "
    Aft
    ert
    ell
    i
    ngmet hatst
    ory,hesai
    dtome,i
    t'
    snot
    wor
    thi
    ttr
    yingt
    otakerevengeonmyfat
    her.Ishoul
    d
    l
    etitgoandmov eonwi t
    hmylif
    e.Atfir
    st,Ij
    ust
    l
    augheditoffandit
    oldhimthatIwi
    llneverfor
    give
    papabutthenhesai
    dsomet hi
    ngthatmademet hi
    nk
    twi
    ce.Hesaidtome,"recal
    l
    sNkosi.

    "OnceItakemyrevengeonpapa,itwi
    llonl
    ymake
    mecr av
    ef ormorer
    evengeandthatcravi
    ngmi ght
    endupdest r
    oyi
    ngme.Ev enaf
    terPapa'sdeat
    h.After
    sayi
    ngthat,hel
    eftt
    hebar "

    "
    Whydoest
    hatmakey
    out
    hinkt
    wice?
    "IaskNkosi
    .

    "Thando,Iwenttoabarl astnightandIgotdr unk,I


    evensmokedandIdon' tli
    kesmoki ng.Ionlydidthat
    becauseIwascr avingf orrevengeandt hatonlyled
    tomedoi ngsuchst upidity
    .Icouldhav ehurtyoul ast
    nightThando,andam gl adIdi dn'
    t.Icouldhave
    gottenint
    oanacci dentf r
    om dr i
    vi
    ngdr unkorIcoul d
    havedonesomet hi
    ngst upid.I_Ihonestlyt
    hought
    thatthi
    sissuewoul dn'taff
    ectmei nanywaybuti fI
    don'tfi
    xitsoon,Imi ghtendupdoi ngt hi
    ngsIdon' t
    wanttodo.Worsei
    fpapawast
    odi
    e."Say
    sNkosi
    ,
    l
    ookingi
    ntospace.

    "
    Sowhat
    'st
    henextst
    epf
    rom her
    e?"

    "
    Iwi
    l
    lhavet
    otryandf
    orgivehi
    m.I
    t'
    sprobablygoi
    ng
    t
    obehar
    dbutIhavet
    o,formyownhappiness.
    "

    "
    Am gl
    adwear
    enowont
    hesamepage.
    "

    "
    Yea.
    "

    *
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    ***
    **
    [
    1/2,
    06:
    57]Ly
    nne:
    Chapt
    er53

    THANDO'
    SPOV.
    "
    thandoj
    ustbr
    eat
    he.
    ..
    ."cal
    mlysay
    sNkosi,hol
    ding
    myhandononehandandholdi
    ngthebabybagon
    t
    heother
    .

    "
    WellIwouldn'
    tbeali
    veifIwasn'
    tbr
    eathi
    ngnow
    woul
    dI!!
    !?
    !?"Ishout
    ,tr
    yingt
    owalktothedoor
    .

    "Okay .Am sor


    ry,let
    '
    snotbeangrynoworelsey
    ou
    willenduppushi ngthebabyout
    ..
    ..
    ."Hesay
    sandI
    sideey ehi
    m, squeezinghi
    shandevenmore.

    "Nkosi
    !Itwoul
    dbebestify
    oushutthefuckup!!
    !!
    !!
    Ahhhhhhhhhh"Igr
    ownasthecrampskeepon
    gett
    ingworseandworseaft
    erever
    ypassingsecond.

    "Am sorrybaby.
    ...
    ..
    justkeeponwalking,weare
    almostthere.
    "IlookatNkosi whoseey esareli
    ter
    all
    y
    onthev ergeoflet
    tingthetear
    soutandIj ustfeel
    sorr
    yf orhim.Butthisisn'
    tmyfault
    ,it'
    sthecramps,
    thecrampsar emaki ngmedoi t.
    Whenwegetout side,Nkosi'
    ssportcarisst
    opped
    I
    nfrontofusandschevr ushesoutofit.Heget
    sthe
    bagfrom Nkosi
    ,putti
    ngitinthebootandNkosi
    hel
    psmegeti nthecar ,
    sitt
    ingnexttome.

    "
    Okay,wewi l
    lbeatthehospi
    tali
    nabout10
    minut
    es.
    ."saysSchev,get
    ti
    ngint
    othedri
    versseat
    .

    "YOUBETTERTURNTHAT10MI NUTESTO2
    MI NUTESORELSE!
    ????"ij
    abberandSchevquickl
    y
    start
    sdri
    vi
    ng.AsforNkosi,
    hekeepsonbr eat
    hingin
    andoutsoloudl
    yandit
    'sannoyi
    ngthehell
    outofme.

    "
    Nkosi
    ?"Ical
    lhi
    minacal
    mvoi
    ce.

    "
    Yesmyl
    ove?
    "

    "
    STOPBREATHI
    NGLI
    KETHAT!
    !!
    "
    Ibel
    l
    ow,
    brushi
    ngmybel
    l
    ywhi
    chi
    sli
    ter
    all
    yaboutt
    o
    pop.

    "
    Whythehelldi
    dIgetpregnantagain!!
    !!
    !!
    !"Iyel
    p.
    "
    Nkosigett
    histhi
    ngoutofme! !
    !!
    !"Ishri
    ek,shutt
    ing
    myeyes.

    "Wearealmostt
    heremywhi t
    er ose,
    justhol
    don...
    ."
    saysNkosi
    .Hesoundssohelplessandpat r
    if
    ied
    ri
    ghtnowwhichispret
    tysad.

    Assoonaswepar kthecar
    ,Schevhur
    ri
    esint
    othe
    hospi
    tal
    ,get
    ti
    ngawheel chai
    rhimsel
    fandcoming
    backpushi
    ngit
    .Nkosi hel
    psmeoutofthecarand
    ontot
    hewheel chair
    .

    "Anyoneher
    e!!
    !!
    !pl
    easehel
    pmywi f
    e!!!
    !shei
    sabout
    togivebi
    rt
    h!"ShoutsNkosiasweenterthehospi
    tal
    and1nurserushestome.Asam beingpushedto
    theLDR,Nkosir
    unsbesideme,hol
    dingmyhandand
    pr
    ayi
    ngunderhi
    sbr
    eat
    h.

    "Si
    r,y
    ouneedtost
    ayhere.Wewi
    l
    ltakecar
    eofher
    ."
    saysoneoft
    henurses.

    "No!
    !Hemustcomei nsidewi
    thme.Iwanthi
    m next
    tome!!
    "Iscream,
    cri
    ngingasthecr
    ampsgetworser
    andworser.

    "Okayfi
    ne.Sir
    ,youneedtogochanget heny
    oucan
    comein."I
    nstruct
    sthenurse.Nkosif
    oll
    owsoneof
    theguynursesasam pushedintotheroom,hel
    ped
    tochangeintoalabourgown.

    "Okay,am here.Letmeseehowf art


    hebabyis
    ma'am. "Saysadoctor,wal
    ki
    ngintother
    oom.Ilet
    him checkandhepr essesanemergencybut
    ton,
    requestingmorenurses.
    Nkosi
    bol
    tsi
    nwit
    htheothernur
    sesandwal
    kstome,
    hol
    dsmyhandr
    eall
    yti
    ghtwhil
    sttel
    l
    ingmenott
    o
    f
    orgett
    hebr
    eat
    hingexer
    ciseswehadbeendoi
    ngf
    or
    t
    hepast5mont
    hs.

    "Thebabyiscomi ng,wehavenotimetowast e.We


    needtohelpy oudeli
    verasinnow!"Say
    st hemale
    doctor
    .Hesi t
    sonachai r,
    goingundertheclot
    h
    that
    'scov
    eringmyar ea.

    "
    Doesher
    eal
    lyhavetol
    ookatmypr oper
    tyt
    hough!
    "
    mumbl
    esNkosiandIj
    ustshootaneyeathi
    m.

    "Push!
    !"shoutst
    hedoctorandIgivemyf i
    rstpush.I
    guessthisisi
    t,i
    t'
    sreal
    lyhappeni
    ng..
    ..
    ..
    am giv
    ing
    bir
    thtomyf ir
    stchi
    ld.

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

    Il
    ookaroundasIseesmil
    esev
    ery
    wher
    eandhear
    l
    aught
    eratever
    ycorneroft
    her
    oom.I
    sthi
    sreal
    l
    yit
    ,
    myhappyendi
    ng?

    Imean, afterthatday8mont hsago, Nkosi andRose


    bothf orgav etheirf atherwhol aterdi edt hat
    after noon.Thei rst epmot herhadbeenki ll
    edbyt heir
    fatherwhi chexpl ainedwhyshewasdi f
    f i
    culttof i
    nd.
    Luandanev erstalkedmeev ersi ncet hatdayIwasat
    themal lwithRose.MrMohl akoaner epr esent ed
    bothRoseandNkosi withoutf eelingbad.Rosegav e
    birt
    ht oabeaut ifulbabygi rl
    andl at ergotmar riedt o
    Sihleont hesamedayNkosi andIhadourweddi ng.
    Khay af i
    nallycamebackandhef orgav eNkosi for
    kil
    li
    ngourf ather.Zi phoandShani aar ei nsomesor t
    ofr elationshi pwhi chi skindofapr obl em f orNer isa,
    mymom andMaMohl akoanebutZi phodoesn' tcare.
    Mkhi zeendedupmov i
    ngonandhef oundhi msel fa
    girlwhoi spr ett
    ysweet .Sbuwasf irstbeatupbymy
    brot hersaf tertheyf oundoutabouthi sandNkosi '
    s
    deal buthei snowpar tofthef ami ly.Oohandmy
    mot her,shehadf alleninlov ewi thsomemi ddle
    agedmanwhol ooksexact l
    yl i
    keSabel o.Ihav e
    nev err eall
    yt ri
    edt oi nvestigatewhyhel ooksso
    muchli
    keSabelobutam gladmom hasfound
    someone.NkosiandIadoptedShani
    aandsheis
    nowourdaughter.
    Tshi
    di i
    sengagedandpr egnantwit
    hJor dan'sbaby.
    Noluisalsoengagedt oBrendonbutthose2ar e
    for
    everfighti
    ng.Andnow, Ihavegivenbirt
    ht oa
    handsomepr i
    ncewhol ooksexactl
    yli
    kehi sfather
    .
    Theblueey es,thenoseandt hedar
    klips.Somuch
    happenedi nthese8mont hsanditwasal lforthe
    best.
    Thi
    sisal
    lIev
    erwant
    ed.
    ..
    ..
    ..

    Ifeel
    Nkosiki
    ssi
    ngmyforeheadashehol
    dshisfi
    rst
    borninhi
    sarms,hi
    ssmi
    lenotleav
    inghi
    sfaceatall
    .

    "ThankyousomuchmaNxumal o.Youhav egiven


    met hebestgiftanyonecouldhaveev ergi
    venme.
    Youhav egivenmeanhei r.Ngi
    yabongast handwa
    Sami (t
    hanky ousomuchmyl ove."Heperksmyl i
    ps
    thenlooksatthethenewbor nwr appedaroundthe
    multi
    pleblankets.
    "Nkosii
    t'
    sti
    met oletsomeofusholdthebabynow,
    wehav ebeenwaiti
    ng!!"Whi
    nesTshi
    diwhois
    standi
    ngwithJordanandNolu.

    "Youmightaswellwai
    tforev
    erbecauseam not
    givi
    nghi
    mt oanyoneel
    se."saysNkosi,
    rocki
    ngthe
    babysi
    det osi
    deaseveryoneint
    heroom cracksup.

    "Mxm!
    !Thandoy
    ourmani
    ssost
    ingyy
    hooo!
    "

    "
    Lethi
    m beTshi
    di!Hefi
    nal
    lygothi
    sminni
    ehi
    m."
    t
    easesmymom whoi ssi
    tti
    ngontheot
    hersi
    deof
    t
    hebedwhil
    sthol
    dingShani
    awhohasf al
    l
    enasl
    eep.

    "Knockknock."say
    sRose, peepi
    ngatt
    hedoor
    .I
    spotSihl
    eholdingLeratoi
    nhisarmsandmyfather
    andmot heri
    nl awbehindSihl
    e.
    "
    Rose!
    "Iexcl
    aim ast
    heywal
    kinsi
    detheroom.Rose
    wal
    ksovertohugmeandsodoesSihlealongwi
    th
    maandpapa.

    "
    Hel
    loPri
    ncess,
    "Igr
    eetLer
    atowhol
    ooksatmewi
    th
    t
    hegreat
    estsmil
    e.

    "
    Isthi
    stheli
    tt
    lepr
    ince!
    "say
    smaMohl
    akoaneand
    Nkosinodshi
    shead.

    "
    What
    'shi
    sname?
    "asksSi
    hle.
    Nkosi
    looksatmet
    henl
    ooksatt
    hebaby
    .

    "
    Hisnamei
    sBanel
    e,Banel
    eDashi
    elNxumal
    o."

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

    Soguy
    s,t
    hisi
    sitf
    rom Thando.Thanky
    out
    o
    ever
    yonewhohassuppor t
    edmeandr eadthi
    s
    book Ilov
    ey oual
    landIwil
    ldefi
    nit
    ely
    misstheconv
    ersat
    iosnsIusedtohavewit
    hmostof
    yal
    l

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