NOMANZI

Ngan'yedlozi

The sins of our elders befalls on

us

Chelsea. Gemini.
 Copyright © 2024 by Chelsea Gemini

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 AUTHORS NOTE

This book is the first book I ever wrote ,

please be kind to the errors you might
encounter. Kindly chat with me about
anything you would have loved to chat
about with the writer of this story :

On WhatsApp @ +27 81 251 6149

On call @ +27 72 867 7794

With an email at
nokuphilamye@gmail.com
 Chelsea Loves and Care

YOU.

Happy Reading Time

CHAPTER ONE
 NOMANZI

I sighed for the umpteenth time walking out

of this building, it had to be the most stupid
excuse they could come up with. I was over
experienced. That just bull.

My tummy growled and I sighed, I didn't

have any cash left on me, except one for my
transport.

My eyes wondered around checking my

surroundings, it a habit I couldn't get rid off.
Always be alert.

But then they fixated on the little boy who

dragged his schoolbag on the ground,
ungrateful brat. His mother must be
working her ass off for him and he ruins his
bag like that.

As I started walking towards him, my eyes

flew to my right, a black car with tinted
windows driving slowly beside the sidewalk.
My stomach knotted. My breaths hitched.

My steps automatically picked up, at the

corner of my eye I saw the window rolling
down then the boy looked at it, he didn't
stop, he picked up his pace. Good boy.

“Andile what did I tell you about getting out

of school without waiting for me”. I said
immediately I got to him. He looked
startled, the window rolled up.

I got him under my arm and pull him

towards the restaurant near us, “come on
I'm trying to save you”. I said and he
panicked, I quickly picked him up and
headed in, the bell rang above us indicating
that customers have entered. I looked back
and the car came to a stop in front of the
restaurant. Dear lord.
I placed the boy down looking around for a
way out. Some people looked at us then
focused back on their meals. A waitress
came our way.

“Good evening ma'am, welcome to Ribs 'n'

Steak. Please follow me to a free table”.
She's nice. That her job.

The bell rang from the door, the boy's hand

gripped my hand tighter and I reacted in the
same manner. Pulling him closer to my side,
we walked behind the waitress in complete
silence, my heart hammered In my ears.

She took us to a table at the far end of the

restaurant, it a nice spot, immediately we
sat down I grabbed the menus, that
dismissed her.

“Okay boy what the hell is going on, why are

you here alone, where are your parents”.
His eyes glistened with unshed tears, his lips
quivering. “I'm scared”. He whispered ,what
have I gotten myself into.

“Yeah guess what? Me too. Where are your

parents?”. He shrugged, oh just fuck me.
“Do you know their numbers? Is there
anyone I can call?”.
He kept looking around, tears already
falling, don't you dare give me that kid.

“Boy focus!” I snapped ,and he shivered ,

“Papa, you can call papa”. I nodded taking
out my phone, he looked around.
“He's here. The man from the car”. He said
panicking, I froze. Completely. “Auntie. He's
coming this way”. He whispered panicking. I
snapped out of it, standing up.

“Come”. I said pulling him out of his chair,

we walked to the further back of the
restaurant, we saw restroom signs. I pulled
him towards them, pushing the door open
we entered the ladies.
It was empty and I was grateful. I picked him
up placing him on the edge of the sink
shoving the phone at him I took off my
jacket.

He gave my phone back. I looked at the

number, it was correct, I mean it was ten
digits . It rang, once, twice, third time, forth,
fifth, “whoever you are, you better have a
good reason why you called this number”.
Uh rude prick.

“Is your son in danger a good reason?”. He

went silent and I heard a chuckle and he
cleared his throat . “You Jozi girls, always
after one thing or another, tell me is it
money that you want?”.
He has a very deep baritone voice. I shook
my head at the thought.

“Listen here you little fucker, drop the

arrogance. Your son's life is In danger so is
mine. There are men following us, we in the
ladies and I don't know what the fuck to
do!!”. I said through gritted teeth.

“If you're looking to con me I respect that, I

mean you even have my personal cell
number, but bringing my son into your
bull—
“Shut the fuck up for fuck's sake and fuckin
listen to me I—

“The f word is a bad word Auntie”. The boy

interrupted me, I mentally rolled my eyes.

“MJ?”. He sounded alarmed, so he

recognized his son's voice, good.

“Bravo you recognize your son's voice now

don't shit with me, because already I'm in
deep shit because of your son, hey boy, talk
to your father”. I said handing him the
phone. He took it with shaky hands . “Papa?
Papa there's a bad man around the
restaurant, he...he followed me from
school, and he...he said he knew you, that
you had sent him to fetch me, he told me to
get in the car, when I didn't he showed me a
gun, said that he was the new security
guard, but Papa, he...he had the bad man's
tattoo. I'm scared Papa, Auntie is scared
too”. A lot happened in a short period of
time and I just walked into the lions den.
The boy kept nodding and his eyes shed
silent tears. He handed me the phone.

“Stay put, I'm coming”. He said and ended

the call, stupid fool with no manners, he
could've said 'please stay put I'm coming'.
But no, he commanded me. I looked at the
boy and he looked less scared, he looked
hopeful, what a fucked up situation I'm in.
I looked at his watch, quite expensive for a
little boy. He unclasped it and turn it over, it
had a button underneath, now that new, he
pressed it for some seconds and a little red
light flashed, he smiled.

I'm actually grateful that no one has come

this side since we locked the door.

Time went by really quickly, and I felt

pressed. Needed to relieve myself. I looked
at the boy who looked defeated leaning
against the mirror.

“Stay here, I'm going pee”. I said and didn't

wait for his response, going to the toilet I
relieved myself.

“Sir!!!sir you can't go in there!!sir that a

ladies room!!”. I heard someone shout from
outside, pulling down my skirt I met boy
running to my direction, meeting him
halfway I grabbed his hand pulling him to
the toilet. Getting inside we locked
ourselves in. I closed the seat stepping up, I
pulled boy with me.
A gunshot fired, screams filled the
restaurant, if I hadn't peed yet, I would've
peed on myself, my hands flew to my mouth
and boy's mouth, with our eyes bulged out
at each other, the door of the toilet I locked
us in banged open ,and boy's hands
clutched mine on his mouth, I didn't want to
see, my eyes closed shut with my hand still
on my mouth. I'm dying today. That was my
last thought.
CHAPTER TWO
 NOMANZI

“Come.” I heard it, the deep baritone voice,

my eyes flew open, so did boy's. He flew
from the toilet seat to the man's arms, but
me, I was glued to my spot. He closed his
eyes holding boy for dear life.

When he opened them something shone in

them, as if a sun hit a mirror, maybe I'm
overseeing things. It must be the shock.

He extended his hand for me to hold as I

climbed down the seat .
I took it with my shaky hands and my knees
and feet betraying me wobbling making me
lose a little balance but his hold on my waist
was firm to keep me in place, not being able
to make any eye contact i let my eyes fall to
the ground.

When I got down I realized how big he is,

big tall dark ,I felt like an ant, and he knew
it, boy buried his face on the man's
shoulder blade, with our hand holding, he
took us outside, a few police men where in
the empty restaurant, only the stuff
members were left.

Scratch that this is a whole station, armed

officers pacing around the restaurant,
others had their guns pointed at the
entrance, that made me grip tight on his big
hand.
Two men ran towards us with a haunted
looked, they looked terrified, one took boy
from his father, and boy clung on him, that
made me relax.

He knows them. “Mabaso.” the one who

looked exactly like boy's father called out,
boy's father sighed shaking his head, I
wonder what they're talking about.

I'm a little uncomfortable with the way this

guy is staring at me. Staring is rude doesn't
he know that. The way his eyes go from my
toes to my head, from my head to my toes,
my hand clench around boy's father's and
he clears his throat gaining his brother's
attention.
The way he addressed boy's father tells me
that they are Zulu folks, my folks, that made
my heart less scared.

“Inkosazane le iyona esindise impilo

yomzukulu wamaNtungwa. [She's the one
who saved the life of the Mntungwa's
grandchild].”
oh his voice is even deeper when he speaks
our mother tongue.

“Sawubona ntokazi. [greetings].” boy's uncle

greeted ,I just concluded that boy's father
and this man are brothers, no way people
look this alike and not be related, I refuse.
 “Yebo sanbona.” I greeted back, my palm
sweating in his big hand, boy's uncle
nodded. I successfully withdrew my hand
from his gaining his attention.

“I should go.” my hands found the hem of

my blazer suddenly feeling anxious.
“Uyaphi?” I don't know how I should
answer to this question, sarcastically?
Honestly? Rudely?

“Home.” I said and boy rose his head from

the other guy's shoulder, I finally got a good
look at him, he looked like these two but
younger.

“Papa can Auntie go home with us?” What

?no!! “No MJ, Auntie has to go home, I'll
take her home, you go with BabuMeli and
Kay.” he said, oh he's so fluent in both
languages.

“Okay. Bye bye Auntie, I hope to see you

again, thank you for saving my life.” one
thing I know about this boy is that he is
well-mannered. I smiled and pat his back.

The two guys walked to one of the black

SUVs if counted correctly, they were five.
The three of them got in the third SUV In
the middle. The first one pulled out of
parking, the second followed in suit, then
the third, so did the fourth and fifth. Are
they some kind of royalty or what? If that's
the case then. Bayede.
“You don't have to drive me home, I'll take
the taxi.” I said immediately the cars
disappeared from our sites.
“Asambe.” didn't he hear me. He led me to
a black Mercedes-Benz, sorry I won't
describe the model cause I don't know cars.

I opened the backdoor but then his next

words stopped me, “Ucabanga ukuthi
wenzani? [What do you think you are
doing?]” He asked and I lazily rolled my eyes
going to open the front door.

“You could ask nicely yunno.” I muttered

under my breath. I heard him scoff. okay
wow, this car is ,it's a wow.
It smells nice as well, many but nice.

I punched in the location of my flat in the

GPS, trust me to be forward like that.

Now lemme finally introduce myself. I was

blessed with the names Nomanzi Yandisa
Zungu. My friends call me Noma. My family
call me Ncuncu because of my small
appearance. My mom call me Nono. My dad
call me Nomanzi ka Baba or MaZungu. I am
a daddy's girl, that has been established
long time ago.

I'm turning 21 soon ,it a matter of few

months, I'm currently studying to obtain a
degree of Bachelor of Accounting Science at
UJ and this is my last year, which is why I'm
job hunting beforehand. My phone rang
from my purse breaking the thick silence
between boy's father and me, I smiled
when I looked at the caller ID.

“Munt'omdala.” that how I address my dad

and he hates it but he laughs anyway. I
smile suddenly feeling okay.

“Umuntu wazala inkunzi yenkomo,ayi

Intombazane [I clearly birthed a bull not a
girl].”
Trust my father to roast me wherever
whenever. I couldn't hold it, I burst into
laughter. That just how I am with my father.
Everything else tends to disappear when I
talk to him.
“Kusho bani yena, Manzini ngifunze wena
mina,uthanda ungathandi nginguwena.
[Says who, Manzini I took after you, like it or
not I'm you].” I said with a cocky smile and I
know he's also smiling.

“Uyaphilake Nomanzi ka Baba.” that

softened my heart and my mouth formed a
thin line as I pursed my lips together.

“MaZungu?” I snapped out of it and looked

at the stranger beside me and a sudden
panic surged .

“Baba.” I answered, he remained quiet

meaning he's waiting for my answer to his
question. “I'm fine Baba, just a little tired.
I went to look for apartments today. Then
another company rejected me, apparently
I'm over experienced, like what the actual
fuck?” I bit my tongue after I just cussed.

“Abazi ukuthi balahlekelwa yini. Kuncono

ngoba bayazi ukuthi une experience eningi.
Inkampani yabo ngeke ikwazi ukumelana
nomuntu omncane onjengawe.[They don't
know what they're losing.

At least they know that you are over

experienced. Their company cannot handle
a young woman like you].” my dad just
know how to make me feel good no, better.
“Thank you Baba. I needed to hear that.
Wena? Unjani?” He yawned mockingly. I
laughed at his childishnes.

“Ngingumqemani mina MaZungu, unyoko

unehaba nje. [I'm healthy as a fox, your
mother is exaggerating].” I know that. My
mother is an overreacter sometimes.

“Unjalo unkosikazi wakho,futhi umthanda

enjalo. [That your wife, and you love her
that way].” I said and I know he's smiling
and nodding as if I can see him.

“Ingakho ngamushada. Ulayi njengamanje.

[That why I married her. Where are you
right now].” I looked around seeing that
we're approaching the building.
“Ahem. In a Uber, we're just approaching
the building.” I said avoiding the man's eyes.

“Kulungile ke Nomanzi ka Baba, hambo

phumula. Ngilindele ukukubona
ungumqemane mase ufika ngapha [alright
then ,go rest. I need you healthy as a fox
when you get to this side]” He said and I
just smiled.

“Ngyakuthanda Mancane [I love you].” I

laughed at the way he addresses me now.

“Baba I'm no longer your little girl.

Sthembile is.” I said, and he laughed and
hung up. My dad never want to let me grow,
I have a younger sister Sthembile, but my
dad treats her like she's older and I'm
younger, I guess it because I'm after 4 boys.
He always wanted a girl, and when he finally
had one, he promised to love her like crazy
and he's doing just that.

“So imoto yami i-Uber lakuwena ? [So my

car is an Uber to you?].” Gosh I forgot about
this soul. We came to an stop

“Sorry ,I just couldn't bring myself to tell my

strict father that I'm in a fancy car with a
stranger, when I'm supposed to be In a taxi
but I'm sorry since it offended you. ” I said
with my face looking straight forward. He
cleared his throat
“Ayikho inkinga.” he killed his engine and
turned to look at me, giving, me his full
attention.

“Angazi ngingaqala kuphi ngithi

ngiyakubonga. Into osenzele yona
ayikufaniswa nalutho[I don't know where to
even begin to thank you. What you did for
us cannot be compared to anything].” He
waited to get a reaction, but got nothing.

“Ungaqala ngokuxolisa for ukungithuka

when impilo yami ngiyifake engcupheni
ngenxa yengane yakho. [You could start by
apologizing for insulting me when I have put
my life in danger because of your son].” the
words flew out of my mouth before I could
stop them.

When I didn't hear anything from him I

turned only to find him staring at me.

“Or don't.” I murmured, unbuckling my

seatbelt I heard him sigh,a long ,troubled
sigh.
“Ngiyaxolisa.[I'm sorry].” I froze with my
hand on the handle of the door. I found
myself smiling a bit.

“It okay, and for your information I'm not a

Jozi girl, I'm from Mandeni. Thanks for the
ride.” I said without turning to look at him,
with that I opened the door and shut it,
with a little bang. I had one mission. He's
feeling horrible about it, make him feel
worse.

I smiled at my wicked plan. I purposely

catwalked to the big front doors it going to
be fun.
CHAPTER THREE
 MPATHO

"Usathukile,kodwa ulalile mekufika uSena

[he's still in shock,but he slept after Sena
arrived]" MaJola my housekeeper said when
I settled on one of the chairs in the kitchen.

"Cishe ngalahlekelwa indodana yami Ma [I

almost lost my son ma]" saying it out loud
made my blood run cold immediately,
realization setting in.

"Unkulunkulu nabadala mebengeke

bakuvumele lokho mfanami [God and the
ancestors would never allow that my boy]"
but it almost happened.
I almost lost the only person I love the most
in this world. My only child. My son. My
flesh, blood, heart and soul. My heir. My
pillar. My anchor. My son is everything and
more to me. I would give and take
everything for him.

"Angazi bengingaba yini ,uma kuthiwa

uMaZungu akafikanga kusanesikhathi.
Angazi Ma." If MJ cowered and went to this
man. What would they have done to him?
To get to me what—

"Woza mfanami,woza sikhuleke[come my

boy, come let pray]" I'm not a religious
person but I feel like I do need to pray. Or
need to be prayed for.
She came to me and held my hands. When I
closed my eyes the memories came rushing.
When I got there, the way she held MJ to
herself, her hand on his mouth and hers.
She protected him even when she was
scared herself.

She was right, I was being an ass hole when

her life and my son's were In danger. She
put her life in danger for someone she
didn't know, she could've walked away,
avoided the situation, could've left him, but
she didn't.

I don't communicate much with the one

above but if I had something to say to him it
would be.
'God thank you for sending someone like
MaZungu'

"Amen"
"Amen"

"Hambo phumula ndodana [go rest my son]

I sighed before getting off the chair. Walking
upstairs I went straight to his room ,he was
on the east wing while I was on the west.
Tonight he should be sleeping in my bed.
When I opened the door I found him
snuggled up against his aunt. Both snoring
quietly. When he stirs in his sleep, Sena
holds him close.

One thing about my siblings is that they

always show up. You never go through shit
alone. Sena took the duty of being the close
mother figure to MJ at the age of 19. Some
people even think MJ is hers, and she just
agrees.

At times like this a child needs it's mother,

and I'm doing everything in my power to
close that void in MJ's life of not having a
mother but I just can't give that motherly
love, it comes naturally from a woman.

Now I can't go around acting as a woman to

draw out that love.
For that I have Sena.

Going back to my room I got an text from

my youngest brother Kumkani saying he
found the scoundrels who were supposed
to pick up MJ, the minute things went
south, they ran. The three of us were on a
hunt.

Mesuli my younger brother and I were

looking for the bastard who had the nerve
to pull out a gun at my son, while my
youngest brother was on the hunt for the
irresponsible bastards.

Mesuli sent me home after Sena gave him

an earful for just disappearing when our son
is in such a state. She called all of us but
couldn't get hold of Kumkani and I, Mesuli
being the responsible brother that he is, he
answered his phone and well got a shouting
for three people.
So he sent me home and continued on his
own. I know I'm gonna get my lecture
tomorrow morning.
We lost our mother when Sena was very
young but it doesn't feel like that around.
That girl is mom through and through, she
even scolds dad sometimes and actually get
away with it.
She says it the pecks of being the only girl.

I love my sister dearly. Infact I love my

siblings. If anything mom told us is to love
each other as if the world is ending
tomorrow.

Suddenly the bed is not comfortable. I've

been twisting and tossing for a hour now.
Insomnia is a bitch.
I've drank water but still nothing, no sleep.
I've checked on MJ and Sena five times.
“It okay, and for your information I'm not a
Jozi girl, I'm from Mandeni. Thanks for the
ride.” as if being sleep deprived is not
enough my mind races to her. MaZungu.

The only woman after six years who got me

saying I'm sorry. The only woman who
didn't cower to my intimidating gaze.

The only woman who looks exactly like her,

behaves like her, challenge me like her. If I
didn't watch her life slip out of her,I would
have said she recovered. But this, her. She's
a younger version of her.
As if the universe is having a blast at my
misery the sun starts penetrating through
the window to my eyes ,awakening this
splitting headache, I groan walking to the
bathroom.

I have an early morning today, business to

run, kid to spend my time with, stubborn
girl I'll try to please, people to slaughter . It
just a lot honestly.

Going down the spiral staircase the floor

below is filled with laughter, mostly MJ's ,I
can hear MaJola's too. When I finally got to
where they are, the sitting room, MJ is
ganged on by Kumkani and Sena tickling him
on the couch.
Mesuli is on his phone pacing back and
forth while MaJola sets the table.

“Bo Khumalo.” I gain their attention, and

MJ's laughter dies down, Kumkani caries
him over his shoulders. Sena comes to me
engulfing me in her bone crushing hugs.
Yesterday she didn't get the chance because
we just dropped MJ off and left. Patting her
back I let her know that I'm okay.

“Mabaso.” Kumkani says putting down MJ.

He gives me his bro hugs, we've accepted
that Kumkani is not very affectionate
towards his brothers but his nephew, who
he considers a son. “Mbulazi.” I greet him
with a pat on his shoulder. Mesuli comes to
the group and give me a full hug,patting my
back as well. “Mzilikazi. ” I greet him.

We chose these clan names to address each

other. It rare to find us brothers addressing
each other with our first names.

I'm Mabaso, Mesuli is Mzilikazi and Kumkani

is Mbulazi, then Sena is Sena or MaKhumulo
if we are begging her.

“Papa, I'm hungry.” my boy whines breaking

the little circle, Sena tickles him on
Kumkani's hands then they chase each
other around. Mesuli and I remain posted.
As I wait for him to brief me.
CHAPTER FOUR
 MPATHO

“Ukwazile ukuthola ukuthi ubethunywe

ngubani? [Did you manage to find out who
sent him].” I ask my brother Mesuli as we
take the staircase to the basement

“Akafuni ukukhuluma kodwa maduzane

uzokhuluma, uSbopho uye dladleni layo
lebhari. [He doesn't want to talk but soon
he will, Sbopho has gone to his home].” He
says so ever quietly, that how my brother is.
Calm. Something Kumkani and I differ from
Mesuli.

“Khumbula Mzilikazi asibathinti abantu

besifazane nabantwana. Okokumuthusa
nje.[Remember Meli, we don't touch
women and children, just to scare him].”
that how we operate, we protect the
mothers of the nation and the future of the
nation.

“Syakwazi lokho Mabaso, kodwa yena

akakwazi [we know that but he doesn't].”
He says opening the steel door and
immediately, the stink of blood greets us.
Kumkani did a number on the man tied to
the chair,his buddies are already dead in
front of him.

At least his other eye is still functioning just

fine to the point that pissed on himself
when I came into view. Good.

“Baze kakukhanda wendoda [They did a

number on you].” He trembles as I crouch in
front of him.

“Ngoba nje uvikela umuntu ongenandaba

nawe nanomdeni wakho,ozakwenu
baphambene nemvula manje,mhlampe
uzobalandela kwazi bani [because you're
protecting someone who doesn't care about
you nor your family, your friends are dead,
who knows?maybe you are next].”
He looks to the side as a sign of telling me,
he doesn't give zero fucks about what I'm
telling him.
A two knock came through the metal door,
and a guard opened it, Sbopho dragged a
lady inside. She was screaming and cussing,
placing her in front of this fucker, he
removed the blindfold.

At the sight of him in such a state,she

couldn't hold it in,vomiting right on his
feet. Women.

“OH my God, oh my God!!! You

monsters!!What did you do to him!!”
She screamed struggling to break free from
Sbopho's hold.

“Question is darling Stephanie, what did he

do to us,and well the answer is,he fucked
up.” Kumkani says waving his gun around
and shoot at the man's knee,making
Stephanie scream her lungs out and the
man well scream what left of his lungs.

“Mphilo what...what did you do..what did

you do to them baby...is...is it
money...do..do you...owe them money...is
that it...is..th...I'll pay...I'll pay you
please...please I'll pay you...just don't hurt
him anymore pl...please...” at the corner of
my eye I see my younger brother
sympathizing the woman, if it didn't involve
my son I would too. I mean that was
touching, in front of me my youngest
brother shook his head and smile like the
maniac he is. The maniac that I am.
“Mpilo, Mpilo, Mpilo. Awbheke nje into
ozalahlekelwa iyona,umuntu who's ready to
sacrifice for you. And wena uba Islima. But I
get it, trust me I do. Maybe she isn't that
convincing, should we try who, Amara?
Such a sweet little girl.” his head snapped
up.
Stephanie involuntary flew to him,landing a
slap on his face. My brother that is. I
struggled not to laugh.

“Whoo, I love them fierce, when they put

up a useless fight.” he says pinning
Stephanie against his chest, one hand
holding hers tightly behind her, another on
her waist trying to keep her from struggling.
“You don't bring my child into this! Don't
fuckin bring my baby into this! Mphilo! Do
something!!” Stephanie cry out and try to
headbutt but he dodges it just in time.
Mpilo's head drop in defeat,

He holds her neck and whisper but loud

enough for everyone to hear. "If you try shit
like that again, I will bend you over your
man's knees and fuck you with my gun on
his mouth, fucking it.

And as I climax, my hands becomes sweaty,

they might slip to the trigger and well you'll
be coated in cum and brains. Understood?"
Shit that hot. And trust Kumkani to do just
that. When she doesn't struggle he let her
go. After muttering. “Good girl.”
“You know Steph, I also have a kid. Little
cute boy, five years old. Die hard fan of
Spiderman, aren't they all? Love that punker
to the moon and beyond, I guess you know
the feeling, right Stephy?” She nods her
eyes fixated on the gun in Kumkani's hand.

“Words Stephanie,words. I work better

with words.” and trust me that runs in the
Khumalo brothers, don't communicate well
without words.

“Yes...yes I understand that feeling...as if

there's no one more important than that
bundle of many feelings...that feeling when
you know you'd give and take everything for
them. When they cry, it like your heart is
constricting and never relaxing even if it just
them making a fuss....you still feel like
that....” for a moment I saw something shift
in Kumkani's eye but it disappeared just as
quick as it came. Because <On the job>
Kumkani focuses on the job, shows no
emotion, which sometimes lead to him
being irrational.

“Exactly Steph. Exactly. Now tell if you find

out that someone is a threat to Amara's life.
Someone hurt Amara.
Someone made Amara cry, scared and
scarred, she has nightmares because of that
person, tell me Steph, what would you do?”
She turns so quickly, before I could even
blink.
“I would plant a bullet on that fuckers
head,after I have tortured the life out of him
until he begs for death to come,but it never
does, as I pluck out his eyes with my middle
and accusing finger.

Then if it a man I'd go for his balls

next, I'd squash them till there's nothing
left, if it a woman, I'd make sure that I open
a third whole between her legs. When they
think I'm done.

I'd tear out their tongues, so that they don't

make any noise cause my ears would be
hurting from all the screaming, When I'm
satisfied, I'd stay quiet, listening to them as
they try to make out what I will do next.
Then I'd plant a bullet on their skull.” well
damn.

I see Mesuli smiling in satisfaction. The

excitement on Kumkani's eyes isn't matched
to any. The look in Mpilo's eyes, I wish I was
recording.

“I could just kiss you right now” he says with

a groan, making Stephanie's strong woman
mask slip,her cheeks become bright red like
when he threatened to fuck her on her
man's knee.

“Putting the sexual tension between the

two of you aside and going back to
business. Your man fucked with a wrong kid,
Stephanie, he fucked with my son, our only
heir. He's just five. Knows shit about this
fucked up world. I can tolerate any shit
thrown at me but no fucker who messes
with my family. Specially my son. Now tell
me what must I do with this fucker?” I say
pointing my gun at Mpilo.

She look at him with pleading eyes, she

knows we want something from him, and
he isn't even budging. Even when we
threatened him about his daughter, he
didn't give in.

We just wanted his confirmation cause we

already know who did this. Even if he gave
us,we were still going to kill him. If not
Kumkani and I. Mesuli was.
Stephanie turned to Kumkani placing her
hands on his chest. He looks puzzled just
like the rest of us.

“Just promise me you won't hurt my

daughter,my daughter stays out of it. She
must never get hurt,promise me that.” she
said with her voice cracking. Kumkani
nodded “My word is bond” that what we
always say, a promise is just a single word. A
promise cannot be always kept. So our word
is bond.

“Kill him.” she whispered and buried her

face on Kumkani's chest. We do not need to
be told twice. Kumkani's hand shielded
Stephanie while the other raised his gun.
Three shots at the same time, each from
me, Mesuli and Kumkani.

All in his head. Mine was on his temple,

Mesuli's was on the back of the head,
Kumkani's was between his eyes. Perfect
trio.

“Thumelani lenja koMaphumulo. Nibazise

ukuthi isukile. [Send this dog to the
Maphumulo's. Let them know it is on].” I tell
Sbopho as I tuck my gun and head to the
door.

Turning my head back, Kumkani still has his

hands wrapped around Stephanie's frame,
we shall see where this one ends, because
my brother do think with his dick.
I wouldn't be surprised if tonight Stephanie
sleeps in his arms, that is if he sticks around.

Mesuli smiling he follows me. My brothers

have proven to me on so many occasions
that they have my back, and I have done
exactly the same thing. We made it clear
growing up that, the world can turn their
backs on us but we would never turn our
backs on each other. My son is their son,
and when God bless them with their
biological children, they will be mine as
well. My wife is their sister, their wives are
my sisters. My family is their family, we are
one. They are mine to protect and I am
theirs to protect.

“Uyilungele impi ezayo [are you ready for

the upcoming war].” Mesuli ask as we get
to the parking lot.

“Ngamehlo abovu. [Born ready].” He nods

patting my shoulder. Opening his car I open
mine beside him.

“Ungikhonzele kuKoti [send my regards to

sister-in-law].” He says shutting his door
before I could even take my second breath.
Driving out of the lot he hoot at me. Idiot.

Nothing gets pass this one, sometimes I

think that he has a special gift.

I should be driving to Fourways but I'm

heading Midrand ,looking for the one
person who's going to calm this raging
storm inside my head.

If only I could change the hands of time, I'd

want to meet that girl on different
circumstances, a sunny day on the beach?
Maybe that could've worked, instead of
meeting her on top of a toilet seat, it a
funny story when you're in a good mood to
tell it.
CHAPTER FIVE
 NOMANZI

“So a whole week dude!! A whole week?

Bruh that too much. I can't go a week
without bathing,that just too much bruh I'd
die.” my roommate whined following me
around as I pack my clothes.

“Zenande I've told you to since the

beginning of the year that it is a tradition. It
must be done.” I said for the millionth time
and this girl doesn't understand.

“Yunno if you didn't bhubhudla it, we would

be going home together celebrating
ubuntombi bethu.” she gave me those lazy
China eyes.

“Noma once you get the taste of shagging

you'd never want to go back, mtase that
thing is like a drug,you repeat a good song
so you keep going back for more, bamnandi
abafana mtase. But like the big sister i am,
I'm telling you to be proud of yourself
because i am, not everyone get this chance
because some were misled by friends and
peers, no matter what don't ever let me
pressure you, but the shagging, it too good
mtase.”
and she has been saying that since day one.

“Mhh no I'll pass. Besides Saturday morning

we'll go bathe in the river, then the
ceremony will continue till Saturday night.
So it not a whole week, stop being a
dramatic girl.” she sighed slumping on the
bed. Am going to miss this nuthead,we
basically became sisters. I love her dearly
and she knows.

“Your phone's ringing.” she said nodding

towards my phone, it an unknown number,
and that just pisses me off, because how do
you know my number when I don't know
yours.

“Nomanzi Zungu hello.” that just how I

answer calls from an unknown number.

“MaZungu.” I frowned at that. Dad calls me

MaZungu but that not dad's voice. “Yebo?”
He remains quiet but I can hear him
breathing, nxa who the fuck is this fucker.

“If you're not going to speak, how about

you go fuck yourself” I heard him chuckle.
Nxa

“Uluhlaza MaGwabini [you're rude].” Okay

he knows my clan names,I rolled my eyes.

“Who's this?” I asked slumping next to

Zenande and she looked at me with
alarmed eyes, I shrugged

“Phumela phandle [come outside].” heee

bashimani

“Listen here you—

“If you're going to call me a little fucker
please save it you've done it yesterday and I
can guarantee you I'm no little fucker. Let
me know when you want to witness that
yourself. Now phumela phandle anginaso
iskhathi.” my mouth is left hanging like what
the actual fuck.

“Hey Zee I'm coming okay?” She rolled her

eyes, i feel you babe. She was ready to give
whoever it was an earful, ohh trust me I'm
going to giveit to him.

When I got out there's no Mercedes-Benz

,well fuck it and him. Just when I was to go
back a car hooted at me,maybe not me. My
phone rang again, it the same number, my
eyes automatically roll cause this guy is
getting on my last nerve.

“I really don't have time for games—

“Right in front there's a black Range Rover.

Just come and stop rolling your eyes on
me.” A car hooted again and I see the range
rover. Lazily dragging my feet to it. I opened
the front door and slumped on the
passenger seat. Without looking at him I
greeted. “Sawubona.”

“Sawubona MaZungu.” it infuriates me that

he knows me and I don't. “Ungibizile?[you
called me?]” One thing I've come to realize
is that this one likes to sigh.

“Yeah ngikubizile. Khona engikuphathele

kona,kodwa kuse bhuthini kwamanje. [Yeah
I called you. I got something for you but for
now it in the boot].” cause I don't know how
to answer to that I nod.

“Ngiyaqonda ukuthi izolo angikhulumanga

kahle nawe. Ngalokho ngiyaxolisa
,ngyathemba ukuthi uzokwazi ukungixolela
[I understand that yesterday I spoke rudely
to you. For that I'm sorry, I hope that you'll
find it in you to forgive me].” a Zulu man
who knows how to apologize, now that just
a turn-on for me.
But not wanting to dwell much on his
soothing apology I simply nod.

“Unjani umfana.[how's the boy].” I ask

changing the topic, he settled back on his
seat,looking ahead, as people passing by,
commented about his car. It wasn't on daily
basis that you see a Rover parked on our
street.

“Yena usathukile kodwa ngokuhamba

kwesikhathi uzoba right. [He's still shaken
up a bit but as time goes on he'll be
alright.]” That got me looking at him.
“Into enjengalento eyenzekile akusiyo into
nje omedane uyidlulise, especially umtwana
omncane njengo MJ, maybe ukumusa
kumuntu angakhuluma naye kungasiza
,sengisho umuntu onjenge therapist
yezingane. [Something like what happened
isn't something that you just forget,
especially a kid,like MJ. Maybe taking him
to someone who he'd be willing to talk to
will help. I mean someone like a children's
therapist].” that got him turning and looking
at me.

“Angizange ngayi cabanga kanjalo, bathe

uthe uright name ngakholwa lokho. [I didn't
think of it like that, they told me he said he
was fine and I believed that].” He looks hurt.
“Yeah phela ubatshele njalo, but wena as
umzali wakhe you should know ukuthi into
enjangaleya iyahlukumezana.[ Yeah that
what he told them but you as his parent,
you should know that something like that is
traumatic]” He seems to be understanding.
Good.

“Wena? Unjani? After yonke lento

eyenzekile. [You? How are you? After what
happened]” it got me thinking, lie, so this
conversation could end cause it isn't what I
planned it.
Tell the truth so you could have answers to
your hundred questions.

“I was scared. For me. For the life that

depended on me. For some weird reasons
having him rely on me to protect him gave
me this sort of surge of protective effect,
the need to prove to him that he wasn't
wrong to rely on me. Weird I never stopped
to think of me if it happened that I don't
make it out alive, all i was thinking of was
the little boy who was trembling against
me,it got me thinking that how mothers feel
when protecting their children,but through
it all I was scared,for the both of us.” I took
a break from my rambling, I thought he
wasn't listening but he had his full attention
on me,I decided to push a little further, I got
this far anyway.

“And I wanted to tell you that what

happened yesterday didn't seem like a
random kidnapping, your son was targeted.
Because after i pretended to be his mother
taking him to the café, he should have
ran,but no,he followed us inside. Which got
me thinking ,should I be worried that I
might have ruined someone's plans? Cause
since yesterday I haven't stepped foot
outside this building till now. Should I
continue to fear for my safety?” I catch his
jaws clench and unclench.
“Ukuphepha kwakho akumele kukukhathaze
MaZungu, akekho umuntu ozokuthinta.
SingoKhumalo angeke sikuvumele lokho.
Ukuphepha kwakho kulijoka
lethu,ngiyakuthembisa.[you shouldn't worry
about your safety MaZungu, no one will
touch you, as the Khumalos ,we won't let
that happen. Your safety is our
responsibility, i promise you]” strangely I
believed that. I sighed looking outside the
window.

“I've only seen that shit in the movies,

witnessing it first-hand had to be a hard kick
on the stomach.” I blurted my thoughts.
A warm but yet rough hand coated mine,
that drew my attention back to my hand on
the armrest, his is to big, it had swallowed
mine.

Bringing my eyes to him, I saw something, I

couldn't put my finger into it but it
disappeared ad quick as it came. Maybe I'm
losing it, I could swore I saw it yesterday.

“Ubani igama lakho.” that got me laughing a

bit, cause when I answered my phone, I
clearly mentioned it, but maybe he missed
it. Being his bossy ass.

“Nomanzi.”There, it was there again, that

little glint his eyes give out but it disappears
again.

“Nomanzi Yandisa Zungu, my mom is a

Xhosa woman and well my dad is a Zulu as
they come.” I don't know why I explained
myself, cause most of the time i actually
don't give a zero fuck, that people tend to
stare a lot at my light brown eyes or my not
so black hair and the length of it, wanting to
touch every now and then, honestly I just
hate it.
“Ingakho nje unekhanda elinje. [That why
your head is like this].” I wasn't following, it
not a question but a statement, is he
referring to my hair?.

“Uluhlaza MaGwabini.” that statement

again, it held some sort of warning. I
couldn't help but smile that he thought my
rudeness comes from being I'm a mix, oh
no, that all comes from mom. That woman
shem. This time he said it as if he had come
to terms with it, as he throws his head on
the headrest. ”I'm not rude i was taught to
speak up for myself.“
He hums in understanding and my eyes
follow his movement, he seems tired, his
seat is adjusted backwards. His Adam's
apple blob as he swallows nothing.

“You don't look like someone who had an

eight hours sleep.” there's a little smile, but
again it gone as he speaks in a husky voice .
“Indoda ayilali, iyacambalala MaZungu [a
man doesn't sleep MaZungu he naps].”

I shook my head at his stupid mentality, i

looked at our interlocked hands.
A warm fuzzy feeling hit me just below my
bellybutton.

“Awungitshenanga elakho igama [you didn't

tell me your name].” I say watching his small
smile that disappeared just as quick,
honestly it infuriating now.

“Yazi ungangibiza noma ingani obona

ingifanele,ngaphandle kwalenhlamba yakho
yesingisi. [You can call me with whatever
name you see fit, except that English cuss
word of yours].” i laugh at that,
remembering that he gloated that he is no
little fucker. This is cool, he smiles in a little
long maybe 6 seconds.

“I don't think that fair, I even told you my

second name, few people know about it,
you should be honoured. Now tell me your
name, maybe I'll even give you a nickname,
who knows.” he let out a deep throaty
chuckle, this should be illegal, over
analysing someone like this.

“Mpatho Liam Khumalo.” I snorted at that,

of course I didn't mean to ,it just that I
didn't expect him to have an English name,
he seems to be too Zulu. Even I don't have
an English name.
“Uhlekani?” I quickly tried to stop myself
from giggling any more, when I didn't
answer ,he unhooked his arm that was on
his eyes.
Opening one eye, he looked at me, and lord
knows that, this moment is forever locked in
my memory, I quickly shook my head, he
chuckled again.

“You have nice names.” I said trying to draw

my hand out of his drip, he let me, suddenly
I wanted his hand on mine again. That
obviously crazy.

“I should probably head back, so should

you, indoda sometimes iyakudinga ukulala
Mntungwa, ayi ukucambalala. [A man
sometimes needs to sleep not nap]” his
eyes flew open at the mention of his clan
name, he smiled goofily this time and
definitely.
I wanted to laugh at him. Hhayi Nomanzi
mntanami! he's Mntungwa ngoku. I imagine
my mother say.

“Ingan'yami kade ikubuza namhlan.[my

baby asked about you].” He says staring
ahead ,at the passbys who don't stop
admiring his car. “Wathini wena? [What did
you tell him]”

He unlocked the doors I didn't know were

locked, eh he's no gentleman, did not open
the door for me, We’ll have to fix that next
time. Next time? Will there be a next time?
Of what? Whatever that we were doing in
there.
Will I ever see him again? My mouth
certainly doesn't connect with the operators
cause it just spoke.

“Am I going to see you again?” He opened

the booth and Holly Molly. That a full booth,
full of plastic, plastics that are full of... I'm
not even sure what they are full of but I
know it will last us these upcoming months.
“Angazanga ukuthi amantombazane
athandani engubeni ngoba ngabe ngthenge
zona, but ne grocery isa right, izingubo
ezolunye usuku. Wena ufuna ukuphinda
ungibone?[I didn't know what clothes girls
like because i would have bought them, but
the groceries are fine, clothes are for
another day. Do you want to see me
again?]” Do I? Yes. Yes I do.

“I was just asking hawu, no need to get all

emotional, I know you like me, i mean who
wouldn't, I'm practically a people's person,
so meet me again” I say trying to joke but it
seems as Mr Khumalo here, is far from
joking. He nods. Well that went well
Nomanzi, so well.
A trolley boy was passing by, he called him
over with a whistle, and he did come over,
then they go and try this same method with
girls thinking it'd be the same, ayi bandla
bashimani...
“Lalela-ke nkabi yami, into ithi intokazi le
ngifuna uyambisele lezimpahla layihlala
khona. Ungabulali lutho khona okufayo,
ayiwi nje lemoto yakho? [Now listen my guy,
I want you to take these for the lady here,to
where she's staying. Don't break anything,
there are breakable items there. This
doesn't fall apart right?].”

He didn't undermine him, he spoke to him

with kindness, he didn't show that he's
bigger than him. I like that...I love that.
“Awu khululeka bhoza yami,ngiphethe I
quality mina,my sister,zonke izinto zakho
zizofika in one piece.
[Don't worry my boss. I have the best of the
best. My sister all of your things will arrive
in one piece]” I laughed nodding at that.

“Kobakuhle lokho. Kuzoba malini-ke nkabi.

[It better be like that. How much will it be
then]” the boy, he's no boy cause he's older
than me of course, but since he's a trolley
boy, I tend to call them boys. No man
pushes trollies for people. He took off his
hat folding and twisting it.

“For wena bhoza yami kungaba iruji nje

ngoba ngizomuthululela uMy sister iruji
kuphela.
[For you it'll be R50.00 since I will offload for
my sister. R50.00 only].” He nodded taking
his wallet. I caught a picture of his baby. He
looked younger than he is. Taking out
R80.00 he gave the guy, who thanked him
like he just saved his life.

They both took out the plastics out from the

booth into the trolley. He was singing
happily.

“Hambisake Vikani ngyakulandela manje.

Ngyayazi yonke Into elayo. [Go ahead Vikani
I'm right behind you. I know each an every
item there].” He knows him.
Vikani turned laughing, he pushed the
trolley singing, of course security stopped
him. He continued talking to him.

Mntungwa turned to me, his eyes studying

me thoroughly it made me feel a little shy.
“Izobonana ke MaZungu [ I'll see you
then].” I nodded rocking on my feet.

He seemed unsure of what he wanted to do

next so I initiated it. Stepping forward and
on my toes he bent down meeting me
halfway. I gave him a hug. It warm, I hadn't
intended for it to be so intimate, but his
hold on my back.
I could feel his belt just below my ribcage.
He snuggled his face into my neck, his beard
brushing against my skin, surprisingly it was
soft.

“Ngyabonga.” he murmured against my

neck and a chill ran past my spine and
warmed in the pit of my stomach. The hug
lasted a minute maybe.

Disengaging from him left me feeling cold.

Suddenly missing his warm body and his
warm breath down my neck. Get a grip
Nomanzi, jeez.

“Uphephe [be safe]” I say and watch that

little glint again,it disappears as he nods,
clearing my throat suddenly aware at the
change of my voice, I turned on my heels
and began to walk.

When I have walked maybe 17 feet from

him, just outside the doors, I turned to see
if his car has left, but no, he was standing
near it with the door opened, looking at me.
Zulu men.
CHAPTER SIX
 NOMANZI

Zenande went crazy when I got back with

the groceries. She basically begged me to
woo Mntungwa when I told her that we are
not an item. Said this is the love story of her
dreams, Zenande is crazy and I fear that
sometimes her craziness will rub off on me.

She's the only one I told about what

happened the other day. She's my
confidant.

“How come you guys have groceries that

are not even opened , in the middle of the
month?” Mxolisi, my math study buddy says
from the kitchen.
He's here to finish his assignment, no start
his assignment that was given to us three
weeks ago. It due tomorrow, well
today, since it midnight already.

“Perks of having four older brothers and

being a daddy's girl.” I say tying my weave in
a slack bun. I'm not about to spill the beans
on Mxolisi. He's too judgmental shem.

“Your phone's ringing, an unsaved number.”

of course he'll know that it an unsaved
number, he's so snoopy

“Wo, why don't you go ahead and answer

it.” I say jokingly and this idiot actually
answers it.
“Haibo khuluma phela wathula manje.
Mhlampe umubulali nje. Hawema Noma œ
mhlampe baykuthakatha nje. Phela uthule
lomuntu. [Haibo speak up why are you
quiet now.

Maybe it a killer. Oh my word Noma maybe

they're bewitching you. This guy is quiet].”
trust Mxolisi to be extra like that.

“Awukahle Ihaba Mxo. Lishiye lapho

lolocingo mase ekulungele ukukhuluma
lowo uzofona akhulume. Lucishe, ngaze
bathakathe wena. [Stop exaggerating
Mxolisi. Leave the phone there when
they're ready to talk they'll call back and
talk. Hang up, they might as well bewitch
you].” He snorts placing my phone on the
kitchen counter. Yeah we have an
apartment not a room.

“Please start writing you still have to study

for tomorrow's accounting test.” I tell him as
he munchies on my chocolates. I don't
complain cause I know that Zenande will do
it for me. They just don't get along.

After the microwave dinged indicating that

the noodles were ready, a knock came
through the wooden door. A hard knock.

“Haibo awusikhokheli lesoscabha

sikhokhelwa uNSFAS. [You don't pay for that
door. NFSAS does].” I say going to it. The
peephole shows it a man. He's facing the
other way.

Jerk. Maybe it some student who's here to

study.

Opening the door I already have thousand

cuss words on the tip of my tongue, but
they are forced down my throat when I'm
pushed inside and up the nearby wall with
my back.

“What the fu—

I don't get the chance to spit the words
when he crash his lips on mine,causing my
breaths to hitch. My nostrils register his
cologne, making me melt against his chest
as if it is the most normal thing to do.

“What are you doing here?” I murmur

against his lips and he doesn't stop.
He kiss me with determination, with
direction. My hands get pinned above my
head, my waist tangled with his arm. And a
very...very hard thing pressing on my
stomach.

"Mntungwa...
He hums against my lips, his tongue dividing
in my mouth, I swear I'm being tongue
fucked, and a moan accidentally slipped as
he groans against my neck. Desire floods my
body setting a fresh foreign feeling between
my legs, making me clung towards him. It
hot and bubbly it makes me want
something I know I shouldn't want.

“Mntungwa...ima ...angeke
skwazi...Mpatho...” I hate the way my voice
is so low failing to convince him to stop, my
eyes fly open when he cups my treasured
gem, unfortunately they land on our
audience.

“Mxolisi— I gasp and he stops immediately.

The look he is giving me. I swear if looks
could kill, I'd be dead meat.

“Angzwanga [excuse me]” oh please for

fuckin fuck's sake shut the fuck off. And get
off your high horse.
“A..a...umm..I'll...I sh..I should go— Mxolisi
says picking up his books.
“Yeah fuseka la” haibo bakwethu, poor
Mxolisi. Scrambling around, like a chicken
who wants to lay an egg, it is then I realized
that he has a gun in his belt. The fuck.

“Take my assignment as well Mxo.” I say as

he shoves all the books in his back. On a
normal day I'd laugh at his clumsiness, but
nothing is normal with this man around.

“You dropped the calculator Mxolisi, calm

down.” and that all falls on deaf ears. I go to
him and sit his trembling ass down on the
sofa. His eyes fly to Mntungwa and he
trembles even more. It like he just realized
that I'm not supposed to be In contact with
him.
“Can you make yourself disappear for a little
while, you're scaring him!” I shout at him
and he shrugged taking out his gun making
Mxo jump crying, he literally shrieked like a
little girl.

“Indoda enjani esaba enye indoda?

Ibhobhodlwane. [What kind of man are you
fearing another man? You are a little boy].”
He says walking past us to the hallway.

“Jerk.” I mutter under my breath as I go get

a glass of water for Mxolisi who is still
trembling as fuck. When his eyes connect
with mine, I give him a weak smile and he
let out a sob.
“What. The. Fuck. Noma. What the fuck was
that!!” I sigh sitting on the coffee table
giving him the glass of water which he
gulped down in one go.

“You should take the assignment, you'll give

it to me in class before the hand-ins.” I say
brushing his knees. Anchoring him as his
mind seems to be jumping from one
dimension to another.

“Is he....he ha.. he has a gun Noma...a

fucken gun!!” He tries to whisper but
dismally failing.

“I know. Look Mxo, you're probably here at

a wrong time. You should go. Try not to
think about it too much okay?” He looks at
me as if I've grown 6 extra heads.

“Not thi..not think too much...is your

cerebrum and cerebellum working...a gun
Nomanzi. He has a gun. You know that thing
that kills? Je has it!! A fucken gun!! Are you
even safe with him? Oh my God i should call
the police. He's an intruder.” I sigh as he
looks around for his phone.

“Mxo awukahle. Mxolisi awume man.” I

shout shaking him, he shows me his
accusing finger and thumb as a symbol of a
gun. Jesus Christ.

“Yes he has a gun I know that. I'm used to it,

but clearly you aren't. And yes I'm safe with
him, more than safe. I have never been
more safe, around him is the safest place
there is. And i don't know why i just told
you that. Now for your own sanity, please
go Mxolisi, I'll see you tomorrow, you'll see
I'll be in one piece.” What a fucked up
promise, the fucking hell is wrong with me...

He stands up on shaking feet almost falling

but I got him in time, way to go Mntungwa,
you are such an ass. A handsome one.

“Take the chocolates.” I say and he takes

them without being told twice, walking to
the door, he kept looking down the hall, as
if a ghost might just pop out of there. Well
there goes my study buddy.
After locking the door when Mxolisi literally
ran down the stairs to his floor, I marched
back to this bully.

He is on my bed, on his back. Mind you, a

bare back. His golf t-shirt and vest are neatly
hanged on the outside of my
wardrobe. Freak. And he has.... He...my...

“Taking people's things without their

permission is a crime Mr Khumalo .” I say
snatching my thongs from his hands. I had
them on my bed when I took pictures of
them and sent them to my boyfriend. He
sits up straight.

“Ugqoke loluhlobo? [Are you wearing this

type].” guys this man is crazy. And crazily
fit. God have mercy.
His shoulders are wide and bulk. His chest
wide and definitely hard. His abs, Jesus me.

“Ufunani la?” he simply ignores me,

standing up he take two strides and he is in
front of me. Inches from me, if my chest
rises just a little more, my breast would
touch him just above his lower ribcage.

“Liphi isoka lakho?[ where's your

boyfriend]” his breath hit me on my face. I
hold mine so I don't inhale his. Cause I
might just jump on him to repeat what
happened minutes ago.

“Nalo ufuna ukulithusa ngesibhamu

njengobuthuse umnganami. [Why? You
want to threaten him with a gun just like
you did to my friend]” I'm not going to deny
that I have a boyfriend, or the fact that
Mxolisi is my friend not who this dickhead
thought he was.

“Angisabisanga muntu mina [I threatened

nobody].” He says stepping more into my
personal space.

“I'm pretty sure Mxolisi thinks otherwise.” I

say taking a step back from him.

“Angnandaba nokuthi ucabangani,

nginendaba ngawe.[ I don't care about what
he thinks, I care about you].” He says
stepping closer again. Backing away comes
to a stop when my feet hit the ankle of the
bed. I don't even know how we changed
positions.

“Ngine ndaba ngawe.” he repeats tugging

me close with the waistband of my pajama
short.

Gasping at the way it snapped back at my

stomach, I look up at him to hurl every
insult I know but they get stuck in my
throat when he dips his head kiss me with
he same fire as before. But now it...it
soft...breathtakingly n a nice way. It not
bruising like the first one.
This one makes me hang my hands on his
shoulders for support. This one makes me
press myself on him.

“Fuck.” he murmurs against my neck and I

just sigh in complete pleasure, I never liked
neck kisses ,maybe the person who was
giving them to me was giving them wrongly.

Deciding to live in my moment. I let my

hands slip to the defining V I ached to
touch, running the pads of my fingers on
his skin I can feel his stomach twitch at the
contact. Before I know it, I'm on the bed.

Believe me when I say when I felt him

against my father's kraal I jumped pushing
him off, he lays on his back and chuckle.

“Ngyaku jaha? [I'm rushing you]?” for a

moment I don't know how to answer to his
question.

When I took long to answer he turns and lie

on his stomach watching me curled up
against the corner made by the wall and
headboard.

“Ngisayi ntombi [I'm still a virgin]” it comes

as a whisper suddenly I don't feel proud
about it. He sits up straight and I know it
coming, the convincing of a nice time.
The I'll be gentle conversation, you're old
now, live up a little, if not now then when, I
won't hurt you, I treat you well all that
bullshit. The conversation where the man
thinks for his aching cock not my pride he's
about to shutter.
But no, Mpatho doesn't say all that stuff he
just look at me. Studying me.

“You're not looking at me like they do.” like

my boyfriend does.

“Ngikubuka kanjani? [How am i looking at

you?] ” His voice is suddenly deeper than
deep, he heard himself and tried to correct
it by clearing his throat . I mean it. Even
though it hurt to admit how good it makes
me feel. How good he makes me feel. A
man I barely know. It not even a week I've
met him but I'm comfortable under his tight
gaze.

“You don't seem to be judging me.” I hope

“Ngizokwahlulela ngobani? [Why would I
judge you]” He asks shifting to where I
curled myself.

“It just make you even more perfect.” well it

should be illegal listening to this man praise
in English.

“So perfect, it becomes extremely hard to

pocket my hands and keep them to
myself, knowing that under my t-shirt stand
those beautiful round firm tits.Which I
wouldn't mind sulking on till the ache on my
cock becomes so unbearable, I'd fuck you
senselessly after you have adjusted to my
cock. Because—

He didn't finish when his phone rang from

his pocket. I'm sure my cheeks are bright
red now if not worse.

As he listened to the person on the call, his

eyes on my face. Noting small details has
been my hobby since I could remember.

Like now, noticing how his chest rise and fall

with no signs of calmness. To the point that
my hands flew involuntary to his chest.
A gesture of kindness. I think. I watch as his
stomach twitch at the contact. He dropped
the call ,in a second he's above between my
legs and I'm beneath him. As we breathe,
our chests brushing against each other.

“Akungithokozisi ukuthi kumele ngihambe

[I'm not happy with the fact that I have to
leave]” back to indoda yomzulu I see.

Pressing down as he kiss my cheeks i liked

and hated that he didn't kiss me on the lips
but when I felt his very, very hard thing
poking me on my center i let a victorious
smile, i didn't turn him down he's still hard
as a rock. The shorts were very thin on the
material so when he groaned at the contact,
it had me edging closer. I'm really losing my
mind

“Ngizokubona [I'll see you]” He said having

no shame in adjusting his hard-on in fact he
had a smick when he did it, wearing his vest
he tugs his gun on his belt, wearing his
jacket ,zipped it to his stomach, white vest
peeking. Gun tucked on his hip bone. Phone
on the other hand. Well fuck me now.

As if he can read my mind he strode back to

me a kiss the the living hell out of me, with
this man around, I don't think my virginity
will last much longer because damn.
CHAPTER SEVEN
 MPATHO

I'm so furious now I'm fuming, infact I'm

livid, for starters it because of the
Maphumulos ,those idiotic idiots always out
for war, well if it war they want it war they
will get. And this hard-on that bulging in my
pants is not doing any justice to me, when I
finally find a girl who I think what we'll have
will be more than just shagging, she turns
out to be a virgin.

The way she sighed when registering what

had almost happened minutes ago. It would
have been a disaster. Getting the privileges
of being the first man to have her? Fuck not
that. But putting her in so much shame.
Imagine coming home to your proud family
only to tell them some douche from
Johannesburg has made you let them down.

“You're not looking at me like the rest of

them do.”

There was uncertainty in the way she said

that. Of course I should look at her like this.
It doesn't even feel right to be the one
who's prouder about her being a virgin. But
I am.

And I'm well aware that there's some

douche in her life, but I'm also certain that
I'll be the first and the only one who will
have her, no one else will.

I got to the taxi rank and found bunch of my

drivers pointing guns at the Maphumulo
drivers. Parking my car I take out my gun
and go to them. This looks heated, no one is
willing to back down.

“Maphumulo.” I say with every enmity laced

on the single word, he tilts his head and spit
on the ground, a sign of disrespect, I clench
my fists.

“Khumalo.” He says and get up from his

chair, his two brothers following in suite,
those two are his puppets.
Two cars drive in, with their plates written
'KHUMALO' I know it my brothers.

“Sezikhona izinja zakho,[your lackeys are

here]” He says referring to my brothers, I
hear guns cocking and my brothers stand on
both my sides. “Awukhathali ilemidlalo
yakho Maphumulo?[you don't get tired of
these games?]” Mesuli asks bending to tie
his shoelaces, drawing all the attention to
him.
A gunshot fired and our attention drew to
the victim, Ntsikayezwe. The youngest
Maphumulo brother. “Well mina
sengkhathele.” spoke my youngest brother.
This irrational prick.

“Sifunani la, akusheshe ngoba maduzane

izofa lenja yakho ukopha,awkhulume
ndoda.[what are we doing here, make it
snappy or your buddy will bleed to death].”
the two Maphumulo brothers attended
their little brother.
The older Maphumulo rose with his gun
pointing it to Kumkani, Mesuli and I pointed
ours at him, his brother cried on the cold
pavement, glancing back at him he doesn't
know how to handle the situation, his men
are clearly outnumbered by our men. One
of his puppets is down. I make the decision
for him.

“Hamba Maphumulo, akuyona eyakho

namhlanje [go, today is not your day].” I tell
him ,he still has his gun pointed at Kumkani
and Kumkani is not backing down neither
are we.

“Ayiphelie Maphumulo, niphinde nidlalele

kweyaka Khumalo ingane,ngzoksakaza
ubuchopho ngenhlamvu.[This isn't over,
dare you to touch the Khumalo kid, I'll blow
your brains]”, Kumkani will never learn to
control himself.

“Ayiphelile Khumalo.” Maphumulo

threatens but none of us bulge. He carried
his brother's dying body to their car and
they drove off, his men went to the taxis
they came with and drove off as well. Both
Mesuli and I turned to this idiot.

“Awuna ngqondo vele?” Mesuli starts, and

this one rolls his eyes. “Kumkani
kuphelelephi ukucabanga ngaphambi
kokuthatha umnyakazo? [What happened to
thinking before taking actions?]” I ask and
his head snaps.
“Ngenkulu inhlonipho bobhuti, mina
anginayo ingane ezohamba ikhishelwa
izibhamu. Akukhonja ezathusa intwana yami
kuthuleke nje kanjalo, oMaphumulo
banibona ngoba nithula babona ukuthi
basigibele emakhanda. Ninake hlalani la
nicabange ebe emosha yena ngala,
mekumele awuthole umyalezo, Ingan'yami
lephupha kabi ngenxa yakhe. [With all due
respect brothers I will not have people
drawing their guns on my child. There's no
dog that will scare my son and i keep
quiet, the Maphumulo think they can get
away with everything simply because you
remain quiet. While you're here thinking
things through, he's bush destroying
everything, he had to get the message, it
my child that has nightmares]” He storms to
his car and drive off.

“Kuneconsi lokhu [this one is hot-headed]”

Mesuli says beside me. “Kodwa uqinisile.
Masgoduke [but he's right. Let's go home]” I
tell him and stride to my car while he
remains and address our guys, that Mesuli.
Kay and I leave thing out of control and he's
always the one to clean up after us, it in his
blood, even when we were kids.
CHAPTER EIGHT
 NOMANZI

So when I walked out of the exam session

after I handed in my exam. I thought about
the way the lecturer looked at me, no
looked at my chest. I knew it was probably a
terrible idea to fill Zenande in on what
happened.

But I did simply because she thought Mxolisi

was the one who the musky manly cologne
belong to. Whereas what Mxolisi left is
nothing but his stinky fart.

Now i was forced to wear this black top that

had a plunge neckline. Showing just a little
peeks of the sides of my breast, but enough
to draw stares to my chest rather than my
face.

I went for those silk wrap skirts that cling to

your body showing all curves , mine was
marble print of white and jade green. And a
pair of black Vans sneakers. I felt pretty hot.

“Sir?” I voiced out when he stared for too

long, dropping his head in shame. That I
caught him staring at my chest had him
clearing his throat. Clicking my tongue to let
him know that I'm just pissed as I look. I
walk off.

“Mxol—
I swallowed the rest of the words when he
turned back heading where he came from,
what the actual fuck.

“Well that was rude.” Zenande says hooking

her arm around mine, I just stare at
Mxolisi's retreating figure. No 'Hey Noma,
thanks for your help yesterday, how are
you, about yesterday—

“Mntungwa was right. What kind of a man

is this nitwit” I snorted at that. My friend
bluntly refused to call Mpatho by his name
saying what kind of a friend would she be if
she calls my man by his name when I call
him by his clan name. So Mntungwa it is.

Speaking of Mntungwa the ache between

my legs throbbed even more at the thought
of him, and my mouth went dry at the
thought of his hard-on pressed up against
my core. Honestly speaking, I kind of miss
him. He called earlier this morning saying he
was checking up on me,and we had to talk.
Which is why I'm a bit off, I'm scared of
what he wants us to talk about.

“How do you feel about a little shopping?”

Zenande asked showing me a black card I
know she doesn't own. Zenande comes
from a rich family but this girl. 'Richness
shall never run out' that her mojo. Her
parents provide for her but they are busy
people. Never giving her the chance to be a
baby. But a rich baby.
She used to joke that she used to wipe her
butts with foreign money she finds in her
dad's office. I think it is why she's into sugar
daddies, seeking the comfort of a father
figure well and money because my best
friend loves money like her second life.

“Close your mouth, a fly will fly in, now let

go do some shopping. I have a week with
this.” motherfucking bitch.

After a lot of shopping, my feet were

starting to hurt honestly, we went to Spurr
for some ribs. While I was eating Zenande
was busy filming, for her vlog. This girl lives
for the socials.

“Excuse me.” A lady's voice said behind me

with a tap on my shoulder that made me
jump, I'm too sensitive when it comes to my
shoulders, I don't like being touched there.
Zenande was already giving her a nasty
glare. I turned only for her mouth to drop.
“Oh my God i can't believe this, you look
exactly like her. Oh I'm so sorry, hi, I'm
Senamise, i couldn't help myself when i
looked at you, you look like someone i
knew” she's chatty, I give her a smile.

“That okay, i actually get that a lot since i

came to joburg, some even engaged in a
conversation and realize late that I'm not
her, by the way I'm Noma,this is my friend
Zee, nice to meet you Senamise, that a nice
name you know, petty unique,” I tell her and
her face beams,she looks familiar herself.
“Aren't you Sena Khumalo, owner of
Ntokela Caters?” Zee ask with her eyes wide
open ,mine pops as well when she laughs, I
did think she looked familiar. “I guess I'm
famous then.” she says laughing.

“Oh my God Noma, she is that lady i told

you about, they cater amazing food, the one
i wanted for your Umemulo, Jesus Christ it
really you.” Zenande can make you
uncomfortable and don't feel bad about,
just like she dragged this lady to a seat
beside her.
The lady was all smiles, she's beautiful, a
beautiful dark bone.
“She has been talking about your food for
months, honestly i have to taste it myself,
today must be my day cause we get to talk
to you face to face. In two months time I'll
be having Umemulo, I'd really love if
Ntokela Caters cater for me. ” I say and she
clasps her hands once to show enthusiasm.

“Say no more my dear, I'd love to cater for

you, we'll be there. We love catering for
traditional events so say no more love, we’ll
be in contact.” she says excited.

“Lovely. Please don't disappoint, i know you

won't, just that i bragged about you since
October last year, when you catered for that
event Glimmering Glans, i packed leftovers, i
swear.” my best friend explains, of course
she'd know her because she's a foodie, Sena
laughs heartedly.

“It s nice meeting you ladies, I'm sorry for

interrupting your meal, i just had to see you
up close and you're even more beautiful
really, thanks for your time, you two are so
lovely, but i must go now. Noma please, may
i have your numbers, you too 'the busy Zee'
, so that we'd keep in contact. ” she says
handing me the latest iPhone and holy cow
it beautiful. When she disappeared around
the corner Zee and I squealed, “She just
made my day even more fantastic, wow
mtase, her beauty, a model i tell you”, my
best friend do know how to complement
shem, when something is beautiful on you,
she’ll tell you bandla
“Are you sure that he was okay with you
being a virgin, lot of guys walk away when
they see that they can't convince you into
giving it up, don't go making bad decisions
Nono just to please guys. As much as i want
us to gossip about dicks and stuff, i still want
to see you wearing that cow's fat
(umhlwehlwe) and making us proud.

I'm saying this because i love you like my

own sister, so if he says he want out,let him
go, he's not worth 20 years of maintaining
yourself.” My best friend says parking
outside this fancy restaurant, I have never
been on this side of . Midrand

“I hear you Zee and thank you. Now go see

your daddy with extra sugar I'll call you
when I'm home.”

I tell her and engulf her in my bone crushing

hugs. She kisses the top of my head. Then
she breaks into laughter.
“He's not even that old yunno,” she says
defending him.

“When your mother pushed you out of her

pussy, he knew how to masturbate, that
seems like an old man to me.” I say and
stifle my laughter when she makes faces.
“Get out before i change my mind.” she says
laughing. I blow her kisses and she catch
them dramatically as if they are slipping, I
laugh heading to the entrance.
Zee and I went home to change for our
dates, though I'm not sure that mine is a
date. She had me in a brown solid ribbed
knit halter neck bodycon dress with
cinnamon brown platform sandals. My wrist
clad in a russet brown watch. To complete
the look I went for a banana yellow Louis
Vuitton purse, a gift from my loving best
friend.

“Evening Ma'am, welcome to our

restaurant, do you perhaps have a
reservation?” he's nice. I sho5stop analysing
waitresses and waiters, being nice to
customers is sort of compulsory to them.

“Well no, but I'm meeting someone, he

should be here any—
“Evening.” my heart balance on my knees,
damn he's hot.

Wearing ebony Chino pants and a black golf

tee, then a black carvela, his wrist was in a
russet brown Rolex watch. And what a
benefiting coincidence, we look like a
match. “Mr K, good evening sir, let me lead
you to your spot.” the waiter says
recognizing him. He leads us to a secluded
part of the restaurant, looks like a patio, it
so peaceful, has a table for two. “I'll come
back after ten minutes to take your orders.”
the waiter says and excuse himself.

“Sawubona MaZungu.” he says after the

door closed, I don't know why I'm smiling
like a retart. He smirks and draws a chair for
me. “Sawubona Mntungwa.” I greet him
back.

We held light conversations throughout the

meal,I noticed that he likes to focus on his
meal, he chews a mouthful with his mouth
closed, he chews and swallow before taking
a sip of juice, that worries me, because mna
after two chews i drink whatever is it that I'll
be drinking, but he waits till his mouth is
empty.

He also told me he doesn't like to mix food

with alcohol. So he had his Heineken after
the meal. I learned that he has four siblings,
two brothers and two sisters.
The youngest sister is from another mother
and she calls the brothers 'dads' she's ten
years old. His mother passed away when he
was twenty, he had to look after his siblings
because his father didn't take well the
passing of his wife. Two years later he
remarried.

“Manje uwena nalomdala

eningenawele?[so it you and the elder one
that aren't twins?]” I nod smiling. I have six
siblings and they're twins except the my
oldest brother. In total my parents have
seven children. Lungelo being the oldest,
then it the triplets, Lungani, Lungisani and
Lunga. Then there's me, after me it the
twins Luncumo(Sthembile) and Lulonke.
 Obviously those who shared the womb at
the same time bond the most, leaving
Lungelo and i out, not intentionally of
course it just happens. So when I followed
the triplets, Lungelo became instantly close
to me. When the twins were born they
automatically bonded with themselves. So I
became Lungelo's twin.
I hate that I'm the only one who doesn't
have a name starting with 'Lu' which is why
Lungelo nicknamed me Lungile to match
him.

“It didn't feel like that honestly, well for

Lungelo it did for fifteen years it did but he
was close to the triplets but when I came he
saw his twin, it got worse when the twins
were born, it forced us closer, but we liked
it.” I explained trying to avoid his stare.

“Manje emndenini wakho kune history

yama khosi.[so in your family there's a
history of twins].” I smile again, my mother
was a twin, her twin passed when they
were being born. Funny because when I
hear,Lungelo was a twin as well,but his
passed when they were two years old.

I look a lot like my aunts from my father's

side making me certain that i am a Zungu.
But a Ndamase? if i didn't have any
resemblance of my mother I'd be
questioning people here, she's the one with
a twin gene and I'm the only one whose
twinless.
The only one with a weird name, dad said it
comes from our clan name 'Manzini' and it
made me feel at ease when he told me that
I don't have a twin because I was the most
desired. Ngashiselwa impepho.
CHAPTER NINE
 MPATHO

MaZungu is busy jamming to Rihanna while

strolling through my phone in search of any
song that isn't maskandi. She actually
downloaded that song she's playing. My
phone rings, I connect it to my earpiece's
Bluetooth.

“Kababa.” I greet Mesuli, MaZungu place my

phone on the cupholder.

“Bafo ukuphi? Kuyabheda ngapha.

Amatekisi ethu awuseven avalelekile ku N3,
awuTwo ashisiwe, kuyabheda
kuMaphumulo omncane. [Brother where
are you? It bad this side our seven taxis are
blocked on N3, two others have been
burned, it critical on the youngest
Maphumulo.” Mesuli.

“Ngise Midrand, UMaphumulo ngathi

useyenza kakhulu manje. Tshela uMbulazi
ayolanda uMaNkosi, siyeza.” with that he
drops the call. MaZungu looks at me when I
make a U turn and take a route to
Fourways.

“Siyaphi?” of course she will ask me where

we are going, my hand voluntary fly to her
thick thigh and I place it there.

“Emzini wakho.” she laughs at that, I swear

I'm whipped, the way I love her voice.
“I wasn't aware that i had a house, let alone
one in Fourways, i must be very rich.” she
jokes, taking my statement lightly, I am
anything but joking right now, our lives
might be in danger but having her around
makes it easier to drive calmer than I
want, I want to be at my house as soon as
yesterday.

“Ngizwe ngandlebenye ukuthi uzoba

nomkhonyane onemali, Ingakho nje
unekhaya eFourways, bathi uzosebenza
ngokuzikhandla ukuze aninakekele, uzoba
unenhlanhla. [I heard from a faithful source
that you will have a husband that is loaded
that why you have a house in Fourways,
some said he'll work very hard to provide
for you,you'll be lucky].”
She laughs again her eyes shrink when she
laughs, I take another turn heading to the
estate. It a fifteen minute drive, while I'm
driving she's busy admiring the
neighborhood, it cute honestly, the way
she's looking outside the window and back
at me to make sure I'm okay with her
behavior.

Driving through the gate, her mouth goes

agape, armed security all over the place,
Mesuli is extra, we don't need these
guys,the three of us are enough, after
noticing me they let me in. “I can't believe
this, you live here?” She says looking
outside the window. I simply nod, getting
out she gets out as well.

I'm met by MJ by the door chasing a...dog,

dear lord who bought a dog, as if the idea of
a dog is not horrible it a Chihuahua why not
a German Sheppard or a pit bull. He comes
to an halt when he sees MaZungu his
mouth dropping. He jumps on her and she
embraces him not minding the mud on his
clothes, goodness this Chihuahua is causing
problems already.

“Auntie you came!! You really came, i

thought i would never see you again, i was
so sad.” he says pouting, she kisses his
pouty lips and tickles him, his giggles fills
the air.
 My heart ache at the sight in front of me,
an ache that makes me smile. “I'm here
now, right? I came to see my little brave
boy? Do you know? How brave you are?
You're one of the bravest boys i know.” she
tickles him again.
A grunt startled us, turning to see who's the
owner, MaNkosi walks in with Kumkani, she
never wants to enter the house using a car,
she walks in barefooted. She starts chanting
out her clan names calling out to her
ancestors.

“Hheyi zindlondlo ezinkulu, zidalwa ezinhle,

dlozi elihle,Ngyakhuleka kuni mathongo
amahle, ngyakhuleka kuni zinyanya
zalomuzi, ngithi hlanganani ihlome ihlasele
impi isifikile, hlanganani bo Khumalo, bo
Mntungwa.
Bo Mbulazi omnyama.
Hlanganani nina baka Bhej'eseNgome.
Nina enadla umuntu Nimyenga ngendaba.
Hlanganani boMzilikazi kaMashobane,
Shobane no Gasa kaZikode
Zikode kaMkhatshwa.
Nina boMabaso.
Nina boBulawayo.
Naba abafana behlaselwa,vukani
niyihlomise.”

She grunts even louder, and Sena comes,she

usually takes MJ when MaNkosi is
around, things don't get pretty, it not a
scene for children.
●

NOMANZI

Things were fine minutes ago, when I was

happy to be at Mntungwa's house, happy
for seeing his son, then in the next minute
there's a sangoma, chanting, grunting,
there's a guy behind her, I recognize him
from that day, the one that held MJ in his
arms as if he might die if he didn't.

As if that not enough to shock me, Sena

appears, her eyes widen as mine.

She walks closer and stand next to

Mntungwa now that I look at her,they
resemble each other slightly, she's light
skinned though, not too light just caramel.

“Nomanzi Zungu?” She asks to make sure it

not her imagination messing with her,
smiling I nod, she grabs my other hand
while my other one has MJ, the sangoma's
grunts are still loud, he has gone
somewhere in the yard.

“I can't believe this, what are you doing

here?” I ask as we take a sit on the big
leather couches, she palms her mouth and
shake her head amused. “I'm the one who
should be asking you that, i live here with
my brothers, but you? What brings you
here?” She asks with her brow arched, I
laugh in disbelief, Sena Khumalo, how come
that didn't make bells ring, that why I
thought she looked familiar, but when I got
to know that she is the famous young chef, I
thought that must've been it.

“When they say small world. I came with

Mntung...Mpatho, he is my...friend. ” I say
with an awkward smile, she smiles as well
as if she knows I'm lying. “My brother
especially bhut'Mpatho don't have female
friends, he has fuck buddies and since i
know that your dad is throwing a Umemulo,
ain't no way he's your fuck mate, you’re too
innocent for him, so think of a better lie.”
She says eying me, I cracked up, honestly I
couldn't keep it in. She stands laughing as
well.
“Don't go anywhere, you and i got some
gossiping to do. Bamboo come so I'll ask
MaJola to run you a bath. Nomanzi I'm
serious, don't run from me.” my response is
laughter

Sena comes back with a tray full of cookies,

she goes back to the kitchen and comes
back with two glasses and a cotton of juice.
She keeps smiling at me.

“Sooooo, you and bhut'Mpatho huh?

Please let me know if i still have that job, my
brothers don't understand the word
patience.” she says pouring us the juice.
“I'm still a virgin if that what you're asking, I
came this long, with my no means no and
your brother respects that, so yes you still
have your job.” I say laughing.

We chatted for hours, we even cooked, the

house is quiet ,it just me and Sena, MaJola
the lovely housekeeper has left, her job is
an 8-5 job. MJ has gone to sleep.

We are watching Shaka Ilembe, watching

the maidens makes me feel prouder and
Sena shared her secret that she is not a
virgin anymore, but her brothers aren't
aware, at least she had her Umemulo so she
is proud, she told me how the rituals are
done, at the end of her Umemulo she had
almost twenty thousand Rands, her dad
bought her a car. She wanted a house but it
was a no, no from the four men in her life.

“It pointless trying, they always do this. The

longest was two weeks, no calls, just one
text informing us that they are okay.” Sena
says when she noticed that I was trying to
get hold of Mntungwa again, I have been
trying for several hours, the last time I saw
him was at the front door. I tried to tell Sena
that I have to go back to Midrand but she
refused, the guards even changed posters
and stood guard at the doors, it was
pointless to be angry at Sena, she's trapped
just as me, the difference is that it In her
home.

“I'm just worried and frustrated, i can't

understand why he would take me all the
way from Midrand to Fourways to just leave
for hours.

I have to go home, prepare for my

assignments, i don't want to start them at
the last minute.” I say sighing, there are cars
hooting, Sena and I stand, “They're here.”
Sena

Eight quantums drive inside the yard, doors

opened with men singing gwijo songs
inside, the Mercedes-Benz lead them while
the Rover guide them, a gunshot fired and I
involuntary scream, I like guns, from afar, I
like the sound of a gunshot, at a shooting
range because it quiet, there are no men
singing this loud.
They all park in a horizontal row. The men
get out from each quantum, all carrying
guns, they shoot to the sky and I can't stop
screaming. Sena close the door shoving me
inside, the noise is less noisy from the
inside, she hands me a glass of water.

“Not a fan?” She asks stroking my back as I

gulp down the water.

“They're so loud, they'll wake up MJ with all

the noise.” I tell her and she shakes her
head smiling. “I'm sure MJ is by his window
watching.” she says rather too calm for my
liking.
“So much violence is not good for a kid, you
have to do something.” I say panicking and
looking like an idiot.

“We also grew up like that, guns fired at

broad daylight, gunshots no longer scare
me, they make me cautious, it should be
like that, he shouldn't cower at the sound of
a gun being fired, he should be cautious,
what's happening is training him, he would
run to me every time they did this, but now,
he just watch. Besides it not like they are
firing at people, he say.” she says and I stare
at her in disbelief, the door open and Seven
guys get in, my eyes land on him, the
youngest, Kumkani's clothes are covered in
blood.
“Jesus Christ! Tell me that not your blood!” I
say going to them, Sena follows me, at the
sight of blood I go insane.

“Khululeka koti, akulona elami. Elami

lisemithanjeni, alichitheki ngaphandle.
[Don't worry sister-in-law it not mine. Mine
runs in my veins not outside.]” He boasts
with a smirk, i hear Sena sigh, my eyes
search for him and he finally emerge, the
guys go around the house, they all
disappear somewhere in the house, it just
me and him, he's the most bloodied one,
my heartbeat is deafening all sounds, even
my eyes seems to have a heartbeat of it's
own as they dilate and contrast at the mere
second.
“MaZungu—
“Ngifuna ukugoduka.[i wanna go home].” I
cut him off and his jaw clench, not a good
sign. Zenande would always tell me, which
is why I take a step back.

“Akukhulunywa nami kanjalo. Woza sambe.

[You don't talk to me like that. Come let
go].” He walks past me and I have no choice
but to follow him,keeping a safe distance i
look around for any available exits, he has
long legs so his one step is my three steps,
we go upstairs taking a long hallway on the
left, he's quiet but the silence speaks
volumes. The loudest voice says run.
His room is enormous, with shades of lava
gray and artichoke green, King sized bed
with walnut brown sheets, the curtains
match them, he walks into another door
and I hear water running, he must be
showering, then it all sinks in. What have I
gotten myself into, it never crossed my mind
to ask what he does for a living, a taxi
owner is what he is, a dangerous one, the
one that kills people.

“Ukhalelani?[why are you crying?]” I didn't

realize him standing on the doorway of the
bathroom with nothing but sweatpants,
crying? I have tears, I didn't know that I was
crying. “Mpatho ngifuna ukugoduka.” I tell
him shifting uncomfortable on the Lakers
shorts Sena gave me and the tank top. The
way he is staring at me should be having me
on my toes but it making my stomach
flutter.

“Kusuka manini sengu Mpatho manje?

[Since when I'm Mpatho to you?]” hee, this
man must not try me.

“Igama lakho nje lelo Mpatho waqanjwa

lona kini angithi, ngifuna ukugoduka
Mpatho ade ngisho kanti yini ink...inkinga
yakho...[It is your name right? I want to go
home, i have been telling you, what's your
problem?]” I hate that that I'm crying. But I
just want to go home, away from this, from
him.
CHAPTER TEN
 MPATHO

I watch as she breaks down in front of me

and my hands are itching from not holding
her, not comforting her, this is what I was
scared of, her seeing me like that, seeing us
like that. I love Nomanzi and I had since day
one, Mesuli is the one who suggested this,
when I told them that we should go wash
up.

He said if she's the one she's going to stay

but it doesn't look like that in fact I'm
regretting this, I can't lose her just when I
found her. Mesuli said I'm moving too fast.
As I take steps toward her she takes
backward steps, that hurt.
“Mpatho celukgoduka uyangsabisa...ngeke
ngisho...ngeke...ngeke ngitshele muntu
Mpatho ngyakucela...[ I wanna go home
please ...you're scaring me please, i won't
won't tell anyone I beg you]” I couldn't help
myself but grab her, crashing her body on
mine, she tried to fight me but she
eventually gave up.

“ungayenzi lento MaZungu, ungizwiswa

ubuhlungu. [Don't do this MaZungu. You're
hurting my feelings.]” she cries even more,
but clinging to me.

“You..you... hu..hurt people...you hurt

people...” she cries burying her face on my
chest.
“Ngilimaza abangilimazayo sthandwa sami,
angisukeli muntu. Ngivikela abantu
engibathandayo. [I didn't hurt anyone my
love. I only hurt those who hurt me, I'm
protecting those who i love]” she cries even
more. Shaking her head as if she is arguing
with herself.

“Wubani?[who are you?].”

“Huh?”
“Wubani? The real you. The whole you. I...i
deserve to know...” she demands pushing e
away from her. “What do you do? You...you
kill? ” oh God. If I scare her with mere
blood. Why stop there. I nod and she backs
away palming her mouth from crying
louder, I'm in love with a drama queen.
She watches me and stop crying. But still
her eyes water.

“Njengoba sengikutshelile lokhu, kuzomele

ngikbulale.” I say trying to stop myself from
laughing with the way she reacted.
Grabbing her by her waist again I crash my
lips on hers making her breath hitch, she
smells divine. Her attempt to push me off
her is futile. “Ngivumele ngikubulale
ngothando lwami. [Let me kill you with my
love].” I tell her nipping her bottom lip, her
gaps gave me an access to claim her lips
fully.

“MaZungu.” I call her when I pulled out and

her eyes flutter open, I look at her and she
drops her eyes. “Ngibuke phela.” and she
does, her pupils aren't black but
brown, chocolate brown. Her lips plump
from my kisses. I feel proud, “MaZungu.” I
call her.

“Mntungwa.” music to my ears. I can't get

enough of this girl, trailing kisses on her
neck she tries to suppress her moan but fail,
drawing her closer she moans into my
mouth.

“Bhut'Omdala ubhut''Mesuli uthe a—

Abo Sena nokungacuphi izikhala. MaZungu
palms her face hiding, whereas I glare at my
stupid little sister who giggles like a teen. “I
see you never learned how to knock.” her
mouth goes agape.
“Kodwa bhuti umnyango ubuvuliwe.[the
door was opened].” I roll my eyes at that,
one thing I normally don't do cause it
childish, but you're bound to act childish
when you're after a child, MaZungu is even
younger than Senamise.
“Akusho lutho lokho ,funda ukungqongqoza.
[That doesn't mean anything, learn how to
knock]” I tell her passing her by the
doorway.

Finding them on the cinema room, they’ve

bathed ,good. The other four are our
cousins not by blood, our families go a way
back the Mbheles and the Khumalos so
slash they're our friends, we all grew up
together.
There's Mpendulo being the
oldest, followed by Me, then Mpumelelo,
Mesuli, Sphephelo, Kumkani and Sphesihle
are same age and the nutheads of the
bunch, separated by a few years, even
months. There's five of them in the room,
watching Mission Impossible. “Kumnandi
nihleli la nizophazamisana nami. Yini inkinga
yenu? ” I ask snatching pop corn from
Sphephelo, that one is the foodie.

“Yini Mabaso ubusozolifaka yini? Wacasuka

kangaka? [Were you about to insert it? Why
are you mad?]” and Sphesihle is the smart
mouth, always suffering from verbal
diarrhea. “Ungasasho uMntungwa omkhulu
usekhulumile.” he says eying my hard-on.
I throw a pillow at him and Mpumelelo
throws another one, Khulekani is a fool. I sit
between Mesuli and Mpendulo, the
advisors of the group, the loners, always
quiet until you give them booze. My crazy
little brother is missing, probably fucking to
celebrate, better be not in my house.

“Uthe uyobona uStephy.[he said he's going

to see Stephy]” Mesuli.

“Stephy as in Stephanie ka Mpilo?” I'd be

damned, but my brother nods, but I'm not
entirely surprised. Hayike oKumkani
nokuthanda amadilozi. Umfelokazi? Well
they weren't married but he's..was her baby
daddy.
“Kuzomhlanyisa ukuqhanyelwa lo. [Being
horny will drive him nut]” Mesuli. I laugh
cause I can relate.

When MaZungu told me that she's still a

virgin and well not ready to give it up
because of Umemulo and stuff, I thought
that'd push me away but no it pulled me
closer, leaving me with an aching hard-on
when I think of her, and my hand is not
easing the ache, imagine at the age of 32
,I'm jacking off.

What can I do, suddenly all the women

don't satisfy me, I end up comparing them
to the girl I haven't done anything with
except kissing, hugging, thigh grabbing and
almost fucking.

“How'd it go.” Mpendulo ask, I snort

pointing at my hard-on, it'll take time for it
to go down, they all laugh at my misery, I'm
suffering here.

“Don't fall to deep. It'll be dangerous if it

turns out she's not the one, we don't need
another Mbalenhle.” oh yeah I forgot about
that. It seems as if the Khumalos are cursed,
no maybe it is i who's cursed, when i was
little, isanusa [traditional healer] told me
that i was to inherit my mother's gift
because of that i must wait for the up
power to give me the one i must spend the
rest of my life with, that bullshit, so i then
refused my life being dictated for me, I
found love but love left me, at least with the
most precious gift, my son, now I won't let
history repeat itself, it sad that we only
lasted a year. I shake my head turning my
attention to the movie

“Brothers i will see you when we see each

other, always know that we're brothers,
we're a family and family sticks together,
don't ever hesitate to call us,we'll come
running.
Now if you may excuse me, i must go.
Mabaso, walk with me.”

The way Mpendulo is always formal,

sometimes I look at him like I look at dad or
malume Mlungisi his dad.
“I will not lie to you brother and say i
understand your situation because, well i
don't. If all that did not scare her off, she
remains here, we might as well visit the
great ones. I'm asking you to go back there
and see where she stands but most
importantly don't keep her against her own
will, don't convince her sexually. Ngiyakwazi
phela wena Mabaso.” I laugh at his
accusation because they are true, the way
that Mpendulo knows me, when we were
kids I used to joke that we were separated
at birth and and given to these men and
he'd entertain me.

“Has she said anything about how she feels

when she's with you, any weird dreams
after your encounter.” fancy way of asking if
she has saw the signs that indicate that the
Khumalo ancestors have chosen her for me.
I sigh before shaking my head.

Sighing as well he taps me on my shoulder

telling me silently that it okay.

“Don't lose hope mfowethu ,as you know

the old saying, patience is a virtue, be
patient and remember what i told you, now
lemme go back and try to persuade my
wife, she is crazy, why wouldn't she be?
She's a Khumalo after all.” my mouth goes
agape and he leaves me there standing, we
promised that relatives are off limits when
teasing each other. That bighead.

Heading back to my room my bathroom

door opens at the same time as I enter, she
rolls her eyes tying her hair my tee rises
exposing the lower parts of her butts, my
hard-on kicks back in full force creating a
tent on my sweatpants. “You're back early, i
thought it will be another seven hours, by
the time you returned, i would've been at
home long ago.” she says going through her
purse. “MaZungu how many times must i
apologize to you for my actions.” she looked
at me for a brief second.

“Zero times, cause you never apologized

Mntungwa, you're just arrogant to realize
your mistake, keeping me here against my
will, i told you that i want to go home but
NO.

Big bad Mntungwa gets what he wants. To

think i was worried about you...mxm and
you tell me you kill people, who does that
Mpatho and then, and then you go and kiss
me...seriously you kiss me! And you leave,
you leave me here alone! Again! And you
stand there looking freakingly beautiful,
handsome with th...that tent...mxm!”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
 NOMANZI

My protests to Mntungwa telling him to

take me home were futile, my ranting were
silenced by a long heated kiss that left me
breathless then I was commanded to go to
sleep, I hate this and him, I hate that he is
the man that he thinks he is.

Trying to wiggle out of his hold has been

futile too for the past seven minutes, the
clock reads 02:32 am and I have been up for
the last eight minutes because I seriously
need to pee. “Mpatho i need to relieve
myself.” I tell him and he finally let me go.
Scoundrel.
No,no no why today out of all days, I
thought It will be on Tuesday., clearly my
system is disturbed. Fine but why so early, I
look at my panty that hang on an
underwear hanger, it not fully dry but it will
work, I thank God that it wasn't flowing just
yet but starting to arrive. I wear my panty
and sneak out of the bathroom to my purse.

A girl always come prepared, Zenande

always tell me, I take my purse to the
bathroom. And thank God again that I wore
a control brief panty not a thong, imagine.

Standing awkwardly in front he rubs his

eyes chasing away the sleepiness in them, I
thought he'd be sleeping.

“Kwenzenjani?”, now how do I tell him that I

just received my periods, I have my purse in
my hand,this looks awkward. “Actually
I...uhm...i...yunno, i lost sleep.”

I lied and he looks at me attentively, my

fingers find something to keep them busy.

“Woza embhedeni sthandwa sami.”

sthandwa sami since when, and I smile like
a retart. Though I remain rooted, he stands
up and I immediately run to the bathroom.
“Haybo wabaleka,[why are you running]” I
remain behind the door, he knocks lightly.
“Sthandwa sami kwenzenjani?[What
happened]” Why is he so kind.

I ended up sobbing behind the door

because cramps are killing me, Mpatho
have been knocking since the last four
hours, he even brought me a pen and paper
to write about it if I can't talk about it.

“Awulambanga? [Aren't you hungry.]” I am.

I pushed the paper to him. Please get Sena
for me. I hear him leaving.

“Baby? You okay. I'm coming in, is that

okay?” I unlocked the door and she peeks
her head in, my eyes land on him and he
looked worried, Sena closed the door after
she came in,engulfing me in a hug she
whispers soothing words brushing my back.

“Tell me ,what wrong? Did he do something

to you?” What no! I quickly shook my head
stopping whatever doubt she has about her
brother. “He'd never...it not him, I'm in
cramps and i—

“Say no more my love,i got you.” she says

hugging me again, relief reins.

She came back when I finished my quick

shower, wrapped In a black towel I found.
She had a night bag with her. Placing it on
the sinks she had everything I would need.

“Sena I'm not moving in, I just need a pad.”

I tell her laughing, she rolls her eyes
kiddingly, in the bag there were toiletries,
women toiletries, day and night pads, even
tampons. Two dresses black and grey,
panties, she got to be kidding me.
“it the only hipster panties i haven't wore
cause well they're pink, it not my favourite
colour.” I laugh nodding.
I find him on the bed with his head bent,
noticing my presence he rose his to his
feet, he looks tired and worried. He
changed to his Chino pants and a tee, I like
him wearing those, he was in socks.

“Sthandwa sami.” my stomach melts,

“Mntungwa.” he smiles lightly, striding to
me.

My body crashing to his has became a

norm. “Sekunjani? [How are you doing
now?]” He asks massaging the small of my
back. When I melted into his touch
forgetting to respond to his question he
spanked my ass.
Opening my eyes I lean on his chest. “I'm
fine Mntungwa.” I say closing my eyes as he
slowly massage the spot again. “Sinjani
isinqa? [How's your back?]” the feeling is
just too good making me moan in his chest
he spanks my ass again and I shrieked again
laughing.

“Musa ukusa.”

I bluntly refused to dine with his family it

too early for this situation of ours that is
nameless plus I don't like being around
people when I'm having my lady days. I'm a
bitch. So a little café outside the town was
perfect, I'm a die hard fan of caffeine when
I'm on my periods.

A lady in her mid twenties perhaps occupies

the seat that Mpatho sat in before going to
the bathroom when I raise my eyes to her I
find hers already fixated on me.

“Umuhle kakhulu kunalendlela akuchaza

ngayo,awnamyocu umusulwa. [You're more
beautiful than they described you, you're
flawless and innocent].” I look at her, she is
a beauty too.

A dark beauty with strangely tawny brown

eyes, too light for a dark girl like her but I
date not say that.
Her hand find mine and believe me when i
say she startled me, her skin was so cold
against my own to the point that I felt as if I
was being electrocuted, harshly drawing my
hand from hers she looks startled too.

“Ngiyaxolisa mekungamele.[sorry i
shouldn't have].” all along I haven't uttered
a word, I’m just at lost. Her wrists are
decorated with ancestral beads, green and
white, yellow and white. She has two goat
bracelets (Iziphandla) one at the beginning
and one at the end, same applies on her
other hand, she doesn't strike me as a
Sangoma.

Warmth blanket me, i had no idea that I was

feeling cold, “Buyekhaya Nomanzi
sikulindile. [Come back home, we're waiting
for you .]” She says and with a nod she
walks to the exit. Who is she? How did she
know my name? These are one of the
questions I should've asked but couldn't
bring myself to.

Mpatho sits back on his seat, flashing his

eyes on me that glint again, as if he is a
shining surface and the sun reflected there,
it so quick it catches my breath. His brows
knit together studying me. “Ukahle
sthandwa sami?[You okay?]” No whenever I
look at you after some time there's a shiny
glint in your eyes and instead of being
freaked out, it draws me closer.

Of course he'd think I'm insane when I blurt

that, instead I put my hand over his wanting
to feel something different from what that
strange girl left me feeling.

And indeed I feel something else warmth, it

rushes to my whole body when he turns his
hand interlocking our fingers, if I was too
yellow mellow, I would be red as a skinned
piglet.

My phone rings disturbing this special

moment and I internally curse whoever is
the caller, I take that back because it my
dad. Letting go of Mpatho's hand I fell
empty. Answering the call I await for dad's
jolly voice.
“Yandisa?” I'm in trouble, I'm In a lot of
trouble, what did I do?

“Manzini.” I dare not call him Munt'omdala

when he called me by my second name,
that just means trouble.

“Mtanami ukahle? Kuhamba kanjani

eskoleni?[are you okay? How's school?]”
well that weird but I nod, right he can't see
me. “I'm alright baba, school is fine, in three
days I'm having another test, remember the
one i told you about not long ago, yeah well
i passed it, with amazing results at that so
yes school is fine. But how are you over
there? You sound worried.” I ask gaining
Khumalo's full attention.
“izinto zilungile ngapha, mekufike iqhikiza
lizosazisa ukuthi izintombi ziyeza
zizophumelela. Mhlampe kumele uke
uqhamuke uzozibona. [Things are okay this
side, the head of the maidens came to
inform us that the maidens will honor our
invitation,. Maybe you should visit them
soon.]” but I still have like two months till
the ceremony but do I tell my dad that,no I
don't.

“I don't know dad, my schedule is pretty

tight, cleared for the two weeks I'll be away,
i can't miss any classes until then, but do
send my regards please.” of course i tell him
buy gently.

Dad and I chatted for more minutes until I

told him that when he called I was with
someone, the look on Mntungwa when I
said that, we said our goodbyes.

“Ngane kababayo.[daddy's girl.]” He says

drinking his coffee, I smiled nodding, I'm a
daddy's girl and a proud one, dad always
showered me with his love, even with
Sthembile around I'm still the most adored
one and honestly I don't feel bad about it,
Sthembile has her twin to adore, I don't.

Saying goodbye to him did not turn out like I

thought, I thought it'd be awkward. But no,
it ended with me pressed up against
Mpatho's Mercedes-Benz with his lips
bruising mine and punishing me for raising
my voice at him earlier this morning, he said
and I quote.

“Ukube kuya ngami, izolo ngabe

ngikubhebhe waze wakhohlwa igama lakho,
ngabe uhlulwa ukuhamba namhlanje ngoba
uneconsi, kodwake wohambu sinda. [If it
were up to me, i would have fucked you till
you forgot your name yesterday, you
wouldn't be walking today because you're
hot-headed, but then luck is on your side.]”
To say I'm crazy would be an
understatement, I was turned on by a threat
like that, knowing myself it should have
made me cringe, angry, humiliated, but
no...it made me grin,
happy, wanted/craved. It made me feel.
Zenande is on the kitchen island with
a...book, well that a first. “I was thinking of
filling a case of a missing person.” she says
placing down the book, and when I see that
she's reading a Bad Girl's Bible Volume 3 I
chuckle and here I was thinking she's
reading something productive. Zenande is
your typical smart but oblivious girl.

I slump down on the seat between her legs,

placing my head on her thighs, she
massages my temples combing through my
head with her fingers I moan to the feeling.
“Habe uyamona, hee ikwenzani lendoda
yakho Noma? [She's moaning, what is this
man of yours doing to you?]” I laugh raising
my head.
She gasps trailing the love bites on my neck
there's two of them, four on my breasts, I
dare not tell her that, she laughs clapping
her hands once, she fans her face
dramatically.

“Haibo une hickey, unama hickey haibo

Nomanzi, akashaywe lomfana!! [She has a
hickey, this boy is corrupted]” I laugh again.
She eyes me and burst into a fit again.
CHAPTER TWELVE
 MPATHO

“Reporter: Breaking news, the youngest

Maphumulo brother has passed on in the
city hospital Annemarie hospital, he was
admitted here not long ago with a bullet
wound on his shoulder. Today this morning
mister Maphumulo was found dead on the
hospital's bathrooms, nothing shows his
cause of death, the nurse who was
assigned to Mr Maphumulo shared her
views about this matter.

Nurse: honestly speaking I'm out of words,

when Mr Maphumulo was admitted to our
hospital he had lost a lot of blood, not long
after he was treated he looked promising,
yesterday things got a little hectic but
today he seemed fine, he was found by
another patient on the bathroom with a
bottle of pills,we believe that he had
committed suicide...

Reporter: unfortunately the news are still

disturbing on miss Mbambo. The police are
still investigating the case as requested by
the Maphumulo family. I am Nikeledi Diale
reporting live in Johannesburg at
Annemarie hospital .”

“Ma azange wabona uKumkani namuhla?[

have you seen Kumkani today?]” MaJola
shakes her head heading to the laundry
room, that boy better not have anything to
do with the passing of the Maphumulo boy,
he has already out us in deep shit by
shooting him.

The war between the Maphumulos and us

has left little of the Maphumulo territory.
We managed to take at least a quarter of
their taxes to pay the ones they burned,
taking their territory was just a cherry on
top. Actually a warning to other opposing
parties, we've been too lenient on the
Maphumulos schemes, turning a blind eye,
it was about time someone got hurt to pass
the message, and it wasn't going to be one
of us.

Now I just need to find my irrational brother

and clear his name before anything goes
south, my phone rings in my pocket.
It Mpendulo, I wonder why he's calling me.
“Bafo.”
“Yey wakithi. Usithandile isipho sami? [Did
you like my gift?]”
“Isipho?”

“UMaphumulo omncane, on a silver

platter.”
“Unamanga!”
“Ngikutshelile wakithi,oMbhele no Khumalo
abahlukani,singumndeni and umndeni
uyabhekelelana ,if oMaphumulo bafuna
impi, bazoythola. It seven against two. [I
told you brother, the Mbheles and the
Khumalos stick together, we're family and
family looks out for each other, if it war that
the Maphumulos want, it what they'll get.]
“Wamcisha nje kanjalo Sompisi? [You killed
him, just like that?]”
“Perks of having a wife that is a doctor by
profession and tradition.”

“Ngathi ngiyamusaba manje lomakoti.

[Remind me not to get on her bad side.]”
“Ayibuye ibonane bafo,khululeka,akukho
okuzobuyela kunina,konke ku clean. Sala.
[Don't worry nothing is going to comeback
to you,everything is clean. Bye.] ”

Again my mouth is slightly open, if it not

Kumkani it Mpendulo, I was born in a crazy
family. “Bafo ngizoyibulala lengane
yakini,uyahlanya uKumkani inkosi mpela
Mabaso ngizomopha ngaye izitradi.
Wiyicishile intwana
yakaMaphumulo,ukusazi nje lutho. Kuyosiza
ukuthi umufihle ngoba ngyafunga. [Brother i
will murder your little brother, Kumkani has
lost his mind i tell you Mabaso i will mop
the streets with his face. He killed the young
Maphumulo without informing us.]” Mesuli
is not the one who raises his voice that
easily, he's always calm and collected, I
better stop this fire before it consumes him.

“Mzilikazi akusiy—

I got cut off when Kumkani waltz in

whistling, bad timing brother, bad timing.
Mesuli draws out his gun and shoot at
Kumkani's feet causing him to scream like a
girl jumping and landing on his butt, Mesuli
attempts to charge to him but I grab him by
his forearm pushing him behind me and he
staggers backwards.

“Ubukade uthi uKumkani ohlanyayo kodwa

nawe uyahlanya Mesuli, okokuqala
ngyawafuna amatiles ami as soon as
yesterday, okwesibili akusiye uKumkani
ocishe leyantwana, uMpendulo,
ungtshelile,ngakhoke, xolisa. [You were
saying that Kumkani is crazy but you're also
crazy, firstly I want my tiles as soon as
yesterday, secondly Kumkani isn't the one
that killed that boy, it was Mpendulo he
told me. Therefore, apologize]” Helping
Kumkani to his feet he looks startled with a
hand on his chest. Drama queen.

“For the fact that ucabanga ukuthi I'm

capable of doing something so cunning is
honestly a complement of the year, but my
dear brother the fact that you shot me i—

“I did not shoot you Kumkani i—

“You missed dear brother because you—

“Anikahle iscefe nina, Mesuli xolisa uzehlise.

Kumkani lalela uyeke ukuphapha.
Ngizonibona. [Oh please stop with the
nuisance you two, Mesuli apologize humble
yourself. Kumkani listen and stop being
foward. I'll see you.]” I tell them.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
 NOMANZI

The joy I felt when I received a DM on

Tiktok from Gogo Phaphe. But also the
worry, I mean it Gogo Phaphe people. I
literally jumped up and down in
excitement.

Phela being recognized by Gogo Phaphe

means a freaking lot, I have been following
her ever since I stumbled across her
account, she doesn't post much about her
gift, she just posts about her life as the
Mbhele wife.

Lowasisi is living it, I just love how her

sister-in-laws and her are close, they're like
best friends, a beautiful bunch. When she
asked me to meet her at the airport for a
brunch I went crazy. Nsebenzelo Phaphe
Mbhele is just too good to not adore.

My Uber was unavailable today, by my Uber

I mean Zee, I don't know what happened to
the Maserati she drove yesterday, she
hasn't been okay,she acts as if she is but I
know she isn't, we've been friends for three
full years I know my best friend, she did
share my excitement with me though, even
hired an Uber for me, a real one.
I don't come here a lot, I came once or
twice I think, I always travel using a bus. The
sight of aeroplanes make me smile like it
the first time seeing one, a buffed guy
comes to me and for a moment I think of
running away. Any ngiyi gwala kabi.
“Miss Zungu?” I nod and he gestures with
his hand to go ahead, this restaurant is
freakingly beautiful.

There she is, sitting like a queen that she is,

clad In a black bodycon dress, her hair is
short and she is gorgeous, when she sees
me she smiles ending the call she was on.
“Oh wow you're more beautiful in person,
Huns they're not doing you any justice,
please sit.” She's so nice, she said what I
was thinking about her. I smile nervously
taking a seat before her.

“Goodness you're so beautiful, stop being

shy i don't bite, now tell me about you, I've
ordered for us, i hope you'll be okay with
my choice.” she says sipping her glass of
wine. I let my smile widen.

“Oh there isn't much to be said about me,

just a girl from KZN, here to study. I'll be 21
in two months time, I’m doing my final year
this year. I'm from a family of twins and I'm
twinless...umh i have four older brothers
and one that comes after me, i have a little
sister wh...my God you're making me
nervous.” I say drinking some water, she
laughs leaning back on her chair. “C'mon I'm
prepping you for future interviews, tell me
about yourself. Is always there my girl, so 21
huh?, i saw it in your account that you will
be having Umemulo, must be nice.” she says
giving me her full attention, I nod and give a
little nervous laugh.
“I didn't know that keeping yourself pure
this long will be so hard,tjoo and sathane
works an overtime sending his little minions
to tempt you, but i pulled through.” I say
and laugh a little that when I talked about
temptation I thought of Mpatho.

“ooh okay, tell Mr who's the lucky guy

them,cause I'm pretty sure that on
yesterday's Instagram pictures I saw manly
pictures with a caption saying 'Who you
been you vibing with?' , now spill .” that
picture got so many likes and comments
that I ignored, asking me where I found the
guy. I just couldn't resist, Mntungwa has
beautiful hands.
“We haven't put a name into it yet, he
checks on me,take me on dates, i had a
sleep over yesterday, a forced one though.

There's kissing, hugging, cuddling nothing

other than that. He hasn't pressurized me
into giving it up,instead he understood, he
praised me.

He is an amazing guy honestly ,but i have no

idea what it is that we're doing, we ain't
friends that for sure , i think we're in
between...oh my God I'm so blabbering.” I
say palming my mouth,she laughs shaking
her head,our order arrives, it an Italian dish
I once saw online, can't even pronounce it.

“You know i think you already have an idea

of what your situationship might be. It was
like that too with Mpendulo my husband,
that man just came out of nowhere and
changed my life completely, for the better at
least, the day we named it was when we
were having sex told me once he hit it ,it his
and his alone...and i don't know why i just
told you that my God it embarrassing.” she
says palming her forehead, it my time to
laugh at her.

“Oh no,not at all,I loved hearing about it,

looks like he knew what he wanted all
along, maybe that might be my case as well.
When we do it...you know... the deed” she
eyes me nodding and then burst again,
people are starting to look at us. “Honey sex
is sex, not the deed, you're so innocent it
cute and funny, I'll walk out of here with
sore cheeks from all the laughing.” She says
and then close her eyes saying grace, a
woman who prays is a cherry on top. Amen.

“It so weird how open i am with you as if i

have known you for a long time, when i
came in here i pinched myself to prevent
myself from jumping on you hugging you.” I
confess and she chuckles placing down her
wine glass. That food was devine, so
delicious, yummy, I don't know what to say.
“Singazana ngokwenyama kodwa
ngokamoya siyazana,kungakhonje
ngikubizile lapha.[We may not know each
other physically but spiritually we know
each other, which is why i have called you
here,]” She says all that smile has vanished,
before me is a very serious Nsebenzelo, I
won't lie and say I was calm, i was anything
except calm.

“Angiqondi.[i don't understand]”,she nods

placing her hand over mine, it so cold, but
not like the girl's from the café ,her coldness
is weird because i feel comfortable with it, it
corresponds with my temperature, and that
alone makes me feel anxious but I dare not
remove it.

“Your hand...it so cold, are you feeling

cold?” She shakes her head with a faint
smile. “That what happens when two souls
of different words make contact, their body
temperature is different, it opposes the
other, your hand was cold against my skin as
well. It not my place to reveal things to you,
my job was to come and warn you about
the danger that coming.”

“Danger? Nsebenzelo what danger?”

honestly I'm panicking all this that she's
saying is making me panic. My blood is cold
against my bones I can feel it.

“It not my place to say. But qaphela.

Kuzomele uqaphele mtanami, ufike kuwe
njengo mngani kanti uzoba yingozi, Goduka
uyophahla, izinyanya zakho zizokuvikela.
Goduka Nomanzi! [Be careful, you have to
be careful my child, they came as a friend
but they're deadly. Go home and talk to
your ancestors, they will protect you. Go
home Nomanzi!]” People turned looking at
us,it because Nsebenzelo shouted the last
part causing the glasses fall, and I practically
shrieked, her nose is bleeding.

A white woman In a formal wear came to

us, “Mem the cus—

“Siyahamba.[We're leaving]” Nsebenzelo

cut her off, her bodyguard came helping her
up, once we're outside, I stood a
respectable distance from her. She finished
cleaning her nose.

“Ungathuki, kuyenzeka nje ngesinye

isikhathi. Khumbule engikutshele kona,
qaphela Nomanzi, suyohamba kahle. [Don't
be scared, it happens sometimes.
Remember what i told you, be careful,
goodbye]”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
 NOMANZI

The walk back to our apartment is made out

of pure confusion, I'm still thinking about
what happened minutes ago. Finding
Zenande on the sitting room still reading the
Bible, “I really want to know what's with
you and this Bible, what happened?” She
places it down.

“Isaac is going back to Nigeria, to visit the

wife and kids.” She says with an eye roll. Uh
oh, trouble in paradise. I pretty much have a
lot on my plate right now to entertain
Zenande's sugar daddy problems, I doubt
that that man will ever set foot in South
Africa, he's too shady.
“Anyway forget about Isaac and his tickling
pinkie, there are bigger dicks out there,
figuratively and literally. How was your
lunch.” Honestly I wish she never asked
cause thinking all about what happened
earlier has caused me nothing but splitting
headaches.

I slump on the couch before her. She eyes

me, “Exhausting, i wish nothing but a long
bath and a well deserved sleep, think i could
have that?” She studies me with a pointed
glare but I don't give in. I'm just too tired,
she nods and I get up heading to my room.

“Gogo, sikuphi lana? [Granny, where are

we?]”
It a quiet place filled with green trees, so
tall I can't see their tips. The green grass so
soft again my bare feet. The wind so cool
against my bare skin. I'm wearing nothing
but the short white pleated skirt, the
elderly woman beside me has nothing
since we embarked on this journey.

“Gogo sengkhathele.[I'm tired].” she

doesn't stop, she points at the shining
horizon, she has been doing that whenever
I complain about being tired. My feet are
killing me, they are swollen and muddy.
“Angisakhoni gogo ngikhathele [i can't
anymore, I'm tired].” she stops again giving
me a pointed look.

“Kulungile, ngizobuya [fine, I'll be back]”

with her accusing finger she pushed me on
my forehead.

I'm at the doorstep of our apartment, my

feet covered in mud and blood, they ache
like hell. I'm in my pj shorts and vest. I'm
tired, I only managed to give two faint
knocks hoping that Zenande heard them,
everything goes black.

●
 ZENANDE

I wish I was introducing myself on different

circumstances, not when I'm surrounded by
the high testosterone In this waiting area in
the hospital, I'm basically in a war zone
between the Khumalo men and the Zungu
men.

We've been here since one in the morning.

Luckily when everything happened I was in
the kitchen stealing Nomanzi's ice cream.
I heard her two faint knocks, the big thud
that followed.

I found her on the doorstep, in nothing but

her pj's, barefooted, covered in blood and
mud.

I panicked and woke up the whole

neighbourhood, the first person I called was
Nomanzi's boyfriend scratch that, this guy
doesn't fit the boyfriend description, he is a
MAN.

I then called her oldest brother Lungelo

who was in Capetown, he came with the
whole gang.
It been 8 hours already and In two hours I
have a class, the doctors have been there all
this while.
“Nali itiye,[ here's some tea]” One of the
other two Khumalo brothers say,we haven't
even changed pleasantries, taking the tea, I
nod in appreciation.

“Kanti kwenzakalani la,kunini sihleli la.

[What going on,we've been here for so
long]”, Lunga asks pacing around, he's the
most irritable twin,always on the edge but I
couldn't agree more.

“Bhut'Lungelo.” I dare not call them by their

names, they are old enough to be my
brothers as well. He comes back from his
corner and kneel in front of me.
“Mam'Ncane.” right, I forgot about that, it a
silly joke I made when I first visited the
Zungus, I told Mr Zungu that he's too young
to have one wife, he said then I'm his
second wife,that where I got the
Mam'Ncane nickname.

“Bhuti in two hours i have a class, may i go

there and come back after.” They earned
the respect bandla. He nods in agreement.
“Ngiyezwa Mam'Ncane, hamba sizokuthinta
makukhona ushintsho. [I hear you, go we'll
contact you if there's any changes]” He says
giving my knees a little tap as he stands up.
Lungisani comes to me with the goofy smile
as always, I call him Goofy. “So these are
Ncuncu's boyfriends? Or you also have a
share.” see what I mean, goofy. I give him
an eye roll.
“Maybe you would know if you engage in a
conversation with them yunno get to know
each other.” it his time to give me an eye
roll, I kiss his cheek and go to the other
brothers.

“Umh ,i have a class in two hours, i have to

head back but I'll be back after class.” I tell
them playing with my fingers. “Mhh the
tension will be so tense with you gone.
Meli? Won't you offer the lovely lady a lift.
You have a meeting too don't you?” I
believe that this is the clown of the circle.

“Ungamnaki uKumkani. Kulungile uMesuli

uzohamba nawe, syabonga ngokusazisa.
[Don't mind him. It okay Mesuli will go with
you and thank you for letting us know.]”
Mntungwa says, Mesuli is the teaboy. Oh I
feel bad saying that because he's so
intimidating even when he's nice. He's the
one who offered me his jacket when i was
trembling in pajama shorts, and now I smell
deliciously like him.

So let me introduce myself because I never

did. My name is Zenande Sbahle Zulu, I am
22 years old, studying law at UJ. Been best
friends with Nomanzi for 3 years now.
There's nothing much that can be said
about me, so ride along with me to hear my
story as well. That is if there is one to be
told.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
 NOMANZI

The beeping sound beside my head is more

annoying than the headache that I have.
The smell of pills and medication makes me
nauseous, I could vomit any time.

My shoulders are too heavy for me to lift,

fluttering my eyes open I take in the white
walls and the blue paper gown that i am in.
The white and brown sheets, my feet are
aching but not like before. The door opens
and an elderly white guy in a doctor's coat
comes to me.

“Miss Zhunngu good that you're awake,

how are you feeling?” he means well but
I'm just pissed. “Like I've been hit by a train,
and like I'm on the Kalahari desert.” he gets
my message as he pours me a glass of
water. So generous of him when he makes
me drink using a straw when I make no
effort of taking the glass.

“How are your hands miss Zhunngu?”

maybe it because he's torturing my last
name, because what the fuck is Zhunngu!!
I'm just pissed out for no reason the poor
guy did nothing, it not his fault he made no
effort to learn our language just like we
were forced to learn theirs. “I can feel them
but I'm too lazy to lift them.” I answer
honestly, he writes on his file. “Mhh it must
be the morphine, I'll let them know that
you've regained consciousness so they'll
decide who comes first to see you, they
can't come all at once. You've got a big
family there.”

I nod and he exits ,in less than a minute the

door burst open and for a second i thought
of running in fact I almost ran, but all I did
was watch as they compose themselves
coming to me.

“Ncaaa ngane kababayo, Lulu wami.” that

all it took for me to break, my brothers soft
voice and him calling me Lulu, he hugs me
for dear life,and I cry even more when I
can't hug him back due to my stiff
shoulders.

“Ncuncu.” Lungani calls me when it his time

to hug me, his hugs have always been the
most warmest ones. He strokes my back.
“Kuzolunga sis'omncane. Sikhona manje.
Musukukhala, [it'll be okay little sister.
We're here now, don't cry]” He always know
what to say.

“Kuzolungani nawe ungazi ukuthi yini

inkinga?, kusho udokotela akazi.
Sukukhohlisa ingane. [What will be okay
when you don't even know what wrong, the
doctor doesn't even know. Stop fooling the
kid]” the youngest twin Lunga say and
received a head smack from Lungelo, he
holds his head with one hand and hug me
with the other one. I'm already smiling.

“Your boyfriend is on the other side, we've

beaten him to a pulp.” Lungisani, I don't
know why my smile dropped and I produced
fresh tears.

I know my brothers are capable of that, but

why would they beat up Aphelele who is my
boyfriend because he is in KZN. That
because they are not talking about him,
Lungisani's hug did no comfort.

“Lungisani you've made her cry again,

you're such an idiot. No boyfriend of yours
has been beaten up sis...Yet” Lunga says
with a pat on my shoulder but it felt as if he
slapped so hard it stings, it made me clench
my fists under the covers. Lungelo rolls his
eyes.

“They should see you as well, they seem

worried, uMam'Ncane had to leave because
she had a class, we'll talk about all of this at
home.” I nod because I'm afraid that when I
open my mouth it will upset Lungelo, well
done Lungisani Bravo, this is why i prefer
the oldest twin Lungani, because he's
always calm and collected, cause no drama,
i thik him and Lungelo took after dad and
these two took after mom, always irritated
and full of drama.

They all exit and the Khumalos walk in. My

eyes are immediately glued to him, he's in
black sweatpants and a long sleeved tee.
Kumkani is in black knee length shorts and a
hoodie. He doesn't say anything but just kiss
me, he tells
me everything through his kiss. His worry
and every emotion he had. Kumkani clears
his throat.

“If i stay any longer here, i will have a

serious hard-on and well my recent booty
call is unavailable, unjani koti.” oh he knows
what to say because I'm laughing.

“I'll survive.” I tell him and he nods, rocking

on his feet he looks at his wrist. “Oh wow
would you look at the time, i got some
things to do so you know what, you two
stay here, I'll lock the doors. Brother call me
when they finally decide to rearrange your
face,I'll bring the ice packs.” he says and
he's out, I laugh at him while Mntungwa
chuckles. Now it just him and I and the
beeping sounds, his cologne has masked the
smell of medicine.

“Sthandwa sami." And my heart is dancing

gwaragwara. Doing back flips and daps. My
mouth gone dry and can't form any words,
I'm sthandwa sami manje,hee I'm his
sthandwa. “Mhh.”

“Sthandwa sami?.” I smile at that.

“Mntungwa.” he chuckles, taking my hands
into his, he runs the pads of his thumbs on
my knuckles and warmth engulfs my whole
being. “Ukahle?” I think about it. Am I okay.
I don't feel okay so I shake my head no. I see
no point in lying to him.

“Talk to me.” I smile at how he can switch

languages as if it no one's business what we
call being multingual. When I open my
mouth to speak I choke on my tears and
decided to just let them speak for
me,hopefully he'll understand.

He sits on the edge of the bed and drag me

to his warm body, I cried with my face on his
chest, strangely the beating of his heart
calms me down. Looking up at him, he's
already looking at me, his mouth is pressed
in a thin line. It shaded dark, I bet he
smokes, but I never smelled it on him.

“Awuvele ngani ungiqabule ngoba

uyahalela. [Why don't you just kiss me
because you want to.]” I love how he is
cocky. Deciding to be my brave self, I test
the waters.

“Why usho engathi wena awufuni.[ why are

you saying it as if you don't want to?]” bad
choice of words because in a blink I'm under
him, my hands above my head with his big
one holding them together, he is kissing the
living daylight out of me.

His tongue sweeping on my lips, allowing

him to dominate my mouth I give in.

“Kuningi engifuna ukukwenza kona.[there's

a lot i want to fo to you]” He says snaking
his hand to my waist, thank whatever is
there to be thanked for the doctors not
removing my underwear because I'm on...
“Mntungwa...wait.” I sound so pathetic, at
least he listened, resting his forehead on the
crook of my neck, I try to cup his face with
my hands that have miraculously started to
function, amadoda ayathakatha nasi.
“Uzonginika nini MaZungu?” ha where's
that coming from manje. It my turn to hide
my face on the crook of his neck.

“My brothers are outside.” I tell him so

close to his ears I hear him groan.
“Mekuthiwa mebengekho ngabe uyanginika
?[if they weren't outside would you have
given it to me?]” I don't even recognize
myself as I gigle like a horny teenager. Mind
you he's still on top of me.
“Mhh-mhh ngabe agikunike.”

“Hawu ngobani manje? Saba ukuthi

ngizokulimaza?” dear heavenly father, he
dry hump once ,his voice becoming a sin to
listen to the words it utter. Forcing a moan
to slip unapologetically, his hand on my
waist drip tighter and the sound I think will
be my favorite comes from his throat.

“Mntungwa...”

“Asiyeke ngingaze ngephule isthembiso

engasenza. [Let's stop before I break the
promise i made.]” I nod and kiss the area
that just below his ear. “Yandisa...” suddenly
I love my second name,hearing it come
from him is like hearing him using an
endearment word of another language.

“You're mine yezwa, bevumile

bengavumanga, wena owami, yezwa
MaZungu? Uzoshadela kwaKhumalo.
[Whether they agree or disagree you're
mine, you hear me? You'll wed to the
Khumalos]” I nod biting my lip only to
prevent the unholy sounds I might let out.

“Uyavuma?[You agree?]” taking a deep

breath, I face him, up close, his eyes are so
beautiful, strange but beautiful, even glassy,
but not from tears, i doubt that this man
ever cry, they're so clear, maybe it the
morphine and my horniness either way i
love them i could stare at them for eternity,
ha kidding. “Ngyavuma Mntungwa.” the kiss
he gave me was a 'Say no more' kiss,
releasing the moans I swallowed to his
mouth because now his hand has found my
boobs and ooh, does he know how to knead
the dough. Dry humping me ,I feel soaked. I
slightly bit his lip, wanting to distract me, he
bites back and I groan in his mouth, and
lord Jesus when he licks the spot he bit.
“Mntungwa...” he groans fisting on my
boob,

“God...
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
 NOMANZI

Two weeks pass like a breeze. Ihloni kimi

when my big brother Lungelo asked me if
there's still Umemulo, meaning he was
asking me if I'm still a virgin.

Ay shem my life is turning into a new

chapter I was not ready for, adding fuel to
the fire, Lungisani found Mntungwa's tee,
and commented that even I, I smell like
him, like what the fuck. I envy people who
got big sisters.

I'm healing, my feet are still sore but the

ointment is working wonders, that day i
just slept, luckily uMam'Ncane wabo was
there to serve them and me, I was sad when
they left yesterday, it almost felt like home
living with them for two weeks. Dad kept
calling to check on me.

“ Baba? ”
“Akakuzwa. [He doesn't hear you]” She
says and pat my shoulder.

My father surrounded by elderly people, he

kneels before them with his head bent.

One elderly woman took a sjambok and

flocked him with it, I tried to charge
forward but I was grounded, turning to this
elderly woman she sighs.

“Ushayelwa amacala akhe. [He's being

punished for his sins]” she says defeated.

“Akezwa. Unenkani. Kudala simutshela.

Okuzokwenzeka manje kungukujeziswa
kwakhe. [He doesn't listen. He is stubborn.
We have told him. What's going to happen
now is him being punished]” she says with
a hint of anger. I cried as they took turns in
beating up my father but my cries were not
being heard.

“Baba!!” calling out to him was futile, the

waves were too loud silencing my plea.

“Bab—

“Noma you're dreaming” Zenande says

softly from her sleep. Sitting up straight I
wipe my tears, placing a hand on my chest
my heartbeat isn't normal, it so low I feel
my chest tightening.

“Another nightmare” I tell her and she

hands me the half empty bottle of water.
She volunteered to crash with me on my
bed to prevent any sleep walking, she locks
all the doors and hide the keys from me.

The dreams returned right after my

brothers left, this is the second time I'm
having them, third if I add the first one. I
don't understand what is happening with
me.

“Nomanzi...your nose.” touching my nose

my fingertips return moist and red,
nosebleed. Rushing to the bathroom I wash
my face, Zenande get in with an ice pack
placing it on the bridge of my nose.

“Kanti kwenzakalani Nomanzi? [What's

wrong?]”

The morning sun penetrating through the

window to my eyes greet me as I stare out
the window, I haven't slept. For seven hours
I laid awake, scared of what other
nightmares might visit me if I return to
dreamland. Zenande stirs in her sleep
beside me pulling the duvet over her head.

“Go to sleep Noma, it still early.” she says

under the covers. I chuckle and search for
my phone on the bed stand.
As if it can sense that I now have it on my
hand it rings, Zenande groans placing a
pillow over her head, I laugh shaking my
head. The smile paste itself on my lips when
I see the caller ID, stepping out of bed I
answer it.

“Mntungwa.”

“Sthandwa sami.” it a simple term that

drives me nuts,my cheeks might write a
complain soon.

“Unjani?”

“Ngidlalwa inkumbulo nje,sengifuna

ukukbona. [I miss you, i want to see you]” I
want to see you too,I'm tempted to say but I
don't instead I say something much more
daring.

“Yini ekuvimbile? [What's stopping you?]”

there's a pause, and I actually thought he
dropped the call but a part of me knew he
wouldn't.

“Phumela phandle ngikulandile. [Come

outside I'm here to fetch you]” strangely I
like that.

It so early in the morning, I haven't even

brushed my teeth, bursting into my room
like a mad woman, Zenande groans louder
but I pay no attention to her, dashing into
the bathroom and heading for a shower.
Today is not wash day for my hair so I wear
a shower cap.

My feet have healed, I almost moan on the

BearPaw carpet outside the shower, as it
welcomes my wet feet. But time is against
me, lotioning my body, I pick my cargo mini
skirt pairing it with a crop top and and Nike
sneakers. Sprayed my favorite perfume
DaringDays. Zenande still is half dead on my
bed, not wanting to bother her again, I
write her a note.

I see him on the other side of the lot, he

steps on something and dusts invisible dust
on his coat, he was smoking, when he
reaches me he rubs the back of his neck like
a little kid caught stealing sugar, he stares
on my exposed stomach, his jaws tics and I
let an innocent smile.

Pressing closer to me I think he's going to

kiss me but he goes for my neck, inhaling
my scent, I take in his. “Sawbona.” he
murmurs against my neck and I giggle at the
warmth that is snuggling around me.

“Ngicela ungicabuze [please kiss me].” his

hand like flash find my butt giving it a light
squeeze. “Ade ngibhema.[i was smoking]” I
don't care, I missed my ma—
MY!! haibo. But yes I missed him, cupping
his face.

I take a brave step claiming his lips feeling

his smile between the kiss his hand hold my
neck possessiveness taking over.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
 MPATHO

The things this girl is doing to me, and the

things I want to do with her. Coming back
from the bathroom I stare at her thighs,
those thick thighs, I sigh when she pulls the
dress shirt I gave her. Cutting off my little
show.

“Musa ukufihla izinto zami MaZungu, kube

kuya ngami ngabe uhamba unqunu. [Don't
hide my things, if it was up to me you'd be
walking around naked]” I say sitting up
straight and placing the laptop aside, she
comes to me with her hands fiddling with
the hem, I smile at her nervousness and her
innocence.
“So what movie are we watching?” I now
know that she likes it when I speak English,
judging by the way she tries to hide her
smile. I pull her toward me by her hand she
places her hands on my shoulders.

“Abo 365 days? Or abo Fifty Shades? Or

ufuna amapopayi?” She laughs at the last
suggestion, when I told her that we have a
home cinema, she preferred my laptop and
pizza on my bed. She said we'd be Netflix
and Chilling.

“I'll watch whatever you pick.” I want abo

James Bond mina ,but I dare not say,
instead I picked -Through My Window-
wouldn't it be fun to corrupt an innocent
girl like her.
Halfway through the movie I'm hard as a
rock under the fleece MaZungu has us
under, the weather of Johannesburg, it was
sunny but now it raining cats and dogs while
we're watching an overrated movie, and
MaZungu keeps her poker face, I've tortured
myself trying to corrupt her.

“Do you need a bathroom break? We can

pause it.” oh she's enjoying this, I shake my
head struggling to form any words when all
I want to do is groan and get a fucking
release.

“I'm feeling hot, don't you feel hot

Mntungwa?” I bite my tongue and shake my
head no, she nods and kick the fleece off
her exposing her meaty thighs, I fold my
hands into fists to prevent them from being
ungentlemanly cause it would lead us into
trouble.

She checks the box of pizza on the other

side, stretching over me to get it, her
stomach press on my hard-on and I swear I
lose my mind, turning her over I don't wait
for her to tease me further by feigning
innocence, she has been teasing me to the
point where I thought of the prayer Our
Father Who Art In Heaven when it says
'Ungasingenisi ekulingweni / don't lead us
into temptation'

My fingers rake all over her body leaving

light squeezes where I know I've been dying
to touch over the past two weeks, her thick
thighs, butts, her tiny waist, that i know will
carry the next Khumalo generation. So
before I could stop myself the words fly out
on their own.

“You're all I've been thinking about for the

past two weeks, to the point that i jacked
off countless times at the memory of you,
moaning beneath me in those hospital
sheets.” I mentally slap my forehead, fearing
that she will think of me as a psycho. But
when she moans in my mouth I scream. Yes,
fucking yes in my head.

“I've thought about you too, too bad i

couldn't touch myself.” her pulling the virgin
card should have been a wake up call,
fucking get off her dude ,return to the
screen and act as if nothing happened, but I
don't listen , pushing her panties aside I
locate her pleasure bud as girls like to call
it,but a clit is a clit.

“Mpatho...” oh I could listen to that moan

over and over again. Just record it and play
it on repeat.

“Tshela mina ufunani.[Tell me what you

want].” she whimpers when I put more
pressure on her clit.

“Wena...I want you” too bad she can't have

me,I'm not off limits. She is.

“Nangu mina phezu kwakho MaZungu,

ungifunaphi? [Here i am, on top of you.
Where do you want me?]” She sounds like a
white kid pulling a tantrum because she
can't have more sweets.
“Mpatho...” it a frustrated moan, she's
close.

Drawing my hand she flushes her eyes

open, “Mpatho!!...”this time she cries my
name, my naughty little girl.

I take my time drawing down her panties,

when she tries to close her legs,I give her a
tight slap on her exposed cheek, not hard
enough to impose pain but send a warning,
she groans hiding her face.

“Musa ukungifihlela izinto zami.” I tell her,

spreading them apart, and this is a site.
Nothing pleasures a man than seeing his
woman in need of him, dripping wet, with
just a clitoral play. Pussy shaved and neat.
And damn the scent of an aroused woman, i
don't know if it just me but it a turn on for
me.

“Yandisa ngibuke.” I don't mean to be this

demanding. She removes one hand from
one eye.

“Umuhle.” it no lie. She is beautiful, and if I

don't tell her daily then there's something
wrong with me. I take my time as I unbutton
her shirt, all along my eyes are trained on
her one eye. Her tits are a perfect size, not
small not big.
“When is your Umemulo again?” real
question is when can I bury myself in you,
but of course I wouldn't dare ask her that,
and God knows how tempted I am to drive
at least my fingers in, fuck her while
picturing them to be my cock, pumping in
her and filling her up with my seed, but, I
knew that a hymen is a very sensitive flesh,
once touched it moves back till it snaps, so
clitoral pleasure will have to do for now.

“In a month's time. Then you can have me.

All of me.” oh I can't wait, she kisses that
one spot she turned into my weak spot
making my already aching cock ache
unbearably, to stifle what would sound like
a moan I go for her perfect tits, sulking on
one, her back bucked off the bed, my
fingers slippery from her arousal.

“Mpa..tho...ima..” I don't listen but kept on

rubbing her while sucking her till she cried
in her frenzy.

Her back sink on the bed, her legs

trembling. She tries to catch her breath but I
don't give her the chance, throwing her
legs on my shoulders and dine on the plate
that I know I'll be the only one dining on it, I
never went down on a woman, finger
fucking was enough foreplay to me, but
damn this is going to be my favorite hobby, I
licked her, slowly, gently, sweeping my
tongue over her clit. Tracing little circles
with my fingers but i dare not insert them
,even when her pussy clench on nothing.
How i wish i buried my dick in her warm,
tight pussy. Instead i further tease with
light, shallow unrushed strokes.

“Mntungwa...”, i ignore her impatient

groans and whims ,ignoring how she's
wriggling beneath my touch. My hands
found their way back to her boobs, brushing
the pads of my thumbs on her hardened
nipples. Her back arch off the bed, seeking
for anything that will stop the aching, but
unfortunately that would be my dick and
only my dick. Slurping on her juices her nails
dig my shoulders, She goes over the edge,
reaching her climax with a cry of giving up.
Licking her clean she cries with the minor
aftershocks.
But I'm not done yet. Rubbing her clit
bringing back to the world of the living, she
cries clutching on my arms, her eyes are slit
open, red and glistening with tears, her
abdomen shake and she throw her head to
the side.

“Mpatho!!!...” this is just a beginning,

there's a whole lot more. Let give her a five
minute break.
“Sthandwa sami.” she nods without even
opening her eyes, my poor innocent
woman.

“Umnandi yezwa? [You taste do good, you

hear me?]” she groans palming her face
with her hands.
“Buka, ima buka phela. Umnandi yezwa, I
could stay there for hours just dining in
peace ngoba umnandi, give me five, I'm
coming.” I sweat I'm going to die of blue
balls. You won't go down on a girl and
expect to be perfectly fine and normal, if it
like that. Then there's something wrong
with y'all. Just a few strokes. 31 one days is
not a big deal.
I hear her groaning 'Ungabuyi. [Don't come
back]'
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
 NOMANZI

I have been depriving myself of inice time,

never thought a guy could get me off before
my 21st birthday but here I was worn out
from numerous orgasms I received without
him sticking in anything there.

The old ladies that do the virginity testing

back home always scare us that even once,
ONCE! A boy touches you on your father's
kraal, it over cause the hymen will shift and
snap, and I grew up fearing that.

“You so worn out one could swear that he

was riding you whole night.” Sena says
passing me a cup of coffee, I have been
asleep for 3 hours and I'm still tired, Mpatho
went to "work" ,one of these days i must
ask him what he does, not the "I kill people"
bullshit.

“The way i had orgasms one after the other

I'm pretty sure sex is no difference, why
wasn't i told that oral sex is so good I swear
Mntungwa is—

“Okay,okay, please I don't want to hear

about my brother's skillful tongue, that just
so...weird” Sena says faking to gag, laughing
I roll my eyes.
“Listen babes, let talk business, when are
we heading down to KZN, oh and I've been
meaning to ask, will i come with my food or
you'll provide me with it and a place to
use?” that reminds me, I know nothing of
the preparation for my Umemulo.

Sena is what you call a chatterbox she's

bubbly, lively, positive and full of ideas, right
now we're putting our professions in use,
practically planning my Umemulo. Luckily
today I had no class so by four in the
afternoon we're done with planing the
decor, menu, clothes that the maidens and I
will wear, and the dress code, packing my
things MaJola the housekeeper hands me a
Tupperware lunchbox peeking inside I smile
like a retart.

“Engathi ungahlezi uvakasha

mntanami.[Visit us more often]” she says In
her motherly voice, I smile at her nodding, it
sad that I couldn't see Mntungwa after that
mind-blowing orgasms, I still feel light, but it
time to head home, I don't want it to be
seem as if I'm throwing myself at him. Even
though I wanted to do a little something
something to show appreciation, if yunno
,yunno.

“Auntie Nomanzi!” a little voice shrieked,

turning to see the owner, it my little guy
Mpatho, running to me he throws his bag
on the floor and throw himself on me,
laughing I reciprocate his energy, jumping
up and with him in my arms, Jesus this kid is
so loud, shrieking and laughing.
“HI!!! You came! You came! Yay!!!!!!”
hebana,he hugs me again, this kid has
energy for days. Kissing his cheeks he laughs
kissing mine as well.

“I'm going to change, please help me with

my assignment Auntie.” he says wiggling out
of my hold and running to his room.

I stick around a little for the sake of MJ, we

got started on his assignment, at the age of
five, kids have assignments, the next
generation will be born asking, "Mommy
who's my daddy?" I swear.

Nearing to the door there are voices coming

from inside and I can't pinpoint them,
maybe it Zenande's study buddies. One
knock I let myself in and freeze on the spot.

The house is empty but the voices are still

there, suddenly my ears buzz and quiet all
the noises.

“Zenande?” I get no answer, trying to walk

my feet fail me.

“Ingozi Nomanzi! [Danger]” I recognize her

voice to be the old woman's who taunts me
with these dreams. But...but I can't see her,
everywhere is dark.

“Gogo kanti ufunani kimi? [What do you

want from me?]” I ask with my voice
already breaking,
“Nomanzi ingozi!! Ingozi Nomanzi, nayi
Ingozi, nayi Ingozi Nomanzi!! [Danger!!
There's danger!!]”

“Iphi? Iphi ingozi Gogo? Iphi ,ngitshele

phela Gogo!! [Where's is it? Where's the
danger? Tell me!!]”

“Woza sambe Nomanzi [let go]”

“Mhh-mhh Gogo siyaphi?”

Arriving in a deserted place she points at a

distance, there's a body on the ground, my
heartbeat increase ,my palms sweaty, and
the tears just fell on their own.
“Nimenzeni? Nimenzeni ubaba wami?!!
[What did you do to my father?!]” my voice
broke,so sis my heart, he looked lifeless on
the cold ground.

“Baba...” it feels like my heart is being

pricked by millions of needles. Turning to
her I put my hands together in a prayer
manner.

“Muxoleleni...ngiyanicela, muxoleleni
manje, ngi...ngiyanicela
muxoleleni...ni...ningamthathi...ningamtha
thi ngyacela, zonke izono zakhe
ngiyamuxolisela...Gogo ngyamuxolisela
kodwa musani ukuhezisa
kanje...ku...ku...kunzima kakhulu
lokhu...kunzima kakhulu lokhu Gogo
ngiyanicela...ngy..ngyani...nicela. [please
forgive him, don't take him I beg you,
whatever sin he committed, I apologize on
his behalf, please don't give him this harsh
punishment, this one is hard, it painful, I
beg of you, please]”

“Hayi Mzukuli musa ukukhala,uyihlo uyazi

yena ukuthi kungani kunje. Ukufa kulula
kakhulu, isimo nje lesi esidlulayo, izinyanya
zithukuthela kakhulu mntanami, kudala
silindile sengkhathele, sekuyisikhathi
kodwa uyihlo akezwa Manz'Amahle, kuya
ngokuya sizokhathala ukumulindela,
sizothatha ngenkani.”

“Kanti wenzeni?[What did he do?]” the

tears just couldn't stop to falling, my dad
lied there looking lifeless and I couldn't do
anything for him, I know that this is a
dream but it feels so real, it hurts.

“Kubuhlungu...kubuhlungu Gogo...kungani
ngizwela ubuhlungu? Gogo
kubuhlungu...enza kuphela Gogo...yenza
kuphele ubuhlungu...angikhoni
kubuhlungu!!! Gogo!!! Gogo kubuhlungu!!!
[It hurts, why do I feel pain? Make it go
away it hurts, I can't... it hurts!!!]”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
 MPATHO

“Standby, i repeat. Standby, the eagle has

landed, he is with two bodyguards, they
went inside the warehouse, it guarded by
two guards at the entrance, about 26 feet
from the warehouse there are 4 SUVs with 5
guards in each equaling to 20 guards around
the yard, what's your say Ghabhadiya? ” I
stayed quiet for a moment taking in the
information delivered by Lethu our
computer guy,

“Meli? You got eyes on the prize?” I asked

through the earbud.

“The shipment just arrived, five guys are

collecting it, bahlome bayizingovolo kababa.
[They're heavily armed]” that doesn't move
move me at all.

“Copy, Kay? You sure you don't need any

assistance?” I ask my brother who's walking
towards the guards at the entrance, they
stop him so they can search him.

“Wangi thintathinta kangaka ndoda? Yini

ufuna ukubambani vele, ngindoda
yomuZulu mina, le nonsense oyicabangayo
iyeke, ngizokunyisa mina. [Why are you
touching me everywhere? What do you
want to touch? I'm a Zulu man, drop the
nonsense that you're thinking I'll beat you
to a pulp]” of course my brother will be a
clown.
“Khululeka bafozi, akuphushwe ispani.
[Don't worry bro, let get to work]” I hear
Kumkani through the bud. Putting on my
helmet I ride down to the depot, when I
drew out my gun, they grew out
theirs, shooting down two, the three run
for cover, the bike fly out of my control
landing me on the far end ,I almost fell into
the water but luckily my blade was at
reaches, I managed to use it so I could hold
on. Taking cover I check my other guns,
these idiots have drawn attention to us, I
used a silencer but no they had to make
noise, fuckers.
The shootout lasted for two minutes and I
won't lie, I'm disappointed in myself, I'm
growing out of touch.

“Yo...you tricked me...yo...you—

“Ay futsek wena, musucabanga kahle wena
singahlanganela ewarehouse to seal a
business deal? Talk about being tricked,
uyislima vele.” I hear Kumkani say, looking
down, Mr Randall was unrecognizable, this
is why Kumkani is named The terrible
negotiator ,he's busy rambling whereas
Randall is planning his downfall.
Using my gloak I plant a bullet between his
eyes, and he dropped dead. This idiot turns
with an eye roll, I'm not about to explain
myself to him that Randall had his gun
pointed at him.
“Well hello party pooper, I was having fun
and you ruined it.” He says tugging his own
gun.

The shipment consisted of a container that

had four crates, one with guns, two with
granites, the last one had vests [
Bulletproofs] and a small box of white snow.

“Okay gents, Lethu uzophinda nezintshiza

edeni, Mesuli beno Kumkani bazohamba
neziqhumani, ama vest aya eDownhill
noLazo isnow syaphuma leJozi kodwa into
yakusasa leyo, okwamanje siya kwiHideout.
[Lethu you're going back to the Den with
the guns, Mesuli and Kumkani you're taking
the granites, Lazo you will be taking the
vests to Downhill then the snow goes out of
Jozi, tomorrow though, for now it going to
the Hideout.]” after giving them orders they
nod getting to work. That my crew, the
people from my inner circle.

Mesuli being my Consigliere well because

he is the level headed one, if he wasn't I
know that I'd screw up time to time, then
my idiotic brother is the Underboss.

I just know that if life gets unfair cause it

always does, it strips me from MJ's life,
Kumkani would groom my son into what I
would want him to be, not that Mesuli
wouldn't, Mesuli knows his role and no one
can perfect it like him, Kumkani is just like
me, always needs to be put on a leash.
He then has his Capos which are Ringo,
Percy, and Ghoto, which decided to send
their soldiers today Lethu and Lazo. There's
about 8 of us, my format has worked for me
since the age of 20
It works in my favor against many crime
families who got no strategy, which is why
you find accomplices taking out their
bosses, there's jo format, there's no
strategy, meaning there's no trust.
CHAPTER TWENTY
 ZENANDE

“We're discharging her because we found

nothing physically wrong in her, all the tests
came back positive, blood test, urine test,
we even did x-ray but still, she is physically
fit.” the doctor inform me with a forced
smile, I wasn't easy on them, but they must
understand, that it my friend on that bed,
who doesn't look fit at all to me.

“The nosebleeds? What causes the

nosebleeds?” he sighs making way for the
nurses who were pushing a patient on a
stretcher. “Migraines?” I scoff at that.

“Sounds like a question. Shouldn't you be

telling me? Not questioning me?” he rubs
his temples and I sigh. “That was rude of
me. I'm sorry, it just that—

“ I get it, you're worried about your

sister, you have every right to be, if she was
mine I'd be worried too. But you know what
I'd be doing while being worried? I'd
consider consulting. It not my place to say
this but maybe your family should consider
seeing a Sangoma, your sister is sick and
there's no western med that can heal her,
try something African, thina there's nothing
we can do, we'll give her painkillers and
send her home because honestly, she's fine
but not fine, think about it yeah? You can go
ahead and see her.” The Zungus should
consult?
She sleeping so peacefully as if nothing
happened, the state I found her in was
daunting, thick clots coming from her nose I
honestly thought my friend was dying.
Placing my hand on hers she stirs in her
sleep.

“Ngiyezwa. [I understand]” she says waking

up, her eyes scan the room and she sighs,
the sigh is followed by a sob then she
breaks down in front of me, having no idea
what to do I pull her into a hug and share
her misery with her.

“Ngikhathele Zee, I'm tired. It draining my

every strength, every bone in my body is
tired ,I can't anymore I'm so tired.” because
I'm a crybaby I cry with her, whispering
sweet nothings to her until she feels drowsy
and sleep on my arms.

Doctor Simelani, the doctor from earlier,

came to check up on her. When he sees her
sleeping he sighs. “She must be tired.” he
says checking the monitors and her IV drip.
“She said she is. My head is buzzing, can I
have some painkillers” He checks his coat
pockets.
“We're not allowed to give out meds to
people who aren't our patients, but I guess I
could make an exception” Smiling lightly, I
down two pills with Noma's water.

“I guess we'll discharge her tomorrow then,

how will you settle the bill?” right, jozi
hospitals are too expensive shem, one night
and the bill is gigantic.

Luckily when Mpatho couldn't get hold of

Noma, he called me. With the one percent I
had I told him that Noma was admitted
again, but I didn't expect him to drive to the
hospital at one in the morning.
“Kwenzakaleni? [What happened?]”
Nomanzi scored herself a hunk here, this
guy is very well built even in track pants, his
defined thighs make themselves known,
before my eyes could wander far I snap out
of it.

“I don't know, we haven't talked, The last

time i spoke with her was when she was at
your place with Sena, they were briefing me
on the ideas they had, when i got home
around ten, i found her on the floor ,there
was blood beside her face, it was coming
from her nose, even blood clots. Ndumiso
helped me carry her to the lobby while we
waited for an ambulance, we ended up
using his car because she was not
responsive.” I tell him feeling so nervous, it
like talking to cops at a club you're not
supposed to be In because you're underage.

“Awufonanga ngani? [Why didn't you call?]”,

tjoo, I clear my throat because I'm about to
give the lamest excuse, “I thought my
phone was off, I'm not very good at
memorizing numbers.” which is very true by
the way, I wonder how I'll survive being a
lawyer.
“Odokotela bathini? [What did the doctors
say?]” scratching my itchy neck, I slump on
the nearby chair. “They say nothing is wrong
with her physically, all the blood tests came
back positive, she's fit, and healthy. She told
me that she is feeling tired.” With him
towering above does not help with the
nerves, of course I'm not going to tell him
what Simelani said about the consulting
stuff, at least not until I tell Noma.

“Ukhulumile naye? [You spoke with her?]” It

feels as of I'm being interrogated, giving a
sigh I stand up. “She hardly spoke, she just
cried and went back to sleep, her ward is
that way.” I tell him leading the way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
 NOMANZI

When the drums get too loud I decide to

snap my eyes open, the first person they
land on is him, he stood by the window in a
black Nike tracksuit and a white long
sleeved tee. He stared outside looking deep
in thoughts.

On the couch I see Zenande sleeping with

her head hanging, that one never learnt to
sleep properly. “Mpatho...” The way he
turned so swiftly charging to me, he
showered me with kisses that made fresh
tears flow, I'd hate to lose this, to lose him.

“Sthandwa sami? Kwenzenjani? Musa

ukukhala sengikhona. [I'm here don't cry]”
his scent grounds me, his body pressed on
mine warms me up. Not finding my voice I
cling onto him even more, and he just hold
me hushing me.

“Ngikhona sthandwa sami.” he says kissing

my forehead, a phone rings disturbing this
special moment, groaning he takes it out of
his pocket planting a kiss on my temple.
Frowning at his screen he stands up.

“Sengwayo?” My ears aren't playing tricks

on me right?
•••
“Akekho eduze kwayo, eka MaZulu icishile.
[She's not near it, Zenande's is off]” who is
he talking to.
•••
The wait is too much, he keeps looking at
me and nod as if the person he's talking too
can see him nodding, he does that move
when males are stressed out, the one as if
they're washing their face with one
hand. He place it on his hip, and fold it on
his chest, what the hell is going on.

“Odokotela bathi akukho okurongi

emzimbeni, bazomukhipha ekuseni. [The
doctors say there's nothing wrong with her
physically, they'll discharge her in the
morning.]” He's talking about me,
•••
he scratches his head and heave a sigh. My
hear beat up to my throat, my hands
sweating and shaking.
“Into eyenzekenini le? [When did this
happen?]” No,no what happened? What
happened?who is he talking too.
•••

“Kulungile, Ngizokuthinta ekuseni, ungazise

mekukhona ushintsho olwenzekayo. [Okay,
I'll call you in the morning, let me know if
there are any changes]” the minute he
hangs up I get out of bed, my legs are weak
so I lean on it for support, he comes to me.

“Who was that?...you...you called him

Sengwayo, do I know him...you talked about
me...who was it Mpatho?” he helps me
back to bed, Zenande wakes when she sees
me crying she comes over.
“Noma? Why are you crying, did you have a
bad dream again?” She asks pouring water
on the glass that was near by, Mpatho
looked everywhere but my eyes.

“Mpatho?...” He wipes my tears, Zenande

stare daggers at him, she better not start a
fight. Her hands are already folded in fists.

“Umenzeni? [What did you do to her?]” She

asks standing between us shielding me, I
hear Mpatho heave a deep sigh.

“Lutho, uMaZungu uyazikhokhela ngento

engekho nje, njengawe. Lokhu okwenzayo
ngabe ngiyakuncoma mekuthiwa olunye
usuku, kodwa njengamanje
kuyangidina.[Nothing, she is just jumping to
conclusions, just like you. I would really find
what you are doing cute if it was any day,
but right now it just coming off as
irritating.]” Zenande's mouth drop.

“Mpatho!” I reprimand him, but he seems

unmoved by it, rather moved by the way I
called out to him, he pointed his accusing
finger on Zenande's face, tilting his head to
the side, Zenande moves aside.

“Bekufone uLungelo, niyadingeka ekhaya.

[Lungelo called, you two are needed at
home]” Zenande and I look at each other,
wait, they have each other's numbers, why?
how? He exits the room leaving us in
distress.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
 MPATHO

One thing I hate is being reprimanded, my

brother Mesuli knows it, and does it
anyway. Sena knows it and tries it but one
look from me reprimand her as well. But
seems like MaZungu doesn't know it, and it
infuriates me, worse if it done In front of
other people, I am not a child to be
reprimanded like one.

Lungelo and I shared numbers when his

^big brother armor^ dropped and we talked
like men, well that was after he punched me
because I didn't cower back when he told
me to leave his little sister alone. I ended
telling him right on his eyes that lowamtana
ngyamthanda. And I don't intend to leave
her, like I told her, bevumile bengavumanga,
she's mine.

What infuriated him is that he is 4 years

older than me and I am well I am 12 years
older than her and that a big age gap, but it
just a number right.

Kumkani laughed at me when I told them

over the call, well not at the part that Zungu
is at the hospital and their makoti as they
like to call her, Kumkani said it my
Mkhonyana duties.

It was already morning. And by God's grace,

Mesuli came to check on the Khumalo Wife,
my brothers are crazy, and it scares me
when Mesuli gets involved, Kumkani being
crazy is fine, but Mesuli!! It should ring
some jingle bells. He drove MaZulu to their
apartment so she could pack their
clothes, and well MaZungu is still her angry
self.

“Ukahle?” She sighs staring out the window.

“Mhh-mhh” well I won't have that shit, I
don't take Mhh-mhhs.
“Yandisa?” her eyes snap at me, I just can't
bring myself to call her by her first name, as
if I'm her father, plus the name Yandisa is
perfect for reprimanding her.

“Yebo ngi right Mpatho tjoo” I swear to

God, I'll implement some respect to this kid
she'll never call me by my first name, ever
again.

“Angiyithandi indlela okhuluma ngayo nami.

[I don't like the way you speak to me.]”
“Angiyithandanga indlela okhulume ngayo
nomngani wami. [I didn't like the way you
spoke to my friend]”

“Your friend should know her place—

“Ufunani Mpatho? [What do you want?]”

“A little respect, it not too much to ask,

Akusiyo indlela yokukhuluma nendoda
yakho leyo.[that's not a way to speak with
your man]” I swear to God I heard her snort,
it going to be a long and hard way with this
one. When I was ready to give her a nasty
comment Kumkani bursts in carrying gift
bags. Behind him MJ runs inside. I'm going
to kill Kumkani.

“I come bearing gifts for my beautiful wife”

he says in Santa Claus tone and MaZungu
giggles sitting up straight. Kumkani is the
fun brother and I'm the mean brother, I get
it.

He gives her a side hug and peck her

temple, if he wasn't my brother I'd be
tearing him apart. MJ goes to her bed
climbing on it, she cooes kissing his cheeks
making him giggle.
“Unjani makoti wami? [How're you my
wife?]” see that another thing that will piss
me off, Kumkani calling my woman his wife.
Mnx.

“Sengincono, earlier I was having a

headache but it better now, plus my feet
feel heavy but I'll survive. What do you have
there?” first of all, why wasn't I told of this?
Secondly why tell Kumkani? Thirdly why—

“Top Deck chocolate? My favorite, how'd

you know?” She says excitedly, I roll my eyes
and they land on Kumkani, he winks at me,
oh he's enjoying this, bloody nitwit.

“I'm good at guessing, I bought you some

Steers as well, hope you like them.” he says
taking out a plastic bag from Steers, her
eyes widen and he smirks at my direction,
I'm going to shoot Kumkani.

It around six in the morning, if we leave

now, we'd make it to Mandeni around noon.

“You'll help me eat these burgers right?”

She asks directing the question to MJ, he
blobs his head up and clapping his hands
excitedly.

“Are you okay though Auntie? Does it hurt

here?” He asks pointing at MaZungu's
temple, she nods pouting like MJ is pouting.
“MJ will kiss it better.” he says and kiss her
temples. She giggles and he kiss her
forehead as well.
“MJ stop it, we can smell your father's
jealousy across the room.” Kumkani mutters
loud enough for everyone to hear him. At
the corner of my eye I see MaZungu trying
to hide her smile.

“When are you going to visit me again ?”

kids. He asks playing with MaZungu's hair,
she smiles and kiss his hand. “Soon my love,
soon.” he lays his head on her laps and steal
her gummy bears. My kid will show it's
colors. Umfundisi umzalile umfundisi. [A
priest bared a priest].

“Come back soon okay, you promised me to

work on my assignment remember?”
Kumkani chuckles, and MaZungu kiss his
temple.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
 NOMANZI

Mandeni is still as I remember it, green,

cows eating grass by the road, clean,
peaceful, homey. And as we approach my
home's gate, tears pickling in my eyes and I
pinch myself to get a grip. Since we left the
hospital, i have been feeling so sombre, if i
could only cry, maybe I'd feel better.

Zenande is sleeping at the back and

Mntungwa's maskandi music is playing on
the lowest volume, till he turns it off. My
little brother Lulonke opens the gate for us,
he doesn't seem like himself, the bubbly
Lulonke.
The gayish Lulonke. And he avoids my eyes,
maybe his hormones shot up, you can never
get Lulonke shem.

I see my brother's cars at the yard and my

heart beat pick up again, Mntungwa's hand
ground me again when he holds mine over
my thigh.

Suddenly everything feels unbearable I

want to break down, cry till I can't no more
but I reprimand myself.

“Sthandwa sami?” I turn to him and he

holds my hand more firmly, reassuring me,
if we weren't on my father's yard, I'd lean in
for a kiss.
“Ngikhona. [I'm here]” it makes me feel
better. He brings our interlocked hands to
his mouth and kiss the back of my hand.

Alighting from the car I miss a step and

sprain my ankle, luckily I maintained
balance, Mpatho came as quickly to my aid.
Balancing on him, he made me sit back on
the seat.

“Kwenzakaleni?” he asks with concern and I

badly want to kiss him.
“I think I missed a step, it feels as if I have
twisted my ankle.” I tell him, and he crouch
down in front of me, taking of my sneakers,
he place my feet on his knee,inspecting it.
Twisting it from left to right, I winced in pain
till it finally burp , sighing in relief I wipe my
tears.

“Ungadinwa, izinyanya nje zakini,

ziyakwamukela. [Don't be upset, instead
your ancestors welcoming you]” ,mnx
welcoming me my left foot, which they
almost broke by the way.

“Uzokwazi ukuhamba? [Will you be able to

walk?]”, dear Mntungwa's exes, you're
missing out, you guys screwed up big
time. The feeling of being babied , I nod
and he smirks as if he's thinking about
something. Standing up he takes my
sneakers and head to the boot. He came
back with his slippers, the ones he wore at
the hospital, luckily bhut'Mesuli brought
him his clothes and shoes. Kumkani even
bought accessories, that one is just chaos.
I'm definitely keeping these slippers.

I see my brother Lungelo coming to us.

“Mkhatshwa” any bandla they're already o
clan names basis. Why wasn't I told about
this. Mntungwa shakes Lungelo's hand and
Lungelo pat his shoulder, aybo phela bahlali.

“Sengwayo.” I wonder if dad knows about

this, dad. “Bhut'Omdala? Uphi uManzini?”
he comes to me and kiss my forehead.
“Sawubona nawe. [Hello to you two].” I
secretly roll my eyes.
“Sawubona Bhut'Omdala, how are you, you
slept well yeah? How are my nephews and
nieces, how is sister in law, still got your A
game, I still need more buddies yunno. How
are their teeth? Healthy? Yeah I think that
enough.” I smile at him.

“Yebo Sis'Omncane, I'm good how are

you?Yes I slept on the right side of the bed
today thank goodness? Your nephews and
nieces are still giving me a headache. Your
sister in law and I just found out that we're
two months pregnant so that means my
stamina game is still on point. Their teeth
are fine, I'm telling you that as a qualified
dentist, and lastly, I love you.” he says
pulling me into a hug, trust my brother to
return sarcasm with sarcasm.

“Yeah, yeah I love you too, now uphi

uBabami? [Where's my dad].” His smile
disappear and his eyes land on Zenande.

“Mhh buka nje umfazi kababa ulele kabi

kanjani, ngeke siziqende lemnyango phela
wedade, Mkhatshwa, asingene ngaphakathi
wakithi. [Look at how my father's wife is
sleeping, we can't talk about everything out
here little sister, let go inside.]” He says
going to wake Zenande up.

“I can already smell ubulongwe [cow dung]”

yup my best friend is awake. She stretches
in the backseat. Lungelo pinched her cheeks
and kiss her temple, my best friend fit like a
tailored suite in my family, everyone loves
her like she loves them.
Getting inside the main house feels like
walking in a graveyard, it so quiet and cold.
Even the children are not running around,
Luncumo comes from the hallway, she gives
a lazy smile coming to us. Hugging me she
kisses my cheek. “What going on?” I
whisper into her ear, she pat my back and
goes to hug Zenande, she handshakes
Mntungwa.

When I see my father's two sisters and

brothers, I just know that something is
wrong, it has to do with dad, the tears run
freely and when aunt Silethokuhle tries to
come closer to me I move back staggering
backwards I almost fell but Mntungwa held
me, I can identify him with his touch.
“Uphi uBabami?” I swear I don't like being
viewed as a cry-baby, but right now to hell
with it, my voice break and everyone looks
sorrowful well except for my best friend
who's just as confused.

“TELL ME!! Uphi uBabami? Uphi?... Baba!!!

Baba!!! Babana!!! Babana!!!...” I'm running
all over the house, checking every room,
but there's no sight of my father,

“Manzi, ndodakazi ima [my daughter wait]”

I heard bab'omncane call out but nothing is
stopping me, I want my dad. “Babana!!
[Daddy]”
“Okuzokwenzeka manje kungukujeziswa
kwakhe.” that rings in my ears and a
memory of my father lying on the ground
flash in my eyes, and I break down.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
 ZENANDE

“Ayi ayi ayi Zenande! Qoba kahle u-

anyanyisi, wawugebhula kangaka, ufuna
sibindwe? [No,no,no Zenande! Chop the
onions properly, you want us to choke?]” I
should have known that I was going to slave
over here, Sthembile throws me a look, this
is what I hate about aunts from the dad's
side, always sticking their noses where they
don't belong.

She sways her flat ass out of the kitchen.

Sthembile and I look at each other then
burst out.
“Ayi ayi ayi Zenande! Qoba kahle u-
anyanyisi, wawugebhula kangaka, ufuna
sibindwe?” Sthembile mimic her voice and
her walk ,we burst again.

“How did it happen?” I ask her after the

laughter died down, she looks back and to
the sides, as if checking coast.
“And why is Noma being kept in the dark?”
She stops chopping the carrots and turn to
me.

“Bhut'Lungelo says he lost control, the

breaks are fine,but apparently he couldn't
break. When he woke up he immediately
asked about Ncuncu, told everyone to keep
it from her. Bhut'Lungelo tried to get in
contact with her but she was unreachable,
you both. He called some guy, I guess it the
one you two came with.
I don't know if they have told her yet, but
when we learned that she was also
admitted in, Bhut'Lungelo asked him to
bring you guys home.

She deserves to know but we are being

careful for her health, she is the closest one
to dad and hearing about his health might
affect hers, though I feel like she already
knows. It really tough around here Sis'Zee.”
yooo

●
 NOMANZI

“Ngifuna ukumubona.” I tell them waking

up, they all look startled because they
thought I was sleeping.

“I said I want to see my dad! Take me to

him.” I leave no room for discussions, not
carring that there are my uncles here.
Lungelo sigh rubbing his hands together.

“Bhut'Lungelo don't start please, I want to

see my father and you're going to take me
to him. BabuBheki, please get the incense
for me, Mntungwa please start the car.
Bhut'Lungelo please carry me I can't feel my
legs.” That make them all rush to me.
“What do you mean that you don't feel your
feet Ncuncu, since when? ” Lungelo ask
snatching the duvet, inspecting my legs he
knocks on them but I feel nothing, I saw
him pinching them still nothing. Mntungwa
was already on the phone pacing around
barking orders, he went out.

“Right now this is not what you should be

worrying about, you should be worrying
about dad,who's on the hospital bed
fighting for his life.
Now carry me to o the car, and Baba please,
get impepho” they looked puzzled.

“MANJE!!!! [Now]!!!”

“NOMANZI!!” I swear Bab’Mkhululi wanted

to give a tight slap, I'd remember the time I
was born in seconds.
“Siphelelwa isikhthi!! [We're running out of
time]”

I think it is official to say that hospitals give

me heebie-jeebies. Right now they're
wheeling me to daddy's room. Mpatho is
livid because I refused to be checked on,
but really I feel fine, just that I can't feel
them. They wheeled me in, a nurse was
checking the monitors and his IV drip, the
look he threw at Lungelo and at his brother,
how long was he planning to keep this from
me, that even hurt more.

His leg is suspended above him in a cast, his

left arm is also in a cast. “Ngisacela
nisishiye. [Please leave us]” I tell them. They
look at each other and when I tried to stand
I fell flat on my stomach, thank God my
dress was long, I don't know who's the
fastest between Mpatho and Lungelo, they
picked me up, I refused to sit back on the
wheelchair, I knelt where I was.
“Ngicela nisishiye.” I tell them again, they all
sigh and mumble, dad look at me with a
surprised, worried, scared face. I take out
the stand and place the incense, lighting it
makes dad alarmed but unfortunately old
man, you just have to sit there and watch.
My breaths pick up and my shoulders
stiffen.

“Ngyakhuleka kunina mathongo amahle,

ngyakhuleka kuni zinyanya zami!
Ngyakhuleka kuni boZungu!
BoGwabini! Hheyi ngithi ngiyashelweza kuni
zindlondlo ezinkulu! Ngiyisizukulu
sesizukulwane angiyilutho! Kepha
ngiyakhala kuni boManzini! Ngiyakhala
makhosi mahle! ngiyakhala kuni
zishingishane zomoya! Ngiyakhala kuni
ezintabene nase matsheni! Zwanini isililo
sami nina eniphansi kwamanzi! Nina
enisezihlabathini nasezihlahleni! Nina
eniphansi komhlaphathi! Ngilusana
angilutho boSengwayo! Kepha islilo sami
masinyelele ezindlebeni zenu boGede!
boNcwane! Nangumntana wenu
sengihambe ngaze ngafika kuyena! Hliselani
manje boNyamakayishi Isha
Ngababhebhezeli, lesi sixwayiso sikhulu
hhayi ngiyala! Umsebenzi wenu uzowenza
kanjani uma senimuphula amathambo!
Hlikani bo Sengwayo...ngiyaninxusa zidalwa
ezinhle...hlikani! Thobani!
[I humble myself before you great ones! I'm
just a grandchild but hear my cry! Here's
your child I've came all this way to find him,
lessen the punishment it too much...how
will he perform your rituals if you break his
bones! Lessen up i beg you.]”

When I finished, I released a long loud burp,

of course not intentionally, and surprisingly
my feet felt sensation, walking over to my
dad he is silently crying, I make him inhale
Impepho. Putting it out I sit beside him and
he place his head on my laps crying silently,
my own tears fall all over again.
“Baba—

“Ngiyaxolisa Nomanzi ka Baba, Ngiyaxolisa

mntanami, konke lokhu iphutha lami,
Ngiyaxolisa ngane yami. [I'm sorry my child,
all of this is my fault.]” He cries and I had to
palm my mouth to stop my sob.

“Baba...wenzeni?” he stops for a minute,

the room went quiet, you could hear a pin
drop.

“Baba abantu abadala bathukuthele...

uGogo uthe konke lokhu kungukujeziswa
kwakho. Bathi awuzwa Baba, kudala
bekutshela.
Bathi ushayelwa amacala akho. Baba
wenzani kani? [Dad the ancestors are
upset...Grandma said what's happening is
you being punished. They said you're
stubborn, they have been telling you since
so long. They said you are being punished
for your sins]” He remains quiet.

MaNdamase came in and froze when she

saw me. “Molo mama.” I greeted her and
she palms her mouth coming to me, dad
removed his head. Engulfing me in her
motherly hug I cry again.

“Oh yini...Nxese mntanami, nxese sisi, nxese

Nono wami. Oh mntanami, sukulila Nono.”
My mother hugs me for dear life and all the
burden I have been carrying on my
shoulders come crushing.
“Mama...” I just have no words, failing to
stand firmly on my feet, I give in and she
holds me as we settle on the floor.

“Oh sana lwami, sorry sthandwa sami, sorry

Nono, sukulila Nono susekhaya ngoku
sthandwa sami, konke kuzakulungu ngoku—
[Oh my baby, sorry my love, don't cry you're
home now, everything is going to be fine
now—

“NJANI MAMA? Njani! Izinto zizakulunga

njani xa utata ephikelele ekubeni nenkani?
Mama izinyanya zithukuthela kalokhu!
Zithukuthela! ... bendisoyika...bendisoyika
ndiyi wani ndingenamntu...ndiyi wani mama
ndingedwa...andisolibala eziphupho
endiziphuphileyo...ndidikiwe mama...[HOW
MOM? How will things be okay when dad is
hell bent on being stubborn? Mom the
ancestors are angry! I was scared...I was
scared all by myself with no one...I'll never
forget the dreams I dreamt...mom I'm
tired...”

I hate how I raise my voice to my elders

recently, but I'm up to my throat with the
secrets, the whispering, I'm tired! The
dreams! The burdens! The tiredness! I'm
grained, tired...
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
 MPATHO

“Ehhena phela mina ngiyakukhumbula. [I

miss you.]” my son whines over the phone.

“Mhhh. You miss me or the one I come

with?” I hear him giggle, I cannot act as if
I'm unaware of the way my son has become
fond of MaZungu.

“Of course I miss MaZungu more than you,

but I miss you too, just a little.” MaZungu to
MJ? When this happened now. I shake my
head smiling, driving through the gate, I
smile again at this feeling. I'm home.
“NgikaMkhulu manje, ngizobona umKhulu,
ngizobuye ngikufonele yezwa?
Ngikuphatheleni? [I'm at grandpa's house
right now, I'm here to see grandpa, what
should I bring you]” I ask him and without
hesitation he says. “uMaZungu babana.”

“Akuyena phela owakho. [She's not yours]” I

did both mean to say that, it slipped.
“Okabani?” an apple doesn't fall far from
the tree.
“Bye bye Mpatho. ” I tell and he laughs like
the maniac, Kumkani. He drops the call.

I see my little sister Nonhlanzeko running

towards the car, laughing at how she
tripped but continued running, she knocks
on my window jumping up and down,
shouting 'Babana vula. [Open]” stepping
out of the car she throws herself on me,
cupping my face she kiss my cheeks like I'm
one of her dolls.

“Okay hlika Hlanzi. [Get down]” I tell her but

she clings more, I knew this would happen,
tickling her she clings tighter laughing at her
highest note.

“Daddy sto...ooop.” she says laughing, I kiss

her cheeks too. Nonhlanzeko calls me daddy
and her dad/our dad she calls him dad. I'm
Babana and he's Baba.

It quite funny actually, it just shows that dad

was supposed to end it with Sena, if our
little sister sees us fit to be her dad, lord
Jesus I'm 22 years older than her. She calls
her nephew 'Bhutina [Brother]' it just
fucked up.

Walking inside, the homily warmth engulfs

me. The smell of beef stew is all over the
dining room to the kitchen, mom makes
the best beef stew. “Sanbona lekhaya.
[Greetings]”
she shrieked stumbling,we actually sneaked
up on her.

“Mpathoyenkosi Khumalo!!” She says

showing me her famous stirring spoon, she
used to whoop Sena and Kumkani with it,
Nonhlanzeko knows it very well, I once got a
whooping of that wooden spoon.

It was when MaShange, found weed in my

rondovel ,at the age of 23 , my hand was
held like a kid and I was whooped only in
my boxers, that day I cried 'Ngiyaxolisa
mama' for an hour and my dad sat on a
chair outside, drinking his favorite grape
juice, commenting a 'Shaya mawabo' here
and there, I'd never forget that day, or the
spoon.

Mesuli was the lucky one, but he could still

get it.

“Shange elihle.” I say placing down

Nonhlanzeko, who ran away to go on about
her day, she waves the spoon in front of my
face attempting to scare me, she's so short
it funny and cute.

“Usangasithola, umdala umngaka, netshebe

yembuzi. [You can still get it, as old as you
are. Busy with a goat's beard]” I laugh
hugging her, and stealing a cookie from the
tray, they're fresh from the oven.

“Iphi indoda yakho Ma. [Where's your

man]” she laughs or giggles, she always
does that when we address dad like that, I
finish chewing before breaking the hug.

“Usesbayeni. Awushongo ngani ukuthi

uyeza, ubezokuhlangabeza. [In the kraal.
Why didn't you tell us that you were
coming, he would've picked you up]”

“I'm not staying, i came to check on you

guys.” she shakes her head going back to
her cooking, I'm well aware how she hates it
when we don't visit often. I kiss her cheek,
she pretends to be grossed out. Sena should
come home soon.

“Usuntshontshe amakhekhe ami,

Mpathoyenkosi!! [You've stolen my
cookies]” She calls after me but I'm out of
the house with another cookie.

I see him on the far end of our yard where

the kraals are built. He's leaning on the rails
of the kraal. “Eyy Khumalo!” He turned
around and laughed when he saw that it
me.

“Ngiyasho lishisa kanje, ey likhipha

umkhovu etsheni. [No wonder it's so hot,
it's scorching hot]” I knew he'd say
something like that, side hugging him he
tries to ruffle my hair but I'm tall so I have
to bend down, it what he did since we were
kids.

“Wadlala ngami kodwa Khumalo. Wenzani

la, bayazitshotsha yini lezinkomo zakho?
[Don't kid me. What are you doing here,
they're bot stealing your cows are they?” I
ask him counting the cows, the last time I
was here they were 17 on this kraal, my
father has 3 kraals because of the say that
says,
'Izinkunzi ezimbili azihlalelani esibayeni
esisodwa. [Two leaders can't lead the same
party]'

“Ngeke bazame kusho ukuzama, ngicabanga

ukunezela eziyithupha. [They wouldn't dare,
I'm thinking if adding six more] ” He tells me
going to his little resting place, it had two
chairs. Sitting beside him I nod.

“Kwakuhle-ke lokho ngoba nami ngicabanga

ukuziphingula. [That's good because I was
thinking of taking some]” the way his head
snapped, I almost laughed.

“Uziphungula uzisayi? [Where are you

taking them to?]” I never thought I'd have
this conversation with dad but here we are.

“Emzini wenye indoda. [To another man's

house]” his expressions keep changing and I
find them funny.
“Ayy Mabaso unamanga, yazi akudlalwa
kanjalo, imnyaka iyasondela njalo. [Your
lying, don't kid with me,I'm growing old]”
this time I laugh at him.
“Ngiqinisile Baba, ungiphe noma ezu 15.
[I'm serious dad, give me at least 15 of
them]” He tips his head back laughing .

“15? Ngabe ingane yenkosi. [Is she royal]”.

“Indlovukazi uqobo. Ngifuna kuzishaya

ziphelele. [The queen itself. I want to pay all
of them]”
He gets up and blows a judgmental whistle,
I laugh at him.

“Ngizifice ziphelele nje baba.[She's a virgin]”

I tell him and his mouth goes agape, my
father is what you call a character, he place
his hands on his hips. “Mbulazi omnyama!
Ntungwa elihle! Mzilikazi kaMashobane!
Shobane no Gasa kaZikode! Zikode
kaMkhatshwa! Mabaso!!!” dad says
jumping up and down, dancing, believe me
he is fit.

“Wadla Mabaso! Wadla Mntungwa!

Mulethe mfanami,mulethe simulindile.
[Bring her home]” this old man, he takes a
break and come back to sit down. He fist
pumps me.

“Ayi mfanami,waze wangijabulisa, awumeke

eyakabani? Withathaphi? [Oh my
boy,you've made me so happy, who's she?
Where did you get her?]” He asks pouring
juice for me. Mina ngifuna iscotch Baba.
But I accept it anyway.

“Ukumbona kwami bekuseGoli,kodwa

owakhona la eKZN, eMandeni Baba.
Inkosazane yakwa Zungu.[I first saw her in
Johannesburg, but she's from here
KZN, from Mandeni]” Dad seems to be
thinking, probably trying to memories each
an every Zungu he ever encountered.
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
 NOMANZI

Dad has been quiet since our last talk in the

hospital. But he better not believe that he
got away just like that. I'll wait for him to
heal first.

Lungelo takes him out of the back seat with

the help of my uncles. He wheels him inside
and just then Mpatho's car drives in but he
parks outside the gate. The looks Mama is
giving waiting for whoever is the driver to
alight.

“Mnakwethu.[sister wife]” Zenande call out

running towards her, crashing on her she
hugs her so tight, and my mother smiles
kissing Zenande on the lips.
“Ahh mama mna awuzange ungicabuze
ngalohlobo. [You didn't kiss me like that]”
they both laugh, and Zee shows me a secret
thumbs up.

“Mnakwethu, iza tu, osister in law bayangi

khwintsha, bathi ndingumfazi wephepha.
[Sister wife please come. The sisters are
killing me, they said I'm only a wife on
paper.]” That got mom laughing out loud,
Zenande joins her, and finally takes her
away,she turns and secretly winks at me.
One of the many reasons why Zenande is
my bestie.

He finally stepped out of his car, wasn't he

driving the Rover, right now he's driving
Bentley. With the 'KHUMALO' plate on it, I
got to know it him. He looks fine, my man
looks fine, and I'd never call him that 'My
man'.

Going to him feels like that walk when you

approach the podium to deliver a speech,
all eyes on you, and you're afraid of
tripping. And right now I feel like telling that
: "Mawungibhek'emehlweni uyangijabulisa
Dali" but neh, that's my secret.

“Mntungwa.” I greet him and he smiles

lazily I don't know, I really don't, but dear
lord protect my virginity cause damn.
Hugging him has become something I
always look forward in doing. It nothing
sexual, just a bear hug with him stroking my
back and a little kiss on my cheek.

He pulls me to the passenger side, didn't I

say we will work the opening the door for
the lady defiance, see he opened the door
for me, this car is beautiful, I don't know
much about cars but everything here is on
point.

Oh today he was in fossil grey suit pant, and

an azure blue golf t-shirt, it safe to say that
he rocks golf t-shirts, with his muscles
bulging, chest out and defined.
His wrist is clad in a silver omega watch, I
know watches because Lunga is obsessed
with them.
He pulls out of the front yard and drive
down the road, my neighborhood is not
your typical rich neighborhood, but it
similar, it clean, big houses with gates,
driveways, green grass, no kids running up
and down the road, if there are, they're
rushing to the playgrounds.

But one thing I hate about it, bayazithanda

izindaba, it by luck if your business remains
your business here.

They gossip in gowns till one in the

afternoon, go back to prepare for the kids
and husband who'll be returning soon.
“Bekufone uMpatho beno Senamise izolo.
[MJ and Senmise called yesterday.]” He says
putting on one of the songs I downloaded
on his phone. I smile at that, he's thoughtful
and I like it.

“I hope you told them that all is well, I don't

want them to worry.” he smiles at me and
focus back on the road, I don't even want to
ask.

“Ngibone kahle ukuthi uMawakho

angabanika inkinga omalume, ngicishe
ngabaleka. [I'm convinced that your mom
would probably give my uncles problems, I
almost fled]” He says taking a route to
Galleria mall. Wait uncles? what uncles?
When I look at him he behaves as if he
didn't just say something odd. Uncles?

“Ngikubuyise nini? [What time should I

bring you back?]” haibo, he's totally
ignoring the way I'm looking at him, he
mustn't try me, I know what I heard.

“Omalume? No sukwenza engathi

awungiboni ngikubuka, musa ukungiziba.
[Uncles? Don't act as if you don't see the
way I'm looking at you, don't you ignore
me.]” He laughs nodding, a real laugh, with
his eyes shrinking,

WAIT A DAMN MINUTE, he has a dimple, it

so small, I've always missed it,but today, I'm
falling and falling beyond the ground now.
“Uzwile okuzwile MaZungu, angithandi
ukuziphinda. Yini wena uzweni? [You heard
what you heard,I don't like repeating myself.
What did you hear anyway?]” is he kidding
me, we stop when the traffic lights shone
red. He takes my hand and kiss the back of
it, ain't I blushing and confused, twenty
eight days to go, then I'd know.

NARRATED

As they were still waiting for the green light

two cars sped to them, hitting their car on
the front and back,
Mpatho's hand flew to Nomanzi's chest
pushing her back to her seat, the screams
from Nomanzi and from passbys mixed.

The cars drove away, Mpatho fished for his

guns, Nomanzi crying beside him with her
hands clutched on his. He pressed on the
accelerator cutting through cars,ignoring
red lights with Nomanzi screaming.

“Mpatho!! Mpatho kwenzakalani? What's

going on!!” He himself had no idea, he took
a quick glance at her and focused back on
the road.
“Awulimalanga? Nomanzi!!! Khuluma
nami!! Awulimalanga. [Are you hurt?]” He
shouts but to Nomanzi his voice sounded
far away, she tries to figure out what
happening, silencing everything that's
happening.
Her cries have automatically died down. She
zoned out. BANG!! a bullet broke through
the back to the windscreen. Nomanzi was
unaware of all of that.

Four cars were following them, two behind

and two beside. Leaving Nomanzi's chest he
punched in his brother's number but the
screen was shattered.
“Fuck!!!” He cussed hitting the hooter.
Nomanzi was still in trance. Alternating
between protecting Nomanzi ,driving,
shooting. His mind was set on one thing
though, protect Nomanzi.

Using his hand he adjusted Nomanzi's seat,

making it move to the back and
straightened it, still Nomanzi was just there,
but her soul and mind weren't.

“Damnit!! Call Mbulazi!!!” He shouted and

luckily it did call.

“Mkhonyana—
“Kumkani!! We're under attack, angazi
ukuthi obani, ngino Nomanzi and she
blacked out on me, we're heading to
Newcastle, inform dad and his men, it four
against one, and my car is in bad shape!!
Uyangizwa Kumkani? Damn it!!!

He shouts banging on the steering wheel,

he's not even sure if Kumkani got the call.
Taking another gun under his seat he points
it out on the driver who was nearing beside
him, he missed his head and shot his
shoulder making him lose control of the
wheel, the one on his side, pulled out his
gun and shot at him, ducking forward the
bullet missed him and went out shot right
through his partner's head. Mpatho pulled
out his gun and shot at the driver next to
him, his head dropped to the wheel making
the hooter hoot all the way till the car
crashed on another car in front of it.

He drove away, on high speed, ducking cars,

Nomanzi laid awake but unaware of what's
happening, the one behind him tailed him
do close, when he took a bend heading to
one of his father's warehouses, the driver
shot at his tires, making the car lose control
and tipped over.

The road was secluded, with just the two

cars. The attackers came to a stop behind
Mpatho's car. One bulged up man got out of
the car and went to Mpatho's side, the car
was shattered and honestly on the verge of
blowing up. He took out his gun and
pointed it out. BANG!BANG! Two gunshots
were fired.

TO BE CONTINUED...