TheDubeLegacyr

eloaded
Season2
Chapt
erOne
°
°°
{
4weeksear
li
er}
"EventhoughIloveyousodear l
y.Icouldn'
tmake
youstay.Noamountoft earsIcriedcould'
vebrought
youback.IbeggedandbeggedbutwhowasIt o
undowhathehaswr it
tendownt hatitwasboundt o
happensomewher edownt hel i
neofourl i
ves.You
l
eftmewi ththeundyingscars.Youtookmyhear t
wit
hy ouandt hati
stheself
ishactofy ouI'veever
wit
nessed.
Myhear tstingswhenIt hinkofourf utur
et hat
vani
shedr ightbef or
emyey es.Youhadme
for
getti
ngt here'swhatwecal ll
osi
ng,whi chIt endto
exper
ienceonpeopl eIlove.WhowasIf ool i
ng
thi
nki
ngasdeepasspendi ngforeverwithy ou.You
werenev ermi net okeepfrom thefir
stplace, thatis
whyIwasscar edtoloveyou.YesIam cowar d,you
tol
dmet hatev erychancey ougot.Youwer eright.I
am acowar d, t
odayy ouhav eleftwit
hmyhear tand
am leftherewi thnothingbutmemor i
esofwhenI
mety ou,wheny oucar riedmychi l
dren.Wheny ou
enduredal lthatemot ionlesslovemaki ng.You
alwayshadhopet hatsomedayIwi llchangeandbe
themanf ory ou,ofwhi chIdid.Butsomet hinginside
mei sguilty
, Ifeell
ikeIst art
edtobewhowant edlate.
HadIgi veny out helov eandaf f
ecti
onf rom thestart
,
Iwould'vehadmor eti
met oloveyou.
Ipr
omisey
ouIshal
lnotf
orgetev
ery
thi
ngt
hatwe
were.
Ital
lli
v esinmyheadandwi l
l probablyalwaysdo
becausey ou'
rethebestthingt hathasev er
happenedt omemamaKaSi sekel oandSikel
ela.I
am leftalonewithourchildrent or ai
se.Ihopeyou'l
l
bewi t
hmespi ri
tual
lyont hedayt heyaskabouty ou.
Iwil
l t
ellthem youslappedme. ..
..
Toy oumyboy .Iguessheavencouldn'twaitforyou.
Iwould'
vehadabestf ri
end,someonet oplaysoccer
withbuthi
swi l
lcouldneverbequestioned.No
mat t
erwhat.Whent heDrtoldmeyouwer einside
yourmotherandy ourheartwasst
il
l beati
ng.Ihad
hopey ou'l
lmakei t.TheDrt oldmehe' st
oot inyhe
can'tl
iveIbeggedhi mt otr
yatleast.3mont hs
seemedbi ginmymi nd.Ipleadedwithyour
grandmot hertosignt hecsect i
onpermit.She
agreed,Iprayedast heDrsoper at
edyourmot her.I
havenev erprayedt hatmuchi nmyl i
fe.When. ..
when
theDrt ol
dmet ober eadyt
ohol dyou.Hesai d.
"
MrDube,i
fItol
dyouther
e'sachangef
ory
ourchi
l
d
t
omakeitI
'dbelyi
ng"
InoddedbecauseIhadnowor ds.Bei
nginthe
presenceofyourmotherwho'
snomor eandhear
ing
thatther
e'snochancefory
ou,somethi
nginsi
deme
died.
Hegav emey ou,Ithoughtyouwerebi gbutt
omy
surpr
iseyoufitonmyhand.Il aughed.Ihadnever
seensuchat i
nyhumanbei ng,t
hetinygarmentthe
nursegavemet ocov eryouupwi t
hl ookedl
i
kea
duvet.Lal
angoxoloMbuy azi.Toyout ooNdl
ovukazi
yami.Deathshallnotbeproud.Heav enhasgai
ned
yetanotherAngel
s"
Wi
thal
lthatsai
d.Hegav
ethemi
crophonebackt
o
theprogr
am dir
ectorandwenttoChloe'smot
her
andtookthetwins.Heheadedfort
hemai ndoor
,al
l
eyesonhim.Pityi
nghim hecoul
dfeelitonhi
s
shoul
dersashewal kedon.
Khulekanifol
l
owedashor twhil
eafterhevani
shed
out.Hefoundhim buckl
i
nguphi schildr
enonthe
backseat.Hepat
tedhisshoulder.
Khul
e:"
Getont
hepassengerseat
"
Hehesi
tant
lyopenedthedoorandgoti
n.Khul
e
wal
kedaroundtothedri
ver
'sseat
.Theydr
oveoff
..
..
°
°°
{
PresentDay
}
HefoundKhul
esmokingnexttot
hepond,l
eani
ng
agai
nstt
hewallwi
thhisankl
escr
ossed.
Hest
oodbef
orehi
m wi
thhi
shandsonhi
spocket
s.
Qui
nton:
"Everyt
hingisf
inal
i
zed.Icanmov
ein
any
timefrom t
omor r
ow"
Khul
ekani
broughthi
seyesupbri
efl
yandthen
l
ookedaway."Deepdownyouknowiti
sforthebest
"
Khul
elookedathi
m agai
n.
Khul
e:"
Forwho?You?
"
Hetookadeepbr
eat
handdr
oppedhi
sey
es."
YeahI
t
houghtso"
Hekil
l
edtheci
garet
teont
heasht
rayandwal
ked
backt
othehouse.
Qui
nton:
"We'
rest
il
ltal
ki
ng"
Khul
e:"
You'
ret
heonet
alki
ng"
Qui
nton:
"You'
rebei
ngunr
easonabl
e"
Khule:
"Am I?
"Heinhaled."You'v
emadeupyour
mind.Whydon'ty
outakey ourbagsandy
ourki
ds
anddrivet
otheair
portalready?"
Qui
nton:
"Ican'
tbeher
e.Ev
ery
thi
ngar
oundher
e
r
emindsmeofher."
Khul
e:"
Andthetwinsdon't?Youneedtomanupand
hel
pmef i
ndthatbastar
dnother ewhi
ning.Youneed
tofi
ndj
usti
ceforyourwifenotrunaway"
Qui
nton:
"Am notr
unni
ngaway
!"
Khul
e:"
Idon'
tcar
ewhatt
hef
ucky
oucal
li
tbutt
ome
i
tisr
unni
ngaway
"
Qui
nton:
"Khul
ekani
I-"
Herai
sedhi
shandandclimbedupt
hest
air
s.
Qui
ntoncur
sedunderhi
sbreat
h.
"Kel
ly
.Pleasemaket hepaymentsforthepeopl
e
who'l
lpaintandfur
nitur
e.Iam st
il
ldeci
dingonthe
datetomov ein.Wi
lll
etyouknow"
Hesentt
ohi
snewPAandwentt
othenur
ser
y..
.
°
°°
[
Khet
hel
o]
Het ookoffhi
sT-shir
tandwal
kedstrai
ghttothe
bathroom.Iknowbettert
hantofol
l
owhi mrightnow.
Ipi
ckedt heT-shi
rtf
rom t
hefl
oorandputitonthe
basket.
Me:"Di
dyouguysfi
ghtagain?
"Isaywhenhecomes
out
.Thatwasthequi
ckestshowerI
'v
eeverseen.
Khul
e:"
Tell
mei fam wr
ong.ButIser
iousl
ydon'
tsee
ther
easonforhi
mt omovetoFreeState"
Me:
"Dur
banbabe"
Khule:
"Yest
hat.Weshoul
dbelooki
ngf
ort
hat
asshol
enothimrunni
ngaway
"
Me:
"Shoul
dIt
alkt
ohi
m?"
Khul
e:"
Please.
"
Hefi
nisheddr
essingup.Am sl
eepingal
oneagain
t
oday."Am meet
ingupwi t
hMpisi.Hehasalead"
Me:"Doesn'
theev
ery
day
"Isayandopent
he
cur
tai
ns.
Khul
e:"
I'
ll
bebackbef
oresupper
"
Hekissedmycheekandbr
ief
lyr
ubbedmyst
omach.
"
Ilov
ey ou"
Inoddedandwentt
othebat
hroom.Ihear
dthedoor
cl
ose.Ithr
ewup,myli
fe.
Theint
ernetpeopl
ewi l
ldecei
v ey
ou.Theytaket
hose
cut
epregnancypict
uresholdingthei
rbumpsmaking
youthi
nkpregnancyisthateasy.
Well
iti
snowher ecloset
obei
ngeasy.Iv
omi
t.Ihat
e
men.Especi
all
ytheseDubet
wins,
thepai
nof
t
oler
ati
ngthem!
Ieateachandever
ysecond.IthanktheLor
dwe
mov edint
othi
snewhouse,themi ni
kit
chenisGodl
y
sent.
Idon'
tknowwher
eKat l
egogetsall
thisener
gyf
rom
butwhatIknowi
sthatIdonotli
keitonebit
.
Idon'tgethowdi dt
hisstomachgrowt obethi
sbi
g
j
ustin4weeks.I 'dl
iketothi
nkpregnancyi
s
psychologi
cal.Iwasfourmonthslastmonths
unawar eIhadnosignsofbeingpregnantandmy
stomachwasf l
atbutnow...
Whatahar dtimetobepregnant.Ev
ery
oneis
occupied.Iam j
ustgl
adhestil
lmanagest
omake
ti
mef orus.
Itakeonelastglanceatmybal loonselfatthemi rror
.
Itrytol
ookgoodf orthewor l
d.Thi spartofJo'burg
i
sf ul
lofnewspeopl eineverycornerbecauseal lthe
highprofi
l
epeopl eli
vehere.Iti
ssoannoy i
ng
honestl
y.Theshoot i
ngsagadr ewat tenti
ont ous,
theypaidpeopletomaket hestoryv anishbutthe
bloodyDail
yBreadnewspapert hreat
enedt oexpose
them sotheybackedof fandletev er
ypapar azzi
haveascoopaboutt heDubes.Tr ut
horlies,ever
y
i
ncidentmakesittothefrontpage.Ifounditvery
i
nsensit
iveofthem t
otakepi ct
uresofQui nt
on
tal
kingatthememor i
alservi
ceandt hefuneral
.
Katl
egohasalreadybeat
enup3ofthejour
nalist
sso
farandsti
l
lcounti
ngbecauset
heyall
annoying.I
wishIcoul
dfighttoo.
Thewholewor l
dknowst hatam pr
egnant.'Sl
ay
mom' i
showam r efer
redto.Thefunnythingis,
they
neverf
oll
owtheseDubemenbutus.They '
vegone
asfarastr
espassingatEmi'spl
ace.Journali
sm is
oneofthehardestcar
eersIswear.Imaginechasing
aft
erpeopl
eev er
yday.
.
..
Ifoundhim playi
ngwi t
hthetwins.Myheartsti
ll
breaksforhim.He'snothim.Hel ooksl
ost.Youcan
tel
lsomethingismi ssi
ng.Hi
ssmi lesar
eforced.Hi
s
eyesarealway sredandswollen.
I
tsbeen4weeks.Am sti
llst
ruggl
ingmysel
f.
SometimesIst
il
lcal
lhernumber.Shet
ookherl
ast
breat
hbefor
eoureyes.
I
tishardtobeliev
e.I'
venev
erbeensol osti
nmy
wholeenti
reli
fe.Heshookher,hecr
ied,heki
ssed
her
,theheartmonitormadethepani
csound, t
heli
ne
wentstr
aight,
Iprayed.
TheDrscamei nfl
oodingtheroom, t
heyescor tedus
out.Heforceful
lywentbackin.Itr
iedtami nghim
down,heaskedmet owakeherup, i
tsti
l
l breaksmy
heart
.Isti
l
l hearhi
scryeverynightbeforeIgot o
sl
eep.
Me:"They
'l
lber
unni
ngar
oundsoon"hebroughthi
s
headuptoseemeandsmil
ed.Ismi
ledback.
Qui
nton:
"Si
sekel
oisl
azymay
beSi
kel
ela"
Me:
"It
sal
way
sli
ket
hat
"
It
ookaseatont
hesi
ngl
ecouchf
aci
nghi
m."
How
ar
eyou?
"
Qui
nton:
"Idon'
tknow"
Me:"Khul
etell
smey ouguy shadanagreement
agai
n"helookedatSisekel
oandkissedhert
hengot
backatme.
Qui
nton:
"Yeahwedi
d."Heexhal
eddeepl
y."
The
t
hingi
s,meleavingi
snotrunni
ngawayfrom my
r
esponsi
bil
i
tiesbutmetr
yingtofi
ndpeace"
Me:
"Andy
oucan'
tdot
hather
e?"
Quinton:"Yes.Iwantt obeaway .Awayf rom
everyonewhoknowsme, awayf rom peoplewho
l
ookandpi tyme, awayf rom ev er yt
hingthatr eminds
meofher .Ican'tbearbei nginmyhousebecauseI
seeheri nev er
ycor ner.Herper fumei salloverthe
house.IfIcont i
nuet ostayher eIam gonnagocr azy
Khethelo.Iwi l
ll
osemymi nd.Khul ewant smet o
stayhereandf i
ndwhoev erdi dthat ,
themor ewego
forrevenge,theki lli
ngswon' tstop.Tomor rowit
wouldbesomeoneel se,Iam t i
redofl osing
everyoneIlov ethr oughguns.Foroncei nmyl i
feI
j
ustwantpeace, Iwantt obet hebestf at
hert omy
kidsandagoodbr othertomysi bli
ngsandt oyou
wives."
Idon'
tknowi
fit
'
shor
monesbutmyey
esgotwet
.
Me: "
Youhavemybl essi
ngs.Gooutt
hereandgain
yoursani
tyback.Youdeservet
ogri
evepeacef
ull
y"
Hesmi
l
edwi
tht
het
ear
sinhi
sey
es.
Qui
nton:
"Thanky
ou"
Myphoner
ang.Kat
lego.
Me:
"Kat
legoandIar
egoi
ngout
.Chr
isshoul
d-"
Chr
is:
"Am her
e"
Me:
"I'
llseeyouguyslat
er"Iki
ssedthemunchki
ns.
Wearen'tbestoff
ri
endsthesedays.
Chr
is:
"Mr
sDube"
Me:
"Mbuy
azi
"
Chr
is:"
Youlookbeaut
if
ul.Li
am andPaul
wil
lbe
dr
ivi
ngyou"
Me:
"Paul
?Isn'
thesupposedt
obeatt
hecampus?
"
Chr
is:
"Idon'
tknow"
ThatchildneedsJesus.Heneverstopsspeaki
ng.I
preferCebo.Ohthey'
reournewlyfoundsons.Idon'
t
knowwher eKhul
efoundthem butallIknowi
sthat
he'sveryfondofthem.
Andthenthelonglostson.Wehav en'
tseenhi
m
si
ncethefuneral
.Mybabycoul dn'teat.Hewasso
br
oken,theyconnectedwithChloe.Hebl ames
hi
mself.Hesaysheshoul
d'
vefor
eseeni
t.Nobody
goesagainstGod'
swi
ll
.Noone.
Isenthi
m atextaski
ngi
fhe'
sokayr
ightaf
ter
gett
ingi
nthecar..
.
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Si
siphotookherschoolbagandfoll
owedthet
wins
ri
ghtaft
erbiddi
ngthei
rparent
'sgoodbye.
Lel
oswift
lygotupandcol
l
ect
edt
hedi
shes,
Kush
gotupandhelpedher
.
Kush:
"Yougoi
ngt
ohur
tyour
sel
f"shegavehimthe
evi
ley
eandtookt
hedi
shest
othekit
chen.Kush
fol
l
owedher.
Kush:
"Whati
syourpr
obl
em?
"
Sheconti
nueddoi
ngt
hedi
sheswi
thoutpay
ing
att
ent
iontohi
m.
Kush:
"Nompumel
elo"
Lel
o:"
Pleasel
eav
emet
hehel
lal
one!
"
Kusht
ookbot
hherhandsoutoft
hewat
erandmade
hert
ofacehi
m.
Kush:
"Tal
ktomemyl
ove"
Tear
srol
l
eddownLel
o'
scheeks.
Lel
o:"
Howl
ong?
"
Kush:
"Howl
ongwhat
?"Hesai
dpuzzl
ed.
Lel
o:"
Howl
onghav
eyoubeenscr
ewi
ngourl
awy
er?
"
Alumpst uckonhisthr
oat
.Hef ai
l
edt omai
ntainey
e
contact
.Lelosnat
chedherhandsoutofhi
sgr i
p.
"You'
rerott
enMadonna.You'
rear ot
tenman!
"
Shestormedtot
hebedr
oom upst
air
sleav
inghi
m
shouthername.
Shegrabbedherphoneandwentt
othei
nter
netand
tookt
henumber ssheneeded.
Shecal
l
edt
henumber
.
Gl
ade:"DubeConst
ruct
ionMrDube'
sof
fi
cegood
morni
ng"
Lel
o:"
CanIspeakt
oMrDubepl
ease?
"
Gl
ade:
"Goi
ngt
hroughpl
easehol
don"
Shehel
don.
..
Khul
e:"
Dube,
goodmor
ning"herhear
tst
art
edr
aci
ng.
"Hel
l
o?"
Lel
o:"
Iknowwho-
"
Thedooropened.Kushgoti
n.Shef
roze.
Khul
e:"
Hel
l
o?Hel
l
o?Who'
sthi
s?"
Shequi
ckl
yhungupandlockedherphonet
hen
hur
ri
edtothebat
hroom.
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erTwo
°
°°
[
Khet
hel
o]
"YeahI'
l
lcal
lyoufi
rstt
hingi
nthemor
ning.
..
noIt
hink
he'sasl
eep.
..
sur
e"
Heclosedt
hedoorandputhi
sphonebacki
nhi
s
pocket
.
Khul
e:"
Hibabe"
Me:
"Hi
"
Hepassedont
othebat
hroom.Hesur
ebat
hsal
ot
t
hesedays.
Iappl
i
edl
oti
ont
omyhandsandt
ookt
her
obeof
f.
Thisbedisheav
enl
y.Notshortnort
all
,justokay
.I
rest
edmyheadont heheadboardandtookmybook
andresumedreadi
ng.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Hey
"
Qui
nton:
"IsKhul
eback?
"
Me:"Yeahhe'sback.Doy
ou-"thel
i
nedi ed.Itr
ied
cal
l
inghim agai
nitwentt
hroughvoicemail.
"
Welandedsaf
ely
.Thesignal
isn'
tgoodher
e,I
'
llbuy
anewcardt
omorrow.Thetwi
nssayHell
omommy "
Ichuckl
ed.
"
That'
sgreat
.Tel
lthem Imi
sst
hem al
ready
.Cal
lme
whenyoubuyit
.Goodnight
"
Ir
esponded.
Khul
eret
urned,weari
ngonl
yhi
sboxer
s.Hi
slegs
makemesi ckhonest
ly.
Hemodel
l
edt
heswi
tchandt
urnedt
hel
i
ghtof
f.
Me:
"Am r
eadi
ng"
Khul
e:"
It
s9pm.Youshoul
drest
"
Me:
"Ihadenoughr
est
ingt
oday
"
Hecl
i
mbedonandgotcl
osert
ome.Hi
sbr
eat
h!
Ishi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
y.Heki
ssedmycheek.
Khul
e:"
Didy
oumi
ssme?
"
Me:
"YesIdi
d.Di
dyoumi
ssme?
"
Khul
e:"Imissy
ouev
enwheny
ou'
rei
nthebat
hroom
topeebabe"
Ismi
l
ed."
Whyar
eyour
eadi
ngt
hisbook?
"
Het
ooki
tandcl
osedi
t.
Me:
"It
sint
erest
ing"
Khul
e:"
Lear
ninghowt
ocheat
?"
Me:
"Di
dyour
eadt
het
it
le?
"
Khul
e:"Yes.Whymencheatandwhywomendoi
t
bet
ter
"
Me:
"Whi
chpar
tsay
sther
ear
echeat
ingl
essons?
"
Khul
e:"
It
sthesame.Di
dQui
ntongot
obedear
ly?
"
Me:
"Nohel
eft
"
Khul
e:"
Hel
eftwher
e?"
Me:
"Dur
ban.
"
Khul
e:"
Andy oudi
dn'
ttel
lme?"Hegotupandturned
onthel
ight
sandwalkedoutl
eavi
ngthedooropen.
Igotupandwentt
opee.Ihear
dthedoorcl
ose.
Khul
e:"
Khet
hel
o"
Me:
"Am comi
ng"
Hegoti
n.
Khul
e:"
Youl
ethi
mleav
e?"
Me:
"WhatwasIsupposedt
odo?
"
Khul
e:"
Hecan'
tbeoutt
her
eonhi
msel
fheneeds
us!
"
Me:"That'
swhereyouhav
eitwrong.He'
sgrown,
you'
regrown.Atsomepoi
ntthi
swasboundt o
happen.Youcan'
tli
vet
obeoneachot her
'sf
aceti
ll
y
oudie.Quint
onisanadul
t.Hedoesn'
tneedy
out
o
t
ell
him whattodoandwhat'
snottodo"
Igotupandwalkedbackt
othebedroom.Igotin
bedandcoveredmyhead.Khul
ekanii
sn'
theal
thyfor
mybloodpressur
e..
.
°
°°
[
Emi
hle]
Si
gh.
Newy ear.Ol
dsorr
ows.Car r
yingt
hepr evi
ousy
ear
's
fr
ustr
ationsandpai
nt oyournewy earisa
permanentstept
hatitisn'
tyoury
ear .
Wel eadav erydisti
nctl
if
estyl
e.Gi
venachancet o
chooseaf ami l
y,I'
dchooseanybutnottheDubes.
Webur yev erynowandt hen.Wedodgebullets
constantl
y.Idon'tcarehowmucht heyall
mi ghtact
l
ikethisisn'tef
fecti
ngthem deepdowntheyknow
thatbeingusi sfucki
nghell
.
Whenwecamebackf r
om homeIwascal ledfor
i
nter
viewinoneofthebiggestt
elecommunicati
ons
companiesi
nJo'bur
g.Iam anauditor
,al
lthanksto
mymot herwhoi ntr
oducedmei nt
omanycar eers.I
hatedi
twhenshet ol
dmet otakeonli
nelect
ures.
TodayIam grateful
.Shewasn'tper
fectbi
tonething
forsur
e,shealway sdi
dwhatwasbestf orus.
JasonJasonJason!
Trashati
t'
sbest.Thethoughtofhim st
il
lrepulseme.
Ihavenotseenhim si
ncethatdayandIprayeach
dayIneverdo.Myheartissti
l
lbleedi
ng.Iwillnever
forgi
vehi
mf ort
hat.
Myhobbiesthi
syeari
ncl
udenothav i
ngaman.What
Ineedi
sabestie,
someonet oshopwith,
travelthe
count
rywit
h,gooutondates,conf
idei
nher .That'
s
al
l.
.
..
Iarri
vedatwor k.They'
realsofri
endlypeople.The
wholebui l
dingisvibr
antandnaturefri
endly.We
havebirdsinsideontheirl
itt
lecages.Atfi
rstI
thoughtitwasv eryoddbutthenIreali
zedits
actual
lyspiritl
i
fti
ngtostepinhereandheart hem
chip.
"
HeyEmz"Igett
oendur
eunt
ilImakei
ttot
hel
i
ft.I
ts
onlybeentwoweeksbutev
ery
onear
oundher
e
seemst oknowmyname.
Mynewbossisr
atherscar
y.I
'
veonl
yseenhim once
andnotl
ooki
ngf
orwardint
oseei
nghim agai
n.
Iset
tl
edonmydeskandVeecamei nandpour
ed
mecoffee.Shehandedmet
hecup.
Me:
"Thanky
ouandwhatdoy
ouwant
?"
Vee:"MrKhanaskedmet odoresearchongl
obal
warming,Ihappenedt
oforget
,youknowhavi
ngkids
i
sn'teasy
.Yougetbusysoonasy oustepi
nyour
doorsoIforgot"
Me:
"Okay
?Wher
edoIent
er?
"
Vee:
"Pl
easet
eachme2or3t
hings"
Me:
"Gl
obal
war
mingi
sver
ycommonVee"
Vee:"
Iknowbutthosear
ever
ysophisti
cat
edpeopl
e
Ineedtousebi
gwor dsl
i
kephot
osynthesi
s"I
l
aughed.
Me:"
Knowwhat
?I'
l
ljotev
ery
thi
ngdownf
ory
ouand
f
orwardi
t"
Shesmi
l
ed.
Vee:
"Thanky
ou.Lunchi
sonme"
Me:
"Ofcour
sei
tis"
She'sthefirstonewhor eachedoutonmyfir
stday
.
30y earsold,mar ri
edandt heboss'
sPA.She'
sa
goodper son, neverser
ious.Ili
keher,
weeat
togetherduringlunch.
Sheshookhergi
gant
icassout
.Myt
elephoner
ang.
Me:
"Mi
ssDube'
sof
fi
ce"
Cal
l
er:"MissDube.There'
saboar
dmeet
ingar
ound
1o'
clockpleaseavai
lyour
sel
f"
Me:
"Thanky
ouIwi
l
l"
Ihungupandcal
l
edQui
nton.Mymamasbaby
.
Qui
nton:
"ForamomentIt
houghty
ouf
orgotabout
me"
Me:
"It
ssowi
ndyt
her
e,Ican'
theary
ou"
Qui
nton:
"Oh,
we'
reatt
hebeach"
Me:
"Wi
tht
heki
ds?
"
Qui
nton:
"Yep.They
'r
eov
ert
her
eeat
ingt
hesand"
Me:
"Thesandi
ssal
tyBhut
i!
"
Qui
nton:
"They
'r
egr
owi
ngup.Whenar
eyou
comi
ng?"
Iknewi
t.NowIwi
l
lhav
etogoupanddown.
Me:
"Thi
sweekend.Hav
etheyf
urni
shedy
et?
"
Qui
nton:"
Theyareaswespeak.We'
regoi
ngt
ost
ay
atahotel
unti
lthey
'r
edone"
Me:
"Okay
.Il
ovey
ouguy
s"
Qui
nton:
"Wel
ovey
oumor
e"
Hehungup.Hesoundedabitl
ight
er.Heputmy
hear
tateaseIwasworr
iedabouthi
m.
°
°°
[
Khul
e]
Igotoffthephonewi t
hChar l
es.Hecanbeso
usel
essatt i
mes.Icouldn'tt
racedownJason, he
knowst hesetr
acki
ngt hi
ngs.Mpi sifai
l
edtoo.That
womanwant edtotell
mesomet hing.Andi
twas
somethinguseful
.Ijustcoul
dn'tshakeoffthe
feel
i
ngthatshewant
edtot
ell
mesheknowswho
shootTyl
erandChl
oe.
Todaywasfrustr
ati
ngenough.Qui
ntonlef
t,andIon
theot
hersi
dei str
yingt
ohuntdownt hatf
ooland
nowthismysteri
ouswoman.
Khet
helo:"
You'r
estil
lher
e?"Shesaidwhenshegot
i
nthelounge.Soundi
ngveryboredtoseeme.I
br
oughtmyey esuptoher,shealsolookedbor
ed.
Me:"
Yes.Iam wor
kingf
rom homet
oday
.Imadey
ou
br
eakf
ast"
Khethel
o:"Atl
east
"shewal
kedt
otheki
tchenand
ret
urned.
Me:
"Whydi
dyousayt
hat
?"
Khet
hel
o:"
What
?"Shest
uff
edher
sel
f.
Me:
"Am sor
ry"Isayaf
terawhi
l
e.
Khet
hel
o:"
Forwhat
?"
Me:
"Aboutl
astni
ght
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Don'
tsweati
t.Weal
lhav
eourdemons"
Me:
"Sur
ewedo"
Shef
rowned.Il
aughed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Havey oucal
l
edhi
m?"Ishookmyhead.
"t
oomuchfornotbei
ngabl
etol
iv
ewi t
houthi
m"
Me:
"I'
l
lcal
lhi
m whenI
'
vecool
eddown"
Khet
hel
o:"
OK"
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"It
'st
hehospi
tal
"shest
oodonherf
eet
.
Me:
"Cal
m down"Ianswer
ed."
Hel
l
o"
Cal
ler
:"MrDube?Pl
easerusht
othehospi
tal
.Your
br
otherhaswokenupbutwehaveaprobl
em"
Me:
"Am comi
ng"Ihungup.
Khet
hel
o:"
Isheokay
?"
Me:
"Yes.Am goi
ng"
Khet
hel
o:"
Am comi
ngwi
thy
ou"
Me:
"NoI
'
llbespeedi
ngup"
Shekeptqui
et.Iki
ssedherandt
ookmycarkey
s
andwalkedontothedoor.
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
ll
frogmy
sel
fthen"
Itur
nedar
ound.Whyi
ssheal
way
smessi
ngwi
thmy
head.
Me:
"Come"
Shesmil
edandt
ookherpl
ateandj
uice.Icar
ri
edt
he
j
uicef
orher
.
-
Wearri
vedatmidday.WefoundChr
isandKat
lego
si
tt
ingonthewait
ingarea.
Me:
"It
ri
edt
ocal
lyouguy
s"
Chr
is:
"Mybat
ter
ydi
ed.Di
dtheyt
ell
youwhat
'sgoi
ng
on?
"
Me:
"No"
Khet
hel
o:"
Butt
heysai
dhe'
sawaker
ight
?"
Chri
s:"Yes.Butt
hatdoesnotmeanwe' r
eofft
he
hook,hisvi
talor
gansmightst
artact
ingup"
Kat
lego:
"Canwebeposi
ti
vepl
ease?
"
"
Tyl
erDube?
"
Weal
lst
oodupandnodded.
Dr
:"Pl
easef
oll
owme"
Weal
ldi
d.
Dr
:"MrDube,
yourf
ami
l
yisher
e"
Hetur
nedhi
sheadt
oourdi
rect
ion.Hewi
denedhi
s
ey
es.
Tyl
er:
"Doocct
toorr
"hesai dsl
owly
."Thesearethe
peopl
ethatki
ll
edme, thesear
ethement hatshot
mepleasegetthem outofher
e,pl
ease.Securi
ty!
"
Chr
is:
"Ty
leri
tsus"
Ty
ler
:"YesIseey
ou.Youki
l
ledme"
Ibecamelostf
orwords.Khet
helogotundermyar
m
andcri
ed.Hekeptcal
li
ngforsecur
it
y.TheDrcame
tome.
Dr:"
We'resti
llr
unni
ngsometests.Yester
dayhi
s
brai
nwasf uncti
oni
ngver
ywell
,Idon'tknowwhat
happened.
"
Me:
"Hewokeupy
est
erday
?"
Dr:
"Yes.Ihadtobesur
ehe'
sreal
l
yawakeandrun
sometests.Hi
scondi
ti
onwasverycr
it
ical
MrDubeI
di
dn'
twantt
owakey
ourhopes"
3secur
it
yguar
dscamei
n.
Tyl
er:
"Ar
restt
hem!Theset
wodar
kmen.Leav
ethe
womenwithme"
Thesecuri
tyguy
saskedChrisandItocomewit
h
them.Khet
helotr
iedt
ofoll
owIstoppedher
.She
nodded.Wewalkedout.
.
°
°°
[
Kat
lego]
Hestar
tedlaughi
ngsoonasthedoorcl
osed.We
st
oodtherewatchi
nghim.Hecan'
tbelosi
nghis
minddearLord.
Ty
ler
:"Ar
eyouguy
sgonnagi
vemeahug?
"
Il
ookedatKhethel
o."Howwasmyacti
ng?Doy
ou
guysthi
nkMfundiVundlawoul
dhi
reme?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Youdi
dnotj
ustpul
lapr
ankonus"
Tyler
:"Sur
eashel
lIdid.Whydidy'
al
lbri
ngmeher e?
Aren'
tther
ehospi
tal
sinJo'bur
g?WhatifPitsocame
hereandunpl
uggedthemachinestochargehis
phone?
"
Il
aughed.Ev
enonadeat
hbedhe'
sst
il
lcr
azy
.
Khet
hel
o:"
You'
reunderwat
ch"
Me:
"Letmecal
lKhet
hiwe"
Ty
ler
:"Don'tbot
her
,sheknows.She'
sgonet
obuy
meclothesandbeer
"
Me:
"Youcan'
thav
ebeer
"
Tyl
er:"
Why?If oughtsohar
dtowakeupbecauseI
coul
dn'
timaginemyl if
ewit
houti
t.Ughi
tssoni
ce
bei
ngsemi-dead"
ThedooropenedKhuleandChri
sstor
medin.Tyl
er
hi
dhimselfwi
thapil
lowandscreamed."
Securi
ty!
They
'r
ebacktokil
lmeagain!".
..
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erThr
ee
°
°°
[
Chr
is]
Kat
lego:
"Cal
m down"shechuckl
ed.
Me:"
Youknowwhatmakesmemad?Youguy
sfi
nd
t
hisf
unny
"
Kat
lego:
"That'
sbecausei
tisf
unny.Thewayy
ou
guy
spanicked.Thatwassopr
icel
ess"
Me:
"Mxm.We'
renotv
isi
ti
nghi
m any
timesoon"
Kat
lego:
"Whatt
imei
syourshi
ftt
oday
?"
Me:
"4pm andam noti
nagoodspi
ri
t"
Kat
lego:
"What
'
swr
ong?
"
Me: "
Idon'
tknow.Youshoul
dgor
egi
stert
heki
dsat
school"
Kat
lego:
"I'
l
ldoi
tov
eri
nter
net
"
Me:
"You'
reobsessedwi
thi
nter
netMr
sDube"
Kat
lego:
"That
'sbecausei
tisqui
ckbaby
"
Me:
"Idon'
ttr
usti
t"
Kat
lego:
"Letmeshowy
ouhowqui
cki
tis"
Shet
ookherphoneandpr
essedoni
t.
Kat
lego:
"No!
"
Me:
"What
?"Shegav
eitt
ome.
'
Thel
i
ttl
eZebraisf
indi
ngi
thar
dtodeal
wit
h
Mommy'spassi
ng'
Me:"Canthesepeopl
est
opmeddl
i
ngi
ntoot
her
peopl
e'sl
i
v es?
"
Kat
lego:
"JustwhenIt
houghtwewer
ehav
inga
smoothweek"
Me:
"Doy
ouhav
eai
rt
ime?
"
Kat
lego:
"Yes.
"
Isear
chedf
orhi
snumber
s."
Don'
tshoutathi
m
okay"
Bonga:
"Ma?
"
Me:
"By3pm Iwanty
ouher
e"
Bonga:
"Baba?I
-"
Me:"
Comehome!Yououtt
her
eact
ingl
i
kean
i
rr
esponsi
bleadul
t.
"
Kat
lego:
"Don'
tshoutathi
m"
Me:
"Am not
."
Bonga:
"Am behav
ingbaba"
Me:"
Ohr
eall
y?I
sthatwhythere'
sapict
ureofy
ouin
acl
ubwi
thal
coholsur
roundedbynakedwomen?"
Bonga:
"Fuck,
uhm.
..
"
Me:
"Yeahf
uck.Comehome"
Bonga:
"I-Iwi
l
l"
Ihungup.
Me:
"Heneedsapunchi
nthef
ace"
Kat
lego:"
Nohedoesn'
t.He'
str
yingt
odi
gestt
his
wholethi
ng"
Me:"
Bydrowningi
nal
cohol
?Youshoul
dst
op
t
reat
inghi
m asababy
"
Katl
ego:"He'
sgri
evingbabe.Goi
nghar
donhim wi
l
l
notchangeanyt
hing."Ipi
ckedHawuupandwal
ked
on."
Wher ear
eyougoi ng?"
Me:
"Upst
air
stocal
lQui
ntonandt
het
wins.
"
Ineedtofastoneoft
heseday
s.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ng
wrong.
..
°
°°
[
Khet
hel
o]
Bongaisgonnabethedeathofmeorsendmet o
prematurel
abor
.Whyonear t
hwouldhebethi
s
carel
ess.Onemorethi
ngforKhul
etobar
kthewhole
day.
Thursdaysaremyfavor
it
e.Heleav
esat5andretur
n
at7pm.Hedoesn'tfi
ndtimetopopupev er
y2hour
s.
Idon'tgett
oseehissweatybl
ackface.
Iworemybi kini
andaseet hr
oughdress.Itookout
myfruitsal
adandwentt orel
axonthebackl ounge.
Theviewoft hepool
.JustwhatIneedatleastonce
aweek.Abeaut if
ulr
elaxeddaysi
tt
ingont hecouch
doi
ngnot hi
ng.AndnowIhav eamai d,
shecomesi n
3ti
mesaweek.
Myphonerang.Uht
hehusband.Butser
iousl
yQ,
vi
deocal
l
?Itookatowelandcover
edmychest .
Ianswer
ed.The3oft
hem appear
ed.
Me:
"Heyguy
s"ughmybabi
esmar
n.
Q:"
Heymama.Sayhel
l
otomama"t
heywer
en'
tev
en
pay
ingat
tent
ion.
Me:"
Justonedayi
nDur
bany
ouguy
sar
eal
ready
gl
owi
ng"
Hechuckl
ed.
Q:"It
sthechangeofatmospher
eIguess.Forthe
fi
rstti
mesincethatdayIf
oundadecentsleep,i
tfel
t
sogood"
Me:"Ncoay
ougonnamakemecr
y.Am sohappyf
or
you"
Q:"
You'
ret
hebestt
hingt
hathasev
erhappenedt
o
usKhet
hel
o"
Me:
"Hhai
sukamar
nQui
nton"
Q:"Youknow,you'v
ewalkedwit
hmei nthisroadof
gri
ev i
ng.Somet
hingnoonehaseverdidforme.I
don'tknowwhatIwoulddoify
oueverleftus"
Me:
"Am notgoi
ngany
wher
e"
Q:"ThankyouNguni
za.Howar
ethel
i
ttl
eones
t
reati
ngy ou?
"
Me:"Verywell
.Wejustmisstheoldersist
ers"
Si
sekelohi
tthescr
een.She'ssuchapr obl
em chi
l
d.
Q:"
Idon'
tknowwhi
chnannywi
l
lst
andt
heseki
ds"I
l
aughed.
Me:
"Getsomeoneol
der
.They
'r
epat
ient
"
Q:
"I'
l
ltr
y"
Me:
"What
'sgonnahappenabouty
ourj
ob?
"
Q:"
Khethi
wewil
l t
akeoverasthenewCEO.Iwi
l
l
l
ookforsomet
hingtodohere.Evenbei
ngawai
teror
acl
eaner"
Il
aughed.
Me:
"Thet
abl
oidswoul
dbesohappy
"
Hel
aughed.
Q: "
Atleastthey'l
lhavesomet hingtosell
.Their
salari
eswoul dincreaseandt heygettobuy
themsel v
eslives"Ilaughed.Thewayhehat e
j
our nal
istsy
ou' dswearhewasn' tdat
ingone.Came
tothinkofit
.
Me:
"Whenl
astdi
dyouhearf
rom Bonga"
Q:"
Thatoneisbusybeingi
rr
esponsi
bleoutt
her
e.
Di
dy ouseet
hepictur
e?"
Me:
"Yes.It
oldhi
mtocomehome"
Q:"Iwanthi
mtoexplai
nthosenakedwomen.The
nextthi
ngweknowin9mont hsther
ewil
lbeagir
l
cl
aimingtohav
ehischil
d"
Me:"Don'
tbehar
donhi
m hl
e.That
'shi
swayof
gr
iev
ing"
Q:"
It
sshitt
y.Uhm.
..Letmegocheckonthe
pr
ogressatmyhouse.I'
l
lcal
lyouguy
stomorr
ow"
Me:
"OK.Sendmepi
ctur
eswheny
ougett
her
e"
Q:
"Okay
.By
e"
Me:
"By
e"
Iputt
hephonedownandcontinuedeat
ing.I
trang
agai
n.Whoevert
hati
smustjustleav
emeal one.
"
Ma'am.Ma'am canyouhearme.Ther
e'sSam
Mnguni
here.Shoul
dIlethi
min?"
HowcouldIf
orgethe'
scoming.Igotof
fthecouch
andpr
essedthegatebut
ton.
Me:
"Yespl
easel
ethi
min"
Thi
shousehasspeaker
s.Ishoul
dhav
ethem t
aken
outbecauseKhul
ethi
nkt
hey
'r
etoy
s.
Iwalkedtothefr
ont.Iunl
ockedandwalkedoutt
o
hi
m. .
.t
hem.Idon'tr
eall
yli
kethi
sgir
lf
ri
endofhis,
or
shouldIsaybabymama.Shet hi
nksshehasPhDi n
ever
y t
hing.
Me:"Don'
tkil
lmef
orf
orget
ti
ngy
ou'
recomi
ng.Hey
gi
rl
,nicebr
ows"
Simi:
"Iknowri
ght
.It
sMac'
snewey
ebr
owgel
you
shoul
dt r
yit
"
Me:
"IWi
l
l"
Sam huggedmeandgav emeLuhle, hi
sson.Whom
hediscoveredrightaft
erChri
stmas.Ifhedidn'
tlook
exactl
yli
ket herestofusIwould'
vet ol
dhimt ogo
forDNA.He' say earol
d.Shekepthim awaybecause
Sam cheated.Shesay ssheneededt i
met ocalm
down.Idon'tknowwhathesawi nherbecause
they'
retwodi f
ferentki
ndsofpeople.ButIguess
opposit
eat t
ractsright
?
If
oll
owedt
hem i
n.Mef
oll
owi
ngt
hem i
ntomyhouse.
Sam:
"Doy
ouhav
efood?
"
Si
mi:
"She'
spr
egnant
.Ofcour
set
her
e'sf
ood"
Ipl
acedt
hebabyont
hecount
er.
Me:"
Therear
efriesinthef
ri
dgeandal
sopi
es.You
canj
ustwarmitallup"
Sam:
"Don'
tyoueatbur
ger
sany
mor
e?"
Me:
"Ohandbur
ger
s"
Simi
:"Youeatall
thatfood?You'r
eonly5months
andalr
eadyball
ooning.Yourhusbandi
sgonnafi
nd
youunatt
ract
ivewheny ou'
refat
"
Me: "
Usmarr
iedwomennev
ermi
ndourwei
ght
becausewe'
rel
oved"
Si
mi:
"Oh"
Thatmust
'v
esoundedharshbutIam t
ir
edofher
tel
l
ingmewhatIal
readyknow.
Me:"Pl
easemakesomef
orust
oo.
"Ipi
ckedLuhl
e
up.
Sam:"Thi
sisbr
otherabuse.Wheni
sKhul
ecomi
ng
back?
"
Somet
imesIt
hinkhecomesher
ejustt
oeatand
pl
aygameswit
hKhul
e.Idon'
tgett
hei
rsudden
fr
iendshi
p.
Me:
"He'
snotcomi
ngbackt
oday
"
Hi
sphonebeeped.Hesmi
l
ed.
Sam:
"He'
l
lbebackear
li
ert
hanusual
"
Iscof
fed.
Me:
"Sam.Youknowy
oucant
ell
meany
thi
ngr
ight
?"
Sam: "
Yes"whyi
sheev
eneat
ingmycr
eamy
chedders.
Me:
"Ar
eyougay
?"
Si
mi:
"What
?"
Sam: "
Yeahsomet
imes.I
tdependsont
hesi
tuat
ion
am under
"
Hel
aughed.Ineedanewbr
other
..
.
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Si
siphi
thr
ewher
sel
font
hecouchnextt
oher
mother
.
Si
sipho:
"It
hinkI
'
vef
oundt
hedr
essf
orpr
om"
Lel
o:"
Atlongl
ast
.Letmesee"shetookthe
magazi
neoutofSi
sipho'
shands."
Thi
s?"
Si
sipho:
"Yes.Thatvatt
hebacki
sinsanel
ybeaut
if
ul
mom"
Lel
o:"
Yoursenseoffashionisquest
ionabl
ebaby
.
SomedaysIdoubtthatyou'r
emychild"
Si
sipho:
"Youwantmet
oweart
hoseSof
iadr
esses?
"
Lel
o:"
No.Fi
ndsomet
hinguni
que"
Yezwewalkedinfoll
owedbyKush.Lel
ogotupand
walkedupthestai
rs.Kushf
oll
owedher.
Yezwe:
"Don'
taskmeanythi
ngbecauseIal
sodon'
t
knowwhat'
shappeni
ng"
Si
sipho:
"Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
o.Iknowhecheat
edon
mom withKi
m"
Yezwe:
"What
!?"
Si
siphof
ocusedonhermagazi
ne.Yezwesnat
chedi
t
away.
Si
sipho:
"What
?"
Yezwe:
"Whi
chKi
m?"
Si
sipho:
"TheLawy
er"
Yezweputhi
shandsonhi
shead."
Don'
ttel
lmey
ou
sl
eptwi
thhertoo"
Yezwe:
"Shutt
hehel
lup!
"
Si
siphor
aisedherhandsi
nsur
render
..
.
{
Att
hemast
erbedr
oom}
Kush:
"Ar
eyoubei
ngf
orr
eal
rightnow?
"
Lel
o:"
NotnowCalv
in!
"Shecaughtherbr
eat
h.Kush
att
emptedt
otot
ouchher."
Don'tt
ouchme!"She
sai
dastear
sbur
nedhereyes.
Kush:"
Am sor
ryokay,
Iam sosor
ry.Ihav
e
absol
utel
ynoexcusewhyI
-"
Lelo:"OhGodcany
oupleaseshutup.Idon'
tev
en
recognizey
ouanymor
e.You'r
enol ongert
hemanI
mar r
ied"
Kush:
"Iam babyIam.Am sosor
rymyl
ove"
Lel
o:"
Inev
ermar
ri
edaki
l
lernoracheat
er!
"
Kush:
"Idi
dn'
tknowshewasgonnabet
her
e"
Lel
o:"Youshoul
d'
veinvesti
gatedbett
erCal
vi
n.Why
wouldyouevenwanttofightbatt
lest
hatar
en'
t
your
s"
Kush:
"IoweSi
monmyl
i
fe"
Lel
o:"Soyougonnabeaki l
lernow?Ki llevery
one
whohadany thi
ngt
odowi thhi sarrest?He' swher
e
hebelongs.Thi
sworl
disbet t
erof fwi t
houthim.
Thatwomanwaspr egnant!Shewaspr egnantCal
vin.
Wipethosetear
sandstartcelebrating.Youdi dwel
l"
Shesai
dandhur
ri
edt
othedoorandl
ockedhi
min.
Shepassedt
heki
dsont
hel
oungeandt
ookt
hecar
key
s..
.
°
°°
[
Khul
e]
There'
snot
hingasusel
essasthethi
ngswecal l
pol
ice.4weekslat
ert
hey'
rest
il
li
nvesti
gat
ing.No
l
eadsnonothing.
Goi
ngsit
eseei
ngi
sthewor
stpar
tofr
unni
ngt
his
company
.
Me:
"Cal
lQui
nton.
"
"
Cal
l
ingQui
nton"
Qui
nton:
"Mbuy
azi
"
Me:
"It
sver
ypol
i
tet
oletacel
l
phoner
ing"
Qui
nton:"
Notwheny
ouwer
eaboutt
ocal
lyour
t
winny"
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"You'
resuchaf
lat
ter
.Wher
ear
emygi
rl
s?"
Qui
nton:
"Ar
en'
tyougonnaaskmehowIam?
"
Me:"
Yousoundv eryal
i
veandbet t
erthanthe
pr
evi
ousdays.IknowofthatbecauseIfeelawhol
e
l
otbet
termyself
"
Qui
nton:
"Apar
tofmewi
l
lpr
obabl
ynev
erheal
"
Me:
"Iknow.I
t'
ll
getbet
terwi
tht
ime,
li
tt
lebyl
i
ttl
e"
Quint
on:"Thankyou.Andtoansweryourquest
ion.
Yourgir
lsarefi
neanddriv
ingmecrazy."
Wel
aughed.
Me:
"We'
ref
lyi
ngdownt
omor
row"
Qui
nton:
"Ther
e'snoneedy
oteaseme"
Me:"Wear
e.Al
lofus.Di
dyouseeBongawi
tht
he
babes?
"
Qui
nton:
"Yes.Heneedsaser
ioushi
ding"
Me:
"Why
?He'
s22.Thatboydoesn'
tknowf
un"
Qui
nton:
"That
'
llef
fecthi
spossi
bil
i
tiest
ofi
ndaj
ob"
Me:
"Asi
fheneedsone.
..
heymov
eit
!"Ihoot
ed.
Qui
nton:
"Ar
eyoudr
ivi
ng?
"
Me: "
Noam ataMcDonald'
sdri
vethrought
ogeta
peaceof
fer
ingforar
ri
vi
ngthisl
ate"
Hel
aughed.
Qui
nton:"
Imagi
neI
fyouhadt
odoal
lthatf
ora
sur
rogat
e"
Me:
"I'
dhav
eki
ckedheroutal
ready
"
HonestlyIwoul
dhave.WhatIexper
ienceathomei
s
pureabuse.Iam bei
ngpuni
shedforgett
ingher
pregnant.
Qui
nton:
"Letmeputt
hebi
tt
erpr
incesst
obed.
"
Me:
"Keepwel
landdon'
tl
etmyki
dseatbeachsand"
Hel
aughed.
Qui
nton:
"By
eKk"
Me:"Don'
tfor
gett
ocallyourcr
azyassbabybr
other
.
Thatmonkeyisabutcase"
Hel
aughed.
Qui
nton:"
Ical
l
edhi
m around3pm.He'
squi
te
i
mpressedwit
hhi
mselfifImaysay
"
Me:
"Am notv
isi
ti
nghi
m unt
ilhecal
l
sandapol
ogi
ze"
Qui
nton:
"That
'
syourmot
her
'schi
l
d"
Me:
"Yeahwhat
ever
.By
e"
Hehungup.Ican'
tbel
ievewe'
reapar
t.Wehav
eto
makeavi
sit
ingschedule.
.
..
Iar
ri
vedathome.Theli
ghtswereoff.Godknowsam
notr
eadyfort
hisconv
ersat
ion.Ipar
kedandgotout
.
Iunl
ockedandgotin.It
urnedont
hel
i
ght
s.Shewas
seat
ingontheki
tchencounter
.
Khethel
o:"
Ihopey
ouhav emychi
ckenl
i
ckenhot
wingsandKFCmil
kshake"
NotwhenIboughtbur
ger
s,f
ri
es,
chi
ckennugget
s
andi
cecream.
"
Ist
hatMcDonal
d?Pl
easet
ell
mei
tsnot
"
Me:
"Babey
oueatMcDonal
d'
sev
ery
day
"
Khethel
o:"
SonowIshouldeati
tevenwhenIdon't
want?Ihat
eburger
s.Ihat
efri
es.Iwantwi
ngs"she
cr
ied.
Itookadeepbr
eath.Ipl
acedt
hepaperbagnextt
o
herandhel
pedherdown.
Me:
"Let
'sgogety
ourwi
ngs"
Ipul
l
edheroutt
othecar
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Thi
scarsmel
l
sofadi
ff
erentper
fume"
Me:
"Igav
eGl
adeal
i
ft"
Khet
hel
o:"
Youshoul
dbuyheracar
"
Me:
"Shecan'
tdr
ive"
Khet
hel
o:"
Takehert
odr
ivi
ngschool
then"
Me:
"That
'snotmyr
esponsi
bil
i
ty"
Khet
hel
o:"
Bongai
sher
e"
Me:
"Di
dhet
ell
youwher
ehewas?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Idi
dn'
task.
"
Me:
"Mmmh"
Wearri
vedatchi
ckenl
i
ckenandboughtt
hewings.
Shesmil
edwhenourorderar
ri
ved,
nowIcansleep
i
npeace.
Khet
hel
o:"
Mmm t
heseneedhotMcDonal
d'
sfr
ies"
Me:
"Luckyuswehav
esomeathome"
Khet
hel
o:"
NoIwantf
reshones"
Me:
"McDonal
dis30mi
nut
esawayMaMnguni
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Finet
hen.Pul
lupIwantt
opee"
Me:
"Thoset
oil
etsar
en'
tsaf
e"
Khet
hel
o:"
You'
l
lwai
tatt
hedoor
"
Iparkedandgotout.Sherani
nsi
dethetoi
let
.Ist
ood
atthedoor.It
extedQuint
onaboutmyunfort
unat
e
eff
ortasIwaited.
"
Baby
"It
urned.
Me:
"Thatwasqui
ck.
"Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngon.
Khet
hel
o:"
Stop"Idi
d."
Don'
tpani
cokay
"
Ii
mmedi
atel
ypani
ckedandr
ushedt
oher
.
Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?Ar
etheki
dsokay
?"
Khethel
o:"
Yeswe'
ref
inebutt
hiswomani
nher
e
i
sn't
"whew!Whatwoman?
Me:
"Whatwoman?
"
Khet
hel
o:"Shehasgi
venbi
rt
handur
gent
lyneedst
o
gotohospi
tal
"
Me:
"What
?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Canwecal
louremer
gencyambul
ance?
"
Me:
"Yeahsur
e.Goahead.I
sthebabyal
i
ve?
"
Khethel
o:"
Yes.Uhm Hi.We'
reattheSouthHeight
s
andurgent
lyneedsanambulance.Awomanj ust
gavebir
thandshe'sl
osingalotofbl
ood.Onthe
toi
l
etatthecorner
.Thankyou"
Me:
"Ar
etheycomi
ng?
"
Khethelo:"
Yes.I
'
llgobewi
thher
,pl
easebor
rowme
yourjacket
"
It
ooki
tof
fandgav
eitt
oher
.
WhocanIcal
l?Icall
edthei
nsur
ancecompanyagai
n.
Iheadt
hesi
rens.Iputt
hephonebackatmypocket
.
Anambulancepul
ledupnextt
omycar.Thatwas
qui
ck.Theyrant
owardsmewithast
ret
cher.
Me:
"She'
sinsi
de"
Theyr
ani
n.
Acoupl
eofmi
nut
esl
atert
heygotoutpul
l
inga
st
ret
cher
.
Par
amedi
c1:
"Weneedmor
eki
ngsl
i
key
ouMrDube"
Me:
"It
sonl
yapl
easur
e"
Khet
hel
ofol
l
owedwi
thmyj
acketonherhands.
Me:"CanIhavemyj
acketbacknow?
"Shequi
ckl
y
pul
l
edaway .
Khet
hel
o:"
Car
eful
!Ther
e'sababyi
nher
e"
Me:
"OhmyGodam sosor
ry.CanIseei
t?"
Iopenedal
i
ttl
esl
i
t.Babi
esar
esougl
y.
Me:
"It
ssocut
e"
Khet
hel
o:"
Iknowr
ight
"
Me:
"Ar
eyoucr
ying?
"
Khethel
o:"
HowcanInot
?Soonwewel
lbehol
ding
ours"
"
Uhm.
..
MrandMr
sDube?
"
Us:
"Yes?
"
Par
amedi
c2:
"Thebabypl
ease"
Me:
"Yeah,
am sor
ry"
Par
amedi
c:"
It
sokay
"
Shehandedhi
mthebaby
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Wil
lshebef
ine?
"
Par
amedi
c:"
Yesma'
am.
"
Me:
"Takehert
onet
car
eI'
l
lcov
ert
hepay
ment
s"
par
amedi
c:"
Sal
ute"
Hewal
kedi
ntheambul
anceandt
heydr
oveof
f.
Me:"Am proudofy
oumyQueen"Iki
ssedher
f
orehead.Shesmil
edandt
ookmyhand.Wegoti
n
t
hecar.
Me:
"Di
dyougethername?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yes.Nompul
eloMadonna"
Sherest
edherbi
gheadonmyshoul
der
.Wedr
ove
off
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erFour
°
°°
[
Khet
hel
o]
Someti
mesIwi shIcouldjustgetacal l
from
Mangcobotel
li
ngmet hatshe'sfet
chingherjet
.
Khul
ekanit
oldmewe' r
egoingt oDurbaninthenoon.
Nohedidnotaski fIhaveplansfortheweekend.He
j
ustdeci
dedonhi sownl i
keasi ngl
eman.
MyphonerangasIwal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom.I
shoul
dchanget
hist
one.I
tsi
rr
it
ati
ng.
Me:
"Hi
"
Don:"Ther
e'sMi
ssEmi hleDubeher
eatthegate
shoul
dIletheri
n?"Doest hi
smansti
ll
wantsthi
sjob?
Makingawholeprincesswait?
Me:
"Letheri
n"
Ihungupandcal
l
edKhul
e.
Khul
e:"
Wif
e"
Me:"Ist
hereanotherwayIcoul
dgetinformedi
f
ther
e'sapersonatthegat
e.Ican'
ttakethi
s
anymore"
Khule:
"Yest
herei
s.Gladewil
lbet
heonegr
ant
ing
accessfr
om t
henexthour"
Me:
"Thanky
oumbuy
azi
bye"
Khul
e:"
WingsorBur
ger
?"
Me:
"Hav
en'
tdeci
dedy
et.By
e"
Ithr
ewt hephoneatt hebedandputontheunder
wears.Katl
egoboughtmeawhol ebagofmatchi
ng
brasandpanties.Iam nottal
ki
ngtheor
dinar
y
panti
es.Imeant helacesexythi
ngs.
Thedooropened.Shel
ooks26.OhGodwehav
en'
t
cel
ebr
atedasi
ngl
ebi
rt
hdaysi
nceIcamet
othi
s
home.
Emi
:"Bongai
sbur
ningdowny
ourki
tchen"
Me:
"He'
l
lrepl
aceev
ery
thi
ng.
"
Wel
aughedandhugged.Sheki
ssedmybump.
Emi: "
Mybabieslov
eyou.You'
resosmooth"she
saidpinchi
ngmycheek.Thi
siswhothesebabies
prefer
.Theylov
eher.
Me:
"Ar
eyout
aki
ngmeout
?"
Emi
:"No.Butnowt
haty
ou'
vesuggest
edi
t.YesIam"
Me:"Ilov
ey ousomuch.Iwannagosomewher
e
af
terthatdate"
Emi
:"Lookhowsexyy
ouar
eint
hatset
"
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"It
rynott
obuti
tsjustt
oohar
d"howabouta
nude?"Gotot
hebat
hroom"
Emi
:"Why
?"
Me:
"Iwannat
akeanude.Bet
tery
etj
ustgeti
nthe
cl
osetandf
indmesomet
hingt
owear
"
Sheshookherheadl
aughi
ngandwalkedi
ntothe
cl
oset
.Itookmyphoneandposedinfr
ontoft
he
mir
ror
.Holdi
ngmybumpandal lt
hat.
"
Hidzaddzy
"*6pi
ctur
esat
tached*
Iputi
tonf
li
ghtmodeandst
art
eddoi
ngmybr
ows.
..
°
°°
[
Tyl
er]
MycrushDrcamei
nser
vingmet
hemostbeaut
if
ul
smi
le.
Her
:"Goodmor
ningAdv
ocat
eDube"
Me:
"Mor
ningDrDube"shechuckl
ed.
Her
:"Ihav
ever
ygoodnewsf
ory
ou"
Me:
"Amuseme"
Her
:"Yourbloodresultsar
ev erybeauti
ful
.Your
spi
nalcor
di sver
yintact,t
heonl yprobl
em wehav e
i
sthewoundony ourleftt
high.Youwi l
lbeableto
wal
kjustthatyouwillbeusingcr ut
chesforbalance"
Me:"
ThosearethebestnewsI
'
vehear
dal
lday
.
Whenam Igoi
nghome? "
Her
:"Am gonnagoandi
ssuey
ourdi
schar
geper
mit
"
musi
ctomyear s.
Shewalkedout .Theladywhoser vesbr
eakfastgot
i
nandpl acedhert ast
elessfoodonthetabl
e.I
smil
edandt hankedher .Shewalkedout.It
ookmy
phoneandcalledKhet hiwe.
Khet
hiwe:
"Hey
"shey
awned.She'
snotser
ious.
Me:
"Don'
ttel
lmey
ou'
reasl
eep"
Khet
hiwe:
"Why
?"
Me:"Howcanyousl
eepwhenIam get
ti
ng
di
scharged?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Am comi
ng"
Me:
"Whydoy
ousoundbor
ed?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"BecauseIwantt
ocr
yTy
ler
"
Me:
"Whybaby
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"BecauseIdon'
thav
eaj
ob"
Me:
"I'
l
lfi
remyPAandhi
rey
ou"
Khet
hiwe:
"We'
regoi
ngt
oDur
ban"
Me:
"When?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Thi
sev
eni
ng"
Me:
"OK.Pl
easebr
ingmemyNi
kef
lops"
Khet
hiwe:
"OKbabe.Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Ihungupandcal
l
edKhul
e.
Khul
e:"
MfanaKaMangcobo"
Me:"Yesbet
ray
er.Whoar
eyouguysthi
nky
ouar
e
pl
anningt
ogotoDurbanwit
houtme?
"
Khul
e:"
Noonei
sgoi
ngt
oDur
banwi
thouty
ou.Li
am
i
sgonnafet
chy
ou"
Me:
"Ohh.It
houghty
oudi
dn'
tl
ovemeany
mor
e."
Khul
e:"
Idon'
t.
"
Me:
"Whenar
eyou-
"hehungup."
Bloodyswi
ne"
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
TheDrcamei
npushi
ngababycot
.
Lel
osatupst
rai
ghtandsmi
l
ed.
Dr:
"Goodmorningmommy
"shepi
ckedt
hebabyup
andgavehi
mt oLel
o.
Lel
o:"
OhmyGody
ou'
resot
iny
"
Dr:
"Andashealt
hyasevernow.Al
lthankst
othe
womanwhof oundyouorel
sewewoul d'
vel
osty
ou
bot
h"
Lel
o:"
Iowehermyl
i
fe"
Dr
:"We'
rest
il
ltr
yingt
ogethercont
actnumber
s"
Lel
o:"
Thanky
ou"shesmi
l
ed.
Dr
:"Letmel
eav
eyout
wot
obond"
Shewalkedout
.Khet
hel
owal
kedi
n.Shet
ookadeep
breat
hwhenshesawher.
Khet
hel
o:"
Final
l
y!I
'
vebeent
o4war
dsal
ready
."
Lel
olookedatherpuzzl
ed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Ibr
oughtcl
othest
ochange,
agown,
food
andNana'
scl
othest
oo.
"Shesai
dpl
aci
ngt
hepl
ast
ic
onthet
abl
eandabagnexttoi
t.
Lel
o:"Uhm.
..
Idon'
tmeant
ober
udebutdoIknow
you?
"
Khethel
o:"Ohmybad.Am Khet
hel
oMnguni
.Wemet
atthetoi
letl
astni
ght
"
Lel
ogasped.Herey
esgotf
il
ledwi
tht
ear
s.
Khet
hel
o:"
Don'
tcr
y"
Shegotupandhuggedher
.
Lel
o:"Thanky
ousomuchsisi.I
fyouhadnot
showedup,we'dbet
alki
ngofsomethi
ngel
setoday
"
Theybr
oket
hehug.Khet
hel
osatdownagai
n.
Khet
hel
o:"Godwi
l
lal
way
ssendsomeonet
orescue
youl
ove"
Lel
o:"
Iowei
tal
ltoy
ou"
Khet
hel
o:"
Whywer
eyoudr
ivi
ngal
oneatni
ght
?"
Lel
olookedaway
."I
tsokaydon'
tsayi
t.Hav
eyou
cal
l
edhome? "
Lelo:
"No.Ij
ustneedt
obeonmyown,
awayf
rom
them"
Khet
hel
o:"
Under
standabl
e.Ar
eyouhungr
y?"
Lel
o:"
Am st
arv
ing"
Khethel
otookt
hepl
ast
icwi
thf
oodandpl
acedi
t
nexttoher
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Letmehol
dhi
m whi
l
eyoueat
"
Lel
o:"Doyouknowmyname?
"Shesai
dhandi
ngt
he
babyover
.
Khethel
o:"
Yes.Nompul
elor
ight
?"Lel
osmi
l
edand
nodded.
Lel
o:"Homemadef
ood.OhmyGody
ou'
reGodl
y
sentf
orreal
"
Khethel
o:"
Aisuka.Eatandgai
ny ourstrengthback,
thi
schampher ewillneedaf
ullboobie.Rightbaby?
"
Lel
o:"
Youhav
eav
erygoodhear
t.Ar
eyoumar
ri
ed?
"
Khethel
o:"
YesIam.If
orgett
osayam aDube,
ithas
notsinki
n."
Lel
o:"
TheeDubes?
"
Khet
helo:"Theonest
hatwer
eal
lov
ernewsr
ecent
ly.
Am Khulekani
'swi
fe"
Lel
ochockedonherspi
t.
Khet
hel
o:"
OhmyGodar
eyouokay
?"
Shehandedherwat
er.Lel
odr
ankup.
Lel
o:"
Thankyouam f
ine.
"Shefakedasmil
ed.
Khet
hel
osighedi
nrel
iefandr
ockedthebaby.
..
.
..
.
6hour
slat
er
°
°°
[
Kat
lego]
Iseriousl
ycan'tst
andHawu'
snoise.Andbeinginhis
fatherspresencemakesi
tworsecauseIcan'tbeat
hisass.
Khet
hel
o:"
Ijusthat
efl
yi
ng"
Me:
"Youhat
eev
ery
thi
ngKhet
hel
o"
Khet
hel
o:"
That
'sbecauseit
salli
rr
it
ati
ng.I
tsbeen3
hour
s.Whyhav
en'twelanded?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ithasonl
ybeen1hourand30mi
nut
es"
Khet
hel
o:"
What
ever
"
Shebr
ushedherbump.Thi
sist
hewor
stpr
egnant
womanI'
veeverseen.
Me:
"So,Bonga.Haveyouf
oundust
hedaught
eri
n-
l
awalr
eady?"Hechuckl
ed.
Bonga:
"Noty
et"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ify
ou'
regayj
ustcomef
orwar
dwewon'
t
j
udgeyou"
Wel
aughed.
Bonga:
"Iwi
shIwashonest
ly.Womenar
ehar
dwor
k"
Khet
hiwe:
"No.Womenj
ustdon'
ttol
erat
emadness"
Bonga:"
Ifbabatol
dy ouhecan'
tbewithyou
anymorebecausethatwouldputy
ourli
feindanger
andthenoffert
obey ourf
ri
end,woul
dy oudeny
hi
m? "
Me:
"Yes.Yesy
esy
es.
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yes"
Khet
hiwe:"
Youcannev
erbef
ri
endswi
thsomeone
youl
ove.Comeon"
Bonga:
"Il
ovehersheknows"
Khet
hiwe:
"Butyoucan'
tbewi
thher
.Bei
ngf
ri
ends
woul
dbreakherhear
t"
Bonga:
"Mi
nei
sbr
okent
oo"
Me:
"It
'snott
hesame"
Chr
ispeepedhi
sheadi
n.
Chr
is:
"Doy
ouneedsav
ing?
"
Weal
ll
aughed.
Bonga:
"Noam st
il
lgood.
"
Chr
is:
"Okay
.We'
rel
andi
ngi
n30mi
nut
esbuckl
eup"
Khet
hel
o:"
Canwehav
efoodagai
n?"
Chr
is:
"Yesma'
am"
Hewal
kedbackt
ohi
sbr
other
s.
Bonga:"
Mamkhulu.Tel
lmeaboutt
hatwomany
ou
foundi
nthet
oil
et"
Khet
hel
o:"
OhmyGodIhav
etocal
lherwhenwe
l
and"
Khet
hiwe:
"Whathappened?
"
Khethel
o: "
Ifoundherlyingi
napool ofherown
bl
oodi nthetoilet
,hol
dingat i
nythi
ngonherchest .
Shedeliv
eredt hebabyonherown, i
magine.We'r
e
tr
ulytherocks.She'sgoingthroughalotIcoul
dtell
whenIwentt oseeherear li
er.
"
Bonga:
"Youdi
dwel
lmommy
"
Me:
"Iwoul
d'
vef
reakedout
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Met
oo"
Wel
aughed.
Khethel
o:"Ther
e'snof
reaki
ngouti
nsuchsi
tuat
ions.
Thatcould'
vebeenme"
Us:
"Tr
ue"
Isi
ppedonmywi
neandwi
nkedather
.Sher
oll
ed
hereyes.
..
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
TheDrl edKushtoLel
o'sward.Shewasbeautif
ull
y
sleepi
ngwithherbabycloset
oherchest.He
thankedtheDrandtookaseatont hechai
rnextto
thebed.
Het
ookpi
ctur
esoft
hem andcont
inuedt
oadmi
re
t
hem.
Sheopenedherey
esandf
rowned.Hest
aredst
il
lat
them.
Lel
o:"
Hi"
Hebithisupperli
p.Tear
sgusheddownhischeeks.
Thepartofherthatisf
orev
ersof
tforhi
m bugged.
"Heyhey,i
tsokay."
Kush:
"Am sor
ry"
Lel
o:"
It
sokay
"
Kush:
"Noi
t'
snot.Youputy
ourl
i
fei
ndanger
Nompumel
elo"
Lel
o:"
Iknowandam sor
ry"
Kush:
"Youbot
hcoul
d'
vedi
ed"
Lel
o:"
Andwear
enot
.We'
reokay
,thankst
othat
womanwhof
oundme"
Kush:"Ineedtoper
sonal
l
ygoandthankherandher
husband"Lelocl
ear
edherthr
oat
.
Lel
o:"
May
benot
"
Kush:
"Why
?"
Lel
o:"
Iti
stheDubes"
Kushf
rozef
orabi
t.
Kush:
"What
?"
Lel
o:"Yes.Khul
ekani
'
swi feKhetheloisthewoman
whofoundme.HerandKhul ekanical
ledan
ambulanceformeandbr oughtmeher e,
also
cover
ingthemedicalbi
l
l"shesai dheatedly
.
Kush:
"Ther
e'snoneedf
orcov
eri
ngt
hebi
l
lIwi
l
ldoi
t
mysel
f"
Lel
o:"I
thasalreadybeenpai d.Doy ouseehowgood
somepeopl eare.Doy ouseehowf ategoes?Thi
sis
Godtel
li
ngy ouf uckedupCalvin.ThisisGod
showi
ngy outhatt hosepeopledon'tdeser
vewhat
youdi
dt othem. "
Kush:
"Am sor
ry"
Lel
o:"
No,you'
reapol
ogizi
ngtoawrongper
son.The
peopl
eyoushoul
dapologizet
oist
hem."
Kush:
"YouknowIcan'
tdot
hat
"
Me:"Ei
therway.Yougonnahavetobeforet
heyfind
youfi
rst
,thosearethemenprovoked,
theywil
lnot
j
ustkil
lyou,t
hey'
llki
ll
usal
l"
Hekeptqui
etjustst
ari
ngintospace.Theysati
n
compl
etesil
ence.Onl
ythechil
dwasmaki ngthose
l
owbreastf
eedingsounds.
..
.
..
{
Thef
oll
owi
ngdayi
nDur
ban}
Khet
hel
o:"
Ishoul
d'
vebr
oughtal
lmyswi
mmi
ng
cost
umethen"
Khul
e:"
Yesy
oushoul
d'
ve.Putadr
essont
opoft
hat
"
Khet
helo:"
Iti
shotKhul
ekani
.Iam notbl
ackl
i
key
ou,
myskinissensi
ti
vet
oheat"
Khule:
"Whatdoesmycompl exi
onhavetodowi
th
thi
s?Andthati
sstupi
d.Yourskini
ssensi
ti
vet
oheat
butyouwantt
owearapant
yandabr
awi
tht
hisnet
thi
ng?"
Khethel
o:"
Isai
dheatnott
hesun.Youshoul
dlist
en
whenapersontal
ks.Andpl
easedon'
tgoaround
cal
li
ngmyswi mwearsapant
yandabra."
Khul
e:"
Iti
sthesamet
ome"
Khethel
o:"
ThenIshoul
dfi
ndmy
sel
famanwho
knowsadiffer
encet
hen"
Sheputonadr essandwalkedout
.Khul
esighedand
dresseduptoothenfol
l
owedherallt
hewayt ot
he
dini
ngareaatthebal
cony,
hav i
ngacl
earvi
ewoft he
sea.
Emi
andAmoj
oinedt
hem.
Emi
:"Mor
ningl
ovebi
rds"
Khul
e:"
Mor
ning"
Emi
:"What
'supmommy
?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Canyoubel
i
evehecal
l
edmyswi
mweara
pant
yandabr
a?"
Qui
nton:
"Hedi
dwhat
?"Hesai
dtaki
ngaseat
.He
t
urnedt
oKhul
e."
Don'
tyouknowbi
ki
nis?
"
Khul
e:"
Samedi
ff
erence"
Emi
andQl
ookedathi
m wi
thwar
ningey
es.
Khet
hel
o:"
Idon'
twantany
onebl
ami
ngmewhenI
l
eavehi
m"
Khul
e:"Am sor
rybabe.Thatal
lcameoutwr
ong.
Shoul
dweor derwingsandfri
es?"
Khet
hel
o:"
NoIwantamasi
"
Amo:
"Idoubtt
heyser
vet
hem t
hisear
ly"
Khethel
o:"Theny'
allworkyourDubecharm.Getme
amasi,Iwantthem col
d.Uphuthushoul
dbebur ned
ali
tt
leokay."Shesaidl
ookingatKhuleandQuinton.
Qui
ntont
ookKhul
e'
shandandt
heyl
eft
.Amoand
Emil
aughed.
Khethelo:
"Doy ouguysfeel
thatfreshair?Their
presencejustsuff
ocat
esmet odeath.Theirnoses
j
ustconsumeal l
thefr
eshair.Ohmyi sthatfrui
t
salad?"
Shesai
dtot
hewai
terasshepl
acedt
heser
ving
bowl
sont
opoft
het
abl
e.
Her
:"Yesma'
am.Woul
dyoul
i
kei
twi
thy
oghur
t?"
Khethel
o:"Havewemetbef or
e?"Sheshookher
Head."Int
hepreviousli
femaybe?No?OkayIli
ke
you.I'
dli
keitwit
hy oghur
t"
Shedi
shedi
tupf
orherandhandedhert
hebowl
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Thanky
ou"
TheLadysmi
l
edandwal
kedaway
.
Emi
:"Wecan'
twai
tfory
out
ogi
vebi
rt
h"
Khet
helo:"Thati
sthedevi
ltal
ki
ng.Iam notr
eadyf
or
l
aborpains"shesaidbet
weenthechewing.
Chr
isAndKat
legogi
ggl
edast
heycamet
othet
abl
e.
Khethel
o:"Herecomesanotherf
reshairconsumer
.
Whathav eIdonewrongdearLord"shesaid
whisper
ing.
Amogi
ggl
ed.
Chr
is:
"Mor
ningf
ami
l
y.Wher
e'sev
ery
one?
"
Emi
:"They
-"
Khet
hel
o:"
Lat
easusual
"shesai
dcut
ti
ngEmi
off
.
Bonga,
Khet
hiweandTy
lerj
oinedi
ntoo.
Bonga:
"Foodwai
tsf
ornoman"
Khul
e:"
I'
veal
way
sknowny
oudon'
tl
oveus"
Theyal
ll
aughed.
Qui
nton:
"We'
reback.Her
eisy
ourbur
nedpapand
Maas"
Khet
helo:
"IknewIwasmakingar
ightchoi
ceby
marr
yingyouguys.Thanky
ou"
Shesmi
l
edandputherscr
ambl
edpapi
ntoabowl
.
Khet
hiwe:
"Theyser
vet
hisi
nthemor
ning?
"
Khul
e:"
Yest
heydo"
Ty
ler
:"That
'sgr
eat
."
Qui
nton:
"How'
syourl
eg?
"
Ty
ler
:"Pai
nful
.Ineedawheel
chai
r"
Theyal
ll
ookedateachot
her
.
Khul
e:"
Nothappeni
ng"
Ty
ler
:"I
tishardt
owalk.Fr
om t
heli
ftt
ohereittook
me30mi nut
es"Khet
hiwel
ookedathi
m sur
prised.
Qui
nton:
"You'
l
luset
heoneKhul
ewasusi
ng"
Ty
ler
:"NoIwantanewone"
Qui
nton:
"Theny
ou'
l
lgetanewone"
Khet
hiwe:
"Asl
ongasIwon'
thav
etowheel
you
ar
ound"
Ty
ler
:"I
tsel
ect
roni
cbabe"
Chr
is:
"Okayenough.Let
'
shol
dhandsandpr
ay"
Theyi
ndeeddi
d.
Chris:"Heav enlyf atherwe'regat her edher etodayto
celebrateandshowourgr ati
tudef orkeepi ngusunt i
l
thi
smoment .Althoughoneofusi smi ssing,we're
sti
llgrateful.Thisi sourf i
rstpr ay erandbr eakfast
togethersi ncethey earbegan.Wepr aythaty ouheal
ourhear ts,focusmor eonQui nt on' s,heneedsy ou
mor ethanany thing.Wepr ayf orabet t
erlifefrom
nowon, wepr ayf orprotecti
on, wepr ayfor
happiness.Wenol ongerwantt ol osenorcr y.We
prayforabi gbr eak.Mostofal l wepr ayf orev er
l
ast
ingl
oveanduni
ty.Amen"
Ev
ery
one:
"Amen"
Khet
helo:"
Godhear
dyouMbuy
azi
thatwasv
ery
powerf
ul"
Kat
lego:
"Wehadav
eryt
oughbegi
nni
ngofay
ear
"
Khule:
"Thati
swhyf r
om nowonwe'
rel
ooki
ng
for
wardtoonlygoodness"
Theybot
htookoutt
woboxesundert
hetable.Khul
e
gavei
ttoBonga,
Quint
ongav
eittoKhet
hiwe.
Khul
e:"
Openi
t"
Theybot
hcur
iousl
yopenedt
hem up.
Bonga:"
Nof
ucki
ngway
..
.am sor
ry.Babay
ouar
en'
t
ser
ious!
"
Khul
e:"
Iam.Asahear
tat
tack"
Khet
hiwescr
eamedandcr
ied.Ty
lerbr
oughther
cl
oser.
Khet
hel
o:"
Canwepl
easesee?
"
Bongagav
ethem t
hebox.
Bonga:"You'r
elooki
ngatanewCEOofDube
Constr
uctions"
Emi
:"No!
"Shegotupandt
heyhugged.
Quinton:"Asyou'veallsaid.We'vehadav eryhard
beginningofay ear.Ihavedecidedt ostepdownas
theCEOofDubeLogi sti
cs.Ijustwanttoraisemy
chil
drenandt ravelthewor l
d.Khethiwewillt
akeover
asthenewCEO, andnoKhet hi
wei t
snotbecause
you'r
emysi st
erin-l
aw.Youear nedit
.Throughyour
hardwor k."
Khethi
we:
"Thanky
ousomuchIdon'
tknowwhatt
o
say"
Ty
ler
:"Sayt
hanky
ou"
Theyal
ll
aughed.
Khule:"Andmet oo.Am st eppingdown.Bongawi ll
bethenewCEO.May beI'
llgai
nsomecompl exion
nowt hatIwon'tbespendi ngmyday sundert hesun
i
nsites"hesaidlooki ngatKhet helo.Shelaughed
andwi pedhertears."MyboyIt rustyouwi t
ht hat
company .Thatisaf amilycompanysoev eryonewill
beexpect i
ngthebestf rom you"
Bonga:
"Ican'
twai
ttor
oundont
hebi
gchai
r"
Ev
ery
onel
aughed.
Chri
s:"AndIwi
l
lbeopeni
ngasur
ger
ysoon"Kat
lego
squeezedhi
shand.
Khul
e:"
AndTy
ler
'sLawf
ir
m"
Ty
ler
:"LookatGod!
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ladi
es.We'
real
soopeni
ngaspat
hen"
Kat
lego:
"Int
henameoft
heLor
dwer
ecei
ve"
Emi
:"Amen!Andacarwashsl
ashshi
sany
ama"
Khul
e:"
Tonewhappybegi
nni
ngs!
"
Theyal
lrai
sedt
hei
rgl
assesanddr
ankt
othat
..
.
..
Soshawaswat
chi
ngt
hem onacomput
er.
Het
ookhi
sphoneandcal
l
edBabomncane.
Babomncane:
"Yes"
Sosha:"
You'reanonfact
orhere.Thesepeopl
ehave
money.Khetheloi
snevercomingbacktoclai
m her
i
nheri
tance.She'
shappy,t
heyarehappy.Andthat
boysur
viv
ed"
Babomncane:
"Hei
smypr
obl
em Sosha"
Sosha:
"Hewoul
dnev
ersuey
ouwi
thoutKhet
hel
o'
s
goahead"
Babomncanesi
ghed.
Babomncane:
"Hebet
ternot
"
Soshahungupanddi
sconnect
edt
hecamer
a..
.

[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erFi
ve
°
°°
[
Qui
nton]
Ahear
daknock."
Room ser
vice!
"
Me:
"Thanky
ouwe'
regood"
"
It
sBonga"t
hisbaboon.Iwentt
ounl
ock.
Bonga:
"Mbuy
azi
"
Me:
"Dubeel
i
mthende.I
syourr
oom col
d?"He
wal
kedt
otheki
tchenar
ea,
Isatdownont
hecouch.
Bonga:
"No.Icamet
oseemysi
ster
s"
Me:
"Yoursi
ster
sar
ewi
thEmi
"
Bonga:
"Gr
eat
.Thatmeanswegett
imet
opl
ayFI
FA"
Me:
"Ther
e'snopl
ayst
ati
on"
Bonga:
"Ior
der
edi
t"
Me:
"MrCEO"
Hel
aughed.
Bonga:"
Infl
ash.Ar
ether
ehoty
oungl
adi
esi
nthe
bui
ldi
ng?"
Me:
"What
'supwi
thy
ouandl
adi
est
heseday
s?"
Hehandedmeagl
assofj
uice."
Thanks"
Bonga:
"Am 22.Ineedast
abl
egi
rl
fr
iend"
Me:
"Ar
eyoual
l
owedt
onow?
"
Bonga:"Mymissi
oni
saccompl
i
shedsoi
twoul
dn'
t
befai
rifIwasn'
t"
Me:
"Don'
ttakechances"
Bonga:
"Myhandsar
eti
redbaba"
Me:
"What
?"
Wel
aughed.
Bonga:
"Amanhastosur
viv
e.Onewayortheot
her
.
Arewehav
ingbr
eakf
astatt
hatdi
ningar
eaagai
n?"
Me:"
No.Wecan'tbooki
ttoday
.Peopl
elov
ethat
vi
ew.We'
l
leatatChri
s'
sroom"
Bonga:
"Br
eakf
astpr
epar
edbymom?
"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"
Henoddedandkepthi
sey
esl
ockedont
heTV.And
t
hentur
nedtome.
Bonga:
"Isi
twor
king?
"
Me:
"What
?"
Bonga:
"Bei
ngher
e."
Me:
"Abi
t.I
tsj
ustt
hesedr
eamsofherIkeephav
ing"
Bonga:
"Wecaner
asey
ourmemor
yify
ouwant
"
Me:"No.
"Henodded."
Andy
ou,
howar
eyouhol
ding
up?
"
Bonga:
"Am goodnow.Isomehowf
eel
li
keIf
ail
ed
her
"
Me:
"Noy
oudi
dn'
t"
Bonga:
"Ishould'
veseensomet hi
ng.Ther
emust
'v
e
beenahintbutIdi
dn'tnot
ice"
Me:"
Maybeitwasherti
me.You'
renotresponsi
ble
f
oranymisf
ort
unethatt
akespl
aceinthishouse.
"
Bonga:
"Iwi
shIbel
i
evedt
hat
"
Me:
"Don'
tbet
oohar
dony
our
sel
f"
Myphonebeeped."
Breakf
asti
sready
.Let
'sgo"
°
°°
[
Tyl
er]
Ican'
twai
tformywheelchai
rtoarr
ive.Ij
ustwant
Maxwellt
ofeelsor
ryf
ormeandr ai
semysal ary
.
Khet
hiwe:
"Br
eakf
asti
sready
"
Me:
"Whyar
eyousoMoody
.Youshoul
dbehappy
"
Khethi
we:"
NowIhavet
osmil
eallthet
ime?Ar
eyou
gonnaneedhel
pwit
hsomet
hing?
"
Me:
"Comeher
e"
Shewal
kedt
othebat
hroom i
nst
ead.Isi
ghed.
Shecameoutmi
nut
esl
ater
.
Me:
"What
'sup?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Am Inotenoughf
ory
ou?
"If
rowned.
Me:
"Wher
e'st
hatcomi
ngf
rom?Comeher
e"
Khet
hiwe:"Answermyquest
ion"she'
sthemost
cal
m personeverwhensadormad.
Me:
"You'
reenoughbabey
ouknowt
hat
"
Shewalkedt
othev
ani
tyandt
ookherphoneand
gavei
ttome.
Mycr
ushDr
.Howdi
dsheknow?
Me:
"Who'
sthi
s?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Yourcr
ush"shesai
dfol
dingherar
ms.
Me:
"Mywhat
?"
Iscr
oll
ed."
CrushyaAttorneyDube"hercapti
on
wrot
e.Ihadnoideashe'sa2000.Howcoul da
womanwi t
hsuchagoodj obandlooksbethi
s
st
upi
d.
Khet
hiwe:"
Youshouldputheri
nherpl
acebef
oreI
deal
withhermysel
f"
Me:"
I'
ll
trycont
act
ingthehospi
tal
?She'
scr
azy
.I
l
oveyouokay.Pl
easepassmemyshoes"
Khet
hiwe:
"Whydon'
tyouasky
ourcr
ush"
Shewal
kedout
.Fuck.
..
°
°°
[
Kat
lego]
Qui
nton:
"IsKhul
eandKhet
hel
ost
il
lal
i
ve?
"
Emi
:"We'
dli
ket
othi
nkso"wel
aughed.
Chri
s:"
Callt
hem.Idon'
ttrustthatpr
egnantKhet
hel
o.
Shemightstr
angl
emybr othertodeath"
Qui
nton:
"That
'
sgood.I
'
llbet
heel
dest
"
Amo:
"Ar
en'
tyouguy
stwi
ns?
"
Me:
"Theyar
e."
Amo:
"They
'r
ebot
hol
dmos"
Chr
is:
"Speaki
ngofol
d.Whenar
eyougoi
ngt
o
school
?"
Shel
ookedatmel
i
keIhav
eananswerf
ort
hat
.
Amo:
"Uhm.
..
Iwast
hinki
ngofl
ooki
ngf
oraj
ob"
Qui
nton:
"Wher
e?"
Amo:
"Rest
aur
ant
s"
Chr
is:
"Wegotoschooli
nthi
shome.Wewon'
thav
e
a19yearol
dworki
ng"
Amo:
"Am notgoodatschool
"
Emi
:"Whatar
eyougoodat
?"
Amo:
"Musi
canddr
awi
ng"
Qui
nton:
"Theny
ou'
l
lst
udyt
hat
"
Amo:
"I-
"
Chri
s:"Googl
eartschool
s.Wheny
ouf
indt
heone
youli
keletusknow"
Amo:
"Thear
tschool
Ilov
eisov
erseasso-
"
Qui
nton:
"Appl
ythen"
Amolookedathim sur
pri
sed.Hewasn'
tev
enpay
ing
at
tent
iontoher
.
Amo:
"Sor
ry,
what
?"
Chr
is:
"Appl
y.Doyouhav
eapor
tfol
i
o?"Shenodded.
"
Mucheasiert
hen"
Qui
nton:
"Canwenoweat
?"
Thedoorswungopen.Theyfoll
owedeachot
heri
n,
l
aughi
ng.Wehaven'
thadt hatsi
ghti
nages.
Khet
hel
o:"
Mor
ningf
ami
l
y"
Us:
"Goodmor
ning"
Khul
e:"
Wewentt
obuycowf
eet
"
Weal
ll
aughed."
Shet
hendr
ankumqombot
hi"
Khet
helo:"
Whyar
eyoubadmout
hingme?Webot
h
di
d"theygi
ggl
ed.
Qui
nton:
"Okaysi
tdown"
Khul
e:"
Oht
hanky
ouSi
r"
Theydi
danddi
shedup.Wesai
dandst
art
edeat
ing.
Qui
nton:"
Iwasthinki
ngwegotoseemyhouseaf
ter
br
eakfast
,ift
hat
'sokaywi
thev
eryone"
Emi
:"I
'
dlov
eto"
Khul
e:"
We'
dlov
eto.I
sitbi
genough?
"
Qui
nton:
"Pr
ett
ymuch"
Chri
s:"
Great
.Nextt
imewef
lydownwewon'
thav
e
tost
ayinahotel
"
Wechuckl
ed.
Me:
"Wher
e'sTy
ler
?"
Weal
ll
ookedatKhet
hiwe.
Khet
hiwe:
"Hesai
dhe'
l
lshor
tl
yfol
l
owme"
Al
l3ofhi
sbr
other
sgotupandr
ushedout
.
Bonga:
"Lookwho'
swal
ki
ng"
It
urned.Hesmi
l
edwhenourey
esmetandf
ell
down
onhisbutt
.
Khethel
o:"Mir
acl
ebabi
esdoi
ngmi
racl
ethi
ngs.
Walkingatonl
y6months"
Bonga:
"Youhav
en'
tseenany
thi
ngy
et"
TheDubebrotherswalkedi
nwiththei
rli
tt
lebrother
.
HegreetedusthensatdownnexttoBonga.
WhateverhedidtoupsetKhet
hiweisreal
.She'sso
f
reespi
ri
tedt
obet
hisdown.
Wecont
inuedeat
ing.I
nsi
l
ence.
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Amogelanggoti
nholdi
ngbal
l
oonswr
it
ten'
I
tsaboy
'
at
tachedtoapaperbag.
Lel
o:"
Cal
vi
ndoesn'
tl
ist
en"
Amo: "
Honeywheny ousai
dyoudon'
twantany
vi
sit
orsthatexcl
udedme"
Lel
o:"
What
everAmogel
ang.Di
dyoubr
ingmef
ood?
"
Amo:
"NoIdi
dn'
t"
Lel
o:"
Youshoul
d'
vej
ustst
ayedaty
ourhouse"
Amo: "
Am ki
ddi
ng.Ior
der
edi
t.I
tshoul
darri
ve
any
timefr
om now.Howarey
oufeeli
ng?"
Lel
o:"
Agoodnow"
Amo:"That
'sgood.Cal
vi
ntell
smey ousai
dyouwi
l
l
notgohomeaf t
erbei
ngdischar
ged"
Lel
o:"
He'
sri
ght
.Iwi
l
lst
ayi
nmyapar
tmenti
n
Ri
voni
a"
Amo:
"Youcan'
tst
aywi
tht
hebabyony
ourown"
Lel
o:"
Iwil
l
.Am t
iredofCal
vi
n.Ij
ustneedsomet
ime
awayfr
om hi
m."
Amo:
"Whatabouty
ourchi
l
dren?
"
Lel
o:"
Theywi
l
lvi
sitonweekends.
"
Herphonerang.Shesmi
l
ed.Amol
ookedatherwi
th
quest
ioni
ngeyes.
Lel
o:"
Hey
"
Khethel
o:"
Ial
mostf
lewback.Whywasy
ourphone
off
?"
Lel
o:"
Itmust
'v
ebeenthenet
wor
k.Howar
eyou?I
s
Dur
bannicet
oy ouguy
s?"
Khet
hel
o:"
We'reokayandDur
bani
sgoodt
ous.
Howabouty'
al
l?"
Lel
o:"
We'reperf
ect
.Thoughsomeonesucksonmy
boobl
ikehisl
if
edependonit
"theyl
aughed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Itdoes.Di
ddaddycomet
oday
?"
Lel
o:"
Nohehasn't.Butam sur
ehewi
l
lyouknow
howstubbor
nthatspeci
esis"
Khethel
o:"
Trynott
oletev
ery
thi
ngdi
stur
byour
peaceokay"
Lel
o:"
Iwon'
t.Thanky
ousomuch.
"
Khet
helo:"
Anyt
imel
ove.Letmego.I
'
llcheckupon
youl
ateron"
Lel
o:"
Okaysi
si.By
e"
Shehungup."I
tist
hewomanwhof
oundme.
Khet
heloDube"
Amo:
"Sl
aymom?
"
Lel
o:"
What
?"
Amo:
"TheeKhet
hel
oDube?Thet
win'
swi
fe?
"
Lel
o:"
Yeah.Sl
aymom i
shername?
"Amochuckl
ed.
Amo:
"Thesel
i
fel
esspapar
azzi
peopl
ecal
lhert
hat
"
Lel
o:"
That
'scr
azy
"
Theyl
aughed.
..
°
°°
[
Khet
hel
o]
Khul
e:"
Issheokay
?"
Me:
"Yeah.Shehadnonet
wor
k."
Khul
e:"
That
'sgreat.Di
dshet
ell
youwhywasshe
dr
ivi
ngatni
ghtalone?"
Me:
"Herhusbandcheat
ed.
"
Khul
e:"
Soshedeci
dedt
oputherlif
eandthebaby
's
i
ndanger?
.Womenandthei
rir
rat
ional
thi
nki
ng"
Whati
sthi
smansay
ing?
Me:
"Hav
eyouev
erbeencheat
edon?
"
Khule:"NobutIknowifIwasawomanandi nthat
sit
uationIwouldn'
tri
ski
tli
kethat.Don'
tevendare
thi
nky ou'
dev erdosomet
hingli
kethat,
I'
dbeatthe
helloutofyou"OhGodam mar r
iedtoanabuser.
Me:
"Shewascool
i
ngherheadof
fbabe"
Khul
e:"From nowonal
lthecarkey
swi
llst
ayi
nmy
secr
etplacebefor
eyoufeel
anyneedt
ocooly
our
headoff"
Me:
"Ar
eyout
hinki
ngofcheat
ing?IswearI
fyoudo
we'
dbur
yyoumylove"Ismi
l
edandki
ssedhi
scheek.
"
OhmyGod!Ist
hisi
t?"
Khul
e:"
Seemsl
i
kei
t"
Hepar
kedbehindBonga'
scar.Thisthi
ngofhir
ing
t
heseexpensi
vecar
sissenselesshonest
ly.
Wegotoutandheadedi
nsi
det
hegat
e.Suchahuge
yar
d.
Me:
"Ist
hatat
reehouse?
"
Khul
e:"
Yes"
Me:
"Theki
dsar
egonnal
ovet
hishome"
Khul
e:"
Ilov
eitt
oo"
Emi
:"Heyev
ery
one!
"
Shesaidfrom thebal
cony.Khul
ewavedback.We
headedinside.I
tsmeltawful
.Thepai
nt.If
eltdi
zzy
i
mmedi atel
y .
Me:"Am gonnagoandwai
tout
side.Thepai
nti
sn'
t
goodforme"
Khul
e:"
Real
l
y?"
Me:
"Yeah"
If
eltt
heur
get
othr
owup.Ir
anout
.
Khet
hiwe:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"Yeaham good.I
tst
hepai
nti
ng"
Khethi
we:
"Sor
ry.Shoul
digety
ousomet
hingt
o
dr
ink?"
Me:
"Noam f
ine"
Khul
ecameoutwi
thachai
r.Isatdown.
Khul
e:"
Ifor
gotaboutt
hepai
nti
ngs"
Me:"It
'sokayl
ove.Ar
ethet
winsr
oom decor
ated
al
ready?"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
l
lbei
nsi
dei
fyouneedme"
Me:
"Okaybabet
hanky
ou"shewal
kedbacki
nsi
de.
Khul
e:"
Yest
hey
'r
edone.Wi
thy
ell
ow"
Me:
"What
?"
Hesmi
l
ed.
Khul
e:"
Am kiddi
ng"hekissedmyf orehead."
Your
Babomncaneisact
ingl
i
keasi dechickthatwona
husband,
he'
sunset
tl
ed"
Me:
"Whathashedonenow?
"
Khule:"He'
sspyi
ngonus.Ideci
dedt
ogi
vehi
mthe
sat
isfacti
onandlethi
m"
Me:
"Don'
thur
thi
m"
Khule:
"That
'
si fhedoesn'
tgett
ooexci
ted.Am
honestl
yget
tingri
dofanyonewho'
sgonnastepi
n
ourwayofhappiness.
"
Me:
"Youstil
ll
ooki
ngf
orwhowasr
esponsi
blef
or
t
heshoot
ing?"
Khul
e: "
Am gonnalaylowforabi t
.Whoev eriti
s,l
if
e
hasit
'sownwayofr eveal
ingthings.RightnowIj ust
wanttofocusony ouguys,seeingnowt hatever
yone
hasgrownanddonotneedusast heirnannies
anymore"Ichuckl
ed."
You'renicetoday .Am Igaini
ng
complexion?
"
Me:
"Am al
way
sni
cebaby
"
Khule:"
You'r
eevencalli
ngmebaby .
..
isi
tsex?
"I
rol
ledmyey esandlaughed.Hechuckl
ed."
We
shouldhavemorningsexmor eof
tenthen"
Me:
"Somebodymi
ghtbel
i
steni
ngt
ous"
Hecr
ouchedandpl
acedbot
hhi
shandsonmy
t
ummy .
Khul
e:"
Theyknowwe'
redoi
ngi
t.Whenar
ethey
ki
cki
ng?"
Me:
"Atexact20weeksIt
hink.Ican'
twai
t"
Khul
e:"
Met
oo.Il
ovey
ou,
yournosei
sget
ti
ngf
at"
Me:"Il
oveyoumore"Iki
ssedhi
sli
ps."
Andl
eav
emy
nosethehel
lal
one"
Hel
aughedandst
oodst
rai
ght
.
Khul
e:"
Let
sgocheckt
hepool
area"
Me:
"Youcan'
tev
enswi
m"
Khule:
"Thatdoesn'
tmeanIshoul
dn'
tgocheckout
thepool"
Het
ookmyhandandwewal
kedon.
Me:
"CanIt
ell
yousomet
hing?
"
Khul
e:"
Yes?
"
Me:
"Don'
tl
aughokay
?"Hest
art
edl
aughi
ng.Thi
s
i
diot
."Okayam nott
ell
i
ngany
mor
e"
Khule:"Okayam sor
rymommy
"hepr
essedhi
sli
ps
together.
Me: "
Remembert hehotwingsyousentme?"He
nodded."
Ididn'
tthr
owt hem away"hef
rowned."
Iat
e
them."Heletgoofmyhandt urnedmetolookat
him.Welaughed.
Khul
e:"
Whydidy
ousayy
outhrewt
hem away
.I
woul
dn'
thav
emadeyoubuyt
hem"
Me:
"Whatwasy
ourmot
ive?
"
Khule:
"Toteachyoualessonthatyoudon'
twaste
yourhusband'
smoney.
"Hel aughed.Hi
ssetofteet
h.
Godsuretookhisti
me."Quint
on!"
"Yes!
"Her
espondedf
rom wher
everi
nsi
det
hishuge
house.
Khule:
"Shedi
dn'tt
hrowawayt
hosewi ngs!
"I
l
aughedandpinchedhim.Qdi
dn'
trespond."Di
dyou
hearme?Sheatethem!"
Qui
nton:
"It
oldy
ou"
Wel
ookedup.Thi
shousehasabal
conyi
nev
ery
cor
nermos.
Khul
ehuggedme.
Khul
e:"
Yeahwhat
ever
"
Qui
nton:
"Thr
owhi
mint
hepool
Nguni
za"
Khul
e:"
Youl
ovemesomucht
odot
hat
"
Idon'
tgethi
sfearofwat
er.Ev
ent
hebat
hingt
ub,
he
hardl
yusesi
t.
Me:
"You'
reright
.Nowdoyoulov
emeenought
obuy
meamasi
? "Hetookadeepbr
eath.
Khul
e:"
Yes.Let
'
sgo"
Hetookmyhandandweheadedt
othedr
iveway
.
Per
ksofbei
nglov
ed.
JustafewweeksagoIt houghti
twasoverbet
ween
us.Buttodaywe'r
ehereholdi
nghands,
marri
edand
expect
ingourfi
rstchi
l
dren.Li
fe.
..
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erSi
x
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
LuciaknockedsoftlyonMt hobisi
'
sdoor .Hewas
dressi
nguppr epari
ngforwor k,hestudyandwor ks
partti
meathi sgrandfather'
sshop.Hehadspent
theweekendathi smother '
shouse.Hedoes, every
weekend.Thatishowcl osehei stoher, t
heyare
bestfri
ends.Somet i
mesi tbugsNdalo{Hisgir
lf
riend}
.
Hel i
vesatthestudent'
sresf ourhoursawayfrom
hismother'
splace.
Heopenedt
hedoorwi
thasmil
e.Itv
ani
shedsoon
ashi
seyesl
andedonhi
smother
'semptyhands.
Lucia:
"Don'
tgi
vemethatface.You'
re2hour
searl
yI
prepar
edlot
sofcof
feeforus"shesaidt
henper
ked
hi
scheek.
Mt
ho:
"Ist
hisabouty
ourboy
fri
end?
"
Luci
arol
l
edherey
es.
Luci
a:"
CanIpl
easepass?
..
..Thanky
ou"
Shemadeher
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
eont
hecouch.
Mt
ho:
"Humorme"
Luci
a:"
He'
sal
i
ve"
Mt
ho:
"OK.Goodf
orhi
m"
Luci
a:"
Comeon"
Mtho:"
Am 19mama.Youcan'texpectmet
ojump
upanddownjustbecausey
oufoundmysperm
donor"
Luci
a:"
You'
vebeenaski
ngf
oradady
ourwhol
eli
fe"
Mt ho:
" BecauseIthoughtitwascool havingadad.I
thoughtIwasmi ssi
ngoutonsomet hing.I'
vegrown,
IknowIwasn' t
.You'r
emy2i none,Idon'tneeda
dad"heki ssedherforehead."Let
'sgohav e
breakfastmyQueen.Idon' tneedadad"shet ookhis
handandt heywalkedout..
..
°
°°
[
Lel
o]
I
'veseengoodhear tedpeoplebutKhethelotakes
thecup.Ithasonlybeen4day sbutIal
r eadyseea
bestfr
iendinher.Shemaybewayt ooy oungerthan
mebutt headvisesshegives,ar
eofa40y earold
woman.She' stoomat ur
eforherage.ButIguess
gett
ingmar r
iedatay oungageforcesyout o.
Iwasalsoamot herandawifeat24.She
volunt
eer
edt otakemet omyapar t
ment .Shecame
toseemel astnightandlef
twit
hmykey stogo
cleani
tupf orme, sonowwewer edri
vingfrom t
he
hospit
alt
oSandt on.
Me:
"Yourhusbandi
scool
wit
hyoudr
ivi
ng?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Whathedoesn'
tknowwon'
thur
thi
m"
Me:
"You'
resuchanaught
ygi
rl
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Comeon.So,
ishubbygonnacome?
"
Me:"Idon'
tknow.He'
sprobabl
yatahotelblowi
ng
al
lourmoneyonalcohol
andgolddiggers"
Khet
hel
o:"
Don'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
."
Me:"
Am stat
ingt
hepossi
ble.Thet
houghtofhi
m
j
ustmakesmenauseas"
Khet
hel
o:"
Cal
m down"
Idr
ankwat
erandlookedaheadtheroad.Ther
ewas
sof
tmusi
cplay
ing.Enoughtocoolmedown.
Me:"Howar
eyouguy
shol
dingup,
aft
ert
he.
..You
know"
Khethel
o:"
We'r
egett
ingther
e.Daybyday.I
tshar
dto
adjustt
othef
actt
hatshe'snother
eanymorebutwe
tr
y"
Me:
"Am sosor
ry"
Khet
hel
o: "
It
sokay.I
tsl
i
fe.Weareal
lgoi
ngtodieat
somepointandl
ikei
tornoti
t'
sgoi
ngtohappen"
Me:
"Tr
ue"
Wegotpul
l
edov
erbyt
het
raf
fi
cpol
i
ce.
Khethel
o:"Thesedudesgetbor
ed"sher
oll
eddown
thewindow.
TP:
"Ma'
am canIseey
ourbel
l
y"
Khet
hel
o:"
What
?"
TP:
"Pl
easest
epoutoft
hecar
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Look.Am dr
ivi
ngmysi
sterhomewi
thher
newbor
nbaby"
TP:"Dr
ivi
ngwhilepr
egnant
?That'
saseri
ousoff
ence
tothel
aw.Putti
ngalif
eofourfut
urepr
esi
dentat
ri
sk?Pleasest
epoutofthecar
"
Me:
"Ar
eyouguy
sser
ious?
"
TP:
"Wewil
lar
resty
out
ooforl
ett
ingapregnant
womandr
ivey
ouandanewbornbaby"
Shepul
l
edKhet
hel
otot
hecar
.Ar
etheyki
ddi
ngus?
Awhi
teguyappear
edf
rom nowher
e.
TP:"
Thisguywil
ldr
ivey
out
oyourpl
ace.Pl
easegi
ve
hi
m dir
ect
ions"
Me:
"No.Fol
l
owt
hatpol
i
cecar
"
TP:"
DowhatIj
ustt
oldy
ou"t
heguynoddedand
st
art
edt
hecar.
Me:
"Fol
l
owt
hatcar
"
Guy
:"Ionl
ytakeor
der
sfr
om myboss"
Hesoundedl
i
keCal
vi
n'
slapdogs.Especi
all
ythat
Capsfool
.
If
oldedmyar
msandl
ookedoutt
hewi
ndow.
..
°
°°
[
Khul
e]
Ev
ery
onet
ookt
hei
rseat
s.
"
Ever
yonei
sher
e"
Gl
adei
nfor
medmef
rom t
heear
piece.
Thespot
li
ghtshi
neonme.Ev
ery
bodycl
apped.
Me: "
Uhm...
Gooddayev er
yone.Am sorrytosteal
yourti
meoutofy ourbusyschedule.Am Khul
ekani
Dube,theCEO,soontobef ormerCEO.Iam here
befor
ey out
odaytoinformy ouaboutamaj or
changeinourhome.Iam steppingdownast he
CEO"
Thechaos.Iwai t
edf orthem tosettl
edown." Yes.
AndmysonSbongakonkeDubewi llbetakingov er
asournewCEO.He' squit
ey oungerthant hemostof
youi fnotal lofy ou.Ipleadwi t
hy out otreathimt he
samewayy oudi dwi thmebutnev erbeaf r
aidtoput
him ont herightlanei fheseemst obet akinga
wrongone.Keephi m underyourwat ch,guidehim.I
willvisitnowandt hent ocheckont hepr ogress.I
prepar edmy selfaf arewell
partybefor eyouguy s
threwsomet hingbi g.Soafterherelet'sallheadto
thedi ninghal landhel pourselveswithev erythi
ng
thatist here.Pi t
si,Ididnotforgettobuyt hatmill
ion
dollarchampol a"
Pi
tsi
:"ChampompoKKchampompo"
Wealll
aughed.Igotof
fthestageandBongasai
d
hi
sspeech.Hekeptmentioni
ngthechair
.Hemay
nothav
eaDubebl oodbuthe'
sdefini
tel
yoneofus.
Ilef
tasever
ybodywentt
othedini
nghall.Ihadtogo
tothepol
i
cestati
onandfet
chthestubbornwife.
Ihad30missedcal
lsf
rom her
.Icall
edmybr
other
andfor
gotaboutt
hepsychowife.
Qui
nton:
"Ar
eyougonnacal
lmeev
ery
day
?"
Me:
"Yes.Doy
ouhav
eapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
?"
Qui
nton:
"Whoachi
l
l.Iam aski
ngcauseIl
ovei
t"
Me:
"Wher
ear
ethegi
rl
s?"
Qui
nton:
"Wast
hiscal
lformeatt
hef
ir
stpl
ace?
"
Me:
"You'
renoti
mpor
tantbr
a."
Qui
nton:
"Whydon'
tyoucal
lthem ont
hei
rphone?
"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Nexty
eart
hough"hechuckl
ed.
Qui
nton:
"Thatwomani
srui
ningmyhouse"
Me:
"It
houghty
oul
ovedhowshedi
dthel
ounge"
Qui
nton:
"Yesthatwasbef
oreshesai
dther
ewon'
t
beabarfri
dgeandagunsafe"
Me:"Whywoul
dyouwantt
hathouset
olookl
i
ket
his
oneher
e?"
Qui
nton:
"BecauseIwantmybeer
stobewher
everI
am"
Me:
"Getacool
erboxman"
Quinton:
"OK.Forgetaboutthel
ounge.Themast
er
bedroom ispai
ntedinpurpl
e"
Me:
"Yout
ell
thedesi
gnert
hecol
orsy
oul
ove"
Qui
nton:
"Il
ovebl
ackmanwhatdoy
oumean"
Me:"
Tell
hertogety
outhepai
nti
ngsbook.You'
l
l
t
henchoosecol
orsyouwantf
orever
yroom"
Qui
nton:
"There'
snoneedshe'
sfi
red"Isi
ghed."
How
di
dtheannouncementgo?
"
Me:
"Pr
ett
ywel
l
.Il
eftt
hem eat
ing"
Qui
nton:"Good.Tomor
rowy
ou'
regoi
ngt
oDube
l
ogi
stics"
Me:
"Todowhat
?"
Quinton:
"Todowhatev
eryt
winwoul
d'
vedone.
Pretendtobeme"
Me:
"Yourempl
oyeesknowy
ou"
Quint
on:"
Notheydon'
t.Justl
ookf
ri
endl
y,t
hey
'l
l
knowitsme"
Me:
"By
eQui
ntonDube"
.
..
Iar
ri
vedatt
hest
ati
on.
Of
fi
cerHanov
acal
l
edmeov
er.
Hi
m:"
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
"
Me:
"Tr
aff
ici
scr
azyman"
Hi
m:"
You'
reaboutt
owi
tnessr
eal
crazy
"
Me:"Di
dyouguystel
lherIam behi
ndthis?
"He
l
aughedandshookhi
shead.Hedi sper
sedbehi
nd
t
hesethi
ckwall
s.
Isatdownont
hebench.
Khet
hel
o:"
Khul
e"
Ist
oodup.Shet
hrewher
sel
finmyar
msandcr
iedI
shushedher
.
Me:
"Don'
tcr
ybabyam her
enow"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ithoughty
ouwer
en'
tcomi
ngf
orme"
Me:"What
?Irushedherethemomenttheycal
l
edme
baby
.Whathappened?"Shemovedoffmychestand
fi
ddl
edwit
hherfinger
s.
Khet
hel
o: "
Iwasdri
ving"Ir
aisedmybrows."Iknow
andam sorr
y.Shehadnoonet odr
iveherhome"
Me:"ButLi
am i
sal
way
sther
ewai
ti
ngt
otakey
ou
any
wher e"
Khet
hel
o:"
Hewentt
ogetmechi
ckenf
eet
"
Me:"I
t'
sallovernow.Let
'
sgo.Hanov
amyman.
Thanksforkeepi
ngmywi fesaf
e"
Hanov
a:"
Any
timemyman"
Wewalkedouthandinhand.Atl
eastnowIwi
l
lnot
hav
etoworryaboutherdr
ivi
ngaround.
..
°
°°
[
Emi
]
Iknocked.Hisoff
icei
saseethrough.Iknocked
again.Heconti
nuedtypi
ngonhisnot epad.Thi
sis
themostar r
ogantmanI'
veeverseen, t
hesecond
actuall
y,f
ir
staret
obemyt wi
nbr others.
Iwal
kedt
oVee'
sof
fi
ceandcal
l
edhi
m.
MrKhan:
"Yes"
Me:
"Mi
ssDubei
sher
etoseey
ou"
MrKhan:
"Letheri
n"
Reall
y?Sohei gnoredmeonpur pose?Iwal
kedback
tohisdoorandpushedi topen.Thisoursecond
encounter,f
ir
stbei nghim comingtomyof fi
cetot el
l
met hi
si snotgamepl atform andhadameet ing
heldatmyof fice.Ineverlookedforwar
dintoseeing
him everagain.
Butthi
sishi
sfat
her
'sworkpl
aceandhe'stheboss.
Ther
e'snowayyoudon'
tgett
oseehim onceina
whil
e.
Me:
"Goodmor
ningMrKhan"
MrKhan:
"Goodmor
ningMi
ssDube.Youmayt
akea
seat
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Isatdownandpl
acedt
hef
il
eIhadont
hedesk.
Me:"Ist
artedatZungu'
sof
fi
ce.He'
snoti
nsohi
sPA
t
ransfer
redmeher e"
MrKhan:
"Dowehav
eapr
obl
em?
"
Me:"Yes.There'
ssomeonest eal
i
ngthemoneySir
.
Ever
ymont hfrom l
astyearJunether
ehasbeenR20
000.
00t r
ansferr
edint
oaghostaccount"
Hef
rowned.Doeshehav
eanyi
deahowscar
yhei
s?
MrKhan:
"Youmaybeexcused.Iwi
l
ltakeal
ookat
t
his"
Ist
oodupandwalkedout.Itookav er
ydeepbreat
h
soonasIcl
osedt
hedoor .He'snotgoodforme.I
am ver
yscar
edofunfr
iendlypeopl
e.
Igott
omyof
fi
ceanddr
anki
cecol
dwat
er.Whew!
Thedoorf
lewopen.
Vee:
"Tel
lmey
oudi
dnotgot
oKhan'
sof
fi
ceony
our
own"
Me:
"Idi
d.Thati
swhyIf
eel
li
kef
aint
ingr
ightnow"
shel
aughedandt
ookaseat
."I
tsnotf
unny
"
Vee:"
Toyou.Didhesmi l
e?"Ir
oll
edmyeyesandsat
down."Weal
lthoughthe'
dbef r
iendl
ytoy
ouat
l
east"
Me:
"Andwhyi
sthat
?"
Vee:"
Becausey
ourf
ami
l
yisf
amousandy
ou'
recut
e
andhi
stype"
Me:
"Hol
ditr
ightt
her
e."
Vee:"Butgi
rl
,ifIwassi
ngl
eIwould'
veeat
enhim
al
ready.Gir
lyoushoul
dworkyourmagiconKhan,
walkin"
Me:"
Uhm Vee.
.."Hestoodatthedoorwi
thonehand
onhi
spocket
,theotherhol
dingthefi
l
e.
Vee:"What?Youshouldwearal i
nger
ieandt werk
thehell
outofhisgrumpyface.Clapthatassonhis
face"ohGodmakeherst op.Itr
iedsi
gnali
ngherwi th
eyesbutshedidnotgetthehint
."Whatarey ou
l
ookingat?"Shetur
ned.Shequicklyt
urnedbackt o
me.
Me:
"MrKhan.Youcancomei
n"
MrKhan:
"Ibr
oughtt
hef
il
e.I
'l
lhav
emypeopl
e
di
ggi
ngdeeponthi
smatt
er"
Me:
"Okay
"
If
etchedi
t.
MrKhan:"
Vee,Ibel
iev
ethi
sisnot
imef
orgi
vi
ngout
seduci
ngl
essons"
Vee:
"YesSi
r"
Hewal
kedof
f.
Me:
"YouneedJesusVee"
Vee:
"No.Ineedanewj
ob"
Shegotupandt ookthewalkofshamet othedoor.I
neverthoughtI
'
dseet heday
.Ilaughedti
llsheful
l
y
di
sappearedandclosedthedoor.Igotbackto
work..
..
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Sheli
therci
gar
ett
eandsmokedwhil
esheat
e
popcor
nswatchi
ngherpi
ctur
eswi
thKhul
e.
Herphonerang.Shel
ookedatt
hecal
l
erI
Dand
f
aceditdown.
I
trangagai
n.Shehuf
fedandpi
ckedi
tup.
Tami
a:"
What
?"
Phumla:
"It
sme.Phuml
a.Doest
heof
ferst
il
l
st
ands?"
Shegotof
fthecouch.
Tami
a:"
Yesy
es.
..
Imean,
yeah.
"
Phumla:"
Iseethesebi
tchesar
eget
ti
ngt
oo
comfort
ablel
iv
ingourl
ives"
Tamiawal
kedtost
andnextt
oKhul
eandKhet
hel
o'
s
weddi
ngpi
ctur
e.
Tami
a:"
Iwi
l
lsendy
oumyaddr
ess"
Phuml
a:"
Thanky
ou"
Shehungup.
Tami
a:"
Theendi
snearma"
Shebur
ntKhet
hel
o'
sheadwi
tht
heci
gar
ett
e..
..
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erSev
en
°
°°
[
Khul
e]
ArrivinghomeIst art
edcooking.Mr sDubewast oo
ti
redandt raumati
zedtodoany thing.Shewent
straightupst ai
rst
otakeabat h.Washingawaythe
j
ail badluckShesaidandcamebackt ositt
her
eon
hercomf ortabl
ekit
chencoucht hatIbought
speci al
lyforherwatchi
ngmedomyki t
chenmagic.
Khet
hel
o:"
Thati
stoomuchsal
t"
Me:
"Buty
out
oldmeonet
abl
espoon"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yesi
fther
e'spot
atoes"
Me:
"Ther
ear
epot
atoes"
Khethel
o:"
Oh.
"Ichuckl
ed."
Qtel
l
smehef
ir
edt
he
decorat
or"
Me:"Thatonei
sacti
nglikeali
tt
leboywhojust
di
scoveredhi
sinher
it
ance"Icl
osedthepotandtook
aseat.
Khet
hel
o:"
Hewant
shi
shouset
obebeaut
if
ul.Ev
en
i
nvi
tetopbi
l
li
ngov
ermay
bewheni
tsdone"I
l
aughed.
Me:
"Chloeiswhowoul
d'v
edonethat
"herf
ace
i
mmediatel
ychangedt
oseri
ous.
Khet
hel
o:"
Lif
eisshor
tisn'
t?
"
Me:
"Ver
yshor
t"
Khet
hel
o:"
Promisemey ou'
l
lal
sodoy ourpar
tin
maki
ngthebestoutoft
hismarr
iage"
Me:
"Ipr
omi
se"shesmi
l
ed.
Khethelo:
"Doyoupr
omiset
otakemedogr
ocer
y
shoppingtomorr
ow?"
Me:
"Yes.Af
tert
hemeet
ing"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thanky
oul
ove"
Shegotupandwal
kedt
ome.
Me:
"Wantasandwi
ch?
"
Shesmil
edandnodded.Iki
ssedherandwal
kedov
er
tof
ixi
t.
Il
i
vet
oseeherf
acel
i
ghtupwhenev
ersomeone
mentionsfoodandwenolongerf
ightaboutl
i
ttl
e
thi
ngs.Iguessthebabi
esar
eokaywi t
hmy
complexionnow..
.
°
°°
[
Qui
nton]
Mor ni
ngsar en'
tmyfavorit
e.Thi
sthi
ngoforderi
ng
breakfastthatar
ri
vesafter20minut
esisn'
tmystyl
e.
Isleptlat
ebusyentert
ainingKhul
eonthevideocal
l.
Ibat
hedt
het
winsf
ir
stbef
oreor
der
ingbr
eakf
ast
.
Me:
"Youguy
sshoul
dlear
ntobat
hey
our
sel
ves"
Si
sekel
o:"
fdf
hjnvghkncc"andsmi
l
ed.
Me:
"Yeswhat
evert
hatmeans"
Itookthem outofthetubandcar
ri
edthem backto
thebedroom.Ihatethisol
dthem.Inowhaveto
mov efasti
nev er
ythi
ngIdobefor
etheyrol
loverand
fal
l.
Me:"Gr
eat!Si
kelel
ayoushoul
dst
opeat
ingal
ot
we'
reoutofdiaper
snow"
Imoi
stur
izedt
hem anddr
essedt
hem up.Iputt
hem
onthestrol
l
erandgav et
hem thei
rpaci
fi
erst
okeep
them companywhil
eIbath.Iqui
ckenedup.I
n10
minutesIwasreadytohi
ttheroad.
Durbanpeopleareeit
herver
yrichordrowningi
n
depts.Theyareal
waysdoingshopping.Ij
ustwisht
o
gotot heshopsandfindonl
y20people,notthi
s.
Everydayfeel
sli
ketheendofthemont h.
Andthesmil
esf
rom woment
othet
wins.I
t'
sal
l
annoyi
ng.
Aft
erbuy
ingthediaper
sandt
hei
rfoodwewentt
o
buymebreakfast
.
Wai
ter
:"Woul
dyoul
i
kechai
rsandt
oysf
ort
hem?
"
Me: "
Ifi
tisav
ailabl
e.Pl
ease"henoddedandwalked
away.Itookaseat.Thewaitercamebackwi
thbaby
chair
s.Hehelpedmeputt hem onandgavet
hem
toys.
Me:"
Thanksman.CanIpl
easehav
eful
lEngl
i
sh
br
eakf
ast?
"
Hi
m:"
Comi
ngr
ightup"
Hewal
kedof
f.Thegi
rl
swer
ehav
ingt
hebestt
imeof
t
hei
rli
ves,
mucht
omypeaceofmi
nd.
It
ext
edKhul
easki
nghi
mifhewentt
owor
k.
Mybr
eakf
astar
ri
ved.Igav
eeacht
winonef
ry.
Me:
"Don'
tmessy
our
sel
vesup"
"They'
retooy
oungnott
o"Ibr
oughtmyey
esup.She
smiled.
Nkul
e:"
Hi"
Me:
"Hi
"
Nkul
e:"
Arey
ouwi
thsomeone?
"
Me:"
No.Wannasi
t?"Shenodded."Pl
easedo.I
mi
ghtdowit
hsomecompanyany way"
Shesatdown.Theguywhoser
vedmecame.
Me:
"Wher
e'sy
ournamet
agchamp?
"
Hi
m:"
Ifor
gotitathome.Am Mpi
l
o"Inodded."
MayI
t
akey
ourorderma'am?"
Nkule:"
Browntoast, av
ocado,mash,butt
er,
scrambledeggs,gratedcheddarandfr
eshly
squeezedorangejuice?"
Mpi
l
o:"
Comi
ngr
ightup"hewal
kedof
f.
Nkul
e:"
Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?"
Me:
"Youeatcheesenow?
"Shechuckl
ed.
Nkul
e:"
Thi
spr
egnancyi
spl
ayi
ngt
ri
cksonme.
"
Me:
"Itsui
tsy
out
hough.You'
regl
owi
ng"
Nkul
e:"Ohpl
ease..
..Wher
earemymanners,am
sor
ryabouty
ourloss,howar
eyouhol
dingup?"
Me:"
Thankyou.Am good.Thoset
wokeepmegoi
ng.
How'
sbeingmarri
edtreat
ingYou?
"
Nkul
e:"
Verywel
lthankyou.Soy
oudeci
dedt
ocome
t
hissi
detocl
earyourhead?"
Me:"Yes.Jobur
gist
oomuchsoIt
houghtIshoul
d
r
elocat
e"
Nkule:
"Rel
ocate?
"Si
sekel
osnat
chedSi
kel
ela'
schi
p
outofherhands.
Me:"Youguyswe'r
einpubli
c"Igavethem more.
Theykeptqui
etandcont
inuedsuckingonthem.
Nkul
e:"
You'
resuchagr
eatf
ather
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Nkul
e:"
Whatdi
dyoumeanbyr
elocat
ing?
"
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Excuseme.
..
Mtakababa"
Khule:"
Nextti
mepleasenev eraskmeofsucha
thi
ng.Yourpeopl
earecrazy.ThehugsandcriesI
hadtoendure"Il
aughed.Thatisaplaceofdr
ama
queens.
Me:
"Thanky
ouMbuy
azi
"
Khul
e:"
Sendmet
heAr
ethaf
il
esasap"
Me:
"Ei
shokay
"
Khul
e:"
Bye"
Me:
"Sur
ekhehl
a"
Ihungup.Iset
tl
edt
hebi
l
lforbot
hNkul
eandI
.
Me:"
Ihav
etorushbackt
othehot
el.I
twasni
ce
bumpi
ngtoy
ou."
Nkul
e:"
Likewi
se"
Iputmybabi
esbackont
hest
rol
l
erandwel
eft
..
.
°
°°
[
Tyl
er]
Women!
Shehi
redmeanur
se.T-
manDubehasAnur
se
peopl
e!
Myphoner ang.She'
sfeel
i
nghott
oday
.Thev
ideo
cal
lexpl
ainsit
.
Me:
"Mgabadel
i
"shesmi
l
ed.
Khet
hiwe:
"Howar
eyouMbuy
azi
"
Me:"
Am goodasyoucansee.Howar
eyoumot
her
ofmychi
ldr
en?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Am per
fectbaby
.Hav
eyout
akenabat
h?"
Me:
"Yesma'
am,
ateanddr
ankmymeds"
Khet
hiwe:"
That
'sgood.Shoul
dIor
dery
oumor
e
games?"
Me:
"Yesi
fyouwantmet
oloset
hatupcomi
ngcase"
Khethi
we:"Justsi
tt
ingther
estar
ingatt
hecomput
er
thewholedaywill
driv
ey oucr
azy"
Me:
"I'
l
ltakebr
eaks.How'
swor
k?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ihav
en'
tdonemuchbuti
t'
sgood.Ineed
aPA"
Me:
"Cont
actHRt
oissuepost
s"
Khet
hiwe:
"Iwi
l
l.Imi
ssy
ou"
Me:"Imissyoutoopumpkin.Getbackt
owor
know
I
'l
lcall
youlater
.Il
oveyou"
Khet
hiwe:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Shehungup.Ihadt otel
lthatDrbaetoremovethat
capti
oninorderforMrsDubeher etotal
ktome.IfI
evercheati
nthisrel
ati
onshipI'
dprobabl
ylosemy
fr
ontteeth.
Whycan'twomengi
veusatl
east3cheat
ing
at
tempts.
Li
ke:
"IfIcat
chyoucheati
ngonmemor et
han3
ti
mesam leavi
ngyourass"Isowi
sh.
..
°
°°
[
Emi
]
Bei
ngEmi
Dubei
sascr
azyasbei
ngMar
yJane.Now
Ihavetodri
vet
othebankwi
thKhan.Hecoul
d'
ve
sentVeetogowit
hme.
Av
oicemessagecamet
hrough.Il
i
stenedt
oit
.
"
MrKhansay
syou'
rel
eav
ingi
n4mi
nut
es"
Whynot5?Men!
Ipackedmynotepadinmybag.I'
dbest
upidifI
l
eavemyl unchbehi
nd.It
ooki
tandputi
tini
t'
sbag
thenheadedout.
Iwait
edoutsi
dehisof
fi
ce.Veer
ant
omef
rom her
off
iceopposi
te.
Vee:"
Thi
sisaver
yrar
eoppor
tuni
ty.Makesur
eyou
cat
walkwheny
ougettot
hebank"
Me:
"Why
?"
Vee:"Becausemostoftheserat
chetbit
cheswould
ki
llt
ost epontheKhanmi l
li
ondoll
arvehi
clenott
o
mentionspendinganhourwithKhan"
Me:"NowIshoul
dwast
emycatwal
kfort
hat
?Come
on"
Shet
ookadeepsi
ghandsatbesi
deme.Shet
ook
myhandsi
ntoher
s.
Vee: "Lookmei ntheeye"Idi
d."You'reabouttogo
withKhant ot hebank.Thatisev eryone'
sdream in
thisplace.From nowony ou'
llhavehaters.Butwho
caresaboutt hat .Hewantsyou.I'v
eseenhowhe
l
ooksaty ou.Thewayhesmi l
edaf t
ertell
ingmet o
telly
ouy ou'r
el eavingin4minutes.Girlwheny ouget
outsidethere,actl i
keMrsKhant he2nd.Thef irsti
s
hisslayqueenmot her
.Walkwi t
hpride.Letthewor l
d
feelyourpresence. "Il
aughed."Am notj oki
ngy ou
kid"
Me:
"Iknow"
Vee:
"4minut
esisover.Pushthatdooropenandt
ell
hi
my out
aketi
mev eryseri
ously
"
Me:
"What
?"
Shepul
ledmeupandpushedthedoorandpushed
meinIalmostf
ell
.Heat
tempt
edgetti
ngup.
Me:"Am good.4minutesisov
erSir
"hel ookedathi
s
wal
lclock.Myeyeslandedonthegranadil
lesl
ash,I
gul
ped.
MrKhan: "
Am sorr
yMi ssIdi
dnotnot i
ce.Thesefi
les
gotme...
"hegotupandputonhi sjacket."
Would
youli
keaslash?Iorderedi
tbutIdon'tfeel
li
keit
anymore"
GodknowshowmuchIcoul
dhonest
lyhughi
mri
ght
now.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Iwalkedtodeskandtookit.Myey
esr
ant
ohi
snot
e
pad.Fif
a?Didn'
thesayfi
les?
Hepi
ckedi
tupandl
ockedi
t.
MrKhan:
"Pl
easehol
dthi
sforme"
Itooki
t.Hewashedhi
shandsandtook2appl
es
fr
om abowlful
lofAppl
esandwater
.Hegaveme
one.
Wef
inal
l
ywal
kedoutal
lthewayt
othel
i
ft.
Wegotof fatt
heundergr
oundpar ki
nglot
.He
openedthedoorforme.IthoughtVeesai
dheowns
amill
iondoll
arKhanvehi
cle.
Iputmybagsatt
hebackandbuckl
edup.
MrKhan: "
Wereyouexpecti
ngaBentley
?"What?
"Thewayy ou'
rel
ooki
ngaround.I
t'
sli
keyouweren'
t
expect
ingmedr i
vesuchacar"Iner
vousl
ychuckl
ed.
Me:"
Noit'
snott
hat.It
'sbeaut
if
ul"GTI
sar
ebeaut
if
ul
t
rul
ybutIwasnotexpecti
ngit
.
MrKhan:
"Thanky
ou"
Wedrov eof
f.I
'v
eheardworstmusi
cinmyli
febut
t
his.
..
itwasbeyondthewor
st.Hesangal
ongto
t
heset r
ashsongs,maki
ngmylif
emoremiser
able.
Myphoner
ang.Khul
e.
Me:
"Bhut
i"
Khul
e:"
Cany
oucomeov
ert
oday
?"
Me:
"Uhm y
eah"
Khul
e:"
Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:
"Onmywayt
othebank"
Khul
e:"
Shoul
dn'
tyoubeatwor
k?"
Me:
"It
'sf
orwor
k"
Khul
e:"
Okay
."
Hehungup.Ican'twai
tfort
hem toact
ual
lyhave
chi
ldr
en.Heparkedandtheradi
owentoff
.Thank
youGod.It
ookoutonlythenotepadandheadedin.
Hedidmostoft hetalking.Igavethem therefer
ence
numberoft heaccount .Theper sonwhoopenedi t
appeared.Theladycl osedit.Bythelookofthings
every
bodyknowshi m ar oundhere.Theyeven
off
eredusj ui
cet hatIturneddownt henhedr ankit
both.
Wel
eft
.
MrKhan:"
Didyouleav
eanyofyourt
hingsatt
he
of
fi
ce?"Heaskedasweheadedout.
Me:
"No.
"
MrKhan:"
Good.Wecangr
abl
unchaty
ourf
avor
it
e
r
est
aurant
"
Me:
"Ihav
elunch"
MrKhan:
"Wi
l
litbeenoughf
ort
hebot
hofus?
"
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
"Wher
e'sy
ourcar
?"
MrKhan:
"Ohtheyt
ooki
ttot
hecarwash.We'
l
luse
t
hisonef
orNow"
Amaninabl
acksui
tgr
eet
edandopenedt
hedoor
f
orus.
MrKhan:
"Takeust
oRoccomama'
sTi
m"
Ti
m:"
YesSi
r"
MrKhan:
"Canweeaty
ourl
unchboxnowmi
ss
Dube"
Whydoeshenev
ersmi
l
ethough.
It
ookitoutandgav
ehi
m wi
tht
hespoon."
Itsmel
l
s
ni
ce"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Hestar
tedeat
ing.Igotbusyi
nmyphone.Atl
east
Ti
m hasgoodmusi ctast
e.Ol
dschool
bal
ladnot
el
ect
ro.
Iv
iewedt
hepi
ctur
ethatIwast
aggedon.
'
Mommyonf
leek.Thanksdaddyf
ort
hef
lops'
Whyam Itagged?Thi
swomanneedsGodanda
br
ain.Atf
ir
stithur
tbutnowIdon'
tgi
veashi
tabout
herl
ousypr
egnancyandherwhor
ewasbabydaddy
.
Ist
art
led.
MrKhan:
"Am sor
ry.Ar
eyouokay
?"Ismi
l
ed.
Me:"Yesam good.
"Ist
hatmylunchbox?Il
ookedat
i
tthenbackathim.Herai
sedhi
sbrowsandslowly
cl
osedit."
Didyouj
ustf
ini
shmylunch?"
MrKhan:"I
twasami st
ake.
"Ichuckl
ed."
Itwast
oo
good.Youshoul
dconsi
derbei
ngachef "
Me:"
Don'
ttr
yandf
lat
termeMrKhanIwantmy
f
ood"
MrKhan:"
Iwi
l
lcookf
ory
ouandbr
ingi
ttowor
k
t
omorrow"
Ti
m cl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
."Ipr
omi
sey
ou,
you'
l
llov
eit
"
Me:
"Ican'
twai
t"
Itookmyl
unchboxoutofhi
shandsandputi
tinmy
bag.
MrKhan:
"Ti
m canyoupl
easepl
aymusi
cthati
s
goodf
ormyears?"
Her
ecomest
roubl
e..
.
°
°°
[
Khet
hel
o]
Bei
ngmar r
iedandpr egnanthast
obeoneoft he
mostamazingthingsthathaseverhappenedtome.
AwholeKhulekaniDubepushingatroll
eyforme.I
nev
erthoughtI'
dseet heday.
Khul
e:"Pl
easetakebur
gersenoughtolastyoufora
month.Idon'
twanttof
indmy sel
fher
et obuyyou
bur
gerstomorrow.
"
Me:
"You'
venev
erKhul
ekani
"
Khul
e:"
Justi
ncasey
ougonnast
artt
omor
row"
Me:
"Iwon'
t.
"
Khul
e:"
Emi
iscomi
ngov
er"
Me:"Wowthat
'sgood.She'
sbeeni
gnor
ingmycal
ls.
Am sur
eshe'
stir
edofmet r
eati
ngherl
i
keababy"
Khul
e:"
Shei
sababy
"
Me: "She'
s23.AndAmoissot
hri
ll
edaboutgoi
ng
overseasshetol
dusnott
oSkypeherever
ynowand
then"
Hechuckl
ed.
Khul
e:"
Shehasnoi
deawhatawai
tshert
her
e."
"
Ifi
t'
snott
hepower
ful
Dubecoupl
ewhocoul
ditbe"
Shesaidstandi
ngconfr
ontofourt
rol
l
eysmili
ng.
Dressedasahooker.I
'
veseenherbefor
ebutnot
surewhere.
Khul
e:"
Tami
a.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"ohy
eah.
Tami a:
"Il
i
veher
enow.Youlookgood.You'
rewif
ing
verygoodMrsDube"t
her
e'ssomebull
shitf
ull
inthat
statement
.
Me:
"It
ry.
"Isai
ddr
yly
.Shesuddenl
yannoy
edme.
Tami a:
"Congrat
ulati
onsonyourmar
ri
ageand
pregnancy.Am st
ill
wonderi
ngwhyInevergotan
i
nv i
te"
Khul
e:"I
twasani
nti
mat
ethi
ng.I
twasni
ceseei
ng
you"
Tamia:"Oh.Am justgl
adyougotmar r
iedandy our
wifei
spregnant.Evenshowing.Youtrulyhave
changed,y
ou'r
enol ongert
hatmonst erIusedto
fuckorel
seshewoul dn'
thavegottenthisfarwith
t
hispr
egnancy
.By
elov
ebi
rds"
Ineedal
lthest
rengt
hint
hewor
ldnott
ofuckher
uglyf
aceup.
Khul
egr
ippedmyhand.
Khul
e:"
She'
snotwor
thi
t"
Heki
ssedmycheek.Iuncappedt
hewat
erbot
tl
eand
dr
anki
tup.
..
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erEi
ght
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
(
AtLel
o'
sapar
tment
)
Lelolai
ddownthebabyandwenttoopent hedoor
forwhoeverwasonthedoor
.Kushgotin.Lelo
sighed.
Kush:
"Wher
e'smychi
l
d?"
Lel
o:"
He'
sasl
eep"
Kush:
"Hav
eyoubat
hedy
et?
"
Lelostaredathi
m bl
ankl
y."
Ihaveameeti
ngi
n30
minutes.WhenIgetbackIwanttof
indy
ouguys
ready.We'regoi
nghome"
Lel
o:"
Am notgoi
nghome"
Kush: "
Iam si
ckandti
redofthi
s.I
t'
sei
theryou
vol
untar i
l
ygoorIwil
ldragy
ouscreami
ngand
ki
cking.Whatexampleareyouset
ti
ngforourki
ds
wit
ht his?"
Lel
o:"Ar
eyoubeingser
iousri
ghtnow?Yougonna
pl
aythatvi
cti
m car
d?Welll
etmet el
lyousomet
hing
Cal
vin-
"
Kush:
"Justst
opt
ell
i
ngmet
hingsandgetr
eady
"
Lelo:"
Am notgoi
ngany
wher
e!Whydon'
tyoutake
yourKim homeandl
eavemeandmychi
ldthehel
l
alone?"
Shewalkedtot
hepani
cbut
tonandpr
essedi
t."
I
needsecur
it
yasap"
Kush:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Lel
o:"
Iam maki
ngsur
eyounev
erst
epy
ourf
oot
her
e."
Kush:
"Lel
o..
."hesai
dcl
enchi
nghi
sjaw.
Lel
o:"
Am done"shebi
therupperl
i
ptr
yingt
ofi
ght
backt
het
ears.
Kush:
"Thatdoesn'
tgi
vey
ouar
ightt
okeepmeaway
fr
om mychil
d"
Lel
o:"
Wewill
makesomet
hingout
.Justdon'
tshow
upatmydoor"
Kush:
"Whatar
eyougonnat
ell
theki
ds?
"
Lel
o:"Astheonewhocheated.Youshoul
dbe
makingoutsomethi
ngt
ot el
lthem"
Thedoorswungopen.4secur
it
ymenwal
kedi
n.
Lel
o:"
Pleasemakesur
ehenev
erget
sthr
ough"
Secur
it
y:"
Yesma'
am.Pl
easecomewi
thusSi
r"
Hebri
efl
ylookedatLelowhowasl
ooki
ngoutthe
wi
ndowandt henwalkedoutwi
tht
heSecur
it
y
men.
..
..
°
°°
[
Khet
hel
o]
Iopenedmyeyes.Hewasseat
edonachai
rnextt
o
mybedside.Hesmil
edwhenourey
esmet.
Khul
e:"
Final
l
yyou'
reawake"
Me:
"Whatt
imei
sit
?"
Khul
e:"
11am.Werey
oufi
ndingithardtosleep?
"
UghEmiwil
lbemadatmeforthis.Iusual
l
ymake
heral
unchbox.
Me:"
No.Isleptassoonaswegotinbed.Imustbe
t
ir
edfrom al
lthewalki
ngandst
andi
ngy est
erday
"
Khule:
"From todayonwar
dsIwil
lbetheonedoi
ng
grocer
ies"hestoodupandcametokissme."Imade
youbreakfast
.ShouldIwarmi
tupforyou?"
Me:
"Yeshubby
.Iwi
l
lbet
aki
ngabat
hsol
ong"
Isl
i
dof
fthebed.
Khul
e:"
Thatass.Damn!
"
Me:"Iknowright
.Wantmetotwerkf
oryou?"He
noddedbit
inghislowerl
i
p."
You'
resonaughty
.Go
warm myfood"
Het
ri
edchasi
ngmebutIout
ranhi
m.Il
ockedt
he
door
.
Khul
e:"
Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ng"
Me:
"For
geti
t"
Hel
aughed.Ipeedandandgotundert
heshower
.
Ifi
nishedup.Ibr
ushedmyt eet
handwalkedbackt
o
thebedroom asnakedasIwasborn.If
oundhim
sit
ti
ngont hebed,al
readymade.
Me:"ThetowelsNol ongerf
itme.Weneednew
ones"hewasl ostsomewherebetweenmybell
yand
myv agi
na.Iwalkedtostandinf
rontofhi
m.He
Fi
nallyl
ookedatmyf aceandsmi l
ed."
Didyouhear
whatIsaid?"
Khul
e:"Yes.Youwantnewt
owel
s"hepul
l
edmeby
mywaistandkissedmybel
l
y."
Isi
tmeoritgr
ows
eachday"
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"Itdoes.Cany
oupl
easel
endme4ofy
ourt
-
shi
rt
s?"
Khul
e:"
Whathappenedt
oyour
s?"
Me:
"Theyar
eti
ght
"
Her
aisedonebr
ow.Ichuckl
ed.
Khul
e:"
OhsweetJesus!
"
Me:
"What
?"
Hepointedatmyst omach.I'venev
erseenhi
sface
l
iket
his.Ifelti
t.I
sitpossibl
enottofeel
thef
ir
stki
ck
butv
isibl
et othenextperson?
Khul
e:"Li
esti
ll
.Don'
tmove"hehelpedmel i
edown.
Heli
edbesidemeandwat chedmybellyandmy
vagi
na.Thi
sisnothi
ngcl
oset opl
easant.
Me:"Theyar
emovi
ngli
kesnakes"hi
sey
eswer
e
spar
kli
ng.Smil
i
ngf
rom eart
oear.
Theyf
inal
l
yst
opped.Heki
ssedmypoorbel
l
y.
Khul
e:"
Whatawaytostar
tdaddy
'sday
.Thanky
ou
myAngels.
"Heki
ssedi
tagai
n.
Hereachedf
orhi
sphoneandt
ypedsmi
l
ingl
i
kean
i
diott
hathei
s.
Mi
ner
ang.It
ooki
tandanswer
ed.
Me:
"Mosadi
"
Kat:
"OhmyGodwe'
recomi
ngov
er.Thi
sneedsaBi
g
asscel
ebr
ati
on"
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Kat
:"Khul
ejustt
oldust
het
winski
cked"
Il
ookedathim.Hewasn'tevenpayingattent
iont
o
mebutt ohisphonest
il
lsmil
ing.I
trang.Hegotup
anddisappear
edtothebathr
oom.
Me:"
There'
snoneedf
oracel
ebr
ati
onst
opbei
ng
ov
erdramati
c"
Kat
:"We'
recomi
ngov
erany
way
"
Shehungup.Igotupandwal kedtothecloset.My
phonerangagain.Idon'
thaveti
mef ort
his.This
thi
ngofhavi
ngy oursecondchil
drenatol
dage
messesupwi t
haper sonIswear.Hecameoutof
thebat
hroom wearingthesamesmi l
e.
Khule:
"Camet ot
hinkofi
t.Weneverhadourhoney
moon.SoIwast hi
nkingwhydon'
twegoonFr i
day
andhavethebestti
meofourli
vesbefor
ewe
becomefull
timemommyanddaddy "
Thatsoundsv
eryl
essofasuggest
ion.
Me:
"Thati
sact
ual
l
yagoodi
dea"
Khule:"Good.Ibookedust
hesamesui
tebut
di
fferenthotel
"Iknewit
!
Me:
"Thanky
oubabe"
Iki
ssedhisl
ipsandt
ookmyf
oodt
hathadbecame
col
dagain.
Khul
e:"Il
oveyou.Wit
hever
ybi
tofmyheart.Ican'
t
Imagi
nemyl i
fewit
houty
ou"Il
ookedathi
m and
smil
ed.
Me:"Ilov
eyoumor
e.I
'
venev
erseeny
out
his
exci
ted"
Khule:"
Thethoughtofhav
ingli
tt
lepeoplewiththe
l
ov eofmyli
feismakingmet hi
sexcited.
"Hepaused.
"Andtotel
lthetr
uthIwasn'
tconvincedtheyare
okay."
Me:
"Theyar
egood.
"
Khul
e:"
Wehav
eDr
sappoi
ntmentt
omor
row"
Me:
"Iknow"
Her
aisedhi
sbr
ows.Ugh.Il
aughed."
Butt
he
r
emi
nderi
ssetIwoul
d'
ver
emember
ed"
Khul
e:"
Yeahwhat
ever
.LetMegocl
eanupmymess
i
ntheki
tchen"
Me:
"By
ehun.
"
Hejoggedout
."Youguysshoul
dkickmor
eoften.I
t
makesdaddysohappy"Isai
dbrushi
ngmytummy .
Myphonebeeped.
"HiMrsDubethesecond.Aret
hebabi
esgrowi
ng
heal
thil
y?I
fheeverbeatsyouupj
ustknowam her
e
foryou.
Lov
e
Tami
a"
Thi
sbi
tch.
..
°
°°
[
Qui
nton]
Shewalkedint
all
asever
.I'
l
lneverunder st
andhow
womenf eel
socomfor
tabl
einheels.I'
df al
lev
ery
day.
Sheputherbagdownanddrankmyj uice.
Ky
li
e:"Am sot
ir
ed.Ev
ery
onei
sbooked.
"
Me:
"How?
"
Kyl
ie:"
Yousai
dy ouwantt
hebestdesi
gner
s.The
bestsar
ebooked"
Me:
"Theoneswhof
oll
owt
hebest
?"
Ky
li
e:"
Thegr
aduat
es?
"
Me:
"May
be"
Kyl
ie:
"Nothappeni
ng.I
'
llkeepl
ooki
ngunt
ilIf
ind
one"
Me:"Ti
mebabes.Iam t
ir
edofli
vi
ngi
nahot
el.AndI
wantyout
olookforanannyt
oo"
Ky
li
e:"
Ihav
esomeonei
nmi
nd.Mymom'
sfr
iend".
Me:
"Asl
ongasshe'
sgoodwi
thki
ds.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Speaki
ngofki
ds.Wher
ear
ethey
?"
Me:
"Int
hebedr
oom pl
ayi
ng"
Shewal
kedt
her
eandshor
tl
ycameback.
Ky
li
e:"
Ther
e'snoonet
her
e"
Igotupquickl
yandr
ushedtothebedroom.If
ound
them sl
eepi
ngontopoftheot
herinbed.
Ky
li
e:"
Theywer
en'
tther
e"
Me:
"Youmust
'v
emi
ssedt
hem"
Icl
osedt
hedoor
.
Ky
li
e:"
They
'r
ewear
ingpi
nkandt
oobi
gtomi
ss"
Ipul
l
edherbyhand.
Me:"Pl
easecheckuponKhet
hiweandsendher
f
lowersandchocol
ate"
Ky
li
e:"
Wil
ldo.By
e"
Shetookherbagandheadedout
.Iwal
kedbackto
thebedr
oom.Theywerenowsleepi
ngonthei
rcr
ibs.
Me:"Whydidyouguysdothat?Wherewereyou?I
fI
bumpintoali
ttl
esnakeI
'l
lsquashitandt
hrowiti
n
thet
rashcan.JesusChl
oeyourkids"
Iheardat i
nygiggle.Iwal
kedtoSi
sekel
o'
sbed.She
smiled.Forthefi
rsttimeever
.
Sisekelo:"
Dada"Ipickedherup.Andkissedher,she
gi
ggl ed.Iheardanothergi
ggle.Shewasstandi
ngon
hercr i
blookingl
ikeat i
nyl
itt
lepri
soner
Me:
"Youguy
swer
efaki
ngsl
eep?
"
Sheblewsal
ivaonmyf ace."
Yeaht
hat
'sagoodone.
Let
'shopeyou'
renotv
enomous"
Iputheri
nSikel
ela'
scri
bandpickedtheforever
smil
ingangel
.Shestart
edwithherMandarin.Ikept
onnoddingandacti
ngsurpr
ised.Shekeptont al
king.
Shetakesaft
erEmi.Shetal
ksalot.
Myphoner
ang.
Me: "
Byetheway .Thecomingsoont
winski
cked
todaysowe'regoingtoCapeTowntomorr
ow"I
answered."
Hell
o"
Call
er:"
HeyQ.It
'sNkul
e.Khet
hel
ogavemeyour
numbers.Iwaswonderi
ngify
ouguyshav
eplans
today"
Me:"
Hey.Yesweare.We'
regoi
ngf
oraswi
m.Need
company
?"Shechuckl
ed.
Nkule:
"Yes.Iwashopi
ngI
'
dbr
ingf
oodandhav
ean
i
nsidepicni
c"
Me:
"Wecancancel
theswi
mmi
ng"
Nkul
e:"Ohnoy
oudon'
thav
eto.Wecandoi
t
t
omorrow"
Me: "
TomorrowIwon'
tbeher
e.Whatt
imeshoul
dwe
expectYou?
"
Nkul
e:"
14:
30"
Me:
"Okayby
e"
Nkul
e:"
Bye"
Ihungup.Al
i
ttl
epi
cni
cwon'
thurt.Icoul
ddowi
th
somecompanyoncei
nawhil
e..
.
°
°°
[
Bonga]
Nobodyunderst
andsmyl ov
ef orthi
schair.Ifeell
ike
themi ght
yMphangi
seniDubehimself.I
tfeelslikea
throne.Thi
swhol
eoffi
cecontainsav er
yst r
ong
dignit
y.
Si
sGl
adegoti
n.
Her
:"GooddayMrDube"
Me:
"Gooddayma'
am"
Her:
"Your12:
30meeti
nghasbeencancel
l
ed.
"Thank
youmothernat
ure.
Me:"
That
'sbad.Ipr
epar
edf
ort
hatmeet
ing.I
sCi
ndy
i
n?"
Her
:"Yesshei
sandherboy
fri
endi
samaf
ia"
Me:
"Huh?
"
Her
:"Yes.
"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Youdon'
tthi
nkIf
ancyherr
ight
?"
Her
:"Ar
en'
tYou?
"
Me:
"No.Shepr
omi
sedt
oor
dermet
ies"
Her
:"Oh.Yourl
unchwi
l
lbeher
eshor
tl
y"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Shewal
kedout.Icall
edbaba.Itrangunanswered.I
wantanewhotsexyp. a.notsi
sGlade.Admir
ingher
boobsf
eel
sli
keasi n..
.
°
°°
[
Emi
]
Justtothi
nkil
eftmyfoodathomebecauseI
thoughtKhanwoul
dbringmelunch.Il
ockedmy
offi
ceandwenttoVee'
s.
Vee:
"Camet
olookf
orbossbabe?Hehasn'
tar
ri
ved"
Me:
"Whatdoesheusual
l
yeat
?"
Vee:
"Ior
derf
orhi
mthr
oughMrDf
ood.
"
Me:
"Pl
easeor
derf
orme"
Vee:
"Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
oeat
?"
Me:
"Ri
bs,
but
ter
nutandGr
eeksal
ad"
Vee:
"Bev
erages?
"
Me:
"Appl
ejui
ce"
Isatdownonachai
r.
Vee:
"Done!I
sitl
uncht
imeal
ready
?"
Me:
"Yeah10t
o"
Wesattherei
nsilence.Itri
edcal
li
ngKhet
hel
oagai
n.
Shedidnotpi
ckup.It extedhert
ocal
lme.She'
s
ei
therj
ustl
ookingatitringorasl
eep.
"Gooddayladi
es"ourey
esmet.Hesmil
ed.He
freaki
ngsmil
ed.Themostbeauti
ful
smi
l
eI'v
eever
seen.ThankyouGodforthebl
ackmeni
nblacksui
ts.
Idi
dnotr
etur
nthesmi
l
e.
Vee:
"GooddaySi
r.Idi
dnott
hinky
ouwer
ecomi
ng
i
n"
MrKhan:"Iwasn'
tbutIhadtobri
ngthi
s.IwasinPE
j
ustcameback.Ijusthopeam i
ntime"hesai
dthe
l
astpar
tlooki
ngatme.
Vee:
"Oh.Shoul
dIor
dery
ouf
ood?
"
MrKhan:
"Youhav
eal
readyor
der
ed"
Vee:
"It
'snoty
our
s"
Hef
rowned.
MrKhan:
"Mi
ssDubecanwet
alk.
..
.pr
ivat
ely
"
Hetur
nedandwal kedout
.Veewi nkedatme.Thi
s
oneneverseesanythi
ngwrong.
MrKhan:"
Pleasecloset
hedoor"Ihesi
tant
lycl
osed
i
t."
Am sor
ryIarri
vedthi
slat
e"
Me:
"It
'sokay
.IaskedVeet
oor
derf
orme"
MrKhan: "
I'
ll
eatt
hat.Youshoul
deatt
hisf
ood
speci
all
ycookedforyou"
Hehandedmeacont
ainer
.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Iwal
kedoutt
omyof
fi
ce.
Iset
tl
eddownandstartedeat
ing.Roast
edpot
atoes
aremyfav
ori
te.If
ocusedonthem andthemeat.
Ialmostfi
nishedit
.Hedefi
nit
elydi
dnotcookt
his.
It
'stoogoodt obecookedbyaman.
Isawhi
mthr
ought
hegl
asscar
ryi
ngasl
ashandan
appl
e.
Thedooropened.
MrKhan:"It
houghtIshoul
dbringyout
hisandget
somefeedback"he'
sfri
endl
ytoday
.
Me:
"Youcookedt
his?
"
MrKhan:
"Yes"
Me: "
Toavoi
dfut
ureembarr
assment
.Juststi
ckto
yourdayj
obandleav
ecooki
ngtotherestofus"
Hi
sfacedr
opped."
Youcanputt
hoset
hingsdown"
MrKhan:
"Butt
hatcont
aineri
sal
mostempt
y"
Me:
"Iwashungr
y"
Itookabit
eonmyappl
e.Hechuckl
edandwal
ked
outwhist
li
ng.
..
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Ndal
owalkedi
nonMt hobi
sibusyonhislapt
op.She
ki
ssedhi
scheekandsatdownbesidehim.
Ndal
o:"
Raci
ng?
"
Mt
ho:
"Yes.Iwantt
hatR1000000"
Ndal
o:"
Whati
fyoul
ose?
"
Mt
ho:
"Ij
usthadmycarpi
mped.Iwi
l
lwi
n"
Ndal
o:"
Wher
ear
eyougonnagetR100000t
ojoi
n?"
Mtho:
"Ihave50f
ormysecondsemest
er.I
'
llbor
row
t
heotherone"
Ndal
o:"
Mthobi
si!
"
Mt
ho:
"What
?Rel
ax.Iwi
l
lwi
nandr
etur
nIt
"
Ndal
o:"
Thi
sisav
eryhugemi
stake"
Mtho:"Itwouldbeni
cet
ohav
emygi
rl
fr
iend'
s
supportyouknow"
Heclosedt
hel
aptopandputi
tasi
de.Heki
ssedher
andcli
mbedontop.
Ndal
o:"
Ist
il
ldon'
tgetwhyy
ou'
redoi
ngt
his"
Mt
ho:
"BecauseIwantt
otakey
ouonbaecat
ion"
Shesmi
l
ed.Theycont
inuedki
ssi
ng.
{
AtLel
o'
sapar
tment
}
Lel
o:"
Yousur
eyouar
en'
thungr
y?"
Khet
hel
o:"
No.
"
Lel
o:"Ok.
"Herphoner
ang."
Hey
.Yesy
oucan"she
puti
tdown.
Khet
hel
o:"
Anot
herv
isi
tor
?"
Lel
o:"
Yes.Amogel
angSmi
th"
Khet
hel
o:"Ohok.Soy
ousur
eabouty
ourdeci
sion?
"
Lel
o:"Idon'
tknow.Butwhatam sur
eofist
hatI
don'
twannaseehimf oratl
eastayear
."
Khet
hel
o:"
Hehur
tYou,
didn'
tHe?
"
Lel
o:"
Mor
ethanhecoul
dev
err
eal
i
ze"
Thedoorswungopen.
Amo: "
Doyousel
ldr
ugsnow?Whysomuchpr
ocess
togeti
n?"
Lel
o:"
Cal
vi
n.Youknowhowhei
s."
Amo:"Oh.Hel
l
o"shesai
dext
endi
ngherhandt
o
Khet
helo."
Am Amo"
Khet
hel
o:"
Khet
hel
o"
Amo:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
uli
nper
son"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thanky
ou"
Shesatont
heopposi
tecouch.
Lel
o:"
Whatt
imear
eyoul
eav
ingt
omor
row?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Int
henoon"
Amo:
"You'
real
way
saway
"
Khet
hel
ochuckl
ed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Thehusbandl
ovest
rav
ell
i
ng"
Amo:"He'
sri
ght
.Oncey
ougi
vebi
rt
hyouwon'
tbe
abl
eto"
Lel
o:"Bei
ngamotherissuchaholdbackatt
imes.I
can'
tremembert
helastti
meItrav
ell
ed.Nott
o
ment
ionhav
ingapeaceofmi
nd"
Amo:"I
t'
sjai
l.Al
lmybabi
esaregrownnowbutIst
il
l
can'
tj
ustgetupandgoonvacat
ion"
Khet
hel
o:"
Can'
tyout
aket
hem al
ong?
"
Amo:
"Itwoul
dn'
tfeel
li
keav
acat
ion"
Khet
hel
olaughed.Herphoner ang.Shet
ookadeep
si
ghanddroppedthecall
.Itbeeped.
Lel
o:"
Arey
ouokay
?"
Khet
hel
o:"No.Khul
eneedst
ofi
xthi
smess.Iam
get
ti
ngti
redofthi
sbit
ch"
Amo:
"Issomeonegi
vi
ngy
ouapr
obl
em?
"
Khethel
o:"Yes.Hi
sexgir
lf
ri
end.Shejustsentme
herpict
urewithhi
m.She'
sbeentexti
ngmet hi
ngs"
Amo:"Andwhydoy
ouwanty
ourhusbandt
ofi
x
thi
s?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Becauseshe'
shi
sbusi
ness"
Amo:"No.She'
syour
s.She'
stext
ingyounothi
m.I
t'
s
youwhoneedstodealwit
hthi
sfucki
nhoe
accor
dingl
y.
"
Lel
o:"
Don'
tl
ist
ent
oherKhet
hel
oyou'
repr
egnant
"
Amo:"
So?Iwaski
cki
ngassesat8mont
hspr
egnant
.
Doyouknowhowtouseagun?"
Khet
hel
o:"
No"
Amo:
"Dot
heyst
il
lhav
ethegunpl
acedownst
air
s?"
Lel
o:"
Yes.ButAmo.
..
"
Amo: "
I'
ll
teachyou.Neverl
etthesehoespl
ayinyour
head.You'
rethewifeandyourjobist
oputthese
sl
oppyassskankst ostayi
ntheirl
ane"
Lel
o:"
OhmyGod"
Amo: "
OhmyGodwhat ?Youwill
bej
oini
nginonthe
l
essons.ThatfakeassKi
m needsabull
ett
hrough
thatsi
l
iconass"
Khet
hel
ochuckl
ed.
Lel
o:"
Am notcr
azy
"
Amo:"Thenbit
cheswi
l
lmakey
ourheadSoccerci
ty.
Let
'sgoslaymom"
Lel
o:"
Khet
hel
o"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ineedt
oteachheral
esson"
Theybothwalkedout.Lel
osi
ghedandwentt
o
breast
feedherbaby
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
Chapt
erNi
ne
(
Unedi
ted)
°
°°
[
Qui
nton]
Ir
eceivedatexti
nfor
mi ngmethatshe'
sdownstai
rs.
It
extedhertheroom numberandwenttocheckup
onthegirl
s.
Me:"Guys?Thi
sdisappear
inggamei
sn'
tfunny
.Our
vi
sit
orisdownst
airs.
"
Thebat
hroom doorwassli
ghtl
yopenedasIl
efti
t.I
wentt
opeepthrough.Isi
ghed.
Me:"Asoap?Reall
y?"Ihadf
orgot
tenitonthetub
st
and.Iri
nsedthei
rti
nybusyhandsandpickedthem
uptothebedroom.
Ichangedt
hem agai
nandgav ethem t
heirbott
les.
Thedoorbel
lrang,
Ilef
tthem t
heregrabbingeach
ot
her
'sf
reehands.
Me:
"Hey
"
Nkul
e:"
Hi"
Me:
"Whydi
dn'
tyouaskmet
ofet
chy
ou.
"
Nkule:
"OhnoIdidn'
tcar
ryal
lthesebymy
sel
f.Some
guyshelpedme.
"
Wecar
ri
edi
tal
li
n.
Me:
"Youcansi
tdown.I
'
llgocheckont
hegi
rl
s"
Nkul
e:"
Thanks"
Shecomfort
ablysatdown.Iwal
kedtothebedr
oom.
Theyhadfal
lenasl
eep.Il
eftt
hedooropened.
Me:
"Jui
ce?
"
Nkul
e:"
Not
hanks.Doy
ouhav
eabal
cony
?"
Me:
"Yes.Wannasi
tther
e"
Nkul
e:"
Yeahi
fyoudon'
tmi
nd"
Me:
"NoIdon'
t.Let
'
sgo"
Wecar
ri
edt
hebagand2basket
s.Women.
Shesetever
ythi
ng.Shel
i
ter
all
ybr
oughtt
hewhol
eof
Checker
s.
Nkul
e:"
Wecansi
tdownnow"
Me:
"Andy
ouonl
yboughtme6packofLi
te?
"
Nkule:
"Yes.Iam nottr
yingt
ogetyoudrunkher
e.I
boughticecream t
oo.Notsurei
fyoust
ill
lov
eit
"
Me:
"Icecr
eam i
smywi
fewhatdoy
oumean"
Shel
aughed.Andt
ookoutt
woser
vingbowl
s"Il
i
kei
t
fr
om t
hetub"
Nkule:
"OhmyGod"shesai
dlaughi
ng."
Okayl
et'
seat
i
tfrom thet
ubt
hen"
Me:"
Thanky oumadam."There'
snobettert
imet
o
askt
hisbutnow."
Where'syourhusband?"
Nkule:
"He'
sinNigeri
a.Hi
swor kkeepshi
m away"I
nodded."
Thathousegetssolonel
yandtheonly
fr
iendImadearri
vi
ngherelef
tforFreeSt
atesoam a
str
andeddog.IgotsohappywhenIsawy ou"
Me:"
Mmmmh.Bor
edom shal
lnev
erst
ri
key
ouagai
n
t
hen"
Nkule:"Am gl
ad"herphonerang.Shesmiled."Hey
babe...
Am atahotelwhereQisstayi
nghav i
nga
pi
cnic."Shegiggl
ed."
Imissyoumor e..
.what?Ohmy
Godt hankyouJesus.Ican'
twaittoseeyou...
byeI
l
ovey oumor e"
Shehungupwit
hawi
desmi
l
eonherf
ace."
He'
s
cominghome"
Me:
"Wonder
ful
"
Nkul
e:"
So.You'
rer
ecov
eri
ngony
ourown"
Me:
"Yes.AndI
'
drat
hernott
alkabouti
t"
Nkul
e:"
Youl
ovedherdi
dn'
tyou?
"
Me:
"Wi
thev
erybi
tofme.
"
Nkul
e:"
You'
l
lfi
ndsomeoneagai
n"
Me:"Idon'
twantto.She'skeepi
ngmyheartandI
wantitt
ostayli
kethat.Idon'
twantt
oloveanyone
any
mor e"
Nkule:
"Soyounev
erev
ergonnahav
esex?
"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Justwi
l
lnotf
all
inl
ove"
Nkul
e:"
Isee.Khet
hel
owoul
dki
l
lmei
fshef
oundout
Iwasher
e"
Me:
"Why
?"
Nkul
e:"
Ihaven'
tcontact
edherinweeksandherei
am wi
thyou.Sheneverappr
ovedofmebeingthis
cl
osetoyou"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Isi
t?"
Shenoddedandweconti
nuedeati
ng.Shehad
openedGarf
iel
d'
sfoodl
asagna.It
houghtshegotmy
numbersfr
om her
..
.
°
°°
[
Emi
]
Khet
hel
ooffer
edtofet
chmef r
om wor
k.She'
s
al
wayssur
roundedbyfood.
Me:
"Heybabes"
Khet
hel
o:"
Heyaunt
ie.Weboughty
ouboxmast
er"
Me:
"Awww.Thanky
oumyl
ove.HeyLi
am"
Li
am:
"Heymi
ss"
Khet
hel
o:"
Khul
esai
dyoul
eftwi
thnol
unchbox"
Me:"YeahIdi
dn't.Thi
sisMrKhan's.Heat
emy
l
unchboxyest
erdayandthenof
feredtocookf
orme
t
oday"
Khet
hel
o:"
Real
l
y?He'
sani
cebossi
sn'
the"
Me:
"Notatal
l
.Hehar
dlysmi
l
es"
Khet
helo:
"Ifhewasn'tni
cehewoul
dn'
thav
e
pr
eparedyoulunch"
Me: "
Yeahwhat
ever
.CanIeatmyboxmast
eri
n
peace?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yesbabes"
I
n30minuteswearr
ivedhome.Weweregreet
edby
Hawueat
ingaRussi
anintheki
tchenal
oneunder
t
hechai
r.
Khet
hel
o:"Heybaby
.Wher
e'sy
ourmom?
"She
pi
ckedhi
m up.
Khule:
"Ohyou'
reher
e.We'
rehav
ingdi
nneratt
he
pat
io.Ever
yonei
shere"
Me:
"Letmegochange"
Theydi
dn'
tevengetthat.Theytur
nint
ocompl
etel
y
i
diot
sineachother
'spresence.
Igoti
nmyroom andki
ckedofft
heheel
s.Ichanged
i
ntoasummerdressandfl
ops.Myphonerang.
Me:"Hel
lo"Sil
ence."
Hell
o? "Theli
nedi
ed.Icall
edt
he
numberagain.I
twentthroughv oi
cemai
l.It
hrewmy
phoneonthebedandwal kedout.
Acake.Real
l
y?
Me:
"Ev
eni
ngf
am"
Ev
ery
one:
"Hel
l
o"
Ty
ler
:"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
"
Me:
"OhmyGodam gonnadi
e"wel
aughed.
Khet
helo:
"Howcanshenot
?Herbossi
scooki
ngf
or
her
"issheforr
eal
!
Khul
e:"I
sher
ich?
"
Me:
"Howwoul
dIknowbhut
i?"
Khul
e:"
Youshoul daskhim.I
fhewannawif
ey ouhe
mustberi
ch"Ilaughed.Thi
sisav
erydi
ff
erentKhul
e.
Idi
dnotexpectthis.
Chr
is:
"Wher
e'st
heJasonboy
?"Si
gh.
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"
Bonga:
"He'
sugl
yany
way
"Il
aughed.
Khethelo:
"Bonga.Ther
e'sst
il
lti
met
ocomeoutof
thecloset
"
Bonga:
"Mama!
"Wel
aughed."
BabacanIpl
ease
haveanewPA?
"
Khul
e:"
Whati
swr
ongwi
thGl
ade"
Bonga:
"She'
sol
d.Am scar
edofher
"
Kat
lego:
"She'
sni
ce"
Bonga:
"St
il
lol
dandscar
esme"
Chr
is:
" Ory
oujustwantsomeoney
ouragey
oucoul
d
j
usrpreyon"
Bonga:
"Comeonbaba.Ir
espectwomenwayt
oo
much"
Khul
e:"
Thenr
espectGl
adeenought
okeepherj
ob"
Hesighed.Wecutt
hecakeandsangmom'
schur
ch
songs.
Katl
ego,Khet
hiweandKhetheloexcusedt hemselves.
Am proudofthewomenmybr otherschose.They
knowhowt owor kt
heirmagi
car oundthekitchen.I
satwit
hthegentsbecausesomet imesitgetsalit
tle
toomucht ohearaboutmybrother'
sbedroom
aff
air
s.It
'sweir
d.Freaki
nwei
rd...
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Phuml
agoti
nwi
thapl
ast
icofsnacks.
Tami
a:"
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
"
Phumla:"
There'
swhatwecal
ltr
aff
ic.Itr
iedcal
l
ing
yourguybuti
twentthr
oughv
oicemail"
Tamia:
"We'
l
ltr
yhim agai
ntomor
row.Youshoul
d
st
artcr
owdi
ngthatKatl
ego'
swal
lonFacebook"
Phumla:
"Youwantmet
olookl
i
keapsy
choex
wif
e?"
Tamia:
"Wi
thaf akeaccount.Oneoft
heseday
sI'l
l
tr
acksl
aywif
e'severymov eandrunherov
erwit
ha
j
eep"
Phuml
a:"
Yougonnaki
l
lher
"
Tami
a:"
That
'st
hewhol
epoi
nt.I
sn'
t?Shedi
es,
Iget
mymanback"
Phuml
asi
ghed.
Phumla: "
You'retoostupi
dforsomeonewho' v
eever
workedwi t
hKhul e.Hewouldn'
trestunti
lhefi
nds
whoki l
l
edher .Ifwewannawi nthi
swegonnahav e
toplaysmart.Leav et
hathoodrati
nsideofyou
outsi
debecauseshe' stot
all
ystupid"
Tami
a:"
Weshal
lnev
erf
orgetwhocameupwi
tht
his
i
deasweet
s"
Phumla:"
Ifyougonnapushthattsotsi
mindset
pl
easeleavemethehelloutyourplan"
Shesai
dhar
deni
ngherf
ace.
Tami
a:"
Fine!We'
l
ldoi
tyourway
"
Phumla:"
Good.Fi
rstofal
l
,weneedt
hatguytot
rack
thei
rever
ymovethenfrom t
her
eonwe'
regoodto
go"
Tamia:
"Icanal
readyseeuscr
ossi
nglegsonour
mil
li
ondoll
arpoolchai
rssi
ppi
ngoncocktai
l
s"
Phuml
a:"
Ohmygoodnessshedoesn'
tev
enknow
t
hequal
i
tiesofbei
ngaDubewi
fe"
Shesai
dheadi
ngt
othebat
hroom.
Tami
a:"
Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Phumlacl
osedthedoor.Tami
arol
l
edherey
esand
tookasi
pofherredwine..
.
°
°°
[
AtKush'
shot
elr
oom]
Caps:
"Youneedt
ochi
l
lout
"
Kushanot
hersi
pofhi
sscot
ch.
Kush:
"Don'
tshi
tonmeman.Don'
tshi
tonme"
Caps:"Youshoul
dbel
ooki
ngf
orasol
uti
onnot
runni
ngupanddown"
Kush:
"Ineedyoutothr
eatent
hisDubewomant
o
st
ayawayf r
om Lel
o"capsgul
ped.
Caps:
"KK'
swi
fe?
"
Kush:"
Whoelsear ewetal
kingabout?Iwanti
tdone.
BytheendoftodayIwantthisli
tt
lef
ri
endshi
pover.
"
Hepouredanotherful
lgl
ass."Whyareyousti
l
lhere
man"
Capstookhi
sbagandwal
kedout
.Kushbangedt
he
tabl
e."
Fuck!
"
Zac:
"Whatdidyoudotot
hepoorCaps.Hel
ooks
tr
aumat
ized"hesai
dcomingi
n.
Kush:"
Youneedtofi
ndawayt
oputast
opont
hat
br
ewingfr
iendshi
p"
Zac:
"Whatf
ri
endshi
p?"
Kush:
"Lel
o,Amoandt
hatDubewoman"
Zac:
"Andwhyshoul
ditend?
"
Kush:"BecauseLel
owill
getcomf
or t
able.St
art
chi
ll
ingwiththewholeDubecl
an,
treateachother
l
ikefamilyandendupsell
ingmeout"
Zac:"
She'
dneverdot
hat
.Slowdownont
hescot
ch
i
t'
stooearl
y.I
'
llst
opbyl
ater
"
Hewal
kedout
.Kush'sphonenot
if
iedofamessage.
I
twasf
rom hi
spersonalPI
.Hecl
ickedvi
ew.
"
Ihopet
hisf
indsy
ouwel
l
.If
oundy
ourbi
rt
hmot
her
"
Hesl
owl
ycol
l
apsedonachai
r.Hest
aredatt
he
scr
eenl
i
keazombi
e..
..
°
°°°
[
Khet
hel
o]
Oneofthenicestthingsishavi
ngever
yoneov
er.The
thi
ngofeat
ingbr eakfastasafami
lybefor
eever
yone
goest
owor kismyf avori
te.
Kat
legoandIremainedbehi
ndwi
thourhusbands.
Tyl
erlef
tforphy
sio.
Theyhel
peduscleanup.Af
ter
war
dswewentt
o
bathandchanget
hencamedowntowat
chtv.
Chr
is:
"It
'ssohot
."
Khul
e:"
Youcant
urnt
heai
rcondi
ti
oner
son"
Me:
"They
'r
eof
f?"Henodded.
Khul
e:"
Iexceededt
heli
mity
ester
dayIstart
ed
get
ti
ngcoldsoItur
nedi
toff
"Katl
egolaughed.
Chr
is:"
Thewhit
esar
egonnat
aket
hei
rthi
ngsback
bef
oreyouev
enknowhowtouset
hem"
Wel
aughed.Het
urnedi
tonagai
n.Myphonebeeped.
"
Am out
side"-
Amo.
"
Geti
n"-me.
"
Theywon'
tl
etmei
n"-
Amo.
It
ext
edt
hesecur
it
yguy
stol
etheri
n.
Shegotin.Looki
ngasbeaut
if
ul asal
way
s.She'
s
year
solderthanmebutshe'
sfineashel
l
.
Amo:"
OhmyGod.You'
resobeaut
iful
.Isi
ttheDube
wi
fegl
ow?Gr
eet
ingstoyouf
amily
"
Us:
"Hel
l
o."
Khul
e:"
Amor
ight
?"
Amo:"
Yes.AndyouKhulekani
andthi
sisChr
is.
Qui
ckquest
ion.Whatdoyoufeedwomen?"
Khul
echuckl
ed."
Don'
tanswert
hat
."
Chr
is:
"Ar
eyouZac'
swi
fe?
"
Amo:
"Yes"
Khul
e:"
Whatasmal
lwor
ld.I
shest
il
lwhi
te?
"
Amo:
"Aswhi
teast
heycome.
"
Khul
e:"
Hebeatmybr
otheri
ntoy
ou"
Amo:
"Whi
chone?
"
Shehadcompl
etel
yfor
got
tenaboutme.
Khul
e:"
Qui
nton.Hehadamassi
vecr
ushony
ou"
Amo:"Don'tbeaf
rai
dtosayifi
twasy
ou.Khet
hel
o
won'
tkil
lyou"welaughed.
Khul
e:"
Iwasani
nnocentone"
Amo:"Lookatmebubbl i
ngwit
hy ou.Icametogiv
e
Khet
heloherresear
chaboutchi
ldbirt
h.Canwe
st
art
?"Whatisshet al
ki
ngaboutdearheavens.
Inoddedhesit
antl
y."Okaywegonnastar
tathow
muchdoest hevaginastr
etch-
"Chri
scl
earedhi
s
thr
oatandgotup,Khuledidtoo."
Oham sorryi
sit
toomuchfory ouguys?"
Khul
e:"
Nobutwe'
djustgi
vey
oul
adi
esspace"
Ismi
l
edathi
m.
Amo:
"Hi
.Am Amo"
Kat
:"Kat
lego"
Amo:"Nowt hatt
hemenaregonewecangetto
busi
ness.ThatTal
iameansbusi
ness.
"Shet
ookout
abr
ownA4env
elope.
Iopenedi
tandt
ookoutt
hepi
ctur
es.
Me:
"Whoi
sthi
s?"
Amo:
"Heraccompl
i
ce.
"
Kat
:"Ohhel
lno"
Me:
"What
?"
Kat
:"ThatisPhuml
a.Thatdef
ini
tel
yisnota
coi
ncidence"
Amo:
"Who'
sthat
?"
Us:
"Chr
is'
sexwi
fe"
Me:
"Howdi
dyouf
indt
hese?
"
Amo: "
Asknoquesti
ons.Hearnol
i
es.Thi
swari
s
deeperthany
outhought
."
Kat
:"Shecl
ear
lydoesn'
tknowwhoshe'
saboutt
o
messwith"
Amo:
"Icanhav
ethem ki
dnappedi
fyouwant
"
Me:"Pl
easedo.Makesur
etheyar
etor
tur
edunti
lwe
ar
ri
ve.Nobodytr
iest
owreckmyhomeandwalks
f
reel
y.I
fihav
etoki
l
lthem t
hensobei
t.
"
Am mar
ri
edt
oaki
l
lerany
way
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erTen
[
Khul
e]
Forthefi
rstti
mei nforeverIwokeupal oneandam
notgoodwi t
ht hat.Ireachedf ormycell
phoneand
goti
nt hesurveil
lancer ecords.Ther
ewasnodat a
fort
oday.Igotupandr usheddownst ai
rs.
"Hey .Wher eareyourushi
ngoffto?"It
ookadeep
breat h.Shegotoffthecouchandcamet ome.She
l
ookedl ikeshe'
dbeenawakef orsolongandl
ooked
fresh.
Me:
"Wher
ewer
eyou?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Her
eeat
ingandwat
chi
ngt
.v.Ar
eyou
okay
?"
Me:
"Yeaham good.Ar
eyou?
"
Khet
helo:"
Yeah.
"Iki
ssedherf
orehead."
Yousur
e
you'
reokay?"
Me:
"100%.Hav
eyoueat
en?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
YeahbutIdon'
tmi
ndeat
ingagai
n"
Me:
"Letmegodr
essupt
henwegonnago"
Khet
hel
o:"
Okay
"shehadal
i
ttl
ecutonherupperl
i
p.
Me:
"Whathappenedony
ourl
i
p?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Wher
e?"
Me:
"Ij
ustsai
dony
ourl
i
p"
Khethel
o:"
Ohhh.It
ri
edr
eachi
ngf
ort
hej
am andI
fel
l
"
Me:
"Whydi
dn'
tyoueatt
heoneont
hef
ri
dge"
Khet
hel
o:"
BecuaseIdi
dn'
tfeel
li
keany
thi
ngcol
d"
Inodded.Shel
i
est
omenow.
Ij
oggedupt
hest
air
s.Ical
l
edLi
am.
Li
am:
"Si
r"
Me:
"Di
dyouguy
sper
hapswentsomewher
etoday
?"
Li
am:
"NoSi
r"
Me:
"Ly
ingt
omei
sn'
tagoodi
deaLi
am y
ouknow
t
hat
"
Li
am:"Ipromiseyousi
rwedi
dnotgoany
wher
e.I
am st
il
lgett
ingreadyt
ocometowor
k"
Me:
"Al
ri
ght
."
Ihungup.Ical
l
edt
hesecur
it
ycompany
.
Assi
stant
:"Goodmor
ninghowmayIhel
pyou?
"
Me:"Goodmorni
ng.Am cal
li
ngfr
om Impal
aEstat
es
housenumber5520Dubehousehol
d.Canyou
pl
easesendmet oday
'sdat
a"
Assi
stant
:"Pl
easeholdSir
"Ilookedforsomethi
ngto
wearasIwait
edforthelady."Si
rareyousti
l
lther
e?"
Me:
"YesIam"
Assi
stant:
"Mycomput ertel
l
smey ourcamerasar
e
cur
rentl
yblocked.Ther
eisnot oday'
sdata.Woul
d
youli
kemet ounblockthem foryou?"
Me:
"Yeah.
.pl
easedo.Thanky
ou"
Assi
stant
:"You'
rewel
come.Wast
hatal
l
?"
Me:
"Yes.Thanky
ounkosazana"
Ihungup.Iputonthet-
shi
rtandtookmywall
ett
hen
walkedout
.Ifoundheri
nthekit
chendri
nki
ngjui
ce.
Me:
"Let
'sgo.
"
Sheri
nsedt
hegl
assandf
oll
owedmeoutt
othe
gar
age..
.
°
°°
[
Kat
lego]
Ipi
ckedHawuupandwal keddownt othekit
chen.I
puthi
m down.He'shyperact
ivethesedaysandam
notcomplai
ningbecauseIdon'thavet
owor r
yabout
hi
mf al
li
ngoffthestai
rs.Imadehisporri
dge.
Yester
dayleav
ingKhethel
o'shouseAmot ext
edus
l
etti
ngusknowt hebi
rdsflewaway .Thatwasst
ress
tomylife.
Mybabysist
erAmowasleavi
ngforChi
cagoont
he
noonwhi
lethemostofusgotoCapeTown.
Chr
iscamedown.
Me:
"Whyar
en'
tyoudr
essedup?
"
Chr
is:
"Becausemyshi
fthasbeencancel
l
ed"he
pi
ckedhi
ssonup.
Me:
"Iwi
l
lmakey
oubr
eakf
ast
"
Chr
is:
"Let
'sgoout
"
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'
sagoodi
dea"
Chr
is:
"Why
?"
Me:
"Ist
il
lhav
etopackr
emember
"
Chr
is:
"You'
vebeenact
ingwei
rdsi
ncel
astni
ght
"
Me:
"You'
reseei
ngt
hings"
Chr
is:
"Am not
."
Hegotupandwal kedtothelounge.Ihat
ethathi
m.
Theonet hatdoesn'tar
guewithyoubutjustl
eaves
youtherealonedyingofgui
ltbecausewhathesaid
i
strue.Itookoutthebreadandt oast
edit.
Hi
sphonebeepedcont
inuousl
y.
"
Pleasecheckt
hatf
orme"
Heshoutedf
rom t
helounge.It
ooki
tandv
iewedt
he
MMSsf r
om anunsav
ednumber .
Il
i
ter
all
yfr
ozeupt
omysi
ngl
egr
eyhai
r.
Idi
dnotbl
i
nkormov
eat
oe.
Iwast
akenbackt
oear
thbyChr
iscal
l
ingmyname.
Me:
"Yes?
"
Chr
is:
"Whoi
sit
?"
Me:
"It
sMTN"
Chr
is:
"Ok"
It
ookascreenshotandsentittomy sel
fon
What
sAppanddel et
edt heMMSandt heevi
denceon
What
sApp.Ilockeditandputitbackonthecounter
.
If
ixedusbr
eakf
astandser
vedhi
m.
Chr
is:"
Thanksbaby.
"Igav
ehim aweaksmi
l
eand
pi
ckedHawuup.Ifedhimfir
st.
Mymi ndranbacktothosepi
ctures.Ishutmyeyes.
"Katl
ego"Iopenedt
hem.Hepoi ntedatmyr i
ngi
ng
cell
phone.
It
ooki
t.I
twasunknownnumber
.Ianswer
ed.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Cal
l
er:
"Hey
.It
sme.Whatt
imear
eyoul
eav
ingf
or
CapeTown?
"Isi
ghedi
nrel
i
ef.
Me:
"8pm It
hink.Needsomet
hing?
"
Amo: "
Ineedtoseey oubot
hbeforeyoul
eav e.
There'
ssomethinghugeandbythelookofthings
evenyourhusbandshavenoideaaboutt
his"
Me:"
Uhm.
..
wecanmeetar
ound2pm"Chr
isl
ooked
atme.
Amo:
"Okaygr
eat
"
Ihungup.
Me:
"ThatwasAmoSmi
th"
Chr
is:
"What
'sy
ourdeal
wit
hthatwomanany
way
?"
Me:
"Shesel
l
swi
gs"
Chr
is:
"She'
syournewsuppl
i
er?
"
Me:
"Yesshei
s.Am meet
ingwi
thherl
ateron"
Henodded.Hedi dnotl
ookconv
incedbutIcoul
dn'
t
car
eless.Icont
inuedf
eedi
ngHawu...
°
°°
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Kushwait
edoutsideforYezwe.Hekeptstompi
ng
hi
sfootontheground.He'sl
ikel
ytodothatwhen
anxi
ous.
Hegl
ancedathi
swat
ch.Yezwecameout
.
Kush:
"Ar
etheyi
n?"
Yezwe:
"Yesbutt
heper
sony
ou'
rel
ooki
ngf
ori
sn'
t"
Kush:
"Okgeti
nthecar
"
Yezwe:
"Baba-
"
Kushopenedhi
sdoorandgoti
n.Yezwedi
dtoo.
Theydr
oveoff.
Kush:
"Issheal
i
ve?
"
Yezwe:"Yes.Theysai
dshel
i
vesEnqut
huwi
thher
husbandandkids"
Kush:
"Ok"
Theydr
ovei
nsi
l
ence.
Yezwe:
"Whoi
sshe?
"
Kush:
"Noonei
mpor
tant
"
Yezwe:
"Mmmh"
Kushadj
ust
edt
her
earv
iewmi
rr
or.
Kush:
"Whenar
eyouv
isi
ti
ngy
ourmot
her
?"
Yezwe:
"Today
."
Kush:
"Ok"
Hei
ncr
easedt
hev
olumeofsof
tbal
l
adandspedup.
..
°
°°
[
Emi
]
Me:
"Mybr
eaki
sal
mostov
ermoghel
"
Amo:
"It
sokay
.Ist
il
lhav
etogot
oausKhet
hel
o'
s"
Me:
"Ar
en'
tyouscar
edt
haty
ou'
regoi
ngaway
?"
Amo:"Nope.Am act
ual
lyhappythatatl
astam goi
ng
todosomethingt
hatIl
ovewitheverybi
tofmy
hear
t"
Me:
"Am happyf
ory
ou"
Amo:
"Thanky
ou.Andt
hanksf
ort
hemeal
"
Me:
"Anyt
imemyl
ove"
Ipai
dandcoll
ectedKhan'
speaceof
fer
ingf
or
for
gett
inghi
slunchboxathome.Wethenwal
ked
out
.
Amo:
"Youandy
ourbossai
Icl
aponce"
Me:"I
tsal
li
nnocentI
-"t
hesl
ashf
ell
andspl
ashed
outonourfeet
.
Hecrouchedandt
ri
edtodowhat
evert
hehel
lhe
t
houghthewasdoing.
Me:
"It
sokay
"
Hest
oodstrai
ght
.If
eltav
eryst
rongur
get
osl
aphi
s
st
upi
dface.
Igr
abbedAmo'
shandandwal
kedof
f.
Amo:
"Wast
hatJason?
"
Me:
"Heal
way
srui
nssomet
hing"
Amo:
"Shamepoort
hing.Hel
ookedl
ost
"
Me:
"He'
sbeenl
ostsi
ncehewasbor
n"
UghIhat
ehi
m..
.
°
°°
[
Qui
nton]
Ir
egr
etgi
vi
nghermyspar
ekey
.Shet
hrewher
sel
f
ont
hecouch.
Kyl
ie:"
Iser
iousl
yneedarai
se.
"Sheki
ckedoffher
shoes."
Heylit
tl
eones.
"Theywer
en'
tevenpayi
ng
att
enti
on.
Me:
"Youl
ookl
i
key
ouneedahungov
err
emedy
"
Shechuckl
ed.
Ky
li
e:"
Yeaht
hatt
oo.Doy
ouhav
epai
nki
l
ler
s?"
Me: "
Yes.I
fIgi
vey
ouanyi
twi
l
lbesubt
ract
edf
rom
yoursal
ary
"
Kyl
ie:"
OhGodIneedanewbossnott
hisbi
tt
erone.
Justgi
vemewater"
Il
aughedandf
etchedt
hepi
l
lsf
orher
.Shedr
ankup.
Ky
li
e:"
Andaf
leecet
oo.Ineedaqui
cknap"
Me:
"Youcanusemybedr
oom"
Ky
li
e:"
Danki
empi
l
o"
Shegotupandtookawal
kyephar
aal
lthewayt
o
thebedr
oom door
.
It
ookmyt
abl
etandsear
chedf
orpossi
blev
acanci
es.
Shepeepedherheadout
.
Kyli
e:"
Ifoundasui
tabl
elov
elyper
sonwhowi
l
ltur
n
thenurser
ytoheav
en"
Me:
"You'
reget
ti
ngar
aise"
Kyl
i
e:"I
fshenai
l
sthenur
ser
ythenwe'
l
lhi
rehert
o
dothewhol
ehouse"
Me:
"Asl
ongasshe'
sgood"
Kyl
ie:
"I'
l
lshowy
oupi
ctur
esofherwor
kwhenI
wake"
Sheclosedthedoor
.Idi
dn'
tevenknowshedri
nks.
Buteverypr
ettywomanint
hisear
thdri
nkst
hese
days.
..
°
°°
[
Tyl
er]
Nkosit
ookmet ogi r
lf
riend'
swork.Iwait
edont he
couchoutsi
deheroffice.Shewasstil
li
nameet i
ng.I
haveneverbeensopr oudofher.Thededicat
ionshe
showsineveryt
hingshedoesi spri
cel
ess.
Isawt
hef
lowert
hatI
'
dusual
l
yfi
ndherwat
eri
ng.I
t
hadgr
ownandv
erybeaut
if
ul.
Thi
siswher
eital
lst
art
ed.Whoknew?
Shest
oodbef
oremeandsmi
l
ed.Ismi
l
edback.
Khet
hiwe:
"Hi
"
Me:
"Hi
lov
e"
Shet
ookmyhandandpul
l
edmeup.
Khet
hiwe:
"Let
'shopey
oudi
dnotcl
i
mbt
hest
air
s"
Me:"Ihavet
ogetitusedtopressur
eorelseI'
llnever
beabletodoany
thingothert
hanwal ki
ngstr
aight.
"
Sheclosedthedoorandhel
pedmesitonthecouch
thatonl
ysatEmi whenQwassti
ll
around.
If
eltl
i
keapr
incesst
hemi
nut
emybut
ttouchedi
t.
Khet
hiwe:
"What
'sont
hatbag?
"
Me:
"Yourl
unch"shesmi
l
edandpul
l
edat
abl
e.
Khet
hiwe:
"CanIsi
tony
ou?
"
Me:"Somylegsaren'
tsupposedtocl
imbt
hestai
rs
butshoul
dhaveyousit
ti
ngont hem.Howni
ce"
Khet
hiwe:
"Il
lseatonmychai
r"
Me:
"Noy
oucansi
tonme"
Khet
hiwe:
"Noi
t'
sfi
ne"
Me:
"Ii
nsi
st.Weneedt
otal
kany
way
"
Khethi
we: "
Youshoul
dtel
lyourgi
rl
fr
iendsIam not
thei
rfr
iend"
Me:
"Whydoy
oual
way
swannaf
ight
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Am notf
ight
ing.Theyshoul
dst
op
commenti
ngonmypi ct
ures"
Me:
"Youcanj
ustt
urnof
fthecomment
s"
Khet
hiwe:
"Lookaty
oudef
endi
ngt
hem.That
ha
at
tor
neybae"
Me:
"Comeher
e"
Khet
hiwe:
"Hhai
leav
emeal
one"
Shetookt
hebagandopenedi
t."
Myf
av.t
hanks
babeyou'
ret
hebest
"
Thi
sisbyf
art
heunnecessar
ygenderher
eonpl
anet
ear
th.
Khet
hiwe:
"Whyar
elooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?"
Me:
"It
hinky
oushoul
dgohomeongoodf
ri
day
"
Shel
ookedatmel
i
keam cr
azy
."Am ser
ious.
"
Khet
hiwe:
"It
snothappeni
ng"
Me:
"Itwi
l
l.Ar
en'
tyout
ir
edoft
hisl
i
fe?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Iam butt
heyhat
emeandIf
eel
the
same"
Me:"Wellthat'
sgonnachange.Yougonnagohome
t
oy ourgrandmot her
.Humbleyour
sel
fasachil
dthat
youare,apoli
gize"
Khet
hiwe:
"Theyar
etheoneswhoshou-
"
Me:"You'renotf rom here.Iseey ou'
restart
ingto
car
ryy ourselfasaJobur gchild.Thatwomanr ai
sed
youandwhaty oumustunder standi sthatshehad
nosayov ery ourpaternalgrandfatherbecause
cul
turall
yy ou'r
etheir
s."
Khet
hiwe:
"Ty
lery
oudon'
tunder
stand"
Me:"OfcourseIdon't
.Wheream Igoingtopay
amalobol
o?Howar eweevengonnagetmar ri
ed?I
spoketoBabNdoda.They'l
lbestart
ingthi
sweekto
goandapologizetotheDl
adlasandy our
gr
andmot
her
"
Khethi
we:
"Why?Theyki
l
ledy
ourf
ami
l
y.Idon'
twant
them i
nmyli
fe"
Me: "
Cryi
ngwillnotmaket
hisgoaway.Weneed
peace.Regar
dlessofwhodidwhatt
owhom"
Khethi
we:"
Iunderst
andapologi
zi
ngt ograndmabut
thatDl
adl
afamil
y?Iwishtheywerestil
ldyi
ng.And
whoexactl
yareyougoingtoapologi
zeto?"
Me:"Wegoingt
oapologi
zeyourolderbr
othert
hat
wasn'
tther
ewhenthattr
agedyhappened"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ir
eal
l
ydon'
tknow"
Me:
"Itdoesn'
tfeelr
ightt
ostaywi
thyouher
e.Iwant
t
odot heri
ghtthi
ng"hereyeswi
dened.
Khet
hiwe:
"Ther
ightt
hing?
"
Me: "
Yes.Weeren'
tpromisedforever
.Ther
eare
reasonswhyIsurv
ivedthatshooti
ngandIguess
oneofthem i
stomar r
yy ou"
Shel
aughed."
What
'sf
unny
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Doy
our
eal
l
ylov
emet
othatpoi
nt?
"
Me:"
Yes.You'
remyfir
stl
ove.Ihaveneverspent3
mont
hswi t
honewoman.What everi
tisthaty
oufed
mepleasedonotst
op"
Ireachedf ortheboxonmypocket ."
Ican'tkneel
but
youknowIwantt o.Wil
lyoudomeanhonorof
becomi ngmyMr sAt t
orneyDube?"Whyar ewomen
sodr amatic.Thecr y
ingandfaningyourfaceispure
drama.I magineifIwaskneelingmykneewoul dbe
brokenr i
ghtnow.
Shegotupandt
hrewherf
atsel
fonme.
Khethiwe:"
Yesbaby .
"Sheki
ssedmeallovermy
face."
Iam nowgonnahav esomethi
ngtobackme
upwhenIst artki
cki
ngassofthosej
unki
esputt
ing
hearteyesunderyourpi
ctur
es"t
hat'
sal
lshecan
thi
nkof ?
Me:
"Tagmeal
ong"shegi
ggl
ed.
Isl
i
dther
ingi
ntoherf
inger
.Herf
ace,
pri
cel
ess.
Khethi
we:"I
tfi
tsperf
ect
ly.OhmyGodi t'
sso
beauti
ful
babe.Am sogl
ady ou'
vechosenmet obe
theoneyouwannacheatonf ort
herestofyourl
if
e.
Am sogonnakill
youify
oudot hough"shesqueezed
mei
n."
Ilov
eyoubabykaMaNgcobo"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
est
handwasam"
Shel
ookedatherhandagain.IknowtheminuteI
wal
koutshe'
ll
startgoogl
i
ngweddi nggowns..
.
°
°°
[
Khet
hel
o]
Ihat
elyi
ngtomyhusband.I t
slikeheal
waysknow
whenIam.Thatjam st
oryItoldhiminthemor
ning
hedidnotbuyi
t.Thewayhekeptl ooki
ngatmethe
wholedaywasuncomfortabl
e.
If
ini
shedmaki
ngupmyf
aceandt
ookmybag.
Iwroteanoteandwal keddownstai
rs.Ipast
editon
thefri
dge.Iheardl
aughingcomingfrom t
helounge.
Iwalkedthere.Oh.
Me:
"Heyguy
s"
Ipi
ckedHawuupandki
ssedhi
mthenputhi
m down.
Chr
is:
"Hey
.Youl
ookgr
eat
"
Me:"Thankyouhusband.Youneedanewhai
rcut
,
bot
hofy ou"
Khul
e:"
We'
l
lvi
sity
oursal
onwhent
her
e'saspecai
l
"
Me:"I
fyou'
renotbusyy
oucangoandt
ell
Muzi
to
beaut
if
yyouit
sonme"
Chr
is:
"Thanky
ouNguni
za.Let
'sgo"
Khul
e:"
Don'
tyouwannasl
eepf
ir
st?
"
Chr
is:
"Nobutwannaeatf
ir
st"
Me:
"I'
l
lseey
ouguy
slat
er"
Khul
e:"
4pm Iwanty
ouher
e"
Me:
"Yesdad"hel
aughed.
Il
eft
.
.
..
If
oundabot
tl
eofwi
neal
mostempt
y.
Me:
"Ar
eyouguy
str
yingt
ogetdr
unk?
"
Amo:"Asky
oursi
sterwi
feher
e.Thi
sist
hesecond
bot
tl
e"
Me:
"Kat
lego?
"
Kat
:"Iwannacont
inuousl
ystabthatugl
yvagi
naof
her
sandburnherfacewithaci
d"
Me:
"Who?
"
Kat
:'
ThatPhumlabit
ch.Canyoubel
iev
eshet
ext
ed
Chr
ishernudesandaroom number
?"
Amo:
"What
?"
Me:
"Theyar
ebot
hment
alcases.Theyar
enotgood
f
ort
hecommunit
y"
Kat
:"Ineedagun"
Amo: "
Younotgonnagety
ourhandsdi
rt
ybabes.
Yourhusbandswi
ll
"
Me:
"Wehav
etot
ell
them now?
"
Amo:"Nobutwegonnamakesur etheyf
indout
Tamiaisbehindtheshooti
ngt
hatt
ookpl
ace
Est
court.Yourbr
otheri
nlawwasdr
ivi
ngKhul
ekani
'
s
j
eepright?"
Me:"Yes"Ifel
tmyhear
tbr
eaki
ngagai
n.Icoul
dn'
t
hol
dbackt hetear
s.
Amo: "Andyouguyswer eleavi
ngforyour
honeymoont hatevening?"Inodded."
Shet hought
thatsupposedtobey ou.Q' swif
eandAdv ocate
wereatt hewrongplace.Thosebullet
swer emeant
f
ory
ou"
Ineedsomeai
r.Igotupf
eel
i
ngdizzy
.Sheputme
backdownandgavemewater.
Kat
legogotupandl
eft
.
Howsi
cki
sthi
sTami
awoman.
..
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erEl
even
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Thi
shusbandofmineli
kest
heseaviewfor
someonewhocannotswim.Ourhotel
swe'vebeen
toal
lhavei
t.Andyoual
waysfi
ndhim her
eonthe
bal
conysmokinganddeepi
nhist
houghts.
Khule:"
Wecangobackhomeify
ouwant
"hesai
d
handingmeasmoothi
e.Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
"Thanky
ou.
"
Khul
e:"
Youwel
come"het
ookaseat
.
Me:
'Whywoul
dwegobackhome?
"
Khul
e:"
Youdon'
tseem t
oenj
oybei
ngher
e"
Me:
"Idobabe.Theseki
cksar
eti
ri
ngme"
Hebl
ankl
yst
aredatme.Idon'
tl
iket
hatl
ook.
Khul
e:"
Howl
onghav
ewebeent
oget
her
?"
Me:
"23mont
hs"
Khul
e:"
Itf
eel
sli
ke23y
ear
s"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Itdoes"wewentsi
l
ent
.
Khul
e:"
Thecamer
aswer
ejammedy
est
erday
morni
ng.
"
Me:
"Real
l
y?Di
dyoucal
lthesecur
it
ycompany
?"
Khule:"Idid.
"Hepaused."Youknowwhatstr
esses
me?Youf ellt
ryingtogett
hejam.Tomysurpri
se
thatjam issti
llseal
ed"myheartski
ppedabi
t."
What
exactlyhappenedt oyourl
ip?
"
Me:"Ifel
l
"heshotmethatscar
yey
eIal
mostgav
e
bi
rt
h."Iwentt
othegy
m"
Khul
e:"
Doy
ouev
erl
i
sten?
"
Me:
"Iwasbor
ed"
Khule:"
Don'tevendarecr yKhethelo.Thatgy
mi sn'
t
maternalf
ri
endly.Whati fyoufellandthosesteel
s
fel
lontopofy ou?Ifyoukeepr i
skingmychi l
dren'
s
l
ivesyoumi ghtneverleavethehouse"
Me:
"Am sor
ry"
Khul
e:"
Soyouhadthecamerasjammed?"Ishook
myhead.Her
aisedhi
sbrows,Iqui
ckl
ynodded.
Hegotupandwal kedintor
oom.Iwipedmyt ear
s
andfol
lowedhim.Ifoundhi
m dr
inki
nghiscan.I
stoodadist
ancefrom hi
m.
Me:
"Itwon'
thappenagai
n.Am sor
ry"
Khul
e:"Iknow."Hetur
nedtome."Becauseyou'
re
backathavingbody
guardsandpersonalnur
sesat
home"
Me:
"ButI
-"
Khul
e:"
Breakf
asti
sready
"
Wit
hallthatsai
dhewal
kedt
othebat
hroom.Anur
se?
Ser
iousl
y?..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Chr
is:
"Her
e.Dr
inkt
his"
Me:"Thankyou"hesatbesi
deme.Idr
ankupthe
concoct
ion.Whoevert
aughthi
mthesemixt
ures.
Chr
is:
"Thatshoul
dbef
ine.Imadebr
eakf
ast
."
Me:
"Ij
ustwannal
i
edownf
ir
st.Wher
e'sHawu?
"
Chr
is:
"Qui
ntonf
etchedhi
mint
hemor
ning"
Thesepeopl
eandthei
runnecessar
yreasonst
o
meetup.Thi
sissupposedtobethenewlyweds
honeymoonnotafamil
yvacati
on.
Me:
"Letmesl
eept
hen"
Chr
is:
"Amocal
l
ed.Shel
andedsaf
ely
"
Me:
"That
sgr
eat
.Thanky
ou"
Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandcuddl
edme.
Chr
is:
"Di
dIhur
tyou?
"
Me:
"Why
?"
Chr
is:"
Thewayyou'
vebeendri
nki
ngthepast3day
s.
I
tsl
ikeyou'
ret
ryi
ngt
ofightof
fthepai
n"
Me:"I
tsnotthat
.Iam sadt
hatt
heki
l
ler
shav
enot
beenfound"
Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Chr
is:
"Wedeci
dedt
oputt
hatmat
tert
orest
"
It
urnedt
ohi
m.
Me: "
Isthathowlitt
leshemeanttoy
ou?HadTyl
er
alsodied,wouldyouguyshaveputt
hematt
ert
o
rest?
"Hef rowned.
Me: "
Am aski
ng.Shecarri
edyourchi
ldren,shel
oved
yourbrot
herandnotevenasingl
eofy ouwantto
fi
ndwhoki l
l
edher?Isthatwhatyougonnadoshal l
anyofusgetkil
ledbyyourpeopl
e?Putt hemattert
o
rest
?"Iwasalr
eadycryi
ng.Idon'
tknowwhathur t
morebutIwashur t
.
May betheyknewthi
sTamiawomanwasbehindi
t
butturnedabli
ndeyebecauseKhul
eusedt
ofuck
her.That'
showcrazymenare.
Igotoutofbed."Ri
ghtnowyougonnagooutther
e
andmakecal l
s.Tel
lyourbr
other
syou'
reget
ti
ngthi
s
matterbackathand.
"
Ist
ormedout
.Howcomear
etheysochi
l
ledabout
thi
s?.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Whoev erbewi
tchedmyl ov
eli
femustj ustf
orgiv
eme.
Itookmyphone.Therewer emissedcallsf
rom an
unknownnumbert hathasbeencall
ingmesi ncelast
ni
ght.Iknowit
'shim.
It
ext
edAmoandv
isi
tedt
hehy
giener
oom.
Icameoutlookingasfreshastheycome.Iwor
ea
simpledr
essandf l
ops.DurbanandCapeTownare
forsuchcl
othes.
Iorder
edbr eakfast
.Nopemyroom wasn'
tsel
f
servi
ce.Ican'tcookatmypl
aceandcookhereon
vacati
on.IdidmymakeupasIwai ted.
Myphonerang.Ir
eachedfori
t.Vi
deocall
sar
emy
wor
stnight
mare,especi
all
yfr
om unsav
ednumber
s.
Ihesi
tant
lyanswer
ed.Heappear
ed.
Me:
"OhmyGod!"Helaughed."
Whyareyou
t
opl
ess?
"Idon'
tknowhowdi dweescal
ateher
ebut
yest
erdayhecametochi
llwit
hVeeandIduring
l
unch.TheCapeTownissuegotrai
sed.Hesaidwe
shoul
dexchangenumbersbecauset
herewasa
possi
bil
it
yforhi
mtocomet hi
ssidetoo.
Khan:
"Ohsor
ry.Letmeputonsomet
hing"
Isawt
hecei
l
ingt
henhi
sface."
Mor
ning"
Me:
"Mor
ning.Howmanynumber
sdoy
ouhav
e?"
Khan:"6It
hink.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.Ar
eyouf
ace
beat
ing?"
Me:"
YesIam.Smi
l
e"hef
rowned."
Iti
sheal
thySi
r"
hel
aughed.
Khan:
"Don'
ttel
lmey
oudon'
tknowmyname"
Me:
"Idon'
t"
Khan:"Let
'skeepi
tli
ket
hat
.Itf
eel
ssogoodwhena
femini
stsays"Si
r"
Me:
"Am notaf
emi
nist
"
Khan:
"That
'
swhattheyal
lsay
.If
lewi
ntoday
.Want
metobuyyouasl
ash?"
Me:
"Wannabuymeone?
"
Khan:
"Ify
oudon'
tmi
nd.
"
Me:
"Justsayt
het
imeandpl
ace.I
'
llbet
her
e"
Khan:
"Hav
eyoueat
enbr
eakf
ast
?"
Me:
"No.Ihav
eor
der
edt
hough"
Khan:
"Let
'sgohav
eabunnychowbyt
hesea"
Me:
"Am notchi
l
li
esf
ri
endl
y"
Khan:
"Theysel
lnonchi
l
li
"
Me:
"Okay
.Sendmet
hel
ocat
ion"
Khan:
"Ok.Seey
out
hen"
Hehungup.Ir
ecei
vedat
ext
.
'
Weneedt
otal
k
J'
"
Lekwahel
l
"Ir
epl
i
edandat
tendedt
hedoor
..
.
•
••
[
Chr
is]
Ifoundt
hem dr
inking.Kat
legol
eftmet
her
eal
lal
one
andwentonl
yLor dknowswhere.
Me:
"Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
"
Qui
nton:
"Theyl
eftwi
tht
hei
rmot
her
s"
Ty
ler
:"Weshoul
d'
vebookedal
ounge"
Khul
e:"
Wewi
l
l.Nextt
ime"
Ty
ler
:"That
sli
ke10mont
hsaway
"
Bonga:
"Hhai
countmeout
.Iwi
l
lbev
acat
ingi
nev
ery
2weeks"
Me:"That'
sgood.Youmightendupf
indi
ngusa
daughteri
nlaw"hel
aughed.
Bonga:"
Doy ouguy
sreal
l
ywantmet
ohav
ea
gi
rl
fri
end?"
Us:
"Yes"
Bonga:
"I'
dpr
obabl
ygetherpr
egnant
"
Tyl
er:
"That
'sgood.I
magi
ne"
granpaTcanIhav
e
somechewinggum"
Khul
e:"
Kidsdon'
tthi
nky
ou'
recool
Tyl
er"
Ty
ler
:"Youknownot
hingaboutwhatki
dsf
indcool
."
Qui
nton:
"Ido"
Ty
ler
:"Nooneaskedy
ouwai
ter
"theybot
hlaughed.
Qui
nton:
"If
oundaj
ob"
Me:
"Asawai
ter
?"
Qui
nton:
"Yes"
Khul
e:"
Yougonnawearacapandanapr
on?
"
Qui
nton:
"Yes"
Me:
"Runtopeopl
ewhent
heyent
erandof
fert
hem
t
abl
es?"
Bonga:
"Andmenus?
"
Qui
nton:
"Yes"
Wel
aughed.Hedi
dnot
.
Me:
"Ar
eyouser
ious?
"
Qui
nton:
"YesIam.
"
Khule:
"Youwantt
omakei
ttomakei
ttoal
lthef
ront
pages?"
Qui
nton:
"I'
l
lkeepl
owpr
ofi
l
e"
Tyler:"
Ifyouhappentosueanyone.Am her
eto
representyou.AndIwantedt
oasky ouguys
somet hi
ng"hecl
ear
edhisthr
oat
."Iwashopi
ngwe'
d
reconcil
ewitht
heDladl
as"
Khul
e:"
WhatDl
adl
as?
"
Tyl
er:"
Khet
hiwe's.Ican'
thelpt
heguiltofli
vi
ng
comfort
abl
ywi t
hsomeone' sdaught
erwi t
houther
par
ent'
spermission"hehasapoint.
Khul
e:"
Weshoul
dcal
lbabaf
ir
st.
"
Qui
nton:
"Ifhedoesn'
tappr
ove?
"
Ty
ler
:"HemustcauseIpr
oposedy
est
erday
"
I
twentdeadqui
ety
oucoul
dhearaneedl
edr
op.
Khul
e:"
Youwhat
?"
Ty
ler
:"Ipr
oposed"
Me:
"Ar
eyour
eadyf
ormar
ri
age?
"
Qui
nton:"
Youunderst
andmar
ri
agei
sabout
commitmentr
ight
?"
Ty
ler
:"Yesam r
eadyandIdounder
stand"
Khul
e:"
Am pr
oudofy
ouman"
Me:
"Mom shoul
dbeher
etowi
tnesst
his.
"
Qui
nton:
"Asifweal
lwoul
d'
v edatedt
hesewomen.
'
She'
snotgoodfory
ouboy-boy'
"welaughed.
Tyl
er:
"Shealwaysmademedumpmyhotbabes.
'
She'
snotaDubewi femater
ial
'andIalways
wonderedhowistheDuvewifemater
iall
ike"
Me:"Li
keher
.Ihatet
oadmiti
tbutKat
legoi
s
cont
rol
li
ng.I
fitwasi
nherpowerI
'ddoanyt
hingt
hat
shesays"
Khule:"
Onmycaset
oo.Shej
ustact
stoughf
orno
reason"
Qui
nton:
"Oneoft
heday
sIear
nedmy
sel
fav
eryhot
sl
ap"
Me:
"Hel
lno"
Quint
on:"Iwasabused"wel
aughed."
Iwant
edt
o
st
rangleher"
Tyl
er:"
Nomat
terhowsof
tshet
ri
edt
obe.Hersi
de
showedwi
tht
hekids.
"
Me:
"Thoseonesknewherv
erywel
l
."
Khul
e:"Nobodycouldev
erfi
l
lhervoi
d.Shel
efther
mark.Ist
il
lexpectt
oseeherbehi
ndyouever
ydayI
seey
ou"Qui
ntonchuckl
ed.
Qui
nton:
"Shewaskaakscar
edofy
oubot
h."
Me:
"Iknewi
t.sheav
oidedanyi
nter
act
ionwi
thme"
Khul
e:"Ourconv
ersat
ionsnev
ermadei
tpastt
he
gr
eeti
ng."
Ty
ler
:"That
'sbecausey
oudon'
tsmi
l
e"
Khul
e:"
ButIam Qui
nton"
Tyl
er:"Nope.Qui
ntonistheugl
yoneandyou'
ret
he
ugl
iestandthedarkestt
hatisenought
oscar
ethe
cobrasmother"
Wel
aughed.
Qui
nton:
"Theynowj
ustdi
sappear
"
Me:
"Hawut
oo"
Khul
e:"Ndosi
saidsomethi
ngaboutar
it
ual
oncei
na
whil
etokeepthem wel
lbehav
ed"
Me:
"Itshoul
dbedonet
hen"
Quint
on:"Am notreadytohav
ebabNdodaonour
necksfr
om slaughter
ingtowashi
ngt
hepot
s"
Tyl
er:
"JustshutupandletBongaandItal
kabout
howwewi l
larri
vethedayoftheact
ualcer
emony.
HehadusonKhul e'sweddi
ng"
Bonga:
"Pl
easemakemey
ourgr
oomsman"
Ty
ler
:"Dar
korbl
ue"
Khul
e:"
Let
'sgohav
ebr
aai
edmeatatt
hatpub"
Me:
"It
'sst
il
lopen?
"
Khul
e:"
Yep.Andbeaut
if
ulasev
er"
Igrabbedabeer.Wef ol
lowedeachot herout.We'r
e
suchabunchoft al
lblackpeople.Tyl
ersurelyf
eels
l
ikeacoloredamongstus.Hei nheri
tedmor eofthe
Ngcoboside.Reasonablehei
ghtandcompl exi
on..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
{
Lel
o'
spl
ace}
Yezwe:
"UghIf
orgotmyj
oggi
ngt
racksui
tathome"
Lel
o:"
Youcangobuynewones"
Si
sipho:
"He'
snotgonnadi
e."
Yezwe:
"YesMi
ssknowi
tal
l
"
Lel
o:"
Gowaket
het
wins"
Si
sipho:
"Theyar
efast
ing"
Lel
o:"
What
?"
Yezwe:
"Yes.Youi
ntr
oducedt
hem t
oint
ernetr
ight
"
Lel
o:"
Thei
nter
nett
oldt
hem t
ofast
?"
Si
sipho:"Nobutthepastorrai
sedt
hetopi
clast
Sundaythatifyoutr
ulyneedsomethi
ngyoufastf
or
i
t"Lelochuckled.
Lel
o:"
Ihopet
heyar
enotf
ast
ingf
orgi
rl
fr
iends"
Yezwe:
"Nope.Fory
out
ocomebackhome"
Si
sipho:
"Iwi
l
ljoi
nthem soont
oo"
Lel
o:"
Youcanmov
ein"
Yezwe:
"Why?Youcanj
ustcomehome.Daddoesn'
t
wit
husanyway"
Lel
o:"
Wher
edoeshel
i
ve?
"
Sisi
pho:"Her
eatt
hehot
el.We'
regoi
ngonamov
ie
datetoday"
Lel
oexcusedher
sel
f.
Yezwe:
"El
l
ifol
l
owedmeonI
nst
agr
am"
Si
sipho:
"Am sogonnat
ell
mom"
Yezwe:"
Iwil
ltel
labouty
ourwat
ermel
onhead
boyf
ri
end"
Si
siphothr
ewanappl
eathi
m.Hel
aughedand
pi
ckeditupandwal
kedout
..
.
{
Att
hepol
i
cest
ati
on}
Heappearedfrom adarkcorr
idorf
ollowedby2
pol
icemen.Hiseyesdroppedwhent heylandedon
hi
smot her
's.
Luci
agotupandheadedout
.
Mt
ho:
"Am sor
rymama"
Luci
a:"
Justi
nthecar
"
Hedi
dandt
heydr
oveof
f.
Theyar
ri
vedhome.
Luci
aplacedt
hecarkey
sont
hecount
eranddr
ank
water
.
Luci
a:"
Lookatyoustandi
ngthereli
keawetchi
cken.
Whathasgot
tentoyouMt hobi
si?"
Mt
ho:
"Wewer
en'
tsupposedt
ogetcaught
"
Luci
awal
kedar
oundt
ohi
m.Het
ookast
epback.
Luci
a:"
Howar
eYougonnapayf
orsecond
semest
er?
"
Mt
ho:
"I'
l
lmakeapl
an"
Luci
a:"
Goodl
uck"
Mt
ho:
"IoweSpor
oro"
Luci
a:"
Good.Iwi
shheki
l
lsy
ou"
Shet
ookherkey
sandheadedt
othel
ounge.
Mt
ho:
"Who'
smydad?
"
Luci
a:"
He'
snoneofy
ourbusi
ness"
Hewenttodrinkwat
eronthesi
nkandheaded
upst
air
stohisroom.Hel
ookedforLuci
a'
soff
ice'
s
spar
ekeys.
Hewentther
eandl
ockedhi
msel
finsi
deandwentt
o
t
hetel
ephone.
Mi
ke:
"Honour
abl
emadam"
Mt
ho:
"It
sme"
Mi
ke:
"Honour
abl
eMt
ho.HowmayIbeofhel
p?"
Mt
ho:
"If
uckedup"
Mike:
"Youal
way
sdo.Thequest
ioni
s;howbadt
his
t
ime?"
Mtho:"AR100000.Gone.Downthedr
ain.Wegot
caughtandthepol
i
cetookallt
hemoney"
Mi
ke:
"Doesy
ourmom know?
"
Mtho:"
Andshe'smadashel
l
.Iusedt
hesecond
semestermoney"
Mi
ke:
"Mt
hobi
si!
"
Mt
ho:
"Iknow.Pl
easet
ell
mewhomydadi
s"
Mi
ke:
"Nowy
ou'
repushi
ngi
t"
Mt
ho:
"Isher
ich?
"
Mi
ke:
"Mt
ho.
..
"
Mt
ho:
"It
ookt
heot
her50f
rom Spor
oro"
Mi
ke:
"No!Nonono"
Mt
ho:
"Yes"
Mi
kesi
ghed.
Mike:
"IfIgetfi
redy
ouandyourf
atherwi
l
lhav
eto
gi
vememont hl
yall
owance"
Mt
ho:
"I'
l
lmakesur
e.That
'si
fhe'
sri
ch"
Mi
ke:
"He'
sloadedhoney
.Theyal
lar
e"
Mt
ho:
"They
?"
Mike:"
Yes.Hol
don.
..
.doy
ouhav
eyourl
apt
opwi
th
you?"
Mt
ho:
"No.Butmom'
sis"
Mi
ke:
"Ok.I
'
llsendi
tal
lj
ustnow"
HeunlockedLuci
a'
slapt
op.Anemai
lnot
if
icat
ion
poppedup.
Mt
ho:
"Ist
hishi
m?"
Mike:"
Yes.Qui
ckl
yjothi
snamedownanddel
ete
t
hatthi
ng"
Mt
ho:
"Wher
edoeshel
i
ve?
"
Mi
ke:
"It
sal
lther
e."
Mt
ho:
"Okt
hanky
ousomuchman.Iowey
ou"
Mi
ke:
"Ofcour
sey
oudo.
"
Hehungupanddail
edthenumber
sthatar
e
supposedl
yhi
sdad'
s.
"
You'v
ereachedKhul
ekani
Dube'
svoi
cemai
l
.Pl
ease
l
eaveamessage"
Hequi
ckl
yendedt
hecal
l
.
Mt
ho:
"OhGodmom i
sgonnaki
l
lme"
Hedel
etedt
heemai
landr
anout
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erTwel
ve
•
••
[
Emi
]
Sundays!IcursethedayGodgoti ntoQuinton'
s
heart
.Lastnighthesuggestedwegot ochur ch.The
wivesagreedandt hewashel l
anowaythehusbands
weregonnadodgei t
.Youshould'
veseent hem
googli
nganear bychurch.Ihadplansbuthadt o
cancel
.Hewokemeupwi t
hasweetmessage.He' s
t
otal
l
yint
ome.Ifel
lforhi
ssmi l
eyest
erday
.Ipr
ayed
t
odaytonotf
indi
tat
tract
ive.
Heleanedont
hecarnextt
ome.Thechur chgot
di
smissed30minut
esagobutthesesi
bli
ngsofour
s
st
ayedinsi
def
oronlyGodknowswhat.
Ty
ler
:"I
fwewer
eri
dingi
ndi
ff
erentcar
sI'
dhav
elef
t"
Me:
"Met
oo.Am hungr
y"
Wehad2sl i
cesoftoastandbl
ackcoff
ee.It
st he
DubeSundayrul
e,mom cameupwi t
hit.Tal
king
abouthowyouneverfeelt
hehol
yspir
itonaf ull
stomach.
Tyl
er:"
Isawafoodt
ruckdownt
her
oadwhenIwent
todr
inkmypil
l
s"
Me:
"Whatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
ort
hen?
"
It
ookmypur
seandof
fwewent
.
Ty
ler
:"Ipr
oppsed"
Me:
"Anewwor
kingi
dea?
"Hechuckl
ed.
Ty
ler
:"IaskedKhet
hiwet
omar
ryme"
Me:
"No!Ir
efuse!
"Hel
aughed.JesusChr
isthe'
s
seri
ous.Ijumpedonhim."Am soproudofy
ou.I
shouldstartdr
essshoppi
ng"Igotoffhi
m.
Tyl
er:
"Youmi
ghtwannawai
tal
i
ttl
e.Ther
e'sst
il
la
l
ottodo."
Me:"We'
reprayerwarri
ors.Ifherf
amilyi
swhat
you'
reworr
iedaboutthenst r
essfreewegonnat
ell
Godaboutthatandhe'l
linterv
ene"
Ty
ler
:"Iwi
shhecoul
d.Fast
er.
"
Me:
"Hewil
l"t
hisi
sther
ightt
imet
ori
aset
his.
"Jason
i
sgi
vingmeprobl
ems"
Ty
ler
:"He'
sback?
"Inodded."
Youwanthi
m dead?
"
Me:"What?No.ButIwanthi
mtobackof
f"he
nodded.
Tyl
er:
"Ihav
enocr imi
nalf
ri
endsnowbutI'
llwor
k
somethi
ngout.Wecan'tt
ell
yourbr
other
sifyou
don'
twanthim dead"
Ichuckl
ed.Wear
ri
vedatt
het
ruck.Weor
der
ed.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Myphoner
angt
hemi
nut
eIst
eppedout
.
Me:
"Mr
sLi
nda"
Nkul
e:"
Hey.I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofKhet
hel
o.
I
sshether
e?"
Me:
"Uhh.
..
yeahbutst
il
li
nsi
dewi
tht
hepast
or"
Nkul
e:"
Ohok.How'
sthev
acat
ionany
way
?"
Me: "
Itspret
tyamazi ng.Iwishwedidn'
thavetogo
homet oday."KhetheloandKhulecameout ."
Here
sheis"Ihandedt hephonet oKhet
helo."
Nkule"she
rel
uctantl
ytookitandwal kedawayfrom us.
Khul
e:"
Andt
hen?
"
Me:
"Andt
henwhat
?"
Khul
e:"
Youguy
sar
efr
iendsnowor
?"
Me:
"Ki
ndof
"
Wewal
kedt
othecar
.
Khul
e:"
Youwoul
dn'
tdi
srespectChl
oe'
smemor
y
ri
ght
?"
Me:
"Ther
e'snot
hinghappeni
ng"
Khul
e:"
Good"
Khethiwe,Chr
isandKat
legojoi
nedus.Khethelo
camet ooandgavemet hephone.Chr
isbuckledup
thekids.
Kat
lego:
"Wher
e'sEmi
andAdv
ocat
e"
Khet
hiwe:
"Hesai
dtheywentt
ogetbur
ger
s"
Khet
hel
o:"
Theybet
terhav
eboughtsomef
orus"
Ty
ler
:"Wedi
d.AndIbought3f
ory
oumommy
"
Khet
hel
o:"Ughsomeofusmar
rysmar
tman.Thank
youMbuyazi
"
Emi
:"I
tsapleasur
ehoneysi
nceIcameupwi
tht
he
i
deaofbuy
ingenoughforev
eryone"
Itookmi neandgotinthecar.Katl
egowasmadam
driv
er.She'stheonl
ywomanIknowt hatdoesn't
minddr i
ving.Bongaarr
ivedl
ast.Hewaspr obabl
y
somewher easki
ngforfemal
e'snumbers.
Theyal
lgoti
n.Wedr
oveof
f.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Wearri
vedatar estaur
antt hatwebookedont he
l
astminute.Atablefor9.Itssofunnyhowt heywalk
wit
husliketheyarebody guards.Khul
eandQui nt
on
att
hefront,usbehindthem thenChr i
s,Ty
lerand
Bongaattheback.
Wegotl
edt
oourt
abl
e.
Emi:"Ij
ustneedsexont
hebeach"shesai
dasweal
l
satdown.
Khul
e:"
Thefi
rstti
meIheardyousay
ingt
hatIal
most
di
edofhear
tattack"wel
aughed.
Ty
ler
:"Thatwai
terwast
otal
l
yint
oyou"
Chr
is:
"Sowasshe.
"
Emi
:"Hhai
Bhut
i"
Qui
nton:"
Soy
ouandyourboss.Ar
eyoual
l
owedt
o
best
roll
i
ngar
ound?
"
Emi
:"He'
snotmyboy
fri
end"
Khule:
"Nobodysai
dheis.Areyoual
lowed?Wedon't
wanttohaveyouoneverynewspaperaboutdat
ing
yourboss"
Emi:"
Thatwast
hef
ir
standt
hel
astt
imewewent
out
"
Ty
ler
:"You'
recoupl
egoal
s"
Qui
nton:
"Shal
lhebr
eaky
ourhear
t.Tel
lhi
mI'
l
lki
l
l
hi
m"ohmypoorEmi .
Me:
"Whatt
imear
ewel
eav
ing?
"
Khul
e:"
7pm.I
fthat
'
sokaywi
thev
ery
one"
Bonga:"
Coolwit
hme"ev er
yoneagr
eed.Thef
oodwe
hadpreorder
edarr
ivedi
nservi
ngbowls.
Emi or
der
edhersexonthebeach.Kat
legoand
Khethi
weact
edcivi
landset
tl
edwi t
hthegranadi
l
la
j
uice.
Truthbetol
dIwishedwewer eleaving.Ineededt o
meetupwi t
hAmoandf indt
hewayf orward.Nkule
ontheotherhand,Ihadtoseeher.Shehadi ssues
withheri
n-l
aws.Ast ohowIwi l
lconvincethisman
toall
owmet ogot oDurban.Ihavenoi dea.
Ist
art
ledwhenIf
eltsomeonepoki
ngme.
Khul
e:"
Arey
ouokay
?"
Me:
"Yeaham good"
Kat
lego:
"Butam not
"Myheartbeatfast
er.Hert
one
sai
dshe'
sabouttosett
hiswholetableonfi
re.
Chr
is:
"Wecanl
eav
eify
ouwant
"
Kat
lego:
"NoIdon'
twannaleave.Iwantt
oknow
whenareyouf
indi
ngtheki
l
lers"
Itwentdeadquiet
.ThankGodwear eont
hepr iv
ate
secti
on."Am aski
ng.Thi
sisnicetoyou?Winingand
dini
ngwhi l
esomeone'sdaughterandmotherislyi
ng
ther
eont hecoldwit
houtanyjusti
ce"
Me:
"Kat
lego"
Katl
ego: "NoKhet hel
o.Doy outhinkthey'
lldo
di
fferentbyy oushallyoudieinhandsoft heir
enemi es?She'sthemot herofyourchildr
enf or
Christ
'ssake.Ireall
ycannotbel i
evey ouguy s.Ican'
t.
Thisfakel ov
ey oushowIcan' tdealwithitcauset he
dayIt urnmybackont hisear
thy ou'
l
l f
orgetmei nan
i
nstant .
"
Khul
e:"
Youneedt
ocal
m downmamakaHawu"
Kat
lego:
"Am sosor
ryMbuy
azi
butIcan'
t.I
fyou
keepturni
ngabl
i
ndey
eont
his.Iwi
l
lfi
ndt
heki
l
ler
s
my sel
f"
Chr
is:
"It
snoteasy
"
Katlego:
"Howdoy
ouknowt
hatwheny
ou'
venev
er
tr
ied?"
Qui
nton:
"Wewi
l
llookf
ort
hem"khul
elookedathi
m.
Katlego:"
Wheny ouf i
ndt hem don'thesit
atetoki
ll
them. "Whatiswr ongwi thher.Iam proudofher
though.Standingupt ot hesemen.Thatawhol e
womanpowerf orreal.PoorKhet hi
we, herey
eswer e
deepi nKatl
ego'sf ace.
Khul
e:"
Wewi
l
l"
Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handdi
shedup.
Weall
focusedonourf
ood.MamakaHawuf
or
pr
esi
dent.
..
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Zac:"ManonahugeSunday"hetookthevodka
bott
leoutofhi
shands."
Youdidn'
tevencometo
chur
ch"
Kush:
"ThatGoddoesn'
tl
ovenorcar
eaboutme"
Zac:
"Ist
hisal
lbecauseofLel
o?"
Kush:
"Yesandawhol
elotmor
e.Yourwi
fei
stoo
cl
osewitht
heDubewomen.Cl
osetomyconcer
n"
Zac:
"Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hat
?"
Kush:"
Whati
ftheyaskhert
ohel
pthem f
indt
he
ki
ll
ers"
Zac:"Howwouldtheyev
enknowshe'sabl
etodo
that
?Yourconsci
ousisplay
ingt
ri
cksonyouman"
Kush:
"Iregr
etev
eryminuteofi
t.Lastni
ghtIsawa
ver
ydist
urbi
ngpict
ureofEmihl
eDube"
Zac:
"Issher
elat
edt
othem?
"
Kush:"
Yes.Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
ddoi
fIf
oundouti
ts
whatIthi
nkiti
s"
Zac:
"You'
respeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
es"
Kush:
"If
oundmymot
her
.Iam dr
ivi
ngt
oKZNl
ater
on"
Zac:
"Al
lthebestman.
"
Kush:
"Ineedt
oli
edown"
Hel
eftZact
her
eandgoti
nthebedr
oom.
•
••
[
Unknownappl
i
cat
ion]
Tami at
hrewher
sel
font
hedecay
ingcouchapl
ank
broke.
Phuml
a:"
Youal
way
sbr
eaki
ngt
hings"
Tamia:"
Youal
way
stal
ki
ngory
oust
il
lmadChr
isdi
d
notshowup?"
Phumla:"
Stayoutofmybusi
ness"Tami
achuckl
ed
andl
ithercigar
ett
e.
Tamia:
"Toni
ghtwe'
regoi
ngt
oshootatt
heThe
Dubecompany"
Phuml
a:"
Aret
heyback?
"
Tami
a:"
Ift
heyar
enot
.It
swhatwi
l
lgett
hem back.
"
Phuml
a:"Whati
ftheysendthei
rer
randboy
sand
st
ayathomewiththei
rwives"
Tamia:"Theywon'
t.Ther
e'snot
hingt
heyv
aluemor
e
thanthatcompanybabes"
Phuml
a:"
Thebi
tcheswi
l
lbel
eftunat
tended?
"
Tamia:"Wherewasyourmi
ndatwhenIexplai
ned
yest
erday.Geezwomanareyouser
iousabout
gett
ingyourmanback?"
Phuml
a:"
Ofcour
seIam"
Tamia:
"Thenpayat
tent
ion.Thosewomenshoul
d
di
etoni
ght"
Phuml
a:"
Ican'twai
tforhimtotouchme.
"Shesai
d
cl
osi
nghereyesandtil
ti
ngherhead."
Thewayhe
ni
bbl
edonmyni ppl
es"
Shejumpedasi
cecol
dwat
erhi
therf
ace."
Whatt
he
fuckwoman!
"
Tamia:"
Sex?Real
l
y?Di
dyouev
enhearanyoft
he
thi
ngsIsai
d?"
Phumla:"
Ify
oukeeponact i
ngl
ikeabossIwil
lfuck
youupandy ouwon'
tl
ikeit
.Youwanttheri
ngand
money.IwantChri
snotthemater
ial
thi
ngs.
"
Shet
ookherphoneandst
ormedout
.
Tami
a:"
Whyi
sthi
shoesost
upi
d"
Shet
ookt
her
emot
eandchangedt
hechannel
..
.
•
••
11hour
slat
er
[
Khul
e]
Ipar
kedout
sidet
hegar
age.
Khet
hel
o:"
Ijustwantmybed"
Me:
"Come.We'
l
lbat
hfi
rst
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Iwannasl
eep"
Igotout
.Iwenttoopenf
orher
.Il
ockedt
hecarand
weheadedinsi
de.
Theli
ghtshadaut
omat
ical
l
ytur
nedof
f.Theygoof
f
aft
er11pm.
It
urnedt
hem on.
Me:
"Got
akeabat
h.I
'
llbemaki
ngf
oodf
ory
ou"
Iwar
medt
hepi
eforher
.
MyphonerangasIri
nsedt
hegl
ass.Idr
iedmy
handsandanswer
ed.
Me:"
Don"he'
smyol
dcont
actt
hatIhadt
oswall
ow
mypri
deandcal
l
.Weki
ndofgotof
fthewrongf
oot
.
Don:"Asamant hatdeliv
ersIfoundabi r
d.Itsang.
Hecoul dn'
tmakei ttothescenebecausehi swife
gotsick.Calv
inMadonnai sbehi
ndt heshooti
ng.He
wantedt headvocate.Remembert hatmafiaheput
behi
ndbar sandhadt hestat
econfiscat
ing
ever
ything?"
Me:
"Yeah"
Don:
"They
'r
ebr
other
s.Iguesshesenthi
mto.
"
Me:
"Doeshehav
eaf
ami
l
y?"
Don:"
Yeah.6kidsandawife.Nompumel
elo,
she'
s
l
ivi
nginSandt
on"fuck."
Dube?"
Me:
"Am her
eman.Thanksbr
oe"
Don:
"Any
time.Doy
ouneedt
otakehi
m out
?"
Me:
"Noty
et.Iwantt
oteachhi
m al
essonf
ir
st"
Don:
"Hi
swi
fei
shi
sweakness"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Letmecal
lmyboy
s"
Don:
"Sur
e"
Ihungup.It
ookwi
fe'
sfoodandwal
kedupst
air
s.
If
oundheral
readyi
nbed.Idoubtshebat
hed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Itookashower
"
Ichuckl
edandgav
eherherf
ood.
Me:"Youshouldinvi
teLel
oov er
.Am sur
esheget
s
bor
edliv
ingaloneinthatpl
ace"shef
rowned."
You
l
oveher.
"
Khet
hel
o:"Ido.Am j
ustsur
pri
sedoft
hat.Herki
ds
ar
ehereforthi
sweekIdoubtshe'
sbored"
Me:"
Evenbet
ter
.Inv
itethem over.I
'
llcook.I
t'
dbe
ni
cetohav
ecompanyt hati
sn'ttheDubes"
Shesmil
edandnodded.Igotupandheadedt
othe
bat
hroom.
Whot
hef
uckdoest
hisKusht
hinkhei
s?.
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
36]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erThi
rt
een
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Myalar
m didnotwakemetoday
.Kyl
i
edi
d.Ibecome
ver
ydysfunct
ional
whenahumanbei
ngi
sthe
r
easonformet owakeup.
Kyli
e:"
Youmi ghtwantt
owashyourf
ace.Ir
eal
ly
can'
tdiscussthi
swit
hyouwhi
leyou'
ret
hissl
eepy"
Me:"Dudewher
edoy
ougetal
lthi
sener
gyf
rom so
ear
ly?"
Idraggedmyfeettothebat
hroom.Thet
winswer
e
fastasl
eep.Wesleptar
ound1am.
If
oundherf
ryi
ngwhat
ever
.
Kyl
i
e:"
Herei
sasmoot
hie.St
rawber
ryandbl
ack
ber
ryy
oghur
t"
Ipul
l
edachai
randt
ookasi
p.
Me:"I
ttastesni
ce.Ray
mondhasgonebackt
o
Jo'
burg?"
Ky
li
e:"Yes.Hi
scompanyi
stot
all
ydy
sfunct
ional
wi
thouthim"
Me:
"Hehasawhackt
eam i
tmeans"
Ky
li
e:"
Consequencesofhi
ri
ngf
ami
l
y"
Me:
"Ohhhef
uckedup"
Ky
li
e:"
Doy
ouev
ercook?
"
Me:"
Yeah.Butnotalways"shepushedt
hepl
atet
o
me."
Thisi
sappetizi
ng.Thanks"
Kyl
ie:"Okay
.Soapparent
lythatVi
lakazigi
rli
sreal
ly
goodatwhatshedoes.Iaskedhert osendme
pi
cturesofhercur
rentpr
oject.Al
lIcansayisthat
am inawe.She'
samazingQ"
Shehandedmet
hetabl
et."
Thosear
ebef
ore
pi
ctur
es.Swi
pel
eft
"
Me:"
Thisi
samazi
ng.Wow,
arey
ousur
eshe'
sa
gr
aduat
e?"
Kyl
ie:
"Am cert
ain.I
fwehireherwegonnahaveto
of
ferheraplacetostayal
ongwithher5guys"
Me:"Idon'
tseeapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
.Wheni
sshe
gonnacome? "
Ky
li
e:"
Thur
sday
"
Me:"Bookmeacarandadr i
vert
oJo'
burg.I
'
llbe
ther
eforaslongasshe'
l
lbebusywi
tht
hehouse.
Theycanstayhere"
Kyl
ie: "
Thatissosweetofy ou.Letmecontacther
again.I'
vebeencontacti
ngherev ery
dayam hoping
am notbeginningtobeanui sance"Il
aughed.My
pl
atehadcl eanedout.Idon'tknowwherethatfood
went .Am st
il
lhungry
...
•
••
[
Emi
]
Wit
chcraf
tiswheny ou'
resupposedtobeina
meeti
ngwith3oft heval
uedcli
entsandthenyour
t
yrepunches.Ical
l
edubber.IhopeIdon'
tgetfir
ed.
Vee:"
You'
rev
eryl
ate"shesai
daswemetont
he
cor
ri
dor.
Me:"
Tell
mesomet
hingIdon'
tknowVee.Ar
ethey
Her
e?"
Vee:
"2oft
hem"
Me:
"Khan?
"
Vee:
"He'
sther
e"If
eel
sounl
ovedbyGodr
ightnow.
If
oll
owedi
naf
terVee.
Me:
"Goodmor
ninggent
lemen"
Them:
"Mor
ning"Icoul
dn'
tev
enl
ookKhani
ntheey
e.
Khan:"
MrEdi
thi
srunni
ngl
ate.Wemaybegi
n
wit
houthi
m"
Me: "
Pleaseforgi
vemeIdidnotfindti
metoprintout
t
hest atementsbutIwi
l
ljustsendthesedi
rect
lyto
yourtabs"
MrKhan:
"Youhadawhol
eweekt
odot
hatMi
ss
Dube"
Me:
"Am sor
rySi
ritsl
i
ppedmymi
nd"
Isentitt
ot heiremai l
s."Wehav enothi
ngmaj orto
discussexceptt hatMrZi khal
ii
s2mont hsbehi nd
payment .Otherthant hatourworki
ngrelat
ionship
andf i
nancei sreall
ygood. "
MrZi
khal
i
:"I
'
llmaket
hedeposi
ttoday
"
Me:
"Cher
ryont
op"
MrKhan:"Veepl
easesendt
hedrafttoEdi
th.Thank
yougent
lemenforavai
l
ingy
oursel
ves.We'
llseeyou
agai
nnextmonth"Ughwhy?Theyactli
kethey'
re
God.
Theyshookhandsandwal
kedoutwi
tht
hei
r
Bar
biePAs.Ipi
ckedmybag,
myt
abandwal
kedout
.
Ineedcoldwater.Iwentst
rai
ghtt
othef
ri
dgeand
tookoutabottl
e.Idownediti
nonegoandthr
ewthe
contai
neronthetrashcan.
Thedoorswungopen.Ist
oodupswi
ft
lyandwal
ked
overt
ohim.
Me:
"Bhut
i"
Khul
e:"
Arey
ouokay
?"
Me:
"Am good.Youdon'
tl
ookokay
"
Khule:"
Therewasshoot
ingatt
heDube
constr
ucti
ons.
'
Me:
"What
?Wasany
onehur
t?"
Khul
e:"
No.Every
thi
ngisbul l
etproofedbutwe'
renot
.
Yougoi
ngtohavebody guardsuntil
thi
swholethi
ng
hasbl
ownover"Inodded."Ilov
ey ouokay?"He
ki
ssedmyfor
ehead.
Me:
"Wher
e'sKhet
hel
o?"
Khul
e:"
She'
sdownst
air
s.We'
regoi
ngt
otheDr
"
Me:
"Okay
.Cal
lmeandt
ell
mehowy
ouwent
"
Khul
e:"
Iwi
l
l"
Hesai
dhi
sgoodby
e.Whyi
sital
way
sus?
Isatdownonachai
r.Iswi
tchedonmylapt
op.The
topstor
ieswer
eal
labouti
t.Theopeni
ngofthedoor
star
tl
edme.
Khan:
"Am sor
ry.Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"Yeaham good.Thanks"
Khan:
"Youcant
akeadayof
f"
Me:
"I'
dgocr
azy
.I'
l
lkeepmy
sel
foccupi
edher
e"
Khan:"
Thatwasmyonlymeeti
ngf
ortoday
.Am
goi
nghomet ovisi
tmypar
ent
s.Wecangoify
ou
don'
tmind"he'
stooni
ce.
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'
sagoodi
dea.Thankst
hough"
Khan:
"I'
l
lseey
out
omor
rowt
hen"
Me:
"Gowel
l
"
Her
ever
sedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
.
°
°°
[
Khet
hel
o]
Dr:"
YourAngel
sareperf
ectl
yfi
neMrandMr sDube.
Thecrampsarecausedbytheexpansi
onofy
our
uter
us.Ordi
danythi
ngalar
my ou?"
Me:
"Yes"
Dr:"
Paniccanbethecauset oo.Trynotto.Andrel
ax
2-
3hoursaday .Letyourbodyadjusttopregnancy
.
Twinsareanemer gency
,youhav etobecarefulwi
th
every
thi
ng"
Khule:"
Shewil
lDr.Thankyou"He'
ssoimpat
ient
todayandIunder
stand."
Pleasepr
intt
hosef
orus"
.
..
Thebodyguar
dswer ewait
ingf
orusbythedoor.I
hatet
hisbodyguar
dlif
e.Fuckwhoev
erwentto
att
ackthepoorbui
ldi
ng.Peopl
earei
nsaneoutther
e.
Theyescor
tedust
othecar
.
Khul
e:"
We'
regoi
ngt
oChr
is'
s.
"
Me:
"Cany
oudr
opmeof
fatLel
o'
s?"
Khul
e:"
No.Ican'tall
owy outobeanywhereexcept
wit
hyourfamil
y"there'
snoargui
ngwi t
hthat
.Iknow
howdepressedwegeti nsuchsi
tuat
ionssostayi
ng
t
oget
heri
nonepl
acei
str
agedyoni
tsown.
Wear
ri
ved.Ihat
ethesepl
acesweal l
li
vein.They
ar
esoqui
etyou'
dswearthey'
redesert
edplaces.
Iknowthati
tistheirf
amil
ypreciouslegacybutt
hei
r
sadnessi
sdramat i
c.Nobodydied.Not hi
nggot
destr
oyedexceptfort
hemainent rance.
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Them:
"Mor
ning"
Chr
isgotup.
Chr
is:
"Hav
eyoucal
l
edQ?
"
Khul
e:"
Hisphonei
sof
f.We'
l
lseey
ouguy
slat
er"
Theyf
oll
owedeachot
herout
.
Me:
"Ar
eyousadast
heyar
e?"
Khet
hiwe:"
Yesbutnotbecauseoft
hat
.Becauseam
pr
egnant"
Me:
"What
?"Il
aughed.
Kat
:"OhmyGodf
inal
l
y!"
Khet
hiwe:
"It
snotf
unnyKhet
hel
o"
Me:"
Iti
s.Thesemenar
ebabymachi
nes.Howf
ar
ar
eyou?"
Khethiwe:
"Howt hehel
ldoIknow?I'dcountt
he
mont hsImissedmyperiodsbutIam onafucki
ng
pi
ll
"
Kat:
"Nocontr
acepti
onformedagai
nstaDube
sper
m shal
lprosper
.Haveyoutol
ddaddy
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"If
oundoutt
hismor
ning.
"
Kat
:"Am sohappymar
n.Thi
sneedswi
ne.Oops"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ineedagl
assort
wo"
Me:"Comeon.Youcan'
tser
iousl
ybest
ressedby
t
his"
Khethiwe: "
WellIam.We'renotr
eadyforachil
d.
Wher ewi l
lIevenbegi
ntochangeit
'snappy?
Breastfeedingit
?AndIjustgotmydream j
obfor
cr
y i
ngoutl oud"
Kat:
"Sept
emberorOct
oberi
t'
llbeoutofy
ou,
you'
l
l
fi
ndanannyandgobacktoyourli
fe"
Me:"Don'
tl
ist
entoher.You'
l
lbeobsessedwi
thy
our
babywheniti
shere"
Khet
hiwe:
"He'
l
llov
eitmor
e"
Kat
:"Ofcour
se.Whatar
eyouexpect
ing.
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Am notr
eady
"
Bonga:"
It
syouisn'
t?
"Weall
blankl
ystaredathi
m.
"Who'
spregnant
?.I
t'
syoumam Khethi
we"
Khet
hiwe:
"Youknew?
"
Bonga:"Yeah.Ishoul
dstartchoosi
ngcol
orofthe
day.Thatisyourti
cketi
ntogetti
ngmarri
ed.They
'l
l
agr
eet oit
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ther
ewer
emanyway
stogett
hem t
o
agr
ee"
Me:
"Thi
sist
hechosenone"
Bonga:
"Who'
sTami
a?"
Ichokedonmyspi
t.Khet
hiwehandedmeagl
assof
water.
Kat
:"Whydoy
ouask?
"
Bonga:
"I'
vebeenhavingdreamsaboutawhit
e
womannamedt hat.Todayyouwerefi
ght
ingwit
h
her
"
Me:
"Itwaspr
obabl
yjustadr
eam"
Bonga:"
Itwasn't
.AndyouknowwhoTamiais.She'
s
outtogetyoumommy ,shewantst
ofi
nishwit
hy ou
andthechi
ldren.
"Whatdoesthi
swomanwantf r
om
me?
Me:
"Whatshoul
dIdo?
"
Bonga:
"Pr
ay"
Real
l
y?Iwantt
oshoother
.
Myphoner
ang.Amogel
angSmi
th.
Me:
"Mosadi
"
Amo: "
Iam anony
mouslyinf
ormi
ngy ourhusband
aboutthi
sTamiabit
ch.I
'
vefoundthem again"
Me:"
Idoubthe'
ll
ev enpayatt
enti
ont
othat
.Ther
e
wasshoot
ingattheircompany"
Amo:"
Evenmor
eint
erest
ingbecauseshe'
stheone
whodi
d"
Me:
"What
?Howdoy
ouf
indal
ltheset
hings?
"
Amo:"Am awel
ltr
ainedpr
ivat
einv
est
igat
or.Keep
saf
e.Thosewomenwantyoudead.Iwil
lsendthese
t
oKhul
enow,
thi
sisNol
ongery
ourbat
tl
etof
ight
"
Me:
"Okay
"
Amo:"St
aysaf
eokay
?Wedon'
tknowwhoshe'
s
wor
kingwit
h"
Me:
"thanky
ouIwi
l
l"shehungup.
Thisli
feisawhol
emovi
e.I
fthi
swomancangot
his
fartodestr
oymewhatwor
secoul
dshedo?
..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Mt
hobisipr
essedthei
nter
com f
orsev
eral
times
wi
thoutr
esponse.
Mt
ho:
"Thi
sper
soni
sdead"
Ndal
o:"
Idoubt
."
Mtho:"
Whyi
sthesecur
it
yhouseempt
yift
her
ear
e
peopl
ewhol
iveher
e?"
Ndal
o:"
Checki
fyougott
her
ightaddr
ess"
Mt
ho:
"Iti
sri
ght
."
Ndal
o:"
Whydon'
twegot
ohi
swor
kpl
ace?
"
Mt
ho:
"Mi
kedi
dnotgi
vemet
headdr
ess"
Theysawamani
nov
eral
l
s.
Ndal
o:"
Greet
ingsbaba"
Shewentcl
osert
ohi
m.
Man:
"Yebosi
si"
Ndalo:"
Mynamei sNdalo.Iam sell
ingsli
mming
product
sforfemal
es.I
st her
eany onestayi
ngher
e?"
Themanf rowned.
Man:
"No.Theymov
edoutweeksago"
Ndal
o:"Ohhokthankyou"henoddedandpr
oceeded
wi
thhisjour
ney
."Letsgo"
Mtho:"Am walkingar
oundwit
hadarkcloudovermy
head.Am onlyleftwi
th4day
s.Am notevensur
eif
thi
sguywillgivemethismoney"
Ndal
o:"
Hewi
l
l.Beposi
ti
ve"
Theygoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f.
..
•
••
[
Chr
is]
Itwasn'
tasbadasCharl
iesai
ditt
obe.Notev
ena
singl
ebull
etmadei
tthr
ough.
Theguywho'
sinchar
geoft
hebui
l
ding'
sdat
a
arr
ived.
Khul
e:"
Ihopey
ouhav
ebet
ternews"
Scot
t:"
Whoev
erdidi
tissmart
.Thecablesar
ecut
.
Thecamer
asweren'
tworki
nglastni
ght
"
Khule:"Yourt
eam isuseless.Youbett
erbethankf
ul
nothinggotdestroyedandnobodydiedorelseyou
would'vegott
ent oknowwhoam I "hecli
ckedhis
tongueandwal kedoff.Ifol
lowedhi
m.
Hest
oppedandl
ookedathi
sphone.
Me:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Khul
e:"
Geti
nthecar
"
Igotont
hedr
iver
'sseat
.
Khul
e:"
Womenar
ecr
azy
"
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Khul
e:"Dri
ve.I'
l
lexpl
ainev
erythi
ngwhenwegett
o
ourdesti
nati
on.IsCocost
il
lther
e?"
Me:
"Yes"
Khul
e:"
Good"
Me:
"Whati
sgoi
ngon?
"
Khul
e:"
Ever
ythi
ng"
Am donet
alki
ng.Ican'
tkeepdi
ggi
nghi
m..
.
•
•••
[
Nar
rat
ed[
Amo:"
IcameasquickasIcoul
d.Whati
sgoi
ngon"
Lel
oof
feredheraseat
.
Lel
o:"He'
shere.I
nthebedroom l
yi
ngdown.He
wantedtotakehi
sli
fe"shewipedhert
ear
s.
Amo:
"Cal
vi
n?"Lel
onodded."
Am sor
rybabe.For
giv
e
hi
m"
Lel
o:"
It
snotthat.Hewenttoseehi
sreal
mot
her.
Thenewsar
e...
"shefannedherf
ace."
He'
saDube"
Amo:
"Nowwhydoeshewant
stoki
l
lhi
msel
f?"
Lel
o:"
Heorder
edtheshooti
ngt
hatt
ookQui
nton'
s
wif
e"Amo'
seyeswidened.
Amo:
"Itwasn'
thi
m"
Lel
o:"
Itwas"
Amo: "
Waitwait
.TheTami
awomani
swhoor
der
ed
theshoot
ing"
Lel
o:"
Thatdoesn'
tmakesense"
Amo: "
Itdoes.Ineedtotal
ktohim.Thiswasavery
rar
ecoincidence.Bot
hparti
esmighthavebeent
here
butTamia'sstart
edtheshooti
ng.Andhowdidyou
knowhewasbehi ndit
?"
Lel
o:"
Isawhi
stext
s"Amonodded.
Amo:
"Soy
ouandt
heDubesar
efami
l
y?"
Lel
o:"I
ftheyareal
soMphangi
seni
Dube'
schi
l
dren
fr
om Estcour
ttootheny
esweare"
Amo:
"Thi
sisf
uckedup.
"
Lel
o:"
Letmegocheckuponhi
m"
Shedi
sappear
edtothecor
ri
dor
.Amocal
l
ed
someoneonherphone.
Suff
o:"
Mommy .Am here,
doIalwayshavet
otel
l
youguyswhenyou'
reoutofgr
oceri
es?"
Amo:"Li
saandKamowentt odoshopping.Look,
I
needyoutodoubl
echecki
fthatTamiabitchi
s
behi
ndtheshooti
ngt
hatoccur
edatEstcourt"
Suf
fo:
"Youknowshei
s"
Amo:
"Justdoi
tSuf
fo.Somet
hingi
sfi
shyher
e"
Suf
fo:
"OkI
'
llgetbackt
oyoul
ateron"
Amo:
"Don'
teatZac'
schi
ckenmay
opl
ease"
Suf
fo:
"Youmeant
hisoneIj
ustf
ini
shed?
"
Amo:
"Suf
fo!
"
Hehungup
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Thisman'sphonewasn'
tgoi
ngthrough.Thesunhad
al
readyset.Iwasget
ti
ngunset
tl
edt obehere.
Me:
"Am goi
nghome"
Bonga:
"Am comi
ngwi
thy
ou"
Emi
:"I
sitsaf
efory
out
ogo?
"
Bonga:
"Wi
thal
ltheAr
myout
side,
itsmor
ethan
saf
e"
Kat
lego:
"Cal
lwheny
ougethome"
Me:
"WeWi
l
l"
.
..
Me:"Cantwoofyouguysr
idewi
thBonga?Iwant
hi
mt opassbythemall
andgetmewingsanda
bur
ger"
Theyagreed.Wegotindi
ff
erentcar
sanddrov
eoff
.I
rodewit
honl yLi
am.Heli
kesthesesof
tbal
l
ads.
Therewasf
aultwitht
hegat
e.I
tcoul
dn'
topen.
Thesesmar
tthings.
Li
am:
"It
sdeny
ingaccess"
Me:
"Letmecal
ltheSecur
it
yco-
"
Ihear
dal
ouddeaf
eni
ngbang.
Li
am:
"Getdown!
"
ForamomentIcouldn'
tgetwhatisgoingonunti
lI
sawamanhol di
ngagunt hati
sfir
ingdir
ect
lyatus.
Thecarwentdown.Ift
hiscarwasn'tbul
l
etproof
ed.
Idon'
tknow.
Igotdown.Thegat
eopened.Theal
armsofnear
by
houseshadgoneoff
.
Me:
"Li
am.
..
Liam dr
ivei
n"whatam Isay
ing?
Theshootingstopped.Awhilel
aterIhear
d
scrat
chingtyr
es."Li
am!"Ipokedhisarm.He
coughed.
Li
am:
"They.
..
theygotme.Runi
nsi
de"what
?
Ireal
izedhiswi
ndowisdown.If
eltt
ear
scrowdmy
eyes.Ifel
tmywholebodytr
embli
ng.Wher
e'st
he
fucki
ngpolicewheny
ouneedthem.
Imanagedt
ocal
ltheemer
gencynumber
.
Me:"Weneedanambul
ance.
"Isai
dwi
tht
hel
ast
voi
ceinme."
Staywi
thmeLiam"
Igotoutofthecar
.Peopl
ear
eusel
esscr
eat
uresi
n
thi
sworld.
Irani
nsidethegate.Ipressedthepani
cbutton.The
gatecl
osed.Irantothemai ndoor.If
eltsomethi
ng
hi
tmeont hebackIfell
andhi tonmyst omach.
Whoeverthatwasturnedmeov er
.Thewal
ll
ight
s
wenton.Thisfucki
ngbit
ch.Shesmil
ed.
Tami
a:"
Hel
l
oMr
sDube"
Ifel
tashar
ppai
nonmyl
owerabdomen.Godpl
ease
no.
Iwrappedbot
hmyhandsonmybel l
y.Sheki
cked
meIf el
tmybabi
esmov e.It
ri
edtogetupbutshe
ki
ckedmeagain.Thepaingotsev
ere.
Tamia:"
IwantyoutofeelthepainIfel
twhenIalso
l
ostmychildi
nthehandsofamant hatyouclai
m he
l
ovesyoutodeath.Wellam sorr
yhoneybutthis
house,
thosecarsandthatdickwil
lbel
ongtome
now"
"Ornot
"Agunwentof
f.If
eltsomet
hingwar
m smear
onmyt hi
ghs.
If
eltcol
dhandssl
i
ght
lysl
appi
ngmyf
ace.
"Khethel
o?Khethel
oareyouokay
?Zac!Helpme
carr
yher.Khethel
o!"Whoev
ersheisshewasnow
cryi
ng.
Mychi
l
dren.
Thel
astt
hingIhear
dissi
rens.
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
37]Zozaness:

GoToHome

TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erFour
teen
•
••
[
Mthobi
si]
Oneofherrules:Donotentermygat erunning.I
havenoideawhybutIobeyi tanyway.Islowed
downasIappr oachedthegate.Icr
ouchedcat chi
ng
mybr eat
h.Iwalkedontothecensorawhi lelater
.I
putmyf i
nger.I
tgrant
edmeaccessandt hesmal l
gateopenedIwentin.
Idi
daf
ewst
ret
chesasi
tcl
osedbehi
ndme.
Luci
a:"Youordernewspaper
snow? "No
goodmorningson,no'
He'syourbr
eakf ast
'Idon'
t
evensmelltoast
.Where'
sSisMabusi anyway(Our
chef)
.Isatdown.
Me:
"Yes.Tof
indv
acanci
es"shechuckl
ed.
Lucia:"
Mabusiissi
cktoday.Ior
der
edbreakfast.I
t
shouldarri
veanyt
imesoon"shewalkedoffheading
tothelounge.
Me:
"Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
owor
ktoday
?"
Lucia:"
No.I'
l
lbeworkingfrom home.Yourclasses
beginat11am"Ihateitwhenshedoest hat.Iam not
evenall
owedt ogotores.Ihatetr
avel
li
ng.Iam left
withonlyonehourt
ogetr eadybecauseI'
ll
spend
theotheroneontheroadtocampus.
Itookthenewspaper
.Don'
ttheycomewi
thcov
er
pages?Weird.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
'
TheDubesneedtocheckbackwit
htheancest
ors.
Somuchbadluckisnotnor
mal'
'
Slaymom repor
tedl
yat
tackedbyanunknown
charact
er'
'
Anot
hert
ragedyt
otheDubecl
an'
Andsof or
th.Everyfreaki
nnewspaperandblogs.I
wouldn'
tbesurprisedifIsawabi
ll
boardwit
ht he
Dubesandt hei
r'Badluck'.
Ihonest
lyt
hinkthepar
amedi
csandpol
i
cesel
lthese
stor
iest
ojournal
ist
s.
Thedooropened.Theirf
acesarereall
yhar
dt o
adj
ustto.I
'v
ehad2mi niatt
acksalreadywhenthey
peepthei
rheadsinanditsnoteven9am.Whoev er
gavet
hem thisor
der.BobandClarencearethei
r
names.
Bob:
"MrKhani
sher
etoseey
ou"ar
etheycr
azy
?
Me:
"Pl
easel
ethi
minandnev
er-
"
Khan:"
Theyar
edoi
ngt
hei
rjob.Ihadt
omakesur
e
you'
resaf
e"
Me:
"Yout
oldt
hem t
orecheckev
ery
onecomi
ngi
n?"
Henodded."
Thanky
ou"
Khan:
"Ar
eyousur
eyoudon'
twannagohome?
"
Me:
"100%"
Khan:
"ButIdoubty
ou'
recopi
ngher
eMi
ssDube"
Me: "
Iam t
ry i
ngmybest
.I'
drat
herbeher
ethan
anywhereelsecl
osetomyfamil
y"It
il
tmyheadback
tr
yingtofi
ghtbackthet
ear
s.
Ican'tbehome.Idon'
twannabetherewhenthey
recei
v et
hebadnews.Idon'
twannaknowhowi sit
going.Icannott
akeanymoreofl
osingpeopl
ethatI
l
ov e.
Khan:"
Thenwegonnagosomewher
equi
etand
peacef
ul"hecl
osedmyl
apt
op.
Me:"Ireal
l
ydon'
tfeel
li
kehavingcompany
"he
cont
inuedpacki
ngmyt hi
ngs.
Hest
ret
chedouthi
shandaf
terhef
ini
shedpacki
ng.
Me:
"MrKhan"
Khan: "
Itcomesf r
om t
hegoodnessofmyheart
.I
will
leavey outher
etobeal
one.I'
drat
herhav
eyou
therethanhere."
Itookadeepsi
ghandgotup.Hetookmyhand, l
et
nobodyseethi
sGodorel
seI'
llbeyetanot
hert
opic
tomorr
ow..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Westi
ll
can'
tquesti
onGod.Nomat
terhowhardi
t
get
s.Wedonot.Iki
ndofwantt
obutIcan'
t.
Khethiwebr oughtthef i
rstloadofbr eakfastt
hen
camebackwi thjuiceandt ea.I twasHer ,I
,Tyl
erand
Quinton,hear r
ivedthi
smor ning.Nobodyhadany
i
deaofKhul eandChr is'
swher eabouts.Icoul
dn't
carel
esshonest ly.Myhear twaswi t
hKhet hel
o
whom wecoul dn'ttosee.Onl yoneper soncouldand
Bongai nsist
edt obethatper son.Wel ethi
m
becauset herewasnohopei nanyoft hoseDrseyes.
He'sthesecondheal i
ngpr ocesswehav e.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"sheposi
ti
onedher
sel
fnextt
ome.
Khet
hiwe:
"Let
'ssaygr
ace"
Weclosedourey
es.Shepr
ayed,
itt
ookl
ongert
han
usual
.
WesaidAmenandstartedeat
ing.Myphoner
ang.
Myheartski
ppedabeatwhenIreali
zedt
he
numbers.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Cal
l
er:"Goodmorni
ngma'
am.MayIpl
easespeakt
o
Kat
legoMokgot
ho?"
Me:
"Speaki
ng.
"
Call
er:
"MrsKhet hel
oDubewoul dlikeyoutobr
ing
herpyj
amas, sli
ppersandar obe..
.andfood,most
ly
l
iqui
ds"thanky ouJesus.Thesepeopl eherewi
thme
hadreaditallwrong.Iwasn'
tcryingbecauseofhurt
butofhappiness.
Me:
"issheal
l
owedt
ohav
evi
si
tor
snow?
"
Cal
l
er:
"Yesma'
am"Oht
hanky
ouGod.
Me:
"OkIwi
l
lcome.Thanky
ou"
Cal
l
er:
"Keepwel
l
"
Ihungup.Iputt
hepl
atedown.
Me:
"She'
sfi
ne"t
hei
rfacesl
i
tup.
Qui
nton:
"Andt
heki
ds?
"Ohno.
.
..
11am onthedotwear
ri
vedatt
hehospit
al.Wegot
l
edtoherward.Theur
getoaskaboutt
hebabiesgot
bett
erofme.
Me:
"Ar
eherki
dsokay
?"
Nur
se:
"Idon'
tknowma'
am butIhopet
heyar
e"
Mypoorbaby.Shehaddri
psandanoxy genmask.
Wethankedthenur
seandclosedthedoor.Myeyes
r
antoherstomach.Icoul
dn'
tseeclear
ly.
Khet
hiwe:
"Weshoul
dn'
tdi
stur
bher
"
Me:
"Yeahy
ou'
rer
ight
"
Wepackedhert
hings.Icar
eful
l
ypeel
edof
fthe
sheet
.
Khet
hiwe:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Me:
"Checki
ngf
ort
hebabi
es"i
twasst
il
lther
e.
Itouchedit
.Sti
l
lhar
d.Isi
ghedi
nrel
i
ef."
Arey
ouguy
s
good?"Isaidbr
ushi
ngit
.
"
Theyar
efi
ne"Ist
art
led.
Me:
"Bonga"
Bonga:
"Mot
her
."
Khet
hiwe:
"Whatar
ethose?
"
Bonga:
"Herconcoct
ions.Idi
dnotsl
eepl
astni
ght
busymaki
ngt
hese"
Me:
"Her
e?"Henodded.
Khet
hiwe:
"Theysmel
lawf
ul"
Bonga:
"ToobadcauseIwasor
der
edt
omakey
ou
sometoo"
Khet
hiwe:
"OhGod"
Me:
"Di
dKhul
ecome?
"
Bonga:
"No.He'
scur
rent
lynotneededunt
ill
ater
."
Me:
"Whatact
ual
l
yhappenedy
est
erday
?"
Icov
eredKhet
hel
o'
sbel
l
yandt
ookaseat
.
Bonga:"
Idon'
tknow.WhenIgotther
eallIsawis
pol
icewhoweretal
kingaboutt
heperpet
ratort
hat
hadranaway"
Me:
"Soshe'
sst
il
loutt
her
e?"
Bonga:
"Yep"
Me:
"How'
sLi
am?
"
Bonga:
"He'
sgood.St
il
lpassedoutbutt
hey
managedtoremovet
hebullet
s"
Me:
"Poort
hing.Weshoul
dgoseehi
m af
terher
e"
Bonga:
"That
'l
lgi
vemet
imet
oper
for
mthi
sri
tual
"
Me:
"Oh.Let
'sgonowt
hen"
It
ookmybagf r
om t
hemi
nicupboar
dandwe
walkedout
..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Yezwe:
"Goodmor
ning"
Ev
ery
one:
"Mor
ning"
Si
sipho:
"Ar
eyoudr
ivi
ngmet
oschool
?"
Yezwe:
"Thi
sti
me?
"
Si
sipho:
"Yesi
tsmar
ket
ingandspor
tsday
"
Yezwe:
"Int
hatcase,
no.Takeat
axi
"
Lel
o:"I
tst
ool
atet
otakeat
axi
.Dr
ivet
hechi
l
drent
o
school
"
Yezwe:
"Mom Ihav
ethi
ngst
odo"
Lel
o:"
You'
vehadthi
ngstodosincebefor
edate.
Justt
aket
his,
you'
ll
buybreakf
astontheway.Lunch
Imean"
Si
sipho:
"He'
sgonnaf
ini
shal
lyourmoney
"
Lel
o:"
Iwi
l
ldecr
easet
hel
i
mit
"
Shepackedl
unchboxont
het
win'
slunchbag.She
ki
ssedthem.
Lel
o:"
Goandwai
tfory
ourbr
otherdownst
air
s"
Si
sipho:
"Thatdownst
air
sisv
erycr
owdedmama"
Lel
o:"
Justgo.Yougonnabel
ate"
Theyal
ltookt
hei
rbackpacksandwal
kedout
.
Yezwe:"
IfIdi
dn'
tknowbet
ter
.I'
dsayy
ou'
reget
ti
ng
ri
dofus"
Lel
o:"
Theki
dsar
egonnabel
ate"
Yezwe:
"Iknowhe'
sher
e.Thesmel
lofni
cot
inei
stoo
st
rongtomiss"
Lel
o:"
Arey
ouev
ergonnat
aket
heki
dst
oschool
?"
Yezwe:
"Andt
heespr
essot
oo"
Heunhookedthecarkey
sandwal
kedout
.Lel
otook
t
hetrayt
ot hebedr
oom.
Hef
oundhi
mrocki
ngt
hebabyont
her
ocki
ngchai
r.
Sheadj
ust
edt
het
raybef
orehi
m.
Lel
o:"
Youneedt
oeat
"
Kush:"
Ireal
l
ydon'tfeell
i
keeat
ing"shepeel
edof
f
thecl
othcover
ingthefood.
Kush:"Ican'
tresi
stthi
s"shechuckl
edandt
ookt
he
baby.Shekisseditontheli
ps.
Lel
o:"
He'
sst
art
ingt
olookdar
k"
Kush:"Li
kether
estofhi
scl
an"hehandedhert
he
tabl
et.Sheputi
taway.
Lel
o:"
Doy
ourcl
othesst
il
lfi
t?"
Kush:
"Idon'
tknow"
Lel
o:"Youshouldt el
lCapstobri
ngyouyourcl
othes"
Kushfrowned."Ican'tl
etyoust
ayalonewhi
leyou'r
e
l
ikethi
s.West i
l
l needawayf or
ward."
Kush:"
Ithi
nkitsbestwekeepi tl
i
kethisunti
lIcan
fi
ghtof
fthisguil
t.Idon'
tknowhowI '
dbeabl eto
l
ookthem intheey eandcal
lthem mybrotherswhi
le
IknowverywellwhatIdid"
Lel
o:"
Daybyday
"
Kush:"
Thenerveofthatwoman.Sheact
ual
l
yasked
toseemykids.Andhowshesaidshehadnochoi
ce
butgi
vemeupf oradopti
on"
Lel
o:"Someti
mesonei
sfor
cedt
omakesuch
deci
sions"
Kush:"
Notinmywil
destdr
eam Iwoul
dgi
vemychi
l
d
upforadopt
ion"
Lel
o:"
You'
renother
"Herphoner
ang."
It
sAmo.Hey
l
ady"
Amo:
"Itwasn'
thi
m."
Lel
o:"
Thanky
ouGod"
Amo:
"Khet
hel
oisi
nhospi
tal
"
Lel
o:"
What
?Whathappened?I
ssheokay
?"
Amo:"ThatwhoreTamiaatt
ackedher
.Herdr
ivergot
shot
.IthankGodIarr
ivedonti
me."
Lel
o:"
IsKhet
hel
ofi
ne?
"
Amo:"
Yest
heyar
e.Katcal
l
edt
oinf
orm meear
li
er
on.
"
Lel
o:"
Whathospi
tal
isshei
n?"
Amo:
"I'
l
ltakey
ouonmywayt
her
e"
Lel
o:"
Okt
hanky
ou"
Shehungup.
Kush:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Lel
o:"
Khet
hel
oisi
nhospi
tal
"
Kush:
"Whathappened?
"
Lel
o:"Herhusband'
sexat t
ackedher.Thatwomanis
si
ck..
.Uhm, y
oushouldrecheckwit
hy ourguy
son
whatreall
yhappenedthatday.Thi
sfreakexisal
soa
suspect"
Kush:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Lelo:
"Imeany oucoul
dbeinnocenti
nall
thi
s.Amo
foundthatshe'
stheoner
esponsibl
efort
he
shooti
ng"
Kush:
"Ineedaamoke"
Het
ookhi
spackandwal
kedt
othebal
cony
..
.
•
••
[
Att
hewhi
tehouse'
str
eehouse]
Het
ookoffhi
swatchandr
ingandpl
acedi
tsaf
ely
ont
heboxontheside.
Khule:"Goodmor ning.Whatwoul dyoul i
ke,cof
fee
ortea?"Hepour edcof f
eeonhi scupandt ookasi p.
"Outofallpeopleyoucoul d'
veshitony oujust
decidedforittobet heDubes.Iwoul d'
veunderstood
i
fy ouwentf orChri
sandIper sonally
.Butmywi f
e
andkids?"Het ookasi pofhiscoffeeandshookhi s
head."Ili
kehowy oupl annedthiswhol et
hingTami a,
IknowPhuml aistoost upi
dforanythingthat
creati
ve"
Thedooropened.Char
li
ewal
kedi
n.
Charl
ie:
"IhopeIgott
her
ightones"het
ookouta
russi
anbear.
Khul
e:"
Pleaser
emov
ethet
apes"
Hewal
kedov
ertoTamiaandPhumla.Theygr
oaned
i
npai
nasheri
ppedofft
hetapes.
Phumla:
"Itwasherpl
an.Shecal
l
edme,
Idi
dn'
twant
tobepartofi
t"
Tamia:"
Fuckoff.Ineedt
ogot
othehospi
tal
Khul
ekanipl
ease"
Khul
e:"
Oham sorr
y.Youwi
l
lgosoonaswef
ini
sh"
hesai
dsar
casti
cal
ly.
Hepour
edthev
odkaonTami
a'
sgunwoundshe
scr
eamed.
Char
li
e:"
Thesewomenneedper
iper
iont
heey
es"
Khule:"
Fet
chit
.TamiaIdon'twanttol ayahandon
you.Iwantt
oshootyourbrainsoutrightnowbutI
can'
t.Wegonnaplayali
tt
lequizokay .Eachquest
ion
tr
uthful
l
yansweredwil
lbr
ingy ouclosertoyour
fr
eedom"
Hetookachairandsatdown.Char
li
egoti
n,hewent
st
rai
ghttot
hem.Her ubbeditf
ir
stonPhumla'
sey
es.
Shecri
edbegginghi
mt ostop.
Charl
i
e:"You'
rebot
hluckyhewant
edtotakecareof
youhimself
,youwoul
dhavethi
schil
l
iinyourl
oose
vagi
nas"
Hemov edontoTami
a."
Sincey
ou'
ret
hemast
er
mind.Youwi
ll
getmore"
Herubbedi
ton.Theyscr
eamed,
mucht
oKhul
e'
s
i
rr
it
ati
on.
Khule:"I
fyoudon'
tshutitri
ghtnowIwi
l
lhav
ehi
m
rubbingiti
ntoy
ourvaginas.
"
Charl
i
etookouthi
sknif
eandcutthem ont
hethi
ghs.
Khul
ekeptpour
ingthevodkai
ntot
hosecut
s.Thei
r
scr
eamingwasdefeani
ng.
Chr
isgoti
n.
Khule:"
Didyouor
dert
heshoot
ing?
"Tami
akepton
cr
ying."WomanIdon'
thav
eall
day!"
Chr
iswalkedtoherandst
abbedheront
hegun
wound.Khul
esmiled.
Tami
a:"
Please!Am sor
ry!
"Shecr
iedout
.
Coco:
"Di
dyouornot
!"
Tami
a:"
Idi
d."
Khule:
"Youkil
l
edthemotherofourchi
l
dren?
"He
askedpouri
ngmorevodkaint
othecutsChar
li
e
keepsmakingwit
hhisshar
pknife.
Phuml
a:"
Iwasn'
tpar
toft
hatIswear
"Cocosl
apped
her
.
Coco:
"Youshutt
hef
uckup"
Tamia:"Shewasatt
hewr
ongcar
.Itwasn'
tmeant
forherbut.
..
"
Khul
e:"
Butwho?
"
Coco:
"Wher
e'st
hatpet
rol
?"
Tamia:"ForKhet
hel
o!.
..
itwasmeantf
orKhet
hel
o"
shegroaned.
Cocosl
appedt
hest
upi
dit
youtofher
.
Coco:"Wheny ougett
ohel
l
.Iwanty
outopasst
he
messagetot heli
vi
ngwhowisht
omesswit
hmy
fami
ly.Tel
lthem Ihav
enomercy
"
Hetookoutagunandf
ir
edatPhuml
a.Tami
acr
ied
hy
steri
cal
l
y.
Tamia:"
Pleasedon'
tki
llme.Iwil
lhandmyselfov
er
tothepol
ice.Pl
easepl
ease"shebeggedcr
ying.
Cocolookedatherdi
sgust
ed.
Coco:
"Okwef
orgi
vey
ou"
Hepul
l
edt
het
ri
gger
.Thebul
l
etwentst
rai
ghtt
oher
head.
Coco:"Ican'
tbel
ievey
ouenjoyedseei
ngt
hem speak.
Icoul
dshooty outoori
ghtnow.Charl
i
ewhatdoyou
dowithbodies?
Char
li
e:"
Ilov
ewor
kingwi
thy
ouChr
is.Ibur
nthem"
Khul
e:"
Ournextt
argeti
sthatKush"
Coco:
"Someothert
ime.Wehav
eawi
fei
nhospi
tal
toworr
yabout
."
Char
li
e:"
I'
ll
gett
heguy
stohel
pmewi
tht
his.I
'
ll
cl
eanup"
Khulewashedhi
shandsandt
ookhi
sjewel
l
ery
.They
bothwalkedout
.
Khul
e:"
Imustbehonest
.Inol
ongerhav
ethegut
sto
ki
ll
"
Chr
is:
"If
igur
ed.
"
Khul
e:"
Arey
oumad?
"
Chr
is:
"Cany
oupl
easeshutup?
"
Khul
e:"
Yes"
Chr
is:
"Thanky
ou"
Khul
e:"
Pleasur
e"
Theygoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Myalarm wentof
f.15:
30,
timet
odrinkthi
sthi
ng.I
tr
iedget
ti
ngup.Mybodywassore.Ipressedt
he
butt
onadjust
ingt
hebed.
Ipour
edi
tinacup.Ewww!
Igulpeditdownclosingmynose.Ir
eachedf ormy
russianaft
er.Godblesswhoev
ermakest hese.
Thedoorwi
del
yopened.If
eltabi
tofl
aborpai
ns
whenourey
esmet.
Khul
e:"You'
reeat
ingRussians.I
tsl
it
"Ishookmy
headno."Whydon'ty
oulistenKhet
helo?
"
Me:
"Idol
i
sten"
Khul
e:"
Doyouwantt
oknowwhatIdot
opeopl
e
whodonotl
ist
en?
"
Me: "
Am sor r
y"wher earethesetearswheny ouneed
them?Hepeepedhi sheadoutandsai dwhat everto
whoev er.Ifel
tawi ggle.IbettheyhaveaniPod
i
nsidet here.Theykickev enwhenunnecessar y.Li
ke
now,we' refacingtheirangrydadbuttheyare
dancing.Manybl ackscarymencamei n.Il
ostcount
at15.
Khule:"
Thesear eyournewguar ds. "Morethan15?
Hemustbecr azy."Guys.Thi
sismydeafwi f
e.Each
oneofy ouwi l
ltai
lherwherevershegoes, bathroom,
ki
tchen,lounge,garden,pool
,balcony.Anywhere.
Beforeyoudr i
veherany wher
ey ouconf i
rm withme
fi
rst
"theyallnodded.Whatki ndofmenar ethese?
Takingordersfrom anotherman." Fornowy ou
gonnabeout sidethiswarduntilshe'sdi
scharged"
Theynoddedandwal
kedout
.
Me:"Am notal
unat
ic.Idon'
twantt
hesemeni
nmy
house"
Khule:
"Theny
ougonnast
ayher
eunt
ily
ougi
ve
bi
rth"
Me:
"What
?"
Khul
e:"
Am t
ir
edofy
ou"
Me:
'I
tsnotmyf
aul
tyourgi
rl
fr
iendt
ri
edt
oki
l
lme"
Khule:"I
tis.Whatwer ey
oudoingt her
einthefi
rst
place?
...
don'tevenanswerthat.
"Iwipedoffmyt ear
s.
"Yescry.Shallyoueverr
iskyourli
ves.Iwi
l
l hav
e
Chrisremov i
ngmyki dsandIwillki
lly
oumy sel
f.Do
youhearme? "
Hewasnowonmyf ace.Lookingasscar yasI
'v
e
neverwit
nessedbef
ore.Inodded,scaredasshi
t.He
wasn'ti
nlov
ewithmeatt hi
sverypresentmoment.
Khul
e:"
Yougonnahav
eguar
ds?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Khul
e:"Whatwi
l
lTheydo?
"Notev
ent
het
ear
s
sof
tenedhi
sheart
.
Me:
"Fol
l
owmeev
ery
wher
e"
Khule:
"Shal
lyougoany
wher
eal
one.Whatwi
l
lIdo
toyou?"
Me:
"Ki
l
lme"
Khul
e:"
Goodgi
rl
."Heki
ssedmyl
i
ps."
Ilov
eyou"wel
l
i
tdoesn'
tseem l
i
kei
t.
Hepeel
edof ft
hepyj
amateeandki
ssedmybel
l
y.
Theyki
cked.Fuckt
hem.
Khul
e:"
Thi
smot
herofy
our
sneedsahi
ding"
Chr
iscamein.Hehadf
ood.Icoul
ddowi
thsome
mouthwat
eringf
oodri
ghtnow.
Icov
eredmybel
l
y.
Chr
is:
"Khet
hel
o"he'
smadt
oo.
Me:
"Am sor
ry"
Chr
is:
"Don'
tev
erdot
hatagai
n"
Me:
"Idon'
tst
andachance.Ihav
e25guar
ds"
Chr
is:
"Theyar
e30act
ual
l
y"
What?Ireal
l
ywannacr ynow.Theytookt
hei
rfood
andsatonthecouch.Itookminet
oo.
Theydon'tlookl
iketheyar
egoi
ngany
wher
e.They
broughtcastl
eli
te.
Me:"I
sshedead?"Amotol
dmesheshotheront
he
t
highbutIdon'
tbel
iev
eher
.
Chr
is:
"Shegotaway
.Thepol
i
cear
elooki
ngf
orher
"
Me:
"Iwi
sht
hey
-"
Khul
e:"
Eat
"hesai
ddi
smi
ssi
vel
y.
30guards?Whatam I
?Acer
emonycowt
hat
shoul
dn'tgetaway
?
[
2/26,
06:
37]Zozaness:
heDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erFi
ft
een
•
••
[
Emi
]
Onethingbeaut
if
ulaboutsl
eepingisthepeacethat
yourbodydwell
sint
o.Youcan'thearorfeelany
thi
ng.
I
tsglori
ous.
Andatthi
smomentIcur
sewhoev
eri
satmydoor
knocki
ng.
Iopenedmyeyes.Myheartbeatoutofmyr
ibcage
beforeIr
ememberedKhandumpedmeher ewit
h3
chefsand5maids.
Theknockingstopped.Ij
umpedoutofbedandwent
tothebathroom.Mouthwashisver
ytort
urous.I
spatitout
.Gaa!
"
MissDube?
"Hecamei
nwi
thoutmyper
mit
?
Me:
"Am comi
ng"
Iwashedmyf aceandgotout.If
oundhi
m si
tt
ingon
thecouchonthefarendwhil
eoneofhismany
maidsfixedt
hebed.
Me:
'Mor
ningsi
si"
Her
:"Mor
ningmadam"
Me:
"Emi
.Mynamei
sEmi
"
Her:"
Yesmadam"Isighed.Shet
ookt
hel
aundr
y
basketandwal
kedout.
Me:
"Ist
hisahot
el?
"
Khan:"
Mor ni
ngtoy out
ooMissDube.Noitsnot.
Howar eyoudoing?Doyouli
keither
e?"That
'salot
ofquesti
ons.Isatonedgeoft
hebed.
Me:"
Iam ver
yfi
neandIl
ovei
ther
e.I
tisagood
pl
acetobe.
"
Khan:
"Am gl
ad.Hav
eyoucal
l
edhome?
"
Me:
"Am scar
ed"
Khan:"Havet
heycalled?
"Ishookmyhead."Take
thatasagoodsign.Iwil
lgosendafewemai l
sto
fri
endsthenwecangodownst ai
rst
oeatbreakfast
.
That'
sif-
"
Me:"Iwouldloveto"hesmil
edandwal kedout.He'
s
contr
oll
i
ng, healwayssayswhathewant sy
out odo
andadd" I
fthat
'sokaywithyou"
.Crook.He'
salsoa
completel
ydiff
erentper
sonfrom t
hemanhei sat
work.I
'v
enowseenhi m smi
leinmanyoccasions
now.
Itookmyphonefrom theAv ani
ty.Ifoundmessages
fr
om theworr
iedsickKatlegoandl ovestr
uckAmo.
It
sonlybeenaweekt here.SheneedsJesus.
Ical
l
edKat
legof
ir
st.
Kat
:"Wher
ear
eyou?
"Itwoul
d'
vebeenni
cei
fshel
et
i
tri
ng.
Me:"
Hey.Am in.
."wher
e'sthi
splace?"
Am ata
f
ri
end'
splace.I
severyt
hingokay
? "
Kat:"
Yeseveryt
hingiswel
l.Youhadusallwor
ri
ed
yest
erday.I
nfor
m usifyouwon'tsl
eepathome.
Especi
all
ywithevery
thi
ngthati
sgoingon"
Me:"
Am sorr
y.Iwasn'
tthi
nki
ngst
rai
ghty
est
erday
.
Howarethey
?"
Kat:"ByGod'
sgreatestgraceLi
am madei
t.The
twinsandthei
rmothertoo.Theyshoul
dget
dischar
gedtoday,
shalltherebenocompl
icat
ions"
whew!Thanky ouGod.
Me:
"Thati
sgoodt
ohear
.I'
l
lseey
oual
ll
ater
"
Kat
:"Okbaby
.By
e"
Me:
"By
e"
Thedooropened.He'
susedi
ntof
lyi
ngi
ntor
ooms
wit
houtknocki
ng.
Me:"I
sitbecauseyoust
ayalone?"Hefrowned
conf
used."I
sthatwhyyoudon'tknock?
"
Khan:"Am sor
ry"he'
sthemostcal
mindi
vi
dual
I'
ve
evercameacrosswith.
Me:
"Shoul
dIev
enbeher
e?"Am r
eal
l
yconcer
ned.
Khan:
"Yes"
Me:"I
sthi
swhatyoudoforal
lyourempl
oyees?
Br
ingthem her
etocl
eart
hei
rheads?"
Khan:"
Arey
ouj oi
ningmef
orbr
eakf
ast
?"We'
renot
di
scussi
ngthi
sIguess.
Me:"LetmedressupI'
l
lbewit
hyoushor
tl
y"He
cl
osedthedooronhiswayout
.
Ist
il
lhav
e2hour
stogetr
eadyf
orwor
k..
.
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Hehast hi
swei r
dhabitofenj
oyingf al
l
ingasl
eepon
thecouch.It
urneddownt hevolumeandcar ri
edon
tothekit
chen.Just2daysawaybuty oucantell
.
Every
thi
ngisst i
l
lhere,mostsealed.Whichnever
happensinMr sDube'spr
esence.
Si
nceshecamearoundI'
vebeenv
eryl
azyt
ocook.
Ev
enmakingmyselfcof
feei
sadrag.
Itookoutal
lthenecessarybr
eakf
asti
ngr
edi
ent
s
andstart
edprepar
ingit.
Icar
ri
edt
hepl
atest
othel
ounge.Ishookhi
m.
Me:"
Youreyesar
ewei
rdl
ybi
g"hescof
fedandsat
upst
rai
ght
.
Qui
nton:
"Thatsmel
l
sni
ce.I
sKhet
hel
ohome?
"
Me:
"Doubt
ingmei
sn'
tsexybr
o"
Quinton:"
Wowi tl
ooksdel
i
cious.Ijustneedcof
fee
fi
rst.Didwedri
nkthewhol
ebarl astnight
?Myhead
i
sf all
i
ngoff"
Me:"Youal
onedrankt
hewhol
ebar.Wehavetovi
si
t
theDrandseei
fyouneedal
ungtr
anspl
antorwhat
"
hechuckl
ed.
Qui
nton:"
Iwashavi
ngfun.Haven'
tgoneouti
na
whi
le.Thi
scof
feedoesn'
thaveenoughsugar
"
Me:
"It
'sper
fectf
ort
reat
inghangov
er"
Lastni
ghtwedeci
dedtobeyoungandwi
l
d.Chr
is
andTyl
ersai
dtheywil
lpass.
I
nsteadofenj
oyi
ngmysel
fIendeduplooki
ngaf
ter
hi
m.Butnomat t
erhowdr
unkhecouldbehenever
l
ocks.
Quint
on:"
Wer
eyouser
iousaboutTami
aand
Phumla?
"
Me:"Yes.
"Thethoughtofi
tgetsmeuneasy."
Now
am l
eftwit
hthi
sKushf ool
.Ineedt
oteachhima
l
esson"
Qui
nton: "
Justinv
itehi
sfamil
yov erandsendhima
pi
cture.He'l
lgonutsal
onewher everhewouldbe.I
wouldlovetoseeCocoi nact
ion"whyisamused?
Me: "
Well
it'
str
aumat
icIwant
edt
ofeedt
hem t
othe
l
ions"hel
aughed.
Qui
nton:
"Ayki
ll
i
ngf ri
ght
ensmet
oonow.Char
li
e
t
oldmeNalaispregnant
"
Me:"Yes.Moreli
ons.Ican'
tbel
i
evetheyarebusy
hav
ingsexthere.Ishoul
d'v
esepar
atedthem"
Quint
on:"
Wouldyoubehappyi
fGodseper
atedy
ou
fr
om Khet
hel
o?"
Me:
"It
snott
hesame"
Helaughedandlai
dbackonthecouch."Soam
supposedtotaket
hesepl
atesbacktotheki
tchen?
"
Qui
nton:
"Youbr
oughtt
hem her
e,di
dn'
tyou?
"
Me:"
You'
reanungr
ateful
bast
ard"hechuckl
edand
br
owsedt
hroughchannel
s.
Myphoner
angasIwal
kedaway
.
Qui
nton:
"Youl
ookr
idi
cul
ousi
npj
s"
Me:
"Tsek.Heybaby
"
Khet
helo:
"Youcoul
djustsendmedi
vor
cepaper
s
youknow."
Me:"
Iwasmeani
ngtocal
lyouSt
handwasam.How
ar
eyoumypeopl
e?"
Khethelo:
"Thesemenar etoodarkKhulekani
.Please
tel
lnottoshowt hei
rfacesever
y2mi nutes.I
ts
annoyingreal
ly
"
Me:"
Imagineifyouli
stenedt
oyourhusband.You
woul
dn'thav
et hosedarkmenar
oundy ou.You
madethatbedmyQueen"
Khet
hel
o:"
Arey
ougonnacomeseeme?
"
Me:"Yes.Lat
erthough.Ihav
etogoandaddr
esst
his
shooti
ngmatteratDubeconstr
uct
ions.
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Oh.Imi
ssy
ou"
Me:
"Imi
ssy
oumor
e.Di
dIt
ell
youQi
sher
e?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Real
l
y?I
shet
her
ewi
thy
ou?
"
Me:
"Yes.Wewentcl
ubbi
ngl
astni
ght
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Didy
ouf
indoneni
ghtst
ands?
"
Me:
"No.Itwasaboy
sweek.Ther
ewer
enowomen
i
nsi
ght"
Khethel
o:"
Ahbummer .Cananyofyoutel
lBongaI
can'
tkeeptheset
hingsi
nmyst omach?Hisphonei
s
off
"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Letmegobat
hmyl
ove.I
'
llseey
oul
ater
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Byepar
tyani
mal
"
Shehungup.Ij
oggedupt
hest
air
s..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
At
tendant
:"Goodmor
ningmayIt
akey
ouror
der
?"
Me:"
Morni
ng.MayIpl
easehav
eMccaf
eandaBi
h
Macspi
cychi
ckenwit
hlar
gefr
ies"
At
tendant
:"Ok"
Idroveontothesecondwi ndow.Ipaidandtookmy
order
.Ihornedatthecarinfrontofme.Al i
ght
chubbyarm wit
hy el
lowlongnailspoppedoutwitha
middlefi
ngerup.Icoul
dcr ushthi
sstupidcarr
ight
now.
Shedr
oveaway
.
Womenandt
hei
rangeri
ssues.Soear
lyi
nthe
mor
ning.
Idr
ovetotheparki
nglott
oeat.Ipar
kedand
swi
tchedmyphoneon.Anymi ssedcal
land
messagefrom Mam Khet
hel
oisenoughtosendone
toI
CU.Icall
edher.
Mama: "
Real
ly
?Ispentwhol
eofl
astni
ghtt
ryi
ngt
o
gethol
dofyou"
Me: "
Ihadnoideai
twasoff.Ibookedi
ntoahot
el
herenextt
othehospi
tal
.Ij
ustwokeupand
grabbi
ngbreakf
ast
."
Mama:"Okdon'
tdisappearl
iket
hat
.Igetpar
anoi
d
whenIdon'
tgetholdofanyone"
Me:
"Sor
rymot
her
"
Mama:"
Ohh.Yourconcoct
ionsar
ecomi
ngupev
ery
t
imeIdr
ink"
Me:
"Decr
easet
hedosage"
Mama:
"Ok.Br
ingmeami
l
kshakewheny
oucome"
Me:
"Ok.Letmeeat
.Mycof
feei
sget
ti
ngcol
d"
Mama:
"By
o"
Ihungup.
Ithoughtt
hesewindowsweret
inted.Howi
sthat
personoutsi
deabletoseet
her
e'ssomeonehere.
Ipr
essedt
hewi
ndowbut
tondown.
Her
:"Yourhor
nisn'
tsexy.Don'tgoaroundhooti
ng
onpeopl
ewhohadj ustspi
llcoffeeonthei
rsel
ves"
Me:
"Apol
ogi
esma'
am"shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Her
:"Iact
ual
l
ycamet
otel
lyou,
yourt
yrei
sfl
at"
Me:
"Oh.Thanky
ou.
"
Her
:"Pl
easur
e"shewal
kedaway
.
Iatefi
rstt
henat
tendedt
otheFl
atty
re.Myphone
rangasIstar
edatthest
upi
dtyr
e.
Ir
eachedf
ori
tinsi
de.
Me:
"Mot
her
"
Mam Kat
:"Wher
ear
eyou?
"Am I5?
Me:
"Kempt
onpar
k.Needsomet
hing?
"
Mam Kat:'
Yes.We'
vedeci
dedtodoapr
egnancy
announcementpar
tyf
ordaddyT"
Me:
"O-
kay
"
Mam Kat:
"Nowweneedt
odi
str
acthi
m.Cany
ou
pl
easecal
lhi
mtocomewher
eyouare"
Me:"That
'sgr
eat
.Igotaf
latt
yre,
nopumper
,no
spar
ewheel"
Mam Kat
:"You'
rei
nsanel
ycar
elessSbongakonke"
Me:
"You'
ret
hel
astonet
odr
ivet
hiscarmama"
Mam Kat
:"What
ever
.Cal
lhi
m"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
'Am oni
t"
Shehungup.Ical
l
edDaddyT.Heanswer
edont
he
secondr
ound.
Ty
ler
:"What
?"
Me:
"Thi
sti
meoft
heday
?Wakeup"
Ty
ler
:"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Me:"Am i
nKempt onPark.Atr
agedyhappened,
my
t
yrepunched.Ihavenosparewheelnorpumper
"
Ty
ler
:"I
sn'
tther
eagar
agewher
eyouar
e?"
Me:
"Nope.Am i
nMcD.
"
Tyl
er:"
Man.Whydon'ty
oucallSam orGl
adet
osend
youhel
p.Don'
tyouhaveinsur
ance?
"
Me:"
Am dri
vi
ngt
hej
eep.Pl
easeman.I
'
llbuyy
ou
br
eakf
ast
."
Ty
ler
:"Sendmet
hel
ocat
ion"
Me:
"Thanky
oudaddy
"hechuckl
ed.
Ty
ler
:"ai
suka"
Ihungup.
"
You'
rel
i
ket her
estofy
ourgender
"It
urned.Mi
ss
y
ell
ownail
sagain.
"
Doy
ouneedhel
ptopumpi
tup?
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.NoIwi
l
lmanage"
Her
:"Handl
eitwi
thcar
e.I
t'
sdecay
ing"
Me:
"Itl
ooksgoodt
hough"
It
ooki
tandpl
uggedi
tonandst
art
edt
hepumpi
ng.
Iregr
etsayi
ngIdon'tneedhelp.I
'
v eneverdonethi
s
befor
e.I'
veseenobabadoi tanditlookedeasybut
thi
sisnowherecl
oset othat.
Her
:"BongaDuber
ight
?"
Ineedt
otakeabr
eak.
Me:"Yeah"Isai
dinbet
weent
hepant
ing.Ineedi
ce
col
dwat er
.
Her:"
Whydoy
oual
lgr
owbear
d.Youl
ookwei
rd.
"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:"
Ithoughty
oul
adi
esl
i
ket
hem wi
thbear
d"she
gi
ggl
ed.
Her
:"Ohpl
ease.Doy
oust
il
lpl
aysoccer
?"
Me:
"Wher
edoy
ouknowmef
rom kant
i?"
Her
:"Hi
ghschool
andv
arsi
ty"
Me:
"Youwentt
oUCT?
"
Her:"
Yeah"shewenttohercar.Idon'
tr ecogni
seher.
NotthatIeverdowi
thanyoneIwentt ohi ghschool
wit
h.Iconti
nuedpumping.Al
mostt here.
Shecamebackwi
thal
i
tci
gar
ett
e.
Her
:"Wowt
hatwasqui
ck.
"
Me:"Thankyou."Shetookherpumperandputi
ton
hercarandkil
l
edt hecigar
ett
ethengoti
n.
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tgety
ourname"
Her
:"Happy
.Happi
nessMngomezul
u"
Shewi
ndupherwi
ndowanddr
oveof
f.
Me:
"Thanky
ouGogof
oragr
aduat
iondat
e"
Idi
dal
i
ttl
eMJt
urn.
..
•
••
[
Mthobi
si]
Okaythi
sisv
eryodd.May
beIshoul
dreadt
hem
onl
ine.
Todayi
smyl astdayonear
thi
fIdon'
tmakemeans
tofi
ndt
his50K.
Hesentmeat exttodayasar eminder
.Ial
mostshit
my sel
f.Iopenedmom' sstashlooki
ngforsomet
hing
str
ong.Isawaf oldednewspaperpage.Itooki
tand
spreaditontopoft hecounter
.Fuckno!
Myhear tbeatfast
er.That
'swhythatnewspaperhad
nocov er
page.Sher emovedit
.Hehasapr egnant
wife.OhmyGod.Hel ooksyoungerthanmom
though.Hiswifeisa90s.Iquickl
yfoldeditandputi
t
i
nmypocket .Shegotinwithabasketf ul
loffr
eshl
y
reapedveggies.
Me:
"CanIgof
etchmyl
apt
opf
rom r
es?
"
Luci
a:"
Wri
tedownal
lyouneed.Mi
kewi
l
lfet
chi
tfor
you"
Me:
"Ther
ear
eper
sonal
thi
ngs"
Luci
a:"
I'
ll
dri
vey
out
her
ethen"
Me:
"Icandr
ivemy
sel
f"
Luci
a:"May bei
fyoudi
dnotli
eaboutwher
eyougoI
wouldn'tbewil
l
ingtot
akeyoubacktot
hehavi
nga
dri
verroad"
Me:
"Mom am 19.
"
Luci
a:"Yesandv
eryst
upi
d.Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngi
n
Riv
onia?"
Me:
"Iwentt
oseeaf
ri
end"
Lucia:"
Mt hobisi
.Youcan'tgoaroundlookingforthi
s
poormanony ourown.WhatWi l
lyousayt ohim? "I
stammer ed.Howdi dsheknow?" Iknow.Ifyouwant
yourfatherthatbadyougonnasi twit
hmedownand
askmeni cel
y.Youcan'tj
ustshowupathi sdoorand
throwthisfatbombathi m.It'
simpossibl
ef orhi
mt o
hav eachildyourage.I
fyouwantt ostayawayf rom
embar r
assmentst ayawayf r
om looki
ngforhi m"
Me: "
Ineedhi
mtohelpmepayspor
oro"she
chuckledi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Luci
a:"Prodigalsonshowsupandasksfor50Kthen
boom heget sit
.YouneedtogrowupMt ho.
"She'
s
ri
ght
."IfIgiv
ey outhi
smoneyWi l
lyoust
ayaway
fr
om him? "
Me:
"Absol
utel
y"
Luci
a:"
I'
ll
got
othebankf
ir
stt
hingt
omor
row"
Me:
'Thanky
ou.
'Iheadedt
othest
air
s."
Mikecan
fet
chmyt hi
ngs"shesi
ghedandcont
inuedwashi
ng
herveggi
es.
Igoti
nmyroom andt
ookmycel
l
phone,
int
ernet
knowsev
eryt
hing.
"
Khul
ekani
Dube'
sage"
34?Fuckme.Theysuggest edhistwin.Qui
nton
Dube.Iscr
olleddowntheirpict
ureswithmyheart
beati
ngoutofmychest .He'sreal
lymydad.Thank
youmom f orthi
scomplexion.Weneedt ot
alkabout
thi
sthough.
Fuckmom.Am dy
ingtotalktothisdude.Iwantt
o
knowwhatwashedesperateforattheageof15..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Hehuggedandki
ssedmyf
orehead.
Khul
e:"
Themeet
ingt
ookl
ongert
hanexpect
ed"
Me:
"Youshoul
d'
vet
ext
ed"
Khul
e:"
Mybatt
erydied.Let
'sgo"hepickedmybag
upandtookmyhand."Ihadtoconfi
rm wit
hDrfi
rst
thatyou'r
ereal
l
yokayanddi
dnotbl
ackmai
lhi
m"I
chuckled.
Me:"I
'
dkil
ltostayhereafewmoreday
sthant
o
hav
ethesepalsfol
lowingmear
ound"
Khul
e:"Youwil
ladjustt
othem.We'
regoi
ngt
o
Katl
ego'
s"Inodded.
Theyfol
lowedusl
i
kef
li
es.Ihat
emyl
i
fe.Heseemed
exci
ted.
Heopenedthedoorformesoonaswegott
othe
under
groundpar
kinglot
.Hehoopedont
oo.
Me:
"Whysomuchexci
tement
?"
Khul
e:"
BecauseI'l
lsl
eepwit
hy ouinmyarmsbut
bef
orethatI
'
lleati
cecream.Buff
et.OhKat
lego
l
ovesus"
Me:
"TheDrsai
d-"
Khul
e:"
YOLObabe"
Me:
"Igi
veup"
Whywouldshedot
hat?Chr
isprobabl
yhur
therand
sheputpoi
sonont
hati
cecream.Shecan'
tjustgo
t
hatf
art
opl
easet
hem.Ir
efuse.
.
..
Imust
'v
efall
enasl
eep.Iwokeupatt
het
ouchofhi
s
col
dasshands.
Khule:"
We'r
eher
e.WepassedbyMcDonal dsand
gotyouall
youmightneed"Ismi
l
ed.Iwanttosleep
though.
Hefoll
owedbehi
ndmewi
tht
hemonkey
scal
l
edmy
guar
ds.
Khul
e:"Wher
e'sev
ery
one.It
houghtwewer
ehav
ing
apart
y"
Me:
"Apar
ty?
"
Khul
e:"
Yes.Toannouncet
oTy
lert
hathescor
ed"
Me:
"Wowwhataf
ami
l
yyouar
e"
Khul
e:"
Yes.I
tsababyaf
terbaby
"
Me:"
Whydidn'
tyout
ellmey
ou'
ret
hrowi
ngapar
ty?I
woul
d'
veboughtagi
ft
"
Wecurv
edtothelounge.Thesefacesdon'tl
ookli
ke
t
her
e'sapar
tynorthi
sroom.Ev eryonehadaglass
ofsomethi
nginthei
rhand.Theyal
ll
ookedatusas
wegotin.Nohugs?Okay.
Khule:
"Isev
erythi
ngokay?"Ispot t
edadi
ff
erentface
yetsofamil
iar
.Helookedscar ed.Hewassqueezed
i
naoneseat ercouchwit
hTy ler.
Chr
is:
"Ev
eryt
hingwil
lbef
ineaf
tery
out
ell
usabout
hi
m"hepoint
edattheboy
.
Khul
e:"
Whoi
she?
"
Qui
nton:
"Expl
ainy
our
sel
fyoungman"
Youngman:"
Uhm.
..
mynamei
sMt
hobi
siNgweny
a.
Luci
a'
sson-
"
Ty
ler
:"Who'
syourf
ather
?"Hel
ookedatKhul
e.
Mt
hobi
si:
"Mymom say
siti
sKhul
ekani
Dube"wt
f!
Khul
e:"
What
?Ther
e'snowayi
nhel
l
."
Me:
"Cany
oupl
easesi
tdown?
"
Khule:"
Thisi
sdefi
nit
elynotmychi
ldbabeIpr
omise"
evenifi
tsnothi
s;he'
sprobabl
yoneofthem.Asl
ight
ski
nnedashemaybebuthei sacl
oneofbothhi
m
andQuinton.
Me:
"You'
rescar
ingt
hepoorchi
l
d.St
oppani
cki
ng"
Kat
lego:
"Howol
dar
eyou?
"
Mt
ho:
"19"hecan'
tbehi
s.
Khul
e:"
Ist
art
edhavi
ngsexat19.Weal
lknowwho
st
art
edhavi
ngsexat13"
Qui
nton:
'Wel
li
t'
scl
earIwasn'
ttheonl
yone"
Khul
e:"
Hei
syour
s"
Qui
nton:
"Ial
way
sused-
"
Mt
ho:
"Iwasn'
tconcei
vedt
hroughsex"
Chr
is:
"What
?"
Mt
ho:
"Hedonat
edasper
m"
Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.Hecur
sedunderhi
sbr
eat
h.Oh
myGodi
tshis.
Tyl
er:
"St
il
l.Hecan'
tbe15andbeal
l
owedt
odonat
e
asperm"
Me:
"Saysomet
hing"
Hegotup.
Khul
e:"
Ineedasmoke.
"Hewal
kedout
.It
sdef
ini
tel
y
hi
s.
Wesati
nawkwar
dsi
l
ence.
Ty
ler
:"I
'
llgocheckonKhet
hiwe"
Bonga:
"IneedaUSBi
nyourr
oom"
Katl
ego:
"I'
l
lgofi
xussomet
hingt
oeat
"Emi
fol
l
owed
behi
ndherwit
houtawor
d.
Chr
is:
"I'
l
lgocheckont
heki
ds"
Qui
nton:
"I'
l
lhel
pyouwi
tht
hat
"
Theyall
left
.TheboyandIremai
nedbehindst
ari
ng
ateachother.Whot
hehell
donatessper
msat15? .
..
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erSi
xteen
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Ist
art
ledabi
tthenreal
izedi
tshi
m.Ireachedformy
cel
l
phoneunderthepil
l
owandcheckedatt heti
me.
02:
45am.
Me:"
Baby
"itseemedasthoughhedidnothearme.
Hedi
dnotmov eani
nch."Khul
ekani
"
Him:"Sl
eep"hesaidsoftl
y.Iturnedont hesi
delamp
andcrawledtohim.Isatbehindhi m andpar
tedmy
l
egstobeonei thersi
desofhi m.Iwr appedmy
handsaroundhisstomachandr estedmyheadon
hi
sback.Hesmoot hl
yranhisfingersonmyl ef
t
hand.
Me: "
TalktomeNy amazanewam"Hetookadeep
breat
h.Icouldsenseworr
yini
t.I
'
veneverseenhi
m
l
ikethisbefor
e.
Hi
m:"
Arey
ougoi
ngt
oleav
eme?
"Her
ewegoagai
n.
Me: "There'snothingIwouldev erl
eavey oufor
sthandwasam.Comehel lorhighwater.Imadet hat
promi seinfrontofeveryone.Ivowedtonev erever
l
eav ey ou"Het ookmyl efthandintohisfaceand
kissedi t
.Hehasat hingforit
.Itmustbet heri
ng, i
t
makesi tpop.Especiall
ynowt hatam pregnant,
they'
repeaches.
Hi
m:"
He'
slegal
l
ynotmi
ne"
Me:
"Ifshecoul
dtel
lhi
m abouty
ouam sur
eshe
woul
dn'
tmi
ndi
fyoushowedi
nter
estt
obepar
tof
hi
sli
fe"
Khul
e:"
HhaiIdon'
tknowhowt
otaket
his.I
tst
oo
muchtodi
gest.
"
Me:
"Tr
uebuthe'
sher
enow.
"
Khul
e:"
Howdi
dheev
enknowwher
etof
indme?
"
Me: "
Onl
yhi
m cananswert
hat
."Iki
ssedhi
swi
de
back.
Khul
e:"
Didhel
eav
ehi
snumber
s?"
Me: "
Hedid."Goingforasmoket urnedoutt obe
goneforev
er.Mt hobi
sidecidedtoleav
eaf t
erour
l
it
tlemeaninglessconversati
on."
Whatr eal
l
y
happened?"Het ookyetanotherdeepbreath.
Khule:"
Youknowwheny ou'
reyoungy outendtodo
ever
y t
hingf oraquickrandwithoutlooki
ngatt he
consequences."Hechuckl edandshookhi shead.
"Onedayf rom schoolmyt eam'sopponent sganged
uponme.Theybeatmei ntoapulp.Quintonwas
absentthatday .Ihadmyl egbroken.Istayedin
hospit
al f
oramont horso.WhenIgotdi schargedI
hadt hisangerpi li
ngupev eryday.Therewasaguy
whol ivedatZone14, hesol dguns.Mypar entsgav e
usamont hl
yal l
owanceofR100"Igi ggl
ed."Don't
l
aughi twasal otbackt hen.Backt oKhaye,thegun
dealer.Iwentt obuyagun"Igasped." Yes.That '
st he
onlywaymyangert hi
nkssomet hingcanbesol ved.
Theguncost1000.Somei di
otthatIfoundt here
suggest edthissper m donati
onmadness.Iwas
desper ateforagunIdi di
t.Ifakedmyage.Those
nursescoul dn'ttell
,I
'v
ealway slookedgrownt han
myage.Igav et hem mysper msinexchangeof
R2000.Andy est hatwasi t
"Whew!
Me:"Di
dyouki
llt
hosepeopl
e?"Heki
ssedmyhand
agai
n,t
heri
ghtonethi
sti
me.
Khul
e:"
That
'
sast
oryf
oranot
herday
"
Inodded.Wesatt
her
einsi
l
ence.
Me:
"It
hinkGodpur
posel
ymadey
oudoi
t"
Khul
e:"
Ilov
etheposi
ti
vesi
deofy
ou"
Me:"
Nobabe.Heknewatsomepoi nti
nyourj
our
ney
youwil
ll
osey
ourabi
li
tyt
ochil
dren.Younowhave4
ki
ds"
Khul
e:"
Youthi
nkwhoev
ert
hatmotheri
swi
l
ljust
gi
veupherchi
l
d?Justl
i
kethat
?"
Me:"
Nobabybutam sur
eshewon'
tmi
ndt
oshar
e
hi
m."
Khul
e:"
Idon'
tknowbaby
"
Me:"Havef
ait
h.I
nt hemeanti
meaf terChl
oe'
s
cl
eansi
ngIwil
laskforherdai
ry.Shetoldmeshe'
s
al
mostdonewiththeplantogetherback"
Khul
e:"
Somet hi
ngi nsidemeal waystell
smet ocalm
downaboutPhila.Mymi ndstopsfuncti
oning
whenev
erIstartplott
ingany t
hingagainstNzuza.
"
Me:
"Thati
sSat
an.Weshoul
dgetherback"
Khul
e:"
Let'
ssleep.We'
regoingtoTyler'
stomor
row"
heal
way ssl
apsthist
opicaway.Iuntangl
edmyself
fr
om hi
m androll
edtomyside.Heliedonhisback
andpul
ledmet oli
eonhischest.
Khul
e:"
Ilov
eyou"
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Khul
e:"
You'
ret
hebestt
hingt
hathasev
erhappened
tome"
Me:
"Am gr
atef
ulbaby
"Iki
ssedhi
schest
.
Khul
e:"
Sleep"
Ir
anmyhanddownt
othesl
eepi
ngpi
l
l."
Isai
dsl
eep"
Itookitoutoftheboxerandpul l
edupmynight
ie
thenclimbedont op.Hemoanedsof t
lyandgr
abbed
myf aceclosertohisandkissedme.Iwentupand
downsl owly.Hefir
mlygrabbedmyassandhumped
mef rom underneat
h.Could'
veheardmemoanl i
kea
dogt hatspr
inkledi
tsankle.
..
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Ihateal
arms.Especi
all
ytheonest
hataren'
tmeant
forme.AsmuchasIl ovehavi
ngheroverIhat
eher
alar
ms.
Iopenedmyey
es.
Khet
hiwe:"Heybaby
"whoev ert
oldhershe'
stwerk
Goddessruinedmyli
fe.Sheshoul
d'
vejustbeenan
I
Gmodel .
Me:
"Whyar
en'
ttur
ningi
tof
f?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Il
i
ket
hatt
one.I
tgi
vesmef
reshdance
moves"
Isearchedforherphone.She'
sinthemoodt
ofi
ghtI
see.ShelaughedafterIt
urneditof
f.
Me:
"Youdon'
tseem r
eadyf
orwor
k"
Khethi
we:"That
'sbecauseam notgoi
ng"shesai
d
checki
ngherassout."Didyouknowthatam now
si
ze36? "
Me:
"Ist
hatagoodorbadt
hing?
'
Khet
hiwe:
"Welli
tdependsonwhatsi
zey
oupr
efer
metobe"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Anysi
ze.Iwoul
dst
il
ll
ovey
out
hesame.
"
Khet
hiwe:
'Weshoul
dst
arthi
tt
ingt
hegy
m"
Me:
"Not
hanky
ou.Am hungr
y"
Igotoutofbed.Shej
umpedonme.Mypoort
iny
bones.
Khet
hiwe:
"What
'sy
ourf
avor
it
ecol
or?
"
Me:"
Yel
lowforeggs,
blackf
orcof
feeandbr
ownf
or
t
oast
.Let'
sgo"shepi
nnedmedown.
Khet
hiwe:
"Wantsex
?"
Me:
"NoIwantf
ood.May
bel
ater
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ar
eyoucheat
ingonme?
"
Me:"I
'
dtobutIam scar
edofy
ou.
"Shesmi
l
edand
ki
ssedme.
Khet
hiwe:
"Good.Gowashyourf
aceandt
eet
hthen
comedownforbreakf
ast
"
Me:
"Thatsoundsbet
ter
"
Shegotof
fexci
tedl
yandpushedmet
othe
bat
hroom.
Iendedupbathing.I
tfel
tli
keat
rap.SheknowsI
can'
thel
pbathingonceImakeeyecontactwit
hthe
shower.
If
oundmyclot
hesal
readyspr
eadont
hebed.I
dr
essedupandwal
kedout.
Ther
ewer
erosepet
alsatt
hebegi
nni
ngoft
hest
air
s.
Icoul
dn'
tsmel
lanyeggsort
oast.Am gonna
str
angl
eawomant odeat
htoday
.
Me:
"Babywhy
-"
"
Sur
pri
se!
!!
"If
rozeforasecond.Thesedev
il
wor
shi
per
sallhadcolgat
esmile.
Me:
"Isi
tmyBI
RTHDAY?
"
Khul
e:"I
tsthe4t
hofFebr
uar
y"Bongapul
l
edmet
oa
di
sti
nctchair
.
Me:"Arey
ouguyscrowni
ngmetobeMthobi
si'
s
f
ather?
"Wher
e'sthi
swomanwit
hmyfood.
Khethel
o:"We'
dlovet
obutno"shecov
eredmyey
es
wit
habl i
ndfol
der.
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Khet
hel o:"I
'
llgi
vey ousomething.Yougonnaguess
whatitis,i
fy ougetitr
ightyou'
llgetascoopofrum
andraisinsbutifyougetitwrongI '
l
lfeedyouj
am"
Me:"Youwon'
tri
ght?"Ihatet
hatj
ell
ylif
elesscrook.I
hat
eJam.I'
dratherdiethant
oevertasteitagai
n.
Bonga:
"thegamebegi
nsnow"
If
elti
t.
Me:"
Whati
sthis?Shoes?Theyti
ny.Yougotmet
he
wr
ongsi
zethough"theyl
aughed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Openy
ourmout
h"shef
edmei
cecr
eam.
Me:
"Ar
ewedone?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Nope"
Me:"Canyouf
eedmeadonut
?Isawi
tonmywayi
n.
Am hungr
y"
Qui
nton:
"Futsek"he'
sthehat
er.He'
spr
obabl
y
st
uff
inghimselfupwitht
hem.
Me:"Thi
sisapaper
"theycheer
ed.Igotanot
her
scoopofbae.
Khet
hel
o:"
Lastone"
Thisi
sastick.Whatcouldi
tbe?Mybl
oodpr
essure
rosehi
gh.Thetinyshoes?Apaper
?Andast
ick.
Fuck!
Me:
"Wai
t.Babe,
arewepr
egnant
?"
Iri
ppedofft
hebl
i
ndfol
der
.Shestoodther
ebefor
e
mewi t
hamommyt obesl
ash.Igotof
fthechai
rand
huggedher.
Bonga:
"Okayenough"
Me:
"Shutup.Thanky
oubaby
."Iki
ssedher
.
Khet
hiwe:
"Who'
sgonnachangei
t'
snappy
?"
Me:"We'l
ltakei
ttoKhul
eandKhet
hel
oorChr
isand
Kat
legosoonasitisbor
n.We'
l
lfet
chi
taf
ter6
months.Ri
ghtguys?"
Theyj
ustwentt
othet
abl
ethathadal
lsor
tsof
yummyfoods.
Khet
hiwe:
"Iguessnot
"wegi
ggl
ed.Iki
ssedher
agai
n.
Me:"Am sohappybutscar
ed"shesqueezedmy
hand.
Khethi
we:"
Wherether
e'sGod.Ther
e'sal
way
saway
.
Let
'sgoeat"wehel
dhandstothetable.
Ihopethismakest
heirheart
seasyandagr
eet
omy
requestofmaki
ngthi
soffici
al.
..
•
••
[
Mthobi
si]
IhadjustcameoutoftheshowerwhenIheardacar
hoot.Iwalkedt
othewindow.Grangpa'
svan.The
gatesli
dopen,ablackj
eepfol
lowed.Ican'
tbel
iev
e
herri
ghtnow.
Myphonebeeped.
'
Avai
lyour
sel
ftot
hel
ounger
ightnow'
Iputonat
-shi
rtandwal
kedout
.
Gogo,Mkhulu,
Malumeandhi swi
fe.Allf
ourofthem
st
aredri
ghtthr
oughmysoul asIwalkedin.10eyes
onapoorinnocentme.Igr
eetedandtookaseat.
Mkhul
u:"
Arey ouamannow? "Wel
lyeahy
ouforced
metoini
ti
ati
onschool
lasty
earsoyeahIam.You
madesureofit.
Me:
"No"
Mkhulu:
"Whyar
eyouabusi
ngmydaught
erl
i
ke
t
his?
"
Me:
"Am sor
ry"
Gogo:
"Whydi
dyougoagai
nstherv
oice?
"
Malume: "
Mshanay ou'
r egett
ingtoobi gf
oryour
shoes.Mysi st
err
aisedy oualone,actual
l
yshe
conceiv
edy outhr
ought hatprocesssbecauseshe
didnotwantamani nvolvedi
nherl i
fe.Doyou
real
iz
et hedamagey ou'vedone?"
Me:
"She'
stheonewhof
orcedhi
m downmyt
hroat
"
Luci
a:"
Idi
dnotsaygot
ohi
m!"
Me:"
What
?Whatwast
heuseofl
ett
ingmeknow
t
hen?"
Gogo:
"Wat
chy
ourt
one"
Luci
a:"
Youappr
oachedt
hiswhol
ethi
ngwr
ong.
"
Mkhulu:"
Youcoul
d'
vesatwi
thy
ourmot
herdown
aboutthi
s"
Me:
"Shet
oldmet
ost
ayawayf
rom hi
m"
Luci
a:"
Becausehe'sgoingthr
oughalotoft
hings.
Hehadhispregnantwif
eattackedandwentt
hereto
beaburdenaftert
heother"
Malume: "
Neverstepyourfootint
hathome.Icurse
thatyoushall
dieifyoudo"He'savoodooking.I
hatehim.I'
vealwaysdid.Heli
kescontr
oll
i
ngpeople
withhismadness.
Me:
"Mal
ume"
Malume:"
That'
sfi
nal
.Iff
ocusi
ngatschoolandbea
goodboyishar
dforyouthenmay
bey oushould
r
etur
nwi
thust
othev
il
lage"I
'
drat
herdi
e.
Gogo:
"Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obehav
eyour
sel
f?"Inodded.
Mkhulu:
"Remembery
ourl
i
fedependsony
our
behav
iornow"
Gogo:
"Iguesswe'
redone"
Luci
a:"
Ihopeyouwon'tr
iskdyi
ngoversomeoney
ou
don'
tneedanddoesn'
tneedyouback"
She'
stoounderThespel
l
.Shel
ookedforhim,
for
what?Formetoknowmysperm donorandmoveon
wit
hlif
e?
Sheneedamanandanewchil
dbecauset
hischi
l
d
who'
smewon'tbeor
der
edaround.
Shefetchedt
hem sconesandtea.Whatawast
eof
pet
rolcomingher
ef orsuchaminort
hing.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Vee:
"Mustbeni
cebei
ngcr
ushedbyt
hebi
gboss"
Shehasherboss'
stendencyoffl
yi
nginwi
thouta
knock.Iki
ndl
yaskedthebodyguardst
osett
le
downstai
rs.Iknowver
ywellt
hatt
hebitchTamiai
s
ei
therkeptsomewheretor
tur
edbythei
rgoonsor
dead.
Me:
"Goodmor
ningt
oyout
ooVee"
Vee:'
I
t'
s12pm actual
l
y.You'
vebeenscoopedup
her
eyoumissedlunch"
Me:"
Real
l
y?Idi
dn'
tnot
ice.Ihadt
ofi
l
lupy
est
erday
's
wor
k"
Vee:"
Shamepoort hing.Sotel
lme.Whathappened
i
nBryanston?"Oht hathouseislocat
edinBr
yanston.
Haditnotbeenf orthatshoppi
ngwhi chi
s5minutes
awayfrom thathouse.Iwouldn'
thaveknown.
Me:"Ibat
hed,
ateandr
elaxedi
nat
ubasbi
gaspool
"
shesatdown.
Vee:'Di
dyousl
eepont
hesamebed?
"She
whisper
ed.
Me:
"Ewwno.VeeIam wor
kingher
e"
Vee:"
Aisukayourbossbaeor
der
edy ouf
ood.He'
s
soinl
ovewithitmakeshi
mlookstupi
d"
Me:
"You'
reseei
ngt
hings.CanIpl
easef
ini
shup
her
e?"
Vee:
"Sonotev
enahug?
"Il
aughed.She'
ssuchaj
ob
andahal
f.
Me:"Vee.Thatwasaninnocentki
ndgesture.
Besi
deshedoest hatf
orallhi
semployees"she
scof
fed.
Vee:"Whichones?Imysel
fashisPAhaveonl
ybeen
ther
et wi
cewhenwewentt orevi
ewitandwhenI
tookthedecorpeopl
ether
e.That'
shi
sowncastl
e."
Me: "Whatev
er"Ir
oll
edmyeyes.Isentmyeyesto
thedoor.Hestoodtal
landr
evolt
ingasheis."
Vee
pleaseexcuseme"
Vee:
"OkayMrsBossBae"Ichuckl
ed.Shegr
eet
ed
hi
m andwal
kedon.
Igotup.
Me:"Pl
easeopent
hatdoorandt
urny
ourbackon
t
hisoff
ice"
Jason:
"Weneedt
otal
k"
Me:
"Who'
swe?
"Het
ooksl
owst
epst
owar
dsme.
Jason:"Soyou'
vemovedon?Justli
ket hat?
"Heran
hi
sf i
ngersonthewhi
terosesonav ase."Doyou
l
ovehim oryou'r
edoi
ngittogetbackatme? "
Me:"Why?You'
rei
rrel
evanti
nmyl
i
feJasonNzi
ma.
Pl
easeexitmyoff
ice"
Jason:"
Why ?Whyareyoucheati
ngonmeEmi
hle?
"I
chuckl
ed.Thisi
sunbel
i
evable.
Me:"Idon'
twhatdrugareyouonbutwhatIdoknow
i
sthatitsnotgoodfory
ou"hesmir
ked.
Jason:
"Youdon'
twannat
alkt
omel
i
ket
hatEmi
hle"
Ipickedthecell
phoneupandpressedonthe
emer gencycal
l.Hesnat
cheditoutofmyhandand
crasheditonthewall
.Ist
art
led.
Me:
"Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ng!
"
Jason:'
Don'tf
orcemei nt
othingsIdon'
twannado"
hesaidwithhisfaceashardasarock,vei
ns
poppingout.
Hegotclosertome.Ist
eppedbackunt
ilIhadmy
backagainstt
hewall
.
Me:
"Jasony
ou'
rescar
ing"i
tcameouti
nal
mosta
whisper
.Hehadhi
sbothfi
stsagai
nstt
hewallon
ei
thersi
desofmyhead.Hesmeltofal
cohol
and
ci
garett
e.
Jason: "
Youbel ongwi thmeEmi hl
e.ThatcoinIgave
you,t hatisproof .You'remychosenone.Noman
shall havey ouwhi leIam breathi
ng.I
fy ouconti
nue
toent ertai
nhi m.Ther ewi l
lbebloodshed,itwon'
tbe
hisnormi ne.Idi dnotf al
li
nlovewit
hacowar d,one
sil
lymi stakey oudeci detoleave?Thespacey ou
neededI '
vegiv eny ouenough.Notev enyour
brother scant akey ouawayf r
om menorst opme
fr
om get ti
ngwhati sright
full
ymineandt hati
syou'
heki ssedmyf or eheadandheadedf orthedoor.He
slammedi tbehi ndhi m.
Ifi
nall
ybreat
he.Howdi
dIat
tractt
hispsy
chodear
heavens.
..
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erSev
ent
een
Unedi
ted.Am deepl
ysor
ryf
ort
heer
ror
s
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Shesnat
chedmyphone.Ichasedher
.Shel
ocked
her
sel
finthebat
hroom.
Me:"
Khethi
we!
"Ihear
dherl
aughi
ng.Shecameout
.
Shel
aughedev
enmor e.
Khethi
we:"Am notev
en3mont hsyetbutyou'
re
al
readygoogl
inghowt ochangeanappy"
Me:"Rathersaf
ethansor
ry.St
opi
nvadi
ngmy
pr
ivacy"
Khet
hiwe:"OhmyGod.You'r
eev
enwat
chi
ngdel
i
ver
y
vi
deos"Iscrat
chedmyhead.
Me:
"We'
regoi
ngf
orcsect
ion"
Khethi
we:"Mpiy
esendewouldt
urnonhi
sgr
ave.I
'
ll
pushitoutwherei
tcamefrom"
Me: "
ThenIwon'
tbether
e.Nextmonthisgood
Fri
day"Isatont
hebedandpull
edhertositonme.
Sheputonearm ar
oundmyneck.
Khet
hiwe:
"Iknowbabeandam pr
epar
ed.It
est
ed
thewater
sonTuesday
.Sheaskedmewhenam I
cominghome"
Me:"Thati
spromi
sing.Iwi
shfort
heli
tt
leZebr
ato
beborninhar
mony"shekissedme.
Khet
hiwe:
"Hewi
l
l"
Me:
"Awhol
emeaf
ather
?Godi
ssomet
hingel
se"
Khet
hiwe:
"Gogowi
l
lfr
eakout
"
Me:
"You'
re23"
Khet
hiwe:"
Iwi
l
lfor
everbeachi
l
dtoher
"we
l
aughed.
Me:
"Let
'sgoeat
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Yousur
eeatal
ott
heseday
s"
Me:
"That
'sbecauseam al
way
shungr
y.Let
'sgo"
Shecl
i
mbedof
fandwel
eftf
ort
heki
tchen.
..
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Itur
nedoverhopi
ngtof
indmymannexttome.I
foundanemptyspacei
nst
ead.Iwentt
othe
bathr
oom t
opeeandwashmyt
eet
handf
ace.The
radi
odownstai
rswason.
Iwal
kedout.Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evemyey
es.Theyal
l
di
dn'
tnot
iceme.
Chr
is:
"Si
kel
elal
etl
oose"
Iendedupl
aughi
ng.Ican'
tbel
i
evehi
m."
Okayf
ood
i
sdone"
Theyst
art
edcr
ying."
Comeont
hatwasa3r
dbowl
"
Me:"Chri
sti
an!
"Hest
art
led.Theyal
ll
ookedmy
di
rect
ion.
Chr
is:
"Theywentt
obedwi
thoutsupperl
astni
ght
"
Me:"Thatdoesn'
tmeanstuf
fthem up"weagreed
nott
oent er
tai
nthei
reat
inghabi
t.Theycoul
deatthe
whol
ecow.
Chr
is:
"Theyar
efi
ne"
Ipi
ckedSi
kel
elaupandwi
pedhermout
h.She
smil
ed.
Me:"Youguy sshoul
dnotall
owdaddyt
ofeedyou
l
ikepigs.You'
realady,
aladymi
ndsherdi
et"
Shej
ustgi
ggl
edandgr
abbedmyf
ace.
IputherdownandtookHawu,thatonedoesn'
tli
ke
bei
ngbabiedsodoeshispar
tnerincri
meSisekel
o.
Chr
is:
"Whenar
eweget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
"
Me:
"Any
time"hegl
ancedatme.
Chri
s:"Maybey oushoul
dstar
ttaki
ngyourmother
's
cal
ls"HeissentbySatanhimselft
oruinmyday.
"Am ser
ious.Iwil
lnothavet
hosewhiteweddi
ngs
wit
hnobot hfamili
es"
Me:
"Idon'
thav
eaf
ami
l
yChr
is"
Chri
s:"
Youhaveafamil
y.Whatyourmot
herdi
d
shoul
dbewaterundert
hebri
dgenow"
Me:
"Wel
li
tsnot
"
Chr
is:"Bef
oret
heendoft
hisy
earIwantust
obe
marri
ed."
Me:
"Wewi
l
l"
Chr
is:
"Tel
lmewheny
ou'
rer
eadyt
ogohome"
Me:
"Whathome?
"
Chr
is:
"Yourmot
her
'shouse.
"
Me:
"I'
l
lmakeussomet
hingt
oeat
"
Igotupandheadedtotheki
tchen.I
twoul
dtakeme
anotherl
ifet
oeverr
econci
l
ewi t
hthatwomanIcal
la
mother..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Me:
"Fi
nal
l
yhe'
sawake"
Khul
e:"
It
s10am comeon"
Me:
"Nor
mal
peopl
ewakeupat8am"
Khule:"Thati
speoplewhowor kandthosewhoare
pregnant.Wherearetheguar
ds?"Ihandedhi
ma
bowl ofwarm watert
owashhi shands."
Thanky
ou"
Me:"Theyar
eswi
mming.It
oldthem t
o."Hewent
outandcamewit
h2ofthem dr
ippi
ngwet.
Khul
e:"
Doy
ourj
ob"
Guard:
"Canwegochange?"Henodded.They
fol
l
owedeachotherout
.Il
aughed.
Khul
e:"
You'
rel
i
keal
i
ttl
echi
l
d."Ismi
l
ed.Hey
awned.
Me:"You'
resol
azyt
heseday
s.Onecoul
dsweary
ou
don'
tconsumesomuchener
gydri
nks"
Khule:
"Am enjoyingt
hebenef
it
sofbeingahusband"
hesmirked.Iplacedatr
aywit
hamount ai
nousplat
e.
"See?Am havingpapandmeatforbr
eakfast
"
Me:"Mamkhuluiscoming"helaughed."SoIwantt
o
seeam f
eedingyou.Ical
ledherinthemorning
aski
ngaboutthebackpain.Sheinsi
stedoncoming"
Khul
e:"
She'
spar
anoi
d."
Me:"Youdi
dn'
ttel
lheraboutTami
a?"Heshookhi
s
head.
Khul
e:"
AndIdon'
twantt
hem t
oknow"
Me:
"Ok"
HowdoIputt hi
s?It
ookasipofmyjui
cetogai
n
st
rengt
h.Heputthespoonawayandst
art
edeati
ng
wi
thhishands.Godfor
bid!
Me:"
Mthobisical
led"hebr
oughthi
seyesup."He
wasj
ustcheckinguponmeandsai d.
..
"Igul
ped.Hi
s
ey
ebuggedme.
Khul
e:"
Hesai
dwhat
?"
Me:
"Thathewant
stov
isi
t"
Khul
e:"
No"
Me:
"Why
?"
Khul
e:"
Wecan' thav
eanycontactwi
thhi
m unti
lwe
meethi
smot her.Whichi
swhatwe'l
ldonextweek
whenQuint
oncomesback"
Me:
"Under
stood.Letmet
aket
hist
oEmi
"
Khul
e:"Whatiswrongwi
thher
.Thebossbr
okeher
hear
t?"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"
Theyar
enotev
enani
tem.She'
scomi
ngdown
wi
thfl
u"
Khul
e:"
Ok"
Hecont
inuedeat
ing.
Me:
"Oh.AmoSmi
thandLel
oar
ecomi
ngov
er"
Khule:
"That'
sgreat.Tell
them tobr
ingt
hei
r
husbands.Ist
il
lneedt othankZac"
Me:
"Zaci
sinWashi
ngt
on"
Khul
e:"
Ohhh.Shoul
dImakemy
sel
fscar
ce?
"
Me:
"Asl
ongasy
ouwon'
tgetbor
ed"
Khul
e:"
We'
l
lgooutf
ordr
inkswi
thChr
is"
Me:
"Ok"
.
..
Iknockedbefor
egett
ingi
n.Shelookednothi
ngli
kea
depressedEmiIsawearl
i
er.Shewassmi l
ingather
phone.Idoubtsheev
ensawmecomi ngin.
Shej
umpedabitwhenIpl
acedt
het
ray
.Shesmi
l
ed
admi
ri
ngthef
ood.
Emi
:"Thi
siswhyIt
aughtKhul
etobeagent
leman"
Me:
"Ohpl
ease"
Emi:"Am ser
ious.Icont
ri
but edi
nwi nningyourhear
t.
You'
remygi r
lfr
iendtoo.
..
Imeanwi fe"shebi t
eoff
themeat."Mmmhnguni zat hisi
samazi ng.Areyou
real
l
yusingMaNgcobo' srecipebook? "
Me: "
Onl
yaf oolwouldn'
t"It
ookaseatonthefur
singl
ecouch.Forsomeoddr easonsal
lherr
oomsin
these4dif
ferenthomeshasit.
Idon'
tunderst
andwhyt
heyl
i
keeat
ingwi
tht
hei
r
barehands.
Me:"Younolongerdepr
essed?"Shebl
ushedal
i
ttl
e
l
ikeIhadj
ustremindedherofsomethi
ng.
Emi:"
Khannguni za.Khan!Am packed, seal
edand
sol
d.He'ssogent l
e.He'sever
ything.He'ssogood
wit
hwor ds.FuckthecrazyJasonam i nlovewit
hmy
beast
."She'sreal
lyinl
ove.Am happyforher .
Me:
"Ar
eyouguy
sdat
ingy
et?
"
Emi
:"Nol
ovebutwe'
renotsof
arf
rom t
hat
."
Me:"
Am happyforyoumybaby
.Fal
li
nlov
ebut
al
wayskeepyourey
esopen"
Emi
:"Yesmom"wel
aughed.
Me:"Letmeleav
ey outochatwi
thbossbae.Come
downstai
rsy
ourbrotheri
sworri
edaboutyou"
Emi
:"Am comi
ng.
"
Inoddedandwal
kedout
.Ihear
dal
i
ttl
evoi
ce
shouti
ng'
mommy '
.
Igotdownt
hest
air
s.Theybot
hhadbeeront
hei
r
handst
alki
ngaboutonl
yLor
dknowswhat
.They
l
ookedmydi r
ect
ion.
Sam:"
Ohhol
lymot
herofGody
ou'
resobeaut
if
ul.
Comeher
e"
Ihadabitofj
eal
ousyt
hatIwasn'
tthef
ir
stt
hinghe
l
ookedforwhenhegoti
n.
Ithr
ewmy selfi
nhisarms.Hef eelsli
kedad.Hi
s
embraceisexactl
yli
kehis.If
eel saf
eandloved.
Lovethatcanneverbequesti
oned. .
.
•
••
[
Mthobi
si]
Iheardaknock.Thi
siswhyIhateSatur
days.It
ook
myphoneandmyheadset s.Aunti
Kekecleansfor8
hoursst
rai
ght.Am sur
pri
sedthatt
odayshe'ssolat
e.
Iunl
ockedandpul
l
edi
topen.
Lucia:
"Her
e"cleani
ngequipment.Ishrugged."
From
todayonwards.Youwi
llbecleani
ngy ourownroom"
Me:
"Youki
ddi
ngr
ight
?"
Luci
a:"
DoIl
ookl
i
keam ki
ddi
ngt
oyou?Yoube
cleani
ngy ourroom, doingyourownl aundr ywith
yourownhands, i
roningandpacki ngit.Ohandon
MondayandWednesdayy ouwi ll
betheonecooki ng.
Yourgirl
fr
iendcanonl yvi
sitonSunday s"sher ai
sed
herhandasIt riedtotalk.Ilookedatthev acuum
andev er
ythingelseandsi ghed.
Myphonenot
if
iedasIchangedi
ntoanov
eral
l
.
I
twasf
rom Mr
sDube.
"Yourfatherdoesn'tt hinkit
'
sagoodi deaforyouto
comeher eunti
lhet alkst oyourmot heraboutthi
s
i
ssue.We' renotpushi ngyouawaybuty ouknow
howt helawwor ks.Yourmot hercouldhavehim
arrest
edi fheplaysf athertoy ouwithoutherpermit
.
Ihopey ouunder stand"
He'sri
ght.WhatwasIthi
nking?MaybeIshouldbe
goodtomom, byt
hatshe'
ll
softenupandletushave
arelat
ionshi
p..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Iwai
tedout
sidet
hecompl
ex.Thel
eafl
edmeher
e.
Theleafapprov
edofher .Ij
ustcoul
dn'
tgetherof
f
mymi ndsincethatday
.She'sbeenworththi
nki
ng
about.
Thisgif
tcomesi nhandyatsomesit
uati
ons.Ithad
beenanhourorsowhenar edTSifi
nal
lyappeared
behindme.Itpassedonandt ookat
urnatthegate.
Ir
oar
edt
heengi
net
oli
feanddr
ovesl
owl
ybehi
ndi
t.
Shedr
ovei
n.
Igr
eet
edt
hesecur
it
y.
Hi
m:"
Whoar
eyouher
etosee?
"
Me:
"Happi
nessMngomezul
u"
Heputt
hephoneonhi
sear
Hi
m:"
Yourname?
"
Me:
"BongaDube"
Heclosedhi
swindow.Icoul
dseehisl
i
psmov
e.
Af
tersometimeheopeneditagai
n.
Hi
m: "
She'
swai
ti
ngf
ory
ouatt
hepar
kingl
otony
our
l
eft
"
Idr
ovei
n.Shesatont
hecarwi
tht
hedooropened.
Ipar
kedandgotout
.
Happy
:"Howdi
dyouf
indme?
"
Me: "
Goodaft
ernoonMadlakadl
a.Nicenai
lsand
color
"shehadwhiteshor
tonestoday.Shebl
usheda
l
itt
lethen:
Happy
:"Iaskedaquest
ion"
Me:
"If
oll
owedy
out
heot
herday
"
Happy
:"Iwentt
omypar
ent
'shouset
hatday
"
Me:
"Ei
sh.
"Shechuckl
ed.
Happy:"
TowhatdoIowet hi
spleasur
e?Awhol e
Dubeconstr
ucti
onsCEOandv ar
sit
yformersoccer
pl
ayerpayi
ngtheordi
nar
yunknownHappyav i
si
t."
Me:
"Youhav
etakenmeoutofmymi
ser
y.Butf
ir
st"
Ireachedforfl
ower
sandaboxofchocol
ates.
"Pleaseacceptmygener
ousgi
ft
"
Happy
:"Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?"
Me:
"Yep.
"Shegotoutoft
hecarandt
ookt
hem.She
smel
tthef
lower
s.
Happy
:"You'
resweet
"
Me:
"Thi
sisat
hanky
ouf
ort
hatday
"shescof
fed.
Happy:'
Iwasdoi
ngwhatanyot
herper
sonwoul
d'
ve
done"
Me: "
Truebuti
tbecamespecialbecausei
tsy
ouwho
doneit.
"Shesmil
ed.Av er
ybeauti
fulbol
dsmil
e."
Let
meshootmyshot .Am desper
atel
yinneedofa
graduat
iondat
e"
Happy:
"Andy ouwantmet ofi
ndsomeoneperfect
f
oryou?Youcould'v
ejuste-mai
ledme.Idon'
thave
mypenwi t
hmer i
ghtnow, Iwi
llwr
it
eonmyphone.
Whatshouldbeli
ke?"
Me:
"What
?"
Happy
:"Shoul
dshebechubby
?Thi
n?Li
ght
?Dar
k?
Andsofort
h"
Me:
"Youwantt
omat
chmakeme?
'
Happy:"
Yes.Iaskthesequest
ions.Idon'
twantyou
r
atingmyservi
ce1outoft enj
ustbecauseIfound
youawomany oudon'tf
indat
tract
iveandal
l"I
chuckl
ed.
Me: "Thisisaver
yweir
dcoi
nci
dence.Iam her
e
askingy ouHappyMngomezul
utobemydat eify
ou
aren'tanyone'
syet"
Happy
:"Oh.Her
eIwasdanci
ngali
tt
lethinki
ngof
howmucham gonnachar
geyou"welaughed.
Me:"
Allmyfri
endsar
esi
ngl
e.Am sur
etheywoul
d
l
oveyourser
vice"
Happy :"Am t
hebestinthecountry.Oksoam i
na
corner,Godwor ksamazingl
yyazi.Ial
soneed
someonet obemydat eandactli
kemyboyf ri
endat
thefami l
ygatheri
ngtomorrow"shedoesn'
thavea
boyfri
end.Greenlight
!
Me:
"Sodeal
?"
Happy
:"Deal
.Letmet
ell
thi
sidi
othemust
n't
bot
her"
Me:
"Youal
readyhadaskedsomeoneel
se?
"
Happy:
"Yes.He'
sachur
chmat
e.I
twoul
d'
vebeen
awkwardanyway"
Inodded.
Me:"Ar
ekissesi
ncl
uded?
"Shehi
tmeont
hechest
.I
l
aughed.
Happy
:"Onl
yont
hecheek.Myassandmyboobsar
e
anogoarea"
Me:"
Yesma'am.Let'
sexchangenumberssoy
ou
cant
ell
meaboutyourself
.Idon'
twantbeast
upi
d
cl
uel
essboy
fri
endthere"
Happy
: "
You'r
elooki
ngforwar
dtot
hisneh"Igav
eher
myphone.Itwascloset
o4pm.BabKhulesaidwe
ar
egoingtoEastGateat5pm.
Me:
"Puty
ournumber
s.Iam meet
ingwi
thmyf
ather
i
nafew"
Shehandedi
tback.
Happy:"
Thanksf
ort
hef
lower
sandt
hisl
ovel
y
chocol
ate.
"
Me:"I
twasonlyapl
easur
emylady.Letmenotkeep
youhere.Goi
nsi
deandeaty
ourchocolat
e"
Shechuckl
edandshookherhead.
Happy
:"Ist
il
lwantt
oknowhowdi
dyouf
indme"
Me:
"I'
l
ltel
lyouonourhoney
moon.
"
Shesmil
edandrol
l
edherey
es.Ihor
nedasIdr
ove
off
.Shewaved.
Thatwenteasi
ert
hanIt
hought
.Shehasthatcheeky
si
debutIguessmyDubecharm wor
kedwonderson
her.
..
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Wepar
ked2st
reet
saway
.
Chr
is:
"Ar
eyouhav
ingsecondt
hought
s?"
Iexhal
edhar
dandshookmyhead.
Ty
ler
:"Thendr
iveon"
Quint
on'
scal
lcamet
hrough.He'
sal
lthest
rengt
hI
need.
Me:
"Dube"
Qui
nton:
"Twi
ny.Whyhav
en'
tyoucal
l
edt
oaskhowI
went
?"
Me:
"Iwasgonnacal
lyoul
ater
"
Qui
nton:
"Okay
.Wher
ear
eyourmot
her
'smonkey
s?"
Me:
"You'
reonspeaker
"hel
aughed.
Ty
ler
:"I
sthedecor
atorhot
?Howbi
gisherbum?
"
Quint
on:"If
oundnooneher
e.Anddon'
tasksuch
quest
ionsyouper
ver
t"
Chr
is:
"Ifshe'
shotpassheront
ome"
Qui
nton:
"KKCany
ougetmeof
fspeaker
?"
Me:
"We'
reateastgat
e.Her
etopr
ovokeasnake"
Qui
nton:
"Snake?
"
Me:
"Mt
ho'
smot
her
"
Qui
nton:
"Oh.Al
lthebestman"
Me:
"Thanksbr
o.Wi
l
ltel
lyouhowi
tgoes"
Qui
nton:"
Isuggesty
oul
eav
eTy
lert
olookaf
tert
he
car
"Ichuckl
ed.
Tyl
er:
"Youknowam t
hev
oiceofr
easoni
nthi
s
home."
Qui
nton:
"Fut
sek"hehungup.
Ty
ler
:"Thi
sdude.Fut
sek2day
sinar
ow.Iwi
l
lsue
hi
m"
Chr
is:
"Pl
easeshutup"
Ty
ler
:"Let
'sj
usthopeshe'
shot
"
Me:"ListentoChris'
sinst
ruct
ion"Il
i
edt
oKhet
hel
o.
Forall
t heri
ghtreasons.
Bonga'
scarpul
l
edupnextt
ous.
Me:
"Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
"
Bonga:
"Am sor
ryIgothel
dup"
Ist
art
edt
heengi
neanddr
ovef
orwar
d.
.
..
Justli
ke3y earsagoattheNzuzas.Wesatont he3
seatercouch.Awomant hatIassumeisahelper
aroundthishouseletusinandwalkedaway
.
Shewalkedi
nagai
nwi
thaj
ugf
ull
ofj
uiceand
bi
scui
ts.
Ty
ler
:"Thanky
ou"
Her
:"Madam wi
l
lbewi
thy
oushor
tl
y"
Ty
ler
:"Ok"
Shewal
kedaway
.
Chr
is:
"Donotdr
inkt
his.I
tcoul
dbepoi
soned"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
vebeenmeani
ngt
ocommi
tsui
ci
de"
Hepour
edaf
ull
glassandt
ookabi
scui
t.
Tyl
er:
"Iwonderift
heyhav
emuf
fi
ns.Thi
sjui
cegoes
wel
lwithmuffi
ns"
Bonga:
"Isi
tni
ce?
"
Ty
ler
:"I
tswor
thdy
ingof
"Bongapour
edagl
asst
oo.
Ir
egr
etbr
ingi
ngt
hem her
e.
Awomani
ngar
denwearcamei
nthr
ought
hesl
i
ding
door
.
Her
:"Mol
weni
"
Ty
ler
:"Yebosi
si.Howar
eyou?
"Shesatdown.
Her
:"Am goodIcoul
dhearf
rom y
ou"
Ty
ler
:"We'
real
i
vet
hanky
ou.Mynamei
sTy
ler
"
Her:
"Iknowexact
lywhoy
ouar
e.Iam Luci
a.Hel
l
o
Khul
ekani"
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Her
:"Letmeguess.Youbr
oughty
ourwhol
ecl
an
her
etoclai
myoursperm?"
Me:
"Wi
thal
lduer
espect
.Yes"shechuckl
ed.
Her
:"Doy
ouknowwhyIwentf
orI
VF?
"
Me:
"No"
Her:"
BecauseIdon'twanttoshar
emychi
l
d.At44
year
soldIsti
ll
don'twantto"
Me:"Nowt hatyout
oldtheboyabouthi
sdonor
.I
t
hinkthatwouldbeverysel
fi
shofyou"
Her:
"Hewasjustunderthepr
essur
eofneeding
moneyheowedav erydanger
ousman.Het hought
youwer
egonnagiveittohim.Hedoesn'
treal
lyneed
you"
"
Ido"weal
ll
ookedhi
sdi
rect
ion."
Mthobi
si"
Mtho:"
Yesal
lyou'
vej
ustsai
dist
rueexceptt
hel
ast
par
t.
"
Her:"
Mthobi
sigobackt
oyourr
oom t
hrel
der
sar
e
speaki
ng"
Mt
ho:
"Si
nceIam t
heconv
ersat
ionIt
hinkIshoul
d
heher
e.AskmewhatIwantmama"
Her
:"You'
re19.Youhav
enoi
deawhaty
ouwant
."
Chr
is:
"Iunderst
andthatthi
sisnewtoy
ou.Asa
par
entIam notexpect
ingyoutoagr
eetot
hist
oday
"
Her
:"Iwi
l
lnev
eragr
eet
oit
.Thi
sismychi
l
d'
Ist
oodonmyf
eet
.
Me:
"Thanksf
orl
ett
ingusi
ntoy
ourhome.Let
'sgo"
Ty
ler
:"What
?"
Me:
"Now"
Iheardhi
m sobaswecl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndus.My
heartbr
oke.
Tyl
ergotinthecarwi
thBonga.Wedroveout
.My
phonerang.Igav
eitt
oChris.Heanswer
ed.
Chr
is:
"Theysay
ingweshoul
dst
op"Ipul
l
edup.
Igotoutoft
hecarandheadedt
othei
rs.
Bonga:
"Wecan'
tl
eavehim here.He'
sgonnaki
l
lhi
m
andmakei
tlookl
ikesui
cide.
"
Me:
"Who?
"
Bonga:"Hi
suncle."Hewasi nhi
sspi r
it
s."Babathi
s
i
sbad.Gobacki nsidethereandtakeMt ho.He'
sthe
onewhosuggest edtheideaofivfbecausehe's
obsessedwit
hLuci a,
hehasacr ushonhi sown
si
ster.Hewantsnomani nherl
ife.Mthoiswhatwill
bri
ngamant oLuci a'
sli
fe.Mthoisthethreat
.He's
gett
ingri
dofhimt oday"hecoll
apsedont hechair
.
If
eltt
heworl
dgoaround.Myey
esbecamebl
urr
y.
Whenwil
lIhavei
teasy
?..
.
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erEi
ght
een
•
••
[
Chr
is]
The3ofussatonthepavement
.Ever
ycarpassi
ng
bycoul
dtel
lthatwewer
eat r
oubl
edbunch.
Ty
ler
:"It
hinkweneedt
ocal
lBaba"
Me:"
No"Isaidquickl
y.Babawoul
dwantust
odo
t
hist
heprof
essionalway.Wedon'
thav
eenough
t
imefort
hat."Wedon'thavet
ime.
"
Ty
ler
:"Hewoul
dknowwhatt
odo"
Me:"
Idoknowwhatt odo.Geti
nthecarandst
ay
wi
thBonga.Khul
ekaniandIar
egoingbackt
her
e"
Khul
e:"
Idon'
tknowi
fIcoul
ddot
his"
Me:
"Let
'sgo"
Khul
e:"
Shecoul
dgetusar
rest
ed"
Truebutthi
sisnoti
met obeposi
ti
ve.Igotupand
str
etchedmyar mtohi
m.Hetookitaft
erawhileand
Ipull
edhim up.Wegoti
nthecaranddroveback.
Ipr
essedt
hei
nter
com.
"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"Shespokef
rom t
hespeaker
s.
Me:"2minut
esofyourt
ime.Ipr
omi
sewewi
l
lnev
er
bot
heryouagai
n"
Shewentqui
et.
Me:"
Stopdoingthat"hewasrubbinghispal
ms
t
oget
her.Thegateslidasi
de.Idroveinandpar
ked.
"
You'
rewrit
tennervousall
over.Pully
oursel
f
t
oget
her"
Khul
e:"
Myemot
ionsar
eal
lov
ert
hepl
aceman"
Ipat
tedhi
sshoul
der
.
Me:"
NeedIr emindyouwhoy ouare?You'r
e
Khul
ekaniDube.Nowshiftposi
ti
ons.Idon'
twantt
o
seet
hisnervouswreckbutmyeldeststr
ongbrot
her"
Igotoutofthecarandweheadedin.Wef
oundher
i
nt heki
tchen.Shest
oppedchoppi
ng.
Luci
a:"
1mi
nut
e90seconds"
Me:"Wehavear
equest
"IlookedatKhul
e."
We'
dli
ke
Mthobi
sit
ocomewithus"
Shel
aughedf
oragoodwhil
ethenf
inal
l
yst
opped
andr
anhereyesonbot
hofus.
Luci
a:"Idon'
tknowwhoy outhi
nkyouarebutIl
ove
whatev
eritisthatmakesyoubothsobr
ave"
Khule:"Ma'am.Iwouldappr
eciat
eitifwekeptour
rel
ati
onshi pasci
vil
aspossibl
e.We'r
egr ownadul ts.
ThatBoyIwaswi t
hisaseer.Yourbrother,t
hewi t
ch
oneisgonnat akeoutourchil
d.Havey ounever
questionedwhyat25y ouevenwentf orIVF?Iam
beggingy ouwit
hallofmyli
fetoletMt hocomewi th
usunt i
lwe'real
lsur
ehe'ssafefr
om y ourbrother
"
Luci
a:"
Mybrotherwouldneverdoany
thi
ngt
phur
t
mychil
d"shesaiddef
ensivel
y.
Me:"Idon'
tbl
ameyou.Hehasyouatt
hepal
m ofhi
s
hand.He'
stossi
ngandtur
ningy
ou.
"
Luci
a:"
Getout
"
Khul
e:"
We'
renotl
eav
ingwi
thoutmyson"
Luci
a:"
Whatson!Thati
smyson,doyouhearme!
"
Shewasnowattheedgeofbr
eakingdown.
Khule:
"Youwon'
tbeabletoprot
ecthim.Pr
oveus
wrong,gi
vemeMt hoi
fyourbrot
herdoesn'
tshowup
todayher
eI'
l
lbri
nghimfir
stthi
nginthemorning"
Luci
a:"
Am sor
ryIcan'
t"shesaidcr
ying.Sheputt
he
kni
fedownandatt
empt edrunni
ngupstair
s.
Khul
egrabbedherarm.Shest
oppedandl
ookedat
hi
shandthenraisedherey
est
ohim.Theyl
ockedf
or
agood2mi nut
es.
Khul
e:"Pl
ease.Iam nol
ongerablet
obearchil
dren.I
t
wasnocoincidenceyoureadwhothesperm donor
was,i
twasnocoi nci
dencetodigmeup.Itwasall
God.Ihav
eadaught eri
nEC.Iam forbi
ddentosee
her.Ican'thaveanot herchil
dthatIam denied
accesst oo.Iknowhewasn' tmadet obemychi ld
butwe' r
eher enow, Ijustcan'
twalkaway ,
especial
ly
knowi ngthathisl
ifeisi ndanger
.Mywi feisvery
fondofhi mifyou'rewor ri
edabouthowshemi ght
treathim.Pleaselet'
sputourdi f
ferencesasideand
putMt ho'swellbeingf i
rst
"
I
'
veneverhear
dhi
m bei
ngt
hisdeepabouthi
s
f
eel
i
ngs.
Luci
a:"
Letgoofme"shesai
dsof
tl
y.
Khul
e:"
Am sor
ry.
"Hel
etgo.Sher
anupt
hest
air
s.
Het
ookadeepbr
eat
handst
eppedf
orwar
dtome.
Khul
e:"
Wet
ri
ed"
Weheadedoutsilent
ly.Wegoti
nthecar
.Hecame
outpul
l
ingaluggageasbigasKatl
ego'
sfol
l
owedby
hi
smot her
.
If
eltmyhear
tjumpal
i
ttl
e.Igotoutandhel
pedhi
m
wi
ththel
uggage.
Luci
a:"
Cal
lmeokay
"
Mt
ho:
"Iwi
l
l"hegoti
nthecar
.Myhear
tachedf
orher
now.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Luci
a:"
Am notdoi
ngt
hisf
ory
oubutf
ormychi
l
d."
Me:
"Iunder
stand"
Lucia:
"Don'tl
etany
onecl
eanhisr
oom.Hemustdo
hi
sownl aundryandir
oni
t.Nopar
ti
esnoout
ing.
He'sgrounded"
Me:
"Not
ed"
Luci
a:"
Wewil
ldiscusshowthisi
sgonnago.Ijust
needafewweeksawaytothinkt
hist
hrough"
Me:
"Thanky
ousomuch"
Shewal
kedbacktothehouse.Igoti
nthecarand
st
art
edtheengi
ne.Wedroveoff.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Thepri
vil
egeofwaki
nguptosweetmessagesi
s
pri
cel
ess.Fl
ir
ti
ngi
sthebestpar
tinr
omance.
He'
sobsessedwi
thv
ideocal
l
.Iwi
pedmyf
aceand
answer
ed.
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Khan:
"Mor
ningMi
ssZebr
a"Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
"Howar
eyou?
"
Khan:"Am good.Am sorrytoinf
ormyoubutyour
boyfri
endi
sf orbiddenontheKhanpr
emises.Hashe
botheredy
oul ately?"
Me:"Nohehasn'
t.Butam pr
ett
ysur
ehemi
ghtpop
upagai
noneoftheday s"
Khan:"
Yoursecur
it
ymustbechangedi
fheget
sto
you"
Me:
"Thanky
ouf
oral
loft
his"
Khan:"
Iti
smyjobt
oprot
ectmyy oungestempl
oyee
andfut
ureMr
sKhan"Ibl
ushed.
Me:
'Ai
suka.
"
Khan:
"Ist
hatat
ub?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Khan:
"You'
reaboutt
obat
h?"
Me:
"Yes.We'
regoi
ngt
ochur
ch"
Khan:"
WowThat '
sgood.Iact
ual
l
ycal
l
edt
oaskf
ora
fav
or"hescr
atchedhi
shead.
Me:
"Shoot
"
Khan:
"SotonightI'
minvi
tedf
orsupperatmy
par
entshouse.Pleasebemydate?
"
Me:
"Di
dyouj
ustmakeapuppyf
ace?
"
Khan:
"May
be.Di
ditwor
k?"
Me:
"No"
Ihungupandswitchedmyphoneof
fandst
ri
pped
nakedthengoti
nthetub.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Myphoner
angasIf
ini
sheddi
shi
ngupf
orev
ery
one.
Me:
"MamaChr
is"
Kat
:"Ineedsav
ingf
rom t
hisman.Cany
oubel
i
eve
hi
mr i
ghtnow?"
Me:
"Cal
m down.What
'
sup?
"
Kat
:"Hei
nvit
edmymot herf
orourint
imat
elunch.
Canyouaskhisbr
othert
ospeaktohim?"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lbaby
."
Kat
:"Thanks.Wher
e'sMt
ho?
"
Me:"
Inhi
sroom.Am aboutt
ocal
lthem downf
or
br
eakf
ast
"
Kat
:"Okay
.Seey
ouatchur
ch"
Me:
"Ci
ao"
Iputi
tdownandt
ookt
hepl
atest
othesi
tt
ingr
oom.
Icamebackt
otaket
hedr
inks.If
oundi
tri
ngi
ng
agai
n.
Me:
'Heyboo"
Lel
o: "
Isohateyouwoman. "Il
aughed.Theydr
ank6
bott
lesofwineyest
erday.AmoandKhet hel
oaren'
t
goodforanyone'
shealt
h.
Me:
"Am sosor
rymyl
ove.Howar
eyou?
"
Lel
o:"
Am hor
ri
ble.I
fitwasn'
tforCal
vinIdon'
tknow
whatwoul
d'
vehappenedtomychi l
d."
Me:
"Am sor
ry"
Lel
o:"I
tsokaydarli
ng.Ical
ledtoaskhowdoIuse
thi
spump? "Igav
eherabr eastpumpy est
erday
.She
hastoomuchmi lk.
Me:
"Am notreal
l
ysure.Youthrewthecupboar
dat
t
hebackseati
thasi
nstruct
ions"shechuckl
ed.
Lel
o:"
Am suchamess"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lnev
eral
l
owy
out
odr
ink.Ev
er"
Lel
o:"
Iwoul
dbegl
ad.By
e"
Me:
"Keepwel
l
"
Ihungup.It
urnedandbumpedt
othet
all
Khul
ekani
Dube.Hebalancedme.
Khul
e:"
I'
m sor
ry.Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"Yesam f
ine.Howar
eyou?
"Het
ookt
het
ray
.
Khul
e:"
Am okay
.Weshoul
dgetaf
ull
timemai
d"
Hepl acedthetraydownandpull
edachairf
orme.I
extendedmyhandt owi
pethetoothpast
emarkon
hismust ache.
Me:
"Icanst
il
lmanage.Youcanseet
haty
our
sel
f"
Khul
e:"
Whydoy
ouhat
emai
dssomuch?
"
Me:
"BecauseIcanhandl
emyhouse"
Khul
e:"
Cal
m down.Shoul
dIgocal
lthem?
"
Me:
"Pl
ease"
Hegotupandwal kedupst
air
s.Apar
tofmewasst
il
l
upsett
hatheli
edtome.Anotherpar
twasgl
adt
hat
hebroughthi
m homethough.
Hecamebackandki
ssedmycheekt
hensatdown.
Khul
e:"
Ifoundhi
m cl
eaning.Theyar
ecomi
ng.When
i
sournextDrsappoi
ntment?"
Me:
"Wednesday
"
Mt
hoandEmi
joi
nedus.
Emi:"Iseesomeonedoesn'
twannagetf
atal
one"I
chuckled.
Me:"You'
reungr
atef
ul.Howdi
dyousl
eep
Mthobisi
?"
Mt
ho:
"Isl
eptgoodt
hanky
ou"hest
oleagl
anceat
Khul
e.
Me:
"Iam notsur
eify
oueatanyoft
hese"
Mt
ho:
"Am onl
yal
l
ergi
ctopor
kandst
rawber
ri
es"
Me:"Goodbecausewenev
erbuyanyoft
hat
.Wear
e
goi
ngtochurchtodayy
oucanj
oinus"
Khul
e:"
Hei
sjoi
ningus"
Me: "
Ifyou'
renotcomf
ort
abl
eyou-
"heshy
ly
chuckled
Mtho:"
Ever
ythi
ngthatyouguy
sdoIwi
l
ldoi
ttoo.
Thati
showIwi l
lgett
oknowy ou"
Emi:"Bhut
iyouhav
en'tsai
dawor
dtome.Mt
hoi
s
al
readytaki
ngmyplace"
Wel
aughed.
Khul
e:"YourJasonhasbeenr
oami
ngt
hesest
reet
s
l
ikealunati
c"
Emi
:"Real
l
y?"
Khul
e:"Yes.Tel
lhi
mt ost
opbecausei
fIdoi
tmy
sel
f
he'
ll
sleepatmortuar
y"
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
."Am ki
ddi
ng"
Mt
hodi
dn'
tseem shookbyhi
sfat
her
'st
hreat
..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Icheckedt
het i
me.I
twascloseto11am.Ist
retched
asIyawnedandwalkedouttothebat
hroom.My
wholebodywasdown.Ipassedoutnumberoneand
ri
nsedmyf aceandhandst
henwentdownstai
rs.It
wassoquiet.
Ther
ewasanot
eatt
hef
ri
dge.
'
Wehav egonetochur
ch.Yourf
oodisi
nthewar
mer
.
Don'
tfor
getaboutl
unchatKhul
e's"
Itot
all
yfor
gotaboutt
hat
.It
ookoutmyphoneand
text
edHappy.
Me:"Morni
ngr ealli
fePr
incess.Whatt
imewi
l
lmy
ser
viceberequired?"
It
ookmyf oodoutandpour
edjui
ceandwentt
othe
l
ounge.Iswi
tchedt
het.v
.on.
Myphonev
ibr
ated.
Happy
:"GoodMorni
ngreal
li
festalker
.3pm i
sthe
t
imeyourser
vicewi
l
lbeappreci
ated."
Me:
"CanIcal
lyou?
"
Happy
:"Yesy
oucan"
Ical
l
ed.
Happy
:"Whati
smyf
avor
it
ecol
or?
"
Me:"AHelloBongawoul d'v
ebeenni ce.I
tsWhit
e"
shegiggl
ed.Ihav eafeel
ingthatshehadacrushon
me.She'ssof r
iendl
yforsomeonewho' scheekyit
s
hear
twar ming.
Happy:
"Butweal
readygr
eeteachot
her
.Whati
smy
shoesi
ze?"
Me:
"It
s5.Ar
eyouev
enser
iousabouthav
ingf
eet
?"
Happy
:"Don'
tst
art
.Don'
tspeakaboutmesmoki
ng"
Me:
"Isi
tasecr
et?
"
Happy:"
Kinda.Letmebat
hI'
l
ltexty
oul
aterabout
t
helocati
on"
Me:"It
houghtwewer
egonnameataty
ourpl
ace
andusethesamecar
"
Happy
:"You'
resmar
t.Seey
out
hen"
Me:
"By
e"
Ihungup.Ther
ewasat
extf
rom Mam Khet
hel
o.
"
Fet
chMamkhul
uatt
heai
rpor
tbaby
"
Great
!NowIhavetof ol
lowherar
oundt
oev er
yshop
becauseshe'
l
ldef
ini
telywantt
opassbythemall
..
.
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Imightnev
ershowi torsayitbutam ver
yproudof
Chr
is.Whenhest andsther
eont hepulpi
tand
pr
eachher eachesouttoeverybrokensouland
mendit.
Therehav
ebeent
imeshestoodthereandbui
l
t
other
supwhil
ehewasfal
l
ingapart.
Hesummonedust ocloseoureyesandsaythe
cl
osingpr
ayer
.Ihear
dasmel lofpot
atochi
ps.I
openedoneeye.
Me: "
Igotyou.Yousai
dyouhav
enosnackswi
th
you"Iwhisper
ed.
Khet
hiwe:
"That
'sbecauset
hesear
eenoughf
oronl
y
me"
Me:
"CanIhav
eonl
y2?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Cl
osey
oureyesandpray
,askGodt
ohel
p
youst
opopeni
ngyourey
esduri
ngprayer
"
Anol
dladysi
tt
ingi
nfr
ontofust
urned.
Her:"
It
seit
hery
ougi
vehi
mthosechi
psory
oubot
h
shutup"
Ishutmyey
esi
mmedi
atel
y.
Theyf
inal
l
ysai
dAmen.
Me:"Don'tev
ert
alkt
omey oubet
ray
er.WhenIbuy
donutsIdon'
twanty
ourl
onghandsonthem"
Igotupandheadedout.We'
reyettostayanot
her
hourorso.Iwentt
ogetthetr
ipl
etsfr
om thei
rli
tt
le
Sundayschool
.Theyseemedtobeenjoying
themsel
vessoIlett
hem be.
.
..
Af
ter2hour
swai
tingonChri
swefinal
l
ydr
ovehome.
WefoundMamkhuluset
ti
ngthet
able.
Khet
hel
o:"
Gogobaki
thi
.Don'
ttel
lmey
oucooked"
Mamkhul
u:"
YesIdi
d.Chi
ckencur
ryandpap"
It
houghtwewer
ehav
ingabr
aai
!
Weal
lhuggedheronebyone.
Mamkhul
u: "
Bomakot
igetof
fthoseheel
sandbe
comf
ort
able"
Khethi
we:"Am notlet
ti
ngthisonepassme"she
whisper
edandt ookoffherheel
sandsatdown.The
2othersj
oinedher.
Mamkhulu: "
Tylershowmey ourhands"Idi
d.
"MaNtul
ii
sgoi ngtokil
lyou"MaNtuli
isKhethi
we'
s
grandmother.
Me:
"Why
?"Shewal
kedont
otheki
tchen.
BongaandMt
hogoti
n.
Khul
e:"
Cel
l
phones"
Bonga:
"Am chat
ti
ngt
oyourf
utur
edaught
eri
nlaw
her
e"
Chr
is:
"Isshecut
e?"
Bonga:
"Yesandsuccessf
ul"
Khul
e:"
Good.Idon'
twantadunderheadofa
makoti
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Mt
hobi
si"
Hest
art
led.
Khet
hel
o:"
Arey
ouokay
?"
Mt
ho:
"Yest
hanky
ou"
Khul
e:"
Comewi
thme"
Iwenttotheki
tchent
ocheckf
orsomemuf
fi
nsor
donut
s..
.
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Il
edhi
mtot
hepool
area.Il
i
tmyci
gar
ett
e.
Me:
"Ar
eyougood?
"
Mt
ho:
"Yes.
"
Me: "
Good.Yourmothertol
dChri
sy ouusedyour
secondsemestermoney.Whereareyougoingtoget
i
t?"
Hi
sey
esdr
opped.
Mtho:"
Iwashopi
ngmom i
sgonnagi
veme"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"Af
tershepai
dthatmashoni
saIdoubt
"
Shetol
dChr
iswhyi
shegr
ounded.He'
sal
i
ttl
e
Qui
nton.
Mt
ho:
"Younotgoi
ngt
olendme?
"
Me:
"Wher
edoy
ouwor
k?"
Mt
ho:
"Nowher
e"
Me: "
Howwoul dyoupaymebackt hen?"Hecr acked
hisknuckles."Yourmot hergaveus8weekst ogetto
knoweachot her.I
nthis8weeksIwi l
lteachyout o
bear esponsiblemanst arti
ngfrom Tomor r
ow.Af t
er
yourclassesy ouwillbedrivi
ngtoDube
construct
ionsandcl eantheCEOsf loor"
Mt
ho:
"Younotser
ious"
Me:
"4pm y
oushoul
dbet
her
e"
Mtho:
"WaitIdon'thav
eacar
.Mom sai
dIcan'
tusei
t
si
nceam grounded"
Me:"
Wehav epl
ent
yofcar
sher
e.Iwi
l
lbor
rowy
ou
mycressi
da"
Mt
ho:
"What
?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ther
eyouar
e"
Me:
"Makesur
eyout
reati
tgood.Heybaby
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Mt
ho:
"Nohe-
"hest
oppedwhenourey
esmet
.
Me:
"Rul
enumber1:
wedon'
ttel
lmot
her
sany
thi
ng"
Henoddedwi
thasadf
ace.Iki
l
ledt
heci
gar
ett
eand
headedi
n.
Mt
ho:
"Hewant
smet
odr
iveacr
essi
da"
Hewhi sper
edt oKhethel
o.There'
sst
il
lal
ongwayto
go.Myphonebeeped.Ir eachedfori
tonmypocket
.
Quint
on.Hav en'
ttol
dhim aboutMtho.
"
Tel
lmei
fmymi
ndi
spl
ayi
ngt
ri
cksonme.
"
Ther
ewasapi
ctur
eat
tached.Ist
aredati
tfora
whil
e.
"
Whoi
sshe?
"Ir
esponded.
"
Thedecor
ator
"-Qui
nton
"
Weneedt odoabackgr
oundcheck.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou
l
ater
.Ihav
esomethi
ngtotel
lyou.
"
Il
ockeditandputi
tnexttomyplat
eandst
art
ed
eat
ing.Ipr
ayshe'
srel
atedtohi
m...
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
Chapt
erNi
net
een
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Shetookthedampclot
handwi
pedt
hecount
erand
ri
nseditandhungi
taway.
Theki
tchent
elephoner
ang.Shepi
ckedup.
Luci
a:"
Nkosi
resi
denthowmayIhel
pyou?
"
Mike:"
ThankGodIt houghtyouwereasleep.I
'
ve
spentt
helasthourcall
ingyourphone"
Lucia:"
OhIf or
goti
tupst
air
s.Ideci
dedt
ocl
eanup
beforeIleav
e"
Mike:
"That
'sv
erythought
fulofy
oumama.Your
f
li
ghtdepar
tsat12hoursi
nthenoon.
"
Me:
"IsSi
mphi
weatt
heof
fi
ce?
"
Mike:
"Yes.Il
i
keherconfidence.You'
dthi
nkshe'
s
notamansnat cher
"Luci
achuckled
Luci
a:"
Pleaset
reateachot
herwel
l
"
Mike:
"Hhaimadam Iwi
l
lchokesl
am heri
fshest
eps
onmycorners.
"
Luci
a:"
Mike!
"
Mike:
"Okayam kiddi
ngIwi
l
ltr
ymybestt
obenice
aspossibl
e.Arey
ougoingt
oleav
ewi
thoutseei
ng
Mthofir
st?"Shet
ookadeepsi
gh.
Luci
a:"Thi
swi l
lbethefi
rstt
imei
n19y ear
sIleav
e
hi
m withanyonewho'snotmymot her
.Heseemst o
belovi
ngitther
ethough"
Mi
ke:
"Ohhhmansi
si.TheDubesar
egoodpeopl
e"
Lucia:"
Seemsli
keit
.Justy
est er
dayIwasn'
teven
surethatImadeagooddecisionofgi
vi
nghimt o
them butwhenhecal
ledmet ell
i
ngmehe'sfrom
church,apar
tofmegotatease. "
Mi
ke:
"SeeIt
oldy
ou"
Luci
a:"Pl
easebookus9am mov
iet
icket
s.I
'
llcal
l
hi
mj ustnow"
Mi
ke:
"Oni
t.By
e"
Shetookt
hephoneof
ftheearandst
art
eddi
ali
ng
Mtho'
snumber.
I
trangf
orawhi
l
e.
Mt
ho:
"Hel
l
o"
Luci
a:"
Nohel
l
omot
herj
usthel
l
o?"Hechuckl
ed
Mt
ho:
"Hel
l
omyqueen.Howdoy
oudo?
"
Luci
a:"
That
'smor
eli
kei
t.Am l
ear
ningt
obegood
wit
hyououtofmysi
ght
.Howareyou?"
Mtho:"
Am i
ngoodhands.Wor
rynot
,am goodt
hank
you.
"
Luci
a:"
Am leav
ingforBangl
adeshthi
saf
ter
noon.I
wouldl
iket
oseey oubefor
eIleave"
Mt
ho:
"Whatt
imeshoul
dIcome?
"
Luci
a:"We'
regoi
ngt
owat
chamov
iengo9am.Tel
l
yourf
amily
"
Mt
ho:
"Soundsgood.Iwi
l
l"
Luci
a:"
Okby
ethen"
Mt
ho:
"Wai
t.
..
didy
out
ell
himt
opuni
shme?
"
Luci
a:"
Didhebeaty
ouup?
"Shesai
dpani
cki
ng.
Mt ho:"Nonono.Hesai
dImustwor ki
norderto
makemysecondsemest ermoney
"shelaughed."
It
s
notf unnymom.Heevenwantsmet odri
vea
cressida.Ihadt
owashitmysel
f"
Luci
a:"Youwantedaf at
herri
ght
?Fathersgi
ve
Meserati
stowellbehavedchi
ldr
en.Am notgoi
ngto
fet
chy ounow,
driveyournewcar"sheconti
nued
l
aughing.
Mtho:"
Iwoul
drathert
akeat
axi
"Herbr
othergoti
n
pul
li
ngati
nysui
tcase.
Luci
a:"
Goodl
uck.I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
"
Theybi
deachot
hergoodby
e.
Luci
a:"
Khumbul
ani
"
Khumbul
ani
:"Tel
lmei
tisnott
rue"
Luci
a:"
What
?"
Khumbulani
:"Howcouldyouall
owt hi
s?Doy ou
knowwhaty ou'
rebr
ingi
ngintoyourli
fe?Whydoyou
l
etMthobisi
control
youLucia"
Luci
a:"
Mychi
l
d'shappi
nesscomesf
ir
st"
Hechuckl
edi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Khumbulani
:"Youwantamani nyourl
i
fenow?
Becausehim st
ayingther
eisgoi
ngtomakeyou
cl
osewiththatfucki
ngman"
Luci
a:"
Khumbul
ani
thi
sismyl
i
fe"
Hehi
thi
spal
msagai
nstt
hecount
erf
uri
ousl
y.Luci
a
j
umped.
Khumbulani:"
Shutup!Justshutup.Fet chhi
m and
cutofft
hosef i
lt
hyDubest heyarenogood.They
wanttosacrif
icehi
mf ortheirr
iches.Theyfoundy
ou
stupi
d,astupi
dmot herwhol etheronlysongo"
Luci
aranupthestai
rstear
y."
Iwi
l
lfet
chhi
m my
sel
f
andtheywon'
tl
ikeit
!"
Heshout
edbehi
nd.
..
•
••
[
Jason]
Iattendedtheknockatthedoor
.West
aredateach
otherforquit
esomet i
me.
Me:
"HowcanIhel
pyou?
"
Him:"Goodquest
ion.Youcanhel
pmewi t
hstay
ing
thehell
outofbui
l
dingandthefuckawayf
rom
Emihle.
"
Me:
"Ar
eyoudone?
"
Him: "
Itdependsi fyou'redonet ort
uri
ngthatlit
tlegir
l.
Becausei fyou'r
enoty ouandIwi ll
haveapr oblem
Nzima.Idon' tcarehowgoody ouareathackingand
howqui cklyyourcharact ercanchange.Iwil
l dot he
worstthingtoy ouyouwon' tevenrecogni
zewhoy ou
are.I
fherbr otherswil
l notdoshi ttoyouj
ustknowI
will
.Don'ttestmeboy "het ossedthe50cont he
groundandwal kedaway .
Whenhement i
onedhowmuchhedoesn' thowquick
mycharacterchange.Ifel
tdefeat
ed,
hehaddone
hi
sresearchverywell.Heissomeonetoworr
yabout
andgetterminat
edv erysoon.
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
"
Goodmor
ning.
"
Ibat
tl
edopeni
ngmyey
es.
Sunli
ghthi
tmeIpul
l
edwhat
everi
tisnextt
omet
o
covermyface.
"
BongaDubei
ts10am"
Me:
"Andwhoar
eyou?
"
"
Itol
dyoutoslowdownonthoseshot
s.Look,
now
y
ou'vegotamnesi
a"shegi
ggl
ed.
Imov
edt
hepi
l
lowof
fandopenedmyey
es.Ohshi
t.
Igr
oaned.
Me:
"Howdi
dwegether
e?"
Happy :"
Ibookedusanuber.You'r
ewil
dashell
man.
Ishouldn'
thaveli
stenedy
ouImi ssedmy8am
meetingwithacli
ent"
Me:"
Shi
t!Ishoul
dbeatt
heof
fi
ce.Babai
sgoi
ngt
o
ki
l
lme.Lookaway "
Happy
:"Why
?"
Me:
"Becauseam onmyboxer
s"
Happy
:"Youscar
edam goi
ngt
oseet
hepeni
s?I
knowapenisi
tsnof
orei
gntome"
Me:"
Happi
nessl
ookawayIwantt
obat
handgett
o
wor
kassoonaspossi
ble"
Shechuckl
edandheadedt
othedoor
.
Happy:
"Bat
hroom isthedoorwi
ththepi
nkf
lower
.
Byegol
dendick"sheclosedt
hedoor.
Yester
dayaft
ert
heboyfri
endact
ingcar
eersI
suggestedwegofordr
inkswhi
chIregr
etsomuch
ri
ghtnow.
Itr
ulyneededsomethingstr
ongyester
dayafter
"whatareyouint
enti
onsaboutmydaught er"
questi
ons.Iam aver
ybadl i
ar,
somequest i
onswer
e
toomuchIwant edtoconfessam notyether
boyfr
iend.
Happy :
"Thatwasqui ck.If
ixedyouthi
slunchbox.
Thisisahangov ershake.Thankyouforyest
erdayI
real
lyappreci
ateit"
Me:"I
tsnothi
ngsweet
heart
."Itookthelunchboxand
ashake."
Thankyouf
orthi
s.I'
l
lbringyourglasson
Fr
iday"
Happy:"
Am goingtoFr
eeStat
etomor
rowmor
ning.
I
'l
lret
urnnextweekThur
sday"
Me:
'Vi
sit
ingboy
fri
end?
"Shesnor
tlaughed.
Happy:"
Ohplease.Am meet
ing7cli
entsand
shoot
ing4scenes"she'
sanactr
esstoo.
Me:
"Ohh.I
'
llcal
lyou"
Happy
:"I
tsquar
tert
o11"
Ichuckl
edandwal kedout
.IfIcouldIwoul
dtakeher
anywherewit
hme.Shecar rythathappi
nessvi
be
anditscont
agious.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
"
Saguqukasaj
ikasathiphathaphat
haohy
iyomama
y
iyoma,sathi
phathaphatha"
Idr
aggedmyselft
othedoor
.Iopened.Shehadno
car
einthewor
ld.
Me:
"Cany
oupl
easekeepi
tdown?
"
Shecont i
nueddancingandsingingthereonthe
stove."Hel
lo?"IwavedthenIreali
zedshehas
earpieceson.Iwalkedtowar
dst hekit
chenspace.I
pull
edt hechairandsatdown.
Kyl
ie:
"Fi
nal
l
yyou'
reawake.Goodmor
ningsl
eepy
head"
Me:
"Whatt
imei
sit
?"
Ky
li
e:"
Closet
o11"
Me:"Andy
outhoughti
tsbesttodi
stur
bmysl
eep
bur
stmyeardr
ums?"Shelaughed.
Ky
li
e:"
WasIt
ool
oud?
"
Me:
"Yesandwhyonear
thar
eyouli
steni
ngt
o
Mar
iam?Arey
ou50orsomethi
ng?
"
Kyl
ie:
"Youmybosshav
enoi
deawhatgoodmusi
c
i
s."
Me:"AndIthi
nkam cool
witht
hat
.Where'
sthe
decor
ator
?"Shest
oppeddishi
ngandst
aredatme.
Ky
li
e:"
Shehasaname.Hernamei
sYol
ishor
tfor
Yol
anda"
Me:"
Ok.Youcan'
tblameyounev
ertol
dmeher
name.Iwoul
dli
ketogoandseethepr
ogr
ess"
Kyl
ie:"
She'sgoodatit.Iwanty outogoseei
twhen
i
t'
salldone.Todayshe'sdoing3guestrooms.She'
s
donewiththefi
rstonealready.All
Icansayisyou
mightstar
tsendingthati
nv i
tat
iontoTopBil
l
ing"
Me:"You'
rej
ustver
yfondofhert
hat
'sal
l
.OnFr
idayI
am goi
ngther
e."
Ky
li
e:"
Qui
ntont
rustme"
Me:
"Notwheny
ou'
rei
nlov
ewi
thMol
i
"
Ky
li
e:"
Yo-
li
"
Me:
"What
ever
"
It
ookt
hepl
ateoff
oodandst
art
edeat
ing.
Me:
"whyar
eyouonpy
jamas?
"
Ky
li
e:"
BecauseIsl
epther
e.Yol
i
-"
Me:
"Hhai
arey
ouguy
slesbi
ans?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Whati
fwear
e?"
Me:"WhataboutRay
mond"shel
aughedandshook
herhead.
Ky
li
e:"
We'
renotl
esbi
anbat
hong.Justeat
"
Shewal
kedof
ftot
hemast
err
oom.
Iam rel
uctanttocallChar
li
et oinvesti
gat
ethis
Vil
akazigir
l.Iam scaredt
ocomei ntoter
mswi tht
he
tr
uth,becuaseifsheishersisterKhulemightwant
touseherinawr ongwayt ogetPhi laback.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
"
Youbet
teropent
hisgat
e.Ihav
e4bi
gmacsand
r
ockmysoul"
She'
sGodl
ysent
.
Me:
"Amoi
satt
hegat
e"
Khul
e:"
Shoul
dIdi
sappear
?"
Me:
"No.
"Itookthehousecont
rol
tabl
etandopened
t
hegat
eforher.
Khul
e:"
Bongaarri
vedathalfpastel
evenatwor
k.He
wasoutdr
inki
ng.WhodrinksonaSunday ?"
Me:
"Hepr
obabl
yhadsomet
hingbot
her
inghi
m"
Khul
e:"
Him andTy
lerar
etheonlyoneswit
houtany
tr
oubl
es.Hewasoutwit
h"ourfutur
edaughteri
nlaw"
Il
aughed.
Me:
"Het
oldy
oual
lthat
?"Hechuckl
ed.
Khul
e:"
Yes.Di
dMt
hocal
l
?"
Me:"
Het
ext
edme.He'
spr
obabl
yonhi
swayback
now"
Amo:"Ij
ustwannabepr
egnantal
lov
eragai
n.Icoul
d
ki
l
ltogetfootr
ubs"
Me:
"Ai
suka.Howar
eyou?
"I
Amo:"
Am goodandt
ir
ed.MrDubey
ou'
redoi
ngan
amazi
ngj
ob"
Khule:"
Thankyou"hi
sphonerang,
Imov
edmyf
eet
offhim.Hegotupandwalkedout.
Amo:"Here'
sy ourf
ood.Ihadt
oputi
tinawonder
bagsoitwon'tgetcol
d"
Me:"
AndyouwonderwhyIlov
eyousomuch"It
ook
abi
gchunk,
Ifel
tmytonguedoaMadiba.
Khule:
"ThatwasMtho,hi
scarbr
okedownnowI
havetofet
chhim"heseri
ousl
ycal
lst
hatt
hinga
car
?
Me:
"Pl
easehur
rybef
oret
hugski
l
lhi
m"
Khule:
"Andsteal
mycar.Whatwoul
dIbe?
"Hesai
d
taki
nghiskey
s.Heneedspray
er.
Amospr
eadherl
egscomf
ort
abl
yont
hecouch.
Amo:
"Whenl
astdi
dyouspeakorv
isi
tLel
o?"
Me:'
SinceIcamef
rom hospi
tal
I'
vebeenonl
yto
chur
chbutwespokeyester
day"
Amo:
"Seenherki
ds?
"
Me:
"No.I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Amo: "
IknowIshouldn'
tbetel
l
ingyouthi
sbutZac
l
ovesCal vinsomuchheget
sdepressedwhenheis.
Iser
iouslycannotdeal
wit
hadepressedhusband.
Wear etalkingwomant
owoman.Hav eyouever
seenhim? "
Me:
"Who?
"
Amo:
"Cal
vi
n"Ishookmyhead.Shecl
ear
edher
t
hroatandhandedmeherphone.
Me:
"Isthi
shim?"Shenodded."
Hedoesn'
tl
ookl
i
ke
t
hetypetogetdepr
essed"
Amo: "Hisspeci esdoesn' t.Hewasr ai
sedbyf ost er
parent s.Youknowhowf ost erki dsbecomeonce
theygetol derandwi shf ort hi
ngst heycan' taffor d,
at16hest ar
tedr unningt hest reet sgamet hey
disownedhi m.Hef oundanewf osterhomebef or e
hecoul dt urn18.Lucki lythosewer et hemost
patientpeopl eev er.Theynev erhadchi l
dren.They
neededsomeonet ocar ryont hei rl
egacywhent hey
die.Theyt ookhi m backtoschool tofini
shmat ric.
Hef oundLel o.From thereonhebeganl eadinga
straightf orwar dlif
e.Hispar entspai dforhis
weddi ngat21y earswhenhehadhi sf i
rstchild.He
wasdoi nghi s3r dyearatbusi nessschool .Then
boom hi sf osterfatherdiscov er edhehasason, do
your emembert hemaf iaf rom Zi mbabwet hat
Adv ocat eDubedemol i
shed? "
Me:
"Madonna?
"
Amo:
"Yest
hatone.Hei
sthesont
hatwas
discovered.Tylercleanedhim out.Thest at
e
confiscatedeverything,ev
enhisdogandwi fe.You
knowhowt i
ghtbrotherhoodisright?Wheny ouboth
al
way sreachoutf oroneanother"Inodded.Thi s
storywasget ti
ngdeeperanddeeper ."Yes.
..
soThe
maf i
abr otheraskedCal vi
ntotakeTy l
erout.The
Estcourtshooting"Ichokedonmydr ink.
Me:
"What
?"
Amo:
"Dr
inkupandcal
m down"
Me:"How?My" f
ri
ends"husbandtri
edtoki
llmy
brot
heri
nlaw.Mysist
erdiedther
e.Amogelangdi
d
youli
etomeaboutTami abeingtheone-
"
Amo:
"Am st
il
lexpl
aini
ng"
Me: "NoAmo.Ithinky ouneedtoleave.You
protect
edhim andsaidi twasTamia.Ican'
tbel
i
eve
actuall
ytr
ust
edy ou."Itookmyphoneandheaded
upout .
Amo: "
Hedi
dn'
tdoi
t.Hi
smenar
ri
vedl
ateont
he
scene"
Sheshout
edbehi
ndme.
Me:
"Howconv
eni
ent
"
Amo:"
Ihav
enor
easont
oli
etoy
ouKhet
hel
opl
ease
bel
i
eveme"
Me:
"No"
Idon'tknowwhenwi llIeverhealf
rom t
his.The
thoughtofital
waysf r
eshent hewoundandnowt hat
I'
vejustheardt
his.Ican't
..
.Ij
ustcan'
t.
Amo:
"Am sosor
ryKhet
hel
odon'
tcr
y"
Ikeptki
cki
ngmyf eetonthewater."
Chl
oewasshot
withHK33y ouknowr i
ght?
.Cal
vinmenhadMP5s
andasniperri
fl
es.Iswearonal
lmychil
dren'
sli
vesI
am tel
li
ngthetr
uth.
Me:
"It
hinky
oushoul
dleav
enow"
Amo: "Calv
infoundhisbirt
hmot her.Shetol
dhim hi
s
fat
herisMphangi seniDubefrom Estcour
t.I
ttur
ned
outthatisyourfatheri
nlaw"
Ihear
dherheel
scl
i
ckaway
..
.
[
Kat
lego]
Iputt
heki
dsont
hepl
ayr
oom andwentt
othe
l
aundr
yroom t
oputcl
othesont
hemachi
ne.
If
elthi
spr
esenceheav
yonshoul
der
s.
Chri
s:"
Youcan'
tkeepav
oidi
ngme.Wel
i
vei
nthe
samehouse"
Me:
"Yourf
oodi
sint
hewar
mer
"
Chr
is:
"Yourmot
heri
sdownst
air
s"
Ichuckl
ed.Ir
eal
l
ycan'
tbel
i
evehi
mri
ghtnow.
Me:
"She'
syourv
isi
tornotmi
ne"
Chr
is:
"Shei
syourmot
her
"
Me: "
Ify
oucouldj
ustst
opf or
cingherdownmy
thr
oatallwoul
dbebett
er.Haveyoureal
izedhow
sourthi
shomehasbecome?I fmymot herwanteda
rel
ati
onshipwi
thmeshewoul d'
velongcame."
Chris:"
AllIwanti
smar r
iagewithbl
essingsbut
you'
r etoosel
fi
shtoreal
ize.Youhat
ey ourmother
mor ethanyouval
ueourr el
ati
onshi
p.Iam no
dif
ferentfr
om asingl
eman"
Hewalkedout.Isatdownonachair.GodknowsI
needst
rengt
ht ofacethatwoman.
..
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Ifoundhi
mlooki
ngl
i
keawetchi
cken.Ihor
nedand
pull
edup.
Herant omeandhuggedmesoonasIopenedt
he
door.Ican'
trecal
lasi
ngl
eti
meIev
erhuggedmy
fat
her.Heletgo.
Mtho:"
Pleasenev
erl
etmedr
ivemet
hatt
hingev
er
agai
n"
Me:"Thi
sisav
erypr
eci
ouscary
oucan'
tcal
li
ta
"
thi
ng"
Mtho:"I
tdied.Iwasasgent
leasyoutol
dmet
obe
buti
tjuststart
edmakingwei
rdsounds"
Me:
"Youpr
obabl
yst
eppedhar
deront
hebr
eak"
Mt
ho:
"Isi
tev
eni
nsur
ed?
"
Me:
"St
opcal
l
inghi
m'i
t'
.Andy
eshe'
sinsur
ed"
Mt
ho:
"Good.CanIhav
ewat
er?
"
Me:
"Ther
eisPower
adeandci
gar
ett
es"
Mt
ho:
"I'
l
ltaket
hePower
adet
hanks"
Theinsurancecompanyarr
ived.Isi
gnedthe
unnecessarypaper
workandtheyleftwi
thhi
m.
Mt
ho:
"CanIdr
ivet
hisbeast
?"
Me:
"No.Getatt
heback"
Mt
ho:
"Imi
ssmymot
her
"
Me:
"Thosemommy
'sboyt
endenci
esmi
ghtl
andy
ou
t
oaboot"
Hegotin.Idi
dtoo.If
eltashar
ppai
nbeneat
hmy
l
eftbr
east.
Mt
ho:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"Yeah,
yeaham f
ine"
Istar
tedthecar.Ibl
inkedaf ewti
mes,
myeyes
becamecl oudy
.Irubbedt hem af
ewti
mes.My
vi
sionbecamebl urr
ywi t
ht i
me
Me:
"Somet
hingi
swr
ongwi
thmyey
es"
Mtho:"
Whatdoy oumeansomet
hingi
swr
ongwi
th
yourey
es.Pul
lup"
Ijustst
oppedthecarIcoul
dn'
tseeaheadany
mor
e.I
feltahandtouchmyface.
Mt
ho:
"Youcan'
tseeme,
cany
ou?
"
Me:
"Ionl
yseeadar
kshadow"
Mtho:"
It
shim..
.He'
sdoingthist
oy ou"hesaid
soundi
ngli
kehe'scr
ying.Myeyesst ar
tedfeel
i
ngli
ke
someoneispoki
ngthem withneedles.Igr
oaned.
Me:
"Dr
iveust
othehospi
tal
"
Mtho:
"Noam dr
ivi
ngt
oMat
atazel
a.He'
sabi
gwi
tch
Dr
."
Me:
"Mt
hobi
siIsai
dhospi
tal
!"
Mtho:"
May emayeisjustanhourawaybaba.Thi
s
i
sn'tawesternmedicalmatt
er.Thi
sishowmom' s
boybestfr
ienddi
ed"
Icouldn'
tgi
veashithowwhodi
ed.Ij
ustneeded
urgentassi
stant
.Thepai
nwasf
reaki
nunbearabl
e..
.
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
Chapt
er20
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Amo: "Iwenttot
heDube'
sy ester
day"shesaid
sit
ti
ngdownbef oret
hedr
essi ngtabl
e.Sheturnedt
o
Zac'sdir
ecti
onwhenshereceivednoresponse.
"Zac?"
Her
aisedhi
sey
esf
rom t
hephone.
Zac:
"Myl
ove"
Amo:"Wecan'tcont
inuel
ivi
ngl
ikethis.YesI
under
standt
hatCalvinmeansalottoy oubutt
hisi
s
toomuch"
Zac:
"Am sor
ry.Iwasl
ooki
ngatBanzi
'
sschool
fees.
Youwer
esay i
ng?"
Amo: "
IwenttotheDubesyester
day
.ItoldKhet
hel
o
ever
ythi
ng.Shedidnott
akeitsowellshetol
dmeto
l
eave"
Zac:
"Youdi
dn'
thav
etogot
her
e"
Amo: "
Iam ti
redofl
ivi
ngwithazombieZac.
"She
pausedforasecond."
Tellmesomethi
ng,werey
ou
somehowi nv
olvedi
nthisshoot
ing?
"
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat.Amobri
efl
ycl
osedhereyes.
"
Zac,
whati
fCal
vi
n'speopl
ear
riv
edfi
rstt
hereand
st
art
edt heshooti
ng.Woul
dyouhav
ebeenablet
o
l
iv
ewi t
hy our
selft
oknowyoukil
l
edani
nnocent
pr
egnantwoman? "
Zac:
"Butt
heyar
ri
vedl
atedi
dn'
tthey
?"
Amo: "That
'snotthepoi
nt!Ithoughtyouweredone
wit
ht hiski
l
li
nglif
e.Doyour eali
zethedangery
ou'r
e
put
tingourchil
drenunder?"
Zac:
"Am sor
ryokay
"
Amo:
"Am l
atef
orwor
k"
Shet
ookherbagandpur
seandwal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
I
tfel
tli
keam dr
eami
ngbutt
hev
ibr
ati
ont
ickl
edme
i
ntoopeni
ngmyeyes.
I
tstoppedri
ngi
ng.Ireachedfori
tundermyst
omach.
Thereweret
onsofmi ssedcall
sfr
om Khet
hel
o.My
gi
rl
smustbesick.Icall
edherback.
Shepi
ckedupaf
terqui
tesomet
ime.Shesni
ff
ed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Hey
"
Me:"Ar
eyouokay?
"Shesni
ff
edagai
n.She'
scr
ying.I
satuponmybutt
.
Me:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Khet
hel
o:"
He'ssi
ck,
he..
.he'
slosthi
ssi
ght
.Idon'
t
knowwhatt
odoQuinton"
Me: "
Who'ssick?
"Ihear
dMamkhuluspeaki
ngont
he
background."
GiveMamkhul
uthephone"
Mamkhul
u:"
Ndodana"
Me:"
Mama,
whati
sgoi
ngon?
"Shet
ookadeep
si
gh.
Mamkhul
u:"
Theevi
lspir
it
snev
errest.Khulekani
has
l
osthi
ssi
ght
.Idon'
tknowwhatishappeninginthis
home.
"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lseey
oual
ll
ater
"
Ihungup.Ij
ustsatt
her
est
ari
ngatt
hewal
lahead.
Iwasbroughtbacktot
hewor
ldoft
hel
i
vingbya
knockatthedoor.
Igotof
fthebedandwenttoopen.Shel
ookedsad
orwhatev
erthatexpr
essi
onwas.
Nkul
e:"
Khet
hel
ocal
l
edme.Icamet
ochecki
fyou'
re
okay
"
Me:
"Youdi
dn'
thav
etobutt
hanks.Howar
eyou?
"
Icl
osedthebedr
oom doorandweheadedf
ort
he
l
ounge.
Ther
ewasYol
iont
heki
tchenar
ea.
Me:
"Mor
ningMaVi
l
akazi
"
Yol
i:
"Mor
ningMnumzaneDubeandy
out
ooMi
ss
Nkul
e"
Me:
"Mr
sact
ual
l
y"
Yoli
:"Ohmybad.Justpr
etendam nother
eI'
l
lbe
doneinaminut
eany way
"
Sheputherear
phonesbacki
ntoear
s.Webot
htook
aseatonthecouch.
Nkul
e:"
Youguy
sar
eroomi
esnow?
"
Me:
"Yeah"
Nkul
e:"
Andy
oul
etheruset
hemai
nbedr
oom?
"
Me:
"Uhm y
es"
Nkul
e:"
She'
sspeci
ali
sn'
tshe?
"
Me:"
Idon'
tknowwhatthatmeansbutev
eryhelpf
ul
womaninmylif
eisspeci
al.Di
dyoufi
ndthecr
ib?"
Nkule:"
YesIdid.Ij
ustpoppedbytocheckuponyou
butIseey oudon'
tneedmer i
ghtnowsincey
ougot
company .Areyougoi
ngtoJo'bur
g?"
Me:
"Yes,
lat
ert
hough.Thanksf
orst
oppi
ngby
"
Nkul
e:"
Itwasonl
yapl
easur
e"
Shest
oodupandheadedf
ort
hedoor
.
Iwentbackt
other
oom.If
oundat
extf
rom Bonga.
'
Thi
sisaminorthi
ngbabadon'tcr
acky
ourheadup.
I
tsnot
hingamixofher
bscan'tfi
x'
Ical
l
edhim.Itr
angunanswer
ed.Imadethebedand
wenttoshowert
henjoi
nedYol
iatthel
ounge.
Me:
"Youov
ersl
eptdi
dn'
tyou?
"
Yol
i:
"Yessir
!Idon'
tknowi
fyoueateggsbutImade
someforyou"
Me:"
Excusememissbutdoyour
eal
izethatt
his
f
ri
dgeisful
lofmygr
ocer
y"shegi
ggl
ed.Irant
ot he
si
nkt
ospi
titout
."Whatonear
thi
sthi
s?"
Shelookedmydi
rect
ion.Shef
rownedt
henl
oosened
up.
Yol
i
:"Thati
sicedgr
eent
ea.If
oundi
tont
hef
ri
dge"
Me:"
Kyli
emust'
vemadet
his.I
ttast
esl
i
keacor
pse"
shel
aughed.
Yol
i
:"Ther
e'sj
uicei
nthef
ri
dge"
Me:
"Whyar
eyoudr
inki
ngi
tli
kei
t'
sni
ce"
Yol
i
:"Peopl
ehav
edi
ff
erentt
ast
ebudsMrDube"
Whateverman.Thi
sthi
ngtastesawful
.Myphone
r
ang.Iclosedt
hefr
idgeandreachedfori
t.
Me:
"Khehl
a"
Bonga:
"HheyDube.Whatt
imeshoul
dweexpecty
ou
her
e?"
Me:
"Isheget
ti
ngwor
se?
"
Bonga:"There'
sat
wistonourancest
ors.Ican'
t
connectwithmyspi
ri
ts.
"
Me:
"Hav
etheycal
l
edNdosi
?"
Bonga:
"Yes.
"
Me:"Uh.
..
I'
l
lbookafli
ghtr
ightnowandIwi
l
lbet
her
e
assoonaspossibl
e"
Bonga:
"Thanky
ou"
Ihungup.
Yol
i:
"Areyouokay
?"Idi
dn'
tev
ennot
iceshe'
s
st
andingbef
oreme.
Me:"
Khul
ekani
isn'
twel
l.Ihav
et ogotoJo'
bur
g.
Whatdoy
ouguy suset
ogot othehouse?
"
Yol
i
:"Uber
"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lleav
emycarkey
syoucanusemycar
"
Itookmyf
oodandagl
assofj
uicet
othe
bathr
oom.
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Istoodbythedoorwatchinghinfl
inch.Iwasn't
all
owedt obewit
hhim asar esul
tthatthetwinsmy
i
nheritt
hebadspiri
t.Iwantedtoholdhim cl
oseand
comf or
thim.
Myey eswereswollenandpainf
ulfr
om al
lthecry
ing
Ididlastni
ght.Whenevert
hebadspiri
tsf
eelsl
ike
vi
siti
nganyhomet heyalwayschoosethi
shome.
Everythi
ng,i
t'
salwaysus.
Haven'
tweendur
edenoughalready?Imeanay ear
agoweburi
ed12ofourlovedones.Godshould've
madesureweneversuf
feranypainsincef
rom that
tr
agedy.
I
nsteadwesufferedmorebutit
senoughnow.Thi
s
i
swhyIdidn'twantachil
d.Nochil
dismeantto
wi
tnessal
lthetraumathatgoesoninthi
sfami
ly.
Mamkhulu:
"Makot
i"Iqui
ckl
ywi
pedmyt
ear
sand
t
urnedt
oher.
Me:"
Ma?"Sheputherhandonmyshoul
deras
comf
ort
.
Mamkhul
u:"
Heisgoi
ngtobefi
ne.Ndosii
sgoi
ngt
o
ar
ri
veandheal
waysknowswhattodo"
Me:"
Ican'
tst
andtoseehi
minpai
n"Ihonest
lycan'
t.
He'
smybigbaby,
nowifewant
stoseeherbi
gbaby
i
npain.
Mamkhulu:"
Goandl i
edown.Thesel
it
tl
eanimal
s
i
nsi
detheredon'
trespondt
oowellonstr
ess.
"
Me:
"Ly
ingdowni
sgoi
ngt
odr
ivemecr
azy
"
Mamkhul
u:"
Gowat
cht
.v.downst
air
s.Iwi
l
ltakecar
e
ofhi
m"
Thet r
ipl
etsarr
ivedsl
eepingandtheyhadnotwoken
up.Itwould'
vebeenbetteri
ftheywereawake.They
knowhowt okeepmebusy .Chasingaf
tert
hem
rel
ievesstr
ess.
Itookonelastl
ookathi
m.Hewasn'
tmoani
ng
anymore.
MyphonerangasIcl
imbeddownthestair
s.Ihav
e
beeni
gnor
inghercal
l
ssincef
rom l
astnight
.
Iwai
tedfori
ttost
opr
ingi
ng.Iwentt
omakeasal
ad
i
nthekit
chen.
"Heybabes.Justsawy ourmissedcall
s"Isenttoher.
Ihonestl
ydidn'
tknowwhatt osaytoher ,Iwassti
ll
digest
ingwhatAmot oldme.Ihatedev eryminut
eof
myl i
feri
ghtnow.IwishedIcouldjustsleepand
neverwakeup.
Lel
o:"
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Me:
"No.Khul
ekani
issi
ck"
Lel
o:"
Am sosor
ry.I
shei
nhospi
tal
?"
Me:
"Nohe'
sher
eit
sancest
ral
rel
ated"
Her
eIam ov
ershar
ing.
Lel
o:"
Wel
lst
opbyl
ateron.Weneedt
otal
k"
Notheragai
n.
Me:
"Nopr
obl
em"
Iputmyphoneawayandat
emysal
adf
ight
ingback
tear
s.
Iwi
shIhadahomeandabunchofpeopl ewho
car
es.Sam doesbuti
tsnotenough.Iwantasoli
d
home,wher
eIcanr unto,
tocry.Ir
eall
ywish.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Isl
oweddownmypacewhenIsawhimleani
ng
agai
nstmycar
,ankl
escr
ossedandabur
ning
ci
garet
teonhi
shand.
HescannedmeasIst
oodbef
orehi
m wi
thpl
ast
ics
onmyhands.
Me:
"CanIpl
easegeti
n?"
Hejustl
ookedatmeandcont
inuedsmoki
ng."
Jason
Idonothaveal
ldayIhav
etor
ushhome"
Hesmirkedandtossedt
hecigar
ett
eont
hef
loor
wi
thoutanyint
enti
onsofki
l
li
ngit.
Jason:"Soyout houghti
tsbet
teryousendyourli
tt
le
boyfr
iendtothreatenme?"Thesmi r
khadn'
tlef
this
mouth.Whati shet al
ki
ngabout?
Me: "Thesooneryougetiti
ntoy ourthickskul lt
hatI
don'thaveaboyfri
end,t
hebet ter
.Am r eall
yst ar
ting
togetpissedwithyoufoll
owingmear ound.Ifyou
knowwhati sgoodf ory
ou, y
ouwi llstopactingl i
kea
psychoandseekhel pcausey ouneedhel pJason"
Jason:
"You'
ret
hehel
pthatIneed"
Me:"Wakeupandsmellt
hecoffee,
we'
redone.
Therewil
lnev
erbeusagai
n.Focusonget
ti
ng
bett
er"
Hej
ustst
aredatmeandmov
eeawayf
rom t
hecar
.
Heli
tanot
herci
gar
ett
e,Iunl
ockedt
hecarandput
gr
oceri
esatt
heback.
Jason:
"Keepwel
l
"
Igoti
nandstar
tedtheengi
ne."
TellKhant
ostayout
ofmybusi
ness"headdedandwalkedaway.It
ooka
deepsi
ghanddroveoff
..
.
•
••
[
Chr
is]
Weal l
gat
heredi
nthelounge.Al
lofuswear
ing
j
acketsonthi
shotweather
.Thesunwasaboutto
setanyminut
efr
om now.
BabNdodaar ri
vedwithNdosi,alongwithKhany isani
.
Khulekaniwasn'tgett
inganybet ter
.Hekept
groaningandmoani ng,enoughf orustostressev en
mor e.Nowt hatNdosiwasher eIhadhopet hatheis
goingtofindoutwhat everi
tisthatismakinghi m
si
ck.
Hebeganwi t
hhi
srout
inet
oconnectwi
tht
he
ancest
ors.
Ndosi
:"Pl
easecl
osey
ourey
es.Weneedt
opr
ay
f
ir
st"
Wedi dassummoned.Thepr
ayert
ookl
ongert
han
expected.
Ndosical
l
eduponourancest
orswhi
l
ebur
ning
i
ncense.
Ndosi
:"Babat
her
e'sasonmi
ssi
ngher
e"
Ibr
oughtmyheadupandcount
ed.
BabNdoda:
"Theyar
eal
lher
e"
Ndosi:
"Noheisnothere.Myspi r
it
stel
lsmethat
ther
eisasonoutther
e.Mphangi seni
'
sson.Heis
wonderi
ngonabush.He'st r
yingtofi
ndhisway
homebutther
e'sahuger ockstoppi
nghim"
Qui
nton:"
Canwel ookatt
hatl
ater
?Let
'sf
ocuson
t
hemat t
erathand"
Ndosi
roar
ed.
Ndosi:"Yourancestorsblockedthisboyfrom
accessi
ngt hem becauset heyknewy ouwoul dn'
t
l
istentohim.Noonehasbewi tchedKhulekani.Your
fat
heriscommuni catingwi t
hyout hroughthi
s.He
wantsy outogooutt hereandl ookforyourbrother
becausehewi
l
lnotbeabl
etomakei
ther
eonhi
s
own"
Me:"
Andwher
eonear
thar
ewesupposedt
ofi
nd
hi
m?"
Qui
nton:
"Thi
siscr
azy
-"
BabNdoda:
"Qui
nton"
Quinton:"
Chababa.Wher ear ewegoingt of
indhim?
Whycan'tbabamov eoffthatrockandleadhisson
home?Whydoweal wayshav etosuffer
?He'ssick,
he'si
npain.Howl ongisitgoingtotakeustof i
nd
thatdamnsonwhenKhul eisher edyi
ng?"Hewas
cryi
ng.Iclenchedmyjaws.
Emi
kepthi
m down.
Ndosi:"
Thisisallt
heytoldme.Iguessy ouareought
tofi
ndhim ony ourown.Ifyoudragfeet,hewil
ltal
k
thr
oughsomeoneel seagain.I
twon'tbefri
endl
y"he
packedhisthi
ngsandf oldedhisti
nymatand
walkedout.
Wesati
ncompl
etesi
l
ence.
Kat
lego:
"Am goi
ngt
ocheckuponKhet
hel
o"she
wasn'
twel
l
.Shet
hengotupandheadedupst
air
s.
Ty
ler
:"Babasaysomet
hing"
BabNdoda:"
I'
dbelyi
ngtoyoumychi
l
dreni
fIsai
dI
haveanyi
deaaboutt
hisson"
Qui
nton:"
Thisi
sabsol
utenonsense.Whycoul
dn'
the
j
ustt
ellBonga"
BabNdoda:"
Youwoul dn'thav
elist
enedtohi
mjust
l
ikeyouar
en'
tli
steni
ngt oNdosi.Ri
ghtnowther
e
shoul
dbechaoscall
i-
"
Wehear
dal
oudscr
eam comi
ngf
rom upst
air
s.
Weall
gotupinunison.Ir
ushedt
her
ewi
tht
hem
f
oll
owingbehi
nd.
Ifoundheronthedoorcryi
ng.Shepoi
ntedat
Khethel
o.Ir
ushedather.Shehadfoam comi
ngout
ofhermouth.
Icall
edhername.Shewasn'tmov
ing.Herfacewas
cal
ledasice.Icl
osedmyeyesandprayedasIsent
myf i
nger
st oherneckt
ofeelt
hepulse.
Me:
"Ty
lergetmemyst
ethoscopeont
hebackseat
"
Mamkhul
ukneltbesi
demeandt
ouchedheral
lov
er
t
henshestar
tedcryi
ng.
Kat
legoj
ustr
anoutsobbi
ngwhi l
eEmi
andKhethiwe
hel
dontoeachot
hercryi
ng.Isawmytear
slend
downonherarm.
Ifel
tat aponmyshoulder.It
urnedt
oTyler
.It
ook
thestethoscopeandpl
aceditunder
neat
hher
breast.
Ty
ler
:"Tel
lmey
oucanheart
hehear
tbeat
"
Ikeptmyheaddown.HowdoIt ur
nandt
ell
him
ther
e'snopul
senorhear
tbeat
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erTwent
yOne
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Khumbulanist
oodaf arobserv
ingtheDube
householdwhereeveryDubeindiv
idualhadavail
ed
themselv
estocelebratethebi
rthofthetwins.
Thesunwasy ettodi sappearbackhome.Helooked
atthebombmoni torathishandandsmi l
edalone.
Het ookouthi
scellphoneandl ookedatt
heti
me
fi
rstbefor
edail
ingMt hobisi
'sphone.
Itwentthr
oughvoicemail.Heslidthephonebackat
hispocketandpr
essedt her edbuttondown.The
Dubehouseblewouti nflames.Thenei ghbor
hood
alar
mswentof f
.Hegoti nhi snewMer cedesBenz
C63coupeanddr oveofff eel
ingsuperi
or.
TheEnd
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
Chapt
erTwent
yOne
•
••
3day
slat
er.
[
KHULE]
Thi
shousehasnev erf
eltsocol
dandsoemptyli
ke
i
tdoesri
ghtnow.Itdoesn'tf
eel
li
kehome.I
tsl
ikeI
j
ustwal
kedinint
oanabandonedghosthouse.
Ipl
acedt
hecarkey
sont
hecount
eranddr
ankwat
er.
Il
eanedagainstt
hecupboardandl
ookedup.IwishI
coul
dstopthesetear
sfrom f
all
i
ng.Iwi
shheavens
coul
dhearmeandsympat
hizewi
thme.Iwi
shsome
coul
dcomealongandt
akeawaythi
spai
ninmy
hear
t.
Thepast3day
sI'v
ebeentryingsohardt okeepi
t
toget
herf
ormywifeandmyki ds.Ineededtocome
hereandcr
yopenl
y,nothi
dinginbathrooms.
Myphonerang.Idrankwateragai
nandt
ooki
tout
.It
wasQui
nton,Ianswered.
Qui
nton:"
Mt akababa.Ij
ustar
ri
vedatt
heHospi
tal
wit
hPeterson.Whereareyou?"
Me:"
Am athome.Icamet
ofr
eshenupandpack
somecl
othes"
Qui
nton:"
Yougott
hisman.Iknowi
tshar
dbuty
ou
hav
et ost
ayst
rongfort
hesakeoft
hem"
Me:
"Am t
ryi
ngman,
Ireal
l
yam buti
tshar
d."
Quinton:"
Comebackassoonasy oufi
nish
fr
esheningup.Iam goi
ngtoconf
ir
m Peter
son'
s
arr
ivalwit
hmanagement "
Me:
"Iwi
l
lseey
oul
ater
"
Ihungupandwentupst
air
stobat
h..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Onlythi
sDubecl
anwasmadet
oallt
hethings
moneycanbuybutl
ackt
wothi
ngs:
Happinessand
Peace.
Iam soangryathowt hi
scall
inghasbeenf ai
li
ngto
doit'
sduti
es.I
thasn'
tev enbeen2mont hssincewe
buri
edmam Chloebutr i
ghtnowwe' refaci
nga
matterofl
if
eanddeat h.AnunconsciousMam
Khethel
oand2pr ematurebabies,ofwhichonet hem
hasanunstabl
eheart.Somuchi shappeningat
onceitsal
ottotakein.
BababeingBabahetol
dustocar r
yonwi thourdai
ly
l
ivesandnotdwell
onmom' scondi t
ion.Hewasr i
ght,
thi
scompanyneedsallt
heattenti
oni tcouldget
aft
erithasbeenv
erynegl
ectedlatel
y .
Ist
artl
edwhenIheardther
ingi
ngsoundoft
he
phone.Iunt
angl
editf
rom t
heholder
.
Me:
"MrDube'
sof
fi
cegoodmor
ning"
Gl
ade:
"MrDubey
ouhav
eav
isi
torher
e,Happi
ness
Mngomezul
uther
e'snoappointmentbutshe'
s
i
nsi
sti
ngoncomingin.Coul
dy oupleasecomeout
?"
Me:
"Uhm pl
easesendheri
nIam notbusyany
way
"
Gl
ade:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"
Me:
"Cer
tai
n"
Gl
ade:
"Ok.
"
Iputthephonedown.Thedoorsl
owl
yopened.She
appearedandsmil
ed.
Me:"Pl
easeclose"shedi
dandwal
kedt
owar
dst
he
vi
sit
orschai
r.
Happy:"
Shamepoort
hing.Howareyoupancake?"
That
'smynewname.Andy esIam f
ri
endzonedhere
andIdon'
tmind.
Me:"Am good.Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
obei
nFr
ee
St
ate?"
Happy
:"Iam butIhadtocheckupony
ou.Iwi
l
lfl
y
backi
ntheevening"Ismi
led.
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Ir
eal
l
yappr
eci
atei
t.
"
Happy
:"Don'
tsweati
t.Howi
sshet
hough?
"
Isi
ghed.
Me:
"St
il
lthesame"
Happy
:"Andt
heki
ds?
"
Me:"Theyar
egoodbutt
heot
heronehasaprobl
em.
Wit
hallourpr
ayer
sIhav
efai
tht
heywil
lmakeit
t
hrough."
Happy:
"TheyWi
ll
.Ican'
tbegi
ntoi
magi
newhaty
ou
guysar
egoingt
hrough"
Me:"
Areyoucryi
ng?"Shereachedf
ort
het
issueand
wi
pedhereyes."
Happy?"
Happy:"
Am sor
ryi
tsj
ustt
hat
..
."shest
oppedand
cr
ied.
Igotupandwal
kedar
oundt
oher
.
Me:
"Comeher
e"shegotupandIhuggedher
.
Happy
: "
Thei
rmothershoul
dbel
ooki
ngaf
tert
hem
ormaybesti
l
lcar
ryi
ngthem."
Me:"Ev
eryt
hingwill
befi
ne.Youdonothav
et o
st
ressaboutthi
s"shemovedoffmeandsnif
fed.
Happy
:"I
tsbecausemay
beIknowt
hepai
nof
growi
ngupwit
houtamot
herwhowentt
hrought
he
samethi
ng"
Me:"Am sor
ryIhadnoidea.IthoughtMrs
Mngomezuluisyourmother,
youguy sshar
equi
tea
bond"shechuckl
ed.
Happy :
"Shei sbutnotbiologicalone.Mymot her
passedon3mont hsaft
ergi vi
ngbi r
thtome.She
hadbeeni nthecomaal lt hatlong.Thef i
rst10y ear
s
ofmyl i
fewer eamess, mydadcoul dn'
ttakeher
passi ngin.Hestarteddrinkingandbr oughta
girl
fri
endhomewhom di dnotseemeasachi ldbut
ratherar obot.ThenwhenIwas14hef oundmom, I
didn'tli
keheratf i
rstbutasshekeptont ryi
ngI
reali
sedshe' sagoodper sonandher ewear e,best
fri
ends.Ij ustdon'
twishf oranychi l
dt ogrowup
withoutamot her"
Me:"Mam Khethel
oisafi
ghter
.Shewi
l
lf i
ght
t
hrough.I
t'
salmost12,whatar
ewehavingfor
l
unch?"
Happy:
"Any
thi
ngthatisnotgreasyI'
mtryi
ngtodi
et,
gr
aduati
oni
saroundthecorner.Idon'
twant
headl
inest
obeli
ke:
TheCEOofDubeconst
ruct
ions
BongaDubewit
hanAmoebaashi
sgraduat
ion
date.
"
Me:"
Iloveyoujustt
hewayyouare"Isai
dwi
pingoff
t
heteardroponhercheekwhi
leshestar
edr
ightat
me."
You'reper
fect.
"
Shebl
ushedandsentherey
esdown.
Happy
:"Whyar
eyouwear
ingf
lops?
"
Me:
"It
shot
"
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Happy:
"Yourdadshould'
vegivensomeoneel
set
his
j
ob.Youdon'tt
akeitseri
ousl
y"
Me:"Ido.Iam j
ustnotacl
osedshoefan.Iusual
l
y
eatNandosbutyoucanordersomet
hingelse"
Happy:
"Arey
ouki
ddi
ngme?Thei
rgr
il
ledchi
cken
goeswell
wit
hgr
eensal
ad.
"
Me:
"Okgoodt
hen"
Happy
:"MayIsi
tnow?
"
Me:
"Yesy
oumay
"shegi
ggl
edandsatdown.Wasn'
t
shecr
yingj
ustami
nut
eago?
IsentsisGl
adealistofthefoodIwoul
dli
keherto
orderforme.Shehadherhandsonhercheeks,
star
ingatmeasIt yped.Sheli
kesme..
.
•
••
[
Mthobi
si]
Iam notifIwant edtohav eanot herfami l
y.Asmuch
asdaddyChr i
shasr eassuredmet hattheyalways
goingthroughsuchdev astati
ngt hi
ngsIcoul dn'
thelp
butfeelresponsibl
ef oreverythingthatishappening.
DaddyKhul elosthissightthenmommyKhet hel
o
wasf oundlyingont hef l
oorunconsci ousthen
suddenlydaddyKgai nedhi ssightback.Theysayi t
s
ancestralr
elatedbutIf eell
ikeKhumbul anii
sdoing
al
lthis.
Myphonerang,
taki
ngmebacktot
hewor
ldoft
he
l
iv
ing.I
twasmommyKatlego.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Her
:"Youdi
dn'
tbr
eakf
ast
.Di
dyouev
enl
eav
ethat
r
oom? "
Me:
"Uhm y
es.Iat
ecer
eal
nott
heoney
oupr
epar
ed"
Her
:"Ok.Comel
unchi
sready
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.I
'
m comi
ng"
Ihungupandwal
kedout
.
Ifoundherandthebabi
es.Ihonest
lywishIhada
cl
asstoday.Thisist
heseconddepressi
ngFri
day
I'
vehadthi
sy ear.
Me:
"Howar
ethey
?"
Her:"
Thet winsar
efight
ingbutKhet
hel
o"shet
ooka
deepsigh."Sti
l
lnochange"
Me:
"Iwonderi
fourpr
ayer
sev
enr
eachGod"
Her:
"Theydobaby.Theydo.Iboughtpi
zzaandf
ri
ed
chi
cken.Doyoueatit
?"
Me: "
YesIdo."Ipl
ayedwi
ththetri
plet
s.Iwi
shIwas
them.They'
rehappyandcl
uelessofwhat'
s
happeni
ngaroundthem.
Myphoneal
ert
ed.I
twasanemai
lfr
om mymot
her
.
'
Ij
ustrecei
vedanemail
from Chri
s.Iam f
lyi
ngback
t
onight
.Areyouokay
?Iseveryoneokay?'
Hersofthear
twon'
tl
ethert
reatany
onel
esst
han
f
amily.
'
Everyonei
sgood.ItsjustdaddyKwho'shavi
ngi
t
bad.Therestofusarestayi
ngstr
ong.Ican'
twai
tto
seeyou'
Mom Kat :"
Here.Iwil
lbeupst
air
sdoingali
tt
le
cl
eaning.Shal
ltheygivey
ouapr obl
em,gi
vethem
paci
fi
ers"Ichuckled.
Me:
"Theynev
ergi
veany
onepr
obl
ems"
Shesmi
l
edandwal
kedof
f.
Me:
"Okguy
s.Don'
ttoucht
het
.v.
"
Theyweren'
tevenpayi
ngattent
iont
heywer
ebusy
wit
hthei
rdrumsti
cks.Idon'
tthi
nkit
snor
malhow
muchtheylovemeat.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Icoul
dblameitonstressifIwantbutdeepdownI
knowIwantedittohappenbutnotgoasf arasi
t
wentbutIdonotregreti
t.I
twasgr eat
,ithadall
ki
ndsofemotions.Heevenut t
eredtheLwor dam
sti
ll
notsur
eifhewassay
ingi
ttomeort
omy
vagi
na.
Ihaven'tseenorheardfr
om theLooneyJason
Nzimaandal lIcansayisI'
vebeenconsumingfr
esh
ai
r.Theonl yst
ressthathasbeenweighi
ngmedown
i
sKhet helobutIknowshe'safight
erandshewil
l
pull
through.
Iheardali
ghtknock.I
tsonl
yday2todaybeingi
na
rel
ati
onshi
pandI '
veal
readyt
aughthi
mt hati
tspol
i
te
toknock.
Me:"Comein"hepeepedhi
sbi
gheadinfi
rst
.I
st
aredathi
m.Thisishis3r
dvi
si
ttoday
.
Khan:
"Isi
tsaf
etocomei
n?"
Me:"I
fyouhav
efoodwit
hyou.Yes"hechuckl
edand
goti
n.Hehadfl
owersonhi
slef
tandKFCbagonhi s
ri
ghthand.
Me:
"Ar
ethosef
lower
sfr
om y
ourof
fi
cegar
den?
"
Hel
ookedatt
hem.
Khan:"
Yes.Special
lypi
ckedf
ory
oumyQueen"he
handedthem ov
er .
Me:"Thanky
ouSir
.Ithoughtwewer
egoi
ngt
obe
pr
ivat
eaboutourt
hing"
Khan:"It
otal
l
yfor
got
.Butthi
sisapri
vatefl
oor
.I
boughtyouaBoxmasterandzi
ngerwings"
Me:
"Aww.Thanky
ou"
Khan:
"It
snot
hingsweet
hear
t.Hav
eyoucal
l
ed
home?"
Me:
"YesIcal
l
edQui
ntonabout15mi
nut
esago.
"
Khan:"
Ifeelsorr
yforhim.Thepai
nofseei
ngyour
chil
dconnectedtothosepi
pes.Ar
eyougonnagoto
theHospit
alaft
erwor k?
"
Me: "
Ihaveto.Hav
eyouev
erhadasi
mil
ar
experi
ence?
"
Khan:
"Yes.Khwezi
waspr
emat
urel
ydel
i
ver
ed"
Yeshehasa6y earol
dson.Av erysuccessf
ulbaby
mama.Hei s29andsti
llwouldn'ttel
lmehisname.I
don'
treal
lyl
iket
heli
fethati
ncludesbabymamas
butIam wil
l
ingt
ocompr omise.
Me:"Oh.Butyoucannevert
ell
he'
ssobi
gand
beaut
if
ul"hechuckl
ed.
Khan:"
Theyal
waysgrowt obetheheal
thi
est
.Look
babyIhav
eameetinginfewminutes,l
etmegetmy
ki
ssandvani
sh"hewalkedovertome.
Me:
"Someonemi
ghtwal
kin"
Khan:
"Fuckt
hem"Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
"You'
renot
hingl
i
kemyboss"
Khan:"
That'
sbecauseam madlyinlovewit
hyouand
happythatyouagreedtobemine.Idosmil
ewith
peopl
eIlove"Ievenfor
gothewasagr umpyfr
og,
havi
ngusonourt oesfornogoodreason.
Webr
ief
lyki
ssed.
Me:
"GoIwantt
oeat
"
Khan:"
Byemyl
ove"heki
ssedmyf
orehead."
Ilov
e
you"
Me:
"Real
l
y?"
Khan:
"Yes.By
e"
Me:
"Wel
lIl
ovey
out
oo"
Khan:
"Veewi
l
lbr
ingy
oursl
ash"
Me:
"Ok"
Hecl
osedt
hedoorl
eav
ingmesmi
l
ingl
i
keani
diot
.
Vee:"Lookathershe'
sinMars.YouknowKhan
shoul
dj ustdoubl
emysalar
ycauseInowhavetwo
bosses"
Me:"
Whoisthesecondone?
"Sheputt
hesl
ush
downandsatont
hedesk.
Vee:"
You.Makesur
ey oukeepwipescl
oserj
ustso
youcanwipet
heli
psti
ckoffthepoorman'
sli
psaft
er
ki
ssi
nghim"
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutnow?
"
Vee:"
Theredl
i
pstickt
hatKhanal
mostwal
kedi
n
wit
htothemeeti
ng"
Me:
"Andy
ouassumi
nghewaski
ssedbyme?
"
Vee:"
WhenIgavehimthefl
owersandf oodhewas
cl
ean.Hecamehereandwalkedoutlookingl
i
kehe
wascolor
edbyagrade1lear
ner"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Youj
ustwi
shf
orust
odat
e"
Vee:
"Gi
rly
ousl
eptatBr
yanst
onl
astni
ght
.Icamei
n
themorni
ngbri
ngi
nghi
mfor
mst
osi
gnIsawy
our
bagint
helounge"
Me:
"Itcoul
d'
vebeenany
one'
s"
Vee:"
Truebutt
hatonewast
hisone"wel
aughed.
She'
ssonosey.
Me:
"Not
hingi
shappeni
ngt
hough"
Vee:"Emi.You'
retheki
ndofwomanIl i
keformy
boss.Hehadn'taskedawomanouti nages.He's
beenallaboutworkbutyoucamear oundand
changedthat.He'
shappy.Henev erswit
chesont he
radi
oinhisoffi
cebutyester
dayhedi danddanced
almosteveryti
mehegotupt ogetsomething.Don'
t
breakhisheart
"shegotoffthedesk.
Me:
"Ai
sukamar
nVee.By
e"
Shesmil
edandwal kedout
.Ifel
tabitofgui
ltwhen
shesai
dthelastpart
.WhatifIf
ail
tolovehi
mt he
wayheexpectsmet oandthatbr
eakshisheart
?..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Qui
nton'
sphoner
ang.Hel
ookedatt
hecal
l
erI
Dand
answer
ed.
Q:
"Hey
"
Nkul
e:"
Hey
.Ij
ustar
ri
vedi
nJo'
bur
g.Whathospi
tal
is
shei
n?"
Q:
"Ar
wypKempt
onpar
k"
Nkul
e:"
Okt
hanks"
Shehungup.I
tbeepedashesl
i
ditbackt
ohi
s
pocket
.
'
Iknowy ou'
regoingthr
oughalotr
ightnowbutI
needyourinputonthenur
ser
y.CanIsendyou
pi
ctur
es?'
I
twasYolanda.Thel
adydecor
ati
nghi
shousei
n
Dur
ban.
'
Wecanv
ideocal
li
fyoudon'
tmi
nd'
her
esponded.
'
Ok.Don'
tl
aughneh,
Ihav
epai
ntal
lov
ermyf
ace'
-
Yol
i.
Hechuckl
edandcal
l
edher.Hewasseati
ngalone
i
nsi
dehiscaront
hepar
kinglotatt
hehospi
tal
.
Yol
i
:"Hey
y"hel
aughed."
MrDubeIaskedy
ouni
cel
y
t
olaugh"sheswi
tchedt
hecamer
ator
ear
.
Qui
nton:
"Wer
eyoupai
nti
ngal
one?
"
Yol
i
:"Yes.Nur
ser
iesar
emywor
ld.Thi
sisi
t.
"
Sheshowedev
erycor
ner
."Idi
dn'
tusepi
nkont
he
wal
lIthi
nki
tst
ooordi
nar
y."
Qui
nton:"
Itsper
fectki
d.You'
regoodatt
his.Imust
gi
veittoyou"
Yoli
:"Thankyou.Thechestofdrawerist
oodar
k
though,canIexchangei
twithyours?
"
Quint
on:"Yes.Anyt
hingt
omakemygirl
'
sroom
heavenl
y.Ili
kethecl
ouds,t
heyl
ookr
eal
"Yoli
chuckl
ed.
Yol
i
:"Thef
loori
sgoi
ngt
obeasur
pri
se"
Qui
nton:
"Ar
eyougoi
ngt
opai
ntt
het
il
es?
"
Yol
i:
"Imight
.Bythewayf
rom Mondayonwar
dsy
ou
ar
ewelcomet ocomeher
e."
Qui
nton:
"Imi
ghtr
etur
nonSunday
."
Yol
i
:"Soundsgood.Howi
syourbr
other
?"
Qui
nton:"Mybr
otheri
snowgood.Hi
swi
fei
sthe
onesicknow.
"
Yoli
:"Ohdearam sosorr
y.MayGodheal
her
,Iwi
l
l
keepy oual
li
nmypr ayer
s"
Qui
nton:
"Thankyounana.Ihav
etogonow,
you'
re
doi
nganamazingjobther
ekeepitup"
Yol
i
:"Thanky
ouSi
r.Keepwel
l
"
Qui
nton:
"Youdot
oo"
Hehungup.
I
trangasheputi
tdown.
'
MrDubepleaserushtot
hehospi
tal
"hehungupand
r
ushedoutofthecar.
Hehear
dcommoti
onasheapproachedt
hewar
d.He
wassweat
ing,
het
ookt
hestai
rsup.
Qui
nton:
"What
'
sgoi
ngon?
"
Pet
erson:
"MrDubepl
easet
alkt
ohi
m"
Khule:"
Andsaywhat ?Justbecauseyoucan'thel
p
herthatdoesn'
tmeanev er
yDrwon' t
.Stopfucki
ng
test
ingmePet er
son"hewassemi shouti
ngwith
tear
sgushingdownhischeekswhi
l
ehol
ding
Khethel
o'
shandtight
ly.
Pet
erson:
"Thechancesofherwaki
ngupar
e-"
Qui
nton:
"Getout
"hesai
dcal
mly
.
TheotherDrwer
enowqui
ett
hei
rfacesf
ull
of
sympathy.
Pet
erson:
"Ther
eisnousei
nkeepi
ngherher
e"
Qui
nton:
"Pet
ersonyouwer
eorderedbymet
ocome
her
e,nowIam aski
ngyout
oleave"
Pet
ersont
ookadeepsi
ghandheadedout
.
DrZinc:"
MrDube.Iknowthere'snoeasywaytodo
thi
s,gohomeandconsideri
t.Mr sDubeisnot
respondi
ngtotr
eatment
.Shei sli
vi
ngoffthese
machines.Youneedtof
reeher "
Khule:"
Khethel
odon'tdothistome.Howam I
supposedtolookaft
erourki dswhil
eyou'r
ely
ing
here.Atl
eastshowsomet hingthatyoucanhearme.
Thesepeoplewantmet ogi veyouup.Babywehave
ki
ds.Youhav etof
ightforthem."
DrZi
nc:
"Wear
egoi
ngt
ogi
vey
ouaweek.I
fshe
doesn'
trespondwegonnahav
etomakeadeci
si
on"
Khul
e:"Khet
hel
oIneedyou.Don'
tdomelikethi
s
Mamnguni wamipl
ease.
l"Hefel
ldownonhisknees
andsobbedonherhand.
TheDrsf
oll
owedeachotherout
.Quint
onstood
ther
ebyt
hedoorfaci
ngdowncryingsi
lent
ly.
..
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
Chapt
erTwent
yTwo
•
••
[
Emi
]
Ipushedthedooropen.I
tsmeltni
ce.Iwashoping
tofi
ndnooneher esi
nceever
yonewenttoChris's
house.Oh.
Me:
"Hey
"
Nkul
e:"
Hey
,lookaty
ouy
ou'
resobeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"Lol
thanks.Whoar
eyouwi
thher
e?"
Nkul
e:"
Qui
ntonandBonga.Theyar
eupst
air
sthough.
Arey
ougood?"
Me:"YesIam t
hankyou.Howi
syouandt
hel
i
ttl
e
one?
"Shebrushedthetummy.
Nkul
e:"
We'
regoodj
ustt
hissummeri
swei
ghi
ngon
us"
Me:
"You'
l
lbef
ine.Letmegochange.
"
Shenoddedandsti
rr
edherpot.Igotinmyroom and
changed.MyphonebeepedasIwalkedout
.
'
Ifor
gottof
etchKhwezi f
rom school.Ijustf
etched
hi
m andIam nowtakinghim outforicecream asan
apol
ogy.Woul
dyouliketojoi
nus? '
I
tsst
il
labi
ttooear
lyf
ort
hat
.
'
Youshouldsetar
eminder
,al
ways.AndIwouldlove
t
omyl ov
ebutIam goingt
otheHospit
al.Enj
oy.I
LY'
IsentandknockedatBonga'
sroom,
it'
swher
ethe
voi
cescamef rom.Iwenti
n.
Me:
"You'
renotser
ious"
Qui
nton:
"Heyy
ou'
reback.
"
Me:
"Howl
onghav
eyouhadt
hishubbl
y?"
Bonga:
"Si
ncev
arsi
ty"
Isatonthebed.Theywer
esi
tt
ingdownont
hef
loor
smoking.
Me:
"Ar
ewegoi
ngt
otheHospi
tal
?"
Qui
nton:"No.Onl
yKhuleisnowall
owedi n.Theleast
wecoulddoi spr
ayforamiracl
ebecauseDr sthi
nk
i
tspoint
lesstokeepheronthosemachines"
Me:"What?Ar
etheycrazy?I
ftheycan'
tkeepher
ther
etheymustj
ustsayitwe'
llmovehertoanot
her
hospit
al"
Qui
nton:
"I'
m wor
kingont
hat
."
Gha!Thosear
eonest
upi
dDr
s.
Me:
"Ist
her
epr
ogr
essonf
indi
ngt
hel
ongl
ostson?
"
Bonga:
"It
hinkweshoul
dconsul
taseei
r"
Quinton:"MamkhuluandBabNdodadidtodayand
theseeirsaid.I
tisourdut
ytofi
ndhi
m.Ican't
beli
evey ourfat
herri
ghtnow"
Me:"Maybeweshouldf
ocusmor eonf i
ndi
ngthi
s
son.Becauset
hewayNdosisaidit
,thesonknows
he'
saDubesoIt hi
nkweshouldissueposts"
Bonga:
"You'
renotser
iousMaaunt
iza"
Me:
"Wel
ldoy
ouhav
eabet
teri
deaSbongakonke?
"
Bonga:"
Nobutthatonei
stoorisky
.Ev
erydi
ckand
tom wi
l
lbecl
aimingtobethatson"
Qui
nton:"OurPI
saresti
l
l di
ggi
ng.I
nlesst
hana2
weekstheywouldhavefoundsomethi
ng"
Me:"Letmegot
oNkul
eam sur
eshe'
sdy
ingof
bor
edom"
Qui
nton:"
Itol
dhertogotoChri
s'
sbutsheiinsist
ed
oncomingheresoIguessshedoesn'
tgetbored"
Me:
"Iam goi
ngany
way
.She'
spr
epar
ingsupper
"
If
oundheri
nthel
oungewi
thabowl
ofpopcor
n.
Me:
"Ar
ewewat
chi
ngamov
ie?
"
Nkul
e:"
Ohno.Ijustl
ovei
t.Butwecanwat
cha
movi
eifyouwant"
Me:"NoIam notatmybestt
imet
ofocuson
any
thing.How'
sDurban?
"
Nkul
e:"Dur
banisgood.Qui
ntonbei
ngt
her
eisa
cher
ryontop"
Me:"I
tsapityy
oubot
hcan'
tgot
ocl
ubsany
mor
e"
shechuckl
ed.
Nkul
e:"
Wehangoutasadul
tsnow.Doy
ouknow
Yol
i?
"
Me:
"Thesweeti
nter
iordecor
ator
?"
Nkul
e:"
You'
vemet
?"
Me:
"No.Qt
oldmeshe'
ssweet
"
Nkul
e:"
She'
sindeedsweet
"
Me:
"Letmegocheckuponmydogs"
Qui
ntonandBongacamedownr
unni
ng.
Qui
nton:
"Getupwe'
regoi
ng"
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Bonga:
"Theki
dsar
emi
ssi
ng"
Me:
"Whi
chki
ds?
"
Hegr
abbedmyar
m andpul
l
edmeout
..
.
•
••
[
Chr
is]
Kat
lego:
"Isweart
heywer
eupst
air
sint
hepl
ayr
oom
Chr
is"
Me:"Iam st
il
lwai
ti
ngf
ort
hef
oot
age.Ev
ery
onecal
m
down"
Katl
ego:
"Ican'
t!I
fIst
ayher
emybr
aini
sgonna
expl
ode"
Me:
"We'
vel
ookedev
ery
wher
e"
Kat
lego:
"Iam goi
ngt
olookagai
n"sher
ushedupt
he
st
air
s.
BabNdoda:
"If
eel
usel
essandsohel
pless.
"
Me:
"We'
l
lfi
ndt
heki
dsbabadon'
twor
ry"
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Dubehel
l
o"
Cal
l
er:
"Ihav
esentt
hef
oot
agesi
r"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Ihungupandwentupst
air
stogetmyl
apt
op.
Icamebackdownandplayedit
.Theywer
epl
ayi
ng
thensuddenl
yther
oom wentdar
k.
Kat
legosai
dshef
oundt
hel
i
ght
sout
.
Me:
"Ther
e'snoonewhoent
eredt
hegat
eandno
onecoul
dcl
i
mbt
his3st
oreyout
side.
"
Mamkhul
u:"
Whatar
eyoui
mpl
yi
ng?
"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowbutt
heywer
enotki
dnapped"
Ihear
dnoisecomi
ngf
rom out
side.Theyf
oll
owed
eachotheri
n.
Nkul
e:"
Sani
bonani
"
Us:
"Yebo"
Qui
nton:
"Tel
lmey
ou'
vef
oundt
hem"
Il
ookeddownatt
hel
apt
op.
Khet
hiwe,
Nkul
eandEmi
wal
kedupst
air
s.
Tyl
er:
"Isi
tsti
l
lhi
m?Doesn'
tseehet
hatwe'
ret
ryi
ng
tof
indhisdamnson?
"
Mamkhul
u:"
Don'
tspeakl
i
ket
hat
"
Qui
nton:"
He'sfull
ofshit
.He'sbeennothi
ngbuta
ver
ydarkancestortous"Icoul
dn'
tagreemore.
Me:"He'sdoi
ngwhathedi
dt hemostwhenhewas
st
il
lali
ve.For
cingusi
ntot
hings.
"
Ty
ler
:"He'
sst
upi
d"
BabNdoda:
"Ty
ler
!"
Tyl
er:"Heis.Howar ewegoi ngtolookforhi
ssoni f
Khetheloi
slyingther
el i
felessandnowt hekidsare
l
ost.Ourattenti
onwillshifttolooki
ngforthekids
andwhatwi llhedo?Throwoneofusundert hebus.
Hemustj ustsayhewant storuinourli
ves"
Quint
on:"
Whycan'thej
ustsendthi
ssonhome?
Causeri
ghtnowIam goi
ngtolookformychi
l
dren"
Bonga:
"Theki
dsar
en'
tmi
ssi
ng"
Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.Hi
sey
eswer
ecl
osed.
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Bonga:
"That
'sal
lIcansee.Theyar
enoti
ndanger
"
Qui
nton:
"Wher
ear
ethey
?"
Bonga:
"Ican'
tseebaba.
"
Me:"
Doest
hismeany
oucanconnectt
oyourspi
ri
ts
now?
"
Bonga:
"Notv
ivi
dlybutIt
hinkso"
Isi
ghedi
nrel
i
ef.
BabNdoda:
"Whatdowedoi
nthemeant
ime?
"
Bonga:
"Lookf
ort
heson"
Tyl
er:"
Eyeyey
.IfIheart
hatonemor
eti
meIswearI
am goi
ngtodi
e."Heheadedout.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"It
sKhul
e.Baf
o"
Khul
e:"
Herhear
titnowst
abl
e"
Me:
"Thebaby
?"
Khul
e:"
Yes!
"
Me:
"Thanky
ouLor
d.Canwecomenow?
"
Khul
e:"
Yes.Sheev
encr
ies"
Me:
"We'
l
lseey
oui
naf
ew"
Hehungup."
Thegi
rl
'
shear
tisst
abl
enow,
she'
s
cr
ying"
Qui
nton:
"Oht
hanky
ouJesus.Ar
ewegoi
ng?
"
Mamkhul
u:"
WhataboutoHawu?
"
Bonga:
"They'
repr
obabl
ychi
l
li
ngwi
thgogoi
nabush
somewhere"
Iputt
hel
apt
opawayandwewal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
♧Thef
oll
owi
ngdayatLel
o'
sapar
tment
♧
Kushputthedi
shesont hesinkandwarmedupt he
mil
kforthebaby.Heheardlit
tl
egiggl
edand
somethi
nghit
tingthedoor.Hetookthebabybottl
e
andwenttocheck.Heopenedt hedoor,
hestart
led.
Theyl
ookedathim andsmi l
ed.
Kush:
"Uhm.
..
Babe!
"
Lel
o:"
Yeah?
"Sheshout
edbackf
rom t
hebedr
oom.
Kush:
"Cany
oucomeher
e?"
Lel
o:"
Iam bat
hingMpendul
olov
e"
Kush:
"Takehi
m outoft
hewat
erandcomeher
e"
Babyi
nbl
ue:
"dada"hef
rowned.
Lel
o:"Whatisit
?OhmyGod"hegav et
hebabyto
Kush."Whoareyouguysherewi
th?
"Shel
ookedon
ei
thersidesoft
hecor
ri
dor.Ther
ewasnoone.She
pi
ckedHawuup.
Kush:
"Youknowt
hem?
"
Lel
o:"
Yes.They
'r
eKat
lego'
ski
ds"
Kush:
"Who'
sthat
?"
Lel
o:"
Chr
isDube'
swi
feandt
hegi
rl
sar
eQui
nton'
s"
Kush:
"What
!"
Lel
oclosedthedooraf
tert
aki
ngt
hem al
li
n."
Thi
s
coul
dbeat r
ap"
Lel
o:"
Don'
tbesi
l
ly"
Kush:"
Youthinkt
heseki
dscameher
eby
themsel
ves?
"
Lelo:
"Idon'
tknow.May beKhethel
oispranki
ngme.
I'
vebeencall
ingherbutherphoneisoff
."
Kush:
"Theyf
oundoutIt
ri
edt
oki
l
lthei
rbr
other
"
Lel
o:"Thati
sjustyourconsciencetal
ki
ng.HeyAmo,
canyoupleasesendmeKat lego'snumbers?
"
Amo:"
Heymommy .Idon'
thavehernumbers.Ionl
y
hav
eKhet
hel
o'
sthataren'
tgoi
ngthrough.
"
Lel
o:"
Iwentt
ocheckonhery
est
erdaybutIr
angt
he
i
nter
com t
il
lIf
ell
asl
eep"
Amo:"
May beshedoesn'
twantusnearherany
mor
e.
Ar
etheresul
tsback?
"
Lelo:"
Yes.He'
sthei
rbr
other
.Andwej
ustf
oundt
he
tr
iplet
sonmydoor "
Amo:
"Kat
lego'
ski
ds?
"
Lel
o:"
Yes.
"
Amo:
"Cany
ouandCal
vi
ncomeher
enow?
"
Lel
o:"
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Amo:
"Justcome.Don'
tchange.
"
Lel
o:"
Ok"
Shehungup.Thet
ri
plet
swerecrawl
ingar
ound.
Kushwaslooki
ngatt
hem concer
ned.
Lel
o:"
We'
regoingt
oVoosl
orus.Wi
l
lyoubeabl
eto
car
ryt
woofthem?"
Kush:"No.Theymi ghthavebombsorcamerasor
evenbugsinstall
edont hem"Lelosi
ghedandput
them onastroll
er,havi
ngthem si
tontopofone
another
.
♧AtAmo'
shouse♧
Amol
edt
hem t
oEndumbeni
att
heback.
Sheofferedt
hem seatsthenshesatdownonher
goatskinmatthatherKhulurequest
ed.Shetook
Umshobaandabot t
leofwaterandprayed.
Afterpr
ayi
ngshetookt
hebagofbonesandor
dered
LeloandCalv
int
oblowini
t.Sheshooki
tandt
hrew
thebones.
Amo:
"Cal
vi
n"
Kush:
"Yes"
Amo:
"Doy
ouhav
eacow?
"
Kush:"
For
"he'
snotmuchofabeli
everi
nancest
ors
butLel
oal
waysfor
cehi
mi nt
oit
.
Amo: "
Thatmani sangryy outr
iedtoki l
lhi
schild.
He'sangr
yy ouopenedt heholeofaccessingabul l
et
i
ntothemot herofhisgrandchi
ldren.Mpendulowas
supposedtodiethatnightKhethelofoundLelot here.
MaNgcobof ought,shesentKhethelothere.Lel
o
wassupposedt oleaveyouandhat ey ouforli
febut
MaNgcobof oughtagain.Calvi
nyou'resupposedt o
goandcleanseyourfather
'syardandapol
ogizeto
theancest
ors.
..
.hhey!
"Sher oaredli
keabul
l."These
kids,
theycametogety ouCalvin.OhmyGod!
Khethel
oisinhospi
tal.Cal
vinrushhome.Khethelo'
s
l
ifedependonyou"
Lel
o:"
Whatdoy
oumeanKhet
hel
oisi
nhospi
tal
makhosi
?"
Khet
helo:
"He'
spunishinghi
ssonst
hroughher
.
They
'r
esupposedtofindCalvi
n"
Lel
o:"
Cal
vi
nlet
'
sgo"
Kush:
"WhatIgoi
ngt
osayt
her
e?"
Amo:"Tel
lhi
myoubroughttheki
ds.Thel
i
ttl
eboy
who'
saseeirwi
l
lknowitsyou"
Lel
otookoutaR10noteandputi
tdown.Shet
ook
Kush'
shandandtheyl
eft
..
.
•
••
[
Khul
e]
"
MrDubet
hev
isi
ti
nghour
sar
eov
er"
It
urned.She'
sthel
eastofpeopl
eIexpect
edt
osee
her
e.
Me:
"It
houghty
ouwer
egonef
or8weeks"
Luci
a:"RelaxIwon'
ttakehi
m.Idon'
tevenknowwhy
am IherebutIhadtocomeandmakesur eever
yone
i
sokay .Iknowwedon'tknoweachothert
hatwell
butIknowi nti
mesli
kethese,
oneneedsallt
he
supporttheycanget
"
Me:
"Tr
ueandIappr
eci
atei
t.Sot
heyl
ety
oui
n?"
Luci
a:"
Yes.Iam t
hei
rbosssoi
tlef
tthem nochoi
ce.
Howarethey?"
Me:"
Getti
ngbetterandst
ronger
.Thegi
rlhadhear
t
compl
icat
ionsbutnowshe'sgood"
Luci
a:"
They
'r
esot
iny
"
Me:
"Yeah.IwishIcouldj
ustsi
ther
eandst
areat
t
hem t
il
lthey
'r
eokay "
Luci
a:"
Youcan"
Me:
"TheDrsai
dit
snotal
l
owed"
Luci
a:"
Itwi
l
lbei
fIt
ell
them t
olety
ou"
Me:
"Thanky
oubuty
oudon'
thav
etoabusey
our
power.I
'm sur
et hemanagementdoesn'tmi
ndI
keepbri
ngingDr sfr
om di
ff
erentpl
aces.Mywif
eisn'
t
gett
inganybetter"
Luci
a:"Thi
sist
heforthi
sn't
?"Inodded."
Andy
ou'
ve
concl
udedsheisn'
tgett
ingbett
er?"
Me:
"TheDr
ssayshe'
snotr
espondi
ngt
otr
eat
ment
"
Luci
a:"How?It
sonl
ybeen4days.Theycanst
art
sayi
ngsuchthi
ngsaft
er4weeks.Thetwi
nswere
del
iver
edthr
oughcesar
eanr
ight?"
Me:
"Yes"
Luci
a:"Theygoingt
otel
lbyi
tifshe'
sst
il
lon.I
fit
heal
s,shewill
beokay"
Me:"Thankyou.
"IguessIneededast
ranger
's
posi
ti
veopini
ontokeepmyhopesi nl
ane.
Luci
a:"
Anyt
ime.Iwi
l
lkeeppoppi
ngby
.Iwi
l
lseey
ou
l
ater
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Ir
eal
l
yappr
eci
atei
t"
Shewalkedout .Itookaseatandabooktoreadfor
thebabies.Icouldn'
tnamethem wit
houtt
heir
mother.Inthemeant i
metheywill
beboyandgi r
l.
..
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Twi
nny
"
Qui
nton:"It
hinkyouneedtorushhome.Emimight
bepregnant
.Ijustgotacal
lfr
om Secur
it
ythatTher
e
ar
epeopleout si
deyourgat
ewi t
hacowcalli
ngour
cl
annames"
Me:
"Qui
nton"
Quint
on:"
We'r
edri
vingt
herer
ightnow.Thedoubl
e
tr
oublei
sokaynow.Youcanl
eavethem foran
hour"
Me:
"Iam comi
ng.Butwhopay
sdamagesat3pm?
"
Qui
nton:
"Thesei
diot
s"
Ihungup.
Me:
"Ther
earepeopl
eathome.Daddyhast
orush
t
her
e.Il
ovey
ouokay?Behave"
.
..
Iarr
ived.Ther
ewerenopeopleatthegate.Idrov
ein,
Isawt hecowatthebackofastr
angev an.Ihopped
offandheadedinsi
dethehouse.
Every
onewast here.I
twassoquietyoucoul
dhear
thebatt
ingoney el
ashes.Ther
ewasLeloandaman
Icoul
dn'tseethefaceofcausehehadhishead
buri
edinthishands.
Me:
"Whodi
ed?
"
BabNdoda:"
Sitdown"i
foundthem l
i
ket
hist
heday
theyt
oldmeLesedii
snomor e.
Me:
"No.Tel
lmewhati
sgoi
ngon"
Qui
nton:
"Sat
ani
stest
ingus"
Mamkhul
u:"
Qui
nton"
Qui
nton:
"Kushi
syourf
ather
'sson"
Ichuckl
ed.Hedi
dnot
.He'
snotser
ious.
Chr
is:
"Exact
ly.Thi
sisaj
oke"
Bonga:
"It
snot
"
Me:"I
'
llseeyouallwhenmywi
fewakesupbecauseI
don'
thaveti
mef orthi
s"
BabNdoda:
"Don'
twal
koutt
hatdoorKhul
ekani
"
Me:
"Whywoul
dn'
tI?Hemademebl
i
nd,
mychi
l
dren
werebornprematur
ely
, mywif
eissemideadal
l
becausehewantedust ofi
ndhismaf
iason?The
onethatt
ri
edtokill
Tyler?
"
Ty
ler
:"What
?"
Me: "
Yes!Andnowt hathe'
sher ehewi l
lwantusto
hugandkisshim orelsehe'
l
l puni
shmeagai n?You
knowwhat ?Fuckthi
s.Iam goingaway .Iam goi
ng
tochangethi
sf i
lt
hydarksurnamet hathascrazy
stupi
dancestors.
"
Iheadedoutandgoti
nmycaranddroveof
f.
Mphangiseni
Dubeisonesi
ckbast
ard.
..
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
Chapt
erTwent
yThr
ee
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Somet hi
ngsarejustt
oomucht ohandle.BabNdoda
i
nsistedwegoaheadwi ththeceremonyoft he
mafiasoncleansi
ngtheDubey ard.Iam justgladwe
gotthegoodnewsaf t
eritlat
eratnight
.Khet helo
wokeup.I'
m prett
ysurepeoplebeoutt herewi shi
ng
tobepartofthisf
amily
,ifonlyt
heyknewhow
fuckedupi
tis.I
t'
sancestor
swouldsetawhol
e
houseonfi
rejustbecauset
heywantyoutol
ookf
or
thei
rgoatt
hatwasl osti
n1850.
Andt omakethi
swholemat terworse,Bongasaidhe
hastostayoverunt
ilt
hemeati sfini
shedandthe
bonesareburnt
.Ihavebeenst eal
i
ngsomeofi tand
giv
ingitt
othedogsbutitsstil
lhereall
overthe
house.Thetr
ipl
etshavebeenneglecti
ngtheir
cereal
sli
kenobody'
sbusiness.
Nkule:
"Isitsaf
etocomei n?
"Shest
oodatt
hedoor
wit
hat rayinherhands.
Me:
"Yesi
tis.
"
Shegoti
nandpl
acedt
het
rayont
het
abl
e.
Nkul
e:"Ihopey
oudon'tmi
ndIbroughti
ther
e.I
ts
11am andyouhadn'
tcomedown"
Me:"
Noit'
sokaythankyou."Ir
eachedf
ort
hecupof
what
everi
sinsi
de."Cof
fee?Thanks"
Nkule:
"Pleasur
e.Whenar
eyoumov
ingt
oyour
house?"
Me:
"Thi
sweek.Fi
nal
l
y"
Nkul
e:"
She'
ssl
ow.Thathousewassupposedt
obe
onl
yaweek"
Me:
"It
swor
thi
t.Shedi
dgr
eat
"
Nkul
e:"
You'
ret
ooni
cet
oher
.Doy
ouhav
efeel
i
ngs
f
orher?
"
Me:
"Whywoul
dyousayt
hat
?"
Nkul
e:"
Youbor
rowedhery
ourbr
andnewcar
"
Me:"Onl
ythatandy
ouconcl
udeIhav
efeel
i
ngsf
or
her
?Isn'
tshemyemploy
ee?"
Nkul
e:"
Eveni
fso.
"
Me:"It
reatmyworker
sli
kethat
.Youshoul
dask
Khethi
we.Andshe'
sakidIwoul
dn'tl
ookatherl
i
ke
that
"
Nkul
e:"
Geezdon'
tbesodef
ensi
veIwasj
ustaski
ng"
Shemadeherwayout.Icont
inuedeat
ingi
npeace
unt
ilKhul
ebudgedi
nwithCharles.
Char
les:
"Br
aQ.Mant
hatmeat
"
Me:"Youatei
t?"Henodded.Khulechuckl
ed."
You
don'
tgoaroundeati
ngmeatsy ouhavenoidea
wher
etheyf
rom.I
twasf
oronl
ytheDubes"
Char
les:
"What
everI
'
m al
soaZebr
a"
Me:"
Godfor
bid.Whyar
eyouher
ewenababakaboy
nogi
rl
?"
Khul
e:"
Khet
helowant
shercosmet
icsandIwantt
o
l
iedownabit
"
Me:"Ohyeah.Youhav
en'
thadanydecentsl
eep
l
atel
y.Howisshe?"
Khul
e:"She'
sgood.St
il
li
npai
nandweakbutshe'
s
good"
Me:
"That
'sgood.I
'
llseeherbef
oreIgo"
Khule:
"Yougoi
ngbacktoday
? "
Inodded."
Ok.Uhm I
j
ustremembered,
Charl
esisthedecorat
orNzuza'
s
chi
ld?"
Me:"
Noshe'
snot
"Isai
dbefor
eCharl
escoul
dopen
hi
smout
handaskwhatishetal
ki
ngabout
.
Khul
e:"
Oh?
"
Me:"
Yeah.Iwasj
ustassurpr
ised.Herf
atheri
s
Magut
shwafrom kwaMashu"
Khul
e:"
Ok.Letmegosl
eep"hewal
kedout
.
Char
les:
"Di
dyouj
ustl
i
etoy
ourbr
other
?"
Heaskedaf
terawhi
l
eofsi
l
ence.
Me:
"It
scompl
i
cat
ed"
Char
les:
"Whoi
sthatdecor
ator
?"
Me:"
Shewasdecor
ati
ngmyhouse.AndIgott
he
i
nfoIwant
ed"
Char
les:
"Whyar
eyoukeepi
ngi
tfr
om hi
m?"
Me: "
Becauset
hatchi
l
di si
nnocentanddoesn'
t
deservet
obethetoolt
ogetPhil
aback"
Char
les:
"Expl
ainf
urt
her
"
Me:"She'
sLesedi
'
shal
fsi
ster
"hechokedonhi
s
dr
ink.
Char
les:
"Sot
ell
mewhycan'
tshebet
het
ool
?"
Me:"
BecauseIwon'
tl
etithappen.Char
lesIwi
llfeed
yout
oNalaandSimbaifyoutel
lKhuleaboutt
his"
Char
les:
" Whatifhecr
iesandbegme"Il
ookedat
hi
m.Hel aughed."I
'
m kiddi
ng"
Igotupandwal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Chr
is]
Kat
lego:
"Baby
.Youcan'
tbur
yyour
sel
fher
e"
Me:
"Ishegone?
"Shesatont
hear
mrest
.
Kat
lego:
"Youknowhe'
sgoi
ngnowher
eunt
ilt
he
meatisf
ini
shed.
"
Me:
"Iam goi
ngt
owor
k"
Katl
ego:
"Yourshi
ftst
art
edat7am andendi
ngi
nthe
next30minut
es"
Me:
"Iam goi
ngt
ochur
cht
hen"
Kat
lego:
"Howl
ongar
eyougoi
ngt
oav
oidhi
m.None
ofy
ouhascomedownst
air
s"
Me:
"Iwantt
osl
eep"
Icl
i
mbedi
nbedandcl
osedmyey
es.
..
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Iputdownt
het
ray
.
Me:
"Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hesemen?
"
Lel
o:"
Giv
ethem t
ime"
Khethi
we:"They
'r
ejustbei
ngbabies.Iam not
serv
inganyoneanyt
hingfr
om nowon.Whoev eri
s
hungryshoul
dcomedownst ai
rs"Il
aughed.
Me:"Andt
hefactt
hatMamkhul
uisl
ett
ingt
hem i
s
dr
ivi
ngmecrazy.
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ihav
eabet
teri
dea.Let
'sgoshoppi
ng"
Lel
o:"
I'
m gonnabebor
ednow"
Me:"
Mpendul
oisgoi
ngtost
ayherewi
thhergogoi
f
t
hati
swhatyou'
rewor
ri
edabout
"
Mamkhul
u:"
Andwhyi
sthat
?"Shesai
dcomi
ngi
n.
Me:
"We'
reoutofgr
ocer
iessowe'
regoi
ngt
othe
mal
l"
Mamkhulu:
"No.Onlypeoplegoingtoworkare
all
owedtol
eavetheyard.Therestofuswil
lbeable
togooutaf
ter5days.I
tscustom.Findsomethingt
o
doaroundt
hehouseifyou'r
ebor ed"
Shet
ookt
hebabybot
tl
esandl
eft
.Khet
hiweand
Lel
ochuckl
ed.Iwannadi
e..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Il
ookedattheti
me.I twaswaypastlunchtime.I
buzzedtheat
tent
ionbut t
ontomynewPA.Thedoor
opened.Shel
ooksscar ed.Herbei
ngisreal
l
yweird.
Sheadjust
edherglasses.
Me:
"Nkazi
mul
olunchhaspassedandIdon'
t
r
ememberuseat
ing"
Her:"
I'
m sosorr
yIorder
edyourf
oodbuty
ouwer
e
busyIdidn'
twantt
odist
urbYou"
Me:"Lunchmeans,st
opwhat
every
ou'redoi
ngand
eat
.EvenifIcoul
dbeinameeti
ngpleasebr
ingi
n
myfood.Didyoueat?
"
Nkazi:
"NoSir.Iwi
llwar
m upyourfoodi
namoment
"
Inodded.Sheheadedtothedoor
.
Me:"Nkazi
"sheswi f
lyturned."Canyouworkon
bei
ngal i
tt
lecomf or
tabl
e?You' remaki
ngithar
dfor
metobet hisuncomfortable"
Nkazi
:"YesSi
r.I
'
m sor
rySi
r"
Me:
"Pl
easecal
lmeBonga"
Nkazi
:"YesSi
r"Amen!
Me:
"Youmaybeexcused"
It
ookt
hephoneandcal
l
edbabKhul
e.
Baba:
"ManI
'
m sl
eepi
ng"
Me:"Whywasn'
tIi
nfor
medaboutt
henewPA?
"He
l
aughed.
Baba:
"Doy
oul
i
keher
?"
Me:"
Howonear
tham Igoi
ngt
owor
kwi
thsomeone
l
iket
his?
"
Baba:"
Ithoughty
ouwant
edsomeoney
oungerwi
th
cl
eavage"
Me: "Yesbutnotsomeonet
hisi
nnocent
.Those
glassesandbr aces,
ohmyGod"hewasinsti
tches.
"Thisisn'
tfunnyDube"
Baba:"
Gett
oknoweachot
her
.Beni
cet
oher
,she
tal
ks.
"
Me:"
I'
m ni
cebutf
orsomeoddr
easonsshe'
sscar
ed
ofme"
Baba:
"Beext
rani
ce"
Me:
"Idon'
tl
ikey
ouf
ort
his.By
e"
Ihungup.Shegoti
nwit
hmyf ood.She'
sev
en
dressedl
i
kethoseAmer
icannerds.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"shenoddedandr
ushedout
.
Myphonebeeped.Amessagef
rom daddyQ.He'
s
negl
ect
ingusl
atel
y.
'
Doy ouli
keyournewpa?Yout houghtwewer e
gonnahir
ethosetightdresswearinggi
rl
s?Pant s
rev
eali
ngassgirl
s?Hav efunwithchurchgir
l.She'
s
Mpisi'
sdaught
ershallyoutryanythi
ngfunnywith
her"
Ineedst
rengt
h!
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Hepeepedhi
sheadi
n.
Khul
e:"
Ther
e'sameet
ingdownst
air
s"
Me:
"Ok"Iwentbackt
omygame.
Khul
e:"
Itmeans:
avai
lyour
sel
f"
Me:
"Wel
lI'
m busy
"
Khul
e:"
Youbet
terf
oll
owme"
Heclosedt
hedoor.Eisht
hispri
deisgonnabet
he
deat
hofme.Iam dyingofhunger.
Igotupandheadedout
.Ift
hisf
amil
ygotpai
dfor
eachti
metheyheldameeti
ng.We'
dwipeourasses
wit
hR200notes.
BabNdoda:
"Ov
erher
e.Thewomenar
ebusyatt
he
ki
tchen"
Me:
"Iwantt
odr
inkwat
er"
Khul
e:"
Hur
ry.We'
rewai
ti
ngf
ory
ouher
e"
What
ever
.
Me:
"Heywi
ves"
Kat
lego:
"Lookwhot
hecatdr
aggedher
e"
Me:
"OhnoIcamebymy
sel
f"
Khet
hiwe:
"It
saphr
asebaby
"
Me:
"Ohok.CanIhav
easandwi
ch?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Cheese?
"
Me:
"Yes.Lotofi
t"
Kat
lego:
"Jam?
"
Me:
"Iwoul
dleav
ethi
shomeandnev
ergetback"
Khet
hiwe:"
Wel
li
tsnotpossi
ble.Askbhut
iKK"we
l
aughed.
"
Tyl
er!
"
Isnat
chedmysandwi chandwenttocour
t.Isat
besi
dePastorChri
s.Idon'
twannabeanywhere
cl
osethatki
ll
erson.
BabNdoda:
"I'
mleav
ingt
hisev
eni
ng"
Khul
e:"
Ithoughtnobodywassupposedt
oleav
eunt
il
themeati
sfini
shed"
BabNdoda:"Mamkhul
uwil
lstaybehi
ndwit
hy ou.
Calv
in.
..
"whatki
ndofnameisthat
?"Doyoureali
ze
you'
retheel
dest
?"
Ki
l
ler
:"Yesbaba"
BabNdoda:"
Yourbr
other
swi
l
lshowyouandteach
youhowever
ythi
ngi
sdonear
oundthi
shome.Then
ongoodFr idaywewi l
loffi
cial
l
yintr
oduceyoutothe
ancest
orst hereatEst
court,wewilldoi
tal
ongwi t
h
ofthetr
iplets.Ihopeyouallfi
ndcommongr ound.
Mamkhul uwi l
lbekeepinganey eonyoual
l."
Khul
e:"
Liam i
snowokay
.Hewi
l
ldr
ivey
out
oKZN"
Me:
"Iv
olunt
eert
o"
Mamkhul
u:"
Noy
ou'
renot
"
BabNdoda:"
BoysIknowthi
sisn'
teasyf
ory
oubut
pl
easet
ry.He'
syourbl
ood"
Me:
"Ohpl
ease"
Khul
e:"
NotnowTy
ler
"
Me:
"What
?You'
renott
heoneheki
l
led"
Qui
nton:
"Ty
lerar
en'
tyoual
i
ve?
"
Me:
"That
'snott
hepoi
nt.
"
Cal
vi
n:"
I'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"Nomany
ouandIar
eenemi
es"
Cal
vi
n:"
Okpunchme"
Me:
"NoIwannar
uny
ouov
erwi
thacar
"
Herai
sedhi
sbrow.He'
sthesameper
sonli
ket
he
ot
her3.Dar
kanduglyl
i
kethei
rcr
azyf
ather
.
Khul
e:"Uhm...
Mbuyazi
we'
llsett
let
hisasmenyou
don'
thaveanythi
ngtowor
ry.I'
l
lmakesure
ever
ybodystayshomeunt
ilthi
s5day si
sover
"
BabNdoda:
"IknowIcancountony
ouson"
Theystart
edt
alki
ngaboutthingst
hatdon'
tconcern
AdvocateTmanDubesoIgotupandheadedt othe
ki
tchentohav
eanotherfatsandwi
ch.
Kat
lego:
"Iwantmynextpr
egnancyt
obel
i
key
our
s
MommyKhet hi
we"
Khet
hiwe:
"How?
"
Kat
lego:
"Al
lthehormonesar
edealingwit
hhi
m.He'
s
moodyandeatsli
kehe'
sfrom mi
l
itary"
Me:
"Ieat5t
imesaday
."
Thenewwif
echuckled.She'
sagoodwoman, li
keal
l
theDubewi
vesandthatcharcoal
doesn'
tdeser
ve
her."
Isi
tar
ealt
hing?"
Kat
lego:
"Yes"
Me:"
Oh.Ilovei
tthen.Newwi
fe,
pleasemakeme
somet
hingtoeat
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Nompumel
eloi
shername"
Me:"
Ipr
efercal
l
inghermynewwi
fe.You'
rej
ust
j
eal
ouswe'r
eusedtoyou"
It
ookmy2Lofcokeoutoft
hef
ri
dgeandsatdown.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Whyi
sti
met
hisf
ast
!
Justafewminutesagoi
twast
hemor
ningbutnow
I
'm knocki
ngof
f.
Thedoorpushedopen.
Vee:
"Hal
oMi
ssDube.Youhav
evi
si
tor
s"
Me:
"Thi
sti
meoft
heday
?Wher
ear
ethey
?"
Vee:
"Out
side.
"
Me:
"Ohl
ett
hem i
n.Ist
il
lhav
e20mi
nut
es"
Shepeepedherheadoutandav er
ybeauti
ful
womanpulli
ngachil
dappeared.I'
venev
erseen
t
hem bef
ore.Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:"Hi
"
Vee:
"I'
l
lbei
nmyof
fi
cei
fyouneedme"
Me:
"Sur
ebabe"shewal
kedout
."Hi
.Youmaysi
t"
Theysatdown.
Her
:"MynameisTessaNonyana.I
'
m sor
ryt
obudge
i
nli
kethi
sbutI
'
m desper
ate"
Me:
"Yes?
"
Tessa: "
ThisisKhwezi.Iam hismot her.Al
lofthe
Khanf amilyi
soutoftownandIj ustgotacal lf
rom
workt hatIshouldur
gentlyf
lytoEastLondon.Br ad
i
sn'treachableonthephone, couldIpleaseleave
hi
m wi thyou.Bradwil
l t
akehim whenheget sback"
i
sBr adKhan' sname?
Me:"Ij
ustgotofft
hephonewithhi
m hesai
dhe'
s
goi
ngtohislastmeet
ingfort
heday."
Tessa:"
I'
m sorrywegottomeetli
kethis.Hewas
pl
anninghe'dint
roduceusSat
urday.ButsinceI'
m
heretoburdenyou.It
sgoodtofi
nall
ymeety ou"
Me:
"Li
kewi
se.Youcanl
eav
ehi
m."
Tessa:"OhthankyouEmi .Beagoodboy ,
don'
t
stressauntyoutokay
? "Henodded.Sheki
ssedhi
m.
"Thankyousomuchf orthi
s.Thi
sismynumber
pleasecall
mei fhegivesyouprobl
ems"
Me:
"ThanksIwi
l
l"
Shegotupandr
ushedout
.She'
sbeaut
if
ul,
soi
s
thei
rbaby
.
Ihav
enev
erbeenl
eftwi
thachi
l
dthi
sol
d.
Me:
"Howar
eyou?
"
Khwezi
:"Iam good"
'
Khan'sBM j
ustl
eftt
hei
rsonher
ewi
thme'
Isentt
o
Kat
lego.
Me:
"Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
oeat
?"
Khwezi
:"Wat
erpl
ease.Doy
ouhav
egamesony
our
phone?
"
'
Wel
comet
omot
her
hood.Wassheni
ce?
'
Me:
"NobabyIdon'
t
."
'
Sheseemedni
cebuty
ou'
l
lnev
erknow'
Kat:'
She'
sni
ce.I
fshewasn'
t,
shewoul
dn'
ttr
usty
ou
wit
hherchil
d'
May
be.Ihear
dKhan'
svoi
ce.ThankGod.
Hemadehi
sgr
andent
rance.
Khan:"Hibaby
.Ohheyli
tt
lef
ell
a.Ar
en'
tyou
supposedtobeatyourmom's?
"
Khwezi
:"Tr
uebutshe'
sfl
yi
ngt oEastl
odom and
aunt
yisbabysi
tt
ingme"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"EastLondon"
Khan:"
Theninthatcase.We'r
eallgoingt
ohave
di
neratyourf
avori
terestaur
ant.Bythewayt
hisi
s
aunt
yEmi ,
daddy'
sgirl
fri
end"
Khwezi
:"Buty
ousai
dgi
rl
fr
iendsar
enotgood"
Khan:
"Forsomeoney
ourage"
Khwezi
:"Ican'twai
ttobey
ourage.Ni
cet
omeety
ou
daddy
'sgir
lfr
iend"
Me:
"Li
kewi
sedaddy
'sl
i
ttl
ePr
ince"
Hesmil
edwithhi
smissi
ngt
eet
h.It
ookmybagsand
weal
lwalkedout
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Ihavechi
ldren.Myownli
tt
lepeopl
e.Inev
err
eal
l
y
thoughtt
hisdaywouldcomesoearly
.
Dr
:"Mr
sDube.You'
reawake.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Me:
"Wat
erpl
ease"myv
oicewasal
mostnott
her
e.
Idr
ankup.Shesmi
l
ed.
Dr
:"Sohowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Me:"
Bett
erthanint
hemorni
ng.
"Shehel
pmesi
tup
wi
ththesuppor
tofpil
l
ows.
Dr:"
Greatcausethesebl
oodr
esul
tsal
lshow
beauti
ful
resul
ts.
"
Me:
"Hasmyhusbandcomeback?
"
Dr
:"Yeshehasbuthe'
sint
henur
ser
y"
Me:
"Cany
out
akemet
her
e?"
Dr
:"Nopr
obl
em.Iwi
l
lor
gani
zeanur
seanda
wheel
chai
r"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
ShecheckedmyBpandwal
kedout
.
Thenur
secameandwheel
edmet
otheki
dswar
d.
Hetur
ned.Het
henfacedf
orwar
d.It
hankedt
he
nur
se.Shewal
kedout.
Me:
"Hi
baby
"hesni
ff
ed.OhJesus."
Khul
ekani
"
Heshookhishead."Don'tcrypl
easey ou'r
egoingto
makemecr ytoo"Ialr
eadyhadt ear
scomi ngout
.I
wheel
edcl
osert otheincubator
."They'r
esosmal l
.
Whyishethatli
ght.Doeshehav ejaundice?"
Het
ookadeepbr
eat
handl
ookedmyway
.
Khul
e:"
He'
sagi
ft
"
Me:
"Agi
ft
?"
"
He'
shasal
bini
sm mommy
"It
urned.I
twasaDr
.
Dr
:"Howar
eyouMr
sDube?
"
Me:
"I'
mfi
net
hanky
ou.Howar
ethey
?"
Dr
:"Get
ti
ngst
rongereachday
.May
benowt
hat
y
ou'
reherey
ouwill
beexpressingmil
kthatwi
l
lhel
p
t
hem gr
owfast
erandevenstronger
"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Def
ini
tel
y"
Dr:
"Mypeacef
ulpat
ients.I
'
llseey
ouat9"shesai
d
tot
hebabi
esandwal kedout.
Me:
"Comeher
ebi
gbaby
"
Hesl
owl
yknel
tbef
oremeandputhi
sar
msar
ound
me.
Khul
e:"
IthoughtIwasgoi
ngt
orai
set
hem al
one"
Me:"Godwoul
dn'
thav
elett
hathappen"Iwi
pedof
f
hi
stears.
Achuckl
eescapedmymout
h.
Khul
e:"
What
?"
Me:"Thewayy ouactsot
ough.Peopl
edon'
tthi
nk
youcry"hechuckl
ed.
Khul
e:"
Ever
ybodycr
ies.Youcanl
augh?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Khul
e:"
Andi
t'
snotpai
nful
?"
Me:
"No.
"Hesmi
rked.
Khul
e:"
Good.Wecanmakeanot
herpai
r"hewentf
or
myli
psandkissedme.
I
sheser
iousr
ightnow?I
'
m def
ini
tel
ysel
l
inghi
m
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erTwent
y-Four
•
••
[
Khul
e]
I
tsgonnabeaverylongjour
neytorecov
ery
.These
humansarest
il
lti
nytheycouldf
iti
nmyhand.
TheDrwal
kedi
n.
Dr:"Goodmor
ningDubef
ami
l
y.Howar
eyou
today?"
Me:
"We'
ref
inet
hanky
ou.Howar
eyou?
"
Dr
: "
I'
m good.Mommywi l
lbeher
ewi t
hyouany
minute.
"Shewaschecki
ngthem up."
Looksli
ke
we'r
egrownenoughtomakeitoutofthi
sincubat
or.
Youcandoski
ntoski
n.I
thel
psheal
fast
er"
Me:"That'
sgoodthankyou"t
hedoorpushedopen.
Shesmiled.St
il
lasbeaut
if
ulast
hefir
stdayIsaw
her
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Hey
"
Me:
"Hi
lov
e.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"shesnor
tlaughed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Ohpl
ease.Mor
ningDoc"
Dr:"
MrsDube.Mor ning.Iwasher
etel
li
ngMrDube
thegoodnews,thelit
tlefel
l
ascannowsafel
yget
outofthei
ncubator.Thatmeansyou'
renowabl
eto
doskintoski
n"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thanky
ousomuch.CanIst
artnow?
"
Dr
:"Yesy
oucan.Butpl
easesani
ti
zef
ir
st"
Khet
hel
o:"
Iwi
l
l"
Dr:
"Andv
isi
tor
sar
enowal
l
owed.Butonl
y2per
day"
Me:
"That
'sper
fect
.Thanky
ou"
Dr:"
Iwil
lmakear et
urnat10:30.Fornow,
youcan
bond"wethankedherthensheleft
.
Isani
ti
zedandthent
ookNkosingi
thandi
l
e(gi
rl
)to
hermother
.Shegaveoutal
it
tl
ecry .
Khet
helo:"
Awwbaby .Ar
ey oucol
d?"Sheclosedher
i
nwithagown.ItookNkosingi
phi
letoo,car
eful
lynot
todi
sconnecthi
mfrom themachines.It
uckedhim
i
nmychest .
Wesatthereenj
oyi
ngt
hesi
l
ence.Ican'
twai
tti
l
lwe
getoutofher
e..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Shesawhi mf rom upstair
s.Hewassmoki ngnextto
thebraaiarea.ShepickedMpendul oupandwalked
out,
climbedt hestai
rsdownal lt
hewayout si
de.
Therewasnoonedownst ai
rs.Exactl
ywhatshe'
d
hopedf or
.
Lel
o:"
Youl
eftmeal
onei
nbed"
Kush:
"Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepany
mor
eandIneededa
smoke"
Lel
o:"
Youknowwhatt
heDrsai
dabouty
our
smoki
ng"
Kush:"
Ineedi
ttogett
hrougheachdayi
nthi
s
house"
Lel
o:"
Giv
ethem t
ime.Theyar
est
il
li
nshock"
Hechuckl
ed.
Kush:"
Theyhat
eme.Icanf eeli
twhentheyl
ookat
me.Itr
iedt
okil
lthei
rbr
other,noonewouldf
orgi
ve
that
"
Lel
o:"Justbehopeful
.Letmegomakemy
sel
f
usef
ul i
ntheki
tchen"
Kush:
"Di
dyouspeakt
otheki
ds?
"
Lel
o:"
Yes.
"
Kush:
"Don'
ttel
lthem y
et"
Lel
o:"
Ok.Pleaseholdhi
m"shegav
ethebabyt
ohi
m
andwalkedi
nside.
Shepluggedonthecoff
eemachineandt
ookout
breadandever
ythi
ngforbr
eakf
ast.
Mamkhul
u:"
AwMaNdabay
ou'
reupal
ready
."
Lel
o:"
Yeboma.Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepany
mor
e"
Mamkhul
u:"
Wher
e'st
hechi
l
d?"
Lel
o:"
Out
sidewi
thhi
sfat
her
"
Mamkhul u:
"Ok."Sheleanedoverthecounter
."You
underst
andthatfrom nowony ourli
vesaregoingt
o
change?Inter
msoft ranspar
ency"
Lel
o:"YesIdo.Thatwon'tbesohar
dformeandt
he
l
adiessinceourr
elat
ionshi
pisongoodter
ms"
Mamkhul u: "
I'
m glad.Asthewi feofthefi
rstson,so
muchwi llbeexpect edofy ou.Mamnguni i
soffthe
hooknowt hatyouar ehere.Justpraysheheals
fastersot hatshewi llgui
dey outhrougheveryt
hing
thatwedobackhome.Yousayy oudidn'
thavea
tradit
ionalweddi ng?"Lelonodded." I
thastobedone
foryout obeconsi der
edar eal
Dube.Pleasedon't
toastmybr ead"
Shethenwalkedoutoft
hemaindoor.Lel
oexhal
ed
heav
ilyandconti
nuedwi
thbr
eakfast
..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Isentmyey
est
othedoorasi
topened.
Me:
"Baf
o.Ar
eyoust
art
ingear
lyt
oday
?"
Mt
ho:
"NoIneedt
otal
ktoy
ou"
Me:
"O-
kay
.Youmaysi
t"
Hepul
l
edachai
randsatdown.
Mt
ho:
"Thanky
ou.Uhm,
canInotcomei
ntoday
?"
Me:
"Anyv
ali
dreason?
"
Mtho:"
Yes.I
'
mt aki
ngNdalotothemovi
esandthen
toahotel
.Wehaven'
tspentqual
it
yti
melat
elyshe'
s
compl
aini
ng"
Me:"Shehast
o.Thi
sisy
ourf
ami
l
y'sl
i
fe.Nev
er
endi
ngdrama"
Mtho:
"It
shardman.DaddyKcal
l
edsay
ingv
isi
tor
s
ar
enowal l
owed"
Me:"
Ohmaybehecal
l
edt
osayt
hat
.Thenweshoul
d
got
omor
row"
Mt
ho:
"Ist
haty
ournewPA?
"Hechuckl
ed.
Me:
"Appar
ent
ly,
yes.
"
Mt
ho:
"Ohman.I
'
llseey
ouathome"
Me:
"Sur
e"
Hegotupandr
anout
.Hemetsomeoneatt
hedoor
.
Happy
:"Heyl
overboy
"
Me:
"Ihat
eyoudude"
Happy:"
Myserv
iceprovi
derj
ustdidmedir
tyman.
All
mygadgetswereusel
essyester
day
."Wehugged.
Shesatont
opofthedesk.
Me:
"It
houghty
oucutmeof
f"
Happy
:"Whywoul
dI?
'
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.
"
Happy:"Sotell
me,werey
ousad? "Shesaidbi
ti
ng
herlowerl
ip.Idonotl
i
kethi
slook.Icl
earedmy
thr
oat.
Me:
"Of
cour
seIwas"
Happy
:"Doest
hedoorl
ock?
"
Me:
"Uhm y
es"
Happy
:"PleaselockitupIwantt
oshowyou
somet
hing"Istaredatherf
oracoupl
eofseconds
andswal
lowedt
hesali
vat
hatIhav
enoideawhen
di
ditf
il
lmymouth.It
ookthet
abandl
ockedit
.
Me:
"Done"
Happy
:"Goandmakesur
e.Idon'
ttr
ustt
hatt
hing"
Asagoodboyt
hatIam Iwentt
opul
li
t.I
twasr
eal
l
y
l
ocked.
Me:
"SeeIt
ol-
"fuck."
Uhm Happy
..
."
Happy
:"comeher
e"
Shepulledmeunt i
lshewasagai nstt
hedesk."I'
m
doneplay i
ngthesel
ousygames.Il i
key ouBonga,
thatt
riptoFreeStat
ewasn' tworkrel
ated.Ij
ust
neededt ogetawayfrom you,tooppresstheburni
ng
desir
etohol dyouandkissy ou"
Me:"
What?"Heronehandwasonmybackandt
he
ot
herwasundoingmybelt
.
Happy:
"Pl
easemakelovet
omeBonga."shesai
don
averyl
owseduct
ivev
oiceI
'veonl
yhear
dinmovi
es.
Me:
"Yourwi
shi
smycommand"
Il
eanedov
erf
oraki
ss.Icl
osedt
hel
apt
opand
pushedi
tasi deandlai
dheront hedesk.Imov ed
fr
om herlipstoherneck.Isuckedonital i
tt
lebit
andcontinuedwithmyjourneydownt here.Il
eftwet
ki
ssesfrom herbreast
sunt i
ltheGodl
yt emple.
Ipull
editdown,cl
ean.Shesureknewwhatshewas
goingtodotoday,matchingbr
easthol
derandan
underwear.It
ri
edpartingherl
egsbutshekeptt
hem
cl
ose.
Happy
:"Don'
t"
Me:
"Why
?"
Happy
:"I
'
m notcomf
ort
abl
ewi
thi
t"
Me:
"It
'sgoodt
ogetsomeonei
nthemood"
Happy :"Seeingy ouisenought ogetmei nthemood,
there'
saTsunami bet weenmyl egsaswespeak"I
reachedf orar ubberonmypocket .Idon'tgo
anywher ewi thoutthese,thoughapar tofmewant ed
herinfleshbutIcoul dn'
triskit
.Iputi tonandwent
backintoki ssingher.Iwasnowbet weenherf at
warmt highs.Thi swar mthi sn'
thealthyforthe2
minutesdudes.
Ipenet
rat
edbitbybit
,shegavesof
tmoans.Then
sheopenedhereyesandlookedi
ntomi
ne.Whatis
wrongwithher
?
Ipusheddeepinandst ar
tedthewor k.Igaveoutmy
beststr
okes,Ioccasi
onal
lysuckedandki ssedher
boobs.It
salwaysfunnyhowwe' refueledbymoans.
Thewayshemoaneddi dsomet hi
ngt ome.
Ipul
ledherupandmadeherhol dontothechai
r.I
hadameet i
ngin5mi nut
es.Behi
ndismywor st
enemyyetveryhel
pfulwhenIwannafi
nish.
Ii
nser
tedmy
sel
fandpoundedherhar
dandr
eal
fast
.
Happy:
"Yesbaby..
.i
tsal
lyour
s..
.ahhh!
"If
eltmysoul
l
eavi
ngmybody .Ihelponti
ghtt
oherwaistandI
l
oadedoff.
Whenlastdi
dIdot his?ThankGodIl ast
edf ormore
than8minutes.Shecoll
apsedonachai r.Idumped
thewasteonthebinandcamebackt okissherback.
Myshirtwaswetf r
om allt
hesweat i
ng.Ipull
edmy
pantsupandtookoutwat er.Igav
eherabot t
le.
Happy
:"Thanky
ou"
Isquat
tedbef
oreher
.
Me:
"Wher
etof
rom her
e?"
Happy:"
Sucki
ngyourdi
ckateverychanceIget
.Your
gi
rl
fr
iendwon'
tfi
ndout"Il
aughed.
Me: "
I'
m notthattypeofguy.Idon'tcheat.IfIhada
gir
lf
ri
endwewoul dn'
thavedonet his.Thet r
uthisI
neverwantedy outobemygr aduationdat e.Iwant
ed
youtobemygi rl
"
Shesmi
l
ed.
Happy
:"Doy
oust
il
l?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Happy
:"Let
'st
ryi
toutt
hen.
"
Me:"Thankyou.Whatawaytobeginourl
ovestor
y"
shegiggl
ed."I
'
m notsaf
eyaz.Al
lthi
sti
mey ou
wantedtolayme?"
Happy:"
Youhav
enoi
deawhatI
'
myett
odot
oyou
cheeseboy
"
Me:
"Ican'
twai
t.Di
dyoucum?
"
Happy
:"NobutIenj
oyedi
t"
Me:
"Ouch"shechuckl
ed.
Happy:"
Chill
.Iam awoman.Icanst
il
lenj
oysex
wit
houtcli
max .
"
Shegotupanddr
essed.
Me:
"Ni
ceass"
Happy:
"Ify
out
reatmer
ighti
tsgonnabeof
fi
ci
all
y
your
sbabe"
Me:
"Justgi
veme3mont
hst
opr
ovemy
sel
f"
Happy
:"YesSi
r"
Me:"Iam goi
ngt
oameeti
ng.Youcanwai
tupf
or
me.Iwil
lbedonein20mi
nut
es.Wecanhavel
unch
t
ogether
"
Happy
:"I
'
llgobuyusl
uncht
hen"
Me:
"Goodi
dea"
It
ookmyt
abandki
ssedherf
orehead."
Bye"
Iheadedout
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Theybot
hhuggedme.HowImi
ssedt
hem.
Khet
hiwe:
"Wemi
ssy
ourcooki
ng"
Me:
"ExcusemeMr
sDubeJnr
"
Tyl
er:
"She'
sri
ght
.Wedo.Whenar
eyoucomi
ng
home?"
Khul
e:"
Eveni
fshecomeshomeshewi
l
lnotcook.
"
Ty
ler
:"YohSi
rspeaker
."
Me:
"Notnowy
ouguy
s.You'
regl
owi
ngmosadi
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Thanky
ou"
Me:
"Howf
arar
eyou?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"10weeks.
"
Me:
"NcoaI
'
m happyf
ory
oubaby
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Thanky
oumommy
"
Tyler
:"Tomorr
owi sVal
ent
ine'
sday
.Whatshoul
dwe
expectashusbands?"
Khul
e:"
I'
mtheonl
yhusband"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
m gonnabeonesoon"
Khul
e:"
From r
ightt
her
eyoucanst
artr
efer
ri
ngt
o
your
sel
fashubby"
Me:"
Don'tl
ethim st
andi
nyourwaywenadaddyT.
You'
reourhusband"
Tyl
er:"
TheQueenhasspoken.Whoar
eyout
o
oppose?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ouch!
"Ty
lerr
ushedt
oher
.
Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Yeahj
ustacr
amp"
Khul
e:"
Takehert
othrDr
"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
mfi
ner
eal
l
y"
Ty
ler
:"Let
'sgo.Justt
obeont
hrsaf
esi
de"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
mfi
neTy
ler
"
Khul
e:"
No.Go"
Theyallwalkedout
.Myphoner
ang.Iev
enf
orgot
theyexi
sted.
Me:
"Hel
l
o?"
Mam Di
no:
"Nt
ombazaney
am.Howar
eyou?
"
Me:
"I'
mfi
nehowar
eyouandev
ery
one?
"
Mam Dino:"
We'r
egood.Yourbabomncaneisjust
verysi
ckandnowtheysayweneedtoperforma
r
itual
,acl
eansi
ngsortoft
hingt
osethimfree.
"
Me:"Whatdoyoumeansethi
mfr
ee?
"Shet
ooka
deepbr
eath.
Mam Dino:
"Heshoul
dbelonggonebuthecan'
tgo
unl
essheconfesst
ohissi
ns"
Me:"That'
sbad.MinamaIam att hehospi
tal
.I
pr
emat ur
elygavebi
rthandstayedincomafor2
weeksIdon'tknowifI
'l
lbeabletomakeit"
Mam Dino:"Mkhwenyanacall
edandinformedusI
havefor
gotten,
mymi ndisallov
ertheplaceI'm
sorry
.Iwi
llcomethereandstayunti
lyouar eallokay
thenwecanmakear et
urnhomet ogetthi
sov er
withanddonebecauseitcan'
tbedonewi thouty ou"
Me:
"Youdon'
thav
eto.Justl
ookaf
terbabomncane"
Mam Di
no:
"Khethel
o.Iwantt
ocome.Youwi
l
ltel
l
mewhencanI.Myairt
imeisr
unni
ngout.
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Iwi
l
l"
Shehungup.Ifhethinksit
spainthatheisfeel
ing
ri
ghtnowhehasn'tfeltnothi
ngbecauseIam not
goingther
eunti
lmychi l
drenhaveful
lyrecover
ed
andthatisinmont
hst ocome. .
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Igotof ft
hephonewi thKhuleandcontinuedwi t
hmy
relaxation.Aft
erthestuntthatNkul
epulled,Ineeded
tor elax.Aft
erseeingthehouseYoliandherguy shit
ther oad.Iguessithadmucht odowithwhatNkul e
did, shewasnol ongerhersel
f.
Icoul
dfeel
herabsence.Icheckedt
heti
me.I
twas
cl
oseto8pm.Igotupanddr essedupt
henwalked
out.
Iwentt
oabardownst
air
s.
I
twasparked.Thi
sneverhappensinJo'
bur
g.
Dur
banpeoplemustbealcoholi
cs.
Me:
"Cast
lel
i
tepl
ease"
Barman:
"It
sonspeci
al.I
tcomeswi
thashot
"
Me:
"Lemoni
ncl
uded?
"
Barman:
"YesSi
r"
Me:
"Ser
vemet
hen"
Hedi d.Idrankupandfocusedonmycast
lel
it
e.It
pluggedonf aster
.It
sbeenawhil
esi
nceIgotdrunk.
Iaskedf orasecondone.
Aver
ybeauti
full
adytookaseatnexttome.She
or
der
edthosefemaledri
nks.Ior
deredmoreshot
s.
Her
:"Ar
etheydoi
ngt
het
ri
ck?
"It
urnedt
oher
.
Me:
"Pr
ett
ymuch"
Her:"
Mybrot
her,canIhave5oft
hose?
"She'
sbl
ack
buthaveadi
ff
erentaccent
.
Me:
"Whoa!Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
odi
e?"
Her
:"Ineedsomet
hingst
rongi
nor
dert
odi
e.Thi
s
won'
tkil
lme"
Thebarmanbr
oughtheror
der
.Shegul
pedt
hem
downinamoment.Wow.
Me:
"I'
dli
keal
astone"
Her
:"Lul
ama"
Me:
"Qui
nton"
Her
:"Ar
eyouhav
ingf
unorf
ight
ingof
fsomet
hing?
"
Me:
"I'
m hav
ingf
un.Whatabouty
ou?
"
Lul
ama:"Onv
acat
ionandexpl
ori
ngmyhome
count
ry"
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
"
Her
: "
Pret
ori
abutIl
i
vei
nLondon"t
hatexpl
ainst
he
Br
it
isheccent
Me:
"Ohgood"
Her
:"Youl
i
veher
e?"
Me:"
Yes.Ij
ustmovedthissi
de.Iam hav
ingf
unon
myl
astsayonthi
shotel.Tomorr
owI'm movi
ngt
o
mynewhouse"
Her
:"Wannamakey ourl
astdayatahotelwort
hit?"I
f
rowned."
Icankeepyouawakeal l
night
"Icl
eared
mythr
oat."
Yourmindisdir
tysi
r.Let'
sgo"
Me:
"Wher
ear
egoi
ng?
"
Her:"Myhot
elr
oom.Ihave4bot
tt
lesofwhi
skey
,
snacksandgamest
olastyoual
if
etime"
Ipai
dthebi
l
lthenof
fwewent
.Whyi
smyguar
d
down?..
.
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
I
tf el
tli
keadr eam unti
lIr
eal
i
zedi twasn'
tshewas
reall
ysobbing.Iopenedmyey es.Isear
chedforher
ont heothersideofthebedwithmyhand.
Shewasn'tther
e.Shewascry
inginthebat
hroom.I
quickl
ygotupandrushedt
here.If
oundheronthe
fl
oor.
Me:"
Baby.what'
swrong?"Ipickedherupand
r
ushedout.Shecoul
dn'
tutteraword,Icoul
dtel
lshe
wasinsomuchpain.
Iwaspanicki
ng.Iputheratt
hebackseatandgoti n
tooandrever
sedoutofthegarage.Ipunchedt he
codewrong4t i
mes.Myhandswer etrembling.My
wholebodywas.
If
inal
l
ygoti
tri
ghtandIdr
oveof
f.
Wear
ri
vedatt
hecl
i
nic.Ir
ushedi
nsi
de.
Me:
"Mygi
rl
fr
iend.She'
spr
egnantandshe'
sinpai
n"
Nur
se:
"whatki
ndofpai
n?"
Me:
"Howt
hehel
ldoIknow!She'
spr
egnant
!"
Nur
se:
"Isshebl
eedi
ng?
"
Anur
sef
rom nowher
egr
abbedmyhandandwal
ked
wi
thmeout
side.
Her:"
MrDubepl easeshowmey ourcar"Ipoi
ntedat
i
t.Icoul
dn'tspeakanymoreIwascr yi
ng.Sherushed
t
ot hebackseat."Pul
engIneedastret
cher!"
Aladycamewithawheel
chai
r.Theyputheri
nitand
r
ushedinsi
de.
If
oll
owedbehi
nd.
Her
:"DrMokoet
sishe'
spr
egnant
"
Dr
:"Hel
pmeputheri
nthebed"
Thenur
sepul
l
edmyhandagai
nleadi
ngmeout
side
thewar
d.
Her:"
Pleasest
ayher
e.TheDrwi
l
lbeouti
na
minut
e"
Isai
dThankyouandsatonachair
.Shewal
kedof
f.I
keptst
ompingmyfootonthegr
ound.
Godthi
sistheti
met oshowyour
self
.Shewasn'
t
bl
eedi
ng.Iguessthati
sagoodsign.
Iwai
tedforabout40mi
nut
es.TheDrf
inal
l
ycame
out
.Igotup.
Dr
:"Dube"
Me:
"Yes.I
ssheokay
?"
Dr
:"Shei
s"
Me:
"Thebaby
?"
Dr
:"I
'
m sor
ryman"
Me:
"No"
Dr
:"Thef
etushasnohear
tbeat
."
Me:
"Butshewasn'
tbl
eedi
ng"
Dr:"
Shewas.Shej
usthadapadon.Mydeepest
condol
ences"
Hewalkedoff.Isatonthechair.Igotupandsat
downagain.Godwoul dn'
tdomel i
kethat.Ipushed
thedooropen.Shewasasl eep.Iwenttoher ,
Iput
myhandonherst omach.If el
ttearsfi
ll
i
ngmyey es.I
satonachairnexttothebedandscr eamed
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
Chapt
erTwent
y-Fi
ve
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
If
eltsomeoneshaki
ngmeal
socal
li
ngoutmyname.
Imumbledopeningmyey
es,
Ihat
eitwhensomeone
wakesmeup.
Me:
"What
?"
Chr
is:
'Getup.Ty
leri
satt
hecl
i
nic"
Me: "What?Why?Whathappened?
"Isaidget
ti
ngout
ofbedr eachi
ngf
oraclot
hingnear
er.If
oundmy
dress.
Chr
is:
"Hej
ustsai
dthatandhungup"
Me:
"OhmyGod.Ishoul
dgowakeKhet
hiweup"
Ty
ler
:"He'
swi
thher
"
Me:
"Godpl
easeno"
Ir
ushedaf
terhi
m..
.
Wearri
vedatthecl
ini
c.Wehadtobegandbeg
bef
oretheyl
edusintoaconsul
ti
ngroom t
hatt
hey
sai
dshei
son.
Iknockedonceandwenti
n.Hehadhi
sheadbur
ied
i
nhishands.Isatonachai
randt
ouchedhi
m,he
j
umped.
Me: "I
'
m sorr
y.Whati sgoingon?"Hisey est r
oubled
me, hehadbeencr yi
ngandt hatisn'
tgood." Tyler
"he
si
lentl
ysobbed.IlookedatChr i
shej usttightened
hi
sjawsandl ookedup.Ibr oughtTylerclosertome.
Iwasf i
ghti
ngbackt heurgetocry .
Tyler:
"Welostt
hebaby"t
hatst
ungmyhear
t,t
he
tearsbecamestr
ongerIf
ail
edt
ohol
dthem i
n..
..
•
••
Thef
oll
owi
ngday
[
Khet
hel
o]
Iwokeupt ohim busyonhisphone.Hedidnotl
ook
happy,hedidn'
tevennoti
ceIam awake.Itr
iedt
osi
t
upright
,hegotupandhel pedme.Hekissedmy
for
ehead.
Khul
e:"
Howdi
dyousl
eep?
"
Me:
"Isl
eptv
erywel
lthanky
ou,
themedi
cat
ion
wor
kedwonder
s."
Khul
e:"
I'
m gl
ad.TheDrsai
dwecangetr
idoft
his
wheel
chai
rnow"
Me:"
Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
m st
rongenought
owal
konmy
own"
Khul
e:"
Iam y
ourpi
l
larofst
rengt
hremember
"I
smil
ed.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Het
ookadeepsi
gh.
Khule:
"Khethi
welostthebaby"Igasped."
It
sone
thi
ngafteranot
her.Idon'
tknowhowt ofeel"
Iwi
pedt
het
ear
s.
Me:"Pl
easepassmewat er
"hedi
d.Hejustt
ookmy
handandkissedi
tthenwal
kedout.Hehasno
comfor
twhenhe'salsohur
ti
ngI'
vegott
enusedt
oit
.
DearGodtheywer
elooki
ngf
orwardt
oit
.Theyar
e
youngbutIdamnsur
eknowtheywer
egoingt
o
fi
gurei
tout.
Myphoner
ang.Idr
ankwat
eragai
n.
Me:
"Mam Di
no"
Mam Di
no:
"Nt
ombam.CanIcomet
oday
?"
Me:"Uhm.
..
somethi
nghappenedsoIt
hinkt
hese
peopl
ewil
lneedt
heirt
imealone.
"
Mam Dino:
"OhI'
m sor
ry.Tel
lmesoonasev
ery
thi
ng
goesbacktonor
mal"
Me:
"Don'
tyoumi
ndst
ayi
ngatahot
el?
"
Mam Dino:
"Thatsoundsgr
eat
.Whydi
dn'
tIt
hinkof
i
t.Letmebook"
Me:
"Iwi
l
ltakecar
eoft
hepay
ment
s"
Mam Di
no:"Ther
e'snoneed.Ther
e'senoughmoney
i
nal
lthesebankaccount
s"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"
Okblesser
.Letmegot
akeashowerandgo
seemyl
i
ttlepumpkins"
Mam Di
no:
"OkmyAngel
.Takecar
e"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Ihungup.Whythesuddenchangeoftreat
ment?She
mustbedoingi
tforthatcl
eansi
ng.It
ri
edtogetoff
thebedandwenttothebathr
oom asslowlyasI
coul
d..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Lel
of i
nishedservingever
yone.Chr
isandKatl
ego
walkedinf ol
l
owingeachot her
.Chr
iswenttothe
l
oungeaf terexchangi
nggreeti
ngswit
hLelo.Kat
pul
ledachai randsatdown.Lelofi
xedheraplat
e
andwentt ositnexttoher.
Kat
:"Thanky
ou"
Lel
o:"
Howi
sshe?
"
Kat
:"She'
samess.She'
snotsay
ingawor
d."
Lel
o:"
Ifeelforher
.It
squit
eapainfulexper
ience.
Andver
yt r
aumat i
cforsomeoneherage"
Kat:"
Yeahiti
s.Iwil
lnevergetusedt
othi
sfamil
y'
s
const
antbadluck.Thi
sistoomuchhonestl
y"
Lel
o:"
Howof
tendoy
oupr
ay?
"
Kat
:"Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?Ev
ery
day
!"
Lel
o:"
Somet
imeswehav
etopr
ayev
erychancewe
get
.Godi
salway
sal
lear
s."
Kat
:"Iheary
ou"
Ther ewasnoisefrom t
helounge.Theybot
hrushed
there.TheyfoundKhuleandCalvi
nlooki
ngint
oeach
other'seyespant
ing.
Calvi
n: "
Icannotchanget hepast.Ihadno
i
ntentionsofcomi nghereandacknowl edgey ouas
myf amilybutIhadt obecausesomebodyt oldme
yourmot herhasbeenl ookingoutformeandt hat
yourwi f
e'sl i
fedependedonme.Ihadt odot her i
ght
thi
ng.Iam notal soenjoyi
ngstayingherebutI
respectmyel ders.Stopusingthi
s"Itr
iedtokill
Tyler
"bul lshi
t.Ididnot!Thatshouldcountfor
somet hing.Soj usttomakeev ery
thingeasi
er.I'm
l
eav i
ng"
Kat
legolookedatMamkhul
u.Mamkhul
ujust
shr
ugged.Kat
NudgedLel
o.
Kat
:"Yourol
dwifedut
iesbegi
nsnow"she
whi
speredtoher
.
Calvi
nreachedf
orhisphoneont
het
abl
eand
headedtothest
air
s.
Lel
o:"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Tot
akemychi
l
d.We'
rel
eav
ing"
Lel
o:"
Nowear
enot
"
Hest opped."Don'tlookatmel i
ket hat
.It
'sonl
yday
4today .We'l
lleavet omorr
owev ening.You
gent
lemenshoul dfindawayt otolerat
eeachother
,
l
ikeitornoty ou'r
eoft hesamebl ood.Gocooloff
andforgetaboutl eav i
ngcauseit
snothappening"
Cal
vi
n:"
Arey
ououtofy
ourmi
nd?
"
Mamkhulu: "
Noshe'snotbutyoubothare.Come
backhereboy "hehesi
tat
edabitbuteventual
l
ywent
backtositdown.LeloandKatdisappear
ed.
Mamkhulu:"Youthi
nkthi
sisagame?"Noneofthem
wer
elookingather."
Iam nottal
ki
ngt
omy sel
fki
ds.
Doyouthinkthi
sisagame? "
Chr
is:
"Nomah"
Mamkhul
u:"
Thenwhyar
eyoubehav
ingl
i
ket
his?
"
Chr
is:
"We'
resor
ry"
Mamkhul
u:"
Khul
e?"
Khul
e:"
We'
resor
ry"
Mamkhul
u:"
Cal
vi
n?"
Cal
vi
n:"
We'
resor
ry"
Mamkhulu:"I
'
m honestl
ysickandti
redofyou.You'r
e
behavi
ngli
ketoddl
ers.Fr
om nowon, shal
lIhearyou
al
largui
ngoreverputt
inghandsoneachot her
,I
sweartoyouall
theDubeswoul dr
isejustt
owat ch
whatIwil
lbedoingtoyou"
Shegotupandheadedoutt
othebackar
ea.
Khul
echuckl
ed.
Chri
s:"
Whatcouldshepossi
blydotoustheycoul
d
needancest
orsasaudi
ence?"Theyal
ll
aughed.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Icl
imbedoutofbedanddressedupqui
ckl
y.I
checkedatt
heti
me.Shit
!
It
ookmywatchandwal
kedout.Shewasnowher
ein
si
ght
.Iwal
kedoutt
hemaindoorandgotonthel
i
ft.
If
oundmyr
oom squeakycl
ean.It
ookwat
eroutof
thef
ri
dgeanddr
ankup.Ireadt
hemessagesf
rom
Khul
e.Ical
l
edhi
m back.
Khul
e:"
Eit
a"
Me:
"Sur
e.Whatdoy
oumeanshel
ostt
hebaby
?"
Khule:
"Imeant
hebabyisn'
tthereany
more.Iam
evenscar
edtogocheckupont hem"Iscr
atchedmy
head.
Me:"
I'
ll
trytof
lyt
her
etomor
rowev
eni
ng.Howi
s
ev
ery
one? "
Khule:
"Copi
ng.Thel
itt
let
winsar
egetti
ngther
eeach
daysandthentheol
deronesnol
ongerdr
inkmil
k"
Me:
"Tel
lmey
ou'
ref
orci
ngi
tont
hem"
Khul
e:"
Theyspiti
tout.Thi
smeatisdrivi
ngthem
cr
azy,t
hei
rcheeksareexpandi
ng"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"Thi
sisal
lyourf
ault
.You'
reabaddaddy
.Those
peopl
eareonl
y8mont hs"
Khul
e:"
Theylook2yearsol
d.Whywer
en'
tyou
answer
ingy
ourphonelastni
ght
?"
Me:
"Itwasonsi
l
ent
"
Khule:
"Isentsomeonetocheckony
oubuty
ou
weren'
tinyourroom?"
Me:
"Ar
eyoust
alki
ngme?
"
Khule:
"No.Igetwor
ri
edwheny
oudon'
tanswert
he
phone"
Me:
"Iwasoutdr
inki
ng"
Khule:"Okay.Letmenapandgot otheHospit
al"
Kyli
ewal kedinspeaki
ngtot hephonefoll
owedby4
guys.Idon'tknowwhyi sshealwaysthisl
oud.She
orderedthem topackupev ery
thi
ng.
Me:
"Okayman.I
'
llcal
lyoui
fIr
emember
ed"
Khul
e:"
Aisuka"Ichuckl
edandhungup.Ipour
ed
mysel
fcoffee.
Shehandedmet
hephone.
Ky
li
e:"
It
sYol
s"wel
lIcanseet
hat
.
Me:
"HeyYol
s"shel
aughed.
Yol
i
:"Godf
orbi
d.Howar
eyouSi
r?"
Me:
"I'
m goodMi
ss,
howi
syour
sel
f?"
Yol
i:"
AsgoodasI
'
veev
erbeenbef
ore.Ar
eyoust
il
l
att
hehotel
?"
Me: "
Yes.Iam mov
ingoutt
odayt
hough.I
sthata
ki
tchen?"
Yol
i
:"Yesi
tis"
Me:
"You'
rer
edoi
ngi
t?"
Yol
i
:"Yes.
"Awomanappear
edbehi
ndher
.
Woman:
"Whoi
sthi
s?"
Yol
i
:"MrDube"
Shebr
oughtt
hescr
eencl
osert
oher
.
Woman: "Yoliy
oubet terbenotbepr egnantbyhis
chil
d"shesaidanddi sappeared.Yolil
aughed."Fi
rst
acarnowv ideocalls,Ireal
lydon'
twantblack
grandchi
l
dren"Ilaughed.I '
m noteventhatdarkand
noneofmyki dsev ertookmycompl exi
on.
Yol
i
:"Mama!I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
"
Me:
"It
'sokay
."
Yol
i
:"Wher
e'sy
ourcr
azygi
rl
fr
iend?
"
Me:
"Who'
sthat
?"
Yol
i
:"Nkul
e"Ichuckl
ed.Thatdr
amaqueen
Me:
"Atherhousewi
thherhusband.
"
Yol
i
:"Ok.I
'
m bui
l
dingagar
agef
ormybaby
"
Me:"
Ithoughtyouwer
egoi
ngt
osayy
ou'
rebusy
wi
thyourlear
ners"
Yol
i:"
Ijustarr
ivedyest
erday
.Iam cur
rent
lybusy
wit
hthekitchenthennextweekI
'l
lgobookf ori
t"
Me:"Goodgir
l.Ky
li
ehasdi
sappear
edsomewher
ein
t
hishouse.
"
Yoli
:"Pl
easet
ell
hert
ocal
lmewheny
ougett
othe
house"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Keepwel
l
"
Yol
i
:"Thanky
ou.Youdot
oo.By
e"
Shehungup.
Iputt
hephoneawayanddr
ankcof
fee.
Ky
li
e:"
Yolii
ssomet
hingel
se.She'
sbui
l
dingher
mom ahouse"
Me:
"Real
l
y?Sheonl
ytol
dmeaboutt
hegar
age"
Kyl
ie:"
Shet
oldmebecauseI
'
m herf
ri
end.And
guesswhat
?"
Me:
"Yes?
"
Ky
li
e: "
Iwil
lbeherdat
eforgr
aduat
ion.Herpar
ent
s
wi
llbothbether
e"
Me:
"Theny
ouar
en'
tgoi
ng"
Ky
li
e:"
Andwhyi
sthat
?"
Me:
"I'
m ki
ddi
ng"sher
oll
edherey
esandwal
kedof
f.
Shereal
l
yisn'
tgoi
ng.AndIthi
nkImadeami
stake
wit
htheDubepetr
olcard.
It
ookoutmyphone.
"MorningMissVi lakazi
.Ihav ealit
tl
erequest.Please
keept hepetr
ol cardawayf rom yourfat
her,him and
mydadhadbeefbacki nt hedaysohewon' t
appreciat
eitthatwehav ethatkindofrelat
ionship.
Andt hefactthaty ouworkedf orme,pleasedon'tlet
him know"
Sheal
readyt
oldhermom.Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obl
owout
..
.
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Shegotbackf
rom t
hebat
hroom.It
ookt
hebagand
wewalkedout
.
Thedriv
etomyhousewassil
entandIdidn'
tmi
nd
becauseIwasn'
ti
nthemoodtospeak.
Wear
ri
vedaf
terawhi
l
e.Imadehersomet
hingt
oeat
.
Ifoundhercur
leduponthecouch.Iputt
hef
oodon
thetabl
eandsatonthearmrest
.
Me:
"Youshoul
deat
"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m nothungr
y"
Me:
"Youcan'
ttakemedsonanempt
yst
omach"
Khethi
we:
"Idon'
twantanymedi
cat
ion.Iwantmy
chi
ld!"
Me:"Whydi
dyouhav
eapadon?"Shegotupand
l
ookedatmewit
hherey
esf
ulloft
ears.
Khet
hiwe:
"Iwasbl
eedi
ng"
Me:
"Whydi
dn'
tyouwakeme?Andwhendi
dyou
not
icet
haty
ouwer
ebl
eedi
ng?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
tht
his?
"
Me:"
Idon'
tknow.Yout
ell
me.Di
dyouev
entakethe
medi
cati
onthatt
heDrgavey
ouatt
heHospi
tal
?"
Khethi
we:
"Ofcour
seIdi
d.Ty
lerwhatar
eyou
accusi
ngmeof?"
Me:"Att hi
spoint.Ireall
ydon'tknow, youhadapad
onwhichmeansy ouwer eawar ethatsomet hi
ng
waswr ongbuty oudi dn'
tbothertoletmeknow.
Maybei fyoulovedthischil
dasy ouclaimy ou
woul
d'vet ol
dmet hemomenty ousawbl ood."
Shegotupandr
anupst
air
scr
ying.Ir
eachedf
ormy
carkey
sandwal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Ipar
kedandt ookoutmyphonet ocheckuponthem.
Thedaywentbyf asttoday
.Thetwi
nshavegained3
moreki
los.Icouldn'
tbehappi
er.
Hedrov
ein,onaful
lbl
ast.It
hinkhehasaloose
scr
ew.Yest
erdaywespokeaboutthi
sbuthe'
sdoing
i
tagai
ntoday
.Het
urnedi
tof
fsoonashenot
icedI
'
m
i
nsi
demycar.
Ical
l
edhi
m.Hewal
kedt
owar
dsmycar
.
Mt
ho:
"Goodev
eni
ng"
Me:
"Geti
n"
Mt
ho:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"
Me:
"Whatar
eyousmoki
ngt
heseday
s?"
Hegoti
n."
Whatdi
dIsayaboutnoi
se?
"
Mt
ho:
"I'
m sor
ryIf
orgott
otur
nitof
f"
Me:"Ali
tt
lebir
diet
ell
smey
oudi
dnotav
ail
your
sel
f
atworkyest
erday"
Mt
ho:
"Thel
i
lbi
rdi
eisl
yi
ng"
Me:
"IfIcoul
dopent
hef
oot
ageIcoul
dseey
ou?
"
Mt
ho:
"Yes"Bonga'
scardr
ovei
n.
Me:
"Ify
ouev
erski
pwor
kIwi
l
ldeducty
oursal
ary
"
Mtho:"I
twon'
thappenagai
nIpr
omi
se.CanIgonow?
I
'm hungr
y"
Me:
"Go.Br
ingmej
uice.Tel
lBongat
ocomeher
e"
Mt
ho:
"Ok"hegotout
.
Bongagoti
naf
teraf
ewmi
nut
es.
Bonga:
"Baba?
"
Me:"Didy
ouknowIgetthefootageofDube
const
ruct
ionsoft
hedayevery
day "
Bonga:
"NoIdi
dn'
tknow"
Me: "
EvenoftheCEOsof f
ice"helookedatme."YesI
sawy ou.Thati
saplaceofwor knotofsex.You
l
ay i
ngthepoorchil
dondesks.Tellmei fy
ouneeda
room withabed"hekepthisheaddown."Youcan
go"
Heopenedt
hedoorandwal
kedof
f.If
oll
owedout
.
Kat:
"Uhm daddywet wi
nspleasepassbyhere"I
wenttot
hem." Ihav
eapr obl
em her
e.Mysist
er
cameunannounced.Canshest ayf
orsupper
?"
Me:"
Youdon'
thavetoaskmamaHawu.She'
s
wel
come.Wher
e'sshe?
"
Kat
:"She.
..
ohher
esheis"shef
rozewhenoureyes
metandthenqui
ckl
ywalkedovert
ostandnextto
Kat
lego."
HernameisLul
ama,Luhthi
sisKhule
Chr
is'
sbi
gbr
other
,Khet
hel
o'
shusband"
Me:
"Ni
cet
omeety
ouLul
ama"
Luh:
"Oh.Ni
cet
omeety
ou"shet
ookasi
pofwi
ne.
Iwal
kedupst
air
stochangei
ntocool
ercl
othes.
Thedoorswungwi
deopenr
ightaf
terIf
ini
shed
changi
ng.
Lul
ama:
"Youhav
eawi
fe?
"
Me:
"Uhm y
es"
Lul
ama:
"Youcheat
edonher
?"
Me:
"Sor
ry?
"
Lul
ama:
"Youl
eftherhereandwenttoDur
ban.And
whywer
eyouQuintonyest
erdayandKhul
etoday
?"
Me:"Whoa!whoa!I
'
m Khul
ekaniandyou'
re
conf
usi
ngmewi thmytwinbrot
herQuint
on"
Lul
ama:
"I'
m notst
upi
d'
Me:
"Soy
oual
lsl
eptt
oget
her
?"
Shel
ookedatmedisgust
edandwalkedout
.Thi
sis
whyhewasn'
tAnsweri
nghisphone.
Kat
lego:
"I'
m sosor
ry.Apol
ogi
ze"shesai
dnudgi
ng
her
.
Lul
ama:
"I'
m sor
ry.Thi
sisf
reaky
"
Kat
lego:"Onyourf
ir
stdayyou'
veal
ready
embarrassedme"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"It
sokay
"
Theywal
kedof
f.
Lul
ama:"
Ishi
swi
feev
ensur
eheonl
ysl
eptwi
th
hi
m? "
Kat
lego:
"Shecantel
lthem apar
tdummyandshut
uphecanhearyou"
YesIcan.Let
'sj
usthopet
heyusedpr
otect
ion.
..
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erTwent
y-Si
x
•
••
[
Chr
is]
Iar
ri
vedatapubt
hathi
scarwasl
ocat
edat
.Il
ooked
ar
oundforhi
m.Hewasseatedinacorneral
onewi
th
al
otofemptybot
tl
esbef
orehim.Isatdownbesi
de
hi
m.
Tyl
er:
"Whatar
ey oudoi
ngher
e?"Heaskedand
pi
ckedupabottl
etohismout
h.
Me:
"Di
dyouseet
het
ime?
"
Ty
ler
:"NobutI
'
m sur
eyoudi
d."
Me:"YesIdid.I
tst
imet
ogohome"hechuckl
edand
shookhishead.
Tyl
er:"
Ipref
ertobehere.Wit
hpeopl
ewhoareal
l
abouthav
ingfun.Idon'
twanttogohome"
Me:"Who'
vedrank24bott
lesal
ready
.LookIknow
howyoufeel
buttoaccuseKhethi
weofsuchisjust
absur
d"
Tyl
er:"
Sheknewshewasl
osi
ngt
hebaby
.Whydi
dn'
t
shetel
lme?"
Me: "
Youdidnotaskherthat
.She'sal
sogoi
ng
thr
oughahar dtimeandyouputt
ingablameonher
doesn'tmakeiteasi
er"
Ty
ler
:"Soshecal
l
edy
out
ovent
?Andhowdi
dyou
ev
enf
indme?
"
Me: "
Itdoesn'
tmatterwhoshecall
edandhowI
foundyou"Igotupandpul l
edhi
m up.Heresi
sted."
I
will
carryyououtofhere.Savey
oursel
f
embar r
assment"
Het ookhi
sbot t
leandwewal
kedout
.Isear
chedfor
hiscarkeys.Charl
eswaswai
ti
ngout
sidemycar.I
tossedthekeystohim.
Me:"
We'r
egoingtohishouse"henoddedand
wal
kedoff
.IputTyl
eronthebackseat
."Sl
eep"
Igoti
nanddr
oveof
f.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Ifel
tthesunpenetr
atemypoorey es.It
urnedt
o
facetheotherway
.Icouldn'
tfor
ceanysleep
anymore.Ifel
twei
ghtpressi
ngont hebedandthen
awar m handonmyarm.
Iopenedmyey
es.Shesmi
l
ed.
Kat
lego:
"Imadey
ouf
ood"
Me:
"I'
m nothungr
y"
Katl
ego:
" I
tsnotreal
food.Frui
tsal
adandj
uice.You
needtotakeyourmedicati
on."
Me:
"Di
dtheyf
indhi
m?"Isatupr
ightandt
ookat
ray
.
Kat:"
Yestheydid.Theyj
ustarr
ivedacoupl
eof
minutesago.They'
redownstai
rswithMamkhul
u"
Rightaf
terIcal
l
edKatl
egolastni
ghtshecamet
o
fetchmeandChr i
swentontolookforTy
ler
.
Me:"Ok.Ineedt
otakeashowerf
ir
st.
"Iputt
het
ray
asi
deandcl i
mbedofft
hebed.
Kat
:"Iwi
l
lbedownst
air
sify
ouneedany
thi
ng"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Shewal
kedawayandIgoti
ntot
heshower
.
Ifoundhim sitt
ingonthebedwithanultr
asound
pri
ntoutonhi shands.Iappl
iedl
oti
onanddr essed
upandt ookmyf oodandsatonthecouch.Istar
ted
eati
ng.Youwoul dsweart
herewasnopeopl einthe
room.Onl ythesoundofthespoonagainstthebowl
wasaudi ble.
Tyler:"
Ihavelookedf or
wardt omanythingsi nmy
l
ifebutbeingadadt ookthecup.EachdayIwi shed
i
twast heduedat esoIcouldholdhim/her .Ki
sst he
l
ittl
eli
ps, l
ovethem li
kethey'
retheonlythingint he
wor l
d.May beifyoutoldmet hemomenty ousaw
bloodtheDrwoul d'vebeenabletosaveit"I
chuckledindisbeli
ef.
Me:"Soyoureal
lythi
nkIwant
edmybabytodie?I
don'
tknowwhaty outhi
nkofmeTy
lerDubebutthi
s
i
spurecrazi
ness."
Ty
ler
:"Whydi
dyouhav
eapadondammi
t!
"
Me: "Don'tyoudar eshoutatme.It ri
edtowakey ou
upbuty oukeptsay ing"no"Iusedthelaststrengt hI
hadt or eachfort het oi
letr
ybagandnewpaj amas. "I
stoppedandcr i
ed.Idon' tknowwhathur tmor e,him
accusi ngmeofki ll
ingmychi l
dorthefactthatIf elt
helpl
ess." Rightaf t
erIchangedandputt hepadonI
coll
apsed.Icoul dn'tgetup.Youar r
ivedaft
er30
minut esTy l
er,afterIhav ebeencalli
ngyouf or
minut es!Speakingofsomeoneweshoul dblamef or
thelossofourchi l
di ti
sy ou!Hadyouwokenup
whenIwokey oumay beitcould'
vebeensav ed"Igot
upandheadedtot
helaundrybasket
.Itookoutt
he
sheetandapaj
amapant."Thi
sisyourproof
."
It
ookt
het
rayandheadedt
othedoor
.
Ty
ler
:"Baby
"
Me:
"Got
ohel
l
"Icl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndme.
If
oundLel
oandKat
legoi
ntheki
tchen.
Kat:
"Awwbaby.Don'
tcr
y"shet
ookt
het
rayaway
andhuggedme.
Me:
"He'
sst
il
lbl
ami
ngmef
ori
t"
Lel
o:"He'
sgri
evi
ngwrongl
y.Cal
vi
ndidthat
.Don'
tlet
hi
m gettoyoumylov
e.Youknowy oudi
dn'
tki
llt
hat
baby"
Me:
"Dowest
il
lhav
egi
n?"
Kat
:"Noalcohol
unt
ily
ou'
redonewi
thy
our
medicat
ion"
Me:
"Ir
eal
l
yneedi
t"
Lel
o:"
It
sday5.Wecangoout
"
Me:
"Idon'
tfeel
li
kebei
ngi
nacr
owd"
Lel
o:"
Wegonnabr
ingt
hef
unher
ethen.
"Khul
e
wal
kedin.
Khul
e:"
Wiv
es"
Us:
"Hel
l
o"
Khul
e:"
Madl
adl
acanIst
eal
youf
orasecond?
"
Inoddedandf
oll
owedhi
m outunt
ilwewer
eatt
he
pati
o.
Isatdown.Her
emai
nedst
andi
ng.
Khule:"I
'
m sorryaboutwhathappened.I
nev ery
thi
ng
j
ustknowwe' r
ehereasyourelderbr
others.Iwoul
d
l
ikey outogohomet hisweekendandinform gogo
aboutallthi
sspwe'llbeabletocomeandpay
damagesandhav eyoucleansed.
"
Me:"Iwi
l
l"I
'
m notev
ensur
eifgogowi
l
lletmei
nto
hery
ard.
Khule:"AboutTyler
.I'
m gonnatal
kt ohim.I
fyoufeel
l
ikey oucan'tst
andhispresence.Youcantakethe
keysoft heoldhouseandgost aythereunt
il
Saturday"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Khul
e:"
Ev er
ythi
ngwi
l
lbeokay
."Inodded."
Youmay
gobackinsi
de"
Igotupandwal
kedi
nsi
de.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Myphonerangj
ustasIf
ini
sheddr
essi
nguponmy
wor
kcostume.
Me:
"Br
other
"
Khul
e:"Heywai
ter
.Whywasy
ourphoneof
flast
ni
ght?
"
Me:
"Itwaschar
ging.If
orgott
oswi
tchi
ton"
Khul
e:"
Doyouper
hapsknowany
onebyt
henameof
Lul
ama?"
Me:
"No.Dowehav
eapr
obl
em?
"
Khul
e:"
Yes.
"
Me:
"Whati
sit
?"
Khul
e:"
YoushaggedKat
lego'
sel
dersi
ster
"
Me:
"You'
reoutofy
ourmi
nd"
Khule:"
Shecametomyr oom onsome"Soy
ou
cheatedonyourwi
fe?"And"
Whyar ey
ouQuint
oni
n
DurbanandKhuleher
e"
Me:
"Fuck!Wi
thbl
ondehai
rcut
?"
Khul
e:"
Yes"
Me:
"She'
sther
e?"
Khul
e:"Shewasyest
erdaybutI
'm sur
eshe'
l
lcome
backagaint
odaytoseeherbabysist
er"
Me:"Whatasmal
lwor
ld.By
edai
l
ysunmyshi
fthas
began"
Khul
e:"
Tsek"Ichuckl
edandhungup.
Ipr
aywenev
erbumpi
ntoeachot
her
.
Itookmynotebookandwentt
othef
rontt
odowhat
I'
m get
ti
ngpaidf
or.
Iwenttothi
syoungmanandhisladysi
tti
ngatthe
cor
ner.Theyhadmenusbef
orethem butnofood.
Me:
"Goodday
.MayIt
akey
ouror
der
s?"
Lady
:"YesSirpl
ease.Iwouldli
kemedi
um r
arest
eak
andgreeksal
adandor angejui
ce"
Me:
"Andy
oumyman?
"
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
hav
ewhatshe'
shav
ing"
Me:
"Comi
ngr
ightup"
It
ookt
heor
deri
nandser
vedot
hert
abl
es.
It
henf
etchedt
hei
ror
der
.
Hi
m:"
Ithasbeendamn45mi
nut
es"
Me:"I
'
m deepl
ysor
ryf
ort
hatwehav
eapr
obl
em wi
th
ourmachi
nes"
Hi
m: "
DoyouknowIcouldr
eportyouto
managementandy
oulosethi
sli
tt
lejob?
"
Lady
:"Zamokuhl
e"
Him:"Nothi
sisbull
shi
themustknow."Heputhi
s
carkeysonthetabl
e.Hi
skeyhol
derwasofThe
DubeLogist
ics.Hemustbeoneofthenew
employees.
Me:"YouworkfortheDubes?Thatcompanyusual
l
y
hi
reveryr
especti
veindi
vi
duals.I
'
m sur
pri
sedyou
tr
eatwait
ersl
ikethi
s"
Hi
m:"
May
bet
heyowesomet
hingt
othem.Gett
he
f
uckoutofmyf
ace"
Me:"Don'
tset
tl
ethebi
ll
,i
tsonthehouse.I
'
m deepl
y
sor
ryagai
nfordel
ayi
ngyouror
der"
Lady
:"I
tsokaysi
r"
Me:
"Hav
eagr
eatday
"
Iwal
kedaway
.Whohi
redt
hisdumbass?
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Wedecidedtogoandv i
sitKhethel
o.Webought
bal
loonsandallthedramatichospi
talgi
ft
s.Idi
dnot
for
getnewtracksuit
s.
WesawKhuleandsomewomantal
kingand
l
aughi
ng.Shewasevent
ouchi
nghi
m, t
hener
ve!
Me:
"Hubby
.Idi
dintt
hinkwe'
l
lfi
ndy
ouher
e"
Khul
e:"
Ohyou'
reher
e.Icamet
odokangar
oobut
nowI'
m goi
nghome"
Me:
"Mmmh.I
smommyawake?
"
Khul
e:"
Yesshei
s"Il
ookedathi
mthenatt
hel
ady
.
"
OhthisisMtho'
smother
.Thesear
emywi v
es,Lelo
t
heeldest,
Katl
egot
hemiddleoneandKhet
hiwethe
l
astborn"
Her
:"Ni
cet
omeety
oual
l
"
Me:
"Ni
cet
omeety
out
oo"
Khul
e:"
Letmebounce"
Hesnatchedthecupofj
uiceoutofmyhandand
headedtotheli
ft
.
Me:
"Nextt
imepl
easekeepy
ourhandsof
f"
Her
:"What
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Yes"
Wepassedherandwal
kedon.
Me:"
AndKhul
eist
oost
upi
dtor
eal
i
zet
hisbi
tch
want
sapi
eceofhi
m"
Lel
o:"
Comeony
ouguy
s"
Khethi
we:"
Hhewenafir
stwi
fe.Arey
ouweari
nga
bl
indfol
der
?Thathar
dcheekbonewant
sDube"
Me:
"Shhhh"
Ipushedt
hedooropen."
Sur
pri
se!
"
Shescr
eamedi
nexci
tement
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Ithoughty
oual
lfor
gotaboutme"
Me:
"Noway
s!"Weal
lhuggedher
.
Khethel
o:"
Y'al
lar
esobeaut
if
ul.Whatar
eyou
eat
ing?"
Lel
o:"
Meat
"wel
aughed.
Me:
"Yahnowe'
vehadenoughofi
tshame"
Khet
hel
o:"
Lel
ocany
oubel
i
evei
t?"
Lel
o:"
Itst
il
lfeel
sli
keadr
eam mosadi
"
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
mjustgl
adwear
eincr
easi
ng.Wher
e's
Amo?"
Lel
o:"Enqut
hut
odor
it
ual
sforsomef
ami
l
y.Howar
e
you?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
m good.Icanwal
konmyownnow"
Me:
"That
'samazi
ngbaby
.Andt
het
wins?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Wecangoseet
hem"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m hol
dingt
heboyf
ir
st"
Welaughedandwal
kedoutt
othenur
ser
y.Wewor
e
gl
ovesandcaps.
Khet
hel
o:"
CanIt
aket
hem out
?"
Nur
se:
"Noma'
am.
"
Khethi
we:"
Awwwtheysocut
e.Babydol
li
staki
ng
daddy'
scompl
exi
on"
Me:
"Shebet
ternot
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Nkosi
ngi
phi
l
ehasal
bini
sm"
Lel
o:"
You'
reki
ddi
ngme.Myt
winst
oo"
Khet
hel
o:"
Real
l
y?"
Lel
o:"
Yes.Buty
oucan'
ttel
lfr
om af
ar.Theyl
ookl
i
ke
whi
tepeopl
e"
Me:"
Ncoa.Ev
enNgi
phi
l
e,It
houghti
twasbaby
compl
exi
on"
Khethel
o:"Ican'
twai
tfort
hem t
obebi
genough.I
misshome"
Me:"
Theywil
lbabydon'
twor
ry"Khet
hiwe'
sphone
r
ang.Shewal
kedout.
Lel
o:"
Whoeat
sal
ot?
"
Khet
hel
o:"Nkosi
ngit
handi
l
e.Iwil
lj
usthav et
ofeed
hert
hebottl
ewhenwegetdischarged.Orel
seIwil
l
beski
nny"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Shet
akesaf
tert
hei
rfat
her
s"
Lelo:"
Truethat.Nextmont
hIam t
aki
ngMpendul
o
offthebreast
.I'
mt i
red"
Wel
aughed.Khet
hiwegoti
n.
Khet
hiwe:"
Ladies.Letmel
oveandleaveyou.Ihav
e
togotothecl
inictofet
chmyresul
ts.By
e"
Me:
"By
ebabe"
Khet
hel
o:"
Didy
oubr
ingmef
ood?
"
Me:
"Ofcour
se.Let
'
sgoeat
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Howi
sshehol
dingup?
"
Me:
"She'
str
ying.Ty
leri
sn'
tmaki
ngi
tanyeasi
er"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ughthatcrazybast
ard.Her
eal
l
yir
ri
tat
ed
mewitht
hatbul
lshi
t"
Lel
o:"
Cal
m down"
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
m cal
m"
Wewal
kedoutandwentt
oherwar
d..
..
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Shefoundmeont hel
ine.Wewer
enext.Shesatf
ar
awayfrom me.It
ookoutmyphoneandtext
edher.
'
I
'm sor
ry'
sher
eadi
tandf
acedt
hephonedown.
'
I
twasst
upi
dofmet
oev
ent
hinkoft
hat
.Il
ovey
ou'
Sher
eadi
tagai
nandl
ookedatme.
"
Next
"Igotupandcal
l
edher
.
Webot
htookaseat
.
Dr:"MissDladla.Woul dyouli
kemet ogiv
ey ouyour
resul
tsinfr
ontofMrDube? "Shenodded."Okay.Ir
an
thetestsandithappenst hatyourmiscar
ri
agewas
causedbyt hef actthaty
ouruteruscannotcarr
y
chil
drenint
of ullter
m"
Me:
"Whydoest
hatmean?
"
Dr
:"I
tmeanst
hatMi
ssDl
adl
acoul
dnev
erbeabl
eto
carr
yachil
dupt
o9months.Herut
erusi
sn'
tstr
ong
enought
okeept
hef
etusuptoatl
east14weeks.
"
Me:
'Sot
hatmeanswecan'
thav
eki
ds?
"
Dr:
" No.Ther
e'sar
emanymet
hods.Sur
rogacyi
sone
ofthem"
Shegotupandr
ushedout
.
Me:
"Excuseme"
Iranafterher
.Ifoundherout
sidecrouchi
ngand
sobbing.Ipul
ledhertost
andupst r
aightandhugged
her.
Me:"Don'
tcr
ybaby.We'
reint
histogetherokay
.We
gonnahaveourownki
ds.Ipr
omisey ou."
Shesobbedevenmore.Itr
iedtor
emai
nst
rongbutI
fai
l
ed.Iendedupcr
yingtoo..
..
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
Chapt
erTwent
ySev
en
•
••
[
Emi
hle]
Webothst
oodimpat
ient
lyoutofthet
oilet
.My
i
nsi
desweret
urni
ngIhadthi
sstrongurgetoki
ck
t
hedoordownandseet
her
esul
ts.
Br
ad:
"Whati
fitcomesoutposi
ti
ve?
"
Me:
"Wel
lwe'
rebot
hdead"
Br
ad:
"Whati
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lus?
"
Me:
"Mybr
other
s"
Br
ad:"Ohpl
ease.Theyar
everyfondofmet
hey
woul
dbehappythatI'
mthefather
"
Alothappenedl astmont h.Heendedupmeetingthe
wholefamilyourhugef ightoversomeskankt
hat
showedupl ookinglikeaChr i
stmastreeon
Valent
ine'
sdaydi sturbingourdinner.Andmy
hypocri
tebrotherswel comedhi m withbot
hwarm
hands."Becausehe' snotJason"Khul esai
dwhenI
askedhim whyi shesoni cetohim.
Me:"OkI'
m openi
ngthi
sdoor
"Ipushedi
topenand
wentovert
othetest
s.Whew!
Br
ad:
"Ar
ewegoi
ngt
obepar
ent
sornot
?"
Me:"Notthist
imearound.
"Isai
dwit
hagenuine
smi
le."Ishoul
dstar
ttaki
nganinj
ect
ion.Thepi
l
lisa
l
otofwor k"
Br
ad:
"Asl
ongasi
twi
l
ltr
eaty
ouwel
l
"
Me:
"Itwi
l
l.Letmebat
handgot
othehospi
tal
"
Brad:
"Iwil
ltel
lSiphot
omakeussomet
hingt
oeat
"
hewalkedaway .
Me:
"Iti
syourt
urntof
etchKhwezi
from t
hesoccer
mat
ch"Ishout
ed.
Br
ad:
"Thanky
oul
ove"
Ifi
l
ledt
hetub.I
magi
neawholemewit
hanI
ndi
an
baby?MaNgcobowoul
dski
nmeali
ve.
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Thewor styetthebest4weeksofmyl ife.Gogo
welcomedmewi thwar mlovingar mswhenIwent
home.Wecr iedi
ntoeachother 'sarmsunt ilher
daughterdecidedwedi sr
uptthemoment .Itold
them every
thingandgogoagr eedf ort
heDube' sto
come.Icoul dn'
tbemor ehappi er.Ever
ythingwent
accordi
ngly.Thenaweekl atert heycamef or
amaloboloofwhi chIregr
etagr eeingtobecause
Khuleaskedmei fIst
il
lwantt ogoaheadwi tht
hem.
Tyl
erhaschangedsomuchaft
ert
hat
.HesaysI
'
m
seei
ngthi
sbutmygutcanfeel
somet
hingi
snot
ri
ght
.
Ij
umpedatt
hesoundofsomeonespeaki
ng.
Ty
ler
:"Ai
bo.What
'sup?
Me:
"Not
hing.Iwasj
ustdeepi
nmyt
hought
s"
Ty l
er:
"OkI'
m goingtoJo'burg.Ar
eyout
agging
along?"Hemov edtoPretori
a.Eachmor
ningIdri
ve
toJo'burgi
fIsl
eptov er
,he'sopeni
nghi
slawfir
m
thissi
de.
Me:"
No.Iwaswi
tht
hem y
est
erdayaf
terknocki
ng
of
f"
Tyl
er:
"Ok.I'
l
lseeyoul
atert
hen"heki
ssedmycheek
andwalkedout.
Icall
edKhethelo.She'
senjoyingnotbeingt heolder
wife.Theceremonyt owelcomeMt hoandCal vi
n
homewentsuccessf ull
y.AllKhethelocouldsaywas
"AtlastIhav
esomebar gai
nof fmyshoul ders"
Khet
hel
o:"
Babes"
Me:
"Heymommy
.How'
sthet
opdeck?
"Shel
aughed.
Tyl
ercal
lsthebabiestopdeck.Hewentcrazyover
Ngi
phil
e,excit
edthatatl
astther
e'sanot
herl
ight
ski
nnedmal eint
hefamily.
Khet
hel
o:"
Theyaregoodandwemi
ghtget
di
schar
gedany
timefrom t
oday
"
Me:"
Wow.Thati
sgoodnews.Iwi
l
lseey
ouguy
son
Monday
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Wher
e'shusband?
"
Me:
"Hej
ustl
eftf
orJo'
bur
g"
Khet
hel
o:"
OhOk.Hashenotcomebackhome
agai
n?"
Me:"
No.Butthi
ngsar
est
il
lawkwar
d.Somet
hingi
s
of
faboutus"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ithi
nky
ouguy
sshoul
dtal
k"
Me: "
Itol
dhi
my est
erdaybef
oreIcameherebuthe'
s
beenupanddown.Thismorningwasourchanceto
speakbuthej
ustcameandt ol
dmehe'sgoingto
Jo'
burg"
Khethel
o:"
Whathasgott
ent
ohim!I
'dtel
lKhul
eto
speaktohi
m butyouguy
shavet
otalkabouti
tfi
rst
"
Me:"Ihavebeent r
yingbuthedoesn'tseem l
ikehe
wantstotalkatall
.Iwasthinki
ngmay beweshoul
d
j
ustcallof
fthrengagement .I
tspossiblewe'
renot
r
eadyf ort
hispartofourli
ves"
Khethelo:"
Donotspeakl
ikethat
.Thi
smightbea
testt
oseei fyouguy
sarereadyfort
henextst
ep.
Proveitthaty
ouare"
Me:
"Wear
enot
.It
sver
ycl
ear
"
Khethel
o:"
Thefactthaty
ou'
rewil
li
ngt osi
thi
m
downandlayitbef
orehimthaty
ou'renotmanaging
well
wi t
hhisbehav
iormeanssomethingbabe.Tr
y"
Me:
"Iam t
ryi
ng"At
earescapedmyey
e.
Khet
helo:"Tr
yhar derandify oufai
levenatt
hat.
Packyourthi
ngsandl eav ethatengagementri
ngon
hi
skit
chencount erandt akeav acat
ionto
Mauri
ti
us."Iwipedmyt ears.
Me:
"Ihav
eonel
astt
ryi
nme"
Khet
hel
o:"
Don'
tcr
ybaby
.Yougott
hisokay
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Khet
hel
o:"
Justdr
iveher
eorcal
lLi
am t
ofet
chy
ou.
We'
l
lhav
elunchout
side.Br
ingwi
ne"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Okay
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Wai
ti
ngony
oupumpki
n."
Me:
"By
ehun"
Shehungup.She' llf
oreverbeamommyt ome.
She'
st heeasiesttotal
kto.Shelistensand
understands.Iputonmyshoesandt ookmybag.I
can'
tbel i
eveIstoppeddrinki
ngwi nerightaf
tert
he
Drbroket ousthenewsofnotbei ngabletocarr
yto
ter
m, andt henhedoesal lt
hathe'sdoing.Iam t
ryi
ng
togiv
ehi m whatIthinkheneeds.
Andoneoft
heni
ghtshedi
dnotcomehomeandI
nev
erbot
her
edtoask.
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
Alt
hought her
ear echal
lengesatwor kbutIwon't
dwell
muchont hatbecausel i
fehasbeent er
ri
bly
amazing.Everyt
hingthatneededtobemendedat
homewas.Thef ather
swer en'
tli
kebefore.They
wereadjusti
ngintohavingBabCal v
inast hei
rolder
br
otherandt
hatwasbestf
orev
ery
one.
Mylovelif
e?AllcansayisGodlovesusall
.She'
s
ever
ythi
ng.IloveherandI'
m cer
tai
nthatwemake
eachotherhappy.
Thedoorpushedopen.BythewaydaddyQl etMtho
andImov eint
ohishouse.Mtho' s8weekswi t
h
daddycamet oanendandhi smot herletusgo
aheadwiththeceremonyofintroducinghimt othe
Dubeancestors.I
twasthefunniestthingever.How
MkhuluNdodasai di
t.Wealljustforgotitwas
supposedtobeaqui etmomentandl aughed.
Me:
"Iwasn'
texpect
ingy
out
oday
"
Mt
ho:
"That
'
swhyIcame.Iboughtusnewf
if
a"
Me:"
Holdi
tri
ghtt
her
egeni
us.Wher
edi
dyougett
he
money?
"
Mtho:
"Whyarey
oulikey
ourdads?Imadet
hethi
ngs
t
obuyf i
fat
obedone.Ar
eweplayi
ngornot
?"
Me:"Hel
lyeah.Butf
ir
st,
weshouldt
aket
hel
adi
es
outf
oraspadayorsomet hi
ng'
Mt
ho:
"Canwespendamomentwi
thouty
ou
mentioni
ngthosetwo?They'
rehappywit
houtus.As
wespeakt heyar
einGoldReefci
tywit
houtusbut
you'
reherethi
nki
ngoftaki
ngthem toaspaday."
Me:"You'
renotser
ious"heshr
uggedandf
ocusedon
hi
sfif
a.It
ookoutmyphoneandst art
eddi
ali
ng
Happy.
I
trangunanswer
edf
oracoupl
eofseconds.
Mt
ho:
"She'
shav
ingf
unshewon'
tanswer
"
Happy
:"Peanut
s"
Me:"
Yeahri
ght
.Whywasn'
tIi
nfor
medaboutGol
d
r
eefci
ty?
"
Happy:
"I'
m sor
rymyj el
l
ybeanbutIhadtotake
Ndal
oout.She'
shav i
ngthatti
meofthemonthandi
t
coul
dbev er
ydrai
ning.Wejustdeci
dedt
his
morni
ng"
Me:
"Nev
ergoany
wher
ewi
thouti
nfor
mingme"
Happy
:"I
'
m sor
ryi
twon'
thappenagai
n"
Me:
"Itbet
ternot
"Ihungup.
Babast
ri
ctl
ytol
dmet
olookaf
terherbecauseshe'
s
nowhavi
ngathi
ngwithmeshewi
l
lbeagoodt
arget
toev
eryenemyoutt
here.
Mt
ho:
"Canwepl
aynow?
'
Me:
"Yeah.Hav
eyouhear
dfr
om Yezwe?
"
Mtho:
"No.He'
sisol
ati
nghi
msel
f.I
'
m doner
eachi
ng
out
"
Me:
"He'
soneofus"
Mtho:"Heknowsthatv
erywel
lbutdoesn'
tbot
hert
o
t
ext,cal
lorshowup"
Me:
"He'
sst
il
ldi
gest
ingt
hiswhol
ethi
ng"
Mtho:
"You'r
esuchagoodpersoni
tsucks.
"Hegot
upanddisappear
edt
otheki
tchen.
Yezweisv er
ydif
ferent.Hedoesn'
treal
l
yint
eract
wit
hhumans.Ihar dlysawhim whenwewer eat
Estcour
t.Ishoul
dgocheckupont hem..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Shet
hrewher
sel
fnextt
omeandt
ookmymeat
.
Me:
"Howdi
dyougeti
n?"
Luh:
"Ibr
ibedt
hecamer
as"
Me:
"I'
m ser
iousLuh"
Luh:"
Okfi
ne.Imist
akenl
ysawthecodebutI
promi
seIwil
lcal
lyoutoopenupforme"
Me:
"You'
resomet
hingel
se.Howdi
ditgo?
"
Luh:
"Horr
ibl
e.Ihat
eyourmother
.Icouldn'
tstand
herl
yi
ngassbeforeme.Ij
ustcoul
dn't
.Ilosti
tand
hi
ther"
Me:
"What
!"
Luh:"Pl
easedon'
tj
udgeme.Thatwomanr
uinedmy
l
ife.
"
Me:
"Buthi
ther
?"
Luh:"Pleasedon'
teventryactinnocent.Atsome
pointyoualsofel
tli
keroughingherbitchassface
up"
Me: "
Yes.ButIdidn'
t.Youwentther
etomendthi
ngs
notmaket hem worse"shehuf
fedandrol
l
edher
eyes.
Luh:
"Itwasj
ustat
inysl
ap"
Me:"I
tdoesn'
tmat
ter
!Lul
amaIwantav
erybeaut
if
ul
weddi
ng"
Luh:
"Whydoy
ouneedher
?I'
m her
efory
ou"
Me: "
Lulamay ourov erseasmindsetiscr azy.The
Dubesar everycultural
.Chri
sislookingf orwardfor
met obehiswi fe,he'sti
redofwai t
ing.Mot heral
so
rui
nedmyl if
ebutwehav etoputthatbehi ndus"she
gavemeadi sapprovingstar
e."Ithappened, wecan't
undoit.Thebestwecoul ddoi smov eon.I fnotf
or
youpleasedot hisforme.Atl eastpretend"
Luh:"Ir
eal
lywannadot
hisbutseei
ngherj
ust
broughtsomanymemories.
"
Me:"I
tsaboutt
imeyoursoncamehome.Doi
tfor
hi
m andI.
"Sheexhal
ed.
Luh:
"Iwi
l
lgot
omor
rowagai
nandapol
ogi
se"
Me:"Andtakeitallof
fyourchest.Letherknowhow
muchy ouresenthertr
ustmey ou'r
egoingtofeel
bet
ter"
Luh:
"Okpsy
chi
atr
ist
"wel
aughed.
Ifi
nallywenttomymot hertwoweeksago.We
tal
kedt hi
ngsthroughl
ikeadultst
hatweareandwe
camei ntoagreementt
hatshewi l
lbethemot her
she'sneverbeen.Agoodmot herandalsoagood
grandmot her
.Ihadtoputmyangerandr esentment
aside.It
sabouttimeIoffi
cial
l
ybecameMr sDube.
Luh:
"Wher
e'smyoneni
ghtst
and?
"
Me:"
Wouldyoupleasel
eav
emypoorbr
otheri
nlaw
i
npeace?
"Shelaughed.
Luh: "
He'ssocrazy
.Youshoul
dlethim knowIdonot
dor el
ati
onshi
ps.Ther
e'snoneedforhi
mt obe
runningawayfrom me"
Me:
"What
ever
"
Luh:
"Wher
edoesDrPast
orputhi
sci
gar
s?"
Me:
"Hedoesn'
tsmoke"
Luh:"He'
ssuchapast
or.Where'
syourgi
n?"Shesai
d
gett
ingupandheadi
ngtothekit
chen.
Me:
"Ther
emustbesomeont
hepant
ry"
Luh:
"WuuuhDanki
empi
l
o!"Sheshout
ed.
She'
sapi
eceofwor
kbutI
'
mjustgl
adshe'
sher
e..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Around4pm Khet
hiwesai
dhergoodby
e.Shewas
bett
erthanwhatshewaswhenshearr
ived.
Hegoti nwithmorefood.Iam bal
looni
ng.My
breast
sar ealwaysawful
l
yf ul
lsometi
mesIcrywhen
themilkisspil
li
ngout.
Me:"
Idon'
twantyoucheati
ngonmeinfutur
ewi
th
someoneski
nni
er"hechuckl
edandki
ssedme.
Khul
e:"
I'
m st
il
lveryscar
edofwomenwi
feysot
hat
woul
dn'
thappen."
Me:
"Youmeany
ouhav
en'
thadsexal
lthi
sti
me?
"
Khul
e:"Ihav
e."Hel
ookedathi
shandsandwe
l
aughed.
Me:
"You'
resocr
azy
.Howwast
heboy
sday
?"
Khul
e:"
Itwasgood.Qui
ntonst
ayedonv
ideocal
lthe
whol
eti
me"
Me:
"Ican'
tgetov
ert
hebondt
haty
oubot
hhav
e."
Khule:
"Il
ovehim.Alot.Alt
houghhe'sal
i
ttl
ecr
azy
butIwoul
dn'tt
radehimf ort
heworld"
Me:
"Youshoul
dgov
isi
thi
m"
Khul
e:"
Yeahwhent
hechi
l
drenar
eokay
"
Me:
"Theyar
eokaypl
usMam Di
noi
sher
e."
Khul
e:"
Don'
tev
ent
ryconv
inceme.Iwon'
tgo"
Me:"Igi
veup.Youcangoseet
hem.Iwannar
esta
l
it
tl
e"
Khul
e:"Ok.
..
.wai
t,t
her
e'ssomet
hingoddabout
Tyl
er"
Me:
"Yout
hink?
"
Khul
e: "
Yeah.He'
sdi
stant
.Hehar
dlyf
ocuseson
anyt
hing"
Me:
"Di
dyout
ryt
alki
ngt
ohi
m?"
Khule:
"Yesbuthej
ustdi
smi
ssedme.I
'
m wor
ri
ed
abouthim"
Me:"May
bey
oushoul
dgot
ohi
spl
aceandaddr
ess
t
his"
Khul
e:"
Iwil
l.Letmegot
omymuf
fi
ns.Il
ovey
ou.Eat
,
weneedthatmilk"
Me:
"Tel
lyourchi
l
drenI
'
m nott
hei
rcow"hel
aughed.
Khule:
"By
esweet
hear
t.Iwantaqui
cki
ewhenIget
back"
Me:
"JustgoDube"hesmi
rkedandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Amessagecamet
hrough.
'
Li
ndahasagr
eedtosi
gnt
hepapersnowpl
easemy
f
ri
end,
helpmegetmymanback.
'
Nonkulul
ekoNdl ela!IcursethedayImether.She
ki
ll
edherchild,shesay sitwasst r
essbutIknowit
wasn'tanddivorcingherhusbandbecauseshe
bel
ievesshebel ongswi t
hQui nt
on.Qui
ntonmadei t
cl
earhe'soverwhat everitishehadforherbutshe'
s
notbackingdown.Shewant sherMANback...
.
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erTwent
yEi
ght
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Itol
dChri
sthatt
hisi
sabadideabuthei
nsi
stedIdo
i
t.Whatdoesonesaytoamamazala?
Igat
her
edallt
hestr
engthIneededandwal
keddown.
Shewasbusyonthestove.
Me:
"Goodmor
ningma"
Mam Dino:"
Morni
ngson.Shoul
dn'
tyoubeatt
he
hospi
tal
?It
salmost9am"
Me:
"I'
m headi
ngt
her
eri
ghtnow"
Mam Dino:"
Imadet hese.Pl
easemakesureshe
dri
nksi
t"KhetheloandAmahewu?It ookthebagshe
hadpackedallthefoodon.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Oldpeoplesuffocateme.Especiall
yinsuchcases.
LesediandIwer etogetherf
oryearsbutIcoul d
countt
het i
mesIi nteract
edwit
hherpar ent
s.It
snot
over5times,Iavoidin-l
awsatallcosts.Having
mam Di nohereisstressi
ngmeout .
.
..
Iarri
vedatthehospi
tal
.Ican'
twai
tfort
hem t
oget
dischar
ged.Ineedadecentsl
eep.
It
urnedwhenIf
eltapokeonmyback.
Me:
"Hey
.Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
ear
ound"
Luci
a:"
Iam.Iar
ri
vedl
astni
ght
.How'
sthedoubl
e
tr
oubl
e?"
Me:
"Theyar
egoodt
hanky
ou.
"
Luci
a:"
That
'
sgr
eat
.Soy
oul
ett
heboy
sst
ayi
nthei
r
own?"
Me:"Yeah.Buthe'sdoi
ngonhi
sschool
wor
kift
hat
's
whatyou'r
eworriedabout
"
Luci
a:"Nono,notatal
l
.Iwasj
ustsur
pri
sedy
ou
tr
ustthem t
hatmuch"
Me:
"Theyar
egoodboy
s."
Luci
a:"NotMt hobisi
.Uhm.
..
doyouknowany
thi
ng
aboutelect
ronics?MyPCisact
ingup"
Me:"
Ihav
eaf ri
endt
hatcanchecki
toutf
ory
ou.I
wi
ll
emailyouhi
snumbers"
Luci
a:"
Thanky
ou.I
twasni
cet
oseey
ou"
Me:
"Li
kewi
se"
Iheadedt
othel
i
ft.
Istartedoffatthenursery
.Theroom wasempt yI
i
mmedi atel
yfelthotfl
ushes.It
urnedbackand
rushedt oKhethelo'
sward.Iopenedthedoor.Ifound
herlookingoverthecot.Itookadeepbreath.She
noticedme.
Khet
helo:"
Guesswho'sher
e?"Shepi
cked
Nkosi
ngit
handi
leup."
Heydaddy"
Me:
"Ial
mostdi
ed"
Khet
hel
o:"It
ri
edcal
l
ingy
oubuti
tputmet
hrough
voi
cemai
l.
"
Me:"Aret heyreadytogohome? "Ipi
cked
Nkosingiphil
eup."He'ssoheavy.Weshouldt
hank
Mam Di noandherf ood"welaughed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Whentheyar
eol
denoughIwi
l
ljusthav
e
togoondi
etandgotot
hegym"
Me:"Yourhousei
sbi
genoughtohav
eagy m Mrs
Dubeandenoughmoneytogetaper
sonal
trai
ner"
Khet
hel
o:"
Am Ist
il
lgoi
ngt
obeapr
isoner
?"
Me:"
Nobuty
ouwillnotweart
ight
sinf
rontoft
hose
menatt
hegym"shechuckl
ed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Yourj
eal
ousyi
soutoft
hiswor
ld.
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Wehav
emor
esi
xweeksunt
ilsex"
Khet
hel
o:"
Arey
oucount
ing?
"
Me:"Yesma'
am.
"It
ookt
hebagandpackedher
cl
othes.
Atl
ongl
astwe'
regoi
nghome.
..
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Fi
nall
yev
eryt
hingi
scomingintoget
her
.Pai
nti
ngi
s
donewe'
reonl
ylef
twit
hfurni
shing.
I
tsnot
hingbi
g,it
sport
abl
e,enought
oaccommodat
e
meandmyclients.
Myphonerang.Shel
eftwi
thoutgoodby
ethi
s
mor
ning.
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Khet
hiwe:
"Mor
ning.Howar
eyou?
"
Me:
"I'
m good.Howi
syour
sel
f?"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m gr
eat
.Di
dyouf
indy
ourl
unchbox?
"
Me:
"Wher
e?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ont
opoft
hecount
er"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tcheck"
Khet
hiwe:"
Younevercheckany
thi
ngt
heseday
s.
Haveaniceday
"shehungup.
Iputthephonebackatmypocketandwenttomy
car.I
'
m meetingwit
hthef
urni
tur
epeople.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Ishoul
dr emov ethedoorbel
l.Ky
liethi
nksi
tsatoy
.
Themeet inggotcancel
ledsoshef l
ewback.I
shoul
d'vef oundhersomethi
ngelsetodother
e.I
opened.Shesmi led.
Me:
"Ar
eyousur
eyou'
re27?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Yes.Hel
l
o"
Me:
"Hi
."Shegoti
n.Icl
osedt
hedoor
.
Ky
li
e:"
Don'
tcl
ose.I
'
m wi
thYol
i
"
Me:
"Wher
eisshe?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Att
heback.
"
Inoddedandwal
kedont
othecouch.
Ky
li
e:"
Doy
ouhav
ecof
fee?
"
Me:"
Yes.Ihav
en'
teat
eny
oucanmakeus
br
eakf
ast"
Ky
li
e:"
Getagi
rl
fr
iendoramai
d.I
'
m noty
ourmai
d"
Me:
"Whatwoul
dIdowi
thagi
rl
fr
iend?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Kissi
t.Lov
eitandi
twi
l
lcookf
ory
ou"
Me:"Iam notr
eadyt
obeasked'
whywasy
ourphone
of
f't
hanky ou"
Ky
li
e:"
Somegi
rl
fr
iendsar
ecut
iepi
es"
Yol
i:
"YohgoodMorni
ng.Whyisthebackunl
ocked?
"
Shehadacupofcoff
eeinherhand.
Me:'
Justi
ncaset
hehousecat
chesf
ir
e"t
hey
l
aughed.
Shesatdown.
Kyl
ie:
"Nosit
ti
ngwe'r
egoi
ngt
otheki
tchen.Ar
en'
t
youworki
ngtoday
?"
Me:
"Myshi
ftst
art
sat6pm"
Yol
i:
"WhenIgr
owupIwannabel i
key
ou.
"Shegot
upandt
heywentt
otheki
tchen.
Thesecuri
tyt
abflashed.Nkul
e?Iopenedf
orher
.I
haven'
tseenheri
nawhi le.
Thedooropened.
Me:
"Ohmyy
ougav
ebi
rt
hal
ready
?"
Nkul
e:'
Well
hel
l
otoy
out
oo"shedi
dn'
tl
ookl
i
keher
j
oll
ysel
f.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Shesatbesi
deme.'
Wher
ehav
eyoubeenhi
ding?
"
Nkul
e:"
Iwasgr
iev
ing.Il
ostmychi
l
d"
Me:
"I'
m sosor
ryt
oheart
hat
"
Nkul
e:"
Thanky
ou.
"
Me:"Howar
eyouguy
shandl
i
ngi
tthough.I
tmustbe
sohard"
Nkule:"
There'
snousanymore.Hebl
amesmef or
thelossofourchi
ldsohef
il
edfordi
vor
ce"she
star
tedsobbing.
Me:"
He'ssuchacowar
d.I
'
m sosor
ry"Ibr
oughther
i
nforahug.
Nkule:
"Andbei
ngonmyownher emakesitwor
se.I
can'
tevengotomymother'
shousebecausemydad
keepsontel
l
ingmetof
ightformymarri
age"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.
"
Someonecl
earedt
hei
rthroat
.Nkul
equi
ckl
ymov
ed
off
.Shepl
acedatr
aywithfoodonthet
abl
e.
Yol
i:
"Idi
dn'
tknowyouhadav
isi
tor
.I'
l
lbr
ingy
ou
somethi
ngt
odr i
nk"
Nkul
e:"
Not
hanky
ou.Iam l
eav
ingany
way
"
Yol
inoddedandwal
kedof
f.
Nkul
e:"
Idi
dn'
tknowshemov
edi
n"
Me:
"No.Theyv
isi
t"
Nkul
e:"
They
?"
Me:
"Yes.Ky
li
eandher
"
Nkul
e:"
Oh.It
houghty
'al
lar
e..
..
"
Me:
"Ar
ewhat
?"
Nkul
e:"
Toget
her
."Il
aughed.
Me:
"Youneedt
ogett
hatoutofy
ourmi
nd"
Nkule:
"Themoreyoudenyi
tist
hemoreIseeit
s
tr
ue.Whywouldyougiv
eheracari
fyoudi
dn'tl
ove
her"
Me:
"We'
renothav
ingt
hisconv
ersat
ionagai
n."
Nkul
e:"
Canwegooutf
ordr
inksl
ater
?"
Me:
"I'
m wor
king"
Nkule:
"Weekend?Ir
eal
l
yneedabi
toff
unbef
oreI
ki
ll
my sel
f"
Me:"Wi
lll
etyouknow"shesmi
l
edandgotupand
sai
dhergoodbyeandlef
t.
Ky
li
ecamei
nwi
thherf
ood.
Me:
"Wher
e'sYol
i
?"
Kyl
i
e:"
Cleani
ngup.Shehast
hatneatf
reakper
sona
goi
ngon"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Ishoul
dgetanannyandamai
d"
Ky
li
e:"
You'
ref
etchi
ngt
hegi
rl
s?"
Me:"
Yeah,aft
ert
hei
rbi
rt
hdaythough.Ican'
tl
iv
e
wi
ththem onmyownri
ghtnow"
Ky
li
e:"
Isee.
"
Yol
ijoi
nedus.Shesatonachai
r.Shedi
dn'
tl
ookl
i
ke
her
self
.
Me:
"Doy
oul
i
ket
henewpl
ace?
"
Yol
i
:"Yes.I
tsbeaut
if
ul"
Kyl
i
e:"Iwi
llbevi
sit
ingherev
eryweekend.Theyhav
e
4barsint
hatcompl ex"
Yol
i
:"Andy
ouwi
l
lbegoi
ngal
onet
odr
ink"
Kyl
ie:
"Comeon.Thatbar
mandoesn'
tl
ookl
i
kea
pl
ayer"
Me:
"He'
shi
tt
ingony
ou?
"
Yol
i
:"Yes.AndKy
li
ethi
nksi
tsf
unny
"
Me:
"Ky
li
e"shegi
ggl
ed
Ky
li
e:"
What
?Sheshoul
dli
veal
i
ttl
e,beki
ssedf
rom
headt
otoe,
reachor
gasmsand-
"
Me:
"Shutup"
Yol
iexcusedher
sel
f.Ky
li
eputt
hepl
atedown.
Kyl
ie:
"Whydi
dyousnap?You'
rescar
ingt
hepoor
chi
l
d"
Me:
"Whydoy
ouwanthert
odat
ethatmonkey
?"
Ky
li
e:"
I'
mj oki
ng.Jesus"shenar
rowedherey
esat
me."
Tell
meI '
m seeingthi
ngs"
Me:"Icareforher
.Shehasabrightfut
ureaheadand
boy
friendsarenothi
ngbutdi
str
action"
Ky
li
e:"
Youbet
terbecauseshe'
sachi
l
d"
Me:
"Whatdoy
out
akemef
or?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Onecannev
erbet
oosur
e"
Shepi
ckedhergl
assandwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.
Amancan'tbeprot
ecti
veofafemalewithoutbei
ng
suspect
edofhav
ingfeel
ingst
hesedays.It
ssad..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Timemovesfast
.Wedidnotfeel
Sunday.Ithought
wehaddodgedthebul
l
etofgoingtochurchbut
nopet
hevancameheretopickusup.
OhandyesIsti
l
lhavemynerdPA.Ithoughtwe'
d
hav
eimprovedbynowbutno.Ev
erydayfeel
sli
kea
newday
.Ipackedmythi
ngsandheadedout .
Me:
"I'
mleav
ingnow.
"
Nkazi
:"Saf
ejour
neySi
r.Youhav
eanear
lyday
t
omorrow"
Me:"Iwi
lldomybestbyar
ri
vi
ngear
ly"shesmi
l
ed
andnodded.
Iwalkedtothel
if
t.I
tpar
ted.Mt
hoandhermot
her
gotoff.Igr
eet
ed.
Me:
"Youcomei
nonMonday
snow?
"
Mtho:
"Iwannabeabsentt
omor
row.Mom dr
oveme
her
e"
Luci
a:"
Iwant
edt
oseet
hepl
ace.I
tsr
eal
l
ybeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Luci
a:"
Wel
l
.Iwi
l
lfet
chy
oul
aterbaby
"
Mtho:"
Nodon't
.Iam goi
ngt
odad'
s.Mam Khet
hel
o
gotdi
schar
ged"
Me:"You'
real
i
fesav
er.Mam Kat
legot
oldmet
o
br
ingagift
"
Mt
ho:
"Iboughtmi
ne"
Me:
"Luckyy
ou.Letmego"
Hewhi st
ledaway
.Wegotont
hel
i
ft.If
eltabi
tof
headache.
IsawLuciaandBabKhulekissi
ngontheparki
nglot
.
Hegoti nt
ohiscaranddroveof
f.Shestay
edbehi
nd
l
ookingatthecarwhil
ebrushi
ngherstomachwit
ha
genuinesmil
eonherface.
"MrDube?MrDubecany
ouhearme?Wher
e'st
he
par
amedics?
"
Isl
owlyopenedmyeyes.Isawmanyf
acesst
ari
ng
atme.Luci
abeingoneofthem.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandSabel
ohel
pedmesi
tst
rai
ght
.
Luci
a:"
OhmyGody
ouscar
edme"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"Iat
tempt
edget
ti
ngupbutt
hey
pi
nnedmedown."
I'
mfi
ne"
Luci
a:"
Arey
ousur
e?"
Me:
"Yes!
"
Igotupandt
ookmyt
hingsandr
ushedout
.
Whywoul
dGodr
eveal
thatt
ome?
..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
I
twasget t
ingreall
ydark.Ev
ery
thingwasi npl
ace.A
recei
vedatextfrom Khul
esayi
ngt heyarecoming.
Hehadt ofoolherandsayther
e'sfumigati
ongoing
onheretheycanonl ycomeaft
er7.
Me:"Okayguyst
heyarecomi
ng"i
twasjustust
he
Dubes.Cal
vi
ncouldn'
tmakei
tbutLel
oandtheki
ds
came.
Bongaseemeddi stant
.Iwentt
ohi
m."Isev
erythi
ng
okay?
"Hedi dn'
thearme.Hehadhi
sey esl
ockedon
Luci
a'
sdirecti
on.Ishookhi
m.Hestar
tl
ed.
Bonga:
"Ma?
"
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
"
Bonga:
"Not
hing.I
'
mjustabi
tsi
ck"
Me:
"Youshoul
dgol
i
edown"
Bonga:
"I'
l
lbef
inemyqueendon'
twor
ry"
Me:
"Youbet
ter
.Idon'
tl
ikeseei
ngy
oul
i
ket
his"
Hegav
emeaweaksmi
l
e.
Iwal
kedbackt
othel
adi
es.
Khet
hiwe.Mypoorbaby.Isatnexttoher.Shewas
onGooglesear
chi
ngforotherway sofconceiv
ing.
Me:
"Don'
tdot
hist
oyour
sel
f"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ican'
thel
pit
"shel
ockedt
hephone.
Me:"Thest
ressyou'
regi
vi
ngyoursel
fmi
ghtr
esul
tto
har
dshiponconcei
vi
ngsoplease"
Khethi
we:"
Lookathi
m.Heonlygreet
edmeand
passedby
.Itsl
i
keIam nother
e"
Me: "
Stopfocusi
ngonthat.Enjoythi
smoment .The
str
essy ou'
vebeengi
vi
ngy ourselfl
atel
yisunheal
thy
babe"shesighedanddrankherhealthywater
.
Ir
ecei
vedanot
hert
extsay
ingt
heyar
eout
sidet
he
gat
e.
Me:
"Okay
.Ev
ery
bodyonst
andby
"
Thi
sfamil
yisincr
easi
ngeachday
.Ther
e'smanyof
usnow.IwenttoChri
s.
Me:
"IsQon?
"
Chr
is:
"He'
snotpi
cki
ngup"
Me:
"Pl
easekeept
ryi
ng"
Chri
s:"Yesma'
am"Ilookedathi
m.Hechuckl
ed.He
saysheusual
lysay
sthatwhenI'
m bei
ngbossy.I
'
m
notbossy.
Thedooropened.
"
Sur
pri
se!
!!
"Shel
aughedandhi
tKhul
e.
Khethel
o:"
You'
reoneweir
dfamil
y.Di
dyouper
haps
for
gettohi
dethecars?
"Welaughed.
Me:
"Af
tersomuchef
for
tthough"
Khet
hel
o:"
Wel
lIam sur
pri
sedbyt
hedeconoty
ou
bei
ngher
e"
Ty
ler
:"Canweeatt
hecakenow?
"Idon'
tknowwhy
he'sli
ket
his.Wet ooktur
nsonhuggi ngKhethel
o.
Chrishov
eredt hetwi
nswi t
hthetr
ipl
ets.Theykept
want i
ngt
ot ouchthebabies.I
'
m suretheythought
theyaret
oys.
Wetookoutthegi
ft
s.Luci
aexcel
led.Sheboughta
t
winsst
rol
lerandabagful
lofcl
othes.
Khet
hiwewentupst
air
stonap.She'
snott
heonet
o
best
ressed.
Mommyanddaddygaveoutaspeech.Happi
ness
wr
it
tenal
lov
ert
heirf
aces.
Khule:"You'
rethebestfamil
yanyonecoul deverask
for
.Thanky ousomuchboMbuy azi.Bongaand
MthoI '
m proudofyouboth,Iwasn'texpecti
ngsuch
maturebabygi ft
s"welaughed."
Inconclusion.
Thanky ouMr sDubeforgivi
ngmesuchbeaut i
ful
chi
ldren"
Khet
hel
o: "
Mypl
easur
est
handwasam"t
heyki
ssed.
Wecheered.
Thi
siswhatwecallahappylif
e.We'r
elef
twithTyl
er
andKhet
hiwe'
smat tert
ofi
xthenwecontinuehav
ing
asmoothyearbecauseIam star
ti
ngonplanni
ngfor
myweddi
ngnextMonday
..
..
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erTwent
yNi
ne
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Nothi
ngbeatshavi
ngasupport
ivehusbandand
Angelki
ds.Isl
eptl
i
keababy,Iexpressedf
orthem.
Iwokeupal
lal
one.Imadet
hebedandwentt
opee.
If
oundt
hem l
yi
ngpeacef
ull
yont
hebed.
Me:
"Mor
ningl
i
ttl
ecat
s.Wher
e'sy
ourdaddy
?"
Howlongdoesi
ttakef
orachi
l
dtobeabl
etospeak
any
way?
Iki
ssedt
heirl
i
ttl
echeeks.I
fNgiphil
ewasawake
she'
dbeopeni
nghermout hri
ghtnowr eadyt
osuck
me.That
'showmuchshel ovesfood.
Thedooropened.
Khul
e:"
Iwashopi
ngI
'
llf
indy
oui
nbed"
Me:"
Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepanymore.Mybodyisnow
pr
ogr
ammedi nt
owakingupat7.Thatsmell
sni
ce"
Khule:
"Madewi
thl
ovebyhusband"heputi
tont
he
tabl
e.
Me:
"Wuuht
hanky
ouhusband.
"
Khul
e:"
Yourkidsl
ovemilk.Idi
scoveredanewt r
ick,
whil
eIfeedt
heotheroneIuseacl ot
ht osuppor
t
anot
herone'
sbott
lesotheybothgett oeat"t
hat
's
howmostpeopledoitbutIwon'tbur
sthisbubble.
Me:
"Real
l
y?That
'sni
ce"
Khul
e: "
Eatbefor
eMam Di
nocomesandf
eedy
ou
porr
idge"welaughed.
Me:
"Wher
eissheany
way
?"
Khul
e:"
Ihi
dthemaizesoshedrovetothemall.She
mustbeonherwaybacknow"Ilaughed.Thi
s
woman.
Me:"
Herpor
ri
dgei
sn'
ttheor
dinar
yone.I
tsf
lav
our
ed.
Il
i
keit
"
Khul
e:"
Itr
eal
l
ymakesmi
l
k?"
Me:
"Yesl
ove.
"
Khule:"
Oht
hat
'sgr
eat
.Weshoul
dbuymor
emai
ze
then"
Hecli
mbedonbedandliednextt
othekids.I
tsr
eal
l
y
nicet
oseehimthi
shappy.Thewayhelooksat
them,he'
ssol
d.
Khul
e:"
Cany
oubel
i
evet
heyar
eour
s?"
Me:
"Itf
eel
sunr
eal
,doesn'
ti
t?"
Khul
e:"
Thankyoubaby
.Ipr
omi
set
otr
ymaket
ime
fory
outoookay?
"
Me:"Hhai
bo!I
'
m st
il
lyourwi
fe,
Ineedy
ourf
ull
at
tenti
on"
Hel
aughed.
Khul
e:"
You'
l
ldef
ini
tel
ygeti
twhenwe'
renotbusy
"
Me:
"Iwi
l
ljustmov
edownst
air
s"
Khule:"Asl
ongasy ouwi
ll
leav
esomemi lkf
orus"
I
'm done.Ichuckl
edandgotupandheadedtot
he
bat
hr oom.
Khul
e:"
OhIal
mostf
orgot
.We'
regoi
ngt
oCent
uri
on
t
oTy
ler
'sof
fi
ce"
Me:"Ok.Ar
eyouguysgoi
ngt
otal
ktohi
m?Khet
hiwe
i
sreall
ysuf
fer
ing"
Khule:
"Chri
swi l
lcauset
heonl yt
hingthatwi
ll
happenifItal
ktohimisahiding.Iwenttocheckon
herl
astnight,
Ifoundhercr
ying.Thisshoul
dbet hei
r
happyphasenott hi
s"
Me:"Cal
m down.Tr
ytot
alkt
ohi
minanol
der
br
othermanner
"
Khule:"
Myol
derbr
othermanneri
sapunchi
na
face"
Me:
"Comeher
e"
Khule:
"Who'
sgonnawat
cht
heki
ds?
"OhGodpl
ease
ki
llmealr
eady.
Me:
"Youwi
l
lpeepy
ourheadi
n"
Hepeepedi
tin.
Khul
e:"
Hmmm?
"
Me:"
Youwil
lnotbeathi
m up.Youwil
lfi
ndouthis
pr
obl
em andyouwil
laddressi
tasadul
ts,nor
aisi
ng
ofv
oicesorhands"
Khul
e:"
Yesma'
am"
Me:"
Thankyou.Il
ovey
ou"oneoft
het
winsmeowed
her
ushedtothem.
Khul
e:"
We'
reoutofmi
l
k!"
Me:
"Gobuyi
t"
Khul
e:"
Khet
hel
o"
Me:
"Mynamei
sbaby
!"
Khul
e:"
Babywe'
reoutofmi
l
k"
Me:
"That
'smor
eli
kei
t"
Heshowedhisuglysadf acewit
hNgithandi
l
eonhi
s
ar
ms.Ilaughed.Igotoutofthetub.
Khul
e:"
Rinset
hebr
east
s"
Me:"
Ifeel
li
key
ouguy
scow"Ir
insedt
hem and
wal
kedout.
Isatonthebedandt
ookhim.Hepulledachai rand
satbef
oreme.Thewholeviewwasamusi ngforhim.
Hewassmi l
ingfr
om eart
oear.Thesleepjunkiewas
ev
ensnor
ing.
Iwi
shi
tcoul
dst
ayl
i
ket
hisf
orev
er.
..
•
••
[
Chr
is]
IputSisekel
odown.Icur
set
hedayt
heyst
art
ed
walki
ng.
Me:
"Pl
easet
akey
ourchi
l
dren"
Kat
:"It
oldy
ounott
owaket
hem up"
Me:
"It
houghtt
heywer
egonnabeni
ce"
Kat
:"Nowy
ouhav
etobat
hagai
n"
Me:
"Nomadam Iwi
l
ljustwi
pet
hepai
ntof
f"
Kat
:"Changet
het
opt
oo"
Me: "
Youshoul
dgot
oKhet
hel
o.We'
rel
eav
ingi
nthe
next30minut
es"
Kat
:"SoonasIf
ini
shupcl
eani
ngwewi
l
lgo"
Me:
"Okay
"
Iwentupstair
st ori
nsethepaintof
fmyfaceand
changedintocleanclot
hesthenwentdown.They
ar
eal
way
ssowel
lbehav
edwi
tht
hei
rmot
her
.
I
ft heywerewi
thmethey'
dbehitti
ngeachotherwit
h
thesesnacksbowl
swithcheesecurl
sall
overthe
place.
Me:
"IsLul
amast
il
lar
ound?
"
Kat
:"Yes.Youknowbusi
nessj
unki
esshe'
sar
ound
makingdeals"
Me:
"Andt
hent
her
e'sy
ouandKhet
hel
o"
Kat
:"We'
remother
sandDubemenpr
ovi
deandwe
hav
esalonst
hankyou"
Me:
"Sal
onst
haty
oupaypeopl
etor
unf
ory
ou"
Kat
:"Yes.Wear
ebusy
.Andbesi
des,
Luhhasno
manandherchi
ldi
s10andi
nboardi
ngschool
"
Me:"Al
lI'
mt r
yingtosayi
shirenanniesandmaids
andgobewhat everyouwantbeforeyoublame
bei
ngmar r
iedtousinfut
ureshallanyt
hinggo
wrong"
Kat
:"Iseeyou'
retry
ingtof
ishoutmyi deas.Byemy
ani
mal"shereachedforakiss."
Sendmyl oveto
Tyl
er"shegavemeabag." Justincasey'
allget
hungr
y"
Me:
"We'
resuchl
uckymen"
Kat
:"Youbet
ternotf
orget
"
Iturnedt
osaybyetothetr
ipl
etsbutt
heywer
efast
asleepontopofeachot
her.
Me:
"Ai
byemommy
.Il
ovey
ou"
Kat
:"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Iheadedout
..
.
•
••
[
Jason]
Irecei
vedat
extf
rom t
hemotherofmychi
ld
remindi
ngmeaboutourDr
sappoint
ment
.
Oursonis2weeksol dnow.Heisn'
treal
l
ywel
lsoin
thatcaseweconsi
stentl
yseet
heDrt omakesur
e
he'sokay.
Ibat
hedanddrovet
oherplacewher
eshest
ayswi
th
hermother
.If
oundthem r
eady.
Icar
ri
edt
hebagt
othecar
.Shebuckl
edhi
m upt
hen
wegoti
n.
Me:
"So,
howar
eyouguy
s?"
Bi
anca:
"Wearegood.Hi
stemper
atur
eisst
il
lnor
mal
i
tsj
ustthr
owi
ngup"
Me:
"May
bet
hisi
sdeepert
hanwhatmeet
stheey
e"
Bi
anca:
"Pl
easedon'
tst
art
"
Me:"Iam goi
ngtocall
mydadt ocomehomeand
havemysonpr oper
lyi
ntr
oducedtoourAncest
ors
endofstory"
Bianca:
"Iwi
l
lnothav
emychi
l
dputi
nasmokeof
thather
b"
Me:
"Ourchi
l
d!"
Bi
anca:"
Thatgoesagai
nstmybeli
ef.Idonotbel
i
eve
ondeadpeopl
e.Siy
andawil
lbeheal
edt hr
ough
west
ernmethodsandGodnotancestors"
Ij
ustl
ookedaheadt
her
oad.Thi
stopi
cnev
ert
akes
usany
where.
Wearri
vedatt
heDr
.It
ookhim.Helookedweak.I
shoul
dcal
lmydadassoonaspossi
ble.Thequeue
wasabi
tlonger
.
Bianca:
"Cany
oupl
easegetmemyi
nhal
eri
nthe
car?"
Me:
"Whyi
sn'
tony
ourbag?
"
Bi
anca:
"Mybagi
sint
hecar
.If
eel
sick"
Igotupandwal
kedout
.
Iunlockedthedoors.Ablackj
eepparkednexttome.
Itookouttheinhal
erandclosedthedoor.Ist
epped
onsomeonewhenIt urned.
Me: "I
'
m sor r-whydon'tyouwatchwhereyou'
re
going?"Hel ookedatmeupanddownandshookhi s
headt henwal kedovertothepassengerdoor
.He
openedandEmi st
eppedout .If
eltmypalmsget
sweaty .Iwalkedbackinsideasquickl
yasIcoul
d.I
gaveBi ancaherinhaler.
Bi
anca:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"Yes"
Ibecameanxi
ous.Igav
ethebabyt
oBi
anca.
Me:
"Iwantt
obuycof
fee.I
'
llbeback"shenodded.
Iaskedthesecurit
yguywheredidt
heygoandwent
thatdi
rect
ion.Ispott
edhergoi
ngtotheLadi
es.
Iwalkedasf
astasIcoul
dbef
oreany
onecannot
ice.
Igotinandl
eanedonthewal
l
.
Shecameoutandwenttori
nseherhands.She
st
art
ledwhenshenoti
cedonthemir
rorthatI
'm
st
andingbehi
ndher
.
Emi
:"Nott
odayJason"
Me:
"Whynot
?"
Emi
:"Iam goi
ngt
oscr
eam"
Me:
"Scr
eam"
Emi
:"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Me: "Iwantyou.Iwanttofeelyourli
psagai nstmi ne,
Iwantt ofeelthewarmthofyourbodyagai nstmi ne"
Iplacedmyl efthandonherstomachandt her ight
oneonherhi p.Herscenthitmynost r
ilsIfeltmy
wholebodyt ingl
e.Shedidnotmov e.Inibbledher
ear.Tearsrandownhercheeks" Ican'tgetmy selfto
getov eryouEmi hl
e.Myheartsti
llmentionsy ou
everyday.Mybodyst i
ll
yearnsforyou.Ilovey ou.
Pleaseforgivemenoworel seIwil
lkil
lhim,howwi l
l
youev erforgiveyourselfknowinghedi edbecause
ofy ou?Ican'tstandthet houghtofy oukissi
nghim,
l
ettinghimi ntomycast l
e,screaminghisname. .
.i
t
driv
esmenut s.I
fyouknewy ouweregonnal eave
mesomedayy oushouldn'thaveletmet asteyou,
youshoul dn'thaveev erlovedme.Thi nkaboutthis.
Youhav e7day s.NextWednesdayIwi l
lcomet o
coll
ectmyanswer .
"
Iki
ssedhercheekandwal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Emi
]
Mywhol ebodytr
embled.Thetearsfl
ew
uncont
roll
abl
y.Myheartbeatharder
.Icoul
dn'
tmov
e.
"Hel
lo?Ar
eyouokay?"Al
lImanagedtowasshake
myhead.Shetookmyhandandpulledmeout.She
tookmetohercarandgavemewater.Idr
ankit
downandcalmeddownabi t
.
Her
:"CanIcal
lsomeonef
ory
ou?
"
Me:
"Yesmyboss.
"Il
ookedf
orBr
ad'
snumberand
gav
ethem t
othel
ady
.
Her
:"He'
snotpi
cki
ngup"Ir
emember
edhe'
sina
meeti
ng.
Me:"
He'
sinsi
dethatbui
l
dingi
nameet
ing.Iwi
l
ljust
t
akeanuberbacktowork"
Her
:"Iwi
l
ltakey
ou"
Me:
"Ther
e'snoneed"
Her
:"Ii
nsi
st"
Shecl
osedt
hedoorandwal
kedt
othedr
iver
'sseat
.
MaybeIshoul
dn'
thav
einsi
stedoncomi
ngher
ewi
th
hi
m.
'
Jasoni
shar assi
ngme.He'
sthr
eat
eni
ngt
oki
l
lKhan
i
fIdon'
ttakehim back'
Isentt
oKhule.Idon'
tcarei
ftheybur
yhim al
i
veor
feedhi
mtothel i
onsaslongashewillnev
erdist
urb
mypeace.
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
Shegoti
nlooki
ngasbeauti
ful
asalways.Shegav
e
meahugandkissesal
lovermyface.
Happy:"
We'r
egoingshoppi
ng,
mov
ieandar
omant
ic
ni
ghtatahotel
"
Me:
"I'
m noti
namoodf
orpeopl
e"
Happy
:"Iwi
l
lbookt
hewhol
emal
lthen"
Me:
"Don'
tber
idi
cul
ous"
Happy:"
Ireal
l
ycan'
tst
andt
hisgr
umpyboyf
ri
end.
"
Sheshutdownthel
apt
opandpul
ledmeup.
Me:
"Happi
ness"
Happy
:"Idon'
twannaheari
t"
Shet
ookmyphoneandpul
l
edmeal
lthewayout
.
Happy:
"Nkazi
.Pl
easecancel
all
hismeet
ingf
ort
he
day"
Nkazi
:"Hedoesn'
thav
eanyma'
am"
Happy
:"Thanky
oubabes.Ev
enbet
ter
"
.
..
Ther
oadt
ookust
oPr
etor
iaMenl
ynmal
l
.Byt
he
ti
mewef i
nishedshoppi
ngIwasf
eel
i
ngawhol
elot
bett
er.
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkweneedamov
ie"
Happy
:"Yout
hink?
"
Me:
"Yes.Let
'sgoeatI
'
m hungr
y"
Happy
:"Rest
aur
antofy
ourchoi
cet
hen"
Me:
"Okt
hen"
Happy:
"NotNandospl
ease"wel
aughed.Whati
s
wrongwit
hNandos?
Wesettl
edfort
hefir
stonewecameacross.Weat
e
overasi
ll
yconver
sati
on.We'
regr
aduat
ingin2
weeks.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Baba"
BabKhul
e:"
Dri
vet
oPr
etor
iaaf
terwor
k.Wehav
ea
probl
em"
Me:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
BabKhul
e:"
No.Justdr
iveher
e"
Hehungup.
Me:
"Uhm babe,t
hatwasbabahesay
sImustcome
t
odaddyTsplaceaft
erwork"
Happy
:"I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"
Happy
:"Got
hen.I
'
llt
akeanubert
othehot
el"
Me:
"Wi
l
lyoubeokay
?"
Happy
:"Yes.Go"
Igotupandki
ssedhert
henr
ushedout
.
Igott othepar ki
nglot
.Igoti
nt hecar.Ireal
izedt
he
carpar kedbeforemei sDaddyT's.Isawhi m
walkingt owardsitwit
hawomanhol dinghands.He
tossedt heplasti
csoncarbesidehis.
Hehuggedt heladyandtheyki
ssedandt henhe
brushedandkissedherstomach.Theylookedvery
happy.Hegotinhiscaranddroveoff.Thelady
pl
acedherlefthandonhertummyandbr ushedit
smili
ng.
If
eltal
i
ghtheadacheandf
ail
edt
omov
emyf
eet
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
38]Zozaness:
Chapt
erThi
rt
y
•
••
[
KHULE]
Hewal
kedi
nfol
l
owedbyBonga.
Chri
s:"
Thef
actt
haty
oudon'
tseeany
thi
ngwr
ong
wit
hthi
smakesmemad"
Ty
ler
:"Soy
ouwantmet
obeatmy
sel
fupunt
ilIdi
e?"
Bonga:
"Whati
sgoi
ngon?
"
Me:
"Hegotsomeoneel
sepr
egnant
"
Bonga:
"Oh"
Chr
is:
"Youknew?
"
Bonga:"Ihadav i
sionyesterdaybuti
tshowedBab
KhuleandMt ho'
smot her.Iguessitwasasign
becausethesameexactt hi
ngtheyshowedIsawit
todayattheparki
nglot"
Ty
ler
:"Cany
oual
lst
opj
udgi
ngme?
"
Bonga:
"Why
?Whywoul
dyoudot
hatt
oher
?"
Ty
ler
:"I
tjusthappenedokay
?Whatcoul
dIhav
e
done?Tel
lhert
oabor
tit
?No"
Chri
s:"Soy
oudeci
dedyougonnabecoldto
Khethi
we,t
ell
methi
s,wasshepregnantwhenwe
wenttopayamal
obol
o?"
Ty
ler
:"Yesbutwedi
dn'
tknow"
Me:
"Whywoul
dyoucheat
?"
Ty
ler
:"Iwascl
ear
ingmyhead"
Chri
s:"Youcleary
ourheadwi
thav agi
na?
Unprot
ected?Whydidyougoaheadwitht
he
negoti
ati
ons?"
Ty
ler
:"BecauseIl
oveKhet
hiwe!
"
Me:"Ar
eyouhear
ingyour
sel
f?Doyouknowhow
shut
ter
edshe'
sgonnabewhenthi
scomesout?
"
Ty
ler
:"She'
l
lheal
"
Bonga:
"Happyiswai
ti
ngf
ormeatt
hemal
l
.Iwi
l
lsee
youguysathome"
Me: "
YeahI'm al
sol
eav
ing.BecausethemoreIsee
yourfaceisthemor
eIwannahi tyourheadagai
nst
t
hiswal l
"
It
ookmycarkey
sandf
oll
owedBongaout
.
Tyl
er:
"Befor
eyougo.Ineedyout
orepr
esentme.I
wannatakeherasmysecondwif
e"
Me:
"Countmeout
"
Tyl
er:"
Whyareyouguysacti
ngsor
ight
eous?What
happenedt
obrother
hood?
"
Chr
is:
"Br
other
hooddoesnotf
avorbul
l
shi
t"
Wegotinthecarsanddr ov
eof f.Ican'
tbel
i
evehim
ri
ghtnow.We'v
eallhadourcr azymoment sbutnone
ofushasgonethisfartohurtthewomanwecl aim
tolov
e.Iam di
sappoint
edinhi m.
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Thefoll
owingmorni
ng.Iwokeupandwalkedmy
dogs.Idon'
tknowwhywouldtheyj
udgeme.Ican'
t
havemyf i
rstchi
l
dbornoutofwedl
ock.
Arr
ivi
ngbackhomeIfoundmissedcal
l
sfr
om
Khethi
we.Ical
l
edherback.
Khet
hiwe:
"Hi
"
Me:
"Hey
,howar
eyou?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m good.Wer
eyououtf
oraj
og?
"
Me:
"Waswal
ki
ngt
hedogs.Gonet
owor
k?"
Khet
hiwe:
"NoIwil
lbewor
kingf
rom home.I
tst
hat
ti
meofthemonth"
Me:
"Ohok.Iwi
l
lhav
egoodi
esdel
i
ver
edf
ory
ou"
Khet
hiwe:"
I'
dlov
ethat
."Wewentqui
et."
Iwishyou
coul
djustl
etmeknowwhatisgoi
ngonwi t
hyou"
Me:
"Not
hingi
sgoi
ngonwi
thme"
Khethi
we:
"Iknowy
ouandy
ouhav
en'
tbeent
heTy
ler
Iknow"
Me:
"Itmust
'v
ebeent
hest
ressaboutt
heof
fi
ce"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ist
her
esomeoneel
se?
"
Me:
"Wher
e?Wher
edoest
hatcomef
rom?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Iny
ourl
i
fe.Whenl
astdi
dyout
ouchme?
"
Me:
"I'
vebeenst
ressedaboutt
heof
fi
ceKhet
hiwe
t
her
eisnooneelse."
Khet
hiwe:
"Ify
ousaysot
hen.Letmef
ini
shupher
e"
Me:
"Okay
.Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
"
Khet
hiwe:
"By
e"
Shehungup.Iputthephonedown,t
hepaininher
voicewhensheaskedift
here'
ssomeoneelse.I
t
rangagai
n.I
twasJessica.
Me:
"Babe"
Jessi
ca:"
Hil
ove.I
tsal
most8am andt
her
e'snosi
gn
ofyou"
Me:"
Ideci
dedt
hatIwi
l
lfet
chy
ouandspendt
he
ni
ght
"
Jessi
ca:
"Real
l
y?"
Me:
"Yeah.I
'
llf
etchy
ouwhenIknockof
f"
Jessi
ca:
"Okayby
edaddy
"
Me:
"By
emommy
.Il
ovey
ou"
Jessi
ca:
"Wel
ovey
oumor
e"
Ihungup.Iloggedont
hePandor
awebsi
teand
searchedf
orringsi
nst
ock.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
MydaygotruinedthemomentIopenedmyey es
andr
eali
zedthere'
sacursecal
l
edJasonNzi ma.
What'
supwithmenwhoal waysfeelent
it
led?Thi
sis
aver
yscarygenerati
ont
odate.
Br
ad:"You'
reawake.Fi
nal
ly
.Iwassear
chingf
or
pl
aceswecouldvisi
tandwehave3opti
ons:
Mpumalanga,Mauri
ti
usandCapeTown."
Me:"
It
sdur
ingt
heweekbabe.Wehav
etogot
o
wor
k"
Brad:"
You'renotgoingtoworkunt
ilI
'
vetakencar
e
ofthi
smat ter
.Ithi
nkwe'ret
oofamili
arwit
hCape
Townt hough.Whatotherpl
acecanwegot o?"
Me:
"Any
wher
eisf
un.Asl
ongasIwi
l
lbewi
thy
ou"
Brad:"
Ilov
ey ouokay?AndIwi
l
lmakesur
eyouget
yourhappi
lyeveraf
ter"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Webr
ief
lyki
ssed.Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"It
sKhul
e."
Br
ad:
"I'
l
lgomakeusbr
eakf
ast
"
Ianswer
ed.
Me:
"Bhut
i"
Khul
e:"
Arey
ouokay
?"
Me:
"YesIam now"
Khul
e:"
Iwi
l
lfi
xthi
sokay
?"
Me:
"Yes"t
ear
saut
omat
ical
l
yst
reameddown.
Khule:
"Baby
?Iwi
l
lfi
xitIpr
omi
se.Whoar
eyouwi
th
ther
e?"
Me:
"Br
ad"
Khul
e:"
Ok.Iwi
l
lpassbyl
aterandt
akey
ouhome
wit
hme"
Me:
"Okay
"
Khule:
"Il
oveyoumonkeyandIwil
lmakesuret
his
asshol
enevereverl
ooksy
ourdi
rect
ionagai
n"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Hehungup.Iwi
shher
unhi
m ov
erwi
thacar
.
Myphonebeeped.
'
Youhave6day sremai
ning'
Ifel
tangerot
hert
han
bei
ngscared.Ineedagun.MaybeIshoul
dsor
thi
m
outmysel
f..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
We'
rer
eal
l
yhousewi
vesandwe'
reunbot
her
ed.
Wewer
eonv
ideocal
lwi
thLel
oandKat
.
Kat
:"Youguy
smakememi
ssbr
east
feedi
ng"
Lel
o:"
Getpr
egnant
"
Kat
:"I
'
drat
herdi
e"
Wel
aughed.
Me:"Imi
ssbei
ngpr
egnant
.Looki
ngaf
tert
hese
peopl
eist
oomuchforme"
Kat
:"Thosebabi
esar
eAngel
s"
Me:"No.Ngi
phi
l
ewant
stost
aysucki
ngmypoor
boobi
e"
Lel
o:"
Youshoul
dbuyherapaci
fi
er"
Me:
"Mam Di
not
hrewt
hem away
.Shesai
dIwi
l
lnot
f
eedt
hem t
hebr
eastany
mor
e"t
heyl
aughed.
Kat
:"Logogomara.Youwi
l
lgetski
nnyphel
aifshe
st
ayssucki
ngyou"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lsecr
etl
yfeedhert
hepaci
fi
er"
Lel
o:"Don'
tgetcaught
"Khul
ewal
kedi
nwi
thgr
ocer
y
bags.
Me:
"Wi
l
ltal
klat
erl
adi
est
hehubbyi
sback"
Them:
"By
e"
Thel
itt
leBar
biewasal
readyasl
eep.Ipl
acedheron
herr
ockyandwenttodaddy.
Me:"You'
resuchacr
ook.Whydi
dyoust
eal
my
car
d?"Hekissedme.
Khul
e:"
Minear
efr
eezed.We'
rei
ntr
oubl
ewi
th
SARS"
Me:
"Youhav
en'
tbeenpay
ingt
ax?
"
Khule:"
Yes.Thesaloni
sn'
tpay
ing"ohhhh.I
tis
regi
ster
edunderthem.
Me:
"That
'sbad.It
houghtTy
lerl
egal
i
zedev
ery
thi
ng"
Khul
e:"
Wel
lhef
orgotaboutt
hat
.Butourl
awy
ersar
e
onit
"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"
Helef
tmest
andi
ngt
her
eandwentt
oki
sshi
s
babi
es.
Me:
"So,
didhesaywhathi
spr
obl
em i
s?"
Khul
e:"
Thatboyi
soutofhi
smi
nd"
Me:
"What
'sup?
"
Khul
e:"
Hewant
stot
akeasecondwi
fe"
Me:"What?Whatsecondwi
fe?Hedoesn'
thav
eev
en
afi
rstone"
Khule:
"Hehasal
lthatcov
eredbyt
hel
ookof
thi
ngs."
Me:"
Isheconsi
der
ingKhethi
'sfeel
i
ngs?Inev
er
t
houghtofhi
mtobethisself
ish"
Khul
e:"Nei
therofus.Thegir
lispr
egnant
.Hesai
d
Khet
hiwewillgetoveri
t"sel
fi
shbast
ard.
Me:"
Sohewentout
sideandmadeababy
.Ist
his
howy'
al
lmot
herrai
sedyou?Thaty
ougoandseek
f
orbi
tchesout
sidef
orababyi
fyourwi
fecan'
tgi
ve
y
ouone?"
Khul
e:"
Don'
tst
art
"
Me:
"Don'
tst
artwhat
?Youal
sowant
edasur
rogat
e"
Khul
e:"
It
snott
hesame.Hecheat
edonher
"
Me:"It
sthesamet ome.Youal sowantedachil
dout
ofourrel
ati
onship.Ireal
l
ycan'
tbel
iev
eTy l
er,
ababy
andawi f
e?Khet hi
wewi l
lbebr
okenmyGodIcan
al
readyfeelherpain"
Khul
e:"
Pleasedon'
ttel
lher
.Ty
lerwi
l
lhandl
ethat
hi
mself
"
Me:
"That
'si
fhehasbal
l
stodoi
t"
Itookoutthepotatoes.Ihavenev
erwantedt
ostab
someonesobad.Howcoul dhedothi
stoKhethi
we?
Afterall
shesacrif
icedtobewithhim?Menare
ungrateful
creat
ures.
"
Dumel
ang"Ibr
oughtmyey
esup.Ohpoort
hing.
Khul
e:"
MaDl
adl
a.Howar
eyou?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m good.Howi
syoual
l
"
Me:
"We'
regoodl
ove"
Khet
hiwe:
"Theyar
egr
owi
ngt
oof
ast
."
Me:"
Theymust
.Iam al
readyt
ir
edofbr
east
feedi
ng
t
hem"
Khul
e:"
You'
reabadmom.Iwi
l
lbeout
sidei
fyou
needme"
Me:
"Okay
"
Hewalkedout.Khet
hiwecameandhel
pedmechop
t
heveggies.
Me:
"Youdi
dn'
tgot
owor
ktoday
?"
Khet
hiwe:"
No.Peri
odpai
nsmakemegr
umpysoI
pr
eferbei
nggrumpyar
oundyoual
l
"wel
aughed.
Me:
"Howar
eyout
hough?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Sur
viv
ing.
"
Me:
"Thi
ngsbet
weenTy
lerandy
ou?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"St
il
lthesamebutt
hist
ooshal
lpass"
Me:
"Itwi
l
lbaby
,itwi
l
l"
Shesmi
l
edandwef
ocusedonpeel
i
ngandchoppi
ng.
Mam Dinoiscr
eati
ngagar
denf
orussoIgett
obe
ourcheft
oday.
..
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Igotasurpr
isevi
sitf
rom mymother
.Our
rel
ati
onshi
pisn'
tnormalbutwe'
ret
ryi
ngwit
h
every
thi
ngwecouldforitt
owork.
Ii
nvi
tedLuhtocomeoveraf
terhermeet
ing.Chri
s
l
eftwit
hhischi
l
drent
oonlyGodknowswher e.
Imadeusj
uiceandbi
scui
ts.Wewer
esi
tt
ingatt
he
pat
io.
Mom:
"So.Ar
eyougonnahi
reaweddi
ngpl
anner
?"
Me:"
Yes.Iwoul
d'v
edonei
twi
thmysi
sterwi
vesbut
t
heyareal
lbusy
"
Mom:"Okay.Ther
e'saf
ri
endofmi
nef
rom Fr
ance.
He'
sbestatit
"
Me:
"Wehi
rel
ocal
"
Mom: "We'
ll
hirebot
h.Ij
ustwanttomakei
tupt
o
you.Iwantt
histobebestweddi
ng"
Me:
"Wi
thoutpapar
azzi
right
?"Shechuckl
ed.
Mom:
"Def
ini
tel
y.I
twi
l
lbei
nti
mat
easy
ouwi
sh"
Irecei
vedatextf
rom Luht
hatshe'
sout
side.I
openedupforher.
Mom:"Di
dyoukeept
hoseear
ri
ngsy
ouwor
ethat
t
ime?
"
Me:
"YesandIwi
l
lnotweart
hem"
Mom:
"Ok"
"
Gir
lthi
shousei
s-"wet
urnedt
oherdi
rect
ion.
Luh:
"Whati
sthi
s?"
Me:
"Si
tdown"
Luh:
"Iwon'
tbel
ong"
Shesatdown.
Me:"Cany
ouguy
scompr
omi
se?Formysake
at
least
"
Mom:"
Notwhenshedoesn'
twantt
ohearawor
dI
say
"
Luh:
"That
'
sbecauseev
ery
thi
ngt
hatcomesoutof
t
hatmout
hisl
i
es,
all
youdoi
sli
e"
Me:
"Whati
fshe'
snot
.Si
spl
ease"
Luh:"
Katl
egoIam sorr
ybutIr
eal
l
ycan'
tgetov
er
whatyourmotherdi
dtome"
Mom: "
Idon'tknowhowmanyt imesy ouwantmet o
apologi
ze.Ithappened,Ican'
tundoit.Itakeal
lthe
responsibi
l
ity,IadmitImessedupyourl i
vesbutnow
IhavechangedIwantt obethatmothery ounever
had,Iwantmygr andsonstogrowupwi thme
around"
Luh:"Mysonisal
readygrown.He'
s10,10mama!I
n
that10year
syounev erev
enoncetri
edtof
indme"
Mom: "Youdi dn'
twannabef ound.Iknewwher ey ou
were,thatcompanyy ouhav eshareson, Ipull
ed
somest ri
ngsf oryoutogetthem.Iknewoneday
youwer egonnacomebackhome.Iunder stoodt he
angerandhur tyouhadt hati
swhyInev erbot hered
you.Iknowal laboutyoursecretmeetingswi thy our
fat
her.Nowst opbei
ngt oohard,deepdowny ou
knowIal sohadnochoi cebutt omarryy ouof f.Even
i
fyouwi llactli
keyoudon'tseemei tsOkay ,justbe
pr
esentf
ory
oursi
ster
'sweddi
ngpl
anni
ng"
Luh:"
Thatsoundsbet
ter
.So,
hav
eyouf
ounda
weddingpl
anner?
"
She'
ssomet
hingel
se.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
ThewholetimeatKhethel
o'
spl
aceIf
eltl
i
keIwas
suf
focat
ing.Il
eftar
ound2pm.
Icoul
dn'tgetwhatIheardoutofmyhead.Ipassed
bytheshoppingcenterandbought24packof
Savannah.Onlyal
coholwil
lmakemef eelbet
ter
.
It
hrewmy sel
fapi
typar
ty.Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his.How
di
dIgethere?
Ical
l
edanubert
otakemet
ocent
uri
on.Icoul
dn'
tcr
y.
Somehowmybodywasnumb.
I
tdr
oppedmeof fatthegat e.Iopenedandwenti n.
I
twasgett
ingdark.Thedoorwasn' tunl
ocked.There
wer
epeople.Twoladies.Therewererosesallover
t
hefl
oor,
candlel
ightdinner.Itl
ookedbeauti
ful.
Me:
"Hel
l
o.I
sTy
lerher
e?"
Lady
1:"
No"
Iwenttot
hef
ri
dget
ogetsomei
ceandt
henwent
upst
air
s.
Ifoundt
heladiesalr
eadygonewhenIgotback.Isat
downont hef
loor.Thisissupposedt
obev er
y
romanti
c.Hemustber eal
lyi
nlovewi
thher
.
Itookthewineoutoft hebucketandopenedi
t.I
real
izedi
tspersonal
izedwiththei
rpict
ureatt
he
beach.Mmmhni ce.
Igul
peddownt
hef
ir
stgl
ass.Ihear
dli
tt
legi
ggl
es.
'
Yougonnalov
eitIpr
omi
se'
hesai
d.Mybl
ood
st
art
edboil
i
ng.
Theybothstar
tl
edwhent
heysawmeoccupy
ing
thei
rtabl
e.
Me: "
Welcome.Ihopey oudon'
tmindIopenedy
our
speci
alwine.Thereisn'
tanyi
nthi
shousesoI
happenedtobet hi
rsty"
Ty
ler
:"Khet
hiwe"
Me:
"That
'smynamebabe"
Ty
ler
:"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Me:"Thisi
smyhomet ooremember ?"Igotupand
wal
kedt owardst
hem.Shehidbehindhim,he
shi
eldedher,
howsweet.Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"Hidoll
.Mynamei sKhet
hiwe.Werey
ougoing
toproposetoni
ghtori
twasgenderrev
ealday
?
Congratul
ati
onsbytheway"
Tyl
er:
"Canyougowaitformei
nthecar
?"Shedi
dn'
t
ev
ennod,sherushedout.
Hepul
l
edmet
otheki
tchensoonasshev
ani
shed.
Tyler
:"Whyareyouact
ingcr
azy
?"Isl
appedt
he
fucki
nghoenessoutofhi
m.
Me:
"I'
m notact
ingy
oul
i
ttl
ebi
tch.I
'
mreal
l
ycr
azy
"
Tyl
er:"
Khethi
we"hesai
dhar
deni
nghi
sst
upi
dface.I
chuckl
ed.
Me:"Why ?Whyar eyoubul
lshi
ti
ngme?Whatdi dyou
sayinthemor ni
ngwhenIaskedy ou?Ihadtofi
nd
outthr
oughy ourfamil
ymember s, al
ltheywoul
d'
ve
beenwatchingisastupidmegoi ngupanddownDr s
try
ingtogi veyouaf uckingchi
l
dwhi l
styou'r
eget t
ing
mar ri
edandhav ingachi ldont
hesi de!Godt hank
youTy lerforbeingsuchasuppor ti
veandl oving
partner!"Ipushedhi m offandwentbackt ot he
l
ounge.Ir i
ppedev erythi
ngapart.Heappear ed.I
threwthebot tl
eofwi neathimfollowedbygl asses.I
wasnowwetwi t
ht ears.Hewasbl eedingonhi s
forehead.
Me:"I
fy oudaregetany
whereclosert
omeIwi l
l
shootyoudeady ouwhoreman.Thatbi
tchout
side
wil
lbeawi dow"
Ty
ler
:"Babepl
easecal
m down.Letmeexpl
ain"
Me: "
Shutup!Justshutup!Whi lewewer emour ni
ng
thedeathofourchi l
dy ouwenttoseekcomf ortfr
om
someoneelse'sv agina, wi
thoutacondom.Di dyou
thi
nkofmewheny oudi di
t.Nowy ou'
replaying
happyfamil
ywi thherwhi l
eIam sufferi
ng,thinki
ng
you'r
esti
ll
findingi thardtodealwiththelossofour
baby.Whydi dn'
ty out el
lmey ou'
renolongerinlove
withme?Whydi dn'tyoumanupandendt hings? "
Ty
ler
:"Il
ove-
"Il
aughed.
Me:"
You'
reav
eryf
unnyguy
.Iwannaheary
ousay
i
t"
Ty
ler
:"Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Iwanty
ououtoft
hishouse"
Ty
ler
:"andwher
eam Igonnast
ay?
"
Me:"Doesn'
tyourbi
tchhaveahouse?Wereyou
gonnasleepwit
hherinmybed?Doy oual
waysbr
ing
hertosl
eepherewhenI'm notar
ound?"
Ty
ler
:"Woul
dyoupl
easecal
m down?
"
Me:
"Iaskedaquest
ion"
Ty
ler
:"No"
Me:
"Okayby
e"
Ty
ler
:"I
-"
Me:"Isai
dBye.Youcancomefet
chyourcl
othes
tomorrowmorni
ng.Iwi
shy'
al
lcol
li
dewithatruck
andyoualldi
e"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"Fuckof
f"
Iranupt hestai
rs.It
ri
edcatchi
ngmybr eat
hbutI
fai
led.Isobbeduntil
Imadei tt
oourbedroom.Itook
hisgunoutoft hesafeandshotourpi
cturedown.
Mywhol
ebodypai
ned.
I
tdoesn'
tmatterhowmuchIcr yhonestl
y.She'
s
gi
venhim whatIcan'
t.Al
lIhav
etodoi spackmy
bagsandleavethem i
npeace.
Buthow?Il
ovehi
m..
.
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erThi
rt
yOne
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Iwokeupt
omyheadpoundi
ng.Ouch!
Isleptont
hef
loor
.It
ri
edget
ti
ngupbal
anci
ngwi
th
thebed.
Isatonitforawhil
e.Themessonthefl
oor
.Iwalked
tothebathroom.Isatont
hetoi
l
etseatf
orminut
es
befor
eIpeed.
Thefi
rstt
hingIsawwhenIgotupi smyref
lect
ion
onthemirr
or.Ilookedhor
ri
ble.Iwashedmyface.I
can'
tgotowor klooki
ngli
kethis.
Iwal
kedout
.Il
eftmyphonei
nmycarl
astni
ght
.
Ineedtogetacleani
ngcompanybecauseIdon'
t
haveti
mef ort
hismess.
Ievenleftitunl
ocked.Iopenedandgotin.Ifound
tonsofmi ssedcall
sfrom him andmessages.Afew
from KhetheloandChris.
Ior
der
edpi
zzaandcal
l
edt
hecl
eani
ngcompany
.
Idon'
tknowhowam If
eel
i
ngt
oday
.I'
m emot
ionl
ess.
It
ext
edKhet
hel
othatI
'
m good.
Shecall
ed.Ir
eall
ydon'tf
eel
li
ketal
ki
ng.Iwai
tedfor
i
ttostopri
ngingandtext
edhert
hatIwil
lcal
lher
l
ater
.
Mypi
zzaar
ri
veddr
awwiththecl
eani
ngpeopl
e.It
old
t
hem t
ogoinandwor
kthei
rmagic.
Ist
uff
edmy
sel
fupwi
thpi
zzaandj
uice.
Iendedupf
all
i
ngasl
eep.Ihear
daknockont
he
window.Ihalfopenedmyey
es,theyweresopainf
ul
andt hesunpenetr
ati
ngt
hem di
dn'tmakeitany
easier.
Ir
oll
edt
hewi
ndowdown.
Man:
"We'
redonesi
si"
Me:"Real
l
y?Thatwasqui
ck.If
orgott
oforwardyour
det
ail
stomypa.Iwil
lpr
ocessthepaymentri
ght
now"
Man:
"Weal
readyr
ecei
vedpay
mentt
hanky
ou"
Me:
"Fr
om wher
e?"
Man:"Weautomat
ical
l
ydowhenwecl
eant
hrDube
houses"oh?
Me:
"Ohokt
hanky
out
hen"
Man:
"Youcangoi
nnow"
Me:
"Thanks"
It
ookmypi
zzaandgotof
f.
TheybidmegoodBy
e.Iwenti
nsi
de.I
tlooked
ref
reshi
ng.
Iwentt
otheki
tchen.Ipour
edmy
sel
fwat
er.
"YouknowIhadtodigitoutofKhul
ewhatt
hatdog
brot
herofhi
swassay i
nglastni
ghtont
hecall
.I
wannaburnever
ythi
ngthathastodowit
hhisl
ousy
ass"
Shepull
edmeandhuggedmef
ordearl
i
fe.Iwi
shI
hadtear
stocr
yri
ghtnow.
Kat
legof
oll
owed.
Kat
lego:"
Iwantthatbi
tchki
cki
ngandscr
eami
ngI
wanttodrownherinboil
i
ngwater
"
Khet
hel
o:"No.Shedeser
vesakni
feonthatvagi
na,
al
ongwit
ht hatst
upi
dTyler
"If
oundmyselfl
aughi
ng.
Shel
etgoofme.
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.Youguy
sar
ejusthi
l
ari
ous.
"
Kat
lego:
"Iam somad.Wher
eishe?
"
Me:"
Heleftwithher
.Youshould'
veseenthesett
ing
If
oundhere.Rosesall
overt
hef l
oor
,abottl
eofwi ne
wi
ththei
rpict
ure.HewasgoingtoproposeIthi
nk"
Them:
"What
?"
Me:"
Yes.Hehadnoshamenorr
emor
se
what
soever
."Ichuckl
ed.
Kat
:"Youshoul
dki
ckhi
m out
"
Me:
"Al
readydi
d"
Khethel
o:"Youdi
dwel
l
.Inf
actt
aket
hose2car
she
recent
lybought
"
Wejoi
nedaccount
saft
eramalobol
osoev er
ythi
ng
newheboughti
twitht
hejoi
nedaccount
s.
Me:
"Idon'
tknowhowt
ofeel
"
Thedoorswungopen.Thi
sbi
tchi
sfamili
arwi
ththi
s
house.Howthehel
ldi
dsheknowther
e'sadoor
ther
e?
Ichuckl
edandt
ookabucketofi
cecr
eam outoft
he
fr
idge.
Her
:"Gr
eet
ings"
Khet
hel
o:"
Hel
l
o"
Her
:"Hav
eyoupackedhi
sbags?
"
Kat
:"Whoar
eyou?
"
Her:"Khethiwehaveyoupackedhisclot
hesor
shouldIgopackt hem mysel
f?"IsweartoGodifshe
wasn'tpregnantIwouldbeontopifherroughi
ngup
thatuglyface.
Khet
hel
o:"
Khet
hiwewho'
sthi
s?"
Me: "
Yoursi
sterwi
fe.Andnobabygi
rlIhav
en'
t
becausehe'
sgonnaf et
cht
hem hi
mself.
"
Her
:"Bi
tchpl
ea-
"
Katl
egowasalreadyont
opofher
.Sl
appi
ngher
cont
inuousl
y.
Wer
ushedt
othem andgotherof
f.
Kat
lego:
"Letgoofme!
"
Me:"
Cal
m down"Tyl
ercamein.Herushedtohi
s
booont
hefl
oor.Shewascr
yingli
kealit
tl
ecat.
Ty
ler
:"Whatt
hehel
li
sgoi
ngon?
"
Kat
lego:
"Letgoofme.Ineedt
otal
ktot
hiscoupl
e"
weheldherasti
ght
eraswecould.
Tyl
er:
"Gowai
tint
hecar
.CanIpl
easespeakt
o
Khet
hiwe?
"
Khet
hel
o:"No.Youwantt
oki
l
lher
?Nowe'
renot
goi
nganywhere"
Tyl
er:
"She'
smywi fe.Iwoul
dnev
erdot
hat
"Kat
lego
sar
casti
cal
l
ylaughed.
Kat:"
Isit
?I fy
oucoulddipyourpenisint
osomeone
else'
svaginathenI'
m sor
rytobreakittoyou.You'
re
verycapableofkil
l
ingher
"
Ty
ler
:"Thi
sisnoneofy
ourbusi
ness"
Kat
:"Fucky
oumsoonwebar
i"
Me:"Cany
ouguy
spl
easest
op?Whatdoy
ouwanna
say
"
Ty
ler
:"Canwespeakupst
air
s?"
Khet
hel
olookedatme.
Me:
"I'
l
lbef
ine"
Khet
helo:"
Scr
eam asl
oudasy
oucani
fhet
ri
es
anyt
hing"
Il
etgoofKatandl
edt
hewayup.
Isatonthebed.Hegoti
ntoo.Heclosedt
hedoor
andleanedonitwi
thhi
sheadtil
ted.
Tyler:"I
'
m sorr
ybabe.Iknowitdoesn'
tmake
anythingri
ghtbutIam tr
ulysorr
yMgabadel
i.Imeant
fornoneoft hi
stohappen.Thisispr
obabl
ythe
wor stmist
akeofmyl i
fe.
"
Il
i
edonmyback.Andwest
ayedsi
l
entf
orawhi
l
e.
Me:"Whywouldyoudisrespectmeli
kethat?Why
wouldyoubr
ingherhere?Isthathowli
tt
leImeanto
you?
"
Tyl
er:"
IswearIdi
dn'tknowshewascomi nghere.
WhenIwenttoherplaceIdidn'tf
indherIcall
edand
shesai
dshe'scominghere.Ireal
lydi
dn'tknow"
Me:"Thatmeansy ougav
eherthepowertocome
her
eanddi sr
espectme.Tel
lme,wereyougonna
marryherbehi
ndmyback? "
Ty
ler
:"No"
Me:
"Youdon'
tcar
eaboutmeandi
thur
ts"
Ty
ler
:"Ido.
"
Me: "
Thenwhywerey ougoi
ngaheadwi t
hhavinga
secondwif
ewithoutaski
ngmehowIf eelaboutit
.
Youknowifyousatmedownandspi titall
out.I
t
would'vebeenbet t
er.Itwouldn'thurtthismuch, I
wouldn'tbesobr oken.Thef actthatIlovey ouso
muchi swhati skil
li
ngme.Nott oment i
ont hatshe'
s
car
ryingy ourchil
d.Ifeeluseless,Ifeell
ikeIam not
wort
hyy ourl
ov ebecauseIcan' tgiv
ey ouany
chi
l
dr en.Idon'tknowhowt oliveafterthis.
"
Ty
ler
:"Pl
easedon'
tl
eav
eme"
Me:
"Why
?Whyshoul
dIst
ay?
"
Tyl
er:
"BecauseIl
ovey
ouandI
'
m wi
l
li
ngt
omake
thi
sri
ght"
Me: "
Areyougoingtouni
mpr egnanther?
"Hi sey
es
dropped."
Ithoughtasmuch.Thiswill
bet hewound
thatwil
lneverheal
."
Igotupandwal
kedt
othecl
oset
.Ihear
daknock.
"
Arey
oust
il
lokayi
nther
ebaby
?"
Me:
"YesIam.I
'
m comi
ng"
Ty
ler
:"Wher
eam Igoi
ngt
ost
ay?
"
Me:"
Withthemotherofyourchil
d.Idon'
twantt
o
st
andinyourwayofhappiness"
Ty
ler
:"Thi
sismyhome"
Me:"Sowhat
'si
tgonnabe?Therear
eday
syouwi
l
l
notsl
eepher
e?AndIgettowit
ness?"
Ty
ler
:"Youdon'
tev
enl
i
veher
e"
Me:"
WellIam now.
"Ipackedhi
scl
othes."
Doy
ou
l
oveher
?"
Ty
ler
:"No"
Me:"
Youar
egoi
ngt
omar
rysomeoney
oudon'
t
l
ove?
"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
m doi
ngt
hisf
ormychi
l
d!"
Me:
"Don'
tyoudar
erai
sey
ourv
oiceatme"
Tyl
er:
"YesIam wr
ongbutyou'r
ebeingi
rr
ati
onal
.If
youwereint
heposit
ionI
'
m prett
ysurey
ouwould'
ve
donethesamethi
ng"
Me:
"What
?Cheat
?"
Ty
ler
:"No.Dowhati
sbestf
ort
hechi
l
d"
Me:"You'r
ewr ong.Iwouldn'
t.Youknowwhy
?
BecauseIwillneverknowhowt ohavemyownchi
l
d.
Justtakethi
ssuitcaseandleave"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
m notl
eav
ing.
"
Heopenedt
hedoorandwal
kedout
.
Iheardcommot
ion.Isatont
hebedopposi
tet
he
mirr
or.
Howdidwegether
e?Wewer
einl
ovej
ustweeksago.
Ihat
emyli
fe.
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
If
oundBabKhul
eal
one.
Me:
"Wher
e'smama?
"
Baba:"
Theywentt
oKhethi
we.Sheov
erhear
dust
alk
aboutTyl
ert
aki
ngasecondwif
e"
Me:"Icametoconsul
ttheel
der
s.Weneeda
sol
uti
ontothi
s"
Baba:"
Thesolut
ioni
sbeat
ingTy
lerup"Il
aughed.
"I
'
m seri
ous"
Het
ookhi
sphoneoutoft
hepocket
.Hesi
ghed.
Me:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Baba:"
Kat
legobeatthewomanupandshe'
slai
d
char
gesagainsther
"
Me:
"She'
sar
rest
ed?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Me:"
She'
salr
eadybri
ngi
nguspr
obl
ems.Letmego
t
alkt
othesepeopl
e"
Baba:
"Iwi
l
lbedr
ivi
ngt
othest
ati
ont
hey
'r
eat
."
Me:
"Theki
ds?
"
Baba:
"Theyar
ewi
thmam Di
noandmmamokgot
ho
atChr
is'
s"
Me:
"Ok.
"
Iwentt
otheancest
ral
room att
heback.
Ihar
dlycomeher
e.Isweptandputonmywr
apper
.
Ibur
nti
ncense.
Me: "
Gogo.Iknowy outoldmet obeonmyownbutI
needy ouri
ghtnow.Icall
uponal l
theDube
ancestors,
yourchi
ldneedsguidance.Yousai
dthat
MaDladlawast hewomanf orbabTy l
er,
noneofyou
mentionedhim hav
ingasecondwi fe.MaDl
adl
ahas
foundoutaboutitandlikeanywomanwhocannot
acceptdecei
t,shewil
lleave.Thewomanbabai
s
mar r
yingi
spregnant.
"
If
eltt
heheadacheandt
henIsawgogo.
Gogo: "MakesureMaDl adladoesnotl eav
e.Tellher
wewi l
lnevergi
veherany t
hingbey ondhercapabil
it
y.
Tellhertostandherground, i
tspartofbeingawi f
e.
Tylerwillhavet
omar r
yt hatgir
l,she'
scarryi
ngour
preciouscargo.
"
Me:
"Hehast
omar
ryherf
ir
st?
"
Gogo:"Idon'tknow.He'
ll
decide.Whateverhi
s
deci
sionis,don'tl
etMaDladl
aleave.Al
way sr
emi
nd
hert
here'sli
ghtattheendofthetunnel"
Me:
"Soi
f-
"
"Bonga!Bonga"gogodi
sappear
ed.IsawMt
ho
kneeli
ngbeforeme.
Me:
"Youj
ustdi
stur
bedme"
Mtho:
"Ow.I'
m sor
ryIt
houghty
ouwer
ehav
ingabad
dr
eam.I'
m sorr
y"
Me:
"It
sokay
.Don'
tyouhav
ecl
assest
oday
?"
Mt
ho:
"IhadoneandI
'
m back.
"
Me:
"Ok"
Mt
ho:
"Wena?Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
obeatwor
k?"
Igotupandhungmywr
apperback.
Me:
"I'
m headi
ngt
her
enow.Icamet
otal
ktogogo"
Mt
ho:
"Howdoest
hist
hingwor
k?"
Me:
"It
sasecr
et.Let
'
sgo"
Wewal
kedout.Wheream Igonnagetst
rengt
hto
t
ell
mam Khet
hiwetostay
?
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Ihaven'
tbeenhereinawhile.Charl
eshasalway
s
beengoodtot hi
shouse.You'dswearheliv
eshere
ful
lti
me.Iparkedandli
tsomeci garet
te.
Hi
svandr
ovei
n.Thatwasqui
ck.
Igotoutofthecar
.Iwal
kedt
owar
dst
hev
an.He
steppedoutofi
t.
Char
les:
"Gr
oot
man"
Me:
"Char
les.Thatwasqui
ck"
Char
les:
"It
sreal
l
yeasyt
ocapt
urequeens"
Me:
"Taket
hem i
nsi
de"
Heopenedandt
oldt
hel
adyt
ogoi
nsi
det
hehouse.
Ical
l
edJasonj
ustast
heywenti
n.
Jason:
"Nzi
ma"
Me:
"Di
dn'
tyouhav
etoy
swheny
ougr
ewup?
"
Jason:
"Who'
sthi
s?"
Me:"Look.Yourbabymamaandy oursonar eher e.I
heardhecan'tl
ivewit houthisconst antmedi cat
ion.I
wil
lkeepthem herewi t
hmeunt il yougoand
apol
ogisetomysi sterandgot ot hement al
i
nsti
tuti
onandt el
lthem y ou'
recr azyandy ouneed
hel
p.IfIhaven'
tgott her eportthaty ou'r
eatt he
hospit
alunderthei
rcar eIwi l
l stopgi vi
ngy ourson
hi
smedi cat
ion"
Jason:"Mychi
ldhasnothingt
odowit
hthis.Let
them goandIwil
lapol
ogizetoEmi
andleaveher
aloneIpromi
se"
Me:
"JustdowhatIj
ustt
oldy
ou.
"
Ihungup.Iwenti
nsi
de.Ical
l
edChar
lesont
hesi
de.
Me:
"Tight
enthesecur
it
y.I
fthi
smoroncomesher
e
t
oatt
ack,don'
thesi
tat
etoshoott
hebit
ch"
Char
les:
"Not
ed"
Me:
"I'
mleav
ingnow"
Iwal
kedof
f.
..
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Bongapar kedout si
deTylerandKhet
hiwe'
shouse.I
t
wasalreadydar k.Hewaschat t
ingwi
thHappy.He
hadnocour aget ogoin.Hewasscaredofhow
Khethi
wemi ghttakethi
s.
Hekeptt
aki
ngdeepbr
eat
hs.Heev
enpr
ayed.
Hestayedint
hecarforagood40minut
esthenhe
f
inal
lydrov
euptothegateandspokeonthe
i
nter
com.
Thegat
esli
dopen.Hedrov
eonandparkedthengot
out
.Heheadedi
n.HefoundKhet
hiweattheki
tchen
cooki
ng.
Khet
hiwe:"
Whatanicev
isit
.Thankst
oTy l
erf
or
br
eakingmyhear
t"t
heylaughedandhugged.
Bonga:
"Howar
eyout
hough?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m sur
viv
ing.Wena?
"
Bonga:
"I'
m good.I
sheher
e?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Nope.I
'
m al
one"
Bonga:
"Good.Whatar
eyoumaki
ng?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Dumpl
i
ngandmut
ton"
Bonga:"Iwi
ll
eatsupperher
e.Happywil
leather
rabbi
tfoodalonet
oday"shel
aughed.
Khet
hiwe:
"Yougonnadr
ivebackt
oJo'
bur
g?"
Bonga:
"No.We'
reatt
hehot
el20mi
nut
esawayf
rom
her
e"
Khet
hiwe:
"Whydi
dn'
tyoubr
ingheral
ong?
"
Bonga:
"Icancal
lhert
ocome"
Khet
hiwe:
"Goahead"
Hecal
l
edher
.Theyspokef
ormi
nut
esbef
orehe
hungup.
Bonga:
"She'
scomi
ng.
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Lov
ely
"
Bonga:
"So,
arey
ougonnal
eav
ehi
m?"
Shepr
essedherl
i
pst
oget
herandl
ookeddown.
Khethi
we:"Idon'
tknow.Il
ovehi
m butIdon'
tknowi
f
Icanstandthi
s"
Bonga:
"St
ay"
Shef r
owned."
Gogopromisedagoodout come.Alot
i
sgoi ngt
ohappen,mostofitwil
lbeunbearabl
ebut
pleasest
aystr
onganddon'tleav
e.St
ayint hi
shouse
fullt
ime"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ican'
tBonga.I
tst
oomuch"
Bonga:
"Thisisyourhouse,you'
rethechosenonef or
hi
m.Youlov ehi
mr ight?
"Shenoddedt earful
ly
."Then
stay
.MaNgcobowoul dnev
ermisleady ou.Shehas
herownreasonwhyshewant syoutost ay"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m gonnahav
etot
hinkabouti
t.I
tsnot
easy
"
Bonga:
"Iknow.Takeal
lthet
imey
ouneed"
Shesmi
l
edathi
m andst
ir
redherst
ew.
Bongasi
ghedi
nrel
i
ef.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Thebuzzerbuzzedl
i
kecrazy.Itookt
hetaband
vi
ewedthegatecamera.Iopenedthegat
eforher
.I
wasalr
eadyinbed.
Igotoutandwentdownstai
rs.Wemetatt
hel
ounge.
Sheunbuttonedhercoat
.
Me:
"Whati
sgoi
ngon?
"
Nkul
e:"
IWanty
out
omakel
ovet
ome"
Me:"What
?"Shedr
oppedt hecoatdownm "
Whatar
e
youdoi
ng?"It
ookt
hefleeceandcov er
edher
.
Nkul
e:"
Please"
Me:
"Whatgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
"
Nkul
e:"
Hedidn'
tdoitli
keyou.Noonehasev erdone
meli
keyoudid,
Icouldn'
tanymore.Iam sor
ryI
turnedyourlovedown, Ithoughtwhati feltfory
ou
willgoawaybuti tdidn'
t.Iam insanel
yinlovewith
youQuinton.Imi ssyou,Imissy ourtouch, y
ourkiss
andhowy oufeltinsi
deme.Pl easegivemet hat.
Pleasegiveusanot herchance"
Me:"Getdressedandl
eave.Youcan'trunhereto
fi
ghtwit
hyourdemons.You'regoingthroughalotI
under
standbutrunni
ngtoanotherman' sbedisnot
i
t"
Nkul
e:"
Don'
tyoul
ovemeany
mor
e?"
Me:"
Ido.Asaf r
iendthough.WhatIfel
tforyoudied
awhil
eagoandr i
ghtnowt hi
sisn'
tyouspeakingbut
j
ustabrokenheart
"
Nkul
e:"
It
sme.Imeani
t"
Me:"
Come.Youwi
l
luset
heguest
room.Wewi
l
ltal
k
i
nthemor
ning"
Ipi
ckedhercoatupandwewentup.
Ishowedhert
oherr
oom andwentt
omi
ne.
Thi
siswhatwecal
lbei
ngt
est
edbySat
an.
..
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erThi
rt
yTwo
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Igotupandwalkedt
othedoort
oopenf
orher
.She
fol
lowedmein.
Jessi
ca:
"Youdon'
tl
ookhappyt
oseeme"
Me:
"Iam"
It
ookouti
ceandputi
tint
hegl
ass.
Jessi
ca:"Ical
l
edyouthewhol
eni
ghtl
astni
ght
.Why
weren'
tyoupicki
ngup?"
Me:"BecauseIwasthi
nking.Amanneedssome
t
hinki
ngtodooncei nawhi l
eandIdon'
tappr
eci
ate
youcominghereunannounced.Whati
fyouhad
f
oundKhet hi
wehere?"
Jessi
ca:
"Iwoul
d'
vet
oldhert
oyouf
orme"
Me:
"Jessi
ca"
Jessi
ca:
"Shewi
l
lnev
erf
orgi
vey
ouf
ort
his.Wena
j
ustfocusonusandst
opdaydr
eami
ngabout
Khet
hiweevercomi
ngher
e."
Sheheadedt
othebedr
oom."
Yourphonei
sri
ngi
ng!
"
Iwentt
her
etoo.It
ooki
t.
Me:
"Hey
"
Bonga:
"HaveyouseenMam Khet
hiweorev
ent
ri
ed
get
ti
ngholdofher
?"
Me:
"No.I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Bonga:"No.Herbel
ongi
ngsar
eallgoneandther
e's
alet
terherefory
ouandfort
herestofthef
amily
"
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Bonga:
"Aty
ourpl
ace"
Me:
"I'
m comi
ng"
Ihungupandl
ookedf
orsomet
hingt
owear
.
Jessi
ca:
"Whati
sgoi
ngon?
"
Me:
"Khet
hiwel
eft
"
Jessi
ca:
"So?
"
Me:
"Notnowpl
ease"
Jessi
ca:
"Notnowwhat
?"
Me:"Whatiswrongwi
thy
ou?Idon'
tl
ikehowy
ou'
ve
beenact
inglat
ely.
"
Jessi
ca:
"That
'
sbecauseyou'
redr
ivi
ngmecr
azy
.
Whyareyouhelpi
ngt
hatwomanout?"
Me:
"She'
snott
hatwomanshe'
smyf
ami
l
yand
f
amil
yhel
pseachother
"
Jessica:
"Sheassault
edmeforChri
st'
ssake!I
'
m
pregnant,
thatcoul
d'
veledt
omiscarr
iage,
doyounot
careaboutthat?
"
Me:"May beifyouhadnotgobether
eand
di
srespectedthem.Noneofitwoul
d'
vehappened"
Iwal
kedoutandsl
ammedt
hedoor
.Fuck!
•
••
[
Bonga]
BabKhul
e,Mam Khet
heloandBabChri
sar
ri
ved.
Mam Khet
hel
omadebr eakf
astf
orus.
BabChr
is:
"Wher
ear
ethel
ett
ers?
"
Me:
"Ont
hel
eftshel
f"het
ookt
hem outandopened
t
heonemeantf
or"
Fami
l
y"
BabChr
is:
"Ty
lermessedup"
BabKhul
e:"
Whatdoesi
tsay
?"
BabChr i
s:"Thanky
ouf
orbei
ngt
hebestf
ami
l
yI'
ve
everhad."BabKhul
esi
ghed.
BabTyl
erwal
kedin.Hegr eet
ed.BabKhul
e
at
tempt
edgoingathim butwestoppedhi
m.
BabChri
s:"
Areyouhappynow?"Hisfacedr
opped.
"I
'
m aski
ngaquesti
on!Ar
ey ouhappy
? "
Mam Khet
hel
o:"
Pleasecal
m downgent
lemen"
BabKhul
e:"
Doyouknowhowmuchtr
oublei
sthi
s
goi
ngtoputusi
n?Whyar
eyousost
upid?
"
BabTy
ler
:"Idi
dnott
ell
hert
oleav
e"
BabChri
s:"
You'
remor est
upi
dthanIthought
.You
di
dtel
lhert
oleave.Justi
nact
ions.
"
BabKhule:"Donotrestunt
ily
oufindher.Becauseif
youdon'tIwil
lmakesurewhenMant ul
icomes
l
ookingforhergr
anddaughtershefindsyouandy ou
facethechi
efbecauseherbeingaloneinthatst
ate
ofmi nd.Anyt
hingcoul
dhappenandy
ouwi
l
lbe
responsibl
eforit
"
Het
ookMam Khet
hel
o'
shandandt
heywal
kedout
.
Tyl
er:"
Pleasewai
tfor10.Theyar
erel
easi
ng
Kat
lego"Igavehi
mt hel
etter
.
Hesai
dthanksandwal
kedout
.
Ihav
eabadf
eel
i
ngaboutt
his.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
From Pret
ori
aIbr
east
fedmyl
i
ttl
ecat
sandf
ell
asleep.
Thisfamil
y'
sdr amai sreall
ydr aini
ng.Wehav eli
ke3
daystostartprepari
ngf ortheweddi ngbuthow?
Whent hesemenar efocusingonsomet hi
ngthey
stayonitunti
ltheyfindasol ution.Chr
iswon'tbe
abletobepartoft hepreparationswhenhe' sl
ikethi
s.
It
sevenhar dtosleep.Ishoul dn'tbeawakebutIam.
Ir
eal
izedthebabi
esaren'
ther
e.Ij
umpedoutofbed.
ThedooropenedasIwalkedt
owardsi
t.
Khul
e:"
Heyl
ove"
Me:
"Hey
.Hav
eyouseent
heki
ds?
"
Khule:
"Yes.Youmyladyshoul
dworr
ynotasIyour
husbandhassomethingi
nstor
efory
ou"Ismi
led.
Me:
"Whati
sit
?"
Khul
e:"
MayIpl
easet
akey
ourhand?
"Ihesi
tant
ly
nod.
Hetooki
tandledmeout ,al
lthewaydownthe
hal
l
way.Ihar
dlyvi
sitt
hispartoft
hehouse.
Heopenedt
hedoor
.Ilookedattwof emales
st
andi
ngwit
hbigsmil
esont hei
rfacesthenbackat
hi
m.
Khule:
"Si
ncey
oucan'
tgot
oaspa.Ibr
oughtt
heSpa
toyou"
Me:
"You'
resomet
hingel
sey
ouknowt
hat
?"
Khul
e:"
I'
m notsomethi
ngelse,Iam yourhusband.
Ladi
espleasedoyourmagic.Babe,
Iwi l
lbe
downst
airsfi
xi
ngyetanot
hersurpri
se.Ilov
ey ou"he
ki
ssedme.
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou.Pl
easedon'
tbur
nmyki
tchendown"
Khul
e:"
Theal
armsar
eal
way
sonst
andby
"
Me:
"Khul
ekani
"
Hel
aughed.
Khul
e:"
I'
m ki
ddi
ng.I
'
llseey
oul
ater
"
Hewal
kedout
.
Lady
1:"
We'
l
lbegi
nwi
thbodymassage"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Lady
2:"
Pleasechangewe'
l
lwai
tout
side"
Me:
"Ther
e'snoneed"
Ist
ri
ppednaked.Theypassedmeatowel
.Iwr
apped
i
taroundandcli
mbedont hebed.
Lady
1:"
You'
reav
eryl
uckyl
ady
.Wedon'
tdot
his"
Lady
2:"
Ever
.You'
rel
uckyt
ohav
ehi
m"
Me:
"Iguessso"
Lady
1:"
Doeshehav
eanysi
bli
ngs?
"Wel
aughed.
Me:
"Yesbutunf
ort
unat
elyt
heyar
ever
ytaken"
Them:
"Toobad"
Igoti
ntomyr el
axmodeastheyrant
hei
rsof
t
magicalhandsonme.Iam i
ndeedl
ucky
.
Thedooropened.Il
i
ftedmyheadup.
Khule:
"Qwant
stospeakt
oyou"hehandedmet
he
phone.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Q:
"MamaDube.Howar
eyou?
"
Me:
"I'
m goodhowar
eyou?
"
Q:
"I'
m okay
.Hav
eyouspokent
oNkul
e?"
Me:
"Uhm.
..
noIhav
en'
t.Why
?"
Q:
"It
hinkshecoul
dreal
l
yuseaf
ri
end"
Me:
"What
'sup"
Q:"
She'
sseeki
ngcomf
orti
nal
lthewr
ongpl
aces.
Tr
ycall
i
ngher"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Thanksf
orl
ett
ingmeknow"
Q:
"Nopr
obl
em.By
e"
Hehungup.Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hiswoman.
Myphonebeeped.
'
Somebi t
chisstandi
ngonmyway.ShehasQui
nton
wrappedaroundherl
it
tl
est
inki
ngf
inger
'
Ical
l
edher
.
Nkul
e:"
Hey
"
Me:
"Lett
hisgo"
Nkul
e:"
Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Me:"ImeanleaveQui
ntonthehellal
one.Whaty ou'
re
doi
ngiscal
ledembarrasi
ngy our
self
.Ifther
e's
someoneyout hi
nkheli
kesthenleavethem alone.
"
Nkul
e:"
Khet
hel
o.YouknowhowmuchIl
ovehi
m"
Me:
"YouchoseLi
ndaov
erhi
m"
Nkul
e:"
Itwasami
stake!
"
Me:"Wellt
hat'
snoneofhi
sbusi
ness.I
fyoucan'
t
handl
elonel
iness,
cometoJo'
bur
g"
Nkul
e:"
Bye"
Shehungup.Isi
ghed.Thi
sisabsur
d..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Thi
swomancl ear
lyhasnoi
deawhoshe'
sdeal
i
ng
wit
h.Thener
veofher!
Shebet
terpraywedon'tcr
osspat
hs,
becausei
fwe
doIwil
lroughherup.
Chr
is:
"Okay
.What
'sup?
"
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
"I'
m mad"
Chri
s:"Don'
tbe.Youbeatherup,
shegoty
ou
ar
restedyou'
renoweven"
Me:"I
'm notev
enonany thingwit
hthathoe.Herand
Ist
il
lhaveunfi
nishedbusiness"
Chri
s:"Wel
li
tbet
terbef
ini
shedbecausei
tseems
l
ikeshe'
snotgoi
nganywhere"
Me:
"Meani
ng?
"
Chr
is:
"Mot
hersai
dheshoul
dmar
ryher
"
If
elthot
.Ev
erypl
acewi
thhai
rhoti
tchy
.
Me:
"Yourmot
heri
scr
azy
"
Chr
is:
"MamakaHawu"
Me:"
Sheis.Whydoesshealway ssupportmadness.
Marr
yher
?Thatthingi
snotfittobeaDubewi fe.
Whywoul
dsheappr ov
eofper manentl
ybr i
ngingthat
demoni
ntoourli
ves?WhataboutKhet hi
we? "
Chr
is:
"Shesai
dit
sfort
hebest
!"
Me:"
Bestfory
ou?ForYourhoebrot
her?Because
i
t'
scl
earl
ynotthebestf
oruKhet
hiwe"
Chr
is:
"Wel
li
tsgoi
ngt
ohappenei
therway
."
Me:
"AndIwi
l
lmakesur
eshedi
vor
cesi
n2weeks"
Iadjust
edtheseatandclosedmyey es.Whatkindof
motheristhi
s?Shechoosespeopleforhiscrazy
sonsandf l
oodthem wit
hendlesstr
oubles.Shedare
tr
iesme, Iwi
ll
sli
therson'
st hr
oat
..
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Ihat
etheseni
ghtshif
ts.If
ailt
osleepwhenIget
home.Bythet
imeIthinkoftaki
ngadecentnapi
ts
ti
metoprepar
eforthedamnshi f
t.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Nkul
e:"
Hey.I
'
m sor
ryt
obot
hery
oubutIf
orgotmy
car
dther
e"
Me:
"Oh.Iwi
l
llookf
ori
t"
Nkul
e:"
Ont
het
vst
and"
Me:"Okayletmecheck"Igotupandchecked."
Oh
her
eitis"
Nkul
e:"
Thanky
ou.Iam i
nyournei
ghbor
hood.Iwi
l
l
comegeti
tnownow"
Me:
"Okay
"
Ical
ledt
hegirl
fr
iendt ochecki
fshemaypopi n
whil
eNkuleishere.We'vebeencall
ingeachother
si
ncethedaybegan.Ihav eaveryhardtaskahead.I
havetoaccommodat eher22y earoldsel
funti
lshe'
s
complet
elycomfortablewit
hme.
Yol
i
:"Hey
.Di
dyout
ri
myourbear
d?"
Me: "
Hey .YesIdi
d.DoIl
ookl
i
keasnack?
"She
chuckled.
Yol
i
:"Noy
oul
ookl
i
keamai
ncour
se.
"
Me:"Thanky
oumyQueen.Am Igonnaseey
ou
bef
oreIgotowor
k?"
Yol
i
:"Yeahi
fyoucome"
Me:
"No.Comeby
.You'
l
lsl
eepov
er"
Yol
i
:"Uhm.
..
."
Me:
"Noexcuses.Justcomemay
beImi
ghtchange
mymindaboutgoingtowor
k"
Yol
i
:"Youwi
l
lgetf
ir
ed"
Me:
"Youdon'
tgetf
ir
edwheny
ouhav
econnect
ions"
Yoli
:"IwannabeyouwhenIgr owup.Iwi
l
lseeyou
l
aterthen.LetmecookbecauseIknowyourpot
s
ar
edr y"
Me:"Yeahali
tt
le.Di
shupf
ormet
oo"shest
aredat
herscr
eenforawhil
e.
Yol
i
:"Uhm Beni
scomi
ngov
er"
Me:
"Tel
lhi
myou'
rebusy
"
Yol
i
:"Ohhe'
stal
ki
ngaboutt
omor
row.By
e"
Me:
"OkBy
ebaby
"
She'
sinpyj
amas.That
'sgood.Iaccept
edBab
Nkomo'sr
equestt
oletNkulei
n.
Ishouldt
ell
Kyl
i
etogetmeamai
d.Mypot
sar
e
alwaysdr
yforr
eal
.
Shewal
kedi
n.
Me:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Nkule:
"Thankyou.I
'm goi
ngout.I
fIstayint
hat
houseami nut
elongerIswearIwi
llgocrazy
"
Me: "
Shoul
dn'
tyoubemour
ningy
ourchi
l
d's
passi
ng?"
Nkule:
"Whatdi
ff
erencei
sitgonnamake?She'
s
dead"
Me:
"Oh"
Ihandedhert
hecar
d.
Nkul
e:"
I'
m sor
ryaboutTuesdayni
ght
"
Me:
"Wat
erundert
hebr
idge"
Nkul
e:"
Thanky
ou.So,
arey
ouandYol
itoget
her
?"
Me:
"No"
Nkul
e:"
Whati
sgoi
ngonbet
weeny
out
wot
hen"
Me:
"Al
ot.Exceptf
orbei
ngt
oget
her
"
Nkul
e:"Thewayyoupani
ckedwhenshearr
ivedl
ast
morni
ngitseemedli
keyoudi
dn'
twanthertome
her
e"
Me:"
She'sachil
d.Idon'twanthergett
ingexposed
t
oadultswholooksli
ket heyspentani
ghttogether
.
Whydidyoutakeoffthegown? "
Nkul
e:"
Iwashot
"
Me:
"Pl
easedon'
tev
erdoi
tagai
n."
Nkul
e:"
Not
ed.Keepwel
l
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Gowel
l
"
Shet
urnedonherheel
sandl
eft
.
She'
sget
ti
ngmesuspi
cious.
'
Iwantyoutotai
lNkuleforme.Ifeell
ikeshe'
ski
nd
ofobsessedwit
hwhatmi ghtbegoingonbetween
meandsomeoneel se'
Isentt
oChar
les.Womenactr
eal
l
ycr
azyatt
imes.
..
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Mycellphoner
angasIpl
ayedwi
tht
heli
ttl
eones.I
missedthem.Mam Di
notookt
hem t
othei
rsi
bli
ngs
atChri
s's.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Cal
vi
n:"Dube.Igotacal
lfr
om Ty
leraski
ngf
ora
meeti
ng"
Me:"I
sit
?Hehasn'
tcal
l
edme.Whatdi
dhesayi
ts
about
?"
Calv
in:"
Hedidn'
texpl
ain.That
swhyI
'
m cal
l
ing,
is
ever
ythi
ngokay?"
Me:
"Youhav
en'
tcheckedy
ouremai
l
s?"
Cal
vi
n:"
No.Ijustl
andedandsawhi
stonsoft
ext
s
andhej
ustcall
ed"
Me:"Wellhefuckedup.Gotsomeoneelsepr
egnant
andKhethiweleft
.Nobodyknowswheresheis.He'
s
pl
anningontakingthepregnantwomanasasecond
wi
fe"
Cal
vi
n:"
What
?"
Me:
"Yes.Sot
hesoonerthatmeeti
nghappenst
he
mor
etimehe'
llhav
etolookforKhet
hiwe"
Cal
vi
n:"Uh.
..
I'
l
lbether
etomor
rowev
eni
ng.Sendmy
l
ovetoever
yone"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Pl
easedot
oo.
"
Wesaidourgoodbyes.Idon'
tknowi
fhe'
syoungor
j
ustpl
ainst
upid.Whydoeshewantameet i
ng?
Iheardcommot
ioncomingfrom outsi
de.Ical
l
ed
Khethel
odownt
owat choverthekidsandwalked
out.
Thesecur
it
yguy
swer
edr
aggi
ngadr
unkmanout
.
Ir
eachedt
hem.
Me:
"Lethi
m go"
Scel
o:"
Sir
?"
Me:
"Lethi
m go"
Theyl
ethi
m goandst
oodacoupl
eoff
eetaway
fr
om us.Hecoul
dbarel
yst
and.TheJackDani
elon
hi
shandlookedheav
y.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Jason:
"I'
m..
.I
'
mlooki
ngf
orEmi
"
Me:
"Di
dn'
tIt
ell
yout
ost
ayawayf
rom her
?"
Hel
ookedatmeanddr
ankf
rom hi
sbot
tl
e.
Jason:
"Youdi
d.Butt
hatdoesn'
tmeanIshoul
d
real
l
ydothat
"
Me:
"Ar
eyout
est
ingme?
"
Jason:
"No.Ij
ustwantEmi
thati
sal
l
"
Me:
"Doy
ouwantt
oseey
ourchi
l
dal
i
ve?
"
Jason:"
Youreal
lyt
hinkIcar
eaboutt
hatbabymore
thanIdoaboutEmi
hle?Kil
li
tify
ouwant.Iwant
Emi"
Me:
"Youneedhel
pJason"
Hehi
tthebot
tl
eont
hegr
ound.
Jason:"
Whydoesn'
tanyonef
ucki
nggeti
t!Idon'
t
needthehel
pyoual
lkeeptel
l
ingmeabout.Thehel
p
IneedisEmi.Whenshe' sinmyl i
feIam bet ter,no
Psychol
ogistcouldev erhelpme,nomedi cine,no
nothi
ng.YouthinkInev ertri
ed?She'smyl i
ght,my
l
ifehaspurposewhenshe' sinit
,Idon'tdrinknor
smoke.Youwannaknowt hetr
uth?Iresentt hat
baby,i
twasn'tforitshewoul dsti
llbemi ne.Dube. .
."
Hest
art
edcr
yingandknel
tdown.
Jason:"Please.Iwoulddoany thi
ng,Iwouldgi
veup
every
thi
ngt hatbelongst ome.Pleasejusthel
pme
getherback, evenifasjustafri
end.Ihaven'
thada
decentsleepin4mont hs.Ineedher"
Me: "
You'r
ev er
ystupi
difyout
hinkIwi
l
lletmybaby
si
sternexttoyou.Seekhel
pandthenwewill
tal
k."
It
urnedt
otheguar
ds."
Dri
vehi
m home"
Iheadedinsi
de.Ical
l
edCharl
esandt
oldhi
mt o
rel
easethegir
landherbaby
.Thi
smoronisreal
l
y
crazi
ert
hanIthought.
..
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erThi
rt
yThr
ee
•
••
(
Unedi
ted)
[
Emi
]
Iwasscaredtofallasl
eepl
astnight
.Ial
sodidn'
t
wanttogotoneitherofmyhomes, mybrother
s
deser
vethei
rti
mewi tht
hei
rwivesandkidswit
hout
mepoppingupev erynowandthen.
Idon'tknowwhenbutIendedupf al
li
ngasleep.Br
ad
i
si nNorthWest,Ihav
eav er
ybori
ngweekendahead.
TodayIam notgoingtowork.I
tslei
suredayandI
reall
ydon'tf
eel
li
kechatt
ingandlaughing.
Igotupandwentt ot
hebathroom.Ididmybusiness
andfil
l
edthetub.Iwantt
ov i
sitKhet
hiwe,maybe
takeheroutt
othemov i
esandt hengoclubbi
nglat
er.
Myphoner
ang.Iwentf
ori
t.
Me:
"Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
obei
nameet
ing?
"
Br
ad:"
Correctbuthowam Igoi
ngt
oconcent
rat
e
whenIhav
en'theardf
rom you?
"
Me:"I
'
m sorry
.Ij
ustwokeupandIwasgoingt
otext
youaft
erIhavet
akenabath"hesi
ghed.
Brad:"
Youshoul
d'
v et
ext
edmet
hemi
nut
eyouwoke
up.Anypl
ansfortheday
?"
Me:
"Yeah.Iwi
l
lgov
isi
tKhet
hiweandgoout
"
Br
ad:
"Okl
ove.Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Hehungup.Ineedmyj eansfrom hi
splace.It
exted
hi
mt otexthi
sladyt
opackt hem upformeandt hen
wentbacktothebat
hroom.
.
..
Aft
eranhouroft
ryi
ngtogethol
dofKhet
hiweIgav
e
upanddrovet
oKhule'
s.If
oundKhet
hel
owi t
hanold
l
adyhavi
ngjui
ce.
Khet
helo:
"It
'sgonnar
aini
nicecr
eamst
odayI
swear
"
Me:"Ohplease.Iwasgi
vi
ngyoual
lti
meto
your
sel
ves.Howar eyoubaby
?"Wehugged.
Khethel
o:"I
'm good.Thisi
smam Mathebulaournew
help.Mamat hi
sisEmi hl
e,ourl
i
ttl
esi
ster
.Howi s
yoursel
f?"
Me:"Gett
ingt
her
elov
e.Howar
eyouma?
"Weshook
hands.
Her
:"I
'
m goodhowar
eyousi
si
?"
Me:
"I'
m goodt
hanks.CanIst
eal
youf
orami
nut
e?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Sur
e"
Wewal
kedt
othel
ounge.
Me:
"Wher
e'sMam Di
no?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Upst
air
swi
thhergr
andki
ds.
"
Me:
"Mmmh.I'v
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofKhet
hiwe.
Doyouknowwhat
'
sgoi
ngon?"
Shecl
ear
edhert
hroatandl
ookedaheadont
het
.v.
Khet
hel
o:"
Shel
eft
."
Me:
"Towher
e?"
Khet
hel
o:"Nobodyknowsy
et.Yourbr
other
sar
est
il
l
l
ooki
ngforher"
Me:
"Andnobodyt
houghtofl
ett
ingmeknow.Wow"
Khet
hel
o:"
Youwer
eal
soinaverybadheadspace.
Wecoul
dn'
thav
emadeitwor
se.Andyourbr
other
askedforameet
ingIguesshewi
l
lbr
inghi
swoman
withhi
m"
Me:"Why?She'sj
usthi
sbabymama.Ther
e'sno
needtost
uffthef
amilyupwi
thher
"
Khet
hel
o:"
He'
smar
ryi
ngher
"
Me:"What
?Whatt
hehel
li
swr
ongwi
thhi
m?Ohpoor
Khet
hiwe"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yeah.Yourmot
heri
mpr
oved"
Me: "
Iseri
ouslydonotunder standwhydowest il
l
l
ist
ent oher.Shehat edpoly
gamywi thallherbeing
whyonear thwoul dsheapprov eoft
his?
"She
shr
ugged.I'm defeated."
Letmegogetmyj eansat
Bry
anston.I'
llseey ouall
lat
er"shegotupand
walkedmeout .
Khet
hel
o:"
Hewasher
elastni
ght
"
Me:
"Who?
"
Khethelo:"
Jason.Helovesy ou,bei
ngsepar
ated
from youiski
ll
inghi
m andi tisdri
vi
nghimrightt
o
theedge.Hesay sheresentshischil
dbecauseyou
wouldst i
l
lbewi t
hhi
mi fithadnotbeenconceived"
Me:
"Heneedshel
p"
Khet
helo:
"May
beaf
ri
end.Youshoul
dcal
lhi
m
someti
mes"
Me:
"Noti
nmywi
l
destdr
eam"
Khet
hel
o:"
Arey
oust
il
lmadathi
m?"
Me:
"Yes"
Khet
hel
o:"
Why
?"
Me:
"Becausehebr
okemyhear
tKhet
hel
o"
Khethelo:"
Youwanthi mt ogetov eryou?"Inodded
"Andy ouwantt ogetoverthebrokenhear the
causedy ou?"Inodded."Contacthim.Taket he
sessionstogether
,taketheguardswi thyouuntil
theyareov er
"
Me:
"Br
adwoul
dn'
tal
l
owt
hat
"
Khet
helo:
"It
sfory
ourowngood.Whati
sthepoi
ntof
car
ryi
ngonwi t
hableedi
nghear
tfr
om t
hepast
?"
Me:"Iwi
ll
takepsy
chol
ogi
cal
sessi
onsj
ustnotwi
th
Jason"
Khet
hel
o:"
Great
.Ist
il
lthi
nky
oushoul
dgi
vehi
mthat
cal
lthough"
Me:
"By
eMr
sDube"
Shesmi
l
edandwav
edasIdr
oveout
.
Thenerveoft
hisguy.Hesai
dall
thatt
oKhule?It
s
ei
therhehasasoftspotf
orhi
m ortur
ningweak.
Youknowsometi
mesIf
eell
i
ketr
aff
icl
ightshavea
thi
ngonme.Theyal
way
stur
nredwheneverI'
mina
hurr
y.
Ican'
tbeli
evemymotherandTy l
er.Iknowhe'
s
alwaysgott
enawaywit
hev er
ythi
ngbutIdidn'
tknow
shefavor
shim ev
enfr
om abov e.
"Wannarace?"Istar
tl
ed.He'
sonhi
spsy
cho
char
acteragain.
Me:
"Whyar
eyouf
oll
owi
ngmeJason?
"
Jason:
"Iwantt
orace"
Me:
"Don'
tyouhav
efr
iends?
"
Jason:
"No.I
fIwi
nyouwi
ll
haveani
cecr
eam dat
e
wit
hmeatourstop,
whi
chist
hemal
l"
Me:
"Ify
oul
ose?
"It
urnedt
ohi
sdi
rect
ionf
ort
hef
ir
st
ti
mesincethi
sconver
sat
ionstar
ted.Helooked
decent
.Beardshav
edandafreshhaircut
.
Jason:
"Yougonnat
akemet
oapsy chol
ogi
stofy
our
choi
ceanddri
vemether
eev
eryappoint
ment"
Ir
avedt
heengi
ne.
Me:
"Ther
oboti
saboutt
oopen"
Jason:
"Goodl
uck"
I
tsagoodt
hinggol
fest
atesr
oadsar
eal
way
sempt
y.
Itookof
fbef
oret
herobotgav
emeaccess.Iwi
l
l
takecar
eoft
heti
cket
.
Imadei tt
othemal l
fir
st.Bothvictor
iesworkedin
hisfav
orbutirdoesn'
tmat teraslongashewi l
lgo
forhel
pandgett hehelloutofmyofmyl i
fe.
..
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Onesimplethingcanleadtosuchabi gmess.The
dayIwentoutt ofi
ndcomfortinJessica'sarmsIdi
d
notthi
nkitwil
l t
akeusthi
sfar.Iam fail
ingtocope
wit
hev er
ythi
ngbuteit
herwayIhav et oletthef
amil
y
knowaboutmydeci
sion.
Jessi
ca:
"Youneedt
ost
opbeat
ingy
our
sel
fup"
Me:
"Ican'
thel
pit
.Ar
eyour
eadyf
ort
oni
ght
?"
Jessi
ca:"
Nobutt
her
e'snot
urni
ngbacknow,
is
ther
e?"
Me:
"No.Whatt
imei
stheDr
sappoi
ntment
?"
Jessi
ca:
"2pm.FornowIwanttogotot
hemal
land
buysomethi
ngfi
ttomeetyourf
amil
y"
Me:"Okay
.Iwi
l
ljustst
ayher
eandwat
chsoccer
"she
ki
ssedme.
Jessi
ca:
"Il
ovey
ouandev
ery
thi
ngi
sgonnabe
okay"
Me:
"YeahIguess"
Shesmi
l
edandwal
kedout
.
Iwenttot
hebedr
oom andtookthelet
terout
.Ihad
nostr
engt
htoopeni
tupy est
erday.
"You'
reaver
ygoodperson.Thati
swhyGodblessed
youwithachi
ld.Gi
veherthel
oveyougav
emeand
givey
ourbabyevenmore.Youhavemyblessi
ng.Al
l
t
hebesti
nevery
thi
ngy ou'
rewor
kingonandy
ett
o
wor
kon.Thankyouforlov
ingme"
Ireadi
tal
lov
eragai
n.Thi
sisnotwhatIexpect
ed.I
expect
edmaybeapageormore.
There'
ssti
l
lnot r
aceofher.Noneofhercar
dshave
boughtanyt
hing.Iam st
il
lwai
ti
ngformoreupdat
es
fr
om theguys.
Myphoner
ang.Ihav
en'
thear
dfr
om heri
nawhi
l
e.
Me:
"Babysi
s"
Emi
:"Tel
lmei
tsnott
rue"
Me:
"What
?"
Emi:
"Thaty
ou'
remar
ryi
ngthati
l
lmanner
edwoman
andmadeKhet
hiwel
eave"
Me:
"Idi
dnotki
ckherout
,shel
eftonherown"
Emi:"I
sit?Wouldshehav elefti
fyoudidn'
thither
wit
hallthatbaggage?YouknowIal way sthought
youhavechangedandl ovesKhethiwe.Butthis?I
am fai
li
ngtorecognizeyou.Iam somadaty ou.You
bett
erfi
ndKhet hi
we, wearethegenerati
onthat
easi
lygetsatt
ackedbydepr essi
ony etyousleep
wit
houtknowingwher
esomeoneasbr
okenas
Khethi
weis"
Shehungup.Shewoul
dn'
thur
ther
sel
f.Woul
dshe?
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Myphoner
angr
ightaf
terIcameoutoft
heshower
.
Me:
"BabNkomo"
BabNkomo:
"Ehson,
ther
ear
epeopl
eher
efory
ou"
Me:
"Okay
.Iwi
l
lbet
her
einaf
ew"
Ihungupandtr
iedcal
li
ngYol
ibutitwentt
o
voi
cemail
.Imadethebedanddressedupandl
eft
.
Iar
ri
vedatmyhouse.Ihaveneverseenthesepeopl
e
bef
ore.Theydr
ovei
nafterme.Iledthem i
nside.
Theyt
ookaseat
.Thi
sdi
dnotl
ookl
i
keaf
ri
endl
yvi
si
t.
Il
eanedonachai
r.
Me:
"TowhatdoIowet
hispl
easur
e?"
Man1:
"Mandl
aNkosi
"
Me:
"That
'sy
ourname?
"
Man1:
"No.Doest
hatnamer
ingabel
ltoy
ou?
"
Me:
"No"
Man1:
"Theboyy
ouki
l
ledl
asty
ear
"
Me:"Whoawhoadon'
tassoci
atemewi
thki
l
li
ngIdo
notki
ll
"
Man1:"
DubeIdon'thaveallday
.Iam t
heonehe
sol
dthemerchandiseto.Hehadawireonhi
m,I
hav
eprooft
haty oukil
l
edhim"
TheotheronewhichIbel
i
eveishi
serrandsboytook
outataperecor
derandplay
edanaudio.Itwasme
andJake.Thesameexactconver
sat
ionwehadt hat
dayIshotthatmoron.
Man1:"Now,Ihaveadealf
oryou.Iwoul
dli
key
out
o
t
ransportaf
ewt hi
ngsforme"
Me:
"Noti
nter
est
ed"
Man1: "
Wellyoubett
erbebecauseifyoudon'
t.Iwi
l
l
anonymouslysendthi
stothepoli
ceanditwil
lbe
overforyou,
Ilear
nedthatyouhaveonlyone
chance"
Who'
sthi
sfucki
ngi
diot
?
Me:
"Getout
"
Man1:"Thesearemynumber s.Iwil
lwai tforyour
cal
luntil
Thursday.I
fIdon'thearfr
om y ouunt i
lthen
Iwi
llsendthisl
itt
lepresenttothepoli
ce.Youknow
howev erycapt
aininJo'burgwouldlovet olockany
ofyouup"
Me: "
Ify
ouknowwhat '
sgoodfory
ou,youwil
lget
yourbuttupandl
eavethi
shouseandneverl
ook
backorexpectaphonecal
l"
Hegotup.
Man1:
"Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngf
ort
hatcal
l
"
Theyfol
lowedeachot
herout.Godi
tst
oohotfort
his.
IwanttokeepmyhandscleannowIhavel
i
ttl
e
chi
ldr
enandwives.
Themeet ingthatTy l
eraskedforIwon'tbepartof.I
hatemadness.Khet hi
weismessedup.AndIwi l
l
maket hem alllookforunti
lGodtakethem.Ty l
eri
sa
spoiltbrat,weaskedhi mifhewassur eabout
commi tmentheagr eed.Purebull
shit
,hecould'
ve
avoidedt his.Thebloodshed,Khethi
wef l
edhomef or
what ?Forhi mt othankherwithaplateful
lofshit
.I
don'tevenwannaseethatwomanbecauseIwoul
d
strangl
eher.Nobodydi
srespect
smylovedonesl
i
ke
that.
Myphonebeeped.
"I
fyoudonotputaleashony ourbi
tchIwi
l
lrunher
overwi
tht
hiscarQuintonDube."
Ical
ledher
.Shedidnotpi
ckup.Ical
l
edChar
lesmen.
RuphusandGail
.
Hi
m:"
MrDube"
Me:
"RuphusorGai
l
?"
Hi
m:"
Gai
l
"
Me:
"Ohhey
.Hav
eyoubeenf
oll
owi
ngt
hegi
rl
?"
Gail
:"YesSir
.She'sdr
ivi
ngtoyourhouseaswe
speak.Itl
ooksli
keshe'
sbeenfoll
owingawhit
eX7
around,sheevenhadabitofaquarrel
wit
hher"
Me:
"Okayt
hanky
ou"
Ihungupandt
ri
edYol
iagai
n.I
twentt
ovoi
cemai
l
thi
sti
me.
Igr
ant
edaccessf
orNkul
eandwai
tedont
hecouch.
Nkul
e:"
Youhav
enoshamey
ouknowt
hat
"
Me:"Doy
ouknowwhatIdot
opeopl
ewhobot
her
peopl
eIl
ove?
"
Nkule:
"Youloveher!OhmyGodI 'vebeensostupi
d!
I
sshenol ongerachil
d?Doy ouknowwhather
par
entscoulddot oyouift
heyfoundoutshe'
s
dat
ingamany ourage?"
Igotupandwal
kedt
oher
.
Me: "
Ifyoudonotunt angl
ey ourselff
rom myl i
fethe
momenty ouwal koutthatdoorIsweart oy ou
Nonkululekohellwillbr
eakloose.I fy
ouev erbother
Yolandaagai nIwill
needonlyonebul l
ettotakey ou
out"shegasped." Fi
ndahobby ,lookforajoband
worklikeanyot herwomany ourageandgett hef uck
outofmyl i
fe!
"
Idi
dn'
tevenreal
i
zeIhadherbyhercol
l
ar.Il
etgo.
Shecr
iedandranout
..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Ri
ghtaf
tersunset
.Ev
ery
bodyar
ri
ved.Theyshar
ed
hugs.Thewomenr
emai
nedint
heki
tchenmaking
supperwhi
let
hemendr
ankatt
hel
oungewait
ingfor
Tyl
er.
Lel
o:"
SoKhet
hel
o.Ar
eweal
sogonnabet
her
e?"
Khethel
o:"
Theyal
way
sincl
udeusbutIdon'
tknow
thi
stime"
Kat:"
I'
m goodnna.BecauseifIseet
hatTyl
er'
sfaceI
wil
lki
ckit.Hebett
ershowupwi thKhet
hiweorbeup
todatewithherwher
eabouts"
Lel
oandKhet
hel
olaughed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Whenl
astdi
dyouhav
eyourper
iods?
"
Kat
:"Ther
oboti
sredaswespeak.
"
Khet
helo:
"You'
vebeenr
eadyt
oat
tackt
hepast
weeks.
"
Kat:"
That
'sbecauseIam si
ckandt
ir
edofev
ery
thi
ng
thati
shappeni
ng"
Lel
o:"
Ineedy
ourgut
s."
"
Eveni
ng"
Theyal
ltur
ned.Kat
legoscof
fedandt
urnedt
othe
st
ove.
Khet
hel
o:"
Hey
.Yourbr
other
sar
eatt
hrl
ounge"
Ty
ler
:"Thanky
ou"
Hepul
l
edJessi
caal
lthewayt
othel
ounge.
Kat:"
OhmyGoddidyouseet
hatf
acebeat
?She
tot
all
yhasnoi
deawher
eshewascomingto"
Lel
o:"
She'
scut
ethough"
Khet
hel
o:"
We'
venev
erseenherwi
thoutmake"
Chr
is:
"CanIst
eal
youl
adi
esf
orasecond?
"
Kat
:"Yeahsur
e.We'
recomi
ng"
Shel
ower
edt
hest
oveandt
heywentt
othel
ounge.
Theysatnextt
othei
rpar
tner
s.Cal
vi
ngav
eTy
lera
goahead.
Tyler:"
Iknowi thasbeenav erychaot
ic2weeksof
everyone.ForthatI'
m sorr
y.Khethi
wedecidedto
l
eav eme, Idon'tbl
ameher .I
'
m adogbutIcan'tbe
foreverpunishedforthat
.Thiswomansi t
ti
ngover
thereisJessicaNgcolosi,
sheiscarry
ingmychil
d.
Wehav ebeenseeingeachot herbehi
ndKhethi
we's
back.Likeanyotherdecentman, Iwouldli
keour
chil
dtobebor nwithi
nt hewedl
ock.Al lIam aski
ngis
foryouguystosuppor tmeregardlessofmy
mistake.Khet
hiwecanonl ybetheper sontopunish
me.Andf oryoutoacceptJessicaasmywi fe"
Kat
:"Doy
oul
oveher
?"
Theyal
ltur
nedt
olookather
.
Kat
:"Forreal
.Doeshe?Becauseitwoul dbevery
sel
fi
shofy outomar r
ysomeonejustbecauseshe's
car
ryi
ngy ourchi
ld.Marri
agei
sav erybig
commi t
ment ,
youjustcan'
tmarr
yf orsomethi
ngas
smallaspregnancy"
Cal
vi
n:"
MamakaHawuhasapoi
nt.Doy
ou?
"
Ty
ler
:"Uhm I
-"
"Youareav erybadf amil
y.Howi sthi smeet i
ng
carr
y i
ngonwi thoutme?OhI '
m sogl ady oukeptmy
seatsafe"shesatnextt oTyler."
Ohpl easetakemy
bagsupstairs.Fi
rstroom ony ourri
ght .Good
eveningboNy amaz ane.Forgivemef orarri
vi
ngso
l
ate.Theweat heriscrazyinMaur it
ius, It
ooky our
advicebytheway "shesaidwi nkingatKhet helo.
Khul
e:"
Wel
comebackMaDl
adl
a"
Khet
hiwe:
"Thanky
ou.Thi
scouchi
suncomf
ort
abl
e"
ShegotupandsatonTy
ler
'sl
ap.
Khet
hiwe:
"Ooht
hatmakeup.Youcamet
oint
roduce
her
?"
Kat
:"Yes"
Khet
hiwe:
"Okay
.Letmenotst
andi
nyourway
"
Jessicagotupandatt
empt
edgoi
ngout
.Khet
hiwe
quicklyst
oppedher
.
Khethi
we:"Youhav efai
l
edrulenumberoneofbeing
aDubewi fe.Youdonotwalkoutonourmen.
Secondl
yy oudonotapplythismuchmakeup,
thi
rdl
yyouputonadoekony ourheadandascarf
aroundyourshoulder
satleastonsuchoccassi
ons."
Jessi
ca:
"Bi
tchpl
ease.Mov
eoutofmyway
"shesai
d
onalowerv
oice.
Khet
hiwe:
"Si
tdown.
"
Shepushedherbackt
othecouch.
Khul
e:"
Uhm Jenni
fer
.Wedonotsweari
nthi
s
house"
Jessi
ca:
"Je-
ssi
-ca"
Kat
:"CanIdi
shupf
orev
ery
one?
"
Khet hi
we:"No.Jessi caandIwi ll
.Butf
ir
stl
yIgot
starter
s.Idon'
twantheri nmyhouse, youDube
eli
mt hendewil
l hav et obuyherahouse,secondl
yI
wanty ouhomeev erynight,i
fyoudon'
tcomebackI
willcomewher ev eryouar eandtakeyouhome
becausey ouvowedt onevermakemesl eepalone
thatdayofourt raditionaluni
on."
Jessi
ca:
"Thati
scr
azy
"
Khet
hiwe:"Youarenotevenont
hedat
abasey
etbut
you'
real
readyseeingt
hings.
"
Chr
is:
"Canwebel
eftwi
thMadl
adl
apl
ease?
"
Al
lthewomenwal
kedout
.
Chr
is:
"Whyar
eyouback?
"
Khethi
we:"
Yourmot hersai
dIshouldn'
tleav
e,ri
ght
Bonga?"Henodded."Sothisismenotleavi
ng.
Alt
houghIwil
lbefri
endswi thgi
nandtonicti
ll
all
thi
smadnessblowsov er"
Khul
e:"
Wear
ejustgl
ady
ou'
reback"
Khet
hiwe:"I
tsagai
nstmywi l
lthough.
"Shegotup
andwalkedtotheki
tchen.
Kat
legoscr
eamedandhuggedher
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Sincewhenar
en'
tyouscar
edoft
hem?
"
Khethiwe:
"Gin,
isther
eanyint hi
shouse?I
'
m get
ti
ng
sober.Where'
sthathorsebi
tch?"
Lel
o:"
She'
sout
side"
Khet
hiwe:
"GodknowsIcan'
tst
andherorherman.
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thenwhyar
eyouback?
"
Khethi
we:"Thatcrazyassmot heri
nlaw.Ihadaver
y
ter
ri
bledr
eam.Ev enMant ul
itoldmet ocomeback
whenIcall
edhertov ent"
Lel
o:"I
nevery
thingjustknowwe'
reher
efory
ou.As
muchaswedon' tfeelpai
nasyoubutwewil
ltake
thi
sroadwit
hy ou.
"
Kat
:"Ament
othat
."
Theydi
dagr
ouphug.
Khet
hel
o:"
Wel
ovey
ouandwewi
l
ldi
ewher
eyou
di
e"
Khet
hiwe:
"Thanky
ouguy
s"
Kat
:"Let
'shav
esomegi
n.Pi
tyy
ou2can'
t"
Khet
helopreparedi
tfort
hem andt
henj
uicef
or
her
selfandLelo.
Kat:
"Tohappyl
i
feandmaki
ngJessi
ca'
sst
ay
unpl
easant
!"
Theyl
ookedathersur
pri
sed.Andt
henl
aughed.
Them:
"Cheer
s!"
Theyt
ookoutservi
ngbowlsanddishedupov
era
si
ll
yconv
ersat
ion.Laughi
ngi
nbetween.
Jessi
caremai
nedi
nthecarcr
ying.Shecal
l
edher
mother.
Jessi
ca:"Shecamebackmama.Theyl
oveher
.They
j
ustsattherewhi
leshei
nsul
tedmeandsai
d
nothi
ng"
Hermother:"
Donotworr
y.Shewi
l
lleav
eagain.Just
betheperf
ectgi
rl
fr
iendy
oucanbeandy ouwil
lwin
t
heman"
Jessica:
"Idon'
tknowhowmuchmor
eoft
hisIcan
take.Helovesher
"
Hermother:
"Rememberwhyy ou'
rewit
hhim.We
needthi
smoneyJes.Justobeyever
ythi
ng.3year
s
wil
lbeoveri
nnotime"
Jessi
ca:
"By
emama.Someonei
scomi
ng"
Shehungup.Bongaknockedont
hewi
ndow.
Bonga:
"Icamet
ogety
ou"
Shef
akedasmi
l
eandgotof
fthecar
.
Theywal
kedbacki
nsi
de.
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
Chapt
erThi
rt
yFour
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Lastnightwentabitt
ougherthanexpected.I
tledto
Jessicaleav
ingbef
oreany oneel
se.Khethi
weand
Katl
egomadeherv eryfir
stdayunpleasant
.They
star
tedtalki
ngabouteveryfunwehav ehadinthe
past.
Theyarereadyforthi
smi ssi
onofmaki
ngherst
ay
unpl
easant.Anditsal
readyworki
ng.
IputNgiphi
l
edown.Iwishtheystayli
kethi
sforever
.
Theylookmorehumannow.Youcant el
lwholooks
l
ikewho.Theirf
atheri
scounti
ngdownt othenext
monthwherehecansaf el
ydri
vearoundwitht
hem.
Iwal
kedtothebat
hroom.Webathwit
ht hedoor
openbecause"
athi
efwil
lcomeandstealthe
babi
es"
Hegoton.Looki
nglikeasnackt
hatheis.Heki
ssed
hi
sbabi
esandwal kedtothebat
hroom door
.
Me:
"Fr
eshhai
rcut
?"
Khul
e:"
Yes.Younot
iced"hesai
dwi
thagr
in.
Me:
"Ial
way
sdobabe"
Khul
e:"
Icutmyhai
r3timesthetimey ouwere
pr
egnantandy
ounevernot
iced"Ilaughed.
Me:
"Thatwasav
erybusyt
ime.I
'
m sor
ry"
Khul
e:"
Mmmh"
Hesatont
hebed."
Doy
out
hinky
oucanconv
ince
y
oursi
ster
stobeci
vi
lwi
thJenni
fer
?"
Me:"Jessi
ca.AndIam notsureaboutt
hat.Khethi
we
can'
t,shef
eelstooli
tt
leanddisr
espect
edasitis.
Thebestwayt odealwit
hthi
sistokeepthem away
fr
om eachotheratal
lcosts"
Khul
e:"
Onf
ami
l
ygat
her
ings?Whatwi
l
lhappen?
"
Me:
"Thenewgi
rlwi
l
lnotcome.
"
Khul
e:"
Hhai
bo"
Me:"
Yes.Shechosetobesecondbestr
ight
?She
mustdeal
withtheconsequences.
"
Khul
e:"
IhopeTy
lerr
eal
i
zest
hemesshe'
sputusi
n"
Me:"Shedoesn'
tl
ookl
ikeshecanevenfr
yanegg
any
waysoherabsencewill
beverynor
mal"
Khule:"
Yousoundl
i
key
ou'
remadonKhet
hiwe'
s
behalf
"
Me:
"Ofcour
seIam.Sheshouldn'
tevenbehere,
tel
l
mesomethi
ng,
evenyourancest
orsbull
your
s?"
Khul
e:"
Howonear
tham Isupposedt
oknowt
hat
?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.Buty
ourancest
orsal
way
sseem
t
ohav
eabi
ggersayonourl
i
ves"
Khule:"That'
sbecausey oubelongt otheDubeside.
You'reint
roducedtot hem, spr
inkl
edwi t
hgulland
thatmakey ouaf ullKhetheloDube.Samegoesf or
allofyou.ExceptforJenni-ImeanJessi ca,
because
she'snotpaidlobolafor"
Me:
"It
sunf
air
"
Igotoutofthetubandwr appedat owelaroundt
hen
empt i
edi
t.Iheardt
hedoorcl ose.Itur
nedtohistal
l
self
,hecuppedmyf aceandhungr il
ykissedme.I
stoppedhi
m whenher eachedf ormyt owel.
Me:
"3mont
hsi
sn'
tov
er"
Khul
e:"
Fuck3mont
hs.
"
Heki ssedmeagain.Ifai
l
edtofighthi
m off
.Imissed
him.Ilethi
mt ourhi
shandsallovermysensit
ive
bodypar t
s.Hepushedmeagai nstthewal
l.I
reachedforhispant
s,unbuckl
edthebelt
.Myt owel
hadal r
eadyfal
lenoff
.
Hesli
din.Al
lthehair
sonmybodyst oodup.He
gav
emeacoupl eofdeepst
rokes.Istoppedhi
m
andpushedhimtothetoi
letsi
t.Icl
osedi
tand
pushedhimtosi
tdown.Igotont opandsl
owly
mov edupanddown,l
eftandri
ght .
Iwentonandonunti
lmyi nnergoddesst
ookover
.I
wentonharderandf
aster
.Hedughi snai
lsonmy
backandgroanedal
it
tl
eaggr essi
ve.Myworki
s
donehere.
Hecaughthi
sbr
eat
handki
ssedmyboobi
est
hat
wer
eleaki
ng.
Khul
e:"
Ilov
eyouandImi
ssedt
his"
Me:
"Il
ovey
ouandImi
ssedi
ttoo.
"
Igotof
fandt
urnedt
heshoweron.Hej
oinedme.
I
tledt
oanot
hernast
ysessi
on.
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Ishookhi
m.HemumbledonlyGodknowswhat
.He
star
edatmeandt
henshrugged.
Me:
"It
s9o'
cl
ock.Let
'
spr
ay"
Ty
ler
:"Si
ncewhendowepr
ay?
"
Me:"
Sincey
ouwentoutt
her
eandcr
eat
edpr
obl
ems
f
orus"
Hegotof
fandknel
tbesi
deme.
Me: "ThankyouLor df ory ourpr otect ionov ermy
fami l
y.Icomeagai nstanypl ot,ployorschemet hat
theenemyhaspl annedf orusandIr enderitusel ess
i
nJesusname.Wear et heheadandnott het ai
l,
abov eonlyandnotbeneat h.Noweaponorpr egnant
j
ezabel formedagai nstuswi llprosperandev ery
tonguet hatr
isesagai nstwi lluswi l
lbecondemned.
Wehav ethemi ndsofChr istandv ictoryisour s
todayinHi m.Wear echi ldrenoft hemosthi ghand
wer estinhisgoodnessandf ait
hf ulnesst oday .
Pleasekeept hishomef ull wi
thwar mt handl ov e,
whenst ormsofbabymamadr amat rytohi tus, l
et
usf eelnothi
ng.InJesus' name.Amen"
Iopenedmyey
es.Hewasst
ari
ngatme.
Me:
"What
?"
Ty
ler
:"Thatwas.
..
"
Me:"
Power f
ul?Iknow.Br
eakfastwi
l
l ber
eadyi
n10
mi
nutes.Youmayt akeashowersolong"
Tyl
er:
"No.Iwoul
dlov
etokeepy
oucompanywhi
l
e
youmakeit"
Me:
"Oh?Bemyguest
"
Hefol
lowedmeout.Wegotdownst
air
sandIt
ook
outal
lthei
ngr
edi
ents.
Hewassoobser
vantt
hanev
er.If
ini
shedupand
ser
vedhi
m.
Ty
ler
:"Thanky
ou"
Me:"Ar
eyougonnagot
oJessi
ca'
spl
aceaf
ter
eat
ing?
"
Ty
ler
:"No.YouknowIspendmyweekendsi
ndoor
s"
Me:
"Gr
eat
.I'
l
lgot
akeashower
"
Iwal
kedupt
hest
air
case.
Ithr
ewmy sel
fonthebed.Idon'
tknowhowl ongam
Igoingtokeepupwiththi
s.Igotupandfixedmysel
f
aglassofginandtoni
c.Itookmyphoneandmy
speakerandwenttothebathroom.If
il
ledthetub
whil
elist
eningtomydepressingmusi
c.
Howf
ari
sev
ent
hiskangar
oo?Ican'
treal
l
yst
omach
t
hef
actt
hatshei
spr
egnant
..
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Iwokeupalone.I'
dli
ketothi
nkshedoesn'
tsl
eep.I
fet
chedheryester
dayaft
ershecal
ledmecryi
ng
sayi
ngshecan'tfi
ndherapar
tmentkeys.
Shewasabitdr
unk.Shesl
eptont
het
ubwhi
l
eIsat
her
ethi
nki
ngshe'st
akingabat
h.
Iwentt opeeandwentdownst ai
rs.If
oundher
watchingcartoonsonthekit
chentabl
etwhi
le
dri
nkingcoffee.Iki
ssedhercheek.
Me:
"Yousmel
lni
ce"
Yol
i
:"Justf
ini
shedt
aki
ngabat
h"
Me:
"Mmm.Wewat
chi
ngcar
toons?
"Shechuckl
ed.
Yol
i
:"No.It
houghtyouwer
egonnaf
reakout
.I'
m
wat
chingOrphanBl
ack"
Me:
"Whati
sitabout
?"
Yol
i
:"Cl
onedgi
rl
s.I
tspr
ett
yint
erest
ing"
Me:
"Mov
ieorser
ies?
"
Yol
i
:"I
tsaser
ies.I
'
m st
il
lonseason1epi
sode4.
"
Me:"Wegonnast
arti
tafr
eshtogether
.Whatar
ewe
eat
ing?
"Isai
dwalki
ngtothef
ridge.
Shegotof
fthechai
randgott
othef
ri
dgebef
oreI
.
Yoli
:"Iwi
llmakeussomet hi
ngtoeat
.Sitdownand
watchtheseries.
"Shepushedmetositdown.
"Tomato,cheese,ham,
avocadoandeggs.Feel
any
ofit
?"
Me:
"Asl
ongasi
tisf
oodbabe"
Yol
i
:"Igoty
out
henmyi
cepop"
Me:
"Ist
hatmypetname?
"Shechuckl
ed.
Yol
i
:"May
be"
Shet
ooki
tal
lout
.Andst
art
edmaki
nghermagi
c.
Yol
i
:"Nkul
eisr
eal
l
ycr
ossi
ngboundar
ies"
Me:
"It
ookcar
eofi
t.I
'
m sor
ryshebot
her
edy
ou"
Yoli
:"Idon'
tfeel
safenow.Peoplewhoactl
i
keher
tendtohaveseriouspsy
chol
ogicalpr
obl
ems"
Me:
"Not
hingwi
l
lhappent
oyouIpr
omi
se"
Yol
i
:"Thanky
ou.Cof
feeorTea?
"
Me:
"Cof
fee.YouknowIam abusi
nessmanr
ight
?"
Yol
i
:"Yes"
Shepl
acedt
het
raybef
oreme.
Me:"Thankyou.I
nthecooper
ateworldt
her
e'sal
ot
ofenemies.Andever
yman'sweaknessi
shis
famil
y"
Yoli
:"Meani
ng?
"Shesatdownnextt
omewi
thher
food.
Me: "
Meaningy ouar emyweakness.Whoev ermight
wantany t
hingfrom youmi ghtusey ou.There'
san
oldfri
endthatshowedupy est
erdaydemandi ngthat
Idosomei ll
egal t
ransportati
onforhim.IfIdon'tgiv
e
him whathewant shewi llgoforanyofy ou.Soi n
thatcaseIam askingf orpermissi
ont ohir
eguar ds
foryou."
Yol
i
:"It
houghtt
hatonl
yhappensi
nmov
ies"
Me:"
No.That
'
sjustapot
rayofbusi
nessmenr
eal
l
iv
es.So?
"
Yol
i
:"Justdowhaty
ouhav
etodo"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Youwon'
tev
ennot
icet
heyar
e
t
her
e"
Iki
ssedherhand.Shesmi
l
ed.Shei
sn'
tsochi
l
dish
aft
eral
l.
Yol
i
:"Doy
oual
sohur
tpeopl
e?"
Me:
"Whennecessar
y.Yes"
Yol
i
:"Okay
"
O-
kay
.Whyi
sn'
tshef
reakedout
?
Ohshe'sSam'sdaughter
.Nothingfr
eaksthat
bl
oodl
ineout.Lesedi
shotKhule'ssi
dechi
ckandt
old
ustogetri
doftheevidence.
..
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
Ithoughtmyf
osterf
ami
lyhaddramabuti
tis
nothi
ngcomparedtomyreal
one.
Idonotfeel
thatJessi
cal
ady.Herey
eswanderal
ot.
She'
sseemsguilt
yofsomething.
Lel
o:"
Yourci
gar
ett
ehasbur
nedout
"
Idi
dn'
tev
enr
eal
i
ze.Iki
l
ledi
tont
heasht
ray
.
Me:
"Hav
etheki
dsl
eftf
orschool
?"
Lel
o:"
Yes.Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"Yeah.Ij
ustdon'
thav
eener
gyt
ogot
owor
k"
Lel
o:"
Whenl
astdi
dwedosomet
hingf
un?
"
Me:
"8mont
hsback"
Lel
o:"
Let
'sgooutt
othemov
ies"Il
aughed.
Me:"Areyouf
orr
eal
?Wehav
en'
tbeent
obi
oskopi
n
6years"
Lel
o:"
Yes.Wearegoi
ngt
oday
.Iwi
l
lgogety
ou
somet
hingtowear
"
Me:
"ButI
'
m dr
essed"
Lel
o:"Nobodygoestot
hemovi
esinasui
tmylove"
welaughed.Whati
swrongwi
thwear
ingasui
ttothe
movies.
Ir
ecei
vedat
extf
rom Si
ba.
"
Ifoundsomeonet
otr
anspor
tthemer
chandi
sef
or
us.Wewi
l
lseey
oui
naweek"
Wel
lhebetter
.Igotont
hefami
l
ygr
oup.Ther
ewer
e
nomessages.Ical
l
edTyl
er.
Ty
ler
:"Hel
l
o"
Me: "
Dube.Howi
sitgoi
ng,
arey
oust
il
li
ntact
?"He
chuckled.
Tyl
er:
"Byt
hegraceofGod.YesIam.She'
sact
ing
ver
ycalmi
tsscary
"
Me: "
Justgowi
tht
heflow.Don'
tmeetupwi
tht
hat
Jessi
cawomanasy et
.Justwai
taweekort
wo"
Tyl
er:"I
fit
'sgoi
ngtohelpIwil
ltr
y.I
'
m drai
nedbyal
l
thi
s,Jessi
caontheothersi
deisbeingdi
ff
icul
t"
Me:"I
fyougonnahav etwowivesyoubet
terl
earnt
o
cont
rolthem becausei
fyoudon'
t,
thi
slovest
orywil
l
endwithacasket"hesi
ghed.
Ty
ler
:"Iwi
l
ltr
y.Thanksf
orchecki
nguponme"
Me:
"Sendmyl
ovet
omakot
i"
Ty
ler
:"Iwi
l
l.Pl
easedosendmi
net
oev
ery
one"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.By
e"
Ihungup.Lel
ocamei
nwi
thcl
othes.Idr
essedup.
Ir
ecei
vedanemai
lfr
om Qui
nton.
Iv
iewedi
t.I
twasofMandl
aNkosi
.
"
Thatmoroncameherebl
ackmail
i
ngmeto
t
ranspor
tonl
yGodknowswhatforhi
m.Cany
ouf
ind
mesomedi r
tonhi
m?"
Ical
l
edSi
ba.
Si
ba:
"Bozzay
am"
Me:"
TellmeQuint
onDubei
sn'
twhowi
l
ltr
anspor
t
t
hosefucki
ngguns"
Si
ba:
"Hewi
l
l"
Me:
"Justt
ell
mewheny
ou'
ret
ir
edofl
i
vingSi
ba.
"
Si
ba:"Whyar
eyousopr
otect
iveoft
heseDubef
ool
s
l
atel
y?"
Me:"Staythehel
l awayfr
om t
hem.Iwi l
lki
l
lyouSiba
andy ourf
amilywill
notgett
oburyyou.Lookfor
anotherwaytotranspor
tmygunsory ouwill
shi
t
bri
cks"
Si
ba:
"Fi
ne!
"
Ihungup.
Lel
o:"
Ready
?"
Me:
"YesmyQueen.
"
Lel
o:"
We'
l
lpassbyAmo'
stodr
opMpendul
oof
f"
Me:
"Nopr
obl
em"
It
ookherhandandwewal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Nkul
e]
Thispl
aceshoul
dn'
thavepeoplel
ivi
ngini
t.Whatdo
theydoonrai
nydays?Theseshackscoul
dwashoff.
Tomaket
hemat
terwor
seIwor
eheel
s.
Me:"Gr
eet
ingsbhut
i.Pl
easeshowmet
oBab
Myeza'
shouse"
Hi
m:"
Thatonewi
thpeopl
eout
side"
Me:
"Ohok.Thanky
ou"
Ikeptonwalking.If
ell
theli
ne.Ther
ewer
ejust5
peopleahead.Iwasanxious.
Qui
ntonandhi
sbi
tchwi
l
llear
nwhoNonkul
ulekoi
s
t
oday .Hei sstupi
difhet
hinksIwi
ll
giveupjustl
i
ke
t
hat.Hist hreat
smeannothingtome.Iknowhe
wouldn'thurtme.
Af
ter4hour
sIfinal
lywenti
n.Heorder
edmet
ake
myshoesoff
.Ididandsatdown.
BabMy
eza:
"Tal
kgi
rl
.Ti
mei
srunni
ngout
"
Me:"Iwanthimtocomebackt
ome,
lov
eme,
for
get
aboutthatpi
g"
BabMy
eza:
"R500.
"
Ireachedformypur
seandtookt
henot
esout
.
"Placeitont
hemat"Idi
d.
Het
ookoutt
wopl
ast
icswi
tht
hemut
i.
BabMy eza:
"Withthi
sone, y
ougonnapouri tonhi s
meal.Andspri
nklesomeonhi sloti
ons.Thent hi
s
one.Call
outyourcompetiti
on'
sname, sayallthat
youwanthertodoandt henblow.Doi tevery
morningandwhent hesunsets.Inl
esst hanaweek.
Hewi l
lbeal
lyours.Takethi
s,goanddon' tl
ook
back"
Idi
dasi
nst
ruct
ed.IbetYol
idi
dn'
tseet
hiscomi
ng.
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
Chapt
erThi
rt
yFi
ve
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Iknockedandwai
ted.Sheopenedandhuf
fed.Igot
i
nandcl osedt
hedoor.Ipl
acedherf
oodonthe
counter
.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Jes:
"Soy
oudon'
ttakemycal
l
sany
mor
e?"
Me:
"Idobutt
hingsar
ecompl
i
cat
edJessi
ca"
Jes:"
Youmadet hi
sbedTyler
.Theleasty
oucoul
d
doisli
eini
t.Youcan'
tpl
easethathoewi-
"
Me:"
Refr
ainf
rom t
hat
.Youwi
l
lnotdi
srespecther
l
iket
hat
"
Jes:"What
ever.Iam partyourl
ivesNow, shemust
getusedtoit
.Iwi l
lnotstayawholeweekendnot
speakingt
oyouj ustbecause"i
tscomplicated"y
ou
needtomanupandl earntohandleyourwomen"
Me:"Ibroughtyourf
ood.Wheni
sthenextDr
's
appoint
ment ?
"
Jes:
"Idon'
tknow"
Me:"Youwi
l
lcal
lmewheny
ou'
redonebei
ngl
i
ke
t
his"
Jes:"
Whatam Ili
ke?NowIhav
etopret
endli
keI
'
m
okaywit
hy ougoi
ngawolonmethewhole
weekend?"
Me:"Nobuty ouhavetoactli
keadecentwoman
andkeepiti nmindthatIam yourmanandy ou
shouldadressmewi threspect.Nottal
ki
ngt ome
l
ikeyou'r
et alki
ngtoadollandlastl
y,noinsul
ti
ng
Khethi
we"
Iheadedt
othedoor
.
Shereal
lydi
srespect
ful
.Irecei
vedatextfrom
Qui
ntonthatheisinJo'bur
g.Iwil
ldri
vethereafter
work.Ev
enthoughwewi l
lfi
ghtaboutev
ery t
hingthat
i
shappeninginmyl i
fe.
Igoti
nmycaranddr
ovebackt
otheof
fi
ce.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Hewal
kedi
nandki
ssedme.
Br
ad:
"Imi
ssedy
ou"
Me:
"Imi
ssedy
out
oo.Howwer
eyourmeet
ings?
"
Brad:"
3sucked,4wereworthit
.Wenttopl
aygol
f
yester
day
"Ilaughed.Hedoesn'
treal
l
yli
kei
t.
Me:
"Ihopey
out
ri
edt
obeasni
ceaspossi
ble"
Brad:"
Ihadnochoice.Iswearmyfatherwasproud
ofhimsel
f.Heseti
tup"Ilaughed."
It
'snotfunny
babe.Iwantedt
oleavethemomentwear r
ived"
Me:
"Youdi
dn'
tdi
e,bet
hankf
ul.Hav
eyoueat
en?
"
Br
ad:
"Yeah.Igr
abbedbr
eakf
astatt
heai
rpor
t.
"
Me:"
Okay.Ar
eyoust
ayi
ngf
orawhi
l
eory
ou'
regoi
ng
somewher
e?"
Br
ad:
"Youwantmet
ost
ay?
"Hesmi
rked.
Me:
"Iwantust
otal
k"
Br
ad:
"That
'sscar
y"
Me:
"Pl
easesi
t"
Hepul
ledachai
r.Isatonthedesk.It
ookadeep
br
eat
h.Hewasst ar
ingdeepint
omysoul.Iwasnow
scar
ed.
Me:"Promi
semey ouwon'
tgetmad"her
aisedhi
s
l
eftbrow."
Please?
"
Br
ad:"
Thatmeansthechancesofmeget
ti
ngmad
ar
ever
yhigh.Tal
k"
Me: "
Uhm.Onmywayf r
om homet heotherdayI
sawJason.Heputmeupf orarace,hesai
difhe
winswe'l
lgooutf
oricecream andifIwinIwil
l
suggesthi
m agoodtherapi
standattendUhm...
"hi
s
star
ewasgetti
nguncomf ort
abl
e
Br
ad:
"Goon"
Me:"Att
endt
hesessi
onswit
hhim"Isaidquickl
yand
gotheadi
ngt
othefri
dget
otakewaterout.
It
urnedt
ohi
m.
Br
ad:"Iwil
lseey
ouaround1pm.We'
regoi
ngoutf
or
l
unch"Inoddedr
api
dly.
Hewalkedout.WhatwasIthi
nki
ng?Ishoul
dcont
act
Jasonandtell
him Iwon'
tbeabl
etoatt
endthe
sessi
onswithhim.
"
Misst
hisi
sapr
ivat
epr
oper
tyandy
oumi
ghtbe
char
gedwi
tht
respassi
ng"
Thedoorr
oughl
ypushedopen.Thi
spsy
cho.
Vee:
"It
ri
edt
ost
opher
.Ihav
ecal
l
edsecur
it
y"
Me:
"HowmayIhel
pyouBi
anca"
Bi
anca:
"Gety
ourcl
awsof
fmyman"
Me:
"Whatman?
"
Bianca:"
Jasondoesn'
tneedy ourlousyhelpEmi ly
.
Justbecauseyou'
refr
om t hemightyDubesf amily
thatdoesnotmeanev er
yonef ear
sy ou.Idon'tcare
howmuchmoneyy ouhav e.Keepy ourstupid
psychiat
ri
standfi
lt
hymoneyt oy oursel
f.Staythe
hellawayfr
om thefat
herofmychi ld"
Me:
"Howf
arar
ethesesecur
it
yguar
ds?
"
Vee:
"Theyshoul
dbeher
eanymi
nut
e"
Bi
anca:
"Ihopey
ouhear
dme"
Me:"
Idi
d.Ij
ustdon'
ttakeor
der
sfr
om womenwho
t
rapmenwit
hbabies"
Thesecur
it
yguar
dscamei
nanddr
aggedherout
.
Vee:
"Youpai
dforJason'
sther
api
st?
"
Me:"Don'
tj
udgemeVee.I
t'
scompl
i
cat
ed"It
ooka
seat
.
Vee:
"Sur
eashel
li
tis"
Shewalkedout
.Myphonerang.Il
eti
tri
ng.Ican'
t
speakt
ohimr i
ghtnow.Thi
sthi
ngofhel
pinghim wi
l
l
costmemyr el
ati
onshi
pandpeace.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Thedoorwasn'
tev
enlocked.If
oundherl
yingonthe
couchwit
hanemptybott
leofgini
nherchest.I
shookher
.
Khet
hiwe:
"You'
reher
e"
Me:"Yes.Tel
lmey
oudi
dn'
tdr
inkt
hisbot
tl
eal
l
al
one"
Khet
hiwe:"
Youthi
nkJessicahel
pedmedr
inki
t?No
Idr
ankital
one.Whyar
ey ouhere?"
Me:
"Icamet
ogety
ou"
Khet
hiwe:
"Andwher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
"
Me:
"Home.
"
Shecal
ledmecr
ying2hour
sago.Khul
esuggest
edI
fet
chher.
Khet
hiwe:
"Ther
ewasnoneed.Youcoul
d'v
ejustt
old
metocomeandIwould'
vet
akenataxi"
Me:"I
tsdangeroustobeadrunkfemalewal
ki
ng
al
oneKhethiwe.Wearefaci
ngthatcri
si
saswomen
att
hisver
yinstant
.Icoul
dn'
tri
skit.
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Danger
ous?
"
Me:"Yes.Notonl
ydrunkwomenbutev
erywoman.
Letmegogety ourbagupst
air
s"
Khet
hiwe:
"Br
ingmyf
ourcousi
nundert
hebed"
Me:
"Ok"
Ipackedheraf
ewcl
othesandt
ookhercosmet
ics
andpurse.
If
oundhersl
eepi
ngagai
n.Iwokeherup.Isett
he
al
armsandwewalkedout
.
.
..
Wear
ri
vedathome.Shesl
eptal
lthewayher
e.I
wokeherupandgav
eherpi
l
ls.
Shedr
ankup.
Khet
hiwe:
"Thanky
ou.If
eel
li
keshi
t"
Me:
"Come.I
'
llr
uny
ouabat
handmakey
ouf
ood"
Khet
hiwe:
"Thanky
ousi
si"
Ismi
ledandpull
edherall
thewayt ot hehouse.Q
andKhul
ewill
nevergrowup.Ileftthem pl
aying
games,t
heysti
ll
were.Iwonderifthesekidsate.
Khet
hiwe:
"Gr
eet
ings"
Them:
"MaDl
adl
a"
Khet
hiwe:
"Howar
eyou?
"
Them:
"Wear
egoodhowar
eYou?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m...
I'
m okayIguess"shesai
dand
car
ri
edonupt hestai
rs.
Me:
"Di
dtheki
dseat
?"
Q:"Thel
i
ttl
eonesjustdi
d.Theol
deronesar
est
il
l
ful
l
.Weat epopcor
n"
Me:
"Popcor
n?I
tsbeen3hour
ssi
ncet
heyat
e.You
guy
s"
Khul
e:"
Itr
iedf
eedi
ngt
hem por
ri
dgebutt
heydi
dn'
t
wanti
t"
Me:"
That'sbecausetheyeatpapandsoupaft
er
br
eakfast
.IsaiditwhenIlef
tandeventol
dyou
wher
ei ti
s"
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.
Khul
e: "
Ohy eahweheardyou.Justt
hatIwassavi
ng
i
tforlater
"nowIam notconvi
ncedifmybabiesate
atal
l.Isawt heempt
ybottl
esnexttothem.Atl
east.
Me:
"Mmmh"
Khul
e:"
Butwet
urnedof
fthest
oveaf
ter15mi
nut
es
asyousai
d"
Q:
"Andt
ooki
tal
loutoft
heboi
l
ingwat
er"
Me:"Youbothar
ehubbygoal
s"t
heysmi
l
ed.
Sat
isfi
edwit
hthemsel
ves.
Iwalkedupthest
air
s.Khet
hiwewasal
ready
showering.
Me:
"I'
l
lmakey
ouf
oodt
hen"
Khet
hiwe:
"Pl
easedo"
Iwal
kedoutandwentdown.Imar
inat
edandputthe
pot
atoesandchi
ckeni
ntheovent
henwenttothe
l
ounge.
Ipi
ckedHawuup.Hecri
edf
ormet
oouthi
m down
andrant
ohissi
ster
s.
Me:
"Doy
ouguy
sev
err
est
?"
Q:
"Theyar
ethemostact
ivepeopl
eonear
th.
"
Khul
e:"
Butsweet.Theynev
ercr
y,j
ustpl
ayi
ng
ar
oundandmakingnoise"
Me:"
Andeat
ingmeat
"wel
aughed.Theyt
rul
ylov
e
meat
.
Khul
e:"
Whowasshewi
th?
"
Me:
"Al
one"
Khul
e:"
Drunk?
"
Me:
"Al
i
ttl
e"
Q:
"Shemustgobackt
owor
k"
Khul
e:"
Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
l
lbeabl
etof
ocus"
Q:"Stay
ingathome,alonedrinkingthr
oughoutt
he
dayisn'
tgoi
ngtohel
pwi thanythingDube.Shemust
gobackt oworkf
ordistract
ion"
Khul
e:"Ormoveinwi
thanyofus.Li
vi
ngwi
thTy
ler
wil
lsetherof
f"
Q:
"Iwantt
opuncht
hatmor
on"
Me:"Nopunchi
ngplease.Khet
hiwer
eal
l
yneedsus
cl
ose.Al
lthatt
alkoft
akingtur
nsonTyl
erwasj
ust
al
coholt
alki
ng.
"
Q:
"Shesaidt
hat
?"Inodded."
Thati
snotgood.We
wi
llt
alkt
oherwhenshecomesdown"
Khul
e:"
Yout
alkt
oher
.Shei
sn'
tscar
edofy
ou"
Q:
"Your
eckon?
"
Me:
"Thati
sact
ual
l
yagoodi
dea.I
'
llgocheckonher
"
If
ir
stl
ycheckedont
hef
oodont
heov
enandt
hen
wentup.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Ihat
eitwhenIhav
etof
acemyr
eal
i
ty.Theal
cohol
waswear
ingof
f.
Khet
hel
owalkedoutaf
tert
ell
i
ngmeQui
ntonwoul
d
l
iket
otal
ktome.
Ihear
daknockaft
erawhi
l
e.Iwentt
oopenf
orhi
m.
Hetol
dmet ocomewit
hhi
m.
Heledthewayt othebalcony.It
ookaseatont he
couch.I
'v
eneverbeent othispartofthehouse.It
s
qui
tebeauti
ful
.Thev i
ewofot herhousesandt he
pooldownthere.I
tscalming.Hel eanedontherai
ls
smoking.
Q:
"Howar
eyou?
"
Me:
"Sur
viv
ing"
Q:"
Eachdayisacur
sebutf
eel
blessedt
obeabl
eto
gothoughi
t?"
Me:
"Ki
ndof
"
Q:"
Khet
hel
otel
l
smeyousai
dthi
ngsont
hemeet
ing.
Youagr
eedt
oshar
ehi
m"
Me:
"It
snotl
i
keIhadachoi
ce"
Q:
"Soy
oust
oopt
hatl
ow?
"Il
ookedathi
m sur
pri
sed.
"
Answerme.
"
Me:
"Il
ovehi
m"
Q:"Soyou'r
ecompr omisingy ourpeacef orlove?I
am mad.MadatTy lerfordoi ngthist oy ouandmad
atyouforcomingback.Thi scoul d'
vebeenhi swake
upcall
.Hewi l
lnotseeany thingwr ongwi t
ht hi
s
decei
tifyoustayi
nt hathouse, prepar ehim warm
mealsandhav eawar m bedwai t
ingf orhim.Hei sa
chi
ld,i
tstoomuchpowery ou'r
egi v
inghi m oftaki
ng
tur
nsony ouandthatgirl
, don'tyout hink?"
Whati
sther
ightt
hingt
odo?
??
Mygrandmatol
dmetogobacktomyhouseand
st
andformyhomeandnowQuint
onwit
hthi
s.
Me:"
Idon'
tknowwhati
sri
ghtorwr
ongatt
his
momenthonest
ly"
Q:"Stayingwit
hTy l
eri
sv erywrongri
ghtnow.Hewi l
l
neverseehi smist
ake.Heismybr otherandIknow
howst upidhecanget.Youhav e4homest hatyou
canst ayat,
5wi t
hEmi '
splace.Youcantakeherto
l
ivewi thyouatyourpl
acebutIwould'vepref
erred
youtost aywherether
e'soneofus.Icareforyou
Khethiwe, Idon'
twanty oulosi
ngf ocusofwhat '
s
i
mpor t
antbecauseofal lthi
s.Ifyoukeepf i
ghti
ng
thispainof fwit
hal coholyouwi l
lhaveamuchbi gger
problem thatmi ghtcosty ouyourjob.Isuggestthat
yougobackt owork.Di st
racti
ngy oursel
fwith
alcoholisn'tgonnahel p"
Hehasapoint
.ButwheredoIbegin?Iwill
die
thi
nki
nghe'
swithherever
yday
.Howwi llIf
all
asl
eep
sober
??Mymindwoul dpr
obablyexpl
ode.
Me:"Thi
sist
hehar
destt
hingI
'
veev
erhadt
ogo
t
hroughmyenti
rel
i
fe"
Q:
"AndI
'
m sor
ry.
"
Thetr
ipl
etscamer
unni
ng.Si
sekel
ocamet
ome.I
pi
ckedherup.
Me:
"They
'vemy
ster
iousl
ygr
ewsot
all
."
Q:
"Theyar
en'
tev
enay
earol
dthatt
ime.
"
Me:
"Thei
rbi
rt
hdayi
sinJul
y?"Henodded.
Me:"ThenIcankeepmy
sel
fbusywi
thpl
anni
ngt
hei
r
par
ty.
"
Q:
"That
'
sagoodst
art
.Wehav
eonl
yMayandJune
r
emai
ningany
way
"
Me:
"CountApr
ili
n.I
tsonl
ythe3r
dtoday
"
Q:"I
twil
lbeoveri
nabli
nk.Msawakhei
sv er
ygood
atbei
ngtheacti
ngCEO.Hesubmit
severyday"
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"He'
sbet
tert
hanmet
hen"
Q:"
You'v
edoingv er
ywel
l
.Youj
ustsubmi
taf
tera
week"welaughed.
Hisphonerang.Heexcusedhimsel
f.Ir
emai
ned
behi
ndwiththebusybodies.Isowi
shtobethei
r
age.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Igoti
nmyr
oom andanswer
ed.
Me:
"Baby
"
Yol
i
:"Yousai
dyou'
l
lcal
lmengo11"
Me:
"Uhm.
."Icheckedt
het
ime."
It
s11:
03"
Yol
i
:"3mi
nut
esl
ate"
Me:"Iwasgonnaf
ini
shupwhatIwasdoi
ngandcal
l
you"
Yoli
:"Youdidn'
ttel
lmeNkul
ehasaccesst
oyour
brot
her'shousetoo"
Me:
"Huh?
"
Yol
i:"
Shejustcheckedi
ntoyourbr
other
'shouse
say
ingshe'shavi
ngbreakf
ast
"
Me:"
I'
m upstai
rswi
thKhet
hiwe.Andshe'
sfr
iends
wi
thmybr ot
herswi
fe"
Yol
i
:"Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
"
Me:
"Nol
et'
stal
kaboutNkul
e.Ar
eyouupset
?"
Yoli
:"Whenareyoucomingback?Iwantt
owai
tup
foryouwit
hicecream"
Me:"
I'
m comingbacktomorr
owwi
tht
heki
dst
hey
wi
ll
stayforaweekthough"
Yol
i
:"Okt
hat
'sgood.Am Ial
l
owedar
oundt
hem?
"
Me:
"Yesy
ouar
e"
Yol
i
:"Exci
ti
ng.Whatdot
heyl
i
ke?Cant
heyt
alk?
"
Me:
"Yeah.Theyt
alkMandar
int
hough"shel
aughed.
Yol
i
:"Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
.Iam goi
ngwi
thKy
li
etomy
mom"
Me:
"Hav
efun.Don'
tdr
inkt
oomuch"
Yol
i:"
Youmakei
tsoundl
i
keIdr
inkal
way
s.But
any
wayI'
vequi
t"
Me:
"That
'sgoodbaby
.By
emyl
ove"
Yol
i
:"By
e.Imi
ssy
ou"
Me:
"Imi
ssy
out
oo.I
'
llseey
out
omor
rowokay
"
Yol
i
:"Can'
twai
t"
Ichuckl
edandhungup.Icheckedt hetexts.If
ound
manyf r
om Ruphusupdat i
ngaboutNkule'
s
whereabouts.Hementionedshewenttomyhouse
l
astnightandthenair
portthi
smorningflyi
ngto
Jo'
burg.Iwalkedoutandwentdownstairs.
Ihear
dfemal
evoi
cescomi
ngf
rom t
heki
tchen.
I
ndeedshewasher
e.
Me:
"Mamnguni
canwet
alk?
"
Nkul
e:"
OhheyQ.I
'
vebeent
ell
i
ngheraboutDur
ban"
Me:
"Real
l
y?"
Nkul
e:"
Yeah.Iam maki
ngsomet
hingt
oeat
.Want
some?"
Me:
"Not
hanky
ou.Iam f
ull
"
Khet
hel
ofol
l
owedmet
othel
ounge.
Khul
e:"
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Me:
"No"Isl
i
dthedoorandst
eppedout
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Idi
dn'
tcal
lherov
er"
Me:
"Thi
swomani
scr
azyKhet
hel
o"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yout
hinkshe'
sfol
l
owi
ngy
ou?
"
Me:"Yes.And2daysagoshewasatt
hisdodgy
pl
ace,awitchdoct
or'
shome.
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Iwi
l
ltal
ktoher
"
Me:
"Don'
t.Iwi
l
l"
Iwentbacki
n.
Khul
e:"
Stop.What
'
sup?
"
Me:"Nkul
e.Shehassomepsy
choassshi
tgoi
ng
on.
"
Khul
e:"
Letherbe"
Me:
"Idon'
tWantherar
oundmychi
l
dren"
Khul
e:"
Letmehandl
eit
."
Me:
"Makesur
eshel
eav
es"
Iwal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Nkul
e]
Theycamei
nf ol
lowi
ngeachother
.Khul
eleaned
agai
nstt
hef
ridge,Khet
hel
ostoodnextt
ohim.
Khule:
"Qui
ntont
ell
smey
ou'
vebeenev
ery
wher
ethat
heis"
Me:
"Coi
nci
dences"
Khul
e:"
Theyar
ever
yodddon'
tyout
hink?
"
Me:"
No.Weli
veatUmhl
angaandhav
emut
ual
f
ri
endsher
e"
Khul
e:"
Okay
.Wegonnabooky
ouahot
el.
"
Me:
"What
?Why
?"
Khethel
o:"
BecauseQdoesn'
tfeelcomf
ort
abl
eto
haveyouaroundhi
m orhi
schil
dren"
Me:"
Iam v
isi
ti
ngKhet
hel
oher
eKhul
ekani
.NotQor
hi
ski
ds"
Khul
e:"Well
Qandhi
skidsl
i
veher
e.Youruberwi
l
l
beherein30mi
nut
es"
Hewal
kedout
.Wow
Il
ookedatKhet
hel
o.
Khet
hel
o:"
Don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
"
Me:"
You'
real
sobehi
ndt
his?You'
reokaywi
thhi
m
ki
cki
ngmeout?"
Khet
hel
o:"Thi
sisnotmyhouse.Andtell
meNkul e
whatwer
ey oudoi
ngataWitchdoctor
'shouse?
"
Mymout
hwentdr
y.Igul
ped.
Me:"Stayoutofmybusi
ness.Youareav
ery
unsupport
ivefr
iendI
'
veeverhear
d"
Khet
helo:"
Idonotsuppor
tmadnessNkul
e.You
wanttopoisonhi
m?Reall
y?"
Me:"Youdon'tunderst
and.You'
rewi t
hthemany
ou
l
ove,you'
reli
vingthepreci
ousli
fe.Ial
sowantmy
happyending!
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Youhadt
hatwi
thLi
ndaNkul
e"
Me: "
Idi
dn'tl
ovehi
m okay?Il
oveQui
nton,i
tsonl
y
himthatIwantbutt
hatfatpi
gismaki
ngithardf
or
ourrel
ati
onshi
p"Ist
art
edcryi
ng.I
thur
tstoeven
thi
nkofit
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Lethi
m be.
"
Me:
"Ican'
t!AndIwon'
t.Pl
easehel
pmeKhet
hel
o"
Khet
hel
o:"
You'
renoty
our
sel
ffr
iend"
Me:
"Don'
tcal
lmet
hatunl
essy
ouwi
l
lhel
pme"
Khet
hel
o:"
No"
Me:
"It
sokay.Iknewyouweregoi
ngtochangeon
meonesaybecauseofthi
shighl
i
fe"
Igotupandpul
l
edmysui
tcaseout
.Iwannadi
e..
..
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
If
oundt
hem al
lseat
ed.
Me:
" I
tsMondaymiddaybuty
oul
ookl
i
key
ouj
ust
f
eeloffagar
bagecan."
Zondo:
"HadeGr
oot
manwe'
vebeenv
erybusy
"
Isatdown.
Me:
"Makei
tsnappy
.Idon'
thav
eal
lday
"
Zondo:"Shemetwi t
hhermotherandsomedude
we'rest
il
linvest
igati
ngwhohei s3timesoverthe
weekend.Hermot herowesSARS4mi l
li
on.All
her
belongi
ngsar eheldbythest
ateunti
lhepaysthe
money ,
shehasadur at
ionof4yearstopayback
thatmoney "
Me:
"Okay
.Thatl
owl
i
feNkul
e?"
Scelo:"Shehasbeenf ol
lowingwhoseemsto
Quinton'sloveralldayyester
day,
wenttoQ'
shouse
l
ateron.Thent odayshef l
ewhereandspot
ted
gett
ingof fatKhule'shouse."
Me:
"Ok.ThatwomanLuci
a?"
Scel
o:"
She'
sbeenupanddown.Justwor
k"
Me:
"Lul
ama?
"
Zondo:
"She'
sal
sobusywi
thwor
k"
Me: "
Okgood.2ofy ourguy swil
ll
ookaf t
ereachwif
e,
i
ncludingQuinton'
sgirl
fr
iendinDurban.Andkeep
theclosesteyestothesenutcasescalledNkuleand
Jessi
ca.Theyar eonami ssi
on.WhataboutJason?"
Zondo:"
Oht hatone.Hewasfi
ghti
ngwit
hhi
sbaby
mamaear l
iertodayatMandel
asquar
eandt
henhe
wenttothenutcaseDr"
Me:
"At
her
api
st?
"
Scel
o:"YesandEmi
fol
l
owedashortwhi
l
eaf
ter
.
Shoul
dwegoaheadandki
ll
him?"
Me:
"No,
noty
et.Keepacl
oseey
eonhi
mtoo"
Zondo:
"YesSi
r.
"
Me:
"Youmaybedi
smi
ssed"
Theywalkedout.Whenbi gbrotherdutiescall
.I
shouldmove.Seemsl ikeev
eryoneoft hesekidsar
e
facedwit
hextendedwomenwhoar ecrazy.This
Jessicai
saGol ddiggerandthatNkul eisanutcase.
WhenQacci dental
l
ysentmeat exttel
li
ngsomeone
toprotectYol
i f
rom Nkul
eIdeci dedtot ailher.That
Yoliwomanr eall
yneedstobesav edfrom t hat
psycho.Whof oll
owsaper sonev entot hegas
stat
ion?Andt henflewher
eaf tergoingt oQshouse.
She'sreal
lycrazy.Myjobi
spr otectmyf ami l
yfrom
peopleli
keher .
Thedooropened.Ismi
l
ed.
Lelo:"
Feell
i
kemaki
ngmorebabi
es?"IChuckled.
She'sbri
ngi
ngt
hespar
kbacki
ntoourmarriage.We
arehappy.
Sheunbut
tonedhercoat
.
Me:"I
'l
lnev
ergetoverhowsexyyouar
eMr
sDube"
shechuckl
edandsatonmyl ap.
Lelo:
"Il
i
kethesoundoft
hatMrDube"wel
aughed.
It
sawkward.
Me:
"Yousmel
lni
cer
.Newf
ragr
ance?
"
Lel
o:"
Henot
iced.
"
Me:
"Howcoul
dInot
?"
Weki
ssed.I
tsl
i
ket
heol
denday
sinhi
ghschool
..
..
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erThi
rt
ySi
x
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Myphonerang,
dist
urbi
ngmysleep.I
tsCalvi
n.What
doeshewantsoearl
yinthemorni
ng?Ianswered.
Me:
"Hel
l
o?"
Cal
vi
n:"
What
'
sthecode?
"
Me:
"Whatcode?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Thegat
ecodeKhul
ekani
."
Igotupandt ookt
hetabl
et.Hei
satt
hegate.I
openeditforhi
m andunl
ockedt
hefr
ontdoort
hen
dressedup.
If
oundhi
m maki
ngcof
fee.
Me:
"Towhatdoweowet
hispl
easur
e?"
Calv
in:
"St
upi
dit
y.Goodmor
ning"hehandedmea
cup.
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Goodmor
ning"
Cal
vi
n:"
Wher
e'st
her
est
?"
Me:
"Upst
air
s"
Hetookouthi
sphoneandcal
l
edt
hem al
ltocome
down.
Me:
"How'
sLel
oandt
heki
ds?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Verygood.Theysai
dtheyar
ecomi
ngt
his
si
deonweekend"
Me:
"Fant
ast
ic.I
'
llt
aket
hem out
"
Cal
vi
n:"Theywouldl
ovethat
."Ihear
dfoot
steps.
"
Youlookterr
ibl
e.Wantcof
fee?"
Qui
nton:"
No.Iwantt
oknowwhywasmysl
eep
di
stur
bed"
Chr
is:
"Cal
vi
nit
s6:
50"
Cal
vin:
"Andthesunisout
.Whi
chmeansev
eryman
wit
haf ami
lyshoul
dbeawake"
Ty
ler
:"Goodmor
ning"
Us:
"Mor
ning"
Cal
vi
n:"
Doy
ouguy
sknowwhoy
ouar
e?"
Me:
"Yes"
Calvi
n:"Whyareyouactingli
key ou'
veforgott
en?Or
i
st hi
swhatyoudo?Letev er
ydickandTom i nt
o
yourcycl
ewithouti
nvestigat
ingwhot heyare,wher
e
theyfr
om andwhyar etheyassociat
ingthemselves
withyou?"
Qui
nton:
"Wher
eist
hisgoi
ng?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
It
sgoingt
o:Youdonotjustf
uckevery
womanyoucomeacross.Youi
nvest
igat
ethem!"
Me:
"Cal
m down.Who'
sfuckedwho?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Qui
nton.Yousl
eptwi
thKat
lego'
ssi
ster
"
Qui
nton:
"Idi
dn'
tknow.Don'
tj
udgemeokay
"
Cal
vin:"
Ifyout
hor oughl
yinv
esti
gatedKatlegoy
ou
would'
veknownshehasapr odi
galsi
sterandyou
wouldn'
thavefuckedher.Howisitgoi
ngt obenow
onfamil
ygatheri
ngswheny ouhav eawife?"
Qui
nton:
"Ist
hisaboutme?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
It
sabouty
oual
l
.Thatl
ooneycal
l
edNkul
eis
goi
ngt
oki
l
lthatwomany
ou'
reseei
ng"
Me:
"What
?You'
reseei
ngawoman?
"
Qui
nton:
"It
snott
hatser
ious.She'
sjusta
compani
on"
Calvi
n:"
You'
reabusi nessman.Youdonotdot hat
.If
i
tisnotser
ious.Breakupwi t
hherbef
oreshe
becomesyetanotherbitterex."
Qui
nton:
"Iwi
l
l.
"
Calvin: "
Youguy sneedtobement hatyouwere.Not
thesemar shmal lowsyouar e.ThatboyJasonis
seeingat herapistinSandton,Emi wentwit
hhim
yester day.Thelookony ourfacesshowy ouno
absol utel
ynocl ueaboutwhat '
shappeningaround
you.Ihav ehiredguardsf orwomen.Whydon' tthey
haveany way? "
Chr
is:
"Becausei
twasst
il
lsaf
e"
Cal
vin:"
Therei
snosaf
eper
iodf
oraman'
s
weakness!
"
Me:
"Youdon'
thav
etoshoutDubeweheary
ou"
Cal
vi
n:"
I'
mjustmadaty
oubot
h"hesai
dpoi
nti
ngat
QandTy l
er."Youneedtokeepy ourpant
sup.Jerk
offifyou'
rebored.YouTy l
erweev enhaveawoman
upstair
scr y
inghereyeball
soutbecauseyouhadno
decencytoev enuseacondom wheny ousleptwit
h
thatwoman.Thatwomani syettobri
ngawhol e
fuckingdramai nt
othi
sf amil
yandIhopey ouare
ready."
Tyl
er:
"Iwi
shanyonecoul
djustst
opr
emi
ndi
ngmeof
howmuchIfuckedup"
Me:
"How?Seei
ngherdoesn'
tremi
ndy
ou?
"
Ty
ler
:"NotnowKKpl
ease"
Qui
nton:
"Iwi
l
lhandl
etheNkul
eissue"
Cal
vi
n:"
How?Itsei
thery
ougiv
eherwhatshewant
s
ory
oukil
lher
;ofwhichy
oucan'
t"
Qui
nton:
"I'
l
lfi
ndanot
herway
"
Calvi
n:"
Ihopey oudo.Makebreakfastfort
he
women.Tellthem howyoulovethem andappreci
ate
thei
rexi
stenceinyourl
iv
es.Iwil
lseey ouallon
Fri
day"
Hepi
ckedhi
sphoneupandwal
kedout
.
Chr
is:
"He'
sri
ght
"
Me:
"Ver
yri
ght
"
Qui
nton:"
He'shi
sfather
'sson.Aski
ngnoquest
ions,
j
ustshout
ingandgiv
ingoutorders"
Wel
aughed.
Chr
is:
"Whatar
ewegonnamakef
ort
hewomen?
"
Ty
ler
:"Br
aai
meat
,makesal
adsandpap"
Me:
"Ar
en'
ttheyondi
et?
"
Qui
nton:
"Knowi
ngthei
rcrazyasses.Theywoul
d
nev
ersaynotomeat,l
etalonefoodmadebyus"
Chri
s:"
True.Gomaket hefir
e.Ty
lerandIwi
l
lcook
papandmaket hosesalads"
Ty
ler
:"Whyus?
"
Qui
nton:
"Justputt
hepotont
hest
ove"
Wewalkedt
othest
orer
oom t
ogetcoal
andthe
br
aai
standandt
henwentout
sidet
omakethefi
re.
Me:
"What
'shername?
"
Q:
"Who?Passmet
hel
i
ght
er"Idi
d.
Me:
"Yourcompani
on"
Q:
"Si
ndi
"
Me:
"Isshespeci
al?
"
Q:
"No"
Me:
"Thenwhyar
eyouwi
thher
?"
Q:
"Formysexual
needs"
Me:
"Whyar
eyousay
ingt
hatl
i
kei
tsnor
mal
?"
Q:"
Iti
sinmyworl
d.I
'
m av
oidi
ngsl
eepi
ngwi
thev
ery
womaninDur
ban"
Me:
"Thatdoesn'
tmeanusesomeone'
schi
l
d"
Q:"She'
sawar
e.Canwepl
easest
opt
alki
ngabout
t
his?"
Me:
"Yeahsur
e."Iwal
kedbacki
nsi
det
ogett
hemeat
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
AsifIhadnoenoughstr
essofNkul
ecal
li
ngand
sendi
ngmenumer ouscrazyt
ext
sthewhol
enight
.
Idon'
tknowhowandwhenwi
l
lIev
erbebr
ave
enought
otellt
hem aboutYol
i
.It
'sgonnacausea
real
l
yhugetensi
onbetweenus.
Myphonevibr
ated.I
tsheragai
nwi
thanot
hercrazy
assmessageofhowmuchwewer emadef oreach
other
.
Ical
l
edher
.
Nkul
e:"
Heyl
ove"JesusChr
ist
!
Me:
"Howar
eyou?
"
Nkul
e:"
I'
m good.Howar
eyou?
"
Me:
"CanIseey
oubef
oreIl
eav
e?"
Nkul
e:"
Yeahsur
e.When?
"
Me:
"11:
30"
Nkul
e:"
Wher
e?"
Me:
"I'
l
lsendy
oual
ocat
ion"
Nkul
e:"
Ok.Justknowt
hatIr
eal
l
ylov
eQui
nton"
Me:
"We'
l
ltal
kwhenwemeet
.By
e"
Ihungup.Idi
dn'
tev
enr
eal
i
zeKhul
est
andi
ngi
nfr
ont
ofme.
Khul
e:"
Wast
hather
?"
Me:"
No.Nkule.Ineedt
otal
ktoher"Ihandedhi
m
myphoneshowinghimthemessagesshesent.
Khul
e:"
Thi
s..
.t
hishassomesi
cknessi
nit
.Whatt
he
hel
l?
"
Me:"
It
sbeenayearf
orChr
ist
'
ssake.Whydi
dshe
t
urnmedownifshel
ovedmesomuch?"
Khule:"
She'
ssickthat
'
swhy .Justgothereandtr
yto
tal
k.Thiswi
llendbadl
yify
oudon' tactl
ikeyou
underst
and"
Me:
"I'
l
ltr
y"
Weputthemeatonthebraaist
and.Shemustj
ust
getadmi
tt
edtothementalhospi
tal
..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
If
eltasof
tki
ssonmycheek.
Chr
is:
"Wakeup.Br
eakf
asti
sready
"
Iopenedmyey
es.
Me:
"Whatt
imei
sit
?"
Chri
s:"
9am.I
'v
ebathedtheki
ds.Theyar
e
downst
air
seati
ng"Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
"Thanky
oubaby
.Letmebr
ushmyt
eet
h"
Igotoffthebed.Isnatchedat
owel
andcovered
my sel
fbefor
ehef i
nishesmeupwit
hhi
sstare.He
chuckl
ed.
He'
sonami ssi
ontheseday
s.Iseehe'
stry
ingt
oruin
myweddingwit
hababybump.Li t
tl
edoesheknow
t
hatthepi
ll
isbeingt
hebestgoal
keeper
.
Iendeduptaki
ngashower.Icamebackt
ohi
mly
ing
onhisstomachbusyont
hel apt
op.
Chri
s:"You'
renev
erhonest
.Yourt
eet
hbr
ushi
ng
al
way sendupbeingashower"
Me:"
Imagi
neeati
ngbr
eakf
astwithabunchofDube
menwhil
ereeki
ngoft
hepr
eviousday'
sbadodour.
Comeonbabe"
Chri
s: "
Youdoi
tevenwhenwe'
realone"what
ever
!
"
Sot ellme,
whenarewegoi
ngforcakeanddeser
t
tast
ing?"
Thi
sdi
seaseofl
ovi
ngsugarget
sst
rongereachday
.
Me:"
Luhwil
lupdat
eme.Ther
e'sal
sof
ood,
wineand
whi
skeyt
ast
ing"
Chr
is:
"Pr
aiset
heLor
d!"
Me:"
Amen!"Welaughedandkissed.Hehel
pedme
t
iemyhai
randthenwewal kedout.
Igreet
edandkissedmybabi escheeks.I
'minvisi
ble
whenthei
rfathersarear
ound.This3day stheywil
l
spendawaywi l
lreal
l
yeffectme.Chrispull
edachair
forme.Chri
sopenedachai rforme.Isatdown.
Me:"
Thi
slooksappeti
zi
ng.Ar
eyouguy
str
yingt
o
messwi
thmydiet?"
Khethelo:"
Don'tl
ookatus.Wedi
dn'
tmakethi
s"I
l
ookedatt hemen.Theyhadsmil
esofpr
ide.I
chuckled.They
'resuchamyst
ery
.
Tyl
ercameinwit
hanotherservingbowl.Heputit
downandsatnextt
oKhet hiwe.Hekissedhercheek.
IwishIcoul
dcar
ryal
lthatloadofpainforher.
Quint
on:"
Sot odaywedecidedt
otakethi
sdayt
obe
yourmen,chefs,cl
eaner
sandever
ythi
ngmore"
Khul
e:"
Babysi
tt
ers"
Tyl
er:
"Er
randsboy.Shal
lanyoneneedany
thi
ngf
rom
any
where.Iwil
lgeti
tforyou.
"
Chris:"Wedon' tsayt histooof t
enbuty ou'r
ethebest
thi
ngst hathasev erhappenedt oourl iv
es.There
wasn' tsomuchl i
ghtandl oveinthi
shomeunt i
lyou
all
ar ri
ved.Iknowwear enott heeasiestpeopleto
l
ov ebuty ou'r
el ovingusr egardl
ess,you'dswear
we'reperfect.Nev ergett i
redofit.Ipromise
uncondi t
ionallove, support,
protecti
onandcar ein
ret
ur n.Andbr eakfastmadebyusev eryonceina
while"
Khet
hel
o:"
Aw.Wel
ovey
ouguy
s"
Me:"
Ourchoi
cei
nmeni
sver
ytast
y.Thi
sgr
avy
smel
lsni
ce"
Khul
e:"
Hel
pyour
sel
fout
"
Khet
hiwewaswipi
ngawayhertear
s.Tyl
er
comfort
edher
.Wemustburnthatj
ezabel
.
Wedi
shedup.
Khet
hiwe:
"Let
'shopet
her
e'snobhekami
nangedwa
her
e"wel
aughed.
Chr
is:
"Ther
eis"
Me:
"Wel
lIdon'
tmi
nd"
Khet
hiwe&Khet
hel
o:"
Sel
lout
"
Welaughedandclosedourey
estosaygrace.And
t
henstart
edeati
ng.Thisi
sworthcr
eat
ingonmydi et
.
I
ttast
edofteam workandeff
ort
.
Qui
nton:
"Howar
eweddi
ngpr
epar
ati
onsgoi
ng
mamakaHawu?"
Chr
is:
"There'
scake,
desser
tandwhi
skeyt
ast
ing"he
sai
dexci
tedly
.Si
ncewhenishemamakaHawu?
Khule:
"Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?Ar
eweal
l
owedt
ocome
to?
"
Chr
is:
"Yes.I
twoul
dbeunf
airi
fyouwer
en'
t"
Qui
nton:
"Pl
easet
extmet
hedat
e.Iwi
l
lcome"
Khethel
olookedatmeandchuckl
ed.Khet
hiwe
excusedhersel
f.
Theywentonandonaboutwhatfunthatdayi
s
goi
ngtobewhilewest
uffedour
selvesup..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Igotintheki
tchenandt
ookouti
ceandputi
tont
he
glass.Hegotin.
Ty
ler
:"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me: "
YeahI'
m good"Henoddedandst
aredatmeas
Icutlemon.
Ty
ler
:"I
sthatf
orgi
n?"
Me:"
No.Ideci
dedt
ocutdowndr
inki
ng"Ipour
ed
wat
er.
Ty
ler
:"I
'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"It
sokay
.Canwet
alk?
"
Ty
ler
:"Yeahsur
e"
Iledthewayoutsi
detothepat
io.Wesatondi
ff
erent
chair
s.Somethi
nginsi
dehadsuddenl
ycalmeddown,
real
lycal
m.
Me:
"I'
m goi
ngbackt
owor
konMonday
"
Ty
ler
:"Thati
sgood.Iwi
l
lgetadr
iverf
ory
ou.I
tsnot
saf
etodri
vef
rom PTAal
onei
ntheear
lyhour
soft
he
morni
ng"
Me:"
Thatwon' tbenecessary
.Iam mov
ingbackto
myplace.IspokewithEmi,sheagr
eedtost
aywith
me.Wewi llv
isi
thereandChr i
s'
soncei
nawhile.
"He
cameandsatbesi deme.
Ty
ler
:"Butwhy
?"
Me:"BecauseIneedpeace.Ican'twatchy
ougoto
bewithevery
day,Ican'tkeeprui
ningmyli
fewi
th
al
cohol.Apartofmei sreall
yti
red."
Tyl
er:
"Ar
eyoul
eav
ingme?
"If
eltt
ear
sbur
nmy
ey
es.
Me:"Wher
eam Igonnago?Il
oveyouTyl
er.Ihat
e
t
hatevennowIl
ovey ouev
enmore.Ij
ustneedsome
r
ealqual
it
yti
metoheal"
Hehesi
tant
lyhuggedme.Ist
il
lfel
tsafeandlovedi
n
hi
sarms.Ir
eall
ywishweweren'tgoi
ngthroughthi
s..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
I
thasbeenahel
lweeksf
ormyr
elat
ionshi
p.Ther
e
hasn'
tbeenpeacebutt
odayt
hingsar
elooki
nggr
eat
.
Myphonerangr
ang.Iwonderwhendoesheact
ual
l
y
at
tendcl
ass.
Me:
"Dube"
Mt
ho:
"Ndal
otel
l
smeHappyhasbeent
hrowi
ngup"
Me:"
Yeahshet
oldme.It
hinkshe'
scomi
ngdown
wi
thfl
u"
Mtho:"
Womendon'
tj
ustt
hrowupunl
esst
hey
'r
e
pr
egnant"
Me:
"She'
soncont
racept
ives.
"
Mt
ho:
"Good.By
e"
Ihungup.Shecan'
tbepossi
blypr
egnant
.
Nkazi
wal
kedi
n.
Nkazi:"
Sir
.Mi
ssMngomezul
uisont
hecal
l
"I
checkedmyphone.
Me:
"It
snoton.Pl
easet
ell
herI
'
llcal
lherj
ustnow"
Nkazi
:"YesSi
r"shewal
kedout
.
Ical
l
edher
.
Happy:
"Bonga"what
everhappenedt
osweet
names.
Me:
"Myof
fi
cephonei
sn'
twor
king"
Happy
:"Iwi
l
lpassbydur
ingl
unch"
Me:"NoneedIam t
aki
ngy
out
olunch.Hav
eyou
gonetot
heDr?"
Happy:
"No.If
eel
bet
tert
oday
.Ican'
tbeont
he
publ
ict
hough"
Me:"
Okaycomet omyoff
icet
hen.Ihaveameeting
f
oranhourandahalfi
n10minutes.Nkazi
wil
lcall
youwhenI
'm done"
Happy
:"Okay
"
Me:
"By
e.Il
ovey
ou"
Happy
:"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Ihungupandpr
epar
edf
ort
hemeet
ing.
..
.
..
Ifoundheral
readywai
ti
ngoutsi
demyof f
ice.We
hugged.Shedidnotl
ookgood,sheseemed
di
stract
ed.
Me:
"It
houghty
ouwer
egonnabr
ingf
ood"
Happy:"
Idid.Si
sMel
l
isaof
fer
edt
owar
mitupand
puti
tinplat
es"
Me:
"Ok.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngy
oudon'
tl
ookokay
"
Happy
:"That
'sbecauseI
'
m not.Ipassedbyt
heDr
onmywayher etogetanasal
spray."
Me:"I
'
m sor
ry.Youar
eont
hepi
l
lri
ght
?"Shef
rowned.
"
I'
m aski
ng.
"
Happy
:"Yeah"
Me:"
Youpossibl
ybepr
egnantr
ight
?"Shel
ooked
away
."Happi
ness?"
Happy
:"Iam"
Me:
"Don'
tpl
ayl
i
ket
hat
"
Happy
:"I
'
m notpl
ayi
ng"
Ihi
tthedesk.Fuck!Igotup.
Me:
"How?Youj
ustsai
dyou'
reont
hepi
l
l!
"
Happy
:"Don'
tshoutatme"
Me:
"Whyt
hehel
lshoul
dn'
tI?Howdi
dyouget
pr
egnantwhi
l
eyou'
reont
hepi
l
l?"
Happy
:"Theset
hingsar
en'
t100%.JesusBonga
whati
swrongwithyou?
"
Me:
"Idon'
twantachi
l
d!Fuck!
"
Iwenttost
andov
ert
hewi
ndow.Godt
hiscan'
tbe
happeni
ng.
Happy
:"It
houghty
oul
ovedme"
Me:
"Happypl
ease.Notnow.
"
Happy
:"Whyar
eyoumad?
"It
urned.
Me:"Becauseyouall
owedforust
ohaverawsex
whi
leyouknewt hi
sshiti
sn'
t100%saf
e!Idonot
wantachild"
Happy
:"Wel
li
tisher
enow.Ican'
tret
urni
t"
Me:
"Howf
arar
eyou?
"
Happy
:"4weeks"
Me:
"Ter
minat
eit
"
Happy
:"What
?"
Me:
"Ter
minat
eit
"
Shel
ookedmest
rai
ghti
ntheey
e.Tear
sfel
l
.
Happy
:"You'
reunbel
i
evabl
e"shepi
ckedherbagup
andwalkedout
.
Il
oosenedmytie.Mel
l
isagotinwiththefood.She
puti
tonmydeskandqui ckl
yrushedout.Itookthe
bl
oodyplat
esandsmashedt hem agai
nstthewall.
Whatki
ndofsi
ckpuni
shmenti
sthi
s
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erThi
rt
ySev
en
•
•••
[
Khet
hiwe]
I
t'
sbeenhellof2days.Ihav
et ri
edtost
ayaway
f
rom al
coholasfaraspossi
ble.All
Icansayi
s:I
'
m
f
indi
ngitdi
ff
icul
ttofacemylife.
Yester
dayIwenttomyhouse.Emii
stry
ingandI
'm
grat
efulbuti
twi
ll
takemorethanl
aught
ertomend
myhear t
.
Shecamei
nwi
thgr
ocer
ies.Igotupandhel
pedher
wi
tht
hebags.
Me:"
Whydidn'
tyoucal
l?ForamomentIt
hought
youwer
en'
tcomingback"
Emi:"Ideci
dedtopassbyt
hemal
landgetaf
ew
thi
ngs.Howar eyou?
"
Me:"
I'
m goodbabet
hanks.Howar
eyouandhow
waswork?"
Emi:"
I'
mfineandworkwasf
inet
hanky
ou.Ar
ewe
cooki
ngoreati
ngout
?"
Me:"Nowe'l
lgoouttomorr
ow.Lett
hisbeani
ndoor
Thur
sday"shechuckl
ed.
Emi
:"Okay
.Letmegochange"
Me:
"Ial
readycookedr
iceandmadesal
ads"
Emi
:"I
'
llr
oastchi
ckent
hen"
Me:
"Okay
"shel
eft
.
It
ookitoutandpackedt
hegrocer
y.Ihear
daknock
onthedoor.Iwentt
oopen.
Ty
ler
:"It
ri
edt
ocal
lyoubuty
ourphonei
sof
f"
Me:
"Yeahi
tis.I
t'
schar
ging"
Ty
ler
:"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"Yeah.I
'
m good.Howar
eyou?
"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
mfi
ne.Icamet
ochecki
fyou'
reokay
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Doy
ouwannacomei
n?"
Ty
ler
:"Yespl
ease"
Ishi
ft
edforhi
mt ogetinandcl osedt
hedoor.I
madehim somethi
ngt odri
nkandservedhim.We
sati
ncompletesil
ence.Justlooki
ngateachot
her
.I
hadnoideawhattosayt ohim.
Me:
"Ar
ether
eanynewcl
i
ent
s?"If
inal
l
ysai
d.
Ty
ler
:"Yes.4.Pr
ett
yhect
iccases"
Me:
"Don'
twor
ry.Yougott
his"
Hesmi
l
ed.
Ty
ler
:"Thanky
ou.Ar
emycl
othesst
il
lher
e?"
Me:
"Wher
ewoul
dtheygo?
"
Ty
ler
:"Cabbagecan"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"No.Theyar
est
il
lwher
eyoul
eftt
hem"
Ty
ler
:"Oh.CanIst
ayov
er?
"OhdearLor
d.
Me:"
Yeah.
"Quint
onsaidIshoul
dn'
tal
l
owi
tbutI
mi
sshim.Ihat
emy sel
ffori
t.
Ty
ler
:"Thanky
ou"
Me:
"You'
rewel
come"
Wef ocussedont heTV.Emi :
"Whichdil
dosi
zedo
youwant ?"Sheshoutedfrom thebedr
oom.God
pleasekil
lmenow.Wedi scussedaboutget
ti
ng
oursel
vesdildoslastni
ght.Helookedatmewitha
verystr
angef ace.
Me:
"Uhm.
..
"
Emi:"
Therear
epret
tymuchbi
gsi
zesher
e.Ory
ou
wantTyl
er'
ssi
ze?
"
Hecoughed.
Me:
"Wehav
eav
isi
torEmi
"
Shepoppedherheadout
.Shescr
eamedand
sl
ammedt hedoor.
Emi
:"I
'
m sor
ry"Il
aughed.
Hewasst
il
ll
ooki
ngatme.
Me:"
Wehadaconv er
sat
ionl
astni
ght
.Idi
dn'
tknow
shewasser
ious"
Tyler
:"I
fitsgonnamakeyouhappy .Buyit
"Ifr
owned.
"Imeanit.Aslongasther
e'l
lbenoot herman.
Compet i
ngwi t
hadil
doisbettert
hancompet i
ng
withadude"
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Iam goodt
hanky
ou.Icanabst
ain"
Tyl
er:
"Butyouknowwecanbei
nti
mat
ewi
thout
act
uall
ypenet
rati
ng?
"
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'
sagoodi
dea"
Ty
ler
:"ImissyouKhet
hiwe"hepl
acedhi
shandon
mythi
gh.Itookadeepbreat
handgotup.
Me:"
Letmeprepar
eussomet
hingt
oeatcauseEmi
won'
tcomeout"
Ty
ler
:"Why
?Weal
lknowshe'
sol
dandhav
ingsex"
Me:
"Youwoul
dn'
tunder
stand"
Ty
ler
:"Yeahr
ight
."
Iwat
chedhi
m ashef
iddl
edt
hrought
hechannel
s.I
missthosedays.Whenhewasj ustmi
neandmi
ne
al
one.Howdoesonebeangr yatsomeonel
i
ket
his
andsti
lll
ovethem sodeepl
y?
I
tdoesn'
tmakesense.
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
Wechoset
hispart
icul
arFr
idayt
obeafreakyone.
Ev
ery
onegetstodressupi
nwhat ev
ert
heywant.
Idi
dn'
tknowt
hispl
acehassomuchsupermodel
s.
Tali
tha:
"Goodmor ni
ngMrDube"shegreetedasI
passedtherecept
iondesk.She'
sourr
ecepti
oni
st.
Me:"Morni
ng.Doy ouhav
esurpr
isecoff
eeforme?"
Sheusuall
ygreet
smei nsuchahighspi
ri
twhenshe
hascoff
eeforme.
Tal
i
tha:
"Isowi
sh.ButIhav
esomet
hingbet
ter
"
Shehandedmeawr appedbox."Fr
om theDube
const
ruct
ionsst
uff
.HappyBir
thdayinadvance"
Me:"
Aren'
tyouguy
stheswet
est
?Thanky
ouso
much"
Tal
i
tha:
"Hav
eagooddaySi
r"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Iwalkedon.Noddingall
thewayt othegreet
ings.I
usuall
ycomei nearl
ytoavoidbeinggreet
edwithso
muchr espectbypeopl
eolderthanme.Isomehow
feelgui
lt
y.
If
inal
l
ygott
omyof
fi
ce.Nkazi
wasn'
ti
nher
s.
Itr
iedHappyf orthemil
li
onthti
me.Itt
ookme
str
aightt
ov oicemail
.Iwenttoherpl
acel
astni
ght
butshedidn'topenthedoor.
Shegoti n.I
tsmagi
c.Womenhav emagi
c.Icoul
d
onlyrecogni
zeherbecauseoft
hegl
assesand
braceswhenshesmi l
ed.
Nkazi
:"Goodmor
ningsi
r"
Me:
"Mor
ningNkazi
"
Nkazi:"
Yourschedulei
sv er
ycleartoday.The
meetingyouhadwi t
hbrickssuppli
ersjustgot
cancell
ed.I
twasy ouronlymeeti
ngf ortheday"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Youl
ookamazi
ng"
Nkazi
:"Thanky
ou.
"
She'snothingli
ketheNkazi Iknowtoday.Shehada
tubedressandheel son.Sosi mpl
ey etsobeauti
ful
.
She'salway si
nfluf
fydresses.Shedressesexactl
y
l
ikeAmer icannerds.I
nt hi
shotsheput sstocki
ngs,a
dressandsomet hi
ngont opandaheadband.But
todayshest yl
edherafro.
Me:
"Don'
tbuymel
uncht
oday
.Iwon'
tbeher
e"
Nkazi
:"Okay
."
Shewal
kedout
.
Mt
hobudgedi
n.
Mt
ho:
"Tel
lmet
hati
sn'
tNkazi
"
Me:
"It
sherbr
oe"
Mtho:"
Thatass!Herboobi
eswer
est
ari
ngr
ightat
me.Iswear"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Herf
atherki
l
ls"
Mt
ho:
"Mi
nedoest
oo.CanIaskf
orhernumber
s?"
Me:
"No.Youshal
lnotdat
eanyempl
oyee"
Mtho:"
Youwantherf
ory
our
sel
f?Youcansay
.Your
secr
etwil
lbesaf
ewit
hme"
Me:
"Whyar
en'
tyouatschool
?"
Mtho:"Idon'
thav
eanycl
assesonFri
daythankyou.
AndI'
m goingtomom'
stoday.Hav
eyoureached
happy
? "
Me:
"No.Iam goi
ngt
oherpl
acer
ightnow"
Mt
ho:
"Okay
.Whoboughty
out
hisgi
ft
?"
Ihadf
orgot
tenabouti
t.It
ooki
tandopenedi
t.
I
twaschocol
atesandt
ies.Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
"It
sfr
om t
hest
uff
.Pr
ebi
rt
hdaygi
ft
"
Mt
ho:
"Isi
ttoday
?"
Me:
"No.OnSunday
.Let
'
sgo"
Mt
ho:
"Iam meet
ingNdal
ofi
rstt
henI
'
llgohome"
Me:
"Cool
"
.
..
Iarr
ivedatherpl
ace.Iknockedti
l
ltheguywhol
i
ves
nextdoorcameoutandgr eetedme.
Hi
m:"
Youwantt
hel
adywhol
i
vest
her
e?"
Me:
"Yeah.Hav
eyouseenher
?"
Hi
m:"
Shemov
edoutl
astni
ght
"
Me:
"Okayt
hanky
ou"
It
ri
edherwor
kphone.I
twentt
hroughv
oicemai
ltoo.
Isatout
sideonmycar
.Whathav
eIdone?
Ical
l
edNdal
o.Shedi
dnotpi
ckup.
Il
eanedmyheadagainstt
hesteer
ingwheel
.Ican'
t
connectt
ogogooranyoneabove.
Myphoner
ang.Ianswer
ed.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Man:
"MrDube?
"
Me:
"Speaki
ng"
Man: "I
tsdetect
iveMcir
a.We'vefoundacar
regist
eredunderMrKhulekaniDubehereatthezoo
l
ake, notcr
ashed.Justpar
kedunderthetree.We
tri
edhisphonebutitgoesstrai
ghttovoi
cemail.Any
cluesofwher ehemightbe?"
Me:
"No.Ihav
en'
thear
dfr
om hi
min24hour
s."
Man:
"Okthanky
ou.Pl
easepassbyt
hest
ati
ont
o
t
akei
thome"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Hehungup.It
ri
edhi
m.Itwenttov
oicemai
l
.It
ri
ed
BabQ.I
twenttovoi
cemai
ltoo.
Isuddenl
ygotawei
rdf
eel
i
ng.Ist
art
edmycarand
drovehome.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Me:"Khul
ekani
Dubethi
sisyourl
astwarni
ng.Iam
goi
ngtothepoli
cet
oreportamissi
ngperson.
"I
hungup.
Nobodyi
nthi
sfamil
yhasthei
rphoneson.Kat
lego
shoul
dhavear
ri
vedbynowbutno.
Mam Di
nocamedown.
Mam Di
no:
"Theyar
efi
nal
l
yasl
eep"
Me:"
Thankyoumah"wehar
dlysleptawi
nkl
ast
ni
ght
.Theycri
edt
hewhol
enight.Khul
edi
dnot
comehome.Hewentt
ogetuswi
ngsandnev
er
ret
urned.
Mam Di
no:
"I'
m sur
ehehasabet
terexpl
anat
ion.
"
Me:
"Ihav
eabadfeel
ingaboutt
hisma.Ican'
twai
t
f
ort
hat48tor
epor
tthathe'
smissing"
Mam Di
no:
"Hepossi
blybemi
ssi
ng"
Me:
"Iwi
shhe'
soutcheat
ingt
handead"
Mam Di
no:
"Youneedt
orest
"
Me:
"No.Ineedt
ogot
oandaskar
ound"
Mam Di
no:
"TakeKat
legowi
thy
ou"
Me:
"She'
scomi
ng"
Shewal
kedi
n.
Kat
:"I
'
m sor
ry.Mycarst
art
edact
ingup.Dumel
ang
mma"
Mam Dino:
"Yebosi
si.Letmel
eav
eyout
wot
o
di
scussthi
s"shel
eft
.
Me:
"Ev
enQui
nton'
sphonei
sn'
tgoi
ngt
hrough"
Kat
:"Chr
iswentt
othathackerguyt
osear
chf
orhi
s
car
'sl
ocat
ion.
"
Me:
"I'
m kakst
ressed"
Kat
:"Let
'sj
ustpr
ayhe'
ssaf
ewher
everhei
s"
Bongagoti
n.
Bonga:
"Isbabaher
e?"
Me:
"No.Hedi
dn'
tcomehomel
astni
ght
"
Bonga:
"Hi
scarwasf
oundatt
hezool
ake"
Me:
"It
oldy
ouKat
lego"
Bonga:
"Thepol
i
cear
eoni
t"
Kat:
"Si
ncewhendothosethi
ngseverfi
ndany
thi
ng?
Getpri
vat
einv
est
igat
orsSbongakonke.
"
Bonga:"
How?"Webot
hst
aredathi
m."
Uhm okay
.I'
l
l
seeyouguy
slat
er"
Myphoner
ang.Ipi
ckedi
tup.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Cal
l
er:
"CanIspeakt
oMr
sKhet
hel
oDube"
Me:
"Speaki
ng"
Call
er:"you'
respeakingDalit
oNkosi.I'
m cal
li
ng
concerningMrQui ntonDube,whosecarwasf ound
onther obotwithbrokenwindows.Seemsl i
kehe
hasbeenabduct ed.Mayyoupleaserushtothe
stat
ion?"Whati sgoingon?Icouldn'
thol
dbackt he
tear
sany mor e.
Me:
"I'
m sor
rysi
siI
'
minJo'
bur
g"
Call
er:
"I'
m sor
ry.Iwi
l
lbewi
thy
oushor
tl
ypl
ease
don'
thangup"
Me:
"Okay
"
Kat
:"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Me:"
Quinton'
scarwasfoundonther
obotwit
h
br
okenwindows.Theyt
hinkhe'
sbeenabduct
ed.
Khul
eistoo.Pl
easecal
lCalv
inandChr
is"
Kat
:"I
sther
eev
erpeacei
nthi
shome?God!
"
Sher
eachedf
orherphonei
nherbag.
Cal
l
er:
"Mr
sDube?Ar
eyoust
il
lther
e?"
Me:
"YesIam.
"
Cal
l
er:
"Of
fi
cerSt
hol
ewi
l
lcal
lyoushor
tl
y.Wewi
l
l
needyout oworkwit
husinthi
sokay.Hewil
lbet
he
onlypoli
ceyouwil
lbecommunicat
ingwit
h
concerni
ngthi
scaseokay?"
Me:
"Okay
"
Call
er:
"We'
resti
llwai
ti
ngonthef
oot
ageofl
astni
ght
toseewhatreal
l
yhappened"
Me:
"Okayt
hanky
ou"
Kat
legocamer
ushi
ngt
ome.
Kat:
"Mykids!
"OhmyGod.Isatdown.I
'
mtooweak
fort
his."
I'
mleav
ingf
orDur
ban"
Me:
"Go"
Shet
ookherbagandr
anout
.Whati
sgoi
ngon!
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Ifel
ticecol
dwaterspl
ashov erme.Ij
umpedbutI
fel
tmyhandswer eti
ed.Iopenedmyey es.Ihav
e
neverseenthi
smoronbefore.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Him:
"Thatwasy
ourbreakf
ast
"Ilookedaround.I
sawther
ewassomeoneelseacr
osst her
oom.
Ican'tevenrecal
lhowIgother
e.Ionl
yremember
beingdraggedoutofmycarandthatwasit
.They
druggedme.Bl oodycowar
ds.
Hespl
ashedt
heot
herper
sont
oo.
"
Fuck!
"
Me:
"Qui
nton?
"
Her
emov
edt
hebl
ackt
hingof
fhi
shead.
Qui
nton:
"Khul
e.What
'
sgoi
ngon?Who'
sthi
s?"
Me:"Idon'
tknow.Pr
obabl
yanot
herf
ri
endf
rom t
he
past
"
Qui
nton:
"Mykidsarealoneathome.
..
wai
t.Ar
eyou
weinDurbanorJo'
burg?"
Mor
on:
"Nei
ther
"hel
aughedandwal
kedout
.
Me:
"Wher
e'st
henanny
?"
Q:"
Itol
dhertotakeadayof flastaft
ernoon.Then
ar
ound9Iwentt ogetbeerfrom theli
quor,acar
st
oppedri
ghtinfrontofmineasIwasdr i
vi
ngintoa
st
op.Theybr
okemywi
ndowandki
ckedme.That
's
al
lIr
emember"
Me:
"Theydr
uggedy
ou"
Q:
"Fuckwhoev
ert
hisi
s.I
'
m gonnaki
l
lhi
m!"
Me:
"Sav
eyourener
gyf
orbeat
ings.Hegotus.
"
Q:"
Shhhh"Il
ookedathi
m."Thosear
eseabi
rds.
We'
redefi
nit
elynoti
nJo'
bur
g"
Me:
"Thi
sisf
uckedup.
"
Thedooropened.Ohshi
t.Hegoti
n,f
oll
owedbyhi
s
goonthatwashere.
Nzuza:"
Hell
oboys"hepul
ledachai
randsatdown.
Themor onpul
l
edQt obenexttome.Nzuzal
ooked
atus."
Youdon'tl
i
sten,
doy ou?
"
Me:
"Whati
sthi
sabout
?"
Nzuza:"Don'
tmakemestupi
dDube.Iadmir
eyour
gut
st hough.Thewayy
ouhavebi
gballst
okeep
messingwithmeisver
yscar
y"
Me:
"Itwoul
dbebett
erifyoucamestrai
ghtupabout
t
hewholepoi
ntoft
his"hechuckl
ed.
Nzuza:
"Myt
easerScor
pion"
Thi
sbl
oodyol
dman.
Nzuza:
"Bet
tery
et.Justcal
ltheguy
s"
Me:"Whatev
eryou'
reaboutt
odo.Makesur
eyoukil
l
usbecauseify
oudon't
..
..
"heputi
tonmyri
bcage.I
gr
oaned.
Nzuza:
"Shutt
hehel
lup!
"
Fourmenwi
thbi
gassar
msgoti
n.
Nzuza:
"Beatt
hem t
il
lthei
rcl
othesdr
y"
Theyst
art
edpunchi
ngus.
..
.
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
Afterr
ecei
vingacall
from Kat
lego.Icall
edeachand
everyoneofmycontactswhomayhel pinf
indi
ng
outwherethesedudesmightbe.Isentoutextr
a
securi
tyt
otheirhomes.
Ical
ledmyl adi
esi
nDur
bant
ogocheckwhoi
swi
th
thekidsatQ's.
Icall
edChar
les.Hei
sbet
tert
hanmostofmyguy
s.
He'ssomeonewecanall
rel
yon.
Char
les:
"BossKush"
Me:
"Hav
eyouhear
daboutQ?
"
Char
les:
"No.What
'sup?
"
Me: "
He'staken.Khuleisunr
eachablesoIt
hinkthey
bothare.Ineedy outogotothepoli
ceandtell
them
they'
vebeenf ound.Idon'
twantthem i
nvol
vedinthi
s
casecauseIwi llki
l
lwhoeverhasthem"
Char
les:
"Consi
deri
tdoneSi
r"
Ihungup.It
ext
edLel
otot
ell
hersi
stert
onott
alkt
o
anypol
ice.
Ical
l
edMandl
a.
Mandl
a:"
Madonna"
Me:"
TheDubetwinsar
emi
ssi
ng.You'
renot
r
espondi
ngr
ight
?"
Mandl
a:"
What
?Ofcour
senot
"
Me:"
Okay.Getmethel
astni
ght
'sr
obotf
oot
aget
o
pr
oveyouaren'
t"
Mandl
a:"
Kushy
ouknowt
hat
'snoteasy
"
Me:"
Wellmakeitbe!Iwanti
tbef
orethesunset
s.
Youknowwhat'
satstakeify
oudon'tdel
i
ver"
Mandl
a:"
FineI
'
llt
ry"
Me:
"Il
ovet
hat
"
Ihungup.Ihav eunti
lmi
dnighttofi
ndthese
headlesschickenswhodon'tknowtheimport
ance
ofsecurit
y.Iwishwhoeverhashasthem.Punch
thei
rteethout..
.
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erThi
rt
yEi
ght
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Iarr
ivedinDurbanjustasthesunset .Lucki
ly
enoughIf oundaplanetoDur banthatwasaboutto
departinanhour.Thewhol ejour
neymypal mswer e
sweating.I'
veneverbeenthisworri
ed.Khethel
o
cal
ledmeear l
i
ertoinfor
m met hatIshallt
alktono
cop.
Howi nsaneisthat
?Thepol i
ceshouldbewhowe
runtobutnowecan' tbecausetheyneverreal
lydo
anyt
hing.Allt
heyknowi sroami
ngar oundlooking
fori
magi nar
ythugsandwearbul l
etproof
st ocerti
fy
document s.
Ipunchedthecodeatt
hegat
e.Theol
dmanwasn'
t
atthegate.Ther
ewasnosi
gnofhim.
Idr
ovei
n.
Ir
ushedt
owar
dst
hehousesoonasIpar
ked.
Thedoorwasl
ocked.Ical
l
edChr
is.
Chr
is:
"Hav
eyouar
ri
ved?
"
Me:
"Yes.Thedoori
slocked"
Chri
s:"
Uhm l
etmecal
lKy
li
etobr
ingy
ouspar
e
key
s"
Me:
"Okay
"
Ihungup.Iwant
edt
ocr
ysobad.Isatdownont
he
decopot.
Thegat
esl
i
dopen.Awhi
tecardr
ovei
n.Qui
nton'
s
X7.Isi
ghedi
nrel
i
efandgotup.
Ist
oppedhal
fwaywhenIreal
i
zedi
tsnothi
m.She
gotof
fandcametowardsme.
Her
:"Hi
.IsQui
ntonher
e?"
Me:
"Hi
.Nohei
sn'
t.Youar
e?"
Her
:"Yol
i
.Doy
ouper
hapsknowwher
ehei
s?"
Me:"No.I
'
m wait
ingforhi
sPAtobr
ingmet
hekey
s
soIcanopenhereandgetmyki
ds"
Yol
i
:"YoumustbeKatl
ego"If
rowned.Shepassed
meandwenttothedoor.
Sheunl
ocked.
Me:
"What
'sy
ourr
elat
iont
oQui
nton?
"
Yol
i
:"Justaf
ri
end.
"Iwal
kedi
n.
Thisi
saverymessylounge.Itur
ned.Shewasgone.
Isawhercardr
iveout.Dotheyhavematchi
ngcars
or?
Andwhydoesshehavekeyst
ohishouse?Thei
r
fr
iendshi
pmusti
ncl
udever
yhotsteamysex.
Me:
"Hawu!Si
kel
ela!
"
Iheardl
itt
legi
ggles.Iwenttothekit
chen.Therethey
were.Hawusitt
ingont opofthestovewit
hanopen
potofmeatbesidehim.Sisekelowasfastasleep,
messywi t
hmeatsoup.Si kel
elawascrawli
ngar ound
wit
hapi eceofmeati nherhand.
Me:"Youki
dsarever
ycr
eepy
.Howonear
thdi
dyou
gett
here?Come.Let
'
sgobat
h"
Foronce.I'
m grat
ef ul
fortheirsnakeinst
inctsorel
se
Iwould'
vefoundt hem deadofhunger .IwonderifQ
l
eftthel
ounget hatmessyort heymessedi tup.I
car
ri
edt hem onebyonet ot heirnur
sery.
Whoev erdecorat
edthishousei
sreal
lygood.
Especial
lythenurser
y.The4Dfl
oori
ngofthekids
pi
cture.It
strul
yamazi ng.
Ibathedthem.Misssleepyheadwascryi
ng.She
doesn'tl
i
kebeingdist
urbedfrom any
thi
ng.
Me:"Let
'sgocleandaddy
'skitchenandcook"I
openedthedoorandwewal kedout.Theystar
ted
wit
hthei
rnoise.
Itookmyphoneandcall
edKhethelotoi
nform herI
foundt
hem saf
eandsound.Therewasstill
nocl ue
ofwheret
hesemenmi ghtbe.Iknel
tbef
orethe
couchandpray
ed.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Mybodywasnumbfr
om al
lthebeat
ing.Icoul
dn'
t
ev
enfeel
myface.
Theyhadst
oppedr
oughi
ngusup.Wehadn'
thad
suchabeat
ingi
n16year
s.
Atsomepoi
ntIf
eltl
i
kemyt
eet
hwer
egonnaf
all
off
.
Hegoti
n.Wecoul
dbar
elyt
alk.
Khul
e:"
Wat
erpl
ease"
Nzuza:"Thisi
snoty ourmother'
shousey ou
arsehol
e.TellmeDube.Wher edidy oufi
ndtheguts
tohitonmydaught er?"herol
leduphissleeve."
You
knowI '
m caughtbetweenkill
i
ngy ouwithmyown
barehandsandf eedingyoutothesharks.Youtake
mef orapoesboy s"
Khul
e:"
Thi
sisav
eryhugemi
sunder
standi
ng.What
daught
er?
"
Nzuza:"Ohdon'
tplaywi
thmeDube.Doyouwantto
getherkil
l
edtoo?"Hepunchedhi
m.Hegroaned.
Me:
"Hehasnot
hingt
odowi
tht
his!
"
Nzuza:"
Ohyeahhedoes.Whydidheletyoudat
eher
?
He'
sv er
ymuchgui
lt
yasy oubutyou'
reextr
emel
y
gui
lt
y"
Khul
e:"
Whati
shet
alki
ngabout
?"
Me:"He'
sreal
l
ycluelessaboutt
hisNzuza.Pl
easel
et
hi
m goanddealwithme"hepunchedme.Fuckt hi
s
ol
dman.
Nzuza:
"Thi
sist
heonlywayI'
l
llethi
m go"het
ook
outagunandpoi
ntedi
tatKhul
e.
Me:
"ForChr
ist
'
ssakewoul
dyoupl
easest
op!
"
Nzuza:"
Iactual
lyshoul
d'
vedonethi
sthemomentI
l
earnedthatyoukil
ledmydaught
er.
"
Khul
e:"
Pul
lthet
ri
gger
.Whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?
"
Nzuza:"
Don'tpushmeson!Ionl
ywantonet
hing
f
rom you"heturnedf
rom t
hehar
dcor
ethugtoan
emot ional past or."Ij
ustwanty outostayawayf r
om
ev er
ythingt hathast odowi thme.Iwasv er
yangr y
whenIwant edt oinsureYol anda'scarandt henI
sawt hati tisi nsuredbyy ourcompanyandy ou'
re
theonet hatgav ehert hatcar .AndwhenIsawy ou
l
eav i
ngherpl acewi t
hy ourkidsearli
er.Iknewi t
from rightt her ethatIhadt oputast opt othis"
Icoul
dfeelKhul
e'
sey
espier
cer
ightt
hroughmyskin.
"Youcan'
tusemychi
ldt
ogetPhil
abackyoufucki
ng
morons!"
Hepunchedmecount
lesst
imes.
Me:
"I'
m notusi
ngherf
orany
thi
ng!
"
Khul
e:"
Youl
i
edt
ome"
Me: "
Yes!Thatpr
ovesIam notusi
nghert
ogetPhi
l
a
back.
"
Nzuza:"I
tdoesn'
tmakeanydif
fer
ence!Themoment
youfoundoutshe'
smydaughteryoushoul
d'
ve
stay
edthehellawayf
rom her
"
Me:
"It
ri
edbutIcoul
dn'
t"
Igai
nedmy
sel
fanot
herpunch.Hel
ookedatKhul
e.
Hewasstar
ingatmewi
thsomuchr
age.Il
i
edf
ora
goodr
eason.
Hi
sphonerang.Hecutt
het
ies.DoeshewantKhul
e
t
okil
lme?
Nzuza:"I
'm herebusywit
hy ourlousyasseswhenI
shoul
dbewi t
hmychi l
d,comf orti
ngher.Andjust
knowthatifyoudon'tl
eav emybabygi rlaloneIwil
l
makey ourli
vesveryunpleasant.That
'sifIwon'tki
l
l
you"helookedatKhuleagai n.
Heunt
iedmet
oo."
Kil
leachot
her
"bl
oodyf
ool
!
Hewal
kedout
.
Khul
eflewt
omeandpunchedt
hel
i
vingdayl
i
ght
s
outofme.
Me:
"St
op!
"
Khul
e:"
Youl
i
edt
ome!
"
Imov
edhi
m of
f.
Me:
"Foragoodr
eason"
Khule:
"Fuckgoodr
eason!Youknowhecoul
d'v
e
takenourki
dsanddidonl
yGodknowswhat.This
manhat
esus.Whywoul
dyougof
orhi
sdaught
er?
"
Me:
"It
sal
ongst
ory
"
Khul
e:"
Stayawayf
rom her
"
Me:
"You'
renowai
mingt
oohi
gh"
Khul
e:"
He'
sgonnaletusgoandt
ort
ureusf
rom t
he
weakspot
sweneverknewwehad"
Me:
"We'
l
lbeext
racar
eful
"
Khule:
"Aren'
tyoul
ist
eni
ngtome?Theki
dsarealone
atyourpl
aceaswespeak.Doyouknowwhatcould
happentothem?"
Me:
"Secur
it
yisv
eryt
ight
"
Khul
e:"
You'
rev
eryst
upi
d.Nzuzai
sn'
tani
mmat
ure"
Nzuza: "
RightI'
m not.YourMamnguni i
smeet i
ngup
withPI'
s.Ifyoudon'tstayawayf r
om meandmi neI
willi
nvadey oursandyouwi ll
beburyi
ngeveryweek.
Andbyt hewayI '
m sel
li
ngy outooneofthebuyer
s
whowoul dl ovetopunchthosedisgusti
ngoldage
faces.Doy ouev enknowy ou'
rewayoldert
hanmy
chil
d?"Hesai dgetti
ngin.
Me: "
Youneedtofi
ndawayt omakeherst
ayaway
toobecauseshehasaccesst
omyhouse.IfIdon'
t
pickupthephoneshe'
l
lshowup"
Heputataseronmyst
omach.Isawheav
engat
es
open.
..
.
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Iwokeupt
omyphonev
ibr
ati
ng.Shewasf
ast
asl
eep.
It
ooki
tandwal
kedout
.
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Jess:
"Mor
ning.I
'
m aty
ourgat
e"
Me:
"I'
minJo'
bur
g"
Jess:
"Wow.Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lme?
"
Me: "
SincewhenIr
eportmysel
ftoyou.Jessi
cafor
once,j
ustresumeyourr
oleofbei
ngawomani nthi
s
rel
ati
onship"
Jess:"
I'
m noty
ourKhethi
weTyler.Iwi
l
lnotbowto
anykakthi
ngyoudo.Idroveal
lthewayherefor
not
hing.Whycouldn'
tyouactl
ikeadecentper
son
who'
sinarelat
ionshi
pandtell
mey ouwon'tbe
her
e?"
Me:"Becauseyoushoul
dn'
tbet
her
eint
hef
ir
stpl
ace.
Thati
smywi fe'
shouse"
Jess:"Shefedyouwell
lastni
ght
,di
dn'
tshe?Wel
li
n
thatcaseIalsowantmymansion"
Me:
"Hav
eagoodday
"
Jess:
"Don'
thanguponme!
"
Ihungup.Shecoughed.It
urned.
Khet
hiwe:
"May
bei
tsur
gent
"
Me:
"It
snot.Andmyweekendsar
espenthome.
Mor
ning"
Khethi
we:
"Mor
ning.I
'
llmakey
ouf
ood"Igr
abbedher
backtome.
Me:"Youdon'
thavet
obet hi
sgoodtomeKhethiwe.
It
hinkit
sbestify
oushoutatme"shel
ookeddeep
i
ntomyey es.
Khet
hiwe:
"Iwantt
obutmyhear
tdoesn'
tl
etme.I
am angryatyoubutIalsowanty ouher ewi t
hme.To
hol
dmeandassur emeIwi l
lneverlosey ouevenin
thi
ssit
uati
on."Atearfell
from herlefteye."That
's
howmuchIl oveyou"
Ibr
oughtheri
nforahug.
Me:"Il
oveyousomuch.IwishIhadnev erdonei
t.I
feel
li
kewordsaren'
tenoughtoletyouknowhow
sorr
yIam andhowmuchIr egreti
t"
Khethi
we:
"Justmakemef
eel
li
keshei
sn'
ti
nour
l
ives"
Iki
ssedherf
orehead.GodknowsIam i
mpati
ent
ly
wait
ingf
orhertogivebi
rt
hsoIcanendthi
s..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Ihear
dvoi
cesdownst
air
s.Icheckedt
het
ime.I
twas
10am.
Igotupandwentdownst
air
s.
Me: "
Morni
ng.Heyy
ouguy
s"Ipi
nchedt
hei
rchubby
cheeks.
Kat
lego:
"Mor
ningbabe"
Me:
"Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeupma?
"
Mam Di
no:"Youjustsl
eptt
hismorni
ng.Theseli
tt
le
f
ell
asst
il
lhavethemi l
kyouexpr
essedlastni
ght
"
Me: "Whatwoul dIbewithoutyouthough"shehas
beenveryhelpful.Ourr
elat
ionshi
ptookav ery
unexpect
edt urn.Shesomehowt urnedtobemy
pi
ll
arofstrength.Babomncanedoesn'texisti
nher
worldanymor e.
Sam cal
ledmeafewday
sago.Hesai
dhe's
recov
eri
ng.Mam Di
nodi
dn'
tev
enseem i
nter
est
ed
whenItoldher
.
Mam Di
no:"Theyarepeacef
ull
ysl
eepi
ngi
nthei
r
r
oom.Let'
sgol i
tt
leones"
Thetri
plet
sfol
l
owedhert
othelounge.Theyl
oveher
becausesheal
waysf
eedsthem.
Kat
lego:"
Appar
entl
yy ourbr
otheri
nlawhasaf r
iend.
Afemalebestf
ri
end.Whodr i
veshisX7,knowshis
gat
ecodeandhast hesparekeystothehouse"
Me:
"Tel
lmey
ou'
reki
ddi
ng.Shesoundsl
i
kea
gi
rl
fr
iend"
Katlego:
"Sheseemspr
ett
yyoungt
obehi
sgi
rl
fr
iend
though"
Me:"Doyouknowthosev
arsi
tysl
ayqueens?They
coul
ddatesomeoneasoldasBabGede"we
l
aughed.
Katl
ego:"I
ftheyaredat
ing.He'l
lbedrawi
ng
unnecessar
yat t
enti
ont
ot hefamil
y.Thenews
peoplearegiv
ingusabigbreak"
Me:
"May
bet
heyar
ejustf
ri
ends"
Katl
ego:"
Let'
shopeso.Iam notr
eadyt
ohav
ea19
yearol
dsist
erwif
e."Il
aughed.
Me:"Idon'tt
hinkhe'
soverChl
oeorevenreadyf
ora
r
elat
ionshipatthat
.Andhewouldn'
tgoforsomeone
t
haty oung"
Kat
lego:
"He'
saman.
"
Me:
"Tr
ue"
Kat
lego:
"Anyl
eads?
"
Me:
"Nope.I
'
m wai
ti
ngf
oranupdat
efr
om t
hose
guy
s"
Kat
lego:
"Okay
.Ij
usthopet
heyar
eokay
"
Me:
"Ipr
ayedt
il
lIf
ell
asl
eep.
"
Kat
:"Yourey
esar
eswol
l
en"
Me:
"Iwasal
socr
ying"
Shehuggedme.
Me:
"Lel
oandt
heki
dsar
ecomi
ngov
er"
Kat
:"Shoul
dwecook?
"
Me:
"It
hinkso"
Kat
:"Ev
ernot
icedsomet
hingaboutYezwe?
"
Me:
"No.Whati
sit
?"
Kat
:"It
hinkhe'
sgay
"
Me:
"No!
"
Kat
:"Isawhim atMall
ofAfri
catheot
herday
hol
dinghandswithwhom seemedtobehisl
over
.
He'
samuscul aroneIthi
nk"
Me:"Lel
otol
dmeheal
sosl
eptwi
tht
hei
rlawy
ert
hat
sl
eptwit
hCalvi
n"
Kat
:"Bi
sexual
then"
Me:"
Yoh.Hewil
lnev
ercomeout
.Thi
sfami
l
yisv
ery
ol
dfashi
onedt
ounderst
and"
Kat
:"Noti
fwemaket
hem under
stand"
Me:
"Whi
chwi
l
lbeev
enhar
der
"
Kat
:"Wemustst
ayr
eady
"
Emi
goti
n.
Emi
:"Guesswhosl
eptov
er?
"
Me:
"Ty
ler
?"
Emi
:"Yes.Whydi
dhecheat
?Theyl
oveeachot
her
"
Kat
:"He'
sanasshol
ethat
'
swhy
.Noof
fense"
Emi:
" Nonetaken.Hereal
lyi
s.Thatbi
tchJessi
ca
j
ustremindsmeofBi anca.Ver
ystupi
d"
Me:
"Wehear
dyouar
etaki
ngJayt
oat
her
api
st"
Emi
:"Don'
tj
udgeme"
Kat
:"Nobodyi
s.Howi
sBr
adt
aki
ngi
t?"
Emi:"
Idon'
tknow.Wehaven'
tspokenabouti
tsi
nceI
tol
dhim.Whatdoyouhav
e?I'm hungr
y"
Me:
"Whydi
dn'
tyoueataty
ourpl
ace?
"
Emi:
"Theyl
ookedsocosyandi
nloveont
hecouch.I
di
dn'
twannabether
eandruint
heirmoment
."
Us:
"Awww"
Kat
:"Weshoul
dburnthatj
ezabel
rightaf
tershe
gi
vesbi
rt
h"welaughed.
Me:"You'
rev
eryv
iol
ent
.Youhear
dabouty
our
br
others?
"
Emi
:"Yes.They
'l
lcomebacksaf
eandsounddon'
t
wor
ry"
Me:
"Ai
boEmi
"
Emi:
"Noonehasgutstokil
lthem.Pl
usther
e's
Cal
vi
n.He'
sal
soat hugli
kethem,he'
l
lfi
ndthem"
IguessIneededtohearthi
s.Iappr
eci
atet
hatt
hey
arethugsi
nsuitst
oday..
..
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
Ismil
edal
onewhenIf
oundoutNzuzai
stheone
thatt
ookt
hem.
Weoncewor kedtogethert
obringsomeasshol e
downafewy earsback.Igavehim acalll
astnight
andpr
etendedtoneedhel ptogettheseDubet wins.
Heconfi
dentl
ytoldmet ocomet oDur bantodayso
wecoul
dt al
k.
Heor
der
edmet
omeethi
m atSi
phi
ngobeach.
Iwasl
eaningagai
nstmycarsmoki
ng.Thispl
aceis
ver
yodd.Ther
ewasashackinbetweenthebushes.
"
Madonna"It
urned.
Me:
"Samsonmyman"
Sam:"Youlookf
resher
.Howhav
eyoubeen?
"We
shookhands.
Me:
"Pr
ett
ygood.Howhav
eyoubeen?
"
Sam:
"Ver
ygood.Soy
ousayy
ouwantt
het
wins"
Me:"Highandl ow.Iwantt
or i
pthem of
fof
ever
ythingtheyhave.Theyoungonegotmybr
other
behi
ndbar sandt hest
atet
ookev er
ythi
ng"
Sam:
"What
?Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hisbl
oodl
i
ne?
"
Me:
"Onl
yGodknows.Ar
eyougonnahel
pme?
"
Sam: "
Yes.Oneoft
hem ismessi
ngwi
thmg
daughter
.RememberLesedi
?"
Me:
"Yeah.Howol
disshenow?
"
Sam:"She'
snomore.Shewasshotdeadatthei
r
homebecauset
hesebloodyi
diot
sranhomewhi l
e
bei
ngchasedwi
thguns.Shewasmar r
iedt
o
Khul
ekani"
Me:"I
'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hatman.Theydeser
vet
obe
smashedwi
thhammersont
hehead"
Sam: "
Ift
here'
sanyonewhocoul
ddot
hat
.Iti
syou.
BecauseIcan'
tki
ll
them."
Me:
"Youknowme"hehandedmet
hekey
s.
Sam: "
Theyarei nt
hatshack.Ineedtotakemy
daughtert
oUl undi
.Hersi
sterpassesaway .I
shoul
dn'tevenbehere.Keepmeupdat ed"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Weshookhandst
henhel
eft
.Hegoti
ntohi
scarand
dr
oveoff
.
Iwentt
otheshack.Iunl
ocked.Theywer
ely
ing
downonthefl
oor,out
.
It
ookwat
erandpour
edi
tont
hem.Theyj
umpedup.
Khul
e:"
Whatt
hehel
lman!
"
Me:
"Wakeup"
Qui
nton:"Wai
t.
..
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Wher
e's
Nzuza?"
Me:
"Iki
l
ledhi
m.Let
'
sgo"
Them:
"What
?"
Me:
"Howel
sewasIgonnagety
oui
fIdi
dn'
t?
"
Khul
e:"
That
'
sthegr
andf
atherofmychi
l
dyouf
ool
!"
Thi
sisaveryst
upi
dbeef.Theyhat
eeachot
herbut
don'
twannaseeeachot
herdead?
Me:
"I'
mjoki
ng.Smi
l
e"
Theyblankl
ystaredatme."
Iwannaseei
fthey
punchedyourteethout
.Youlookl
i
keyouwerest
ung
bybees"Ichuckled.
Il
edthewayout.Itt
ookthem 5minut
estogett
othe
car
.Il
oveNzuza'sboys.Theywi
l
lnowlearnt
he
i
mportanceofsecur
it
y.
Me:
"Qui
nton.Textt
hegi
rlt
hati
t'
sov
er"
Qui
nton:"
Shedoesn'
tneedt
hatr
ightnow.Shej
ust
l
osthersi
ster
"
Me:"Thatpsychool
dmanwi llgoaf
tert
hewomeni
f
youdon'tbr
eakofft
hisr
elat
ionshi
p"
Qui
nton:
"Iwi
l
ltexthernextweek"
Khul
e:"
Justgosi
l
ent
.She'
l
lknow.Hav
eyousl
ept
wit
hher?"
Qui
nton:
"No"
Khul
e:"
Good.She'
l
lgetov
ery
oui
nnot
ime"
Qui
nton:
"Wher
e'st
hispl
ace?
"
Me:
"Si
phi
ngo"
Khul
e:"
Het
ookmet
oDur
ban?Thi
sol
dmani
snut
s"
Il
aughed.Iwaswat chingt
hem fr
om t
her earview
mir
ror.Iwi
llnott
aket hem wher
ether
e'skids.They'
d
pr
obablyscream andrunoff.
Me:
"CanIbor
rowy
ouguy
sami
rr
or?
"
Khul
e:"
Fucky
ouCal
vi
n."
Qui
nton:
"Howdi
dyouf
indus?
"
Me:"
Connecti
ons.Aslongasnobodyknowst hatI
'm
aDube.Iwi
ll
betheticketoutofsuchsi
tuat
ions"
Qui
nton:
"Canwepassbyt
hehospi
tal
please"
Me:"
Pri
nceMshiyenii
sacoupl
eofmi
nut
esaway
.
I
t'
sapubli
cthough"
Khul
e:"
Aslongasi
thasnur
sesanddoct
orsman
we'
regood"
Il
aughed.If
indt
hiswhol
ethingveryf
unny
.Them
get
ti
ngbeatenup?It
samiracle.
..
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
Chapt
erThi
rt
yNi
ne
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Not hingshallf
oreverbehidden.I nMayGod
remember edbabomncane.Het ookhisl
astbreath
afterhav i
ngmer ushedt oDur ban.Heconfessed
thatheki ll
edmypar ents.Mam Di noconfessedthat
Sam andNhl el
oaremyf ather'
schildr
en.Turnsout
babomncanewasi nfer
til
esomygr andmot herhad
myf athersl
eepwithMam Di no.Oldpeopleare
di
sgust
ingatt
imes.Whatki
ndofmadnessi
sthat
?
We'v
ebeenav oidi
ngeachot
herwiththesi
bli
ngs
ev
ersince.Iguesswe'
real
lnotcomingint
oterms
wi
ththatbombt heydr
oppedonus.
I
'v
ehadtwopr egnancyscar
esoverthetwopast
mont
hs.Iknowhecan' tmakechi
ldr
enanymorebut
Godi
smy ster
ious.Onecanneverbetoosur
e.
Ineverr
eal
lybeli
evedthatPhil
a'sgrandfat
heri
ssi
ck
unti
lKhul
etoldmei t
shimt hatabductedthem
becauseQuint
onwasdat inghisdaughter.
Hepr omisedtolethergoandsofaritseemsli
kehe
didreal
lylethergobecausehe'
salwaysheresi
nce
then.Hegav euphiswaiterj
obeven.
.
..
Ihearda" Whoooo!"Andwhi stl
esfrom out
side.I
turnedonthesurveil
lancetablet
.Itwasthenewly
weds.They '
reback.Final
lytheygonnataketheir
kids.Ihadonehellofaweekwi t
ht hem.
Theyoungtwinscoul
dnowsit.4mont
hsandvery
heal
thyyoucan'
ttel
ltheywer
epremat
urel
ydel
i
vered.
IwascookingfortheDubefamil
yt hatwassit
ti
ngby
thefi
repl
aceattheotherpati
o.KhethiweandLelo
havebeendoingthist
ome.Dodgi ngcookingand
ever
ythi
ng.
Theywalkedi
nwi
thbags.Theywentgr
ocer
y
shoppi
ng.
Lel
o:"
Itsmel
l
sni
ce"
Me:"Pl
easedon'
ttal
ktome.I
'
m done.Youmaynow
ser
vethepeopl
e"
Khet
hiwe:
"Kat
legowi
l
l"
Kat
lego:
"Kat
legoi
snotdoi
ngany
thi
ngl
ovi
es"she
sai
dcomingin.Wescr
eamed.
Me:
"Lookatt
hatmar
ri
agegl
ow"
Katl
ego:
"Youmaynowsaf
elyaddr
essmeasMr
s
Dube"
Us:"
MrsDube"shedr
amat
ical
l
ybowed.Wel
aughed
andhuggedher
.
Lel
o:"
Howi
smar
ri
agesex?
"
Kat
lego:
"Outoft
hispl
anet
.Imi
ghthav
ecaught
somenewf
eel
i
ngs"
Khet
hiwe:"Youmaki
ngmewannar
ever
semy
deci
sion"
Me:
"Ai
bost
andy
ourgr
oundmamas"
Tylerpai
dlobolaf orthatJessicaofhis.Shewas
helpi
ngoutatKat '
sweddi ng,brushi
nghert i
nybump
everynowandt hen.Iwant edtodie.Khethiwejust
wentt ohergrandmot her'
shouse.Sheonl ycameto
helpoutduringthedayandl eaveinthenoon.
Kat
:"Whatdi
dyouguy
ssayIhadt
odo?
"
Me:
"Di
shupf
ort
hemen"
Kat
:"How?Theyoungerwi
fei
sout
side.Sheshoul
d
di
shup"welaughed.
Lel
o:"
You'
resuchabul
l
y"
Shet ookoutpl atesanddishedup.Weservedour
alcoholichusbands.Jessicawassnuggl
edupnext
toTy l
er.Khulehadt heaudacit
ytoaskmet obri
ng
anext raplateforher.Idi
d.He'
sbeentest
ingmy
patiencelately
.
Wef
inal
l
yfi
nishedupandmadecof
feeandwentt
o
thel
oungever
yreadytohearal
laboutt
he
honeymoonnast
iness.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Hewasbackatwor k.Nolongerdri
nkingnor
smoki ng.Hi
ssessionswer enowonceaweek.Our
fri
endshipbroughtastraini
ntomyr elat
ionship.Brad
andIf oughtallt
hetime.Ideci
dedt ostopt agging
alongintoJason'ssessi
onsandst art
edmeet i
ng
withhim secret
lytohearabouthisprogress.Wemet
onTuesday .Hebeggedmet ogowi thhimt othe
mov i
es.Iwasl ooki
ngov ermyshoulderf orBrad.It
feltl
i
kecheat i
ng.
.
..
BesideTyler'
sdramat i
clovetri
angle.Everyt
hingwas
goingwellintheDubef amily
.TwoweeksagoKat
andChriswedded.Ev eryone'
slifeisheadingthe
ri
ghtpath.BrotherCalvi
nisthebossatwor kand
al
sot ous.Nott hatI
'
m compl aini
ngt hough.He
makessur ewe'reallokayeverytime.
It
ookmyphoneandconf
ir
medt
het
imear
ri
val
of
thetr
iplet
scakes.Theirbi
rthdayistomor
row.1stof
July
.Thedayweal lwi
tnessedt hatt
heDube
ancestorsar
ereal.Iam st
il
l shockedupt
othisday.
Isawat
extf
rom Khet
hiweaski
ngi
fIwi
l
ljoi
nthem.
Iam not.Theymustenj
oyt
hei
rti
mewi
tht
hei
rcr
azy
husbands.
Ichangedandt ookmycarkey
s.It
ext
edhimthatI'
m
comingover.Ididn'
tgett
imet
oseehi
my est
erdayat
work.
.
..
Myphoner
angasIdr
ovei
ntohi
shouse.Ianswer
ed.
Me:
"HeyJay
.CanIcal
lyoul
ater
?"
Jason:
"No.
"
Me:
"I'
m good.Iam cur
rent
lybusyatt
hemoment
"
Jason:
"Mysoni
sincoma"
Me:
"OhmyGodI
'
m sosor
ry.Whathappened?
"
Jason:"
Hef el
loffBi
anca'
ssi
ster
'sbunkbed"hewas
cry
ing."
I'
m sorr
yIjustdi
dn'
tknowwhot ocal
l"
Hehungup.Ical
l
edhi
m back.Hedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.
"
Whi
chhospi
tal
arey
oui
n?"Isenthi
m.
"
Net
car
eMi
l
par
khospi
tal
"her
epl
i
ed.
"
Okay
.I'
l
lseey
oul
ater
.Don'
tcr
yhewi
l
lbeokay
"
Il
ockedmyphoneandgotoutoft
hecar
.Br
adcame
out
.
Brad:
"Iwasst
art
ingt
owonderwhat
'shol
dingy
ou
up"wehuggedandki
ssed.
Me:
"Iwasbusyont
hephone.Ni
cehai
rcut
"
Br
ad:"Thanky
ouMaDube"Ichuckl
ed.We'
vebeen
l
earni
ngmyclannamesonourbli
ssful
day
s.Hetook
myhandandledmeinsi
dethehouse.
Me:
"Itsmel
l
sni
cei
nher
e"
Br
ad:
"I'
m cooki
ng"
Me:"Ilov
ebeingherealr
eady
"helaughedand
pouredmewi ne.Hedri
nkswinewheneverhecooks.
Ibethefeelsl
ikeareal
chefwhenhekeepssippi
ng
onthatglass.
Hegav
emepi
ckl
est
ochop.
Br
ad:"
Jasonwasher
elastnight
"Ichokedont
he
wi
ne.Hehandedmeanapkin.
Me:
"Whatdi
dhewant
?"
Brad:"Togethistabl
etthatwasonthebackseatof
thejeep."Shi
t!"
Idon'
tknowIhowf eelaboutt
his.
Youwer edr i
vi
ngthejeeponTuesday.Howdidhis
tabl
etendupatt hebackseatifyoudon'tmeet
anymor e?"
Me:
"Webumpedi
ntoeachot
herbabe"
Br
ad:
"Andt
hetabl
etj
umpedt
othebackseat
?"He
wast
oocal
mitscar
edme.
IthoughtJasonwasdonewithbeingcr
azy.He
deli
berat
elyputthatt
abl
ett
here.Whydidn'
thecal
l
met ogetitforhi
m?He'ssostupi
d.
Me:"No.Hemust '
vesl
i
ppedi
tint
her
ewi
thoutme
not
ici
ng.I
'm sor
ry"
Br
ad:"
Hewoul
dn'
tdi
srespect
ingourr
elat
ionshi
pthi
s
muchi
fyoudi
dn'
tgi
vehim somuchgoahead"
Me:
"I'
m not
"
Br
ad:
"Ofcour
sey
ouar
e.Whywoul
dhehav
egut
sto
comet
omyhouseandsayal
lthatshi
thesai
d?"
Me:
"Whatdi
dhesay
?"
Brad:"Ev er
ythi
ng.You' reoldEmi hle.Iwi
llnotkeep
ontelli
ngy out ost opgoingoutwi thhim orcalli
ng
eachot her.Itwil
l seem li
keI '
m control
li
ngy ourwif
e.
Isaidy oushoul dst opatfirstbecauseIwant edto
protectourr el
ationship,butnowIseey ou'drather
havet hisrel
ationshi pf
ailthantost opseeing
Jason. "
Hef
ini
sheduphi
swi
neandwentupt
hest
air
s.
Thegui
l
tIfel
tcoul
dn'
tbecompar
edt oanyt
hing.I
fol
l
owedtoo.Hewasint
heshower.Iwenti
n.
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"
Br
ad:
"Yousai
dthatt
hel
astt
ime"
Me:"I
'
mtr
ulysorr
yBrad.IswearIam notdoi
ng
any
thi
ngmorethant
alk.
"
Br
ad:
"Idonotknowt
hat
"
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Het
urnedt
heshoweronandappl
i
edt
hegel
tohi
s
bodyl
i
kehedi
dn'
thearme.
..
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Nzuza'
sphonerangri
ghtaf
tert
heypar
tedway
swi
th
Yol
i.I
tswashiswif
e.Heanswered.
Sam:
"Mama"
MrsNzuza:"Mshazi
.I'
vebeencal
l
ingyourhot
el
r
oom.Iforgotyousai
dy ouar
emeetingwit
hYoli
t
oday"
Sam:
"I'
m sor
rymylove.YesIwas.Wej
ustpar
ted.
Howareyouther
e?"
MrsNzuza:
"Wwarefi
ne.Phi
l
aiscat
chi
ngf
lue.Ij
ust
cal
l
edDrNzimandet
opayusav i
si
t"
Sam:
"That
'sbad.I
tmustbet
hiscol
d"
MrsNzuza:
"It
hinksotoo.So,
whendi
dYol
isay
she'
sgoi
ngtovisi
tus?
"
Sam:
"Don'
tgot
her
e"
MrsNzuza:
"Why?Howlongar
eyougoi
ngtohide
Phi
laawayfr
om her
?Yousai
dshe'
snol
ongerseei
ng
t
hatboy
.Whatcoul
dbet
hemat
ternow?
"
Sam:
"Whati
fsheaskst
otakehert
oDur
ban?
"
MrsNzuza:"I
'
llsi
mplysayno.Whatishappeni
ng
port
ray
smeasanev i
lstepmot
hertoyourfamil
y.
Theyall
keepaskingmewhywasn'tIatthe
cer
emony .
"
Sam:"
Donotmindthem.AboutYol
ivi
si
ti
ng.Ist
il
l
havet
othi
nkabouti
t"
Mr
sNzuza:
"It
srui
ningmyi
mageSamson"
Sam:
"Toi
rr
elev
antpeopl
e."
Mr
sNzuza:
"Youdon'
tunder
stand"
Sam:"Iwil
lcal
lyoul
ater
.Sendmylov
etoPhi
l
a.Tel
l
herI
'
llseeyoutomorr
owev eni
ng"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Wi
l
ldo"
Shesai
dandendedt
hecal
l
.
ShelookedatthesleepingPhil
awhohadchangedto
l
ookexactlyl
ikeherfatherover
night
.Nzuza'
swor
st
fearwasYoliseei
ngher .Hewasn'tr
eadyfor
questi
onsthatwouldfollowandfearst
hatshemi
ght
wanttot
akehert
oDur
banandQui
ntonget
stosee
her
..
..
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
Lel
ocameandsatonmyl ap.Shelookedatme.I
don'tknowhowshest i
lll
ooksatmet hesameway
shedidont heveryfir
stdayweki ssed.Herloveis
tr
ulyeternal
.Evenwhenshe' sangryatme, hereyes
al
way ssellherout.Theyportr
aysomuchl ovethat
shehasf orme.
Ican'
tbeli
eveIwasoncestupi
dtoletawomanint
o
ourbond.Thatwasthever
yfir
stti
meandIswearon
mybabiesliv
esthati
twasthelast
.
Lel
o:"
Whyar
eyousi
tt
ingher
eal
one?I
tsal
most
8pm"
Me:"Icamef
orasmokeandt
othi
nkaboutsome
t
hings"
Lel
o:"
He'
snotokay
"
Me:
"Who?
"
Lel
o:"
Qui
nton.Seemst
her
e'sapar
tofhi
swor
ldt
hat
i
smi
ssi
ng"
Me:
"Ther
eis.AndI
'
m wor
kingoni
t.
"
Lel
o:"
Pleasebaby
.Idon'
tl
ikeseei
nghi
mli
ket
hat
."
Me:
"Khul
ehasanol
derdaught
er"
Lel
o:"
Real
l
y?Howol
d?"
Me:
"3.
"
Lel
o:"
Wit
hthrpr
evi
ouswi
fe?
"
Me: "
Yes.Ithappenedt
hatshewasthewr ongplace
atthewrongt i
me.Peoplewhocamef orQuint
on
fi
redshotsatthehouse.Shewasinthekit
chen.
Bull
etsgother"
Lel
o:"
OhmyGodnobaby
"
Me:
"Yes.Thel
i
ttl
egi
rlwas6mont
hsorso.You
r
ememberSam? "
Lel
o:"
Sam?Ndl
anzi
?"
Me: "
No.Sam Nzuza.Thatbusinessassociateof
minewhowoul dalway saskforscotch"she
chuckled.Shewaspregnantwiththetwinsthatt
ime.
Shehat edever
yone.Especi
all
yNzuzacausehe
al
way saskedf
orscot
chwhi
l
eev
ery
oneset
tl
edf
or
whisky.
Lel
o:"Hewassuchmymooddr
oper
.Sowhatabout
hi
m? "
Me: "Thewi f
ewashi schil
d.HetookKhul e'
s
daught erandcuthi
m outcompl etel
y.Threateni
ngto
exposet hem ofsomethingdir
tytheydid.Now, the
girlQuintonwasseeingishisotherdaughterthathe
discoveredrecent
ly.I
twashi m whoabduct edthem"
Lel
o:"
Youhav
esecr
etsy
ouknowt
hat
?"
Me:"Youdonottel
lyourwomant
hingsy
ouhav
enot
f
igur
edasolut
ionto"
Lel
o:"
What
'
syourpl
an?
"
Me:"
Let'
sjustsayI
'
m gonnabr
ingPhi
l
ahomeand
Qui
nton'
swife"
Lel
o:"
Aslongasnobodyi
sgonnagethur
tor
arr
est
ed"
Me:
"Youknowmebet
tert
hant
hat
"
Lel
o:"
Let
'sgosl
eep.Ihav
easur
pri
sef
ory
ou"
Me:
"Isi
t?"Shebr
ief
lyki
ssedme.
Lel
o:"
Yesbaby
"
Me:"Ihaveaphonecal
ltomake.I
'
llbewi
thy
ou
shor
tly"
Lel
o:"
Okay
.Don'
tkeepmewai
ti
ng"
Shesaidgoi
ngaway
.It
ookmyphoneoutandcal
l
ed
Mandla.
Mandl
a:"
Kushman"
Me:
"Isi
tdone?
"
Mandla:
"Yesbozzayam.Wejustl
eftherpl
ace.She
wasresi
sti
ngIhadtodrugher
"
Me:
"Asl
ongasy
oul
eftherwat
erandpi
l
lsnear
by"
Mandl
a:"
Idi
d"
Me:
"Andt
hatbast
ard.Di
dhedi
e?"
Mandla:"
No.Werearr
angedhi
sfaceabi
t.He
passedoutaf
teraf
ewpunches"
Me:"
Weakbit
ch.Okayconti
nuekeepi
ngacloseey
e
ont
hem.Don'
tdist
urbthei
rout
doorsact
ivi
ti
es"
Mandl
a:"
Not
ed"
Ihungupandwenti
nsi
del
ongi
ngf
ormysur
pri
se.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Thisiswheremynightsendup.Inthecl
ubwitha
thousandbott
lesbef
oreme.Fighti
ngeveryur
geto
contactheri
nanyform.
She'simportantbutmychi l
drenar
eextr
aimportant
.
Ican'tr
iskthewhol efamil
y'
ssafet
yforonl
yone
person.ButIcan'thel
pbutwonderwhatshedoesi n
herdays.Ifsheev ert
riest
ocallme.I
fshemisses
meatal l.
Imissher.Herpicturesareal
lthatIhav
eandwhatI
wil
lforev
erholdont o.Beingi
nDur bandoesn'
tfeel
ri
ghtanymore.Itislessexci
ti
ng.HenceIspendallof
myt i
met hi
ssidenow.
Nzuzasureashellcanhidehisskelet
ons.It
sbeen3
mont hsandmyt r
ustedsourceshaven'
tfound
anythingt
hatIcanbackfi
rewith.Theyhaven'
t
stoppeddiggi
ngthough.Evenifitt
akesmey ear
sto
f
indi
tIwi
ll
makesur
eheregr
etsthedayheever
t
ookawayPhi
l
aandbul
l
iedmet oleav
eYoli
alone.
It
ookmyphoneoutandt
ext
edLul
amai
fshe'
sbusy
.
Shecal
l
ed.
Me:
"Hey
"
Lul
ama:
"Hi
.Why
?Doy
ouneedsomet
hing?
"
Me:
"Yes.Ineedcompany
"
Lul
ama:
"Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:
"Taboo"
Lul
ama:
"I'
m comi
ng"
Ihungupandboughtanot
herr
oundofshot
s.
Af
teran1shear
ri
ved.Iwasnowreal
lysl
oshed.I
wasstar
ti
ngt
olosemyv i
sional
i
ttl
e.
Lul
ama:
"Let
'sgo"
Me:
"Wher
eto?
"
Lul
ama:
"Home"
Shehel
pedmeupandwel
eft
.
WhenIopenedmyeyeswewer
eatt
heHout
onf
lat
s.
Theal
coholhadwor
ndownabi
t.
Me:
"It
houghty
ousai
dyouwear
egoi
nghome"
Lul
ama:
"Wear
ehome.Myhome"
Me:"Ineedt
ogohomehome.Pl
easer
equestmean
uber
"
Shecamecloserandr
anherhandonmyshaft
.I
l
ookedather.MymouthwentdryIswal
l
owed
not
hing.
Ourli
psmet.Wekissed.Herhandwasmov ingup
anddownmynowr ockhardjumbo.Sheunbuckled
thebel
tandundi
dthebutton.Shetookitoutand
gavemeahandjob.Shest oppedki
ssingmeand
l
ookedatme.Thest r
eetl
ightwasli
ghtingthewhole
carup.
Lul
ama:
"Youwannat
aket
hispar
tyi
nsi
de?
"
Inodded.
If
ast
enedmybel
tandgotoutoft
hecar
.
Shelockedt
hedoorafterwegoti
n.Ipi
nnedher
agai
nstthedoorandpull
edherdr
essup.Iputt
he
condom onandsl
i
dasi
det
hedamnpant
yand
penetr
ated.
Iwenti
nfastandhar
d.Yolicr
ossedmymi
nd.She
sai
dshe'
dleavemeifIevercheat
ed.
Ist
opped.
Lul
ama:
"Whyar
eyoust
oppi
ng?
"
Iexi
tedher
.
Me:
"Pl
easebor
rowmey
ourkey
s"
Lul
ama:
"Ar
eyouf
ucki
ngki
ddi
ngme?
"
Izi
ppedmypant
sup.
Me:"
Doesi
tlookl
i
keI'
m ki
ddi
ng?Ar
eyougoi
ngt
o
gi
vet
hekey
sornot?"
Shewalkedpastme.Iguessthat'
sano.Iopened
thedoorandwalkedout
.Irequest
edanuberand
wait
edbyt hegat
e.
Ifel
tsomethi
nghitme.Ilookedup.Sheclosedthe
window.Il
ookeddown.Itwast hecarkeys.Iwent
backinandtookt
hecaranddr oveoff.
..
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
Chapt
erFor
ty
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Everj
ustfoll
owedtheroad?Notsinglei
deaofwhere
you'
regoingbutyou'
rejustl
ett
ingi
tleadyou.That
wasme.Ihadnoi deawher eIwasgoing.Ij
ust
neededtobeawayf r
om her.
Ican'
tgetthepict
ureofhercryi
ngoutofmyhead.
Shewashur t
ing.Iwasresponsi
blef
orit
.Ishoul
dn'
t
havelef
ther.
Ipull
edup.Theroadhadended.Iwasatthebeach.I
tookmycigaret
teandli
titandgotoutt
ositonthe
bonnet.
Iwat
chedthewavesther
efardown.Thesoundthey
madewascalmingsomehow.Thecoldbreezehi
t
me.Iappr
eci
atedi
t.
Itookoutmyphoneandcal l
edTy ler
.He'stheone
whounder standswhatI'mf acing.Khul
ewoul dgiv
e
anythi
ngformet oneverlookYol i
'sdi
rect
ion.Of
whichIcannotdo.IknewIl ov edherbutwhenIsaw
heraftert
hislongIreali
zedIl ovedhermor ethanI
thoughtIdid.
MyheartsmiledwhenIsawherst
andi
ngov
ert
he
si
nk.Iwishshe'
dhuggedme.
Ty
ler
:"Dube"
Me:
"Yousoundwi
deawake"
Ty
ler
:"Iam.Khet
hiwei
sn'
tfeel
i
ngokay
"
Me:
"What
'swr
ong?
"
Ty
ler
:"Shedr
ankt
oomuch.Nowshe'
sthr
owi
ngup"
Me:
"Getherany
thi
ngmet
alt
okeepi
nhermout
h"
Ty
ler
:"I
sther
ingokay
?"
Me:
"Yeah.I
tshoul
ddot
het
ri
ck"
Ty
ler
:"Okaybaf
o.It
akei
tyou'
vear
ri
ved"
Me:
"YesandIf
oundherher
e"
Ty
ler
:"No"
Me:"Yes.It
ri
edki
cki
ngheroutbutsher
efused.She
cr
iedandaskedwhyIlef
ther
"
Ty
ler
:"Whywoul
dyouki
ckherout
?"
Me:"
Ourr
elat
ionshi
pput
sev
ery
one'
sli
vesatr
isk
Ty
ler
"
Tyl
er:
"Thensobeit
.IfNzuzawant
saf
ight
,fi
ghti
s
whathe'
ll
get.Wher
eisshenow?"
Me:
"Myhouse.I
'
m att
hebeach"
Tyl
er:"YOLOQui nton.Gobackhome.Cuddl e.Tell
hereveryt
hinginthemor ni
ng.You'rei
nloveDube.
Somethingy ou'
vehar dl
yexperiencedinyourli
fe.
Don'tl
etthi
sl ovebet akenawayt oo.Takethi
sr i
sk.
I
fshe'swor t
hi t
"
Me:
"Shei
s"
Ty
ler:
"Thengohometoyourwoman.Fuckthe
wr
inkl
edNzuzaandyourt
winbrot
her
."Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Thanky
oubaf
o."
Tyl
er:"
Ilov
eyoudickhead.Andmost
lyIwantt
osee
youhappydawg"
Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo.
"Hel
aughed.
Ty
ler
:"Hesai
dit
!"
Me:
"Thati
stol
asty
ouf
ort
henext5y
ear
s.By
e"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
m honor
ed"
Ihungupandt
hrewawayt
her
emai
ningci
gar
ett
e
away
.Igotof
fandgoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f.
Itwas5mi nut
espast2am inthemor ningwhenI
arr
ivedhome.Hercarwasst i
l
l out
side.Didshebuy
anewcar ?OrsheexchangedtheX7?
Itur
nedtheli
ghtsoffandwentupst ai
rs.Thedoor
wassti
llopen.Shewasf astasl
eep.Iundressedand
gotint
hecov er
s,caref
ull
ynottowakeher .
Iputmyar
m ar
oundher
.Shemumbl
edsomet
hing.
Me:
"Shhhsl
eep"
Yol
i
:"Don'
tev
erl
eav
eme"shewhi
sper
ed.
Me:
"Iwon'
t.
"
Wedr
if
tedt
osl
eep.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
"
Handsup!Tothelef
t!Totheri
ght
!Ev
ery
bodySay
..
.
Handsup!Tot
heleft
!Tothe-"
Me:"Canyoupl
easekeepi
tdown?
"Hej
ustmademy
headachewor
se.
Tyl
er:"
Goodmor ningmyQueen.HereIhav
ecold
waterwit
hslicesoflemon.Rooi
boswithhoneyand
l
emon.Gr andpaandagr eenappl
e.Whatwouldyou
l
iketonursey ourhangov
erwit
hfir
st?"
Me:"Al
lofi
t"Isatonmybut
t.Hesmi
l
ed.He'
sso
cut
e.Ismil
ed.
Ty
ler
:"What
?"
Me:
"Yoursmi
lesti
ll
get
stome.Youshoul
dhi
ton
meagai
n"hehandedmethegr
andpa.
Ty
ler
:"Woul
dyoust
il
lagr
eet
obemygi
rl
?"
Me:"
Inaninstant
.Remembery
oupour
edwat
erat
me"helaughed.
Tyl
er:"
Youl
i
kedact
ingl
i
ket
hatcompanywas
your
s"
Me:
"Iwast
ir
edofy
ourf
ace"
Ty
ler
:"Why
?Youl
ovedmet
oomuchi
thur
ttosee
me?"
Me:
"Ohpl
ease"
Ty
ler
:"Yousai
dsomet
hingaboutl
i
ghtski
nnedmen"
Il
aughed.
Me:"
YesIdi
d.Andyoubrokemyv
irgi
nit
yanddi
dn'
t
makemecum"helaughed.
Ty
ler
:"Ai
bobaby
.ButIdi
dmakeupf
ort
hatday
."
Me:
"Oksal
ayoy
oudi
dn'
tmakemecum t
hatday
"
Ty
ler
:"Youf
eel
li
kecumi
ngnow?
"
Me:
"No"
Heputt
hetr
ayasideandpull
edmyl egssoIcoul
d
l
ieonmyback.Hemov edt
heblanketoff
.
Me:"
Ineedtobrushmyteethfir
st.Thi
sgr
andpai
s
sobi
tt
er"Icr
ossedmylegs."Andbath"
Ty
ler
:"Yout
alkt
oomuch"hegotont
opandki
ssed
me.
Hewentdownwi ththesof
tki
sses.Thisi
swhatour
r
elat
ionshi
phasbecome.He'sbeenpleasur
ingme
l
ikenoone'sbusi
ness.
Hegrewbear
d.I
tsev
enni cerwhenhe'
sdownt
her
e.
Hebeganwit
hhi
sbusiness.Imoaned.
Ty
ler
:"Don'
tmakenoi
seCal
vi
nisont
henextr
oom"
Me:
"It
houghtt
hesewal
l
sar
esoundpr
oof
ed"
Ty
ler
:"Theyar
en'
t"
Heki ssedmyinnert
highsandfacedmyv agi
naand
Frenchkissedi
t.Godblesswhoevert
rai
nedhimfor
thi
s.
Histongueexploredmycastl
e.Henevershif
tshi
s
focusfrom thecl
it.Hei
nser
tedafi
nger.Ihat
ethi
s
combo!I tj
ustspeedsthi
ngsup.
Hehadmemoani ngl
ikeapuppycoldont her
ain,
pushi
nghisheadinandsqueezingmyt hi
ghs
toget
her
.Thisthi
ngdriv
esmei nsane.
Ipoppedmychampagneaf t
ercal
lingoutal
lhi
scl
an
names.Hegrabbedatowelandcleanedmeup.If
elt
powerl
ess.Hekissedmyfor
ehead.
Ty
ler
:"Br
eakf
asti
snowr
eady
"
Hewal kedout
.Aslongasitisnotmadebyt hat
Jessi
ca.Iwil
leat
.Sheli
kestakingoverpeopl
e's
ki
tchensandkeeponbrushingthatbumpofher sor
fl
aunti
ngherlef
thandfort
hewor ldtoseetheri
ng.
Ical
l
edmyp.
a.andt
oldhert
ocancel
all
my
meetings.Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
ewi
tht
his
hangover.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Ev er
y onecamedown.Lel oandImadebr eakfast.It
didn'tseem li
keanyoneisgoingt oworktoday .Even
brotherCalvinwashere.Yesterdaywashel l
ahect ic.
Weshutdownt hepart
ywi t
hdr i
nking.Weplayed
alcopol y
.Jessi
caandLelov olunteer
edtolookaf ter
theki dswhenwe' r
edrunk.Iwasmor ethanhappyt o
drink.
Qui
ntonv ani
shed.Hecall
edlat
ersayi
nghe'
sfl
ying
toDurban.Si
sipho,Yezweandthetwi
nsl
eftaf
terthe
par
ty.Becauseschool.
Bongacamei
nsweat
ingandpant
ing.
Me:
"It
houghty
ouwer
eatwor
k"
Bonga:"No.Iwokeupwi t
hav erybadheadache"I
chuckl
ed.Ifthehouseburneddownl astni
ght,
ther
ewould'v
ebeennosur viv
or s.
Hedr
ankwat
er.Andexhal
ed.
Me:
"Br
eakf
asti
sready
"
Bonga:
"I'
l
lgor
inseof
fthesweat
"
Me:
"Okaybaby
.WakeMt
houp"
Henoddedandwentup.
Icar
ri
edext
raf
orkst
othedi
ningr
oom.
Ty
ler
:"Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ogetusf
at?
"
Me:
"May
be"t
heyl
aughed.
Khule:
"Whathappenedl
astni
ghtshal
lnev
er
happen"
Cal
vi
n:"
Ihav
en'
tdr
ankl
i
ket
hati
n5y
ear
s"
Lel
o:"
Yesandy
ougav
eawayourbr
andnewcar
"
Us:
"What
?"
Cal
vi
n:"
Irepl
acedi
t"
Lel
o:"
Youst
il
lgav
eitaway
"
Khul
e:"
Whodi
dhegi
vei
tto?
"
Lel
o:"
Somewoman.Hi
sgi
rl
fr
iend"
Cal
vi
n:"
Shewasn'
tmygi
rl
fr
iendbaby
"
Chr
is:
"Weshoul
dfet
chi
t"
Kat
lego:
"Isecondthat.
"Wel aughed."
Jessi
ca
pl
easepassmet hesalt"shedid."
Thankyou.When
ar
ewepr epari
ngforyourwedding?"
Jessi
ca:
"Mymom andIar
eoni
t"
Kat
:"Your
eal
l
ywannawedwi
thahugebel
l
y?"
Jessi
ca:
"Yes.Hehast
obebor
ninawedl
ock"
Khul
e:"
He?
"
Jessi
ca:
"I'
mjustpr
edi
cti
ng.Wher
e'sKhet
hiwe?
"
IsawKat
legor
oll
herey
es.
Ty
ler
:"She'
supst
air
s."
Jessi
ca:
"Shesl
eepsal
otforawife.It
hought
mamkhulusai
dnooneshouldsl
eeppast9"
Khul
e:"
AtEst
cour
t.Nother
e"t
hatcameoutabi
t
col
d.
Me:
"Icecr
eam any
one?
"
Jessi
ca:
"Isn'
ttoocol
dforI
cecr
eam?
"
Shehasahor
semout
h!
Chr
is:
"It
snev
ert
oocol
dforI
cecr
eam"
Bonga:"Amen!
"Hewasfol
lowedbyKhet
hiweand
Mtho.Thetubci
rcl
edar
ound.Theyl
ovei
cecream
i
tsinsane.
Khet
hiwe:
"Mor
ning"shesatnextt
ome.
Us:
"Mor
ning"
Mt
ho:
"Ial
mostdi
edl
astni
ght
"
Khule:"
Her
e'sgr
andpa.DaddyTy
lercamet
oour
rescue"
Mt
ho:
"Thanky
ou.
"
Weate.Laughi
ngatol
dst
ori
es.Iwoul
dn'
ttr
adet
his
f
ort
hewor ld.
Themenwentoutf
orasmokeaf t
erwefi
nished
eat
ing.Mt
hoandBongawentupst
air
s.Wer emai
ned
al
one.
Lel
o:"
lastni
ght
'ssex"
Kat
:"mmmhdonott
akemet
her
e"
Khet
hiwe:
"Iwi
shIwasn'
tthr
owi
ngupt
hewhol
e
ni
ght"
Jessi
ca:
"Andt
ookawaymychanceofget
ti
ng
some"
Khet
hiwe:
"Idi
dn'
taskhi
mtocome"
Jessi
ca:
"Youcoul
d'
vebeenf
aki
ngf
or-
"
Lel
o:"
Jessi
ca.
"
Jessi
ca:
"What
?She'
sal
way
ssi
ckwhenev
erTy
ler
hastobewi
thme"
Me:"Youshoul
dlayy
ourcompl
aintwi
thhi
m.Not
her
e"
Jessica:
"Why?Thepersonwho'salwayssi
ckisher
e.
Ishouldbetel
l
inghertostop"Khet
hiwegotupand
walkedupthestai
rs.
Kat:"
Thiswouldn'
tbesohar difyouactedl
essofa
spoi
ledbratJessi
ca.Ev er
ydayyouhavesomethi
ng
tosay.You'
rehereforTy l
ernotKhet
hiwe.I
fyou
conti
nuewiththi
sthingofalwayspicki
ngupaf i
ght
youwillbever
yunwel comeinmyhouse"
Shegotupandwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.
Jessi
cagotupandwentupt
hest
air
s.Lel
olookedat
me.Ishr
ugged.
Wedecidedt
ocl
eart
het
abl
eandgobr
east
feedour
babi
es.
..
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Nothingbeat
sbei
ngwiththesebaboons.Our
r
elati
onshipi
sati
t'
sbest.Brot
her
hoodiseven
t
ighter.
Tyl
er:
"Youguy sar
enodif
fer
entfrom thewoodst
ove
smokepipe.The20isout
"hepickeditup."
Only5
l
eft
"
Cal
vi
n:"
It
sChr
is"
Chr
is:
"Ismokedonl
y4"
Me:
"Met
oo"wel
ookedatCal
vi
n.
Cal
vi
n:"
Wel
lI'
mtheol
dest
.Youcan'
tcompet
ewi
th
me"
Chr
is:
"Soy
oukeepsay
ing.Hasany
onecheckedon
Q?"
Tyl
er:"
YeahIspoket
ohi
mint
hemor
ning.He'
s
shut
ter
ed"
Me:
"Hewi
l
lbef
ine"
Ty
ler
:"When?
"
Me:
"Whent
het
imei
sri
ght
"
Tyl
er:"
Andwhenisthat
?Tellmesomethingyou
guys,
hasanyofyoueverbeenkeptawayfr
om the
womany oul
ove?
"
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
tht
his?
"
Tyl
er:"
Itakethatasano.Whyarey
ouputti
nghim
thr
oughthathellofbei
ngr
obbedof
fthechanceof
l
ove.Helovesher "
Chr
is:
"Andy
ouwoul
dknowt
hathow?
"
Tyl
er:"
BecauseIwasasmiserabl
easheiswhent
he
wholeDubeclant
oldmetostayawayfr
om
Khet
hiwe"
Me:"Andy ouwentaheadwi thherandwel ost12
peopl
e!Somet hingthatcoul
d'v
ebeenav oidedify
ou
hadli
stenedtoy ourelder
s.Samethingisgonna
happenifQuintonevergoesbacktot hatgir
l"
Ty
ler
:"Hel
ovesher
!"
Chr
is:
"Andbesi
deherbei
ngSam'
sdaught
er.She'
sa
chi
l
d!"
Tyl
er:"
Loveknowsnoage.Andasf
arasIam
concer
ned.Ever
ywomaninthi
shomeisachi
ld"
Me:
"She'
s22.Bonga'
sage"
Tyl
er:
"Ihat
etobr
eaki
ttoy
oubuty
ouguy
sar
eful
l
ofshi
t"
Cal
vi
n:"
Tyl
er"
Hewal
kedbacki
nsi
de.
Calv
in:"
Ineedt
ogosomewher
e.Iwi
l
lseey
ouguy
s
l
ater"
Chr
is:
"let
'sgocheckoutthepr
ogr
essofev
ery
thi
ng
att
heDubeconstruct
ion"
Me:
"Thatact
ual
l
yisagoodi
dea"
Weal
ll
eft
..
..
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
GodknowsIr
egr
ett
hedayImett
hiswoman.I
i
mpregnatedar adi
o.I
fitwasn'
tforthef
actthatI
wantthi
schildtoberight
ful
l
yminewheni ti
sbornI
swearIwould'v
elethergohonestl
y.
Jessi
ca:
"Iaskedaquest
ion"
Me:
"Whati
syourquest
ionJessi
ca?
Jessica:"
Whydoyouactl
ikey
oul ov
emei nfrontof
yourpeopleandt
henbehi
ndcloseddoor
sy ouare
verydist
ant"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
"
Jessi
ca:
"Whenl
astdi
dyout
ouchme?
"
Me:
"Yest
erday
"
Jessi
ca:"
Imeansex.I
tsl
i
keal
lyouwant
edwasto
pl
antthi
sbabyonmeandnevert
ouchmeagai
n"
Me:
"Youwoul
dn'
tbel
i
evemei
fIt
oldy
ou"
Jess:
"Tr
yme"
Me:"I
tscustom.Wear enotal
lowedt ohavesexwi
th
ourpregnantwomen.Ihaveav er
ydarkpastand
sl
eepingwithyoui
snotgoodf orthebaby.Pl
usI
havesexwi t
hKhet
hiwe,thel
astthingweneedis
hav
ingourbabycat
chal
lthebadv
ibesonme"
Jess:
"Whydi
dn'
tyouj
ustt
ell
meatf
ir
st?
"
Me:
"It
houghty
ouwer
eokaywi
thi
t"
Jess:
"Ar
eyougonnaspendt
heni
ghtwi
thme?
"
Me:
"Uh.
..
Ipr
omisedBongawewil
lgooutf
ordr
inks.
We'
l
lbebackar
oundmidnight
"
Shenoddedandwalkedout
.Si
nceKhet
hiwefound
outIhav
en'
tbeenabletobei
nti
matewi
thherfurt
her
thanaki
ss.
Herat
ti
tudemadeitworse.NowIcan'
tev
enki
ssher
.
ButIt
ryfort
hesakeofpeace.
Khet
hiwecameoutoft
hebat
hroom.
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
eher
e"
Khet
hiwe:
"Whatdoy
oumean?Thi
sismyr
oom"
Me:
"Ofcour
se"
Khet
hiwe:
"Whydi
dyoul
i
etoher
?"
Me:
"I'
mtaki
ngy
ououtt
oni
ght
"
Khet
hiwe:
"No.Takeherout
.Ihav
eameet
ingI
shoul
dpr
epar
efort
oni
ght
"
Me:
"We'
l
ldoi
ttoget
hert
hen"
Khethiwe:"
Nobaby.Yest
erdayy
oushoul
d'
vespent
thenightwit
hherandyouendedupher
e"
Me:
"I'
l
lseey
oul
ater
"
Iki
ssedherandwal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Iwokeupal l
alone.Shewasnowherei
nsight
.I
foundanoteont hefri
dget
hatshe'
sgonetoa
present
ati
on.
Itext
edhertot
akeanuberbackher
e.Herf
ather
couldbet
racki
ngthecar
.
Icookedwhilewai
tingforher
.Ical
l
edthet
ri
ple
tr
ouble.Theycoul
dutterafewwordsnow.
Itur
nedthest
oveof
fandt
ookabeeroutoft
he
fr
idgeandwentt
owatcht
v.
Themaindooropened.Shesmil
edwhenoureyes
met.Aner
voussmilethoughandal
owwav e.She
wasinasui
t.Sobeaut
if
ul.Shel
ookeddi
ff
erent
.
Morebeaut
if
ul.
Me:
"Iwasn'
texpect
ingy
out
hisear
ly"
Yol
i
:"Iwast
hef
ir
stone"
Me:
"Ar
eyougonnat
akeaseat
?"
Yol
i
:"Yeah.Ofcour
se"
Shetookoffherheel
sandsatont
heot
herendof
thecouch.
Me: "
Yourhai
rwashangi
nglastni
ght"shenowhad
cornr
ows.That'
swhyshelookeddi
ff
erent.Herbi
g
for
eheadwasoutondispl
ay.
Yol
i
:"Ist
art
edof
fatt
hesal
oni
nthemor
ning"
Me:
"Whatt
imedi
dyouact
ual
l
ygetup?
"
Yol
i
:"5am"
Me:"
Youcangety
ourownper
sonal
hai
rdr
esseri
f
youwantone"
Yol
i:"
WhywouldIwantmyownper
sonal
hai
rdr
esser
?"
Me:
"Soyouwil
lnothavetowakeupat5am t
ogot
o
t
hesal
on"shechuckl
ed.
Yol
i:"
Idomyhaironceamont
h.Idon'
tneeda
per
sonalhai
rdr
esser
"
Ishi
ft
edclosert
oher.Ipi
ckedherl
egsupt
omyl
ap
andgaveherafootmassage.
Me: "Myt winbr otherwasmar ri
edbef ore.Tot he
womanhel ov eddear ly.Herfathernev erlikedt he
i
deaoft hem bei ngtogetherbuthegav et hem hi s
blessingsany way .3year si
ntot hei runion.Theyhad
adaught er."It urnedtol ookather ."Ihaveav ery
scarypast .Iusedt o..
.commi tal otofcr i
me.Ki ll
somet imes"shedi dn'
texpressanyemot ion.I
clearedmyt hroatandcont inued." Yeah.So, oneof
theday sadeal wentwr ong.Itledt oaphy sical fight
whichl edtoshoot i
ng.Imanagedt oescapeandr an
tomypar ent'shouse.Wewer eint henei ghbor hood.
IthoughtIhadl ostthem.Unf ortunat elyIdi dn't.They
foll
owedmet her eandst ar
tedshoot ingst raightat
thehousej ustacoupl eofmoment safterIgoti n
andpassedheront hesinkwashi ngdi shes.Iwi shI
hadt houghtf ast erthattheycoul dbef oll
owi ngme.
Allthebul l
etsthatweremeantforme.Shecaught
them.Herf at
hertookherdaughterandpr omi sed
hellifweev ertrytogetcl
osert
ohi sfami l
yev er
again.Hehat esus.AndnowImety ou.Ireali
zedthe
resembl ance.Iwashopingyouar en'
trelated"she
frowned." Mybr ot
her'
swifewasNzuza' sdaught er
.
Yoursi ster
.Theoney ousawont hepi ct
ur e.
"
Yol
i
:"Wai
twai
twai
t.What
?"
Me:
"Yes.
Yoli
:"It
oldy
ouwhomydadi smaybe2or3day
s
aft
erwemet .Youknewal
lthatl
ongbuty
ousti
l
l
wantedme?"
Me:"Yes.Iwashopi nghewil
lmaybeaccepti
twhen
hefi
ndsoutbutno.Heabduct edus,hadourasses
beat
ent oapulp.Toldmet ost
ayawayf r
om youor
el
sehe'l
l comeafterever
yonewelove.Knowi
nghim,
hemeanti t.
"
Ilookedatheragai
n.Shewascr
ying.Ibr
oughtheri
n
forahug.
Yol
i
:"I
'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"It
sokay
"
Yoli
:"Iwi
shyouhadt
oldmet
het
rut
hinst
eadof
vani
shingonme"
Me:"Iwasscar
edhemi ghtki
ll
mykidsandsendy
ou
awaywhereImightnev
erfindyouagai
n"
Yol
i:
"Thener
veofhi
m.Ican'tbel
i
evehi
mri
ghtnow.
"
Shemovedoffme."
I'
m gonnatal
ktohi
m"
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'
sagoodi
dea.
"
Yol
i
:"Sowhatdowedonow?Sneakar
ound?
"
Me:
"It
'sgonnabef
un"
Shechuckl
ed.
Yol
i
:"That
'swhyy
out
oldmet
ouseuber
?"
Me:
"Yeah.Wher
e'sy
ourcar
?"
Yol
i
:"Atmypl
ace.ThatwasBen'
s"
Me:
"Oh.Whyar
en'
tyousur
pri
sedbyal
lthi
s?"
Yoli
:"Ev
ery
thi
ngthathappenedwhenIwasn'tt
here
i
snoneofmybusi ness.I
'
m sadt ohearmysi
ster
passedonthatway.ButI
'm saddermyfat
heri
s
keepingawayherchi ldfr
om it
'sfather
.Heoutofall
peopleshouldn'tl
etthathappen.She'stur
ning4in
mont hs.Shedoesn'tdeservetobecaughtupi nall
thi
sdr ama.Theyar en'
therparents.I
tdoesn'tmatt
er
whatki ndofl
ifetheycouldgiveher,shealsoneeds
herfather"
Me:
"We'
l
lsor
titout
.Wor
rynot
"Iki
ssedher
.
Yol
i
:"Hehady
oubeat
enup?
"Shel
aughed.
Me: "I
t'
snotfunnybabe."Shepr
essedherl
ips
together"Andjustsoyouknow.Myfamil
yisalso
againstthisr
elati
onshi
p"
Yoli
:"They
'r
eunf
air
."Shepaused."
Doy
oul
oveme
thatmuch?"
Me:
"YesIdoandIwi
l
lgi
vei
tal
lupf
orNzuzat
olet
mehaveyou"
Yol
i:
"Pr
omisemey
ou'
l
lnev
erl
eav
eme.Comehel
lor
hi
ghwater
s"
Me:"Ipr
omise.
"Shesmiledwi
tht
ear
sinherey
es
andhuggedmet henl
etgo.
Yol
i
:"Whydi
dyouwal
kawayl
astni
ght
?"
Me:
"BecauseI
'
m gonnagety
oupr
egnant
"
Yoli
:"Real
ly?
"Inodded."
Whoa.Weshoul
dusea
condom then"
Me:
"Itmi
ghtbur
st"
Yol
i
:"I
'
llgof
ori
nject
ion"
Whatonear
thi
swr
ongwi
tht
hischi
l
d.
Me:"Wewil
lnotbehavingsexunt
ilI
'
vefixedyour
f
ather
'si
ssue"Igotupandheadedtothekit
chen.
Yol
i
:"Andwhenwi
l
lthatbe?
"Shesai
dfol
l
owi
ngme.
Me:
"Youwannahav
esex?
"
Yoli
:"Yes.
"Irai
sedmybr
ows."
Ihadaboy
fri
end.But
Idumpedhi m"
Me:
"What
?Whoi
she?
'
Yol
i
:"Noonei
mpor
tant
.Thatsmel
l
sni
ce"
Me:"
Iaskedaquest
ionYol
i
.Di
dyouki
sshi
m?Di
d
het
ouchy ou?
"
Yol
i:
"YesIkissedhi
m andnohe'
snevertouchedme.
Thenightwehadplannedt
ospendtoget
herIgot
ki
dnapped"
Me:
"What
?"
Yol
i:
"Itwasav
erygener
ousabduct
ion.It
hinkmy
dadwasmybehindi
t"
Me:"Hedidgreat
.JesusYol
iyouwer
epl
anni
ngon
sl
eepingwit
hhim?"
Yol
i
:"Yes.Youabandonedme"
Me:"
Ididn'
t.Isentyoufl
ower
syest
erday
.Howi
s
t
hatabandoningyou?"
Yoli
:"Whodoy outhi
nkwaski ssi
ngt heselips?
Touchingt hisass?Fir
ml ygrabbi
ngit?Pinningme
downont hebedandl eav emehangi ngbecausehe
hastot akeashower ?"Ichuckled.Igesturedforher
tocomecl oser.Shedid.Iki
ssedheral lt
hewayt o
herear.
Me:"Youdon'
tknowwhatt r
oubl
eyou'
rei
nvi
ti
ngfor
your
selfbywant
ingt
his"It
ookherhanddowntomy
pant
sandmadeherf eeli
t.
Yoli
:"Il
ovetroubl
eMrDube.Other
wiseIwould'
ve
ranoutthatdoorwheny
out ol
dmemyf at
herand
y
ourf
ami
l
yar
eagai
nstt
his.
"Shewhi
sper
edback.
Ir
estmycase.Thisl
it
tl
ev oi
cet
hatkeepsontel
l
ing
metosleepwit
hherandgetherpregnanti
sget
ti
ng
st
rong.ButI
'
m str
onger.
Me:"
Dishupforusandstopbei
ngaper
ver
t"she
gi
ggl
edandtookoutplat
es.
Me:
"Ineedt
opee"
Yol
i
:"Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e."
Ir
anupst
air
s.
Il
ookedatmyr efl
ecti
ononthrmir
ror.Icoul
dn't
washof ft
hegri
nonmyf ace.Iam gr
atefulf
or
whateverthi
ngthatmademef l
ydownher elast
ni
ght..
..
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
Chapt
erFor
ty-
One
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
2weeksl
ater
..
.
I
tdidn'
ttakethatmuchtogathert
heinf
ormati
onI
haveacquir
edonNzuza.He'sasdirt
yasall
the
busi
nessmenoutt her
e.
He'
sjustgoodathidi
ngit.Qui
ntonisbackwi t
hthe
gi
rl
.Iseem l
iket
heonl yonetoknowaboutt hat.
Theyaretr
yingt
heirbesttohi
deitbutI
'm notthe
onetohideanyt
hingfrom.
Ihear
dasof
tknockandt
hedooropened.
Lel
o:"
Arey
out
ryi
ngt
odi
einher
e?"
Me:
"No.Iwasf
ini
shi
ngupaf
ewt
hings"
Lel
o:"
It
s10now.Comet
obed"
Iturnedofft
helapt
opandwewal
kedout
.Ihear
d
voicesfr
om downstai
rs.
Me:
"Ist
her
eany
onet
her
e?"
Lel
o:"
No"
Me:
"Geti
nther
oom.I
'
llbeback"
IsawKhul
ecomingupthest
air
s.It
urnedtoseei
f
she'
sgot
tent
otheroom.Shewassti
llatt
hedoor
.
Me:
"It
sKhul
e"
Lel
o:"
Okay
"shegoti
n.Iwentdown.
Theywer
eal
lher
e.
Me:
"What
'sup?
"
Khule:"Qui
ntoni
sst
il
lseei
ngYol
anda.Ir
ecei
veda
textfr
om Sam"
Tyl
er:
"Can'
twejustki
l
lhi
m andgetal
ongwi
thour
l
iv
es?"Khul
eeyedhim.
Khul
e:"
Youhav
etot
alkt
ohi
m"
Me:
"Who?
"
Khul
e:"
Qui
nton"
Me: "
Saywhat
?Ifthatbeati
ngandt
hreat
sNzuza
gaveoutdi
dnotkeephim away.Whatmakesyou
thi
nktal
ki
ngtohim wil
l?"
Chr
is:
"There'
snothi
ngasstupi
dasamani
nlov
e.
He'
sri
skingever
yone'
sli
ves"
Me:"
Meetmet omor
rowmorning.I
tshi
ght
imey
ou
st
oppeddanci
ngtoSam'
stune"
Tyl
er:
"Iknewy
ou'
dfixthi
s.Unl
ikesomepeopleI
knowwhowouldr
athereatpoopifNzuzat
oldthem
j
ustbecauset
heydon'
twantt
hei
rki
dst
aken"
Chr
is:
"Shutup"
Chr
is'
sphoner
ang.Heexcusedhi
msel
f.
Me:"Youfai
l
edyourdaughterKhulekani.I
fyouhad
wentaheadandlethi
m getyouarrested.You
would'
vehadful
laccesstoyourchil
dbynow.But
youchosefr
eedom overher
"
Khul
e:"
Iwant
edwhat
'
sbestf
orher
"
Me:
"Nol
i
fei
sbestwi
thanabsentf
ather
"
Chr
iscamei
nrushi
ng.
Chr
is:
"HehasKat
legoandt
heki
ds"
Khul
e:"What
?Damny ouQuinton!
"Theyr
ushedout
.I
wentupst
air
stogetajacket
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Herewegoagai n.Li
vingi
nf earandhavi
ng50men
walkingupanddownt heyard.Someplantedi
n
everyroom i
nt hi
shouse.Theonl ypl
aceyoucanbe
andnotseet hem isthebathroom.
Whateveritisthatthi
sgir
lhasonQui ntonisver
y
str
ong.Heknewv er
ywellt
hatbeingwithher
endangersev er
yone'sl
iv
esbuthest i
llwentahead.
Thekindofl ovethatmakesyourecklessofyour
ownchildren'ssafet
yisnotheal
thy.He'sacti
ngli
ke
someoneundert hespel
lofsomesor t.
WhenKhul ecamei nherelastnightr
ushingtohis
safe.Hecouldn'
teventalk.Ibecamecrippledfora
coupleofsecondswhenhet oldmethatKat l
egoand
thekidshadbeentakenont hei
rwayhomef r
om
here.Theguardswereshot .1passedon, 3were
takentohospit
al.
Bei
ngusisnotsaf
e.Guar
dsornoguar
ds.Whoev
er
wantst
ogettousdoes.
Justbywatchi
ngt hesemenst andi
ngst
il
li
never
y
corneroft
hishouselikest
atuesIgotdi
zzy.
Iwasonlywithmyki ds.Whohadnosi ngl
eideaof
whatishappening.Theywer ecrawli
ngaroundon
thei
rstomachs,chasingnothing.Ihat
ehowbi g
they'
vegrown.Theyar enolongermycut el
itt
le
thi
ngs.Ifeel
li
ketheirserv
ant.TheyonlyrememberI
exi
stwhenIhav
etobr
east
feedt
hem.
Itur
nedontheTV.I'
veneverbeenboredbyaTVthis
much.Mymi ndwasjustwanderi
ngaround.I
ts
12pm andIhaven'
thear
dfrom anyofthem.It
ook
myphoneandt ext
edLeloaski
ngifCalvi
nhascal
l
ed.
Shewasaswor ri
edasIwas.
"Reall
ynow?Ihat ethi
sli
fe"Itur
nedtowherethe
voicecamef rom.ItwasEmi andKhethi
we.I
chuckled.Theylookedi
rr
itat
ed.
Khethi
we:"
We'r
egoodnowbhuti
.Ther
e'snoneedto
accompanyuseveni
nsi
de"t
heyguar
dturnedand
l
eft.
Theyt
ossedt
hei
rbagsont
hecouchacr
ossandsat
down.
Khet
hiwe:
"Whydowehav
etol
i
vel
i
ket
his?
"
Me:
"Becausewehav
epeopl
eli
keQui
ntoni
nthi
s
f
amil
y"
Emi:"
Whatonear thiswr
ongwi
thhi
m?Ther
e'sal
ot
ofDurbanhott
ies.Whywoul
dhebewit
hsomeone
heshouldn'
tbewi t
h?"
Khethi
we:"No.Qui
ntonisn'
tthepr
oblem her
e.Sam
Nzuzais.I
tsbeenyear
s.There'
sabsolut
elynoneed
forhi
mt obesti
lll
i
kethi
s"
Me: "
Hehaseveryri
ght.Hisdaughterdi
edunder
thei
rhome.Andnowhi sotherdaughteri
sdati
ngthe
verysamemanhi solderdaught
ertookabull
etfor
?
Comeon, ev
eryparentwouldactthisway"
Emi:
"Let
'sj
ustpr
ayhedoesn'
thar
m Katandt
he
ki
ds.
"
Me:"Hewon't
.Heisj
ustscari
ngt
hese2apart
.Q
shoul
dreal
lymakeuphismindaf
tert
hiswhol
ethi
ng
hasblownover
"
Khet
hiwe:"
Itbet
terbl
owov ersoon.I
tsonl
y
WednesdayforChri
st'
ssake.Ihavesomuchwor
kto
do"
Emi
:"Met
oo.Wor
kinghal
fdayi
sn'
tgonnahel
p"
Me:
"Whyhal
fday
?"
Emi:"That'
swhattheysaid.Theycall
edBradand
tol
dhim Iwill
bewor ki
nghalfdayfrom t
odayunt
il
the"f
ami l
ycri
sis"i
sover.Peoplear
egonnastart
t
alki
ngt
hereatwork.Thinki
ngI
'm gi
venspeci
al
t
reat
mentbecauseI'
mf ucki
nghi
m"
Me:
"Wel
lthat
'st
rue"
Emi:"
Calvi
nlegi
ttol
dhi
m Idonotneedt
hatj
ob
any
way "
Wel
aughed.He'
sjusthi
m.
Theygoti nfol
l
owingeachot
her.Theyl
ooked
ter
ri
ble.Igotupandmetthem hal
fway.Hekissed
myf orehead.
Khul
e:"
Ineedabat
h"
Me:
"Yeahsur
e.I
'
llmakey
ouf
ood.Heyguy
s"
Theygreetedbackandwalkedalongtothr
ow
themselvesonthecouches.It
akeitwesti
llhaveto
gothroughthi
sdayprayingfort
heirsaf
ereturn.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Ii
ronedt
heclot
heshehadt akenouttowear.They
cl
eanedoutt
heirmount
ainousplat
es.It
sli
kethey
hadn'
tat
ein2months.WhenKhul eandChri
scame
t
ogetTy
ler9.Hehadj
ustf
ini
shedeat
ing.
Hewalkedout.Lookingal lsort
sofdr ained.
Someti
mesIl aughthinkingoft hehellJessicaputs
hi
mt hr
oughbutt odayIfeel sorryf
orhi m because
she'
l
lcauseunnecessar ydr amaalthoughsheknows
he'
stootroubl
edabouthi skidsandwi febeinglost
.
"Fort
hesakeofpeace"ashealwayssayswhenev
er
hedoesanythingf
orher
.He'sbuyi
ngherahouse.
Shelegi
tchoseahousewor t
h2mi l
li
on.They
'r
esti
ll
worki
ngont hepaper
work.Shewil
lmoveinsoon.
Me:
"Yourey
esl
ookl
i
ket
heygonnaf
all
off
"
Tyler:
"If
eelli
kemybr ai
nisgonnafl
yout.Wespent
thewholenightlooki
ngatallt
hepossi
blepl
aceshe
could'
vestashedthem atbutnol
uck"
Me:
"Sowher
ear
eyougoi
ngf
rom now?
"
Tyl
er:"
Toourrel
iabl
eguys.
"Hepausedandtur
ned
tome."Thi
sisgonnasoundwei
rdbutI'
m nott
hat
worr
ied"
Me:
"What
?Why
?"
Ty
ler
:"I
tsHawuandhi
ssi
ster
swhi
char
ehi
s
str
engththatgotabducted.Theygeti
nact
ionwhen
needed.SoIfeell
iketheycangetoutoft
hismess
wit
houtourhelp"
Me:"That
'sj
ustv
erycr
azybabe.They
'r
eki
ds.Take
t
hisbri
efnapandgofi
ndthekids"
Tyl
er:
"Whent
heycoul
djustsnakeal
ltheway
home."
Heli
edonhisstomach.Ismoot
hlyr
anmyf
inger
son
hi
sback.Heli
kesbei
ngbabied.
Eachdaymyhear tgetsbett
er.Especi
all
ynowt hatI
haveseenJessicai
sn'tsoimportantasIthought
shewas.MaybeIshoul dfi
nall
ygiveinandgoback
toournor
mal sexli
fe.We'v
ebeenhav i
ngoral.Hi
m
doingmenottheotherwayar ound..
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Ther
ewer
eguar
dsi
nev
erycor
ner
.Theyl
etmei
n.
If
oundEmiandKhet
hel
osi
tt
ingatt
hel
ounge.I
gr
eetedt
hem.
Me:
"Whyi
syourphoneof
f?"
Emi
:"Me?I
tmustbet
hesi
gnal
."Inodded.
Me:
"Where'
sever
yone?Ipi
ckedt
het
winsup,
kissed
t
hem andputt
hem down.
Emi
:"Upst
air
s.Sl
eepi
ng.
"
Me:
"Comeher
e.Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ou"
Shegotupandwentoutt
otheback.
Emi
:"Hav
eyouf
oundt
heki
ds?
"
Me:
"No.I
'
m wor
kingont
hat
"
Emi
:"Bhut
izadoy
our
eal
i
zet
het
roubl
ewe'
rei
n?"
Me:
"Yes.IneedJason'
snumber
s"
Emi
:"Idon'
thav
ethem.
"
Me:
"Ineedt
ospeakt
ohi
m"
Emi:"Icangi
vey
ouhi
saddr
ess.Hemustbeatwor
k
though"
Me:
"Okay
"
Wewal kedbackin.If
oundKhuleandChris.I
greet
edthem.KhuletoldEmiandKhethel
ot otake
theki
dsupstair
s.Theydid.Somuchjudgementi n
t
hei
rey
es.
Chr
is:
"Ar
eyouhappynow?
"
Me:"
Iwishy
oupeoplecoul
djustl
eav
emeal
one.I
t
oldyouIwi
ll
findt
hem"
Khul
e:"
Whyt
heFuckdi
dyougobackt
othatChi
l
d!"
Me:"Howmanyt
imesdoIhav
etot
ell
you.Il
ove
her
!"
Chri
s:"
Soy
oul
ovehermor
ethany
oul
ovey
our
ki
ds?"
Me:"
You'
rewast
ingmyt
ime"Iwal
kedont
otheexi
t.
Khul
egr
abbedmebymyarm.
Khule:"St
ayt hehel
lawayf
rom her
.Whenwef
ind
thekids.Staythehel
laway
!"
Me: "
Uy ahl
anya.Bot
hofyou.Idon'
tknowwhat
substanceyou'r
eabusi
ngbutnidaki
we"
Isnatchedmyarm awayandwalkedout
.Whot
he
hell
dot heyt
hinkt
heyAre?Nx.
Ical
l
edJason'
sof
fi
ce.Askingi
fhe'
sin.ThePAt
old
mehe'si
nameeti
nginWy nber
g.
Idr
ovet
ohi
sof
fi
ceany
way
.
Myphoner
angasIpul
l
edupinthei
rpar
kingl
ot.I
t
ookadeepsi
ghandanswer
ed.
Me:
"Mama"
Yol
i
:"Youl
i
ed"
Me:
"About
?"
Yol
i
:"Ihappenedtoseet
heemailfr
om mydadand
manymor emessagesfr
om y
ourbrothersonyour
l
apt
op"shit.If
orgott
ocl
oseandlockit.It
oldhert
o
l
eavethehousewhyisshest
il
lther
e.
Me:
"Idi
dn'
twantt
obot
hery
ou"
Yol
i
:"Hav
eyouf
oundt
heki
ds?
"
Me:"No.I
'
m somewher
etomeetaguywhomi
ght
hel
pme"
Yol
i
:"I
'
llt
ryt
ofi
shoutwher
ehei
s"
Me:
"Nost
ayoutoft
his"
Yol
i
:"By
eIl
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Yol
anda"t
hel
i
newentdead.Ical
l
edherback.I
t
wentst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.
It
ext
edher
.
"Thi
sisbet
weenIandy
ourf
ather
.St
ayt
hehel
lout
ofit
"
Acarpar
kednextt
omi
ne.Jasongotout
.Ni
ce.
Igotout
.
Me:
"Jason"
Het
urnedandf
rowned.
Jason:
"Dube.Am Ii
ntr
oubl
e?"
Me:"
No.Ineedyourhel
p"hest
aredatmef
orawhi
l
e.
"
JasonIdon'
thaveal
lday"
Jason:
"Of
cour
se.
"
Heledt
hewayin.Whyar
ewomensosmi
tt
en?
Gr
eeti
ngsal
lthewayt
otheel
evat
or.
Jason:
"You'
rechar
mingmyempl
oyeespant
sof
f"
Me:"
Youmeant
otel
lmeal
lthesewomenar
e
si
ngl
e?"
Jason:
"No.
"
Me:
"Sot
heyar
echeat
ing?
"Hechuckl
ed.
Jason:"No.Theyareadmi
ri
ngyou.Thel ast
magazineyouwer eonyouwereshi
rtl
ess, t
hatwas
enoughtogetwomendr ool
ingwherevertheysee
you"
Me:
"They
'r
echeat
ers"
Jason:
"Ir
estmycase"
Wegottohisof
fi
ce.Heof
fer
edmeadr
ink.Andwe
satdown.
Me:"Ineedy
ourhel
p.Someonehasmywi
feandmy
chi
l
dren"
Jason:
"Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
emar
ri
ed"
Me:
"She'
sChr
is'
s.Pr
act
ical
l
ymi
net
oo.
"
Jason:
"Oh.SohowmayIbeofhel
p?"
Me:"
Ineedyout
ot r
ackthatsomeone'
slocat
ionf
or
me.Hackhi
saccountsi
fneedbe"
Jason:"Whoa.Doyouknowthekindoftr
oubleIgot
i
nt othelastt
imeIdi
dthat
.Averydangerousdrug
Lordcall
edKushorwhatev
erhisnameist ookmein
andmademyl i
feali
vi
nghellsonobecausenobody
keepsmepr ot
ectedfr
om thebadguysyouwantme
todigdi
rton.Sono"Calv
inisadrugLord?
Me:"
There'
l
lbenoonet opr
otecty
ouf
rom cause
whenIf
indhimI'
m gonnaki
llhi
m"
Jason:"
I'
mr eal
l
ysor
ryy
ourki
dsar
eindangerbutI
can'
thel
py ou"
Me: "Okay
.Getmehi
slocati
ononl
ythen"he
narrowedhisey
esasthoughhewasdeepinhi
s
thoughts.
Jason:
"Icanal
sodi
gupdi
rtbutwhat
'si
nitf
orme?
"
Me:
"Moneyof
cour
se"
Jason:
"Thi
scompanyi
srunni
ngverysuccessf
ull
y.I
makeami l
l
ioni
fnot2aweek.Soputupabet t
er
off
erDube"
Me:
"25%oft
heDubeLogi
sti
cs"hesmi
rked.
Jason:
"Ver
ytempt
ingbutno"
Me:
"Whatthehel
lman?Eachminut
ethatpassesi
s
t
hefur
thermychi
ldr
enar
egoingwit
hthispunk"
Jason:"
IwantEmi.Iwantyout
ovouchf
orme.To
herandtoyourbr
other
s."
Me:
"Udaki
we"
Jason:"
Thechoi
cei
syours.Igi
vey
ouwhaty
ou
want.Yougi
vemewhatIneed"
Me:
"Shehasaboy
fri
endy
oudumbass"
Jason:
"Ther
e'st
hisnewt
hingcal
l
edbr
eakup"
Me:"
Makeyour
sel
fav
ail
abl
eatKhul
e'
shouse
ar
ound6"
Jason:
"Dowehav
eadeal
?"
Me:
"Ihat
eyouf
ort
his"
Igotupandlef
t.Itext
edt hesei
diotst
ostayhome
andrest
.Becauseassoonaswef i
ndNzuza'
s
l
ocati
onwe'reheadingthere.
.
..
.
WhenIarr
ivedhome.Isatt
her
eli
steni
ngt
oGod'
s
sonscr
uci
fyme.
Nzuzasentav i
deoofKat
legobeggi
ngt
hem nott
o
hur
therchil
dren.
Ical
l
edJason.Thesunhasset.Cal
vinhadgot
ten
bust
edthathe'
sourbrot
hersother
ewasnowayhe
candowhathedidlastt
ime.
Hehadsomei nfor
mationonhi
m butitwas
point
lessbecauseNzuzawouldki
llt
hem becausei
ts
taki
nghimt ojai
lanyway.Wewerenowwaitingon
Jason.
Khul
ewaswal
ki
ngupanddown.Maki
ngev
ery
one
di
zzy.
Cal
vi
n:"
Cany
oupl
easesi
tdown"
Khul
e:"
No"
Me:"
Weareallasanxi
ousbutbei
ngal
lov
ert
he
pl
acei
sn'
thel
ping"
Khule:
"Youshutt
hehell
up.Godknowswhatam I
gonnadotoyouifhehurt
sthem.
"
Me:
"Hewon'
t"
Khul
e:"
Didy
ouseet
hev
ideo?
"
Me:"Yes.
"Theopened.Jasoncamei
npul
l
ingahuge
asssuit
case.
Hequi
ckl
yst
opped.
Jason:
"Yousetmeup?
"
Me:"Sety
ouup?"Hepoi
ntedatCal
vi
n."
Oht
urned
outhe'
sourbr
other
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Eit
a.Canwegetdownt
owor
k?"
Jasonmov
edf
orwar
duncomf
ort
abl
y.
Tyler
:"I
tsgonnabeokayJay
.Di
dhet
ryt
oki
l
lYou
too?"
Jason:
"Hedi
dfarwor
set
hant
hat
"
Tyl
er:"
Iknow.Heki
l
ledmet
oo"ohGodnott
his
agai
n.
Cal
vi
n:"
Tyl
erwehav
easer
iousmat
terher
e"
Tyl
er:
"What?Arey
ouashamedy
ouki
l
ledus?Don'
t
beashamed."
Me:"
Jason.Gety
ourt
hingsr
eadyI
'
m aboutt
ocal
l
hi
m"
Jason:"
Fir
stl
y.Di
dyout
ell
them whatIwanti
n
ret
urn?
"
Me:
"NotnowJason"
Cal
vi
n:"
Whatdoeshewant
?"
Jason:
"Emi
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Fucky
ou"
Jason:"
Nzuza'sphonesareveryhardt
otrack.Onl
y
meandmay be3ofhackerswhoar eabl
etotrace
untr
aceabl
ephones.Andt hosehacker
sli
veinNew
Orl
eans,KenyaandBeij
ing."
Khul
e:"
Justopent
hedamnequi
pment
"
"
Idi
dn'
tknowyouhat
edmet
hismuch"shesai
dand
r
anbackupst
air
s.
Calv
in:
"Shi
t.I'
l
lgot
alkt
oher.Iwanty
out
ohav
e
tr
acedhim downwhenIgetback"
Jason:
"YesSi
r.
"
Heopenedhi
ssuit
case.Hef
iddl
edt
hroughi
t."
You
maymakethatcal
l
"
Idi
aledhi
scel
l
.Itr
ang.
Khethel
ocamedown.Shel
ookedmad.Khul
e
at
tendedher
.
Nzuza:
"I'
mli
steni
ng"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lst
opseei
ngher
"
Nzuza:
"HowdoIknowy
oumeani
t?"
Me:
"BecauseIl
ovemyki
ds"
Nzuza:"
MaybeIshoul
dkill
oneofthem soyou'
l
l
makesureyoudon'
teverstepany
wherenearmy
daught
er"
Me:"There'
snoneed.
"Jasongavemethumbsup.I
hear
dt hegungooffandababycry
.Icl
enchedmy
j
aws.
Me:
"NzuzaIsweart
oGod-
"hehungup.
Ty
ler
:"What
?Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
"
Iexcusedmyself
.Igottotheki
tchenandbal
anced
againstt
hecounter
.I'
m gonnashoothi
m!
GodknowsIwi
l
lifdar
eshur
tthem.
Ty
lercame.
Tyl
er:
"Theguardssayther
e'sYol
andaVi
l
akazi
att
he
gat
e.Itol
dthem t
oletheri
n"
Me:
"Ar
eyoucr
azy
?"
Ir
ushedt
othemai
ndoor
.
Theycamei
nfi
rst
.
Yol
i
:"Thesear
ever
ymanypeopl
e.Goodev
eni
ng"
Iwentt
oher
.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Yol
i
:"Tocleanupourmess.Wannaki
ssme"she
waswhisperi
ng.
Me:
"Ar
eyoudr
unk?
"
Yoli
:"Yeah.Ineedcour
aget
ofaceyouandy
our
people.Hievery
one.MynameisYol
i"
Khul
e:"
Weknowexact
lywhoyouar
e.Thequest
ion
i
swhatarey
oudoi
nghere??
"
Shemov
edmeoutherway
.
Yol
i:"
Thi
sisverycr
eepy.I
t'
slikeyou'
rest
andi
ngher
e
wit
hmeandal sost
andi
ngt herenextt
oyourot
her
wif
e.CanIhaveachai
r?"
Ipul
l
edachai
rforher
."Thanky
ou.I
tisv
ery
unfor
tunat
ethatwegettomeetundersuch
ci
rcumstances.
"Shepausedandgi
ggled.Godt
ake
menow.Howdi dsheevenfi
ndme?
Me:
"Youcan'
tbeher
ebaby
"
Yoli
:"Why ?Mynamei sYol andaeveryone.Yol
iin
short.I
'
m sorryforbeingdrunk.Ihopethis
i
mpr essiondoesn'tl
ast.I
'
m av erydecentlady
.Tell
them baby"
Me:
"Youar
emyl
ove.
"
Chr
isandKhul
ewer
elooki
ngatme.
Jason:"
Okay.He'
sinMi
drand.Hislocat
ioni
sn'
t
steadyt
hough.He'
smovi
ngar ound"
Yol
i
:"I
sthatmydad?
"
Me:
"No"
Khul
e:"
Yes.Andy
ouknowwhathetook?Myki
ds.
Youknowwhy?Becausey
ouandQuint
onar
e
st
upi
d"
Yol
i:
"Well.Wi
thal
lduer
espectwear
en'
tst
upi
dwe
ar
einlov
e"
Chr
is:
"Lov
ethatput
sev
ery
onei
ndanger
"
Yol
i:"
Past
orChri
s.Hi
"Thi
sisn'
tthet
imebutIf
ound
mysel
fchuckl
i
ng.
Ty
ler
:"Canwenowgot
oMi
drand?
"
Yol
i
:"No.Ihav
eapl
an"
Cal
vi
ncamedown.
Cal
vin:
"Hav
eyouf
ound-whoa.Whati
sshedoi
ng
her
e?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Nobodyknows"
Yoli
:"YoumustbeKhethel
o.I'
veheardalotabout
you.Andgreet
ingsbr
otherCal
vin.Maybeyouaren'
t
madatmeast heset
wo.Ihaveapl an.
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Yes?
"
Shetookherbagandt
ookoutwhatseemedl
i
ke
handcuff
s,duckt
apeandarope.
Ty
ler
:"It
houghty
'al
lwer
en'
tshaggi
ng"hewhi
sper
ed.
Me:
"Wear
en'
t"
Ty
ler
:"Thesear
ebondaget
hings"
Me:
"Ihav
enoi
deawher
eonear
thshegott
hose"
Yol
i
:"Qui
nton.Comet
ieme"
Khul
egotupandt
ookt
hebagwi
thhi
sguns.
Khul
e:"
Thi
sismadness"
Yoli
:"You' reveryimpat i
ent .List
ent ome.Iam my
dad'
spr eciousgi f
t.Hewoul dgiveany t
hingtokeep
mesaf e.Ishott hebody guar dhesentf orme.To
makemypl anreal.Ipunchedhi m acoupl eofti
mes.
Don'twi deny ourey esbabyIcal l
edhim an
ambul ance.Ishothi m ont heknee.He' l
lbeabl
et o
walkright ?Well I
'm nott here.Hurryupt i
emebef or
e
hecallsmydadandt ellshim Ishothi m.Ourplan
wil
lbedoomed.Doy ouhav eadar kerroom?"
Me:
"What
'sy
ourpl
anYol
i
?"
Yoli
:"Who'
st hescari
esthere?Br otherCalv i
n.Yes,
You'r
etheonet hat'
sgoingt ovi
deocal lhi
m.Show
met i
edinachai rcr
yingandbeggi ngformyl if
e.He
wil
lgobananas.Tellhimt ogivey out hekidsin
exchangeforhisbeautif
uldaught er.Thatthingyou
sentQbrotherCalvi
ny ou'
lluseitaf t
erthismesst o
getPhil
a.Notnow. "
Cal
vi
n:"
Takehert
othemedi
tat
ionr
oom Mamnguni
"
Yol
i:"
Ineedcof
feet
otamedownt
hisal
cohol
orel
se
I
'l
lpassout.
"
Ty
ler
:"Comi
ngr
ightup"
Theyl
eft
.
Cal
vi
n:"
Ili
keher
"
Khul
e:"
Ohpl
ease!Justgoanddot
hatf
reaki
ng
cof
fee"
Ty
ler
:"You'
resobi
tt
er.Jasony
oucanl
eav
e"
Jason:
"Wher
eto?I
'
m par
toft
hef
ami
l
ynow"
Cal
vi
ney
edhi
m.
Calv
in:"
I'm gonnaki
ll
you.Justseewhatyoucan
fi
ndinhiscloset.Wemighthavesomethi
ng
i
nterest
ing"
Jason:
"Oni
t"
Khul
e:"
Whati
fitdoesn'
twor
k?"
Cal
vi
n:"
Itwi
l
l"hewal
kedupst
air
s.
Thi
spl
anofmydr
unkgi
rl
fr
iendwi
l
lact
ual
l
ywor
k.
I
'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
hisDecember
..
..
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erFor
ty-
Two
•
••
[
Emi
]
Ireal
lycan'
tbeli
evet
hem.NotsolongagoKhul e
waseat i
ngmeal i
vefort
aki
nghimtoat herapi
st.
Nowt hey'
resuddenl
ysodesper
ateforhishelpand
they'
resell
i
ngmet ohim.
IventedtoAmo.Shesupposedtocomev isi
tinJune
butshehadbacktobackcareerexpos.Herartwas
real
lytaki
ngherpl
aces.
OnlyGodknowswhatisgoingondownther
e.I
couldn'
tsl
eep.Ihav
en'
tseenBongaandMtho
anywheretoday.
Ical
l
edBonga.I
trangunanswer
ed.Ical
l
edMt
ho.
Mt
ho:
"Aunt
iza"
Me:
"Hey
.Wher
ear
eyouguy
s?Ar
eyousaf
e?"
Mt
ho:
"We'
reatourpl
aceandy
eswear
e.Ar
eyou?
"
Me:
"YesIam.Wher
e'sBonga?
"
Mt
ho:
"Upst
air
ssl
eepi
ng.
"
Me:
"Makesur
eal
ldoor
sar
elockedokay
"
Mt
ho:
"Okay
.Goodni
ght
"
Me:
"Goodni
ghthun"
Ihungup.Thedooropened.It
urnedmyfl
ashl
i
ght
on.Heblockedt
heli
ghtwithhi
shands.
Me:
"Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Jason:
"Emi
?Wher
e'st
heswi
tch"
Me:
"Whatswi
tch?Getout
"
Jason:
"Canwet
alk?
"
Me:
"No.GetoutorIwi
l
lscr
eam"
Jason:
"5minut
es"Isi
ghed.Hefoundt
heswi
tchand
tur
nedthel
i
ghtson.Hesmiled."
Hi"
Me:
"4mi
nut
es.
"
Jason:
"Imi
ssy
ou"
Me:
"Idon'
t.It
houghtwewer
efr
iends"
Jason:
"Ar
eyouhi
ghonbr
iyani
?"
Me:
"Wal
kof
fdude.Iwannasl
eep"
Jason:
"Whydon'
tyout
akemycal
l
sany
mor
e?"
Me:"
Becauseyou'
rer
uiningmyr el
ati
onshi
p.Tel
lme.
Whydidyoul
eaveyourtableti
nthatcar
?"
Jason:
"Because-
"thedooropened.Ty
lercamei
n.
Tyler
:"Iknewy ouwereuptonogood.Wesaidlast
room downt helef
tcorr
idory
ouasshol
e.Getout"
Jason:
"Icamet
osaygoodni
ght
"
Tyl
er:
"She'
s23shedoesn'
tneedbedt
imest
ori
es.
Getl
ost"
Hegotout
.Ipul
l
edt
hecov
erov
ermyhead.
Tyl
er:
"Justsowe'r
eclear
.Iwasn'
tpar
toft
hepl
anof
tr
adi
ngy ou.Goodni
ght"
Heswi
tchedof
fthel
i
ght
sandwal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Nzuzawal
kedupanddownwai
ti
ngonhi
sment
o
gi
vehimfeedback.
Hekeptt r
yingYolanda'
sphonebuti
ttookhi
m
str
aighttovoicemail
,maki
nghim ev
enmor e
fr
ustrat
ed.
JackandSpor
row.Hi
sri
ghthandmengoti
n.
Jack:"
Wef
oundhercarbesi
det
her
oadwi
thopened
doors"
Nzuza:
"AndGi
zar
ds?
"Gi
zar
dsi
sthemanhesentt
o
guar
dYoli
.
Sporr
ow:"
Nowherei
nsi
ght
.Wef
oundhi
sphone
ther
eatt
hecar
."
Nzuza:
"Tr
aceYol
i
'sphone"
Jackwasj
uststar
ingathi
stab.Hegul
pedand
l
ookedatNzuza."
What?"
Jack:"Uhm.It
...
itl
ooksl
ikeYolihasbeen-
"Nzuza
snatchedthetaboutofhishands.
HelookedatYol
icr
ying,
tiedonachai
rwi
thher
dr
essripped.
Sam pl
ast
eredt
het abonSpor
row'
schest
.Hi
s
handswer
eshaking.
Nzuza:"
Gett
heboy
sonst
andby
.Wehav
ea
missi
on"
Jack:
"YesSi
r"
Theywal
kedoff.Hegroanedandbangedthet
abl
e
befor
ehi
mt hebott
leofwhiskeyf
ell
off.
Hisphonerang.I
twasapri
vat
enumber
.He
answeredwithhi
shandst
rembli
ng.
Nzuza:
"Wt
fyouwant
?"
Cal
vi
n:"
Myki
ds"
Nzuza:
"MadonnawhatI
'
m aboutt
odotoyoui
sn'
t
f
ri
endly
.Rel
easemydaught
erimmedi
atel
y!
"
Cal
vin:"Wil
lyouber
eleasi
ngmywi
feandmy
chi
l
dr en?"
Nzuza:"Iwi
l
lgother
eri
ghtnowandshoott
hem al
l
dead.Youhearme!"
Cal
vi
n:"
AndIwi
l
ldot
hesamet
oyourdaught
er"
"
Baba!Pl
easehel
pme!
"Yol
icr
iedi
nthe
backgr
ound.
Nzuza:
"MadonnaI
'
m gonnaki
l
lyou"hesai
dcal
mly
.
Calvi
n:"Webothgonnadie.MeetmeatWater
fal
l
sportsgroundat12midni
ght.Notami
nut
elate.
Bringwhat'smineandI
'l
lgi
veyouwhat
'sy
oursand
thenwegooursepar at
eways"
Nzuzahungupandcol
l
apsedonachai
r.He
r
epeatedl
ycur
sed.
..
{
AtHappy
'shome}
Herni
ececamet ocal
lher.Sheputonahoodi
eand
f
oll
owedtheli
tt
legir
lout.
Happy
:"Wher
ear
ethey
?"
Niece:"Ingogo'sroom"theyhel dhandsastheywent
there.Sheknockedonceandwenti n.Hermother
wasal readyinsi
dethecov ers.Hersist
erwassitt
ing
onthechai rbefor
et hedressingtable.
Hermom:"Comesither
e.Whyarey ouwear
inga
hoodi
e?I
stheheat
ernotwarm enough?"
Happy
:"Yes.I
'
mfr
eezi
ng"
Hermom:
"Youcant
akei
tof
fandgeti
ncov
erswi
th
me"
Happy
:"Not
hanky
ou.Youcal
l
edmeher
efort
hat
?"
Hersist
er:"
No.Si
ncey
ouar
ri
vedher
eyou'
vebeen
avoi
dingus"
Happy:"
Real
l
y?I
'
m sor
ry.Wor
khasmebymy
ni
pples"
Hermom:
"Takeof
fthehoodi
e"
Happy
:"Mom Iam col
d"
Hermom: "
Takeitof
fHappi
ness"shesnapped.
Happyst
artl
edandtear
sfi
ll
edhereyes.
Hersi
ster
:"Howf
arar
eyou?
"
Happy
:"15weeks"t
ear
srandown.
Hermom:
"Whoi
sthef
ather
?"
Happy
:"Idon'
tknow"
Hersi
ster
:"How?
"
Happy
:"I
twasaoneni
ghtst
and.I
'
m sor
ry"sher
an
out
.
Hersi
sterandhermot
herl
ookedateachot
her
..
..
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Idon'
tknowwhatdr uggedmebutIwasoutfora
coupl
eofmi nut
es.Ireal
izedt
heki
dswer
en'ther
e.I
pani
cked.Theli
ghtwasnowdi m.
Thedooropened.
Me:"Wher
earemyki ds?
"Hesl
appedmesohar
dmy
nosest
art
edbleedi
ng.
Nzuza:"
Yourmenthinktheycanplaysmar
twit
hme?
Iwil
lki
l
loneofyour-wherearethey?
"Ij
ustl
ookedat
hi
m.Het ookoutagunandputitonmyhead.
Nzuza:"WheretheFuckaret
hey?"Iwi
shIhadany
tear
stocr yri
ghtnow.Thi
sangerIhadri
ghtnow!I
fI
coul
dhav ethisgunonmyhandI '
dshoothi
m wit
hall
thebul
letsinther
e.
Hesl
appedmeagai
n.Andwal
kedar
oundt
her
oom.
Hewal
kedoutl
eav
ingt
hedooropened.
If
eltsomet
hingsmoot
hrubbi
ngagai
nstmyf
eet
.I
sl
owl
ysentmyey
esdownt
olook.
Me:
"Nonononoy
ouguy
s.No.Tur
nback!
"
Icl
osedmyey es."Si
kelel
aSi
sekel
oHawu.Iam dead
ser
ious.Ihav
eat err
ibl
ephobi
aofsnakespl
ease"
Oneoftheenormoussnakeswrappedi
tsel
far
ound
me.If
elttear
swarmtheirwaydown.
Itunwr
appedaf
teracoupleofmi
nuteswhi
chfel
t
l
ikehourst
ome.Icouldn'
tbri
ngmysel
ftoopenmy
eyes.
Ifel
tloose.Iwasn'
tti
edanymore.Isai
dali
tt
le
prayerandopenedmyey es.Theywerenowbythe
door.
Me: "
He' sgonnashooty ou.Comebackhere"
whoev erthatwasswi rl
edout.Thesecondone
fol
lowed.Thet hi
rdonecamebackt ome.Ijumped
overitandr anout.Theother2wasnowher einsi
ght.
The3r donewasbehi ndme.Iheardmalesgroan.I
rantot hedoorthatseemedl i
keitl
edoutsi
de.
It
ri
edpul
l
ingi
t.I
twasl
ocked.
"
Goi
ngsomewher
e?"Isl
owl
ytur
nedand
i
mmediat
elyputmyhandsupwhenIsawagun.
Wher
e'st
hedamnsnakeIwaswith?Theseki
ds!
Nzuza:
"Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"
Idon'
tknowwhathappenedIjustsawhim ont
he
fl
oorrol
l
ingsi
detosi
decov er
inghisey
esscreami
ng.
Nzuza:
"Youbi
tch!Whatdi
dyoudo?
"
Thi
sismychancet
okickhi
sass.Iwentov
ert
ohi
m
andki
ckedhi
m.Hekeptshout
ingJack.
Me:"Wher
ear
ethekey
s?Iwi
l
lfr
eaki
ngshooty
ou
r
ightnow"
Hetookthem outofhi
spocket
.Al
ongwi
thcarkey
s.
Fant
asti
c.
Me:
"Ki
ds!Let
'sgo"
Iwentt
ounl
ock.
Me:"Si
sekelo!"Theywerethereoutsidethedoor.
Backtothei
ror i
ginal
beings.It
ookt hem tothecar
.
Howam Igonnaspeedwi ththem notinthei
rcar
seat
s?Ireversedout.Thereweremenl y
ingdown
gr
oani
ngl
i
ket
heonewel
efti
nsi
de.
Me:"Whatdidyoukidsdotot
hesepeopl
e?"Luckil
y
t
hegat ewasopen."Whyarey
ousoquiet?
"Iturned
t
helightonandlookedatt
hem ont
herearvi
ew
mir
ror.
Theywer ebusywithdrumsticks."
Wher edi
dyouget
those?"Isuddenl
ysmel l
edKFC.Ipul l
edupand
checked.Therewasabucketandbr ead."
Youguys!
I'
m alsohungryyouknowt hat?"It
ookmyshareand
droveawayeat i
ng.
Idi
dn'
tev
enknowwher ewewere.Ij
ustsett
hegpr
s
tol
eadushome.Ineedtobat
h..
.
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
I
twasgett
ingcl
osert
o12am.Hi
sphonewasj
ust
r
ingi
ng.Noanswer
.
Chr
is:
"St
il
lnoanswer
?"
Me:
"Yeah"
Khul
e:"
Iknewt
hispl
anwasn'
tgoi
ngt
owor
k"
Tyl
er:"
Ifby12hehasn'
tansweredwewi
l
lgost
rai
ght
toMidr
andandkil
lifwehaveto"
Qui
nton:
"That
'
sv er
yunnecessar
y.Nomor
ebl
oodi
s
goi
ngtobeshed.Nott
histi
me"
Me:"
Yeah.I
fwegot
her
ewegonnat
alkl
i
keadul
tst
o
Sam.
"
Chri
s:"
Why?Qui
ntoni
sn'
tpl
anni
ngonbr
eaki
ngup
wit
hthegi
rl
"
Qui
nton:"
Ift
here'
ssomeonewhosebl
oodhast
obe
spi
l
led.I
twil
lhavetobemine"
Hesai
dandwentt
otheki
tchen.
Khul
e:"
Wakemeupwhenwear
eleav
ing.Thi
sisal
l
toomuch"
Hewal
kedupt
hest
air
s.
Iwentout
sidef
orasmoke.Whatki
ndofmessi
s
thi
s?
Myphonerang.I
twashim.Honest
ly.Iwasnol
onger
mad.Khul
ewasr i
ght
.Thi
sistoomuch.
Me:
"Ar
eyout
her
eyet
?"
Nzuza:
"Theyescaped"
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumeant
heyescaped?
"
Nzuza:"
Shefuckingescaped!She'
sdr
ivi
ngcl
osert
o
Khul
e'shouse.I
'
m comi ngtogetmydaught
er"
Ihungup.Iwentt ot
hefront.I
ndeedacarf
lashed
l
ights.Theyopenedthegate.I
tdrov
ein.
Iwenttowar
dsit.Shegotout
.Hert
-shi
rtwasbl
oody
.
Shestart
edcry
ing.Ipul
l
edhercl
oser.
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.Di
dhehur
tyou"wel
etgo.
Kat
lego:
"Mynosebl
ed.
"
Me:
"Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
"
Kat
lego:
"Att
heback"
Iopenedthedoor.Theywer
efastasl
eep.Ipicked2
shetooktheotheroneandwewalkedinsi
det he
house.Chri
srushedtousandhuggedher.Shecried
evenmore.IgaveHawut oQui
nton.
Me:"Hesai
dhe'scomi
ngt
ogetYol
i
"Qui
nton
huggedKat
lego.
Qui
nton:
"I'
m sor
ryy
ouhadt
ogot
hroughal
lthat
"
Kat
lego:
"It
'sokay
.Ihadmyher
oeswi
thme"
Chr
is:
"Ar
en'
tyouhungr
y?"
Katl
ego:"
WefoundKFConthecarwest
ole.Al
lwe
needisabat
handsleep"
Qui
nton:
"Thecary
oust
ole?
"
Kat
lego:"
Weescaped.I
'
mi nabigtr
auma.These
ki
dsaren'
tgoodf
ormydi abet
es"
Me:
"Taket
hem upst
air
s.We'
l
ltal
kint
hemor
ning"
Chr
iswentupwi
tht
hem.
Qui
nton:"
Howdi dthathapp-ohno.Theymust
'v
edi
d
t
hei
rmi r
aclebabi
esduties"
Me:"I
twasaboutt
ime.If
eel
rel
i
eved.Gowake
Yol
andaup"
Qui
nton:
"Okay
.Ineedt
osmokef
ir
st.
"
Hewal
kedout
.Khul
ecamedown.
Khul
e:"
Wher
e'sQui
nton?
"
Me:
"Out
sidesmoki
ng.
"
Khul
e:"
Chr
issay
stheyescaped"
Me:"Yeah.Nzuzacall
edandsai
dt hat.Kat
legowil
l
expl
ainever
ythi
ngwhenshehasr estedenough.For
nowlet'
swaitforNzuzatof
etchYoli"
Khul
e:"
Wher
e?"
Me:
"Her
e"
Khul
e:"
Whyher
e?"
Me:"
Becausei
tsaboutt
imeIputanendt
othi
s
madness"
Khul
e:"Idon'
ttr
ustt
hisman.I
'
llgettheguar
dst
o
dr
ivethewomenandki dst
oChris'
s"
Me:"Thekey
stoLel
o'sapar
tmenti
nSandt
onar
e
her
ewi t
hme.Theycangother
e"
Khul
e:"
Letmegohel
pKhet
hel
opackupf
ort
heki
ds"
Me:
"Ok"
Isatdownandleanedmyheadback.Ineedadecent
sl
eep.Itookoutmyphoneandt
extedLelothat
Katl
egoandthekidsar
ehomesafe..
.
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Igent
lyshookher
.Shecov
eredherhead.Imov
ed
thebl
anketoff
.
Me:
"Wakeup.We'
rel
eav
ing"
Khet
hel
o:"
CanIsl
eepf
orf
ewmor
emi
nut
es?
"
Me:
"Noy
oucan'
t.I
'
vepackedy
ourbags.Let
'sgo"
Shesatupst
rai
ght
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"
Me: "
Sandton.Nzuzaiscomingheretogethi
schil
d.
He'sverywickedyoucan'
tbehere"shenodded.I
gaveherther obeandgotup.It
ookthekids,
she
tookthebags.
Wemett
hecompl
aini
ngEmi
att
hedoor
.
Emi:"
Inmynextl
i
feGodbet
ternotmakemea
Dube"
Khet
hel
o:"
Met
oo.
"
Me:"
In30mi nut
esy
ouwi
ll
besleepi
ngon
comf
ortabl
ebedsst
opwhi
ning"
Theygotindif
ferentcar
s.Escor
tedbyguar
ds.Chr
is
andIstoodtherewatchi
ngthem dri
veaway.
Chr
is:
"Doy
out
hinki
tsgoi
ngt
ohel
pout
?"
Me:
"What
?"
Chr
is:
"Cal
vi
n'
sgat
her
edi
nfor
mat
ion"
Me:"Hedi
dn'
texpl
ainmuchonwhati
tactual
l
yisbut
heseemscer
tai
nthati
t'
sgoi
ngtowork"
Chr i
s:"
Ijustwantthi
swhol et hingtobeal
loverand
wecar ryonwithournormal lives.Ihadapati
entto
perform sheartsur
geryont odaybutIwast oo
distr
actedtodosomet hingliket hat
.Hepassedon
thiseveningaf
terafail
edoper ati
on"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ryman"
Chr
is:"
Ifeel
awful.If
ail
edher
.Shel
efther5mont
hs
chi
l
drenbehind"
Me:"You'
renotGod.Let
'
sgoi
nsi
dei
tsf
reezi
ngout
her
e"
Chr
is:
"Ineedasmoke"
Me:
"Let
'ssmoket
hen"
Het
ookoutapackofcigar
ett
es.Hegav
emeone.I
t
ookoutal
ight
erandl
itupforbot
hofus.
Me:
"Cr
yify
ouwantt
o"
Hebowedhi
sheadandsi
l
ent
lycr
ied.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Sherol
ledoverandpl
acedherhandonmyf ace.She
wil
ldenyitt
omor r
owwhenItellher
.HowIwi shI'
d
metherbeforeshedi
scover
edwhoherf atheri
s.We
would'
vebeenhappyforatl
eastforqui
tesomet ime.
Thealar
m Ihadsetwentoff
.Imovedherarm of
fme
andti
ckl
edherfeet.That
'
sthequi
ckestwaytoget
herup.
Yol
i
:"Qui
ntonpl
easedon'
t"shesai
dinasl
eepyv
oice.
Me:
"Wakeupsl
eepi
ngbeaut
y.Yourdaddyi
scomi
ng
t
ogety
ou"
Yol
i
:"Now?I
shecomi
ngwi
tht
heki
ds?
"
Me:"
Katl
egoescapedwi
tht
hem.Theyar
e
somewher
esafenow"
Yoli
:"That
'sgood.Wai
t.
..
"shesatonherbut
t."
They
escaped?"
Me:
"Yes"
Yol
i:"Andhe'
scomingtogetme? "Inodded.She
cl
imbedoutofbed."Thatcan'
tbegood.Whati fhe
hurt
sy ouguy
s?"
Me:
"Hewon'
t.Ar
eyouhungr
y?"
Yol
i:
"No.Iwanttopee"Ipoi
ntedatt
hebat
hroom
door
."Thankyou"sher
ushedin.
Ihear
daknock."
It
sTy
ler
"
Me:
"Comei
n"hedi
d.
Tyl
er:"
Isl
eepfor2hour
sandsuddenlywehaveonl
y
oneinthi
shouseandIdon'
tseeheri
nthi
sbed"
Me:"She'
sinthebat
hroom.Khul
edeci
dest
heygo
awaysinceSam i
scominghere"
Ty
ler
:"Hei
s?"
Me:
"Yes"hef
rownedl
ooki
ngatt
hewi
ndow.
Tyl
er:
"Thatmustbehi
m"Igotupt
olook.I
twas
hi
m.
Me:
"Let
'sgo"hest
oppedme.
Tyl
er:
"Idon'
tthi
nkthat
'
sagoodidea.St
ayher
e.Iwi
l
l
comeheretocally
ouwheni
tsti
met obri
ngYol
i
down"
Me:"
Ok"hewalkedout
.Istoodov
erthewindow
l
ooki
ngattheguar
dsgoingupanddowninspecti
ng.
Shehuggedmef
rom behi
nd.Sher
est
edherheadon
myback.
Me:
"You'
resoshor
t"
Yol
i
:"Thanky
ou.
"Ichuckl
ed.
Wewentqui
et.
Yol
i
:"What
'sgoi
ngt
ohappennow?
"
Me:"
Yougonnagohomewithyourf
atherandIwi
ll
humbl
emy sel
ftot
hegr
oundunti
lheall
owsmet o
bewit
hyou"
Yol
i
:"Thatt
hingy
ourbr
othersai
dhehasagai
nsthi
m.
I
sn'
tgoingt
owork?"
Me:"
Evenifso.Iwanthi
mt ogiv
eushisbl
essi
ngs
wi
ll
i
nglynotbecauseweblackmail
edhi
m"
Yol
i
:"Isee"
It
urned.Shewascr
ying.
Me:
"Don'
tdot
his"
Yol
i
:"I
'
m af
rai
dyougonnal
eav
emeagai
n"
Me:
"Iwon'
t"
Yol
i
:"Youdi
d"
Me:"
TrustmeIwon't.Iknowbet
ternow.Ipr
omi
se
youwewill
li
vepeacefull
yver
ysoon"
Icuppedherf
aceandki
ssedher
.
Thedooropened.
Khul
e:"
SweetJesus.You'
rest
il
lki
ssi
ngher
?"
Me:"Let'
sgobaby"sheputonhershoes.It
ookher
bagandwewal kedout.Ican'
tbefaci
ngNzuzaans
al
somydemoni ctwinbrotherwho'
smeanfor
absol
utel
ynoreason.
Thi
smeet
ingseemedv
erypeacef
ul.
Nzuza:"Let
'shopethisi
stheendgent
lemen.Cal
vi
n
putyourdogonl eash.
"
Yol
i
:"Keepwel
l
"
Theywal
kedout
.
Me:"Youli
edt
ohi
m andsai
dIwi
l
lnotseeher
any
mor e?
"
Chr
is:
"Qui
ntonf
ort
hesakeofpeace.Pl
ease!
"
Me:
"Whathappenedaboutbl
ackmai
l
inghi
m?"
Calv
in:
"Youneverwentt
ocleansethatman'
syar
d.
Youshould'
vet
ookananimaltothathometo
apol
ogize!
"
Me:
"Yout
hinkwedi
dn'
t?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Twi
ce?
"
Me:
"Yesandhet
hreat
enedus"
Cal v
in:"I
fhereal
lywant edyoubehindbar sdon'
ty ou
thinkhewould'vedidit?Yohdi dn'
tappeartobe
sor r
ytohim.From thisSaturdayonwardswewi l
lbe
goingt oECtobegandapol ogizetohim unt
ilhi
sego
hasenoughcomf ortdance.Ifyoureall
yloveYolias
youcl ai
my ouwilldoit.NowIhadv er
y2hect i
c
nightsinarow.Ineedt osleep"
Hewal
kedupt
hest
air
s.
Tyl
er:"Iwi
llbeyourleadermydearbrot
hers.Chr
is,
getyourpastoruni
formr eady
.Thi
sisgonnabef un"
MaybeIwasbett
erofwi
thoutanyf
eel
i
ngs.Thi
slov
e
shi
tcost
salot
..
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
Iwokeupi
naplaceIcouldn'
trecogni
ze.Ther
ewer
e
al
lki
ndsofal
cohol
bottl
esaroundme.
"Lookaty
oupar
tyani
mal.Getup.Mypar
ent
sar
e
gonnabeher
einanhour
"
It
ri
edt ogetup.MyheadwassoheavyIwant
edt
o
hi
titagai
nstthewal
l.Shewasi
nherundi
es.
Me:
"Whoar
eyouandwher
eam I
?"
Her:
"I'
m Boi
pel
oAndy
ou'
rei
nRev
oni
a.Whoar
e
you?
"
Me:
"Bonga.Howdi
dIgether
e?"
Boi
pelo:"
Idon'
tknow.Youjustcamewithyourshar
e
ofal
coholanddancedli
kei
twasy ourl
astdayon
ear
th"Ihonest
lywi
shitwas.Ifeel
li
keshit
.
Me:
"Di
dwehav
esex?
"
Boipelo:"Ican'
trecall
mucht hathappenedl ast
night"Icheckedmy self.Iwassti
lldressedas
yesterdaywhenIl eftthehouse.Shel aughed."
Rel
ax.
WeDi dn'
t.Youpassedoutwhi lestil
lkissi
ngme"
Me:"OhthankGod"sher
aisedherey
ebr
ows."
No
of
fense"
Boi
pel
o:"
Nonet
aken"
Icheckedf
ormybelongi
ngs.Theywer
eal
lst
il
lther
e.
JustR200missi
ng,
IassumeIboughtmor
ebooze
withi
t.
Isai
dmygoodby
e.
Boi
pelo:"Yourcarj
ustgotwashed.Ti
pmyl
i
ttl
e
br
other"Inoddedandwalkedout.
Iti
ppedtheki
danddr
ov eaway
.Ismeltl
i
keatar
ven.
Ical
ledPaul
.He'
shel
pingmetracedownHappy
.
Paul
:"Zebr
a"
Me:
"AmusemePaul
"
Paul
:"I
'
dlov
etobutdudei
tsaboutt
imey
ou
swal
lowedy
ourpr
ideandasky
ourf
ather
stohel
p
you"
Me:
"Notev
enal
i
ttl
ebi
tofl
ead?
"
Paul
:"Nope.She'
spr
obabl
youtoft
hecount
ry"
Me:
"Fuck.Mydadsar
egonnaf
reaki
ngki
l
lme"
Paul
:"Don'
ttel
lthem y
outoldhert
oter
minat
e.Just
sayyoufoughtoveraminorthi
ng"
Me:
"Theywi
l
lfi
ndoutIdi
dtel
lhert
oandki
l
lme"
Paul
:"I
'
llbeget
ti
ngmyf
uner
alsui
tthen.
"
Me:
"Fool
"
Ihungup.I '
m notr eadyt
odie.Thisi
sall
gogo'
sf aul
t.
She'smakingi thardformetof i
ndhersoIwil
lask
mycr azyassf atherswhowillpr
obabl
yshootme
deadwhent heyf i
ndoutItol
dhertoter
minat
et hei
r
grandchil
d.
Ihat
either
e..
..
[
2/26,
06:
39]Zozaness:
Chapt
erFor
ty-
Thr
ee
•
••
[
Khul
e]
It
'saboutti
meIwentbackt
othegym.Thefati
guesI
suff
erlat
elyneedmymuscl
estost
retchabi
t.I
madet hebedandwenttot
hebat
hroom t
owashmy
hands.
Idr
essedupandwentdownst
air
s.Thet
ri
plet
srant
o
me.
Me:
"Doy
ouguy
sev
ersl
eep?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
It
s9.Theyar
esupposedt
obeawake.
"
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Them:
"Mor
ning"
Me:
"IsChr
isatwor
k?"
Kat
lego:
"Yeah"
Me:
"Ty
ler
,Khet
hiweandQui
nton?Wher
ear
ethey
?"
Khethel
o:"Ty
lerwentout
.Khet
hiwei
supst
air
s.I
haven'
tseenQuint
on"
Me:"Ok"Isatdownnextt
oKat
lego.Emi
and
Khet
hiwecamedown.
Emi
:"Mor
ningmor
ning"
Me:
"It
houghty
oul
eftl
astni
ght
"
Emi:"
Idid.Andcamebackinthemorning.Iwasn'
t
gonnaspendsuchacoldSaturdayal
one.I'
m usedt
o
havi
ngmybabewi thme"
Khet
hiwe:"
Wewi
l
lgobackhomeonMondaywena
mylove"
Emi
:"Ican'
twai
t.Imi
sst
v"
Khet
hel
o:"
Butwehav
etv
"
Emi:"Theonet
hati
sal
way
spl
ayi
ngMrBean?No
thankyou"
Wel
aughed.Theyr
eal
l
yhav
etakenov
ert
heTV.
Khet
hel
o'
sphoner
ang.Sheanswer
edandgav
eitt
o
me.
Khet
hel
o:"
It
sQ"
Me:
"Sur
e"
Q:
"Youdor
ememberwear
etwi
nsr
ight
?"
Me:
"Yeah"
Q:
"Andy
oudon'
twantmet
odi
e?"
Me:"
Depends.Wher
ear
eyou?Whyar
eyou
whi
sper
ing?
"
Q:"I
'mindeepshitman.IendedupatSam'shouse
yester
day.Idon'
tknowhowbutI '
m her
e.Hetookall
ofthecarsoutofthegarageandhe'
swashingthem.
Iwassupposedt oleaveat6butby5hewasalready
upandr oamingaround"
Betweentwi
nsther
e'salway
sastupidoneandt
hat
i
sQui nt
on.WhyonearthwouldheendupatSam's
house?
Me:
"Youar
ever
yst
upi
dyouknowt
hat
?"
Q:
"Yep.I
'
m af
ool
.Pl
easecomegetme"
Me:
"No.I
'
llf
etchy
ourcor
pset
hough"
Ihungup."
Emi
gogetmyphoneupst
air
s"
Wearesupposedtogotheret
odayandapol
ogi
ze
buthedeci
dedtobestupi
d.
Khet
hel
o:"
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Me:
"Yeah.
"
Katl
ego:"
Whatt
imear
eyougonnagot
othe
Nzuzas?
"
Me:"
We'
ll
probabl
ygot
omor
row.BabNdodawi
l
lbe
comi
ngwit
hus"
Kat
lego:
"Okay
"
Emicamedownwit
hmyphoneItext
edCalv
inabout
hi
sbrot
herwho'
sst
uckatSam'
shouse.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Shekeptl
ooki
ngatmeandl
aughi
ng.
Me:
"Thi
sisn'
tfunny
"
Yol
i
:"ButIt
oldy
ouwe'
l
lov
ersl
eep"
Me:"Doy
ouunder
standt
hathewi
llshootmei
fhe
fi
ndsmeher
e?Andwhydidyoual
l
owmet ost
ay
over
?"
Yol
i
:"Youi
nsi
sted"
Me:
"Iwasdr
unk"
Yol
i
:"Beni
swor
kingsomet
hingout
.Wegonnaget
y
ououtofher
edon'
twor
ry"
Me:"I
fitmeansburni
ngthishousedownf ormet
o
getoutofher
ewithouthi
m noti
cing.Thensobei
t"
Yoli
:"Wai
t.I'
l
lbur
napaperandyougonnat
akei
tup
ther
eandt heal
arm wi
l
lgooff
"
Me:
"That
'scr
azy
"
Yol
i
:"Hhai
ke.Gobackt
othecl
osetIwannagoeat
"
Me:"
I'
m sti
lldi
sappoi
ntedy
ouact
ual
l
yli
stenedt
oa
dr
unkperson"
Shepushedmet ot
hecl
osetandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Myphonev i
brat
ed.
Me:"Youbet
terbecall
ingmewi thasol
uti
onof
get
ti
ngoutofhere"hewasl aughi
ng."
Am Itheonl
y
onewhodoesn'tf
indthisf
unny ?
"
Tyler:
" You'
reint roubl
e.Ofcoursey ouwon'tfi
ndit
funny.I'veorganisedfumigationteam tocomet her
e.
Yolibet t
ertel
l him nowthatthatherroom has
roaches.They 'll
comewi thanext raworksuitand
theny ou'l
lalldepartaft
ertheyaredone"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Howl
ongshoul
dIwai
t?"
.
Ty
ler
:"About30mi
nut
es.You'
resuchar
iskt
aker
."
Me:
"You,
Khet
hiweandYol
iar
est
upi
d"
Ty
ler
:"Wet
houghty
ouwer
ebehi
ndusf
orr
eal
"
Me:
"Wher
everman"
Itext
edYol
itomakeupast
oryf
ort
hoseguy
sto
comehere.
Thiscl
osetisj
ustanotherr oom.Ifi
tawigandspecs
topassti
me.Shedoesn' tl
ikej
eweller
y.I
'
venev er
seenherweari
ngbr aceletsorthosehugeearri
ngs.
Sheonlywearsthosetinyones.Theonest hatare
forl
it
tl
ekids.
Icameacr ossherdi ar
y.Itwasempt y
.Iputi
tback.I
openedanot herdrawertherewereherfacepai
nti
ngs.
Sheseemst oli
ket hi
sstuff.I
'
veneverseenher
weari
nganyl ipst
ickotherthanred.Shehaslot
sof
redl
ipst
icks.Isn'
t2enough?
Women.Shehaseyel
ashest
oo.Iopenedanot
her
one.Thi
schi
l
dneedsGodhimself
.
Shecamei
n.
Yol
i
:"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Me:
"Whydoy
ouhav
ethesebondaget
hings?
"
Yol
i
:"Fort
hef
utur
e"
Me:
"Yol
anda"
Yol
i
:"Yesbaby
?"
Me:
"Whyi
syourmi
ndsowi
l
d?"
Yoli:
"BecauseIdon'twantabor
ingsexl
ifeQuinton.
"
Shecl osedthedrawer."
Mydadboughtthestoryand
he'sveryall
ergi
ctothosechemi
calssohe'sgetti
ng
readyt ogotohisfri
end'
spl
ace.
"
Me:"
Thatist
hebestnewsI
'
vehear
dal
lday
.Wer
e
yout
hatconv
inci
ng?"
Yoli
:"No.Nqabai
stheonet
hatcamedownand
spoketohim"
Me:
"Who'
sthat
?"
Yol
i
:"I
tsmycousi
n"
"
Yol
i
!"If
roze.
Yol
i
:"Chi
l
l.That
'sBen"
Shewal
kedout
.
Ben:
"Let
'sper
for
mthatmagi
cony
ou"
Yol
i
:"Qwon'
tfi
ther
e"
Ben:
"Welldoeshehav eachoice?
"Ipeepedt
hrough.
He'
scrazy
.Hebr oughtasuit
case.Whatoneart
his
heevenwearing?
"Yol
i.You'
regett
ingnewmorecl
otheswhi
l
eyou
haveanimalsinhere?
"Shi
t!
It
uckedmy
sel
famongstcl
othes.
Yol
i:"
OhI'm att
endingaveryi
mpor
tantev
entl
aterI
hav
et of
itthesedresses"
Nzuza:
"Ok.Makebi
scui
tsf
ory
ourf
ri
endher
e."
Yol
i
:"Ar
eyoul
eav
ing?
"
Nzuza:
"Yes.Don'
tcookwe'
l
lgoout
"
Yol
i
:"Okayby
e"
Ihear
dfoot
stepsf
adeaway
.It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
"
Theyhav
ear
ri
ved"Amessagef
rom Ty
lerr
ead.
Yol
icamei
n.
Yol
i
:"Hehasl
eft
.Come"
Me:
"Yousawhi
m get
ti
ngi
nthecaranddr
ivi
ngof
f?"
Yol
i
:"Yes.AndIcanseey
ourf
eet
"
Icameout
.
Me:
"Wher
e'sBen?
"
Hebudgedi
n.
Ben:
"I'
m her
e."
Me:
"I'
m gonnaneedy
ourcarkey
s"
Ben:
"No"
Me:"
Whatarey
ouev
enwear
ing?
"Hepat
tedhi
s
bl
ackaf
ro.
Ben:
"Idi
dn'
twanthi
mtor
ecogni
zeme.
"
Yol
i
:"I
'
llmakey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
"
Me:"
ThankyoubutnoIneedt
ogohome"I
st
ret
chedoutmyhandtoBen.
Ben:"
Thi
sisBenabuse. "Hehandedthekey sov er
.I
l
eftt
hem st
andi
ngt here.Iwal
kedasf astIcould.
Wait
ingf
orabull
ettopi ercet
hroughmyf leshatany
moment.Imadeitout.Ipassedthefumigat i
onguys.
Ihadnot
ime.
Iunlockedthecar.I
twasparkedabitf
arf
rom t
he
others.Ir
ushedthereandgotinanddr
oveof
f.
Ical
l
edTy
ler
.
Ty
ler
:"Youdon'
tknowhowmuchy
ourcal
lmeanst
o
me"
Me:"
Iwon'tbeneedi
ngy
ourser
viceany
mor
e.Thank
yout
hough"
Ty
ler
:"Asl
ongasy
ou'
real
i
ve"
Ihungup.Ikeptchecki
ngifther
e'snododgycar
fol
lowi
ngme.I '
m neverdr
inki
ngagain.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Onl
yGodknowswher
eQui
ntondi
sappear
edt
olast
ni
ght
.
Ifi
l
ledpopcorni
ntot
hecont
ainer
sandwentupst
air
s
totheminici
nema.
Kat
:"Thi
swi
net
ast
esl
i
kewat
er"
Khet
hel
o:"
Emi
ist
aki
nghersweett
ime"
Me:
"Themalli
sabi
tfary
ouguys"Ihandedt
hem
t
hei
rpopcor
nandputEmi
'sonherseat
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Thesesmel
lheav
enl
y"
Me:
"Theyt
ast
eheav
enl
ytoo.
"
Khet
hel
o:"
HasTy
lerhear
dfr
om Q?
"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
task.Letmeaskhi
m"
Khethelo:"Ar
eyousur
eyouguy
scameback
together?
"
Me:"
Yeah.Hest
ayedbehi
ndt
ospeakwi
thYol
iand
t
hen-
"
Kat
:"What
?He'
sst
il
lseei
ngher
.Youwer
ewi
thher
?"
Me:
"Yes"
Khet
hel
o:"
Andyoudidn'
ttel
lus?Hecoul
dbel
yi
ng
somewher
edeadKhethi
we"
Me:
"He'
sfi
newher
everhei
s"
Kat
:"SoYol
ii
swhoi
nvi
tedy
ou?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Khethel
o:"
Whydi
dyoul
i
eandsai
ditwasTy
ler
's
cl
ient?"
Me: "
Probabl
ybecauseyouwould'
vetol
dyourmen
andtheywould'
vecameandr ui
nedthewhol
ethi
ng.
Youguy sshoul
dseethem t
ogether
.Theyl
oveeach
other
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yeahr
ight
"
Me:"
Andt hatt
hingy
ousai
dtoheri
nthebat
hroom
wasreal
l
yunnecessary
"
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
mtr
yingt
opr
otectt
hisf
ami
l
yKhet
hiwe"
Me:"Maybet
hati
sn'
tyourplace.Youcoul
d've
appr
oachedheri
nanyotherway .Nott
hatone."
Khet
hel
o:"What?DidIhav
etotakehert
oaspa
maybeandkneelandaskhert
ostaythefuckaway
?"
Me:"Yesifthat
'swhatyouthi
nkisbetter
.Youcal
led
hera19y earol
dslayQueen.She's22,ol
denough.
Andherfatheri
sf i
l
thyr
ich.Whatisitt
hatyouthi
nk
she'
sactuall
ydiggi
ngfr
om Quinton?"
Kat
:"Youonhersi
denow?
"
Me:
"No.I
'
m onQui
nton'
ssi
de.Youandy
ourmen
thi
nkit
sonlyyouwhodeservetobelov
ed.Heloved
Chloeandshepassedon.HelovesYol
inow.You
guysaretoofocusedonwhatNzuzamightdobut
Quint
on'shappi
nessmatt
erstoo.
"
Kat
:"Whathemightdo?Hetookmeandt hekids.
Tel
lmeifhetookyou.Woul
dy ousti
ll
bebehindthis
madnessofarel
ati
onshi
pthatputsever
yone'
sliv
es
i
ndanger?"
Me:
"Youar
en'
tdead.Nzuzaki
l
lednoone"
Kat
:"Hesl
appedme!
"
Me: "
I'
m sor
ryt
hathappenedbutguysYol
iisn'
ther
fat
her.I
fyouwerei
nthesameposi t
ionofbreaki
ng
upwithyourmenwouldyoudoit?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yes!Youwentawayf
rom Ty
ler
"
Me:"
Later
.Aft
erpeopl
ehaddi
edandIwasgonna
comebacktr
ustme."
Kat
:"Nowy ouunder
standwhytheyhavetobreakup?
Wecan'thavemorepeopledy
ingjustbecuase
someoneisinl
ove"
Me:
"Ify
oual
lneedsomeonet
ohat
e.Lett
hatbe
Quint
onnotYol
i
.She'
sjustsl
i
ttl
esweeti
nnocent
soul.
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ohpl
ease"
Kat
:"Maybeyourey
eswill
openthedayNzuzasend
menwithgunstoatt
ackusandTyl
erfal
l
sav i
cti
m"
Me:"Lamuf el
lav i
cti
m butQnevertur
nedagainst
ourr
elat
ionship.SoyepIwouldsti
ll
beontheirside
wear
ingmybl ackmour ni
ngatt
ir
e"
Khet
hel
o:"
You'
rebewi
tched"
Ipi
ckedmygl
assofwi
neandpopcor
ns.Ineedt
obe
al
one.
Ican'
tst
andt
his.IbumpedonEmi
att
hedoor
.
Emi
:"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"I'
m good.Ij
ustneedt
oli
edown"
Shenoddedandwal
kedont
omyr
oom.
..
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Thepaper
wor
kgotf
inal
i
sedt
hismor
ning.Thehouse
f
inal
l
ybel
ongedt
oJessi
ca.
Shewasgoi
ngf
rom r
oom t
oroom.
Thef
oodIhador
der
edar
riv
ed.Thegentswer
e
comi
ngovert
oseet
hehousesoIorder
edenough.
Ical
l
edhert
ocomedownt
oeat
.
Jess:
"Thi
shouseneedsar
edo"
Me:
"Andwhyi
sthat
?"
Jess:
"Idonotl
i
ket
hemast
erbedr
oom'
scol
or"
Me:
"Ok"Yol
iwi
l
ltakecar
eoft
hat
.
Jess:
"Youl
ookbor
ed"
Me:"I
'
m notbor
edI
'
m hungr
y.Hav
eyouf
oundt
he
dr
ess?"
Jess:
"It
sreal
l
yhar
dtof
indadr
esst
hatf
it
sasI
want"
Me: "It
oldyouwecangosi gnandhavethe
ceremoniesaftery
ou'
vegivenbir
th"Cal
vi
nist heone
thatactual
lycameupwiththatpl
an.Myhear twon'
t
l
etmehav eaweddingwithherfi
rst
.Khethi
we
refusedthatwegetmarkednow.Shesaidshewant s
herst
obespeci al
.Donewi
thl
oveandpati
encenot
donejustbecauseIhav
etomarr
yJessi
ca.
Jess:
"Wi
l
lIchangemysur
name?
"
Me:
"Ify
ouwanty
es"
Jess:
"Okay
"
Weat
einsi
l
ence.
Jess:
"Imi
sssl
eepi
ngnextt
oyou"
Me:
"Met
oo"
Jess:
"Cany
ousl
eepov
er?
"
Me:"Yeahsur
e."Shesmil
edandhuggedme."
My
br
othersar
ecomi ngov
er"
Jess:
"When?
"
Me:
"Today
."
Jess:"
Wehav
en'
tev
enset
tl
edi
nyet
.Can'
tyou
cancel
?"
Myphoner
ang.Bonga.Iev
enf
orgotheexi
sts.
Me:"
No.Youcanwar mt
hefoodupf ort
hem when
t
heyarr
ive.
"Ianswer
edt
hecall
."Ial
mostwrotet
o
Khumbul
ekhay
a"
Bonga:
"Mysi
nscan'
tkeepmehome.Imessedup"
Me:
"Whatdi
dyoudo?
"
Bonga:
"It
oldHappyt
oter
minat
eachi
l
d"
Me:
"Whosechi
l
d?"
Bonga:
"Mi
ne"
Me:
"Ar
eyouondr
ugs?
"
Bonga:
"Nobaba.Ihav
en'tseenhersi
ncet
hatday
.I
havehi
redPI
sbutnoluck.Pleasehel
pme"
Me:
"Howl
onghasi
tbeen?
"
Bonga:
"About3mont
hs"
Me:"
Doy ouknowwhatar
etheygonnadot
oyou
whentheyf
indout
?"
Bonga:
"Yes.Iwashopi
ngy
ou'
l
lsof
tent
hem upf
or
me"
Me:
"Nope.Comehomeandt
alkt
othem"
Bonga:
"YouknowIcan'
tdot
hat
"
Me:
"Theny
oudon'
twantt
ofi
ndHappy
.I'
m so
di
sappoi
ntedi
nyou"
Bonga:
"Iknow"
Me: "
Comehome.Iwanty
out
obet
her
ewhenI
speaktot
hem"
Bonga:
"Thanky
ousomuchbaba"
Me:
"Youoweme"
Bonga:
"Ido"
Wesaidourgoodbyes.The4darkmenwalkedi
n.
Myfat
her'
sgenesarev er
ystr
ong.It
hankt
heAngel
t
hatBenwast al
ki
ngabout.
Me:"
Y'all
arequads.Samehei
ght
,compl
exi
onand
ev
ery
thing"
Cal
vi
n:"
I'
mjustmor
ehandsome.Gr
eet
ingsmommy
"
Jessi
ca:
"Hel
l
o.Howdi
dyouguy
sgeti
n?"
Calv
in:"Asknoquest
ionshearnol
i
es.Doy
ouhav
e
beer?"
Me:"Yeahsur
e"Itookoutthe6packIboughtonmy
wayhere.Qui
ntonwasjustlooki
ngar
oundli
kealost
puppy.
Chri
s:"
I'
m star
ving.Thel
adyIbuyf
oodf
rom wasnot
atworktoday"
Khul
e:"
Whydi
dn'
tyout
akeal
unchboxwi
thy
ou?
"
Chr
is:
"Idon'
tl
ikebr
ead"
Jess:
"Youcangot
othel
ounge.Iwi
l
lbr
ingy
ouf
ood
j
ustnow"
Wel
efther
.
Qui
nton:
"Ar
eyougonnar
edecor
ate?
"
Me:
"Shesay
sso"
Qui
nton:
"Ifso.Hi
reYol
i
"
Me:
"Ial
sot
houghtofher
"
Khul
e:"
Youkeepl
ooki
ngf
orway
stobr
ingheri
n"
Qui
nton:
"She'
sin"
Calv
in:"Nzuzaissogonnaki
l
lyou.Tomor
rowy
ou
shouldstaybehind"
Chri
s:"No.Hemustcomej ustsoNzuzawil
lshoot
himifhefeel
sli
keshooti
ngsomebody .Wher
edid
yougetthegutst
ogot othatman'
shouse?"
Qui
nton:
"Al
cohol
"
Khul
e:"
Itol
dyout
ost
ickt
oCast
leLi
te"
Me:
"Youshoul
d'
veseenhi
mtaki
ngi
nrawgi
n"
Calv
in:"
I'
m wor
ri
edy
oudi
dn'
tseehi
m getont
he
boot"
Chri
s:"I
'm ev
enmor eworr
iedaboutt
hatchi
l
dlet
ti
ng
yousleepatherf
ather
'shouse"
Q:
"Hernamei
sYol
anda"
Khul
e:"
Achi
l
dYol
anda"
Q:"
Khethel
oisonl
y25.She'
sal
soachi
l
dbutIdon'
t
cal
lhert
hat"
Me:
"Amen"
Calv
in:
" Heystopit.Nzuzaisgoingtogiv
ey ouguys
achance.Heknewy ouwer etheret
rustme.SoChris
andyouKhul egetridoftheSatanthatpushesyouto
beagainstthi
srelati
onship.Tomorr
owwe' l
lalso
apol
ogizethatQsl eptathishouse"
Q:
"Nope.Don'
t"
Khul
e:"
Wewi
l
l"
Chr
is:
"Ij
ustgotmor
ehungr
y"
Hewenttot
heki
tchen.Cal
vi
nandKhul
ewal
ked
out
side.
Me:
"Whathappenedt
oyourcheek?
"
Q:"
Calvi
npunchedme.
"Thi
sonei
sver
yabusi
ve.I
l
aughed.
Me:
"Iwoul
d'
vepunchedy
out
ooi
fIwasol
der
"
Q:
"Tsek"
Me:
"Dude!
"
Hewentt
otheki
tchent
oo.
Jessi
cacame.
Jess:
"Yourbr
other
shav
etakenov
ert
heki
tchen.I
wil
lgoli
edown"
Me:
"Okay
"
Shedoesn'
tl
iket
hem atal
l
.Idon'
tknowi
fit
s
hor
monesorshe'sj
ustpur
eevil
..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Thedoorswungopenaswecooked.Thesunhad
set
.Imissmyhousenow.
Luh:
"Thi
sbet
terbewor
thi
t"
Khet
hel
o:"
Iwasn'
texpect
ingy
ousoear
ly"
Luh:
"I'
m goi
ngt
odi
nnerat8pm.Soy
eahI
'
m her
e"
Me:
"Any
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
"
Luh:
"Wat
erwi
l
lbef
ine"
Me:
"Ar
eyoupr
egnant
?'
Luh:
"No.Iwoul
dn'
tdar
e"
Ipour
edherwat
er.
Luh:
"Youl
ookl
i
key
ouki
l
ledaper
son.Outwi
thi
t"
Khethelo:"Weneedtohel
pusbreakQuint
onupwi
th
hisgirl
fr
iend"shef
rowned."
Theyshoul
dn'
tbe
together"
Me:"Iwaski
dnappedwit
htheki
dsbyherf
athert
o
sendthemessageacr
oss"
Khet
hel
o:"
Weknowi
tst
oomucht
oask"
Me:
"It
sei
thert
heybr
eakuporweal
ll
iv
emi
ser
abl
y
ordi
e"
Luh:"
Youguy
sar
en'
tst
rai
ghtwi
thwhaty
ouwantme
todo"
Us:
"Fancyhi
m"
Me:
"Seducehi
m.Sl
eepwi
thhi
mify
ouhav
eto"
Luh:"
Hhebannabasadikelona.Hav
ey oul
osty
our
minds?Idon'
tl
ikeQui
nton.I
twasjustsex"
Me:"
Gethimtosleepwit
hyouthen.We'
l
lmakesur
e
t
hatYol
ifi
ndsoutandthenshe'
l
ldumphim"
Luh:
"Youbot
har
ewitches.Ican'
tbel
i
eveIwast
ed
mytimecomi
ngher
e.Pourmewi ne"
Me:
"Wear
ebeggi
ngy
ousi
s"
Luh:
"No.Tr
ythatwi
ckedwi
tchNkul
e"
Khet
hel
o:"Yes!Whydi
dn'
tIthi
nkofher
?Thanky
ou
Lul
ama"sheranupthest
air
s.
Luh:
"Igi
veupony
ou"
Me:
"Wear
edesper
ate,
okay
?"
Nkul
ewi
l
lbr
eakt
hem up.Iam cr
ossi
ngf
inger
s..
.
•
••
[
Jessi
ca]
Tylerl
eftwi
thhi
sbrother
s.Nobodyi
rr
it
atesmemore
thanthosemen.Al
ltheyknowissmoke,eatand
dri
nkalcohol
.
He'
salwaystal
ki
ngaboutthem.I'
m compet
ingwi
th
t
hem andalsowit
hthatKhethi
we.
Ihadj
ustf
ini
shedbat
hingwhenmyphoner
ang.
Me:
"Hi
"
Mot
her
:"Opent
hegat
e"
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Mot
her
:"Aty
ourgat
e"
Me:
"What
?Youcan'
tbeher
e!"
Mot
her
:"OpenupJessi
ca"
Ihungupandopenedt
hegat
e.Isawhercomi
ngi
n.
Iputonshoesandwentdownst
air
s.Iopenedt
he
doorforherandwai
ted.
Shecamei
n.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Mot
her
:"Whyhav
eyoubeeni
gnor
ingmycal
l
s?"
Me:
"Hewasher
e.Al
sohi
sbr
other
s."
Mother
:"Taket
heofferofsigni
ngatcour
t.Ti
mei sn'
t
onmyside.Convi
ncehimt omarryi
ncommuni t
yof
pr
opert
y"
Me:"No.Thi
shousei
sunderme.Af
tergi
vi
ngbi
rthI
'l
l
sel
litandwepaySARSandther
emaini
ngamount
wil
lbeformeandmybaby"
Mother
:"Whatbaby?Therewi
l
lbenobaby
.Iwant
youtoki
lli
tnextmonth.
"
Me:
"What
?"
Mother:
"Don'
ttel
lmey ou'
recat
chingfeel
ingsf
or
thi
schil
d.Youwil
lbedivorci
ngthi
smani n8months.
Doy out
hinkDenwill
stil
lwantt
omar ryyouwit
h
someoneelse'
schil
d?Don'tbestupi
d"
Me:"Idon'
twanthi
m any
mor
e.It
oldy
out
his"she
sl
appedme.
Mother
:"Doyouthi
nkthemoneywe'l
ll
iv
eoffwi
l
l
comefrom heav
en?Don'
tbestupi
d.Whenweare
donepayi
ngSARSy
ouwi
l
lgobewi
thy
ourr
ight
ful
husband"
Me:
"It
hinky
ouneedt
oleav
e"
Shewal kedaway .Shehasmadeev eryt
hingtogetus
i
ntoanypossi bletrouble.Ihadtomar ryDenunt ilI
foundoutIam pr egnantwi thTyl
er'schi l
d.She
suggestedIsayi tsDen'sbutIcoul dn't
.Inowhadt o
proceedtodatet hisTy l
erj
ustbecauseI '
m pregnant
withhischil
dandhe' smymot her'st i
cketint
opay i
ng
SARSand50peopl ethatsheowesonl yGodknows
howmuch.Nowshewant smet oki llt
hisli
tt
le
i
nnocentsoul thatTy l
erissodesper at
et ohav e.For
everyt
hinghe'sdoi ng.Themoneyhepai datt he
l
obolanegot i
ationsIowehi m atleastt hi
sbaby
[
2/26,
06:
40]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erFor
ty-
Four
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
It
houghtt
heyf
orgotaboutmebuti
mmedi
atel
y
whenIsteppedi
nev er
yonerant
othei
rworkst
ati
on.
EvenNqobil
e,t
herecepti
oni
stst
art
edtypi
ngonthe
computer.
Me:
"Mor
ningMi
ss"
Her
:"Mor
ningMrDube.Howdoy
oudo?
"
Me:
"I'
m pr
ett
ywel
lthanks.I
sMi
ssDl
adl
ain?
"
Her
:"Letmeconf
ir
m"
Shet
ookt
hephonet
oherear
.
Mar
thaof
fer
edmecof
fee.
Mar
tha:
"Justt
hewayy
oul
i
kei
tSi
r"
Me:
"ThankyouMar t
ha"shesmi
l
edandwal
kedback
t
owhatevershecamefrom.
Nqobi
l
e:"
Shei
sinSi
r.Youcangot
hrough"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"Iwal
kedont
othel
i
ft.
Itookasi
pofmycoff
ee.Whatawayt
obegi
nmyy
et
tobebusyMonday
.
Ididn'
tgetenoughsleepl
astmight
.IsnuckYoliin
around10pm wet al
kedandtal
kedandtalked.Idon'
t
knowwhenwesl eptbutwewokeupat4andt ook
herbackhome.Butbefor
eshelef
twelookedfor
dishest
hatshegavetoTyl
erbutwedi
dn'tf
indthem.
Iknockedandwenti
naf
tershet
oldmet
ocomei
n.
Shesmi l
ed.
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m gonnadi
etoday
"
Me:
"Noy
ouwon'
t.
"
Iputt
hepaperbagbef
oreher
.
Khethi
we: "
ThankyouMbuy
azi
.Di
dyouknowIdi
dn'
t
havebreakfast
?"
Me:
"Yes.You'
l
lmakey
ourowncof
feet
hough"
Khet
hiwe:
"YesIwi
l
l.Wher
edi
dyougett
hatone?
"
Me:
"Mar
tha"
Khet
hiwe:
"Shoul
dYol
ibewor
ri
ed?
"
Me:
"Notatal
l
."
Khet
hiwe:
"Good.So,
whati
sitt
haty
ouwant
?"
Me:
"Isi
tthatobv
ious?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Unf
ort
unat
elyy
es"
Me: "
Okay .Iwantyoutohelpmesetupacandl
e
l
ightdinner"shelaughed.
Khethi
we:"Il
ovewher
ethi
sisgoi
ng.Ar
eyougonna
doitathomeorhotel
?"
Me:
"Atahot
el"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ok.When?
"
Me:"Tomor
rowev
ening.Shehast
ogobackt
o
Dur
banonWednesday"
Khethi
we:
"Ok.Iwi
llknockof
fear
lyt
odayt
hen.Ionl
y
have2meeti
ngsfortheday"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Khet
hiwe:
"Letmeeatmyf
oodt
hen"
Me:
"Letmel
eav
eyoui
ntoi
t"
Igotupandl
eft
.
Ical
ledt
hegi
rl
fr
iendasIdr
oveof
f.I
trangf
ora
whil
e.
Yol
i
:"Hey
"shewaspant
ing
Me:
"Ar
eyouj
oggi
ng?
"
Yol
i:
"Yep.Fr
om downstai
rs.I'
mjoggi
ngawayf
rom
dadandhisbrot
her
"Ichuckled.
Me:
"Okay
.Howar
eyou?
"
Yol
i:
"Fi
ne.Wena?Didy
ousl
eepaf
tert
aki
ngme
home?Areyoudri
vi
ng?"
Me: "
I'
m goodandy esIdi
dsleepandy
esI'
m dri
vi
ng
andyouar econnectedt
oBluetoot
hma'
am."She
chuckled.
Yol
i
:"Good.
"
Me:
"Wi
l
lIbeseei
ngy
out
oday
?"
Yol
i:"
Idoubt
.MrsNzuzawi
l
lbebaki
ngt
oni
ghtsoI
hav
et ohel
pher
"
Me:
"MeetmeatMandel
asquar
eont
henexthour
"
Yol
i
:"Don'
tyougett
ir
edofseei
ngme?
"
Me:
"Ido.Don'
twearl
eggi
ngspl
ease"shel
aughed.
Yol
i
:"I
ts15°Qui
nton.Ican'
twearadr
ess"
Me:"
Youhav
est
ocki
ngs.Putt
hem under
neat
handa
dr
essont
op"
Yol
i
:"Whati
swr
ongwi
thl
eggi
ngs?
"
Me:
"Ev
ery
thi
ng.Getr
eady
.Il
ovey
ou"
Yoli
:"You'
rev
eryweir
dMrZebr
a.Ilov
ey ouli
kethat
though.Mydadcal
lsyouat
hug"Shelaughed.That
oldclown.
Me:"Buty
ouknowI'
m not
.He'
sjustbi
tt
erthathi
s
daught
erl
ovesanot
hermanot
herthanhim"
Yoli
:"We'
l
l seewhenyourdaughter
sgr owup.And
tr
ustmey ouallar
en'
treadyforPhi
la"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Wer
eal
l
yar
en'
t.She'
ssuchachat
ter
box"
Yol
i
:"Butsweet
.Mydadi
scal
l
ingme.By
eboo"
Me:
"By
esweet
hear
t"
Ihungup.Amessagef
rom Khul
ecamet
hrough.I
vi
ewedit.
"
I'
m goi
ngt
oSam'
stoaskf
orPhi
l
a.Wi
shmel
uck"
Ical
l
edhi
m back.
Khul
e:"
Wer
edi
dyoudi
sappeart
o?"
Me:
"ToseeKhet
hiwe.Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Khul
e:"
I'
m home.Get
ti
ngr
eadyt
ogo"
Me:
"Wi
thwho?
"
Khul
e:"
Chr
is"
Me:
"Okay
.I'
l
lseey
ouwheny
ougetback"
Khul
e:"
Wher
ear
eyounow?
"
Me:
"Ky
li
e'
spl
ace.
"
Khul
e:"
Okay
"
Wesaidourgoodbyes.Ihadpar
kedont
hedr
iveway
.
Igotoutandheadedinsi
de.
Theli
ftwasn'
tworki
ngsoIt
ookt
hwst
air
s.Wor
st5
minut
esofmyl i
fe.
Iwant
edt
odi
easIr
eachedt
he3r
dfl
oor
.Iknocked.
Ky
li
e:"
Whoi
sit
?"
Me:
"Ineedwat
er"
Thedooropened.Shel
aughed.Shewasonthecal
l
.I
wal
kedinandwentt ot
hefri
dgetogetwat
er.
Kyl
ie:
"Qui
ntoni
sher
e.Letmecal
lyouback"she
hungup.
Me:
"Wast
hatYol
i
?"
Ky
li
e:"
No,
Ben.Howar
eyou?
"
Me:"Dyi
ng.Who'
syourlandl
ord?I
shet
ryi
ngt
oki
l
l
peopl
e?"Shel
aughed.
Kyli
e:"
Theyarefi
xingi
t.Wewer
eal
lgi
vennot
ices
thati
twil
lbeoutfor3hour
s"
Me:
"Wow.Whati
sforbr
eakf
ast
?"
Kyl
ie:"Raywil
larr
ivewit
hitj
ustnow.Let
'sgett
oreal
business.Whatdoy ouwant
?"
Me:"
Youweremyfr
iendbef
orey
ouchoseYol
iov
er
me.Remember
?"
Kyl
ie:"
Yesyouaremyf ri
end.ThatiswhyIknowy ou
wantsomethingbecauseyoucould'
vecal
ledify
ou
wantedtocheckuponme"
If
oundchi
psont
hecupboar
d.Iopenedt
hem.
Me:
"Wel
lI'
m her
etocheckupony
ou"
Kyl
i
e:"Fi
nethen.Tel
lmeaboutyest
erday
.Di
dn'
t
Yol
i'
sfat
hershootyou?
"Welaughed.
Me:
"Nobuthekeptcal
l
ingmeQueen.Tol
dust
o
shar
ecansofbeer
sanddeni
edusf
ood"
Ky
li
e:"
No!
"
Me: "
Yep.Bef
oreal
lthat
,hemadeuswaitf
orhour
s.
Tyl
erandIevenwenttomallofAf
ri
cat
obuy
snacks.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Ili
kehi
m.He'
smyher
o"
Me:"Yeahr
ight
.Andthenhetol
dmetocomet
ohi
s
houseandaskhimtotakeYol
iout
"
Ky
li
e:"
That
'sgood.I
'
m sohappyf
ory
ouguy
s"
Me:
"Doy
ouhav
eicecr
eam?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Yes"Iopenedt
hef
ri
dgeandt
ooki
tout
.
Me:
"Doyout
hinkyoucant
ri
ckYol
itogoout
t
omorr
owevening?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Youwannasur
pri
seher
?"
Me:
"Ki
ndof
."
Ky
li
e:"
You'
rer
eal
l
yinl
ove"
Me:"Yes.Thi
sist
hemomentof:
Godreal
l
yanswer
pr
ayers.I
tfeel
ssogoodt
olov
esomeonewit
hout
t
ryi
ngsohar
d"
Kyli
e:"
OkayI'm gonnacr
y.I'
m sohappyf
oryouman.
Justtothi
nkyouwer edoubti
ngherandcoul
dn'
t
evenpronouncehername"Ilaughed.
Me:
"When?
"
Ky
li
e:"Bef
oreshecamet
oDur
ban.Youcal
l
edher
Moli
"
Me:
"Idon'
trememberthat.Theonlythi
ngI
r
ememberisIfel
tsomethingforherthenext
mor
ningaf
terIchasedhertheprevi
ousnight
"
Kyl
ie:
"Youmyfr
iendi
sacrook.Doy
our
emember
youhadtomov
ei nwi
thme?"
Me:"
Yes.ButIcoul
dn'
tl
eav
ehert
her
etobeonher
own"
Kyl
ie:
"Yol
imustt
ell
thenameoft
heheal
ershegoes
to.
"
Welaughed.Il
ovehowmuchIl oveher.Raycame
backwit
hallsor
tsofgoodi
es.Thisi
swhyIwi l
lnot
behavi
ngsexany t
imesoon.Idon'
tevent r
ustthose
condoms.Apregnantwomanismywor stfear
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Khul
efi
nall
ylef
taf
terhour
sandwal
kingaround
doi
ngnothi
ng.Hewasanxioust
hewholenight
.
Icleanedupandwashedt hedishesweusedf or
breakfast.Thi
shousei
sbackt obeingtoobi
g.
Katlegoleftwit
hherki
ds.I
'mleftwitht
heseforev
er
eatingli
tt
lerascal
s.
Nkul
eisNowher
etobef ound.Ev
enhersoci
almedi
a
pl
atf
ormsnol
ongerexi
st.
IsawHawur
unni
ngi
n.Thanky
ouGod.
Me:
"Heyy
ou"hehuggedmyknees.Thegi
rl
srani
n
t
oofol
l
owedbythei
rmommy.
Ihuggedt
hem al
l
.
Me:
"Iwasaboutt
ogoupst
air
sandj
oint
het
wins"
Kat:"
Ohwel l
youcan'tbecausewehavetocookupa
stor
mf orPhil
a'
swelcomehomepar t
y.Lelowil
l
comewi t
hherwholef amil
y.
"
Me:
"Whyi
sital
way
sus?Let
'
shi
rescat
eri
ng
company
"
Kat
:"Thatwi
l
lseem ot
her
wise.Lel
owi
l
lbeher
eto
hel
pus"
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
m upf
orcooki
ngr
eal
l
y"
Kat
:"Whati
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"
Me:
"Ican'
tfi
ndNkul
e"
Kat:"
Justgetoveri
tal
ready
.Nzuzahasnowgav
e
them hi
sblessi
ngs"
Me:
"St
il
l.Whati
sQui
ntongonnadowi
tht
hatchi
l
d?"
Kat
:"Youneedfr
eshai
r.Qui
ntondoesn'
twantNkul
e.
Helovest
hatchi
ld"
Me:
"Si
ncewhendoy
ouknowhel
ovesher
?"
Kat:"Si
ncelastni
ght.Hisbr
other
sarswil
l
ingt
o
tol
eratetherel
ati
onshipsoshoul
dyou"
Shewentt
otheki
tchen.Mt
hocamedown.
Mt
ho:
"Mor
ning"
Me:
"It
houghty
oul
eftf
orschool
"
Mt
ho:
"No.ButI
'
m goi
ngnow.Iwi
l
lgov
isi
tmymom
t
oday
"
Me:"
Noyoucan'
t.Yourl
i
ttl
esi
steri
scomi
nghome
t
oday"
Mt
ho:
"Li
tt
lesi
ster
?"
Me:
"Yes.Fr
om y
ourf
ather
'spr
evi
ousmar
ri
age"
Mtho:"Oh.Heoncement
ionedhavi
ngachi
ld
youngerthanme.OkIwi
l
l comebackt
hen"
Me:"Tel
lBongat
oav
ail
himsel
fsi
ncehe'
snol
onger
r
eachabl
e"
Mt
ho:
"Iwi
l
lby
e"
Me:
"Dr
ivesaf
ely
"
Tol
erat
et her
elat
ionshi
p?Theyar
eal
lhi
ghoncr
ackI
swear.
..
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Hemadeuswai
tanhourt
oday
.Iguesswe'
re
maki
ngpr
ogr
ess.
Mr
sNzuzal
edust
oherhusband'
sof
fi
ce.Wet
ook
seat
sandshewentout
.
Nzuza:
"HowmayIbeofhel
p?"
Me:"Iwoul
dli
ket
otakey
ourgr
anddaught
eroutf
or
di
nner"
Nzuza:
"Wi
l
lyoubegoodt
oher
?"
Me:
"Yes"
Nzuza:"Doyouhaveenoughmoneytotakehert
o
themov i
es?Buyhernewclot
hesandchangeher
hair
sty
leeveryweekend?
"
Me:
"YesIdo"
Nzuza:
"Idonotli
keyouDube.Youal
soknowthat
butIwi
llgi
veyouachancetofat
hery
ourdaught
er.
"
Me:
"Youhav
enoi
deahowmucht
hatmeanst
ome"
Nzuza:
"Getapaperandapen"
ChristookNzuza'sf
rom hisdesk."Shedoesn'teat
beef.Shedoesn'tdr
inkmilk.She'
sallergi
ctosome
fabri
cs,notsur
ewhi chonesbutshei s.Shereadsat
9am, 12pm and8pm whenshegoest obed.She'
s
all
ergi
ct odogsandcats.Sheonlyconsumes
bananainfrui
ts.Hergreeksaladshouldhavenof et
a.
Shehasherownspeci al DrinEastLondon.When
shetal
ksy oushouldkeept heconversat
iongoing,
herIQisabithighsotrynott ogetsurpr
ised
whenevershespeaks.Youshoul dalsofindhera
goodteacherthatwil
lbet eachi
ngherwhenshe' sat
yourhouse.Yougotallthat?"
Chr
is:
"YesIdi
d"
Shepr
essedani
nter
com.
Nzuza:
"Phi
l
asande.Khul
u'
sof
fi
cepl
ease.I
tsur
gent
"
Howi
sthi
smanr
aisi
ngmychi
l
d?
Thedooropened.Igul
ped.Shehaschangedso
much.Shekepthereyesdownunti
lshegottoher
Khul
u.
Sheisbeauti
ful
.Justli
kehermot
her
.If
ail
edtohol
d
backthetear
s.Imissedoutonsomanyspeci
al
moment sinherl
if
e.
Nzuza:"
Doyousti
ll
rememberhi
m?"Sheshookher
head."
Lookathi
m"
Shel
ookedatusbot
h.
Phi
la:"
Whyyoustoppedcal
li
ng?"Shegotof
fNzuza
andrantomeexcit
edly
.Ipi
ckedherup.Wehugged.
Nzuzagotupandl
eft
.Ihav
en'
thel
dheri
nyear
s.
Me:
"Il
ovey
oupr
incess"
Phi
l
a:"Neverst
opcall
ingme.Il
oveyout
oo"she
movedoff
."Younevertol
dmeyourname"
Me: "
Uhm..
.canItel
lyousomet
hing?
"Shenodded
withasmil
et hatr
eveal
edhert
inydi
mples."
Iam
yourfat
her
"
Phi
la:
"Real
l
y?Imeanwhydi
dyoust
opcal
l
ingmei
f
youaremydaddy
?"
Me:"I
twascompl
i
cat
ed.Doy
ouf
eel
li
kev
isi
ti
ngmy
pl
ace"
Phi
l
a:"Canmymommycomet
oo?
"Il
ookedat
Chr
is.
Nzuza:
"That
'sYol
i
.NoBar
biey
oucan'
tgowi
th
mommy "
Phi
l
a:"
Butwhy
?"
Nzuza:
"Becausemommyhasal
otoft
hingst
odo"
Me:
"Shecancomeact
ual
l
y."
Phil
a:"
Thanky
ou.Youar
esweet
.CanIv
isi
thi
m
khul
u?"
Nzuza:
"Yes.
"
Phi
l
a:"
Pleasecomehel
pmepack"
Me:
"Thi
sisdaddyChr
is"
Phi
l
a:"
HidaddyChr
is.Ihav
e2daddi
es?
"
Chr
is:
"Nope.Youhav
e5"shegi
ggl
ed.
Phi
l
a:"
Iam t
rul
yapr
incess.
"
Nzuza:
"Goaskmommyt
ohel
pyoupack"
Phi
l
a:"
Pleasebeher
ewhenIcomeback"
Me:
"Wear
enotgoi
ngany
wher
e"
Shegotof
fandr
anout
.
Nzuza:"Youcanspendasmucht imeasyouli
ke
wit
hher .Iwi
ll
f et
chherwhenwecomebackf rom
ourfi
rstevervacati
onwit
houtourl
it
tl
epr
incess"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.Thanky
ousomuchf
ort
his"
Henoddedandwentout
.
Chr
is:
"Fi
nal
l
y"It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:
"Fi
nal
l
y"
Shecamebackwit
hYol
i
.Shegr
eet
edusandt
oldus
wearegoodtogo.
Chri
saskedmet odr
ophim of
fatwork.Thebubbly
pri
ncesssai
dshewantshotmil
o.Thereisn'
tanyat
home.Wedr ov
etothemall
.
Yol
i:"
I'
m sor
rymyfat
herdi
dal
lthatt
oyou"shesai
d
asshetookatr
oll
ey.
Me:
"It
sal
lgood"
Yol
i:"
DidKhethel
ocomedur
ingmysi
steroraf
termy
si
ster
?"Il
ookedather
.
Me:
"Af
ter
"
Yol
i
:"Shehasev
erseenheri
npi
ctur
es?
"
Me:
"Whyar
eyouaski
ngal
lthat
?"
Yoli
:"Becauseshedoesn'
tseem tolikemeandI
knowi t
snotonlyaboutmyfatherbeatingyouguys
upandabduct i
ngKatl
egoandt hekids.It
smorethan
that
"
Me:
"Hassheev
ert
oldy
oushedoesn'
tl
ikey
ou?
"
Yoli
:"No.Butshedidtellmetostayt
hehel
laway
fr
om Quinton.Iguessthatex
plai
nsit
"
Me: "
May beshewasjustmadaboutt
hedr
amat
hat
yourfat
hercaused"
Yol
i
:"Letmehopeso"
Weboughtev
ery
thi
ngt
hatPhi
l
ami
ghtneedand
dr
ovehome.
Wef
oundKat
lego,
Lel
oandKhet
hel
o.
Ii
ntr
oducedPhil
atoever
yone.SoonasItol
dherthe
babi
esarehersi
bli
ngsshetot
all
ylosti
tandfor
got
weexist
.Iwentt
othekit
chentomakehermi l
o.
Khet
hel
ocamei
n.Shedi
dn'
tnotl
ookhappy
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Idi
dn'tknowthatNzuzagi
vi
ngthem hi
s
bl
essi
ngsmeantshecancomet oourhouse"
Me:
"Phi
l
ainsi
stedshecome"
Khet
hel
o:"
Phi
l
ais4.
"
Me:"
Butthi
nksmor et
hana4yearol
d.AndYolii
s
Qui
nton'
sgi
rl
fr
iend.Of
cour
seshe'
sall
owedint
othis
home"
Khet
hel
o:"
Real
l
y?"
Me:
"Whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Not
hing"
Sheranupthest
air
s.Ipour
edthemil
oint
oher
st
eri
l
izedcupandwenttothel
ounge.
Yol
i
:"CanIgot
othebat
hroom?
"
Kat
:"3r
ddoorony
ourl
eft
"
Shewal
kedup.
Lel
o:"Peopl
ewhodon'
tknowy
ouwoul
dthi
nkshe'
s
your
swi t
hYoli
.
"
Me:
"Thatexpl
ainst
hecr
eepyst
aresatt
hemal
l
"
Kat
:"I
tsr
eal
l
ycr
eepy
.Letusgost
artcooki
ng'
Theygotupandl
eft
.
Phi
la:
"Maybeyouwi
l
lanswert
his.Wher
edobabi
es
comefrom?"
Qui
ntonpaused.Il
ookedathi
m.Heshrugged.Phi
l
a
l
ookedathimthenatme.Shestoodonherfeet
.
Phi
l
a:"
Shar
eyoursecr
et.Howdoy
oudot
his?
"
Me:
"What
?"
Phi
l
a:"
Spl
i
tti
ngi
nto2"
Me:
"Thi
sismyt
winbr
other
.DaddyQui
nton"
Phil
a:"
Aren'
ttwi
nsaboyandagi
rl
?Li
ket
he
babi
es?"
Me:
"No"
Qui
nton:
"Hel
l
obaby
"
Phil
a:"OhmyGodhespeaks!Hell
odaddy .Inow
have3daddies.Yett
omeettheothertwo"she
huggedQ'sknees.Hepi
ckedherup."Iknowwhoi s
who.Youhav ehai
ronyourf
aceanddaddy ..
.what
's
yourname?"
Me:
"Khul
e"
Phi
l
a:"
Yes.DaddyKhul
edoesn'
thav
ehai
r.
"
Qui
nton:
"Yeshedoesn'
t"
Phi
l
a:"
Doy
ouknowmymommy
?"
Qui
nton:
"No.Doy
ouhav
eapi
ctur
e?"
Phi
l
a: "
Heresheis.Mommymeetmyot
herdaddy
.
Helooksexact
lyli
kedaddyKhul
e"
Yol
i
:"Hi
daddy
.Hei
ndeedl
ooksl
i
kedaddyKhul
e"
Theyshookhandswit
hQuint
on.Sheist
heir
daught
er.Iwoul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sedifshewantst
oli
ve
wit
hthem.
Phi
la:
"I'
veal
way
swant edamommyandadaddy
.
ComedaddyKhule.Let
'
shav
eagrouphug"
Igotup.Wehugged.Shegi
ggl
ed.
Ihav
enev
erbeent
hishappy
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
40]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erFor
ty-
Fiv
e
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Irol
l
edoverunt i
lIreachedtheotherendofthebed.I
openedmyey esandl ookedaround.Shewasseated
onachairbesidethedr i
nki
ngcoffeelooki
ngatme.
Me:
"Mor
ning"shesmi
l
ed.
Yol
i
:"Mor
ning.
"
Me:
"Youwer
ewat
chi
ngmesl
eep?
"
Yol
i
:"Yes.Icoul
dn'
tsl
eep"
Me:"
What'swr
ong?"Isatupst
rai
ghtbef
oreherand
t
ookthecupoutherhands.
Yol
i
:"Khet
hel
o."
Onl
yGodknowswhatiswr
ongwit
hthatone.She
wasnast
ythr
oughoutt
hedi
nnerl
astni
ght.
Me:
"Khul
esai
dhe'
l
ltal
ktoher
"
Yol
i:
"Doyouknowwhatwil
lhappenifPhi
lat
ell
s
Khul
uoneofthemot
hersshoutedather?
"
Me:"Khul
eisgonnat
alkt
oher
.Itwi
l
lnev
erhappen
agai
n"
Yol
i
:"Ishoul
dbegoi
nghomet
oday
"
Me:
"Yeahy
oushoul
d"
Shefrowned."Imean.
..
yourdadi
sgoi
ngt
obeatmy
ass"shechuckled.
Yol
i
:"Il
ovey
ou"
Me:"Il
oveyoumore.Comehere"shecameandwe
cuddl
ed.Ihadf
ini
shedhercof
feeanyway.
..
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Onl
yal
i
ttl
eper
soncanknockl
i
ket
hat
.
Me:
"Comei
n"
Phi
la:"Ican'tr
eacht
hehandledaddy"ohyeah.I
st
retchedandgotof ft
hebed.Icheckedt
hetime.I
t
wasonl y7:30am.Nowt el
lmewhyissheup?
Iopened.
Phi
l
a:"Goodmorning"shehadat
inybowl
ofcer
eal
i
nherhands."
Breakfast
?"
Me:
"Whomadet
hat
?"
Phi
l
a:"
MommyKhet
hiwe.Canwet
alk?
"
Me:
"Yeahsur
ecomei
n"
Phil
a:"Myr
oom woul
ddo.Mommyi
ssl
eepi
ng
ri
ght?"
Me:
"Yes"
Phil
a:"
Weshoul
dnotdi
stur
bher
.Sadpeopl
edonot
l
ikebei
ngdi
stur
bed"
Thi
sismetr
yingnottobesurpr
isedr
ightnow.Thi
s
i
stoomuchfora4y earol
d.
Ipul
l
edt
hedoorcl
osedandweheadedt
oherr
oom.
Phil
a:"
Okay.Ihaveafewt
hingst
oask"shehanded
thebowlov
er."Youcansi
tdown"
Idi
d."
Youcaneatwhi
l
eIt
alk"
Me:
"Ohokayt
hanky
ou"
Phil
a:"Idonotli
kethi
sroom.Iam askingfor
pri
ncessbutter
fli
esonthewall
.Iam askingfora
purpl
er oom.IsawtheoneIl
ikeoninternet"
Me:
"Int
ernet
?Youcanusei
nter
net
?"
Phi
l
a:"
Yesdaddy
"shepul
l
edsomet
hingbehi
ndme.
Me:
"Wai
t.Wher
edi
dyougett
hat
?"
Phil
a:"DaddyT."GreatTy
ler
.Justgr
eat
."Purpl
e
pri
ncessr oom"shesaidtot
hetabandsmiled.She
showedi ttome.
Yol
iwi
l
lhav
etocancel
herDur
bant
ri
p.
Me:
"It
sbeaut
if
ul"
Phil
a:"
ThatshowIuseint
ernet.Ican'
twrit
eother
namesbutIcansaythem.Isthepor r
idgeni
ce?"I
thi
nkKhethi
wedidnotmaket hi
s.
Me:"
Itisnicemyl
ove.Let
'
sgomakedecent
br
eakfastnow"
Ipi
ckedherupandweheadeddownst
air
s..
.
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
KhuleandPhil
acamedown.Wewer
eallalmost
doneeati
ng.Ihat
etoseet
heol
dert
winstakeear
ly
ret
ir
ement.
TheDubeatt
orneysi
srunni
ngsuccessf
ull
ybutI
'
d
rat
hersl
eept
hroughoutt
heday.
Andtomakei tworse.Therei
sthatdev
ilwor
shi
per
i
nmyl i
fe.Sheli
vestot or
mentme.Shesaidshei
s
notcomfort
ablewithbeingar
oundmypeoplewhenI
i
nvit
edheroveryesterday.
Khet
hiwe:
"Di
ddaddyl
i
ket
hecer
eal
?"
Emi
laughed.
Phi
l
a:"
Hedi
d.Ri
ghtdaddy
?"
Khul
e:"
Ofcour
semybabyIdi
d.Mor
ning"
Us:
"Mor
ning"
Khul
e:"
Wher
eisBonga?
"
Me:
"Upst
air
s"
Khul
e:"
What
'
swr
ongwi
thhi
m?I
tsl
i
kehe'
sav
oidi
ng
us"
Me: "
That'
sbecausehegotHappypregnantandt
old
hertoabort
.Report
ssayhehasn'
tseenhersince
thatday
"
QandChr
is:
"what
?"Wher
edi
dtheycomef
rom?
Bongacamedown.Khethi
weandEmi tookt
hei
r
bagsandbi
dusgoodbye.Itol
dPhil
atogoupst
air
s.
The3darkmenwerestari
ngatBonga.
Q:
"Tal
k!"Bongal
ookedatme.
Me:
"Itwasnowornev
erman"
Khul
e:"
Tell
meifyouwantmet
opuncht
hewor
ds
outoft
hatmout
h"
Bonga:
"Iwasscar
ed"
Qui
ntonsl
appedhi
m.
Qui
nton:
"It
houghtIr
aisedy
oubet
tert
hant
hatman.
Fi
ndher"
Bonga:
"It
ri
ed.Ir
eal
l
ydi
dbutIcan'
tfi
ndher
"
Chr
is:
"Howl
onghasi
tbeen?
"
Bonga:"4months."Khul
eatt
emptedtosl
aphim but
Yoli
greetedandtookafurt
herdust
eranddust
edoff
thevase.
Khule:"
Getout
.Gof
indher.I
fyou'
renothomeby
7pm toni
ght
.WhoauntoyoumyboyIwi l
lcr
asht
hat
stupi
dhead"
Chri
s:"
Ijustneedyououtofmysi
ghtr
ightnow
BongaorelseI'
ll
hurty
ou"
Bonga:
"I'
m sor
ry"
Q:"Sor
ry?Youbetterpr
ayshedidnotabor
tit
Sbongakonke.Youbett
erpr
ay.Nowgetlost"
Hepi
ckedhi
slapt
opbag.
Chri
s:"
Wheret
hefuckar
ey ougoi
ngwiththat
?
You'
reonl
ygoi
ngtoneedyourphonet
of i
ndthatgi
rl
.
FuckBongamarn"
Bongagr abbedhisphoneandr ushedout.Yol
i
disappearedtothelounge.She'ssmar t
.Shewasjust
theretoprotectt
hisli
tt
lemor on.Sheknewt hey
woul dn'
thavedoneany t
hingtohi m whi
leshe'
s
wat chi
ng.
Me:
"Nzuzawasher
e"
Q:
"Wher
e?"
Me:
"Att
hegat
e.Idi
dn'
tl
ethi
m.Het
hinkshe'
sal
l
t
hat
"
Khul
e:"
Whywoul
dn'
tyoul
ethi
min?
Thei
nter
com buzzed..
Chr
iswentt
ogeti
t.
Chr
is:
"It
shi
m agai
n"
Me:
"JustmakePhi
l
a'sr
oom f
oot
ageappear
"
Q:
"Ai
mar
n.Lethi
min"
Me:"Letmegoupst
air
sjusti
bcaseheshoot
syou
guy
s"
Khul
e:"Andnevergi
vePhi
l
aani
Pad.Shewant
s
but
ter
fl
iespurpl
esnow"
Me:
"Pur
plepr
incessbut
ter
fl
iesy
oumean?
"
Q:
"Whati
sthat
?"
Me:
"She'
s4.Shewant
sadr
amat
icr
oom.
"
Khul
e:"
Thati
swhyIwi
l
lbehi
ri
ngYol
i
"
Q:
"Hi
rehert
oday
"
Me:
"Why
?Iam t
heonet
hat
'
sgoi
ngt
o"
Q:
"It
sjustat
inyr
oom.
"
Me:
"li
ket
hesi
zeofy
ourbr
ain"
Igotof
fthechai
rfastashecamechar
gingatme.
"
Yol
i
!!!
"
Hest
opped.Yol
iappear
ed.Shel
aughedwhenshe
sawQui
ntonbehi
ndme.
Yol
i
:"Youguy
s."Shewal
kedont
otheki
tchen.
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Yol
i
:"Tomakebr
eakf
ast
"
Us:
"No!
"
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
Khule:
"YoucanwatchyourSof
ia"sher
eal
l
ywas
watchi
ngsofi
a.Il
aughed.
Cal
vi
ncamedown.It
houghthel
eft
.
Cal
vi
n:"
MaNzuzamor
ning"
Yol
i
:"Goodmor
ninghowar
eyou?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
I'
m pr
ett
ywel
lthanks.Howabouty
our
sel
f?"
Yoli
:"I
'
m goodt
hankyou.Mayyoupleasego
upstai
rsf
orawhil
e?Iwannagossi
pwi t
hmy
brot
hers"
Yoli
noddedandwent
.Icoul
dn'
tbehappi
er.Il
ove
gossip.
Cal
vin:
"Areyougoi
ngtostandthereory
ou'l
lcome
j
oinus?"Ir
eall
ywantt
hisgossi
pbutalsoIdon't
wantNzuzatoshootme.Whatistaki
nghim solong
anyway.
Iwentt
otakeaseat
.
Khul
e:"
Arewei
ntr
oubl
e?"
Calv
in:"
Iwantyouall
toseatthesewomendown.
Thetensi
onIfel
tonthattabl
elastni
ghtwashor
ri
ble.
DidyouspeaktoKhethel
o?"
Khul
e:"YesIdi
dbutsheri
ddl
edt hr
ought
hewhol
e
conv
ersati
on.Sheapol
ogi
zedthough"
Calv
in:"Herbehav iourwastotal
lyoutoft
heway.So
eachoneofy ouwi ll
seatyourwomendownandf i
nd
outwher edi
dt heirspir
itofl
ight
ingthewhol
eroom
wit
ht hei
rexistencego"
Honestl
yspeaki
ng.Theydi
dnotgi
veYol
iandPhi
l
aa
warm welcome.
Ev
ery
onewasj
ustf
ocusedont
hegr
umpyKhet
hel
o.
Myphonebeeped.Iam l
ate.Iv
iewedt
hemessage.
"
Ify
oudonotsl
eepher
etoni
ghty
ouwi
l
lnev
ersee
meagai
n"
Isi
ghed.
Chr
is:
"Wewi
l
l"
Cal
vi
n:"
Good.Letmegot
hen"
"I
sany bodyhome?"That
smycue.Ipi
ckedmy
bri
efcaseupandfoll
owedCal
vi
n.
Cal
vi
n:"
Fat
heri
nlaw"
Nzuza:"YesMadonnaDube.Wher
ear
emy
pr
incesses?"
Cal
vi
n:"
Upst
air
s.Keepwel
l
"
Nzuza:"
Whit
eDube."Thati
ssupposedt
obeme.I
noddedandwepassedhim..
..
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Ist
oppedatt
hestai
rcasewhenIheardmensi
ng
nat
ional
ant
hem.Isl
owl ywentdown.
Icl
osedmymout hwit
hmyhand.ItwasKK, Qand
Chri
s.Yol
i'
sfatherwasseat
ingonthebarchai
r
watchi
ngtheperfor
mance.Iunl
ockedmyphoneand
vi
deotappedthismoment.
Nzuza:
"Okaydone.Nowsi
ngshoshol
oza"
Khul
e:"
I'
venev
erhear
doft
hat
"
Nzuza:
"Okaysi
ngr
udeboy
"
Chr
is:
"Whati
sthat
?"
Nzuza:"Ri
hanna'
ssong.Whatdoy
ouwannasi
ng?
Justdanceatl
east
"
Chri
s: "
Idon'
tunderst
andwhyyouaremaki
ngusal
l
dothis.Heistheonethatwant
stomarr
yyour
daughter"ohmyGod!Hewant stomar
ryher
.
Q:"
ChrisIwoul
d'
vedoneany
thi
ngKat'
sfather
or
deredustodofory
outomarryKat
lego.Now
pl
ease"
Chr
is:
"Kat
lego'
sfat
heri
sdecent
"
Nzuza:"
Heywhere'
syourwi
fe?Ibr
oughtherapeace
of
feri
ng.Twer
k"
Khul
e:"
Qui
ntonwasr
ight
."
Q:
"Khul
edon'
t"
Nzuza:
"Whatdidyousayaboutme?Gogety
our
wif
eDrPhil
"Ichuckl
ed.
Chr
isheadedup.Hesawme.Hel
aughed.
Chr
is:
"Come"
Me:
"He'
smyf
avor
it
e"
Chr
is:
"He'
sst
upi
d"
Wer
eachedt
hem.
Me:
"Goodmor
ning"
Nzuza:"I
sthi
showy
oul
ookandsmel
ll
ikei
nthe
morning?"
Chr
is:
"Ar
eyouf
li
rt
ingwi
thmywi
fe?
"
Nzuza:
"You'
redi
rt
y.She'
smydaught
er.
"
Khul
e:"
Thedaught
ery
oual
mostki
l
led"
Nzuza:
"Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
okil
lyou.SheknowsIwasn'
t
goi
ngto.Ibr
oughty
ousomethi
ng"
Hereachedforsomet
hingi
nhi
spocket
.It
ookt
he
box.Iopenedi
t.
Chr
is:
"Howi
sthi
sapeaceof
fer
ing?
"
Nzuza:
"Tel
lmeify
oudonotl
i
kei
t"Iwasst
il
li
nawe.
Howdidheknow?
Me:
"Wher
edi
dyouf
indi
t?"
Nzuza:
"Ihadi
tremade"
Me:
"Thi
sist
hebestpeaceof
fer
ingev
er"
Q:
"Whati
sit
?"
Me:"Aneckl
acemydadboughtmeonmy21st
bi
rt
hday.Il
osti
t.I
twasl
i
mitededi
ti
on"
Nzuza:
"Andher
eiti
sagai
n."
Me:
"Thanky
ousomuch"
Thet
ri
owaswat
chi
ngatusl
i
keweal
i
ens.
Nzuza:
"Okaygent
s.Twer
k"
Khule:"
Howl ongdoesweedst
ayi
nthesy
stem?
"He
whisperedt
oChr i
s.
Me:
"I'
l
lmakey
ouguy
sbr
eakf
ast
"
Nzuza:"
CanIseemychil
drenpl
ease.Tel
lme
Qui
nton.Wher
edidYol
isl
eep?"
Me:
"Emi
'
sroom"Qwasst
il
lst
ammer
ing.
Yol
icamedownhol
dingNgi
phi
l
efol
l
owedbyPhi
l
a.
Yol
i
:"Baba?Whatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?"
Nzuza:
"Mycar.Heypickl
es"hesai
dpi
cki
ngPhil
aup.
Themenchuckledandfoll
owedeachot
herout
.
Yol
i
:"Yougonnagi
vemeal
i
ft?
"
Nzuza:
"Whoev erbr
oughtyouherewil
ltakey
ouback
home.Ijustcametoseeifyouguysareokay"
Phi
l
a:"
Mydaddyi
sgoi
ngt
obuymebut
ter
fl
ies"
Nzuza:"
Isi
t?I
sn'
tdaddyt
hebest
?GogoandIar
e
l
eavingf
oravacat
ion"
Phi
l
a:"
Wit
hme?
"
Nzuza:"
No.Youar
est
il
lspendi
ngt
imewi
thdaddy
,
r
ight?
"
Phi
l
a:"
Yes.Ihav
e5daddi
esand5mommi
es"
Nzuza:"I
'
m sohappyf
ormyl
ove.Letmego.Iwi
l
l
cal
llat
erokay
?"
Phi
l
a:"
Okay
"
Hebi
dusgoodby
e.
Yoli
:"It
houghty
ouwoul
dn'
twantt
obei
nthesame
room ashim"
Me:"YeahbutIactual
lygetwher
ehe'
scomi ngf
rom.
Andbesideshebroughtmeapeaceoffer
ing"I
showedherthenecklace.
Yol
i
:"I
tssobeaut
if
ul.I
'
mjeal
ous"
Khet
helost
ormeddown.Shesnat
chedNgi
phi
l
eout
ofYol
i'
sarms.
Yol
i
:"I
'
m sor
ry.Shewascr
yingIt
hought
-"
Khet
hel
o:"
Don'tevert
ouchmybaby
"shesai
dand
st
ormedupst
airs.
Ther
oom wentdeadqui
et.
Phi
l
a:"
Whyi
sshesad?
"
Yol
i
:"Someonest
olehert
eddy
"
Phi
l
a:"
Pleasebuyheranewone"
Yol
i
:"Iwi
l
lbaby
"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.Iwi
l
lgot
alkt
oher
"
Yol
i
:"NoIwi
l
l.
"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lbeher
eify
ouneedany
thi
ng"
Yol
i
:"Thanky
ou"shel
eft
.
Phi
l
a:"
Icanmakepancakes.Bestpancakes"
Me:
"Real
l
y?Let
'smaket
hem t
hen"
Phi
la:
"Whyt
heinter
netdoesn'tanswermyquest
ion?
Peopl
esayi
tknowseveryt
hing"
Me:"I
tdoesknowev
ery
thi
ng.Whati
syour
quest
ion?
"
Phi
l
a:"
Wher
edobabi
escomef
rom"
Me:
"Heav
en"
Phi
l
a:"
YesIknowt
hat
.Howdot
heygether
e?"
Me:"Pl
easepassmebaconont
hedeepf
reezer
baby
"
Shealsocanusei
nter
net
?Ir
eal
l
ycan'
twi
tht
his
chi
ld.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
IputNgi
phi
l
enextt
oherbr
other
.Idr
ankwat
er.
Ihear
dasof
tknock.
Me:
"Comei
n"
Ist
art
edmaki
ngt
hebed.Shewal
kedi
n.Isi
ghed.
Yol
i
:"Icamet
oapol
ogi
ze"
Me:"Youdonottakesomeone'
schil
dwithoutt
hei
r
per
mi ssi
on.Di
dn'
tyourpar
ent
steachyouthat?
"
Yoli
:"Mymi
stake.I'
m sor
ry.
"Shepaused."
Thi
sis
aboutmysi
sterisn'
t?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
"
Yoli:"
I'
m notSedi .Iwi l
lnev erbeher .Wemi ghtl ook
ali
kebutI '
m definitelynother .I fyou'r
ewor riedt hat
may beKhul ewillber emi ndedofheri fheseesme
theny ou'
rewr ong.I fhewant st orememberherand
misseshert rustmehemi ssedherbef oreIev engot
here.Whaty ouar edoi ngi sef fecti
ngev eryone.The
wayy oushout edatPhi l
ay est erdaywasn' tmot herl
y.
I'
m sor r
yifyouf eel l
ikewear eher et otakey our
familyawaybuty ouar ePhi la'
smot her ,Iam y our
twinsister.I
'
m sor ryf orwhatmyf atherputy ouall
throughbuthecamear oundandI 'm notsay i
ng
everythi
ngshoul dbef orgottenbutat leastbeci vil
withme.Thi shur ts"
Me:
"Getout
"
Yoli
:"Youar
eput
ti
ngQandKhul
einav
erywei
rd
posi
tion"
Me:
"Idon'
twantt
orepeatmy
sel
f.
"
Shewal
kedout
.Thi
sismywor
stni
ght
mar
e.I
'
m
evenmadshecaughti tup.IknowheseesLesedi i
n
her.Shewi l
lbeaconstantreminderofher.AndPhi
la
ont heotherhand.If
eelli
keLesedi'
sspir
itjust
mov edintothishouse..
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Not
hingmakesmehappymor
ethanahal
fday
.
Myphoner
angasIpackedup.
Me:
"Husband"
Ty
ler
:"Wi
fey
.Lunch?
"
Me:"You'
rev
erygener
ouswheny
ouwantt
otel
lme
you'
regoi
ngtoJessi
ca'
s"
Ty
ler
:"CanI
?"
Me:"
Ser
iousl
ybabe.Youdonotneedmyper
missi
on.
Wher
eareyoutaki
ngmef orl
unch?"
Ty
ler
:"Ti
mmons.Yourf
avor
it
ebur
geri
sonspeci
al"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lfi
ndy
out
her
e"
Thedooropened.Ichuckl
ed.Ihungup.
Me:
"You'
resuchachar
mer
"
Tyler
:"Iknow.
"Hegavemef
lower
sandpeckedmy
l
ips."You'
rebeaut
if
ul"
Me:"Youtol
dmei
nthemor
ning.
"Ismel
tthe
f
lowers.
Tyl
er:
"Youlookedbeaut
if
ult
henandy
oul
ook
beaut
if
ulnow"
Me:
"Ory
ou'
rej
usteasi
ngy
ourconsci
ence"
Ty
ler
:"Iam buty
out
rul
yar
ebeaut
if
ul.Ihat
ehow
muchyouknowme"
Me:
"Thenst
opbei
ngsot
ranspar
ent
"
Ty
ler
:"CanIgetaqui
cki
e?"
Me:
"Ishoul
d'
veknown"
Ipi
ckedmybagandr
anf
ormyl
i
fe.Hel
aughedand
fol
l
owedme.
Wegotont
hel
i
ft.Weki
ssed.
Me:"Youknowther
ear
ecamer
asi
nev
erycor
nerof
t
hisbuil
ding?
"
Ty
ler
:"Real
l
y?Let
'sgot
omyof
fi
cet
hen"
Me:"
Idonotseemy
sel
fdr
ivi
ngt
oPr
etor
iasor
ry
l
ove"
Hespankedmyassaswewal
kedoutt
hel
i
ft.The
st
ares!
Me:
"That
'si
nappr
opr
iat
e"
Tyler:
"Whati
s?Grabbi
ngi
t?"Hegr
abbedi
t.Iwal
ked
faster
,awayf
rom hi
m.Hechuckl
ed.
Whyonear t
hdidIfal
li
nlovewi
tht
hismor
onoutof
al
lthepeopl
ethatwerehit
ti
ngonme?
Heopenedt
hecardoorf
orme.Igoti
n.
Idon'
trememberev
eropeni
ngt
hedoorf
ormy
sel
f
si
ncewedated.
It
ext
edYol
ii
fIshoul
dbr
inggi
n.Shecal
l
ed.
Me:
"Heysugarpl
um"hel
ookedatme.
Yoli
:"Youwantust
odrinki
nahouset
hathas
brot
herCalv
inandpast
orChri
s?"
Me:
"We'l
lchi
llbyt
hebalcony
"Ir
emember
edabout
t
hei
rspeci
aldatel
ater
.
Yol
i
:"I
'
llhav
ejustonegl
ass"
Me:
"Nopr
obl
em.By
e"
Yol
i
:"By
esweet
s"
Me:"
WegonnahavetodoMcD.If
orgotIhav
etoset
QandYol
i
'sdi
nnerdat
e"
Ty
ler
:"Theyar
egoi
ngonadat
e?"
Me:"Yes.Imadeabooki
ngatSout
her
nSun
Sandton.
"
Ty
ler
:"Dot
ell
him Ihel
pedout
"
Me:"Ofcour
se"hesmiledandi
ncr
easedt
hespeed
headi
ngtoSandton.
..
.
•
••
[
Emi
]
Mylif
eisgoingthewrongroute.Br
adaskedwetake
abreakandIdealwit
hmydemons.Idon' tev
en
knowhowt o.I
'v
eendeduponJason' sbed2times
al
readyandhewon'tstopcall
i
ng.
Ipackedmyt hi
ngs.Iwor
kedt
il
ll
atetoday.Ther
e's
nothi
ngint
eresti
ngathomeormyplace.Thetensi
on
athomeissi
ckeni
ng.Whathappenedl
astni
ght
tot
all
yputmeoff.
Icheckedt
heti
me.7pm.Theri
ghtti
met odr
ivet
o
kfcandgetwi
ngsthenst
eer
sforburger
.
Iwast
heonl
yonelef
tonthisf
loor
.Igotont
hel
i
ft.
Mycari
spar
kedundergr
ound.
Ther
ewer en'tev
ensecuri
tyguy
s.Ir
ushedtoi t
.I
unl
ockedit.Igotinandwarmeduptheengine.If
elt
l
ikesomeonei swatchi
ngme.I'
m averyhuge
coward.
Idr
oveof
f.
"Whati
fIwasaki l
l
er?"Iinstantl
ybraked.I
fIdidn't
haveaseatbel
tfastenedI'dflewoutthewindshiel
d.
Me:"
WhatthefuckJason!Icoul
d'
vehi
tacarorev
en
wor
se,ahuman!"
Jason:
"Hel
l
o"
Me:
"Iam cal
l
ingt
hepol
i
ce"
Jason:"
Thatwon'
tbenecessar
y.Thepol
i
cest
ati
on
i
sjustaroundt
hecor
ner"
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Jason:
"You.Whyar
en'
tyout
aki
ngmycal
l
s?"
Me:
"BecauseIdon'
tknowwhyy
oucal
l
ingme"
Jason:
"Yousl
eepwithme,t
ell
mey
oul
ovemeand
youdon'
twhyam Ical
li
ngy
ou?"
Me:
"Thesexwasami
stake"
Jason:"2t
imesinarow?Keepiti
nmi ndwedi
d
morethan3roundsontheseoccasi
pns.Howi
sthat
ami st
ake"
Me:
"Itwasj
ustsexokay
.St
opcal
l
ingme"
Jason:"Ther
e'snoneedf
ory
out
okeepf
ight
ingi
t.I
l
ovey ouEmi"
Me:"
You'
reapsychoJason.Nobodywant
stobe
wi
thapsycho"
Jason:"
ThatiswhoIam wi
thouty
ou.Ify
oucoul
d
j
ustgiveusamonthtoseeifwesti
ll
gotit
.Andt
hat
wasn'tj
ustsex"
Heopenedt
hedoor
.Heki
ssedmycheekand
st
eppedout
.
Ireal
lysaidIl
ovehim.Iwasn'tunderthei
nfl
uenceof
sex.Ijustsai
ditoutoft
hebluewhi l
ewatchi
ngt.v
.
I
fIlovehi
mt henwhatam Ifeel
i
ngf orBr
ad?
BecausewhatIfeel
forbot
hoft hem i
sn'
tthesame.
Ihat
emyl
i
fe.
..
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Iwasst
arti
ngtodoubtt
hatKy
li
edi
dgetYol
itocome
wit
hher
.Ithadbeen30minut
esal
ready
.
Ical
l
edKy
li
ebuti
twentt
ovoi
cemai
l
.
Il
oosenedt
het
ie.
Ihear
dgi
ggl
esandt
henaknock.Fi
nal
l
y.I
'
m ner
vous.
Isai
dcomei
n.
Shecl
osedhermout
hwi
thbot
hhands.Ky
li
e
l
aughed.
Yol
i
:"Ihat
eyoubot
h"
Kyl
ie:
"Ilov
ey oumor
e.Myj
obher
eisdone.Hav
ea
gr
eatnight"
Me:
"Thanky
oumamakabunny
"
Shesmi
l
edandwal
kedout
.
Yol
i
:"You'
resuchacr
ooky
ouknowt
hat
?"
Me:
"Youl
ookheav
enl
y"
Yol
i
:"Thankyou.Iassumey
ouboughtt
hedr
ess.I
l
oveit
.It
'sbeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"Youmakei
tlookbeaut
if
ul"
Shesmiledandfinal
lymovedfor
wardt
omeandwe
hugged.Wekissedbrief
lyt
henIpul
l
edachai
rfor
herandsatdownt oo.
Me:"
Ther
e'sonl
ysnacks.Foodwi
l
lbeser
vedar
ound
7:
40"
Yoli
:"Noprobl
em babe.Evenift
hereweren'
tthese
snacksitwoul
dbest i
l
lspecial
.Theset
ti
ngis
heavenl
y.Whohelpedy ou?"
Me:"
TylerandKhethi
we.Doy ouremembert
heday
yout
ookashoweratmypl ace?Thedayyouranout
wear
ingonlyatowel?
"Shelaughed.
Yol
i
:"Yes.Noneedt
oremi
ndme"
Me:
"Your
ememberWhatIsai
d?"
Yol
i
:"YesIdo"
Me:"Imeanti
t"shesmil
edandsqueezedmyhand.I
ki
ssedhersandpushedthechai
rbackandknel
ton
oneknee.
Shel
ooked.
..i
don'
tknow.
Me:
"Yol
anda-
"
Yol
i
:"Whatonear
thar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Me:
"I'
m aski
ngyoutobemy
-"shescr
eamed.Not
t
heexci
tementscr
eam.
Yoli
:"Qui
ntonIjustr
ecentlyl
ear
nedt hatmypaternal
grandmadiedofheartattackpl
easet hi
nkofmy
poorheart
"shewast alki
ngtoofast.Evenherhand
wassweat i
ng.Itooktheboxofar i
ngout .
Yoli
:"OhmyGodhe' sser
ious."Shesnatchedher
handaway .Shet
ookherclutchandrushedtothe
door.If
oll
owedher.Sheopenedandr an.Inheel
s,
sheran!
Ist
oodt
her
ewat
chi
ngherCast
erSemeny
aaway
..
..
[
2/26,
06:
40]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erFor
ty-
Six
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Cal
vi
ncameout .Ipassedhi
m headi
ngbacki
nwhi
l
e
Yol
i
'scarst
art
ed.
Iwentst
rai
ghtt
otheki
tchent
ogetwat
er.
Istoodtherebefor
ethefr
idget
ryi
ngt
orecal
lwhatI
camet oget.If
eltapokeonmyshoul
der.It
urned.I
remember edIneedwater
.
Emi:
"Theyar
easkingf
ory ou"Theyarethel
east
companyIwannabearoundwi t
hrightnow.
It
ookoutabot
tl
eofwat
erandf
oll
owedEmi
.
Isatnextt
oKat
lego.
Cal
vi
n:"Ij
ustreal
i
zedwehaveal
ongwaytogo.You
donotwalkoutonameeti
ngMaNzuza.Ev
er!
"
Yol
i
:"I
'
m sor
ryIwas-
"
Calvin:
"I'
m notdone.Iwil
ltel
lyoual
lwhenitsyour
turntospeak.Ididnotcal
lthi
smeet i
ngtoonlylet
youbot hknowy ouhavehumi l
iat
edyour
sel
ves.I
call
editforyoutootomakepeace.Iaskedmy
brotherstospeaktoeachoneofy ou.Di
dthey?"
Weal
lnodded."
Tyl
erdi
dKhet
hiwesaywhather
pr
obl
em i
s?"
Tyl
er:
"Shesai
dshedoesn'
thav
eanybutKhet
hel
o
does"
Cal
vi
n:"
Okay
.Chr
is?
"
Chris:"
Shedidsayshehadapr obl
em becauseshe
fearedQuint
onbeingwithYoliwi
ll
leadtotheterr
or
thathappenedatEstcour
tbutaft
erItol
dherNzuza
hadgi v
enthem achancesheputherselfi
shreasons
asideandshe'shappyforthem"
Cal
vi
n:"
Khul
e?"Hel
ookedatme.
Khul
e:"Shejustsai
dshedoesn'thav
eaprobl
em.It
hasbeen2weeksi fI'
m notmist
akensheal
ways
gi
vesmet hatsameanswer .I
'
vebeggedheri
nany
waybutshewon' tsayathi
ng"
Cal
vi
n:"
Qui
nton"
Q:"Shesai
dshedoesn'thav
eanyshe'
sjustwor
ri
ed
aboutKhet
hel
o'
satti
tudetowar
dsherandPhil
a"
Calvi
n:"
Well.Lelosaidshedoesn'
thaveanyproblem
toobutshecanseet hetensi
onbetweenKhethelo
andYoli
.Doy ouguy sseewhatishappeni
ngtoy ou
bothisver
yv i
sibl
e?Tonightwearegoingtofi
xthis.
Khethel
otellme,howdoy oufeelaboutYol
i?
"
Me:
"Idonotf
eel
anyemot
ion"
Calv
in:"I
'm notplayi
nghereMamnguni .What
happenedthev eryfi
rstdayyousawher ?"Idonot
haveti
mef orthis.Thejudgementinal
l t
heireyes.I
betIam thebiggesttrai
torher
e.Katl
egor ai
sedher
hand."YesMamakaHawu"
Kat:"
Wewenttothei
rtabl
e.Igreet
ed.Onl
yKyl
ieand
Ben.All
Irememberwelli
sthatIwasn'
tni
ceandI'
m
sorr
y"
Calv
in:
"Siy
abonga.Iwantt
oknowwhathappenedi
n
thebat
hroom?"
Me:
"It
oldhert
ost
ayawayf
rom ourf
ami
l
yand
Qui nt
on.Shesaidshewon'tbecauseshedoesn't
thinkQuintonwould'
veri
skedallourli
vesifhedi
dn'
t
l
ov ehersomuch.Shewaspr oudherf at
her
kidnappedmyki dsandKat.Shetotall
ygotmemad.
Iquestionedwhatkindofawomani sshe"
Yoli
:"Thatwasaf
teryousai
dI'
m a19yearol
dslay
queenwhocan'tkeephercl
awsoffol
dermen"
Me:
"Wel
lcany
ou?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Khet
hel
o!"
Me:
"Sor
ry"
Calvin:"Ok.ThatwasbeforeNzuzaf or
gaveusright
?
Letmej ustsayyouwerestil
langryheabducted
yoursi st
erandkids.Whathappenedaf t
eryouheard
hewi llnotbehurti
nganyone?Thathegav ethem hi
s
blessingsandl et
ti
ngushav ePhil
a"
Yol
i:"
Iheardherbeggingsomeonet omakeitquick
andcomebecauseKhul eisnowal l
owingmet othei
r
homethatmeanst hisrelati
onshipi
sgoingfar
"I
l
ookedather."Yes.Iheardy ou.Thedoorwasn't
cl
osed.That'
swhenIr ealizedthi
swasdeeper"
Khulehadhi
sheadf
aci
ngdown.Theydonot
underst
and!
Calvi
n:"I
sitt
rue?"Inoddedandl ookedaway."We
areyourfami
lyKhethelo.Youmeanoutofal lthese
peoplenoneofthem youhadt oconfideinabout
yourprobl
em.Notev eny ourhusband?"
Me:"
Hewouldn'
thaveunderst
ood.Hewould'
ve
t
houghtI
'
m over
react
ingl
ikeally
oudoes"
Khule:"Si
ncewhenhav
eIev
ert
houghty
ouar
e
reacti
ng?"
Me: "
Youwoul d'
vetoldmeI 'm seei
ngthi
ngsand
preachthesamev ersey oudidtheti
meIf oundy ou
watchingyourwedding'svideos"Tyl
ergaveme
ti
ssues.Iwipedmyt ears.KhuleandQuintonwer e
l
ookingatmewi they esfullof.
..
hur
t?Idon'tknow.
Myey eswer ebl
urr
ywi thtears.
Khul
e:"
I'
veknownhowYolil
ooksfor6mont
hsnow
baby
."Hashe?Wherehasheseenher?
Me: "
Iwas..
.Iam scar
edever
ydayy
ouseeYoliyou
seeher.Thatwhent i
megoesonyougoingt
ostart
l
ovingherandabandonme.Andwheny oubrought
Philahomei tj
ustgotworse.Ij
ustassumedIwi l
l not
beneededany mor
e.Ifel
tthepresenceofLesedi.I
fel
tlikeyougoingtomissherandendupf il
ingfor
divorce.IknowIdon'
tmakesensebutt hat'
showI
feel"
If
elthi
m hugmei
n.Idi
dn'
tseehi
m comi
ng.
Khule:"I
fyout r
ustedmei twoul dn'thav egottenthi
s
far
.Youwoul dbesur pri
sedi fItoldy ounotf oreven
asingledayIev ersawYol iandt houghtofLesedi .
EvenwhenIsawPhi l
aIonl yr eali
zedshel ooksabit
l
ikehernowandt hatwasi t.IloveLesedi butshe
passedon, howIl oveheri sdifferentfrom howIl ove
you.Youar enotherr epl
acement .Il
ovey ou
Khethelo.Yolii
sQ's.Itcanbeabi ttr
aumaf oryou
seei
ngt hem togetherandInowunder standbutIgot
you.Not hi
ngwi l
leverchangehowIf eelabouty ou.
Evenifsher osefrom deat hnot hingwoul dChange.
Noof f
enseYol i
"shel aughed.
Yol
i
:"Nonet
aken"
Itf
eltli
keahugewei
ghthadbeent
akenof
fmy
shoulders.
Cal
vi
n:"
Wear
esor
ryy
ouhadt
ogot
hroughal
lthat
"
Me:
"It
sOkay
.I'
m sor
ryYol
i
"
Yol
i
:"Youowemeani
cecr
eam dat
e"
Me:"
Afterher
e"shechuckl
ed.Looksl
i
keev
ery
one
wascry
inghere.
Yol
i:"
I'
m al
sosor
ry.I
'
mlooki
ngf
orwar
dint
oknowi
ng
youagai
n"
Me:"
I'
m deepl
ysor
ry.AndI
'
m al
sol
ooki
ngf
orwar
d
t
oit
"
Qui
nton:
"Whew!
"
Me:
"Youbot
har
ever
yter
ri
bleatpr
obl
em sol
vi
ng"
Yoli
:"Ver
yhorr
ibl
e.Whati
fwewer
egonnaki
l
leach
otheratBal
i
?"
Khul
e:"
Youwoul
d'
ve?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Whatwoul
dyoubeendoi
ngt
her
e?"
Me:"Appar
entl
ywehadt
ogot
her
etof
ixour
r
elat
ionshi
p"
Cal
vi
nlookedatt
hem.
Khul
e:"
Whatdi
dyouwantust
odo?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Sitdownandt
alk!
"
Qui
nton:
"Wedon'
tl
iket
hat
"
Yol
i
:"Theygav
eusanul
ti
mat
um"
Khul
e:"
Noneedt
obenoseyabouti
t"
Me:
"Di
dn'
tyou?
"
Q:
"Itwashi
sidea"
Khul
e:"
Andy
ouagr
eed"
Q:
"Phel
aIt
houghty
ouwer
esmar
t"
Yol
i:
"Wearenowal
one"Il
ookedaround.We
l
aughed.Wher
ehav
etheygoneto?
Khul
e:"
Ok.Jokesasi
de.Your
eal
l
yokaynow?
"
Me: "
Yeah.Pret
tymuch.MaybeIdidn'
treal
l
yhat
e
youthatmuchYoliIj
ustneedtogetthi
soffmy
chestandreassur
ancefr
om youhusband"
Q:
"Icoul
dn'
tbehappi
er.Thankst
oCal
vi
n"
Yol
i:"
Yescausey
ouhav
epoorpr
obl
em sol
vi
ng
ski
l
ls"
Q:
"You'
veal
readysai
dthat
"
Yol
i
:"I
'
llsayi
tagai
n"
Khul
e:"
Cal
lMt
hot
ocomewi
tht
heki
ds"
Q:
"Idon'
thav
eai
rt
ime"
Khul
e:"
Doy
ouev
erhav
eai
rt
ime?
"
Q:"Whyisital
waysmet
ocal
lpeopl
e?Whatdoes
yourphonedo?"
Igotup.Yol
ifol
l
owedme.
Wefoundtheladi
espr
epar
ingsnacksand
champagne.
Me:
"Ist
hisourdi
nner
?"
Lelo:
"No.Thi
sisf
orcel
ebr
ati
on.Emi
justor
der
ed
food"
Me:
"Cel
ebr
ati
onf
orwhat
?Youguy
sar
edr
amat
ic"
Khet
hiwe:
"Hug.I
'
m notconv
incedy
ouguy
sar
ecool
now"
Me:"We'
ll
letthatcomenat
ural
l
y"It
ooky
oghur
tand
di
ppedinchips.
Kat
:"Thi
sfeel
sli
keadr
eam"
Yol
i
:"I
tdoes.I
'm sohappy.Feel
sli
keIjustsubmi
tt
ed
amathemati
csassignment"welaughed.
Me:"Nowthat
'satr
uerel
ief
.Isany
onegoi
ngt
opop
t
hischampagneorwhat?
"
Ty
ler
:"Yes"
Hi
sbr
other
sfol
l
owed.Theysmel
ll
ikeasht
ray
s.
Tylerpoppedthechampagnewiththehel
pofQ.
Theypour edusall
hal
fglassesandkeptt
hebot
tl
es
forthemselves.
Cal
vi
n:"
Tomor
epeacef
ulandl
ovi
ngy
ear
s"
Us:
"Cheer
s!"
Calv
in:"
Okay .BongagotHappypregnant.Tol
dhert o
abort
.Sheranaway .He'
ssti
lll
ookingforherthough"
Amenhal l
elujah!
Khule:"YoliandKhet hel
oareexpect
edtohave
themselv esremov edfrom t
henewspaper
sbecause
wear ev erybusylookingforthemot
herofourf
ir
st
evergrandchi l
d"
Me:
"Okay
"
Theyl
eft
.
Yol
i
:"Whyar
eyousay
ingokay
?"
Me:
"Becausewewi
l
l"
Yol
i
:"How?
"
Kat
:"Wemi
ghthav
etoki
ckasses"Yol
ismi
l
ed.
Yol
i
:"Cool
then"
Khet
hiwe:
"Youal
lar
efr
eaks"
Emi
:"Thi
sneedsgi
n"
Lel
o:"
What
'
supwi
thy
ouandgi
n?"
Emi:"
Imissedmyperi
ods.Af
terIshaggedJason"
shesai
dandpouredgi
nanddr anki
tasr awasiti
s.
Wt
f?
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Iwokeupearli
ert
hanexpect
ed.Fr
iday
sar
emyr est
daysIdon'
tknowwhywasIup.Khethi
wewasfast
asl
eep.Idi
dn'
tevenseehercometobedl
astni
ght.
Whenwecamebackf
rom dr
oppi
ngYol
iof
fthey
wer
esti
l
ldri
nki
ng.
Isawacockr oach.Ahugeasscockr oach.Igotoff
thebedandt i
pt oedtoit.Icaughti
tandwentout .
Theirdoorwassl i
ghtlyopen.Theyhavemov edthe
tri
plet
stotheirownr oom Ithi
nktheywantt o
reproducenewnoi semaker sandmeatf ini
shers.
Me:
"Goodmor
ningMrandMr
sDubeel
i
mthende"
Theyst
art
led.
Chr
is:
"Manwhat
'sup?
"
Me: "Ibr
oughtyourcockroach"It
ossedontopof
them andranout.IfoundPhilaheadingt
othest
airs.
"Excusememi ss"sheturnedandr antome.Ipi
cked
herup.
Phi
l
a:"
Goodmor
ning"
Me:
"Yousmel
lgood"
Phi
la:"Thankyou.Ibat
hedandspr
ayedmommy
Khethelo'
sspr
ay."
Me:
"Wher
edi
dyougeti
t?"
Phil
a:"
Inherbag.Herbagisont
her
oom Isl
epti
t.I
don'
tli
kethatr
oom eit
her"
Me:"MommyYoliwi
l
ldoy
ourr
oomsi
nev
eryhome
pr
incessr
ooms"
Iputheront
hecount
er.
Phi
l
a:"
Ican'
twai
t.Myhai
rneedsasal
on"
Me:
"Doy
ouknowwhaty
ouwantt
odo?
"
Phi
la:
"Ialway
schoosewhenIgett
her
e.Wi
l
lyou
pl
easetakemetothesal
on?"
Me:
"Yeahsur
e.Whynot
?Let
'sf
ir
sthav
ebr
eakf
ast
"
Phi
l
a:"
Whydon'
tweeatout
?"
Me:
"Youact
ual
l
yhav
eapoi
nt.Let
'sgochange"
Wewentupstai
rs.Itookaqui
ckshower
.Khethi
we
wasst
il
lasl
eep.Idressedupandwentt
odressPhi
la
up.
Wel
eft
..
.
•
••
[
Kat
]
If
ini
shedbat
hing.Iwant
edt
odi
e.Ihat
eEmi
fort
his.
Chr
is:
"Sl
eep.We'
l
lor
deri
n"
Me:"
Ineedtomakear emedy.Formeandev
ery
womaninthi
shouse"hechuckled.
Chr
is:
"Youguy
sar
esomet
hingel
se.Whatshoul
dI
or
der?"
Me:
"Any
thi
ngspi
cyandhot
"
Chr
is:
"Ther
ear
eki
ds"
Me:"Or
dermil
dfort
hem"Iwal
kedoutheading
downst
air
s.If
oundKhet
hel
oboil
i
ngwater.She
l
ookedworse.
Me:
"Youundi
dyourhai
r"
Khet
hel
o:"
Idon'
tknowhoworwhen.Wher
e'st
hat
demonofachi
ld?
"
Khet
hiwe:"
Iam l
atef
orwor
k"sheal
mostt
ri
pped
andfel
l.
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nky
oucangot
owor
kli
ket
hat
"
Khet
hiwe:"
Ihaveanimportantmeet
ingat10.Why
di
dyoutakeoffthebr
aids?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Idon'
tknow.Ij
ustneedcof
feer
ightnow"
Me:
"Whydi
dn'
tyouuset
hecof
feemachi
ne?
"
Shehi
therf
orehead.
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
m st
il
lwast
ed.Wher
e'sYol
i
?"
Me:
"Di
dn'
tshel
eav
elastni
ght
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Letmegobat
h"
Q:"
Mor
ningmybeaut
if
ulpeopl
e.Iwi
l
ltakecar
eof
t
hemeet
ingmamaDube"
Khet
hiwe:
"Thanky
ouhubby
.If
eel
li
keshi
t"
Me:
"Yol
il
eftl
astni
ghtr
ight
?"
Q:
"Yesshedi
d"
Khet
hel
o:"
Hav
eyoucheckedonher
?"
Q:"I
'
llpassbyherpl
ace.St
ayi
nokay.Idon'
twant
youguyscoll
apsi
ngfarawayf
rom home"
Us:
"Thanky
ou"heheadedout
.
Calvi
ncamedown.Hegr eet
edusandbi dus
goodbye.Inowfeelt
err
iblefornotmaki
ngt hem
breakf
ast.Ior
deredi
tvi
aubereat stodel
iveritt
o
t
hei
rof
fi
ces.
Khethi
wewentupst ai
rst
obath.Weremai
ned
downstair
sanddrankcoff
ee.EmiandLel
ojoi
nedus.
Theyjustmadecoffeeandsatdown.Wesati
n
completesil
ence.
Me:
"So.Yout
hinky
ouar
ebaki
ng?
"
Emi
:"Yes"
Lel
o:"
Youdon'
tl
ookhappyt
hough"
Emi
:"Ofcour
seI'
m not
.Whowant
stohav
eababy
wi
ththatpsy
cho?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Wer
eyounotont
hepi
l
l?"
Emi
:"No.
"
Me:
"Ar
eyouguy
sbackt
oget
her
?"
Emi
:"No.I
twasj
ustamomentofweakness.
"
Lel
o:"
Youshoul
dbuyat
est
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ihav
e2i
nmybag"
Me:
"Youhav
eanot
herpr
egnancyscar
e?"
Khet
hel
o:"
No.Iboughtt
hem l
astt
ime"
Lel
o:"
Thi
siswhyIt
iedmyt
ubes"
Me:
"Isn'
tpai
nful
?"
Lel
o:"
Notatal
l
."
Me: "
Iwanttoti
eminetoo.Chr
ishasbeengivi
ngme
i
njecti
onsIdon'
tgetandtal
ki
ngaboutli
tt
lebabi
es"
t
heylaughed.
Lelo:"
Thesepeopl
ehav
eav
eryst
rongsper
m.Go
test"
Emi
:"I
'
m scar
ed"
Khet
hel
o:"
Justgo"
Shegotof
fthechai
randl
eft
.
Me:"Whenist
hatmonkeyJessi
cagi
vi
ngbi
rt
h?"
Theyl
aughed.
Lel
o:"
Youal
soi
mpat
ientf
ort
hem t
otr
yforababy
?"
Me:"
Yes!AndIknowshewi
l
lcat
chandi
tsgoi
ngt
o
beaheal
thybaby"
Khet
hel
o:"
Youguy
sneverev
enaskedheri
fshe
want
stogotot
hatDr
"
Me:
"Iknowshewi
l
lagr
ee.
"
There'
saDrt hathashelpedmanywomenwhocan
notcarryf
ull
term.Theyal l
havebouncingbabies
today.Andwhent hatugl
yduckli
nggivesbir
th.We
gonnaconsulthim andwegonnahav eanotherli
tt
le
baby.
Me:"Ever
yoneissopregnant.I
fBonga'
sgi
rl
fr
iend
di
dnotabortthechi
l
di twil
lbeagemateswit
h
Tyl
er'
s"
Lel
o:"
Idoubtshewoul
d'
vegoneawayi
fsheabor
ted
i
t"
Khet
hel
o:"
True.Howcomei
sYol
inotpr
egnant
?"
Me:
"Condoms"
Khet
hel
o:"
Oh.If
orgott
hoseexi
st"
Me:
"Hav
eyouev
erusedacondom nj
ewi
thKK?
"
Khet
helo:
"Nope.
"Shet
ookasi
pofhercof
fee.We
l
aughed.
She'
ssuchabadbi
tch.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Thi
sisthescari
estshi
t.Iputt
het
est
sawayand
washedmyf acepassi
ngtime.
Aft
er5minut
es.Ipi
ckedthet
estsupwit
houtl
ooki
ng
att
hem andputt
hem inmypocketandwent
downst
air
s.
Lel
o:"
Whatdot
heysay
?"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tl
ookatt
hem"
Khethel
o:"
Hhai
bo.Letmesee"It
ookt
hem outand
gaveher."
You'
reshaki
ng"
.
Me:
"Iwi
l
lcol
l
apse"
Shelookedatthem,lookedatmeandt henatthem.
OhGodI '
m pregnant
.IleanedatKat
lego.Icoul
dn'
t
keepthetear
sin.Whyam Isocar el
ess!
Lel
otookt
hem f
rom Khet
hel
o.
Lel
o:"
Wear
eher
eEmi
"
Me:
"Howcoul
dIdot
hist
oBr
ad?
"
Khet
hel
o:"Heaskedf
orabreaksojustgat
her
cour
ageandtel
lhimyou'
repr
egnant"
Me:
"It
snott
hateasyKhet
hel
o"Katsqueezedmei
n.
Kat:"
Whatwasheexpect
ingwant
ingabr
eak?He
pushedy
ouint
oJason'sarms"
Lel
o:"
Youar
esur
eit
sJason'
s?"
Me:"Yes.Igotof
fthepil
lbecauseBr
adandIwer
e
nol
ongerhavingsex.I
'
mf ucked"
Khet
hiwecamei
n.Shenar
rowedherey
esatme.
Khet
hiwe:"You'
repregnant
?"Inodded.Shehugged
me.Sheletgo."Youaren'
tthi
nki
ngoft er
minat
ingi
t,
ar
eyou?"
Iam act
ual
l
y.
Them:
"Emi
!"
Me:
"Whatam Igonnadowi
thababyy
ouguy
s?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Yougonnagi
vei
ttomeEmi
please"
Lel
o:"Iam notbl
uff
ingwhenIsaywear eher
efor
you.Bradwil
lgetoveri
t.Yourbr
other
swil
lkeep
Jasonathisbestbehavi
our"
Me:
"I'
m scar
edy
ouguy
s"
Khet
hel
o:"
Don'
tbe"
Theystartedl
ecturi
ngme.Yohabi
gassheav
ybel
l
y?
I
'm notreadyforthat
.
Khethiwesuggestedwewat chamov iewhi
lewe
feastonthegreasybreakf
ast.KhuleandChri
sonl y
camedownt ogetthefood.Nobodycantoucht hem
whent heyar
ewat chi
ngsoccerwi t
hthei
rbabies.
Wefell
asl
eepont hecouchesandwokeupt
o
someoneshout
ingournames.
Yol
i
:"Thesear
ecof
feeaf
ter
mat
h.Wakeup"
Lel
o:"
Chi
l
dwher
edoy
ougetal
lthi
sener
gy?
"
Yol
i
:"Iwokeupamdjogged.Idr
ankpil
lsandt
reat
ed
myhangoverwi
thev
eryt
hinginfr
ontofme"
Kat
:"Yourv
oicecant
ell
"
Shesqueezedher
sel
fbet
weenLel
oandI
.
Yol
i:"
Iboughtyout
estsandi
cecr eam andl
otof
goodi
esjusti
ncaseit
sposit
ive"
Me:"Youar
elat
ey ougonnabeMalumekazi
"she
cov
eredhermouthandreachedf
oricecr
eam.
Yol
i
:"Her
e.Tamedownt
het
rauma"
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
ll
hav
ethesedonut
swi
thchi
ps"
Me:
"Thesear
eformeKhet
hel
otu"
Khet
hel
o:"
Please.Ar
ewest
il
lgoi
ngt
oIndonesi
a?"
Kat
:"Whodoy
ouknowt
her
e?"
Yoli
:"I
t'
sthevacat
iont
hatwassupposedt
ofi
xour
rel
ati
onship"
Khet
hiwe:
"Sonowy
ouwantt
ogowi
thoutus"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thatisactual
l
yagoodi
dea.Weshoul
d
goawayonvacati
on.Onlyus"
Lel
o:"
When?Thatneedst
obesoon"
Yol
i
:"Today
"
Us:
"What
?"
Yol
i
:"Yes.Let
'sdi
sappear
"
Me:
"They
'df
indusi
nani
nst
ant
"
Yoli
:"Notifweusemyf
ather
'scar
dtohi
reacarand
ever
ythingelse"
Lel
o:"
Ihat
etosayt
hisbuti
tsgonnabef
un"
Kat
:"Fl
i
ghtt
icket
s?Accommodat
ion?
"
Yol
i:"
Letyoursl
ayqueentakeyouplaces.I
tsgonna
bearoadtri
p.Mpumalangaisnearandhasf un
act
ivi
ti
es"
Khet
hel
o:"
Youar
ecor
rupt
.Letmegopack"
Khet
hiwe:"
Whyareyoupacki
ng?Wewil
ltransf
er
moneytoYoli
'
sdad'
scardandshopassoonaswe
gett
here"
Kat
lego:
"Emi
thi
sisgoodt
her
apyf
ory
ourst
ress"
Me:
"Iguess.
"
Theygotup.KatandKhethel
owentupst
air
stoki
ss
thei
rbabi
esthengotback.
Iwashopingthey'
dchangethei
rmindsbutno.We
weresti
l
lonourindooroutf
it
s.Iwouldn'
taskf
or
bet
tersi
steri
n-l
aws.Thesearethebest.
•
••
°
9hour
slat
er°
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Cal
vincal
l
ed.Hemademadbecauseeacht
imehe
cal
l
edIthoughti
twasmyguy
s.
Me:
"Ny
amazane"
Cal
vi
n:"
any
thi
ng?
"
Me:
"Nonot
hing.Yoursi
de?
"
Calv
in:
"Thecctvfootageshows2menparki
ngt
he
caratt
heparkinglot
.Ihavegott
hei
rnamesmy
guysarel
ookingforthem"
Me:
"Keepmepost
ed"
Cal
vi
n:"
Iwi
l
l"
I
fthosemonkey
saretheonest
hatt
ookmywi
ves
t
heywill
regr
ett
hedaytheywer
eborn.
Iwasbaby
sit
ti
ng.Theywer
eal
loutl
ooki
ng.
Imust'
vefal
lenasl
eep.Iwokeupt omyphone
ri
ngi
ng.Itwaspri
vat
enumber .Iqui
ckl
yanswer
ed.
Al
lIhear
dismusi
c.
Me:
"Hel
l
o?"
Cal
l
er:
"Heybaby
.Themusi
cist
ool
oudher
e.Can
y
ouher
eme?
"Isatupst
rai
ght
.
Me:
"Yol
i
?Wher
ear
eyou?Ar
eyousaf
e?"
Yoli
:"Assafeasroy
aljewell
ery.I
..
.Iwantedtotell
youthatyesIwil
lmarryyou.Nexttimejustwr i
teme
alet
terdon'
tdothatcandleli
ghtthing.I
tscaresme"
Me:
"Ar
eyoudr
unk?
"Shegi
ggl
ed.
Yol
i
:"Nope.Il
ovey
ousugardaddy
"
"
Yolicomet
hemenareaboutt
ostr
ip.Whoooo!The
Dubemencoul
dnev
erdothisf
orus"
Me:"
Ist
hatKhethel
o?Wher
ear
eyouguy
s.wear
e
wor
ri
edsickaboutyou"
"
Wher
e'st
hecamer
aEmi
?"ThatmustbeKhet
hiwe.
Me:
"Yol
i
?Yol
anda!
"Shehungup.
Khul
e:"
Youf
oundt
hem?
"Hesai
dcomi
ngi
n.
Me:"Yes.Soundsl
i
keTheyar
einacl
ubwat
chi
ng
st
ri
ppingmen"
Tyler:"
What?DotheyknowIal
mostgotshotlooki
ng
forthei
rstupi
dfaces?Gi
vemethenumberthey
call
edwi t
h"
Me:
"Pr
ivat
enumber
"
Ipi
ckedPhi
l
aupandwentupst
air
s.
100%sur
ethi
swasYol
i
'si
dea.
..
[
2/26,
06:
40]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erFor
ty-
Sev
en
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Bythegr
aceofgoodLordweallmanagedtotr
yand
notfi
ndt
hewomenasperwi sh.Lel
owouldcal
l
ever
yhourr
eassur
ingustheyar
estil
lokay
.
Theycamebackinonepiece.Andnowmychi l
dren
havebeentakenofft
hebreastbecauseMam Dino
sai
diti
snothealthyt
ocontinuebreast
feedi
ngthem
aft
erKhethel
owentoutfor3days.
Yolii
sherf
ather
'sdaught
er.Ast
ohowheconv
inced
thesewomentogo,Idon'
tknow.
Andthentherei
sPhil
aandTyl
er.Onaver
ypeaceful
Sat
urday.Theydeci
dedt
heygonnawakeever
ybody
upwi
thki
nkysongsandl
eft
.
Khethel
o:"
Breakf
asti
sready
"Icl
oseddownt
he
l
aptopandfoll
owedherdown.
Me:
"Wher
e'sQ?
"
Khet
helo:
"Hedidn'
tcomebackyest
erday
.Ij
ustsent
Li
am todeli
verhi
ssneaker
sathi
shouse"
Me:
"Atwhosehouse?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Q'shouse"
Me:
"That
'sodd"
Khet
hel
o:"
He'
swi
thYol
i
"
Me: "
That
'sgoodthen.Iwil
lbegoi
ngt
owor
kto
checkafewthingsl
ater"
Khet
hel
o:"
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Me: "
Yeah.Ij
usthaven'
tbeenther
eforweeks.And
BongabeingabsentIneedtocheckafewthings"
shemov edhereyesawayf r
om meandwiped
Ngiphi
le'
smouth."Spi
titout"
Khet
hel
o:"
What
?"
Me:
"Youdot
hatal
otwheny
ouknowsomet
hing"
Khet
hel
o:"
Youguy
sar
etoohar
donhi
m"
Me:"How?Byl
ett
inghi
mtaker
esponsi
bil
i
tyofhi
s
act
ions?
"
Khethel
o:"Doyouknowt hathehi
red3PI sbutst
il
l
noluck?Ithi
nkifyoureal
lywantthi
sgrandchi
ldyou
wil
lstartl
ooki
ngforit
'
smot herbecauseBonga
can'
t."
Me:
"Het
oldy
out
hat
?"
Khethel
o:"Yes.Babypl
ease;mychi
ldhasl
ost
weighteven.Thisi
sweighi
nghardonhimtoo.He
wasscared,that'
swhyhetoldhert
oabort
.Please
underst
andt hat
"
Me:
"Whati
fshedi
d?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Shewoul
dn'
tbeinhi
dingsthandwasam.
Youmanagedt
ofi
ndoutwewereinMpumal anga.
Fi
ndi
ngHappywoul
dn'
tbesohard"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"
Stopgoi
ngthroughmystuf
fpl
ease.Iwi
llget
myguysonthesearchi
ngspr
eebutt
hatdoesn't
meanBongaisofft
hehook"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thanky
ouMbuy
azi
"sheki
ssedme.
"
Ewww"oht
heyar
eback.
Me:
"Wher
ehav
eyouguy
sbeen?
"
Phi
la:
"WewereatmommyKhet hi
we'
spl
ace.Daddy
youwon'
tbel
i
evewhatshesai
d"
Me:
"Whatdi
dshesay
?"
Phi
l
a:"
Shesai
dIwi
l
lbet
henextbossatherwor
k"
Me:
"Wowcongr
atul
ati
ons.Let
'seat
"
Phi
l
a:"
Not
hanky
ou.Iat
eicecr
eam"
Khet
hel
o:"
Tyl
erDube"
Tyl
er:
"Youpr
omisednott
otel
lPhi
l
a"shegi
ggl
ed
andcover
edhermout
h.
Phi
la:
"If
orgot
.I'
m kiddi
ngdaddyIdi
dn'
teati
ce
cr
eam weatechickenburger
"
Khethelo:"
Andnowy ougoingtoeatyourdai
l
y
cer
eal becauseifyoudon' tyouwil
lbeweakand
neverbelikeSofia"thishowwe'vebeengetti
ngher
toeatherf oodsbecauseGodknowswhatdoes
Tyl
erfeedheront heirthei
rsecr
etdates.
I
tfeel
sgoodtohav
esomuchpeacei
nthi
shouse.I
wi
shwealll
iv
edhere.
..
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Iwokeupallal
one.Thekidsalsoweren'
ther
e.Ihad
ti
metocleanandputallt
helaundryonthemachine
andhadanicerel
axingbath.
Bei
ngal
onecannev
erbecompar
edt
oany
thi
ng.
"Babe?"Thatwasthebest6hoursofmyli
fe.Poof
ther
egoesmygoodt ime.I
'v
ebeenonthi
st ubforan
hourstrai
ghtandIwishIcanst
ayanextr
a30
minutes.
Me:"
Bathroom"thedooropened.Igotoutoft
het
ub.
Hewrappedhisarmsaroundme.
Me:
"I'
m wet
"
Chr
is:
"That
'sexact
lyhowIwanty
ou"Ichuckl
ed.
Me: "
You'
rever
ynaught
ydaddy"hesmir
kedand
ki
ssedme.Iswearheissoobsessedwi
thbathroom
sex.Hepi
ckedmeupandsatmyassont hedresser
.
Hewentdownl owwit
hhiski
sses.
Me:
"Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
"
Chri
s:"
Sleeping"hespr
eadmyl egsapartandcame
backtokissmyl i
ps.Heinser
tedhi
sfinger,
Ifl
i
nched
i
npleasure.Hesuckedonmyni ppl
est oo.
Thisi
stheonlyt
imet hisgenderi
sabletomult
itask.
Ikeptbr
ushi
nghisheaddownt ohisshoul
der
s.I
havebeenonjai
lsinceIcamebackf rom
Mpumalanga.Sothisfeltr
eall
yamazing.
Hewentdownandputmyl egsonei thershoul
der
s.
Ourey
esmet .Wechuckl
ed.Ishaved.LastweekI
di
dn'
tlethi
m doi
tbecauseitwasn'tshaved.
Hest
artedwor
kingouthi
smagi
c.Ij
ustl
oseitand
moanli
keamadwomanwhenhe' sdownther
e.
Hest
opped.
Me:"Whyar
eyoust
oppi
ng?
"Iwasnowbr
eat
hing
l
ikeahai
rdr
yer
.
Chri
s:"
Becauseonceyoucum youwil
ll
oseal
lthi
s
ener
gy"hesli
dhimsel
fin.Idon'
tdot
hat!
Iwi
shIhadthestr
engthtotel
lhi
mthatnowbutt he
wayhepl
ayshisguit
arisasgoodashi
sfingerand
hi
smout
h.
Ihel
dont ohi
mf ordearl
i
feashepoundedmehar
d
andfastandIgavein.
Heputhisonehandaroundmywai standt
heother
agai
nstthewal
l.Hewentonf orqui
tesomet
ime.I
feel
verypower
lessaf
terreachi
ngcli
max.He'
sri
ght.
Ifel
thi
mti
ghtenhisgri
p.Heletoutasof
tgr
oanand
huggedmeti
ghter
,panti
ng.It
ookadeepbreat
h.
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"heki
ssedmeont
heshoul
der
.
Chr
is:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e.Iboughtbr
eakf
ast
"
Me:"
Thankyou."Icuppedhisface.Hesmi
l
ed.He
t
ookmylefthandandki ssedi
t.
Chr
is:
"Wher
e'sy
ourr
ing?
"
Me:
"Onmybox.Iwascl
eani
ngi
t.
"
Het
ookat
owel
andcl
eanedus.
Chri
s:"
Ok.Yourmom cal
l
ed.She'
saski
ngf
ort
he
ki
ds"
Me:
"If
oundhermi
ssedcal
l
s.Di
dyout
ell
Q?"
Chri
s:"Thatoneisunr
eachabl
e.Iwi
l
ldr
ivet
oKhul
e'
s
l
atertolethi
m know"
Me:"
Okbabe.Let
'
stakeaquickshowert
hencauseI
wi
ll
begoi
ngt oEmi'
spl
ace"
Ihel
pedhi
mtakeof
fhi
st-
shi
rt
.
Chr
is:
"Speaki
ngoft
hatone.Whati
swr
ongwi
th
her
?"
Me:
"Why
?"
Chris:
"She'
sbeenacti
ngv er
yweird.Ipassedbyher
placeyest
erday
.Sheseemedv erydist
ractedshe
toldmeshequitwork.That'
snotli
keher"
Me:"She'
safemale.Wegothr
oughdi
ff
erentphases
i
nli
fe.Itmustbeoneoft
hose"
Chr
is:
"Wel
lIam wor
ri
ed"
Me:
"Don'
tbe"
Itur
nedhim aroundt
oscr
ubhi
sback.Whyi
sEmi
so
tr
anspar
ent?..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Ihavebeenal lov
erthepl
acelookingbutnoluck.I
am start
ingtothi
nkshekill
edhersel
fmay be.If
inal
ly
gatheredcourageandwenttoherhome, Ifoundthat
theymov edoutinMarch.IhavePaultr
acingthem
downf orme.
Ican'
tbesleepi
nginhotel
sfor
ever.Imissedhome.I
punchedt
hecodeandt hegateopened.Iwonderi
f
SisLi
nkycamet ocl
ean.
Ical
ledMthoonmywayt othedoor
.Hedidn'tpi
ck
up.Hehasn'tbeenanswer
ingmycall
slat
ely.He'
s
notl
oyalatall
.
Iputt
hekeyandunl
ocked.
I
twassqueakyclean.Looksli
kesomeonehasbeen
her
ethough.Iwenttothefri
dgeandt
ookthewater
out
.Idranki
tall
andcol l
apsedonachai
r.
Ihav
enotbeenabl et
ocommuni cat
ewit
hanyone
above.Event
heleafi
smut e.Therei
snothi
ngIhave
nott
riedbuti
tsnotworki
ngout .
"
Itakei
tshe'
sout
sidewai
ti
ng"Ist
art
led.
Me:
"Baba?
"
Baba:
"Yes.I
ssheout
side?
"
Me:
"Uhm.
..
I.
..
she.Ican'
t"her
aisedhi
shandt
osl
ap
me.
"Qui
nton!
"Hef
ormedi
tint
oaf
istandhi
tthe
count
er.
Me:"
Iam t
ryi
ngbaba.Real
l
yIam butshe'
sjustno
wher
etobefound"
Baba:"Tell
meSbongakonkewhywoul dyoutel
lher
toter
mi nat
e?"Iwentqui
et."
I'
m nott
alki
ngtomysel
f
dammi t!
"
Yol
i:
"Woul
dyoucal
m downpl
ease?You'
rescar
ing
hi
m"
Baba:
"Heneedst
oanswerme.Why
?"
Me: "
Iwasscar ed"forthef
ir
stti
meev erIcri
edwhi l
e
thi
nkingofit
."Iam scaredIam notfi
ttobeaf ather
.
Iam scaredImi ghtchooseany
thingelsebutit
"
Baba:"I
'
vealwaystol
dyou,youar enotthosepeople
Bonga.Youaremyson, nott
heirs.Whathappened
then,
webur i
editwit
hthepast.Ihavehadnev er
beenafatherwhenIgotyoubutIf i
gureditout.Tel
l
me, didIev erfai
l y
ouasapar ent?"Ishookmyhead.
He'dnev er.Notev enonce.Hewasal waysthere
beingaf athertoki dshegotf rom thrstr
eet."
Now
tel
lmewhatmakesy outhinky ouaregonnafailt
hat
chi
ld?You' veal r
eadyf ai
ledHappybutdonotf ai
l
yourchi l
d.Iam v eryangryaty ou.Iam sorr
yifyou
fel
tliketell
ingsomeonet oter
mi natewasthewayt o
solveyourf ears.Isetav erybadexampl eforyou.Go
upstairsandr est.Iwillf
indherandy ouwil
lmakeit
upt oher"
Me:
"That
'si
fshedi
dn'
tgoaheadandt
ermi
nat
eit
"
Baba:
"Idoubt
.Justpr
ayshekepti
t.Asky
ourgogoi
f
shedi
dornot"Isi
ghed.
Me:
"Ican'
treachgogo.It
hinkI
'
m bei
ngpuni
shed"
Baba:"
WellIdon'
tbl
ameherIal
sowantt
ohi
tyou
agai
nstthewall
"
Hewal
kedt
othel
ounge.
Yol
i
:"I
sthi
sher
?"
Idi
dn'
tev
enseehergetov
ert
hissi
de.
Me:
"Yeah"
Yol
i
:"We'
vemett
wice"
Me:
"Wher
e?"
Yol
i
:"Dur
banandher
eatFour
way
s"
Me:
"Whoawhoa.Yout
alkedory
ouj
ustsawher
?"
Yol
i
:"Wet
alked.She'
spr
egnant
"
Me:"
OhJesust
hanky
ou.Baba,
Yol
isay
sshe'
s
pr
egnant
!"
Baba:
"Whoa!Babe?
"
Yol
i
:"He'
stal
ki
ngaboutHappy
"wel
aughed.
Baba:
"Youknowher
?"
Yoli
:"Yes.Imetheratt
hebeachandthenmetherat
thateventwewentto.Shesai
dsheli
vesinDur
ban"
Me:
"ThenIhav
eabet
terl
eadnow.Excuseme"
Myhear
tfel
tal
essheav
ynowt
hatIknowshekept
t
hebaby.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Gogo:
"You'
rehappyagai
n.Donotl
etany
thi
ngt
ake
t
hatawayf
rom y
ou"
Me:"Iwon'
tmyl
ove.Iam comi
ngt
oseey
ounext
weekend"
Gogo:"
IwouldbesohappymyAngel
.Ihav
en'
tseen
yourmothersi
ncel
astweek"
Me:
"May
beherhusbandi
shome"
Gogo:
"Soy
ouar
eokaywi
thst
ayi
nghi
sfi
ance?
"
Me:
"Per
fect
lyf
ine"
Gogo:
"Hav
etheysett
hedat
eoft
hei
rmar
ri
agey
et?
"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.Ty
lerhasn'
ttol
dmeany
thi
ng"
Gogo:
"Pr
ay.Justpr
ayabouti
tal
l
."Ihear
daknock.
Me:"Iwi
l
lgogo.Ther
e'ssomeoneatt
hedoor
.Iwi
l
l
cal
lyoul
ater
"
Gogo:
"Takecar
e"
Me:
"Youdot
oo"Ihungup.
Igotupwi
tht
hebowlofcer
eal
toputi
tont
hesi
nk
andwentt
othedoor
.
Me:
"Hey
"heat
tackedmewi
thahugandki
ssedmy
cheek.
Me:
"It
houghty
ouhadabusydayt
oday
."
Tyl
er:
"Iam.Thi
sispartofi
t.Weshoul
dtaket
his
hai
rst
yleout
"hetookmyhands."
Andthesenai
ls"I
fr
ownedandsmiled.
Me:
"Igetbor
edgoi
ngt
othesal
onal
one"
Tyl
er:"Luckyyou.Yougotyoursel
fahubby
.Areyou
gonnagochangeor ?ButIf
indyouver
ybeaut
if
ulin
thi
slazyoutfi
t"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Letmegogetmybag"
Iwentformybagandcamebackonlytofi
ndhi
m
eati
ng.Iwi
shtoknowwheredoesal
lthatf
oodgo
becausehe'
ssti
l
linshape.
Me:
"Iwast
hinki
ngIshoul
dvi
si
tgogonextweek"
Ty
ler
:"Oh?
"
Me:"
Yes.Ihav
en'
tseenhersi
ncet
heweddi
ngandI
mi
ssher"
Ty
ler
:"CanIcomewi
thy
ou?
"
Me:
"Thatwoul
dbeodd"
Ty
ler
:"Gogoi
sver
yfondofme"
Me:
"TakeJessi
caonav
acat
ion"
Ty
ler
:"Ar
eyour
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
ovi
si
tgogo?
"
Me:
"Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
"
Ty
ler
:"Whywon'
tyoul
etmegowi
thy
ou?
"
Me:"
BecauseIam gi
vi
ngy
ouandy
ourbabymama
t
imetobond"
Tyl
er:"
DidIsayIwantt
obondwi
thher
?"He
snapped.
Me:"
I'
m nott
ryi
ngtof
ighther
ebabe.Iwasj
ust
maki
ngasuggesti
on"
Tyl
er:"
Itdoesn'
tsoundl
i
keasuggest
iont
obut
rat
heranorder"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ryt
hen.
"
Il
ockedandwegotont
hel
i
ft.
Ty
ler
:"WhycanInotcomewi
thy
ou?
"OhmyGod!
Me:
"BecauseIwantt
otal
ktogogo.Pr
ivat
ely
"
Ty
ler
:"Okt
hen.I
'
llbeathomet
oo"
Me:
"Andwantt
oseemeev
ery2mi
nut
es?
"
Tyl
er:"
Doyoureal
i
zey
ou'
remywif
e?Actual
lyyou
shoul
d'
vei
nfor
medmemay be2weekspri
orabout
thi
s"
Me:"Whatonear
thi
swr ongwit
hy ouTy
lerDube?I
j
ustdeci
dedanhouragothatIwannagovisi
ther
"
Ty
ler:
"Iam comi
ngwi
thy
ou"heopenedmydoorf
or
me.Igoti
n.
Me:
"Asl
ongas-
"
Tyl
er:
"Endofdi
scussion"hecl
osedt
hedoorand
wal
kedaroundt
oent er.
Wedroveoff
."WegonnapassbytheDronourway
backIneedt
ocoll
ectsomebloodtest
s"
Me:
"Ok"he'
sannoy
ingatt
imes.
He'
sbeenall ov
ermelikebadr
ash.Ineedt
obreat
he
wit
houthim bei
ngall
upinmyface.Idoenj
oyhavi
ng
hi
m aroundbutnotal
ltheti
me!
Whoa.
..
doeshet
hinkImi
ght
..
.?Noway
!
Me:
"Doy
out
hinkIwoul
dcheatony
ou?
"
Ty
ler
:"What
?"
Me: "
Yeah.You'
vebeeneverywher
eIam.Cal l
i
ng
every5minutessi
nceIfoundoutaboutJessi
ca.You
thi
nkImightgoforrev
enge"
Ty
ler
:"Iknowy
ouwoul
dn'
tdot
hat
"
Me:
"Whyar
eyoual
lov
ermet
hen?
"
Tyler
:"BecauseIlov
ey ou!You'r
emybestfriend.
That'
swhatf ri
endsdo.Bealloveroneanother,br
ing
them l
unchatwor k,r
andom visi
tsandal
lthat."
Me:
"Itl
ooksl
i
key
ou'
rekeepi
ngt
absonme"
Tyl
er:"
Youl eftme.Thatscaredtheshitoutofme.I
neverwantedt oletyououtofmysightsincethen.
I
'm sor
ryifitstoomuchbutt hethoughtoflosi
ng
youshri
nksmybal ls"Il
aughed.
Me:"Youdi
dn'thavet
osayt
hat
.Iam notgoi
ng
any
whereIpromise"
Ihuggedhidar
m."
Getont
hedr
ivet
hrough.Ineed
Mcflur
ry"
Ty
ler
:"Thi
siswhyIhat
ethi
srout
e"
Ichuckl
ed.Hel
ookedatmesmi
l
ing."
Ilov
eyou"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e."
Irest
edmyheadonhi
sar
m.Iam gl
adhe'
sher
e
now..
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Aft
erdr
oppi
ngYol
iof
fatherf
ather
'shouseIdr
ove
toKhul
e'
s.
Myphonerang.Thisi
sthet
hir
dti
me.Iconnect
edi
t
t
othecarBluet
ooth.
Me:
"Ny
amazane"
Chri
s:"
Ithoughty
ouwer
edead.Wher
ehav
eyou
been?"
Me:
"Myhouse.What
'
sup?
"
Chr
is:
"Kat
'smot
heri
saski
ngf
ort
heki
ds.
"
Me:
"Ohok.Forhowl
ong?
"
Chr
is:
"What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou.Sayno"
Me:
"Why
?"
Chris:
"Shesti
ll
letsPit
sov i
sit
.Ican'
thavemykids
aroundthatf
ool.So,Iwil
lgiv
ehery ournumber
sand
sayno"
Me:
"Youwantmet
obeabadper
son?
"
Chri
s:"
Notenti
rel
ybutmakeupanexcuse.Say
you'
regoi
ngtoEstcour
twi
ththem"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
aterman"
Ihungup.Whyi
sev
ery
onesoev
ili
nthi
shome?
Iar
ri
vedatKhul
e'
s.
Me:"Lookatyoubot
h.Socosyandbeauti
fulonthe
couchwhiley
ourki
dspassedoutonthestai
rs"
Khethel
ojumpedup.Il
aughed."
I'
m ki
ddi
ng.Howar e
youfam?"
Khul
e:"
Exceptt
hef
actt
hatwehav
easst
upi
dasy
ou.
Wearefi
ne.Howar
eyou?"
Me:
"I'
m good.Chr
ist
oldmet
odenyMr
sMokgot
ho
t
hekids"
Them:
"Why
?"
Me:
"Hesay
sshe'
sst
il
lfr
iendswi
thPi
tso"
Khul
e:"
Oh.Theycan'
tgoi
fiti
sso"
Me:"
Thenyou'
rether
ightcandi
dat
efort
hej
ob.
Whenshecal
lsyouwil
lanswer"
Khul
e:"
Wit
hpl
easur
e"
Hi
sphonebeeped."
It
sCal
vi
n."Her
eachedf
orhi
s
i
Pad.
Khet
hel
o:"
Didy
oueat
?"
Me:
"3hour
sago"
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
ll
makey
ouguy
ssomet
hingt
oeat
"
Khul
e:"
Pleasel
eti
tbemeat
"
Khet
hel
o:"
YesSi
r"shewal
kedof
f.
Khul
e:"
Heybaby
"
Calv
in:
"Hheywena"wel aughed.Iwentt
ostand
behi
ndKhule."Ohyou'
reheretoo.LetmeputTyl
er
andChri
sont ooandreadtheresponsefr
om Sam"
Me:
"Whatdi
dhesay
?"
Cal
vi
n:"
Bepatient
"hechuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
"
Ohheretheyare.
"
Tyl
er:"Wehav
ingmeet
ingsv
iaFaceTi
menow?
Lev
els"
Calvin:
"Soguy s.Qaskedmet osendSam alett
er,
askingforYol i
'shandinmar r
iage.SoI'
m si
tti
nghere
i
nmyof fice.Icamet olookoutaf ewthi
ngs.Isent
himt helettert
ohi shomeaddr essandviaemail.He
respondedt ot
heemai lwit
hjustLOL"
Hethencr
ackedofl
aughter
.Theyal
ldi
d.Iknewthis
wasn'
tgoi
ngtobeeasy.Notwhil
eweedissti
ll
legal
i
nSA.
Me:
"Sendhi
m al
ett
erwi
themoj
i
snow"
Cal
vi
n:"
He'
sdoi
ngt
hisadul
ter
ythi
ngwr
ong.
"
Chr
is:
"Il
i
kehi
m"
Tyl
er:"
Don'tl
ooksadQ.Laughl
i
keyoulaughed
whenhemadeBabGedeandhi sfel
lassi
toutsi
de
hi
sgateforthewhol
edaywhentheywenttopay
l
obolaforLesedi
"
Khul
e:"
Pleaser
emi
ndhi
m.Lol
isbet
ter
"
Me:
"Doy
ouguy
sknowhecandot
hisf
ormont
hs"
Chr
is:
"Thatwi
l
lpr
ovehowmuchy
ouwanthi
s
daught
er.Weshoul
dsendt
hesel
ett
ersev
eryhour
"
Tyler
:"Iknowwhatheneeds.Heneedsafr
eshbabe
thatwil
lstri
pandt
werkforhim.He'
sgoi
ngthr
ough
menopause"
Me:
"I'
l
lgohel
pKhet
hel
owi
thj
uice"
Ty
ler
:"Shame.By
eQueenLat
if
a"
Me:
"OkTay
lorSwi
ft
"
Iwalkedt
otheki
tchen.Whyonear
thdi
dIf
all
for
thatcl
own'
sdaughtert
hough?
..
.
•
••
[
Emi
]
KatandYol ibetterbeher
ewhenI '
m heavyand
unabletowal k.Katcamebyduringthedaywith
goodies.Andt henaround6pm ubereatsdel
iv
ered
mev erygreasyf oo.If
eelsopr
egnantit
snotev en
funny.
Katadv
isedmet
osendBr
adamessageandt
ell
him.
Idid.Iwantthisguil
ttobeoverbythet
imeIgive
bir
th.Hedidn'trespond.It
ri
edcal
li
nghim buti
twent
st
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.
Ishouldmov
ebacki
nwi
thKhet
hiwe.Thi
sthi
ngof
l
ivi
ngalonei
sgoi
ngt
osendmestrai
ghtt
oamental
hospit
al.
Iwascur l
eduponacouchwat chi
ngtv.Ihearda
knock.Itur
neddownthevol
ume.Theknock
persi
sted.Whocoul
ditbe?Peoplear
easl eep
around11pm.
Igotupandwal
kedt
othedoor
.Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
"Whoi
sit
?"
"
It
sme"myhear
tbeatf
ast
er.
Jason:
"Emi
?"
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Jason:
"Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ou"
Me:
"Tal
k"
Jason:
"Pl
easel
etmei
n.Iwi
l
lsayj
ustt
hisand
l
eave"
Iunl
ockedandhest
oodt
her
e.Looki
ngasdecentas
ever
.
Isteppedasi
deforhi
mtoent
er.Hedi
dn'
tmov
ehi
s
eyesoffme.Igul
ped.
Me:
"Tal
k"
Jason:
"Pl
easekeepi
t"Ifr
owned."
Thebaby
"If
elt
myhandstrembl
e.If
ail
edtomaint
ainey
econt
act.
Me:"
Idon'
tknowwhatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
"Isai
d
wal
ki
ngtotheki
tchenar
ea.
Jason:"Isawt hemessagey
ousentyourI
ndi
an
boyfr
iend.IknowIam anutcase,
Iknowcarr
yingmy
chi
ldisacur setoyoubutpl
easeMaDubeIwil
ldo
anyt
hingf oryoutogi
vemethatchi
ld.
"
Me:
"St
ayawayf
rom meJason.Thi
sisn'
tyourchi
l
d"
Jason:
"Iknowitis.AndI'
m sorr
yyoufel
lpregnant
.I
wil
ldoallt
henecessiti
esIpromiseIwi
ll
proceed
wit
htheshrinksessi
ons."
Me:"Ther
eisonl
ythi
ngIneedyoutodo.Ineedyou
togiv
emespace.Andify
oumakeanyat temptsto
getanywher
enearmeIwil
lki
ll
my sel
f"
Jason:
"Emi
hle"
Me:
"Out
!"
Jason:
"okayf
ine.Don'
tcr
y,I
'
m sor
ryokay
?"
Iwenttothedoorandhelditopen.Hesl
owl
ywal
ked
towardsi
t.Hestoppedbeforeme.Icl
osedmyey
es.
Hekissedmyforehead.
Jason:"
Justi
ncasey
ouchangey
ourmi
ndIwi
l
lbe
here"
Me:
"Iwon'
t"
Iheadf
ootst
epsfadeaway
.Islammedthedoor
cl
osedandwentdownagainsti
tandbr
okedown.
Thi
sisnotwhatIi
maginedmyli
fet
obe.I
tis
def
ini
tel
ynotwhatIwantedf
ormychi
l
d.
If
eltsever
ecramps.Itr
iedget
ti
ngup.Theygot
worse.I
'
m notsupposedtobefeel
i
ngsuchpains.
Unl
ess..
.
[
2/26,
06:
40]Zozaness:
Chapt
erFor
ty-
Eight
•
••
[
Happy
]
"I
'
mi nl
ovewit
hyouther
e'snot
hingIwouldn'
tdo,
catchabul
l
etfory
ou.Aslongasy ouwantmet o.I
'
m
i
nlov
ewi
thy
ou.
..
"
Ther
adi
owentof
f.Ist
oppeddanci
ngandt
urned.
Pat:
"You'
redanci
ng.Hav
ingt
hebesttimeofy
our
l
if
ewhilet
heDubemenhav efoundyou"
Me:
"What
?How?Pat
!"
Pat
:"Thi
sisbey
ondmycont
rol
.It
ri
edr
eal
l
yIdi
d"
Me:"Theycannotf i
ndme"Herushedtot
hekitchen
t
ogetmeagl assofwater
.Isatdownonthecouch
t
ryi
ngnottocr y.It
ookt
heglass.
Me:
"Pl
easegetmemyi
nhal
er"
Theycannotfi
ndme.Idon'twantthem ar
oundme
ormychil
d.Especi
all
ythatBonga.Iwantnot
hingt
o
dowitht
hatstupi
dexcuseofaman.
Hehandedmet
heast
hmapump.Ii
nhal
ed.Hewas
br
ushi
ngmyback.
Pat
:"I
'
m sor
rybabe"Iwi
pedof
fthet
ear
s.
Me:
"Pl
easebookmeat
icket
"
Pat
:"ToJo'
bur
g?"
Me:
"No.Any
wher
efaraway
"
Pat:"
Youcannott r
avelmorethan6hoursHappy
youknowt hat
.Theywer emeanttof
indyou
event
uall
y!You'
recarr
yingthei
rbl
ood.Sooneror
l
atertheyweregonnafi
ndy ou"
Me:"YoudonotgetitPat.Hetoldmet oabort
.A
whole7hours,
hestil
lhadnotchangedhi smind.I
t
extedhimifhewassur ehesaid'cer
tai
n'
.Nowt el
l
mewhywoul dIwanttobef ound?Whywoul dIwant
t
hatmanandhi speopleclosetomybabyandI ?"
Pat:"
Wellhi
speopl
edi
dn'
ttel
lhi
mtot
ell
yout
o
ter
minat
e"
Me:
"Ineedt
obeal
one"
Pat
:"Okaygot
oyourr
oom"
Me:
"Al
onei
nthewhol
ehouse"
Pat:
"Justpr
etendI
'm nothere.Iwi
l
lmakey
ouf
ood.
Yourmom isgonnacallanyt
ime"
Isighed.Iam nowgonnahav
et obeint
err
ogat
edfor
l
ying.Butheact edl
i
keaonenightst
and.I
tmakes
nodi f
ference.
Myphonerang.I
ndeedi
twasmymother.Iputi
ton
si
l
ence.Cantheworl
dgi
vemeabreak!
Andtheseki
dskickmeli
ketheyarepay
ingmef
or
car
ryi
ngthem.Iwantf
rozenmargari
ne.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Whatawayt of
indoutwegonnabeuncl
es.Ev
ery
yearsomeonei
spregnanti
nthi
shome.
Alotisgoingonri
ghtnowandi tal
lneedssol
uti
ons.
Emi doesn'
twanthercrackheadJasonnearher,
Tyl
ernolongerwantstomar ryhisJessi
caandCalvi
n
andKhul ewentt
oHappy 'shome.TheHappyIknow
doesn'twantany
thi
ngtodowi thus.We'r
ewait
ing
onthem togetback.
Yol
icamebackwi
tht
hef
rui
tsEmi
asked.
Yol
i
:"Idi
dn'
tgetbananal
ove"
Emi
:"Thanky
ou.Thesear
efi
ne.
"
Me:
"Doy
ouwantany
thi
ngel
se?
"
Emi
:"No.Iam good.Ij
ustneedt
ogohome"
Me:
"Youwi
l
lst
aywi
thKhul
eandKhet
hel
o"
Emi
:"No.Idon'
twannabeabur
den.Iwi
l
lsur
viv
eon
myown"
Tyl
er:
"Nothappening.Youalmostdiedyest
erday.I
f
i
twasn'tf
orthatcaret
akeryouwould'v
ebothdied"
Emi:"Wel
lwear
enot
.Iwi
l
lkeepy
'al
lnumber
son
speeddai
l
"
Me:
"It
sjustt
hemedst
alki
ng.
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Iwi
l
lmov
einwi
thher
"
Yol
i
:"Iwi
l
lcomeonweekends"
Me:
"Youbot
har
emyst
ars"
Shestar
tedcr
yingagai
n.Khet
hiweandYol
i
comfort
edher
.
Me:
"Thedoct
ort
oldy
ounott
ost
ressEmi
hle.
"
Emi:
"Idonotwantwhatt
hisbabyi
saboutt
obr
ing
i
ntomylif
e"
Me:"Wewil
lkeepJasonawayunt
ilyou'
refi
newith
hi
m bei
ngaround"I
'
my ett
oaskYolihowcomet his
i
sJason'
schil
dwhileshewasdat
ingtheindi
anguy.
Thevisi
tor'
shourscametoanend.Iwarnedher
abouttr
yinganyt
hingst
upi
dbeforeweleft.
Me:
"We'
redr
ivi
ngt
oChr
is'
s"Isai
dtoTy
ler
.
Ty
ler
:"Ar
etheybacky
et?
"
Me:"Idon'
tknowbuttheysai
dwe'
dmeetther
e."He
noddedandwepartedway st
oourcar
s.
Me:"
Youar
en'tusedt
ogoodthi
ngs.Whydoy
ou
al
waysr
ushtoopenyourowndoor?
"
Yoli
:"BecauseIdon'
twannagetmy sel
fusedt
o
thi
ngsthatmightnotlast
"Ir
aisedmybrow.
Me:
"You'
rewei
rd.
"
Idrov
eaway."CanIasksomet
hing?IknowI
shoul
dn'
tbutIam cur
ious"
Yol
i
:"I
'
m pani
cki
ngr
ightnow"
Me:"It
saboutEmi
"shenodded."
Howi
sthatbaby
Jason'
s?"
Yoli
:"I
tsbeenawhi
l
esinceshebrokeupwit
hBrad.
Theytri
edworki
ngt
hingsoutwi
thJasonbuti
t
fai
l
ed"
Me: "
That
's.
..
itsfuckedup.Idonotfavort
histhi
ngof
keepi
ngJasonawayf rom hi
schi
ld.He'sanutcase
buthedoesn'tdeservethat"
Yoli
:"Pityyoucan'
tdeci
deonthat
.Emihasmadeup
hermi nd.Hopeful
l
yshewil
lcomearound"
Me:"Shebett
erdoitquick.Nochi
ldshoul
dbekept
awayfrom i
t'
sparentfortheot
herpar
ent'
sper
sonal
agendas.I
tsnotr
ight"
Yol
i:
"True.Enoughaboutt
hat
.Di
dmydadr
espond
tot
heletter
syousent?"
If
oundmy
sel
flaughi
ng.
Me:
"Yes.Hesai
dLOL"
Yol
i
:"Huh?
"
Me:"Yes.I'
m ajoket
ohim.Calvi
nsenthi
m more
l
ett
ers,Idon'tknowi
fherespondedt
oanyofthem"
Yol
i
:"He'
ssuchaj
oker
"
Ilookedatther earv
iewmirr
or.Ir
eal
i
sedther
ed
tazzthatwasf oll
owingusonourwaytot
hehospi
tal
.
Bloodyimmat ure.
Me:
"Isy
ourseatbel
tfast
ened?
"
Yol
i
:"Yes"
Ipressedhar
dont heacceler
ator
.Shel
ookeratme.I
couldseeherfr
om thecornerofmyeye.Ij
ustkept
myey esontheroad.
Ibr
akedhar
dast
hecari
nfr
ontofmej
ustt
ookov
er.
Me:"
Fucki
ngmor on.Areyouokay
?"Shetookadeep
br
eat
handt ookherhandsofft
hedashboard
br
eat
hingheavi
ly
.
Yol
i
:"Yeah.
"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"
Isqueezedherhandandpul
l
edov
er.Ihandedhera
bott
leofwater.
Yol
i
:"Thanks"
Me:
"Yougood?
"Shenodded.
Myphonerang.Icheckedi
tis.I
twasanunknown
number
.Iputitback.
Yol
i
:"Youcananswer
.I'
m okay
"
Me:
"Whoev
eri
tis.I
'
llcal
lthem l
ater
."
Yol
i:
"Whyareyouspeedi
ngany
way?"Il
ookedat
comingcar
s.Thet
azzwasnowher
et obeseen.
Me:
"I'
mrushi
ngt
othemechani
c."
Yoli
:"You'
respeedi
ngwi
thacart
hati
snotongood
conditi
on?
"
Me: "
Iti
s.Myot
hercari
sther
esoIwannamakesure
I
'm notl
atef
orthemeet
ingathome.Needany
thi
ng
t
oeat ?"
Sheshookherheadanddr
ankwat
eragai
n.
Idr
oveon.
..
•
••
[
Jason]
Shehandedmeabeerandputdownabowl
of
snacks.
Luv
o:"
We'
reoutofwi
negums.
"
Me:
"Doyouev
erbr
inganyory
ouj
ustal
way
scl
ean
meout
?"
Luv
o: "
Visit
orsonl
ybr
ingt
hemsel
vesJay
.What
movieisthi
s?"
Me:
"Si
l
ence"
Luv
o:"
Putonsomet
hingl
essscar
ierpl
ease"
Me:
"Youwannawatcht
hoset
oogoodt
obet
rue
movi
es?
"Shechuckl
ed.
Luv
o:"
Whatki
ndofmov
iesar
ethose?
"
Me:
"Ther
omant
icones.Theyar
ecr
azy
"
Luv
o:"
Aisuka.
"
Shet
ookt
het
abandwentt
oNet
fl
ix.
Me:
"Emi
ispr
egnant
"
Luvo:
"Getoutofhere!I
sthatwhyyoufl
ewback?"
Shepausedandfrowned."Youdon'
tl
ookhappy"
Me:
"Shedoesn'
twantmet
obepar
toft
hei
rli
ves"
Luv
o:"
Butwhy
?Di
dyouguy
sfi
ght
?"
Me:
"No.
"
Luvo:
"Butwhywouldshetel
lyoushe'
spr
egnanti
f
shedoesn'
twanty
out obeinvol
ved?
"
Me:"
Shedidn'
t.Isy
ncedherphonewi
thmy
computer
.WhenshesentthatBr
adamessage.I
sawit
"
Luv
o:"
Jason!
"
Me:"What
?Ihadt
oknowi
ftheyst
il
ltal
k.Il
oveher
Luv
o"
Luvo:"
Iknow.Butthatdoesn'tmeani nvadeher
pri
vacy.Maybei
fyouactlessofaf r
eakshewoul d
wantyouaroundher.Butifyou'
restil
linvadingher
pri
vacyandshowingallt
hesecr azyassper sonas.
Shewon't"
Me:
"May
beshedoesn'
tl
ovemeany
mor
e"
Luvo:"Shedoes.May be.Allyouneedt
odoi stobea
normal humanbeing.Stopstalki
ngher.Sendher
fl
owersf orst
arter
s.Tellheryou'
resor
ryaboutlast
ni
ght.Thosef l
owersmustbeaccompani edby
snacks.Pregnantpeoplelovefood"
Me:
"Isi
tgonnawor
k?"Shesi
ghed.
Luvo:"
You'
resuchadisappoi
ntmentfr
iend.I
fit
doesn'
twor
kwe' l
lbuyherababystr
oll
er.Ifi
tdoesn'
t
wor
kwe'
l
lbuyherawhol
efucki
ngcar
."
Me:
"Whyshoul
dIbegt
obei
nmychi
l
d'sl
i
fe?
"
Shehi
tmewi
thar
emot
e.
Luvo:"That
'swhatmadeyouloseheri
nthefi
rst
place.WhenshefoundoutaboutBi
ancayou
shouldn'
thavegavehert
imetocooloff
."
Me:
"Idi
dbegher
"
Luvo:"Youknownot hingaboutbegging.Youscar ed
herinstead.Nogoingallcr
azyonthepoorgi r
l.You
gonnabeagent leman.Sendherlovenot es,make
suresheknowsy ou'
rethi
nki
ngofherev eryday .And
pleasedonotletoutthosecrazypersonali
ties
okay?"
Me:"
Ihav
ebeenabl
etocont
rol
them agai
nlat
elyso
wor
rynot
."
Luv
o:"
Good.Sendherasweetmessage"
Shepassedmemyphone.
Me:
"Whatshoul
dIsay
?"
Luv
o:"
Itshoul
dcomef
rom deepwi
thi
n.Nowpl
ease
bequi
etIwantt
owat
cht
hismov
iei
npeace"
"
Rosesar
er ed.Vi
olet
sarebl
ue.Ist
il
lrememberour
f
ir
sti
cecream dat
e.Ilov
eyouandthekid"
Igav
eitt
oLuv
o.
Me:
"Isi
tgood?
"Shel
aughed.
Luvo:
"Whathappenedtoyousweethear
t.Youused
tobever
yromanticbutt
hisi
sn'
ttoobad"
Ismil
ed.Shebr
oughtt
hephoneback.Ipr
essed
send.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
AprefectSundaytodoshoppi
ngwi
tht
hel
i
ttl
eones.
Icoul
ddot hi
sallday!
I
'm beingsarcast
ic.Mybabiesarenotbyfavour
it
eat
malls.Iev
encutmyl i
stshort
.Imagi
nesingi
ngyour
l
ungsoutatchur chandt henyouhavetoshoutat
t
his2.Def i
nit
elyawor kout.
"
Whatasmal
lwor
ld"Ohboy
.Smi
l
e.
Me:
"Hey
.Howhav
eyoubeen?
"
Si
mphiwe:"
Beengood.Justnev
erhear
dfr
om y
ou
fr
om t
hatni
ght"
Me:
"Yeah.It
ri
edcal
l
ingbutIwasoutofai
rt
ime"
Simphi
we:"
Oh.Andy
ougotbackwi
thhi
m.Mar
ri
ed
andhaveki
ds"
Me:
"YesIdi
d.Wher
e'sy
ourwi
fe?
"
Si
mphi
we:
"Wecal
li
tqui
ts.I
twasn'
treal
.Cut
eki
ds"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Ar
eyoubacki
nSAorv
isi
ti
ng?
"
Si
mphiwe:"
Per
manent
lyback.Ihav
ear
est
aur
anti
n
Randbur
g"
Me:
"Congr
ats.Wemi
ghtpayav
isi
tsomeday
"
Simphi
we:"Gi
vemey
ournumber
s.Iwi
l
lsendy
ou
thel
ocati
on"
Ihesi
tant
lytookthephoneandpunchedmy
numbers."Nextcust
omerplease"
Me:
"Seey
ouar
ound".
Si
mphi
we:
"Itwasgoodt
oseey
ou.Takecar
e"
Me:
"Thanks.Youdot
oo"
Hewal
kedaway
.Whew!
"
Youneedt
orushhome"
At
extf
rom Kat
legor
ead.
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
Quint
onsti
llhadnotut
ter
edawor d.Imy
sel
f
honestl
yhadnothi
ngtosay.Thi
swasabsur
d.
Khul
e:"
Sohowl
ongshoul
dwewai
tfort
hatuncl
e?"
Mkhi
ze:
"He'
sonhi
sway
"
Av er
ytall
manwear i
ngaveryf
ancysui
tmadehis
grandentr
ance.Hi
sshoesandwalki
ngsti
ckmade
thatannoyi
ngsound.
Hi
m:"
Greet
ings.Ibel
i
evey
ouar
eal
lwai
ti
ngf
orme"
Hi
speopl
enodded.Hesatdown.
Hi
m:"
Whi
choneofy
oui
sLamu'
sfat
her
?"
Ipoi
ntedatQ.
Him:"
MynameMuzi
kayi
se.Zanel
e'
suncl
e.Iam
heret
oaskf
ormygr
andchi
ld'
sremai
ns.Ibel
iev
e
Mkhi
zehasbr
ief
lyt
oldy
ou"
Khul
e:"
We'
venev
erhear
dofy
ou"
Uncl
e:"
That'
sbecauseIwasaway.NowI '
m back
andIwantLamu'
sremains.Thener
v eofy
out obur
y
hi
mi ny
ourhome.He'sri
ghtful
l
yours!"
Me:"
Whoaol dman.Ar
eyousayi
ngweshoul
dhi
m
di
ghim upandgi
vehimtoyou?
"Hesmir
ked.
Uncle:
"You'
reagoodli
stener
.Imeanexactl
ythat
.
Takemet oyourel
der
s.Theywil
lunder
standme
bett
er"
Quinton:"Wit
hallduerespect.Nobodyisgoi
ngto
digupmyson.Yoursi sterorhowev eryouar
e
rel
atedt oZanel
e'
smot hertol
dmet ofeedhi
mt othe
dogsi fIwanttowhenIcalledinfor
mingherthathe
passedon. "
Uncl
e:"
Wel
lIwasnott
her
e.I
'
m her
enowandIwant
hi
m"
Me:"Bot
hy ouandZanele'
shusband?I
'm sor
rysi
r
butwearewill
i
ngtodoal l
thenecessi
ti
esforhi
mt o
beri
ghtf
ull
yoursbecausewearenotgoingtodig
hi
m"
Mkhi
ze:
"Whoar
eyou?
"
Me:"
Itwi
llt
akesomebodytodiet
oint
roducemy
sel
f
sol
et'
skeepitatbei
ngunknown"
Uncle:
"Idonotwantyoutodoanyt
hing.Zanel
ehad
Lamuwhi l
eshewasst i
l
lmarr
iedt
oNdl ovu.Hefal
l
s
underNdlovupeopl
e"
Qchuckl
ed.
Khul
e:"
Soy
ouar
etaki
nghi
mtot
heNdl
ovus?
"
Mkhi
ze:
"Yes!
"
Q:
"It
hinki
tst
imef
ory
oupeopl
etol
eav
e"
Uncl
e:"
Wet r
iednegot
iat
ing.Nowwewi
l
linv
olv
ethe
tr
adi
ti
onal
court"
Q:
"Whyar
eyoust
il
lher
e?"
Het
ookoutagun.
Me:
"Qui
nton"
Q:"
I'
m gonnaki
l
lyou!Youcr
awloutoft
hatf
reakin
hol
eyou'
vebeeninandyoucomeheredemanding
mydeceasedson?Youwantt oputhi
m upf or
sacri
fi
ce?Thatwhatt hatNdl ovudoesright
?
Li
steninghereyoufuckf aces.Neverstephere.Take
met othattr
adi
tionalcourt.Iwil
lki
lly
oual l
,al
ong
withyourchi
efsandki ng.Youdon'tknowme"
Khul
est
oodbef
oret
hegun.
Khul
e:"
Puti
tdown"
Thef
rozenchi
ckenswer
est
il
lpi
nnedt
othegr
ound.
Me:
"Getl
ost
!"
Theyf
oll
owedeachot
herout
.
Qui
ntonsobbedinKhul
e'
sarms.IsawYol
iand
Kat
legohol
dingontoeachot
herbythest
air
s.
It
ookoutmyphone.
"Getmentogot
oEstcourtandguar
dourgr
avey
ard.
Shootany
thi
ngt
hatgetscloser
"
Isentt
oCharl
es.Iwill
kil
lMrfancypant
smy sel
fif
hekeepspur
suing.Whyishedeny i
ngustopay
damagesandinsist
sondiggi
ngt hechi
l
d?
[
2/26,
06:
40]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded
Chapt
erFor
ty-
Nine
*
unedi
ted*
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Al othasbeengoingoni nthishome.4mont hshas
nev erfel
tli
keayear.TheypaidlobolatoYoli,we
travell
edtoEstcour
tforapr operi
ntroducti
ont ot
he
fami l
y.Sheoutdi
dher sel
f.Wewer eallanxi
ousshe
won' tbeablet
ohandl eallt
hatbreakfastmakingand
allbutshedid.
Shei
staki
ngthi
swifethingtooser
ious.Itri
edmany
ti
mestoconv
inceherthere'
snoneedtot akethe
ki
dsi
nbutsheinsi
sted.Nowwewi llbetakingtur
ns.
Everyt
hingisgoingpr ettywellbesidethedemont hat
Ifeeli
snowt ooinvolvedinmymar r
iage.Nongcebo,
thegirlChri
sisment oring.Sheev encomesi ntoour
homeandt akeallthet i
met hatmyhusbandshoul d
bespendi ngwithme.I tisonlybeenaweekbuther
presenceinChr i
s'sli
feiswei ghi
ngonme.
Ipackedthesconesonacont ai
nerandputi ti
na
bag.Ihavebeent akingmymamf undisiduti
es
seri
ouslyl
ately.Theboardmember sarealways
holdi
ngmeet ingsafterchurchandtheydr i
nkwater
al
ltheway .IdecidedIwillbakeeverySaturday
eveni
ng.
Thedoorbel
lrang.Iwentt
ogeti
t.NotonaSunday
Mari
aocwebil
eyo!
Nongcebo:"
Hi.I
sChr
isi
n?"Oh?He'
snotDrDube
anymore?Ni
ce.
Me:"Yesandget
ti
ngr
eadyf
orchur
ch.Howcanhe
beofhelp?
"
Nongcebo:
"Oh.I
'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tknow"
Me:
"Nowy
oudo.He'
l
lseey
out
omor
row"
Nongcebo:
"CanIpl
easeaskhi
m af
ewt
hings?
"
Me: "
No.Coul
dy oupl
easedomeaf avour?Dress
decentl
yar
oundmyhusband.Ifyoukeepcomi ngto
myhousewearingtheset
ight
syoumi ghtnev
erget
hel
pf r
om myhusband"
Nongcebo:
"Theyar
etheonl
ycl
othesIownKat
lego"
Okayt
hat
'si
t!
Me:"
Thenyoumightwantt
ogetnewcl
othest
o
cometomyhouse.Gowell
"
Icl
osedt
hedoorandchar
gedbackt ot
hecount
er.
Chri
scamedownallr
eadyforchur
ch.
Me:
"Ify
oudonotputt
hatgi
rlonherl
ane.Iwi
l
l"
Chr
is:
"Whatar
ewet
alki
ngabout
?"
Me:"Nongcebo.You'
vemadehersocomf
ort
abl
e
she'
scrossi
ngboundari
es"
Chr
is:
"Wast
hatheratt
hedoor
?"
Me:"
Yes!Weari
ngti
ghts.Ever
yev eni
ng,
itsher
.You
ment
orheratworkandalsohere.WhendoIgetmy
t
imeChri
s?"
Chr
is:
"Ist
hisabouty
ourt
imeory
ouj
ustdonotl
i
ke
her
?"
Me:"Idonotli
keherbecauseshecr
owdsmyhouse
andtakesmytime.Notmentioni
nghowshedr esses
l
ikeshe'
sgoingtoCubana.Yourmentor
ingshould
endatthehospit
alpl
ease"
Chri
s:"
Yesma'am.I'
m sor
ryforbr
ingi
ngheri
ntoour
home.Youjustdi
dn'
tsayyoudonotwanther
comingher
e"
Me:"
That
'sbecausey
oudi
dn'
task.Youj
ustcame
homewit
hher."
Chr
is:
"OkayI
'
m sor
rymyl
ove.Canwegonow?
"
Me:
"Yes.Shecal
l
syouChr
isnow.
"
Chr
is:
"Butt
hat
'smyname"
Me:"
Iknowwhyshecal
l
syoubyy
ournamenow.
Shewantsy
ou"
Chr
is:
"You'
reov
err
eact
ing"
Me:"No.Awi f
ecant el
lwhenahoewantsher
husband.Youshould'
veseentheat
ti
tudewhi
l
eI
spoketoher.She'
supf orachal
l
enge"
Chr
is:
"Iwi
l
lexchangeherwi
thDrZwane'
sint
ern.
He'
saguy"
Me:
"Pr
aiset
heLor
d!"
Wedr
oveout
.Hekeptst
eal
i
nggl
ancesandsmi
l
ing.
Me:
"Keepy
ourey
esont
her
oadpl
ease"
Chr
is:
"Il
i
keitwheny
ou'
recr
azy
.Wannapassby
McDonal
d's?
"
Me:"I
'm notcrazy.Ij
ustdonotwantthesel
it
tl
emen
snat
chersclosetomyman.Andy esIwould
appr
eciateaMcf east"
Het
ookmyhandandki
ssedi
t.
Iwantnothi
ngwi
thmyman.He'
smi
neandmi
ne
al
one!.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Theglowofbeingtr
eatedwithcar
eandloveshows.
Itur
nheadswhereverIgo.Igetembar
rassedwhen
peopleaskwhatdoIuseformyskinatwor k.Li
ke
wouldn'
titbewei
rdifIsai
dIuseaman?
Husbandisgoodt
omeandIwoul
dn'
ttr
adehi
mfor
t
hewor l
d.
Ihav
ebeenrecei
vi
ngcall
sfr
om anunknownnumber
butt
heper
sondoesn'
ttal
k.Theyj
usthangup.
Okay
.IwasgladPhi
l
aiscomingoverbutnowIwant
t
ocry.Thi
sduohasener
gyforday
s.Theycancel
l
ed
churchandsai dwegoingshopping.Godknows
whatar etheyalway
sbuying.Ionlyboughtahatand
sunglassesbutthei
rbagsarefull
.
Phi
l
a:"
Mommyar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"No.I
'
mti
red.Ar
en'
tyouguy
sti
red?
"
Phi
l
a:"
Iam butdaddysai
dwewi
l
lhav
ebr
eakat11"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lbedeadbyt
hen"
Ty
lerf
inal
l
ycameoutoft
hef
it
ti
ngr
oom.
Ty
ler
:"DoIl
ookgood?
"
Me:
"Yes.You'
rehandsome"
Het
urnedar
oundi
nfr
ontoft
hemi
rr
or.
Ty
ler
:"Thanky
oumyl
ady
"
Me:
"Canwegogetf
oodaf
terher
e?"
Ty
ler
:"Yes.Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"No.I
'
m hot
,ti
redandhungr
y"
Tyl
er:
"Ok.Letmepayupandwewi
l
lgo.Phi
l
alook
af
termommy "
Hewentt
opay
.Ir
eal
l
yfel
thotanddi
zzy
.
Hecamebackandwewentt
oar
est
aur
ant
.
Ior
der
edi
cecol
dwat
erf
ir
st.
Ty
ler
:"Shoul
dwegot
otheDr
?"
Me:
"NoI
'
llbef
ine.I
tmustbet
heheat
"
Tyl
er:"
Takethi
soff
"hehelpedmetakeoffthe
car
diganandunbut
tonedmyblouseforspaceofai
r.
Mywat
erar
ri
ved.Idr
anki
tup.If
eltabi
tbet
ter
.
Me:"
Don'tbesady
ouguy
sI'
m goodnow.WhatAr
e
wegonnaeat?"
Ty
ler
:"Don'
tyout
hinkweshoul
dgett
akeaway
s?"
Me:"
No.I
'
mfi
nenowr
eal
l
y."Hesi
ghedandt
ookt
he
menu.
Myphonev
ibr
atedf
rom mybag.Ir
eachedf
ori
t.
"Pl
easemeetmeatcr ossingaround6pm.Pl
ease
makesur eyou'
renotf
oll
owed.Ipr omi
seIwi
llnot
har
my ou.Thi
sisamatterofli
feanddeat
h.Donot
l
etTylerknow.
Jessi
ca"
Iqui
ckl
ydel
etedi
t.
Ty
ler
:"I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"It
ookasi
pofmywat
er.
Me:
"YeahI
'
m good"
Igavehi
m aconv
inci
ngsmi
l
eandcal
l
edawai
ter
over
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Tr
yingt
ogetKhul
ekanit
ogotochur
chhasbecome
amissi
on.He'
sonl
yeasywhenhi
sbrot
her
sareher
e.
Kat
lego:
"Ican'
thel
pmy
sel
f"
Me:"
Areyoutryi
ngtogetusfatagai
n?"We'
vebeen
wor
kingoutl
atel
y.Wecheatonthediett
her
eand
t
her
ebutIcanspotthedif
fer
ence.
Kat
:"Whocar
es.Wecan'
tmi
ssoutongoodf
ood"
It
ookmykot
aandt
ookoutt
hecampchai
r.
Me:
"Howl
ongar
etheygonnabet
her
etoday
?"
Kat
:"Hesai
danhour
"
Me:
"I'
m sur
eKhul
ewant
stodi
e"wel
aughed.Chr
is
askedhi
mtoj
oint
heboar
dmeet
ingt
oday
.
Kat:"Doyouhav
edata?Iwantt
ovi
deocal
lthese
women.Iwantyouguystobeawar
ewhenIst ab
thathoe"
Me:
"Whoa!Whoar
eyoust
abbi
ngnow?
"
Kat:"
ThatNongcebo.Cany oubeli
evesheshowed
heruglyf
aceinmydoort hi
smor ning.Weari
nga
ti
ghtandasportsbra.Iswearshewant st
oworkout
myman"
Me:
"Shutup!Thener
veofher
"
Kat
:"Heybasadi
.Lel
o,hav
eyoubeenwor
kingout
?"
Lel
o:"
Yes.Bedr
oom exer
cise"wel
aughed.
Me:
"Wer
en'
tyouguy
satchur
ch?
"
Lel
o:"
Wewer
e.Wej
ustcameback.
"
Me:
"Youguy
sar
ewi
l
d."
Khet
hiwe:
"Iwasnappi
ngy
ouguy
s.Who'
sdy
ing?
"
Kat
:"Nongcebo.Whyi
sn'
tYol
ianswer
ing?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Whoi
sNongcebo?
"
Yol
ianswer
ed.Il
aughed.Shewaswi
thhersquad.
Kat:"
Arewet
heonl
yonest
hatwentt
ochur
ch
today
?"
Yol
i
:"Wej
ustcamebackandt
aki
nganap"
Me:
"Sot
heyf
ell
asl
eepal
lov
ery
ou?
"
Yol
i
:"Yes.AndI'
m scar
edt
omov
etheywi
l
lwakeup.
What'
sthegossi
p?"
Kat
:"Ther
e'sawi
tchi
nmymar
ri
age"
Theyal
lgasped.
Lel
o:"
Arey
ouandChr
isf
ight
ing?
"
Kat :
"Nobutshe' stoocomf ortable.Thenewi nter
nat
thehospi tal
.He'sment oringher.Mondaynoonhe
camewi thher;saidthereisabookt heyneedi nhis
study .Si
ncef r
om thent hey'
v ebeencomi nghome
afterworkandI '
vebeenpl ayingthegoodwi f
e
servingthem sconesandj uice.Shecamet hi
s
mor ning,shesaidshe'sl ookingforChris.Just
Saturdayni ghtshewasaddr essinghim asDrDube.
Whatcoul dthatmean? "
Khet
hiwe:
"Thatshe'
sget
ti
ngt
oocomf
ort
abl
e"
Kat:"
HenceIshoul
dst
abt
hatcl
eav
ageshe'
sal
way
s
exposi
ng"
Lel
o:"
Nost
abbi
ngpl
ease.Hav
eyouspokent
o
Chr
is?
"
Kat
:"Idi
d.Het
hinksi
tscut
ethatIdon'
twantheri
n
myhouse"
Me:
"Chr
isi
snotacheat
er"
Kat
:"Idon'
tknowt
hat
."
Lel
o:"Tal
ktohi
m agai
ntoni
ghtokay
.Idon'
tthi
nkhe
seesherl
iket
hatt
hough"
Me:"
Hedoesn't
.Heworksinaf
emaledominat
ed
pl
aceifhewasacheat
eryouwoul
d'
vefoundoutby
now"
"
Mamf
undi
sicanIhav
eaawor
dwi
thy
ou?
"
Kat
:"Ohy
es.Hol
dher
epl
ease"
Shewal
kedawaywi
tht
hel
ady
.
Me:
"Shewant
stost
abpeopl
e.Awhol
emamf
undi
si"
Khet
hiwe:"
Iwast
hinki
ngweshoul
dputt
hegi
rli
n
herl
ane"
Lel
o&Yol
i
:"No"
Lel
o:"LetChr
isdot
hatpl
ease"IsawChr
isandKhul
e
comingout.
Me:
"Her
etheycome.Hav
eagr
eatday
"
Them:
"Thanky
ou.Yout
oo"
Ihungup.Het
ookmykot
aandat
eit
.
Khul
e:"
Ithoughty
ouwer
eindi
et"
Me:
"It
scal
l
edcheat
ing"
Chr
is:
"Youguy
sshoul
djustf
orgetaboutdi
eti
ng"
Me:
"Yespastor
.Theser
vicewasonf
ir
etoday
.If
elt
t
hehol
yspir
itsurr
oundme"
Khul
e:"
Yousayt
hatev
erySunday
"
Me:
"Yes.Ev
erySundayi
sgoodt
hant
hel
astone"
Chri
s:"AmenimamaDube.Iwi
llt
aket
heki
ds.I
'
ll
br
ingthem t
omorrowmorni
ng"
Me:
"For
mul
aisathome"
Chris:
"There'
sasealedoneathomet
oo.I
'
ma
responsi
blefat
heryouknow"
Welaughed.Katl
egocameback.Whent heseki
ds
sl
eep,t
heymakesur etheyexcel
.Wetookthem t
o
Chri
s'
scar.Iki
ssedthem goodbyeandwewentinto
ourcar
.
.
..
Ther
eisnothi
ngirr
it
ati
ngascominghometoa
messyhouse.Wewer el
ateandIj
ustl
eftev
ery
thi
ng
al
lovert
heplace.
Khul
ehelpedmecl
eanup.Wemadef ood
af
ter
wardsandset
tl
edi
nfrontoft
heTV.
Khul
e:"Howwouldy
oul
i
keahol
i
day
?"Hesai
d
massagingme.
Me:
"Youwannat
akemeonhol
i
day
?"
Khul
e:"
Yes.Wehav eneverdoneanyt
hingi
nter
est
ing
si
nceyougavebi
rth.Thekidscanremainwi
th
mamkhulunowtheyareoldenough"
Me:
"Wow.I
'
dlov
etobabe"
Khul
e:"
Wher
edoy
ouwantt
ogo?
"
Me:
"Any
wher
e.Asl
ongasIwi
l
lbewi
thy
out
her
e"
Khul
e:"Wear
esti
llgoi
ngt
ochoosethen"hewent
qui
et."
Uhm.Ihav
esomethi
ngtotel
lyou.
"
Ihat
ethatst
atement
.Ij
ustconcl
udei
tissomet
hing
bad.
Me: "
Goon"hegotof
fthecouchandsatbut
tfl
at
nexttome.
Khul
e:"There'
snoeasywayt
osayt
his"nowmy
anxi
etyisgoingt
okil
lme.
Me:
"Justsayi
t"
Khul
e:"Rememberwhenwewentoutt
ocel
ebr
ate
af
terYoli
'
slobol
anegot
iat
ions?
"
Me:
"YesIdo"
Het
ookmyhandi
ntohi
s.
Khul
e:"
Somet
hinghappened.
..
I'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"Whatdi
dyoudo?
"
Wewer enowstari
ngeachotherint
heeye.Hekept
shyi
ngawaybutsomethinginsi
dewouldn'
tl
etme
becauseIf
eltwhat
everhe'
sabouttosaywill
fuck
meup.
Me:
"Khul
ekani
"
Khul
e:"
Isl
eptwi
thGl
ade"
Isnatchedmyhandoff.Myheartst
artedbeati
ng
faster
.Igotupandsatonthecouch.Heattempted
touchingme.Imovedmyfeet.
Khul
e:"
Iwantedt
obetheonetotel
lyoubecause
she'
sbeent
hreat
eni
ngtot
elly
ou.I'
m sosorr
y"
Me:"Noyouaren'
t.
"Het
ri
edt
ouchi
ngmeagai
n."
I
sai
ddonottouchme!Howcoul
dyoudot
hat
Khul
ekani
?"
Khul
e:"
Iwasoutofi
t.Iwi
shIcoul
d-"
Me:
"Di
dyouusepr
otect
ion?
"
Khul
e:"
BabeIam sor
ryIr
eal
l
y-"
Me:"
Khulekani
Dube.Di
dyouusepr
otect
ion?
"Hi
s
ey
eddropped.
Iranoutofbreath.May beIshouldlett
heset ears
out."
Itr
ustedyou.Gl ade?Whyher ?Couldn'tyouget
ahooker?WhyherKhul ekani
?Hav eyoualway s
wantedtosleepwi thher?"Heshookhisst upidbi
g
head.He'
snev erdisgustedmet hi
smuch.
Khul
e:"
Don'tcr
yplease.I
twasami
stake.Ipr
omi
se
youi
twil
lneverhappenagai
n"
Me:
"Getout
"
Khul
e:"
Khet
hel
o"
Me: "
Out!Got oher.Tell
heryoulef
tmehomecr y
ing
andregret
tingevertrust
ingyouorher
!Youboth
deserveeachother!IhateyouKhul
ekani
.Ihateyou!
"
Iusedthelaststr
engt hi
nmet ocli
mbupt hestai
rs.
Il
etthatwomanintomyhomewhenherboy fr
iend
chasedherout
.Ievensuggest
edshegoesandstay
i
nouroldhouse.Andthi
sishowshethankme.
Ihav
enev
erf
eltsost
upi
dandused.
Andhisbrot
her
sknow.They
'veal
lbeenl
ooki
ngat
thest
upidme.
Il
i
eddown.Mywhol
ebodyt
rembl
ed.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Ihat
elyi
ngt
oTy ler.Cur
iosi
tygotbet
terofmeandI
wenttot
hecrossing.
It
shasbeenanhoursi
nceIar
ri
vedbutt
her
ewasno
si
gnofJessi
ca.
Whenitbegangetti
ngdark.Shesentmeatextt
hat
shehasarri
ved.Il
ookedaround.Ij
umpedwhenI
heardaknockonthewindow.Iroll
eddownthe
window.
Jessi
ca:"
Open"shewaswhi
sper
ing.Iopened.Hol
y
motherofGod.
Me:
"Wai
twhatshoul
dIdowi
thi
t?"
Jessi
ca:"Rai seit
.Youneedit
.YouandTy lerneedi
t.
Mymot herandt hemanIam supposedtomar ryar
e
gonnakill
it.Theyareoutther
elooki
ngf orme.Nev er
tel
lhi
my ouar en'
thi
srealmother
.Iusedy ourname
andIDonhi sbi rt
hcard.
"Sheputbackthehatand
wentaway .Igotoutandchasedher.Shegoti nthe
carli
keli
ght ningandspedoff
.Leavi
ngmewi tha
chi
ldinthebabycor ri
er.
Iwentbacktomycar
.Ical
l
edKhet
hel
o.I
trang
unanswered.
Itcr
ied.Ipi
ckedi
tup.Il
ookedati
t.Looksl
i
keahe.I
shushedhim.Shedidn'
tev
enleav
eadummy .
Ifoundmysel
fcr
yingwi
thhi
m.Whatam Igoingt
o
feedhim?Howam Igoi
ngtoexpl
aint
hisr
iddl
eto
Tyler
?..
.
[
2/26,
06:
40]Zozaness:
Chapt
erFi
ft
y
•
••
[
Bonga]
AsmuchasIl ovethefactthatI'
m gonnabeadad.I
hatetheabuseI'm goi
ngt hrough.Igetdi
sappoi
nted
whenIr eal
iseit
sthemor ningandIr ecei
vednocall
thatshe'si
nlabour.
Wear enotbestoffr
iends.Iam j
ustt
hewai teroft
he
womb.WhatcanIsay ?Iobeyandrunaround
aroundgetti
ngsomeonewhowi l
lgotomall andbuy
whateversheneedsanddel i
veri
ttoher
.Mt ho
comesi nhandysometimesbuthewantst obepaid.
Nkaziknocked.Isignal
edhertocomei n.Iwasona
cal
lwiththesecrazysandsuppli
ers.Iwil
lsoonlook
uponourbudgetandseei fwecanaf f
ordatleast3
tr
ucks.Ican'tal
way sbebeggi
ngthesepeoplet o
l
earntodeliverontime.
Ihungupami
nut
elat
er.
Me:
"Doy
ouhav
egoodnewsf
orme?
"
Nkazi
:"YesSi
r.Hi
sPAsqueezedusi
nfor10am"
Me:
"Today
?"
Nkazi
:"Yes.
"
Me:
"Don'
tIhav
eameet
ingher
e?"
Nkazi:
"Youdid.I
twasadi
sci
pli
nar
yhear
ing.I
cancel
ledi
t"
Me:
"Whohasdonewhatnow?
"
Nkazi
:"Si
mi.She'
sbeenconst
ant
lyabsent
"
Me:"Ok.Setthemeet
ingf
ort
omor
row.Wi
thj
usther
nott
heboar d"
Nkazi
:"YesSi
r"
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Ihav
etot
aket
his"shenoddedandwal
kedout
.
"
Hel
lo"
Happy
:"Mywat
erj
ustbr
oke"
Me:
"What
?Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Happy
:"Wher
edoIl
i
ve?
"
Me:
"Wher
e'sy
ourmom?
"
Happy
:"Iwoul
dn'
tbecal
l
ingi
fshewasher
eBonga!
"
Me:
"OkayI
'
m comi
ng"
Igotupandr
ushedout
.
Me:"
Nkazicancelt
hatmeet
ing.Happyi
sinl
abour
.
Hol
dtheli
ftpl
ease"
.
..
Iwasdri
vingl
i
keamaniac.Iwassweat
ingev
en.I
havenev
erbeenner
vous.
Bytheti
meIgott
oFour
way
smyhear
twasst
uck
ri
ghtatmyt
hroat
.
Ical
l
edher
.Shet
oldmet
hegat
ecode.Ipunchedi
t.
Idr
ovei
n.Ir
ushedi
nsi
de.
Happy
:"Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
"
Me:
"Howar
ethepai
ns?Wher
e'st
hebabybag?
"
Happy:"
Whatpai
ns?Hungerpai
ns?Wel
lI'
m dy
ingof
hunger
.Canyoupl
easegogetmemychipsand
chocol
atei
nmyr
oom?
"
Me:
"Youar
en'
ti
nlabour
?"
Happy
:"NoI
'
m onacouch"
Me:
"Youknowi
twoul
dn'
thur
tnotbei
ngt
hisr
udet
o
me"
Happy
:"Andhowwoul
dyouknowt
hat
?"
Me:"
Doy ouknowIj
ustcancel
l
edani
mpor
tant
meet
ing"
Happy
:"Youcanl
eav
e"
Me:
"Wher
ear
ethechi
psandchocol
ate?
"
Happy:"
Underthebed.Pl
easegetmeanewpai
rof
shor
ts.Notj
ean"
Iwentupst
air
s.Igothert
hingsandwentbackt
o
her
.
Me:
"Wher
e'sy
ourmom?
"
"
Bonga?Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
obeatwor
k?"
Hermot
hersai
dcomi
ngi
nwear
inggar
dencl
othes.
Me:
"Hi
ma.Ishoul
dbut
-"
Happy
:"Hemi
ssedus.I
sn'
thet
hesweet
estf
ather
?"
Hermom: "
That
'sl
ovel
y.Covery
our
sel
f.The
nei
ghbor
sarecomingover
"
Happy
:"I
tshot
.Theyshoul
dcov
ert
hei
rey
eswhen
t
heygeti
n"
Itookadoekandcov er
edher.She'sal
way sl
iket
his.
Not opnorbr
a.Justshort
s.Ifeel
sorryf
orherat
ti
mes.Thebellyl
ookedli
keitsgonnaexplode.
Hermot
herdi
sappear
edt
otheki
tchen.
Me:
"Youbr
oughtmeallthewayher
ewhi
l
eyour
mot
herwasjustatt
hegarden?
"
Happy:
"Mymom didn'
tgetmepregnant
.Youdi
d.
Youcanleav
enow.Thanksfory
ourserv
ice"
Me:
"I'
l
lseey
ouwhenmyser
vicei
sneededagai
n"
Ibrushedherhead.Shesl
appedmyhandof f
.She
evencutherhair
.Thesefel
lasdr
ivehercr
azy.
..
.
..
[
Khet
hiwe]
Fi
nal
l
y!Hef
ell
asl
eep.Idi
dnotsl
eepawi
nkl
ast
night.Tyl
ertookPhil
atoJo'
bur
gyest
erdayandsl
ept
there.Ihaven'
ttol
dhimyet.
Iwenttotakeaquickshower.Iwentt
omal lonpj
s.I
wastherebeforet
heyevenopened.Iboughtmil
k,
di
apers,cl
othesandacarseat.
Ikepttr
yingJessi
ca'
scel
lbutt
onoav
ail
.And
Khethel
ot oo.
Therewasnobet
teropt
iont
hant
ocal
m downand
beinthemoment
.
ThedooropenedasIwr
appedt
het
owel
aroundme.
Ty
ler
:"Hav
eyoumadenewf
ri
ends?
"
Me:
"Hey
.No.Whywoul
dyouask?
"
Ty
ler
:"Thebaby
"
Me:
"Oh.That
'
syour
s"
Isai
dpassi
nghi
m backtot
her
oom.Icheckedon
thebaby
.St
il
lbr
eat
hing.
Iwentt
othedr
esser
.
Ty
ler
:"Khet
hiwe"
Me:
"Yes?
"
Ty
ler
:"Who'
sbabyi
sthi
s?"
It
urnedt
ohi
sdi
rect
ion.
Me:
"Jessi
cagaveitt
ome.Shesai
dhermotherand
t
hemanshe'ssupposedt
omarr
ywill
kil
li
t"
Ty
ler
:"Andy
out
ooki
t?"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
ttakei
t.Shegav
eitt
omeandf
led"
Ty
ler
:"Whendi
dal
lthathappen?
"
Me:"
Rightaf
tery
ouandPhi
l
alef
t.Shesentmea
t
extt
omeetherwhil
ewewereattherest
aur
ant
"
Ty
ler
:"Andy
oudi
dn'
tseet
heneedt
otel
lme?
"
Me:
"Idi
dbutt
hemessagewar
nedt
hatIshoul
dn'
t"
Ty
ler
:"Shecoul
d'
vehar
medy
oudammi
t!
"
Me: "
Shedi dn'tbabe.Shegav emethebaby .Ihada
l
ongni ghtIneedt osleepandt hentakehi
mt otheDr
l
ater.Whatki ndofaf atheryouanyway?Whyy ou
nevercheckeduponher ?"
Ty
ler
:"Iwentt
oseeheronThur
sday
.Shewasf
ine"
Me:
"WhataboutFr
iday
?"
Tyl
er:
"Ical
l
ed.Shesaidshewasokay
.Howdoy
ou
ev
enknowt hi
sismine?"
Me:
"Can'
tyouseet
hatwei
rdhai
rl
ine?Thebi
rth
mar
konthehand?Pl
easel
eaveusinpeace.
"
Ty
ler
:"Whataboutwor
k?"
Me:
"Nkokhel
oisst
andi
ngi
nforme"
Ty
ler
:"Unt
ilwhen?
"
Me:
"Until
fur
thernot
ice.Cal
lyourbr
other
sandt
ell
t
hem aboutt
his"
Ty
ler
:"IwantDNAf
ir
st"
Me:
"Ther
e'st
hepaci
fi
er.Takei
t"
Icl
imbedi
nbed.Butwhywoul
dtheywantt
oki
l
l
suchacut
eli
tt
lethi
ng?
..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Ther
e'snodecentchi
ldint
hishome.Theyareall
l
it
tl
esatans.Theseonesbr
okeav ase.Iam t
ryi
ngto
cl
eanup.Theyar
ecr
yingt
opl
ayont
hecl
ay.
Thecomi
ngkidsmustbel
astones.Weneedabr
eak
ofcr
azyl
i
ttl
epeopl
e.
It
ookthephoneandrangKhet
hel
oup.Shedi
dn'
t
pi
ckup.Theybet
terbenotmaki
ngmoretr
oubl
e
maker
s.
Chri
scamedown.Heki
ssedmeandpi
ckedhi
s
babi
esup.
Chr
is:
"Di
dyouhearf
rom Khet
hel
otoday
?"
Me:
"No.Ij
ustcal
l
edherbutshedi
dn'
tpi
ckup"
Chri
s:"
Pleasegocheckuponher
.Iwi
l
lst
ayher
e
wit
hthekids"
Khul
ecamedown.Il
ookedatChr
is.
Khule:
"Mor
ning"amessagef
rom Khet
hel
ocame
thr
ough.
"
Hesl
eptwi
thGl
ade.If
eel
empt
yKat
lego.
"
If
eltmyar
mpit
seach.Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.He
bi
dusgoodby
e.
Me:
"Expl
ain"
Chr
is:
"Expl
ainwhat
?"
Me:
"Youknewdi
dn'
tyou?
"
Chr
is:
"Knewwhat
?"
Me:"
Chri
sti
anDube.Pleasedonotmakemecrazy
.
Youknewyourbr
othercheat
edonKhethel
o"
Chr
is:
"No"
Me:
"Whydi
dyout
aket
heki
dst
hen?
"
Chr
is:
"BecauseImi
ssedt
hem"
Me:"
Ifyoual
lknewaboutt
hisj
ustknowy
ou'
re
r
ott
en."
Chr
is:
"Whyar
eyoumad?
'
Me:"Becauseyou'
ret
hebi
rdsofthesamefeather
!
HesleptwithawomanKhethel
oleti
ntoherhome.
What'
sgonnahappennext
?Yougonnaf uck
Nongcebotoo?"
Chr
is:
"What
'st
hisgott
odowi
thher
?"
Me:"
BecauseIletheri
ntomyhome.Idon'
twant
Khul
ehere.Thi
sisnotahidi
ngspotf
orcheater
sand
i
fyouopposethatyoucangoandbeastreetst
upi
d
manwi
thhi
m."
It
ookthecarkey
sandwal
kedout
.Iwannapayt
hat
gl
adeavisi
t.
.
..
Iputonmyi
ndexf
inger
.Accessgr
ant
ed.Idr
ovei
n.
Decei
vi
ngbi
tch.She'
sst
il
lher
e.
Ipushedt
hedooropen.Shewassomeone.
Me:
"You.Leav
e"
Gl
ade:
"Kat
lego?
"
Me:"
Yes.Weneedtot
alk.Li
tt
lelady,
Isai
dleav
e,or
youwannabepar
toft
hediscussion?
"
Ipul
ledoutmysjambok.Shet
ookherbagandexi
ted
thr
oughthebackdoor.Gl
adegotup.
Me: "Ibr
oughtyouakni
fe.Si
nceyouar
ebigenough
tosleepwithpeopl
e'
smanIt hi
nkyouwil
lbeabl
eto
stabme"
Istart
edputti
ngmysj
amboki
ntogooduse.Sher
an
upstai
rs.Goodgi
rl
.
Ibl
ockthedoorwit
hmyfoot
.Ipusheditandgoti
n.I
l
ockedandputthekey
sonmyboobi es.
Me:"Wemeetagain.TellmeGladys.Mysist
ergave
youshel
terandyouthoughtt
hatwasn'tenoughyou
shoul
dsleepwit
hherhusbandt oo?"
Gl
ade:
"Noi
twasami
stake"
Me:"Nonono.It
swhaty
oubi
tchesal
way
ssayaf
ter
bei
ngcaught
."
Imari
natedheragai
n.Ihaveneverfel
tsomuch
pl
easurefr
om someone'scry
.Ihitherunt
ilIst
art
ed
cr
yingt
oo.Iwasf umi
ng.
Ist
opped.Ipul
l
edhert
othebal
cony
.
Gl
ade:
"Kat
legopl
easeno"
Me:
"Why
?Whydi
dyousl
eepwi
thhi
m?"
Gl
ade:
"Wewer
edr
unk.I
twasanhonestmi
stake"
Me:
"Honest
?Honest
?Ar
eyouf
ucki
ngki
ddi
ngme?
"
"Katl
ego!St
op!
"ItwasChr
is.Howdi
dheknowI
'
m
here?Orhecametocheckuponthi
sbi
tch.
Gl
ade:
"Hel
p!"
Me:
"I'
m gonnaki
ckt
hisst
upi
dvagi
na"
Iki
ckedherbut
t.
Chr
isar
ri
ved.Hepi
ckedmeup.
Chr
is:"
Doy ouknowy
oucoul
dbej
ail
edf
or
months?"
Me:
"Putmedown!
"
Wearri
vedoutsi
de.Heputmeatt
hebackand
l
ockedthecar
.
Me:
"Chr
isdon'
tl
eav
emeher
e.Chr
is!
"
Hewentbacki
nsi
de.Icr
ied.
..
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Idoubtsheevennoticedmethere.Eveni
fshedi
d.
Shedidn'
tcare.Sheconti
nuedreadi
ngherbookand
eati
ngsnacks.
Myphoner
ang.Iputi
tonsi
l
ent
.
Iendedupdr
if
ti
ngt
osl
eep.
Khet
hel
o:"
Ifshedi
dnott
hreat
ent
otel
lme.Woul
d
y
ouhav
etol
dme?
"
Iopenedmyey
es.Shewasst
ari
ngst
rai
ghtatme.
Me:
"No"
Khet
hel
o:"
Mmmh"
Shewentbackt
oherbook.
Me:
"Don'
tbesocal
m pl
ease"sher
aisedherey
es.
Khet
helo:"
Soy oufuckedyourformerPA,
theoneI
hadtopull
throughforint
imeofneedandy ouwant
metobegoi ngupanddownt hi
shousecursi
ngt
he
hel
loutofyou?"
Me:
..
..
Khethel
o:"
Andwhatmakesi
tbett
er?Youdidn'
ttel
l
mebecauseyouwerebei
nganhonesthusband.You
tol
dmebecauseyouwereaboutt
obeexposedby
yourlov
er.
"
Me:"Ididn'
ttel
lyoubecauseIdonotr emember
mucht hathappenedthatnight.I
tisnotthateasyto
comeupt oyourwif
eandt ellheryoumighthave
wentout si
deyourmarri
ageandcommi ttedadult
ery"
Khethelo:"Mighthave?Youcommi tt
edadultery
Khulekani.Youspentthenightwi t
hthatwomanand
thencamebackt ome!Asf il
thyasy ouwere.You
l
ookedmei nt heeyeandli
edt hatyousleptat
Quinton'shouse.Howdi dyouev enendupwi t
hher
?"
Me:
"Shewasatt
hecl
ubt
oo.Sheof
fer
edt
odr
ive
mehome"
Khet
hel
o:"
Soy oudiditaty
ouroldhouse?
"She
st
art
edcry
ing."Wasitonourbed?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"
Khet
helo:
"Youbr
okeusKhul
ekani.Youbr okeme.I
don'
tknowwhattodowi
thmyselfrightnow."
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.I
'
m deepl
ysor
ry.
"
Khet
hel
o:"Thatdoesn'
tmakeitokay
!Don'
tev
en
dar
etouchme.PleaseLeavenow"
Me:
"Ican'
tl
eav
eyoual
onewhi
l
eyou'
rel
i
ket
his"
"Shehascompany
"Khet
hel
ocr
iedev
enmor
e.They
hugged.
Yol
i
:"Youmayl
eav
enow"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"
Qui
ntoncamei nandpul
ledmeout.Icoul
dhearher
l
oudcry.Isatdownonthest
air
s.
Me:
"If
uckedup"
Q:"
Bigt
ime.Youbett
erf
ixt
hisbecauseIam now
t
hebadguytoYoli
."
Me:"How?Theexami
nat
ionshowedt
her
ewas
penet
rat
ion.
"
Q:
"Justf
ixi
tman.
"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwher
etost
art
"
Hesatbesi
demeandwel i
stenedtoKhethel
o'
scry
.
MaybeIshoul
dn'thav
etol
dher .MaybeIshoul
d'
ve
t
hreat
enedGladeinst
ead.
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
40]Zozaness:
Chapt
erFi
ft
y-One
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Iam soovert
hesemenandt heyal
wayshaveto
cheatandwealwayshav
et ocal
m down.Thi
sisthe
l
eastIexpect
edfr
om Khule.
Onet hi
ngt heyal
lref
usetoreal
izeisthatwhenever
there'
stensionbetween2peoplethewholefamily
getsdrained.Andthati
sbad,especial
lywit
hli
ttl
e
kidsaround.
Andt henIhavet hi
scheatertoo,hedidnotsl
eepon
thebedwi t
husl astnight
.Ijusttol
dhim st
rai
ghtto
getthehelloutifhe'
sgonnabr inghisnast
yself
aroundbumbl ebee.Kidscatchonbadmoodsand
spir
it
sandst artcryi
ngnonst op.
Fi
rstthi
nginthemorningwewentt otheDr
.We
coul
dn'tgoyest
erday
,therai
njustpouredf
oll
owed
bythunder
.
Ev
ery
thi
ngi
swel
l
.Icoul
dn'
thappi
er.
.
..
Idr
ovein.Hiscarwasparkedinf
rontoft
hegarage.I
washopinghe'satworkorsomewherecheat
ing
si
ncei
tst hebestt
hingthatt
heycanperf
orminthis
home.
Bumblebeewasf astasleep.Hesuresl
eepsand
eatsal
ot.You'dswearitisnotthesamebabythat
keptmeupt hewholenightonSunday.
Iunbuckl
edhi
m andpickedhi
m up.Hestr
etched.Oh
sweetJesusI
'
mi nl
ove.Myphonebeeped.
"ForgetIeverexi
stedKhethi
we.Stoptry
ingto
contactme.Don'tevertel
lhi
my ou'r
enothismother
please.Idonotwanthi mtoli
vehisli
fewonderi
ng
whathappenedt ohisrealmother
.Forgetaboutme.
Itrustyouwithhi
sl i
fe"
Isi
ghed.She'
sgoi
ngt
hroughal
ott
hanIhad
i
magined.
It
ookthebagandheadedi
nsi
de.If
oundhi
m pl
ayi
ng
vi
deogames.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Tyler:"
Hi"wit
houtev
enlooki
ngmyway .Isatdown
ont hecouchandfedbumblethebot
tl
e.Hekepthis
focusont hegame.
Me:"Ar
en'
tyougonnaaskhowwewent
?"Hel
ooked
atusfi
nal
l
y.
Ty
ler
:"Howdi
dyougo?
"
Ichuckl
edandshookmyhead.
Me:
"You'
reunbel
i
evabl
eyouknowt
hat
"
Ty
ler
:"We'
redr
ivi
ngt
oJo'
bur
gin40mi
nut
es"
Me:"Nothanks.I
'
mleav
ingi
n20mi
nut
es.Icamet
o
getourt
hings"
Ty
ler
:"Isai
din40mi
nut
es"
Me:"
Ican'thav
eyouar
oundt
hebabywhi
l
eyou'
re
l
iket
his"
Tyl
er:
"Whyarey ouget
ti
ngyoursel
fat
tachedt
oa
babyyou'
renotevensur
eismine?"
Me:
"Wel
lIdon'
tcar
e.Iam hi
smot
herandt
hat
'si
t"
Hecameandsquatbef
oreme.
Tyl
er:"Baby."Hetookmyhand.Ev erfeltprepissed?
Wherey oucanf eelt
hatsomeonei saboutt opiss
youoff?That '
showIf elt
."Iknowy ouwantababy
andyoul ovekids.Butyou'regett
ingt oodeepwi t
h
l
ovingthischil
d.Itcouldbenotmi ner eall
y.It
sgoing
tohurtsobadwheni t'
spar ent
scomet ogetitor
whent heresult
scomebacknegat ive,ifhe'
snot
minewegonnat akehimt oanor phanage"i sthi
s
manev enokayment al
ly?
Me:
"Youknowwhati
sdi
stur
bingaboutt
his?You
areindenialthathe'
syours.Jessicamightbeanut
casebutIhi ghl
ydoubthecangi vemeababyt hat
i
sn'tyours.I
fshewant edtof l
eewi t
hherchil
dshe
would've,t
herewouldn'thavebeenaneedt owaste
herti
met oev engiveyout hewrongchil
d.Youmake
mesi ck"
Isnatchedmyhandawayfrom hi
sgripandheaded
upstair
s.Iam mov
ingbacktomyplace.Ican'
ttr
ust
him aroundbumbl
e.Thi
ssuddenwickednessis
scary.
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Me:
"CanIhav
eapeacef
ulsl
eep?
"
Li
hle:
"Every
day?AisukaEmi you'
renotev
en6
monthspregnantbutyou'
resooolazy"
Me:
"Letmebepl
ease.Whyar
en'
tyouatwor
k?"
Li
hle:"
I'
m of
f.
"Shepull
edofft
hesheet
."Wakeupf
at
ass.We'r
egoingoutf
orbr
eakfast
"
Me:
"No.Jasonwi
l
lbeher
ewi
thmybr
eakf
ast
"
Li
hle:
"Emi
hle.Isai
dwe'
regoi
ngout
"
GodIhatethi
sgirl
.Igotup.Shepushedmeallt
he
waytothebathr
oom.Sheundr essedme.Igoti
nthe
t
ub.
Li
hle:
"Iwi
l
lbechoosi
nganout
fi
tfory
ou"
Me:
"Choosesomet
hingcool
please"
Li
hle:
"Ok"
Shewal kedout.I
nfearofmegetti
ngdepressedand
ki
llmyselfint
hishouse.Thebrot
hersgotLihl
eajob
tr
ansfer.Shehasalwayswantedtocomel i
vethi
s
si
de.IloveDurbanIdon'tknowwhyshewoul d
chooseJo'burgoverDurbanandthebeach.
Myti
nybumpisgrowi
ng.It
ssof unny.Thi
sisour
f
if
thmonthbuty
oucan'tt
ell
.It
sv er
yportabl
e.
Thedooropened.Ahl
ookwho'
sher
e.
Me:
"Heydaddy
"heknel
tbesi
det
het
ubandki
ssed
me.
Jason:
"Heymommy
.Am Il
ate?
"
Me:
"You'
reear
li
ert
hanIexpect
edact
ual
l
y"
Jason:
"Whyar
eyouont
het
ubsoear
ly?Ar
eyou
out
ing?
"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayaboutme?
"
Jason:"Iam notconv i
ncedyoucangiveyoursl
eep
upjusttotakeabat handlazyaroundthehouse"
he'
sobsessedwi t
hmybumb.Hi shandwerealready
underthewat erpl
ayingwithi
t.
Me: "
YouknowLihledoesn'
ttakenoforananswer
"I
tookthemil
kshakeanddrankup."Youboughta
dif
fer
entfl
avor
"
Jason:
"YesIdi
d.I
sitni
ce?
"
Me:
"Heav
enl
y.I
sLuv
oback?
"
Jason:
"Nope.Shehas5morei
mport
antmeet i
ngs.
Shecan'
twaitfory
outogi
vebi
rt
h"welaughed.
Me:"St
il
l.Youwi
l
lwantt
ost
ickar
oundt
hebaby
24/
7"
Jason:"
Shedoesn'
tknowt
hat
.Soam Ii
nvi
tedt
o
yourout
ing?
"
Me:
"No.Got
owor
kandwor
kli
keot
herki
ds"
Jason:
"Peopl
egetuncomf
ort
abl
ewhenI
'
m ar
ound.I
wil
lgof
etchKar
lathi
smom'
sandt
akehi
mtot
he
zoo"
Me:
"Per
fect
.Sendmyl
ove"
Jason:
"May
bewe'
l
lpassbyandseey
oul
ateron"
Me:
"I'
l
lbegl
ad.Il
ovey
ouandt
hanksf
ort
hese"
Jason:"Yeahyeah.Nextmonthwe'
recut
ti
ngdown
al
lthese,theDrsaidt
heyleadtoj
aundi
ce"
Me:
"Khet
hel
oat
eal
lthese.Herbabi
esdi
dn'
thav
e
t
hat
"
Jason:
"We'
rest
il
lcut
ti
ngt
hem down"
Me:
"Gobef
orewef
ight
"
Hechuckl
ed.
Jason:
"Iloveyoubot
h.Sendmenudeswheny
ou'
re
donebathing"
Me:"You'
resuchaj
erk"hewi
nkedandcl
osedt
he
door
.
Hemakesmesohappy .Al
thoughIf
eell
ikehi
tt
ing
hi
m wit
hafry
ingpansometimesbutIl
ovehim and
he'
sheref
ormeevery
timeIneedhim.
Deny i
ngwhatIf eltforhi
m di dnotdomeanygood.
InsteadIwashur ti
ngmy selfmore.Andthenf r
om
thedayIgotdi schar gedatt hehospital
Ikept
receivi
ngthesecr azymessages.Theyi rri
tat
edmeat
fir
stbutonedayIf oundmy sel
fwakingupand
checkingifhesentany .RightthereandthenI
reali
zedIlovet hisfool.Thingshavebeenpr ett
y
good.Br adforgav emeandhechecksuponme
oncei nawhi l
e...
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Ihavebeenwai t
ingfort
hepolicesinceyesterday.
I'
m Chris'
spri
soner.Hebroughtthetri
oandl eft
yester
day.IhavebeenincontactwithYolisi
ncel ast
night.
IneedAmo.She'
stheonl
yonet
hathel
pmepul
lthi
s
off
.
Isentheratextthi
smor ningI'
m hopingshe
respondsfast
er.Khul
ewi l
l notgetawaywit
hthi
s.
SinceIcan'
tbeathim up,somei sgonnagetpai
dto
doit.I
tsaboutti
meal lt
hesemenknewwemean
busi
ness,
wear
enott
oys.
Ihear
dpeopl
etal
ki
ngdownst
air
s.
Idressedupandheadeddown.I
twast
hem wit
h
thei
rcheaterbr
other
.Di
dInotmakemysel
fcl
eart
o
thi
sman?
Igr
eet
edthem andaskedt
otal
ktoChr
is.Iwal
ked
ontot
hekit
chen.
Ipour
edmy
sel
fagl
assofj
uiceandsatdown.
Chr
is:
"Donotst
art
"
Me:"What?Areyouther
ediscussi
ngmor
e
conv
enientwaystocheat
?"
Chri
s:"
Cany
oustop?Khet
hel
orequest
edameet
ing.
Khul
ecametot
ellust
hat"
Me:"Coul
dn'
tyougomeetupathi
shousewher
e
he'
skeepi
ngthathoe?
"
Chr
is:
"MamakaHawu!
"
Me:
"Fi
ne.I
'
lll
eav
e"
Chr
is:
"You'
reov
err
eact
ing"
Me: "Yes.Youwannaknowwhy ?Khethelowantst o
ki
llherself!Butyouwouldn'tknowt hatbecause
you'r
et oobusybei ngthereforyourdeceitf
ulbrother.
Justlikeyoudi dwhenTy l
ergott hatmonkeyass
hoepr egnantandsai dhewant stomar ryher.You
guysdonotcar eaboutus, youonlycareabout
yourselves!Justli
keyourmot her.Shewi l
lvi
sit
Bonganowandt ellhi
mt otell
Khet hel
osheshoul d
stay.Youal lmakemesi ck.Becauset omorrowt his
will
beusandIwi l
lhaveonlymysi stersinmycor ner
whiley ou'
reoutthereinoneofy ourbrother'
shouses
playi
ngt hev i
cti
m"
Hetri
edtohol
dmeIbackedaway.Iwipedmytear
s
andstor
medoutsi
de.Igotint
hef
ir
stcarIl
aidmy
eyesonanddr
oveaway .
..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Ibi
dNkazi
goodby
eanddr
ovet
oHappy
'shome.
Nkaziwasasweet hearttoday
.Shewentandbought
al
lthatHappyaskedf or.
Iar
ri
ved.Shedi
dn'
tl
etmei
n.Shecameout
side
i
nstead.Wear
ingadr
esst
odayf
orachange.She
hoopedon.
Me:
"Youl
ookgood"
Happy:"If
eel
good.Ther
e'smakhul
uinsi
de.Idi
dn'
t
wanthertomakeyouuncomfort
abl
ewi t
h
quest
ions"
Me:"
Atleastyoust
il
lhav
eaheart
"shechuckl
ed.
Someoneisinagoodmoodtoday.
Happy
:"Di
dyoubr
ingi
cecr
eam?
"
Me:"YesIdid.Ihadt
obuyacool
erboxandi
cet
o
keepitf
rozen"
Happy:
"Thankyou.It
hinkthedayi
sslowl
y
appr
oachi
ng.Ihavechangeofmindnow"
Me:
"Youwannadel
i
vert
hroughcsect
ion?
"
Happy:"
Yes.Ithinknatural
birthwill
betoomuch.
WhatifIgetasthmaattackwhi leIhavetopush?
WhatifmyBPshoot shighandIf ai
nt?Ihavemany
t
hingsI'
veputintoconsiderat
ion"
Me:"
Ok.What
every
ouchooseIwi
l
lbewi
thy
ou
ev
erysi
ngl
est
epoftheway"
Happy
:"Thepaper
snowneedy
oursi
gnat
ureand
t
heyaregoodtogo"
Me:
"Ok.Youcanf
etcht
hem I
'
llsi
gn"
Happy
:"Wecandoi
tthr
oughy
ourphone"
Ihandedi
tov
ert
oher
.
Happy:"OhnoIdon'
twannaseeyourgir
lf
ri
ends.
Searchfort
hehospi
tal
andtheny
ou'll
useour
accounttol
ogi
n"
Me:
"Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ofi
shouti
fI'
m seei
ngany
one?
"
Happy
:"Of
cour
sey
ouar
e"Ichuckl
edanddi
dasshe
t
oldme.
Me:
"Ther
e'snoone"
Happy:
"Soyoukeepsaying.
"Sher
eachedf ort
he
bagofgoodi
esattheback.Ir
eadandsignedthe
document
s.
Me:"
Let'
sgohome.I
'
m pr
ett
ysur
eev
ery
onewoul
d
l
ovetoseeyou"
Happy
:"I
'
llcomet
omor
row.Makhul
uist
oomuch"
Me:
"Ok.I
'
llseey
out
omor
rowt
hen"
Igotoffandtooktheicecream outoft
hecool
erat
theboot.Shetookherthi
ngsandheadedback
i
nside.Idrov
eof f
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Yol
iwasbr
aidi
ngmyhai
r.Aknockcameon.
Kat
lego:
"Thatbet
terbenotoneoft
hem"
Yol
i
:"Pl
easecheck.I
fit
sanyoft
hem don'
tl
ett
hem
i
n"
Kat
legogotupandwentt
ogett
hedoor
.
Shescr
eamed.Ahhi
tsmommyandbumbl
ebee.
Khet
hiwe:
"Hel
l
omommi
es"
Us:
"Heybabe"
Me: "
Wher
ewereyouhel
dup?Yousai
dyouwer
eon
yourway4hour
sago"
Khet
hiwe:
"IpassedbyEmi
'
s.Howar
eyouhol
ding
up?"
Me:
"Bet
tert
hany
est
erday
.Howar
eyou?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m goodbabe.
"
Kat
lego:
"He'
sgonnal
ookl
i
keTy
ler
"
Khet
hiwe:"Wel
ltr
ytel
l
ingt
hattohi
m.He'
swai
ti
ng
onDNAt estr
esul
tsaswespeak"
Us:
"What
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Yes.Hedoesn'
tev
enl
ookhi
sdi
rect
ion.
"
Katl
ego:"Sohecheat
edonl
ytodoubthi
s
consequences?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Seemsl
i
ket
hat
"
Me:
"May
beKhul
e'
sisal
soont
heway
"
Khethi
we:
"Hav
etheyev
erhear
doft
het
hingcal
l
ed
condom?"
Me:
"Ihi
ghl
ydoubt
."
Khet
hiwe:
"Whati
sthemeet
ingabout
?"
Me:
"Ij
ustneedt
omakeaf
ewt
hingscl
ear
"
Khethi
we:"
Youar
en'
tdi
vor
cinghi
mri
ght
?"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"Iwoul
dnev
erdot
hat
"
Yol
i
:"Iwi
l
lgety
ouguy
sref
reshment
s"
Shegotupandlefttot
heki
tchen.Il
ookedatt
he
ti
me.Closet
o6pm.Theymustbeont hei
rway.Igot
upandwentupstair
s.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
TheDubebr
othersgotinfol
lowi
ngeachother
car
ryi
ngNgi
phil
e,Ngithandi
l
eandMpendulo.Lel
o
wal
kedinl
astwit
ht hetri
orunni
ngbef
oreher.
Qui
nton:
"Ev
eni
ngmypeopl
e"heki
ssedYol
i
'scheek.
Kat
:"CanIgetanyofy
ousomet
hingt
odr
ink?
"
Chr
is:
"Si
ncewhendowegetasked?
"
Kat:
"Si
ncewear
en'
tsur
eifGl
a-"Khet
hiwecov
ered
hermouth.
Khet
hiwe:
"Beer
,Jui
ceorwat
er?
"
Cal
vin:
"Any
thi
ngwil
lbefineMaDladla"Khet
hiwe
smi
ledandpul
ledKat
legotothekit
chen.
Ever
yoneset
tl
eddownnextt
othei
rpart
ner
.
Khet
hiweandKat
legocamebackwit
hsomethi
ngt
o
dr
ink.
Cal
vi
n:"Didshebr
iefy
ouaboutwhat
'st
hisabout
?"
Hewhisperedt
oLelo.
Lel
o:"Youarenotaskingmethat.Shewant
stot
ell
usall
whaty ourbr
otherdi
d.Iwishtheywer
eher
e
wheny ou-
"
Cal
vi
n:"
OkayIgeti
t"
Khet
helocamedown.All
thei
reyesrushedtot
he
br
ownenv el
opeshehadonherl
efthand.She
gr
eetedandsatdownonasingl
ecouch.
Khethelo:"Thanky oual
lforcomingatsuchshor t
noti
ce.Khul ekani
confessedtohavesleptwit
hhi s
for
merPA3mont hsago.Itakei
tIwast heonlyone
whodi dnotknowabouti t.Ihavemadeadeci sion.I
am freeingmyhusbandt ogobewi t
hGladelegally
"
Q:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Sheshov
edthebrownenvel
opet
owar
dsKhul
e.He
bur
iedhi
sfacei
nhishands.
Q:
"Khet
hel
opl
ease"
Khet
hel
o:"
Wit
hthesepaper
sI'
m di
vor
cingal
lof
y
ou.
"
Q:
"You'
rest
il
langr
y.Don'
tj
umpi
ntoconcl
usi
ons"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yeahr
ightIam angr
y"
Tyl
er:"
Howonear
thdi
dyougetdi
vor
cepaper
sina
day?
"
Khet
helo:
"Youclear
lyhavenev
ermetapi ssedoff
woman.Iam done.Youknowwhatmakesmesi ck?
Youall
knew.Noneofy ouhadthedecencytoinf
orm
me."
Q:
"Itwasn'
tourpl
acet
otel
lyou"
Khet helo:"Ohreall
y?Youmeant hesemywi femy
wifet i
tlesarejustgames?Especi allyy ouQui ntonI
knowy ouar ethefirstonehet old.Ify ouwer emy
husbandasy oualway ssay,youcoul d'vecamet o
meandt oldmesi ncey ourbrothercoul dn't
!Buty ou
didn'tinsteadyoual lconti
nuedl i
keev er yt
hingwas
nor mal.Godknowswhatdi seasesIam car r
yingin
mysy stem ri
ghtnow.I fshedi dn'tthreat entot el
lme
Khul ewoul dn'
thav etoldme!Iwoul d'vel iv
edal i
e
thinkingIhav eahusbandwhoi sf ait
hf ul t
ome. "
Khul
e:"
BabyI
'
m sor
rypl
easedonotdot
his"
Khet
helo:"I
fyouwer ereal
l
ysorr
yyouwoul
d'
vecame
homeaf t
erthatnightandtol
dmebutyoudi
dn'
t
Khul
ekani,youdidn'
t"
Shesobbed.Lelopul
ledherupandt
heywent
out
side.Theroom r
emaineddeadqui
et.
..
[
2/26,
06:
41]Zozaness:
Chapt
erFi
ft
y-Two
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Theint
ercom buzzed.AiNgi
phil
e.Igothi
m of
fthe
couchandwentt ogetthegat
e.
Me:
"Hel
l
o?"
Per
son:"Hi
.ItisQuan."Itotal
l
yforgotaboutthe
meeti
ng.There'
sal otonplateIhatei
t.Irushedfor
myphone.Ther ewasat extfr
om Kuhle,Amo'ssist
er
whoismylawy er.
Me:"Ok"Iopenedt
hegateandpickedt
het
oysup.
Thi
shousei samess.Theseki
dshavenomercyon
me.
Me:"Nkosingi
thandil
ecany oupl
easeacthumanfor
once?I'
m gonnahi tt
hatbigheadwit
hthist
ruck"I
heardsomeonecl earthei
rthr
oat.
Theybot
hgi
ggl
edandr
ant
ohi
m.
Me:"I'
m sorr
ywit
ht hemess.Iam t
ryi
ngt
odi
scover
newr eci
pesandthesefel
l
ashavemadethel
ounge
thei
rplaygr
ound"
Ifi
nal
lyfinishedpicki
ngupthetoysandof
fer
ed
them seats.Irushedtotheki
tchenandmadejui
ce
forQuanandwat erforKhul
e.
Iputi
tbef
oret
hem.
Quan:
"Isy
ourl
awy
ercomi
ng?
"
Me:
"Yes.She'
srunni
ngl
ate"
Quan:
"Ok"
Ir
ecei
vedat
extt
hatshe'
sout
side.Whew.
It
ookt
het
abandopenedt
hegat
eforher
.
Me:
"She'
sher
e"
Iwentt
ogetwat
erf
orher
.
Icamebackwi
thher
.Shegr
eet
edandsatdown.
Kuhl
e:"
I'
m sor
ryf
orkeepi
ngy
ougent
lemen"
Quan:
"Nopr oblem."Hewentt hr
oughhi
spaperwor
k.
"
Myclienthasfinal
lyagreedtosignt
hepaper
sas
MrsDubewi shes"Ifel
tar el
i
ef.
Kuhle:
"Thati
sgood.Iwasaboutt
otakel
egal
act
ions."
Quan:"Andhewouldli
keMrsDubet
ohav e
ever
ythingheboughtwhent
heywer
etogether
"
Kuhle:"
Sheappreci
atestheki
ndnessbutmycli
ent
wouldli
ketoleavethi
sunionemptyhandedasshe
walkedin"Khul
elookedatmeandcontinuedpl
ayi
ng
wit
hhiskids.
Quan:
"Oh.Theki
ds"
Kuhl
e:"
Mycl
i
enti
swi
l
li
ngt
oshar
ecust
ody
"
Quan:
"Iguessit
'sset
tl
edt
hen.Ar
eyougonnaget
t
hecourtdate?
"
Kuhl
e:"
Yes.
"
Theypackedt
hei
rthi
ngs.Khul
esai
dtober
emai
ning
behi
nd.Theyl
eft
.It
ookt
hegl
assest
otheki
tchen.
Icl
eanedupthecount er
.Ihavetocall
Mam Dino
andtel
lherhe'
sfinall
yagreed.I
tsbeenahel
lofa
monthofhim beggingme.
Khule:"Wherearey
ougoingtostay?
"Hewas
standingl
eaningonthewal
lseparat
ingt
hel
ounge
andt heki
tchen.
Me:
"Iwi
l
lfi
ndapl
ace"
Khul
e:"
Why
?"Ist
oppedandl
ookedathi
m.
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumeanwhy
?"
Khul
e:"
Imeanwhywoul
dyoul
eav
eyourhouse"
Me:
"Thi
sisn'
tmyhouse"
Icont
inuedt
idy
ingup.
Khule:"
Iunderst
andyouaresti
ll
angryandprobabl
y
hatemebutt her
e'snoneedforyout
omov eout.
Thisisyourhome.Thishousei
sunderyournameso
arethecars"
Me: "
Butweallknowtheyamreyour
s.Ihav
enev
er
spentacentonthishouseort
hosecar
s"
Khul
e:"
Iwi
l
lnotl
ety
out
akemyki
dst
oadodgy
pl
ace"
Me:
"Iam goi
nghome"
Khul
e:"
When?
"
Me:
"OnSat
urday
"
Hesi
ghedheav
il
y.
Khul
e:"
CanIgowi
tht
hem?
"
Me:
"Yeah.Icandowi
thsomeal
onet
ime"
Khul
e:"
Ist
hiswhaty
our
eal
l
ywant
?"
Me:
"Yes"
Khul
e:"
Youdonotl
ovemeany
mor
e?"
Me:"IdobutIl
ovemysel
fmore."Hebi
thi
supperl
i
p
andnodded."
I'
ll
gopackthi
erbag"
Ir
anupt
hest
air
swi
tht
ear
sheav
yonmyey
es.
Ithoughtast
imegoesonImi ghtchangemymi nd
butthedemonshowedupatmydoorandt ol
dme
howgoodhewas.Theynev erdiditonceort
wice
buttheydidi
twhi
leshest
il
lwor kedforhi
m.Hel i
ed
tome.Helookedmei ntheeyeev
erysi
ngledayand
l
ied.Hecoul
dn'tevendenyi
twhenIconf
rontedhi
m
aboutt
henewi nformat
ionGl
adetol
dme.
Ij
ustknewt
hatdayIwasdone.
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
Mychi l
drenar r
ivedinav erybadtime.Ever
yoneon
mysi deiscoopedupont heirownli
tt
leworl
d.
Everybodyislit
erall
yonthei rownnowev ersince
thi
ngswentbadbet weendaddyKandmommy
Khethelo.Ihaven'tseenthem inweeks.Ionlycallt
o
checkupont hem.
Yoli cametoJo'burgaft
erHappygav ebirth.She
taggedmam Kat l
egoalongtogoseet hebabi es
whi chIlear
nedispartofthecult
ure.Theysai dthey
canonl ygohomewhent heyare3mont hs.Theyare
turningamont hthisSundaywehav e2mor etogo.I
woul d'v
elovedtospendChr i
stmaswi t
ht hem
though.
Icamebackfr
om mymeeti
ng.If
oundmissedcal
l
s
fr
om Happy
.Iset
tl
eddownandcall
edher
.
Happy
:"Hey
"
Me:
"Hi
mot
her
.Ar
eyouguy
sokay
?"
Happy
:"Yeahwear
egood.Ineedpaci
fi
ers.
"
Me:
"Why
?"
Happy :"
Theyaregoingt
osuckmedryifIdonotget
those.Theycan'
tstopsucki
ngt
heyendupthrowi
ng
up"
Me:
"OkI
'
llgett
hem af
terwor
k.Any
thi
ngt
oeat
?"
Happy
:"NoI
'
m goodIhav
eubereat
s"
Me:
"Wher
ewasi
t4mont
hsago?
"Shel
aughed.
Happy
:"I
twasoni
Stor
e.By
e"
Me:
"By
e"
Nowwouldbeagoodt
imet
oaskherIl
oveandmi
ss
hersomuch.
Nkaziwalkedinwi
thatrayoff
ood.Wear
enot
eati
ngtakeawayst
hisDecember.Mr
sNkosi
,our
chefisspoil
i
ngusrott
en.
Me:
"Mmmhwear
egonnagai
nwei
ghtIswear
"
Nkazi
:"I
tsworthit
.Donotmessy ourshi
rtwi
th
beet
roottodayyouhaveav er
yimport
antmeeti
ng
wit
hMrKhanseni or.
"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"
Iwon't
.It
houghty
ouwouldconsi
derkeepi
nga
cl
eanshi
rtf
ormejusti
ncaseImessmy sel
fup"
Nkazi
:"May
beIdi
d.Eat
.Yourf
oodi
sbet
ti
ngcol
d"
Me:"
Thankyou"shesmi
ledwal
kedout.Ican'tget
myeyestonotfol
l
owheroutwhenev
ershet urns
away
.IneedJesus.
It
ookmyf
oodandst
art
edeat
ing.
..
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Ishookhi
m.Hemumbl
edsomet
hingandt
urned
over.
Me:
"Chr
is"
Hi
m:"
No.Sl
eep"
Me:
"Youpr
omi
sedt
otakemeandt
heki
dst
othe
mal
l"
Hi
m:"
Oksl
eep"
Me:
"Chr
is!
"Hest
art
ledandopenedhi
sey
es.
Hi
m:"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Me:
"It
sanewday
"
Hi
m:"
YeahIseet
hat
.Whyar
eyououtofbed?
"
Me:
"Iti
shal
fpast11i
nthemor
ning"
Hest
ret
chedandbr
oughtmecl
ose.
Him: "
Ifeelli
keshit
.Iwon'
tbeabl
etotakey
ouguys
out.Plusit
'srai
ningwecan'
tgoandfr
eezeatt
he
mall.
"
Me:
"Iwantt
ocr
y"
Him: "Comeon.Getinbed.HasSasaar r
ived?"I
decidedwegetanannysi nceIam handsonatt he
salonnowatmostt i
mes.Yol i
didnotlovetheidea
thatSasaisinherl
ate30s.Wellshewashi ghly
recommended.Thef amil
yshewor kedformov edto
Mal awisothat
'
showshel ostherjob.
Me:
"Yesshehas"
Hi
m:"
Geti
nbedt
hen"
Hesai
dandcl
osedhi
sey
es.
He'sbeenhelpinghi
sbr otherdealwit
hhisstress.
Theyhav ebeendri
nkinglikethere'
snotomorrow.I
tri
edtotalktothem butit
scleartheydidhearawor d
Isaid.Theybui
ltali
ttl
ebaratt heback.You'
dswear
thereismorethan2peopl ewhent heystar
tmaki ng
noise.
Ifi
ndmysel
ffeel
ingsor
ryf
orKhul
esomet
imesbut
thenhemadehisbednowist
heti
meforhi
mtolie
i
ni t
.
Ididtel
lKhet
heloshe'sgoingtoofastbyfi
l
ingfor
div
orcebutwhent heygir
affecamewi t
hallthe
evi
dencethatitwasnotthef i
rstt
imetheyhooked
up.Myjawdropped.
I
tjustmademeputmyf
ootdownaboutt
hatl
i
ttl
e
j
ezabel
.Shehadt
ogoandl
ookforanewmentor
.
Itookmyphoneandwalkedoutt
otheguest'
sroom.
Iopenedthewindowandgoti
nsi
dethecover
sand
di
aledKhethel
o.
I
trangf
orawhi
l
eandsheanswer
ed.
Khethel
o:"
Hey
"shesoundeddown.She'
sbeen
cr
ying.
Me:
"Heyl
ove.Ar
eyouokay
?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yes.He'
sagr
eedt
osi
gnt
hepaper
s"
Me:
"That
'sgood.Ar
eyougood?
"
Khethel
o:"
I'
m gladhedid.YouknowIhatewhatI
seewheneverIseehim.Allseei
shim doi
ngGod
knowswhatt oGladeandthatmessesthehel
loutof
meIhav ebeenont hi
sbedcryi
ngsincehelef
t.Iam
amess"
Me: "
I'
m sosorr
ybaby.You'
regoingt
ohealmylove
donotrushit
.Godwi l
ler
aseallt
hatpai
n,hewil
l
renewyourhearti
fneedbe.Wherearet
hekids?
"
Khethel
o:"
Hel ef
twitht
hem.AndIthi
nkit
sbesthe
keepsthem f
orthiswhi
le.Ineedmor
eti
mewith
my sel
f"
Me:"Icant
akethem i
n.Idon'tt
hinkhe'
satt
her
ight
st
atetobewit
hchildr
enneither
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thanky
ou"
Me:"Anyt
imemylove,
anyti
me.Iwi
l
lcomeseey
ou
l
ateron"Chr
iswal
kedin.
Khet
hel
o:"
Okbabet
hanks"
Me:
"Keepwel
l
"
Khethelo:"Youdotoo.Sendmylovetot
hekids"
Chri
st ookof ft
hegownandgotinbed.Hesnuggled
hi
msel faroundme.Hesmel tf
resh.
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.By
e"
Ihungupaf
ter
war
ds."
Didy
oushower
?"
Chr
is:"
YesIdid.If
igur
edy
our
anawaybecauseIam
smell
y"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"
Notatall.Iwantedtomakeacall
"heki
ssedme
andwedrif
tedtosleep.Thesoundoft
herai
nadded
comfor
ttothemoment .
..
•
••
[
Emi
]
Iwokeupanddecidedt
obeproduct
ivetoday
.I
workedoutbef
oremyDrsappoi
ntment.
IdrovetotheDrandwewentt hroughthecheckup
procedur
e.Mybloodpressurewasav er
age.It
'sbeen
givi
ngmepr obl
emssinceIlearnedaboutal
lthatis
goingonathome.
Mybr otherisn'
tmyfavoriteri
ghtnow.Hi m and
Khetheloaremyparent s.Whatam Igoi ngtodonow
thattheyaresepar
ating?IdoubtKhet helowill
even
beher eformewhenIgi vebir
th.Al
lthankst oKhul
e
forfail
i
ngt oremai
nfaithful.
Igotat
extf
rom Li
hleasIdr
ovet
oJason'
swor
k.
"
Hey
.Howdi
ditgo?
"Isn'
tshet
hebestsi
ster
?
Iputt
hephoneaway
.Iwasaf
ewmi
nut
esaway
fr
om Jason'
swor
k.
Iarr
ived.Ilookedforaparki
ngspace.Isawacar
rev
ersingout .Pr
efect
.Itdr
ovetowardsmydir
ect
ion.
Shehor ned.
Me:
"Heyst
ranger
"
Luv
o:"
Hal
omadam.Howar
eyoumypeopl
e?"
Me:
"Wear
egood.Justher
etocheckupondaddy
"
Luvo:"Hewasinameet
ing.It
hinkhe'
sdonenow
though,I
'
m dr
ivi
ngtoBr
aam togetuslunch.What
areyougonnahave?
"
Me:
"What
every
ouar
ehav
ingbabewi
l
lbef
ine"
Luv
o:"Oksweet
s.Seeyoujustnow"shedr
oveaway
.
Idr
oveint
oherpar
kingspace.
"
Heyaunt
y.Wewentwel
l
.Wear
eatdaddy
's
wor
kpl
acenow"
Itookpowderandappl
ieditonmyf
aceandappl
i
ed
l
ipsti
cktoo.Myphonebeeped.
"
Pleasevi
sitmebefor
eFri
day.Iam permanent
ly
movingt
oDur banonSat
urday"-
Khethel
o.
Shejusthadtorui
nmyday
.Il
ockedmyphoneand
gotoutofthecar.
From t
heentr
ancetothelif
tIhadtomakesur
eIdo
notfal
l
.Iwil
lnevergetusedtobei
ngst
aredat
.I
pani
c!
Imethi
sPAonthehal
l
way .Shet
oldmetogoand
wai
tinhi
sof
fi
cehe'
ssti
ll
inthemeeti
ng.
Iwalkedontot hi
soffi
ce.Itossedmybagont he
visi
tor
schairandtouredaround.Helovespai
nti
ngs.
Ithoughthewasactuallyj
okingwhenhesaidhewi l
l
hangthisbell
ypaint
inginhisoffi
ce.Howweirdcan
thismanbe?
If
elthi
shandswr
apar
oundme.Heki
ssedmyneck.
Jason:
"Doy
oul
i
kei
t?"
Me:"I
tisbeaut
if
ul.It
houghtyouwer
ejoki
ngwhen
yousai
dy ouwil
lputi
there"
Jason:"
SincewhendoIj okear ound?
"It
urned
aroundandwr appedmyar msar oundhi
sneck.He
l
ookedov eratmyf eet
.Wel aughed.
Me:
"Icanst
il
lrock6i
nch"heki
ssedmyf
orehead.
Jason:"
Isee.Youl
ookt
err
ibl
ysexyi
nthi
sout
fi
t.A
wholebabymama"
Me:
"Ohplease"It
ookmyhandsdownandwr
apped
t
hem ar
oundhiswaist
."Imi
ssedy
ou"
Jason:"
Imissedyoumor
e.Ar
en'
tyouhungr
y?Luv
o
wenttobuyusfood"
Me:
"Isawheronmywayi
n.Ipl
acedmyor
dert
oo"
Jason:
"Okaybaby
.Howdi
ditgo?
"
Me:"
Itwentwel
l
.Mybpisokay
.Thebabyi
sgood
t
oo.Imadeyouavi
deo"
Wel
etgo.Iwentt
oformyphoneandgav
ehi
m.He
tookaseatandsmi
l
ed.Hepat
tedhi
slap.Iwentt
o
sitoni
t.
Jason:"Ihaveneverbeenthi
shappyandbeenat
suchpeacemywhol eenti
rel
ife.Ev
eryt
hingi
sgoing
well
.From myment alstat
e,t
hebusinessandyou.
Thanky oufort
hischanceMaDubeIam t rul
y
grat
eful
"
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
"
Youcan'
tgoi
n.MrNzi
mai
swi
thsomeone"
Thedoorf
lewopen.
Bi
anca:
"It
sChr
ist
mas.Wher
eist
hemoneyJason?
"
Igotupandheadedtothedoor
."Nost
ay.Iwantyou
bothtotel
lmey out
ookmychil
d'smoneyanddid
yourfakehai
r"
Jason:"Whatdi
dIsayaboutcomi
ngher
euni
nvi
ted?
Don'ty
ouhav emynumberanymore?
"
Bi
anca:
"Iwantmoney
!"
Jason:
"Isentmoneyt
oyourmot
her
."
Me:
"I'
l
lbeout
side"
Iwal
kedoutleav
ingthem shout
ingateachot
her
.
Shehasaloosescrew.
Luv
ocame.
Luvo:
"Whyareyouseati
nghere?
"Shef r
ownedwhen
shehear
dthenoisecomingf
rom insi
de."
Bianca?
"
Me:"Yep"Ichuckl
ed.Sheshookherheadandsat
besi
deme.
Bi
ancast
ormedout
.Wewal
kedi
n.
Luv
o:"Youguy
sshoul
djusthav
eyourownshow"I
l
aughed.
Jason:"
Iti
snotf
unnybabe.I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
"he
huggedme.
Wesatdownandst
art
edeat
ing.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Ther
esul
tscamebackposi
ti
ve.Iwisht
hathel
pedi
n
maki
ngTylert
ryt
ogetcl
osetohisson.
Heisavoidi
ngusatal
lcost
s.Hecomeshomel at
e
andleav
eearlyi
nthemorni
ng.Iev
ensuggest
edthat
Ishouldmoveoutbutheopposedthat
.Iguesshe
l
ikesthei
deaofavoidi
nghi
schild.
IhavedecidedIwill
gobackt oworknextyearon
JanuarywhenBumbl eBeeis4mont hs.Mylif
ehas
changedforthebetter.Iam genui
nel
yhappyuntilI
remembert her
e'sTylerandhisshenani
gans.
Ifi
nishedbathingbaby.Ideci
dedtonamehim
LubanziZukhany e.Wehaveev enmadehisbi
rt
h
cert
ifi
cate.Jessi
calongedplannedt
his.
IhadtobegTylerf
ordaysbef
oreher
eached30
days.Hefi
nal
l
yagr eed.
Iheardacarengi
net
urnof
f.Ipeepedt
hrought
he
window.I
twashim.I
tsamiracl
e.
IputBumbl
einhi
scotandputabl
anketov
erhi
m
andwentdownst
air
s.
Wemetonthestair
s.Hegr
eetedandwentup.Onl
y
Godknowswhatisgoi
ngoninthathead.
It
ookoutv
eget
abl
es.
Myphoner
angasIchopped.
Me:
"Heysweet
ie"
Khet
hel
o:"
Arey
ouhome?
"
Me:
"YesIam"
Khethelo:"
Ineedyourhel
p.There'
sarestaur
antfor
salethereatCent
uri
on.Iam thehi
ghestbuyersofar
pleasegoandmeett hesel
lerandmakepay ment
beforesomeonecomes"Ilookedatthetime.
Me:
"Uhm okay
.Sendmedet
ail
s"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thanky
ousomuchsi
s.Iwi
l
lsendi
tjust
now"
Ihungup.Iswi
tchedof
fthest
oveandr
ushed
upstai
rs.
Hewasnotatourbedr
oom.Iwentt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.
Me:"Wil
lyoubegoi
ngany
wher
e?"Het
ookhi
s
gl
assesoff.
Ty
ler
:"No"
Me:"Pl
easel
ookaf
terbumbl
eforanhour
.Khet
hel
o
j
ustaskedmetomeetupwit
hsomeoneonher
behal
f"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
m busy
"
Me:
"Ty
lerpl
ease.Al
lyouwi
l
lhav
etodoi
sfeedhi
m
t
hebot
tl
e"
Tyl
er:"Iam wor
kingonaver
yimpor
tantcase.Icame
homebecausei wantedt
oworkonacalm
envi
ronment"
Me:
"Itwi
l
lonl
ybef
oranhourTy
ler
"
Ty
ler
:"Iam busyKhet
hiwe"
Me: "
Ican'tt
akeachil
dt oameet ing.Whyshoul
dI
begyout oactual
l
yloolafteryourbaby?Youwon't
eventouchhim.Icouldreall
yaappreciat
eali
tt
le
help"
Ty
ler
:"Cl
oset
hedoorony
ourwayout
"
Ipl
acedt
hemoni
toronhi
sdesk."
Iwi
ll
notbegoi
ng
upanddownf
eedi
ngakidbot
tl
esKhet
hiwe"
Me:"Ican'
ttakehi
m wi
thme.Wher
edoy
ouwantme
t
oleavehim!"
Tyl
er:
"Takehi
mt otheorphanageorgi
vehi
m upf
or
adopt
ionIr
eal
lydonotcare.Nowifyoudon'
t
mind.
..
"hepoi
ntedatthedoor.
If
rozef
oracoupl
eofseconds.Whatdi
seasei
she
suf
fer
ingf
rom?
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
41]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erFi
ft
y-Thr
ee
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
I
fast rangercouldwal kinher
et hey'dswearIowna
daycare.Thesechi l
drenactli
ket heyarepossessed
byevilspir
its.Iwishtheywerest i
llt
iny.Ir
egret
wantingthem t ogrowuphonest ly.Sasaishomef or
2weeksherchi ldisnotwell
.SoI '
mj usthereby
myselfwi t
ht hese5pr obl
ematiclit
tl
epeople.
Iat
tempt
edcombi
ngmyhai
rbuti
tdi
dn'
tgot
hrough.
Chr
iscamei
n.
Me:
"Pl
easehel
pcl
i
pmyhai
r"
Chr
is:
"Isuggesty
ougot
othesal
on"
Me:
"YouknowIcan'
ttaket
heseki
dst
othesal
on"
Chri
s:"Thi
shasbeenabusyweekforyou.Iwi
l
llook
af
terthem.Gogetyournai
l
sandhairdone"
Me:
"Ar
eyouser
ious?
"
Heputhishandsar
oundmeandki
ssedmy
f
orehead.
Chr
is:
"YesIam.Youcanev
engot
othespa"
Me:
"It
sfest
iveseasont
hosear
eful
l
ybooked"
Chr
is:
"Notwheny
ou'r
emarri
edt
oDrChr
isDube.
Whi
chonewouldyouli
ket
ogoto?"
Me:"Redpet
alsi
nwat
erf
all
woul
ddo.Thoseguy
s
can-
"
Chr
is:
"Guy
s?"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Yes.Theyar
epr
ofessi
onal
"
Chri
s:"We'
ll
gotoClar
k'sbeaut
yspaandIwi
ll
take
youtheremysel
ftomakesurenoguyst
ouchyou"
Me:"
Stopbeingdramat
ict
heywil
lonlymassageme,
t
heywil
lnotsteal
meawayf r
om you"hesmir
ked.
Chris:
"I'
m st
ill
comi
ngwi
thy
ou.Nomanget
sto
touchmywi fe"
Me:"ButIwoul
dn'
tmi
ndi
fwomenatspamassage
you"
Chr
is:
"Thatwi
l
lnev
erhappen.Dr
essup"
Heki
ssedmyl
i
psandwentout
.
Ipeedandwentt
odr
essup.
..
.
SoChri
scameupwiththelol
l
ipoptr
ickt
okeept
hem
qui
etwhil
ewedr
iveanditworks.
Wear
ri
vedatt
hespa.
Thest ar
esandgreet
ings.Seemsli
ket
heyar
e
famil
iarwit
hthisman.Hedoesn'tgot
oSpashowon
eart
hdot heyknowhim?
Wegott
other
ecept
iondesk.Hegr
eet
ed.
Chr
is:
"Thi
sismywi
feKat
lego,
babyt
hisi
sNosi
pho.
I
sClarki
n?"
Nosi
pho:
"Yesshei
s.Doy
ouhav
eanappoi
ntment
?"
Chri
s:"
No.Pl
easecal
lherandt
ell
herChr
isi
sher
e
toseeher
"
Nosipho:"
MissStephandonotmeetpeoplewit
hout
appoint
mentsSir
.Youcanmakeanappoi ntment
now"
Me:
"Doy
ouper
hapshav
eav
ail
abl
espacesf
or-
"
Nosipho:
"No"bat
hong!Chr
ishel
dmyhandand
pul
ledmet ot
hecouch.
Chr
is:
"Shewasy
ourhusband'
ssi
dechi
ck"
Me:
"Andy
ouknowt
hathow?
"
Chri
s:"
Someway.Butdon'tmi
ndhershe'sabi
tter
soul
..
.l
ookaty
ou!"Theyshookhandsandhugged.Is
i
sAnnaringmeri
ghtnow?Thisgir
lbett
erbenothis
ex.
Clar
k:"You'
remor
ebeautif
ulinperson.I
'
m Clar
k,I
knowt hi
smannevertol
dyoumynameorev er
mentionedmeatall
"shesaidextendi
ngherhand.I
tookit
.
Me:
"Youknowhi
mver
ywel
l
"
Clar
k:"
Forgi
vemeIcouldn'
tcometoyourweddi
ngI
wasoutofthecount
rybutI
'm pr
ett
ysur
eyougot
yourgi
ft
,hopef
ull
yyouli
keit
"
Me:
"Mysi
ster
swer
etheoneswhoopenedt
hem"
Cl
ark:
"Thecof
feeset
"
Me:"Thanky
ousomuchIl ov
eit.Iwoul
dn'
tknow
whattodowithi
t.Ir
eal
l
yloveit
"
Chri
s:"I
'm st
il
lher
eandhopi
ngt
ohav
emywi
fe
squeezedin"
Cl
ark:
"We'
ref
ull
ybooked"
Me:
"It
oldy
ou"
Cl
ark:
"But
..
.you'
reher
enowandt
hisi
syoursecond
weddi
nggif
t.Myt r
eat
."
Chr
is:
"Andsheshal
lbemassagedbyonl
yfemal
es"
Clark:
"Ipr
efermenbutokay.Letmegetaladyto
preparearoom f
oryou.Youmayhelpyour
selfwit
h
refr
eshmentswhil
eyouwait"
Me:"
Thanky
ou"shesmil
edandwal
kedaway
."How
doy
ouknoweachother
?"
Chris:
"Wegr
ewupt
oget
her
.Ourmomswer
e
fr
iends."
Me:
"Andnowy
'al
lar
edi
stant
?"
Chri
s:"Yeah.Longst or
y.Letmel ovey ouandleave
you.Callmewheny ou'
redone."Heki ssedmeand
walkedaway .Ipouredmy selfj
uiceandsatont he
couch.Thebl ackcatkeptsteal
inggl ances.Who
wouldactuall
ywannabePi tso'
ssi dechick?Ugh
somef
emal
est
hough.
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Tohellwit
hwhoev ermadetheserules.Whereisone
expect
edtor unt
oaf t
ert
heirf
ail
edmar r
iagei
fit
s
unlawf
ultogobackhome?Ourcust omshav ea
handinkil
li
ngsofwomenbyt heirhusbands.Howis
i
tunlawfult
ogobackt oyourparent'
shouse?
AuntyNomsawasmor ethanthri
ll
edtocomeand
breakthebignewsthatIcan'
tstayathome.I
wouldn'tbesoangr
yifsomeoneel sesai
dbutthen
her.
..
GodknowshowmuchIwi l
lforev
erbeupset
withthatwoman.
Isatont hekitchencounter.IwasluckyIsti
l
lhad
Linda'
scont actsandshemadeaf ewcall
sandgot
met hi
spl ace.Ifi
twasn'tforherI'
dbestuckina
hotelmiserablemorethanIal readyam.
Theonlyfurni
tureIshouldgetfornowisbedsand
ever
ythi
ngfort heki
tchen.Iwil
lseeaboutcouches
onMonday .Ineedrest.
Itookmyphoneandcal l
edYoli.May beshemi ghtbe
upt ocomeseeme.I trangunat t
ended.It ext
ed
Nhleloshecancomeandhel pme.It urnedherdown
whenshesuggest edto.Ifel
tli
keIneedt obeal one
butthatwouldjustbemet aki
ngmy sel
fst rai
ghtto
thedarkplace,
Icanfeelmysoul sl
owlyget ti
ng
closert
oit.
Myphoner ang.She'
sbeenv er
ysupporti
ve,
my
wholefamilyact
uall
y.Sam cal
lsever
yti
mebuthasn'
t
call
edsinceyest
erday.Hecall
edmeandt ol
dme
everyt
hingi
sgonnabeal r
ightbefor
eIwenttocour
t.
Itr
ulyneededthat.
Me:
"Hey
"
Nhl
elo:
"I'
m her
e.What
'
syourr
oom number
?"
Me:
"2ndf
loorr
oom 23.Di
dyouf
ly?
"Shel
aughed.
Nhlel
o:"Inev
erlef
t.Ij
ustwentt
othecof
feeshop2
st
reetsaway."
Me:
"Okbr
ingmecof
fee"
Nhl
elo:
"Ok"
Ihear
daknock.I
tbet
ternotbenotnei
ghbor
s
comi
ngtoi
ntr
oducet
hemsel
ves.Iam noti
nthe
mood.
Me:"Ther
e'ssomeoneatt
hedoor
.Doubl
ecr
eam
okay
? "
Nhl
elo:
"Of
cour
se"
Iopenedt
hedoor
.Wel
aughed.
Me:
"Tsot
si"
Nhlel
o:"No.It
houghti
tmi
ghtcheery
ouup?
"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"Itdi
d"Icl
osedt
hedoorandt
ookmycof
fee.
Nhl
elo:
"So;
wher
edowest
art
?"
Me: "
I'
vecleanedup.Youj ustgonnahelpmesetup
thebedroomswhent hefurni
turearr
ivesandt
hen
withgroceri
eslater
.You'
rest i
l
lgoingtobemy
cheaff
uruntilIgetacar"
Nhlel
o:"
Youcant akei
t.Iwi
l
ltaket
hebust
ocampus
anduberifIgoout"
Me:
"Nhl
elo.
..
."
Nhl
elo:
"Howki
ndofal
i
ttl
esi
swoul
dIbei
fIkeptmy
carwhil
emybigsisneedsi
tthemost
?Andbesi
desI
don'
tl
ikedr
ivi
ng"
Me:"We'l
ltal
ktomahf
ir
st"Shenodded.Myphone
beeped.
"Iam cooki
ng.Iwoul
dlov
etohav
eyouhomef
or
dinner
"
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:"
It
sMam Dino.Shesay
sshe'
scooki
ngandshe
woul
dlov
etohavemehome"
Nhlel
o:"Notwhi
leLuci
feri
sst
il
lther
e"sher
oll
edher
eyes.Il
aughed.
Me:
"That
'sy
ouraunt
!"
Nhl
elo:"
Aisuka.She'
sjustaladyt
hati
sal
way
s
meddli
nginpeople'
sbusiness"
Me:
"St
opi
tmt
akabhut
i"wel
aughed.
Shet
ookmyhandandsqueezedi
t.
Nhlel
o:"Yougonnabeokay."Myey esdropped."You
knowlastnightIaskedmamawhyar ey
ousad
becauseyouinit
iatedt
hedi
vorce.Idi
dn'
tunder stand
r
eal
lybutsheclear
edev er
ythi
ngoutforme.I
t
houghtmaybejustbecauseyoufi
ledfordi
vor
ce
y
oudidn'
tlovehim any
mor e"
Me:
"No.Ist
il
ldo.Al
ot.
"
Nhlel
o: "
Thenpleaseletmebeher eforyou.Ican
mov einwithyouifyouwant.Ididresearchabout
div
orcesideeffect
s,theyi
ncludedepression,anxi
ety
,
substanceabuseandmanymor ebadt hings.Iwould
hateiti
fIstay
edbackandwat chedwi t
houtany
att
emptt obethereforyou"
Me:
"Ar
en'
tyout
hesweet
est
.Thanky
ou"
Nhlel
o:"
Pleasuresi
s.Ican'
tbegi
ntoi
magi
newhat
you'
regoi
ngt hr
ough"
Me:"I
'l
lbefi
ne.There'
snothi
ngt i
medoesn'tfi
x.I
fI
coul
dgetthepassingofmypar ents,
thi
sisnothi
ng.
Andwiththesupportsyst
em Ihave,i
t'
sbett
er.
"
Shesmi
l
ed.Wehear
daknock,
shewentt
ogett
he
door
.
Itwasthef
urni
turepeople.Theywer
eear
ly.Iwas
expect
ingt
hem lateron.
..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Ihatemeetandgreets.I
'
m notsomuchofan
amicabl
ebeing.The5wor ki
ngdayscostmeso
muchf r
iendl
i
ness.Satur
daysaremydaystobeme.
Babashoul
d'
vebeentheonet
oat
tendt
hisbuthe
deci
dedtofl
ytoDur
ban.
Nkazi
camebackwi
thourdr
inks.
Me:"Thanks.Iwi
sht
heycanj
ustcal
li
taday
"she
l
aughed.
Nkazi
:"I
thasonl
ybeen10mi nut
es.Youhav
en'
t
evenmetandgreetany
one"
Me:
"AndI
'
m notl
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtoi
t"
Nkazi
:"Just2people.Yourdadwill
wanttoknow
whodidy oumeet"shesaidlooki
ngaround."
Tryt
hat
l
adyout.Sheseemsappr oachabl
e"
Me:
"She'
sbusyonhert
ab"
Nkazi
:"Shemi
ghtbeourpot
ent
ial
cli
ent
"
Me:
"Sheseemsl
i
keamake-
upgur
u"shesi
ghed.
Nkazi:
"Ever
yonewho'sheremightbesomeone'
s
potent
ial
cli
ent.I
fshe'
samakeupgur uthebgoto
herandseeifyoucaninv
estinhermakeupworld"
Me:
"AndwhatdoIknowaboutmakeup?
"
Nkazi
:"There'
sresearch.I
fshe'
sint
erest
edi
n
worki
ngwi t
hy outhenwewi l
lfi
ndsomeonetot
each
youaboutmakeup"
Me:
"Ihat
eyouf
ort
his"shechuckl
edandIgotup.
Igreet
edthelady.Shelookedli
keadoll.Idon'
tsee
thenecessi
tyofsomuchf acepai
ntbutwhatcanI
say?Thefemalespecieslovethebeat
.
Me:
"Ist
hisseatt
aken?
"
Her
:"Nonotatal
l
."It
ookaseat
.
Me:
"BongaDube"Isai
dext
endi
ngmyhand.
Her
:"Pr
isci
l
laNgweny
a"
Me:
"CEOoft
heDubeconst
ruct
ion"
Pri
sci
l
la:"
Nicet
omeety
ou.I
'
m aco-
ownerofMi
l
la
cosmeti
cs"
Me:
"Youdon'
tsay
.YouknowIam sokeenabout
makeuprecentl
y.Ij
ustwanttoexpl
oreother
depart
ments,
focusi
ngonbr i
cks,
sit
es,cementand
soi
lisget
ti
ngtoordi
naryforme"shelaughed.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Ar
eyoust
rai
ght
?"
Me:
"St
rai
ght
?"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Sexual
i
ty"Il
aughed.
Me:"YesIam.Ijustlovethemagicyouwomen
per
form onyourfaces.Lookatyou,you'
reatr
ue
Bar
bie.Ihonest
lywishIhadtheprivi
l
ege"she
l
aughed.Amanoutofnowher estoodbeforeus.
Hi
m:"
Sor
ryt
odi
stur
b.Babe,
wegott
ogo"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Let'
sdiscussthi
soverl
unch"shehanded
meherbusinesscardandtheyl
eft
.
Nkazi
satnextt
ome.
Nkazi
:"Youdi
dwel
l.Nowl
et'
sgett
hatsomeonet
o
br
iefy
ouaboutmakeup"
Me:
"Ial
soneedawi r
elessearpi
ecesoy
oucant
ell
mewhattosaydur
ingthatlunch"
Nkazi
:"Donotf
orgetaboutHappy
'smeds"Il
ooked
att
het
ime.It
otal
l
yfor
gotabouti
t.
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
dbewi
thouty
ou"
Nkazi
:"Ineedar
aise"
Me:
"Youdef
ini
tel
ygonnageti
t"
Iheadedt
othepar
kingl
ot.
..
Happy
:"I
fitwasn'
tforEmi
Iwoul
dbel
ongdead"
Me:"
I'
m sor
ry.If
orgott
otel
lNkazi
tobuyi
tandhav
e
i
tdel
i
vered"
Happy:"Iwouldreall
yappreciateiti
fyoutal
kedt
o
meandnev ermentionthatname"shet hi
nkswe'
re
dat
ingbecauset heyhadanar gumentwhenHappy
cal
ledwhileIwasi nameet i
ng.Shesay stheway
Nkazispoket ohersoundedlikewe'redat
ing.
Women!
Me:
"What
?Shoul
dIr
enameher
?"
Happy
:"Idon'
tknow.Justdon'
tment
ioni
t"
Me:"MamaKaSbahlet
ell
mesomethi
ng.I
fyoudo
notl
ovemeany
mor easyousay
,whywoul
dy ou
haveapr
obl
em wi
thNkazi?"
Happy :
"HowIfeelaboutNkazihasnothingtodo
withus.Shedi
srespectedme.Asamot herofyour
chil
drenIcannottol
eratey
ourgirl
fr
iendbeing
disr
espectf
ult
ome"
Me:
"She'
snotmygi
rl
fr
iend.Shei
smyPA"
Happy
:"Yeahr
ight
"
Me: "
Don'tf
ighti
t.I
fyoustil
ll
oveme,ofwhichI
knowy oudojustsayitandweli
vehappi
lyeveraf
ter
wit
hour4babi esthatwemadei nmyoff
ice"she
rol
ledhereyes.
Happy:"
Don'
tfl
att
ery
our
sel
f"shet
ookhermedsand
wentout.
Thequadswer ef astasleep.Theyalwaysar e.I
watchedt hem sleep.Sbahl eandOlwethul ook
exactlyli
keUnat hi,mylatesister
.Icri
edwhenI
real
izedit.Theot hertwo; NtandoandOl uhlethey
areacombi nati
onofHappyandI .Wewer e
expecting3, t
hef ort
honewasasur pr
ise.Balanced
equation,2boy sand2gi r
ls.
TothinkIwant
edt hem t
erminated.Ishal
lregrett
hat
foraslongasIshalll
i
ve.Eventhoughwear en'
t
t
ogetherIam j
ustgl
adshefor
gav
emeandl
ett
ing
meintoourchi
ldr
en'
sli
ves.
Sbahlet
ossedov
erhishandt
oOl
uhl
e'
sface.She
openedhermout
h.She'
ssuchaf
oodi
e.
Happy
:"Yougonnagocr
azy
."
Me:
"Thi
sist
ooador
abl
e"
Happy
:"You'
recuf
fed"
Me:
"Woul
dyourmom al
l
owmet
ost
ayov
er?
"
Happy
:"What
?No"
Me:
"Ij
ustwannaspendanot
herni
ghtwi
tht
hem"
Happy
:"Mydadwon'
tal
l
owy
out
ost
ayov
er"
Me:
"Thenheshoul
dal
l
owy
ouguy
stocomewi
th
me"
Happy
:"I
'
llspeakt
omom"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Shehandedmeabott
le.If
edOl
uhl
e.Ican'
twai
tfor
them t
ogrowup.
..
.
..
[
Khet
hiwe]
Mybaby'ssmil
eispr
icel
ess.He'
sli
ter
all
ythemost
beaut
if
ulthi
ngI'
veev
erlai
dmyey eson.
It
ookhim outoft
hewat
erandputhi
minhi
sbat
hing
bl
anket
.
Iputhiminhi
scr
ibandgoti
nthebat
hroom t
otakea
quickshower
.
Thi
siswhatI
'v
ebeendoing.Bathwit
hadooropen
andspendl
essthan10minutesshower
ing.
Ihear
dadoorcreakopen.Iqui
ckl
ywashedofft
he
soaponmyheadandgr abbedatowel
andrushedto
thedoor
.Ist
oppedwhenIsawhi m.Hehadhimin
hisar
ms.
Heturnedmydi rect
ion.He'
sheretosoft
enupwit
h
thi
sredface.Hesl i
dbackhishoodiehat
.Westar
ed
ateachotherforquitesometi
me.
Ty
ler
:"Hi
"
Me:
"Hi
"
Ty
ler
:"Youcangoonandbat
h.Wher
e'shi
sbot
tl
e?"
Me:
"Inhi
swar
merbag"
Ty
ler
:"Oh.We'
l
lbeatt
hel
ounge"
Me:"No!
..
.Imeanno.St
ayher
e.Theheat
eri
sbr
oken,
he'
snotdressed"
Ty
ler
:"Iwi
l
ldr
esshi
m upi
fthat
'sokay
"
Me:"Hi
sloti
onsareontheseconddrawer
.Ther
e's
hi
sdiaperandclot
hes"Isai
d.Idon'
tev
enwantto
askwhatchanged.
SinceIlef
tlastSat
urdayhenev ermadeanymeans
tocontactme.Itoldmy selfwear edone.Iwasso
pissedatwhathesai donFr i
daywhenIhadt ogo
meett hesell
eroftherestaurant.Ist
il
lam butnotas
muchasIhav ebeenforthepast4day s.
Ibat
hed.Iknowi
tssi
l
lybutIf
ast
er,
scar
edt
hathe
mighthar
m him.
Hewasdressedandf
astasl
eeponTyler
'sshoul
der
.
Iappl
i
edlot
ionanddr
essedup.Heputhi
m backto
hi
scri
b.
Me:
"Beeformut
ton?
"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
m sor
ry"hewal
kedt
owar
dsme."
I'
m sor
ry
forbei
ngaj erk.Idonotdeser vetobelovedbyy ou
thi
smuch.I'm sor r
yaboutal lt
hemeant hingsIsaid
concer
ningBanzi .Iwasangr yyou'r
etaki
ngcar eof
mybaddeci sions.Buty ouleavi
ngmer eall
yshowed
mey outrul
ylov ehim andy ou'
dgiveupany thi
ngfor
him.Thanky ouMaDl adla.Iowey oumylife"
Me:
"Don'
tcr
y"
Ty
ler
:"Pl
easef
orgi
veme"
Me:
"It
sokay
"wehugged.
Ty
ler
:"Pl
easecomebackhome"
Me:
"Wewi
l
l.Don'
tcr
y"
Ihatet
hissi
deofhi
m.I
tbreaksmyhear
ttoseehi
m
cry
.Asmuchashe'saj
erkIsti
ll
lov
ehimli
kehe'
s
perf
ect
..
..
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Itookaf
inallookatmysel
font
hemi
rr
or.These
shoesar
en'tsonice.
Me:
"Ar
eyousur
eI'
m good?
"
Q:
"Youar
ehot
"
Me:
"Hai
rmakesmel
ookwei
rd"
Q:
"DoIl
ookwei
rdt
oyou?
"
Me:
"YouknowwhatImean"
Q:"Act
ual
lyIdon'
t.Berespect
fulandr
emember
you'
reusi
ngmyi dent
it
ytoseey ourwi
fe"
Me:
"Thi
smust
achedoesn'
tl
ookl
i
key
our
s"
Q:"Justbet
hankf
ulyouevengotamust
acheand
Khethel
owil
lnotnot
ice"
Yes.Thi
swhatI'v
eturnedt
o.Iam doi
ngev
eryt
hing
j
usttoseeher.She'
sahugepartofmyworl
dand
herabsencei
sdrivi
ngmebananas.
Shewouldn'
tevenhearmeoutaf
terGl
adet
oldheri
t
wasn'
tthefi
rstt
ime.
Igrant
edhert hediv
orcebecauseIknowshe' sangry
anddeny i
ngtosignwoul d'
vemadeherev enmor e
angri
er.If
lewdownt oDur banthi
smor ning.Ineed
tomakesur eshe'sokay.Ihavemypeopl et r
acki
ng
downherev erymov ebutthati
sn'tenough.Ineedto
seeher.SorightI
'm pr
etendingtobeQui nton.
WesawNhl
elo'
scardr
ivei
n.
Q:
"Bepat
ient
.You'
l
lgoi
naf
ter30mi
nut
es"
Me: "
Itol
dy ounott
orol
lasecondblunt
?Khet
hel
ois
gonnagot akeabathf
or40minutessoonasshe
walksin"
Q:"
Donotf
orgetwhatIt
aughty
ou.Don'
tdi
sappoi
nt
me"
Igotoutandheadedi
nsi
det
hecompl
ex.
Iwr
otedownal
lmydet
ail
sandwenti
n.
Itookoutmypieceofmi
rr
ort
ochecki
fI'
m st
il
lokay
befor
eknocki
ng.
Nhl
eloopenedup.Shef
rowned.Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
"Hi
"
Nhl
elo:
"Hel
l
o"
Me:
"I'
m her
etoseey
oursi
ster
"
Nhl
elo:
"Comei
n"
Iwenti
n.Ist
oodnextt
othedoorwhi
l
eNhl
elo
di
sappear
edtothecor
ri
dor
.
Theplacel
ooksdecent.Sheboughtawall
clock,
she
real
l
ymeanbusiness.SheknowsIhatethi
sshit.
I
twascloset
o10pm.Wepr
omi
sedYol
iwe'
dbe
backbynow.
Itookoutmyphoneandt
ext
edQui
ntonhecango
home.Nhlel
ocameback.
Nhl
elo:
"She'
scomi
ngshewasaboutt
obat
h"
Me:"Doyoumindt
aki
ngthi
sclockwit
hy out
othe
bat
hroom?"I
tsmorei
rr
it
ati
ngbecauseI'
m hi
gh.
Nhl
elo:
"It
sper
manent.Thepr
evi
ousownergluedi
t
t
her
e"fuckhi
m orher
."Youmaytakeaseat
"
Sheappear
edf
rom t
hepassege.
Khet
hel
o:"
Hi"Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
"Hi
."
Khet
hel
o:"
Uhm Nhl
elocany
ougi
veusamoment
pl
ease?
"Nhlel
owal
kedaway.
Khet
hel
oheadedt
othedoorandopenedi
t."
Out
"
Me:
"Icameher
einpeace"
Khethel
o:"OutKhul
ekani.Idon'
twanttoseey
our
faceorevenhearyourvoice.
"Noway !
Me:
"Youcanseeme?
"
Khethel
o: "
Yes.Quint
onpat sthelef
tthi
ghandI
knowy ourvoice.Howdi dyouevenknowwhereI
was?Getout .Trythi
sjokeony ourhoemaybeshe
mightnotseey ouandf uckyouagainthi
nki
ngyou'
re
yourbrother
"
Me:
"Icamet
ocheckupony
ou"
Khethelo:
"Wel l
Iam sti
ll
brokenandwishi
ngInever
mety ou.I
fy ouevershowy ourf
aceher
euninv
itedI
wil
lgetar estr
aini
ngorder"
Me:"I'
m Sor
ry.Noneedt
odot
hatIwi
l
lkeepmy
di
stance"
Iwal
kedout
.If
eltr
eli
evedt
hatIsawherbutsadshe
st
il
lhat
esme.
If
oundQuint
onwai
ti
ngf
ormeout
sidet
hegat
e
smoki
ng.
Me:
"Ipatt
hewr
ongt
high"
Qui
nton:
"You'
readi
sappoi
ntmentt
otheDubecl
an"
Me:
"Thanks"
Wegoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f.
..
.
[
2/26,
06:
41]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Chapt
erFi
ft
y-Four
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Lel
o:"
Bambi
no"
Me:"
Hey
.Iwasj
ustt
aki
ngmychancesIt
houghty
ou
wer
easl
eep"
Lel
o:"
NoI '
m notjustf
ini
shedt
aki
ngabat
h.Whyar
e
youwhisper
ing?
"
Me:
"He'
shere.I
'
mint
hebat
hroom Idon'
twanthi
m
t
ohearme"
Lel
o:"
He'
scomear
ound?
"
Me:"
YeahIthi
nkso.He'
sbeent
aki
ngcar
eofBanzi
si
ncemorni
ng.
"
Lel
o:"
I'
m gl
adbabe.
"
Me: "
Yeahmet oo."IheardCal speaki
ngonthe
background."
Letmesl eep.Let'
shopey ouhaven'
t
for
gotaboutourluncht omorrow"sheLaughed.
Lel
o:"
Letmesetupar
emi
nder
.Goodni
ght
"
Me:
"Goodni
ght
"
Ihungupandwalkedout
.Isighed.Theywereall
overt
hebed,nomorespacef orme.Itookafl
eece
andcli
mbedonthecouch.Theylooksocute.
Ismiledalone.Goddoanswerprayers.Thisisaver
y
pri
celessmoment .I
tisahugebeautifulgi
ft,
havi
ng
these2meni nmyli
feiswhatwi
llalwayspushme
todobet t
erandbebet t
er.
Couldthisbet helightattheendofat unnel
MaNgcobowast alkingabout ?Becauseev ersi
nce
hecamei ntomyl i
feev er
ythingli
ghtenedup.Iwas
onl
yef fectedbyTy lerbutitalsowasn'tthatdeep.
I
'minadi f
ferentpositi
veheadspaceIam happy ,
genuinelyhappy .
Igotupandtookapi
ctur
eoft
hem.Iwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
y
fr
amet hi
sone..
.
•
••
[
Emi
]
Iwokeupt omyphoner i
nging.Il
ookedfori
tundera
pi
llowIcouldn'
tfi
ndit.Ispott
editonthefl
oor.Igot
offthebedtotakeit
.
Ithadst oppedringi
ng.ItwasKhet helo.Iwentt ot he
bathroom topee.Wehav en'tspokef oramont hor
so.Ialsogotpuni shedforKhul e'ssins.Ihav en'
t
spokent ohimi nagesei ther.Hedi sappoi nt
edme.
Hei sselfi
sh,hedidwhat ev erhedi dwi ththatGl ade
andf orgotwhatcouldthatcosthi m.Ev ersincet heir
divorceit'
sbeenamanf orhi msel f
.Wehav en'thad
anygat heri
ngitsjustphonecal ls.Katlegosuggest ed
wegooutf orlunchtoday .Thef i
rsteverlunchsi nce
KhetheloleftandIknowi tsgonnabeawkwar d
withouther.
If
ini
shedandcal
l
edher
.Shedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.
May beshecall
edbymi stake.If
il
ledthetubwhi
l
e
text
ingJason.Idonotlikehishabitofl
eavi
ngmein
bedandgot oworkwithoutgoodby e.
Thedooropened.Hesmi
l
ed.
Jason:"
She'
smadatme.I
'
m wor
kingf
rom home
todaysweet
hear
t"
Me:
"Thenwhydi
dn'
tyousay
?"
Jason:"Andfaceyourgr
umpyselff
orthewholeday?
I
'dratherswall
owademi nt
hantodist
urbyoursl
eep.
Whatwoul dyouli
ketoeat?
"
Me:
"Food.GetoutI
'
m aboutt
obat
h"
Jason:
"Iwi
l
lbemaki
ngy
oubr
eakf
ast
"
Me:
"I'
dli
kesomet
hingnotpr
epar
edbyy
ou"
Jason:
"Whathav
eIdonenow?
"
Me:
"What
everi
tisi
tshoul
dbechi
l
liandgr
easy
"
Jason:
"Comi
ngr
ightup"
Hereversedout.Heir
ri
tat
esmetoday.Whyarehis
l
ipsneverdry?Andtheeari
ngonhi
sleftearmakes
mesick.
Iundressedandgotint
het
ub.Thewarmthoft
he
waterdoessomethingt
ome.Igetr
eli
eved.
Jason:"Babeshoul
dIaddwi
ngs?
"Heshout
edf
rom
theotherside.
Me:
"Yes"
Jason:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Ofcour
sey
oudo"
Jason:"
Pleasebeni
ce"whatdoeshemean?Iam at
mynicesttoday
.
I
gnor
edhi
m andanswer
edmyr
ingi
ngphone.
Me:
"Hey
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Heybaby
.I'
m sogl
adt
oheary
ourv
oice"
Me:
"I'
m gl
ady
our
emember
edIexi
st"shesi
ghed.
Khet
helo:"Thi
ngshav
ebeenroughbabeI
'
m sor
ry.
Andthelastti
mewespokeyouweremadatmesoI
wasgivi
ngy outi
metocool
off"
Me:"Iwishy ouunder
stoodhowmuchIneedy ouin
myli
fer ecentl
y.Youcameintomyl i
feandresumed
amot herrol
et omeandnowy ou'
regoneandy ou
hav
en'tcheckeduponmef orweeks"
Khet
helo:"I
'
m sor
ry.I
'vebeencaughtupinthi
s
di
vor
cet hi
ngandforgotabouti
mpor t
antpeopl
ein
myli
fe.I'
m sor
ryf
orbei ngsodi
stant
.Isthebaby
gr
owi
ng?
"
Me:"
Yesiti
s."Ibrushedmyt
ummy
."Ir
eal
l
ywi
sh
youwer
esti
llhere"
Khet
hel
o:"Youcanvi
sitmeany
time.Separat
ingwith
Khul
edoesn'tmeanwe'v
est
oppedbeingfamily.I
st
il
ll
oveyou"
Me:"
Isti
lll
ovey
outoo.Ar
eyougonnabehome
whenJasoncomestopaydamages?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Unf
ort
unat
elyIcan'
tmybaby
."
Me:"
Canyouatl
eastbeincont
actwit
hKhethi
wet
o
makesur
etheydoevery
thi
ngaccordi
ngl
y?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Def
ini
tel
yst
handwasam.Def
ini
tel
y"
Me:"Pl
easecal
lmeev
ery
dayandIwi
l
ldot
oo.Imi
ss
yousomuch"
Khethel
o:"Iwi
l
l.AndImissyoumore.I
'
llgety
oua
ti
ckettocomehereaft
erI'
veset
tl
edin"
Me:
"Youmov
edout
?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yeah.I
'
minDur
ban"
Me:
"Per
manent
ly?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yes.
"
Me:"Wowthisi
sseri
ous"Ihadhopetheywi
ll
r
econci
lesoonbuti
fshemov edoutt
hechancesar
e
ver
ysli
m.
Khethel
o:"
Pret
tymuch.Letmegetbacki
ntoset
ti
ng
upthispl
ace.We'
l
ltal
klater
"
Me:
"By
emommy
"
Khet
hel
o:"
ByemyAngel
"
Ihungupaputt
hephoneaway
.Jasongoti
n.
Jason:
"TheDrsai
dlesscr
yingmar
shmal
l
ow,
what
's
wrong?"
Me:"IknowbutIcan'
thel
pit
.Ithur
ts.Khet
hel
oev
en
l
eftt
hepr ov
ince.
"
Jason:
"Buty
ourot
hersi
steri
n-l
awsar
est
il
lher
e"
Me:
"She'
stheonet
hatIneedher
ethemost
"
Jason:"Thenwe'l
lgotoDurban.Don'tcr
y"hewiped
myt earsandbrushedmytummy ."Turnaround,
let
mescr ubyourback"
Ismi
l
edandt
urnedar
ound.Hedoesn'
tgett
ir
edof
meandmymoods.
..
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
Icollapsedonachai ri
nmyof fi
ce.It
saboutt
imeI
ret
ired.Thismovingupanddownat tendi
ngmeet
ing
aftermeet i
ngbusinessisget
ti
ngt oomuchforan
oldmanl i
keme.
Mbal
icamei
nli
kel
i
ght
ning.
Me:
"Ar
eyoubei
ngchasedbyaghost
?"
Mbali
:"Jour
nali
sts.Theyareal
loverthebui
l
ding.
Thesecuri
ti
esarepr ev
enti
ngthem tocomeup.I'
m
heretogetyououtofhere"Igotupandtookmy
phone.
Me:
"Whatdot
heywant
?Let
'
sgo"
Mbal
i
:"I
tsaboutYez
we"
Me:"
Whathasthatboydonenow?Pl
easegetmy
t
ab"sherantomydeskwhil
eIwentoutt
ogeton
t
heli
ftheadi
ngdown.
Theywer
ebuzzi
ngar
oundasf
li
es.
"
Wewannaspeakt
oyourboss"
"
Isher
eal
l
yaDube?
"
"
Howishetaki
ngt
henewsofhi
ssoncomi
ngoutof
t
hecl
oset
?"
Theywereal
lspeakingatt
hesameti
meunt i
ltwoof
themanyspottedme.Theyranmydi
rect
ion.The
secur
it
yteam stoppedt
hem.
"
Hav
eyounev
ernot
icedy
oursonwasgay
?"
"
Arey
ougoi
ngt
odi
sownhi
m?"
"
What
'sy
ourt
akeaboutt
heLGBQTcommuni
ty?
"
"Hement i
onedi
nthei
nter
viewt
hatyoujust
discover
edyou'
ret
hel
ateMphangi
seni'
ason.I
sit
tr
ue? "
Mbal
igotof
fthel
i
ft.
Me:"Hol
dit"IwentbackinIt
ookmyt
ab."
Please
Googlet
hatmagazineforme"
Mbal
i
:"Oni
t"
Itookoutmyphoneandt
ext
edev
ery
onet
hatwe
haveameeti
ng.
Whatt
hehel
lpossessedt
hisboy
?..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Ihavenev
er.Imeanev
err
ecei
vedat
extf
rom
Calv
in.
Me:"Brot
herCal
isr
equest
ingameet
ing"Lel
orol
l
ed
hereyes.
Lel
o:"
Iknewi
t"
Khet
hiwe:
"Anyi
deawhati
sitabout
?"
Shewentt
hroughherbagandt
ookoutamagazi
ne.
Lel
o:"
Hepr
obabl
yfoundoutaboutt
his"
Ohmy!Iknewit
.Andevery
onewho'sobserv
ant
knewi
ttoo.He'
safashi
ondesi
gnerforGod'
ssake!
Myboymadei ttoawholecoverpageofan
i
nter
nat
ional
mag.He' sbeenv
erybusywhil
ewe
snor
edandfartatni
ght.
Khet
hiwe:
"Ihav
enev
erbeensopr
oud"
Emi
:"Hei
sthegem.Coul
dthi
sbet
her
easonwhy
he'
sbeendi
stant
?"
Lel
o:"
Yes"
Me:
"Youknewhe'
sgay
?"
Lel
o: "
Notunti
l theKimthelawyersaga.Appar
entl
y
hesleptwit
hhert oo,whenItol
dhim heshouldfi
nd
adecentgir
lfr
iendnotKim.Het ol
dmehedoesn' tdo
gi
rl
s,Kim wasj ustanexper
iment."
Emi:"I
'
mj ustgl
adhefinal
l
ystoppedl
ivi
ngforpeopl
e.
I
'm soreadyforwhat
everbhut
iisgoi
ngtosay"
Lel
o:"
He'
sprobabl
ygoi
ngt
odi
sownhi
m.Cal
vi
n
hat
esgaypeopl
e"
Me:"Thisi
sourt
imet
oshowYezweourf
ull
support
"
Lel
o:"
Ihav
epr
epar
edt
oleav
etooi
fhedi
sownhi
m"
Emi
:"Bi
tbybi
t.Mybr
other
swi
l
lbel
eftwi
thno
wi
ves"
Khethi
we:
"Ift
heyar
en'
twat
chi
ngt
hat
'sgonnabet
he
case"
Me:
"Yourmot
her
'ski
dsar
ereal
l
yti
ri
ng"
Emi
:"Asl
ongasy
'al
lwon'
tchangeonme"
Khet
hiwe:"Ev
er.Letmecal
lhi
m andchecki
fthey
'r
e
st
il
lokay"
Lel
ochuckl
ed.
Lel
o:"
I'
m ev
ensur
pri
sedy
oul
efthi
m wi
thTy
ler
"
Khet
hiwe:"I
ttookmealott
ofi
nal
l
ygi
vei
n."Shesai
d
andexcusedhersel
f.
Me:
"Shel
oveshi
m"
Lel
o:"
Alot
.Thef actthatshewaswil
l
ingtoleave
Tyl
erf
ornotacceptinghim meansal
otreal
l
y "
Emi
:"She'
shappyandi
tshows.Thi
smot
her
lyt
hing
i
str
ulynat
ural
"
Me:"I
tis.Youdon'thavetogotoschoolf
orit
.She'
s
t
reat
inghi m wi
thcareandlov
e,haveyouseenhow
f
reshhei s?"
Lel
o:"
Icoul
djusteatt
hosechubbyy
ell
owt
highs.
"
Me:
"Andal
lheconsumei
smi
l
k"
Emi
:"What
?Why
?"
Me: "
Khethi
wehasnotthr
ewawayculture.Babi
es
star
teati
ngsoli
dsat6monthsandshe'sgoingthat
rout
eandi t
sperf
ectl
yworki
ngf
orBanzi.He's
heal
thyandbeauti
ful
"
Emi
:"SoIhav
etobr
east
feedf
or6mont
hs?
"
Me:"Youcanbr
east
feedandal
sogi
vehi
m/hert
he
bot
tl
e"
Emi
:"Yohsomuchwor
k"
Wel
aughed.Khet
hiwecameback.
Khet
hiwe:
"Theyaresti
ll
inonepi
eceandt
heyar
e
dr
ivi
ngtoHeidel
berg"
Lel
o:"
Weshoul
dal
sogetgoi
ng"
Emi
:"Letgett
akeaway
s."
Lelo:"
Youjustr
eadmymi
nd.Pl
ust
her
e'snobeeri
n
thathouse"
Khet
hiwe:
"KatandIwi
l
lgogett
hem"
Iputmycel
li
nmybagandof
fwewentt
othel
i
quor
shop.
..
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Iam lef
ttoownthishousetoday.Theowner
sar
eat
work.Ihavebeeneati
ngsinceIwokeup.Whydo
womenmakeev er
ythi
ngsoni ce?
Eventhisjui
cetastesbetterthantheoneIusual
ly
makef ormy sel
f.Ipausedthegame.Dur ban
weatherissick,
whenwesl eptlastni
ghtwewere
sweati
ngbutt odayitisrai
ningandI '
mfreezi
ng.
Iwentt
ot heki
tchentodishup.Yol
icookedl
ast
ni
ghtaft
erweat e.Speci
all
yformecauseIam t
he
depr
essedtwinandf oodis"t
her
apy"shesai
d.
Iputitint
hewarmerwhi
leIhadaver
yint
imate
conversat
ionwi
tht
heicecr
eam.Ihear
dfootst
eps
approachi
ng.
Me:
"Goback!
"
Qui
nton:"
Icoul
dn'
tfocusknowi
ngy
ou'
reeat
ingal
l
t
hisfoodbyyour
sel
f"
Me:"
Ihavenopr
oblem r
eal
ly
.Iam doi
ngr
eal
l
ygr
eat
youmaygobacktowork"
Qui
nton:
"I'
m st
arv
ing.Thi
sweedi
sn'
theal
thy
"
Me:"
Ohhh.NowIgeti
t.Youknowt
hisi
smy6t
h
mealsi
nceyoul
eft
"
Qui
nton:
"Howmanybl
unt
shav
eyour
oll
ed?
"
Me:
"4or5"
Qui
nton:
"Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
odi
e?Ar
eyouhi
ghr
ight
now?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.DoIl
ookhi
gh?
"
Qui
nton:
"Idon'
tknow.Doy
ouf
eel
high?
"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.DoIsoundhi
gh?
"
Quint
on:"
Youarehi
gh"wel
aughed."
Let
'swar
mthi
s
foodupandeat
"
Me:
"Saypl
ease"
Qui
nton:
"Pl
ease"
Me:
"Youdon'
tsoundl
i
key
oumeani
t"
Qui
nton:
"Letmecal
lYol
ztobr
inguschi
l
li
es"
Me:
"Thegr
eenones"
Hest
aredathi
sphonef
orqui
tesomet
ime.
Qui
nton:
"Ther
e'sameet
ingathome.Justr
eada
t
extf
rom Cal
vi
n"
Me:
"Whatmeet
ing?
"
Qui
nton:"
Hedidn'
texpl
ain.Hej
ustsai
dwehav
ea
meeti
ng.Didy
oualsoreceiv
eatext
?"
Me:"
Idon'
tev
enknowwher
ethatphonei
s.Cal
l
hi
m"
Qui
nton:
"Tur
nont
hest
ewst
ove"
Me:
"Cal
lCal
vi
n"heov
ert
omysi
de.
Qui
nton:
"Kush"
Cal
vi
n:"
Yesboy
s.Di
dyougetmymassage?
"
Qui
nton:
"YesIdi
d.What
'
sup?
"
Cal
vin:
"Haven'
tyouseeni
t?Yezwei
str
endi
ngf
or
bei
ngaproudgay "
Us:
"What
?"
Cal
vi
n:"
Yes.Iwi
l
lhav
eyouguy
sonSky
pe"
Me:
" Don'
tmakeanyper
manentdeci
si
onsy
et.Thi
s
i
sprett
yshocki
ngbut
-"
Cal
vi
n:"
Butnot
hing.I
'
llseey
oual
ll
ater
"
Hehungup.Iwasst
il
lst
uckatYezwebei
ngapr
oud
gay
.
Me:
"Hesl
eepswi
thmen?
"
Quint
on:"
Idon'
tknowi
fhedoesbuty
est
hat
'swhat
gaypeopl
edo"
Me:
"That
'ssof
ucki
ngcr
eepy
"
Qui
nton:
"Shoul
dwegot
oJo'
bur
g?"
Me: "
NoI'm notgoi
ngthere.Youcangoifyouwant
butIwil
lstayhereandforoncebeunavail
abl
eli
ke
otherki
ds"
Qui
nton:
"DonotusemyWi
-Fi
forf
acet
ime"
Me:"
Ibr
oughtmyr
outerwi
thme.Andf
ort
haty
ou
wi
ll
nott
ouchmyfood"
It
ookt
hepotandwentt
othel
ounge.
Qui
nton:
"I'
myourpar
tneri
ncr
ime.Remember
?"
Me:
"Gochanget
hatsui
t.Youl
ookl
i
key
ourf
ather
"
Qui
nton:
"Don'
teat
.I'
l
lbebackj
ustnow"
Her
anupt
hest
air
s.Thi
sist
hef
ir
stgayper
soni
n
ourf
ami
l
y.Howcomewenev
erseeni
t?.
..
.
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Calv
in'
shousei sasbigasacastle.Iwonderhow
manypeoplecleanit.Thisismysecondti
me
cominghere.Ididnotfi
nishmytourlastt
imeand
si
nceevery
onehasn' tarr
ivedImightaswell
conti
nuewhereIl ef
toff.
Thehel
pingl
adytookBanzitoMpendul o'snursery.
He'
ssuchapeacefulchi
l
d.Hav en'
theardhi m cry
si
nceKhethi
weleft
.Youjustgottofeedhi m his
bot
tl
eandchangehisnappytheny '
allaregood.
Ifoundmysel
finatheat
rer
oom.Iturnedtheli
ght
s
onandlookedfort
heremote.If
ounditandsat
down.
Itur
nedonthegiganti
cscreen.Inev
erunderst
ood
suchbi
gscreens.Theygetmecr azy,Il
osemymind
whenwatchi
ngone.
Myphoner
ang.It
ooki
tout
.Itwast
hebabe.
Me:
"Wi
fey
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Hav
eyouseent
henews?
"
Me:
"No.Why
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Getont
heNews24websi
ter
ightnow"
shesai
dandhungup.
Idi
dasperi
nst
ruct
ion.Ipl
ayedt
hei
r4pm news.
Ikeptfastfor
wardi
ngunt
ilIhear
dtheGl
adename
mentioned.Irewi
nd.
"Onanot herst
opstor i
esabodyawomanwhof ound
thi
smor ninghasbeeni dentifi
edasGlade
Nombul eloNgubane.The26y earoldhadbeenlost
forthepast24hour sthef amilymembermentioned.
Thef orensicshaven'tdiscoveredy
etwhatcould've
l
edt othedeat hofthedeceased.Thepol icear
est i
ll
i
nv esti
gat i
ng.
Thepeopl
ewhowerelef
tter
ri
fi
edbyt
her
aini
n
Durbanar
ebei
ng.
..
."
Il
ockedmyphone.Thi
sispetr
olt
otheDubef
ir
e.
Khet
heloi
sgonnabethepri
mesuspect
.
Icall
edKhul
e.Hedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.Ical
l
edQ,
heal
so
didn'
tpi
ckup.
Igotupandr
usheddownst
air
s.
Cal
vi
n:"
Wher
ear
eyour
ushi
ngt
o?"
Me:
"Dur
ban"
Cal
vi
n:"
What
?Why
?"
Me:
"Gl
adewasf
ounddead"
Cal
vi
n:"
So?
"
Me:
"So?Thatwi
l
lleadr
ightt
oKhet
hel
o"
Cal
vi
n:"
Wehav
eameet
ing"
Me:"Wehav eabiggerprobl
em thanhavi
nga
meetingoveroursonwho'sattr
actedtot
hesame
gender.I
tsthe21stcent
ury.I
tiscomplet
elynor
mal
Cal.
"
Cal
vin:
"Ar
eyoul
i
steni
ngtoyour
sel
f?I
'
m notgonna
hav
easonwhosuckdicks!
"
Me: "
Wellhedoes.Evenifyoucoulddi
sownhi m he
will
sti
ll
bey ourson.Yourbl
oodflowsinhisvei
ns.
Stopli
vi
ngin1800s.ThismeetingisoverDubedon't
putourchil
dthroughthat
.Agaysoni sbett
erthana
deadone."
Myphoner
ang.Il
efthi
m st
andi
ngt
her
e.
Me:
"Goodev
eni
ng"
Cal
l
er:"
Tyl
er.I
tsme.Idi
dn'
twhoel
set
ocal
l
"she
wassobbi
ng.
Me:
"Khet
hel
o?"
Khethel
o:"Gl
adewasf ounddead.AndIwast akenin
forquest
ioni
ngbutnowI '
m arr
estedbecausethey
foundthr
eateni
ngmessagesi nherphoneandt he
poli
cebeli
eveitwasmebecauset heyaresayingshe
shouldst
ayawayf rom Khule.Andthelett
ert
hatwas
foundinherapart
mentment i
onsthatifshei
sev er
founddeadIshouldbet hefir
stpersontobe
questi
oned"
"
Timei
sup"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lbet
her
efi
rstt
hingt
omor
rowokay
"
Thel
i
newentdead.Fuck.
..
[
2/26,
06:
41]Zozaness:
TheDubeLegacyr
eloaded

Duet
othedr
aggi
ngoft
hest
ory
li
nepl
easenot
e
thatTheDubeLegacyrel
oadedchar
acterswi
ll
now
permanent
lyappearontheBeaut
yLiesInTheEyes
ofABeholder
.
[
2/26,06:
52]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

Pr
ologue
-
Ihandedthenewspaperovert
oher.Shebri
efl
yran
hereyesonit
,shelookedatme.Igetthehi
nt,
Ihave
toexplai
n.
Me:"
Ipassed!4dist
inct
ions!
"Isai
djumpi
ngupand
downinexci
tement.
Mama:"Mmmmmh"sheputi tasi
deandpour
ed
her
sel
fanot
hergl
assofHansa.
Istoodthereforamoment .Whatisthatsupposed
tomean?I sn'
tthi
swhatshewant ed?Shealway s
preachtomeaboutherf ri
end'
sdaught erwhooutdi
d
hersel
finmatric,
wenttostudyoverseasandturned
aroundthesit
uationathome.She'ssupposedtobe
happy,she'ssupposedt obeal lov
erthey ar
d
ul
ulati
nglikeanyot hermot herwhosechildhas
passedmat r
ic.Butno.She'ssoconcernedabouther
herbeer,t
hatwaspr obablyboughtwiththelastcent
wehadi nt hi
shouse.It r
iedtoremaincalm butmy
emotionsgotbet terofme.
Me:"I
sthatally
ou'regoi
ngt
osay?Mmmh? "Ihatei
t
whenIgetli
kethis.Onl
ymymotherhast
heabili
tyt
o
dr
ivemetot heedge.
Shesentherey
esupt
ome.
Mama: "Youpassed.NowwhatmustIdo?Scr eam?
Am hungryYolanda.Maybeifyouhustl
edli
keany
otherchi
ldyourageIwouldbef ul
landbeableto
j
umpupanddownf oryou.Goandcheckifwest i
ll
haveenoughelectri
cit
y,i
fnot.Gofet
chthewoods"
Itookthenewspaperbackt oNkosazana,
our
neighborwhohadbor rowedmesinceIcouldn't
affor
done.Everyonefoundoutearl
yinthemor ni
ng
andIYolandaZikalal
ajustsawmineinthemi ddl
eof
theday.
Lucki
l
yenoughshewasout
sidehangi
ngt
hecl
othes.
Ididn'
thav
etoscream mylungsoutf
orhert
owat
ch
thedogforme.Igavehert
henewspaper.
Me:
"Thanky
ou.
"
Her
:"Di
dyoupass?
"
Me:
"Yes.4di
sti
nct
ions"
Her
:"Congr
atul
ati
onsnt
ombi
.We'
repr
oudofy
ou"
Shehuggedme.She'
sli
kemysecondt
bestsi
ster
.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Her
:"So,
wher
etof
rom her
e?"
Me:"
Ihavenoi
dea"shel
edmet
osi
tdownundert
he
mangotr
ee.
Her
:"Hhai
bo.Di
dn'
tyouappl
y?"
Me:"Idi
d.ButIwoul
dn'
tknowift
heytookmeornot
.
Idonothavemoneytogotothel
ibr
ary"
Her:
"Don'
twor
ryI
'
llbor
rowy
oumyphonewhenIbuy
ai
rt
ime"
Me:
"I'
dappr
eci
atet
hat
."
Her
:"Bet
tery
et,
justj
oty
ouremai
ldet
ail
sdownI
'
ll
l
ogonsoonasIgeti
t"
Me:
"Thanky
ousomuchsi
sNkosazana"
Her
:"You'
rewel
comenana"
Mymothercal
l
edoutmyname.Ibi
dhergoodby
e
andr
anhome.
Mama:
"Ar
ewegonnaCookwi
thur
inet
oday
?"
Me:
"Ther
e'sanunusedbucketi
ntheki
tchen"
Mama:"OhdearLordshe'st
alki
ngback.Gett
he
bl
oodybucketandgofetchwaterchi
l
d!"
Ihur
ri
edi
nsi
det
ogett
hebucketandwentt
othe
ri
ver
.
I
tis30mi
nut
esaway
.Icr
iedal
lthewayt
her
e.
Somet imesitfeelslikeshe'
spunishingmef ormy
father'
ssins.Igrewt obeli
evethatifIhadnotbeen
thereuninvi
tedhewoul d'
vestayed,thatevery
thi
ng
woul d'
vebeenf ineifIhadnotbeenconcei ved.She
madei tallmyf ault
.Hewassomeone' shusbandfor
Chr i
st'
ssake!
Wel
lthat
'swhatI
'
vehear
d,mar
ri
edmenv
ani
shaf
ter
i
mpr egnat
ingyou.That'
showt heyrol
e.She
should'
veknownbetterthangett
ingpregnant
.
Mymot herhasi ssues.Andshe' ssucceededi n
passingt hatont ous.Shelivest omakeher
chil
dr en'sl i
vesmi ser
able.Mysi sterfl
edhomewi th
herboy fr
iendat16af t
ershesol dhert othehighest
bidderi nr etur
nf or2Hansacr atesandSmi rnof
f
1818.Shev isi
tsoccasionall
y,onlybecauset here'
s
me.Shet oldme.Shenev erforgav ethatbutshe
l
ear nttot oleratemother.Shehasanotsowowl i
fe
buti t
'sbet terthantheonewel iveathome.Shehas
2chi l
dr en.Herhusbandi soneoft hegoodonesl eft
,
verysuppor tiveandlovi
ng.
Istar
tedcooki ngsoonasIgotbackhome.Shewas
notthere,goodf ormypeaceofmi nd.Isangallthe
ti
mepeel i
ngandchoppi ngt hepot
atoes.Ifi
nished
cookingthent ookabath,gett
ingr
eadyf orchurch.
Myhappypl ace.
Iwenttothef latthatwesleepinandchangedi
ntoa
fl
oralkneelengthdr ess.Shehummedherusual
drunksong, call
ingoutmynamei nbetween.I
al
way sprayf orher,asmuchassheal wayshur
tme
wi
thherhar
shwor
dsIst
il
ll
ovedandcar
edf
orher
.
Shepushedthedooropenandstoodatt heent
rance.
Shelookedatmefrom headtot
oet henshookher
head.Shewalkedi
nandt hr
ewherselfontopofthe
bed.
Me:
"Am goi
ngt
ochur
ch"
Mama:
"Onedaychur
chwi
l
lbebor
n"what
?
Itookmybibl
eandleftbef
oresherui
nedmy
spiri
tual
mood.Thati
sherhiddent
alent
,rui
ningmy
j
ollymoods.
Theservicewasabl i
ss.Thepastorf
ocusedonus,
thosewhohadj ustgotthei
rmatri
cresul
ts.Hetold
ustogooutt hereandshowt heworl
dwhatwear e
madeof .Hestatedhowmuchourbackgr oundsdo
notdefi
neus.Itfel
tasthoughhewasdi r
ectlyt
alki
ng
tome.
WhenIwalkedbackhomethesunhadjustsetbut
buti
twasn'
tthatdar
k.Summervi
bes.
Istart
ledwhenmyeyeslandedonhersi
tt
ingona
chairbesi
dethebedwheremydrunkmothersnor
ed.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Me:
"Yougav
emesuchaf
ri
ght
"
Nkosazana:
"Am sor
rybutt
hiscoul
dn'
twai
t"
Me:
"Whati
sit
?"Isatonabench.
Shet
ookouthercel
l
phoneandhandedi
tov
ert
ome.
Ireadthrough.Myhear tpumpedfaster.Il
ookedat
her,shenoddedr epeatedly
.Il
ookedbackatt he
emai l
.Ihadaf i
rm off
erf r
om Uni
ver
sityof
Johannesburg!
-
5day slat erItookamassi vedecisioninspir
edbymy
bigsi ster.Ihadt odowhati srightformeandmy
future.Shehel dmyhandandsai d:"Youhaveputt he
Zikalalanameont hegoodbooks.Youdi dwelland
I'
dbeev i
l toletyoust ayhereinsteadofwor king
somet hingoutsoy ou'
llgotoJo'bur gandwor kon
thatdegr ee.Youhav enoi deahowl uckyy ouareto
hav ebeengi v enthischance,Idonotwanty out o
endupl i
keme.Wi t
honl ygrade11t oy ourname,
wel lIwasl uckytohav efoundsomeoneasSbusi so
buty oubabysis,youhav eopt
ionst omakeitoutof
here.Takethis.Gohome.Packy ourbags.Andget
ont hefi
rstbustomor r
ow.Wheny ougettherelif
e
i
sn'tgoingtobef r
uitf
ul.Youdonotknowt hat
womany ou'r
egoingtost aywi
th,Iexpectyout o
respecther.Yougoingt omeetboy s,cut
eboy s.Do
notlosefocus"
Shejott
eddownthenumber
sofawoman(herfr
iend)
whom Iwasgoi
ngtostaywi
thwhi
l
eIgetevery
thing
toget
her.
Ihadaquarrelwithmymot hertr
yingtotalkherint
o
al
lowingmet ogo.She'sreallyneverbeengoodat
al
lowingmet ogof oranythi
ngI '
veeverli
ked.Netball
,
Dramaclasses,church,f
ri
endsandev ery
thingthatI
desi
re.
Sowithoutmymot her'
sappr
ovalaboutmyjourney
toJo'
burg.Wit
houtblessi
ngstocarr
yalongfr
om the
womanwhobi rthedme.Ipackedmybagsandl eft
fort
hecityofGold.
..
-
2y
ear
slat
er.
..
[
2/26,06:
52]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

One
-
Icastedoffthesneaker
s.Myfeetwer
eburni
ng.I
havenev erimagi
nedJo'bur
gtobethi
shot
.It
s
l
iter
allyhell
.Ist
ri
ppedoffmyclot
hesandwal
kedout
togetundert heshower
.
Ihear
daknockasIdr
iedmy
sel
fup.Yeahr
ight
!
Me:
"Am shower
ing"
Per
son:"Pl
easeputonat
owel
Iwannat
akeapi
ss"
hebegged.
Me:"Whot hehel
lar
eyou?Andhowdi dy ougeti
n?"I
sai
d,tr
yingtoremai
nascalm aspossi
ble.Our
l
andlor
dalwayswarnaboutleavi
ngthedoor
unl
ocked.Isai
dalit
tl
epray
er .
Hi
m:"
I'
ll
expl
ainl
aterpl
easel
etmei
n"
Hemustbet
hinki
ngam cr
azyornaï
veenought
o
openforat
otal
str
angerwhi
l
eam nakedi
nthe
bathr
oom.
Hekeptonknocki
ng,
maki
ngmepar
anoi
dthanI
al
readyam.
"Yolandahe'smyf r
iendpleaseopenup"shesai d.I
exhaledinreli
ef.Thathast obemyr oommat e,
Neli
swa.Wear en'tclosenordistant.Wej ustli
ve
together,
seeeachot hermay bet wi
ceoroncea
week.She'sawomant hatisatt
ractedtoot her
women.Shehasasquad, malesquad.Mal eswho
donotunder standt heconcept" pri
vacy"thatiswhy
oneoft hem isoutsideaskingmet owr apat owel
aroundsohecancomei nandt akeapi ss.
Iopenedthedoorandgreet
edthem.Hefl
ewin,
for
getti
ngtoevencloset
hedoor.Hegr
oanedashi
s
tappouredout
.Weird.
Isway
edmyasst
omyr
oom.
Noapplyi
ngofloti
on.Justbrief
sandatanktop.I
tookmylaptopandcontinuedwithmyassi
gnment
thati
sduein4weeksThat '
showbori
ngmyl i
feis.I
am ter
ri
bleatmakingfr
iends.EvenonweekendsallI
doi
sdr
ownonmyschool
wor
k.
Discov eryhappenedt obemybur sarysponsor ,si
s
Li
lly(mysi st
er'
sf ri
end)knockedatev erydoorwhenI
cameher e.We' dwakeupat4, travelaroundawhol e
ofJo'bur gunti
l wer unoutofmoneyt otakeat axi
backhomebutshepushed, shehel dmyhandi n
everythingunti
l Discoverywasgener ousenought o
helpmesi nceNSFASwasn' tgoi ngto.Andt hatwas
2y earsago, i
tfeelsl i
keitwasjusty esterday.Time
mov esqui ckwheny ou'r
ehav i
ngf uni ndeed.So
hav i
ngt hisbursarymeant ,l
i
kei tornot ,mybooks
hadt obemyf riends.
Anotherknock.Whatnow?Ist
oodupandwentto
open.Andy esIkeepmydoorl
ockedatal
lti
mes.
Arr
ivi
ngheret aughtmesomet
hing:
Somepeopledonotknock.Nel
iswaisthesameas
herf
ri
ends,
shedoesnotrespectsomeone'spri
vacy.
Somedaysshe'
dbudgeinwhi l
eam undressedand
onl
ytheLor
dknowshowmuchIf indthatunset
tl
ing.
Shehadabott
leofHei
nekeninherhandandthereI
knewthatt
oni
ghti
tsei
therIdonotsl
eeporIsleep
wi
thheadphoneson.
Nel
i
:"We'
reor
der
ingpi
zza,
woul
dyoul
i
kesome?
"
Me:
"Yeah.
"
Nel
i
:"Fl
avour
?"
Me:
"Chi
ckenandmushr
oomswi
thext
racheese"
Nel
i
:"Okay
"
Shewal kedawayt henIclosedthedoor.Wellas
complicatedasourr el
ati
onshipis,
west i
l
llookout
foreachot her
.I'
veneverwentt obedonahungr y
stomach.Ev enont hestr
uggli
ngday swearealways
ther
ef oreachother.
Isavedmyworkandputawaythelapt
op.Iwentto
mybagandtookoutmyphone.YesInowhada
phone.Myf
ir
steverphonet
hatIboughtayearago.
At20Ihadmyfir
stphone!
Mymot her!Sigh.Shegotov erthef actt
hatIleft
wit
houthergoaheadaf teray ear
.Whospendsa
wholeyearwithouttalki
ngt ot hei
rownchi ld?She's
oneweirdcreatureIswear .Myf i
rstyearatvarsi
ty
wasthatstressful
,evenaf raidtogohome.
Sooneoft heday si
naft
erayearherbrotherstri
ed
tospeaksomesensei ntoher
,sincefr
om there
thi
ngsweregettingali
tt
lebet
terwithti
me, butshe
wasstil
lhersel
f.
RemindingmeofhowmuchIl ooklikethemant hat
brokeherheart
.Oneoftheday sIwi shtojuster
ase
hermemor yaboutthi
smant hati
sabsentonbot h
ourli
ves,nott
hatIam botheredbyhi sabsence
though.Idon'
tgi
veasinglecar eabouthim andhe
doesnotexisti
nmywor ld,forobviousreasons.
Ipunchedhernumber sandpr essedOK.Asment al
unstableasshei s,
Isti
lll
ovedher ,she'
smymot her
andwi ll
alwaysbe.Hansaaddi ctornot
,she'
smy
ever
y t
hing.Isharemypocketmoneywi t
hher
ever
y t
hingmont h.Iknowi t
snotmuchbuti t
s
somet hi
ng.Sheget stobuyher selfacr
ateand
maybeabr aaipackandriceifshehappenst ot
hink
foodisimpor t
antthanalcohol.
Mama: "
Ithasnotevenbeen3y earsyou'
vealr
eady
for
got
tenabouthome"t hat'
sthef i
rstt
hingshesay
s
aft
eramont h.Am notcal
lerexcuseme.
Me:
"Hel
l
o.Howar
eyoumama?
"
Mama: "Penel
ope!Othervarsit
ykidsarehome.Why
aren'
tyou?Areyoumar ri
edt her
e?I'l
lgetyouruncl
es
todragyououtofthatplaceandpuncht hatmanto
deathdoy ouhearme?"Jesuspl easehav emercyon
yourchil
d.Holi
daysareonlybeginningnextweek
Fri
day.
Me:
"Wehav
en'
tcl
osedy
etmama.
"
Mama:
"Buty
ousai
dFr
iday
"
Me:"Thef
oll
owi
ngFr
iday
.Ical
l
edt
ocheckupon
you"
Mama: "Whatevermarn.Yourmfundi
siwashere,
pleasetel
lhimtostopbeingsoforwar
d.Hansais
mybestf r
iendandonlydeathshal
ldousapartnot
thesefakeJesu'
ssons"
Ichuckl
ed.Thi
swomanneedsGodhi
msel
fIswear
.
Me:
"I'
l
ltel
lhi
m.Doy
oust
il
lhav
efood?
"
Mama: "
Don'
twor
ryaboutme.Justbeher
enext
Fr
iday
"
Me:
"Youbet
terbenott
ryi
ngt
omar
rymeof
f"
Mama: "
Nomanwoul
dev
erwanty
ouasawi
fe.You
t
alkback"
Me:"Yeahwhat
ever
.Am goi
ngt
ogoodFr
iday
any
way "
Mama:
"What
ever
."
Shehungup.Yes.I t
scompl i
catedlikethat
.Ilogged
onWhat sAppandspoket omysi ster.Wellasababy
machinet hatshei s,shewasexpect ingandexcited
aboutitbecausei twasaboy .Theol der2aregir
ls.
Hy per
acti
v egir
ls.Chat t
erboxes.ButIwouldn'ttr
ade
them foranythi
ng.
"Pi
zzahasarr
ived"sheshout
edf
rom t
hepassage.I
cli
mbedofft
hebedandpushedinmysl i
desand
headedout
.
All
thi
snoiseby4peopl e?Ithoughtt
heywereli
ke10
or15.Igr
eetedthem andsatdown.5boxesoflarge
pi
zzasand1.5Lofcranberryjui
ce.If
etchedt
he
pl
atesandglasses.
Nel
i:
"Thi
sisYol
i,myroommate"shesai
dafterwe
al
ldi
shedup.Il
ookedather
.Thatwasweir
dashell.
OhdidIment iont
hatit'
sal
waysnewonesev er
y
weekend.I'
velear
nedtonotbotherent
ertai
ning
them causethechancesofseei
ngthem againare
nexttonever.
Guy:"
Nicetomeety
ouYol
i
.Am Mv
usel
elo"Ismi
l
ed
andnodded.
Theother2i
ntr
oducedthemsel
vesasBeastandFox.
Beasti
stheonethatdi
stur
bedmyshower.
Theykeptont al
kingaboutwhateveriti
sthatthey
weremaki ngnoi
seabout .DeadPoolwaspl ay
ingon
thescreensoIfocussedonhi m si
ncenoneoft hese
peopleseemedt obeinterest
edinhim.
Iwishlif
ewasaseasyast heyport
rayitonmov ies.
Growuppoor ,f
indar i
chmanwho' lll
ovey oul
ike
you'r
etheonl yavai
lablewomanonear t
handel evate
you,mar r
yyou, beatrophywifethatdoesshoppi ng,
hairandnailsforaliv
ing.Havebeautif
ulchil
dren.
Notf or
getti
ngt r
avell
i
ngall ov
erthewor l
d.
Nel
ithr
ewar
emot
econt
rol
l
eratmeIj
umped.They
l
aughed.
Me:
"It
snotf
unny
"
Beast
:"I
'
vebeental
ki
ngtoyouforthepast5
minut
es.Didy
ouevennoti
cethescreenhasbeen
tur
nedoff?
"Il
ookedati
t.I
ndeedi
twas.
Isi
ghed.
Nel
i
:"Wannat
alkabouti
t?"
Me:
"It
snot
hingser
ious.Whatwer
eyousay
ing?
"
Theyal
llookedatmewit
hinquoei
nheyes.Ipi
cked
thedi
shesupt ot
hesi
nkandwashedthem.
Ipackedthem ont hecupboardandwentt omy
room.Ilocked,t
urnedoffthelight
,tr
iedtor eachf
or
myphoneandear phonesthroughthedar kand
foundthem.Ipluggedthem inandgotl ostinBaby
Face'
swor ld.
-
Weekendsar en'
tr eal
l
ymyf avouri
te,
especial
l
y
Satur
day.They '
redull
.Iusedt olovesleepunti
lI
camet oli
vehere.Isleepal otonweekends.St udy
andsleep.Theni tgetsbett
eronaSundaybecauseI
gettogotochur ch.Nelii
snev eraroundon
weekends,whichmakesi tall
wor se.
Yester
day'schurchservi
cewasshor t
ened.The
resul
tsofhav i
ngbornfreepast
ors.JustwhenIfel
t
theholyspir
ittakeover
.Hesaidaclosingpray
er.
.
..
.
WhenIwokeupt hismorni
ngIf
oundbr eakf
ast
al
readymadebutnosi gnofher
.Shehast hi
sshady
habitofleav
ingtr
acesshewasaround.Icouldbei
n
abat hr
oom she'
dcomebackwashdi shesormake
cerealthenl
eave.
Ipackeditint
omypor tabl
eTupperware.My20t h
bir
thdaygif
tmysi st
erboughtf
ormel asty ear
.Ialso
haveawat erbott
le,
thathasever
yonewal kingli
ke
fi
tnessbunnies.
Igrabbedmykeys,
wal
kedoutandl
ocked.Fr
om the
apartmentt
ocampusi
sawalkabl
edist
ance.About
10mi nut
es.
There'
samiddl
eagedwomandownt heroadwho
sel
lscoff
ee.What
everi
tissheput
sint
hatcof
fee,
shemustneverst
op.There'
sal
waysal
ongassline.
Ij
oinedi
n.I
twasn'
tsol
ongt
odayandIwasn'
tso
l
ate.
Thescenthitmynost r
ils.Idaredtotur
n.Theline
keptonmov ing.Ihav
eat hi
ngf orni
cesmelli
ng
people.Thi
sonewasev enmaki ngmedizzy
..
.Wel l
that
'salit
tl
eextrabutitwasj usttoogoodmar n.
"I
tsgoodisn'
tit
?"Sai
davoi
cebehindme, avoice
thati
sfr
om anicesmell
i
ngperson.Ishetal
king
abouthi
sperfume?Maybehe'
spsy chi
c.
"
Thecof
fee.
"Hesai
d.Pr
oven!He'
spsy
chi
c.
Me: "
Nomat terhowlat
eIam I'
drathergeti
ntroubl
e
wit
hmyl ect
urer
sthantonotbegi
nmydaywi t
hit"he
chuckled.
Hi
m:"
AndI
'
vemadepeacewi
thi
t.You'
renev
erear
ly"
It
urned.Hol
yshi
t!
Iswift
lylookedaheadandr egret
tedeverl
ooki
ng
back.Ijustdonetellmylect
urewhoi smycrushwhy
am Inev erear
lyforhiscl
asses."
Butam gladyou'
re
doingver ywel
l"
It
urnedagai
n.
Me:"Pl
easefor
getIsaidanyt
hing.
"Hesmi l
ed.He'
s
act
uall
yevencutercl
oseby.I
'veneverev
erbeenthi
s
cl
oset
ohi
m orel
seIwoul
d'
ver
ecogni
sedhi
sscent
.
Hi
m:"
Kabel
o"
Me:
"Yol
anda"
Hi
m:"
Adams?
"
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Iwi
sh.ButZi
kal
ala"
Hi
m:"
Oh.Zul
u?"
Me:
"100%"
Henoddedwi
thagr
inonhi
sface,
sendi
ngal
lki
nds
off
eel
stomybody.
"Yol
i"Ididnotevennoticeitwasmyt urn.Isai
dsorr
y
andpaid.Thepowdermi l
ksachetswer emixedwit
h
sugar.Iputthesugartoitsri
ght
fulholderasIwait
ed
formyl ar
gecupcof f
ee.
Lect
ure:
"Int
eri
ordesi
gnert
endenci
esal
readyki
cki
ng
i
n?"
Ifoundmy sel
flaughi
ng.Andyest
hatwasmydream
careersi
ncegrade10whenwewer et
akenona
careerexpo:I
nteri
orDesi
gni
ng.Il
i
keinvadi
ng
peopl
e'
shomesandt ur
never
ythi
ngaroundi
ntomy
wayIseefi
t.15year
sfr
om nowther
e'l
lbea
companyundermyname.
Me:"
Imagi
netr
yingt
ohavesugart
henyouendup
wi
thmil
k"It
ookmycoff
eeandaddedsugar.
Lect
ure:
"Letmegi
vey
ouar
ide"It
houghtf
ora
moment.
Me:
"Am meet
ingaf
ri
endatr
es.Thanks"
Lect
ure:
"Noprobl
em.Asl
ongasy
ouwi
l
lmakei
tto
campusonti
me"
Ismi
l
edandwal
kedaway
.
He'sbeentheonl
yonesi
ncear
ri
vedi
nthi
spl
aceI
'
ve
everfoundamusi
ng.
'
Yougoingt
omeetboys,cuteboys.Donotlose
f
ocus'
echoedinmyhead.Myf asci
nation
i
mmediatel
yvani
shedIkeptonwalking.
[
2/26,06:
52]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der
Two
Ialwaysenjoymyday satthecampus.Goi ngtothe
l
ibraryonthehoursinbetweenmycl assesand
buy i
ngasmoothie.ButtodayallIwantedwastogo
home.Icheckedmyt i
metablehopingitsnothi
s
classthati
snextbuttheuniver
sehat edonme.
Thepr
esentl
ectur
etookherbooksandwal
kedout
.
Wefol
lowedheroutfort
he5mi nut
esbr
eak.
"Am It
eachi
ngfurni
turetoday?
"Weal l
tur
ned.Ibet
noonesawhi m coming.Hesmi l
edatmewhenour
eyesmet.Gi
veMest rength!
Weall
wentbacki n.Well
Ithinkhe'
severygirl
'
s
f
ant
asy,causeeveryfemalehesmi l
esatjustmel
ts.
Hewentonandonwi t
hhislesson.Al
lIwantedwas
t
ogetoutoftheplaceandbenakedi nmyr oom.
Him: "
Thisi
syourlastyear.Iexpecttoseeyouguys
dri
vingFerr
ari
sandlivi
ngathi ghplacesinafew
yearstocome.Therearef ewinter
nshipsIhave.
Theywi l
lbegi
ventoourt opstudents.Ther
e'sa
companyofaf ri
endofmi ne.He'sopeninganother
branchinMosselBay,soIur geyoutostudy,no
pr
essur
ebutst
udyabi
text
rat
ogett
his"
Wellthatf
reaki
ninter
nshi
pbel
ongstomymot
her
's
seconddaughter.Guesswhot
hati
s..
.Me!
Wewrot
ethe30mar
kst
estt
hent
hecl
assgot
di
smi
ssed.Joy
!
Ipackedmylapt
opandwalkedout
.Befor
eany
one
el
se.Icli
mbeddownthest
airsl
i
kecrazy.
Ispott
edNeliandhergir
lfr
iend,suchalov
ely
i
ndivi
dual.Am ahardnuttocrackbutshewasabl
e
togothroughme.Iwenttogr eetthem,
andnowe
aren'
tfr
iendswejustgetal
ong.
Me:
"Lov
ebi
rds"t
heybot
hlookedmydi
rect
ion.
Them:
"Hey
"
Me:
"Banzi
.Icamet
ogr
eety
ounott
hisj
unki
e"
Banzi:"
Iknow"shehuggedme."Di
dy ousubmi tyour
assignment?
"Herdadisoneofmyl ectur
essoone
dayIhappenedtohavenotsubmit
tedont ime.She
tookmyscr i
ptt
oherhomeandsl i
ditintothemany
others.
Me:
"Yesandnowear
enev
erdoi
ngt
hatagai
n"
Banzi
:"Why
?Itwascool
"
Me:
"Youri
deaofcool
iswei
rd.By
e"
Them:
"By
e"
Iwal
kedaway
.
-
WhenIgottotheapart
mentIateandlist
enedto
music,
nakedinmyroom.Happinessofbeingnaked
canneverbecomparedtoany
thing.It
ookabrief
nap.
Ar
ound5pm Iwokeupandgotr
eadyf
orchur
ch.
Iar
ri
vedatchurch.Itwasn'
tsopacked, i
tneveri
son
Mondays.TheJnrpastorwast aki
ngov ert
healt
ar.
Hewasev ensweat i
ng.Pr
eachingabouthowmuch
ofasinadul
teryis.Whocares.Halfofusaren'
t
marri
edhereifnotall
.
Hewentonandon,
taki
ngadv
ant
ageofbei
nga
past
or.
Hesummonedust
ocl
oseourey
esandsai
da
cl
osi
ngpr
ayer
.
"
Amen"
Weallsai
dandopenedourey es.Iwenttocoll
ectmy
bi
blefr
om Thabi.It
hinkshewannabef r
iendsbut
herandIaret
otall
ydiff
erent
.Am af r
aidI
twouldn't
workout.
Thabi:
"Goi
ngal r
eady
?"Shesai
dasIappr oachedher
.
Ismil
edandnodded."GoodbecauseIam heading
yourdi
rect
ion.Tomeetwit
hmyboy fr
iend"
Me:
"Gr
eatl
et'
sgobef
orei
tget
sev
endar
ker
"
Thabi
:"Ughaut
umn."
Shetookherbagt henwel eft
.Jo'bur
gisvery
beauti
ful
atnight.Wewer ehav i
ngasill
y
conver
sati
onaboutnotcomi ngtochurchthe
fol
lowi
ngday .Idon'
tusuallytal
ksoIneverknow
whattotalkabout.
Thabi
:"Ohandmymot heri
snotwel
lsoIwi
l
lbe
st
andi
nginforheratwork"
Me:
"That
sbad.Ar
eyougonnamanage?
"
Thabi
:"Yeah.I
'
llat
tendev
eni
ngcl
asses"
Me:
"Thest
reet
sar
edanger
ousatni
ghtThabi
"
Thabi
:"Iknow.Butagi
rlgot
tadowhatshehast
odo
i
nordertosurvi
ve"
Me: "
Neli
,myroommatehasabunchofli
fel
ess
fr
iendssoam sur
etheywoul
dn'
tmindtaki
ngyou
homeev er
yni
ght"
Thabi
:"Ai
boI
'
llbef
ine.
"
Me:
"Ii
nsi
st"
Shel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed.
Thabi
:"Noonehasev
erdonet
hatf
orme.Thank
you"
Me:
"Ist
hatat
ear
?"Shequi
ckl
ywi
pedi
tof
fand
smi
l
ed.
Thabi
:"I
tsj
ust.
..I'
veneverhadsomeonecari
ng
aboutmysafet
y "nowhowdowedeal wit
hthi
s.Hug.
Hugscomfortpeople.Ipul
ledheri
nforahug.
Me:
"It
sokayboo"
Agreenspor
tscarpar
kednexttous.Ibackedaway
f
rom her
.Thewindowrol
leddown.Hegr eet
edus.
Hi
m:"
Am l
ooki
ngf
orPear
l.Doy
ouknowher
?"
Me:
"I'
dbel
yi
ngi
fIsai
dIdi
d"
Thabi
:"Menei
ther
"
Henoddedanddr
oveof
f.Iex
hal
edi
nrel
i
ef,
Thabi
chuckl
ed.
Thabi
:"You'
dnev
ersur
viv
eev
eni
ngcl
asses"
Me:
"Tr
ue"
Shelaughed.We'
v enevert
alkedt
hisl
ong.We
reachedourdest
inati
on.Shegoti
ntothecaf
éwhi
l
eI
tooktheelev
ator
.
Soqui
ckquest
ion,
doall
lesbi
anpeoplehav
esex
any
wherei
nthehouseorit
sjustNel
iandBanzi
.
Me:
"Real
l
y?Youguy
sar
egr
oss"
Nel
igest
uredf
ormet
opass.Ughman.
Ifi
nall
ymadei tt
omyroom bythegraceofGod.I
tookoffthedr
essandworepyjamas.Nobathi
ngor
eati
ng,Ihadasandwi
chearl
ierandIwouldn'
twant
tobeany wher
eneart
hesexscene.
It
ookoutmylaptopandf
ini
shedoffmyassignment
.
MyphonerangsoonasIwasabouttot
urnitoff
.
Secur
it
y.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Sec:"
MissZi
kal
ala.Ther
e'ssomeoneher
efory
ou
pl
easecomedown"
Me:
"What
?Whatdot
heywant
?"
Sec:"
Pleasecome.Thev
isi
tor
shour
sar
eal
most
over
"
Igr
abbedmyrobeandwentout.Thepor
nstar
s
weren'
tatt
hel
ounge.Iwentt
othesecur
it
y.
Me:
"Hi
.Youcal
l
ed"
Sec:
"Ohy
esIdi
d.Hewentt
othel
oo"He?
Me:"Whatdoeshelookli
ke?"If
eltheav
ypresence
behi
ndmebef orehi
sColognemessedwi t
hmy
moral
s.It
urned.Hefl
ashedasmi le.
Kabel
o:"Ibr
oughtyourstudentcar
d.Youl
efti
t
whereyouwereseated"didI?Hehandedi
tout.I
di
d.
Me:
"Thanky
ousomuch"Isai
dtaki
ngi
t.
Kabel
o:"
Nopr
obl
em.Iwenti
nsomucht
roubl
e
t
ryi
ngt
ogety
ouraddr
ess"
Me:
"Am sor
ry.
"Isai
dsmi
l
ing.
Sohe'
dgothi
sfart
oseeme.Imeanhecoul
d'
vej
ust
l
efti
ther
ewit
hthesecur
it
y.
Kabelo:"Letmenotkeepyou.Justgivemey our
number sjusti
ncaseyouleavesomethingelse
anotherdayI'l
lbeabl
etocall
y ou"Igi
ggled.He'
s
suchachancer .
Me:"
That
'sagoodone.Justgi
vemey
our
sI'
l
l
What
sAppyou"
Kabel
o:"
I'
ll
takei
tfr
om t
hesecur
it
yguyi
fyougi
ve
meagoahead"
Me:
"It
sokayt
hen"
Ibi
dhim goodbyeandgoti
nthel
i
ft.May
behav
inga
baewon'
thurt.
TherewerepeopleknockingatourdoorwhenIgot
off
.Scaryl
ookingpeople.Ihadneverseent
hem
befor
e.Isl
owlywalkedtowar dst
hem.
"
Her
eisherr
oommat
e"sai
doneoft
hem.
Istopped.Theyal
lrantowar
dsme.Noquest
ions
asked.Iranformylif
e.
"
Youbitch!Where'
smygun?
"Heshout
ed.Inev
er
t
houghtI'
ddiethisway
..
.
[
2/26,06:
52]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

Thr
ee
-
Imanagedtohideinsomedodgycor nerdownthe
road.Ial
mostpeedonmy self
.Isawthem goi
ng
back.Theypassedourent
rance.OhLord!
Ifi
nall
ybreat
hed.Iwal
kedtothepoli
cestat
ion.Iam
notabouttosleeponahousethathadmanwho
chasedmewant i
ngagunIhavenoideaabout.
Sleepi
ngonduty.Thesepeoplewecallof
fi
cer
s!The
phonewasevenr i
nging.Igr
eetedthel
adi
esona
benchandWalkedtot hecounter
.
Me:
"Hi
"
Hel
i
ftedupt
hecaphehadcl
osi
nghi
sey
es.
PO:
"Howzi
t?"
Me:
"Am her
etor
epor
tacase"
PO:
"Di
dyourboy
fri
endbeaty
ouup?
"
Me:
"Somecr
eepyguy
swer
echasi
ngme"
PO:
"Whatdi
dyoust
eal
?"
I
sthi
susual
orhe'
sjustt
est
ingmypat
ience?
Me: "
No, Mr.WhenIgotofft
hel i
fttheywere
knockingatmydoor ,
Iassumet heywerelooki
ngfor
myr oommat ecauseoneofthem said"there'
sher
roommat e"whenhesawmet hentheystarr
ed
chasingme"
PO:
"Isy
ourr
oommat
eat
hief
?"Temperl
ost
!
Me:"Areyouevenli
steni
ngtome?Myli
feisi
n
dangerandevery
thi
ngy oudoi
saskmestupi
d
questi
ons?!Don'
tdr
ivemenuts!Ar
eyougonnahel
p
meornot ?"
Thr
ee
-
Imanagedtohideinsomedodgycor nerdownthe
road.Ial
mostpeedonmy self
.Isawthem goi
ng
back.Theypassedourent
rance.OhLord!
Ifi
nall
ybreat
hed.Iwal
kedtothepoli
cestat
ion.Iam
notabouttosleeponahousethathadmanwho
chasedmewant i
ngagunIhavenoideaabout.
Sleepi
ngonduty.Thesepeoplewecallof
fi
cer
s!The
phonewasevenr i
nging.Igr
eetedthel
adi
esona
benchandWalkedtot hecounter
.
Me:
"Hi
"
Hel
i
ftedupt
hecaphehadcl
osi
nghi
sey
es.
PO:
"Howzi
t?"
Me:
"Am her
etor
epor
tacase"
PO:
"Di
dyourboy
fri
endbeaty
ouup?
"
Me:
"Somecr
eepyguy
swer
echasi
ngme"
PO:
"Whatdi
dyoust
eal
?"
I
sthi
susual
orhe'
sjustt
est
ingmypat
ience?
Me: "
No, Mr.WhenIgotofft
hel
if
ttheywere
knockingatmydoor,Iassumet
heywerelooki
ngf
or
myr oommatecauseoneoft
hem said"t
her
e'sher
roommate"whenhesawmet hentheyst
arr
ed
chasingme"
PO:
"Isy
ourr
oommat
eat
hief
?"Temperl
ost
!
Me:"Areyouevenli
steni
ngtome?Myli
feisi
n
dangerandevery
thi
ngy oudoi
saskmestupi
d
questi
ons?!Don'
tdr
ivemenuts!Ar
eyougonnahel
p
meornot ?"
"
Donotpushmey
ouf
ool
"
It
urned.Theusel
esscopsatupst
rai
ght
.
Copcomingi
n:"
Detect
ive.Don'
ttouchthisone.He'
s
mine"Hewal
keddownthehallwaypushinghisthi
ef.
Me:
"Ar
eyougonnahel
pmeornot
?"
PO:
"Whyar
eyousol
oud?Wher
edoy
oust
ay?
"
Itol
dhim every
thi
ng,hetol
dmetogotsi
tont
he
bench.Idi
d.Itwasgett
ingcol
der
.
IwasinmyPJstheworstpar
t.Thecopfrom ear
li
er
cameback.Hechat
tedwit
htheuselesscop.He
thencametome.
Hi
m:"
HiMi
ssZi
kal
ala.
"
Me:
"Hi
"
Hi
m:"
Letmet
akey
ouhome"
Ist
oodupandfol
l
owedhi
m out
.Wegoti
nthecar
anddr
oveoff
.
-
Thefol
lowi
ngdayIwaswokenupbyahardknock
onthedoor
.Iputonarobeandwentt
ounl
ock.
Me:"
Det
ecti
veSi
zwe"Heint
roducedhi
msel
fas
Si
zwewhenhebroughtmehere.
Him:"Mi
ssZikal
ala.Iboughtyoubreakf
ast
"Idi
dn'
t
knowweboughteachot herbr
eakf
astnow.Ij
ust
smil
edandinvi
tedhimi n.
Hemadehi mselfcomfortabl
eonthecouch.Ist
ood
ther
enotknowingwhatt odowiththi
sman.He
openedt
hedonut scontai
nerandstar
teddevouri
ng
i
n.Great
!
Si
zwe:
"Am Igonnaeatt
hisal
one?
"
Me:
"No.Iwasj
ust
..
."Hegest
uredf
ormet
ocome.I
obeyedandsatnextt
ohim.Hehandedmethe
coff
eeandshif
tedthedonutstobei
nfr
ontofme,
makingmefeelli
keavisi
tori
nmyownapartment
.
Ihadnotseenthet
hugr
oommat
e.Shehasal
otof
expl
anat
iontodo.
Hetalkedthr
oughoutthewhol
evi
si
t.Talki
ngabout
hi
sjob.OnlyGodknowshowmuchIf indthatbor
ing.
Heglancedathiswatchandbi
dmegoodby e.Thank
heavens!
Iwal
kedhim out
.Hepr
omisedtocomecheckupon
melat
er.Idon'
tknowi
fthi
sispar
tofhi
sjoborwhat
.
Igotreadyf
ormyf i
rstcl
assandleftfort
hiscampus.
IdidnotbuycoffeeIwasalreadylat
e.Theclasshad
alr
eadystar
tedwhenIar ri
vedatthecampus.Isatat
theli
ketherestofthejunki
es.
Iat
tendedallmyclassesst r
essedbyy est
erday'
s
i
ncident.Iwal
kedtothegat efast
erhopingtobump
toNeliandherboobutdol ol
o.Idraggedmyf eet
away.RightnowIwishedf orThabitocomeandask
met oattendeveni
ngclasseswi t
hher.
Ikeptonwal
ki
ng.Tr
yingt
oactasst
rongaspossi
ble.
"
Howcoul
dabeaut
if
ulLadyl
i
key
ouwal
kint
hesun"
Ishothimt
helook.Theseol
dcreepymen.I
i
ncreasedmypace.Hedroveahead.Iexhal
ed.
Ial
waysthoughtmyapar
tmentisjustar
oundthe
cor
nerIhavenoideawhyam Inotther
ealr
eady.
"MissCoffee"onl
yhim coul
deverknowt
hat.I
stopped.Hesmi l
ed,
maki ngmykneesweek.Ismi
l
ed
back.
KB:"Geti
n"heopenedt
hedoorf
rom i
nsi
de.Whynot
?
Ihoponandputmybagonmyl aphedroveof
f.
Me:
"Wher
edoy
oul
i
ve?
"
KB:
"East
gat
e.Why
?"
Me:
"Am j
ustaski
ng"
KB:"Wannavisi
tme? "Hesai
dbiti
nghisl
owerl
ip.
Lordhel
pme!Ibl ushedandshookmyhead."
Ican
takeyouther
eI'
llbri
ngyoubacklat
eron"
No!
Me:
"I'
dlov
etobutIhav
epl
answi
thmyf
ri
ends"
KB:
"Someot
herdayt
hen"
Wer
eachedmyst
op.It
hankedhi
m andgotof
f.
Thedoorwasnotlocked.Shemustbeback.Igot
angryi
naninst
ant.Shewasl aughingwithherbunch
offool
s.Ist
oodtherelooki
ngather .Shedi
dnot
evennoti
cemeunt i
loneofheridiotsshowedher
withey
es.
Nel
i
:"Babes.Hi
"
Me:
"Canwet
alk?
"
Nel
i
:"Notnowsweet
ie"
Shetookasi pofherdr
ink.Ikeptmyeyesonher
.
Sheclear
edhert hr
oatandstoodupleadi
ngtheway
toherbedroom.
Icl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndme.
Me:
"Car
etoexpl
ain?
"
Nel
i
:"Expl
ainwhat
?"
Me:"WhyIwaschasedl
i
keapi
eceofmeatby
cr
eepypeopl
ewhowantedy
ou?"
Nel
i:
"Whatdi
dtheysayt
heywant
?"Whyi
ssheso
st
upi
d!
Me:
"Ar
eyouev
enhear
ingy
our
sel
f?"
Nel
i
:"Okayam sorr
y.Wewerepl
ayi
ngcar
dsthen
t
heysai
dwhoev erwinswi
l
lgett
hegunsoIwonand
t
ookit
"
Me:
"What
?Whatwoul
dyoudowi
tht
hatt
hing?
"
Nel
i
:"Tomassagepeopl
e"
Me:
"You'
renotf
unny
.Takei
tback"
Nel
i
:"Nothappeni
ng"
Me:
"I'
l
ltel
lthedet
ect
ivet
haty
ouhav
eagun"
Nel
i:
"Bemyguest
.Look,
am t
rul
ysor
ryaboutl
ast
ni
ght"
Me: "
Whatev erNel
iswa"Itr
iedt oopenthedoorbut
shegrabbedmebackandpul ledmecl oseto
her.
..
tooclose.Iwasli
terar
ybr eathi
ngherbl
ueberr
y
breat
h.
Thewarmthandsoftnessofherl ipscrowdedmi ne.
Shedi
ditslowl
y.If
oundmy sel
frespondingt
ot his
momentofweaknesski ss.Herhandswer et
ightl
y
gri
ppi
ngonmyf atbutt.Ithoughtonlymenwer e
goodatt
his.
Herhandmovedar
oundmyhipanddownt
omy
under
wear
.Eart
htoYol
anda!
Ibackedawayandr
anout
.Whatt
hehel
l
!
[
2/26,06:
52]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

Four
-
Iwokeupat4am t
obathandeat
.Icheckedourt
ime
tabl
espast
edonthef
ri
dge.Webothhadnoclasses.
Howamazing!
Iwashedthedi
shesIusedandwentbackt omy
room.Il
ockedandburi
edmy sel
fincov
ers.Lor
d
knowsam notl
esbi
an.Shetri
ckedme.
Whydoest i
megosl
owwheny
ouwantt
he
opposi
te?
Itwasn'
teven6am yet
.Iwant
edthegroundtojust
swall
owmeonce.Howdoy oufaceyourl
esbian
roommat eaf
teryougavei
ntotheki
sstheprevious
night
.Ineedallt
hestr
engt
hintheworl
dtofaceher.
Ipl
uggedi
nmyear
phonesandexpl
oredLut
her
's
worl
d.
Hav
en'thear
df r
om mymot heri
nawhi
l
e.Ichecked
myair
timebalance.Si
gh.
IcheckedNeli
'slastseenonWhat sApp.Shewas
sti
ll
inbedbecauset hefi
r stt
hingshedoesint
he
morningisl
ogi n.Igotoffthebedandchangedint
o
decentcl
othes,tookmybagandl eft
.
Itookat axitoMandel aSquar e.Ineedednott o
bumpt oNeliatallcosts.Shenev ergoestoSandt on.
Ifi
r st
lywindowshopped.Not hingisofaverageprice
i
nt hesef ancyshops.Iwentt oMrPr i
ce.You'dnever
gowr ongi nthatone.Ibought4Sumnerdr esses
andaf ewjeans.Ipaidandwal kedtocheckerstoget
af ewt hi
ngsandai rt
ime.
Ispottedt hethieffrom t
heotherdayatthepoli
ce
stati
ont hatDetect i
veSizwecamewi thpushi
nga
trol
ley.Hel ookeddecent .Howdidhemakei toutof
j
ai l
sof ast.Hecl earedhisthr
oat
.Ididnoteven
reali
zeIwasst aring.Imumbled'sor
ry'hesmil
edand
chuckled.
Iwentt
heopposit
edir
ecti
ontof
allt
heli
ne.Isaw
hi
m agai
n,2l
inesaway.Wit
haverybeaut
if
ulwoman.
Ipai
dandwentout
.Ir
echar
gedonmywayt
o
Nandos.
Iorderedthenwentt
osi
tdownwi
thmyplasti
cs.I
tookoutmyphoneandcall
edMama.Shepickedup
after10years.
Mama: "
Imaliyabel
ungui
mnandisyadakwaMonday
t
oFriday"(Whit
esmoneyisf
antast
ic.Wegetdr
unk
Mondayt oFr
iday)
I
tsoneoft
hoseday
s.
Me:
"Howar
eyou?
'
Mama:
"Howdoy
out
hinkIam?
"
Me:
"GoodIguess"
Mama:"Bebrieft
hebott
lei
srunni
ngout
..
.Thembi
!
Yeywenasfebe!Byeby
e"
Me:
"Butwe-
"
Shehungup.Myor
derarr
ived.Idev
our
edi
n.Idi
d
notev
ennoti
ceIwasthi
shungr y
.
"
Am notst
alki
ngy
ouIswear
"
Iresist
edrai
singmyeyesup.Thisisget
ti
ngcreepy
.
Him showingupwhereverIam.IfIdi
dn'
tknow
betterI
'dr
eall
ythi
nkhe'
sst al
ki
ngme.
Kabel
o:"
CanI
?"
Me:"Yeahsure"Isai
dsmi
li
ng.Thecrushi
ngwas
weari
ngdown.Hewast ooavai
labl
e,muchtomy
i
rr
it
ationatt
hispoint
.
KB:
"Icamet
opaymyaccount
sbef
oregoi
nghome.
"
Me:
"Ni
ce.Andi
tsmuchempt
yinsuchday
s"
KB:
"Yeahpr
ett
ymuch.CanIeather
ewi
thy
ou?
"
That
'smuchl
i
ket
ell
i
ngmehewi
l
leather
ewi
thme.
Me:"Idon'
townthi
spl
ace.You'
reacust
omer
.You
caneatwherev
eryouwant"
KB:
"That
'sabi
thar
sh"
Me:
"Real
l
y?Am sor
ry"
Icoul
dn'
tev
eneati
npeacenow.Hehadhi
sey
es
l
ockedonmesmili
ng.
KB:
"Yourboy
fri
endl
ety
oudoshoppi
ngal
one?
"
Me:
"Am sur
ehewoul
dn'
ti
fIhadone"
KB:
"You'
resi
ngl
e?"
Noam notsi
ngl
e.Ij
ustdon'
thav
eaboy
fri
end.
Me:
"No.Nori
nar
elat
ionshi
p"
KB:
"That
'sawei
rdone"
Hi
sfoodcame.Hestar
tedeat
ingwit
houtaworryin
t
heworl
d.Iaskedt
heladyf
oratakeawaycont
ainer.
Me:"
Sayingam si
ngl
esoundsli
keIshoul
dbewith
someone.Li
kei
tscompulsor
ytohaveapart
ner
"
KB:"
Underst
andabl
e.Icoul
dgi
vey
ouar
ideback
homeifyoudon'
tmind"
Me:"
Noam meet
ingaf
ri
endi
nAl
ex.Thanky
ou
t
hough"
Ipackedmyr emaini
ngf
oodinoneofthepl
ast
ics."
I
am leav
ingnow.Itwasni
ceseei
ngyou"
KB:"
Likewi
seMi
ss"hesmi
l
ed.Okayhi
ssmi
l
est
il
l
di
dthi
ngstome.
Itookmyt hingsandwalkedout.Itooktaxi
stomy
place.Asknoquestionshearkolies.Idi
dnotcar
eif
I'
df i
ndNeliallov
ertheplace.I
tsaboutti
meIfaced
mydemons.
-
I
ndeedIf
acedt
hem.Ifoundherwi
thBanzi.Iwas
j
ustgl
adweweren'
tgonnaaddr
esslastni
ght'
s
i
ssue.
Me:
"Lov
ebi
rds"
Banzi
:"Heybabe.
"
Nel
i
:"Imi
ssedy
out
hismor
ning"
Me:
"Iwentout
.Ineededf
reshai
r"
Nel
i
:"I
smypr
esencesuf
focat
ingt
hatmuch?
"
Me:
"Ofcour
senot
.Woul
dyoul
i
kesomemeat
?"
Banzi
:"Yesplease"shecamet otakethepaperbag
whil
eIpackedt hegrocer
ies.If
ini
shedandstart
ed
cooki
ngwhiletheycuddledupinacouchl i
keevery
ti
me.
Iwentt
oat
tendt
heknockatt
hedoor
.Thi
s
apart
menthasbeenget
ti
ngal
otofv
isi
tor
slat
elyi
ts
notsexy
.
Me:
"Det
ect
ive"
Si
zwe:"
MissZi
kal
alaIcamet
ochecki
fev
ery
thi
ngi
s
fi
ne"
Me:
"Yesev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
net
hanky
ou"
Si
zwe:
"Isy
ourr
oommat
ein?
"It
urnedt
olookatNel
i
.
Me:
"Yesshei
s"
Si
zwe:
"I'
dli
ket
ohav
eawor
dwi
thher
"
Imadeaf
orhi
mtogeti
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Iwentbacki
ntost
ir
ri
ngmypap.
Nel
i
:"Shecan'
tdot
hat
!"
Sizwe:"Shehas.Andyouhave2weekst opacky
our
shitandleav
e.Whot hefuckdoyouthi
nkyouare
putti
ngthisyounglady
'sli
fei
ndanger?
"
Banzi
:"Don'
ttal
ktoherl
i
ket
hat
!"
Sizwe:
"Shutt
hehel
lup.DoesConstabl
eMany
athi
knowyouhangoutwit
hdrugdealer
snow?"
Hereyeswanderedaroundtheroom.Ist
oodther
e
notsurei
fIam surpr
isedt
hatNelii
sgett
ingki
cked
outorthefactt
hatSi
zwejustsaidsomethi
ngabout
drugdeal
ing.
Nel
i
:"Fi
ne.I
'
lll
eav
etoni
ght
"
Si
zwe:
"Youbet
ter
"
Hetookhi scar
sandheadedfort
hedoor."Keepwel
l
MissZikalal
a.Cal
lmeifsomeonehappenstogiv
e
youproblems"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.
"Hecl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m.
Iwentt
othel
oungeandst
aredatNel
i
.
Nel
i
:"Notnowokay
"
Me:"
Real
lyNel
i
swa?Wow.Am notj
udgi
ngbutwhy
woul
dyouwanttol
i
vet
hatl
if
e?"
Herparentsaref
il
thyr i
ch.Theylov ehersomuch.
Shehasahomei nMi drand,ownsaBMW Idon' t
knowwhatmodel butit
sbeaut if
ul.Hermotheri
sa
Psychologi
st,
herfatherisadent i
stwithhi
sown
pract
ise.Whydothesepr i
vi
legedpeoplealwaysgo
thedarkroad.
Nel
i
:"You'
rej
udgi
ngr
ightnow"
Me:"Am not
!You'
resmart
.Yougotabr
ightf
utur
e
aheadofyou.Dr
ugdeal
ingisgoi
ngt
ocutyourli
fe
short
."
Banzi
:"Whydoy
ouf
ucki
ngcar
e?"
Me:
"Youshutup.Thi
sisbetweenmeandmy
r
oommate.Am di
sappoi
ntedinyouNel
i
"
IfIhadheropport
unit
yI'
dgrabitwit
hbothhands.I
grewuplongingformymother'sl
ove,nott
oment i
on
agoodlifeofknowingwher
ey ournextmealwi
ll
comef r
om.
Iwentbackt
omypot
s.Theybot
hdi
sappear
edt
o
herbedr
oom.
Isatt
heregoingthr
oughmyphone.Readi
ngmy
WhatsApptextmessagesbutmymindwasn'
ti
ntoi
t.
Itwasfaraway.
Theyfi
nal
lycameoutaf
teranhourorso.Car
ryi
ng
herbi
gluggage.
Neli
:"So.
..
thi
sisit
.Am l
eavi
ng.Am sorr
ytohav
eput
youinthi
spositi
onofbei
ngindanger"
Ifeltl
ikecryi
ng.Asmuchaswewer en'tclose.Isti
ll
caredf orher
.She'sthef
ir
stper
sonIwasi ntroduced
toaf t
ersisLil
l
ygav ememyownwi ngst ofly.I
dishedupf orherandgavehert
helunchbox.
Nel
i
:"Am gonnami
ssy
ourcooki
ngt
oo"
Ismi
ledandhuggedher
.Shehel
donf
oral
i
ttl
ebi
t
l
onger.
Me:
"I'
l
lst
il
lseey
oui
ncampusr
ight
?"
Nel
i
:"Ofcour
se"
Shepul
ledherluggageoutandcl
osedthedoor
.
Whatam gonnadowi tht
hisapar
tmental
ltomysel
f.
Hel
loLonel
iness.
-
Fri
daycamequickerthanexpect
ed.Ihadsubmitt
ed
all
myassignments.Iwokeupatt hecr
acksofa
dawn.ThebustoUlundileav
esat8am soby7:30I
hadtobeatparkstati
on.Imadesuremybagi s
packedwit
heveryt
hingam goingtoneed.Byquart
er
tosevenIl
eftmyplace.
Iscor
edmy
sel
fasi
ngl
eseatatt
hef
ront
.Eagl
eli
ner
i
salwaysfullonseasonsli
kethi
s.Itf
il
ledupwi
thi
n
30minutes.5past8wedeparted.Longarse6hours.
Ipl
uggedinmyear phonesandleanedmyheadback
ontheseat.Idozedoff
.
Iwokeupwhenthebusst
oppedatStander
ton.Igot
offandwentt
othet
oil
ett
henwenttobuyfoodat
KFC.
Thebuscar
ri
edon.Iat
eandsl
eptagai
n.
-
Iffeltl
ikeadream final
l
ylyi
ngdownont hebed.My
sisterbuil
ta3r oomedhouse.Soi twasmuchofa
homenow.2bedr oomsandadi ni
ngr oom.Thef l
at
weusedt osleepinwasnowaki tchen,thenthe
rondav elwasusedt okeepthi
ngswenol ongeruse.
Mamawasn'thome.Fr
iday
sar
eherhappyday
s.
She'
snev
erhome.
Idraggedmyf atassupwhenIf eltli
keI'v
er est
ed
enough.Ineededf ood.Thenewf ridgestayedhere
i
nt henewhouse.I twasloaded.Unl i
kemymot her
.I
tookmycosmet icsandwentt ot hekitchen.I
pluggedthekett
le.Everyt
hingwasspot l
ess.Nothi
ng
l
ikethewomanwhobi r
thedme.Ibat
hedwi
thcol
d
water.Andcooked.Iwasgluedt
omyphone
chatt
ingtoThabiandSizwe.
I
twasget
ti
ngdar
ker
,andmypot
sal
mostr
eady
.
Isawthecarlightsr
efl
ecti
ngonthewi ndow.Ist
ood
uptolook.I
tpulledupi
nf r
ontofthenewhouse.I
openedthedoor .Mysi
ster
'sr
adiossteppedoutand
rantomydirecti
on.Ipi
ckedtheli
ttl
eonef i
rst
.
Me:
"Baby
"
Mahl
e:"
Imi
ssedy
ou"
Lel
o:"
Getof
fit
smyt
urn"
IputMahl
edownandpi
ckedLel
o.
Lel
o:"
Ipassed"
Me:
"Goodgi
rl
.We'
l
lgobuyy
oui
cecr
eam"
Mahl
e:"
Wher
e'st
hesweet
syoupr
omi
sed?
"
IputLel
odown.
Me:
"They
'r
einmybag"
Ay
anda:
"Got
akey
ourbagsi
nsi
de"t
heyr
anof
f.
Me:
"Thankyouforsavingme"Il
ookedatherbel
l
y.
"
He'
sgrowingsofast"shebr
ushedit
.
Ay
anda:
"I'
l
lbepoppi
nghi
m outsoon"
Me:
"I'
dhugy
oubut
-"
Shepul
l
edmei
nandhuggedme.
Ay
anda:
"Notsowei
rdr
ight
"
Me:
"Wel
lyeah.
"
Iwentt
ogr eett
hehusbandwhowasal readyl
eavi
ng.
Hesti
ll
respectsmymot her
'shome.Wewat ched
hi
m dri
veoffthenwenttothekit
chen.
Ay
anda:
"How'
sJo'
bur
g?"
Me:"
Jo'bur
giscool
.Ar
eyougonnaaskmet
hat
ev
eryti
meIcomehome? "
Ayanda:
"Yes.Til
lyoudi
e.Anyt
hingcanhappenina
peri
odof3mont hsandwhatevert
hati
smi ght
changeyourfeel
i
ngsaboutJo'
burg"
Me:
"OKwel
l
.Jo'
bur
gisf
ine"
Ay
anda:
"Boy
s?"
Me:
"Whataboutt
hem?
"
Ay
anda:
"Ist
her
eanyy
oul
i
ke?
"
Me:"HhaiAyanda.No.Youwarnedmeaboutboy
s
soIobeyed.Iki
ssedmyr oommatethough"
Ay
anda:
"What
!"
Me:
"Yes.Butshewaski
ckedoutonMonday
"
Ay
anda:
"Ar
eyoul
esbi
an?
"
Me:
"What
?Nev
er!
"
Wehear dmymot hertal
kingoutsi
de.Thedoor
pushedopen.Shehadpl ast
icsonbothherhands,
Notdrunk.Mymot hersoberonaFr i
day.Godi
son
hi
sway .
Mama:
"Iwasi
ntown.Hheyt
heeast
ersal
es"
Sheputthem down."
Where'
sthi
sboy.Hereal
l
y
helpedme.Therewasnocarscomi
nghere.He
broughtmehere"
Ay
anda:
"Whoi
sthat
?"
Mama: "
Hel
l
oMi
ssJo'
bur
g.Comehel
pmewi
tht
he
pl
ast
ics.
"
If
rozewhenhemadehi
swayi
nwi
thr
iceandf
lour
.
Hesmil
ed.Cr
eepy
!
Me:
"Kabel
o?"
Mama:
"Youknowhi
m?"
KB:
"Yesshe'
soneofmyst
udent
s.Whatasmal
l
wor
ld"
Iwant
edt
ofai
ntr
ightt
her
eatt
hespot
[
2/26,06:
52]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

Fi
ve
-
He'
ssuff
eri
ngfrom ment
ali
l
lnessIswear
.Thi
sisno
coi
nci
dence.He'
sfol
lowi
ngme.
Ikeptshift
inguncomf ort
ablyont hecouch.My
mothermadei tworse, askedhimt ostayforsupper
.
Aspsy choti
cashei sheagr eed.Hewaseat ingour
foodli
kehecont ri
butedt obuyit.Hewasshar i
nghis
l
ousyst ori
esthateveryonefoundamusi ngexcept
me.
Iwasj
ustplay
ingwit
hmyf ood.Mycr
ushwas
compl
etel
yover.He'
spat
hetic.
Mama:
"Di
dyoumaket
hatsweett
hingofy
our
s?"
Me:
"No.ButIboughtcake"
Mama:
"Doy
oueatcake?
"Shesai
dtot
hepsy
cho.
KB:
"Il
ovei
t"
Ist
oodupandcarri
edthedi
shesoutt
otheki
tchen
l
eavi
ngthem l
aughi
ng.
Iputthem onthebasi
nusedtowasht
hem t
hent
ook
outdesertpl
atesandakni
fe.
Thedooropened.Ist
art
led.
Ay
anda:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"Yesam okay
"
Ay
anda:
"You'
vebeenv
eryj
umpy
.Isi
tabouthi
m?"
Me:
"What
?No,
am f
iner
eal
l
y.Justt
ir
ed"
Ay
anda:
"Youcangosl
eepaf
terdeser
t"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Wewalkedout,l
ockedandwentbackt
omom and
hernewbestf
ri
end.Iser
vedever
yonethecake.
Me:
"I'
l
lgor
est
.Am sot
ir
ed"
Mama:
"Who'
l
ltakey
ourf
ri
endoutnow?
"
He'smyfr
iendnow?Shebr
oughthi
m her
e.She
shoul
dseehim out
.
KB:"
Am al
sol
eav
ingnow.Thanky
ouf
ort
hel
ovel
y
ti
mema"
Mama:"Noprobl
em myboy
.Your
eall
yhelpedme.
I
'dbest
randedoutt
her
eify
ouhadnotshowedup"
KB:
"Itwasonl
yapl
easur
e.Si
si,
keepwel
l
"
Ay
anda:
"Thanky
ou."
Hegotofft
hesofa,
Iopenedt
hedoorandl
edhi
mto
hi
scar,
sil
entl
y.
KB:"Youdon'
tl
ooksohappyaboutseei
ngme"he
sai
dwhenwer eachedhi
scar
.
Me:
"Ar
eyouf
oll
owi
ngme?
"
KB:
"Why
?"
Me:
"Yout
ell
me"
KB:"
Am not.Ihadnoideashe'
syourmot
her
.Iwas
j
usthel
pinganelderout
"
Me:"Whatar
eyouev endoingher
e?Am 100%sur
e
youhavenorel
ati
vesaround"
KB:"Ther
e'sacareerexpoatJamesNxumal
ohi
gh
schoolsoam oneofthespeakers"
Me:
"Goodni
ght
"
Hetri
edgrabbingmyar m.Igavehimt helook,the
3Dli
ghtoutsidemadeev er
ythi
ngv i
vi
dlysohesawi t
andquickl
yletgo.Iwal
kedaway .Ipassedmy
motherinthedini
ngroom l
ikeshewasn' tther
e.
IfoundAy andafi
xi
ngherbed.Ourr oom isthe
mast erone.2doublebeds,eachoneofussl eep
withoneoft hechi
ldren.I
'
llbesleepingwiththe2of
them soon.Amahlewasal readysleepingonours.
Ay
anda:
"Ishey
ourboy
fri
end?
"
Me:
"No.If
eel
li
kehe'
sst
alki
ngme"
Ay
anda:
"Why
?"
Me:"He'sbeenevery
wheream at
.Trustmei
tisno
coi
ncidencethatheshoweduphere"
Ay
anda:
"Howdi
dheknowmot
heri
syourmot
her
"
Me:"Idon'
tknowbutst
il
lthatdoesn'
tmakehi
m
i
nnocent"
Ay
anda:
"Youshoul
drepor
thi
mthen"
Me:"
Ifhegoesbey
ondt
his.Iam def
ini
tel
yrepor
ti
ng
hi
m"
Myphoner ang.Sizwe.Idon'
tneedthi
skindof
negat
ivi
tyi
nmyl i
fe.Iswit
chedoffandgotundert
he
bl
ankets.
-
Icurset hemysisterwasint
roducedt oPapaPenny
musi c.Am notsay i
ngsheshouldli
stentoit,
butf
or
i
ttobeonsuchv olumeisunnecessary.Iwasal
one
i
nt her oom,herkidsareear
lybir
dslikeher.
Icouldsmel
lpeanutbutterr
ightaf
terIopenedt
he
door.Mydear
estmot herwassippi
ngonherdaily
dose.
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Mama: "
Yourhipsgr
oweachdayl
i
keNt
ombi
'
s"my
pat
ernalaunt
.
Me: "
It
stooear
lyf
ort
hat
.Pl
easel
et'
shav
ea
peaceful
morni
ng"
Mama:"Heusedt
osayt
hat
"nott
hisLor
dpl
ease.
Nott
oday.
Myeyesl
andedonthe4empt
ybot
tl
esbesideher
si
ngl
esof
a.Ayandagav
ememybowl ofporr
idge.
Me:
"Thanky
ou.I
tsmel
l
sni
ce"
Amahl
e:"
Isuggest
edt
hepeanutbut
ter
"
Me:
"You'
resmar
t"
Mymot
herwasj
ustl
ooki
ngatus,
rat
herdi
sgust
ed.
Lel
o:"
MommyIhav
ehomewor
k"
Me:
"Youst
il
lhav
e2weekst
odot
hat
"
Lel
o:"
No,
ma'
am sai
dweshoul
ddoi
tbef
orewe
open"
Ay
anda:
"Aunt
ywi
l
lhel
pyoubaby
"
Weat
einsi
l
ence.Mymi
ndwaswander
ingar
ound,
I
waswor r
iedaboutmyroommateandthi
slect
ure
whoshowedupatmyhome.Iputt hebowlonthe
coffeetableandwentbackt
othebedr
oom.I
switchedonmycel l
phoneandcal
l
edher.Shedid
notpickup.Therewereacoupl
eofmessagesfrom
Sizwe.
'
Ihopeyou'r
eokay
.Iwentt
oyourpl
aceandy
ou
weren'
tther
e'
'
OhIjustsawt heemail.Haveagreatt
ime.Iwas
hopi
ngI'
llseey oumaybehav el
unchandgowatcha
movi
e"What 'swr ongwitht
hesemen.
Mymot hergotin.ShesatonAyanda'
sbed.She
star
edatme, Iwasn'tl
ooki
ngatherbutIcoul
dfeel
hereyesheavyonme.
Mama:
"He'
sal
i
ve"
Iknewwhoshewastalki
ngaboutandnotsur
eifI
real
lygi
veadamnaboutthatman.
Me:
"Idon'
tcar
e"
Mama:
"He'
syourf
ather
"
Me:
"Ofcour
se.Butt
hatdoesn'
tmeanIwannaknow
whohei
s"
Mama:
"You'
regr
ownnowsi
si"
Me:"
Nomama.You'
remyfatherandt
hat
'si
t.How
di
dyouknowhe'
sst
il
lal
i
ve?"
Mama:
"Af
ri
endofmi
net
oldmeshesawhi
m"
Me:
"Okay
."
Mama: "
Whywoul
dn'
tyouwantt
omeety
our
f
ather
?"
Me: "Thesper m donory oumean?Idon' twantt o
meethi m becausehedi dnotacknowl edgeme.Yes
hewasmar r
iedbuthecoul d'
vemademeanst obea
fathertomet oo.AndIdon' twantt omeethi m
becausehedoesn' texistinmywor ld.Idon'twantt o
meethi m becauseal lmyl i
feI'vebeenpuni shedf or
hissins,wentt obedhungr y,
beatenup, sleptoutside
ont hecold,wor erags,hadnoshoes, nouni form.I
hadawor stchildhood,there'
snot hingsweetabout
mychi ldhoodbecausey oul i
vedtot orturemef or
whathedi dtoy ou.He'snof athertome.He' sthe
reasonwhyIhav eall
thisangerwi thinme.I fyou
wantt omeet ,pleasegoaheadbutdon' ti
ncludeme
i
nyourr
euni
on"
Ididnotevenreali
zeIwascr y
ing.Howdar eshe?I
havenof at
her,neverhadandneverwill
.Ichanged
thepajamasandst ormedout.There'
sacar v
edr ock
onahillabovehome.I thasal
way sbeenmypl aceof
rel
axati
on.
Ili
edonmybackf aci
ngtheskyandcriedasI
revi
sit
edtheev
entsofmychildhood.Mymotherwas
terr
ibl
etome.HadIbeenanotherchil
dI'
dhave
takenmyownlife.
"
Gegelagegent
ombi
ziy
ang'
gegel
a.Dudl
u!"I
l
aughed.
Me:
"You'
rest
il
lal
i
ve?
"
Skhal
o:"
Yesmybeautif
ulfl
ower
"hesatnexttome.
Wehadat hi
ngi
ngrade11butitdi
dn'
tworkoutso
wecrawl
edourpat
heticsel
vest
ofri
endzone."
You
sti
l
lcomeheret
ocry?"Ismil
ed.
Me:
"Yes"
Skhal
o:"
Isi
tMommy
?"
Me:
"Onl
yherev
ermakesmecr
y"hehuggedme
br
ief
ly.
Skhal
o:"
You'
l
lbef
ine.Younev
ercal
ltheseday
s"
Me:
"Yourphonei
sal
way
sof
f.Igav
eup"
Skhal
o:"
Ilostmyphone"
Me:
"Sowher
eam Isupposedt
ocal
lyou?
"
Skhal
o:"Iwasj
ustchecki
ngi
fyouev
ercal
l
.How'
s
school
?"
Me:
"Ican'
twai
tfornexty
ear
"
Skhal
o:"
Ist
il
lhav
e4t
ogo"
Me:"
I'
ddie.Justhangi
nther
e.You'
l
lbet
hef
ir
stDr
i
nthearea"
Skhal
o:"
Yeah.
"
Wesatinsi
lencef
orawhi
l
e."
Hav
eyouf
ound
someone?"
Me:"
No.SomeoneIthoughtIl
i
kedi
sament
alcase"
hel
aughed."
It
snotf
unnybra"
Skhal
o:"
Am sor
ry.Howwoul
dyouknowt
hat
?"
Me:
"He'
swher
everIam.He'
sst
alki
ngmet
obe
pr
eci
se"
Skhal
o:"
Okayt
hat
'
swei
rd"
Me:"He'sf
rom Fr
eeSt
atebutyester
dayhe
coi
ncident
all
ygavemymotherli
ft
."
Skhal
o:"
May
behe'
sapi
"
Me:"Heshoul
dshowoffhi
sskil
lssomewheret
hen
nother
eonme.Idon'
tneedthatinmyli
fe"
Skhal
o:"Well
Ifoundsomeone.I
tsst
il
lnewand
promi
sing"
Me:
"Real
l
y?Am sohappyf
ory
ou.I
sshecut
e?"
Skhal
o:"
I'
dli
ket
othi
nkso"hechuckl
ed.
Me:
"Don'
tbr
eakherhear
tli
keZi
nhl
e'
s"
Skhal
o:"
Iwoul
dn'
tdar
e"
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Mama"
Mama:
"Yourt
eacheri
sher
e."
Me:"
Heobv iousl
ycamef oryoubecausehi
m andI
ar
en'
tfr
iends"Isaidheat
edlyandhungup."He'
s
her
eagai
n"
Skhal
o:"
Let
'sgo"
Me:
"NoSkhal
oI'
l
lbe-
"
Hepul
ledmeof
ftherockanddraggedmehome.
HowdidImi
sshiscar.Hewaslaughi
ngwithMama
andAy
andaout
sideinthehouseshadow.
Hi
ssmil
evani
shedwhenhesawus.I
nfacthi
s
moodwentf
rom happyt
oangr
y.
KB:
"Ist
hisy
ourboy
fri
end?
"Real
l
ynow?
Mama:
"Not
hey
'r
efr
iends"hesi
ghed.
KB:"Am j
ustl
ookingoutforherandIwasaboutt o
roughhi
sfaceupt hi
nki
nghe'sdisrespecti
ngy ou,
walki
nghandinhandwi t
hy ourdaughter"Ayanda
andmamal aughed.God!
Ay
anda:
"Letmegoat
tendmypot
s"
KB:"CanIstealherf
orafewhour
s?Iam goi
ngto
JamesNxumal ohighschool
togi
veoutaspeech
andIthinkshehasagoodspeechofcour
agement
toshare"
Me:
"Ican'
t.Ihav
esomewher
eel
set
ogot
o"
Mama:
"Whi
chi
s?"
Me:
"Chur
ch"
KB:
"Wewon'
tbel
ong"
Me:
"Isai
dno!
"
Mama:
"Yol
anda!
"
Me: "
What?!IthoughtImadeitcleart
haty
oushoul
d
neverst
epy ourneedlel
egshere.Whatdoyouwant
fr
om me? "
Mama:"
Am sosorryaboutt
hat
..
.come"shegr
abbed
meawayfr
om Skhalo.Wewenti
nside."
Whyareyou
sor
ude?
"
Me: "Becausehe'sfucki
ngst al
kingme!Wai t..
.You'
re
doingitagainaren'
tyou?You' r
esel l
i
ngmet ootothe
highestbidder
?Am Igonnabegi v
ent ohi
mi n
exchangeofbeerandv odkaory ougonnagetacar
thisti
me?Huhmama, isthatwhyy ou'ref
orcingthi
s
mandownmyt hroat?"
If
eltmycheekbur
ning.
Mama:"
IdareyouYol
andaZi
kal
alaIdar
eyour
epeat
t
hosewords!
"
[
2/26,06:
52]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

Si
x
(
Ver
yver
yshor
tpl
easedon'
tbi
temyheadof
f)
-
My2weekswenti naflash.Ihaven'tseenmy
mot hersincethatday.Ithreatenedtor eportthe
psychot othepoliceifheev erbothersmeagai nI
washur tbygoi ngback.Ay andaandhubbywer e
droppingmeof fatthetaxirank.Theyhel pedme
carr
yt heluggaget othetaxi.I
twas2peopl eshort
.
Ay
anda:
"Junei
stoof
ar"
Me:
"St
opbei
ngacr
ybaby
."
Ayanda:
"Iwoul
d'
vel
ovedy
out
obeont
hedel
i
ver
y
room"
Me:
"Not
hanky
ouf
ort
hesuggest
ionoft
raumaI
'
ll
pass"
Theot
herper
soncl
i
mbedon.Weshar
edahug.
Ay
anda:
"Saf
ejour
neyl
ove"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.I
'
llcal
lyouwhenIgett
oJo'
bur
g"
Ay
anda:
"Okaybaby
"
Igotontooandwr
oteont
hepassengerbookl
et.We
droveof
f.
-
Il
ikefastcarsbutt
hatdri
verwastaki
ngitabitf
ar.I
gottoJo'burg2hoursear
li
er.Hadtoendurea
conversat
ionwitht
hebori
ngdayshiftsecur
it
y.
Myapar t
mentwassocol d.Iwenttoputmybagsi n
thebedroom andbefri
endedt hef
ri
dge.Itookout
thebeefandfil
ledthesinkwithwaterandputiti
n.I
cleanedint
hemeant i
me.Myphoner ang.It
otal
l
y
forgott
ocallher.
Me:
"Si
si"
Ay
anda:
"Don'
tsi
sime"
Me:
"Ij
ustgotcar
ri
edawaywi
thcl
eani
ngam sor
ry.
Youokay
?"
Ay
anda:
"Yes.Yourmot
heri
sback"
Me:"
Iam t
heenemy.Ij
ustdon'
tknowwhatt
hat
womanwantsf
rom meanymore"
Ayanda:"She'
l
lbef i
ne.Don'
tlethergetundery
our
ski
n,focusony ourstudi
esokay"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Ayanda:"
ImeanitYolanda.You'
vewor
kedsohard
together
e.You'
relef
twithonly7monthst
ofi
nish.
"
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkIwi
l
li
ngbecomi
nghomei
nwi
nter
"
Ay
anda:
"Don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
t"
Me:"
I'
ll
comeseey
ouf
oracoupl
eofday
sthen
r
etur
n"
Ayanda:"
Nothappeni
ng.Lookcal
lmebef
orey
ougo
tobed"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Ihungupandconnectedt
hecel
lphoneont
he
chargert
hencont
inuedwi
tht
idy
ingup.
Idon'tknowhowl ongIcouldkeepupwi tht
hisnew
l
ivingarrangement .Ipl
uggedinthekett
leandtook
outmycooki ngingredi
ents,
nottoscrat
chmyown
backbutam ar eall
ygoodcook.SeasoningiswhatI
am alway soutofint hi
shouse.I
'dli
ketothi
nk
there'
sat okoloshesomewher ei
nt hi
shousethat
stealsi
t.
Itookmoneyandwentt oSparacr ossther oad.
Whati sitwi
thpeoplestar
ingaty ouli
key ouowe
them ortookthei
rhusband.Itwassopacked, Ihate
retai
l
swhenpeopl ejustgotpaid.Imaginest andi nga
l
ongqueuej ustforAromat.ButdoIhav eachoi ce.
Cashiersaresomethingel
seonday sli
ket his,they'r
e
asslowast ort
oises,
oram justalwaysi nahur ry .
Ifeltapokeonmyshoul der
.Iturned.Ineedt
ost
op
fal
linginlovewithpeopl
e'seyes.Thistal
lbol
dey
ed
strangersmiled."
Til
lpoi
ntnumber3i shelpi
ng
peoplewi thminori
tems"
Iwasl
ooki
ngdeepint
ohi
ssoul
rightnow.Ey
esar
e
myoddobsessi
on.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Hi
m:"
Nopr
obl
em"hewal
kedaway
.Damn!
Iwenttonumber3t herewerelesst
han8peopl e.I
n
notimeIpaidandwal kedtomyplace.Icooked
whil
ewat chi
ngTV.Iinvit
edThabiover.MaybeI
shouldaskhert
omov einwit
hme.
Il
ower edtheheatandcoll
apsedonthecouch.The
securit
ycall
edtoconfi
rm Thabi
'
svisi
t.Iwentt
o
unlock.Inacoupl
eofmi nut
essheknockedand
pushedt hedoori
n.
Thabi
:"Hel
l
opot
atocouch"
Me:
"Couchpot
ato"
Thabi:"
Ofcourse.Who'dsayt
hei
rnamewr ong.I
di
dn'tknowwhatt odr
inksoIboughtt
his"shetook
outl
emont wist.
Me: "Thanks"shesatonthefarendofthecouch.
"Andt hankyouforcoming"Iwenttogetusthe
glasses.Ipouredandhandedher.
Thabi
:"Myplacei
sbori
nggi
rl
.I'
ddoany
thi
ngt
oget
outofi
t.Where'
syourr
oommate?"
Me:
"Shel
eft
"shel
ookedatmet
oexpl
ainf
urt
her
.
"
Shehadbadguyscomi
ngov
erher
e.ThoseonesI
t
oldy
ouabout"
Thabi
:"Sheknewt
hem?
"
Me:
"Yes,
sot
hel
andl
ordki
ckedherout
"
Thabi
:"Wow.Soy
oust
ayi
ngal
one?
"
Me:
"Yesandi
tst
raumat
ic"
Thabi
:"Youwoul
dn'tmi
ndshari
ngi
twi
thme?
"Look
atGod.Idi
dn'
thavetor
aisei
t.
Me:
"Whywoul
dI?
"Isai
dtr
yingnotsoundexci
ted.
Thabi:"
Idon'
tknow.Ourf
ri
endshi
pisst
il
lnewsoI
thoughtmaybeit
'dbeawkwar
d"
Me:"Notatall
.Act
uall
yit
'l
lgi
veusachancetoknow
eachotherbet
ter
.I'
l
lspeaktothel
andl
ord"
Thabi
:"Cool
then.Weshoul
dgov
isi
tmymom
someday"
Me:
"Speaki
ngofher
,howi
sshe?
"
Thabi
:"She'
sper
fectbabe.
"
Me:
"That
'sgood.Shoul
dIdi
shup?
"
Thabi
:"Yespl
ease.CanIuset
hebat
hroom?
"
Me:
"Fi
rstdoorony
ourl
eft
"
Shestoodupandwal kedt her
e.Shehasabodyto
diefor.Thosehourgl
assbodyshapesandthen
ther
e'sme.Jojotank,butconfi
dentast
heycome.
Ineedadoorbel
lcauseoneoftheseday
sthi
sdoor
wil
lbebr
okendownal l
theseknocks.
Iwenttoopen.If
roze.Hesmi
l
ed,
creepysmi
l
ed.He
hadcigar
ett
eonhishand.
KB:"
Youdi
dnott
hinkI
'
lll
eav
eyoual
onef
orr
eal
,di
d
you?
"
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
KB:"Icametocheckuponmywoman"hel eaned
overforaki
ss,It
ookastepback.Hechuckled."
Are
yougonnainvi
temeinor?"
Me:
"Pl
easel
eav
e?"
KB:
"Myl
oveI
-"
Me:"
Kabel
oifyouknowwhati sgoodforyou,
you
wi
ll
turnar
oundandleav
e!"Isaidheat
edly
.Heput
bothhi
shandsupinsurrenderandwal
kedaway
.I
tookadeepbr
eath.Jesus!
Itookmyphone.Myhandswer eshaki
ng.Howam I
gonnabeablet
oconcent r
ateatschoolhavingt
his
manaround.If
inal
l
yf oundSizwe'snumbers.He
pi
ckedupinaninstant.
Me:
"Pl
easehel
pme"Isai
dbef
orehecoul
dgr
eet
.
Sizwe:
"What'
swr
ong?Wher
ear
eyou?
"Hesai
din
panicmode.
Me:"
He'
sfoll
owingme.It
houghthe'
l
lst
opbuthe
washer
ejustnow"
Sizwe:"Cal
m down.Ar
eyouaty
ourpl
ace?
"Inodded.
"Yoli
?"Ugh
Me:
"Yes,
yesIam"
Si
zwe:
Lockt
hedooram comi
ngt
her
eri
ghtnow"
Iputt
hephonedown.
Thabi:
"What'
sgoi
ngon?
"Idi
dnotev
enseeher
comingback.
Me:
"He'
sfol
l
owi
ngme"
Thabi
:"Who?
"
Me:
"Kabel
o.Thear
tlect
ure"herey
eswi
dened.
"
What?
"
Thabi
:"He'sment
all
yil
l.OhmyGod,
wehav
eto
repor
ttotheaut
hori
ti
es"
Me:
"Coul
dmyl
i
febei
ndanger
?"
Thabi
:"Yourl
i
fei
sindanger
.He'
ssi
ck.Howcome
youdonotknowthat
?"
Me:
"Whywoul
dtheyl
ethi
mteachus?
"
Thabi
:"BecauseHe'
srecov
ered.
..Ornot
.Jesus
Chri
stam soworri
edri
ghtnow"
Thisiswhathappenswhenyourownmot herhat
es
you.Youwalkar oundwi
thadarkcl
oudhangingover
yourhead,at
tracti
ngpsy
chos.
[
2/26,
06:
52]Zozaness:
Sev
en
-
Iwastryi
ngbyall
meanst oremai
ncalm butmy
mindwaswildi
ng.Thabikeptonmaki
ngt hewhol
e
si
tuat
ionworsebytel
li
ngmeaboutallhi
spast
i
ncident
swi
thwomen.Hewentasf
araski
l
li
nghi
s
f
iance.
Sizwewastaki
ngtoolong.Int
imesli
ketheseIwi
sh
Ihadasupport
ivemother.Someonewho'dbethe
fi
rstt
ocal
lindesper
atetimes.
Ihear
daknock.Ir
ushedtothedoorandpaused,
thi
nki
ngi
tmightbethepsychot
icl
ectur
er.
"
It
sme.Openup"
Si
gh.Iunl
ockedandopened.
Sizwe:"Icameasquickl
yasIcoul
d"hecallsthi
s
quick?Icall
edhim 30minut
esago.Anyt
hingcould
happendur i
ngthatti
me.Icoul
d'
vebeenkil
ledand
buried.
Imadeawayforhi
mt ocomei
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
"Hi
"hesai
dtoThabi
.
Thabi
:"Hey
"het
urnedbackt
ome.
Sizwe:
"Ihadtogetthearr
estwar
rantandcont
act
thementali
nsti
tut
ions.
"
Me:
"Youknowhehasacondi
ti
on?
"
Si
zwe:
"Yes"
Me:
"Wow.Seemsl
i
keev
ery
bodyknowsexceptme"
Sizwe:
"Am sor
ry.Heget
sli
ket
hatwhenhel
i
kes
someonealot"
Me:"
Igetall
that
.WhatIdon'
tunder
standi
swhyi
s
hel
ectur
ingus!
'
Sizwe:"Itwasl ongago.Hewentt hr
oughthe
recover
ypr ocess.For10years,6Drsconf
irmedhe'
s
wellenought ointer
actwit
ht hesoci
ety
.4years
backhehadar elapsebutitwastakencar
eofin
ti
me."
Me:"Thentheybr
oughthi
m back?
"Iwasf
ail
i
ngt
o
underst
andthi
s.
Sizwe:"
Yes.Hi
sfat
heri
swellconnect
ed.Youknow
peoplewit
hmoneyever
ythi
ngispossi
ble"
Me:"Sother
earechancest
hathemightcomeback
af
terthi
s?"Het
ookadeepbr eat
h."
Jesus.Iam
movingoutoft
hispl
ace"
Si
zwe:
"Buty
ou'
l
lst
il
lbeat
tendi
nghi
smodul
e"
Me:
"They
'l
lhav
etot
hinkofmyneeds.Myr
ight
sasa
st
udentwi
l
lbev
iol
atedi
fhecomesback"
Si
zwe:
"Howf
arar
eyouf
rom f
ini
shi
ng?
"
Me:
"7mont
hs"
Sizwe:"I
t'
ll
takehi
m aboutay earort
wot obefine
again.
"Inodded."
Look,justpassbythestat
ion
tomorrowt osi
gntherestr
aini
ngorder"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Thanky
ou"
Sizwe:"Am doi
ngmyj obnkosazananoneedto
thankme."He'sri
ght."
Letmegoandt akehi
m
beforeheevenreali
se"Inodded.Hemadehisway
out.Igr
oanedinfrustr
ati
on.
Thabi
:"Thi
sisf
uckedup"
Me:
"Wayt
oof
uckedup"
-
Myalarm wentoffat5am.Thabi wasfastasl
eep
wit
hherf atbut
tout.Isl
i
dof ft
hebedandt ookmy
toi
l
etrybagandwal kedouttothebathr
oom.Itooka
bri
efshower,shecamei nandpeed.
Thabi
:"Mor
ning"
Me:
"Mor
ning.I
'
llbr
ingy
ouf
resht
owel
s"
Thabi
:"OK.
"
Iwalkedoutandt
ookoutt owel
sthentookthem t
o
her.Idr
essedupandwentt omakebreakf
ast.I
sit
necessaryt
owearbras?Likei
sn'
tther
eanotherway
tokeeptheboobsint
actexceptf
orabra?
Youseewhent hestr
apsgetinyourr
oll
s,t
hatpai
n
canneverbecomparedt oany
thi
ng.Thabi
joi
nedme
aft
eracoupleofminutes.
Thabi
:"Thatt
ubi
stodi
efor
"
Me:"
Iknowright
.Inev
erusei
tint
hemor
ningI
'
d
al
waysbelat
e"
Thabi:
"Truet
hatIwasdr
if
ti
ngbacktosleep.Sothe
sooneryouspeakt
othel
andlor
dthesoonerI'
ll
mov e
i
n"
Me:"
I'
ll
fir
stspeakt
ohi
mthengot
othePol
i
ce
St
ati
on"
Thabi
:"Okay
.I'
llbetel
l
ingmi
neam l
eav
ingwi
th
i
mmedi at
eeffect"
Me:
"Thanky
ouf
ort
his"
Thabi
:"Anyt
ime.Ther
e'spr
act
icel
ater
"
Me:"Isawtheannouncementi
nthegr
oupchat
.I
honestl
ydonotfeell
i
kebeingi
nacrowd"
Thabi:
"You'
l
lfeel
bet
ter
.Musicdoesthat.Don'
tl
et
thethi
scomebetweenyouandyourLord"She'
s
ri
ght.
Me:
"Amensi
ster
!"Shechuckl
ed.
Weat eandl ef
t.Shewenttoherpl
acewhileIwentto
speakt otheLandlor
d,heagr
eedthenImademy
wayt othestati
on.Igreet
edt
heoffi
cerandtoldhim
myr easontobet her
e.Hegavemepaper stosign
thenIleft
.
Arri
vingatthecampus, ever
yonewasl ookingatme
l
ikeIam t hemeatorsomet hing.Theireyeswer efull
ofpitythough.I
tsl
iket heyknewsomet hi
ngIdi dn'
t.I
tr
iedbyal lmeanstohur rytomyf irstlect
ureroom.
Thelessonhadal r
eadyst arted,everybodyt ur
nedto
l
ookatme.Isatatt heback.MrMsel ekuproceeded.
Ijot
teddownt henot es.
"Andt
hatwasitfortoday"hesaid.Myf
avor
it
epar
t
ofcomingt
othisplace.Ipackedmythi
ngsand
wal
kedout
.Thest
ares!
Iwasnowuncomfortabl
e.Iwenttomyfol
lowi
ng
cl
ass.I
twasthel
ongestbutIdidn'
tmi
nd.Those
st
aresmademewi shfortheeart
htoj
ustswal
low
me.
Shet
ookhert
hingsandexi
tedt
her
oom.Nonhl
e
cametomeasIpackedmine.
Nonhl
e:"
Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
"
Me:
"Am okayhowar
eyou?
"
Nonhle:"
Ify
ouneedsomeonetotal
kto.Iam her
e"I
l
ookedatherpuzzled."
Wehear
daboutwhat
happenedtoyou?
"
Me:
"Whathappenedt
ome?
"
Nonhl
e:"
Kabel
o.Am sosor
ry"
Me:
"Oht
hat
.Itwasnot
hing.Am f
ine"
Nonhl
e:"
Rapei
s-"
Me:"What?Hedi dn'
trapeme,whosai
dheraped
me!?"Ever
yonelookedatus."
JesusChri
sty
ou
peopleandassumptions!
"It
ookmybagand
st
ormedout.Ididnotgiveasi
nglecareaboutthe
st
aresanymore.Ineededamiracl
et ogettothe
maingatewi
thoutsnappingatanyoneforstari
ngat
me.
Imadetot
hegat
e.Ispot
tedSi
zwetal
kingt
oThabi
.
Hewavedatmethencamemydir
ecti
on.
Sizwe:"
Hey,
am sor r
yforall
oft hi
sbutyourdean"he
tookadeepbreath."
Hetooki toverboar
d.He'
staken
towherehebelongssoy ouhav enothi
ngtoworry
about"
Me:"Thankstohim myli
fei
sabouttobecomea
l
iv
inghellwit
hthesestar
esI
'vebeenrecei
vi
ng"
Thabi
:"Peopl
ear
einsane"
Si
zwe:"I
'
llf
ixi
t.I
'
llpubl
i
shast
atementt
omor
row
morni
ng"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Si
zwe:
"CanIt
akey
ouguy
sout
?"
Thabi
:"Idon'
tthi
nkt
hati
sagoodi
dea"
Me:
"Iagr
ee"
Sizwe:"
Ofcourse.Whatam It
hinki
ng?I
'
lldr
ivey
ou
toyourplacet
hen"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"Iwasdr
ained.
Wehoopedonanddr
oveof
f.Bl
oodydean!
Weaskedhi mtodropusof
fatThabi
'
spl
ace.We
packedal
lherthi
ngsandwalkedt
omypl
ace.Iwas
pul
li
ngtheluggage.
"
Ladi
es"
Theguyf
rom Spar
.
Us:
"Hi
"
Hi
m:"
Needahand?
"
Me:
"Nowe'
regoodt
hanks"
Hi
m:"
Am Zamo"
Thabi
:"Thabi
"
Me:
"Yol
i
"
Zamo:"
Idon'
tknowwhat'
swrongwi
thmyphone
coul
dIpl
easeuseyour
stosendmysel
facal
l
back?
"
Me:
"That
'sagoodone"
Hechuckl
ed.
Zamo:"
Okayyougotmether
e.Pleaseonaser
ious
not
e.CanIpl
easehav
eyourtens?"
Me:
"Rat
hergi
vemey
our
s"
Hecal
l
edt
hem out
.
Zamo:
"I'
l
lfastt
il
lyoucal
lme"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Zamo:"
Ortext
.Letmedash,
Ihav
eacl
ass"he
j
oggedback.
Thabi
:"Hi
sey
es"
Me:"Pureheav
enbutatt
hismomentIt r
ustnoman
hecouldbeworset
hanKB.Ithoughthewasasane
per
son"
Thabi
:"Comeon"
Me:"Forreal
.Am notl
ett
ingmyguarddown
any
mor e.Andwantnoboy f
ri
endt
il
lIgraduat
e"
Thabi:"
Date,
haveexper
ience.Evenifi
t'
sjustpl
ayi
ng.
Youcouldhaveaseri
ousboy fr
iendaft
eryou
graduat
ethen"
Me:
"Boy
sar
eadi
str
act
ion"
Thabi
:"Onl
yify
oudon'tknowhowt opri
orit
ize.My
boyf
ri
endandIhaveascheduleofwhenwemeet .
Duri
ngexamswecal l
eachotheronceadayand
meetonlyonSatur
days.We'
vebeentogetherfor3
year
snow"
Me:"Real
l
y?Peopl
edat
efort
hatl
ong?
"She
l
aughed.
Thabi:"
Yes.Youjustdon'
thavetodrownint
othe
i
deaofbei ngwit
htheperson.Dati
ngisn'
tabadi
dea,
youjusthavetodatesmart"
Weunpackedandlay
edherbedt
henchi
l
ledont
he
couchsnacki
ng.
Me:
"Am act
ual
l
ythi
nki
ngoft
ext
inghi
m"
Thabi
:"Who?
"
Me:
"Zamo"
Thabi
:"I
sitbecauseofwhatIsai
d?"
Me:
"No.BecauseI'
vebeenunabl
etogethi
m outof
mymindsi
ncef r
om yest
erday
"
Thabi
:"Yest
erday
?"Shesatupst
rai
ght
."Outwi
thi
t"
Me:
"Wemety
est
erdayatSpar
."
Thabi:
"Thentexthim.I
magi
nest
ari
ngdeepi
nto
thoseeyes"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"St
opi
t"
Isenthi
m a"Hi
"onWhatsAppandIputt
hephoneon
thefr
eespaceonthecoucht
henwestar
edatit
.
Iwascount
ingi
nmyhead.I
trang.Il
ookedatThabi
.
Me:"I
tshi
m"shetooki
t,answer
edandgav
eitt
ome.
Ibl
ankl
ystar
edather
.
Thabi:
"Tal
k"shewhispered.Ishookmyhead."
Don'
t
bestupidt
alk"shesai
d.Idroppedthecal
l
.
Me:
"Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
!"
Thabi
:"But
ter
fl
iesal
ready
?"
Me:
"NoI
-"i
trangagai
n.
Thabi
:"I
fyoudon'tanswerIwi
l
lanswerandagr
eet
o
behisgi
rl
fri
end"
Ianswer
ed.Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
"Hi
"
Zamo:
"Hey
,thanky
ouf
ort
ext
ingme.
"
Me:
"Pl
easur
e"
Si
l
ence.
Zamo:
"Uhm.
..
doy
oul
i
kemov
ies?
"
Me:
"YesIdo"
Zamo:
"CanIpl
easet
akey
ouout
?"
Iputhi
m onhol
d.
Me:
"Hewant
stot
akemet
othemov
ies"
Shest
oodupi
nexci
tement
.
Thabi:"
Goodshot
.Agree"doest hi
sgi
rlr
emember
thatIal
mostgotmysel
fintotroubl
ewit
hapsycho.I
can'tj
ustagr
eeonanythi
ngrightnow.
Iwentbackt
ohi
m.
Me:
"When?
"
Zamo:"
Fri
day.Am pr
ett
ysur
eyou'
real
sodr
owni
ng
i
nschoolwor
k"
Me:
"Iam"
Zamo:"
We'l
lgorel
i
evest
ressonFr
iday
,ift
hat
'sokay
wit
hyouofcour
se"
Me:
"It
sper
fect
."
Zamo:"Pl
easebearwit
hme,I
'
llbecal
l
ingy
ou
ever
yday,
canI?"Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
"Yesy
oucan"
Zamo:
"Thanky
ou.Hav
eal
ovel
yev
eni
ngmi
ss"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"Ihungup.
Thabi
:"So?
"
Me:
"We'
regoi
ngoutonFr
iday
."
Thabi
:"Whatagent
leman"
Me:
"It
sjustamov
ie.Thabi
"
Thabi:"
Nov arsi
tyguyshastimetotakesomeone
outformov i
eswhi l
ether
e'ssphat
loandalapt
op.
Giv
ehi m somecr edi
t"
Ist
oodupandwal
kedt
otheki
tchenar
ea.
Me:
"Youshoul
dst
artgi
vi
ngmeki
ssi
ngl
essons"
Shel
ookedatmesur
pri
sed.Ineedt
hem.2day
slef
t
f
oragi
rlt
ofi
nal
l
yhav
eaboy
fri
end.Congr
atul
ateme!
[
2/26,
06:
52]Zozaness:
Eight
-
IspentmyWednesdaygoingbackandf ort
hwi t
hmy
schoolWork,sowasThabi.Sizwestoppedby3
ti
mest ocheckifwegood.Hemadeapubl ic
stat
ementatt hecampuscorrect
ingtherapeissue.
Thestupiddeanwasstandingtherel
ookingli
kean
i
diotthatheis.
Iwashopingtheywouldstopwiththestar
ingbut
whowasIki ddi
ng.Theygotworse.Butthi
sisli
feif
youdon'tkeepyourheadhel
dhighy ou'
dbethe
societ
y'
stoy.Duetoneverendi
ngschool workIsl
ept
around3am.
Thabi andNeli
haveonet hi
ngincommon.Pl ayi
ng
musici nthemorni
ng, wi
ththevol
umeenought o
waket hewholebui
ldingifthewal
lswer
en'tsound
proofed.Ihadnoclassestodaysoadecentsleep
coulddo.Itext
edhert ot
urndownt hev
olume.
Ihear
daknock.UghIdi
dn'tt
ell
hertocomeher
e.I
i
gnoredher
.Shekeptonknocki
ng.Isl
i
dofft
hebed
andheadedf orthedoor .Iunlockedandopened.His
eyesgotlockedonmyt hi
ghs.Iquicklycl
osedthe
doorandrant omywar drobe.Ifoundmychur ch
dressandputiton.Whati sheev endoinghereso
earl
yinthemor ning.Itookadeepbr eat
hand
openedagain.Hewasn' tther
e.Iwalkedupt he
corri
dor
.Ifoundhi m seatedont hecouch.
Me:
"Goodmor
ning"
Si
zwe:
"Hi
am sor
ryaboutt
hat
"
Me:
"It
sokay
.It
houghti
twasThabi
"
Sizwe:"
Isee.Iwasi
nthenei
ghbor
hoodsoIt
hought
IcouldcomesayHi"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Si
zwe:
"Howar
eyou?
"
Me:
"Am okay
,howabouty
ou?
"
Si
zwe:
"Am good.
"Hegl
ancedathi
swat
ch."
letme
go.
"
Me:
"Letmemakey
ousomet
hingt
odr
inkf
ir
st"
Si
zwe:
"Thanky
oubutr
ightnowal
lIneedi
smybed.
Iwaswor
kingni
ght
shi
ft
."
Me:
"Ohokay
"
Hegotup.Iwal
kedhimtothedoor
.Icl
osedt
he
dooraf
terhi
m.Where'
sthi
sgir
l.
Iwenttotakeashower
.If
oundmyphonef
lashi
ng
fr
om thebathr
oom.
'
Mor
ninggor
geous'
Ismi
l
edl
i
kear
etar
d.
'
Mor ni
ng'Irespondedthenlookedforsomethi
ngto
wear.Idon'
tknowhowi sitpossi
bletohav
ea
wardrobefullofcl
othesbutneverhavesomethi
ngto
wear.Myphonenot i
fi
edagain.Iat
tendedi
t.
'
Ihavenocl
assestoday
.Iwil
ltexty
out
hewhol
eday
.
Haveyougonetocampus?'
'
NoIhav
enocl
assesei
ther
'-Me
'
Hav
eyoueat
enbr
eakf
astt
hen?
'-hi
m
'
No,
butI
'
llgomakesomet
hing'
-Me
'
Don'
t.Iwoul
dli
ket
otakey
ouout
'-hi
m.
Il
ookedatmychosenoutf
it
.It
snotforgoi
ngout.I
l
ookedforsomet
hingel
se.Somet
hingsexy.OK
may
benotsexybutcut
e.Myphonebeeped.
'
May
beIcr
ossedal
i
net
her
eam sor
ry'
-hi
m
'
NoIwasdr
essi
ngup'
-me
'
We'
l
lmeetatSpar
'-hi
m
Isenthi
m okayandmessedupmywar dr
obe.I
fi
nall
yfoundadress.Il
ookedf
orshoes.
If
oundThabi
maki
ngwhat
everi
sont
hatpan.
Me:
"HowdoIl
ook?
"
Thabi
:"Youl
ook.
..
beaut
if
ulandsexy
"real
l
y?
Me:
"Shoul
dIl
ett
hem l
ooseort
iet
hem?
"
Thabi
:"They
'r
egoodl
i
ket
hat
.Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Me:
"He'
staki
ngmeoutf
orbr
eakf
ast
"
Thabi:"
Zamo?"Inodded.Shedi
dthev
ict
orydance.
"See?Itol
dyouhe'
sagent l
eman"
Me:
"We'
rey
ett
ofi
ndout
"
Iwenttot
akemyt
inyhandbagandcamebackr
eady
tol
eave.
Me:
"I'
l
lseey
oul
ater
"
Thabi
:"Don'
tl
ethi
m ki
ssy
ou"
Me:"
Iwon'
t"Imast
eredt
heki
ssi
ngont
het
hir
dhour
soal
lwasgood.
-
If
oundhi
m al
readywai
ti
ng.Hehuggedmeandt
ook
myhandt
hatwasnowallsweat
y.
Zamo:
"Rel
ax"Iner
vousl
ychuckl
ed.
Me:
"Iam r
elaxed"
Zamo:"Yourpal
msaresweati
ng"coul
dn'
the
pret
endli
kehedon'
tfeel
them.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h..
Me:
"OkayIam now"
Zamo:
"Good.Ir
equest
edanubber
."
Me:
"Wher
ear
ewegoi
ngkant
i?"
Zamo:"Melr
osear
ch.I
fthat
'
sokaywi
thy
ou.
"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"Whydoy
oul
i
kesay
ingt
hat
?"
Zamo:
"Say
ingwhat
?"Hesmi
l
ed.Hi
sli
ps.Am not
sur
eaboutnotki
ssi
ngt
hese.
Me:
"Ift
hat
'sokaywi
thy
ou"
Zamo: "
Everyonehast
hei
rowndisti
nctprefer
ences.
ImightsuggestKFCkant
iyoupr
eferChicken
Li
cken"
Me:
"That
'st
hought
ful
.ButIam nott
hechoosyt
ype"
Zamo:
"Am gl
adt
hen"
Ourr
idear
ri
vedwehoopedonandl
eft
.
Heheldontomyhandl i
keIwasoughttorunaway
f
rom hi
m,notthatImind.Hepull
edachai
rforme,
I
t
hankedhim andtookaseat.Hedidt
oo.
Thewai
terhandedust
hemenus.Weor
der
ed
l
emonadesolong.
Me:
"Thi
sisf
ull
ofal
lthey
ummyf
oodsi
nthewor
ld"
Zamo:"That
'
swhyIl
ovet
hispl
ace.Cheapy
ethi
gh
cl
ass"
Me:"
I'
ll
haveful
lEngl
ishbr
eakf
ast
.Iwon'tbe
or
der
ingthi
ngsI'
venevert
ast
edbefor
e"helaughed.
Zamo:
"Howwi
l
lyouknowt
hem i
fyoudon'
ttr
y
t
hem"
Me:
"I'
l
ltr
ythem someot
hert
ime"
Zamo:
"I'
l
lhav
ethatt
oot
hen"
Weplacedourorder.Myphonerang.Si
zwe.I
dr
oppeditandputitonfl
ightmode.
Zamo:
"Boy
fri
end?
"
Me:
"What
?"
Zamo:
"YoucananswerIdon'
tmi
nd"
Me:
"Noi
tsnoti
mpor
tant
."
Zamo:"
Ifyousayso.Howol dar
eyou?"Il
ookedat
hi
mfrowning,
hesmi l
ed."
Noof f
ensebutIwantt
o
makesuream notcommitt
ingacri
me"
Ohwel lIgeti
t.I
tsreal
l
yhardtoreadabi
gperson'
s
face.Thechubbycheeksalwaysmakeuslook16if
not12butt hebodyscreams28.
Me:
"Am 23"
Zamo:
"Youl
ook21"
Me:
"That
'sbecauseIam 21"
Zamo:
"Youwi
sht
obe23?
"
Me:
"Yes.I
tsar
areage"
Zamo:
"How?
"
Me:"Youhardl
yhearpeopl
esayingthey
'r
e23but21.
Every
oneis21yearsol
d"helaughedandshookhi
s
head.
Zamo:"
Thatisafi
rst
.Sodi
dImi
ssoutont
he21st
bi
rt
hdaybash?"
Me:"Notatal
l
.Ther
ewoul
dbebutIdon'
tcel
ebr
ate
bi
rt
hdays"
Zamo:"
Why
?Bi
rt
hday
sar
ethebestpar
tofev
ery
year
"
Me:
"Ij
ustnev
ergotusedt
oit
"
Zamo:
"Thati
snotgood"Ishr
ugged.
Iwasbeinghonest.Idon'
tcar
eaboutmybi
rt
hday
,
neverdi
dandnev erwil
l.
Ourfoodarri
v ed.Heextendedhi shand.Ihesit
ant
ly
pl
acedmi ne.Hecl osedhiseyes.Hest ar
tedprayi
ng.
Ij
ustkeptmi neopenandadmi redeveryfeatur
ein
hi
sface.Theol
dladysit
tingontheopposit
egav
e
meawar ni
nglook.Iqui
cklycl
osedmyey es.
Zamo:
"Amen"
Me:
"Amen"
Zamo: "
Itbecameahabi
t.Am sor
ryi
fitgoesagai
nst
yourbel
iefs"
Me:
"Itdoesn'
t.Am af
ir
m bel
i
evermy
sel
f"
Zamo:
"Yougot
ochur
ch?
"
Me:"Yes.Ithasbeenmypl
aceofsani
tysi
nceIwas
7yearsold"
Zamo:"Am sor
ry"Ismi
l
ed."
Howdi
dyougett
hat
scar
?"
Il
aughed.Ihav
eat
inyscarabov
emyr
ightbr
ow.
Me:
"If
ell
.Runni
ngawayf
rom mymot
her
"
Zamo:
"Wasshet
ryi
ngt
owhoopy
ou?
"
Me: "
Yes.Ishoul
dcometothi
splacemoreof
ten.
Thisfoodtast
esheav
enl
y"Isai
dtryi
ngt
ochangethe
topi
c.
Zamo:"
Nextt
imewe'
regoi
ngt
oar
est
aur
antofy
our
choi
ce"
Me:
"Am notf
ami
l
iarwi
thsuchpl
aces.
"
Zamo:
"We'
l
lgot
owher
every
ou'
ref
ami
l
iarwi
th"
Me:
"Okay
"
Aftereatingwewentt obuyi cecr eam andst r
oll
ed
aroundthemal l
.Laughingandchasi ngeachot her
around.He' ssofull
ofenergy .Wewentwi ndow
shopping, heboughtmeabr acelet.Hewentt opay
forhissister'
srageaccount .Unt i
l wegothungr y
again.Weboughtboxmast er satKFCIi nsistedon
paying.Hesai dhe'l
lpayforbev eragesandi twasn'
t
upf ordi
scussion.Ilethim be.
Therunni
ngar
oundr
esumed.Hechasedmef
ormy
dri
nk.
Hecaughtupwi
thmeandt i
ckl
edmetil
lIgavei
tto
hi
m.Wesatonthebenchestry
ingt
ocatchour
br
eaths.
Me:"YohI
'
lll
oseweightI
fIev
eragr
eeongoi
ng
any
wherewit
hy ou"
Zamo:"
Okaywe'r
eneverrunni
ngthen"heti
ckl
edme.
Yesweupgr
adedtotouchyfeel
y.Myinnerhoel
et
mebecomfort
ablewit
hit.
Me:"
Ifyout
ickl
emeonemor
eti
meI
'
llscr
eam "
r
obbery"
Zamo:
"Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouhat
edmet
hismuch.
"
Me:
"Don'
ttestmet
hen"
Myphonev
ibr
ated.I
twasthe3pm al
arm.Wow.I
pr
ogr
ammedbackt onor
mal.
Me:
"It
's3pm"
Zamo:
"Youhav
esomewher
eel
set
ogo?
"
Me:"
No.Ij
ustdi
dnotnot
icewe'
vebeenher
eforso
l
ong"
Zamo:
"Whydon'
twewat
chmov
ies"
Me:
"Thati
sfort
omor
row"
Zamo: "
We'l
lwatcht
hem agai
ntomorr
ow."Si
l
ence
"Pl
ease.Ipr
omiseIwon'
tti
ckl
eyou"Il
aughed
Me:
"Okayj
ustone"
Hest
oodupexci
tedl
yandpul
l
edmeup.
Zamo:
"We'
regoi
ngy
oNewt
own"
Me:
"We'
l
lcat
chat
axi
."
Zamo:
"Asl
ongasy
ou'
reokaywi
thi
t"
-
Mal
epeopleandact i
onmoviesweendedup
wat
chingcart
oonscausewecoul dn'
tagreeon
movi
esanyofuswant ed.I
maginepay i
ngattent
ion
t
ogrownol dshoot
ingeachother
.Ilovemymov ies
r
omant i
c.
Wet
ookataxi
agai
nandgotof
fatmycompl
ex.He
l
edmetot
heentr
ance.
Me:
"Thanky
ouf
ort
oday
"hel
etgoofmyhand.
Zamo:"Thanky
out oo.Isi
tsafet
osayI'v
emade
mysel
fabestfri
end?"Ishefri
endzoni
ngme?
Me:"I
fabestf
ri
endi
swhaty
ouwant
,abestf
ri
endi
s
whatyou'
l
lget
"
Het
ookmyhandagai
n.Hewasnowst
andi
ngbef
ore
me.
Zamo:"
Andi
fIwi
shformor
ethanthat
?"Wehadan
eyel
ockmoment
.Thedamnsecur
it
ydeci
dedtor
uin
i
t.
Securi
ty:
"Ther
e'sMrBart
mani
nthecommonl
ounge.
He'sbeenwait
ingfory
ou"
Me:
"Who'
sthat
?"
Securi
ty:
"TheSpor
tsmi
nist
er"myhear
tst
art
ed
raci
ng.
Me:
"Okayam comi
ng"hewal
kedaway
.
Zamo:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.
"
Zamo:"
I'
llcamphereunt
ilyougetbackt
omeand
tel
lmeeveryt
hingI
sokay.Go"
Inoddedandr
ushedi
nsi
de.
Thecommonl oungeisonthesecondfloor.Igotoff
thel
if
t.Thereweremeni nblacksui
ts.Standingli
ke
ever
ybody guarddoes.Oneofthem camet ome.
Hi
m:"
Thi
sway
"hel
edmet
othepr
ivat
esect
ion.
I
ndeedi
twashi
m.Ihav
eseenhi
m somanyt
imesi
n
TVandnewspaper
s.Ij
ustdi
dn'
tknowhi
ssur
name.
Mi
nist
er:
"Si
tdown"
Mypalmswer
edoi
ngwhatt heydoest
hemost.Isat
down.Hel
i
thi
sci
garet
te.Icoughedaf
terhi
sfi
rst
exhal
e.
Minister
:"Imaginebeinginaroom full
ofsmoking
people"hesquashedi t.Whatdoeshemeanbyt hat
.
"i
tseasyt hough.Justdotherightt
hingandnoneof
thatwill
happen"
Iswal
l
owedt
hesal
i
vat
hatj
ustcr
owdedmymout
h.
Me:"Ihav
enoideawhatSi
risabout
"Isai
dtr
yingt
o
cont
rolmyshaki
ngvoi
ce.
Minister:
"Mybad.MysonKabel omiss.You'
vemade
thebiggestmist
akeofy ourli
fe.Seehe'sworkedso
hardtogetoutofthatplace.Allhi
slif
eallhewants
i
st oli
v eli
keanormalhumanbei ng.Whywoul dyou
takethatawayfrom hi
m? "Hesai dcal
ml y
.Sohe's
thedaddy .
Thebody
guar
dhandedmeat abl
et.Ther
ewasa
pi
ctur
eofmymotherathome.Hesli
dtoghrnext
one,i
twasAyanda'
skidsatschoolt
henitwas
Ayanda'
satherhome.Hethentookitaway.If
elt
numb.
Mi
nister:
"Youhav
eaveryl
ovel
yfamilyMi
ssVi
l
akazi
.
Am sureyouwoul
dn'
twantt
olosethem"
Me: "
Myf amil
yhasnothi
ngtodowi t
hthi
s.Youson
i
ssick.Heneedshelp.He'
sdangertothefemal
e
speci
es."Idon'
tev
enknowwher ethi
sbraveYol
i
camef r
om.
Hechuckl
edandt
hencomposedhi
msel
f.
Minister:
"Ifyoudonotpubl i
shast at
ement
apologizi
ngforf alselyaccusingmysony ou'l
lbe
buryingeveryweek, Iwil
lmakesur eyouracademic
recordsgeter ased.Lookmei ntheli
psandmar kmy
wordsl i
ttl
egirl.Iwil
l makey ourl
if
eal i
vi
nghell"he
saidstari
ngdeepi ntomyey es.Itl
astedforami nut
e
l
onger .Hestood, adjustedhiscoatandwal kedout
withhislapdogs.
If
inal
lybreathe.Iwasani
nchawayfr
om ahear
t
at
tack.Tearsheatthei
rwaydown.
[
2/26,
06:
52]Zozaness:
Nine
-
Devast at
edi sanunder stat
ement .Iwas..
.Idon'
t
know.Shat t
eredmay be?Howdi dIgethere?Onthe
thi
rdy ear,myl astyearIgothroughsucht hi
ngs?
WhyhasGodf orsakenme.ImeanI '
veonlybeen
absentt wiceatchur chIdon'tdeservesuchgreat
punishment .
"
Sisi
am l
ocki
ng"It
urnedt
ohi
m.
Hi
m:"
Arey
ouokay
?"
Inoddedandwi pedmytears.Imademywayout
.I
gotontheli
ftandItookoutmyphone.
Myhandswer
eshaking.Ipr
essedonSi
zwe.I
twent
st
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l.Igotoffonmyfl
oor.
If
oundThabi
wat
chi
ngTV.
Thabi
:"Br
eakf
astdat
et ur
nedinto-
"herfacedr
opped
whenshesawmyf ace."Whatisgoingon?"
Me:"Hi
sfat
herwashere.He'
sthr
eat
eni
ngt
owi
pe
outal
lmyacademi
crecords"
Thabi
:"Comeher
e"
Isatnextt
oher,shebr
oughtmecloset
oher
.
"Whosefatherwant
stodothat
?"
Me:"KB'
s.HesaidthatIshoul
dmakeapubl
i
c
st
atementthatIf
alsel
yaccusedhi
sson"
Thabi
:"Thati
snotgoi
ngt
ohappen.He'
scr
azy
"
Me:
"He'
spower
ful
Thabi
"
Thabi:"
So?We' r
ealsopower f
ul.Rightnowy ou
gonnagot akeal ongsoot hingbathwhi l
eIpr epar
e
yousomet hi
ngt oeat.Don' tworryy our
selfabout
thatmotherfuckingmi ni
ster.He'sjusttr
ashlikethe
restoft
hem di ckhavingpeopl e"Ilaughed.She
stoodupandt ookmyhand." Iboughtbathsal t
s.It
s
l
ikeIknewy ouwer egonnaneedt hem today"
Me:
"You'
reageni
us"
Iwenttot akemycosmet i
cswhileIfi
l
ledthetub.
Therewer etextsf
rom Zamo.Itookmyphonewi t
h
tothebathroom.Isoakedmy selfwhi
lepl
ayingfarm
heroes.Idecidedt
ocallhi
m.
Zamo:
"Myl
ove"
Me:
"Heyy
ou.Howdi
dyougo?
"
Zamo:
"Ver
ywel
lthanks.Thanksf
ort
oday
"
Me:"
Nothanky
ou.Uhm,
canonesacademi
crecor
ds
beer
ased?
"
Zamo:
"How?
"
Me: "
Like,al
lmyacademi
crecor
dsf
rom t
hef
ir
st
yearupt onow"
Zamo:
"Wel
li
tdepends.Youwantt
oer
aset
hem?
"
Me:
"No!Nonono.Iwasj
ustaski
ng"
Zamo:
"O-
kay
."
Me:
"Letmef
ini
shbat
hingI
'
llt
exty
ou"
Zamo:
"OKNana"
Idr
oppedandputt hephoneaway .Icoul
dn'
teven
cal
lmymot herorAyanda.Ididn'
twanttost
ressher
andsendhertoprematurelabor.
Ifi
nall
ygotoutoft
het
ub.Iwr
appedat
owel
and
rol
ledon.
Thesmellhi
tmynost
ri
lsassoonasIopenedt
he
door
.Iopenedmydoorandthr
ewinthecosmet
ic
bag.
Me:
"What
evert
hati
ssmel
l
sli
keheav
en"
Thabi
:"Real
l
y?I
t'
sst
eak,
wings,
grav
yandpap"
Me:
"Shoul
dIsi
tdownor
?"
Thabi
:"Sitdownandr
elax
.Youl
ooksof
reaki
shl
y
sexyi
nt hattowel
"
Me:"Soisi
tsomet
hingIshoul
ddoatZamo'
s
pl
ace?"
Thabi
:"Fuckno!Nevergett
hatcomfort
ablear
ounda
manunlessyoutryi
ngtoloseyourv
irgi
nit
y"
Me:
"Wel
lam not
"
Thabi
:"Wel
ldon'
twal
kar
oundi
nat
owel
inhi
spl
ace"
Shehandedmemypl
ate.
Me:
"Thi
slooksappet
izi
ng"
Thabi
:"Hav
eyouf
orgot
tenabouti
t?"
Me:
"What
?"
Thabi:
"KB'
sdad"oh.Il
ovethi
snatureofmebutt
his
i
snotsomethingIshoul
d'
veforgot
tenabout
al
ready.
Me:
"Ineedt
otal
ktoSi
zwe"
Thabi
:"Noweneedt
ogot
otheuni
onbui
l
dings"
Me:
"Isn'
tthatabi
text
reme?
"
Thabi:
"Theonlythi
ngextremeherei
saman
abusi
ngachildjustbecausehe'
spower
ful
.Hewi
l
l
regr
etthedayhewasbor n"
Me:
"Hei
sami
nist
erThabi
"
Thabi
:"It
houghty
ouwer
egonnasayhe'
sGod.Eat
"
Yeahr
ight
.
-
Thefol
l
owingdayIwokeear
li
ert
oprepar
ebr
eakf
ast
.
Bythet
imeThabiwokeupIwasdone.
Me:
"Poachedorhar
dboi
l
ed?
"
Thabi:
"Am nott
ryi
ngt
ogetpr
egnantI
'
llgowi
thhar
d
boi
led"
Me:
"Soy
ouwantt
ofar
tthewhol
eday
?"
Thabi:
"Thantoincr
easemyf
ert
il
it
yyesI
'
drat
her
far
t"Il
aughed.
Ihandedhert
hepl
ate."
Thi
stast
esgoodt
hanky
ou.
Isthi
spepper
?"
Me:"Yes.I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
oreachSi
zwebuthi
s
phoneisoff
"
Thabi
:"We'
regoi
ngt
othepol
i
cest
ati
on"
Me:
"Andsaywhat
?"
Thabi
:"We'
ll
gospeaktoRamaphosaifneedbe.
Thatmanistoobi
gforhi
sboots.He'
snotGod"
Me:"Hesai
dhe'
l
lgoaf
termyf
ami
l
yifIdonotco
oper
ate"
Justthethoughtofi
tmademewantt ocry
.We'
re
notav er
yperfectf
amil
ybutIst
il
ll
ovethem
regar
dless.
Thabi
:"Morer
easonstohav ehim behi
ndbar
s.We
mustteachhi
m alesson.He'sascrazyashi
sson"
Me:"
Ihaveacl
assat8soIcan'
tgot
othepol
i
ce
st
ati
on"
Thabi
:"We'
l
lgoaf
tert
hel
essonst
hen"
Me:
"Thanky
ouThabi
"
Thabi
:"Forwhat
?"
Me:
"Thi
ssuppor
tyou'
reshowi
ngme"
Thabi
:"That
'
swhatf
ri
endsar
eforbabe"
Me: "
Real
ly
?I'venev
erhadafr
iend.I
fIknewthey'
re
thi
ssupport
iveI'
dhavemadeoneav er
ylongti
me
ago"
Wel
aughed.
Thabi:"
Youshoul
dsmi
l
emor
e.You'
l
lhav
emor
e
fr
iends"
Me:"Idon'
twantmor
efr
iends.Ihav
eyouandy
ou'
re
enough"
Shehel
dherchestdr
amat
ical
l
y.
Thabi
:"Thati
ssosweet
"
Me:
"Letmegot
akeashower
"
Thabi
:"CanIdr
inky
ourcof
fee?
"
Me:
"Yeahsur
e"
Thabi
:"You'
ret
hebest
"
-
Am sor r
ytosayt hi
sbutourj ust
icesystem i
svery
whack.Thosebl oodypol i
cemenl egi
tlaughedatme.
TalkingabouthowIcoul dbear r
estedforaccusi
ng
theirsocall
edmi nist
erofsuchthing.Ialmost
screamedwhenIl earnedthatSi
zwei son3mont hs
l
eav e.
ZamoandIwer emeet ingf
orani cecream dateplus
Ihadt ot
ellhi
mt his.Peopl
ehav ethi
sv eryodd
tendencyofstar
ingaty ouli
ketheycanseer i
ght
through,
seewhat everthehell
istroubli
ngy ou.Iput
thecaponandwal kedasthoughIwasal oneinthis
earth.
Ifoundhi m sitt
ingonthechai
rsnextt
othei
ce
cream truck.Hesmi l
edandstooduptohugme.He
surefeelslikehome.Skinnybuthi
shugisst
il
la
breathtaker .
Zamo:"
Iwasn'
tsur
eI'
dseey
ouwhenIact
ual
l
y
askedt
oseeyou"
Me:
"Andwhyi
sthat
?"
Zamo:
"Idon'
tknow.
"Hesmi
l
ed."
You'
rebeaut
if
ul"
Pi
nkcheeks!
Ifonl
yIwasl i
ghtbutnowallIcoul
ddowasloseey
e
contactandsmil
elikeret
ard."
Uhm Yol
i
"hesaid
touchi
ngmyar m.
Me:
"Yes?
"
Zamo:
"Whi
chf
lav
or?
"Idi
dn'
tev
enseehi
m get
ti
ng
up.
Me:
"Vani
l
lapl
ease"
Zamo:
"2v
ani
l
laspl
ease"
Het
ookmyhand.Wet
ookouri
cecr
eams
Me:
"Thanky
ou"andwal
kedof
f.
Zamo:"
Iwasthi
nkingsi
ncey
ou'r
ewr i
ti
ngt
omor
row
wemightdomoviesint
heeveni
ng"
Me:
"Youspoi
lmet
oomuch"
Zamo:"Am war
mingmywayi
ntoy
ourhear
ther
ecan
youbl
ameme"Ismi l
ed.
Me:
'Notatal
l
.You'
redoi
ngv
erygood"
Zamo:"
Soj
ustaf
ewmor
eday
s"Il
aughed."
Weeks
maybe"
Me:
"Uh-
uh"
Zamo:
"Mont
hs?
"
Me:
"No"
Zamo:"
Year
s?"Inoddedt
ryi
ngt
ohol
dbackl
aught
er.
"Asl
ongasyouwil
lbemine"
Istopped,
hedi
dtoo.Hel
ookedmest
rai
ghti
nthe
eye.
Me:
"Whati
fitwasj
ustf
ewseconds"
Henar
rowedhi
sey
es.Don'
ttel
lmehedi
dnotget
t
hat
!
It
slikesomethingjustcli
ckedonhismind.He
smiled,moreli
keblushingIdon'
tknow.AllIknowis
thathelookedcute.Het ookastepcl
oser.Heslowl
y
l
eanedov er.I
tshappening!
Icl
osedmyey esandwaitedforthebigmoment .I
coul
dfeel
hisbreathcar
essmyf ace.Andguess
what?Hekissedmeonmyf orehead.Ser
iousl
y?
Iopenedmyey es.Hesmiledandcuppedmyf ace.
Heplantedhi
sicecoldsoftli
psonmine.Idi
dit
exact
lythewayThabitaughtme.Ihadtoexcell
ent
ly
doi
t,Iwasr
epr
esent
ingmygi
rlher
e.
Thewayheheldmyful
lfigur
e.If
eltti
nglesal
lover
mybody.Someonecl
earedthei
rthroat
.Webr okei
t
off
.
Her
:"I
fyoumayhav
enotnot
icedt
her
ear
eki
ds
her
e"
Zamo:
"We'
resosor
ry"
Her
:"Iunder
stand"
Shewal
kedaway
.Wel
aughed.
Zamo:
"Thi
sisal
lyourf
aul
t"
Me:"Youki
ssedmef i
rst
"hepinchedmycheekand
ranoff
,hi
sicecr
eam fel
lof
f.Il
aughed."
That'
swhat
happenswhenyoupinchanAngel"hel
aughedand
camebacktosnatchmine.
Myphoner
angasIwasst
il
lchasi
nghi
schi
l
dish
ass.
Me:
"Hey
"
Thabi
:"Coul
dyoupl
easecomehome?"shesounded
i
rri
tat
ed.
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Thabi
:"Someonei
sher
e.Justcomebef
oreI
-"
Shehungup.
Zamo:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Me:
"YeahIgot
tar
usht
omypl
ace"
Zamo:
"Am comi
ngwi
thy
ou"
-
HadIent er
edaloneI'
dhaveranoff.I
twast hesport
s
carguywi t
hthethi
efIoncesawt heotherdayatthe
poli
cestati
onandtheotheronewhohadaav er
y
dist
urbi
ngscaronhisforehead.Scar
ydoesnot
begintodescri
bethem.Islowlycl
osedthedoor.
Zamost ayeddownwi t
hthenoseysecurit
y.
Me:
"Gr
eet
ings"
Them:
"Hel
l
o"
Thabi
:"CanIgonow?
"
Thi
ef:"
No."Hethenturnedt
ome."Myladywewer
e
wonderi
ngifbyanychanceyouknowwheredi
d
Pear
lMany at
hil
ived"
Me:
"Iknownoper
sonofsuchaname"
Sport
scar:
"It
oldy
out
heper
sonwhoknowsPear
lis
thi
sone"
Thabi
:"Knowwhat
.Fucky
ouandy
ourst
upi
dPear
l.I
knownoPearl
!"
Me:
"Di
dPear
ltakesomet
hingawayf
rom y
ou?
"
Thi
ef:
"No.Weneedherr
elat
ives"
Thabi
:"Why
?"
Spor
tscar
:"Becauseshe'
sdead!
"
Thabi
gasped.
Theyal
lst
oodup.
Scar
:"Thanky
ou.
"
Theywalkedout.Icl
osedt
hedoor
.Shehel
dont
o
thecount
erbreathi
ngheav
il
y.
Thabi
:"Theyki
l
ledher
"
Me:
"Who?
"
Shesobbed.
Thabi
:"Pear
l.Theyki
l
ledher
"
Me:
"Youknow.
..Imeany
ouknewher
?"
Thabi
:"Yes!She'
smymot
her
'sf
ri
end'
sdaught
er!We
grewuptogether
"
Me:
"Whydi
dyousayy
oudon'
tknowhert
hen?
"
Thabi
:"Youdon'tunderstand.Youcl ear
lydon'
tknow
whothesemenar e.Theywoul d'
veshotus, t
hrewus
i
nadam, geteatenbythecr ocodil
esandgotaway
wit
hit
.Icouldn'tri
skmyl if
el i
kethat"
Me:
"Whoar
ethey
?"
Thabi
:"I
t'
sbet
tery
oudon'
tknowt
hem"
Shest
ormedt
othecor
ri
dor
.
Me:
"Thabi
!"
Shesl
ammedherdoor
.Whatt
hehel
li
sgoi
ngon
her
e?
[
2/26,
06:
53]Zozaness:
Ten
-
Iatt
emptedopeni
ngthebathr
oom itwasl
ocked.I
wentont ot
hekit
chen.It
ookouteggsandtur
nedon
thestov
e.
If
ri
edthem whi
l
etoast
ing.Shewalkedi
nlosi
ngall
ki
ndsofugl
y.It
ookoutawat erbot
tl
eandgaveher.
Me:
"Mor
ning"shesatdown.
Thabi
:"Thanks.Mor
ning"
Ihandedhert
hepl
ateandsatdownt
oo.
Me:
"Readyt
oexpl
ain?
"
Thabi
:"Expl
ain?
"
Me:
"Thosemenandt
hei
rst
ory
"
Thabi
:"Theli
ghtonewasdat ingher.Theybrokeup
thengotbacktogetheraft
ersomebusi nesstycoon
thati
senemieswi t
ht heGuy'
sfamilytoldherto.She
owedhim sohet ol
dhert ogetbackwi t
hTy l
erand
fi
shoutinfor
mationsoshedi d"
Me:
"Whywoul
dsheev
enowebusi
nesst
ycoons?
"
Thabi:"
Somepeopledon'thaveiteasyoutther
eYol
i
.
Theyhavetomakeal i
ving.Notallofusare
pri
vi
leged"shesai
ddefensiv
ely.
Me:
"Okayam sor
ry.Sohowar
etheydanger
ous?
"
Thabi
:"Whyar
eyoui
nter
est
edany
way
"
Me:"BecauseIsawt
hedar
koneweeksagoatt
he
pol
i
cest at
ion"
Thabi:
"Real
ly?Yousee?Theyki l
l
edher
.Jesus"I
passedherwater.Shedrank."
ThoseDubemenare
dangerousYoli
.Justknowfrom nowonwe'l
lbe
tai
l
ed"
Me:
"What
?Why
?"
Thabi
:"Becauset
heyt
hinkwe'
rehi
dingsomet
hing"
Me:
"We?
"
Shegotof
fthest
ool
.
Thabi
:"Whyar
eyousoslow.Your
ememberonour
wayfr
om chur
ch?Thatgr
eenspor
tscar
?"
Me:
"Yeah.Theguywhoaskedi
fwehav eseen.
..
Wai
t,howcoul
dtheyki
l
lthei
rbr
other
'sgir
lf
ri
end?"
Thabi:"Becauseshebetr
ay edthem.Justbecar
eful
okay.Andi ft
heycaptur
ey oujustdon'
tmenti
onthat
Itol
dy ouIknowher "
Me:
"Whywoul
dtheycapt
ureme?
"
Hescof
fedandwal
kedaway
.Whyonear
thdoI
al
way
sat
tractt
heset
roubl
esomepeopl
e?
Iwentt
otakeashower
.
-
MyphonerangasIent
eredt
hecampus.Ay
anda.I
answer
edquickl
y.
Me:
"Si
si"
Ay
anda:
"It
saboy
"
Iscr
eamed.
Wit
houtgi
vi
ngasi
ngl
efuck.Iscr
eamedt
il
lIal
most
f
ell
.
Me:
"Thanky
ougoodLord.Am comi
nghome
t
omorr
ow"shel
aughed.
Ay
anda:
"No.Ineedt
hatdegr
ee"
Me:"Am notwri
ti
ngunti
lThur
sdaysoam comi
ng.
Am sohappy.Thankyousi
si"
Ay
anda:
"Letmecal
lmama"
Me:
"Okay
.I'
l
lcal
lyouaf
tercl
ass"
Shechuckl
ed.
Ay
anda:
"Okaybabe"
Thedayalway
sgoesfast
erwheny ou'
rehappy.Inno
ti
meitwas12pm.Allmyclasseswereint
erest
ing.
EvenSakhi
let
her
ulerbor
rowerwasn'tasannoy i
ng.
Iwasal
someet
ingupwi
th"
boy
fri
end"
.Cher
ryont
op.
Ifoundhi
m al
readywai
ti
ngf
ormeout
side.He
huggedme.
Zamo:
"Hey
.Doy
ouwantt
oki
l
lme?
"
Me:
"Hi
.Whatdi
dIdo?
Zamo:"Yourphonewasof
fsi
nce4am andy
ou'
re
usual
l
yupbyt hatti
me"
Me:"
Am sor
ry.Ihadnoi
deawher
emychar
ger
was.
"
Zamo:"Nev
erdothatagai
n.Especial
l
ynotaft
eryou
hadtorunt
oyourhousejustbecausether
eare
peopl
e"
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:"
It
ssosweett oknowy
oucar
e"her
aisedhi
slef
t
br
ow.Ilaughed.
Zamo:
"You'
rewei
rdy
ouknowt
hat
?"
Me:
"Ist
hatacompl
i
mentor
?"
Zamo:
"It
'sacompl
i
mentbabe"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Thanky
ousomuch"
Hesmi
l
edandt
ookmyhand.
Zamo:
"Arewestul
ltgoi
ngtot
hemov i
esorwe'
l
lst
ay
i
ndoor
s,orderi
nandwatchNetf
li
x?"
Me:"
Thatsoundsper
fect
.CanIasky
ou
somet
hing?
"
Zamo:
"Yes"
Me:
"Wher
edoy
ougetmoney
?"
Hechuckl
edandsqueezedmyhand.
Zamo:"Mybursarypays2timesamont hwhenyou
dowell
ony ouracademics"Inodded."
Don'
tyou
tr
ustme?"
Me:
"No.Iwasj
ustwonder
ingt
hat
'sal
l
"
Heki
ssedmyhand.
Zamo:
"Okay
.Whatar
ewegonnaeat
?"
Me:
"Iwantwi
ngs"
Zamo:
"Okay.There'
schickenl
i
ckenopposi
tewher
e
Il
iv
esoluckyyou.Ispi
zzaokay?"
Me:
"Yes"het
ookouthi
sphoneandor
der
ed.
Wear r
ivedathi
splace.Imademy sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e
onhiscouch.Heli
vesalone.Hecamebackwit
h
j
uice.
Me:
"Thanky
ou.
"Hesatbesi
deme.
Zamo:
"Whatar
ewewat
chi
ng?
"
Me:
"Whati
sther
etowat
ch?
"
Zamo:
"Comedy
,rom-
com,
Sci
Fi,
hor
rorandact
ion"
Me:
"Rom-
com wi
l
ldo"
Zamo:
"Okay
"
Hesel
ect
edamov
ie."
Letmef
etcht
hepopcor
n"
Me:
"Youmadepopcor
n?"
Zamo:"Yes.Whatisamov
iewi
thoutpopcor
n
sweet
ie?"Il
aughed.
Me:
"You'
reonewei
rdcr
eat
ureIswear
"
ItextedThabichecki
ngi
fshe'
sokay
.Shet
oldme
she'sgoingtoSoweto.
Hecamebackwi
thabowl
ful
lofpopcor
n.
Me:
"Am goi
nghomet
omor
row"
Hef
rowned."
Don'
tmaket
hatf
ace"
Zamo:
"Iwashopi
ngwe'
dgosomewher
etomor
row"
Me:"
Am sorry
.Butwe'
vebeengoi
ngoutsi
nce
Wednesday
."
Zamo:
"Nowshoul
dIst
op?
"
Me:"That'
snotwhatam sayi
ng.Am say
ingy
oudon'
t
hav
et otakemeouteveryday
"
Zamo:
"Okay
"
Hel
ookedaheadatt
heTV.
Me:
"Zamo?
"
Het
urnedt
ome."
Youwon'
tev
ennot
iceam gone"
Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedmyf
oreheadt
henl
i
edonmy
l
ap.
Themov
iebegan.
.
..
Myphone'sv i
brati
onwokemeup.Il ookedaround.I
t
wasdark,Ihaveaf l
eeceoverme.Ipull
edmyphone
outofmypocket .Il
ookedatthet
imef i
rstbefor
e
answer
ing.Itwas19:40.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Call
er:"
Mi ssZikalal
a"Iknowthisphone.ThoughI
cannotrememberwher ebutI
-."
IthoughtI'
dbe
readi
ngy ourstatementbynow.It houghtI
'dbe
sit
ti
ngwit hmysonr i
ghtnoweatingdinnerbutno.
Areyoutestingmel it
tl
egirl
?"
Mywhol
ebodyshi
ver
ed.
Me:
"I-
"
Bart
man:"
Ihearyoursi
sterjustgav
ebi
rt
htoacut
e
l
it
tl
ebabyboy.Congrat
ulat
ions."
Ihungupandt
urnedont
het
ouch.Thel
i
ght
swent
on.
Zamo:"
Hey,
Iwentt
otakeashower
,shoul
dIdi
shup
fory
ou?
"Ourey
esmet"Arey
ouokay?"
Me:
"Yeaham goodIj
ustneedt
ogo.
"
Zamo:
"Youdon'
tl
ookgood.What
'sup?
"
Me: "
Where'
smybag?"Isawi
tundert
het
abl
e.It
ook
i
t.Iputonmyshoes.
Zamo:
"Yol
i
"
Me:
"What
?Justl
eav
emeal
one"
Iheadedf
ort
hedoor
.Her
anandbl
ockedmyway
.
Zamo:"
Babepl
easedon'
tdot
his.Whati
sgoi
ng
on?"
Me:"Whydoy
oucar
e?Justmov
eoutofmyway
pl
ease"
Myt
ear
sbet
ray
edme.
Zamo:
"Di
dIdosomet
hingwr
ong?
"
Ishookmyhead."
Pleasestayher
e.Iwi
l
lnotl
ety
ou
gotobeal
oneinthathouse"
Me:
"Ineedt
imet
othi
nkZamokuhl
e"
Zamo:
"Mybedroom isper
fectf
ort
hinki
ng.I
'
llsl
eep
her
eonthecouch.Comehere"
Isobbed.Ineedt
ocal
lSi
zwe.
Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
sbedr
oom.
Zamo:
"I'
l
lbr
ingy
ouf
oodandcof
fee"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Heclosedthedoorbehi
ndhim.It
ookmyphoneand
cal
l
edSi zwe.I
twentthr
ough.
Me:
"Thanky
ouLor
d"
Hef
inal
l
yanswer
ed.
Si
zwe:
"Nubi
anPr
incess"
Me:
"Hi
.Howar
eyou?
"
Si
zwe:"
Am good.Justt
ir
edofbei
ngf
arm Jul
i
a.How
ar
eyou?"
Me: "
Bart
mani sthr
eateningme.He'sthr
eat
eni
ngto
kil
lmyfamily
.He'sthr
eateningt
ohav emyacademi
c
recor
dserased"Iwasalreadycr
ying.
Si
zwe:"
Thatsonofabi
tch!Wher
ear
eyour
ight
now?
"
Me:
"Loui
sst
reet
,vi
sit
ingaf
ri
end"
Si
zwe:
"Good.Don'
tl
eav
ethatpl
ace.I
'
llbet
her
ein
t
hemor
ning"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Si
zwe:
"Don'
tcr
y.I
'
llf
ixi
tokay
"
Me:
"Okay
"
Si
zwe:
"By
efornow"
Ihungup.Zamocamei
nwi
thf
oodandcof
fee.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Weateandsl
ept
.MaybeIshoul
dlookfort
hese
Dubemenandaskt
hem t
okillt
hatbast
ardforme.
.
..
Ihear
daknockandIscr
ubbedt
hecarpet
.It
urned
downthev
olumeandwenttoopen.Ij
umpedon
hi
m.
Me:
"Thanky
ousomuchf
orcomi
ng"
Si
zwe:
"YeahnowI
'
dli
ket
obr
eat
he"
Il
aughedandl
etgo.
Me:
"Shal
lImakey
ousomet
hingt
oeatordr
ink?
"
Si
zwe:
"Yesandashowerpl
ease"
Me:
"Come"
Il
edhimtothepassageandshowedhi
mthe
bat
hroom t
henfet
chedhimfresht
owel
s.
Me:
"Cof
feeort
ea?
"
Si
zwe:
"What
every
ou'
l
lbehav
ing"
Ichuckl
edandwal
kedaway
.
Itext
edAyandaforthe20t
htimeaski
ngifthey
'r
e
okay.Ther
ewasamessagef rom aboyf
ri
endsulki
ng
aboutwhydidn'
tIsaygoodby
e.
'
Youwer
efastasl
eep.Idi
dn'
twantt
odi
stur
byou'
Iti
dedupandmadebr eakf
astwhileli
steni
ngto
music.NowthatSizwewashereIfeltawholel
ot
bett
er.Hehasthataur
aof"ever
ythingwill
beal
right
".
Ihear
daknock.Iwentt
oopen.
Me:
"Hey
"
Zamo:"
Hey.Arey
ou-
"hest
oppedandl
ookedov
er
myshoul
der.
Me:
"Comei
n"
Hej
ustst
oodt
her
e.It
urned.Si
zwe!
Me:
"OhmyGodbabei
tsnotwhati
tlooksl
i
ke"
Zamo:
"Am sor
ryt
oinv
adey
ourmoment
"
Hewal
kedaway
.
Me:"
Whatt
hehelldude.Whyar
eyoui
nmyki
tchen
wi
thonl
yatowel
?"
Sizwe:"Icametoborr
owanir
on.Myt
rouser
accidental
lyf
ell
int
othet
ub"
Me:
"Lookf
ori
tint
hecupboar
d"
Isai
dandr
anoutchasi
ngaf
tert
heboy
fri
end.Myl
i
fe!
[
2/26,
07:
04]Zozaness:
Ten
-
Iatt
emptedopeni
ngthebathr
oom itwasl
ocked.I
wentont ot
hekit
chen.It
ookouteggsandtur
nedon
thestov
e.
If
ri
edthem whi
l
etoast
ing.Shewalkedi
nlosi
ngall
ki
ndsofugl
y.It
ookoutawat erbot
tl
eandgaveher.
Me:
"Mor
ning"shesatdown.
Thabi
:"Thanks.Mor
ning"
Ihandedhert
hepl
ateandsatdownt
oo.
Me:
"Readyt
oexpl
ain?
"
Thabi
:"Expl
ain?
"
Me:
"Thosemenandt
hei
rst
ory
"
Thabi
:"Theli
ghtonewasdat ingher.Theybrokeup
thengotbacktogetheraft
ersomebusi nesstycoon
thati
senemieswi t
ht heGuy'
sfamilytoldherto.She
owedhim sohet ol
dhert ogetbackwi t
hTy l
erand
fi
shoutinfor
mationsoshedi d"
Me:
"Whywoul
dsheev
enowebusi
nesst
ycoons?
"
Thabi:"
Somepeopledon'thaveiteasyoutther
eYol
i
.
Theyhavetomakeal i
ving.Notallofusare
pri
vi
leged"shesai
ddefensiv
ely.
Me:
"Okayam sor
ry.Sohowar
etheydanger
ous?
"
Thabi
:"Whyar
eyoui
nter
est
edany
way
"
Me:"BecauseIsawt
hedar
koneweeksagoatt
he
pol
i
cest at
ion"
Thabi
:"Real
l
y?Yousee?Theyki
l
ledher
.Jesus"I
passedherwater
.Shedrank."
ThoseDubemenar
e
dangerousYol
i
.Justknowfrom nowonwe'
ll
be
tai
l
ed"
Me:
"What
?Why
?"
Thabi
:"Becauset
heyt
hinkwe'
rehi
dingsomet
hing"
Me:
"We?
"
Shegotof
fthest
ool
.
Thabi
:"Whyar
eyousoslow.Your
ememberonour
wayfr
om chur
ch?Thatgr
eenspor
tscar
?"
Me:
"Yeah.Theguywhoaskedi
fwehav eseen.
..
Wai
t,howcoul
dtheyki
l
lthei
rbr
other
'sgir
lf
ri
end?"
Thabi:"Becauseshebetr
ay edthem.Justbecar
eful
okay.Andi ft
heycaptur
ey oujustdon'
tmenti
onthat
Itol
dy ouIknowher "
Me:
"Whywoul
dtheycapt
ureme?
"
Hescof
fedandwalkedaway.Whyonear
thdoI
al
waysatt
ractt
hesetr
oubl
esomepeopl
e?
Iwentt
otakeashower
.
-
MyphonerangasIent
eredt
hecampus.Ay
anda.I
answer
edquickl
y.
Me:
"Si
si"
Ay
anda:
"It
saboy
"
Iscr
eamed.
Wit
houtgi
vi
ngasi
ngl
efuck.Iscr
eamedt
il
lIal
most
f
ell
.
Me:
"Thanky
ougoodLord.Am comi
nghome
t
omorr
ow"shel
aughed.
Ay
anda:
"No.Ineedt
hatdegr
ee"
Me:"Am notwri
ti
ngunti
lThur
sdaysoam comi
ng.
Am sohappy.Thankyousi
si"
Ay
anda:
"Letmecal
lmama"
Me:
"Okay
.I'
l
lcal
lyouaf
tercl
ass"
Shechuckl
ed.
Ay
anda:
"Okaybabe"
Thedayal
waysgoesfast
erwheny ou'
rehappy
.Inno
ti
meitwas12pm.Al
lmycl asseswerei
nter
esti
ng.
Ev
enSakhi
l
ether
ulerbor
rowerwasn'
tasannoy
ing.
Iwasal
someet
ingupwi
th"
boy
fri
end"
.Cher
ryont
op.
Ifoundhi
m al
readywai
ti
ngf
ormeout
side.He
huggedme.
Zamo:
"Hey
.Doy
ouwantt
oki
l
lme?
"
Me:
"Hi
.Whatdi
dIdo?
Zamo:"Yourphonewasof
fsi
nce4am andy
ou'
re
usual
l
yupbyt hatti
me"
Me:"
Am sor
ry.Ihadnoi
deawher
emychar
ger
was.
"
Zamo:"Nev
erdothatagai
n.Especial
l
ynotaft
eryou
hadtorunt
oyourhousejustbecausether
eare
peopl
e"
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:"
It
ssosweett oknowy
oucar
e"her
aisedhi
slef
t
br
ow.Ilaughed.
Zamo:
"You'
rewei
rdy
ouknowt
hat
?"
Me:
"Ist
hatacompl
i
mentor
?"
Zamo:
"It
'sacompl
i
mentbabe"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Thanky
ousomuch"
Hesmi
l
edandt
ookmyhand.
Zamo:
"Arewestul
ltgoi
ngtot
hemov i
esorwe'
l
lst
ay
i
ndoor
s,orderi
nandwatchNetf
li
x?"
Me:"
Thatsoundsper
fect
.CanIasky
ou
somet
hing?
"
Zamo:
"Yes"
Me:
"Wher
edoy
ougetmoney
?"
Hechuckl
edandsqueezedmyhand.
Zamo:"Mybursarypays2timesamont hwhenyou
dowell
ony ouracademics"Inodded."
Don'
tyou
tr
ustme?"
Me:
"No.Iwasj
ustwonder
ingt
hat
'sal
l
"
Heki
ssedmyhand.
Zamo:
"Okay
.Whatar
ewegonnaeat
?"
Me:
"Iwantwi
ngs"
Zamo:
"Okay
.Ther
e'schi
ckenl
i
ckenopposi
tewher
e
Il
i
vesol
uckyy
ou.I
spi
zzaokay
?"
Me:
"Yes"het
ookouthi
sphoneandor
der
ed.
Wear r
ivedathi
splace.Imademy sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e
onhiscouch.Heli
vesalone.Hecamebackwit
h
j
uice.
Me:
"Thanky
ou.
"Hesatbesi
deme.
Zamo:
"Whatar
ewewat
chi
ng?
"
Me:
"Whati
sther
etowat
ch?
"
Zamo:
"Comedy
,rom-
com,
Sci
Fi,
hor
rorandact
ion"
Me:
"Rom-
com wi
l
ldo"
Zamo:
"Okay
"
Hesel
ect
edamov
ie."
Letmef
etcht
hepopcor
n"
Me:
"Youmadepopcor
n?"
Zamo:"Yes.Whatisamov
iewi
thoutpopcor
n
sweet
ie?"Il
aughed.
Me:
"You'
reonewei
rdcr
eat
ureIswear
"
ItextedThabichecki
ngi
fshe'
sokay
.Shet
oldme
she'sgoingtoSoweto.
Hecamebackwi
thabowl
ful
lofpopcor
n.
Me:
"Am goi
nghomet
omor
row"
Hef
rowned."
Don'
tmaket
hatf
ace"
Zamo:
"Iwashopi
ngwe'
dgosomewher
etomor
row"
Me:"
Am sorry
.Butwe'
vebeengoi
ngoutsi
nce
Wednesday
."
Zamo:
"Nowshoul
dIst
op?
"
Me:"That'
snotwhatam sayi
ng.Am say
ingy
oudon'
t
hav
et otakemeouteveryday
"
Zamo:
"Okay
"
Hel
ookedaheadatt
heTV.
Me:
"Zamo?
"
Het
urnedt
ome."
Youwon'
tev
ennot
iceam gone"
Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedmyf
oreheadt
henl
i
edonmy
l
ap.
Themov
iebegan.
.
..
Myphone'
svi
brat
ionwokemeup.Il
ookedar
ound.I
t
wasdark,Ihaveafl
eeceoverme.Ipul
l
edmyphone
outofmypocket.Il
ookedatthet
imefir
stbef
ore
answer
ing.Itwas19:
40.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Call
er:"
Mi ssZikalal
a"Iknowthisphone.ThoughI
cannotrememberwher ebutI
-."
IthoughtI'
dbe
readi
ngy ourstatementbynow.It houghtI
'dbe
sit
ti
ngwit hmysonr i
ghtnoweatingdinnerbutno.
Areyoutestingmel it
tl
egirl
?"
Mywhol
ebodyshi
ver
ed.
Me:
"I-
"
Bart
man:"
Ihearyoursi
sterjustgav
ebi
rt
htoacut
e
l
it
tl
ebabyboy.Congrat
ulat
ions."
Ihungupandt
urnedont
het
ouch.Thel
i
ght
swent
on.
Zamo:"
Hey,
Iwentt
otakeashower
,shoul
dIdi
shup
fory
ou?
"Ourey
esmet"Arey
ouokay?"
Me:
"Yeaham goodIj
ustneedt
ogo.
"
Zamo:
"Youdon'
tl
ookgood.What
'sup?
"
Me: "
Where'
smybag?"Isawi
tundert
het
abl
e.It
ook
i
t.Iputonmyshoes.
Zamo:
"Yol
i
"
Me:
"What
?Justl
eav
emeal
one"
Iheadedf
ort
hedoor
.Her
anandbl
ockedmyway
.
Zamo:"
Babepl
easedon'
tdot
his.Whati
sgoi
ng
on?"
Me:"Whydoy
oucar
e?Justmov
eoutofmyway
pl
ease"
Myt
ear
sbet
ray
edme.
Zamo:
"Di
dIdosomet
hingwr
ong?
"
Ishookmyhead."
Pleasestayher
e.Iwi
l
lnotl
ety
ou
gotobeal
oneinthathouse"
Me:
"Ineedt
imet
othi
nkZamokuhl
e"
Zamo:
"Mybedroom isper
fectf
ort
hinki
ng.I
'
llsl
eep
her
eonthecouch.Comehere"
Isobbed.Ineedt
ocal
lSi
zwe.
Hepul
l
edmet
ohi
sbedr
oom.
Zamo:
"I'
l
lbr
ingy
ouf
oodandcof
fee"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Heclosedthedoorbehi
ndhim.It
ookmyphoneand
cal
l
edSi zwe.I
twentthr
ough.
Me:
"Thanky
ouLor
d"
Hef
inal
l
yanswer
ed.
Si
zwe:
"Nubi
anPr
incess"
Me:
"Hi
.Howar
eyou?
"
Si
zwe:"
Am good.Justt
ir
edofbei
ngf
arm Jul
i
a.How
ar
eyou?"
Me: "
Bart
mani sthr
eateningme.He'sthr
eat
eni
ngto
kil
lmyfamily
.He'sthr
eateningt
ohav emyacademi
c
recor
dserased"Iwasalreadycr
ying.
Si
zwe:"
Thatsonofabi
tch!Wher
ear
eyour
ight
now?
"
Me:
"Loui
sst
reet
,vi
sit
ingaf
ri
end"
Sizwe:
"Good.Don'
tl
eav
ethatpl
ace.I
'
llbet
her
ein
themorni
ng"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Si
zwe:
"Don'
tcr
y.I
'
llf
ixi
tokay
"
Me:
"Okay
"
Si
zwe:
"By
efornow"
Ihungup.Zamocamei
nwi
thf
oodandcof
fee.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Weateandsl
ept
.MaybeIshoul
dlookfort
hese
Dubemenandaskt
hem t
okillt
hatbast
ardforme.
.
..
Ihear
daknockandIscr
ubbedt
hecarpet
.It
urned
downthev
olumeandwenttoopen.Ij
umpedon
hi
m.
Me:
"Thanky
ousomuchf
orcomi
ng"
Si
zwe:
"YeahnowI
'
dli
ket
obr
eat
he"
Il
aughedandl
etgo.
Me:
"Shal
lImakey
ousomet
hingt
oeatordr
ink?
"
Si
zwe:
"Yesandashowerpl
ease"
Me:
"Come"
Il
edhimtothepassageandshowedhi
mthe
bat
hroom t
henfet
chedhimfresht
owel
s.
Me:
"Cof
feeort
ea?
"
Si
zwe:
"What
every
ou'
l
lbehav
ing"
Ichuckl
edandwal
kedaway
.
Itext
edAyandaforthe20t
htimeaski
ngifthey
'r
e
okay.Ther
ewasamessagef rom aboyf
ri
endsulki
ng
aboutwhydidn'
tIsaygoodby
e.
'
Youwer
efastasl
eep.Idi
dn'
twantt
odi
stur
byou'
Iti
dedupandmadebr eakf
astwhileli
steni
ngto
music.NowthatSizwewashereIfeltawholel
ot
bett
er.Hehasthataur
aof"ever
ythingwill
beal
right
".
Ihear
daknock.Iwentt
oopen.
Me:
"Hey
"
Zamo:"
Hey.Arey
ou-
"hest
oppedandl
ookedov
er
myshoul
der.
Me:
"Comei
n"
Hej
ustst
oodt
her
e.It
urned.Si
zwe!
Me:
"OhmyGodbabei
tsnotwhati
tlooksl
i
ke"
Zamo:
"Am sor
ryt
oinv
adey
ourmoment
"
Hewal
kedaway
.
Me:"
Whatt
hehelldude.Whyar
eyoui
nmyki
tchen
wi
thonl
yatowel
?"
Sizwe:"Icametoborr
owanir
on.Myt
rouser
accidental
lyf
ell
int
othet
ub"
Me:
"Lookf
ori
tint
hecupboar
d"
Isai
dandr
anoutchasi
ngaf
tert
heboy
fri
end.Myl
i
fe!
[
2/26,
07:
04]Zozaness:
11
-
Nobodyt
oldmeany thi
ngaboutl
i
feaf
teruni
ver
sit
y.
Whywasn'tIt
old?Iam angr
y.
Mom: "Thesunhascomeoutal r
eadybutyou'
rest
il
l
sl
eeping."Ofcourset
hesunisout,i
t'
ssummer.
"Whoar eyougoingtomarr
yYoli
?"Whocaresabout
marri
age?Myonl ymainconcer
nrightnowisf
indi
ng
ajob.
Me:
"Am awake"
Mom:"
Youshoul
d'
ve.Al
ongt
imeago,
youneedt
o
f
indaj
ob"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lnotf
indj
obi
nabl
i
nkofaney
emama"
Yesam backathomewi t
hmyhasnotchanged
mother.Luxur
iousl
if
egone.Iam st
il
lonhol
dfort
he
nextvacancytocomeout.
Mom:"
That'
sbecausey
ouaren'
tlooki
ng.Am not
goi
ngt
olookaf
teryoul
ikey
ou'r
e10, y
ourfa-
"
Me:"
Iwil
llookforajob"Isai
dcut
ti
ngherof
f.How
muchofthiscanItake?
Shewalkedout.Imadet
hebedwi
tht
het
ear
sont
he
edgeofmyey es.
Afteral
lIgav
eupf orher,
shestil
lthi
nksIcareabout
thatmanIdon'tevenknow.Ishould'
vejustl
ett
hat
crazyassminist
erki
llher
.
Idon'tmeant hatbutIwishIdid.Andy esKabel o'
s
fathercapturedher,hesenthi smenal lthewayt o
Ulundi t
obuyherHansaandt hatwasi t
, Ihadto
publishthatst at
ement,Itr
endedf orbeingal i
ar,
fal
sel yaccusingtheminister
'ssonbecauseIwant ed
tochowhismoneybuthetur
nedmedown.Icouldn'
t
evengooutwi
thoutbei
ngcaptur
edandbashed.
"
Thi
sfatbi
tchshoul
dgetal
i
fe"
"Awholemot
her
fucki
nghotKabel
olov
ingt
his?
Please"
"
Thi
spi
gthi
nksshe'
sal
lthat
.WeknowKB'
sty
pesi
s"
"KBhashishi
stor
ybutt
hatwasnotawayt
ofi
ght
him backf
ort
urni
ngyoudown"
Allt
hesewer ethecomment saboutme.Ev er
yone
thoughttheywereentit
ledandknewwhatt heywere
tal
kingabout.All
Icoulddowascr yandl ockmy sel
f
up.Iexcl
udedmy sel
ffrom t
hesoci et
y.The
comment saboutmybodyhav enevergot t
entome,
butthei
rs.Therewassomet hingaboutt hewayt hey
call
edmef at
.Iam sti
ll
haven'trecover
edf rom i
t.
Mydeepestgr at i
tudegoestot hose4strongladi
es.
Whobel i
evedi ntheirstor
y,theydidn'
tcareaboutthe
wholecountrybei ngagainstthem.Theycameout
wit
hthe#I amhi svicti
m2.Thef i
rstweekitwasn't
tr
ending,butthesecondone.Thesoci almedia
str
eetswentcr azy .35gir
lsparti
cipat
ed,j
usti
cetook
i
t'scourse.Hegotl ockedup, nobailnonot hi
ng.Hi s
fathergotremov edasami ni
ster
,onlyarrestedf or6
mont hscauseIsawont henewsi nNov embert hat
hehadbeenr eleased.Captai
nKor ecall
edme
assuringmehe' snotat hreatinmylifeanymor e.He
putmyhear tatease.
Si
zwe?That
'sast
oryf
oranot
herday
.
Iwal
kedouttothekitchen.Thispl
acehast obeone
oft
hehottestpl
acesonear th.7am i
tsal
ready
boi
li
ngl
ikenobody'sbusiness.
Ifoundmymotherst
ir
ri
ngporr
idgeonherti
nypot
.I
checkedf
orbr
ead,If
oundit
.Good.It
ookitout
.
Mom:"Iwi
l
lmaket
hatbr
eadf
orSi
nakhoandher
chi
l
d"
Theyalwaysvi
sit
ingandsinghowhungryt
heyar
e
l
ikewe'resomesortofr
ichpeopl
e,l
eavemetobaby
sitandcomebackdrunk.
Ipluggedmyphonei
ntothechargerandtookt
he
dishesoutt
owashthem undert
het r
ee.
Ther
e'snowayoutoft
hispl
ace.I
fonl
yIcoul
dgo
backtoJo'burgbutmysav i
ngswouldonl
ylastme
for6mont hsandinthat6monthsIam not
guarant
eedt ofi
ndajob.Int
eri
ordesi
gni
ngisn'
ti
n
demandl i
keanyothercareer
s.
Ifi
nishedwashi
ngthedishesandtookthem backi
n.
Ifoundmom eati
ng,shehaddishedsomef orme
too.Thankst
otheAngel t
hattol
dherto.
Mom:"Ther
e'saladywholi
vesinZondel
a.She
want
sananny "Zondel
aisafor
malsettl
ementnear
t
own.
Me:
"Ar
eyout
hinki
ngoft
aki
ngi
t?"
It
ookmybowl
anddownbut
tfl
atnextt
othedoor
.
Mom:
"Nobuty
ouar
e"
Me:
"What
?"
Mom:
"Doy
ouhav
eabet
terj
obi
nmi
nd?
"
Me:
"No,
butwhatdoIknowaboutki
ds?
"
Mom:"Youwilll
earn!Ki
dsyoungerthanyouare
doi
ngworsethingsoutther
etogetmoney .St
op
bei
ngasenselesssnobYolanda"she'
sri
ght.
Me:
"I'
l
ltakei
t"
Mom:"Good.Fi
rstt
hingonMondaygot
her
e.Cook
f
isht
oday"
Inodded.
Shewalkedout
.Itookadeepbr
eath.Howdoesone
evenchangeanappy.Ay
andahasneverl
etme.
SpeakingofAyanda.Herandmot herarebackt o
squareone.Mymot herbeingherselfshepamper ed
herselfwit
hallt
hemoneyAy andahadgi v
enhert o
buyChr i
stmasgrocer
ies.Theirfi
ghtgotasf arasmy
mot hertel
l
inghershewantedt oaborther.Ayanda
tookherkidsandneverlookedback.
Myphoner
ang.Igotupandr
eachedf
ori
t.
Me:
"Hi
"
Zamo:
"Howar
eyou?
"
Me:
"Am okayhow'
syour
sel
f?"
Zamo:
"Shar
p.Wasj
ustgr
eet
ingy
ou"
Me:
"Thanks"
Zamo:
"By
e"hehungup.
Thisi
swhatwehadt ur
nedt osincewebot hwent
ourseparateways.Hegotl uckyandf oundajob,
permanent.Ican'
tsaythisisallbecauseofmoney ,
i
tsonlybeen3weeksandhehasn' tgotpaid.Iam
fai
l
ingtoacceptoursi t
uati
on.Istil
llovehi
m, alot
.
AndIam wi l
li
ngtofightforust i
ll
we'rebacktowhat
wewer e.SoonasIgetoutoft hi
splacemay beI'
ll
be
abl
etoev envisi
thim.
Iputthephonebackt
othechar
gerandpour
ed
waterint
oabathi
ngbasi
nandbathed.
"
Knockknock"
Si
nakho.Si
gh.
Me:
"Comei
n"
Shegoti
npul
l
ingherchi
l
d'sar
m.
Si
nakho:
"Sani
bonani
"
Me:
"Hey
.Mom'
snother
e"shesatdown.
Sinakho:
"Youcouldjustmakemet eayour
sel
f
there'
snoprobl
em.St ayi
ngi
nJo'burgl
ovesyouneh?
Lookhowbeautifuly
ourbodyis"
FYImybodyhasal
way
sbeenbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Si
nakho:
"You'
reat
ruedef
ini
ti
onoff
atandf
abul
ous"
Shegiggl
ed.Godfor
giv
emebutIam st
il
lhol
dingon
tot
hedayshestrangl
edmewhenIwas10whi lemy
motherhadherwaywithabr
oomst
ick.
Idr
iedmy
sel
foutandputonmycl
othes.
Itookthewat
eroutandcamebackt
oheront
he
cupboardl
ooki
ngforwhatev
er.
Si
nakho:
"It
houghtIshoul
djustmaket
hist
ea
mysel
fsi
nceyou'
rebusy"
Me:
"Iguessy
ouknowwher
eev
ery
thi
ngi
sthen"
Shenodded."
I'
ll
gochangeke"
Sinakho:"Wait
..
."Il
ookedatherwitht
he"yesgoon"
eyes."Yourmothertol
dmet hatyoufoundajob.
You'requali
fi
ednono,whywouldy ouwanttobea
nanny ?
"
Me:"
Lif
eisful
lofsur
pri
ses.YesIam qual
i
fiedbutI
donothav
eajob"
Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.
Sinakho:
"Doyouknowt
haty
ourf
atherown
companies?
"
Me:"
Idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hatman.Idon'
tcar
eifhe
ownsthewhol
eofSout
hAfr
ica"
Si
nakho:
"Ar
en'
tyoucur
iouswhohei
s?"
Me:"Why?Hedoesn'
twantmewhyshoul
dIbot
her
abouthi
m?"
Si
nakho:
"Whot
oldy
ouhedoesn'
twanty
ou?
"
Me:
"Mymot
her
"
Sinakho:
"Yourfat
herwasabsenti
ny ourl
if
eandst
il
l
i
sbecausehehasnoi deayou'
real
ive.Yourmot
her
nevertol
dhim abouty
ou"
Me:
"Shedi
d"
Si
nakho:"
Shedidnot.Thatwasaver
yresponsi
ble
man.Shenevert
oldhimt r
ustme"
Me:
"Shet
oldmehedeni
edme"
Si
nakho:"
Yourparent
sbrokeupbeforeyouwere
di
scover
ed,buthekeptcomingt
ocheckuponher .
Oneofthedaysshepackedupallhert
hingsandl
eft
Jo'
bur
g.Thati
swhenshest
art
eddr
inki
ng.
"
It
ookaseat
.Thi
sdoesn'
tmakesense.Shegoti
n,
wi
th2Hansabot
tl
esonaplast
ic.
Mom:
"HawIt
houghty
ouhadl
eft
"
Si
nakho:
"Noam st
il
lher
e"
Shet
urnedt
ome.
Mom:
"Andt
henwena?
"
Me:
"Isi
ttr
ue?
"
Mom:
"What
?"
Me:
"Al
lthatSi
nakhoj
ustt
oldme"
Mom:
"Iwasn'
ther
ehowwoul
dIknow?
"
Me:
"Why
?Whyy
ounev
ert
oldhi
m aboutme?
"
Mom: "
BecauseIwant
edtoprot
ectyou"shetooka
si
pfrom heri
cecol
dbeer
.Iusedtowishshecould
j
ustlov
eandcareformeashedoesf ort
hisbrown
bot
tl
e.
Me:
"Fr
om what
?"
Mom:
"Yohwhydon'
tyouaskSi
nakhoher
esi
nce
sheknowsi tal l
.Andy ou, st
opcomi ngtomyhomei f
younol ongerknowwhat '
sr i
ghtf oryoutosay .
Wher eonearthar eyougonnagetNzuza?Doy ou
knowhowr uthlesshiswi feis?Whyar eyouev en
tel
li
ngmychi ldal lt
his?Youwanthert ogooutt here
andlookf ort
hatman? "Shet urnedtome." Trysisi.
Justknowt hatbi t
chwi llhir
et hehitment otakey ou
outthemomenty ouwal koutoft hei
rmi l
l
iondollar
gate.Youdon' tneedt hatman.I fyoucouldgetthis
farwithouthi
m, t
rustmey oucanst i
llgofurt
her.
Don'tletl
owliv esli
ket hi
sonepl antideasintoyour
head"
Me:
"I-
"
Mom: "
Shutup!"Ist
art
led."AndyouSinakhowhen
you'
redoneeati
ng.Getthehelloutofmyhomeand
neverr
etur
n.You'r
eav eryungrat
efulbast
ard"
Shetookherbeersandwalkedoutcr
ying.Shet
ends
todoalotofthattheseday
s.
Whatifhe'
ll
welcomemewi t
hwarm hands.Si
nakho
sai
dheownscompani es.Thatmeanshe'sri
chand
hasconnecti
on.Whenmot hersai
dNzuza,di
dhe
meanhi
m?
There'
snot
hingI
nter
netdoesn'
thav
e.I
tsaboutt
ime
Iknewthemanwhomademe. .
.
*
**
Youguysremembert
hatthi
sdair
ywasayear
behi
ndTheDubeLegacy?Nowthey'r
eont
hesame
year
,whi
chiswhyIsai
d1y earl
ater
.
[
2/26,07:
04]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

12
-
Comingherefeel
sli
ketheworstmist
akeofmyl i
fe.
I
'venev
erseensuchabeauti
fulhouseyetthi
s
messyinsi
de.Nowonderthi
skidhasflu,
itst
hese
gemsallovert
hispl
ace.
Themot her
'soutfi
t,y
ou'dswearshe'sgoingtosr
ed
carpet
.Howdoy oufeellooki
ngthisbeauti
ful
knowingyouleftapigstybehindathome?Some
womenar estrongItell
y ou.
Mr sMazibuko:"Am sosorryaboutt hi
smess.I
haven'tf
oundt i
met oclean"Ismiled.Ihonest
lyhave
nothingtosay."Ineedtorusht otownandbuyaf ew
thi
ngs.I'
llt
akeDal iwi
thme.Pl easemakey oursel
f
feelathome"
Noti
nahousel
i
ket
his.Icoul
dn'
tev
ensi
tdown.
Me:
"Thanks.Iwi
l
l"
Shepickedherbabyupandwal kedout .Iheardthe
engi
ner ev
.Iwenttopeepont hewi ndow.Isawi t
dri
veoutthegate.Il
ookedforthebat hr
oom.Ipeed
andfi
ll
edt he20Lbucketwit
hwat erandcar ri
editt
o
theki
tchen.Iopenedthecupboards.OhGodt hi
s
woman!
Shedoesn'tl
iv
ehere.Nohumanbeingi
nthei
rri
ght
st
ateofmi ndcoul
deverl
ivei
nsuchamessyhouse.
BythegraceofGodIfoundbl
eachandli
qui
dsoap.
Igrewupi nahomewithonlytwomudr ondavel
sbut
notev enoncetheywereeverthisdir
ty.Mymot heri
s
adr unkardandhasbeenmywhol eli
febutshe's
neat.Ifindthi
ssi
ghtverydi
sturbing.
Ist
art
edscr
ubbi
ngev
ery
thi
ngt
hati
sther
etoscr
ub.
Thedi
shes.Cupboar
ds.Thefl
oor
.Thecouches.The
car
pet
.Thebathroom.Bedr
ooms.
Ast hesunset.Itsetwi t
hallmystrength.8room
cl
eanedi n4hour s.Sheev enhasav acuum and
housefragrancespr ay
sbutnev eruseanyofi t.I
sprayedthewhol ehouseandwentt otakeashower .
Thesweat i
ngIhadgonet hr
oughwasn'thealthyfor
mysensi t
ivebodypar ts.Ichangedint
ocl ean
cl
othes.
YesIwasgonnabeast ayi
nnanny.Mymothert
old
methismorni
ng.Thewholeweekendshewasquiet
.
She'
ssomethi
ngelse.
Isatonthesof
aandswit
chedontheTV.Thef
resh
airhi
tever
ycor
neroft
hehouse.Nott
osuckmyown
ti
tti
esbuti
thadgonef
rom 2-
100.
Iheardacarpull
i
ngup.It
urneddownthevol
ume, I
heardthedoorcl
oset
henshortaf
terIheadaknock
atthedoor.
Me:
"Comei
n"
Aman.Aver
yscarytallman.Igulped.Idon'
tdowel
l
wi
thmen'
spresence.Ial
waysthinkoft heworst
.
Hi
m: "
After
noonmiss"hesai
dwi
thhi
sey
es
wander
ingall
overt
heplace.
Me:
"Af
ter
noonSi
r"
Him:"
IsAkhonahome?"Il
ookedathi
m wi
th
quest
ioni
ngeyes."
Dal
i
'smother
"ohh.
Me:"No.Shesaidshe'
sgoi
ngt
otown,
sheshoul
dbe
backanyminutefr
om now"
Henoddedandwal
kedont
othecouch.
Hi
m:"
Am Langa.Dal
i
'sf
ather
."
Me:
"Yol
anda.Hi
snanny
"
Langa:"Iwasexpecti
ngsomeoneolder
,atl
east
that
'showhismot herdescr
ibedy
ou"
Me:"Ohshemi
s-descr
ibedmet
hen"hesmi
l
edand
nodded.
Hiseyesweren'
tst
il
landIf
oundt
hatv
ery
uncomfor
table.
Wesatt
her
einsi
l
ence.Nott
hatIminditatal
l
.I'
d
st
ayi
nmyownwor l
dandnotgetbother
ed.
Anot
hercarpul
l
edup.Thanky
ouJesus.Igotupand
wal
kedout
.
MrsMazi
buko:
"Am sosorr
ytoleav
eyoual
one.I
hadt
ogetsomethi
ngwe'l
lcook"
Me:
"Idon'
tmi
ndr
eal
l
y.Youhav
eav
isi
tor
"
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"He'
sDal
i
'sf
ather
"
Me:
"Het
oldme"
Wecarri
edthegrocer
iesi
nsi
de.Shecoul
dn'
thi
de
hersur
pri
sedfacewhenwesteppedin.
Wef
etchedt
hesecondl
oad.Langacar
ri
edDal
ii
n.
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Letmegot
alkt
ohi
m.I
'
llbeback"
Me:
"OK"
Ipackedt
hef
oodont
hecupboar
dsandf
ri
dge.
Isatdownandr emember edIhaveaphone.Iwent
tothedini
ngroom wher emybagwas.Theyst opped
tal
kingwhenIcamei n.Whatevertheyweretal
king
about.I
tdidnotlookl
ikeapleasantconversat
ion.I
carr
iedthewholebagt otheki
tchenwithme.
It
ookmyphoneout.Ihadmi
ssedcal
l
s.Fr
om
motherandAy
anda.
Isentthem cal
lbacksandcheckedmyemails.
Every
dayIcheck,hopingI
'dfi
ndonethati
sinvi
ti
ng
met oaninterv
iewbutnoluck.
Iemai l
edThabitell
i
ngheraboutmynewj ob.She
mov edt oMozambiquewi thherboyfr
iend.Some
peoplemakest hisl
ov ethi
ngseem soeasy .
Wher evert
heyfindtheseboy f
ri
endwhoal way st
ake
them outofpoverty,Ineedtogo.Ideservemybig
break.
Iappl
i
edf
ormor
ejobs.Ev
ent
hecl
eani
ngj
obs.
IsentZamoatextonWhat
sApp.Hehar
dlyr
esponds
butIsti
l
ltr
ytor
eachout
.
Mr
sMazi
bukowal
kedi
n.
Her
:"Dal
ii
sleav
ingwi
thhi
sfat
her
.It
'l
lbej
ustusf
or
2weeks"
Gr
eat
.
Me:
"That
'sbadbutOK.Shoul
dIst
artcooki
ng?
"
Her
:"No,Iwi
llcooky
oushoul
drest
,youdi
dwel
lwi
th
t
hecleani
ng.Thankyou"
Me:
"Itwasnot
hing.Ii
nsi
stt
ocook"
Her
:"OK.I
'
llbebackshor
tl
y"
Shewalkedontothepassage.Iputt
heri
ceont
he
potandwentbacktothephone.Itr
ang.
Me:
"Heysi
s"
Ay
anda:
"Yoli
.Youhadmeworri
ed.Ar
ey ouokay
?
Di
dyouarr
ivesaf
ely
?"Somanyquest
ions.
Me:
"YesIam f
ine.Howar
eyou?
"
Ay
anda:
"Am good.Ar
etheyni
cepeopl
e?"
Me:"
Yeahpret
tymuch.Buti
tst
hef
ir
stdayIcoul
d
j
udgewrong"
Ayanda:
"Ift
heyev
ermakey
ousadpl
easecome
home"
Me:"Iwi
ll
.Youneedtostopwor
ryi
ngaboutme,
Igot
t
his.Howaremykids?"
Ayanda:"
Ver
ywel
landunnecessar
yact
ive"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"Sendmyl
ove"
Ayanda:
"Iwi
l
lbaby
.Cal
lmebef
orey
ousl
eep"eh
thi
swoman.
Me:
"Idon'
thav
eai
rt
ime"
Ay
anda:
"I'
l
lsendy
ou.Justdon'
tbl
owi
tal
londat
a"
Me:
"Ihav
eenoughdat
aforaweek"
Ay
anda:
"Good.By
e"
Me:
"By
e"
Ihungupandst
art
edbei
ngpr
oduct
ivear
oundt
he
ki
tchen.
.
..
Dalil
eftwithhi
sfather
.Thi
sisawomant roubled.
From 6pm to8pm shehadfi
nishedawholebot tl
eof
one.Wat chi
ngmeCook.Notsay i
ngasinglething.
Justgulpingdownherwine.
Idi
shedupf
orus.
MrsMazibuko:"
Wegonnaeati
nthedi
ningr
oom.
Ther
e'sJui
ceinthef
ri
dge"
Itookitout
.Shecar
riedi
twur
jthegl
asseswhi
l
eI
foll
owedwiththepl
ates.
Wesatdownandat
ewhi
l
ewat
chi
ngTV.Iam not
ev
enafanofTV.
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Howol
dar
eyou?
"
Me:
"22"
MrsMazi
buko:"
Andthi
siswher
eyouwannabe?
Bei
ngsomeone'
shel
p?"
Me:
"No.Butl
if
eisf
ull
ofsurpri
seansi
tsv
eryr
are
f
ori
ttogothewayweplanned"
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Tr
ue.Di
dyouf
ini
shschool
?"
Me:"Yes.Iam aquali
fi
edint
eri
ordesi
gn.Ist
udi
edat
uni
versi
tyofJohannesbur
g."
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Youdon'
tsay
"
Me:"
Yep.Sobeggar
scan'
tbechooser
sri
ght
?Ineed
moneyt
osurvi
ve"
MrsMazibuko:"
Afriendofminejustmovedint
oa
newhouse,she'
sreall
ynotgoodwi t
hthedecor
ati
ng
soyoumightgetyoursel
fapiecejob"
Me:
"I'
dlov
ethat
.Thanky
ou"
MrsMazibuko:"
You'
rewel
come. "Shegl
ancedather
watch."
Ihavescr
ipt
stomark.Letmegoandbat h
andstar
tworki
ng.Goodni
ght"
Me:
"Goodni
ght
"
Shet
ookherf
oodwi
thher
.
ItookmyphoneandloggedonWhatsApp.Her
ead
themessagebutdi
dnotrespond.
'
Ifyounolongerwantmejustsayi
tZamo.I
tisnota
cri
metoloseinter
estonsomeone'
Isent
.Heirr
it
atesmeatt
imes.Iam tryi
nghere.He
doesn'
tappr
eciat
emyeff
ort
s.Itrang.Ianswered
andkeptqui
et.
Zamo:
"Yol
anda"
Me:
"YesZamokuhl
e"
Zamo:
"What
'sup?
"
Me:
"Not
hing"
Zamo:
"Whatdoy
oumeani
nthatmessage?
"
Me:"
Imeanexactl
ythatZamo.I
tsl
i
keam t
heonl
y
onewor
kingonrel
ati
onshi
p"
Zamo:
"Youknowt
hati
snott
rue"
Me:
"Whati
str
uet
hen?
"
Zamo:
"ThatIl
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Goodni
ghtZamokuhl
e"
Zamo:
"Goodni
ghtbabe.Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Am notsur
eanymor
e"
Ihungupandt ookt
hepl
atet
othesink.Tur
nedthe
l
ightsof
fandwenttomybedroom.Igotinbedand
dri
ft
edtosleep..
.
-
Iwokeuptomyphoner
ingi
ng.Icheckedt
het
ime.
5:
30am,ser
iousl
ymom.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Mom:"Arey
ousti
ll
inbed?Yol
andayohshoul
dbei
n
t
heki
tchenmaki
ngteaformadam"
Me:
"Shedoesn'
tdr
inkt
eamama"
Mom:
"Thenmakeherwhat
evert
hatshedr
inks.
"
Shehungup.Idr
aggedmyl
azyassoutoft
hebed.
If
oundalr
eadyusedcups.Sheappear
edal
ready
dr
essedup.
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Whyar
eyouawaket
hisear
ly?
"
Me:
"Icamet
omakey
out
ea"
MrsMazibuko:
"Imakemyownt
easi
si.You'
reDal
i
's
nannynotamaid"
Me:
"Ohmybad"
MrsMazi
buko:"
Breadmoneyi
sont
her
ightshel
fon
t
heTVstand.Am of
f"
Me:
"Thanks.By
e"
Shecli
ckedhersti
l
ett
osaway .Iheardt
hecardri
ve
away.Ahhomesweethome.Iwentt oswit
chonthe
TVandputont hemusicchannelthenwentbackto
theki
tchent
owar m myfoodup.
Abeaut
if
ul dayi
sbeganwithpr
ayer.Iwentbackt
o
myroom andprayed.It
ookmytoi
letrybagandwent
t
othebathroom.
Iopened.Hol
ymot
herofGod!
Iscreamedandt henaft
erawhilelookedtheot
her
dir
ection.OhGodwhyapeni sthi
sear l
y.Andwhatis
hedoi nghere.Ir
anoutbacktomyr oom.Isatonthe
bed,gotupandwal kedtothewindow.
ThedooropenedIst
art
led.
Me:"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Hesmi
l
ed.MyLor
dI
needst
rengt
h.
Si
zwe:
"Sur
pri
sedt
oseeme?
"
Me:
"No.
"
Si
zwe:
"Il
i
veher
e"
Me:
"Ar
eyouMr
sMazi
buko'
shusband?
"
Myphonerang.It
ookadeepbr
eat
handanswer
ed.
"
Yesma'am"
MrsMazi buko:
"Aisukaj
ustcal
lmeAkhona.Ifor
got
tot
ellyou,myolderbrot
herist
her
e.Don'
tfreakout
"
YesI'
veseenhim asnakedastheycome.
Me:
"Oh.Thanksf
orl
ett
ingmeknow"
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"OKl
ove.By
e"
Ihungup.
Si
zwe:
"So.You'
reanannynow?
"
Me:
"Howi
sthatanyofy
ourconcer
n?"
Si
zwe:
"Doy
oumakebr
eakf
ast
?"
Me:"
Asyouhavesaidt
hatIam anannynotamai
d.
Ar
eyoudonebathi
ng?"
Si
zwe:
"No.Icamet
oaski
fyou'
dli
ket
ojoi
nme"
He'
snotbei
ngser
iousri
ghtnow.Hel
aughed."
Am
messi
ngwit
hyou.Am done"
Il
efthi
m st
andi
ngt
her
etopl
ess.
Idon'
tgethowIcouldbet hi
sinnocentanddirt
ythe
sametime.Ourlastencount
erwasn'tinnocent
.We
al
most..
.Almosthiti
toff.
Fr
om t
her
eonInev
ersawhi
m agai
n..
..
[
2/26,07:
04]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

13
-
Whatt i
medoteachersknockof
f?Imeani t
scloseto
4pm andther
e'snosignofMrsMazibuko.Sizwe
disappear
edri
ghtaf
terourpeni
sencounter.WhenI
cameoutofthebathroom hewasnowherei nsi
ght
andthatwasjoyforme.Icl
eanedandateinpeace.I
spentmydayapplyingf
ordi
ffer
entjobsasal
way s.I
putall
thedir
tyl
aundryi
nthewashingmachine,t
hat
Ihadtoscrubfi
rst
.
Ibegancooking.Si
tt
ingar ounddoi
ngnothi
ngdoes
nothelpwit
ht hi
sanxiety.Shemadeherwayinfr
om
theki
tchenbackdoor .Lookingdr
ained.
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Al
lIneedr
ightnowi
sagl
assof
wi
ne"
Me:
"Whathappened?
"
Shedroppedherbagsandt ookaseat.Itookouther
winefrom t
hef r
idgeandplacedi ti
nfr
ontofherwi t
h
aglass.Shepour edaful
lglass.Idon'
tunderst
andit
butitworksforthem.Thabi t
urnedint
oanaddi ct
aft
erthePearlsaga.
Shedownedi
tinonego.
Mr sMazibuko:"Thanky ou"shethentookadeep
breath."
Becarefulwhoy oumarry.Onedayyou'l
lli
ve
i
nf earbecausey oufinall
ytookadecisiont
hatis
bestforyou.Mycarbr okedown.Abr andnewcar
brokedown, r
ightaftermyexhusbandwasher e.
"
Me:
"Hedi
dsomet
hingt
oit
?"
Shenodded."
Am sor
ry"
MrsMazi buko:"
Ialmostdi
ed.Leftmychil
dren
behind"shetookasipofherwine."
Ihave3childr
en.
Twingirl
s,theyl
ivewit
hhismother.Nowhe'stryi
ng
totakeDaliawayfrom me"
Me:
"That
'sbad"
Mr sMazi buko:"Nevermar r
yinarush.Iwi l
lhel
pyou
l
ookf orajobsot hatnomancoul dev ersay'Imade
you'.Iseet heyoungmei nyou,
butIonl yhadmatric
whenIst ar
tedwor ki
ngf orhi
sparents.Youngand
verycl uel
ess.Iwas18, hehadallthecharms.Ifell
forhim, hard.Heearnedhi swayintomypant s.Two
cluelessmi norshavi
ngsex, noprotecti
on.Thetwins
wer econcei v
ed."
Shedrankherremaini
ngwine.Thi
ngsareverytough
outther
e.Atthi
sageof23I '
dcommitsuici
deifI
weretofal
lpregnant
.Ist
ir
redthepapandcamet o
si
tdown.
Me:
"Howol
dar
etheynow?
"
MrsMazi buko:"They '
re11.Theydon' tconnectwith
me, theywer eraisedbyt heirgrandparents.Ri
ght
aft
ert heywer ebor n,theysentmet ov arsit
y.At24
wegotmar r
ied.Hewasal readywor ki
ng, averywel
l
payingjob.They earbef orelast,hestartedbeing
abusive,hadanot herwoman, t
ell
ingmehowmuch
hemademe.Il efthim.Sowe' r
eher etoday,him
tr
yingt otakemychi ldrenandmyl i
feaway .Thati
s
whyIdr inkthismuch"
Shegotupandpi
ckedherbagsupandl
eft
.
Whyar
emensosel
fi
sh!
Iam somadri
ghtnow.Iat
tendedt
omypot
s.Men
deserv
eapunch.
MrsMazibuko:
"Uhm Yol
i.Myfr
iendsai
dyoucan
cometomorrowmorningandst
artworki
ngyour
magi
c"shesaidpeepi
ngherheadin.
Me:"Thankyouthankyou"shesmiledand
di
sappearedagai
n.Idi
dt heMadibadance.Thi
s
coul
dbemyst arttobi
gthings.
.
..
Idonotsetal
arms.Ij
usttel
lAyandaIhave
somewheretogotointhemorningandthenshe
cal
lsat5.
Ianswer
ed.
Ay
anda:
"Wakeup.Doy
ouev
enhav
etaxi
far
e?"
Me:
"Noi
t'
sawal
kabl
edi
stance"
Ayanda:"
Packy
our
sel
falunchboxdon'
texpect
them t
omakeyouf
ood"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Ay
anda:
"Getup!
"
Me:
"Iam.By
e"
It
ossedt
hephoneundert
hepill
ow"Isl
idof
fthebed.
It
ookmytoi
l
etrybagandheadedout.
Warmrunni
ngwater.Imissedt
his.Myvarsi
tyyear
s
wentbyver
yfast
.Ineverwentt
oasi ngl
eparty
.
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Ai
sukaSi
zweshe'
sachi
l
d"
Sizwe:"Lov
ehasnoage.RememberthatwomanI
toldyouabout
?"Iknowhi
svoi
cesoitwaseasyto
tell
.
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Yout
ell
meaboutwomenev
ery
day
"
Si
zwe:
"Theonet
hatIconst
ant
lyt
oldy
ouabout
"
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Thechur
chgi
rl
?"
Si
zwe:
"Yes.I
tsher
"
MrsMazi
buko:"
Iwantyounowherenearthatchil
d.
Shehasaver
ybri
ghtfut
ureIdon'
twantyour ui
ning
i
t"
Si
zwe:"
Iwoul
d'
vedonet
hatav
eryl
ongt
imeagoi
fI
want
edto"
Thedoorknobmov
ed.
Me:
"Ther
e'sme.Butam comi
ng"
Igotoutoft
hetubandempt iedit
.Idr
iedmysel
fup
andworemyr obe.Iunl
ocked.Shefl
ashedmea
smil
e.
Me:
"I'
l
lbr
ushmyt
eet
hout
side"
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Ther
e'snoneed.Br
usht
hem her
e"
Ismi
l
edandt
ookoutmyt
oot
hbr
ush.
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Soy
ouandSi
zweknoweachot
her
f
rom Jo'
bur
g?"
Me:
"Yes"
MrsMazi
buko:"
Don'tl
ethim havehiswaywithy
ou.
He'
sbadnews"Ichuckl
ed."Am ser
ious.He'
smy
t
winandIknowhowbadhecanget "
Me:
"Not
hingwi
l
lhappen"
MrsMazi
buko:"
He'squit
eachar mer
.Ifhegi
vesy
ou
pr
obl
emstellmeI'
l
lkickhim out
"
Il
aughed.
Me:
"Doesn'
thehav
eahouse?
"
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Hedoesbuti
tsunderr
enov
ati
ons"
Inodded.Andr
insedmymout
h.
Me:
"Youhav
enot
hingt
ost
ressy
our
sel
fabout
"
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Bet
terbe"
Iwal
kedout
.
Idr
essedupandt
henwenttot
hekit
chen.If
ound
hi
m dri
nki
ngwhat
evert
hatwasonhi
scup.
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Si
zwe:"
Morning.Akhonat
ell
smey
ou'
regoi
ngt
o
Cel
iwe'
shouse"
Me:
"Who'
sthat
?"
Si
zwe:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Me:
"Asect
ion"
Sizwe:
"Yesthat
'sCel
i
we'
shouse.Ar
eyougonna
needalif
t?"
Me:
"NoI
'
llwal
k"
Si
zwe:
"It
sfar
"
Me:
"I'
l
lcat
chat
axi
then"
Si
zwe:
"Okayt
hen"
Idi
shedupandmadej ui
ce.Iwashedt
hedi
rt
ydi
shes
i
nthesinkandf
etchedmybag.
Iwentt
osaygoodby
etoMr
sMazi
buko.
Si
zwe:
"Icanst
il
lgi
vey
oual
i
ft"
Me:
"Thanky
ouf
ory
ourgener
osi
tybutI
'
llbef
ine"
Heshr
ugged.It
ookmyf
oodandl
eft
.
.
..
Thewal ktot
heCeli
we'shousemademer egr
et
tur
ningSizwedown.Haditnotbeenforthat
generousLadyI
'dhavearr
ivedver
ylate.
Shewelcomedmewi thv
erywar m handsandgav e
meherhusband'
sbankcard.Ihadt ojotdownall
thatIam goi
ngt
oneed.Unli
mitedbudget .Exact
ly
theli
feIwannal
ive.
Cel
iwe:"Ar
eyougonnaneedpeopl
etohel
pyou
pai
nt?"
Me:
"Noma'
am"
Celiwe:"Okay.Foodisonthatbag,sandwichesand
snacks.Ther eispapandchickeninthebig
container.Icookedi
tlastni
ght.I
fyou'dl
iketoeati
t
pleasefeel f
ree.
"
Thesear
ethemostgener
ouspeopl
eI'
veev
erseen.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Cel
i
we:
"Okayam out
"
Shegrabbedherphoneandl
eft
.Idustedofft
he
chai
randsatdown.Whoeverl
ivedi
nt hi
shousehad
averyweir
dtaste.I
twassomeoneold.Icoul
dtel
l
wi
tht
het
il
esandgr
eenwal
l
s.
Iwr
oteeveryt
hingthatIwi
l
lneedandcleanedup.
Thi
sjobisenergyconsumi
ng.Theli
ft
ingofthi
ngs
i
sn'
tfun.
Iwashedmyhandsandwenttositundert
he
avocadot
reeoutsi
dewi
thmy3bagsoff ood.Itook
anapplef
rom t
hebagofsnacksandatemyf ood.
Ifeltmywi l
lpowerleavemybodywhenIsawhiscar
driv
ingin.Hepar kednexttot
hetr
ee.Herol
l
eddown
hi
swi ndowandsmi led.Wher
edoesoneapplyf
ora
peacefulli
fe?
Me:
"Youknow.You'
rej
ustl
i
keKabel
o."
Sizwe:"
IknowandIdon'tblamehi
mf orst
alkingyou.
You'r
everyhardtotakeof
fonesmind"Ismiled.
"Lookshe'
sblushi
ng"
Me:
"Ai
suka.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Si
zwe:
"Icamet
ohel
pyou"
Me:"
Don'ty
ouwor kany
more?
"Hegotoutofthecar
andl
iedonhisst
omachnextt
omeandgr abbedan
Appl
e.
Si
zwe:
"Am onl
eav
esweet
hear
t.
"
Me:
"Andy
oust
ayher
enow?
"
Si
zwe:"Yes.Iam f
rom her
e.It
ransf
err
edl
asty
ear
af
ter
-"
Me:
"OkayIgeti
t"
Si
zwe:
"Doy
ouknowwhatwasIgoi
ngt
osay
?"
Me:
"Yes.
"
Hechuckl
ed.
Si
zwe:
"Ihear
dyouwentt
othest
ati
onl
ooki
ngf
or
me"
Me:
"Iwentf
orcer
ti
fyi
ngandIaskedi
fyouwer
ein"
Iam l
yi
ng.Iwentt
olookforhi
m.Thecer
ti
fyi
ngwas
anexcuseofhopi
ngI'
l
lbumpintohi
m.
Si
zwe:
"Mmmmmh.Wher
e'sy
ourboy
fri
end?
"
Myboy
fri
endhuh?
Me:
"He'
sinJo'
bur
gwor
king"
Si
zwe:
"Ishest
il
lj
eal
ous?
"
Me:
"He'
snev
erbeenj
eal
ous"
Si
zwe:"
Heis.Youalway
sat t
ractf
reaks.My
sel
f
i
ncl
uded"Il
aughed."
Imissedyou"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
t"
Sizwe: "
Isi
t?"Inoddedandgrindedmybonel i
ke
there'snotomorrow."IcanbuyyoumoremeatI fy
ou
want .Ther
e'snoneedt oabusethepoorbone"
Peopl
ewhodon'
teatbonesdon'
tunder
stand.Bones
ar
enicert
hant
heactualmeat
!
Me:
"Whyar
eyouher
eagai
n?"
Si
zwe:"Ar
en'tyouscar
edt
obeal
oneatapl
acey
ou
ar
en'
tfamil
iarwit
h?"
Me:"
No.Ther
e'snoplaceassafeasUl
undi
.Why
woul
dIbescaredofanyt
hing"
Sizwe:"
Ther
ear
ejunki
esnow.Thi
ngshav
e
changed"
Me: "Iknowapolicemansoam safe"hesmiledand
shookhi shead."
Iact
ual
lycan'
treachthecei
li
ng
pleasecomehel pmetakeofft
hechandelier
s"
Si
zwe:
"It
houghty
ou-
"
Me:
"Doy
ouev
ershutup?
"
Si
zwe:
"Wher
e'sy
ourr
espectwoman?
"
Il
aughed.Wegotupandf
oll
owedeachot
heri
n.
Si
zwe:
"Wow.I
tlooksbet
ternow"
Me:
"Ionl
ysweptandscr
ubbed"
Sizwe:"Thatisexact
lywhyi
tlooksbet
ter
.Wher
e's
theladder?"
Me:
"Itmustbeatt
hegar
age.I
'
llgogeti
t"
Si
zwe:
"Noneedt
o.Getbusywi
thsomet
hingel
se"
Me:
"You'
reakeeper
"
Hesmi
l
ed.
He'snoty ouridealhotguys.Butt
here'ssomethi
ng
abouthi m.He'stall
,nottootal
lbuttal
lert
hanIam
andbr ownski nned.Hehasabeaut i
fulsmil
e.Hisl
ips
aren'tdecorati
on,soarehishands..
.uhm whyam I
sayingallthis?
Itookmyphoneandwentt ot
hemai nbedroom.
Theirf
avour
it
ecol
orisgrayandred.I
'l
lpai
ntitwhi
te
andaddtouchupsofgrayandredinli
ghtsand
couches.Ev
ent
hebed.
Iunvei
ledt hecover
edmi r
rori
nthecorner
.Ineedme
oneoft hese.It
urnedaroundadmiri
ngmy sel
f.Am a
veryobsessedindivi
dualwhenitcomestomybody .
Ist
art
ledandsmi
l
ed.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Sizwe:"Icamet otel
lyouIcan'tuntangl
ethatthi
ng."
Hesai dandt henwr appedhishandsar oundmy
waist.Igasped.Hegotcl oser,toocloseonmybut tI
couldfeelhim.Heki ssedmyshoul der.Without
l
osingey econt actonthemirror.
Heslowl
ymov edhi
shandup.Igr
abbedi
tbef
orehe
coul
dreacht
heboob.
Me: "
Whatar
ey oudoi
ng?"Isai
dashekissedonmy
neck.Onl
yGodknowshowmuchi ti
shardtof
ight
thi
sman.There'
ssomethi
ngbetweenus,it
snotlov
e
butit
ssomethi
nganditsstr
ong."
Si.
..
"
Si
zwe:
"Shhhh"
Hishandshadsli
ppedundermydress.Theywer
en't
anywheref
ar,j
ustonmybellybutt
hekindsoft
hings
If
elt
..
..
Heturnedmear oundandcuppedmychubbyface.
Ourl
ipstouched,hi
sbreat
hcaressedmyface.
Si
zwe:
"Whatareyoudoi
ngtomewoman"heki
ssed
mebef
oreIcoul
dbreat
he.
"Yolanda?Wher ear
eyouonthi
sbi
ghouse?
"Imov ed
offhi m qui
ckl
y.Hepul
l
edmebackandconti
nued
kissingme.Ipushedhi
m of
f.
Me:
"Ar
eyoucr
azy
?"Iwhi
sper
ed
Si
zwe:
"Yes"hesmi
rked.
Iwal
kedout
.
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Ther
eyouar
e.I
sthatSi
zwe'
scar
?"
Me:
"Yes"
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Yol
i
"
Me:
"Hej
ustshowedup.Idi
dnoti
nvi
tehi
m"
Mr
sMazi
buko:
"Wher
e'she?
"
Hecameout
.Looki
ngl
i
kedust
."Whatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e?"
Si
zwe:
"What
evert
haty
ouar
edoi
ngher
e"
MrsMazi buko:
"Whatgamear eyoupl
ayingSi
zwe?I
don'twantyoufoll
owingherar
ound.I
fthat
'st
oo
hardforyouIwill
tell
ma"
Si
zwe:
"ButIcamet
ohel
pher
"
MrsMazibuko:"
Hel
phermyfoot
.Cel
i
wecanaf
for
d
hav
ingpeoplewho'
l
lhel
pyouYol
i"
Me:
"I'
l
ltel
lher
"
MrsMazi buko:"Icamet
otellyouam goi
ngtoa
workshop.I'
llcomebackonFriday.Si
zwe,gost
ayat
yourparent'
shouseunti
lIgetback"
Si
zwe:
"Yesma'
am"
Me:
"Gowel
l
"shegotcl
osert
ome
MrsMazi buko:"Everyweekwewi ll
betesti
ng
vi
rgi
nit
y."Shewhi spered.Il
aughed.Shegavemea
warni
ngey e.Ikeptquiet.Shehuggedmeand
pi
nchedSi zweandl eft.
West oodther
eatt hecorr
idorl
ikest
atues.Ihear
d
hercardri
veoff.Isighedi
nreli
ef.
Me:
"Thatwascl
o-"
Hepushedmeagainstthewallandstartedkissi
ng
me.Hishanddoi
ngat ourundermydr ess.Hesl i
d
onehandonmyunderwear ,
Ibroketheki ssoff.
Me:"Shesai
dshewi l
lcheckmyv
irgi
nit
yev
ery
weekend"hechuckl
ed.
Si
zwe:"
Thatmeanswegettoki
ssandt
ouchal
ot"
hegav
emeami schi
evoussmil
e.
Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hisguy
???
[
2/26,07:
04]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

14
-
Wearri
vedatt
henewlyf
oundhome.Itur
nedont
he
l
ight
s.Si
zwewasdoingwhat
everi
nhiscar.
Iwenttoputmybagi
nmybedr oom andr
ushedto
thebat
hroom.It
ookabr
iefshowerandwalkedout
.
Ist
oppedwhenIsawhi
m.
Me:
"Whyar
eYouher
e?"
Si
zwe:
"Tov
isi
tyou"
Me:
"Idon'
tneedav
isi
tor
"
Ileftt
hedooropenandwal kedontothewardr
obe.I
felthi
spr esenceheavyonmyshoul
ders.It
ooka
deepbr eathandturned.
Me:"Idon'
tknowwhatgamey ou'
ret
ryi
ngt
opl aybut
whatIdoknowisthatIdon'
twannabeapartofit
"
Si
zwe:
"Am nott
ryi
ngt
opl
ayanygame"
Me:"Whatdoy oucal
lthi
s?Thatki
ss?Andnow
you'
reher
est andi
ngbehi
ndmyhalfnakedsel
f.What
dowecallthat"
Sizwe:"
Idon'
tknowwhati
tisbutit
sanotgame.I
feelsomet
hingfory
ouYol
i
.ItsdeepandI
-"
Me: "
That'sthethi
ng.Thisi
snotimet ofeelthings.I
am atast agewheream try
ingt
ogetmyl i
fe
togethernotamanbet weenmyt hi
ghs.I'
d
appreciat
eitify
oukeepy ourdi
stance.Don'ttouch
nortrytokissmeev eragai
norelseI'
llt
ellsi
s
Akhona"
Henodded.
Si
zwe:"Am sor
ry.I
twon'
thappenagai
nandIWi
l
ldo
asyousay.
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Si
zwe:
"You'
rewel
come.Whatar
ecooki
ng?
"
Me:
"Howaboutpapandwor
s?"
Si
zwe:
"Somepeopl
eWi
l
lsuf
focat
eofwor
s"
Il
aughed.Al
mostev
eryti
mehecameov
ert
omy
pl
acehe'dfi
ndmeeati
ngit
.
Me:
"Comeon.Letmedr
essupt
hen"
Henoddedandheadedout .Ilockedanddressedup.
Ifeltli
ghter
.Ineededtogetthatoffmychest.The
drivefrom Cel
iwe'
splacetoherewaslongenough
formet odeci
deIdon'twannaplaythi
sfreaki
ng
kissinggame.Am wor thmorethanakissbuddy.
Idr
essedupandwalkedoutt
otheki
tchen.If
ound
hi
m sti
rr
ingt
hepap.
Me:
"Don'
ttel
lmeIspent20mi
nut
esdr
essi
ngup"
Si
zwe:
"Nonotatal
l
.Ial
readyhadt
hewat
erboi
l
ing
whenIcamet
her
e"
Me:
"Ohh.Letmest
artt
hechoppi
ng"
Itookoutt
henecessi
ti
esf
orgr
avyandachoppi
ng
board.
Myphonebeeped.
"Heybeauti
ful
.Ideci
dedtocomet oUlundi
thi
s
weekend.Ican'
ttakei
tanymore.Imissyouand
LOVEy ousomuch"
I
fIwasl
i
ght
ermycheekswoul
d'
vet
urnedr
ed.
Si
zwe:
"Shar
ethegoodnews"
Me:
"What
?"
Si
zwe:"
You'r
esmil
i
ngl
i
keal
i
ttl
echi
l
dseei
ngcandy
.
I
sitboy
fri
end?"
Me: "
Whydoyouwannaknow"Irespondedwit
h
heartemoj
i
stotheboy
fri
end."
Iwon'tbeher
eon
Fri
day"
Si
zwe:
"Goi
ngt
oJo'
bur
g?"
Me:
"May
be.Whatshapedoy
oupr
eferoni
on?
"
Si
zwe:
"Ri
ngs"
Me:
"Gr
eat
"
Icoul
dfeel
hisey
esonmeasIchopped.
.
..
Ught histhi
ngofbei ngasl eeper.Isl
eptonthe
couch.Ihadaf leeceoverme.Sweet .Igotupand
draggedmyasst othekitchen.I
twasspot l
ess.The
messwel eftaftercooki
ng.Het riedmakinga
smoot hiebutunf ort
unatelyther
ewasf ai
lur
einthe
machi nesoi texploded.
Ipl
uggedontheket
tl
e.Hecamei
nsweat
yand
sur
elysmel
ly
.
Si
zwe:
"Mor
ning"
Me:
"Hey
.Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouj
og"
Si
zwe:
"Ido.Wannaj
oinmet
omor
row?
"
Me: "
Maybenextweek"Ihav
enoint
enti
onsof
runni
nginmyli
fe.Unl
essam bei
ngchasedbyaDog
orkil
l
ers.
Si
zwe:
"Ok.Getr
eady
.Yout
oldt
hedel
i
ver
yguy
sto
ar
ri
veat9"
Me:
"Whatt
imei
sit
?"
Si
zwe:
"Hal
fpast7.Enought
obat
handeat
"
Me:
"I'
l
lbat
hfi
rst
"
Si
zwe:"Nodri
nkyourt
ea.Ineedaqui
ckshowerI
don'
tl
ikehowIsmell
"
Ichuckl
edasher
ant
othepassage.
Imadet
eaandbut
ter
edmybr
ead,
tookaseatand
at
e.
Ichat
tedwi
thAy
andaandSi
sAkhona.
Ireceiv
edt hetextf
rom Cel
i
wetel
li
ngmet hefoodis
ont hemast erbedr
oom andhowhappysheiswit
h
theprogress.
Si
zwepeepedhi
sheadi
n.
Si
zwe:
"Am done"
Me:
"Am comi
ng"
Ir
insedt
hedi
shesandwentt
oshower
.
.
Af
terget
ti
ngreadyIfoundhi
m seatedi
ntheki
tchen
dr
inki
ngwaterwit
hlemon.Sl
ayking.
Me:
"Am l
eav
ing"
Si
zwe:"
Okaylet
'sgo.
"If
rowned."
Don'
tfr
ownam
dr
ivi
ngyout
here"
Me:
"Ohokayt
hanks"
Wel
ockedandl
eft
.
.
Arr
ivi
ngatCeli
we'
shouseIputmybagundert
he
tr
ee.Andheadedi
nsi
de.Hegotin.
Si
zwe:
"Ibr
oughtusov
eral
l
s"
Me:
"Us?
"
Sizwe:"
Yes.Am gonnahel
pyouaround.Youcan'
t
paintt
hishugehouseonyourown"
Me:
"ImeantwhatIsai
dlastni
ght
"
Si
zwe:"Consi
dert
hisasanapol
ogyf
ormyper
ver
ted
ways"hesmil
ed.
Me:
"Let
'sweart
heseov
eral
l
sandwai
tfort
he
har
dwar
eguy
s"
Si
zwe:
"Ist
her
eany
thi
ngIcoul
ddosof
ar?
"
Me:
"Yes.Gett
hischandel
i
erof
f"
Si
zwe:
"Ohy
es.Letmel
ookf
oral
adder
"
Hedi
sappearedtoanywherei
nthishouse.Iwentt
o
t
hebedroom tocheckf
orthefood.
Indeedtherewasabag.Icar
ri
editouttothetr
ee
andr et
urnedbackt
othehouse.Ichangedint
oan
overall
.
Si
zwe:
"Ther
e'snol
adderi
nthi
shome"
Me:
"I'
l
lrenti
t.
"
Si
zwe:
"Moneymaker
"
Me:
"Ofcour
se"wel
aughed.
Thehardwar
etr
uckarr
ived.Weoff
loadedev
ery
thi
ng
andtheyl
eft
.Wegotdowni nt
opai
nting.
Closet
o3pm Ihadalr
eadypai
nted2bedr
ooms.I
putdownthet
oolsandwenttocheckuponSi
zwe.
Hewasi nt
hekit
chen,al
mostdone.
Me:
"Hey
"
Si
zwe:
"Hey
.Thati
sonemessyov
eral
l
"
Me:"Am notgoodatt
his.I
'
veonl
ypr
ofessi
onal
l
y
pai
ntedonce."
Si
zwe:
"Thi
sisy
oursecondj
ob?
"
Me:"
Yes.Butt
hatwasonl
yanur
ser
y.Thi
sismy
f
ir
stbi
gjob"
Si
zwe:
"Youshoul
dshowme.
"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.You'
real
sogoodatt
his.
"
Si
zwe:
"Thanky
ou.Ar
eyoudone?
"
Me:
"Yep.Fi
nishup.We'
regoi
ngt
oeat
"
Si
zwe:"ThankyouJosephwe'
ref
inal
l
ygoi
ngt
o
l
unch.Whattimeisi
t?"
Me:
"I'
l
lgopr
epar
eupwar
m wat
ert
owasht
hisof
f"
Iwalkedtothebat
hroom.If
il
ledt
hehandsinkwit
h
hotwaterandputonthepai
ntremov
er.Iwashedmy
hands.Hegotin.
Si
zwe:
"Ther
e'sabsol
utel
ynoneedf
ort
hese
expensi
vechemi
cal
s.Paraf
fi
nremov
esthepaint
bett
er"Imovedf
orhi
m andwipedmyhands.
Me:"Thesmel
lofi
tmakesmesi
ck"hesmel
l
edhi
s
hands.
Si
zwe:
"Thi
sonei
sn'
tpl
easantei
ther
"
Me:
"Butbet
ter
.You'
l
lfi
ndmeout
side"
Iwalkedout
.Isatdownandt
ookoutt
hef
ood.My
phonerang.
Ial
way
ssayal
i
ttl
epr
ayerwhenIsee035.
..
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandanswer
ed.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Call
er:"
Goodaf
ter
noon.CanIspeakt
oMi
ss
Vi
lakazi
?"
Me:
"Speaki
ng"shesi
ghedi
nrel
i
ef.
Call
er:"
ThankGod.I '
vebeentryi
ngtogetholdofy ou.
You'r
espeakingtoKy l
ieKhoza.Iam desper
atel
yin
needofy ou.Yourworkwasrecommendedbya
fr
iendwhom y oudesignedanurser
yf or
.Howqui ck
canyougett oDurban?"
Me:"Uhm..
.r
ightnowam busywithanei
ghtroomed
house.Iwi
l
lbesur edonebynextweekFr
iday"
Kyl
ie:"
Aslongasy ouwil
lbeabletowor kyourmagic
onthi
sonet oo.Pl
easeemailmey ourbanking
det
ail
sandwe' l
ldi
scussthedepositamountther
e.
I
'l
lsendmyemai lj
ustnow"bankingdetail
s?Gett
ing
pai
dalready
?
Me:
"OkIwi
l
ldo"
Ky
li
e:"
Bye"
Me:
"By
e"
IhungupandhuggedSi
zwe.
Si
zwe:
"Not
ouchi
ngr
emember
"
Me: "
Aisuka"Imovedoff."
Ijustacal
l
.Seemsl
i
ke
yourgir
lisgoingpl
aces.Mysecondjobisi
n
Durban."
Si
zwe:
"What
!"
Me:
"Yes"hehuggedme.If
eltmyey
esbur
ningup.
Si
zwe:
"Am sopr
oudofy
ou"
Me:
"Letmet
extmysi
ster
"
Si
zwe:
"Letmeor
derchampagne"
Ichuckl
edandt
ext
edAy
anda.
WhenGodshowsup.
..
heshowsof
f
[
2/26,07:
04]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

15
-
ThursdayandFridaywer
ethewor stdaysofmylif
e.
SizwesuggestedwecampatCel i
we'ssowecan
fi
nishupquickl
yandsowedi d.Iam real
lygonna
needsomeonewho' ll
hel
pme.
Theonlythi
ngleftt
odoi si
nstal
lti
l
esandf urnit
ir
e.I
hir
edsomeguy stotil
ethefloor
.OnMonday
every
thi
ngshallbegoodandgetCel i
we'
sr evi
ew.If
shesayswe'regoodtogot henwe'
llbei
nst al
l
ing
fur
nit
ure.Si
sAkhonalengthenedherworkshop.
Todayisl
eisur
eday.Iam f
ir
stmeeti
ngupwi
th
Ayandaandthenl
aterontheboy
fri
end.
.
..
Shepl
acedt
het
rayont
het
abl
eandsl
i
donachai
r.
Ay
anda:
"Thosepeopl
ear
esl
ow"
Me:
"It
sthe25t
hsi
si"
Ay
anda:
"Weshoul
d'
vej
ustwentt
oChi
ckenLi
cken"
Me: "
Canweeatnow? "Shechuckl
edandnodded.I
broughtmystr
eet
wise2boxcl oset
ome.Nothing
couldbeatt
hesmellofKFC.
Ay
anda:
"Doy
ouneednewcl
othesf
orDur
ban?
"
Me:"
No.There'
sal
otofcl
othesI
'
veonl
ywor
nonce
somenotatall
"
Ay
anda:
"That
'
sgood.Youdi
dint
hathouse"
Me:
"Thanky
oumt
ase.
"
Ay
anda:
"Di
dyout
ell
yourmot
her
?"
Me:
"She'
snott
aki
ngmycal
l
sbutIt
ext
edher
"
Ayanda:
"I'
ver
anoutofpr
ayi
ngspi
ri
tsf
ort
hat
woman"
Me:
"She'
snotsomeonet
oputathear
t.Youj
ustgo
wi
tht
hef
low"
Ay
anda:
"Ican'
t.Letmecal
lher
"
Me:
"Youguy
stal
know?
"
Ay
anda:
"Ican'
tst
aymadather
"
Sheputi
tonl
oudspeaker
.
Mama:
"Madam"
Ay
anda:
"Howar
eyou?
"
Mama:
"Br
eat
hing.Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
"
Ay
anda:
"Theyar
eathome.Am wi
thYol
i
"
Mama: "
Whatiswrongwit
hherphone?Magogo
passedawayonThursday
"
Me:
"Ohmy
.IsNkosazanaokay
?"
Mama:
"Hermot
herdi
ed"
Me:
"Ofcour
se.Pl
easepassmycondol
ences"
Ayanda:"
Ifeelf
orher
..
..
ohy
oushoul
dseewhatshe
di
dont hathouse"
Mama:"
Sendmepi
cturesonThembi
'
sphone.When
ar
eyoul
eavi
ngf
orDurban?"
Me:
"NextweekFr
iday
"
Mama:
"Youshoul
dcomehomebef
oret
hat
"
Me:
"Okay
"
Iexcusedmysel
fandwentt
othebat hr
oom.I
checkedformyWhatsAppmessages.
Zamo: "
Almostther
e"If
eltmyboobsdoamadi
ba
dance.Ir
insedmyhandsandwalkedback.
Ay
anda:
"Thatwentsmoot
h"
Me:"
Itol
dyou.She'
ssomet
hingel
se.Am meet
ing
Zamolat
er"
Ay
anda:
"Wher
e?"
Me:
"Her
e.He'
l
lbest
ayi
ngatHol
i
dayi
nn"
Ayanda:"Wowthat
's.
..
amazi
ngIguess.Justdon'
t
getpregnant
"
Me:"Comeon.Ist
il
lhav
e8y
ear
saheadf
ormet
o
getpregnant
"
Ay
anda:
"Good"
Il
aughed.Wef
ini
shedeat
ingt
henaccompani
edher
todogr oceri
es.She'ssuchat ypicalwoman, she
l
iterall
yboughtawhol est or
e.Wef inal
lypaidandlef
t
tot hevansthattransportushome.Zamohad
alreadyarr
ived,Ij
ustwant edtoleav eAyandather
e
withherplasticsandr untomybabe.
Lucki
l
yther
ewer
e2peopl
eshor
t.Shegoton.
Ayanda:
"RememberwhatIsai
d"shegav
emea
R100note.
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Il
ovey
ou"
Ay
anda:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Iwalkedoffbef
orethenoseyneighbor
sstar
taski
ng
mewher eam Istayi
ngnow.ItextedZamo.Hesai
dI
wil
lfindhi
m outsi
de.
Ipowderedmyfaceandwal kedtothehot el
.Whata
smalltownwehav e.TheHoli
dayInnisjustri
ght
hereintown,
thechancesofbumpi ngintorel
ati
ves
hol
dinghandswithboy f
ri
endareveryhigh.
Itext
edhim again.Istoodther
el i
keal
ostchicken.
Therearestaresthathumanbei ngsal
waysgivefat
people.Thatweirdlook,i
tsnotmeannornicebutit
s
uncomf
ort
abl
e.
Ifel
tpokesonei
thersi
desofmywai
st.Ij
umped.Hi
s
scentst
il
lmakesmyhairst
and.
Hehuggedmef
ordearl
i
fe.Igotsoemot
ional
.
Zamo:"You'
l
lcr
yinsi
delet
'
sgo"Ichuckled.He
per
kedmyl i
psandtookmyhand.HehadaPnP
pl
asti
conhisfr
eehand.Hekeptgl
ancingatmeand
smil
e.GodknowshowmuchImi ssedhim.
Wedi
dnotchecki
n,orheal
readydi
d?
Isatdownonthebed.Heputt
henecessar
ythi
ngs
onthefri
dge.
Zamo:"Youcanchanget
hechannel
.Iwant
edt
o
checkt
heweather"
Me:
"It
scool
"
Hecameandt
ookmybag.
Zamo: "
Let'
sputherwheretherestofherfr
iends
are"hecamebacktostandbeforemewi thhis
handstuckedonhispocket
s.Iwasf aci
nghispenis.
Icouldseeit
.Whendidhebecomet hi
stal
l.
Zamo:
"Hel
l
omyQueen"
Me:
"Hey
"Inev
erwannaseemy
sel
fbl
ushi
ng.
Zamo:
"Ican'
tbel
i
eveam her
e"
Me:
"Menei
ther
"
Hecr
ouched.Hi
smi
ntbr
eat
h.Het
il
tedmyhead.
Heslowlypushedmedown.Heli
kesl
ay i
ngontopof
me.May beI'
l
lfi
ndcour
agetot
ell
him he'
sheav
ythis
weekend.
He'swhoIcouldspr
eadmylegsapar tf
orwi
thout
bei
ngwor r
iedhewil
lst
ickhi
spenisintomy
nunuber
ry.Ormaybenowhe'schanged.Imeanhe
can'
tcomeal l
thi
swayjustf
orkissi
ng.
Ifel
tati
ngl
esensat
iondownt
her
e.I
tshi
shand.I
knewit
!
Butt
hisi
snormal r
ight
?Imeanwe' v
edoneitonce
andi
tsni
ce.Hepulledoffandst
aredatme.Isti
l
l
hadmyeyesclosed.Hechuckl
ed.
Zamo: "You'
resuchababy .
"Hegotoff
."Whatar
ewe
eati
ngf i
rst
?Pizzaorthefoodt
hatIspenty
ester
day
cooking?"Isatupst
raight
.
Me:
"Ij
usthadKFCwi
thmysi
ster
.I'
dli
kesomet
hing
t
odri
nkthough"
Zamo:
"Ok.Ther
e'swat
erandKr
ush"
Me:
"Wat
erwi
l
ldo.How'
swor
k?"
Zamo: "
Workisti
meconsumi
ng.Al
mostl
osty
ou
becauseofi
t.I
tsucks"
Me:
"Let
'shopey
ounott
hinki
ngofqui
tt
ing"
Zamo: "Ididandf oundanewoneonThur sday .Less
workinghour s,
stillthesamepaycheque"Ilaughed.
"Nextyearwemi ghtbemar ri
edorexpectinga
bundleofj oy
"Igul ped.Ther
e'snowhereinmyl ife
thatIforeseemar riageorachil
dforthatmat t
er.He
handedmeabot tl
edwat er.
Me:
"Thanky
oudaddykabundl
eofj
oy"
Zamo:
"Yohi
magi
nebei
ngpr
egnant
.Thehor
mones"
Me:
"I'
dnev
erl
ett
hosecont
rol
me"
Het ookoffhi
st-
shi
rtandli
edonhisst
omachand
thatonlymeanonethi
ng:scrat
chhi
sback.Ihat
e
beingwslave.
Zamo:"Ican'
twai
ttoseet
hat"hemoaned."
You
shoul
dopenaspaspecial
l
yforme"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"Iwil
l.Sotosharethegoodnews, Igotaproj
ect
i
nDur ban.Iwil
ldothenurseryfi
rstt
henthe
out
comewi t
hdetermineifIcont
inueworkingonthe
whol
ehouseornot "
Zamo:
"YouandIknowv
erywel
lthatal
readyscor
ed
i
t"
Me:"Idoubt.Thatwomansoundedv
ery
pr
ofessional
"
Zamo:"
You'
repr
ofessi
onal
.Tomor
rowweshoul
dgo
seet
heoneyou'
vebeenworki
ngon"
Ohshi
t."
Whydi
dyoust
op?
"
Me:
"Pr
omi
semey
ouwon'
tgetmad"
Het
urnedt
oli
eonhi
sback.
Zamo:"
Am notpr
omisi
ngany
thi
ngbutt
alk"It
ooka
deepbr
eat
handdrankmywater
.
Me:"SoIwentt
her
etobeananny"henodded."Then
i
ttur
nedoutthewomanIam wor
kingf
orisSizwe's
t
winsist
er"
Zamo: "
Thecop? "Inodded."He'sli
keev erywher e
youare"wellIdi
dnotexpectt his."
ItrustyouYol i.I
am grownnow, Iknowt hatnoonei sev erf
or cedt o
doany t
hingtheydon'twant.Sowhat evermi ght
happenbetweeny out woIwillknowy ouwant editto
happen"He'sreal
lygrown.
Me: "
Ithoughty
ouwer
egonnaki
ckmeout
"he
chuckled.
Zamo:
"Notachance.Comeher
e"
Il
aidmyheadonhi
schest
.
Me:
"Whathav
eyoubeenupt
other
e?"
Zamo:
"Wher
edoIbegi
n?"
.
..
Shal
lanyoneaskyouifarether
est i
l
lboyf
ri
endswho
arewi
ll
ingtoabst
ainpleasetel
lthem y
es.
Thabi'
scal
lwokeme.Hewassti
l
ldeepi
nhi
ssl
eep.I
car
efull
ysl
idof
fthebedandt
ipt
oedtot
he
bathr
oom.
Me:
"Whysoear
lyi
nthemor
ning?
"
Thabi
:"Wel
lgoodmorningtoof
ri
end.Whydi
dyou
i
gnoremytextsl
astni
ght?"
Me:"Myphonewasi
nmybag.Wasi
tamat
terofl
i
fe
anddeat
h?"
Thabi
:"Yes.Buti
t'
ssor
tednow"
Me:
"That
'sgood"t
hedooropened.
Zamo:"Youter
rif
iedme.Ithoughty
ouescaped"I
l
aughed."I
'
llor
derbreakf
ast"
Me:"Okl
ove.Am comi
ng"henoddedandcl
osedt
he
door
.
Thabi
:"Who'
sthat
?"
Me:
"Zamo"
Thabi
:"You'
reJo'
bur
g?"
Me:
"No.He'
sher
e"
Thabi
:"Ohmyt
hat
'
ssweet
.Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
"
Me:
"Checky
ouremai
l
smoghel
.By
e"shechuckl
ed.
Thabi
:"By
e"
Ij
ustt
ookashower
.Hegoti
n.
Zamo:
"Thef
oodi
sher
e."
Me:
"Am al
mostdone"
Zamo:
"Youshav
ed"Il
aughed.
Me:"
YesIdid"hechuckledandcl
osedthedoor
.
Whatki
ndofguyisthis?He'sdef
ini
tel
ypl
ayi
ng
gameswit
hme.
Iwrappedatowelandwalkedout.Ij
oinedhi
m.We
ateoveral
ightconver
sat
ionaboutThabiandher
bae.
Myphonebeeped.
.
..
Pay
mentf r
om Q.
SDubehasbeendeposi
tedi
nto
y
ouraccount
..
.
Whoa!Whothehell
ist
hat.I
trang,
itwasthe
number
sthatKyl
i
eladycall
edmewi t
h.Ianswer
ed.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Kyli
e:"
Babes.Ij
ustdeposi
tedmoneyi
ntoy
our
account
.Didyougetit
?"What?
Me:
"YeahIdi
d.Thanky
ou"Thosei
nit
ial
ssoundl
i
ke
aman'
s.
Ky
li
e:"
Good.Whenyougett
oDur
banpl
easecont
act
meIwil
lcomegety
ou"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Okayby
elov
e"
She'
ssohy
per
.Shehungup.
Me:"Thatwast
hel
adyIam goi
ngt
owor
kfor
.She
deposi
tedmesomemoney"
Zamo:
"That
'
sgoodbabe.Am happyf
ory
ou"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.
"
Zamo:
"Hav
eyouev
erbeent
oDur
ban?
"
Me:"No.ButI
'l
lcr
osst
hatbr
idgewhenIgett
oit
.
Sheoff
eredtofet
chmewhenIgetther
e"
Zamo:
"That
'
sni
ce.
"
Hegotupandki
ssedmycheek.
Mycel
l
phonenot
if
ied.
"
Breakf
astwi
tht
hebabe"
Me:
"Youshoul
d'
veaskedf
orapose"
Zamo:
"You'
rebeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"Nextt
imepl
easeakss"wel
aughed.
Hecamebackwi
thj
uice.Hepul
l
edhi
schai
rcl
oser
t
omine.
Zamo: "Thet houghtofl osingyouscar esme.Itri
ed
toleaveont hepastweeks, If
eltli
kei twasn'
tgoing
toworkbutmyl ovef oryouwoul dn'tletme.Itrul
y
l
ov eyouYol andaandal lIseewhenIl ookaty ouis
myf uture.ExactlytheoneIdr eamtof ."Hesaidall
thatdi
ggi ngonhi seggs.Het hengul peddownhi s
j
uiceli
kehedi dnotj ustgivemet hespeecht hatl
eft
tsunami betweenmyl egs.He'stempt ingme.God
don'tl
etmegett empt ed.
Whateverdemonthatt
ookoverme.If
oundmy sel
f
sucki
ngonhisli
psli
kemyli
fedependsonthem.He
squeezedmein.Il
ostmywil
l
power..
.
[
2/26,
07:
05]Zozaness:
16
-
Ifi
nisheddr
essi
ngup.Hehuggedmef
rom behi
nd
andkissedmyneck.
Me:
"Youawake.
"
Zamo:
"Yeah.Whydi
dn'
tyouwakeme?
"
Me:"Youwer
esl
eepi
ng.Ar
ewest
il
lgoi
ngt
oseet
he
house?"
Zamo:
"You'
redr
essedupsoIguesswear
e"
Me:
"Gowashy
ourf
ace"
Hechuckledandwal kedofftothebat hroom.Asa
thegyelyoumustal way shaveapl an.Igotdownon
mykneesanddi dwhatmamat rainedmewi t
ha
l
olli
popfor.Idon'tknowwhatI '
dbewi thouti
nter
net.
Afterheshothisloadhef el
lasleep.Ist hi
swhatthey
do?Sleepliketheywer epart
ici
patinginwor l
dwar?
Icheckedt
het
ime.West
il
lhadt
ime,
plent
yofi
t.
Hecameout
.Ihel
pedhi
m chooseanout
fi
tthenwe
l
eft
.
Me:
"Whatt
imear
eyoudr
ivi
ngback?
"
Zamo:
"6pm"
Inodded.Myhappi
nessi
sal
way
sshor
tli
ved.
.
..
Hepar
kedout
side.Si
zwe'
scarwaspar
kedoni
t'
s
usual
spot
.
Nottoblowmyownhor nbutitl
ookedbeaut
if
ul.
Nothi
ngcomparedtowhatitwasjustaweekago.
Wheny ou'
ret
rul
ydest
inedforsomethi
ngyoualway
s
makethebestoutofi
t.
Hetookmyhandandwewenti n.Theti
l
ingguys
wer
eeati
ngunderthetr
ee.Icoul
dn'
tseethem f
rom
t
hegate,
thecarbl
ockedthem.
Me:
"Heyguy
s"
Them:
"Sur
esest
er"
Me:
"Icamet
ocheckupony
ou.How'
sitgoi
ng?
"
Sbo:"
Verywell
.Onl
ythemast
erbedr
oom andt
he
bat
hroom l
eft
"
Me:"
Musict
omyears.Wherearemymanners.This
i
sbabe,
Zamokuhl
e.Zamothesearemycol
leagues"
Theyexchangedgr
eet
ings.
Sbo:
"Ent
erf
rom t
hebackdoor
.It
sst
il
lwett
his
si
de"
Me:
"Okay
"
Wewal
kedar
oundt
othebackdoor
.
Zamo:
"Ij
ustcan'thel
ptothi
nkhowbeaut
if
ulour
homewil
lbe"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Ar
eyoudonewi
thl
i
fe?
"
Zamo:"
Whenyoureal
i
zethegol
dyouhav
eyou'
re
mostl
i
kelyt
oleav
ethest
ones"
Me:
"What
evert
hatmeans"
Zamo:"I
tmeansexactl
ythat
.Wowt heyarever
y
good"Theywerebor
nforthi
s.Itl
ookedsobeauti
ful
.
Theyeveninst
all
edt
hewallcupboards.
Me:
"They
'r
egoi
ngpl
aceswi
thme"
Zamo:
"Youshoul
dconsi
deropeni
ngabusi
ness"
Me:
"In6y
ear
s"
Zamo:"We'
rei
nthe21stcent
urybabe.I
nvest
orsar
e
ther
eforar
eason"
Me:
"Youhav
eapoi
nt.Butwher
ewoul
dIbegi
n?"
Zamo:"From thebegi
nni
ng"helookedar
ound."Thi
s
i
samazi ng.Youshoul
dadvert
iseyourworkon
soci
almedi a"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Ij
ustneedt
ofi
nishupf
ir
st"
It
urnedwhenIhear
dfoot
steps.
Si
zwe:
"Hel
l
o.Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
egonnapopby
"
Me:
"Zamowant
edt
oseemywor
k"
Si
zwe:"
Okay.Icametot
otakethetub
measur
ements."Hev
ani
shedtothepassage.
Zamo:"
It
sal
most3.Let
'
sgohav
elunchandt
henI
'
ll
bri
ngy
ouback"
Me:
"Youdon'
thav
eto.I
'
llcat
chat
axi
"
Zamo:
"Ii
nsi
st.
"
Wel
eft
..
.
.
..
Wehadourl
unch.Iwasn'
tenj
oyi
ngi
tatal
l
.Thef
act
t
hathewasl
eavinghur
tme.
Youknowhowt i
meisal
waysanenemy.Inabl
i
nkit
wasalr
eadycl
oseto6pm.Iaccompani
edhimtohi
s
car
.
Zamo:
"Don'
tbesadbaby
.Iwi
l
ltr
ytocomet
o
Dur
bannextweekend"
Me:
"Youpr
omi
se?
"Hebr
oughtmecl
oseandki
ssed
me.
Zamo:"Ipr
omise.Geti
n.I
'
lldropyouof
fatt
he
gar
age"Ichuckl
edandgotin.Hedidt
oo.
Me:
"Whenmybagi
sri
ghtI
'
llmov
etoJo'
bur
g"
Zamo: "
Ican'
twait
.It
ransf
err
edsomemoneyi
nto
youraccount
.It
snotmuchthough"
Me:
"Thanky
oubaby
.Youdi
dn'
thav
eto"
Zamo:
"Iwant
edt
o."
Wer
eachedt
hegar
age.Het
ookoutaR200not
e.
Me:
"Yousai
dyout
ransf
err
edmoney
"
Zamo:
"Thi
sonei
sfort
ranspor
t"
Me:"
Don'tspoi
lmet
oomuchImi
ghtgetusedt
oit
"
hel
aughed.
Zamo:
"I'
dbegl
adl
ove.
"
Me:
"Saf
ejour
ney
.Il
ovey
ou"webr
ief
lyki
ssed.
Zamo:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Igotoutofthecar.Hehorned.Iwavedti
llhetooka
tur
n.Iwalkeddownt oChickenLi
cken.Ineeded
wingstonumbt hepain.
Ipai
dandwai
tedf
ormyor
der
.
4verybeauti
ful
womanmadethei
rwayin.Peopl
e
mustforgi
vemebutIal
sostar
eatbeaut
iful
peopl
e
wit
houtashame.Ihadnoi
deamyhomet ownhas
suchhotti
es.
Oneofthem not
icedIwasst
ari
ng.Shepokedt
he
nextone.
Il
ookedaway
.Icoul
dfeel
thei
rey
esheav
yonme.
Mynumbergotcal
l
edout
.If
lewt
othecount
er.
Ibumpedint
osomeoneasIturned.Ipani
ckeda
l
itt
lewhenIsawherf
ace.Shesmiled.
Her
:"Canwet
alk?
"Why
?
Me:
"Uhm am i
nabi
tofar
ushbuty
eah"
Her
:"Gr
eat
."
Shel
edt
hewayout
side.The3ofherf
ri
endswer
e
wai
ti
ngi
nsi
de.
Li
ghtone:"
OhmyGodi
t'
sreal
l
yyou.Am Sel
u,t
hisi
s
Pam andNelwa"
Me:
"Ni
cet
oknowy
ou"
"
AndIam Let
hu"sai
dtheoneIcamewi
th.
Selu:
"Am surey
ou'r
ewonderingwhati
supwit
hus.
WewenttoUJt oo.Iam t
hegirlwhocr
eat
ed
the#me2af t
ert
hatscandal
"
Me:
"OhmyGodwhatasmal
lwor
ld"
Let
hu:
"You'
real
sof
rom her
e?"
Me:
"YeahIam.Andy
ouguy
s?"
Nelwa:"
Am f
rom Dur
ban.Icamet
ovi
si
tthese
babes"
Pam: "
Doyoudr
ink?
"Theyal
ll
ookedather
.I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"NoIdon'
t"
Lethu:
"Canwedol
unchsomet
imes?I
fyoudon'
t
mind"
Me:
"Yeahwecan.
"
Pam:
"Leav
eyournumber
sthenbabes"
Ical
l
edt
hem out
.
Sel
u:"You'
remyher
ojustknowt
hat
.Letusnothol
d
youup"Ismil
ed.
Me:
"Keepwel
l
"
Them:
"By
e"
They
'r
esuchabunchofbeaut
if
ulpeopl
e.
Iwal
kedt
oSpart
ogetaf
ewt
hings.
It
henwentt
othet
axi
rank.
.
..
Akhona:
"Whatar
ecell
phonesf
orYol
anda"shesai
d
asImademywayi n.
Me:"Hel
lot
oyout
oosi
sAkhona.Doy
ouhav
e
vi
sit
ors?
"
Akhona:"
Yes.Yourmot
her
.Wher
ewer
eyou
anyway?
"
Me:
"Townt
obuyt
hese"
Icoul
dn'
tconcent
rat
ecl
ear
ly.Thear
omaf
rom t
he
potswasmessingwithmymi nd.Iputmybagand
plasti
conthecount
erandfoll
owedsisAkhonat
o
thelounge.I
ssheevensupposedtobehere?
Ifr
ownedali
tt
le.Shel
ookedpi
ssedsodi
dtheman
nextt
oher
.Hil
l
Isatdownandgr
eet
edt
hem.Hi
sst
arewast
oo
much.
Me:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Mama:
"Thi
smancamel
ooki
ngf
ory
ou"What
?
Me:
"DoIknowy
ouf
rom somewher
eSi
r?"
Hi
m:"
Tel
lherwhoam I
"
Mama:"
Whydon'
tyout
ell
her
?Hhai
don'
ttestme
dev
il
"
Hi
m:"
You'
rest
il
lchi
l
dishl
i
ket
hel
astdayIsawy
ou.
"
Mama: "Andyou'
resti
ll
stupi
d.Yolit
hisisyour
sperm donor
.SamsonNzuza.Hecamet omyhome
andpointedagunatmesay i
ngshesawy ourpost
onfacebookaboutnotknowingwhoy ourfatheri
s.
You'
resuchabetrayerl
ikeheis.Youalwayssaidto
not-
"
Ev
erypar
tofmest
oppedf
unct
ioni
ng
[
2/26,07:
05]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

17
-
"
HadIfoundyouonthesamepositi
onwel
efty
ou
y
est
erdayIwouldhavepani
cked"
Icov
eredmyfacewithaspr
ead.Theli
ghtwastoo
shar
pformyeyes.Andwhatisshet
alki
ngabout.
Shecametostandnextt
othebed.
Akhona:
"Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Me:"
Ifeelf
ine.
"Ifel
tabitdr
owsytobehonest
.It
mustbetheter
ribl
edream t
hatIhadl
astni
ght
.
Akhona:"
Come.Breakfasti
sready
"Am Isti
l
lev
en
herchi
ld'
snannyorI
'veescal
atedtoherl
i
ttl
esi
ster
?
Me:
"Letmegobr
ushmyt
eet
handwashmyf
ace"
Akhona:
"Okay
"
Shewalkedout
.Icl
osedmyey esf
orawhil
eand
thencl
imbedoutofbed.It
ookmytoot
hpast
eand
brush.
Ihear
dlaughterasIcameupt
hepassage.Vi
si
tor
s
soearl
yinthemor ni
ng.
If
rozewhenIsawt
hem.I
twasn'
tadr
eam!
If
inal
l
yfoundt
hest
rengt
htor
unback.
Akhona:
"Yol
i
!"Leav
emeal
one!
Shef
oundmesi
tt
ingdownont
hepassage.
Akhona:
"Come.Theyneedt
otal
ktoy
ou"
Me:
"Idon'
t"
Akhona:"
Stopacti
ngchil
dish.Yourf
atherhast
o
ret
urnhomethiseveni
ng"who'ssheagain?Whati
f
thi
smanisheretokill
me?" Justcome"
Shetookmyhandandpul
l
edmeup.Isl
owl
y
fol
l
owedbehi
ndher.
Me:
"Goodmor
ning"
Them:
"Hel
lo"whyi
shelooki
ngatmeliket
hat?Isat
onasi
ngl
ecouchandtookthepl
atet
hatIassumed
i
smi
necausei
thadper
iper
iIboughty
est
erday
.
Mama:"
Youl
ooksi
ck"of
cour
seIam.Bot
hofy
ou
makemesi
ck.
Me:
"Am f
ine"
Akhona:"
Juiceany
one?Am l
eav
ingf
orwor
know.
Yol
ibehave"Yesmother
.
Ismiledandnodded.Shel
eftwit
hherpl
ate.There
wasabsolutel
ynoneedtowakemeupat6.Di d
thesepeopl
eev ensl
eepatall
?
Akhonasai
dhergoodby
e.
Man:
"She'
sver
ywar
m hear
ted"
Mymotherj
ustf
ocusedonherf
ood."
Howar
eyou
Yol
i
?"
Me:
"Am goodt
hanky
ou"
Mama:"Cany
ounowgi
vememoneyt
oret
urnback
home?
"
Man:
"Notunt
ily
ouexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
oourchi
l
d"
Mama: "
Idon'
thaveanyt
hingtoexpl
ain.She'
shere
you'
reher
e.You'
rebothel
dersam pr
ettysureyou
bot
hknowhowt
ocommuni
cat
e"
Man:
"Whydi
dyouhi
deherawayf
rom me?
"
Mama:
"Idi
dn'
t.Youj
ustdi
dn'
tknowshewast
her
e."
Man:
"Youl
eftwi
thoutawor
dNt
ombenhl
e"
Mama:
"Ineededt
othi
nk"
Man:
"You'
reunbel
i
evabl
e."
Mama: "
Yoli
,i
sther
eashopt
hatsel
l
sbeerar
ound
her
e?"Seri
ousl
y?
Man:
"Youdr
inknow?
"
Mama:
"Phumaki
m ndodandi
ni"(
Leav
emeal
one)
Me:
"Ther
e'sat
aver
nbutIdoubtt
heyar
eopen"
Themanshookhi
shead.
Me:
"Am goi
ngt
ogogetr
eadyf
orwor
k."
Man:
"CanIt
akey
ou?
"
Me:
"NoSi
rI'
l
lbef
ine"mymot
herl
aughed.
Mama: "
Sir
.Shedoesn'
tknowy
ouandy
oucansee
shedoesn'
tneedyou.
"
Man:"
Iwill
takeyoubackhomeandcomet
ohav
ea
wor
dwi t
hYoli"
Mama:"Ther
e'snoneed.Justgi
vemethetaxif
are
andst
ayherebeggi
ngy ourst
ubbor
ndaughter
"
Icoll
ectedtheplat
esandtookthem tothekit
chen
l
eavingthem scrat
cheachother'
sface.Theyaret
oo
chi
ldishforbei
ngparent
s.
Mymot herissuchaVuv uzel
a.She'
sso
unapol
ogetic.Iwonderi
fshe'
salwaysbeenl
i
ket
his
orit
sthealcohol.
Igott
omyr oom andsear
chedf
ormyphone.Ther
e
weremissedcal
l
sf r
om Zamo.I
'
llcal
lhi
mlat
er.
It
ext
edAy
andaaboutt
het
err
if
yingnews.
I
trangassoonasIputi
tdown.
Me:
"Heysi
s"
Ay
anda:
"Whatdi
dIj
ustr
ead?
"
Me:
"That
."Iwannacr
y.
Ay
anda:
"Shoul
dIcome?
"
Me:
"Not
her
e'snoneed.Am l
eav
ingany
way
."
Ay
anda:
"Wher
ear
etheyr
ightnow?
"
Me:"
Lounge.That
'
sift
heyhav
en'
tki
l
ledeach
ot
her
."
Ay
anda:
"Okl
etmef
ini
shupher
eI'
l
lcal
lyou"
Me:
"Ok.
"
Ihungupandtext
edZamoexpl
aini
ngwhyIcoul
dn'
t
takehi
scal
lst
hentookmycosmeti
cbagtothe
bathr
oom.
If
ini
shedup.Si
zwewascr
owdingmyphonemaki
ng
melosemymi ndev
enmore.
Me:
"Am r
unni
ngl
atebutam comi
ngnow"
Si
zwe:"
Am si
gni
ngthis.Thepowerguy
shav
ebeen
wai
ti
ngfory
ouhere"
Me:
"Pl
easedo.
"
Ihungupandpi
ckedmybagupandexi
tedt
her
oom.
I
twasqui
etnow.HowIl
ovepeace.
Il
ockedthebackdoor.If
oundt
hemansti
l
lint
he
di
ningr
oom.Hest oodupasIenter
ed.
Me:
"Wher
e'smom?
"
Man:"Shelef
t"i
sthi
swomanment al
l
yokay?How
doesoneleaveherdaught
erwi
thastr
anger
?
Whati
fthi
smancamet
ohar
vestmyv
ital
organs?
Me:"
Am l
eav
ing.Idon'
tknowi
fyougonnast
ayher
e
or
"
Man:
"You'
renotacknowl
edgi
ngmypr
esenceher
e"
Me:"Maybet
hat
'sbecauseIdon'
tknowy
ouMr
Nzuza"
Man:
"Am y
ourf
atherYol
anda"
Me:
"Theonet
hatIj
ustmety
est
erday
"
Man: "Idon'tknowwhati deasyourmot herplant
edin
yourheadaboutmebutknowi fIknewy ouwer e
ther e,Iwould'vebeenpr esentinyourl if
e.There'
s
not hinginthiswor l
dIhav el
ongedf ormor et han
hav ingchildren.WhenIr eceivedthatt extbeing
i
nf or medbyy ou..
.Il
iedaboutseeingi tonFacebook.
Irecei vedat ext.I
fy oucouldjustgivemeachance
tomakeupf orthelostti
me.Ipr omiseIwi l
lbethe
bestf at
her"
Hel ookedsi
ncer
eandbrokenatthesametime.I
resentedhi
m.Notbecausehewasabsentbutof
howmymot hermademepayf orhi
ssins.
Me:"
Ijustneedt
ime.Ineedti
met odi
gestal
lthi
s."I
wasgetti
ngemoti
onalIhat
edit.
Man:"Takeal
ltheti
mey ouneed.
"Hetookoutwhat
seemslikeabusi
nesscard."
Iwil
lmakearet
urnon
Fri
day
."
Me:
"Uhm.
..
am goi
ngt
oDur
banonThur
sday
"
Man:"Evenbett
er.Ihav
ebusinessmeeti
ngsther
e
nextweek.Whattimeisyourl
unch?"It
houghthe
tol
dmet otakeallt
hetimeIneed.
Me:
"IdoubtI
'
llhav
eonet
oday
.Ihav
eal
ott
odo"
Man:
"Whatdoy
oudo?
"
Me:
"Int
eri
orDesi
gni
ng.
"
Hesmi
l
ed.Ihat
ehowIkeepseei
ngmy
sel
finhi
m.
Man:
"Wel
ldone.Letmenothol
dyouup"
Het
ookhi
scarkey
s.
Il
ocked.May
beheshoul
dgi
vemeal
i
ft.Thi
scari
s
t
odi
efor
.
Me:
"Whatki
ndofcari
sthi
s?"Het
urnedandsmi
l
ed.
Man:
"Por
sche.Doy
oul
i
kei
t?"
Me:
"Yes.I
t'
sbeaut
if
ul"
Man:
"Cany
oudr
ive?
"
Me:"
NobutIgetmydr
ivi
ngl
i
censesoon"okayam
ov
ershar
ingnow.
Man:
"Theseat
sar
ever
ycomf
ort
abl
e."
Me:
"Cany
oupl
easedr
ivemet
owor
k?"
Man:"
Withpl
easure"heopenedt
hedoorf
orme.I
pr
ayedhedoesn'
tstealme.
Ourdr
ivewasshor
tandsi
l
ent
.
Hest
oppedatCel
i
we'
sgat
e.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Man:
"CanIcomei
nsi
dewi
thy
ou?
"
Am notsur
eaboutt
hat
.ButIagr
eedany
way
.
Si
zwehadconf
usi
onwr
it
tenal
lov
erherf
ace.
Man:
"Wowt
hisi
sgoodMshazi
..
..
ImeanYol
i
."
Me:"
Thankyou"hegav
emehi
sphone.I
Phone.He
mustr
eall
yhavemoney.
Man:
"Pl
easet
akepi
ctur
esf
orme"
Me:"
Oft hehouse?"Henodded.Hefol
l
owedmei nt
o
ev
eryroom.Hef i
nall
ygotoveri
tandwalkedout
.
Man:"Nottoimpressyoutowel
comemewithopen
armsbutI'dl
i
ketogiveyousomethi
ngsmal
ltobuy
your
selfsomethi
ngnice"
Me:
"Icoul
dnev
ersaynot
omoney
"hel
aughed.
Man: "
Wri
teyournumber
sI'l
lhav
emyPAsendi
tto
you"hehasaPA?Whoi sthi
sman?
Me:"Thankyou.Safejourney"whyam Inotmadat
hi
m anymore.Doesi treal
lywork?Thebondthing?I
meanIwant edtoshoutathim andhithim wi
th
pl
atesli
kethekidsdoi nmov i
esbutnow, Iwi
shI
coul
dtellhi
m al
l aboutmychi l
dhood.Lethi
m hug
me.
Me:
"Okaysaf
ejour
ney
"hechuckl
ed.
Man:
"You'
veal
readysai
dit
"di
dI?
Me:
"Ohmybad"
Hegoti
nthecarandwav
edgoodby
e.Hedr
oveof
f.
Iwal
kedbackt
othehouse.
Si
zwe:
"Tel
lmehewant
syout
owor
kforhi
m"
Me:
"Who?
"
Si
zwe:
"Nzuza"
Me:
"Youknowhi
m?"
Sizwe:"
Whodoesn't
?He'
sthebi
gdogi
nthe
corper
atewor
ld"i
she?
Me:
"Wow.Icoul
dtel
lwi
thhi
scar
"
Si
zwe:
"Howdoy
ouknowhi
m?"
Me:
"Appar
entl
yHe'smydad"hel
aughed.Mxm.
"
Canwepleasefi
xthi
shouse?
"Iwannarest
t
omorr
ow.
Sizwe:"Areyouseri
oushe'syourf at her?"Hesai
d
foll
owingmeout si
dewher et
hef ur niturewas.
Celiwewi l
lhavet
oreviewitf
ull
yf ur nishedcauseI
can'twaitforWednesday.
Me:
"YesSi
zwe"
Si
zwe:
"Howcomey
oudi
dn'
tknowwhathedoes?
"
Me:"BecauseIdidn'
tknowheexi
sted.Wher
e'sSbo
andhiscrewthough"
Sizwe:"Let
'sf
ini
shthisandt
ell
meal
labouty
our
father
"Isheforreal
?
.
..
Il
ovemyj obbutIdon'
tli
kehowt i
ri
ngiti
s.I
fCel
i
we
saysshe'
snotimpressedbyal
lthi
sthenshehas
anothert
hingcoming.
Sbo:
"Wecanseey
ourl
acepur
plepant
y"
Me:
"Leav
emeal
one"
Hecov
eredmewi
thwhat
ever
.
Sbo:
"Itl
ooksl
i
keawhi
teper
son'
shousenow"
Me:
"Al
lthankst
oyouguy
s"
Sbo:
"Any
timesi
si"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Doy
ouknowhowol
dam I
?"
Sbo:
"26?
"
Me:
"What
?"Isatupr
ight
.Il
aughed."
Am 22"
Sbo:
"You'
rel
yi
ng"
Me: "
Am 22f
orreal
.Whatist
akingSi
zwethisl
ong?"
Icheckedmyphone.I
thadbeen2hoursal
ready.
Theother3guyscameout
.Theywer
ewashi
ngof
f
thepai
ntonti
lesi
nthebat
hroom.
Idon'
treal
l
yknowt hei
rnamesandam even
ashamedtoask.IsawSizwe'
scardr
ivei
n.
Sizwe:
"It
smont
hend.Bef
oreanyofy
oubi
temy
headoff"
Me:
"We'
rej
ustgl
ady
ou'
reher
e."
Sbo:"Ican'
tremembert
hel
astt
imeIhadKFC"hi
s
fr
iendsseconded.
Me:
"Thenst
uffy
our
sel
vesup"
Fr
iend:
"Howmuchi
sthi
sbucket
?"
Si
zwe:
"R200.
"
Sbo:"
iwantt
obuyi tf
ormysi bl
i
ngswhenIgetpai
d"
Ihear
dhe'st
heeldestof4.Thei
rpar
ent
spassedon
whentheywerev
eryy oung.Hehadt
ostepupand
beapar
entt
ohi
ssi
bli
ngs.
Me: "
Itsonme.I'
l
l buyyouguysthebucketsasa
thanky ouf
orworkingwit
hme"t heywhist
ledand
thankedme.It
ssoni ceeati
nginagroup.Myphone
noti
fied.
Icheckedt
heemail.Itwasfr
om Ky
li
e.Iwashoping
i
tistheboyf
ri
end.Shement i
onedt
hatshecal
ledthe
previ
ousdaybutIdidn'
tanswer
.
Ismi
l
edasIf
ini
shedr
eadi
ng.
Me:"Andnowit'
l
lalsobearequestt
ocomewithme
toDurbanonThursday
.Am nol
ongerdoi
ngonl
ya
nur
serybutawholehouse"
Youshoul
d'
veseent
hem r
ejoi
ce.
Si
zwe:
"Am al
sogoi
ng"
Me:
"You'
regoi
ngt
owor
konMonday
"
Si
zwe:
"Yes.NotonThur
sday
"
Sbo:
"Ineedt
owashmyAl
lst
ar"
Theyst
art
edtal
ki
ngaboutt
hebeachandnaked
women.Idonotwi
shtobethi
sgender
.
Myphonebeepedagai
n.
Iv
iewedt
hemessage.
"
Tomor rowIwilly
oubringyouyourcl
othesthatyou
wil
ltaketoDurbanJudas.Fewhoursknowinghim
you'
vealreadyf
orgott
enaboutme.Didhegiv eyou
money ?Ifhedi
dpleaseborr
owmeR15"
Yepfr
om myoneandonlymother
.ThatR15i
sfora
Hansabot
tl
e.Am Judasnow?
Pi
tywecan'
tchoosepar
ent
s..
.
[
2/26,
07:
05]Zozaness:
18
-
Thankheav ensshechosemyf avouri
tebag.She
pract
icall
yknowsev eryonearoundhere.Onet hingI
knowi sthatsoonaswet ur
nourbacksl eavi
ngt hat
companyshe' slaughi
ngwi t
h,she'l
lst
artlabell
ing
thei
rflaws.That'
sjusthowt hi
smot herofmi neis.
Shedeniedt
obr i
ngmyclothest
oAsection,
reason
bei
ngIcouldsetherupwit
hLucif
er'
sson:MrNzuza
i
nsimplerwords.
Speaki
ngoft
hatone.Hedeposi
tedaR1000i
ntomy
account.It
extedhim.He'sbeencal
l
ingmenonst
op.
He'stoothri
l
ledIfeelawkward.
Mama:"Iwasabouttor
etur
nbackhome"shesay
s
bef
oreIcoul
dgreet
.
Me: "
Hel
l
omotherandam sor
ryf
orbei
nglate.Ihad
tomeetwit
hCel
iwe.Gr
eet
ingsel
der
s"theygreeted
back.
Mama:
"Remi
ndmewho'
sthatagai
n?"
Me:
"Theowneroft
hehouseIwaswor
kingon"
Mama:
"Theonewi
thawobbl
yass?
"
Me:
"I'
venevernot
iced.SoIdon'
tknow.Shel
ovedi
t.
Myworkisdone"
Mama:
"Hasshepai
dyou?
"
Me:
"Let
'sdi
scusst
hatov
erameal
atNandos"
Mama:"Let'
sgo.Al
mosthady ouspi
ll
outgood
newsi
nfrontoft
hesewi
tches"shesayswi
thouta
si
ngl
ecare.
Ij
ustpi
ckedt
hebagupandbi
dthel
adi
esgoodby
e.
Shef
oll
owed,
Mumbl
i
ngsomet
hingIcoul
dn'
tmake
out
.Sheprobabl
yhad2bot
tl
esofHansai
nthe
morni
ng.
Wemadeitt
oNandoswi
thmewal
ki
ngahead.I
or
der
ed.
Mama:
"Iwantt
hehotone"
Me:
"Ior
der
edt
hehotone"
Mama:
"Wi
thcoke?
"
Me:
"YesandGr
eeksal
ad"
Mama:"Mmmh.Howl
ongar
ewegonnast
and
her
e?"
Me:
"Unt
ilt
heoccupi
edt
abl
esgetf
ree"
Mama:"Thatonei
ssi
tt
ingal
one.Whydoesn'
thej
ust
j
oint
hat3?"
Me:"Maybehewantstosital
o-"Shewasalready
hal
fwaytothepoorguy.Noloudness.Bet
ter.Isaw
hi
m getupandsitwi
ththe3guy s.
Shecamebackt
omef
eel
i
ngl
i
keabossIguess.
Mama:
"It
snotsohar
disn'
t?
"
Me:
"Fory
ou.Iwoul
dn'
thav
e"
Mama:"You'
reli
ket
heot
hersi
deofy
ourf
ami
l
y"we
ment
ionthatnow.
Me:
"Am gl
ad"
Shechuckl
ed.She'
sonagoodspi
ri
ttoday
.
Shecarr
iedthebag.Ihadthi
snumberonmyhand.
Ourfoodarr
ivedtheminut
ewesatdown.It
hanked
thel
ady.
Mama:"
Iwi
l
leatt
hewi
ngandkeept
her
estf
or
l
ater
"
Me:
"Eat
.We'
l
lbuyy
ouanot
heronewhenwel
eav
e"
Mama:
"Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ou'
ret
hisgr
own"
Me:"Youbett
erbeli
eveit"shesmil
ed.She'
ssucha
cl
eanandbeautiful
drunkard.Wedevouredi
n.
Gossipi
ngaboutherfri
ends.Shecal
lsthem wi
tches.
She'
sabadf r
iend.
Me:"
Soyourboyf
ri
endgav
emeR1000"shedoesn'
t
l
ooksur
pri
sedatall
.
Mama:
"Youknowt
her
e'snopr
essur
etol
ethi
mint
o
y
ourl
ifer
ight
?"Il
ovet
hisspi
ri
tshe'
sswi
mmi
ngi
n
t
oday
.
Me:"
Iknow.Isti
l
lneedt
oknowwhathappened"her
f
acechangedint
omanyemoti
ons.
Mama:
"Iam notr
eadyt
otal
kaboutt
hat
"
Me:
"Wi
l
lyouev
erbe?I
tsbeen22y
ear
sal
ready
"
Mama:
"Tr
ustmeIknowYol
anda.
"
Me:"Youhatemema.Ineedtoknowwhyy ouhat
e
mesomuch, whatdi
dhedotoyou.Hedoesn't
soundli
kesomeonewhoacknowledgedhur
ti
ngyou"
Ourconversati
onslastni ght.Hesoundsl i
kehe
l
ovedher .Hekeptbringingitup.Say i
nghenev er
underst
oodwhyshel eftwi t
houtawor d."Hesaysup
tothi
sdayhest il
lhopedt obumpi ntoyouorseey ou
ont.v
."shehadst oppedeat ing.Iassumedwr ong,
shedidnotdr i
nktoday.Thi swomannev ershows
emotionsunlessshe'ssober .Wait.
..
Me:
"Youdon'
twantt
ofeel
?Ist
hatwhyy
oudr
ink?
"
Mama:
"Nowi
snott
het
imeYol
anda"
Me:
"Ideser
vet
oknow"
Mama: "Thi
schi
ckeni
stodi
efor
.Pr
omisemey ou
wi
lltakemehereever
yti
mewecometotown"amen.
If
lashaweaksmi l
e.
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Mama:
"Whatt
imear
eyoul
eav
ingt
omor
row?
"
Me:
"I'
l
lleav
eear
ly.Ist
il
lneedt
obookahot
elf
orus"
Mama:
"ok"
Icheckedt
het
ime.
Me:
"Let
'sgobuyy
ougr
ocer
ies"
Mama:
"Ist
il
lhav
efood"
Me:
"Wewi
l
lbuyy
oumor
e"
Mama: "
Onlysoupsarer
unni
ngout.Nomkhosi
doesn'
tbuythem any
morebythel
ookofthi
ngs"
Me:"
Mama!Weusedtodothatt
oo,wedi
dnotask
f
orsoupbutmai
zesopl
easebeciv
il
"
Mama: "
Thet
hingsI
'v
egi v
enhersincey
ouwentto
var
sit
yamountthemaizesheusedtogi
veus"I
l
aughed.
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhattodowit
hyouany
mor
e.Let
megoordermorechi
ckenf
orYou"
Mama:
"Ihav
etohi
dei
t"
Mygr
andmai
spr
obabl
ytur
ningonhergr
ave.
.
..
After4hoursgoingfrom shoptoshopf i
nal
l
ywe
fi
nished.Sheli
ter
all
ytri
edt obankruptme.I
remindedherthatshesaidshest i
l
l hasf
ood,she
j
ust" Hhai
suka"me.
Toti
ckl
eheri
nnerGoddess.Iboughther2cr
atesof
Hansa.
Ikepti
gnor
ingNzuza'
scal
l
s.Idi
dn'
twantt
orui
n
Ntombenhl
e'smood.
Mama: "Therei
syouruglypast
orandhi
s
quest
ionablecr
eatur
e."
Me:
"She'
snott
hatugl
y"
Mama: "
Idon'
tknowwhat '
syouri
deaofugl
ybutthe
Godtheyserv
eisn'
tsoloyali
fhethi
nksi
tsokayt
o
makesomeonel i
kethat
"
Icoul
dn'
tl
aughnow.Theywer
etoocl
ose.
Me:
"Pl
easebehav
e"
Mama: "
Ofcour
se.Whomi
sbehav
ear
oundt
hat
scar
ythi
ng?"
Me:"Baba"hefl
ashesmeaveryweirdsmi
leand
ext
endshisarm.Weshakehands.Idowit
h
mamf undi
sit
oo.
Past
or:
"Lookaty
ou.Wemi
ssy
ouatchur
ch"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lcomewhenIam f
ree"
Mamf
undi
si:
"Youwor
kingnow?
"
Me:
"Yes.I
tsal
lyourpr
ayer
s"
Past
or:"
Am gl
ad.Ar
eyougoi
nghome?Wecangi
ve
youali
ft
"
Me:
"Noam notbutmymot
heri
s.Thanky
ou"
Past
or:
"Thenl
etsgo"
Shenudgedmewi
thanel
bow.Ibl
atant
lyi
gnor
edher
.
Wegotpastor
'scar.Weloadedt
hegr
ocer
ies.
Mamfundi
si:"
Isthi
salcoholf
ory
ou?"
Mama:
"Noam bor
nagai
nnow"
Past
or:
"Real
l
y?"
Mama:
'Yes.I
'
llt
ell
youbot
habouti
tont
heway
"
Theygav
eusspace.
Me:
"Soy
ougonnal
i
eal
lthewayhome?
"
Mama:"
Yes.Thanky
ouf
oral
lthi
s.Hav
easaf
e
j
our
neytomorr
ow"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.I
'
llcal
lyou"
Well
weshoul dbehuggi ngbutthat
'sfor
biddeni
n
t
hisrelat
ionship.Ican'tr
eal
lyr
ecallbei
ngthatcl
ose
t
oher .Iwalkedov ertopast
orandthankedhi m.
Iwal
kedof
fast
heyal
sodr
oveaway
.
.
..
Ihear
dal i
tt
levoicescreami
ng.He'
sback.It hank
Godforthi
schild.I
fitwasn'
tforhi
mI '
dst
il
l bethere
athomenotknowi ngwhattodowi t
hmylife.Ithank
mymot hertooforbeingapai
ni nt
heass.
Akhona:
"Lookwho'
sher
e"
Me:
"Itsmel
l
sni
ce"
Akhona:
"Am pr
epari
ngagoodby
efeast
.Iwi
l
lev
en
packsomeforyou"
Me:"
Whil
eIont
heot
hersi
deboughtt
hispi
zzaand
wi
ngs"
Akhona:
"Wewi
l
leatt
hatf
ir
st.I
tsst
il
lear
ly"
Me:
"Dal
ii
sback?
"
Akhona:
"Yesandpl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
sdog"
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"Ihav
eonl
yaf
ewhour
stobaby
sithi
m"she
l
aughed.
Akhona:"
Ifoundanewone.She'
l
lar
ri
vet
omor
row
morning"
Me:"
Aww.Am sosadwenev
ergott
oknoweach
ot
her
"
Akhona:
"Don'
ttel
lmey
ou'
l
lnev
ercomebackher
e"
Me:"Iwi
l
lsi
si.You'
repr
act
ical
l
ymysecondf
ami
l
y"
shesmil
ed.
Iputthegr
oceryIhadcamewit
hintowher
e
ever
ythi
ngstay
s.Andtookoutpl
ates.
Dalidi
dnotev
enacknowledgemypresenceher
e.He
poppedupaski
ngforj
uiceandranoutwit
hhisdog.I
hatedogs.
Akhona:
"Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ogetmef
at?
"
Me: "
May be"welaughed.Shelooksbetterthant
he
fi
rstt
imewemetandIhav en'
tseenheeconsume
al
cohol.Ormay beshenowdoesi tsecr
etly
.
Me:"Areyouexpect
ingsomeone?"Isai
dasshe
peepedthrought
oseethecarthat
'sdri
vi
ngi
n.
Akhona:
"Yes.Si
zwe.Hesai
dhe'
l
lbr
inghi
sdaught
er"
Me:
"Hehasadaught
er?
"
Myphonebeeped.
Akhona:
"Yes.Abi
tol
dert
hanDal
i
"
Ohfinal
lydeci
dedtostopbei
ngawhiny.Hehas
babygirlt
endenci
essometi
mes.Ir
espondedwi
th'
I
l
ovey outoo'
Theopenedopened.Acut
eli
tt
lechubbycamei
n
r
unni
ngt
oAkhona.
Si
zwegoti
nfol
l
owedbyawoman.
Akhona:"
Nonka,
haven'
tseeny
oui
nages"t
hatmust
behername.Shesmil
ed.
Nonka:"
Samehere.Thati
swhyIi
nsi
stedwest
art
of
fherebef
oregoinghome"
Si
zwe:
"Iwasgonnacomeany
way
"
Nonka:"
Sthandwasam y
oucameupwit
hallt
he
l
ousyreasonsther
ehastobei
nthewor
ld"
Si
zwe:
"Iwasgonnacomel
ater
"
Akhonawasl
osti
nherl
i
ttl
ewor
ldwi
tht
hecut
ie.
Me:
"Woul
dyoul
i
kesomepi
zza?
"
Nonka: "
Am t r
yingt
oloseall
thisfatthanks.I
'
llhave
waterinstead"she'
snoteventhatfat.Maybeasi ze
34.Sizwet ookthewholeboxandst art
edhelpi
ng
hi
msel fout.
Akhona:
"Let
'sgot
othel
ounge"
Me:
"I'
l
ljoi
ny'
al
lshor
tl
y"
Ipi
ckedmybagandv
ani
shedt
othepassage.
Itookofft
hedamnbraandtight
s.Whycan'
twej
ust
normali
zehangi
ngboobs.Br
asaretor
tur
e.
Ihear
dasof tknock.Iqui
ckl
yputbackt
hedr
essand
wenttoopen.Whatnow?
Si
zwe:
"Canwet
alk?
"
Me:
"Whyar
ewhi
sper
ing?
"
Si
zwe:
"Am sor
ry.Shei
nsi
stedoncomi
ngher
e"
Me:
"Who?
"
Si
zwe:
"Lul
u'
smot
her
"
Me:
"Ar
eyouapol
ogi
zi
ng?
"
Si
zwe:
"Because-
"
Me:"Don'ttel
lmei t
'swhatIthinki
tis.Li
stenSi
zwe,
youcantaket hemot herofyourchi
ldanywherei
n
t
hisworld.Seriousl
y,whathappenedbetweenus
meantnot hi
ng."
Si
zwe:
"Oh"
Me:
"Yes.Nowi
fyoudon'
tmi
nd.
..
"
Si
zwe:
"Am gl
adt
her
e'snopr
obl
em"
Me:
"St
ressf
ree"
Hewal
kedof
f.Men!
Myphonerang.I
'
v ebeeni
gnor
inghi
mthewhol
eday
.
Thet
rut
hisIdon'tknowwhatt
osaytohi
m.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Nzuza:"
Ial
mostsentt
hesear
chi
ngsquad.Howar
w
you?'
Me:
"Am okay
.howar
eyou?
"
Nzuza:
"Nowt
hatIam t
alki
ngt
oyou.If
eel
awhol
e
l
otbett
er"
Me:"Thati
sgood.Am sor
ryIcoul
dn'
ttakey
ourcal
l
s
ear
li
er.Iwaswi
thmymot her
"
Nzuza:
"Oh.I
ssheokay
?"Al
ltheset
imeshe'
scal
l
ed
mehealwaysaskst
hat.
Me:"She'
sgood.Shewoul
dn'
topenupaboutwhat
happened"Ihearal
oudsi
ghf
rom hi
send.
Nzuza:
"Youshoul
dgi
vehersomet
ime"
Me: "
Idon'
thaveti
me"t hatcameoutasasnap.But
honestl
yIdon'
thaveit."Shehat
esme.Notasingl
e
momenti nmyupbringinghaveIev
erfel
tlov
edby
thatwoman"
Nzuza:"
Mydeepestapol
ogi
es.Iwi
shIl
ooked
f
urtherf
orher
"
Me:"
It
snotyourf
aul
t.y
ou'
reher
enowandt
hat
'sal
l
t
hatmatt
ers.
"
Nzuza:
"Ar
en'
tyouangr
y?"
Me:"Iam.Butnotbecauseyouwer en'
tther
e.Am
angr
yy ouwerethereasonIsuffer
ed.Am angr
yat
mymot herf
orlett
ingwhateverhappenedtoher
makeherhardonme. "
Nzuza:"
Whattimearey ougoingtomakei tt
o
Durban?"I
shechangingthetopic?Iwipedoffmy
tear
sthathadescapedmyowl eyes.
Me:
"Ar
ound8am"
Nzuza:
"Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
rownt
ombam.
"
Me:
"Ok.Ther
e'sani
ncomi
ngcal
l
.Cany
ouhangup?
"
Nzuza:
"Yes.Don'
tfor
gett
osendmeagoodni
ght
t
ext
"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
IguessIt
akeaf
terhi
m.Il
ovebei
ngacknowl
edged.
Me:
"Mama"
Mama:
"St
ayt
hehel
lawayf
rom NzuzaYol
anda"
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Mama:
"Justl
i
stent
owhatIsay
!"
Me:
"Am donepl
easi
ngy
oursel
fi
shnessmama.
"
Mama:
"Youdon'
tunder
standYol
i
."
Me:
"Thenmakemeunder
standMaVi
l
akazi
"
Mama: "
Thatman'
swifegetsri
dofever
ythi
ngt
hat
t
hreat
enshermarr
iage.Shehadmercyonyouat
f
ir
sttr
ustmeshewon' tt
hist
ime"
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Theli
newentdead.It
ri
edcal
l
ingheri
twentst
rai
ght
tovoi
cemai
l.
..
[
2/26,07:
05]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der
19
-
It
sbeent
wodaysher
eatt
heBananaci
ty.Al
lIcan
sayi
sDanki
empil
o!
Richpeopl eandt hei
rcraziness.ThehouseIhavet o
decor at
eisl it
eral
lya5-dayprojectonl
ybecauseI
willspendt helast3ont henur ser
y.We'
redonewi th
painti
ngt he3r emaini
ngr ooms.Iwasn'tsurpr
ised
whenKy l
iet ol
dmei t'
saman' shouse.Icouldtell
withthesi mpl i
cit
yhesuggest ed.
Si
zwedeci
dedt
ost
aybehi
nd.Icoul
dn'
tbehappi
er.
Sboandhiscr
ewar emyguy
snow.Ican'tdeal
wit
h
thei
rwei
rdobsessi
onwit
hKFCthough.I
tstoomuch.
Kyl
ieoffer
edmeahot elroom,herboss'
sshesays.I
coul
dn'tsharethi
sluxuri
ousroom.Ibookedtheguys
anotherone.Peoplearetrul
yli
vi
ngoutther
e.
Imetwit
hNzuzadear
esty
est
erdayf
orl
unch,
he'
s
real
l
ytr
ying.
Icoul
dn'
tbegt
heexpl
anat
ionoutofmymot
her
.She
decidedtoignor
emycal l
sinstead.She'sbeena
bl
ockageofmyhappi nesssomanyt i
mes, t
his
could'v
ebeenoneofherst unt
s.SoIl etherbe.Am
sti
l
ly ettoquest
ionNzuzaabouthiswi fethough.
He'sli
keali
ttl
echil
dinmypr esence.Hesaidhe'
s
taki
ngmeoutf oramov i
etodaythenl at
erwegonna
gotoaspwandt al
kaboutmyangerov erabot
tl
eof
wineandsnacks.He'sr
eall
ygoodatt hisdaddy
ing
thi
ngormay behe'sbuy
ingmyey es.Whocares
eit
herway
.
Satur
daysarecancel
ledasworki
ngday s.Sbonicel
y
askedmeso, t
alki
ngabouttheywouldlovetospend
theweekendgoingtothebeachtoseebeautif
ul
nakedwomen.Thisgenderisbornperv
er t
s.
OhIfor
gottomenti
on.Thi
sbosssmellsl
ikeheaven.
Cal
lmeaper v
ertt
ooforsni
ff
ingathi
steesevery
morni
ng.Thi
ssmellgi
vesmel i
fe,
somasculi
ne.
Thedoorbel
lbeeped.I
tmustbeKyl
i
e.Shechecks
onmeev er
ymor ni
ng.May
beshethi
nksImight
escape.
Igotof
fthecoucht
oopen.Dur
bani
sful
lofhot
ti
esI
t
ell
you.Shef
rownedabi
t.
Her
:"I
sQi
n?"Nogr
eet
ingswhat
soev
er.Cool
.
Me:
"Sor
ry?
"
Her
:"I
sQui
ntonher
e?"
Me: "
Idon'
tknowwhot hati
sbutam theone
occupyi
ngthi
sroom unti
lnextweek"
Her
:"Oh"Inodded.Shedi
dn'
tmov
e.Thi
sisawkwar
d.
"HeyNkul
s.Isawyourcaratt
heparkingl
ot"oh
she'
ssuchalif
esaverandver
yloud.Shereminds
meofThabi.AndWheredidsheevencomef rom?
TheNkulsbrushedhert
inybump.Idi
dn'
tev
ennoti
ce
she'
spregnant.Wow.Peopl
earereal
l
yhavi
ngsex
outt
here.
Nkul
s:"
Oh.Il
ostmyphone"
Kyl
ie:"Heaskedaboutyouy est
erday.Thi
si sYol
i.
Theinter
iordecor
ator
.She'sworkingonQ' shouse"
Theydidthefancyhug.It
smoment sli
kethesethatI
hate.Notknowingwhethertogoorst ay.
Nkul
s:"
Oh.Ishoul
d'
veknown.Het
oldmel
astweek"
Ky
li
e:"
Hav
eyoueat
enbr
eakf
ast
?"
Me:
"Ihav
ethankYou"
Ky
li
e:"
Andy
ouMr
sLi
nda?
"
Nkul
s:"
Ihav
en'
t.Iwashopi
ngI'
ll
findQthenwe'
ll
go
gr
absomeinSuncoast"j
ustl
i
kethat?Ir
eall
ywanna
beri
ch.
Kyl
i
e:"
Nowy
ou'
regoi
ngwi
thmeandYol
ither
e"no
nono!
Me:
"Ihav
en'
tev
enbat
hedy
et"
Nkul
s:"
Wecanwai
t"whati
fIki
l
lpr
egnantwomen?
Ky
li
e:"
Taket
hisasat
our
"Idon'
twannaseem bi
tt
er.
Me:
"Ok.I
'
llbequi
ck.
"
Theygotin.Kyl
iefl
ewthefri
dgeandpul
l
edouta
bott
leofwinewhileNkul
ssettl
edonacouchand
tooktheremote.Bot
hofthesewomenseem
comfortabl
einhere.
.
..
Kyli
emustjustst
opconsumi
ngener
gydri
nks.She'
s
toohypert
ohangaroundme.Thedr
ivet
oSunCoast
feat
uredhersoromant
icl
ovest
orywi
thherwast
ea
boyofherhusband.
Wear
ri
vedi
nthi
srest
aur
ant
.Ful
lofI
ndi
anpeopl
e.
Ky
li
e:"
Ijustwantex
trahotRussi
ans"
Nkul
s:"
Idon'
twi
sht
oseey
ouwhenpassi
ngst
ool
"
Kyl
ie:"
Ally
ouhavet
odoisdri
nkal
otofwat
er"I
chuckl
ed.Whyi
sshely
ing?
Nkul
s:"
Yol
i
.Justor
dermi
d.Thi
sonei
scr
azy
"
Ky
li
e:'
You'
remi
ssi
ngout
"
Nkul
s:"
Iwi
l
lor
der
"Ichuckl
ed.
Wel ef
thert
oorderonthecount
erandwentto
occupyatabl
ebefor
eitget
ssnatchedaway.
Kyl
ie:
"You'
redoi
nganamazi
ngj
obsweet
ie.Isent
pi
ctur
estomyboss.He'
ssol
d"
Me:"
Whatdi
dyoushowhi
m exact
lybecauseal
l
we'
vedonei
spai
nti
ng"
Kyl
ie:"
He'sveryobsessedwi
thcolor
s.Hel ovesgrey
,
andthebitofwhit
et her
eandther
e.Ican'twaitt
o
seeyouturniti
ntoahome."Ij
ustchuckled.Am not
r
eal
l
yachat
box.
Nkul
sjoi
nedus.
Nkul
s:"
Ior
der
edj
uicet
okeepuscompanyaswe
wait
"
Ky
li
e:"
Icoul
ddowi
thsomedr
yredt
hough"
Nkul
s:"
You'
vehad3gl
assesal
ready
"
Kyl
ie:
"NowIwantt
he4thone"Il
aughed.She'
sa
ver
yIDChumanbei
ng.
Theyser
vedusj
uice.Fr
eshl
ysqueezedOr
ange.My
fav
ori
te.
Nkul
s:"
SoYol
i
.Howexpensi
vei
syourser
vice?
"
Me:"I
tisfai
r.Themor
ethej
ob,
themor
eitcost
s"
shenodded.
Kyl
ie'
sphoner
ang.Shesear
chedf
ori
tinhert
iny
bag.
Ky
li
e:"
It
sQ"
Me:
"Excuseme"Igotupandwentt
othel
oo.
Thef
oodhadal
readyar
ri
vedwhenIgotback.I
t
l
ookedal
lsor
tsofy
ummyandj
unky
.
Me:
"Doy
ouguy
scheatony
ourdi
ets?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Whatdi
ethoney
?"
Me:"I
sn'
twhatyoufancypeopl
edo?
"Theybot
h
cr
ackedinl
aughter
.
Nkul
s:"
fancypeopl
e?Wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
"
Me:
"Am f
rom Ul
undi
"
Kyli
e:"Butstudi
edinJo'
bur
g.You'
reaf
ancyperson
yoursel
fifyourefert
osomeoneli
kemeasfancy"
Me:
"Hav
eyouseent
het
ypeofcar
syoudr
ive?
"
Ky
lie:
"It
sall
earnedf
rom har
dwork.I
naper i
odof3-
4yearsyouwil
lbedr
ivi
ngyourownfancycar"
Me:
"Ihopeso"
Wet al
kedaboutfashiontoboyfr
iends.I
rememberedIhaven'tspokentomi nesi
ncetheday
began.Bothoft
hesel adi
esareheadov erheel
s
aboutthei
rmen.
Andthensexcameup.Acallf
rom Nzuzar
escued
me.Ihadnotevennot
icedi
twas12pm alr
eady.
Ibi
dthem goodbyeaft
eraski
ngdi
recti
ont
othe
near
estr
ankt hathast
axi
stoGall
eri
a.
.
..
Ifoundhim exactl
ywherehesaidIwould.He'
sold
yetsofi
ne.Hi shai
rwit
habi tofgreyhai
randhi
s
beardareneatasofay oungster
.
Nzuza:
"It
houghty
ouwerenotcomi
ng"hesai
d
get
ti
nguptoopenachai
rforme.
Me:"Thankyou.Youknowhowt
axi
scanbe.Am
sor
ryforbei
nglate"
Nzuza:"
You'r
enot.Iwasj
ustpull
ingyourl
eg"I
chuckl
ed."
Mov i
eorfootmassage?"
Me:"Def
ini
tel
yfootmassage.I
'
venev
erdonei
t
bef
ore"
Nzuza:
"Real
l
y?"
Me:
"Yes"
Nzuza:"Let
'sgot hen"hesettl
edthebil
l."
OhI
order
edami l
kshakef oryou"hecal
ledonthewai
ter
.
Theybroughtit.Wewal kedout.
.
..
Iam madatmymot herforthis.Thisgir
llegithi
dme
awayfrom thi
sfil
thyrichhumanbei ngjusttomake
mewearr ugsandwal kbar efoottoschool .Iwould
haveneverhadhungr ydays, nottoment i
onsl eepi
ng
onatradi
tionalmatwi thonlyabl anketover.
Isearchedfort
hegl
assonthet i
nytabl
ebesideme.I
si
ppedonmyMogi t
o.I
'v
enev ertast
editbef
orebut
i
tlookedtastyont
hemenu.Itdoesn'tt
astebad.I
couldgetusedtoi
t.
Me:"
Am sotemptedtor
emov
ethi
scucumberof
f
myeyes"hel
aughed.
Nzuza:
"Beagoodgi
rl
.Doesy
ourdr
inkt
ast
eni
ce?
"
Me:
"Ki
ndof
."
Nzuza:
"Whatdi
dyousayt
hisi
s?"
Me:
"Seabr
eeze"
Nzuza:"
Itt
ast
esl
i
kepee.Mybudsar
eusedt
oRemy
Marti
n"
Me:"Whatisthat
?"Ihear
dhi
m chuckl
eont helow."
I
canhearyou.Isi
tvodka?
"hechuckl
edloudly
.
Nzuza:
"What
?It
swhi
skeymypr
incess"
Me:
"Ihear
dthosear
eexpensi
ve"
Nzuza:
"Notreal
ly.The18thyearol
dthatIdri
nk
cost
s24K."Isatupri
ght.Thecucumbersfel
loff
.
Me:
"Youdr
inkal
cohol
wor
tht
hatmuch?
"
Thel
adyhadt
akemyfeetoutoft
hemachi
neand
massagi
ngmewit
hherhands.
Nzuza:
"Yousoundsur
pri
sed"
Me:"OfcourseIam.Ibetyourki
ll
ercost
saR100
000"helaughedandstuff
edwithmouthwit
hsnacks.
Idi
dn'tevenseethose.
Nzuza:"
Dunhil
li
sver
ycheap.Whydoy
ousoul
dli
ke
you'
reonyourbut
tnow?"
Me:"That
'sbecauseIam.Isti
ll
can'
tbel
ieveyou
dr
inksomuchmoney "hesatupst
rai
ghttoo.
Nzuza:
"It
'swor
thi
t.
"
Me:"
Youl
ookf
unnyi
nthatmusk"het
ouchedhi
s
f
ace.
Nzuza:
"Icoul
dst
il
lscor
eyouamot
heri
nthi
sver
y
samemusk"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Pl
easegoahead"
Nzuza:"Onourseconddate.Mylady
,canIhav
e
somethingstr
ong?"Shesaidtot
heladywhobrought
thesecondroundofourdri
nks.
Hebookedapri
vatesect
ion.Goodformet
ovent.
Theladi
est
ookthei
rtowelsanddepart
edt
heroom.
Good.
Me: "Mymot hercall
edmeonWednesday .Shet ol
d
met ost ayawayf rom you"hefrowned."Shesai d
that..
.y
ourwi fegetsridofanythi
ngt hatt
hreatens
hermar riage.Andment ionedthatsheonlyhad
mer cyonmeonce, shewon'tbemer cif
ulthi
st i
me
around"
Hejuststar
edblankl
yatme."Areyouokay
?"Hekept
onstari
ng.Il
eanedoverandpokedhim.Heshi
ft
ed
hi
sgazet ome.
Nzuza:"If
oundyouat her
apist
.Igaveherall
your
contact
s.Yoursessi
onswill
startonTuesday.You
wil
lchoosetheti
me."Hegotupanddi sappearedt
o
thechangi
ngroom.
He'
sact
ingwei
rd.It
ookmor
esi
psonmydr
ink.
Hecamebackf
ull
ydr
essed.
Me:
"Whati
sgoi
ngon?
"Hehandedmeabankcar
d.
Nzuza:"
Thepinis3475.Youcanbookaf
ull
body
massage.Ihavetof
lytoEC"hi
seyeswer
e
bl
oodshotred.
Me:
"Now?"Henoddedandl
eanedov
erandki
ssed
myfor
ehead.
Nzuza:"Youmi ghthav enotseeni tbutyou'r
ethe
onlythi
ngIhav eleftinthi
spl anetandbel ieveme
whenIsayIwi l
lgoanyl engthst opr ot
ectYouf r
om
anythi
ngandany one."Icoul
dn' tunderstandthehur
t
hi
sf acerefl
ected.Hesqueezedmyshoul derand
walkedoff.Ifel
tabi temotional .Thi
smoodwewer e
ontenmi nutesawayj ustvani shedrightbeforemy
eyes..
.
.
..
Iwalkedoutoftherefeel
ingasfreshasababybut
t.
Iwasabittipsyfrom al
lthecocktai
l
sItooki
nri
ght
af
terthedadl ef
t.Hi
sphonewasof f.
ThespaladiessuggestedItakeanubersoIdid.I
pray
edallt
hewayIdon' tbecomeoneoftheir
vi
cti
ms.You'renevertoosaf ei
nthi
sworldifyou
haveavagina.
Ithankedt
heLor
dasi
tpull
edupi
nfr
ontoft
hehot
el.
Ipaidandwal
kedoni
nsi
de.
IstartedoffatSboandcrew'sr
oom.Theyweren't
there.JustasItookmyphoneouttocall
them.A
messagecamet hrought
ell
ingmetheyarest
aying
outunt i
ll
ate.
Dur
bani
sdr
ivi
ngt
hem cr
azy
.
MyphonebeepedasIreachedmydoor .ItwasPam
andhersquadaski
ngmeoutf ordr
inks.Thisi
s
gonnabethesecondt
imeturningt
hem down.Ican'
t
hel
pbutfeelbad.
Iunl
ockedandgotin.Irushedtothebathr
oom t
o
pee.Thet
owelswerehangi ngaroundunti
dy.
Someonewasdefinit
elyhere.
Ipeedandcleanedup.Iwentbackt other
oom and
changedi
ntomycomf yshortsandasport
sbra.I
adj
ustedt
heai rcondi
ti
oner.Bett
er.NowIcango
andseewhatIwi
l
lhav
eforsupper
.
OkayI'
vehear
dofhauntedhousesbutI
'
venever
act
uall
ybeeninone.Thet.
v.wasnowon.Isweart
o
Goditwasn'
twhenIcamei n.
Theout
sidebat
hroom dooropenedasIbat
tl
edi
n
myhead.OhMyGod!
Iscr
eamedont
opofmyl
ungsandr
anf
ormyl
i
fe.
Me:
"Hel
p!HELP!HELP"
Hi
m:"
Hey
.St
op"
Thecorri
dorwasdeadquiet
.Nobodycameoutt o
rescueme.Godam tooyoungtodi
eanddef i
nit
ely
notreadytol
osemyv i
rgi
nit
ythr
oughrape.
If
elthi
m cl
oser.Mykneesgotwobbl y
.Hegr abbed
myarm.Tearsgusheddown.Hecl osedmymout h
wi
thhishandthatsmeltofoni
on.Iwillnotgi
veup
wi
thoutafi
ght.Iputmyelbowint
ogooduse.
Hi
m:"
Wil
lyoust
op?
"
Hepulledmeallt
hewaybacktotheroom.I
screamedagai
nassoonashemov edhi sfi
l
thyhand
offmymouthandr ant
otheki
tchenarea.Helocked
t
hedoorandsi
ghed.
het
otal
lyfoundoutwel
i
edaboutnotknowi
ngPear
l.
OhThabi.
Me:
"Pl
easedon'
tki
l
lme"Hef
rowned.
Him:"DoIlookl i
keaki ll
er?Mynamei sQuint
on.It
's
myhousey ou'
rewor kingon.JesusChrist
"Ohcan
theuniv
ersest oprightnowandl etmegetoff?He
slowl
ygotcl osertot hecounter
.Hiscol
ognehitmy
nostr
il
s.It
'sreall
yhi m."Putthatkni
fedown"
Idi
dn'
tevennot
iceIhadit
.Isl
owlyputi
tdownnext
tot
hechoppedonion.Thi
sisr
atherembar
rassi
ng.
Me:
"Uhm.Am sor
rysi
r"
Hi
m:"
Qui
nton.JustQui
nton"
Heattendedtheknockatt hedoor.Irant
othe
masterbedroom.Ilegitr
anoutinabum shortanda
sport
sbra.Iam soashamed.Buti tsnotmyfaul
t.
Fi
rsti
mpr essi
onlasts.He'
swr i
tt
ent hugal
lov
er.
Ir
eachedf
ormyphone.
"
Whydidn'
tyout
ell
mey
ourbossi
scomi
ngback
t
oday
?"
Ii
mpat
ient
lywai
tedf
orar
esponse.
Kyli
e:"Ourbossyoumean?Icall
edyouovera
thousandtimesbutyourphonewasof
f.He'
ll
beout
ofyourhairtomorr
owdon'tworr
y"
Ughman.Ihear
dasof
tknock.
"I
tst
hesecur
it
yma'am"Ifoundanear
estdr
essand
puti
tonandwalkedout
.
Sec:
"Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?"
Me:"Yes.Am good.Thanks.Sorryf
ort
he
i
nconvenience.I
twasjustami nor
misunderst
anding"
Sec:
"Am gl
ad.Keepy
ourpani
cwat
chony
ourwr
ist
atal
lti
mes.Keepwel
l"
Me:
'Iwi
l
lthanky
ou.Youdot
oo"
Theyf
oll
owedeachot
hert
owar
dst
hedoor
.
Quinton:"You'reagreatrunnerbytheway."He
chuckled.Iglancedathim onceandr anbacktothe
bedroom t hatIwil
lnotleaveunti
ltomorr
owaf t
er
he'
sleft.Iwi l
ltel
lKyl
ietokeepmeupdat ed..
.
[
2/26,
07:
05]Zozaness:
20
-
[
AtVi
l
akazi
home]
Yoli
'
smot hersawt
hel
ight
sref
lect
ingonthewindow.
Shegotupandpeepedthr
oughthewindow.Thecar
engi
nedied.
Her
:"Nott
hisSat
anagai
n"
Sheclosedt
hecur
tainandsatbackdownont
he
couch.Moment
slatershehear
daknock.
Ntombehl
e:"Youdi
dn'tknockatthegat
e"shecal
l
ed.
Thedoorwidel
yopened."SamuelNzuza.
..
oh
Samson.It
endtoforgetyourname"
Sam:"Am nother
eforyourt
antr
umsNtombi.Ihada
ver
ylongdri
vetobeli
steni
ngtoyourmadness"
Me:"
You'
vegotaner
v et
odriv
ethisf
arj
ustt
ostand
atmydoorl
i
keJehovahwit
nessesandi
nsul
tme"
Sam:
"Weneedt
otal
k"
Hecl
osedthedoorbehi
ndhi
m andwal
kedont
osi
t
ont
hesofa.
Sam:"Ineedt
oknowwhathappened.Whydi
dyou
l
eave?
"
Ntombenhle:
"BecauseIwasdonewi
tht
hatl
i
fe"she
sai
ddismissi
vel
y.
Sam t
ight
enedhi
sjawandst
art
edst
ompi
nghi
sfoot
onthefl
oor.
Sam:"Am notplay
ingwit
hyou.Am goi
ngtoaskyou
onemoretimeandIsweartoy oui
fyoukeepgi
vi
ng
methatst
inkingatt
it
udeyou'
regoi
ngtoregr
eti
t"
Shegotuptot
akeherbeeroutoft
hefri
dgeandan
openeront
opofitt
hensatdown.Sheopenedt
he
beeranddr
ankfr
om thebot
tl
e.Shebur
pedand
wipedherl
i
ps.
Ntombenhl
e: "
YouseewenaSam.Youhav eno
r
easontothreatenmeorbethatangr
y.Whatdi
dyou
l
oseinthepast23y ear
s?"
Sam: "
Achildandy
ou"shechuckl
edanddr
ankdown
hercoldbeer.
Ntombenhl
e:"
Only2thi
ngs.WannaknowwhatIlost
?
Il
ostmyjob,mydegr
ee,mymot her
,mydi
gni
ty,and
mostofal
l
.Il
ostmysel
f.Thatwi
ckedwi
tchy
oucal
l
awif
emadesureofi
t."
Sam:
"That
'swhatIwantt
oknow.Whatdi
dshedo?
"
Ntombenhl e:"Shef oundt hel etterIwr otefory ouon
oursecr etmai l.Int hatlet terIinf ormedy ouabout
my3mont hspr egnancy .Shecamet owher eIl i
ved,
shegav ememoneyt odi sappear .Irefusedi t.Itri
ed
call
ingy oubuty ouwer eoutoft hecount ryIcoul dn't
gethol dofy ou.Shecameback2day slaterwi th
scar ymen.Shebl atantlyt oldmet hatifIdon' t
disappearandcr awl backt owher eIcamef rom.
She'llmakemyl ifeal iv
inghel l.Shemademepack
allmyt hingsatmi dnightandhadhermendr iveme
here.For8y earsIl ivedundert hei rsurveil
l
ance.She
wat chedmyev erymov e, madesur ethatIdidn' t
l
eav et histown.Shet hreat enedt okillmeandmy
childshal lIattemptt ocont acty ou.Idr oppedoutof
varsity.Af t
er7y ear sitst artedt osi nkin.Ihadl ost
myl ife.Iwasnev erget tingi tback.If oundt his
fr
iend"shesmi l
edandki ssedt hehansabot tle."Your
l
oy altycostmemyl ifeSamson.Iwasnev erabl eto
l
ov emychi ldfully.I'v
eal way sr esentedher .I've
alway
sblamedherf
oral
lofthat.Somet
imesIt
hink
tomysel
fhowmuchIdon'tdeservet
hem."
Sam:
"Am sor
ry.Il
ookedf
ory
ou.Lor
dknowsIt
ri
ed"
Ntombenhle:
"Itdoesn'
tmatterany
more.Al
lIwant
youtodoismakesur emybabyi ssaf
efrom t
hat
hardbut
tockscheekswife.
"
Sam:
"Youbot
hhav
enot
hingt
owor
ryabout
"
Nt
ombenhl
e:"
Ofcour
se.
"
Sam:"Youneedtost
opdri
nki
ng.Iam wi
l
li
ngt
ofi
x
ever
ythi
ngthati
srui
nedi
nyourl
if
e"
Ntombenhle:"
ThisiswhereIf
indpeaceofmind.I
coul
dquiteveryt
hingbutnott
his.
"Helookedather
wit
hsomuchr emorse,hi
sphonerang.
Hepickedup.Hebr
ief
lyspoket
owhomev
ert
hen
hungup.
Sam:"Ar
ether
eotherBnBsar
oundher
e?Gar
den
cour
tisf
ull
ybooked"
Nt
ombenhl
e:"
Yesbuti
tsv
eryf
arf
rom her
e"
Sam:
"Nopr
obl
em.Ij
ustwanty
out
oknowam
deeplysorr
yforhoweveryt
hingtur
nedout
.You
knowv erywel
lIwoul
dn'thavelety
ougothrough
thatal
one."
Nt
ombenhle:
"Iknow.I
tsi
nthepastnow.
"Hepi
cked
hi
scarkey
sfrom thet
abl
eandgotup.
Sam:
"Whati
sthenameoft
hel
odge?
"
Ntombenhle:"
Isn'
ttoolat
eforyoutodri
ve?Youcan
hi
dey ourheadhereify
oudon'tmind"Helookedat
hersurpr
ised.
Sam:
"Thanky
ou.Youwon'
tev
ennot
iceam her
e"
Nt
ombenhl
e:"
R50anhourt
hough"
Sam chuckl
ed.
Sam:
"Issupperi
ncl
uded?
"
Ntombenhle:
"Don'
tgetcomfor
tabl
e.Supperwi
llbe
fr
eeonlybecausei
t'
sbeans.Br
eakfastwi
llbef
reeif
yougoingt
oeatporri
dge.Vi
ennasandcheesewill
costy
ouR150"
Sam:
"Nopr
obl
em.Thanky
ou"
Shegotupandwal
kedoutt
otheki
tchen.
..
°
°°
Igetveryj
umpywhenam notcomf ort
abl
e.Ikept
wakingupunti
lnow,5am.I'
venevershar
edahouse
withamalestr
anger.Icr
eat
edsomescar y
scenari
osinmyhead.They'
remostprobabl
ythe
reasonwhyIkeptt
ossingandtur
ning.
Ir
eachedformycel
lphoneunderthepill
ow.There
weremissedcal
l
sfrom mymot her.Shenevercal
l
s
morethanonce,
thi
smust'v
ebeenanemer gency.
Icall
edherback.Itrangunanswered.Itossedt
he
phoneont heothersideofthebedandwentt othe
bathroom.Itookaqui ckshowerandcleanedup.
Icamebackt ofi
ndanothermissedcal
lsfrom Zamo.
Ihaven'
tbeenfussi
ngoverhimlatel
y.Heli
kesbeing
fol
lowedaroundandconstant
lybegged.Thati
sa
tot
altur
noffforme.
Iappl
iedloti
onanddressedup.Imadet hebed
aft
erwards.Awhole5st arhot
elcont
rol
ledbythi
s
man.Kylietol
dmet heroom serv
icedoesn'
tcome
onweekends.
It
idi
edupt
hewhol
eroom.Iwal
kedoutt
othe
bal
cony .Thevi
ewoftheseaiswhatIl
ovemost
aboutthisroom.WhenIhavemoneyIwil
lal
way
s
askforroomswi t
hseaview.
"Babeswedeco!"Ihear
dhershoutbangi
ngt
hedoor
.
Iwalkedbacki
nandheadedtot hedoor.
Shef
lewi
njustr
ightaf
terIunl
ocked.
Shepl
acedt
wocupsofcof
feeont
het
abl
e.
Kyl
i
e:"Morni
ngMissV.I
tsabeaut
if
uldayi
sn'
t?I
t
smell
sfr
eshinher
e"
Me: "
MorningKy l
ie.Youshouldshar
ethesecretto
thi
senergeticpersona"shesmil
ed.Isatdownont he
bedandhel pedmy selfwit
hthehotcupofblack
coff
ee.VeryperfecttobeginmySunday .
Kyl
i
e:"I
tseasy.
"Shesatont
hecouchopposi
te."
I
medit
ate.Idoy
oga.Whatar
eyourpl
ansfort
he
day
?"
Me:
"Iwannagot
ochur
ch.
"
Kyl
ie:
"IknewyouwereanAngel
.Wheny
ougetback
cal
lortextme.Am t
aki
ngyouout
"
Me:
"Hav
en'
twedoneenoughout
ingal
ready
?"
Ky
li
e:"
Youwantust
ohav
eani
nsi
dedat
e?"
Me:"Soundsper
fect
.Wher
e'sy
our
..
.Imeanour
boss?"
Kyli
e:"He'satwor
k.Don'twor
ryabouthi
my ouwon'
t
evennot i
cehe'
shere"shegotupandpickedher
designerbag.
Me:"Whatdoy
oumeanIwon'
tev
ennot
icehe'
s
her
e?"
Ky
li
e:"
Imeanexact
lyt
hat
.By
ebabes"
Shecl
i
ckedherheel
saway
.
Ihear
dlaught
ercomingf
rom thel
ounge.It
ookmy
phoneandthecupandheadedout.
Sbo:"
HawsisYol
i.Ihopey
oudon'
tmi
ndwecl
eaned
yourmessher
e"
Me:
"Whatmess?
"
Sbo:
"Yourki
tchenwasabi
tmessy
"
Me:
"Oht
hanky
ou.Hav
eyouguy
seat
enbr
eakf
ast
?"
Sbo:"Yeswehave.Nkanyi
soher
ewantsusal
ltogo
tochurch"hepoi
ntedathi
sonl
ycal
m andcol
l
ected
f
ri
endoutoft
he3.
Me:"That
'sgr
eatbecausewear
enowgoi
ngt
o
chur
ch"
Nkany
iso:"
Iwil
lborr
owy oumycoats"theot
her3
mumbledsomethingIcouldn'
tmakeoutast
hey
f
oll
owedeachotherout.Ichuckl
edal
oneandwent
t
ogetready.
Myphoner
angasIl
ockedt
hedoor
.
Me:
"Mama"
Mama:"
Doyoureali
zethemessy
ou'
recr
eat
ingi
n
myl
if
eatthi
sverypresent
?"
Me:"I
fonl
yIhadanyi
deaonwhaty
ou'
reTal
ki
ng
about
"
Mama: "Thatmadthi
ngy oucal
lafat
herar
ri
vedher
e
yest
erdaygunsblazi
ng.Canyoubeli
evehi
m?"
Me:
"Hesai
dhe'
sgoi
ngt
oEC.Am sosor
ry"
Mama:"Yolii
fIdi
eyouwi
l
lbehel
daccount
abl
eI
sweart
oy ou"
Me:
"Cal
m down.Youknowhewoul
dn'
thur
tyou"
Mama:
"Buthewi
l
lhur
tthatmagogoofhi
s"
Me:
"Soy
out
oldhi
m whatshedi
d?"
Mama:"Ihadnochoi
ce!Andt
hatf
reaki
nmor
onhad
t
heaudacit
ytost
il
lbl
ameme."
Me:
"Soy
ougonnat
ell
met
oo?
"
Mama: "
No.Am donewi
tht
hisconv
ersat
ion.Ask
yourf
ri
end.
"
Me:
"Ok"
Mama:
"Shal
lIdi
e-"
Me:"
Iwil
lbehel
daccount
abl
e.Ihear
d.By
emot
herI
wi
ll
call
youlat
er"
Mama:
"That
'si
fhehasn'
tki
l
ledme"
"
IsthatYol
i
?"Sai
dav
oicei
nthebackgr
ound.Amal
e
v
oice.
Me:
"Who'
sthat
?"
Mama:
"By
e".
Thel
inewentdead.Shehasaboy
fri
end?NoIwoul
d
di
e.
.
..
Aft
erchurchwet ookanubertoGateway .If
eltt
he
needtotakeadvantageofhavingri
chdaddy'scard
wit
hme.TodayIf i
nal
lyl
earnedtheother2fri
ends
name.LwandleandNkosi.
Theser vi
cewasheldatMusgrave.I
twasgood.
Wher ethere'
sGodit
salwaysvi
brant.Icameout
feeli
ngfreshandIcoul
dfeelt
heholyspiri
trunni
ng
throughmybones.
Me:"
So,
McDonal
ds,Spur
,Nandos,
Steer
s,Rocco
MamasorWi
mpy?"
Lwandl
e:"
I'
venev
erbeent
oSpur
"
Sbo:
"Menei
ther
"
Nkosi
:"Iwi
sht
otast
eit
"
Me:
"We'
regoi
ngt
oSpurt
hen"
Nkany
iso:
"Mygi
rl
fr
iendwon'
tbel
i
evet
his"
Sbo:
"Si
sii
sgonnat
akepi
ctur
esofus.Ri
ghtsi
si?
"
Me:"OfcourseIwil
l.
"Ican'
twai
tforust
ogetpai
d
honest
ly.Theyl
it
eral
lyhavenoi
deaaboutal
most
ev
ery
thi
ng.
Wearri
vedatSpur
.Thecursehasbeenbr
oken.We
spot
tedanemptytabl
etoaccommodatethe5of
us.
Sbo:
"Wher
ear
ethemenus?
"
Me:
"Wi
l
lar
ri
veshor
tl
y"
I
ndeedawai
tercameoutofnowher
e.
Him:"Gooddaygentlemenandy oumyl ady."He
handedeachoneoft hemenus." CanIgety ou
anyt
hingtodrinkwhiley oudeci
deonwhatt oeat ?
"
Thatsmell
.Ilookedar ound,hewasn'ti
nsi ght.The
guysorder
eddr i
nks.Ior der
edjustwater.Hewal ked
away.
Therewasamessagef rom Zamo,
notaf ri
endl
yone
butitendedwithILY.Ir
esponded'
Il
ov eyoumor e'
.I
f
Ikeepentert
aini
nghissulki
ngwemi ghtneverf
ind
peace.
Sboandt
hecrewwer
egoi
ngcr
azynotknowi
ng
whatt
oorder
.
Nkosi
:"Si
sihav
eyouf
igur
edwhatt
oor
dery
et?
"
Me:
"Yes.Youguy
sshoul
dst
opcal
l
ingmesi
si"
Lwandl
e:"
Whati
sourbudget
?Iwoul
dlov
ethi
s
meal"
Theyal
lst
aredatme.
Me:"Ourbudgeti
sunli
mit
ed.Youcanorder
any
thing"t
heyexci
tedl
ywentbacktot
heirmenus.
Thatcologneagain.Iti
sthi
swai ter.Menshoul d
stopsmelli
ngthisnice.Ir
aisedmyey est osaythank
you.Ifr
ownedabi t.Hesmi rkedandwi ggledthe
weirdbushyeyebrows.Ishei ndisguise?Isweart o
Godhehadnomust acheyesterdaynort hisbeard
andthesewei r
dbrows.MygoodnessIhopei tsnot
afrounderthecap.Ichuckled.
Hi
m:"
Hel
l
oOscarPi
stor
ious"
Me:"
Hel
loMrDube"Andpl
easet
ell
mewhyear
thi
s
heawai
ter
.
Hi
m:"
Shhh.Ar
eyouguy
sreadyt
oor
der
?"
Sbo:"Yes.Iwoul
dli
kethi
smeal"hepoi
ntedata
pi
cture.MrDubejot
tedal
lourorder
sdownand
walkedoff.
It
ookoutmyphone.
"
Yourbossi
sawai
ter
?Why
?"Isentt
oKy
li
e.
"
Becausehe'
sweir
dasf uck.Wer
eyouabl
eto
r
ecogni
zehim?Ishoul
dchangethosef
eat
ures"
Sher
espondedi
nani
nst
ant
.She'
smyf
av
"Iwouldn'
thave.Hesai
dsomethingthatmademe
real
iz
ei t
shim.Thosefeat
uresareperf
ect"Iwasn'
t
abouttotel
litwashiscol
ogne.
"
Per
fect
.Whatti
meshouldIexpectatextinv
iti
ng
metoouri
ndoordat
e?"Tot
all
yforgotaboutthat
.
"
Around4pm.Br
ingamov
ie"
Idownedmywater.Myphonebeeped.I
twasn'
tKy
li
e
butanunknownnumber
.
"Thisisthebeginni
ngofy ourend.Whothehell
do
yout hinkyouarecominghereandt akewhat
belongst ome?WhenIam donewi thyou.Youwon'
t
evenknowwhathi tyou.WHORE"mymi ndwentwil
d.
Itcan'tbeher.
Lwandl
e:"
Arey
ouokay
?"Igi
vehi
m af
aintsmi
l
e.
Me:
"Am good"
Iforwardedt
hemessagetoNzuza.Ishoul
d'
ve
l
istenedtomymother.
..
[
2/26,
07:
14]Zozaness:
21
-
Igotupandpr eparedforthedayahead.Iwokeup
earl
iert
hanusual.Yesterdaywasquitedrai
ning.Our
l
itt
lepyj
amapar tyworkedwonder sonmyt roubled
mind.Ididnotstressabouttheghostmessage.
Ifi
nishedbathi
ngandwentt otheki
tchen.Imade
coff
eeandt oast.Ipackedi
tandsai
dgoodby eto
Kyl
ie.
.
..
Myphoner
angaswegotof
ftheuber
.
Sbo:
"Letmecar
ryt
hisf
ory
ou"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Dr
iver
:"Yourf
laskl
ady
"
Me:
"Oht
hanky
ou"
Igenerousl
yaskedt
oeati
nhi
scar
.It
ooki
t.He
droveoff.
Sbotookmybagandt
heyheadedi
nsi
det
hegat
e.I
answered.
Me:
"Goodmor
ning"
Nzuza:
"Mshazi
.Howdi
dyousl
eep?Di
dyour
ecei
ve
anot
hermessage?
"
Me:
"Isl
eptv
erywel
lthanks.AndnoIhav
en'
t"
Nzuza:
"Excel
l
ent.MyI
Tspeci
ali
stt
racedt
hat
numberitl
edhimtoDur
ban.
"
Me:"Durban?Ican'
tpossi
blyhav
esomeonet
o
t
hreatenmeher e"
Nzuza:"
It
sprobabl
yy ourworkcompeti
ti
on.Your
workist
rendi
ngonev erysocial
mediaandyour
numberisoutt
here.Don'tst
ressmuchaboutit
"
Me:"
I'
ll
try
.Thanksf
ordoi
ngt
his.Mom t
oldmey
ou
wer
eatUlundi
"
Nzuza:
"Ohy
esIwasbutam backatECnow"
Me:
"Ok.HowcanIsendy
ourcar
d?"Hechuckl
ed.
Nzuza:
"It
houghtyou'
d[hav
eboughtacarbynow.
Youcankeepitf
oryourper
sonal
use"3
Me:
"Becar
eful
.Imi
ghtmi
l
kyoudr
y"
Nzuza:"
I'
dli
ket
oseey
out
ry.By
emybabyIwi
l
lcal
l
youlat
er"
Me:
"By
e"
Ihungup.Howmuchi
sont
hisbaby
?Ineedanew
phone.
'
Wil
lInotgetar
rest
edi
fIbuymy
sel
fani
Phone?
'
Isentt
ohi
m.
Me:
"Gr
eet
ingsbaba"
BabNkomo: "Greet
ingsmysunfl
ower
.Youlookeven
beaut
if
ultoday"Ibl
ushed.He'
ssuchaspi
ri
tli
ft
er.
He'sasecuri
tyguardofthi
shugebut
thome.
Me:
"Thanky
oubaba"
Hesmi
l
ed.
If
oundt
heboy
sal
readyont
hei
rwor
ksui
ts.
Nkosi
:"We'
reset
ti
ngt
hef
urni
tur
eont
heguest
r
oomsr
ight
?"
Me: "
Yeswit
hthetwoofyou.SboandNkany
isowil
l
conti
nuepai
nti
ngtheremai
ningr
ooms.Theones
hereonthebasement
"
Sbo:
"Let
'sgoNka"
Theywalkedaway.Lwandl
eandNkosicl
imbedup
thest
air
swhileIwrot
edowntoday
'sacti
vi
ti
es.
Ifoll
owedshor tlyandchangedi ntowor kingsuits
thenwegott owor k.Ifoundt hem alreadyhav e
peeledoffthepl asti
cst hatwerecov er
ingthethe
bedandadr essingt abl
e.Youcanj usttellwit
ht he
furni
tur
ethatt here'
snowomani ncludedinthis
home.Nowomancoul dev eral
lowhermai n
bedroom tohav eonl yabed, asinglechair,
vanity
andawal kincl oset.Nof lowerv ase,nocouch, no
carpetnoany thingfancy .
Ir
eal
lyhadt
omakechangesar
oundher
e.Onl
ythe
l
oungeIwashappywi
th.
Me:
"Thi
sroom l
ooksawf
ul"
Lwandl
e:"
Howshoul
ditl
ookl
i
ke?
"
Me:
"Itshoul
dlookhomel
y"
Nkosi
:"Wenasi
siy
oul
i
kef
ancyt
hings.Thi
sroom i
s
per
fect
"
Me:"
Letsmov
eont othenextonet
henI
'
llshowy
ou
howshoul
daroom l
ookli
keonmydecormagazi
ne"
Lwandl
e:"
Ican'
twai
t"
Wewentt
othefol
lowi
ngone.Samethi
ngappl
i
ed,
whydi
dKyl
ieagr
eetothi
smadness?
.
..
Me: "
Ihonestlythoughtwehadsomet hi
ngtodo
aroundhere.Ifeeldefeated.
"Isai
dasweal l
gather
edar oundtheki t
chencounterdri
nki
ngjui
ce.
Nkosi
:"Doy
ouguy
sfi
ndt
hoser
oomsugl
y?"
Sbo:
"Theyar
ebeaut
if
ul"
Ithenr
ememberedt
oshowt hem t
hemagazi
ne.I
pull
edi
toutofmybag.Ipagedt
hrough.
Me:"Here,
thi
sishowabeauti
fulr
oom looksl
i
ke.
ComparedtoCeli
we'
srooms.Aretheseroomsst
il
l
beaut
if
ul?"
Nkanyi
so:"Youdidwel
lonthathouse.Ihateto
agreewit
hy oubutt
heseonesarehonestlydul
land
shady"
Me: "
ThankyouNkah.Canwenowgoandi nvade
sheetst
reet,
MrPri
cehome,Makro,Pephomeand
anypossibl
eshopwit
hbeaut
if
ulhouseutensi
ls"
Sbo:
"Makr
oisexpensi
ve"
Me:
"St
opwor
ryi
ngaboutt
hat
"
Ir
equest
edanuber
.
Myphoner
ang.Isi
ghedandmov
edawayt
o
answer
.
Me:
"Hey
"
Zamo:
"Howar
eyou?
"
Me:
"Am goodt
hanks.Howar
eyou?
"
Zamo: "
Sharp.I'
vedonesomet hi
nki
ng.Ithi
nkwe'r
e
bothverybusytobeinar el
ati
onshi
p"nohe'snot
.
"SoIconcludedthatmaybeweneedabr eak"
Me:
"Youconcl
udedony
ourown?
"
Zamo:
"Don'
tmaket
hishar
dYol
anda.Youcansee
ver
ywel
lthatourr
elat
ionshi
pist
aki
ngast
rai
nri
ght
now"
Me:"No,
whatIcanseev
erywel
li
sthaty
ou'
re
sel
fi
shZamokuhl
e."
Ihungup.Ibl
i
nkedr
api
dlyf
ight
ingt
het
ear
sback.
Howcouldhe?
Icomposedmy
sel
fandwentbackt
otheguy
s
weari
ngmybol
dsmil
e.
Me:"
Theuberhasar
ri
ved.Wher
ear
eweeat
ing
t
oday"
Lwandl
e:"
Wimpy
.Isawanadv
ertont
.v.
"
Nkah:
"Aswegobackhomewewi
l
lbef
at"
Me:
"Wel
lther
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hat
"
Sbo:"Hhaisi
si.Wewantsixpackstoshowof
fatt
he
beach"Il
aughed.Them andthebeach.
.
..
Weshoppedt
il
lwedr
opped.
Myphoner
angj
ustaswesatdownatWi
mpywi
th4
t
rol
l
eys.
Me:
"Hey
.Di
dyouf
indt
hei
mage?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Yesbabe.I
tssobeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"Ky
li
edon'
ttel
lmey
ouf
indt
hatst
ylenor
mal
"
Ky
li
e:"
Isn'
t?
"
Me:
"Am sodonewi
thy
ou"
Ky
li
e:"
Youwentt
oshopf
ormor
e?"
Me:"Yes.Isenty
ouanemai lontheDube
const
ructi
onsaccountyoutol
dmet oemail
ifIhav
e
arequestandIgotaresponseofIshoul
dgoahead"
Ky
li
e:"
Ohhgr
eat
.Am l
eav
ingf
orJo'
bur
glat
eron"
Me:
"Youcan'
tdothatt
omeKy
li
enott
oday
.Icoul
d
r
eal
l
yuseaf r
iend"
Kyl
ie:"
Am sosorr
ybabebutmydadisn'
twel
lIhav
e
toseehim.I
'
llbei
ntouchthough"
Me:
"Okl
ove.I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
"
Ky
li
e:"
Byeboo"
Ireal
lywant
edtocry.Itol
dthem toor
derand
excusedmysel
f.Igottothelooandcal
ledAyanda.I
venti
tal
lout
.Ihungupandfi
nishedoffcr
ying,
washedmyfaceandthenwentbacktotheguys.
Theiror
der
shadalreadyar
ri
ved.Isatdownand
cal
ledonthewai
terandorder
edt oo.
Nkah:
"You'
reoneoft
hepeopl
eI'
l
lnev
erf
orget
"
Me:
"Wer
eyoupl
anni
ngonf
orget
ti
ngme?
"
Nkah:
"Hel
lno.
"
Sbo:
"You'
vei
ntr
oducedusi
ntobeaut
if
ult
hingsi
n
l
if
e"
Lwandle:
"Tr
ue.Neveri
nmywildestdream hav
eI
evert
houghtI
'deatwit
hfor
kandknife"
Nkosi:"
Nott
oment i
onstay
ingatahot
el.Wehada
real
l
ytoughupbr
ingi
ngsisi
andweneverthought
ourti
li
ngandpai
nti
ngjobwill
takeust
hisfari
nli
fe"
Me:"
Thatwhathappenswheny
ou'
redest
inedf
or
gr
eat
nessinl
if
e."
Nkah:
"Tosi
sYoli
"theyall
raisedt
hei
rfor
ks.They
ar
esodramati
cbutIlovethem.
Us:
"Cheer
s"
.
..
Mama: "
Ay andatel
lsmey ourboyfr
ienddumpedyou"
that
'sthef i
rstt
hingshesays.Whathappenedto
sist
er-
sisterconfi
denti
ali
tyAyanda!
Me:
"Hel
l
omot
her
"
Mama: "
Justbuyabott
leofwi
neandsomesnacks
anddr
inkthepainaway"
Me:
"Am noti
npai
n"j
ustsay
ingt
hatmakesi
tev
en
mor
epai
nful.
Mama: "Iknowyouare.How'stheprogr
essont he
house?"Wow.Ev enatschoolshe'
sneveraskedany
concer
nquest i
ons.Thi
sisafirst
.
Me:"
Ijustfi
nishedmaking3rooms.Am l
eft4
i
ncl
udingthemast erbedr
oom andt
henanurser
y"
Mama:
"Iwi
shIcoul
dseei
t"
Me:
"Ineedt
obuyy
ouaphone"
Mama:
"Ihav
eaphone"
Me:"Nott
hatone.Aphonet
hatIcansendy
ou
pi
ctur
eson"
Mama:
"Idohav
eit
.Ij
usthav
enoi
deahowt
ouse
i
t"
Me:
"Wher
edi
dyougeti
t?"
Mama:"
From af
ri
end.Hav
eyoumadenewf
ri
ends
t
her
e?"
Me:
"No.Ihav
en'
tfoundt
imet
o"
Mama:
"Fr
iendsar
eimpor
tantYol
i
"
Me:
"Yeahr
ight
"
It
henr emember edt
heladi
esImetbackathome.
Maybet hey'
dwanttogooutandhaveacoupleof
dr
inks.Butit
sMonday ,
peopledon'
tgoouton
Monday s.Am doomed.
Mama:
"Akhonai
scomi
ngov
ert
hisweekend"
Me:"Thati
sgood.Ihav
etocal
lher
.Doy
ouwant
ai
rt
ime?"
Mama:
"Ihav
eenought
ocal
lthewhol
evi
l
lage"
Me:
"You'
rewei
rd"
Mama:
"By
emypot
sar
ecal
l
ingme"
Me:
"By
e"
Igotof
ftheki
tchencount
er.Aft
erworki
ngmymagi c
ontheroomsIendedupcomi ngher
eattheki
tchen
andworkedonit.
Ineedar
eal
camer
atot
akepi
ctur
es.
Ir
eceiv
edatextf r
om Kyli
einf
ormingmet hatshe'
s
l
eavi
ng.Myhear tbrokeevenmore.Theguyswer e
upstai
rsbat
hing.
It
ri
edcal
l
ingZamobuti
twentst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.
Theyf
inal
l
ycamedown.
Lwandl
e:"
Weshookcookont
hiski
tchenbef
orewe
l
eave"
Sbo:"Icoul
dn'tagreemor e.Andthoserooms.You
outdoneyourselfsisi
"heraisedhi
shandf orahi
gh
fi
ve.Ichuckl
edandhi tourpalmstoget
her.Wetook
ourbagsandl eft.
Iaskedt
hedr
ivert
opassbyt
hel
i
quorst
orenear
by.
Ibought2bott
lesofwineandsnackst
henwe
conti
nuedwit
ht hedr
ive.
.
..
Nkah:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"Heaskedsoonasl
i
ftcl
osed.
Me:
"Yeaham good.I
tsj
ustt
hatt
imeoft
hemont
h"
Sbo:"Whydidn'
tyout
ell
us.Wewoul
d'
veboughty
ou
chocol
ate"
Me:"That
'ssweet.Youcanbuymet
omor
row"we
r
eachedtheirf
loor.
Lwandl
e:"We'
l
lseey
out
omor
row"
Me:
"Sl
eepwel
l
"
Theygotof
f.Icheckedt
het
ime.I
twascl
oset
o8pm.
Irant
het
ubf
ull
.Ipour
edi
nthebat
hsal
tsandbat
h
foam.
Mywinewait
edonthefr
idge.I
'
veonl
ydr
anki
tonce,
t
odayisgoi
ngtobethesecondti
me.
Iplay
edmysadmusi conthephoneandcriedmy
eyeball
sout.Ir
eal
lydon'
tknowwhathur tmemost
betweenbeingdumpedandt hef
actthatIam
i
nsanelyinl
ovewit
hhim butcan'
tbewithhim
anymore.
Aft
eranhourorsoIfi
nall
ytookmyselfoutoft
het
ub
andmymi ser
y.Ev
eryt
hingseemedfresh,r
oom
ser
vicest
oppedby.
Iputonther
obeandsli
pper
sthenwentt
ogetmy
newfri
endandsnacks.
Lif
eissoni
cesomet i
mes.Lookatmedoi
ngwhat
theydoi
nmovies.Ihopei
tworks.
Iwentbackt other oom togetthetissuethencame
back.If
ol dedmyl egsont hecouchandl ookedf or
i
nterest
ingt .
v.shows.Ifoundone.Ipour edagl ass
andstartedsippingonit.Itdi
dn'tt
asteasbad, Igot
usedtot hetasteeachtimeIt ookasi p.
Icr
iedandcri
edandcried.Ikeptchecki
ngmyphone
hopingI
'
dfindhi
stextorany t
hingbutnothi
ng.
Iheardt
hedoorunlock.It
otal
lyf
orgotaboutaboss
roommate.Iqui
ckl
ygrabbedmybot tl
eandmy
snacksandrantomybedr oom.
Ican'tbel
ieveIhaven'tof
feredtosleepontheother
andlethim backhere.Ialsocan'tbel
iev
ethatIwon't
doit.Thisroom i
sev eryt
hing.
Ifor
gottheglass.IlookedfortheoneIusefor
dri
nkingwater.Iri
nseditandsatont hebed
comf or
tabl
yandcont inueddri
nking.I
twasdoi
ngt
he
work.Iwasn'tcryi
ngany more.Themusicwas
gett
ingmoreni cernow.
Ihear
daknock.Ist
oppedbr
eat
hing.
"
Iknowy
ou'
rei
nther
e.Openup"
Ibr
eat
heagai
n.
"
Yol
anda"
Hhai
hhai
hhai
.Hemustl
eav
emeal
one.
"
Ihav
easpeci
alt
hingf
ory
ou"
Hesmi
l
ed.
Qui
nton:
"HeyOscar
"Il
aughed."
Iwannageti
n"
Ihesi
tant
lymov
edf
orhi
m."
Ial
mostmi
ssedt
hepi
ty
part
y"
Heplacedt
hetrayonthetabl
enexttothedoor
l
eadi
ngt ot
hebalcony.Whatpi
typart
y?"Youcan
cl
osethedoororleav
eitopenli
kethati
fyou'
renot
comfort
abl
e"
Il
efti
topen.Icli
mbedont hebed.Hepeel
edof
fthe
cl
othcover
ingthetr
ay.Hehandedmet hebowlf
ull
ofi
cecream thenaglass.
Hepouredmywi
neontheonehehadandtookhi
s
bowlt
henwentt
osi
tonthecouchbel
owthebed.
Qui
nton:
"Boypr
obl
ems?
"
Me:
"No"
Quinton:
"Okay
.Ifoundti
ssuesont
heloungeandI
fi
guredyoumightbehavi
ngoneofthosedaysso
t
hisismyt r
eattoyourbr
okenhear
t"am It
hat
t
ransparent
?
Me:"
Thankyou.Thi
sissosweetofy
ou"Idugont
he
i
cecream.
Qui
nton:"
Sincei
tsnotboyprobl
ems,i
sit
menstr
uati
on?"Godno.Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"NoMrDube.Myboy
fri
endact
ual
l
ydumped
me"
Qui
nton:
"Ohno.Am sor
ryt
oheart
hatbutt
ohel
l
wit
hhisl
ousyass"
Me:
"Il
ovehi
m"i
tmustbet
hewi
ne.
Quint
on: "
You'l
lgetoverhim.Youhaveawhol e
beaut
ifull
ifeahead.Pickyourheadupbeforeyour
ti
arafal
ls,hewasnev eryoursinthef
ir
stplace.
"
Me:
"Ar
eyouamot
ivat
ional
speaker
?"
Quinton:
"Itdependsonwho' sasking.I
sthisyour
fi
rstheart
break?"Inodded."
Thisshouldmakey ou
nottheotherwayar ound.Tr
yt ogetoveritassoon
aspossible,t
here'
snohear t
breaky ou'
l
lneverbe
abletohandleinfutur
e.Igotov ermyfir
st
heart
breakinaweek"
Me:
"Iam awoman"
Qui
nton:
"So?
"
Me:
"Ihav
eaf
ragi
l
ehear
t"
Quinton:"Nonsense.Theseboy saren'tl
ookingfor
anythingsoli
dt heseday ski
d.Yourfragi
leheart
won'tsurviv
et hedatingworld.Toughenupt hat
heart,tur
nitintosteel"
Me:
"Bet
tersai
dthandone"
Qui
nton:"You'
l
lbecomeanalcohol
ict
henbecause
boy
sbr eakheart
salmostev
eryday
"
Ichuckl
ed.He'
sri
ghtbutthi
sismyf
ir
stl
ove.Ihav
e
tomournthedeat
hofit.
Me:"Howol
dareyourchi
l
dren?
"Am donet
alki
ng
aboutmybr
okenheart
.Hesmil
ed.
Quint
on:"
7months.2beaut
if
ulbabygir
lsthatIl
ove
wit
hwholeofmylif
e"hi
sfaceli
ter
all
yli
tup."Wanna
seethem?"
Me:
"Yespl
ease"
Hehandedmehi
sphone.
Quinton:"Si
kel
elaonthelef
tandSisekel
oont
he
r
ight"itdoesn'
tmatter
.Theylookt
hesame.
Me:
"Youcant
ell
them apar
t?"Hechuckl
ed.
Quinton:"Yes.Iguessi
tseasywhenyou'
rethei
r
parent"Inodded."Doyouhaveachil
d?"That'
s
funny.
Me:"Nope.Idon'
tevenhaveacat"Ihandedbackt
he
phone."
Youseem veryfondofy
ourkids"
Qui
nton:
"Theyar
emyl
i
fe.
"
Me:
"Theywi
l
lgr
owt
obet
hehappi
estchi
l
dreni
nthe
worl
d.IwishIhadthel
uxur
yoff
eel
i
ngdaddy
'sl
ove
att
hey oungage"
Thiswi
newasreal
lyget
ti
ngtome.If
eltl
i
kecr
ying
againt
hatmyf
atherwasn'
tther
e.
Qui
nton:
"Am sor
ry,
didhepassaway
?"
Me:"No.I
t'
salongstorybuthefoundmenowand
he'
sdoingthebesthecoul
dt omakeupfort
hel
ost
ti
me"
Qui
nton:"Aslongashehadav
ali
dreasonwhyhe
wasn'
tthere"
Me:
"Hedoes"
Qui
nton:
"Soy
ou'
reusi
ngy
ourmot
her
'ssur
name?
"
Me:"
YesI '
veal
waysbeenaVil
akazi
.I'
veal
ways
wi
shedIusedmyr eal
surnamebutnowItwoul
dbe
wei
rdifIhadtobeYol
andaPenel
opeNzuza"
Hechuckl
ed.
Qui
nton:"
Why ?I
tsabeauti
ful
surname.Doy
ouknow
Nzuzathefamousbusi
nesstycoon?
"
Me:
"Yes,
he'
smyf
ather
"
Qui
nton:
"Real
l
y?"
Me:
"Yep"
Qui
nton:
"Andy
our
eal
l
ylookl
i
kehi
m"
Me:"That
'st
her
easonwhymot
herwoul
dpi
nchmy
ear
s"
Helaughed.Hetol
dmeabouthi sexpandingf
ami
ly.
He'
sreall
yfondofthem Icouldtel
l
.Hekept
menti
oninghistwi
nbrother.Notevenoncedi
dhe
menti
onawi fe,
gir
lf
ri
endort hebabymama.
Befor
eweknewit
,itwas2am.Iwasal
readydr
unk
andtal
ki
ngnonst
op.
Hegotupandcol
l
ect
edt
het
hingshecamewi
th.
Qui
nton:
"Goodni
ghtweMaNzuza,
rememberto
t
oughenup.Don'
tcryy
our
sel
ftodeat
h"Il
aughed.
Me:"Nev
er.Soonasy ouclosethatdoor
,am
shut
ti
ngmyey es.Goodnightandthanksforcomi
ng
tomypit
yparty"hesmiled.
Qui
nton:
"Pl
easur
eki
d"
Hedi
dment
iont
hatI
'
m agemat
eswi
thhi
sli
tt
le
si
ster,si
steri
nlawandsonjust
if
yingt
hat"
kid"t
it
tl
e.I
couldn'
teventell
he'
sthatol
d.
Heclosedthedoor.It
riedtof
all
asleepbutfai
ledI
gotupandt ookmylaptopandstar
tedsearchi
ngfor
babydecoraroundhere..
.
[
2/26,07:
15]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

22
-
Ifinishedgetti
ngr eadyandtookonlymyphone.This
thingofal wayscar r
yingabagisunnecessaryi
nmy
l
ife.Myboobsar eenought otakeinmyphoneand
mybl ackcard.Isentdaddyamor ningt
ext.Heloves
beingl oved.Iremember edIhaveamot herwhohave
enoughai r
ti
met ocal lt
hewholevi
ll
age.Isenthera
callback.
Iwal
kedoutoft
heroom.Therewasanot
e,carkey
s
andacar
dnexttomyflask.
'
KidIhav
elef
t.Ony
ourl
efti
sapet
rol
car
d.Make
sureyouhaveyourl
i
censewi
thy
ouandf
ast
eny
our
seatbel
tatal
lTi
mes.
Q'
If
orgottotellhi
m Ican'tdri
ve.Ipi
ckedthecar
dup.
Dubelogi
stiscs,nice.Thedoorswungopen.Wher
e
dotheygetallthisenergyeverymorni
ng.
Nkah:
"Hel
l
osi
si"
Sbo:
"Readyt
ogo?
"
Me:"
Isther
eanyofyouwhohasalicense?
"They
j
ustl
ookedatmekindofpuzzl
ed."
Driv
ersli
cense"
Theywent"
ohhh"
Sbo:
"Wedo.Al
lofus"t
hati
sni
ce.
Me:
"Real
l
y?Imustwor
konget
ti
ngmi
nesoon.
"
Nkah:
"Whydoy
ouask?
"
Me:
"OhMrDubebor
rowedushi
scar
"
Lwandl
e:"
Am dr
ivi
ng!
"
Sbo:
"Wher
ear
ethekey
ssi
si?
"
Nkosi
:"Si
sigi
vet
hekey
stot
hequi
etone"
Lwandle:
"ByGod'sgracel
etshopey
ou'
renot
ref
err
ingtoyour
self
"
Nkosi
:"Duh!
"
Me:"Okguysli
sten.You'
l
ltaketur
ns,2ofyouwi
l
l
dr
iveustodayandthentheothertwotomorr
ow"
Sbo:
"Yes!Nkosi
andIar
edr
ivi
ngt
oday
"
Me:
"Iguessi
tsset
tl
edt
hen.Let
'sgowe'
rel
ate"
.
..
Itf
eltl
i
keadream.Kyli
ecall
edearli
eronchecki
ng
uponmeandaski ngaboutprogr
ess.Ipr
omisedto
cal
lherwhenwe'r
edone.
Wei nst
all
edallt
henecessaryfur
nit
ure.I
tnow
l
ookedlikeahome.Theguest sroomswer eexact
ly
howIwant edthem t
obe.Themast erbedroom,I
tr
iedtokeepitassimpl
ey etel
egantaspossibl
e.
Iwassi
tt
ingaloneatthelounge.Thesemor
onswent
toswi
m atthebeach.It
s10mi nutesawayf
rom her
e.
Irecei
vedanemail
thatIshoul
dfet
chmyiPhoneor
sendthem t
headdress.Yesi
nsomni
aledmeint
o
buyingaphoneonl
ine.
IaskedKy l
ietheaddressofthi
shouseandr el
axed
ont hecouch.Allt
hisfur
nit
urescreams"wealth"I
shouldsearchtheseDubes.Ihaven'tev
entoldThabi
am wor ki
ngfortheDubemant hatshe'ssoscared
of,he'
snotev enthatbad.
Whatbugsmeisthathenev
erment
ionedknowi
ng
mefrom somewher
e.Maybehe'
spl
anningonki
l
li
ng
me.
Shesentt
headdr
ess.If
orwar
dedi
ttot
hephone
peopl
e.
Andt
henIv
ideocal
l
edKy
li
e.
Kyli
e:"
Lear
ntomakeanappoi
ntmentbef
oref
ace
ti
mingpeopl
e"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Ai
suka.I
'
veseeny
ouugl
i
er"
Kyl
ie:
"Lookaty
oul
yi
ngont
hatcouchl
i
key
ouown
i
t"
Me:"That'
sjeal
ousyspeaki
ng.Wannaseet
he
t
ransfor
mat i
on?"
Ky
li
e:"
Pleasema'
am"
Iswi
tchedt
hecamer
ator
earv
iew.
Me:"Am notsur
eifIshoul
dleav
ethetvher
eorhav
e
i
tupthere.Imeanhehasdoubletr
oubl
eandyou
knowhowki dsabusethet
v"
Kyl
i
e:"Whereeveryouputi
tit
sokaybabe.Wowi
ts
sobeaut
if
ul.Qui
ntonshoul
draisemysal
ary"
Me:
"Shoul
dn'
tIbet
heonesay
ingt
hat
?"
Kyl
ie:"
Didyoufindhi
mthebestdesi
gneri
ntown?
"I
chuckl
ed."
Ithoughtasmuch"
Me:
"Let
'sgot
otheki
tchen"
Ky
li
e:"
Didn'
tyouf
orgethi
sbarf
ri
dge?
"
Me:
"Thatonei
sasur
pri
sedon'
twor
ry"
Kyl
ie:
"You'
resomethi
ngelse.
"Iopenedt
hef
ri
dge
"OhmyGod!Isthatafr
idge?"
Me:"
Yes"Icl
osedit
.Icoveredthedoor
swi
tht
he
samemateri
alasofthecupboards.
Kyl
ie:
"Gir
lareyoutry
ingtomil
kDubedry
?Hewon' t
havetopayyoulessthanamil
li
onher
e"Ilaughed.
She'
salwaysexaggerat
ing.
Me:
"Il
ovet
hisst
ove"
Kyl
ie:
"Youmustst
ayaweekt her
ewithhi
mtoteach
hi
m howtouseit
.All
hishouseshav
egasstov
es"
Me:"Ohmy
,real
l
y?Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
met
oinst
all
one?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Heneedst
ofeel
adi
ff
erentv
ibe.
"
Me:"Thepantr
yismyfavor
it
e.Youcan'ttel
li
tisi
t.
I
'mjustworr
iedthet
winswil
lhi
deinthere"she
l
aughed.
Ky
li
e:"
Hemustkeepi
tlockedatal
lti
mes"
Me:"
He'saman.He'
llf
orgett
o.Tomor
rowam
st
art
ingwi
tht
henurser
y"
Ky
li
e:"
All
thebestmyl
ove"
Me:
"How'
sdaddy
?"
Ky
li
e:"
He'
sget
ti
ngt
her
e.Thanksf
oraski
ng"
Me:
"Thati
sgood.
"Amessagepoppedup.
'
Heygi r
l.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngthi
sevening?Ifi
gured
thatsi
nceKyli
eandQareoutoft
own.Youmi ghtbe
bored.Iwashopi
ngwecouldgooutforsupper.
Nkul
e'Idi
dn'
tev
enknowshehadmynumber
s.
Me:
"Nkul
ewant
sust
ogooutf
orsupper
"
Ky
li
e:"
Iwonderi
fshecooksatAl
l
.Ar
eyoudown?
"
Me: "
Iguessso.Icoul
ddowithsomecompany.Mr
Dubethrewmeapi typar
tyl
astnight
"wel
aughed.I
text
edNkulebacktell
i
ngherI
'm game.
Kyl
ie:"
Hecanbesweetatt
imes.Yout
oldhi
myou
gotdumped?
"
Me:"Yes.Ineededtovent
.Ifeel
abitbet
tert
oday
buti
tkeepscr ossi
ngmymi ndandmyheartaches"
Ky
li
e:"
Shamepoort
hing.You'
l
lbeok"
Me:
"Iguessso.Letmenothol
dyouup.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Okbaby
.I'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
"
Me:
"Okby
e"
Ihungupandtextedtheguyst
ocomeback.I
neededtogotothehotelandr
estal
i
ttl
eandthen
prepar
efort
heout i
ng.
Igotanal
ertt
hatI
'
vebeenaddedont
hegr
oup.
Whoevert
aughtherWhat
sAppwi
l
lnotmakei
tto
heav
en.
Me:
"Andt
hosey
ouar
eremov
ing?
"
Mom: "
Iaddedt
hem ngemist
ake.I
tonl
yshoul
dbe
you,
AyandaandAkhona"
Isentt
hel
aughi
ngemoj
i
s.
Mom:
"Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
"
Me:
"That
sal
aughi
ngemoj
i
"
Mom:
"Itl
ookssadt
hough.Wher
edoIf
indt
hem?
"
Me:
"Ony
ourl
eft
.Cl
i
ckont
hesmi
l
inghead"
Mom:
"Iwantanangr
yone"
Me:
"It
sred.Nott
heonet
hathasbl
uedr
ops"
Myphonerang.MrNzuza.I
'
m sur
pri
sedt
hisi
shi
s
f
ir
stcal
ltoday
.
Me:
"It
houghty
ouf
orgotaboutme"
Nzuza:"Ihadbackt
obackmeet
ings.Howar
eyou
myprincess?"
Me:
"Am f
ine.Andy
oumyki
ng?
"Hechuckl
ed.
Nzuza:
"Am evenbett
ernow.Hav
en'tyouforgot
ten
abouty
ourappoint
mentwitht
hetherapi
st"ughhel
l!
Me:
"Idon'
tneedi
t"
Nzuza:
"Yol
anda"
Me:"Am seri
ousbaba.You'
real
lthet
her
apyI
needed.Iam f
iner
eall
y"
Nzuza:
"Di
dyouj
ustsaybaba?
"Di
dI?
Me:
"May
be"
Nzuza:"
Youhav enoideahowmuchthatmeansto
memyl ove.Shal
lyoufeell
i
keyouneedsomeoneto
t
alkto,
hitherup,okay?"
Me:
"Okay
."
Nzuza:
"Whenar
eyouget
ti
ngy
ourdr
iver
sli
cense?
"
Me:"SoonasIf
ini
sht
hishouse.Youpl
anni
ngon
buy
ingmeacar? "
Nzuza:
"Ar
en'ty
ougoi
ngt
obuyi
tyour
sel
fkant
ina
nt
ombam? "
Me:
"Iwi
ll
butin5y ear
s.Ist
il
lwannabui
l
dmy
mot
heradecenthome"
Nzuza:
"I'
m pr
oudofYou"
Me:"Thankyou.
"Thewal
lphoner
ang."
Iwi
l
lcal
lyou
l
atermadala"
Nzuza:
"Yeyam st
il
lfr
esh"
Me:
"Iny
ourdr
eamsmyki
ng.By
e"hel
aughed.
Nzuza:
"By
eput
sununu"
Ihungupandr
ushedt
othephone.
Me:
"Uhm.
..
hel
l
o"howdoesoneev
enanswert
hese?
"MaVil
akazipleaseopent
hegat
efort
heguysfr
om
thesecur
itycompany.BabNkomoisnotatt
he
gate"
Me:"
MrDube.Hi.Iwi
ll
.Theydi
dn'
tri
ngt
hehouse.
Di
dyout
ravelwell
?"
Q:"YesIdi
dt hanky
ou.Tell
them nott
oinst
all
camerasinthemasterbedr
oom"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lSi
r"
Q:
"How'
sthehear
tache?
"Il
aughed.
Me:
"It
sget
ti
ngbet
ter
.Thepi
typar
tydi
dthet
ri
ck"
Q:
"Doy
ouneedmor
ewi
ne?
"
Me:
"Not
hanks.Ij
ustneedagoodr
ead"
Q:"
I'
ll
buyyouawholel
i
brar
yify
oumakemyhouse
whatIwanti
ttobe"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngf
ormyl
i
brar
y"hechuckl
ed.
Q:
"Takecar
e."
Me:
"Thanks.Youdot
oo"
Ihungup.If
orgottoaskhowhi sbrotheri
s.I
rememberedIhavetoletthesecuri
typeopl
ein.He
i
nstal
lscameras?Iwon'tbeabletodanceanymore.
Iwait
edbythemai ndoor.Ifonl
ythi
swasmyhouse.
I'
dbestandi
ngher ewearingonl
yleggings,t
anktop
andfl
opsholdingaglassofexpensivecoldwinein
myhandnott oment i
onhav i
ngmyf r
eehandr unni
ng
thr
oughmy36i nchBrazi
l
ianweave.
Thedoorbel
lrang.Iopened.Wow!Br
eat
heYol
i
Breat
he.
Actcool
.Mov
eoffthedoorandl
ett
hem i
n.He
smil
ed.OhMyGod!Focus!
Me: "
Aft
ernoongent
lemen.I
'
m deeplysor
ryf
or
keepi
ngyouwaiti
ng.Ihadnoideayouhadarr
ived"
Him:"Noprobl
em Mr
sDube.MrDubet
oldus"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"Iam Yol
andaVi
l
akazi
.NotMr
sDube"
Him:"Ohhmybad.Iam Ty son.Thisi
sAubreyand
Senzo,mycoworkers"eyecandies.Dar
kandv er
y
handsome.Dr
essedonf uckboyuni f
orm.Theyare
thetypet
oadmir
ef r
om afar.TheyaretheguysMr
Dubewarnedmeabout .
Me:'
Nicetomeetyougent
lemen.Youmaybegin
wi
thyourmagic.MrDuber
equestedthatyoudonot
i
nst
allanycamerasi
nthemasterbedroom"
Senzo:"
Andhowar ewegoingt
otellt
hatt
hisisa
masterbedroom.Am sorr
ybutI'
m notasangoma"
hehasast i
nkingassat
ti
tude.
Me:"Mast
erbedr
oomsareusual
lybigar
en'
tthey
?Or
you'
venev
erseenone?Theoneofthi
shousehold
hastwodoor
s.Soyoudonotopenthatr
oom"
Il
eftt
hem st
andingther
egoingbackt
ot hel
ounge.I
hat
epeopl
elikehim.Hethi
nksthi
sishispar
ent'
s
worl
d.
Isatdownont
hecouchandswi
tchedont
het
v.
Ty
sonappear
ed.
Tyson:
"I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.Het
endst
obel
i
ket
hat
atti
mes"
Me:
"Wel
li
tsnotat
tract
ivebuti
tsokay
"
Ty
son:
"Cany
oupl
easechar
gef
orme?
"
Me:
"Yeahsur
e"
It
ooki
tandconnect
edi
ttot
hechar
ger
.Hev
ani
shed.
Itookmine.Ther
ewere80messagesfr
om the
groupmommycr eat
ed.Theywer
eallf
rom her
.GodI
needstr
ength.
BabNkomo:
"Nkosazane"
Me:
"Baba.Howar
eyou?
"
BabNkomo:
"I'
mfi
nemychi
l
d.Thi
scamef
ory
ou"
Ij
umpedup.I
tisher
e.
Me:"Thanky
ou.Youwer
en'
tatt
hegat
efewmi
nut
es
ago"
BabNkomo:
"Iwasatt
hehouseopposi
te.Thatboy
beatsthatpoorchild.Ihadt
ostayther
eunt i
lthe
poli
cearriv
e.Car ef
ull
ychooseyourmenNkosazana
orstaysingle"heseemeddistur
bedbythis."Thi
s
worldhasnomanany morebutj
ustrut
hless
ani
mal s"
Me:
"Iam notev
enl
ooki
ngf
orwar
dint
omar
ri
age"
BabNkomo:"
Theydon'
tonl
ybeatt
hoset
heyar
e
marr
iedt
obutevent
hegir
lf
ri
ends"
Me:
"Not
hingbeat
sbei
ngopent
oredf
lags.
"
BabNkomo:"Iguessso.Whendidthesecur
it
y
companyar
ri
ve?Isawt hei
rcarout
side"
Me:
"Af
ewmi
nut
esago"
BabNkomo:
"Ok.I
tlooksbeaut
if
ulher
e"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
BabNkomo: '
Ihopeyouexpandthisi
ntoahuge
busi
ness.Thoseboy
sarey ourr
ideordie"
Me:"
Iwi
l
lbaba.I
nduet
ime.I
'
mver
ygr
atef
ulf
or
t
hem"
BabNkomo:
"Letmel
eav
eyout
oopeny
ourgi
ft
.
May
bei
tsabomb"
Il
aughed.Heheadedout
.Iwentt
otheki
tchent
othe
getakni
fe.
Iopenedit
.Thi
sisadream comingtr
ue.It
ooka
pi
ctureofi
tandsentt
ot hegroupt
hentomyking.
Mom:
"Itl
ooksl
i
kemi
ne"what
?
Me:
"youhav
eani
phone?
"
Mom:
"Yes.Uswabi
l
echi
l
dofbl
ackcar
ds?
"
Me:
"OhmyGod.He'
stheonet
hatgav
eyou?
"
Mom:"Yes.Heowesme.Hehadnomoneyt
opay
f
orbr
eakfastsohegav
emehisphone"
Me:
"What
?Youhav
ear
est
aur
antnow?
"
Mom:
"By
eFel
i
cia"
Ical
l
edher
.Shedi
dnotpi
ckup.Ai
bot
hiswoman.
..
*
**
Ididali
ttl
eshoppingear
li
er.Ther
ewasthismakeup
brandbeingpromotedsoIgotmy sel
faf
acebeat.I
boughtthei
rfoundati
on,
li
psti
ckandmascara.Those
ar
etheonl
ythi
ngsIcanusei
nmakeup.
Iwantedt
otakeanuberbutLwandlei
nsi
stedon
dri
vingmetoEMhl
anga.Itwasmoreaboutthecar
thanwant
ingtomakesureI'
m saf
e.
Nkulesai
dI'l
lfi
ndheratTasha's.Theydr
oppedme
offt
hereanddr ov
eofftoonlyLordknowswhere.I
keptpray
ingtheydon'
tcrashit
.
I'
venev
erbeentoapl
acethi
scl
assy
.Whi
tepeopl
e
scar
etheshi
toutofme.
Ihav
emyhabi tofr
ocki
ngadr
esswithsneaker
s.I
al
waysappeartobever
yhott
hough.Il
ookedli
ke
goal
stoday
.
Ispot
tedhersi
tt
ingal
onedr
inki
ngwhat
ever
.
Me:
"Hi
"
Sher
aisedherey
es.Shel
ookedr
athersur
pri
sed.
Nkul
e:"
You.
..
youlookst
unni
ng.Idi
dn'
tknowy
ou
woremakeup"shehadher
snicel
ydone.
Me:
"Am notmuchoni
t.Idi
dthi
soneatt
hemal
l
"
Nkul
e:"
Wowi
tsbeaut
if
ul.Youmayt
akeaseat
"
Ipull
edachairandsatdown.Awaitercamearound.
Iorder
edwaterwi t
hlemon.I
'
vereadaboutiton
booksandseeni tontv
.Theyal
waysor deri
tfi
rst
.
Me:
"Yourbel
l
ylooksbi
ggert
oday
"
Nkule:
"Yest
erdayIwashungr
y.Doy
ouhav
ea
chi
ld?"
Me:
"No"
Nkule:"Mmmh.Iwasthi
nki
ngwewi l
lbegoi
ngout
unti
lKyli
ecomesbackbutIgotacal
lfr
om Qui
nton
thatIneedt
orushtoJo'
burg"
Me:"
Yourhusbandl
et'
syout
rav
el?
"Igotser
vedmy
wat
er."
Thankyou"
Nkul
e:"
Wheniti
nvol
vesf
amil
yy oucannev
ersayno.
TheDubesar
eli
kemysecondfamil
y"
Me:
"Thati
sgood"
Herf
ocusshi
ft
edt
omyhands.
Nkul
e:"
Ist
hathi
swat
ch?
"
Me:"Ohyeah.Hepr
obabl
yfor
goti
tont
opoft
he
cof
feetabl
e."
Nkul
e:"Doesheknowyou'
rewear
ingi
t?He'
sver
y
t
erri
tor
ial
ifyouaskme"
Me: "
Nohedoesn'tknowbutIwillt
ell
him whenhe
getsback.Whati
sy ourpr
ofessi
on?"I
'm nother
eto
tal
kaboutmyboss.
Nkule:"IhaveanEducati
ondegreebutneverreall
y
practi
sed.Youknowgr owinguphavingever
ything
andthenf indi
ngamanwhopr ov
idesfory
ou"
Me: "
Nice.Youshoul
dgetyoursel
fajobbef
oreyou
star
tbakingsconesandmakingsupperf
orali
vi
ng"
shelaughed.
Nkule:"
Quint
onwoul dgocrazy
.Canyoubeliev
ethat
hemov edthi
ssidebecauseofme,lef
thi
sf amil
y
andcompanyj usttobecl
osetome"ther
e'sno
dodgingthi
stopic.
Me:
"Why
?"
Nkul
e:"
Ithi
nkhecan'
tgetov
erus"
Me:"
Youusedt
odate?
"Shenodded."
Ohmy
.Why
di
dyoubr
eakup?"
Nkul
e:"
Wewer
edoi
nganost
ri
ngsat
tachedki
nda
thi
ngie,Iwasengagedatt het
imebuthehadnoi dea
aboutthat.Hecaughtfeel
ingsandthedayhecame
toconfessisthedaymyhusbandwast oar r
ive.The
2lastweeksofourar r
angementwebot hcoul dfeel
thati
twasnowmor et
hananost ri
ngsattached.We
wereinlove.Youshoul
d'veseenhowhecr iedand
beggedmet obreakofft
heengagement."She
cheatedonherf i
ance?Womencheatt oo?
Me:"
Shamepoorthi
ng.
"Icoul
dimagi
nehi
m cr
ying.
I
'dl
aught
il
lIf
art
.
Nkul
e:"I
twasr eall
yhard.Butt
henhefoundhisbaby
mamawhol aterondi ed.Hecametoconfessagai
n
t
hathe'snev
erl ovedandneverwi
lll
ovesomeone
morethanhelov esme."
Me:
"Thet
winsmot
herpassedon?
"
Nkul
e:"Yes.ShewasgunneddownendofDecember
.
I
twasal l
overthenews"f
orsomeoddreasonsmy
hear
tached.
Me:
"He'
sgoi
ngt
hroughal
ot"
Nkul
e:"Ohpl
ease.Heneverlovedheranyway,
he
madeitcl
eart
hatitwasallaboutsexandthat
,that
's
whatit
'l
lal
way
sbeaboutwi
thev
erywomanhe
meets"
Me:
"Al
lbecausehel
ovesy
ou?
"
Nkul
e:"
Iguessso"
Me:
"Hehasn'
tfoundt
hatonewoman.
"Ical
l
edf
or
t
hewai
ter
.
Nkul
e:"
He'sdat
edmodel s,
act
ressesandmany
morehotandsuccessf
ulwomen"
Me:"
Thewomanthatwi
l
lbr
eakhi
swal
l
swi
l
lcome
f
rom nowher
e"
Sheseemedunset t
ledbythat.Ihat
epeopl
eli
keher
.
She'
shappyhe'sholdingontoherwhil
eshe's
marr
ied.Healsocouldn'tl
ovethewomanwhobear
hi
m chil
drenbecauseofher?Menar ecr
azy.
Nkul
e:"
Let
'sor
der
"
Ipi
ckedmynewphoneupt ocheckuponmyidi
ots.
Shelookedcl
oserati
t."
Ist
hathi
spet
rol
car
d?"
It
urnedmyphone.
Me:
"Oh.y
esi
tis"
Nkul
e:"Don'
ttel
lmey
out
ooki
twi
thouthi
s
per
missiont
oo"
Me:
"No.Hebor
rowedmehi
scar
"
Nkul
e:"
ThenewX7?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Nkul
e:"
He'
ssogener
ouswi
thhi
sempl
oyees"
Me:
"Al
ot.He'
ssweet
"
Shef
aint
lysmi
l
ed.
Nkul
e:"
Yourboy
fri
enddoesn'
tmi
nd?
"
Me:
"Idon'
thav
eaboy
fri
end"
Thewaiterfi
nal
lycame.Wepl acedourordersand
conti
nuedchatt
ing.Met r
yingt oavoi
dQuinton'
s
namet opop.Thisfel
tnothinglikeanormalsupper
date.I
tfel
tli
kea" Di
scussQui ntonDube"sessi
on.I
nowneedwi ne.
..
[
2/26,07:
16]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der
23
-
[
Unedi
ted]
It
'sbeenaverybusy3days.Iam happyI'm donebut
sadthatwe'
releavi
nginafewday s.Myonlyf r
iends
abandonedme.Iwilldi
eofboredom today.
Igotoffthecouch.Tvi
stheworstonMondays.I
placedthecereal
bowlonthesi
nkandpouredjui
ce.
Thedoorfl
ewopen.Iscreamedandfl
ewt
oher
.I
huggedt
heliv
ingdayli
ghtsoutofher
.
Ky
li
e:"
Let
'st
hankGodIhav
est
rongbones"
Il
etgoofher
.
Me:"Ai
suka.Iwassul
ki
ngher
ethi
nki
ngofhow
bor
edIwillbe"
Kyl
i
e:"
Tr ustmeIwasn'
tcomi
ngbackt odaybutIam
anemployeeandIhavemyduti
eswhichincl
ude
goi
ngtoEmhl angat
ochecki
fIshoul
ddepositthi
s
pay
mentornot "
Me:
"Whydon'
tyoui
nvi
tesomeonedi
ff
erent
.Idon'
t
t
rusty
ourj
udgement
"
Kyl
ie:"
Iam av
erygoodj
udgei
fyouaskme.
"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"Sowhatt
imear
eyougoi
ngt
her
e?"
Ky
li
e:"
Aft
erwegr
abbr
eakf
ast
"
Me:
"Ar
eyout
aki
ngmeout
?"
Ky
li
e:"
Yesbabes.Gochange"
Me:
"Mor
eli
ke.Gobat
h?"
Ky
li
e:"
It
s9am Yol
i
"
Me:
"YesandIj
ustwokeup"
Isai
dwal
ki
ngawayt
othebat
hroom.
Kyli
eisthewor st.Shehadmer unningaroundli
kea
headlesschicken.Thef i
nalresul
tsweremewear i
ng
aaski r
tandacr opt op.Me...
havi
ngmyst omachout
fortheworldtosee.Idon' tl
i
keKy li
e.Atall
.
Ky
li
e:"
Whendi
dmycar
dsl
i
pout
?"
Me:
"Nope!Thi
sismi
ne.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Your
s?"
Me:
"Yes.MrDubel
efthi
scarwi
thme"
Kyl
i
e:"Godisgoodbecausewewer
egoingtocat
ch
anuberbutnowyoumoghelist
aki
ngusto
Westvi
l
le"
Me:
"AndI
,moghel
doesn'
thav
eal
i
cense"
Herwhol
efacet
urnedi
ntoshock.
Ky
li
e:"
Andhowol
disy
oumoghel
?"
Me:
"Tur
ning22i
nJunet
hanky
ou"
Ky
li
e:"
Ineedapsy
chol
ogi
st.Let
'sgo"
Itookmybag.Ihadt obealadytoday.Iev
enappl
ied
mynewf oundati
onandmascar athenzambukon
myl i
ps.Donotl ookatmeliket
hat,itt
reat
smyli
ps
good.IfonlyIhadaboy f
ri
endtokissthem.
Iadj
ust
edt
hecr
op.Shesl
appedmyhand.
Ilockedt
henof
fwewenttot
heunder
groundpar
king
tooccupyMrDube'
scar
.
Wedroveaboutcl
oset
oanhour
.Wef
inal
l
yar
ri
ved
att
hisr
estaur
ant.
Wescor
edour
sel
vesat
abl
eandsatdown.Thi
s
wasn'
tbr
eakf
astany
mor
ebutl
unch.I
twascl
oset
o
12pm.
Herphonerang.Ir
eadt
hroughtheMenu,
nomeal
costl
essthanaR50.Dayli
ghtr
obber
y.
Kyl
i
e:"
Thatwasmyboy
fri
end.He'
ssuchabi
gbaby
.
He'
scat
chi
ngfl
u"
Me:
"Sohe'
scr
yingt
oyou?
"
Kyl
ie:"
Yes.Hewouldn'tdarecr
ytohi
sgqwi
rhi
mother"Il
aughed.I
'
v enoti
cedhowmuchshe
doesn'
thermotherinlaw.
Me:
"Hhai
bot
hat
'sy
ourmot
heri
nlaw"
Ky
li
e:"
Ohpl
ease.Thi
smenui
ssuper
b."
Wecal
l
edont
hewai
ter
.
Kyl
ie:
"Uhm.Canwehav
eful
lchi
cken,marinat
ed
wit
hspicyher
bsandmi
dchi
ll
isauce,
ribs,
greek
sal
adandroll
s"
Me:
"Thati
sforbot
hofusr
ight
?"
Ky
li
e:"
No"
Me:
"Af
ull
chi
cken?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Order
.Don'
tkeept
heot
herchi
l
dwai
ti
ng"
Ior
der
ed.Whati
swr
ongwi
thher
?
Ourbev
eragescamef
ir
st.
.
..
Di
dsheev
eneatt
hatchi
cken?Nope!
Wearri
vedatt
heDubehousehol
d.Ihadal
i
ttl
echi
t
chatwi
thBabNkomoasalways.
If
oundKy
li
etal
ki
ngont
hephone.
Kyli
e:"
Ohher
eshei
s."Shel
ower
edt
hephonet
omy
face.
Me:
"MrDube"
Q:
"Iwasexpect
ingpai
ntony
ourf
ace"
Me:"Well
youexpect
edwr
ong.Doy
oul
i
ket
he
house?
"
Q:"Youdeserv
ethatl
i
brar
yki
d.I
'
mjustsadIcan'
t
seethenurser
y"
Me:
"Wedon'
twannaspoi
lthesur
pri
se.Dowe?
"
Q:
"Iguessnot
.Uhm wai
t.
..
Kyl
i
etel
l
smet
hest
ovei
s
el
ect
roni
c"
Me:
"YesSi
riti
sandIcoul
dchangei
tify
ouwant
"
Q:"
Itsbeaut
if
ulbutI
'
veneverusedonebef
ore.I
hav
enocl uehowtousei
t"
Kyli
e:"
Itol
dhershe'
l
lhav
etost
ayher
eandt
each
you"
Me:
"Don'
twor
ry.Ky
li
ewi
l
lteachy
ou"
Q:"I
'
drat
herburnthathousedown.She'
snotpat
ient
.
You'
reabadteacherKyl
ie"
Kyl
ie:
"Wel
l
.ThanksZebr
a.We'
regoi
ngupst
air
s
now"
Me:"By
eby
e.I
'
m gonnast
ayher
eandmakemy
sel
f
cof
fee"
Q:
"Ther
e'scof
fee?
"
Ky
li
esnat
chedawayt
hecel
l
phone.Il
aughed.
Ky
li
e:"Yes.Hercof
fee.Theonet
hatshe'
sleav
ing
wi
thtoday"
Shesaidgoingaway.Ichuckl
edandwalkedt
o
ki
tchen.Iboi
ledwat
erandt ookoutmyphonethatI
hadnott
ouchedt
oday
.
Ifoundapl
easecal
lmef
rom Lwandl
eandt
her
est
ofthem.
Ical
l
edNkosi
.
Nkosi
:"Si
si.Youshoul
dcomej
oinus"
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Nkosi
:"Idon'
tknowbutal
lIcoul
dtel
lyoui
sthat
.It
's
f
un"
Me:
"Ar
eyoudr
inki
ng?
"
Nkosi:"
Yeswewer
ebutwe'
vest
oppednow.Ar
eyou
coming?"
Me:
"May
be.Don'
tl
osey
ourphones.By
e"
Igavet
hem mycard.Theycanaf
for
dboozebutnot
ai
rti
me?.Thesehumans.
Imadecof f
eeandputi cecubesonit.I
tst
oohott o
burnmy sel
fup.Iscrol
l
eddownmyf eed.Morefr
iend
request
sandmor efoll
owers.EachdayIgotto
answerhowmuchi smyser v
ice,
itr
eall
ydepends.
The3peopl
eIhav
ewor
kedf
ort
heygav
emet
hei
r
cardst obuywhat everisneeded.SoifIhavet
ouse
myownmoneyI '
dprobablycostthem anarm anda
l
eg.AtCel i
we'shouseIusedal mostR30000and
here,Iusedappr oxi
mat el
yR80000.I maginei
fthat
wasmyownmoney , I
'
dhav eexpectedaR500000
thousandpay ment ,
keepingitinmindthatIst
il
lhave
tosplititwit
htheguy s.
Ky
li
e:"
Gir
l.TheDubeaccount
scan'
tbeaccessed"
Me:
"How?
"
Kyli
e:"ApparentlyQuintonwi t
hdrewal argesum of
money3day sinarowandt heaccount sarefr
eezed
buthe'soni tdon'tworry.HesaidImustt r
ansferat
l
easthalfofy ourpaymentandt henwe' l
ltr
ansferthe
restwhent heaccount sareokay "herphonebeeped.
"Ohitsactuallyacheque.I'l
lforwardittoyoujust
now"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.I
nthatwaywecanbeoutofher
e
t
omorr
ow"
Ky
li
e:"
Whysosoon?
"
Me:
"Imi
sshome"
Ky
li
e:"
Sot
hisi
showi
tends?
"
Me:
"Don'
tdot
hat
."
Ky
li
e:"
Ithoughty
ouandIar
efr
iends"
Me:"Wear eandIsaidI
'
m goinghomeIdidnotsayI
am cutti
ngof fourf
ri
endshi
p"shesmi
led."You'
rea
foolbutIloveyouanyway"
Kyl
ie:
"Iknow.Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odowi
thourl
i
ves
now?"
Me:"
Theguy
sar
esomewher
ehav
ingf
un.Wecoul
d
j
oint
hem"
Kyl
i
e:"
Let
'sgot
hen.
"Shepaused"
Orweshouldjust
gotot
hesal
onanddosomethi
ngaboutouraf
ros"
Me:
"Ourhai
rlooksgor
geous"
Kyl
ie:
"Yesbutwearegoi
nganyway
.Whatar
eyou
gonnado?Iwantsomeweave"
Me:
"Cor
nrowswi
l
ldo"
Ky
li
e:"
Let
'sgo.Doy
ougett
hecheque?
"
Me:"Letmecheck"Ismi
l
ed."Notonlymythi
ghsand
assarefat
.Soismybankaccount.Butt
hisi
smore
t
hant
heamountIchar
ged"
Kyli
e:"BeingaDubeempl
oyeei
sli
kethat.It
hink
theydon'tknowwhatt
odowithi
t.Lethi
m send
another100k."
Il
aughed.
Me:"
Thatwouldbedayl
i
ghtr
obber
y.The20kI
'
ll
t
akeasthebonus.
"
Kyl
i
e:"Justpayt
heguy
s.Lett
hem gett
het
ast
eof
hav
ingrealmoney"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l,l
atert
oday
"
Shewi
nkedatme.Somet
imesIt
hinkshe'
sat
tract
ed
tome.
*
**
IhateKy l
i
eandmycr ew.Oursal
ondat eledusi nt
o
thateventthatnoneofushadnoi deawhati ti
s.We
drankli
ket here'snotomorrow,I
'
mj ustalitt
le
Ntombenhl e.Imustadmi t
.Daddydear estcall
edand
saidsomet hingaboutseeingmet oday.GodknowsI
am notupf ort hat
.Ican'
tevengetoutoft hi
sbed!
"
Isi
tsaf
etocomei
n?"Fuckno!
It
ri
edget
ti
ngoutofbedbutIf
ell
off
.Iam cr
ippl
ed.
Q:
"Yol
i
?"
Me:
"Don'
tcomei
nI'
m onmyundi
es"
Thedooropened.Ial
waysknewhe'
sarapi
st.I
qui
ckl
ypull
edtheduvet."
Areyouki
ddi
ngme? "
Q:"No.Ineedt
ogetdr
essed.Iwantt
ogot
othemal
l
.
Ican'
tgoinmybvd"
Me:
"Her
e?"
Q: "
Hav en'tyounoti
cedt hi
sisn'
tyourroom? "I
l
ookedar ound.Shi
t."Yes."Whyisheconf i
dentl
y
standingov ermeinhi sboxers?Whyi sheev en
call
ingboxer sbvds?GodIwannadi e.Ishutmy
eyes.
Q:"
Iwill
gety oumedsokay.Youl
ookl
i
key
ouj
ust
sur
viv
edt or
nadoinEgypt
"
Me:
"Thanks.What
evert
hatmeans"
Hechuckl
ed.It
ri
edt
ogetupsoonasIhear
dthe
doorcl
ose.
I
'
m notev
eni
nmyundi
es.Ipi
ckedmyj
acketupand
t
ookawal
kofshamet
omyr
oom.
Kyl
i
e: "
Hey!!
!"Shewav
edf
rom acouch.Whyi
sshe
l
ookingfr
esh?
Me:
"Pl
easet
alkt
othehand"
Ky
li
e:"
Iwar
nedbuty
ousai
dYOLO.
"
Me:
"Iwasdr
unkal
ready
.Youshoul
d'
vet
ri
edhar
der
"
Ky
li
e:"
I'
m sor
ry.Iwi
l
lnextt
ime"
Me:
"Noneed.Thi
swast
hel
astt
ime"
Amessagecamet hrough.ThankGodIdidn'tl
oseit
.
Mmmhmoneyi ni
senought obringasmileint
omy
face.Il
eftt
hecrazyKy l
i
eandwentt omyr oom.I
stri
ppednakedandheadedf ortheshower.Heslept
here.Thepil
lowsareallover
.MenneedJesus.
It
ransfer
redt
hemoneyt
otheguy
sandsoaked
myself
.
Ishoul
dbegoinghometodaybutnope.Ican'
tshow
uplooki
ngl
ikethi
s,mymotherwouldscream her
l
ungsout.
Igotoutoft
het
ubf
eel
i
ngf
resh.Myheadhadt
oned
downabi
t.Iappl
i
edl
oti
onanddr
essedup.
It
ookmyphoneandwentout
.
Me:
"Ky
li
e?"Herbagwasn'
ti
nsi
ght
.Ihat
ethi
shabi
t.
'
Nogoodbye?
'Isenttoherandcheckedf
or
br
eakf
asti
ngredi
ents.
'
Iwentt
ochange.Whatshoul
dIbr
ingf
orbr
eakf
ast
?'
Me:
'Ev
ery
thi
ng'
Thefr
idgehadnot
hingappet
izi
ng.If
ixedmy
sel
f
cof
feeandsatdown.
Facebooknot i
fi
cat
ion.Af
ri
endrequestf
rom Ty
son
Sibanda.Iaccept
ed.Howdidhefindme?Whocares!
Ani
nboxcamet
hrough.
Him:'Heybeaut
if
ul.Thi
sisTysonIhopeyoust i
l
l
rememberme.Ihav ebeenl
ookingforyouthen
fi
nall
ytodayGodrememberedIam insearchofmy
fut
ureMr sSi
bandathenboom youappeared.CanI
haveyournumbers?"
Igaveoutthenumbers.Ineedsomefun.Second
boyf
riendwon'
thur
t..
..
uhm thi
rdact
uall
y.
Hei
nvi
tedmeonWhat
sApp.Whatapl
ayer
!
Buti
tdoesn'
tmat
tercausewebot
hpl
ayi
ng.
"Tel
lmey ou'
renotdati
ngt
hisf
oolorevendati
ngat
all
.Arey
out r
yingtohavey
ourhear
tbroken?
"I
j
umped.Whatonear th!
Me:"MrDubeIam ver
yfatandmighthav
eahear
t
di
seasesosneaki
nguponmei sn'
tgood"
Q:"
Welli
nthatcasest
opt
alki
ngordat
ingboy
sli
ke
t
hisSi
bandaboy"
Me:
"Uhm wi
thal
lduer
espect
-"
Q:"Blockhim"Il aughed."
I'
m notkidding.He'sshit
l
ikether estofthem.Hehas6di f
ferentbabymamas
andav er yshit
tyjob.Hedoesn'tt
akecar eofatl east
onechi l
dandy ou'
reheresmil
ingathist extsl
ikea
ret
ard.Yol iy
ou'retoogoodforsomeonel ikehim"
Me:
"Wel
ll
ove-
"
Q:"
You'r
e22.Youknownothi
ngaboutlov
e.Ther
e's
nolov
ewi t
hthesepant
sdr
oppingboy
s.Allt
hey
wanti
ssex"
Me:
"We'
renotdat
ing"
Q:"
Good.Tel
lhi
mtonevertexty
ouagai
norI
'
llki
l
l
hi
m"whyishesoundi
ngli
kemyparent?
Il
aughed.
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.
"
Q:
"Now"
Me:
"YesI
'
m oni
t.
"
Hegav
ememymedsandwat
er."
Thanky
ou"
Heser
vedmef
oodandsatont
hecouchopposi
te.
Q:
"Yol
anda"
Me:"
Sir
?"Hechuckl
edbutt
henqui
ckl
yswi
tchedt
o
hi
sseri
ousscar
yface.
Q:
"Doy
ouseewher
eyou'
reheadi
ng?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Q: "
Youronlydist
ractiontoy ourdesti
nati
onwi l
lbea
boy.Theselowl i
vesboy sdon' twantwomenwi th
greatj
obsl i
keyou.Theyal way swantwoment ofal
l
underthem.Ifyouf eeltheneedt odate,date
someonewhowi llnotfeelthreatenedbyyourbank
account.Ihopeyoudonott aket hist
hewr ongway.I
car
eabouty
ouki
d"
Me:"
Thankyou.Iwasn'
tevengonnadat
ehim, we
wer
ejustgoi
ngtohavefun"hefr
owned.Ichuckl
ed
"
Nonotthatf
un.Thetext
ingfun"
Hesmi
l
ed.
Q:"
Eat.We'
regoi
ngt
othehouse.Ican'
twai
tformy
sur
pri
se"
Me:
"Oht
her
e'st
hat
.Ial
mostl
eftt
oday
"
Q:
"Why
?"
Me:
"Myj
obher
eisdone"
Q:"Thatdoesn'
tmeanl
eav
e.Youcanst
ayher
eIwi
l
l
conti
nuetopay"
Me:"You'r
ever
ygener
ousMrDubebutt
hanky
ou.I
wannagohomeandt henJo'
bur
gformy
gr
aduation"
Q:"
Jo'
burg?Arey
ougoi
ngt
ocomebackaf
ter
gr
aduat
ion?"
Me:
"Chancesar
esl
i
m.Iwannaset
tl
ether
e"
Q:
"Notsof
ast
.4ofmyf
ri
endswoul
dli
key
out
odo
t
hei
rhousest
oo,
Ishoul
dn'
tbet
ell
i
ngy
out
hisbut
y
eah"
Me:"
Oh.Iwi
l
lst
ayhomet
il
ltheyneedmyser
vice
t
hen"
Q:"That
'
snotnecessar
y.Youcanst
aywi
thmeatmy
house"
Me:"You'
vedoneenoughalr
eady
.Youletmestay
her
e,Ieatyourf
ood,bor
rowedmeyourcar.I
tsal
ot"
Q:
"Whenar
eyoudoi
ngy
ourdr
iver
'sl
i
cense?
"
Idon'
tremembert
ell
i
nghi
mthat
.
Me:
"WhenIgethome"
Q:
"Wheny
ougeti
t.Youcancomeandt
aket
heX7"
Me:
"Topr
act
icewi
thi
t?"
Q:"
Nokid.I
t'
sagiftandI'
ll
borrowyout
heDube
pet
rol
cardforay
ear .OhJesusdon'
tdoi
t.Yol
i
...
"
Icoul
dn'
tst
opt
hem f
rom f
all
i
ng."
WhatdoIdoNow?
Hugyou?"
Myvoi
cewoul
dn'
tcomeout
.Hegotupandcamet
o
hugme.
Imov
edof
f.
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
"
Q:"Don'tsayanythi
ng.Il
ovewhatyoudidatmygir
ls
room andt hemasterbedr
oom.I'
m sor
ryIwentt
here
butIcouldn'thel
pit
.Thankyou"
Me:
"Iwasdoi
ngmyj
ob"
Q:
"Yourj
obi
sincr
edi
blyamazi
ng"
There'
ssomethingabouthi
seyes.They'
reful
lof
mixedemotions.Idon'
twhyhewasst ar
ingdeep
i
ntomyey esbutforsomeoddreasonsIwasst ar
ing
back.
Thedoorswungopen.
Nkul
e:"
Ithoughty
ousai
dshe'
sachi
l
d.Qui
ntonwhat
ar
eyouplayi
ngat?"
Q:
"Got
oyourr
oom.I
'
llcal
lyouwhenwe'
rel
eav
ing"
Nkule:"
Nositdown.Isthi
swhyy ouwer
eweari
ng
hiswatch?Ican'
tbeli
evet
his.Whydon'
tdat
emen
yourageandy ourl
eague?
"
Me:
"What
?Whyonear
thwoul
dIdat
eamant
hat
l
ovesonl
yyou?Don'
tdot
his.You'
reembar
rasi
ng
y
oursel
f"
Nkul
e:"
Bit
chpl
ease"
Me:"
Isthatwhyy
ouinvi
tedmet
othatdat
e?You
t
houghtwe'r
edat
ing?
"
Nkule:
"Qui
nton.Don'
tj
ustsitther
e,i
fyouar
en'
t
dat
ingwhyarey ouhol
dingeachother
?"
Hest
il
lhadhisonearm ar
oundme.Igotupandlef
t
t
hem t
here.Icoul
dhearhershout
ing.I
sn'
tthi
s
womanmar ri
ed?
[
2/26,07:
17]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

24
.
It
sbeen4weeksandbyt hegraceofGodIhav e
managedt odoal oti
nthatper
iod.Thehouseis
fi
nished,i
tsonl
yleftf
ormet otofurni
tur
eit
.The
advantageofhi
ri
ngaconst r
ucti
oncompany ,t
hey
areveryfast
.
Mymot her
!Shenol ongerspeakstoourneighbor
s
becauseshenowhasabet t
erhouseandaf enced
homeandherdaught erhasacar .I
'vet
ri
edtotell
her
she'
sbei ngunreasonabl
ebutshebr oughtupallt
he
ti
mest heymi st
reatedherandlaughedathowpoor
sheis.Idon'tunderst
andherhear t
.
Shenol
ongerevengoestodr
inkKwaMbathashe
dri
nksfr
om homenow.Nzuzaboughtherahuget
v
andDSTVsoIguessitsoneofther
easonsshe
nol
ongerleav
eshome.
OhandIfinall
ygotmyli
cense.If
etchedityester
day.
Mydaddydi dnotl
iket
hatwhoeverIwaswor kingfor
gavemeacar .Mymom playedalongonmyl i
e
sayi
ngit
sawomanbutIknowi fIeverupsether
she'
ll
tel
lhimitsaman.
Andf orsomeoddr easonsI'v
ecaughtav eryweird
vibeaboutQl at
ely.Hecal l
smet hroughouttheday,
preachingabouthowmuchhemi ssesme.Heev en
sendsmecut eselfiesatwork.Andconstantlyasks
i
fIhav eaboy fr
iendnowandt el
lsmet hatIshould
remainsingl
eunt ilIhaveopenedmybusi ness
becauseboy swi l
lmakemel osefocus.
Myphonenot
if
ied.
Kyl
ie:
"Ican'
twai
ttoseeyou"Ichuckl
ed.Herandher
bossaretheonl
yDurbanf
ri
endsIhave.
Me:
"Ar
ewegoi
ngout
?"
Kyl
i
e:"Nope!Butwe'
rehav
ingani
ndoorpi
cni
c.
Qui
ntonisi
nJo'bur
g"
Me:
"Athi
shouse?
"
Kyl
i
e:"Yesbaby.I
tsspaci
ous.Justwhatweneedf
or
aperf
ectSundaynight
.Di
dy oufi
ndanapart
ment?
"
Me:
"Yes.Mydaddi
dthet
hings.I
tsi
nWest
vil
l
e"
Ky
li
e:"
Minei
sinPi
neTown,
isn'
tthatamazi
ng!
'
Me:
"Iti
sify
ounotgoi
ngt
ocor
ruptme"
I
trang.Il
aughed.
Me:
"Heybabe"
Ky
li
e:"
Whatdoy
oumeancor
rupty
ou?
"
Me:
"Yeswi
thwi
nes"wel
aughed.
Kyl
ie:"
Icutdowndr
inki
ng.JustcomeIwi
l
ltel
lyou
abouti
tall
"
Me:"Okay.Letmecookf
ormommyf
ir
stt
henIwi
l
l
hi
ttheroad"
Ky
li
e:"
Okayby
e"
Ihungup.Ther
ewasapleasecal
lmefrom Sbo.I
real
l
ycan'twi
thhi
m andpl
easecal
lme.Icall
edhi
m.
Sbo:
"Si
si"
Me:
"Doy
ouev
erbuyai
rt
ime?
"
Sbo:
"Yes.Wemighthav
eanot
hersol
i
djobeNanda.
Mycousini
sopeni
ngashop"
Me:"Thati
sgr
eat
.I'
m goi
ngt
oDur
bant
oday
any
way "
Sbo:
"Ok.Iwi
l
lgi
vehi
myournumber
s"
Me:
"Oksweet
s.By
e"
Ifi
nal
lybeganwi
thmychopping.Ioncehadaf
ri
end
cal
ledThabi,
what
everhappenedtoher.
TheQueenoft hehouseenteredl
ookingasbeauti
ful
asever.She'
snolongert
hemot herIknew.She'
s
vi
brantandalwayshappy,herphonehaspassword,
shealwaysuploadssomef r
eshselfi
esonherstat
us.
She'
sgl
owi
ng.
Mama:
"Whatar
eyoumaki
ng?
"
Me:
"Mut
ton"
Mama: "
Makebeef,
Sam doesn'
teatmutton"andyes.
Idon'tknowwhathappenedbutappar
entl
yshe's
fr
iendswi t
hNzuzanow.Hecomesbyal mostevery
weekend.
Me:
"Ibet
ternothav
eal
i
ttl
ebr
otherorsi
ster
"
Mama:
"Don'
twor
ryhehasdi
abet
es"
Me:"
Meaning?"Sher
oll
edherey
esandt
ookouta
gl
assandherbrownbott
le.
Mama:
"Hi
ssper
misweak"
Me:
"What
?Youguy
sar
ehav
ing.
..
ohGod"
Shel
aughed.
Mama:
"Youcansayi
t.You'
re22"
Me:
"DearLor
dpl
easemakemeunheart
his"
Mama:
"Ar
en'
tyouhav
ingsex
?"
Me:
"Ar
eyour
eal
l
yaski
ngmet
hat
?"
Mama:
"Ofcour
seIam.Ar
eyou?
"
Me:"
NtombenhleVi
l
akazi
Iam notgoi
ngt
oanswer
t
hatquest
ion"
Mama: "
Yourfat
herandIweret
alki
ngofmaki ng
umhlonyaneandumemulofory
ou"Ineverthought
I
'dseethedaysheref
erst
ohim as"Yourfat
her"not
"t
hatmanordog"
Me:"Thati
sni
ce.Soi
fI'
m hav
ingsexy
ouwon'
tdo
i
t?"
Mama:
"Wewi
l
lbutonl
yify
ouar
en'
tpr
egnant
"
Me:
"Wel
lI'
m notpr
egnant
"
Mama:
"Thati
sgood.
"
Me:
"Ay
andai
sal
socomi
ngov
er"
Mama:
"Whatt
imear
eyougoi
ngt
oleav
ekant
i?"
Me:"
5pm.Isti
l
lhav
eti
met
ocookandhav
elunch
wi
thyouguy
s"
Mama:
"Woul
dn'
tthatbet
ool
ate?
"
Me:
"Nope.Thatcari
ssaf
e"
Mama: "Hhai
suka.Let
'scook,t
ell
Ayandatocome
ear
ly.By3pm youshouldbeleavi
ngIdon'
twanty
ou
todr
ivealoneatnight
"
Me:
"Yesma'
am"
Ipassedont
hev
eggi
est
oher
.
Mama:
"Doy
ouknowt
hatIam pr
oudofy
ou?
"
Me:
"No.You'
venev
ert
oldme"
Mama: "
Iam proudofyou.You'restrong.You're
nothingl i
keme.Andt obehonest ,I'
mj eal
ous.
Despiteofal lt
hehellIputyouthroughy ouwentout
thereandf oughtforthebri
ghtfutureyou'vealways
envisioned.Herewear etodaysitti
ngonour
beautifulkit
chen,abeauti
fulki
tchenI '
veonlyseen
onmagazi nes,youbuil
tahouse.TobehonestI
expect edyoutonev erl
ookbackwheny oufi
nally
havey ourlif
etogetherbutyoupr ovedmewr ong"
Me:
"Ther
e'snoneedt
omakemecr
y"
Mama:"Iam pr
oudofbothy ou.You'rethebest
t
hingst
hathaseverhappenedt ome.Iam sor ryI
madeyoupayforyourdaddy'ssins.Ishoul
d'vebeen
abet
termot
her
"Iwi
pedhert
ear
s.
Me:"I'
mjustgladyoudidn'
tabortmemoghel .AndI
am grat
efulyouputmet hr
oughthathellmaybeI
wouldn'
thavelookedf
or wardtosuchfutur
e.I
for
giveyou,nowmaywepl easecont
inuecooking?
"
Shechuckledthr
oughtears.
Mama: "
Yes."Ismil
edandwenttothestovetost
ir
thepap."Yourdadcalledmebaeyester
day,hedi
d
againthi
smor ning"ar
etheyr
eal
lycheati
ngonhis
wifeagain?
Me:
"It
ssor
tofl
i
kebabe"
Mama:"
Hhahe'scr
azy.I
'
m nothi
ssbae.Cany
ou
bel
i
evet
hathe'
shit
ti
ngonme? "
Me:
"Who?
"
Mama:"Sam.He'
sgonnahav
etoworkhardi
fhe
r
eal
lywantsmetobehiswomanagai
n."
Me:"
Ithoughty
ousai
dy'
al
lar
edoi
ngadul
tthi
ngs"
shel
aughed.
Mama:
"Ai
suka.Ir
espectmy
sel
fenought
osl
eep
wi
thamar
ri
edmannow. "
Me:"
That'
sgoodt
hen.SoMamaZumabor
rowedt
he
bi
gpot"
Mama: "
She'
scr
azywithcrackedfeet.Shewas
chasi
ngmeawaywi t
habasi ntoaskf ormaizemeal
j
ust6monthsago.Nxletmegot ellher"Ihel
dher
down.
Me:
"I'
m ki
ddi
ngchi
l
l"
Mama: "YaziYol
imyonl
ynei
ghborher
eis
Nkosazana."
Me:
"They
'l
lbewi
tchy
ou"
Mama:
"Pr
ayerdef
eat
sany
thi
ng"
Me:
"Youpr
ay?
"
Mama: "Yes.JustbecauseIdonotgot ochurch
doesnotmeanIdonott alktomyGod.AndIwoul d
gotochur chbuthavingy ourmamamf undi
siasface
ofthechur chmesseswi thmyhead.Howdoy oulet
hol
yspiritinwhi
lelookingatt hat
?"Il
aughed.
Me:
"She'
sani
ceper
son"
Mama:
"Wel
lherf
acei
sn'
tni
ce"
Me:
"Mar
amama"
Mama:"
May besheisn'
tugl
ybutherf
acei
sjustabi
t
har
dtogetusedto"
Me:"
I'
m donewit
hyoul
ady
."Myphonebeeped."
Did
youl
ockthegat
e?"
Mama:
"Yes"
Me:
"Sam i
sher
e.Wher
ear
ethekey
s?"
Mama:
"Ont
opoft
hecof
feet
abl
e"
Iwal
kedout
..
..
.
..
Ayandaar r
ivedwi thhercr eche.Thebabyboyi s
grownandv eryhandy .Nzuzai sdoingthemost
aboutthefat herr
ole.Ay andascor edhersel
fanother
card.Thismanhasnoi deawhatt odowi t
hhis
money .Somemat er i
althatbuiltt
hehousewas
boughtwi t
hhi sblackcar d.Ifeell
ikeheisliv
inga
doubleli
fenow.Ipr ayeachni ghthiswifedoesn'
tdo
whatshe'sfamousof .
Thef ami
lyl
unchwentbytoofast
.Ihatedt
hefact
thatIhadtol
eave.Iwant
edtopostponebutI
coul
dn'
t.Ky
li
ewasexpect
ingmewi
thr
edey
es.
Me:
"Iwi
shIdi
dn'
thav
etol
eav
e"
Nzuza:
"Youcanl
eav
etomor
row"
Me:
"Ican'
t.Ial
readyhav
epl
answi
thmyf
ri
end"
Mama:
"Asl
ongnotasy
ouwon'
tbedr
inki
ng"
Me:
"Nope.Wej
ustgonnagossi
p"
Ay
anda:
"Whenar
evi
sit
orsal
l
owed?
"
Me:
"Any
time.Letmegogetmybags"
Nzuza:
"I'
l
lputt
hem i
nacarf
ory
ou"
Me:
"Thanky
ousi
r"
If
etchedt
hem.
Mama:
"Yol
anda.Di
dyouj
ustpackev
ery
thi
ng?
"
Me:
"No.Il
eftsomecl
othes"
Ayanda:
"Thatl
uggageist
oobigi t
sli
keyou'
renev
er
comingback"t
hisl
uggageisn'
ttoobi
g.
Me:
"Youguy
sar
ebei
ngdr
amat
ic"
Theywal
kedmeout
.
Mama:
"Don'
tspeedokay
?"
Me:
"Ofcour
se"
Ay
anda:
"Yol
i
.Speedki
l
ls"
Me:
"Iknow"
Nzuza: "Putt
hatteddyont heback"nope!Thi
sisthe
fi
rstteddyeverinmyl i
fe.MrDubeboughti tf
orme
onVal enti
ne'
sday .If
etcheditatt
hepostof f
icewit
h
aboxofchocol ates.Hesaidtheywereformy
brokenhear t
.
Me:
"NoIpr
eferf
ori
ttobeher
e"
Mama:
"You'
repossessed"
Me:
"Thanky
ouandgoodby
e"
Nzuza:
"Fast
ent
heseat
bel
t"It
otal
l
yfor
gotabouti
t.
Me:
"Thanky
ou.By
eguy
s"
Mama:
"By
e"
Idrov
eaway .Theywavedunt i
lIcoul
dn'tseethem
nomor e.Theyar eonedramaticfamil
ybutIlove
them.Alltheimperfect
ionsourfamil
ywer efi
xedin
l
essthanamont h.Icouldn'
tbemor egratef
ul,God
hasshownmeev
ery
thi
ngi
spossi
blewi
thhi
mify
ou
tr
ulybel
i
eve.
.
..
Thesmi
l
eheputonwhenourey
esmet
,PRI
CELESS.
BabNkomo:
"Ndodakazi
.Ist
hisy
ou?
"
Me:
"Yebobaba"
BabNkomo:
"Letmeopenupf
ory
ousoy
oucangi
ve
meahug"
Thegatesli
dopen.Idrovei
nandpar
kedafewfeet
away.Igotoutandheadedbackt
ohim.Wehugged.
BabNkomo: "
Kyli
ekeptsay
ingIwi
l
lseey
ousoon
butIdi
dn'
tbeli
eveher
"
Me:"HereIam t
hen.I
ssheher
e?Myphonedi
edand
Idon'
thaveacharger
."
BabNkomo:
"Shel
eft3hour
sagobutIwi
l
lopenf
or
you"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Wewalkedtothefr
ontdoor.Theypl
ant
edf
lower
s,i
t
l
ookspresent
abl
e.Heunlocked.
BabNkomo:
"Youwi
l
lcal
li
fyouneedany
thi
ng"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Hewal kedaway .Iclosedt
hedoorandrushedt
othe
bathroom.Ipeedandwentbackdownst air
sto
chargemyphone.ThenIwentt omyfavori
tepl
ace,
ki
tchen.Itsmeltnice,shel
ovescooki
ng.
Iopenedthepot
s.Mutt
on,onlyGodknowshow
muchIam obsessedwit
hit.It
ookaspoonandst
ole
somepieces.
"
Thati
srude.Di
shup"IjumpedIal
mostpour
edt
he
whol
estewonmyf eet
.
Het
ookanapki
nandwi
pedt
hest
ainsof
fmychest
.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Qui
nton:
"Thi
sismyhouse"
Me:"
Iknow.Youar
en'
tsupposedtobeherethough"
hest
il
lhadhi
shandonmybr east
s."
Yourhandison
myboobs"
Quint
on:"OhI'
m sor
ry.Ky
li
ewentt
oameet
ingi
n
EastLondon"
Me:
"What
?"
Ipassedhi
m andheadedt
othel
ounge.Iswi
tched
onmyphone.
Quint
on:"Youwer
ewear
ingt
hisdr
essal
ltheway
fr
om Ulundi?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Qui
nton:
"It
stooshor
tdon'
tyout
hink?
"
Me:
"Iti
sMrDubeandIf
indi
tver
ycomf
ort
abl
e"
Hehast
hatcont
rol
l
ingsi
deIdon'
tl
ike.Heopened
t
hedoor
.
Qui
nton:
"Ohy
oucamei
nyourcar
?"hesai
dwi
tha
smi
le.
Me:
"Yes"
'
GirlQuintoni
sabosssentfr
om hell
.Canyou
bel
ieveI'm onmywaytoEL?I'
m sorr
y.Canwedo
ourpicniconTuesday
?Ilov
ey ouokay'
It
ookadeepsi
gh.Ishoul
d'
vej
ustst
ayedhome.
Me:
"YesIcameinmycar.CanIhav
eat
akeawayof
t
hefood?Iam t
oot
ir
edtocook"
Qui
nton:
"What'sinitf
orme?"Myhear
tbeatf
ast
er.
Hehadthisnaughtysmil
e.
Me:"Nothi
ng"Isaidandr
ushedtot hekit
chen.I
di
shedupandt urnedtof
indhim st
aringatme.Thi
s
i
sn'
ttheQuintonIknow."
I'mleavi
ngnow.Sor r
yto
cr
owdy ourspace"
Qui
nton:
"It
sgood.Gor
est
"
Me:
"By
e"
Iwalkedoutandfi
nal
l
ybreat
he.Godthi
sisn'
t
happening.He'
sol
dandnotmytype.
Igoti
nmycaranddrov
eout.Isai
dgoodby
etoBab
Nkomoanddroveaway.
..
[
2/26,07:
18]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

25
.
OhmygoodLord!Ihavenev
erreal
l
ybeentosucha
pl
ace.Bei
ngher
escaresme,ev
eryonei
sinthei
r
housesmi
ndi
ngt
hei
rownbusi
ness.
It
sr eall
ybeauti
ful
.Thepictur
eswer
en'tsonice.It
wasal mostsunsetwhenmyphoner ang.I'
vebeen
meani ngtocallhi
m butI'
vebeenst
ressedbybeing
aloneher eandoverwhel
medbyhowbeaut if
ul t
his
placeisandnotf or
gett
ingQuint
on'
screepybehav i
or
earli
er.
Me:
"Daddy
"
Nzuza:"
Youhavemoneyenought
obuyai
rt
imebut
youdidnotbot
hert
ocal
l"
Me:
"Iar
ri
vedanhourago"
Nzuza:
"Anhourago?Andy
oust
il
lcoul
dn'
tcal
l
"
Mama:
"It
scar
.Iti
sdr
ivi
nghercr
azy
."
Me:
"Whyar
eyouguy
smad?I
'
m okay
"
Nzuza:
"Wewer eworr
iedaboutyou.I
twasy
ourf
ir
st
t
imedrivi
ngsuchalongdist
ance"
Me:"
I'
m sor
ry.Iwasgonnacal
lIwasst
il
lset
tl
ingi
n"
het
ookadeepbr eat
h.
Nzuza:
"Doy
oul
ovei
t?"
Me:
"Uncondi
ti
onal
l
y.I
tssobeaut
if
ul"
Nzuza:
"I'
m gl
admyl
ove.Cal
lusbef
orey
ougot
o
bed"
Me:
"Ar
eyousl
eepi
ngov
er?
"
Nzuza:"
Yes.I
nyourroom asal
way
s"Idi
dn'
task
wherehe'
sgonnasleep.
Me:"Tel
lmamatonotfor
getaboutourl
i
ttl
e
conv
ersati
onear
li
er"
Mama:
"Fut
sekr
ott
enchi
l
d"
Il
aughed.
Nzuza:
"By
e"
Me:
"By
e"
Ihungupandwentt ohangmycl othesont he
wardrobe.Idustedof fandt henbathed.Ther ewasn't
mucht odor eal
ly.Ihadnomai zeforpapandIsaw
noshopcomi nginher e.Iputthestewi ntheov en.I
evenforgottodishther iceupbecauset hatcreepy
Quint
onwasmaki ngmeuncomf or
table.
Wel
lIl
i
kehi
scol
ognebutnothi
m.Pl
easedon'
t
j
udgeme.
OrIcoul
dbei magini
ngthi
ngs.Ther
eisnowayin
hel
lhecouldbelooki
ngatmet hatway.Het
akesme
ashisl
it
tl
esisternot
hingmore.
Itookmyphoneandorderedpi
zza.Ili
edonmyback
withmylegsspr
eadapart
.Advantagesofbei
ngon
yourown.
Iam notatvfanbutIshoul
dtrybeingbestfr
iends
wit
hitsincei
twil
lbethenextaudiblet
hing.
Thepizzastor
eisaf
ewmi
nut
esawayt
heyshoul
d
del
iv
erf ast
.
Myphoner
angast
hatt
houghtcr
ossedmymi
nd.
It
ooki
t.OhGod!
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
"Hel
o"
Q:"
Heygir
l.Youdi
dn'
tdishupther
ice"All
thati
na
gi
rl
yvoi
ce.Whatsubst
anceisheabusing?
Me:
"Yeah.Iwashopi
ngI
'
llcookbutIor
der
edpi
zza"
Q:
"Icanbr
ingi
tify
ouwant
"
Me:
"Ohnodon'
twor
ry.Iwi
l
ldogr
ocer
iest
omor
row
mor
ning"
Q:
"Whyar
eyousoj
umpy
?"
Me:"
Becauseyouaskedwhat '
sinitf
oryoui
fyou
gi
vemefood"thatescapedmymout hIswearI
di
dn'
twanttosaythat.Iexhal
ed.
Q:"
I'
m sor
ry.Iwantedyoutostayali
tt
leandpl
ay
gamesinexchange,Imeantnoharm"wheew!
Me: "
Whydi dn'
tyouj
ustsayso?Youscar
edme"he
chuckled.
Q:
"I'
m sor
ryki
d.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
omor
row?
"
Me:
"Chur
chandgr
ocer
yshoppi
ng"
Q:
"OhImi
ghtj
oiny
ouf
orshoppi
ng"
Me:
"Whynotchur
ch?
"
Q:"
I'
m wor
kingtoni
ght
.Iwi
l
lknockof
fat6am t
hen
gohometosleep"
Me:"Ohok.Iwi
l
llety
ouknowwhenIgot
othe
st
ores"
Q:
"Goodni
ght
.I'
m sor
ryaboutear
li
er"
Me:
"It
scool
.Goodni
ght
"
Hehungup.If
eltl
i
ghter
.Ihonestl
ythoughthewas
l
usti
ngme.Youcouldneverbetoosurewitht
hese
r
ichpeopl
e.
Ir
eceivedanot
if
icat
iont
hatmypi
zzai
s5mi
nut
es
away.Iwai
tedf
oraknock.
Itar
ri
ved.Iat
eandwentt
obed.Iwasact
ual
l
y
exhaust
ed.
*
**
Amenhal lel
ujahtotheal
might
y.Sunday
sar
emy
favor
ite.Outofallday
s,t
hisi
smygoodday.If
someonet r
iestogetmemadonSundayIatt
endt
o
them onTuesday .
Icheckedthet
ime.6am,per
fect
.Imadethebedand
wenttotakeashoweraccompaniedbychur
ch
hummi ngs.
Idressedupinmysui t
ableforchurchdr
essand
sandals.It
ookmyt i
nybagt hatonl
ycontai
nmylip
balm,carkeysandcards.Ialwayshavemyphoneon
myhand.I Phonepeopl
etendencies.
Ihaveal ott
obuy.I
maginebeginningyourday
withoutcoff
eeoranybever
age.Ilockedandtook
theli
ftdownt ot
heundergr
oundpar ki
ng.
Igoti
nmycaransdr
oveof
f.Thesecur
it
yguy
sar
e
theni
cest
.
Weshouldgivecreditt
ot echnology.Youcaneven
sear
chfornearestchurchesv i
ainternet
.If
oundthi
s
oneatKloof
.
TheGPStookmest
rai
ghtt
her
eal
thoughIar
ri
veda
bi
tlat
e.
Isatatt
heback.Thewhiteracedominated.At22
I'
m st
il
lveryscar
edtobearoundpeopleofa
dif
fer
entrace.MyEngl
ishbundlesj
ustrunout.
Ievenfor
gotmybi ble.Agent
lemandr essedver
y
niceandalsosmelli
ngv er
yheavenlysatnextt
ome.
Isaidali
tt
lepray
erhedoesn'ttr
yt otal
kt ome.
Hi
m:"
Hi.Wher
edonewcomer
ssi
t?"Amen.
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.Iam al
sonew"
Hi
m:"
Met
oo.Ben"
Me:
"Yol
i
"
"Shhh"sai
damansi tt
ingi
nfr
ontofus.Hegi
ggl
ed.I
heldminein.Idon'
twannaseem odd.
Theser
v i
ceendedjustasthehol
yspi
ri
tki
ckedin.
That
'swhatIl
ike,
serviceendi
ngwhi
lewe'
resti
l
l
i
nter
ested.
Iunl
ockedmycar.Ispot
tedBen.Hesingsver
y
beauti
ful
l
y.Iwav
edathim.Hewav edbackandwe
star
tedwalki
ngt
owardseachother.
Ben:
"Ni
cebabyy
ouhav
e"
Me:
"Oht
hankyou.Iwashopi
ngt
oaskf
orscr
ipt
ures
wer
eadt
oday"
Ben:
"Myphonei
sfl
atI
'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"Ohokt
hanks"
Ben:"Takemynumber
s.TextmeandI
'
llf
orwar
d
them toyou"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"hecal
l
edt
hem out
.
Ashl
ey:
"You'
rebeaut
if
ul"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"Thankyou.Iwi
l
ltexty
out
hen"hopi
ngt
hatI
wasn'tbl
ushi
ng.
Ben:
"Ok.I
twasni
cet
omeety
ou"
Me:"Likewi
sebabes"hesmil
edandwepart
ed.He
goti
nanAudi .Idon'
tknowwhichmodel
butthose
smal
l beaut
if
ulones.
Idroveawayt oo.Ir
eachedformyphoneoutt
otext
Quinton.If
oundat extf
rom Kyl
ielet
ti
ngmeknow
she'scoming.Ididali
tt
lebootydance.
I'
m nol
ongergoi
ngwit
hQuint
ontotheshops.Iwi
ll
j
ustbuythebasi
csandthenwewill
dosomeser i
ous
shoppi
ngtomorrowwit
hthebabes.
.
..
*
9hour
slat
er*
Ky
li
e:"
Thi
sisdepr
essi
ng"
Me:
"What
?"
Ky
li
e:"
Sit
ti
ngher
eeat
ingchi
psl
i
ke18y
earol
ds"
Me:
"Whaty
ouwannadot
hen?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Ist
her
eabarnear
by?
"
Me:
"Nonono.We'
renotgoi
ngt
oabaronaSunday
"
Kyli
e:"
Damnri
ghtweare.Youwon'
tdr
inkt
hough
causeyouwi
l
lbedri
vi
ng"
Me:"Whatmakesy
outhi
nkIwannatakemycartoa
bar?
"Sherol
l
edherey
esandgotandvani
shedtomy
room.
She'
salsopossessed.Shecameoutl
ooki
ngl
i
kea
model.
Ky
li
e:"
Youhav
e15mi
nut
est
ogetr
eady
"
Me:
"Idon'
tfeel
li
kegoi
ngKy
li
e"
Kyl
ie:"It
ookoutt
hatmar
oondr
ess.Youshoul
dbuy
heels"
Me:
"Ai
Ican'
twal
kint
hose"
Kyl
ie:"
Pract
icemakesper
fect
.Godr
essupwe
shoul
dretur
nbefor
e10pm.Comeondon'tbea
bore"
Me:
"Asl
ongaswe'
ret
aki
nguber
"
Ky
li
e:"
Ofcour
se"
Iwenttofreshenupwi
thherr
ushi
ngmeup.Shehas
devi
ltendencies.
Ourtranspor
tar
ri
ved.Sur
pri
singl
yther
eisabar4
bl
ocksaway .Wecanwalkbacktomypl acei
fuber
di
tchesus.
I
twasn'
tpacked.Peopl
ewerenotdr
inki
ngany
har
dcor
estuffj
ustnormal
cider
s.
Ky
li
e:"
Wegonnasi
tther
e"
Me:
"Whyawayf
rom peopl
e?"
Kyl
i
e:"BecauseIam KenHoust
on'
sexwife,
RaymondLukhuni'
sgir
lf
ri
endandQui
ntonDube'
s
per
sonalassi
stant
"
Me:
"Huh?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Ishoul
dn'
tbespot
tedi
nsuchpl
aces"
Wesatdownatadarkcor
ner
.Sheor
der
edgi
nand
t
oni
cforthebot
hofus.
Justonegl
asswon'
thur
t.
Sheorderedshots.It
hinkshehasadri
nking
probl
em butwon'tadmit.Shekeptt
hem coming
unti
lshestar
tedlaughi
ngi nt
hatwayonl
yhercould
whenshe'sdrunk.
Thebarmangotmeuncomfor
table.Ky
li
efoundi
t
funny
.Hisst
aresdi
dnotsi
twell
wi t
hmysoul.
Thi
sismyt
imet
oaskmyquest
ion.
Me:
"Youwer
emar
ri
ed?
"
Shegi
ggl
edandnodded.
"
Youhav
esecr
ets"
Kyl
ie:
"Someofusdon'tt
alkaboutthi
ngsthatar
ea
shame,I
'm notpr
oudofi
t.Act
uall
y,Ihat
ethatpart
ofmylif
e"
Me:
"Isee.Youhav
eki
dswi
thhi
m?"
Ky
li
e:"
ByGod'
sgr
ace,
no"
Me:
"Ohok.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Ithi
nkI
'
vehadenoughnowl
et'
sgo"
Me:
"Letmegetusuber
"
Kyl
ie:"
They'r
eal
waysoutsi
deinsuchplaces.Let'
s
go"sheplacedt
hebil
l,
thebarmantr
iedmaki ng
smalltal
kbutIr
anformyli
fe.Weindeedfoundacar
totakeushome.
Shethr
ewhersel
fonthecouch.If
etchedwf
leece
andcover
edherthenwentt
omyr oom.
.
..
Fi
rsrt
hingi
nthemor
ningshesuggest
edwegoand
cr
owdQshouse.Iwasdyi
ngofheadache.
Wegott her
eandf oundhim bor
edasal ways.He
didn'
tl
ookli
kesomeonewhowor kednightshi
ft.We
madef ood,
justasIwenttoservehim Ifoundthe
demoni nhi
sarmssobbi ng.Ipl
acedthet r
ayandlef
t
them t
ocomf orteachot
her.
Shei
rr
it
atesme.Ihat
eheri
nfact
.
Af
terweal
lat
eIcl
eanedt
hedi
shesweused.
Ky
li
ecamei
nwi
thherl
ongf
ace.
Ky
li
e:"
CanIusey
ourcar
?"
Me:
"Wher
eto?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Qui
ntoni
sint
roubl
ewi
thSARS"
Me:
"Ohy
eahsur
e.I
'
llt
akeat
axi
"
Ky
li
e:"
Wedon'
thav
ecash"
Me:
"BabNkomohasi
tI'
m sur
e."
Sheblewmeakissandwal
kedout .Whatisshe
gonnasayt
opeoplewi
thal
lthathangoverthough.
Hecamei
n.
Q:
"Youst
ayedbehi
nd?
"
Me:
"YeahI
'
llcat
chat
axi
"
Q:
"Ok.I
'
llbeupst
air
s"
Me:
"Ok"
Ifi
nishedcl
eani
ngupandwenttor
elaxabitona
couch.Ichat
tedwi
tht
hefam onWhatsApp.
Sboconfir
medwithacli
entateNanda.Wear
e
meetingonWednesday
.Wegonnashar et
hat
apart
mentunt
ilt
heyhaveenoughmoneytomove
out.
Ifel
tsomeonesmoothlycaressi
ngmyf ace.Itfel
t
l
ikeadream unt
ilmot
herear t
hcall
edme.Hesmi l
ed.
I'
veneverhadmyheartpoundsof ast
.Iquicklysat
upstrai
ght.
Q:
"It
s4pm.Ir
ant
het
ubf
ull
fory
ou.Thebat
hsal
ts
y
oul
eftatt
hehot
elIpackedt
hem t
oo.
"
Me:
"Noneed.Ishoul
dbel
eav
ingany
way
"
Q:
"Ky
li
ewi
l
lfet
chy
ou"
Me:
"Iwantt
obat
handsl
eeponabed"
Q:"Wehave10bedsi
nthi
shouse.Youwi
l
lchoose
anyyoul
ike"
Hepul
l
edmeupandl
edmeupst
air
s.
Mysal
tswer
eli
ningnextt
othet
ub.
Q:"
Dri
nki
ngisn'
tgoodfory
ou.I
fyouwannadr
ink
pl
easedr
inkathome"
Me:
"Itwasj
ustonegl
assofgi
nandt
oni
c"
Q:"St
il
l.Bat
h,y
oucanuset
hemast
erbedr
oom t
he
bedismuchcomfy"
Heclosedthedoor.Ist
aredatthatdi
rect
ionfora
whi
le.Iam notseei
ngthings.He'
stoogenerous.
Isoakedmy sel
fonthetubf
oragood30mi
nut
es.I
couldgetusedtothi
s.
Igotoutandwr
appedat
owel
andt
ookmycl
othes.
Iknockedbef or
epushi ngt
hedoorsopened.Nott o
blowmyownhor nbutIam goodatt hi
sdecorat
ing
thing.Isear
chedf orcosmeti
cs.Il
aughedwhenI
foundt hem.Justperfume,bodyspray,vasel
i
neand
handcr eam.
Iam gonnasmellli
keamantoday.Itookthem and
wenttositonthebed,
Iam notabouttorobmy sel
f
oft
hisopportuni
ty.
Iappl
iedthevaseli
ne.Isawhim ont
hemirr
or.I
tur
nedtothedoor .Hewasleani
ngagai
nsti
t.Thi
sis
hel
launcomfortable.
Igotoffthebed.Hel
ookeddi
ff
erentIwant
edt
orun
tothecloset
.
Me:"Doyouneedsomet
hing"Isai
dtr
yingt
oactas
st
rongaspossi
ble.
Ispr
ayedmybodyasIwai
tedf
ort
heanswer
.
Q:"
Yes.Ineedthi
svi
eweverymorni
ngwhenIwake
upandeveryni
ghtwhenIgotobed"Ohno.
Me:"Whatview?"Iwasal
readyshaki
ng.Iwas
cr
ossingf
ingershe'
snottal
kingaboutwhatIt
hink
hei
stal
ki
ngabout
.
Q:"Youinmyr oom inatowel .
"Hetookstepscloser
.
"It
riedtofi
ghtthi
s.Ican'tanymore.Toavoidme
kil
l
ingev er
ymant hatl
ooksaty ouorevenbr eat
hes
thesameai rasyou,IdecidedIshouldj
ustdieonce
andt el
lyouIam dyi
ngt ohavey ou-
"
Me:"Stop!OhmyGodQui
nton.I
'
m achi
l
dfor
Chr
ist'
ssake"
Q:"Iknow.Youthi
nkIpl
annedthis?Ididn'
twantt
o
fal
lforyoutr
ustmebutIam f
ail
ing,dismall
y"
Ispot
tedkey
sont
hebed.
Me:
"Whi
chcarar
ethesekey
s?"
Q:
"VW"
Me: "
Theoneoutsi
de? "Henodded.Hehasaner v
e
oflooki
ngli
keacutelitt
lepuppy."
Movefrom t
here"
hesteppedasi
de.Iheldthetowelti
ght
erandranto
thedoor.Ir
andownt hestepsli
keaspri
ngbok.
Igoti
nthecarandf
ail
edt
ost
arti
t.Myhandswer
e
tr
embli
ng.
Isawhi
m upont
hebal
cony
.Hel
ookeddownatme.
Icl
osedmyey
es,
Ithi
nkI
'
m gonnasuf
ferahear
t
att
ack.
..
[
2/26,
07:
19]Zozaness:
26
.
Af
termi nutesoftr
yingtostar
tthedamncarIfinal
ly
dr
ov eoutandspedof ftowherevert
heroadledme.
Ir
ealizedjustasIpassedtheshoppi
ngcenterthatI
am halfnaked.
Ilookedforapar
kingspaceandparked.Ilookedfor
cents.If
oundnone.Il
eanedont hest
eeringwheel,
thewholescenerepl
ayed,If
eltmyheartbeating
ri
ghtoutofmyr i
bcage.
Whatam Igonnadowi thmyselfnow?Istar
tedthe
caranddr
ovestraightt
omypl ace.Ipl
ayedmusicas
hi
ghaspossibl
et odist
urbmyt hought
sfrom t
hat
tr
auma.
Ifi
nal
lyar
riv
ed.Ipray
edIdon'
tfi
ndanyoneont
heli
ft
andtheygettowit
nessmeinatowelandsmel
li
ng
l
ikeamanat6pm.
Ishy
lygr
eet
edt
hesecur
it
yguy
sandkeptmyhead
downunt
ilIr
eachedt
hel
i
ft.
Itpar
ted.Twoladi
escameout,noneofthem l
ooked
concernedaboutmebeinginatowel
.JustwhatI
need:peopl
etomi ndt
heirownbusi
ness.
Igoti
nandpr
essedmyf
loornumber
.
Igotof
f.Thecorr
idorwasempt
y.Godwor
ksi
n
myster
iousways.
Iforgotmykeysinmypurseathi
shouse.Ihi
tmy
foreheadacoupl
eofti
mes.Ili
ter
all
ylef
tal
lmy
belongingst
her
e.Iwant
edtocrysobadbutIhadno
tears.
"IwashopingI'
l
lfi
ndy ouhere"If
roze.Icoul
dfeel
him cl
oser
,hisscentcrowdedmynose.Iwant edt
o
turnbutmybodywoul dn'
tletme.Ikeptmyhead
l
eanedont hedoor.
Qui
nton:
"Ibr
oughtt
heseandIneedmycar
"
Thisi
snoti
meformet obeacr ybaby
.Itur
ned.I
tookmybagandlookedforkeys.Iunl
ockedandgot
i
nquickl
yandcl
osedt hedoor.Heknocked.
Me:
"I'
m gonnacal
lsecur
it
y"
Qui
nton:
"Ineedt
hecarkey
s"
Idi
dn'
tev
ent
aket
hem out
.
Me:"Getont
hel
i
ft,
pressgr
oundf
loor
,it
spar
kedon
sect
ion5"
Qui
nton:
"Letmei
nIwantt
osaysomet
hing"
Me:"
You'
veal
readysai
denough"atl
astt
het
ear
s
cameout
.
Imov edawayfr
om thedoor.It
ookthephoneoutof
thebagandtosseditonthecouch.Iwal
kedonto
thebedroom.Ther
ewer emissedcall
sfr
om t
he
parents.
Iwil
lcal
lthem l
ater
.Ri
ghtnowI
'
m st
il
ldi
gest
ingt
he
shocki
ngnews.
.
..
Imi
ghthavef
ell
asl
eep.Iwokeuparound7am i
nthe
mor
ningbymyphonegoingcr
azy.
Whendi
dIgr
owt
hishabi
tofdy
ingwhenIsl
eep?
Me:
"Babes"
Ky
li
e:"
Aren'
tyoumadatme?
"
Me:"NoKy
li
e.ButIam nowbecausey
ouwokeme
up"
Ky
li
e:"Pl
easeopenupf
orme"
Me:
"Doesy
ourbedhav
ebugs?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Yes.Openupt
hecof
feei
sget
ti
ngcol
d"
Idr
aggedmyassup.Ipul
l
edthet
owelofLuci
fer
's
sonandwal
kedout
.Ismeltl
i
kehi
m,Ineedashower.
Iunl
ockedandopenedt
hecur
tai
ns.
Ky
li
e:"
Youl
ookt
err
ibl
e"
Me:
"If
eel
thatwayt
oo.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Youdon'
thav
epl
ates?
"
Me:"Yes.Iwashopi
ngwewi
l
lgoshoppi
ng
yest
erday.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Weshoul
dgol
ater
."
Wesatdownont
hecouch.
Me:
"Howdi
dyouknowt
hesewer
emyf
avour
it
e?"
Ky
li
e:"
OhnoQui
ntonboughtt
hem f
orus.
"
Ichokedonmycof
fee."
I'
m sor
ry.Ar
eyouokay
?"I
gav
eheraf
akesmi
l
e.
Me:"YeahI
'
m good.I
'
mjustsur
pri
sedheknows
donuts"
Shechuckl
ed.
Ky
li
e:"
Hel
ovessweett
hings.He'
sadonutj
unki
e"
Me:
"Awhedoesn'
tappeal
tobet
hatt
ype"
Ky
li
e:"
Her
eal
l
ydoesn'
t.
"
Iat
e,hopi
ngt
her
eisnokor
obel
a.
Me:
"Doeshehav
eagi
rl
fr
iend?
"
Kyl
i
e:"No.He'
sal oner
.That
'
swhyhedoesn'
tmi
nd
uscomingoveranyti
me"
Me:
"Wemustf
indhi
m one"
Kyl
ie:
"Hejustl
ostt
hel
oveofhi
sli
feIdon'
tthi
nkhe
i
slooking"
Me:
"Mmmh"
Myphoner
ang.
Ky
li
e:"I
'
mleav
ing.Cal
lmewhenwear
egoi
ngt
othe
mall
"
Me:
"Okby
elov
e.Thanksf
ort
hebr
eakf
ast
"
Ky
li
e:"
Ilov
eyou"
Me:
"Lov
eyoumor
e"
Sheclosedthedoor
.Mom haddr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
She'
ssoi mpati
ent
.
Ical
l
edheragai
n.
Mama:
"QueenYol
i
"
Me:
"Hel
l
omyl
ove.
"
Mama:
"Cany
oubel
i
evey
ourt
ycoonf
ather
"
Me:"Whydoy
oual
way
saddr
esshi
m wi
thhi
s
st
atus?
"
Mama:
"Becausehet
hinkst
hishomei
sahot
el.
"
Me:
"Whatdi
dhedo?
"
Mama:"
Heboughtacof
feemachi
ne.Howdoy ou
ev
entur
niton?Won'
ti
twast
emyel ect
ri
ci
ty?
"
Me:
"Ishet
her
e?"
Mama:
"Nohel
eft
."
Me:
"Sear
cht
utor
ial
s"
Mama:"
HheyIwon'ttur
niton.Idon'
twantt
obeon
t
hefr
ontpageofI
langatomorrow"
Me:"Don'tbedramati
c.Putwaterenoughwat erand
cof
feeont hethejugandplugiton,ther
e'sav i
si
ble
onbuttonther
e,pressi
t.Waitunti
lthecoffeeis
completel
ybrewed,youcantellbythesmel l
"
Mama: "Iwi
l
lputi
tawayandwai
tforyouEngli
sh
peopl
etocomeandusesowecandi etoget
herifi
t
expl
odes"di
dshehearanywor
dIsaid.Someti
mesI
doubtshewenttoschool
.
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
esuchacowar
d"
Mama: "
Hhaisuka.Quickquest
ion,
whencanIcome
t
ovisi
t?Ineedbikini
pictur
es"
Me:
"What
?"
Mama: "Yes.Ther
e'ssomuchpressur
ehereoni nst
a
gram.Ineedt odomynail
sandbuymakeup, Ihave
beenwat chi
ngeyebrowt
utor
ial
skubusy"Ilaughed.
Me:"Idi
dn'
tknowol
dpeopl
esuf
ferf
rom peer
pr
essure"
Mama:
"You'
rest
il
ltooy
oungt
ounder
stand.So
whencanIcome?
"
Me:"
Whendoyouwannacome?Dad'
smoneyis
al
waysr
eadyt
obespent
,Iwil
lbooky
ouahotel
"
Mama:"
UghI'm sogl
adIdi
dn'
tuseacondom.Iwi
l
l
comeonFr
iday"
Me:
"You'
rev
erywei
rd.Goodby
e"
Mama:
"Youshoul
dthankmef
ornotbei
ngont
he
pi
l
l.
"
Me:
"By
eNt
ombi
"
Mama: "
You'
rethemostbeaut
if
ulacci
dent
"I
l
aughed.Onceshest
art
sbeingstupi
dshenever
st
ops.
Me:
"Iwi
shy
ouusedt
hatcondom"
Ihungupbefor
eshestart
spreachi
nghowbi
gmy
headwas,i
trui
nedhervagi
na.
Icleanedupandwenttoshower
.Iwashedawayal
l
they est
erday
'st
rauma.
Imademyfaceupanddressedupinacomfort
abl
e
dr
essandf
lops.It
ext
eddaddybeforehecal
l
sand
compl
ain.
Idr
ovetoKyl
ie'
splace.Ifoundheri
napool
.Ihadt
o
wai
tforanhourforhertogetready
.
Weshoppedandshoppedandshopped.Ibought
ev
enthi
ngsIdon'
teatoruse.Wedidnotforgetwi
ne.
Weboughttakeawaysanddrovebackt
omyplace.I
t
wasal
readyinthenoon.Theheatwasdyi
ngdown.
Kyl
ie:
"Ohwhataday.
"Shesai
dsi
tt
ingdownwi
tha
gl
assofwinei
nherhand.
Me:
"Whoeat
soat
smar
aKy
li
e?"
Kyli
e:"
Me.Idon'
teatbaconbutt
her
eissomeonmy
fr
idgebecausey
oueatit"
Me:
"Ncoat
hat
'ssweet
"
Kyli
e:"
Ishouldgoandprepareforpr
esentat
ion
tomorr
ow.YouknowI '
m enjoyi
ngthi
sthingofbei
ng
aPA.Itravel
,j
ustwhatmyinnergoddessneeds
aft
erallt
heseyear
s"
Me:
"Youdeser
veal
lthehappi
nessi
nthewor
ld"
Ky
li
e:"
YesIdo.Letmel
oveandl
eav
eyou.Don'
t
f
orgetabouty
ourmeet
ingt
omor
row"
Me:
"Iwon'
t.By
e"wehugged.It
ookheroutt
othel
i
ft.
Ifoundamessagef rom sisAkhonacelebr
ati
ngher
exhusband' sdi
vorce.Myl i
feissur
roundedby
ment al
lyi
llpeopl
e.Ay andasuggestedshecomes
overfordri
nks.Mom i nvit
edthem athome,the
neighborsaren'
tsl
eepi ngtoday.
Sizwei
spay
ingl
obol
aforhi
sbooany
way
.Theyar
e
happy.
Icameacr ossBen'scontact
s.If
orgott
ot exthi
m.I
senthim aHelloandresumedpackingfoodont hei
r
respect
iveplaces.
Myphoner
ang.I
tshi
m.
Me:
"Hey
"
Ben:
"Hi
.I'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
ourt
ext
"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.Ihav
ebeenv
erybusy
"
Ben:
"Iunder
stand.Ther
e'sy
out
hpr
act
iceat7"
Me:
"Oh.I
'
m spt
ir
edt
odr
ivet
hough"
Ben:
"Met
oo.I
'
lluseuber
,wher
edoy
oust
ay?
"
Me:
"West
vil
l
e"
Ben:
"Whi
chsi
de?
Me:
"Bl
uehei
ght
s"
Ben:
"God'
swor
k.Ist
ayt
her
etoo"
Me:
"Real
l
y?Whatacoi
nci
dence.
"
Ben:"
Pleasesendmeat
extwheny
ou'
rer
eadyt
o
l
eave"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.By
e"
Icont
inuedpacki
ngandt
henboi
l
edspaghet
ti
.Ist
il
l
hadanhourtocook.
Acoupleofminutesto7Iwasal
readydone.It
ext
ed
Ben.Hesuggestedtocome.
I
nlesst
han5mi nut
eshearr
ived.Wehugged.He
l
ookedl
ikehe'
sbeencry
ing.
Me:"Areyouokay?Pl
easetakeaseat
"hesatonthe
barchai
r.Hebithi
supperl
i
pandshookhishead.I
pouredwaterf
orhim.
Ben:
"Haveyoueverl
ovedsomeonesomuchina
waythatt
her
e'snot
hingyouwoul
dn'
tdof
orthem?"
Me:
"I'
venev
err
eal
l
ylov
edt
othatpoi
nt"
Ben:"Onedayyouwi
l
landi
tsucks.I
thadbeen8
year
s,onlyt
odayhet
ell
smehehasa3y earol
d
daughter
"he?
Me:
"He?
"Hechuckl
edt
hroughhi
sri
veroft
ear
s.
Ben:"
Yes.I
'
m gay
.Myhusband'sbabymamajust
showedupatmyplacewit
hthatdamnchi
l
d,hehad
noshameinadmit
ti
ngit
"
Me:
"OwI
'
m sosor
ry"
Iwalkedovert
ohi
m andgav
ehi
m awar
m hug.The
dooropened.
Ist
art
ledandl
etgoofBen.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Hewasn'
tst
andi
ngst
abl
e."
Arey
oudr
unk?
"
Qui
nton:
"Who'
sthi
s?"
Me:
"Pl
easwexcuseme"
Bennodded.Iwentt
opul
lhi
m al
lthewayt
othe
bedr
oom.
Qui
nton:
"Iaskedaquest
ion"
Me:
"Thati
smyf
ri
endBen.
"
Qui
nton:"
Youbef
ri
endwhi
tepeopl
enow,
evenhug
t
hem? "
Me:
"Yes.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Quint
on:"Icametov
isi
t.Youal
soshowupatmy
houseli
key ouowni
t"
Me:
"Ar
eyoudr
unk?
"
Qui
nton:
"Al
i
ttl
e"
Me:
"Youcanev
enst
and"
Qui
nton:
"Whywer
eyouhuggi
nghi
m?"
Me:"Qui
ntonDube.You'
renotmydad,
youcannot
dect
atemylif
e"
Qui
nton:"
Exact
ly.I
'
myourf
utur
ehusband.Nowwhy
wer
ey ouhuggi
nghim?
"
Me:
"Doy
ouknowIcangety
ouar
rest
edf
ort
his?
"
Qui
nton:
"Okay
"ishest
upi
d.
Me:
"Ort
ell
mydad"
Qui
nton:"
Alr
ight
"Icl
osedmyey
esandt
ookadeep
br
eath.
Me:
"Youcant
akey
ourcar
"
Qui
nton:
"Okay
"hesmi
rked
Me:
"Qui
ntonI
'
m ser
ious"
Quint
on:"
WhatdidIdonow?Youwil
lcal
lthepol
i
ce,
yourdadandIshoul
dtakemycar
.Igoti
t"
Me:"
Ok.Nowleav
e,Iwasi
nthemi
ddl
eof
somet
hing"
Qui
nton:"
Isit
?"Hest eppedcl
oser
.Isteppedback
unt
ilIwasagainstt
hebed."Tel
lmesomet hingchi
l
d.
Whatareyougonnasayt othepol
ice?
"
Hewast oocloseIf
ail
edtobreathe.Hewasalso
star
ingdeepintomyeyes.Igul
ped."CanIuseyour
bedtosleep?
"
Me:
"No.
"Ir
oll
edt
otheot
hersi
deoft
hebed.
Qui
nton:
"Ican'
tdr
ivel
i
ket
his"
Me:"Iwi
l
lmakey
oucof
feet
heny
ouwi
l
lbegoodt
o
go"
Iwal
kedout
.If
oundBenwat
chi
ngt
v.
Ben:
"Boy
fri
end?
"
Me:
"Ohhel
lno"
Ben:
"Whi
chonei
sthi
sone,
Khul
eorQui
nton?
"
Me:
"Youknowhi
m?"
Ben:"Yes.Iam t
heDubeconst
ruct
ion'
sfinanci
al
guru.ButIguessthi
sisQ,
Khul
ewoul d'
ve
recogni
zedme"
Me:
"Oh.Yeahi
tshi
m"
Qui
nton:
"Yol
i
!Mycof
feepl
ease"
Benl
aughed.
Ben:
"Ishedr
unk?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Iwai
tedf
ort
hewat
ert
oboi
landmadeandt
ooki
tto
hi
m.
Ifoundhi
minsi
decover
s.Hemustn'
ttestme.Iput
thecupdownandtookhi
sphone.
'
I
fyou'
rer
eadi
ngt
hisI
'
veal
readypassedoutandI
don'
twakeupwhenI
'
m dr
unk.Goodni
ght
"
Ishookhim.Ipinchedhi
m.Ipr
essedt
hecuponhi
s
arm,noresponse.
Il
ookedathi
m.Hewasdead.
It
ookof
fhi
sshoesandsocksandt
henwal
kedout
.
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkIwi
l
lmakei
ttot
hepr
act
ice"
Ben:"
Metoo.Iwi
l
ljustgot
oahot
elanddr
own
mysel
finv
odka"
Me:"Doy oumi
nddr
owni
ngi
nvodkaher
e?Idon'
t
t
rustthatman"
Ben:
"It
alknonest
opwhenI
'
m dr
unk"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lbel
i
steni
ng"
Ben:
"Iam st
ayi
ngt
hen.I
shehi
tt
ingony
ou?
"
Me:
"Yes.I
tscr
eepy
.I'
m 12y
ear
syoungert
hanhi
m"
Ben:"
Gir
l.Yourv
aginaisoldenoughto
accommodatehis12y ear
soldermanhood.Don't
missoutongoodthingsbecauseofsi
ll
ythingsas
age"
Me:
"Idon'
tneedsomeonel
i
key
oui
nmyl
i
feBen"
Ben:"ToobadcauseI
'
m her
etost
ay.Andbesides,
they
'r
egoodmen.Theyknowhowtotakecareof
thei
rbabyboos"
Me:"
From t
hebot
tom ofmyhear
t.Idon'
tgi
vea
f
uck"
Ir
eal
l
ydon'
t.He'
sscar
ingme,he'
scuteandal
so
smel
l
sni
cebutnohe'snotmytypeofcoff
ee.
Myphonebeeped.
'
Yourwhitefr
iendi
sri
ght.Wetreatourwomengood.
Imist
akenlypeedonyourbed'
See?Nobodywant st
odat ealunati
c.Igotupand
wenttothebedr oom.Ifoundhim checki
nghimself
outonthemi rr
orinhisboxerswithhissti
cklegs
exposed.Icoul
dn'thol
di ti
nIlaughed.
Qui
nton:
"I'
m sexy
?Aren'
tI?Where'
syourbody
l
oti
ons?Iwantthegl
eamyoney oualwayshav
eon"
Me:
"Ar
eyougonnal
eav
eaf
ter
war
ds?
"
Qui
nton:
"No.Iwannabeescor
tedoutbyt
hepol
i
ce"
Me:
"MrDube"
Qui
nton:
"YesMr
sDube.
"Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
"YouneedJesus"
Quint on:"NoIneedy ou. "Hepausedandsatont he
bed." Yazi Yolithisisn'tme.Idon' tchaseaf t
er
any one,itsalway stheot herwayar ound.You'rea
chil
dy esbuty ou' r
eov er21, you'rewomanenough
formet obeat tractedt oy ou.Youcan' treall
yblame
mef orit
.Andnoi tsnott hecur vesandy ourround
butt,itsmor et hant hat .ItshowIf eelaroundy ou.I
l
ostt hemot herofmychi ldrent womont hsago, I
hav eapr oblem f alli
ngi nlov ebecausewhenev erIdo,
somet hi
nggoeswr ongandIt houghtIwi llnotbe
ablet oloveagai nbutt hatchangedt hatnighty ou
ranof f"hechuckl ed."Idon' tknowwhathappened
butsomet hingi nsidemenev erwant edy ououtof
mysi ght.Istartedmi ssingy ouwheny ou'r
eatwor k.
Thatcarwasagi f
tbutt obehonest ,
Igav eittoyou
toknowwher ey ouar eev eryt i
me.Thi si snolonger
l
ov e.I'm obsessedwi thy ouYol andaVi lakazi.
"
Me:
"You'
respy
ingonme?
"
Qui
nton:
"Ist
hatal
lyouhear
d?"
Me:"Yes.Becausei
t'
sscar
y.It
houghtIwasy
our
l
it
tl
esister
"
Qui
nton:
"Idi
dn'
twantt
oscar
eyou"
Me:
"Wel
lri
ghtnowy
ouar
e"
Hegotupandgotdr
essed.
Quinton:"
Maybei
twi
l
ldi
edownnowt
hatI
'
ve
confessed"
Me:"Ar
eyougonnabeabl
etodr
ive?
"That
'smy
i
nnerbi
tcht
alki
ng.
Qui
nton:
"Yeah"
Hecameandstoodbef
oreme.Ikeptmyheaddown.
Doesheper
hapsknowIhav
eaweaknessforhis
scent
?
"
I'
m sorr
yIdi
sappoi
ntedy
ou.Iwi
sht
hingswer
en'
t
l
i
kethis.
"
Hebroughtmeinforahug.Ihav
eneverbeenthis
cl
osetohim.Commonsensel ef
tmybody ,
Ifound
myhoear mswrappi
ngaroundhim.It
hinkIam the
weakestwomani
nhi
stor
y.
Hel
etgoandmademef
acehi
m.Hi
sey
es.Thi
sis
wr
ong.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandmov
edoutofhi
sway
.
Me:"
Icookedmi
nceandspaghet
ti
,woul
dyoul
i
ke
some?"
Qui
nton:
"Yes"
Iquicklywalkedoutanddishedupf orhiminhis
containerIbroughtt
heotherday.Iputiti
nabag.He
walkedoutoft heroom.Igavehim hisparcel
.Hebi
d
usgoodby e.
If
inal
l
ybr
eat
he.
Ben:
"Whathappenedi
nther
e?"
Me:"Hesai
dalltheni
cet
hingsev
erywomanalway
s
wantst
ohearandhuggedme.AllIcansayi
sI'
m
doomed"helaughed
Ireal
l
yam.Idon'tf
eelthesamewayIdid20minut
es
agoabouthi
m.Itsprobabl
ylust
.Soal
lthi
sti
mehe's
beenprot
ect
iveofmef orhi
sownbenefit
.Men!
[
2/26,07:
20]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

27
.
Nextti
meIall
owtospendanightwi
tht
hedrinki
ng
Benpleaser
emindmeofthi
sday.Weli
ter
all
yslept
aft
er3am.
He'
squiteachatt
erbox
.Hevent
ed.Ihopethe
br
okenheartwil
lbebett
ert
oday
.Andy esweslept
onthecouch.
Iwentt
obathf
ir
stthenmadebreakf
astf
orus.I
wokehi
m upsoonasIfi
nished.
Ben:
"OhMyGod.Whatt
imei
sit
?"
Me:
"7am.Comel
et'
seat
.Ihav
eameet
ingat10"
Ben:"
Doy ouhaveanunusedtoot
hbr
ush,
Ican'
tdeal
wit
hthissewage"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Yes.Andf
resht
owel
s"
Ben:
"I'
l
lbequi
ck"
Me:
"Youbet
terbe"
Hegotupandl
eft
.Icl
eanedupt
hel
oungear
ea.
Byt
het
imeIf
ini
shedhecameout
.
Ben:
"If
eel
sof
resh"
Me:
"Youl
ookf
resh.Tea,
cof
feeorj
uice?
"
Ben:
"Cof
fee.Whati
sadaywi
thoutacupofcof
fee"
Wesatdownont
hechai
rsandhadourbr
eaki
e.
Ben:
"Thanky
ou.You'
ret
rul
yanAngel
"
Me:
"Youhav
en'
tev
enf
ini
shedy
ourf
ood"
Ben:"I
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutl
astni
ght
.Ir
eal
l
yneededa
fr
iend.
"
Me: "
Anyt
ime.Wejustbonded,
youshoul
dthank
yourfr
eespi
ri
t.Idon'
treal
l
ygetal
ongwit
hany one"
Ben:
"Met
oo.I
nthatcase,
cheer
s"
Me:
"Cheer
s"wel
aughed.
Ben:
"So.HasMr12y
ear
sol
derDubecal
l
ed?
"
Me:
"NoandI
'
m gl
adhedi
dn'
t"
Ben:"Y'
allwouldmakearealcutecoupl
e.You'r
e
chubbyandl i
ghtandshor
t.He'
st al
l
,muscularand
dark.Yourbabieswoul
dbehellacute"
Me:
"Itwi
l
lnev
erhappen"
Ben:
"Itwi
l
l.Thosemengetev
ery
thi
ngt
heywant
"
Me:
"Wel
lI'
m gonnabr
eakt
hat
"
Ben:
"Iwi
l
lbeher
eandwat
chi
ng"
Hetookasipofhi
scof
feegi
vi
ngmet
hatl
ook.Ihat
e
t
hatlook.
Hel eftaft
erweat e.Icall
edSbo.Theyarealway s
together.Thei
rfri
endshipissosoli
d.Itol
dt hem
aboutmymeet ingandt hatt
heyshouldcrossfinger
s
helikesour swork.
Aft
errinsi
ngt
hedi
shesIf
etchedmybagandmycar
keys.
Myphoner
angasIdr
oveout
.
Me:
"Mr
sRay
"
Ky
li
e:"
Heyl
ove.Howar
eyou?
"
Me:
"Apar
tfr
om bei
nganxi
ousI
'
m gr
eat
,how'
s
y
our
sel
f?"
Kyl
ie:
"Ithi
nkI'
m comi
ngdownwi
thf
lu.Ineeda
fav
or,where'
syourmeet
ing?
"
Me:
"Emhl
angaboo"
Kyli
e:"OhthankGod.Iwashopingiti
ssomewher ein
thatrout
e.Yester
dayIfor
gotav er
yimportantf
il
eon
thebackseat.Coul
dyoupleasedropitof
fatQ's?"
Hhaihhaihhai!
Me:
"Now?Can'
tIbr
ingi
ttoy
ourpl
ace?
"
Kyl
ie:"
No.Hehast
osi
gni
tandsendi
tbackbyhal
f
past9.Pl
ease"
Me:"
Fine.I
'
lldr
opi
tof
fatt
hegat
e.BabNkomowi
l
l
t
akeiti
n"
Ky
li
e:"
Okayt
hanksboo.Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Ihungup.
Arr
ivi
ngatQ'
splacetherewasnosi gnofBab
Nkomoathishouse.Ihoot
edunt i
lJesustol
dmet
o
st
op.Irangt
hebuzzer,noresponse.
Itri
edmychanceswiththef
ingerscanner.I
tcoul
d
recogni
zemyf i
ngerwhenwewor kedhere.Iputi
ton.
Accessgrant
ed!
Iwi
shi
tdi
dn'
t.NowIhav
etoseehi
sface.
Idr
ovei
n.It
ookt
hedamnf
il
eandheadedi
n.
Iknocked.Mypal
msweresweat
ing.Thi
sishow
scaredIam nowoft
hisman.
Thedooropened.
Me:
"Ibr
oughtt
his"hel
ookedr
athersur
pri
sedt
osee
me.
Q:
"Uhm.Hi
"
Me:
"Hi
.Ky
li
easkedmet
obr
ingt
hist
oyou.
"
Q:
"Thanks.
"Hest
eppedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Me:
"Ar
eyougonnat
akei
t"
Q:
"Ohy
es.Thanks,
I'
m sor
ry"het
ooki
t.
"
Wher
e'sseasoni
ng?
"Il
ookedatt
hedoor
.
Nkul
e:"
Oh.HeyYol
z"Il
ookedathi
mthenbackat
her
.
Me:"Hi.
"Shehadonlyatowel
.Ishoul
dwashand
br
ingthatoneIl
eftwit
h.
Nkul
e:"
Iam maki
ngbr
eakf
ast
.Woul
dyoul
i
ket
ojoi
n
us?"
Me:
"Not
hanksIal
readyat
e"
Nkul
e:"
Ok.Wher
e'sseasoni
ngQui
nton?
"Hewasj
ust
st
andi
ngther
est
aringatme.
Me:
"She'
stal
ki
ngt
oyou"hebl
i
nkedr
api
dly
.
Q:
"Idon'
tknow.Sear
chf
ori
t"
Me:
"Thi
rddoorony
ourl
eft
.Keepwel
l
"
Itur
nedandwal kedt
omycar.Ihear
dthedoorcl
ose
andthenfoot
stepsbehi
ndme.Ipacedup.
Hebl
ockedmef
rom openi
ngt
hedoor
.
Q:
"It
snotwhaty
out
hinki
ng"
Me:
"Mov
eyourhandof
f"
Q:"Shecameher
elastni
ghtbutIsweart
oGodIdi
d
nottouchher
"
Me:
"Ist
hatwhyshe'
siny
ourt
owel
andy
our
mor
ningshoes?
"Whyam Imad?
Q:"
Shehadagownon.Idon'
tknowwhyshet
ooki
t
of
f"
Ifi
nall
ytur
nedtolookathim.Hewast oocl
ose.I
couldsmellt
henicot
ine.Idon'
tusual
l
ysmelli
t.I
t
al
sosmel l
sniceonhim.
Me: "
Look.Youdon'thavetoexplai
nany thi
ng,Idon'
t
carewhoy ousleepwith.Andweallknowshehol ds
aspecialpl
aceinyourheart.Youdon'thavetobe
ashamedofi t
.Nowpl easemov eyourarmI '
m gonna
belateformymeet i
ng"
Q:"Youshoul
dgetthatmadnessoutofyourhead.
NkuleandIar
enothing"Hesnapped.If
rowned.
Me: "That'
swhyshespendsani ghtandwalki
ng
aroundi ntowels,
right
?Ni
ce.Nowmayy oupl
ease
mov e.Orwhat ?Youwantyourcar?Letmegetmy
bagt hen"
Hemoved.Iopenedt
hedoorandr
eachedf
ormy
bag.
Q:
"Justgeti
nthecarandgot
oyourmeet
ing.I
'
m
nott
hatki
ndofper son.Thi
sisnotmycarandNkul
e
i
sjustafr
iend.Goodluckonyourmeeti
ng"
Hewalkedback.Igoti
nthecar
.Myey
eswer
e
bur
ningup.Iwantedtocr
ysobad.
Idroveout.Menhav enev
erbeengood.I thasn'
t
evenbeenadaysi nceheconfessedhisfalse
feel
ingsbutal
readyhehasthatdemoni nhi shouse
wearingatowelthatcoul
drev
eal herassifshe
bendsdownt ogetbacononthef reezer
.
Andagai
n.I
sn'
tshemar
ri
ed?
Myphonebeeped.
'
Iam al
otoft
hingsbutnotacheat
er.
'
Nobodycar
esy
oumor
on.
Ithr
ewthephoneontheotherseat
.Ineedt
obev ery
fr
eshformyint
erv
iew.Idon'
tneedthi
snegati
vi
ty.
Iam anhourear
ly.Thatgi
vesmeenought
imet
o
cl
eanmyey eswit
hey egene.
Ichat
tedwi
thdaddy
.He'
sinDur
ban.Sweet
!
Hepr
omi
sedt
oseemeaf
termymeet
ing.AndI
knowwhatmeans; gamesandfood.Andl
ist
eni
ngto
himventabouthi
slazyemploy
ees.Iwoul
dn'
thavei
t
anyotherway.
Hesaidmommyt ol
dhim she'
scomingher
e
tomorr
ow.It
otal
l
yforgott
omaker eser
vat
ionsf
or
her.
Ibookedheri
ntoa5stari
ntheci
tycent
er.Ihope
shedoesn'
tcomplai
n.
5minutest
otenIt
ookmyt
hingsandheadedi
nsi
de
t
hecafe.
Ior
deredbl
ackcof
fee.I
thel
psdeal
i
ngwi
tht
he
ner
ves.
Twogentl
emengr eet
edmeandsatdown.Theyhad
pri
ort
oldmet hetabl
enumbert
oavoi
d"whatare
youweari
ng"questi
ons.
Oneoft
hem:
"Mynamei
sZwel
iandt
hisi
sKhay
a"
Me:
"Yol
anda"
Zwel
i
:"Adams?
"Wel
aughed.
Me:
"Vi
l
akazi
"
Khaya:"
We'r
etheNcubes.Idi
dn'
texpecty
out
obe
thi
syoung"
Zweli
:"Metoo.Sowegonnahavet
omakethisqui
ck
becausebyMondaywe'dli
keyout
ost
arti
fyou
promiseusgoodser
vice"
Me:
"It
sashopr
ight
?"
Khaya:"
Yes.Thatwi
llhav
etoportr
ayhowthe
ki
tchenwil
ll
ook,bat
hroom,bedr
oom andetc"
Me:
"Fur
nit
ureshop.Thatwi
l
lbeeasy
."
Zwel
i
:"Canweseet
hesampl
es?
"
It
ookoutmypor
tfol
i
oandgav
eitt
othem.
Me:
"I'
veonl
yhad3gi
gssof
ar"
Khay
a:"
Ist
hisanur
ser
y?"
Me:
"Yes"
Zweli
:"Il
ovethefl
oori
ng.Wowyouout doneyour
sel
f
onthesehouses.Thestor
eisal
readypaint
edand
ti
l
ed.IlovewhatIam seei
ngher
e"
Khaya:"
Wej
ustneedourf
ather
'si
nputandt
henwe'
l
l
cal
lyou"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Ipai
dformycof
feeandsawmywayout
.
It
ookadeepbreat
hbefor
eIgotinmycaranddr
ove
of
ftoNor
thbeach.Heboughtanapar
tmentt
her
e.
Hehasat hi
ngf
orDogsandGodknowshowscar
ed
Iam oft
hem.
Ifoundhim al
readywait
ingf
ormeatthegate
carry
inghi
sl i
tt
leyetbar
ksli
kenobody
'spuppy
.
Me:"KodwaMshazi
.Isi
tnecessar
yfory
out
ocar
ry
hi
m around?
"
Nzuza:
"Yes.Thenannybeat
shi
m up.You'
rel
ate"
Hehoopedon.
Me:"
Idi
dn'
tsaycomest
andher
e.Ij
ustsai
dIwas
comi
ng"
Nzuza:
"What
ever
.Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"
Me:
"Youchoose"
Nzuza:
"We'
venev
erbeent
oRoccoMamas"
Me:
"Let
'sgot
hen.Wher
eisi
t?"
Nzuza:
"Howonear t
hdoIknow?"Aibothisguy."
Or
j
ustpul
lupattheshoppi
ngcent
er.We'llbuybuns
andbever
ages.Doyouhaveacoolerbox?"
Me:"Yes"If
oundi
tinthi
scar.He'
snev
eraskedf
ori
t
soIguessitwasapackage.
Nzuza:"Good.We'l
lbuyicet
oo,getKFCandot
her
snacks.We'r
egoingtothebeach"
Me:"Yay!Thati
sbyfarabesti
deay
ou'
veev
er
suggest
ed"helaughed.
Nzuza:
"Don'
tunder
est
imatemegi
rl
.Wegonnaneed
afl
eeceandanumbrel
la"
Me:
"Asl
ongasy
ou'
repay
ing"
Nzuza:
"You'
resost
ingychi
l
d"
Me:
"I'
m notst
ingyIj
ustdon'
thav
emoney
"
Hej
ustl
aughed.He'
smybestf
ri
end.Il
ovehi
m.
*
**
Ar
eallmaleslikethi
s?Compl imenti
ngwomenin
bi
ki
nis?ThisistheleastIexpect
edfrom mydad.I
t
di
dn'
tmakei tanylessawkwar dthathe'
s
compl
ement
inghi
sagemat
es.
Nzuza: "Yourmom andIhadt hi
st al
ktheot herday.
Thatweshoul ddoy ouumemul o.Wehad
disagr
eement sonwher eshouldi tbedoneunt ilAn
eldert
hatv isi
tedtoldusyoubel ongt oy ourmother'
s
sideandt hatmeansi tshoul
dbedonet hatside.I
camei ntoconclusionthateveni fitso,Ishouldhave
youintroducedtoy ourpater
nal side.Iwant edtoask
i
fdoy ouappr ove"
Me: "
Ofcour
se.Iwoul
dlov
etomeetev
ery
one.Won'
t
yourwif
ehaveaprobl
em?"
Nzuza:"
No.Wespokeaboutyou,asmuchasi
thur
t
hershehadnochoi
cebuttoaccept.
"
Me:
"Int
hatcaset
henl
et'
sdoi
t"
Nzuza:
"Ohthi
swaseasy.Yourmot
herwascer
tai
n
yougoi
ngtoref
use.Letmecall
her
"
Shepi
ckedup.
Me:
"OhmyGod!
"
Mama:
"HowdoIl
ook?
"
Nzuza:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.Ar
eyougoi
ngoutona
dat
e?"
Mama: "
NobutIwi
l
lbesoon.Ar
eyouguy
satt
he
beach?
"
Me:"
Yesmoghel
.Youshoul
dteachmehowt
odo
br
ows"
Mama:"Justbuyt
heey
ebr
owt
ool
sandwat
ch
t
utor
ial
smybaby "
Me:"Iwanty
out
oteachme.Iwi
l
lbooky
oua
pent
house"
Mama: "
Wuuhdevi
l.Iwon'thav
eti
metobetouchi
ng
yourf
ace.Iwi
l
lbeshoppingandbei
ngbeaut
if
ul"
Nzuza:
"You'
re45.
"
Mama:"
So?Onlyyouknowst
hat.Iwi
l
lbewal
ki
ngi
n
abi
ki
nif
oryourowninf
ormat
ion"
Nzuza:"
What
?"Il
aughed.Thewayhepoppedhi
s
eyesout
.
Mama:
"Yesdzaddzy
"
Hel
ookedatme.Ishr
ugged.
Nzuza:
"Ical
l
edt
otel
lyouwe'
regoi
ngaheadwi
th
i
ntr
oduci
ngYol
i
"
Mama:"
Whyam Inotsur
pri
sed.She'
sJudasanyway
.
HowdoyouknowthoseXhosapeopl
ewon'tcook
you?
"
Me:
"Mama!
"
Mama:
"Theywil
lbef
ight
ingov
eryourf
inger
sI'
m
t
ell
i
ngyou.By
ebyeyou'
rewast
ingmyairt
ime"
Nzuza:
"I'
mtheonewhocal
l
ed"
Mama:
"By
e!"
Shehungup.
Me:
"Hassheal
way
sbeenl
i
ket
his?
"
Nzuza:
"Yesbutbet
ter
.Thi
siswor
se.Shehasa
hear
tofGoldt
hough"hesai
dsmil
i
ng.
Me:
"Yeahdoes.I
tisj
ustf
encedwi
tht
hor
ns"
Nzuza:
"Exact
ly"
Welaughed.Wetal
kedaboutanyt
hingand
ev
eryt
hingunti
lhehadtogotoagaladinner.Idr
ove
hi
m backhomeandt hendr
ovetomypl ace.
Ughitsucksl
i
vingal
one.I
fwegetthatj
obthese
monkeysshouldcomeli
vewit
hme.Andi nthatway
i
t'
ll
beeasierf
orustotr
avelt
owork,nostoppingt
o
pi
ckthem up.
Icheckedont hesi
ckKyli
e.Shet
oldmeRay
mond
arr
ived.IcheckedonBen.Whotol
dmeheflewt
o
Jo'
burg.Whatabor i
ngnight
.
It
ookt
hemeatoutoft
hef
ri
dgef
ori
ttodef
rost
.
Iwenttothebathr
oom toshower
.Durbansunwill
fryyoubrownsometi
mes.Iputonacool dr
ess
after
wardsandthenbeganwit
hboil
i
ngt heri
ce.I
tookoutsnacks.
Isati
nfr
ontoft
het.
v.andwatchedar
eal
i
tyshow.I
thi
nkIpref
ert
heset
hanmov i
es.
Ihear
daknock.
Me:
"Comei
n!"
Thedooropened.Ibecamemadal
lov
eragai
n.
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Q:
"Food.I
'
m hungr
y"
Me:
"Why?Di
dn'tNkulecook?Orshewasj
ustt
her
e
t
oserv
eyouvagina"helaughed.
Q:"Youlookcutewhenyou'
remad.Noshedidn'
t
servemev agi
na"hechuckl
edandshookhi
shead."
I
broughtyousomethi
ng"
Hewal kedoutandcamebackwi thacat.Ir
antothe
bedroom.Whatiswr ongwit
hhim.Heknowsv ery
wellIalmostdi
edtheotherdayatthehotel
when
thatwoman'scatranint
omyr oom.
Me:"I'
m gonnacallt
hepol i
ceQuintonI
'm not
pl
aying"hewaslaughing.Howcanhebesool dand
bethisstupi
d.If
elthi
sf oot
stepsfadeaway .
Il
ovecatsfrom adi
stance.Justdon'
tbr
ingt
hem
anywherenearme.Ihaveav eryt
raumat
ic
exper
iencewit
hthem.
Q:
"Comeout
.Ihav
etakeni
tback"
Iopenedsl
owl
y.Henowhadf
lower
sandagi
ftbag.
Me:
"Whywoul
dyoubr
ingi
ther
e?"
Q:"
Tocheeryouup"Isi
ghed.He'st
rulyst
upid."
Oh
her
e.Ihopey
ou'r
enotall
ergi
c,butyou'
renotorelse
y
ouwoul
d'
vet
oldmeonVal
ent
ine'
sday
"
Me:
"Di
dyoubuysomef
orNkul
etoo?
"Hesmi
rked.
Q:
"Yes"
It
ri
edcl
osi
ngt
hedoorbuthebl
ockedi
t.
Q:
"Jeal
ousycoul
donl
ymeanonet
hing"
Hegoti nandclosedthedoor.Ther
e'sawayhe
switcheshowhel ooksatmeandi t
screepy.He
placedthefl
owersandt hebagonthevanity
.And
thenwalkedtowardsme.Ikepttaki
ngast epback.
Q:
"Iwi
l
lfol
l
owy
out
il
lyout
ri
poutoft
hatwi
ndow"
Me:
"Whyar
eyouf
oll
owi
ngme?
"
Q:
"Whyar
eyoust
eppi
ngback?
"Igul
ped.
Thewal
lblockedmef r
om movi
nganyfurther
.He
st
oodbeforeme..
.notj
ustt
hatbutagai
nstme.
Mywholebodyshivered.Heputhi
srighthand
behi
ndmyneck,thebi t
chinmecouldn'tmovemy
eyesof
fhi
s.Hehy pnotizemeIswear.
Hehasv er
ybeaut
if
ul ey
es.Henolongersmell
sof
ni
cot
ine.Hesmell
slikehisf
reshusualsel
fandyou
knowhowmuchhi
sscenti
smyweakness.
If
elthiswar
ml i
psagainstmi
ne.I
tshappeni
ng!Oh
sweetJesusIhopeyou'r
ewri
ti
ngitdownthathe
st
artedit
.
Aft
eracoupleofsecondsIgavei
n.Hislef
thandran
downtomyjiggl
es.He'ssotal
l
.Iblessedmysel
f
wit
hthepri
vi
legeoftouchi
nghisupperbody.
Hhai
bo.He'snotgoi
ngf ormythighs,but
torbreasts.
Il
ow-keywantedtof
eel hi
spenis.Theysaythetall
er
andskinnyheist
hebiggeriti
s.
Kissingmeanswemaynowbepronounced
gi
r l
fr
iendandboy
fri
endr
ight
?Sonorush,Ist
il
lhav
e
ti
met of
eeli
t.
"
Yol
i
?"
Ibr
oket
heki
ss.
Me:
"That
'smydad.Jumpoutt
hewi
ndow"
Q:
"What
?"
Me:
"Doy
ouseeapl
acet
ohi
deher
e?"
Nzuza:
"Yol
anda?
"
Me:
"I'
m dr
essi
ngup.I
'
m comi
ng"
Ipushedt
het
all
mant
othewi
ndow.
Q:
"Iwi
l
lhi
deundert
hebed"
Me:
"No!
"
Heheadedt
othebat
hroom.OhGodwhyme.
Iwal
kedoutt
odaddy
.
Me:
"Hey
"IhopeIdon'
tl
ookgui
l
ty.
Nzuza:"
Icamet
osaygoodby
e.I
'
m ur
gent
lyneeded
backhome"
Me:
"Ohokay
"
Nzuza:"
Am Igonnagetahug?"No!Justt
urnar
ound
andleav
ebeforeyousmel
lthi
smanonme!
Ihuggedhi
mfor2seconds.
Me:
"Saf
ejour
neyIl
ovey
ou"
Nzuza:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
It
ookhim outt
otheli
ft.Imadesurehegetsi
n.I
wait
edti
l
litcameagain.Hewasn'tt
hereanymor
e.
Good.
Iwentbacki
nsi
de.Il
ockedt
hedoorandsi
ghedi
n
rel
i
ef.
Iwentt
othebedroom.Iknockedont hebat
hroom.
Hecameout.Oureyesmet.Wel aughed.
Me:
"Thatwascl
ose"
Q:"
Ialmostcommi
tt
edsui
cide.You'
recol
d
bl
ooded"
Me:"You'
ret
heonewhosaidmydadshal
lnev
er
knowaboutyou.Whatchoi
cedi
dIhav
e?"
Q:
"Undert
hebed,
war
drobeandabat
hroom"
Il
aughed.
Me:
"Thatdi
dn'
tcr
ossmymi
nd.Sor
ry"
Hecamecloseragai
nandwr
appedhi
sar
msar
ound
myneck.
Q:
"So.I
sitsaf
etocal
lyoumybaby
?"
Me:
"Yes.becausey
ou'
reol
denought
obemydad"
Hechuckl
ed.
Q:
"Sam i
s55.
"
Hel
eaneddownandki
ssedmeagai
n.
Benf
oreseenthi
s.ThatNkul
epeacockshoul
dst
ay
i
nherlanenow..
.
[
2/26,07:
21]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

28
.
Idon'
tunderst
andmymot her.Iletgoofev er
ythi
ngI
wasdoingbecauseshesai dt heyjustpassedballi
to
buthereIam.Ihavebeenwai ti
ngf oroveranhour,
gotchasedawaybyt axi
driver sattheentranceof
Durbanstat
ionbecauseit
s" theirspot"
Ihaveneverbeensoirr
it
atedi
nmyl i
fe.Arecei
veda
textfr
om Q.Kyl
iealmostbust
edus.Thissl
eepover
businessi
sanof orme.
Isleptwithoneeyeopenj ustincasehet ri
ed
any t
hingsexualbutnopehekepthi sugl
yhandsto
himsel f
.AndIappreci
atethat.Ireall
yhadfunlast
night.Hemi ssedwork,j
oysofwor ki
ngforfun.
Q:
"Hasshecome?
"
Me:
"No.I
'
m st
il
lwai
ti
ng.I
'
m sopi
ssedr
ightnow"
Q:
"Icancomekeepy
oucompanyi
fyouwant
"
He'
sact
ingl
i
keal
i
ttl
eteenageboyi
nlov
e.
Me:
"Not
hanky
ouSi
rI'
l
lbef
ine"
I
trang.Fi
nal
l
y!
Me:"I
fpeopl
ecoul
ddi
ewhi
l
ewai
ti
ngIwoul
dbel
ong
gone"
Mama: "
Ohwel
lIguessi
tsagoodt
hingt
heydon'
t.
I
'm her
e."
Me:
"OkayI
'
m comi
ng"
Igotoutoft
hecarandt
ookat
axi
toDur
banst
ati
on.
IwasparkedatYMCA.
Mama:
"Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ogetmest
olen?
"
Me:
"Itwasonl
yforaf
ewmi
nut
es"
Mama:
"Wher
e'sy
ourcar
?"
Me:
"Par
kedsomewher
eel
se.Wegonnat
akeat
axi
t
her
e"
Sheadj
ust
edhershadesandsi
ghed.
Mama:
"Idi
dn'
tsi
gnupf
ort
his.Let
'sgo"
Shepul l
edhercaseandcatwal kedtot hecar
.She
agesfinelikef
inewine.IwishIi
nherit
edher
gorgeousbody ,cur
ves,beaut
if
ullonglegs,Bcup
breast
s, andaflashstomachyou'dswearshe
doesn'thaveki
ds.
Myphoner
angaswesatdownont
het
axi
.
Me:
"Heysi
s"
Ay
anda:"Heylov
e.Ij
ustsawmessagesf
rom y
our
mothert
hatshe'
sstr
anded.Hav
eyoufet
chedher
?"
Me:"
Ilef
tmyplace2hoursagoandIhav
ebeen
wai
ti
ng.Shej
ustarr
ived.
"
Shechuckl
ed.
Ayanda:"
She'
ssodr
amat
ic.Cal
lmewheny
ougett
o
thehotel
"
Me:
"By
e.YMCApl
ease"
Wegotof
fandwentt
omycar
.
Me:
"Pl
easef
ast
ent
hebel
t"
Mama:
"It
sgonnar
uinmyout
fi
t"
Me:
"It
sgonnamakenoi
sema.
"
Mama: "
Whyareyoutheenemyofmyhappi
ness?"
shebuckl
edup.Idr
oveoff
.
Me:
"SoIbookedy
out
her
e"
Mama:
"Hi
l
ton?Isai
dIwant
eda5st
ar"
Me:
"Iti
s"
Mama:
"Doesi
thav
eheat
edpool
?"
Me:
"Yougonnahav
etof
indt
hatouty
our
sel
f"
Mama:
"Howf
ari
sthebeach?
"
Me:
"5mi
nut
esaway
"
Mama:"
Yougonnabemyr
idebecauseIcan'
ttake
t
axi
s"
Me:"There'
suber,t
axi
fyandbol
t.Readyt
otakey
ou
any
wher e,any
time.
"
Mama:"
YolandaI
'v
ehear
dver
yscar
yst
ori
esabout
t
hoset
hingssono"
Me:
"Il
i
vei
nWest
vil
l
ewhi
chi
sli
ke25mi
nut
esaway
fr
om her
e.Iam worki
ngonsomet
hingsoIcan'
t
dri
veyouaround"
Mama:"Fi
neI'
l
ltakebol
tatl
eastI
'
vehear
d2scar
y
st
ori
esabouti
t"
Il
aughed.She'
ssuchachar
act
er.
Shecheckedin.Wetookt
hel
if
tuptoherr
oom.The
l
ookohherf acewhenweent
eredt
heroom,
pri
cel
ess.
Mama:"I
tsbeaut
if
ul.Theseav
iew.Thanky
ou
bambi
no"
Me: "
Pleasur
emadam.Youwi l
lreadever
ythi
ngon
thatbrochur
e.Breakf
astisser
vedbetween7and10.
Lunchat12t ohalfpastt
woandt hensupperat8"
Mama:
"Thanky
ou.I
sther
eWi
Fi?
"
Me:
"Ofcour
se.Weshoul
dgety
ouar
out
er"
Mama:
"Ihav
e5gi
gonmyphone"
Me:
"Whydi
dyouaskaboutWi
Fit
hen?
"
Mama: "
TheWi-
Fisi
gni
sver
yimpor
tantwhent
aki
ng
scr
eenshot
s"
OhGod.
Me:
"Getsomer
est
.Iwi
l
lcampher
eont
hecouch"
Mama:
"Comewe'
l
lshar
ethebed"
Iki
ckedmyshoesof
fandwentt
othebed.
Mama:
"Letmet
akeat
ourt
henI
'
llj
oiny
ou"
Inoddedandt hent
ext
eddaddy.Hetol
dmehe's
meetingwiththeel
der
stomorr
owt osett
hedat
efor
myintroduct
ioncer
emony.
Iputmyphoneawayafterourconvoanddr
ift
edt
o
sl
eep.Ihar
dlysl
eptl
astnightIwasscar
ed.
.
..
Iwoul
drat
herbewokenupbyat
ruckhoot
ingonmy
eart
hanmymom.
Me:"
Itsver
ynor
mal t
ocal
loutanamewhenwaki
ng
someoneupyouknow"
Mama: "
Ifyoucan'
tyouheary
ourphonehowar
eyou
gonnahearme?Itsbeenri
ngi
ng"
It
ooki
t.
Me:
"OhmyGodi
tsKhay
a"
Mama:
"See?Cal
lhi
m"
Me:
"Idon'
thav
eenoughai
rt
ime"
Shepassedmeherphone.
Ist
art
eddi
all
i
nghi
snumber
s.
Khay
a:"
GooddayKhay
aspeaki
ng"
Me:
"HiKhaya.I
tsYol
andaVil
akazi
.Ij
ustgoti
nfr
om
t
heshops.I
'
m sorr
yImissedyourcal
l
s"
Khay
a:"
Heyboo.Ial
mostgav
esomeoneel
sethi
s
j
ob.Howsooncanyoucometosi
gnt
hecontr
act
?"
Me:
"Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?"
Khaya:
"Ofcour
se.Youear
nedi
rbabes,
myf
atheri
s
i
nlov
ewi t
hyourwork"
Me:
"Thanky
ousomuchIdon'
tknowwhatt
osay
.Is
t
omorr
owokay?
"
Khaya:"
Yes.Youwill
findmyPAandmybr other
thoughcauseIscor
edmy sel
fadat
e"IChuckled.
Me:
"Okay
.Thanksagai
n"
Ihungup.Mom wasst
andi
ngt
her
elooki
ngatme
anxi
ous.
Mama:
"So?
"Ismi
l
ed."
Thanky
ouGod"
Me:
"Real
l
y?"
Mama:"
Yes!
"Shehuggedme."
Iam sopr
oudof
you.
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.I
'
m si
gni
ngacont
ractwi
tht
hem
t
omorr
ow"
Mama:
"I'
mreal
l
ypr
oudofy
oubaby
"
Thereisnot
hingbet
tert
hanhear
ingthosewor
ds
fr
om thiswoman.Theymeanalottome.Theymake
upforthepast.
Mama:"Doy
ouownanyt
hingf
ormal
?Peopleshoul
d
l
ookgoodwhengoi
ngt
othosesi
gni
ngthi
ngs"
Me:"Ihave2.Soy oumyqueendoesn'thaveto
worryaboutanythi
ng.Justenj
oyyourvacat
ion.The
heatisdecentenoughforyoutogoont hebeach"
Mama:"
Ther
e'sapoolupstair
s.Iwi
l
lgot
othebeach
t
omorr
owwithyoutocelebrat
e"
Me:
"YouknowIdon'
tl
ikeshowi
ngof
fmybody
"
Mama:"
Youcanwearanov
eral
landbeSdumoi
ts
f
ine"
Wel
aughed.
Me:
"Letmego.Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
"
Mama:
"By
enana"
Shewi
thdr
ewsomet
hingf
rom t
hef
ri
dge.
Me:
"Mah!
"
Mama:"Hansaismyri
deordie.Iwentt
ogetsome
fr
om t
hebar.Idon'
tdr
inkasmuchnow.Just2
500ml
saday "
Me:
"Wel
lthat
'sgood.By
e"
Mama:
"By
e.Keepy
ourphoneony
ou'
reonspeed
dai
l
"
Igi
veuponher
.
.
..
Ical
l
edtheguy
si nf
ormingthem aboutoutjackpot
.I
l
ovehowmucht heyareal
way sl
ookingforwardint
o
wor
king.Ky
li
edeser
tedmetoday.Shehasnot
r
epl
iedtoanyofmytext
snei
therdidBen.
Myphonev
ibr
ated.Fi
nal
l
y!
Me:"
Coul
dn'
tyouspar
e5secondsofy
ourt
imet
o
t
extme?"
Ben:"Hoeplease.Iam spari
ng5mi nutesofmyti
me
tocal
l y
our i
ghtnow.Ifyourfuturein-
lawsweren'
tso
stupi
dI'dhavecall
edyouear l
ier.Howar eyoudoi
ng
mypumpki n?"IChuckled.
Me:
"I'
m good.Whenar
eyouget
ti
ngback?
"
Ben:
"Wheny
out
ell
met
ocomeback.
"
Me:
"Comeback.I
tsr
eal
l
ybor
ingher
e"
Ben:"
Gir
lonecannotwast
etimeony ou.Soonyou
gonnabemybossandhangingoutwiththeDube
sl
aymomsandChucknor r
isandthatquietone"
Me:"
Ohplease.Iwil
lnotgett
omeetthosepeopl
e.
Ev
enifIdoIwouldn'
thangaroundt
hem"
Ben:
"Why
?That
'
sli
keadr
eam comet
rue"
Me:
"Ri
chpeopl
ear
enotpeopl
etohangar
oundwi
th.
Theyar
eful
loft
hemsel
ves"
Hel
aughed.
Ben:
"Igi
veupony
ou.By
efornow"
Me:
"By
esweet
s"
Ihungupandwentt ot
heki
tchent
olookf
or
anythi
ngappeti
zi
ng.Howcomethi
smanhasn'
t
cal
ledortext
ed?
Ipeel
edoffpotat
oes.Ishoul
dst uffmyselfupwi
th
someroastedpotat
oesandr oastedchickenmaybe
wit
hsomesal adontheside.Adv ant
agesofstay
ing
al
one.
Myphonebeeped.Ohno!
Shejustcheckedi
natEy adini
LoungeatUmlaziand
taggedme.Mymot herhast obetheworst44year
oldinhist
oryof44yearolds.Whatthehel
li
sshe
doingthere?
Ical
l
edher
.
Mama:
"Heybambi
no.Di
dyouseemepost
?"
Me:
"Yes.Whyar
eyout
her
e?"
Mama:
"Toenj
oymy
sel
f.Youshoul
djoi
nme"
Me:
"Not
hanks.Howdi
dyouev
engett
her
e?"
Mama:
"Sam or
der
edmeadr
iver
"
Me:
"Ar
en'
tyouscar
ednow?
"
Mama: "
He'smypersonaldriv
er.Hewillbetheone
t
akingmeev er
ywhere.OhI'm onVIP,
justincase
you'
rewonderi
ngwhyi sn'
tdeafeni
ng"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lconstant
lycheckupony
ou.Don'
tdr
ink
t
oomuchplease"
Mama:
"Iwon'
tdon'
twor
ry.By
e.Hav
esomesl
eep"
Me:
"I'
m cooki
ng.By
e"
Ihungupandt
ext
eddaddy
.
"
Aper sonal
dri
ver
?Real
l
y?She'
satEy
adi
niasIwr
it
e
t
his"
"Justl
etherli
veal
itt
le.Weowethattoher.Ihav
e
peoplemakingsur
eshe'sokaydon'
tworry
"-Nzuza.
Gr
eatt
hen.
Myf
oodgotr
eady
.Iat
eandwentt
otakeabat
hand
sl
ept
.
.
..
Iwokeupt osof
tmusicplayi
ngandsmel l
of
pancakes.Ifel
tweightonmyst omach.Iopenedmy
eyesIsawahandIscr eamedandf ell
offthebedI
ki
ckedof ftheduvet
.ThenearestthingIgotholdof
wasakni fe.
Me:"
Showy
ourf
ace!
"Hemov
edi
fof
fthepi
l
low.
What
?
Q:
"It
sme"hesai
dwi
thhi
sey
eshal
fopened.
Me:
"Whyar
eyouher
e?Andhowdi
dyougeti
n?"
Q:"
BecauseImissedy
ouandIusedtobeaburgl
ar
whenIwasyoungsoIbrokeni
n.Canisl
eepnow?"
Me:"No.Wakeup.God!Doy
ouknowifIhadhear
t
di
seaseIwoul
d'v
ebeendeadbynow.
"
Q:"Youjustwat
chtoomuchmov i
es.LetssayIwas
r
eallyabadguy,doyouthi
nkIwoul
d'vebeen
fr
ightenedbyakni
fe?"
Ofcour
se.I
tki
l
ls.
Me:
"Don'
tj
udgemepl
ease"
Q:"Comeher
e"Iputt
hekni
fedownandcl
i
mbedi
nto
bed.
Me:
"Whydi
dn'
tyoumakeanycont
actl
astni
ght
?"
Q:
"Iwasgi
vi
ngy
out
imet
omi
ssme.Di
ditwor
k?"
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
"May
be"
Hebr
oughtmyf
acecl
oserandki
ssedme.
Q:
"Ibr
oughtachefwi
thmeIhopey
oudon'
tmi
nd.
"
Me:
"Whatt
imedi
dyouar
ri
ve?
"
Q:"30minutesago.Iwaswor
kingni
ght
shi
ft
"I
checkedtheti
me.
Me:
"Ihav
eameetingwit
hKhaya.
..
hisbr
otherand
t
hei
rPAat12pm.Igott
hejob"
Q:
"Real
l
y?I
'
m pr
oudofy
ou.CanIdr
ivey
ou?
"
Me:
"No.Youneedt
orest
"
Q:
"Her
e?"
Me:
"Any
wher
e.Letmeshower
"
Hepul
ledt
heduvetoverhi
shead.Whydon'
tthi
s
cr
eat
ureeverf
eel
stheheat?
Ibat
hedanddressedupi
nfor
mal
asmot
hersai
d.
Hewasreal
lyout.
Iwalkedout.Ther
ewasanotefr
om the"
chef
"I
guess.Pancakeswit
hcr
eam andst
rawber
ryt
oppi
ng.
Yummy .
Iateandtookoutmybottl
eoffr
eezedwat
eroutof
thefr
idge.Iwentbackt
othebur
glar
.
Ishookhi
m.
Me:"
I'
mleav
ing.Pl
easel
ockonyourwayout.Iwi
l
l
got
oseemom atthehot
elforal
it
tl
ecel
ebrati
on"
Q:"
Thenyou'
llcomebackandwehav
eourownl
i
ttl
e
cel
ebr
ati
on"oh?
Me:"Uhm...
yeah,def
ini
tel
y"Ihopehe'
snott
alki
ng
aboutsex.Iki
ssedhim andlef
t.
Whyam Inotwor
ri
edhebr
okei
ntomyhouse?
.
..
Ar
ri
vi
ngatNandawegotdowni
nbusi
ness.Ispent
l
essthananhourther
e.Wednesdaywasthedayof
begi
nning.It
ext
edtheguy
s.Wehav e3daystorest
.
Iarr
ivedatHi
l
ton.Iwenttogetmyv i
sit
ort
ag.If
elta
taponmyshoulder.It
urned.If
rowned.
Me:"Ar
eyoufol
lowi
ngme? "It
hinkIsawsomeone
dr
essedli
ket
hiseNanda.
Nkul
e:"
Ohpl
ease.Don'
tfl
att
ery
our
sel
f.Canwe
t
alk?
"
Me:
"Tal
k"
Nkul
e:"
Overt
her
e"
If
oll
owedher
.
Nkul
e:"
Whot
hehel
ldoy
out
hinky
ouar
e?"
Me:
"Yol
andaVi
l
akazi
"
Nkul
e:"
Yout hinkQlovesyou?Hedoesn'
tdoki
ds,
all
hewantsi
st hatpussyandthenhe'
l
lthr
owyouaway
l
ikeausedteabag"
Me:
"Ist
hatwhathedi
dtoy
ou?I
'
m sor
ry.
"
Iat
tempt
edwalki
ngof
fbutshegr
abbedmyar
m.I
l
ookedather
.
Nkul
e:"
You'r
enot
hingbutapig.You'
renot
hingcl
ose
t
othekindofwomenhe'sat
tr
actedto"
Me:"
Hav eyouseenhowmuchhel ovesri
bs?The
domi
natingmeatinhisfr
idge?Porkishi
sfavor
ite
mealbabes.
"Isnatchedmyhandaway ."Getof
fthat
hi
ghhorseorelseyouwil
l seeanot
hersi
deofme.
AndImeant hati
namosthumbl eway"
Iwal
kedoff.Qui
ntonandhisshamel
esspeni
s.Why
di
dhesleepwiththi
spsychopat
h?
Ihavenoi
ntent
ionsofent
ert
aini
ngherendl
ess
dramahonest
ly.
..
[
2/26,07:
22]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

29
.
Nobodyisalway
ssleepi
ngli
kethi
sman.Wear
e
supposedt
obewat chi
ngthi
sseri
esbutI
'
m
watchi
ngalonenow.
Ir
eachedf
ormyphoneandcal
l
edmama.Shehas
beencr
owdingthesoci
almedi
awithherpi
ctur
es.
Theyar
ebombashel lt
hough,
Iguessshel
earned
newsel
fieangl
es.
Mama:
"Isomehowf
eel
li
key
ouandy
ourf
atherar
e
her
ewi
thme."
Me:
"Youmi
ssus?
"
Mama:"No.Youcall
toomuch.Youj
ustdi
stur
bed
myyogasession"
Me:
"What
?Yoga?Si
ncewhendoy
oudoy
oga?
"
Mama: "
Sincet
hismorni
ng.Thi
sismyaf
ter
noon
sessi
on.
"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"Okmi
ssYoga.Iwascal
l
ingt
ocheckupon
you"
Mama:
"Thanky
ou.Di
dyougot
ochur
ch?
"
Me:
"No.Hangov
erwaski
l
li
ngme"
Mama: "
Ok.Yourfat
heri
scomi ngt
hissi
det
oni
ght.
Nextt
imeIwill
takeasecretv
acati
onsononeofy
ou
wil
lwanttocr
owdme"
Me:
"Buty
oui
nvi
tedme"
Mama:"Whatev
er.Iam goi
ngt
othecasi
not
oni
ght
.
Whatshoul
dIwear?"
Me:
"Cockt
ail
dress"
Mama:
"Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
hati
s"
Me:
"Thatnav
ybl
uedr
essy
oupost
edwear
ing"
Mama:
"Ohok.By
e"
Me:
"By
e"
Ihungupandcall
edAyanda.Shehasn'
tbeenr
eal
l
y
soberr
ecent
lyIam wor
ri
ed.
Icaref
ull
ymovedQui
ntonof
fmyl apandwentt
othe
ki
tchentofi
xmysel
fasandwich.
Q:
"It
sreal
l
yrudet
omov
esomeone'
spi
l
low"
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.I
'
m hungr
y"
Q:
"Thatmakest
he2ofus.
"
Hemadecof feewhileImadesandwiches.The
weatherhadquickl
ytookauturn.Idon'
tli
kebeing
col
d.
Wet
ookourf
oodandwentbackt
othel
ounge.
Q:
"Howmanyepi
sodeshav
eImi
ssed?
"
Me:
"5.Youar
esuchasl
eeper
"
Q:"
That
'sbecauseyou'
reher
ewi
thme.Idon'
tsl
eep
whenI
'm al
one,Iwork"
Me:
"Speaki
ngofwor
k.Wer
en'
tyouwor
kingt
oday
?"
Q:
"No.Iam of
ffor2day
s"
Me:
"Whyar
eyouwor
kingt
her
e?Doy
ougetbor
ed?
"
Q:"
2ol dagehomesbenef
itf
rom mysal
ary
.Idonat
e
i
ttothem"
Me:
"Real
l
y?That
'sv
eryt
hought
ful
"
Q:"
Iguess.Inev
err
eal
l
yreachedouttooldage
homes.I
thasalway
sbeenorphanages"
Me:
"Inev
ert
houghtofy
out
obet
hatman"
Hechuckl
ed.
Q:"Wel
lIam t
hatman.Igiveout15bur
sari
es,
donat
eto20orphanages.5inJo'
bur
g,5inPret
ori
a,
5hereand5inPE."
Me:"
OhMyGodbabethati
sgood.You'
reagood
manAft
eral
l
"hel
aughed.
Q:"
Youjustcal
l
edmebabeandsai
dI'
m agood
man"Ihi
thim.Wel
aughed.
Me:
"Yout
rul
yar
eagoodman"
Q:"
Orphansar
emyweakness.AfterIf
oundmysonI
nev
erwantedt
oseeki
dsstrandedorhungry
"
Me:
"Foundy
ourson?
"
Q:"Yes.Sbongakonke."Het
ookhi
sphoneand
showedmehi spicture.
Me:
"Ohwow.Howol
dishe?
"
Q:
"23.
"
Me:
"Amen"wel
aughed.
Q:
"Don'
twor
ry.He'
sav
erygoodchi
l
d"
Me:"Wellt
oyou.Whatifhesl
apsmewhenhe
doesn'
tfi
ndbreakf
astr
eady?"
Q:"
Idi
dquiteanamazi
ngjobrai
si
nghi
m.Youdon'
t
hav
eanyt
hingtoworr
yabout"
Me:
"Ihopeso"
Q:
"Thi
smeansy
ouar
epr
epar
edt
obemywi
fe"
Me:
"What
?No"
Q:"WhyareyouspeakingofBongaslappingyoui
f
hedoesn'
tfi
ndbreakfast
?Becausetheonl yt
imeyou
wil
lhavet
omakebr eakfastf
ormychi l
dreniswhen
you'
remywife"
Me:
"Ohi
sit
?"Heki
ssedme.
Q:
"Yes"
Wel
lIdon'
tthi
nkwe'
l
lgot
hatf
arbutIwon'
tsayi
t.
Myphoner
ang.Myhear
tski
ppedabi
t.
Me:
"It
sKy
li
e"
Q:
"Answeri
t"
Me:
"Heyboo"
Kyli
e:"
IfIdidn'tknowbet
terIwoul
dsayy ouhave
foundyourselfaBen10andy ounolongercar
eabout
me"
Me:
"I'
m sosor
ry.Mymot
herbei
ngher
ehast
akenal
l
ofmyt
ime.
"
Kyl
ie:
"Pl
easemeetmeatPavi
li
oni
nthenexthouror
so.Wehavealott
odi
scuss.
"
Me:
"Ohok.Ar
eyouaty
ourpl
ace?
"
Kyl
ie:
"No.RightnowI'
m headi
ngtoQ'stodr
ophi
s
or
dersoffandthenIwil
ldri
vetoPav
il
ion"
Me:
"Uhm ok.Letmegetr
eady
"
Ky
li
e:"
Ok.
"
Ihungup.Iqui
ckl
ygotupandtookmypl
ateandcup
away.Icamebacktotakemyphone.
Me:"She'
scomi
ngher
e.Doy
oumi
ndi
fIbor
rowy
our
car
?"
Q:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Me:
"Mypl
ace.
"Duh!
Q:
"Whyshoul
dn'
tKy
li
eseeust
oget
heragai
n?"
Me:"
Becausei
tsst
il
ltooear
lyandt
hisr
elat
ionshi
p
wi
ll
bemuchniceri
fwekeepi tl
ow-
key"
Q:
"Wel
lgohi
deupst
air
s"
Me:"Ineedtogot
omypl
aceandchange.Wear
e
goi
ngout "
Q:
"Ther
ear
ethekey
s.Chooseany
"
Me:
"By
e.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou"
Iki
ssedhi
sgr
umpysel
fandt
ookt
hekey
sandl
eft
.
Igoti
nthecaranddr oveoff.Iam dr
ivi
ngi
natowel
onceagain.Thosesecuri
tyguysbett
ermindt
hei
r
ownbusinessagaintoday.
.
..
Iarr
ivedatmyplace.Ever
ybodymasteredtheski
llof
mindingthei
rownbusinessint
hisbui
ldingit
slov
ely.
Iri
nsedmyfaceandappli
edmakeupanddressed
up.Idi
dn'
texpecttofi
ndt
hisbedmade.Atl
easthe
hasgoodmanner s.
Itookmybagandwalkedout.It
ookmycar,Ihav
e
noenergyt
obeexpl
ainingwhyam Idr
ivi
ngQ'sot
her
car.
Idr
ovet
oPav
il
ion.Shear
ri
ved5mi
nut
esl
ater
.
Wehugged.
Ky
li
e:"
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?Mov
ieorameal
?"
Me:"Litt
leshoppi
ngandthenameal.Iset
tl
edt
hat
dealandIam start
ingonThur
sday
.Ineednew
over
alls"
Ky
li
e:"
Congr
atul
ati
ons"
Me:"Itakei
tyoudi
dn'
tgett
het
extIsenty
ou
yest
erday"
Ky
li
e:"
Idi
dn'
tgetany
"
Ichecked.
Me:
"Ohi
tdi
dn'
tgot
hrough.I
'
m sor
ry"
Ky
li
e:"
Nopr
obl
em"
Ir
eal
izedIhavesomeunr
eadt
ext
sfr
om Ben.He
ar
ri
vedlastni
ght.
Weboughtaf ewthi
ngs.Sheseemedabi
tdistantso
Isuggestedwegogetthatmeal
.What
everi
tis,it
waseatingherup.
Me:
"Wher
ear
eweeat
ing?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Hav
eweev
erat
eatMcDonal
d'
s?"
Me:
"Nope.Youal
way
ssuggestf
ancyr
est
aur
ant
s"
Ky
li
e:"
Ifeel
li
keKFCt
hough"
Me:
"O-
kay
"
Ky
li
e:"Orlet
'sgr
abkf
cst
reet
wise4andt
hengot
o
McDonald'
s"
Me:
"Fi
nebyme"
Wewentt oKFC, endedupbuy i
ngmorepi
ecesand
hotwingsforQuintonbecausewearegoi
ngtohis
houseaftert
his.
Weset
tl
eddownatMcDaf
terr
ecei
vi
ngouror
der
.
I
twasn'
tsopackedasusual
.
Me:
"So.Whatdi
dyouwantt
otal
kabout
?"
Ky
li
e:"
Alot
.It
hinkI
'
m bei
ngpuni
shed"
Me:
"You'
respeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
es"
Shet
ookami
niboxoutofherbag.
Ky
li
e:"
Openi
t"
Idi
d.
Me:
"Ar
ing?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Yes.Raypr
oposed"at
earf
ell
.
Me:
"Andy
oudon'
twantt
omar
ryhi
m?"
Kyli
e:"Idon'
tknow.Iam scar
edofmarr
iageYoli
.My
l
astmar ri
agewasadi sast
er,
whati
fthehist
ory
repeatit
self
?"
Me:
"Hav
eyout
oldhi
mthat
?"
Ky
li
e:"
NoI
'
m scar
ed"
Me: "
Aretheresi
gnsofhim si
mi l
artoy
ourex'
s?"She
shookherhead."Openuptohim.Seekhelpandtalk
al
lthatfearout
.Youlov
ehimr ight?
"
Kyl
ie:
"Al
otandwhatst
ressesmemor
eist
hatI
'
m
pr
egnant
"
Me:
"What
!OhmyGodI
'
m gonnabeanaunt
"
Ky
li
e:"
Shhh"wel
aughed.
Me:
"Doesheknow?Ihav
eaf
eel
i
ngt
hathedoesn'
t"
Kyl
ie:"
Hedoesn't
.Hepr oposedthesamenightIwas
goi
ngtot el
lhi
m.Ijustcoul
dn'tbr
ingmysel
ftotal
k
anyfur
ther"
Me:
"Youshoul
dlethi
m know"
Kyl
ie:
"Iguessso.Iwi
l
laskhi
mtocomeov
ert
his
si
de"
Me:
"Gr
eat
.Howf
arar
eyou?
"
Kyl
ie:"
Idon'
tknowIbookedanappoi
ntmentf
or
Tuesday"
Me:"Okaybaby.Yougotthi
s,al
waysr emembernot
ever
yoneisli
keyourex.Whateveri
tisthatheput
youthr
oughwegonnapr aythatRaydoesn'tdothe
same"Isqueezedherhand.Shesmiled.
Ky
li
e:"
Thanky
oul
ove"
Me:
"Anyt
ime"
Weat
eandpackedawayourf
oodanddr
ovet
oQ'
s.
.
..
Q:"LookwhorememberedIexi
st!Ihav
en'tseenyou
ages.ThankyouKyl
i
eforbri
ngi
ngherov er"hesai
d
aswewal kedin.
Ky
li
e:"
Ithi
nkshehasaboy
fri
end"hegotup.
Q:"
Ithinksot
oo.Shedoesn'
tev
ent akemycal
lsat
ni
ght.Comeheregi
vemeahugki d"What'
swrong
wi
thhi
m?
Hehuggedme."
Imissedyou"hewhi
sper
ed.I
pi
nchedhi
m.Heletgoofme.
Me:"Well
Iam v
erybusyIhav
enotbeenav
oidi
ng
youguys"
Ky
li
e:"
Youhav
e.Webr
oughty
ouwi
ngsMrDube"
Q:
"Real
l
y?Youbot
har
ekeeper
s"
Me:
"Sur
eashel
lwear
e.I
'
llgett
hegl
asses"
Ky
li
e:"
Don'
twor
ryI
'
llgett
hem"
Me:
"Okl
etmegot
othebat
hroom t
hen"
Q:
"Pl
easebr
ingmemypenont
opoft
hebed"
Me:
"Pen?
"Henodded."
Ok"
Iwentupst
air
stothebat
hroom.Ipeedandt
wer
ked
ali
tt
leasIri
nsedmyhands.
IwenttoQ'
sbedroom.Ther
ewasnopenont
hebed.
Ist
art
ledwhenthedoorcl
osed.
Me:
"Qui
ntonDube"
Q:
"Yesbaby
?"
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Q:
"Tocol
l
ectmyki
ssmyl
ady
"
Hehel dmecl oserandki ssedmet oparadise.He
pushedmedownont hebed.He' sneverkissedme
l
ikethis.Thi shasmor epassi oninit
.Hisgr i
pwasa
l
itt
letighter.Hekissedmeonmyneck.I '
mr eadyto
l
osemyv i
rginit
yatthisv erymoment .Ineverreall
y
thoughtI '
dloseitli
ket histhough,wit
hmyf ri
end
downst air
s?No.Ipi cturedr osepet
alsallover,
candleswi thlavenderscentandal i
tt
lepicnicther
e
onthef loor.
If
elthishandsli
di nt
omynunu.Nopenoti
nsi
debut
j
ustinsidet
heunder wear
.Ihel
dmybreat
h.He'
s
makingmehi ckeys!
Hetookhishandoutofmynunu.If i
nal
lybreat
he.
Hepushedmydr essupandkissedmefrom my
boobsal
l t
hewayt omythi
ghsandthencameupt o
ki
ssmyf orehead.
Q:"I
'
mjusther
etot
akeabat
h.Ky
li
eiswai
ti
ngf
or
youdownst
air
s"
Hegotof
fanddi
sappear
edt
othebat
hroom.
Iwasst
il
li
nasameposi
ti
on.Whatwast
hat
?
Hecameoutinhi
sboxer
s.Hesmiled,
hehasaver
y
beaut
if
ulsmi
l
eandsetofteet
h.Hepull
edmeup.
Q:"
Ijustgotacallf
rom home.Thetwi
nshavebeen
cr
yingnonestop.Iam fl
yi
ngther
ein2hours.Iwi
l
l
bebacktomorrowev eni
ngwitht
hem."
Me:
"Ohok.
"I'
m sadnow.
Q:
"I'
m gonnami
ssy
ou.
"
Me:"
Iwi
llmissyoutoo"wehugged.Am Ii
nlov
e?
Whyam Isadhe'
sleavi
ng?
Weki
ssedbr
ief
ly.
Me:
"We'
l
laccompanyy
out
otheai
rpor
t"
Q:"
Whydon'
tyouf
ir
stkeepmecompanywhi
l
eI
bat
h?"
Me:
"Ky
li
e-"
Q:"
Kyl
ieisonherwaytot
heai
rpor
ttobul
l
yev
ery
one
t
osqueezeourjeti
n"
Me:"
Youguy
sabusey
ourpower
.Iwi
l
lpackf
ory
ou
i
nst
ead"
Q:"Youdon'twannaseemenaked?Iswearmy
pubichai
risshaved"
Me:
"Noonei
sthi
nki
ngoft
hat
"
Q:
"Thencome"
Me:
"No.
"
Q:"
Iwil
ltr
ynott
obetoosexy
"Ipi
nchedhi
m.He
l
aughedandwal
kedback.
Me:
"Whi
chbag?
"Ishout
ed.
Q:
"Any
."Heshout
edback.
Itookabrownl eat
herone.Isearchedit.Ther
ewasa
pi
ctureofhim andwhom Iassumei shisbrot
her
becausehelookslikehim butnotsomuchanda
womant hatki
ndal ooks.
..
li
keme.I thaddust.I
cl
eanedit.Shedefini
tel
ylooksli
keme.She' smeina
sl
enderversi
on.
Iheardthebat hr
oom dooropen.Iquickl
yputitback
andputt hebagawayandt ookanotherone.Whois
she?Coul ditbehispr
eviouslover
?Isthatwhyhe
fel
lforme, becauseIl
ookl i
kehisex?
[
2/26,
07:
22]Zozaness:
30
.
Asst
rongasIt
ryt
obeIam f
ail
i
ng!
Iam gett
ingi
nsomni aoverthefactt
hatNkul
eisi
n
Jo'bur
g.Thatmeanshi sfamil
yloveher
.Orel
sewhy
wouldtheyallowherint
ot hei
rhome?Ohshe's
fr
iendswiththewife.Howbor i
ng.
Webeganwit
hwor
ktoday
.Theboy
sar
ri
ved
yest
erday
.
Khay
a:"Youhavemagi
cal
hands.You'
vedoneso
muchin5hours"
Me: "
There'
s5ofus.Wewi
l
lbedoneonFr
idayas
yourfat
hersai
d"
Khay
a:"
Hesai
dthat
?"
Me:
"Yeah"
Khay
a:"
Getof
fthatl
adder
"Igotdown.
Hel
edt
hewayt
otheof
fi
ce.
Khaya:"
Tel
lmey ourf
atherdi
dnotj
ustor
derYol
ito
fi
nishupbyFr
iday"
Zwel
i
:"Hedi
d"
Khaya:
"Ishesuf
fer
ingsomesor
tofdi
sease?I
ts
onl
yWednesdaytoday"
Me:
"It
snot
hingr
eal
l
y.Icanmakei
thappen"
Zwel
i
:"Thatwi
l
lbeov
erwor
kingy
ou"
Me:"It
snotlikeIhaveany
thi
ngtodowi t
hmyti
me"I
real
l
ydon't.Quintoni
sact
ingupandwhenhecomes
hewillbespendingti
mewithhi
skids.
Khay
a:"Thatst
il
ldoesn'
tmeanwor
kforov
er8hour
s.
Zwel
icall
mom"
Hepul
l
edmeout
.
Khay
a:"
It
s12:
30.Gohav
elunch.
"
Me:
"Myf
ri
endi
sgonnabr
ingi
tforus.Thanky
ou"
Hesmi
l
edandwal
kedout
.
Sbo:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"Ist
art
led.
Me:
"Yeah.Tel
ltheot
her
sthatwear
etaki
ngabr
eak"
Ben:
"HolymotherofJesus.Whoi
sthatsnackIj
ust
sawatthepar
kinglot
?"Whyishesoloud!
Iwentt
ohi
m andcl
osedhi
smout
h.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"Hemov
edmyhandof
f.
Ben:
"I'
m aski
ngaboutt
hatGod'
scr
eat
ionIj
ustl
aid
myeyesonout si
de"
Me:"Thati
spr
obabl
yKhay
aNcube.Coowneroft
his
pl
ace"
Ben:"
Inevert
houghtI
'
dmeetmyhusbandinsucha
pl
ace"It
ookthefoodcar
ri
erbagandgav
eitt
o
Nkosi
.
Me:"
Youneedt
owakeupfrom t
hatdr
eam.Come
l
etmeshowyouwhatwe'
vedonesofar"
Ben:
"Whatdoeshel
i
ke?
"
Me:
"Who?Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obet
heki
tchenar
ea"
Ben:
"Khal
o.I
tsbeaut
if
ul.I
sthet
il
ingst
il
lwet
?"
Me: "
Yes.I
tsKhay
anotKhaloandfort
hel
oveofGod
canwenotspeakabouthi
mi nthemoment
?I'
m
tr
yingtoshowyoumywork!"
Ben:
"I'
m wel
lawar
eoft
hat
.Il
ovet
hemosai
c"
Me:
"Oh.It
houghti
twasabi
text
ra"
Ben:
"Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?I
sthi
sal
li
t?"
Me:
"Yeah.Let
'sgoeat
"
Ben:
"What
'sgoi
ngonbet
weeny
ouandQui
nton?
"
Me:
"Not
hing"
Ben:"
Whyisy ourcarandcel
l
phonei
nsur
edbyt
he
Dubelogi
sti
cs?"
Me:
"Ohhegi
ft
edmewi
thi
t"
Ben:
"Andt
hecel
l
phone?
"
Me:
"Itt
oo"
Ben:
"Andyoust
il
lnotconvi
ncedt
hatt
hisman
want
shimsel
fsomey ou?"
Me:
"Benpl
ease"
Ben:"
Thatcarisregi
ster
edundery
ourname.
Nobodymakesi ttot
heDubeinsur
anceunl
esst
hey
ar
eimportant
"
Me:"
IguessI
'
mthel
uckyonet
hen.Wher
e'sy
our
cr
azyex?"
Ben:"Att
hecrazyworl
d.Doi
ngcr
azypeopl
e'
s
thi
ngs"welaughed.
Whyismyphonei nsured?Thismangetscr
eepi
er
eachday.Wejoi
nedt heguys.Ii
ntr
oducedt
hem t
o
eachother
.Hejustblendedin.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Excuseme.
"
Igotupandwentt
ost
andnextt
omycar
.
Me:
"Daddy
"
Nzuza:"
HiMaNzuza.Pl easef or
giv
emef orjuggl
i
ng
upyourschedulebutthiscan'twai
t.UMakhuluwho
knowsallt
herightcustomsi sreal
lysi
cksoshe
suggest
edwegoaheadwi t
ht heceremoni
esbefore
shegetsworse"
Me:
"Owok.Whi
chdaydi
dyouchoose?
"
Nzuza:
"Sunday
.Thi
sSunday
"
Me:"Ohmy.Ok.SoIam supposedt
ocomet
her
eon
Sat
urday
?"
Nzuza:
"Yes"
Me:
"Ok.Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
"
Nzuza:
"OkmyAngel
"
Ihungup.I'
mr eal
lyscar
edt ogother
e.Imightneed
Kyli
etocomewi thme.Icannotbear oundpeopleI
am notfamil
iarwit
h,notespeci
all
ywhenIwillbe
centerofat
tenti
on.
IgotonFacebooktocheckonthenoti
fi
cat
ionofmy
mot herwhohadj
ustpostedy
etanotherpi
ctur
eand
taggedme.Shefeel
sli
keaVoguemodel .
IcameacrossNkul
e'
spost
.Shecheckedi
nwi
th
Quint
on.Atahot
el!
Anhourago.
Ifel
tmyheartsi
nk.Thi
sisthereasonhehasn'
t
text
edme.Iam notgonnacry.
"Gir
lfr
iend.Doyouf
eelli
kefly
ingtoEC?"Isentto
Kyli
eandwentbackt oeveryoneandweat e
l
isteni
ngt oBen'
shil
ari
ouspast.Buthepromisedme
theywer en'
tdoi
nganyt
hing!
.
..
Icheckedt
het
ime.Idon'
tthi
nkIcangoami
nut
e
l
onger.
Pai
nti
ng,
til
i
ngandpl
umbi
ngal
ldone.Wewer
enow
cl
eani
ngup.If
eltl
i
kemyey
eswer
egonnaf
all
.
Sbo:
"Ihav
enev
erl
ongedf
ormybedt
hismuch"
Lwandl
e:"
Iwantawar
m bat
handan8hoursl
eep"
Me:"
Let
'sgo.Iam sohungr
y.Whatt
imei
sitany
way
?"
Sbo:
"It
s23:
45i
magi
ne"
Me:
"Wewi
l
lcomei
nat12pm t
omor
row.
"
Nkosi
:"Textt
hem t
onotcomeher
eunt
ilt
hen"
Sbo:
"Yes.Thef
loori
swet
"
Il
aughed.
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.
"
Weturnedthel
ight
sof
fandl
ocked.Ther
ewer
eonl
y
2car
sont heparki
ngl
ot.
Ipackedourtoolsontheboot.Theownerofthe
othercaropenedthedoorandcamet owardsus.I
quickl
ypressedthecl
osebuttonandhurri
edinsi
de
thecar.Ist
artedi
t.
Ihear
daknockont
hewi
ndow.If
rozef
oramoment
.
Ipr
essedt
hewi
ndowdown.
Me:
"CanIhel
pyou?
"
Man:"Eveni
ngMi
ssVi
l
akazi
.Youdi
dn'
ttur
nthe
al
arm on"
Me:
"Uhm.Whatal
arm?
"
Sbo:"Thestoreal
arm.Let'
sgotur
niton"Igav
e
them thekeysandtheygotout
.
Man:"I
tsver
yimportantt
otur
niton.Especi
all
yin
t
hisnei
ghborhood.I
tsnotsaf
e."
Me:
"Ar
eyout
hesecur
it
y?"
Man:
"Youmayputi
tthatway
."
SboandNkosi
cameback.
Sbo:
"It
stur
nedon"
Man:
"Hav
eagoodni
ght
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Idrov
eoff
.Theboy
swer eonabouthowmuchofa
goodmanheis.Myworrywas:Howdidheknow
whoam Iandhowdidheknowwedi dn'
tsett
he
al
arm.It
ext
edKhay
aaski
ngi
fhewor
ksf
ort
hem.
Hecal
l
ed.Iputont
heBl
uet
oot
hear
piece.
Me:
"Hi
"
Khay
a:"
Nkosazana.Di
dhescar
eyou?
"
Me:
"Nobuthehasmewonder
ing"
Khaya:
"Heismycousi
n.Hevol
unt
eer
edtobey
our
guar
dsinceyouguy
swill
beworki
ngl
ate"
Me:"
Oh.OkthanksIwishyouhadletmeknow
t
houghcauseIthoughthei
sthebadguy"
Khaya:"
Nosweet
hearthei
sn'
t.Gohomeandr
est
.I
wil
lseeyout
omorrow"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.By
e"
Hehungup.Therewasnot ex
tnoramissedcal
l
f
rom Qui
nton.Iguesshe'
senjoy
ingbei
ngwit
hher.
.
..
Wearri
vedhome.Wefi
rstat
ewit
hNkany
isoand
Lwandl
ewhil
eSboandNkosibat
h.
Me:
"Guy
slet
'scal
li
taday
.It
sal
readyThur
sday
"
Lwandl
e:"
Goodni
ghtsi
si"
Itookmyphoneandwenttomyroom.Iscreamed
whenIturnedthel
i
ght
son.Ihear
dthei
rfootst
eps
runni
ngtowardsmydoor
.Il
ockedit
.
Me:
"It
sokay
.Itwasj
ustar
at"
Nkany
iso:
"Ok.
"
Hedi
dnotl
ookhappyatal
l
.
Me:
"Iwasn'
texpect
ingt
ofi
ndy
ouher
e"
Q:"Ther
eisalotofplacesy
ou'
dfi
ndmeati
fyouact
l
ikeaheadlesschi
cken"
Me:
"Excuseme?
"
Q:
"Whywasy
ourphoneof
f?"
Me:
"Myphonei
sver
yon.
"
Q:
"I'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ousi
ncet
hedaybegan"
Me:"MyphoneisonQui
ntonanddon'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
you'
rescar
ingme"
Hegotup.
Q:
"Doy
ouknowhowwor
ri
edIwas?
"
Me:"
No.Al
lIknowi
sthaty
ourbi
tchcheckedi
nwi
th
youi
nahot
el"
Q:
"What
?"
Me: "
Yes.Nowpl easedon'
tcomeher eandt urn
tabl
es.Accusingmeofkeepi ngmyphoneof fwhi l
e
youknowv erywellyounevercal
led.Youwer ewith
yourwomandoi ngonlyGodknowswhat .Don'tease
upyourconsciencewithputt
ingmeont hewr ong"
It
ookof
fthewor
ksui
t.
Q:"
Icall
edyou!AndIdi
dnotdoany
thi
ngwi
thNkul
e.
Iwastheret
otalkt
oher.
"
Me:
"Coul
dn'
tyout
alki
namor
epubl
i
cspace?
"
Q:
"No"
Me:
"Why
?Youwant
edt
ohav
esexwi
thherr
ight
?"
Hesi
ghed.
Me:"Say'yesYoli
.Ididn'
tthi
nky ouwer egonnabe
smartenought ofi
gurethatout'
.Andhow
convenienti
tistofi
ndy ouhere?Ify
our eall
ywanted
tofi
ndmey ouwould'vecamet owher eIwas.You'
re
tr
ackingmyev erymov eri
ght?Whydi dn'ty
outracki
t
ti
l
l youmadeittoeNanda?I'
m sickandti
redofy ou
andt hatcr
azywoman.Ifyousti
llwannacrawl
aroundwi t
hher,
youbetterl
eavemet hehell
alone
Dube"
Ididn'
tunderst
andthelookonhi
sface.Helooked
surpri
sed,mad,sadandamusedallatonce.Hi
s
eyeswer en'
tonmyf acenow.
OhIwasshoutinghalfnaked.Iundidt
hebraandsl
i
d
downtheunderwear.Ipi
ckeditallupandt
ookmy
walkofpr
idetothebathroom.
Me:
"WhenIcomeout
,Idon'
twantt
ofi
ndy
ouher
e"
Icl
osedt
hedooronhi
sface.Whothehell
doeshe
thi
nkhei
s?Fucki
ngt
hatretar
dedbi
tchandcome
heret
oaccusemeoft
hings.Nxmen.
Isawasi
m car
dont opofthet
oil
etseat
.It
ooki
t.I
t
i
smyacti
vesim car
d.Fok!
Iforgott
oputitbacklastni
ght
.IputonTel
kom t
o
callmyfatherl
astni
ght.NowonderKyl
iedi
dn'
t
respondtomyt ext
.
Ei
therwayheshoul
d'
vegr
ownapai
randt
ext
edme
onWhat
sApporFacebook.
Iwentundert
heshowerandscr
ubbedmy
sel
f.
If
ini
shedandwalkedout
.Hehadl
eft
.GoodcauseI
woul
d'vesmackedhimti
l
lhedi
ed.
Iputmysim car
dbackandsati
nfr
ontoft
hemi
rr
or.I
needtov
ent.Icall
edBen.
Heanswer
ed.
Ben:"
It
squar
terpast1i
nthemor
ning.Ar
eyoui
n
tr
oubl
e?"
Me:
"No"
Ben:
"Ok"
Thel
i
newentdead.Ai
bo.Ical
l
edhi
m agai
n.
Ben:
"Yol
i
"
Me:
"Ben.Ineedt
ovent
!"
Ben:
"I'
mli
steni
ng"
Me:
"Il
i
ed.Meandy
ourMrDubear
eat
hing"
Ben:
"Notsur
pri
sed.Next
"
Me:
"Andt
her
e'st
hiscr
azychi
ck.Hi
sexact
ual
l
y."
Ben:
"Nonkul
ulekoNdl
ela?
"
Me:
"Youknowher
?"
Ben:
"Nonono.Pr
etendIdi
dn'
tsayt
hat
"
Me:
"Ican'
t.Whatdoy
ouknowBenj
ami
n?"
Ben:
"It
sconf
ident
ial
.Whatdi
dshedo?
"
Me:
"It
hinkt
heyar
est
il
lseei
ngeachot
her
"
Ben:
"Idoubtbabe"
Me:
"Theywer
etoget
hert
odayatahot
el"
Ben:
"Hewaspr
obabl
yther
etot
ell
hert
ofuckof
f"
Me:
"Ishoul
dn'
thav
ecal
l
edy
ou.
"
Hechuckl
ed.Ihungup.
"Iwil
lnev
erdothatt
oyouYol
andayouhav
eto
beli
eveme"wheredi
dhecomefrom?
Me:
"Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ouQI
'
m sor
ry"
Q:"Iwenttheret
ocl
ari
fythi
ngsforher.Shehasthis
wholeideamadeoutthatherandIaretoget
her.We
werenev ert
oget
her
,Ihavetol
dyouthisbefor
e.
She'sonami ssi
ont
obreakusup.Shewentasf ar
asgoingtoawi tchdoctor.Iam sorr
yIwentthere
withouti
nfor
mi ngyou.Itr
iedcalli
ngyouthough"He
pull
edmeupt ostand.Hehel dbothmyhands.God
I'
m soinl
ovewi thhi
m Iwantt ocry."
Iwouldnever
cheatonyou,especial
lynotwi t
hher.WhatIfel
tfor
herdiedalongt i
meago. "
Me:"
I'
m scar
ed.I
'
m scaredI
'
m not
hingl
i
ket
he
womenyoualwaysdat
e."
Q:"
Thatwhatmakesyouspeci
al.Il
oveyouYol
anda.
ThemoreIgetr
emindedt
hatIshouldn'
ti
sthemore
Il
oveyou.
"
Me:"Il
ovey
oumore"hewi
pedmytears.Whendi
dI
gether
e?Weshoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngt
his.
DoIaskaboutt
hepi
ctur
enowor
?
Hehuggedme.
Q:"Let
'st
alkabouty
ourwal
ktot
hebat
hroom
naked"
Me:
"NoIwantt
osl
eep"
Q:
"Okay
.Letmet
ucky
oui
nbed"
Me:
"Okay
"wel
etgo.
Iappl
i
edroll
onandl
oti
on.Hewaswat
chi
ng.Hehas
nomannersatal
l
.
Somet
hingcr
ossedmymi
nd.
Me:"
Didn'
tyousayy
ougonnacomebackwi
tht
he
ki
ds?
"
Q:
"Idi
d.Theyar
eathomesl
eepi
ng"
Me:
"Wi
th?
"
Q:
"Al
one"
Me:
"What
!Youneedt
oleav
e."
Q:"Theyar
efi
ne.Ineedt
okissyou"heki
ssedme
andpushedmedownt othebed.
"
Yol
i
!Wher
e'st
hiski
d"
Thedooropened.IpushedQui
ntonof
f.Hef
ell
.
Kyl
i
e: "
Tellmethi
sisj
ustmehal
l
uci
nat
ing"shecoul
d
bar
elystand.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?I
tsal
most2i
nthe
mor
ning"
Ky
li
e:"
Pleaset
ell
met
hati
sn'
tQui
ntonDube"
Iwasnowstandi
ngbef
oreher
.Bl
ocki
nghert
ocome
anyf
urt
her
.
Me:
"What
?Wher
e?"
Kyl
ie:
"Ionl
yhadtwogl
assesofwhiskey
.AndIsaw
youki
ssingwi
thsomeone"shepushedmeoutofher
way.
Icl
osedmyey
es.
Ihear
dherl
augh.
Ky
li
e:"
GetupDube"
Me:
"Wecanexpl
ain"
Q:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Kyl
ie:"Iknewthatcarwasn'
toutofgener
osi
ty.And
youprotecti
ngherfrom boy
fri
endswastoogoodto
betrue"
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
ereal
l
y?"
Kyl
ie:
"IguessGodwant
edmet
owi
tnesst
his.Si
t
down"
Shemadeusbot
hsi
tandt
hent
ookadeepsi
gh.
Ky
li
e:"
Howl
onghast
hisbeenhappeni
ng?
"
Me:
"2weeks"
Ky
li
e:"
Whathappenedt
oherbei
ngKi
d?"
Qui
nt on:
"Idon'
tknow.BabeI'
l
lseeyoutomorr
ow"
hekissedmycheek."Kyl
ie.Wehaveanearl
y
morningtomorrow.
"
Ky
li
e:"
What
ever
."Hechuckl
edandwal
kedout
.
Shehi
tmewi
thabagandl
aughed.
Kyl
ie:"You'r
esuchacr ook.Howl
ongwer
eyougoi
ng
tohidethisfrom me?
"
Me:
"Forasl
ongasIcoul
d."Wel
aughed.
Kyl
ie:"
YouknowIwaswonder i
ngwhyyourphonei
s
i
nsuredbyhiscompanybutIbr
ushedi
toff
.I'
ve
al
way sknownheli
kesyou"
Me:
"Ohpl
ease"
Shet
ookof
fherheel
sandj
umpedi
nbed.
Me:
"Whywer
eyoudr
inki
ng?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Iwassay
inggoodBy
etoal
cohol
.It
oldRay
.
He'
sov
ert
hemoon.Iam notr
eadyf
orachi
l
d"
Me:
"Youwi
l
lbe.Sl
eep"
Shehadal
readydi
d.
Iwentoutt
olockt
hemai
ndoor
.
Me:
"SweetJesus!Thi
sisv
erycr
eepyQui
nton"
Q:
"Yout
houghtIwasgonnagowi
thoutmyki
ss?
"
Me:
"Theki
dsar
eal
one"
Q: "
Iwaskidding.Thereisananny"heputt
hei
ce
cream backtothef r
idge."
Youknowitsmuchni
cer
fr
om theorigi
nal t
ub"
Me:
"Isee"
Hecameov
ert
omeandweki
ssed.
Q:
"Ihav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou"
Me:
"Yeah?
"
Q:
"Yes.Come"
Hepul
l
edmet
othecouch.
Q:"Thatpi
ctur
eyousaw.That
'smybr
otherandhi
s
l
atewife"
Me:
"Pi
ctur
e?"
Q:
"Isawi
tont
hef
oot
age.
"
Me:
"Oh.Sowhat
'
sherst
ory
?"
Q:"St
oryforanot
herday
.Iwant
edt
omakei
tcl
eart
o
youthat
,that
snotme."
Me:
"Ok.I
'
m goi
ngt
oEConSat
urday
"
Q:
"For
?"
Me: "
Tomeeteveryoneandbeint
roducedt
othe
ancestor
s"hewentquietf
orawhil
e.
Q:"
Alr
ight
.Thet
winsandIwi
l
lpassbyher
elat
er
t
omorrow."
Me:
"I'
dlov
ethat
.Iwi
l
lbeher
eunt
il12"
Q:"
Great
."Heperkedmyl i
ps."Iwi
shIcoul
djustl
ook
aty
ouuntilt
hesunrises"Ibl
ushedali
tt
le.
Me:
"Go"
Q:"Iwanty
out
oknowthatthi
srel
ati
onshi
pisy
etto
getver
ybumpy
.Pl
easestaybymysideaswefighti
t
al
l"
Me:
"Shoul
dIbewor
ri
ed?
"
Q:"
Yes.Alit
tl
ethough.Butwhenallisoverwewil
l
bethehappi
est"heki
ssedforehead.Absorbi
ngmy
commonsense.
Q:
"Il
ovey
ouokay
?"
Me:
"Okay
.Iam gl
ady
oudo"
Q:
"AndNkul
ewi
l
lnev
erdi
stur
bourpeaceagai
n"
Me:"
Shebett
ernotbecauseIhav
eenoughmoneyt
o
hi
reasni
ppertot
akeherout"hefr
owned.
Q:
"That
'
sscar
y.By
ebabe"
Me:
"By
esweet
s.Imi
ssy
oual
ready
"
Hesmi
l
edandwal
kedout
.
Thatishisbrot
herandhislatewif
ehuh?Whydoes
shelooklikeme?That'stheanswerIneed.What
doeshemeant herel
ati
onshipisy
ettogetbumpy?
Whoi sthi
sman? ..
.
[
2/26,07:
24]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der
31
.
Iwokeuptomyphoner
ingi
ngl
i
kei
tst
heonl
y
audi
blet
hingi
nthi
swor
ld.
Iopenedoneeyetocheckwhomi
ghti
tbe.Ay
anda.
Shehardl
ycal
ls.Ianswer
ed.
Me:
"Hey
."
Ayanda:"
Pleaselookaf
termykids.Yourbr
otheri
n
l
awi sabouttotakemyli
fe"Iopenedmyeyes
i
mmedi atel
yandsatonmybut t.Shei
scryi
ng.
Me:
"Wai
twai
t.What
'
sgoi
ngon?
"
Ayanda:
"He'
sgonnakil
lmeYol i
.Hewentt
ohiscar
togetagun.
"Myheartbeatoutofi
t'
sri
bcage.
Me:
"Run!
"
Ay
anda:
"Ican'
t.Hebeatmeup"ohmyGod.
Me:
"Lockt
hedoorpl
ease"
Ay
anda:
"Il
ovey
oubaby
"
Me:
"Ay
andano!Mt
ase?Ay
anda?
"
Thelinewentdead.Ical
ledherbackitr
ang
unanswered.Il
ookedformyshoesandr anout.I
real
iz
edont heli
ftt
hatI'
m notgoinganywher
e.Iam
here.
Ical
l
edSi
zwe.Ipr
ayedasi
trang.
Si
zwe:
"Hey
"
Me:"Si
zwepleasehel
pme.Mysist
eri
sintr
oubl
e.
Herboyf
ri
endwantstoki
l
lherpl
easedr
ivet
o
Edonsapl
ease!"
Si
zwe:"
Ican'
thearyouYol
ithesi
gnal
isbadher
e.
Pl
easespeakl
ouderandsl
ower"
Me:"Khozawant
stoshootAy
andapl
easecal
lthe
pol
i
ce!"
Si
zwe:
"Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:"Si
zwe.I'
minDurban.Mysi
steri
sther
eoLundi
.
Khozawantstoki
l
lher!
"Whyishesostupid?
Si
zwe:
"Ohshi
t.I
'
llcal
lyouwhenwegett
her
e"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Iwentbackt
omypl
ace.Isatont
hecouchanxi
ousl
y.
Icouldn'tst
opt hetear
sf rom fall
i
ng,
thi
nkingofal
l
thewor stscenari
os.Itr
iedcal l
ingmom andNzuza
buttheirphoneswentst raighttovoi
cemail.
Icheckedt
heti
me.I
twasquar
terpast10.Icl
eaned
uptopassti
me.
Iputpot
sonthestoveandbegantocookf or
Quint
onandhisbabi
esaft
ercleani
ng.Ikeptt
ryi
ng
Sizwebuthewasn'
tanswer
ing.
Myphoner
ang.Ir
ushedt
oit
.Isi
ghed.Iwashopi
ng
i
tsSi
zweormom.
Me:
"Hey
"
Qui
nton:
"Heybaby
.Wear
eher
e.Ineedal
i
ttl
ehel
p"
Me:
"Youguy
sar
eear
ly.I
'
m comi
ng"
Iwenttocheckontheguys.Theywer
ef astasl
eep.
Seemslikewewil
lbegoingtoworkaround2pm
today
.
Iwentoutt
ofet
cht
heDubes.Hehuggedandki
ssed
me.
Me:
"Wher
ear
ethey
?"
Q: "
Insi
de.Theyar
esleeping"heopenedthedoor
."I
'
ll
takethese2.You'
l
lcarrySikel
ela"ar
en'
tthey
supposedtobe2?
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tknowt
heywer
e3"
Q:"Theyare.OhI '
m sorr
yIforgott
otel
l you.Theboy
i
sChr i
s'
s.Theycan' tbesepar
ated"Oh.Het ookthe
boyandagi rl.It
ooktheothergir
landlockedthecar.
Wewenti nside.
Me:"Let
sputthem int
hebedroom"wel aidthem
down.Theyareevencuteri
nperson.Theboyhas
hi
sresemblance.Thegi
rlsdotoo,j
ustl
ighter.
Q:"
Areyouokay
?Youl
ookl
i
key
ou'
vebeencr
ying"I
l
ookedathi
m.
Me:"Mysist
ercall
edmecryi
ng.Say
ingherbaby
daddybeatherupandoutt
ogetagun"
Hepul
l
edmeoutt
othel
ounge.Het
ookhi
sphone
out
.
Q:
"Hav
eyoucheckeduponher
?"
Me:
"She'
snotanswer
ing"
Myphoner
angasheputhi
sont
heearandwal
ked
t
othebat
hroom.
Me:
"Si
zwe"
Si
zwe:"
Wef oundnooneher esweetheart
.Justa
messyhouseandtracesofbloodinthebedroom.
Nei
ghborssaytheydidnothearanygungoingoff
"
Me:"Noitcan'
tbe.Pl
easel
ookf
orheri
nev
ery
house"
Sizwe:
"Wedid.Myshifthasended.Thesearch
squadhasbeencal
led.Iwil
lkeepyouupdated"
Me:
"Okayt
hanky
ou.Wai
t.I
shi
scart
her
e?"
Si
zwe:
"Unf
ort
unat
ely
.No"
Me:
"Ok.Thanks"
Hehungup.Ical
l
edmama.
Mama:
"Yol
i
"shewascr
yingandpant
ing.
Me:"
Mama.KhozabeatAy
andaupandnowshe'
s
mi
ssing"
Mama:"
I'
m onmywayther
e.Iseepol
i
cecar
son
t
hei
ryar
d.Godthi
sisal
lmyfaul
t"
Me: "
Pleasegoandaskaroundifanyonesawwhere
hi
scarwent .Thepol
i
cesayt heyonl
ysawabi tof
bloodinthei
rbedr
oom.Shecal l
edmeearli
erand
saidhewentouttogetagun"
Mama:"
OhJesuswhathav
eIdone?Thi
sisal
lmy
f
aul
t"
Me:
"Mapl
ease"
Mama: "IShould'
vebeenabet termother .She
wouldn'thavefl
edhomet ostaywithhim.It hought
hewasagoodman.Howdi dImi ssthesi gns!She
washer eonTuesday ,herbackwasbr uisedbutshe
sai
dshef el
lonherwayt ogetwoods.Ishoul dn'
t
havebelievedher"Iwasnowal socrying.Shehung
up.Quintoncameout .
Hebr
oughtmei
nforahug.
Me:
"Theyf
oundnoonet
her
e"
Q:"Theywi l
lfi
ndthem baby.Ihaveabusi nesswith
thePIsthatside.Iwaswiththem ont hephone.They
wil
lbewor kingwiththepol
icethatarehandl i
ngthat
case.Don'tcryokay"hesqueezedme.FunnyhowI
wasn'tconvincedwhenSizwesaidt heywi l
lfi
nd
t
hem butnowIhadf
ait
h.
Me:
"Okay
.Letmef
ini
shupcooki
ng"
Q:
"Wher
ear
eyourguy
s?"
Me:
"St
il
lsl
eepi
ng.Wehadal
ongdayy
est
erday
"
Q:
"Whydi
dyouknockof
fthatl
ate?
"
Me:
"Becauset
hatmanwant
susdoneby
t
omorr
ow"
Q:
"Isheondr
ugs?Howbi
gist
hatpl
ace?
"
Me:"
Sideofy
ourl
oungeandki
tchen"her
aisedhi
s
ey
ebrows.
Q:"
Call
him andtel
lhi
my ouar
en'
tcomi
ngi
ntoday
.
Youhavef
ami l
ymatter
stoatt
end"
Me:"Ican'
t.Iwi
l
lgoar
ound2t
oinst
all
cupboar
ds
andsinks"
Q:
"Youcan'
twor
kint
hatst
ate"
Me:"
Ican.
"Itext
edKhayat
hatwe'
l
lcomei nlat
eand
t
ookoutspoonsandtheni
cecr
eam outofthefr
idge.
Hesmi
l
ed.Igav
ehi
m hi
sspoonandwedugi
n.
Q:"Ky
li
ekeptlookingatmeandshakeherheadin
t
hemeet i
ng"Ilaughed.Whendi
dsheevenleav
e?I
for
gotsheslepthere.
Me:"
Idon'twannaknowwhati
sshegonnasayt
o
me.YourememberBen?"
Q:
"Thewhi
teboy
?"
Me:"
Yes.Ther
e'snoneedt
oadr
esshi
mli
ket
hat
t
hough"
Q:
"Hei
swhi
te.If
oundouthewor
ksf
orus"
Me:
"Hedoes"
Q:
"Ni
ce.So,
arey
ouf
ri
ends?
"
Me:
"Yeswear
eandheknowst
oo"
Q:"Ni
ce.Ihopehedoesn'
tdi
scussourconf
ident
ial
i
nformati
onwithyou"
Me:
"Notatal
l
"
Q:
"Good.
"
Myli
psarei
tchyt
oaskaboutt
hatwomanofhi
stwi
n
br
other
.
Me:"Whatdidy
oumeanwheny
ousai
dour
r
elat
ionshi
pwil
lgetbumpy
"
Q:"Imeant
.Yourfat
heri
sgonnashootmei nthe
headwhenhefindsoutI
'
m dati
nghisdaughter
."
Me:"Why?Youneverr
eallyt
oldmewhywouldhe
prot
estagai
nstt
hisr
elat
ionshi
p.Wast
hei
rfeudt
hat
bad?"
Q: "
Verybad.Hewant snothingtodowi t
hus.
Especiall
yKhuleandI.Andont heotherside,Il
i
edto
mybr otheraboutwhoam Iseei ngbecausetheywi
ll
notappr oveofofourrel
ati
onship.Concerni
ngthe
factthatyou'
reSam'sdaught er
."
Me:
"Sohowl
ongi
sitgoi
ngt
obeasecr
et?
"
Q:"
I'
m sti
l
ltr
yingt
ofi
gur
eouthowam Igonnabr
eak
i
ttothem"
Me:
"Andmydad?
"
Hesi
ghed
Q:"Thati
sourhugepr
obl
em.He'
l
lfi
ndoutwhenhe
fi
ndsout.Wehavetobel
owkeyaspossi
ble"
Me:
"Thi
sishar
dert
hanIt
hought
."Igotupt
ost
irt
he
pap.I
fmyfatherdidnotpunchthatmani nPi
ckn
Paytheot
herdaywhenhekeptpur sui
ngmet ogi
ve
hi
m mynumber .I
'dsayhe'shar
ml essbuthe'
snot
.
If
elthi
m behi
ndme.Heputhi
sar
msar
oundmeand
pr
essedhischi
nonmyhead.
Q:"There'
sal otofthi
ngsIhav etotel
lyoubutI'
m
scaredyoumi ghtchickenoutandleaveme.In
everyt
hingjustalwaysrememberIam notper f
ect
andIhav epaidforallmysins.ButIwil
ltel
lyouin
duet i
me"
Icl
osedt
hepotandt
urnedt
ohi
m.
Me:
"Whenev
ery
ouar
ereadybabe.
"
Q:
"Youwoul
dn'
tl
eav
emer
ight
?"
Me:
"Ify
oudi
dn'
tcheat
.NoIwon'
t"
Q:"Iam inthi
sforalongrun.Iwatchedy ouf ora
whole3mont hs.If
elldeeperforyoueachday .You
becamet hemostexciti
ngthingofmyl i
feot herthan
myki ds.I
fyoueverl
eav emeIwi l
lkil
leveryoney ou
goonadat ewit
h"
Me:
"WhydoIbel
i
evet
hat
?"
Q:
"BecauseIwoul
ddoi
t"Il
aughed.
Me:"Asl
ongasyou'
retr
ying.I'
l
lfor
everbeyour
s.I
ts
onl
ybeentwoweekstogetherbuti
tfeel
sli
ke
months"
Q:
"Youev
enshout
edatmey
est
erday
"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Iwasmad"
Q:
"Youar
en'
tscar
edofme.
"
Me:
"Shoul
dIbe?
"
Q:
"Yes.Iam scar
y"
Me:
"Wel
lI'
m br
avehun"
Heatt
ackedmewi thakiss.Idon'
tknowifIam
r
eal
lyinlov
ewi t
ht hi
smanorourki ssesaremore
t
hanjustakissrecentl
y.
"Thekidsarewatching"westar
tl
edandstopped.I
sawSboont heothersideoft
hecounter
.If
lashed
him aguil
tysmil
e.Hepoi nt
edbesideme.
Ther
etheywere.Looki
ngatuswit
hbott
lesi
nthei
r
ti
nymouths.Qui
ntonwavedatt
hem.Theysmil
ed.
Me:
"Heyguy
s"t
heyst
oppedandt
urnedandwal
ked
t
oSbo.Hechasedt
hem ar
ound.
Me:"
They
'r
emadIki
ssedt
hei
rfat
her
"wel aughed.
"
Letmegobat
hI'
l
ldi
shupwhenIgetback"
Q:
"Iwanna-
"
Me:
"St
ayher
eandeaty
ouri
cecr
eam"
Hesmi
rkedandspankedmyass.
Me:
"Don'
twakenmydemonsMrDube"
Q:
"Ar
etheydanger
ous?
"
Me:"Ver
ydanger
ous"Iwi
nkedandr
ant
othe
bedr
oom.
IprayedforAyanda'ssaferetur
nbeforegett
ingi
nto
thetub.Youreall
ycan'tguarant
eeanyone's
goodness.Ineversawhi mt obethatguy.It
hought
hewasal laboutprotect
ingher.
Hegoti
nasIputundi
eson.
Q:
"We'
rehungr
y"
Me:
"I'
mfi
nishi
ngup"
Q:
"Il
ovet
hatbi
rt
hmar
k"If
rowned.Ihav
eabi
rt
h
mar
konmyl
eftbut
tcheek.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Hecamecloser
.Ir
ushedt
othebedandputmy
dr
esson.
Me:
"Let
'sgoanddi
shup"
Hel
ookeddownathi
spant
s.Ichuckl
ed.
Q:
"Ineedt
opee"
Me:
"Yeahy
oudo"
Il
efthishornyass.Idi
shedupf
orever
yone.The
babieswerehavingfunwit
hSboandLwandle.I
serv
edt hem.
Lwandl
e:"
Arey
ouguy
s..
.?
"
Me:
"IfIt
ell
youImi
ghthav
etoki
l
lyou"
Nkosi
:"Isawi
t.Heseemsl
i
keagoodguyt
hough"
Me:
"Soev
ery
bodykeepssay
ing.
"
Nkosi
:"Hi
ghpr
ofi
lepeopl
edon'
tdothi
s.Theyt
ake
whatt
heywantfr
om youandl
eave.
"
Sbo:
"Tr
ue.Buthi
ski
dsar
eher
e."Qcameout
.
Q:"
Final
l
y."Hekissedmycheek."
I'
l
lfi
rstf
eedt
hese
monkeysandtheneat"
Me:
"Letmet
ry.May
bet
hey
'l
lsmi
l
eatme"
Hechuckl
edandsai
dokay
.
Theycamet omeassoonasIsatdownwit
ht heir
bowl.If
edthem.Theywer
eevenspeaki
ngtheirown
l
anguage.Hesatther
eandsmil
ed.
Theyfi
nishedthewholebowl.Iwassur
prised.Igav
e
them t
heirmeat.Theywereevenhappi
er.Itook
mineandat et
oo.
Iwashedt
hedishesaft
erwar
ds.Thesemor
onswer
e
tal
ki
ngaboutf
ootbal
l.
Ourdayofblisswasshortenedwhenwehadt ogo
towork.Theydidn'
twannabecar ri
edanymore.We
pull
edthem totheel
evator.Lwandl
eandtheguys
wenttogetthecarattheundergroundpar
kingwhi
le
Iaccompaniedmybabi esout.
Webuckl
edt
hem up.
Me: "
Iwi
shIwasn'
tl
eav
ingf
orECt
omor
row.We'
d
spendqual
i
tyt
ime"
Q:
"Youguy
shav
eal
i
fet
imet
ospend"
Me:"Yeswedo.By
elov
ies"t
heywav
ed.Ichuckl
ed.I
cl
osedthedoor
.
Q:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
.Keepy
ourphoneon"
Me:"
Ok.That
'
sifIwon'
tfi
ndyouwai
ti
ngf
ormei
n
mybedr
oom."Hechuckl
ed.
Q:
"Youwon'
t.
"Ismi
l
edandki
ssedhi
m.
Hegoti
nthecaranddroveof
f.Am Isl
owl
yget
ti
ng
i
ntoaser
iousr
elat
ionshi
p?
.
..
8hoursl
aterwefi
nished.Ti
redasyest
erday
.Butwe
di
dprett
ymuch.IthankGodf ort
heguysI'
m wor
king
wi
th.Verydedi
cat
edandact i
ve.
Me:"
Tomorrowwewil
lbegett
ingourmoneyand
youmayt
hrowahousepart
yonSaturday
"
Them:
"Yay
!"
Lwandl
e:"
Can'
twecomewi
thy
out
oEC?
"
Me:
"Real
l
y?Youwantt
o?"
Nkosi:"
Yes.We'venev
erbeenoutofKZN.We'
ve
neverdri
venover5hourst
oanyplace"
Me:"I
'
llspeakt
omydad.Andwewoul
dfl
yther
eif
heagrees"
Theyj
umpedupi
nexci
tement
.They
'r
esuchbabi
es.
Wecleanedupandsett
heal
arm andl
ocked.If
elta
l
ightheadache.
Me:
"Nkany
isopl
easedr
ive.Idon'
tfeel
toowel
l
"
Hetookt
hecarkey
s.Khay
a'scousi
nwast
her
e
agai
n.
Myphonerangaswedr ov
eoff
.Iwaswi
l
li
ngtodrop
i
tifi
twasKyli
eorBen.Theycr
owdedmethewhole
af
ter
noontoday.
Me:
"Heyl
ove"
Q:"
Baby
.I'
m sosor
rysthandwasam.Idon'
tev
en
hav
ewordstosayt
his.Ayandai
s-"
Iheardscr
eechi
ngt
yres.Somet
hingl
i
keawi
ndow
breaki
ng.
"
Pul
lhi
m out
!"Sai
dav
oiceIcoul
dn'
trecogni
ze.I
hear
dsomeonegr
oani
ngi
npai
n."
Don'
tbeathi
m up
youasshol
e"
Me:
"Qui
nton?Q?
"
Thel
i
nedi
ed.Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Ma?
"Shej
ustscr
eamed."
Mapl
ease"
Mama:
"Heki
l
ledt
hem!Heki
l
ledt
hem!
"
"Yol
ithisisNkosazana.Ay
andaandthechil
dwere
foundshotatthebushes.Hekil
l
edthem andshot
himselftoo"
Ihungupandbowedmyhear
d.Godwhy
?
Withevery
thingofwomenget ti
nglostandgett
ing
kil
l
edbyst r
angers.Somedy i
ngont hehandsofthei
r
romanti
cpartners.Inev
erreal
lythoughtmysi
ster
wouldalsobeav icti
m..
..
[
2/26,07:
25]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

32
.
It
sbeena3mont
hsofpai
n,t
ear
s,di
sappoi
ntment
andheal
i
ng.
Heal
i
ngf
rom mysist
erandnephew'spassi
ng.
Heal
i
ngf
rom myfail
edrel
ati
onshi
p.
Seeingmysister'
scoffi
ngodown.Ahugepar tofme
l
eftwithher
.Theonl ypersonIcoul
dconfidei
n
wit
houtherjudgingmewasgone.Myoneandonl y
si
sterwasNomor e.Iwil
lneverseeheragai
n.No
more1hourcalls,t
alki
ngaboutnothi
ngbutourcrazy
motherwhom wer esentacti
onsofbutstil
ll
oveher
somuch.
Shehasalwaysbeli
evedi
nme.Mypoorbabyboy
.
Hedidn'
tl
iveenoughtoser
vehi
spur
pose.
ThatKhozaman,
eveninhi
sgrave.Iwi
ll
for
everhat
e
hi
mf orki
ll
i
ngmysist
erandherbaby.
Ital
lhasnotbeeneasybutIpr
ayedaboutitall
.AndI
conquered.I
'
mf i
nal
lyoveri
tal
l.I
tdoesn'
thurtas
much.
Thi
ngst
ookasharpcurvebetweenQuintonandI.
Noexpl
anat
ion.Nonot
hing.Hejustdi
sappearedon
me.
Hisphonealway sstayedof f
.Iwentt ohishouse
numeroustimes.Theaccesscodehadbeen
changed.Thefingerpr
intscandeni edmeaccesst oo.
ButIkeptgoingthereuntilonedayIf oundasecurit
y
guardandhet oldmehemov edout .If
iguredhe
didn'
twantmeany more.SoIst oppedt ry
ing.
Kyli
e&Benmov edbacktoJo'
burg.Wecalledeach
otherregularl
ybutIcoul
dn'
tbri
ngmy sel
ftoask
aboutQ.Idi dn'
twanttoputt
hem inthatawkward
posit
iony ouknow.
Iwon'
tli
eIwasreal
l
ybrokenatf
irst
.Buteveryt
hing
get
sbetterwi
tht
ime.Her
eIam today,
strongerand
smart
er.
AndIf inall
ygr aduat ed.Myf athermadesur eIl
ooked
andf eltl
ikeapr incesst hatIam.Theyal solooked
beautifulwithmom. i
twasn' tsoexciti
ngt hough.We
hadjustbur iedAy anda3weekspr i
or.I
twoul d'
ve
beenmor especi al i
fshewast here.Thedegr ee
belongst oher .Sheper suadedmeatal l
t i
mest obe
thebestatev erythingconcer ningacademi cs.The
pri
dei nmymot her '
sey escouldn'tbecompar edto
anything.Ili
terall
ycr i
ed.
2weeksagoIwentt oECf ormyceremony
.Itwent
prettywel l
.Ialsofoundoutt hatIhaveani
ecebut
unfortunatelyshewasn' tthere.Shewasi
nPEi nwi
th
hergr andmot her.Thecer emonywasdoneatthe
vi
llaget hatIcan'trecal
lthenameof .
TheNzuza'
swerever
ygoodt
ome.TurnsoutIam
they
oungestoft
hewhol
egener
ati
on.
Everyoneis30year
soldupwar ds.Butf unnyenough
Ienjoyedbeingt
herewi
tht hem.Idi dn'tneedthe
boysorKy l
ietocomealongt or escuemeaf t
eral
l
.
Herbumpwasget t
ingv
isible.Shel ookedsexyas
hell
.
AndIhavedone3jobssof
arsi
ncet
hatoneoft
he
Ncubefur
nit
ureshop.
Thenewsf l
ashi
sZwel i
andIhavebeengoi ngout
for3weeksnow.Nodon' tj
udgeme.Idonotst ay
aroundandmournfai
l
edr el
ati
onships.Imoveon
whenIfindsomeonethatIthi
nkIl
ike.
He'
ssweet.Pl
ayfulandveryromanti
c.Random
sur
pri
sesever
ynowandt hen.He'
sboyfr
iendingvery
wel
l.Myagegroup.Idon'
tknowwhatIwast hinki
ng
agr
eei
ngt
obeQuint
onDube'
sgir
lf
ri
end?Somet
imes
wemostl
i
kel
ytoaimtoohi
gh.
Mybabiesmov edoutt
ot hei
rownnewplaces.
Lwandl
el i
veswit
hNkosi.Sboli
veswi
thNkanyiso.
Theyvi
sitonceaweek.
Ifi
twasn'
tformyparent
sandZweli
whoal
ways
keepmeoccupiedonmyphone,I
'
dbedeadof
l
oneli
ness.
.
..
I
tsSat
urdaytoday
.Ij
ustf
inishedmyt hi
rdjob
y
ester
day.Ihave2pr
omising.I'
m cr
ossingfi
nger
s.
Ihavetomeetwi t
hmydadlateronofwhichI
'm not
real
lyupfor
.Allhedoesi
stal
kabouthisdayswith
mymom, work,
wor k,
wor
kandaskmei fI'
m seeing
anyone.
Appar
entl
ytheNzuzapeoplewedat18.I'
m notthem.
Idon'
twantmarr
iage.Atl
eastnotnow.Idon'
tsee
i
t'
srel
evance.
AllIdoonmyweekendsi
smoparound.Pl
usi
ts
June,2day
sunt
ilJul
yit
sreal
l
ycol
d.Pjsar
emybest
f
ri
end.
Myphonev i
bratedundermypil
low.Studysaysthat
i
sabadhabi tandit
snotgoodf orthecell
phoneand
theownerbutital
waysendsupher e.Idon'
tcare
howmanyt i
mesI '
vereadtr
agicstori
esabout
putt
ingacel
lphoneunderyourpil
lowbutIstil
ldoit
anyway.
"
Goodmor ni
ngsunshi
ne.Today'
sweatheri
sfor
Net
fl
ixandsnacks.Whatdoyouthi
nk?
"
Atextfrom Zwelir
ead.Cametot hinkofi
t.We'v
e
neverspentti
mei neachother
'splaces.Wespend
ourti
meatr estaur
ants,
cinema,beach,hisof
fi
ce
andplacesthatIhaveworkedat.
"Morni
ngboo.Thatsoundsli
keagoodidea.Thi
s
placeget
stooquietatt
imes.
"Isentandthengoti
n
theshower.
Acoupl eofmomentslat
erIwalkedout.Ifound2
missedcallsfr
om hi
m.Ical
ledhim back.TheDube
Logist
icssti
ll
rechar
gesmyphonewi thair
timeand
eter
nal dat
abytheway.
Zwel
i
:"Sphal
aphal
asami
"
Me:
"Heyt
her
e.Iwast
aki
ngashower
"
Zwel
i
:"Real
l
y?Iwi
shIcoul
d'
vebeent
her
ewi
thy
ou"
Me:"Wel
lyouwer
en'
t.St
opbei
ngaper
ver
t"he
l
aughed.
Zwel
i
:"HowcanInot
?Ev
ersawt
hatbody
?"
Me:
"YesIhav
ethanky
oubaby
."
Zwel
i
:"Heav
enl
y.Ical
l
edt
oasky
ourpl
aceormi
ne?
"
Me:"
Yours.Mydadpopsupher
eev
erynowandt
hen
whenhe'
shere"
Zwel
i
:"Okay
.Whatt
imeshoul
dIexpecty
ou?
"
Me:"
Uhm..
.I
'm meet
ingwi
thhi
m around12.Iwi
l
l
pr
obabl
yshowuparound4pm orso"
Zwel
i
:"Okaysweet
hear
t.Seey
out
hen"
Me:
"By
e"
Ihungup.Imadet
hebedandpr
epar
edmy
sel
ffor
l
eaving.
Sboandt hecr
ewwer eathome, Ol
undi
soIwasn't
expect
inganyvisi
tor
s.Ipackedanover
nightbag
andt
henl
eft
.
I
tssocr azythatIonlyknowabout5peopl eint
his
bl
ock.Inev erl
eavemypl aceunlessI'
m goingt
o
work.There'sacoffeeshopdownst ai
rs.Most
peoplehereeatbreakfastther
e.I'
veonlybeenther
e
ocne.
Iwar
medupt heengineandwenttotheboott
oput
mybagandgetanewpacketofwi negums.Isaw
myteddy.It
hrewhi
mi nhere,
heremindedmeof
Qui
nton.Ipi
ckedhi
m up.
Me:"
I'
m sorr
yforpuni
shi
ngy
ouf
orsomeoneel
se'
s
si
nsbhabha.Come"
Iclosedthebootandwentbackinsi
dethecar
.I
placedteddyi
nhisright
ful
seatanddroveout
,
strai
ghttoSouthbeach.
Myphoner
ang.If
orgott
ocal
lherl
astni
ght
.
Me:
"Mommy
"
Mama: "
Hel
loQueenEli
zabet
h.Didyourser
vant
s
happentof
orgett
oremindyoutocallme?"
Me:
"Mysi
ncer
eapol
ogi
esmamakaYol
i
.Ihad
sur
pri
sesl
eep.Ican'
tev
enr
ecal
lwhatt
imedi
dIf
all
asl
eep"
Mama:"Apol
ogyaccept
edmyl
ady
.Daddyt
ell
sme
youguy
saregoingout"
Me: "Thatisverytrue.I'
m onmywayt here.How's
mybaby ?"Thathast obeAy anda'
sdaughter.We
thankGodshewasatschool whenall
thathappened
orelsewewoul d'
vel osthert
oo.Shestayswi t
hmy
mot hernow.I'v
er esumedar ol
eofbei
ngar eal f
ull
ti
memot hertoher .
Mama:"She'
sfi
ne.She'
sst
il
lsl
eepi
ng"suchal
azy
bei
ng.
Me:
"Tel
lhert
ocal
lmewhenshewakesup"
Mama:
"Okay
.Ar
eyoucomi
nghomesoon?
"
Me:
"Yeah.Pr
obabl
ynextFr
iday
"
Mama:
"Oknt
ombi
.Letmecook.Hav
efun"
Me:
"Imi
ssy
ourcooki
ng.
"
Mama: "
Hhai
goandeaty
ourr
awf
ishpol
arbear
"I
l
aughed.
Me:
"It
'scal
l
edsushi
madam"
Mama:
"Rawf
ish!
"
Il
aughed.Shehungup.I '
m sograt
eful
forherguil
t
overAyanda'
spassing.Shecutdowndrinki
ng.She
di
dmakei tcl
earthatshe'sonabreakthough.
Iarr
ivedatt
hemeet
ingspot
.Ipar
kednextt
ohi
scar
.
Igotoutandcal
l
edhim.
Nzuza:
"Aboyi
nawhi
tet
-shi
rti
sther
etogety
ou"
Thisl
ooksl
i
keapub.Ihungupandwal
kedt
owar
ds
theguy.
Me:
"Hi
"
Hi
m:"
Hey
.Yol
iri
ght
?"
Me:
"Yeah.Isupposemydadsenty
out
ogetme"
Hi
m:"
Hedi
d.Ndl
ali
fa"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry,
what
?"
Hi
m:"
Mynamei
sNdl
ali
fa"ow.
Me:
"Oh.Ni
ce.Youal
readyknowmi
ne"
Hi
m:"
YesIdo.Let
'
sgobef
orey
ourol
dmanget
s
wor
ri
ed"
Heledthewayint
othi
sEgagasinipl
ace.Peopl
e
werehavi
ngtheti
meofthei
rli
veshere.Whyon
ear
thwouldhechoosesuchaplace.
Hewastal
ki
ngandl
aughi
ngwi
tht
heseol
dmennext
t
ohim.
Me:
"Gr
eet
ingsel
der
s"
Them:
"Mol
onont
ombi
"
Nzuza:"Thatwasn'tsohar dr i
ght
.Thesearemy
par
tners.ThemenI 'm wor ki
ngwithont hi
snewhotel.
Gentl
emen, thi
sismydaught erYolanda.Yol
ithi
sis
Maxandt hisisbrotherTim, hewasaty our
cer
emony .Don'tyour ecogni
zehim"
Me:"IknewI'
veseenhimfrom somewher
e.Howar
e
youSir?
"Idonotrecogni
zehi
m!
Ti
m:"
I'
m goodmychi
l
dhowar
eyou?
"
Me:"I
'm pr
ett
ywel l
thankyou"t
heystar
tedt
alki
ng
aboutt
hingsthatdonotconcer
nYolandaVi
lakazi
.
Theyhadal
readyor
der
ed.Thef
oodar
ri
ved.
Nzuza:
"Yousee?Idi
dn'
tfor
getabouty
ourcockt
ail
"
Me:
"ImustsayI
'
m pr
ett
yimpr
essed"
Ndl
ali
fa:
"Doesi
thav
eal
cohol
?"
Me:
"About0.
2%"
Ndl
ali
fa:
"Ayoungbeaut
if
ull
adyli
key
oushoul
dn'
t
hav
eanybitofal
coholi
nhersy
stem"
Me:
"Ar
eyouaDr
?"Hechuckl
ed.
Ndl
ali
fa:"
Nonotatall
.I'
m ayoungbusi
nessman"t
he
ol
dbusinessmenlaughed.
Me:"OhIsee.Ihopeyouwon'
ttel
lmet
hismeati
sn'
t
goodformyhealth"
Ndl
ali
fa:
"Notatal
lNkosazana"
Ti
m:"
So,
MissNzuzawhatdoy
oudof
oral
i
ving?
"
Me:"Ieat
,shop,
wor
k,r
eadandsl
eep"t
heyal
l
l
aughed.
Max:
"Hemeansy
ourpr
ofessi
on"ofcour
se.
Me:
"Iam ani
nter
iordesi
gner
"
Ndl
ali
fa:
"Wowr
eal
l
y?"Inodded.
Tim:"
Seemsli
kewejustgotour
sel
far
ight
candi
dat
efort
hejob"
Ndl
ali
fa:"
Ijustboughtanapar
tmentatRichv
iew.
Br
otherTi
m boughtahouseatUmbi l
o."
Me:
"Ar
eyouhi
ri
ngmet
osauceupy
ourhouses"
Tim: "
No.Noty et
.Ifyou'
reint
erestedyoucanpass
bytheof ficeonWestst reetMondaymor ni
ngand
presenty ourprevi
ouswor ktous.Iwoul dreal l
ylov e
toseepi cturesofthebighousesy ou'v
ewor kedon
before.Iam obsessedwi t
hbreathtaki
ngbat hrooms
andki t
chens.ThathouseIboughthas2ki tchens
and3bat hrooms.Iwantt hem al
lindiff
erentst yles.
IfIl
ov ewhaty ou'
v edoneinthosehouses.Thej ob
willdefi
nitel
ybey ours"
Me:
"OhmyGod.Thatj
obi
sdef
ini
tel
ymi
ne"
Welaughed.Il
ookedatmydad.Hewi
nkedatme.
Thi
sfoodmyLor d!
Max:
"Lookatt
het
ime"
Ndl
ali
fa:
"Iwi
shwedi
dn'
thav
etot
rav
elt
hisof
ten"
Ti
m:"
Yousi
gnedupf
ort
his"
Nzuza:
"Saf
ejour
neygent
lemen"t
heyshookhands.
Ti
m:"
Itwasni
ceseei
ngy
ouagai
nYol
i
"
Me:
"Thanky
ouTat
a."
Theywal
kedof
f.
Nzuza:
"Theyaref
lyi
ngtoCapeTownt
ohav
edi
nner
wit
hNdlal
if
a'spar
ents.
"
Me:
"Wowmustbeni
cet
obet
hem"
Nzuza:"I
tis.Theywill
bemov
ingher
eper
manent
ly
af
terthei
rweddi ng"
Me:
"What
?"
Nzuza:
"Ndlal
if
aandTi
m.Theyar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
edi
n
August
"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"Foramomentwhenwewal kedonandsawno
ot
herfemal
ewi t
hyouguys.It
houghty
ouwere
matchmakingus"hel
aughed.
Nzuza:
"Iwoul
dnev
erdot
hat
.Theyar
eacoupl
e"
Me:
"That
'sni
ce.Thi
smeati
stodi
ebutI
'
mful
lnow"
Nzuza:
"We'
l
ltakei
tawaywi
thus.Let
'sgot
othe
beach"
Wel
eftaf
tert
aki
ngourt
akeaway
stot
hecar
.
Wedidwhatweal
waysdoatt
hebeach.Chaseeach
ot
herar
oundli
kel
i
ttl
eki
ds.
Iexcusedmy
sel
fandwentt
othel
oo.
Ther
ewassomeonepuki
ngi
noneoft
het
oil
ets.
Ipeedandwentt owashmyhands.Shesounded
verysi
ck.Iknockedonherdoor
.
Me:"Ar
eyouokay?"Shepukedagai
n."Hel
l
o?"I
hear
dthetoi
l
etfl
ush.Thedooropened.
Her:"
YezI'
mf i
ne.Justpregnant
."Myey esrani
nto
herst
omach.She'schubbybutIcoul dt
ell
.Shewas
weari
ngthedressnetoverherbiki
ni.Soyel
lowand
fr
eshandglowing.
Me:
"Congr
atul
ati
ons.It
houghty
ouwer
edy
ingi
n
t
her
e"shechuckl
ed.
Her
:"Thanksf
orcar
ing.Iwi
l
lbef
ine"
Me:
"Okaykeepwel
l
"
Shesmi
l
edandnodded.Iwal
kedout
.If
ounddaddy
wai
ti
ngf
orme.
Nzuza:
"Iam meet
ingaf
ewf
ri
endsi
nanhour
."
Me:
"Okay
.Let
'sgo"
Wewalkedbacktowher
eourcar
sar
epar
ked.I
unl
ockedmine.
Nzuza: "Thepurposeoftodaywasmar keti
ng.I
foundoutt hattheyboughthousesandinsear chof
ani nter
iordecorat
orsoIofferedt
hem lunchbefore
l
eav ing.Idi
dn'twanttotel
lthem t
ogiveyout hejob
j
ustbecausey ou'r
emychi l
d.Iwantyoutoear nit
.
Wheny ougot hereonMonday ,br
eakaleg.Youwi ll
beagai nstover30people.Makemepr oud, but
most lyyoursel
f"hehuggedmeandt henki ssedmy
forehead.
Me:
"Thanky
oubaba.Iwi
l
lsur
elydo"
Nzuza:
"That
'smygi
rl
"
Wegoti
ntoourcar
sandwentoursepar
ateway
s.
.
..
Hedoesn'
thugme.Heattacksme.Ev
eryti
mehe
seesmehemakesitseem li
kewehaven'
tmeti
n
ages.Heli
vesinMusgr
ave.Ipassedbytheshopst
o
getussnacks.We'
l
lbuypizzawhenwegethungry.
PlusIbr
oughtthemeatwehadatt hatpl
ace.
Zwel
i
:"Imi
ssedy
oumonkey
"
Me:"Imissedy
oumor
ebaboon.Thi
spl
acei
s
beauti
ful
"
Zwel
i
:"Thanky
oumyl
ove.Youboughtsnackst
oo?
"
Me:
"Yep.Butwe'
l
lkeept
hem f
orl
ater
"
Heki
ssedmeandl
edmet
othecouch.
Zwel
i
:"Wegonnacampher
eandchooseamov
ie"
Itookofft
hebootsandaj
acketandsatdown.The
heaterwasser
vingi
t'
spur
poseveryr
ight
.
Hecamet
osi
tdownt
oowi
thabowl
ofsnacks.
Wechoseamov
ieandcuddl
ed.Per
fect
!
Zwel
i
:"You'
resowar
m"
Me:
"Myf
eetar
ecr
azi
l
ycol
dthough"
Hechuckl
edandki
ssedmycheek.Wewat
chedone
movi
eaftert
heot
her.
I
twasev
endar
kerout
side.I
twascl
oset
o8pm.
Me:
"Ar
en'
tyouhungr
y?"
Zwel
i
:"Iam"
Me:
"Let
'smakef
oodt
hen"
Zwel
i
: "
Iwannaeatyouf i
rst
"It
urnedt
olookathi
m.
Hebroughtmyfaceclosert
ohisandsmoochedme
sosl
owandsoni ce.
Thedoorgotki
ckedopen.Wejumpedi
ntoourf
eet
.
Theyhadguns.If
eltt
heurget
opee.
Oneofthem:
"MsoonkaJacknoRose.Wal
l
ets!
Phones!
"
Anotherone:"
Putyourhandsup!"Wedid.He
col
lectedourphonesandtookbothmybags.He
pi
ckedupt heplast
icofgoodi
esIbrought
.
Thefir
stonet
otal
k:"
Knowwhat
?Justt
aket
hegi
rl
too"
Me:
"Nopl
ease"
Zwel
itri
edshiel
dingmebuttheybeathi
m up.The
wasthatIor
deredIgett
akenpointedagunatme
andshushedme.
Theypi
ckedmyshoesandmyj
acketupandgav
e
metodress.
"Nowbeagoodgi r
landwipethosetear
sandwalk
awaywithus."Ishookmyhead.Hecamet ost
areat
mecloser.Icl
osedmyey es.Hisbr
eathwashi
tt
ing
myface.
Hi
m:"
Donotl
etmeshooty
ougi
rl
"
Me:
"You'
drat
herki
l
lme"
Hi
m:"
Car
ryhergent
s"
Itr
iedtoruntot hebedroom,jumpingthepassedout
Zwelionthefloorbuttheycaughtmeandputacl oth
i
nmymout handpi nnedmeagai nstthewallandt ied
myhandsandt hencarri
edmeal lthewayout .It
happensagain:nopeopl ei
nsight.Wherearet hey
wheny ouneedt hem?
Myt
ear
shel
plessl
ygusheddown.
..
[
2/26,
07:
53]Zozaness:
33
.
Iwokeupinmybed.Whatthehel
lhappened?My
headwasn'
tgi
vi
ngmeanypeace.Isatupst r
aight.
Ther
ewasaboxofpill
sandaglassofwateront he
minit
abl
ebesi
dethebed.
Il
ookedf ormyphone.Thesepeoplecoul
dsti
l
lbe
here.I
trang.I
twasonthecharger.Theyar
every
conveni
entcri
minal
s.
Hopedoesnotki
ll
.Idr
ankthepi
ll
s.I
ftheywant
edt
o
ki
l
lmet heywoul
d'
vekil
ledmeyest
erday.
Iwenttogetmyphone.I
twasLwandle.I
'
llcal
lhi
m
l
ater.Thet
imewas1pm.Fuckthosepeople.I
missedchurch.
Ihear
daknockfrom t
hemai ndoor.It
ookagl
ance
atmyselfont
hemirr
or.Theywipedoffmymakeup.
Whatkindofgameweretheyplayi
ng?
Itext
edZwel
ithatI
'm okayandatmypl
aceand
askedwher
ehei sandhowi she.
AndthenIwenttoopent
hedoor.Ist
oppedhalf
way.
I
tcouldbethem.Whywouldt
heyknockthough?The
doori
ssupposedtobeunl
ocked.
Me:
"Whoi
sit
?"
"Hoeyoubett
eropenupbeforeIki
ckt his
motherf
ucki
ndoordown"Ilaughedandr ushedt o
open.I
twaslocked.Thekeywashangi ngwher eI
usual
lyputi
talongwit
hmycarkey s.Thisisinsane.I
openedupandhuggedhim.
Ben:"Becarefulyou'
l
lmakemedr
opmyLoui
s
Vuit
tonbelongings"
Me:"Mxm ai
suka.
"Hegoti
n.Icl
osedt
hedoorand
l
ocked.
Ben:
"Br
inggl
asses"
Itookt
hem outandgavehi
m.Hetookout
champagne.Isatont
hecoff
eet
able.
Me:
"Ar
ewecel
ebr
ati
ngsomet
hing?
"
Ben:
"Yes.Mynewr
elat
ionshi
p.Cheer
s!"
Me:
"Cheer
s!"Wedr
ankup.
Ben:
"Wer
eyousl
eepi
ng?
"
Me:"Yes.Iwaski
dnappedlastni
ghtanddruggedI
t
hink,causet
helastt
hingIrememberisgett
ingi
n
t
hei
rcar
..
..
"May
bet
heyr
apedme.
Igotupandrantothebathr
oom.It ookofft
he
l
eggingsandthepant
y.Isatonthet oi
l
etand
touchedmynuna.Nothi
ngfeltst
range.
Ihear
daknock.
Ben:
"Ar
eyouokaybaby
?"
Me:
"IfIhadsexIshoul
ddi
scomf
ortr
ight
?"
Ben:
"Opent
hisdoor
"
Iopened.
Me:
"Ift
heyr
apedme.Ishoul
dfeel
right
?"
Ben:"Iguessso.
..wait
.Theyki
dnappedy
ouand
broughtyoubackafter
?"
Me:"
Theyabduct
edmef rom Zwel
i
'sapar
tment
.I
wokeupher
e"hefrowned.
Ben:
"That
'sv
eryodd"
Me:
"Ver
yodd"
Ben:
"Come"
Wewentout
.Hesatmedownont
hecouch.
Ben:
"Di
dtheyt
akeany
thi
ng?Phonesormoney
"
Me:"
No.Myphoneisher
e.Soaremycarkeys.I
wokeupwi
tht
ablet
sandwateronthet
ablenextto
t
hebed"
Ben:"
Thishasyourdadwr
it
tenal
lov
eri
t.Hedoesn'
t
wantyoudati
ng"
Me:
"Hewoul
dn'
tdar
e"
Ben:"Ohyeshewould.Thatthr
eathemadet othose
Sboguys"hetol
dthem theyshall
neverl
etmego
i
ntoanyman'shouseorletamani nhereorelse
kuzonyi
wa.
Me:
"He'
ssowr
ong.Letmet
akeashower
"
Ben:"
He'ssuchacharact
er"hel
aughed."
Heeven
boughty
oupill
s.Psst
"Ichuckl
edandwenttomy
room.
Me:"
Orderussomet
hingt
oeat
"Ishout
edaf
ter
cl
osi
ngthedoor.
Ben:
"Pi
zzaandmar
inat
edhotwi
ngs?
"
Me:
"Yespl
ease"
Ben:
"You'
l
lnev
ergett
hatsummerbody
"
Me:
"Tohel
lwi
thi
t"hel
aughed.
Imademybat hasbriefaspossibl
eanddidli
ttl
e
makeup.IdressedupandjoinedBen.Hewas
smil
i
ngathisphone.Itookaf l
eeceandcovered
myselfont
hesinglecouch.
Me: "
I'
m al
lear
s"hedidn'
tcat
cht
hat
.It
hrewa
cushi
onathim hest
artl
ed.
Ben:
"OhMyGoddoy
ouknowIhav
ehear
tdi
sease?
"
Me:
"Real
l
y?"
Ben:"
No!Butwhenyou'
rei
nlov
eyou'
remostl
i
kel
yto
havei
t.Youscar
edme"
Me:
"Whoi
she?
"
Ben:
"Khay
a"hesai
dandwentbackt
ohi
sphone.
Me:
"What
!Theoneandonl
yKhay
a?"
Ben:
"Yes.
"
Me:
'Wow"
Ben:
"That
'sal
lyougonnasay
?Wow?No'
you'
re
perf
ectforeachot
her'
?He'st
heonet
hatt
oldme
aboutyouandZwelibytheway"
Me:"Hehasal
argemouth.Nowonderheissoni
ce
t
ome.Hewantsmet ovouchforhi
m ever
yti
me"he
l
aughed.
Ben:"No.He'snaturall
ynice.Youknowf ate,
iti
s
somethingelse.Wemeti nabusinessdinnerin
Nort
hWest .Myseathadbeenoccupi edbysome
uni
nvitedcoconutuglybi t
chboy.Heofferedmehis
andther estwashistory.Romanti
cisn'
t?"
Me:
"Ver
yromant
ic.I
'
m sohappyf
ory
oumyl
ove"
Ben:
"Whathappenedbet
weeny
ouandt
all
Qui
nton?
"
Me:
"Ital
lvani
shed"
Ben:
"YouknowIfel
tli
key
oudon'tt
rustmeenough
whenKhayatol
dmeaboutyouandZweli
"
Me:"
Ididn'
twantt
oburdeny
ou.Ifel
tli
keifIt
ell
you
Iwi
l
lalsoaskyoutot
ellmewher
ehei s"
Ben:"He'
sinJo'
bur
g.Todayi
tishi
schi
l
dren'
s
bi
rthday.
"
Me:
"Idon'
twantt
oknow.Hel
eft
.Ishoul
dleav
ehi
m
al
one"
Ben:
"Don'
tyoumi
sshi
m?"
Me:"Myhear
thasacceptedthathe'
sgone.I
fImi
ss
hi
m ornoti
stot
all
ypoint
less"
Ben:
"Di
dn'
tyourmamat
eachy
out
ogof
orwhaty
ou
want
?"
Me:
"Shet
aughtmet
ogof
ori
tifi
tsgonnapayme"
Ben:
"Whataboutt
hatmakesy
ouhappy
?"
Me:
"Benj
ami
nCl
arksonpl
easel
eav
emeal
one"
Ben:
"Bemyguest
"
Myphoner
ang.
Ben:
"Foodi
sher
e"
Me:
"PayI
'
llr
epl
acei
t"
Ben:"
Don'tactal
lri
chonmepl
ease"Ichuckl
edand
answered.
Me:
"Heybabe"
Zwel
i
:"Hey
.Ar
eyouokay
?Di
dn'
ttheyhur
tyou?
"
Me:
"Not
heydi
dn'
t"
Zwel
i:
"ThankGodIam sowor
ri
ed.Ij
ustcameback
fr
om t
hehospi
tal
"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Zwel
i:"
Inpai
nbutI
'
m good.Iwi
l
lbeabl
etocome
andseeyou"
Me:
"Ther
e'snoneedt
o.I
'
llcome"
Zwel
i
:"I
'
m atmypar
ent
'
shouse.
"
Me:
"Oh.I
'
llbeexpect
ingy
out
hen"
Zwel
i
:"By
ehun"
Me:
"By
elov
e"
Hehungup.Bencamebackwi
thf
ood.Andfl
owers.
Heputt
hefooddownandgavemethefl
owers.
Ben:
"Iguesst
hesear
efory
ou"
Me:
"Forme?
"
Ben:
"YeahIj
ustf
oundt
hem att
hedoor
."
It
ookt
hem andl
ookedf
ort
hecar
d.
Me:"
Dearmybetterhal
f.Il
ovey
ouMaVi
l
akazi
.They
mustbef
rom Zweli
"
Ben:
"That
'ssocheesy
"
Me:
"Isn'
thet
hesweet
?"
Ben:"
Hei s.Buthisbrot
herissweet
er"wel
aughed
andateov erasil
lyconvoaboutt
hei
r2days
vacat
ionsalloverthecount
ry.
Hewashappy.Iwashappyf
orhim.Hedeser
vesal
l
t
hehappi
nesscominghisway.
Wet ookanap.Wokeupinav erydar
khouse.I
turnedtheli
ghtson.Bensuggestedwecook.He'
s
obsessedwi t
hpastaandheknowsal lt
heri
ght
recipes.I
twas7pm.Zwelihadnotcontact
edme.
Ir
ecei
vedat
extf
rom mydadasIt
houghtoft
hat
.
"
Ihopeyou'
repreparedfort
hepresentat
ion
t
omorrow.Breakaleg.Daddyl
ovesy ou"
Me:
"Shi
tIhav
epr
esent
ati
ont
omor
row.
"
Ben:
"Real
l
y?Youonl
ygonnasayt
hatnow?
"
Me:"
Itot
all
yforgotaboutit
."Icheckedtheti
me.
"
AndIlef
tmycamer aatQuinton'spl
ace.I
thasal
l
t
hepict
uresofthathouse.I
tist hebestbi
ghouse
I
'v
edonesof ar
.Ineedthosepi ctur
es.TheonesI
t
ookwi
thmyphonear
en'
tofgoodqual
i
ty"
Ical
l
edKy
li
e.
Ky
li
e:"
Uyal
oya.Iwasj
ustaboutt
ocal
lyou"
Me:"Thati
sgr
eatbecauseIdesper
atel
yneedy
our
hel
p"
Ky
li
e:"
Tal
ktome"
Me:
"Ineedpi
ctur
esofQ'
shouse"
Ky
li
e:"
Whydon'
tyout
aket
hem?
"
Me:"Becausewebr okeup.Il
eftmycamer
ather
e
andhe'sunreachabl
eonthephone"
Ky
li
e:"
Youbr
okeup?
"
Me:"
YesKyli
e.Ihavetopresentmyworkt
othese
ri
chmenmyf at
herwor kswit
h.Ify
oucanget
someonet
obr i
ngitformeplease"
Ky
li
e:"
Ther
e'snoonet
her
e"
Me:
"Askhi
mifhel
eftwi
thi
t"
Ky
li
e:"
Lef
twi
thi
ttowher
e?"
Me:
"Hi
snewpl
ace.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Whatnewpl
ace?
"
Me: "
Thelastti
meIwentther
eIfoundanew
securi
tyguardandhet
oldmet heDube'
sdi
dn'
tl
iv
e
ther
eany more"
Ky
li
e:"
That
'spur
erubbi
sh.Gogety
ourcamer
a"
Me:"I
fhest i
ll
li
vestherethatmeanshet ol
dthe
guar
dt osaysowhi chmeansI '
m unwel
come.Ev en
thefi
ngerscandoesn'trecogni
zemyfinger
anymore"Ifel
ttear
sf i
l
lmyey es.It
houghtIwasov er
i
t.
Ky
li
e:"
Iwi
l
lsendy
out
hecodej
ustnow"
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'
sagoodi
dea"
Kyli
e:"
Youwi llnotthrowawayyourchanceof
makingmil
lionsj ustbecausey
ou'
rescared.Goget
yourcamera.Ifheget syouarr
est
edhe'l
lhavetoget
mear r
est
edi nstead"
Me:
"Thanky
ouKy
li
e"
Kyli
e:"Anyt
imebaby.Iwi
l
lfl
ydowntomorr
ow
evening.Whywouldyouwantt
ofacebr
eakupal
one
thoughYolanda"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
twantt
obot
hery
ou"
Kyl
ie:
"Ai
sukaYoli
.We'
ref
ri
endsf
orChr
ist
'ssake.
Youshoul
dtrustme"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"
Ben:"
Tel
lherpl
ease.She'
ssuchahi
dingbi
tcht
his
one"
Kyli
e:"
Yout
rul
yar
e.Gr
eett
hatl
ovest
ruckt
eenager
forme"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.By
e"
Ky
li
e:"
Byebabe"
Benhuggedme.Iwi
pedof
fthet
ear
s.
Ben:"
All
shal
lbefi
ne.Tel
lmei fy
ouwantmet
o
fr
eezehi
saccount
sasrevenge"
Me:
"Coul
dyoudot
hat
?"
Ben:
"Inasnap"
Me:
"Pl
easedoi
t"
Ben:
"Br
ingmey
ourl
apt
op"
Igotof
fthebarchai
randwentt
omyr
oom.If
ir
st
l
ookedf
orhi
shouse'
skey
sandt
hent
ookt
hel
apt
op.
Igav
ehi
m.
Ben:
"Youbet
terchangei
ntosomet
hingwar
mer
"
Me:
"Thathast
obemypaj
amas"
Iwentt
ochangeandputonmysnugboot
stoo.I
tookmypur
secausemycarhasnogaswherev
erit
i
s.Iwal
kedbacktoBen.
Me:
"CanIusey
ourcar
?"
Ben:
"Yesof
cour
se"het
ossedmet
hekey
s.
Me:"Keepyourphoneonpl
ease.Justi
ncaseIget
ar
rested"
Ben:
"St
opbei
ngacowar
d.Go"
Ismi
l
edandl
eft
.
.
..
.
Iwassay
ingal
i
ttl
epr
ayeral
ltheway
.Ky
li
esentt
he
code.
Ipar
kedatt
hegat
e.Whati
fIf
indhi
mint
her
ewi
tha
woman?
Buthewoul
dn'
tbeher
e.I
tshi
schi
l
dren'
sbi
rt
hday
.
Ipunchedthecode.I
twasreal
l
ylat
e.Itwasaf
ter9.I
wasdrivi
ngverysl
ow.Iwastooanxi
oustospeedup.
Thegateslidopen.Idrov
ein.Theoutsi
deli
ghts
wereoff.Ishoul
d'vebr
oughtBenalong.Thel
ight
fr
om thestreetl
ightwasli
ghti
ngthi
ssideabit.
It
ext
edBent
hatIhav
ear
ri
vedandgotoutoft
hecar
.
Iunl ockedandwentin.Iturnedtheli
ght
son.I
mi ssedt hi
ssmel
l.Iclosedthedoorandwalkedon
tot hetvandtur
nedi ton.Ididn'
treal
i
seImissedt
his
placesomuch.I t
'sli
kemysecondhome.
Iputonmtvandwenttotheki
tchen.I
twasspot l
ess.
Iboi
ledwat
erandcheckedwhat'
sont hef
ridge.My
donutswer
esti
ll
ther
e.Itookt
heboxout .
Itookoneandat
eit.I
ttast
edver
yfresh.Iopened
themugscupboar
d.Itookoneoutandmademy sel
f
coffee..
Iwenttogetmycameraf
rom t
het
vst
and.Andwent
upst
air
stohisof
fi
ce.
Iputev
ery
thi
ngont
hedeskandt
urnedont
hepr
int
er.
NowthatI
'm hereIwi
l
lnotgowithoutpr
int
ingt
hese
pi
ctur
esout.Justi
ncasetheydon'
thaveel
ectr
ici
ty.
Imov edthepict
urestothefl
ashdri
veandalso
pri
ntedthem out.Thebigcomputerdoesn'
thave
password.Onlythelapt
opdoes.
Ifi
nishedup.Icl
earedal
ltheevi
dencethatIwas
hereandturnedtheli
ght
soffandwalkedout.
Igotdownandri
nsedt
hecupandputi
tback.I
emptiedt
heket
tl
ewhil
edanci
ngtot
heelect
rosong.
"
Yol
anda"
Idiedfor5secondsIswear.Hisscentfill
edthe
whol espace.Mywholebodyinstantl
ytrembled.
From fearandalsofr
om anger.Iputthekett
leback
oni t
'sholderandIt
urnedback.Hehadapor tabl
e
bagofcl othesonhi
shand.
Helookeddi
ff
erent
.Hisbear
dhadgr
own.Ourey
es
l
ockedoneachother.
Qui
nton:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Igulped.Iwantedtothrowthecameraathi
m and
cursethehelloutofhim whi
leontheot
herhandI
want
edtoruntohim andhughim sot
ightandt
ell
hi
m Il
ovehim andImissedhi
m.
Me:
"Whydi
dyoul
eav
eme?
"
Qui
nton:
"Youshoul
dn'
tbeher
e"
Me:"Whydi
dyout
ell
himtol
i
et ome?Whydidn'
t
youcometomeandtel
lmeyoudon'
twantme
anymor
e?"
Qui
nton:
"Takey
ourt
hingsandl
eav
eYol
anda"
Me:"Whywoul dy
oudomel i
kethat?Youaskedme
toneverl
eavewhenthi
ngsgetbumpy .Theyhaven'
t
evengotther
ebutyoul
eft
.Withoutadamn
expl
anati
on!Youlef
tmeQuint
on.Whydi dyouleave
me?"
Qui
nton:
"Youar
en'
tl
ist
eni
ngt
ome"
Me:
"Whydi
dyoul
eav
eme?
"
Heputhisbagdownandwal
kedt
owar
dst
he
count
er.
Qui
nton:
"It
sti
met
ogohome"
Hecol
l
ect
edmyt
hingsandwal
kedt
owar
dst
heexi
t.
Ist
oodt
her
ewi
thmyt
ear
sgushi
ngdown.
Hecamebacki
n.
Qui
nton:
"Youneedtoleavemeal
one.Nev
erev
er
comebackhere.Youhearme?
"
Me:
'Why
?"
Qui
nton:
'Lockt
hedooronyourwayout"hepi
cked
hi
sbagupandjoggedupthestai
rs.If
oll
owedhi
m.
Me:
"Why
?Whyshoul
dIl
eav
eyoual
one?
"
Hekeptonwalki
ng."Qui
ntonSkhulul
i
weDubetel
l
mewhyshouldIleav
ey oualone?Iwantt
her
eason
why!
"
Heswi
ft
lyt
urnedandgr
abbedmebymyar
m.
Q:"BecauseI'
m notgoodforyoudammi t
!"Ital
l
happenedsof ast
.Hehadmepi nnedagainstthe
wall
."Youneedt oreal
l
yleav
emeal one.Iam
beggingyou"hesaidinacal
mertone.
Me:"
Ican'
t.
"Isai
d,i
nalmostawhi
sper
.Hel
etmego
andwal
kedtohisbedr
oom.
Ist
oodt
her
eforqui
tesomet
imecr
ying.Ihear
dhi
m
shoutatsomeoneonthephone.Hekeptment
ioni
ng
thecode.Thathast
obeKyli
e.
Hewentqui
etagai
n.Ist
ri
ppednakedandwalkedi
n.
Hecoul
dseemei nthemir
ror
.Hesighedandbowed
hi
shead.
Me:"Makel
ovet
ome.Ipr
omi
seIwi
l
lleav
eyou
al
one"
Het
urnedt
olookedatme.
Icli
mbedont hebedandliedonmybackandcl osed
myey es.Iam notev
ensureaboutthi
sbuti
fthere'
s
oneI'm cer
tai
naboutiti
sthatIwanthi
mtobemy
fi
rst.
Me:"Imeanthi
sfrom t
hebottom ofmyheart
Nyamazane.Iwi
ll
passy ouli
keI'
veneverseeny
oui
n
myli
fewhenwecr osspathsaft
erthi
s"
Ifel
thisweightpressthebeddownaf terawhi
le.My
heart
beat'
srateincreased.If
elthi
sweightonmy
upperbody.Heki ssedme.Iresponded.
Iwi
shhesti
l
llov
edme.Icoul
dfeel
hisheart
beaton
mychest
.Hewaski
ssi
ngmedi f
fer
entl
yfrom al
lthe
ti
meswe'veki
ssed.Mor
eandmor
eemoti
onswer
e
putont
hisone.Whati
sgoi
ngonwit
hhi
m?
Idon'
tknowhowhedoest
hatbutIl
ovei
tsomuch.
Ihel
pedhim undress.Ifeltli
quidhitmyeyes.I
openedmyey es.Hewascr ying.Iqui
ckl
yshutmi ne
cl
osedandpai dattent
iont ohishandthatwas
movingdownt here.Iwasr eadyforhim.Hefel
tthat
andthenrubbedhi mselfagainstmysacredpalace.
Hetri
edpenetrati
ng.Myl egsst art
edshaki
ng.
Hest
oppedandexhal
ed.
Qui
nton:
"Tel
lmey
ouar
en'
t"
Me:
"Iam"
Heat
tempt
edget
ti
ngof
fIhel
d."
I'
mreadyQui
nton"
Qui
nton:
"I'
m notgonnadot
his"
Me:
"Pl
ease"
Qui
nton:
"Notl
i
ket
his"
Hegotof
fanddressedup.Hecov
eredmewi
tha
duv
etandthenwalkedout
.
Ist
ayedi
nthatsameposi
ti
onunt
ilIhear
dtheengi
ne
r
ev.Igotupandwenttothesli
dingdoorleadi
ngt
o
t
hebalcony.If
eltal
i
ttl
ediscomfortdownther
e.
Isawhi
scardr
iveoutoft
hegat
eandspedof
f.
Iwentbacktobedandcl
osedmyey
eshopi
ngt
ofal
l
asl
eepinst
antl
y.
..
[
2/26,07:
54]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

34
.
Luckyisme.Ihav
emy sel
fachefhere.Thef
ood
smeltandtast
edsoheavenl
y.Iputhi
sonatraywi
th
cutl
eryasi
de.
Ihear
dmyphoner
ingi
ng.Iwentt
ogeti
t.
Me:
"Mot
her
"
Mama:"QueenofEngl
and.Howdi
dyour
pr
esent
ati
ongo?"
Me:
"Pr
ett
ywel
lIt
hink.Thanky
ouf
oraski
ng"
Mama:"Thatj
obwi
llbeyoursmybaby
.Wher
e'sy
our
sper
m donor?
"Myheartsankabi
t.
Me:
"He'
soutt
her
edoi
ngonl
yGodknowswhat
."
Mama:"
Igotacallf
rom hi
swi
fe'
sassi
stant
.She
want
sustovi
sither
"
Me:
"What
?Why
?"
Mama: "
Maybeshewant
stoki
l
lus.Idon'
tknow"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"Wear
en'
tgoi
ngany
wher
e"
Mama: "
Iwasthi
nkingweshouldact
ual
l
y.Should
shetr
yanyt
hingfunny,
Iwi
llshowherwhatI
'm made
of"
Me:
"Wear
enotgoi
ng.
"
Mama:
"Shesai
dshewant
sust
otal
k"
Me: "
Ther
e'sSkypeandever
yotherfor
m of
communicati
onifshewantstotal
k.Ther
e'snoneed
forustogotothei
rhome"
Mama:"
Aisuka.Iwannagot
her
eandst
abherbi
tch
f
ace"
Me:
"Iknewy
ouwer
eupt
onogood"
Mama:
"Sher
uinedmyl
i
fe"
Me: "
Itwasfat
e.You'r
enowliv
inglarge.Youhave
yourownbeautif
ulhouseandcar.Youcant ake
vacati
onstowhereveri
nthi
sworld."
Mama:"OhyesIcanandwannast
abheri
nthehead
andt
rav
eltoMali
bu"Il
aughed.
Me:
"I'
m donewi
thy
ou.Sendmyl
ovet
oPr
incess"
Mama: "
Iwil
l.Shedoesn'twantmeatany mor
e.She
say
sshe'sav egetar
iannow.Ithoughtshewas
j
okingbutshe'snot"
Me:"
Buyheral
lthegr
eens.She'
l
lev
ent
ual
l
ymi
ss
meat
"
Mama:
"I'
l
lgetwr
inkl
esbecauseoft
hischi
l
d.By
e"
Shehungupbef
oreIcoul
dsayi
ttoo.That
'show
pet
tyshei
s.
Wher
e'sthi
sman.Hecamedownj
ustasIwasabout
t
ogofetchhim.
Me:
"Thef
oodi
scol
dnow"
Qui
nton:
"Iwasspeaki
ngt
omyol
derbr
other
"
Me:
"Yourt
win?
"
Quinton:
"No.Thefi
rstborn,
Calvi
n."Hewipedhis
handsandsatdown.Hesmi l
edlooki
ngdownathi s
food."Whotaughty
out oservepeopl
eli
kethis?
"
Me:
"Whatpeopl
e?"Hel
ookedatme.
Qui
nton:
"Mef
orexampl
e.Whot
aughty
ou?
"
Me:
"Ihav
eamot
herQui
nton"
Qui
nton:
"Ohh.If
orgot
.Shet
rai
nedy
ouwel
l
"
Me: "Shesuredid.Juice?
"Her ai
sedhiseyebr
ows.I
chuckled."Doesn'
titgetyoudrunk?"It
ookabott
le
ofcast l
elit
eoutandputi tonhistr
ayandpoured
my selfj
uice.
Qui
nton:
"No.
"Inoddedandweat
einsi
l
ence.
Iwasn'
tawarethatImi
ssedhi
mthi
smuch.OrIwas
j
ustindeni
al.
Hebr
oughthi
sey
esup.Theymetmi
ne.Ismi
l
ed.
Qui
nton:
"Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?"
Me:
"Li
kewhat
?"
Qui
nton:
"Li
ket
hat
"
Me:
"NowIcan'
tadmi
rey
ou?
"
Qui
nton:
"It
sseduct
ive"Ibi
tmyl
owerl
i
p."
Yol
anda"
Me:"
What?"It
ookasiponmyjui
cewit
houtmov
ing
myeyesof
fhis.Hesmir
kedanddr
oppedhi
s.
Qui
nton:
"Ify
ougonnakeepdoi
ngt
hat
.Wewi
l
lnow
meetatt
hebeach"
Me:"Idi
dn'
tknowi
tssaf
eforust
obeseeni
n
publ
i
c"
Quint
on:
"Yougonnahav
etobr
ingaf
ri
endwhenev
er
youcomeherethen"
Me:
"Why
?Am Ii
rr
esi
sti
blet
hatmuch?
"
SeeIl
ovet his.Havi
ngt
hispoweroverhim.Hecan't
saynotomeandgetawaywi thit
.Iwil
lseducehi
s
fi
neassunt i
l hegi
vesi
nandtell
him hewasr i
ght
,
weshouldn'tbedoingi
t.
Qui
nton:
"Don'
tyouf
eel
li
kegoi
ngt
oyourpl
ace?
"
Me:
"No.If
eel
li
kegoi
ngdownony
ou"
Qui
nton:
"That'
sit.I
'
m out
."Hegotof
fthechai
rand
wal
kedovertokissmycheek.
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Qui
nton:"
Somewhere.Wher
eIwi
l
lnotseey
our
t
emptingass"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Don'
tgo.I
'
llbeagoodgi
rl
"
Qui
nton:
"Pr
omi
se?
"
Me:"Yeah.Letmer i
nsetheseandwewatchamov i
e
andwecat chup.Tellmeaboutall
you'
vebeendoi
ng
wit
houtme.Whoy ousleptwit
h,wher
edidNkul
ego
andsoon"
Qui
nton:
"I'
l
lbechoosi
ngamov
ief
orust
hen"
Hewal
kedof
ftot
hel
ounge.
Ir
insedt
hedishesandcl
eanedanypossi
blemessI
madeandthentookoutsnacks.
Isawaboxofmydonut s.If
orgottoputitbackto
thefr
idgelastnight
.Itwassealed.Odd.Itookthem
withmet othelounge.
Me:
"Youboughtt
hese?
"
Qui
nton:
"Yeah.Ior
dert
hem ev
erymor
ning"
Me:
"Real
l
y?"
Qui
nton:
"Yes.Remembert
hosey
oul
efther
e?"
Me:
"Yes.Iat
ethem l
astni
ght
"
Quinton:"
No.ThosearetheonesIboughton
ThursdaywhenIwasher e.They
'r
emynewf avor
it
e.
Theyr emindedmeofyou.Ihadthem del
i
ver
edtwice
wherey ouwor kedt
hel
asttime"
It
houghtt
heywer
efr
om Zwel
i
.
Me:
"Wer
eyoust
alki
ngme?
"
Qui
nton:
"Somet
imes.Ihadt
obesur
eyou'
reokay
"
Me:"I
tshoul
d'
vebeenever
yti
me.Iwaski
dnapped.I
t
coul
d'
vebeenther
ealbadguys"
Qui
nton:
"Iwoul
d'
vef
oundy
ou"
Me:"
Womenarer
apedandkil
ledev
eryhour
.You
woul
d'
vef
ound2daysl
atert
hatIwaski
dnappedby
t
heti
meyoufi
ndmeIwould'
vebeendead"
Quint
on:"
Insimplerwords.Youaregr
anti
ngme
accesst
otrackyoureverymov e?
"Am I?
Me:"
Yes"hesmil
ed.Ir
oll
edmyey
es."
Whatmov
ie
di
dyouchoose?
"
Qui
nton:
"Theki
ssi
ngboot
h"
Me:
"Ithi
nkIoncesawat
rai
l
erofi
t.I
sn'
ttooy
oung
f
oryourl
iki
ng?
"
Qui
nton:"
Itsfory
ou.Wecanwat chBar
biei
fyou
want
"Ilaughedandpinchedhi
m.
Me:
"Orwecanj
ustwat
ch50shades"
Qui
nton:"
No.Wear ewat
chi
ngt
heki
ssi
ngboot
h.
Somethi
ngyourage"
Me:
"Annai
s-"heputhi
shandov
ermymout
h.
Qui
nton:
"Shutup"heputiton.Het
ookadonutand
r
est
edhisheadonmyt highs.
Me:
"Don'
tfal
lasl
eep"
Qui
nton:
"Iwon'
t"
Me:
"Good"Ial
sot
ookadonut
.
Quint
on:"Isl
eptwit
hsomeone"hesaid.Thatstung
myheart.Ibecamelostf
orwords.Heturnedtoface
up.Il
ookedaway .
Me:
"Nkul
e?"
Quinton:"
No."Hepaused."Iusedacondom.That
doesn'tmakeitbet
terIknow.Istoppedbef
oreI
couldfini
sh.I
'
m sorr
y"Iwanttocr y
.
Me:
"Isshei
mpor
tant
?"
Qui
nton:
"Nosheisn'
t.She'
sKatl
ego'
ssister.I
pr
omiseyounot
hingwi l
lev
erhappenbetweenus"
Me: "
Youneverlear
n.Youstil
lsl
eepwithpeopl
efor
fun?Areyoutry
ingtocreat
eanotherpsychoto
dist
urbourpeace?"
Qui
nton:
"No.
"
Me:
"Ifi
thappens?
"
Qui
nton:"
I'
ll
takecar
eofi
t.ButIdoubtshemi
ghtdo
any
thingcr
azy"
Me:
"Yousoundt
oosur
e"
Qui
nton:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Don'
tchanget
hesubj
ect
"
Qui
nton:"
I'
m not
.Shewi
l
lnotbot
herus.Sheknows
I
'm of
fli
mits.
"
Me:"
Shebetter
.WhathappenedtoNkul
e"I
'
m gonna
st
abthatKat
lego'
ssi
steri
ntheface.
Qui
nton:
"Let
sjustsayshe'
sthel
eastofourwor
ri
es
now"
Me:
"Di
dyouki
l
lher
?"
Qui
nton:
"Idon'
tki
l
lwomen.We'
vemi
ssedhal
foft
he
movi
e"
Me:
"Let
'sst
arti
taf
resh"
Itwasquit
einter
est
ing.Thebrightl
i
ghtshad
automat
icall
ycameon.Whi chmeantitwasalr
eady
darkout
side.Hewasf astasl
eep.Iwant
edtogopee.
Myphoner
ang.Ir
eachedf
ori
t.Ky
li
e.Ianswer
ed.
Me:
"Hey
"
Ky
li
e:"
Ijustl
anded.Ar
eyouupf
orpi
cki
ngmeup?
"
Me:"Uhh.
..
inanubert
hough.Mycari
snotwi
thme
att
hemoment "
Ky
li
e:"
Okayy
ou'
l
lfi
ndmeatt
hecaf
e"
Me:
"Okaybaby
"
Ihungup.Ormay
beIshoul
dbor
rowhi
scar
.Iwoke
hi
m up.
Me: "
Kyl
iej
ustcal
l
ed.She'
satt
heai
rpor
t.CanIuse
yourcar
?"
Quint
on:"No.I
'
llgetsomeonetopi
ckherupandwe
gettousethi
shourand30mi nut
estobond"hav
en'
t
webondedenough?
Me:
"Letmehearwhatshesay
s"
Ical
l
edher
.
Ky
li
e:"
Arey
ouher
e?"
Me:
"No.Iwi
l
lsendsomeonet
ogety
ou"
Kyl
ie:"Ididn'
tknowthathabi
twascontagi
ous.You
soundl i
keQuintonri
ghtnow.Tel
lwhoeverthati
sto
hurryupbecauseI '
m sl
eepyandhungr
yandneedsa
bath"
Me:
"Okl
ove"
Ihungup.
Me:
"Whoar
eyousendi
ngt
hen?
"
Qui
nton:
"Thami
.Ourper
sonal
cheaf
fur
"heputhi
s
phoneaway
."Done.Readyt
oki
ssme?
"
Me:
"May
be"
Webr i
efl
yki
ssed.Mybodyi
ssomehowweaki
nhi
s
hands.
Hegotupandwentt
otheki
tchen.Hecameback
wi
thicecr
eam.
Me:
"Isn'
ttoocol
dfori
t?"
Qui
nton:
"It
snev
ertoocol
dfori
cecr
eam"hetossed
measpoonandsatnextt
ome.Weduginjust
l
ooki
ngateachother
.
Ipl
ayedmusicanddancedforhi
m.Heendedup
j
oini
ngme.Happinessfil
l
edthewhol
ehouse.I
fonl
y
mydadcouldseethis.
Thami cal
l
edsayi
nghe'sout
side.Hewasn'
t
supposedtobr
ingherher
e.
Babewalkedmeout .Iwaswear
inghi
shugeass
fl
ops.Icoul
dn'
tgetontheheel
sanymore.
Hehuggedandki ssedmybi gfor
eheadbef oreI
hoppedontothecar .Hegreet
edKy l
ie.Shejusttol
d
Thamitodr
ive.Ichuckledandwav edgoodby eatmy
mant
hathadj
ustbeenmi
zedbyhi
sPA.
.
..
Wearri
vedatmypl
ace.Shewentst
rai
ghtt
otakea
bat
h.Icooked.
Shecameoutaf
teranhour
.Shehadav
eryhuge
gownon.
Me:"Babymama.Letmeseet hebump"sheundidit
.
Shemodell
edforme.Icheered."
You'
resofucki
ng
sexy
.Youlookl
ikeyoujustcameoutofthebox"
Kyli
e: "
Thankyoumylady"shedramati
call
ybowed
andf astenedt
hegownagainandcli
mbedont he
chair
."Whatareyoucooking?I
tsmell
ssoni ce.Isee
you'vealsoadj
ust
edint
ocookingwiththeseIndian
herbs"
Me:"Theymakethefoodtast
eandsmel
lni
ce.
Lwandleboughtt
hem forme"
Ky
li
e:"
Washeser
ioust
hathecooks?
"
Me:
"Yes.Hei
ssuchagoodcook"
Kyl
ie:"
Mmmh.So, youfixedt
hingswi
thZebr
a?"I
handedherpot
atochips.
Me:
"Yeski
nda"
Ky
li
e:"
Justl
i
ket
hat
?"
Me:
"Yes.Mydadmadehi
m doi
t"
Ky
li
e:"
Andhel
i
stened?
"
Me:
"Het
hreat
enedt
oki
l
lhi
ski
ds"
Ky
li
e:"
He'
ssi
ck"
Me:
"Real
l
ysi
ck"
Ky
li
e:"
So,
whatar
eyouguy
sgoi
ngt
odo?
"
Me:
"Keepi
tunder
cov
erunt
ilourcov
erbl
ows"
Ky
li
e:"
May
bey
oushoul
dhav
eawor
dwi
thhi
m"
Me:
"Qui
ntonsai
dIshoul
dn'
t.
"
Kyl
i
e:"Whatali
fe.Whenyourcoverbl
owsupy
ouwi
l
l
befor
cedtochoosebetweenthem"
Me: "Helovesme.Hewoul dn'
tputmeinthat
positi
on.He'sjustf
oundme.He'ddiei
fhelostme"
explainswhyhenev ercametomeandt ol
dmet o
stayawayf rom Q.
Ky
li
e:"
See?I
fther
e'sany
onewhocoul
dsof
tenhi
m
upandmakehim acceptyourr
elat
ionshi
p.I
tisy
ou"
real
l
y.I
'
lldoi
tbehi
ndQ' sback.
Me:
"Imi
ghtv
isi
tECt
hisweekend"
Ky
li
e:"
CanIcome?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Myphonenot
if
ied.It
ooki
t.
"Imi
ssyoualready.Leavet
hatnutheadal
oneand
comehere"Ichuckled.
Kyl
ie:"
Lookatyou.Inevert
houghtthiswasthi
s
ser
ious.Hewasn'thi
mselfthepastweeks.He
must'
vebeenbotheredbythissi
tuat
ion"
Me:"Onl
ynowI
'
ver
eal
i
zedIwashur
ti
ngandl
ost
wi
thouthi
m"
Kyl
ie:
"Thisisjustatest
.In3monthsyou'
llbeaty
our
happi
est.Beingrel
ati
onshipgoal
sandall
that"
Me:
"Isowi
sh"
Ar
oughknockf
rom t
hedoordi
stur
bedus.
Ky
li
e:"
Whoi
sit
?"
"
Zwel
i
.Openup"shel
ookedatme.
Me:
"Myex"
Ky
li
e:"
Whatex?
"
Me:
"It
sal
ongst
ory
"
Iwentt
oopen.Hewasleani
ngbyt
hedoorf
rame.
Hewaswreaki
ngofal
cohol.
Me:
"Hey
"
Hepushedmebacki
nsi
deandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Zwel
i
:"Whothefuckdoyouthi
nkyouAre?Youhad
mebeatenupbyyourboy
fri
endsandt
henyoudump
me?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
re-
"
Hesl
appedme.
Zwel
i
:"Shutupyouhoe!Doyouev
enknowwhoam I
?
Yout
hinkyoucoul
djustpl
aymeandl
eavel
iket
hat
?"
Ihadmyhandscov
eringmysel
fandt
ear
sgoi
ng
down.IsawKyl
i
estandi
ngbefor
eme.
Ky
li
e:"
Ify
ou'
renott
ryi
ngt
odi
eyoubet
tert
urnand
goawaynow"
Her oughl
ypushedhershehitthefl
ooronherbut t.I
rushedtoher.Hegrabbedmeupandt henattacked
mewi thcountl
essslapsal
loverthehead.He
grabbedbothmywr ist
saparttoseemyf ace.I
closedmyey es.
Zweli
: "
You'remine!Yougett
hat
?Iwillbet
heonet
o
endthisrel
ati
onship.Noty
ouoryourscumbag
boyf
riends"
Hepai
nful
l
ykissedmyl
i
pst
hatwer
ebr
uised.Icoul
d
t
ast
etheblood.
Hepushedmet
othef
loornextt
oKy
li
eandwal
ked
out
.
Wt
f.
..
[
2/26,07:
55]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

35
.
Thedri
vefr
om theDubeswasqui
etandl
ong.Onl
y
thev
oiceofthemaninther
adi
owasaudibl
e.
Hedrovei
ntotheKFCdri
vethr
ough.Het
urnedt
he
l
ightonwhenourt
urncame.
Nzuza:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Me:
"Kr
usher
"
Nzuza:
"Arey
ougoi
ngt
osl
eepwi
thonl
ythat
?"Iwas
f
ull
.Quint
onmademef
ood
Me:
"St
reet
wise2andhot
wingswi
l
lbef
ine"
Heorderedandwemovedontothepickupwi
ndow.
Ourordercame.Wedr
oveof
finsil
ence..
.
.
..
Arri
vi
ngathi
shouse.Heshowedmet omyroom,
thebathr
oom andhi
sroom shal
lIneedany
thi
ng.
Itookabriefshower
.Ichangedi
ntopajamasand
gotinbed.ItookmyphoneandcalledQuint
on.
Qui
nton:
"Thi
shast
obet
hel
ongest2hour
sofmy
l
if
e"
Me:
"1hourand45mi
nut
es"
Qui
nton:
"That
'
s2hour
s.Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:
"I'
m okay
.Howar
eyou?
"
Quint
on:
"I'
m okay
.Imi
ssy
ousomuch.How'
syour
dad?"
Me:"
Nott
alki
ngtomebuthe'
l
lbef
ine.How'
s
ev
ery
onether
e?"
Qui
nton:"
Tir
edandsl
eepi
ng.Am Igonnaseey
ou
t
omor r
ow?"
Me:
"Qui
nton!
"
Qui
nton:"What?Imissyou"well
Imisshi
mt oo.
We'vebeenseeingeachotherev
ery
daythepast2
weeks.
Ididnottel
lhim aboutZweli
.Iknewhe'dwantto
reactsoIcoveredmybr ui
seswithconceal
er.Kyl
ie
wantedtotellhi
m.Ihadt obeghereveryfr
eaking
ti
me.
Igotthejob.Butonehouse.Thebigone.Ijust
fi
nisheditl
astFri
day.AndIhaveyetanothercoupl
e
whowantmet oglam upthei
rhomei nBall
ito.I
'
m
j
ustwai t
ingfort
heircal
l.
Me:"
Imi
ssy
out
oobutwegonnahav
etosl
owdown
abi
t"
Qui
nton:
"Let
'sf
lyt
oDur
bani
ntheev
eni
ng"
Me:
"Youneedt
obondwi
tht
heki
ds"
Qui
nton:
"I'
l
ltaket
hem wi
thme"
Me:
"No.We'
l
lgot
oDur
banonSunday
"
Qui
nton:
"YoumeanIwon'
tseey
ouf
or3day
s?"
Me:
"Yes.I
'
m sl
eepynow"
Qui
nton:
"Iwi
shabi
gugl
ygi
antv
isi
tsy
oui
nyour
dr
eams"
Me: "
I'
dlovet
oseeyoubabe"hel
aughed.Hi
slaugh
hypnoti
zesme.Il
ovehi
m somuch."Goodni
ght.I
l
ovey ou"
Qui
nton:
"It
s4am.Sl
eepwel
lmypr
incess.Il
ovey
ou
t
oo"
Ihungup.
..
*
**
Iwokeupt
omusi
cshaki
nganddest
roy
ingmyear
drums.Igrunt
edandrol
ledov
ertotheot
hersi
deof
thebedandunlockedmyphone.I
twas11butthe
coldyou'
dswearitwas1am.
Ther
ewasamessagef
rom Qui
nton.
"Gol
dreefci
ty?
"NogoodMor
ningbabej
ustasi
l
ly
quest
ion.
"Areyoutr
yingtohav
euski l
led?"Ir
espondedand
walkedouttothebat
hr oom.Ineedmoreclot
hes.My
stayherei
sgonnabel onger
.
Themusicwasstil
li
rr
itat
ingl
yhigh.If
il
ledthetub
andwait
edoverthewindowl ooki
ngoutsi
de.There
were4carspar
kedoutside.Ishoul
ddoapr opertour
.
Itl
ooksbi
gandbeautif
ul.
Ist
ri
ppednakedandgoti
nthet
ubaf
terIpour
ed
bat
hsalt
s.Il
ovethem.
.
..
Igotoutaf
terappr
oxi
matel
y45minut
es.Onl
y
becausedaddycametocal
lmef
orbreakf
ast
.
Ifoundmi
ssedcal
l
sfr
om Ky
li
e.Ical
l
edherwhi
l
eI
appli
edl
oti
on.
Ky
li
e:"
Babygi
rl
"
Me:
"Heybabymama"
Ky
li
e:"
Lit
tl
ebi
rdi
etel
l
smey
ou'
rei
nJo'
bur
g"
Me:
"Yes"
Ky
li
e:"
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lyourbest
ie"
Me:"
Alotwasgoi
ngonsweet
s.Iwasgonnacal
lyou
t
odayandi
nfor
my oubutt
hel
i
ttl
ebir
diebeatme
i
ntoi
t"
Kyli
e:"You'
reaver
ybadgirl
.I'
m goingt
oaf
ood
fest
ivali
nFourways.Wannatagalong?
"
Me:
"Idon'
thav
ecl
othes.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:"Wai
t.Gi
veme5mi
nut
es"Idr
essedupandwent
down.
Who'st
his?Itookther
emot
eandt
urneddownt
he
vol
ume.Het urned.
Hi
m:"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Me:
"Hi
.I'
mtur
ningt
hev
olumedown.Wher
e'smy
dad?
"
Hi
m:"
Int
heki
tchen"
Iwal
kedt
her
e.Hewasf
ryi
ngt
hingsont
hest
ove.
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Nzuza:
"Morni
ng.Myguyscameunannouncedt
hey
at
eallt
hefoodImade.Teaorcof
fee?
"
Me:
"Coff
eepl
ease.Wher
eisher
e?"Hel
ookedatme
"
Afri
endwant
stoknow"
Nzuza:
"We'
rei
nMi
drand"
Hepl
acedapl
atebef
oreme.Hedi
shedupf
orme.
Me:"
Thankyou"Kyli
ehadhungup.It
ext
edhermy
l
ocat
ionandstar
tedeat
ing.
Nzuza:
"Thi
sisNqaba.Yourcousi
n"hewasr
eff
eri
ng
t
othenoisemaker
.
Me:
"Ni
cet
omeety
ou"
Nqaba:
"Wemetaty
ourcer
emony
"
Me:"
Oh?I'
m sorr
yImetal
otofpeopl
ether
e.Ican'
t
r
ecal
lev
eryone"
Nqaba:
"Ofcour
se"
Me:
"Youl
i
veher
e?"
Nqaba:
" Yes.
"Het
ookasmoot
hieoutoft
hef
ri
dge
andwalkedaway.
Me:"
I'
m sor
ry"Isai
daft
erawkwardsil
enceofhi
m
l
ooki
ngatmewi thaver
ydisappoi
ntedface.
Nzuza:
"Ist
hatal
lyougonnasay?Sorr
y?Doyou
r
eali
zetheki
ndofdangeryouputyour
sel
fin?
"
Me:
"YesandI
'
m deepl
ysor
rybaba"
Nzuza:"
YoushotGizards.Forwhat ?Whateveriti
s
thaty
ou'
refeeli
ngfort
hatmani stemporary
.You
cannothurtpeopl
ewhowi llst
ickaroundforeverfor
whatyouthinki
ssoli
d."Iti
ssolid!
!!
Me:
"Yout
ookhi
ski
ds"
Nzuza:
"Becauseheneededt
oknowI
'
m ser
ious!
"
Me: "
WellIcoul
dn'tl
etyoutor
tur
epeoplewhohav e
nothi
ngtodowi t
hwhatQui nt
onandIaredoing.
Theyarejustki
ds.Iwould'
veunder
stoodi
fyoutook
hi
mi nst
ead."
Nzuza:
"What?Di
dhet
hreat
ent
oki
l
lyoui
fyou
r
efusetosl
eepwit
hhi
m?"
Me:
"What
?"
Nzuza:"
Iwanttoknowwhyarey
ouwithamanthat
i
s12y ear
soldert
hanyou.I
shethr
eat
eni
ngyou?
"
Me:"Heisnotli
kethat
.Maybeifyoucoul
djustgi
ve
your
selft
imetoknowhi m,
alloft
hem.Youwoul d
r
eali
zetheyaregoodpeopl
e.He'sagoodperson.He
wouldn'
tl
etanythi
ngbadhappentome.He'sgood
t
ome"
Nzuza:
"Itmustbeguil
t.I
fIeverseehi
m any
wher
e
cl
osetoy ou.Iwi
l
lshoothi
m dead"
Me:
"It
houghty
oul
ovedme"
Nzuza:"
Ido.Thati
swhyIwill
kil
lhi
m.Ify
ougo
anywher
etherewil
lbepeopl
eaccompanyi
ngy
ou"
Me:
"Idonotneedpeopl
etoaccompanyme.
"
Nzuza:"I
'vesai
dwhatIsai d.Andi
tsgonnabeyour
l
ifeunti
lyoudie.Ifyouneedsomeonetogooutwith
andtakecuteselfieswi
th.Getsomeoneyounger
.
Notthathardcorecrimi
nal.
"
Hegavememycoffeeandlef
tmetherewant
ingt
o
scr
eam andcur
set
hehell
outofev
eryone.
.
..
Ihad2guar dsi
ndeed.I
'
veneverbeent
hisi
rri
tat
edi
n
mywhol eenti
rel
if
e.Kyl
iet
oldmet omeetherat
MallofAfr
ica.
Myphonerang.I
twasmot her
.Faceti
ming.She
doesn'
tdot
hat.Icur
iousl
yanswered.
Me:
"Hi
ther
e"
Mama:
"Yol
anda"Het
oldher
.
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"
Mama:
"He'
sreal
l
yhur
t"
Me:
"Iam t
oomama"
Mama:
"Hecar
es"
Me:
"Il
ovehi
m"
Mama: "
Theywer
eresponsi
blef
orhi
sdaught
er'
s
passi
ng"
Me:
"IknowandI
'
m al
sohur
tthathappenedbut
we'
reherenow.Theycan'
tundot
hepast
.Heneeds
t
oforgi
ve"shesmil
ed.
Mama:
"You'
rer
eal
l
yinl
ove,
aren'
tyou?
"
Me:
"Iam"
Mama:
"I'
m sohappy
.It
houghty
ouwer
elesbi
an"
Me:
"Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hat
?"
Mama:"
Nogr andki
ds.Dar
kgrandki
dsar
ebet
ter
t
hannograndkidsatal
l
"Il
aughed.
Me:
"He'
snott
hatdar
k"
Mama:"Heis.You'
rebl
i
ndedbyl
ove.Yourf
atheri
s
r
eal
lyhurtbaby"
Me: "
Iknow.Butkeepingmeawayf rom Qui
ntonis
j
ustgonnamaket hi
ngsworsecauseitsnotgonna
happen.Idon'twanthimtothi
nkI'
m choosi
ngaman
overhim buthe'
sjustcompl
icat
ingthi
ngs.Please
speaktohim"
Mama: "
Yourfat
herdoesn'
tl
ist
entoany
onebutIwi
ll
tr
y.Iam soaf
rai
dofwhatthatlov
emakesyoudo.
Youshotaman"
Me:"
YesIdi
d.Hehadt
akenl
i
ttl
eki
ds.I
twasmy
messIhadt
ofixi
t"
Mama:"
I'
m proudofyou.That
'swhatagr
own
womandoes.Whereareyouheadi
ng?"
Me:
"Tot
hemal
l
.I'
m meet
ingwi
thKy
li
e"
Mama:
"Okaysendmyl
ove"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Lov
eyou"
Mama:
"Wher
e'sI
?"
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Mama: "
Ilov
ey out
oomi
ssoff
orbi
ddenl
ove.Don'
t
getpr
egnant"
Me:
"It
houghty
ouwant
edgr
andki
ds"
Mama: "
Notnowpl ease.Howam Igoingt otr
avel
whenyou'r
epregnant?'Ichuckl
ed."
He'sjustmy
gener
ousbossmama"shesai di
mitat
ingmyv oi
ce.I
l
aughed.
Me:
"Hewasmygener
ousboss.St
il
li
s"
Mama: "
Gener
ousbossmyfoot
.You'r
eshoot
ing
peopl
eforhi
m now.By
eMrsDarkness"
Shehungup.
Neverinmywil
destdreamshav eIanti
cipatedt
hatI
wil
lgrowtohavesuchar elat
ionshi
pwi t
hmymot her
.
All
thankstot
her et
urnofmyf at
her.Shestopped
punishi
ngmeforhissins.Andnowshel ovesme.
She'
smybestfriend.
"
Ma'
am t
hisi
sthest
op"
Me: "
Thatwasf
ast
.Thanky
ou.Iwi
l
lcal
lyouaf
ter
I
'm done"
Hi
m:"
We'
recomi
ngwi
thy
ou"
Me:
"No"
Hi
m:"
Youwon'
tev
ennot
icewe'
ret
her
e"
Me:
"Don'
tyouhav
esomet
hingbet
tert
odo?
"
Them:
"No"Isi
ghed.
Me:"
Okayl
et'
sgo.AndIbet
ternotnot
icey
ouguy
s
ar
ether
e"
Them:
"Of
cour
se"
Ihoppedof
fandtookmyphoneouttocal
lKyl
ie.I
spott
edherget
ti
ngoutofhercar
.Iwal
kedtoher.
Me:"
It
sli
keIhaven'
tseeny ouinmont
hs.Thi
sbaby
gr
owsevery
day"shejusthuggedme.
Kyl
ie:"
Imissedy
ou.AndIwouldappreci
atei
tify
ou
di
dn'tcommentaboutmybel
l
yev er
yt i
mewemeet "
Me:
"It
sfasci
nat
ingt
oseei
tgr
ow"wel
etgo.
Ky
li
e:"
You'
regl
owi
ng.Tel
lmey
ouar
en'
tpr
egnant
"
Me:
"Ohpl
ease"
Kyl
i
e:"
You'
reQuint
on'sgi
rl
fr
iend.Themot
heroft
he
twi
nswasonthepil
l"
Me:
"Andy
ouknowt
hathow?
"
Kyl
ie:
"Becausehetol
dmewhenIhadmyf
ir
st
pr
egnancyscarei
nFebruar
y"
Me:
"Wel
lwe'
l
luseacondom"
Ky
li
e:"
Goodgi
rl
.Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"
Me:"MrPr
ice.Isawsomepr
ett
ybeaut
if
uldr
esses
onl
i
ne"
Kyl
ie:
"Iwi
ll
nev
erunder
standy
ourobsessi
onwi
th
dr
esses"
Me:
"Spr
ingi
sjustar
oundt
hecor
ner
"
Kyl
i
e:"Butyou'r
einJo'bur
g.Weshouldlookf
oran
out
fi
tthaty
ou' r
egoingtorockonl
aterwhenwego
tot
hefoodf est
ival
"
Me:"Boot
s,leggi
ngs,bott
leneckandacoat.Ineed
t
hesedressesbeforetheyrunoutofst
ock"she
r
oll
edhereyesandwewal kedin.
.
..
I'
vealwaysthoughtpregnantpeopl
earelazy
.This
spri
ngbokwasj umpingonef r
om shoptoanother
.
Weal mostboughtthewhol emall
.
Me:"
Iwouldki
l
l f
oranaprightnow"Isai
dcol
l
apsi
ng
onachai
rinarestaur
ant
.
Kyl
ie:"
Iwouldkil
lforchi
ckenst
ri
ps"y
eahr
ight
."Oh.
Benisjoi
ningus"
Me:
"Thatcr
ook.Ihav
en'
thear
dfr
om hi
min2day
s"
Kyli
e:"I
tscl
oset oDecember.TheDubeempl oyees
areverybusy.Thesemennev erhi
remor ethan2
peopletohandlesuchthi
ngs.Theirf
inancegurus
areBenandMi lo.I
maginetakingcar
eof3
compani
esf
inanci
als.I
tscr
azy
"
Me:
"Theymustbepay
ingt
hem mi
l
li
ons"
Kyl
i
e:"Theydobuti
tst
ir
ing.Youshoul
dconvi
nce
Qui
ntontogetmaybe2mor e.Tr
ust
ingpeopl
ecan'
t
hur
tthatmuch"
Awai t
ercametogetouror
dersandthenlef
t.Ben
arr
ivedwehuggedanddidal
lthedr
amat i
cgreeti
ngs
ofhis.
Ben:
"Youar
eav
erybadbi
tch"
Me:
"Ri
ghtbackaty
ou.Whathav
eIdone?
"
Ben:"
Zweli
isfi
ght
ingforhi
sli
feandnotev
enonce
haveyouwentt
ovisi
thim"
Me:
"What
?Whathappened?
"
Ben:"
Horri
ble.Ter
ri
fi
ccaracci
dent
.Thef
ami
l
yisst
il
l
wonderi
nghowdi dhemakeitoutal
iv
e"
Me:
"OhmydearLor
d."
Ky
li
e:"
WhenGodshowsupheshowsof
f"
Me:
"Ky
li
e"
Kyl
ie:"
What?Ipr
ayedev
eryni
ghtsomet
hingbad
happenst
ohim"
Ben:
"Fi
l
lmei
npl
ease"
Ky
li
e:"
Hebeatherup"
Ben:"Ohmyki cki
nggoodness!HebeatQui
nton
Dube'sgi r
lf
ri
end?Thiswasboundtohappen.I
wouldn'tbesur pr
isedi
fIhearhei
sdead.Whatwas
hethinking?"
Ky
li
e:"
Wedi
dn'
ttel
lhi
m"
Ben: "
Itr
ansf
err
ed30000t osomedodgyaccount
thedayZweligotanacci
dent.Pl
easet
ell
meitsa
coinci
dence"
Me:
"Iti
s.Wehav
eor
der
ed.
"
Ben:
"Hedi
dit
"hewhi
sper
ed.
Us:
"Ben!
"
Ben:
"What
!Youknowhedi
d"
Me:
"Okayf
ine.
"Iwav
edf
orat
tent
ion.
Ben:
"Babymama.Wher
e'st
hepapaandwhenar
e
wemeetinghi
m?"
Kyl
i
e:"
He'satwor kandy
ougonnameethi
mtoday
att
hefoodfest
ival"
Me:
"Andwewi
l
lhehol
dingacandl
efory
ouguy
s"
Ben:
"Whoi
swe?Mymani
staggi
ngal
ong"
Me:
"OkayI
'
m sonotgoi
ng"
Ky
li
e:"
ButQwoul
dn'
tmi
nd"
Me:"There'
salotgoi
ngonKy
li
e.QandIcan'
tbe
seentogether
"
Ben:
"Why
?Ar
eyouengagedt
osomeoneel
se?
"
Me:"Benno.Mydadi
snotappr
ovi
ngofour
r
elat
ionshi
p"
Ben:
"Hemustgoj
umpoffthetablemount
ain.Text
Qandtel
lhi
mtogethi
stuxedoready
"
Me:
"Ai
sukaBen.Ihav
ebody
guar
ds"
Ben:"
Drugswer
ecr
eat
edf
orar
eason"Ky
li
e
l
aughed.
Me:
"Ar
eyouhi
ghont
hem r
ightnow?
"
Ben:
"Justweed.ButIknowwhatI
'
m say
ing.
..
look"
weturnedt
othedir
ect
ionhewaspoi
nti
ngat
.Itwas
Khet
heloandKat
legoand2women.
Ky
li
e:"
Theyl
ookl
i
kemoney
"
Ben: "Newspeoplearealwaysonst andby.They '
re
mustl ookgood"theywereheadingourdi recti
on.
ThisKhet hel
owoman.Ther e'
ssomet hingof fabout
her.Whenshet ookmeupst air
slastnightsheasked
i
fIr eali
zetheki
ndofunnecessarydr amaI '
veputher
fami l
yin.Shehadav er
ynastyatti
tudet owardsme.
Kat
lego:
"Ben.Kyl
ieand.
..
?"Shesai
dlooki
ngatme.I
l
ookedatherback.
Ben:
"Yol
i
"
Katlego:
"YesYol
i
.Idi
dn'
tknowy
oukneweach
other"
Ben:
"Wedo.We'
ref
ri
endsact
ual
l
y"
Khet
hel
o:"
Let
'shopeyouaren'tdi
scussi
ngy
our
workwi
thout
sider
s"see?Igotup.
Me:
"Excuseme"
Iwenttothebathr
oom.Ij
ustlookedatmysel
fand
wentback.Theyweresi
tt
ingonat abl
enextt
oours.
Ky
li
e:"
Whatwast
hat
?"
Me:
"Iwi
shIknew"
Ben:"
Giv
ethem ti
me.Maybethey
'r
ejusthungr
y.You
knowpeopl
earen'
tthemsel
veswhenthey'
rehungr
y"
Dothesewomenf eel
li
keIowethem anyt
hing?They
havenoideawhoam I.Theymustnotbefooledby
thi
sinnocentf
ace.
Me:
"Ineedt
opee"
Ben:
"Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngt
her
e?"
Me:
"Not
hing"
Ipi
ckedmybagandwentt
othebat
hroom agai
n.
Idi
dmybusi nessandwentoutt
owashmyhands.
Khethel
owasst andi
ngwi
thherbackagai
nstt
he
wall
.Iproceededandwashedmyhands.
Khethel
o:"Ihopeyouwilll
ist
entoyourf
athert
his
ti
me"Ilookedather."Becausenoneofusisupfor
anymoreofy ourf
ather'
sgames"
Me:
"Byl
i
steni
ngt
omyf
ather
,whatdoy
oumean?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Imeanst
ayt
hehel
lawayf
rom Qui
nton"
Me:
"Oh?
"
Khethelo:"
Yes.Wehavealotofseri
ousthingstobe
wor r
iedabout
.Wedon'thaveti
met oworryabouta
19y earol
dslayqueenwhocan'tkeepherclawsoff
oldermen.Youbeingwit
hQuintonhas
consequences,whi
chaff
ectus.Notyou"
Me: "You'r
eav erybit
t erwoman.Li stenher eMrs
Dube, Iseecarryi
ngt hatr ockony ourhandmakes
youcr ossboundar i
es.Youar enotQui nton'
smot her
andhel lyouaren'
tany t
hingtomet ot el
lmewhatt o
doandnotwhatt odo.Theymi ghttreaty ouastheir
mot herorqueenbutt omey ouar ej ustoneofthe
Dubewi v
eswhocannothav easayi nmy
relat
ionship.Getoffyourhi ghhor seandt ryt
obe
nicebecauseI '
m heret ost ay"shel aughed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Ohpl
ease.You'
rej
ustaphase"
Me: "
Idon'tthi
nkhewould'
veriskedy '
al
lli
vesandbe
withmei fIwasjustaphase.
"Iwalkedont owards
t
heex it
.Istopped."
Andkeepitinmi ndthatyou
mightbeanol derwif
etoKatl
egoandwhomev eris
youngerthanourmenbuty ouaren'ttome."Iwalked
out
.
Whot
hehel
ldoesshet
hinkshei
s?
Igott
oourt
abl
e.
Me:
"Let
'sgo"
Ky
li
e:"
What
'swr
ong?
"
Me:
"Thesewomenar
eher
etot
estmypat
ience"
Itookal
lmybagsandledtheway
.Iam somadI
thi
nkI'
m gonnaexpl
ode.
..
[
2/26,07:
56]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

36
.
WhenIgothomeIt
hrewt
hebagsont
opoft
hebed
andsatont
hefl
oor
.
ItookmyphoneoutandaskedQui
ntontogowit
h
met othefoodf
esti
val
.Il
eanedmyheadbackon
thebed.OkaymaybeIappeart
obeabadpersonto
them butIdi
dnottell
myfathertobewhoheis.I
mayhav ebeenthecauseforKatl
egoandtheki
dsto
betakenbutIwantedfort
hem toretur
nhomesafe.I
shoul
dn'tbecruci
fi
edformyfather
'ssi
ns.
Thedooropened.Iqui
ckl
ywi
pedmyt
ear
sof
f.
Nzuza:"
Areyoucryi
ng?"Ishookmyhead."
Hewasn'
t
goodforyouanyways.Lookwearegoi
ngtoEC
tomorr
owev eni
ng"
Me:"Howwasitwheny
ourwi
fet
oldy
out
ost
ay
awayfrom mama?
"
Hefrowned.Ist
oodupandsatont
hebed."
Iwantt
o
know"
Nzuza:
"Justpackup"
Me: "
Itwashar dwasn' ti
t?IfIhaveri
ghtinfor
mat i
on,
shecaughty oulongbef oreIwasconceivedbuty ou
keptonseei ng.Youdidn'tcareaboutthemar r
iage
youwer ebreakingoff.Thev owsyouwer estomping
on.Youf oll
owedy ourhear t
.Youlovedmymot her
,
youdidn'tcarewhatthatl ovecoul
dcosty ou.You
j
ustwant edt obewithher "
Nzuza:
"Ifyou'
retry
ingt
ojust
if
yyourrel
ati
onshi
p
wit
hQuintonjustknowit
snotthesame"
Me: "
Ofcour seiti
snot.Youhadt ostayawayfrom
mymot herbecauseyouweremar ri
ed.Whatam I
stay
ingawayf or
?You'r
epunishinghimthroughme?
Haven'tyoudoneenoughpuni shmentbykeeping
Phil
aawayf r
om them?Itsbeen4y earsbaba.You'
ve
keptthechildawayfrom herfat
hers.
"
Nzuza:
"I'
m doi
ngwhat
'sbestf
orher
!"
Me: "Yousur edoesal otofthatdon' tyou?Youar e
notherf at
her ,youwi l
lneverbe.Andkeepi ngher
awayf r
om herpat er nalfamilyisn'twhat '
sbestf or
her,itiswhat 'sbestf oryoujustl i
kei ti
sby
threateningQui ntont ostayawayf r
om me.Daddy
thi
nkaboutt hedayy ouwi llfi
nallyforgive.Hisfami l
y
willhateev ent het hingsIt ouchedbecauseofwhat
youdi d.Thosepeopl eloveeachot hersomucht hey
repulseany thingthathur tsoneoft heirown.Why
woul dy ouwantt omakemyl ifethatmi serable?"I
couldn'tstopt het ear sfrom falli
ng."Iam al r
eady
crucifi
edf ory oursi ns.Whaty ou'redoingt oLesedi '
s
daught erisn'tfair
.Whatwi l
lbey ourexpl anationt he
daysheaskswhyherf at
herisn'
tthere?Thatdayi
s
sl
owlyapproachi
ng.Growingupwi t
houtaf at
her
i
sn'tawal
kt othepar
kSam Nzuza.She- "
Nzuza:
"Yourmot
herhi
dyoudon'
tcompar
ethet
wo"
Me: "
Youwer en'
tther
e.Itmakesnodi f
ference.Don'
t
brewthechi l
dt ogrowupandhat eherfather.You
needtol etgo.Ifyoudonotwanty ourli
ttl
egirl
sto
hateinthenearf utur
ey oubetterfor
giveandmov e
on.Philawillei
therhateyouandgot oherf at
heror
hateyoubot h.Hateyouf orkeepingherawayf rom
herfatherandhat eherfatherf
ornott r
yingharderto
gether"
Iwenttothecloset
.Iopenedi
tandhungt
hecl
othes
thatIbought
.
Hewasj
ustst
andi
ngt
her
ewat
chi
ngme.
Me: "
Kyl
i
eandIaregoi
ngtoafoodf
esti
val
lat
erand
Iwouldl
ovenott
ohavethosemenwit
hme.Benwil
l
fet
chme"
Hewalkedout .Ifi
nall
ybreathe.Imi
ghthav
ebeena
l
it
tl
edisrespectfulbuthe'
sjusttoomuchandso
unr
easonable.
Myphonebeeped.
"
Whati
saf
oodf
est
ival
about
?"
Doesn'
texpl
aini
tsel
f?
"
You'
l
lseewhenwegett
her
e"Ir
esponded.
"Asl
ongast
hisi
snotat
rap.Iwi
l
lbr
ingTy
lerj
ustt
o
besafer
"
Ichuckl
ed.
"
Itwi
l
lbe2by2"
Hecal
l
ed.
Me:
"Hey
"
Qui
nton:
"Soheshoul
dal
sobr
ingapar
tner
?"
Me:
"Yesi
fhehasone"
Quint
on: "
Hehastwooft
hem.Ar
ewegonnabe
vampiresnow?"
Me:
"Why
?"
Qui
nton:"
Seeingeachot
heratnight
.Yourdadi
s
pr
obablygonnahavepeopl
efol
lowingyou"
Me:
"Iaskedhi
m nott
osendany
onewi
thme"
Quint
on:"
Webet t
erst
ayamongstpeopl
ebefor
eI
getmyassabductedandbeat
enuptil
lmytr
ouser
s
dryoff
"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Not
hingwi
l
lhappent
rustme"
Quint
on:"
Woul
dwebemeet
ingt
her
eorIshoul
d
fet
chyou?"
Me:"
Benwi
l
lfet
chme.I
'
llsendy
out
headdr
essof
wher
ewear
egoing"
Quint
on:
"Okay.Letmemakefoodforthesel
i
ttl
e
peopl
e.I
'
ml ef
twith5ki
dstobabysi
t"
Me:
"You'
reagoodf
athermyl
ove.Don'
tfeedt
hem
t
oomuchsugar"
Qui
nton:
"You'
rel
ate.Wej
ustcl
eanedout1l
i
treofi
ce
cr
eam"
Me:
"OhmyGod"
Quinton:
"Iwon'
tbeher
ewhentheygoall
hyper.
Theirmother
swill
deal
wit
hit
.Byebabe"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"By
elov
e"
Woul
dmyf
atherst
il
lwantust
obr
eakupi
fIf
ell
pregnant
?Justwonder
ing.May
beIshoul
dfakei
t
andseewhathedoes.
Ishookof
fthatcr
azythoughtandwentdownst
air
s.
Hewasnowher ei
nsight.Good.
It
ookoutmeatandboi
l
edwat
erf
orpap.
Nqabacamei
nasIchoppedoni
on.
Nqaba:
"Goodaf
ter
noon.Needahand?
"
Me:
"Yeah.Youcanchopt
hepepper
s"
Hesatdownandt
ookakni
fet
henst
art
edchoppi
ng.
Me:
"Cany
oucook?
"
Nqaba:
"Yeah.Il
i
veal
oneImustcook"
Me:
"Ar
en'
tyoumar
ri
ed?
"
Nqaba:
"No.Ishoul
dbebutl
i
fehappened"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"
Nqaba:
"Don'
tyouwannaknowwhathappened?
"
Me:
"Ify
ouwannat
alkabouti
t"
Iputal
lthei
ngredi
ent
sont hest
ewpot.Myf
ather
doesn'
tconsumecookingoil
sohisf
oodget
sboil
ed.
It
'spret
tyt
ast
yify
ouknowy
ourwayar
oundt
he
ki
tchen.
It
ookachai
randsatdown.
Nqaba:"Well.Myfat
heri
saZuluchi
effrom
KwaHlabisa.Youknowreeddancer
ight
? "
Me:
"YesIdo"
Nqaba: "
Yeah.Soev er ychief'
ssonget stochoosea
wifetherewhenhe' s22upwar ds.Mebei ngcutf rom
adiff
erentclothbythet imeIt urned22Ial readyhad
someone.Themeet ingt hatincludedthewhol e
Hlabi
saki ngdom tookpl ace.ItwaseitherImar rythe
gi
rlmyf atherchosef ormeorIdon' tmarryatall.
Youknowwhatmademesi ck?Mymot herplayed
al
ongt othatbull
shit.Shedi dn'tdoany t
hing."
Me:"
I'
m sosor
ryt
oheart
hat
.Wher
e'sy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend
now?
"
Nqaba:
"Ar
ound.Mar
ri
edandhappy
.
Shewasn'tgonnastickaroundf
ormyabsur dplans
thatwer
enev ersuccessful
.Myfat
hernevereven
oncewantedt oconsidermebei
ngmar r
iedto
someoneIdi
dnotchoosef
rom t
her
eeddance.
"
Me:"Thatsucks.Whycan'
taper
sonbeal
l
owedt
o
dat
ewhoev ertheyl
ove?"
Nqaba: "Becausewewer ebor ntobet hei
rkids.
Somehowt heyf eel
enti
tl
ed.Donotgi veupony our
boy f
ri
end.Ifyout hi
nkit
srealdonot .There'
snoone
withaNzuzabl oodhasevermar ri
edsomeonet hey
l
ov e.Theeldershav eal
way shadsomet hingtostop
them from dati
ngwhomev ertheyl
ov e.Don'tf
allf
or
i
t.Ifyouneedt osneakoutt oseehimI '
my ourguy"
wel aughed.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Wecookedwhil
ehetel
l
smeabouthisbossf
rom
hel
l
,car
s,hi
sfavor
it
ecl
ubsandal
lthat
.
Iwentupstai
rst
obat haft
erfi
nishingcooking.Ther
e
weremissedcal
lsfrom daddy.Icall
edhim backbut
hedidnotanswer.Iwentaheadt othebathroom.
Thesunhadj ustset.Imademyf aceupaf
ter
bat
hing.Iputonpjsandar obeandthenwent
downstai
rstopasst imeunti
lBenshowsuptoget
me.Nqabawasnol ongert
here.Iset
tl
edi
nfr
ontofa
TVwi
thacupofcof
fee.
"
Arewest
il
lgoi
ng?
"Amessagef
rom Qcamei
n.
"Yesweare.I
tstar
tsathal
fpast6.I
'
m wait
ingon
eit
herofmyfri
endstocomegetme"Iresponded.
"
What
'st
hedr
esscode?
"Ichuckl
ed.
"
Jean,
tee,
sneaker
sandaj
acketoracoat
"
Ithent
ext
edKyl
i
ethatQi
scomi
ngwi
thhi
sbr
other
andapart
ner
.
Thel
oungedoorsli
dopen.Hewal
kedi
nfol
l
owedby
amanwithfl
owers.
Nzuza:
"Iwasdri
vi
ngl
i
keamani
achopi
ngt
ost
il
l
f
indyouhere"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lbel
eav
ingany
timef
rom now"
Nzuza:"
Okay
.ThisisAvi
we.Vi
wethi
sismy
daught
erYol
i.He'
salsogoi
ngt
othefoodf
est
ival
"
Me:
"Oh.Ni
ce.Icooked,
shoul
dIdi
shup?
"
Nzuza:"NomybabyIwil
leatl
ater
.Ihav
eaver
y
i
mpor t
antcall
tomake.
"He'si
nagoodmood.He
wentupstai
rs.
TheAv i
weguyst
oodt
her
eli
kehewaspi
nnedt
othe
ground.
Me:
"Youcant
akeaseat
"
Aviwe:
"Thankyou.Ibr
oughtyoufl
owers.Iwasn'
t
surewhichonesyoupref
ersoIhadthem mixedup"
Itookt
hem.
Me:
"That
'ssosweetofy
out
hanky
ou"
Av
iwe:
"You'
ret
rul
ybeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Aviwe:"Asyourdadsai
dyoudon'
thav
eadat
etoo
fortheevent
"
Me:"
Hedid?Idohav
eadateact
ual
l
y"myphone
r
ang.I
twasBen."
Excuseme"
Iansweredandranupt
hest
air
s.Myf
atherwi
l
lbur
n
i
nhellIswear.
Me:
"Heycakes"
Ben:
"I'
m out
side.
"
Me:"
Pleasegeti
n.Youwon'
tbel
i
evemydad.He
br
oughtmeaguyher et
obemydate"
Ben:
"Inev
ert
houghthesmokesweed"
Me:
"Ben!
"
Ben:"
He'
sputy
ouinmarketnowj
ustbecausehe
hat
esQ?Letmecomein"
Me:
"Ther
e'sno-
"thel
i
newentdead.Ugh.
Idressedup.MaybeIshouldjustwearj
eans.It
ook
outtheoneIboughttoday.Quint
onalways
compl ai
nswhenI'
m weari
ngleggings.
It
ookmybagandl
eftt
her
oom.
Ben:"
Lookatyou.Shi
ningli
keapreci
ousdiamond.
MrNzuzayouhav eaverybeaut
if
uldaught
er.Not
onl
ybeauti
ful
butint
ell
igentt
oo"Iwantedt
ot r
ipand
fal
l
.WhathappenedtomyBen?
Nzuza:
"Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmey
ouhav
eadat
e"
Me:
"Idi
dtel
lyouBenwi
l
lfet
chme"
Nzuza:"
Ithoughty
oumeantBeny
ourgayf
ri
endy
ou
oncetol
dmeabout "
Ben:
"Youhav
egayf
ri
ends?
"
Me:
"Yeah.You'
l
lfi
ndoutal
otaboutmet
oni
ght
.
Let
'sgo.Daddybye.I
twasni
cet
oknowy
ouAv
iwe.
Hopingtoseeyouther
e"
Av
iwe:
"Li
kewi
se"
Bent ookmyhandandwewal
kedout.Heopened
thecardoorf
ormeIgoti
nandwait
edf orhi
mtoget
i
nt oo.
Hest
art
edt
hecarandwedr
oveout
.
Wecr
ackedsoonaswedr
oveaway
.
Me:
"Youar
eforkeeps"
Ben:
"Nogir
lofmi
newil
lgooutwi
thamanwho
wear
sparabel
l
um.
"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Whati
swr
ongwi
thpar
abel
l
um?
"
Ben:
" Not
hing.Butther
eissomet
hingwrongwi
th
wear
ingNikejoggingpantswi
thparabel
l
um.I
sQ
coming?"
Me:
"Yeah.Wi
thhi
sbr
other
"
Ben:
"Whi
chone?
"
Me:"If
orgothi
sname"It
ext
edhi
mthatwear
eon
ourway.
Ben:"
Khay
ai sal
readyt
here.Appar
ent
lyhei
sinl
ove
wit
hthear
tistt
hatwil
lbeopening"
Me:
"Ar
eyouj
eal
ous?
"
Ben:
"No.Iwantt
oseehi
m happy
"
Me:
"Ify
ousayso"
.
..
.
Shescr
eamedandgotupt
ohugus.
Kyl
ie:"
Doy
ouknowhowhar
ditwast
osecur
ethi
s
spot?
"
Ben:
"Wear
egr
atef
ulmommy
"shesmi
l
ed.
Kyli
e: "
Uhm sothisi
sRaymondLukhuni.Babas
thesearemyf r
iends.Yol
andaVi
l
akaziandBen
Clarkson"
Us:
"Hey
"
Ray
:"Hel
l
o.Ni
cet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ou"
Me:
"Li
kewi
se.
"
Ben:"You'
reevenhott
eri
nper
son"Inudgedhi
m.
"Sor
ry"welaughed.
Ray
:"Iwi
l
lgoandgety
oul
adi
essomet
hingt
odr
ink"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
If
eltsomeonehuggi
ngmefrom behi
nd.Ismi
l
ed.
He'
swearingmyfavour
it
ecol
ognetoday.
Q:
"Gr
eet
ingsev
ery
one"
Us:
"Hel
l
o"heki
ssedmycheek.
Q:"Thi
sisTylerandKhethi
we"weshookhands.
She'soneoftheladi
esthatwer
ewit
hKhetheloand
Katl
egoearl
ier.
Me:
"Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng"
Tyler
:"Wearegladweareatt
endi
ngsomethi
ngfun
forachange.Havetheyst
art
edser
vingf
ood?"
Ky
li
e:"
Yest
heyhav
e.Wewer
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
ouguy
s"
Ben:
"Letmegogetmyman.
"
Me:
"Don'
ttaket
ool
ong"
Heroll
edhi
sey
esandv
ani
shed.Weal
ltookout
seat
s.
Q:
"It
houghti
twas2by2"hesai
dlooki
ngatKy
li
e.
Me:"Raywenttogetusdri
nks"henoddedand
t
uckedmyar m underhi
sandsmiled."
Ihat
eitwhen
youdothat
"
Q:
"I'
m happyt
oseey
ou"
Ty
ler:"
Okaylov
ebi
rds.I
'
m hungr
yandt
hir
sty
.Who
wi
llbepayi
ng?"
Q:
"Peopl
ewhohav
ethei
rcar
dswi
tht
hem"
Ty
ler
:"Idon'
thav
emycar
dwi
thme"
Khet
hiwe:
"Thatmeansy
ouar
en'
teat
ing"
Wel
aughed.
Kyli
e:"
Sinceyourbr
otherpay
smewel
l
.Iwi
l
lpayf
or
yourmeals"
Ty
ler
:"Thanky
ouKy
li
e.You'
rev
erygener
ous.
"
Raycamebackfol
lowedby2ladi
eswhowere
weari
nguni
for
m.Car r
yingt
ray
swit
hcockt
ail
sand
theot
herwi
thsnacks.
Q:
"Ist
hist
heRayy
oual
way
stal
kabout
?"
Ky
li
e:"
Yes"
Ray
:"Qui
nton"
Q:
"Heyman.Whatasmal
lwor
ld"
Ky
li
e:"
Hav
eyoumetbef
ore?
"
Ray:
"Yeah.Hewasdoi
nghishonor
swhenIwas
doi
ngmydegr eeatWi
ts"
Q:
"Doy
oust
il
lreadnov
els?
"Theyl
aughed.
Ray
:"Notasmuch"
Q:
"Howonear
thdi
dyouspeakt
oKy
li
e"
Ray
:"Dubedr
inkt
hatcockt
ail
andshutup"
Ky
li
e:"
Why
?What
'
swr
ongwi
thme?
"
Ray
:"Iwasshy
."
Ty
ler
:"Tel
lmesomet
hing.Di
dhebanghi
slect
ure?
"
Q:
"Ty
ler
"
Ty
ler
:"NoIwantt
oknow"
Me:
"Di
dhe?
"Rayf
rownedandpi
ckedhi
sgl
assup.
Ray
:"I
'
m gl
adt
obeher
ewi
thy
ouguy
s"
Ty
ler
:"Di
dhebangt
heAccount
ingl
ect
urer
?Yesor
no?
"
Q:"
BabyTyl
eri
sveryj
eal
ousofourbeauti
ful
lov
ehe
want
storui
nyourmood"hewhi
spered.
Me:
"ButIwantt
oknow"
Q:
"Thatwas10y
ear
sago"
Me:
"Soy
oudi
d?"
Q:
"Doesany
onewantmeat
?"
Ky
li
e:"
Yespl
ease"
Q:
"Let
'sgogent
s"
Ty
ler
:"Whatwer
eyouguy
swhi
sper
ingabout
?"
Q:
"Khet
hiwedi
dyouf
orgett
ogi
vehi
m hi
spi
l
ls?
"
Tyl
err
ant
ohi
m.Theychasedeachot
hert
othe
cr
owd.
Khet
hiwe:
"Theyar
esuchbabi
es"
Me:
"Ar
etheyal
way
sli
ket
his?
"
Khethi
we:"
Yep.Evendur
ingdi
nnerwe'
realway
s
l
ist
eningt
othem mockeachother
"Ichuckl
ed.
Ky
li
e:"
Theyhav
equi
tear
elat
ionshi
p."
Me:
"SoKhet
hiwe.Youknewy
ouwer
einv
itedby
me?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Yeah.Why
?"
Me:
"Yoursi
sterwi
vesknow?
"
Khethi
we:"Yeah.Iwantedtoknowwhathappenedi
n
thebathr
oom andbecl eart
oyouthatIam not
agai
nstyourrel
ationshi
p"
Me:"
Khethel
otol
dmet ostayawayf
rom Qui
nton.
Youguy
sdon'tser
iousl
ythi
nkI'
m wi
thQformoney"
Khethiwe: "TobehonestwithyouIcouldn'tcar
eless
whyy ou'rewithhim aslongasheishappy .Iworked
withthisguyf or3andnotev enonceI'
veseenhi m
thi
shappy .19ornotifhethi
nksyou'r
et hewoman
forhi
mt hent hat
'si
t"
Me:
"I'
m 22"
Khet
hiwe:
"Getoutofher
e"wel
aughed.
Ky
li
e:"
Yoursi
sterwi
vesar
eli
tt
lebi
tches.
"
Khethi
we:"
Theyar
egoodpeopl
eIdon'
tknowwhat
's
wrongwit
hthem"
Kyli
e:"Iunder
standwhyKatl
egowouldbenast
y
towardsYolibutKhet
hel
o..
.t
hatwasuncal
l
edfor"
Khethi
we:"Herandthemotherofthet
winswer
e
ver
yclose.Perhapsshef
eelsl
ikehemovedontoo
qui
ck"
Ky
li
e:"
Hewasmi
ser
abl
e."
Khet hiwe:"Hewas.YouknowYol andaI'vebeen
there.Thati swhyIam 100%behi ndy our
rel
at i
onship.It
'sbet
teryourfatherbeatupKhuleand
Q,abduct edKatandt hekids.ForTylerandItobe
toget herbloodwasspil
led.Mygr andfatherwentt
o
attackatt heDubes12peopl edied.Incl
uding
Qui nton'
sson"
Me:"OhmyGod"itmustbet
hel
i
ttl
eboyhedoesn'
t
wanttot
alkabout
.
Khet
hiwe:
"Itwaspr
ett
ybad.
"
Me:
"Di
dtheyhat
eyouaf
tert
hat
?"
Khethiwe:
"Idon'
tknow.Butall
Iknowisthat
Quintonst
oodbyTy l
eral
lthatti
me.Hetoldhi
mto
gofindme.Donotgi v
euponhi m."
Me:
"Iwon'
t"shesmi
l
edandputhergl
assup.
Khet
hiwe:
"ToQandYol
i
"
Ky
li
e:"
Cheer
s!"Wedr
ankup.
Khet
hiwe:
"Ineedsomet
hingst
ronger
"
Me:
"Let
'sgogetabot
tl
eofgi
n"
Khet
hiwe:"
Ihaveapart
nernow.Khet
heloandKat
l
ovewine.I
tjustget
smetipsy
.Iwantther
ealt
hing"
Ben:"Resi
dents.Thisi
sKhayamypopcorn.Love
thesearemyf ri
ends.YouknowYol
i
.Khethi
we?Hi .
ThisisKhethi
we, oneoft
heDubewivesandpreggi
e
i
sKy li
e"
Khaya:"
Nicet
omeety
oul
adi
es.CanIgety
ou
anyt
hingtodr
ink?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Yesgi
npl
ease"
Khay
a:"
Comi
ngr
ightup"hewal
kedaway
.
Khet
hiwe:
"Youar
epr
egnant
?"
Ky
li
e:"
YeahIam"
Khet
hiwe:
"Congr
atul
ati
ons.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Thanky
ou"
Khet
hiwe:"I
t'
sli
keyouguy
sjustsneezeandf
all
pr
egnant"welaughed.
Ben:
"Wher
ear
eyournast
ysi
sterwi
ves?
"
Me:
"Hhai
Ben"
Ben:
"Theyarenast
y.Whatwast hatKhethel
osaidt
o
me?Iworkforherhusbandnother.Tel
lhernext
ti
meIwill
manhandleher"
Me:
"Hav
eyoubeendr
inki
ng?
"
Ben:
"6shot
s"
Me:
"YeahIcant
ell
"
Themencameback.
Q:
"Ben"
Ben:"Quint
onDube"he'sreal
l
ydrunk.Qui
nton
chuckled."
YouthoughtIwasgonnasayMrDube?
Lol"welaughed.
Q:
"I'
m act
ual
l
ygl
ady
ouknowmyname"
Ben:
"Ial
soknowy
ourf
ather
's.Khet
hiwe,
ist
haty
our
man?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Yes"
Ben:
"Ishey
ourbr
other
?"
Q:
"Yes"
Ben:
"Real
real
brot
her
?Li
kesamemom samedad"
Ty
ler&Q:
"Yes"
Ben:"Wow.It
houghtt
hewhol
efami
l
ywasbl
ack
coff
ees"
Q:"
Wel
lyouquickl
yjumpedi
ntoconcl
usi
on.We
hav
e2l
ightones"
Ben:
"Let
'st
hankt
heAngel
thatscr
ubbedt
hem"
Ty
ler
:"Youar
eraci
stml
ungu"
Ben:"
Youjustcal
ledmeml ungu.Nowt
hat
's
off
ensi
veandv er
yraci
st"
Ty
ler
:"I
tsnotr
aci
sm wheni
tst
heot
herwayar
ound"
Khet
hiwe:
"Okay
.Canweeat
?"
Ky
li
e:"
Iwantnopap"
Ray
:"Youneedt
obef
ull
"
Ky
li
e:"
Meatwi
l
lmakemef
ull
"
Khayacame.Wei nt
roducedhim andthefunbegan.
Thealcoholf
orthemenkeptcomi ng.Theydrankthe
ginKhayahadboughtforus.Awomancameand
askedforTyl
er.
Khet
hiweaskedmet
oaccompanyhert
othet
oil
et.
Wewent.
Shegoti
n.Iwai
tedout
side.Ispott
edt hepr
egnant
womanIoncesawinDurbanatt hebeach.Iwaved
ather
.Shesmil
edandwalkedt owardsme.
Her:"
Hey.Doy
ouhav
eahomeher
eory
ou'
reon
vacat
ion?
"
Me:
"Yeahappar
ent
lyIdo.Howabouty
ou?
"
Her
:"Idot
oo.Youl
ookgr
eat
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Youal
sol
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Her
:"Thanks.I
'
m Happi
nessbyt
heway
"
Me:"Yol
i
.Ar
eyougoi
ngi
ntot
hrowup?
"We
l
aughed.
Happy
:"No.If
oundoutt
hatsoi
leaseupt
henausea
soIeati
tev
eryt
imeIf
eel
li
ket
hrowi
ngup"
Me:
"That
'sgood"
Happy:
"Itwasnicet
oseey
ouagai
n.Letmebounce
bef
oremymot herget
swor
ri
ed"
Me:
"By
esweet
hear
t"
Shewal
kedaway
.Khet
hiwecameout
.
Khet
hiwe:
"Wer
eyout
alki
ngt
osomeone?
"
Me:"Yeah.SomepregnantladyImetatt
he
bat
hroom inDur
ban.Ithoughtshewasdying"
Khet
hiwe:
"Peopl
ear
eget
ti
ngpr
egnantl
eft
,ri
ghtand
cent
er"
Me:
"Yousoundl
i
key
oudon'
twantone"shesi
ghed.
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
dki
l
ltohav
eone"
Me:
"Buty
ouguy
sar
en'
tready
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"No.Ican'
tcar
ryt
oful
lter
m"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"
Khet
hiwe:"
Itsucks.Thatwomant
hataskedf
orhi
m
i
spregnantwit
hhischild"
Me:
"Whoa.
..
"
Khet
hiwe:"Yes.Ij
ustwishshegivesbi
rthtoday.I
can'
tstandthethoughtofherbei
ngpregnant"
Me:
"Itmustber
eal
l
yhar
d"
Khet
hiwe:
"Iti
s"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.
"
Khet
hiwe:
"It
sokay
."
Me:
"Youmustr
eal
l
ylov
ehi
m"
Khethi
we:
"You'
rey
ett
obei
ntr
oducedt
oMaNgcobo
babes"
Me:
"It
houghtshepassedon"shechuckl
ed.
Khet
hiwe:
"Herspi
ri
tisn'
t."I
'
m conf
used.
Wegottoourtabl
e.I
twas10pm now.Ev
ery
onewas
dr
unkexceptf
orKhethi
we,
Kyli
eandI.
Me:
"It
hinkweshoul
dgo"
Ky
li
e:"
YeahI
'
m sl
eepy
"
Q:
"Requestusanuber
"
Me:
"Yout
ookanuber
?"
Tyl
er:"
Yes.Wedi dn'
twantourmeanbr
other
sto
tr
ackourcars.BabydoyouknowhowmuchIl ov
e
you?
"Hekissedher .
Khet
hiwe:
"YesIdo"
Me:"
Let'
sgo.I
'l
lfi
rstdr
opof
fyouguy
sandt henBen
andKhay
a"becauseBenwasinnost
ateofdriv
ing.
Khay
a:We'
dappr
eci
atet
hat
"
Kyl
ie:"
No.Dr
opof
ftheDubes.Iwi
l
ldr
iveBenand
Khayahome"
Me:
"Gr
eat
.Babywear
eleav
ing"
Q:
"Al
lIseei
syousi
tt
ingdown"
Every
onetookt
hei
rtakeawaysandwewenttot
he
parki
nglot
.WehuggedwithKyl
ieandbi
deachot
her
goodbye.
Me:
"It
hinky
oushoul
ddr
ive"
Khet
hiwe:"
Theywil
lbev
erysoberbyt
het
imeweget
home"Ichuckl
ed.
Ty
ler
:"Yol
ipl
easewedon'
twannadi
e."
Q:
"Myki
dsar
est
il
lyoung.Khet
hiwef
li
es"
Khet
hiwe:
"Iwi
l
lnotf
lyt
oday
".
Q:
"Ify
oust
artspeedi
ngIwi
l
lgetoutt
hrought
his
wi
ndow"
Wegoti
nanddr
oveof
f.
Wearr
ivedatt
hei
rhome.TylerandKhet
hiwegotof
f.
Ij
umpedtothedr
iver
'sseat
.
Q:
"Youwi
l
ldr
iveal
one?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Heki
ssedme.
Q:
"Il
ovey
ou.Cal
lmewheny
ougethome"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Hegotout
.
Q:
'Opent
heboot
.Ineedmygr
avy
"
Me:
"Youputi
tther
e?"
Q:
"Yes.
"Iopenedt
heboot
.
Me:
"Doy
ouf
indi
t?"
Q:
"Yeah.Youcancl
osei
t.By
eIl
ovey
ou"
Me:
"By
e.Il
ovey
oumor
e"Idr
oveof
f.
.
..
Theli
ght
sweresti
ll
onwhenIarri
ved.Ical
l
edNqaba
toopent
hegarageforme.I
tsl
i
dupandIdr ov
ein.I
wassosleepy
.
It
ookmybagandt hefoodandwenti
nsi
de.If
ound
Nqabai
ntheki
tchen.
Me:
"It
houghty
ouwer
easl
eep"
Nqaba:
"Icamet
oseewhatdi
dyoubr
ing"
Me:
"Meatandsal
ads"Iputi
tont
opoft
het
abl
e.
Nqaba:
"Itsmel
l
sni
ce.Thanky
ou"
Me:
"Wher
e'sy
ouruncl
e?"
Nqaba:
"Upst
air
ssl
eepi
ng"
Me:
"Okaygoodni
ght
"
Nqaba:
"Goodni
ght
".
Iwentupst
air
s.Ichangedint
opjsandwentt
owash
myfacethencamebackt obed.It
ookmyphone
andcal
ledQ.Hedidn'tpi
ckup.
It
urnedt
hesi
del
ampof
fanddr
if
tedt
osl
eep.
.
..
Ihear
dmyphoner i
ngfrom af
ar.Isearchedf
ori
t
wit
hmyey escl
osed.If
oundit.Iopenedoneeyeand
answered.
Me:
"Hey
"
Q:"Forthelov
eodGodcany
oucomeandgetme
outofthisboot?
"
Me:
"Whatboot
?"
Q:
"Thecar
'sboot
.I'
m dy
ing"
Me:
"Idon'
tunder
stand"
Q:"
Thebootofacaryouwer
edr
ivi
ng.Comebef
oreI
t
akemylastbr
eath"
Icheckedt
het
ime.I
twas12.Ir
ushedout
.
Theli
ght
swereout.It
urnedt
hem onandopenedthe
doort
othegar
age.Iopenedt
hebootandwentthere.
Hegotout
.
Q:
"Ial
mostdi
ed"hewaswet
."Yesest
hist
hingi
sso
hot
"
Me:
"Whyoneart
hwouldyougetont
heboot
?What
i
fmyphonewasonsi
lent
?"
Q:
"Iwoul
d'
vedi
ed.I
'
m hungr
y"
Me:
"Doy
our
eal
i
zey
ou'
reatmyf
ather
'shouse?
"
Q:"
Yep.AndIknowhe'
ssnori
ng.Ineedicecol
d
wat
er"hetookof
fhi
scoatandhandedittome.
Me:
"Iam r
equest
ingy
ouanuber
"
Q:
"Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"
Me:
"Youar
egoi
nghome"hesnat
chedmyphone.
Q:"
Iwantt
ocuddl
e"t
heal
cohol
wasst
il
li
nhi
s
sy
stem.
Me:
"Wel
lwecan'
t"
Q:
"I'
l
lsneakoutat6"
Me:
"Qui
nton"heki
ssedme.
Q:
"I'
m hungr
y"Isi
ghed.
Me:"I
fmyfatherseesyouandkil
lyouIwi
l
lnotbe
hel
daccount
ableforyourdeat
hokay"
Q:
"Yes"
Me:
"Donott
alk"
Wewenti
n.It
urnedof
fthel
i
ght
sandt
ookhi
mto
myr
oom.
Me:
"St
aybehi
ndt
hedoor
"
Q:
"Whynow?
"
Me:
"Shhh!
"
Q:
"Okay
"
Iwentdownst
air
stodi
shupf
orhi
m.Iwai
tedf
ori
tto
warm up.
Q:"
Thi
shousei
ssobeaut
if
ulbabe.Yourdadis
r
eal
lyout
.Hedi
dn'
tev
enhearmeget t
ingint
ohis
r
oom"
Ihav
enev
erbeent
hisdef
eat
ed.Whyi
shest
il
ldr
unk?
It
ookthefoodoutoft
hemi
crowav
eandpul
l
edhi
m
upthest
air
s.
Wegottomyroom.Il
ockedt
hedoorandt
ooka
deepbr
eat
h.
Me:
"Ist
hismyf
ather
'sci
gar
ett
e?"
Q:
"Yeah.Ibor
rowedi
t"
Igavehi
mthefood."
Thanky
oumysunshi
ne.I
'
m
gonnamarr
yyou"
Me:
"Keepi
tlow"
Q:"
Whenareweunl
ocki
ngy
ourv
agi
na?
"He
whi
sper
ed.
Il
aughed.
Me:
"Wheny
ou'
resober
"
Q:
"Okay
.Yourf
oodt
ast
esni
ce"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Q:"Youcansl
eep.Iwi
l
lgor
inset
hepl
atewhenI
'
m
done"
Me:
"Qui
nton.Thi
sisn'
tyourhome"
Q:
"I'
m sor
ryIf
orgot
"
Me:
"Eat
"Iki
ssedhi
scheek.Hef
edme.
He'
sst
upi
datt
imesbutIl
ovehi
m.
I
'
m al
soscar
edofwhatt
hisl
ovemakesmedo.Why
i
shesitt
ingonmybedi
nmyf
ather
'shouseeat
ing
hi
sfood?..
..
[
2/26,07:
57]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

37
.
IhaveneverbeentoSandton.IstayedinJo'
burgf or
3yearsbutIhaveneverfoundcour agetogothere.I
i
nstant
lygotexci
tedwhenwest oppedhere.Roll
wit
hmyf atherheshal
ltakeyoupl aces.
Myeyeswerewander
ingar
oundaswewal
kedt
othe
r
est
aurant
.
Thegentl
emanatthedooroff
eredtokeepourcoat
s
foruswhil
ealov
elyl
adytookustoourtabl
e.We
tookseat
s.Shet
ookourbeverageorder
sand
walkedaway.
Me:
"Whydi
dyoubooksuchabi
gtabl
e?"
Nzuza:
"Becauset
her
ear
epeopl
ejoi
ningus"
Me:
"Who?
"
Nzuza:
"You'
l
lseet
hem whent
heyar
ri
ve"
Nqaba:"Asl
ongasi
tisnoty
ourbusi
nesspeopl
e"
welaughed.
Nzuza:
"Notatal
l
."Hesai
dwi
thahugesmi
l
e.
Myfreshl
ysqueezedor
angej
uiceandt
hei
r
Hei
nekensarr
ived.
"
Grandpa!
"Sai
dalit
tl
epersonrunni
ngourtable.My
f
athersmi
ledandopenedhisarms.Theyhugged.
"
GoodEv
eni
ng"sai
dawomani
nhermi
d50s.
Nqaba:"
Makazi.I
tssogoodtoseeyou"shesatnext
t
omyf atherandshookhandswi
thNqaba.She
movedtome.
Her
:"MaNzuza.You'
reev
enmor
ebeaut
if
uli
n
per
son"Ismi
led.
Me:
"Thankyou"Theli
tt
legi
rlwaswhi
sper
ingwi
th
myfat
herandshari
nggiggl
es.
Whyam Isosl
ow?Thi
sshoul
dbehi
swi
feandt
his
i
sPhil
a.
Hepl
acedPhilaonachairbet
weenhi
m andhi
swi
fe
whowasjuststar
ingatme.
Nzuza:
"Yol
i
.Meety
ourmot
herandy
ourni
ece.
"
Phi
l
a:"
Khul
uwhoi
sthi
s?"
Nzuza:
"It
syourmot
herbaby
"
Phi
l
a:"
Ihav
eamommy
?Hi
mommy
"
Me:"
Heypr
incess"It
ookherhandandki
ssedi
t.She
gi
ggl
ed.
Phil
a:"Howdi
dyouknowIwasapr
incess?Di
dkhul
u
tel
lyou?"
Me:
"Ij
ustknewwheny
oucamei
n.Ni
cedr
ess"
Phi
l
a:"Thanky oumommy.Youcangeti
tatEar
th
Chi
ld,
rightgogo?"Howol
dist
hischi
l
d?
MrsNzuza:"
Yesmyl ove.
"Shet
urnedt
ome."Nicet
o
fi
nall
ymeetyouYoli
.You'r
emysecondpr
e-bi
rt
hday
surpr
ise.
"Mydadlaughed.
Me:"
I'
m gladIwasonyourwi
shli
st.Ni
cetof
inal
ly
meetyou.Iwashopi
ngI'
l
lseeyouguystomorr
ow"
Nzuza:
"Wel
lIdeci
dedt
omakei
tsooner
.I'
m
st
arv
ing"
Phi
l
a:"
Iwantwaf
fl
es"
Nqaba:
"It
s8pm babyt
heydon'
tser
vewaf
fl
est
his
l
ate"
Phi
l
a:"
GogocanIhav
easmoot
hie?
"
MrsNzuza: "
YouhearduncleNqaba.Its8pm.No
sugar"shepout
edherlit
tl
ecuteli
ps.Shelooksl
ike
bothherparent
s.Sheisli
ghtbutIcanseeQuint
on
andKhuleonher.Theboldblackroundeyeswit
h
l
onglashes.Iam i
nlov
ewi t
hhersmar tassmouth
al
ready.
MrsNzuza.
..
Ihonest
lydi
dn'tknowhowt obearound
her
.Thisi
sthewomant hatthr
eatenedmyunborn
sel
f.Whati
fshe'
sheretocompl et
ehermissi
on?
"
Yol
i
!"Ist
art
led.
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.Wey
ousay
ingsomet
hing?
"
Nzuza:
"Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
ohav
e?"
Me:"Oh.Uhm..
.buf
fal
owings,may
odipandGreek
sal
adwithnofetaandol
i
v es"t
hel
adynoddedand
wal
kedaway .
Nqaba:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:"
YeahI'
m good.Iwasj
ustt
hinki
ngaboutmy
l
apt
opthatIdi
dn'
tclosewhenwelef
t"
Nqaba:"I
tsnotl
ikeany
oneisgonnabr
eakin"I
chuckl
edandpickedmyglassuptodr
ink.
Nzuza:"We'dknowwhodidifsomethi
ngli
ket
hat
weretohappen.Thecamerasrun24/7int
hat
house"Ichokedint
hejui
ce.
Nqaba:
"Ar
eyouokay
?'
Me: "Wat
erplease"hepassedmet hebottl
eofwat
er.
Idrankup.Myf athertookouthisphone.Hegavei
t
tome.Itwasaf ootageofthel
ounge.Myl apt
opwas
therewhereIlefti
t.Iwanttodie.
Nzuza:"
See?Yourl
apt
opi
ssaf
e.Not
hingi
sgonna
eati
t"
Nqaba:
"Thehousehascamer
as?
"
Nzuza:
"Yeah.Ial
way
swat
chy
oubr
inggi
rl
s"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Sam!
"
Nzuza:
"What
?Saf
etycomesf
ir
st"
Me:
"Ev
ent
her
ooms?
"
Nzuza:
"No.Butthegarage,ki
tchen,l
ounge, st
air
s
andcorr
idorshav
ecamer as"okayburymenow.He
knowsQuintonwasthere.Nowt hatexpl
ainswhyhe
wokeupat5andwashedcar s.Whatshoul dIdo
wit
hmy selfnow?
Ourfoodcame.Mybodywasher ebutmyspir
it
somehowwasn' t.Icoul
dn'tcar
eaboutMrsNzuza'
s
constantstar
es.Iwasdyinginsi
dethatmyfat
her
knowsIl ethi
sworstenemyi nt
ohishouse.
Weate.Ihonest
lycoul
dn'
twaitforustofi
nishand
gohome.Iwantedtobealoneinmyr oom andregr
et
l
ett
ingQuint
onin.
I
tsliket
heycouldhearme.Mr sNzuzasuggest
edwe
gohome.Icouldn'
tmor ehappier
.Phi
lawasalr
eady
fastasl
eep.Nqabatookherfr
om mydadaswe
walkedaway.
.
..
Ihear
dsoftknockfr
om t
hedoor
.Ihat
ehowl
i
ghtI
sl
eep.Icanhearev
enaneedl
edroppi
ngi
nmysl
eep.
Iopenedmyey
es.Thesunhadcameout.Isl
eptas
soonaswegothomelastni
ghtar
ound10pm.
Icl
i
mbedof
fthebedandwentt
oopent
hedoor
.
"Ov
erher
e"Ilookeddown.Shef
lashedmeasmi
l
e.I
smil
edback.
Me:
"Hi
lov
e.Yousmel
lgood"
Phi
la:
"Avonhel
lokit
ty.Ibr
oughtyoucof
fee"shehad
ati
nycupinherhand.Thedollcup.
Me:
"Youar
esweet
.Wannacomei
n?"
Phil
a:"Pl
ease"Ican'
t!Shei
stooy
oungf
orhowshe
speaks.
Shecamein.It
ookmyli
ttl
ecupofcoff
eeanddr
ank
thecof
feet
hatgotl
osti
nmymout h.
Me:
"Youar
esuchal
i
fesav
er"
Phi
la:
"Thanky
ou.Whydi
dn'
tyouj
oinusf
or
br
eakfast
?"
Me:
"BecauseIov
ersl
ept
."
Phi
l
a: "
Youshoul
dsetanal
arm.Gogosavedsome
waf
flesfory
ou.CanIusey
ourcal
cul
ator
?"
Me:"
Idon'
thav
eonebutmyphonedoes.Cany
ou
usei
t?"
Phi
l
a:"
Ify
oudon'
tmi
nd,
please"
Igav
eher
.Shesatont
hecouchwhi
l
eIf
ixedt
he
bed.
Me:
"I'
l
lgot
akeaqui
ckshowerokay
"
Phi
l
a:"
Yes.CanIwat
chpi
ctur
es?
"
Me:
"Yeahsur
e"
Allt
hesetinycr
eat
uresl
ovecel
l
phones.I
tkeeps
them qui
et.
Iwentoutt
obat
h.
Icameback.Shewasl
yi
ngonherbackont
hebed.
Phi
l
a:"
Thatwasn'
tqui
ckmommy
"
Me:
"I'
m sor
rymypr
incess"
Shesatupst
rai
ghtandcr
ossedherl
egs.
Phi
l
a:"
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
"
Me:
"Ar
ound"
Phi
l
a:"
Iseey
ousomet
imesi
nmyni
ghtmov
ies.Why
younevervi
sithome?"Myhear
tached.Shedr
eams
ofher
.Isatnexttoher.
Me:"Iwasawaystudy i
ng.Sot
hatwecanhav
ea
goodli
fe.ButIam backnow"
Phi
l
a:"
For
ever
?"
Me:"
For
ever
"wedi
dpi
nkyswear
.Sheat
tackedme
wi
thahug.
Phi
l
a:"
Ilov
eyoumommy
"
Me:"Il
oveyoumor
emyAngel
"myey
esf
ail
edme.
Tear
sdropped.
Shemov
edof
f.Iqui
ckl
ygotup.
Phi
l
a:"
Isawmyf
ri
endi
nthepi
ctur
es.
"
Me:
"Yourf
ri
end?Whoi
syourf
ri
end?
"
Phi
la:"
Idon'
tknowhisname.Henevert
oldmebut
wewerebestfri
ends.Howdoyouknowhim?Di
d
youtel
lhi
mt obemyf ri
end?
"Iwentt
oher.
Me:
"Showhi
mtome"
Sheswi
pedback.Shest
oppedatQui
nton'
spi
ctur
e.
Phil
a:"Her
e.Heusedtocal
lmeever
yday.Buthe
st
oppedwhenuncleJakegotl
ost
"confusi
onismy
middlenameri
ghtnow.
Me:"I
'm sosor
rymyl
ove.Wewi
l
llookf
orhi
m
okay
?"
Phi
l
a:"
Okay
.Doy
ouhav
egames?
"Thanky
ouJesus!
Me:
"Yes"Ishowedher
.Shel
i
edonherst
omachand
smi
l
edatthephone.
Sobet
weenthe2daddi
es.Onehasmadecont
act
wi
thher.Whoi
sJake?
.
..
Sheendedupfal
lingasl
eep.Ileftthedooropened
andwentdownstair
s.IfoundonlyMr sNzuza.She
hadanaprononandal l
t heveggiesyoucanthi
nkof
onthecount
er.
Me:
"Goodmor
ning"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Mor
ning.Yourf
oodi
sont
hewar
mer
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"It
ooki
toutandsatdown.
Mr
sNzuza:
"I'
m maki
ngSundaymeal
.Doy
ouwanna
i
nvi
teany
one?
"
Me: "
Yeahbutt heywoul
dn'
tmakei
t.They
'r
e
probablysnuggledupi
nthei
rmen'
sarms"she
chuckled.
MrsNzuza:"
Wellwhydon'
tyoui
nvi
tey
our
sov
er?
"I
l
ookedatherandsnor
ted.
Me:"
Iam wi
thsomeonet
hatI
'
m notsupposedt
obe
wi
th"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Ishemar
ri
ed?
"
Me:
"No.Butmyf
atherwoul
dski
nusbot
hal
i
ve"
MrsNzuza:
"Heli
kesact
ingt
oughf
ornor
eason.
I
nvi
tehi
m over
."
Me:
"Ican'
treal
l
y"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Whati
fIt
oldy
out
heyar
eatt
hegat
e"
Me:
"Who?
"
MrsNzuza:"TheDubes.Theycametoaskf orpi
ece
butyourf
ather'
spri
deisasbigandAfr
ica.Hewon't
l
etthem i
n.They'
vebeentheresi
nce5am"
Me:
"What
?"
Iwenttot hemonitor
.Ipressedforthegateview.
Theywer ereal
l
ythere.With2goat s.Tyl
erwas
sl
eepi
ngnextt oQont heground.PastorChri
s,Khul
e
andbrotherCalvi
nwer esit
ti
ngdownhol dingthe
goat
s.
Me:
"Wher
eishe?
"
MrsNzuza:"
Wentoutt
obuysneaker
s"wowSamson
Nzuza.Wow.
Me:
"Theymustbehungr
y"
MrsNzuza:
"Imadethem br
eakfast.Nqabatooki
tto
t
hem.Whydon'tyouknowhe'shere.Don'ty
outext
?"
Me:"
Wedo.Myphonehasbeenwi
thPhi
l
a."Ipaused.
"
Didmydadt
ell
youIam wi
thhim?
"
Mr sNzuza: "
Yes.Thetr
uthis,yourfatherneverr
eal
ly
l
ov edt hem.ForhimtoacceptKhuleasLesedi '
s
boy f
ri
endwehadt ouseemotionalblackmail.When
shedi edunderthei
rcar
eitwasj ustacher r
yon
top."
Me:"
Soy oudon'that
emef ordati
ngapersonwho
wasresponsi
blefory
ourdaughter
'sdeat
h?"She
smi
l
ed.
MrsNzuza: "No.It
sactuall
yfascinati
ng.It
sl i
kethe
hi
storyisrepeat
ingit
'sself
.I'
mj ustgladyou'reago
gett
erli
keLesedi.Sheev enbrokeakneet ryingto
sneakout.Shejumpedf rom thebalcony"Ilaughed.I
couldnever.
Me:
"No!
"
MrsNzuza: "
Yes."Shei
mmediatel
yswit
chedtoa
seri
ousface."Yourmom di
dtel
lyouaboutwhat
happenedinthepastri
ght?
"
Me:
"Yesshedi
d"
Mr sNzuza: "Ifyou'requestioningyourselfei therI
l
ikeorhat eyouj ustknowIl ovey ou.AllthatIsai d
anddi dtoy ourmot herwasj ustmebei ngamar r
ied
womanpr otecti
nghermar ri
age.Thepast19y earsI
havebeent ryingtof i
ndway stotel
lyourf at herthat
hehasachi ldsomewher einthisworld.WhenLesedi
diedIwi shedIcoul dj ustwakeupandf indy ou.The
menwhowor kedf ormeal lpassedon.Onev anished
soIdi dn'thaveany onet oleadmewher ey our
mot herlivedunt i
lJanuar ywhenIbumpedi ntohim
att hemal lhere.Hegav emeal ltheinf
o.Iwrotea
l
et tertoy ourfatherpret
endingtobeoneofy our
mot her'
sf r
iendsandheboughti t.Igavehim all
the
directionstoy ourhomeandf ort
unateenoughhe
foundy ourmot her.I'
m gladwenowhav eadaughter
agai n.Hei sathishappi estsi
nceSedidied"shehad
glassyey es.Ismi led.
Me:"You'
renot
hingl
i
keIhadi
magi
ned.It
hought
you-
"
MrsNzuza:"
HatedYou?Idi
dbefor
ebutnot
any
more.Iwantyoutotr
eatmeasy oursecond
mother
.Yourmotherdi
dtel
lyouIi
nvit
edy ouguys?
"
Me:
"Yeah.If
oundi
tver
yodd"shechuckl
ed.
MrsNzuza:"
Iknow.Iwant
edust
odi
scusssome
t
hingsbutI
'
m onit"
Me:
"Isi
tssecr
et?
"
Mr
sNzuza:"
Yesmyl
ove.I
sPhi
l
aasl
eeporpl
ayi
ng
wi
thy
ourphone?
"
Me:
"Asl
eep.Shei
ssuchamy
ster
y"
Mr
sNzuza:
"HerI
Qisonanot
herl
evel
.Shecanr
ead,
countandal
lthat
"
Me:"WowIcantell
.Iwassur
pri
sedshecanusea
cel
l
phone'
scal
culator
"
MrsNzuza:"That
'
sPhil
aforyou.Full
ofsur
pri
ses"
welaughed."
Shethi
nksyou'
reherrealmot
heryou
know"
Me:"YeahIfi
gured.Shesaidsheseesmeinher
ni
ghtmov i
esandt henaskedmetoneverl
eaveher
agai
n.Thatbrokemyhear t
"
MrsNzuza:"I'
m sorryhoney
.Iam pl
anni
ngontel
l
ing
herabouthermotherwhenshet ur
ns5.I
'veal
ways
tol
dhershe'soverseas"
Daddywal
kedi
n.
Nzuza:
"Wehav evi
sit
ors.Fi
xthem somethi
ngt
o
dr
inkYoli
"Igotupandtookoutglasses.
Mr
sNzuza:
"Youcanbesocr
uel
att
imes"
Nzuza:
"Il
ett
hem i
n,di
dn'
tI?
"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Af
terhowl
ong?I
t'
shal
fpastel
even"
Nzuza:
"It
sev
ensogener
ousofmet
oev
enl
ett
hem
i
n"
Hewal
kedaway
.
MrsNzuza: "
Onedayhe'sgonnasuf
focat
eofthat
pr
ide"Ichuckl
edandtookthetr
aytothel
ounge.
Iputi
tonthetabl
eandwentupst
air
s.Theygoti
n.
Poort
hings.
Igotupstai
rs.Itookmyphone.Ther
ewere20t
ext
s
from Q.Theywer eal
labouthowmuchcr
uelmy
fatheri
s.Helikescomplai
ning.
Phi
l
awasst
il
lfastasl
eep.I
trang.
Me:
"Baba"
Cal
l
er:
"It
snot
.Pl
easecomehel
pmeher
e"
Me:
"Ohok.I
'
m comi
ng"
Iworechangedint
oadressandahat
.Idi
dn'
tbr
ing
anyscar
fshere.It
henwentdown.
Nzuza:
"Whatar
eyouapologizi
ngf
orexact
ly?For
ki
ll
i
ngmydaughterorf
orsleepi
ngi
nmyhouse? "Oh
Godheknows.
Qui
nton:
"Forev
ery
thi
ng"hel
ookedl
i
keachi
l
d
caughteat
ingcandy
.Hi
sey
eswer
efaci
ngdown.
If
eltsomeonegr
abmyar
m andpul
l
ingme.
Nqaba:"
Whati
ssai
dther
eist
otal
l
ynoneofy
our
busi
ness"
Me:
"Ouch.Letgoofmyar
mthen"
Mr
sNzuza:
"You'
rehur
ti
ngt
hechi
l
dNqaba"
Nqaba:
"Shewaseav
esdr
oppi
ng"Mr
sNzuzagav
e
meawar ni
ngey
e.
Me:
"Iwasn'
t.Whatshoul
dIdoar
oundher
e?"
MrsNzuza:
"Ri
nset
hepl
ates.Thef
oodi
sal
most
r
eady"
Nqaba:
"Idon'
twannabet
hoseguy
s"wel
aughed.
MrsNzuza:
"Aft
eracoupl
eofmi
nut
es.Ser
vet
hem
beer
.Hewil
leaseupabit
"
Me:
"Ar
etheygonnasl
aught
ert
hegoat
s?"
Nqaba:
"Yes.That
'si
fhewant
sthem sl
aught
ered"
MrsNzuza:"Wesl aughteredal
lthepeaceof
fer
ings.
Idoubthe'
l
lslaughterthesetoo"
Me:
"Theydonet
hisbef
ore?
"
MrsNzuza:
"Yes.Theywer ejustnotleti
n.Andi
ts
t
heNzuzaeldersthati
nsist
edhesl aughtert
hegoat
s.
Hewantedtolett
hem free"
Me:
"Wow.Sot
hisi
spr
ogr
ess?
"
MrsNzuza:
"Youcansayt
hat
.Pl
easet
aket
hebeer
t
othem"
Me:
"I'
m scar
ed"
Nqaba:
"Facey
ourf
ear
s"
Her
ushedout
.Amen.
Iopenedt
hef
ri
dge.
Me:
"Howdi
dyouknowt
heydr
inkt
his?
"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Theywer
eoncemyf
avor
it
esons"
Me:"
Ofcour
se"shesmil
edandat
tendedherpot
s
whi
l
eIwenttothel
ounge.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
hbef
oreIappear
ed.
Nzuza:
"Lesedi
wastoogoodforyouandsoi
sYol
i
t
oy ouQueen"whati
swrongwit
hhim.
Me:
"Sanbonani
"
Them:
"Yebo"
Nzuza:
"Awhol
e6pack?Leav
e3.They
'l
lshar
e"
Me:
"Mama-
"
Nzuza:
"Isai
dwhatIsai
d."It
ookt
he3cansandl
eft
.
Mr
sNzuza:
"Andt
hen?
"
Me:
"Yourhusbandsai
dIshoul
dtur
nbackwi
tht
hem
t
hey
'l
lshar
e"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Thi
sman!
"Il
aughed.
Wegossi
ppedaboutmyauntwhowast
aki
ngov
erat
mycer
emony.
Wedishedup.Nqabacame.Wet
ookt
hef
oodt
othe
l
ounge.
Myfat
herwasst
il
ldoi
ngt
het
alki
ng.Doesn'
theget
t
ir
ed?
Nzuza:
"There'
snoneedf
orf
ood.Wear
edoneher
e.
Ri
ghtgentl
emen?"
Ty
lercl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Nqaba:"
Whatabeauti
ful
waytocloseof
fthis
meeti
ng"hesai
dputt
ingthet
rayonthet
able.
Nzuza:"Taket
hefoodback.Theydidn'
tev
endr
ink
t
heirbeer,t
heywon'
teatthefood"
Iwal
kedback.
Me:
"Cany
oupl
easet
alkt
ohi
m?"
MrsNzuza:"
Whathashedone?Whyar
eyoucomi
ng
backwi
ththefood?
"
Nqaba:
"Becausehet
oldust
otakei
tback"
Mr
sNzuza:
"I'
l
lber
ightback"
Nqabal
ookedatmeandl
aughed.
Me:
"I'
mir
ri
tat
ed"
Wehear
daknockont
hebackdoor
.Iwentt
oopen.
Tyl
er:"
Hi.I
'm her
etogetmypl ateoff
oodandbeer .I
spentthel
ast40mi nutest
hinkingaboutthi
sfood.It
smeltsonice"Nqabalaughed.Iputaglassanda
beernextt
ot hepl
ateandgav ehim.
Me:
"I'
l
ltaket
hem whenIseey
ou"
Ty
ler
:"Thanky
ouwi
fey
"hewal
kedaway
.Il
aughed.
Mr
sNzuzacameback.
Mr
sNzuza:
"Yourf
atherget
stomyner
ves"
Me:
"Justl
ethi
m be.
"
MrsNzuza:
"Canyoubel
iev
ehef
edPhi
l
aal
l
ergex
j
ustsoshecansl
eepall
day"
Me:
"Unbel
i
evabl
e"
Imadewarm wat
erandt
ookitupstai
rswi
thme.I
wokeherupandmadeherdr
inkit
.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Heybaby
"
Q:
"Imi
ssy
ou"
Me:
"Youj
ustsawme"
Q:"
Idi
dn'
t.Thatgor
il
lafatherofyourskepthi
sey
es
onmewheny ouwalkedin"Ilaughed.
Me:
"That
'smyf
ather
."
Q:"
Pleasedi
shupf
orme.I
'
m sohur
t.Ty
leronl
y
gav
emeaspoon"
Me:"
I'
m sor
ryl
ove.Iwi
l
lseey
oul
aterwhenmydad
i
sasl
eep"
Q:"Hetol
dmeIshoul
dcomeandaskhi
mtot
ake
yououtonapr
operdat
e."
Me:
"What
?"
Q:"
Yes.Andt
oldKhul
etodot hesameaboutPhi
la.
I
'm sor
ryt
osaythi
sbutIt
hinkhe'
ssmokingweed"
Il
aughed.
Me:"Youbett
ercounty
ourwords.Hemi
ghtbe
l
ist
ening.Sowhenareyouaski
ngmeoutonaproper
dat
e?"
Q:
"I'
m st
il
lpl
anni
ng.
"
"
Cany
oupl
easef
ocusont
her
oad?
"
Me:
"Who'
sthat
?"
Q:
"It
sTy
ler
.I'
l
lcal
lyouwhenIgethome"
Me:
"Okayl
oveby
e"
Tyler
:"I
fyousl
aught
ert
hosegoat
s.Sav
esomemeat
forme"
Q:
"Wt
fman?Shutup.By
ebabe"hehung
Idon'
tknowwhyt heyar
ethi
scl
ose.90%oft
het
ime
theyar
efight
ing.
Sothi
smeansmydadappr
ovesofourrel
ati
onshi
p.I
smi
ledal
one.It
ookPhi
l
atohergogoandwentout
tot
hegar
denwheremydadwassaidtobe.
If
oundhi
m smoki
ng.
Nzuza:"
Hehasal
argemout
h"Ist
opped.Iwast
ip
t
oeing.
Me:
"It
houghty
ouhat
edt
hem"het
urned.
Nzuza:"Ido.Ij
ustl
oveyouandPhi
lamor
ethanI
hat
et hem.AllIwantt
oseeisyouguy
shappy.
"I
smil
edandhuggedhi m.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"Il
etgo.
Nzuza:"
Don'
tgetpr
egnant
.Idon'
twantl
i
ttl
ethugs
al
lovermyhouse"
Ichuckl
ed.Hewalkedawayleavingmedanci ngi
n
myheart.Inev
erexpect
edthis.Althought
his
soundsli
kehe'sgonnat
ormentt hem ever
yti
mebut
i
tdoesn'tmatt
er.
..
.
[
2/26,07:
58]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

38
.
Idon'tknowwhatgoti nt
omebutIhadtorun,runas
fastasIcould.Igotdownst
air
stot
herecepti
onI
askedt hel
adyt obookmeanuberbecauseIhadlef
t
myphoneupst ai
rs.
Iwaspr ayi
ngheisnotf ol
l
owingmebecausei fhei
s
Isweart ogodI'
m goingtofai
ntri
ghtnowIwent
outsi
deIwai t
ed.Thishastobethelongest2
minutesofmyl i
fe.Theuberarr
ived.
Ievenf or
gottot el
lmydesti
nati
on.Afterdr
ivi
ngand
dri
vinganddr i
ving,methi
nkingaboutthecrazy
Quinton.Whatwashet hinki
ng?whatishet hi
nking!
becauser i
ghtnowIwantt odie.Iwanttodri
nk.I
wantt ogetdrunkandgot oDurban.Fl
yordr i
ve
ther
easi nnow.
Dr
iver
:"Si
si.Youhav
en'
tanswer
edmyquest
ion"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ryy
ousai
dsomet
hing?
"
Dr
iver:
"Yes.Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"Idon'
tev
enknow
wherewear e.
Me:
"Wher
ear
ewe?
"
Dr
iver
:"Wej
ustpassedMel
roseAr
ch.
"
Me:
"Pl
easedr
opmeof
fatCr
yst
alhei
ght
sSandt
on"
DoIev enhav
emycardswithme?Ichecked.Luckil
y
IhadaR200note.Mymindwasallovert
heplace.I
had1000ofbeesbuzzi
nginmyhead.Iwasscar ed,
shockedandanyot
herunpl
easantemoti
ons.
.
..
Ipushedhim outoft
hewayandwentst
rai
ghtt
ohi
s
winestack.It
ookabott
le.
Ben:"I
fyouwannagetdrunkyoubett
ertaket
her
ed
one"Iputt
hesweetwhit
ebackandt ookther
edone.
Ipouredaful
lgl
assanddowneditinonego.I
si
ghed.Thisi
swhatIneeded.NoIneedasecond
one.Ipour
edanddrankitup.
Ben:
"Ok.Outwi
thi
t"
Me: "
Hepr oposed"hi
seyeswidened."Don'
twiden
youreyes.QuintonDubefucki
ngproposed!BenI
needtherapy"
Ben:
"That
'sagoodt
hing.Letmeseet
her
ing"
Me:
"Ther
eisnor
ing"
Il
ookedforchi
psinthecupboard.Ughcheeseand
oni
on.Real
lyBen?Itooki
tanywayandt uckedthe
bot
tl
eofwi neundermyarm andheadedtot he
l
ounge.
Ben:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Me:
"If
reakedout
"
Ben:
"Yol
i
.Youbet
terst
artt
alki
ngl
i
keanadul
t"
Me:
"I'
m st
il
li
nver
ybadt
raumaBenpl
ease"
Ben:"
Wel
lbi
tchyoubett
ergetovert
hatt
raumaand
tel
lmewher
ethehel
ltheri
ngis!
"
Me:"Ther
eisnor
ing.If
reakedoutanddi
dwhatIdo
best
,ranoff
."
Ben:"Youmyhundoesn'
tneedt
herapy.Youneed
yourancest
orscombi
nedandJesus.Whyonearth
wouldyourunof
f?Doy our
eall
ylovet
hismanor
you'
vebeenwasti
ngmydat abytel
l
ingmeever
y
f
reaki
ngdaythatyoudo?"
Me:"Heaskedmetomar r
yhim.WhatdoIknow
aboutbei
ngawif
e?Letalonehowfasthe'sgoi
ng.
It
sonlybeen5months.Wherei
sherushingto?
"
Ben: "
Themani s34Yoli
.Whatwaitar
ey ou
expecting?AndbythewayIhadtowithdraw500
0002mont hsaft
erKhul
emetthatcoconuthoeof
his.Andy ouwannaknowwherethatmoneywas
going?Lobola"
Me:
"Ineedt
osl
eep"
Ben:
"Yesy
oudo.Come"
Ihadfini
shedt
hewholebottl
e.Mymindwasn'tso
busy.Thi
sisperf
ect
.Exact
lywhatIneeded.
.
..
Iwokeupthenextmorni
ng.Ineededat oi
let.I
neededt
odischar
geallt
healcoholorwhat evert
he
hel
lwasinsi
deme.Irantothebathroom andt hr
ew
up.
I
'
m onl
y22whywoul
dmyl
i
febecutsoshor
t.
Me: "
Ben!
"Isai
dwi
tht
hel
astst
rengt
hinme."
Ben
I
'm dyi
ng"
Icol
l
apsednextt
otheseataf
terf
lushi
ng.Bencame
i
n.
Ben:"Thatwhathappenswheny oudrinkawhol e
bott
lebyy our
sel
f.Here,t
hisshouldhel p"hehanded
meabot tl
eofwat erand.
..
7tablets.Ihatepil
ls!
ButIdr
ankthem anyway
.Hegav
emehishand.I
tooki
tandhepulledmeup.Wewal
kedbackt
othe
room.
Me:
"Ineedt
obat
h"
Ben:"No.Li
edownbi
t.Iwi
l
lmakey
ouf
ood.Qui
nton
cal
led"
Myheartbeatf
aster
.Ihadfor
gott
enabouthi
m and
hi
sproposal
.Thatwasthebest5minut
esofmyl i
fe.
NowI'
m backtomyr eal
it
y.
Me:
"Whatdi
dhewant
?"
Ben:
"Toknowi
fyou'
rewi
thme.Hesenty
ourphone"
Me:
"Idon'
twanti
t"
Ben:"
Justr
est.Whenyouwakeupy
ouwi
l
lbeon
yourr
ighst
ateofmind"
Me:
"Whatt
imei
sit
?"
Ben: "
Restti
me"heclosedthedoor.Icoul
dn'tr
eal
l
y
tel
l.Therewasnosun.Itwasactuall
yrai
ning.I
pull
edt heduvetov
erandfeltdr
owsy.Thisis
overdose.
.
..
"
Wakeywakeysleepyhead"If
eltsomethi
ngsof
thi
t
mypoorhead.It
ri
edopeningmyey es.
Me:
"No"
Ben:
"You'
vebeenoutf
or5hour
s.Comeon"
Me:
"Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?"
Ky
li
e:"
Hhai
bo!I
'
m her
etocheckupony
ou"
Me:"
Youknewhewasgoi
ngt
opr
oposeandy
ou
di
dn'
tev
enwarnme"
Kyl
i
e:"
Liket
hehel
lIknew.Ij
ustgotacal
lfr
om hi
m
i
nthemorni
ng.Tr
ustmeIwasalsoshocked.But
r
unni
ngf
ri
end?
"
Me:"
Don'
tgiv
emet hatl
ookpl
ease"Isatupst
rai
ght
andt
ookthetr
ayf
rom Ben.
Ky
li
e:"
Thepoormani
str
aumat
ized"
Me:
"Wel
lIam t
oo.Canwest
opt
alki
ngabouti
t?"
Ky
li
e:"
No.Whydi
dyour
un?
"
Me:
"BecauseIf
reakedout
!"
Ben:
"Doy
ounotwantt
omar
ryhi
m?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.CanIeatnow?I
npeace?
"
Ky
li
e:"
Yeahsur
e."
Theysatont
hecouchandwat
chedmeeat
.These
fr
eaks.
Af
tereat
ingBenbr
oughtmeanewt
oot
hbr
ushand
myphone.
Ther
ewer et
onsofmissedcall
sfrom myfather
,
motherandZwel
i.Sohedidn'
tevenbothert
ocall
huh.
Ibat
hedwhi
l
eli
steni
ngt
omusi
c.Iwi
l
lcal
lthe
par
entsl
ater
.Asf
orZwel
i
,hemustj
ustl
eav
emet
he
hel
lal
one.
Ifi
nishedbat
hing.Ineedclot
hesIcan'twearthi
s
ti
ghtassdressandheels.Ifi
rstcheckedthe
avai
lablef
li
ghtstoDurban.Theywer eal
lsol
dout.I
wil
lhav et
odri
v e.
Idr
essedupandwentout
.
Me:
"CanIbor
rowy
ourcar
?"
Ben:
"Andwhenwi
l
lIgeti
rback?
"
Me:
"Thi
sev
eni
ng.
"
Ky
li
e:"
Icandr
ivey
ouhome"
Me:"
Nothanks.If
eell
i
kebei
ngal
one"t
heyst
aredat
me."
Ineedtothi
nk"
Ben:"
Howdoweknowy ouwon'
tl
osef
ocusont
he
roadandbei
nanacci
dent
"
Me:
"Iwon'
t.Cal
lmeev
erymi
nut
etomakesur
e"
Ben:
"Somuchcanhappeni
nasecond"
Me:
"Youwor
rytoomuch"It
ookt
hekey
s."
Thanks
f
ort
hehospi
tal
i
ty"
Iwalkedoutt
othecar
.IdrovetoMandel
aSquar
e.I
needsomethi
ngcomfort
abletodr
iveon.
Ilov
ethi
stimeoft
hemonth.Peoplehaveblewal
l
thei
rsal
ari
esandt
hestor
esarepeaceful
lyempty
.I
endedupbuyi
ngsnacksf
ortheroad.
IsawNqabawal
ki
nginasIheadedtothedoor
.I
wavedathi
m.Hesawmeandst opped.Wehugged.
Me:
"Yougood?
"
Nqaba:
"Yes.Iwasexpect
ingy
oul
astni
ght
"
Me:"Yeah.Sorr
yIcoul
dn'
tcal
l
.Myphonewasact
ing
up.I
sy ouruncl
ehome?"
Nqaba:"
No.Theylef
tthismor
ning.Ar
eyougoi
ng
backtobaeoryougoinghome?"
Me:"
I'
m goinghome.Ij
ustneedt
ogeti
ntot
hese
comf
yclothesthenIwi
l
ldri
vehome"
Nqaba:
"OkayIwi
l
lseey
out
her
e.Iwi
l
lpassbyt
he
car
wash."
Me:
"Bequi
ck.I
'
mthi
nki
ngofdr
ivi
ngt
oDur
ban"
Nqaba:
"Why
?"
Me:"I
tsal
ongst
ory
.Ify
oucomehomeear
lyIwi
l
l
t
ell
you"
Nqaba:"
NowI'
m worr
ied.Let
'sgo"het
ookmy
pl
asti
candwewalkedoff.
Ist
art
ledatsomeonest
andi
ngbef
oreme.
Me:
"Youscar
edme"
Khethelo:"
I'
vealwaysknowny
ouar
eal
ittl
ehoe.
Quintonlovesyouandyoudohiml
i
ket
his?"
It
ookadeepsi
gh.
Me:"
Keepwel
l
"Imov
edherof
fmyway
.If
eltagr
ip
onmyhai
r.
Bet
terbenothercauseIsweartoGod.Iturned.She
sl
appedme.Islappedherback.Nqabaheldmeback.
Me: "
Don'tfuckingevert ouchmewoman.Iam si ck
andtir
edofy ou.Whot hehel ldoy outhi
nky ouare?I
maybey oungbutIwi l
l crushy ourbonesKhet hel
oI
swear.Lord!"shesti
l
l hadherhandov erhercheek.
Nqabapul l
edmeaway .Peoplewer enowv i
deo
recodi
ngandt aki
ngpict uresofus.Iwassoangr yI
wantedtocr y.
Whatisupwit
hthi
swoman?Doesshewantbot
h
thesement
ohersel
f?Orsher
eal
l
ydoesseemeas
Lesedi
.
Nqaba:
"Whoi
sshe?
"
Me:"Khul
e'swi
fe.Shehasalwaysbeennast
ytome
butt
his.
..
she'
stotal
lywentover
board.I
'
m somad"
Nqaba:"
Oh.She'
swei
rd.I
'
m sor
ry.I
sshemady
ou
l
ookli
keSedi?
"
Me:
"Att
hispoi
ntIr
eal
l
ydonotknow"
Nqaba:"Letmedr i
ve.Iwi
ll
fet
chmycarlat
er"I
tossedhimthekeysandgotinatt
heback.Ifai
l
edt
o
holdthetear
sin.Icri
ed.
Iendedupf
all
i
ngasl
eep.Iwokeupast
hecardr
ove
i
nhome.
Nqaba:
"Wi
l
lyoubeokay
?"
Me:
"Yeah.Thanks"
Nqaba:
"Whatt
imewi
l
lyoubel
eav
ingf
orDur
ban?
"
Me:
"Ican'
tdr
ivel
i
ket
his.Iwi
l
lbookaf
li
ghtf
or
t
omorrow"
Nqaba:
"Gr
eatt
hen.I
'
llbr
ingusf
ood"
Hegotoutandheadedoutsi
det
hegat
e.Ist
ayedi
n
t
hecarforabout30minut
esorso.
Idonottrustt
hiswomanaroundmysist
er'
sbaby
now.I
fshehat esmethi
smuchwhataboutOne
thi
ngthatkeepsKhul
econnectedt
oSedi?
Myphoner
angdi
stur
bingmyt
rai
loft
hought
s.
Me:
"Mot
her
"
Mama:
"Atl
easty
oust
il
lknowwhoam I
"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.Idi
dn'
thav
eai
rt
ime"
Mama:
"Iwi
l
lactl
i
keIbel
i
evey
ou.Howar
eyou?
"
Me:
"I'
m good.Howi
syour
sel
f?"
Mama: "
Besi
det
hefactthatyourhardcheekbone
motherwant
smetogivey ourf
atherachil
d.Iam
good"
Me:
"What
?"
Mama:"Yes.Shewant
smet omarryyourfat
herand
hav
esexwi t
hme.Imagine.Yourf
atherwithdiabet
es
ontopofmeandmeunder neathsayi
ng" ahahah"
faki
ngi tatt
hat
"Il
aughed.Whydi
dGodchoset
his
crazywomant obemymot her
?Whotel
l
sthatt
o
theirchil
d?
Me:"Thati
stoomuchi
nfor
mat
ionma'
am.So,
did
youagree?
"
Mama:"I
'
m notcrazy
.Sheisjustj
ealousofmyti
ny
wai
stt
hat'
sit.Howarethi
ngsthere?Where'
sthe
bl
ackman?"Itookadeepbreath.
Me: "
Athishome.Heproposedl
astnight
"she
al
ulated."
Idi
dn'
tsayy
es"shestopped.
Mama:
"Ohbaby
.I'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tsaynoei
ther
.Ij
ustr
anof
f"
Mama:
"Why
?"
Me:
"If
reakedout
."
Mama:
"Mypoorl
i
ttl
efr
eak.
"
Me:
"I'
m scar
edhei
sgoi
ngt
odumpme"
Mama:"
Ifhelov
esyouandr
eal
l
ywant
stomar
ryy
ou.
Hewi
ll
proposeagai
n"
Me:
"Isl
appedhi
stwi
nbr
other
'swi
featt
hemal
l
t
oday
"
Mama:
"What
?Ai
boYol
i
"
Me:"
Shecaughtmeoffguard.Whenshegr
abbed
myhairandsl
appedmeIjustlosti
t"
Mama: "Shewhat?Youshould'v
echokeslammed
her,hi
theragai
nstthewall
andbr eakherneck.
Everyplacewi
thhai
risit
chyrightnow.Thenerveof
thatchi
ld!"
Ihear
dasoundofacal
lcomi
ngt
hrough.Ichecked.
Me:
"Letmecal
lyouback.Sendmyl
ovet
onana"
Mama:
"Ok.Don'
tl
etnowomanwal
kov
ery
ou"
Me:
"Iwon'
t"
Shehungup.Ianswer
edCal
vi
n'
scal
l
.
Me:
"Hel
l
o?"
Cal
vin:"
MaNzuza.Canyoumakey our
sel
favail
abl
e
atChri
s'
shouseinthenexthour
?"OhGod.Iknewit.
Sheranandtol
dthem.
Me:
"Pl
easesendmet
hel
ocat
ion"
Cal
vi
n:"
Iwi
l
l"
Hehungup.Icoul
dhearhe'
spi
ssed.
Il
eanedbackontheseatandsi
ghed.It
ookt
he
pl
asti
candgotout.
Iheadedinsidethehouse.Imadecof
fee.Onlyi
tcan
makemef eelbett
erri
ghtnow.Ir
angQuintonup.I
t
rangunanswer ed.
Ihatemyl
if
eatthi
sverymoment
.I'
mt ot
all
ynot
readyf
orwhatCal
vi
niscal
l
ingmefor.
IdrankmycoffeeasIwentupt ochange.Ipickeda
maxi dr
essandasi mplecoat.Adoekwi lldomea
l
itt
legood.TheywillseeI'
m notonl
yaf reakthatran
awayf r
om amarriageproposalandslapped
Khethel
othefoll
owingbutI'm al
soadecentwoman.
Myphoner
angwhil
eIlookedatmyr
efl
ect
ionont
he
mi
rr
or.I
twasKhet
hiwe.
Me:
"Hey
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Babe.Ij
usthear
d.Ar
eyouOkay
?"
Me:
"I'
m good.I
sev
ery
onemad?
"
Khethi
we:"Ij
ustgother
e.Itl
ookspret
tytense"she
bet
terhadnotli
edcauseifshedidIwil
lbeather
i
nfrontofherf
amily
.
Me:
"Ihat
ethi
s.Shest
art
edi
t"
Khet
hiwe:
"Itdoesn'
tl
ookl
i
ket
hather
e"
Me:
"I'
m notcomi
ngt
hen"
Khet
hiwe:"
Nonono.Come.Youneedt
otel
lyour
si
deofthestor
y"
Me:"I
sthi
showy
oupeopl
eli
ve?Thi
sisabsol
utel
y
notmyli
fe"
Khethi
we:"
Nope.Weareal
lnewt
othi
str
ustme.
Justcome.Ev
eryonei
sher
e"
Me:
"Cal
vi
nhasn'
tsentmet
headdr
ess"
Khet
hiwe:
"Iwi
l
lsendi
ttoy
ouj
ustnow.Dr
ivesaf
e"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Ihungup.
.
..
.
Ther
ewer
emanycar
sout
side.Seemsl
i
keev
ery
one
camei nt
heirown.IparkednexttoQ's.I
'
m notready
tofacehim.Isai
dal i
tt
leprayerbef
oregett
ingoutof
thecarandwentintothehouse.
Iwenti
nthr
ought
heki
tchen.Ther
ewasKat
legoand
Emi.
Me:
"Ev
eni
ng"t
hesunhadj
ustset
.
Kat
:"Hey
"shehuggedme."
Theyar
eint
hel
ounge"
Emi
:"Doy
ouneedagl
assofgi
n?"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"I
fIdidn'tf
eelli
kedy
ingIwouldhaveone.
Thanksthough"shwsmiledandconti
nuedcleani
ng
gl
asses.Iproceededtot
helounge.
Theyalltur
nedt ol
ookatme.Katl
egof ol
l
owed.Isat
onthesinglecouchthatf
acedKhuleandQuint
on.
Thisresemblancei
scrazyhonest
ly.I
fQcoul
djust
cuthisbeardIswearIwouldconf
usethem
every
time.
Igr
eet
ed.
Calvi
n:"I
'
m notevengoi
ngtobeataroundthebush.
MaNzuza, Mamnguni
.Iam v
erypissed.Iam so
rev
oltedbywhatyoudidatt
hemal l
.Howol dareyou?
3?4? "Ishookmyhead."Thenwhywoul dyouactso
chil
dish?Doy ouknowwhatishappeningonSA
blogsrightnow?Doy ouknowthehotgossipof
tomor r
owmor ni
ngnewspaper
swillbe?"
Chri
s:"Aft
ermonthsoft
ryi
ngtostayofft
hefr
ont
pages.Youjusthadt
odragusback.Youaret
o
bl
ameKhet helo"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ohwhy
?BecauseIam notasl
ayqueen?
"
Me: "
Thatist hev erysamet hingwewi llmakei tt
o
thenewsev erydaybecauseIam f edupofy ouand
calli
ngmet hat."Isaidcal mly.Wi t
houtey econtact.
"Wi t
hal l
duer espectboNy amazane.Iam si ckand
ti
redofhowKhet heloistowar dsme.I tbeganatt he
restaurant.Shecal l
edmet hatname, shekept
maki ngnast ycomment satdi nnerthatni ght.I
reachedoutbecauseIhadr eali
zedt hiswasmor e
thanaboutwhatmyf atherdidbutr atheraboutmy
sister.Khethelof eelsthreatenedbyhowmuchIl ook
l
ikemysi ster,Ithinkshesomehowf eelslikeIwil
l be
ar e-"
Khet
hel
o:"
Bit
chpl
easey
ou-
"
Me: "I'
m notdone! "Fuck.Thi si sn'tt
hesi deofmeI
wantt hesepeopl etowi t
nessj usty et."Shefeelsl i
ke
Khulewi l
lber emi ndedofSedi .That '
swhatI 'v
e
concl udedbecauseIl earnedt hatpeopl edied
becauseofKhet hiweandTy l
er '
suni onbutnoone
everhat edKhet hiweasmuchasKhet hel
ohat esme.
Andwhatshedi dt oday.Sher eal l
yputmeof f
.And
I'
m deepl ysor ryt hathappened.I '
m sor r
yitputy our
familyt othenews.I '
m sor ryIsl appedy ouback
Khethel obutpl easewher everwecr osspat hs.Nev er
evergr abmyhai r.QI '
m sor ryIr anoutony ou
yester day .ThisiswhyIr anof f.Ican' tmar r
ywher eI
mightbef edpoi son.Khul epl easet akecar eofmy
baby .Icer t
ainlydonott rustt hiswoman.Ev eryone
I'
m sor rytohav ehadbr oughtal lt
hisunnecessar y
dramat oy ourfami l
y.May bey ouwer erightKhet helo.
Iwasj ustaphase"
Iwasatedgeofbr
eaki
ngdown.Igotupandrushed
out
.Tearswer
epouri
ngdownasreachedthedoor.
Iheardpeopl
etal
ki
ngbehindme.Iunl
ockedmycar
.
Therewasacarparkedbehi
ndme.
Qui
nton:
"Ican'
tbel
i
evey
oubot
h"It
urned.I
twas
hi
m,Khul
eandKhet
hel
o.
Khul
e:"
Youbeatmybr
other
'sgi
rl
fr
iend"
Khet
hel
o:"
Youdon'
tknowwhatshewasdoi
ng"
Me:
"Thatwasmycousi
n"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yeahr
ight
"
Khul
e:"
Apol
ogi
ze"
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
m notcr
azy
"
Q:
"Apol
ogi
zeYol
i
"
Me:
"Idi
d."
Q:
"Doi
tagai
n"
Me:
"What
?Nofor
geti
t.Shewi
l
lst
artt
hinki
ngshe'
s
myGodi
fIdo"
Theychuckl
ed.
Khul
e:"There'
sonethi
ngthatyoutwodonotknow.
We'dchooseeachotheroverany
thi
ngandanyone.I
f
youthi
nkwewi ll
bewithwomenwhoar esworn
enemiesthenyougotanot
herthi
ngcoming.
"
Q:
"Wecanal
way
sfi
ndour
sel
vesl
i
ttl
ehot
ti
eswho
wi
llactl
ikeadul
tsnoty
out
wool
dmagogozwi
tht
iny
br
ains.
"Wt f
?
Me:
"Yougonnadat
e18y
earol
dsnow?
"
Khule:"I
ftheyarematur
ethanyoutwotheny
es.
Untily
oubot hhavehumbledyour
sel
vesandl
ear
ned
thatyouaretwinsandbeobsessedwit
heachot
her
.
Donotst epinmyhouse"
Khet
hel
o:"
Arey
oul
i
steni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?"
Khule:"
Ver
yclear
.Hav
efunwhi
l
eyouf
ixy
our
rel
ati
onshi
p."
Qui
ntonhandedusenv
elopes.
Quint
on:"Int
herear
ey ourvi
sas.Thejeti
sreadyt
o
boardtodayat10pm headi
ngtoIndonesi
a.Isi
t
Bali
?"
Khule:
"Yes.Enj
oyy
our
sel
vesmyl
oves.I
tsan
i
sland.
"
Theyhuggedusandheadedbacki
n.
Khet
hel
o:"
Thi
sisal
lyourf
aul
t"
Me:
"I'
drat
herbesi
ngl
ethant
ogoany
wher
ewi
th
y
ou"
Sher
ushedbacki
nsi
dewhil
eIgoti
nthecar.Ihat
e
howmuchthi
smoronknowsIl
ovehim!.
..
[
2/26,07:
59]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

39
.
[
Unedi
ted.Apol
ogi
es ]
.
Izi
ppedthel
uggageandputi
tdown.Readyt
ogo.I
t
hasbeenagl
orious2day
sofbli
ss.
Althoughweal mostdiedofhungoveryest
erdaybut
i
twaswor thit
.Wewentt ochurchyest
erdayand
camebackt ohavelunchwi t
hagettoknoweach
othersessionwhil
eati t
.Theyaregoodpeople
afteral
lIhopetheyt
hinkt hesameofme.
Lelobeggedhermentonott
ryandfi
ndus.Ifoundi
t
real
lyweir
dthatt
heywoul
devenlookforus.Gi
rl
s
needt
imet
othemsel
vesoncei
nawhi
l
e.
IknowIam alr
eadybadinfl
uenceintheirey
esbut
thi
sescapewaswor t
hit
.ForEmi '
sstressandf
or
ouramends.Ihear
dasof tknockandadooropened.
Shesmiled.
Khet
hel
o:"
Isi
tsaf
etocomei
n?"
Me:"Asl
ongaswhatevery
ouhavebehi
ndyoui
snot
al
cohol
"shel
aughedandclosedt
hedoor
.
Khet
helo:"
It
schampagneact
ual
l
y.Iseey
ouar
e
donepacki
ng"
Me: "
YesIam.ItsanhouruntilweleaveIloveall
thesenewclot
hesIwoul dn'
tsurv
iveforgett
ingany
ofthem"shechuckledandsatonachai rturni
ngher
backagai
nstthedresser
.
Khet
hel
o:"Wel
lyouandIboth."Shepaused."
Ifel
t
l
ikeweneededt
otalkaboutthisbef
oreweleave"
Me:
"Soundsser
ious"
Khethel
o:"
Abit
.May be.
..
uhm..
.onFr
iday,whenIsai
d
thesmokehasclear
edbetweenus.Ididn'
tmeanitI
-
"
Me:
"What
?Why
?"
Khethelo: "Letmef i
nish.Ijustsai dthattofree
everyonef rom theemot ional t
ensi onIfel
tint hat
meeting.Ij usttoldmy sel
fIwi l
l pretendeverythingis
okayunt ilwhenev erbutsomet hinghappenedon
Saturday .Ireali
zedyouwer egenui nelyhappy.Iwas
genuinelyhappywewer eal lt
her edr i
nki
ngour selves
todeat h.Youf itj
ustrightintothepuzzl e.I
tslikey ou
weret hemi ssi
ngpieceandnowwe' recompl ete.
Thankst oCal v
inforforcingthet ruthoutofme. "
Me:"I
'
m notgoingtocryokay
.I'
mjustgl
adwe're
fi
ndi
ngcommongr oundandIpromiseyou,y
ouwi l
l
notr
egretwhatyoufel
tonSatur
day"shesmil
ed.
Khethelo:
"It
ssti
ll
goi
ngtotakeal
otthoughtoadj
ust
tohavingaspit
ti
ngimageofmyhusband'sl
atewi
fe"
Me:"I
'
llwearheavymake-
up"wel
aughed.She
l
ookedatherwristwat
ch.
Khethel
o:"
Webettergetgoi
ngbef
orey
ougetl
ate
fort
hatmeeti
ng"Isi
ghed.
Mydadcal
l
edl
astni
ghtandaskedmetostandin
f
orhi
minabusi
nessdi
nnert
onight
.It
ri
edgett
ing
my sel
foutoft hatcreepysi
tuat
ionbuthetol
dmehis
pawi l
lemailmet hespeech.AllIhavetodoisbe
there,
smile,shakehandsandr eadthespeechof
whichsoundsl ikehellt
ome.Idonotl i
kebeing
centerofatt
ent i
on.
Khethiwe:"
Dower eal
lyhavet
ogo?
"Shesai
daf
ter
packingourbagsattheback.
Lel
o:"
Yes.Youmi
ssedwor
ktodayr
emember
?"
Emi
:"Wel
lIqui
tmi
ne"
Us:
"Why
?"
Emi:"
Iwon'tbeabl
etol
ookatBr
adever
yday."We
goti
nthecar.Lel
ovol
unt
eer
edtodr
iveus.Couldn'
t
behappi
er.Ihat
edri
vi
ng.
Kat:
"Shame.Whatar
eyougonnadowi
thy
ourl
i
fe
now?"
Emi
:"Lookf
oraj
ob.Khet
hiwedon'
tyouneedaPA?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ihav
eaPA"
Emi
:"Khet
hel
o,anynewhai
rdr
esser
sneeded?
"
Kat
:"Def
ini
tel
ynot
"wel
aughed.Yest
erdayshef
ail
ed
t
wist
ingLel
o'
saf
ro.
Sof
tbal
ladcameontheradi
o.Iposi
ti
onedmy
sel
f
wel
landdri
ft
edtosl
eep.
.
..
Verygener
ouswomen.Theydr
oppedmeof fat
home.IhaveKyl
i
e,BenandQui
ntontodeal
wi t
hand
Ihateever
ymomentofit
.
Around6pm.40mi nut
esafterIarr
ivedthe2
gentl
emenarri
vedwiththedresstowearatt he
funct
iondi
nnerorwhateverthehel
lthatthi
ngis.
All
Icansayi sIl
ookedlikeadr
eam.HadInotr
an
outofQuint
onIwoul dbeweari
ngari
ngtoaddon
myperi-
perisaucebeing.
Irodei
nalimo.Ihadnoideat
her
eweregonnabe
camerapeopl
eandaf ucki
ngr
edcar
pet!
!!
!
Thedooropened.Iwantt
odi
eatt
hisv
erymoment
.
Cheaf
fur
:"Ma'
am youmayst
epout
"It
ookmycl
utch
andst
eppedout.
Iwal
kedast houghther
ewerenocamerasfl
ashi
ng
atme.Ikeptmyf acedownunt
ilIwasi
nsi
de.
Somanygreyhair
edmenwi thfr
eshf
acesbesi
de
them.Ther
ingsonthi
erf
ingers!
Thi
sisgonnabemei
n5y
ear
sdearLor
d..
.
*
**
Ithasbeen2day s.Itdoesn'tseem li
keI'
m goingto
Durbanany t
imesoon.Ihav eabout3mor eweeksto
stayhere.Tylercall
edmey esterdayandaskedme
toredohisbabymamashouse.Idon' twanttoseem
l
ikeabet ray
ert otheDubewi vesbutIcan'
talsoturn
downaj obhenceIam goi ngt ohitKhet
hiwewi t
ha
surpri
seattheof fi
ce.
Wasn'titFri
dayj ustdaysago?Andher ewear eon
yetanotherFriday.It
sbeen6day ssinceIsawt hat
manofmi ne.Ihav ebeenmakingupexcuseswhen
hesayshewant st omeet.Ineedallt
hestrengthto
facehim oranyofhi sbrother
safterIsuggest
ed
theygetleftwithkids.
If
ini
sheddr
essi
ngupandwal
kedout
.
Ipassedbythemallt
ogetmeal sandsnacks.I
drovest
rai
ghttoDubelogi
sti
cs.Ihaveneverbeen
ther
e.
I
tisasbeauti
fulastheyshowitonthepi
ctur
es.I
pr
oceededwhenInot icedt
heparki
ngspace
or
ganiserwaslooki
ngatme.
Whydidthi
smanreti
re?Iwould'
velovedtopayhi
m
avi
sither
e.Ihadj
ustther
ightout
fi
tforthe
env
ironment
.
Me:
"Hi
"Isai
dtot
her
ecept
ioni
st.
Her
:"Hi
.Ohmyt
hathai
r.
"Ismi
l
ed.
Me:"Thanks.Lulu'
shairsal
on.Shedoespretty
beaut
iful
braids"yesIdidmyhairyest
erday.Iwent
andsat6hour sthantomeetupwi thQ.
Her
:"Iwi
l
ldefini
tel
ytr
ythem out
.HowmayIbeof
hel
psweetheart
?"
Me:
"IsMi
ssKhet
hi-
"
Ifel
tsomeonegrabmyarm pul
l
ingmeaway
.If
reed
fr
om thegr
ip.Whatt
hehel
l?
Me:
"Whatt
hehel
li
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"
Zamo: "Showi
ngupatmywor kplace,real
l
y?I
thoughtImademy sel
fcl
eari
tisov er
.Areyoutr
ying
tocauseaf i
ghtbet
weenmygirlf
riendandI?"
Whatoneart
hist
hisboyabout
?Idi
dn'
tev
enknow
heworksher
e.
Me: "
You'r
everypatheti
cZamokuhl e.Lear
ntokeep
yourclawsoffme"Isawsecur it
yguy scomeupto
us.TheyaskedifI
'm okay.Iassuredthem I
'
m good
andtheypull
edthelunati
cZamoaway .
Iwentbackt
other
ecept
iondesk.
Me:
"IsKhet
hiwei
n?"
Her
:"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me: "
YeahI
'm good.Itwasj ustamisunder
standi
ng"
shegavemeav i
sit
or'
st agandhadal ady
accompanymet oKhet hiwe'sof
fi
ce.
Isur
eknowwhent ovisi
t.Wemetatt
hecorr
idor
l
eadingtoherof
fi
ce.Shehadj
ustcameoutthe
meeting.
Me:
"Thi
sisav
erybeaut
if
ulof
fi
ce"
Khethiwe:
"Real
ly?Iwast
hinki
ngy
oucoul
djustputa
vavavoom toi
t"
Me:"Youonlyneedavaseofwhit
eflower
sont
his
l
it
tl
etableandthat
'si
t.Ibr
oughtl
unch"
Khet
hiwe:
"Youareali
fesav
er.Inev
ergott
imet
o
eatt
odayIam st
arv
ing"
It
ookt
hef
oodoutaswesatdownont
hecouch.
Me:
"Ist
hisy
ourspeci
alcouch?
"Shechuckl
ed.
Khethi
we:
"Nope.I
tsEmi
's.Shehasthi
scouchi
n
ever
yhomeandeveryof
ficeofherbr
other
s"
Me:
"What
?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Yes.She'
sthi
ercut
eli
tt
lepr
incess"
Me:"
Mustbenice"weatei
nsilence."
Ihave
somet
hingt
otelly
ou"Isai
d.Sheturnedtome.
Khet
hiwe:
"Youar
escar
ingme"
Me: "
Jessi
cahi
redmetodoherhouseandIsai
d
yes"shefr
owned."
Saysomet
hing"
Khet
hiwe:
"Ist
hati
t?"
Me:
"Yes"shel
aughed.
Khet
hiwe:"
Idonotexpectyoutohat eJessica.She's
par
tofourfami
ly.She'
scaringTyler'
schil
dandbabe
whoevermayasky out
owor kont hei
rhousespl ease
doit
.Howanyofusf eelaboutthatcert
ainperson
doesn'
tmatt
er.Thisismoneywe'ret
alki
ngabout
andIappr
eci
atey ourhonest
y.Ty
leral
readyt
old
me"
Me:
"That
'sar
eli
ef.Thanky
ou"shesmi
l
ed.
Khethi
we:
"Let
'seatandst
opwor
ryi
ngaboutcr
azy
thi
ngs"
Me:
"Idon'
twannaseem l
i
keat
wof
acedsnake"
Khet
hiwe:
"Nope.Aj
obi
saj
ob"
Myphonebeeped.
"Pleasegetv
eggi
esandr
ajahonyourwayback
home"YohNqabaandcooking.Whycan'
tweeatout
?
I
t'sFriday
.
"
Okay
.Sendmet
hel
i
st"
Wegossi
pedaboutcel
ebri
ti
es.Thepict
uresanda
vi
deoofmeandKhethel
ohadbeent akendown.
Aft
erlunchshehadameet i
ngtopreparef
orsoIl ef
t.
Iunderst
andnothingaboutthi
sworldofoff
ices.
Whatdot hesepeopletal
kabouti
nt hese5meetings
aday?
Ihadhardt i
mer eadingthatspeechatmydad'
s
funct
ion.Inail
editthough.
Myphonerang.I
twasKhet
helo.Wearesl
owly
get
ti
ngther
e.Iputont
heearpi
eceandanswer
ed.
Me:
"Hey
"Ihear
dli
tt
legi
ggl
es."
Phi
l
a?"
Phi
l
a:"
Thebabi
eswantt
otal
ktoy
ou"
Me: "
Okputt hem onthephone"apparentl
ydaddyT
hasbeent eachi
ngherhowt ousegadgets.Hernai
ls
arepaintedandthehairst
ylechanged.Khethel
osays
Khulethrewawayt heearri
ngsbutshewokeupwi t
h
newonessoIhadt oaskmydadt opierceherand
fort
unatelyheagreed.DaddyThasf oundabest
fri
endinher.
Iwouldbel y
ingifIsayIhear
dany thingot
herthan
for
eignlanguagebutIrespondedanywayunt i
l t
hey
hungup.Ofwhi chIdoubttheydid.Itmust'
vebeen
theair
ti
mer unningout.
Iar
ri
vedatthemall.I
twasn'
tthi
spackedear
li
er.
Shoul
dn'
tthesepeoplebeatwork?
Iboughtal
lthatIneededandmor
e.Ist
oodont
he
l
ineabout30mi nutes.Nev erbeensopi ssed.Byt
he
ti
meIwal kedoutIwant ednot hingbuti
cecol d
anythi
ng.IwenttoKFCt obuyi cecream andheaded
totheparki
nglot.Ipackt hegroceri
esandgoti n.
Therewere3missedcal
l
sfr
om Quint
on.It
urnedt
he
engineov
eranddail
edhi
m.Ihear
daknockfrom t
he
windowIstar
tl
ed.
Hesi
gnal
edmet
orol
li
tdown.Idi
d.Ner
vousl
yso.
Q:"Wannagr
abicecr
eam?
"Can'
theseeIhav
ea
coneinmyhand?
Me:
"Iam eat
ingi
cecr
eam"
Q:
"Cool
.Let
'sgogetmi
ne"
Me:
"CanIdr
opt
heseathomef
ir
st?
"
Q:
"Idon'
tthi
nkt
hatwoul
dbesmar
t.
"
Hepausedast
houghhehadj
ustt
houghtof
somet
hing.
Hewentt othecarnexttomi
ne.Howmanycarsdo
thesepeoplehave?Hecamebackandgotonthe
passengerseat.Hetookmyi
cecream,i
twas
start
ingt
omel toutsoweremypoorhands.
Me:
"It
houghty
ouwant
edust
ogeti
cecr
eam"
Q:
"It
houghtwewer
edr
oppi
ngt
heseathomef
ir
st"
Me:
"Yougoi
ngt
omyf
ather
'shouse?
"
Q:
"I'
l
lwai
tout
side"
Ir
ever
sedoutt
hespotanddr
oveof
f.
Wewer
equi
etal
lthewayhome.It
ookt
hegr
ocer
ies
i
nandwel
eft
.
Q:
"Tur
nri
ght
"
Me:
"Why
?"
Q:
"I'
m notgonnaki
l
lyoupl
easej
ustt
urnr
ight
"
Il
ookedathi
m andt
urned.
Idr
oveunt
ilwewer
einf
rontofsomeone'
shouse.
Q:"80509.
"Ilookedathim conf
used."Thecode."Oh.
Ipunchedit
.Thegatesl i
dopen.Idrovein.Hegot
outandcamet oopenf orme.Het ookmehandand
headedinsi
de.
Q:"Thi
sismyot
herhouse.Wel
comehomebaby
"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Q:
"BongaandMt
hoar
elooki
ngaf
teri
t"
Me:"I
tisbeaut
if
ulandver
ycl
ean.Whatmor
edoI
notknowaboutyou?"
Hepour
edmej
uiceandl
edmeupt
hest
air
s.
Q:"
Ihaven'
tbeenher
ein6mont
hs.I
thasev
ery
thi
ng
t
hatIhatet
oremember."
Me:
"Whi
chi
s?"
Q:"Myson.Hi smot herandt het winsmot her"oh?
Hesatmedownont hebed." Youknowbaby .I '
ve
l
ostprettymuchev er
y oneIev ercar edaboutt hrough
agun.Lamu' smot herwasshotatt hi
sgat e.She
tookherlastbreathinmyhands.Lamuwasshot
nexttomypar entshouseatEst cour t
,het ookhi s
l
astbreathinmyar ms.Andt hent het winsmot her
shewasshoti nt own.Shewasf l
ownt o4di f
fer ent
hospit
alsbecauseIf eltli
keeachonewasn' tbest
enough.Ont hedayIhadj ustsi gnedt hepaper sf or
hertobet akentoMal awi fory etanot heroper ation.
AsIsatwi thherwai t
ingfort heconf i
rmat i
onpaper s
thepanicsoundsst artedgett i
ngcr azy ,Khethelo
walkedi
nshecal
ledfort
hedoctorsbuti
twast oo
l
atetheli
nehadwentstr
aight
.Shetookherlast
breat
htoo,i
nmyarms."Ipull
edhi
mt ositdownnext
tome.
Me: "
Baby
..
."hehel
dmyhandt
hatwasr
est
ingonhi
s
cheekswi
pinghi
stear
s.
Q: "
Onet hi
ngIdidnotconsideraboutl
ov i
ngyouso
muchi swhatmi ghthappentoyou.WillIal
solose
you?Iam abr okenmanandwhenImety ouforonce
Iforgotaboutwhatendsuphappeni ngwithpeopl
eI
l
ov esodeeply.Thatthi
ngyoudi donSaturday
messedmeup, Ithoughtmybadl uckhadcaughtup
withme"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.Iam deepl
ysor
ry"
Idon'
tknowwhathurtmemore.Seei
nghim cryt
his
muchorthef
actthathewentt
hroughal
lthat.
Q:"Iam abrokenmanYoli
andIwassosel f
ishto
askyoutomar ryme.Yesf
ornowy ouandmyki ds
arebri
ngingthi
sli
ghti
nmyl i
febutIknow
somewher edowntheli
nemydarknessisgoi ngto
catchupwi t
hmeandIwouldhatetoputy ou
t
hroughthat
.Ifyouwereunderpr
essur
ebysay
ing
y
esIwill
under st
andi
fyoudidn'
tmeanit"
Me: "Imeantit
.Iwanttobet hereforyouwhent hat
darknesscomes.Wewi l
lovercomei tt
ogether
.AndI
am deeplysorryyouhadtogot hroughallt
hat.Iam
readytobey ourwif
e,havey our20kidsandbea
mot hertoal
ltheseyoualreadyhave"helaughed
withglassyeyes.He'
ssocut e.
Q:
"Am I
?"
Me:
"Youar
ewhat
?"
Q:
"Cut
e?"
Me:"
DidIsayt
hatl
oud?"Henodded.Il
aughed.He
t
ooksomethi
ngoutofhi
spocket.
Q:"
Herei
syourr
ingthen.Iwil
lnowtel
lCal
vi
niti
s
saf
etosendt
hatlet
tert
oy ourdad"
Me:
"Whatl
ett
er?
".
Q:"
Aski
ngtomar
ryyou.I
'm 34babyIdonothav
e
any
moreti
metowaste.
"
Me:"Doesthatmeanwegonnahav
esex?
"He
col
l
apsed.Ilaughed.
Q:"Ihav
enev
erseensomeonesoobsessedwi
th
sex"
Me:"Comeon.Ifel
tst
upi
dwi
thy
oursi
steri
n-l
aws
t
alki
ngabouti
t"
Q:
"Theywer
edi
scussi
ngt
hat
?That
'sv
erycr
eepy
"
Me:"Noi
tsnot
.Ishoul
dgetmynai
l
sdonet
hisr
ing
shoul
dbepoppi
ng"
Wel
aughed.
Q:"
Wecangol
atert
odot
hem.Imi
ssedy
ou"I
ki
ssedhi
m.
Me:
"Imi
ssedy
out
oo"
Hepul
l
edmet
osl
eeponhi
schest
.
Q:
"Tel
lmeaboutt
hest
ri
pper
s"
Il
aughed.Doesher
eal
l
ywannaknow?
Q:"Ihear
dKhethel
osaywecoul
dneverdot
hatf
or
you.Whatexact
lywer
etheydoi
ng?
"
OhmyGodhehear
dthat
!
May
beI
'
m st
uckont
hehoney
moonphasebutI
r
eal
l
ywannadot
hisf
ort
her
estofmyl
i
fe.
..
.
[
2/26,08:
00]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

40
.
Iwat chedhim sl
eep.Myf atherhastogivet
hem a
mat ureresponsequick.Iwanttobewi t
hhim al
lthe
ti
menow.Ihav eseenwhathemeantaboutt hedark
place.Thisisit
.Il
ethim cryitall
outunti
lhefel
l
asleep.Whywoul dthatmanputsal tinhiswounds?
Iwi
shheshothi
m.Mymandeser v
eshisbigbr
eak.
Hedeser
vesayeart
hathasper
manenthappi
ness.
Hesquir
med.It
ossedt
hebookIwasr
eadi
ngand
shookhi
m.
Me:"Hey
,hey
.I'
m here"hehel
dmetight."I
'
m her
e."
Hewaspanti
ng."Letmegetyousomethingto
dr
ink"
Q:"
Nostay"hesaidgr
abbi
ngmyar
m asIat
tempt
get
ti
ngoffthebed.
Ilaiddownnextt ohi
m andhuggedhi min.May be
thisisat est
.Godi str
yingtoseeifIwil
lreal
lysti
ck
aroundt hroughsuchhar ddarkt
imesofhi sl
ife.
Seeinghi m breakdownl i
ket
hatscaredmebuti tdid
notmakemewantt orunwaybutt ohol
dhi m and
crywi t
hhi minstead.Ifel
thi
spain.
Q:"
Itwasj
ustabaddr
eam.Don'
tcr
y"Hewi
pedmy
t
ears.
Me:
"May
beweshoul
dgobackt
oDur
ban.
"
Q:
"Youhav
ewor
ktodoher
e"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lfi
ndanot
herone"
Q:
"I'
m st
il
lwai
ti
ngf
ory
ourf
ather
,remember
?"
Me: "
Ifheresponds.Youwil
lcomeback.Badt
hings
don'
thappeni nDurban.Wewerehappy"he
chuckled.
Q:"I
tsei
therIf
acet
hisori
twi
l
lst
ayanunat
tended
cr
isi
s"
Me:
"Ar
eyougonnaki
l
lhi
m?"
Q:"
Ifwedon'
treachanagr
eementandhei
nsist
son
di
ggingLamu.Imight
"myhear
tski
ppedabeat.
Me:"Consi
dergoingtothechieff
ir
st.Idon'
twant
yougoingt
ojail
again"hefrowned.
Q:
"Inev
ert
oldy
ouIoncewentt
ojai
l
"
Me:"
Isawyoul
asty
ear
.May
bei
twasKhul
e"hesat
upst
rai
ght
.
Q:
"Wher
e?"
Me:"Br
aam pol
i
ceStati
on.Youwalkedi
nwi
th
det
ecti
veSi
zwe,that
'
sifthatwasy
ou"
Hel
aughed.
Q:
"Itwasme.Whyy
ounev
ert
oldme?
"
Me: "
Idon'
tknow.Khul
elat
ershowedupwit
hTyl
er
andsomeguy .Iknowi
tsKhul
ecauseyouwoul
d'
ve
recogni
zedmewheny ousawmei nDur
ban"
Q:"Hhai
bobaby.Tell
memor e."Heposi
ti
onedhis
handsunderhi
schin.Il
aughed.He'
ssonosey.
Me:"Theycamet oaskaboutPear
l.Myf
ri
endThabi
knew..
.Ishoul
dn'
tbetel
li
ngyouthi
s"
Q:
"Wef
oundherf
ami
l
y.Goon"
Me:
"Theyscar
edus.Thabi
evensuggest
edwe
mov etoanewpl acebecausetheDubemenarea
bunchofdanger"helaughed."
Itsnotf
unny
.Wehad
aterri
bleweek.Whydoy outhi
nkIranwhenIsaw
youatthehotel?
"
Q:
"Becausey
oual
way
srun?
"Ipi
nchedhi
m.
Me: "
No!Iwasr
unni
ngbecauseIr
ecogni
zedyou.I
thoughty
ouweret
heret
okill
me"helaughedso
hard.
Whew!Atl
easthe'
scheer
ingup.
Q:
"Youev
ent
ookakni
fe"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tev
enr
eal
i
ze"
Q:
"Am Iugl
yorscar
y?"
Me:
"Youwer
escar
y"
Q:
"Am Inotnow?
"
Me:
"No.You'
remymannowsoy
oul
ookf
ri
endl
y"
Q:
"Iam f
ri
endl
yregar
dless.Khul
eist
hescar
yone"
Me:"Idon'
tfi
ndhim scaryanymore.Youshoul
d'v
e
seenhim whenIfoundthem wit
hThabi.Andthat
guywithascar.MyGod!"
Q:"
That'
sCharl
es.Ourr
ighthandman.He'
sfri
endl
y
t
oo.Theyhadtobescaryforyout
ogiveoutt
heinf
o
t
heyneeded"
Me:
"Itwasnotcool
."
Wehear
dasof
tknockatt
hedoor
.Qwentt
oopen.
Khethel
ocameinwit
hat
rayf
oll
owedbyKhet
hiwe
wit
hanotherone.
Khet
hel
o:"
Supperf
ory
oumyl
oves.
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Spoi
l
sfory
ousoont
obeMr
sDube"
Q:
"Luckyy
ouYol
i
.Thanky
ouzi
thandwazam"
Khet
hel
o:"
Arey
ousl
eepi
ngov
er?
"
Il
ookedatQui
nton.Henodded.
Me:
"Yeah.Iam"
Khet
hel
o:"
Okay
.Seemebef
orey
ousl
eep"
Me:"Ok"Khet
hiwedi
dal
i
ttl
ecl
apandt
heywal
ked
out
.
Q:
"Let
'seat
"
Me:
"I'
l
lhav
ethi
sfr
uitsal
ad.Iwi
l
leatl
ater
.Letme
goseeKhet
hel
o"
Q:
"No.Feedmef
ir
st"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Si
ncewhen?
"
Q:
"Si
ncenow.
"
It
ookthepl
ateandfedhi
m.Icoul
dn'
thel
pbutgi
ggl
e
ev
erynowandthen.He'
swei
rd.
Q:
"Youmakeev
ery
thi
ngbet
ter
"
Me:
"Eatpl
ease"
Q:"
You'r
etheli
ghtmyl i
fehasbeeninneedof
.Iwas
cr
yingandmiser
able3hoursagobuthereIam
smili
ngandl
aughing.Il
oveyouYolanda"
Me:"I'
m gl
adbabe.Il
oveyoumor e,
openyourmout
h
nowher ecomestheaer
oplane"hel
aughedandt
ook
thespoonin.Al
mostdone.
Q:"Youcangonow.I'l
lfi
nisht
hisbymy sel
f"I
handedthepl
ateoverandgotup."Don'
ttaketoo
l
ong.Remembery oulef
tyourbabyhere"
Me:
"Okaybaby
"
Q:
"Youhav
e2pi
eces.CanIt
akeone?Whydi
dI
hav
e1?
"
Il
aughed.
Me:
"Youcanhav
eit
."Icl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndme.
Iwentt
oKhet
hel
o'
sbedr
oom.If
oundKhul
e.
Khul
e:"
Isheup?
"
Me:
"Yesandi
nabet
termood"hesmi
l
ed.
Khul
e:"
Ofcourse.Hewasn'
tgonnabesadf
orev
er
whil
eyouweretherewi
thhi
m"
Me:
"I'
dlov
etot
aket
hecr
edi
tbut
..
."
Khet
hel
owalkedoutofthebat
hroom.Shecl
i
mbed
onbedandki
ssedKhule'
scheek.
Khet
hel
o:"
Don'
tyouwannagoandcheckupony
our
twi
nny?
"
Khul
e:"
Buty
ousai
dIcanbepar
toft
hedi
scussi
on"
Khethel
o:"
Changeofmi
nd.
"Hehuf
fedandgotout
ofbed.
Khul
e:"
Don'
ttaket
ool
ong"
Hewal
kedout
.Khet
hel
otookherphoneanddi
d
what
ever
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Youmayt
akeaseat
.Dr
ink?
"
Me:
"Not
hanks.Am Ii
ntr
oubl
e?"
Thedooropened.Katl
egoandKhet
hiwecamei
n
wear
ingsexynight
ies.
Khethiwe:"
Iam nowv eryokaywi
thTyl
erhavi
ngsex
withhisJessi
ca.Myv aginai
sgonnagetl
oose"she
toucheditatt
hat.Il
aughed.
Khet
helo:"
OkayYol
i
.Weboughty
oual
i
ttl
e
somethi
ng"
Shepul
l
edapaperbagundert
hebed.It
ooki
t.
Me:
"Isi
tmybi
rt
hday
?"
Kat
:"Nobuti
tisQui
nton'
sonThur
sday
"
Me:
"Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?
"
Khet
hiwepoi
ntedatt
hegi
ft
.
Iopenedi
t.Whati
sthi
s?Fuckno!
Il
aughed.
Me:
"No!
"
Them:
"Yes"
Me:
"Younast
ycr
eat
ures.
"
Khethel
o:"
Todayi
stheper
fectdayforyout
orock
thatandgi
vehimt
hebestsexofhisli
fe"
Kat
:"Getont
op.Ri
dehi
sbr
ainsout
.Ifhedi
eshe
di
es.
"
Khethi
we:"Ther
eisgini
fyouwon'
thavethest
rengt
h
tobeincharge.
"Theywentonandonaboutwhat
shouldIdo.
Me:
"Guy
s..
."
Khet
hel
o:"
Don'
tst
opunt
ilhecal
l
sMaNgcobo"
Me:"Iwoul
dreal
l
ylov
etodoal
lthatbutIam a
vi
rgi
n"
Them:
"What
?"
Me:
"Yes.
"
Theyal
lsatdownont
hecouchf
aci
ngme.
Khet
hiwe:
"Youar
etel
l
ingus.Al
lyouguy
sdoi
s
ki
ss?"
Me:
"Yes"
Kat
:"Head?
"
Me:
"No"
Khet
hel
o:"
Arey
ouwai
ti
ngf
ormar
ri
age?
"
Me:
"Hedoesn'
twantust
odoi
t"
Kat
:"He'
sarar
ebreedontheDubehouse.These
mennevert
urndownavagina"
Khethi
we:
"Weari
t.Hewon'
tbeabl
etor
esi
sty
oui
n
thi
s"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lchi
ckenout
"
Kat
:"Tr
y.Ifheget
sexcit
edgowi tht
hef l
owandtel
l
hi
my outhinky
'al
lshoul
dwaitformarr
iagewhen
he'
sabouttoputiti
n"Il
aughed.
Me:
"That
'spur
eev
il
"
Khethelo:
"I'
m st
il
lst
uckatthefactt
hatyou'
rea
vi
rgi
n.Thewayy ouspokeatMpumal angaIdone
concludedyouguyswereacti
ve"
Me:
"Nope"
Me:
"SoKhul
eknewy
ouboughtmet
his?
"
Khet
helo:
"No.Het
hinkswe'
repr
epar
ingy
ouf
ort
hei
r
cr
azyli
fe"
Wel
aughed.
Iworetheli
nger
ieunder
neat
handIwentbackt
oQ.I
knockedandwentin.
Theywer
esl
eepi
ng,
peacef
ull
y.
It
ookaf
leeceandcar
eful
l
ywal
kedout
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Whyar
eyouback?
"
Me:
"Theyar
esl
eepi
ng.I
'
m scar
edt
odi
stur
bthem"
Khet
hiwe:
"Lett
hem be.Goodni
ght
"
Theywal
kedout
.
Khet
hel
oandIgoti
nbedandshet
ookmedownt
o
thev
eryf
ir
stdayt
heymet
..
.
*
**4MONTHSLATER*
**
Theawardofdr
amaki
nggoest
oSam Yol
i
'sf
ather
Nzuza.
Hemademyi
n-l
awsbur
nint
heSept
embersunf
or3
weeksinarow.Hekeptsayingi
tiscustom.Asmy
fat
herheshouldt
estmyf i
ance'
spatience.Andt
he
poorDubes,t
heyneverr
anoutofit.Theykept
comingback.
Isti
ll
wanttoknowhowmuchhechar gedt
hem.I
tr
iedfi
shi
ngitoutofNqababuthewoul
dn'
tbudge.
Iam nowof
fi
cial
l
yQui
ntonDube'
sfi
ance.
Befor
ethenegoti
ati
onsSam Nzuzahadt ogot ot
he
Vil
akazi
sandpaylobolaformymot her.Yesshe
betr
ayedmeandagr eedtobehissecondwi fe.So
nowIlegal
l
yfall
undert heNzuzas.Iknowithasalot
todowithmebeingal egal
lyaNzuza.
Aweekaft
ert
hel
obol
aQui
ntonaskedt
hatwegot
o
Est
cour
t.
Ihaveneverseensuchahugehome.I ti
sashopping
cent
er.Il
it
eral
lydr
ovefr
om myhouset oMaxaba'
s.I
am nottr
yingtol
oseweight
.Andthosepeopleare
somanyIknowabout10i fnot9.I
'm sti
ll
yett
o
knowmor ewhenwegot ovisi
tagai
n.
Noneoft
hesewiv
eswar nedmeaboutever
ythi
ngI
f
oundint
hatpl
ace.ButIenj
oyedbei
ngther
e
any
way
s.
I'
m afull
timemommynow, Ihav
egr andsonsdue
thi
smont h.Myli
fejustt
ookashar pcur v
eandher eI
am withabloomingcompany ,ahusbandt obe,ki
ds,
adaughterinl
awandwhol ebunchoff amily
member swhoshowupi nmyhousel iketheyownit.
Myapar t
mentwasnol ongermine.Tylerand
Khethi
weev enhavethei
rownkey .
Letmenotleaveoutthedramamyf athercaused
whenItoldhim Iwi
l
lbemov inginwi
thQui nt
on.He
sai
dImustwai tunt
ilumembesoatleast.MrsNzuza
andNtombenhlehadt ogethimtocal
m down.He
wouldn'
thearnoneofitunti
laft
eramont hsi
nceI
askedhetoldmeIcanmov ein.
Ionlymov edin2weeksago.Thet winsaregoingto
creche,theywi ll
stay2weeksher eand2weeksi n
Jo'burgsincet heyareapackage.Daddy '
sbranch
thi
ssidei snowr unni
ng,he'sbackt owork.And
they'
vel earnedanewcul t
ureofcelebrati
ng
birt
hday s.SinceIinsi
stedwet hrowt hem asurpri
se
partythey '
vebeeni nt
erestedonwhoev er
'sbi
rthday
i
scomi ngup.
Myphonerang.Distur
bingmybeautysl
eep.I
sear
chedf
orit.Thismanandhiskids.Whyaret
hey
noti
nbed?
Ohhubbyupgr
adedmyphonebyt
heway
.
Me:
"Mot
her
"
Mama:
"Heywena.Whydi
dyoul
eav
ewi
thmybr
a?"
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Mama:"I
'mtal
ki
ngaboutmybr at
hathi
desonl
y
ni
ppl
es.Iknowyouwanttosexyy
ourmanplease
buyy
ourownsexingt
hings"
Me:
"Si
ncewhendoweweart
hesamesi
ze?
"
Mama:"Nevermi
nd.If
oundi
t.I
smkhweny
anat
her
e
wi
thyou?"
Me:
"NoI
'
m al
one"
Mama:
"Ohok.Di
dyoupopt
hecher
ry?
"
Me:
"Mah!
"
Whatev
erisgoi
ngoni nthatman'shead.Heisnot
wil
l
ingtopenet
rateanytimesoon.Weonl ydoor
al.
I
tsgoodbutI'
mr eadyforthet
hingy
.Ialsowantto
part
ici
pat ei
ntal
kswiththel adi
esbutMrDubewon' t
budge."IknowwhatI'm doing"that'
shisexcuse
wheneverIaskhowl ongar ewegoi ngt oabstai
n.
Ourweddi ngdat
eissetf orAprilnextyear.Iam now
worri
edt hatmaybehe'sgettti
ngi tf
rom somewher e.
Mama:
"Youknowy
pucant
ell
meany
thi
ng"
Me:"Youwill
bet
hef
ir
stt
oknowwheni
thas
happened"
Mama:"Hhai
Yoli.Learntoheatupyourbuttcheeks.
Nomancanr esi
sty oufort
hisl
ong.Yourbuttisvery
i
ceymyangel.May beit
swhatkeepinghim offyou"
whatki
ndofamot heristhi
s?
Me:"Lalel
aMrsNzuza.Pl
easecal
lyourhusbandI
am goingtoeatbr
eakf
astnow"
Mama:
"Sendmyl
ovet
oyourbi
gheadedki
ds"
Ilaughedandbidhergoodby e.Forsomeodd
reasons,theDubesarev er
yfondofNt ombenhle
Ev entheli
tt
leones.Theylovethefactthatshe
doesn'tshoutatthem.Iwasv eryscaredthatshewi
l
l
saysomet hingoutofli
neont hegatheri
ngbutno.
Shewasonherbestbehav i
our.Shewouldonly
makef
unofmeandcr
ackj
okest
her
eandt
her
e.
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Q:"Mor
ning.Weweremaki
ngy
oubr
eakf
ast
.Was
gonnabr
ingiti
nbed"
Me:"
Aharen'
tyouguyssweet
"Iki
ssedhi
scheek
andwentt
okissthel
i
ttl
eones.
Theyhavegrowntomizeev
ery
one.Theyatt
endy ou
fort
hatshor
tperi
odofti
meandgobackt oplay
ing.
Me:
"Hav
eyouf
edt
hem?
"
Q: "
YesIdi
d.Itt
ookusanhourt
ofini
shbecause
theywererunni
ngall
overt
hepl
ace.Howdoy ou
keepthem down?"
Me: "
Mot her
lytouch.I
sPhil
ast
illcoming? "That
dramaqueen!Ev eryhousei
spartlyr
uledbyPhi la.
Herfathersgetamusedbyital
l.Nexty earshe's
goingtoschool.Final
l
yshewil
ltormentt eachers.
Q:
"No.She'
sgoi
ngt
oTy
ler
's"
Me:
"Hasn'
tJessi
cadel
i
ver
edy
et?
"
Q:
"Nope"
Thatarr
ogantpeacock.Iwasaninchawayf r
om
dri
ll
ingheremptyhead.Thewaysheor der
edme
aroundyouwouldswearIwashermai d.Iwasso
happywhenIfini
shedwor ki
ngonherhouse.
Me: "
Oh.Iguesswe'l
lseehernextweekthen"Idon'
t
thi
nkthi
slotoftr
avel
li
ngisgoodf orsomeoneher
agethough.
Hepushedt het
raywithmyfoodt
owar dsmeand
handedmeanapki n."
Thankyoul
ove.Ican'
thel
pbut
feelguil
tywheneveryouwakeupfi
rstandmake
breakfast"
Het
ookmyhandandki
ssedi
t.
Q:"Youwor kalot.Youdeservetobepamper
edat
l
east4t imesaweek.Iwast hinki
ngweshoul
dhave
ananny .Topr
epar ethem f
orcrechei
nthemorni
ng
andfetchthem inthenoony ouknow"
Me:"Idon'
tthinkthat
'sagoodidea.Nanni
esarenot
goodpeopleany more"andwi
thkidsli
kethesenope
anannywoul dhangt hem.
Q:"
Wewillgetsomeoneabitol
der
.Youcan'
twake
upat5ev
er y
day.Iam t
ir
edofhel
pingy
ouchoose
out
fi
tsf
ort
hem"
Me:"Babe!Wedoget2weekst
orest.AndIcan'
t
hav
east rangerst
ayi
ngher
ewi
thus"
Q:
"Fi
ne.Buti
fyouchangey
ourmi
ndl
etmeknow"
Me:
"Iwon'
t.
"
Q:
"Ar
eyoust
il
lmeet
ingwi
tht
hatf
ri
endofy
our
s?"
Me:
"Shehasnotconf
ir
medy
et.
"
Henodded.Weategossipi
ngaboutournei
ghbor
t
hati
sintoyoungermen.Thewayshedresses!
Whataj
oket
hiswor
ldhasbecome.
..
.
..
Thabiconfi
rmedourlunch.Ibuckl
edtheki
dsupand
drovetoWestvi
l
le.Ipi
ckedthispart
icul
arr
est
aur
ant
becauseiti
schil
drenfr
iendly
.
Thisi
smenow.Consi deri
ngsuchthi
ngsbef
oreI
takemytr
ioanywhere.Nottobl
owmyownhor nbut
Iam mot
heri
ngv er
ywel l
.Thi
sthi
ngcomesnatur
all
y,
youdonothavetoforceit
.
Isaw2pol
i
cemanwal
kin.Ihi
dmyf
acewi
tht
he
menuascheckedi fSizweisn'
tt her
e.Yesterdayat
thebuildingwheremyof f
iceis,therewasbur glary
.
Andguesswhoshowedup?Si zwe.Hewor kshere
now.Heof fer
edt obuymecof feeaftertheywer e
donewi thquestioning.Hesoundedi ntimidatedthatI
am datingQui nt
on.Hest uckar oundtoomucht omy
discomf ort
.Sbor escuedmeout .He'ssucha
nuisance
IsawThabi
comi
ngi
n.Myphonebeeped.
"
Yourfavour
it
epersoninthewholewideworldj
ust
l
andedinDurban.Feedt
hosekidsal
lergexatni
ght
,
we'
regoingout"
I
tcoul
donlybeBen.Thepregnanthi
ppofr
iendis
madatmef ornotcal
l
ingi
nthemor ni
ngasI
pr
omised.Kyl
ieandBenar
ewhataddst omyf at
igue.
IwavedatThabi
.She'
shuge.Ihav
en'
tseenheri
n
l
ikef
orever
.Igotuptohugher.
Me:"
OhmyGod.Whatar
etheyf
eedi
ngy
oui
n
Maur
it
ius"
Thabi
:"Fi
sh"wel
aughed."
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
"She
tookaseat.
Me:
"Thanky
ou.You'
rebeaut
if
ult
oo.I
tsbeenl
ong"
Thabi
:"I
t'
sbeenay ear.Welastsaweachot
heron
the5t
hofNov emberlasty
ear"
Me:"Wow.Ayearsur
edoesgobyqui ck.Iwas
hopi
ngI'
l
lseeyouongraduat
ionbutdolol
o"
Thabi
:"Wor
kmoghel
,wor
k"
Weplacedourbever
agesorder
s.Icheckedont
he
pumpkins.Theywer
esti
l
lfastasl
eep.
Thabi
:"Ar
etheyy
our
s?"
Me:
"Yes"shepul
l
edt
hest
rol
l
ercl
oser
.
Thabi
:"Wer
eyoupr
egnantwheny
oul
eft
?"
Me:"
Nosi
l
ly.Theyar
eQui
nton'
s"hersmi
l
efaded
away
.
Thabi
:"Soi
t'
str
ue?
"
Me:
"What
?"
Thabi
:"Thaty
ou'
redat
ingaDubeman.
"
Me:
"Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hat
?"
Thabi
:"Ev
ery
thi
ng!
"If
rowned."
DidInotwar
nyou
aboutt
hosepeopl
e?"
Me:"Stopshout
ingy
ou'
reat
tract
ingunnecessar
y
at
tenti
on"
Thabi
:"HowcanInot
?Youwi
l
li
ngl
ygoti
ntodanger
Yol
i"
Igotupandpushedt
hest
rol
l
erout
.Al
lthewayt
oan
emptyspace.
Me:
"Iam not4Thabi
"
Thabi:"
Wellyouseem 4t ome.Thesehi skids.
You'r
epausingy ourli
feforathugthatabuseandkil
l
women?Ar ey ouinitformoney ?You'
reonly22Yoli
.
Youshouldn'
tbepushi ngstroll
ersar
ound.Notkids
thatar
en'ty
our sforthatmatter
"
Me:"IfIknewyoui
nvitedmetolunchtojudgemeI
wouldn'thav
ecame.Ichosethi
slif
e,Ilovei
t.AndI
havemyownmoney .Iam wi
thhim becauseIlov
e
hi
m"
Thabi
:"He'
sol
d"
Me: "
AndIl
ovehi
mliket
hat.Nowifmayexcuseme"
Ipushedt
hebabi
esaway.Ipausedadi
stanceaway
.
"
Itwasn'
thi
m whoki
l
ledPear
l.
"
.
..
.
Ispokewit
hmydadt hewhol
ewayhome.Thabi
rui
nedmyday.Shecameallt
hiswayj
ustt
obean
angrybi
rd.
Theki
dswer
eupandsi
ngi
ngt
hei
rownwei
rdsongs.
Wher
eisthisman?Heusual
l
ycomest
ohel
pmeout
wi
thany
thingthatIhav
e.
Icarri
edthegroceriestowardsthedoor.Thebabi es
wer eal
readytherewaiti
ng.Iopenedthedoorandwe
wentin.Theyr antothelounge.Iwenttothekitchen
toputthethingsandwal kedtothelounge.Ithr
ew
my sel
fnexttohim andkissedhim.Hedi dn'
teven
acknowledgeme.Hekeptont i
ckl
ingSikel
ela.
Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Het ookouttoysforthekidsandpull
edmeupst ai
rs.
Hegav emeabr ownA4env el
opeaft
ersi
tt
ingme
downont hebed.Het henleanedbyt
hedresserand
crossedhisankles.
I
twaspi
ctur
es.Pi
ctur
esofmeandSi
zwe,
kissi
ngi
n
at
ub,
andev
erypi
cweev
ert
ook.Fr
eaki
nwi
tch
Me:"
Thesear
eol
dpi
ctur
es.Ther
e'snoneedt
obe
mad"
Q:"
I'
m notmad.Iam wonder
ingwhyhewasnev
er
menti
oned.
"
Me:
"It
otal
l
yfor
gotbabeI
'
m sor
ry"
Q:"Andev enwheny
oubumpedint
ohi
myester
day
.
Youstil
lforgott
oment
iony
ousawanexandwent
outfordri
nks"
Me:
"What
?Heor
der
edmecof
fee.Iswear
"
Q:
"Andt
oldhi
m ourhomeaddr
ess?
"
Me:
"Iam notcr
azy
.Whywoul
dIdot
hat
?"
Q:"Idon'
tknow!Youdat
edthi
sfucki
ngclownand
younevertol
dme.Youtoldmeabouteveryexbut
him"
Me:"
Itsl
ippedmymi ndokay
.Weneverev
en-
"thi
sis
embarr
assing."
Sizwehasawif
enow"
Q:
"Ist
hatwhyhe'
ssendi
ngt
hesepi
ctur
es?
"
Me:
"Okay
.I'
m sor
ryInev
erment
ionedhi
m.Iam
sor
ryIdidnott
ell
youIsawhi
my ester
day.You'
re
nowdoingwhatyoutol
dmenottodo.You'reangr
y
andyouhaven'
tevenhear
dmyexplanati
on"he
si
ghed.
Q:
"Comeher
e"It
ossedt
heenv
elopei
ntot
hebi
n.
Hehuggedme.
Me:
"Doy
our
ememberwhatmamkhul
usai
d?"
Q:
"I'
m sor
ry.Igotcar
ri
edaway
.Thosepi
ctur
esgot
meworkedup"
Me:
"That
'swhathewast
ryi
ngt
odo"
Q:"Youhav eathi
ngf orment
alcases"hesmirked.
"Mysel
fincludedbecauseIwanttoshootthatfool
or
anyfoolthathaseverhadachancewi t
hyou"I
l
aughed.
Me: "
Butonl
yy ouhasmyheart
.AndIagr
eedt
obe
yourli
tt
lewi
fe"hekissedme.
Q:"
Iknowyourmot
hercal
l
smemkhul
ubae"I
l
aughed.
Me:"AndIl
oveyouj
ustl
i
kethat.Evenwheny
ou
st
artgrowi
nggr
eyhai
rIwil
lst
il
llov
ey out
hesame"
Weki ssed.Iwonderwhathappenedt oMrf ancy
pantsandhi sshenanigans.I
'vebeenafraidtoask.
Butwhat everhappenedtohim Iwishithappenst o
Sizwe.Whati shetryi
ngt oachiev
ewitht hi
s?Bloody
mor on.
..
[
2/26,
08:
01]Zozaness:
41
.
MyphonebuzzedasIappl
iedli
pst
ick.Iputi
tbackt
o
i
t'
sshel
fandattendedmyphone.
Itwasami ssedcal lnot
if
icati
on.Khethel
ohadcalled.
Yesterdayt heywentt osign.Theyareoff
icial
l
y
divorced.Iam hur t
.Quintonisamess.Iwi shthey
could'vedonet hingsdif
ferentl
y.Thi
sisweighing
hardonev eryone.
Itri
edcalli
ngherbackbutitr
angunanswered.Q
camei nlookingl
ikeamechanic.He'
sbeenfixinghi
s
scrapcarfor4day snow.Hegrabbedmywai stwith
hisgreasyblackhands.Heshouldj
ustsel
lthiscar.
Me:
"Thi
sismyf
avor
it
edr
essbaby
!"Heki
ssedme.
Q:
"We'
l
lbuyanot
herone.
"
Me:
"Thi
swasli
mi t
ededit
ion.Look,
thi
steei
sgr
easy
t
oonow.Whathappenedtotheoveral
l
?"
Q:
"It
'sdi
rt
y"
Me:"That
'st
hepoi
nt.Youar
edamagi
ngcl
othes.We
j
ustboughtt
hem".
Q:"I
'm sor
ry.I
'
llweartheoveral
ltomor r
ow"heki ssed
mycheekandheadedt othebathroom whil
eI
headedtotheclosettogetanotherdress."
What
ti
mear eyougonnabeback? "Idonotunder stand
hi
sattachment.He'sacti
ngli
keal it
tl
ebabyt hat
doesn'
twanthismommyoutofsi ght.
Me: "
Befor
eyouknowi t.We'
ll
shopforthehouse,
payandI'l
ldr
iveback"Iam meet
ingwiththeowner
ofthehouseIwil
lbewor ki
ngonfrom nextweek.
Q:
"Ok.Ref
usel
unchi
fheof
fery
ou"
Me:"Why
?"Hecameoutandhel
pedmezi
pupmy
dr
ess.
Q:
"We'
regoi
ngsomewher
e"
Me:
"I'
mt ry
ingt
obei
nshape.Don'
ttakemet
ojunk
f
oodplaces"
Q:"Youcanhaveyourweddi
ngdresstai
l
oredfr
om
scr
atchMrsDube.Idonotunder
standyourf
uss
aboutst
ayi
nginshape"
Me:"Ishoul
dn'
tbebi
ggert
hant
hedr
essI
'
veal
ready
f
itl
ove"
Q:"Whocares.We'r
egoi
ngoutt
ojunkf
oodpl
ace
l
aternoar
gument s"
Me:
"YesSi
r.I
'
llcal
lyou"
Q:
"Don'
tfor
gett
otextmey
ourl
ocat
ion"
Me:"Iwon'
t"Iputmyphonei
nsi
demyti
nyhandbag
andheaccompaniedmeallt
hewayt
omycar .He
ki
ssedmegoodby e.
Hislovegr
owseachday
.Iam cer
tai
nIam l
oved
here.
..
.
.
..
MySaturdayleftf
eltmoreli
keaTuesdayor
Wednesday.Themanbr oughthiswif
eandhis
daught
ers.Theshoppingtookl
ongerthanexpect
ed.
Longenoughi tmadeQcomet owher ewewere.He
di
dnotcomet ousbuthewast her
e,goingi
ntoever
y
shopwewenti
n.Dancing,
blowingki
ssesand
winki
ngatmewheneveroureyesmeet.
Igotsadwhenhedi
sappear
ed.Hecamebackeat
ing
hotwings.
Aft
ertheZungu'
sshoppi
ngsessi
on.Ibidt
hem
goodbyeandwenttomycar.Hewasstanding
agai
nstit
.Hehadtakenanuberappar
entl
y.
Hedr
oveust
othe"
place"
.
Hetoldmet owai
tint
hecar
.Ical
l
edKhet
hel
o.She
answered.
Khet
hel
o:"
Hey
"
Me:
"Hey
.It
ri
edcal
l
ingy
oui
nthemor
ning"
Khethel
o:"Ij
ustsawt
henoti
fi
cat
ion.I
'
vebeenbusy
.
I
'm movingtomynewplace"
Me:
"It
houghty
ouwer
egonnast
aywi
thMam Di
no"
Khet
helo:
"It
sunlawful
.LuckyformeIknow
someonewho'sanestateagentthat
'showIwas
abl
etogetthisapar
tment"
Me:
"Ohokbabe.Youdonemov
ingt
hingsi
n?"
Khethelo:
"Yeah.Itwasjustbedsandki
tchen
utensil
s.I
'm onl
yleftwi
thcleani
ngupandgetsome
rest"
Me:"
Ok.Youshoul
dsendmey ouraddressmay
beI
mi
ghtst
opbytomorrowaf
terchurch"
Khethel
o:"Iwi
l
l.Ir
eal
lycoul
dusesomecompany
.I
regr
etleav
ingmykidsinJo'
bur
g"
Me:
"Aslongasy
ou'
rei
nagoodst
atet
obear
ound
t
hem y
oucanfet
cht
hem"
Khet
hel
o:"
Iwi
ll
fetchthem nextFr
idaywhenI
'
ve
set
tl
edi
n"Qopenedthedoor.
Me:
"We'
l
ltal
konWhat
sApp.Keepwel
l
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thanky
ouhun.By
e"
Me:
"By
e"
Ihungup.
Q:
"Youcancomenow"
Me: "
Ar ey
out
ryi
ngt
oki
dnapme?
"Hef
rownedand
chuckled.
Q:
"Andwhywoul
dIdot
hat
?"
Me: "Becausemyf atherj
ustsealedthatinter
national
deal"wel aughed.Hetookmyhandandweheaded
i
nsidet hi
sdodgypl ace.I
tlookedbeautif
ul i
nsi
de.
Therewer eaf ewpeopleeatingandmi ndingtheir
ownbusi ness.Heledmet oatablef
ort woatf arend.
Me:
"Youl
ookexci
ted"
Q:"Iam.
"Awai
tr
essbroughtusdr
inks.Mycr
anber
ry
j
uicewit
hsl
i
cedlemononahugejug.
Me:
"Ar
eyouaboutt
opr
oposeagai
n?"
Q:
"May
be"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Thi
stast
esheav
enl
y"
Q:"
Itcomeshi ghl
yr ecommended.Womenwho
t
asteditboughtitl
ikecrazy
"
Me:
"Wher
edi
dtheyt
ast
eit
?"
Q:
"Her
e."
Me:
"Yout
oldt
hem t
omakei
t?"
Q:
"Yesandmanymor
eofy
ourwei
rdmi
xtur
es"
Me:
"You'
reabusi
ngy
ourpowerNy
amazane"
Q:"Ihadtomakesur eourrestaurantsell
swhatour
customerscannotfindanywher eelse"Ichuckl
ed
nervousl
y.Hecall
edt hewait
erandt oldhim hecan
bri
ngourf oodandthe"thi
ng".
If
ocusedonmyj
uice.
Q:
"Doy
oul
i
kei
t?"
Me:
"Yeahi
t'
sbeaut
if
ul"
Q:"Iknewy ou'
dloveit."Thewait
erbr
oughtsbr own
envelope.Hethankedhi m andhewalkedaway .He
pushedt heenvel
opet owardsme."Onlythati
sl ef
tis
foryoutosignandt hent hi
swil
lbeoffi
cial
lyours"
Me:
"Qui
nton-
"
Q:"
Shhh.Si
gn.We'
l
ltal
kaboutev
ery
thi
ngel
seat
home.
"
Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"
Q:"I
'
m cert
ainmylove.
"It
ookthepaper
soutand
si
ghed.Hesighedl
astweekonMonday.Hehas
secr
ets.
Iputthepaper
sbackt
henourfoodarri
ved.My
nerv
esalwaysgett
hebestofme.Ikeptlooki
ng
around.Thethoughtofowningsuchaplacesent
shiver
sdownmyspi ne.Thi
sissomethi
nghugeto
notdiscussi
twithyourpartnerf
ir
st.
Weateoverasi
ll
yconv
ersat
ion.Westayedf
or
hour
sandthendrov
ehomewi tht
akeaways.
..
.
..
Thefol
lowi
ngday.Iwokeupandpreparedf
or
chur
ch.Khul
eiscomingoverappar
entl
ysothi
sman
ofminecan'
tcome.Hecall
edatmidni
ghtand
i
nfor
medus.
NowIhav etoprepar
esomethi
ngthat
'l
lcookwhenI
getback.Idon'
tknowifIwi
l
levenbeabletogosee
Khethel
o.
Hegoti
nandpeed.
Q:"Youdoknowy
ouwon'
tdi
eify
ouski
pchur
ch
r
ight?"
Me:
"YesIdobutt
odayi
sver
yimpor
tant
"
Q:
"Ev
erySundayi
simpor
tantt
oyou"
Me:"
Don'
tdiscour
ageme.Godwi l
ltakemeaway
f
rom y
ou"hechuckledandhuggedmef r
om behi
nd.
Q:
"Heunder
standsIwantt
ospendmySundaywi
th
mywoman"
Me:
"Thencomewi
thmet
ochur
ch"
Q:
"Khul
eisonhi
sfl
i
ghtal
ready
.Ihav
etof
etchhi
m"
Me:
"Bol
t,Taxi
fyanduberar
ether
eforar
eason"
Q:"
Havey oueverhear
daboutwhatt
hosepeopl
edo
t
oinnocentpeople?
"
Me:
"Whatdi
dtheydot
oyouy
est
erday
?"
Q:"Heshowedmehispeni
s.Youshoul
d'
veseenme
beggi
nghimtoputi
taway"Il
aughed.
Me: "
Thati
sn'
tfunnybabe.Justsayy
ouwannaf
etch
yourtwi
n"
Q:"
YesIdo.Butf
ir
st.Iwi
lldr
ivey
outochurch"Iput
mymakeupbackt othebagandtur
nedaroundto
ki
sshi
m.
Me:"Thankyoumylove.Getdr
essed.Iwi
l
lbe
downstai
rsmari
nat
ingthemeat"
Q:
"Ok.Don'
tmi
ssmet
oomuch"
Ichuckl
edandheadedout
.Iputonmyshoesand
wentdownst
air
s.
Whydoest imemov esl
owwheny ou'
rekeenabout
somet hi
ng?It
sbeendaysinDecemberbutwe' r
enot
evenaweekcl osetoChri
stmas.Idon'
tevenwishto
witnessthel
engthofJanuary
,Februar
yandMar ch.
Thismani sn'
taboutgames.He'
sreall
ynot
enter
tai
ningthesexthing.I
'
vedeci
dedtoleti
tgo
becauseIam fight
ingalosi
ngbatt
le.Mymom has
gi
venupwi t
hhermor ni
ngphonecall
s.
Hecamedownwi t
hmybagsoonasIf
ini
shed.I
r
insedmyhandsandof
fwewent.
..
.
Hekeptst
eal
i
nggl
ances.Someti
mesIgetani
dea
t
hathe'
sscar
edt
osatsomet hi
ngst
ome.
Q:"Youdon'
tseem exci
tedaboutt
her
est
aur
ant
t
hing"
Me:
"Am Inot
?"
Q:"
Imeani fyouwerey
ouwould'
vement
ionedi
t.
Youhaven'
tsaidany
thi
ngabouti
tsi
ncewecame
homelastnight
"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.IguessI
'
m st
il
lpr
ocessi
ngi
t.I
'
m
over
whel
medhonest l
y.I
'
m sor
ry,Il
oveitbabe.Just
scar
edImightnotbeabl
etotakecareofit,
you
knowhowmyj obkeepsmebusy"
Q:"Ever
yworkplacehasamanagerandasuper vi
sor
.
Theyrunthepl
aceony ourbehal
f.Youmightshow
uptwiceor3ti
mesaweekt ocheckonthe
progr
ess"
Me:
"Ar
ewegonnahav
emoneyt
opayt
hem?
"
Q:"
Yes.I
thasmadeenought
opayt
hem f
or3
monthsi
nthi
s5days.
"
Me:"
Wowthat'
sincr
edi
ble.
"Ipaused."Whydi
dn'
t
yout
ell
methough?"
Q:"Iwasn'
tsur
eify
ouwoul
dli
kei
tandnowIknow
youdon't
"
Me:
"Ido.Don'
tbel
i
ket
hat
"
Q:"Iknowwhenyou'
reexcit
edaboutsomethi
ng.You
couldn'
tsl
eepwhenIcamehomewi ththe
paperworkofy
ourof
fice"
Me:"Il
ovet
herestaur
ant.Youj
ustcaughtmeoff
guar
d.We'r
etal
kingaboutawholerest
aurant
sunder
myname.Everyper
sonwhoneverdr
eamtofowni
ng
ar
estaur
antat22wouldactl
i
kethi
s"
Hepul
l
edup.I
twaspacked.
Q:
"Cal
lmewheny
ou'
redone.Iwi
l
lfet
chy
ou"
Me:
"Don'
tbeupsetpl
ease.I
'
m sor
ry"
Q:"I
tsokay.
"Hekissedmeandfakedasmile.I
knowit
sfakebecausehi
sexpr
essionsar
etell
ing
anot
herstor
y.
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Q:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Hehoppedof fandcametoopenthedoorf
orme.I
gotof
f.Ihuggedhim andwal
kedoff
..
.
.
..
.
Beninsi
stedwegoandhav ecoffeewhil
eItellhi
m
what'
sbotheri
ngme.IdidnotevenenjoychurchasI
hadanti
cipat
ed.If
eelbadfornotbei
ngexcited
enough.
Ben:
"Okspi
titoutbef
orei
tchokesy
ou"
Me:
"Heboughtusar
est
aur
ant
"
Ben:
"Who?
"
Me: "
Quint
on.Hetookmet ot
hispl
aceinSout
h
beachandhadmesi gni
ngfort
hatrest
aur
anttobe
off
ici
all
yoursandnowhe'smadbecauseI'
m not
excit
edenough"
Ben:"Rewindplease.You'
respeakingtoofastI
missedsomepar t
s."Hehandedmeagl assofwat
er.
"Dr
inkupandt akeadeepbr eath"Idi
dasper
i
nstruct
ion.
Me:
"NeedIst
artaf
resh?
"
Ben:
"No.Justanswermyquest
ions.Hesur
pri
sed
youwit
harestaurant
?"
Me:"Yes.Notarestaur
antthatst
il
lneedswor
k.I
t
hasbeenrunni
ngf or7daysnow"
Ben:
"Andy
ou'
renothappy
?"
Me:"
Don'
tyout
hinkheshould'
veatl
easthi
nted?
Howoneart
ham Igonnarunthatpl
ace?
"
Ben:
" Youwil
ll
earn.St
opbei
ngadr
amaqueenand
begratef
ulYol
anda"
Me:
"I'
m scar
edBeny
oudon'
tunder
stand"
Ben:"May beyou'r
elooki
ngaty ourfeet
.Wandery our
eyesoffandseet hatthi
sisthelegacyforyourkids
andyoushal lgetsomeonetohel pyouunderstand
howr estaur
antsareranandst opbeingachild.
You'r
esomeone' swifebabeandy oubett
erstart
acti
nglikeone"Ilookedathim."Let'
sgo.I'mtaking
youtoy ourhusbandandy ougoi ngtogi
vehima
footmassagewhi leyouapologiseandcreatenew
i
deasonhowt okeeppeoplelockedony our
rest
aurant"
Me:
"You'
remaki
ngmea1918wi
fe"
Ben:
"Thei
rmar
ri
agesnev
erf
ail
ed.Let
'sgo"
Het
ookmybagandpul
l
edmeup.
.
..
Hedroppedmeof fatthegat e.Hewasgivi
ngme
advi
sesall
theway .Heirri
tatesmeforneversi
ding
wit
hmebutIl ov
ehi mf oralwaysbei
ngstrai
ghtup
wit
hme.Hedoesn' tbeatar oundt
hebush.He
warnedmet odoashesai dbef or
edri
vingoff
.
Iscannedmyf
ingerandwenti
n.
Ihear
dlaught
erwhenIwalkedin.Iknowmy
mother'
svoi
cewhenIhearit.
Theyar
ebot
hher
e.Eat
ingandl
aughi
ng.
Q:"
You'
reback"heseemsbet
tert
hanwhenwe
par
tedways.
Me:
"YesIam back.Howi
sev
ery
onedoi
ng?
"
Dad:"
Wearegood.Wear
eher
etocel
ebr
atet
he
goodnews"
Me:
"Iwasn'
texpect
ingy
out
oact
ual
l
ycomeher
e"
Mom:
"Don'
tyouwantusaty
ourhouse?
"
Me:
"That
'snotwhatI
'
m say
ing.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Dad:"
That'
sbecauseyouarehav
ingali
tt
lebr
other
orsi
ster
"Theysmiledandhel
dhands.
Wf
t?
[
2/26,
08:
02]Zozaness:
42
.
Therear
epeoplewhobuzztheinter
com andt
hen
ther
e'st
hisi
diotatt
hegat
erightnow.
Qui
ntonwokeup.Icoul
dseehi
m ont
hemi
rr
or.
Me:
"I'
l
lgeti
t.Ij
usthadt
ofi
nishupher
e"
Q:
"Nocont
inueI
'
llgeti
t"
Hegotoutofbed.Hemi ssedastepandbalanced
bythewal
l.Theydrankandsmokeduntil4am.He
askedmenott owakehim upbecausehe'
snot
goingt
owor k.Per
ksofbeingyourownboss.
Icamebackf r
om wor kandfoundthem cooki
ng.To
sayIwasimpr essedtofi
ndthem weari
ngaprons
wouldbealie.Igotter
ri
fi
ed.Theweedt hey'
vebeen
smokingist
oomucht otrustt
hem wit
hany t
hing,
especi
all
ycooking.
Buttomysurpri
set
hefoodwaspr et
tynice.I
twas
ni
cehavingamealwit
hbot hoft
hem.Taking
ever
ythi
ngcraz
y.Il
aughedunti
lwefini
shedeating.
Theytol
dmet ogoupstai
rsandhaveawar m bath
whil
etheycl
eanup.Whosay snotothat
?
Hecameback.
Me:
"Whoi
sit
?"
Q:
"Thepol
i
ce"heputonhi
str
ouser
.
Me:
"Whatdot
heywant
?"
Q:"Idon'
tknow.We'
rey
ett
ofi
ndout
.Ar
eyou
done?"
Me:
"Yeah"
Q:"
Pleasegoatt
endt
hem I
'
llbedownshor
tl
yIneed
t
obrushmyt eet
h"
Me:
"Okay
"
Igotupandl
eft
.
If
oundanot
eont
opoft
heki
tchencount
er.
'
Yourbr
eakf
asti
satt
heov
en.Iwentbackt
obed.
"
Hedoesn'
tsl
eep.
Iwentt
othedoort
olett
hepol
i
cei
n.
Amenhal
l
eluj
ah.
Me:
"Goodmor
ning"
Si
zwe:
"Mor
ning.I
syourboy
fri
endi
n?"
Me:
"Yesmyhusbandi
sin.Youmaycomei
n"
Theycamei
n.Icl
osedt
hedoorandf
oll
owedt
hem.
Si
zwe:
"We'
dli
ket
ospeakt
ohi
m pl
ease"
Me:
"He'
supst
air
s.He'
l
lbewi
thy
oushor
tl
y.Any
thi
ng
t
odri
nk?
"
Si
zwe:
"Nowear
egood"
Me:"Mybr
otherwoul
dyoul
ikesomecoff
ee?This
housei
scol
d,myhusbandbroket
heai
rcon"Isai
dto
hi
spart
ner
.
Hi
m:"
Yespl
ease"
Me:
"Youmayt
akeaseat
"
Si
zwe:
"I'
l
lst
and"
Me:"Thi
si saman'shouse.Youcan'
tcomehereand
denyseats.Youcoul
d'
veremainedoutsi
dei
fyou
wantedtostand"
Hi
spar tnerpul
l
edhi
mtosi
tdown.Iwalkedt
othe
ki
tchen.Imadecoff
eef
orme,par
tnerandQ.
Hecamedownhol
dingmyhandbag.
Q:
"Goodmor
ning"
Si
zwe:
"IfIwer
eyouIwoul
dn'
tev
ent
aket
hatseat
"
Q:"Why?NeedIpr
aytoyoutosi
tonmyf
urni
tur
e
now?"Ibr
oughtt
hem cof
fee.
Si
zwe:
"No.Iam t
aki
ngy
oui
nforquest
ioni
ng"
Q:
"Forwhat
?"
Si
zwe:
"Deat
hofGl
adeNgubane"
Q:
"She'
sdead?
"
Khul
ecamedownr
ushi
ng.
Khul
e:"Igot
tar
ushtot
heBereapol
icestat
ion.Gl
ade
wasfounddeadandKhet
hel
oisarr
ested."
Me:
"What
?Ar
etheycr
azy
?
Q:
"Look,
I'
dlov
etost
ayandchatbutt
hisi
mpor
tant
"
Sizwe:"
Deny
ingt
ocomewi
thuswi
l
lbey
oubr
eaki
ng
thelaw"
Q:"
Okay.Idon'
twannaf
indy
oubot
hher
ewhenI
comeback"
Hej
oggedupt
hest
air
s.
Si
zwe:
"Andy
ouwannal
i
vey
ourl
i
fewi
thaki
l
ler
?"
Me:
"Yeah"
Si
zwe:
"I'
m sodi
sappoi
ntedi
nyou"
Il
edthewayt
otheexi
t.Theywal
kedout
.Het
urned
af
terwal
ki
ngabit
.
Si
zwe:
"Onmynextv
isi
tIwi
l
lbewi
tht
hehawks"
Q:"Youcanev enbr
ingt
hemi li
tar
yandBhekiCel
e
boy.Getthefuckof
fmyy ardbeforemywif
eand
yourpart
nerbecomewitnessesofhowyoudied"
Hecl
osedt
hedoor
.
Me:"
Didyoujustt
hreatenadetect
ivet
hatwashere
t
otakeyouforquesti
oningaboutGl
ade'
sdeath?
"
Me:"Yes.Hethi
nksI'
m hisgr
andmother
.Whywoul
d
Ibequesti
onedaboutGlade'
sdeat
h?"
Me:"Idon'tknowbutthreat
eni
nghi
m wi
l
ljustr
aise
unnecessarysuspi
cions"
Q:
"AndIdon'
tcar
e.Let
'
sgo"
Het
ookmyhandandwewentt
othegar
age.
It
ext
edSbothatIwi
l
lar
ri
vel
atet
heymustcont
inue
wi
ththewor
k.
.
..
Wef
oundKhul
esi
tt
ingout
sideonhi
scar
.
Weparkednexttohi
m.Qgotoffandwentt
ohim.
Karmacaughtupwit
hthi
sbi
tchsoonert
hanIhad
expect
ed.
It
ext
edKat
legot
oaski
fshehear
d.
Shecal
l
ed.
Me:
"Mosadi
"
Kat
:"Igav
eupt
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyoul
astni
ght
"
Me:
"Ont
hisnumber
?"
Kat
:"Yes"
Me:
"Itmust
'v
ebeent
hesi
gnal
."
Kat:"Justl
i
ket
hatt
hehoedi
edandKhet
hel
ois
takenin"
Me:
"Bul
l
shi
tati
t'
sbest
"
Kat
:"Shewaswor kingwit
hsomeone.There'
sNo
wayinhel
lever
ythingcouldpoi
ntatKhet
helo.She'
s
i
nDurbanforChri
st '
ssake!
"
Me:
"Wher
ewassheki
l
led?
"
Kat
:"Ther
umor
ssayi
nherapar
tment
."
Me: "
ThenhowKhethel
ocoul
d'
vef
lewacrosst
he
countr
ysoqui
ck.Herboyf
ri
endmustal
sobe
arr
ested"
Kat
:"Ty
lerwi
l
ldoany
thi
ngtotakeherout
.Ican'
t
i
maginehowheav
yherhear
tisri
ghtnow"
Me: "
Don'tmentioni
t.We'
reher
etoseeher.Idon'
t
knowifthey'
l
lletuscauseKhul
elef
tfi
rstbutwe
foundhi
m outside"
Kat
:"I
ftheyl
ety
oui
n.Pl
easesendmyl
ove"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lhun.Iwi
l
lfet
cht
henunusonFr
iday
"
Kat
:"Ther
e'snoneed.We'
regoi
ngt
oEst
cour
tnext
week"
Me:
"UghIf
orgotaboutt
hat
.Ar
etheyokay
?"
Kat:
"Yepanddri
vingmenut
sasusual.Sasai
sback
buti
tsti
l
lfeel
sli
keshe'
snother
e"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Gooutmor
e.Av
ail
your
sel
ftot
hesal
on24/
7"
Kat
:"That
'swhatI
'
m goi
ngt
odot
oday
"
Me:
"Okaybabe.Tal
klat
ert
hen"
Kat
:"By
e"
Ihungup.Qcameback.
Q:"
She'
scan'
tseeany
oneunt
ilshe'
sseenher
l
awyer
"
Me:
"That
'sbad"
Q:
"Letmet
akey
out
owor
kandf
ini
shup"
Me:"I
'
llj
ustgotomyoff
ice.Onl
ycei
l
ingi
slett
odo.
Theywil
lmanagewi
thoutme"
Q:
"Okay
"
Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.
..
.
..
Thispl
acecangetsol
onel
yatti
mes.MaybeIshould
getsomeonetohel
pmearound.Someonet
otalkto.
Itookmyletter
sandputt hem onmydesk.Ihardly
openthese.Icouldbel ef
twith8dayst
ov acatethis
pl
acebutIwoul dn'tknowi t
.
Hegoti
nscr
eami
ng.
Me:
"What
'swr
ong?
"
Ben:"Guesswhojustgotaskedpartnershi
pby
Prett
yPaints?
"Hethrewaletteratmeandcat
walkedaroundsi
ngingwhatIcouldn'tmakeout
.
Ir
eadt
hel
ett
er.
Me:
"Whydi
dyouopenmyl
ett
er?
"
Ben:"
BecauseIcoul
dn'
twai
ttogether
etor
eadt
he
goodnews."
Ist
il
lcouldn'tbel
ieveit
.Ihav
ebeenusingthei
rpaint
onmypr ojectsandwhenpost i
ngtheresul
tsIwould
menti
ont hem.Idi dn'
tknowtheywerewatchi
ngall
thi
swhil
e.
It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edhusband.
Me:
"Benpl
easekeepi
tdown"
Ben:"Noway!GoMol l
yitsyouryear.Heyy'al
lmy
bestbit
chisinpart
nershipwit
hy ourfav
our i
tehi
gh
sel
li
ngpaint!
!!
!"Hewasshout i
ngatt hewindow.
Q:
"Mshazi
"
Me:
"Baby
.Howar
eyou?
"
Q:
"I'
m good.Mi
ssme?Ar
eyouatt
hepar
ty?
"
Me:"
Not hat
'sBen.Pr
ett
ypai
nti
ngsj
ustaskedme
f
orpart
nershi
p"
Q:
"You'
reki
ddi
ngme"
Me:
"I'
m not
.Ihav
eal
ett
err
ighther
eonmyhand.
"
Q:"
That
'sgreatmylov
e.Iam soproudofy
ou.Wow.
Thi
siswhatIneededfort
hisday
"
Me:"Thanky
oubabe.Ishoul
dmeetupwi
tht
hem on
Thur
sday"
Q:
"Canahusbandt
agal
ong?
"
Me:
"Def
ini
tel
yyoucancome.I
'
dlov
ethat
"
Ben:"NowayQuarrel.Iam t
heonethatsawthe
l
etter
,ther
efor
eI'
mt heoneshe'sgoi
ngwi t
h"
Il
aughed.
Q:"Pl
easeaskhi
m whypeopl
ehav
en'
trecei
vedt
hei
r
bonuses"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.
"
Atal
lguyknocked.Hehadfl
ower
sandagiftboxin
hi
shands.Benrushedtot
hedoortoopenupforhi
m.
Hi
m:"
Greet
ings.Mi
ssNzuza?
"
Me:"
Yespleasetakeaseat.Uhm babet
her
e's
someonehere.CanIcal
lyoulat
er?"
Q:
"Yesmyl
ove.Cal
lonmyof
fi
cesphone"
Me:
"Youwentt
owor
konsweat
pant
s?"
Q:
"Idi
dn'
thav
eachoi
ce.Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Ihungup.
Me:
"I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
"
Hi
m: "
Noprobl
em ma'
am.I
'
m her
etodel
i
vert
hese.
Pl
easesi
gnhere"
Hegavemet hecli
pboardandIsi
gnedtry
ingbyal
l
meanstonotlosefocusandl
aughatthethi
ngsBen
wasdoi
ngbehi ndt
hepoorguy.
Het
ookhi
scl
i
pboar
dandbi
dusgoodby
e.
Me:
"You'
regonnabet
hedeat
hofme"
Ben:
"He'
sar
eal
gem"
Me:
"Youhav
eaman"
Ben:"
Thatdoesn'
tmeanIcan'
tdowi
ndowshoppi
ng
sweet
ie"
Me: "
It
sfr
om pr
ett
ypai
nti
ngs.Thi
sisav oucherf
or
paint
sandamakeupkit
,eari
ngs,
ringsanda
neckl
ace"
Ben:"Ohmytheyaresobeaut
if
ul.Whoev
erputt
his
packaget
ogetherhasacr
ushony ou"
Me:
"Comeon"
Ben:"
Let'
sgohavel
unch.We'
l
lor
dert
hebest
champagnei
nthehouse"
Me:
"Iwaspl
anni
ngonr
eadi
ngt
hesel
ett
ers"
Ben:
"YouneedaPAsi
s.Let
'
sgo"
Me:
"Qsai
dwhyar
epeopl
e'
sbonusesnotpai
d"
Ben:"Ij
ustt
houghtweshouldalsobedel
ayedl
ike
othercompani
esforonce.Butdon'
tworr
y,t
hei
r
phoneswill
bebuzzi
ngt odayat8pm"
Me:
"You'
recr
uel
.It
sDecember
,peopl
ehav
epl
ans"
Ben:
"Theyar
ecl
osingt
omorr
ow.Idi
dn'
twantt
hem
tobl
owthei
rmoneybef
oret
he15th"
Me:
"It
sthei
rmoney
"
Ben:"TruebutIwouldn'
tfeelgoodwhent heyare
drowningindebtsnextyear.Yourcarormine?"
Me:
"Qbr
oughtmeher
e"
Ben:
"YougoMr
sDube.Y'
al
lar
esoi
nlov
e"
Me:
"Wear
etr
ying"
Myphonerang.I
tsavi
deocal
l.Doessher
eal
l
ythi
nk
Iwantt
oseeherdecei
tf
ulf
ace?
Ben:
"Answeri
t"
Me:
"Idon'
twannaseeher
"
Ben:"
Sheisy
ourmot
her
.Fast
eny
ourseat
bel
tand
Answer"
Idi
dandanswer
ed.
Mama:
"Heygr
umpyf
ace"
Me:
"Hi
"
Mama:
'Ar
eyoust
il
lmad?
"
Me:
"No"
Mama:
"Smi
l
ethen"
Me:
"No.
"
Mama:
"We'
rei
nvi
ti
ngy
ouf
ordi
nnert
omor
row"
Me:
"Ther
e'sKhul
eathomer
emember
?"
Mama:"
Iam i
nvi
ti
ngtheall
ofy
ou.Phi
l
aiscoming
wi
thNosi
pho(MrsNzuza)t
omorr
owmorni
ng"
Me:
"What
'st
heoccasi
on?
"
Mama:
"Comeandf
indouty
our
sel
f.
"
Me:
"Okay
"
Mama:'
Whenar
eyougoi
ngt
ost
opbei
ngmadat
me?"
Me:
"I'
m notmadmah"
Mama: "
Thenwhyhav
en'
tyoucal
l
edmesi
nce
Sunday
?"
Me: "
Youdon'
tei
ther
.Yourpr
ior
it
yisy
ourmanand
yourbaby
"
Mama:
"That
'snott
rue"
Me:"
Youguy
scompl
etel
yfor
gotaboutmeandnow
t
hatIl
ety
oubei
thur
tyou"
Mama: "
Wearegivi
ngyouspacet
obeawifey
our
husbandandnotal
way
sf i
nduswher
every
outur
n
to"
Me:"Inev
eraskedf
orthat
.Iwanty
ouguy
sto
cont
inuebei
nginmyface"
Mama:
"We'
resor
rywedi
dn'
tknow"
Me:"
Yesyoushoul
dbe.Andthewayyoudr
opped
t
hatbabybombonme,itwasnoton"
Mama: "
Yourf
athergotcar
ri
edaway
.I'
m sor
ry
punki
e"
Zozo:"
Hi mommy "Icoul
dn'
thel
pitIsmi
l
ed.Ihav
en'
t
spokentohersi
ncelastWednesday
.Gui
lt
!
Me:
"Heypr
incess.Howar
eyoumyl
ove?
"
Zozo:
"I'
m good.Whenar
eyoucomi
ngt
ogetme?
"
Me:
"Thi
sweekendbaby
.Imi
ssy
ou"
Zozo:
"Imi
ssy
out
oo.Youowemer
emember
?"
Me: "
Howcoul
dIfor
get
?"Ioweheragamesdayf
or
passi
nghergr
ade4.
Zozo:
"Good.Doy
ouhav
eenoughai
rt
ime?Iwantt
o
showyoumynewschooluni
for
m.Iam soexci
tedt
o
gotoschool
wit
hwhi
tepeopl
e"
Me:
"Gogeti
tbef
oremyai
rt
imer
unsout
"
Shedi
sappear
ed.
Mama:
"Itsl
i
ppedmymi
ndI
'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"Whi
chonedi
dyouchoose?
"
Mama:"Theonear
oundher
e;If
orgoti
t'
sname.
Har
ry'
sisful
l
"
Me:
"Ok.Soy
ou'
reper
manent
lygoi
ngt
ost
ayher
e?"
Mama:
"Yeah.Iwi
l
lgohomedur
ingschool
hol
i
day
s"
Me:
"Okay
"
Zozogotback.She'shappyandthat
'sal
lthat
matter
st ome.She'salit
tl
ever
sionofAyanda.She
l
it
erall
ylefther
sel
fbehind.
Wesai
dourgoodby
es.
Ben:
"See?Not
hingki
l
ledy
ou"
Me:
"What
ever
"
Ben:
"Ihear
dther
e'sapl
acei
nthi
sdodgycor
ner
"
Me:
"Andt
hati
smyr
est
aur
ant
"hegasped.
Ben:
"Bi
tchshutup!
"
Me:
"Yep"
Ben:"
Iwouldalsosulki
fIboughtsomeonesucha
pl
aceandtheydon'tshowexcit
ement.Thatpl
acei
s
beaut
if
ulYoli
"
Me:
"Iti
sandIl
ovei
t"
Hepul
l
edupbef
orei
t."
Andpeopl
eseem t
olov
eit
t
oo"
Ben:"Khay
abroughtmethegr
anadil
laj
uicewi
th
sl
icedlemonandacheesebur
ger.Isai
dfuckdi
et"
Me:
"Andy
ouwantmet
ofuckmi
net
oo?
"
Ben:
"Youhav
egy minyourhouse.Consumeal
lthe
j
unkyouwantandjogi
talloutl
ater
"
Me:
"Idon'
thav
ethatt
ime"
Hi
swal
kbeat
sBey
once'
s.He'
s100%t
hatboy
!
Myphonebeeped.Mydr
esseshav
ebeendel
i
ver
ed.
I
tsaboutt
ime!
Wechoseat ableandthewaitercameintoour
rescue.Weordered.Notf
orgett
ingthebest
Champagneint hehouse.
Ben:
"Youshoul
dredoi
t"
Me:
"Onl
ythecount
er.Il
ovet
hef
urni
tur
e"
Ben:"
That'
sthel
azydemoninyout
alki
ng.Thi
spl
ace
i
selegantandi
tshal
ll
ookso"
Me:
"You'
real
l
owedt
oredoi
tify
ouwant
"
Ben:
"Youhav
e4mi
nut
est
osayy
ou'
reki
ddi
ng"
Me:"
I'
m not.Iwil
lworkonthecount
erandt
hewhol
e
pl
acei
sy ourstotr
ansfor
m"
Ben:
"Youwon'
tregr
eti
tIpr
omi
se"
Ourf
oodar
ri
ved.
Me:
"Thatwasf
ast
..
.Thabdo"Ir
eadhernamet
ag.
Thando:
"That
'
sourpr
off
essi
onmadam.
"
Me:
"Yol
ipl
ease.Thanky
out
hisl
ooksl
ovel
y"
Thando:
"Itt
ast
esl
ovel
ytoo.Enj
oyy
ourmeal
"
Ben:
"Thanky
ouhun"shesmi
l
edandwal
kedaway
.
"
Sohumbl
eandbeaut
if
ul"
Me:
"I'
m scar
edt
ofal
li
nlov
ewi
tht
hispl
ace"
Ben:
"Why
?Thi
sshoul
dbey
oursecondbaby
"
Me:
"Whati
fIabandont
hef
ir
stone?
"
Ben:
"Youwon'
t"
Me:
"I'
l
ltestwat
ers"
Her
aisedhi
sgl
assandwedr
ankt
othat
.
Itookapictureofourmealsandsentitt
oQand
posteditonInstaandFacebook.Thi
splaceneeds
hi
ghr ecogni
ti
on.
Wecal
l
edKyli
e.Wespokef
ormi
nut
es.Bei
nganew
mommylov
esher.
Wechi
l
ledatt
her
est
aur
antunt
ilt
hesunset
.
KhayacametogetBen.Itookhi
scaranddr
ovet
o
theof
fi
cetochecki
fIlocked.
Iti
diedupandsweptthefl
oor
.Irecei
vedpi
ctur
es
fr
om SboasIdrovehome.Ishouldgoseefor
my sel
ftomor
rowmorning.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Ny
amazane"
Q:
"Wher
ear
eyou?
"Hedoesn'
tsoundpl
eased.
Me:
"Onmywayhome,
why
?"
Hehungup.Ical
l
edhi
m agai
n.Hedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.
.
..
Iar
ri
vedhome.It
ookof
fmyheel
ssoonasIst
epped
i
n.
Me:
"BabDube"
Khul
e:"
Manzuza.Howwaswor
k?"
Me:"
Workwasgood.Howdi
ditgoatt
hepol
i
ce
st
ati
on?
"
Khul
e:"
Tyl
ersawher
.Shemi
ghtber
eleased
tomor
row"
Me:"
That'
sgood.Ibr
oughtt
hesef
rom t
he
r
est
aurant
"
Khul
e:"
Thanky
ou.Letmewar
mitup"
Idon'
tl
ikeseei
nghi
mli
ket
his.Hewashappywi
th
hi
sweedl
astni
ghtandt
odayhe'
sbackt
obei
ngsad.
Iwentupst
air
s.If
oundQst
andi
ngbyt
hewi
ndow.
Me:
"Hey
"
Q:
"Hav
ingmoneydr
ivesy
oubananashuh?
"
If
rowned.
Me:"Whatareyoutal
ki
ngabout?
"Hewalkedtothe
bedandfacedtheboxontopdown.Peni
sescame
outbumping.
Q:
"Youor
derdi
cksnow?
"
Me:
"Uhm.
..
"
Q: "Yout
houghtIwouldn'tseethem?Ar eyoufucki
ng
kiddingme"hepickedoneupi tmistakenlygot
turnedonanditstart
eddancing.Het hrewitbackt
o
thebed."Whyarey ouorderi
ngdicksYol i
!"
Me:
"Becausey
oudon'
twantwi
thy
our
s!"
Q:"
Turnt
hisshi
toffri
ghtnowandputi
tbackt
othi
s
boxandt
hrowitoutofmyhouse!
"
Me:
"No"
Q:
"I'
m notpl
ayi
ngYol
anda"
Me: "
Neitheram I
"Icol
lect
edt
hem backt
ot hebox.I
keptthedancingoneinmyhand"
Iwill
usethem"I
putitagainstmycheek
Q:"Don'
ttestmypat
ienceYol
i
"hesnat
chedi
tand
t
hrewitacrosst
heroom.
Me:"
Youcant hrowi
tawaybutIam notgoi
ngt
oa
newyearav
irgin"
Q:
"Youwantdi
ck?
"
Me:
"Yes!
"
Q:"
Hereiti
s."Hesai
dpoint
ingathi
sshaf
t.If
eltal
l
mysensi
tiv
eplacesdothedance."
Thr
owthisshit
awayandcomegetdick"
Itooktheboxandrushedoutwithi
t.Thanky ou
deli
ver
ypeoplefordeli
ver
ingawrongorder.Idon'
t
evenknowwhosepeni sesaret
hesebutfinal
lyI'
m
gonnahavesome. .
..
[
2/26,10:
38]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der
43
.
Imightneedt heseforf
utur
euse.Itookthem outof
thebi
nout si
deandwentt othegaragetostashthem
wherethey'r
enotlikel
ytobefound.
Iwentbackinsi
de.Hewasi nthekitcheneat
ing
yest
erday'
slef
tovers.I
tsasiftheycansenseIam
tooti
redtocooktoday.
Me:"Shoul
dIgoupst
air
sandwai
t?"Hebr
oughthi
s
i
ntenseeyesup.
Q:
"Forwhat
?"
Me:"Di
ck"Isai
dinal
owervoi
ce.Idon'
twantKhul
e
hear
ingmebeggingmysoontobehusbandfora
peni
s.
Q:
"No.Gowat
chTVorsomet
hing"
Me:
"Youpr
omi
sed"
Q:"
AndnowI '
m br
eaki
ngmypr
omise"hepi
ckedhi
s
pl
ateup,
walkedovert
omeandki
ssedmyli
ps."I
l
oveyouokay"
Il
efthi
m standingt
her
eandranupstai
rs.Whatmor
e
canIdoforthismantounder
standIam ready
!
Thisi
stor
tur
e.Thisiswhypeopl
echeat
.Igeti
tnow.
Whostandsforbei
ngdepri
vedsex?Hadtabl
esbeen
tur
nedhewould'
velonggonetofi
ndagir
ltoser
vice
him.
And.
..
Iam notconv
incedhehasn'
tsl
eptwi
thany
one
si
nceMay.Thatisi
mpossibl
e.
Hegotinandleanedagai
nstdoorandwatchedme
cry
.YesIwascrying,
tel
lmewhowoul dn'
t?Itur
ned
tofacehi
sdi
recti
on.
Me:
"Ar
eyoust
il
lsl
eepi
ngwi
thLul
ama?
"
Q:"No"hesaidwit
houthesi
tat
ion."
Iwoul
dnev
er
cheatonyou"yeahri
ght
.
Me:"Thenwhywon'
tyoul
etusdowhatengaged
peopl
edo?"
Q:
"Whatdoengagedpeopl
edo?
"
Me:
"Theyhav
esex!
"
Q:"Idon'
tunder
standy
ourobsessi
onwi
thsex
honestl
y.
"
Me:"It
'snotfory
outounder
stand.I
'
m 22Quinton.I
am engaged.Iam al
l
owedtohavesex.Whatis
wrongwithyou?"
Q:
"WhataboutwhatIwant
?"
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Q:"Tohavesexonourhoney moon.Iwantyourfi
rst
ti
met obespeci
al,
Iwantourf i
rstni
ghtasamar r
ied
couplet
obespecial"Jesus!Whatki
ndoffantasy
worlddoesheli
vein?
Me: "Iwouldal solovet hatbutbabe. ..
"Igotupand
walkedt ohi m.Ilookedhi m deepi ntheey e."
Iwant
you.Eachni ghti
st ort
ur eMbuy azi.Iam ready.Even
i
fwedoi ttodayitwillstil
lbeasspeci altome
becausei twi l
lbewi t
hmant hatIlove.Iknowt here'
s
mor et othi
sbutwhat ev eri
tisthaty ou'
rescaredof
we'l
l tal
kabouti tinthemor n-"hekissedme.
Hungr il
yso.Myhandhadbeeni nsidehisboxers
playi
ngwi t
hhi m al
l t
hiswhi l
e.Andi twor ked.
Heunbut
tonedmyblousewit
honehandwhil
ehe
hel
dmefirmlyont
hewaistwit
htheot
herone.
Hef
ini
shedandt
ooki
tof
flet
ti
ngi
tdr
opont
hef
loor
.
Heswitchedpositi
onsIf oundmy selfagai
nstt
he
wall
.Heslidhishandintomyunder wearandmade
cont
actwithmymoi stcoconut.Mybodyhasgot ten
usedtogetti
ngmoi stforhim sotodaywasn'tgonna
beanydiff
erent.Heundidmybr awithonehand,
wheredidhelearndoingt hesethi
ngs?
Ohnev ermind.Hewentt omyneckandsmoot hly
kissedmewhi l
ehisfi
ngerdidwonder sdownt her
e.I
wasmoani ngaslowasIcoul d.Khule'
sroom isnext
doorandIdon'ttr
ustthesewalls.Andwe'renextto
thedoor.Hecouldbepassingandhearal lthethi
ngs
he'snotsupposedtohear.
Hetookt urnskissi
ngmybr east
s.Hisfingerwasstil
l
ther
e.Ifeltmykneesget t
ingweak.Iheldont ohim.I
rel
easedmy sel
f.YeahI
'm weakli
kethat.He
scoopedmeup.Ial mostdiedofheartattack.He
chuckl
ed.
Q:
"Idonotnegot
iat
eatsucht
imesmyqueen'
Me:
"Justdon'
tdr
opme"
Q:"Howar
eyouget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
osomeoney
ou
don'
ttr
ust
?"
Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngt
othebed.
Me:"
Itrusty
oubutnotwhenI'mf
loati
ng"hegent
ly
l
aidmeonmyback.Heki ssedmefrom i
nbetween
mybreastst
omycoconut.
Heundressed.OkaynowI'
m scar
ed.Myl
egsst
art
ed
shaki
ng.Istr
aight
enedt
hem.
Hesmi
rked.Idon'
tl
iket
hat
.
Me:
"Okaydon'
thur
tmet
opr
oveapoi
nt"
Q:
"Hi
I'
m Qui
ntonandI
'
m 34"Il
aughed.He'
sst
upi
d.
Me:
"Yeahy
eahy
eah"
Hecli
mbedontopandki
ssedme.Hisl
i
ttl
efel
l
awas
ashar
dasarock.Thi
smightbeabadi
dea.
Hepar
tedmylegsenoughtoaccommodat
ehi
m.My
l
egsst
art
edshaki
ngagain.
Hei
nsert
edhimselfbi
tbybit
,gentl
yatt
hat.Thi
s
i
sn'
taspainf
ulasIhadant
ici
pated.Hekeptpushi
ng
i
nandoutgentl
y.
Where'
stheni
cefeel
ing?Ther
ewasan
uncomfor
tabl
efeel
i
ngbutnothingIcoul
dn'
thandl
e.
Q:
"Ar
eyougood?
"
Me:"
Yeahi t
s-"Hepushedinal i
tt
letoohardIcould
f
eeli
tgett
ingalli
n.Ifl
inched,pi
nchedhim even.
Heav
enlyfatheri
tispainf
ul.
Q:"I
'm sor
ry"heki
ssedme."I
'm sor
rybabe"hewas
sti
l
lgoingon.Whatishesorr
yforthen?"Yol
i"I
shookmyhead.Hewasst il
lconti
nui
ng.Wher e'
s
mercyinthi
sman?
Iwascrying.Don'tj
udgemeIwasf eel
i
ngpainand
bi
tof.
..
theni cefeel
ing.Mybi
tchassmi ndfocused
onthenicefeelinganddeser
tedthepainitcame
wit
h.Ihadn'tstoppedcryi
ngthough.
Hest
opped.
Me:
"Whyar
eyoust
oppi
ng?
"
Q:
"You'
recr
ying"
Me:
"I'
l
lbef
ine.Cont
inuepl
ease"
Q:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"
Me:
"100%"
Hest
art
edagai
n.Hi
sheav
ybr
eat
hingdownmyneck
sentmest
rai
ghtt
oament
ali
nst
it
uti
on.
Hef
orgotthatwej
ustst
art
edworki
ngonthismine.
Hewasdiggingmel
ikecr
azy.THENICEFEELI
NG!!!
Mymoanswer efuel
i
nghim.Hestar
tedmaki
ng
thosefunnynoisesheusual
lymakeswhenI'
m
blowinghim out.
Helift
edmyl egsupintheairandwor kedmeup.I
couldgetusetothi
s.Thepleasurefeeli
ng
outweighedt
heburningdownt her
e.
Myhandswereallov
erhi
m.Ij ustdi
dn'
tknowwhat
dowithmysel
f.Hepi
nnedthem bothdownand
poundedmedeepandveryfast.
Khulecanhearwhathemighthear
.Thi
sist
oomuch
fornotmoaningmyfucki
nglungsout
.
Heletgoofmyhandsandputhi sundermybody
andsqueezedmef ol
lowedbyali
tt
legroan.Het
hen
l
ethisbodylooseandcaughthi
sbreath.Hewasal
l
sweaty.He'
ssoheavy.
Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhi
m.Onl
yourheav
y
breat
hingmadenoi
se.
Q:
"Il
ovey
ou"hesai
daf
tersomet
ime.
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"heki
ssedme.
Q:
"Thanky
ouf
orbl
ackmai
l
ingme"wel
aughed.
Me:
"You'
rewel
comebabe"
Hekissedmeagainandgotof
f.Hewentt
othe
bat
hroom andcamebackshor
tly
.
Q:"
We'
regonnat
akeabat
handgety
oupi
l
lst
hen
makey
oufood"
Me:
"Ist
hatt
heaf
ter
mat
htr
eat
ment
?"
Q:
"Ar
en'
tyouf
eel
i
ngpai
ns?
"
Me:
"Iam butt
heyar
en'
tsev
ere"
Hepul
l
edmeup.Oht
heyar
eabi
ttoomuch.
Q:"
AndIneedtochangethesheet
s"t
her
ewasat i
ny
bl
oodst
ain.Khet
hiwesai
dtherewoul
dn'
tbeany
.
Me:
"I'
l
lchanget
hem"
Q:"Thetubmustbef ull
now.GosoakyourselfI
'
ll
j
oinyoujustnow"thi
scomesonceinal i
fetime.I
mightaswellobeybeingtr
eat
edli
keanegg.
Heputinbat
hsalt
s.He'sobsessedwit
hmybat
h
sal
ts.Whent
heyarerunni
ngouthe'sal
way
stheone
tobuynewones.
Irel
axedonthetubaft
erf
li
nchi
ngt
othest
ingi
ng
feel
ingont
hev aj
ayj
ay.
Hecamei nandcl osedt
hedoor.Hegotinbehi
nd
meandki ssedmybackt henmademel i
eonhis
chestandcaressedmyar m wi
ththeot
herhandon
myleftboobie.
Q:
"Hav
eyoual
way
sknowny
ou'
l
lendupher
e?"
Me:
"No.Why
?"
Q:"Whydi
dyoumakethisbat
hroom ever
ythi
ngy
ou
l
ikeandmadethi
stubsohuge?"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"
Yout
oldKyl
ieIshoul
ddothi
shouseasi
fitwas
myownandher
ey ouhaveit
"hel
aughed.
Q:
"Idi
d?"
Me:
"Yesy
oudi
d.Di
dyoul
i
kemet
hen?
"
Q:
"Imust
'v
e.Ij
ustdi
dn'
tl
ikey
oubef
oreIsawy
ou"
Me:
"Howdoy
ounotl
i
kesomeoney
ou'
venev
er
seen?
"
Q: "
Ky l
iewasmakingyousuchabi gdeal
.Yolithi
s
Yolithat.OhmyGodherprojectsarei
nsanely
beaut i
ful
.Yol
ipost
edapictur
ebl ahbl
ahblah.I
thoughty '
al
lwerel
esbi
ans"Ilaughed.
Me:
"I'
m sogonnat
ell
her
"
Q:"
Ioncef
oundy
oubot
hcuddl
i
ngy
oucan'
tbl
ame
me"
Me:
"Itwasi
nnocent
"
Q:"
Welli
twasn'
twr
it
teni
nnocent
"hepaused."
I'
m so
gl
adyouchoseme"
Me:
"You'
rewor
thchoosi
ngmyl
ove.
"
Hechuckledandsenthi
shandst
rai
ghtt
omy
bur
ningvagina.
..
.
.
..
Inthemor ningIwokeupandgotthesame
treat
ment .Iwi shIdi
dn'
thavet
ogotoworkIwasso
sleepy.Hekeptwaki ngmeup.Say
inghe'
sgetti
ng
meusedt oi tcauseshoul
dwewai
tfort
onighti
t'
ll
be
painfulagain.
Iact
edconv
inced.
Idrovet
othehousewewer
ewor
kingont
ochecki
f
every
thi
ngwasonpoint
.
Myguysneverdisappoint
.ItoldtheNgemasthey
cancomeandr evi
ewt heplace,saythei
rcompl
aint
s
andwefi
xwhat everi
sdonewr ong.Theysai
dthey
wil
lcomei
nt henoon.
Il
eftt
hei
rhouseandheadedt
omyof
fi
ce.
If
oundNkosi
cleani
ngup.
Me:
"Youl
ovecl
eani
ng"
Nkosi
:"Idi
scov
eredt
histi
lecl
eanerthi
ngi
e.I
t
houghtIshoul
dcomet r
yitouther
e"
Me:
"Ist
hati
t'
ssmel
l
?"
Nkosi
:"Yes.Ni
cer
ight
?"
Me:
"Yeah.Wher
edi
dyougeti
t?Weneedmor
e"
Nkosi
:"We'
vebeenwor
kingofi
t"
Me:
"Who'
swe?
"
Nkosi
:"Theguy
sandI
"
Me:
"Youguy
s!Thi
sispr
ett
yimpr
essi
ve.
"
Nkosi
:"Wenowneedawayt
ogeti
toutt
her
e"
Me:
"Leav
ethatt
ome.I
'
m sohappyr
ightnow.
"He
smi
l
edshyly
.
Itooki
tandspray
edt heunusedt
il
esandwi
ped.I
t
becamesqueakyclean.
Me:
"Thi
sisamazi
ng.
"
Nkosi
:"Thanky
ou.Doy
ouneedcof
fee?
"
Me:
"Yest
hanky
ou.Anddoughnut
s"
Nkosi
:"Youanddoughnut
s"wel
aughed.Hewal
ked
out
.
Isatdownandt ooktheti
lecl
eaner.Whowould'
ve
thoughtyoungboysfrom asmalltowncoul
ddo
somethingli
kethi
s?Iam proud.Ishoul
dspeakt
o
hubby.Thecountryneedsthi
s.
"Smil
i
ngalone?"Isentmyey
esup.Hewasl
eani
ng
onthedoorfr
ame.
Me:
"Doy
oumi
ndnotdoi
ngt
hat
?"
Si
zwe:
"Why
?It
snotl
i
key
ourboy
fri
endcan'
taf
for
d
t
ofi
xiti
fIbr
okei
t"
Me:"HowcanIhel
pyoudet
ect
ive?
"Hechuckl
edand
satdown.
Si
zwe:
"I'
m det
ect
ivenow?
"
Me:"Idon'
thav
eal
ldayokay
.Whatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e?"
Si
zwe:
"Can'
tIv
isi
taf
ri
end?
"
Me:
"I'
m noty
ourf
ri
end"
Si
zwe:"I
'
m nother
etoaskf
orl
ovebackIhav
eawi
fe.
Getof
fyourhi
ghhorse"
Me:
"Wenev
erdat
ed.Getout
"
Si
zwe:
"Whyar
eyousogr
umpy
?Ij
ustcamet
osay
Hi
"
Me: "
Letthisbethel
astt
imeokay
?Nextt
imewhen
thatt
hinginsideofy
outel
lsy
outocomeher
eand
sayHi.Ignoreit
"
Ipi
ckedmyphoneup.
Si
zwe:"I
fyouneedmey ouknowwheret
ogetme"
hegotupandheadedout.Bat
hong!
Il
ookedatthepicturesoft
he3housesIhavetodo
nextyear
.Ishouldbeginassoonaspossi
bleaf
ter
comingbackfrom Estcour
t.Iwantt
obedoneby
MarchsoIcanf ull
yfocusonplanni
ngmywedding.
Myphonev
ibr
ated.
"Ar
eyoust
il
lgood?
"Si
nceIl
efthomehe'
sbeen
aski
ngmethi
s.
"
I'
m good.St
opf
ussi
ng"Ir
epl
i
ed.
"
Okaybabe.Imissyou.Imi
ghtshowupt
her
ebef
ore
t
hedayends"-Him
"
Iwoul
dlovetoseey
ourcut
eface.It
s11:
30ar
en'
t
y
ousupposedtobei
nameeting?"
-Me
"
Iam.Thathasnev
erst
oppedmef
rom t
ext
ingy
ou"-
Hi
m.
"
Hav
esomemanner
spl
ease.Payat
tent
ion"-
Me
"Iam.Oneoft hedudesheretheycuthi
shair
wrongly.Ican'
tst
oplaughing"If
oundmy sel
f
cracki
ngup.He'sthesil
li
estoldper
sonI'
v eever
seen.
"
He'
sgonnabeaty
ouup.Focus!
"Ir
epl
yandputmy
phoneawayandbr
acemy
sel
fforcof
feeand
doughnut
s.
Nkosi
:"Thel
i
nei
sasl
ongas1994v
oti
ngqueue"
Me:
"That
'sexagger
ati
ng.Thanky
ou"
Nkosi
:"Youdon'
tmi
ndi
fIl
eav
eyoual
onef
or4
hour
sright
?"
Me:
"Nonotatal
l
.Youcango"
Nkosi
:"Okay
.By
e"
Me:
"By
e"
Iregr
eteati
ngalit
tl
ebitofbreakf
ast
.ThewayKhule
keptl
ookingatusitsl
ikeheheardwhathappened
l
astnight
.SoIjustdecidedt
oleave.
Aknocksetmef
reef
rom mypi
l
eoft
hought
sabout
l
astni
ght.
Whatonear
thhav
eIdonet
oGod?
Isi
gnal
l
edhi
mtogeti
n.
Zamo:
"I'
mlooki
ngf
orMr
sDube"nohel
l
ononot
hing.
Me:
"Hel
l
o.Geti
n"
Zamo:
"Isshei
n?"
Me:
"Yeah.HowmayIbeofhel
p?"
Zamo:"
Mybosssentmet obr
ingt
heset
ohi
swi
fe.I
wil
lwai
tforherr
ighther
e"
Hetookaseat
.Ist
aredathi
mf orawhi
l
eandt hen
deci
dedt
olethi
m be.Hewaslooki
ngaround.
Zamo: "
Soyoudowngr
aded.Fr
om yourownbosst o
asecret
ary
?Whyareyouevensit
ti
ngony ourboss'
s
chai
r?"
Me:
"Whyar
eyousobi
tt
er?
"
Zamo:
"I'
m notbi
tt
erI
'
m aski
ngy
ouaquest
ion"
Me:"
Soy
out
hinkwheny
oul
efty
oul
eftwi
thmy
l
uck?
"
Zamo:"
You'r
eaner r
andsgir
lsoyeahIl
eftwiththe
mostofit
"Ichuckledandsippedonmycoffee.We
st
ayedincompletesilencef
oragood30mi nutes.
Myphoner
ang.Justi
nti
me.
Me:
"Ny
amazane"
Q:
"Mshazi
.Hav
etheboyar
ri
ved?
"
Me:
"He'
sher
eforme?
"
Q:"
Yes.He'
soneofthetr
ansf
err
edi
nter
nsf
rom
Jo'
bur
gmay behegotl
ost"
Me:"
Nohe'sheresi
tti
ngonthecouchwai
ti
ngon
MrsDube.Idon'
tst
ri
kehi
m asone"
Q:
"Pl
easeputhi
m ont
hephone"
Ihandedt
hephoneoutt
oZamo.
Me:
"It
'sy
ourboss"hehesi
tant
lycamet
ogeti
t.
Zamo: "
Hi.
..
ohI'm sorr
ySiryesI
'm here"hetur
nedto
l
ookatmewi t
hadi sappoi
ntedugl
yf ace"YesSir
underst
ood.
..
apologiessir
"hegavemet hephone.
Hehadhungup.Hegav emethefl
ower sfir
stand
thengavemet hepaperbagandwal kedoutwithout
aword.
Ir
eadmycar
dfi
rst
.
'
Reminder
:You'
renol
ongerav
irgi
n.
Congr
atul
ati
ons!
"
Il
aughed.HesmokedweedIswear
.
It
ookoutt
hel
i
ttl
eboxf
ir
st.
'
Thisisamorni
ngafterpi
l
l.Iti
stakenaft
er
unprot
ect
edsexify
oudon' twanttogetpregnant
'
Thought
ful
.Idranki
tandopenedt
hesecondbox.
Therewasalsoanote.
"Thesearet
hesnackst
of eedyourcr
avi
ngsj
usti
n
casethatpi
l
ldoesn'
twork.Xoxo"
He'
sreal
l
yhigh.It
ookthelunchbarandat
eitwhi
l
eI
swungmychairar
ound..
..
[
2/26,10:
39]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

44
.
Iarr
ivedhome.Hubbywashadarri
vedalr
eady
.I
misst het
ri
o.I
tsbeen3weeks.Andthi
shouseist
oo
qui
et.
Iopenedthebootandtookoutplasti
csofgroceri
es.
Iboughttwo5li
tr
esoficecream becauset
hei ce
cream j
unki
esarebothhereandeatitli
kei
tstheir
fi
rstt
ime.
Iti
sverysurpri
si
ngt hatthereasont heyloveice
cream somuchi sbecauset heirmom ownedat ruck,
shehadherowni cecream recipes.Eat i
ngtoomuch
i
cecream atthey oungageshoul d'v
emadet hem to
hateit
.Atl
eastthat'
showIam.Idowantt ohavet oo
muchofany thi
ng.Iloseinterestv er
yf ast.
Itsmeltverynice.Heknowshiswayaroundt
he
kit
chen.Ijustdonottrusthi
m ar
oundthi
sgasstove.
Hesmi ledwhenhesawme.Het rimmedhisbear
d.I
wonderwhendoeshedohi sCEOduti
es.
Me:
"Heyhandsome.
"
Q:
"Heybeaut
if
ul.You'
reear
ly"
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?I
ts6pm"
Q:
"Iwashopi
ngy
ou'
l
lfi
ndt
hef
oodr
eady
"
Me:"
Itdoesn'
tmatt
erbabe.Thissi
ghti
sver
y
amusi
ng.You'
resexyi
nanapr on"
Q:
"Wannaeatmeup?
"
Il
ookedar
ound.
Me:
"Ify
ourbr
otherwoul
dn'
twal
konusIwoul
d"
Q: "
Helef
t"hesti
rr
edthepapandcametome.He
broughtmecloseandki
ssedme."Youknowwhat
thatmeans?"
Me:"
No."Heki ssedmeagai n.Hi
skissesar
ea
myst
ery.Ihaven'tcaughthi
spermanentwayof
ki
ssi
ng.Everyoccasionhasit'
ski
ss.
Q:
"ItmeansIhav
eyouanywher
eint
hishouse"
Me: "
Isitso?
"Henoddedandsli
dasidet
hecolarof
theblouseandki
ssedmyneck."Di
dheleave
becausehewantedtooryout
oldhimtoleave?
"
Q:
"Doesi
tmat
ter
?"Hel
i
ckedmyl
i
ps.
Me:"Yesi
tdoes.Youcouldseehe'
snotokay
.He
can'
tbeoutt
herealone.You'
repar
tofhi
m"
Q:"Hel
eftonhi
sownmama.Hei sgoi
ngtofi
xaf
ew
t
hingsi
nJo'bur
gconcer
ningGl
ade'
sdeat
h"
Me:
"IsKhet
hel
oout
?"
Q:"Yes.Canwecontinuenow?"Ichuckl
edand
wrappedmyar msaroundhiswaistandwer esumed
ki
ssing.Hetr
iedpi
ckingmeupImov edhishands.
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
"
Q:
"Her
e"hesai
dpat
tingthecount
er.Icl
imbedon
myownwhil
ehewatched."
Iwouldneverdropy
ou"
Me:"
Iknow.Comeherestopsul
king"hecameand
st
oodbetweenmylegsandwrappedhishands
ar
oundmywai st
.
Q:
"Imi
ssedy
ou"
Me: "
Imissedyoumor e.Andt
hanky
ouf
ort
he
package"helaughed.
Q:
"Di
dyout
akei
t?"
Me:
"YesIdi
d.Iwi
l
ltaket
hei
nject
iont
omor
row"
Q:"
Doyouknowthatmostchil
dreni
nourf
ami
l
y
wer
econcei
vedr
egardl
ess?"
Me:
"Noway
"
Q:"I
'
mt el
l
ingyou.Soyoumaytakethei
nject
ionbut
whenyou'
resupposedtof
all
pregnanty
ouwi l
l"my
hear
tbeatfast
er.
Me:
"You'
rescar
ingme"
Q:"I
'
llpul
lout
.Goupst
air
sandchange,
takeabat
h
andcomedownt oeat
"
Me:
"It
houghtwewer
eaboutt
o-"
Q:"Thepotsar
egonnaburn."Hesqueezedmy
boobieandwentt
othestove.
Igotofft
hecount
er,
tookmybagandwent
upstai
rs.
Me:
"Pl
easeputi
cecr
eam i
nthef
reezer
"Ishout
ed.
Q:
"Okay
"heshout
edback.
Iopenedt
hedoor
.It
urnedt
hel
i
ght
son.Wow.
Icoul
dn'
thelpbutsmil
e.Ther
ewererosesandli
t
candl
esal
lov er
.Ther
ewasagi f
tbagontopofthe
bed.Andalovemakingsofaandacrossnextt
oit.
Q:"Doy oul
oveit
?"Istar
tl
edandt
urnedt ohi
m."
I
almostdidthi
ngstoyouontheki
tchen.Ihad
forgot
tenaboutt
his"
Me:
"Whendi
dyoudoal
lthi
s?Il
ovei
t"
Q:"Iknockedoffat4andi t
snothar
dforyour
husbandt ogetanyt
hing"hewasdoneunbutt
oni
ng
mybl ouse.
Me:
"Youwantust
otr
ythem out
?"
Q:"That'
sifyoudon'
tmindmyqueen"Iclosedmy
ey
esandmoaned, hi
shandwasi nsi
demycoochie
al
ready.Hekissedmeandgentlypushedmet ot
he
wallwherethenewfurni
tur
eis.
Hepositi
onedmer i
ghtagainstthecr
oss.Ifel
tchil
ls
downmyspi ne.Thi
sescal
at edsofastbutI'
ml ov
ing
ever
ybitofit
.Thisi
sthekindofsexI '
veal
way s
fant
asi
zedaboutandhusbandanddel i
ver
ingjust
that
.
Hefastenedt
hecuff
saroundeachhand.Het
ookmy
ski
rtof
fandthepantyf
oll
owedandthenhepart
ed
mylegs.Hedidt
hesameonmyf eet
.
Heunhookedmybr a.I
tdi
dn'thavest r
apssoitj
ust
fellof
f.Hecuppedmyboobsandki ssedthem.His
obsessionovert
hem i
scr
azy .Heleftmethere
exposedandwenttothebed.Hetookoutat iny
pieceofclot
h.
Itwasablindf
old.Hebli
ndf
oldedme.If
elt
somethi
ngt i
ckl
emef rom mycoochi
eallt
hewayt
o
mybreasts.
Me:
"Whati
sthat
?"
Q:"
Shhh"Ifel
thim ki
ssmyv agi
na."
Youcanchoose
asafewordma'am"Hi st
onguewasgoingupand
downmyf r
eshlyshavedsensi
ti
vepussyl
ips.
Me:"I
'
m bl
ank"Isai
dwi
thmyal
mostnott
her
e
voi
ce.
Q:"
Stopi
sn'
ti
t"hest
uckhi
stonguei
natt
hat
.I
moaned.
Icrouchedmyt oesf
orbalance.Hisfi
ngerfol
lowed.
Hisrighthandwentupt ograbmeonmyl ove
handles.Hesuckedonmycl i
tori
slikehi
slif
e
dependedoni t.Hist
onguewasgoi ngbackandfort
h
alsoincir
cularemotion.If
eelmyl egsshake.
Me:"Babystop.
..
ahh"He'
snothav
ingit.He
cont
inued.Hisf
ingerwasst
il
li
nsi
degent l
ymov
ingi
t
i
nandout .Iwasnowmoaninghel
plessly.
Me:
"Qui
nton.
..
.I
'
mlosi
ngmybr
eat
hbabyst
..
.op"
Hishandwentbel
owt
osqueezeonmyass.The
safeword!
Me: "
Carr
ot!Carr
otismysaf
ewor d"Ir
eleasedmy
j
uices.Hestopped.Hecamebackup."Unti
eme
pl
ease"Iwant
edt
ocr
y.Tear
swer
efor
mingact
ual
l
y.
Hewenttogetatowelandcamebacktocl
eanme
upandthenunbuckl
edthecuf
fs.Het
ookmetothe
bed.Heputafl
eeceoverme.
Q:"I
'l
lgodi
shup"Inodded.Myl
egswer
est
il
l
shaki
ng.
Hegotupandl ef
t.Ismi
ledalone.Toomuch
pleasurecankil
lmeIswear .Igotupandwenttothe
bathroom toshowerbecauseonceIeatIwil
lfal
l
asleepinst
antl
y..
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Iwaswokenupbyt heint
ercom buzzing.Itwassti
ll
dark.Thel i
ghtsofthecit
yshinedthroughmy
window.It ookmyphoneont hesidetable.2am i
n
themor ning.Thatmustbedr unkardspressingt
he
wrongr oom number .
Itdi
dn'
tst
op.Igotupandturnedthel
ight
sonand
usedmyphone'sfl
ashtol
ightmywayt othebulb
swit
chinthel
ounge.Iswi
tcheditonandtookthe
phone.
Me:"
Wewoul dl
i
ketosleeppl
ease"Ihear
dheavy
br
eat
hing."Whoisthi
s?"Theper
sontookadeep
br
eat
h.Itshim.Whatishedoi
ngheresolate?
Iputt
hephonebackandl ethi
mi n.Iunl
ockedand
wenttomyroom t
oputonar obe.Iwassl eepi
ng
onlyi
nmyunderwear.TheDur banweatherdoesn't
dowellwi
thpj
s,unl
essy ou'
retryi
ngtofaintinyour
sl
eep.
AllIcoul
dsmel lwasal
coholwhenIcamebackto
thelounge.Hewasstandingagai
nstt
hewallf
or
supportIthi
nk.Ther
eisnowaysomeonecanwr eak
ofalcoholandbenottoodrunk.
Istoodt
her
eandwat
chedhi
m.Hewasst
ari
ngr
ight
backatme.
Khul
e:"
Didy oudoi
t?"If
rownedconf
used.Ohno.He
di
dnotjustaskmethat.
Me:"Youcomet
omypl
aceat2am t
oaskmet
hat
?
Real
l
y ?"
Hef
inal
l
yunt
angl
edhi
msel
ffr
om t
hewal
land
walkedtome.Hehashi
sbal
ancei
npl
acebutI
couldtel
lhe'
sdr
unk.
Khule:"I
fyoudidittel
lmesoIcant akeadi
ff
erent
routetofixthi
s"hi
sv oi
cewaslow.Toomucht omy
discomfort.Imovedtotheki
tchenarea.
Me:
"It
houghty
ouknewme.
"
Khul
e:"
Ido"hewassti
ll
inthesamepositi
on,
stari
ng
atwher
eIwasstandi
ng."Ij
ustdon'
tknowhowy ou
whenyou'
rebet
ray
ed"
Me:
"I'
m notaki
l
lerKhul
ekani
.
"
Khul
e:"Whywereyouatt
hehospi
talt
heni
ghtshe
waskil
l
ed?"If
eltmyhear
tbeatf
aster
.
Me:"Iwassick.Andy esIam shat
ter
edshegotint
o
mymar ri
agebutnotev enoncehaveIwisheddeat
h
uponher "heturnedwhenheheardmesni ff
."I
'
m
notcapableoftakingali
fe"
Khul
e:"
Didy
ouasksomeonet
odoi
tfory
ou?
"
Me:"Iwouldneverdothat.Thi
swholethingwas
st
agedbysomeonet r
yingtorui
nmyl i
fe.The
ev
idencethatthestat
eholdsinthei
rpossessi
on
couldputmei nj
ailf
orli
fe.Whoeverdidi
thadalot
ofti
met oplanit
.Iam expecti
ngevery
bodyelset
o
thi
nkI'
mr esponsi
bleforherdeat
hbutnotyou"
Khule:"
Ihadtoask.Ther
e'snocr i
meinthat.Iwil
lfi
x
i
tbef or
ethe24thofMarch"thatismytrai
ldate.I
wishIhadanythi
ngsoli
dtopr ovemyinnocencethat
daybutmyhospi t
alr
ecordsmi ghtsel
lmeout .
Hemot
ionedt
owar
dst
hedoor
.
Me:
"Howdi
dyougether
e?"
Khul
e:"
Idr
ove"
Me:
"Di
dyoueat
?"
Khul
e:"
No.Sl
eepwel
l
"
Me: "
Stop! .
..
Imean,youcan'tdr
iveinthatcondit
ion.I
alsodidn'teatbutIcooked.I
fyoudon'tmi ndwecan
eatandsl eephere.Youcansleepinmyr oom I'l
l
takethecouch"I '
dsuggestacouchf orhim buthe's
tootallandacouchcauseshi m crampspl ushe's
drunk.
Khul
e:"
Arey
ousur
e?"
Me:
"I'
m cer
tai
n.Pl
easecl
oset
hedoorandcome
takeaseat"heclosedthedoorandcametositon
thehighchai
r.Idishedupt hepaponamedi
um
servi
ngbowl andputiti
nt hemicrowav
eandt
urned
thestoveontowar m upthestew.
Iopenedthefridgeandtookouticecream.Ipl
aced
i
tbef or
ehim andboiledwateronakettl
e.Wejust
sattherei
nsilencel
ookingateachother.
If
ixedhi
m acupofcof
feeandhandedi
ttohi
m.
Khule:"Thankyou"t
hemicr
owavefi
nished.It
ook
thebowl outandoutafr
eshonetodi
shupt hest
ew
on.Itookoutspoonsandhandedhi
m his.He
chuckled.
Khul
e:"
Ithoughtt
hiswasmi
neal
one"
Me:
"Ify
oudon'
tgetf
ull
we'
l
ldi
shupagai
n."
Weat
eti
l
lourpacesl
oweddown.
Me:
"I'
mful
lnow.
"
Khul
e:"
Iunder
est
imat
edi
t.I
'
m al
sof
ull
.Thanky
ou"
Me:
"Pl
easur
e."
Khul
e:"
Imi
ssedy
ourf
ood"
Me:
"Imi
sscooki
ngf
ory
ou"
Awkwardsi
lence.Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandopenedt
he
i
cecream.
Me:
"Al
i
ttl
edeser
twon'
thur
t"
Khul
e:"
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
"
Il
ookedathi
mforqui
teSomet
ime.
Me: "I
nl ifeIbeli
ev eev eryonehast hatoneper son
thatshal lremaint heirbiggestpar toflif
e.Nomat ter
whatt hatper soncandot heywi l
lalwayshav ea
specialpl aceiny ourhear t.I nmyl ifeyou'rethat
person.You' rethecl osett hi ngtome, evenIf eel l
i
ke
kil
li
ngy ouIal sowanty out oli
vesot hatIcanhav e
yout i
lleternit
y.Itissocr azybabakaNgi phil
e, you
hurtmesobadbutsomehow. .."myt earsgotbet t
er
ofme." Butsomehowi tfeel slikey ou'r
et heonl y
personi nt hi
suni versewhocant aket hatpainaway .
EverydayIdi alyournumber sbutdr opthecal lbefore
i
tev enr ings.Iam i ncompl ete,Iam suf f
er i
ng"hehad
takenmyhandi nt ohis.
Khul
e:"
Youdi
dn'
thav
etol
eav
ehome"
Me:"I
tfel
tli
ket
hebestthi
ngtodo.Ev
enthoughIam
st
il
lver
ymadaty ouIst
il
ll
oveyousomuch."
Khul
e:"
Stopcr
yingokay
.I'
m sor
ry.Comeher
e"
Me: "
Andhatet
hismoment.Iwasnotpl
anningon
breaki
ngdowninf
rontofy
oubutIj
ust-
"hejust
huggedmein.
Khul e:"
Iam sorr
yandIshal lbesorryforaslongasI
shall l
eaveMamnguni .I
'
m cr azilydysfuncti
onal
withouty ouandthati
saf fectingourchi l
dren
becausewe' rebothphysicallyandemot i
onall
y
distantfrom t
hem.Theyar et ooy oung,theydon'
t
deser vethat
"Ihaven'
tseent hem in2weeks.What
ofamot herdoesthatmakeme?" Pleasejustcome
backhome.Wewi l
lbepret tymuchdi vorcedbutjust
comehome.Iwi llmakeupf ormysi nsev ery
dayunti
l
youf inditi
nyourhearttof orgiv
eme"
Me:"
What'
sthepoi
nt?Thatwi
l
lleav
eyouandt
he
ki
dssadwhenIgotojai
l
"
Khul
e:"
You'r
enotgoi
ngtheret
rustme"hemov ed
meoffchestandmademelookathim."Iwi
llf
ind
whoisbehi
ndGlade'
sdeat
hbeforeyourdat
eto
appeari
ncour
t.Iowey
out
hatmuch"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Hesmi ledandki ssedmyf or eheadandt henl etme
restmyheadonhi schestagai n.Imi sshim.Imi ss
hissmel l
.Whoam Iki dding?Il ov ethismanandI
am mor ehur tthatwear en'ttoget heranymor emore
thanthef actthathecheat ed.If eltsafe,Ifeltli
ke
everyt
hingi sgonnabeokay .Hisar msf eltl
ikehome.
Ibeli
evedhi m whenhesai dIwon' tgot ojail
.How
couldmyhear tbetraymel iket his?...
.
•
•••
[
Yol
i
]
Weforgotaboutmom'
sdinneri
nvi
te,
wellIdi
d.I
wokeuptotonsofmessagesfr
om heranddad.
Quint
ondecidedwegoandapol ogi
zeinperson.He
boughtababystrol
lerandapackofci
gar.Hesaid
i
tsastandar
dpr ocedureofapol
ogi
zi
ng.
Q:"
Idon'
twanttot
hinkaboutt
heki
ndoff
oodwe
ki
ssedouton.
"
Me:
"Wehav
efoodathome"
Q:"
Iwould'
velov
edt oeatsomet
hingpr
epar
edby
umkhwekazi(
mot heri
nlaw)"
Me: "
Welly
oushoul
d'v
ewokenmeupwheny ou
camebackdownstai
rsandfoundmesl eepi
ng"he
saidhememberedbutjustt
houghtIhaddecidedwe
aren'
tgoi
ng.
Q:
"Andeatmeal
i
ve?Not
hanks"
Me:
"Let
'sst
opt
alki
ngaboutt
his"
Q:"
Bemyguest
.Let
'
stal
kabouty
oursaf
ewor
d"he
l
aughed.
Me:
"Focusont
her
oadpl
ease"
Q:"
Whatcamei
ntoy
ourmi
ndf
ory
out
othi
nkof
car
rot
?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.I
tist
hewor
dthatj
ustcame"
Q:
"Mmmh"
Wefinall
yarri
vedatmydad'
spl
ace.Hecar
ri
edt
he
st
rol
l
er .Ionl
yhadmybaginmyhand.
Me:
"Zamoi
smyex"
Q:
"Who'
sthat
?"
Me:
"Theoney
ousentt
odel
i
vermet
hoset
hings"
Q:
"Youdat
edt
hatr
udef
ool
?"
Me:
"Yes"hel
aughed.
Q:"
Yourchoi
cei
nmeni
squest
ionabl
emyl
oveno
of
fense"
Me:
"Nonet
akenbecausey
ou'
real
somychoi
ce"
Ipushedthedooropen.Therewasaladyi
na
cl
eaningunif
orm dust
ingoffavase.
Me:
"Mor
ningsi
si"
Her
:"Mor
ning.YoumustbeYol
i
"
Me:
"YesIam.Ar
ethepar
ent
sin?
"
Her
:"Yes.Theyar
eint
hepat
io"
Me:"
Okt hanks..
..
ohthi
sismysoont
obehusband
Qui
nton.Idi
dn'tgety
ourname"
Her:"
I'
m Maur i
ne.Nicetomeety ouQuinton"they
shookhandsandwepr oceededtothepat i
o.Phil
a
sawusf i
rstandrant ous.Qui
ntonpickedherup.
Shewascr yi
ngtell
inghim howmuchshemi ssed
hi
m.Thel oveshehasf orherfat
hersisinsane.I
pi
ckedt
hest
rol
l
erupandheadedt
otheol
dladi
es.
Me:
"Gr
eet
ingsmommi
es"
MrsNzuza:"
Lookatyou!
"Sheopenedherar
ms,
I
cr
ouchedforahug.
Me:
"Wher
e'sy
ourhusband?
"
MrsNzuza:"
Youknowy
ourf
atherwi
thendl
ess
meet
ings"
Me:"Hemustr eti
re"mom wasonherphone.
Completel
yobliv
ioustomyexistence.Qui
nton
gr
eeted.Justt
hereandt hensheshowedinter
est
ed.
HeputPhiladown, shecametome.Wehuggedand
ki
ssed.
Q:"
Wear edeeplysorr
yfornotav
ail
ingour
sel
ves
l
astni
ght.Somethingcameupathomeandwe
compl
etelyf
orgotaboutthedi
nner"
Mama:
"Ohmy
.Isev
ery
oneokay
?"
Q:"Physi
cal
lyy
esbutemot
ional
l
y,i
tsanot
herst
ory
butthey'
l
lbegood"
Mama:
"That
'sar
eli
ef.Ikeptt
het
urkeyf
ory
ou"
Q:"
Thankyouma.Weboughtal
i
ttl
esomet
hingf
or
t
hecomingsoonmember"
Mr sNzuza:"
OhmyGod!I sthi
sit
?"Shegotupand
openedit."
Ntombi,
Iwil
lbethefi
rstonet
opushhim
aroundwithitnoar
guments"
Mama:
"Whyar
eyousuchabul
l
y?"
MrsNzuza:"Icanseemy sel
fwearingthatgr
ay
summerdress, stil
ett
osandglasseswhilepushi
ng
myli
tt
lepaniki here"Iwasdeadwithlaught
ercause
shewasil
lustrating.
Mama:
"Thanky
oumkhweny
ana"
Q:
"Anyt
imema.
"
Phi
l
a:"
CanIl
eav
ewi
thmymommyandmydaddy
?"
Mr
sNzuza:
"No.Youwi
l
lvi
sitonFr
iday
"
Phi
l
a:"
ButIwantt
ogot
odaynotonFr
iday
"
If
eltt
inyhandscov
ermyey es.Ist
art
led.She
l
aughedandcamear oundt
ohugme.
Zozo:
"Imi
ssedy
ou"
Me:
"Imi
ssedy
oumor
ebaby
"
Phi
l
a:"
See?Zozoal
sowant
stogo"
Mama:
"Zozodi
dn'
tsayt
hat
"
Phi
l
a:"
Don'
tyouwantt
ogov
isi
tmom anddad?
"
Zozo:
"HhagogoIdo.Canwe?
"
Mama:
"Theyar
egoi
ngt
owor
k"
Q:"
Myworkactual
l
yhasapl acetoaccommodate
t
hem.Si
nceit
sschoolholi
daysthereareot
herki
ds.
Wecanl
eavewiththem i
fyoudon'tmind"
MrsNzuza:"
OkaygoaskauntMauri
netopackyour
bags"t
heyscr
eamedinexci
tementandr
aninsi
de.
Dur
banl
ovesZozo.She'
sgai
ningwei
ght
.
SisMaurinebr
oughtusfood.Iwasful
lweate
cominghere.Quint
onsawthatagreatoppor
tuni
tyt
o
eatallt
hemeat.Whatkindofmkhweny anai
s
thi
s?eati
nginf
rontofmamazalas.
"Doesany
oneinthishomeknowhowmuchf oodis
tofeedot
hermen?"Ifi
tsnotmyoneandonlyking
whoelsecoul
ditbe?Quint
onimmediat
elyputthe
plat
edown.Hepickedaglassofwat
er.
Sam: "Uh-
uh.Putitdown.Wateral
socosts
thousandsinthi
sneighbor
hood"heputthegl
ass
down.Mypoorbaby .
Me:"You'
resuchabul l
ykodwaMahlobo"wehugged
andIsatbackdown.Hef ormedafeastand
ext
endedittofeastbumpwi t
hQ.Theydidandt
hen
hesatdown.
Sam:
"Howdoesf
oodboughtwi
thmymoneyt
ast
e?"
MrsNzuza:"
Pleasel
eav
emychi
l
dal
one.Hebought
usastr
oll
er"
Sam:
"Whatisthat?Ni
cepr
am,
wher
edi
ditcome
fr
om?"Welaughed.
Mr
sNzuza:
"Fr
om Qui
nton"
Sam:"Heboughtapr
am andast
rol
l
er?Wher
e'st
hat
st
rol
l
er?"
Me:
"Ast
rol
l
eri
sapr
am"
Sam: "
Oh.Whyusebombasti
cwor
ds?Dube,
didy
ou
teachmyfami
lythatwor
d?"
Q:"
NoSi
rIt
smyf i
rstt
imehear
ingt
hatt
hist
hingi
s
cal
l
edast
rol
ler
"
Henar
rowedhi
sey
esatQ.He'
stoomuch.Ol
dagei
s
cat
chi
ngupwit
hhi
minabadway .
Sam: "
OhIwasgoi ngtoannouncet hatIwoul
dlove
togiv
e25%shar esofmycompany .Itsuptoyoui
f
yousplititoryoujustleaveitl
ikethat"hesai
dandli
t
hisci
gar ett
e.Justlikethat
?"You'r
ewel cometo
showy ourf acesthereonFridaytosign.Youcan
comewi thyourlawy er
storeadthecont r
actf
oryou"
Me:
"Youar
en'
tj
oki
ng?
"
Sam:"No.I'
m notdoi
ngt
hisf
ory
out
wo.I
'
m doi
ngi
t
formygrandchi
ldr
en.
"
Q:"
We'
regrat
eful
.ForamomentIr
eal
l
ythoughty
ou
wer
eki
dding"
Sam:"YouknowIdon'
tj
okewheni
tcomest
o
busi
ness"
Themothersweresit
tingnextt
oeachonacouch
smil
ingatus.Ther
eIwasnotshowi ngenough
exci
tement.Thi
sisoverwhel
ming.
..
.
•
•••
[
Lel
o]
Thishousehasbeenf
eel
ingcol
dsinceMonday
eveni
ng.Cal
vinl
etushav
ethemeet i
ngbyour
sel
ves.
Hewasnothomewhenwear r
ived.
Lastni
ghthecamebackfr
om workandl ocked
hi
mselfinhi
sstudy
.Ij
ustdeci
dedtolethim be.He
sl
eptther
e.Ionl
ysawhiminthemorning.
Ispentthewhol
edayr unningaroundpreparingfor
Yezweandhisfriend.He'sf l
yi
ngfrom Greece.Ihave
neverbeensoproud.Tot hi
nkthatIevenseconded
thathegoestobusi nessschoolwhil
ehi spassion
hasalwaysbeenf ashion.IsawitbutIjustdidnot
thi
nkitwasathingt hatcouldtakehim placesli
keit
i
snow.
Whil
eCalvi
nwentcrazyabouthavi
ngagayson.The
gaysonwasflyi
ngtoGreeceforafashi
ont
hat
wouldal
sopresenthi
scoll
ect
ion.
Ifi
nishedlay
ingthetable.Itooktheki
dst
oKhethi
we.
Thebestpartaboutdi scoveri
ngthi
sfami
l
yist
hat
thechil
drenareever
y one'skids.
Si
siphocamedown.
Si
sipho:
"Ist
il
lfeel
li
kehe'
sbr
ingi
nghi
slov
er"
Me:
"Itdoesn'
tmat
ter
"
Si
sipho:
"Yourhusbandwi
l
lcausedr
ama.
"
Me:
"Hewoul
dn'
tdar
e.Gogett
henapki
ns"
Si
sipho:
"Aunt
yEmzi
snowsadIcancel
l
edagai
n"
Me:
"Tell
hery
ouwi
l
lcomef
ir
stt
hingi
nthe
mor
ning"
Sisipho:"
Idi
d.Youknowhowmuchshel oves
sulking"wel
aughed.Shedi
sappear
edt
ot heki
tchen.
Cal
vi
ncamei
n.Hegr
eet
ed.
Cal
vi
n:"
Speci
aloccasi
on?
"
Me:
"Isenty
ouat
ext
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Idi
dnotcheckmyphonet
oday
"
Ihear
dSi
siphoscr
eam.
Me:
"Yezwei
scomi
nghomeandt
hatmustbehi
m"
Heappearedhol
dinghandswi
thSi
si
phof
oll
owedby
t
he"fr
iend".
Yezwe:
"Sani
bonani
"
Me:
"Justcomeandgi
vemeahugal
ready
"he
smi
l
edandwehugged."
I'
m sopr
oudofy
ou"
Yezwe:"
Iwoul
dn'thavedoneitwi
thoutyour
suppor
t.
"Hetur
nedt ohi
sfather
."Mbuyazi"
Cal
vi
n:"Yezwe.Tellmethebul
l
shitIr
eadinthat
magazi
neisn'
ttrue.Whydoesyourfr
iendhasmake
upon?"
Me:
"Cal
vi
npl
ease"
Yezwe:"I
tisact
ual
l
ytrue.I
'
m sor
ryyouhadtofi
nd
outthat
.Andthi
shereisPopi
,myboyfr
iend"
Ihel
dCal
vi
n'
shandt
ight
er.
Calvi
n:"Soyoudidn'thavetheaudacit
ytocomehere
alonefi
rstandexplainyoursel
f.Youbri
ngthiscl
own
l
ookinghuman.You' readdingsaltt
othewound,
you'r
erubbingi
ttomyf acethatyousuckdick"
Popi:
"Ohnodaddyi
nbaehedoesn'
t.Idot
he
sucki
ng"
Calv
in:
"Whothehell
istal
ki
ngt
oyou?Gett
hehel
l
outofmyhouse.Now!"
Me:"
Goupstair
spl
ease.Gi
vemeandy
ourf
ather
somespace"
Theyfoll
owedeachot
herup.Iwai
tedt
il
lIhear
da
doorclose.
Me:
"Ify
ouchasehi
m away
.Iwi
l
lleav
ewi
thhi
m"
Calv
in:
"Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e"Il
ookedhi
m deepi
nthe
eye.
Me:
"Tr
ymeDube.Tr
yme"
Istormedt otheki
tchen.Iheardhim groansoftl
y
andt hendangli
ngkeysaf t
er.Ihear
dt hefrontdoor
sl
am.Icar ri
edthejugofjuiceandwentt ot hedi
ning
area.Ical
ledtheki
dst ocomedown.
Myhusbandneedsdel
i
ver
ance.
..
[
2/26,10:
40]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

45
.
[
Yezwe]
Myfatheri
sthel
eastofmyworri
es.I
'
vealway
s
knownhewouldreactt
hiswaywhenthenews
resur
face.Iknowhelovesmeandhei
sjustangr
y.
Soonerorlaterhe'
l
lcomearound.
Thesupperwasgood.Mymom hasal waysbeenmy
fi
rm supportsyst
em.Shewasallear
sabouthow
Greecewas, whatam Imaki
ngon,howlonghaveI
beenwi thPopi
.Amot her
'sl
oveshal
lremain
pri
celess.
Iwaswokenupbythesmel
loff
resht
oast.If
elta
gentl
yki
ssonmyli
ps.Ir
ubbedmyeyesandsmi l
ed.
Isatupr
ight
.
Me:"Youwerehi
ghy
esterday,
wer
en'
tyou?
"He
pl
acedthet
rayonmythighs.
Popi:"YesandI '
m sorr
y.Ineededcour
agetoface
yourfather.Youdidnotdescri
behimtobet he
fr
iendlytype.AndwhenIsai dIdothesucki
ng,I
tfel
t
l
ikether i
ghtthi
ngt osaytosaveyoubutthatwas
j
ustmar ij
uanaspeaking"
Me: "
Nextti
mepl easedon'
tsmokei t
.Myfatheri
sa
hardcoreZul
umanandt helastt
hingheneedsto
hearissomeoneadmi t
ti
ngtobet heonewhosucks
hi
sson'spenis"
Popi
:"I
'
m sor
ry.Shoul
dIapol
ogi
zet
ohi
m?"
Me:"
Ifyoucan"hesmi
l
ed."
Not
hingext
rapl
ease
Popi
."
Popi:"I
'l
lsendhim acard"Hel ookedintothedr
awer
andfoundonewi t
hapen.Het ookaseatbefor
ethe
vanit
y" DearMrfatheri
nlaw.Iam sorryforwhatI
saidlastnight
.Thatwasdi srespect
fulofme.
Apologies..
.what
'
shi sf
av ori
teclanname? "I
chuckled.
Me:
"Mbuy
azi
"
Popi
:"Mbuy
azi
omuhl
e.Goodby
edad"Il
aughed.
Me:"Beseri
ousforonce.Remov
ethatomuhl
e,he'
l
l
t
hinkyou'
refl
ir
ti
ngwithhim"
Popi
:"Whati
fitsof
tenshi
m up?
"
Me:"I
twon'
t.Not
hingsof
tenst
hatmanup.Youj
ust
gott
ogivehimti
me"
Popi
:"Okay
.Ar
ewest
il
lmeet
ingwi
thmymom?
"
Me:
"Yes.Whywoul
dyouev
enask?
"
Popi
:"Idon'
tknow.May
bey
oudon'
tfeel
li
kei
t"I
shookmyhead.
Me:"
Yourmom i
swhoI
'
dwantt
omeetupwi
thev
en
onmydeat
hbed"
Thatwomani ssowelcoming.Unf
ortunatel
yher
husbandpassedonlastyear
,Popisaysheal so
di
dn'thaveaprobl
em wit
hhissexuali
ty.Iwould'
ve
l
ovedt omeethim.
Popi:
" That
'sal
lbecausey
oubot
hareal
ways
teamingupagainstmeandmyhappi
ness"
Me:
"Onf
act
sonl
y"
Ifi
nishedeat
ingandgotup.Ikissedhi
scheek.
"Thankyouforthelovel
ybr
eakfast.Wher
edoyou
wantust ogoont hi
sremai
ningweek?"Hepouted.
Popi
:"Doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etogo?
"
Me: "Yes.Famil
ytimei sval
uedsomuchathome
youknowt hat
.AndI'vebeensodi stant
.Ionl
y
attendeddaddyChr i
s'sweddingoutofal l
occasi
ons
thattookplacethisyear.I
twouldn'tbefai
rofmet o
notbehomef orfest
ive"
Popi
:"Iunder
standbuty
ouknowIwi
shy
ouwer
en'
t
goi
ng.
"Ihuggedhi
min.
Me:
"It
'l
lonl
ybef
or2weeks"
Popi
:"That
'sal
otwi
thouty
ou"It
il
tedhi
sheadand
ki
ssedhim.
Me:
"Youwon'
tev
ennot
iceI
'
m gone"
Hesmi l
edandJamesAur t
herSayyouwon'
tl
etgo
cameont hespeakercameon.Wedancedtoit.As
mental
lyunst
ableashei sIst
il
llov
ehim.Hehasa
hugeimpactonmyl i
fe..
..
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Itf
eelsgoodtobebackhomewit
hmypeopl
e.If
lew
str
aightbackher
eaft
erget
ti
ngKhet
hel
oout
.
Itbr
okemyhear ttoseehercr
ythatmuch.Ineedt
o
star
tworkingonhercaseasearl
yaspossibl
e.She
i
snotgoi ngtoj
ailf
orsomethi
ngshedidnotdo,
evenifshedidi
t.She'
snotgoi
ngtojai
l.
Khet
hiwe:
"Babe!
"Ohwear
ebackhome,
Pret
ori
a.
Me:
"Cl
oset
"shegoti
n.
Khet
hiwe:
"Ar
eyougoi
ngsomewher
e?"
Me:
"Yeswear
egoi
ngsomewher
e."
Khet
hiwe:
"Wher
e?"
Me:
"Br
eakf
astandwegot
othesal
on"
Khethi
we:"
Wecan'
ttakehi
mtosuchapl
ace.Sal
ons
havegems"
Me:
"We'
l
ldr
opy
ouof
fandgocheckoutt
hatcar
"
Khet
hiwe:
"SoundsgoodbutIal
sowannaseet
he
car
"
Me:
"We'
l
lgot
othepar
kthenwhi
l
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"
Khet
hiwe:
"Okayl
etusbat
h"
Me:"He'
sal
ready
"shef
rowned-
smi
l
edandcame
cl
osertome.
Khethi
we:"You'
redoi
ngv
erywel
ldaddy
.I'
m pr
oudof
you"Igr
inned.
Me:
"Thanky
oumyl
ove.Hav
eyouf
orgi
venme?
"
Khethi
we:"If
orgav
eyouthef
ir
stdayyoucame.I
'm
thehappi
estwomanali
veNyamazane.Iwoul
dn'
t
hav
emyl
i
feanyot
herwayt
hani
tisnow.
"
Me:
"I'
venev
erseeny
out
hishappyt
obehonest
."
Khet
hiwe:
"WhenGodanswer
syourpr
ayer
sitshows.
"
Me: "
Iseeyou'
reevenconsideri
ngbeinga
housewif
e"shelaughed.Herlaught
eriswhatI
'
d
rat
herli
stent
oev er
yday.
Khet
hiwe:"
Qui
ntonwassayi
ngt
hat
.Iwoul
dr eal
ly
l
ovetorai
semysonunti
lhe'
s6monthsat
leastunti
l
Igobacktowor
k"
Me:
"You'
rel
uckyy
ou'
reQui
nton'
sfav
ori
te"
Khet
hiwe:
"Phel
aifIgetf
ir
ed.Iwi
l
lbey
ourPA"
Me: "
Never.Youwantmet olosefocus,youknow
yourdevi
l'
sagentsideresur
faceswithoutwarni
ng"
shelaughedandpinchedme.
Khethi
we:"That'
sbecauseyou'
rei
rr
esi
sti
blemy
honey"shebitherl
owerli
p.
Me:"Thisi
swhatI'mtal
kingabout"Ipi
ckedherup
andpinnedheragai
nstt
hewal l
.Shegiggled,
we
shar
edasl owpassi
onatekiss.
..
.
•
••
[
Yol
i
]
MyphonerangasIlookedformycarkey sont he
par
kingl
ot.Ipul
ledi
toutfi
rstandcheckedthecaller
I
D.Shemustt hi
nkIabandonedher.Ianswered.
Me:
"Heybabe"
Khet
hel
o:"
Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:"
I'
m atUmhl
anga.What
'sup"shewas
whi
speri
ng.
Khet
hel
o:"
Idi
dsomet
hing.Ineedy
ou.
"Shesni
ff
ed.
Me:"Wher
ear
eyou?Doy
ouneedmet
ocomeget
you?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Arey
ouatt
owor
k?Iwoul
dlov
etosee
you"
Me:
"Icoul
dmakeanexcept
ion"
Khethel
o:"
Okaypl
easemeetmeatSout
her
nsuni
n
2hrs"
Me:
"Okay
"
Ihungandreachedmykey
s.Igoti
nmycarandf
ace
ti
medKy l
i
e.
Ky
li
e:"
HeyGodmot
her
"
Me:
"Howar
eyoudoi
ngmypeopl
e?"
Ky
li
e:"
Wear
egood.Justwai
ti
ngony
ourv
isi
t"
Me:"
Iwill
seeyouguysonSatur
dayIpr
omise.Soi
ts
of
fi
cial
.Ij
ustsi
gned"shescr
eamedi
nexci
tement.
Kyl
ie:"
Congrat
ulat
ionsbaby.Keepsecur
ingt
hatbag
honeysoyou'l
lhavetoret
ir
eat30andt r
avel
the
world"
Me:
"Thanky
oubaby
.Isowi
shIcoul
d."
Kyli
e:"
Youwi
l
l.You'
reont
her
ightpat
h.I
'
m pr
oudof
you"
Me:
"Thanky
ou.St
opy
ougonnamakemecr
y"
Kyli
e:"I
'mt hi
nkingabouthowt oughy ouhadit
growingupbutl ookaty ounow.You'reali
ving
testi
monyt hatGodalway shasapl anyoujustgotto
bepat i
ent.Youarepatient,gr
aceandmer cyshall
foll
owy ouev er
yti
me"Ipul l
edatissueanddr i
edmy
tears.
Me:"I
tal
waysseemsunreal
.YouknowIst
il
l pi
nch
mysel
fatni
ghtthi
nki
ngIwil
lwakeupfr
om thistoo
goodtobet
ruedream"shel
aughed.
Kyl
ie:
"Youbet
terst
op.Thi
sisy
ou,
thi
sisy
ourt
ime
toshi
nemoghel.
"
Me: "
Youalwaysmakecr y.Bye,
passmyl
oveto
extr
acheese"shelaughed.Shealway
swant
edext
ra
cheeseonanythi
ngsheat e.
Ky
li
e:"
Pleasel
eav
emybabyal
one.
"
Me:
"Passmyl
ovet
oRay
"
Ky l
ie:
"Iwil
lbabe.Gocel
ebrat
ewithhubbyinstyl
e
sinceyoudonotgr ownupsstuf
f"Il
aughed.Ihaven'
t
toldanyonethatwe'v
epoppedthecherr
y.
Me:
"Yeahwhat
ever
.By
e"
Ihungupandtookadeepbr eat
h.Benphonecal l
s
areal
wayslongersoIri
nghi m upanddr i
veoff
headi
ngtoHubby '
soff
ice.Icouldn'
ttakeeit
herof
them wi
thmecause,Wor k.
Ben:
"Yol
i
'sbest
iespeaki
ng.Hel
l
o"
Me:
"Noneedt
ofl
att
erme.Howar
eyoubest
ie?
"
Ben:"
Iwi
llbegoodwheny
out
ell
met
hedeal
is
si
gnedandsealed"
Me:"
Asy ousaymybaby "hescr
eamed.Myf
ri
ends
ar
eforkeepshonest
ly.
Ben:
"Qmustbuyyouanewdi
ck,
youdeser
vei
tbaby
!
Whenar
ewecelebrat
ing?
"
Me:"Nott
odayof
cour
se.Iwi
l
lbeatt
hepar
ent
's
housetoi
nfor
mthem"
Ben:"
Ugh.Iwannaspoil
your
ott
enont
hatdaywe
wil
lbeabl
etocelebr
ate.
"
Me:
"Ican'
twai
t"
Ben:"
Arey
ouandQpl
anni
ngonmaki
ngbabi
es
soon?
"
Me:
"Why
?"
Ben:
"Heboughtal
oveseatandaf
reakycr
oss"
Me:"Doyouseeev
eryt
ransact
ionmadebyt
hese
peopl
e?"
Ben:"
Ifi
texceedsR5000yesma'am.Soar
eyou
pl
anni
ngonmaki nggrandki
dsf
orMrNzuza"I
l
aughed.Hi
stonewhenhesai
dMrNzuza.
Me:"
Ofcour
se.We'
reget
ti
ngmar
ri
edi
naf
ew
mont
hs"
Ben:"
Ishoul
dteachyouwomanont op.Idonot
wantyouembarrassi
ngme"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Pl
easel
eav
emeal
one.
"
Ben:"Iwil
lhav
esomethi
ngdeli
ver
edforyou.Weari
t
toni
ghtandseeifhewon'
tgett
empted.I
tsanew
coll
ecti
onandtrustmewomenrecommendi t
"
Me:
"Asl
ongasi
tisnotcompl
i
cat
edt
oputon"
Ben:
"Linger
iesrequi
reeducat
edpeopl
e.I
tisnot
compli
catedforeducat
edpeople"
Me:
"I'
m ar
ural
gir
l"
Ben:
"Aneducat
edone.
"OhI
'
m her
e.
Me:
"I'
m atHubby
'sof
fi
cenow.By
eboo"
Ben:
"Don'
tfor
gett
osuckhi
speni
s"
Me:
"Ben!
"
Ben:
"Iknowt
hehoei
nyouwant
sto.By
e!"He
l
aughedandhungup.He'
ssuchachar
act
er.
Ifoundapar ki
ngspot.Ipar
kedandheadedinsi
de.
Thisismyt hir
dti
mecomi nghere.Idonotl
i
kehow
everyonearoundherealwayswannagivemethat
specialt
reatment
.Itdoesn'
tfeel
right
.
Igr
eetedtherecept
ioni
standheadedst
rai
ghtto
Quint
on'
soffi
cebeforeanyofthosei
nsightt
ryto
off
ermecof f
eeortoholdmybag.
Ifoundhim ont hecall
.Iwhisperedheshould
conti
nue.Inot i
cedapor t
rai
tofmemadeofmosai c
ontheleftsidewall.Ther
e'sonlyacouchandi t
hangedov erjustaboveit
.Ihavenev erseent
his
pi
ctureofmebef ore.
Iam i
ntheki
tchenwi
thabowl
ofi
cei
nmyhand.I
am l
aughi
ng.
Thi
swasl
astweek.
Q:"I
twasdeli
ver
edthi
smorni
ng"hesai
dhuggi
ng
mef r
om behi
ndandki
ddi
ngmyneck.Iputmy
handsoverhi
s.
Me:
"It
sbeaut
if
ul"
Q:
"You'
rebeaut
if
ul"Ibl
ushed."
Howdi
dit
?"
Me:"
Ver
ywel
lthanks.I
tsof
fi
ci
al"It
ookadeep
br
eat
handt
urnedtofacehi
m.
Q:"I
'
m proudofy
ou."Heperkedmyli
psandletgo.
Hewentbacktohisdesk"
Whatkindofcakewould
youli
ke?
"
Me:
"Now?
"hepi
ckeduphi
sof
fi
cephone.
Q:
"Yes.
"
Me:
"OhI
'
llhav
ewhat
every
ou'
rehav
ing"
Itookof
fmyheel
sandbl
azerandr
elaxedont
he
couch.
Me:"HaveyouspokentoKhulet oday
?"Isai
daf
terhe
gotofft
hecalltel
l
ingwhomev ertobri
ngin
champagne,cakesandsnacks.
Q:"No.I'
vebeentr
yinghi
m buthi
sphonegoes
st
raightt
ov oi
cemail
."
Me:
"Oh"
Q:
"Di
dhecal
lyou?
"
Me:
"No.Iwasj
ustaski
ngsi
ncewehadn'
thear
dhow
di
dhego"
Q:"
Ical
l
edBongahesaidhehasn'
thear
dfr
om hi
m
si
nceFr
idayl
astweek"
Hepi
ckedmylegsupandsatdownandplacedt
hem
ont
opofhi
m andgavemeaf ootmassage.
Ibatt
ledi
nmyheadi fIshouldtel
lhi
m about
Khethel
o'
scallornot
.AllIknowisthatIwasf
eel
i
ng
abitofconcer
naboutKhet hel
o'
scall
.
Thecel
ebr
ati
onpackagear
ri
ved.
Hepoppedt hechampagneandpour
editi
ntoour
glasses.Hehandedmemi ne.Herai
sedhi
s,I
foll
owedt heleader
.
Q:"Tomor egooddealsandgoodlife"Ichuckl
ed
shyl
y.Idon'tknowwhatishappeni
ngwi thmet oday
butmyshyper sonai
staki
ngover.
Me:
"Tomoregooddeal
sandgoodl
if
e"wedr
ankt
o
t
hat
.Hetookmyhandandki
ssedi
t.
Q:
"Il
ovey
oumamaDube.
"
Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
eMbuy
azi
"
Hesmi l
ed.Reveali
nghi
sbeaut i
ful
setoft eeth.I
wonderwhodi dtheyi
nheri
ttheseteethfrom
becauseall
them havebeauti
fulwhit
et eeth.
Ireachedforthehugesli
ceofcake.I
tlookedvery
appetizi
ng.Heshookhisheadsmili
ngandl ai
dhis
headonmyl ap.I
ttast
edasbeauti
fulasitl
ooked..
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
2hour
slat
er
Ist
oodbythebalconyandwat chedthewavesand
l
ettheseabreezehi
tmybar eskin.Ial
mosttoldt
he
l
adyIwanttheroom on1stfloor.Thi
sismuch
bet
terandverycal
ming.Ineededit.Af
terwhatI
wentthr
oughthismorni
ngIneededsomet hingas
cal
ming.
"
Mfazi
wher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:"Bal
conybabes.Ontopofthebedi
syourbi
ki
ni.
Idon'
tknowifIgotther
ightsi
ze"
Yol
i
:"Ar
ewehav
ingapar
tyf
or2?
"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
"
Sheappear
edafteracoupl
eofmi
nut
es.Shehas
suchabeauti
ful
chubbybody.
Yol
i
:"I
tfi
ts.
"Shesatdown."
Thi
sisabeaut
if
ulv
iew"
Me:
"Indeedi
tis"
Yoli
:"I
'
m gonnadi
eofchampagnetoday
"shesai
d
pouri
ngitt
othegl
ass.Ichuckl
ed.
Me:"
I'
dhav eorderedalcohol
buty
oumi
ghtbe
pr
egnantso..
."shelaughed.
Yoli
:"Ar
eyouandKhul
espeaki
ng?
"It
ookadeep
breat
h.
Me: "
Yes.Hesleptatmyplacel
astnightandwehad
sex"shegasped.Itookasi
pofmyr emaining
champagne.
Yol
i
:"Youdon'
tl
ookhappy
"
Me:
"Of
cour
seI
'
m not
"Igr
oaned."
I'
m mad.
"
Yol
i:"
Star
tfr
om t
hebegi
nni
ngpl
ease.Di
dn'
thegot
o
Jo'
burg?"
Me:
"No.Iwi
shhedi
d."
Yol
i
:"Whyar
eyoust
ressed?
"
Me:
"Hef
oundoutIt
ermi
nat
edpr
egnancy
"
Yol
i
:"Youwhat
?"
Me:"Yes!We'
redivor
cedforChrist
'ssakeandIwas
scar
editmightnotbehissincehissermenwassai
d
tobenotacti
veanymore,apperantl
yiti
s"she
fr
owned.
Yol
i
:"Idon'
tunder
stand"
Me:"Ifoundmysel
faonenightst
andaftert
henews
cameout .Weusedpr
otect
ionbutyouknowthi
ngs
happen"
Yol
i:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
."Shepaused."
How
di
dKhulefi
ndout?
"
Me:"
Hispeoplegothol
dofmyhospit
alrecor
ds.We
f
ought,
itgotbadheendedupst
rangl
ingme"she
wi
denedhereyes.
Yol
i
:"Ar
eyouokay
?Ar
eyougoi
ngt
orepor
thi
m?"
Me:"Iam okay.Iwon'
t.Idon'
tthi
nkI'
llev
erseehi
m
agai
n.Hecr i
edYoli
.Ifeelawful
.HesaidIbett
ert
ell
hi
skidshewasagoodmanandt henhelef
t.
"
Yol
i
:"Don'
tcr
y.Youwer
edoi
ngwhaty
out
hought
wasbest
"shewasr
ubbi
ngmyshoul
der
.
Me: "
Welli
twasn'
t.I
fyoucanpl
easeaskQui
ntont
o
speaktohi
m."
Yol
i:"Iwi
ll
.Heal
socan'
tgethi
m ont
hephonebut
I
'm surehe'
ll
cal
lhi
m ev
entual
l
y"
Me:
"Iwi
sht
oret
urnt
ime.
"Shehuggedme.
Yol
i
:"Iknowbaby
.I'
m sor
ry"
Hesai
dalotoft
hingsl
ikehe'
saboutt
odi
e.He
woul
dn'
tki
ll
himself
,woul
dhe?..
.
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
Pear
lpeepedherheadi
n.
Pearl
:"Ther
eissomeoneher
eforyouSi
rbuthe
doesn'
thaveanappoi
ntment
"Thatmustbe
Mkhonto.
Me:
"Lethi
min"
Igotupt
opourwhi
skey
.Indeedi
twashi
m.
Me:
"Youmayt
akeaseatMakhedama"hedi
d.I
handedhi
m agl
ass.Hegr
inned.
Mkhonto:
"Ain'
tathi
ngchanged.
"Hesai
dswi
rl
ing
t
heglassaround.
Me:
"Atal
l
.Howhav
eyoubeenndoday
amadoda?
"
Mkhont
o:"
I'
vebeenv
erygood.
"
Me:"Ar
eyoudoi
ngwel
li
ncat
chi
ngcr
imi
nal
s?"He
l
aughed.
Mkhont
o:"
Ofcour
se.Doy
ounotr
eadnewspaper
s
any
more?"
Me:
"NoI
'
m av
erybusymanl
atel
y.
"
Mkhont
o:"
Iam thebestt
hingt
hatev
erhappenedt
o
t
hepoli
cedepar
tment"
Me:
"That
'swhatIwantt
ohear
.Younevert
hanked
meformaki
ngsureyoumakei
ttothecabi
net
"
Mkhont
o:"
Iknow.Ishal
lfor
everbei
ndebt
edt
oyou"
Me:"
Noneed"hesmi
l
ed."
CauseIal
soneedaf
avor
f
rom y
ou"
Mkhont
o:"
Asl
ongasi
tisnotbey
ondwhatIcando"
Me: "Notatall
"Ipulledanenvelopeoutofapil
eof
fi
les."I
nsi
deher etherearedetail
sofadocketIwant
todisappear.I
tsinDur ban,Br
eapoli
cestat
ion.I
wanty outogettoi tbeforei
tismovedsomewher e
else"
Mkhont
o:"
MadonnaI
-"
Me: "
Idon'twantnoexcusesMhlongo.I
fiti
snotl
ost
bySaturday,y
ouandmybr ot
her'
swifewil
lhav
eone
thi
ngincommon: bei
ngchargedformurder
"
Mkhont
o:"
It
snoteasyCal
vi
n"
Me:"Sowaski l
l
ingy
ourcompet
it
or.Justgeti
tdone"
hesighed.It
ookaseatonmychairandopenedmy
l
aptop.
Hepickedt
heenv
elopeandwal
kedout
.That
'smor
e
l
ikei
t.
Thedooropenedagai
naf
tersomet
ime.Whose
bi
rt
hdayisit
?
Me:"
Standri
ghtt
her
e.Whoi
sthi
sandwhatar
e
t
hesefor?
"
Pear
l:"
It
sadel
i
ver
yfory
ousi
r"
Me:"Idi
dnotor
dert
hose.Pl
easecheckt
her
ecei
ver
agai
n"
Del
i
ver
yguy
:"MrCal
vi
nDube"
Me:"
Okaypl
easepl
aceputi
tov
ert
her
e.Whosent
t
hem?"
Pearl
:"Unknown"Isi
gnedandt
heywal
kedout.Igot
upandl ookedf
oracardamongstt
hef
lower
s.I
foundit
.
'
DearMrf at
herinlaw.Iam sor r
yforwhatIsai
dlast
ni
ght.Thatwasv erydisrespectf
ulofme.Apol
ogies
Mbuyaziomuhle.Toodl esdad'
I
'
m bei
ngt
est
ed.Ir
eachedf
ormyphone.
Yezwe:
"Ny
amazane"
Me:"Comegett
hisci
rcusy
ourboy
fri
end,
gir
lf
ri
end
orwhatev
ert
hatmakeupweari
ngmansenthere.
"
Yezwe:
"I'
m notf
oll
owi
ng"
Me:
"Gett
omyof
fi
cer
ightnow!
"Ihungup.
Myoff
icel
ooksli
keafucki
ngbal
l
oonshopora
cemet
eryorahospi
tal
ward.
Dammi
titmustbet
hoseheel
sthatdr
ivehi
m nut
s..
.
[
2/26,10:
43]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

46
.
[
Yezwe]
Iarr
ivedatdad'soff
ice.Hewasnoti n.Myeyes
l
andedonf l
owersandballoonsshapedinever
y
possibl
eshapet her
eis.IsweartoGodi ft
hesear
e
fr
om PoppyI '
m gonnaloseit.Il
ookedforacardt
o
noavail.It
ookmyphoneoutandcal ledhi
m.
Popi
:"Hey
.Iwasaboutt
ocal
lyou"
Me: "
Andtel
lmey
oudi
dtheopposi
teofwhatI
askedyou?"
Popi
:"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Me:
"Thet
hingsyousentmydaddammit!It
oldyou
t
onotdoanythi
ngdr
asti
cbutnoyoudi
dn'tl
i
sten.
"
Popi
:"Cal
m down.Iam t
ryi
ngher
eokay
"
Me:"Wel
ldon'
t.Iwi
lldealwi
thmydadonmyown.
Thi
sisn'
thowy ou'
tr
y'wit
hhim.Asi
mpleapol
ogy
car
dwould'
vebeenenough"
Popi
:"I
shemad?
"
Me:
"Whatdoy
out
hink?
"
Popi
:"OhmyIwi
l
lsendhi
m anot
hercar
d
apol
ogizi
ng"
Me: "
Don't
"Ihungup.Her eal
lydoesn'tunder
stand
whomyf atheris.It
ookadeepbr eathandwentout
toseeifIcouldgetanyonetotakeoutthesethings.
Ifound3guy sabouttogetonthelif
t.
Me: "
Gent s.Howzi
t?Wouldyoupleasehel
pmewi th
somethingshereinsi
de?"Theynodded.Il
edtheway
backin."YoucantaketheseI'
m sureyoual
lhave
gi
rlf
ri
endsandt heywouldli
kesomef l
owersand
bal
loons"
Oneoft
hem:
"Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?"Inodded."
Thanky
ou
Jnr
"
Theyt
ookev
ery
thi
ngwi
tht
hem.
Ideci
dedt
olookar
ound.I
tsabeaut
if
ulof
fi
ce,
ver
y
spaci
ous.
Everyt
hingi
sgolden,het
hinkshe'
sroy
alt
y.I
fIcoul
d
sel
lallt
hisf
urni
tureIswearIwoul
dgetabouta
mill
i
on.
Ther i
ghtwallisdecor atedwithhisfami l
ypictur
es.I
steppedcloser.Ichuckl ed,ever
ypictureofour
mi l
est
onesisont hiswal l
.Isawapi ctureofuswe
tookattheschool groundswhenIwas16.Ihadj ust
scored3goal s.Thepr ideonhi sfacewaspr icel
ess.
Ismil
edalone.He'
sisnotper f
ectbuthei sthebest
fat
herweallcoul
deveraskf or.He'
sal waysbeena
busymanbuthe'sneverskippedev enasingleevent
weev eri
nvi
tedhimforatschool,unlesshewasout
ofthecount
ryofcour
se.
Ist
art
ledatt
hesoundofaslammingdoor
.He
wal
kedtohistabl
eandhi
tthefi
l
eonit.
Dad:
"Bl
oodyMt
himkhul
u"
Me:
"Whatdi
dhedo?
"
Dad:"
Hewalkedoutonme.Canyoubel
i
evehi
m?He
j
ustdeci
destodi
tchmeforNkabi
nde
t
elecommuni
cat
ions.
"
Me:
"Ist
her
eany
thi
ngIcandot
ohel
p?"
Dad:"What?Areyougonnadesi
gnnewunder
pant
s
thatwi
ll
fithi
sli
tt
lebal
ls?"
Me: "
Thatisoffensi
ve.You'
ret
alki
ngtoabusiness
schoolhonoursgraduateandIt
rustmynegotiat
ion
ski
ll
sare9/ 10"hegulpeddownhiswhiskey
.
Dad:
"You'
venev
ernegot
iat
edadayi
nyourl
i
fe.How
woul
dyouknowthat
?"
Me:"Dadfashi
ondesi
gnisal
soabusi
ness.We
negot
iat
efrom t
imetoti
me"
Dad:
"Wher
edi
dyourboy
fri
end'
sci
rcusgo?
"
Me:
"Ihadi
ttakenout
..
.l
ookdad,
I'
m sor
ry.He'
s-
"
Dad:"
Tel
lhimtonev
erev
ersendany
thi
ngt
omeI
'
m
nothi
sfr
iend"
Me:"
Wil
ldo.Shoul
dIschedul
eameet
ingwi
th
Mthi
mkhul
u?"
Dad:"I
fyouthi
nkyoucanchangehi
smindthengo
ahead"hetookaseat
."Iwantt
oworknow.Make
y
our
sel
fscar
ce"
Me:
"YesSi
r.Hav
eal
ovel
yday
"
Ipi
ckedapet
alf
rom t
hef
loorandwal
kedout
..
•
••
[
Yol
i
]
Iwokeupwi thmyheadpoundi
ng.Ir
eachedformy
phone.Damn.I'
mlatef
orwork.Iqui
ckl
ygotupand
madet hebed.
ThedooropenedandQui ntongotin,wi
thalongf
ace.
Wef oughtyester
day
.Idon'tknowwhybutsuddenly
hehasapr oblem wi
thmedr i
nking.He'
sst
il
lmad
causeifhewasn'thewould'vewokenmeup.
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Q:"Wherewer
eyouy
est
erday
?"Thef
ightst
il
l
conti
nues.
Me:
"Hi
l
tonhot
el"
Q:
"Wi
th?
"It
ookadeepsi
gh.
Me:
"Khet
hel
o"
Q:"Cel
ebr
ati
ngt
hatshemur
der
edmybr
other
's
baby?"
Me:"ShemurderednobodyandItakei
tyou'
ve
r
eachedyourbrother
.I'
m gl
adtoknowhe'sokay
"
Q:
"Idon'
twanty
ounearher
"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Whynot
?"
Q:"
Idon'
tneedtoexpl
ainwhy
.Justst
ayt
hehel
l
awayfr
om Khet
helo"
Me:"NotthatIam favor
ingherf
ordoingwhatshe
didbutthati
tisnoneofmyconcernory our
s.She
hasarighttodowhat ev
erthehel
lshewants,i
tsher
bodyandbesides,nobodywannahavebabieswit
h
thei
rexhusbandbabe"
Q:
"Ar
eyoul
i
steni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?"
Me: "
Yes.AndIdon'tunder
standwhyareyouso
mad.Youwer en'tt
hismadwheny ourbr
otherspent
anighti
nGlade'sbed..
.ohno,ni
ght
s.Mybad"he
st
aredatmebr iefl
y.
Q:"
Everyoneisf
lyi
ngheretomor
row.Weare
nol
ongergoingt
oEstcourt
.We'l
lspendChr
ist
mas
her
e"her
eachedf
ort
hedoorknob.
Me:
"Wai
twai
t.Whatdoy
oumeanev
ery
one?
"
Q:
"Imeanev
ery
one"hecl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m.
I
shekiddi
ngme?Whatam Igonnadowit
hahouse
f
ull
ofpeoplewhi
l
ewe'
reonbadt er
ms?
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Iignor
edall
thegreet
ingsf
rom t
heempl
oyees.I
ts
tooearl
ytobefr
iendl
y .
If
oundNkazi
wai
ti
ngf
ort
hel
i
ft.
Me:
"Nkazi
"
Nkazi
:"MrDube.
..
uhm goodmor
ningsi
r"
Me:
"Goodmor
ninghowar
eyou?
"
Nkazi
:"I
'
m okaysi
rhowi
syour
sel
f?"
Me:
"I'
m per
fect
"
Thel
if
topened.Myey
esmetwi
thBonga'
s.We
st
eppedi
n.
Me:
"Justt
hemanIneededt
osee.Mbuy
azi
"we
shookhands.
Bonga:"
Iwasworr
iedsi
ckabouty
ou.We'
vebeen
l
ookingfory
ou"
Me:"Youweren'
tl
ooki
ngenoughot
her
wisey
ou'
d
hav
ef oundme"
Bonga:
"YouknowIdi
d.Nkazi
pleaseasksi
sDeet
o
fi
xusbreakf
ast
"thel
i
ftchi
med.
Nkazi
:"YesSi
r"t
hedoorpar
tandwewal
kedout
.
Wear
ri
vedi
ntohi
sof
fi
ce.
Me: "
Doyour
edesi
gnitever
ymont
h?"Isai
dtaki
nga
seatont
hevi
sit
or'
schair
.
Bonga:"I
tsal
lNkazi.YouknowIwoul
dwor
kina
st
oreroom i
fIhadto"
Me:
"YeahIknow.Ineedanof
fi
ce"
Bonga:
"For
?"
Me:
"I'
m comi
ngback"
Bonga:"You'
re.
..
you'
recl
aimi
ngbacky
our
posi
ti
on?"
Me:"
Whatdoyoutakemefor?Idon'
tknowwhatI
woul
dbebutIj
ustwannaseemy sel
fworki
ng"
Bonga:
"We'
recl
osi
ngt
odayMbuy
azi
"
Me:"ThenI'l
lbethelastmanstandi
ng.I
'
m pr
ett
y
sur
et her
e'salotthatneedst
obedonehere"
Bonga:
"Baba?I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Me: "
Whatdoy oumeanboy ?Every
thi
ngisperf
ect.I
am perf
ectandthisplacei
sabouttobeperf
ectbaby.
Iwantmyof f
iceallr
eadyandshini
ngonMonday "I
gotupandwhi st
ledmywayout .ImetNkazionthe
hal
lwayItookaRussianandproceededwalktothe
l
ift
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Hefi
nishedhooki
ngonmybr a.He'
sver
yhel
pful
l
atel
yandIcouldn'
tbehappi
er.
Me: "
NotthatI
'm agai
nstgoi
ngtoDur banbuti
sit
necessar
y?ImeanQui nt
on'shouseispret
tyhuge
buttohaveevery
onethere?It
'sabitt
oomuch"
Ty
ler
:"Asl
ongaswehav
ear
oom andt
her
e'sf
ood
andPl
aySt
ati
ont
henI
'
m good"
Me:
"Babe!WhataboutJasonandEmi
'
sdamages?
"
Ty
ler
:"Thatwi
l
lbet
akencar
eofnexty
ear
"
Me:
"OhsoJasoncancomet
oDur
ban?
"
Ty
ler
:"Tosaywhat
?"
Me:
"Uhm hel
l
o?Toseehi
sbabymama"
Tyl
er:
"Exact
ly.Nothi
swi
fesohemustst
ayt
hehel
l
away"
Me:
"Youguy
sEmi
isaboutt
obeamot
her
"
Tyler
:"Abdy ouknowsheandt
hebabydonotneed
thatuglyJason"Il
aughed.
Me:"Woul
dyoufeel
goodifBanzi
'
sbabymamakept
y'
al
lawayfr
om y
ourgrandson?
"
Tyl
er:
" Wearet
heDubes.Nobodydepri
vesusof
any
thing.Whenar
eweget t
ingmarr
ied?"
Me:
"Wheny
ou'
rer
eadyf
orcommi
tment
"
Ifi
nal
l
yfi
nisheddressingup.Il
ookamazing.New
hai
randnewnails.Igotmyselfakeeperher
e.
Ty
ler
:"Iam"
Me:"Idon'
twantusjumpi
ngintomarr
iageandthen
boom youfal
landacci
dent
all
ylandonsomeone's
vagi
na"hechuckl
ed.
Ty
ler
:"Thatwoul
dnev
erev
erhappenIswear
"
Me:
"Wehonestlydonotneedmarr
iagetoprovewe
r
eal
l
yinlove.I
fweareinthi
sfor
everthenIdon'
tsee
t
heneedformarri
age"
Tyl
er:"
Mmmh"hisphoner
ang.Heexcusedhi
msel
f.I
satdownandst
art
edappl
yi
ngmakeup. .
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Ifel
tli
keshit
.Igothomel
astni
ghtanddr
ankagai
n.I
tr
iedreachi
nghimthewhol
enightt
onoluck.
Ir
oll
edov
ert
otheot
hersi
deIf
ell
.Gr
eat
.
Istay
edinthesameposi t
ionf
oracoupl
eofmi
nut
es.
Iheardadoorcreakopen.
"Heybeauti
ful
"ohheav
enl
yfat
herno.Anot
herone
nightst
and?
Me:"Whot
hehel
lar
eyou?Andwhatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e?"
Hi
m:"
Youdon'
trecal
lat
hingaboutl
astni
ght
?"
Me:"
Didwe?"Hechuckl
ed.Iwasfull
ydr
essedbut
youmaynev
erknowwi t
hthisgender
.
Him:"
Ohno.Wemetatthepar
kingl
oty oufel
l
.Itook
youher
eandwentbackt
omyr oom af
terputt
ingyou
t
obed"
Me:
"Ohh.Thanky
ou.Youl
i
veher
e?"
Him:"
YesIdo.Ibr
oughtyoubreakf
astIhopey
ou
don'
tthr
owup.Doy ouhavepai
nkil
l
ers?
"
Me: "
Uhm yeah.Thanky
ou.I
'
dhav esl
eptint
he
parki
nglot
.ForamomentIthoughtIgothomeand
drankagai
n"
Him: "
Youmi ghthavecauseIsawy ouwal
kingout
againaft
er8t henwheny ougotbackyoucoul
d
barel
ystand.Idon'tknowhowy oudrovet
hatdrunk"
Me:"
Thanky
ousomuch.Idon'
tknowwhatcame
ov
erme"
Hi
m:"
Weal
lhav
ethoseday
s.Takecar
e"
Me:
"Thanky
ouonceagai
n"
Het urnedaroundandwal kedoff
.Itookadeep
breath.Alcoholi
scancel
ledinmyl if
e.Idonot
rememberwal ki
ngoutagain,l
etalonedri
vi
ng.
Iwentt
othebat
hroom t
obat
hfi
rst
.
If
oundmyphoner
ingi
ngwhenIwal
kedbacki
n.
Ohhe'
sal
i
ve.
Me:
"Hi
"
Khul
e:"
Ifoundy
ourmi
ssedcal
l
s"
Me:
"Yeah.Iwant
edt
ochecki
fyou'
reokay
"
Khul
e:"
Don'
tev
ercal
lme.
"
Me:
"WhoaIwant
edt
oknowifyou'
reokay
"si
lence.
"
Hel
lo?
"Imovedt
hephoneof
f.Hehunguponme
Ical
l
edhi
m.Hedi
dnotpi
ckup.
'
I'
m donewit
hyou.Don'
tev
ercontactmeorwav
eat
mewheny ouseemeinpubli
c.Murder
er'
Ifel
tahugel
umponmythroat
.Iswal
loweditand
tossedt
hephoneont
hebed.Myeyesburnedwit
h
t
ear
s.Howcoul
dhesayt
hist
ome?
Istar
edatmyref
lect
iononthemi
rr
or.Am Ir
eal
l
y
thatmuchofabadperson?
Myphonebeeped.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandr
eachedf
or
i
t.
'
Thankthel
uckystar
s.Yourdocketi
smi
ssi
ng.
Ther
e'snol
ongeracase'
I
twasfr
om Tyler
.Theydef
ini
tel
yhadsomethi
ngto
dowi
ththat
.Iam notev
engoingtoent
ert
aini
t.
..
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Theoff
icephonerangasIwal
kedi
nfr
om t
he
meeti
ng.It
ookit.
Me:
"Dube'
sof
fi
ce"
Bonga:
"Baba"
Me:
"Boy
.Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Bonga:
"What
'swr
ongwi
thbabKhul
e?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow.Hav
eyouseenhi
m?"
Bonga:"
Yes.Hewasheret
hismorni
ng.Hesai
dhe
wantsanoff
ice.Hewi
l
lbeworki
ng"
Me:
"That
'scr
azy
.We'
recl
osi
ngt
oday
"
Bonga:
"Tr
ustmeIt
oldhi
m buthesai
dhewi
l
lwor
k"
Me:
"I'
l
lspeakt
ohi
m.How'
sHappyandt
heki
ds?
"
Bonga:"Theyar
egoodt
hanks.How'
smom?
"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:"Yourmot
heri
sgoodj
ustget
ti
ngupt
ono
good"
Bonga:
"Asl
ongasshewon'
tgetar
rest
ed"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowson.Letmecal
lyourf
ather
"
Bonga:
"Okay
.Hav
eagoodone"
Me:
"Youdot
oo"
Ihungup.If
eltsomeonehugmef r
om behi
nd.Her
scenthi
tmynost r
il
sIgotgoosebumps.
Me:
"Howar
eyouMr
sDube?
"
Yol
i
:"I
'
m notgoodatal
l
.I'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"For
?"
Yoli
:"Fort
alki
ngbackandsay
ingal
lthatIsai
d"I
tur
nedt of
aceher.
Me:
"Howsor
ryar
eyou?
"Ismi
rked.Shel
aughed.
Yol
i:
"Don'
tst
artwi
thme.Iam t
ir
edIj
ustdi
dal
i
nen
l
aundry
"
Me:
"Youmeant
hemachi
nesdi
d?"
Yol
i
:"Iputt
hem outt
odr
y.Thati
stoomuch"
Me:
"Wel
lyouenj
oyi
t"
Yol
i
:"Idon'
t"
Me:
"Thenwhydon'
tyouhav
eamai
d?"
Yol
i
:"Idon'
twannaseem l
azy
"
Me:
"FYImymot
herhad6mai
ds"
Yoli
:"Real
l
y?Theywhyar
en'
tther
eanymai
dsi
nal
l
theseDubehouses?
"
Me:"
Becauset
heyareal
lhousewiv
es.Ir
eal
l
ydon'
t
mi
ndifyouwant10or50maids"
Yol
i
:"Iwi
l
llookf
oronei
nJanuar
y"
Me:
"Isuggesty
ouget4chef
sand4mai
ds.I
ts
fest
ive,
peopleneedjobs.Withevery
onecoming
hereIbeli
eveyoudon'twanttomakebreakf
ast,
l
unchanddi nnerf
orov er10people"
Yol
i
:"Ir
eal
l
ycan'
t.Ineedr
est
"
Me: "
Theyyoubetterst
artmakingthosecal
ls.I'
m
alsosorr
yaboutlastni
ghtandthismorni
ng.I
thoughtyouwereoutwithstr
angersandI'
mj ust
madatKhet hel
o."
Yol
i
:"I
tsokay
"wehuggedansbr
ief
lyki
ssed.
Me:"Youmayi
nvademyof
fi
ceal
lyouwant
.Iam
goi
ngtoameeti
ng."
Yol
i
:"You'
ret
hebest
.CanIeaty
ouri
cecr
eam?
"
Me:"Yesma'
am.
"Iki
ssedhercheekandheaded
out
..
.
•
••
[
Emi
]
Li
hle:"
Isitnecessar
ytopackal
lthese?Imeanwe
couldgettoDurbanandgoshopping"
Me:
"It
stoohotIwon'
thav
etheener
gy"
Li
hle:
"Packaf
ewt
hings.I
'
llgof
orshoppi
ng"
Me:"Youwil
lmakeitt
ot heheadl
ines:
'Dube
pr
incesscol
l
apses'
wel aughed.
Li
hle:
"Iwon'
t.I
'
m notpr
egnant
."
Babywal
kedi
n.
Me:
"Myper
sonalper
son"heputt
het
akeaway
son
t
opoft
hedresser
.
Jason:
"Heybambi
no.Youl
ookcut
e"
Me:
"Thanky
oubaby
.Al
lthankt
oLi
hle"
Jason:"
Thanky
ouGodmot
her
.I'
m al
socomi
ngt
o
Durban"
Li
hle:
"Letmegocheckont
hepot
s"sher
ushedout
.
Me:
"Jay
"
Jason:"
I'
m notcomingt
oyourbrot
her
'shouse.Iwi
l
l
stayatahotel
"Isi
ghedi
nrel
ief
.
Me:
"Okay
.I'
m gl
ady
ou'
l
lbecl
oser
"
Jason:
"Yeah"
Hehel
dmebymychi
nandki
ssedme.
..
•
••
[
Yol
i
]
Idon'
tknowwhatIwould'
vebeeni
fIdi
dnottakeQ's
advi
setogetchef
sandladi
estohel
paroundhere.
Ever
yonearr
ivedi
nthenoon.
Thehouseisbuzzi
ng.I
tsl
aughterf
rom ev
erycor
ner
.
Khet
heloi
stheonlyonemissi
ngandit'
svery
awkward.
Kat,Lelo,Khethi
we,andourhusbandsremainedat
theloungeaf t
ereat
ingwhil
eev er
ybodywenttothei
r
rooms.Thesemenl oveboar
dgames.Khul eseemed
dif
ferent.Hewasdressedunusuallyev
en.Hedidnot
saymuch.Hewasf ocusedont hebeers.
Cal
vin:"Soyoui
nvi
tedYezweandexcl
udedhi
s
boy
friend?"
Q:
"Thi
sisaf
ami
l
ygat
her
ingbaf
o"
Calvi
n:"
IhopeIwi
l
lnotbeexpect
edt
oinv
itehi
m
overinf
utur
e"
Lel
o:"
Don'
tst
artpl
ease"
Cal
vi
n:"
Doy
ouknowwhathesentmeonThur
sday
?
Ball
oonsandfl
owersyou'
dswearIwasfi
ghti
ngfor
mylifei
ncoma.Thecardwrot
e:DearMrfat
her
i
nlaw"wealll
aughed.
Il
ovet
hatpoppyal
ready
.
Kat:"
Ashi
smot heri
n-l
awswewi
l
lwel
comehi
m
wit
hwarm hands"
Cal
vi
n:"No.Youshoul
dhol
dapr
ayerandcastt
hese
demonsout"
Khet
hiwe:
"It
snotdemonsbrotherCal
.It
swhot
hey
ar
e.Godmadethem thatway"
Cal
vi
n:"
Towearheel
sandr
edl
i
pst
icks?
"
Lel
o:"
You'
resohar
dheaded"
Chr
is:
"Keepi
tdownguy
s"
Hei
ncr
easedt
heTVv
olume.
"Ast henewr eportscomein.Anewwi t
nesshas
beenf ound.Heal sotookpartinthehei
stthattook
placeinFourway sattheAfricanbankont he5thof
Mar chin2010wher e15peopl ewerel
eftdeceased.
Thewi tnesswillbekeptinpolicecust
odywhilethe
stategatherstheinformati
on.2peoplehav ebeen
ar
rest
edasar
esul
tthatt
heymust
'v
ebeent
her
e..
"
Quintonchangedthechannel.Hegotupandwal ked
out.Chri
sfoll
owed.Khuletoo.Tyl
erpi
ckedhis
phoneandwal kedouttoo.Calvi
nwasthelastoneto
walkout.
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
Kat
:"It
hinkweshoul
dcal
li
tani
ght
"Igotup.
f
ir
st.
Me:
"Yeah.Goodni
ghtl
adi
es"
Icl
imbedupt hest
air
s.Igott
omybedr
oom.Iputon
ajacketandwentdownonmykneestopr
ay.
..
.
[
2/26,10:
46]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

47
.
[
Cal
vi
n]
Il
eanedbyt
hewal
lwat
chi
ngt
hem al
lsmoke.Ev
en
Ty
ler
.
Me:
"Okaywr
api
tupandgi
vemesomeat
tent
ion"
Khul
e:"
NotnowCal
"
Me:"
Turnar
oundandt
ell
mey
ouhadnot
hingt
odo
wi
thi
t"
Qui
ntont
urned.
Q:
"I'
m notmuchofal
i
arDube.
"
Me:
"Damny
ouboy
s!"Il
ookedatTy
ler
.
Ty
ler
:"Iwasnoti
nvol
ved"
Me:
"Thenwhyar
eyousmoki
ng?
"
Tyl
er:
" BecauseIwi
l
lbeexpect
edt
orepr
esentt
hem
ofwhichIwon't"
Chr
is:
"Nobodyi
sgoi
ngt
ojai
l
"
Me: "
Tur
nar oundandt
ell
mewhybecausetheyhav
e
aneyewitnessand2peoplehav
ebeenar
rest
edso
far
?"
Chr
is:
"Youar
en'
thel
ping.Weneedt
imet
othi
nk.
"
Ty
ler
:"Letmegosl
eep.Mphangi
seni
didt
ell
you
boy
syou'
l
lreapwhaty
ousow"
Khul
e:"
Shutthehel
lup!Youhav
enof
ucki
ngi
dea
whywedidit
"
Tyl
er:"
Ohr eal
l
y?Youwer egreedyli
tt
lebastar
dsthat
di
dn'twanttoli
stent
oy ourf
ather"Khul
eflewtohim
andpunchedhim.Irushedtothem andheldTyler
awaywhileChri
sandQhel dKhule.
Tyl
er:
"Itsti
ll
doesn'tchanget
hefactt
haty
ou'
re
goi
ngtoj ai
l
"hefreedawayf r
om meandwenti
nsi
de.
Me:"
Gogetsomerest
.We'
l
lgett
othebot
tom of
t
hisi
nthemorni
ng"
Iguesstheydi
dn'
tgett
hatcausetheyal
lli
tanot
her
ci
garet
tesandsmoked.Iwentbackinsi
de.
I
sther
eev
erpeacei
nthi
shome?
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Shejumpedandal
mostbr
okeagl
assofwat
eri
nher
hand.
Me:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Yol
i:
"Yeah.
..
everyt
hing'
sfi
neIj
ust
..
.wasn'
texpect
ing
youtobeupalready"
Me:
"Whatar
ethose?
"
Yol
i
:"Anxi
etypi
l
ls.Idi
dn'
thav
eagoodsl
eep"
Me:"YeahIf
igur
ed"Isl
idmyhandsi
ntopy
jama
pant
s.Shepull
edthem out
.
Yol
i
:"Ihav
etogobat
htheki
ds"
Shepouredt
hewateri
ntot
hesi
nkandwal
kedout
.I
tookadeepsi
ghandtookapi
ss.
Iwal
kedoutandt
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edChar
les.
Char
les:
"Zebr
a"
Me:"Getaqui
etpl
ace.Wher
ethehel
lar
eyout
his
ear
lyanyway"
Char
les:
"I'
m hav
ingagett
oget
her
.Assandboobs"
Me:
"Wel
lfuckt
hat
.Ineedy
out
ogetmeMpi
siAsap"
Char
les:
"Gethi
m?How?
"
Me:
"Char
les.IneedMpi
siher
ebyt
heendoft
oday
"
Char
les:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokayboss?
"
Me:"JustgetmeMpi
siandst
opaski
ngmeshi
t.And
your
selftoo"
Char
les:
"Ny
amazane"
Ihungup.Khul
ewal
kedi
n.
Khul
e:"
Mot
tomot
to'
sbr
otheri
sthewi
tness"
Me:
"Br
ian?
"
Khul
e:"
Yes"Icl
enchedmyj
aws.Wear
edoomed.
Me:
"We'
ref
ucked"
Khul
e:"Weare"he'
scomput
ergenius.Hehel
pedus
pl
anthathei
st.Hekeptt
hebankfootagedi
skoft
hat
day.
Me:
"We'
rest
upi
d"
Khule:
"Heprobabl
yranoutofmoneyandf
lewback
tothecount
y"
Me:
"Thatsonofabi
tch.He'
sdef
ini
tel
ywor
kingwi
th
Mot
tomotto"
Khul
e:"
Whatwoul
dhegai
nfr
om al
lthi
s?He'
l
lgot
o
j
ailt
oo"
Me:"
Theyprobablymadeadeal
wit
hthepol
i
ce.Who
ar
ethe2suspects?"
Khul
e:"
Hav
en'
tfoundouty
et.
"
Me:"
We' r
egonnaneedmostofourol
dcontact
s.I
fit
comesoutthatIbui
l
tal
lmyempirewi
ththatmoney
I'
mfi
nishedman"
Khul
e:"
We'
re-
"Yol
iwal
kedi
n.
Yol
i
:"Br
eakf
asti
sready
"
Me:
"We'
recomi
ng"
Shewal
kedtowardsthecl
oset
.Iputonat
-shi
rtand
fol
l
owedKhuleout.
..
•
••
[
Chr
is]
Everyt
imewethi
nkwe'v
emadeittothenew
peacef
uler
asomethi
ngalway
sgottocomeup.
Me:"
Hav eItol
dyouhowbeauti
fuly
ouwi
vesl
ook
t
oday?"Theyalll
ookatandl
augh.
Khet
hiwe:
"Iknowyou'
reaboutt
oaskf
orsomet
hing
Dubebutt
hankyou"wealll
augh.
Cal
vi
n:"
Ist
hathowbadwear
e?"
Kat
lego:
"Yes.Onl
yTy
lercompl
i
ment
soutoft
he
bl
ue"
Khul
e:"
We'resowrongthen.Par
donus.Thanky
ou
fort
hebeauti
ful
chi
ldr
entoo"
Lel
o:"
It
snotl
i
kewehadachoi
ce.
"Theyl
aughev
en
har
der
Katl
ego:"Hav
eyouguy
shear
daboutt
hemal
ebi
rt
h
cont
rol?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Wedonotneedt
hose"
Katl
ego:"
Youdoact ual
lybecauseourbi
rthcont
rol
s
arenonexi
stenttoyoursermen"Yol
ichoked.I
passedherwaterwhil
eQuintonpatherback.
Khul
e:"
Arey
ouokayMamshazi
?"
Yoli
:"YeahI
'
m good.Justt
hiseggwentdownt
he
wrongpipe"
Weatesi
l
entl
y.Thei
nter
com buzzedIwast
heone
t
ogetupfi
rst
.
I
twasourguy
s.
Me:
"Woul
dyouguy
smi
ndbor
rowi
ngust
hisf
loor
?"
Lel
o:"
Wit
hpleasur
e.Wear
egonnagogr
absome
swi
msuit
s"
Khet
hiwe:
"Wear
e?"
Lel
o:"
Yes.Wespokeaboutt
hisl
astni
ght
"
Kat
:"Si
deef
fect
sofhav
ingal
i
ttl
eone.Let
'sgo.I
'
m
pay
ing"
Shegav
emeaki
ssandt
heywal
kedaway
.
Khul
ewentt
otel
lthehel
pingl
adi
est
ogoupst
air
s.
Theguy
swal
kedi
n.Weexchangedgr
eet
ings.
Me:
"Ibel
i
evey
ouknowwhowear
e"
Cart
er:"
Wedoandv
eryhonour
edt
obewor
kingwi
th
you?"
Me:
"Doy
ouhav
egoodnewsf
orus?
"
Cart
er:"
Yes.Br
ianNzimaisthewitnessandhei
s
kepti
nPoli
cecustodyinEastLondon"
Khul
e:"
Comebackwi
thhi
sheadt
omor
row
morni
ng"
Car
ter
:"Uh.
..i
tsnotaseasybut
-"
Qui
nton:"Di
dn'
tyouj
usthearawor
dhesai
d?We
wanthishead"
Car
ter
:"He'
swat
chedbyt
hehawks"
Me:
"Ar
etheyi
mmor
tal
?"
Car
ter
:"NoSi
r"
Me:
"It
houghtasmuch.Whoar
ethe2suspect
s?"
Car
ter
: "
Haven'
tgot
tent
henamesy
etbutt
heywer
e
def
ini
tel
yther
e"
Me:"Therewasonl
y6ofusandnoneofushasbeen
ar
rested"
Car
ter
:"Coul
d'
vebeenami
slead"
Calvi
n:"Toomuchbabbl
i
ng.Getl
ostandbr
ingus
thathead"
Henoddedandt
heybi
dusgoodby
e.
Khul
e:"
I'
m si
gni
ngt
hecompanyof
ftoBonga"
Me:
"Don'
ttel
lmey
ou'
real
readyt
hrowi
ngi
nthe
t
owel"
Ty
ler
:"Thati
sfort
hebestact
ual
l
y"
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouknowcheeseboy
?"
Tyl
er:"I
'
m alawyerbyprofessionDrDube.AndThe
Dubeconstr
ucti
onisn'tatstakeherebutDube
l
ogisti
csandeveryt
hingthaty ouandQuintonowni s.
Khulecoul
dsayheboughthi shouseswiththe
moneyhemadeatdad' scompanybuty ouguy s.
..
"
Qui
nton:
"Whatdoy
ousuggestwedo?
"
Tyl
er:"
Signy
ourthi
ngsov
ertoBongaorYol
i
...
nope
notYol
iyouhav
et obemarr
iedf
ir
st"
Calv
in:"Whati
fyouguyst
urnyour
sel
vesi
n?"Weal
l
l
ookedathim."Andnegot
iat
ed.Howmuchdidy
ou
score?
"
Me:
"Mi
l
li
ons"
Cal
vi
n:"
Sayy
ou'
rewi
l
li
ngt
opaybackt
hatmoney
"
Qui
nton:
"Andwaket
hedeceased?
"
Calvin:"Shi
tthere'
sthat
.I'
m sonervous.If
eell
ike
there'snowayoutoft hisone.I
ftheyhavethe
personwhopl annedthewholethi
ngthenitsbad"
Me:
"Youar
en'
thel
ping"
Khule:
"We'l
lbur
ndownall
magi
str
atecour
tsand
poli
cestat
ionsi
fwehav
eto.Wej
ustneedBri
an
dead"
Qui
nton:"
Weneedt hatnutcaseJasontohacki
nto
t
hestatessy
stem andformateveryt
hing"
Khul
e:"
Thati
sn'
tapi
eceofcakeQui
nton"
Q:"
Doy ouhavesomethi
ngbett
erinmi
nd?May beif
wer
en'thi
ghoncocainet
heonlythi
ngwe'
dbe
wor
riedabouti
spayi
ngbackthatmoneyandserve
l
essthanweshouldbehi
ndbars"
Khul
e:"
Sonowi
tsal
lmyf
aul
t?"
Us:
"Yes!
"
Me:"I
twassupposedtobesmoot h,
har mlessbut
youandMpisi
decidedot
herwise.2copsi ncl
uded.
Doyouthi
nkwe'l
lservel
essthan25y ears?"
Khule:
"Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
his"hegr
abbedhi
scar
keysandwalkedout
.
Qui
ntont
hudt
hecof
feet
abl
e.
Itookaseatonthecouchandbur
iedmyf
aceonmy
hands.Thi
smightbetheendofus..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Theyweretoocar
efr
ee.Ican'
tbetheonlywhosaw
whathappenedl
astni
ght.Ihadnocouraget
oask
Tyl
erwhatisgoi
ngon.
Lel
o:"
MamakaBanzi
"sheshout
edIst
art
led.
Me:
"mmh?
"
Kat
:"Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:
"I'
mjustt
hinki
ngi
fBanzi
ischanged"
Yoli
:"Iknowy
ou'
renot
.I'
m al
soconcer
nedt
oo"I
fr
ownedather."
Thebankhei
st.
"
Lel
o:"
Whatabouti
t?"
Yol
i
:"It
hinkt
heyhadsomet
hingt
odowi
thi
t"
Me:
"Ift
heyar
ewear
efucked"
Kat
:"Bywhat
?"
Me:
"Li
feKat
lego.I
fther
e'sawi
tnesst
hatmeans
t
hey
'r
edef
ini
tel
ygoi
ngt
ojai
l
"
Kat:
"Thatwi
ll
provehowmuchwegotthi
s.You
hear
dthoseweakasscompl
iment
s?Thatwasthe
waytotel
lustheyar
egoi
ngaway"
Me:
"Iwon'
tbeabl
etohandl
eit
"
Yol
i
:"Met
oo.Ican'
tev
enl
ookQi
ntheey
e"
Lel
o:"
Wel
lyoubet
terbeabl
e"
Me:
"15peopl
edeceased?Noguy
sthat
'st
oomuch"
Kat:"
Wel lt
hat
'st
hekindofmenwechoseamongst
thebi
ll
ions.AndIhi
ghlydoubtTy
lerwasi
nvol
vedi
n
anyway .Hewassti
llachi
ld"
Me:"
Youmaynev
erknowKat
legot
hisi
sav
ery
wei
rdfami
l
y"
Yoli
:"Sothethi
ngofthei
rsperm beingstr
ongi
sa
real
thing?"Welookedatherandlaughed.
Kat
:"Hav
eyouguy
spoppedt
hecher
ry?
"
Yoli
:"YesandIr
egr
eti
t.Whati
fI'
m al
ready
pregnant
?"
Lel
o:"
Ist
hatapr
obl
em?
"
Yoli
:"Yes.Hemightgotoj
ail
.Idon'
twannago
thr
ought hatpai
nofbei
ngpregnantwhi
l
emyf i
ance
i
slockedup"
Me:
"It
hinkweshoul
dfast
.Not
hingbeat
spr
ayer
"
Yol
i
:"Godwoul
dpr
obabl
ylaugh"
Lelo:
"St
opit
.Aslongastheyhaven'
ttol
dust
hen
thatmeanst
heyarehandl
ingi
t"
Yol
i:"
Youshould'
veseenthel
ookont
het
winsf
ace.
Theyaren'
thandl
i
ngittr
ustme"
Kat
:"Thatmakest
heDubescol
l
apsesweet
hear
t"
Me:
"Ther
e'sawi
tness"
Yol
i
:"Yes"
Lel
oandKatl
ookedatuswi
thdi
sappoi
ntedf
aces.
Kat:
"May beyouguy
sshoul
dtakeavacat
ionto
Dubaibecausewowthi
sisnoti
meforyournegat
ive
ener
gy"
Weshr
uggedandsi
ppedonourcockt
ail
s..
.
•
••
*
3day
slat
er*
[
Qui
nton]
Shegoti
nwithshoppingbags.Si
kel
elar
antome.I
pi
ckedherup.Si
sekeloj
ustheldont
oYoli'
sdr
ess.
Wearen'
tbestoffr
iendsl
atel
y.
Me:
"Howwasshoppi
ng?
"
Si
kel
ela:
"Chi
ps"
Me:"Ohr eal
l
y?I
sn'
tmommyt hebest
?"Shegi
ggl
ed
andkissedmeandIputherdown.
Me:
"Got
omam Lel
o.Shehascandy
"
Theycheer
edandr
anaway
.It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:
"Hey
"
Yol
i
:"Hi
"
Me:
"Di
dn'
ttheygi
vey
ouhar
dti
me?
"
Yol
i:"
No.I'
l
lgopackt
hese"Igr
abbedherar
m bef
ore
shecoul
dtakeonest
epfurt
her
.
Me:
"Howlongareyougoi
ngt
oactl
i
ket
his.Whati
s
r
eal
l
ywrongwithyou?"
Yoli
:"There'
snothi
ngwrongwi thme.I
'mjustwait
ing
foryoutomanupandact uall
ytel
lmewhywer e
ther
egunsi nmyhouse, whydidyoucomehome
brui
sedt heni
ghtthatadetecti
vewho'
shandli
ngthe
bankheistcasewaskill
ed?"
Me:
"Youdon'
tthi
nkIdi
dit
,doy
ou?
"
Yoli
:"Wit
hall
thisschemi ng,
str
angemenout si
de
ourgate,mi
dnightmeetingswit
hy ourbrot
her
.I
honestl
ywouldn'
tputitpastyouQuinton"
Shesnatchedherar
m awayandwalkedupt
he
st
air
case.Irubbedmyfacef
rust
rat
ed.
It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edKhul
e.
"
We'
reher
e"It
urnedar
oundandendedt
hecal
l
.
Me:
"Iwasn'
texpect
ingy
out
hissoon"
Chr
is:
"Thatj
udgei
skak"
Me:
"Shhhkeepi
tdown"
Il
edt
hewayupst
air
stomyof
fi
ce.
Ty
ler
:"Areyoutr
yingt
osmokey our
sel
ftodeat
h?"
Hesnatchedawaymycigar
ett
e.
Me:
"Ithel
psmet
hink"
Khul
e:"Ther
earecamerasatDet
ect
iveNkosi
'
s
hot
el"Il
ookedatChr
is.
Chr
is:
"Itwashi
dden.
"
Me:
"Yout
oldmet
hecoastwascl
earman!
"
Chr
is:
"That
'swhatIthoughttooOkay
?Iwouldn'
t
hav
eknownt her
e's2mor efucki
nghi
dontheli
ght
bul
bs"
Me:
"Doy
ouknowwhatt
hatmeans?
"
Thedeafeni
ngsoundofhel
icopt
ermadeuscov
er
ourear
sandt henwehear
dloudscr
eams.Weallr
an
out.
Myloungehadt
urnedbl
ackwi
thhawkspointi
ngbig
gunsatmywomenwhower ecr
yinghy
ster
ical
ly.
"
Standr
ightther
e!Keepy
ourhandswher
eIcansee
t
hem.QuintonDube?"
Khul
e:"
Yes"Il
ookedathi
m.Heputhi
shandsupand
sl
owly
Me:
"Whatt
hef
uckar
eyoudoi
ngman?
"
Khul
e:"Shutt
hefuckup"hemumbl
edashewent
down.Iatt
emptedfol
lowi
ng.
Hawk: "
Isaidstandr ightthere.QuintonDubey ou'
re
underarrestf
ormur deringthemanwhohad
purposeofservingjust i
cetot hecommuni t
yv iol
ated
byhardcorecriminalslikeyou, Detecti
veNat hiNkosi.
Youhav eeveryrighttor emainsilent.Ever
ythingyou
saycanbeusedagai nstyoui nacour tofl
aw"Ican' t
l
etthishappen.
Me:"I
'
m Qui
nton"Irusheddownthest
air
s.They
bl
ockedmyway ."
He'snotQuint
on"
Khule:"
Don'
ttr
yandt
akeaf
all
formeKhul
ekani
stay
back!"
Me:
"Manwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Hawk:"Wedon'
thav
eal
ldayDubeboy
s.Takehi
m
away"
Theydr
aggedhi
m away
.
Me:"Khulekani
!"Theypushedmedownt othef
loor
andkickedme.Kat l
egoandLel ot
ri
edget
ti
ngthem
tost
opbutt heyblockedthem away.
Theyki
ckedmeunt
ilt
heyhadenough.
Hesquat
tedbef
oreme.
Sizwe:"Iwi
l
lfi
nddirtonyout ooandIwon'tst
optil
lI
fi
ndit.
"Hechuckled."Tel
lyourbrot
herIwil
lhaveal
l
thatsugart
omy selfandthi
shousewi l
lbemine
soonsinceheisn'
tgetti
ngout "
Hegotupandki
ckedmesohardonmyst
omach.I
gr
oanedi
nagony.Hel
aughedandl
edt
hewayout.
Icl
osedmyeyes.Iwi
ll
kil
lhi
m.Iwil
lfr
eaki
nmur der
himtoni
ght
.Nottomor
roworanydaybuttoni
ght!
..
.
[
2/26,10:
48]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

48
.
[
Khet
hel
o]
Nhl
elo:
"Khet
hel
o!"
Me:
"Yeah?
"
Nhl
elo:
"Comequi
ckl
y"
Ir
ushedoutt
othel
ounge.
Me:
"What
?"Shepoi
ntsatt
het
.v.
There'
sapict
ureofQui
ntonont
hel
eftf
arcor
ner
.I
tookther
emoteandincr
easedt
hev
olume.
"MrQuintonDubeisbeli
evedt
oappeari
ncourtnext
yearonthe5thofFebruary
.Wil
lcat
chyouaf
terthe
adbreak.
.."
Me:
"Whatdi
dtheysayhedi
d?"
Nhl
elo:
"Hemur
der
eddet
ect
iveNkosi
.I'
m shocked
f
ordays"
Ihandedhert
hecel
l
phone.
Me:"Pleasecal
lKhul
eformeandaski
fev
ery
thi
ngi
s
okay
, i
fhe'sokay
"
Nhl
elo:
"Ofcour
senot
.Hi
sbrot
hermurder
edast
ate'
s
per
son,he'
sarr
est
edandal
lovert
henews"
Me:
"Justcal
lhi
m!"
Irushedbacktomybedroom andt
ookmyphone.I
call
edYoli
.Itr
angunanswer
ed.
Ichangedi
ntof
reshcl
othesandwal
kedout
.
Me:
"Cany
oul
ookaf
tert
hem?
"
Nhl
elo:
"He'
snotanswer
ing"
Me:
"Okay
.Cany
oul
ookaf
tert
heki
ds?
"
Nhl
elo:
"Yeah.Youwon'
tfi
ndusher
ethough.We'
l
l
gohome"
Me:"Okay.Byeguy
s"theywaved.Theydon'
tabout
meatall.WhenTyl
erbroughtt
hem onSundaythey
cr
iedforhimli
kecrazy
.
It
ookt
hecarkey
sandl
eft
.
Myphoner
angasIdr
oveaway
.
Me:
"Hey
"
Yol
i
:"It
akei
tyou'
veseent
henews"
Me:
"YesIhav
e.Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
"
Yol
i
:"Cany
oucomeher
e?Weneedt
otal
k"
Me:
"I'
m act
ual
l
yonmywayt
her
e"
Yol
i
:"Okay
.Seey
ouwheny
ougether
ethen"
Me:
"Okdear
"
Ihungupandspedup.
..
•
••
[
Yol
i
]
Imixeddet
tolandabitofsal
tinabowlofwarm
waterandtookatowelandwalkedbacktother
oom.
Hewasst i
l
l sl
eepi
ng.Ipl
acedi
tbesidethebedand
cl
eanedthesli
dingdoor.
Idon'
tknowhowIf eelaboutt
hissit
uati
on.Icouldn'
t
sl
eepatnight.Wef oughtaseri
ouswarl astnight
keepi
nghimi n.Hewant edtogoafterSi
zwe.I fhi
s
brot
hersweren'therehe'dpr
obablywould'vegone
aheadanddoonl yGodknowswhatt othatman.
"I
fitdr
iesoutI
'
llbehar
dtobl
endi
tin"Ist
art
leda
bi
t.
Me:
"You'
reup"
Qui
nton:
"YesIam.Goodmor
ning"
Me:"Morni
ng"Iputdownthenapkinandthecl
eaner
andwenttohim."You'
rest
il
lbr
uised.
"Isaidpi
cki
ng
upthebasi
n.
Qui
nton:
"Thatmakesi
tmor
epai
nful
"
Me:
"It
'l
lbef
ine"
Icareful
l
ypl
acedt
hecl
othonwher
ehe'
sbr
uised.He
grunted.
Quint
on:"Ar
ey oumadatme?"Ishookmyheadand
conti
nuedpressi
ngonhi
sfor
ehead."LookbabeI
-"
Me: "
Idon'
twannaheari t
.Youkil
lamanandt hen
youaskmei fI'
m madaty ou?WellIam f
uri
ous
Quint
on.Iam scar
ed,youdon'tknowhowmuchi t
t
ookmet oevenshar
et hi
sbedwi t
hy oul
astni
ght"
Qui
nton:
"Idi
dwhatIhadt
odookay
?"
Me:
"Car
elessl
y?"
Qui
nton:"
Chri
s..
."hepaused."
Hesai
dthecoastwas
cl
ear
"Ifel
thotfl
ushes.Igotup.
Me:
"He'
sal
soa.
..
"Igul
ped.
Qui
nton:"
Kil
l
er?Nohe'
snotbutwewer
eal
ltoget
her
i
nthathei
st"
Me:"Butwhy?Yourparent
sweretheref
oryouguys!
"
Iwascryi
ng.Thethoughtoft
hem al
lgoi
ngtojai
l
madeknotsonmyst omach.Whoar ewegonnabe
l
eftwit
h?
Qui
nton:"
Mphangi
senimadesur
ewehat
edhi
s
money.Ihat
edhi
smoneysowehadtomakeour
ownonewayortheother
"
Me:
"Andki
l
led15peopl
e?"
Qui
nton:
"Thatwasami st
ake.Mpi
si,
Mot
tomot
to
andKhul
eshotthosepeople"
Me:
"Ineedai
r"hebl
ockedmyway
.
Quint on: "
Ihadt odoi tYol anda.Ifitcomesoutwe
wer einv olvedthestat ewi l
lconfiscateev erythi
ng.
I'
vewor kedsohar dtobeher e.I
tsbeen11y earsof
hellbecauset hatmoneywasenought obuymea
l
itt
lehousei nDiepkloofandt herestIusedt ostart
mycompanyofwhi chwasnowal kt othepar k.AllI
want edwast ogivemysi bli
ngsandourki dsabet ter
l
ifeandl eav ethem al egacyt ocarryunt i
ltheDubes
aref orgottent heyeverexi sted.Imagi neifIlostitall
.
Mydaught erswoul dbecomest ri
pper sorprost i
tutes
andmysonsbet hi
ev esanddi ebef oretheyev en
turn30. "
Me:"
Sohowisitgoi
ngt
ohel
ptoki
l
lNkosi
?"He
cl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat.
Qui
nton:
"Let
'sj
ustsayt
her
e'snowi
tnessany
mor
e"
Me:
"Youki
l
ledt
hewi
tnesst
oo?
"
Qui
nton:
"No.Butwegav
ehi
m ani
nject
iont
hatwi
l
l
messuphismind"
Whoi
sthi
smandearGod?
Me:
"It
oldKhet
hel
otocomeher
e"
Quinton:
"OkayI
'
llseey
oul
ater
"hesai
dpul
l
inghi
s
pants.
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Qui
nton:
"TodowhatIhav
etodot
ogetKhul
eout
"
Me:
"Ohhok"
Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandheadedout
.Icol
l
apsed
ont
hebed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Ear
tht
oYol
i
"Ist
art
led.
Me:
"Ughal
oti
sgoi
ngoni
nmymi
nd.Thatwas
f
ast
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Ili
veatMusgr
avenotPi
neTown"
Me:
"Yeahr
ight
.Youmayt
akeaseat
"Shepul
l
edt
he
v
ani
tychai
randf
acedi
tmydi
rect
ion.
Khet
hel
o:"
It
ssoqui
eti
nher
e.Wher
e'sev
ery
one?
"
Me:"
Theyarest
il
linbed.They'
reastir
edasIam but
wor
seIguesscausetheyaresti
ll
sleepi
ng.
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Theynev
erst
ayi
njai
lhe'
l
lbeouti
nno
ti
me"
Me:
"That
'st
het
hing.I
tsnothi
m whot
heyt
ook"
Shefr
owned."Khul
etookt
hef
all
"shedi
dn'
tl
ook
sur
pri
sednorupset
.
Khet
hel
o:"
Welltheyhav
eanat
tor
neyundert
hisr
oof
sohe'
ssor
ted"
Me:"Butdoyouthi
nkt
her
e'sany
thi
ngt
heycando?
Ther
e'ssol
idpr
oof"
Khet
helo:"
They
'l
lgetsomeonet
omaket
hedocket
di
sappearl
iket
heydidwit
hmine"
Me:
"What
?"
Khethelo:"Yes."If
annedmyey es."
Don'tev
enputso
muchpr essureony our
sel
f.Tur
nablindeyeto
ever
y t
hingt hatishappeni
ngifyouwanttosur
viv
e
hunbecausehecoul
dreal
l
yusesomeonest
rongby
hi
sside"
Me:"I
tssohar
d.IthoughtIcouldhandl
eitbutI
'
m
f
ail
i
ng.Didyouknowaboutt hathei
st?"
Khet
hel
o: "
No.Isawhi
semailtomott
omottothe
ot
herday.Thi
sNkosiwashandli
ngt
hecase?
"
Me:
"Yeah"
Khet
hel
o:"
That
'sbad"
Me:
"YouknewChr
isi
sal
sol
i
ket
hem?
"
Khet
helo:"
Hewas.Hebecameapastor6year
sback
whentheyall
deci
dedt
obedecentpeopl
e"
Me:"Wel
lheknewt
heywer
egoi
ngt
omur
dert
hat
poorman"
Khethelo:
"Theyar
eMphangi
seni'
ssonssothi
s
behaviori
sexpect
ed.Whydi
dthisNkosir
esur
facea
casefrom 10year
sago?Heaskedforthi
s"
Me:"Peopledi
edt
her
eKhet
hel
o.Thei
rfami
l
iesst
il
l
wantjust
ice"
Khet
hel
o:"
Theywon'
tgeti
t.Theper
pet
rat
orsar
e
masterminds.Ir
eall
yf eel
sorr
yforthem but
want
ingjusti
cewill
justwastethetaxpayers
money."Isi
ghedandt hengotuptomaket hebed.
Me:
"Let
'sgogetsomet
hingt
oeat
"
Khet
helo:
"Nowt haty
ou'
vement
ionedi
tIam
st
arv
ing"welaughed.
Me:
"How'
stopdeck?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Khul
etol
dmykidst
ohat
eme.They
pr
efert
obewit
hNhlel
o"
Me:
"Theycanf
eel
theheav
inessi
nyourhear
t"
Khethel
o:"
OhwellIhopet
hey'
llbef
ri
endl
ywhenI
getbackcausemyhearti
sli
ghtnow"
Me:
"Why
?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Khul
eisi
njai
l
.Ipr
ayt
heybeathi
sass"
Me:"Khet
hel
o!"Shel
aughed."
You'
reawi
tchy
ou
knowthat
?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Abi
t"
Shecr
ackedeggswi
thasmi
l
eonher
.Igi
veup.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Idr
ovei
ntot
hepol
i
cest
ati
on.Isawt
hati
diotcome
out
.
Hemusthaveseent heper
sonal
i
zedplate.Hecame
towardst
hecar.Heknockedonthewindow.I
pressedf
ori
ttosli
dedown.Hesmi r
ked.
Sizwe:"Abeaut
if
ulf
acey
ouhav
eher
e.Ar
eyouher
e
foryourbr
other
?"
Me:
"YouknowI
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lyour
ight
?"
Sizwe:"
Mamnguni madeyousof
t.Idoubtyousti
l
l
haveiti
nyou.Thepersonwhocankil
lisi
nsideso
nahI'
m notworr
ied"
Me:
"That
'st
hei
nter
est
ingpar
t"
Sizwe:
"Ri
ghtnowI'm onmywayt oyourbrot her
's
houseandconsol
ehiswife.Mightgivehersome
di
ck-"myfi
stl
andedonhisf ace.Iopenedt hedoor
andpunchedhi
mt il
lhewasont hef l
oor.Ikicked
hi
m acoupleofti
mesandbr oughthim up.
Me:
"Dar
esety
ourf
oott
omyhouseornearmywi
fe.
Iwil
lkil
lallyourf
amilyyouhearme?"Henodded
rapi
dly
."Nowgeti nthiscar
.Darer
eportmeIwi l
l
makesur ey oudon'
tseetheendoftoday"Il
etgoof
him.Her ushedtohiscarwit
houtl
ookingback.
Ilookedar
ound.Ther
ewasnoonei
bsi
ght
.I
foll
owedhim.
Me:
"Heypussy
.Tel
l y
ourbuddi
est
ofl
usht
oday
's
f
oot
ageoryouwil
lfol
lowNkosi
"
Si
zwe:
"Ther
ear
enocamer
asher
eyouf
ool
"
Ii
mi t
atedsl
appi
nghi
m heducked.Il
aughedand
walkedbacktomycar
.
It
ookmyphoneandwal
l
ett
henl
ockedi
tup.
Ical
l
edChar
lesasIwal
kedar
oundt
otheent
rance.
Char
les:
"Baby
"
Me:
"Whyi
sthatmot
her
fuckerst
il
lal
i
veChar
les?
"
Char
les:
"Bossl
adyt
oldmenott
o"
Me:"
Ar ef
ucki
ngki
ddi
ngme?Who'
syourboss
Char
les?"
Char
les:
"Bot
hofy
oubutIl
i
stent
otheonewho
cooksnicefoodandoffer
smemor emoney.
..
ey
mabebezacomeher e.LookI'
dli
ket
ostayandchat
buttheseDurbanbabesarecal
li
ngmyname"
Me:
"Fut
sek"
Ihungup.
'
Wher
edi
dyougetmoneyt
osendChar
les?
'
Isentt
oYol
i
.
'
From y
ouraccount
'
-Yol
i
'
Youdon'
twanty
ourboy
fri
endt
odi
e?"
-Me
'
Idon'twantal
lmyhusbandst
ogot
ojai
l
.Ty
leri
s
comingwithbreakf
ast
'-
Yol
i
'
Okt
hanky
ou.Il
ovey
ou'
-Me
'
Stayoutoft
roubl
eify
our
eal
l
ylov
eme'
Yol
i
'
Iwi
l
lmahl
obo.Il
ovey
ou'
-
Me
'
Okay
.Il
ovey
oubutnott
oday
'-
Yol
i
'
Ouch'
-
Me
'
Hav
eyouseenKhul
e?'
-
Yol
i
'
Noty
et.Justwal
kedi
n'
-Me
'
Sendmylov
eandt
ell
himt
otel
lthepol
i
cehe'
snot
you'
-
Yol
i
'
Hhai
boYol
andaI
'
m cl
aust
rophobi
c'
-Me
'
Youwoul
dn'
tbeabadboyi
fyouwer
e'-
Yol
i
'
Respecty
ourel
derpl
ease'
-
Me
'
Stopact
ingl
i
keababyt
hen.By
e'-
Yol
i
Isi
ghedandt
oldthefool
behi
ndt
hecount
ert
hatI
'
m
her
eformybrot
her.
Hi
m:"
Wai
tunt
il10am"
Me:
"No"
Hi
m:"
It
'st
hel
aw"
Me: "
Tohel
l withlaw.Whyareyouev
enwear
inga
bul
letpr
oofv est?Dothugscomeheret
ost
ealyour
pensandstamps? "
Hi
m:"
Mrt
hati
suncal
l
edf
or"
Me:
"Cal
lMncube.Tel
lhi
mI'
m her
e"
Hi
m:"
Arey
our
ich?
"
Me:
"NobutI
'
mli
vi
ngacomf
ort
abl
eli
fe"
Him:"
Okaycome.Peopl
ewhousuall
ycomeher
e
andaskf
orMncubearefi
lt
hyr
ich"
Me:"
Don'twi
sht
obet
hem.I
ttookt
hem al
ott
obe
wher
etheyar
e"
Hi
m:"
I'
dri
skany
thi
ngt
ober
ich"
Me:
"Youdon'
tmeant
hatt
rustme"
Hi
m: "
I'
dgiv
eupmygr
andmaf
orsacr
if
ice"I
l
aughed.
Me:
"Whatdi
dtheol
dladydot
oyou?
"
Hi
m:"Sheateal
lmyi
nher
it
anceandIcoul
dn'
tfur
ther
myst
udies"
Me:
"Howol
dar
eyou?
"
Hi
m:"
27"
Me:
"Doy
oust
il
lwantt
ost
udy
?"
Him:"Yes.Ihav
erai
sedmoneyandwi
l
lst
artnext
year
"
Me:"
Tel
lMncubet
ogi
vey
oumybusi
nesscar
dand
gi
vemeacall
"
Him:"
YesSi
rIwil
l"heunl
ockst
hecel
l."
Whoa.How
doest
hepol
iceknowtheygott
her
ightone?
"
Me:
"Ihav
ebear
d"
Hi
m:"
Sti
l
l"
Me:
"What
'sy
ourname?
"
Hi
m: "
Nhlakani
phoMt
hombeni
.Justr
ingt
hisbel
l
whenyou'
redone"
Me:"Tr
ustmeyou'
ll
cometodragmeout
"he
l
aughedandl
ockedthenwal
kedaway
.
Khul
e:"
Thi
spl
acei
ssopeacef
ul.
"
Me:
"Ar
ejai
li
mpact
ski
cki
ngi
n?"
Khul
e:"
Ineedsuchapl
acet
othi
nkmyl
i
fet
hrough"
Me:
"Whatt
hehel
li
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ouman?
"
Khule:
"Ever
ythi
ng.Khet
hel
olef
tme,
li
ket
hatwasn'
t
enoughshekill
edmybaby"
Me:
"Youcanal
way
smakeanot
herone"
Khul
e:"
Iwantt
hatonesheki
l
led"
Me:
"St
opt
ort
uri
ngy
our
sel
f.Doy
ouf
eel
li
kegoi
ng
home?
"
Khul
e:"
No.Letmebeher
eunt
ilFebr
uar
y"
Me:
"No.You'
rer
eal
l
ycr
azy
"
Khule:"
I'
vestoppedmysel
f3ti
mesfrom ki
l
li
ngher.
I
'vebeengoingtoherpl
aceatni
ght
.It'
sbett
eri
fI'
m
here"
Me:
"Youwhat
?Youneedhel
p"
Khul
e:"
No.Ineedherdead!
"
Me:
"Hel
lno!That
'
sthemot
herofourchi
l
dren"
Khul
e:"
Leav
eIneedt
obeal
one"
Me:
"I'
l
lgety
ououtofher
ebyFr
iday
"
Khul
e:"
That
'
stomor
row"
Me:"
NextweekisChri
stmas.Ourf
ir
stChr
ist
mas
wi
thPhi
la.Youcan'
tmissthat
"
Khule:"
Mncubewoul
dn'
tmindt
otakemehomeon
thatdayandbr
ingmeback"
Me:
"Noy
ou'
regoi
nghomet
omor
row"
Khul
e:"
I'
ll
comebackher
eforki
l
li
ngKhet
hel
o
any
way
.Di
dyoubr
ingmeci
gar
ett
es?
"
Me:
"Yeah.
"
Ihandedi
tov
erandwat
chedhi
m.Heneedshel
p.
Ihear
dvoi
ces.Mt
hombeni
appear
ed.
Mthombeni
:"I
'
m back.Ihopey
oudon'
tmi
ndIt
ooka
pi
ecefr
om yourf
ood"
Me:
"Notatal
l
.Ty
lerdoy
ouhav
ecashony
ou?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Ido"hegav
ehi
m.
Mt
hombeni
:"Thanky
ousomuchbr
other
."
Chr
is:
"Si
nceyourgr
andmadoesn'tbakeon
Chr
ist
masyoucanjoinus.Ourwi
vesdo"
Mt
hombeni
:"Real
l
y?I
'
dlov
ethat
"
Hel
ockedandwal
kedaway
.
Khul
e:"
Whatar
eyouupt
o?"
Me: "
Nothi
ng.He'
sjustay
oungmanandv
ery
dr
iven"
Khul
e:"
Don'
tusehi
mforany
thi
ng"
Me:
"Iwantt
opayf
orhi
sst
udi
es.Whaty
out
hinkwe
pl
annedt
his?
"
Khul
e:"
Iwoul
dn'
tputi
tpasty
ou"
Cal
vi
n:"
Hecoul
dbey
ourr
epl
acement
"wel
aughed.
Ty
ler
:"He'
sreal
l
yni
ce"
Cal
vi
n:"
SoIhav
esomeonet
ogety
ououtofher
e"
Khul
e:"
Idon'
twannagetoutofher
e"
Chr
is:
"What
?"
Me:"It
hinkhe'
ssuf
fer
ingsomesor
tofment
al
si
ckness"
Ty
ler
:"Hei
s.Nodoubt
"
Calv
in:
"Youwil
lgetoutofhereei
therway
.Thi
sis
theChri
stmasnott
obemi ssed"
Me:
"Thanky
ouCal
"
Khul
e:"
Yourt
imei
sov
ery
oucanl
eav
enow"
Ty
ler
:"Her
eisf
ood.Eat
"
Wesatnextt
ohi
m andweat
e.Tyl
erst
art
edwi
thhi
s
st
ori
eswhil
ehewassti
l
laf
uckboy
..
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
Happy'
smom f i
nall
yagr
eedtol
etthem sl
eepov
erat
myplace.TodayI'
m goi
ngt
oDurban.
Wewokeupwi thmyhoneys,bathed,f
edandwent
tothelounge.Weusedthebedroom downstai
rs
becauseitsamissi
ontocarr
yt hem upst
air
s.
Happycameout
.Shedi
dnotl
ookpl
easedatal
l
.She
gavemethet
abl
et.
Happy:
"Andyouwantmet odat
eyouandr
aisemy
ki
dsinsuchanenv
ironment"
Me: "
Yourki
dsenvi
ronmentismyhousenotofmy
fat
hersandbesi
desdon'tgoar
oundbel
iev
ing
ever
ythi
ngyoureadonthesebl
ogs"
Happy:
"Ther
e'spr
ooft
haty
ourf
atherki
l
ledt
hatman
Bonga!
"
Me:
"Idon'
tseehowt
hatconcer
nsus"
Happy:"
Inawayt hatlastni
ghtwasami st
ake.I
can'
tdothis.Thatwouldbeputti
ngmychildr
enin
danger
"Ilookedatherpuzzled."
I'
mleav
ing"
Me:
"Wedi
dn'
tagr
eeont
hat
"
Happy
:"Idon'
tcar
ewhatweagr
eedon.I
'
mleav
ing"
Me: "Knowwhat ?It r
ied.Ican'tputmyl if
eonhold
any moreHappy .Myf athersar ebadpeoplebecause
there'
snot hi
ngt heywoul dn' tdotoprotectus,t
heir
fami l
y.Evenifitmeanski ll
ing.That'
swhot heyare
andt heywi l
lnotchangej ustbecausewewantt obe
i
nv olvedinmychi ldren'sliv
es.Goonaheadand
contactmewheny ou'r
emat ureenought o
under st
andt hatourl i
feisn'ttheseexpensivecars
andmul t
imil
lionhouses.I t'
smor et
hant hat"
Ipi
ckedt
woofthekidsandwentt
othegarage.I
buckl
edt
hem upandfet
chedther
emaini
ngtwo.
Me:
"Gett
hebags"
Ibuckl
edthem upt
ooandrev
ersedt
hecaroutof
thegar
age.Shecameout
.
Me:
"I'
l
lsendmoneyl
ater
"
Happy
:"Ar
en'
tyoudr
ivi
ngus?
"
Me:
"No.Youcanusei
t"
Happy
:"I
'
m sor
ry"
Me:
"It
scool
"
Iwal
kedbacki
nsi
de.Ical
l
edMam Kat
lego.
Kat
lego:
"Tel
lmey
ou'
reatt
heai
rpor
t"
Me:"Gonnabat
handcome.Ohandal
sof
etch
Mtho"
Kat
lego:
"What
'
swr
ongwi
thhi
scar
?"
Me:
"Not
hing.We'
l
ljustt
rav
elt
oget
her
"
Kat
lego:
"Okaybaby
.How'
sHappyandt
heki
ds?
"
Me:"Thekidsarefi
ne.I
'v
et ri
edeveryt
hingwit
h
Happy.JustwhenIthoughtwewer efineshesees
anarti
cleaboutBaba'
sarrestandthenboom she
can'
tdot hi
s"
Katl
ego:"
Letherbe.She'
sstil
ltooi
mmatur
etobe
your
sifsuchthi
ngsstil
lshakeherup"
Me:
"That
'swhatIt
hought
"
Kat
lego:
"Justcomehome"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Shoul
dIbuymeat
?"
Kat
lego:
"Yes.Wecoul
ddowi
thsomebr
aai
ng"
Me:
"Okay
"
Webi
deachot
hergoodby
eandIwentt
oshower
..
.
•
••
[
Yol
i
]
Shet
hrewher
sel
fnextt
ome.
Kat
lego:
"Idon'
tthi
nkt
hey
'l
lbebackany
timesoon"
Me:
"Theyshoul
danswert
hei
rphonesatl
east
"
Kat
lego:
"Don'
twor
ry.Theyar
eokay
"
Me:
"IsLel
oasl
eep?
"
Kat
lego:
"Longgone"
Myof
fi
cemoni
torwai
l
ed.
Me:
"Uhh!Whati
sitnow"
It
ookmyphone.Andcal
l
edt
hesecur
it
ycompany
.
Kat
lego:
"Whati
sit
?"
Me:
"It
stheof
fi
ce.Ther
ewasmot
iondet
ect
ed"
I
tst
opped.
Kat
lego:
"Let
'sgochecki
tout
"
Me:
"It
s10pm"
Kat
lego:
"Iknowwher
e'sChr
is'
sgun"
Me:
"Kat
lego!
"
Shel
aughedandwentupst
air
s.
Iputonmyshoes.Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Fi
nal
l
y"
Quint
on:"We'
reabitbusywit
hsomethi
ng.The
secur
itycompanyi
sfacingsomecompli
cati
ons
ri
ghtnow.Theyhave2carsandtheyar
eoccupi
ed"
Me:"I
thascomeof
fbutwe'
l
lgocheckwi
th
Kat
lego"
Qui
nton:
"OkayBongaandar
eal
soont
hei
rway
t
here"
Me:
"Okayt
hanks"
Kat
legocameback.Wet
ookt
hecarkey
sandl
eft
.
.
..
Kat
lego:
"Taket
his.I
fyouf
indat
hug.Shoot
"
Me:
"OhhKat
legoI
'
m af
rai
dtot
ouchi
t"
Kat
lego:
"Takei
t.I
'
m goi
ngt
othel
oo"
Isighedandtookit
.Iputitinmyhoodiepocketand
walkedtowardsmyof f
ice.Iat
temptedtounl
ockbut
thedoorpushedopen.Myhear tski
ppedabit.I
mightusethi
st hi
ng.
Iputmyhandi
nthepocketandusedt
heot
herone
totur
nonthel
i
ghts.
Me:
"Youmustbeshi
tt
ingme"hesmi
l
ed.
Si
zwe:
"Youl
i
kei
t?"
Me:
"Gett
hehel
lout
!"
Si
zwe:
"YoumeanIsetal
lthi
supandy
ougonnaj
ust
gi
vemethatat
ti
tude?
"
Ipull
edhi
sfi
l
thyr
ugoutt
hewi
nespl
i
tal
lov
ert
he
place.
Icameback.Hewasst
il
lseat
ingonmychai
r.
Me:
"Mysonsaregonnabeher
eanyminut
eand
t
her
e'sgonnabet
roubl
eify
oudon'
tl
eave"
Sizwe:"
Youmeanthatboywho'
sol
denought
obe
yourboyfr
iend?
"
Me:
"Doy
ouwantmet
ocal
lthepol
i
ce?
"
Si
zwe:
"Iam t
hepol
i
ce"
Hegotupandwalkedt
owardsme.Imov edaside.
Hepull
edmecloseandtr
iedtoki
ssme.Ipushed
him.Hecamebackwit
hforce,pi
nnedmeagai nst
thewal
landt
ri
edtoundomybut t
on.Iscreamed.
Me:
"Kat
lego!HELP!
!!
"
Si
zwe:"
Shutup!
"Hecov eredmymout
handkissed
meall
overmyface.Tearscamedownrol
l
ing.
Itookoutt
hegun.Hi
shandwasnowt
ouchi
ngmy
vagina.
Ihithi
m ontheheadwithi
tcountl
esstimeshefel
l
down.Ipoint
editathi
m andfi
red.Iheardhi
m gr
unt.
Isawbloodtrai
l
ingaway.
Kat
lego:
"Yol
iIhear
d-"shef
roze.
Icr
iedsol
oud.Whathav
eIdonedearl
ord.
..
.
[
2/26,
10:
49]Zozaness:
49
.
[
Kat
lego]
Sheputherphonei
nherearwi
thherhandsshaki
ng.
Isnat
chedi
t.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Yol
i
:"I
'
m cal
l
ingt
hepol
i
ce"
Me:"
Fort
helov
eofGodcanyoust
opcr
yingand
f
ocus?Doyouwannagot
ojai
l?
"
Yoli:
"Ijustki
ll
edaman.Weneedt hepolice.Letme
atleastcallmyfat
her"She'sreal
lyachi l
d.Ichecked
Sizwe'spulse."
Nowi snotthetimet ocallthedaddy
northepol i
ce,wel
lunlessyou'r
etryi
ngt ogot ojai
l.
Thesecur it
yguyswillshowupsoon, bythenthis
bodyshoul dnotbeher e.Ort
hisblood.Stop
whinningandgetthingst ocl
eanthisblood"
Idi
all
edChi
rs.Heanswer
edr
ightaway
.
Me:
"Weneedy
ouher
e"
Chr
is:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Me:
"No.We'
rei
ndeept
roubl
e"
Chr
is:
"We'
reonourwayt
her
e.Wast
her
eabr
eak
i
n?"
Me:
"Wor
se.Justhur
ryup"
Ihungup.Yoli
wasst i
l
lgluedtot
hefl
oor.Iwentto
thecabi
netandlookedforcl
eani
ngequi
pment .
Me:"Wheredoy oukeepdomestos?"Shepoint
edto
theupperone.Ifoundi
tall
ther
e.Ipouredwateri
n2
5Lbuckets.Igotthecl
eani
ngclot
hes.Ihandedher
thebucket.
Yol
i
:"Ther
ear
egl
ovesar
eint
heshel
f"
Me:
"Gett
hem!Yol
anda!
"
Yol
i
:"St
op!
"
Me:"Noyoust
op!He'
sdead.Bei
nggl
uedher
ewi
l
l
notwakehi
m up"
Yoli
:"Ar
ewegonnat
aket
hebodyt
othemor
tar
y
aft
erwards?
"
Me:
"Nowe'
l
lbur
yit
"
Yol
i
:"What
?Itgetbef
oundsoonerorl
ater
"
Me:"Andi
twon'
tbeourpr
obl
em t
hen.Gett
he
gl
oves"
Shefi
nal
l
ymov
ed.Shet
ookt
hem outandgav
emea
pai
r.
Thedooropened.
Bonga:
"Ohshi
t"
Me:
"Wher
e'sMt
ho?
"
Bonga:
"Out
side.Whathappenedher
e?"
Me:
"Keephi
m away
.Hecan'
tseet
his"
Bonga:
"Ishedead?
"
Yol
i
:"Doeshel
ookal
i
vet
oyou"
Bonga:
"Thatwounddoesn'
tki
l
l"
Hesquat
tedandfel
thispul
se."
Heneedst
ogett
o
t
hehospi
talur
gentl
y"
Me:
"He'
snotdead?
"
Bonga:"
Ifhedoesn'
tgethel
pint
henext30mi
nut
es
hewil
lbe"
Themenf
il
ledt
heof
fi
ce.Yol
irant
oQui
nton'
sar
ms.
Yol
i
:"Idi
dn'
tmeant
odoi
t.GodknowsIdi
dn'
t"
Chr
is:
"Whathappened?
"
Me:
"Sheshothi
m"
Bonga:
"Canquesti
onedbeanswer
edl
ater
?Thi
s
manwilldi
eanyt
imefrom now"
Chr
issquat
tedbesi
dehi
m andcheckedhi
spul
se.
Chr
is:
"Cal
lanambul
ance"
Ty
ler
:"Andt
hepol
i
ce"
Me:
"Wi
l
lthatnotgetusi
ntr
oubl
e?"
Ty
ler
:"Hebr
okei
n."
Yol
i
:"He.
..
hewast
ryi
ngt
ofor
cehi
msel
fonme"
Quinton:"
Hewhat ?
"Weshoul
d'vej
ustf
ini
shedhim
off.Whobreaksint
osomeone'
soffi
ceandtri
esto
rapesomeone?Howdi dheevenknowthatYol
iwil
l
bet heonetoshowup?
.
..
Wewat
chedt
heambul
ancegoaway
.
Chr
ishuggedmef
rom behi
nd.
Chr
is:
"Youdon'
thav
etol
i
vedi
rt
yli
keus"
Me:
"Whatot
herchoi
cedi
dwehav
e?"
Chr
is:
"Let
'sgohome.I
'
llr
uny
ouabat
handgi
vey
ou
amassage.Yol
i'
sstat
ement
staki
ngwon'
tend
any
timesoon.She'
samess"
Me:
"Nobabewecan'
tl
eav
ethem"
Chr
is:
"I'
mti
redandv
erysl
eepy
.Let
'swai
tint
hecar
"
It
ookhi
shandandl
edt
hewayt
othecar
..
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Nzuza:"
DubeIwantt
oknowwher
ewerey
ouwhen
t
hatjer
kforcedhi
msel
fonmychi
l
d?"
Yol
i
:"Dadhe-
"
Nzuza:"Youshutup!Gomakeussomet
hingt
o
dr
ink"shegotupandwalkedoff
.
Me:
"Mshazi
Iwasoutt
aki
ngcar
eofsomet
hings"
Nzuza:
"Andl
eftmydaught
ert
ober
aped?
"
Me:
"Ths9twasami
stakesi
rI'
m sor
ry"
Nzuza:"Hecoul
d'v
erapedherDube.Doy
ou
underst
andthat
?"
Me:
"YesandI
'
mver
ymuchr
egr
ett
ingl
ett
inghergo
t
her
e"
Nzuza:"
I'
m disappoint
mentinyou.Il
ety
oubewith
mydaught erbecauseIbel
i
evedyoucanprot
ecther
atal
lcosts"
Me:"
Whathappenedlastni
ghtwasanhonest
mi
stake.I
twi
l
lneverhappen"
Nzuza:
"Itbet
ternot
.I'
mtaki
nghert
oseesomeone"
Me:"
I'
vealr
eadyar
rangedt
hat
.Youdon'
thav
eto
wor
ryaboutit
"
Nzuza:
"Good.I
'
llcomebyl
ater
"
Me:"We'
l
lbeglad"hegul
peddownthewhiskeyt
hat
Yol
ihadonthetray
.Heki
ssedhercheek.
Nzuza:
"I'
l
lseey
oul
aterokay
?"
Yol
i
:"Okay
.Thanksf
orcomi
ng"
Heheadedt
othedoor
.
Ty
ler
:"He'
sspi
tt
ingf
ir
e"
Yol
i
:"I
sheal
i
ve?
"
Ty
ler
:"Themonkey
?Ther
e'shopehe'
l
lmakei
t"not
whatIwant
edt
ohear
.
Yol
i
:"ThatmeansIwon'
tbegoi
ngt
ojai
l
?"
Tyl
er:
"Youar
en'tgoi
ngtojai
lei
therway
.Letmego
bat
h.Seei
ngthatasshol
emademesweat "
Me:
"Thanky
ou.
"
Ty
ler
:"Hasbr
eakf
astbeenser
ved?
"
Yol
i
:"Yeah.Iputy
our
sint
heov
en"
Ty
ler
:"Thanky
oumama"
Hecl
i
mbedupt
hest
air
s.Isi
ghed.
Me:
"So.
..
arey
our
eadyf
ort
hel
ady
?"
Yol
i
:"Yes.ButI
'
mfi
ner
eal
l
y"
Me:
"Justt
obeont
hesaf
esi
de"
Yol
i
:"Ri
ght
.Wher
ear
eyouof
ftonow?
"
Me:"
Meetupwi
thanol
dfr
iendandt
hengosee
Khul
e"
Yol
i
:"Okay
.Cal
lme"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Ar
eyougonnaj
oint
heot
her
saf
ter
?"
Yol
i:
"Theset
hingst
aket
ime.Iwi
l
ljustpr
epar
ea
di
sh"
Me:
"Thechef
sar
eher
eforar
eason"
Yoli
:"Theyarepeopl
etoo.Theyshoul
dspendt
hei
r
ti
mewi ththei
rfamil
i
es"
Me:
"Wedon'
tmi
ndeat
ingt
akeaway
s"
Yol
i
:"I
'
lldoubl
echeckwi
tht
hel
adi
es"
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Yol
i
:"Il
ovey
ou"
Iki
ssedherf
oreheadandwentoutt
hrought
hedoor
l
eadingt
othegarage.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
It
hankedt
heoffi
cerandwipedthechai
r.Hewas
l
yi
ngonhisbackfaci
ngtheceil
i
ng.
Khul
e:"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Icl
earmyt
hroat
.
Me:
"Toseey
ou"
Khul
e:"
Idon'
twannabeseen"
Me:
"Wel
lI'
m her
e.AndIbr
oughty
ouf
ood"
Khul
e:"
DoIl
ookhungr
ytoy
ou?
"
Me:
"Yeah"
Khul
e:"
Youher
etopoi
sonme?
"
Me:" That
'saneasywayoutf oryou.IfIwantedyou
deadI '
dprefertot
ort
ureyou"het urnedtosl
eepon
thesideandf aceme.Ismil
edandhandedt hebag
over."Yousureashelll
i
ke5st artreatment
,evenin
j
ail
s"
Khul
e:"
It
sthepecksofbei
ngaDube"
Me:
"That
'swhyy
ou'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
oki
l
lme?
"
Khul
e:"
Yes"
Me:"Mmmh.I
sthathowmuchy
oudon'
tcar
eabout
ourki
ds?
"
Khul
e:"
Ther
e'spl
ent
yofpeopl
ewhocanr
aiset
hem"
Me:"It
hinkyou'
resuf
fer
ingsomesor
tofment
al
si
ckness."
Khul
e:"
Getout
"
Me: "Stopthi
snonsense.Phil
aneedsyouhomef or
Christmas.Stopbei
ngasel fcent
eredbast
ard.The
famili
esofev er
yoneyou'
vekill
edfeel
sexactl
ythe
sameway .Stopbei
ngal i
tt
lebabyandmant hehel
l
up."Igotupandbuzzed.
Khul
e:"
Hav
eyouboughtt
hem Chr
ist
mascl
othes?
"
Me:
"Yes.AndsentMt
homoneyt
oo"
Khul
e:"Thanky
ou.Andf
ort
hef
oodt
oo.I
ttast
es
good"
Me:"
Ofcoursei
tdoes.Thatpoi
sonshoul
dst
art
wor
kingnow"
Hel
aughed.
Khul
e:"Atl
eastIwi
l
lgetj
ust
icebecauset
her
ear
e
camerashere"
Me:"YouknowIwon'
tgot
opr
ison.Iwasoncea
Dubewife"
Khul
e:"
Youst
il
lseem l
i
keonet
ome"
Me:
"By
e"
Khul
e:"
Arey
ouwear
ingf
akeass?
"
Me:
"No.I
'
vebeendoi
ngsquat
shoney
"
Khul
e:"
CanIf
eel
it?
"
Me:"Mrof
fi
ceryoubet
tercomebef
oret
hisman
doesmebad!"
Hel
aughed.
Khul
e:"
Sendmenudeswheny
ougethome"
Me:
"R1000each"
Khul
e:"
Maket
hem 10"
Me:
"You'
resi
ck"
Theof
fi
cercame."
Byej
ail
bir
d"hewav
ed.
Me:
"Whyi
sheonapr
ivat
ecel
l
?"
Of
fi
cer
:"I
'
dhav
etoki
l
lyoui
fIt
oldy
ou"
Me:
"Notr
eadyf
ordeat
h"hel
aughed.
.
..
It
ext
edNhl
elot
omeetmeatt
hemal
lwi
tht
heki
ds.
Myphoner
angasIpar
ked.
Me:
"Myl
ove"
Yol
i
:"Youdon'
tev
encheckonme"
Me:
"Idon'
thav
eai
rt
imebaby
.Ar
eyouOkay
?"
Yoli
:"No.IshotSi
zwe.He'
sint
hehospi
tal
fight
ing
forhi
slif
e"
Me:
"Whoa!Whathappened?
"
Yol
i
:"Hewast
ryi
ngt
orapeme"
Me:
"Wt
f?Whi
chhospi
tal
ishei
n?"
Yol
i
:"Noty
out
oo"
Me:"Wellt
rashli
kehi
m bel
ongstoagrav
e.Whothe
hel
ldoeshet hi
nkhei
s?I'
m gonnacomeseeyou
l
aterokay
"
Yol
i
:"Br
ingmyki
ds"
Me:
"Wi
thpl
easur
e"
Yol
i
:"Thanky
oumf
azi
.By
efornow"
Me:
"By
emyl
ove"
If
eltapokeonmyshoul
der
.Ij
umped.
Me:"
Whatthehel
l
!"Ipaused."Youscar
edme"itst
he
guyt
hatr
escuedmef r
om sleepi
ngatthepar
kingl
ot
t
heot
herday
.
Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ry.Inev
ergoty
ourname"
Me:
"Khet
hel
o"
Hi
m:"
Ohj
ayoudi
d.Ij
ustwant
edt
obesur
e."
Me:
"Ohh"
Hi
m:"
I'
m Khet
ha"
Me:
"Thanky
ouonceagai
n"
Khet
ha:
"Iti
smyresponsi
bil
i
tyasamant
omake
sur
ewomenaresafe"
Me:
"Spokenl
i
keat
rueki
ng"
Khet
ha:
"Ar
eyoudr
ivi
ng?
"
Me:
"YesIam"
Khet
ha:
"OhIwant
edt
opl
ayher
oagai
n"Il
aughed.
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry.Nextt
ime"
Katl
ego:"
Sist
erwif
e!We'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ousi
nce
thedaybegan"wher
edi
dshecomef r
om.
Me:
"Youdi
d?"
Kat
:"YesMr
sDube"okay
.
Me:"UhhKat
lego,
thisisKhet
ha,mynei
ghbor
.
Khet
hathi
sismysi st
erKatl
ego"
Kat:"NicetoknowyouKhetha.I
'
m sorr
yI'
llhav
eto
stealher.We'
vebeenwait
ingforherf
orthepast3
hours."
Khet
ha:
"Nopr
obl
em ma'
am.I
'
llseey
ouar
ound"
Me:
"Okay
.Hav
eagr
eatday
"
Khet
ha:
"Thanky
ou.Youl
adi
eshav
efun"
Us:
"Thanky
ou"
Hewal
kedaway
.
Me:
"Whatt
hehel
l
?"
Kat:"
Hhai
bomosadi
I'
mlooki
ngoutf
ormybr
other
i
nlaw"
Me:"
Ughpl
ease.Whyar
eyouev
enher
e?Whoi
sYol
i
wi
th?
"
Kat
:"Ty
ler
?Emi
andLi
hleandt
heki
ds"
Me:
"Ar
eyoual
lher
e?"
Kat
:"Yes.Shoppi
ngf
orChr
ist
mas"
Me:
"Ohh.Whyi
sSi
zwest
il
lal
i
ve?
"
Kat
:"He'
sincoma"
Me: "
Whyishei
ncoma.Hi
m bei
ngal
i
vemeansno
peacefort
heDubes"
Kat
:"Exact
lymypoi
nt.It
oldChr
ist
hesamet
hing"
Me:
"I'
l
lhav
eawor
dwi
thQ"shesmi
l
ed.
Kat
:"St
il
lpl
ayi
ngf
orourt
eam.Il
i
ket
hat
"
Me:
"You'
remyf
ami
l
y"
Theycheer
ed.Il
aughed."
Whydoy
oual
way
stake
over
?"
Lel
o:"
Becausewecan.
"Theygotupt
ohugme.
Khethi
we:"Wemi
ssy
oumar
n.Whowast
hat
douche?"
Kat
:"Hernei
ghbor
.Soshesai
d"
Me:
"What
?I'
m notsupposedt
odat
enow?
"
Lel
o:"
Dat
ingwho?Yourmani
sinj
ail
"
Me:
"Mxm t
hatpunk"
Lel
o:"
Arey
oucomi
ngf
orChr
ist
mas?
"
Me:
"No.Theki
dswi
l
lcomet
hough"
Khet
hiwe:
"Don'
tbeabor
e."
Me:
"Khul
ewoul
dpr
obabl
yst
rangl
eme.Hehat
es
me"
Lel
o:"We'
l
lfet
chyouonTuesday
.Nobodycanbake
muffi
nsasyou.
"
Me:
"OhI
'
m asl
avenow?
"
Kat
:"No.Weneedy
ourmut
toncur
ryandmuf
fi
ns"
Me:
"I'
l
lcooki
tatmypl
ace"
Lelo:
"No.Wewantyouintheki
tchenwit
hus,
dri
nk
wine,getdr
unkandl
aughatourprobl
ems"we
l
aughed.Myphonebeeped.
Me:"
WellI
'
llshowup.Letmegomybabi
esar
e
wai
ti
ng"
Khethi
we:"Byebaby.Lear
ntokeepyourphoneon
yourhand.You'
refor
everunr
eachabl
e"
Me:
"MTNsi
gnal
iskakatmypl
ace"
Lel
o:"
Changet
oTel
kom"
Me:
"Imi
ght
.By
e"
Them:
"By
e"
Myphonebeepedagain.I
twasabanknot
if
icat
ion.
Ref
erenceKhul
ekani
Dube.
Amessagepoppedup.
"
Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ng"
He'
ssocr
azy
..
.
•
••
[
Yol
i
]
Q'sideaofnotcookingdidn'
tworkout.Khethel
o
cameandweendedupher eintheki
tchen.We've
checkedupont hesewives5t i
mesalready.They
don'
tseem li
ketheyarecomi nghomet oday.
Khet
hel
o:"
So.
..Hav
eyouseeny
ourper
iods?
"
Me:
"Yest
hanky
ou"shel
aughed.
Khet
hel
o:"
Wemustpr
aiset
heLor
d"
Me:
"Iser
veal
i
vingone"
Khet
hel
o:"
Yousur
edo.Thi
sisdone.Ishoul
dget
goi
ng"
"
Wher
eto?
"
Khet
hel
o:"
Hi.Mypl
ace.
"
Khul
e:"
Trav
elsaf
e"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thanky
ou"
Q:
"Noonei
sgoi
ngany
wher
e."Hehuggedher
.
Khul
e:"
Iseeyouwantt
osl
eepwi
thadr
unkwi
fe"
Khet
hel
ogasped.
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
m hur
t"
Q:"There'
sawinecabineti
nthepant
ry.Drown
yoursel
vesmyhunnies"hekissedmycheekand
pull
edhisbrot
heraway
Khet
hel
o:"
Letmet
akeawal
ktot
hepant
ry"
Me:
"We'
vedr
ank3bot
tl
esal
ready"
Khet
hel
o:"
Weneed3mor
e"
Me:
"You'
resuchadr
unkar
d"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thankssi
s"
Emi
:"I
'
mjusther
etogetmyj
uice"
Me:
"What
everbabymama.Noi
ce,
puti
tback"
Emi
:"Yol
i
"
Khet
hel
o:"I
'
llpunchyoui
nthef
ace"shel
eftt
he
gl
assontopofthecount
er.
Me:"YouwantJasontohackourphonesandleak
ournudesshal
lanyt
hinghappent
othatbaby"
Emi
:"Not
hingwi
l
lhappen"sheshout
ed
Me:
"Dr
inkwat
erf
rom t
het
apt
hen"
.
..
Thismomentagain.Everyoneishere.Wear e
l
aughing.Wearehappy.Ther e'
ssomethingabout
beinggather
edi
nonepl ace.Itboostseachoneof
us.Webecomeal it
tl
ebet ter
.Therainjustmadei
t
mor ei
nti
mate.
Kat
legogotup.
Kat
:"At
tent
ionplease.I
'
dhitthegl
assbutthesear
e
l
imi
tededit
ion"welaughed."
Iwoul
dlikeustopray
"
Weal
lhel
dhands.Shest
art
edpr
ayi
ng."
Heav
enl
y
father.Istandher ebef orey ouwi thmyf ami l
y.
Pleasef orgiveusf orall t
hewr ongswe' v edone,you
madeushumanswhosi n.Wehappent osi nalotin
thisfami l
y.Mayy ouf orgiveusf orallthosesi ns,t
he
oneswecommi ttedawar eandunawar e.Wet hank
youf orthecomf ortablelife.Wet hanky ouforour
kidsandgr andchildren.Wet hanky ouf orour
husbands.Keepusr eunitedev enwhenwef ai
lto
toler
atedeachot her .Wear eprayingforasmoot h
yearahead.Keepusheal thyal mighty.Int henameof
Jesus.Amen"
Us:
"Amen"
Cal
:"Thatwassmoot
h"
Q:
"Icanf
eel
thehol
yspi
ri
twi
thi
nus"
Tyl
er:
"Don'
tcomenearmyf
oodhol
yspi
ri
tI'
mver
y
hungr
y"welaughed.
Khul
e:"
It
sgonnagodownt
hewr
ongpi
pet
rustme"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
m gonnat
akey
oubackt
othecel
l
"
Q:
"Yezwe"
Yezwe:
"Baba?
"
Q:
"Wher
e'sDol
l
y?"
Yezwe:
"Dol
l
y?"
Me:
"It
sPopi
babe"
Q:
"Ohy
eah.Mybad"Yezwechuckl
ed.
Yezwe:
"He'
sathi
spar
ent
'
shouse"
Q:"Wouldheli
ket
ojoinusonChr
ist
mas?
"Cal
vi
n
choked."
Dri
nkwater
.Yezwe?"
Yezwe:
"Forr
eal
?"
Me:
"Yeah?Forr
eal
?"
Q:
"Yes.Youl
ovehi
mri
ght
?"
Yezwe:
"Al
ot"
Cal
vi
n:"
OhMar
iahel
pme"
Q:"
He'
sfami
l
ythen.Mt
ho,
woul
dNdal
oli
ket
o
come?
"
Mt
ho:
"Shedumpedme"
Khul
e:"
Whatdi
dyoudo?
"
Hedr
oppedhi
sey
es.
Khet
hel
o:"
Itr
unsi
nthefamily
"Inudgedher
.She
dr
ankawholebot
tl
ebyhersel
f.
Khule:"
Peopl
emusthav
emanner
sint
hei
rex'
s
houses"
Khet
hel
o:"
Peopl
emustnotst
artot
herpeopl
e"
Khul
e:"
Peopl
e-"
Lel
o:"
Okayf
olks.Noneedf
ort
hat
"
Q:
"Bonga?
"
Bonga:
"I'
m st
il
lsi
ngl
ebaba"
Me:
"WhataboutHappy
?"
Bonga:"
Shesai
dshedoesn'
twannabepar
toft
his
fami
ly"
Khet
hel
o:"
Andy
oul
ethergo?
"
Bonga:
"Yup"
Emi
:"Bhut
i?"
Q:
"Mmmh?
"
Emi
:"I
'
m her
e"
Q:
"So?
"
Emi
:"I
'
m notsi
ngl
e"
Q:
"Of
cour
sey
ouar
en'
t.Gount
iehi
m Ty
ler
"
Me:
"Who?
"
Ty
lergotupandwal
kedout
.
Cal
vin:"Ar
eyour
eal
l
yinv
iti
ngt
hatheel
wear
ing
boy
friend?
"
Q:
"Yes"
Cal
vi
n:"Idon'
twannabecal
l
edMrf
atheri
nlaw"we
l
aughed.
Emi
scr
eamedandr
ant
othewetJason.
Jason:
"Sani
bonani
"
Us:
"Hey
"
Emi
:"Whyar
eyouwet
?"
Jason:
"Yourbr
other
sti
edmei
ntoat
ree"
Emi
:"Bhut
i!
"
Q:
"Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
easni
tchNzi
ma"
Me:"
Takehi
m upst
air
stochange.Whatonear
thi
s
wr
ongwithy
ouguys?"
Khul
e:"
Don'
tl
ookatmepeopl
e.I
twashi
sidea"
Q:"Yol
i'
sfat
herst
il
ltor
tur
esme.What'
ssospeci
al
aboutJasontobetr
eatedsmoot
h?"
Khethi
we:"Igi
veuponyoumbuyazi
.Well
,Ty
lerandI
havedeci
dedtotiet
heknot2weeksaf
terQandYoli
ti
ethei
rs"
Tyl
er:
"Real
ly?Thankyouthanky
oubaby "heki
ssed
heral
lover
."Ha!I
'm get
ti
ngmarri
ed.Bongayou'
re
mybestman"
Bonga:
"Amen"
Mt
ho:
"Me?
"
Ty
ler
:"You'
regonnabemyf
lowerboy
"
Mt
ho:
"Andhol
dcol
droom key
s?"
Khul
e:"
Not
hat
'
smyj
ob"
Q:
"Youwi
l
lMt
ho.
"
Calv
in:
" Whatawayt
oseal
thi
sday
.Tohappy
begi
nnings"
Wer
aisedourgl
assesanddr
ankt
othat
..
.
[
2/26,
10:
50]Zozaness:
50
.
[
Yezwe]
Iwasoncallwi
thPoppy.I
thadbeenanhourand
noneofuswaswill
i
ngtohangup.Ilov
ehowmuch
weenjoyeachot
her'
scompany.
Thedooropens.Theyt
hrowt
hemsel
vesonmybed.
Me:"Uhm babe.Apesj
ustgoti
nmyr
oom.Letme
cal
lyoul
ater"
Popi:
"Okaymyhun.Don'
tfor
getabouty
ourDr
's
appoi
ntmentat3pm"
Me:
"Iwon'
t.I
'
llsetar
emi
nder
"
Popi
:"Okayby
e"
Hehungup.
Me:
"Ar
eyoubl
anket
scol
d?"
Mt
ho:
"Yup.
"
Me:
"Youcant
aket
hecouch"
Bonga:
"Not
hanks.Let
'
sdosomet
hingf
unl
ater
"
Me:
"That
'sdr
inki
ng?
"
Mt
ho:
"[Yezwe]
Iwasoncallwi
thPoppy.I
thadbeenanhourand
noneofuswaswill
i
ngtohangup.Ilov
ehowmuch
weenjoyeachot
her'
scompany.
Thedooropens.Theyt
hrowt
hemsel
vesonmybed.
Me:"Uhm babe.Apesj
ustgoti
nmyr
oom.Letme
cal
lyoul
ater"
Popi:
"Okaymyhun.Don'
tfor
getabouty
ourDr
's
appoi
ntmentat3pm"
Me:
"Iwon'
t.I
'
llsetar
emi
nder
"
Popi
:"Okayby
e"
Hehungup.
Me:
"Ar
eyoubl
anket
scol
d?"
Mt
ho:
"Yup.
"
Me:
"Youcant
aket
hecouch"
Bonga:
"Not
hanks.Let
'
sdosomet
hingf
unl
ater
"
Me:
"That
'sdr
inki
ng?
"
Mtho:"Yes.I
t'
dbeahugemist
aket
oleavewit
hout
vi
sit
ingEyadini
,KwaMax,
KwaShembe,Egagasi
ni
andButterwort
hhotel
"
Me:
"NoBut
ter
wor
thpl
ease"
Bonga:"
Popiiscomi
ngforbutsomeofus
Butt
erwort
histhewayt
ogo"
Me:
"Asl
ongasi
tissaf
e"
Bonga:
"Sowegoi
ng?
"
Me:"
Yeah.Wehav
en'
tdoneany
thi
ngexci
ti
ngsi
nce
wegother
e"
Mt
ho:
"Ihav
e.I
'
vebeent
oBut
ter
wor
th"
DaddyTcamei
n.
Tyl
er:
'Ar
ey out r
yingtodieofHIVorsomethi
ng?
Come,breakfastisready
.Phil
aisti
redofcal
li
ngyou
downforbreakfastevery
day.Nextt
imey ouwil
lnot
eatbr
eakfast
"
Me:
"ButIt
oldmom t
ocal
l
"
Tyl
er:
"Ev
enusasy ourf
ather
swedonotwaitt
oget
cal
l
eddownstai
rs.Ever
yoneknowst
hatbr
eakfasti
s
ser
vedat8"
Bonga:"
Apologi
esNy
amazane.I
twon'
thappen
agai
n.Let'
sgo"
Wegotupandf
oll
owedeachot
herout
.
Khul
e:"
Whydoweal
way
shav
etowai
tfory
ou?
"
Ty
ler
:"Theywer
edi
scussi
nggoi
ngt
oBut
ter
wor
th"
Yol
i
:"What
?"
Me:
"Wewer
en'
t"
Ty
ler
:"I
'
mly
ing?
"
Bonga:"
Nobutwewer en'
t.Weapologi
zef
orourt
his
i
nconveni
ence.Fr
om t
odayonwardswewillcamp
ar
oundtheloungeint
hemor ni
ng"
Kat
:"We'
dbegl
ad.Si
tdown"
WesatdownandBabasai
dgr
ace.
..
•
••
[
Yol
i
]
Hehuggedmefr
om behi
ndandpl
ant
edasof
tki
ss
onmyshoul
der
.
Me:
"Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ogetmet
orui
nmyl
i
pst
ick?
"
Q:"Theweat
herisper
fectf
orust
ocuddl
e,whydo
youhavetogo?
"
Me:"Becausewehavepeoplecomingoverfor
Chri
stmaseveandther
e'snotenoughfoodinthi
s
house"helet
sgoandcomear oundtositonthe
vani
ty.
Q:"Whydoy
oual
way
sli
kei
tscompul
sor
yfory
out
o
cook?
"
Me: "
Ilovecooki ng,sodoesev
erywifeinthi
shouse.
Wepr efertoeatf oodmadebyus.Wel ovethe
gossipandl aughterwesharei
nthekitchenwhil
e
cooking.Itcreatesgoodmemor i
es"hesighedand
tookmyhandt okissit
.
Q:
"Don'
tbel
ongokay
?"
Me:"I'
ll
bebackbefor
eyouknowi tbabe.St
op
sul
king"wesharedabri
efki
ss,
disturbedbyaknock
onthedoor.It
ookmybagandwentt oopen.
Khet
hiwe:
"Wedon'
twannabel
ate"
Me:
"I'
m done.Wecango"
Q:"
Rememberyoul
efthusbandsbehi
nd"heshout
ed
aswewal
keddownthestair
s.
Me:"
Wit
htheser
ingsonourf
inger
s?Wewon'
tmy
l
ove"
Khet
hiwe:
"He'
ssuchabi
gbaby
"
Me:
"Butl
i
kest
oactt
ough"
Wel
aughed.
Wefi
nall
ydri
veawayheadingt
othegat
eafter5
mi
nutesofar
guingaboutwhoshoul
ddr
ive.
Noneofthem wantper
sonal
dri
ver
sandt
heyal
so
hat
edri
vi
ng.
Me:
"OnourwaybackI
'
m notdr
ivi
ng"
Lel
o:"That
'l
ldependwhowil
lhav
eheav
yloadson
hert
roll
-OhmyGodwhatt hehel
l?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Cl
oset
hewi
ndows!Cl
oset
hewi
ndows"
Katl
egoquicklypressedthebutton.Iwasfrozen.
Theywereev ery
wher e:Thepol
ice,thenewspeopl e
wit
hcamer asandmi cr
ophones.Theycameouti n
numbers.Theywer eallovert
hecarpat t
ingont he
wi
ndows.I
tsagoodt
hingt
hey
'r
eti
nted.
Kat
lego:
"Whatt
hef
ucki
shappeni
ng?
"
Me:"
Ihaveabsol
utel
ynoi
dea.
..
."Ipause."
Ithi
nkt
his
i
saboutuSi
zwe"
Lel
o:"
Yol
iwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?Heycomeback!
"
Thedoorf
inal
l
yopened.
"Heresheis!her
eshei
s!Di
dyour
eal
l
yshoot
detect
iveSizwe?
"
Allt
hemi csandcamer aswerepointi
ngatme.Iwas
5mi nutesawayfrom goi
ngblindanddeaf.Icoul
dn'
t
taketheamountoff l
ashmyey eswerer
eceivi
ngnor
thenoiseofthesepeopletal
ki
ngal l
atonce.
Iwaspavingmywaybacktothehouseofwhi
chwas
achal
lengebecauset
heywer
eblocki
ngme,pushi
ng
meback.
"
Doyounotr
egretitt
hatnowhe'
sdead?Don'
tyou
wi
shyouwoul
dn'thave.
..
"
If
eltt
hesuncl
osert
omyf
ace,
resul
ti
ngt
odi
zzi
ness.
Ihear
dsi
renswai
l
ingf
rom adi
stance.They
'r
eher
e
f
orme.
"
Whatdi
dthatgr
eatmandotoy
outokill
him?Do
y
ouknowhowmuchheservedt
hisdepart
ment
?"
Icoul
dn'tevenseetheper
sonspeaki
ng.Myey
es
wereblurr
ywithtear
s.
"Move!Move!Mov
e!I
t'
sthemi
nist
er.Ev
ery
bodyI
sai
dmov e!
"
Ifeltpeopl
egr
abf
rom ei
thersi
des.I
twasKatand
Lelo.
Theyrushedwi
thmebacktothehouse.I
tst
art
ed
rai
ningj
ustbef
orewegoti
n.
Me:
"Theysai
dhe'
sdead"
Lel
o:"
Cal
m down"
Theyputmeinachai
randgav
emewat
ert
hen
di
sappear
ed.
Icoul
dn'
thol
dthegl
assst
eady
.Iputi
tdownont
he
count
er.
Q:"
Baby
?Yol
anda?
"Ifel
ttear
sthreat
enmyeyes.He
sawmeandcametohugme."I'
m sosor
rywewere
i
nthepool
room andt
hemusi
cwasabi
tloud.I
'
m so
sor
ry"
Me:
"I'
m scar
edofgoi
ngt
ojai
l
"
Q:
"Youar
enotgoi
ngt
her
e"
Me:
"Themi
nist
eri
sher
e.I
tsbad"
Q:
"Fuck"
Thedooropened.Icl
osedmyey
esandt
ight
enedmy
gri
paroundQuint
on.
Qui
nton:
"Tur
naway
.I'
m st
il
ltal
ki
ngt
omywi
fe"
Per
son:
"I'
m wi
tht
hemay
orandt
hemi
nist
erSi
r"
Qui
nton:
"Eveni
fyou'
rewit
hGodandhi
schi
l
dren.
Cl
osethedoorandknock"
Thedoorclosed."
Lookatme.Yolanda,nowisnot
thetimetobeababyokay ?
"Inoddedrapidl
ywhil
e
wipingmytears."
Good.Theyar
egonnat akeyou
withthem.Ineedyoutobestr
ongforthenext
coupleofhourswhil
eItr
ytogetyououtofthere"
Me:
"I'
m scar
ed"
Qui
nton:
"Iknowsweet
hear
tIknow.
"
Heki
ssedmyl
i
psandwal
kedt
othedoor
.
Ihear
dmanyf
oot
stepswal
ktowar
dsme.
Q:
"Mkhont
o?Andwher
e'st
hemi
nist
er?
"
Mkhonto:"
I'
m her
eonhi
sbehal
f.Iguesst
hisi
sour
suspect
"
Me:
"Nocuf
fspl
easeshe'
l
lwal
kvol
unt
ari
l
y"
Mkhonto:"5startr
eat
mentevenwhengoi
ngtojai
l
?
Fi
ne.Ibroughtthewholear
mythi
nki
ngyouboyswill
gi
vemeapr oblem"
Me: "
Thisti
tl
eny anamakesy outhi
nkyoubr
eat
he
fl
avouredai
rright?Baby,Ipr
omiseyou,y
ouwon'
t
spendthenightthereokay?"
Mkhonto:"Iwoul
dn'tbetoosur eaboutthat.
"He
tur
nedtome." MissNzuzay ou'vebeenchargedwith
murderofthemanofl awSi zweSamabut ho.You
havetheri
ghttoremainsilent.Anythi
ngyousaycan
andwill
beusedagai nstyouinacour toflaw.You
havetheri
ghttoanat t
orney.Ifyoucannotaffor
dan
att
orney,
onewi l
lbeprovidedf ory
ou."
Qt
ookmyhand.
Mkhonto:"Shewil
lbeaccompani
edbyt
heof
fi
ci
als.
Thanksfortheent
husi
asm"
Thetwopoli
cemenwalkedoutwi
thme.Iwas
holdi
ngint
hetear
s.Idon'
tknowf
orhowlong
though.
Ther
ewasnojour
nal
isti
nsi
ght.Thegr
oundwaswet
butt
heskyhadnosi
gnsofi
tcould'
ver
ained.
Mkhonto:
"Doyouknowhowmuchequi
pmenty
ou
dest
roy
edwiththi
sstunt
?Anddoy
ouknowhow
muchit
'swort
h?"
Q:"
I'
m pret
tysurei
tsti
l
lwoul
dn'
tbeenought
ofi
x
t
hecarthattheybr
oke"
Theyopenedt
hedoorf
orme.Il
ookedbackatQ,
he
nodded.
Igoti
n.Thedoor
scl
osed.Ev
ery
onewasnow
outsi
de.
Thecar
sdr
oveof
f.If
ail
edt
ohol
dint
het
ear
s..
..
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
*
Att
heNzuzar
esi
dence*
MrsNzuzaswi
tchedof
ftheTVandst
oodi
nfr
ontof
i
t.
Sam:
"I'
m wat
chi
ng"
MrsNzuza:
"Iknowy
oukil
l
edthatboy.Doy
ouknow
howmuchdamageyou'
vecaused?"
Sam:"I
'
m watchi
ngt
vbaby
.Canwepl
easet
alk
aboutt
hisl
ater
?"
MrsNzuza:
"No!Yourdaughterisarr
est
ed!Youdi
d
whaty
oudobest:thoughtself
ishl
y"
Sam:
"What
?"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Yes.Fi
xit
"
Sam:
"Iwi
l
l"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Imeani
tSam!
"
Sam:
"I'
l
lgetherout
"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Whywoul
dyouki
l
lhi
m?"
Sam:"
Nobodymesseswi t
hmydaught
erandl
i
vest
o
tel
lat
ale.Cal
lSbhamu,
tel
lhi
mtomeetmeat
Sakhi
l
e'shouse"
Nt
ombenhl
e:"
Ithi
nkmywat
erj
ustbr
oke"
Shesai
dst
andi
ngont
hedoorwayonl
yinherbi
ki
ni
set
.
Sam j
umpedandt
heybot
hrushedt
oher
.
MrsNzuza:
"Wer
eyouint
hepool
?"Shesai
d
snat
chi
ngawayt
hejui
cei
nherhands.
Nt
ombi
:"Yes"
Sam:"
Doyouev
erl
i
sten?TheDrsai
dnopool
sat
thi
sst
age!
"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Woul
dyoucal
m down?
"
Sam:"
How?She'
sri
ski
ngt
hebaby
'sl
i
fe.Ar
eyoui
n
pai
n?"
Nt
ombi
:"No.
"
MrsNzuza:
"Godressup.I
'
llbest
art
ingt
hecar
.Sam
gett
hebabybag"
Shewal
kedout.Sam cl
i
ckedhi
stongueandwal
ked
tot
henurser
y.
Ntombi:
"You'
rever
yugl
ywheny
ou'
reangr
y.I
t
i
rr
itat
esthebaby
"
Sam:
"Gogetdr
essed"
Nt
ombi:"No.Thewor l
dneedst
oseethi
sravi
shi
ng
pr
egnantbody.I
'
llputonaseethr
oughpar
eo"
Shegoti
ntoherr
oom.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Myphonebeeped.Iwi
pedmyhandsandt
ooki
t.
Me:"
Yes!"Nextyeari
sgonnabequi
teagoodyear
f
orme.Itri
ngs.Ughkil
lj
oy."
Khet
hel
ospeaki
ng,how
mayIhel
py ou?"
Khul
e:"
Didy
oubr
ibet
hem t
osel
lthatpl
acet
oyou?
"
Me:"DoIlookl
ikeabr
ibertoyou?Sucht
hingsneed
youtohavegoodcommuni cat
ionski
l
lsi
norderto
seal
dealsbabakaNgiphi
le"
Khul
e:"
Pleasesel
li
ttome.Iknowy oudon'
twantit
.
Youj
ustwentfori
tbecauseyouknewIwantedit
"
Me:
"Oh?Li
key
oudi
dwi
tht
her
est
aur
antIwant
edi
n
Pr
etor
ia?NoI
'
m notwi
ckedl
i
key
ou.
"
Khul
e:"
Whatar
eyougonnadowi
thi
t?"
Me:"Manyt
hings.Astr
ipcl
ubi
snumberoneonmy
l
ist
.Nowifyoudon'tmi
nd"
Ihungup.If
ini
shedmaki
ngbr
eakf
ast
.
Me:"Ki
ds!"Nhl
eloint
roducedmybabiestocart
oons.
Theycan'
tgetoffherlapt
op.Apper
antl
ythetvi
sjust
decori
nthishouse.
Nhlel
o:"
Whydoesyoureggsal
wayslooksogood"
shetooki
nachuckandputthetwi
nsonthei
rchai
rs
andgavethem t
hei
rfood.
Me: "
BecauseI
'm 25andhavebeenfry
ingeggs
si
nceIwas11.Weshoul deatqui
ck.We'r
egoingt
o
dropthesemunchesoffatmom'sthenwegocheck
outthatnewpl
aceIjustscor
ed"
Nhl
elo:
"Ahouse?
"Shesai
dexci
tedl
y.
Me:
"Sadl
yno.I
tsapl
aceofbusi
ness"
Nhlel
o: "
Ohmysi s!That'
smuchbett
er.I
sitgonnabe
arestaurant
?Icecream par
lour
?OhI'
dloveitt
obe
anicecream parl
our."
Me: "
It
sinaworki
ngenvi
ronmentsoitsgonnahav
e
var
ietyoff
oods,I
cecr
eam incl
uded"
Nhl
elo:
"I'
m gonnapassbyev
eryday
"
Me:
"It
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
oCapeTown"
Nhl
elo:
"Notany
mor
e.UKZNi
swher
eI'
m goi
ng.
"
Me:"Moret
hanhappyt
ohearthatbabe.Therear
e
moreeggsonthebowl
.I'
l
lpacki
ngallt
hethingsI
'l
l
need"
Nhl
elo:
"By
e"
Thedoorbellr
ang.Iwentt ogeti
t.Ther
ewasnoone.
I
tmustbet hekids.Iclosedt
hedoorandheadedt
o
mybedroom.Ihear ditchimeagai
n.
Me:
"Nhl
elopl
easegett
hedoor
"
Ihear
dherscr
eam i
nter
ror
.Ir
ushedback.
OhmyGod.It
ookonebabyf
rom her
.
Me:
"Got
oyourbedr
oom andl
ockt
hedoor
"
Idi
all
edBonga.Heanswer
edi
nst
ant
ly.
Me:
"Bonga,
Ihav
eabi
tofasi
tuat
ionr
ighther
e.
There'safuckinghugeasscr eepysnake,
snaking
i
tselfintomycouch! !
!Itl
ooksli
keoneofy ourcrazy
stupidancestors.Comegetthisthi
ngoutofmy
house! "
Ihungup.I
t'
seyesmetmi
ne.Ir
anf
ormydearl
i
fet
o
Nhlel
o'
sbedroom.
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Imadecal
ls.It
houghtofany onewhocouldhelpme
butnol
uck.Icouldn'
tstomachthethoughtofher
scar
edandcryinginthatcel
l
.Ifai
l
edher .
Idi
dnotsleepawi nk.Icl
eanedthi
sroom f
rom
scr
atch.I
tdist
ract
edmeabi t.Her
eIam st
ressed
out
.Its8am.
Ihear
daknockf
rom t
hedoor
.
Me:
"It
sopen"
I
topened.
Katl
ego:"
Morni
ng.Ther
ear
epeopl
edownst
air
sher
e
toseeyou"
Me:
"Tel
lthem I
'
m busy
"
Kat
lego:
"It
sthepol
i
ce"
Me:
"Whatdot
heywantnow?I'
m comi
ng.Tel
lBonga
t
ogethi
scarr
eadyI
'
m usingi
t"
Katl
ego:
"He'
snothome"Inodded.Shecl
osedt
he
door.
Ichangedint
odecentcl
othesandt
henwent
downstai
rs.
Me:
"Mor
ning"
Them:
"Mor
ning"
Pol
iceman1: "
I'
m Detecti
veSibandaandherewit
h
meisasear chwarrant.MissNzuzaescapedthecel
l
l
astnight
.Ifshe'
sher epl
ease..
."
Me: "
Waitwai
twai
t.Whatdoy
oumeanshe
escaped?"
Det
ect
ive:
"Imeanshe'
snoti
npr
ison"
Me: "
Howthefuckdoesawomanli
kemywif
e
escapepr
ison?Youputheri
nWest
vil
l
edi
dn'
tyou?
"
Det
ect
ive:
"Cor
rect
.Si
rI.
..
"Il
ostmyt
emperand
punchedhi
m cont
inuousl
y.Ihear
dwomenscr
eam
forhel
pcal
li
ngmyname.
Theygotmeof
fhi
m.
Khul
e:"
Cont
rol
your
sel
fdammi
t!
"
Me: "
How?Theycameher egunsblazingtoarr
est
herandnowt hey'
recomingheretell
i
ngmeal lthi
s
crap?NoKhul ekanino!Mkhontoandt hatsi
ckmay or
andmi ni
sterknowwher emywi feisandIwanther
herebefor
et heendoft oday
!Doy ouhearme?Take
yourstupi
ddet ect
iveandgetthehelloutofmy
house!"
In5mi nutest
heywer egone.Iwasonmy4t hcanof
beer.Iwantedtoscream soloud.They
'dl
eftme
aloneinthekit
chen.Whatdidtheydotoher?
Myphoner
ang.
Ianswer
edandputi
tonl
oudspeaker
.
Nqawe:
"Itwasov
erdoseofpot
assi
um chl
ori
de.
"
Ihungup.If
ini
shedof
fther
emai
ningbeerandt
ook
mycarkeys.
.
..
.
Dri
vi
ngin,
Isawhi
scarpar
kedi
nfr
ontoft
hegar
age.
Good.
Igotoutofmi
nebef
oret
heengi
necoul
dtur
nof
f.
If
oundMr
sNzuzacooki
ngi
ntheki
tchen.
Me:
"Goodmor
ningma.I
syourhusbandhome?
"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Si
tdownson.I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Me:"How?Howcoul dev
erythi
ngbeokaywhenyour
husbandkeepsst
icki
nghisnosewher
eitdoesn'
t
bel
ong?"
Hecamedown.
Sam:
"Dube.Soear
lyi
nthemor
ning"
Me:"Yourui
nedever
ything.Wouldyoust op
meddli
ngint
omybusi ness?Doy oureali
zewhat
you'
vedone?Yol
ii
smi ssingfrom hercel
l.Shecoul
d
bely
ingdeadsomewher einthiscountr
ybecauseof
you!
"
Sam:"
Wereyouplanni
ngonkeepi
ngthatdogal
i
ve
sohecansucceedwit
hrapi
ngher
?"
Me:
"Youhav
enoi
deawhatmypl
anwas.May
bei
f
youstoppedal wayspl
ayingt
hebi gher
owewoul dn'
t
behere.Icant akecar
eandprotectmywife.St
ay
backandf ocusonbeingaherotoy ourwi
ves.You
bett
erprayIfindherali
veorI
'l
lslaught
ery
ou"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Qui
nton!
"
Me:
"Ni
sal
ekahl
e"
It
urnedandwal
kedawaycl
enchi
ngmyj
aws.
Myphoner
angasIdr
oveof
f.
I
tconnect
edt
otheBl
uet
oot
h.
Per
son:
"MrQui
ntonDube?
"
Me:
"Speaki
ng"
Person: "
You'respeakingtoLesedi Ramabulana
from Enconews.Thewhol estateisoni t
'sfeet
concerningtheescapi ngofy ourfiancefrom pr
ison.
Themi nisterBhambat haZondi justconfi
rmedt hat
theywi l
lnotrestuntil
she'sfoundandt hatyou'
rethe
primesuspectf orplanningtheescape.Whatdoy ou
havet osayf oryour
self?"
Me:
"I'
dli
ket
osayy
ou'
rest
upi
d.Soi
syourmi
nist
er"
Lesedi:"
Siryou'
rel
iveonnat
ional
TVpl
easeeaseup
wit
ht helanguage"
Me:"
Oh,
apologi
es.Fucky
ouandy
ourmi
nist
ercan
ki
ssmyass"
Thel
inewentdead.I
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lMkhont
oandhi
s
cr
azymini
ster
..
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
Thisplacehaschangedsomuch.Igotont
her
oad
around2am.
I
'm her
eandthi
splacelooksmorel
ikeadeser
ted
pl
ace.Thepl
acethatChloeusedt
ostayi
ncoll
apsed.
Myhear
tthoughtofHl
eloandMbal
i
.Icoul
dn'
tsl
eep
any
moresoIwokeupanddr ov
ehere.
Fi
nal
l
yahumanbei
ng.
Ir
oll
downmywi
ndowandgr
eet
.
Me:
"Ni
njani
baba?
"
Ol
dman:
"Si
yav
ukandodanaunj
ani
"
Me:"
I'
m good.Ehh.
..
Iwaswonder
ingi
fubabaknows
t
wingir
lsnamedHleloandNt
ando"
Ol
dman:"Iwoul
dbel
yi
ng.Ther
ear
enogi
rlchi
l
dren
i
nthi
svi
l
lage"
Me:"
Ther
ewere.Theyl
iv
edi nawhi
tebi
ghouse,
it
wassomewher
enexttothathi
ll
"
Oldman:
"Nohousehasev erbeent
her
e.Ar
eyou
surey
ougott
herightpl
ace?"
Me:
"YesI
'
m cer
tai
n"
Oldman: "
That'
sthecowseatingfi
eld.I
thasbeen
forthepast100years.Aschi
ef,
Ihaveneverseena
gir
lchil
dinthi
sv i
l
lage.Tr
ykwamalulekamaybe
they'
refr
om thatvi
ll
age"
Me:
"Oh.Thanky
oubaba.
"
Ol
dman:
"Saf
ejour
ney
"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Il
ookedforaf
ewnotesandgav
ehimt
obuyhi
msel
f
somethi
ngtodr
inkanddr
oveof
f..
.
[
2/26,
10:
51]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

51
.
[
Bonga]
It
urnedont
heli
ghts.Myheadfel
theav
y.Ionl
y
dr
ank2cansforGod'ssake.
Iplacedthekeysont
hecounterandwenttocheck
forleft
over
sintheov
en.Ifoundchi
cken.It
ookitout
.
BabaandBabKhul eatet
his.Onl
ythem eat
sful
l
chickenli
kethi
s.
Il
ookedforany
thi
ngt
odowni
tal
ongwi
th.If
ound
sal
ads.Per
fect
.
Isatdownandate.Myphonerang.Icheckedwho
couldi
tbecall
i
ngsolat
e.Ihav
en'theardfrom her
si
ncethatdayshewal
kedoutonme.
Ianswer
ed.
Me:
"Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
Happy
:"Yeah.Thesel
i
ttl
ehumanswon'
tsl
eepsoI
t
houghtofy
ou.Whyar
eyoust
il
lup?
"
Me:
"Whyam Ist
il
lup?I
..
.Ij
ustar
ri
vedathome"
Happy
:"Oh.Youguy
sar
ehav
ingat
oughonehey
"
Me:"
Yeswear e.I
tsbadenought
oshar
eourl
i
fe
wi
ththeout
sideworld"
Happy
:"Ther
e'snoescapi
ngi
t"Isi
ghed.
Me:
"Iguessso.Ki
ssmybabi
esf
orme"
Happy:"
Daddysendski
sses."Shelaughed."
Theyar
e
j
ustsucki
ngeachother
'sf
ingers"
Me:
"Imi
sst
hem somuch"
Happy
:"Just10day
slef
tti
l
lyou'
reback.Hol
don"
Me:
"Wi
thev
ery
thi
nggoi
ngon,
Idoubt
"
Happy
:"May
bewe'
l
ldr
ivedown"
Me:
"Noway
.Iwoul
dn'
tal
l
owt
hat
"
Happy:"
Sisi
wil
ldr
iveus"Ihearal
i
ttl
ecr
y."
That
'smy
cue.Haveagoodni
ght"
Me:
"Youdot
oo.Thanksf
ort
hecal
l
"
Happy
:"Thanksf
orpi
cki
ngup"
Shehungup.Ist
art
led.
Me:
"You'
l
lcausemehear
tpr
obl
emsNy
amazane"
Baba:"
Wherehav
eyoubeen?
"Het
ookaseat
opposi
teme.
Me:
"Wher
eChl
oewaskept
"hef
rowned.
Baba:
"Doi
ngwhat
?"
Me:
"Tocheckonthosetwingir
ls.Myspir
itl
edme
t
her
e.Il
ear
nedthattheyneverexist
ed"
Baba:
"Whatdoest
hatmean?
"
Me:"Itmeanst her
ehasn'tbeengir
lchil
dreni
nthat
vi
ll
ageforthepast100y ears.Thetwi
nswer ea
mystery.That
'smyconclusion"hescrat
chedhis
beard.
Baba:"I
'm conf
used.Khethel
ocall
edcryi
ngthat
ther
e'sasnakeatherplacebutitwasn'
tther
ewhen
wear r
ived"
Me:
"Shedidcal
lmet oobutIwasalr
eadyt
her
eat
t
hemyster
iousvi
ll
age.Somethi
ngisup"
Baba:
"Yes.Yol
ii
smi
ssi
ngwi
thoutat
race.
"
Me:"
Ihear
dont
henews.Thi
sneedsmeandmyf
ull
f
ocus.
"
Baba:
"I'
m dr
ained.Mybr
aini
sn'
tfunct
ioni
ngatal
l
."
Me:
"I'
l
lfi
xit
"Ipause."
May
beweshoul
dgohome"
Baba:
"Home?
"
Me:"
Yes.Homehome.I t
seasi
ert
oconnectwiththe
l
eafwhenI'mthere.Pl
usMkhul
uNdodawillconsult
t
heelder
s."Hesighs.
Baba:
"Iwasreal
l
yhopingf
orasmoot
hDecember
.
I
'l
ll
etever
yoneknowtomorr
owmorni
ng"
Me:
"Yeah.Gogetsomer
est
"
Baba:"
Yout
oo.You'
vebeenont
her
oad.Goodni
ght
son"
Me:
"Goodni
ghtbaba"
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Myphoner
ang.Waki
ngmeupf
rom abeaut
if
ul
dr
eam.
JesusChr
istt
hisman.
Me:
"Hel
l
o?"
Khul
e:"
Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Khul
e:"
Myki
ds.We'
regoi
nghome"
Me:
"Whathome?
"
Khul
e:"
Khethel
oopenthi
sdoor.Estcour
tisn'
t
ar
oundthecornerandwehav
eal otofthi
ngstodo
whenwegetthere"
Me:"
Wel
lI'
m nott
hereandy
oucan'
tj
ustcomeand
t
akemyki
ds.Goalone"
Ihungup.I
trangagai
n.Iwatcheditr
ing.Thi
s
mental
it
yofalwayscont
rol
li
ngev er
ythi
ngand
ever
yonehastoendwhenitcomest ome.
Igotupandcl
eaned.Iwentt
otakeashower
aft
erwar
dsandthenwentdowntomakebreakf
ast
.
Myphonerangagai
n.Fort
hel
oveofGodcanpeopl
e
st
opcal
li
ngmesoear l
y!
It
ooki
tandanswer
ed.
Me:
"Hey
"
Khul
e:"
I'
m att
hegat
e"
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngatt
hegat
e?"
Khul
e:"
Open"
Tookt
hehandr
emot
eandwentout
sidet
oopent
he
gat
e.
Iwai
tedf
orhi
mtodr
ivei
n.
Khul
e:"
Whatar
eyouwear
ing?
"
Me:
"Cl
othes"
Khul
e:"
You'
renaked"
Me:"I
'm atmyf
ather
'shouse.Icandr
esshowev
erI
want
"
Khul
e:"
Hav
eyoupackedt
hei
rbags?
"
Me:
"Theki
dsar
en'
ther
e"
Khul
e:"
Wher
ear
ethey
?"
Me:"
Piet
ermar
it
zburg.Theyl
efty
est
erdaywi
th
MamDinoandNhlel
o."
Khul
e:"
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lme?Cal
lNhl
eloandt
ell
hert
omeatPMBt
ownwi
thmyki
ds"
Me:"No.They
'r
ether
etomeetsomeofmy
r
elat
ives"
Khul
e:"
DoIl
ookl
i
keIcar
e?"
Me: "
What'
supwi t
hy ou?Don'ttakeyourf r
ustrat
ions
outonmepl ease.Ngiphil
eandNgi t
handileareour
kids,
notyoursalone.They '
real
lowedt ogomeetmy
sideoft
hefami l
yrelati
ves.TheDubesknowt hem,
theywon'
tdieiftheydon'tseet hem.Nowi fy
ou'l
l
excusemeIwasi nthemi ddleofbreakfast"
Il
efthi
m st
andi
ngt
here.I
'm get
ti
ngt
ir
edofbei
ng
bul
li
edaboutmyki
ds.Ti
red.
..
•
••
[
Yol
anda]
Itr
iedtomov ebutmybodywouldn'
tl
etme.It
ri
edt
o
scream butmymouthwouldn'
topen.
Iforcedmybodyt oatl
eastmoveaf
ingerbut
nothing.Whathappenedtome?Am Idead?NoI
can'tbedead,Ican'
tbedead.
Ihear
dbeepi
ngsoundsofmachi
nes.Ihear
dpeopl
e
t
alki
ng,Icouldn'
tmakeoutwhatt
heyweresaying
t
houghbutt herewassomuchpanici
nthei
rloud
v
oices.
"
Ma'am?Ma'
am cany
ouhearme?
"Sai
daf
emal
e
v
oice.
"
She'
scomi
ngt
hrough.I
njectheragai
n"
"
She'
shadenoughRet
habi
l
e"
"Justi
njecther
!IknowwhatI'm doi
ng.Ican'
tl
ose
anotherpati
ent
"I'
mi nhospi
tal
.
"
Sheneedst
ogetup.Weneedhername"
Iatt
emptedopeni
ngmyeyes.Theyhal
fopened.The
l
ightsweret
oobri
ghtt
heysti
ng.Icl
osedthem agai
n.
Imov
edmyhead.
"
Heyshemov
ed.Gi
vemeadampcl
oth"
If
eltsomet
hingcol
dtouchmyski
n,Igasped.
Me:
"Whatt
hehel
l
?"
Her
:"You'
reawake!
"Theyhugged."
Wedi
ditf
ri
end"
t
heyletgoandgotbacktome.
Her:
"Doyour ememberany
thi
ngabouty
our
sel
f?Or
whathappenedtoyou"
Me:
"Whathappenedt
ome?
"
Her:"
Wedon' tknowsweetie.Youwer ebroughthere
by2gent l
emenwhosai dtohav efoundyouont he
si
deoft heroad.Youwerebadlyinjur
ed.You'vebeen
herefor3daysnow.Wehav enotsentoutany
noti
cesbecausewef i
guredy ourl
ifemightbein
danger"
Me:"Pl
easetakemehomeormypl
ace.Whatdayi
s
i
ttoday
?I'v
emi ssedschool
"
Her
:"What
'sy
ourname?
"
Me:"I
'
m YolandaVil
akazi.I'
mfi
rsty
earst
udentat
Uni
versi
tyofJohannesburg"
Her
:"Johannesbur
g?Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngher
e
t
hen?"
Me:
"Wher
e?"
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.
Her
:"It
hinky
ouneedt
ogetsomer
est
"
Me:
"CanIusey
ourphone?
"
Her:
"No.Ineedtorunsomet
est
s.ThenIwi
l
lgi
ve
youwhenwe'redone"
Me:
"Okdoc"
Theywal kedout.3days?Thatstoomuch
schoolworktomi ssouton.Ihopethel
ect
urer
s
understandthatIwasinhospital
..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Sam:
"Iam get
ti
ngt
ir
edofgoi
ngupanddown"
Ntombi:
"Don'
tevendareopent
hatpi
ehole.You
shoul
dn'
tbehere.Youshoul
dbeoutt
herelooki
ng
formychil
d"
Sam:"Whatdoy
ouwantmetodoexact
ly?It
ryt
o
l
eave,
youstopme.Ist
ay,
yousendmeaway"
Ntombi:
"Ri
ghtnowIdon'
twannaseey
ouunl
essy
ou
haveYol
ibyyoursi
de"
Sam:
"Herhusbandt
oldmet
obackaway
"
Nt
ombi
:"Thi
sisav
erybadt
imey
ouchoset
oobey
someone'
sor
derSam.Iwantmybabyhome!
"
Sam:
"Myguy
sar
etr
yingt
hei
rbest
"
Ntombi
:"Theirbesti
sn'
tbestenought
hen,
because
i
fitwasYoliwouldbehomewar m!"
Shegotof
fthecarandbangedt
hedoor
.
Shef
oundMr
sNzuzabusyi
ntheki
tchen.
Mr
sNzuza:
"Fal
seal
arm agai
n?"
Ntombi :"
Yes"sheshowednoint
erestofkeepi
ngt
he
conversati
ongoingasshepr
oceededtoclimbup
thestair
s.
Sam f
oll
owedi
nwi
thbags.
Sam:
"Thi
sisget
ti
ngr
atherannoy
ing"
MrsNzuza:"She'
sstr
essedout.Whenshestresses,
thebabystr
essestooandthatcancausethefake
contr
acti
onsandthat'
snotgoodforthebabySam"
Sam:
"Sheshoul
djustgof
orCsect
ion"
MrsNzuza:"No.Findherchi
l
d!Whyar eyouso
r
elaxedaboutthi
s?Doy ouperhapsknowwhereYol
i
i
s?"
Sam:
"Whatar
eyouaccusi
ngmeof
?"
Ntombi
:"I
'm notaccusi
ngy
ouofany
thi
ng.Iasked
youaquesti
on!"
Sam:"Idon'
tknowwhereYol
iis!Iam makingcall
s
andtr
yingever
ythi
ngt
of i
ndher.Butthatcannotbe
seenbecauseI'
mthebadguyright?
"
MrsNzuza:"
Final
l
y!Heseesit.Yesyouar ethebad
guy.I
fyouhadnotki
ll
edthatdetect
ive.Yoliwoul
d
sti
l
lbeherebutasal
waysy outhoughtself
ishl
y"
Sam gotupandst
ormedoutl
eav
inghi
swi
fef
ight
ing
wit
honions.
Ntombi
:"Becar
efulwi
ththat!
"Shesaidtaki
ngaway
t
heknif
e."Yougonnacutyoursel
f.I
'
m headi
ngoutt
o
t
heDubes,youcancomeal ong"
Mr
sNzuza:
"Nogoahead.Iwi
l
lst
ayher
eandcook"
Ntombi
:"Takeadeepbreat
handt
henpr
oceed.I
don'
twanttofi
ndyouherewit
hmi
ssi
ngfi
ngers"
Theyl
aughed.
Mr
sNzuza:
"Iwi
l
l.
"
Nt
ombi
:"OkayI
'
llseey
ou"
Shewavedhergoodbyeandthencol
lapsedona
chai
raf
ternt
ombi cl
osedthedoor
..
..
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
Lel
ocamei
n.
Lel
o:"
We'
rer
eadyt
ogo"
Chr
is:
"Fi
nal
l
y"
Me:"Iam noti
nthemoodtoev endr
iveany
mor
e.We
shoul
d'v
ebeenlongontheroad"
Ty
ler
:"Passi
ngbyMar
it
zbur
gmay
be"
Lel
o:"Andnowy
ou'
rewast
ingt
imewi
tht
alki
ng"
Wegotupandheadedt
otheexi
t.
Me:
"Wher
eisKhul
eandQ?
"
Lel
o:"
Out
sidesmoki
ng"
Ty
ler
:"Thosesmokepi
pesar
egonnadi
eyoung"
Khul
e:"
Nyamazane"
Me:
"Mt
akababa.Ar
eyoudr
ivi
ng?
"
Khul
e:"
Whi
l
ether
e'ski
ds?Noway
."
Me:
"It
otal
l
yfor
gotaboutt
hosej
unki
es.Wher
ear
e
t
hey
?"
Khul
e:"
Insi
de,
att
hebackseat
"
Iopenedt
hewi
ndow.
Me:
"Boy
s,oneofy
oushoul
ddr
iveus"
Yezwe:
"Notme"
Bonga:
"Notmet
oo"
Mt
ho:
"We'
l
ltaket
urns,
rightbaba?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Mtho:"
ThenI
'
lldr
ivey
oumybeaut
if
ulf
ami
l
ywi
th
pl
easur
e"
Weallgoti
nthecar.Kat
lego,t
hey
oungchi
l
drenand
Khet
hiweweretaki
ngthejeep.
Themini
vancoul
dn'
taccommodateal
lofus.Idi
dn'
t
evenr
eal
izewewerethi
smanyevenwiththe2
peopl
emissi
ng.
Wedr
oveout
.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Tel
lmet
hegoodnews"
Spi
jo:"
She'
satPri
nceMshi
yeni
hospi
tal
eMl
azi
."
ThankyouJesus.
Me:"
Thankyoumyman.Ioweyou"Ihungup."
Tur
n
ar
ound.Yol
ihasbeenf
ound"
Khul
e:"
Whyar
ewet
urni
ngar
oundt
hen?
"
Emi
:"I
ssheokay
?Wher
eisshe?
"
Me:
"Eml
azi
.Weneedt
ogot
her
e"
Khul
e:"CallKat
lego.Tellt
hem t
ostop,we'
l
luset
hat
car
.Everyonecanpr oceedwi
ththejour
ney"
Bonga:
"I'
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou"
Yezwe:
"Met
oo"
Wefoundapetr
olst
ati
on.Weexchangedcar
sand
dr
oveaway.
..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Shetossedherhandbagonthecouchandwentov
er
totheki
tchenareatomakehersel
fsomethi
ngt
o
dri
nk.
Khumbul
ani
star
tl
edwhenhesawher
.
Khumbul
ani
:"Youhav
easpar
ekeynow?
"
Luci
a:"
Iownt
hispl
ace.
"Shet
ookasi
ponhercup.
Khumbul
ani:
"Thatdoesn'
tgi
vey
ouar
ightt
ocome
her
eunannounced"
Luci
a:"
Ohitdoes.You'r
eenj
oyi
ngy
ourpay
mentbut
youhaven'
tdoneanyjob"
Khumbulani
:"Hav
en'
tdoneanyj
ob?Ar
etheyst
il
l
toget
her
?"
Lucia:"No.Butwhyisn'
tKhulekaniwakingupnextto
meev erymorni
ng?Whyist hathoewi f
eofhissti
ll
breathing?Di
dy ouevensendt hatsnaketoeather
?"
Khumbul
ani
:"Yest
heki
dssawi
tfi
rst
"
Lucia:"
Thensendanotherone!JesusKhumbulani
.I
should'
vegottenmarr
iedthisfest
ivenotst
andi
ng
heresti
llt
ell
i
ngy out
ogett hisri
ght"
Khumbulani
:"Iam t
ryi
ngokay
.Ify
oucoul
djustst
op
pest
eri
ngme"
Luci
a:"I
'
mt urni
ng46soon.Ineedt ohavemyman
bymysidewhenIr et
ire.Maybey oushoul
dgoback
toyourt
inyshack,
inthatwayy ou'l
lst
opbeingt
oo
comfort
ableandgetonwi t
hwor k"
Khumbulani
:"No,
thatdoesn'
thavetohappen.I
'
ll
sendsomethi
ngmor edangeroust
onight
"
Luci
a:"
Good"
Shet
ookherbagandcat
wal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Wearr
ivedatt
hehospi
talandrushedt
othe
r
ecept
ionwheret
heysentustothefemal
ewar
d.
Wegott
here.Theysentusbackt
other
ecept
iont
o
askf
oraDrNgoza.
Thel
adyi
nrecept
iont
oldust
osi
tdownandwai
t.
Khul
e:"St
opdoi
ngt
hat
.You'
remaki
ngmemor
e
anxi
ous"
Me:
"Ican'
thel
pit
"
ADrwal
kedupt
ous.Igotupt
omeetherhal
fway
.
Me:
"DrNgoza?
"
Her
:"Yes.Iheary
ou'
reher
eforme"
Me:
"Yes.Webeli
eveyouhaveapat
ientt
hatgoesby
t
henameofYolandaNzuza"
DrNgoza:"
Nzuza?Idon'
thavesuchapat
ient
.
Pl
easeexcuseme"Istoppedher
.
Me:
"Vi
l
akazi
orDube"
DrNgoza:
"Sayonesur
namey
ou'
resur
eofsi
r"
Me:
"Vi
l
akazi
"
DrNgoza:
"Howar
eyour
elat
edt
oher
?"
Me:
"I'
m herf
ianceandt
hesear
emybr
other
s"
DrNgoza: "
Lihle,
pleasetakehimtother
ecover
y
room.Pleasefoll
owt hi
slady.Iwi
l
l bewi
thyou
short
ly.Onl
yy oucangoi n"
Inoddedandf
oll
owedt
henur
se.
Icoul
dfeel
mypal
mssweataswewentdownt
he
cor
ri
dor
.
Sheopenedt
hedoor
.Ther
ewer
e5beds.Shel
edme
tot
he3rdone.
I
twasr
eal
l
yher
.Ir
ushedt
oher
.
Me:
"Baby
"shest
aredatt
henur
seandt
henbackat
me.
Yol
i
:"Whoar
eyou?
"Ichuckl
edner
vousl
y.
Me:"
It
sme.Qui
nton.I'
vebeenlooki
ngf
oryou
ev
ery
wher
e"shesnatchedherhandaway.
Yoli
:"Idon'
tknowwhothi
smanis.Pl
easegethi
m
outofhere.Hecoul
dbeoneoft
hemenwho
att
ackedme"
Me:
"Don'
tj
okel
i
ket
hatYol
andai
tsnotcut
e"
Yol
i
:"St
opt
ouchi
ngme!Pl
easecal
lmymot
her
"
Me:
"Yol
anda"
Yol
i:"
Getout
!Don'
tyouhav
esecur
it
iesi
nthi
s
pl
ace?"
DrNgozagoti
nrushi
ng.
DrNgoza: "
MrDubeI 'm sosorry.Ij
ustgother
resul
tsback.She..
.t
heheadi njurywassev er
e,
she..
.shemightsuff
ermemor yloss,I
nfactshei
s.
Shethinksshe'
sstil
linschool"
Me:
"No"
DrNgoza:
"I'
m sor
ry.Ther
ear
eway
sto-
"
Me:"No,
ther
emustbesomeki
ndofmi
stake.
Yol
anda?"
Shewasst
ari
ngi
ntospace.
Yol
i:
"Iwannagetoutofher
e.May
beIhav
eat
est
comingup"
DrNgoza:"
We'l
lhavetosendhertoprof
essi
onals.
Sheneedstor
egainhermemor ybef
orethebabyis
bor
n"Ishookmyheadast ear
sgusheddown.
Yol
i
: "
Callmyroommateatl
east.Tel
lhert
oinf
orm
mylectur
esI'
m att
hehospi
tal
"
Me:
"Yougonnabeokaybaby
"
Itookherhandandsobbedsi
lentl
ywhi
leIhel
dit
closet
omychest .Shewasn'
tevenpay
ingatt
ent
ion
tome.
Whatki
ndofpuni
shmenti
sthi
s?
[
2/26,10:
52]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

52
.
[
Qui
nton]
Theflashl
i
ght
scameatmemer ci
lesslyal
most
l
eavingmebli
nd.Ev
ery
bodyhadkeptitdown.Ky
li
e
noddedandgavemeathumbsup.
Me: "
Goodday .Asmostofy oumaybeconf used
whi choneofusi sthis.I
'm Qui nt
onDube, f
ounderof
theDubeLogi sti
cs.Asr umor shav ebeengoi ng
aroundt hatIhav ebeenspot t
edwi thmywi fe.Iam
heret oconfir
mt hatit
salltrue.Wef oundher
throughagener ousDrwhom Ican' tment iont he
nameof .It
sbeen4mont hs, aquitediffi
cult4
mont hsf ormeandmyf ami l
y .Mywi fewasf ound
l
y i
ngbyt hesideoft heroadunconsci ousbyt wo
goodhear tedmenwhot ookhert ot hehospi tal.
Whenwel earnedt hatshewashospi tal i
zedwe
rushedt oUml azi,PrinceMshi yeni hospi t
al.Iwas
thentoldshehadsev ereheadi nj
uriesofwhi chIsaw
andshehadl osthermemor y.
..
."Iloosenedt het i
e.
"Mywi fewast akenf rom ourhomebyt hepol i
ce.
Thef ol
lowingmor ningt heyknockedatmydoorand
askedwher eI '
vehi ddenmywi f
e.A22y earol d,
who'snev erbeenar restedinherwhol el i
fewassai d
tohav eescaped, how?Ther e'
snof oot ageofher
l
eav i
ngt hecellnort hepr ison.Aren'tt herewar dens,
poli
ceandsecur it
iesatWest vi
l
lePr ison?Whywasn' t
sheatt heholdingcel latthenearestpol i
cest ati
on
l
iketheynor mal l
ydo?Tot hemi nisterandhi sl i
ttl
e
fri
endt heforestsy ou'rehidinginwi llbur nandIshal l
fi
ndy ouIhopey ouhav eenoughpr ot ect i
onf or
what'scomi ngf ory ou."
Ky
li
ecameont
ome.
Kyl
ie:
"Uhm...
Unf
ort
unatel
ythat
'l
lbeal
l
.MrDubewi
l
l
notbetaki
nganyquest
ions"
Jour
nal
i
st:
"Why
?Ishehi
dingsomet
hing?
"
Ky
li
e:"
That
'saquest
ion.Thanky
oual
lforcomi
ng.I
hopeyoudon'
tj
otdownanyt
hingMrDubedi
dnot
sayorel
se,y
ouknowwhat"
Shepull
edmeal
lthewayt
othel
i
ftwhi
l
esecur
it
y
escor
tedus.
Thel
i
ftcl
osed.
Ky
li
e:"
Thel
astpar
tsoundedl
i
keat
hreat
"
Me:"Iwastel
li
ngt
het
rut
h.I
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lthem,
pai
nful
lyso"
Kyli
e:"Qui
nton.Youdon'twannar ai
seyourchances
ofgoingtojail
.Ever
ypolicemanishungryforyou.
EscapingNkosi'
smur dercasedoesnotgiveyoua
ri
ghttowantt ocommi tmor ecr
imes.YouhaveYol i
togetbacktohernor mal sel
fandalit
tl
ebabyont he
way.Stopthinki
ngwithyourass"wegotof fatour
fl
oor.
Me:
"I'
m gonnaki
l
lthem any
way
"
Ky
li
e:"
Arey
ouev
enl
i
steni
ngt
ome?
"Ist
opped.
Me:"Ky
li
e,Idonotexpectyout
ounder
stand.Rayi
s
athomenotpregnantwit
hnomemoryofwhoy ou
are.
"
Kyl
ie:"
Yestrue.Buti
fhewas,Iwouldn'
twanttodo
anythi
ngt
hat '
l
lmakemebel ockedawayfrom hi
m
andmychild"
Me:"HaveNdabaattor
neysrespond?Ineedthi
s
sui
ngbusinessdoneandoverwith"Thefactt
hat
Yoli
wasfoundinnocenti
nallthi
smadeev ery
thi
ng
easi
er.
Ipushedt
hedoori
ntomyof
fi
ce.
Kyli
e:"
Not heyhav
en'
t.Youhav
eameetingwit
h
Mpisanelodgeint
henexthour
.Cool
offandget
readyformakingmor
emoney "
Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
oseeYol
i
.You'
l
lhav
etohandl
ethat
"
Kyli
e:"
QuintonDubeI '
m getti
ngt i
redofy ou.I
nt hi
s
peri
odof4mont hswe'velost3impor tantcli
ents
becauseofy ournegli
gence!Iunderstandwhat
you'
regoingt hr
ough,Yolii
sasi mportanttomebut
wehav etolearntogiveatt
entiontobot hYoliand
Work.Ifyoucan'tmulti
taskthenpleasegetof fthe
boatandwehi r
esomeonewho' l
lgivethiscompany
thei
rall
,bededicated"
Me:
"Fi
ne!Pl
easet
ell
Mamazot
ofi
xmea
mount
ainouspl
ateofbeefst
ewandpap"
Ky
li
e:"
Idoubtf
oodi
sreadyy
et"
Me:
"Sheal
way
shav
elef
tov
ers"
Ky
li
e:"
Ok.I
'
llgot
ryherout
"
Inodded.Shewal
kedout.Iunbut
tonedt
hebl
azer
andsatdownonEmi '
scouch.
Wher
everIseet
hosef
ools.Ishallnott
hinkt
wicet
o
t
akeoutagunandpoptheirbr
ains..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Iheardanengi
nedy
ingdown.Iputthel
astpl
ateon
thecupboar
dandcl
osedit
.Iam al
readyl
ate.
Hewalkedi
nwi
thgr
ocer
ybags.Heputi
tont
he
count
er.
Chr
is:
"IhopeIam nott
ool
ate"
Me:
"For
?"
Chr
is:
"Forust
ocookandt
alkaboutus"
Me:
"That
'sunf
ort
unat
e.Iam headi
ngt
ocl
ass"
Chr
is:
"Youcanski
pit
"
Me:
"Ican'
t.
"
It
ookmycarkey
sandmybag.
Chr
is:
"Kat
lego,
Iam t
ryi
ngher
e"
Me:
"Nowt
hati
tsui
tsy
ou?Ohpl
ease"
Chri
s:"Whatdoyouwantmetodo?"Het
ookmy
hand.Il
ookedatitandt
henathi
m.
Me:
"Iwanty
out
ogety
ourf
il
thyhandsof
fme.
"
Chri
s:"
Hav
eagoodday
.I'
l
lfet
cht
heki
dsf
rom
cr
eche"
It
urnedonmyheel
sandwal
kedaway
.
Igoti
nmycaranddr
oveof
f.
Idon'tknowwhyIcan' tletmysel
fleavebutresentto
beint hesamespaceashi m.Li
kemanywomen, I
am still
here.IguessI'm alsowai
ti
ngf orthatdayhe
fi
nall
ybeat smeunt i
l Itakemylastbreath.IwishI
hadgut stoleaveortell t
hefamil
yaboutt hi
sbuta
partofmewoul dn'
tletme.
Ri
ghtaf
tert
hey
earbegan,
themanIknewwoul
dn'
t
doanyt
hingtohurtmet
ransf
ormedi
ntosomet
hingI
coul
dn'
trecogni
ze.
Uptothisdayi
tissti
llf
reshonmymindhowhebeat
melikeIhadnofleshnorfeel
i
ngsj
ustbecauseIwas
seenwithaman.
Ithoughti
twasamist
ake.Ital
lgothi
m atawrong
ti
mewher eever
yonei
shav i
ngtheworstt
ime
becauseofYoli
andever
ythi
ng.
Hedi di
tagainlastmont h.Hequitchur
chin
Februar
yandf orbiddenmet oeversetmyf ootthere.
WhenIwasatmymot her'
shouse.Iwenttoher
church,
toprayf ornormalcybackintoourli
ves.He
foundout,heboxedmedownIendedupi nhospital
thenheblamedi tondemons.
Ihav
en'
tbeenthesamesi
ncethen.Ir
eal
lydon'
t
knowwhyam Isti
l
lli
vi
ngi
nhishousebutIsti
l
lam.
Ij
umpedathornshonki
ng.Ihadcrossedt
hey
ell
ow
l
ane.Iswungbackt
omysi deoftheroad.
Me:
"Dammi
t"
Ipul
l
edup.Tear
scamedownf
lowi
ng.Ihat
emyl
i
fe.
Ibeli
eveIwascursedatbi rt
h.IthoughtIhadfi
nal
l
y
foundpeaceandprot ect
ion.Amanwhowoul dnever
hurtmephy si
cal
l
ylikePitsodid.Itfeel
sli
kedej
avu.
Iam pract
ical
l
yreli
vingmyl if
ewi t
hPi t
so.
Ican'
tendmyl
i
fe.Mychi
l
ddoesn'
tdeser
vet
hat
It
ookoutmyphoneandrequest
edameetingwi
th
anest
ate'
sagent
.Itr
angasIputi
tdown.
Istar
tedthecar
.Itconnect
edtoBl
uet
oot
h.I
answeredandremainedquiet
.
Chri
s:"
Pleasecomehome.Ihavecal
l
edand
i
nformedthem youwon'
tbecomingi
n"
Me:"Wit
houtmyper
missi
on?Iam noty
ourobj
ect
Chr
ist
ian"
Chr
is:"
IknowbabyIknowbutIwantust
ofi
xthi
s.I
'
ll
goforhel
p,any
thi
ng"
Me: "
Thisi
sthe3r dweek.You'
vebeengiv
ingme
sil
enttr
eatmentandtell
i
ngmet ogetovermyself,
thatyoudidnotevenhurtmethatbadwhil
stIended
upinthehospital
,Il
ostmychil
dy oubl
oodyasshole
andnowt hatyourbal
lsit
chedforyout
o"fi
xthings"
you'r
ecancelingmycl
asses?Leav
emet
hehel
l
alone!Iam done"
Chri
s:"Waitwaitwait.Whatdoyoumeany ou'
re
done?Katlegoplease.I
'vequi
talcohol
,I
'v
ebeen
soberfor5day snow.BabypleaseIswearonour
chi
ld'
slif
eI'l
lneverbea-"
Me:"
Shuti
tdammit
!Ihatey
ou.You'
ret
heworst
mi
stakeI
'v
eevermadeinmywholeent
ir
eli
fe.
"
Ihungupandpul
l
edupagai
nandcr
ied.
I
'
llnev
erf
orgi
vehi
m.Ev
er!
..
•
••
[
Emi
hle]
Apri
l15.Goddecidedtobl essmewi thabeaut i
ful
bouncingbabyboy.Nocompl i
cationsorwhat soever
.
Asmoot hbirt
hfol
lowedbyasmoot hmot herhood
si
nceIhav ethi
ssuppor t
ive,l
ovingandcaringbaby
daddy.Khansentmef lowersandgoodi esafterI
camehome.Wehadabi toff i
ghtwi t
hJasonbuthe
camear ound.I
fonlyIknewI '
dhav etoldhimt ostay
away.Hecamewi thahugebombaf ewday saf t
er
thefl
owersanddemandedDNAtest
.Hecausedus
unnecessar
ydrama,
heeventookl
egal
act
ionsand
wehadno
choi
cebutgi
vehi
m whathewant
ed.
Duet oJason'spar anoia,Ihaveguar dsnow.Awhol e
EmihleDubewhor esenthav i
ngscar yqui etmen
besideherhav ebody guar
dsandt here'snot hi
ngshe
candoabouti t.Awakhei sthecent erofJason' s
world.Hewoul dhanghi mselfifany t
hingwentbad
abouthi swell
-being.TheDrdoeshousecal l
s
becausehi ssoncan' tbeoutt herecat chi ngevil
spir
its.Idon'
tev enknowwhatsl eeplessni ghtsfeel
l
ike.Iam queen.Ionl ybat hmy selfandf eedmybaby .
There'shelpever y
wher earoundt hishouse.
Mamkhul uagreedt hatImov einwi thhi m sincehe
paidhalfofthelobol a.Idon'tknowhowIf eelabout
thelobolapart.Iam notr eadytocommi tmywhol e
l
ifetoaman.Ist il
lhav ealottoobt ainf ormy self
.
Si
sThandicamei
nwi
thsof
tpor
ri
dge.If
akedgag.
Shel
aughed.
Si
sThandi
:"Thosebr
east
sar
eempt
y.Youdon'
t
wannast
arv
eMrNzi
ma'
sdi
amond"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Ihat
ethist
hingwi
thpassi
onSi
sThandi
.Can'
t
wemakeitsour
?"
Si
sThandi
:"Hhai
bo!Sourt
hingsbur
noutt
hemi
l
k."
Me:"
OhGod.Letmecl
osemyey
esandj
ustgul
pit
downthen"
Si
sThandi
:"Bi
tbybi
t.Yourf
oodi
sal
mostr
eady
"
Me:
"Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ogetmemor
efat
tert
hant
his?
"
SisThandi
:"Yourhousehasgy
m.I
fyoudidn'
tl
ike
thi
sweightyou'dwakeupever
ymor
ningandgojog
i
nt hatmachine"
Me:
"I'
l
lst
artwhenbabyi
s6mont
hs"
"
Daddyi
shome!
"
Wet
urnedt
ofacet
heent
rance.
Me:
"Heyy
ou.Di
dyoudodgewor
k?"
Jason:"
No"heputhi sbri
efcasedownandkissed
Awakhe.He'sf
oreversleepi
ng.Andthenhecamet o
si
tnexttomeandki ssedmycheek."Ihadaclient
aroundher
esoIt houghtI'
dstopbyandcheckon
youmypeople.ThankyouSisThandi
.IknowIcan
alway
scountony ou"hesai
dpoint
ingatthej
ugof
mageu.
SisThandi:
"I'
mveryr
eli
abl
emyboy
"theyl
aughed.
"I
'
llgodishupfory
ou."
Jason:
"Ist
hatl
unch?
"
Me:
"Yes.I
tscl
oset
o12pm"
Jason:"Damn.Thatmai
ddidn'
tev
enof
fermewat
er
babe,canyoubeli
evei
t?"
Me:
"Youshoul
d'
veasked"
Jason:"YouknowI '
m badatthat.Yourbrot
her
cal
led"heswi t
chedfrom bubbl
ytoseriousor
whateverthatwas.
Me:
"Whatdi
dhewant
?"
Jason:"You.Myf
atheri
sint
ownsohesay
sit
snot
safeforyouandAwakhetobeher
e"
Me:"
Wit
hallt
hesemenoutsi
de?Di
dn'
tyout
ell
him
t
hatwehav
eenoughsecur
ity
?"
Jason:
"WhatdoIev
ersayt
oyourbr
other
sandt
hey
act
ual
l
yli
stent
oit
?Idi
dbuthekeptoni
nsi
sti
ng"
Me:"Wellt
hat'
sony ouJay.You'
regivi
ngthem that
poweroveryou.Justthi
sonce,st
epy ourfootdown
andtel
lhi
m he'snottaki
ngusany where"
Jason:"
Idon'
twannafindmy sel
fnotbei
ngabl
eto
seeyouguysanymore.Itol
dhim hecanfet
chyou
l
ater"
Me:"Ar
eyoukiddi
ngme?Who'
sgonnahel
pmeout
att
hathouse?
"
Jason:"
You'
ll
takeSisThandi
wit
hyou.Ireal
lydonot
wanttohaveanyconfl
i
ctswit
hyourbr
others.
"
Me:"
Youpaidl
obol
aJason.I
'
m pr
act
ical
l
yyourwi
fe.
Donotl
etKhul
ebul
lyy
ou!"
Jason:"I
fIhadanonlybabysister
.I'
dneverf
eell
ike
she'
sunderenoughprotect
ionifsheweren'
twit
hme
soIgetwherehe'scomingfrom.Mydadnev erst
ays,
he'
llpr
obablybegonebyMondaynextweek"Ican' t
bel
ievethi
sguy.
Me:
"I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e"
Igotupandheadedt
oourbedr
oom.Whyi
s
KhulekaniDubesocont r
oll
ing?Idonotr ecall
aday
Sam camehomet ofetchKhethelojustbecausehe
fel
tli
ke'shewasn'tsaf
e'.TheyforgetIexistand
rememberwheni tsuit
st hem.Hemustgot ohel
lfor
all
Icare..
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
Me:"NoIdon'
tthi
nkthatwi
llbenecessar
y.Ij
ust
needitt
obesimpley
etunique"
Nkazi
:"Myl
i
nei
sbr
eaki
ngIcan'
theary
oucl
ear
ly"
Me:
"Hangup.Ar
ethaar
eyoust
il
lther
e?"
Aretha:
"Yes.Yousai
dpinkpet
als,
sunset
,aswi
ng
thathasgli
tt
erandpi
ll
ows"
Me:
"Cake.What
evert
hathasv
ani
l
la"
Ij
umpandt
urnqui
ckl
y.
Me:"Jesusbabyyoualmostki
ll
edme.
..
uhm Mr
Joneswe'l
lspeaksoon.Keepwell
"
Ar
etha:
"What
?Wai
t,y
ousai
d-"
Ihungupandr
emov
edt
heear
piece.Ihuggedand
ki
ssedher
.
Me:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Happy
:"If
eelbeaut
if
ul.Ineededt
hatt
reat
.Thank
youmylove"
Me:"
Any t
hingf
ormyqueen,
thoughIt
houghti
t'
l
l
t
akelonger"
Happy
:"I
tdi
dtakelong"sheglancedatherwat
ch.
"
It
sacoupleofminutesaft
er12"
Me:
"Isi
t?Ihopey
oudi
dn'
teat
"
Happy
:"No.Ior
der
edonmywayher
e"
Me:"
That'
ssothought
ful
ofy
ou.Di
dyouchecki
non
Di
kel
ediandt
hekids?"
Happy:"Yeah.Onmywayuphere.
"Herphone
beeped."Thefoodi
sher
e.Ihopemywingsar
edone
asIrequested"
Me:"Youshouldhavey
ourownwi
ngsr
est
aur
ant
.
I
nfact,
I'
ll
buyitfory
ou"
Happy:"
Real
l
y?Ican'
twaitmbuyaziwami
"thefood
ar
ri
ved.Wesatonthecouchandstart
edeat
ing.
Me:"Nkazii
sgonnabesoj eal
ousIhadsuch
mouthwater
ingfoodforl
unchinsteadof
sandwi
ches"sheclear
edherthroat."
Real
lynow?
"
Happy:"
She'
sli
kebadrashinmyl
i
fe.Youcan'
tkeep
hernameoutofyourmouth"
Me:"Ayearl
ater
.We'r
esti
llher
e.I
fIhadany
i
ntent
ionsofdat
ingNkazi
,Ithi
nkI
'
dhavealr
eady
"
Happy
:"Thenwhydoy
oual
way
stal
kabouther
?"
Me:
"Becauseshe'
smyf
ri
end"
Happy:"
Mmmmh.Remembert hatf
ir
stcoupl
eI
matchedupwhenIgotbackt
owork?"
Me:
"Yeah"
Happy
:"Theyar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
edandwe'
rei
nvi
tedt
o
t
hewedding"
Me:
"Sof
ast
?"
Happy:"
Iwasassur pr
isedbutwheny oufindt
heone
Idon'
tseeanyreasonstowait"Thatstat
ementhad
somethi
nginit
.
Me:
"Tr
ue.
"
Nkazi
wal
kedi
n.Shepaused.
Nkazi
:"Sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouhadcompany
.Hey
Happy"
Happy
:"Hi
"
Me:
"Isi
timpor
tant
?"
Nkazi
:"Ki
ndabutI
'
llcomebackwheny
ou'
redone"
Happy:"
Excuseme"shegotupandwentt
othe
bat
hroom.
Nkazi
camecl
oser
.
Nkazi
:"Ar
ewest
il
lenemi
es?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Nkazi:
"Takeheroutofhermi
ser
yandtel
lherIam
l
esbianandIactual
l
ywannali
ckherf
rom t
oesto-"
Me:
"Whoawhoa!What
?"
Nkazi
:"Yes"sheadj
ust
edhergl
asses.
Me:
"Wow"
Shelaughedandheadedtot
hedoor.Happycame
out
.Sher ol
l
edhereyesandsatdown.
Lesbi
an?Ichuckl
edandshookmyheadandjoi
ned
babymama.Idon'twantherany
wher
enearHappy
fr
om nowon...
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Myphoneal
ert
ed.Iwi
pedmyhandsandt
ooki
t.
'
BhutiI
'm pl
eadingwithyoutost
opbull
yingJason.I
under
stoodwhyatf ir
st,
butnow?You'r
ebeing
completel
yunreasonabl
e.Ther
e'snomant hatcan'
t
keephisfamil
ysafe.Youknowthatbest'
Ical
l
edher
.Itr
angunanswer
ed.I
ssheki
ddi
ngme?
Ical
l
edChar
li
e.
Char
li
e:"
KK"
Me:
"Ar
eyouher
e"
Char
li
e:"
No.Ij
ustl
andedi
nKi
ngShaka.
"
Me:"
Pit
y.Whocanmakesur
emybabyi
ssaf
efr
om
t
hatMottoMot
tofool
?"
Charl
ie:
"Notsure.Letmecheckwi
tht
heguy
sthen
I
'l
lgetbacktoyou"
Me:
"Danki
ebozza"
Ihungup.Mt
hobisicamei
nrunni
ng."
Arey
oubei
ng
chasedbyaghost?
"
Mt
ho: "
No.If
orgotmywal
l
et.Al
mostear
nedmy
sel
f
at
icket
"
Me:
"You'
rev
erycar
eless"
Heproceededup.Luciacameintoo.Shedi
dn'
tl
ook
happyatall
.Shetossedherhandbagovert
he
couch.
Luci
a:"
I'
m get
ti
ngt
ir
edoft
hatchi
l
d"
Me:
"Who?
"
Lucia:"
Yourexwi fe.Shecal l
edmyof fi
cel i
kecrazy
yester
dayandt henj ustanhouragoj ournali
sts
crowdmywor kplaceandaskmesi ll
yquest i
ons.She
fr
eakinwenttot hepapar azziandtol
dt hem Iam a
badparent.Ididn'tknowy ourkidswereallergi
cto
pickl
esforChrist'
ssake!"
Me: "
Sitdown"shedi
d"Takeadeepbr
eat
h..
.good.I
'
ll
speaktoher"
Luci
a:"
Pleasedobecausei
fshecont
inuesl
i
ket
his
I
'
llhav
emyl
awy
ersi
nvol
ved"
Me: "
Youdon' thavetodothat.Goupst
air
sandtake
alongni cebath.I
'
llbr
ingyouwineandfood"wegot
up.Ikissedher."I
'
m sorryokay?"
Luci
a:"
I'
mj ustt
ir
edbaby.Whenwi
ll
shegett
he
messagethatI'
m her
etostay
?Hert
imei
sovershe
mustgetoverit
"
Me:
"Shewi
l
l,ev
ent
ual
l
y"
Iki
ssedherf
oreheadt
henshecl
i
mbedupt
hest
air
s.
It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edKhet
hel
o.
Khet
hel
o:"
Yes"
Me:
"Khet
hel
o.Whyar
eyousof
ull
ofdr
ama?
"
Khethel
o:"Don'tnyenkelome.Whydidn'tyoutel
l
Doll
yPartonthatmychi l
drenhaveal
l
ergies?Doyou
wantmet otellNzuzat hatyourol
dhagfedhis
gr
andchil
dmi lk?"
Me:
"Nonono.Butcal
l
ingt
henewspeopl
e?"
Khethel
o:"Sheseemstoenjoythespot
li
ghtsoI
thoughtIshoul
dgiveherone.Youdi
dwellyou
cal
l
ed.Iwanty
out
ocollectever
yrugofy
oursthat
's
i
nmyhouseandneversetyourhar
dti
nylegst
here"
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Khet
hel
o:"
Youwil
lknowsoon.Al
somycar
sbut
bef
oret
hatst
opcal
li
ngme"
Me:"Haveyougonemad-"shehadhungup.Icl
i
cked
mytongue.Herhouse?She'
scr
azy.Idi
shedupfor
Luci
a..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Isweart
hismanwant
smedeadwi
tht
hatmagogo
ofhi
s.
Iwheel
edmy selfwi
thmychai
rtot
hebarfr
idgeto
takemagnum thenwheel
edmysel
fbackt
ot hedesk.
Myphoner
ang.I
tbet
terbenott
hatdev
il
.It
ooki
t,
oh.
Me:
"Heybaby
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Heysweer
ie.How'
syou?
"
Me:
"I'
m goodl
ove.How'
syour
sel
f?"
Khethi
we:"
Iam ali
veanddyi
ngwi
thf
lue.Hav
eyou
spokentoKat
legolat
ely
?"
Me:
"Yeah.OnSundayIt
hink"
Khet
hiwe:"
Ijustbumpedint
oher.She'
snotokay
,
she'
sbeenav oi
dingmeli
kecrazy
."
Me:
"Isshesi
ck?
"
Khethi
we:"
Sortof.Shel
ostweightanddoesn'
tl
ook
vi
brantasweallknowhertobe"
Me:"Whatcoul
ditbe?I'
m nowwor
ri
ed.Pl
easegot
o
herhouseaf
terwork"
Khethi
we:"Iwi
l
lbabe.Youknowshel
i
ter
all
yjust
gr
eetedandpassedmequicklyl
i
kewewere
st
rangers"
Me: "
That'
snotgood.Thespacebet weent he
brothersshouldn'
taffectourrelat
ionshipi
nany way
.
AsmuchasI 'm nolongerawifebutI '
m sti
l
l y
our
sisterandyou'resti
llmyfamil
y .I'
l
ltrytocl
earmy
scheduleandf lyther
et omorr
ow.Ihav eotherfew
thingstofixanyway ."
Khet
hiwe:
"Okl
ove.Letmegobackt
owor
k."
Me:
"Usowner
sar
eknocki
ngof
fnow"shel
aughed.
Khet
hiwe:
"Ir
eal
l
ywi
sht
obey
ou"
Me:
"Iam goi
ngt
oseeYol
i
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Sendmyl
ovebabe.By
e.Lov
eyou"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lsweet
s.Lov
eyoumor
e"
Ihungupandpackedmyt
hings.
Idrovet
oKwaNzuza.That '
swher eshestays.She
tr
iedtocal
lthepoli
cewhent heytookhertoher
house.Myheartbreaksforher.Ther
eisn'
tmuch
progr
essbutwe'redoingevery
t hi
ngtohel
phergain
hermemoryback.
.
..
MyphonerangasIdr
ovei
nfol
l
owi
ngQui
nton'
scar
.I
answer
ed.
Me:
"Yourcal
lmeanst
roubl
e"
Skhal
eni:"
Dubeandhissugarmamaareal
sot
ryi
ng
tobuythatbaker
y"backst
abbi
ngbi
tch.
Me:
"Ki
l
lthem"
Skhal
eni
:"Huh?
"
Me:"
What ?Ar
en'
tyouf
itf
ort
hej
ob?Getsomeone
whowil
lthen"
Ihungup.Ihonest
lyhavenohear
ttodealwi
thKhule
andhismagogo.They'v
ebeenaft
erever
ythi
ngthatI
want.Fuckt
hem.
IparkedbehindQui
nton.Ifor
gott
oorderpi
zzaf
or
Yoli
.Iorder
edv i
aubereatsandgotout
.
Qui
ntonhoppedoutwi
thi
t.
Me:
"You'
real
i
fesav
er"hel
aughed.
Qui
nton:
"Ist
hisy
ournewbaby
?"
Me:
"Ohy
eah.Fet
chedi
tthi
smor
ning"
Qui
nton:
"Yourbusi
nessar
ebl
oomi
ngunbel
i
evabl
y.
I
'm pr
oudofyou.
"
Me:"
Thanky
ou.Letmehel
pyouwi
tht
hat
"It
ookt
he
pl
ast
ic.
Qui
nton:
"Hav
eyouhear
dfr
om hi
m?"
Me:
"Yest
oday
."
Qui
nton:
"That
'
sgood"
Me:"Hedoesn'
tbot
herr
eachi
ngout
?"Heshookhi
s
hand.
Qui
nton:
"AndI
'
vedeci
dedt
olethi
m be"
Me:"That'
sthebestopti
on.Youhaveal
ottoworr
y
aboutthanworr
yingaboutastupi
doldmanli
kehi
m"
Hel
aughed.Wegoti
n.Wef
oundev
ery
onesi
tt
ingat
t
hedi
ningroom.
Us:
"Sani
bonani
"
Them:
"Yebo"
Yol
i
:"Wher
edoy oupeopl
eal
way
sfi
ndmoneyt
obuy
metheset
hings"
Qui
nton:
"Wewor
k"
Yol
i
:"Ohh.Hi
sisi
"
Me:
"Heybaby
.Doesy
ourf
eetf
eel
finet
oday
?"
Yol
i
:"Yes.Mom massagedme"
Me:
"That
'sgr
eat
."
Qui
nton:
"Ibr
oughty
ousomet
hing"
Nt
ombi
:"We'
l
lgopr
epar
eforsupper
."
Me:
"Soear
ly?
"
Nt
ombi
:"Yes"
Theybot
hgotup,
herandMr
sNzuza.
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouhav
e?"Iwhi
sper
edt
oQui
nton.
Qui
nton:
"Umembesov
ideo"Inodded.
Yol
i
:"Whatar
eyouguy
swhi
sper
ingabout
?"
Quint
on:"
Doy ourememberwhatmommysai
dto
youyest
erday
? "
Yoli
:"Yep"shewasn'
tpayi
ngattenti
ontoQui
nton
real
l
y.Shewasf ocusedonherpizza.
Me:
"Whatdi
dshesay
?"
Yoli
:"ThatIdon'tgotoschool anymore"shestopped
eati
ngandbecamesad.Shel ookedatuswi t
hey es
ful
loftears."
Igraduateday earago.Iam a
successfuli
nteri
ordesigner.Sheshowedmemy
graduati
onpicturesandt heproj
ectsIworkedon.I
donotr ememberal lt
hat.WhydoInotr emember
thebiggestpartofmyl i
fe.I'
m stuckatt
his19y ear
ol
dmi
nd"Isatbesi
deherandcomf
ort
edher
.
Me:"Thefactt
hatyou'
respeaki
ngl
i
ket
hismeans
you'
reget
tingbet
terbaby
"
Yoli
:"I
'
m not!"Shegotup."Ican'twat
chy oudothis
toyoursel
fbhuti.Gofi
ndy oursel
fawoman.Wai ti
ng
formet ohealisfarf
etched.Iwill
notgetbett
er.
"
Qui
nton:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Yol
i
:"Isawthev
ideos.Youseemedt
ohav
etr
eat
ed
mewellwit
hcar
eandl ovebut
-"
Qui
nton:
"Butnot
hing.You'
reget
ti
ngbet
ter
.Icansee
i
t"
Yol
i
:"Iam not
"
Me:
"Youar
e!"
Yol
i
:"Khet
hel
oI-
"
Us:
"Wai
t"
Me:
"Inev
ert
oldy
oumyname"
Yol
i
:"Isawi
twheny
oucal
l
edi
nthemor
ning.
"
Wesi
ghedi
ndi
sappoi
ntment
."Ther
e'snohope.Just
wal
kawayandf
orgetaboutme"
Quint
on:"TheDrsaidy
ou'
regett
ingbet
terandwe
shoul
dtakey oubackt
ohelpyouboostyour
memor y
"
Heputont
heUSBandexcusedhi
msel
f.
Yol
i
:"Ipr
ayt
hatGodper
for
msami
racl
euponme.
"
Me:
"Hewi
l
lbaby
"shegasped.
Yol
i
:"OhmyGodi
sthatme?
"
Me:
"Inf
lesh.That
'
smer
ightt
her
e"
Yoli
:"Ican'
twatcht
his"shet
ookt
her
emot
eand
tur
nedi tof
fandcri
ed.
Ihuggedheri
nandcr
iedwi
thher
..
.
•
••
[
Nar
rat
ed]
Nkazi
wal
kedi
nrunni
ng.Shecl
osedherumbr
ell
a.
Nkazi
:"Isweart
oGodt
hisr
aini
sn'
tfr
om God"Zandi
(
hermom)handedheracupofcof
fee.
Zandi
:"Di
dn'
tyout
akeuber
?"
Nkazi:"
NoItookat
axi.Fi
nanci
all
yIam cl
i
mbi
ng
Drakensbur
gmount
ains"
Theyl
aughed.
Zandi:
"Ify
oucoul
djustswall
owy ourpr
ideandask
forsomemoneyfrom yourf
ather
"
Nkazi:"
Iwouldrat
hermoptheseadr
y.I
shebackyet
?
Ihavetowrit
eQcar dsf
ormyboss'
sver
yimport
ant
meetingtomorr
ow"
Zandi
:"Heshouldbehereanyminut
e..
.oht
herehe
i
s"hewalkedinfol
lowedbyhisbusi
nessassoci
ates.
Theyexchangedgreet
ings.
Mpi
si:
"She'
sear
ly"
Nkazi
:"Yesandyou'
relat
e.Canwemakewhat
ever
thi
sisaboutqui
ck?Ihavealott
odoandt
imeisn'
t
onmysi de"
Mpi
si:
"Okaycome.Gent
lemen"
Theyal
lwal
kedt
ohi
sst
udy
.Theyt
ookseat
s.
Mpisi
:"Youcan'
tworkf
ortheDube'sanymor
eNkazi"
Nkazif
rowned."
Ineedyoutoresi
gnwithimmedi
ate
ef
fect
"
Nkazi
:"You'
reki
ddi
ngr
ight
?"
Mpisi
:"DoIlookli
keIam?We'redonehere.Youcan
go"Nkazilookedathi
m,tr
iedtospeakbutdeci
ded
agai
nst.Shewalkedoutbangi
ngthedoor.
Bhambat
ha:
"Thatwasodd"
Mpi
si:
"She'
stoost
ubbor
n.Ican'
tgosof
tonher
"
Mkhonto:"
Iguesst
heappl
edoesnotf
all
farf
rom
t
hetree.
"
Mpi
si:
"Yeah.She'
sami
niv
ersi
onofme"
Bhambat
ha:
"Gentl
emenlet
'
sgetdownt
obusi
ness.
Mywifei
swait
ingathome"
Mpisi
:"Myrel
i
ablesour
cetol
dmet
heDube'
sno
l
ongereatonthesameplat
e"
Mkhont
o:"
Whatdoest
hatmean?
"
Mkhonto:"
Theyar escatt
eredall
overthecount
ry,
wit
houtcontactatthat
.Ifther
ehaseverbeena
goodti
met ostri
keanyoft hem,iti
snow"
Bhambatha:"
WewantQui
ntondown.Wedon'
tcar
e
aboutt
herest"
Mpisi:"Ido.Theirfat
herbuiltthatcompanyoffmy
fat
her'ssweatandasungr atefulashissons,heshot
him andbur i
edhi minit!Whileyougetawai t
erthat
wil
lpoisonQui ntonIwanty out ogetallt
heri
ght
paperwor ktodigupt heDubeconst r
uct
ionground
fl
oor.Whenwe' r
edonewi t
ht hem theywon'
tknow
whathi tthem"
Hepour
edv
odkaandgul
pedi
tdownandgr
oaned.
..
.
[
2/26,10:
54]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

53
.
[
Tyl
er]
Khosiputt
hefil
eonmydeskandwal kedout
.She
knowsbett
erthantotryandtalkt
omewhenI '
m on
cal
l wi
thmylove.Sheclosedthedooral
it
tl
etoo
hard.
Khet
hiwe:
"Doy
ouhav
eav
isi
tor
?"
Me:
"No,
itwasKhosi
.Hav
eyouhear
dfr
om Q?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"NoandIdon'
twantt
odi
stur
bhi
m.He'
l
l
cal
lwhenhe'
supforachat
"
Me:
"I'
l
lcal
lhi
m any
way
"
Khethi
we:"Ispoket
oKhethelo,
shewaswithhi
m
yest
erdaysothatmeanshe'sfi
ne.Weshoul
dgoto
Chri
s'saf
terwork"
Me:"
Idon'
tthi
nkt hat
'
sagoodidea.Ther
e'sar
eason
whyt
heydidn'
tletyouiny
est
erday"
Khethi
we:"
I'
ll
gobymy
sel
fthen.Kat
legoi
sgoi
ng
thr
oughtheworst
"
Me:
"May
beshehasf
lu"
Khethi
we:"Babe,IknowKat
lego.Shewouldn'
thave
gr
eetandwal kedpastmeli
kethat.Shewould'
ve
at
leastst
oppedandt ol
dmeshe' ssi
ck"
Me:"You'
reri
ght.I
'
lldr
ivether
eafterworkthen,
al
thoughIfeel
li
kewe'llbepasti
ngoursel
ves"
Khethi
we:
"Thanky
ou.Shewoul
d'
vedonet
hesame
forme"
Me:"
We'
llal
sogoseeKhule,
hesai
dheneedssome
l
egal
adv
iceandthenBonga"
Khet
hiwe:
"Iwi
l
lbeatBonga'
swheny
ougot
her
e"
Me:
"Nott
hatagai
n"
Khethi
we:"Iam nott
aki
ngmybabyanywher
enear
thatwoman.Shealmostki
l
ledt
hetopdeckand
Phil
awithpickl
es"
Me:
"St
opf
ight
ingKhet
hel
o'
sbat
tl
es"
Khet
hiwe:"
I'
m not
!Ij
ustdonotwantsomeonet
hat
car
elessar
oundmybaby"Isi
ghed.
Me:"Iheary
ou"thedoorswungopen."Uhm l
ove,
seemslikeI
'm st
il
li
ntr
oublewi
ththelaw.I
'l
lcal
lyou
l
ater
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Isi
tMpanzaagai
n?"
Me:
"Yes"
Khet
hiwe:
"Isn'
tshedonewi
thheri
nvest
igat
ion?
"
Me:"
Ithoughtshewas.Per
hapsshedi
scov
ered
somet
hing"
Khet
hiwe:
"Okby
e"
Me:
"By
e"
Ihungupandof
fer
edmi
ssMpanzaaseat
.
Me:"
Pleasebr
ingsomethi
ngMi
ssMpanza
somet
hingtodri
nkKhosi"
Mi
ssMpanza:
"Not
hanksI
'
llpass"
Khosi
wal
kedout
.
Me:
"Ist
hisst
il
laboutbusi
ness?
"
Mi
ssMpanza:
"Whatel
secoul
ditev
erbeabout
?"
Me:"Idon'
tknow.Iam av
erychar
mingi
fyoumay
hav
enot i
ced"
MissMpanza:"
Sadlyno.Andnosophist
icat
ed
womanwant st
oassociatesher
sel
fwiththeDube
men,y'
al
lhavenorespectforwomen.Especi
all
y
you"
Me:
"Soy
ou'
vebeengoi
ngdi
ggi
ngupmydi
rt
?"
MissMpanza:"Yourf
ami l
y'
s.Youdonotappearto
begoodpeopleatall
.Yourbrot
hershavebeeni
n
andoutofjai
l
,ofwhichgav ememot i
veto
i
nvesti
gat
eagain.Imighthavemissedsomethi
ngs"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:"For4months?Ift
her
ewassomet
hingdodgy
you'
dhavefoundit
"
MissMpanza:"
Iwasi
nar
ush.NowIhav
eal
lthe
t
imeIneed."
Me: "Thisfi
rm wasbui ltwithcleanmoney .Notevery
ri
chper sonhasskel etons.Iam get ti
ngani deathat
you'reworkingwi thSibi yaatt
orney s.Thislawfir
m
hasbase, Ialreadyknewwho' dbringmemoney
whenIbui ltit
.Comi ngbackher etor e-
invi
sti
gate
afteryou'v
ewast edmy4mont hsIwi ll
suey oumi ss.
Doy ouknowhowmuchIl ostinthis4mont hs?I
f
youwannai nvestigate,comebacknexty ear.Tel
l
yourbossesI 'm upf ort hecourtgamei ctheywanna
takemeon"
MissMpanza:
"Yout
hinky
ou'
reabov
ethel
aw,
don'
t
you?"
Me:"Youtel
lmeMi ssMpanza.Iam averybusyman.
Myclient
sareonthewait
ingbencheswaiti
ngforme
t
ocomeoutandt ellt
hem noneofthem aregoi
ngto
j
ail
,nowifyou'
l
lexcuseme"
Igotupandt
ookmyi
Pad.Shegotupandheadedt
o
t
hedoor
.
MissMpanza:"
Thisi
sfarfr
om ov
er.Tel
lyour
br
other
sI'
m comingfort
hem"
Me:
"Of
cour
se"shewal
kedout
.
Itookmyphoneandcal
l
edCal
vi
n.I
twentt
o
voicemai
l
.
It
ookaseatandwr
otehi
m anemai
l
...
•
••
[
Bonga]
Ikeptglancingatmywatch.Iwasn'tevenpaying
att
enti
ont owhattheywerediscussing.Al
lIknew
was,theirbubbl
ewasgonnabust .
Khul
e:"
Bonga!
"
Me:
"Baba?
"
Khul
e:"
Wher
ear
eyou?Canwest
artv
oti
ng?
"
Me:
"Uhm.
..
"
"
Wit
houtaqueen?Idon'
tthi
nkso"myhear
tsmi
l
ed.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e"Igotupt
ohugher
.
Khethelo:
" Ihear
dthere'
sameetingandIsaid,
since
I'
mint ownwhynotat t
end.Gr
eeti
ngsevery
one.Look
atyou,skinny,don'
tyourJo'
bur
gmot her
scook? "
Me:
"Theydobutnotuphut
huandbeefst
ew"
Shel
aughed.
Khet
hel
o:"Don'
tworrywenamybaby
.Mommyi
s
her
eyou'
ll
eatproperfoodt
oni
ght
"
Me:"
Thankyouphakat
hway
o.Pl
easet
akeaseat
andweproceed"
Shet
ookaseat.Babahadnotmovedhi
sey
esof
f
mesincemam Khethel
ocamein.
Me:"Ma,I
'm sur
eLi
ndibr
ief
edyouaboutDube
const
ruct
ionsemer
gingwit
hLuci
aenter
pri
ses"she
l
aughed.
Khet
helo:
"Wear emixi
ngbusi
nesswit
hpleasure
now?Khulekani
youmustnotletav
aginaturnyou
i
ntoasofti
ebooorelseyou'
ll
wakeupandt hi
s
companywon'tbehere"
Khul
e:"
Canwepl
easev
ote?
"
Me:
"Of
cour
se.Thosei
nfav
ouroft
hiscompany
part
ner
ingwi
thLuci
aent
erpr
isespl
easer
aisey
our
hands"
All8member
soft heboar
draisedt
hei
rhands."
Ok
thanky
ou.Al
lthoseagai
nst?
"
Mam Khet
hel
oandIr
aisedhands.Luci
asnor
ted.
Khethelo:"
Herewithmear eQuint
on's,
Chri
s'
s,
Tyl
er's,Emi'
s,Mtho'
s,Hawu'sandBanzi'
svotes.
Theyar evoti
ngagainst
.Thisi
saf amil
ybusi
ness
andal l
ofussanef amil
ymember swanttokeepit
str
ict
lyfamily"
Luci
a:"Gi
rl
iegr
owup!Donotbr
ingy
ourper
sonal
agendasatapl
aceofwor
k"
Khet
helo:
"You'
ret
ryi
ngt
oohar
dtosqueezey
our
sel
f
i
ntoourci
rcl
e."
Me:
"Meet
ingadj
our
ned"
Ev
ery
onet
ookt
hei
rthi
ngsandwal
kedout
.
Khul
e:"
Soy
oucal
l
edherher
e?"
Me:
"No"
Khet
hel
o:"
Khul
ekani
becar
eful
wit
hthedeci
si
ons
youmakewhileLuci
ali
esony ourchest
.Thi
sisn'
t
yourcompany,y
oucan'
tjustwakeupanddecideto
giv
eitaway"
Khul
e:"
Youknownot
hingaboutbusi
ness"
Khet
hel
o:"
BongaandQdoes.Whydi
dtheyv
ote
agai
snt
?"
Khul
e:"
Becauset
heyhat
eLuci
athat
'swhy
!"
Me:"NoMbuyaziIdon'
t.Ij
ustknowwhat
'sbestf
or
t
hiscompany
.Pleaseexcuseme"
Iwal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
Iheadedt
othedoort
oo.Hegr
abbedmyar
m.
Khul
e:"
Youorder
edpeopl
etotakemeout
?Whot he
hel
ldoyout
hinkyou'
remessi
ngwit
hKhet
hel
o?"
Me:"
Ify
oudonotst
opgoi
ngaf
terev
ery
thi
ngt
hatI
want
.Nextt
imet
heywon'
tmi
ss"
Khul
e:"
Donotst
artawary
oucannotf
ini
sh
woman"
Me:"Gety
ourhandsoffme."Hedid."
Stopmeddl
ing
wit
hmybusiness.Thatwasjustawakeupcal
l.I
f
youdonotst
op,I'
ll
pinchyouatthewound"
Iopenedt
hedoorandt
hent
urnedback.
Me:"Iwanty
ourt
hingsoutofmyhousebyt
heend
oft
hisweek"
Khul
e:"
Arey
ouhi
gh?
"
Me:
"JustdowhatI
'
vej
ustsai
d"
Iwal
kedout
.Ibumpedi
ntomagogo.
Luci
a:"
Youdon'
tknowwhoy
oudeal
i
ngwi
th"
Me:"
Adi
abet
icbi
tcht
hat
'
swho.Mov
eoutofmy
way
"
Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue.
Iwentt
oBonga'
sof
fi
ce.If
oundhi
m eat
ing.
Me:
"Par
tyf
orone?
"
Bonga:"
Yoursi
sint
hemicrowave.Luci
aandBaba
causesonesomuchhunger"Il
aughed.
Me:
"They
'r
epat
het
ic.Br
ingi
ngt
hei
rlousy
r
elat
ionshi
pint
owor
k,cr
azy
"
Bonga:
"Theywi
l
lpushunt
ilt
heywi
n"
Me:
"Theywon'
tbabyt
rustme.Wher
e'sNkazi
?"
Bonga:
"Shecal
l
edi
nsi
ck"
Me:
"Ohok.Thi
stast
esheav
enl
y"
Bonga:
"Someshopdownt
her
oad"
Me:"Imustst
eal
thei
rreci
pes.Whenl
astdi
dyousee
Kat
?"
Bonga:
"It
sbeenawhi
l
e.Theyar
enev
erhome"
Me:
"That
'sst
range.Chr
is?
"
Bonga:
"Ihav
en'
tseent
hem al
li
nages"
Me: "
Somethi
ng'
sgoingonbetweent
hem.Khet
hiwe
saysshecameacrossKatbutshej
ustgr
eet
edand
passedl
ikeatot
alstr
anger
"
Bonga:
"Whywoul
dshedot
hat
?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowbaby
.I'
l
lgocheckuponher
"
Bonga:
"Pl
easedo.Whatonear
thcoul
dbegoi
ng
on?"
Me:"
Lif
eishappening.I
'mt
ryi
ngmybesttokeep
t
hisf
amilyi
ntactbutI'
mfai
l
ingdi
smal
ly"
Bonga:"You'v
ealway
st r
iedyourbest.Youcan'
t
keepthem toget
heri
ftheydon'twantto"
Me: "Bongaisn'
twhowear e.Qui
ntonisdealingwith
Yoli
'sissuealone.Noneofhi sbr
othersaretherefor
him.ItsonlyTyler
.He'sgoingthroughthewor stt
ime
ofhislif
e.He'sinneedoft hosegameni ght
sand
random weekendbr aais"
Bonga:"Iknow.Butwear
eher
e.Hecan'
tfor
cet
hem
tobethereforhi
m"
Me:"
Iam st
il
ll
ookingforot
herway
stobr
ing
ev
ery
onetogetheragai
n"
Bonga:
"Youwi
l
l"
Me:
"Isi
tst
il
lnotsaf
etol
ett
hem know?
"
Bonga:
"No.Butsoonenoughy
ou'
l
lbef
ree"
Il
aughed.
Me:
"Yeahr
ight
"
Myphonebeeped.
"Heywif
ey.Ideci
dedtotakeyouradvi
ce.Weareon
ourfl
i
ght.Durbani
sful
lofnewspeoplereadyto
snapatanyti
mesoIthoughtJo'bur
gwillbef
ine"
Me:
"It
'sy
ourbaba.He'
scomi
ngt
hissi
de"
Bonga:
"Ai
bo.Hel
eftmam Yol
ibehi
nd?
"
Me:"No.He'
swit
hher .Isuggest
edhet akesherout
ever
yday,becut
e,gethertofall
inl
ovewi t
hhimjust
i
ncaseshedoesn'tgainhermemor yback"
Bonga:
"Butt
heDrsai
dshe'
srecov
eri
ng"
Me:
"Yesbutwecan'
ttakechances.
"
It
ookof
fmycoat
.
Bonga:
"Whati
fBabawal
ksi
n?"
Ir
ushedt
othedoorandl
ockedi
t.Hewasl
aughi
ng.
Me:
"Thi
sisn'
tfunnyBonga.
"
Bonga:"
Doy ousti
l
llovehi
m? "Imademysel
f
comfort
ableonthecouch."Chi
ldbr
ingmemyf ood
andstoplaughi
ngandaskingmesill
yquest
ions"
Hebroughtmyfood.Iat
e.Feelsni
cetoeatwit
hout
peopl
edist
urbi
ngyou.Imissthem al
readyt
hough.I
shoul
d'
vej
ustbr
oughtt
hem wi
thme.
..
•
••
[
Chr
is]
Ibuzzedt
hei
nter
com andwai
ted.
"
Hel
l
o?"
Me:
"Hi
.It
sChr
is"
"
Okhol
don"
Thegatesli
daside.Idrov
ein.Ipar
kedunderthe
shelt
er,
Ireachedforthefl
owersandagoodiebag
thengotoff.
Themai ndoorwasopened,Iknocked.Mr
s
Mokgot hocametol
etmei n.Weexchanged
greet
ingsonourwaytothelounge.
MrsMokgot ho:
"Kat
legoi
si nherbedroom t
aki
nga
bat
h.She'l
lbeherei
nnot i
me.Iam busyonmy
gar
den,youcanmakey oursel
ffeelathomeson"
Me:
"Thanky
ouma.I
'
llwai
tjusther
eont
hecouch"
MrsMokgot
ho:"Comeon.There'
sbr
eakf
astonthe
warmer
.Youneedtogetovery
ourZul
ucult
urewhen
youcometomyhouse.You'
remychil
dandthisi
s
yourhome,f
eel
freet
odoanythi
ngyouli
ke"I
chuckl
ed.
Me:
"I'
l
ltr
ybutnott
oday
"
MrsMokgotho:"
Okay.Katwil
lsor
tyououtt
hen"she
swit
chedonthetvandwalkedawayhumminga
song.
Iswi
tchedi
ntospor
t'
schannel
.
Ihear
dfoot
stepscl
appi
ngaway
.It
urnedmyhead.
Me:
"Kat
lego!St
op!
"
Ir
ant
othecor
ri
dor
.Shewasnol
ongeri
nsi
ght
.
The3r
ddooropened.Shecameout
.
Kat
:"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Me:
"You.I
'
m sor
ry,
pleasecomehome"
Kat
:"Whathome?Iam home,t
hisismy
home..
.st
andwher
eyouare!
"Istopped.
Me:"I
'm sor
ryKat
lego.Comehome, Iwi
l
lprov
eto
youI'
m achangedman.I'v
edealtwithmydemonsI
wil
lneverdoanyt
hingli
kethateveragai
n"
Kat
:"Ar
eyoudone?
"
Me: "
Katl
egoplease!Khet
hiwewast
herelooki
ngfor
youyester
day
.Whatdoy ouwantmetotel
lherify
ou
aren'
thome?"
Kat
:"Tel
lhery
out
ri
edt
oki
l
lmeandIl
eft
"
Me:
"Whataboutt
heki
ds?
"
Kat
:"Br
ingt
hem t
ome"
Shewentbackintoherr
oom andcl
osedthedoor
.I
si
ghedandkickedthewal
l.Lor
dwhathav
eIdone!
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Shebangedt
hepotagai
nstt
hecount
er.
Me:"Okayokayokay
.Outwi
thi
t.Noneedt
obr
eak
di
shesandpots"
Lucia:
"Idonotunder
standwhydoy oulett
hat
womanwal kallov
eryou.You'
redi
vorcedforChr
ist'
s
sake.Whydoesshestil
lhaveasayony ourfami
l
y '
s
company ?
"
Me:
"Becauseshewasmywi
fe.Iwasputi
nchar
ge
somywi
fehadt
ohav
eashar
e"
Luci
a:"
WellI'
myourwi
fenow,
sheshoul
dbemov
ed
thehel
lout
"
Me:"
I'
m af
rai
dthati
sn'
tpossi
ble.That
'sadeci
si
on
t
hatshoul
dbemadebyt hewholefamil
y"
Luci
a:"
You'
ret
hel
eaderoft
hisf
ami
l
yKhul
ekani
!"
Me:"Cal
vi
nist
heel
destwhi
chmakeshi
mthe
l
eader"
Luci
a: "
Howl onghashebeenher e?5mi nutes?But
he'
sal r
eadythel eader
?He' snoty ourmot her'
schi ld,
you'
retheleaderofy ourmot her
'schildren.Your
fat
herwoul dn'thaveappointedyout obei nchar ge
ofhiscompanyi fyouweren'taleader.Takeupy our
posit
ionandl etthesekidsknowwhoy ouar e,but
mostofal l
putt hatbit
chinherpl ace"
Shet
urnedt
ost
irherst
ew.Isi
ghed.
Mt
ho:
"Sani
bonani
"Luci
atur
ned.
Lucia:"
Comehere"hewentt
oher.Shesl
appedhi
m
acrossthef
ace,
Ijumpedtohol
dher.
Me:
"Ar
eyoucr
azy
?"
Lucia:"AfterallI'
vesacri
fi
cedf oryou,goi
ngupand
downwi t
hy ou, putti
ngyouinexpensiveschools,
giv
ingy ouev erythingyouwant ed.I
'dhavebought
yout hewor ldifitwaspossible.Foronceinyourli
fe
youhadt odomeal it
tl
efavorbuty ouchosethe
enemyov ery ourownmot her!"
Mt
ho:
"I'
m mov
ingout
"
Us:
"What
?"
Mt
ho:
"Youhear
dme.
"
Hewal
kedaway
.Luci
atr
iedt
ofr
eeaway
.
Me:
"Lethi
m be"
Luci
a:"
I'
m gonnaki
l
lhi
m!I
'
m gonnaki
l
lhi
m!"
Hecamedown.
Mt ho:"
Idonotowey ouanythi
ngma, I
twasy our
responsibil
i
tytomakesur eIhadagoodl i
fe.Don'
t
everthinkIhavetorepayyouforal
lthat.You'
ve
madeenoughdamagebycomi ngi
ntoBaba'sli
fe,
I
willnotletyoucausefur
thertr
oubl
esfort hi
sfamil
y
byget t
ingintobusi
nesswiththem.Keepwel l
"
Me:
"Mt
hobi
si"
Mt
ho:
"I'
m doneDube.
"
Hecl
osedt
hedoor
.Luci
acr
ied.Ihuggedhert
ight
.
Me:
"He'
l
lcomear
ound.He'
sjustangr
y"
Someoneclearedthei
rthr
oat.Ibr
oughtmyey
esup.
Hestoodthere.Looki
ngdrai
nedbutmostl
y
di
sgustedbywhat '
sbefor
ehim.
Il
etgoofLuci
a.Shequi
ckl
ywi
pedof
fhert
ear
s.
Luci
a:"
Uhm.
..
Goodev
eni
ng"
Q:
"Canwet
alk?Pr
ivat
ely
"
Me:
"Yeahsur
e"
Wewal
kedt
owar
dst
hebackdoor
..
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
Il
i
tmyci
gar
ett
eandl
eanedagai
nstt
hewal
l
.
Hewassi
tt
ingonachai
r.Justl
ooki
ngateach
ot
her
.
Khul
e:"
Howhav
eyoubeen?
"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"I'
vebeengood.Li
fe'
sgr
eat
"
Khul
e:"
Yol
ihasr
ecov
ered?
"
Me: "
Ohy es.Sheremembersever
ythi
ng.
"Iki
l
ledmy
cigar
ett
e."TellmeKhul
ekaniwhydon'
tyouevercal
l
toaskallthat
?"
Khul
e:"
I-
"
Me:
"Youchoseawomanov
ery
ourownbl
ood?
"
Khul
e:"
Idi
dn'
t"
Me:"Icall
edy out
otellyouYol
iwasi nhospital
.I
neededyoubymysi de,
totel
lmeev ery
thingwillbe
okaybutinsteadyoutol
dmey ou'
regettingmar r
ied
onSaturday.Andaftert
hatyounevercalled"
Khul
e:"
Iwasbusy
"
Me:
"For3mont
hs?Howaboutat
ext
?"
Khul
e:"
Youj
udgedmef
ormar
ryi
ngLuci
adammi
t!
"
Me:"Youal sojudgedmef orbei
nginar el
ati
onshi p
wit
hYol i
.DidIev erstopl
ovingyou?"Hedidn't
answer."Buty oudid.WhenIneededy out
hemost
youtur
nedy ourbackagainstme.Icametot el
l y
ou
Yoli
isgetti
ngbet terandthatmykidscan'
tv i
sityou
anymore"
Khul
e:"
Wher
edoki
dsent
eri
nthi
s?"
Me:
"Becausey
ou'
renot
hingt
omeany
mor
e."
Khul
e:"
Don'
tber
idi
cul
ous"
Me: "I
'v
esai dwhatI '
vesai d.Wheny ouseeme.Wal k
theopposi t
edirecti
on.I fyouevertrytosell
offmy
father'
scompanyIwi l
l clai
m backmyposi ti
on.
You'redisgust
ingKhul ekani.Thisnewl ov
ehasy ou
fuckedup.Your epul
semewi t
hthisfooli
shness"
Iwal
kedaway
..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Igotofft
hecall
wit
hHappyandwentdownst
air
sto
fi
xmy sel
fasandwi
ch.
Ist
art
led,
evendr
oppedmyphone.
Me:
"JesusChr
ist
!Wespokeaboutt
his!
"
Gogo:
"Don'
tshoutatmeboy
."
Me:"Yourappear
anceshoul
dbeasnor
mal
as
possi
ble"
Gogo:"I
tsnotmyfaul
tyou'
reacowar
d.Fir
ethat
nanny.She'
sadaught
erofanenemy,Nkazii
stoo
butkeephercl
ose.
"
Me:
"Youneedt
ofi
xobaba"
Gogo:
"Thoseonesmustj
ustst
ayl
i
ket
hat
"
Me:"Theyhateeachot
hergogo.Thi
sfami
l
yis
f
all
i
ngapar t
"
Gogo:"Bei
ngapartwill
teachthem theimpor tanceof
uni
ty.Andwill
maket hem real
i
zehowmucht hey
needeachother,t
heywi l
lseethateventual
l
y .Where
wasI?Oh...
.Mamnguni mustgobackt oDur ban.
Someonewi l
lsoonnoticeandwedon' twantt hatto
happen.TakeManzuzat oBabCel e,
withouty our
fat
herknowingthough"
Me:
"Andhowam Igonnadot
hat
?"
Gogo: "
You'r
eol d.Fi
gureaway.Mostofal l
,Ineed
youtogot ot heoffi
ceatmidni
ght.Onthethe
groundparking,wherether
e'satap,di
g.You'l
l f
inda
body,probablybonesbynow.Goandbur nitand
spil
ltheashesi nt
othemov i
ngri
v er
.TakeQui nton
withyou"
Me:
"Iam-
"
Shedisappear
ed."Comeback!Whosebodyorbones
aret
hose?Jesusy ourt
asksaref
oreverworse!Why
di
dyoupassmet hiscr
azygi
ft
!Ihatethi
sli
fe!"
[
2/26,10:
55]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

54
.
[
Kat
lego]
Iwokeupf eeli
ngbetterthanallt
heprevi
ousday s.
Mymot herhasbeenf orcingfooddownmyt hroat
wit
houtafail.Iam scaredofthatwoman.Whenshe
getstohermot her
lymodeshedoesnott ake
nonsenseandIam gl adorelseaf anwouldbl
owme
away.
Igotoutofbedandmadei t.Idonotli
ket hehel
ping
goingi
nandoutofmyr oom.Ishouldf etchmy
thi
ngsandmyki dsaf
terthehousehunt .Idonotli
ke
thehouseswe'v
egonet oseesof ar
,theyarenot
chi
l
drenf
ri
endl
yandIhav
enot
imer
orenov
ate.
Iwenttot hebat hroom andshowered.Isear
chedfor
thekindofweat hertobeexpectedtoday.St
il
lcol
d.I
hatewinter.Idressedupi nwarm clot
hes.Iwonderi
f
mybabi esar ewar m enough.Ihear
daknockasI
packedmyt hingsinmybag.
Me:
"It
sopen"shet
uckedherheadi
nfi
rst
.
Mom:
"You'
reawake.Goi
ngsomewher
e?"
Me:
"Yeah.Housev
iewi
ng.
"Shecamei
nandsaton
t
hebed.
Mom:
"Readyt
otal
k?"
Me:
"No"
Mom:
"Ar
eyouget
ti
ngdi
vor
ced?
"
Me:
"Yes"
Mom:"
Kat
legoIam yourmot
her
.Youcannotkeep
meint
hedarkl
iket
his"
Me: "Iam nol
ongerhappyi
nthatmar
ri
agebutI
real
lydon'twannatal
kabouti
tyet
.Pl
easenev
erlet
him again"
Mom:
"Ihadnoi
deadearI
'
m sor
ry.Iwi
l
lnotI
pr
omi
se"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"shegotupandcamet
ohugme.
Mom:"
What everiti
s.I
twill
getbett
erandI
'
m proud
ofy
ouforchoosingyoursel
f.Thati
sver
ybrav
e"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Wel
etgo.Shecar
essedmyl
eftcheek.
Mom: "
Letmegowar m upy
ourbr
eakf
ast
"If
akeda
smi
le.Idon'
twantf
ood!
Shewal
kedout
.Isi
ghedandzi
ppedmybag.My
phoner
angontopoft
hebedsi
detabl
e.
Iwentt
otakeit
.Igat
herallthecour
ageinmeand
answer
.It
sbeenlongignor
inghiscal
ls.
Me:
"Mbuy
azi
"
Quinton:
"Thankgoodness!Iwasst
arti
ngtot
hink
you'r
edeadorsomet hi
ng.Areyouokay?"
Me:
"Nev
erbeenbet
ter
.Howar
eyou?
"
Quint
on:"Iam notgoodatall
.Ispentt
henightat
yourhouselastni
ght,i
tisnotl
ikeyoutol
eavey our
ki
dsbehi
nd.Whati
sgoi
ngon?
"Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
"I-
Igothel
dupathome.
"
Qui
nton:"Thati
snottrue.Chr
iswon'
tev
ent
alk
any
thingwithsense.Whatisgoi
ngonmamaka
Hawu? "
Me: "
Every
thingisf
ine.Iam onmywayt
her
easwe
speak.YouleftYol
iinDurban?"
Qui
nton:
"No.We'
real
lher
e,HerandKhet
hel
o"
Me:
"Ok.I
'
m comi
ng.I
sther
eenoughbr
eakf
ast
t
her
e?"
Quint
on:
"No.Thehousedidnotlookl
i
keithas
peopl
estay
ingi
nitbutKhethel
owenttoshop"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.Seey
oui
nthenexthour
"
Qui
nton:
"Dr
ivesaf
e"
Me:
"Thanky
ou'
Ihungupandt
ookadeepsigh.It
extedt
heest
ate
agentt
oppost
poneourappoi
ntmentandwal
kedout
.
Ipackedmybr
eakf
astandl
eft
..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
I
fthere'
ssomeonewhoi
snev
erof
fthei
rphone,
that
i
sMt hobi
siDube.
Mt
ho:
"Mor
ning"
Me:
"Soear
ly.Whoar
eyouchat
ti
ngt
o?"
Mt
ho:
"Iam t
ryi
ngt
ogetabur
sar
y"
Me:
"It
sal
mostt
hemi
ddl
eoft
hey
ear
"
Mtho:"
Try
ingmyl
uck.Imov
edoutofy
ourf
ather
's
house"
Me:
"Why
?"
Mtho: "Whateverschemi ngt
heyarebothupt o.I
don'twannabepar tofit
.Mymot hert
hinkstheworl
d
rev
ol v
esar oundher .Shewantedmetov otein
favour.Imagine"
Me:
"You'
rehersonof
cour
seshet
houghty
ouwoul
d"
Mtho:"
Andgiv
eawayourl
egacy
?Iam nott
hat
st
upidman.Wher
ewereyoul
astni
ght
?"
Me:
"Huh?
"Ihandedov
ert
hepl
ateofbr
eakf
ast
.
Mtho:
"Thankyou.Yeah,
Icamei ntoyourr
oom
ar
ound11pm butyohweren'
tthere"
Me:"OhHappyf
orgotherbagher
eIhadt
otakei
tto
her
"
Mt
ho:
"Oh"
Me:"
Letgotowork.Cl
eanup,
sisi
won'tbecoming
i
ntodayandpl
easedoatt
endyourcl
assesMthobi
si"
Mt
ho:
"Yesdad"
Wel
aughed.
Me:
"Uzoswabasar
n"
It
ookmykey
sandwal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Khul
e]
Fasteningmycuf
fscanbepret
tyfr
ustrat
ing
especiall
ywheny
ou'r
ealr
eadyfr
ustr
ated.
Me:"
Ithi
nkIwi
l
ldr
ivet
oHei
del
ber
gaf
tert
he
meet
ing"
Luci
a:"
Todowhat
?"
Me:"CheckuponCalv
in.Itisnotl
ikehi
mt obethi
s
qui
et,hi
sphonesar
en'tgoingthr
ough,al
soLelo'
s'
Luci
a:"
Maybet
hat
'
sasi
gnt
hatt
heydonotwantt
o
becont
act
ed"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lfi
ndt
hatoutt
oday
"
Luci
a:"
Why ?Ar
en'
ty oumanenought oli
vewit
hout
yourbr
other
s?Yourbrother
shatemeIdonotknow
whywouldyoubotheraboutpeopl
ethatdon'
tl
ike
yourwi
fe"
Me:
"It
snott
hat
.Wej
ustcaughtt
hem bysur
pri
se"
Luci
a:"
Reall
y?Di
dyouseet
hewayQuint
onl
ooked
atme?Itwasasi
fIwasdog'
spuke!
"
Me:
"That
'sbecausehe'
smadatme"
Luci
a:"
Exact
ly!He'
smadaty
ouf
ormar
ryi
ngme"
Me: "
No.Notever
ythi
ngisaboutyouLuci
a.He'
smad
causeI'
vebeennegli
gentathi
sti
meofneed"
Luci
a:"Youhaveali
fe,
awi
fe.Hemustj
ustgr
owup
andstopbeingsel
fi
sh"
Me:"That
'snothowweli
ve.Wemat
tert
oeachot
her
.
Alot
.I'
vebeenajerk"
Lucia:
"No,you'
vebeenagoodhusbandtoyourwi
fe.
Beingther
eforhim woul
dn'
thav
ebroughtbackhi
s
wif
e'smemor y"
Me:
"Luci
a!"
Luci
a:"
What
?Woul
dithav
e?"Ikeptqui
et."
Ithought
sotoo"
Me:
"I'
mleav
ing"
Luci
a:"
ButI
'
m notdone"
Me:
"We'
rel
eav
ingi
nsepar
atecar
stoday
"
Icl
osedt
hedoor
.
Igr
abbedapl
um andbananaatt
heki
tchen.
ItooktheAudiQ7key s.Haven'
tdroveitsince
Khethelodi
d.Herscentwasallover.Igotoffand
gotintheBMW X6weal way
sdr i
veanddr oveoff
..
.
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Iwentbackt
other
ecept
iondesk.Ihi
tthedesk
l
ight
lywit
hmybag.Shel
ookedupatme.
Me:"Ir
eal
l
ydon'
thav
ethewholedaysweeti
e.
Pl
easecal
lMi
ssMpanzaandtel
lheri
tsurgent
"
Her:"
Okma'am.Sheusual
l
ytakel
essthanthi
swith
hercl
ient
sIdon'
tknowwhati
shappeni
ngtoday"
Me:
"May
bei
tsmybadday
"
Shepi
ckedupt
hephoneandpunchednumber
s.
Iwentt
omakemy
sel
fa3r
dcupofcof
fee.She
wavedatme.
Her
:"Youcangoi
n.2ndf
loor
,of
fi
ceB"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Iwal
kedt
othel
i
ft.
If
oundherout
sideherof
fi
cewat
eri
ngapl
ant
.
Me: "
Nice"shesi
ghedinarat
herbor
edfaceandput
downt heli
tt
lemetal
water
ingket
tl
eandwalked
i
nsideheroffi
ce.
Shesatontopofherdeskandf
oldedherar
ms
bef
oreherbreast
s.
Mi
ssMpanza:
"HowmayIbeofhel
pMi
ssDl
adl
a"
Me:
"Mr
sDubesweet
hear
t"
MissMpanza:"
Looki
ngthr
oughTy
ler
'spaper
s,he
hasnorecor
dofmarri
age"
Me:"
Andwit
hthaty
out
houghty
ouhadachance
wi
thhim?
"
MissMpanza:"
What
?"Shechuckl
es.Gui
l
tyi
fIr
ead
t
hatfacer
ight
.
Me: "
Youcamei ntohisoffi
ceunannounced
yest
erday.Youthoughtthatwasn'tenough,y
ou
text
edhimt hosenastyboobsandunshav edvagi
na.
Doy ouknowIam goingt otakeallt
hosedisgust
ing
nudepict
urestotheauthorit
ies?
"
Mi
ssMpanza:
"Mr
sDubeI
-"
Me: "
NosticktoMissDladl
alove.Pl
easedome2
favor
s,getoffmyfamil
y'sbusi
nessandstoptryi
ng
togettomyman' spant
s.Ifyoudon'
t,Iwi
llnotonl
y
exposeyouforthehoethatyouarebutIwil
lalsoki
ll
you"
Mi
ssMpanza:
"Ar
eyout
hreat
eni
ngme?
"Ismi
rkedat
herandshookmyheadno.
Me:"Iwi
ll
.Idon'
tdothreat
s.Bytheendoft odayI
wantmyhusbandt or
ecievealet
terthatheis
nol
ongerunderanyst
upidinvest
igat
ion"
MissMpanza:
"Thati
simpossibl
e.I
ttakesday
sto
cl
osedownaninvest
igat
ion"
Me: "Youar en'
tonl
ygoodati
nv esti
gati
ng.You'
r e
al
soagoodhoe, gotowhomev ergrant
st hel
etter
s,
suckhi sdickandthenboom.Ifyoudon't.Tomor r
ow
mor ningthewholeofSAwill
bet alki
ngabouty our
uglyv agi
na"
MissMpanza:"
Youwill
roti
njai
lfort
hat!Posti
ng
someone'
snakedpi
cturesi
snowseriousoffense"
Me:"Dubesnev
erstayf
oraweekinjai
lso.
..
"I
shr
ugged.Someonewalkedi
n."
Itr
ustyouMiss
Mpanza.Don'
tl
etmedown.Hell
o"Igreet
edhim asI
wal
kedout.
Thisoldbi
tchsentTyl
erhernudesandall
other
nastymessagesabouthowmuchshecr avesforhi
m.
Het hi
nksit
sfunnycausehe'
sstupi
dbutithadmy
bl
oodboi l
i
ng.Iwanteditt
obetodayalr
eadysoIput
myhandsonherbutIwokeupcal
m..
..
•
••
[
Qui
nton]
"
Qui
nton!Qui
nton!
"
Irushedupt hestai
rs.If
lewintotheroom.Shewas
buttnaked.Igul
ped.Ihav en'
tseenhernakedsi
nce
forever
,itf
eltwrongtolookather.
Me:
"Putonsomet
hing"
Yol
i
:"Why
?Hav
eyounotseenmenakedbef
ore?
"
Me:"
Ihavebutit
sdiff
erentnow"herst
omachi
s
gr
owingsl
owly.Iwantitt
oball
oon.
Yol
i:
"Why?BecauseIl
ostmymemor
y?"She
l
aughed.
Me:
"No.BecauseIwi
l
lgetar
oused"
Yol
i
:"Ohhht
hat
'sbad.Don'
tyouhav
esex?
"
Me:
"NoIdon'
t"
Yol
i
:"Li
ar"
Me:
"I'
m ser
ious.Di
dyoucal
lmeher
etoseey
ou
naked?
"
Yol
i
:"No.Ical
l
edy
out
opl
easeshav
eme"
Me:
"Wher
e?"
Yol
i
:"Vagi
na"shel
aughedagai
n."
I'
m ki
ddi
ng.If
elta
movement"
Me:"Real
l
y?"Itookt
hetowel
andcov
eredherl
ower
body
."CanItouchit
?"
Yol
i:"
Yesbuti
thasstopped"Isl
owl
ysentmyhand
toherbel
l
y."
Ouchyou'r
ecold"Imovedt
hehand.
Me:
"Sor
ry.
"
Yol
i
:"I
tsokay
.Hav
eyoual
way
sbeenl
i
ket
hiswi
th
me?"
Me:
"How?
"
Yol
i
:"Sad,
scared,
shy
,wor
ri
edandev
ery
thi
ngt
hat
i
sn'
thappi
ness"
Me:"No.Idon'
tknowhowt
obear
oundy
ouandnot
besad."
Yol
i
:"Youf
eel
li
keIwon'
tgetbet
ter
"
Me:
"Yeah"
Yoli
:"Don'tcr
y"Ismil
edandtil
tedmyheadt ostop
thetearsfrom f
all
i
ng."If
eel
li
keI '
vebeenhere
before.Thatcount
sforsomethingri
ght?
"
Me:
"Yeahi
tdoes"shehuggedme.
Yoli
:"Thankyou.Iknowi ti
snoteasybuty ou'r
estil
l
here.Thankyou"Ihesit
atedtotouchherbutshedi d
notletgo.Ievent
uall
ygav ei
n.Imi ssedher.Thi
sis
thefir
stphysi
calcontactwe'v
eev ermadesi nceshe
gotoutofthehospital
.
Shemov
edherheadt
olookupatme.
Yol
i
:"You'
resot
all
"Il
aughed.
Me:"Yousaidthatev
eryti
mewehugged"Iki
ssed
herf
orehead.Shesmiled.
Yoli
:"Yousai
dwe'
recomi
ngher
etogetmebet
ter
ri
ght?"
Me:
"YesIdi
d"
Yol
i
:"Thenlet
'sgothatr
estaur
antyousaidIloveso
much.Takemet oyourtwi
nbrother
'shouse.Take
meanywherewe'veeverbeen,
sharethebedwi t
h
me"
Me:
"Ican'
tshar
ethebedwi
thy
ou"
Yoli
:"Whynot ?Howwi l
lIrememberhowitf
eel
sto
l
ovey ouifwear en'
tconnected?You'
real
waysher
e
butnevercloseQuinton.Mydadcannotwalkinon
usseatingont hesamecouchher e,wecando
whateverwewanther e"she'
sri
ght.
Me:"
Letmegotakeashowerandt
henwe'
l
lgot
o
t
hatr
estaur
ant
"
Yol
i
:"Let
'st
akeashowert
oget
her
"
Me:
"I-
"
Yoli
:"WhatifIdon'tgetbett
er?Ineedtolear
ntolove
youagain.Whent hebabyar r
ivesIwantustokiss.I
readourtextseverynightandcryathowmuchwe
weresoinlove.Idon'twantthatlov
etoslipt
hrough
myhands"Isqueezedhert i
ght.
Me:
"Letmegogetmybag"
Weletgo.Shewor
ethi
sbigbeaut
if
ulsmile.She'
s
beenthi
shappysi
ncet
hismorni
ng.Iam happyshe'
s
happy
.
Shewenttot
hebat
hroom whi
l
eIwal
kedout
.Hope
rest
oredi
nmeagai
n..
.
•
••
[
Bonga]
Me:
"Ohy
ouar
ri
vedear
lyt
oday
"
Gogo:
"Becausey
ouhav
en'
tdugupt
hebones!
"
Bonga:"
Babaisver
yoccupi
ed.Ican'tj
ustgot
ohi
m:
Babalet
'sgodi
gupbonesofaper sonwehaveno
i
deawho.Gogo'sorder
"
Gogo:
"Sbongakonke"
Me:
"Gogo"
Gogo:
"Soy
oucl
oseddownt
hispl
acef
ornot
hing?
"
Me:"I
'
m sti
llt
ryi
ngtocomeupwit
hanideaofwhy
we'
rerenov
ating.Wej
ustr
enov
ated6monthsago"
Gogo:"Comeupwi thsomet
hingquickl
ymyboyor
al
lthi
sflashyl
i
festyl
eandeverythi
ngyouhavewi
ll
betakenaway.All
ofy ouwi
l
l squatatt
heDi
epsl
oot
matchesboxofahouse"
Thedoorr
oughl
yopened.Isweart
oGodt
heyar
e
t
rul
ytongueandsal
i
va.
Khul
e:"
Whyi
sthi
spl
acenotr
unni
ng?
"
Luci
a:"
Doy
ouknowhowmuchmoney
-"
Me:"Thi
sisaf
ami
l
ymat
terma'
am.Pl
easewai
t
out
side"
Gogo:
"Don'
ttel
lthi
sli
tt
leweakl
yat
hing"
Me:"I
'
mrenovat
ingbaba.Thepi
pesarel
eaki
ngthey
hav
ecauseddamagetotheundergr
oundwal
ls"
Khul
e:"
Andy
oudi
dn'
tseei
tfi
ttol
etmeknow?
"
Gogo:
"Tel
lhi
myes.
"
Me:
"Yes"
Het
ri
edt
ohi
tme.Luci
ahel
dhi
m.
Gogo:
"Tel
lhi
m Iam her
e"
Me:
"Gogoi
sher
e"
Gogo:
"Tel
lhi
m Idon'
twantt
hiswomanher
e.Iwant
t
ospeaktohi
m"
Me: "
ShesaysLuci
ashoul
dgetout
.Shewant
sto
speaktoyou"
Khul
e:"
Luci
aismywife.Whatev
eryouwantt
osay
tomeyoucansayi
tinfr
ontofher"
Gogo: "Bloodyfool.Havet hesecuri
tytakehi
m out
.If
youev erletthi
shar dfacewhor eintoanyofmy
chi
ldren'shousesI '
llsetthem onfir
e.Ifyoul
ether
i
ntomyj etIwil
l cr
ashi t
.Idon'tcarewhowi l
lbe
i
nside"
Shedi
sappear
ed.
Me:
"Gogono"
Luci
a:"
Ishecr
azy
?"
Me:
"Out
"
Khul
e:"
Whatdoesshesay
?"
Me:
"Getout
!!
!"
Yetagai
n.Iam puti
naposi
ti
onwhereIhav
eto
cont
rolt
hingst
hatcan'
tbecont
rol
l
ed..
.
[
2/26,10:
56]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

55
.
[
Qui
nton]
Itossedtheshov
eloverthetopoft
hesoi
lwe'
vedug
up.Iwipedthesweatoffwit
hthesl
eev
eofmy
overal
l.
Me:"MfanaIam shi
tti
red.We'll
havet
ocont i
nue
agai
ntonight
"Iwaspanting,Idr
ankwaterandthe
pant
ingbecamebetter
."Fuck!"
Bongast
oppeddi
ggi
ngt
oo.
Bonga:"
Howdeepshoul
dwego?Mkhul
umust
'v
e
dugthi
swit
hamachine"
Me: "
Heprobablydi
d."Wehaddugupt
omytosso.I
f
ther
ewasany thi
ngther
ewewould'
vef
oundi
t
alr
eady."
Let'
sgo"
Bonga:
"Let
'sdi
gforanhourmor
e.Wemi
ghtbe
cl
ose"
Me:"Hel
lno.Digalone.I
'
m goi
nghome,
Iam t
ir
ed,
hungr
yandv er
ysleepy"
Bonga:
"Babapl
ease.Wedon'
thav
eti
me"
Me:"Digupf
or30mi
nut
est
henI
'
lldomy30mi
nut
es
af
teryou.
"
Henoddedandst art
eddiggingagain.Isati
nthecar,
doorsopenwatchinghimt r
yingbyallmeanstostop
myselff
rom fal
li
ngasleep.Ipoppedoutacigaret
te
andli
tit
.Icheckedthetime.Itwasaf ewminutes
aft
er4.
Me:
"Geti
nthecar
"
Bonga:
"Wai
t.
..
Ithi
nkIseesomet
hing"
Igotoutofthecarandwenttosee.Mphangiseni
wasav eryshadyman.Itookmyshov el
andj umped
i
n.Wedugt i
l
lIcouldn'
thandl
eitanymore.Imight
havekil
l
edacoupl eofti
mesbutI '
mfuckingscared
ofghosts.
Bonga:
"Hawbaba.Hel
ptakei
tout
"
Me:
"Whyar
en'
tyouscar
ed?
"
Bonga:
"He'
sdead.Bones"hel
aughed.
Me:"Thehai
rsonmybackj
ustst
oodup.Jesusdon'
t
openit
!"
Bonga:
"Iknowy
ou'
veseendeadpeopl
e"
Me:"Yes,
freshones.Howl
onghast
hisonebeen
dead?"
Bonga:"
Onl
yMkhuluknows.Come"OhLor
d.Thi
sis
Khul
e'st
ypeoft
hing,
notme.
Wecar
ri
edi
ttot
hebootoft
hecar
.Whew!
Wedroveof
ftoburnitandputt
heashesint
othe
ri
ver
.Wearr
ivedhomeat10am.Wef oundKatl
ego
andKhet
hel
ocooking.
Us:
"Mor
ning"
Kat
lego:
"Wher
ewer
eyouguy
s?"
Me:"Wenttot
akecar
eofsomet
hing.I
sYol
i
upst
air
s?"
Khethel
o:"
Yes.Shewenttopee,pr
obablyst
andi
ng
i
nfrontoft
hemirrorl
ooki
ngatherbel
lynow"we
l
aughed.
Me:
"Ist
her
esomet
hingt
oeatl
eft
?"
Katl
ego:"
Yes.I
'
llwarmitj
ustnow.I
nthemeant
ime
youbothcangobath"Ismel
ledmyarmpi
ts.
Bonga:
"You'
rev
erypol
i
temat
hanky
ou"wel
aughed
andf
oll
owedeachot
hert
oourr
espect
ful
bedr
ooms.
Shewasnoti ntheroom.Iconnect
edmyphonet o
thechargerandplant
edmyclothesonthef
loorasI
headedtot hebat
hroom.Wehadawei r
dmomentof
"hhah!
"Isupposewescaredeachother
.
Me:
"Hey
"Isai
daf
tert
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
h.
Yol
i
:"Youscar
edme.Whydi
dn'
tyouknock?
"
Me:
"Youscar
edmet
oo"
Yol
i
:"Wher
ewer
eyou?
"
Me:
"Out
?"
Yol
i
:"Outwher
eQui
nton?
"
Me: "
Outout
"Icoul
dn'
treal
l
ythi
nkofany
thi
ngwi
th
sense.
Yol
i
:"Ar
eyoucheat
ingonme?
"
Me:
"What
?No.Whatdoy
out
akemef
or?
"
Yoli
:"Doyouevenknowwhatdatei
sitt
oday
?"I
shookmyheadsl owl
y."
23r
d.IhaveaDrs
appoint
ment"
Me:"
I'
m sosor
ry.Igothel
dup.Letmebat
handwe'
l
l
goaf
ter
wards"
Shesi
ghedandshookherheadandthenwal
kedout.
Whendidwegethere?Whoshoutsatabut
tnaked
poormanwhojustdugupaghost?
ShecamebackasIst
eppedundert
heshower
.
Yoli
:"I
tsti
l
lwon'tposi
ti
oni
tsel
fri
ghtsowedi
dn'
tget
thegenderagai
n."
Myhear tj
ustmelt
edli
kechocolat
eint
hesunwhen
sheplayedthev
ideo.ShepausedasIwasst
il
l
watching.
Me:
"Whati
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?I
'
m st
il
lwat
chi
ng"
Yol
i:"
Thenmaybeyoushould'
vewentwit
hme.Di
d
youbri
ngul
usuthatIaskedyout
obring?
"
Me: "
Yes.It
sdownst
airs"Isai
dforthesakeofpeace.
Ifi
guredIwasthel
eastofpeopleshewantedtosee
today.Shewal
kedout.Shewasn'tscar
edofmeat
allt
oday.
Ishoweredasf
astasIcoul
d.Iwasn'
tsl
eepy
anymore.Myhappi
nesswasshortl
iv
ed.Yol
ii
s
natur
all
ydramati
c,hadshenotbeensickri
ghtnowI
wouldbeast r
eetadul
tduetopregnancydrama.
SeemslikeIdi
dn'tr
eal
lydodgethebull
et.
..
•
••
[
Bonga]
Af
tereat
ingIaskedmam Khet
hel
otocomehel
pme
wi
thsomethingoutsi
de.
Me:"
Youhavet
ogobackt oDurban,
todaybef
ore
t
hismeet
ingmam Kat
legoasked"
Khet
hel
o:"
Why
?"
Me:"
Becausegogosaidso.Youbei
ngherei
savery
hi
ghrisk,
alr
eadybabai
ssuspici
ousofy
oualway
s
wear
ingacoat"
Khet
hel
o:"
But
..
."
Me:"Nobut
sma.Tell
mewheny
ou'
rer
eady
,Iwi
l
l
dr
iveyout
otheai
rpor
t"
Il
eftherstandingtheremadorwhateverandwent
i
nside,al
lthewayupt omam Yol
i'
sbedroom.I
knocked,babasai dImaycomein.Iwentin,
they
werecuddling.Didn'
ttheyj
ustal
mostthroweach
ot
heroutt
hewi
ndowbecauseofmogodu?
Me:
"MacanIhav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou?
"
Shel
aughed.
Yol
i
:"I
'
llnev
ergetusedt
othat
.Yeahwecanhav
ea
wor
d"
Me:
"Pr
ivat
ely
"
Qui
nton:
"Iwi
l
lbeatt
het
vroom pl
ayi
ngf
if
a."
Het
ookhi
sphoneandwal
kedout
.
Me:
"BabaIknowy
ou'
ret
her
e"hel
aughed.
Qui
nton:
"Tseksan.I
'
mleav
ingnow"
Me:
"Leav
emadal
a"
Iopenedthedoortocheckifhe'
sreall
ygone.Befor
e
weleftyest
erdayt
odi gupthosebonesIgaveher
someconcoct i
onthatthel
eafsuggestedwhenI
consult
ed.Myspir
itdidnotfeel
okayformet otake
hertoBabCele.
Icl
osedt
hedoorandwentt
osi
tonasi
ngl
ecouch
neart
hemir
ror
.
Me:
"Howar
eyou?
"
Yol
i
:"I
'm good.Act
ual
l
yIam per
fectBonga.Ican'
t
wai
ttotell
him"
Me:
"It
swor
king?
"
Yoli
:"Yes.WhenIwokeupIj umpedoutbedand
rushedt obat
hthinki
ngI'
m goi
ngtoworkandthenI
recognizedKatl
ego.Aloti
ssti
lli
nthedar
kbutiti
s
working"
Me:"ThankyouLor
d.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ousomet
hingel
se
agai
ntonight
"
Yol
i
:"Thanky
ou"
Me:
"Any
timemama.
"
Wel
aughed.Myphoner
ang.
Me:
"Your
ecal
lthaty
ouhav
egr
andchi
l
dren?
"
Yol
i
:"Youhav
eki
ds?
"
Me:"Yes.Quads.6mont
hs"shegaspedandt
hought
har
d.
Yol
i
:"Wi
l
lthememor
ycomebacki
nor
deror
?"
Me:
"Iwoul
dbel
yi
ngi
fIsai
dIknew"
Yol
i
:"Pl
easebr
ingt
hem ov
er.May
bei
tmughtboost
meinanyway"
Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Letmegocal
lthemamaback"
Yol
i
:"Thanky
ousomuchBonga"
Me:
"I'
mjustdoi
ngmyj
ob"
Shesmi
l
ed.Iwal
kedout
..
.
•
••
[
Cal
vi
n]
Mpendul
orantomeandhuggedmyknees.Iputl
et
gothel
uggageandpi
ckedhi
m up.
Me:"
Heylit
tl
eman.Where'smommy ?
"He
r
espondedinMandar
in."
Babe?
"Ishouted.
Lel
o:"
Stor
eroom!
"Sheshout
edback.
Sheappear
edwit
habeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.Wehuggedand
shar
edakiss.
Lel
o:"
OhmyGodImi
ssedy
ou"
Me:
"Notmor
ethanIdi
d.Wher
ear
ethet
wins?
"
Lel
o:"
Theylef
tfort
heschool
tri
pthi
smor
ning.I
email
edyou"
Me:
"Oh.Ihav
en'
treadmyemai
l
stoday
"
Lel
o:"
Youl
ookhungr
y"
Me:
"Iam myl
ove.
"Shepul
l
edmet
otheki
tchen.
Lel
o:"Hel
li
sbr
eaki
ngloosei
nJo'
bur
g.Khul
etr
iedt
o
putt
hatwomanint
othecompany
"
Me:"YeahIheard.Iwi
l
lputanendt
othi
smadness,
onceandforall
"
Lel
o:"
Imi
sst
hem somuch"
Me:"We'
regoingt
heret
oni
ght
.Theyar
epr
obabl
y
t
hinki
ngIdi
tchedthem"
Lel
o:"
Fant
ast
ic.Yol
ii
sal
sot
her
e"
Me:
"Quintonhatesmewher everheis.Buthe'
l
lhave
t
ounderstandthatIdi
dthi
sf oral
lofus"sheserv
ed
mefood.Imissedherfood."Thankyou"
Lel
o:"
I'
ll
gopack"
Me:"YezweandDol
l
yarecomingthi
sweekend.Iam
sonotinthemoodf
oreat
ingall
thosef
unnyfoods
Dol
l
ycooks"shel
aughed.
Lel
o:"
Hesaidhe'
l
lbeserv i
ngusAfri
canCui
si
net
his
ti
mearoundMrFatheri
nlaw"Il
aughed.
Me:"Bewar
nedMrsDube.Thereweresomehotti
es
t
hereatMozambi
que,Ishoul
d'
vesnatchedoneand
madehermysecondwife"
Lel
o:"I
tisv
erymat ur
etoaskyourwi
feni
cel
ytoki
l
l
you,
notsuggestsecondwiv
es"
Me:
"Youl
ovemet
oomucht
oki
l
lme"
Lelo:"
AndIl
oveyoutoomucht
oshar
eyou.
"She
winkedandvani
shed.
Me: "
Yourmamaiscrazyboy.Areyouexci
tedt
osee
yoursibl
i
ngs?I
'
m sur
et heymissyou"
Heputhisfi
lt
hyhandint
omyf ood."
Let'
sjusthope
ther
e'snopoopi
nthathandorelseyouandIwill
haveabigtr
oubl
e"hegiggl
edandweat e.
ThatLuci
awomanwon'
tknowwhathi
ther
.
.
..
Wedr
ovei
ntoKhul
e'
shomear
ound5pm.Women
andalwaysneedi
ngsomet hingfr
om themall
.We
l
efthomeearlybutwalkedaroundthemall
buy i
ng'
a
fewthi
ngs't
hatturnedouttobethewholeof
Heidel
ber
gmal l
.
Hedidn'
tl
ooksowel
l
.Hewascouchi
ngand
sneezi
ng.
Khul
e:"
Yousur
eashel
lknowhowt
ohi
de"
Me:"
Iwasnothi
ding.Iwasbusy
.Hav
eyouseena
Dr
?"
Khul
e:"
No.Iwashopi
ngi
t'
ssomet
hingsmal
l
"
Me:"ThenIcan'
trequestameet
ingi
fyou'
rel
i
ke
t
his"
Khul
e:"
Whati
sgoi
ngon?Kat
legor
equest
edone
too"
Me:
"Isi
t?Thenl
et'
sdr
ivet
her
e.Ihav
eafl
umi
xtur
e
i
nmycar,Iwasal
sodyi
ngaweekago"
Khul
e:"
OkI'
ll
findy
ouout
side.Letmecal
lLuci
aand
i
nfor
m her
"
Me:
"Okay
"
Iwasnev ert het ypet obelievei ntraditi
onal healers
butwhenMat hebul a,theMoz ambi quebestknown
healercalledmeandt ol dmet opayhi m av i
sitor
elsewewi ll
wat chal lthatwewor kedhar df orvanish
i
nt othi
nai r,Itookt henextav ail
ablef l
ight.Istayed
therefor3weeks, gettingcleansedandev er yt
hing.
Andt henhegav ememor ecleansi ngmi xtur esfor
everyoneandt hent hespeci al onef orKhul e.That
womani swi cked, whobewi tchsomeonet obewi th
them, t
or obt hem of fofev erythingt heyhav e?She
sawKhul eandsawaf reakinjackpot .Thef actthat
she'stry
ingt ot urnhim agai nstusmadememeev en
sick.
Igoti
nthecarandwai
tedf
orhi
m..
.
•
••
[
Khul
e]
I
trangf
orawhi
l
ebef
oresheanswer
ed.
Luci
a:"I
'
minthemi
ddleofthemeet i
ngKhul
ekani
,
whatisi
t?Ar
eyoudyi
ng?"Icoughed.
Me:
"Iam goi
ngt
oChr
is'
s.Ther
eisameet
ing"
Lucia:
"Whatmeet
ing?Howar
eyougonnadr
ivei
n
thatst
ate?
"
Me:
"I'
l
lgowi
thCal
vi
n"
Luci
a:"Areyouki
ddingme?Thatwi
tchi
sther
eason
you'
resick.I
shetherei
nmyhouse?
"
Me:
"Nott
odayLuci
aplease.Youwi
l
ldr
ivest
rai
ght
t
oChri
s'
saft
erwork"Ihungup.
Il
ockedandwenttohopont
hecar.Igr
eet
edLel
o
andCalv
inhandedmethemi
xtur
e.
Cal
vi
n:"I
tsbi
tt
er.Justcl
osey
ourey
esandgul
pital
l
down"
Idi
d.
Me:
"Yeses!Doy
ouhav
esweet
s?"
Cal
vi
n:"
Liedowni
twi
l
lgetbet
ter
"
If
eltsi
ckert
hanIwas.Il
i
eddown.
..
•
••
[
Tyl
er]
Iwasnev
err
eadyf
ort
hispar
tofr
aisi
ngachi
l
da
chi
ld.Hescreamedfrom t
hecrecheunt
ilwegotto
hi
smot her'
soff
ice.Wewer eonthewaytoChr
is'
s,
hehadn'tst
oppedscreaming.
Khet
hiwe:
"Fi
nal
l
ywewi
l
lknowwhati
shappeni
ng.
"
Me:
"It
hinkt
heyar
eget
ti
ngdi
vor
ced"
Khethiwe:"
ThenIwouldn'
tblamet hem.Ones
happinessandwellbei
ngmat t
ers.Ifmari
tal
problemsiswhatmadeKat l
egolooklikethatt
hen
she'sbett
eroffsi
ngle"
Me:
"Tr
uebutt
hisf
ami
l
ywi
l
lnev
erbet
hesame"
Khet
hiwe:
"We'
l
ljusthav
etoadj
ustt
oanychanges"
Me:
"Asl
ongasshewon'
tdi
vor
ceusal
l
"
Sheey
edme."
What
?"
Khethi
we:"
Youguysaregoodbutsomet
imesy
ou
fai
lhowtotr
eatpeopl
eyoulov
egood"
Me:
"Tr
uebut
..
."
Khethi
we:"
Nobutsbabe.I
fKat
legowant
stocutt
ies
wit
hallofy
outhensobeit"
Me:
"Yesma'
am"
Shet
urnedupt
hev
olume.
.
..
IsmiledwhenIsawCal
vi
n'
scar
.Icar
ri
edBanzi
i
nside.
Me:
"Kushkushkush"
Cal
vin:"Mbuyazi
.Ist
hisyou?Ithoughty
ou'
dbe
ar
rested,Mpanzadoesn'
tplay
"
Me:"
Whenyouhav
eaqueeni
nyourl
i
fe,
Mpanzai
s
j
ustagame"
Cal
vi
n:"
Youdon'
tsay
.MamakaBanzi
"theyhugged.
Khet
hiwe:"
ForamomentIt
houghtwe'
dnev
ersee
youagai
n"
Cal
vi
n:"
It
sapl
easur
etobemi
ssed"wel
aughed.
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
l
lgocheckont
hel
adi
es"
Me:"
IsKhul
ecoming?
"Isaidt
oChr
is.Hewas
somewher
efarawayfr
om her
e.
Calv
in:"
He'
ssleepi
ngupst
air
s.Whatamesst
his
famil
yhasbecome"
Me:
"It
sthatdemonhebr
oughti
ntoourl
i
ves"
Calv
in:
"Thatcal
lhehadwi
thherwast
helastone.
Whenhewakesuphewi l
lbetheol
dKhul
eweal l
know"
Me:
"Di
dyoumakehi
m puke?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
Ewwno"
Me:"
Whateveri
tist
hatyougav
ehim Iwanti
ttoo.
Mpanzasentmenudes,
guesswhatIdi
d?"
Cal
vi
n:"
Shewhat
?Doy
oust
il
lhav
ethepi
ctur
es?
"
Me:"Shh.Nostupi
d,Idamnshowedthem t
o
Khet
hiwe,doesthatsoundnor
malt
oy ou?
"
Cal
vi
n:"
NobutI
'
m gl
ady
ou'
renowgr
ownandl
oyal
"
Me: "
HellnoI'
m bewitched.Khethi
wehasagrandma
andy ouknowhowt hoseol dwomenget"helaughed.
"Okaystayher
eandl augh.I'
llgoseet
hebett
er
versi
onofKhule"
Cal
vi
n:"
Thatoneisdogtir
ed.Yoliandherhormones
ar
esendi
nghim al
loverJo'
burg"Ilaughed.
Me:
"Ev
enbet
ter
."
Iwentupst
air
s.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
It
slikedej
avu.5y earsbackIsatamongstmyf amil
y
andPi t
so'
stotellthem t
heverysamet hi
ngIam
abouttosaytotheseDubepeopl e.Theonlyt
hing
thatwasdiff
erenttoday:Myfamilywasn'
there.
Me:"I
'
llbever
ybri
efaboutt
hissi
nceev
ery
onehast
o
goandprepar
eforworktomorr
ow."
Cal
vi
n:"
Takeal
lthet
imey
ouneed"
Luci
agoti
n,cl
i
ckinghersti
let
tosonmyfl
oorl
ike
sheownsi
t.Ever
yonesighedinsomeki
ndofway.
Luci
a:"
Greet
ings.Sor
ryf
orbei
ngl
ate"
Cal
vi
n:"
Khul
eisupst
air
s"
Luci
a:"
Oh"
Cal
vi
n:"
Yes"
Sher
ushedupt
hest
air
s."
MakakaHawu"
Me:
"Chr
isandIhav
ebeengoi
ngt
hroughsome
thi
ngs.We'vebeentr
yingourbesttomaket his
marri
agewor kbuti
nsteadthi
ngsgotwor se.Iwil
lbe
bri
efbecauseIdonotwantt otal
kaboutthis.Chri
s
gotphysi
calwithmeforthefir
stti
meev erinMarch.
Heturnedint
oacompl eteanimal
..
"mymi ndrevi
sitedthatnight
.Myey esi
nst
antl
y
becamewet .Hewasl ookingatmet hewholet
ime.
Hebeggedmenott ot el
lhisf
ami l
yaboutt
hisbutI
couldn'
tdothat.Theyneededt oknowwhywewer e
gett
ingadivorce.
"Thi
shomet urnedintoacompl etebatt
lefiel
d.He
tol
dmet oquitchurch,Iwentt ochurchwhenIwas
i
nmymot her
'shouse, hefoundout ..
..
Ihavenev er
experi
encedt hatki
ndofbeat ingi nmyl i
fe.Hebeat
mei nf
rontoft heki
ds, notevent hei
rli
ttl
ecr y
ing
couldstophim, hebeatmeunt ilIbl
ed.Iendedupi n
hospit
alwher eIfoundoutIhadl ostababy "
Khethi
wemovedclosert
omeandhuggedmeaswe
cr
iedint
oeachot
her'sar
ms.
Me:"Ihav
ebeentry
ingt
oforgi
vebutI
'
mf ai
l
ing.I
hav
ebeenavoidi
ngever
yone.Myheal
th,
Iam not
recov
eri
ng.Sowereachedanagr
eementt
hatwewi
l
l
begetti
ngadiv
orce"
Qui
ntongotup.
Qui
nton:
"Fol
l
owmeChr
ist
ian"
Chr
iskeptgluedonhi
ssofa.Qui
ntonswungont
o
hi
m andslappedhi
m acr
osstheface.
Qui
nton:"NeedIr
epeatmy sel
f?"Heshookhi
shead
andfol
lowedhim.Ineededtoseemor eoft
hat.
Cal
vi
nf ol
lowed.
Icoul
dhearhi
m gr
oanasQuint
onshout
edathi
m,
sayi
nghowmuchhe'sgonnaki
llhi
m.
"Yeswe'
vedonehor
ri
blemist
akes.Whydoy
ou
alway
sfol
lowint
hosewickedst
eps!"
Wehear
dashar
pscr
eam f
rom upst
air
s.
Wer
ushedup.
"Khul
eplease!
"Shecoul
dbarel
yspeak.Thedoor
washalfopen.Hehadherpi
nneddown, hi
sboth
handsonherneck.
Ty
lerr
ushedi
nandpushedhi
m of
fher
.
Ir
ushedbackdownst
air
s.
Ipeepedthrough.Hewasont hefl
oorcryi
ngas
Quint
onsai d:
"Getupandf i
ghtamany ourownsi
ze.
stopbit
chingChris.You'
reabeat
erri
ght?Getupand
beatme"
Calvi
n:"
Talki
ngaboutyoucan'tcontr
olt
hatfucking
coco.Whydon'tyougetint
oboxing.Youseewhat
you'
vecostus?Anotherwifegoneandwecan' tstop
heryouasshole"heki
ckedhim."Getupyoufucking
douche.Getup!"
Isighed.Ihaven'
tbeent
hishappysi
ncet
hatdayhe
tr
iedtokillme..
..
[
2/26,10:
58]Zozaness:
Beaut
yLi
esI
nTheEy
esofA
Behol
der

*
Thef
inal
chapt
er*
56
.
[
Qui
nton]
Iknockedonceagai
n.
Me: "Khul
ekani!Iwi
ll
kickitdown"hedidnotseem t
o
careaboutthat.Hekeptgroaninginf
rust
rati
on
breakingwhateveri
tisthathewasbreaking."
You
willbuyall
ofthatyoufool.
"Calvi
nwalkeddownthe
hall
wayt owardsme.
Cal
:"Lethi
m be.
"Agl
asscl
utt
ered.
Me:
"He'
sbr
eaki
ngt
hings"
Cal
:"He'
smadathi
msel
f"
Me:"Whydon'
thebr
eakhi
nsel
fthen?Whatdi
d
gl
assesdotohi
m?"
Cal
:"Come.Weneedt
otal
ktoLuci
a"
Me:"No.I'
m nott
alki
ngtothatwitch.Hheywena,
don'
tbreakthebat
hroom mirr
or.Ilovethatmi
rr
or"
Cal
:"Let
'sgo"
Ihesi
tant
lyfoll
owedhim al
lthewaydowntot
he
basement.Somuchwi ne.Iopenedabot
tl
ehopi
ng
i
tsnotKatlego'
sfavor
it
e.
Ty
ler
:"Okanot
herquest
ion.Whati
nspi
redy
out
obe
awi
tch?
"Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"Getout
"
Tyl
er:"
Noway .She'
sli
kearobot
.Sheanswer
sever
y
questi
on"hesai
dlaughi
ng.Tr
udyhimtofi
ndhumor
i
nev er
ythi
ng.
Cal
:"Luci
a!"Hesi
ghed."Youreal
l
ythoughty
ou
woul
dgetawaywi t
hthis?"Shenodded.
Me:"
Wewil
lsi
ther
eandlist
ent
oy ouconf
ess
ev
ery
thi
ngy
ou'
vedonethenwe'
lll
etyougo"
Shelookedl i
keonescrewi nherheadhadsuddenl y
gotlost.Shewasnol ongerthefeistyLuci
athat
wouldtelluswheretogetof f
.Ireall
yrespect
Calv
in'switchdoct
or.Wet ookseat sandwaited.
Luci
a:"
Mybr
otherhel
pedmedoi
t.
"
Tyl
er:"
Whi
chone?Theonewhohasacrushon
you?
"Shef
rownedforabi
tandt
hensai
d:
Luci
a:"
Khumbul
ani.Ipai
dhimlot
sofmoney
,bought
hi
m acarandanapartmentf
orhi
mtohel
pme"
Me:
"Why
?"
Lucia:
"Iwasj
ealousofhowhelovedhi
swif
eand
neverreal
l
yacknowledgedmeandwhatIf
eltf
or
hi
m"
Cal
:"Okay
.Cont
inue"
Lucia:"SoImett hiswomancal l
edGl ade.I
befri
endedher , t
of ishoutinf
ormat i
onabout
Khulekani.BecauseMt howoul dn'tshareanythi
ng
withme.WhenGl adetoldmet heyoncehadsex
backi ntime,Isawmychancet ochaseKhet hel
o
away .ItoldGladet ogot othei
rhomeandseek
shelter,
soshecoul dseducehim butunf or
tunat
ely
theygav ehert heol dhouse.Wehadt ocomeupwi t
h
planB. .
."
Me:
"Wai
t,whatt
hef
..
."
Cal
:"Letherf
ini
sh.Cont
inuema'
am"
Lucia:"
Ial
sopaidherlot
sofmoney .Ithenst
arted
havingKhulef
oll
owedandt henoneni ghtyouall
wenttodrinki
nthatbar,
allofyouwer edrunk,Itol
d
Gladetoshowupandof fertohim aridehome, canI
pl
easehav ewater
?"
Cal
:"No!Keept
alki
ng.Di
dhesl
eepwi
thherornot
?"
Sheshookherheadscar ed."Andt henyoukil
l
ed
Glade?"Shenodded."Fucki
ngbitch!Icouldki
lly
ou
ri
ghtnowbuty ouaren'twort
hget ti
ngmyhandsdi r
ty
for.Iwi
lldr
iveyoutothepoli
cest ati
on,andyouwil
l
tel
l t
hem al
lthat
"
Shenodded."
Let
'sgo"
Theycli
mbedbackup.Ty
lerandIsatt
her
elooki
ng
ateachli
kewt
f???
?
•
••
[
Khet
hiwe]
Itookmybagandr usheddownstai
rs.Ifound
Katlegohummi ngasongwhi l
eshefriedrussi
ans.I
wasconf usedabitbefor
ekissi
ngthel i
tt
leoneson
thei
rf eedingchai
rsandthenSikel
elaandherhy per
crew.
Me:"It
houghty
ouwoul
dn'
tbeher
ewhenwewake
up"
Kat
:"Met
oo.Hungr
y?"
Me:"
Yesandlat
e.Lel
osai
dIcanl
eav
eBanzi
.She'
l
l
t
akecar
eofthem"
Kat
:"Ofcourseshewil
l
.Aftert
hatdi
sappear
ance"we
l
aughed."heredon'
tst
arv
e"shegavemeal unchbox.
Me:
"Thanky
oumami
"Ibi
dthem goodby
e.
Myheartal
mostst
oppedwhenIsawaf
igur
eleani
ng
agai
nstmycar
.Shelaughed.
Yol
i
:"I
'
m sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tmeant
oscar
eyou"
Me:
"Mosadi
youal
mostki
l
ledme.What
'sup?
"
Yol
i
:"Not
hing.CanIcomewi
thy
ou?
"
Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
owor
k"
Yol
i
:"Iknow.CanI
?"
Me:
"Qui
ntonwi
l
l.
..
"shecutmeof
f.
Yol
i:"
Heagreed.Ipr
omi
sey
ou,
youwon'
tev
en
not
icethatI
'
mt her
e"
Me:
"Wel
l
,hopont
hen.I
'
m 30mi
nut
esl
ate"
Sheclappedherhandsexci
tedl
yandgotin.Inot
iced
apicni
cbasketful
lofgoodi
esatthebackseat.And
ababybag!
Me:
"Uhm.
..
Yol
i
,ar
eyoui
npai
n?"
Yol
i
:"Nope.Why
?"
Me:
"Thebabybag"
Yol
i
:"Ohno.TheDrt
oldmetotakei
tany
wher
ewi
th
me.Babi
escanpopoutany
time"
Shereachedf
oranappl
eatthebackandst
art
ed
munchingonit
.Shei
ssopregnant
!
Ichuckl
edandshookmyhead.
Yol
i:
"If
eell
ikeIwasdead"shesai
daft
erawhi
l
e.I
gl
ancedathert
henbackont her
oad.
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Yol
i:"
Mymemor
yloss.Nowt
hatI
'
vegai
nedmyol
d
sel
fbackI
-"
Iscr
eamedandhi tthestari
ngassheshoutedmy
nametell
ingmetobecar ef
ul.Fuckbei
ngcar
eful
!!
!
Fuckit
!!
!Justf
uckingfuckit!
!
Ipul
ledupatt
hesideoftheroadandhuggedt
he
shi
toutofher
,cr
yingandlaughi
ng.
Me:
"Il
ovey
ousomuch!Iam sohappy
"
If
inal
l
yletgor
eal
i
zingshe'
spr
egnantandI
'
m
probablyput
ti
ngpressureonherbell
ywit
hmyt i
ght
squeeze.Isatbackonmyseatandexhaledshar
ply
whilefanni
ngmyey es.Shewaslaughi
ngwit
hglossy
eyes.
Me:"Let
'sgogetdrunk.
..
ughf
uck.Let
'sgot
othe
par
kanddr i
nkoros"
Yoli
:"OhmyGodMr
sCEOy
ouhav
eacompanyt
o
run"
Me: "
AhhBosslady
.Ihaven'
tbeenabsentsi
ncet
he
yearbegansomayIpleasegocelebr
ate?
"
Yol
i
:"Let
'sgot
othatpubandgr
il
l"
Me:"OhmyGody
ou'
rer
eal
l
yback.Ican'
tbel
i
eve
t
his.
"
Yol
i
:"You'
ret
hesecondper
sont
oknow"
Me:
"I'
m sur
ehe'
sov
ert
hemoon"
Yoli
:"Hedoesn'
tknow.Onl
yBongaandYou.Iwant
tosurpr
isehi
m"
Me:
"How?
"
Yol
i
:"Thr
owhi
m ababyshowerorwhat
ever
"
Me:
"Let
'st
hrowhi
m aweddi
ng"
Yol
i
:"What
?"
Me:"No,engagementpar
tywoulddo.Yes
engagementpart
y.Youneverdi
dit
"
Yol
i:
"Thatsoundsl
i
keagoodidea.Letmestar
t
l
ooki
ngforabestdesi
gneri
ntown..
.ohwhybother
,
wehaveYezwe"
Me:
"Thi
sisgonnabesomuchf
un.Ican'
twai
t"
Yol
i
:"Cani
tst
aybet
weenus?
"
Me:
"Of
cour
sebabes.Of
cour
se.
"
Yol
i
:"Thanky
ou.
"
Fi
nall
yIwasgonnagetmar ri
ed.Itoldhert
hatwe
cancell
edtheweddi
ng.Shefel
tbad.Ikeptlookingat
heramused.Quint
onwasy ettoreceiv
ethebiggest
surpr
iseofhisl
i
fe.
..
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Idi
dnotwanttoar
riveasecondl
atesoIar
ri
vedan
hourear
lyandwai
tedonthewait
ingar
ea.
Thenur secamet otellmeIcannowgoi n.Ifixed
my self
,the6inchstrapyheel
sIwaswear i
ngwer ea
bi
tchal l
engi
ngt owalkonbutIcouldn'taff
or dto
comeher el
ookingli
keadr yhousewife.Chris
neededt odieofmyofl ookbeforeofanythingelse.I
hadt omakehi m seehe'sl
ostme, f
orever.
Iworeashor tjeanski
rt,nottooshor tj
ustshortand
aredboobt ubeand6i nchr edst r
apyheel s.Ihada
ti
nybl acksl i
ngbaghangi ngonmyshoul der.Il
ooked
all
typesofsi ngl
e,ohIforgotmyf ace.Iwentt oa
makeupar tistandshemadet hethingsthatneeded
tobedone, shet oppeditupwi th6Dl ashesandar ed
l
ip.Icoul dn'tlookanyhot terwithmydeepcur l
8inch
l
acewi g.Ilookedl i
ketheKat legoIhadn' tseenin
mont hs.InmyhandIcar riedabagwi t
hfrui
tsand
mageu.
Isl
owlyopenedthedoor.Iwashopi
ngthey
'l
ltake
himtoapublichospi
tal
buthehasmoneyhe
would'
veaskedtobemov edtoapri
vat
eoneany way
.
Icl
osedt
hedoorandcl
ickedmyheelstowardst
he
bed.Hef
rownedandhi
sf acet
urnedt
opissed.
Chris: "What.
..
"hecoughed, hishandrushedtohis
stomach.Her eachedf orwateranddrankupthen
recov ered.Thesightwasv eryamusingtome.I
knewt heybeathim upbutIhadnoi deaitwasthis
bad, ev enbett
er.Iwishedthey'
dpoppedhi sbal
l
s
andbr okehispenis.
Me: "
Ibroughty
out hese.Mymot heri
nsist
edIpass
by.Ihopeyougetbet r
er"Iputthebagnexttohi
sjug
ofwaterandmot i
onedt owardsthedoor.
Chri
s:"
Kat l
ego"Itur
ned."Whereareyougoi
ng
weari
nglikethat?
"Toacl ub.I
tsFri
daydar
li
ng.I
pushedthatthoughtbackandsaid:
Me:"
Tol
ookf
orahouseandthenmeet
ingupwit
h
MrDl
ami
nimylawy
er,
why?"Iremov
edthehai
rin
mymout
h.
Chr
is:
"Yout
ookof
fyourr
ing?
"
Me: "
That
'snol
ongermine.Iputi
tiny
ourj
ewel
l
ery
box.I'
mrunni
nglat
e,seeya"
Iwal
kedout
,leav
inghi
m cal
loutmyname.
It
ext
edLul
amat
hatIwi
l
lcomet
oherhot
elr
oom
i
nsteadoft
herest
aurant
.Mymot
hert
oldher
,she
can'
tkeepasecr
et.
.
..
Iar
ri
vedatt
hehotel
.If
oundherbusyonherl
apt
op
weari
ngpyj
amas.
Me:
"Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?
"
Luh:
"Ichangedbacki
ntot
hem af
tery
out
ext
ed"
Me:
"Ohh"
Luh:
"Youl
ookgood.
"
Me:
"If
eel
naked"
Itookoutmyj
eansandt
eef
rom mybagand
changed.
Luh:
"Wher
ewer
eyou?
"
Me:
"Hospi
tal
Luh:
"Todowhat
?"
Me:
"ToseeChr
is.Hi
sbr
other
sbeathi
m up"
Luh:"
Goodri
ddance.Ij
ustdon'
tunder
standwhydi
d
yougotoseehi
m"
Me:
"Uhm.
..
becausehe'
smyhusband"
Luh:
"Soont
obeex-
husband"sheexcl
aimed.
Me:
"No.He'
smyhusband"
Luh:
"Kat
lego"
Me:"NoLulu.Iwi
l
lmov eoutofthehousewhi
l
ehe
goesforhel
p.Iam notdi
vor
cinghim"
Luh:
"Oh,
youwanthi
mtoki
l
lyou?
"
Me:
"Hewon'
t"
Luh:"Heki
l
ledyourbabythough"Ifel
tmyi nsi
des
knot
."Areyoual
sogonnabet hosewomenwhost ay
i
nabusiverel
ati
onshipsf
orthekids?He'sanasshol
e
andisn'
twort
hyofy ourl
oveoryourloyal
ty.Di
vor
ce
him!
"
Ipi
ckedmybagandheadedt
othedoor
."Kat
lego!
"
Iuppedmypaceunt
ilt
hepar
kingl
otwher
eshe
reachedme.
Me:"Ilov
ehim andasmuchashehur tme, i
twas
nothim.Iwil
lhelphi
m dealwit
hthi
s,notasacoupl
e
butIwon'tdi
vorcehi
m eit
her.
"
Luh:
"Youar
en'
tmaki
nganysense"
Me:"Thenl
etmebe.Mymarr
iagei
snoneof
any
one'sconcer
nreal
l
y."
Luh:
"Wecar
eaboutKat
li
"
Me: "
Thensupportev
erydeci
sionImake.Wheni
t
backfir
esIwillt
aket
heresponsi
bil
i
tyofbei
ng
i
rresponsi
ble"
Luh:"
Fine!Haveity
ourwayj
ustknowIwi
l
lnotcome
toyourfuner
al"
Me:
"Fi
ne!
"
Igoti
nmycarandspedawaycr
ying.
..
•
••
[
Khet
hel
o]
WhenIlef
tJobur
gYoligavemekeystoher
apart
mentwhenIcomplai
nedaboutbor
edom i
n
mine.
Itol
dthecabdriv
ertotakemest r
aighttoYoli
'
s.I
founditcl
eanandfr
esh.Itwasbeautif
ul.Bencame
tocheckuponmei nthateveni
ng,hecameagai n
yester
dayhedrankunti
lhepassedoutont
hecouch,
enjoyi
nghi
sfreakyFr
iday.
WhenIwokeupt hi
smor ni
nghewasNowher ein
si
ght.Iwenttolockthedoorandtookoffthedamn
coat.Imadebreakfastandsatdowninthelounge
andwat chedTV.Saturdaysar
etheworst.It
ookmy
phonetocallNhlel
o.
Thekeymov edont hedoor.Ifr
ozeforawhi l
e
thinki
ngwhocoul ditbe.May besomeonet ry
ingto
breakin?Irantothebedr oom andtookoutagun
from mybagandt iptoedbackt otheloungewit
hmy
gunpoi nt
ingoutandr eadytokil
l.
Ipul
l
edt
het
ri
ggersoonasIsawt
heper
pet
rat
or.
"
Khet
hel
o!Khet
helo!
"It
hrewthegundownandf
roze.
OhmyGodYolii
sgonnakil
lme.
Khul
e:"
Ohmyfuckinggoodnessy
oupsy
cho!You
al
mostkil
l
edme!"
Me:"ughi
tsyou.Whyonear thdidImiss?"Igroaned
whil
erol
li
ngmyey es."
Ithoughtyouwer eQuinton.
Whatareyoudoinghere?"Isai
dpicki
ngupt hegun,
headi
ngbacktothebedroom.
It
urnedt
ohi
m whenIt
urnedt
owal
kbackt
othe
l
ounge.
Khul
e:"
Whoseisit
?"Ishr
ugged.Hepoi
ntedatmy
bel
ly
.Shi
tIt
otal
lyf
orgotIhadabump.Igul
ped.
Me:"Myboyf
ri
end'
s.Moveoutofmyway"Isai
d
t
ryi
ngtosoundasproudaspossi
ble.
Ipushedhi
m asi
deandwal
kedout
.
Khul
e:"
Whatboy
fri
end?
"
Me: "
Myboy fr
iend.Theonewhohasani cedick.
Whyar eyouhere?Didmagogochasey ououtory ou
ranawayf r
om thewr i
nkl
edvaj
ayj
ay?"IchuckledasI
satonthehighchairconti
nui
ngwit
hmygr easy
breakf
ast
.
Khul
e:"
Khet
hel
o"
Me:
"Yah?
"
Khul
e:"
Howf
arar
eyou?
"
Me:"Noneofy ourbusi
ness"hewasdif
fer
ent.He
di
dn'tlookatmewi t
hhatredanddi
sgustashe
usuall
ydoes.
Khul
e:"
Wher
ear
emyki
ds?
"
Me:
"Athomewi
tht
hei
rgr
andma"
Heheadedt owardst
hedoor.Hebangeditbehi
nd
hi
m.IletoutabreathIdi
dn'
tevenknowIwas
hol
ding.Iwentandtookmyphonefrom t
hecouch
andcall
edBonga.Hepickedupaft
erawhi l
e.
Me:
"Heknows"
Bonga:
"Who?
"
Me:
"Khul
e.He.
..
hecamei
nher
eandI
-"
Bonga:"
Calm down.Luci
aisoutofourl
ivesnow.
Shehandedhersel
fint
othepoli
ceforki
l
li
ngGl ade"
Me:"
What?"Ifel
tangerwel
lupi
nsi
deme."
Tel
lmeI
di
dnothearyouri
ght"
Bonga:"Youdid.Ij
ustgotoffthecal
lwithBabCal
vin.
Don'
tputt heGladei
ssuesintoyourhead,we'
l
ltal
k
af
terthemeet i
ng.Il
oveyou"
Hehungup.Isatont
hecouchdef
eat
ed.Ineeded
answer
s.
Ical
l
edCal
vi
n..
.
.
..
[
2weeksl
ater
]
Tosayt hi
ngswerebett
erwoul dbeal esswayto
descri
behowwel lev
erythi
ngwasgoi ng.Al
though
Khulestil
lbel
i
evedIwascar ry
inganotherman's
chi
ld,whichIenj
oyedofcourse.Thepainhecaused
mewasnot hi
ngcomparedtomecl ai
mingtobe
i
mpr egnatedbymynicedickboy f
ri
end.
Nooneknewaboutmypr egnancyatt heDubesandI
knewhewast oopr
oudt ot el
lanyone.Iwasst i
llat
Yoli'
s.Il
oveditt
her
e.Ilovedev enBenmor e.Iburi
ed
my selfi
nmycoatinhispr esenceofcourse.The
twinsdidn'
tl
ikemeatall.Theycamewi thNhlelo
overtheweekendandleft,notevenasi ngle
mncwaaamommy .
Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
ddowi
thoutNhl
eloormama.
Magogowascl earl
ythedarkcloudhoveri
ngov erus.
Shewasst i
l
l behindbars.Ipl
annedonv i
sit
ingher.
Khulewasf reef r
om herspell
.Eventhoughwe
weren'tbestoff r
iendshedidnotstopshowi nghis
ugl
yf acehere.
Ihear
daknockasIposi
ti
onedmy
sel
font
hehi
gh
chai
rtoeat
.
Me:
"Whoi
sit
?"
Khul
e:"
Openup"Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Me:
"It
sunl
ocked"
Hepushedi
topen.Atl
eastheremember
edt
her
e's
whatwecal
lknocki
ngtoday.
Me:
"HowcanIhel
pyouKhul
ekani
Dube?
"
Khule:
"Icamet
otel
lyouIam l
eav
ingwi
tht
heki
ds
toni
ght"
Me:
"Youcoul
d'
vet
ext
ed"
Khul
e:"
IknowbutIwasi
nthenei
ghbor
hoodsoI
..
."
Me:
"Oksaf
efl
i
ght
"
Ifel
tsomet
hingcol
dandsoftrubbi
ngagainstmyl
eg.
Igul
pednotwanti
ngtot
hinkitiswhatIf
eelli
kei
tis.
Me:
" Fort
heloveofGodpl
easecomepi
ckmeup"i
t
movedtoanotherl
eg."
Khul
ekani
!"
Hej
ustst
oodt
her
econf
used.Tear
sgusheddown
myface.That
'
swhenher
ushedt
omebutst
opped
andsmil
edwhenhesawi
t.
Me:
"Howbi
gisi
t?"
Khul
e:"
Qui
tebi
g"
Me:"Pl
easepi
ckmeupKhul
ekani
Iam beggi
ngy
ou"
hechuckl
ed.
Khule:"
I'
ll
seeyouaround.Youcancall
yourbaby
daddytocomepicky ouup"thet
hinghadstopped
mov i
ngbutsti
l
lrest
ingonmyf eet
.Iwasshitscar
ed
tolookatit
.
Me:"
Wait!Fuckyouman.Justgetthi
sfucki
nggr
and
gr
andgrandfat
herofasnakeoffofme.Isweart
o
GodI
'l
lkil
li
tnextti
me!"
Khul
e:"
Wil
lyout
akemeback?
"
Me:
"Fucky
ou"
Iki
ckedthesnakeof
fandcl
imbedont
opoft
he
count
er.Herol
ledwi
thl
aught
er.
Me:"
Getouty
ouf
ucki
ngmor
on!Takey
oursnake
wi
thyou"
Khul
e:"
Ohnot
hat
'
snotmi
ne"
Itroll
edit
selfundert
hechair
.OhGodi t
sheretost
ay.
Igotof ft
hecounterandrantothebedroom.I
grabbedmygown, bagandcarkeys.If
oundhim
eatingmyf ood.
Khul
e:"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Me:
"Home.Iwi
l
lnotst
aywi
tht
hatanaconda"
Khul
e:"
Youknowi
tsgonnaappearany
wher
eyouar
e
ri
ght
?"
Me:
"WhatIknowi
sthatIwi
l
lki
l
liti
fIseei
t"
Khul
e:"Don'
tberi
dicul
ous.Youwantmychil
dtodi
e
atbi
rt
h?ComeI '
l
ldriveyou"Ir
oll
edmyeyes."
You
can'
tdri
vewit
hthatbell
y"
Me:"NottodaySat
an!Nott
oday
!"Isaidandr
ushed
out
."Lock!
"Ishout
edasgotint
helif
t.
Myphonebeeped:
Nol
ongerl
eav
ing.Wannahang
out
?
Thi
sguy
:Fut
sek!
Ir
esponded.
Igotinmycar
,war
medt
heengi
nebackt
oli
feand
droveof
f.
..
.
•
••
[
Kat
lego]
Thenewhousewasnowahome.Awar m home.The
kidsseemedtolov
eit,Ipi
ckedthi
sonebecausethe
yardisbi
genoughandhasal l
theplay
ingequipment
thatt
helit
tl
eoneslov
esomuch.
Thefamil
ycr owdedi tthedayaf t
erwemov edin.We
hadanicebr unchatt hepatio.I
thadbeenonl y2
weeksbutitfeltlikemonths.Hav enotseen
Chri
sti
ansincet hedayIv isi
tedhim atthehospit
al.
Heputanor dert hatIshouldnotbeallowedintohis
ward.Iwouldn'tsayIhadanypr oblemswi ththat
anyway.Noonehasseenorhear df r
om him.Weal l
knewheisokaywher eeverhewas.
Wecamet ov i
sitatQ'slastafternoon.Ev er
yonewas
there.Ourl
ivesar ef
ullofbl i
ss.Onlylaughterand
l
ov eamongstus.Icoul dn'tbehappi er.Iwasmor e
happieraboutthesurpriseengagementpar t
y
happeningonFr iday
.Qui ntonisascl uelessasthey
come.Yolit
houghtshecouldhidethisawayfr
om
mebutshef ai
l
ed.Shefinal
lyconfessedabout
gai
ninghermemor yback.
Emiwal
kedinhol
dingher'
Sbhamu',t
henewname
Cal
vi
nandQgav eherbabybecauseherandJason
woul
dn'
tputi
tdown.
Emi
:"Lunchi
sready
"
Me:"Whocooked? "Iasked.Khet
hiwe,Yol
iandLelo
wer
en'thomeandIhadbeenbur i
edinmyschool
worksinceafterbr
eakfast
.AndEmi doesn'
ttouch
pot
sunl essshehashelp.
Emi
:"Cal
vi
nandQui
nton"
Me:
"Ist
heki
tchenst
il
li
ntact
?"
Wel
aughed.
Emi:"Yesandv
erycl
ean.Let
'sgo.Theot
her
sar
e
al
readyontheway"
Me:
"Letcl
eanup.I
'
m comi
ng"
Shewalkedout.Sheli
teral
l
ywentfrom si
ze30t o36.
Jasonisdoi
ngwel l
intreat
ingherwit
hlove.She's
happyanditshows.Soon,Jasonwill
gotof i
nishoff
t
hel
obol
a.Herbr
other
sar
en'
tsohappyaboutt
hat
.
.
..
Weallgather
edaroundthet
abl
eaftermaki
ngf
unof
ourchef
s.Tylerwhi
stl
edashearr
ived.
Tyl
er:
"WhenIhear
dtheyoucookedIdrovest
rai
ght
her
e.Can'
twai
ttoabusemytastebuds"
Cal
vi
n:"Yourwivescouldnevercookany
thi
ngcl
ose
tot
his,
noof f
ensemyl oves"
Lel
o:"
Wow,you'
restabbi
ngusandt
ell
i
ngusnott
o
bl
eed"wel
aughed.
Me:"Pleasesi
tdownbabakaBanzi
Ican'
tcont
ain
myselfanymore"
Tyl
er:"
Godblessthi
sfood.Nodi
arr
heafor
med
agai
nstusshall
prosper
.Amen"wesai
damenand
l
aughed.Wedishedup.
Theyst aredatuswai t
ingf
orf eedbackbutnoneof
ushadt hetimetotal
k.Igavet hem athumbsup,
theyeasedupal i
tt
leanddishedupt oo.Gr
il
led
chicken, babypot
atoesandsal ads.Theynail
edit.I
prayedmydr esswouldsti
ll
fitafterthi
s.Yol
i was
qui
et,
scar
edthatshemightsaysomethi
ngthat'
l
l
gi
veheraway
.Butjustonedaylef
tunt
ilshecantal
k.
AfterthenicelunchIdrovetomeetupwi t
hKhethiwe
tochecki fwehav eevery
thingi
nplace.Wetold
otherswear ethrowingYoliababyshowerofwhich
i
st rue,we'l
lsurpri
seherinherownsurpri
se.We
i
nv i
tednoout sider
sjusttheDubesandYoli'
s
parents.
.
..
Khethiwehasthetendencyofr
unningar
oundl
i
kea
headlesschi
cken,
grabbingandlet
ti
nggoof
ever
y t
hing.
Me:
"Whatar
ePA'
sfor
?"
Khethi
we:"
Thatonedoesn'
ttakeherj
ob
ser
iousl
y.
..
her
e,foundi
t"
Me:
"Whydoy
oupar
twi
thy
ourpur
seany
way
?"
Khethi
we:"
Iwashi
dingitawayf
rom Yol
i
.Di
dyout
ell
hershehastogot
ot heDr?"
Me:
"Itol
dQandt
oldhi
mtost
ri
ctl
ygot
oDr
Mhl
ongo"
Khet
hiwe:
"No.Lel
ohast otakeher
.Qwil
lnott
ake
hert
oanyDrotherthanZuzo"ourf
ami
lyDr.
Me:
"Letmet
exther
.Gety
ourbagwe'
real
readyl
ate"
Wel
eft
..
.
○ Nar
rat
ed•
•○
Khethi
weandKatl
egower
erunni
ngar
oundwitht
hei
r
checkli
stst
omakesur
eever
ythi
ngwasther
eandin
order.
Theeventwasgonnat akeplaceatKhule'
shouse
si
nceitwasbiggerandhasahugey ar
d.Mamkhulu,
Khany
isaniandhisfi
ance,Bab
Ntombenhl
ewal
kedi
nint
othel
oungehol
dingNkaba,
herson.
Nt
ombi
:"Doesany
onewantababy
?"
Ev
ery
onel
aughed.
Mr
sNzuza:
"Br
ingmybabyher
eyouwoman"
Nt
ombi:"
Thankyoumadam nowIcangoandshow
of
fmysexinesst
omenmyage.Youandyourold
mancanstayher
e.Lel
oar
egonnahelpmewit
hthat
bot
tl
eofChampagne?Ican'
tral
l
yfi
nishi
tal
lal
one"
Lel
o:"Ohnot
hatwoul
dbesel
fi
shofmet
osayno.
Let
'sgo"
Shegotupandt heylef
tforthekit
chen.Khet
hiwe
cl
ickedherheel
sin.Shegulpeddownt he
champagnethatwasonLel o'shand.
Khet
hiwe:
"Pl
easedr
essup.Wear
erol
l
ingi
nan
hour
"
Nt
ombi
:"Uset
hathourt
orest
.wher
e'sKat
lego?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Marki
ngt
hedeco"shegoti
nlooki
ngal
l
ki
ndsofti
red.
Ntombi:"
Here,thisshouldeaseupthef
ati
gue"she
handedthem eachpill
s.Theydrankupandever
yone
wentint
otheirrespecti
veroomstochange.
.
..
[
AtQ'
shouse]
Qui
ntongoti
nt oTyl
er'
sroom.Hewasdressedup,
wit
hanideat
hattheyareatt
endi
ngKhet
hiwe's
sur
pri
sewedding.
Ty
ler
:"Ipi
ckedt
heper
fectsi
ze,
didn'
tI?
"
Q:
"Foroncey
esy
oudi
d.Ar
eyour
eady
?"
Ty
ler
:"Yes.Wher
e'sCal
vi
n?"
Q:
"Dr
inki
ngal
lmyscot
ch,
mybari
sal
mostdr
y"
Ty
ler
:"What
'
supwi
thhi
m andscot
chany
way
"
Q:"Apper
antl
yhim andLeloarer
eli
vi
ngt
heiry
oung
days.Youshoul
dseet hebagsofweedi
nthei
r
room"
Tyler
:"Thi
xo,t
heymustembraceoldage.Ionce
foundthem l
ooki
ngguil
tyashel
li
nt heki
tchen.I
hopetheyweren'
tfucki
ngint
hekit
chennearour
breakf
ast!
"Qlaughed.
Q:
"Theypr
obabl
ywer
e"
Ty
ler
'sphonechi
med.
Ty
ler
:"Ti
met
ogo.
"
Qui
ntonwenttofet
chYol
i
.Yezwehadj
ustf
ini
shed
dr
essingherup.
Poppy:"Fat
heri
nbaet
hisi
syourhoney
,incasey
ou
can'
trecogni
zeher
"
Q:"
Thankyou.Iwoul
d'vewalkedpasther
"Yol
i
gi
ggl
edblushi
ng.Hekissedherli
psandthenwiped
hi
sli
psforanypossi
bleli
pst
ick.
Yezwe:
"It
sMat
tbaba.
"
Theyl
aughed.
Poppy
:"Ar
ewel
eav
ing?
"
Q:
"Yeswear
e."
Poppy
: "
Iam honor
edt
obey
ourdr
ivermyl
ovel
y
par
ents"
Yezwe:
"Uhm babe.
..
"
Q:
"We'
dlov
ethatact
ual
l
y"
Yezwesi
ghedi
ndef
eat
.Theyf
oll
owedeachot
her
out.
.
..
..
.
Q:"
Tylery
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmetheweddi
ngwil
lbeher
e"
hesai
dasPoppypull
edupbehi
ndmanycarsont
he
dr
iveway.
Ty
ler
:"Wel
lIf
orgot
"
Theygotoffandheadedin.Tyler,YezweandPoppy
di
sappear
edi nt
othinai
rlett
ingt hecoupl
ewalk
al
oneallt
hewayt othebacky ard.
"
SURPRISE!
!!
!!
!"Ever
y onesai
dinunisonwhile
Qui
ntonal
mostf ai
ntedthi
nki
ngit'
st heghostthat
t
hebonesbelongto.
Quint
on:"
Whatoneart
hisgoi
ngon?"Yol
il
aughedas
shehuggedt
heparent
s.Khul
ecametohim.
Khul
e:"
Youl
ookl
i
key
ouj
ustsawaghost
"
Qui
nton:
"YouknowhowIf
eel
li
kesur
pri
ses"
Khul
e:"Dr
inkthi
smaybeyou'
l
lloosenupabi
t"he
gul
peddownt hebr
andyi
nonegoandgav eKhul
e
hi
sglassback.
Khet
hiwecame.
Khet
hiwe:
"Bony
amazane.Qcany
ouandBaby
mamacomet hi
ssi
de?"
Q:
"Yeahsur
e"
Sheledthem t
othei
rrespecti
vechair
s,Yoli
'
schai
r
nextthewri
ti
ng'Mama/Bridetobe'andthenQ'
s
'
Baba/ Gr
oom t
obe'
Kat
legocamewi t
hsli
ngswrit
tenl
ikethat
.She
hel
pedthem puti
ton.Khet
hiweaskedevery
onet
o
set
tl
edown.
Khet
hiwe:
"Sani
bonani
boMbuy
azi
"
Cr
owd:
"Yebo"
Khet
hiwe:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ult
oday
."
Nzuzar
aisedhi
shand.Qui
ntonchuckl
ed.
Khethiwe:"
Andaspeci algreeti
ngtoOMshazi
,
Onozishadakamaqhoboza.Thepeopl ewhogaveus
thi
sbeautiful
flowerwho'stodaycarr
yingusa
beauti
fulfl
ower "Nzuzaputhishanddownand
smiledinsati
sfacti
on.
Q:
"Yourdadi
sdr
amat
ic.
"Hewhi
sper
edt
oYol
i
.
Yol
i
:"Nohe'
snot
"
Khethi
weclear
edherthr
oat
.Theyshi
ft
edt
hei
r
at
tenti
onbacktoher
.
Khethi
we: "
WellYol
anda,wejuggl
edupy ourev
ent
.
Wecoul dn'
tthi
nkofabettert
imetodoy ouababy
shower.Ihopeyouforgi
veus"Yol
ilaughed.
Yoli
:"I
'
m qui
temadatyoubutsinceIl
oveyouguys
somuch,you'
ref
orgi
ven"t
heylaughedandsheYol
i
themic.
Shegotupandadjustedherdress.Qbr
ushed
somethi
ngoffhert
high,hecrowdwent'ooooohhhh'
Yol
ibl
ushedthanki
nghersoonbehusband.
Yoli
:"He' snotdoi ngt hatfory ourey es,thisis
permanent l
yhim"ev eryonel aughed." Iwoul dliketo
greetmyi nl
aws, mypar ent s,mysi stersandmy
fr
iendsandt hanky ouall f
orav ail
ingy ourselvest o
sharethisspeci al daywi thus.Thi swassupposedt o
beanengagementpar ty,butt hatwasbef oremy
si
stersdeci dedt omaket hisdayev enmor ewor thit
.
Ihavebeenoutofmyusual selfformont hsandnot
onceadayhadgonebywi thoutseei nghim.As
muchasIcoul dn'trememberwhohewashenev er
gaveuponme.Icoul dn'tthinkofany t
hingt odof or
hi
mt ohim howmuchIappr eciatehi m, f
orwhathe' s
been.St andingrighther e, t
hispar tydoesn' tfeelli
ke
i
tsenough, IfeellikeIcoul d'vedonemor etot hank
hi
mf orwal ki
ngt hisjour neyofr ecov erywithme. .
."
Shet urnedt olookatQwhoseey eswer efacing
downav oi
dingbei ngseencr ying." Mbuy azi.Iknow
youhav elosthope.Iknowy ou' r
egonnabemadat
mef orkeepingt hisawayf r
om y ouf orthislongbut
baby ..
.Inowr ememberIf i
rstsawy ouatt hepol i
ce
station"hebr oughthi sey esup." IknowIr anawayi n
mypy jamaswhenIsawy ouagai natt hehot el,you
calledmeCast erSemeny aaf tercar r
y i
ngmebackt o
ther oom, IRemembery oubr oughtmei cecr eam in
myr oom whenmyboy fri
enddumpedme, you
offeredmey ourbrandnewcart ousewhenwegot o
yourhouset hatIwaswor kingon, Iremembert he
teddybeary ouboughtmeonVal entine'
sday ,my
mot herkeptont elli
ngmey oul i
kedmebutIwasi n
deni albecauseIdi dnotf eel likeIdeser vedy ou.The
veryf i
rsttimey ouki ssedme, sor rydaddybuti twas
i
nmyapar t
ment ,Iremembert el
lingy out ojumpout
thewi ndowwhenmydadcal l
edmynamef rom t he
l
ounge, Irememberal lthoset imesy oubr okei nto
myapar tment ,Irememberhi dingourt hingf rom
Kylie,Irememberr unningawayi nonl yat owel when
youconf essedy ourlovef orme.Andi nallthat
sthandwasami ,whatIr emembert hemosti st hat
event houghmydadhadwhoopedy ourassy oust i
ll
camebacktomeandl
ovedmel
i
kemyf
atherhad
notf
orbi
ddeny
ou.
..
"
Everyonewasemoti
onal
.Qui
ntonhadhi
seyeson
Yolanda,l
ett
ingt
ear
sgushdownastheypl
ease.
Nzuza:
"You'
veneverdecl
aredyourlov
eforme.
What'
sspeci
alabouthi
m? "Thecrowdlaughed.
Qui
ntongotuptohugherfordearl
i
fe.Heki
ssedher
al
lovert
hefacetel
l
ingherhowmymuchshel oves
her
.
Khet
hiwe:"Someonebetterstopchoppingthe
oni
ons.Ihaveanothersurpri
seforyouparent
s.
Genderrev
eal!!
!It
sgonnabeasur prisetoal
lofus.
Husbandspleasecomef orward.
Calv
in,Khul
e,Khany
isaniandTyl
ercameforward.
Katl
egocameandgav ethem eachaball
oon.Chri
s
emergedfrom t
hecrowd.Katl
egopausedforawhile
andthenconti
nuedgivi
ngthem bal
l
oons.Chri
swas
thel
astonetogiveitt
o.Heheldherhand.
Chri
s:"
I'
mtaki
ngmymeds.Iam bet
ternow.Pl
ease
ki
ssme"
Shecouldn'
thelphersel
f.Shegav
ein,ri
ghtt
her
eand
thenshereal
izedhowmuchshemi ssedhi
m.
Every
onecheer ed.
Khethiwe:"Okguy
senough.Therear
ekidshere"
theylaughedandletgo."
Gent
lemenpleasest
art
popping"
Chri
swentfi
rst,
nothing,Tylerf
oll
owed,cal
vi
n
fol
l
owed,andthenKhul epoppedhis,t
heblueash
poppedi
ntohisface.Hej umpedandhuggedTy l
er
whil
eever
yonecheeredandQui nt
onsqueezi
ngthe
poorYol
ii
nahugwhi letheycri
ed.
Thebrot
herswentdowntosi
tnextt
othei
rpar
tner
s
whil
eCalvi
n'
stwinsper
for
medalovepoem.
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
m hungr
y"
Khul
e:"
Foodwi
l
lbeser
vedi
nami
nut
e"
Khet
hel
o:"
I'
m hungr
ynownoti
nami
nut
e"
Khul
ehuf
fedandwenti
nsi
det
oherf
ood.Hecame
backt
ohercr
ying.
Khul
e:"
What
'
swr
ong?
Khet
hel
o:"
Theyar
esoador
abl
e.Lookhowhappy
Qui
ntoni
s."Khul
esmi
l
ed.
Khule:
"Iwoul
dgi
veupany
thi
ngt
ohi
mthathappy
,
Here"
Khet
hel
o:"
Thanky
oubabeskamagogo"
Shekissedhi
sli
ps.Hesi
ghedandl
ookedaheadat
thebandperf
orming.
Ty
ler
:"Ar
eyoudonebei
ngMC?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"Notqui
te.Why
?"
Ty
ler
:"RememberWhatt
hatdrsai
d?"
Khet
hiwe:
"Whatdi
dshesay
?"
Tyl
er:"Weshoul
dbeconsist
entony
ourov
ulat
ion
days"Khet
hiwechuckl
ed.
Khet
hiwe:
"Wel
loursur
rogat
eispr
egnantandsoam
I
?"
Ty
ler
:"What
?How?Babewai
t"
Khet
hiwe:
"Shh"
Ty
ler
:"Whenwer
eyougonnat
ell
met
his?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"If
oundoutt
odayandy
ourphonewas
of
f"
Ty
ler
:"Howf
arar
eyou?
"
Khet
hiwe:
"14weeks"
Ty
ler
:"Andt
hesur
rogat
e?"Shechuckl
ed.
Khet
hiwe:"Ther
e'snosurrogat
e,Iam t
hesur
rogat
e"
Tyl
erhuggedhertight
ly.
Tyl
er:
"Wegonnahaveababy.Abeaut
if
ulbi
gey
ed
gi
rl
.Youshoul
dgorestnow"
Khet
hiwe:
"I'
m pr
egnantnotdi
sabl
ed"
Tyl
er:"
Soonenoughyouwil
l bedy
ingtor
est.I
sita
thi
ngtohidepr
egnancyint
hishome?"Hesaid
l
ookingatKhet
hel
o'sdir
ect
ion.
Khet
hiwe:"Yes"shechuckl
edandr
est
edherheadon
hi
sshoulder.
Calvi
nandLel
opul ledeachotherawaytohavea
bl
unt.Whil
eChrisandKat l
egofail
edtokeephands
offeachot
her.Lulamakeptroll
ingherey
es,
di
sgustedbyKatlego'
schoiceoftaki
nghim back.
Qui
nton:
"You'
ret
hebestt
hingt
hathasev
er
happenedt
ome"
Yol
i
:"You'
remyev
ery
thi
ng.Il
ovey
ousomuch"
Qui
nton:
"Il
ovey
ousomuch"
Theysharedasl
owpassi onateki
ss.Yol
ireachedfor
Quint
on'
shandandpl aceditonherstomach, t
he
babykeptonmoving.Hesmi ledi
nbetweent heki
ss.
BloodpopbyHaileSt
einf
eldpl
ayedont hehuge
speakers.Ev
ery
onegotupt odance.
..
●●●
[
Att
heunknownl
ocat
ion]
Shegroanedoutl oudl
y.Shethrewthetabl
etacr
oss
theroom.Ithitt
hewal landthegl
assesofthe
screenscatt
eredalloverthefl
oor.Thebabyst
art
ed
cryi
ngsheslappedi t
.Itcri
edevenmor e
Nkule:"
Shutt
hef uckup!Justshutit
!Yourpreci
ous
daddyjustmar
r i
edhisgolddigger
.Andy ou'
rehere
cryi
ng.Hedoesn'tgi
veashitabouty ouorme!Eat
yourfoodandleavemet hefuckalone!"
Shefedi
tthedr
yporr
idgeasi
tcr
ied.Shekept
beat
ingi
tup.Hewasonly6mont
hs, acr
azymother
i
swhohef
oundhi
msel
font
hehandsof
..
.
*
**THEEND*
**
Iam af r
aidthi
sistheendoftheDubel egacyand
Beautyliesintheeyesofabeholder
.Duet othe
draggingstoryl
ineIcannolongerwri
tebothoft hese
stori
es.Itsbeenquiteaj
ourneyandIam gr at
efulfor
al
l t
hecont i
nuoussupportandlove♥